Optimization of milk-based medium for efficient cultivation of Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum G4 using face-centered central composite-response surface methodology.
This study was undertaken to optimize skim milk and yeast extract concentration as a cultivation medium for optimal Bifidobacteria pseudocatenulatum G4 (G4) biomass and β -galactosidase production as well as lactose and free amino nitrogen (FAN) balance after cultivation period. Optimization process in this study involved four steps: screening for significant factors using 2(3) full factorial design, steepest ascent, optimization using FCCD-RSM, and verification. From screening steps, skim milk and yeast extract showed significant influence on the biomass production and, based on the steepest ascent step, middle points of skim milk (6% wt/vol) and yeast extract (1.89% wt/vol) were obtained. A polynomial regression model in FCCD-RSM revealed that both factors were found significant and the strongest influence was given by skim milk concentration. Optimum concentrations of skim milk and yeast extract for maximum biomass G4 and β -galactosidase production meanwhile low in lactose and FAN balance after cultivation period were 5.89% (wt/vol) and 2.31% (wt/vol), respectively. The validation experiments showed that the predicted and experimental values are not significantly different, indicating that the FCCD-RSM model developed is sufficient to describe the cultivation process of G4 using skim-milk-based medium with the addition of yeast extract.


The relationship between buspirone bioavailability and dose in healthy subjects.
Dose dependency of the pharmacokinetics of buspirone, a new anxiolytic agent, was tested in 24 healthy volunteers. Each subject received 10, 20, and 40 mg doses according to a randomized, three-way crossover design with a 7-day interval between treatments. Buspirone AUC values at 10, 20, and 40 mg doses were in the ratio of 1:1.7:3.5 while Cmax values had a ratio of 1:1.9:3.7. The dose normalized (10 mg basis) AUC and Cmax values, Tmax values, and half-lives were not significantly different (p greater than 0.05) among the doses. Buspirone half-life did not change as a function of dose (mg kg-1). It was concluded that buspirone exhibits linear pharmacokinetics following doses in the therapeutic range.


Claudin-10 exists in six alternatively spliced isoforms that exhibit distinct localization and function.
The tight junction protein claudin-10 is known to exist in two isoforms, resulting from two alternative exons, 1a and 1b (Cldn10a, Cldn10b). Here, we identified and characterized another four claudin-10 splice variants in mouse and human. One (Cldn10a_v1) results from an alternative splice donor site, causing a deletion of the last 57 nucleotides of exon 1a. For each of these three variants one further splice variant was identified (Cldn10a_v2, Cldn10a_v3, Cldn10b_v1), lacking exon 4. When transfected into MDCK cells, Cldn10a, Cldn10a_v1 and Cldn10b were inserted into the tight junction, whereas isoforms of splice variants lacking exon 4 were retained in the endoplasmic reticulum. Cldn10a transfection into MDCK cells confirmed the previously described increase in paracellular anion permeability. Cldn10a_v1 transfection had no direct effect, but modulated Cldn10a-induced organic anion permeability. At variance with previous reports in MDCK-II cells, transfection of high-resistance MDCK-C7 cells with Cldn10b dramatically decreased transepithelial resistance, increased cation permeability, and changed monovalent cation selectivity from Eisenman sequence IV to X, indicating the presence of a high field-strength binding site that almost completely removes the hydration shell of the permeating cations. The extent of all these effects strongly depended on the endogenous claudins of the transfected cells.


Dietary Reference Intakes for food labeling.
The annual American Society for Nutritional Sciences/American Society for Clinical Nutrition Public Information Committee symposium for 2005 titled "Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) for Food Labeling" served as a platform to address the use of DRIs in food labeling, a change that could affect the processing of foods and supplements and the nutrient intakes of consumers. Speakers from science, industry, trade organizations, and the government came together to provide critical thinking about the most appropriate DRI values to use in food labeling. The proceedings of the symposium cover consumer perspectives on food labels, the regulatory process for revising labeling relative to the DRIs, the food industry's perspective on the use of the new DRIs in food labeling, and differing opinions on whether to use Recommended Dietary Allowances or Estimated Average Requirements to set Daily Values.


Circadian preference is associated with multiple domains of trait and state level impulsivity.
Impulsivity is a multidimensional construct with well-documented risk for substance use problems at both the trait- and state levels. A circadian preference towards eveningness has been linked to trait-level, global impulsivity, but whether this association holds true across multiple dimensions of impulsivity and whether actual sleep timing shows parallel associations with impulsivity remain unclear. Here, we extend existing literature by investigating whether eveningness is associated with multiple facets of both trait- and state-level impulsivity. We also examined these associations utilizing daily measures of sleep timing and duration and explored whether they differed by sex and/or race. All participants were moderate-to-heavy social drinkers aged 21-35. Primary analyses included 78 participants (100% White male participants: Sample 1) with circadian preference data (Composite Scale of Morningness: CSM) and sleep timing (midsleep) and duration assessed via daily self-report over 10 days. Five facets of impulsivity were assessed via the UPPS-P, both at baseline (full scale; trait-level) and up to 6 times per day over 10 days (reduced scale; state-level). Linear regression and mixed-effects models were used to examine between- and within-person associations of impulsivity with measures of circadian preference, timing, and duration, accounting for covariates. Exploratory analyses combined Sample 1 with an additional more diverse sample (Sample 2), resulting in a total of 182 participants (29.1% self-identified as Black, 29.7% as female) with daily self-report sleep timing and duration only (no circadian preference). Primary between-person models found that eveningness was associated with multiple facets of impulsivity, at trait (lack of perseverance) and state levels (negative and positive urgency, lack of perseverance, and lack of premeditation), while average midsleep and duration were generally unrelated to impulsivity. Primary within-person models largely paralleled the between-person findings. Exploratory analyses in the larger combined Samples 1 and 2 (without circadian preference) found that later midsleep timing was associated with greater mean state-level impulsivity across multiple facets, associations that may differ by race and sex. In a sample of White male participants, circadian preference for eveningness was strongly associated with multiple facets of impulsivity, at both trait- and state-levels, which may contribute to risk for substance use. Preliminary findings suggest sex and race differences in sleep-impulsivity associations, but future research with objective sleep/circadian measures in larger, more diverse samples will be important to clarify implications for sleep-focused prevention and/or treatment of substance use.


Absorption and digestive tract metabolism of 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutanoic acid in lambs.
Anabolic availability of the hydroxyl methionine analog, 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutanoic acid (HMTBA), given as oral doses to lambs, was quantified both directly as appearance in the portal vein and as synthesis to Met by digestive tract tissues. Eight lambs, prepared with vascular catheters in the mesenteric and portal veins plus the aorta, received twice daily for 7 d either 0.46 g or 2 g of HMTBA. On d 7, [1-13C]HMTBA was supplied as 1 oral dose while [methyl-2H3]Met was infused into the jugular vein. Peak absorption as HMTBA occurred 70 to 90 min after the oral dose. All digestive tract tissues converted HMTBA to Met, equivalent to 24% of the Met provided by the diet for the larger HMTBA dose. Overall, total availability of HMBTA averaged 17.9% of the dose (range 10.6 to 27.9%), with 12.5% (range 7 to 22%) as absorbed HMBTA and the remainder as Met synthesized by digestive tract tissues. Release of 13CO2 into the portal vein accounted for another 23% of the dose. In all digestive tract tissues, the d-isomer was present in a smaller proportion than in the dose. In terms of whole-body kinetics, HMTBA loss from the plasma followed first-order kinetics, with a mean biological half-life of 76 min. Using this value, a simple model was devised to estimate HMTBA absorption based on peripheral plasma samples. When compared with direct measures of absorption, the model gave a slope of 0.81 (R2 = 0.68) and offers a practical means to test HMTBA availability to animals.


Speech-language pathology care and short- and long-term outcomes of oropharyngeal cancer treatment in the elderly.
To examine associations between speech-language pathology (SLP) care and pretreatment variables, short-term and long-term swallowing and airway impairment, and survival in elderly patients treated for oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer (SCCA). Retrospective analysis of Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare data. We evaluated longitudinal data from 666 patients diagnosed with oropharyngeal SCCA from 2004 to 2007 using cross-tabulations, multivariate logistic regression, and survival analysis. SLP care was documented in 25% of patients. High-volume hospital care (odds ratio (OR) = 3.2 [1.0-10.0]) and dysphagia during treatment (OR = 13.0 [3.6-47.1]) were the only significant predictors of SLP care during the initial treatment period. SLP care was significantly more likely during the first year (OR = 5.3 [3.1-9.1]) and second year (OR = 4.5 [2.4-8.2]) following initial treatment. Subsequent dysphagia (OR = 32.5 [16.9-62.4]), stricture (OR = 2.2 [1.2-4.0]), gastrostomy (OR = 1.7 [1.1-2.7]), and tracheostomy tube use (OR = 2.4 [1.2-4.8]) were significantly associated with long-term SLP care. After controlling for patient, tumor, and treatment-related variables, SLP care was associated with significant relative attenuation of the OR for dysphagia (93%), stricture (35%), weight loss (8%), and airway obstruction (34%). Survival analysis, controlling for all other variables, demonstrated improved survival for patients under SLP care (hazard ratio = 0.73 [0.57-0.95]). SLP care is underutilized in elderly oropharyngeal SCCA patients and largely utilized after the onset of impaired airway and swallowing function, but is associated with improved outcomes. These data suggest a need for treatment guidelines that incorporate the routine use of SLP care in this population during the initial treatment period and beyond. 2c. Laryngoscope, 128:1403-1411, 2018.


Series of isostructural planar lanthanide complexes [Ln(III)4(mu3-OH)2(mdeaH)2(piv)8] with single molecule magnet behavior for the Dy4 analogue.
A series of five isostructural tetranuclear lanthanide complexes of formula [Ln(4)(mu(3)-OH)(2)(mdeaH)(2)(piv)(8)], (mdeaH(2) = N-methyldiethanolamine; piv = pivalate; Ln = Tb (1), Dy (2), Ho (3), Er (4), and Tm (5)) have been synthesized and characterized. These clusters have a planar "butterfly" Ln(4) core. Magnetically, the Ln(III) ions are weakly coupled in all cases; the Dy(4) compound 2 shows Single Molecule Magnet (SMM) behavior.


