Clinical applications of stem cell factor.
Stem cell factor is an early-acting hematopoietic cytokine that probably functions constitutively to support the proliferation and survival of pluripotent progenitor cells and to increase their receptivity to lineage commitment and differentiation in response to lineage-specific cytokines. Stem cell factor also can induce proliferation and activation of mast cells. In vitro and in vivo, stem cell factor has demonstrated synergy with other hematopoietic cytokines. In clinical trials, stem cell factor has been shown to mobilize peripheral blood progenitor cells and when combined with G-CSF to increase the number of peripheral blood progenitor cells harvested. When used in lower doses and with antihistamine and beta-agonist premedication, stem cell factor therapy has been well tolerated. Phase III trials are in progress to document the efficacy of stem cell factor in peripheral blood progenitor cell harvesting protocols. Future clinical applications may include the treatment of adult and pediatric marrow failure states, the ex vivo expansion and manipulation of hematopoietic progenitor cells, and the treatment of disorders of skin pigmentation.


Ultra-remote stereocontrol by conformational communication of information along a carbon chain.
Many receptors and allosteric proteins function through binding of a molecule to induce a conformational change, which then influences a remote active site. In synthetic systems, comparable intramolecular information transfer can be effected by using the shape of one part of a molecule to control the stereoselectivity of reactions occurring some distance away. However, the need for direct communication with the reaction site usually limits such remote stereocontrol to distances of not more than about five bond lengths. Cyclic structures overcome this problem by allowing the controlling centre and the reaction site to approach each other, but the information transfer spans only short absolute distances. Truly remote stereocontrol can, however, be achieved with rigid compounds containing amide groups: the conformation of the amides can be controlled by stereogenic centres and responds to that of neighbouring amide groups and in turn influences stereoselective reactions. This strategy has allowed remote stereocontrol spanning 8 (ref. 11) or 9 (ref. 12) bonds. Here we demonstrate stereocontrol over a reaction taking place more than 20 bond lengths from the controlling centre, corresponding to a linear distance of over 2.5 nm. This transmission of information, achieved by conformational changes relayed through the molecule, provides a chemical model of allostery and might serve as a molecular mechanism for communicating and processing information.


Estrogen receptors in gastric adenocarcinoma: a retrospective immunohistochemical analysis.
Estrogen receptors (ER) in human gastric carcinomas were examined immunohistochemically using a specific monoclonal antibody to human ER. ER-immunoreactivity (ER-IR) was positive in 30 (27.8%) of the 108 gastric carcinomas examined. ER-IR was located in the nucleus of cancer cells. The incidence of ER-IR positive gastric carcinoma was not significantly different between male and female cases. However, the positive tumour cells were observed in 28 (39.4%) out of the 71 poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma, the incidence being significantly higher than that in well differentiated adenocarcinoma (p less than 0.01). There was no significant difference in the incidence of ER-IR between scirrhous carcinoma and non-scirrhous poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. Synchronous expression of ER and epidermal growth factor receptor was found in 8 of the 26 scirrhous carcinomas (30.8%). Patients with ER-IR positive scirrhous gastric carcinomas showed a much worse prognosis than those with ER-IR negative scirrhous carcinomas.


[The effectiveness of the combination of azelastine hydrochloride and mometasone furoate for the intranasal application in the patients presenting with seasonal allergic rhinitis].
The objective of the present work was to evaluate the effectiveness of the combination of azelastine hydrochloride and mometasone furoate for the intranasal application to treat the patients presenting with seasonal allergic rhinitis. A total of 60 subjects suffering from seasonal allergic rhinitis were available for the observation. All the patients were allocated to three groups comprised of 20 individuals each. The patients of the first group received the fixed combination of azelastine hydrochloride and mometasone furoate for the intranasal application, those in the second group were given mometasone furoate administered intranasally together with an oral antihistamine preparation of the third generation, and the patients of the third group were treated with intranasal mometasone furoate alone. The effectiveness of the treatment was evaluated on days 7 and 14 after its initiation. It was found that the treatment with the use of the combination of azelastine hydrochloride and mometasone furoate resulted in a more pronounced alleviation of rhinological symptoms and improvement of the quality of life at the early stages of therapy in comparison with mometasone furoate monotherapy. It is concluded that the patients with moderate and severe seasonal allergic rhinitis can be recommended to use the combination of azelastine hydrochloride and mometasone furoate as качестве the initial treatment.


Proteomic analysis of early-response to mechanical stress in neonatal rat mandibular condylar chondrocytes.
The objectives of this study were to investigate the early response to mechanical stress in neonatal rat mandibular chondrocytes by proteomic analysis. To evaluate its molecular mechanism, chondrocytes were isolated and cultured in vitro, then loaded mechanical stress by four-point bending system on different patterns. Morphological observation, flow cytometric analysis, and MTT assays indicated that 4,000 microstrain loading for 60 min was an appropriate mechanical stimulus for the following proteome analysis, which produced a transient but obvious inhibitory effect on the cell cycle. Therefore, we took a proteomic approach to identify significantly differential expression proteins in chondrocytes under this mechanical stress. Using 2-DE and MALDI-TOF, we identified seven differentially expressed proteins including the MAPK pathway inhibitor RKIP, cytoskeleton proteins, actin and vimentin, and other selected proteins. Some differentially expressed proteins were validated by both Western blot analysis and fluorescent staining of cytoskeleton at different loading times. The vimentin and RKIP responsive expression were also proven in vivo in oral orthopedic treatment rats, which was in line with the result in vitro. The histological changes in cartilage also showed the inhibition effect. Furthermore, the expressional level of phosphorylated ERK was increased, which demonstrates the changes in MAPK activity. Taken together, these data indicate that mechanical stress resulted in vimentin expression changes first and then led to the subsequent changes in actin expression, MAPK pathway regulated by RKIP and heat shock protein GRP75. All those changes contributed to the cytoskeleton remolding and cell cycle inhibition, finally led to condylar remodeling.


Marfey's reagent for chiral amino acid analysis: a review.
The present paper describes characteristics and application of Marfey's reagent (MR) including general protocols for synthesis of the reagent and diastereomers along with advantages, disadvantages and the required precautions. Applications, and comparison with other derivatizing agents, for the resolution of complex mixtures of DL-amino acids, amines and non-proteinogenic amino acids, peptides/amino acids from microorganisms, cysteine residues in peptides, and evaluation of racemizing characteristics have been discussed. Separation mechanisms of resolution of amino acid diastereomers and replacement of Ala-NH2 by suitable chiral moieties providing structural analogs and different chiral variants and their application as a derivatizing agent to examine the efficiency, and reactivity of the reagent have been focussed. Use of MR for preparing CSPs for direct enantiomeric resolution has also been included.


Prospective comparison of differences in bone mineral density adjacent to two biomechanically different types of cementless femoral stems.
We compared the differences in bone mineral density (BMD) adjacent to two biomechanically different cementless femoral stems (Spotorno and Evolution-K). Measurements were performed within the first week after surgery and 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively in a prospective study of 31 patients with 37 total hip arthroplasties. A modified Harris hip score and a visual analogue score for patient satisfaction was used to evaluate the clinical outcome. For both stems, dual X-ray absorptiometry measurements revealed a decrease in BMD in Gruen zone 7. Patients with a Spotorno stem also had a significant decrease in BMD in zones 1 and 2. In patients with an Evolution-K stem, there was a positive correlation between the clinical outcome and BMD in Gruen zones 1 and 4. Our data suggest that periprosthetic bone loss is equal to if not less pronounced adjacent to the Evolution-K stem as compared to the Spotorno stem.


Choice of GFR estimating equation influences dialysis initiation and mortality.
At least 12 observational studies of large databases since 2002 (greater than 1.2 million patients) have reported a survival disadvantage with higher estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) or renal clearance at the time of dialysis initiation. This study found the association between mortality and early dialysis initiation is affected by which equation is used to estimate glomerular filtration rate. The mortality risk was related to time of dialysis initiation, which is influenced by the GFR estimating equation. Specifically, results suggest that use of the 4-variable Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) eGFR equation in patients with end stage renal disease may provide an inaccurate estimation of eGFR relative to the 6-variable MDRD equation. The increased risk for mortality from "early" dialysis initiation reported in some recent observational studies may be the result of misclassifying sicker, sarcopenic patients as early starts when the 4-variable MDRD equation is used.


Nonexistence of large mascons at mare marginis and mare orientale.
The analysis of line-of-sight residual accelerations from Lunar Orbiters 3 and 5 does not show any evidence for large mascons near the lunar limbs. Although unfavorable geometry reduces the acceleration effect due to any mascon near the limb, simulations show that large masses at Mare Orientale and Mare Marginis would produce substantial accelerations, in complete disagreement with the actual Doppler tracking data obtained from a Lunar Orbiter experiment.


Bioelectrical impedance analysis of the body composition of children and adolescents with sickle cell disease.
To examine the body composition of children and adolescents with sickle cell disease (SCD) using bioelectrical impedance analysis and to determine if the impedance parameters resistance, reactance, and phase angle are able to distinguish between subjects with SCD and age- and gender matched controls. Total body resistance and reactance were obtained for a total of 53 subjects with SCD (27 male and 26 female) between 10 and 18 years of age and 49 control subjects (23 male and 26 female). The fat-free mass, body cell mass, phase angle, and capacitance were also determined. Group comparisons were made using the 2-sample t test. Male subjects with SCD had significantly lower fat-free mass (37.5 +/- 8.8 vs 43.9 +/- 12.3 kg, P =.04), body cell mass (17.4 +/- 4.3 vs 21.7 +/- 5.8 kg,P =.005), and body fat (3.7 +/- 2.6 vs 6.6 +/- 4.7 kg, P =.008) compared with controls. No significant differences in any body composition components were found for the female subjects. Both male and female subjects had significantly lower phase angle measurements (P <.001 and.006, respectively) than their respective controls, indicating possible alterations in cell membrane properties because of an imbalance in membrane composition or function. Bioelectrical impedance analysis can be used to determine body composition differences in children with SCD. The phase angle may provide a useful method to monitor the efficacy of therapeutic interventions in patients with SCD.


