Gibberellin-Induced Changes in the Populations of Translatable mRNAs and Accumulated Polypeptides in Dwarfs of Maize and Pea.
Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis was used to characterize the molecular mechanism of gibberellin-induced stem elongation in maize and pea. Dwarf mutants of maize (d-5) and pea (Progress No. 9) lack endogenous gibberellin (GA(1)) but become phenotypically normal with exogenous applications of this hormone. Sections from either etiolated maize or green pea seedlings were incubated in the presence of [(35)S] methionine for 3 hours with or without gibberellin. Labeled proteins from soluble and particulate fractions were analyzed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and specific changes in the patterns of protein synthesis were observed upon treatment with gibberellin. Polyadenylated mRNAs from etiolated or green maize shoots and green pea epicotyls treated or not with gibberellin (a 0.5 to 16 hour time course) were assayed by translation in a rabbit reticulocyte extract and separation of products by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Both increases and decreases in the levels of specific polypeptides were seen for pea and corn, and these changes were observed within 30 minutes of treatment with gibberellin. Together, these data indicate that gibberellin induces changes in the expression of a subset of gene products within elongating dwarfs. This may be due to changes in transcription rate, mRNA stability, or increased efficiency of translation of certain mRNAs.


In vitro evaluation of graft-versus-graft alloreactivity as a tool to identify the predominant cord blood unit before double cord blood transplantation.
The transplantation of two cord blood (CB) units obtained from unrelated donors (double CBT) is an effective strategy for adult patients with hematologic malignancies. Sustained hematopoiesis after double CBT is usually derived from a single donor, and only a few transplantation recipients displaying a stable mixed donor-donor chimerism have been reported. We investigated the mechanisms underlying single-donor predominance in double CBT by studying in vitro the role of the graft-versus-graft cell-mediated immune effect in two-way mixed-lymphocyte culture, along with the contribution of differential hematopoietic progenitor (HP) potency in HP mixed cultures. Results for the two-way mixed-lymphocyte culture showed that despite the weak and variable alloantigen-specific cytotoxic potential displayed by CB mononuclear cells, an immune-mediated dominance for one of the two CB units was detected in the majority of experiments. Alloantigen-induced cytotoxic activity was directed toward both CB-HP and phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-activated T lymphoblastoid cells. The CB unit with the higher fold expansion of CD34(+) cells in single-expansion culture was prevalent in the HP mixed-expansion culture, as shown by DNA chimerism evaluation. Based on these data, we hypothesize that the dominant CB unit is able to develop prevalent cytotoxic activity toward activated lymphocytes of the other CB unit, thereby preventing them from exerting alloantigen-specific cytotoxic potential against both activated lymphocytes and HPs of the dominant unit. In accordance with this hypothesis, we propose the evaluation of alloantigen-induced cytotoxic activity generated in two-way mixed-lymphocyte culture and directed toward PHA-activated T lymphoblastoid cells as a tool to identify the potentially predominant CB unit before double CBT.


Selective binding of cholesterol by recombinant fatty acid binding proteins.
The sterol binding specificity of rat recombinant liver fatty acid binding protein (L-FABP) and intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) was characterized with [3H]cholesterol and a fluorescent sterol analog dehydroergosterol. Ligand binding analysis, fluorescence spectroscopy, and activation of microsomal acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase activity showed that L-FABP-bound sterols. 1) Lipidex-1000 assay showed a dissociation constant Kd = 0.78 +/- 0.18 microM and stoichiometry of 0.47 +/- 0.16 mol/mol for [3H]cholesterol binding to L-PABP. 2) With [3H]cholesterol/phosphatidylcholine liposomes, the cholesterol binding parameters for L-FABP were Kd = 1.53 +/- 0.28 microM and stoichiometry 0.83 +/- 0.07 mol/mol. 3) L-FABP interaction with dehydroergosterol altered the fluorescence intensity and polarization of dehydroergosterol. Dehydroergosterol bound to L-FABP with Kd = 0.37 microM and a stoichiometry of 0.83 mol/mol. 4) Cholesterol and dehydroergosterol decreased L-FABP tyrosine lifetime. Dehydroergosterol binding produced sensitized emission of bound dehydroergosterol with longer lifetime.5) L-FABP bound two cis-parinaric acid molecules/molecule of protein. Cholesterol displaced one of these bound cis-parinaric acids. 6) L-FABP enhanced acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase in a concentration-dependent manner. In contrast, these assays indicated that I-FABP did not bind sterols. Thus, L-FABP appears able to bind 1 mol of cholesterol/mol of L-FABP, the L-FABP sterol binding site is equivalent to one of the two fatty acid binding sites, and L-FABP stimulates acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase by transfer of cholesterol.


Metal Effects on the Sensitivity of Isostructural Metal-Organic Frameworks Based on 5-Amino-3-nitro-1H-1,2,4-triazole.
Two energetic metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), Co-ANTA and Zn-ANTA, are synthesized from 5-amino-3-nitro-1H-1,2,4-triazole (ANTA) and exhibit superior oxygen balance, density, and thermal stability compared to ANTA. The superior oxygen balance is achieved through a combination of hydroxide ligands and deprotonated linkers. Although the materials are isostructural and have similar density, oxygen balance, and sensitivity to heat, their impact sensitivities are significantly different. Similar to ANTA, Zn-ANTA is fairly insensitive to impact. By contrast, the impact sensitivity of ANTA is increased significantly after coordination polymerization with cobalt. The disparate impact sensitivities of the compounds might be attributed to the different electronic configurations of the metal ions constituting the frameworks.


Is there a unique symptom in lower urinary tract dysfunction in children?
Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), particularly urgency, incontinence and intermittency are common in children and it is suggested that the specific symptoms may be used for definite diagnosis for LUT dysfunction (LUTD). This study was performed to investigate the relationship between each LUTD and its associated symptoms, using uroflowmetry/electromyography (UF/EMG) as a diagnostic tool. Each patient was categorized into one of four LUT conditions which were overactive bladder (OAB), dysfunctional voiding (DV), underactive bladder and primary bladder neck dysfunction (PBND), according to UF/EMG results. Patients' complaints and findings were documented by using voiding dysfunction symptom score, bladder diary, urine analysis and ultrasonography. In addition, a detailed history of bowel habits (including use of Rome III criteria) was obtained. There were 189 children of which 106 were female. The OAB was the largest group including 91 patients, followed by the DV group which had 61 patients. The symptoms specific to any LUTD group were constipation and hesitancy (P < .05). Hesitancy was present in 89.4% with PBND and constipation was present in 78.6% of patients with DV. None of other symptoms were able to differentiate any LUTD group from the other. While certain symptoms are often presumed by clinicians to imply specific diagnoses, the main outcome of this study is that there is a generally weak correlation between the specificity of symptoms and LUTD. Symptoms-based approach may lead to misdiagnosis in LUTD. Thus, it may be essential to focus on the underlying pathologies and UF/EMG test may help this.


Synchronization on complex networks of networks.
In this paper, pinning synchronization on complex networks of networks is investigated, where there are many subnetworks with the interactions among them. The subnetworks and their connections can be regarded as the nodes and interactions of the networks, respectively, which form the networks of networks. In this new setting, the aim is to design pinning controllers on the chosen nodes of each subnetwork so as to reach synchronization behavior. Some synchronization criteria are established for reaching pinning control on networks of networks. Furthermore, the pinning scheme is designed, which shows that the nodes with very low degrees and large degrees are good candidates for applying pinning controllers. Then, the attack and robustness of the pinning scheme are discussed. Finally, a simulation example is presented to verify the theoretical analysis in this paper.


Seed pathology progress in academia and industry.
Seed pathology involves the study and management of diseases affecting seed production and utilization, as well as disease management practices applied to seeds. In this paper, three aspects of seed pathology are discussed: research innovations in detection of seedborne pathogens and elucidation of their epidemiology; advances in development and use of seed treatments; and progress toward standardization of phytosanitary regulations and seed health testing methods. The application of nucleic-acid based detection methods in seed health testing has been facilitated by integrating conventional or real-time PCR with other technologies (e.g., BIO-PCR, IMS-PCR, MCH-PCR). PCR-based methods and pathogen marker technologies are being applied to epidemiological research on seedborne pathogens, e.g., seed transmission mechanisms, the influence of external biotic and abiotic factors on seed transmission, and tracking progress of seed-transmitted pathogens. Seed treatment use is discussed in terms of the revolutionary expansion in seed-applied insecticide use, impacts of new fungicide active ingredients, and the effects of some seed treatments on crop physiology. International seed trade has been affected significantly by changing phytosanitary regulations, not always based on science. Efforts are underway to revise phytosanitary regulations to reflect pest risk analysis outcomes and to develop standards for seed health testing methods that facilitate safe and efficient international trade in seeds.


[Phase III clinical trial of elemenum emulsion in the management of malignant pleural and peritoneal effusions].
From July 1994 to June 1995, a prospective multicenter phase III clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of Injectio Emulsioni Elemeni in the management of malignant effusions. Four hundred and eighty-four patients, including 313 with pleural effusion and 171 with peritoneal effusion, were evaluable. The drug was administered in 0.5% emulsion, with a dosage of 200 mg/m2 for intrapleural injection once every week for 1-2 weeks and 300-400 mg/m2 for intraperitoneal injection once or twice every week for 2 weeks. The response rates were 77.6% in patients with malignant pleural effusion, 66.1% in patients with peritoneal effusion. There were no bone marrow, liver, cardiac and renal toxicities; while fever, local pain and gastro-intestinal reaction were the major adverse effects. It is concluded that Elemenum emulsion is one of the active agents in the management of malignant effusions.


Binding of IL-4 to the IL-13Ralpha(1)/IL-4Ralpha receptor complex leads to STAT3 phosphorylation but not to its nuclear translocation.
Interleukin-4 (IL-4) is a pleiotropic cytokine, which acts on both hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic cells, through different types of receptor complexes. In this study, we report that in human B cells, IL-4 caused rapid phosphorylation of Janus kinase (JAK) 1 and JAK3 tyrosine kinases. In keratinocytes, the hematopoietic-specific receptor common gamma(c) chain is not expressed and the IL-13 receptor alpha(1) (IL-13Ralpha(1)) participates in IL-4 signal transduction. In keratinocytes, IL-4 induced JAK1 and JAK2 phosphorylation but, unlike in immune cells, IL-4 did not involve JAK3 activation for its signaling. In both cell types, IL-4 induced phosphorylation and DNA binding activation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 6 protein. Furthermore, IL-4 stimulation of keratinocytes also induced tyrosine phosphorylation of STAT3 which was found to bind to the phosphorylated IL-13Ralpha(1). STAT3 however did not significantly translocate to the nucleus, nor did it bind with high affinity to target DNA sequences.