[Approaches to low-income groups' sexuality: a comparative study of women in three low-income contexts in Peru].
"This work...examines the cultural dimension of sexuality and fertility of women from [low-income] sectors in Peru. It intends to explain the cultural processes that fall into the intermediate variables of fertility, such as marriage rate, contraception, breastfeeding and...abortion. These dimensions of sexual and reproductive life are analyzed according to two explanatory dimensions: generation and cultural context of socialization. The general hypothesis is that a cultural process of homogenization of the values and behaviors has been taking place over sexuality, in such a way that the younger generations will show similar standard behaviors and values no matter their context of socialization; in the meantime, in the older groups there will exist contextual differences in these dimensions." (SUMMARY IN ENG)


Dynamic ellipsometry study on curved thin films at pendent droplet surfaces.
This paper describes the construction of an apparatus that detects the dynamic thickness/reflective-index changes of the curved thin films on the pendent droplet surfaces. The apparatus was constructed by integrating two well-established techniques: null ellipsometry and the pendent drop shape analysis system. The shape analysis system is used to precisely control the height of the objective pendent droplets. This allows the laser beam of ellipsometry to be continually locked in the exact bottom position of the pendent droplets. Such an arrangement facilitates the dynamic investigation of the film thickness as well as the continual monitoring of the surface tension.


Influx in vivo of low density, intermediate density, and very low density lipoproteins into aortic intimas of genetically hyperlipidemic rabbits. Roles of plasma concentrations, extent of aortic lesion, and lipoprotein particle size as determinants.
To compare the atherogenic potential of low density lipoprotein (LDL), intermediate density lipoprotein (IDL), and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) under conditions where plasma levels of these lipoproteins are elevated, the influx of cholesterol in these lipoproteins into the aortic intima was measured in vivo in genetically hyperlipidemic rabbits from the St. Thomas's Hospital strain, an animal model that shares many of the features of the human disorder familial combined hyperlipidemia. Univariate linear regression showed that the arterial influx of LDL cholesterol (n = 25), IDL cholesterol (n = 14), and VLDL cholesterol (n = 10) was positively and linearly associated with plasma concentrations of LDL cholesterol in the range 0.2-6.4 mmol/l, of IDL cholesterol in the range 0.1-7.0 mmol/l, and of VLDL cholesterol in the range 0.7-8.5 mmol/l, respectively, and also with the extent of lesions in the arterial intima in the range 0-100% of the surface area. Multiple linear regression suggested that the arterial influx of LDL, IDL, and VLDL cholesterol was linearly dependent on plasma concentration, independent of lesion size. Furthermore, it appeared that the arterial influx of the three lipoproteins was linearly dependent on the extent of the lesions, independent of lipoprotein concentration. When influx was normalized for plasma concentration (intimal clearance) and for lesion size (compared within the same aorta), the intimal clearance of the larger IDL and VLDL particles was 15-35% less than that of the smaller LDL particles. These findings suggest that the quantitatively most important mechanism for transfer of plasma lipoproteins into the arterial intima involves nonspecific molecular sieving and that at elevated plasma levels, IDL and VLDL share with LDL the potential for causing atherosclerosis.


Validation of the CPQ8-10ESP in Mexican school children in urban areas.
The current indicators used to gather information on oral health in children are basically clinical indexes that register mainly dental caries, periodontal disease, and malocclusion. These indexes should be complemented with emotional and social aspects related to the individual experience and perception of oral health status. In order to obtain this information, valid instruments capable of evaluating the impact of oral health as it relates to the quality of life (OHRQoL) are required. The objective of the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ8-10) is to assess OHRQoL in children aged eight to ten years. CPQ8-10 consists of 25 questions divided into four domains: oral symptoms, functional limitation, emotional well-being, and social well-being. The aim of this study was to validate the translated Spanish version of the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ8-10ESP) in use with Mexican urban children. Three hundred fifteen students in Mexico City aged eight- to ten-years-old participated in this study. The CPQ8-10ESP questionnaire was self-administered in the classroom. Clinical data about caries and malocclusion were obtained. To assess test-retest reliability, the questionnaire was reapplied to a subgroup of children. Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient was 0.89 for the total CPQ8-10ESP scale. The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.67; a statistically significant difference was found in the CPQ8-10ESP mean score between children with caries and malocclusion; a significant correlation between general well-being ratings with all domains was found (p<0.001). General perception of oral health was associated with both oral symptoms (p=0.049) and emotional well-being (p=0.022) domains, as well as with the total scale (p=0.015). The CPQ8-10ESP version showed good validity and reliability for use with Mexican schoolchildren from urban areas.


Peri-Operative Bacteraemia in Burn Patients. What Does it Mean?
Bacteraemias during burn wound manipulation are frequent, especially following burn wound excision. However, these bacteraemias seem not to have any clinical consequences, and their treatment is therefore controversial. Over a 20-month period 35 surgical debridement procedures were recorded prospectively in 18 burn patients. Blood culture samples were drawn before, during, and after surgical excision. Bacteraemias were found in ten out of the 35 patients (28%), and 16 of the 105 blood samples (15%) were positive. All three blood samples were positive in one case ("primary bacteraemia"), while others were "transient bacteraemia". Six positive blood cultures were considered to be "bacteraemias induced by wound manipulation" and seven "bacteraemias of unknown source". Bacteraemias of unknown source were not recorded at any time while "bacteraemias induced by wound manipulation" were recorded after day 5 post-burn. Patients with more than 40% TBSA had 4.3 times more bacteraemic risk than patients with less extensive TBSA. Blood pressure and white blood cell variations were observed in bacteraemic patients but without any clinical relevance. We conclude that bacteraemic rates were high and that there were two different patterns of bacteraemia- both transient and with no clinical relevance.


The mechanism of weight-loss promoting effects of oil heated with vegetable protein.
We have previously reported that a soy oil-containing experimental diet (fat-free AIN93G containing oil thermally processed with soybean protein followed by filtration), inhibited body weight increases without any adverse effects when given ad libitum to male Wistar rats for 12 weeks. In the present paper, the mechanism of weight-loss promoting effects was investigated. Fasted 10-week-old rats were fed a slurry composed of AIN93G (fat-free), Cr(2)O(3) (marker), water, and 7 wt% soy oil or fresh oil (control) and sacrificed at 20, 60, 90, 120, 150, 210, 270 or 360 min. The stomach, small intestine, cecum, colon and feces were then collected to determine the distribution of the slurry in the digestive tract. The results indicated that the content was transferred faster from stomach to small intestine in the soy oil group than in the control group. Fecal excretion (derived from a commercial standard diet ingested before slurry administration) in the soy oil group was significantly higher than in the control group. Digestive enzyme activities, lipase, sucrose, and maltose, were not inhibited by soy oil. In addition, feces collected in the 12-week feeding experiment were more in the dry weight and contained higher levels of nitrogen and water in the soy oil group than in the control group, revealing that an increased amount of nutrition was continuously excreted in the former group. The above-described findings suggest that soy oil stimulated peristalsis of the gastrointestinal tract and that colon contents are actively excreted, resulting in safe and steady body weight decreases.


The Airway Microbiome-IL-17 Axis: a Critical Regulator of Chronic Inflammatory Disease.
The respiratory tract is home to a diverse microbial community whose influence on local and systemic immune responses is only beginning to be appreciated. Increasing reports have linked changes in this microbiome to a range of pulmonary and extrapulmonary disorders, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Central to many of these findings is the role of IL-17-type immunity as an important driver of inflammation. Despite the crucial role played by IL-17-mediated immune responses in protection against infection, overt Th17 cell responses have been implicated in the pathogenesis of several chronic inflammatory diseases. However, our knowledge of the influence of bacteria that commonly colonise the respiratory tract on IL-17-driven inflammatory responses remains sparse. In this article, we review the current knowledge on the role of specific members of the airway microbiota in the modulation of IL-17-type immunity and discuss how this line of research may support the testing of susceptible individuals and targeting of inflammation at its earliest stages in the hope of preventing the development of chronic disease.


Edge and Basal Plane Anisotropy of a Preanodized Pencil Graphite Electrode Surface Revealed Using Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy and Electrocatalytic Dopamine Oxidation as a Molecular Probe.
Pencil graphite (PGE), an ultralow-cost and ready-to-use disposable-type electrode, has been used for various electrochemical and electroanalytical applications after its surface anodization (PGE*, * means preanodized surface). Indeed, systematic studies on mechanistic and surface features of PGE* have not yet been explored. Herein, we report anodized pencil graphite as a model system to study molecular level insights into the surface using a scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) technique and dopamine (DA) electrocatalytic oxidation reaction as a molecular probe. The as-prepared PGE* showed an appreciable electronic conductivity similar to the edge-plane graphitic sites (EPPG) of the highly pyrolytic graphitic electrode (HOPG) but without any surface deterioration that occurs with HOPG due to the instability of the EPPG. Physicochemical characterizations by FESEM, FTIR, Raman, and XPS techniques revealed a flake-like exfoliated PGE* surface with higher contents of carbon-oxygen especially phenolic/alcoholic functional groups than the PGE surface. Based on the chronocoulometric experiment, the number of functional groups formed on the PGE* was calculated as 10.9 × 10-10 mol cm-2. An independent SECM technique using ferricyanide as a redox probe showed the existence of a heterogeneous surface and exhibited an improved electron transfer activity due to the flake-like graphitic island on the PGE* surface. Investigated DA electrochemical oxidation on PGE* yielded about three times enhancement in the peak current signal and about 200 mV reduction in the oxidation potential over the PGE without any serious surface fouling feature that is related to the intermediate polydopamine formation on the basal-plane graphitic surface of the underlying electrode. As an independent electroanalytical study, a prototype electrochemical sensor using PGE* as a working electrode for instant detection of DA-containing pharmaceutical samples in a 1 mL Eppendorf vial has been demonstrated.


[Treatment and rehabilitation of disabilities caused by leprosy at a rural hospital (Kapolowé, Zaïre)].
Since 1985, we contribute to treat and rehabilitate the leprosy infirmities at Kapolowe District Hospital (Shaba, Zaire). The setting up of a permanent autochtonous Department (Tschibangu), has taken the place of the temporary expeditions. A first follow-up refers to 138 patients, on which 259 interventions have been done: 165 refer to foot ulcerations and theirs septic osteoarticular complications, 75 relate to neuritis, 8 only have been restorative interventions. 75% of our patients have had a good social reinsertion. The 25% relapses show the importance of a good limb prosthesis, of sanitary education of the patients and their supervision when they go back to brushwood. In the initial period, it is necessary to start by performing in cleanliness surgery, otherwise bright restorative interventions would be inefficient.


