A comparative study of pre-meaningful vocalizations produced by normally developing and Down's syndrome infants.
Pre-meaningful vocalizations produced by nine normally developing and 10 Down's syndrome infants were recorded as part of a longitudinal study of language development. The recordings were phonetically transcribed using a modified version of the International Phonetic Alphabet. Data were analyzed in terms of (1) age at onset of reduplicated babbling (2) developmental trends for place of consonant articulation, and (3) developmental aspects of vocalic productions. In general, substantial similarities between the two groups of infants were observed with regard to the selected parameters. Both groups began to produce canonical, reduplicated babbling at 8-8 1/2 months of age, and trends regarding consonantal and vocalic development for the two groups were very similar during approximately the first 15 months of life.


[Study of the functional role of Ctp-family proteins in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 cyanobacteria].
To understand the functional role of CtpB and CtpC proteins, which are similar to the C-terminal processing CtpA peptidase, the effect of the insertional inactivation of the ctpB and ctpC genes on the phenotypic characteristics of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 was studied. The inactivation of the ctpC gene was found to be lethal to the cyanobacterium, which indicates a vital role of the CtpC protein. The mutant with the inactivated ctpB gene had the same photosynthetic characteristics as the wild-type strain. The double mutant@[delta]ctpA delta ctpB with the two deleted genes was identical, in the phenotypic characteristics, to the mutant with a knock-out mutation in the ctpA gene, which was unable to grow photoautotrophically. The data obtained suggest that, in spite of the high similarity of the Ctp proteins, they serve different functions in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 cells and cannot compensate for each other.


Physicochemical characterization of Ayurvedic bhasma (Swarna makshika bhasma): An approach to standardization.
Swarna makshika [SM], a mineral having various therapeutic uses, has been used since long in Ayurveda. The present study was conducted to generate a fingerprint for raw and processed SM using techniques which can be used by pharmacies. Powdered SM was heated in an iron pan by adding lemon juice for 3 days, till liberation of sulfur fumes stopped. Bhasma of this shuddha SM was obtained by triturating it withit with shuddha gandhaka and lemon juice. It was then subjected to heat in 09* putas, and for firing in each puta, 4 kg cow dung cakes were used. To assure the quality of bhasma, rasa shastra quality control tests like nischandratva, varitara, amla pariksha, etc., were used. After the bhasma complied with these tests, the bhasma was analyzed using X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis of raw SM and SM bhasma revealed that raw SM contains CuFeS(2), and SM bhasma contains Fe(2)O(3), FeS(2), CuS and SiO(2). Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) studies showed that the grains in SM bhasma were uniformly arranged in agglomerates of size 1-2 microns as compared to the raw SM which showed a scattered arrangement of grains of size 6-8 microns. It may be concluded that raw SM is a complex compound which gets converted into a mixture of simple compounds having very small particle size after the particular process of marana. This is the first report of fingerprinting of SM bhasma prepared using this particular method.


[Metastatic renal cell carcinoma to the pancreas: experience of surgical treatment].
To evaluate the outcomes in patients undergoing surgery for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) to the pancreas. A retrospective analysis included 54 patients with pancreatic metastases (PM) of RCC who underwent surgical treatment at the Blokhin National Cancer Medical Research Center and Vishnevsky National Medical Research Center of Surgery in 1995-2018. PM were synchronous in 6 (11%) patients and metachronous in 48 (89%) patients. Solitary metastases were identified in 35 (65%), single metastases - in 14 (26%), multiple metastases - in 5 (9%) patients. Thirty (56%) patients had isolated PM, 24 (44%) patients - PM associated with another metastatic site. The following surgical procedures were performed: distal pancreatectomy (n=30, 55%), pancreatoduodenectomy (n=12, 21%), total pancreatectomy (n=6, 12%), pancreatic head resection (n=3, 6%), middle-preserving pancreatectomy (n=1, 2%), middle pancreatectomy (n=1, 2%), cryosurgical destruction of tumor (n=1, 2%). Median blood loss was 950 ml (interquartile range 400-1800 ml). Postoperative complications occurred in 52% patients. The 90-day mortality rate was 6%, overall 5-year survival 74±7%, median - 84 months. Surgery is associated with an acceptable perioperative complications and long-term survival in patients with synchronous and metachronous, solitary and multiple PM of RCC, including cases of extrapancreatic disease. This approach may be considered as a management option in these patients.


Survey of currently used materials for fabrication of extraoral maxillofacial prostheses in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
The purpose of this survey was to review the extraoral maxillofacial materials currently used as well as the advantages and disadvantages of the materials in the fabrication of facial prostheses. Results of this survey will enhance scientific knowledge, generate research study ideas, and possibly lead to production of alternative or new maxillofacial materials. A 47-question survey was delivered via e-mail to all members (combined total of 260 members) of the American Anaplastology Association (AAA) and American Academy of Maxillofacial Prosthetics (AAMP) for evaluation of personal preference involving maxillofacial prosthetic materials (intrinsic/extrinsic silicone elastomers and pigments/colorants used, polymerization/curing process, advantages and disadvantages of the most often used materials, most important characteristic of material/technique used). The views of 43 (16%) respondents indicated that the majority surveyed were using room temperature-vulcanized (RTV) silicone products. Silicone pigments for intrinsic and silicone pastes for extrinsic coloring were favored over artist's oil colors and dry earth pigments. The polymerization process and/or curing times and temperatures for the same silicone material varied between users. The top five advantages of most often used materials were good esthetics, ease of coloring, easy manipulation, thin margins possible, and adhesive compatibility. The top five disadvantages were discoloration over time, technique-sensitivity, lack of repairability, extrinsic colors peel/fade, and lack of longevity. Nontoxic/nonallergenic materials with high edge strength and color stability were the most important features when choosing a maxillofacial prosthetic material/technique. The responses to this survey indicate that the majority of AAA and AAMP members are using or have used a variety of RTV silicones, pigments, and colorants in the quest to provide the best possible facial prosthetic service. Further research is needed to further refine and improve extraoral maxillofacial materials/techniques based on the results of this study.


Mixed Mode Contributions to Absorption in CO(2) at 10.6micro.
A rise of temperature in a molecular system causes the higher energy levels to become more populated. For the case of CO(2) absorption (or, in a lasing medium, gain) calculations based only on single line considerations are sometimes inappropriate as the contributions from some higher energy levels can be appreciable. This paper summarizes this effect for 10.4micro band of CO(2) . The calculations are compared with the experimental measurements of others.


Induction of responsiveness to octopine and lysopine in crown-gall tumors.
Bean leaf tumors induced by Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain 181 show enhanced growth in response to octopine or lysopine only if one of these compounds is present during the period of tumor induction. Either compound applied during this period results in tumors which subsequently respond to both. The combined action of the bacterium plus octopine or lysopine at induction is proposed to induce transcription of plant genes coding for enzymes involved in the degradation and/or biosynthesis of octopine and lysopine.


Traumatic plastic deformation of the radius and ulna. A closed method of correction of deformity.
More than 50 cases of plastic deformation of the forearm in children have been reported in the literature, but no method of reduction other than osteoclasis has been described. Fourteen patients with plastic deformation of one or both bones of the forearm were observed over a period of five years. Of these 14, nine were cared for acutely, and a closed reduction was performed by placing the apex of the plastically deformed bone over a fulcrum and applying significant pressure for several minutes. The average correction was 85% of the angulation present prior to reduction. The clinical findings in these patients treated by closed reduction were compared with those observed in untreated cases seen by the authors and those in the literature. Early reduction of the plastic deformation decreased the clinical deformity, allowed treatment of adjacent fractures, and led to earlier return of full pronation and supination of the forearm.


Psychological treatments for gambling disorder.
This review discusses the research evidence for psychological treatment of gambling disorder. Several treatment options for gamblers have been explored, ranging from self-help and peer support, to brief and motivational interventions, to more intensive therapy approaches. Involvement in peer support programs seems to be optimal when combined with professional treatment; however, engagement and retention in peer support is limited. Self-directed interventions appear to benefit some gamblers; however, the involvement of therapist support, either in person or by telephone, may bolster these effects and such support need not be extensive. These self-directed options reduce the barriers associated with treatment-seeking, and may reach a wider range of gamblers than professionally delivered treatments alone. Brief and motivational approaches similarly may extend treatment options to more gamblers, namely at-risk and problem gamblers and those not seeking treatment. Of more extensive therapies, no consistent benefit of one approach emerges, although cognitive-behavioral interventions have been most often applied. Overall, several treatments have been developed for gambling disorder and results are promising, but variability in findings suggests a need for further systematic evaluation.


[Subthalamic nucleus: from circuits, functions to a deep brain stimulation target for the treatment of Parkinson's disease].
The subthalamic nucleus (STN) is the only excitatory glutamatergic nucleus in the basal ganglia circuitry. It not only is a key node in the classical indirect pathway, but also forms the "hyperdirect" pathway directly connecting the cortex, and even is implicated as a pacemaker for activity of whole basal ganglia. Due to the key position of STN in the basal ganglia circuitry, the STN is an optimal target for deep brain stimulation (DBS) in the neurosurgical treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the therapeutic mechanisms underlying the amelioration of parkinsonian motor dysfunctions induced by DBS on STN remain enigmatic. This paper reviews recent progresses in the studies on the input-output configurations and functions of STN in the basal ganglia circuitry, and summarizes the hypotheses for mechanisms of DBS for the treatment of motor dysfunctions in PD. Studying on the DBS mechanisms will not only help to develop strategies for treatment of PD, but also contribute to the understanding of functions of the basal ganglia circuitry.


Induced contrast asynchronies may be useful for luminance photometry.
Shapiro et al. (2004) introduced a new visual effect (the induced contrast asynchrony) that demonstrates a perceptual separation between the response to a modulated light and the response to contrast of the light relative to background. The effect is composed of two physically identical disks, one surrounded by a dark annulus and the other by a light annulus. The luminance levels of both central disks were modulated in time, producing a stimulus with in-phase luminance modulation and antiphase contrast modulation. Observers primarily perceived the disks to be modulating asynchronously (i.e. they perceived the contrast), but at low temporal frequencies could also track the luminance level. Here we document that the induced contrast asynchrony disappears when the surrounds are achromatic and the center lights are modulated near the equiluminant axis. Observers viewed 1-deg-diameter disks embedded 2-deg-diameter achromatic surrounds. The chromaticity of the disks was modulated in time (1 Hz) along lines in an S versus Luminance cardinal color plane and an L-M versus Luminance cardinal color plane; observers responded as to whether the modulation appeared in phase. For all observers and both color planes, the lights appeared in phase most frequently at angles near the standard observer's equiluminant line and out of phase at angles further away from that line. Observers differed in the range of angles that produce the appearance of in-phase modulation. The results suggest that induced contrast asynchronies may be useful as a technique for equating luminance of disparate lights.


