Development and psychometric testing of a breast cancer survivor self-efficacy scale.
To describe the development of a self-efficacy instrument that measures perceived ability to manage symptoms and quality-of-life problems resulting from the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Items were developed and content validity assessed. A 14-item scale was psychometrically evaluated using internal consistency reliability and several types of construct validity. 1,127 female breast cancer survivors (BCSs). Written consents were mailed to the research office. Data were collected via mail and telephone. Demographics, symptom bother, communication with healthcare provider, attention function, fear of recurrence, depression, marital satisfaction, fatigue, sexual functioning, trait and state anxiety, and overall well-being. Data demonstrated that the breast cancer self-efficacy scale (BCSES) was reliable, with an alpha coefficient of 0.89, inter-item correlations ranging from 0.3-0.6, and item-total correlation coefficients ranging from 0.5-0.73. Three of 14 items were deleted because of redundancy as identified through high (> 0.7) inter-item correlations. Factor analysis revealed that the scale was unidimensional. Predictive validity was supported through testing associations between self-efficacy and theoretically supported quality-of-life variables, including physical, psychological, and social dimensions, as well as overall well-being. The BCSES demonstrated high internal consistency reliability, unidimensionality, and excellent content and construct validity. This scale should be integrated into interventions that target self-efficacy for managing symptoms in BCSs. Nurses working with BCSs may use this tool to assess areas in which survivors might need to build confidence to adequately cope with their specific survivorship concerns. The use of the BCSES can inform nurse researchers about the impact of an intervention on self-efficacy in the context of breast cancer survivorship, improving the ability to deliver effective interventions. The scale is brief and easy to administer. Results of this study demonstrate clear psychometric reliability and validity, suggesting that the BCSES should be put to use immediately in interventions targeting the quality of life of BCSs.


Liquid phase behavior of ionic liquids with alcohols: experimental studies and modeling.
Ionic liquids (ILs) have been suggested as potential "green" solvents to replace volatile organic solvents in reaction and separation processes due to their negligible vapor pressure. To develop ILs for these applications, it is important to gain a fundamental understanding of the factors that control the phase behavior of ionic liquids with other liquids. In this work, we continue our study of the effect of chemical and structural factors on the phase behavior of ionic liquids with alcohols, focusing on pyridinium ILs for comparison to imidazolium ILs from our previous studies. The impact of different alcohol and IL characteristics, including alcohol chain length, cation alkyl chain length, anion, different substituent groups on the pyridinium cation, and type of cation (pyridinium vs imidazolium) will be discussed. In general, the same type of behavior is observed for pyridinium and imidazolium ILs, with all systems studied exhibiting upper critical solution temperature behavior. The impacts of alcohol chain length, cation chain length, and anion, are the same for pyridinium ILs as those observed previously for imidazolium ILs. However, the effect of cation type on the phase behavior is dependent on the strength of the cation-anion interaction. Additionally, all systems from this study and our previous work for imidazolium ILs were modeled using the nonrandom two-liquid (NRTL) equation using two different approaches for determining the adjustable parameters. For all systems, the NRTL equation with binary interaction parameters with a linear temperature dependence provided a good fit of the experimental data.


DNA modification in carcinogen risk assessment in relation to diet: recent advances and some perspectives from a MAFF workshop.
Food is one of the ultimate complex mixtures to which man is exposed and which cannot easily be dispensed with. Apart from certain well studied microcomponents for example, food pyrolysates, Sugimura 1990 human exposure to genotoxic agents arising from macrocomponents has been relatively little studied from the standpoint of DNA damage. The results of epidemiological studies into the relationship between diet and cancer have left many researchers with the impression that it is an intrinsically intractable problem which is perhaps best left well alone. However, given the popular conception that the normal human diet is safe and that such risks as there may be are due to contamination by pesticide and other chemical residues, there is clearly a need to evaluate the possible avenues open to investigators and which are likely to yield meaningful results which would enable scientifically based advice to be given to the public as to the best dietary habits. This overview of the current state of methodology for measurement of DNA damage in relation to diet as well as a summary of current MAFF supported work and future prospects in this area arose out of a workshop entitled DNA modification in carcinogen risk assessment held in London on November 18, 1996 . The object of this report is to summarize the results presented at the workshop and also to indicate the significance of the MAFF funded programme within the broader context of recently published studies from the international scientific community. Hence, a comprehensive review of all aspects of diet related DNA damage is beyond the scope of this article. The workshop was organized as part of the MAFF Risk Assessment Research Programme and contributes to an interdepartmental initiative, the Government Research Councils Initiative on Risk Assessment and Toxicology RATSC which aims to bring together regulators and toxicologists to discuss their respective perspectives on current problems in the risk assessment of chemicals. Further aims of RATSC are to identify subjects for future detailed workshops on specific issues and to identify priorities for research into toxic chemical risk assessment. The membership of RATSC is drawn from a wide range of Government Departments and Research Councils and is chaired by Dr David Shannon MAFF Chief Scientist.


Novel treatment strategies for patients with relapsed classical Hodgkin lymphoma.
Although classical Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is considered one of the most curable human cancers, the treatment of patients with relapsed and refractory disease, especially those who relapse after autologous stem cell transplantation, remains challenging. Furthermore, because the median age of the patients is in the mid-30s, the impact of early mortality on the number of years lost from productive life is remarkable. Patients with HL whose disease relapses after stem cell transplantation are rarely cured with current treatment modalities. New drugs and novel treatment strategies that are based on our understanding of the disease biology and signaling pathways are needed to improve treatment outcome for these patients. This review will focus on emerging new treatment modalities that are currently under investigation for patients with relapsed classical HL.


[Teratoblastoma of the lung in a child].
A rare case of teratoblastoma located in the lungs is described. Pleural fluid was examined; its principal morphologic component was vascular tissue, which permitted a tentative diagnosis of a vascular tumor (possibly perithelioma); the presence of connective tissue and oxyphilic interstitial substance elements necessitated a differential diagnosis to rule out chemodectoma. The final diagnosis of teratoblastoma was made in pathohistologic examination.


Cutting edge: identification of the orphan receptor G-protein-coupled receptor 2 as CCR10, a specific receptor for the chemokine ESkine.
A number of orphan G-protein coupled receptors (GPR) have been reported as putative chemokine receptors. One previously reported orphan receptor is an incomplete PCR clone, called GPR2. Here we report the cloning of full-length human (h)GPR2 and mouse (m)GPR2 cDNAs, and the identification of GPR2 as a receptor for a novel CC chemokine called ESkine. hGPR2 is expressed at high levels in testis and small intestine, and at lower levels in other tissues. mGPR2 was expressed at high levels in small intestine, colon, lymph nodes, and Peyer's patches and at lower levels in thymus and spleen. Stimulation of L1.2/hGPR2 transfectants with hESkine induced their migration and resulted in intracellular calcium mobilization. These results provide evidence that GPR2 is a specific receptor for ESkine. We propose that GPR2 be renamed as CCR10. The expression pattern of mGPR2/CCR10 suggests that it may play a role in the homing/trafficking of leukocytes within intestinal and lymphoid environments.


High population levels lead Glycaspis brimblecombei (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae) to unrecorded feeding and oviposition behaviors on Eucalyptus urograndis plants.
The red gum lerp psyllid, Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore, 1964 (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae), an insect pest originating in Australia and which feeds only on Eucalyptus L'Hér. (Myrtales: Myrtaceae) plants, has spread to several countries. The populations of this insect commonly reach high populations on Eucalyptus plants since its entry into Brazil, and also indicated an unrecorded behavioral. The objectives of this study were to describe a peculiar adaptation in the feeding habit of G. brimblecombei and to register the new habit. The oviposition and feeding by G. brimblecombei, commonly, on the leaves of Eucalyptus, started to occur, also, on lignified twigs. This suggests a not yet recorded adaptation of this insect to reduce insect × plant intraspecific competition.


Finnish nurse teachers' perceptions of their 'scientific thinking' and its development during Master's-level teacher education at university.
There are very few studies on nurse teachers education, since the main interest has been on the demanding nature of a teacher's work. In Finland, the educational system of nursing care is developing rapidly and nurse teachers' education is changing as well. However, there is no research into academic nurse teacher education, even though this can be seen as important with regard to the educational system as well as to the nursing discipline. In this study, the objective was to describe 45 nurse teachers' perceptions of the development of their scientific thinking during Master's-level studies at the university. Open-ended questions were used in collecting the material with a questionnaire. The results of this phenomenographic research show that the need to increase one's scientific knowledge, as well as external demands, were the reasons for applying for admission to the university. Conceptions of the development of scientific thinking differed with regard to the processing of knowledge and to changes or developments in scientific thinking. The teachers' conceptions of the use of scientific nursing knowledge varied as well. The results challenge future teacher education and how it is arranged and developed. Further research, utilising different research methods, is needed into the development of scientific thinking.


Fusiform aneurysms of the lenticulostriate artery.
Lenticulostriate artery aneurysms are rare, can be difficult to diagnoze, and when they rupture they are often associated with deep intraparenchymal hemorrhages. In particular, fusiform, dissecting aneurysms of a distal lenticulostriate artery are extremely rare. Typically, they are usually associated with underlying systemic conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus, moyamoya disease, and substance abuse. Given their usual small size and location, these aneurysms may be difficult to detect with angiography and can be challenging to treat with either endovascular or microsurgical techniques. We provide background information, review the existing treatment experiences reported in the literature, and present a discussion regarding the optimal management using an illustrative clinical vignette. Parent artery obliteration can be a safe and effective treatment in these rare aneurysms.