Nitric oxide and sickle cell disease-Is there a painful connection?
Sickle cell disease is the most common hemoglobinopathy and affects millions worldwide. The disease is associated with severe organ dysfunction, acute and chronic pain, and significantly decreased life expectancy. The large body of work demonstrating that hemolysis results in rapid consumption of the endogenous vasodilator nitric oxide, decreased nitric oxide production, and promotion of vaso-occlusion provides the basis for the hypothesis that nitric oxide bioavailability is reduced in sickle cell disease and that this deficit plays a role in sickle cell disease pain. Despite initial promising results, large clinical trials using strategies to increase nitric oxide bioavailability in sickle cell disease patients yielded no significant change in duration or frequency of acute pain crises. Further, recent investigations showed that sickle cell disease patients and mouse models have elevated baseline levels of blood nitrite, a reservoir for nitric oxide formation and a product of nitric oxide metabolism, regardless of pain phenotype. These conflicting results challenge the hypotheses that nitric oxide bioavailability is decreased and that it plays a significant role in the pathogenesis in sickle cell disease acute pain crises. Conversely, a large body of work demonstrates that nitric oxide, as a neurotransmitter, has a complex role in pain neurobiology, contributes to the development of central sensitization, and can mediate hyperalgesia in inflammatory and neuropathic pain. These results support an alternative hypothesis: one proposing that altered nitric oxide signaling may contribute to the development of neuropathic and/or inflammatory pain in sickle cell disease through its role as a neurotransmitter.


Relationship of trait anger to resting blood pressure: a meta-analysis.
A series of meta-analyses were conducted to assess whether anger is related to essential hypertension. The present review also considered the relevance of the distinction between anger experience and anger expression, the effect of participant selection bias, and the white-coat hypertension effect for the anger-blood pressure (BP) association. Anger experience was correlated with elevated BP, but the relationship was small and highly variable. When positive effects emerged, both participant selection and the reliability of BP measurement posed interpretational problems. Persons high in anger are not merely exhibiting elevated BP in response to testing, so a white-coat effect is not evident. Being labeled as hypertensive may contribute to higher anger scores, however. The review suggests lines of future research concerning associations between trait anger and blood pressure.


Collagen sponge prolongs taurine release for improved wound healing through inflammation inhibition and proliferation stimulation.
Attenuating oxidative stress response is an effective strategy for the treatment of wounds. Taurine is a widely abundant amino acid in mammal species, capable of inhibiting oxygen-free radicals during the inflammation phase. A novel taurine carried biocompatible composite collagen-derived sponge, Tau@Col, was fabricated for the treatment of a full-thickness removal mouse wounds model. In vitro experiments included taurine release from Tau@Col and cell viability when co-cultured with Tau@Col. With the prolonged release of taurine upon the wound site, Tau@Col was engineered to perform well in the wound site through inflammation inhibition and proliferation stimulation as demonstrated by a series of histological staining. In vitro taurine release profile and good cell biocompatibility of Tau@Col were demonstrated. In vivo studies showed that Tau@Col indeed sped up the process of wound regeneration through enhanced granulation formation, collagen deposition as well as re-epithelialization. Further investigations through immunofluorescence staining revealed that the improved wound healing ability of Tau@Col was mediated by the enhanced cell proliferation via the upregulation of endogenous vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) expression as well as decreased inflammatory response through stimulated M2 polarization of macrophages. This engineered Tau@Col delivery system has great potential as a wound dressing in future applications.


Ballroom dancers exhibit a dispositional need for arousal and elevated cerebral cortical activity during preferred melodic recall.
Although the association of human temperament and preference has been studied previously, few investigations have examined cerebral cortical activation to assess brain dynamics associated with the motivation to engage in performance. The present study adopted a personality and cognitive neuroscience approach to investigate if participation in ballroom dancing is associated with sensation-seeking temperament and elevated cerebral cortical arousal during freely chosen musical recall. Preferred tempo, indicated by tapping speed during melodic recall, and a measure of fundamental disposition or temperament were assessed in 70 ballroom dancers and 71 nondancers. All participants completed a trait personality inventory (i.e., the Chen Huichang 60 Temperaments Inventory) to determine four primary types: choleric, sanguine, phlegmatic and melancholic. Participants separately recalled their favorite musical piece and tapped to it with their index finger for 40 beats using a computer keyboard. A subset of 59 participants (29 ballroom dancers and 30 nondancers) also repeated the same tapping task while electroencephalographic (EEG) activity was recorded. The results revealed that the dancers were more extraverted, indicative of a heightened need for arousal, exhibited a preference for faster musical tempo, and exhibited elevated EEG beta power during the musical recall task relative to nondancers. Paradoxically, dancers also showed elevated introversion (i.e., melancholic score) relative to nondancers, which can be resolved by consideration of interactional personality theory if one assumes reasonably that dance performance environment is perceived in a stimulating manner. The results are generally consistent with arousal theory, and suggest that ballroom dancers seek elevated stimulation and, thereby, choose to engage with active and energetic rhythmic auditory stimulation, thus providing the nervous system with the requisite stimulation for desired arousal. These results also suggest an underlying predisposition for engagement in ballroom dance and support the gravitational hypothesis, which propose that personality traits and perception lead to the motivation to engage in specific forms of human performance.


Amikacin sulfate in mares: pharmacokinetics and body fluid and endometrial concentrations after repeated intramuscular administration.
Six mares were given 5 IM injections (at 12-hour intervals between doses) of amikacin sulfate at a dosage of 7 mg/kg of body weight. Serum amikacin concentrations were measured serially throughout the study; synovial, peritoneal, endometrial, and urine concentrations were determined after the last injection. Amikacin concentrations of the CSF were measured serially in 3 of the 6 mares; 1 of the 3 mares had septic meningitis. Mean serum amikacin concentrations peaked at 1 to 2 hours after IM injection. The highest mean serum concentration was 19.2 micrograms/ml (1.5 hours after the 5th injection). The highest mean synovial concentration was 10.8 micrograms/ml at 2 hours after the 5th injection; the highest mean peritoneal concentration was 16.2 micrograms/ml at 3 hours after the 5th injection. The mean endometrial amikacin concentration was 2.5 micrograms/g (1.5 hours after the 5th injection). Amikacin reached a CSF concentration of 0.97 micrograms/ml in the mare with meningitis, but amikacin was not detected in CSF of healthy mares. Urine concentrations reached 1,458 micrograms/ml. Pharmacokinetic values were estimated after the 1st injection (elimination rate constant = 0.31/hour; half-life = 2.3 hours; apparent volume of distribution = 0.26 L/kg), and after the 5th injection (elimination rate constant = 0.28/hour; half-life = 2.6 hours; apparent volume of distribution = 0.30 L/kg); significant differences were not observed.


Serologic and DNA follow-up data from HBsAg-positive patients treated with orthotopic liver transplantation.
Fifteen hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive patients treated with orthotopic liver transplantation were studied to determine whether any clinical, serologic, or histologic data were predictive for recurrent hepatitis B infection leading to graft failure. Six patients died early, one due to primary graft nonfunction and the remaining five due to septic complications. There were nine patients surviving longer than two months, eight of whom are alive at a mean follow-up of 556 days. HBsAg and hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) reappeared in the sera of all survivors after a variable transient period of clearance. One patient died 3 months posttransplant of fungal sepsis and was found to have histologic evidence for recurrent hepatitis and positive immunoperoxidase staining postmortem. The remaining eight survivors are home and clinically well, with no histologic evidence of hepatitis. Seven of these eight patients have hepatitis B viral DNA in their sera. We conclude that while there is a high early mortality, usually from sepsis, none of the serologic, histologic, or DNA data analyzed can be used to predict graft loss from recurrent hepatitis. No grafts have been lost due to recurrent hepatitis B in this series, and therefore we believe that HBsAg positive patients should not be excluded from transplantation.


Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis indicates genotypic heterogeneity among Campylobacter upsaliensis strains.
To determine the genomic relatedness among a selection of animal and human Campylobacter upsaliensis isolates, macrorestriction profiles were generated for 20 C. upsaliensis strains, among 7 serogroups, using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). XhoI, SalI and SacII restriction enzyme profiles indicated genomic heterogeneity among strains. Using XhoI and SacII restriction enzyme digestion, genomic similarities between some pairs of strains were Lior serogroup specific. The genomic sizes of these isolates varied from 1.74 to 2.09 Mb. These results demonstrate molecular heterogeneity of this species similar to that found among Helicobacter pylori isolates. Among C. upsaliensis strains, PFGE is highly discriminatory and should prove a useful molecular typing method for epidemiological purposes.


Endocinch therapy for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease: a one year prospective follow up.
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is, in the main, treated with either proton pump inhibitor (PPI) drugs or a Nissen fundoplication operation. Recently, BARD developed Endocinch, a device used to place sutures just below the oesophagogastric junction (OGJ) to treat GORD. To evaluate the long term benefit of the Endocinch technique in patients seen up to 12 months post procedure. Twenty six patients with symptoms of GORD were recruited and had the procedure performed. Four patients were lost to follow up. Twenty two patients completed their one year follow up. Pre procedure and post procedure (up to 12 months) assessments included symptom scoring (DeMeester), upper intestinal endoscopy, oesophageal manometry and 24 hour oesophageal pH, and completion of quality of life (QOL) questionnaires. Mean age was 39 years (range 22-62). Heartburn symptom score was reduced from a mean value of 19.22 at baseline to 7.5 at 12 months (n=22) (p<0.0001). Regurgitation score reduced from a mean of 2.27 at baseline to 0.86 at 12 months (n=22) (p<0.001). Mean (SEM) pH DeMeester acid score was reduced from 44.1 (4.3) to 33.32 (4.73) (p=0.028) at three month post procedure. Percentage upright acid exposure and number of reflux episodes were also reduced significantly. Use of PPIs was reduced by 64% at 12 months post procedure. All QOL assessments showed significant improvement (p=0.01). All transient post procedure complaints resolved within 72 hours. The Endocinch procedure is an effective and safe outpatient procedure that offers GORD patients significant improvement in symptomatology, QOL, and reduced requirements for PPIs over at least a one year period.