[Comparative study on the viscoelastic properties of phagocytes of atherosclerotic origin].
A micropipette aspiration technique was adopted in this study on the viscoelastic properties of phagocytes of atherosclerotic origin. A standard linear solid model (Kelvin model) was employed to fit the experimental data, and the 3 viscoelastic coefficients of the model were used to compare the mechanical properties of the phagocytes in different phases during atherosclerosis development. The experimental results indicated that prior to the formation of atherosclerosis, the deformability of the macrophages matured from monocytes decreased, and their rigidity increased. At the initial stage of atherosclerosis formation, the deformability of the foam-cells decreased further. We believe that the deterioration in the deformability of the cells might reduce their mobility within the arterial wall, thus leading to the genesis of atherosclerosis caused by the stagnation and accumulation of the cells laden with atherogenic lipids within the arterial wall. This finding may have important implication in the researches on arteriosclerosis.


Neurological manifestations of the post-polio syndrome.
Patients with late effects of poliomyelitis, i.e., PPS, are being seen at an ever increasing frequency by general physicians, neurologists, and orthopedists. An appropriate time interval for the onset of late manifestations has elapsed since the major epidemics of poliomyelitis in the 1940s and 1950s. Post-polio neurological manifestations primarily include new weakness, atrophy, muscle pain, and fasciculations. Fortunately, the weakness is of a very slow, progressive nature. Abnormal laboratory studies include routine EMG, demonstrating chronic denervation; SFEMG, demonstrating increased fiber density, increased jitter, and blocking; and muscle biopsy most often revealing fiber-type grouping of chronic denervation and small isolated angular (or angulated) fibers and group atrophy in some series, both suggestive of active denervation. Unfortunately, both EMG and muscle biopsy studies suffer from a lack of specificity as they do not appear to distinguish asymptomatic from symptomatic (new weakness, PPMA) patients with prior poliomyelitis. Although the cause of PPMA is unknown, electrophysiological (SFEMG) and muscle biopsy studies suggest that the process involves a loss or dropout of axon terminals of reinnervated motor units. The axons terminal dropout could be due to dysfunction in the cell soma, the axon, or the terminals themselves. Whether motor neuron exhaustion, a persistent viral infection, or immune-mediated mechanisms play a role in the pathogenesis of the late weakness is unclear at present and will require further investigation. Treatment at this time is of a supportive nature. A major controversy involves the role of strengthening exercises in these patients since experimental animal studies suggest that excessive exercise of denervated muscles leads to increased weakness. Clearly, a better understanding of PPS and PPMA will allow more effective management of these patients' problems and might also provide insight into other motor neuron and neuromuscular junction diseases.


OverGeneDB: a database of 5' end protein coding overlapping genes in human and mouse genomes.
Gene overlap plays various regulatory functions on transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Most current studies focus on protein-coding genes overlapping with non-protein-coding counterparts, the so called natural antisense transcripts. Considerably less is known about the role of gene overlap in the case of two protein-coding genes. Here, we provide OverGeneDB, a database of human and mouse 5' end protein-coding overlapping genes. The database contains 582 human and 113 mouse gene pairs that are transcribed using overlapping promoters in at least one analyzed library. Gene pairs were identified based on the analysis of the transcription start site (TSS) coordinates in 73 human and 10 mouse organs, tissues and cell lines. Beside TSS data, resources for 26 human lung adenocarcinoma cell lines also contain RNA-Seq and ChIP-Seq data for seven histone modifications and RNA Polymerase II activity. The collected data revealed that the overlap region is rarely conserved between the studied species and tissues. In ∼50% of the overlapping genes, transcription started explicitly in the overlap regions. In the remaining half of overlapping genes, transcription was initiated both from overlapping and non-overlapping TSSs. OverGeneDB is accessible at http://overgenedb.amu.edu.pl.


Transient changes in cochlear potentials and DPOAEs after low-frequency tones: the 'two-minute bounce' revisited.
After exposure to a loud, non-traumatic low-frequency tone, auditory thresholds are elevated. Thresholds recover to normal in a non-monotonic manner, decreasing rapidly at first before increasing again, until they finally decrease monotonically towards normal. Although the transient elevation of thresholds after the initial improvement was originally called a 'bounce' by Hirsh and Ward (1952), Kemp (1986) suggests that the initial rapid recovery is the oddity: under some conditions a low-frequency tone can produce hypersensitivity in otoacoustic emissions, psychophysical thresholds, and perceived loudness (Kemp's 'bounce') without a later elevation of threshold (Hirsh and Ward's 'bounce'). Kemp also suggested that the transient hypersensitivity was caused by changes in the sensitivity of the active process within the cochlea. We have investigated the origin of this transient hypersensitivity (Kemp's bounce) in guinea pigs, recording cochlear potentials (CM, CAP, SP and EP) and otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs at f2-f1, 2f1-f2, 2f2-2f1 and 3f1-2f2). Our results indicate that the bounce does not require neural activity, but is probably produced by non-neural cochlear mechanisms, possibly a transient decrease in the permeability of the organ of Corti which produces a small but significant change in standing current through outer hair cells. At least part of these changes, which are reduced as the stimulation frequency increases, and absent above 2 kHz, seem due to a small and transient movement of the cochlear partition towards scala tympani, probably due to a transient osmotic imbalance.


The intensive respiratory care unit. An approach to the care of acute respiratory failure.
An organized approach for the management of acute respiratory failure in an intensive general care unit utilizes a team of consultants including a general physician, a surgeon, respiratory care nurses, physical therapists and a blood gas technician. Because this team provides consultation and technical assistance in respiratory care and provides the equipment as well as the monitoring of care, this approach is suitable for any hospital interested in the management of acute respiratory emergencies.


Percutaneous Extraction of a Migrated WATCHMAN™ Device After Seven Months.
Rarely, a left atrial appendage closure device may chronically migrate to an unfavorable position postoperatively, requiring removal. We present the details of a case in which a WATCHMAN™ device (Boston Scientific, Natick, MA, USA) implanted seven months prior was found to have migrated with protrusion 0.91 cm outside the left atrial appendage together with a 90º tilt and peridevice leakage. Adopting a femoral arterial retrograde approach, a 27-mm WATCHMAN™ device was temporarily positioned in the ascending aorta for cerebroembolic protection, never released from the connecting wire. Extraction of the original WATCHMAN™ device was performed using an endoscopic grasping tool, with subsequent device re-implantation of a new device and removal of the temporarily positioned device in the ascending aorta.


Scleromyxedema: a complete response to prednisone.
Scleromyxedema is a disorder characterized by a typical rash due to the accumulation of mucin in the dermis. It is always associated with a monoclonal protein in the serum and can have a wide variety of systemic manifestations. We describe a 40-year-old woman who had scleromyxedema associated with a monoclonal G lambda protein. Severe systemic symptoms included fatigue, esophageal dysmotility, and myopathy. Symptoms resolved completely with oral prednisone therapy, and she remained in clinical remission 24 months after use of prednisone was discontinued. Scleromyxedema is commonly treated with alkylating agents, which have been associated with pronounced morbidity and mortality. We suggest that oral corticosteroid therapy may be a reasonable initial choice for treating this disease and that alkylating agents be reserved for corticosteroid-refractory disease.


Molecular characterizations of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in seafood from the Black Sea, Turkey.
Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a marine bacterium that is considered as one of the major causes of bacterial food-borne outbreaks at a global scale. A total of 114 samples including mussel (n = 42), seawater (n = 22) and fish (n = 50) samples were collected and subjected to investigation. Vibrio parahaemolyticus was detected in 45 (39%) of 114 samples with an occurrence in mussel, seawater and fish samples of 76, 40·9 and 8% respectively. A total of 96 isolates were positive for the species-specific genes toxR and tlh and confirmed as V. parahaemolyticus. Presence of the virulence marker gene tdh was not identified in any of the strains investigated; however, four of strains were positive for the trh gene. Serological analysis of eight randomly selected trh-negative isolates identified three different serotypes: O4:K untypeable (KUT), O2:KUT, O3:KUT. Conversely, all four trh-positive strains belonged to a single serotype (O1:K1) and share an undistinguishable genetic profile by PFGE analysis, suggesting the existence of a dominant clone for the trh-positive strains in the region. Vibrio parahaemolyticus is the most prevalent food-poisoning bacterium associated with seafood consumption. The number of infections is increasing worldwide and is being reported in areas with no previous incidence. This study provides the first instance of the occurrence of V. parahaemolyticus strains with virulence traits in the Black Sea, contributing to gain a better understanding about potential risk associated with this pathogen in the region.


Mechanical and electrophysiological effects of preconditioning in isolated ischemic/reperfused rat hearts.
Changes in action potential duration (APD) were studied during ischemic/reperfusion injury preceded or not by preconditioning in isolated rat hearts. Hearts were perfused on a Langendorff apparatus with Krebs-Henseleit carbonate buffer and submitted to 25-min global low-flow ischemia (coronary flow, 0.3 mol x min-1) followed by 30-min reperfusion. In hearts that had been preconditioned, two intermittent periods of total ischemia for 5 min each, separated by 5-min reflow, were performed before low-flow ischemia. At the end of the ischemic period, APs were significantly prolonged in nonpreconditioned hearts; this prolongation was abolished by preconditioning. Moreover, preconditioning increased the recovery of the contractile function. Therefore, ischemia can widen APD. The results also showed that in rats, preconditioning can be produced in a manner qualitatively similar to preconditioning in other species. Verapamil (3 x 10(-9) mol x min(-1)) or 4-aminopyridine (4-AP, 3 x 10(-6) mol x min(-1)) applied exclusively during low-flow ischemia significantly improved postischemic contractile function in nonpreconditioned hearts (25.9 +/- 4.4. and 37.9 +/- 2.4 vs. 12.9 +/- 5.3%, respectively) as well as in preconditioned hearts (61.8 +/- 4.2 and 55.5 +/- 4.7 vs. 36.0 +/- 1.4%, respectively). With verapamil, this protection was associated with a decrease in APD at 90% of repolarization in the nonpreconditioned hearts (APD90 32.2 +/- 0.1 vs. 71.1 +/- 6.7 ms at the end of ischemia). With 4-AP, this same protection was associated with an increase in APD in the preconditioned hearts (APD90 67.7 +/- 0.7 vs. 48.5 +/- 2.6 ms at the end of ischemia). Both agents given during a 25-min ischemic challenge improved myocardial recovery in nonpreconditioned and preconditioned hearts, despite discordant effects on the AP. Furthermore, the action of these agents was cumulative with the effect of preconditioning.


