SMM Behaviour of the Butterfly {CrIII 2 DyIII 2 } Pivalate Complex and Magneto-structurally Correlated Relaxation Thermal Barrier.
We are reporting the synthesis, single-crystal X-ray structure characterization, and magnetic property investigations of the pivalate butterfly {CrIII 2 LnIII 2 } complexes with Ln= Gd and Dy and the isostructural Y(III) sample. We found an anti-ferromagnetic Cr(III)-Ln(III) exchange interaction, which, as previously observed in related Cr(III)/Ln(III) systems, plays a key role in suppressing quantum tunnelling of magnetization and enhances the SMM performance in the Dy(III) complex. In fact, a pure Orbach relaxation mechanism, with absence of QT regime, is observed with a thermal barrier of 50 cm-1 , leading to magnetization hysteresis opening, measured with a commercial magnetometer, up to 3.6 K with a coercive field of 2.9 T. Analysis of SMM behaviour in literature-known butterfly {CrIII 2 DyIII 2 } complexes, reveals the existence of a magneto-structural correlation between Ueff , the thermal barrier size, and the mean Cr-Dy bond distances. Moreover, a clear correlation is found for the thermal barrier magnitude and the maximum temperature hysteresis opening and coercive field.


Interrelations Among Ecological Variables in Stored Cereals and Associations with Mycotoxin Production in the Climatic Zones of Western Canada.
The incidence of mycotoxins and the interrelations among ecological variables in western Canadian common and durum wheat and barley were determined using 440 railway car samples collected during 1981-83. The 41 Prairie Crop Districts represented by the samples were ranked according to the incidence of fungal infection, mite infestation and other grain quality loss critera and grouped according to climatic subdivisions. Principal component analyses determined linear relationship patterns of ecological variables; ranking of the crop districts was done by Kendall's ranking approximation technique using the first (C1) and second (C2) principal components. Only five samples originating from Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba contained ochratoxin A, with levels of 10-51 ppb. None of the samples contained aflatoxins, sterigmatocystin, citrinin, or penicillic acid. All samples containing ochratoxin A had established contamination of species in the Aspergillus glaucus group (10-86% infection level), and Penicillium spp. (20-80% infection level). Most of these samples had low germinability, high fat acidity levels and were infested by stored-product mites including, Acarus siro complex, Lepidoglyphus destructor (Shrank) and Tarsonemus granarius Lindquist. In wheat, the C1 accounted for 24% of the variability indicating that poorly germinated wheat was associated with the presence of Penicillium , Aspergillus glaucus group, Wallemia sp., and the fungivorous mites, T. granarius and A. siro . The C2 accounted for 10% of the variability indicating that an increase in free fatty acids was correlated with a high incidence of Aspergillus flavus and A. versicolor . Pronounced C1 interrelations for wheat were most common in crop districts lying in the Sub-humid Prairie, the northern part of the Dry Belt and the southern part of the Humid regions. Similar relationships for durum wheat and barley were also defined and ranked on maps.


Histopathologic Manifestations of Crohn Disease in Duodenal Endoscopy Biopsy: The Value of Different Patterns of Involvement of Brunner Glands.
Crohn disease (CD) not uncommonly involves the upper gastrointestinal tract, usually gastric antrum and proximal duodenum. The most consistent histopathologic manifestations of CD in duodenal biopsies are mucosal erosion, focal active inflammation, and granulomas. Since CD is a transmural inflammation and since duodenal biopsy may include submucosal Brunner glands, we aimed to find if CD has any specific histopathologic manifestations in Brunner gland lobules and their ducts compared to other duodenal inflammatory lesions. We carried out a retrospective review study over 6 years retrieving duodenal biopsy specimens in CD patients. We compared duodenal specimens involved by CD with other inflammatory lesions, for example, ulcerative colitis (UC), Helicobacter pylori-associated gastritis, non-Helicobacter gastritis, Celiac sprue, infections, and drugs. We found focal active duodenitis and erosion in CD cases and non-CD cases. Granulomas were found in CD cases. Five cases of CD showed inflammatory and degenerative changes of Brunner glands. Focal patchy active inflammation of only portion of submucosal Brunner gland lobule, mucosal Brunner glands, and their ducts was solely found in CD cases. This focally enhanced inflammation of Brunner glands was not found in other lesions. Whether this phenomenon of focal active "lobulitis" and "ductitis" is a specific sign of duodenal CD compared to UC and other inflammatory lesions warrants verification. We encourage endoscopists to include submucosal Brunner lobules in their duodenal biopsy samples and pathologists to look for these patterns of involvement particularly in patients suspected of CD.


MMR vaccination, measles epidemiology and sero-surveillance in the Republic of Ireland.
Following the introduction of a national measles and subsequent MMR vaccination programme, to determine the susceptibility of 3-14-year-old children to measles, mumps and rubella and to relate the results to the epidemiology of measles and the need for vaccination policy changes. Cross-sectional sero-survey and trends in measles notifications and mortality. Paediatric hospital outpatient departments in Dublin. Sera were collected from 837 children attending the clinics in 1991 and 1992. The prevalence of antibodies in children aged 3-6, 7-10 and 11-14 years was 84, 83 and 95% for measles; 48, 60 and 65% for mumps; and 78, 63 and 74% for rubella, respectively. The prevalence of mumps antibodies may be underestimated. Ninety-six per cent of girls aged 13-14 years had rubella antibodies. A widespread outbreak of measles occurred in 1993. Over recent years, an increasing proportion of measles notifications were in older children. Given sub-optimal uptake of MMR vaccine, outbreaks of infection in pre- and primary school children are inevitable. In such circumstances, a 2-shot MMR vaccine programme with high uptake is essential to prevent a shift of disease into older age groups.


Adipocyte alterations in endometriosis: reduced numbers of stem cells and microRNA induced alterations in adipocyte metabolic gene expression.
Endometriosis is an estrogen dependent, inflammatory disorder occurring in 5-10% of reproductive-aged women. Women with endometriosis have a lower body mass index (BMI) and decreased body fat compared to those without the disease, yet few studies have focused on the metabolic abnormalities in adipose tissue in women with endometriosis. Previously, we identified microRNAs that are differentially expressed in endometriosis and altered in the serum of women with the disease. Here we explore the effect of endometriosis on fat tissue and identified a role for endometriosis-related microRNAs in fat metabolism and a reduction in adipocyte stem cell number. Primary adipocyte cells cultured from 20 patients with and without endometriosis were transfected with mimics and inhibitors of microRNAs 342-3p or Let 7b-5p to model the status of these microRNAs in endometriosis. RNA was extracted for gene expression analysis by qRT-PCR. PCNA expression was used as a marker of adipocyte proliferation. Endometriosis was induced experimentally in 9-week old female C57BL/6 mice and after 10 months fat tissue was harvested from both the subcutaneous (inguinal) and visceral (mesenteric) tissue. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells in fat tissue were characterized in both endometriosis and non-endometriosis mice by FACS analysis. Gene expression analysis showed that endometriosis altered the expression of Cebpa, Cebpb, Ppar-γ, leptin, adiponectin, IL-6, and HSL, which are involved in driving brown adipocyte differentiation, appetite, insulin sensitivity and fat metabolism. Each gene was regulated by an alteration in microRNA expression known to occur in endometriosis. Analysis of the stem cell content of adipose tissue in a mouse model of endometriosis demonstrated a reduced number of adipocyte stem cells. We demonstrate that microRNAs Let-7b and miR-342-3p affected metabolic gene expression significantly in adipocytes of women with endometriosis. Similarly, there is a reduction in the adipose stem cell population in a mouse model of endometriosis. Taken together these data suggest that endometriosis alters BMI in part through an effect on adipocytes and fat metabolism.


Dietary fiber intake and metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal African American women with obesity.
Fiber intake may be associated with lower risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) but data from metabolically unhealthy African American women is sparse. We examined the association of dietary fiber intake and MetS among postmenopausal African American women with obesity. Baseline cross-sectional data from the Focused Intervention on Exercise to Reduce CancEr (FIERCE) trial of 213 women (mean age 58.3 years) were used. Dietary intake was assessed by Food Frequency Questionnaires (FFQs). Multivariate linear and logistic regressions were performed to estimate associations of MetS with fiber intake and adherence to dietary fiber intake guidelines, respectively. Mean daily fiber intake was (10.33 g/1000kcal) in women with impaired metabolic health. We observed an inverse association of total fiber intake with MetS. One unit increase in energy-adjusted fiber intake was associated with a 0.10 unit decrease in the MetS z-score (p = 0.02). Similar results were obtained for both soluble and insoluble fiber. In multivariate-adjusted analyses, participants not adherent to fiber intake recommendations were more likely to have MetS as compared to those reporting intakes in the recommended range (adjusted odds ratio 4.24, 95% CI: 1.75, 10.30). Of the MetS components, high fasting glucose and high triglycerides were all associated with lower intake of fiber. Study participants who consumed a higher amount of fiber had a better overall metabolic profile and were less likely to have MetS in our cross-sectional analysis of postmenopausal African American women with obesity and unhealthy metabolic profiles.


Abscission of mango fruitlets as influenced by enhanced ethylene biosynthesis.
Experiments were conducted on developing fruitlet explants of two mango (Mangifera indica L.) cultivars to establish the source and dynamics of ethylene production prior to and during fruitlet abscission. Abscission of all fruits in the samples occurred at approximately 86 and 74 hours postharvest in ;Keitt' and ;Tommy Atkins,' respectively. Increased abscission began 26 hours from harvest and was preceded by enhanced ethylene synthesis. Enhanced ethylene production initiated approximately 48 hours prior to abscission and increased to a maximum near the time of fruitlet abscission. The seed produced the highest amount of ethylene on a per gram fresh weight basis. The pericarp, however, was the main source of ethylene on an absolute basis, since it represented more than 85% of total fruitlet weight. Pedicels containing the abscission zone produced no detectable ethylene prior to or at the moment of abscission. Fumigation of ;Tommy Atkins' fruitlets with 1, 15, or 100 microliters per liter ethylene accelerated abscission by 24 to 36 hours in comparison with unfumigated controls. Diffusion of ethylene from distal fruitlet tissues to the abscission zone triggers the events leading to separation of the fruit from the tree.