Tracking changes in eligibility and coverage among children, 1996-2002.
Data from the 1996 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) reveal that 4.7 million children were eligible for Medicaid but were uninsured. Numerous changes have occurred in the landscape for children's health insurance since then, including welfare reform and implementation of the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). We use data from the 1996-2002 MEPS to track changes in the eligibility and coverage of children. As of 2002, uninsurance among children remained as much a problem of participation as one of eligibility. Nevertheless, we find evidence of dramatic improvements in program participation, reflecting the success of efforts to improve outreach, simplify enrollment, and increase retention.


Biosynthesis of [14C]geranylgeranyldiphosphate by a prenyl transferase system from a mutant strain of Gibberella fujikuroi.
[14C]Geranylgeranyldiphosphate was produced by a prenyl transferase system extracted from the mutant strain SG4 of Gibberella fujikuroi (wild-type strain IMI 58289), which is blocked in carotenoid biosynthesis. The fungus was grown in liquid medium containing only potato-dextrose broth. Crude extracts of 12- to 14-day-old mycelia in Tris buffer, pH 8.5, were centrifuged at 100,000g. The supernatant was desalted and used to produce [4,8,12,16-14C]geranylgeranyldiphosphate from R,S-[2-14C]mevalonic acid. Maximum yield of [14C]geranylgeranyldiphosphate was obtained using mycelia from the stationary growth phase with incubation of the enzyme preparation at pH 8.5 for 5 h. Routinely, 65% of the biogenetic available R-mevalonic acid was converted to [14C]geranylgeranyldiphosphate, which was identified by cochromatography with authentic [1-3H]geranylgeranyldiphosphate by means of radio-TLC, radio-HPLC, and hydrolysis to geranylgeraniol.


Isolated Upper Extremity Posttransplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder in a Child.
Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a well-described complication of solid organ and bone marrow transplants. The most common presentation is intra-abdominal lymphadenopathy or single or multiple intraparenchymal masses involving the liver, spleen, or kidneys. Here we describe the imaging and pathology findings of an unusual case of PTLD appearing as an intramuscular forearm lesion in a pediatric male. The manifestation of PTLD as an isolated upper extremity mass in a pediatric patient has to our knowledge not been described.


Quantitative study of magnetization reversal by spin-polarized current in magnetic multilayer nanopillars.
We have studied magnetic switching by spin-polarized currents and also the magnetoresistance in sub-100-nm-diam thin-film Co/Cu/Co nanostructures, with the current flowing perpendicular to the plane of the films. By independently varying the thickness of all three layers and measuring the change of the switching currents, we test the theoretical models for spin-transfer switching. In addition, the changes in the switching current and magnetoresistance as a function of the Cu layer thickness give two independent measurements of the room-temperature spin-diffusion length in Cu.


Molecular genetics: cardiac disease and risk-related genes.
Molecular genetics is playing an increasing role in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cardiac disease. Moreover, most of the genes that may cause cardiac disease or predispose an individual to cardiac disease are anticipated to be identified within the next 10 years. Several genes with risk for heart disease have been identified, such as the ACE genotype DD. Replacement gene therapy as well as use of promoter-specific drugs to act on genetic regulatory elements will encompass the future treatment of cardiovascular disease. This article provides a summary of the potential roles of genetic screening for cardiac risk factors and genetic interventions in cardiovascular disease.


A review of normal saline instillation: implications for practice.
Nurses commonly use normal saline instillation (NSI) as a component of the suctioning procedure. The current research on NSI has not clearly identified many positive aspects of the procedure. Much of the research suggests it may actually be harmful. There has been little investigation into the reasons NSI is used. It is presumed that NSI is used to increase secretion removal when patients have thick endotracheal secretions due to inadequate humidity to the airway. Nurses need to be aware of the potential negative effects of routine NSI as well as alternative methods for maintaining adequate airway humidification.


Analysis of clinical approximation in applying Prentice's rule to decentration of spherocylinder lenses.
A common approximation for obtaining the prism induced by decentration of spherocylinder lenses in non-principal meridia has been compared to the actual prism for numerous cylinder axis orientations. The base direction predicted by the approximation shows significant variations from the actual direction when the cylinder axis is more than 20 degrees from the horizontal or vertical direction. When there is only vertical decentration, the power error is directly proportional to the decentration and the cylinder power. Both the meridional error and the power error depend on the ratio of the sphere power to the cylinder power and on the decentration.


Interferon and the fear of needles: a case report.
The treatment of viral hepatitis C infection uses a combination of pegylated interferon and ribavirin. Psychological preparation of the patient is vital to ensure adherence to the treatment. In our center, the nurse prepares this treatment according to an established educative protocol; however, some patients have special needs that require individualized attention. One such situation observed by the nurse is that the patients frequently admit to the fear of needle puncture (the peginterferon treatment is administered subcutaneously) and are unable to inject themselves. We describe a representative case and the care plan to manage the patient's fear so that the patient acquires confidence in his or her ability to self-inject. This facilitates autonomy and coresponsibility for the treatment, and the nurse can develop care approaches to combat the patient's fear of needles.


The process of designing for [online] learning: response to Bennett et al.
This article examines practical implications of the work by Bennett et al. (Educational Technology Research and Development 65(1):125-145, 2017) entitled, "The process of designing for learning: Understanding university teachers' design work". It addressed the knowledge gap of design practices of university faculty by conducting an extensive qualitative study with 30 interviewees. Three design practices reported that are incremental and iterative. Understanding these common design practices is critical to effectively and efficiently support faculty with transferring their instruction online when many institutions face the challenge of supporting a large number of inexperienced faculty with transferring instructions online. Based on the findings, three stages of support can be devised for before, during, and after sessions. Given the non-systematic cyclic design process of the teachers, need-based, just-in-time support and resources may be helpful. Although the reported process is not specifically for online learning design, the findings may contribute to establishing best practices for supporting faculty's online learning design.


Cloning and characterization of a xylanase gene from corn strains of Erwinia chrysanthemi.
The gene encoding a 42-kDa endoxylanase was cloned from Erwinia chrysanthemi strain D1. Sequencing of this gene, called xynA, showed that it encoded a primary protein product of 413 amino acids with an unusual and long (31 amino acid) leader peptide that was cleaved during secretion to the bacterial periplasm. This protein is distinct from xylanases in glycohydrolase families 10 and 11 and, instead, appears to be intermediate between families 5 and 30. The xynA gene is located downstream from a gene with high homology to ATP-dependent RNA helicases and the Escherichia coli recD gene. Large amounts of the mature xylanase were produced by E. coli cells carrying a T7 expression plasmid construct and the protein was isolated from the bacterial periplasmic fraction by chromatography on a CM Bio-gel column. Marker exchange mutagenesis of the xynA gene eliminated the ability of strain D1 to produce detectable extracellular xylanase activity but did not affect virulence on corn leaves.


[Amputation of the forefoot in a 14-year-old boy due to infiltrative glomus tumour].
Glomus tumours are rare dermal tumours, which very seldom can be seen viscerally. The majority is benign small tumours of the skin. Malignancy has been reported in very few cases worldwide. The diagnosis is made clinically supported by MRI-scans and biopsy of the lesion. We present a case story of a 14-year-old boy, who had an infiltrative glomus tumour of the foot. The tumour met the criteria for malignancy and was operated radically by amputation of the forefoot. The post-operative period was uncomplicated and no metastases were observed neither clinically nor by PET-CT scans.


Stereological investigation of age-related changes of myelinated fibers in the rat cortex.
In the present study, the cortex volume, total volume, total length and mean diameter of the myelinated fibers in the cortices of young, middle-aged, and aged Long-Evans rats were quantitatively investigated by using stereological methods and electron microscopy techniques. There were no significant differences in the myelinated fibers between young and middle-aged rat cortex. The cortex volume and the total length of the myelinated fibers in the cortex of aged rats were significantly lower than those of young and middle-aged rats. However, no significant difference was found in the total volume of the myelinated fibers among three groups. The disproportional changes in the total length and total volume of the myelinated fibers in the cortex of aged rats and the absolute distribution of the total length of the myelinated fibers in the cortex of the three groups suggested that the age-induced decrease of the myelinated fibers might be due mainly to a loss of the myelinated fibers with smaller diameters. The present results together with our previous findings indicated that the age-related changes of the myelinated fibers occurred widely in the central nervous system and that the age-related changes of the myelinated fibers in cortex occurred later than those in white matter.


Computerized anesthesia delivery system vs. traditional syringe: comparing pain and pain-related behavior in children.
The aim of this study was to compare the behavioral reaction of children who receive local anesthesia with a traditional syringe with the behavioral reaction of children who receive local anesthesia with a computerized device (Wand) and to differentiate between the reactions of highly anxious children with those displaying low anxiety. One hundred and twenty-five children aged 4-11 yr were randomly allocated to receive local anesthesia with the Wand or a traditional injection. Parents completed the Dental Subscale of the Children's Fear Survey Schedule (CFSS-DS). Two independent observers scored videotapes of the anesthesia in 15-s intervals. The occurrence of muscle tension, crying, verbal protest, movement, and resistance was registered and a score was given on the Venham distress scale. The mean injection time with the Wand was four times as long as with the traditional syringe. During the first 15 s of the injection, low-anxious children receiving local anesthesia with the Wand displayed less muscle tension, less verbal protest and less movement than children receiving local anesthesia with the traditional syringe. Within the high-anxious group no differences were found. It was concluded that low-anxious children seem to benefit from the use of the Wand instead of the traditional syringe in receiving local anesthesia.


[H1-antihistamines].
While histamine plays an important role in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases, such as allergic rhinitis, H1-antihistamines, which have been using in the treatment of allergic diseases for more than 70 years, are considered as the cornerstone of the medication of allergic diseases. In this review, we discuss the history of histamine studies and anti-histamine discovery, the histamine receptors, as well as the mechanisms and the safety of H1-antihistamines.


A cell factory of Bacillus subtilis engineered for the simple bioconversion of myo-inositol to scyllo-inositol, a potential therapeutic agent for Alzheimer's disease.
A stereoisomer of inositol, scyllo-inositol, is known as a promising therapeutic agent for Alzheimer's disease, since it prevents the accumulation of beta-amyloid deposits, a hallmark of the disease. However, this compound is relatively rare in nature, whereas another stereoisomer of inositol, myo-inositol, is abundantly available. Bacillus subtilis possesses a unique inositol metabolism involving both stereoisomers. We manipulated the inositol metabolism in B. subtilis to permit the possible bioconversion from myo-inositol to scyllo-inositol. Within 48 h of cultivation, the engineered strain was able to convert almost half of 10 g/L myo-inositol to scyllo-inositol that accumulated in the culture medium. The engineered B. subtilis serves as a prototype of cell factory enabling a novel and inexpensive supply of scyllo-inositol.