Moxifloxacin Induced Seizures -A Case Report.
A 73-year-old female patient developed a generalized tonic-clonic seizure on the 6th day after treatment with moxifloxacin 400 mg daily intravenously for appendicitis. This patient had atrial fibrillation and history of a surgery for intracerebral hemorrhage, with impaired renal function and liver function, but without history of seizures. Moxifloxacin was discontinued and switched to cefuroxime. The patient remained seizure-free at discharge four days later. The naranjo adverse drug reaction probability scale score was 4, indicating a possible adverse reaction to moxifloxacin. The potential risk factors related to moxifloxacin-induced seizures are discussed. It highlights that preexisting central nervous system disease, elderly female with lower bodyweight and severe renal impairment may be the risk factors involved in moxifloxacin-induced seizures.


Hes1 overexpression leads to expansion of embryonic neural stem cell pool and stem cell reservoir in the postnatal brain.
Neural stem cells (NSCs) gradually alter their characteristics during mammalian neocortical development, resulting in the production of various neurons and glial cells, and remain in the postnatal brain as a source of adult neurogenesis. Notch-Hes signaling is a key regulator of stem cell properties in the developing and postnatal brain, and Hes1 is a major effector that strongly inhibits neuronal differentiation and maintains NSCs. To manipulate Hes1 expression levels in NSCs, we generated transgenic (Tg) mice using the Tet-On system. In Hes1-overexpressing Tg mice, NSCs were maintained in both embryonic and postnatal brains, and generation of later-born neurons was prolonged until later stages in the Tg neocortex. Hes1 overexpression inhibited the production of Tbr2+ intermediate progenitor cells but instead promoted the generation of basal radial glia-like cells in the subventricular zone (SVZ) at late embryonic stages. Furthermore, Hes1-overexpressing Tg mice exhibited the expansion of NSCs and enhanced neurogenesis in the SVZ of adult brain. These results indicate that Hes1 overexpression expanded the embryonic NSC pool and led to the expansion of the NSC reservoir in the postnatal and adult brain.


Association between autism spectrum disorder in individuals with velocardiofacial (22q11.2 deletion) syndrome and PRODH and COMT genotypes.
Velocardiofacial (VCFS; 22q11.2 deletion) syndrome is a genetic disorder that results from a hemizygous deletion of the q11.2 region on chromosome 22, and is associated with greatly increased risk for psychiatric disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia. There is emerging evidence for the involvement of catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) and proline dehydrogenase (oxidase) 1 (PRODH) in the psychiatric phenotype of individuals with VCFS. Here, we tested the hypothesis that PRODH and COMT are associated with ASD in youths with VCFS. We found that individuals with VCFS and the low-activity alleles of both PRODH and COMT (rs4819756A and rs4680A) were more likely to present with ASD as compared with individuals with VCFS and the high-activity alleles of these genes [P<0.05; odds ratio=6.0 (95% confidence interval=1.27-28.26; N=87)]. Our results suggest that PRODH and COMT may interact to contribute to the ASD phenotype in individuals with VCFS.


Genetic variability of group A human respiratory syncytial virus strains circulating in Germany from 1998 to 2007.
The variability between respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) strains is one of the features of RSV infections that might contribute to the ability of the virus to infect people repeatedly and cause yearly outbreaks. To study the molecular epidemiology of RSV, more than 1,400 RSV isolates from human nasopharyngeal aspirates or nasal or throat swabs from patients with respiratory illness were identified and differentiated by TaqMan reverse transcription-PCR into groups A and B. RSV group A was dominant in seven out of nine epidemic seasons. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that RSV group A genotypes GA2 and GA5 circulated from 1998 to 2007. Genotype GA7 was present in only two seasons (1999 to 2000 and 2002 to 2003). Comparison of the synonymous mutation/nonsynonymous mutation ratios showed greater evidence for selection pressure for genotype GA2 (1.18) than for GA5 (4.34). Partial protein sequences were predicted to encode G proteins of 298 amino acids in length and in a few cases of G proteins of 297 amino acids in length. Amino acid analysis also revealed genotype-specific amino acid substitutions: two substitutions for genotype GA2, seven for GA5, and three for GA7. Two to four putative, genotype-specific N-linked glycosylation sites were determined. Predicted O-glycosylation sites included 22 to 34 residues. This study provides for the first time data on the circulation pattern of RSV group A genotypes and their molecular characterization in Germany during nine consecutive epidemic seasons.


Effects of curing lights on human gingival epithelial cell proliferation.
Light-emitting diode (LED) and quartz-tungsten-halogen (QTH) curing lights are used commonly in clinics. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of these lights on the proliferation of human gingival epithelial cells. Smulow-Glickman (S-G) cells were exposed to a VALO LED (Ultradent) or an XL3000 QTH (3M ESPE) light at 1 millimeter or 6 mm distance for 18, 39, 60, and 120 seconds. Untreated and Triton X-100 treated cells were used as controls. At 24, 48, and 72 hours after light exposure, cell proliferation was evaluated via a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. The authors first evaluated the performances of these 2 lights. Both LED and QTH lights generated heat. The LED light generated less heat than the QTH light and could save approximately two-thirds of the curing time. When used for 18 seconds at a 6 mm distance, the LED light did not inhibit the proliferation of S-G cells. However, if the exposure time was longer (for example, 39, 60, or 120 seconds), the LED light inhibited cell proliferation. The inhibitory effect increased when the exposure time was increased to 39, 60, or 120 seconds. The QTH light did not inhibit S-G cell proliferation if the exposure time was less than 120 seconds. Prolonged exposure to a blue curing light (both LED and QTH) inhibits the proliferation of gingival epithelial cells and may cause damages to oral soft tissues. In dental practices, a balance should be struck in consideration of curing time not only to cure the composites completely but also to minimize unnecessarily prolonged light exposure.


Tandem High-Pressure Crystallography-Optical Spectroscopy Unpacks Noncovalent Interactions of Piezochromic Fluorescent Molecular Rotors.
To develop luminescent molecular materials with predictable and stimuli-responsive emission, it is necessary to correlate changes in their geometries, packing structures, and noncovalent interactions with the associated changes in their optical properties. Here, we demonstrate that high-pressure single-crystal X-ray diffraction can be combined with high-pressure UV-visible absorption and fluorescence emission spectroscopies to elucidate how subtle changes in structure influence optical outputs. A piezochromic aggregation-induced emitter, sym-heptaphenylcycloheptatriene (Ph7C7H), displays bathochromic shifts in its absorption and emission spectra at high pressure. Parallel X-ray measurements identify the pressure-induced changes in specific phenyl-phenyl interactions responsible for the piezochromism. Pairs of phenyl rings from neighboring molecules approach the geometry of a stable benzene dimer, while conformational changes alter intramolecular phenyl-phenyl interactions correlated with a relaxed excited state. This tandem crystallographic and spectroscopic analysis provides insights into how subtle structural changes relate to the photophysical properties of Ph7C7H and could be applied to a library of similar compounds to provide general structure-property relationships in fluorescent organic molecules with rotor-like geometries.


Genetically engineered mesenchymal stromal cells as a new trend for treatment of severe acute graft-versus-host disease.
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a population of non-hematopoietic and self-renewing cells characterized by the potential to differentiate into different cell subtypes. MSCs have interesting features which have attracted a lot of attention in various clinical investigations. Some basic features of MSCs are including the weak immunogenicity (absence of MHC-II and costimulatory ligands accompanied by the low expression of MHC-I) and the potential of plasticity and multi-organ homing via expressing related surface molecules. MSCs by immunomodulatory effects could also ameliorate several immune-pathological conditions like graft-versus-host diseases (GVHD). The efficacy and potency of MSCs are the main objections of MSCs therapeutic applications. It suggested that improving the MSC immunosuppressive characteristic via genetic engineering to produce therapeutic molecules consider as one of the best options for this purpose. In this review, we explain the functions, immunologic properties, and clinical applications of MSCs to discuss the beneficial application of genetically modified MSCs in GVHD.


Recall response to COVID-19 antigen is preserved in people with multiple sclerosis on anti-CD20 medications - A pilot study.
Antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination are impaired in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) under anti-CD20 therapies. It is however unclear, whether patients who received the basic immunization prior to anti-B cell medication start respond to the COVID-19 booster dose, once B cells are depleted. To investigate the humoral response to recall antigen by COVID-19 booster vaccines in people with MS (pwMS), who recently started an anti-CD20 therapy compared to people with long-term B cell depletion. We enrolled 15 pwMS who had received booster vaccination on anti-CD20 therapy. Of these, 11 had established anti-CD20 medications and were therefore vaccinated during a continuous state of B cell depletion (CD20-vaccine cohort). Four pwMS had received the basic immunization prior to anti-CD20 therapy commencement and only the booster dose (vaccine-CD20-vaccine cohort) under conditions of B cell depletion. We assessed SARS-CoV-2 specific antibody responses after booster vaccination among both groups and evaluated accompanying B cell numbers and proportions from the peripheral circulation. The booster dose of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination elicited measurable antibody responses in 18% of individuals from the CD20-vaccine cohort compared to 100% from the vaccine-CD20-vaccine cohort. Antibody-levels were significantly higher among patients from the vaccine-CD20-vaccine cohort compared to the CD20-vaccine cohort (mean 951.25 ± 1137.96 BAU/ml, vs mean 12.36 ± 11.94 BAU/ml; mean difference 938 BAU/ml (95% CI: 249-1629 BAU/ml), p <0.0001). Among the vaccine-CD20-vaccine cohort, the booster immunization led to augmentation of spike antibody levels in 75% despite concomitant B cell depletion, and values increased by 3.8 - 9.4-fold compared to basic immunization. We observed no correlation of B cell kinetics and SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels. Our study suggests that antibody production to recall COVID-19 antigens is preserved in pwMS despite concomitant anti-CD20 therapy. If corroborated in bigger cohorts, this could have implications in the management of individuals about to start B cell medications.