Laboratory and clinical tests of a prototype pressure sensor for clincial assessment of prosthetic socket fit.
Lower limb prosthetic socket fabrication is a highly refined process relying on the prosthetist's skill and experience. Despite their best efforts, patients often return with complications. Additionally, clinical application of technological advances for the quantification of biomechanical factors at the socket interface has not changed in practice. Measuring pressure levels at the stump/socket interface could provide valuable information in the process of prosthetic socket fabrication, fit and modification. This paper presents findings on the performance of a prototype capacitance pressure sensor designed for prosthetic socket use. Bench tests using compressed air were performed to measure accuracy, hysteresis and drift responses in both a flatbed chamber and a custom-modified pressure vessel. For the contoured testing, the sensors were placed on nine sites on a positive trans-tibial stump mould and enveloped with a silicone liner. Additionally, a preliminary clinical evaluation was performed with two trans-tibial amputee subjects at the nine sites during normal ambulation. Bench test results showed that the prototype capacitance sensor performed well in all categories, exhibiting a 2.42% (flatbed) and 9.96% (contoured) accuracy error, a 12.93% (flatbed) and 12.95% (contoured) hysteresis error, and a 4.40% (flatbed) and 6.20% (contoured) drift error. The clinical study showed that after three hours of continual use, no noticeable sensor drift occurred between pre and post-test calibration values. The results from this study were encouraging and the authors hope to conduct further laboratory and clinical trials to assess the influence of shear force and dynamic loading on sensor response.


[Observation on surface characters of particles emitted from gasoline and diesel motor vehicle].
Surface compositions and morphological features of particles emitted from gasoline and diesel motor vehicle in Taiyuan were observed by scanning electron microscopy equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer. The results showed that the surface of particles from gasoline motor vehicle contained larger amount of lead, amounting to 22.5% (average) among 15 elements measured; whereas the particles from diesel motor vehicle contained less lead, amounting to only 8%. But the size from diesel motor vehicle particle was smaller than those from gasoline motor vehicle, < or = 2 microns particles amounted to 73% and 62% of the total particles, respectively. The shapes of particles were irregular, with rough multiple-porous surface. The morphological features of particles from both motor vehicles were similar.


Perceptions of relative risk of disease and addiction from cigarettes and snus.
The public is largely unaware of the lower global risk associated with snus compared with that of cigarettes, but little is known of perceptions of relative risks for specific diseases. Inveterate, daily, and nondaily smokers' perceptions of the relative snus/cigarette risk of cardiovascular disease, and of cancer of the lung, stomach, and oral cavity, and perceptions among smokers, snus users, and dual users of the relative risk of nicotine addiction, was studied in a pooled sample from annual national surveys (2008-2011) performed by Statistics Norway. The total sample included 2,661 ever smokers and snus users aged 15-79 years old. Fifty-three percent were men, and the average age was 46.1 year. Compared with medical consensus, all smoker groups overestimated the relative risks of diseases from snus use, and inveterate smokers overestimated them significantly more than other groups. For all diseases except lung cancer, the majority of smokers thought snus users were running a higher or equal risk. For lung cancer, 22% believed that snus use gave a higher or equal risk. Smokers, snus users, and dual users tended to think that snus and cigarettes were equally addictive products, while a somewhat higher proportion of those who had quit both products thought that cigarettes were more addictive. Increased knowledge of the relative health risks might give smokers an incitement to switch to snus and prompt current dual users to stop smoking completely. Awareness could be improved by tailoring information at targeted groups, for example via the health care system.


Two cases of uveal effusion syndrome.
To report a case of uveal effusion syndrome associated with hypotony and a case of uveal effusion syndrome in nanophthalmos. The first case was a 25-year-old man who presented with decreased visual acuity in the left eye and hypotony. Fundus examination revealed choroidal effusion and retinal detachment with a thickened eyeball. Partial thickness sclerotomy and sclerectomy were performed. The second case was a 13-year-old boy who had uveal effusion syndrome with a nanophthalmic eye. In the patient with hypotony, intraocular pressure was well maintained following partial thickness sclerotomy and sclerectomy, and choroidal effusion and retinal detachment were reduced. The visual acuity of the nanophthalmic patient was well maintained during a 3-year follow-up period without treatment. appropriate treatment modalities should be considered depending on the ophthalmic condition of the individual patient.


[Psychotherapy in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder].
The present paper is a study of the role of psychotherapy in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD). It also includes an attempt to integrate several paradigms in order to obtain the best possible approach in helping each patient on an individual basis. The aim of this psychotherapy may limit itself to simple verifications in the pharmacotherapeutic follow-up, or it may be as ambitious as an attempt to modify the character structure of the individual. In the process of the latter case, one expects the defensive aim of symptoms to be no longer relevant, insofar as the patient successfully solves the conflicts that caused the symptoms. We can only use tags or labels to bear witness of the efficiency of such ambitious use of psychotherapy, and even these tags or labels seem to be concerned with compulsive personality rather than with OCD proper. At each end of the range of aims (encouraging the follow-up of pharmacotherapeutic or behavioral treatments vs character modification), the therapist is inevitably confronted with a multitude of features frequently present in the obsessive patient. Because it is a disorder which invades and influences the patient's feelings, thoughts, behavior and relationships with other people, the obsessive patient's mind is a constant prey to special problems at every meeting with his therapist, whether they be related to the administration of drugs or to a behavioral therapy regime. Obviously, such problems will multiply if one initiates systematic psychotherapy in such patients.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


Clinico-Pathological Features Of Granular Cell Astrocytoma.
We report a rare case of Granular cell astrocytoma (GCA) in a 59 years old male and the dilemma related to its histopathological diagnosis. As Granular cell Astrocytoma cells resemble macrophages this case is important in the pitfalls in its diagnosis and this report emphasizes on the issues related to it. This particular patient had neurological complaints for 7 months and was not investigated. Later he had a CT scan followed by a contrast-enhanced MRI of the Brain that showed multiple focal lesions with surrounding oedema. After metastatic workup with PET/CT scan which was negative; he underwent craniotomy and biopsy of the lesion, which at first was reported as benign. Later his blocks were sent abroad and on further immunohistochemical markers it was finally reported as Granular Cell Astrocytoma (Granular cell Astrocytoma). Granular cell Astrocytoma is a very rare subtype of glioblastoma, which was first described by Markesbery et al in 1973 as a granular cell tumour (GCT) in the brain/central nervous system. GCAs are rare and highly aggressive brain tumours. The cells of GCA are distinguished from macrophages by their expression of glial immune-stains, including glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). The perplexity in diagnosing GCA in this case and its similar characteristics as other benign conditions; makes it a unique rare brain tumour on which we should keep an eye on when we have a fix in diagnosis of similar brain lesions.


Extramedullary plasmacytoma of the parotid gland. Report of a case with extensive amyloid deposition masking the cytologic and histopathologic picture.
Extramedullary plasmacytomas are uncommon. Although approximately 90% occur in the head and neck region, parotid gland localization is extremely rare. This report describes fine needle aspiration and histopathologic findings in an extramedullary plasmacytoma arising in the left parotid gland of a 62-year-old man. Aspiration smears showed multiple amorphous clumps of material admixed with ductal epithelial cells, multinucleated giant cells and inflammatory cells rich in plasma cells, suggestive of pleomorphic adenoma. In surgical material, excessive amyloid deposition was observed. Six months later the tumor recurred, and in the second surgical specimen clusters of atypical plasma cells among amyloid deposits was noted. Clinical and laboratory examination excluded multiple myeloma. After local recurrence, radiotherapy was applied. Ten months later the patient was well and without systemic involvement. Two points are important. First, in the salivary gland region, because of the focal metachromasia of amyloid with Giemsa stain, amyloid can be confused with the chondromyxoid matrix of pleomorphic adenoma. Second, although localized forms of amyloid tumor exist, one should keep in mind that amyloid may be so abundant that it may mask an underlying plasma cell neoplasm, as in our case.


Peripheral blood smears of myelodysplasia patients: scanning electron microscope findings.
The utility of scanning electron microscopy in the evaluation of ordinary glass peripheral blood smears of patients with myelodysplasia and those uncertain for myelodysplasia is emphasized. Attention is directed to changes in segmented granulocytes. Comparison of ultrastructural findings in abnormal blood smears with control cases is made. Important findings include reduced cytoplasmic granule number, increased cell size, large cytoplasmic vacuoles, condensation of the peripheral cytoplasm, prominence of large cytoplasmic granules, irregular cytoplasmic perimeter, abnormal nuclear morphology, abnormal cell shape, and a necklace-like arrangement of cytoplasmic granules. Of these findings, reduced cytoplasmic granule number was the most specific finding, while condensation of peripheral cytoplasm was the most sensitive. Combination of these two morphologic findings may provide a strong predictor of myelodysplasia. The study included a limited test of unknown cases evaluated by one author, including two uncertain for myelodysplasia. Pitfalls in evaluating temporary pancytopenia not associated with myelodysplasia are noted.


Prevention and management of back pain in nurses.
Back pain is common in adults and may be associated with personal, psychosocial and biomechanical risk factors. Nursing is considered to be a high-risk occupation for back pain, but personal and work-based strategies can help to reduce the risk.


G20210A prothrombin gene mutation identified in patients with venous leg ulcers.
The G20210A mutation variant of prothrombin gene is the second most frequent mutation identified in patients with deep venous thrombosis, after factor V Leiden. The risk for developing deep venous thrombosis is high in patients identified as heterozygous for G20210A mutation. In order to identify this polymorphism in the gene coding prothrombin, the 345bp fragment in the 3'- untranslated region of the prothrombin gene was amplified using amplification by polymerase chain reaction and enzymatic digestion by HindIII (restriction endonuclease enzyme). The products of amplification and enzymatic's digestion were analized using agarose gel electrophoresis. We investigated 20 patients with venous leg ulcers and we found 2 heterozygous (10%) for G20210A mutation. None of the patients in the control group had G20210A mutation. Our study confirms the presence of G20210A mutation in the Romanian population. Our study also shows the link between venous leg ulcers and this polymorphism in the prothrombin gene.


Palliative care provision and its impact on psychological morbidity in cancer patients.
In response to many influences, palliative care services in the UK are evolving rapidly, and are increasingly challenged to demonstrate equity, access and effectiveness. This article discusses the principles, philosophy and status of palliative care in the UK in the context of recent NHS developments. A case study is employed in order to critically evaluate the implementation of the palliative care approach, focusing on the specific issue of the assessment of anxiety and depression in the cancer setting. The provision of a comprehensive and integrated clinical service is a constant challenge in this patient group. In order to increase awareness and facilitate further development of patient services, and ultimately improve clinical practice, several factors are highlighted. These include the impact of multiprofessional team care, the problems inherent in the diagnosis of depression and the question of whether cancer nurses are adequately prepared to handle patients' psychological morbidity.