[A universalist approach to the elderly in Sweden].
Sweden has one of the oldest populations in Europe. For almost a century, it has built its old-age policy on principles of centrality of the state, universalism and equality. Its challenge for the years ahead will be to reconcile these principles with economic demands.


[Ventilation and blood gas indices in myocardial infarct patients in the subacute stage].
Some indices of ventilation and blood gases were studied in 36 patients. VC, TPC were established to be reduced but RV, RV/TPC, FEV1 were increased, moderate hyperventilation, disturbed steady alveolar ventilation and moderate hypoxemia. Those changes are associated with the post-capillary alveolar hypertension and the interstitial lund changes, preconditioned by it as a result of latent cardiac insufficiency of left ventricle and the following disorder of intrapulmonary circulation. The latent cardiogenic respiratory insufficiency in the patients with clinically non-complicated course of myocardial infarction, subacute stage, is of principle importance. It is, first of all, determined by the debatable problem of the necessity of cardiotonic treatment with cardiac glycosides, of the term of motor regime and necessity of respiratory exercises.


Injury prevention in male youth soccer: Current practices and perceptions of practitioners working at elite English academies.
Forty-one practitioners inclusive of physiotherapists, sports scientists and strength and conditioning coaches from the academies of elite soccer clubs in the United Kingdom completed an on-line questionnaire which examined their: (1) background information; (2) perceptions of injury occurrence and risk factors; (3) screening and return to play; and (4) approach to designing and delivering injury prevention programmes with a response rate of 55% (41/75). Contact injuries were the most common mechanism reported and players between 13-16 years of age were perceived to be at the greatest risk. Pertinent risk factors included: reduced lower limb and eccentric hamstring strength, proprioception, muscle imbalances, and under developed foundational movement skills. Joint range of motion, jump tests, the functional movement screen, overhead and single leg squats were the most utilised screening methods. Training modalities rated in order of importance included: resistance training, flexibility development, agility, plyometrics and balance training. Training frequency was most commonly once or twice per week, during warm-ups, independent sessions or a combination of both. Injury prevention strategies in this cohort appear to be logical; however, the classification of injury occurrence and application of screening tools to identify "at risk" players do not align with existing research. The frequency and type of training used may also be insufficient to elicit an appropriate stimulus to address pertinent risk factors based on current recommendations.


Cell cycle-dependent localization of two novel prokaryotic chromosome segregation and condensation proteins in Bacillus subtilis that interact with SMC protein.
Disruption of ypuG and ypuH open reading frames in Bacillus subtilis leads to temperature-sensitive slow growth, a defect in chromosome structure and formation of anucleate cells. The genes, which were named scpA and scpB, were found to be epistatic to the smc gene. Fusions of ScpA and ScpB to the fluorescent proteins YFP or CFP showed that both proteins co-localize to two or four discrete foci that were present at mid-cell in young cells, and within both cell halves, generally adjacent to chromosomal origin regions, in older cells. ScpA and ScpB foci are associated with DNA and depend on the presence of SMC and both Scps. ScpA and ScpB are associated with each other and with SMC in vivo, as determined using the FRET technique and immunoprecipitation assays. Genes similar to scpA and scpB are present in many bacteria and archaea, which suggests that their gene products form a condensation complex with SMC in most prokaryotes. The observed foci could constitute condensation factories that pull DNA away from mid-cell into both cell halves.


Pressure Analysis of Dynamic Injection Molding and Process Parameter Optimization for Reducing Warpage of Injection Molded Products.
Plastic injection molding technology is one of the important technologies for the manufacturing industry. In this paper, a numerical dynamic injection molding technology (DIMT) is presented, which is based on the finite element (FE) method. This numerical simulation method introduces a vibrational force into the conventional injection molding technology (CIMT). Some meaningful work has been executed for investigating the mechanical evolution behavior of DIMT. As the basis for illustrating the mechanism in warpage optimization results, dynamic parameter analysis on the rule of pressure response is performed in detail. In the warpage optimization work, three kinds of structure with different molding materials are selected as the comparison. The final warpage of each product is efficiently minimized by using a Gaussian process-based sequential optimization method. From the further discussions, the features of DIMT in improving the molding quality are revealed, indicating that it may not be appropriate for geometrically large structures. This study has significant meaning for the actual injection molding industry.


Efficient Removal of Pb(II) from Aqueous Medium Using Chemically Modified Silica Monolith.
The adsorptive removal of lead (II) from aqueous medium was carried out by chemically modified silica monolith particles. Porous silica monolith particles were prepared by the sol-gel method and their surface modification was carried out using trimethoxy silyl propyl urea (TSPU) to prepare inorganic-organic hybrid adsorbent. The resultant adsorbent was evaluated for the removal of lead (Pb) from aqueous medium. The effect of pH, adsorbent dose, metal ion concentration and adsorption time was determined. It was found that the optimum conditions for adsorption of lead (Pb) were pH 5, adsorbent dose of 0.4 g/L, Pb(II) ions concentration of 500 mg/L and adsorption time of 1 h. The adsorbent chemically modified SM was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), BET/BJH and thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA). The percent adsorption of Pb(II) onto chemically modified silica monolith particles was 98%. An isotherm study showed that the adsorption data of Pb(II) onto chemically modified SM was fully fitted with the Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm models. It was found from kinetic study that the adsorption of Pb(II) followed a pseudo second-order model. Moreover, thermodynamic study suggests that the adsorption of Pb(II) is spontaneous and exothermic. The adsorption capacity of chemically modified SM for Pb(II) ions was 792 mg/g which is quite high as compared to the traditional adsorbents. The adsorbent chemically modified SM was regenerated, used again three times for the adsorption of Pb(II) ions and it was found that the adsorption capacity of the regenerated adsorbent was only dropped by 7%. Due to high adsorption capacity chemically modified silica monolith particles could be used as an effective adsorbent for the removal of heavy metals from wastewater.


Proteomic Analysis of the Developmental Trajectory of Human Hepatic Membrane Transporter Proteins in the First Three Months of Life.
Human hepatic membrane-embedded transporter proteins are involved in trafficking endogenous and exogenous substrates. Even though impact of transporters on pharmacokinetics is recognized, little is known on maturation of transporter protein expression levels, especially during early life. We aimed to study the protein expression of 10 transporters in liver tissue from fetuses, infants, and adults. Transporter protein expression levels [ATP-binding cassette transporter (ABC)B1, ABCG2, ABCC2, ABCC3, bile salt efflux pump, glucose transporter 1, monocarboxylate transporter 1, organic anion transporter polypeptide (OATP)1B1, OATP2B1, and organic cation/carnitine transporter 2) were quantified using ultraperformance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry in snap-frozen postmortem fetal, infant, and adult liver samples. Protein expression was quantified in isolated crude membrane fractions. The possible association between postnatal and postmenstrual age versus protein expression was studied. We studied 25 liver samples, as follows: 10 fetal [median gestational age 23.2 wk (range 16.4-37.9)], 12 infantile [gestational age at birth 35.1 wk (27.1-41.0), postnatal age 1 wk (0-11.4)], and 3 adult. The relationship of protein expression with age was explored by comparing age groups. Correlating age within the fetal/infant age group suggested four specific protein expression patterns, as follows: stable, low to high, high to low, and low-high-low. The impact of growth and development on human membrane transporter protein expression is transporter-dependent. The suggested age-related differences in transporter protein expression may aid our understanding of normal growth and development, and also may impact the disposition of substrate drugs in neonates and young infants.


[Better prognosis due to new treatment approaches. Therapy of schizophrenia in 2002].
Schizophrenia is a mental illness that is often chronic and can severely compromise day-to-day life. In Germany, some 800,000 people--that is, almost 1% of the population--will suffer from schizophrenia during the course of their lives. In almost 50% of schizophrenics treatment is virtually exclusively in the hands of their family doctors. For this reason, thorough familiarity with the diagnosis and treatment of this condition, in particular with more recent therapeutic options is essential for the family doctor. Despite the fact that the disease often remains chronic, the prognosis has been considerably improved by the introduction of new therapeutic approaches.


Expression of stress inducible protein 1 (Stip1) in the mouse testis.
Phthalate esters are considered endocrine disruptors that interfere with the endocrine balance and development of the mammalian testis. Mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP), the active metabolite of the ubiquitously used plasticizer di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), acts upon Sertoli cells as initial target. By subtractive cDNA libraries we identified genes deregulated as response to MEHP in primary cultures of mouse Sertoli cells. The expression of mouse stress inducible protein 1 (Stip1) was detected as upregulated as a result of MEHP exposure. Stip1 is a cochaperone protein that is homologous to the human heat shock cognate protein 70 (hsc70)/heat shock protein 90 (hsp90)-organizing protein (Hop). To assess the presence and localization of Stip1 in mouse testis and its potential role in stress defense, we studied the expression pattern of the Stip1 protein by immunohistochemistry and of the mRNA by in situ hybridization. Both the protein and the mRNA of Stip1 were mainly found in the cytoplasm of all types of spermatogonia and spermatocytes up till zygotene, the expression decreased during late pachytene and was very weak in diplotene spermatocytes and round spermatids. Interestingly, this expression pattern resembled the pattern of stress sensitivity of spermatogenic cells in that the most sensitive cell types show the weakest expression of Stip1. This suggests an important role for Stip1 in the ability of germ cells to survive in stress conditions including high temperatures.


Tooth retention through endodontic microsurgery or tooth replacement using single implants: a systematic review of treatment outcomes.
Clinicians are regularly confronted with difficult choices. Should a tooth that has not healed through nonsurgical root canal treatment be treated through endodontic microsurgery or be replaced using a single implant? Acquiring complete, unbiased information to help clinicians and their patients make these choices requires a systematic review of the literature on treatment outcomes. The purpose of this systematic review was to compare the outcomes of tooth retention through endodontic microsurgery to tooth replacement using an implant supported single crown. Searches performed in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases were enriched by citation mining. Inclusion criteria were defined. Sentinel articles were identified and included in the final selection of studies. Weighted survival and success rates for single implants and endodontic microsurgery were calculated. The quality of the articles reporting on single implants and endodontic microsurgery was moderate. Data for single implants were much more plentiful than for endodontic microsurgery, but the endodontic microsurgery studies had a slightly higher quality rating. Single implants and endodontic microsurgery were not directly compared in the literature. Outcomes criteria were often unclear. At 4-6 years, single implants had higher survival rates than teeth treated with endodontic microsurgery. Qualitatively different success criteria precluded valid comparison of success rates. Survival rates for single implants and endodontic microsurgery were both high (higher for single implants). Appraisal was limited by a lack of direct treatment comparisons. Long-term studies with a broad range of carefully defined outcomes criteria are needed.


