Intraorganellar distribution of superoxide dismutase in plant peroxisomes (glyoxysomes and leaf peroxisomes).
The intraorganellar distribution of superoxide dismutase (SOD) (EC 18.104.22.168) in two types of plant peroxisomes (glyoxysomes and leaf peroxisomes) was studied by determinations of SOD latency in intact organelles and by solubilization assays with 0.2 molar KCl. Glyoxysomes were purified from watermelon (Citrullus vulgaris Schrad.) cotyledons, and their integrity, calculated on the basis of glyoxysomal marker enzymes, was about 60%. Under the same conditions, the latency of SOD activity determined in glyoxysomes was 40%. The difference between glyoxysomal intactness and SOD latency was very close to the percentage of isozyme Mn-SOD previously determined in glyoxysomes (LM Sandalio, LA Del Río 1987 J Plant Physiol 127: 395-409). In matrix and membrane fractions of glyoxysomes, SOD exhibited a solubilization pattern very similar to catalase, a typical soluble enzyme of glyoxysomes. The analysis of the distribution of individual SOD isozymes in glyoxysomal fractions treated with KCl showed that Cu,Zn-SOD II, the major SOD isozyme in glyoxysomes, was present in the soluble fraction of these organelles, whereas Mn-SOD was bound to the glyoxysomal membrane. These data in conjunction with those of latency of SOD activity in intact glyoxysomes suggest that Mn-SOD is bound to the external side of the membrane of glyoxysomes. On the other hand, in intact leaf peroxisomes where only a Mn-containing SOD is present (LM Sandalio, JM Palma, LA Del Río 1987 Plant Sci 51: 1-8), this isozyme was found in the peroxisomal matrix. The physiological meaning of SOD localization in matrix and membrane fractions of glyoxysomes and the possibility of new roles for plant peroxisomes in cellular metabolism related to activated oxygen species is discussed.


Vitamin D deficiency in the sunshine state.
Vitamin D is well known for its skeletal and extraskeletal benefits. Chronic kidney disease (CKD), even in the early stages, may predispose patients to vitamin D deficiency, which may result in deleterious effects. Understanding the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the CKD population living in southern areas of the United States may help in early identification and implementation of preventative strategies.


Abdominal cerebrospinal fluid pseudocyst due to infection with enterococcus faecalis. A case report.
Abdominal cerebrospinal fluid pseudocyst is a rare complication of ventriculo-peritoneal shunt occurring as a result of non-absorption of cerebrospinal fluid from the abdominal cavity due to inflammation. Usual presentations include abdominal symptoms; abdominal distention, pain, nausea, vomiting and symptoms of raised intracranial pressure like headache due to shunt dysfunction. The diagnosis may be delayed in severely handicapped patients due to poor communicability, multiple associated complications or co-morbidities. Radiological modalities are used for diagnosis as well as treatment.


Quantifying cultural tightness-looseness in Ecuador.
Cultural tightness-looseness represents the degree to which a particular culture possesses strong behavioral norms, and the degree to which members of that culture are likely to sanction individuals who deviate from those norms. While tightness-looseness has been quantified for a large and growing number of countries around the world, there are many countries where a tightness-looseness score has yet to be determined, thus impeding the inclusion of those countries in cross-cultural research with a tightness-looseness focus. There is a dearth of research on cultural tightness-looseness in South America in particular. We report results from a national survey of 1,265 Ecuadorian residents which provided quantification of the relatively tight culture of Ecuador.


The removal of sewing needles from two children's hearts.
Penetrating foreign bodies in the heart comprise a class of serious injuries. The successful removal of sewing needles from the hearts of a 6-week-old baby and a child aged 2 years are presented. The needle had penetrated the left anterior chest wall and had been thrust into the heart in both cases. Determination of the exact location of the foreign body is of utmost importance to the surgeon. A complication attributable to the foreign body may demand immediate surgical intervention. In general, delay in the timing of the operation should be avoided because the foreign body might migrate from the pericardium to the myocardium and cardiac cavities. The surgical approach depends on the location of the foreign body: the median sternotomy being the most frequently employed. With the advent and refinement of the techniques of cardiopulmonary bypass and myocardial preservation this approach renders the removal of even small fragments a straight forward procedure.


Dissociation of cyclic inositol phosphohydrolase activity from annexin III.
Cyclic inositol phosphohydrolase is a phosphodiesterase that cleaves the cyclic bond of cyclic inositol monophosphate. In 1990, Ross et al. (Ross, T. S., Tait, J. F., and Majerus, P. W. (1990) Science 248, 605-607) purified this enzyme from human placenta and reported that cyclic inositol phosphohydrolase is identical to annexin III. Independent confirmation of this finding has not been provided. The relative distribution of annexin III and cyclic inositol phosphohydrolase activity in rat kidney and spleen indicated that annexin III can be dissociated from cyclic inositol phosphohydrolase activity. Rat spleen contains large quantities of annexin III, but has very little cyclic inositol phosphohydrolase activity. In contrast, rat kidney, one of the richest sources of cyclic inositol phosphohydrolase activity, possesses very little (immunohistochemistry) or no (Western blot) annexin III. Similar to cytosol of human placenta, cytosol of guinea pig kidney contains both annexin III and cyclic inositol phosphohydrolase. On SDS-gel electrophoresis, guinea pig kidney annexin III has a slightly different mobility than the human placental annexin III. Human placental annexin III co-migrates with cyclic inositol phosphohydrolase on ion exchange chromatography, while guinea pig kidney annexin III is clearly dissociated from cyclic inositol phosphohydrolase on ion exchange chromatography. Both guinea pig kidney annexin III and human placental annexin III pellet with the addition of calcium and centrifugation, while cyclic inositol phosphohydrolase activity in both of these tissues remains in the supernatant. Our studies clearly show that cyclic inositol phosphohydrolase and annexin III are two different proteins.


Social Support and Positive Health Practices in Black Late Adolescents.
This study constructed and tested models using the mediators of resilience and self-efficacy to help explain the relationship between social support and positive health practices (PHPs) in Black late adolescents. A cross-sectional, correlational design was used with a convenience sample of 179 Black college students, aged 18 to 23 years. Participants responded to four instruments; the five bivariate hypotheses were supported. Social support correlated positively with PHPs ( r = .45, p < .001), resilience ( r = .28, p < .001), and self-efficacy ( r = .40, p < .001). Resilience ( r = .31, p < .001) and self-efficacy ( r = .38, p < .001) correlated positively with PHPs. Regression analyses indicated that resilience and self-efficacy were partial, not complete mediators of the relationship between social support and PHPs. This research has relevance for practice involving Black late adolescents, with social support playing a role in promoting PHPs.


Practical and legal implications of nurse practitioners and physician assistants in cystoscopy.
Due to looming physician shortages and the increase in demand for quality medical care for the newly insured, as well as the aging Baby Boomer population, there has never been a more important time for physicians, administrators, and the public to endorse and develop the role that nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) will play in the future of medical practice. One way to begin to address this problem is by expanding investments in training, competencies, and certification for NPs and PAs in performing minor procedures, such as cystoscopy, which is currently being performed by NPs and PAs across the United States and United Kingdom safely and with consistently high quality outcomes.


The pharmacist's role in self-care.
Self-care involves a variety of actions that patients take to manage their health. Pharmacists play an important role in guiding patient's self-care behaviors. Thorough assessment and effective communication are crucial to meaningful self-care counseling. Pharmacists can act as advocates who empower patients and help them make sound decisions about self-care.


Endovascular surgery using stents for vertebral artery dissecting aneurysms and a review of the literature.
The treatment of dissecting aneurysms of the vertebral artery (VA) involving the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) or presenting with hypoplasia of the contralateral VA is controversial. We describe our experience with 4 ruptured and 2 unruptured VA dissecting aneurysms and discuss the efficacy of endovascular surgery using stents. All patients were male; their mean age was 50.7 years. According to World Federation of Neurological Surgeons (WFNS) grading, 3 of the ruptured aneurysms were grade V, the other was grade I. All patients were successfully treated using stents; in 5 we also coil-embolized the aneurysmal lumen. One aneurysm was treated by the placement of 2 stents covering the dissection site; there was a danger of aneurysmal rupture during coil embolization. No technical complications were encountered although one patient suffered minor rebleeding 5 days post-treatment. Delayed vasospasm occurred in 4 cases. According to the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS), at 3 months after treatment 2 patients had made a good recovery, one was moderately disabled, one suffered severe disability, and 2 had died. One death each was due to acute myocardial and brain stem infarction. Endovascular surgery using stents may be a useful treatment in patients in poor condition who manifest dissecting VA aneurysms involving the PICA or hypoplasia of the contralateral VA, especially in the acute period after rupture.


Passive Facebook use and students' academic stress: The moderating role of authenticity.
Objective: The present study examined the association between passive FB use and academic stress, as well as the moderating role of users' dispositional levels of authenticity. Participants and Methods: A total of 188 college students responded to questionnaires regarding their FB use, trait authenticity, and academic stress. Results: The amount of time users reported they routinely engaged in passive FB use significantly correlated with academic stress. Further, users' levels of trait authenticity moderated this relationship. Time spent passively using FB was positively associated with academic stress only when user authenticity was high. However, how often students passively use FB was not significantly associated with academic stress regardless of their authenticity levels. Conclusions: These findings suggest that using FB passively for longer time periods might be a way to avoid academic tasks, which in turn might be associated with greater academic stress for those students who report higher levels of authenticity.


LPA signaling acts as a cell-extrinsic mechanism to initiate cilia disassembly and promote neurogenesis.
Dynamic assembly and disassembly of primary cilia controls embryonic development and tissue homeostasis. Dysregulation of ciliogenesis causes human developmental diseases termed ciliopathies. Cell-intrinsic regulatory mechanisms of cilia disassembly have been well-studied. The extracellular cues controlling cilia disassembly remain elusive, however. Here, we show that lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a multifunctional bioactive phospholipid, acts as a physiological extracellular factor to initiate cilia disassembly and promote neurogenesis. Through systematic analysis of serum components, we identify a small molecular-LPA as the major driver of cilia disassembly. Genetic inactivation and pharmacological inhibition of LPA receptor 1 (LPAR1) abrogate cilia disassembly triggered by serum. The LPA-LPAR-G-protein pathway promotes the transcription and phosphorylation of cilia disassembly factors-Aurora A, through activating the transcription coactivators YAP/TAZ and calcium/CaM pathway, respectively. Deletion of Lpar1 in mice causes abnormally elongated cilia and decreased proliferation in neural progenitor cells, thereby resulting in defective neurogenesis. Collectively, our findings establish LPA as a physiological initiator of cilia disassembly and suggest targeting the metabolism of LPA and the LPA pathway as potential therapies for diseases with dysfunctional ciliogenesis.