Immobilized Transforming Growth Factor-Beta 1 in a Stiffness-Tunable Artificial Extracellular Matrix Enhances Mechanotransduction in the Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition of Hepatocellular Carcinoma.
Cancer progression is regulated by multiple factors of extracellular matrix (ECM). Understanding how cancer cells integrate multiple signaling pathways to achieve specific behaviors remains a challenge because of the lack of appropriate models to copresent and modulate ECM properties. Here we proposed a strategy to build a thin biomaterial matrix by poly(l-lysine) and hyaluronan as an artificial stiffness-tunable ECM. Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) was used as a biochemical cue to present in an immobilized and spatially controlled manner, with a high loading efficiency of 90%. Either soft matrix with immobilized TGF-β1 (i-TGF) or bare stiff matrix could only promote HCC cells to form the epithelial phenotype, whereas stiff matrix with i-TGF was the only condition to induce the mesenchymal phenotype. Further investigation revealed that i-TGF increased the specific TGF-β1 receptor (TβRI) expression to activate PI3K pathway. i-TGF-TβRI interactions also promoted HCC cell adhesion to enlarge contact area for stiffness sensing, resulting in the raising expression of the mechano-sensor (β1 integrin). Mechanotransduction would then be enhanced by the β1 integrin/vinculin/p-FAK pathway, leading to a noble PI3K activation. Using our model, a novel mechanism was discovered to elucidate regulation of cell fates by coupling mechanotransduction and biochemical signaling.


Possible Regulatory Roles of Cytokinins : NADH Oxidation by Peroxidase and a Copper Interaction.
Apparently free-base cytokinins can interact with cupric ions in a specific manner. Oxidation of NADH by a horseradish peroxidase system was strongly promoted by such cytokinins provided cupric ions were present. Oxidation was promoted by 5 micromolar kinetin, zeatin, 6-benzylaminopurine (BA), or 6-(Delta(2)-isopentenylamino)purine (2iP) but not by adenine, 6-methylaminopurine or 6,6-dimethylaminopurine. The 6-methylaminopurine promoted oxidation at 500 micromolar but adenine and 6,6-dimethylaminopurine did not. Activity of the free-base purines correlated well with their activity in cell-division assays. However, addition of methoxymethyl-, cyclohexyl-, or tetrahydropyranyl- at N-9 of BA or of ribosyl- at N-9 of BA, 2iP, kinetin, or zeatin eliminated activity in the peroxidase system. In a nonenzymic system containing cupric ions, all of the bases, including adenine, inhibited the Cu(2+) -stimulated oxidation of ascorbic acid. As in the peroxidase system, the N-9 derivatives were inactive. The cytokinin promotion of NADH oxidation by peroxidase may result from an interaction of the hormones with copper, with peroxidase conferring a specificity similar to the cytokinin specificity observed in growth and development.


Global supermarkets' corporate social responsibility commitments to public health: a content analysis.
Supermarkets have unprecedented political and economic power in the food system and an inherent responsibility to demonstrate good corporate citizenship via corporate social responsibility (CSR). The aim of this study was to investigate the world's largest and most powerful supermarkets' publically available CSR commitments to determine their potential impact on public health. The world's largest 100 retailers were identified using the Global Powers of Retailing report. Thirty-one supermarkets that published corporate reports referring to CSR or sustainability, in English, between 2013 and 2018, were included and thematically analysed. Although a large number of themes were identified (n = 79), and there were differences between each business, supermarket CSR commitments focused on five priorities: donating surplus food to charities for redistribution to feed the hungry; reducing and recovering food waste; sustainably sourcing specific ingredients including seafood, palm oil, soy and cocoa; governance of food safety; and growing the number of own brand foods available, that are made by suppliers to meet supermarkets' requirements. CSR commitments made by 31 of the world's largest supermarkets showed they appeared willing to take steps to improve sustainable sourcing of specific ingredients, but there was little action being taken to support health and nutrition. Although some supermarket CSR initiatives showed promise, the world's largest supermarkets could do more to use their power to support public health. It is recommended they should: (1) transparently report food waste encompassing the whole of the food system in their waste reduction efforts; (2) support healthful and sustainable diets by reducing production and consumption of discretionary foods, meat, and other ingredients with high social and environmental impacts; (3) remove unhealthful confectionery, snacks, and sweetened beverages from prominent in-store locations; (4) ensure a variety of minimally processed nutritious foods are widely available; and (5) introduce initiatives to make healthful foods more affordable, support consumers to select healthful and sustainable foods, and report healthful food sales as a proportion of total food sales, using transparent criteria for key terms.


Low bundle sheath carbonic anhydrase is apparently essential for effective c(4) pathway operation.
Bundle sheath cells from leaves of a variety of C(4) species contained little or no carbonic anhydrase activity. The proportion of total leaf carbonic anhydrase in extracts of bundle sheath cells closely reflected the apparent mesophyll cell contamination of bundle sheath cell extracts as measured by the proportion of the mesophyll cell marker enzymes phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase and pyruvate,Pi dikinase. Values of about 1% or less of the total leaf activity were obtained for all three enzymes. The recorded bundle sheath carbonic anhydrase activity was compared with a calculated upper limit of carbonic anhydrase activity that would still permit efficient functioning of the C(4) pathway; that is, a carbonic anhydrase level allowing a sufficiently high steady state [CO(2)] to suppress photorespiration. Even before correcting for mesophyll cell contamination the activity in bundle sheath cell extracts was substantially less than the calculated upper limit of carbonic anhydrase activity consistent with effective C(4) function. The results accord with the notion that a deficiency of carbonic anhydrase in bundle sheath cells is vital for the efficient operation of the C(4) pathway.


Chromosomal assignment of human and rat hypertension candidate genes: type 1 angiotensin II receptor genes and the SA gene.
The chromosomal location of candidate genes for a disease, especially if the disease is multifactorial, is an important datum. The objective of the present study was to determine the chromosomal location of candidate hypertensinogenic genes, both in humans and in the rat, a species widely used for animal models of human hypertension. The type 1 angiotensin II receptor (AT1) genes are obvious hypertension candidate genes, whereas the SA gene has recently been shown to cosegregate with hypertension in the rat. The chromosomal location of the relevant genes was determined using somatic cell hybrids segregating either human chromosomes or rat chromosomes. The presence of the human or rat genes was determined by the Southern blot method, using rat probes. A single AT1 gene (AT1) was detected in the human genome, and was assigned to chromosome 3, whereas two non-syntenic genes were detected in the rat genome, corresponding to the previously identified A and B subtypes. They were assigned to the rat chromosome 17 (At1a) and 2 (AT1b). The Sa gene was assigned to human chromosome 16 and rat chromosome 1, disclosing a new synteny group retained on rat chromosome 1 and human chromosome 16. These chromosomal assignments should be useful for linkage analyses of genes controlling blood pressure. The genes that we studied, and the chromosomes that we identified, deserve special attention in such linkage analyses.


Asparagine Biosynthesis in Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) Root Nodules.
Rapid direct conversion of exogenously supplied [(14)C]aspartate to [(14)C] asparagine and to tricarboxylic cycle acids was observed in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) nodules. Aspartate aminotransferase activity readily converted carbon from exogenously applied [(14)C]aspartate into the tricarboxylic acid cycle with subsequent conversion to the organic acids malate, succinate, and fumarate. Aminooxyacetate, an inhibitor of aminotransferase activity, reduced the flow of carbon from [(14)C]aspartate into tricarboxylic cycle acids and decreased (14)CO(2) evolution by 99%. Concurrently, maximum conversion of aspartate to asparagine was observed in aminooxyacetate treated nodules (30 nanomoles asparagine per gram fresh weight per hour. Metabolism of [(14)C]aspartate and distribution of nodulefixed (14)CO(2) suggest that two pools of aspartate occur in alfalfa nodules: (a) one involved in asparagine biosynthesis, and (b) another supplying a malate/aspartate shuttle. Conversion of [(14)C]aspartate to [(14)C]asparagine was not inhibited by methionine sulfoximine, a glutamine synthetase inhibitor, or azaserine, a glutmate synthetase, inhibitor. The data did not indicate that asparagine biosynthesis in alfalfa nodules has an absolute requirement for glutamine. Radioactivity in the xylem sap, derived from nodule (14)CO(2) fixation, was markedly decreased by treating nodulated roots with aminooxyacetate, methionine sulfoximine, and azaserine. Inhibitors decreased the [(14)C]aspartate and [(14)]asparagine content of xylem sap by greater than 80% and reduced the total amino nitrogen content of xylem sap (including nonradiolabeled amino acids) by 50 to 80%. Asparagine biosynthesis in alfalfa nodules and transport in xylem sap are dependent upon continued aminotransferase activity and an uninterrupted assimilation of ammonia via the glutamine synthetase/glutamate synthase pathway. Continued assimilation of ammonia apparently appears crucial to continued root nodule CO(2) fixation in alfalfa.


Study on biodegradable microspheres containing recombinant interferon-alpha-2a.
In this work, a new microsphere delivery system comprising calcium alginate microcores surrounded by a biodegradable poly-DL-lactide-poly(ethylene glycol) (PELA) coat was designed to improve the loading efficiency and stability of peptide drugs. Recombinant interferon (IFN)-alpha-2a, used as a model peptide drug, was efficiently entrapped within the alginate microcores using a high-speed stirrer and then microencapsulated into PELA copolymer using a water-in-oil-in-water solvent extraction method. Microspheres were characterized in terms of morphology, size and distribution, encapsulation efficiency, IFN biological activity retention and in-vitro peptide release. The IFN potency test showed that IFN entrapped in the core-coated microspheres could retain its biological activity during the encapsulation and release procedure. The release profiles were determined by the measurement of peptide presenting in the release medium at various intervals. The IFN potency, calculated by the Wish cells/vesicular stomatitis virus system, was used to determine IFN biological activity. The results showed that the core-coated microspheres could stabilize IFN in the PELA matrix. We compared the new deliverysystem with conventional microsphere delivery systems based on biodegradable poly-DL-lactide and poly-DL-lactide-poly(ethylene glycol). The core-coated microspheres had the highest amount of entrapment, encapsulation efficiency and biological activity retention. The extent of burst release (14%) from the core-coated microspheres in the initial protein release was much lower than the 31% burst release from the conventional microspheres. In conclusion, this work presents a new approach for water-soluble macromolecular drugs delivery (e.g. protein, peptide drugs, vaccines).