Invasive-noninvasive Sequential Ventilation for the Treatment of Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of invasivenoninvasive sequential ventilation versus invasive ventilation in the treatment of Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (AECOPD). PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Wanfang, CNKI, VIP database were searched by the index words to identify the qualified RCTs, and relevant literature sources were also searched. The latest research was conducted in June 2017. Relative Risks (RR), and Mean Difference (MD) along with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were used to analyze the main outcomes. Twenty-nine RCTs were involved in this analysis of 1061 patients in the invasivenoninvasive sequential ventilation group (In-non group) and 1074 patients in the invasive ventilation group (In group). The results indicated that compared with the invasive ventilation, invasive-noninvasive sequential ventilation would significantly decrease the incidence of VAP (RR:0.20, 95%CI: 0.16-0.26), mortality (RR:0.38, 95%CI: 0.26-0.55), reintubation (RR:0.39, 95%CI: 0.27-0.55); and statistically reduced the duration of invasive ventilation (MD:-9.23, 95%CI: -10.65, -7.82), the total duration of mechanical ventilation (MD:-4.91, 95%CI: -5.99, -3.83), and the length of stay in the ICU (MD:-5.10, 95%CI: -5.43, -4.76). The results demonstrated that the application of noninvasive sequential ventilation after invasive ventilation at the pulmonary infection control window has a significant influence on VAP incidence, mortality, and the length of stay in the ICU, but further well-designed, adequately powered RCTs are required to validate the conclusion.


The impact of maternal depression during pregnancy on perinatal outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Depression often remains undertreated during pregnancy and there is growing evidence that untoward perinatal outcomes can result. Our systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to determine whether maternal depression during pregnancy is associated with adverse perinatal and infant outcomes. MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO were searched from their start dates to June 2010. Keywords utilized included depressive/mood disorder, postpartum/postnatal, pregnancy/pregnancy trimesters, prenatal or antenatal, infant/neonatal outcomes, premature delivery, gestational age, birth weight, NICU, preeclampsia, breastfeeding, and Apgar. English language studies reporting on perinatal or child outcomes associated with maternal depression were included, 3,074 abstracts were reviewed, 735 articles retrieved, and 30 studies included. Two independent reviewers extracted data and assessed article quality. All studies were included in the primary analyses, and between-group differences for subanalyses are also reported. Thirty studies were eligible for inclusion. Premature delivery and decrease in breastfeeding initiation were significantly associated with maternal depression (odds ratio [OR] = 1.37; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.81; P = .024; and OR = 0.68; 95% CI, 0.61 to 0.76; P < .0001, respectively). While birth weight (mean difference = -19.53 g; 95% CI, -64.27 to 25.20; P = .392), low birth weight (OR = 1.21; 95% CI, 0.91 to 1.60; P = .195), neonatal intensive care unit admissions (OR = 1.43; 95% CI, 0.83 to 2.47; P = .195), and preeclampsia (OR = 1.35; 95% CI, 0.95 to 1.92; P = .089) did not show significant associations in the main analyses, some subanalyses were significant. Gestational age (mean difference = -0.19 weeks; 95% CI, -0.53 to 0.14; P = .262) and Apgar scores at 1 (mean difference = -0.05; 95% CI, -0.28 to 0.17; P = .638) and 5 minutes (mean difference = 0.01; 95% CI, -0.08 to 0.11; P = .782) did not demonstrate any significant associations with depression. For premature delivery, a convenience sample study design was associated with higher ORs (OR = 2.43; 95% CI, 1.47 to 4.01; P = .001). Maternal depression during pregnancy is associated with increased odds for premature delivery and decreased breastfeeding initiation; however, the effects are modest. More research of higher methodological quality is needed.


Interaction of glucocorticoid receptor isoforms with transcription factors AP-1 and NF-kappaB: lack of effect of glucocorticoid receptor beta.
Glucocorticoids act through the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) to enhance or repress transcription of glucocorticoid responsive genes depending on the promoter context and cellular background. The human GR primary transcript is alternatively spliced resulting in hGR alpha and hGR beta isoforms. Transactivation and transrepression are mediated by hGR alpha and while it has been demonstrated that hGR beta, can act as a dominant negative inhibitor of hGR alpha mediated transactivation, its effects on transrepression are not known. To investigate hGR beta actions, we used GR-deficient COS-7 and HEK-293 cells. When hGR alpha (0.5 microg 10(6) cells(-1)) was transfected into COS-7 cells dexamethasone (150 nM) inhibited TNF alpha (80 U ml(-1)) effects on a NF-kappaB responsive reporter gene by 40%. There was no evidence of a dominant negative effect when hGR beta (1-10 microg) was co-transfected with hGR alpha up to ratios of 10:1. Similarly hGR beta had no effect on hGR alpha inhibition of a phorbol ester stimulated Ap-1-responsive reporter gene in COS-7 or HEK-293 cells. In comparison, an apparent dominant negative effect of hGR beta on hGR alpha-mediated transactivation was found to be attributable to non-specific transcriptional squelching in COS-7 cells. In summary, the potential for hGR beta, to act as a dominant negative inhibitor of hGR alpha-mediated transactivation remains controversial, but our data suggest that hGR beta, was unable to act as a dominant negative inhibitor of either hGR alpha-mediated transrepression or transactivation in these promoter and cell contexts.


Detection of a second primary cancer in a 18F-fluorocholine PET/CT - multicentre retrospective analysis on a group of 1345 prostate cancer patients.
Aim of this study was to evaluate the rate of incidental detection of second primary cancer (SPC) at 18F-fluorocholine ([18F]FCH) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) performed in prostate cancer patients. A retrospective analysis was performed on a group of 1345 prostate cancer patients, who underwent [18F]FCH PET/CT study because of suspicion of recurrence (n = 937) or for initial staging (n = 408). Images were acquired after intravenous injection [18F]FCH with a mean activity of 200 ± 75 MBq (5.4 ± 2 mCi), from the top of the head to the half of the thigh. The confirmation of second primary cancer was obtained from the cancer registry. Based on the [18F]FCH PET/CT scans, a second primary cancer was suspected in 89 patients (6.6%). Of these, a malignancy was histologically confirmed in 26 patients (29% of all suspected findings and 1.9% of the complete cohort). Lung cancer (including adenocarcinoma, neuroendocrine cancer) was diagnosed in 13 patients (50%) and hematologic neoplasm (including chronic lymphocytic leukemia, Hodgkin lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, and multiple myeloma) in 5 patients (19%). 18F-fluorocholine PET/CT also revealed esophageal cancer, mesothelioma, testicular, renal, bladder, and colorectal cancer inindividual patients, non-keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the skin as well as head and neck SCC with unknown primary. We conclude that incidental detection of a second primary cancer in prostate cancer patients using [18F]FCH PET/CT is not very common and that lung cancer and hematologic malignancies are most frequently detected.


The Ethylene Biosynthesis Gene CpACO1A: A New Player in the Regulation of Sex Determination and Female Flower Development in Cucurbita pepo.
A methanesulfonate-generated mutant has been identified in Cucurbita pepo that alters sex determination. The mutation converts female into hermaphrodite flowers and disrupts the growth rate and maturation of petals and carpels, delaying female flower opening, and promoting the growth rate of ovaries and the parthenocarpic development of the fruit. Whole-genome resequencing allowed identification of the causal mutation of the phenotypes as a missense mutation in the coding region of CpACO1A, which encodes for a type I ACO enzyme that shares a high identity with Cucumis sativus CsACO3 and Cucumis melo CmACO1. The so-called aco1a reduced ACO1 activity and ethylene production in the different organs where the gene is expressed, and reduced ethylene sensitivity in flowers. Other sex-determining genes, such as CpACO2B, CpACS11A, and CpACS27A, were differentially expressed in the mutant, indicating that ethylene provided by CpACO1A but also the transcriptional regulation of CpACO1A, CpACO2B, CpACS11A, and CpACS27A are responsible for determining the fate of the floral meristem toward a female flower, promoting the development of carpels and arresting the development of stamens. The positive regulation of ethylene on petal maturation and flower opening can be mediated by inducing the biosynthesis of JA, while its negative control on ovary growth and fruit set could be mediated by its repressive effect on IAA biosynthesis.


Three DNA methylation epigenotypes in human colorectal cancer.
Whereas the CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) in colorectal cancer associates with microsatellite instability (MSI)-high and BRAF-mutation(+), the existence of an intermediate-methylation subgroup associated with KRAS-mutation(+) is controversial, and suitable markers for the subgroup have yet to be developed. Our aim is to clarify DNA methylation epigenotypes of colorectal cancer more comprehensively. To select new methylation markers on a genome-wide scale, we did methylated DNA immunoprecipitation-on-chip analysis of colorectal cancer cell lines and re-expression array analysis by 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine/Trichostatin A treatment. Methylation levels were analyzed quantitatively in 149 colorectal cancer samples using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Colorectal cancer was epigenotyped by unsupervised two-way hierarchical clustering method. Among 1,311 candidate silencing genes, 44 new markers were selected and underwent quantitative methylation analysis in colorectal cancer samples together with 16 previously reported markers. Colorectal cancer was clustered into high-, intermediate-, and low-methylation epigenotypes. Methylation markers were clustered into two major groups: group 1 showing methylation in high-methylation epigenotype, and group 2 showing methylation in high- and intermediate-methylation epigenotypes. A two-step marker panel deciding epigenotypes was developed with 95% accuracy: the 1st panel consisting of three group-1 markers (CACNA1G, LOX, SLC30A10) to extract high-methylation epigenotype, and the 2nd panel consisting of four group-2 markers (ELMO1, FBN2, THBD, HAND1) and SLC30A10 again to divide the remains into intermediate- and low-methylation epigenotypes. The high-methylation epigenotype correlated significantly with MSI-high and BRAF-mutation(+) in concordance with reported CIMP. Intermediate-epigenotype significantly correlated with KRAS-mutation(+). KRAS-mutation(+) colorectal cancer with intermediate-methylation epigenotype showed significantly worse prognosis. Three methylation epigenotypes exist in colorectal cancer, and suitable classification markers have been developed. Intermediate-methylation epigenotype with KRAS-mutation(+) correlated with worse prognosis.


