Cyclic nitric oxide release by human granulocytes, and invertebrate ganglia and immunocytes: nano-technological enhancement of amperometric nitric oxide determination.
Various tissues from vertebrates and invertebrates respond to external signal molecules by rapid release of nitric oxide (NO) mediated by constitutive nitric oxide synthase. Invertebrate immunocytes were collected from maintained stock and human granulocytes were isolated from leukocyte-enriched blood obtained from the Long Island Blood Services. The invertebrate ganglionic tissue was either extracted or exposed for ex vivo and in vivo evaluation. Nitric oxide release was measured using a newly developed NO-selective nanoprobe, exhibiting enhanced sensitivity. Evaluation of NO release from the pedal ganglia of the marine bivalve, Mytilus edulis, demonstrated in vitro release of NO that fluctuated from 969 to 1003 pM, with a mean change in NO of 35 pM/cycle and a mean cycle time of approximately 4 minutes. Basal release of NO/cycle from the ganglia in vivo was increased significantly to approximately 65 pM (P<0.05) with an increase in cycle time to approximately 7 minutes. Exposure of the ganglia to morphine in vivo resulted in a significant increase in NO release and a lack of NO pulsations. The fluctuation in NO release from immunocytes of Mytilus edulis was approximately 27 pM per cycle with a cycle time of 4 minutes whereas human granulocytes release fluctuated approximately 23 pM with a cycle time of 6 minutes. These data demonstrate that basal release of NO from various tissues is released in a cyclic manner and the cycle time and magnitude is subject to regulation by external stimuli.


Lensing of Fast Radio Bursts as a Probe of Compact Dark Matter.
The possibility that part of the dark matter is made of massive compact halo objects (MACHOs) remains poorly constrained over a wide range of masses, and especially in the 20-100 M_{⊙} window. We show that strong gravitational lensing of extragalactic fast radio bursts (FRBs) by MACHOs of masses larger than ∼20 M_{⊙} would result in repeated FRBs with an observable time delay. Strong lensing of a FRB by a lens of mass M_{L} induces two images, separated by a typical time delay ∼few×(M_{L}/30 M_{⊙}) msec. Considering the expected FRB detection rate by upcoming experiments, such as canadian hydrogen intensity mapping experiment (CHIME), of 10^{4} FRBs per year, we should observe from tens to hundreds of repeated bursts yearly, if MACHOs in this window make up all the dark matter. A null search for echoes with just 10^{4} FRBs would constrain the fraction f_{DM} of dark matter in MACHOs to f_{DM}≲0.08 for M_{L}≳20 M_{⊙}.


Transient patterns in the assembly of vernal pool plant communities.
Community assembly theory asserts that the contemporary composition of ecological communities may depend critically on events that occur during the formation of the community; a phenomenon termed "historical contingence." We tested key aspects of this theory using plant communities in over 200 experimentally created vernal pools at a field site in central California, USA. The experiment was initiated in 1999 with construction of vernal pool basins into which different seeding treatments were imposed to evaluate the effects of dispersal limitation, order of colonization ("priority effects"), and frequency of colonization on plant community composition. We tracked the abundance and distribution of five focal species for seven years following seeding and observed strong but transient effects of seeding, as well as order and frequency of colonization. All five species occurred with higher frequency in seeded pools vs. unseeded control pools, demonstrating dispersal limitation. Three of four species exerted strong priority effects, with much higher abundance in pools in which they were seeded first compared to pools in which they were seeded in the second year of the study, one year after other species were seeded. We tested for effects of frequency of colonization using one species, the endangered Lasthenia conjugens, and observed much higher abundance in frequently vs. infrequently seeded pools for the first four years following seeding. Finally, we observed that the strength of priority effects varied significantly with water depth for one of the species groups, which demonstrates that abiotic context can strongly influence species interactions. We conclude that several aspects of historical contingence play key roles in the early formation of vernal pool plant communities. But we also observed reversals in community trajectories, suggesting that in this system historical effects may be lost within a decade.