[Visual loss and prejudice].
Major or complete loss of eyesight is a serious interference with the activity and life of the affected subject. It is generally assumed that these subjects are quite helpless and that they suffer general deterioration. This is at variance with results of training and rehabilitation during which many thus affected subjects become independent, which is essential for their social integration. Despite this they have to experience sociopsychological attitudes which are prejudices with a typical stereotype which ignore the unique structure of everybody's potential who lost eyesight. The source of prejudices is general lack of information of people as regards actual sequelae of loss of eyesight and the emotional reaction of people with normal eyesight. A certain part is also played by tradition which does not take into account results of modern care of thus affected subjects. Prejudices cause in subjects with severely affected eyesight and in blind persons mental stress and render their actual social integration (employment, partnership etc.) more difficult. The solution is to train resistance against prejudices in thus affected subjects and to intensify health education on the given problem.


Multicenter evaluation of molecular point-of-care testing and digital immunoassays for influenza virus A/B and respiratory syncytial virus in patients with influenza-like illness.
Digital immunoassays (DIAs) and molecular point-of-care (POC) tests for influenza were recently developed. We aimed to evaluate and compare the positive rate with molecular POC tests and DIAs in detecting influenza virus A, B and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). A prospective observational study was conducted in 2019-2020. Nasopharyngeal swab samples were collected from adult outpatients with influenza-like illness who visited four hospitals and clinics in Japan. DIAs were performed at each facility. The clinical diagnosis was determined based on the findings of DIAs, history taking, and physical assessment. Molecular POC test and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were performed later. A total of 182 patients were evaluated. The positive rate for influenza virus with molecular POC test was significantly higher than that with DIAs (51.6% versus 40.7%, p = 0.046). In patients who tested positive for influenza virus with only molecular POC test, the presence of influenza virus was confirmed by RT-PCR. In a comparison between the patients who were positive for influenza virus with only molecular POC test and those with both molecular POC test and DIA, the percentage of patients who sought consultation within 18 h after the onset of symptoms was significantly higher in the molecular POC test only group than in the both methods group (70.0% versus 43.2%, p = 0.044). A molecular POC test could contribute to the accurate diagnosis of influenza in patients with influenza-like illness, especially those who visited a hospital immediately after the onset of symptoms.


Determination of tocopherol and tocotrienol content of Greek barley varieties under conventional and organic cultivation techniques using validated reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography method.
Tocotrienols and tocopherols (tocols) are important phytochemical compounds with antioxidant activity and potential benefits for human health. Among cereals, barley is a good source of tocols. In the present study the effect of two cultivation methods, organic and conventional, on the tocol content in 12 Greek barley varieties was investigated. A validated reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography method (RP-HPLC) with fluorescence detection (excitation at 292 nm, emission at 335 nm) was applied along with direct solvent extraction with acetonitrile at a 1:30 (w/v) sample/solvent ratio for tocol quantification. The results showed statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) between the two cultivation methods (except for δ-tocopherol) as well as among varieties. In the case of organic cultivation the four homologues of tocotrienol (α-, β + γ- and δ-) increased, by 3.05-37.14% for α-tocotrienol, 15.51-41.09% for (β + γ)-tocotrienol and 30.45-196.61% for δ-tocotrienol, while those of tocopherol (α- and β + γ- but not δ-) decreased, by 5.90-36.34% for α-tocopherol and 2.84-46.49% for (β + γ)-tocopherol. A simple correlation analysis between tocols revealed a good correlation between (β + γ)-tocotrienol and δ-tocotrienol. Although there was a significant decrease in the important α-tocopherol in the varieties studied under organic cultivation, there was an overall increase in tocotrienol content. The cultivation method (organic or conventional) had an important effect on tocotrienol and tocopherol concentrations in barley. An overall increase in total tocol content and a clear increment in the tocotrienol/tocopherol ratio were observed.


Use of a filter-paper disk assay in the measurement of lipid biosynthesis.
The precipitation by trichloroacetic acid (TCA) of radioactive lipids on disks of filter-paper, followed by extraction with TCA and water to remove soluble radioactive precursors, provides the means for a convenient assay for lipid biosynthesis. Large numbers of disks can be washed in the same vessel, dried, and assayed for radioactivity with liquid scintillation counting equipment. Extraction of disks with lipid solvents provides a convenient control for the possible presence of TCA- and water-insoluble, nonlipid products. The application of the method to the assay of cyclopropane fatty acid synthetase is shown.


Local motion pooling is continuous, global motion perception is discrete.
Perceiving the motion of an object is thought to involve two stages: Local motion energy is measured at each point in space, and these signals are then pooled across space to build coherent global motion. There are several theories of how local-to-global pooling occurs, but they all predict that global motion perception is a continuous process, such that increasing the strength of motion energy should gradually increase the precision of perceived motion directions. We test this prediction against the alternative that global motion perception is discrete: Motion is either perceived with high precision or fails to be perceived altogether. Data from human observers provides clear evidence that, whereas pooling local motion energy is continuous, the segmentation of local signals into coherent global motion patterns is a discrete process. This result adds motion perception to the growing list of processes that exhibit evidence of all-or-none visual awareness. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).


Protein electrostatic self-assembly on poly(DL-lactide) scaffold to promote osteoblast growth.
The development of protein coating on 3D biodegradable scaffold based on electrostatic self-assembly (ESA) to promote osteoblast growth is reported. Poly (ethylenimine) (PEI) was employed to obtain a stable positively charged surface on poly(DL-lactide) (PDL-LA) substrate. An extracellular-matrix (ECM)-like biomacromolecule, gelatin, was chosen as the polyelectrolyte to deposit on the activated PDL-LA substrate via ESA technique. Osteoblast (MC3T3) was then cultured on unmodified and gelatin-modified PDL-LA scaffolds. Osteoblast testing regarding total intracellular protein content, total DNA content, cell activity, and cell morphology on the ECM-like multilayer-modified PDL-LA scaffold showed that osteoblast growth was promoted. It will be easy to replace the gelatin with osteoinductive proteins or other polyelectrolytes to promote specific osteoblast functions. In comparison with conventional coating methods, polyelectrolyte multilayers are easy and stable to prepare. They may be a good choice for the surface modification of complex biomedical devices, especially for the 3D tissue-engineering scaffold. These very flexible systems allow broad medical applications for drug delivery and tissue engineering.


[Application and interpretation of the R classification for lung cancer : Results of a survey of certified lung cancer centers].
The residual (R) tumor classification is an essential, even if facultative component of the TNM classification; however, it should alway be included in the pathology results of certified lung cancer centers. In discussions it becomes clear again and again that different hospitals and departments have different approaches and interpretations with respect to the R status after lung resection. We carried out a questionnaire-based survey of pathologists (with specialization in pulmonary pathology) and thoracic surgeons on the application of the R classification for lung tumors. The results of the survey revealed the different perceptions of the participating centers with respect to application and interpretation, which results in divergent decisions for adjuvant therapy and complicates the comparability of national and international studies. The results of the survey are especially valuable because all participants have a high level of expertise in the field of thoracic pathology and the data reflect the current practice in certified lung cancer centers. It appears to be necessary to examine the application and interpretation of the R classification for lung cancer more closely in an interdisciplinary exchange and to produce a catalogue of criteria to guarantee at least a better national standardization.


Increasing student interest in family medicine and urban health care: the family care tract.
Throughout the last decade, general interest in primary care has drastically decreased. While medical students collectively show a high awareness for the significance of primary care during their first two years of medical school, this enthusiasm wanes for many as they complete their clinical years. As a result, fewer students enter into this concentration each year. In an attempt to mediate this changing interest, the University of Maryland School of Medicine Department of Family and Community Medicine has implemented the Family Care Track. This longitudinal experience spans the first two years of medical school and allows for mentorship by family medicine faculty, while also providing students with the opportunity to learn via the formation of long-term relationships with patients.


Supplemental fluoride use for moderate and high caries risk adults: a systematic review.
Multiple systematic reviews have evaluated fluorides for caries prevention in children, but a need to review the literature regarding supplemental fluoride use in adults still remains. The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the research regarding professional and/or supplemental self-applied fluoride for preventing and remineralizing caries in moderate and high caries risk adults. Utilizing multiple databases, a comprehensive search was undertaken in both foreign and English languages. Studies included were randomized control trials (RCT) or clinical trials conducted in moderate or high caries risk adult populations, evaluating self- or professionally applied fluoride with the outcomes of caries reduction/remineralization. Studies were excluded if they were in situ, in vitro, split mouth design, or with unclear outcomes specific to fluorides. A quality evaluation of the studies used a checklist of critical domains and elements for an RCT. Seventeen studies were included in the systematic review. Findings were categorized into the following groups: sodium fluoride (NaF) and amine/potassium fluoride mouthrinses of varying strengths, NaF gels and pastes, NaF varnish, and stannous fluoride. Quality evaluation scores varied from 50.2 percent to 88.9 percent. The strongest studies demonstrated the following modalities as moderately effective in higher caries risk adults: low strength NaF rinses [risk reduction (RRR) for carious lesions: 50-148 percent]; 1.1 percent NaF pastes/gels (RRR for root lesion remineralization: 35-122 percent); fluoride varnishes [RRR for RC remineralization: 63 percent; RRR for decrease in decayed, missing, and filled surfaces: 50 percent]. Evidence regarding 1.1 percent NaF and 5 percent NaF varnishes related primarily to root caries and older adults.