Vitamin D supplementation improves sustained virologic response in chronic hepatitis C (genotype 1)-naïve patients.
To determine whether adding vitamin D, a potent immunomodulator, improves the hepatitis C virus (HCV) response to antiviral therapy. Seventy-two consecutive patients with chronic HCV genotype 1 were randomized into two groups: the treatment group (n = 36, 50% male, mean age 47 ± 11 years) received Peg-α-2b interferon (1.5 μg/kg per week) plus ribavirin (1000-1200 mg/d) together with vitamin D3 (2000 IU/d, target serum level > 32 ng/mL), and the control group (n = 36, 60% male, mean age 49 ± 7 years) received identical therapy without vitamin D. HCV-RNA was assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (sensitivity, 10 IU/mL). The sustained virologic response (SVR) was defined as undetectable HCV-RNA at 24 wk post-treatment. Clinical characteristics were similar in both groups. The treatment group had a higher mean body mass index (27 ± 4 kg/m² vs 24 ± 3 kg/m²; P < 0.01), viral load (50% vs 42%, P < 0.01), and fibrosis score (> F2: 42% vs 19%, P < 0.001) than the controls. At week 4, 16 (44%) treated patients and 6 (17%) controls were HCV-RNA negative (P < 0.001). At week 12, 34 (94%) treated patients and 17 (48%) controls were HCV-RNA negative (P < 0.001). At 24 wk post-treatment (SVR), 31 (86%) treated patients and 15 (42%) controls were HCV-RNA negative (P < 0.001). Viral load, advanced fibrosis and vitamin D supplementation were strongly and independently associated with SVR (multivariate analysis). Adverse events were mild and typical of Peg-α-2b/ribavirin. Adding vitamin D to conventional Peg-α-2b/ribavirin therapy for treatment-naïve patients with chronic HCV genotype 1 infection significantly improves the viral response.


The natural history of dementia.
This review summarizes studies on the natural history of dementia with a focus on Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. Understanding the course of dementia is important not only for patients, caregivers, and health professionals, but also for health policy-makers, who have to plan for national resources needed in the management of an increasing number of dementia cases. From the available published data, the life expectancy of elderly people with dementia is shorter than that of non-demented elderly. Reports on survival after a diagnosis of dementia vary from 3 to 12 years. The wide variation is partly due to the diagnostic criteria used in the studies and the sites where they were conducted (i.e. hospitals, clinics, or homes). There is an apparent difference in survival between Alzheimer's disease patients with onset of illness before 75 years and those after 75 years: the younger patients have a longer life expectancy. However, there are conflicting data on survival (in years) comparing male and female patients and comparing patients of different ethnicities. For vascular dementia, published papers on life expectancy vary between 3 to 5 years. Vascular dementia appears to have a poorer prognosis than Alzheimer's disease. The stages of severity of dementia were compared in a follow-up of a sample of Alzheimer's disease patients in Singapore, and the mean duration of the mild phase (clinical dementia rating 1) was 5.6 years, the moderate phase (clinical dementia rating 2) was 3.5 years, and the severe phase (clinical dementia rating 3) was 3.2 years. At the various phases of the disease, the demand on health-care services and economic cost are different.


The immune response against Trypanosoma cruzi in the human placenta.
Congenital Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi), is partially responsible for the increasing globalization of Chagas disease despite its low transmission. During congenital transmission, the parasite reaches the fetus by crossing the placental barrier. However, the success or impairment of congenital transmission of the parasite is the product of a complex interaction between the parasite, the maternal and fetus/newborn immune responses and placental factors. There is other evidence apart from the low congenital transmission rates, which suggests the presence of defense mechanisms against T. cruzi. Thus, the typical amastigote nests (intracellular parasites) cannot be observed in placentas from mothers with chronic Chagas disease nor in human placental chorionic villi explants infected in vitro with the parasite. In the latter, only a few parasite antigens and DNA are identified. Accordingly, other infections of the placenta are not commonly observed. All these evidences suggest that the placenta can mount defense mechanisms against T. cruzi.


Nitric oxide alleviates aluminum-induced oxidative damage through regulating the ascorbate-glutathione cycle in roots of wheat.
The possible association with nitric oxide (NO) and ascorbate-glutathione (AsA-GSH) cycle in regulating aluminum (Al) tolerance of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was investigated using two genotypes with different Al resistance. Exposure to Al inhibited root elongation, and triggered lipid peroxidation and oxidation of AsA to dehydroascorbate and GSH to glutathione disulfide in wheat roots. Exogenous NO significantly increased endogenous NO levels, and subsequently alleviated Al-induced inhibition of root elongation and oxidation of AsA and GSH to maintain the redox molecules in the reduced form in both wheat genotypes. Under Al stress, significantly increased activities and gene transcriptional levels of ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and dehydroascorbate reductase, were observed in the root tips of the Al-tolerant genotype Jian-864. Nitric oxide application enhanced the activity and gene transcriptional level of these enzymes in both wheat genotypes. γ-Glutamylcysteine synthetase was not significantly affected by Al or NO, but NO treatments increased the activity of glutathione peroxidase and glutathione S-transferase to a greater extent than the Al-treated wheat seedlings. Proline was significantly decreased by Al, while it was not affected by NO. These results clearly suggest that NO protects wheat root against Al-induced oxidative stress, possibly through its regulation of the AsA-GSH cycle.


Immunolocalization of interleukin-4 in eosinophils in the bronchial mucosa of atopic asthmatics.
Several studies have shown that human eosinophils can synthesize and release a number of cytokines. The aim of this study was to investigate whether eosinophils contain interleukin (IL)-4 protein. We examined the ultrastructural localization of IL-4 in eosinophils in bronchial mucosal biopsies of 29 nonsmoking atopic asthmatics and 7 controls. No eosinophils were detected in the bronchial mucosa of controls. In the eosinophils (n = 42) of the asthmatics, IL-4 was localized to the electron-dense crystalloid core compartment of 85% of the secondary or specific eosinophil granules (n = 468). Other structures in the eosinophils were unlabeled. Control sections, incubated with an irrelevant primary antibody, were negative. This study demonstrates that pre-formed IL-4 is stored in the secondary eosinophil granules. These results were extended by light microscopic immunodouble-staining for IL-4 protein and eosinophil cationic protein, which showed that a subpopulation of activated eosinophils express IL-4 immunoreactivity in bronchial mucosal biopsies of asthmatics as well as controls. These data indicate that eosinophils may be an important source of IL-4 in allergic inflammation.


A statistical model for measurement error that incorporates variation over time in the target measure, with application to nutritional epidemiology.
Most statistical methods that adjust analyses for measurement error assume that the target exposure T is a fixed quantity for each individual. However, in many applications, the value of T for an individual varies with time. We develop a model that accounts for such variation, describing the model within the framework of a meta-analysis of validation studies of dietary self-report instruments, where the reference instruments are biomarkers. We demonstrate that in this application, the estimates of the attenuation factor and correlation with true intake, key parameters quantifying the accuracy of the self-report instrument, are sometimes substantially modified under the time-varying exposure model compared with estimates obtained under a traditional fixed-exposure model. We conclude that accounting for the time element in measurement error problems is potentially important.


Recent trends in praziquantel nanoformulations for helminthiasis treatment.
Infections caused by parasitic flatworms impose a considerable worldwide health burden. Recently, World Health Organization launched its roadmap for neglected diseases for the period 2021 to 2030 and oral treatment with praziquantel (PZQ) in tablet form is the main drug therapy for combating these diseases, but its use is limited by many drawbacks, including the high therapeutic dose due to the drug's low solubility and bioavailability. Among the strategies to improve PZQ performance, the use of drug nanocarriers has been cited as an interesting approach to overcome these pharmacological issues. This review focuses on the various types of nanomaterials (polymeric, lipidic, inorganic nanoparticles, and nanocrystals) which have been recently used to improve PZQ therapy. In addition, recent advances in PZQ nanoformulations, developed to overcome the barriers of the conventional drug are described. Considering the poor rate of discovery in the anthelmintic segment observed in recent decades, the effective management of existing drugs has become essential. The application of new strategies based on nanotechnology can extend the useful life of PZQ in new and more effective formulations. Pharmaceutical nanotechnology can solve the pharmacokinetic challenges characteristic of PZQ and improve its solubility and bioavailability.


Enhancing the hydrogen evolution activity of MoS2 basal planes and edges using tunable carbon-based supports.
The hydrogen adsorption free energy (ΔGHads) on the basal plane and edges of MoS2 is studied using periodic density functional theory, with the catalyst supported by a range of two-dimensional carbon-based materials. Understanding how ΔGHads can be tuned with support gives insight into MoS2 as a catalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction. The supports studied here include graphene oxide materials, heteroatom doped (S, B, and N) graphene, and some insulator materials (hexagonal boron nitride and graphitic carbon nitride). For the basal plane of MoS2, a wide range of values for ΔGHads are observed (between 1.4 and 2.2 eV) depending on the support material used. It is found that ΔGHads relates directly to the energy of occupied p-orbital states in the MoS2 catalyst, which is modified by the support material. On the Mo-edge of MoS2, different supports induce smaller variations in ΔGHads, with values ranging between -0.27 and 0.09 eV. However, a graphene support doped with graphitic N atoms produces a ΔGHads value of exactly 0 eV, which is thermodynamically ideal for hydrogen evolution. Furthermore, ΔGHads is found to relate closely and linearly to the amount of charge transfer between MoS2 and support when they adhere together. The support-induced tuning of ΔGHads on MoS2 observed here provides a useful tool for improving current MoS2 catalysts, and the discovery of variables which mediate changes in ΔGHads contributes to the rational design of new hydrogen evolution catalysts.


Changing precipitation pattern alters soil microbial community response to wet-up under a Mediterranean-type climate.
A large soil CO2 pulse is associated with rewetting soils after the dry summer period under a Mediterranean-type climate, significantly contributing to grasslands' annual carbon budget. Rapid reactivation of soil heterotrophs and a pulse of available carbon are both required to fuel the CO2 pulse. Understanding of the effects of altered summer precipitation on the metabolic state of indigenous microorganisms may be important in predicting changes in carbon cycling. Here, we investigated the effects of extending winter rainfall into the normally dry summer period on soil microbial response to a controlled rewetting event, by following the present (DNA-based) and potentially active (rRNA-based) soil bacterial and fungal communities in intact soil cores (from a California annual grassland) previously subjected to three different precipitation patterns over 4 months (full summer dry season, extended wet season and absent dry season). Phylogenetic marker genes for bacteria and fungi were sequenced before and after rewetting, and the abundance of these genes and transcripts was measured. After having experienced markedly different antecedent water conditions, the potentially active bacterial communities showed a consistent wet-up response. We found a significant positive relation between the extent of change in the structure of the potentially active bacterial community and the magnitude of the CO2 pulse upon rewetting dry soils. We suggest that the duration of severe dry summer conditions characteristic of the Mediterranean climate is important in conditioning the response potential of the soil microbial community to wet-up as well as in framing the magnitude of the associated CO2 pulse.