Histopathological studies of human lenses.
Histopathological findings in 33 intracapsularly removed lenses and 35 enucleated eye-balls are presented. Anterior and posterior subcapsular cataracts were mostly seen in traumatic and advanced senile cataracts. Characteristic features of the latter were cortical degeneration and liquefaction with formation of Morgagnian globules and nuclear sclerosis. Anterior lens epithelium had more tendency to undergo fibrous pseudometaplasia, while equatorial epithelium migrated posteriorly with "bladder cell" formation. In complicated and traumatic cataracts, apart from abnormal proliferation of lens epithelium, frequent synechiae with iris and/or cyclitic membranes were seen. Phacoanaphylactic uveitis was observed in 6 eyes with capsular defects. Pseudoexfoliative material was found in 5 cases. It is suggested, that domination of proliferative changes in traumatic and complicated cataracts, in contrast to senile cataracts, results from the availability of different mitogenic factors in injured and inflammed eyes and may be due to the younger age of patients in this group.


Quantitative electron holography of biased semiconductor devices.
Electron holography is used to measure electrostatic potential profiles across reverse-biased Si p-n junctions in situ in the transmission electron microscope. A novel sample geometry based on focused ion-beam milling is developed, and results are obtained for a range of sample thicknesses and bias voltages to allow the holographic contrast to be interpreted. The physical and electrical nature of the sample surface, which is affected by sample preparation and electron beam irradiation, is discussed.


Safe, facile radical-based reduction and hydrosilylation reactions in a microreactor using tris(trimethylsilyl)silane.
A highly efficient system for tris(trimethylsilyl)silane (TTMSS) mediated deoxygenation, dehalogenation and hydrosilylation reactions is described in a microstructured device; this convenient platform enables the scale up of radical-based processes.


Endogenous Escherichia coli endophthalmitis.
Metastatic bacterial endophthalmitis caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae is a unique but well-known phenomenon in Taiwan, where most cases occur in diabetic patients with pyogenic liver abscesses. However, endogenous Escherichia coli endophthalmitis is quite rare. The most common primary site of this infection is the urinary tract and the incidence of concurrent systemic infections, such as abscess formation and infective endocarditis, is high. This illness has a rapidly progressive clinical course associated with a poor prognosis for recovery of visual acuity. This is a report of a case of endogenous E. coli endophthalmitis originating from a renal abscess in a diabetic woman. Despite aggressive local and systemic treatment, evisceration was required to prevent the infection from spreading.


Predictive factors for carboplatin hypersensitivity reactions in gynecologic cancers: Effect of BRCA status.
Carboplatin hypersensitivity reactions have been reported to occur in up to 16% of patients with gynecologic cancers. Several predisposing factors have been suggested including presence of BRCA1/2 mutation, however, contribution of these mutations to reaction development has not been extensively studied. The purpose of this study was to determine if there is an association between BRCA1/2 mutation status and the development of carboplatin hypersensitivity reactions.Methodology: Eligible patients were women aged 18 years or older with a diagnosis of ovarian, fallopian tube, uterine, endometrial, or primary peritoneal cancer who attempted to receive at least one dose of carboplatin. The primary outcome was the effect of BRCA1/2 status on the development of carboplatin hypersensitivity reactions with regard to: reaction frequency, timing, and severity. Secondary outcomes included identification of additional risk factors that may help identify predisposition to carboplatin hypersensitivity reaction. A total of 44 patients were included in this study. Five patients (38%) in the reaction group and 4 patients (31%) in the no reaction group had a documented mutation in one or both BRCA genes (p = 1.00). No significant differences were found in terms of reaction severity or symptoms, and timing of reaction after dose administration. Incidence of thyroid disorder was significantly higher among patients who experienced a hypersensitivity reaction (1 (4%) vs 10 (45%); p = 0.004). BRCA mutation status was not associated with an increased risk of carboplatin hypersensitivity in our patient population. Further investigation into thyroid dysfunction as a risk factor for reaction development is warranted.


Effects of thermally induced birefringence in high-output-power electro-optically Q-switched Nd:YAG lasers and their compensation.
We show that thermally induced birefringence in an electro-optical crystal can play an important role in Q-switched Nd:YAG lasers with a high average power output. A compensation of the thermal effects in both active-element and electro-optical crystals is achieved by employing two identical Pockels cells instead of one, with a pi/2 polarization rotator between them in the so-called ring modulator. Experiments that are carried out show that undesirable thermopolarization effects are essentially eliminated by using this new optical configuration. A detailed description in terms of Jones matrices of the properties of the proposed resonator is also included.


Impact of aerosols on ice crystal size.
The interactions between aerosols and ice clouds represent one of the largest uncertainties in global radiative forcing from pre-industrial time to the present. In particular, the impact of aerosols on ice crystal effective radius (R ei), which is a key parameter determining ice clouds' net radiative effect, is highly uncertain due to limited and conflicting observational evidence. Here we investigate the effects of aerosols on R ei under different meteorological conditions using 9-year satellite observations. We find that the responses of R ei to aerosol loadings are modulated by water vapor amount in conjunction with several other meteorological parameters. While there is a significant negative correlation between R ei and aerosol loading in moist conditions, consistent with the "Twomey effect" for liquid clouds, a strong positive correlation between the two occurs in dry conditions. Simulations based on a cloud parcel model suggest that water vapor modulates the relative importance of different ice nucleation modes, leading to the opposite aerosol impacts between moist and dry conditions. When ice clouds are decomposed into those generated from deep convection and formed in situ, the water vapor modulation remains in effect for both ice cloud types, although the sensitivities of R ei to aerosols differ noticeably between them due to distinct formation mechanisms. The water vapor modulation can largely explain the difference in the responses of R ei to aerosol loadings in various seasons. A proper representation of the water vapor modulation is essential for an accurate estimate of aerosol-cloud radiative forcing produced by ice clouds.


[Quality of data on deaths from external causes in a medium-sized city in Minas Gerais State, Brazil].
This study aimed to assess the quality of data on deaths from external causes in Viçosa, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, from 2000 to 2009, and the completeness of the Mortality Information System (SIM). The data were obtained from the SIM of the Municipal Health Department, municipal police enquiries, and local newspaper articles, resulting in a databank with 495 deaths from external causes. The results showed a high proportion of deaths with indeterminate intent (21%) in the SIM, suggesting problems with quality of information. Comparison of data from the SIM and police department detected problems with coverage in the SIM (21%) and thus in the official statistics on mortality from accidents and violence. The results emphasize the importance of searches in other data sources to upgrade the SIM and expand its coverage, and especially the need for studies to identify and analyze problems faced by small and medium-sized cities in the production of mortality data.


Integrated analysis of a competing endogenous RNA network reveals key long noncoding RNAs as potential prognostic biomarkers for hepatocellular carcinoma.
Growing evidence has revealed that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have an important impact on tumorigenesis and tumor progression via a mechanism involving competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs). However, their use in predicting the survival of a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. The aim of this study was to develop a novel lncRNA expression-based risk score system to accurately predict the survival of patients with HCC. In our study, using expression profiles downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas database, the differentially expressed messenger RNAs (mRNAs), lncRNAs, and microRNAs (miRNAs) were explored in patients with HCC and normal liver tissues, and then a ceRNA network constructed. A risk score system was established between lncRNA expression of the ceRNA network and overall survival (OS) or recurrence-free survival (RFS); it was further analyzed for associations with the clinical features of patients with HCC. In HCC, 473 differentially expressed lncRNAs, 63 differentially expressed miRNAs, and 1417 differentially expressed mRNAs were detected. The ceRNA network comprised 41 lncRNA nodes, 12 miRNA nodes, 24 mRNA nodes, and 172 edges. The lncRNA expression-based risk score system for OS was constructed based on six lncRNAs (MYLK-AS1, AL359878.1, PART1, TSPEAR-AS1, C10orf91, and LINC00501), while the risk score system for RFS was based on four lncRNAs (WARS2-IT1, AL359878.1, AL357060.1, and PART1). Univariate and multivariate Cox analyses showed the risk score systems for OS or RFS were significant independent factors adjusted for clinical factors. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed the area under the curve for the risk score system was 0.704 for OS, and 0.71 for RFS. Our result revealed a lncRNA expression-based risk score system for OS or RFS can effectively predict the survival of patients with HCC and aid in good clinical decision-making.


Structural characterization of the organic solvent-stable cholesterol oxidase from Chromobacterium sp. DS-1.
Cholesterol oxidase is of significant commercial interest as it is widely used as a biosensor for the detection of cholesterol in clinical samples, blood serum and food. Increased stability of this enzyme with regards to temperature and different solvent conditions are of great importance to the reliability and versatility of its applications. We here report the crystal structure of the cholesterol oxidase of Chromobacterium sp. DS-1 (CHOLOX). In contrast to other previously characterized cholesterol oxidases, this enzyme retains high activity in organic solvents and detergents at temperatures above 85 degrees C despite its mesophilic origin. With the availability of one other homologous oxidase of known three-dimensional structure, a detailed comparison of its sequence and structure was performed to elucidate the mechanisms of stabilization. In contrast to factors that typically contribute to the stability of thermophilic proteins, the structure of CHOLOX exhibits a larger overall cavity volume, less charged residues and less salt bridge interactions. Moreover, the vast majority of residue substitutions were found on or near the protein's solvent exposed surface. We propose that the engineering of enhanced stability may also be accomplished through selective engineering of the protein periphery rather than by redesigning its entire core.