Longevity is not an ingredient of successful aging as self-reported by community-dwelling older adults: a scoping review.
There has been a long-standing debate in gerontology about what constitutes successful aging (SA). This scoping review investigated older adults' perspectives on longevity as part of SA to promote developing a standardized conceptual model. The current review followed the JBI methodological guidelines and used Rowe & Kahn's SA framework and Baltes' selection, optimization, and compensation model as the foundational theoretical framework. Five electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, PsycInfo, CINAHL, and Web of Science) were searched using specific inclusion criteria (participants, concept, and context) to identify original studies that evaluated SA. Eighteen studies, including 9,360 individuals (aged 60 years and older), were selected. Main indicators involved six primary domains: Psychological, physical, social, environmental, spiritual, and behavioral. Physical activity, basic aspects of wellbeing, positive outlook, satisfaction with life, interpersonal relationship, participation in meaningful activities, and financial security emerged as the most important factors. The findings suggest that older adults do not consider longevity a primary component of SA. We identified multidimensional self-reported SA components without longevity being emphasized, guiding further improvement of older adults' wellbeing. The study outlines an updated conceptual framework that can be applied to real-life scenarios to test how older adults can best adapt to the challenges of aging.


A policy for the retention and extended examination of organs at autopsy.
Recent organ retention scandals and law suits have created a focus on the practice of saving postmortem tissues for extended examination or research purposes. The New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator (OMI) established a policy to notify families about organ retention and the subsequent disposition of the tissue. The OMI examined the success of this policy in regards to the retention of brains for extended examination by analyzing data abstracted from verbal consent forms from 2003 to 2006. During this time, 715 cases were identified as needing an extended examination of the brain. The percentages of brains saved in any given year, as a percent of the total number of autopsies performed that year, were: 2003 6.5%, 2004 10.4%, and 2005 11.8%. The disposition was cremation in 79% of cases, release with the body after a determined period of time in 14%, and cut fresh in 4%. In conclusion, the instigation of a policy on the verbal notification of the next of kin when organs are retained can be successfully implemented.


Folic acid and phenytoin induced gingival overgrowth--is there a preventive effect.
The role of folic acid (5mg/day) in combination with oral hygiene measures (group II) vis-a-vis oral hygiene measures alone (group I) in prevention of phenytoin-induced gingival overgrowth was investigated in a one-year follow-up study on sixty, 8-13-year-old epileptic children receiving phenytoin. The allocation of the children to the two groups was done alternately. In these children, at baseline, plaque (Silness & Löe), gingivitis (Löe & Silness) and probing depths of gingival sulcus were recorded. These parameters were re-evaluated at 3-monthly intervals when gingival overgrowth was also recorded (Modified Harris & Ewalt Index). It was seen that, after a period of one year, gingival overgrowth occurred in 60 and 50 percent children of groups I & II respectively and its development, too, was delayed in group II. More cases (93 percent) in group II exhibited minimal overgrowth as against 78 percent in group I. The study concluded that systemic folic acid prescribed along with phenytoin delays the onset and reduces the incidence and severity of gingival overgrowth induced by phenytoin.


Accelerated deactivation of Myxobolus cerebralis myxospores by susceptible and non-susceptible Tubifex tubifex.
In the 1990s, the Tubifex tubifex aquatic oligochaete species complex was parsed into 6 separate lineages differing in susceptibility to Myxobolus cerebralis, the myxozoan parasite that can cause whirling disease (WD). Lineage III T. tubifex oligochaetes are highly susceptible to M. cerebralis infection. Lineage I, IV, V and VI oligochaetes are highly resistant or refractory to infection and may function as biological filters by deactivating M. cerebralis myxospores. We designed a 2-phased laboratory experiment using triactinomyxon (TAM) production as the response variable to test that hypothesis. A separate study conducted concurrently demonstrated that M. cerebralis myxospores held in sand and water at temperatures ≤15°C degrade rapidly, becoming almost completely non-viable after 180 d. Those results provided the baseline to assess deactivation of M. cerebralis myxospores by replicates of mixed lineage (I, III, V and VI) and refractory lineage (V and VI) oligochaetes. TAM production was zero among 7 of 8 Lineage V and Lineage VI T. tubifex oligochaete groups exposed to 12500 M. cerebralis myxospores for 15, 45, 90 and 135 d. Among 4 mixed lineage exposure groups, TAM production averaged 14641 compared with 2202495 among 12 groups of Lineage III oligochaetes. Among the 6 unexposed Lineage III experimental groups seeded into original Phase 1 substrates for the 45, 90 and 135 d treatments during the Phase 2 portion of the study, TAM production was reduced by 98.9, 99.9 and 99.9%, respectively, compared with the average for the 15 d exposure groups. These results are congruent with the hypothesis that Lineage V and Lineage VI T. tubifex oligochaetes can deactivate and destroy M. cerebralis myxospores.


Primary pulmonary lymphoma.
Three distinct entities are now covered by the definition of primary pulmonary clonal lymphoid proliferation. The aim of this review is to describe the pathophysiological, diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic aspects of these three entities. Low-grade pulmonary B-cell lymphoma is the most frequent form of primary pulmonary clonal lymphoid proliferation. It arises from mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue. It is usually indolent and appears in the form of a chronic alveolar opacity. The prognosis is excellent, but treatment is controversial (simple monitoring, surgery or single-agent chemotherapy). High-grade pulmonary B-cell lymphoma is far rarer and usually occurs in individuals with an underlying disorder (e.g. immunodeficiency). The prognosis is poor and therapeutic options depend on the underlying disorder. The inclusion of lymphomatoid granulomatosis in the definition of primary pulmonary lymphomas is controversial. The clonal nature of the proliferation is very rarely demonstrated and extrapulmonary involvement is frequent (upper airways, skin, kidneys, central nervous system, etc.). The prognosis is extremely variable, with some authors reporting complete remission with steroids and cyclophosphamide and others reporting failure of combination chemotherapy.


British psychiatry and homosexuality.
Opposition to homosexuality in Europe reached a crescendo in the 19th century. What had earlier been regarded as a vice evolved as a perversion or psychological illness. Official reviews of homosexuality as both an illness and (for men) a crime led to discrimination, inhumane treatments and shame, guilt and fear for gay men and lesbians. Only recently has homosexuality been removed from all international diagnostic glossaries. To review how British psychiatry has regarded homosexuality over the past century. Review of key publications on homosexuality in British psychiatry. The literature on homosexuality reflects evolving theories on sexuality over the past century. The assumptions in psychoanalysis and the behavioural sciences that sexuality could be altered led to unscientific theory and practice. Mental health professionals in Britain should be aware of the mistakes of the past. Only in that way can we prevent future excesses and heal the gulf between gay and lesbian patients and their psychiatrists.


QuimP: analyzing transmembrane signalling in highly deformable cells.
Transmembrane signalling plays important physiological roles, with G protein-coupled cell surface receptors being particularly important therapeutic targets. Fluorescent proteins are widely used to study signalling, but analyses of image time series can be challenging, in particular when cells change shape. QuimP software semi-automatically tracks spatio-temporal patterns of fluorescence at the cell membrane at high spatial resolution. This makes it a unique tool for studying transmembrane signalling, particularly during cell migration in immune or cancer cells for example. QuimP (http://warwick.ac.uk/quimp) is a set of Java plugins for Fiji/ImageJ (http://fiji.sc) installable through the Fiji Updater (http://warwick.ac.uk/quimp/wiki-pages/installation). It is compatible with Mac, Windows and Unix operating systems, requiring version >1.45 of ImageJ and Java 8. QuimP is released as open source (https://github.com/CellDynamics/QuimP) under an academic licence. Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.


A Novel Multiple Risk Score Model for Prediction of Long-Term Ischemic Risk in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Insights From the I-LOVE-IT 2 Trial.
Backgrounds: A plug-and-play standardized algorithm to identify the ischemic risk in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) could play a valuable step to help a wide spectrum of clinic workers. This study intended to investigate the ability to use the accumulation of multiple clinical routine risk scores to predict long-term ischemic events in patients with CAD undergoing PCI. Methods: This was a secondary analysis of the I-LOVE-IT 2 (Evaluate Safety and Effectiveness of the Tivoli drug-eluting stent (DES) and the Firebird DES for Treatment of Coronary Revascularization) trial, which was a prospective, multicenter, and randomized study. The Global Registry for Acute Coronary Events (GRACE), baseline Synergy Between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention with Taxus and Cardiac Surgery (SYNTAX), residual SYNTAX, and age, creatinine, and ejection fraction (ACEF) score were calculated in all patients. Risk stratification was based on the number of these four scores that met the established thresholds for the ischemic risk. The primary end point was ischemic events at 48 months, defined as the composite of cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, stroke, or definite/probable stent thrombosis (ST). Results: The 48-month ischemic events had a significant trend for higher event rates (from 6.61 to 16.93%) with an incremental number of risk scores presenting the higher ischemic risk from 0 to ≥3 (p trend < 0.001). In addition, the categories were associated with increased risk for all components of ischemic events, including cardiac death (from 1.36 to 3.15%), myocardial infarction (MI) (from 3.31 to 9.84%), stroke (3.31 to 6.10%), definite/probable ST (from 0.58 to 1.97%), and all-cause mortality (from 2.14 to 6.30%) (all p trend < 0.05). The net reclassification index after combined with four risk scores was 12.5% (5.3-20.0%), 9.4% (2.0-16.8%), 12.1% (4.5-19.7%), and 10.7% (3.3-18.1%), which offered statistically significant improvement in the performance, compared with SYNTAX, residual SYNTAX, ACEF, and GRACE score, respectively. Conclusion: The novel multiple risk score model was significantly associated with the risk of long-term ischemic events in these patients with an increment of scores. A meaningful improvement to predict adverse outcomes when multiple risk scores were applied to risk stratification.