Quantitative and Topographical Analysis of the Losses of Cone Photoreceptors and Retinal Ganglion Cells Under Taurine Depletion.
Taurine depletion is known to induce photoreceptor degeneration and was recently found to also trigger retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss similar to the retinal toxicity of vigabatrin. Our objective was to study the topographical loss of RGCs and cone photoreceptors, with a distinction between the two cone types (S- and L- cones) in an animal model of induced taurine depletion. We used the taurine transporter (Tau-T) inhibitor, guanidoethane sulfonate (GES), to induce taurine depletion at a concentration of 1% in the drinking water. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and electroretinograms (ERG) were performed on animals after 2 months of GES treatment administered through the drinking water. Retinas were dissected as wholemounts and immunodetection of Brn3a (RGC), S-opsin (S-cones), and L-opsin (L-cones) was performed. The number of Brn3a+ RGCs, and L- and S-opsin+ cones was automatically quantified and their retinal distribution studied using isodensity maps. The treatment resulted in a significant reduction in plasma taurine levels and a profound dysfunction of visual performance as shown by ERG recordings. Optical coherence tomography analysis revealed that the retina was thinner in the taurine-depleted group. S-opsin+cones were more affected (36%) than L-opsin+cones (27%) with greater cone cell loss in the dorsal area whereas RGC loss (12%) was uniformly distributed. This study confirms that taurine depletion causes RGC and cone loss. Electroretinograms results show that taurine depletion induces retinal dysfunction in photoreceptors and in the inner retina. It establishes a gradient of cell loss depending on the cell type from S-opsin+cones, L-opsin+cones, to RGCs. The greater cell loss in the dorsal retina and of the S-cone population may underline different cellular mechanisms of cellular degeneration and suggests that S-cones may be more sensitive to light-induced retinal toxicity enhanced by the taurine depletion.


Pathogenic Fungi Isolated from Desiccated Mushrooms, Seaweed, Anchovies and Rice Sticks Imported from the Orient 1.
Desiccated mushrooms, seaweed, rice sticks and anchovies imported from the Orient were obtained from commercial sources or from products detained by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and examined for pathogenic fungi. The etiological agents isolated were mycelial and yeast fungi known to produce deep sporotrichosis, phaeohyphomycosis, mycetoma, chromoblastomycosis, candidosis and cryptococcosis. Other fungi isolated were opportunistic fungi and/or producers of mycotoxins. Total mold counts in the foods examined varied from 2 × 102 to 5 × 106. The predominant pathogens in the mushrooms were Sporothrix schenckii and Wangiella dermatitidis , and counts in the mushrooms imported from Thailand and Taiwan were as high as 1 × 106; however, these pathogens were not isolated from rice sticks, seaweed or anchovies. All presumed pathogenic strains were pathogenic for mice by intraperitoneal injection of 1 × 106 to 107 conidia in saline suspension. It was concluded that food can harbor "virulent" fungal pathogens and potentially opportunistic invaders as well as potentially toxigenic fungi.


The Influence of Neocate in Paediatric Short Bowel Syndrome on PN Weaning.
Clinical management of short bowel syndrome remains a multistage process. Although PN is crucial, early introduction of enteral feeding is mandatory. We describe retrospectively 4 patients with an ultrashort bowel who could be weaned off PN on very short terms after introduction of an amino-acid-based formula (Neocate). Patient 1 had congenital short bowel with 50 cm small bowel and 30 cm colon. He had persistent diarrhoea on a semielementary formula. When Neocate was introduced he could be weaned from PN within 6 months. Patient 2 needed multiple surgical interventions because of NEC at D 27. He maintained 40 cm small bowel and an intact colon and remained PN dependent on semielemental formula. After introducing Neocate, PN could be weaned within 3 months. In the next 2 patients, Neocate was introduced as initial enteral feeding after bowel resection following antenatal midgut volvulus. Patient 3 had 20 cm small bowel and an intact colon. PN was weaned after 2 months. Patient 4 had 9 cm small bowel and an intact colon. PN was weaned after 13 months. In all patients Ileocaecal valve (ICV) was preserved. No consensus is reached on the type of formula to use for short bowel syndrome. Compared to recent data in the literature, the weaning period in these 4 patients was significantly shortened on an aminoacid based formula. The reason for this may lie in the antiallergic properties of this formula. We recommend the use of an amino-acid-based formula to induce earlier weaning of PN.


