[Liver disorders in patients with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia].
Liver disorders were reviewed in 76 patients with mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MP) admitted to Kamo Hospital from 1979 to 1989. Liver dysfunction was detected in 16 patients (21%). Liver disorder were detected in 10% of MP from 1979 to 1980, but in 20% from 1984 to 1985, and in 36% from 1988 to 1989. By multiple regression analysis CRP was found to be the most significant factor among other factors such as prevalence, age, sex, history of smoking, history of drinking, and days after onset of fever.


RhoA distribution in renal caveolar fractions in experimental type 1 diabetes.
Caveolae act as signalling platforms serving as concentrating points for numerous signalling molecules, as well as regulating flux through many distinct signalling cascades. RhoA proteins have been identified as potential actors in the pathophysiology of the cardiovascular system. We used sucrose gradient fractionation and immunoblotting to determine caveolin-1 and RhoA presence in the kidney cortex of streptozotocin-induced T1 diabetes rats (4-week duration), and of diabetic rats treated with angiotensin receptor blocker losartan (4 weeks, 20 mg/kg/day) to retard renal hypertension. Positive RhoA/caveolin-1 co-immunoprecipitation result was detected in the caveolar fraction that corresponded to the light-scattering band obtained from diabetic rats, compared to negative co-immunoprecipitation result in the caveolar fraction obtained from control rats. The detection of RhoA protein in the caveolar fractions and the prospective RhoA/caveolin-1 association can be used to examine the role of these signalling reactions in the pathophysiology of microvascular complications in type 1 diabetes.


Vacancy trapping mechanism for multiple hydrogen and helium in beryllium: a first-principles study.
The microscopic mechanism for H and He trapping by vacancy defects and bubble formation in a Be host lattice is investigated using first-principles calculations. A single He atom prefers to occupy a vacancy centre while H does not. He can segregate towards the vacancy from the interstitial site much more easily than H. Both H and He exhibit lower diffusion barriers from a remote interstitial to a vacancy with regard to their diffusion barriers inside a perfect Be solid. Up to five H or 12 He atoms can be accommodated into the monovacancy space, and the Be-He interaction is much weaker than Be-H. The physical origin for aggregation of multiple H or He atoms in a vacancy is further discussed. The strong tendency of H and He trapping at vacancies provides an explanation for why H and He bubbles were experimentally observed at vacancy defects in materials. We therefore argue that vacancies provide a primary nucleation site for bubbles of H and He gases inside Be materials.


The evolving therapy of rheumatic diseases, the future is now.
There are two main ways in which physicians will be urged to improve the outcome for their patients suffering from rheumatic diseases in the coming era, these are, early diagnosis and timely effective therapy. Current reserch suggests that in rheumatoid arthritis joint damage occurs early, often within the first 2 years and even in the absence of associating severe symptoms, is a call for action for primary care physicians as well as rheumatologists. Similarly in SLE patients, sometimes the treatments are ineffective or too toxic with sepsis or opportunistic infections often limiting their use or resulting in the death of the patient. As primary care physicians are the clinicians most frequently visited by patients with initial symptoms of the disease, they first need to learn when to suspect it as well as its complications, and when to refer the patient appropriately. Rheumatologists need to determine when and how to prescribe the most appropriate treatment, as well as how to incorporate the new drugs which are emerging on the scene. At the same time, earlier initiation of combination therapy with the disease modifying anti-rheumatic therapy holds an area of continued exploration. This new information has modified our approach to patients' management. The age of "wait and see" is over.


Orthostatic hypotension with brainstem tumors.
Three patients with brainstem tumors had orthostatic hypotension as the major presenting manifestation. Two patients had primary tumors that involved the dorsal medulla, pons, and rostral spinal cord; one was a malignant astrocytoma and the other a hemangioblastoma. The third patient had an oat cell carcinoma of the lung with subependymal spread to the medulla, pons, hypothalamus, and thalamus. Evaluation of baroreceptor function in the patient with the malignant astrocytoma showed a defect in the efferent sympathetic limb of the baroreceptor reflex arc.


Autografting for chronic myelogenous leukemia.
Two thirds of patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia do not have suitable donors for allogeneic transplantation. As for other leukemias, autografting may potentially be curative, because normal Ph- hematopoietic stem cells persist in the marrow and blood of patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia. Several studies indicate that use of unpurged autologous blood or marrow grafts may extend survival for patients undergoing transplantation in chronic phase. Ex vivo or in vivo purging of chronic myelogenous leukemia marrow or blood prior to autografting may result in increased cytogenetic remissions after transplantation in those patients in whom the Ph+ clone can be eliminated. However, when the Ph+ clone cannot be eliminated, use of purged rather than unpurged autografts provides no advantage and may be associated with increased graft failure. Although sustained cytogenetic remissions have not been observed, autografting may result in a plateau in the survival curve not observed with conventional chemotherapy. Efforts are currently directed toward developing improved methods of purging as well as posttransplantation treatments directed against leukemic cells persisting after myeloablative therapy.


Antigenic expression by cells derived from human gliomas does not correlate with morphological classification.
We have found that cell populations derived from human gliomas can be divided into antigenic classes which are not predictable on the basis of standard morphological analysis and which, most frequently, do not support the lineage assignations of various tumours as determined by traditional neuropathological methods. For example, only 6/60 cultures derived from astrocytomas expressed glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), an astrocyte specific marker, and all six of these cultures were derived from morphological categories which more frequently gave rise to populations which did not express GFAP. None of the seven oligodendrogliomas or four oligo-astrocytomas examined expressed antigens specifically expressed by oligodendrocytes. Most tumour-derived populations, from all classes of tumour and all grades of malignancy, expressed cell-surface fibronectin, an extracellular matrix protein only rarely found on the surfaces of CNS macroglia; such cells did not express glial-specific antigens (e.g., GFAP) in vitro. Investigation of antigen expression in tumour biopsies indicated that some tumours also consisted largely or wholly of cells which expressed fibronectin in situ. Fibronectin-expressing cells were aneuploid and were not contact inhibited in their growth, indicating that they were transformed cells. We have also identified two previously unknown antigenic phenotypes among the gliomas.


A Constitutive Enzyme System for Glucose Transport by Chlorella sorokiniana.
It was found that the transport system for glucose (as measured by deoxyglucose uptake) in the high temperature strain of Chlorella (strain 07-11-05 or C. sorokiniana) was constitutive and the rate of uptake did not increase upon incubation of autotrophically grown cells with either deoxyglucose or glucose. The uptake obeyed Michaelis-Menten type kinetics with a concentration of 200 micromolar for half-saturation. The maximum rate of uptake was nearly 10 times faster per cell (at 38 C) than that reported for any other Chlorella. This rapid accumulation of deoxyglucose causes the passive efflux to become significant compared to the pump-driven influx and nonlinear uptake appears even after only 3 to 4 minutes.


Anti-idiotypic antibodies to anti-PDC-E2 in primary biliary cirrhosis and normal subjects.
Anti-idiotypic antibodies may regulate the immune system and influence pathogenic autoimmunity. We investigated idiotype-anti-idiotype interactions in sera of patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), normal subjects and animals immunized with pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) or its derivatives. IgG autoantibody to the E2 subunit of PDC (PDC-E2) was derived by affinity-purification from sera of 12 patients with PBC, and F(ab)2 was prepared (anti-PDC-E2-F[ab]2). This was used as a reactant by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with sera from patients with PBC, normal subjects, or immunized animals. Results were that IgG antibody to anti-PDC-E2-F(ab)2 was detectable at low concentration in 12 PBC sera (mean optical density [OD] +/- SD: 1.02 +/- 0.26), and also in 19 normal sera (mean OD +/- SD: 0.97 +/- 0. 35) using a serum dilution of 1:20; background OD was 0.09 to 0.10, whereas antisera from animals immunized with PDC or PDC-E2 were nonreactive. There was a significant inverse correlation (r = -.59, P =.04) between the levels of anti-PDC-E2 in PBC sera (but not normal sera), and anti-idiotypic antibody reactive with anti-PDC-E2-F(ab)2. Anti-idiotypic antibody existed as a complex with anti-PDC-E2, because the removal of anti-PDC-E2 from serum resulted in decreased reactivity to anti-PDC-E2-F(ab)2. Reactivity between PDC-E2 and anti-PDC-E2 from PBC serum was not inhibited by normal sera, indicating that anti-idiotypic antibody from normal sera with anti-PDC-E2 reacts with the framework of F(ab) rather than the paratope. The conclusions are that PBC and normal sera contain IgG class anti-idiotypic antibodies to anti-PDC-E2, the characteristic autoantibody in PBC. Anti-PDC-E2 in immunized animals does not contain an idiotype cross-reactive with human anti-PDC-E2. Anti-idiotypic antibody in PBC is complexed with anti-PDC-E2 and in part accounts for immune complexes demonstrable in PBC. Anti-idiotypic antibody in PBC may regulate levels of anti-PDC-E2.


Can the multiphasic computed tomography be useful in the clinical management of small renal masses?
Background Small renal masses (SRMs; ≤4 cm) represent a challenging issue. Computed tomography (CT) is widely used for investigating renal tumors even if its ability to differentiate among the different subtypes has not yet been definitively established. Purpose To assess the potential role of the morphological features and angiodynamic behavior on multiphasic CT in the preoperative evaluation of SRMs. Material and Methods The CT images of 80 patients with SRMs who underwent surgical resection at our institution were retrospectively reviewed. The morphological features, the pattern, and the quantitative analysis of enhancement were assessed for each lesion and were correlated with the histological subtypes. Results Overall, 81 SRMs were evaluated. Final pathological examination showed 30 (37%) oncocytomas, 22 (27.2%) clear cell renal cell carcinomas (ccRCCs), 16 (19.8%) papillary RCCs (pRCCs), and 13 (16%) chromophobe RCCs (chRCCs). Of the morphological features, only necrosis was significantly associated with ccRCC ( P = 0.047). The analysis of enhancement allowed the identification of two groups of lesions, based on arterial behavior: hypervascular (oncocytomas/ccRCC) and hypovascular (chRCC/pRCC) lesions. A significant difference between the two groups in terms of degree of enhancement on CT phases was found ( P < 0.05); this was also confirmed by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Conclusion Except for necrosis, the morphological features are not useful in making a correct diagnosis in the case of SRMs. The angiodynamic behavior on multiphasic CT showed high accuracy in differentiating between hypovascular and hypervascular tumors; this differentiation could be useful for deciding on the most appropriate clinical management of SRMs.