Differential transmission and postnatal outcomes in triplets with intrauterine cytomegalovirus infection.
We present a case of triplets with intrauterine cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, each of whom showed differential transmission, placental pathology, and postnatal outcome. The first- and second-born infants were both vigorous and asymptomatic at birth, although the first-, but not the second-born, triplet had a high copy number of CMV DNA in the peripheral blood (1.2 × 10³ copy/mL). The third-born triplet suffered from symptomatic CMV infection with a high viral load (6.0 × 10⁶ copy/mL). The triamniotic-trichorionic placentas were not fused to each other. The histopathologic analysis showed that CMV-positive cells were frequently found in the decidua, villi, and amnion of the third-born triplet's placenta but were limited and scattered in the decidua or villi but not amnion of the other 2 placentas. The third-born triplet underwent ganciclovir therapy. None of the infants had physical or auditory problems at 4 years of age, whereas the third-born triplet had been diagnosed with an autistic disorder. This observation exemplifies the preventive roles of the individual placentas of triplets with regard to virus infection, thus suggesting that developing CMV disease largely depends on the placental function.


Morphologic, stereologic, and morphometric evaluation of the nervous system in young cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) following maternal administration of tanezumab, a monoclonal antibody to nerve growth factor.
Tanezumab, an antibody to nerve growth factor, was administered to pregnant cynomolgus monkeys at 0, 0.5, 4, and 30 mg/kg weekly, beginning gestation day (GD) 20 through parturition (∼GD165). Maternal tanezumab administration appeared to increase stillbirths and infant mortality, but no consistent pattern of gross and/or microscopic change was detected to explain the mortality. Offspring exposed in utero were evaluated at 12 months of age using light microscopy (all tissues), stereology (basal forebrain cholinergic and dorsal root ganglia neurons), and morphometry (sural nerve). Light microscopy revealed decreased number of neurons in sympathetic ganglia (superior mesenteric, cervicothoracic, and ganglia in the thoracic sympathetic trunk). Stereologic assessment indicated an overall decrease in dorsal root ganglion (thoracic) volume and number of neurons in animals exposed to tanezumab 4 mg/kg (n = 9) and 30 mg/kg (n = 1). At all tanezumab doses, the sural nerve was small due to decreases in myelinated and unmyelinated axons. Existing axons/myelin sheaths appeared normal when viewed with light and transmission electron microscopy. There was no indication of tanezumab-related, active neuron/nerve fiber degeneration/necrosis in any tissue, indicating decreased sensory/sympathetic neurons and axonal changes were due to hypoplasia or atrophy. These changes in the sensory and sympathetic portions of the peripheral nervous system suggest some degree of developmental neurotoxicity, although what effect, if any, the changes had on normal function and survival was not apparent. Overall, these changes were consistent with published data from rodent studies.


Production of rapidly reversible antibody and its performance characterization as binder for continuous glucose monitoring.
To effectively control diabetes, a method to reliably measure glucose fluctuations in the body over given time periods needs to be developed. Current glucose monitoring systems depend on the substrate decomposition by an enzyme to detect the product; however, the enzyme activity significantly decays over time, which complicates analysis. In this study, we investigated an alternative method of glucose analysis based on antigen-antibody binding, which may be active over an extended period of time. To produce monoclonal antibodies, mice were immunized with molecular weight (M(W)) 10K dextran chemically conjugated with keyhole limpet hemocyanin. Since dextran contains glucose molecules polymerized via a 1,6-linkage, the produced antibodies had a binding selectivity that could discriminate biological glucose compounds with a 1,4-linkage. Three antibody clones with different affinities were screened using the M(W) 1K dextran-bovine serum albumin conjugates as the capture ligand. Among the antibodies tested, the antibody clone Glu 26 had the lowest affinity (K(A) = 3.56 × 10(6) M(-1)) and the most rapid dissociation (k(d) = 1.17 × 10(-2) s(-1)) with the polysaccharide immobilized on the solid surfaces. When glucose was added to the medium, the sensor signal was inversely proportional to the glucose concentration in a range between 10 and 1000 mg dL(-1), which covered the clinical range. Under the optimal conditions, the response time was about 3 min for association and 8 min for dissociation based on a 95% recovery of the final equilibrium.


Identification of a novel eosinophil chemotactic cytokine (ECF-L) as a chitinase family protein.
A novel eosinophil chemotactic cytokine (ECF-L) was purified from the culture supernatant of splenocytes of mice by a combination of anion-exchange chromatography, Procion red-agarose affinity chromatography, size exclusion high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and reverse phase HPLC. The NH(2)-terminal amino acid sequence was determined by direct protein sequencing. An ECF-L cDNA clone of 1,506 nucleotides was isolated from a cDNA library, and the nucleotide sequence predicted a mature protein of 397 amino acids. A recombinant ECF-L showed a level of eosinophil chemotactic activity comparable with that of natural ECF-L, and the activity was inhibited by a monoclonal antibody to ECF-L. ECF-L also attracted T lymphocytes and bone marrow polymorphonuclear leukocytes in vitro, whereas it caused selective extravasation of eosinophils in vivo. ECF-L mRNA was highly expressed in spleen, bone marrow, lung, and heart. A comprehensive GenBank data base search revealed that ECF-L is a chitinase family protein. ECF-L retains those amino acids highly conserved among chitinase family proteins, but Asp and Glu residues essential for the proton donation in hydrolysis were replaced by Asn and Gln, respectively. Although ECF-L contains a consensus CXC sequence near the NH(2) terminus akin to chemokine family proteins, the rest of ECF-L shows poor homology with chemokines.


Prognostic microRNAs associated with phosphoserine aminotransferase 1 in gastric cancer as markers of bone metastasis.
This study analyzed PSAT1-targeted miRNAs as a prognostic predictor for gastric cancer. The relationship between the clinical manifestations of gastric cancer in patients and phosphoserine aminotransferase 1 (PSAT1) was analyzed using correlation analysis. PSAT1 was highly expressed in gastric cancer, and its low expression was associated with a poor prognosis. By pan-cancer analysis, PSAT1 could affect the tumor immune microenvironment by immune infiltration analysis. Nine microRNAs targeting PSAT1 and associated with gastric cancer were screened by miRwalk and microRNA expression in TCGA tumor tissues. Six microRNAs were obtained by survival curve analysis, including hsa-miR-1-3p, hsa-miR-139-5p, hsa-miR-145-5p, hsa-miR-195-5p, hsa-miR-218-5p, and hsa-miR-497-5p. Based on the above six microRNAs, a model for bone metastasis prediction in gastric cancer prediction was constructed. An analysis of a decision curve was performed based on the microRNAs obtained to predict bone metastasis from gastric cancer. It had a positive area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.746, and the decision curve analysis (DCA) indicated that it was clinically significant. Dual-luciferase reporter genes indicated that hsa-miR-497-5p and PSAT1 were targeted, and qRT-PCR results confirmed that hsa-miR-497-5p could down-regulate PSAT1 expression. MicroRNAs targeting the regulation of PSAT1 expression can well predict the prognosis of gastric cancer.


Risk of injury to restrained children from passenger airbags.
The number of children killed by passenger airbags (PAB) has declined dramatically in recent years. However, little is known about how commonly children are exposed to PAB, and their risk of nonfatal injuries. Data between 12/1/98 and 11/30/01 from the Partners for Child Passenger Safety study, a unique child-focused crash surveillance system, were used to determine the risk of nonfatal injuries to restrained children in frontal impact crashes. Nearly 1% of all children in crashes were exposed to a deploying PAB. A specific pattern of facial, chest, and upper extremity injuries were found to be significantly more likely in airbag -exposed children. These real-world data may be of use to vehicle manufacturers and restraint suppliers as they face design decisions with regard to child passengers.


Leveling the Playing Field in Homozygosity Mapping Using Map Distances.
Studies of linkage disequilibrium (LD) and its variation in the genome are of central importance for understanding evolutionary history, population structure, and selective sweeps. Extreme forms of the latter may result in runs of homozygosity (ROH). In human gene mapping, long ROHs are the basis for homozygosity mapping (HM) with length measured in terms of Mb (106 base pairs physical distance). LD varies greatly over the human genome so that long ROHs tend to occur preferentially in regions of high LD and ROHs of the same length in different regions are not strictly comparable. Thus, in human gene mapping, LD appears as a confounder that needs to be taken into account in the interpretation of ROHs. The effect of varying LD can be mitigated by working on a scale of centimorgans (cM, genetic distance) instead of Mb. We demonstrate this effect for HapMap 3 data on chromosome 19 and show examples with different ROH lengths depending on whether physical or genetic lengths are used. These results suggest that HM should preferably be done on genetic rather than physical distances.


Successful pregnancy outcome with combination therapy in women with the antiphospholipid antibody syndrome.
Four women with the antiphospholipid syndrome associated with lupus anticoagulant and a poor obstetric history were treated with a combination of glucocorticosteroids, anticoagulants and platelet inhibitor therapy. All patients had at least one previous miscarriage while receiving prednisone and low-dose aspirin. The treatment regimen included: aspirin, dipyridamole, prednisone, and warfarin or heparin. This treatment resulted in a successful pregnancy outcome in all cases, without preeclampsia or recurrence of thrombosis. One patient developed a vertebral compression fracture while receiving heparin and prednisone. Two pregnancies required cesarean delivery for fetal distress at 32 and 34 weeks. All four infant birth weights were appropriate for the gestational age. This regimen may be a therapeutic option for patients with the antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, especially if they have failed other commonly used treatments.


[Intestinal parasitoses in schoolchildren of Martinésia District, Uberlândia, MG: a pilot study].
This work evaluates the occurrence of intestinal parasites in the students of the Martinésia District, Uberlândia municipality, Minas Gerais state. A total of 103 children were examined, from September to November 1995, according to Lutz or Hoffman, Pons and Janer method. The overall prevalence rate was 22.3% and the highest indices of infection were observed in 8-9 age group (34.8%), in village dwellers (30.0%) and in females (26.9%). Helminthiasis and protozoosis showed similar prevalence rates (10.7% and 12.6%, respectively). Giardia lamblia was the unique protozoan parasite verified and only one case of polyparasitism was found. We concluded that: the prevalence of enteroparasitosis in the studied group is lower than expectations for a rural community, what is, probably, a consequence of the good sanitary conditions presenting in that district.