Enoxaparin Dose Requirements to Achieve Therapeutic Low-molecular-weight Heparin Anti-factor Xa Levels in Infants and Young Children.
Enoxaparin is commonly used to treat pediatric thrombosis. Several small retrospective studies have suggested that infants and young children require higher enoxaparin doses to achieve therapeutic anti-factor Xa levels compared with adults. This is a retrospective study of hospitalized children who received enoxaparin for the treatment of thrombosis at a free-standing children's hospital. The primary objective was to ascertain the enoxaparin dose required to achieve an anti-factor Xa level of 0.5 to 1.0 U/mL among 4 age groups in a large cohort of infants and young children between 60 days and 5 years of age. A total of 176 infants and children were evaluated. The majority of patients were less than 1 year of age (n=104). An inverse relationship between enoxaparin dose needed to achieve therapeutic anti-factor Xa levels and patient age was noted, particularly in the first year of life. Patients who were 60 days to less than 7 months at the time of enoxaparin initiation (n=73) required the highest mean dose among the age groups at 1.73 mg/kg subcutaneously every 12 hours (P<0.0001). Infants and young children require higher doses of enoxaparin to achieve therapeutic anti-factor Xa levels compared with adults.


Implication of cell culture methods and biases on UV inactivation of viruses.
Inactivation of human respiratory viruses in air and on surfaces is important to control their spread. Exposure to germicidal ultraviolet (UV-C) light damages viral nucleic acid rendering them non-infectious. Most of the recent viral inactivation studies have not considered potential artifacts caused by interactions between UV-C light and culture media used to suspend and deposit virus on surfaces. We show that the reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS) form when commonly used virus culture media is exposed to 265 nm irradiation from light emitting diodes (LEDs) at UV-C doses (4 or 40 mJ/cm2) commonly considered to achieve multiple log-inactivation of virus. Surface viral inactivation values were enhanced from 0.49 to 2.92 log10 of viruses in DMEM, EMEM or EMEM-F as compared to absence of culture media (only suspended in Tris-buffer). The mechanisms responsible for the enhanced surface inactivate is hypothesized to involve photo-activation of vitamins and dyes present in the culture media, deposited with the virus on surfaces to be disinfected, which produce ROS and RNS. Given the rapidly growing research and commercial markets for UV-C disinfecting devices, there is a need to establish surface disinfecting protocols that avoid viral inactivation enhancement artifacts associated with selection and use of common cell culture media in the presence of UV-C light. This study addresses this weak link in the literature and highlights that inadequate selection of virus suspension media may cause a bias (i.e., over-estimation) for the UV-C dosages required for virus inactivation on surfaces.


Molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor based on bioinspired Au microflowers for ultra-trace cholesterol assay.
A novel imprinted sensor for ultra-trace cholesterol (CHO) detection based on electropolymerized aminothiophenol (ATP) molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with dopamine@graphene (DGr) and bioinspired Au microflowers has been developed in this work. As the specific recognition element, the bioinspired Au microflowers were formed by Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) and wrapped by bionic polydopamine film (PDA) through electropolymerization method. These excellent biocompatible materials could capture the target CHO effectively. The morphology of the MIP modified electrode was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM). The hydrogen-bonding interaction between templates and monomers was characterized by ultraviolet spectroscopy. Under the optimal experimental conditions, the sensor's linear response range was between 10-18 and 10-13 M, with a detection limit of 3.3×10-19 M, which was much more sensitive than most available CHO detection methods in previously reports. Moreover, the MIP sensor exhibited high sensitivity for CHO, low interference, and good stability. The human serum samples analysis confirmed the applicability of this MIP sensor to quantitative analysis of ultra-trace CHO.


CT Angiography Analysis of Axillary Artery Diameter versus Common Femoral Artery Diameter: Implications for Axillary Approach for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in Patients with Hostile Aortoiliac Segment and Advanced Lung Disease.
Objective. The use of the axillary artery as an access site has lost favor in percutaneous intervention due to the success of these procedures from a radial or brachial alternative. However, these distal access points are unable to safely accommodate anything larger than a 7-French sheath. To date no studies exist describing the size of the axillary artery in relation to the common femoral artery in a patient population. We hypothesized that the axillary artery is of comparable size to the CFA in most patients and less frequently diseased. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed 110 CT scans of the thoracic and abdominal aorta done at our institution to rule out aortic dissection in which the right axillary artery, right CFA, left axillary artery, and left CFA were visualized. Images were then reconstructed using commercially available TeraRecon software and comparative measurements made of the axillary and femoral arteries. Results. In 96 patients with complete data, the mean sizes of the right and left axillary artery were slightly smaller than the left and right CFA. A direct comparison of the sizes of the axillary artery and CFA in the same patient yielded a mean difference of 1.69 mm ± 1.74. In all patients combined, the mean difference between the axillary artery and CFA was 1.88 mm on the right and 1.68 mm on the left. In 19 patients (19.8%), the axillary artery was of the same caliber as the associated CFA. In 8 of 96 patients (8.3%), the axillary artery was larger compared to the CFA. Conclusions. Although typically smaller, the axillary artery is often of comparable size to the CFA, significantly less frequently calcified or diseased, and in almost all observed cases large enough to accommodate a sheath with up to 18 French.


Revisiting sub-Saharan African countries' drug problems: health, social, economic costs, and drug control policy.
This article takes an international perspective on the drug problem in sub-Saharan Africa. This analysis borrows ideas from physical and economic geography as a heuristic device to conceptualize the global narcoscapes in which drug trafficking occurs. Both the legitimate and the illegal drug trade operate within the same global capitalist system and draw on the same technological innovations and business processes. Central to the paper's argument is evidence that sub-Saharan African countries are now integrated into the political economy of drug consumption due to the spill-over effect. These countries are now minor markets for "hard drugs" as the result of the activities of organizations and individual traffickers that use Africa as a staging point in their trade with Europe and the United States. As a result, sub-Saharan African countries have drug consumption problems that were essentially absent prior to 1980, along with associated health, social, and economic costs. The emerging drug problem has forced African countries to develop their own drug control policy. The sub-Saharan African countries mentioned below vary to some extent in the level of drug use and misuse problems: Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Reunion, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Congo (Zaire), Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Sao Tome and Principe, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Cote d'Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo. As part of this effort, African countries are assessing the health, social, and economic costs of drug-use-related problems to pinpoint methods which are both effective and inexpensive, since their budgets for social programs are severely constrained. Many have progressed to the point of adopting anti-drug laws or legislation, or of establishing a drug control agency. They are also cooperating regionally to coordinate drug control measures and working with the Organization of African Unity (OAU). In addition, almost all the sub-Saharan African countries are signatories to all United Nations drug conventions. Since the drug problem in Africa has international origins, it will take concerted international cooperation and coordinated effort to combat the "social cancer" of drugs.


Characterization of immune cell infiltration into canine intracranial meningiomas.
Meningiomas are the most common intracranial tumors in dogs. A variety of inflammatory cells have been shown to invade these tumors in people, but little is known about interactions between the immune system and naturally occurring brain tumors in dogs. The purpose of this study was to investigate the presence of a variety of immune cell subsets within canine intracranial meningiomas. Twenty-three formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor samples were evaluated using immunohistochemistry with antibodies specific for CD3, CD79a, CD18, CD11d (αD), CD45RA, forkhead box P3, and Toll-like receptors 4 and 9. Immune cell infiltration was evident in all samples, with a predominance of CD3(+) T cells. Large numbers of CD18(+) microglia and macrophages were noted surrounding and infiltrating the tumors, and a subset of these cells within the tumor appeared to be CD11d(+). Scattered macrophages at the tumor-brain interface were TLR4(+) and TLR9(+). Rare CD79a(+) B cells were noted in only a small subset of tumors. Lesser numbers of lymphocytes that were CD11d(+), CD45RA(+), or FoxP3(+) were noted in a number of the meningiomas. Although the function of these cells is not yet clear, work in other species suggests that evaluation of this immune cell infiltrate may provide important prognostic information and may be useful in the design of novel therapies.


The Effect of Combination of Red, Infrared and Blue Wavelengths of Low-Level Laser on Reduction of Abdominal Girth: A Before-After Case Series.
Introduction: The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of a combination of 3 wavelengths (including red, infra-red, and blue) of low-level laser (LLL) as a non-invasive therapeutic method to reduce abdominal girth. To achieve biochemical activity on adipocytes, a red laser was used in our selective laser combination. Near-infrared laser was used to increase depth of penetration. Nitrosyl complexes of hemoglobin (NO-Hb) are sensitive to blue light, thereby leading to increase in release of biologically active nitric oxide (NO), which can affect tissue perfusion. Thus, a blue LED was added to the laser combination. Methods: Eighteen females participated in the study. Twelve sessions of laser therapy were performed, 2 sessions per week for each subject. Continuous wave diode lasers, including red (630 nm), infra-red (808 nm), and a blue LED (450 nm) were applied and were all designed by the Canadian Optic and Laser Center. Results: Statistical analyses revealed that upper abdomen size significantly decreased from pre- (91.86 ± 11.16) to post- (87.41 ± 10.52) low-level laser therapy (LLLT) (P<0.001). Middle abdomen size showed significant reduction from pre- (97.02 ± 8.82) to post- (91.97 ± 8.49) LLLT (P<0.001). Lower abdomen size significantly decreased from pre- (100.36 ± 9.45) to post- (95.80 ± 8.52) LLLT (P<0.001). Conclusion: Based on this case series pilot investigation, the combination of 3 different wavelengths of LLL was effective for abdominal girth reduction in 100% of our subjects (P<0.001), without any side effects. Future studies will assess the long-term benefits of this laser combination for reduction of subcutaneous fat deposits.


Psychosomatic factors in gastrointestinal disorders.
Gastrointestinal functions such as food intake, propulsive peristalsis, inhibition of reflux, secretion, digestion and defecation are controlled by a complex autonomous neurohumoral system, which is influenced by higher cortical impulses. Life stress may modulate these impulses and in this way cause two types of gastrointestinal reactions. Psychophysiological reactions involve accentuations, inhibition or distortion of the pattern of function of gastrointestinal organs without changes in their structure. Examples of this type of reaction are often painful accentuation of bowel movements in patients with the irritable bowel syndrome, and increased gastric secretion elicited by emotional stress. Psychosomatic reactions lead to morphological changes in the end organ, e.g. activation of peptic ulcer or ulcerative colitis. Psychophysiological reactions may be important in the onset of symptoms in some functional diseases, e.g. in the irritable bowel syndrome. These patients need support from the physician, but specific psychiatric therapy is required only in cases with severe psychopathology, e.g. in patients with anorexia nervosa. The role of psychosomatic reactions in the development of organic gastrointestinal diseases is still unclear, as is the value of specific psychiatric therapy in the treatment of diseases such as peptic ulcer or ulcerative colitis. If this kind of therapy has some effect, it may be directed mainly towards subjective symptoms.