Use of quality checklists and need for disease-specific guidance in economic evaluations: a meta-review.
Economic evaluations have become an essential part of reimbursement decisions in a wide range of countries. To ensure high quality, a variety of checklists with different purposes have been developed and implemented enabling assessment of these evaluations. Three of these checklists are most frequently used and are recommended by the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews for critical appraisal (Drummond, CHEC and Philips). Every checklist is developed with a different purpose having, for example, a focus on reporting or conducting and on modeling or trial-based evaluations. This review outlines the heterogeneity in choice and implementation of these quality checklists in an incorrect manner. This ultimately results in under- and even possibly overestimation of quality of included economic evaluations. More guidance in selecting correct checklists suiting the purpose of the quality check is therefore of utmost importance. Moreover, it appears that current checklists are lacking detailed disease-specific guidance resulting in models not correctly reflecting disease progression. Therefore, outcomes indicate that the problem of the wide variability of methodological choices is prevalent in some other disease areas too, regardless of the availability of quality checklists. More international collaboration should therefore be initiated in developing and publishing standardized and open source disease-specific reference models to overcome this problem.


[FTY720-induced lymphocyte apoptosis inhibits acute graft versus host disease in rat small bowel transplantation].
To investigate the effect and mechanism of FTY720 on acute graft versus host disease (GVHD) in rat small bowel transplantation (SBTx). Heterotopic SBTx was performed using a parent (WF)-into-F1 (WFxACI) rat combination. Recipient rats were divided into experimental group (n=6) and control group (n=6). Rats in the experimental group were administered with FTY720 at 0.5 mg/kg for 14 days. Lymphocyte apoptosis in the liver and the mucosa of intestine and graft was detected by TUNEL and flow cytometry 15 days after transplantation. Recipient survival and lymphocyte apoptosis were compared between the two groups. Recipients in the control group died of GVHD after a mean survival time of (16+/-2.1) days. FTY720-treated recipients had a significantly longer survival (>100 days). After administration of FTY720, the percentage of apoptotic lymphocytes was significantly increased in the graft as compared to that in the control group by flow cytometry. The ratio of apoptotic lymphocyte in the liver and graft was also significantly higher in the experimental group by TUNEL. FTY720 effectively induces the lymphocyte apoptosis, inhibits the lesion of target tissues by GVHD, and prolongs the recipient survival.


Radiosurgery as alternative treatment for skull base meningiomas.
The effect of radiosurgical treatment of skull base meningiomas in 197 patients with a follow-up of at least 2 years was evaluated. Ninety-two of these patients had combined surgical and radiosurgical treatment, while Gamma Knife Radiosurgery (GKRS) was performed as primary treatment in 105 patients. Follow-up was available in 164 patients with intervals of 25-97 months (median 55 months) after GKRS. The imaging controls revealed decreased tumour size in 84 patients (51%), stable tumour volume in 76 ca ses (47%) and increased tumour size in 4 cases (2%). Neurological examinations showed improved neurological status in 58 cases (35%), stable clinical status in 100 patients (61%) and slight worsening in 6 cases (4%). Due to excellent tumour control rate, good clinical outcome and a low complication rate GKRS represents not only an attractive additional treatment option for basal meningiomas, but may even replace microsurgery in selected cases.