Kidney temperature during living donor kidney transplantation is associated with short-term measured glomerular filtration rate - a prospective study.
The duration of warm ischaemia time is associated with short- and long-term kidney transplant function. A quick rise in graft temperature is reported during the vascular anastomosis. This study was initiated to gain insight into the effect of graft temperature on short-term transplant function. From 2013 to 2015, data of living donor kidney transplant recipients were prospectively collected. At set intraoperative time points, the graft temperature was measured using a noncontact infrared thermometer. Primary endpoint was measured glomerular filtration rate (mGFR) at 3- and 6-month post-transplantation. Univariable and multivariable associations were identified using linear regression analyses. Multivariable analysis included models with donor, recipient and procedure characteristics. We evaluated 152 patients, 83 (55%) were male, mean ±SD age was 50.3 ± 13.4 years, and 79 (52%) were pre-emptively transplanted. In univariable analysis graft temperature, after 10 min of warm ischaemia was significantly associated with 3- and 6-month mGFR, β -0.22 (95% CI -0.39 to -0.04, P = 0.01) and β-0.22 (95% CI: -0.44 to -0.01, P = 0.04). The association remained significant in multivariable models. An independent association between kidney graft temperature and 3- and 6-month mGFR was identified. This association opens up the opportunity to further investigate the clinical impact of kidney rewarming during transplantation.


Potential role of FDG PET imaging in predicting metastatic potential and assessment of therapeutic response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in Ewing sarcoma family of tumors.
The aim of this study was to retrospectively correlate FDG uptake in primary Ewing sarcoma family of tumors (ESFT) with tumor behavior, and to evaluate whether FDG PET can be used to predict response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) in this patient group. Out of the total 54 patients of recently diagnosed ESFT who underwent pretreatment FDG PET imaging, group I included patients without metastasis at presentation (n = 34) and group II included those with metastasis at presentation (n = 20). Fourteen of these patients had undergone FDG PET after 4 cycles of induction chemotherapy and surgical resection of primary tumor. In this subgroup of 14 patients, maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of primary tumor was estimated before and after 4 cycles of induction chemotherapy and was correlated with the histopathological response in terms of necrosis in the tumor specimen. Mean SUVmax in the primary tumor in group I patients was 6.84 and in group II patients, it was 11.31. The difference between mean SUVmax of these 2 groups was significant by Wilcoxon test analysis, with P < 0.01. In group II patients, SUVmax in metastasis with maximum FDG uptake was consistently lower as compared with that of primary tumor. In subgroup of 14 patients, Pearson correlation analysis showed that percentage change in SUVmax of primary tumor correlated well with percentage necrosis on histopathological examination (P < 0.01). FDG uptake in primary ESFT reflected its metastatic potential and hence the aggressive behavior. The significant correlation between change in metabolic activity of the primary tumor and histopathological response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy suggests that FDG PET may be an ideal noninvasive method to assess tumor behavior and response to therapy in ESFT.


Comparison of percutaneous versus open femoral cutdown access for endovascular repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms.
Ruptured endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (REVAR) is being increasingly used to treat ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (rAAAs). However, the comparison between totally percutaneous (pREVAR) vs femoral cutdown (cREVAR) access for REVAR has not been studied. We used a national surgical database to evaluate the 30-day outcomes in patients undergoing pREVAR vs cREVAR. Patients who underwent EVAR for rAAA between 2011 and 2014, inclusively, were studied in the American College of Surgeons (ACS) National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) targeted vascular database. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to compare preoperative demographics, operation-specific variables, and postoperative outcomes between those who had pREVAR and cREVAR. We identified 502 patients who underwent REVAR, of which 129 had pREVAR (25.7%) and 373 cREVAR (74.3%). Between 2011 and 2014, the use of totally percutaneous access for repair increased from 14% to 32%. Of all patients undergoing REVAR, 24% had bilateral percutaneous access, 2% had attempted percutaneous access converted to cutdown, 64% had bilateral femoral cutdowns, and 10% had single femoral cutdown. Univariate analysis showed there were no significant differences in age, gender, body mass index, AAA size, or other high-risk physiologic comorbidities between the two groups. There was also no difference in rates of preoperative hemodynamic instability (48.1% vs 45.0%; P = .55) or need for perioperative transfusion (67.4% vs 67.8%; P = .94). There was a higher incidence of use of regional anesthesia for pREVAR compared with cREVAR (20.9% vs 7.8%; P < .01). The incidence of postoperative wound complications was similar between both groups (4.8% vs 5.4%; P = .79), whereas hospital length of stay was shorter in the pREVAR group (mean difference, 1.3 days). Overall 30-day mortality was higher in the pREVAR group (28.7% vs 20.1%; P = .04), and operative time was longer (mean difference, 6.3 minutes). However, when pREVARs done in 2011 to 2012 were compared with those done in 2013 to 2014, 30-day mortality decreased from 38.2% to 25.3% and operative time decreased by 25 minutes (188 to 163 minutes). Multivariate analysis showed there were no significant differences in mortality, wound complications, hospital length of stay, or operative time between pREVAR and cREVAR. The ACS NSQIP targeted vascular database shows that there has been increased adoption of pREVAR in recent years, with improved mortality and operative time over the 4-year study period. At this point, pREVAR has not yet been shown to be superior to cREVAR for rAAA, but these outcome improvements are encouraging and likely attributable to increased operator experience.


On the beta-binomial model for analysis of spectral count data in label-free tandem mass spectrometry-based proteomics.
Spectral count data generated from label-free tandem mass spectrometry-based proteomic experiments can be used to quantify protein's abundances reliably. Comparing spectral count data from different sample groups such as control and disease is an essential step in statistical analysis for the determination of altered protein level and biomarker discovery. The Fisher's exact test, the G-test, the t-test and the local-pooled-error technique (LPE) are commonly used for differential analysis of spectral count data. However, our initial experiments in two cancer studies show that the current methods are unable to declare at 95% confidence level a number of protein markers that have been judged to be differential on the basis of the biology of the disease and the spectral count numbers. A shortcoming of these tests is that they do not take into account within- and between-sample variations together. Hence, our aim is to improve upon existing techniques by incorporating both the within- and between-sample variations. We propose to use the beta-binomial distribution to test the significance of differential protein abundances expressed in spectral counts in label-free mass spectrometry-based proteomics. The beta-binomial test naturally normalizes for total sample count. Experimental results show that the beta-binomial test performs favorably in comparison with other methods on several datasets in terms of both true detection rate and false positive rate. In addition, it can be applied for experiments with one or more replicates, and for multiple condition comparisons. Finally, we have implemented a software package for parameter estimation of two beta-binomial models and the associated statistical tests. A software package implemented in R is freely available for download at http://www.oncoproteomics.nl/. Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.


Recyclable nanoscale zero-valent iron-based magnetic polydopamine coated nanomaterials for the adsorption and removal of phenanthrene and anthracene.
In this study, nanoscale zero-valent iron nanoparticles (NZVIs) were coated with silica and polydopamine using a two-step process. The coated nanoparticles were applied as adsorbents for removal of two common polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons pollutants, phenanthrene (PHE) and anthracene (ANT) from aqueous system. Adsorption kinetics followed a pseudo-second-order model. Isotherms and thermodynamics were investigated and the results indicated that the adsorption process fit best to the Freundlich model and exhibited the characteristics of an exothermal physical adsorption process. Owing to their superparamagnetic characteristics and stability, these adsorbents could be easily collected and recycled for reuse.


Synthesis of non-nucleoside analogs of toyocamycin, sangivamycin, and ++thiosangivamycin: influence of various 7-substituents on antiviral activity.
A number of 7-substituted 4-aminopyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine-5-carbonitrile, -5-carboxamide, and -5-thiocarboxamide derivatives related to the nucleoside antibiotics toyocamycin and sangivamycin were prepared and tested for their activity against human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1). Treatment of 2-amino-5-bromo-3,4-dicyanopyrrole (1) with triethyl orthoformate followed by alkylation via the sodium salt method with a variety of alkylating agents furnished the corresponding 1-substituted pyrroles 2a-k. Ring annulation was achieved with methanolic ammonia affording the 7-substituted 4-amino-6-bromopyrrolo++-[2,3-d]pyrimidine-5-carbonitrile derivatives 3a-k. Debromination of 3a-k, via catalytic hydrogenation, gave the corresponding 7-substituted 4-aminopyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine-5-carbonitrile analogs 4a-j,l. A selective reduction of 4-amino-6-bromo-7-allylpyrrolo[2,3-d]-pyrimidine-5-carbon ril e (3k) in zinc and acetic acid furnished 4-amino-7-allylpyrrolo-[2,3-d]pyrimidine-5-carbonitrile (4k). Conventional functional group transformations involving the 5-cyano group of 4 furnished the 5-carboxamide derivatives 5a-1 and the 5-thio-amide analogs 6a-l. A similar transformation of the aglycone of toyocamycin (4m) furnished the corresponding aglycone of thiosangivamycin (6m). Several of the new compounds (4-6a-ej-l) were evaluated for their ability to inhibit the growth of L1210 murine leukemic cells. Whereas a number of the carboxamide (5) and thioamide (6) derivatives had modest activity, the corresponding nitrile analogs (4) were all inactive. All compounds were tested for activity against HCMV and HSV-1. The non-nucleoside nitrile analogs 4a-m and carboxamide derivatives 5a-l were, with a few exceptions, essentially inactive against HCMV and HSV-1 and relatively nontoxic. In direct contrast, nearly all of the thioamide derivates 6a-1, including the aglycone of thiosangivamycin (6m), were good inhibitors of HCMV and HSV-1. Most were noncytotoxic in their antiviral concentration range. Cytotoxicity which was observed appeared to be a consequence of DNA synthesis inhibition. Several of these compounds, such as 6b,e, were particularly interesting inhibitors of HCMV with IC(50)'s ranging from 0.1 to 1.3 muM. The antiviral activity of both compounds was well separated from cytotoxicity in KB, HFF, and L1210 cells.