Increased agronomic and environmental value provided by biochars with varied physiochemical properties derived from swine manure blended with rice straw.
To compensate for the shortcomings of manure biochar, an lignocellulose-based feedstock (rice straw) was added into manure-based feedstock (swine manure) at 3:1, 1:1, and 1:3 (w/w) manure/straw ratios during biochar production within the pyrolysis temperature ranging from 300 to 700 °C. The results showed that the pyrolysis temperatures and the proportions of straw added both influenced the biochar properties. The overall properties of biochars at 300, 400, and 500 °C were thoroughly different from those at 600 and 700 °C by principal components analysis (PCA). The XRD, FTIR, and SEM spectra suggested that the addition of straw considerably changed the mineral crystals, functional groups, and porous structures in manure biochar, respectively. The Zn(II) adsorption batch experiments showed that the biochars with more proportions of manure had the largest Zn(II) adsorption capacity than other biochars at 300 °C, which was attributed to the mineral components, oxygen functional groups, and surface areas. To meet varied agronomic and environmental requirements, the different conditions including pyrolysis temperatures and proportions of straw added should be quantitated.


Melting of crystals in two dimensions.
While the melting of crystals is in general not understood in detail on a microscopic scale, there is a microscopic theory for a class of two-dimensional crystals, which is based on the formation and unbinding of topological defects. Herein, we review experimental work on a colloidal two-dimensional model system with tunable interactions that has given the first conclusive evidence for the validity of this theory on a microscopic level. Furthermore, we show how the mechanism of melting depends on the particle interaction and that a strong anisotropy of the interaction leads to a changed melting scenario.


Pharmacological evaluation of MRAP proteins on Xenopus neural melanocortin signaling.
Melanocortin-3 receptor (MC3R) and melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R), two neural G protein-coupled receptors are known to be functionally critical for energy balance in vertebrates. As allosteric regulators of melanocortin receptors, melanocortin accessory proteins (MRAPs) are also involved in energy homeostasis. The interaction of MRAPs and melanocortin signaling was previously shown in mammals and zebrafish, but nothing had been reported in amphibians. As the basal class of tetrapods, amphibians occupy a phylogenetic transition between teleosts and terrestrial animals. Here we examined the evolutionary conservation of MC3R, MC4R, and MRAPs between diploid Xenopus tropicalis (xt-) and other chordates and investigated the pharmacological regulatory properties of MRAPs on the neural MC3R and MC4R signaling. Our results showed that xtMRAP and xtMRAP2 both exerted robust potentiation effect on agonist (α-MSH and adrenocorticotropin [ACTH]) induced activation and modulated the basal activity and cell surface translocation of xtMC3R and xtMC4R. In addition, the presence of two accessory proteins could convert xtMC3R and xtMC4R into ACTH-preferred receptors. These findings suggest that the presence of MRAPs exhibits fine control over the pharmacological activities of the neuronal MC3R and MC4R signaling in the Xenopus tropicalis, which is physiologically relevant with the complicated transition of feeding behaviors during their life history.


PCR diagnostics underestimate the prevalence of avian malaria (Plasmodium relictum) in experimentally-infected passerines.
Several polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods have recently been developed for diagnosing malarial infections in both birds and reptiles, but a critical evaluation of their sensitivity in experimentally-infected hosts has not been done. This study compares the sensitivity of several PCR-based methods for diagnosing avian malaria (Plasmodium relictum) in captive Hawaiian honeycreepers using microscopy and a recently developed immunoblotting technique. Sequential blood samples were collected over periods of up to 4.4 yr after experimental infection and rechallenge to determine both the duration and detectability of chronic infections. Two new nested PCR approaches for detecting circulating parasites based on P. relictum 18S rRNA genes and the thrombospondin-related anonymous protein (TRAP) gene are described. The blood smear and the PCR tests were less sensitive than serological methods for detecting chronic malarial infections. Individually, none of the diagnostic methods was 100% accurate in detecting subpatent infections, although serological methods were significantly more sensitive (97%) than either nested PCR (61-84%) or microscopy (27%). Circulating parasites in chronically infected birds either disappear completely from circulation or to drop to intensities below detectability by nested PCR. Thus, the use of PCR as a sole means of detection of circulating parasites may significantly underestimate true prevalence.


Foliar application of Zn reduces Cd accumulation in grains of late rice by regulating the antioxidant system, enhancing Cd chelation onto cell wall of leaves, and inhibiting Cd translocation in rice.
Paddy soil contaminated by cadmium (Cd) has attracted worldwide attention, while foliar spraying of zinc (Zn) could be considered a cost-effective and practical agronomic measure for reducing Cd accumulation in rice grain. However, the effects due to foliar spraying of Zn on different cultivars, as well as the mechanism of subsequent processes taking place are not fully understood up to now. To go a step ahead, a field experiment was conducted with the aim of studying the capability of foliar application of Zn (0.4% ZnSO4) to reduce Cd concentration in grain in five late rice cultivars (here named JLYHZ, FYY272, JY284, CLY7 and LXY130), and the antioxidant activities and subcellular distribution of Cd in the leaves. The results indicate that foliar Zn application significantly decreased grain yield in JY284, CLY7 and JLYHZ, compared to controls. In addition, foliar application of Zn significantly decreased Cd concentration in grain of the five rice cultivars, while increased Zn concentration. The effect of foliar application of Zn on transport coefficients of Cd varied greatly for the different rice cultivars. Foliar application of Zn significantly decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in rice leaves, and increased peroxidase (POD) activity. Also, it changed the distribution of Cd in the soluble fraction in leaves (expressed as proportion), which was significantly decreased, and the proportion of Cd in the cell wall increased. The structural equation model (SEM) revealed the positive effects of flag leaf Cd, first node Cd, old leaf Cd, and root Cd concentration on grain Cd concentration. Flag leaf Cd had the highest standardized total effects on grain Cd concentration, followed by old leaf Cd. These results indicated that foliar application of Zn was effective in reducing grain Cd concentration of late rice by enhancing antioxidant activities and Cd chelation onto cell wall of leaves, and reducing Cd concentrations in leaves.


Stability of milrinone lactate in the presence of 29 critical care drugs and 4 i.v. solutions.
The stability of milrinone lactate in the presence of 29 critical care drugs during simulated Y-site injection and in 4 i.v. solutions was studied. Ten milliliters of milrinone 400 microg/mL (as the lactate salt) was combined with 10 mL of each of 29 commonly used critical care drugs in 5% dextrose injection. Also, mixtures containing milrinone 400 microg/ mL in lactated Ringer's injection, 5% dextrose injection, 0.45% sodium chloride injection, and 0.9% sodium chloride injection were prepared. All mixtures were prepared in triplicate and stored at 22-23 degrees C in glass containers or polyvinyl chloride bags under fluorescent light. Samples were withdrawn zero, one, two, and four hours after mixing for each milrinone-secondary drug mixture and at intervals up to seven days for each milrinone-i.v. diluent mixture. Samples were examined visually and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography, enzymatic assay, or fluorescence polarization immunoassay. No precipitation or substantial pH change was observed in any of the mixtures. In all the mixtures, milrinone retained more than 96% of its initial concentration, and the other drugs retained more than 97% of their initial concentrations. Milrinone 400 microg/mL in 5% dextrose injection and 29 critical care drugs were stable for four hours at 22-23 degrees C during simulated Y-site administration. Milrinone 400 microg/mL was stable in lactated Ringer's injection, 5% dextrose injection, 0.45% sodium chloride injection, and 0.9% sodium chloride injection for seven days at 22-23 degrees C.


Tympanoplasty and adenoidectomy in children: Comparison of simultaneous and sequential approaches.
The authors sought to compare simultaneous and sequential tympanoplasty and adenoidectomy surgery in pediatric patients. This retrospective single-center study included 65 children (36 males, 29 females; mean age 9.16 ± 3.82 years; range 3-17 years) requiring both tympanoplasty and adenoidectomy. Simultaneous surgeries were performed on the same day, during single general anesthesia, whereas sequential surgeries were separated at least 12 weeks. The groups were compared with regard to restoration of hearing, tympanic membrane status, and utilization of medical resources. All study participants had a 12-months follow-up period after surgery. No statistically significant differences were observed between the groups regarding pre- and post-operative ABG values and average hearing gains. However, the post-operative ABG was significantly lower than the pre-operative ABG in both groups (p<0.001). There were no significant differences between simultaneous and sequential groups with respect to complete healing rates and complications (all p>0.355). Simultaneous tympanoplasty and adenoidectomy surgery management is associated with a significantly decreased cumulative hospital stay, cumulative operating room time, and cumulative pure surgical time (all p≤0.016). The results of first comparative study of simultaneous versus sequential tympanoplasty and adenoidectomy surgery managements demonstrate no advantages for the sequential approach. The same-day surgery can show the clinical outcomes comparable to those in the sequential group. The simultaneous surgery approach appears to be associated with reduced medical resources consumption. Therefore, simultaneous surgery management is an effective and safe option for children with chronic otitis media and adenoid hypertrophy.


Prevention and risk factors of the HBV recurrence after orthotopic liver transplantation: 160 cases follow-up study.
The aim of this study was to analyze the combination with long-term, low-dose hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) and nucleos(t)ide analogs as prophylaxis for hepatitis B virus (HBV) recurrence and to assess the risk factors of HBV recurrence after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). One hundred sixty patients undergoing OLT with HBV-related liver disease make up the cohort studied. Long-term, low dosage of HBIG in combination with nucleos(t)ide analogs were used as prophylaxis for HBV recurrence after OLT. Patient preoperative data were collected by a retrospective method, and the rate and risk factors of HBV recurrence post-OLT after a long-term follow-up were analyzed. Nineteen patients developed hepatitis B recurrence for a rate of recurrence of 11.88% (19/160). There was no significant correlation between HBV recurrence after OLT and the level of HBV DNA, HBeAg state pre-OLT, or the use of nucleoside analog drug therapy pre-OLT (P>0.05). Of 19 patients with HBV recurrence, 17 patients used Lamivudine, and HBV YMDD mutants were detected in nine cases. The HBV-YMDD mutation was the major reason for recurrence of HBV in our study (P<0.001). Long-term use of combination prophylaxis with nucleoside analogs and low-dose HBIG can effectively prevent hepatitis B recurrence after OLT, and that a positive preoperative serum HBV DNA status did not affect the recurrence rate of HBV post-OLT. Preoperative nucleoside analogs therapy is unlikely to be obligatory if the patients received effective combination prophylaxis postoperatively. HBV YMDD mutation is the primary reason for HBV recurrence in patients treated with Lamivudine after OLT.