Synthesis and characterization of sulfated Gal-β-1,3/4-GlcNAc disaccharides through consecutive protection/glycosylation steps.
We have developed an expeditious procedure to yield large amounts of orthogonally protected Gal-β1,3/4-GlcNAc, which allowed for the systematic introduction of a sulfate group onto the C3/C6 positions of Gal and/or the C6 position of GlcNAc. In particular, the disaccharide precursors were prepared in five or six steps and high overall yield from para-tolyl-6-O-tert-butyldiphenylsilyl-1-thio-β-D-galactopyranoside. After deprotection and sulfation steps, the final products were characterized by using several NMR methods to unambiguously confirm the location of each introduced sulfate group and they were examined for their binding specificity of human galectin-1 and galectin-8.


[Effect of blood-activating and stasis-removing drugs on hypercoagulability data in nephrotic syndrome].
Platelet aggregation test (PAgT), plasma factor VIII related antigen (VIII R:Ag) and kaolin partial thromboplastic time (KPTT) in 32 nephrotic children were determined. (1) PAgT induced by ADP and adrenaline which included 1 minute and 5 minute aggregation rate in the patients (30. 78 +/- 7.44%, 72.56 +/- 18.09%, 22.16 +/- 9.24%, 67.53 +/- 22.32%) was significantly increased (P less than 0.02-0.001) as compared with the normal control group (30.65 +/- 8.38%, 57.98 +/- 13.60%, 18.14 +/- 7.33%, 55.92 +/- 16.10%) except 1 minute aggregation rate induced by ADP (P greater than 0.05). (2) VIII R:Ag and KPTT in patients (226.97 +/- 50.47%, 32.04 +/- 5.88 sec) were obviously different (P less than 0.001, P less than 0.02) from the normal control group (107.11 +/- 24.55%, 35.42 +/- 5.00 sec). The results suggested that PAgT, VIII R:Ag and KPTT could be used as laboratory data reflecting the hypercoagulable state in nephrotic children. According to their age, sex and the clinical types of nephrotic syndrome, 24 nephrotic children with abnormality of PAgT, VIII R:Ag and KPTT were random divided into group 1 given prednisone only and group 2 given prednisone, blood-activating and stasis-removing drugs. the difference of PAgT, VIII R:Ag and KPTT in two groups between pre- and post-treatment was significant statistically (P less than 0.05-P less than 0.001). The decline in PAgT and VIII R:Ag was faster in group 2 than in group 1 (P less than 0.05-P less than 0.01). The results showed that blood-activating and stasis-removing drugs were likely to improve abnormal PAgT and VIII R:Ag in nephrotic children.


Perceived helpfulness of service sectors used for mental and substance use disorders: Findings from the WHO World Mental Health Surveys.
Mental healthcare is delivered across service sectors that differ in level of specialization and intervention modalities typically offered. Little is known about the perceived helpfulness of the combinations of service sectors that patients use. Respondents 18 + years with 12-month DSM-IV mental or substance use disorders who saw a provider for mental health problems in the year before interview were identified from WHO World Mental Health surveys in 17 countries. Based upon the types of providers seen, patients were grouped into nine mutually exclusive single-sector or multi-sector 'treatment profiles'. Perceived helpfulness was defined as the patient's maximum rating of being helped ('a lot', 'some', 'a little' or 'not at all') of any type of provider seen in the profile. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the joint associations of sociodemographics, disorder types, and treatment profiles with being helped 'a lot'. Across all surveys combined, 29.4% (S.E. 0.6) of respondents with a 12-month disorder saw a provider in the past year (N = 3221). Of these patients, 58.2% (S.E. 1.0) reported being helped 'a lot'. Odds of being helped 'a lot' were significantly higher (odds ratios [ORs] = 1.50-1.89) among the 12.9% of patients who used specialized multi-sector profiles involving both psychiatrists and other mental health specialists, compared to other patients, despite their high comorbidities. Lower odds of being helped 'a lot' were found among patients who were seen only in the general medical, psychiatrist, or other mental health specialty sectors (ORs = 0.46-0.71). Female gender and older age were associated with increased odds of being helped 'a lot'. In models stratified by country income group, having 3 or more disorders (high-income countries only) and state-funded health insurance (low/middle-income countries only) were associated with increased odds of being helped 'a lot'. Patients who received specialized, multi-sector care were more likely than other patients to report being helped 'a lot'. This result is consistent with previous research suggesting that persistence in help-seeking is associated with receiving helpful treatment. Given the nonrandom sorting of patients by types of providers seen and persistence in help-seeking, we cannot discount that selection bias may play some role in this pattern.


Serum levels of CK18 M30 and leptin are useful predictors of steatohepatitis and fibrosis in paediatric NAFLD.
With the alarming growth in prevalence of paediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), there is a need for noninvasive methods of stratifying disease severity. Our aim was to evaluate a combination of serum biomarkers as a measure of disease activity in paediatric NAFLD. Forty-five children with biopsy-proven NAFLD were enrolled. Caspase-cleaved CK18 fragments (CK18 M30), hyaluronic acid, leptin, and adiponectin were measured in serum using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein using a colorimetric assay. Median age was 12.7 years (55% boys). Median body mass index z score was 1.7. CK18 M30 levels were significantly higher in patients with NAFLD versus controls, median 288 IU/L versus 172 IU/L (P < 0.001), and in those with steatohepatitis, median 347 IU/L versus simple steatosis (NAFLD activity score < 3), median 191 IU/L (P = 0.006). Significant fibrosis (≥F2) could be differentiated from no/minimal fibrosis (<F2), median 393 IU/L versus 243 IU/L (P = 0.03). Leptin could distinguish <F2 from ≥F2; 28.9 ng/mL versus 70.1 ng/mL (P = 0.037). Adiponectin, hyaluronic acid, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein did not achieve significance in predicting steatohepatitis nor significant fibrosis. The present study combines use of markers for different processes in the development of steatohepatitis. Serum biomarkers, especially CK18 M30, are useful in stratifying disease severity in paediatric NAFLD.


The consumption of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) effectively alleviates type 2 diabetes symptoms in spontaneous diabetic rats.
Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) is described by various beneficial effects as it contains several bioactive substances characterized by antioxidant effects. These effects are closely related to the reduction of oxidative stress that is involved in the development of the disease. One such diseases is Diabetes mellitus, the prevalence of which is growing and is associated primarily with diet, lack of exercise and/or genetics. This study intends to examine the effects of sea buckthorn and metformin on body weight, water and feed intake, glycaemia, insulinemia, sorbitol accumulation and cataract development in Zucker diabetic fatty rats, which represent an animal model of type 2 Diabetes mellitus, as well as to characterize the individual content of bioactive substances and the antioxidant activity of sea buckthorn. Particular concentrations were applied (500 and 1000 mg.kg-1 body weight of sea buckthorn, and combinations with 150 mg.kg-1 body weight of metformin) by gastric gavage. The total antioxidant capacity and bioactive compounds were determined by spectrophotometric analysis. The best results of the study showed suppression of hyperglycaemia, water intake, decreased sorbitol levels in the lens of the eyes after sea buckthorn treatment. Determination of bioactive compounds showed significantly higher values in dry berries when compared to fresh berries of sea buckthorn and high total antioxidant capacity. Our results represent an interest in sea buckthorn and its potential use in the treatment of Diabetes mellitus as well as other experimental studies.


Use of paper-absorbed fingerstick blood samples for studies of antibody to human immunodeficiency virus type 1 in intravenous drug users.
The suitability of paper-absorbed (PA) fingerstick blood specimens for antibody testing of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) was examined in two populations of intravenous drug users (IVDU): 393 persons from a drop-in counseling and testing clinic and 145 from a methadone treatment clinic. From the first group, the same 66 immunoblot-confirmed enzyme immunoassay (EIA)-positive specimens were identified in sera from venipuncture and parallel fingerstick PA specimens. The latter had slightly higher EIA mean background levels resulting in 10 immunoblot-negative EIA-positive samples versus 6 in the sera group. HIV-1 seroprevalence was 17% of 393 from the drop-in clinic. By category of IVDU, the rates were 34% and 14% for active and recovering IVDU, respectively (P less than .001), and 36% in black and Latino compared with 13% in white IVDU (P less than .002). Of the 145 participants in the methadone program, 39% had antibody to HIV-1: 49% for blacks and Latinos compared with 30% in whites (P less than .01). The data indicate that antibody testing for HIV-1 by PA is equivalent to the serum antibody assay of venipuncture specimens. The fingerstick method appears to have greater use for serosurveys and screening programs because of convenience, safety, and ease of storage, transport, and processing of samples.


The Pastoral Origin of Semiotically Functional Tonal Organization of Music.
This paper presents a new line of inquiry into when and how music as a semiotic system was born. Eleven principal expressive aspects of music each contains specific structural patterns whose configuration signifies a certain affective state. This distinguishes the tonal organization of music from the phonetic and prosodic organization of natural languages and animal communication. The question of music's origin can therefore be answered by establishing the point in human history at which all eleven expressive aspects might have been abstracted from the instinct-driven primate calls and used to express human psycho-emotional states. Etic analysis of acoustic parameters is the prime means of cross-examination of the typical patterns of expression of the basic emotions in human music versus animal vocal communication. A new method of such analysis is proposed here. Formation of such expressive aspects as meter, tempo, melodic intervals, and articulation can be explained by the influence of bipedal locomotion, breathing cycle, and heartbeat, long before Homo sapiens. However, two aspects, rhythm and melodic contour, most crucial for music as we know it, lack proxies in the Paleolithic lifestyle. The available ethnographic and developmental data leads one to believe that rhythmic and directional patterns of melody became involved in conveying emotion-related information in the process of frequent switching from one call-type to another within the limited repertory of calls. Such calls are usually adopted for the ongoing caretaking of human youngsters and domestic animals. The efficacy of rhythm and pitch contour in affective communication must have been spontaneously discovered in new important cultural activities. The most likely scenario for music to have become fully semiotically functional and to have spread wide enough to avoid extinctions is the formation of cross-specific communication between humans and domesticated animals during the Neolithic demographic explosion and the subsequent cultural revolution. Changes in distance during such communication must have promoted the integration between different expressive aspects and generated the basic musical grammar. The model of such communication can be found in the surviving tradition of Scandinavian pastoral music - kulning. This article discusses the most likely ways in which such music evolved.