Evolutionary relationship between plasmids and phages: phasmid P4 as a model.
Phasmid (phage-plasmid) P4 is capable of propagating as a temperate phage, lytic helper-dependent phage, and as a plasmid (pP4vir1). Alteration of cellular growth conditions can be used to manipulate the copy number (n) of pP4vir1 from low (n = 1-2) to high (n = 30-40). The levels of gene expression of P4 in the plasmid and phage states are radically different. While there is high expression of P4 proteins in the phage state, low levels of gene expression are found in the plasmid mode of propagation thereby allowing pP4vir1 to remain intracellularly without perturbing host homeostasis. Possible evolutionary origins of phasmid P4 are discussed.


[Cervical cystic lymphangiomas in adults].
Cystic hygromas, infrequent in children, are even rarer in adults where they are generally unexpected operative findings. Now, with the progress in modern medical imaging, the diagnosis can be suggested before operation. Analysis of the embryogenesis helps to explain the different anatomical and clinical forms and the relations of the cystic hygroma with neighboring tissues, particularly of venous origin. 9 cases of cystic hygroma of the neck in adults are reported and discussed with 26 other well documented cases from the literature. The diagnosis can be confirmed only after operation and histological examination. Surgical removal is technically less difficult in adults than in children and recurrences are rare.


Binding of retinol in both retinoid-binding sites of interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein (IRBP) is stabilized mainly by hydrophobic interactions.
Interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein (IRBP) is an ocular protein which is believed to participate in the visual cycle by mediating transport of retinoids between pigment epithelium and photoreceptor cells. The molecular mechanism underlying the ability of IRBP to target particular retinoids to the specific cells that are their sites of action and metabolism is not completely clear, and little information is available regarding the structure of the protein's multiple ligand-binding sites. IRBP possesses two retinoid-binding sites, and it was reported that binding of the visual chromophore, 11-cis-retinal, in one of these sites, but not in the other, is tightly regulated by another IRBP ligand, docosahexaenoic acid (Chen, Y., Houghton, L. A., Brenna, J. T., and Noy, N. (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271, 20507). The two sites are thus functionally distinct. Here, the thermodynamic parameters governing the interactions of retinol with the IRBP retinoid-binding sites were measured. The data demonstrate that the interactions of retinol with both sites are stabilized mainly by hydrophobic interactions, and that the hydroxyl head group of retinol is not involved in formation of protein-ligand complexes. Nevertheless, the data indicate that the two sites are structurally distinct, and that binding of retinol in them occurs by remarkably different modes of interactions.


Research on the effect of uncertain rewards on impulsive purchase intention of blind box products.
Since 2019, China has gradually seen a "blind box" boom, and young people have quickly become the main buying force of blind boxes, promoting the continuous development of the blind box industry. Previous studies have shown that uncertainty in events with positive prospects can play a more positive role than certainty. However, how does uncertainty in the blind box affect consumers' emotions and cognition and trigger subsequent consumption decisions? To clarify the internal mechanism of this process, this paper takes the blind box as the research object and constructs the mechanism model of perceived uncertainty on consumers' impulsive purchase intention, based on Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) theory. In addition, the curiosity variable and perceived luck variable are introduced according to the information gap theory and optimism theory. On this basis, we conduct an empirical analysis by means of a questionnaire survey. The results show that perceived uncertainty has a positive impact on consumers' impulsive purchase intentions, in which curiosity plays a mediating role. Besides, perceived luck positively moderates the impact of perceived uncertainty on impulsive purchase intention. This study clarifies the internal impact of perceived uncertainty on impulsive purchase intention of the blind box and enriches the basic theory of uncertainty reward and purchase intention. At the same time, we also offer related recommendations for future enterprises to learn from the marketing model of uncertain rewards.


Co-occurring conditions and racial-ethnic disparities: Medicaid enrolled adults on the autism spectrum.
Evidence suggests that autistic adults have higher odds of developing several co-occurring conditions, but less is known about disparities by race and ethnicity in this population. Using 2008-2012 Medicaid Analytic eXtract (MAX) data, we (i) identify the prevalence of co-occurring conditions among the population of autistic adult Medicaid beneficiaries compared to a matched sample of those without an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis, (ii) conduct logistic regression to estimate odds ratios for these health conditions predicted by an autism diagnosis, and (iii) estimate odds of having these health conditions as predicted by racial/ethnic group among the autistic population only. Overall, autistic adults did not have higher prevalence of some major health conditions (cardiovascular conditions, stroke, cancer, cardiovascular disease), but they did have higher odds of others (nutrition conditions, epilepsy, disorders of the central nervous system). Analysis by racial/ethnic group, however, shows that Black, Hispanic, and Asian autistic beneficiaries had higher odds of diabetes, hospitalized cardiovascular diseases, and hypertension, among other conditions. Policymakers should be aware that racial disparities found in the general population persist in the autistic population and should work to implement systems and programs to improve screening and preventive care for minority autistic populations. LAY SUMMARY: Autistic adults may have several co-occurring physical and mental health conditions, which could differ by racial/ethnic group. We find that, compared to the general Medicaid population, autistic adult Medicaid beneficiaries have elevated odds of some health conditions, like epilepsy and nutrition conditions, as well as some psychiatric conditions, such as anxiety and attention disorders. We also find that many of the same health disparities by racial/ethnic group in the general population persist among the autistic adult Medicaid population. For example, Black, Hispanic, and Asian Medicaid autistic beneficiaries have higher odds of diabetes, and Black and Hispanic autistic beneficiaries have higher odds of obesity and nutrition conditions than white autistic beneficiaries.


Medical and Surgical Management of Empyema.
Infection of the pleural space is an ancient and common clinical problem, the incidence which is on the rise. Advances in therapy now present clinicians of varying disciplines with an array of therapeutic options ranging from thoracentesis and chest tube drainage (with or without intrapleural fibrinolytic therapies) to video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) or thoracotomy. A framework is provided to guide decision making, which involves weighing multiple factors (clinical history and presentation, imaging characteristics, comorbidities); multidisciplinary collaboration and active management are needed as the clinical course over a few days determines subsequent refinement. The initial choice of antibiotics depends on whether the empyema is community-acquired or nosocomial, and clinicians must recognize that culture results often do not reflect the full disease process. Antibiotics alone are rarely successful and can be justified only in specific circumstances. Early drainage with or without intrapleural fibrinolytics is usually required. This is successful in most patients; however, when surgical decortication is needed, clear benefit and low physiologic impact are more likely with early intervention, expeditious escalation of interventions, and care at a center experienced with VATS.


Prevalence of mongolism in Northern Ireland.
An estimate of prevalence of mongolism at birth in Northern Ireland (1960-69 gave a frequency of 2.23 per 1000 livebirths. This figure is considerably higher than from other published sources within the United Kingdom. The estimate was derived by applying mortality experience of a sample of mongols over a recent time period. Mortality among mongols born to older mothers was after one year almost fifty per cent whilst those born to younger mothers was twenty-three per cent. These findings have implications for the viability of future screening programmes.


Anti-HMGCR antibodies demonstrate high diagnostic value in the diagnosis of immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy following statin exposure.
Anti-HMGCR antibodies represent a characteristic serological feature of statin-exposed and statin-unexposed patients with immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM). We assessed anti-HMGCR antibodies in patients with suspected IMNM following statin exposure and patients with other autoimmune rheumatic diseases. We evaluated the presence of anti-HMGCR autoantibodies in sera samples from 13 statin-exposed patients who were suspected of having IMNM, 38 patients with different inflammatory and autoimmune rheumatic diseases and 29 healthy subjects. The autoantibodies were evaluated by two assays: a new chemiluminescence QUANTA Flash HMGCR kit utilizing BIO-FLASH system and QUANTA Lite® HMGCR ELISA kit. Twelve samples from patients with suspicion for IMNM were found positive for anti-HMGCR antibodies by both assays. Only one of the 13 samples that were found positive by ELISA was negative by CIA. A very good qualitative correlation (κ = 0.95; 95 % CI 0.85-1.0) and quantitative agreement (Spearman's rho 0.87; P value < 0.0001; 95 % CI 0.62-0.96) were found between these two assays. All samples from healthy subjects and from the disease-controlled patient cohort were negative for anti-HMGCR antibodies. In comparison with ELISA results, the CIA exhibited high sensitivity and specificity values of 92.3 and 100 %, respectively. Receiver operating characteristic analysis for CIA and ELISA yielded area under the curve values of 0.99. The presence of anti-HMGCR antibodies may be a useful biomarker of IMNM in statin-exposed patients. There is a good correlation between the two anti-HMGCR antibody assays evaluated in the present study.


Inflammation and insulin resistance as novel mechanisms of wasting in chronic dialysis patients.
Over the last decade, there have been no proven therapies to lower the mortality and morbidity risk for chronic dialysis patients. One of the most important determinants of this poor clinical outcome is protein energy wasting (PEW), a unique and highly prevalent nutritional and metabolic abnormality primarily characterized by increased protein breakdown in the skeletal muscle compartment. Although the etiology and mechanisms leading to increased protein breakdown in chronic dialysis patients are complex and mostly ill-defined, two well-recognized and presumably interrelated metabolic abnormalities, insulin resistance and chronic inflammation, are likely to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of this condition. Multiple studies demonstrate the anabolic effects of insulin that extend beyond simple carbohydrate metabolism. Insulin is a mediator of accelerated protein breakdown in the catabolic condition such as advanced kidney disease. Chronic inflammation, a condition known to cause muscle catabolism in experimental conditions, has a strong association with advanced kidney disease in epidemiologic studies. Chronic inflammation is also known to induce insulin resistance, primarily by the induction of proinflammatory cytokines. The protein catabolic effects of inflammation and insulin resistance involve common cellular pathways. Thus, it is reasonable to speculate that chronic inflammation of advanced kidney disease mediates its protein catabolic effects by inducing insulin resistance of protein metabolism at both the physiologic and cellular levels. Modulating inflammatory response or insulin signaling by pharmacologic interventions could allow us to clarify the mechanisms contributing to the development of PEW in the setting of these particular metabolic derangements.