Current Advances in Assessment of Dog's Emotions, Facial Expressions, and Their Use for Clinical Recognition of Pain.
Animals' facial expressions are involuntary responses that serve to communicate the emotions that individuals feel. Due to their close co-existence with humans, broad attention has been given to identifying these expressions in certain species, especially dogs. This review aims to analyze and discuss the advances in identifying the facial expressions of domestic dogs and their clinical utility in recognizing pain as a method to improve daily practice and, in an accessible and effective way, assess the health outcome of dogs. This study focuses on aspects related to the anatomy and physiology of facial expressions in dogs, their emotions, and evaluations of their eyebrows, eyes, lips, and ear positions as changes that reflect pain or nociception. In this regard, research has found that dogs have anatomical configurations that allow them to generate changes in their expressions that similar canids-wolves, for example-cannot produce. Additionally, dogs can perceive emotions similar to those of their human tutors due to close human-animal interaction. This phenomenon-called "emotional contagion"-is triggered precisely by the dog's capacity to identify their owners' gestures and then react by emitting responses with either similar or opposed expressions that correspond to positive or negative stimuli, respectively. In conclusion, facial expressions are essential to maintaining social interaction between dogs and other species, as in their bond with humans. Moreover, this provides valuable information on emotions and the perception of pain, so in dogs, they can serve as valuable elements for recognizing and evaluating pain in clinical settings.


[Construction and identification for cell strain of anti-human sperm protein 22 monoclonal antibodies].
To prepare monoclonal antibodies of mice anti-human sperm protein 22 (SP22) and to identify their specificities. BALB/c mice were immunized with human SP22, monoclonal antibodies were prepared by hybridoma technique and the sensitivity and specificity of SP22 McAb were investigated by ELISA and Western-blot assay, respectively. The distribution of human SP22 in sperm were shown by immunohistochemistry. Three strains of hybridoma cells were obtained, with the affinity constant (K) of 1.0 x 10(7) L/mol and the titers were 1:10(3) and 1:3,200 in the mixed supernatant of cell cultures and abdominal dropsy, respectively. IgG isotype of the antibody was identified as IgG1. Western blot demonstrated that there was a specific recognition between human SP22 and the obtained monoclonal antibody. Immunohistochemistry displayed that human SP22 mainly distributed on the acrosome surface of human sperm. The monoclonal antibodies of anti-human 22 was prepared by the technique of hybridoma cell has higher titer and specificity, which can combine specially with the SP22 protein on the surface of human sperm.


Effect of Helicobacter pylori treatment on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a multifactorial disorder characterized by reflux of acidic gastric contents into the esophagus leading to tissue damage and symptoms. The role of H. pylori in the pathogenesis of GERD is controversial. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis on the effect of H. pylori treatment on symptomatic as well as endoscopic changes associated with GERD. Multiple medical databases were searched (4/2011). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing H. pylori treatment with no treatment on symptomatic adults with GERD were included. The effects of H. pylori eradication were analyzed by calculating pooled estimates for new onset or changes in the symptoms of GERD or endoscopic reflux esophagitis. Separate analyses were performed for each outcome by using odds ratio (OR) or weighted mean difference (WMD) by fixed and random effects models. Publication bias was assessed by funnel plots. Heterogeneity among studies was assessed by calculating I² measure of inconsistency. Ten trials met the inclusion criteria. No statistically significant effect was found for symptomatic GERD (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.56-1.17, p = 0.27) or endoscopic evidence of reflux esophagitis (OR 1.13; 95% CI: 0.72-1.78, p = 0.59) between the two groups. A subgroup analysis of eradication data revealed a statistically significant lower incidence of GERD symptoms in the eradicated group (13.8%) compared with the non-eradicated group (24.9%) (OR 0.55; 95% CI: 0.35-0.87, p = 0.01). Funnel plot revealed no publication bias. Treatment of H. pylori does not seem to increase GERD symptoms or reflux esophagitis. However, documented eradication of H. pylori appears to significantly improve GERD symptoms.


Multi-residue analysis of N-methylcarbamate pesticides and their hydrolytic metabolites in environmental waters by use of solid-phase extraction and micellar electrokinetic chromatography.
A method for the simultaneous separation and determination of N-methylcarbamate pesticides and their hydrolytic metabolites by micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) was developed. A mixture of five pesticides (carbaryl, propuxur, carbofuran, aminocarb, and methiocarb) and their corresponding phenols was studied to optimize the separation of its components in terms of various electrophoretic parameters such as buffer type, pH and concentration, sodium dodecyl sulfate concentration, injection conditions, and applied voltage. Excellent separation of all ten analytes was achieved within about 20 min. The optimized method was used for determinations in environmental water samples. Sample volumes of 250 mL were first preconcentrated in the pesticides and metabolites by passage through a LiChrolut EN sorbent column and then further enriched by on-column stacking. Dynamic ranges of 40 ng/L - 6 microg/L, limits of detection at the nanogram-per-liter level, and relative standard deviations from 2.6 to 7.4% were obtained. The proposed method surpasses high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in separation efficiency. In fact, it provides more expeditious separations and allows more flexible adjustment of the selectivity. Also, it enables the quantification for the analytes studied in this work with decreased limits of detection.


Titanium particles activate toll-like receptor 4 independently of lipid rafts in RAW264.7 murine macrophages.
Adherent pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) act through toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and TLR4 to increase the biological activity of orthopedic wear particles in cell culture and animal models of implant loosening. This study tested whether this is dependent on TLR association with lipid rafts as reported for the response to soluble TLR ligands. For this purpose, RAW264.7 murine macrophages were activated by exposure to titanium particles with adherent PAMPs, soluble lipopolysaccharide (LPS), soluble lipotecichoic acid (LTA), or heat-killed bacteria that had been extensively washed to remove soluble PAMPs. Lipid rafts were isolated by two independent methods and the location of TLR4 and TLR2 was analyzed by Western blotting. The cognate TLRs associated with lipid rafts when the macrophages were activated with soluble LPS and LTA but not after stimulation with either titanium particles with adherent PAMPs or heat-killed bacteria. The lipid raft disruptor, methyl-β-cyclodextrin, dose-dependently inhibited TNF-α release in response to LPS but had no affect on TNF-α release in response to titanium particles with adherent PAMPs. We conclude, therefore, that titanium particles with adherent PAMPs and heat-killed bacteria activate TLR2 and TLR4 in macrophages without inducing either TLR to associate with lipid rafts. These results have important implications for the mechanisms of orthopedic implant loosening as well the mechanisms for TLR activation in other inflammatory situations.


Indian guidelines for indications and timing of intervention for common congenital heart diseases: Revised and updated consensus statement of the Working group on management of congenital heart diseases.
A number of guidelines are available for the management of congenital heart diseases (CHD) from infancy to adult life. However, these guidelines are for patients living in high-income countries. Separate guidelines, applicable to Indian children, are required when recommending an intervention for CHD, as often these patients present late in the course of the disease and may have coexisting morbidities and malnutrition. Guidelines emerged following expert deliberations at the National Consensus Meeting on Management of Congenital Heart Diseases in India, held on August 10 and 11, 2018, at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences. The meeting was supported by Children's HeartLink, a nongovernmental organization based in Minnesota, USA. The aim of the study was to frame evidence-based guidelines for (i) indications and optimal timing of intervention in common CHD; (ii) follow-up protocols for patients who have undergone cardiac surgery/catheter interventions for CHD; and (iii) indications for use of pacemakers in children. Evidence-based recommendations are provided for indications and timing of intervention in common CHD, including left-to-right shunts (atrial septal defect, ventricular septal defect, atrioventricular septal defect, patent ductus arteriosus, and others), obstructive lesions (pulmonary stenosis, aortic stenosis, and coarctation of aorta), and cyanotic CHD (tetralogy of Fallot, transposition of great arteries, univentricular hearts, total anomalous pulmonary venous connection, Ebstein's anomaly, and others). In addition, protocols for follow-up of postsurgical patients are also described, disease wise. Guidelines are also given on indications for implantation of permanent pacemakers in children.


Design and synthesis of bioactive 1,2-annulated adamantane derivatives.
Adamantanopyrrolidines 8, 9 and 10, adamantanopyrrolidines 16 and 18, adamantanoxazolone 20, adamantanopyrazolone 23, adamantanopyrazolothione 24 and adamantanocyclopentanamine 32 were synthesized and tested for anti-influenza A virus and trypanocidal activity. The stereoelectronic requirements for optimal antiviral and trypanocidal potency were investigated. Pyrrolidine 16 proved to be the most active of the compounds tested against influenza A virus, being 4-fold more active than amantadine, equipotent to rimantadine and 19-fold more potent than ribavirin. Oxazolone 20 showed significant trypanocidal activity against bloodstream forms of the African trypanosome, Trypanosoma brucei, being approximately 3 times more potent than rimantadine and almost 50-fold more active than amantadine.


Characterization and partial amino acid sequence of human plasma glutathione peroxidase.
Human plasma glutathione peroxidase was purified to homogeneity and partially sequenced. Overlapping peptide fragments from three endopeptidase digests permitted the determination of one sequence of 32 contiguous amino acids and one sequence of 23 contiguous amino acids. Five additional unique peptide sequences without obvious overlaps were obtained. The sequence of 32 amino acid residues aligns with positions 82-113 of human cytosolic glutathione peroxidase with nine mismatches without gaps or insertions. The sequence of 23 amino acid residues aligns with positions 157-178 with six mismatches and an insertion of one residue. Three additional peptide sequences with no obvious sequence homology to glutathione peroxidase can be aligned based on the sequence of a cDNA clone encoding plasma glutathione peroxidase that was isolated from a human placental library. The plasma enzyme is a homotetramer composed of 21-kDa subunits which cannot reduce phospholipid hydroperoxides. These results indicate that the plasma glutathione peroxidase is distinct from both the classical cytosolic enzyme and the monomeric phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase. Only a negligible amount of glutathione peroxidase activity was detected in bile, indicating that the liver exports plasma glutathione peroxidase exclusively to the circulation.