Oxygen consumption and hemodynamic responses during graded treadmill exercise in the dog.
A description is given of a technique that provides a relatively simple means by which O2 consumption and hemodynamic variables can be measured in exercising dogs. We used a multistage submaximal treadmill test to study the responses of 10 foxhounds to dynamic exercise. They were also studied during maximal treadmill exercise. O2 consumption increased from 16.3 +/- 1.7 ml O2 X min-1 X kg-1 at rest to 92.9 +/- 9.7 ml O2 X min-1 X kg-1 at a work load of 6.4 km/h, 20% grade and to 111.9 +/- 9.6 ml O2 X min-1 X kg-1 during maximal exercise. Cardiac output (CO) increased from 6.11 +/- 0.45 l/min at rest to 16.91 +/- 1.46 and 17.66 +/- 0.60 l/min at 6.4 km/h, 20% grade and maximal exercise, respectively. Arteriovenous O2 difference increased from 5.8 +/- 0.3 vol% at rest to 12.0 +/- 0.4 and 13.2 +/- 0.7 vol% at 6.4 km/h, 20% grade and maximal exercise, respectively. Heart rate (HR) increased from 116 +/- 7 beats/min at rest to 250 +/- 8 beats/min at 6.4 km/h, 20% grade and to 278 +/- 6 beats/min during maximal exercise. O2 uptake, CO, and arteriovenous O2 difference increased with the onset of exercise, appeared to level at lower work intensities (6.4 km/h, 4 and 8% grade), and increased significantly at each of the higher work intensities (6.4 km/h, 12, 16, and 20% grade). Additionally, we observed linear relationships between O2 consumption and HR (HR = 1.35 X VO2 + 120.5; r = 0.87; P less than 0.001) and between O2 consumption and CO (CO = 5.91 X VO2 + 216.6; r = 0.96; P less than 0.001). Further, the linear relationship between O2 consumption and CO demonstrated in the present study is similar to that observed in humans.


[Clinical effects of middle and low peroneal artery perforator flap with pedicle on repairing skin and soft tissue defects of ankle].
Objective: To investigate clinical effects of middle and low peroneal artery perforator flap with pedicle on repairing skin and soft tissue defects of ankle. Methods: Twenty patients with skin and soft tissue defects of ankle and exposure of tendon and bone were admitted in our burn wards from April 2012 to December 2015. The size of skin and soft tissue defects ranged from 5 cm×4 cm to 23 cm×10 cm. Patients were treated with debridement and vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) after admission. After VSD treatment for 1 week, flap transplantation operation was performed. Middle and low perforating branches of peroneal artery were detected by portable Doppler blood flow meter before the operation. Flaps were designed and resected according wounds during the operation, with 1 or 2 middle and low perforating branches of peroneal artery in flaps. Seventeen patients were treated with middle and low peroneal artery perforator flap. Larger wounds with exposure of tendon and bone were repaired with middle and low peroneal artery perforator flap, and the other wounds were repaired with intermediate split-thickness skin graft of thigh on the same side in three patients. The size of flap ranged from 6 cm×5 cm to 25 cm×12 cm. The donor sites were sutured directly or repaired with intermediate split-thickness skin graft of thigh on the same side. Results: After operation, 1 patient with partial skin necrosis at the distal of the flap because of disorder of venous circulation healed after dressing change and physiotherapy, and flaps of the other 19 patients survived well. During follow-up of 3 to 36 months, flaps of all patients were in good appearance, with no obvious cicatrix, and the affected limbs and ankle joints functioned well. Conclusions: Middle and low peroneal artery perforator flap with advantages of stable perforating branch, reliable blood supply, and large resected size, can repair skin and soft tissue defects of ankle.


The role of single nucleotide polymorphisms of the ERCC1 and MMS19 genes in predicting platinum-sensitivity, progression-free and overall survival in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer.
This study aims to assess the role of polymorphisms in DNA repair genes, excision repair cross-complementation group 1 (ERCC1) and methyl-methanesulfonate sensitivity 19 (MMS19), in tumor response to platinum-based chemotherapy and survival in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis was performed on the paraffin-embedded tumor tissue of women with advanced EOC, treated with platinum-based chemotherapy at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Polymorphisms from two ERCC1 (codon-118 and C8092A) and three MMS19 (rs2211243, rs2236575 and rs872106) gene loci were evaluated by real time PCR Allelic Discrimination Assay. Genotyping was performed in 107 patients, 45 platinum-sensitive and 62 platinum-resistant. ERCC1, codon-118 and C8092A genotyping was evaluable in 98 and 106 patients respectively and in all 107 patients for MMS19 polymorphisms. No differences were observed in genotype between platinum-sensitive and platinum-resistant patients. Polymorphisms in the ERCC1, codon-118 and MMS19 genes did not correlate with overall survival (OS), although a trend toward improved progression free survival (PFS) was observed in patients expressing the minor (GG) alleles of the rs872106 MMS19 gene. Women homozygous for the ERCC1-C8092A minor (AA) alleles had a significant increase in PFS compared to AC and CC patients and both AA and AC genotypes conferred improved survival over the major (CC) genotype. Polymorphisms in ERCC1, codon-118 and MMS19 genes are not associated with clinical response to platinum or survival. The ERCC1-C8092A genotypes containing an "A" allele were associated with significant improvement in PFS and OS strengthening the value of this specific genotype in survival.


Newly synthesized surfactants for surface mannosylation of respirable SLN assemblies to target macrophages in tuberculosis therapy.
The present study reports about new solid lipid nanoparticle assemblies (SLNas) loaded with rifampicin (RIF) surface-decorated with novel mannose derivatives, designed for anti-tuberculosis (TB) inhaled therapy by dry powder inhaler (DPI). Mannose is considered a relevant ligand to achieve active drug targeting being mannose receptors (MR) overexpressed on membranes of infected alveolar macrophages (AM), which are the preferred site of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Surface decoration of SLNas was obtained by means of newly synthesized functionalizing compounds used as surfactants in the preparation of carriers. SLNas were fully characterized in vitro determining size, morphology, drug loading, drug release, surface mannosylation, cytotoxicity, macrophage internalization extent and ability to bind MR, and intracellular RIF concentration. Moreover, the influence of these new surface functionalizing agents on SLNas aerodynamic performance was assessed by measuring particle respirability features using next generation impactor. SLNas exhibited suitable drug payload, in vitro release, and more efficient ability to enter macrophages (about 80%) compared to bare RIF (about 20%) and to non-functionalized SLNas (about 40%). The involvement of MR-specific binding has been demonstrated by saturating MR of J774 cells causing a decrease of RIF intracellular concentration of about 40%. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that the surface decoration of particles produced a poor cohesive powder with an adequate respirability (fine particle fraction ranging from about 30 to 50%). Therefore, the proposed SLNas may represent an encouraging opportunity in a perspective of an efficacious anti-TB inhaled therapy.


Long-Term High-Effort Endurance Exercise in Older Adults: Diminishing Returns for Cognitive and Brain Aging.
While there is evidence that age-related changes in cognitive performance and brain structure can be offset by increased exercise, little is known about the impact long-term high-effort endurance exercise has on these functions. In a cross-sectional design with 12-month follow-up, we recruited older adults engaging in high-effort endurance exercise over at least 20 years, and compared their cognitive performance and brain structure with a nonsedentary control group similar in age, sex, education, IQ, and lifestyle factors. Our findings showed no differences on measures of speed of processing, executive function, incidental memory, episodic memory, working memory, or visual search for older adults participating in long-term high-effort endurance exercise, when compared without confounds to nonsedentary peers. On tasks that engaged significant attentional control, subtle differences emerged. On indices of brain structure, long-term exercisers displayed higher white matter axial diffusivity than their age-matched peers, but this did not correlate with indices of cognitive performance.


Single-Laboratory Validation of the Multiplex xMAP Food Allergen Detection Assay with Incurred Food Samples.
An xMAP Food Allergen Detection Assay (xMAP FADA) was developed to meet analytical needs when responding to complaints by individuals with multiple food allergies and to address potential ambiguities associated with cross-reactive proteins. A single-laboratory validation (SLV) was conducted to examine the reliability of the xMAP FADA to detect 15 analytes individually or as part of a mixture at more than six concentrations in four foods. The xMAP FADA reliably detected the analytes despite the incurred dark chocolate and incurred baked muffins displaying recoveries of 10-20% and <60%, respectively. The high reliability for recoveries less than 60% in part reflects the statistical strength of the design of the xMAP FADA. Only crustacean, egg, and milk incurred in dark chocolate were not reliably detected using the PBST-buffered-detergent protocol. Following the reduced-denatured protocol, no problems were encountered in the detection of milk, although egg did not display a dynamic response in dark chocolate. The ruggedness of the xMAP FADA was ascertained by the ability of novice analysts to detect food allergens in baked rice cookies. Despite one analyst losing >80% of the beads and the count for one bead set dropping to seven, the assay displayed only a decrease in precision (increased standard deviations) and a change in the ratios between complementary antibody pairs.


Localization of heat shock protein in osteoarthritic cartilage.
In osteoarthritic (OA) chondrocytes, expression of 70 kD heat shock protein (HSP70) is enhanced under stress. The HSP70 level is also related to OA severity in humans. In the present study, specimens of OA cartilage were obtained from 14 surgically treated female patients. Their disease severity was evaluated according to Mankin's histological/histochemical grading scores. The ratio of HSP70-positive cells was examined by using immunohistochemistry. As OA became more severe, the ratio of HSP70-positive cells increased in deeper areas from the surface, and there was a positive correlation between the grade and the ratio. Distribution of cells expressing HSP70 mRNA detected by in situ hybridization was similar to the distribution of positive cells in the immunohistochemistry. It was presumed that HSP70 plays a role in cell protection from stress, and that mechanical and biological factors which are related to the enhancement of HSP70 expression, have a considerable influence on OA progressions.


Intimate partner violence and early interruption of exclusive breastfeeding in the first three months of life.
The aim of this study was to investigate the role of intimate partner violence in the early interruption of exclusive breastfeeding in the first three months of life. We used data from a prospective cohort of 564 children attending four primary health clinics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Interruption of exclusive breastfeeding was defined as a child receiving any kind of liquid or solid, regardless of breast milk intake, measured by a 24 hour recall. The Portuguese version of the Conflict Tactics Scales (CTS-1) was used to assess intimate partner violence. Associations were expressed as prevalence ratios and relative risks and their respective 95% confidence intervals. Children of mothers who experienced severe violence had 30% greater likelihood of early interruption of exclusive breastfeeding in the second month of life as compared to those who did not experience this type of violence. Strategies in health services for promoting exclusive breastfeeding should consider identifying and addressing family violence.