Hemoperitoneum in a cirrhotic patient due to rupture of retroperitoneal varix.
The rupture of retroperitoneal varices is a rare and catastrophic complication of portal hypertension. We describe a case of this nature, the first in Brazilian medical literature, and also reviewing all previous 34 cases. We systematically analyzed all therapeutic approach and propose a management algorithm for diagnosis and treatment of this lethal condition. The majority of the patients presented with abdominal pain, distention and hypotension, and developed hemorrhagic shock. Rupture of retroperitoneal varices can be properly managed if an early diagnosis is made and surgery is performed promptly, which is the only effective treatment. Arteriography should be used when the suspicion is of rupture of hepatocellular carcinoma.


Mannose metabolism in corn and its impact on leaf metabolites, photosynthetic gas exchange, and chlorophyll fluorescence.
When intact corn leaves were provided millimolar concentrations of d-mannose through the transpiration stream photosynthesis was inhibited; 5.7 millimolar resulted in a 50% inhibition of the carbon exchange rate. This inhibition was partially reversible by the addition of orthophosphate to the feeding solution. Mannose metabolism by corn leaves was limited in that it did not act as a resource for sucrose or starch synthesis. Mannose 6-phosphate accumulated in the leaf tissues and was slowly metabolized by a pathway involving mannose 1-phosphate. Correlated with the mannose-6-phosphate accumulation were decreases in ATP, orthophosphate, sucrose, and phosphoenolpyruvate and increases in starch and maltose. When provided in the transpiration stream mannose had access to both mesophyll and bundle sheath cells. Mannose feeding led to oscillations in steady state chlorophyll fluorescence emission (680 nanometers) and an elimination of the Kautsky effect during fluorescence induction. Pyridoxal 5-phosphate and 2,4-dinitrophenol were found to be inhibitors of CO(2) exchange when provided in the transpiration stream of intact corn leaves. However, Pyridoxal 5-phosphate induced a quenching of steady state fluorescence while 2,4-dinitrophenol led to an increase in fluorescence emission.


Rapid conversion of API hydrates to anhydrous forms in aqueous media.
Three anhydrous polymorphs, a monohydrate and a dihydrate of an active pharmaceutical ingredient, N-{[(5S)-3-(4-{6-[(1R,5S)-6-cyano-3-oxabicyclo[3.1.0]hex-6-yl]pyridin-3-yl}phenyl)-2-oxo-1,3-oxazolidin-5-yl]methyl}acetamide (Compound 1), have been crystallized and characterized. Slurry experiments and thermal data have been used to determine their relative thermodynamic stability. The hydrates of Compound 1 were found to be less stable than the most stable anhydrous Form I and converted into Form I in water within 15 min. The rate of conversion in a dry state was found to depend on the relative humidity (RH) and was highest at the two RH extremes examined, 5% and 97.5% RH.


Importance of the Immune Microenvironment in the Spontaneous Regression of Cervical Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions (cSIL) and Implications for Immunotherapy.
Cervical high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (cHSILs) develop as a result of a persistent high-risk human papilloma virus (hrHPV) infection. The natural course of cHSIL is hard to predict, depending on a multitude of viral, clinical, and immunological factors. Local immunity is pivotal in the pathogenesis, spontaneous regression, and progression of cervical dysplasia; however, the underlying mechanisms are unknown. The aim of this review is to outline the changes in the immune microenvironment in spontaneous regression, persistence, and responses to (immuno)therapy. In lesion persistence and progression, the immune microenvironment of cHSIL is characterized by a lack of intraepithelial CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T cell infiltrates and Langerhans cells compared to the normal epithelium and by an increased number of CD25+FoxP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) and CD163+ M2 macrophages. Spontaneous regression is characterized by low numbers of Tregs, more intraepithelial CD8+ T cells, and a high CD4+/CD25+ T cell ratio. A 'hot' immune microenvironment appears to be essential for spontaneous regression of cHSIL. Moreover, immunotherapy, such as imiquimod and therapeutic HPV vaccination, may enhance a preexisting pro-inflammatory immune environment contributing to lesion regression. The preexisting immune composition may reflect the potential for lesion regression, leading to a possible immune biomarker for immunotherapy in cHSILs.


The effect of adding two target-controlled concentrations (1-3 ng mL -1 ) of remifentanil on MAC BAR of desflurane.
The aim of this prospective, randomized, double-blind study was to determine the effects of adding two different target-controlled concentrations of remifentanil (1 and 3 ng mL(-1)) on the desflurane requirement for blunting sympathetic responses after surgical incision (minimum anaesthetic concentration (MAC(BAR)). 67 patients, aged 20-50 yr, ASA I, undergoing general anaesthesia for elective abdominal surgery were enrolled and randomly allocated to receive no remifentanil infusion (n = 21) or a target-controlled effect-site concentration of 1 ng mL(-1) (n = 24) or 3 ng mL(-1) remifentanil (n = 22). All patients were anaesthetized with propofol, cisatracurium and desflurane with a mixture of 60% nitrous oxide in oxygen. Sympathetic responses to surgical incision were determined after a 20-min period of stable end-tidal desflurane and target-controlled remifentanil concentrations. Predetermined end-tidal desflurane concentrations and the MAC(BAR) for each group were determined using an up-and-down sequential-allocation technique. The MAC(BAR) of desflurane was higher in the group receiving no remifentanil (6.25% [95% confidence interval: 5.9-6.5%]) as compared with patients of the groups receiving 1 ng mL(-1) (2.7% [2.6-2.8%]; P < 0.001) and 3 ng mL(-1) remifentanil (2% [1.9-2.2%]; P < 0.01). When considering a MAC value in this age population and the contribution of 60% nitrous oxide (0.55 MAC), the combined MAC(BAR) values, expressed as multiples of the MAC, were 1.9, 0.8 and 0.6 MAC, in the three groups, respectively. A target-controlled concentration of 1 ng mL(-1) remifentanil results in a 57% decrease in the MAC(BAR) of desflurane combined with 60% nitrous oxide. Increasing the target concentration of remifentanil to 3 ng mL(-1) produces a further 26% decrease in the MAC(BAR) values of desflurane.


Strontium isotopes in deep-sea sediments.
Recent deep-sea sediments, leached of carbonate, have Sr(87) Sr(86) ratios ranging from 0.7044 to 0.7394. Strontium in the detrital sediment has not equilibrated isotopically with seawater strontium. Amounts of strontium-bearing authigenic material in the clay-mineral assemblage are not great enough to mask strontium-isotope ratios inherited from source areas.


Dispersal, kin aggregation, and the fitness consequences of not spreading sibling larvae.
Dispersal has far-reaching implications for individuals, populations, and communities, especially in sessile organisms. Escaping competition with conspecifics and with kin are theorized to be key factors leading to dispersal as an adaptation. However, manipulative approaches in systems in which adults are sessile but offspring have behaviors is required for a more complete understanding of how competition affects dispersal. Here, we integrate a series of experiments to study how dispersal affects the density and relatedness of neighbors, and how the density and relatedness of neighbors in turn affects fitness. In a marine bryozoan, we empirically estimated dispersal kernels and found that most larvae settled within ~1 m of the maternal colony, although some could potentially travel at least 10s of meters. Larvae neither actively preferred or avoided conspecifics or kin at settlement. We experimentally determined the effects of spreading sibling larvae by manipulating the density and relatedness of settlers and measuring components of fitness in the field. We found that settler density reduced maternal fitness when settler neighbors were siblings compared with when neighbors were unrelated or absent. Genetic markers also identified very few half sibs (and no full sibs) in adults from the natural population, and rarely close enough to directly interact. In this system, dispersal occurs over short distances (meters) yet, in contrast with expectations, there appears to be limited kinship between adult neighbors. Our results suggest that the limited dispersal increases early offspring mortality when siblings settle next to each other, rather than next to unrelated conspecifics, potentially reducing kinship in adult populations. High offspring production and multiple paternity could further dilute kinship at settlement and reduce selection for dispersal beyond the scale of 10s of meters.


Knock-down of SOX11 induces autotaxin-dependent increase in proliferation in vitro and more aggressive tumors in vivo.
The transcription factor SOX11 is a novel diagnostic marker for mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), distinguishing this aggressive tumor from potential simulators. Recent data also show that the level of SOX11 correlates to in vitro growth properties in MCL, as well as the clinical progression. We have previously shown that MCL-associated pathways, such as Rb-E2F, are dysregulated leading to decreased proliferation upon overexpression of SOX11, emphasizing the impact of SOX11 on MCL-specific gene expression and growth control. However, it remains to be determined which growth regulatory pathways that are induced upon SOX11 knock-down, leading to an increased cellular growth. Consequently, we established a model cell line with constitutive down-regulation of SOX11. The highly proliferative features of this cell line were investigated by gene expression analysis, proliferation assay, cell cycle distribution and potential to induce tumors in NOD-SCID mice. Our in vitro studies demonstrated a SOX11-dependent regulation of MCL-specific gene expression. In addition, we identified autotaxin (ATX) to be regulated by SOX11. Our results clearly showed a correlation between SOX11 level and cellular growth rate, which was dependent on ATX, as well as a direct relation between the level of SOX11 in tumorigenic cells and the growth rate of these tumors in NOD-SCID mice.


Cerebral small vessel disease phenotype and 5-year mortality in asymptomatic middle-to-old aged individuals.
The present study aimed to determine whether a recently proposed cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) classification scheme could differentiate the 5-year all-cause mortality in middle-to-old aged asymptomatic CSVD. Stroke-free and non-demented participants recruited from the community-based I-Lan Longitudinal Aging Study underwent baseline brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) between 2011 and 2014 and were followed-up between 2018 and 2019. The study population was classified into control (non-CSVD) and CSVD type 1-4 groups based on MRI markers. We determined the association with mortality using Cox regression models, adjusting for the age, sex, and vascular risk factors. A total of 735 participants were included. During a mean follow-up of 5.7 years, 62 (8.4%) died. There were 335 CSVD type 1 (57.9 ± 5.9 years), 249 type 2 (65.6 ± 8.1 years), 52 type 3 (67.8 ± 9.2 years), and 38 type 4 (64.3 ± 9.0 years). Among the four CSVD types, CSVD type 4 individuals had significantly higher all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio = 5.0, 95% confidence interval 1.6-15.3) compared to controls. This novel MRI-based CSVD classification scheme was able to identify individuals at risk of mortality at an asymptomatic, early stage of disease and might be applied for future community-based health research and policy.