Evaluation of the immunogenicity and reactogenicity of a DTPa-HBV-IPV Combination vaccine co-administered with a Hib conjugate vaccine either as a single injection of a hexavalent combination or as two separate injections at 3, 5 and 11 months of age.
A combined DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib vaccine containing diphtheria (D), tetanus (T), acellular pertussis (Pa), hepatitis B (HBV) and types 1, 2 and 3 inactivated polioviruses (IPV) extemporaneously mixed with a conjugated Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine (Group 1) was compared to the DTPa-HBV-IPV and Hib vaccines (Group 2) administered separately at 3, 5 and 11 months of age (n = 440). A microneutralization assay was used to detect antibodies against the 3 polio virus types (cut-off 1:8 dil), RIA for anti-HBs antibodies (cut-off 10 mIU/ml) and ELISA for antibodies against all other vaccine antigens (cut-off: 0.1 IU/ml for anti-tetanus and anti-diphtheria antibodies; 5 El.U/ml for antibodies against each of the 3 acellular pertussis antigens and 0.15 microg/ml for anti-PRP antibodies). Similar immune responses were observed in both groups 1 month after dose 2 as well as after dose 3. Six months after dose 2 however, the proportion of subjects maintaining an anti-tetanus antibody concentration > or = 0.1 IU/ml was lower in Group 2 and a slight group difference in favour of Group 1 was also observed for anti-PRP, anti-diphtheria and anti-polio type 1 antibody persistence prior to the third dose. The overall incidence of local and general solicited symptoms was similar in both groups. One subject discontinued study vaccination following an SAE considered to be related to vaccination. The DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib combined vaccine is immunogenic and well tolerated when administered according to a 3, 5 and 11 month vaccination schedule and can therefore be considered as a feasible alternative to the separate administration of the pentavalent DTPa-HBV-IPV and the monovalent Hib vaccines.


A systematic review of the patient burden of Crohn's disease-related rectovaginal and anovaginal fistulas.
Crohn's disease (CD)-related rectovaginal fistulas (RVFs) and anovaginal fistulas (AVFs) are rare, debilitating conditions that present a substantial disease and treatment burden for women. This systematic literature review (SLR) assessed the burden of Crohn's-related RVF and AVF, summarizing evidence from observational studies and highlighting knowledge gaps. This SLR identified articles in PubMed and Embase that provide data and insight into the patient experience and disease burden of Crohn's-related RVF and AVF. Two trained reviewers used pre-specified eligibility criteria to identify studies for inclusion and evaluate risk of bias using the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool for observational studies. Of the 582 records identified, 316 full-text articles were assessed, and 16 studies met a priori eligibility criteria and were included. Few epidemiology studies were identified, with one study estimating the prevalence of RVF to be 2.3% in females with Crohn's disease. Seven of 12 treatment pattern studies reported that patients had or required additional procedures before and/or after the intervention of interest, demonstrating a substantial treatment burden. Seven of 11 studies assessing clinical outcomes reported fistula healing rates between 50 and 75%, with varying estimates based on population and intervention. This SLR reports the high disease and treatment burden of Crohn's-related RVF and AVF and identifies multiple evidence gaps in this field. The literature lacks robust, generalizable data, and demonstrates a compelling need for substantial, novel research into these rare and debilitating sequelae of CD. Registration The PROSPERO registration number for the protocol for this systematic literature review is CRD42020177732.


PCR cloning, heterologous expression, and characterization of isopenicillin N synthase from Streptomyces lipmanii NRRL 3584.
A key step which involves the cyclization of delta-(L-alpha-aminoadipyl)-L-cysteinyl-D-valine to the bicyclic ring structure of isopenicillin N in the penicillin and cephalosporin biosynthetic pathway, is catalyzed by isopenicillin N synthase (IPNS). In this study, an IPNS gene from Streptomyces lipmanii NRRL 3584 (slIPNS) was cloned via PCR-based homology cloning, sequenced and expressed in Escherichia coli. Soluble slIPNS was overexpressed up to 21% of total soluble protein, and verified to be functionally active when in an IPNS enzymatic assay. Sequence comparison of the slIPNS gene obtained (excluding the consensus primer sequences) with another cloned IPNS from S. lipmanii 16884.3, revealed one three-nucleotide deletion and three closely-spaced single nucleotide deletions. Furthermore, this paper also reports the first instance of the usage of PCR as an alternative and rapid strategy for IPNS cloning using consensus primers.


A policy-based CE resource allocation algorithm.
The cost of a health facility's continuing education (CE) program varies with facility size, mission, and its location or accessibility to sources of CE. This paper describes the development and use of a policy model and algorithm for allocating CE dollar resources in a large national health system. The algorithm uses a two-factor model, basing facility CE dollar allocations on the amount of CE need and price differences in accessing CE sources.


Mice deficient in glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase-1 have a reduced susceptibility to liver cancer.
The risk of hepatocellular carcinoma increases with the persistence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Triacylglycerol synthesis is initiated by glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (GPAT). Of four isoforms, GPAT1 contributes 30-50% of total liver GPAT activity, and we hypothesized that it might influence liver susceptibility to tumorigenesis. C57Bl/6 mice deficient in GPAT1 were backcrossed 6 times to C3H mice. After exposure to the carcinogen diethylnitrosamine (DEN) and the tumor promoter phenobarbital, male Gpat1⁻/⁻ mice, compared with controls (Gpat1⁺/⁺), had 93% fewer macroscopically visible nodules per liver at 21 weeks of age and 39% fewer at 34 weeks of age. Microscopically, control mice had increased numbers of foci of altered hepatocytes, particularly the basophilic subtype, as well as more, and malignant, liver neoplasms than did the Gpat1⁻/⁻ mice. At 21 weeks of age, 50% (4/8) of control mice (50%) had hepatocellular adenomas with an average multiplicity (tumors per tumor-bearing-animal) of 4.3, while none occurred in 8 Gpat1⁻/⁻ mice. At 34 weeks of age, all 15 control mice (100%) had hepatocellular adenomas with an average multiplicity of 5.2 compared to an incidence of 93% in Gpat1⁻/⁻ mice and multiplicity of 3.1. HCCs were observed in 13% of control mice and in only 6% of Gpat1⁻/⁻ mice. These data show that alterations in the formation of complex lipids catalyzed by Gpat1 reduce susceptibility to DEN-induced liver tumorigenesis.


Structural changes that occur upon photolysis of the Fe(II)(a3)-CO complex in the cytochrome ba(3)-oxidase of Thermus thermophilus: a combined X-ray crystallographic and infrared spectral study demonstrates CO binding to Cu(B).
The purpose of the work was to provide a crystallographic demonstration of the venerable idea that CO photolyzed from ferrous heme-a(3) moves to the nearby cuprous ion in the cytochrome c oxidases. Crystal structures of CO-bound cytochrome ba(3)-oxidase from Thermus thermophilus, determined at ~2.8-3.2Å resolution, reveal a Fe-C distance of ~2.0Å, a Cu-O distance of 2.4Å and a Fe-C-O angle of ~126°. Upon photodissociation at 100K, X-ray structures indicate loss of Fe(a3)-CO and appearance of Cu(B)-CO having a Cu-C distance of ~1.9Å and an O-Fe distance of ~2.3Å. Absolute FTIR spectra recorded from single crystals of reduced ba(3)-CO that had not been exposed to X-ray radiation, showed several peaks around 1975cm(-1); after photolysis at 100K, the absolute FTIR spectra also showed a significant peak at 2050cm(-1). Analysis of the 'light' minus 'dark' difference spectra showed four very sharp CO stretching bands at 1970cm(-1), 1977cm(-1), 1981cm(-1), and 1985cm(-1), previously assigned to the Fe(a3)-CO complex, and a significantly broader CO stretching band centered at ~2050cm(-1), previously assigned to the CO stretching frequency of Cu(B) bound CO. As expected for light propagating along the tetragonal axis of the P4(3)2(1)2 space group, the single crystal spectra exhibit negligible dichroism. Absolute FTIR spectrometry of a CO-laden ba(3) crystal, exposed to an amount of X-ray radiation required to obtain structural data sets before FTIR characterization, showed a significant signal due to photogenerated CO(2) at 2337cm(-1) and one from traces of CO at 2133cm(-1); while bands associated with CO bound to either Fe(a3) or to Cu(B) in "light" minus "dark" FTIR difference spectra shifted and broadened in response to X-ray exposure. In spite of considerable radiation damage to the crystals, both X-ray analysis at 2.8 and 3.2Å and FTIR spectra support the long-held position that photolysis of Fe(a3)-CO in cytochrome c oxidases leads to significant trapping of the CO on the Cu(B) atom; Fe(a3) and Cu(B) ligation, at the resolutions reported here, are otherwise unaltered.


Novel anticoagulants for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation: safety issues in the elderly.
Vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) are the most widely used anticoagulants for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Recently, the US FDA approved three novel anticoagulants that work through inhibition of coagulation cascade independent of Vitamin K-dependent enzymatic reactions and, therefore, should have less food-drug interactions. Since AF is a disease of the aging heart, it is important to assess safety and efficacy of these new anticoagulants in elderly patients. We reviewed age-related changes in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics observed with senescence and the effects of these changes on novel anticoagulants, known and anticipated drug and food interactions, and challenges related to bleeding complications and temporary discontinuation prior to surgery or interventional procedure. Although advantageous to VKA in age groups represented in trials, there are lack of data on VKA usage in older-elderly patients; additional research and post-marketing analysis in older-elderly patients are needed.


Climate change frames debate over the extinction of megafauna in Sahul (Pleistocene Australia-New Guinea).
Around 88 large vertebrate taxa disappeared from Sahul sometime during the Pleistocene, with the majority of losses (54 taxa) clearly taking place within the last 400,000 years. The largest was the 2.8-ton browsing Diprotodon optatum, whereas the ∼100- to 130-kg marsupial lion, Thylacoleo carnifex, the world's most specialized mammalian carnivore, and Varanus priscus, the largest lizard known, were formidable predators. Explanations for these extinctions have centered on climatic change or human activities. Here, we review the evidence and arguments for both. Human involvement in the disappearance of some species remains possible but unproven. Mounting evidence points to the loss of most species before the peopling of Sahul (circa 50-45 ka) and a significant role for climate change in the disappearance of the continent's megafauna.