[Differential approach to lymphadenectomy in patients with progressive fibrocavernous pulmonary tuberculosis].
The resection specimens from 31 patients with fibrocavernous tuberculosis (FCT) underwent a complex clinical andimmunological study, as well as a morphological one. It was ascertained that partial or extended lymphadenectomy did not always positively correlate with an adequate postoperative immune response and it depended on the morphological features of lymphatic apparatus lesion. The direct results of surgical treatment of patients with FCT suggest that in patients with specific lymphadenitis and cell-mediated immunodeficiency, the frequency of postoperative specific pleuropulmonary complications and their severity considerably exceed those if there is an adequate immune response. In patients with progressive FCT, baseline cell-mediated immunity deficiency is aggravated by surgery, increasing the risk of postoperative specific and nonspecific infectious pleuropulmonary complications.


Lipid metabolism of cancer stem cells.
Cancer stem cells (CSCs), also termed cancer-initiating cells, are a special subset of cells with high self-replicating and self-renewing abilities that can differentiate into various cell types under certain conditions. A number of studies have demonstrated that CSCs have distinct metabolic properties. The reprogramming of energy metabolism enables CSCs to meet the needs of self-renewal and stemness maintenance. Increasing evidence supports the view that alterations in lipid metabolism, including an increase in fatty acid (FA) uptake, de novo lipogenesis, formation of lipid droplets and mitochondrial FA oxidation, are involved in CSC regulation. In the present review, the metabolic characteristics of CSCs, particularly in lipid metabolism, were summarized. In addition, the potential mechanisms of CSC lipid metabolism in treatment resistance were discussed. Given their significance in cancer biology, targeting CSC metabolism may serve an important role in future cancer treatment.


Photo-enhanced production of the spin adduct 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide/.OH in aqueous menadione solutions.
The production of 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide (DMPO)/.OH in aqueous solutions of menadione and DMPO is enhanced by fluorescent room light. The formation of DMPO/.OH requires oxygen and water, is enhanced by superoxide dismutase, and occurs to a much smaller extent for benzoquinone than for menadione. This process is assigned as photo-initiated redox cycling of the menadione, which causes oxidation of DMPO to DMPO+. and reduction of oxygen to superoxide. DMPO+. reacts with water to produce DMPO/.OH. Although DMPO/.OOH was not observed in the menadione solutions, the possibility that some of the DMPO/.OH was produced by decomposition of DMPO/.OOH cannot be ruled out. There is no evidence for participation of hydroxyl radicals. Because benzosemiquinone is less readily oxidized than the semiquinone of menadione, redox cycling is less favorable for benzoquinone than for menadione and smaller quantities of DMPO/.OH are produced by photoexcitation of benzoquinone than of menadione.


The Effect of Nursing Intervention on Patients with Inguinal Hernia and Its Influence on Self-Management Ability.
To objectively evaluate the nursing quality of patients with inguinal hernia from the aspects of postoperative pain, self-discipline, and complications, the application of medical data analysis and nursing intervention in patients with inguinal hernia was discussed. A total of 86 patients with inguinal hernia were selected, and the time distribution was from September 2020 to March 2021. The patients were divided into two groups: in the control group, there were 43 cases, 28 males and 15 females. There were 43 cases in the observation group, 25 males and 18 females. All selected subjects must sign the informed consent form and have the right to know the research content. The patients were diagnosed by abdominal ultrasound, and the demographic data and basic clinical data were recorded. A total of 86 patients were divided into two groups in this study, of which 43 patients used a routine nursing path as the control group and the other 43 patients added medical data analysis and nursing intervention as the observation group on the basis of the routine nursing path. The postoperative pain, self-discipline, complications, and patient satisfaction were compared, and the patients' satisfaction in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group, while serum swelling and urine retention were significantly lower than those in the control group (p < 0.05). According to the analysis of the routine nursing path and medical data, nursing intervention patients have more stable emotions and less postoperative pain. They can get out of bed early, reduce the occurrence of other complications, and improve the overall curative effect. Systematic nursing intervention can reduce the incidence of postoperative adverse reactions and complications. It is one of the ideal adjuvant treatments for inguinal hernia patients.


A Case of Suspected Cocaine Adulterant-Associated Methemoglobinemia in the United States.
A 30-year-old male with a past history of polysubstance use presents to a drug rehabilitation facility after cocaine and heroin use just prior to arrival. While drinking at a water fountain at the facility, he became unresponsive. He was discovered to have an oxygen saturation of 50% on room air with an improvement to 87% on non-rebreather masks. Arterial blood gas revealed a methemoglobin level of 45.8%. The patient was given methylene blue with a repeat methemoglobin level of 0.00% within six hours. We attribute this presentation to local anesthetic-adulterated cocaine, a well-documented cause of methemoglobinemia in the United Kingdom rarely described in the United States.


Near-Infrared-Light-Assisted Photothermal Polymerization for Transdermal Hydrogelation and Cell Delivery.
Photopolymerization of hydrogels has been widely used to encapsulate cells and support their growth in 3D environments. However, common light sources (i.e., ultraviolet and visible light) strongly interact with biological systems and are therefore inappropriate for in vivo applications, such as transdermal polymerization. Using near infrared (NIR) light that minimally interacts with living tissues, this study investigates NIR light-assisted photothermal polymerization (NAPP) of diacrylated polyethylene glycol (PEGDA), in which interactions between NIR light and gold nanorods activate a thermal initiator (i.e., AIPH), resulting in generation of radicals for polymerization of PEGDA. Gelation parameters, including precursor concentrations and NIR power, are investigated to minimize the use of initiator and temperature increases (<43 °C) during NAPP. Cell viability is as high as 80% after NAPP-based encapsulation. Incorporation of polyethylene glycol (PEG) modified with a cell-adhesive peptide moiety (Arg-Gly-Asp) into the gel system further enables prolongation of cell viability during incubation up to 7 d. NAPP results in successful transdermal gelation and good viability of the transplanted cells. Thus, this new cell encapsulation approach, demonstrated for the first time in this study, will benefit various applications, including cell delivery and remote control over cellular environments.


Clonal expansion of human T-cell leukemia virus type II in patients with high proviral load.
In previous studies we demonstrated that individuals infected by human T-cell leukemia virus type II (HTLV-II) presented a high degree of variation in proviral load and that the cellular tropism of this virus was expanded in some patients to B-lymphocytes. To understand whether the observed high proviral load could be associated with the clonal expansion of the infected cells, we have studied the mode of integration of HTLV-II in six infected individuals with proviral load higher than 1% of total peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). An inverse polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis, which allowed the amplification of the region flanking the 5' end of the provirus, was developed for HTLV-II. A single band, corresponding to a monoclonal expansion, was found in four of six patients analyzed, while in the other two patients an oligoclonal type of integration was observed. The results for inverse PCR analysis were confirmed by sequencing the PCR products and showing that the 5' LTR flanking sequences of proviral DNA obtained from the different subjects presented no homology, thus suggesting that no specific site or sequence is required for the integration process of HTLV-II. The results indicate that the HTLV-II high proviral load observed in PBMCs from infected patients is associated with a clonal expansion of HTLV-II-infected cells. This study also suggests that the very high genetic stability of HTLV-II could be explained by viral amplification via clonal expansion rather than by reverse transcription.


Robot Assisted Renal Allograft Nephrectomy: Initial Case Series and Description of Technique.
To evaluate the outcomes and perioperative complication rates following robot- assisted transplant nephrectomy ((RATN). All patients who underwent RATN at our institution were included. No exclusion criteria were applied. Clinical records were retrospectively reviewed and reported. This included preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative outcomes. Complications were reported utilizing the Clavien-Dindo classification system. Descriptive statistics were reported using frequencies and percentages for categorical variables, means and standard deviation for continuous variables. Between July 2014 and April 2018, 15 patients underwent RATN. Most patients had the transplant in the right iliac fossa (13/15). Ten patients underwent a concomitant procedure. The total operative time for the entire cohort was 336 (±102) minutes (including cases who had concomitant procedures) and 259 (±46 minutes) when cases with concomitant procedures were excluded. Mean estimated blood loss was 383 (±444) mL. Postoperatively, 3 patients required blood transfusion. Average hospital stay was 4 (±2.7) days. Most patients had finding consistent with graft rejection on final pathology. There were 5 complications; 3 of which were minor (grade 2 = 2 and grade 3 = 1); one patient had a wound infection requiring dressing (3A) and one patient died due to pulmonary embolism following discharge. Limitations include small series and retrospective nature of the study. This case series demonstrate that RATN is technically feasible. With continued experience and larger case series, the robotic approach may provide a minimally invasive alternative to open allograft nephrectomy.


Antitrypanosomal Activity of Anthriscus Nemorosa Essential Oils and Combinations of Their Main Constituents.
This study aimed to investigate the susceptibility of Trypanosoma brucei to the Anthriscus nemorosa essential oils (EOs), isolated compounds from these oils, and artificial mixtures of the isolated compounds in their conventional and nanoencapsulated forms. The chemical composition of the essential oils from the aerial parts and roots of Anthriscus nemorosa, obtained from a wild population growing in central Italy, were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). In both cases, the predominant class of compounds was monoterpene hydrocarbons, which were more abundant in the EOs from the roots (81.5%) than the aerial parts (74.0%). The overall results of this work have shed light on the biological properties of A. nemorosa EO from aerial parts (EC50 = 1.17 μg/mL), farnesene (EC50 = 0.84 μg/mL), and artificial mixtures (Mix 3-5, EC50 in the range of 1.27 to 1.58 μg/mL) as relevant sources of antiprotozoal substances. Furthermore, the pool measurements of ADP (adenosine diphosphate) and NTPs (nucleoside triphosphates) in the cultivated bloodstream form of trypanosomes exposed to different concentrations of EOs showed a disturbed energy metabolism, as indicated by increased pools of ADP in comparison to ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and other NTPs. Ultimately, this study highlights the significant efficacy of A. nemorosa EO to develop long-lasting and effective antiprotozoal formulations, including nanoemulsions.