Deprivation is associated with anxiety and stress. A population-based longitudinal household survey among Chinese adults in Hong Kong.
Mental illness is a major disease burden in the world and disproportionately affects the socially disadvantaged, but studies on the longitudinal association of poverty with anxiety and stress are rare, especially in Asia. Using data from Hong Kong, we aimed to (1) assess the cross-sectional association of poverty with anxiety and stress at baseline, and (2) to examine whether baseline poverty and change in poverty status over time are associated with a subsequent change in anxiety and stress. Data were obtained from two waves of a territory-wide longitudinal survey in Hong Kong, with sample sizes of n=1970 and n=1224 for baseline and follow-up, respectively. Poverty was measured with a Deprivation Index and income-poverty. Anxiety and stress symptoms were assessed using Chinese Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 Items. We conducted cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses on the association of poverty with anxiety and stress. Deprivation, but not income-poverty, was significantly associated with both outcomes at baseline. Increased deprivation over time was associated with greater score and increased risk of anxiety and stress. Persistent deprivation over time was associated with greater anxiety and stress, and increased risk of incident anxiety. Deprivation could have significant independent effects on anxiety and stress, even after adjusting for the effects of income-poverty. Greater attention should be paid to deprivation in policymaking to tackle the inequalities of mental health problems, especially since stress and anxiety are precursors to more severe forms of mental illness and other comorbidities.


Trichloroethylene--a review of the literature from a health effects perspective.
This report reviews the literature on the impact of exposure to trichloroethylene (TCE) on human health. Special emphasis is given to the health effects reported in excess of national norms by participants in the TCE Subregistry of the Volatile Organic Compounds Registry of the National Exposure Registries--persons with documented exposure to TCE through drinking and use of contaminated water. The health effects reported in excess by some or all of the sex and age groups studied were speech and hearing impairments, effects of stroke, liver problems, anemia and other blood disorders, diabetes, kidney disease, urinary tract disorders, and skin rashes.


Heatable carbon nanotube composite membranes for sustainable recovery from biofouling.
Membrane filtration is one of the most reliable methods for water treatment. However, wider application is limited due to biofouling caused by accumulation of microorganisms on the membrane surface. This report details a heatable carbon nanotube composite membrane with self-cleaning properties for sustainable recovery from biofouling. Microfiltration polycarbonate/carbon-nanotubes hybrid membranes were fabricated using drawable nanotubes that maintained the porosity and provided electrical conductivity to the membrane. Less than 25 V potential and 2-3 W power increase membrane temperature to 100°C in ~10 s. This temperature is above what most microbial life, bacteria and viruses can handle. When this membrane was employed, filtered Escherichia coli collected on its surface were successfully annihilated within 1 min. Ohmic heating of this membrane could be an effective solution to combat biofouling and complications associated with membrane-based filtration. This is a novel and highly desirable approach to combat biofouling, due to its simplicity and economic advantage.


Effect of continuous lateral rotational therapy on the prevalence of ventilator-associated pneumonia in patients requiring long-term ventilatory care.
To evaluate the role of continuous lateral rotational therapy on the development of ventilator-associated pneumonia in patients requiring long-term mechanical ventilation. Prospective control study. Chronic ventilator unit in tertiary care hospital. Thirty-seven patients requiring long-term mechanical ventilation were assigned to receive either continuous lateral rotational therapy or conventional therapy. Patients receiving continuous lateral rotational therapy had a significantly lower prevalence of pneumonia (17.6%) as compared with control patients (50%, p<.05). The development of pneumonia after being entered into the study was also significantly delayed in continuous lateral rotational therapy patients, 29 +/- 8 days vs. 12 +/- 2 days in controls (p <.05). However, unit mortality, total ventilator days, and the number of patients successfully weaned were not significantly different between groups. In patients requiring long-term ventilator care, continuous lateral rotational therapy reduced the prevalence of pneumonia but did not seem to affect mortality or the period of mechanical ventilation.


Bimetallic PdAg nanoparticle arrays from monolayer films of diblock copolymer micelles.
The self-assembly technique provides a highly efficient route to generate well-ordered structures on a nanometer scale. In this paper, well-ordered arrays of PdAg alloy nanoparticles on flat substrates with narrow distributions of particle size (6-7 nm) and interparticle spacing (about 60 nm) were synthesized by the block copolymer micelle approach. A home-made PS-b-P4VP diblock copolymer was prepared to obtain a micellar structure in toluene. Pd and Ag salts were then successfully loaded in the micellar core of the PS-b-P4VP copolymer. A self-assembled monolayer of the loaded micelles was obtained by dipping the flat substrate in the solution. At this stage, the core of the micelles was still loaded with the metal precursor rather than with a metal. Physical and chemical reducing methods were used to reduce the metal salts embedded in the P4VP core into PdAg nanoparticles. HRTEM and EDX indicated that Pd-rich PdAg alloy nanoparticles were synthesized by chemical or physical reduction; UV-visible spectroscopy observations confirmed that metallic PdAg nanoparticles were quickly formed after chemical reduction; XPS measurements revealed that the PdAg alloy nanoparticles were in a metallic state after a short time of exposure to O2 plasma and after hydrazine reduction.


Circadian Activity Rhythms and Sleep in Nurses Working Fixed 8-hr Shifts.
Shift work is associated with adverse health outcomes. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of shift work on circadian activity rhythms (CARs) and objective and subjective sleep quality in nurses. Female day-shift (n = 16), evening-shift (n = 6), and night-shift (n = 13) nurses wore a wrist actigraph to monitor the activity. We used cosinor analysis and time-frequency analysis to study CARs. Night-shift nurses exhibited the lowest values of circadian rhythm amplitude, acrophase, autocorrelation, and mean of the circadian relative power (CRP), whereas evening-shift workers exhibited the greatest standard deviation of the CRP among the three shift groups. That is, night-shift nurses had less robust CARs and evening-shift nurses had greater variations in CARs compared with nurses who worked other shifts. Our results highlight the importance of assessing CARs to prevent the adverse effects of shift work on nurses' health.


Multilayer-enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ML-ELISA) for detection of Entamoeba histolytica trophozoite coproantigen.
Multilayer ELISA (ML-ELISA) method for Entamoeba histolytica trophozoite coproantigen was developed for diagnosis of amoebiasis and its usefulness vis-a-vis microscopic examination analysed for paired specimens from 87 patients from Lucknow and Hyderabad, India. All the stool specimens positive for trophozoites were also found to be positive in ML-ELISA. Out of a total 32 samples positive for cysts in microscopy 21 (65.62%) gave positive reactions for coproantigen. Results on 26 samples drawn from otherwise healthy subjects with negative microscopical picture, 4 were positive for coproantigen. The results of the present study indicate that ML-ELISA test is suitable for early diagnosis of acute amoebic patients for timely treatment.


Adrenocorticotrophic hormone modulates Escherichia coli O157:H7 adherence to porcine colonic mucosa.
Exposure to stress is associated with susceptibility to disease and one stress mediator, norepinephrine, has been reported to enhance the adherence of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 (EHEC) to the colonic mucosa. We tested the hypothesis that adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and other stress-related hormones may act in a similar fashion. Explants of distal colonic mucosa from young pigs were mounted in Ussing chambers and their luminal aspect was exposed to EHEC strain 700728 for 30-90 min. When added to the contraluminal, but not luminal bathing medium, ACTH increased EHEC adherence within 90 min in a concentration-dependent manner (EC50 = 1.2 nM), but did not alter tissue electrical conductance. ACTH had no effect on the adherence of a pig-adapted non-O157 E. coli strain. The effect of 0.1 microM ACTH on luminal EHEC adherence was prevented in tissues pretreated contraluminally with the type 2 melanocortin receptor antagonist ACTH7-38, the neuronal conduction blocker saxitoxin, or the muscarinic cholinergic antagonist atropine. Moreover, ACTH7-38 decreased EHEC adherence in the absence of ACTH. These results suggest that ACTH acts via melanocortin receptors located on enteric nerves to enhance mucosal adherence of EHEC.


Expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 by nonenzymatically glycated albumin (Amadori adducts) in vascular smooth muscle cells.
The biological effects of Amadori adducts that are early nonenzymatically glycated protein on vascular cells were poorly defined. We examined the effect of glycated serum albumin (GA) on the expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1) that is an important chemokine recruiting monocyte to blood vessel. GA increased MCP-1 mRNA expression with a peak after 3 h of stimulation. The induction of MCP-1 by GA was dose-dependent. The MCP-1 mRNA expression by GA was completely inhibited by PD98059 and genistein that inhibit mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinase kinase and tyrosine kinase, respectively. N-Acetylcysteine, a potent antioxidant, also suppressed the GA-induced MCP-1 expression. These results suggest that GA induces production of reactive oxygen species and activates tyrosine kinase and MAP kinase in VSMC. Activation of these signals results in MCP-1 expression. GA-induced MCP-1 expression may be one of the mechanisms by which the diabetic patients suffer from accelerated atherosclerosis.


The lupus autoantigens and the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus.
Thus, the nucleosome, the U1 snRNP, and the Ro scRNP appear to elicit hierarchies of antibodies in patients with SLE, just as any complex foreign protein might do when injected into an experimental animal. There must be a permissive factor in operation that allows these normally weak antigens (the great paradox of SLE!) to escape tolerance mechanisms. That factor could be an exogenous agent, such as a chemical that structurally alters selected macromolecules. Such a mechanism seems likely in patients with drug-induced lupus in whom autoimmune responses are focused against the same histone epitopes that are recognized by sera from patients with spontaneous SLE. Alternatively, foreign substances may elicit cross-reactive antibodies that recognize "self" determinants, or endogenous metabolic disturbances might enhance exposure of selected macromolecules to the immune system. In any case, it now seems clear that the result in SLE patients is autoimmunity with a repetitive focus. Future research should concentrate on the 3 particles described here in order to identify common denominators that set them apart from other cellular elements and which predispose them to a role as autoantigens, to determine the extent to which these particles make contact with the immune system, and to learn how structural, humoral, or metabolic alterations might predispose individuals to respond to them immunologically.