ZnO nanonails: synthesis and their application as glucose biosensor.
Well-crystallized zinc oxide nanonails were grown in a high density by thermal evaporation process and were used as supporting matrixes for glucose oxidase (GOx) immobilization to construct efficient glucose biosensor. The GOx attached to the surfaces of ZnO nanonails had more spatial freedom in its orientation, which facilitated the direct electron transfer between the active sites of immobilized GOx and electrode surface. The fabricated biosensor showed a high sensitivity of 24.613 microA cm(-2) mM(-1) with a response time less than 10 s. Moreover, it shows a linear range from 0.1 to 7.1 mM with a correlation coefficient of R = 0.9937 and detection limit of 5 microM.


Lifestyle and risk of follicular lymphoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.
To investigate the relationship between follicular lymphoma (FL) risk and common modifiable lifestyle factors, specifically smoking, alcohol, body mass index (BMI), and hair dye use. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies published prior to 01 January 2020. We searched Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, and Web of Science and the reference lists of original studies and review articles. We used random-effects models to generate meta-estimates of relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Twenty-four cohort and ten case-control studies were eligible. Ten articles examined smoking, 11 alcohol, 13 BMI, and four hair dye use and risk of FL. The meta-estimate for current smoking was 1.11 (95% CI 0.92-1.35; I2 = 51%) and there was no significant dose-response per 5-year increase in duration (p-trend = 0.087). Current alcohol intake was inversely associated with FL risk (meta-RR 0.87, 95% CI 0.81-0.94; I2 = 0%) and there was a significant dose-response per 5 drinks/week increase in intake (p-trend = 0.008). There was no association with 5 kg/m2 increase in early adulthood BMI (meta-RR 1.05, 95% CI 0.91-1.20; I2 = 7%) or being overweight (meta-RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.92-1.07; I2 = 0%) or obese (meta-RR 1.08, 95% CI 0.99-1.17; I2 = 0%) as an adult. Hair dye use before 1980 was positively associated with FL risk (meta-RR 1.66, 95% CI 1.22-2.25; I2 = 55%) and no evidence of effect after 1980. We found consistent evidence of an inverse association between current alcohol intake and FL risk, and a significant increased risk with hair dye use before 1980. The evidence for smoking is heterogeneous, but most studies did not support an association. Further research is required to understand the mechanisms underlying these associations and the potential for prevention strategies.


Diffusion tensor imaging correlates of depressive symptoms in Parkinson disease.
Depression is a heterogeneous clinical syndrome prevalent in patients with Parkinson disease (PD) that remains incompletely understood. Further, the differences in biomarkers of depression in PD and in non-PD patients are unclear. The subcallosal cingulate cortex (SCC) and its connections have been implicated in the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD). Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) provides a tool to quantify MDD-related structural abnormalities underlying depressive symptoms in PD. Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging data were collected from 31 patients with PD. Depression symptom severity was measured using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), and assessed using three subscales: dysphoric mood, loss of interest/pleasure, and somatic symptoms. Probabilistic tractography methods were used to quantify the SCC connectivity to target regions in cortico-limbic-striatal network (ventral striatum, medial prefrontal cortex [mPFC], dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, and uncinate fasciculus), while fractional anisotropy (FA) was calculated in predefined white matter regions of interest. DTI data were correlated with severity of depression across three domains. SCC-mPFC connectivity in the left hemisphere was positively correlated with severity of dysphoric mood (Benjamini-Hochberg adjusted p = .02). Region of interest-based analyses demonstrated a significant and distinct topographic association between FA and dysphoric mood, loss of interest/pleasure, and somatic symptom severity, although these findings did not maintain significance after applying the false discovery rate correction. Abnormal SCC connectivity underlies depressive symptoms in both PD and MDD, suggesting that interventions used for MDD should be explored in treating depressive symptoms in PD, particularly depression dominated by dysphoric mood.


Discoid or segmental rectosigmoid resection for deep infiltrating endometriosis: a case-control study.
To evaluate the efficacy of discoid resection for the treatment of deep infiltrating endometriosis and whether it could be considered to be a valid alternative to the rectosigmoid segmental resection. Case-control study. Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ospedale Sacro Cuore of Negrar, Verona, and Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy. Women with deep infiltrating and intestinal endometriosis divided into study group (48 patients) and control group (88 patients). All patients underwent laparoscopic endometriosis excision plus discoid rectosigmoid resection (study group) or segmental resection (control group). Short- and long-term outcomes. In the study group, median operating time was 200 minutes, with a median estimated blood loss of 203 mL. Median ileus was 3 days with a median postoperative hospitalization of 7 days. Early complications were observed in six patients (12.5%), and in two of them (4.16%) a surgical management was necessary. Median follow-up period was 33 months, and five recurrences (10.4%) were registered. In the control group, no significant differences were noticed except for longer operative time, more temporary ileostomy, postoperative fever, and long-term bladder dysfunctions. Laparoscopic mechanical discoid resection is feasible, markedly improved endometriosis related symptoms, and could be considered as a worthy alternative to classic segmental resection in selected patients.


Normal Platelet Integrin Function in Mice Lacking Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Clone-5 (Hic-5).
Integrin αIIbβ3 plays a central role in the adhesion and aggregation of platelets and thus is essential for hemostasis and thrombosis. Integrin activation requires the transmission of a signal from the small cytoplasmic tails of the α or β subunit to the large extracellular domains resulting in conformational changes of the extracellular domains to enable ligand binding. Hydrogen peroxide-inducible clone-5 (Hic-5), a member of the paxillin family, serves as a focal adhesion adaptor protein associated with αIIbβ3 at its cytoplasmic tails. Previous studies suggested Hic-5 as a novel regulator of integrin αIIbβ3 activation and platelet aggregation in mice. To assess this in more detail, we generated Hic-5-null mice and analyzed activation and aggregation of their platelets in vitro and in vivo. Surprisingly, lack of Hic-5 had no detectable effect on platelet integrin activation and function in vitro and in vivo under all tested conditions. These results indicate that Hic-5 is dispensable for integrin αIIbβ3 activation and consequently for arterial thrombosis and hemostasis in mice.


Cardiac insulin resistance and microRNA modulators.
Cardiac insulin resistance is a metabolic and functional disorder that is often associated with obesity and/or the cardiorenal metabolic syndrome (CRS), and this disorder may be accentuated by chronic alcohol consumption. In conditions of over-nutrition, increased insulin (INS) and angiotensin II (Ang II) activate mammalian target for rapamycin (mTOR)/p70 S6 kinase (S6K1) signaling, whereas chronic alcohol consumption inhibits mTOR/S6K1 activation in cardiac tissue. Although excessive activation of mTOR/S6K1 induces cardiac INS resistance via serine phosphorylation of INS receptor substrates (IRS-1/2), it also renders cardioprotection via increased Ang II receptor 2 (AT2R) upregulation and adaptive hypertrophy. In the INS-resistant and hyperinsulinemic Zucker obese (ZO) rat, a rodent model for CRS, activation of mTOR/S6K1signaling in cardiac tissue is regulated by protective feed-back mechanisms involving mTOR↔AT2R signaling loop and profile changes of microRNA that target S6K1. Such regulation may play a role in attenuating progressive heart failure. Conversely, alcohol-mediated inhibition of mTOR/S6K1, down-regulation of INS receptor and growth-inhibitory mir-200 family, and upregulation of mir-212 that promotes fetal gene program may exacerbate CRS-related cardiomyopathy.


[Effects of grazing intensity on spatial heterogeneity of the constructive species Stipa breviflora in desert steppe.]
This study evaluated the changes of spatial distribution of the constructive species Stipa breviflora in the desert steppe under different grazing intensities (control, light, moderate, and heavy grazing) in Siziwang, Inner Mongolia. The small-scale spatial distribution of S. breviflora was measured. Results showed that population density of S. breviflora was following the order: heavy grazing (27.81 individuals·m-2) > moderate grazing (22.17 individuals·m-2) > control (11.31 individuals·m-2) > light grazing (10.76 individuals·m-2). The moderate and heavy grazing significantly increased population density of S. breviflora. According to the model fitting by semi-variance function, the population density of S. breviflora under the control, light, moderate and heavy gra-zing treatments were consistent with the exponential model, spherical model, exponential model and spherical model, respectively. Results from spatial distribution pattern analysis showed that structural ratio of S. breviflora population was control (99.7%) > heavy grazing (94.7%) > light grazing (92.7%) > moderate grazing (87.9%). Such a result indicated that the spatial autocorrelation of the four treatments was high, which were mainly affected by structural factors. In comparison, S. breviflora population structure ratio under moderate grazing treatment was the smallest, and partly affected by random factors. Based on fractal dimension analysis, spatial structure of the four treatments was good with simple spatial distribution. With the increases of grazing intensity, the spatial distribution was simpler and more homogeneous. Combined with 2D and 3D views, both light and heavy grazing changed spatial distribution of S. breviflora population from gradient distribution to patch distribution and resulted in the reduction of spatial heterogeneity.


Olfactory learning in the rat neonate soon after birth.
The first hours of a newborn rat's life entail locating and attaching to the mother's nipple not only for nutrition but also for protection and warmth. The present study sought to characterize olfactory learning in the rat neonate immediately after birth. Newborn rats were exposed to an odor at various time periods soon after birth and tested for behavioral activation and attachment to a surrogate nipple in the presence of this odor at 4-5 hr postpartum. Regardless of when pups were presented the odor (0, 1, or 2 hr after birth) motor activity was greater among pups previously exposed to the odor than pups with no odor experience. Similarly, latency to attach to the nipple in the presence of the odor was lower among odor-preexposed pups, especially when odor exposure began within an hour of cesarean delivery. Odor exposure immediately after birth for just 15 min was sufficient to increase motor activity and to decrease latency to attach to a similarly scented surrogate nipple. These results suggest that olfactory experience very soon after birth can shape subsequent olfactory responses. The relative importance of the dearth of postnatal experience or of elevated neurochemicals immediately after birth and possible associative mechanisms underlying this learning is discussed.


Propeamussiidae, Inoceramidae, and other Bivalvia from the Lower Cretaceous Puez Formation (Valanginian-Cenomanian; Dolomites, South Tyrol, Italy).
A bivalve assemblage from the Lower Cretaceous Puez Formation at the type locality, Piz de Puez (Dolomites, South Tyrol, northern Italy) is described. Given the large amount of sedimentary rock screened during the course of this study, the <50 bivalves examined here, although occurring in very low abundance, are considered to represent a reasonably comprehensive sample. The assemblage provides insight into an autochthonous, Mesozoic, deep-water bivalve community, which was dominated by glass scallops. Two species are described as new, Parvamussium pizpuezense n. sp. and the giant P. mordsdrum n. sp. Presumably, they lived as epifaunal-reclining carnivores and preyed on various meiofauna, occupying a similar ecologic niche as their modern counterparts. Scarce epifaunal, suspension-feeding Inoceramidae entered only by occasional recruitment of larvae into an environment that is inferred to have been characterised by low levels of suspended nutrients.