A Fullerene-Platinum Complex for Direct Functional Patterning of Single Metal Atom-Embedded Carbon Nanostructures.
The development of patterning materials ("resists") at the nanoscale involves two distinct trends: one is toward high sensitivity and resolution for miniaturization, the other aims at functionalization of the resists to realize bottom-up construction of distinct nanoarchitectures. Patterning of carbon nanostructures, a seemingly ideal application for organic functional resists, has been highly reliant on complicated pattern transfer processes because of a lack of patternable precursors. Herein, we present a fullerene-metal coordination complex as a fabrication material for direct functional patterning of sub-10 nm metal-containing carbon structures. The attachment of one platinum atom per fullerene molecule not only leads to significant improvement of sensitivity and resolution but also enables stable atomic dispersion of the platinum ions within the carbon matrix, which may gain fundamentally new interest in functional patterning of hierarchical carbon nanostructures.


Protein regulator of cytokinesis-1 expression: prognostic value in lung squamous cell carcinoma patients.
Protein regulator of cytokinesis-1 (PRC1) has been shown to participate in the completion of cytokinesis, and it is dysregulated in cancer processes. However, its relevance in lung squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) remained largely unknown. We aimed to study the expression pattern of PRC1 and assess its clinical significance in lung SCC. PRC1 protein expression in human lung SCC and adjacent normal lung tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry. PRC1 expression was assessed in association with clinicopathological features and clinical outcomes of lung SCC patients. In lung SCC tissues, PRC1 protein expression was significantly higher than those in paired normal lung tissues. The lung SCC patients with PRC1 overexpression had an advanced pathological stage (TNM stage), positive lymph node metastasis, and a shorter overall survival (OS) time more frequently than patients with low PRC1 expression. Additional, PRC1 expression was also shown to be poor as a prognostic factor for OS in patients with lung SCC. Our study indicated that aberrant expression of PRC1 may point to biochemical recurrence in lung SCC. This highlights its potential as a valuable prognostic marker for lung SCC.


Carbonic anhydrase isozymes II, IX, and XII in uterine tumors.
Histopathological diagnostics of gynecological malignancies continues to be challenging despite the well established criteria. For example, the morphological distinction of uterine leiomyosarcoma from certain variants of benign leiomyoma can be difficult. Herein, we investigated the expression of Carbonic anhydrase (CA) II, IX, and XII in the normal endometrium, leiomyomas, uterine sarcomas, and endometrial adenocarcinomas using immunohistochemistry. These isozymes are considered promising diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets. The normal endometrium showed high CA XII expression, whereas the signals were lower in endometrial adenocarcinoma (p < 0.004). Only sporadic CA IX staining was found in the normal endometrium, whereas the enzyme was overexpressed in most cases of endometrial adenocarcinoma (p < 0.005). CA II expression was slightly weaker in the normal endometrium than that in the adenocarcinomas (p < 0.008). Positive immunostaining reactions for CAs were observed in the uterine sarcomas, whereas all leiomyomas were negative for CA II and XII. A comparison between leiomyomas and sarcomas showed statistically significant differences for all studied isozymes (p < 0.001). Our study shows that CA isozymes could together serve as histopathological biomarkers for differential diagnosis between uterine leiomyosarcoma and leiomyoma. In addition to being found in leiomyosarcomas, CA II and IX were overexpressed in endometrial adenocarcinoma, where they might regulate the pH of the tumor microenvironment.


DPX 1840-induced Organogenesis in Xanthi-nc Tobacco Plants.
The synthetic growth regulant DPX 1840 (3,3a-dihydro-2-(p-methoxyphenyl)-8H-pyrazolo[5, 1-a]isoindol-8-one) induced callus growth and subsequent tissue differentiation on cut surfaces of decapitated Xanthi-nc tobacco plants (Nicotiana tabacum). Callus formation and organogenesis induced by DPX 1840 depended on the presence of leaves. The adventitious meristems developed into either vegetative or flowering shoots. Pedicels that bore single flower buds developed two abscission zones that caused the buds to abscise before anthesis. The various morphological and physiological processes affected by DPX 1840 suggests that this growth regulator affects the endogenous hormonal distribution and/or activity.


Real-time fetal ECG extraction from multichannel abdominal ECG using compressive sensing and ICA.
An improved method for separation of fetal electrocardiogram (fECG) from abdominal electrocardiogram (abdECG) is proposed in this paper. Proposed method combines two widely used techniques i.e. compressive sensing (CS) and independent component analysis (ICA). Separation of fECG is carried out by applying ICA directly on the compressed signal. The efficient improved ℓp-regularized least-sqaures (ℓp-RLS) algorithm is used for signal reconstruction, which provides better reconstruction quality and less processing time in comparison with other existing methods. The proposed algorithm is evaluated and tested on Physionet datasets which contain 75 records in set-A, 100 records in set-B and 6 records in Silesia dataset. The obtained outcomes reveal that proposed algorithm shows promising results (Sensitivity S=92%, Positive predictivity P+ = 93%, F1 measure = 92.5% with average percentage root-mean-square difference PRD =6.89% and Execution time= 2.91 sec.). The results also indicate that there is a substantial improvement in quality of reconstructed signal which is achieved by maintaining lowest PRD.


Bovine Pre-adipocyte Adipogenesis Is Regulated by bta-miR-150 Through mTOR Signaling.
Micro RNA (miR) are recognized for their important roles in biological processes, particularly in regulatory componentization. Among the miR, miR-150 has been the focus of intense scrutiny, mostly due to its role in malignant tumors. A comparison between steer and bull adipose tissues identified bta-miR-150 as one of the nine downregulated miRNAs, although its function remains unknown (GEO:GSE75063). The present study aimed to further characterize the role of bta-miR-150 in cattle. bta-miR-150 has a negative regulatory effect on the differentiation of bovine adipocytes and promotes proliferation. Overexpression of bta-miR-150 can promote mRNA and protein expression of the marker genes CDK1, CDK2, and PCNA, increase the number of EdU-stained cells, promote adipocyte proliferation, inhibit adipocyte differentiation, and reduce lipid droplet formation. Results of RNA-seq and WGCNA analyses showed that the mammalian target of the rapamycin signaling pathway, which plays a major regulatory role, is dysregulated by the overexpression and inhibition of miR-150. We found that the target gene of bta-miR-150 is AKT1 and that bta-miR-150 affects AKT1 phosphorylation levels. These results showed that bta-miR-150 plays a role in adipogenic differentiation and might therefore have applications in the beef industry.


Molecular physiology of sugar catabolism in Lactococcus lactis IL1403.
The metabolic characteristics of Lactococcus lactis IL1403 were examined on two different growth media with respect to the physiological response to two sugars, glucose and galactose. Analysis of specific metabolic rates indicated that despite significant variations in the rates of both growth and sugar consumption, homolactic fermentation was maintained for all cultures due to the low concentration of either pyruvate-formate lyase or alcohol dehydrogenase. When the ionophore monensin was added to the medium, flux through glycolysis was not increased, suggesting a catabolic flux limitation, which, with the low intracellular concentrations of glycolytic intermediates and high in vivo glycolytic enzyme capacities, may be at the level of sugar transport. To assess transcription, a novel DNA macroarray technology employed RNA labeled in vitro with digoxigenin and detection of hybrids with an alkaline phosphatase-antidigoxigenin conjugate. This method showed that several genes of glycolysis were expressed to higher levels on glucose and that the genes of the mixed-acid pathway were expressed to higher levels on galactose. When rates of enzyme synthesis are compared to transcript concentrations, it can be deduced that some translational regulation occurs with threefold-higher translational efficiency in cells grown on glucose.


[Reflex reactions of the spinal cord in hypoparathyroidism].
Experiments were carried out on parathyroprival cats with varying degree of motor disorders. Disturbed reflex activity of the spinal cord was characterized by activation of motoneurons and the system of intercalary neurons, abatement of the phenomenon of posttetanic potentiation as well as by conductivity facilitation in the reflex arch. Marked tetany was accompanied by diminution and, in some cases, by complete absence of monosynaptic responses with enhancement of polysynaptic reflex discharges. After intravenous injection of calcium chloride the test animals showed a tendency to recovery of the reflexes recorded. It is concluded that the disordered functional state of the spinal cord segmental apparatus is mainly due to hypocalciemia and may be one of the causes of parathyroprival tetany.


Outcomes Of Intensive Care Patients Having Septic Shock At A Tertiary Care Hospital Of Islamabad.
Septic shock is defined as sepsis with circulatory, cellular and metabolic abnormalities which are associated with greater mortality more than 40%. The objective of this study was to identify shortcomings and act promptly and adequately. This case series included 32 patients over a period of 03 months, September to November 2016 done at ICU of KRL Hospital Islamabad. The study only enrolled patients who fulfilled the criteria of septic shock. Mortality was as high as 50%. (UTI) was the most common infection (43.75%). In patients who died Pneumonia was commonest infection (43.75%). Mean TLC, CRP and lactate was 17.48×109/l, 29.28 mg/L and 6.81mmom/L respectively. Escherichia Coli (E. coli) was the most common isolated pathogen (31.25%) followed by Staphylococcus Aureus (12.5%). Mean initial MAP was 49.7 mmHg and mean MAP at end of 3-day period was 71.4 mmHg. Mean norepinephrine dose given on day 1, 2 & 3 was 0.90 μg/kg/min, 1.01 μg/kg/min & 1.28 μg/kg/min respectively. Mean hospital stay was 7.1 days. Six out of 08 (75%) patients who needed ventilator support died while 02 out of 08 (25%) patients survived. Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) was the most common End Organ Damage (EOD). Mortality remains high in septic shock despite maximum efforts. In current study MAP, serum lactate level, hospital stay, need for ventilator support, comorbidities, need for newer generation antimicrobials were the important cofounders in differentiating patients who died and those who survived with significant p-values in the 1st four conditions.


Bronchodilator effects of clemastine, ipratropium, bromide, and salbutamol in preschool children with asthma.
The bronchodilator activity in nebulised salbutamol, ipratropium bromide, clemastine, and a placebo was studied in 14 asthmatic children aged between 3 and 5 years. Changes in lung function were monitored by measuring peak expiratory flow rate and total respiratory resistance using a modification of the forced oscillation technique. Ipratropium bromide produced a degree of bronchodilation similar to that of salbutamol, but the bronchodilatory activity of clemastine was not appreciably better than for the placebo.