Determination of iodide in seawater and urine by size exclusion chromatography with iodine-starch complex.
A novel method for the determination of iodide by size exclusion chromatography was established. The method was simple and highly sensitive with good precision. Iodide was converted to iodine, then sequestered with starch, and separated from the matrix using a Shim-pack DIOL-150 (250 x 7.9 mm) size exclusion column with methanol-0.01 mol l(-1) aqueous phosphoric acid (10:90, v/v) as mobile phase at 1.2 ml min(-1) and UV detection at 224 nm. The calibration graph was linear from 1.0 ng ml(-1) to 100.0 ng ml(-1) for iodide with a correlation coefficient of 0.9992 (n=6). The detection limit was 0.2 ng ml(-1). The method was successfully applied to the determination of iodide in seawater and urine. The recovery was from 92% to 103% and the relative standard deviation was in the range of 1.5% to 3.7%.


Characterization, localization and axial distribution of Ca2+ signalling receptors in the rat submandibular salivary gland ducts.
1. To characterize [Ca2+]i signalling in salivary duct cells a procedure was developed for the rapid preparation and isolation of intralobular ducts, some of which had attached intercalated ducts. The isolated ducts retained agonist-induced Ca2+ signalling after permeabilization with streptolysin O (SLO). 2. The improved cell preparation technique was reflected in the repertoire and intensity of agonist responsiveness of the cells. Measurements of [Ca2+]i in intact cells showed that all agonists previously reported to affect electrolyte transport by the submandibular salivary gland (adrenaline, carbachol, isoprenaline and forskolin) mobilized Ca2+ from internal stores and increased Ca2+ influx across the plasma membrane. 3. The use of the SLO-permeabilized ducts showed that all agonists, including isoprenaline and forskolin, mobilized Ca2+ exclusively from the inositol 1,4,5 trisphosphate (IP3)-sensitive pool. However, in granular ducts only adrenaline mobilized the entire IP3-sensitive pool whereas all other agonists mobilized only part of the pool. 4. All regions of the duct responded to substance P and the luminally secreted agonist ATP. Interestingly, the intercalated duct was most responsive to ATP and demonstrated only a minimal response to all other agonists. The granular region of the same duct and the extralobular duct always responded best to stimulation by adrenaline. 5. The perfused extralobular duct was used to show that adrenaline and carbachol stimulated the duct through the basolateral membrane whereas the receptors for ATP were localized in the luminal membrane of the duct. This suggests the presence of an ATP-dependent positive feedback loop in salivary duct with decreased activity along the ductal tree.


Cryotherapy versus laser photocoagulation for threshold retinopathy of prematurity: impact on early postoperative clinical recovery.
In a retrospective study in preterms treated with either cryotherapy (n= 16, 2000-2001) or laser photocoagulation (n= 19, 2002-2005) for threshold retinopathy, a significant decrease in duration of postoperative ventilation, in postoperative administration of analgesics and in time until regain of full enteral feeding was documented in infants who received laser photocoagulation. We therefore conclude that - compared to cryotherapy - laser treatment for threshold retinopathy is associated with a faster clinical postoperative recovery.


Modeling the violation of reward maximization and invariance in reinforcement schedules.
It is often assumed that animals and people adjust their behavior to maximize reward acquisition. In visually cued reinforcement schedules, monkeys make errors in trials that are not immediately rewarded, despite having to repeat error trials. Here we show that error rates are typically smaller in trials equally distant from reward but belonging to longer schedules (referred to as "schedule length effect"). This violates the principles of reward maximization and invariance and cannot be predicted by the standard methods of Reinforcement Learning, such as the method of temporal differences. We develop a heuristic model that accounts for all of the properties of the behavior in the reinforcement schedule task but whose predictions are not different from those of the standard temporal difference model in choice tasks. In the modification of temporal difference learning introduced here, the effect of schedule length emerges spontaneously from the sensitivity to the immediately preceding trial. We also introduce a policy for general Markov Decision Processes, where the decision made at each node is conditioned on the motivation to perform an instrumental action, and show that the application of our model to the reinforcement schedule task and the choice task are special cases of this general theoretical framework. Within this framework, Reinforcement Learning can approach contextual learning with the mixture of empirical findings and principled assumptions that seem to coexist in the best descriptions of animal behavior. As examples, we discuss two phenomena observed in humans that often derive from the violation of the principle of invariance: "framing," wherein equivalent options are treated differently depending on the context in which they are presented, and the "sunk cost" effect, the greater tendency to continue an endeavor once an investment in money, effort, or time has been made. The schedule length effect might be a manifestation of these phenomena in monkeys.


Gestational trophoblastic tumor in pregnancy: a case report and review of the literature.
A case of gestational trophoblastic tumor (GTT) concurrent with an intrauterine pregnancy is reported in a 21-year-old gravida 2 para 0 (0010) who presented with dyspnea, orthopnea, headache, and blurring of vision at 33 weeks age of gestation. She had a history of hydatidiform mole for which curettage was done. Chest radiograph showed pulmonary metastases, with pleural effusion on both lungs. Serum beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin was abnormally elevated for age of gestation. Due to worsening maternal pulmonary condition, the patient underwent primary, low segment cesarean section and was subsequently started on multidrug chemotherapy. This is the first reported case of GTT in pregnancy in the Philippines in which both the mother and the infant survived. Several hypotheses regarding its origin, its diagnosis, and its management and prognosis are presented. This case report emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and treatment to improve the prognosis of both the mother and the infant.


Evaluation of ethylicin as a potential soil fumigant in commercial tomato production in China.
Recent increases in soil-borne plant disease have limited further expansion of some crops produced in protected agriculture. Soil fumigation effectively minimizes the impact of soil pathogens causing many diseases. We provide the first report of the efficacy of the Chinese fungicide ethylicin as a soil fumigant against the plant pathogens such as Fusarium spp. and Phytophthora spp., and against the plant parasitic nematode Meloidogyne spp. We also examined ethylicin's impact on the physicochemical properties of soil, the soil's bacterial and fungal taxonomic composition, the plant growth of tomatoes, the enzyme activity of soil and tomato yield. Ethylicin fumigation significantly decreased the abundance of Fusarium spp. and Phytophthora spp. by 67.7 %-84.0 % and 53.8 %-81.0 %, respectively. It reduced Meloidogyne spp. by 67.2 %-83.6 %. Ethylicin significantly increased the growth of tomato plants and tomato yield by 18.3 %-42.0 %. The soil's ammonium‑nitrogen concentration increased significantly in answer to ethylicin fumigation, while nitrate‑nitrogen concentration and the activity of soil urease decreased significantly. High-throughput gene sequencing had been used to show that ethylicin cut down the taxonomic soil bacteria diversity and bacterial abundance, but increased the soil fungi taxonomic diversity. Some genera of microorganisms increased, such as Firmicutes, Steroidobacter and Chytridiomycota, possibly due to changes in the physicochemical properties of soil that differentially favored their survival. We conclude that ethylicin is efficacious as a soil fumigant and it would be a useful addition to the limited number of soil fumigants currently available.


Stereoselective cyclization of functionalized 1,n-diynes mediated by [X-Y] reagents [X-Y = R3Si-SnR'3 or (R2N)2B-SnR'3]: synthesis and properties of atropisomeric 1,3-dienes.
The borylstannane [-N(Me)CH(2)CH(2)(Me)N-]B-SnMe(3) is a superior reagent capable of effecting bisfunctionalization-cyclization in several highly functionalized 1,n-diynes, 1,n-enynes, and 1,n-allenynes (including 1,2-dipropargylbenzenes, 2,2'-dipropargylbiphenyls, 4,5-dipropargyldioxolanes, and 1,4-dipropargyl-β-lactams) where the more well-known silylstannanes fail. Variable-temperature NMR studies showed that conformational restraints imposed by selected backbones increase the activation barrier for the helical isomerization in (Z,Z)-dienes that are generated in the cyclization of the diynes. In the biphenyl and dioxolane systems, the reactions proceed with surprisingly good regio- and stereoselectivity. The resulting diazaborolidine derivatives are hydrolytically unstable but can be isolated by recrystallization or precipitation. For further synthetic applications, it is advantageous to convert these compounds in situ into the corresponding dioxaborolidines with either retention of the Me(3)Sn group or replacement of this group via halodestannylation. The configurations of the vinyl moieties are preserved in these reactions. Highly functionalized dibenzocyclooctadienes, which adorn the carbon frames of several important cytotoxic natural products, can be synthesized using this chemistry.


A hybrid dielectrophoretic system for trapping of microorganisms from water.
Assessment of the microbial safety of water resources is among the most critical issues in global water safety. As the current detection methods have limitations such as high cost and long process time, new detection techniques have transpired among which microfluidics is the most attractive alternative. Here, we show a novel hybrid dielectrophoretic (DEP) system to separate and detect two common waterborne pathogens, Escherichia coli (E. coli), a bacterium, and Cryptosporidium parvum (C. parvum), a protozoan parasite, from water. The hybrid DEP system integrates a chemical surface coating with a microfluidic device containing inter-digitated microelectrodes to impart positive dielectrophoresis for enhanced trapping of the cells. Trimethoxy(3,3,3-trifluoropropyl) silane, (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane, and polydiallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (p-DADMAC) were used as surface coatings. Static cell adhesion tests showed that among these coatings, the p-DADMAC-coated glass surface provided the most effective cell adhesion for both the pathogens. This was attributed to the positively charged p-DADMAC-coated surface interacting electrostatically with the negatively charged cells suspended in water leading to increased cell trapping efficiency. The trapping efficiency of E. coli and C. parvum increased from 29.0% and 61.3% in an uncoated DEP system to 51.9% and 82.2% in the hybrid DEP system, respectively. The hybrid system improved the cell trapping by encouraging the formation of cell pearl-chaining. The increment in trapping efficiency in the hybrid DEP system was achieved at an optimal frequency of 1 MHz and voltage of 2.5 Vpp for C. parvum and 2 Vpp for E. coli, the latter is lower than 2.5 Vpp and 7 Vpp, respectively, utilized for obtaining similar efficiency in an uncoated DEP system.