Variable histotoxicity of histoacryl when used in a subcutaneous site: an experimental study.
Histoacryl (butyl-2-cyanoacrylate) is one of the least histotoxic cyanoacrylate derivatives and is used as a tissue adhesive. Clinical applications primarily include skin closure (blepharoplasty incisions, etc.). In a recent study, we demonstrated that Histoacryl elicits minimal histotoxicity when used to glue bone grafts to rabbit-ear cartilage. Acute inflammation was limited to areas where Histoacryl escaped from between the bone graft and ear cartilage to contact well-vascularized soft tissue. In this study, Histoacryl was applied between bone graft and cartilage in one rabbit ear and adjacent to well-vascularized soft tissue with no graft in the opposite ear. Histologic analysis revealed minimal if any inflammation when small amounts of glue was used in the nonvascular region between bone graft and cartilage. However, subcutaneous implantation contacting well-vascularized soft tissue resulted in increased acute inflammation and prolonged foreign-body giant-cell response. Further studies are required to rule out any long-term problems associated with subcutaneous implantation of Histoacryl.


Unruh and Cherenkov Radiation from a Negative Frequency Perspective.
A ground-state atom uniformly accelerated through the Minkowski vacuum can become excited by emitting an Unruh-Minkowski photon. We show that from the perspective of an accelerated atom, the sign of the frequency of the Unruh-Minkowski photons can be positive or negative depending on the acceleration direction. The accelerated atom becomes excited by emitting an Unruh-Minkowski photon which has negative frequency in the atom's frame, and decays by emitting a positive-frequency photon. This leads to interesting effects. For example, the photon emitted by accelerated ground-state atom cannot be absorbed by another ground-state atom accelerating in the same direction, but it can be absorbed by an excited atom or a ground-state atom accelerated in the opposite direction. We also show that similar effects take place for Cherenkov radiation. Namely, a Cherenkov photon emitted by an atom cannot be absorbed by another ground-state atom moving with the same velocity, but can be absorbed by an excited atom or a ground-state atom moving in the opposite direction.


Ideal body image and health status in low-income Pacific Islanders.
Purpose of this descriptive study was to examine the relationship between ideal body image and family support in Pacific Islander. The subjects were 120 residences (65 with diabetes and 55 without diabetes) of a housing project in Hawaii. Data were collected by interview using the following questionnaires: The Family Behavior Checklist, the Modified Body Image Questionnaire, the Diabetes Knowledge Scale, and demography. Variables of primary interest included the subjects' ideal body image, serum level of glycosylated hemoglobin, hypertension, family support behaviors, ethnicity, and knowledge of diabetes. Findings indicated that the majority of subjects perceived receiving family support in the diet regimen, but not in the areas of glucose self-monitoring, exercise, or medication. The subjects' knowledge level regarding diabetes scored low. Subjects perceived that families lacked knowledge of diabetes. Metabolic control significantly correlated with present age, sources of health insurance, presence of diabetes, and the feeling of ideal body image according to non-Western culture. Subjects had different standards of ideal body image depending on whether they identified with a Western culture or with a non-Western culture. Presence of hypertension and diabetes were associated multiple environmental factors (e.g. family support, knowledge of diabetes and number of children per household) as well as cultural value (e.g. ideal body image). Findings provide diabetes educators with information regarding the ideal body image among low-income Pacific Islanders. It implies the importance of assessing the individual's perceptions of ideal body image according to his or her cultural values prior to developing regimens for diabetes or hypertension.


Hepatitis B virus: genotypes and subtypes in Brazilian hemodialysis patients.
There are no data concerning the genotypic analysis of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in Brazilian dialysis centers. Serum samples from all hemodialysis patients (n = 282) in Goiânia City, Central Brazil, were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). An overall prevalence of 12.0% was found, ranging from 0 to 33.3% depending on dialysis centers. Positive samples (n = 34) were submitted to serological subtyping by monoclonal ELISA and HBV DNA detection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Among 30 PCR-positive samples, 26 were genotyped by use of the line probe assay technology (INNO-LiPA HBV, Innogenetics, Gent, Belgium). HBV genotypes A (50. 0%) and D (46.2%) were the most frequently found whereas genotype F (3.8%) was rare in this population. Serological subtypes adw2 (44. 1%) and ayw3 (41.2%) were dominant. By contrast, adw4 and ayw2 were found at a low frequency (2.9%). A correlation was observed in the distribution of genotypes and subtypes by dialysis center. Genotype D and subtype ayw3 were predominant in 2 hemodialysis centers whereas genotype A and subtype adw2 were predominant in the others. The findings of high HBsAg prevalence rates restricted to certain dialysis centers and the data obtained through genotyping and serological subtyping suggest HBV nosocomial transmission in these hemodialysis centers.


Selligueain A, a novel highly sweet proanthocyanidin from the rhizomes of Selliguea feei.
Selligueain A, a novel sweet trimeric proanthocyanidin with a doubly linked A unit, has been isolated from the rhizomes of Selliguea feei collected in Indonesia. The structure of this substance was established as epiafzelechin-(4 beta-->8, 2 beta-->O-->7)-epiafzelechin-(4 beta-->8)-afzelechin [1], on the basis of a combination of spectral and chemical methods. The compound was not acutely toxic for mice and not mutagenic in a forward mutation assay utilizing Salmonella typhimurium strain TM677. Selligueain A [1] was rated by a taste panel as exhibiting about 35 times the sweetness intensity of a 2% w/v aqueous sucrose solution, and at a concentration of 0.5% w/v in H2O was perceived as pleasant-tasting rather than astringent.


Transcriptome-Wide Profile of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 in Primary Immune Cells from Human Peripheral Blood.
Vitamin D3 is an essential micronutrient mediating pleiotropic effects in multiple tissues and cell types via its metabolite 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3), which activates the transcription factor vitamin D receptor. In this study, we used peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) obtained from five healthy adults and investigated transcriptome-wide, whether the precursor of 1,25(OH)2D3, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3), has gene regulatory potential on its own. Applying thresholds of >2 in fold change of gene expression and <0.05 as a false discovery rate, in this ex vivo approach the maximal physiological concentration of 25(OH)D3 (250 nM (nmol/L)) none of the study participants had a significant effect on their PBMC transcriptome. In contrast, 1000 and 10,000 nM 25(OH)D3 regulated 398 and 477 genes, respectively, which is comparable to the 625 genes responding to 10 nM 1,25(OH)2D3. The majority of these genes displayed specificity to the tested individuals, but not to the vitamin D metabolite. Interestingly, the genes MYLIP (myosin regulatory light chain interacting protein) and ABCG1 (ATP binding cassette subfamily G member 1) showed to be specific targets of 10,000 nM 25(OH)D3. In conclusion, 100- and 1000-fold higher 25(OH)D3 concentrations than the reference 10 nM 1,25(OH)2D3 are able to affect the transcriptome of PBMCs with a profile comparable to that of 1,25(OH)2D3.


A modified method for obtaining large amounts of high titer polyclonal ascites fluid.
When limited amounts of antigens are available, it is often difficult to obtain large quantities of polyclonal antisera. Although antisera can be raised in small rodents, yields are usually small. To circumvent these problems, we have designed a modified method for generating polyclonal ascites fluid (AF). Using the appropriate strain of mice and adjuvant, we generated high serum titers by injection of 1-100 micrograms of protein. Following i.p. injection of compatible sarcoma cells, 13-19 ml of high titer (1:1000-1:20,000), polyclonal ascites fluid were obtained from each mouse. Similar results were obtained using nine different antigens.


Longitudinal changes in pulmonary function and respiratory symptoms in cotton textile workers. A 15-yr follow-up study.
To evaluate the chronic effects of exposure to cotton dust, a 15-yr follow-up study in cotton textile workers was performed in Shanghai, China from 1981 to 1996. Testing occurred four times during the 15-yr period. The achieved follow-up rates were 76-88% of the original 447 cotton textile workers, and 70-85% of the original 472 silk textile workers (as a control group). Identical questionnaires, equipment, and methods were used throughout the study. The prevalence of byssinosis increased over time in cotton workers, with 15.3% at the last survey versus 7.6% at the baseline, whereas no byssinosis was found in silk workers. More workers in the cotton group consistently reported symptoms than in the silk group, although symptom reporting varied considerably from survey to survey. Cotton workers had small, but significantly greater, adjusted annual declines in FEV(1) and FVC than did the silk workers. Years worked in cotton mills, high level of exposure to endotoxin, and across-shift drops in FEV(1) were found to be significant determinants for longitudinal change in FEV(1), after controlling for appropriate confounders. Furthermore, there were statistically significant associations between excessive loss of FEV(1) and byssinosis, chest tightness at work, and chronic bronchitis in cotton workers. Workers who consistently (three or four of the surveys) reported byssinosis or chest tightness at work had a significantly greater 15-yr loss of FEV(1). We conclude that long-term exposure to cotton dust is associated with chronic or permanent obstructive impairments. Consistent reporting of respiratory symptoms, including byssinosis and chest tightness at work, is of value to predict the magnitude and severity of chronic impairments in textile workers.


[Chiari type 1 malformation and magnetic resonance imaging].
The Chiari type 1 malformation is common. Unlike the Chiari type 2 and 3 malformations, it may remain latent for a long time, becoming symptomatic only in adulthood. The introduction of MRI has resulted in an increased number of diagnoses of this malformation in pediatric patients. It appears to be related to underdevelopment of the posterior cranial fossa. It must be differentiated from acquired tonsillar herniation, particularly when herniation results from intracranial hypotension; these cases are sometimes reported as acquired Chiari I malformation with spontaneous resolution. Tonsillar ectopia may cause symptoms by its direct effect on any or all of the medulla and the cerebellar and upper spinal cord. The most suggestive of the oculomotor disturbances is oscillopsia with downbeat nystagmus. Dysphonia and dysphagia are common. Potentially serious autonomic disturbances are also frequent: sleep apnea, respiratory failure, syncope and even sudden death. Another risk is syrinx formation, resulting from obstruction of CSF circulation in the cisterna magna. Syringomyelia is detected in 32 to 74% of patients with Chiari I malformation. Treatment is surgical. Posterior fossa decompression is achieved by suboccipital craniectomy combined with laminectomy of the upper cervical segments. Surgical intervention is indicated when the malformation is symptomatic and there is no doubt that it is the cause of the symptoms. When a Chiari I malformation is identified fortuitously on MRI, long-term monitoring is essential. The risk of developing symptoms increases over time. Patients should be advised not to participate in contact sports.