Selenocystine and Photo-Irradiation Directed Growth of Helically Grooved Gold Nanoarrows.
The fabrication of discrete nanostructures with both plasmonic circular dichroism (PCD) and chiral features is still a challenge. Here, gold nanoarrows (GNAs) with both chiroptical responses and chiral morphologies are achieved by using L-selenocystine (L-SeCys2 ) as a chiral inducer. While L-SeCys2 generates GNAs with a weak PCD signal, the irradiated L-SeCys2 (irr-L-SeCys2 ) leads to GNAs with featured helical grooves (HeliGNAs) accompanying with a strong PCD signal. It is revealed that when L-SeCys2 is photo-irradiated, the emergence of selenyl radicals plays an important role in the formation of HeliGNAs and enhancement of the chiroptical signal. In comparison with L-SeCys2 and the other kinds of sulfur-containing amino acids, the formation mechanism of helical grooves on the surface of GNAs is proposed. Both HeliGNAs and GNAs are used to discriminate amino acids by utilizing surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) effect. In the presence of either GNAs or HeliGNAs as the substrate, Fmoc-L-Phe shows more significant SERS than Fmoc-D-Phe. This study may advance the design of discrete plasmonic nanomaterials with both chiral morphology and potential applications in discrimination of chiral molecules.


[Atlanto-axial dislocations in children].
A series of 9 cases of atlanto-axial dislocation observed between 1976 and 1982 illustrates the wide range of etiologic factors as well as their possible implication. The findings were as follows: 3 congenital anomalies of the odontoid process, 2 luxations resulting from trauma, 1 spine infection, 2 Grisel syndromes, 1 psoriatic rheumatism. Among them 3 children had incomplete tetraplegia. Six patients were treated by posterior spine fusion either directly or after failure of conservative management. The authors emphasize the difficulty in relating the disorder to its real cause and discuss the various methods of treatment according to the etiology, whether reduction and stabilization are possible and according to the neural involvement and the date of onset of the disorders.


Remission From Suicidal Ideation Among Those in Chronic Pain: What Factors Are Associated With Resilience?
Although there have been many studies on the link between chronic pain and suicidality, surprisingly little research has focused on resilience and recovery among those in chronic and disabling pain who have had suicidal thoughts. The objectives of this study were to identify the prevalence and correlates of recovery from suicidal thoughts among those in chronic pain. A secondary analysis of a nationally representative sample of Canadians in chronic and disabling pain who had ever had serious suicidal thoughts (N = 635) was conducted to identify the prevalence and characteristics of those who are no longer considering suicide. Data were drawn from the Canadian Community Health Survey-Mental Health. Three in five Canadians in chronic pain (63%) who had seriously considered suicide at some point in their life had been free of these thoughts in the past year. Those free of suicidal ideation were significantly more likely to be older, women, white, better educated, with a confidant, and to use spirituality to cope, but less likely to have low household incomes, difficulties meeting basic expenses, and a history of depression and anxiety disorders. PERSPECTIVE: Almost two-thirds of formerly suicidal Canadians with chronic pain were free from suicidal thoughts in the past year. These findings provide a hopeful message of resilience and recovery in the context of disabling pain and help to improve targeted outreach to those most at risk for unremitting suicidality.


Chloramine and copper sulfate as control agents of planktonic larvae of Chironomus luridus in water supply systems.
The latest approach to control of midge larvae in drinking-water supplies is suppression of the planktonic 1st-stage larvae, by using 2 disinfectants, chloramine and copper sulfate. The median lethal concentration for 24-h exposure of the 1st-stage larvae of Chironomus luridus to chloramine and copper sulfate individually was 0.51 and 0.38 mg/liter, respectively. The increase of copper sulfate to 0.5 mg of copper per liter to water containing chloramine (0.5 mg/liter) created a synergistic reaction that resulted in 96% (+/-8% SD) mortality of the planktonic larvae. This treatment may serve as an effective control of 1st-stage larvae in municipal drinking-water supplies.


[Natural killer cells (CD56, CD16) as a factor of local antitumor immunity in breast cancer].
Two groups of malignancies with significantly distinct ratios of Ki-67 and CD16 expression were identified. Significant direct and inverse correlations between the markers were established (p < 0.01) whereas either group revealed two contradicting patterns of immune response. Whatever hormone receptor, natural killer cells (IKC) (CD16) levels correlated directly with tumor size and lymph node incidence (p < 0.01). IKC (CD56) did not contribute to breast tumor response. Our findings on CD16 expression may be used as criteria in prognosis prediction.


[Nasal sinus metastasis of renal carcinoma. A case report].
Renal cell carcinoma is the primary neoplasm which most frequently metastasizes in the nasosinusal region. We present a case of a 51-year-old man who was nephrectomized for a renal cell carcinoma. A year later, he presented a left nasosinusal lesion. The biopsy was conclusive for renal cell metastasis. A paralateronasal and bicoronal approach was used. Currently, 6 years later the patient is free of local disease, but he presents cutaneous metastasis. Renal cell nasosinusal metastasis is found in a context of disseminated disease. Symptoms are unspecific, but the epistaxis constitutes the most common sign due to the significant vascularizations of the tumor. Definitive diagnosis is obtained from the biopsy of the tumor. TC and RM illustrated the lesion's extension and involvement of adjacent structures. Prognosis is poor. The survival rate fluctuates between 15-30% at 5 years. Surgery is the elective treatment but should be considered on an individual basis.


TEMPO-mediated late stage photochemical hydroxylation of biaryl sulfonium salts.
The late stage photochemical hydroxylation of biaryl sulfonium salts was enabled with a TEMPO derivative as a simple oxygen source, in metal free conditions. The scope and mechanism of this exceptionally simple synthetic method, which constructs important arylated phenols from aromatic C-H bonds, are herein discussed.


Age-related change in self-perceptions of aging: Longitudinal trajectories and predictors of change.
Using data from the German Ageing Survey (Deutscher Alterssurvey, DEAS; N = 4,712), this study examined age-related change in three dimensions of self-perceptions of aging (SPA): perceptions of physical losses, social losses, and ongoing development. Participants ranged in age from 40 to 85 years at study entry (1996, 2002, or 2008) and were followed for up to 21 years. Time-invariant, context-specific and time-varying, person-specific predictors of the observed age-related changes were examined. Findings from longitudinal multilevel regression analyses showed significant nonlinear age-related change for all three dimensions. Specifically, starting at about age 65, participants showed age-related increases in perceptions of physical and social losses, with increases getting steeper in old age. Starting at about age 55, participants reported increasingly fewer perceptions related to ongoing development. The decline in perceptions of ongoing development also became increasingly steeper after age 70. Region of residence was a significant context-specific predictor of the intercepts of the three SPA dimensions. Health-related variables (i.e., number of chronic diseases, self-rated health), affective well-being (i.e., positive and negative affect), and measures of social integration (i.e., loneliness) were significant person-specific predictors. Health-related variables had their strongest association with perceptions of physical losses, whereas negative affect and loneliness had their strongest association with perceptions of social losses. Positive affect had its strongest association with perceptions of ongoing development. This study is the first one to describe age-related change trajectories in multiple dimensions of SPA and significant predictors of these change trajectories. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).


Esthetic implant dentistry.
Consistency of results, reliability of treatment modalities, and long-term prognosis require scientific approaches to therapeutic procedures. Reliable and unbiased information rooted in academics and research assist the health care professional use current technology to develop the best course of action to restore or enhance the best esthetic outcome for the patient. Without anticipating potential failure, any immediate success is limited to initial satisfaction while ignoring the far greater elements of a future problematic outcome. This article proposes procedures for soft and hard tissue preservation, repair, or reconstruction in esthetic implant dentistry and emphasizes that an essential prerequisite to effective esthetic therapy is the establishment of a complete and accurate diagnosis.


Novel Use of Calcimimetic Activity to Diagnose Primary Hyperparathyroidism in a Patient With Persistently Low-Normal Parathyroid Hormone Level.
Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is the most common etiology of hypercalcemia in the ambulatory setting and usually presents with an intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) level that is elevated or inappropriately near the upper limit of the laboratory reference range. However, PHPT with low-normal PTH level is reported in the peer-reviewed literature, and this atypical presentation may delay diagnosis of PHPT. We present a case of PHPT with persistently low-normal PTH level in which the PTH dependence of hypercalcemia was demonstrated by the response to treatment with the calcimimetic agent cinacalcet.


Interfacial assembly of protein-polymer nano-conjugates into stimulus-responsive biomimetic protocells.
The mechanism of spontaneous assembly of microscale compartments is a central question for the origin of life, and has technological repercussions in diverse areas such as materials science, catalysis, biotechnology and biomedicine. Such compartments need to be semi-permeable, structurally robust and capable of housing assemblages of functional components for internalized chemical transformations. In principle, proteins should be ideal building blocks for the construction of membrane-bound compartments but protein vesicles with cell-like properties are extremely rare. Here we present an approach to the interfacial assembly of protein-based micro-compartments (proteinosomes) that are delineated by a semi-permeable, stimulus-responsive, enzymatically active, elastic membrane consisting of a closely packed monolayer of conjugated protein-polymer building blocks. The proteinosomes can be dispersed in oil or water, thermally cycled to temperatures of 70 °C, and partially dried and re-inflated without loss of structural integrity. As a consequence, they exhibit protocellular properties such as guest molecule encapsulation, selective permeability, gene-directed protein synthesis and membrane-gated internalized enzyme catalysis.


Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic response after intranasal administration of diazepam to rabbits.
Nasal application of drugs might be an alternative to intravenous administration in acute situations such as epileptic or fever seizures. In the search for a nasal formulation leading to a peak plasma concentration of diazepam at a tmax < or = 5 min bioavailability in rabbits has been studied after intranasal administration of the drug in ten vehicles of different polarity. The animals were dosed with 3 mg diazepam, dissolved in 100 microL vehicle, the solution being administered into both nostrils. The bioavailability, measured during the first 30 min, because periods after this are not relevant for acute treatment, was found to be between 49 and 62% for the four most promising vehicles, pure glycofurol 75, tetraethyleneglycol, poly(ethylene glycol) 200 and 30% glycofurol in tetraethyleneglycol. The tmax for these vehicles was achieved after 5 min, and they induced a very rapid pharmacodynamic response after 1.5 to 3.5 min. The bioavailability was reduced when more polar liquids such as ethanol and tween 20, or lipid oils, e.g. vegetable oil and miglyol 840 were added to the glycofurol. There was a good correlation between tmax and the induction of pharmacodynamic response. These results suggest that nasal application of diazepam in a water-free low-molecular-weight glycol might be of clinical importance as an alternative to intravenous injection, especially in acute situations.