Age-related differences in the clinical characteristics of systemic lupus erythematosus in children.
The objective of this study was to determine how the clinical presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus in pediatric varied with the age of onset of the disease. We reviewed the charts of a total of 88 Chinese pediatric patients (pSLE) diagnosed and admitted first time to our hospitals between 2005 and 2008. Patients were divided into 3 groups, depending on the age at diagnosis: preschool (1-6 years), school age (7-11 years), and adolescent groups (12-18 years). Among the three groups, we compared the sex ratio, disease duration at diagnosis, symptoms at the onset of the disease, clinical manifestations, laboratory examinations, SLEDAI (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index) 2000, and SLICC/ACR SDI (Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus). Most pediatric patients were in the adolescent group (47.7%), while the disease duration at diagnosis was shortest in preschool-age patients (0.65 ± 0.5 months). The most common symptoms at the onset of pSLE were fever, rash, arthritis, and seizures. Hematologic system and neuropsychiatric system were damaged commonly. The preschool-age patients had the shortest disease duration at diagnosis, the highest incidence of neuropsychiatric system involvement, and the poorest prognosis of all the age groups, especially the boys. Patients in adolescence had the peak incidence of pediatric SLE and high disease activity, begins to acquire some of the adult characteristics. School-age is a transition stage between other stages.


Aggressive treatment of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVT) with stent retrievers and local thrombolysis: why we need a registry.
Purpose Anticoagulation is the first-line therapy for cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVT). Endovascular treatment is increasingly applied in patients deteriorating despite anticoagulation with extensive thrombosis or contraindications for anticoagulation. Experience with stent retrievers in CVT is limited. Results We present three cases of severe CVT treated with stent-retrievers, thrombus aspiration and local thrombolysis. In two patients with extensive thrombosis, a partial recanalization was achieved, but only one of them showed significant improvement. Despite failed recanalization, the third patient recovered completely. Conclusions Limited experience with three cases indicates that recanalization may not necessarily result in favourable clinical outcome even in severely affected patients. Therefore, invasive procedures such as local thrombolysis and thrombectomy remain individual therapeutic options when anticoagulation fails and in patients with extensive thrombosis.


Predictive concept for lone-pair distortions - DFT and vibronic model studies of AXn-(n-3) molecules and complexes (A = NIII to BiIII; X = F-I to I-I; n = 3-6).
The stereochemical and energetic consequences of the lone-pair effect in the title molecules and complexes have been studied by DFT calculations based on a vibronic coupling concept. The anionic complexes were examined as bare entities and, more realistically, in a polarizable charge-compensating solvent continuum. The tendency for distortions of AX3 compounds away from the high-symmetry parent geometry becomes more pronounced the larger the chemical hardness of a molecule and its constituents is; on the other hand, anionic complexes AXn-(n-3) (n = 4-6) become softer and less susceptible to distortion as compared to the corresponding AX3 molecule, the larger the coordination number and the anionic charge are. Thus, while all AX(3) compounds adopt the distorted C3v structure, only very few AX6(3-) species are calculated to deviate from the parent Oh geometry. If a complex possesses a low stabilization energy due to an unfavorable central ion/ligand size ratio, vibronic coupling may even lead to complete dissociation of one (SbF6(3-) --> SbF5(2-) + F-) or more (PF6(3-) --> PF4- + 2F-) ligands. The derived hardness rule perfectly covers the reported structural findings. The calculations indicate that the lone-pair effect is an orbital overlap phenomenon. The interpair repulsion within the valence shell, keeping the average bond distances constant, does not stabilize the distorted with respect to the parent geometry, in disagreement with the VSEPR model.


Pitfalls in studies of eosinopenia and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte count ratio.
There is a number of publications evaluating the eosinophil count and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte count ratio for diagnosis, prognosis or monitoring of patients. Of special interest is the use of these parameters for discrimination between the different causes of fever (e.g. bacterial versus viral vs. non-infectious causes of fever) and for monitoring the efficacy of therapy and predict the course of the patient. However, pitfalls in previous study designs prevent applicability to clinical practice. Here, we provide a short review of the relevant literature and summarize important factors that should be taken into account when designing studies, with special attention to the selection of a proper and clinically meaningful study population and the effects of the stress response and of corticosteroids.


Outcomes of hospitalized patients with bacteraemic and non-bacteraemic community-acquired pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae.
In contrast to bacteraemic pneumococcal community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), there is a paucity of data on the clinical characteristics and outcomes of non-bacteraemic pneumococcal CAP. This retrospective study compared the outcome of hospitalized patients with bacteraemic and non-bacteraemic pneumococcal CAP treated at a medical centre from 2004 to 2008. Data on clinical outcomes including all-cause mortality, length of hospital stay, need for intensive-care unit admission and extrapulmonary involvement were analysed. In all, 221 patients with pneumococcal pneumonia (87 bacteraemic, 134 non-bacteraemic) were included. Patients with bacteraemic pneumococcal pneumonia (BPP) were older than those with non-BPP (46·2 ± 30·7 years vs. 21·7 ± 30·8 years, P<0·001) and were more likely to have underlying medical diseases (66·7% vs. 33·6%, P<0·001). The overall mortality rates at 7, 14, and 30 days were significantly higher in BPP than non-BPP patients (12·6% vs. 2·2%, 14·9% vs. 3·7%, 19·5% vs. 5·1%, all P<0·01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that pneumococcal bacteraemia was correlated with extrapulmonary involvement (odds ratio 5·46, 95% confidence interval 1·97-15·16, P=0·001). In conclusion, S. pneumoniae bacteraemia increased the risk of mortality and extrapulmonary involvement in patients with pneumococcal CAP.


Influence of bolus size on efficacy of postoperative patient-controlled analgesia with piritramide.
We have examined the influence of bolus size on efficacy, opioid consumption, side effects and patient satisfaction during i.v. patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) in 60 patients (ASA I-II, aged 32-82 yr) after abdominal surgery. Patients were allocated randomly, in a double-blind manner, to receive PCA with a bolus dose of either piritramide 0.75 mg or 1.5 mg (lockout 5 min) for postoperative pain control. Mean 24 h piritramide consumption differed significantly between groups (11.4 (SD 5.8) mg vs 22.5 (18.3) mg; P = 0.001). There were no significant differences in the number of applied bolus doses, pain scores, pain relief (VAS), sedation, nausea, pruritus and patient satisfaction. We conclude that a PCA regimen with a bolus dose of piritramide 0.75 mg and a lockout time of 5 min was effective in the treatment of postoperative pain, but did not reduce the occurrence of side effects.


Electro-Grafted Electrode with Graphene-Oxide-Like DNA Affinity for Ratiometric Homogeneous Electrochemical Biosensing of MicroRNA.
This work demonstrated for the first time a simple and rapid approach to endow the electrode with the excellent discrimination ability over single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) and double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) through the robust electrochemical grafting of in situ generated 1-naphthalenesulfonate (NS-) diazonium salt onto the surface of indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode. On the basis of understanding the influence of sequence and length on the binding affinity of ssDNA and dsDNA toward NS- grafted ITO (NS--ITO) electrode, these interesting findings were successfully employed to rationally develop a ratiometric homogeneous electrochemical biosensing platform for microRNA based on the affinity-mediated signal transduction. The achievement of ultrasensitive detection of microRNA lies in a compatibly designed T7 exonuclease-assisted isothermal amplification strategy, in which the presence of target microRNA initiated the continual and opposite affinity inversion of two rationally engineered electrochemical signal reporters, methylene blue (MB) labeled hairpin reporter and ferrocene (Fc) labeled dsDNA reporter, toward NS--ITO electrode, thereby providing the ratiometric transduction and amplification of the homogeneous electrochemical output signal. By measuring the distinct variation in the peak current intensity ratios of Fc and MB tags, this ratiometric homogeneous electrochemical microRNA biosensing platform showed a detection limit of 25 aM, which is much lower than that of the reported homogeneous electrochemical biosensors. Therefore, we envision that the proposed approach will find useful applications in disease molecular diagnoses and biomedicine.


Histological outcomes of anal high-grade cytopredictions.
Longitudinal studies of histological outcomes after anal cytological screening in men who have sex with men (MSM) are rare. This study measured the positive predictive values (PPVs) of each level of baseline cytological abnormality in MSM in Sydney, Australia, over a 12-month period. The Study of the Prevention of Anal Cancer is a 3-year prospective study of the natural history of anal human papillomavirus infection in MSM at least 35 years old. For each participant with a baseline cytological abnormality, the worst histology was recorded at the baseline high-resolution anoscopy and at 6 and 12 months. PPVs for a histological high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) diagnosis were calculated for each level of baseline cytological abnormality at each time point. Among 424 men who completed 3 visits, the PPV of a cytological HSIL increased from 71.6% at the baseline to 86.4% at 6 months and to 92.6% at 12 months (P < .001). For cytological atypical squamous cells, cannot rule out high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (ASC-H), the PPV increased from 51.5% at the baseline to 69.7% at 6 months and to 75.8% at 12 months (P = .004). At each time point, the PPV of a cytological HSIL was significantly higher than the PPV of ASC-H. The PPV of low-grade cytology reports was significantly lower than the PPV of ASC-H at each time point. In a cohort of MSM, a baseline histological HSIL diagnosis after an HSIL cytoprediction is high, and it increases with further examinations over the course of 12 months. Lower levels of cytological abnormalities have significantly lower PPVs. These data can inform patient management and the quality assessment of each aspect of the screening pathway. Cancer Cytopathol 2018;126:136-44. © 2017 American Cancer Society.


Assessment and predictor determination of indoor aldehyde levels in Paris newborn babies' homes.
Exposure to indoor chemical air pollutants expected to be potentially involved in allergic respiratory diseases in infants is poorly documented. A specific environmental investigation included in a birth cohort study was carried out to first assess indoor airborne aldehyde levels, using passive devices and their variability within 1 year (1, 6, 9 and 12 months) in the bedroom of 196 Paris infants, and second, to identify predictors for aldehyde concentrations using interviewer administered questionnaires about housing factors. Comfort parameters and carbon dioxide levels were measured simultaneously. Aldehydes were detected in almost all dwellings and geometric mean levels (geometric standard deviation) at the first visit were respectively for formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, hexanal, and pentanal 19.4 (1.7) microg/m(3), 8.9 (1.8) microg/m(3), 25.3 (3.1) microg/m(3), 3.7 (2.3) microg/m(3), consistent with earlier published results. Generalized Estimating Equation multivariate analyses showed that, apart from comfort parameters, aeration and season, the main indoor aldehyde sources were either continuous (building materials and coverings especially when they were new) or discontinuous (smoking, use of air fresheners and cleaning products, DIY etc...). Finally, the data collected by questionnaires should be sufficient to enable us to classify each infant in our cohort study according to his/her degree of exposure to the main aldehydes. This analysis contributed to document indoor aldehyde levels in Parisian homes and to identify factors determining these levels. In the major part of newborn babies' homes, indoor formaldehyde levels were above the guideline value of 10 microg/m(3) proposed by the French Agency for Environmental and Occupational Health Safety for long-term exposure. Given this result, it is essential to study the health impact of exposure to aldehydes especially formaldehyde on the incidence of respiratory and allergic symptoms, particularly during the first months of life.