Multiple spillovers from humans and onward transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in white-tailed deer.
Many animal species are susceptible to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and could act as reservoirs; however, transmission in free-living animals has not been documented. White-tailed deer, the predominant cervid in North America, are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection, and experimentally infected fawns can transmit the virus. To test the hypothesis that SARS-CoV-2 is circulating in deer, 283 retropharyngeal lymph node (RPLN) samples collected from 151 free-living and 132 captive deer in Iowa from April 2020 through January of 2021 were assayed for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Ninety-four of the 283 (33.2%) deer samples were positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA as assessed by RT-PCR. Notably, following the November 2020 peak of human cases in Iowa, and coinciding with the onset of winter and the peak deer hunting season, SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in 80 of 97 (82.5%) RPLN samples collected over a 7-wk period. Whole genome sequencing of all 94 positive RPLN samples identified 12 SARS-CoV-2 lineages, with B.1.2 (n = 51; 54.5%) and B.1.311 (n = 19; 20%) accounting for ∼75% of all samples. The geographic distribution and nesting of clusters of deer and human lineages strongly suggest multiple human-to-deer transmission events followed by subsequent deer-to-deer spread. These discoveries have important implications for the long-term persistence of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Our findings highlight an urgent need for a robust and proactive "One Health" approach to obtain enhanced understanding of the ecology, molecular evolution, and dissemination of SARS-CoV-2.


Older Adults' Physical Activity and the Relevance of Distances to Neighborhood Destinations and Barriers to Outdoor Mobility.
Aim: To determine the relevance of features located close to home and further away, our aim was to study associations between older adults' physical activity and self-reported neighborhood destinations and barriers to outdoor mobility categorized by presence and maximal distance from home. Methods: Cross-sectional analyses comprising men and women 79-94 years old (57%) living independently in Central Finland (n = 185). Self-reported physical activity was categorized into lower (≤3 h moderate activity a week) and higher (≥4 h moderate or intense activity a week) activity. Assisted by interviewers, participants located on an interactive map destinations perceived to facilitate and barriers perceived to hinder outdoor mobility in their neighborhood. Participants' home addresses were geolocated. Euclidean distances between home and reported locations were computed, and the maximal distance from home to neighborhood destinations and barriers, respectively, was categorized based using four common buffer distances, i.e., 250 m, 500 m, 750 m, and 1 km. Participants reporting destinations or barriers within and beyond the respective distance were compared with those reporting none. Results: About 80% of participants reported neighborhood destinations and 55% neighborhood barriers to outdoor mobility. Barriers were generally located closer to home than destinations [median 166 m (range 25 m-6.10 km) vs. 492 m (5 m-2.7 km)]. Logistic regression analyses adjusted for age, sex, and physical performance showed that neighborhood destinations increased the odds for higher physical activity when located beyond 500 m from home [OR 2.95, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02-8.54], but not when located solely within 500 m (OR 1.70, 95% CI 0.30-9.61), in comparison with when reporting no destinations. In contrast, neighborhood barriers decreased the odds for higher physical activity when solely located within 500 m (OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.14-0.72), but not when any barrier was located beyond 500 m (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.23-3.99), compared with when reporting no barriers. Associations were similar for 250-m buffer distances, but not robust for 750-m and 1,000-m buffers because of lower prevalence. Conclusion: Neighborhood barriers to outdoor mobility located close to home were associated with lower physical activity of older adults, whereas barriers further away were not. Attractive destinations for outdoor mobility located further away from home correlated with higher physical activity, potentially by motivating one to go out and be physically active. Temporal relationships warrant further study.


Establishment of a Novel Method for Spinal Discectomy Surgery in Elderly Rats in an In Vivo Spinal Fusion Model.
The rat model is a common model for intervertebral disc (IVD) and spinal research. However, complications remain challenging. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are validated methods to minimize complications and improve safety and quality of studies. However, a SOP for rat spinal fusion surgery has been missing until now. Therefore, the aim of the study was to develop a SOP for spinal tail disc surgery in elderly Wistar rats (419.04 ± 54.84 g). An initial preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative surgical setup, including specific anaesthesia and pain management protocols, was developed. Anaesthesia was induced by subcutaneous injection of a pre-mixture of fentanyl, midazolam, and medetomidin with the addition of 0.5% isoflurane in oxygen and caudal epidural analgesia. The surgery itself consisted of the fixation of a customized external ring fixator with ⌀ 0.8 mm Kirschner wires at the proximal rat tail and a discectomy and replacement with bone morphogenetic protein coated beta-tricalcium-phosphate carrier. The postoperative setup included heating, analgesia with buprenorphine, and meloxicam, as well as special supplementary food. Anaesthesia, surgery, and pain management were sufficient. In the presented optimized SOP, no animals developed any complications. A SOP for spinal surgery in elderly rats in an in vivo spinal fusion model was developed successfully. This novel protocol can improve transparency, reproducibility, and external validity in experimental rat spinal surgery experiments.


Semipermeable Hollow Fiber Phantoms for Development and Validation of Perfusion-Sensitive MR Methods and Signal Models.
Two semipermeable, hollow fiber phantoms for the validation of perfusion-sensitive magnetic resonance methods and signal models are described. Semipermeable hollow fibers harvested from a standard commercial hemodialysis cartridge serve to mimic tissue capillary function. Flow of aqueous media through the fiber lumen is achieved with a laboratory-grade peristaltic pump. Diffusion of water and solute species (e.g., Gd-based contrast agent) occurs across the fiber wall, allowing exchange between the lumen and the extralumenal space. Phantom design attributes include: i) small physical size, ii) easy and low-cost construction, iii) definable compartment volumes, and iv) experimental control over media content and flow rate.


Lipoma of paraglottic space in a child: a case report.
Lipomas of the larynx are very rare benign lesions; macroscopically, they resemble retention cysts, so their diagnosis is usually made after surgery. A rare case of pediatric paraglottic space Lipoma in an 11-year-old boy is explained. The mass was mobile, soft, without fluctuation or pulsation. CT scan revealed a 5.7 cm cervical fat density with regional lymphadenopathy. After lateral neck incision, a mass located deep in the carotid artery, which was attached to the larynx and which extended to the paraglottic space, was excised completely. Pathologic evaluation revealed Lipoma without any evidence of malignant cells present. This rare differential diagnosis for neck masses in pediatric population should be considered.


Characterization of the complete chloroplast genome of Carya laciniosa (F.Michx.) G.Don (Juglandaceae).
Carya laciniosa (F.Michx.) G.Don is a slow-growing valuable tree in the family Juglandaceae. In this research, we first reported the chloroplast genome sequence of C. laciniosa. The chloroplast genome was a circular form with 160,832 bp in size, comprising four subregions: a large single-copy (LSC) region of 90,065 bp, a small single-copy (SSC) region of 18,791 bp, and two copies of inverted repeats (IRs; IRa and IRb) of 25,988 bp each. A total of 132 genes were annotated in the chloroplast genome of C. laciniosa, including 87 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. The overall GC content of the whole genome was 36.14%. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that C. laciniosa was closely related to C. ovata.


Enzymes of Glucose Oxidation in Leaf Tissues : The Distribution of the Enzymes of Glycolysis and the Oxidative Pentose Phosphate Pathway between Epidermal and Mesophyll Tissues of C(3)-Plants and Epidermal, Mesophyll, and Bundle Sheath Tissues of C(4)-Plants.
The distribution of the glycolytic enzymes, phosphofructokinase, aldolase, triosephosphate isomerase, phosphoglycerate kinase, pyruvate kinase, and the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway enzymes, glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, was determined in the leaf tissues of two C(3)-plants, pea and leek, and two C(4)-plants, maize and sorghum. All enzymes examined were found in epidermal tissue. In pea, maize, and sorghum leaves, the specific activities of these enzymes were usually higher in the nonphotosynthetic epidermal tissue than in the photosynthetic tissues of the leaves. In leek leaves, which were etiolated, specific activities were similar in both epidermal and mesophyll tissue. The distribution of the rate limiting enzymes of glycolysis and the oxidative pentose phosphate pathways probably reflects the capacity of each tissue to generate NADH, NADPH, and ATP from the oxidation of glucose. This capacity appears to be greater in leaf tissues unable to generate reducing equivalents and ATP by photosynthesis, that is, in epidermal tissues and etiolated mesophyll tissue.


The interplay of environmental luminance and genetics in the retinal dystrophy induced by the dominant RPE65 mutation.
SignificanceIn humans, genetic mutations in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) 65 are associated with blinding diseases, for which there is no effective therapy alleviating progressive retinal degeneration in affected patients. Our findings uncovered that the increased free opsin caused by enhancing the ambient light intensity increased retinal activation, and when compounded with the RPE visual cycle dysfunction caused by the heterozygous D477G mutation and aggregation, led to the onset of retinal degeneration.


Use of the Modified Mini-Mental State Examination with children.
The validity and reliability of the modified version of the Mini-Mental State Examination with children was examined. The Modified Mini-Mental State Examination was administered to 99 children between 4 and 12 years of age (45 males and 54 females) to assess expected scores for nonclinical children and with a clinical sample. Concurrent validity was assessed through correlations of Modified Mini-Mental State Examination scores with Wechsler Intelligence scores and Child Behavior Checklist scores. The Modified Mini-Mental State Examination was administered to 26 children on two occasions to determine test-retest reliability. Means and standard deviations of scores are reported by age and grade level. Test-retest reliability coefficients were positively significant. For the nonclinical sample, Modified Mini-Mental State Examination scores were significantly and positively correlated with Verbal IQ and Child Behavior Checklist scores. Modified Mini-Mental State Examination scores were significantly correlated with Verbal IQ scores in the total and clinical samples.


The effect of acupressure at third liver point on the anxiety level in patients with primary dysmenorrhea.
Primary dysmenorrhea may lead to severe anxiety and pain relief during menstruation may reduce the anxiety levels. This study was aimed to determine the effect of acupressure at third liver and placebo points on the anxiety level in patients with primary dysmenorrhea. This clinical trial was conducted in parallel in the control and treatment groups for three menstrual periods at the dormitory of Kashan University of Medical Sciences between March and June 2012. Students with pain score equal to or greater than 4 were selected and divided into groups based on severity of pain using a randomized block design with the allocation ratio of 1:1. Acupressure was applied in two acupoints including third Liver point (Liv3) and placebo points. Spielberg (STAI) anxiety questionnaire was completed before and after intervention. Randomization, subjects, and data analyzer were blinded to the analysis. Chi-square tests, t-test, Mann-Whitney, paired sample t-test, and univariate analysis of variance were used for statistical analysis. P values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Mean [standard deviation (SD)] values of apparent anxiety levels before and after intervention for liv3 were 45.100 (9.769) and 38.100 (10.608), respectively. For the control group, they were 41.200 (9.795) and 38.900(10.140), respectively. Difference was significant only in the intervention group (P < 0.001). Hidden anxiety did not show a significant change before and after intervention. There was no difference between groups in apparent or hidden anxiety after intervention. Pressure on liv3 point reduces anxiety. As there are no previous studies on this topic, further studies with more samples are recommended.