Perineuronal net formation and structure in aggrecan knockout mice.
Perineuronal nets (PNNs) are specialized substructures of the neural extracellular matrix (ECM) which envelop the cell soma and proximal neurites of particular sets of neurons with apertures at sites of synaptic contact. Previous studies have shown that PNNs are enriched with chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) and hyaluronan, however, a complete understanding of their precise molecular composition has been elusive. In addition, identifying which specific PNN components are critical to the formation of this structure has not been demonstrated. Previous work in our laboratory has demonstrated that the CSPG, aggrecan, is a key activity-dependent component of PNNs in vivo. In order to assess the contribution of aggrecan to PNN formation, we utilized cartilage matrix deficiency (cmd) mice, which lack aggrecan. Herein, we utilized an in vitro model, dissociated cortical culture, and an ex vivo model, organotypic slice culture, to specifically investigate the role aggrecan plays in PNN formation. Our work demonstrates that staining with the lectin, Wisteria floribunda agglutinin (WFA), considered a broad PNN marker, is eliminated in the absence of aggrecan, suggesting the loss of PNNs. However, in contrast, we found that the expression patterns of other PNN markers, including hyaluronan and proteoglycan link protein 1 (HAPLN1), tenascin-R, brevican, and hyaluronan are unaffected by the absence of aggrecan. Lastly, we determined that while all PNN components are bound to the surface in a hyaluronan-dependent manner, only HAPLN1 remains attached to the cell surface when neurons are treated with chondroitinase. These results suggest a different model for the molecular association of PNNs to the cell surface. Together our work has served to assess the contribution of aggrecan to PNN formation while providing key evidence concerning the molecular composition of PNNs in addition to determining how these components ultimately form PNNs.


PP1beta9C interacts with Trithorax in Drosophila wing development.
Type 1 Ser/Thr protein phosphatase (PP1) has many roles in Drosophila: regulating diverse processes from chromatin condensation to transforming growth factor-beta signaling. The presence of four PP1 genes, PP1alpha87B, PP1beta9C, PP1alpha96A, and PP1alpha13C, encoding very similar proteins complicates analysis of their particular functions. Here, we report that the minor PP1 isoform PP1beta9C binds in vitro and in vivo and genetically interacts with Trithorax (TRX), the archetypal member of the Trx-G family of epigenetic regulators in Drosophila. Direct binding was demonstrated by GST pull-down experiments and PP1beta9C/TRX interaction in vivo was confirmed by coimmune precipitation from Drosophila embryonic extracts. PP1beta9C was found to be present at all TRX sites on the polytene chromosomes. Flies homo- and hemizygous for loss-of-function alleles of PP1beta9C exhibited specific wing defects when combined with various trx mutants, which indicates that PP1beta9C and TRX cooperate in Drosophila wing development.


Laminar, cellular, transverse, and multiheaded pulsating detonations in condensed phase energetic materials from molecular dynamics simulations.
The development of condensed-phase detonation instabilities is simulated using moving window molecular dynamics and a generic AB model of a high explosive. It is found that an initially planar detonation front with one-dimensional flow can become unstable through development of transverse perturbations resulting in highly inhomogeneous and complex two- and three-dimensional distributions of pressure and other variables within the detonation front. Chemical reactions are initiated in localized transverse shock fronts and Mach stems with a pressure and temperature higher than those predicted by classic Zel'dovich, von Neumann, and Doering detonation theory. The two-dimensional cellular and transverse and three-dimensional pulsating detonation structures are found by varying the physico-chemical properties of AB energetic material, sample geometry, and boundary conditions. The different regimes of condensed-phase detonation that can develop from instabilities within a planar detonation front exhibit structures, although at a much smaller scale, that are similar to those observed in gases and diluted liquids.


The Joint Contribution of Activation and Inhibition in Moderating Carryover Effects of Anger on Social Judgment.
Carryover effects of emotions that lead to biases in social judgments are commonly observed. We suggest that such effects may be influenced by the ability to engage or disengage attention from emotional stimuli. We assessed the ability to activate and inhibit attention to anger stimuli, experimentally induced anger in a demanding task, and measured social judgment toward an ambiguous target. Results show that higher activation and higher inhibition of anger-related information predicted more biased evaluations of the ambiguous target when individuals were experiencing anger, but not in an emotionally neutral condition. Interestingly, the effect of activation and inhibition in the anger condition emerged only when such variables were entered simultaneously in the regression model, indicating that they had an additive effect in predicting carryover effects of anger on social judgement. Results are consistent with a cooperative suppression effect (Conger, 1974) of activation and inhibition and may be explained by either an increased accessibility of anger-related cues leading to more biased social judgments, or by an instance in which being good at engaging in and disengaging attention from emotional cues might have depleted participants' resources making carryover effects of anger more likely to occur. Ultimately, the finding highlight that individual differences in attentional processes are important moderators for carryover effects of emotions.


Clinically significant and non significant prostate cancer an ongoing question.
One of the most important problems in urological practice is how to differentiate clinically significant and non significant prostate cancer (Pca) i.e. how to avoid over treatment of tumors with low malignant potential in one hand, and inappropriate less aggressive treatment of significant tumors, on the other hand. At the first place, one should estimate precise local clinical stage and the grade of the disease. Transrectal ultrasound--guided prostate biopsy id the golden standard, but there are few dilemmas concerning prostate biopsy: the number of biopsy cores, inter and intra-observer variations in the grading, the significance of PIN, multifocal character of Pca etc. Our opinion is that sextant or octan biopsy is quite sufficient for the exact detection of clinically insignificant cancers. An additional problem is the discrepancy in grade between biopsy and radical prosatectomy specimen. Second, the treatment should not be the same for every patient and it is guided by the age and general condition of the patient. The aggressive treatment is recommendable for younger patients, younger than 70-72 years, even for tiny area of cancer in one of the biopsy samples. On the other hand, it is an ethical question, should we insist on detection of small cancer foci at older patients, and make them anxious and unhappy in their last years of life.


Long-term spatial distributions and trends of the latent heat fluxes over the global cropland ecosystem using multiple satellite-based models.
Estimating cropland latent heat flux (LE) from continental to global scales is vital to modeling crop production and managing water resources. Over the past several decades, numerous LE models were developed, such as the moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer LE (MOD16) algorithm, revised remote sensing-based Penman-Monteith LE algorithm (RRS), the Priestley-Taylor LE algorithm of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (PT-JPL) and the modified satellite-based Priestley-Taylor LE algorithm (MS-PT). However, these LE models have not been directly compared over the global cropland ecosystem using various algorithms. In this study, we evaluated the performances of these four LE models using 34 eddy covariance (EC) sites. The results showed that mean annual LE for cropland varied from 33.49 to 58.97 W/m2 among the four models. The interannual LE slightly increased during 1982-2009 across the global cropland ecosystem. All models had acceptable performances with the coefficient of determination (R2) ranging from 0.4 to 0.7 and a root mean squared error (RMSE) of approximately 35 W/m2. MS-PT had good overall performance across the cropland ecosystem with the highest R2, lowest RMSE and a relatively low bias. The reduced performances of MOD16 and RRS, with R2 ranging from 0.4 to 0.6 and RMSEs from 30 to 39 W/m2, might be attributed to empirical parameters in the structure algorithms and calibrated coefficients.


Isolation and Molecular Characterization of a Model Antagonistic Pseudomonas aeruginosa Divulging In Vitro Plant Growth Promoting Characteristics.
The use of microbial technologies in agriculture is currently expanding quite rapidly with the identification of new bacterial strains, which are more effective in promoting plant growth. In the present study 18 strains of Pseudomonas were isolated from soil sample of Balochistan coastline. Among isolated Pseudomonas strains four designated as SP19, SP22, PS24, and SP25 exhibited biocontrol activities against phytopathogenic fungi, that is, Rhizopus microsporus, Fusarium oxysporum, Aspergillus niger, Alternaria alternata, and Penicillium digitatum; PS24 identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa by 16srRNA gene bank accession number EU081518 was selected on the basis of its antifungal activity to explore its potential as plant growth promotion. PS24 showed multiple plant growth promoting attributes such as phosphate solubilization activity, indole acetic acid (IAA), siderophore, and HCN production. In order to determine the basis for antifungal properties, antibiotics were extracted from King B broth of PS24 and analyzed by TLC. Pyrrolnitrin antibiotic was detected in the culture of strain PS24. PS24 exhibited antifungal activities found to be positive for hydrogen cyanide synthase Hcn BC gene. Sequencing of gene of Hcn BC gene of strain PS24 revealed 99% homology with the Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain PA01. The sequence of PS24 had been submitted in gene bank accession number KR605499. Ps. aeruginosa PS24 with its multifunctional biocontrol possessions can be used to bioprotect the crop plants from phytopathogens.


[The mechanisms of the development of arterial hypertension with a calcium deficiency in the diet].
The arterial pressure was significantly higher in the calcium-deficient group of rats as compared with the normal rats: 150 +/- 7 and 116 +/- 2 mm Hg, resp. The first group of animals had a hypertensive factor in the blood. The hypertensive activity of the calcium-deficient animals was associated with no known pressor agents and was rather similar to Pang's hypertensive factor. The latter was also found in some patients with essential hypertension.


Lipoblastoma and lipoblastomatosis.
We report two cases of lipoblastoma of the buttock in a 10-month-old boy and a 20-month-old girl, the first with rearrangement of chromosome 8 and the second without cytogenetic abnormality, and one case of lipoblastomatosis of a leg in a 6-month-old boy with a normal karyotype but with a rearrangement of the PLAG1 gene. Lipoblastoma and lipoblastomatosis are two different presentation of the same rare benign soft tissue mesenchymal tumour arising from fetal white fat and occurring almost exclusively in young children under 3 years. These neoplasms have no malignant potential but may recur in cases of incomplete resection. Histological diagnosis sometimes used to be difficult because of the close resemblance of the lesion with myxoïd liposarcoma. Nowadays, cytogenetic analysis may contribute to the diagnosis by showing abnormalities of the long arm of chromosome 8, leading to rearrangement of the PLAG1 gene. Actual advances in cytogenetic molecular analysis may aid in accurate diagnosis.