Induced dipoles incorporated into all-atom Zn protein simulations with multiscale modeling.
Zinc is found saturated in the deposited Amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptide plaques in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients' brains. Binding of zinc promotes aggregation of Aβ, including the pathogenic aggregates. Up to now, only the region 1-16 of Aβ complexed with zinc (Aβ(1-16)-Zn) is defined structurally in experiment. In order to explore the induced polarization effect of zinc on the global fluctuations and the experimentally observed coordination mode of Aβ(1-16)-Zn, we consider an all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) of Aβ(1-16)-Zn solvated in implicit water. In our model, the zinc polarization affects the whole peptide. The induced dipoles are divided into three distinct scales according to their distances from zinc. Besides, the atomistic polarizability on the coordinating side chains is rescaled to describe the electron redistribution effect. We show that, associated with proper van der Waals (vdW) parameters, our model not only obtains the reasonable coordinating configuration of zinc binding site but also retains the global stabilization, especially the N-terminal region, of the Aβ(1-16)-Zn. We suggest that it is the induced polarization effect that promotes reasonable solvent exposures of hydrophobic/hydrophilic residues regarding zinc-induced Aβ aggregation.


Comparison of dry ice-baited centers for disease control and New Jersey light traps for measuring mosquito abundance in California.
Mosquito catch in New Jersy light traps (NJLTs) has been declining in recent years, compromising the sensitivity of the California mosquito monitoring program. Centers for Disease Control traps (CDCTs) operated without light and augmented with dry ice have been considered for replacement or augmentation. To provide information on comparative sensitivity and ability to measure abundance over time and space, catch of mosquitoes in NJLTs was compared to catch in CDCTs operated concurrently at 8-10 sites within the Coachella Valley, Kern, San Joaquin County, and Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control Districts. The CDCTs always collected more female mosquitoes than did NJLTs; however, differences in sensitivity varied markedly over time and space precluding the calculation of a universal conversion factor. Regressions of the catch of female Culex tarsalis in CDCTs as a function of catch in NJLTs within districts indicated that the slopes varied markedly, again precluding the derivation of a universal function. Therefore, we recommend that mosquito surveillance programs replace or supplement NJLTs with systematically operated CDCTs to enhance sampling sensitivity for females of most mosquito species. However, both trap types should be operated concurrently at several sites within each district to derive regression functions to convert historical relative abundance data from NJLTs to equivalent counts in CDCTs for retrospective analyses.


[Healing promoting effect of proamipide, a novel drug that increases gastric defense mechanisms, on acetic acid-induced gastric ulcers in the rat].
The healing process of acetic acid-induced gastric ulcers was studied for over 180 days after ulcerogen injection, and the effect of a new antiulcer agent, proamipide, was also assessed by histological measurements. In the control group, rapid reduction in the macroscopic ulcer index and increment in histological indices such as healing, regeneration of defective mucosa and proliferation of granulation tissue were observed from the 5th day to the 60th day after the ulcer induction followed by significant aggravation on the 120th and 140th day, suggesting the recurrence or relapse of gastric ulcers may occur at about 120 to 140 days after acetic acid administration. Proamipide (20 mg/kg/day, p.o.) decreased all of these indices significantly from those in the control group. This indicates that proamipide remarkably promotes the healing process in acetic acid-induced gastric ulcers, the regeneration of the injured mucosa and also the formation of granulation tissue. The glandular index in the surrounding areas of the regenerated mucosa was lower than that in the central part in the control animals and this difference was decreased by proamipide intake, suggesting an imbalance in the regenerated mucosa of the scar may have significant roles in the induction of the recurrence or relapse of gastric ulcers.


Two-color synchrotron X-ray spectroscopy based on transverse resonance island buckets.
We report on a novel multi-color method of X-ray spectroscopy at a Synchrotron radiation source that uses two simultaneously filled electron orbits in an electron storage ring to generate multiple soft or tender X-ray beams of different wavelength. To establish the second orbit, we use nonlinear beam dynamics in the so called TRIBs-transverse resonance island buckets-mode of the BESSY II storage ring, where a second electron orbit winds around the regular one leading to transversely separated source points. X-ray beams of multiple colors are generated by imaging the individual source points via different pathways through a monochromator. The particular colors can be varied by changing the traversal electron beam positions through storage-ring parameters and/or via the monochromator dispersion. As a proof of principle, X-ray absorption spectroscopy is performed on thin Fe films in transmission as well as a scanning transmission measurement on a Fe3GeTe2 sample of inhomogeneous thickness normalizing resonant signals with the pre-edge intensity. Using the extraordinary pointing fidelity of successive X-ray macro-pulses arriving at MHz repetition rates, a detection of tiny contrasts in diluted systems, contrast enhancement in X-ray microscopy as well as fast dynamics studies come into reach.


Disaggregating the Universal Coverage Cube: Putting Equity in the Picture.
Abstract-In recent years, the World Health Organization's "Cube Diagram" has been widely used to illustrate the policy options in moving toward Universal Health Coverage. The Cube has become a globally recognized visual representation of health system reform choices, with its axes defined by: (1) the services covered by pooled funds, (2) the population covered, and (3) the proportion of costs covered. The Cube shows the difference between the current national coverage situation in a country and the policy goal of universal health coverage, identifying where major gaps exist. The essential feature of the Cube diagram is that it shows a country's coverage situation in terms of national averages. As a result, it does not present or call attention to significant disparities in coverage across population groups, which are characteristic of most low- and middle-income countries. This article recommends adding a new diagram that disaggregates the Cube. The new diagram, called the Step Pyramid, allows a policy maker to visualize specific choices in expanding the coverage status of different population groups. This new diagram can help policy makers focus explicitly on equity concerns as they set priorities in moving toward universal health coverage. The paper explains how to construct a Step Pyramid diagram, provides a hypothetical illustration, and then uses data from Mexico to create an example of a Step Pyramid diagram. The paper concludes with a discussion of the strengths, limits, and implications of both the Cube and the Step Pyramid.


Possible promotion of neuronal differentiation in fetal rat brain neural progenitor cells after sustained exposure to static magnetism.
We have previously shown significant potentiation of Ca(2+) influx mediated by N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors, along with decreased microtubules-associated protein-2 (MAP2) expression, in hippocampal neurons cultured under static magnetism without cell death. In this study, we investigated the effects of static magnetism on the functionality of neural progenitor cells endowed to proliferate for self-replication and differentiate into neuronal, astroglial, and oligodendroglial lineages. Neural progenitor cells were isolated from embryonic rat neocortex and hippocampus, followed by culture under static magnetism at 100 mT and subsequent determination of the number of cells immunoreactive for a marker protein of particular progeny lineages. Static magnetism not only significantly decreased proliferation of neural progenitor cells without affecting cell viability, but also promoted differentiation into cells immunoreactive for MAP2 with a concomitant decrease in that for an astroglial marker, irrespective of the presence of differentiation inducers. In neural progenitors cultured under static magnetism, a significant increase was seen in mRNA expression of several activator-type proneural genes, such as Mash1, Math1, and Math3, together with decreased mRNA expression of the repressor type Hes5. These results suggest that sustained static magnetism could suppress proliferation for self-renewal and facilitate differentiation into neurons through promoted expression of activator-type proneural genes by progenitor cells in fetal rat brain.


[Association of Internet addiction with health promotion lifestyle profile and perceived health status in adolescents].
To identify the relationship between the internet addiction of adolescents and their Health Promotion Lifestyle Profile and Perceived Health Status, and thereby to detect the impact of internet addiction on the health of adolescents, produce the basic information necessary to develop a prevention program for internet addiction and to plan for a health promotion program. This study was designed as a cross-sectional study, and the subjects were the second-grade students of three junior-high and three high schools located in the city of K in Kyung Gi Province. Out of 769 subjects, 764 completed the questionnaires (99.3%); 369 (48.3%) junior-high school students and 395 (51.7%) high school students. The questionnaires were composed of Young's Internet Addiction, Health Promotion Lifestyle Profile, Perceived Health Status, and general characteristics. We used t-test, ANOVA in means comparison between groups, chi2-test in frequency analysis, and multiple regression analysis in multivariate analysis, using the SAS 8.1 program. There was a statistically significant difference in Health Promotion Lifestyle Profile according to internet addiction status (severe addiction vs. other status, P < 0.0001). The Perceived Health Status scores was lowest in the severe addiction group (P < 0.001). There was also a significant negative correlation between internet addiction and Health Promotion Lifestyle Profile (P < 0.0001). The results of multiple regression showed that Young's Addiction Score was significant for the subjects' Health Promotion Lifestyle Profile after controlling for other variables (P < 0.0001). This study showed that the severe internet addiction group had the lowest score in Health Promotion Lifestyle Profile and Perceived Health Status, which suggests that the addiction could have a negative effect on the health status of adolescents.


Construction of retroviral vectors for targeted delivery and expression of therapeutic genes.
Current gene therapy protocols take an ex vivo approach in which cells are removed from a patient, genetically modified and then reimplanted. However this kind of approach is both cumbersome and costly, requiring high tech facilities and is limited to cell types that can be easily cultured. The in vivo delivery of genes by retroviral vectors will greatly facilitate gene therapy protocols of the future. However before in vivo gene therapy becomes a reality a number of problems must be overcome. Ideally therapeutic genes should be delivered only to the relevant cell type and/or expressed in this cell type. Strategies are described that (I) limit therapeutic gene delivery, using pseudotyping or vectors based on retroviruses that show a restricted infection spectrum or (II) limit the expression of transferred genes by inclusion of tissue specific promoters or cis acting regulatory elements. The combination of some of these strategies should permit the construction of novel retroviral vectors that provide safe and targeted in vivo gene transfer.