Early loss of arteriolar smooth muscle cells: more than just a pericyte loss in diabetic retinopathy.
Incipient diabetic retinopathy is characterized by increased capillary permeability and progressive capillary occlusion. The earliest structural change is the loss of pericytes (PC) from the retinal capillaries. With the availability of the XLacZ mouse, which expresses the LacZ reporter in a PC/vascular smooth muscle cell (vSMC) specific fashion, we quantitatively assessed the temporal dynamics of smooth muscle cells in arterioles under hyperglycemic conditions. We induced stable hyperglycemia in XLacZ mice. After 4, 8, and 12 weeks of diabetes retinae were isolated and beta-galactosidase/lectin stained. The numbers of smooth muscle cells were counted in retinal whole mounts, and diameters of retinal radial and branching arterioles and venules were analyzed at different distances apart from the center of the retina. After eight weeks of diabetes, the numbers of vSMCs were significantly reduced in radial arterioles 1000 microm distant from the optic disc. At proximal sites of branching arterioles (400 microm distant from the center), and at distal sites (1000 microm), vSMC were significantly reduced already after 4 weeks (to a maximum of 31 %). These changes were not associated with any measurable variation in vessel diameters. These data indicate quantitatively that hyperglycemia not only causes pericyte loss, but also loss of vSMCs in the retinal vasculature. Our data suggest that arteriolar vSMC in the eye underlie similar regulations which induce early pericyte loss in the diabetic retina.


Screening for C3 deficiency in newborns using microarrays.
Dried blood spot samples (DBSS) from newborns are widely used in neonatal screening for selected metabolic diseases and diagnostic possibilities for additional disorders are continuously being evaluated. Primary immunodeficiency disorders comprise a group of more than one hundred diseases, several of which are fatal early in life. Yet, a majority of the patients are not diagnosed due to lack of high-throughput screening methods. We have previously developed a system using reverse phase protein microarrays for analysis of IgA levels in serum samples. In this study, we extended the applicability of the method to include determination of complement component C3 levels in eluates from DBSS collected at birth. Normal levels of C3 were readily detected in 269 DBSS from healthy newborns, while no C3 was detected in sera and DBSS from C3 deficient patients. The findings suggest that patients with deficiencies of specific serum proteins can be identified by analysis of DBSS using reverse phase protein microarrays.


[The application of pulse and electrocardiogram data fusion to identify sub-health state].
In order to diagnose or evaluate sub-health state, we have used data fusion technology and developed a new method which is based on the hidden information among ECG and pulse signals. The characteristic was constructed with pulse power spectrum peak value and pulse transit time (PTT). The classification of health state was realized by using linear discriminant analysis (LDA) method. The results showed that the pulse power spectrum peak value of sub-health state was decreased significantly when compared with health state [(42.3843 +/- 3.7116) vs. (37.6022 +/- 4.4468), P < 0.01], and the pulse transit time was also decreased significantly [(326.5801 +/- 36.4035) vs. (259.1023 +/- 67.3719), P < 0.01]. The classification accurate rate can reach 90%.


Self-Concept and Achievement in Math Among Australian Primary Students: Gender and Culture Issues.
While gender stereotype on math learning and achievement is consistently reported among existing research, these studies predominantly focus on mainstream students with Western cultural backgrounds. There is a dearth of study, which investigates gender effect among Australian Indigenous students. To fill this gap, the present study adopted a multiple-indicator-multiple-indicator-cause approach to structural equation modeling to investigate effects of gender, culture (Indigenous vs. non-Indigenous), and the interaction of the two on students' self-concept of competence and affect in math, as well as math achievement among Australian primary school students. We found gender stereotype effect not only on students' self-perceptions of their competence in math but also their actual math performance reflected in their math achievement scores in a standard math test. Boys had higher ratings on math competence and scored more highly on math test than girls. However, the gender stereotype was not found for self-concept of affect. Instead, culture was significantly impacted on self-concept of math affect, indicating that Indigenous students had less enjoyment toward learning math compared with their non-Indigenous peers. Furthermore, significant interaction effects between gender and culture were observed on both self-concept of math competence and math affect. In practice, to enhance Indigenous students' interest and enjoyment in math learning, educators are suggested to incorporate Indigenous students' values, beliefs, and traditions when delivering new math knowledge.


Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding in adolescents: the Austrian experience.
Morbid obesity is a rising problem in adolescents in the industrial nations. Up to 25% of children have a body mass index (BMI) higher than the 85th age- and sex-adjusted percentile. Obesity in youth is associated with increased risk for morbidity and mortality in adulthood. In addition, these patients suffer from psychological problems and decreased quality of life. Bariatric procedures have shown effective long-term results in adults, but they are still discussed controversially in adolescent patients. Between 1998 and 2004, 50 adolescent patients with a mean age of 17.1+/-2.2 years (range 9-19 years) underwent laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) in Austria. The psychological changes were analyzed by using Moorehead-Ardelt/BAROS questionnaire. The mean BMI decreased from 45.2+/-7.6 kg/m2 at time of surgery to 32.6+/-6.8 kg/m2 after a mean follow-up of 34.7+/-17.5 months. The mean excess weight loss was 61.4+/-35.5%. Most of the adolescents showed remarkable improvements in their quality of life. The outcome was regarded as "excellent or very good" in 32 patients, "good" in 12 patients and "fair" in 5 patients. Only one patient noticed no alterations after surgery. Two-thirds of the preoperative co-morbidities resolved, and one-third improved during follow-up. Except for one port dislocation, no peri- or postoperative complications arose. LAGB is an effective and attractive treatment option in very carefully selected obese adolescents, because of its adjustability and the preservation of the gastrointestinal passage. The majority of patients showed a remarkable improvement in their quality of life.


Interaction between environmental factors affects the accumulation of root proteins in hydroponically grown Eucalyptus globulus (Labill.).
Eucalyptus globulus (Labill.) is used for pulp and paper production worldwide. In this report we studied changes in protein expression in one osmotically stressed elite clone widely used in industrial plantations in Spain. High molecular weight polyethylene glycol (PEG) was used as an osmoticum in the growing medium. Roots of rooted cuttings were sampled after 3 and 36 h of treatment. Water potential and abscissic acid content were measured in shoot and root apices to characterize the physiological states of the plants. Total soluble proteins from roots were extracted and separated using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE). Gels were stained with Coomassie brillant blue for quantitative analysis of protein accumulation. From a total of 406 reproducible spots, 34 were found to be differentially expressed depending on treatment (osmotic versus control condition) and/or stress duration (3 h versus 36 h), and were further characterized by tandem mass spectrometry. Several proteins were reliably identified including adenosine kinase, actin, stress-related proteins as well as proteins associated to cellular processes, among which some residents of the endoplasmic reticulum. This study constitutes the first investigation of the root proteome in this important forest tree genus.


A molecular noise generator.
Recent studies have demonstrated that intracellular variations in the rate of gene expression are of fundamental importance to cellular function and development. While such 'noise' is often considered detrimental in the context of perturbing genetic systems, it can be beneficial in processes such as species diversification and facilitation of evolution. A major difficulty in exploring such effects is that the magnitude and spectral properties of the induced variations arise from some intrinsic cellular process that is difficult to manipulate. Here, we present two designs of a molecular noise generator that allow for the flexible modulation of the noise profile of a target gene. The first design uses a dual-signal mechanism that enables independent tuning of the mean and variability of an output protein. This is achieved through the combinatorial control of two signals that regulate transcription and translation separately. We then extend the design to allow for DNA copy-number regulation, which leads to a wider tuning spectrum for the output molecule. To gain a deeper understanding of the circuit's functionality in a realistic environment, we introduce variability in the input signals in order to ascertain the degree of noise induced by the control process itself. We conclude by illustrating potential applications of the noise generator, demonstrating how it could be used to ascertain the robust or fragile properties of a genetic circuit.


Psychometric validation of Swedish and Arabic versions of two health literacy questionnaires, eHEALS and HLS-EU-Q16, for use in a Swedish context: a study protocol.
Equity in health and access to healthcare regardless of gender, ethnicity or social position is a major political issue worldwide. Regardless of an individual's knowledge, motivation and competence, individuals are expected to be engaged and take responsibility of their own care. Migrants have been identified as a vulnerable population in healthcare, and an explanation for the inequity in health and in healthcare is limited health literacy. Furthermore, with increasing digitalisation in healthcare, it also puts demand on the individual to have digital or electronic health (eHealth) literacy.The overall aim of this study is to conduct a psychometric evaluation of the Swedish and Arabic versions of HLS-EU-Q16 and eHEALS and to compare Arabic and Swedish speakers' Health literacy and eHealth literacy levels in Sweden. This is a prospective, psychometric evaluation study with the intent of including 300 Arabic-speaking and 300 Swedish-speaking participants. Questionnaires: The Health Literacy Survey European Questionnaire (HLS-EU-Q16) includes 16 items measuring perceived personal skills of finding, understanding, judging and applying health information to maintain and improve their health. The eHealth literacy scale (eHEALS) is an 8-item scale measuring health literacy skills in relation to online information and applications.This study will be conducted in four phases. Phase 1: Translation of HLS-EU-Q16 and eHEALS from English to Swedish and Arabic versions following the principles of translation of questionnaires. Phase 2: Content validity testing of eHEALS, including face validity and interpretability, conducted with five Arabic and five Swedish-speaking participants. Phase 3: Psychometric testing including construct validity, reliability, feasibility and floor ceiling effects. Phase 4: Distribution and comparison of eHealth and HLS-EU-Q16 analysed with χ2 and Fisher's exact test as appropriate. To assess associations between HLS-EU-Q16, eHEALS and demographic variables, binary logistic regression analyses will be performed. The project has been approved by the regional ethical review board in Stockholm, Sweden (2019/5:1) and will follow the principles outlined in the 1964 Helsinki Declaration and its later amendments. Results from this study will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals, scientific conferences and social media.