KDP:Mn piezoelectric coefficients obtained by X-ray diffraction.
Crystals of pure potassium dihydrogen phosphate KH(2)PO(4) (KDP) and Mn-doped KDP (KDP:Mn) were grown from a water solution by the slow evaporation method and their piezoelectric properties were studied by X-ray diffraction methods. The results have shown an increase in the piezoelectric coefficients with the doping.


[Replantation in childhood and adolescence. Long-term outcome].
In 31 (out of 48) patients with 43 (out of 63) replanted or revascularized digits or parts of the extremities a study of long-term results was performed. Their ages were below 16 years at the time of injury. The results concerning function, sensitivity, cold intolerance, growth disturbance, patient acceptance and occupational changes were evaluated. Early complications consisted of venous stasis in 10.6% (n = 4), skin necrosis of the wound margin in 5.3% (n = 2) and in finger-tip necrosis in 5.3% (n = 2). One lower arm and one finger replanted (5.3%, n = 2) were lost after several revisions due to venous problems. In no case did arterial problems occur. Tendon adhesions were the most common complication in 28.9% (n = 11), followed by deviation of the axis in a frontal plane of more than 20 degrees in 13.3% (n = 5) and by joint instability in 5.3% (n = 2). Only twice (5.3%) did ankylosis or in another case osteomyelitis of the proximal phalanx result. At amputation level II (between the DIP joint and the nail root), 37.5% (n = 3) developed a reduction of range of active movement (RAM) with a mean of 31.7 degrees, and once an arthrodesis was necessary, whereas 50% (n = 4) of the patients have full range of active motion. At amputation level III (between the MP and DIP joint) 52.7% (n = 10) developed a reduction of RAM at the PIP joint with a mean of 29.5 degrees, and twice an arthrodesis was necessary, whereas 26.4% (n = 5) of the patients have full range of active motion. Of the patients 78.9% (n = 15) developed a reduction of RAM at the DIP joint with a mean of 35.7 degrees, and twice an arthrodesis was necessary. Only twice was ankylosis present, but 10.5% (n = 2) of the patients have full range of active motion. Excellent sensory recovery was observed with a mean dynamic two-point discrimination of 4.8 mm. In addition, only 29% (n = 9) of the patients report a surprisingly low incidence of cold intolerance, which is in contrast to adults with up to 100% cold intolerance in replanted digits. In 67.7% a radiologically measured difference of length with a mean of 3.8 mm and clinically measured a difference in the length of the digits with a mean of 4.9 mm was observed without complaints by the patients, instead, there was moderate discontent with the aesthetically disturbing fingertip atrophy, which was up to 30% in 48.4% of the patients. Of the patients who are now adult, 16.7% (n = 4) changed their choice of profession due to the trauma or because of the dissatisfactory result. These results and the success rate of 94.7% suggest the conclusion that one should not hesitate to perform a replantation or revascularization in children with even multiple amputations as the results are excellent.


Specificity of methylation assays in cancer research: a guideline for designing primers and probes.
DNA methylation is an epigenetic regulation mechanism of genomic function, and aberrant methylation pattern has been found to be a common event in many diseases and human cancers. A large number of cancer studies have been focused on identification of methylation changes as biomarkers (i.e., breast cancer). However, still clinical use of them is very limited because of lack of specificity and sensitivity for diagnostic test. This highlights the critical need for specific primer and probe design to avoid false-positive detection of methylation profiling. The guideline and online web tools that are introduced in this paper might help to perform a successful experiment and to develop specific diagnosis biomarkers by designing right primer pair and probe prior to experimental step.


Children's Particulate Matter Exposure Characterization as Part of the New Hampshire Birth Cohort Study.
As part of the New Hampshire Birth Cohort Study, children 3 to 5 years of age participated in a personal PM2.5 exposure study. This paper characterizes the personal PM2.5 exposure and protocol compliance measured with a wearable sensor. The MicroPEM™ collected personal continuous and integrated measures of PM2.5 exposure and compliance data on 272 children. PM2.5, black carbon (BC), and brown carbon tobacco smoke (BrC-ETS) exposure was measured from the filters. We performed a multivariate analysis of woodstove presence and other factors that influenced PM2.5, BC, and BrC exposures. We collected valid exposure data from 258 of the 272 participants (95%). Children wore the MicroPEM for an average of 46% of the 72-h period, and over 80% for a 2-day, 1-night period (with sleep hours counted as non-compliance for this study). Elevated PM2.5 exposures occurred in the morning, evening, and overnight. Median PM2.5, BC, and BrC-ETS concentrations were 8.1 μg/m3, 3.6 μg/m3, and 2.4 μg/m3. The combined BC and BrC-ETS mass comprised 72% of the PM2.5. Woodstove presence, hours used per day, and the primary heating source were associated with the children's PM2.5 exposure and air filters were associated with reduced PM2.5 concentrations. Our findings suggest that woodstove smoke contributed significantly to this cohort's PM2.5 exposure. The high sample validity and compliance rate demonstrated that the MicroPEM can be worn by young children in epidemiologic studies to measure their PM2.5 exposure, inform interventions to reduce the exposures, and improve children's health.


The correlation of respiratory muscle strength and cough capacity in stroke patients.
[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between respiratory muscle strength and cough capacity in stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] Forty-two stroke patients were assigned to 2 different groups (intervention group=21, control group=21). Both groups participated in a conventional stroke rehabilitation program, with the intervention group also receiving respiratory muscle training for 20 to 30 minutes a day, 3 times a week for 8 weeks. Respiratory muscle strength (maximal inspiratory pressure, maximal expiratory pressure), forced vital capacity, and cough capacity were measured. [Results] The intervention group showed significant increases in maximal inspiratory pressure, maximal expiratory pressure, forced vital capacity, and cough capacity. The change in maximal inspiratory pressure, maximal expiratory pressure, and forced vital capacity showed a significant correlation with cough capacity, with maximal expiratory pressure showing the highest correlation. [Conclusion] The present study showed that the increase in maximal expiratory pressure plays an important role in improving the cough capacity of stroke patients.


Acute Liver Failure.
Acute liver failure (ALF) is a condition that can rapidly progress to multiorgan failure. This article focuses on the diagnosis and management of ALF. We provide a detailed review of the common etiologies of ALF, including acetaminophen overdose, viral hepatitis, drug-induced liver injury, Wilson's disease, and autoimmune hepatitis. The article then addresses how to recognize ALF and reviews the role of common laboratory and imaging tests in establishing this diagnosis. The remainder of the article details the management of hepatic and extrahepatic organ dysfunctions in ALF. The article concludes with a discussion regarding the prognostication of patients with ALF and the criteria for considering liver transplantation.


Erythroid-transdifferentiated myeloid cells promote portal vein tumor thrombus in hepatocellular carcinoma.
Rationale: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is primarily characterized by a high incidence of vascular invasion. However, the specific mechanism underlying portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) in HCC remains unclear. As a consequence of myeloid cell developmental arrest, CD71+ erythroid progenitor cells (EPCs) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells play important roles in HCC; however, their roles in PVTT remain unclear. Methods: The role of CD71+ EPCs in the HCC tumor microenvironment (TME) was evaluated via morphological, RNA-sequencing, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and flow cytometric analyses. Co-culture techniques were employed to assess the CD45+ EPCs and their vascular compromising effect. Additionally, the PVTT-promoting function of CD45+ EPCs was explored in vivo in a murine model. Results: The CD45+EPCs in HCC tissues exhibited increased myeloid cell features, including morphology, surface markers, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β generation, and gene expression, compared with those in circulation. Hence, a large proportion of CD45+EPCs, particularly those in TMEs, comprise erythroid-transdifferentiated myeloid cells (EDMCs). Additionally, the expression of C-C chemokine receptor type 2 (CCR2) mRNA was upregulated in CD45+EPCs within the TME. Tumor macrophages from HCC tissues induced substantial migration of CD45+EPCs in a dose-dependent manner. Meanwhile, results from immunofluorescence analyses revealed that these two cell types are positively associated in the TME and circulation. That is, EDMCs are chemoattracted by HCC macrophages mainly via CCR2 from CD45+ EPCs in the circulation. Additionally, the expressions of FX, FVII, FGB, C4b, CFB, and CFH were elevated in CD45+EPCs within the TME compared with those in the spleen. The CD45+EPCs from the HCC TME promoted vessel endothelial cell migration and compromised tube formation through TGF-β and FGB, respectively. Additionally, CD45+EPCs from the TME induced HCC cell migration. HCC macrophage-induced CD45+EPCs to exhibit higher levels of FX, FVII, FGB, and TGF-β. Meanwhile, upregulation of CCAAT/enhancer binding protein beta expression induced FGB and TGF-β generation in CD45+EPCs in the TME. WTAP, a major RNA m6A writer, stabilized FX and FVII mRNA and enhanced their nuclear export in CD45+EPCs from the TME. CD45+EPCs from the TME were positively associated with PVTT and poor prognosis. Splenectomy reduced the level of CD45+EPCs in the circulation and TME, as well as the incidence of microvascular invasion. The incidence of microvascular invasion increased following the transfer of HCC tissue CD45+EPCs to splenectomized HCC-bearing mice. Conclusions: The CD45+EPCs enriched in the HCC microenvironment are EDMCs, which are induced by HCC macrophages to migrate from the circulation to the TME. Subsequently, EDMCs promote PVTT by compromising the blood vessel endothelium, aggravating coagulation, and promoting HCC cell migration.


Dopamine Alters the Effect of Brain Stimulation on Decision-Making.
Noninvasive brain stimulation techniques, such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), show promise in treating a range of psychiatric and neurologic conditions. However, optimization of such applications requires a better understanding of how tDCS alters cognition and behavior. Existing evidence implicates dopamine in tDCS alterations of brain activity and plasticity; however, there is as yet no causal evidence for a role of dopamine in tDCS effects on cognition and behavior. Here, in a preregistered, double-blinded study, we examined how pharmacologically manipulating dopamine altered the effect of tDCS on the speed-accuracy trade-off, which taps ubiquitous strategic operations. Cathodal tDCS was delivered over the left prefrontal cortex and the superior medial frontal cortex before participants (N = 62, 24 males, 38 females) completed a dot-motion task, making judgments on the direction of a field of moving dots under instructions to emphasize speed, accuracy, or both. We leveraged computational modeling to uncover how our interventions altered latent decisional processes driving the speed-accuracy trade-off. We show that dopamine in combination with tDCS (but not tDCS alone nor dopamine alone) not only impaired decision accuracy but also impaired discriminability, which suggests that these manipulations altered the encoding or representation of discriminative evidence. This is, to the best of our knowledge, the first direct evidence implicating dopamine in the way tDCS affects cognition and behavior.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT tDCS can improve cognitive and behavioral impairments in clinical conditions; however, a better understanding of its mechanisms is required to optimize future clinical applications. Here, using a pharmacological approach to manipulate brain dopamine levels in healthy adults, we demonstrate a role for dopamine in the effects of tDCS in the speed-accuracy trade-off, a strategic cognitive process ubiquitous in many contexts. In doing so, we provide direct evidence implicating dopamine in the way tDCS affects cognition and behavior.