Dislocation of primary THA done through a posterolateral approach in the elderly.
We assess the rate of dislocation of total hip arthroplasty (THA) through a posterolateral approach in elderly patients and determine if this complication can be minimized. We retrospectively reviewed 150 THAs done between 1992 and 2002, through a posterolateral approach in patients 80 years and older. A hybrid THA was done in 46% of patients and both components were cemented in 54% of patients. A 28-mm head was used in 83% of the patients and a 32-mm head was used in 17% of patients. An elevated liner, with the elevation placed posteriorly, was used in 38% of hybrid cases. Starting in mid-1998, the posterior capsule was preserved and repaired at the time of wound closure (n = 77, 51%). Dislocation occurred in eight hips (five recurrent) at an average time to dislocation of 26.9 months (range, 1-79 months). No dislocations occurred when using a 32-mm head or a 28-mm head with a lipped liner in association with repair of the posterior capsule. Statistical regression analysis indicated that capsular repair was the single most important predictive factor for dislocation. When using the posterolateral approach for THA in patients older than 80 years, we suggest using a 32-mm head in combination with posterior capsular repair to reduce the incidence of dislocation. Therapeutic study, Level III-1 (retrospective comparative study). See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.


Why employer-sponsored insurance coverage changed, 1997-2003.
Four and a half million Americans gained employer-sponsored health insurance coverage during 1997-2001, while nearly nine million lost coverage in the ensuing economic downturn (2001-2003), after population growth was accounted for. Macroeconomic trends affecting employment, job quality, and incomes drove most of the coverage changes, although key factors varied during the two periods. Take-up rates affected coverage, mostly reflecting the interaction of premium cost trends and labor-market tightness, but take-up also was influenced by the implementation of the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) during 1997-2001. Coverage among low-income people was most affected by economic conditions and premium costs.


Neuromedins NMU and NMS: An Updated Overview of Their Functions.
More than 35 years have passed since the identification of neuromedin U (NMU). Dozens of publications have been devoted to its physiological role in the organism, which have provided insight into its occurrence in the body, its synthesis and mechanism of action at the cellular level. Two G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have been identified, with NMUR1 distributed mainly peripherally and NMUR2 predominantly centrally. Recognition of the role of NMU in the control of energy homeostasis of the body has greatly increased interest in this neuromedin. In 2005 a second, structurally related peptide, neuromedin S (NMS) was identified. The expression of NMS is more restricted, it is predominantly found in the central nervous system. In recent years, further peptides related to NMU and NMS have been identified. These are neuromedin U precursor related peptide (NURP) and neuromedin S precursor related peptide (NSRP), which also exert biological effects without acting via NMUR1, or NMUR2. This observation suggests the presence of another, as yet unrecognized receptor. Another unresolved issue within the NMU/NMS system is the differences in the effects of various NMU isoforms on diverse cell lines. It seems that development of highly specific NMUR1 and NMUR2 receptor antagonists would allow for a more detailed understanding of the mechanisms of action of NMU/NMS and related peptides in the body. They could form the basis for attempts to use such compounds in the treatment of disorders, for example, metabolic disorders, circadian rhythm, stress, etc.


The effects of preoperative short-term intense physical therapy in lung cancer patients: a randomized controlled trial.
We planned to investigate the effect of preoperative short period intensive physical therapy on lung functions, gas-exchange, and capacity of diffusion, and ventilation-perfusion distribution of patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Sixty patients with lung cancer, who were deemed operable, were randomly allocated into two groups. Intensive physical therapy was performed in patients in the study group before operation. Both groups received routine physical therapy after operation. There was no difference in pulmonary function tests between the two groups. Intensive physical therapy statistically significantly increased peripheral blood oxygen saturation. At least one complication was noted in 5 patients (16.7%) in the control group, and 2 (6.7%), in the study group. However, there was no statistically significant difference (p = 0,4). The hospital stay has been found to be statistically significantly shortened by intensive physical therapy (p <0.001). Ventilation-perfusion distribution was found to be significantly effected by intensive physical therapy. The change was prominent in the the contralateral lung (p <0.001). Intensive physical therapy appeared to increase oxygen saturation, reduce hospital stay, and change the ventilation/perfusion distribution. It had a significant, positive effect on the exercise capacity of patients.


Evaluation of the light/dark C assay of photorespiration: tobacco leaf disk studies with glycidate and glyoxylate.
Preincubation of illuminated tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) leaf disks in glycidate (2,3-epoxypropionate) or glyoxylate inhibited photorespiration by about 40% as determined by the ratio of (14)CO(2) evolved into CO(2)-free air in light and in darkness. However, under identical preincubation conditions used for the light/dark (14)C assays, the compounds failed to reduce photorespiration or stimulate net photosynthesis in tobacco leaf disks based on other CO(2) exchange parameters, including the CO(2) compensation concentration in 21% O(2), the inhibitory effect of 21% O(2) on net photosynthesis in 360 microliters per liter of CO(2) and the rate of net photosynthetic (14)CO(2) uptake in air.The effects of both glycidate and glyoxylate on the (14)C assay are inconsistent with other measures of photorespiratory CO(2) exchange in tobacco leaf disks, and thus these data question the validity of the light to dark ratio of (14)CO(2) efflux as an assay for relative rates of photorespiration (Zelitch 1968, Plant Physiol 43: 1829-1837). The results of this study specifically indicate that neither glycidate nor glyoxylate reduces photorespiration or stimulates net photosynthesis by tobacco leaf disks under physiological conditions of pO(2) and pCO(2), contrary to previous reports.


A Comparative Analysis of Outcomes of Free Nipple Areolar Grafting in Autologous Breast Reconstruction.
Preserving the nipple areolar complex (NAC) increases satisfaction in breast reconstruction. This study aims to describe outcomes using free NAC grafts in microvascular breast reconstruction. A case-control study evaluated prospective outcomes of microvascular breast reconstruction with free NAC grafts compared with matched controls with tattoo or local flap nipple reconstruction. Eligible patients for NAC grafting required correction of ptosis or nipple malposition. Postoperative photographs were rated for complications and aesthetics by the four study authors and two additional unbiased board-certified plastic surgeons. Satisfaction was measured with the BREAST-Q. Twenty patients who underwent 35 autologous breast reconstructions were analyzed. Nipple areolar reconstruction with grafts was completed with 13 NACs in 7 patients. The majority of free NAC grafts (11/13, 85%) were completed in immediate reconstruction, and 15% (2/13) were completed in delayed reconstruction. Partial graft hypopigmentation (mean 18.0%, standard deviation [SD] 7.5) was noted in all grafts. Less than half of grafts had areas of depigmentation (6/13, mean 6.1%, SD 7.5). Minor areas of partial loss occurred in 6/13 grafts (mean 2.9%, SD 4.6). Nipple projection was maintained in 54% of nipples (7/13). Depigmentation, hypopigmentation, graft loss, and projection were not statistically correlated with NAC aesthetic or overall aesthetic rating. However, NAC size (p = 0.003), position (p = 0.022), and symmetry (p = 0.028) were all correlated with aesthetic outcomes. Outcomes and satisfaction were similar to those seen with local flap reconstruction, although partial loss was less common in NAC grafts. Nipple reconstruction can successfully be performed in microvascular breast reconstruction using free grafts. Although partial graft hypopigmentation is common, smaller areas of graft loss or depigmentation are anticipated and do not affect aesthetic outcomes. The use of free NAC grafts may allow additional patients to use their own nipples as part of their microvascular reconstruction and avoid secondary NAC reconstruction procedures.


Regulatory T cell responses develop in parallel to Th responses and control the magnitude and phenotype of the Th effector population.
Host survival during schistosomiasis requires the development of a tightly regulated and Th2-polarized immune response against parasite egg Ags. In this system, Th1 response suppression has been thought to be enforced through the production of IL-10 by Th2 cells and natural T regulatory (Treg) cells. By comparing Th responses in schistosome egg-injected mice that lack IL-10, IL-4, and/or Treg cells, we have been able to build a detailed picture of the relative contributions of Treg cells, Th2 cells, and IL-10 to regulation of the egg-induced response. Our data indicate that eggs induce a marked Treg cell response, evident as the extensive proliferation of Foxp3(+) cells that is proportionally as great as the response occurring within the Th compartment. Furthermore, we show that Treg cells prevent Th1 response development and limit the magnitude of the Th2 response. Although Treg cells are able to produce IL-10 after egg injection, we found no evidence for a role for IL-10 in Treg-mediated suppression of Th cell responses, nor did we find evidence for an inhibitory effect of Th2 cells on Th1 response development. Thus, the magnitude and phenotype of the egg-induced effector Th response are controlled by a parallel response within the Treg population.


Therapeutic potential of human amniotic membrane-derived mesenchymal stem cells in APP transgenic mice.
Growing evidence indicates that the presence of extensive oxidative stress plays an essential role in the initiation and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Amyloid-β (Aβ) aggregation is involved in the elevation of oxidative stress, contributing to mitochondrial dysfunction and lipid peroxidation. In the present study, human placenta amniotic membrane-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hAMMSCs) were intravenously injected into C57BL/6J-APP transgenic mice. hAMMSCs significantly ameliorated spatial learning and memory function, and were associated with a decreased amount of amyloid plaques of the brain. The correlation of oxidative stress with Aβ levels was lower in the hAMMSCs-injected group than in the phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)-injected group, as indicated by the increased level of antioxidative enzymes and the decreased level of lipid peroxidation product. The glutathione (GSH) level and ratio of GSH to glutathione disulfide were higher in the hAMMSC group than in the PBS group. The superoxide dismutase activity and malonaldehyde level were improved significantly as the level of Aβ decreased, but there was no such trend in the PBS group. As a result, our findings represent evidence that hAMMSC treatment might improve the pathology of AD and memory function through the regulation of oxidative stress.