Identification and properties of proteases from an Acanthamoeba isolate capable of producing granulomatous encephalitis.
Granulomatous amoebic encephalitis due to Acanthamoeba is often a fatal human disease. However, the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of Acanthamoeba encephalitis remain unclear. In this study, the role of extracellular Acanthamoeba proteases in central nervous system pathogenesis and pathophysiology was examined. Using an encephalitis isolate belonging to T1 genotype, we observed two major proteases with approximate molecular weights of 150 KD and 130 KD on SDS-PAGE gels using gelatin as substrate. The 130 KD protease was inhibited with phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF) suggesting that it is a serine protease, while the 150 KD protease was inhibited with 1, 10-phenanthroline suggesting that it is a metalloprotease. Both proteases exhibited maximal activity at neutral pH and over a range of temperatures, indicating their physiological relevance. These proteases degrade extracellular matrix (ECM), which provide structural and functional support to the brain tissue, as shown by the degradation of collagen I and III (major components of collagenous ECM), elastin (elastic fibrils of ECM), plasminogen (involved in proteolytic degradation of ECM), as well as casein and haemoglobin. The proteases were purified partially using ion-exchange chromatography and their effects were tested in an in vitro model of the blood-brain barrier using human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMEC). Neither the serine nor the metalloprotease exhibited HBMEC cytotoxicity. However, the serine protease exhibited HBMEC monolayer disruptions (trypsin-like) suggesting a role in blood-brain barrier perturbations. Overall, these data suggest that Acanthamoeba proteases digest ECM, which may play crucial role(s) in invasion of the brain tissue by amoebae.


Characterization of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens DA12 Showing Potent Antifungal Activity against Mycotoxigenic Fusarium Species.
In an attempt to develop a biological control agent against mycotoxigenic Fusarium species, we isolated Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain DA12 from soil and explored its antimicrobial activities. DA12 was active against the growth of mycotoxigenic F. asiaticum, F. graminearum, F. proliferatum, and F. verticillioides both in vitro and in planta (maize). Further screening using dual culture extended the activity range of strain DA12 against other fungal pathogens including Botrytis cinerea, Colletotrichum coccodes, Endothia parasitica, Fusarium oxysporum, Raffaelea quercus-mongolicae, and Rhizoctonia solani. The butanol extract of the culture filtrate of B. amyloliquefaciens DA12 highly inhibited the germination of F. graminearum macroconidia with inhibition rate 83% at a concentration of 31.3 μg/ml and 100% at a concentration of 250 μg/ml. The antifungal metabolite from the butanol extract was identified as iturin A by thin layer chromatography-bioautography. In addition, volatile organic compounds produced by DA12 were able to inhibit mycelial growth of various phytopathogenic fungi. The volatile compounds were identified as 2-heptanone, 5-methyl heptanone and 6-methyl heptanone by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. These results indicate that the antagonistic activity of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens DA12 was attributable to iturin A and volatile heptanones, and the strain could be used as a biocontrol agent to reduce the development of Fusarium diseases and mycotoxin contamination of crops.


Halide Ligands To Release Strain in Cadmium Chalcogenide Nanoplatelets and Achieve High Brightness.
Zinc blende II-VI semiconductor nanoplatelets (NPLs) are defined at the atomic scale along the thickness of the nanoparticle and are initially capped with carboxylates on the top and bottom [001] facets. These ligands are exchanged on CdSe NPLs with halides that act as X-L-type ligands. These CdSe NPLs are costabilized by amines to provide colloidal stability in nonpolar solvents. The hydrogen from the amine can participate in a hydrogen bond with the lone pair electrons of surface halides. After ligand exchange, the optical features are red-shifted. Thus, ligand tuning is another way, in addition to confinement, to tune the optical features of NPLs. The improved surface passivation leads to an increase in the fluorescence quantum efficiency of up to 70% in the case of bromide. However, for chloride and iodide, the surface coverage is incomplete, and thus, the fluorescence quantum efficiency is lower. This ligand exchange is associated with a decrease in stress that leads to unfolding of the NPLs, which is particularly noticeable for iodide-capped NPLs.


The structure of borderline personality disorder symptoms: a multi-method, multi-sample examination.
We examined the factor structure of borderline personality disorder (BPD) symptoms by using a multimethod, multisample approach. The factorial structure of BPD has previously been examined through the lens of broad retrospective reports of symptoms without directly contrasting results from different samples of participants, with studies producing inconsistent patterns of results. We go beyond previous work by examining symptoms from multiple timeframes and by examining results across and within 2 diagnostic groups-individuals with and without BPD. Participants (n = 281) completed a structured clinical interview for personality disorders, 2 weekly reports of BPD symptoms, and 2 weeks of in-the-moment "immediate" symptom reports, assessed 5 times daily. Across all participants, results revealed a robust 1-factor structure that replicated across all assessment methods. Moreover, these results replicated within each diagnostic group, with the lone exception of an unclear structure in interview assessment among participants who had a BPD diagnosis. Results have implications regarding the nature, assessment, and treatment of BPD.


Annotated catalogue of the Tachinidae (Insecta, Diptera) of the Afrotropical Region, with the description of seven new genera.
The Tachinidae of the Afrotropical Region are catalogued and seven genera and eight species are newly described. There are 237 genera and 1126 species recognized, of which 101 genera and 1043 species are endemic to the region. The catalogue is based on examination of the primary literature comprising about 525 references as well as numerous name-bearing types and other specimens housed in collections. Taxa are arranged hierarchically and alphabetically under the categories of subfamily, tribe, genus, subgenus (where recognized), species, and rarely subspecies. Nomenclatural information is provided for all genus-group and species-group names, including lists of synonyms (mostly restricted to Afrotropical taxa) and name-bearing type data. Species distributions are recorded by country within the Afrotropical Region and by larger geographical divisions outside the region. Additional information is given in the form of notes, numbering about 300 in the catalogue section. Seven genera and eight species are described as new: Afrophylax Cerretti & O'Hara with type species Sturmia aureiventris Villeneuve, 1910, gen. n. (Exoristinae, Eryciini); Austrosolieria Cerretti & O'Hara with type species Austrosolieria londti Cerretti & O'Hara, gen. n. and sp. n. (South Africa) and Austrosolieria freidbergi Cerretti & O'Hara, sp. n. (Malawi) (Tachininae, Leskiini); Carceliathrix Cerretti & O'Hara with type species Phorocera crassipalpis Villeneuve, 1938, gen. n. (Exoristinae, Eryciini); Filistea Cerretti & O'Hara with type species Viviania aureofasciata Curran, 1927, gen. n. and Filistea verbekei Cerretti & O'Hara, sp. n. (Cameroon, D.R. Congo, Uganda) (Exoristinae, Blondeliini); Mesnilotrix Cerretti & O'Hara with type species Dexiotrix empiformis Mesnil, 1976, gen. n. (Dexiinae, Dexiini); Myxophryxe Cerretti & O'Hara with type species Phorocera longirostris Villeneuve, 1938, gen. n., Myxophryxe murina Cerretti & O'Hara, sp. n. (South Africa), Myxophryxe regalis Cerretti & O'Hara, sp. n. (South Africa), and Myxophryxe satanas Cerretti & O'Hara, sp. n. (South Africa) (Exoristinae, Goniini); and Stiremania Cerretti & O'Hara with type species Stiremania karoo Cerretti & O'Hara, gen. n. and sp. n. (South Africa), and Stiremania robusta Cerretti & O'Hara, sp. n. (South Africa) (Exoristinae, Goniini). Paraclara Bezzi, 1908 is transferred from the Cylindromyiini to the Hermyini, comb. n. Sarrorhina Villeneuve, 1936 is transferred from the Minthoini to the Graphogastrini, comb. n. Three genera are newly recorded from the Afrotropical Region: Madremyia Townsend, 1916 (Eryciini); Paratrixa Brauer & Bergenstamm, 1891 (Blondeliini); and Simoma Aldrich, 1926 (Goniini). Three genera previously recorded from the Afrotropical Region are no longer recognized from the region: Calozenillia Townsend, 1927 (Palaearctic, Oriental and Australasian regions); Eurysthaea Robineau-Desvoidy, 1863 (Palaearctic, Oriental and Australasian regions); and Trixa Meigen, 1824 (Palaearctic and Oriental regions). Two species are newly recorded from the Afrotropical Region: Amnonia carmelitana Kugler, 1971 (Ethiopia, Kenya); and Simoma grahami Aldrich, 1926 (Namibia). Three species previously recorded from the Afrotropical Region are no longer recognized from the region: Euthera peringueyi Bezzi, 1925 (Oriental Region); Hamaxia incongrua Walker, 1860 (Palaearctic, Oriental and Australasian regions); Leucostoma tetraptera (Meigen, 1824) (Palaearctic Region). New replacement names are proposed for five preoccupied names of Afrotropical species: Billaea rubida O'Hara & Cerretti for Phorostoma rutilans Villeneuve, 1916, preoccupied in the genus Billaea Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830 by Musca rutilans Fabricius, 1781, nom. n.; Cylindromyia braueri O'Hara & Cerretti for Ocyptera nigra Villeneuve, 1918, preoccupied in the genus Cylindromyia Meigen, 1803 by Glossidionophora nigra Bigot, 1885, nom. n.; Cylindromyia rufohumera O'Hara & Cerretti for Ocyptera scapularis Villeneuve, 1944, preoccupied in the genus Cylindromyia Meigen, 1803 by Ocyptera scapularis Loew, 1845, nom. n.; Phytomyptera longiarista O'Hara & Cerretti for Phytomyzoneura aristalis Villeneuve, 1936, preoccupied in the genus Phytomyptera Rondani, 1845 by Phasiostoma aristalis Townsend, 1915, nom. n.; and Siphona (Siphona) pretoriana O'Hara & Cerretti for Siphona laticornis Curran, 1941, preoccupied in the genus Siphona Meigen, 1803 by Actia laticornis Malloch, 1930, nom. n. New type species fixations are made under the provisions of Article 70.3.2 of the ICZN Code for two genus-group names: Lydellina Villeneuve, 1916, type species newly fixed as Lydellina villeneuvei Townsend, 1933 (valid genus name); and Sericophoromyia Austen, 1909, type species newly fixed as Tachina quadrata Wiedemann, 1830 (synonym of Winthemia Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830). Lectotypes are designated for the following nine nominal species based on examination of one or more syntypes of each: Degeeria crocea Villeneuve, 1950; Degeeria semirufa Villeneuve, 1950; Erycia brunnescens Villeneuve, 1934; Exorista oculata Villeneuve, 1910; Kiniatilla tricincta Villeneuve, 1938; Myxarchiclops caffer Villeneuve, 1916; Ocyptera linearis Villeneuve, 1936; Peristasisea luteola Villeneuve, 1934; and Phorocera crassipalpis Villeneuve, 1938. The following four genus-group names that were previously treated as junior synonyms or subgenera are recognized as valid generic names: Bogosiella Villeneuve, 1923, status revived; Dyshypostena Villeneuve, 1939, status revived; Perlucidina Mesnil, 1952, status revived; and Thelymyiops Mesnil, 1950, status n. The following six species-group names that were previously treated as junior synonyms are recognized as valid species names: Besseria fossulata Bezzi, 1908, status revived; Degeeria cinctella Villeneuve, 1950, status revived (as Medina cinctella (Villeneuve)); Nemoraea miranda intacta Villeneuve, 1916, status revived (as Nemoraea intacta Villeneuve); Succingulum exiguum Villeneuve, 1935, status revived (as Trigonospila exigua (Villeneuve)); Wagneria rufitibia abbreviata Mesnil, 1950, status n. (as Periscepsia abbreviata (Mesnil)); and Wagneria rufitibia nudinerva Mesnil, 1950, status n. (as Periscepsia nudinerva (Mesnil)). The following 25 new or revived combinations are proposed: Afrophylax aureiventris (Villeneuve, 1910), comb. n.; Blepharella orbitalis (Curran, 1927), comb. n.; Bogosiella pomeroyi Villeneuve, 1923, comb. revived; Brachychaetoides violacea (Curran, 1927), comb. n.; Carceliathrix crassipalpis (Villeneuve, 1938), comb. n.; Charitella whitmorei (Cerretti, 2012), comb. n.; Dyshypostena edwardsi (van Emden, 1960), comb. n.; Dyshypostena tarsalis Villeneuve, 1939, comb. revived; Estheria buccata (van Emden, 1947), comb. n.; Estheria surda (Curran, 1933), comb. n.; Filistea aureofasciata (Curran, 1927), comb. n.; Madremyia setinervis (Mesnil, 1968), comb. n.; Mesnilotrix empiformis (Mesnil, 1976), comb. n.; Myxophryxe longirostris (Villeneuve, 1938), comb. n.; Nealsomyia chloronitens (Mesnil, 1977), comb. n.; Nealsomyia clausa (Curran, 1940), comb. n.; Nilea longicauda (Mesnil, 1970), comb. n.; Paratrixa aethiopica Mesnil, 1952, comb. revived; Paratrixa stammeri Mesnil, 1952, comb. revived; Perlucidina africana (Jaennicke, 1867), comb. n.; Perlucidina perlucida (Karsch, 1886), comb. revived; Prolophosia retroflexa (Villeneuve, 1944), comb. n.; Sturmia profana (Karsch, 1888), comb. n.; additionally, Ceromasia rufiventris Curran, 1927 is treated as an unplaced species of Goniini, comb. n. and Hemiwinthemia stuckenbergi Verbeke, 1973 is treated as an unplaced species of Leskiini, comb. n. New or revived generic and specific synonymies are proposed for the following nine names: Afrosturmia Curran, 1927 with Blepharella Macquart, 1851, syn. n.; Archiphania van Emden, 1945 with Catharosia Rondani, 1868, syn. revived; Besseria longicornis Zeegers, 2007 with Besseria fossulata Bezzi, 1908 (current name Besseria fossulata), syn. n.; Dexiomera Curran, 1933 with Estheria Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830, syn. n.; Hemiwinthemia francoisi Verbeke, 1973 with Nemoraea capensis Schiner, 1868 (current name Smidtia capensis), syn. n.; Kinangopana van Emden, 1960 with Dyshypostena Villeneuve, 1939, syn. n.; Metadrinomyia Shima, 1980 with Charitella Mesnil, 1957, syn. n.; Phorocera majestica Curran, 1940 with Phorocera longirostris Villeneuve, 1938 (current name Myxophryxe longirostris), syn. n.; and Podomyia discalis Curran, 1939 with Antistasea fimbriata Bischof, 1904 (current name Antistasea fimbriata), syn. n.