The Role of the Conserved SUMO-2/3 Cysteine Residue on Domain Structure Investigated Using Protein Chemical Synthesis.
While the semi or total synthesis of ubiquitin or polyubiquitin conjugates has attracted a lot of attention the past decade, the preparation of small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) conjugates is much less developed. We describe hereinafter some important molecular features to consider when preparing SUMO-2/3 conjugates by chemical synthesis using the native chemical ligation and extended methods. In particular, we clarify the role of the conserved cysteine residue on SUMO-2/3 domain stability and properties. Our data reveal that SUMO-2 and -3 proteins behave differently from the Cys → Ala modification with SUMO-2 being less impacted than SUMO-3, likely due to a stabilizing interaction occurring in SUMO-2 between its tail and the SUMO core domain. While the Cys → Ala modification has no effect on the enzyme-catalyzed conjugation, it shows a deleterious effect on the enzyme-catalyzed deconjugation process, especially with the SUMO-3 conjugate. Whereas it is often stated that SUMO-2 and SUMO-3 are structurally and functionally indistinguishable, here we show that these proteins have specific structural and biochemical properties. This information is important to consider when designing and preparing SUMO-2/3 conjugates, and should help in making progress in the understanding of the specific role of SUMO-2 and/or SUMO-3 modifications on protein structure and function.


Room-Temperature Cu(II) Radical-Triggered Alkyne C-H Activation.
A dimeric Cu(II) complex [Cu(II)2L2(μ2-Cl)Cl] (1) built from an asymmetric tridentate ligand (2-(((2-aminocyclohexyl)imino)methyl)-4,6-di-tert-butylphenol) and weakly coordinating anions has been synthesized and structurally characterized. In dichloromethane solution, 1 exists in a monomeric [Cu(II)LCl] (1') (85%)-dimeric (1) (15%) equilibrium, and cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) studies indicate structural stability and redox retention. Addition of phenylacetylene to the CH2Cl2 solution populates 1' and leads to the formation of a transient radical species. Theoretical studies support this notion and show that the radical initiates an alkyne C-H bond activation process via a four-membered ring (Cu(II)-O···H-Calkyne) intermediate. This unusual C-H activation method is applicable for the efficient synthesis of propargylamines, without additives, within 16 h, at low loadings and in noncoordinating solvents including late-stage functionalization of important bioactive molecules. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies, postcatalysis, confirmed the framework's stability and showed that the metal center preserves its oxidation state. The scope and limitations of this unconventional protocol are discussed.


Human Rhinovirus Infection of the Respiratory Tract Affects Sphingolipid Synthesis.
The 17q21 asthma susceptibility locus includes asthma risk alleles associated with decreased sphingolipid synthesis, likely resulting from increased expression of ORMDL3. ORMDL3 inhibits serine-palmitoyl transferase (SPT), the rate-limiting enzyme of de novo sphingolipid synthesis. There is evidence that decreased sphingolipid synthesis is critical to asthma pathogenesis. Children with asthma and 17q21 asthma risk alleles display decreased sphingolipid synthesis in blood cells. Reduced SPT activity results in airway hyperreactivity, a hallmark feature of asthma. 17q21 asthma risk alleles are also linked to childhood infections with human rhinovirus (RV). This study evaluates the interaction of RV with the de novo sphingolipid synthesis pathway, and the alterative effects of concurrent SPT inhibition in SPT-deficient mice and human airway epithelial cells. In mice, RV infection shifted lung sphingolipid synthesis gene expression to a pattern that resembles genetic SPT deficiency, including decreased expression of Sptssa, a small SPT subunit. This pattern was pronounced in lung epithelial cellular adhesion molecule (EpCAM+) cells and reproduced in human bronchial epithelial cells. RV did not affect Sptssa expression in lung CD45+ immune cells. RV increased sphingolipids unique to the de novo synthesis pathway in mouse lung and human airway epithelial cells. Interestingly, these de novo sphingolipid species were reduced in the blood of RV-infected wild-type mice. RV exacerbated SPT deficiency-associated airway hyperreactivity. Airway inflammation was similar in RV-infected wild-type and SPT-deficient mice. This study reveals the effects of RV infection on the de novo sphingolipid synthesis pathway, elucidating a potential mechanistic link between 17q21 asthma risk alleles and rhinoviral infection.


An Oligoimide Particle as a Pickering Emulsion Stabilizer.
A pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) and 4,4'-oxydianiline (ODA)-based oligoimide (PMDA-ODA) was synthesized by a one-step procedure using water as a solvent. The PMDA-ODA particles showed excellent partial wetting properties and were stably dispersed in both water and oil phases. A stable dispersion was not obtained with comparison PMDA-ODA particles that were synthesized by a conventional two-step method using an organic solvent. Both oil-in-water and water-in-oil Pickering emulsions were prepared using the oligoimide particles synthesized in water, and the size of the emulsion droplet was controlled based on the oligoimide particle concentration. The oligoimide particles were tested to prepare Pickering emulsions using various kinds of oils. The oil-in-water Pickering emulsions were successfully applied to prepare microcapsules of the emulsion droplets. Our new Pickering emulsion stabilizer has the advantages of easy synthesis, no need for surface modification, and the capability of stabilizing both oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions.


[The level of Evidence Based Medicine rules' knowledge among GPs].
Evidence Based Medicine integrates best available research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values and convictions. The problem of "EBM in family doctors/GPs practice", described in this paper, was the topic only of a few studies. The aim of the study was to measure the level of Evidence Based Medicine rules' knowledge and its usage in GPs' practice. The study was conducted among a random sample of 60 GPs from province of Lodz. The survey created by researcher was used as a tool in this study. Evidence Based Medicine was viewed positively by over half of interviewed GPs (0.63). All of them see the opportunity to use rules of this system in their future practice. The respondents' knowledge of epidemiological and statistical terms and of the valid study results is low. The majority of respondents use medical journals as the source of knowledge about EBM. The results of the study encourage to spread the idea of EBM among physicians and to complete their education (undergraduate and postgraduate) with elements of evidence based medicine, epidemiology, statistics and IT knowledge as well.


Tumour cytochrome P450 and drug activation.
The expression of drug metabolising cytochrome P450s (CYPs) notably 1A, 1B, 2C, 3A, 2D subfamily members have been identified in a wide range of human cancers. Individual tumour types have distinct P450 profiles as studied by detection of P450 activity, identification of immunoreactive CYP protein and detection of CYP mRNA. Selected P450s, especially CYP1B1, are overexpressed in tumours including cancers of the lung, breast, liver, gastrointestinal tract, prostate, bladder. Several prodrug anti-tumour agents have retrospectively been identified as P450 substrates for which tumour CYP activation may hitherto have been underestimated. Those in clinical use include prodrug alkylating agents (cyclophosphamide, ifosphamide, dacarbazine, procarbazine), Tegafur, a prodrug fluoropyrimidine, methoxymorphylinodoxorubicin, a metabolically activated anthracycline, as well as flutamide and tamoxifen, two non-steroidal hormone receptor antagonists that are significantly more active following CYP-hydroxylation. More exciting is the prospect of developing new agents designed to be selectively dependent on tumour CYP activation. This can be illustrated with P450 activation of the 2-(4-aminophenyl)benzothiazoles exclusively in CYP1A1 inducible tumours. Also of interest is the bioreductive antitumour prodrug AQ4N, a CYP3A substrate that is activated to a cytotoxic metabolite specifically in hypoxic tumour regions.


Transcriptome analysis of human dorsal striatum implicates attenuated canonical WNT signaling in neuroinflammation and in age-related impairment of striatal neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity.
Motor and cognitive decline as part of the normal aging process is linked to alterations in synaptic plasticity and reduction of adult neurogenesis in the dorsal striatum. Neuroinflammation, particularly in the form of microglial activation, is suggested to contribute to these age-associated changes. To explore the molecular basis of alterations in striatal function during aging we analyzed RNA-Seq data for 117 postmortem human dorsal caudate samples and 97 putamen samples acquired through GTEx. Increased expression of neuroinflammatory transcripts including TREM2, MHC II molecules HLA-DMB, HLA-DQA2, HLA-DPA1, HLA-DPB1, HLA-DMA and HLA-DRA, complement genes C1QA, C1QB, CIQC and C3AR1, and MHCI molecules HLA-B and HLA-F was identified. We also identified down-regulation of transcripts involved in neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, and synaptic pruning, including DCX, CX3CL1, and CD200, and the canonical WNTs WNT7A, WNT7B, and WNT8A. The canonical WNT signaling pathway has previously been shown to mediate adult neurogenesis and synapse formation and growth. Recent findings also highlight the link between WNT/β-catenin signaling and inflammation pathways. These findings suggest that age-dependent attenuation of canonical WNT signaling plays a pivotal role in regulating striatal plasticity during aging. Dysregulation of WNT/β-catenin signaling via astrocyte-microglial interactions is suggested to be a novel mechanism that drives the decline of striatal neurogenesis and altered synaptic connectivity and plasticity, leading to a subsequent decrease in motor and cognitive performance with age. These findings may aid in the development of therapies targeting WNT/β-catenin signaling to combat cognitive and motor impairments associated with aging.


Supraequatorial displacement with lateral rectus myopexy for treatment of myopic sagging/heavy eye.
To describe the outcome of the patients diagnosed of sagging/heavy eye associated to myopia, that were operated on with the supra-equatorial displacement with LR myopexy. A retrospective study of 9 cases between 2017-2023. The following data were analyzed: horizontal and vertical deviation, diplopia, amblyopia, ductions, ocular torsion, sensorial test, macular pathology, and the orbital magnetic resonance. Treatment was considered Successful if the diplopia was improved or eliminated and a final vertical deviation (VD) ≤5 prism diopters (PD). The mean age (SD) was: 62.11 (4.6) years (100% women). A total of 88.88% presented diplopia. The mean preoperative hypotropia was: 11.33 PD (SD 3.16), and the mean final VD 3.44 PD (SD 3.05). After surgery, the hypotropia was overcorrected in one case, under corrected in 5, and orthophoria was achieved in another three. The technique was associated with surgery of another rectus muscle in 4 subjects. The mean follow-up time after surgery was 34 months (SD 34.62). Six of the 9 patients improved with a vertical deviation ≤5 PD. In 3 patients, the diplopia was eliminated, while in 5 it remained intermittent (three with macular pathology). Supra-equatorial displacement with LR myopexy for treatment of myopic sagging/heavy eye, is a therapeutic option if hypotropia is less than 12 PD or the Yokoyama technique is not indicated. A good result was obtained in most cases, although diplopia could only be totally suppressed in three, and another five remained intermittent.