In Vitro Carbon Ion Beam and Gemcitabine Chemoradiation in a Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma Cell Line.
To determine the interaction of gemcitabine in chemoradiotherapy with heavy carbon ions in vitro in a mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) cell line. The human lymphatic MEC metastasis cell line NCI-H292 was used. The cells were treated with photons, carbon ions, and gemcitabine. Survival fractions (SF), apoptosis, and cell cycle progression were analyzed. A paired two-sided t-test was used. Significance was defined as p<0.05. Cell proliferation assays showed a significant reduction in SF for combined photon chemoradiation versus photons only. The linear-quadratic fits of combined therapy with carbon ion dose of 0 to 2.5 Gy led to reductions of mean 15% in SF. The LD50 (lethal radiation dose required to reduce cell survival by 50%) for carbon ions only was 0.7 Gy and for carbon ions with gemcitabine 0.6 Gy. The LD50 for photons (with gemcitabine) was 2.8 Gy (2.0 Gy) and for carbon ions (with gemcitabine) 0.7 Gy (0.6 Gy), resulting in a relative biological effectiveness at 10% cell survival (RBE10) of 3.0 (2.7). Carbon ions and photons reduced S phase and increased G2/M phase cell distribution. Isolated treatment with gemcitabine as well as combination with photons led to prolonged S phase transit, whereas combined treatment with carbon ions led to early accumulation in G2/M phase. A significant increase in the sub-G1 population as a hint of relevant number of apoptotic cells was not observed. Gemcitabine showed radiosensitizing effects in combination with photons. The combination of gemcitabine and carbon ions had independent additive effects. Carbon ions only had a RBE10 of 3.0, compared to photons only. The combination of gemcitabine, photon, and carbon ions in patients with MEC seems promising and warrants further investigation.


Complete chloroplast genome sequence and phylogenetic analysis of a wild species of abiu fruit, Pouteria caimito (Ruiz & Pavon.) Radlk.
Abiu fruit (Pouteria caimito [Ruiz & Pavon.] Radlk.) is endemic to the Amazonian region of South America, the fruit is also called yellow star apple, blueberry pie fruit and cauje. In this study, the chloroplast genome sequence of P. caimito was assembled and characterized using Illumina sequencing. The whole chloroplast genome of the wild species of abiu fruit is 158,916 bp, composed of four regions: a large single-copy region (88,096 bp) and a small single copy (18,620 bp) region, separated by two inverted repeat regions (26,100 bp), and the GC content is 36.83%. A total of 133 genes were annotated, including 88 that encoded proteins, eight that encoded rRNA genes and 37 that encoded tRNA genes. A maximum likelihood tree was constructed based on the sequences of chloroplast genome, the results showed that the wild species of P. caimito is the most closely related to Pouteria campechiana. This study provided abundant genomics data for the research and development of P. caimito.


Purified colony-stimulating factors enhance the survival of human neutrophils and eosinophils in vitro: a rapid and sensitive microassay for colony-stimulating factors.
The survival of purified human blood neutrophils and eosinophils was monitored using microwell cultures. Survival was enhanced in cultures containing human or murine colony-stimulating factors (CSFs). The survival of both cell types was enhanced by purified recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage CSF and partially purified preparations of the native molecule, CSF alpha. Neutrophil but not eosinophil survival was enhanced by murine granulocyte-CSF and its human analogue CSF beta. Eosinophil but not neutrophil survival was enhanced by murine eosinophil differentiation factor (eosinophil CSF). The mature cell survival provided an assay system for CSF that was 10(2) to 10(3) more sensitive than the standard assay of stimulation of colony formation in agar cultures and could be completed within 48 hours. These results demonstrated that CSF induced and enhanced survival of mature human neutrophils and eosinophils in vitro. Furthermore, the lineage specificity of purified murine CSFs was retained in their action on human cells.


Catalogue of Indian Notodontidae Stephens, 1829 (Lepidoptera: Noctuoidea).
The present communication consists of the first ever catalogue of Indian Notodontidae Stephens, 1829 comprising systematic accounts of 242 species (including nominotypical subspecies) and 10 subspecies under 116 genera of 10 subfamilies with four new records to India viz. Phalera (Phalera) birmicola Bryk, 1949, Spatalina desiccata stolida Schintlmeister, 2007, Hiradonta hannemanni Schintlmeister, 1989 and Kamalia tattakana (Matsumura, 1927). The account was prepared by compiling findings from both literature survey and field sampling carried out at various Protected Areas in the Indian Himalayas and Chhattisgarh state in the Deccan Peninsular region of India. Zoogeographic analysis of Indian Notodontidae reveals a majority of the assemblage showing Oriental (58.27%) and Palaearctic (40.49%) affinities with maximum species of Sundanian (80.00%), followed by Himalayan (77.65%) origins. In India, the majority of the species are distributed in the Himalayan (35.33%) and North-East (39.40%) biogeographic zones, reflecting maximum endemicity. Extensive surveys in the less explored southern part of the country are expected to enrich the inventory of Indian Notodontidae. The distribution map and detailed illustrations of the four new records are provided.


Method for optodynamic source localization during Er:YAG laser ablation.
We present an improved optodynamic (OD) method which enables measurement of the distance between the OD source on the ablated surface and a piezoelectric sensor above it, with a relative error of about 1%. The method is based on the point explosion model and allows determination of the distance to the OD source and the released energy for each detected OD signal. We estimate the distance and released energy on the basis of two measured OD signal characteristics: the time of flight and the duration of the compressive phase. We show that the finite aperture of the sensor needs to be taken into account to improve measurement accuracy. We present experimental validation of the method using an Er:YAG laser and water as a tissue phantom. We observe an excellent agreement between the measured and theoretical OD signals and between the measured and estimated distances. The method opens the way to practicable implementations of on-line OD monitoring of laser ablation in surgery and medicine.


Neuropsychological Assessment at Preschool Age: Adaptation and Validation of the McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities to 4 Year-old Basque-speaking Children.
Early neuropsychological assessment provides important information for clinical practice and research. As previously no tool for neuropsychological assessment has been developed in or adapted to Basque, the aim of this study was to adapt and validate the McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities for 4 years old children. The adaptation and validation of the original instrument followed the methodological steps established by the International Test Commission. We examined the psychometric properties of the adapted instrument in 273 Basque preschool children (aged between 4 years and 4 months and 4 years and 11 months; 52.2% boys). Confirmatory factor analysis showed satisfactory fit indexes except for the General Cognitive and Memory scales. Most scales presented adequate internal consistency (Reliability coefficients ranged between .55 and .81). The Basque version also showed evidence of validity based on the relationship between neuropsychological development and sex, parental education, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder-like behaviours and early neurodevelopment (p < .05; effect sizes ranged between Cohen's d = .26 and .52 and r = .15 and 39). The Basque MSCA can be regarded as a useful tool to evaluate cognitive and psychomotor development in preschool children.


Low-dose (2-mSv) computed tomography for suspected appendicitis: Applicability in an emergency department.
To document the level of interobserver agreement and compare the diagnostic performances of emergency physicians and radiologists at interpreting low radiation CT images of acute appendicitis in adolescents and young adults. One hundred and seven adolescents and young adult patients (aged 15 to 44years) that underwent 2-mSv low-dose CT for suspected acute appendicitis between June and December in 2013 were enrolled in this retrospective study. Three emergency physicians and three radiologists with different experiences of low-dose CT independently reviewed CT images. These six physicians rated the likelihood of acute appendicitis using a 5-point Likert scale. We calculated interobserver agreement and compared the diagnostic performances between emergency physicians and radiologists. And diagnostic confidence was also assessed using the likelihood of acute appendicitis. Acute appendicitis was pathologically confirmed in 42 patients (39%); the remaining 65 patients were considered not to have appendicitis. Fleiss' Kappa for reliability of agreement between emergency physicians and radiologists for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis was 0.720 (95% confidence intervals (CI), 0.685-0.726). Pooled areas under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) for a diagnosis of appendicitis were 0.904 and 0.944 for emergency physicians and radiologists, respectively, and these AUC values were not significantly different (95% confidence interval, -0.087, 0.007; p=0.0855). The emergency physicians and radiologists showed good interobserver agreement and comparable diagnostic performances for appendicitis in adolescents and adults using low-dose CT images. Low-dose CT could be a useful tool for the diagnosis of appendicitis by emergency physicians.


Inventory and taxonomy of phlebotomine sand flies of the Mokolo leishmaniasis focus, northern Cameroon, with description of new Sergentomyia taxa (Diptera: Psychodidae).
Leishmaniasis is endemic in northern Cameroon. However, the sand fly vectors have not been incriminated. A sand fly species inventory was generated by integrating a number of techniques. Miniature light traps were used for collecting sand flies in a variety of ecotopes found across the area, and a morphological and molecular identification approach for taxonomic confirmation was undertaken. In a pilot survey conducted in September 2012, we captured 687 sand flies, 259 of which were morphologically identified to species level. They represent 14 species of the genera Sergentomyia and Grassomyia. No Phlebotomus spp. were found. A second series of collections was carried out during 2013 in five different environmental setups: two urban, two peri-urban/rural and one sylvatic; 14,036 sand flies (6665 males and 7371 females) were collected. A total of 5926 females and 98 males were morphologically identified to species level, representing 19 species of the genera Sergentomyia, Grassomyia and Phlebotomus, including Ph. duboscqi, a known vector of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the region. Two new taxa were found and are described: Sergentomyia (Sintonius) thomsoni mandarai ssp. nov. and Se. coronula sp. nov. Our study is the first to report the following species in Cameroon: Se. (Sin.) thomsoni (as ssp. nov. mandarai), Se. (Ser.) cincta, Se. (Sin.) affinis ssp. vorax, Se. (Sin.) adami, Se. (Sin.) herollandi, and Se. (Sin.) christophersi. In addition, some morphologically atypical Sergentomyia specimens (combination of Ser. x Sin. traits) were recorded. A checklist of 32 species reports from Cameroon is presented.


Comparison of cryopreserved human sperm from solid surface vitrification and standard vapor freezing method: on motility, morphology, vitality and DNA integrity.
Solid surface vitrificaition (SSV) is a cryoperservative method that has been used in the cryopreservation of oocytes, and embryos. Here, we report an application of the SSV in the cryopreservation of human spermatozoa. We compared the SSV with a standard freezing method in terms of sperm motility, morphology, vitality and DNA integrity. Sperm motility was determined by computer assisted semen analysis, morphology and vitality were determined by eosin-methylene blue staining, and DNA integrity was determined by a TUNEL assay. We found that while both cryopreservative methods produced spermatozoa with comparable vitality and motility, the SSV gave slightly, but significantly fewer sperm with DNA damage, and loose tail. We concluded that, a cryopreservation of human spermatozoa by SSV is feasible and provides a quick and practical way to preserve human spermatozoa with a comparable, if not better, quality of the preserved spermatozoa to the standard freezing method.