[Tuberculosis in children in Madagascar. 122 cases observed at the Soavinandriana-Antananarivo Hospital Center].
A group of 122 observations of pediatric tuberculosis has been studied. Nurslings represented 34% of the group, children under 8 years old 75% and only 10% were above 12. The sex ratio was 1,1. In a statistically significant way, tuberculous children were less often immunized by BCG than reference children not infected by tuberculosis. Contact has been traced back to close family in 42% of cases. Weight loss was significant at diagnosis time and after treatment the difference with the reference group disappeared. Extrapulmonary localizations were less frequent with children under 2, pulmonary and extrapulmonary localizations associations could be observed with 14% of children under 2 and with 31% of the whole children developing a proved tuberculosis. The importance of bronchial fibroscopy has been pointed out, for it allowed to detect 30% of abnormalities and to prove the diagnosis of tuberculous in 25% of cases. It is regrettable that the National Tuberculosis Control Programme did not prescribe chemoprophylaxis of contact children in its routine instructions, yet it is well known that child tuberculosis is rarely contagious and is not considered a priority by a programme. Finally, the authors reported that the number of pediatric tuberculosis managed in the country showed an obvious underestimation of the problem and they hope this work would lead to think more frequently of that diagnosis in the future.


Placenta praevia and scarred uterus - an obstetrician's dilemma.
Three cases are presented here of patients who had placenta praevia following a previous caesarean section. All three patients had placenta accreta and developed severe postpartum haemorrhage necessitating total abdominal hysterectomy. We highlight the importance of being aware of the probability of severe haemorrhage due to placenta accreta in patients with placenta praevia following a previous caesarean operation.


Charge-Transfer Landscape Manifesting the Structure-Rate Relationship in the Condensed Phase Via Machine Learning.
In this work, we develop a machine learning (ML) strategy to map the molecular structure to condensed phase charge-transfer (CT) properties including CT rate constants, energy levels, electronic couplings, energy gaps, reorganization energies, and reaction free energies which are called CT fingerprints. The CT fingerprints of selected landmark structures covering the conformation space of an organic photovoltaic molecule dissolved in an explicit solvent are computed and used to train ML models using kernel ridge regression. The ML models show high predictive power with R2 > 0.97 and both mean absolute error and root-mean-square error within chemical accuracy. The CT landscape for millions of molecular dynamics sampled structures is thus constructed, which allows for instant prediction of CT rate properties, given any conformation of the molecule. We demonstrate some immediate utilities of the CT landscape such as calculating the ensemble-averaged CT rate constant and interpreting the effects of molecular structural features on the CT rate. The unprecedented CT landscape will be useful for investigating real-time CT dynamics in nanoscale- and mesoscale-condensed phase systems and for the optimal fabrication design for homogeneous and heterogeneous optoelectronic devices.


Restoration of the cAMP second messenger pathway enhances cardiac preservation for transplantation in a heterotopic rat model.
Current organ preservation strategies subject graft vasculature to severe hypoxia (PO2 approximately 20 Torr), potentially compromising vascular function and limiting successful transplantation. Previous work has shown that cAMP modulates endothelial cell (EC) antithrombogenicity, barrier function, and leukocyte/EC interactions, and that hypoxia suppresses EC cAMP levels. To explore the possible benefits of cAMP analogs/agonists in organ preservation, we used a rat heterotopic cardiac transplant model; dibutyryl cAMP added to preservation solutions was associated with a time- and dose-dependent increase in the duration of cold storage associated with successful graft function. Preservation was also enhanced by 8-bromo-cAMP, the Sp isomer of adenosine 3',5'monophosphorothioate, and types III (indolidan) and IV (rolipram) phosphodiesterase inhibitors. Neither butyrate alone nor 8-bromoadenosine were effective, and the cAMP-dependent protein kinase antagonist Rp isomer of adenosine 3',5'monophosphorothioate prevented preservation enhancement induced by 8-bromo-cAMP. Grafts stored with dibutyryl cAMP demonstrated a 5.5-fold increase in blood flow and a 3.2-fold decreased neutrophil infiltration after transplantation. To explore the role of cAMP in another cell type critical for vascular homeostasis, vascular smooth muscle cells were subjected to hypoxia, causing a time-dependent decline in cAMP levels. Although adenylate cyclase activity was unchanged, diminished oxygen tensions were associated with enhanced phosphodiesterase activity (59 and 30% increase in soluble types III and IV activity, respectively). These data suggest that hypoxia or graft ischemia disrupt vascular homeostasis, at least in part, by perturbing the cAMP second messenger pathway. Supplementation of this pathway provides a new approach for enhancing cardiac preservation, promoting myocardial function, and maintaining vascular homeostatic properties.


Immunological aspects of gastritis and pernicious anaemia.
Pernicious anaemia (PA) and chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) aggregate in families, occur more often in women, and are associated with various heritable traits such as fair skin and blue eyes. They are linked to certain HLA types. Linkages are relatively weak for A and B antigens, but somewhat stronger in the case of DR antigens. There are strong associations between PA and other organ-specific autoimmune diseases, particularly those affecting the thyroid. Discordance for PA in monozygotic twins has been reported, and it may well be that expression of the disease requires, in a genetically susceptible individual, initial injury to the gastric mucosa by some environmental agent such as a virus or some physical irritant, with perpetuation of injury then depending upon autoimmune mechanisms. Numbers of T cells are substantially increased in the gastric mucosa of patients with PA, but the ratio of T suppressor to T helper cells is normal. There is a relatively greater increase in numbers of cells not of T lineage, presumably B-cells. Gastric autoantibodies, both to different components of the parietal cell and to two sites on the IF molecule, are present in a majority of patients with PA. There is evidence that these autoantibodies, especially PCA, may be cytotoxic to parietal cells, and may also inhibit their maturation and proliferation. Antibodies to chief cells have not been described, and the parallel disappearance of these cells in atrophic gastritis is unexplained. The peripheral blood lymphocytes of some patients with autoimmune gastritis transform, or produce lymphokines, when exposed to gastric antigens, and patients with PA have been shown to have delayed type cutaneous hypersensitivity to gastric antigens. The relevance of these observations to the pathogenesis of their gastric mucosal lesion is unclear. There is a growing body of evidence to support the operation of humoral immune mechanisms in autoimmune gastritis, but this clearly does not preclude the coexistent involvement of cellular mechanisms. For example, impaired suppressor T cell function has been strongly implicated in certain other autoimmune disorders, but has received scant attention in PA. By generally accepted criteria, PA is an excellent example of an organ-specific autoimmune disease. As yet, there is no acceptable single unifying hypothesis which will account for all of the phenomena which have been described in the disease.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)


Thermodynamic Consistency of the Cushman Method of Computing the Configurational Entropy of a Landscape Lattice.
There has been a recent surge of interest in theory and methods for calculating the entropy of landscape patterns, but relatively little is known about the thermodynamic consistency of these approaches. I posit that for any of these methods to be fully thermodynamically consistent, they must meet three conditions. First, the computed entropies must lie along the theoretical distribution of entropies as a function of total edge length, which Cushman showed was a parabolic function following from the fact that there is a normal distribution of permuted edge lengths, the entropy is the logarithm of the number of microstates in a macrostate, and the logarithm of a normal distribution is a parabolic function. Second, the entropy must increase over time through the period of the random mixing simulation, following the expectation that entropy increases in a closed system. Third, at full mixing, the entropy will fluctuate randomly around the maximum theoretical value, associated with a perfectly random arrangement of the lattice. I evaluated these criteria in a test condition involving a binary, two-class landscape using the Cushman method of directly applying the Boltzmann relation (s = klogW) to permuted landscape configurations and measuring the distribution of total edge length. The results show that the Cushman method directly applying the classical Boltzmann relation is fully consistent with these criteria and therefore fully thermodynamically consistent. I suggest that this method, which is a direct application of the classical and iconic formulation of Boltzmann, has advantages given its direct interpretability, theoretical elegance, and thermodynamic consistency.


Photonic crystal borax competitive binding carbohydrate sensing motif.
We developed a photonic crystal sensing method for diol containing species such as carbohydrates based on a poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogel containing an embedded crystalline colloidal array (CCA). The polymerized CCA (PCCA) diffracts visible light. We show that in the presence of borax the diffraction wavelength shifts as the concentration of glucose changes. The diffraction shifts result from the competitive binding of glucose to borate, which reduces the concentration of borate bound to the PVA diols.


Multiple labeling and time-resolvable fluorophores.
A new time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay system involving use of the europium chelate of 4,7-bis(chlorosulfophenyl)-1,10-phenanthroline-2,9-dicarboxylic acid as label is reviewed. This stable chelate by itself is not very fluorescent but, used in multiple labeling strategies, improves the achievable detection limits. By using multiple labeling, streptavidin tailing, and Eu3+ activation, one can create a very stable, easy-to-use reagent that is suitable for devising highly sensitive immunoassays and other biotechnological assays. This reagent, a streptavidin-based macromolecular complex, is able to detect approximately 300,000 molecules (approximately 0.5 amol) of alpha-fetoprotein in a model noncompetitive immunoassay.


Human M2-type pyruvate kinase: cDNA cloning, chromosomal assignment and expression in hepatoma.
Two overlapping clones, covering the entire coding sequence of human M2-type pyruvate kinase (PK) cDNA, were isolated and sequenced. Nucleotide sequencing results showed that they contained the 109-bp 5'-untranslated region, the 1593-bp coding region and the 585-bp 3'-untranslated region. Nucleotide sequence homology was 90% and 69% with rat M2-type and L-type PK cDNA, respectively. In situ hybridization using the human M2-type PK cDNA probe disclosed that the gene for M2-type PK is located at band q22 on chromosome 15. Northern blot analysis with RNA from human hepatoma demonstrated that M2-type PK was predominantly expressed in hepatoma cells, whereas L-type PK was preferentially expressed in the non-tumor portion of the liver.