Osmotic adjustment by intact isolated chloroplasts in response to osmotic stress and its effect on photosynthesis and chloroplast volume.
Spinach leaf chloroplasts isolated in isotonic media (330 millimolar sorbitol, -1.0 megapascals osmotic potential) had optimum rates of photosynthesis when assayed at -1.0 megapascals. When chloroplasts were isolated in hypertonic media (720 millimolar sorbitol, -2.0 megapascals osmotic potential) the optimum osmotic potential for photosynthesis was shifted to -1.8 megapascals and the chloroplasts had higher rates of CO(2)-dependent O(2) evolution than chloroplasts isolated in 330 millimolar sorbitol when both were assayed at high solute concentrations.Transfer of chloroplasts isolated in 330 millimolar sorbitol to 720 millimolar sorbitol resulted in decreased chloroplast volume but this shrinkage was only transient and the chloroplasts subsequently swelled so that within 2 to 3 minutes at 20 degrees C the chloroplast volume had returned to near the original value. Thus, actual steady state chloroplast volume was not decreased in hypertonic media. In isotonic media, there was a slow but significant uptake of sorbitol by chloroplasts (10 to 20 micromoles per milligram chlorophyll per hour at 20 degrees C). Transfer of chloroplasts from 330 millimolar sorbitol to 720 millimolar sorbitol resulted in rapid uptake of sorbitol (up to 280 micromoles per milligram chlorophyll per hour at 20 degrees C) and after 5 minutes the concentration of sorbitol inside the chloroplasts exceeded 500 millimolar. This uptake of sorbitol resulted in a significant underestimation of chloroplast volume unless [(14)C]sorbitol was added just prior to centrifuging the chloroplasts through silicone oil. Sudden exposure to osmotic stress apparently induced a transient change in the permeability of the chloroplast envelope since addition of [(14)C]sorbitol 3 minutes after transfer to hypertonic media (when chloroplast volume had returned to normal) did not result in rapid uptake of labeled sorbitol.It is concluded that chloroplasts can osmotically adjust in vitro by uptake of solutes which do not normally penetrate the chloroplast envelope, resulting in a restoration of normal chloroplast volume and partially preventing the inhibition of photosynthesis by high solute concentrations. The results indicate the importance of matching the osmotic potential of isolation media to that of the tissue, particularly in studies of stress physiology.


Review of quantitative standards and guidelines for fungi in indoor air.
Existing quantitative standards/guidelines for fungi in indoor air issued by governmental agencies are based primarily on baseline data (rather than health effects data), and are either absolute (numerical) or relative (indoor/outdoor comparisons) or a combination of the two. The Russian Federation is the only governmental agency that has binding quantitative regulations for bioaerosols. Recommended guidelines have been proposed or sponsored by North American and European governmental agencies and private professional organizations. A considerable number of frequently cited guidelines have been proposed by individuals based either on baseline data or on personal experience. Quantitative standards/guidelines range from less than 100 CFU/m3 to greater than 1000 CFU/m3 (total fungi) as the upper limit for non-contaminated indoor environments. Major issues with existing quantitative standards and guidelines are the lack of connection to human dose/response data, reliance on short term grab samples analyzed only by culture, and the absence of standardized protocols for data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Urgent research needs include the study of human responses to specific fungal agents, development and widespread use of standard protocols using currently available sampling methodologies, and the development of long term, time-discriminating personal samplers that are inexpensive, easy to use, and amenable to straightforward, relevant analysis.


[False positive and false negative results in testing for pyrogenic impurities].
Causes of the occurrence of pyrogenic impurities in injection and infusion preparations as well as false-positive and false-negative results possible in the pyrogen test are reported. Possibilities of excluding pyrogenic impurities in the preparations concerned and of avoiding false-positive and false-negative results in the pyrogen test are discussed.


Construction and completion of flux balance models from pathway databases.
Flux balance analysis (FBA) is a well-known technique for genome-scale modeling of metabolic flux. Typically, an FBA formulation requires the accurate specification of four sets: biochemical reactions, biomass metabolites, nutrients and secreted metabolites. The development of FBA models can be time consuming and tedious because of the difficulty in assembling completely accurate descriptions of these sets, and in identifying errors in the composition of these sets. For example, the presence of a single non-producible metabolite in the biomass will make the entire model infeasible. Other difficulties in FBA modeling are that model distributions, and predicted fluxes, can be cryptic and difficult to understand. We present a multiple gap-filling method to accelerate the development of FBA models using a new tool, called MetaFlux, based on mixed integer linear programming (MILP). The method suggests corrections to the sets of reactions, biomass metabolites, nutrients and secretions. The method generates FBA models directly from Pathway/Genome Databases. Thus, FBA models developed in this framework are easily queried and visualized using the Pathway Tools software. Predicted fluxes are more easily comprehended by visualizing them on diagrams of individual metabolic pathways or of metabolic maps. MetaFlux can also remove redundant high-flux loops, solve FBA models once they are generated and model the effects of gene knockouts. MetaFlux has been validated through construction of FBA models for Escherichia coli and Homo sapiens. Pathway Tools with MetaFlux is freely available to academic users, and for a fee to commercial users. Download from: biocyc.org/download.shtml. email@example.com Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.


Estimation of dose contribution from 226Ra, 232Th and 40K radon exhalation rates in soil samples from Shivalik foot hills in India.
The concentration of radium, thorium and potassium and radon exhalation rates in soil samples collected from Shivalik foot hills in the states of Haryana and Himachal Pradesh (India) were experimentally measured. A high-resolution gamma-ray spectroscopic system was used for the measurement of natural radioactivity ((226)Ra, (232)Th and (40)K) at Inter-University Accelerator Center, New Delhi, using a coaxial n-type high-purity germanium detector (EG&G, ORTEC, Oak Ridge, USA). The mass exhalation rates (EM) of radon in soil samples from the study area measured by 'sealed canister technique' using LR-115 type II track detectors varied from 50±1 to 143±6 mBqkg(-1) h(-1). The activity concentrations of (226)Ra, (232)Th and (40)K in various soil samples of the study area varied from 31±1.3 to 63±4.6, 53±1.8 to 78±2.6 and 472±4.8 to 630±7.0 Bq kg(-1) respectively. The results indicated some higher levels of radioactivity in Lal Dhang peak area of the hills compared with other locations under study.


Evidence against Ebola virus sGP binding to human neutrophils by a specific receptor.
The issue of whether Ebola secretory glycoprotein (sGP) binds to human neutrophils via the IgG Fc receptor IIIb (FcgammaRIIIb, CD16b) or other receptors has been controversial. To clarify this, FACS analysis, an sGP absorption assay, and direct binding of (125)I-sGP to neutrophils were performed. Results from FACS analysis demonstrated that limited washing conditions leads to the nonspecific formation of immune complexes on the neutrophil surface and this, but not a specific interaction between sGP and CD16b, is responsible for the previous observations. An sGP absorption assay also demonstrated that sGP is not specifically bound but is nonspecifically proteolysed by proteases released from neutrophils. Finally, there was no difference in (125)I-sGP binding to neutrophils compared to other control cell types. Taken together, these results demonstrate that neutrophils do not express a specific receptor for Ebola virus sGP. It is unlikely that sGP plays a role in the Ebola virus pathogenesis through interfering with the innate immunity by targeting neutrophils.


Severe hypophosphataemia during binge eating in anorexia nervosa.
A patient presented with severe hypophosphataemia that had been precipitated during binge eating. It was corrected by restricting the binges, and by hyperalimentation through a duodenal tube together with intravenous supplementation with sodium phosphate for a short period. Phosphate concentrations should be monitored in patients with severe anorexia complicated by bulimic episodes.


Acoustic characteristics of ataxic speech in Japanese patients with spinocerebellar degeneration (SCD).
In English- and German-speaking countries, ataxic speech is often described as showing scanning based on acoustic impressions. Although the term 'scanning' is generally considered to represent abnormal speech features including prosodic excess or insufficiency, any precise acoustic analysis of ataxic speech has not been performed in Japanese-speaking patients. This raises the question of what is the most dominant acoustic characteristic of ataxic speech in Japanese subjects, particularly related to the perceptual impression of 'scanning'. The study was designed to investigate the nature of speech characteristics of Japanese ataxic subjects, particularly 'scanning', by means of acoustic analysis. The study comprised 20 Japanese cases with spinocerebellar degeneration diagnosed to have a perceptual impression of scanning by neurologists (ataxic group) and 20 age-matched normal healthy subjects (control group). Recordings of speech samples of Japanese test sentences were obtained from each subject. The recorded and digitized acoustic samples were analysed using 'Acoustic Core-8' (Arcadia Inc.). Sentence duration was significantly longer in the ataxic group as compared with the control group, indicating that the speaking rate was slower in the ataxic subjects. Segment duration remained consistent in both vowels and consonants in the control group as compared with the ataxic group. In particular, the duration of vowel segments, i.e. the nucleus of Japanese mora, was significantly invariable in the control group regardless of differences between subjects as well as in segments compared with the ataxic group. In addition, the duration of phonemically long Japanese vowels was significantly shorter in the ataxic group. The results indicate that the perceptual impression of 'scanning' in Japanese ataxic cases derives mainly from the breakdown of isochrony in terms of difficulty in keeping the length of vowel segments of Japanese invariable during speech production. In addition, the tendency toward irregular shortening of the length of phonemically long Japanese vowels is thought to reinforce the impression of 'scanning' in ataxic speech in Japanese cases.


The Non-Coding RNA Journal Club: Highlights on Recent Papers-10.
We are delighted to share with you our seventh Journal Club and highlight some of the most interesting papers published recently [...].