Formation of diapause cyst shell in brine shrimp, Artemia parthenogenetica, and its resistance role in environmental stresses.
Artemia has attracted much attention for its ability to produce encysted embryos wrapped in a protective shell when subject to extremely harsh environmental conditions. However, what the cyst shell is synthesized from and how the formative process is performed remains, as yet, largely unknown. Over 20 oviparous specifically expressed genes were identified through screening the subtracted cDNA library enriched between oviparous and ovoviviparous Artemia ovisacs. Among them, a shell gland-specifically expressed gene (SGEG) has been found to be involved in the cyst shell formation. Lacking SGEG protein (by RNA interference) caused the cyst shell to become translucent and the chorion layer of the shell to become less compact and pultaceous and to show a marked decrease of iron composition within the shell. The RNA interference induced defective diapause cysts with a totally compromised resistibility to UV irradiation, extremely large temperature differences, osmotic pressure, dryness, and organic solvent stresses. In contrast, the natural cyst would provide adequate protection from all such factors. SGEG contains a 345-bp open reading frame, and its consequentially translated peptide consists of a 33-amino acid residue putative signal peptide and an 81-amino acid residue mature peptide. The results of Northern blotting and in situ hybridization indicate that the gene is specifically expressed in the cells of shell glands during the period of diapause cyst formation of oviparous Artemia. This investigation adds strong insight into the mechanism of cyst shell formation of Artemia and may be applicable to other areas of research in extremophile biology.


The graft-versus-host reaction and immune function. III. Functional pre-T cells in the bone marrow of graft-versus-host-reactive mice displaying T cell immunodeficiency.
Studies were performed to determine whether pre-T cells develop normally in the bone marrow of mice displaying thymic dysplasia and T cell immunodeficiency as a consequence of a graft-versus-host (GVH) reaction. GVH reactions were induced in CBAxAF1 mice by the injection of A strain lymphoid cells. To test for the presence of pre-T cells in GVH-reactive mice, bone marrow from GVH-reactive mice (GVHBM) was injected into irradiated syngeneic F1 mice and 30-40 days later thymic morphology and function were studied. Morphology studies showed nearly normal thymic architectural restoration; moreover, such glands contained normal numbers of Thy-1-positive cells. Functional pre-T cells were evaluated by transferring thymocytes from the irradiated GVHBM-reconstituted mice into T-cell-deprived mice. These thymocytes reconstituted allograft reactivity, T helper cell function and Con A and PHA mitogen responses of T-cell-deprived mice. These results suggest that the pre-T cell population in the bone marrow is not affected by the GVH reaction. Therefore, the T cell immunodeficiency associated with the GVH reaction is not due to a deficiency of pre-T cells in the bone marrow but is more likely associated with GVH-induced thymic dysplasia.


Genetic variability of vascular endothelial growth factor and prognosis of head and neck cancer in a Brazilian population.
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is one of the most potent endothelial cell mitogens and plays a critical role in angiogenesis. Polymorphisms in this gene have been evaluated in patients with several types of cancer. The objectives of this study were to determine if there was an association of the -1154G/A polymorphism of the VEGF gene with head and neck cancer and the interaction of this polymorphism with lifestyle and demographic factors. Additionally, the distribution of the VEGF genotype was investigated with respect to the clinicopathological features of head and neck cancer patients. The study included 100 patients with histopathological diagnosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Patients with treated tumors were excluded. A total of 176 individuals 40 years or older were included in the control group and individuals with a family history of neoplasias were excluded. Analysis was performed after extraction of genomic DNA using the real-time PCR technique. No statistically significant differences between allelic and genotype frequencies of -1154G/A VEGF polymorphism were identified between healthy individuals and patients. The real-time PCR analyses showed a G allele frequency of 0.72 and 0.74 for patients and the control group, respectively. The A allele showed a frequency of 0.28 for head and neck cancer patients and 0.26 for the control group. However, analysis of the clinicopathological features showed a decreased frequency of the A allele polymorphism in patients with advanced (T3 and T4) tumors (OR = 0.36; 95%CI = 0.14-0.93; P = 0.0345). The -1154A allele of the VEGF gene may decrease the risk of tumor growth and be a possible biomarker for head and neck cancer. This polymorphism is associated with increased VEGF production and may have a prognostic importance.


Using monoclonal antibodies to label living root hairs: a novel tool for studying cell wall microarchitecture and dynamics in Arabidopsis.
The Arabidopsis root hair represents a valuable cell model for elucidating polar expansion mechanisms in plant cells and the overall biology of roots. The deposition and development of the cell wall is central to the root hair expansion apparatus. During this process, incorporation of specific wall polymers into the growing wall architecture constitutes a critical spatio-temporal event that controls hair size and growth rate and one that is closely coordinated with the cell's endomembrane, cytoskeletal and signal transduction apparatuses. In this study, the protocol for live cell labeling of roots with monoclonal antibodies that bind to specific wall polymers is presented. This method allows for rapid assessment of root hair cell wall composition during development and assists in describing changes to cell wall composition in transgenic mutant lines. Enzymatic "unmasking" of specific polymers prior to labeling allows for refined interpretation of cell wall chemistry. Live cell immunofluorescence data may also be correlated with transmission electron microscopy-based immunogold labeling. Live Arabidopsis root hairs may be labeled with cell wall polymer-specific antibodies. This methodology allows for direct visualization of cell wall dynamics throughout development in stable transgenic plant lines. It also provides an important new tool in the elucidation of the specific interactions occurring between membrane trafficking networks, cytoskeleton and the cell wall deposition/remodeling mechanism.


Reynoutria Japonica from Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Source of Competitive Adenosine Deaminase Inhibitors for Anticancer.
Adenosine deaminase (ADA) is an important enzyme in purine metabolism and is known as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of lymphoproliferative disorders and cancer. Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine (TCHM) is widely used alone or in combination with chemotherapy to treat cancer, due to its ability to deliver a broad variety of bioactive secondary metabolites as promising sources of novel organic natural agents. In the present study, 29 varieties of medicinal plants were screened for the presence of ADA inhibitors. Extracts from Reynoutria japonica, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Lithospermum erythrorhizon, Magnolia officinalis, Gardenia jasminoides, Stephania tetrandra, Commiphora myrrha, Raphanus sativus and Corydalis yanhusuo demonstrated strong ADA inhibition with rates greater than 50%. However, Reynoutria japonica possessed the highest ADA inhibitory activity at 95.26% and so was used in our study for isolating the ADA inhibitor to be further studied. Eight compounds were obtained and their structures were identified. The compound H1 had strong ADA inhibitory activity and was deduced to be emodin by 1H and 13C-NMR spectroscopic analysis with an IC50 of 0.629 mM. The molecular docking data showed that emodin could bind tightly to the active site of ADA. Our results demonstrated that emodin displayed a new biological activity which is ADA inhibitory activity with high cytotoxic activity against K562 leukemia cells. The bioactivity of cordycepin was significantly increased when used in combination with emodin. Emodin may represent a good candidate anti-cancer therapy and adenosine protective agent.


Recent advances in molecular and genetic analysis of Rh blood group structures.
The Rh antigens are carried by 30-32 kDa integral proteins of the red cell membrane. The Rh locus is composed of two genes: RhD, which encodes the major D antigen and is present only in Rh-positive genomes, and RhCcEe, which encodes both the Cc and Ee polypeptides, most likely by alternative splicing events. The D and non-D Rh mRNAs have been cloned. Their sequence homology suggest that the two Rh genes have evolved by duplication of a common ancestor.


Improvement of CXCR3 ligand CXCL11/I-TAC measurement in human plasma and serum.
The chemokine receptor CXCR3 is involved in cell trafficking dysregulation associated with several inflammatory conditions, including autoimmune and viral diseases. Downregulation of CXCR3, through binding with its ligand CXCL11 (I-TAC), represents a key mechanism in lymphocyte recruitment. Determination of circulating I-TAC can provide useful information in the investigation of inflammatory/infectious conditions. The existing commercial kit does not measure CXCL11/I-TAC in complex matrices, such as human plasma and serum, as reliably as in in vitro-generated cell culture supernatants. We here describe means which lead to an improvement of CXCL11/I-TAC measurement in human plasma and serum.


Lens-sparing vitrectomy for stage 4 and stage 5 retinopathy of prematurity.
To describe the results of lens-sparing vitrectomy for the correction of retinal detachment associated with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and its associated complications. Seventeen patients who underwent a lens-sparing vitrectomy for stage 4 and stage 5 ROP with plus disease at Seoul National University Children' s Hospital between 1999 and 2003 were enrolled in this study. The patients who had bilateral retinal detachment of ROP underwent a lens-sparing vitrectomy in one eye and a scleral buckling surgery or lensectomy-vitrectomy in the other eye. The patients who had a retinal detachment in one eye and a regressed ROP in the other eye underwent unilateral lens-sparing vitrectomies. A review of their preoperative clinical findings (including the status of retinal detachment and plus disease), post-operative results, and any complications encountered was performed. In 17 patients, the postoperative success rate of lens-sparing vitrectomy was 58.8%. However, lens-sparing vitrectomy as a treatment for stage 5 ROP (25.0%) produced more negative post-operative results than it did when used to treat either those for stage 4a (75,0%) or 4b (66.7%) ROP. Among the 10 eyes in which the retina was attached, form vision was shown in six eyes, light could be followed by three eyes, and no light perception was present in one eye. Intra- and post-operative complications included retinal break formation, cataracts, vitreous hemorrhages, and glaucoma in patients with stages 4b and stage 5 ROP. Lens-sparing vitrectomy resulted in encouraging surgical outcomes in the correction of retinal detachment of ROP, especially in stage 4 patients. Therefore, a lens-sparing vitrectomy for stage 4 ROP patient may be beneficial, although it is still associated with some intra- and post-operative complications.