[CHOP-bleo versus m-BACOD in the treatment of intermediate and high-grade malignant lymphomas].
Eighty-three patients with malignant lymphoma of intermediate and high histologic subtypes were randomly assigned to receive induction chemotherapy with either of two intensive regimens: CHOP-Bleo (cyclophosphamide, adriamycin, vincristine, prednisone and bleomycin) or m-BACOD (low-dose methotrexate, bleomycin adriamycin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine and dexamethasone). The median follow-up study is 5 years. The two therapies were not significantly different in regard to response rates (52 to 59%), duration of complete remission (27 months vs 24 months) and survival, but m-BACOD was significantly more toxic than CHOP-Bleo. The relative small proportion of long-term disease free-survivors with both regimens underscores the need for other therapeutic approaches.


Studies on Freezing Injury of Plant Cells: I. Relation between Thermotropic Properties of Isolated Plasma Membrane Vesicles and Freezing Injury.
The thermotropic transition of plasma membrane of Dactylis glomerata was studied by using fluorescence polarization of embedded fluorophore, 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene. Under the presence of 35% ethylene glycol, reversible thermotropic transitions were observed in isolated plasma membrane vesicles in nearly the same temperature range as the temperature of freezing injury to cells. In liposomes prepared from isolated plasma membranes, however, the thermotropic transitions occurred at much lower temperatures in comparison with those of intact membrane vesicles. Following treatment with pronase, the thermotropic transition also shifted downward.Thus, the thermotropic properties of plasma membranes appeared to be dependent on the membrane proteins. In vitro freezing of the isolated plasma membrane vesicles without addition of any cryoprotectant, such as sorbitol, resulted in an irreversible alteration both in the fluorescence anisotropy values and the temperatures for the thermotropic transition, suggesting an irreversible alteration in the membrane structure, presumably changes in lipid-protein interactions and protein conformation.


Clinical predictors of inadequate response to conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) including methotrexate (MTX) in untreated rheumatoid arthritis patients: A single-center observational study.
Objectives: To investigate predictors of inadequate response to first conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) including methotrexate (MTX) in untreated rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in daily clinical practice.Methods: Inadequate response to MTX or other csDMARDs was defined as being not low disease activity at 12 months in more than 3 of 4 composite measures, and discontinuation or start of biologic DMARDs. The association between baseline factors and csDMARDs-IR was assessed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.Results: Four hundred and eleven and 146 patients were started on MTX and other csDMARDs, respectively; 218 patients were responsive to MTX, with a response rate of 47.0%. Tender joint count (TJC, ≥6 in 28joints, odds ratio [OR] = 1.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06-2.64) and CRP (≥1.0 mg/dL, OR = 1.72, 95%CI: 1.10-2.70) at baseline were identified as predictors on multivariate logistic regression analysis. TJC (OR = 3.60, 95%CI: 1.29-10.00) was the factor identified as a predictor of the development of other csDMARDs-IR.Conclusion: In this observational study, patients with untreated RA at risk of inadequate response to MTX included those with a higher TJC and higher CRP, while a higher TJC was the only independent predictor of an inadequate response to csDMARDs other than MTX.


Vegetable Oil Deodorizer Distillate: A Rich Source of the Natural Bioactive Components.
Deodorizer distillates are waste products of edible oil processing industries obtained during deodorization process of vegetable oils. It is very cheap source of several health beneficial components such as tocopherols, sterols, squalene as well as free fatty acids which have numerous industrial applications. These valuable components are being used in different foods, pharmaceutical formulations and cosmetics. Traditional sources of these useful components are vegetable oils, fruits, vegetables and nuts. Global need of these important components has been exceeded than their availability. The deodorizer distillates of various vegetable oils are considered to be a rich source of several valuable components. Present review will cover brief introduction of common processing stages involved in all vegetable oil processing, analytical methods for characterization of deodorizer distillates by instrumental techniques, importance and commercial value of deodorizer distillates. Future prospective of current field may leads to cost efficient processes and increased attention on the nutritional quality of deodorized oil and commercial applications of deodorizer distillates as well as their valuable components.


[Evoked otoacoustic emission in conduction of dehydration tests in patients with Meniere's disease].
We studied potentiality of the test of evoked otoacoustic emission (EOAE) for monitoring of dynamic changes in the internal ear in conduction of dehydration tests. In parallel to registration of tonal hearing thresholds and speech intelligibility in conduction of dehydration tests we registered two classes of EOAE: delayed EOAE (DEOAE) and distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE). Of 36 examinees, we registered DEOAE prior to dehydration in 22 patients. By audiometry, these patients had hearing under 40 dB lower the hearing threshold at frequencies 250-4000 Hz. In registration of DEOAE in dynamics a maximal amplitude increase was seen 2 hours after intake of glycerin. A mean amplitude increase was 7.0+/-2.3 dB. Before dehydration DEOAE was recorded in 26 of 36 patients. Two hours laser otoacoustic response was registered in 29 patients. Hearing loss was not more than 60 dB at frequencies 250-4000 Hz. A maximal amplitude increase was seen in 2 hours. A mean amplitude increase in dehydration was 7.3+/-3.7 dB.


A multi-GPU accelerated virtual-reality interaction simulation framework.
In this paper, we put forward a real-time multiple GPUs (multi-GPU) accelerated virtual-reality interaction simulation framework where the reconstructed objects from camera images interact with virtual deformable objects. Firstly, based on an extended voxel-based visual hull (VbVH) algorithm, we design an image-based 3D reconstruction platform for real objects. Then, an improved hybrid deformation model, which couples the geometry constrained fast lattice shape matching method (FLSM) and total Lagrangian explicit dynamics (TLED) algorithm, is proposed to achieve efficient and stable simulation of the virtual objects' elastic deformations. Finally, one-way virtual-reality interactions including soft tissues' virtual cutting with bleeding effects are successfully simulated. Moreover, with the purpose of significantly improving the computational efficiency of each time step, we propose an entire multi-GPU implementation method of the framework using compute unified device architecture (CUDA). The experiment results demonstrate that our multi-GPU accelerated virtual-reality interaction framework achieves real-time performance under the moderate calculation scale, which is a new effective 3D interaction technique for virtual reality applications.


Impact of nano/micron vegetable carbon black on mechanical, barrier and anti-photooxidation properties of fish gelatin film.
In this paper, two kinds of commonly used vegetable carbon black (VCB, 3000 mesh; nano) at 50 g kg-1 concentration (based on dried gelatin) were added to 48 g kg-1 of fish gelatin (GEL) solutions and their effects on mechanical, barrier and anti-photooxidation properties of GEL films were investigated. From the SEM images, it was shown that compared with 3000 mesh VCB (1-2 μm), nano VCB (100-200 nm) made the microstructure of GEL film more compact and more gelatin chains were cross-linked by nano VCB. The addition of nano VCB significantly increased gelatin film strength with the greatest tensile strength of 52.589 MPa and stiffness with the highest Young's modulus of 968.874 MPa, but led to the reduction of film elongation. Also, the VCB presence significantly improved water vapour and oxygen barrier properties of GEL film. Importantly, nano VCB increased GEL film with better UV barrier property due to its stronger UV absorption nature when compared with micron VCB. This property could help in the preservation of oil samples in the photooxidation accelerated test. With improved properties, the nano VCB-reinforced GEL film may have great potential for application in the edible packaging field, especially for the anti-photooxidation property. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.


Nasoseptal Surgery Outcomes in Smokers and Nonsmokers.
Background: Many surgeons refuse to perform elective nasal surgery in active smokers, but little literature exists that addresses the risks of doing so; we sought to quantify the differences in outcomes after nasal surgery among smokers, previous smokers, and nonsmokers by measuring complication rates, revision rates, and improvement in Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scores. Methods: We performed a single institution retrospective review of patients undergoing nasoseptal surgery. Specifically, we noted demographic characteristics, smoking status, surgery type, and pre- and postoperative NOSE scores. We compared NOSE scores, complication rates, and revision rates among current smokers, previous smokers, and never smokers. Results: Five hundred thirty patients were included for complication and revision rate analysis; there was no difference in complication or revision rates among patients of different smoking categories. Two hundred ninety-one patients completed pre- and postoperative NOSE scores. Scores for all surgeries and in all smoking categories improved postoperatively (p < 0.001). There was a difference in NOSE score change among surgical groups, with rhinoplasty resulting in the greatest improvement (p = 0.044). There was no difference in NOSE score improvement across smoking categories. Conclusion: Active smokers benefit from surgical intervention and can expect a similar improvement in nasal breathing to their nonsmoking counterparts if they meet indications for and undergo nasal surgery.


Pax6 Lengthens G1 Phase and Decreases Oscillating Cdk6 Levels in Murine Embryonic Cortical Progenitors.
Pax6 is a key regulator of the rates of progenitor cell division in cerebral corticogenesis. Previous work has suggested that this action is mediated at least in part by regulation of the cell cycle gene Cdk6, which acts largely on the transition from G1 to S phase. We began the present study by investigating whether, in addition to Cdk6, other Pax6-regulated cell cycle genes are likely to be primary mediators of Pax6's actions on cortical progenitor cell cycles. Following acute cortex-specific deletion of Pax6, Cdk6 showed changes in expression a day earlier than any other Pax6-regulated cell cycle gene suggesting that it is the primary mediator of Pax6's actions. We then used flow cytometry to show that progenitors lacking Pax6 have a shortened G1 phase and that their Cdk6 levels are increased in all phases. We found that Cdk6 levels oscillate during the cell cycle, increasing from G1 to M phase. We propose a model in which loss of Pax6 shortens G1 phase by raising overall Cdk6 levels, thereby shortening the time taken for Cdk6 levels to cross a threshold triggering transition to S phase.