Development and Evaluation of Two Potential 5-HT7 Receptor PET Tracers: [18F]ENL09 and [18F]ENL10.
The latest addition to the serotonin (5-HT) receptor family is the 5-HT7 receptor (5-HT7R). This receptor has gained interest as a drug target due to its involvement in various disorders such as depression or schizophrenia. There is currently no clinically validated positron emission tomography (PET) tracer for the 5-HT7R available. But, the (arylpiperazinyl-butyl)oxindole scaffold provides a promising lead structure for this purpose. Here, we synthesized 12 (arylpiperazinyl-butyl)oxindole derivatives and in vitro affinity screening identified two structures with suitable affinity and selectivity to be radiolabeled and tested as 5-HT7R selective PET tracers. Next, the radiolabeled products [18F]ENL09 and [18F]ENL10 were evaluated as PET tracers in rats. Both tracers were found to be P-gp substrates, but after P-gp inhibition the brain uptake showed a regional distribution in line with the known 5-HT7R distribution. The [18F]ENL10 brain binding was displaceable with a 5-HT7R selective ligand, whereas [18F]ENL09 was not. We find that [18F]ENL10 is a promising 5-HT7R selective PET tracer candidate that should be investigated in higher species.


Inhibition of growth of human prostate cancer xenograft by transfection of p53 gene: gene transfer by electroporation.
To date, there is no effective therapy for hormone-independent prostate cancer. Therefore, as a new strategy for refractory cancer, gene therapy is showing increasing promise. In this study, we attempted to use a nonviral gene transfer system, in vivo electroporation, in prostate cancer cell PC-3 xenografts with the wild-type p53 (wt-p53) gene, as gene therapy for hormone-independent prostate cancer. To evaluate this in vivo gene transfer method, the beta-galactosidase gene was transfected into xenografts by electroporation. Then, the efficiency of transfection of exogenous p53 gene by electroporation was confirmed by reverse transcription-PCR, which indicated that p53 mRNA was present in samples from xenografts. Next, to estimate the reduction of prostate cancer xenografts by this method, we measured the size of PC-3 xenografts in nude mice after electroporation with the wt-p53 gene. The growth of tumors was markedly suppressed by wt-p53 gene transfection by electroporation compared with transfection of mutated type p53 gene (P = 0.0027) or vector only (P = 0.0015). Furthermore, histological specimens revealed increased apoptotic cell death in p53-transfected tumors. These results suggest that it is possible to transfer wt-p53 into prostate cancer xenografts using electroporation and to suppress the growth of tumors; they, furthermore, suggest that this system might be used for local advanced hormone-independent prostate cancer.


In depth functional characterization of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived beta cells in vitro and in vivo.
In vitro differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into beta cells represents an important cell source for diabetes research. Here, we fully characterized iPSC-derived beta cell function in vitro and in vivo in humanized mice. Using a 7-stage protocol, human iPSCs were differentiated into islet-like aggregates with a yield of insulin-positive beta cells comparable to that of human islets. The last three stages of differentiation were conducted with two different 3D culture systems, rotating suspension or static microwells. In the latter, homogeneously small-sized islet-like aggregates were obtained, while in rotating suspension size was heterogeneous and aggregates often clumped. In vitro function was assessed by glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, NAD(P)H and calcium fluctuations. Stage 7 aggregates slightly increased insulin release in response to glucose in vitro. Aggregates were transplanted under the kidney capsule of NOD-SCID mice to allow for further in vivo beta cell maturation. In transplanted mice, grafts showed glucose-responsiveness and maintained normoglycemia after streptozotocin injection. In situ kidney perfusion assays showed modulation of human insulin secretion in response to different secretagogues. In conclusion, iPSCs differentiated with equal efficiency into beta cells in microwells compared to rotating suspension, but the former had a higher experimental success rate. In vitro differentiation generated aggregates lacking fully mature beta cell function. In vivo, beta cells acquired the functional characteristics typical of human islets. With this technology an unlimited supply of islet-like organoids can be generated from human iPSCs that will be instrumental to study beta cell biology and dysfunction in diabetes.


The Addition of Partial or Circumferential Liposuction to Abdominoplasty Is Not Associated With a Higher Risk of Skin Necrosis.
Combining abdominoplasty with liposuction is a common practice for optimal patient aesthetic outcomes. In the past, several practitioners have argued against liposuction due to the potential for vascular insufficiency, especially with central liposuction. Despite these concerns for flap damage with resultant necrosis, the incidence of this complication has not been comprehensively investigated. The authors therefore examined the incidence of necrotic complications, including skin and fat necrosis as well as partial/total flap loss, in patients who underwent abdominoplasty alone (AA) or abdominoplasty with partial or circumferential liposuction (APCL). Literature searches were performed in PubMed/Medline and Embase with no query limits. For the systematic review, data from the studies were extracted into a form including primary author, publication year, study design, number of AA and APCL patients, abdominal zone(s) treated with liposuction, average lipoaspirate volume, follow-up time, necrotic complications, and revision procedures. A meta-analysis was separately performed for 13 studies that included patients who underwent both AA and APCL. The overall rate of necrotic complications was lower in the APCL group (0.39%) compared with the AA group (1.01%). The incidence of necrotic complications was low for all patients, with a pooled partial flap loss rate of 0.24% and a pooled skin necrosis rate of 0.23%. The forest plots revealed that patients who underwent APCL do not face a higher risk of skin necrosis or revision compared with those who underwent AA. Performing APCL is a safe combined procedural approach and can confer added benefits of improved patient satisfaction and aesthetic outcomes.


Developmental changes in tropoelastin mRNA levels in rat lung: evaluation by in situ hybridization.
Alveolarization of the immature lung is thought to be influenced by the presence of elastic fibers that could provide structural support for developing septa. Although morphometric studies have established that alveolar septal development occurs from days 4 to 13 in the neonatal rat, the precise time period over which elastin synthesis occurs has proved difficult to determine. We have evaluated the usefulness of in situ hybridization techniques to follow tropoelastin message expression in parenchymal tissue, small vessels, and bronchioles in the developing rat lung from days 4 through 18. This method proved to be sufficiently sensitive to detect differences in rates of tropoelastin message expression from days 4 through 18 (P less than 0.0001). Peak tropoelastin message expression was observed in the small vessels on day 4 and in parenchymal tissue on days 9 through 11. Because the time course of tropoelastin message expression in small vessels differs from that in parenchymal tissue, the use of lung extracts to analyze rates of tropoelastin synthesis in the developing lung may be in error.