Solitary pancreatic metastasis from renal cell carcinoma 14 years after nephrectomy: a case report.
We report a case of solitary pancreatic metastasis from renal cell carcinoma which occurred 12 years after radical nephrectomy. The patient had no symptom. The lesion was unrecognized until 2 years later. Distal pancreatectomy was performed and the patient was still doing well 2 years after that operation. We also review the relevant literatures about prognosis, surveillance and choice of treatments for pancreatic metastasis from renal cell carcinoma.


Increased expression of c-Kit or its ligand Steel Factor is not a common feature of adult acute myeloid leukaemia.
Cell surface levels of the receptor tyrosine kinase P145(c-kit), the product of the c-kit proto-oncogens, in a panel of 80 primary adult acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) specimens collected at presentation were quantitated by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry, and compared with levels on CD34+ bone marrow cells from normal donors. Receptor levels on AML blast cells were extremely variable and were similar to, or less than, those on normal stem and progenitor cells. In general P145(c-kit) expression was higher on cells of immature phenotype (FAB M1 and M2). c-kit mRNA was quantitated by ribonuclease protection assay (RPA) and was shown to be correlated with cell surface protein expression (r=0.76; P<0.001). This indicates that ligand-mediated receptor internalisation or other mechanisms of increased protein turnover are not responsible for variations in the level of P145(c-kit) in AML specimens. Quantitative Southern blotting was used to examine c-kit gene copy number in 25 of these specimens and was found to be normal in all but one. Thus we have found little evidence of over-expression of c-kit in adult AML. mRNA for the c-kit ligand, Steel Factor (SLF) was also quantitated by RPA in these specimens. While SLF message was detectable (limit of detection approximately 10(4) copies per 10 microgram total RNA; equivalent to 1 copy per 100 cells) in 19% of cases, these specimens in general contained low levels of c-kit mRNA. Thus, an autocrine cycle involving c-kit and SLF does not appear to be a common feature of AML.


Prelude and Fugue, predicting local protein structure, early folding regions and structural weaknesses.
Prelude&Fugue are bioinformatics tools aiming at predicting the local 3D structure of a protein from its amino acid sequence in terms of seven backbone torsion angle domains, using database-derived potentials. Prelude(&Fugue) computes all lowest free energy conformations of a protein or protein region, ranked by increasing energy, and possibly satisfying some interresidue distance constraints specified by the user. (Prelude&)Fugue detects sequence regions whose predicted structure is significantly preferred relative to other conformations in the absence of tertiary interactions. These programs can be used for predicting secondary structure, tertiary structure of short peptides, flickering early folding sequences and peptides that adopt a preferred conformation in solution. They can also be used for detecting structural weaknesses, i.e. sequence regions that are not optimal with respect to the tertiary fold. http://babylone.ulb.ac.be/Prelude_and_Fugue.


When proteomics reveals unsuspected roles: the plastoglobule example.
Plastoglobules are globular compartments found in plastids. Before initial proteomic studies were published, these particles were often viewed as passive lipid droplets whose unique role was to store lipids coming from the thylakoid turn-over, or to accumulate carotenoids in the chromoplasts. Yet, two proteomic studies, published concomitantly, suggested for the first time that plastoglobules are more than "junk cupboards" for lipids. Indeed, both studies demonstrated that plastoglobules do not only include structural proteins belonging to the plastoglobulin/fibrillin family, but also contain active enzymes. The specific plastoglobule localization of these enzymes has been confirmed by different approaches such as immunogold localization and GFP protein fusions, thus providing evidence that plastoglobules actively participate in diverse pathways of plastid metabolism. These proteomic studies have been the basis for numerous recent works investigating plastoglobule function. However, a lot still needs to be discovered about the molecular composition and the role of plastoglobules. In this chapter, we will describe how the proteomic approaches have launched new perspectives on plastoglobule functions.


Ultrasound versus conventional radiography in the assessment of bone erosions in rheumatoid arthritis.
Bone erosions are the hallmark of joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis and both their detection and increase in number and/or in size are indicative of a poor outcome. To date, conventional radiography is still the most common imaging tool adopted for detecting and scoring joint damage in daily clinical practice, in spite of its low sensitivity with respect computerised tomography, magnetic resonance imaging or ultrasound. Ultrasound is a rapidly evolving technique that is gaining an increasing success in the assessment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. It permits an early detection and careful characterisation of bone erosions playing a key role in both diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Ultrasound presents several advantages over other imaging techniques: it is patient-friendly, safe and non-invasive, free of ionising radiation, less expensive, and permit multiple target assessment in real time without the need for external referral. The aim of this review is to compare conventional radiography and ultrasound in the assessment of bone erosions in RA in daily rheumatology practice and to provide insights into which modality can provide the optimal information for a desired outcome in a given clinical trial or practice situation.


Hypersensitivity reaction to certolizumab pegol in a patient affected by psoriatic arthritis.
The pathogenic mechanism of hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs) to monoclonal antibodies is not fully understood. HSRs can occur after the first exposure or multiple exposures and include acute infusion reactions induced by cytokine release, besides Type I, Type III, and Type IV reactions.). We reported a case of anaphylactic reaction to certolizumab pegol in a patient affected by psoriatic arthritis and a possible management of this condition.


Errors recruit both cognitive and emotional monitoring systems: simultaneous intracranial recordings in the dorsal anterior cingulate gyrus and amygdala combined with fMRI.
We studied error monitoring in a human patient with unique implantation of depth electrodes in both the left dorsal cingulate gyrus and medial temporal lobe prior to surgery. The patient performed a speeded go/nogo task and made a substantial number of commission errors (false alarms). As predicted, intracranial Local Field Potentials (iLFPs) in dorsal anterior cingulate indexed the detection of errors, showing an early differential activity around motor execution for false alarms, relative to correct responses (either hits or correct inhibitions). More surprisingly, we found that the left amygdala also participated to error monitoring (although no emotional stimuli were used), but with a very different neurophysiological profile as compared with the dorsal cingulate cortex. Amygdala iLFPs showed a precise and reproducible temporal unfolding, characterized by an early monophasic response for correct hits around motor execution, which was delayed by approximately 300ms for errors (even though actual RTs were almost identical in these two conditions). Moreover, time-frequency analyses demonstrated a reliable and transient coupling in the theta band around motor execution between these two distant regions. Additional fMRI investigation in the same patient confirmed a differential involvement of the dorsal cingulate cortex vs. amygdala in error monitoring during this go/nogo task. Finally, these intracranial results for the left amygdala were replicated in a second patient with intracranial electrodes in the right amygdala. Altogether, these results suggest that the amygdala may register the motivational significance of motor actions on a trial-by-trial basis, while the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex may provide signals concerning failures of cognitive control and behavioral adjustment. More generally, these data shed new light on neural mechanisms underlying self-monitoring by showing that even "simple" motor actions recruit not only executive cognitive processes (in dorsal cingulate) but also affective processes (in amygdala).


Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation Services, Participants and Workforce in North Carolina: Results of a 2019 Survey of Cardiac Rehabilitation Program Directors.
BACKGROUND Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) can improve quality of life and reduce subsequent hospitalizations for individuals with cardiovascular disease. Nevertheless, CR is underutilized, and less is known about the current content, patient population, and workforce of CR programs in North Carolina.OBJECTIVE To describe CR services, patient participation, and workforce in North Carolina in order to characterize CR infrastructure and identify opportunities to improve CR use.METHODS We distributed an electronic survey to all certified outpatient CR programs in North Carolina in spring 2019. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize program characteristics, participant characteristics, and current workforce. Data were analyzed overall and by region.RESULTS Responding programs (89.5% response rate, n=68) had been in operation for a mean of 24 (SD: 10.4) years. Programs have similar availability across the state, operating 4 days a week with 5 sessions per day. A majority of programs offered nutrition counseling (98.5%), stress management (94.1%), aerobic exercise (86.8%), and weight training (86.8%). Patients were majority male (65%), aged 65 or older (75%), and White (75%). Nearly half of patients referred to CR attended at least 1 session, though 25% discontinued early. Most programs were staffed by a median of 2 full-time nurses (97%) and by a median of 1.5 full-time exercise physiologists (96%). Mental health and administrative professionals were less frequent in CR settings.LIMITATIONS Since this survey was primarily completed by program directors, further research is needed to understand the challenges, experiences, and needs of the frontline CR workforce, as well as the direct experiences of patients who participate in CR.CONCLUSIONS CR programs in North Carolina offer a range of services. While half of patients referred to CR initiate services, interventions are needed to improve initiation and adherence to CR.


Structure of human alpha1-acid glycoprotein and its high-affinity binding site.
Secondary and tertiary structures of human blood alpha(1)-acid glycoprotein, a member of the lipocalin family, have been studied for the first time by infrared and Raman spectroscopies. Vibrational spectroscopy confirmed details of the secondary structure and the structure content predicted by homology modeling of the protein moiety, i.e., 15% alpha-helices, 41% beta-sheets, 12% beta-turns, 8% bands, and 24% unordered structure at pH 7.4. Our model shows that the protein folds as a highly symmetrical all-beta protein dominated by a single eight-stranded antiparallel beta-sheet. Thermal dynamics in the range 20-70 degrees C followed by Raman spectroscopy and analyzed by principle component analysis revealed full reversibility of the protein motion upon heating dominated by decreasing of beta-sheets. Raman difference spectroscopy confirmed the proximity of Trp(122) to progesterone binding.


Three-Dimensional Imaging and Gene Expression Analysis Upon Enzymatic Isolation of the Tongue Epithelium.
The tongue is a complex organ involved in a variety of functions such as mastication, speech, and taste sensory function. Enzymatic digestion techniques have been developed to allow the dissociation of the epithelium from the connective tissue of the tongue. However, it is not clear if the integrity and three-dimensional architecture of the isolated epithelium is preserved, and, furthermore if this tissue separation technique excludes its contamination from the mesenchymal tissue. Here, we first describe in detail the methodology of tongue epithelium isolation, and thereafter we analyzed the multicellular compartmentalization of the epithelium by three-dimensional fluorescent imaging and quantitative real-time PCR. Molecular characterization at both protein and transcript levels confirmed the exclusive expression of epithelial markers in the isolated epithelial compartment of the tongue. Confocal imaging analysis revealed that the integrity of the epithelium was not affected, even in the basal layer, where areas of active cell proliferations were detected. Therefore, the preservation of both the architecture and the molecular signature of the tongue epithelium upon enzymatic tissue separation enable further cellular, molecular and imaging studies on the physiology, pathology, and regeneration of the tongue.