Effects of hormone therapy on the endometrium.
Hormone therapy induces a variety of histologic changes in the endometrium. Histologic patterns encountered in the most commonly used hormonal regimens are described. Oral contraceptives are associated with inactive, atrophic, or pseudosecretory glands and edematous stroma, decidual reaction without spiral arterioles, and stromal granulocytes. A high-potency progesterone may induce marked stromal and vascular hyperplasia and stromal myomatous nodules. Ovulation induction therapy accelerates the maturation of the stroma and is often associated with a discrepancy between the glands showing early secretory changes and an edematous, decidualized stroma. Hormone replacement therapy may stimulate endometrial proliferation if estrogens are used alone and produce endometrial hyperplasia and neoplasia. When estrogen and progesterone regimens are used, a wide range of histologic pattern may be found in various combinations: proliferative and secretory endometrium, glandular and adenomatous hyperplasia, stromal hyperplasia and decidual transformation, glandular metaplasia, atrophic endometrium, and any of the above with endometrial atrophy. Progesterone therapy for endometrial hyperplasia and neoplasia is followed by secretory changes of the endometrium, mostly subnuclear vacuoles, decidual reaction, and sometime squamoid "morules." Secretory changes seen after progesterone therapy in the endometrium do not rule out residual carcinoma. For hormone therapy for breast carcinoma, tamoxifen acts as an antiestrogen on the breast but often acts as an estrogen agonist on the endometrium; tamoxifen therapy may be associated with endometrial hyperplasia, polyps, adenomyosis, adenomatous hyperplasia, and adenocarcinoma.


Highly Sensitive Light-induced Memory Effect with Amorphous Se-SnO(2) Heterojunction.
The light-induced memory effect in amorphous selenium films is studied by fabricating them into a sort of heterojunction (Se-SnO(2)) so as to be able to apply the bias voltage together with the laser beam irradiation for memory. Under the reverse bias voltage, a region of high electric field is formed in the selenium film near the junction. Remarkable enhancement in the photo-induced image spot is achieved if an appropriate bias voltage is applied simultaneously, indicating the sensitization of the memory effect due to the photocurrent induced by the high electric field in the selenium film.


The Comparative Double-Blind Clinical Study in Antihelmintic Efficacy Between Thai Traditional Herbal Formulae and Mebendazole.
This study was carried out in Mahasarakham Primary Healthcare Centre, Mahasarakham province in the area of Northeastern of Thailand. The experiment was randomized controlled trial in the clinical study to examine the efficacy of Thai Traditional Herbal Formula (TTHF) in the treatment of antihelmintic activity of mixed worm infections in human. The 2 experimental groups consisted of 10 patients, and 5 patients for control group with inclusion and exclusion criteria, who were screened by the selection of mixed worm infection symptom samples. The investigation and extraction of worm eggs per gram (EPG) of patient feces method were performed with Ether-Formalin Sedimentation test. The percentage of reduction of EPG of patient feces were collected, counted, and confirmed by parasitologist, and the clinical efficacy was investigated by the physician and the pharmacist. The percent EPG data were collected before and after the treatment with TTHF and with mebendazole. The result showed that TTHF had higher efficacy in antihelmintic activity than mebendazole and placebo, which had the percent reduction of EPG of feces as 93.69 in TTHF and percent reduction of EPG of feces as 87.50 in mebendazole. The suggestion of this study should increase the number of samples of worm-infected patients, which the samples can be identified with the specific helminths genus and species to obtain the efficacy by the treatment using TTHF and mebendazole comparatively.


Reference services in U. S. medical school libraries.
Results of a 1967/68 survey of reference practices and policies in U. S. medical school libraries are presented. The information was obtained through questionnaires sent to the libraries of medical schools having students currently enrolled; eighty-five replies were returned.


Motor Unit Interpulse Intervals During High Force Contractions.
We examined the means, medians, and variability for motor-unit interpulse intervals (IPIs) during voluntary, high force contractions. Eight men (mean age = 22 years) attempted to perform isometric contractions at 90% of their maximal voluntary contraction force while bipolar surface electromyographic (EMG) signals were detected from the vastus lateralis and vastus medialis muscles. Surface EMG signal decomposition was used to determine the recruitment thresholds and IPIs of motor units that demonstrated accuracy levels ≥ 96.0%. Motor units with high recruitment thresholds demonstrated longer mean IPIs, but the coefficients of variation were similar across all recruitment thresholds. Polynomial regression analyses indicated that for both muscles, the relationship between the means and standard deviations of the IPIs was linear. The majority of IPI histograms were positively skewed. Although low-threshold motor units were associated with shorter IPIs, the variability among motor units with differing recruitment thresholds was comparable.


Neural dynamics driving audio-visual integration in autism.
Audio-visual (AV) integration plays a crucial role in supporting social functions and communication in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, behavioral findings remain mixed and, importantly, little is known about the underlying neurophysiological bases. Studies in neurotypical adults indicate that oscillatory brain activity in different frequencies subserves AV integration, pointing to a central role of (i) individual alpha frequency (IAF), which would determine the width of the cross-modal binding window; (ii) pre-/peri-stimulus theta oscillations, which would reflect the expectation of AV co-occurrence; (iii) post-stimulus oscillatory phase reset, which would temporally align the different unisensory signals. Here, we investigate the neural correlates of AV integration in children with ASD and typically developing (TD) peers, measuring electroencephalography during resting state and in an AV integration paradigm. As for neurotypical adults, AV integration dynamics in TD children could be predicted by the IAF measured at rest and by a modulation of anticipatory theta oscillations at single-trial level. Conversely, in ASD participants, AV integration/segregation was driven exclusively by the neural processing of the auditory stimulus and the consequent auditory-induced phase reset in visual regions, suggesting that a disproportionate elaboration of the auditory input could be the main factor characterizing atypical AV integration in autism.


Nutrient intake, digestibility and performance of Gaddi kids supplemented with tea seed or tea seed saponin extract.
An experiment was conducted to determine the nutrient intake, digestibility, microbial protein synthesis, haemato-biochemical attributes, immune response and growth performance of Gaddi kids fed with oat fodder based basal diet supplemented with either tea seed or tea seed saponin (TSS) extract. Eighteen male kids, 7.03±0.16 months of age and 19.72±0.64 kg body weight, were distributed into three groups, T0 (control), T1, and T2, consisting of 6 animals each in a completely randomized design. The kids were fed a basal diet consisting of concentrate mixture and oat fodder (50:50). Animals in group III (T2) were supplemented with TSS at 0.4% of dry matter intake (DMI), and group II (T1) were supplemented with tea seed at 2.6% of DMI to provide equivalent dose of TSS as in T2. Two metabolism trials were conducted, 1st after 21 days and 2nd after 90 days of feeding to evaluate the short term and long term effects of supplementation. The tea seed (T1) or TSS (T2) supplementation did not affect DMI as well as the digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fibre, and acid detergent fibre. Nutritive value of diet and plane of nutrition were also comparable for both the periods. However, the average daily gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were improved (p<0.05) for T1 and T2 as compared to T0. The microbial protein supply was also higher (p<0.05) for T1 and T2 for both the periods. There was no effect of supplementation on most blood parameters. However, the triglyceride and low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels decreased (p<0.05) and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol level increased (p<0.05) in T2 as compared with T0 and T1. Supplementation also did not affect the cell mediated and humoral immune response in goats. Tea seed at 2.6% of DMI and TSS at 0.4% DMI can be fed to Gaddi goats to improve growth rate, FCR and microbial protein synthesis.


Tas2R signaling enhances mouse neutrophil migration via a ROCK-dependent pathway.
Type-2 bitter taste receptors (Tas2Rs) are a large family of G protein-coupled receptors that are expressed in the oral cavity and serve to detect substances with bitter tastes in foods and medicines. Recent evidence suggests that Tas2Rs are also expressed extraorally, including in immune cells. However, the role of Tas2Rs in immune cells remains controversial. Here, we demonstrate that Tas2R126, Tas2R135, and Tas2R143 are expressed in mouse neutrophils, but not in other immune cells such as macrophages or T and B lymphocytes. Treatment of bone marrow-derived neutrophils from wild-type mice with the Tas2R126/143 agonists arbutin and d-salicin led to enhanced C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CXCL2)-stimulated migration in vitro, but this response was not observed in neutrophils from Tas2r126/135/143-deficient mice. Enhancement of CXCL2-stimulated migration by Tas2R agonists was accompanied by increased phosphorylation of myosin light chain 2 (MLC2) and was blocked by pretreatment of neutrophils with inhibitors of Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing protein kinase (ROCK), but not by inhibitors of the small GTPase RhoA. Taken together, these results demonstrate that mouse neutrophils express functional Tas2R126/143 and suggest a role for Tas2R126/143-ROCK-MLC2-dependent signaling in the regulation of neutrophil migration.


Attenuation of acute experimental colitis by preventing NPY Y1 receptor signaling.
Neuropeptide Y (NPY), a 36-amino acid peptide, is widely expressed in the central and peripheral nervous system. NPY is involved in the regulation of several physiological processes, including energy balance, food intake, and nociception. Recently, we showed that activation of the NPY Y1 receptor is required for cutaneous neurogenic inflammation. Because neurogenic inflammation could participate in colitis, the aim of this study was to investigate the role of the NPY Y1 receptor in acute colitis using mice genetically deficient of NPY Y1 receptor. In addition, the Y1 receptor antagonist H409/22, was also investigated. Animals received 5% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in drinking water for 7 days. One group of animals also received the Y1 receptor antagonist, administered intraperitoneally twice daily. Disease activity was assessed daily for 7 days in all groups. DSS induced colitis in all animals resulting in weight loss, diarrhea, epithelial damage, crypt shortening, and inflammatory infiltration. However, clinical manifestation of the disease was markedly attenuated in Y1 null mutant mice as well as in mice receiving the Y1 antagonist. Histological analysis showed that tissue damage and ulceration were less severe in Y1-deficient animals. Consistent with the clinical and histological data, capsaicin-induced plasma extravasation was significantly reduced in the gut of Y1 null mutant animals compared with treated wild-type animals. These data indicate that NPY and Y1 receptor are involved in intestinal inflammation and suggest that inhibition of NPY Y1 receptor signaling may provide a novel therapeutic approach in the treatment of colonic inflammation.


Macrophage activation by a substituted pyrimido[5,4-b]indole increases anti-cancer activity.
Immunotherapy has become a promising new approach for cancer treatment due to the immune system's ability to remove tumors in a safe and specific manner. Many tumors express anti-inflammatory factors that deactivate the local immune response or recruit peripheral macrophages into pro-tumor roles. Because of this, effective and specific ways of activating macrophages into anti-tumor phenotypes is highly desirable for immunotherapy purposes. Here, the use of a small molecule TLR agonist as a macrophage activator for anti-cancer therapy is reported. This compound, referred to as PBI1, demonstrated unique activation characteristics and expression patterns compared to treatment with LPS, through activation of TLR4. Furthermore, PBI1 treatment resulted in anti-tumor immune behavior, enhancing macrophage phagocytic efficiency five-fold versus non-treated macrophages. Additive effects were observed via use of a complementary strategy (anti-CD47 antibody), resulting in ∼10-fold enhancement of phagocytosis, suggesting this small molecule approach could be used in conjunction with other therapeutics.