Bleeding induced interleukin-6 decreases blood loss via activation of coagulation.
Hemorrhage is known to induce the production of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6). IL-6 plays an intermediate role as a factor in the activation of coagulation cascade and exerts a lethal effect in sepsis. To examine the effect of endogenous IL-6 on blood loss, we performed four experiments in female ddY mice. Enzyme immunoassay using an uncontrolled hemorrhage model, i.e., 75% tail resection, revealed the production of serum IL-6 (Experiment 1). We also measured cumulative blood loss and survival rate (Experiment 2); measured blood pressure and performed thrombelastogram (TEG) (Experiment 3); and measured plasma thrombin-antithrombin III (TAT) complex levels in two groups, one pretreated with 1 mg of anti-IL-6 monoclonal antibody (mAb), and one with normal rat globulin (NRG) using the same model (Experiment 4). The mAb group showed a significantly higher blood loss than the NRG group. All mice survived for 5 days in both groups. Blood pressure did not differ between either group. The TEG results suggest that administration of anti-IL-6 mAb caused mild suppression of coagulation activation, but did not affect fibrinolysis or platelets. In the mAb group, plasma TAT complex concentrations showed a significant decrease compared with the NRG group. In conclusion, hemorrhage-induced IL-6 may contribute to hemostasis through activation of coagulation, thus reducing blood loss.


Effects of Spaghetti Differing in Soluble Fiber and Protein Content on Glycemic Responses in Humans: A Randomized Clinical Trial in Healthy Subjects.
This randomized, single blind, cross-over study investigated the glycemic responses to three spaghetti No 7 types differing in dietary protein and soluble fiber content. Fourteen clinically and metabolically healthy, fasting individuals (25 ± 1 years; ten women; BMI 23 ± 1 kg/m2) received isoglucidic test meals (50 g available carbohydrate) and 50 g glucose reference, in random order. GI was calculated using the FAO/WHO method. Capillary blood glucose and salivary insulin samples were collected at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, and 120 min. Subjective appetite ratings (hunger, fullness, and desire to eat) were assessed by visual analogue scales (VAS, 100 mm) at baseline and 120 min. All three spaghetti types (regular, whole wheat, and high soluble fiber-low carbohydrates) provided low GI values (33, 38, and 41, respectively, on glucose scale) and lower peak glucose values compared to glucose or white bread. No differences were observed between spaghetti No 7 types for fasting glucose, fasting and post-test-meal insulin concentrations, blood pressure (systolic and diastolic), and subjective appetite. Conclusions: all spaghetti No 7 types, regardless of soluble fiber and/or protein content, attenuated postprandial glycemic response, which may offer advantages to glycemic control.


[Cachexia].
Cachexia is a frequent syndrome in patients suffering from advanced cancer; it is characterized by anorexia, weight loss, and malnutrition, which combined with other psychic and social consequences lead to a deterioration in a patient's quality of life. Various factors play a role in the development of cachexia; these depend on the patient, the type of tumor, and the treatments received. Its complexity warrant the intervention of an interdisciplinary team, in which nursing plays an essential role. Up to present time, the results of pharmaceutical treatment have been rather unfavorable; therefore, nutritional treatments based on advise for concrete problems and dietary supplements gain importance; enteral or parenteral nutrition are reserved for selected cases. Other important aspects are psychological support, control of associated symptoms and the prevention and treatment of any complication which may appear.


The gay voice in popular music: a social value model analysis of "Don't Leave Me This Way".
The gay voice in popular music and its potential to create positive social change regarding societal values about homosexuality is the focus of the present study. The historical development of the gay voice in popular music is reviewed as an introduction to a critical analysis of the Communards' music video "Don't Leave Me This Way." Using a modified version of the Social Value Model proposed by Rushing and Frentz, the video is analyzed on three levels: (a) narrative content, (b) use of symbols in the narrative, and (c) lyrical content. It is suggested that this video effected a dialectical synthesis of mainstream and homosexual values because it achieved mainstream commercial success while realistically expressing a gay perspective.


Hip Lift Transfer Assistive System for Reducing Burden on Caregiver's Waist.
In Japan, the aging population is expected to increase the number of elderly people in the future. The purpose of this study was to develop a hip lift transfer assistive system to improve the QOL of elderly living and to prevent back pain for caregivers. We extracted the impediment factor and the necessary scene for the assistance, decided on the transfer process from the wheelchair in the toilet, and considered the reduction method of the burden based on the quantitative evaluation of the caregiver's lumbar burden and developed the device. Then we proposed the algorithm of the system by grasping the behavior and lumbar burden characteristics at the time of using the hip lift transfer assistive system by the developed device in which the proposed support algorithm of standing seating assistance operation is implemented in the actual use environment. Through the assistive movement evaluation experiment and the actual operation in the toilet, we have verified that the use of this device can reduce the caregivers' lumbar burden below the standard value (3400 N) and have proved the effectiveness of the proposed transfer assistive system.


Network theory inspired analysis of time-resolved expression data reveals key players guiding P. patens stem cell development.
Transcription factors (TFs) often trigger developmental decisions, yet, their transcripts are often only moderately regulated and thus not easily detected by conventional statistics on expression data. Here we present a method that allows to determine such genes based on trajectory analysis of time-resolved transcriptome data. As a proof of principle, we have analysed apical stem cells of filamentous moss (P. patens) protonemata that develop from leaflets upon their detachment from the plant. By our novel correlation analysis of the post detachment transcriptome kinetics we predict five out of 1,058 TFs to be involved in the signaling leading to the establishment of pluripotency. Among the predicted regulators is the basic helix loop helix TF PpRSL1, which we show to be involved in the establishment of apical stem cells in P. patens. Our methodology is expected to aid analysis of key players of developmental decisions in complex plant and animal systems.


Repeat chemonucleolysis.
A review of 33 patients in whom repeat chemonucleolysis was performed in the period between 1979 and 1983 indicates satisfactory results in 24 patients for a 73% success rate. Immediate sensitivity reactions (anaphylaxis) were seen in three patients and all were successfully managed by appropriate medical therapy. The last 12 patients were pretreated with histamine1 antagonists (hydroxyzine) and histamine2 antagonists (cimetidine). In this group there was not a single anaphylactic reaction. According to these results, repeat chemonucleolysis is a viable alternative to laminectomy and discectomy for patients suffering from recurrent lumbar disc herniations that are refractory to conservative therapy. The increased risk of sensitivity to the enzyme can be minimized by pretreatment with histamine blockers.


Electroacupuncture Ameliorates CUMS-induced Depression-like Behavior: Involvement of the Glutamatergic System and Apoptosis in Rats.
Converging evidence indicates that the glutamatergic system and glia are directly implicated in the pathophysiology of depression. Clinical studies indicate that electroacupuncture (EA) has anti-depressant-like effects with low side effects for depression. However, the underlying antidepressant mechanism of acupuncture remains obscure. Chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depressive rats were used to induce depressive-like behavior and evaluated by the weight change, open field test, sucrose preference test, and novelty suppressed feeding test. EA, NMDA receptor subunit 2A antagonist (NR2A RA) or NMDA receptor subunit 2B antagonist (NR2B RA) was used for comparison. Highperformance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was performed to detect the content of hippocampal glutamate, while western blot was performed for the hippocampal protein expression levels of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), Bax, caspase 3 and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2). The distribution of glutamate ionotropic receptor NMDA type subunit 2A (NR2A), neuronal nuclear protein (NeuN), glutamate ionotropic receptor NMDA type subunit 2B (NR2B), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) were detected by immunofluorescence. Significant depression behavior (reduced body weight and sucrose preference, increased feeding and immobility time) was produced in CUMS-induced depressive rats, which was reversed significantly by EA. EA decreased hippocampal glutamate level. EA led to a significant decrease in expression levels of Bax, caspase 3, and CaMK II accompanied by increased Bcl-2 expression levels. Furthermore, EA significantly increased NR2A expression level as well as decreased NR2B expression level in the hippocampus. EA ameliorated depression-like behavior in CUMS rats, which might be mediated, at least in part, by regulating the glutamate, NMDA receptors, and apoptosis in the hippocampus.


Extramedullary-intradural spinal metastasis of small cell lung cancer causing cauda equina syndrome.
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) has a very aggressive clinical progression with widespread metastases. We describe the case of a patient with SCLC treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy. One month later, after finishing the scheduled treatment, the patient was admitted to the hospital again with symptoms of low back pain that radiated to bilateral lower legs with painful paresthesias, urinary incontinence, and constipation. After a series of examinations, including bone scan and magnetic resonance imaging, the patient received an L2-L3 laminectomy. The concluded diagnosis through histopathologic examination with immunohistochemistry was extramedullary-intradural spinal metastasis causing cauda equina syndrome. The metastatic tumour originated from the SCLC. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of SCLC metastasized to the cauda equina causing cauda equina syndrome.


[Ballistic hand trauma].
46 victims of projectile accidents or explosions were treated over a 5 years period between 1984 and 1989. 3 categories were distinguished: injuries due to a single projectile (12 cases), only inducing serious bone damage and, apart from 3 immediate amputations, the final result was satisfactory. Injuries due to multiple scattered projectiles (11 cases), less severe in terms of the initial lesions, not requiring any amputations, with good results in 8 cases. Explosion injuries (23 cases) in which the effect of the explosion induced considerable initial lesions leading to one hand amputation and 33 finger amputations; the association of skeletal and soft tissue lesions raises the problem of excision and primary cover, requiring large flaps. The course is long and 8 out of 26 hands had serious sequelae, while the reconstruction of an elementary pinch can be considered to be an acceptable result in the other cases.


Feasibility of conservative medical treatment for pyoderma gangrenosum.
Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a chronic skin disease with an incidence of 3-10 per million, and it is often associated with underlying systemic disease. A case of PG of the left leg successfully treated with local debridement and advanced and compression dressings, without systemic treatment is reported. Progression and healing of the ulcer was incredibly rapid. The treatment of PG usually consists of systemic administration of corticosteroids. But wherever the administration of systemic immunosuppressive therapy is impractical, a topical treatment can be used. This type of treatment does not represent a mere palliative, but could be significant for healing, as in the case of our patient.