Effect of several bleaching agents on teeth stained with a resin-based sealer.
To evaluate the effect of peroxide-based bleaching agents on teeth stained with AH26 sealer (Dentsply De Trey, Konstanz, Germany), using digital images and computer analysis. Thirty-five maxillary central incisors were root filled, and the internal walls of the access cavity were coated with AH26 sealer. Internal bleaching commenced 4 months after the root fillings. In three experimental groups (n = 10), the teeth were bleached for 21 days using 45% carbamide peroxide (CP) gel, 45% sodium perborate + carbamide peroxide (SP + CP) or sodium perborate + distilled water (SP + W). No bleaching was undertaken in the control group. Digital images of each specimen were made before treatment, 4 months after endodontic treatment and 2 weeks after bleaching. Colour differences (∆E) were calculated by determining L*a*b* values using digital images and imaging software. Differences between the original colour and sealer-stained teeth, between sealer-stained and bleached teeth and between original colour and bleached teeth were calculated. Data were analysed using one-way anova and Duncan tests (α = 0.05). Colour differences between baseline and sealer staining were in the range of 8.1-9.9, but differences between the groups were not significant. After bleaching, the degree of lightening was essentially identical for the carbamide peroxide and sodium perborate + carbamide peroxide groups, but was significantly greater (P < 0.05) in these two groups than in the sodium perborate + water group. For bleaching AH26 sealer-stained teeth, carbamide peroxide gel and carbamide peroxide gel mixed with sodium perborate were equally effective and significantly better than sodium perborate mixed with water.


Photophoretic trapping of multiple particles in tapered-ring optical field.
We demonstrate the photophoretic trapping of more than several hundreds of absorbing particles by tapered-ring optical traps diffracted from a circular aperture. The experiments with different laser powers show the influence of air flow acting on particles. Three kinds of particles with different densities (about 1~7 g/cm(3)) and different shapes (spherical, non-spherical) can be trapped. The non-spherical particles (toner particles) disperse in optical field, while the spherical particles (ink droplets and iron particles) arrange as a straight line. More importantly, in the experiments of two counter-propagating tapered-ring beams, the agglomeration of particles is achieved and can help research the dynamics of aerosols.


Influence of particle size and xylanase supplementation on the performance, energy utilisation, digestive tract parameters and digesta viscosity of broiler starters.
1. The aim of the present experiment was to examine the influence of particle size and xylanase supplementation on the performance, energy utilisation, and gross morphological and histological parameters of the digestive tract of broiler starters fed wheat-based diets. The experimental design was a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments evaluating two wheat particle sizes (medium and coarse) and two levels of xylanase supplementation (without or with 1000 xylanase units/kg diet). The two particle sizes were achieved by grinding the whole wheat in a hammer mill to pass through 3 and 7 mm screens, respectively. Broiler starter diets, based on wheat and soybean meal, were formulated and each diet was fed ad libitum to 6 pens of 8 male broilers each from d 1 to 21 post-hatch. 2. Wheat particle size had no effect on the performance of broilers. Xylanase supplementation had no effect on weight gain and feed intake. However, a significant particle size x xylanase interaction was observed for feed per unit gain with xylanase lowering feed per gain only in the coarse particle size diet. Xylanase supplementation improved the nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolisable energy at both particle sizes. 3. Xylanase supplementation decreased the relative weight and relative length of all gut components. Villus height and crypt depth and total extent of the mucosal layer were unaffected by both wheat particle size and xylanase supplementation. 4. The apparent viscosity of intestinal digesta, determined over the physiological range of shear rates, was not influenced by xylanase addition or particle size. 5. The findings of this study suggest that the effectiveness of exogenous xylanase in broiler diets is influenced by wheat particle size.


Potential public health impact of new tuberculosis vaccines.
Developing effective tuberculosis (TB) vaccines is a high priority. We use mathematical models to predict the potential public health impact of new TB vaccines in high-incidence countries. We show that preexposure vaccines would be almost twice as effective as postexposure vaccines in reducing the number of new infections. Postexposure vaccines would initially have a substantially greater impact, compared to preexposure vaccines, on reducing the number of new cases of disease. However, the effectiveness of postexposure vaccines would diminish over time, whereas the effectiveness of preexposure vaccines would increase. Thus, after 20 to 30 years, post- or preexposure vaccination campaigns would be almost equally effective in terms of cumulative TB cases prevented. Even widely deployed and highly effective (50%-90% efficacy) pre- or postexposure vaccines would only be able to reduce the number of TB cases by one third. We discuss the health policy implications of our analyses.


Colonocyte basolateral membranes contain Escherichia coli heat-stable enterotoxin receptors.
Heat-stable enterotoxin (ST(a)) elaborated by E. coli is a major cause of diarrhea. The transmembrane protein guanylyl cyclase C (GC-C) is the acknowledged receptor for ST(a) and for the mammalian peptides guanylin and uroguanylin. Binding to GC-C results in generation of cGMP, activation of type II cGMP-dependent protein kinase, phosphorylation of CFTR and increased chloride and bicarbonate secretion. We had previously shown that ST(a) receptors (GC-C) are found on the brush border membranes of small intestinal enterocytes and of colonocytes. However, since it has subsequently been shown that the endogenous ligands for these receptors, guanylin and uroguanylin, circulate in blood, we proposed the existence of ST(a) binding sites on the basolateral membranes (BLM) of colonocytes. Specific binding of 125I-ST(a) to rat colonocyte BLM was seen. The kinetics of binding to the BLM were similar to binding to BBM. The nature of the BLM receptor is unknown. This suggests that circulating guanylin and uroguanylin, analogues of ST(a), may also function via the basolateral surface.


Structural damage induced by peroxidation may account for functional impairment of heavy synaptic mitochondria.
Coenzyme Q distribution, as well as respiratory chain features, in rat brain mitochondria depend on mitochondrial subpopulation, brain region and age. Heavy mitochondria (HM) usually display the lowest content of respiratory components and the lowest enzymatic activities and it has been suggested that they represent the oldest mitochondrial population. In this study, we confirmed that HM are considerably compromised in their structure. In fact, HM showed to have the highest hydroperoxide content and the most consistent modifications in their fatty acid pattern with wide loss of fatty acids (or part of them) in the phospholipid moiety. Such situation could explain the typical impairment of HM and could support the hypothesis that they represent an old mitochondrial population.


Phytochrome-mediated de Novo Synthesis of Phenylalanine Ammonia-Lyase in Cell Suspension Cultures of Parsley.
After a preirradiation with ultraviolet light, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase activity in cell suspension cultures of parsley (Petroselinum hortense Hoff.) is controlled by phytochrome (red/far red photoreversibility). Isopycnic CsCl density gradient centrifugation, after labeling with (15)N (90 atom%) under inductive and noninductive conditions, was used to investigate the mode of action of phytochrome in this response. After a 5hour labeling period, a buoyant density shift of 0.009 kg.l(-1) (0.7%) without band-broadening (indicating close to maximal labeling of the enzyme), was observed in irradiated cells. In dark-grown controls, the density shift was 0.004 kg.l(-1) (0.3%), accompanied by significant band-broadening, indicating turnover of about half of the enzyme pool during 5 hours. These results are taken as evidence that phytochrome controls de novo synthesis of this enzyme over a background of basal turnover.


Outcome following emergency surgery for refractory severe ulcerative colitis in a tertiary care centre in India.
Steroid-based intensive medical therapy for severe ulcerative colitis is successful in 60-70% of such patients. Patients with complications or those refractory to medical therapy require emergency colectomy for salvage. Little is known about the impact of timing of surgical intervention and surgical outcomes of such patients undergoing emergency surgery in India where the diagnosis is often delayed or missed in patients who are poor, malnourished and non-compliant to medical treatment. The clinical records of all patients undergoing emergency surgery for severe ulcerative colitis or its complication in the Department of GI surgery AIIMS, New Delhi, India, between January 1985 and December 2003 were retrieved and data pertaining to demographic features, duration of intensive medical therapy, presence of complications, time from admission to emergency surgery, surgical procedure, in-hospital morbidity and mortality and follow up status extracted. A total of 72 patients underwent emergency surgery (Subtotal colectomy: 60; ileostomy alone under local anaesthesia: 12). Poor nutritional status was seen in 61% of the patients. Twenty-one patients (29%) underwent emergency surgery for complications of severe ulcerative colitis such as colonic perforation (spontaneous 6, iatrogenic 4), massive lower gastrointestinal haemorrhage (5), toxic megacolon (4) and large bowel obstruction (2). The remaining patients (n = 51) underwent emergency surgery following failed intensive therapy; 17 underwent surgery < or = 5 days (Group I) and 34 were operated > 5 days (Group II) after initiation of intensive therapy. In this group all the post-operative deaths (n = 8) occurred in those who were operated after 5 days. The difference in mortality in these two groups (i.e. surgical intervention < or = or > 5 days) was statistically significant {0/17 (Group I) vs 8/34 (Group II); p = 0.03}. Overall, 12 patients died (in-hospital mortality: 16.7%). The mortality was higher (10/43; 23.3%) in our early experience (i.e. 1985-1995) when compared to our subsequent experience (2/29; 6.9%) (1996-2003). A total of 48 patients (including 3 awaiting a restorative procedure) are alive on follow up (66.7%; 3 patients lost to follow up). A restorative procedure could be successfully completed in 81% of the survivors of the emergency procedure. To optimize the outcome, a combined team of physicians and surgeons should be involved in the management of patients with severe ulcerative colitis with focus on nutritional support, correction of metabolic derangements, close clinical monitoring and timely assessment for the need for emergency surgery. This retrospective analysis shows that improved results can be achieved with experience and by following a policy of early surgical intervention within 5 days, especially in patients who have failed intensive medical therapy.