In the spotlight: biomedical signal processing.
BSP is a well established discipline and constitutes the corner stone for the training of Biomedical Engineers both at undergraduate and at graduate levels. No basic curriculum on Biomedical Engineering could even exist without one or more BSP courses. All the advanced methods of signal processing (from traditional linear digital filtering up to non linear higher-order approaches) have been applied to BSP. The EEG signal, which is basically pseudo-stochastic, is a good example: the information contained in the original tracings, which are generally used for physiological or clinical interpretation, is hardly directly interpretable unless a more or less complicate pre-processing is done. This reasoning is obviously applicable, in different contexts, to other biomedical signals.


Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty. A multicenter investigation with long-term follow-up evaluation.
Nonmental-backed, cemented, unicompartmental knee arthroplasty has a survivorship rate in this multicenter investigation at ten years of 91.4% (+/- 2.8). High levels of patient weight were associated with increased need for revision arthroplasty. Overall, men had a lower revision rate (2.4%) compared with women (3.9%). Valgus postoperative alignment was minimally associated with progression of disease as a cause for revision. No difference in revision rates between medial and lateral compartmental arthroplasty was noted. The theoretical clinical benefits of the use of metal-backed tibial components will need to be reevaluated in light of these findings.


Age-associated changes in cardiovagal baroreflex sensitivity are related to central arterial compliance.
Cardiovagal baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) declines with advancing age in humans, but the underlying mechanism has not been established. Using two different approaches, we determined the relation between age-associated decline in cardiovagal BRS and the compliance of an artery in which arterial baroreceptors are located. First, we measured carotid artery compliance (via the simultaneous application of ultrasonography and arterial applanation tonometry) and cardiovagal BRS (phase IV of the Valsalva maneuver) in 47 healthy sedentary men that varied widely in age (19--76 yr). Cardiovagal BRS declined progressively with age (r = -0.69; P < or = 0.001) and was positively related to carotid artery compliance (r = 0.71; P < or = 0.001). Stepwise multiple-regression analysis revealed that carotid artery compliance was the strongest independent physiological correlate of cardiovagal BRS and that it explained 51% of the total variance. Second, we studied 13 middle-aged and older previously sedentary men (age 56 +/- 2 yr) before and after 13 wk of aerobic exercise intervention. Regular exercise increased both cardiovagal BRS and carotid artery compliance (P < 0.05) and the two events were strongly and positively related (r = 0.72; P < 0.01). We conclude that reduced carotid artery compliance may play an important mechanistic role in age-associated decrease in cardiovagal BRS in healthy sedentary humans.


Peanut bud necrosis tospovirus S RNA: complete nucleotide sequence, genome organization and homology to other tospoviruses.
The complete nucleotide sequence of the S RNA of peanut bud necrosis virus (PBNV) has been determined. The RNA is 3 057 nucleotides in length, contains inverted repeats and two open reading frames (ORFs) with an ambisense coding strategy that are separated by an A+U-rich intergenic region. One ORF (1 320 nucleotides in the viral sense strand) encodes a Mr 49.5 kDa protein, identified as the nonstructural (NSs) protein based on similarity to published tospovirus sequences. The second ORF (831 nucleotides in virus complementary strand) encodes a Mr 30.6 kDa protein. This protein was identified as the nucleocapsid (N) protein based on sequence similarities. Amino acid sequence comparison of N and NSs proteins revealed identities of 22-34% with the reported tospovirus isolates of serogroups I, II, and III, whereas it had 82-86% identity with viruses in serogroup IV, watermelon silver mottle virus (WSMV) and tomato isolate of peanut bud necrosis (PBNV-To). Two subgenomic RNA species detected in PBNV infected tissue corresponded to the predicted sizes (1.65 and 1.4 kb) of the NSs and N mRNAs. The data presented show conclusively that PBNV should be included in serogroup IV, along with WSMV and PBNV-To.


Mixing processes in the vitreous chamber induced by eye rotations.
In this paper, we study a model of flow in the vitreous humour in the posterior chamber of the human eye, induced by saccadic eye rotations. We concentrate on the effect of the shape of the chamber upon the mixing properties of the induced flows. We make particle image velocimetry measurements of the fluid velocity in a transparent plastic (Perspex) model of the posterior chamber during sinusoidal torsional oscillations about a vertical axis. We use a Newtonian fluid to model the vitreous humour, which is most realistic when either the vitreous humour is liquefied or has been replaced by purely viscous tamponade fluids. The model of the posterior chamber is a sphere with an indentation, representing the effect of the lens. In spite of the purely periodic forcing, a steady streaming flow is generated, which plays a fundamental role in the mixing processes in the domain. The streaming flow differs markedly from that in a perfect sphere, and its topological characteristics change substantially as the frequency of oscillation varies. We discuss the flow characteristics in detail and show that, for physiological parameter values, the Péclet number (based on a suitable measure of the steady streaming velocity) is large, suggesting that advection strongly dominates over diffusion for mass transport phenomena. We also compute particle trajectories based on the streaming velocity and use these to investigate the stirring properties of the flow.


Retirement behavior of cancer survivors: role of health insurance.
Workers who rely on employment for health insurance may be unable to reduce work during and following treatment for a serious health condition, potentially harming their health in retirement. In this study, we examine the influence of retiree and employment-contingent insurance on the retirement and health of workers diagnosed with cancer. This longitudinal cohort study used 2000-2018 Health and Retirement Study data to examine changes in employment, weekly hours worked, and health status measures following a cancer diagnosis. We selected respondents who reported a new cancer diagnosis (n = 354) and a matched, non-cancer sample (n = 1770), restricting both samples to those employed and younger than age 63. Following a cancer diagnosis, women with retiree health insurance were 18.6 percentage points less likely to work (95% CI: - 36.3 to - 1.0; p < 0.05) relative to women with employer health insurance, but no retiree insurance. Employed women with cancer but without employment-contingent health insurance increased weekly hours worked by 34% relative to similar non-cancer controls. Men and women with a cancer diagnosis and without employment-contingent health or retiree insurance were also less likely to work (p < 0.05). Among those who stopped working, respondents with cancer and employment-contingent health insurance reported better health status than respondents without employment-contingent health insurance. Cancer survivors with employer and retiree health insurance leave the workforce earlier and report better health status when they stop working than those without equivalent insurance. Policies to support health insurance outside of employment may allow cancer survivors to retire earlier and may have positive health benefits.


Prediction of peak oxygen uptake in children using submaximal ratings of perceived exertion during treadmill exercise.
This study assessed the utility of the Children's Effort Rating Table (CERT) and the Eston-Parfitt (EP) Scale in estimating peak oxygen uptake ([Formula: see text]) in children, during cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) on a treadmill. Fifty healthy children (n = 21 boys; 9.4 ± 0.9 years) completed a continuous, incremental protocol until the attainment of [Formula: see text]. Oxygen uptake ([Formula: see text]) was measured continuously, and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were estimated at the end of each exercise stage using the CERT and the EP Scale. Ratings up to- and including RPE 5 and 7, from both the CERT (CERT 5, CERT 7) and EP Scale (EP 5, EP 7), were linearly regressed against the corresponding [Formula: see text], to both maximal RPE (CERT 10, EP 10) and terminal RPE (CERT 9, EP 9). There were no differences between measured- and predicted [Formula: see text] from CERT 5, CERT 7, EP 5 and EP 7 when extrapolated to either CERT 9 or EP 9 (P > 0.05). Pearson's correlations of r = 0.64-0.86 were observed between measured- and predicted [Formula: see text], for all perceptual ranges investigated. However, only EP 7 provided a small difference when considering the standard error of estimate, suggesting that the prediction of [Formula: see text] from EP 7 would be within 10 % of measured [Formula: see text]. Although robust estimates of [Formula: see text] may be elicited using both the CERT and EP Scale during a single CPET with children, the most accurate estimates of [Formula: see text] occur when extrapolating from EP 7.


[First-trimester screening for trisomies 18 and 13 with the combined use of the risk algorithms for trisomy 21, 18 and 13].
Assessment of first-trimester combined screening for trisomy 18 and 13 with the combined use of the risk algorithms for trisomy 21, 18 and 13. First-trimester combined screening based on maternal and gestational age, fetal NT, PAPP-A and free β-hCG was assessed in 39 ,004 pregnancies. Patient-specific risks for trisomy 21, 18, 13 were computed based on the current FMF London algorithm. The study population consisted of 38 ,751 singleton pregnancies including 39 cases with trisomy 18 or 13. In the aneuploid group, median delta NT was 0.72 mm, PAPP-A was 0.21 MoM and free β-hCG was 0.33 MoM. Although only 41 % of the NT measurements of fetuses with trisomy 18 or 13 were above the 95th percentile, the detection rates for trisomy 18 or 13 were 82 % with the trisomy 18/13 algorithm and 56.4 % with the trisomy 21 algorithm. The respective false-positive rates were 0.7 % and 4.7 %. The combination of the trisomy 18/13 and the trisomy 21 algorithm with the same cut-offs led to a detection rate of 94.9 % at an overall false-positive rate of 5.0 %. Despite a substantial underestimation of the fetal NT, the combined use of the trisomy 18/13 and the trisomy 21 algorithm of the FMF London leads to a detection rate for trisomy 18/13 of about 95 % for a false-positive rate of 5.0 %.


Anaplasma phagocytophilum inhibits apoptosis and promotes cytoskeleton rearrangement for infection of tick cells.
Anaplasma phagocytophilum causes human granulocytic anaplasmosis. Infection with this zoonotic pathogen affects gene expression in both the vertebrate host and the tick vector, Ixodes scapularis. Here, we identified new genes, including spectrin alpha chain or alpha-fodrin (CG8) and voltage-dependent anion-selective channel or mitochondrial porin (T2), that are involved in A. phagocytophilum infection/multiplication and the tick cell response to infection. The pathogen downregulated the expression of CG8 in tick salivary glands and T2 in both the gut and salivary glands to inhibit apoptosis as a mechanism to subvert host cell defenses and increase infection. In the gut, the tick response to infection through CG8 upregulation was used by the pathogen to increase infection due to the cytoskeleton rearrangement that is required for pathogen infection. These results increase our understanding of the role of tick genes during A. phagocytophilum infection and multiplication and demonstrate that the pathogen uses similar strategies to establish infection in both vertebrate and invertebrate hosts.