All-optical switch with two periodically modulated nonlinear waveguides.
We propose a type of all-optical switch which consists of two periodically modulated nonlinear optical waveguides placed in parallel. Compared to the all-optical switch based on the traditional nonlinear directional coupler without periodic modulation, this all-optical switch has much lower switching threshold power and sharper switching width.


[Study of deformities of the human pelvis, using the tensiometric method (experimental research)].
The authors present the result of their experimental studies with the tensiometric method performed on human renal basins with the tensiometric method, under different conditions of stress. The studies have been based on the principle of recording microdeformations of basins under determined amounts of stress, and they have demonstrated the proportionality between the stress and the deformation as being a direct one. The most stressed areas have been evidenced, when transversal and antero-posterior compression was applied, and the mechanism is explained, of the rupture of the basins in relation with the concentration of the tension that have developed in a predilect way in certain areas.


Rotating-wall vessel coculture of small intestine as a prelude to tissue modeling: aspects of simulated microgravity.
A new low shear stress, low turbulence microcarrier culture system has been developed at NASA's Johnson Space Center that permits large-scale three-dimensional tissue culture. Tissue culture bioreactors called rotating-wall vessels were used in conjunction with multicellular cocultivation to develop a unique in vitro tissue-modeling system. Normal small intestine epithelium and mesenchymal cells were cocultivated on Cytodex-3 microcarriers and were initiated in two phases. Normal small intestine mesenchymal cells were inoculated into the rotating-wall vessel at 2 x 10(5) cells/ml and allowed to attach and proliferate for 2 to 3 days. Normal small intestine epithelium was then added at an innoculum of 2 x 10(5) cells/ml and cultivation continued for 30 to 40 days. These cocultures attained cell numbers of 4-6 x 10(6) cells/ml and differentiated to form tissue-like masses of 0.4-0.5 cm with minimal necrosis. The masses displayed apical brush borders, differentiated epithelial cells, cellular polarity, extracellular matrix, and basal lamina. Verification of mesenchymal and epithelial cell expression was determined by immunocytochemistry and scanning electron microscopy. These data suggest that the rotating-wall vessel affords a new tissue culture model for investigation of growth, regulatory, and differentiation processes within normal tissues.


The mitochondrial free radical theory of aging: a critical view.
The Mitochondrial Free Radical Theory of Aging (MFRTA) proposes that mitochondrial free radicals, produced as by-products during normal metabolism, cause oxidative damage. According to MFRTA, the accumulation of this oxidative damage is the main driving force in the aging process. Although widely accepted, this theory remains unproven, because the evidence supporting it is largely correlative. For example, long-lived animals produce fewer free radicals and have lower oxidative damage levels in their tissues. However, this does not prove that free radical generation determines life span. In fact, the longest-living rodent -Heterocephalus glaber- produces high levels of free radicals and has significant oxidative damage levels in proteins, lipids and DNA. At its most orthodox MFRTA proposes that these free radicals damage mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and in turn provoke mutations that alter mitochondrial function (e.g. ATP production). According to this, oxidative damage to mtDNA negatively correlates with maximum life span in mammals. However, in contrast to MFRTA predictions, high levels of oxidative damage in mtDNA do not decrease longevity in mice. Moreover, mice with alterations in polymerase gamma (the mitochondrial DNA polymerase) accumulate 500 times higher levels of point mutations in mtDNA without suffering from accelerated aging. Dietary restriction (DR) is the only non-genetic treatment that clearly increases mean and maximum life span. According to MFRTA caloric restricted animals produce fewer mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS). However, DR alters more than free radical production (e.g. it decreases insulin signalling) and therefore the increase in longevity cannot be exclusively attributed to a decrease in mtROS generation. Thus, moderate exercise produces similar changes in free radical production and oxidative damage without increasing maximum life span. In summary, available data concerning the role of free radicals in longevity control are contradictory, and do not prove MFRTA. In fact, the only way to test this theory is by specifically decreasing mitochondrial free radical production without altering other physiological parameters (e.g. insulin signalling). If MFRTA is true animals producing fewer mtROS must have the ability to live much longer than their experimental controls.


What the ancients knew of the fatal anatomic consequences of wounding of the lower thorax.
One of the most important lessons concerning the relevance of human anatomy to surgical diagnosis to be taught to medical students and first-year surgical residents concerns their sometimes poorly understood relationship of the structure of the lower thoracic cavity to the organs within the upper abdominal cavity. To make this indelibly clear, in surgical anatomic and clinical lectures given during the past 20 years, I have chosen to present the earliest Biblical examples of the ancient's knowledge of this critical relationship as regards wounds of the thorax specifically given to injure the liver and thus to produce a rapid and certain death. The first two concern the technique of assassination used by the warring factions of the House of King Saul and the followers of the House of David, which resulted in his succeeding to the kingship of Israel after the death of King Saul in the 10th century BC. The second example is the coup de grâce administered in 30 AD to the crucified Jesus by a Roman centurion to hasten His death. In all three cases, the evidence, in the first two cases explicit and in the third strongly implied, is that the executioners knew that a stab wound of the lower thorax on the right would lead to a rapid death by exsanguination because "the liver was suspended there." The importance of this understanding, made indelible by these examples discussed herein, is to insure the recognition by any medical student or surgical resident that any penetrating wound of the lower thorax may imply a much more serious injury to an intra-abdominal organ, and this must be rapidly and fully investigated.


The predictive value of PgR and HER-2 for response to primary systemic chemotherapy in inflammatory breast cancer.
Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is the most aggressive form of primary breast cancer. We examined the relationship between clinicopathological factors and clinical response to primary systemic chemotherapy (PSC) and outcome. Twenty-five patients with IBC were examined. Twelve patients received an anthracycline-based regimen, and 13 patients received an anthracycline-and a taxane-containing regimen as PSC. The expression of hormone receptors and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2) was determined by immunohistochemistry. The overall clinical response rate was 64.0%. Clinical response to PSC was higher in patients with progesterone receptor (PgR)-positive (P = 0.01) and HER-2-negative (P = 0.03) tumors. Patients with fewer than ten involved axillary lymph nodes (P = 0.01 and P = 0.02, respectively) and with a clinical response to PSC (P = 0.02 and P = 0.01, respectively) showed better distant disease-free survival and overall survival. In patients with IBC, PgR-positive and HER-2-negative tumors are more sensitive to anthracycline-based PSC. Patients with extensive residual tumor (ten or more lymph-nodes involved, no response to PSC) after PSC had unfavorable prognoses.


Metabolism of apoB lipoproteins of intestinal and hepatic origin during constant feeding of small amounts of fat.
We aimed to identify mechanisms by which apolipoprotein B-48 (apoB-48) could have an atherogenic role by simultaneously studying the metabolism of postprandial apoB-48 and apoB-100 lipoproteins. The kinetics of apoB-48 and apoB-100, each in four density subfractions of VLDL and intermediate density lipoprotein (IDL), were studied by stable isotope labeling in a constantly fed state with half-hourly administration of almond oil in five postmenopausal women. A non-steady-state, multicompartmental model was used. Despite a much lower production rate, VLDL and IDL apoB-48 shared a similar secretion pattern with apoB-100: both were directly secreted into all fractions with similar percentage mass distributions. Fractional catabolic rates (FCRs) of apoB-48 and apoB-100 were similar in VLDL and IDL. We identified a fast turnover compartment of light VLDL that had a residence time of <30 min for apoB-48 and apoB-100. Finally, a high secretion rate of apoB-48 was associated with a slow FCR of VLDL and IDL apoB-100. In conclusion, the intestine secretes a spectrum of apoB lipoproteins, similar to what the liver secretes, albeit with a much lower secretion rate. Once in plasma, intestinal and hepatic triglyceride-rich lipoproteins have similar rates of clearance and participate interactively in similar metabolic pathways, with high apoB-48 production inhibiting the clearance of apoB-100.


[Development of molecular imaging probes in oncology].
Molecular imaging probes used for positron emission tomography(PET)in oncology are reviewed. Although [18F] FDG is presently the most useful probe for imaging tumors, there is a need for complementary probes of FDG with some limitations on detection in the brain or inflammatory region. The review is mostly focused on 18F-labeled probes designed for amino acid transport and protein synthesis, DNA synthesis, membrane lipid, and hypoxia such as FET, FLT, FMAU, fluorocholine, and FMISO, together with our original probes of FMT and FRP-170.


Neuronal avalanches and time-frequency representations in stimulus-evoked activity.
Neuronal avalanches are a hallmark feature of critical dynamics in the brain. While the theoretical framework of a critical branching processes is generally accepted for describing avalanches during ongoing brain activity, there is a current debate about the corresponding dynamical description during stimulus-evoked activity. As the brain activity evoked by external stimuli considerably varies in magnitude across time, it is not clear whether the parameters that govern the neuronal avalanche analysis (a threshold or a temporal scale) should be adaptively altered to accommodate these changes. Here, the relationship between neuronal avalanches and time-frequency representations of stimulus-evoked activity is explored. We show that neuronal avalanche metrics, calculated under a fixed threshold and temporal scale, reflect genuine changes in the underlying dynamics. In particular, event-related synchronization and de-synchronization are shown to align with variations in the power-law exponents of avalanche size distributions and the branching parameter (neural gain), as well as in the spatio-temporal spreading of avalanches. Nonetheless, the scale-invariant behavior associated with avalanches is shown to be a robust feature of healthy brain dynamics, preserved across various periods of stimulus-evoked activity and frequency bands. Taken together, the combined results suggest that throughout stimulus-evoked responses the operating point of the dynamics may drift within an extended-critical-like region.