Effect of restoring sinus rhythm in hypertensive patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing electrical cardioversion.
Little is known about the effects of atrial fibrillation (AF) on blood pressure (BP) levels in hypertensive patients. Some studies suggest a role for rhythm control in managing such patients' BP, but the improvement observed in cardiac performance after restoring sinus rhythm (SR) may coincide with an increase in BP. The aim of this study was to apply ambulatory BP monitoring to analyze BP changes in hypertensive patients after electrical cardioversion for persistent AF. The study included 54 hypertensive patients with persistent AF. Ambulatory BP monitoring was performed on the day before electrical cardioversion and again about a month later under conditions of stable medical treatment.Patients with a SR at follow-up (n=34) had significantly higher 24-h, night-time (P<0.05), and daytime (P=0.074) systolic BP, and significantly lower 24-h, daytime (P<0.05), and night-time (P=0.078) DBP. The number of patients with nocturnal dipping decreased from 20 to 14 and the number of those with reverse dipping increased from 1 to 7. Patients with recurrent AF at follow-up (n=20) showed no significant BP changes, except for a decrease in the mean night-time DBP. Restoring SR in hypertensive patients with AF led to a significant increase in their systolic BP (especially at night) and a decrease in their DBP. Hypertensive patients with AF should consequently undergo ambulatory BP monitoring after electrical cardioversion for the purpose of adjusting their antihypertensive treatment.


Screening tool for malignant bowel obstruction in relapsed, metastatic ovarian cancer.
Malignant bowel obstruction (MBO) is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in women diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Earlier detection of MBO may improve patient outcomes. There are currently no screening tools to assist detection. We report a screening questionnaire that can be used to detect MBO, and how the severity score for key clinical symptoms correlate with radiological evidence of MBO from ovarian cancer. A case-control study in which patients with relapsed, metastatic ovarian cancer were asked to answer 10 questions related to key clinical symptoms associated with intestinal obstruction. The study group included women with CT-confirmed MBO, whereas the control group had no evidence of MBO. Patients scored each question according to severity from 1 (least severe) to 5 (most severe). Between 1 June and 31 December 2016, 37 women completed the screening questionnaire. Patients in the study group (n=17) reported significantly higher (ie, more severe) scores for abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and constipation. In contrast, differences in severity scores between groups did not differ significantly in response to questions regarding abdominal swelling, borborygmi, diarrhoea or loss of appetite. All patients in the study group more frequently stated that their symptoms had deteriorated within the 2 months prior to completing the questionnaire. Here we report the key clinical symptoms associated with radiologically-confirmed MBO in relapsed, metastatic ovarian cancer. We recommend healthcare practitioners focus on these specific symptoms during patient consultations in order to improve risk stratification of MBO.


Rapid scanning microscope for light probing and infrared mapping.
A rapid scanning microscope has been designed and used to light-probe the response of semiconductor devices and to observe their infrared emission and transmission. The heart of this system is a single mirror that vibrates on two perpendicular axes to deflect a light beam into a raster pattern. The single mirror scanner is relatively easy to construct, can be used with standard microscope components, and yet allows for useful wide angle deflections and a large field of view.


The Long Arm of Prospective Childhood Income for Mature Adult Health in the United States.
Pioneering scholarship links retrospective childhood conditions to mature adult health. We distinctively provide critical evidence with prospective state-of-the-art measures of parent income observed multiple times during childhood in the 1970s to 1990s. Using the Panel Study of Income Dynamics, we analyze six health outcomes (self-rated health, heart attack, stroke, life-threatening chronic conditions, non-life-threatening chronic conditions, and psychological distress) among 40- to 65-year-olds. Parent relative income rank has statistically and substantively significant relationships with five of six outcomes. The relationships with heart attack, stroke, and life-threatening chronic conditions are particularly strong. Parent income rank performs slightly better than alternative prospective and retrospective measures. At the same time, we provide novel validation on which retrospective measures (i.e., father's education) perform almost as well as prospective measures. Furthermore, we inform several perennial debates about how relative versus absolute income and other measures of socioeconomic status and social class influence health.


Fluorescence polarization immunoassay detection of amphetamine, methamphetamine, and illicit amphetamine analogues.
The Abbott Diagnostics Amphetamine/Methamphetamine II and Amphetamine Class reagents were evaluated on the Abbott TDx for cross-reactivity to amphetamine and methamphetamine stereoisomers, several of their metabolites, and various illicit analogues, including 2-methoxyamphetamine, 4-hydroxymethamphetamine, 2,5-dimethoxy-amphetamine (DMA), 4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyamphetamine (DOB), 4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxy-beta-phenethylamine (BDMPEA), 3,4,5-trimethoxyamphetamine (TMA), 3,4-methylenedioxy-amphetamine (MDA) N,N-dimethyl-3,4-methylenedioxy-amphetamine, N-hydroxy-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (N-OH MDA), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), 3,4-methylenedioxyethylamphetamine (MDEA), 2,5-dimethoxy-4-ethylamphetamine (DOE), 2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylamphetamine (DOM), and mescaline in concentrations ranging from 100 to 100,000 ng/mL. Results demonstrate the utility of this assay for detection of several of the above compounds; unfortunately many are still not detectable. Significant differences were observed between the Amphetamine/Methamphetamine II and Amphetamine Class reagents, particularly regarding their cross-reactivity to over-the-counter medications. Detection of the drugs amphetamine, methamphetamine, and the illicit analogues is not enhanced with the Amphetamine Class reagents, and unless detection of the over-the-counter compounds is of interest, these reagents are a poor choice compared to the Amphetamine/Methamphetamine II reagents. Cross-reactivity of some of the illicit analogues is such that the assay can reliably be used for the routine screening of these compounds.


Using real-world examples of the COVID-19 pandemic to increase student confidence in their scientific literacy skills.
Over the last few decades, there has been a shift in the classroom from lecture-based to active learning settings with the argument that students retain more information when they are involved in the learning process. This correlation is even stronger when the active learning setting incorporates a real-world or personal connection. Using active learning activities that develop students' ability to comprehend primary scientific literature is particularly important in the field of immunology, due to the rapid expansion of information in the field, which has been further accelerated due to the COVID-19 pandemic. By nature, immunology is interdisciplinary, requiring an integrated knowledge of concepts from several scientific disciplines to understand complex immune processes. Engaging undergraduate students through the use of primary literature can improve scientific literacy, develop critical thinking, and enhance understanding of complex topics. To explore this, we utilized a group learning activity in an introductory immunology course that incorporated both a coronavirus-related review and COVID-19 clinical research article. We found that this learning activity significantly enhanced student confidence in key scientific literacy skills: reading scientific literature, clearly explaining relevant points, and describing conclusions generated from the data. Moreover, all students reported that they enjoyed the activity and that it helped them understand more about the current COVID-19 pandemic in the context of the immune response.


Correlation of moxalactam (LY127935) susceptibility tests by disk diffusion and agar plate dilution methods.
Susceptibility of pathogenic aerobic bacteria to moxalactam (LY127935) was compared by two methods, diffusion from 30-microgram disks and agar plate dilution. The two methods gave a satisfactory degree of correlation when compared by linear regression, but the slope of the linear regression was significantly steeper for gram-negative bacilli (Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) than for coccal organisms (streptococci and staphylococci). The largest zone diameters by disk diffusion were found with Citrobacter, Proteus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, and Enterobacter strains. The error rate-bounded method of Metzler and DeHaan (J. Infect. Dis. 130:588-594, 1974) gave useful breakpoints of disk zone sizes for moxalactam resistance and susceptibility.


Constitutive expression of GlyCAM-1 core protein in the rat cochlea.
Glycosylation-dependent cell adhesion molecule-1 (GlyCAM-1) is a mucin-like glycoprotein previously identified on high endothelial venules (HEV) of lymph nodes and also in lactating mammary glands. A specifically glycosilated form of GlyCAM-1 on HEV has been shown to be a ligand for a leukocyte L-selectin, which plays an important role in leukocyte rolling along the inflamed endothelium. Here we report that GlyCAM-1 is also expressed in the cochlea. Immunohistochemistry revealed the lateral wall of the cochlea, tectorial membrane, modiolus, organ of corti, and spiral modiolar vein (SMV) to be strongly stained with polyclonal anti-GlyCAM-1 antibody. Moreover, RT-PCR of the cochlear tissue by the use of specific oligonucleotide primers for rat GlyCAM-1 generated a 378 bp product which was then verified by nucleotide sequencing to represent GlyCAM-1. Electron microscopic investigation revealed the presence of GlyCAM-1 over the entire lumenal surface of the vessels, and the basolateral infoldings in stria vascularis. However, soluble L-selectin or mAb MECA-79 which recognizes a carbohydrate epitope on functional L-selectin ligands bound only to the spiral ligament, tectorial membrane and modiolus. These observations suggest that GlyCAM-1 expressed in the cochlear region is heterogenous in terms of its glycosylation.


Adaptation of Tobacco Cells to NaCl.
Cell lines of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L. var Wisconsin 38) were obtained which are adapted to grow in media with varying concentrations of NaCl, up to 35 grams per liter (599 millimolar). Salt-adapted cells exhibited enhanced abilities to gain both fresh and dry weight in the presence of NaCl compared to cells which were growing in medium without NaCl (unadapted cells). Tolerance of unadapted cells and cells adapted to 10 grams per liter NaCl was influenced by the stage of growth, with the highest degree of tolerance exhibited by cells in the exponential phase. Cell osmotic potential and turgor varied through the growth cycle of unadapted cells and cells at all levels of adaptation, with maximum turgor occurring at approximately the onset of exponential fresh weight accumulation.Adaptation to NaCl led to reduced cell expansion and fresh weight gain, while dry weight gain remained unaffected. This reduction in cell expansion was not due to failure of the cells to maintain turgor since cells adapted to NaCl underwent osmotic adjustment in excess of the change in water potential caused by the addition of NaCl to the medium. Tolerance of the adapted cells, as indicated by fresh or dry weight gain, did not increase proportionately with the increase in turgor. Adaptation of these glycophytic cells to NaCl appears to involve mechanisms which result in an altered relationship between turgor and cell expansion.