Study of the Influence of Technological Parameters on Generating Flat Part with Cylindrical Features in 3D Printing with Resin Cured by Optical Processing.
The objective of this paper is to determine how the supporting structure in the DLP 3D printing process has influences on the characteristics of the flat and cylindrical surfaces. The part is printed by using the Light Control Digital (LCD) 3D printer technology. A Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) with contact probes is used for measuring the physical characteristics of the printed part. Two types of experiment were chosen by the authors to be made. The first part takes into consideration the influence of the density of the generated supports, at the bottom of the printed body on the characteristics of the flat surface. In parallel, it is studying the impact of support density on the dimension and quality of the surface. In the second part of the experiment, the influence of the printed supports dimension on the flatness, straightness and roundness of the printed elements were examined. It can be observed that both the numerical and dimensional optimum zones of the support structure for a prismatic element could be determined, according to two experiments carried out and the processing of the resulting data. Based on standardized data of flatness, straightness and roundness, it is possible to put in accord the values determined by measurement within the limits of standardized values.


Methods for the Isolation, Culture, and Functional Characterization of Sinoatrial Node Myocytes from Adult Mice.
Sinoatrial node myocytes (SAMs) act as the natural pacemakers of the heart, initiating each heart beat by generating spontaneous action potentials (APs). These pacemaker APs reflect the coordinated activity of numerous membrane currents and intracellular calcium cycling. However the precise mechanisms that drive spontaneous pacemaker activity in SAMs remain elusive. Acutely isolated SAMs are an essential preparation for experiments to dissect the molecular basis of cardiac pacemaking. However, the indistinct anatomy, complex microdissection, and finicky enzymatic digestion conditions have prevented widespread use of acutely isolated SAMs. In addition, methods were not available until recently to permit longer-term culture of SAMs for protein expression studies. Here we provide a step-by-step protocol and video demonstration for the isolation of SAMs from adult mice. A method is also demonstrated for maintaining adult mouse SAMs in vitro and for expression of exogenous proteins via adenoviral infection. Acutely isolated and cultured SAMs prepared via these methods are suitable for a variety of electrophysiological and imaging studies.


Incidental Pulmonary Embolism After Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: Long-Term Clinical Follow-Up.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence and natural history of incidentally found and untreated pulmonary embolism (PE) at coronary CT angiography after coronary artery bypass grafting. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 353 patients consecutively registered between January 1, 2010, and November 11, 2015, who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting followed within 2 weeks by coronary CT angiography. All patients received 100 mg of aspirin and 75 mg of clopidogrel after surgery. We collected relevant clinical and CT data, including total follow-up duration after coronary artery bypass grafting, follow-up CT findings, mortality, and incidence of any recurrent PE. PE was diagnosed in 22 of the 353 patients (6.2%) who remained in the study after the exclusion criteria were applied. Most of the PEs occurred at the segmental or subsegmental level. All patients were in hemodynamically stable condition, had no symptoms, and underwent follow-up for a median of 53 months (range 19-74 months). Twenty of the 22 patients did not receive anticoagulation, and all but one of these patients had complete resolution of PE at second follow-up coronary CT angiography (median, 149 days after surgery). There was no associated mortality or recurrent PE. Incidental PE after coronary artery bypass grafting is found in approximately 6% of patients undergoing postoperative coronary CT angiography, and most PEs resolve spontaneously without anticoagulation. No patient in this study died or had recurrent PE during a median follow-up period of 53 months.


Expression and function of sodium transporters in two opossum kidney cell clonal sublines.
The present study describes characteristic features of two clonal subpopulations of opossum kidney (OK) cells (OK(LC) and OK(HC)) that are functionally different but morphologically identical. The most impressive differences between OK(HC) and OK(LC) cells are the overexpression of Na+-K+-ATPase and type 3 Na+/H+ exchanger by the former, accompanied by an increased Na+-K+-ATPase activity (57.6 +/- 5.6 vs. 30.0 +/- 0.1 nmol P(i). mg protein(-1). min(-1)); the increased ability to translocate Na+ from the apical to the basolateral surface; and the increased Na+-dependent pH(i) recovery (0.254 +/- 0.016 vs. 0.094 +/- 0.011 pH units/s). Vmax values (in pH units/s) for Na+-dependent pHi recovery in OK(HC) cells (0.00521 +/- 0.0004) were twice (P < 0.05) those in OK(LC) (0.00202 +/- 0.0001), with similar Km values (in mM) for Na+ (OK(LC), 21.0 +/- 5.5; OK(HC), 14.0 +/- 5.6). In addition, we measured the activities of transporters (organic ions, alpha-methyl-D-glucoside, L-type amino acids, and Na+ and enzymes (adenylyl cyclase, aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase, and catechol-O-methyltransferase). The cells were also characterized morphologically by optical and scanning electron microscopy and karyotyped. It is suggested that OK(LC) and OK(HC) cells constitute an interesting cell model for the study of renal epithelial physiology and pathophysiology, namely, hypertension.


Synthesis, molecular structures, and chemistry of some new palladium(II) and platinum(II) complexes with pentafluorophenyl ligands.
A series of palladium(II) and platinum(II) complexes possessing pentafluorophenyl ligands of the general formula [M(L-L)(C6F5)Cl][space](M = Pd 3; L-L=tmeda (N,N,N',N',-tetramethylethylenediamine) a; 1,2-bis(2,6-dimethylphenylimino)ethane) b; dmpe (1,2-bis(dimethylphosphino)ethane) c; dcpe (1,2-bis(dicyclohexylphosphino)ethane) d; Pt ; L-L=tmeda a; 1,2-bis[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenylimino]-1,2-dimethylethane b; dmpe c; dcpe d) were readily synthesized from the dimer [M(C6F5)(tht)(mu-Cl)2] (M=Pd 1b, Pt 2b; tht=tetrahydrothiophene) and the corresponding bidentate ligand. In the case of palladium, the corresponding iodo analogues (6a-c) were readily synthesized in a one-pot reaction from [Pd2(dba)3], iodopentafluorobenzene, and the appropriate ligand. The platinum complexes 4c-d were then converted to the water complexes [Pt(L-L)(C6F5)(OH2)]OTf (L-L =dmpe 7a; dcpe 7b)via reaction with AgOTf in the presence of water. Attempts to convert the palladium complexes 3c-d to the corresponding water complexes resulted in the disproportionation of the intermediate water complex to form [Pd(L-L)(C6F5)2] (L-L=dmpe 8) or [Pd(L-L)2][OTf]2(L-L=dcpe 9). Upon standing in solution for prolonged periods, complex 7a undergoes an identical disproportionation reaction to the Pd analogues to form [Pt(L-L)(C6F5)2] (L-L=dmpe 10). Complexes 4c and 4d were converted to the corresponding hydrides (11b-c, respectively) using two different hydride sources: 11a was formed by the reaction of with NaBH4 in refluxing THF, while 11b was synthesized in near quantitative yield using [Cp2ZrH2] in refluxing THF. Attempts to synthesize eta2-tetrafluorobenzyne complexes [Pt(L-L)(C6F4)] (L-L=dmpe, dcpe) from reaction of 11a-b with butyllithium were unsuccessful. The molecular structures of 3a,4a, 4c, 4d, 6b, 7a, 8, 11b and have been determined by X-ray crystallographic studies, and are discussed.


[Genome-wide genetic study of medulloblastoma using allelotype analysis].
To investigate global genetic alterations in medulloblastoma, and to localize critical chromosomal loci with allelic imbalances associated with the development of medulloblastoma. A high-resolution genome-wide allelotype analysis, including 384 microsatellite markers, was performed in 12 medulloblastomas. An average of 238 (62.3%) allelic imbalances were detected on all 39 autosomal arms. Non-random allelic gains or losses were detected on chromosomes 7q (58.3%), 8p (66.7%), 16q (58.3%), 17p (58.3%) and 17q (66.7%). In addition, chromosomal arms with frequencies of allelic imbalances higher than the mean percentage were identified on 3p (33.3%), 3q (33.3%), 4q (41.7%), 7p (33.3%), 8q (41.7%), 10q (41.7%), 13q (33.3%), 14q (33.3%) and 20q (33.3%). No relationship was found between the frequency of allelic imbalances and the clinical outcome of the patients. A global view of the genetic alterations in medulloblastoma was provided. The allelic imbalances involving chromosomes 7q, 8p, 16q, 17p and 17q may play an important role in the pathogenesis of medulloblastoma.


Lactobacillus odoratitofui sp. nov., isolated from stinky tofu brine.
Three Gram-positive-staining strains isolated from fermented stinky tofu brine were rod-shaped, non-motile, asporogenous, facultatively anaerobic, heterofermentative and did not exhibit catalase activity. Comparative analyses of 16S rRNA, rpoA and pheS gene sequences demonstrated that the novel strains were members of the genus Lactobacillus. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, the type strains of Lactobacillus collinoides (98.6 %), Lactobacillus paracollinoides (98.6 %) and Lactobacillus similis (99.6 %) were the closest neighbours. However, DNA-DNA reassociation values with these strains were less than 10 %. The phenotypic and genotypic features demonstrated that these isolates represent a novel species of the genus Lactobacillus, for which the name Lactobacillus odoratitofui sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIT 11304(T) (=JCM 15043(T) =BCRC 17810(T) =DSM 19909(T)).


The problem of interaction.
As we look to the next 75 years, I recount how the sociopolitical milieu in which the Society for the Study of Evolution (SSE) and the journal Evolution were formed in 1947 was a "problem of interaction."


Perovskite Oxynitride Solid Solutions of LaTaON2-CaTaO2N with Greatly Enhanced Photogenerated Charge Separation for Solar-Driven Overall Water Splitting.
The search for solar-driven photocatalysts for overall water splitting has been actively pursued. Although metal oxynitrides with metal d0/d10-closed shell configuration are very promising candidates in terms of their visible light absorption, they usually suffer from serious photo-generated charge recombination and thus, little photoactivity. Here, by forming their solid solutions of LaTaON2 and CaTaO2N, which are traditionally considered to be inorganic yellow-red pigments but have poor photocatalytic activity, a class of promising solar-driven photocatalysts La1- x Ca x TaO1+yN2- y (0 ≤ x, y ≤ 1) are explored. In particular, the optimal photocatalyst with x = 0.9 has the ability of realizing overall water splitting with stoichiometric H2/O2 ratio under the illumination of both AM1.5 simulated solar light and visible light. The modulated key parameters including band structure, Ta bonding environment, defects concentration, and band edge alignments revealed in La0.1Ca0.9TaO1+ y N2- y have substantially promoted the separation of photogenerated charge carriers with sufficient energetics for water oxidation and reduction reactions. The results obtained in this study provide an important candidate for designing efficient solar-driven photocatalysts for overall water splitting.