Poorly Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma Coexisting with Graves' Disease Involving T3 Thyrotoxicosis due to Increased D1 and D2 Activities.
Background: Poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma is rare and patients are typically euthyroid. We report a novel rare case of poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma with triiodothyronine (T3) thyrotoxicosis. Patient's Findings: A 77-year-old man presented to Kuma Hospital due to a neck tumor. A thyroid ultrasonography revealed a 220-mL mass in the right lobe. Laboratory data showed low serum thyrotropin (TSH), low free thyroxine (fT4), and high free T3 (fT3) levels. Anti-TSH receptor antibodies and thyroid-stimulating antibodies were positive. 131I scintigraphy showed diffuse uptake only in the left thyroid lobe. The patient underwent a total thyroidectomy and histological examination identified as poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma. He was diagnosed with poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma coexisting with Graves' disease. The tumor showed elevated type 1 iodothyronine deiodinases (D1) and type 2 iodothyronine deiodinases (D2) activities compared with that of the left thyroid lobe. Summary and Conclusions: Increased D1 and D2 activities in poorly differentiated carcinoma resulted in T3 toxicosis with a high serum fT3/fT4 ratio.


Phenotypic variation in the Pseudomonas fluorescens clinical strain MFN1032.
Pseudomonas fluorescens is a highly heterogeneous species and includes both avirulent strains and clinical strains involved in nosocomial infections. We previously demonstrated that clinical strain MFN1032 has hemolytic activity involving phospholipase C (PlcC) and biosurfactants (BSs), similar to that of the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. When incubated under specific conditions, MFN1032 forms translucent phenotypic variant colonies defective in hemolysis, but not necessarily in PlcC. We analyzed eight variants of the original strain MFN1032 and found that they clustered into two groups. Mutations of genes encoding the two-component regulatory system GacS/GacA are responsible for phenotypic variation in the first group of variants. These group 1 variants did not produce secondary metabolites and had impaired biofilm formation. The second group was composed of hyperflagellated cells with enhanced biofilm capacity: they did not produce BSs and were thus unable to swarm. Artificial reduction of the intracellular level of c-di-GMP restored the ability to form biofilm to levels shown by the wild type, but production of BSs was still repressed. Phenotypic variation might increase the virulence potential of this strain.


Probabilistic assessment of biodegradability based on metabolic pathways: catabol system.
A novel mechanistic modeling approach has been developed that assesses chemical biodegradability in a quantitative manner. It is an expert system predicting biotransformation pathway working together with a probabilistic model that calculates probabilities of the individual transformations. The expert system contains a library of hierarchically ordered individual transformations and matching substructure engine. The hierarchy in the expert system was set according to the descending order of the individual transformation probabilities. The integrated principal catabolic steps are derived from set of metabolic pathways predicted for each chemical from the training set and encompass more than one real biodegradation step to improve the speed of predictions. In the current work, we modeled O2 yield during OECD 302 C (MITI I) test. MITI-I database of 532 chemicals was used as a training set. To make biodegradability predictions, the model only needs structure of a chemical. The output is given as percentage of theoretical biological oxygen demand (BOD). The model allows for identifying potentially persistent catabolic intermediates and their molar amounts. The data in the training set agreed well with the calculated BODs (r2 = 0.90) in the entire range i.e. a good fit was observed for readily, intermediate and difficult to degrade chemicals. After introducing 60% ThOD as a cut off value the model predicted correctly 98% ready biodegradable structures and 96% not ready biodegradable structures. Crossvalidation by four times leaving 25% of data resulted in Q2 = 0.88 between observed and predicted values. Presented approach and obtained results were used to develop computer software for biodegradability prediction CATABOL.


Risk assessment of coal mine water inrush based on PCA-DBN.
To provide an effective risk assessment of water inrush for coal mine safety production, a BP neural network prediction method for water inrush based on principal component analysis and deep confidence network optimization was proposed. Because deep belief network (DBN) is disadvantaged by a long training time when establishing a high-dimensional data classification model, the principal component analysis (PCA) method is used to reduce the dimensionality of many factors affecting the water inrush of the coal seam floor, thus reducing the number of variables of the research object, redundancy and the difficulty of feature extraction and shortening the training time of the model. Then, a DBN network was used to extract secondary features from the processed nonlinear data, and a more abstract high-level representation was formed by combining low-level features to find the expression of the nonlinear relationship between the characteristics of water in bursts. Finally, a prediction model was established to predict the water inrush in coal mines. The superiority of this method was verified by comparing the prediction of the actual working face with the actual situation in typical mining areas of North China. The prediction accuracy of coal mine water inrush obtained by this algorithm is 94%, while the prediction accuracy of traditional BP algorithm is 70%, and the prediction accuracy of SVM algorithm is 88%.


[Basic and clinical studies on pathogenesis of pulmonary Mycobacterium avium complex disease].
I have studied pathogenesis of pulmonary Mycobacterium avium complex disease (PMAC), using mouse and human alveolar macrophage (PAM) model of the infection as well as clinical evaluations. The mouse model revealed no relation between natural resistance against the bacteria and the activation of macrophages which was evaluated on the basis of releasing capacities of prostaglandin E2 and superoxide anion. The PAM model suggested that TNF-alpha and GM-CSF could activate PAM to restrict the intracellular growth of the bacteria, probably not through the superoxide anion release, but through the myeloperoxidasae-halide system. It was also found that rifamycins in combination with clarithromycin could have a good bactericidal effect in the PAM-model of the infection. Clinical evaluations suggested that defect in local pulmonary defense, such as healed pulmonary tuberculous lesions, pneumoconiosis, and COPD was more important predisposing factor than defect in systemic defense in the development of PMAC. Most patients having PMAC without predisposing factors are elderly women, the reason of which is the most important question to be answered in the future studies.


Current concepts of oral and maxillofacial rehabilitation and treatment in aviation.
Aerospace medicine is the medical discipline responsible for assessing and conserving the health, safety, and performance of individuals involved in air and space travel. With the upward trend in airline travel, flight-related oral conditions requiring treatment have become a source of concern for aircrew members. Awareness and treatment of any potential physiological problems for these aircrews have always been critical components of aviation safety. In a flight situation, oral and maxillofacial problems may in fact become life-threatening clinical conditions. The unusual nature of aerospace medicine requires practitioners to have unique expertise. Special attention to aerospace medicine will open the way for professionals to develop and apply their skills and capabilities. Both dentists and aviators should be aware of the issues involved in aviation dentistry. This article presents the principles of prevention, treatment guidelines, and dental-related flight restrictions.


[Review: treatment of irritable bowel syndrome based upon a Japanese guideline].
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is defined as abdominal pain and discomfort with altered bowel habits in the absence of any organic disorder. More than 10% of general population are considered to be affected by IBS. A guideline on its diagnosis and treatment has been issued in Japan in 2002. Accordingly, the therapeutic approach of IBS will be reviewed here. The most important issue of treatment is the establishment of a good physician-patient relationship. Given the limited efficacy of pharmacologic therapy and known psychological factors involved, effective treatment of IBS requires a comprehensive, multifaceted approach.


[Results of the third medical doctorate at the Brussels Free University: relationship with the first three years in the first generation students].
The aim of our study was to assess the relationships between the end-of-year results in the 1st session across 4 study years (the first 3 years and the 6th year) of medical school at the "Université libre de Bruxelles" in a group of 102 students, before initiation of the numerus clausus selection. In particular, we wanted to evaluate whether success in the 6th year was significantly related to the results in the preceding years, notwithstanding other non-academic factors, in two cohorts of students (1994-2000 and 1995-2001). Results showed that success in the 3rd doctorate was only slightly correlated to results in the first three years of study. The 3rd year final percentage was the only variable allowing to significantly predict a very good grade in the 6th year, but its actual contribution was very weak. On the other hand, based on their percentage, the ordering of students each year showed poor stability: three quarter of the students did either progress or regress in the 6th year compared to their rank in the first 3 years of study. These results are discussed with a special emphasis on the particular study sample, selected on the basis of a yearly success in 2 sessions maximum and in the context of the issue of students selection.


Developmental venous anomaly presenting as a spontaneous intraparenchymal hematoma without thrombosis.
Developmental venous anomalies (DVAs) are cited as the most common cerebral vascular malformations. Still, intracerebral hematomas are rarely thought to be caused by DVAs. In this report, the authors present a unique case of a DVA that hemorrhaged spontaneously, rather than hemorrhaging into a venous infarction following DVA thrombosis as has been more commonly reported. A 22-year-old previously healthy male presented to the emergency department with a severe headache, confusion, and progressive hemiparesis. A computed tomography (CT) scan demonstrated a spontaneous left parietal intraparenchymal hemorrhage (IPH), with intraventricular extension and acute hydrocephalus. CT angiography did not demonstrate an underlying vascular malformation. The patient was taken emergently to the operating room for a left parietal craniotomy for evacuation of the hematoma. Intraoperative pathology was consistent with a DVA Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), and magnetic resonance venography (MRV) did not demonstrate a mass lesion, ischemic stroke, or underlying vascular malformation. An MRI obtained three years previously for headaches was normal. A postoperative diagnostic cerebral angiogram was normal. An MRI/MRA performed six months postoperatively demonstrated two foci of abnormal vessels on susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI), suggesting the presence of a venous vascular malformation. A diagnostic cerebral angiogram obtained six months postoperatively was again normal, including delayed imaging. Few reports have cited DVA as the sole cause of intracerebral hemorrhage. While very rare, these reports suggest hemorrhagic conversion of a venous infarction secondary to a thrombosed DVA as a possible etiology, and several provide imaging consistent with this diagnosis. This case study demonstrates a unique presentation of a hemorrhagic DVA in the absence of thrombosis or stroke.


Transobturator sling with intraoperative cough test is effective for patients with low valsalva leak point pressure.
The transobturator sling (TOS) is safe and effective for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Controversy exists regarding its efficacy in patients with low valsalva leak point pressure (VLPP), a marker of intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD). We review our experience of TOS in the treatment of women with SUI and low VLPP. Patients diagnosed with stress or mixed incontinence treated with TOS were identified by retrospective review. All procedures were performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation. Stress incontinence and VLPP were determined preoperatively with urodynamic testing. Chart review identified demographics, perioperative variables, complications, and subjective cure. Low VLPP was defined as VLPP less than 60 cm H2O. From November 2003 to February 2006, 151 consecutive women underwent TOS. Twenty-seven patients were excluded who exhibited incontinence with cough but not valsalva on preoperative urodynamic testing. Of the remaining 124 patients, 29% had low VLPP and 71% had higher VLPP. There was no difference in subjective cure between patients with low (94%) and higher VLPP (84%) overall (p = 0.12) or in patients with 12 months or more of follow-up (93% versus 79%, p = 0.40). Patients with low VLPP were more likely to be older (p = 0.036), and have pure SUI (p = 0.019). TOS is effective for patients with low VLPP. Women with SUI and ISD without a fixed urethra should be considered candidates for TOS. The use of intravenous sedation during sling placement allows the surgeon to perform an intraoperative cough test, permitting tensioning of the TOS in relation to the patient's ISD.


Spatial-temporal analysis of net primary production (NPP) and its relationship with climatic factors in Iran.
Fluctuations of the climate variables have increased in the recent years. These fluctuations are different in each climatic region. Net primary production (NPP) indicating the plant growth and carbon stabilization over period of time is influenced by these fluctuations. Investigation of the variations in the NPP and analysis of its relationship with the climatic and environmental variables can play a key role in determining the effects of fluctuations of climatic variables on the NPP. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the spatiotemporal changes in the NPP and its correlation with precipitation rate and temperature during 2000-2014 based on the annual NPP estimates determined by the moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) sensor and precipitation and temperature data of the synoptic stations in eight climate regions in Iran. The slope of variations in the NPP was calculated in these climatic regions, and then, the changes in the NPP trend at two confidence levels of 95 and 99% were investigated based on the pixel-based method using the Mann-Kendall test. The sensitivity of NPP to climatic variables of temperature and precipitation was also estimated by calculating the correlation. The results showed the significant spatial distribution of NPP in the whole region under study indicating a declining trend from north to south and from west to east directions. The results also indicated the nonlinear variations in the temporal distribution of NPP. The annual mean NPP was found to follow the climatic boundaries in the climatic regions except for climate region 2, and region with the higher annual mean precipitation had higher annual mean NPP. Analysis of the trend by the Mann-Kendall method revealed that 3.2% of the pixels in the whole region followed a certain trend. Among the pixels, 70% of them followed a negative trend and the remaining 30% followed a positive trend. The greatest number of pixels with a certain trend was found in the Gulf of Oman coast climate region so that 93% of the pixels had a positive trend. The lowest number of pixels with a certain trend was observed in eastern Alborz foothills so that 87% of the pixels showed a negative trend. Slope variations of the NPP in the whole region varied from - 35 to 46 gC m2 year-1. The eastern plateau had the highest negative slope variations among the climate regions, and the highest positive slope variation of 42% was observed in the highlands climate region. In general, the precipitation rate and temperature showed a mean partial coefficient of 0.22 and 0.02, respectively, and the correlation between the NPP and temperature and precipitation was different in each climatic region. The temperature was negatively correlated with the NPP in four climatic regions with higher annual mean temperatures and in other climatic regions; it had a weak positive correlation. Therefore, the sensitivity of NPP to precipitation and temperature was different in each climatic region.


Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction catalyzed by Pd/MgLa mixed oxide.
A new, reusable Pd/MgLa mixed oxide catalyst has been applied successfully in the Suzuki-Miyaura carbon-carbon cross-coupling reaction of aryl halides as well as benzylic bromide with boronic acids in ethanol. The catalyst is air stable, can be stored and handled under an ambient atmosphere and after the reaction it can be recovered by simple filtration and reused without significant loss of activity.


[How does the brain wake up? The nitric oxide blow].
A synthesis of the role of the neuromodulator nitric oxide (NO) on the sleep-wake cycle control is made, emphasizing the function of the activating ascending pathways implicated in arousal. There are some hypotheses regarding the role of sleep: memory consolidation, ecological factors, cellular repair and nervous system development. The sleep-wake cycle is an active process, modulated by subcortical regions (mesopontine nuclei, diencephalon and basal forebrain) with connections and reciprocal interactions among them. NO is released by neurons and terminals of the sleep-wake cycle modulatory nuclei. The role of NO in this cycle is mainly linked to activation processes: transition to and maintenance of waking and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. At thalamic level NO is released by cholinergic fibers of the mesopontine nuclei and induces a facilitation of neural responses. In the basal forebrain there exists NO in the cholinergic cells contacting the cortex, suggesting that this ascending pathway can also collaborate in cortical activation through the release of NO. NO has been identified in neurons of the brain areas controlling the modulation of arousal; hence, this gaseous neuromodulator can have an essential function promoting a quick and global activation of cortical neurons.


Signals for Entrepreneurial Family Lending: Psychological Capital as an Intent Signal.
Family financing has become a powerful channel for entrepreneurs to obtain entrepreneurial funding. How do family members use intent and quality signals to select new ventures to provide lending support? Building on the signaling theory, this study provides the first quantitative evidence using a sample of 166 samples of family lenders in China. Our findings reveal that psychological capital can support entrepreneurs to obtain family lending. As an intent signal, psychological capital becomes more influential when quality signals, corporate competitive advantage, and firm performance perform more positively. This study emphasizes that family financing support is not only out of love or altruism and extends the literature concerning the influence of positive psychological capital in financial investment decisions.


Expression analyses of caspase-1 and related activities in the midgut of Galleria mellonella during metamorphosis.
The cDNA encoding caspase-1, a main protease involved in apoptosis, was cloned and sequenced from the midgut of the greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella. The open reading frame contains 879 nucleotides, encodes 293 amino acids, and was registered as Gmcaspase-1. The sequence comparison showed a high homology to lepidopteran caspase-1, human caspase-3, and ced-3 of Caenorhabditis elegans. Gmcaspase-1 is predicted to contain a short prodomain, large subunit, and small subunit domain. It also exhibits all characteristics of caspase, including three conserved cleavage sites after Asp-25, Asp-192, and Asp-181, three active site residues including a highly conserved QACQG pentapeptide active-site motif, and four substrate binding sites. The expression profiles during development showed that the transcript of Gmcaspase-1 and its protein products appeared in two or more waves in the midgut during metamorphosis. Immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, and TUNEL analyses revealed that apoptosis occurred first at the basal, then middle and then apical regions in the midgut epithelium and the yellow body is formed in the lumen. At least three waves of mitosis and differentiation follow the apoptosis waves from the basal and middle to apical parts to form the adult epithelium.


Impact of the irregular microgeometry of polyurethane foam on the macroscopic acoustic behavior predicted by a unit-cell model.
This paper deals with the prediction of the macroscopic sound absorption behavior of highly porous polyurethane foams using two unit-cell microstructure-based models recently developed by Doutres, Atalla, and Dong [J. Appl. Phys. 110, 064901 (2011); J. Appl. Phys. 113, 054901 (2013)]. In these models, the porous material is idealized as a packing of a tetrakaidecahedra unit-cell representative of the disordered network that constitutes the porous frame. The non-acoustic parameters involved in the classical Johnson-Champoux-Allard model (i.e., porosity, airflow resistivity, tortuosity, etc.) are derived from characteristic properties of the unit-cell and semi-empirical relationships. A global sensitivity analysis is performed on these two models in order to investigate how the variability associated with the measured unit-cell characteristics affects the models outputs. This allows identification of the possible limitations of a unit-cell micro-macro approach due to microstructure irregularity. The sensitivity analysis mainly shows that for moderately and highly reticulated polyurethane foams, the strut length parameter is the key parameter since it greatly impacts three important non-acoustic parameters and causes large uncertainty on the sound absorption coefficient even if its measurement variability is moderate. For foams with a slight inhomogeneity and anisotropy, a micro-macro model associated to cell size measurements should be preferred.


Impaired platelet reactivity in patients with septic shock: a proof-of-concept study.
Coagulation disorders and thrombocytopenia are common in patients with septic shock, but only few studies have focused on platelet variables beyond platelet count. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether platelets reactivity predicts sepsis-induced thrombocytopenia in patients with septic shock. We therefore enrolled consecutive patients with septic shock and platelets count >150*103/μL on the day of the diagnosis. Platelets reactivity tests were performed daily from the diagnosis of septic shock until day five; platelet volume distribution and mean platelet volume were also recorded daily. Sepsis-induced thrombocytopenia was defined as a platelet count <150*103/μL. Thirty patients were included; sepsis-induced thrombocytopenia occurred in 11 (31%) patients. Platelets reactivity and platelet count at day of septic shock diagnosis were not correlated. Patients who experienced thrombocytopenia had lower maximal aggregation at diagnosis than others. Maximal aggregation tests were predictors of thrombocytopenia (AUROC from 0.756 to 0.797, depending on the agonist used). Both platelet volume distribution width and mean platelet volume were predictors of 90-day mortality (AUROC 0.866 and 0.735, respectively). In this pilot study, impaired platelets reactivity was more common in patients who subsequently developed sepsis-induced thrombocytopenia; also, platelet volume distribution width and mean platelet volume were predictors of 90-day mortality.


[Usefulness of three-dimensional CT angiography for cervical tumor].
In this study, the usefulness of three-dimensional angiographic imagings from helical scanning computed tomography (CT) enhanced by contrast media were evaluated based on results from three patients with a cervical mass, e.g. thyroid cancer and carotid body tumor. Three-dimensional CT (3D-CT) angiographic imagings in these cases clearly demonstrated secondary dislocation or distortion of the major cervical vessels caused by the tumor or metastatic lymph nodes. It was remarkable that in the highly vascularized tumor in case 3, all features of the tumor were delineated by 3D-CT angiography. Our results indicate that 3D-CT angiographic imagings are especially useful for preoperative evaluation of the relationship of the cervical mass to major cervical vessels as well as in the observation of tumors rich in vasculature.


The presenilins turned inside out: implications for their structures and functions.
The presenilin (PS) proteins are polytopic integral membrane proteins that are critically involved in the development of Alzheimer's disease. The topography of the PS molecule in the endoplasmic reticulum membrane is widely accepted as exhibiting eight-hydrophobic-transmembrane (8-TM) helices. We have previously provided evidence, however, that the intact PS molecule is also present in the cell surface where it exhibits exclusively a 7-TM topography, which differs in significant structural features from the 8-TM model. This evidence, however, has been disparaged and generally rejected by researchers in Alzheimer's disease. The 7-TM model is definitively demonstrated in the present study for PS-1 at the surfaces of PS-1-transfected cells and for endogenous PS-1 at the surfaces of untransfected cells, by immunofluorescence studies using mAbs. These studies force substantial revision of current views of the structural and functional properties of the PS proteins.