Moyamoya disease in a primarily white, midwestern US population: increased prevalence of autoimmune disease.
Moyamoya disease is an uncommon, cerebrovascular occlusive disease of unknown pathogenesis. Previously described Moyamoya cohorts include predominantly Asian populations or ethnically diverse North American cohorts. To gain further insight into the pathogenesis of moyamoya, we examined clinical characteristics of a primarily white, Midwestern US population Retrospective analysis of patients with angiographically confirmed moyamoya disease evaluated at our institution was performed. Prevalence of comorbidities, cerebrovascular risk factors, and autoimmune diseases were compared with the general population. Ninety-four patients with moyamoya were evaluated; 72.3% were female. Ethnic composition was primarily white (85%). A significantly higher prevalence of autoimmune disease was seen, particularly type 1 diabetes mellitus (8.5% versus 0.4% in the general population) and thyroid disease (17.0% versus 8.0% in the institutional general patient population). Hyperlipidemia was also increased (27.7% versus 16.3% in the general population). This study of a unique, primarily white, Midwestern population of moyamoya patients demonstrates a significantly higher prevalence of autoimmune disease than in the general population. This supports a possible autoimmune component to the pathogenesis of moyamoya disease.


The effects of the vasoconstrictor epinephrine on the duration of pulpal anesthesia using the intraligamentary injection.
The use of the intraligamentary injection to achieve dental anesthesia is becoming a popular alternative to conventional dental techniques. This study compares the duration of anesthesia achieved by intraligamentary injection using lidocaine, lidocaine with epinephrine 1:50,000, lidocaine with epinephrine 1:100,000, and epinephrine 1:100,000. Using chi 2 and paired t-test analysis, there was no significant difference found in the efficacy of the agents studied in achieving pulpal anesthesia.


Possible mechanism for disposal of degenerative cardiomyocytes in human failing hearts: phagocytosis by a neighbour.
The index case was a 51-year-old woman suffering from doxorubicin cardiomyopathy. In her endomyocardial biopsy specimen, we observed under electron microscopy six scenes in which degenerative cardiomyocytes were engulfed by neighbouring cardiomyocytes. The enclosed cardiomyocytes appeared more degenerative than the enclosing ones in every pair: the myofibrils were more severely damaged. At more degenerative stages, some desmosomes of the intercalated discs on the enclosed cardiomyocyte had disappeared. The membranes between the cardiomyocytes were occasionally disrupted, and there appeared to be sharing of cellular contents between the cells. One pair of such a phagocytosis-like figure was observed in one case with 5-fluorouracil cardiomyopathy (a 68-year-old man) among eight other chemotherapy-induced cardiomyopathies but none among 30 non-drug-induced dilated cardiomyopathies. The findings suggest a mechanism for disposal of degenerative cardiomyocytes in human failing hearts: phagocytosis by a neighbour, although alternative interpretations remain (e.g. giant autophagic vacuoles or two cardiomyocytes with degenerative intercalated discs).


A Hybrid Interview Model for Medical School Interviews: Combining Traditional and Multisampling Formats.
Most medical schools have either retained a traditional admissions interview or fully adopted an innovative, multisampling format (e.g., the multiple mini-interview) despite there being advantages and disadvantages associated with each format. The University of Michigan Medical School (UMMS) sought to maximize the strengths associated with both interview formats after recognizing that combining the two approaches had the potential to capture additional, unique information about an applicant. In September 2014, the UMMS implemented a hybrid interview model with six, 6-minute short-form interviews-highly structured scenario-based encounters-and two, 30-minute semistructured long-form interviews. Five core skills were assessed across both interview formats. Overall, applicants and admissions committee members reported favorable reactions to the hybrid model, supporting continued use of the model. The generalizability coefficients for the six-station short-form and the two-interview long-form formats were estimated to be 0.470 and 0.176, respectively. Different skills were more reliably assessed by different interview formats. Scores from each format seemed to be operating independently as evidenced through moderate to low correlations (r = 0.100-0.403) for the same skills measured across different interview formats; however, after correcting for attenuation, these correlations were much higher. This hybrid model will be revised and optimized to capture the skills most reliably assessed by each format. Future analysis will examine validity by determining whether short-form and long-form interview scores accurately measure the skills intended to be assessed. Additionally, data collected from both formats will be used to establish baselines for entering students' competencies.


[Preoperative evaluation of the 64-slice spiral CT three dimensional angiography for vascular invasion in gastric cancer].
To evaluate the preoperative diagnosis value of 64-slice spiral CT three dimensional angiography (3D CTA) for the vascular invasion in gastric cancer. CT images of 40 patients diagnosed as gastric cancer by endoscope,who proceeded to surgical exploration from August 2006 to December 2007,were collected. These images were rebuilt by 3D CTA to judge vascular invasion by gastric cancer in comparison with the surgical finding as standard reference. Successful 3D CTA reconstructions were performed for all these 40 patient images. Out of 40 cases, 14 cases presented vascular invasion in the 3D CTA, and 12 of 14 cases were proved to have vascular invasion in the surgery. For assessing vascular invasion with CTA, the sensitivity was 98.1% and the specificity was 96.4% respectively (Chi Square chi(2)=0.0099,P>0.05). There was no significant differences regarding vascular invasion in gastric cancer between preoperative 3D CTA assessment and surgical finding. Sixty-four-slice spiral CT 3D angiography is effective in assessing vascular invasion in gastric cancer and is also valuable in clinical application.


Ultrafast electron dynamics following outer-valence ionization: the impact of low-lying relaxation satellite states.
Low-lying relaxation satellites give rise to ultrafast electron dynamics following outer-valence ionization of a molecular system. To demonstrate the impact of such satellites, the evolution of the electronic cloud after sudden removal of an electron from the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) of the organic unsaturated nitroso compound 2-nitroso[1,3]oxazolo[5,4-d][1,3]oxazole is traced in real time and space using ab initio methods only. Our results show that the initially created hole charge remains stationary but on top of it the system reacts by an ultrafast pi-pi(*) excitation followed by a cyclic excitation-de-excitation process which leads to a redistribution of the charge. The pi-pi(*) excitation following the removal of the HOMO electron takes place on a subfemtosecond time scale and the period of the excitation-de-excitation alternations is about 1.4 fs. In real space the processes of excitation and de-excitation represent ultrafast delocalization and localization of the charge. The results are analyzed by simple two- and three-state models.


Trophic effect of multiple growth factors in amniotic fluid or human milk on cultured human fetal small intestinal cells.
To evaluate the role of growth factors in amniotic fluid and in human milk on gastrointestinal adaptation of the fetus and very low-birth-weight infants, the effects of these fluids and multiple growth factors were investigated in a human fetal small intestinal cell line (FHs 74 Int). After FHs 74 Int cells were incubated with amniotic fluid, human milk, or recombinant growth factors, growth-promoting activity was measured by [3H]-thymidine incorporation into cells. Incubating cells with amniotic fluid or human milk promoted growth dose dependently. Genistein almost completely inhibited growth-promoting activity in amniotic fluid P = 0.002), and growth was partially inhibited by antibodies against epidermal growth factor (EGF) (P = 0.047), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1, P = 0.047), or fibroblast growth factor (FGF, P = 0.014). This activity in human milk was inhibited almost completely by genistein (P < 0.0001) and partially inhibited by antibodies against EGF (P = 0.036), IGF-1 (P = 0.009), FGF (P = 0.004), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF, P = 0.001), or transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha, P = 0.001). Although recombinant EGF, IGF-1, FGF, HGF, and TGF-alpha elicited a synergistic trophic response on cultured cells, the response was much less than with amniotic fluid or with human milk. In aminiotic fluid and in human milk, EGF, IGF-1, FGF, HGF, and TGF-alpha have a strong trophic effect on immature intestinal cells and may be involved in perinatal gastrointestinal adaptation.


Rationale for targeted therapies and potential role of pazopanib in advanced renal cell carcinoma.
Advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remains a challenging, major health problem. Recent advances in understanding the fundamental biology underlying one form of RCC, ie, clear cell (or conventional) RCC, have opened the door to a series of targeted agents, such as the tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), which have become the standard of care in managing advanced clear cell RCC. Among the newest of these agents to receive Food and Drug Administration approval in this disease is pazopanib. This review will summarize what is known about the fundamental biology that underlies clear cell RCC, the data surrounding the previously approved targeted agents for this disease, including not only the TKIs but also the mTOR inhibitors and the vascular endothelial growth factor-specific agent, bevacizumab, and the newest TKI, pazopanib. It will also explore the potential role for pazopanib relative to the other available agents and where it may fit into the armamentarium for treatment of advanced/metastatic RCC.


Nutritional status of Iranian women with rheumatoid arthritis: an assessment of dietary intake and disease activity.
Long-standing chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis are known to be associated with impairment of nutritional status to some degree. The present study aimed to assess nutritional status of women with rheumatoid arthritis and compare their ingestion of certain micronutrients with dietary reference intakes. In this cross-sectional study, 90 eligible women were recruited. After examination, all patients were evaluated on the basis of disease activity score, calculated using the number of tender and swollen joints, patient global assessment of pain and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP). A three-day 24 h recall was completed and a 10 ml fasting blood sample was obtained to assess the plasma levels of malondialdehyde, total antioxidant and CRP. Despite normal BMI, intake of energy and micronutrients including calcium, folic acid, zinc, magnesium and vitamin B6 were considerably lower compared with the dietary reference intakes. There was no significant relationship between intake of different nutrients or food groups and disease activity score and the biochemical markers including malondialdehyde, CRP and total antioxidant. Intake of energy and some micronutrients were significantly lower than the recommended values. However, no relationship was found between intake of different food groups or nutrients with disease activity or serum antioxidant capacity.


Minireview: nuclear receptor coactivators--an update.
Nuclear receptors (NRs) regulate the expression of target genes in response to activation by steroid hormones and other ligands, as well as a variety of other signaling pathways. NR coactivators are defined as cellular factors recruited by activated NRs that complement their function as mediators of the cellular response to endocrine signals. In this review, we will focus upon advances in our understanding of the function of coactivators as their characterization has progressed from mechanistic studies to an exploration of their biological roles in living animals.