[Pancreatic metastases of nephro-epitheliomas. Apropos of 2 cases].
Pancreatic metastasis from clear cell carcinoma of the kidney are exceptional (1 to 3 per cent). Twelve cases have been found in the literature, to which our two observations must be add. Intestinal haemorrhage rule the clinical signs. The complementary arteriography is a very good investigation. Surgery with excision may be effect when a solitary metastasis to the pancreas exist. We can argue about chemotherapy when there is a metastatic dissemination.


The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis: Development, Programming Actions of Hormones, and Maternal-Fetal Interactions.
The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is a complex system of neuroendocrine pathways and feedback loops that function to maintain physiological homeostasis. Abnormal development of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis can further result in long-term alterations in neuropeptide and neurotransmitter synthesis in the central nervous system, as well as glucocorticoid hormone synthesis in the periphery. Together, these changes can potentially lead to a disruption in neuroendocrine, behavioral, autonomic, and metabolic functions in adulthood. In this review, we will discuss the regulation of the HPA axis and its development. We will also examine the maternal-fetal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and disruption of the normal fetal environment which becomes a major risk factor for many neurodevelopmental pathologies in adulthood, such as major depressive disorder, anxiety, schizophrenia, and others.


Anti-adhesive effects of plant wax coverage on insect attachment.
The long period of reciprocal antagonistic coevolution between some insect and plant species has led to the development of plant surface attributes that reduce insect attachment. These features serve as a defence against herbivores, sap-sucking insects and nectar robbers, contribute to a temporary capture of insect pollinators, and prevent the escape of insects from traps of carnivorous plants. This review summarises the literature on attachment-mediated insect-plant interactions. A short introduction to attachment systems of insects is presented and the effect of three-dimensional epicuticular waxes on insect attachment is illustrated by many examples. Special attention is given to the mechanisms of the anti-attachment properties of plant wax structures (the roughness hypothesis, the contamination hypothesis, the fluid-adsorption hypothesis, and the wax-dissolving hypothesis) and their ecological implications.


CdS nanobubbles and Cd-DMS nanosheets: solvothermal synthesis and formation mechanism.
CdS nanobubbles and Cd-DMS nanosheets have been prepared by a solvothermal method from a solution of Cd2+ in dimethyl sulfoxide in the absence of elemental S. A formation mechanism for the nanobubble morphology arising during the CdS nanocrystal growth has been proposed, based on the results of transmission electron microscopy and photoluminescence spectrophotometry. The correlation of the morphology with reaction time was also suggested, and may be applicable to the solvothermal synthesis of other nanomaterials.


Increased platelet reactivity in patients with late-stage metastatic cancer.
Platelet hyperreactivity is associated with an increased risk of thrombosis. Cancer patients are at an increased risk of thrombosis, a risk that increases with disease progression. While cancer patients show evidence of platelet activation in vivo, few studies have extensively assessed whether these patients display platelet hyperreactivity. We hypothesized that patients with metastatic cancer would display platelet hyperreactivity, reflecting their associated high risk of thrombosis. In a cohort of patients with metastatic cancer (n = 13), we assessed platelet function using well-established assays of platelet reactivity (agonist-induced platelet aggregation, spontaneous platelet aggregation, and agonist-induced P-selectin expression). In comparison with healthy controls (n = 10), patients with metastatic cancer displayed global platelet hyperreactivity. Agonist-induced platelet aggregation responses to ADP (adenosine diphosphate), epinephrine, collagen, arachidonic acid, and PAR-1 (protease-activated receptor-1) activating peptide, as well as spontaneous platelet aggregation, were significantly increased in patients with metastatic cancer. Furthermore, agonist-induced platelet P-selectin expression was also significantly increased within the patient cohort. We demonstrate that patients with metastatic cancer are characterized by global platelet hyperreactivity, a factor that may contribute to their increased risk of thrombosis.


[Is there a future for women and part-time doctors in primary care?].
We tried to understand the extent and the consequences of the feminization of medicine and of the upcoming of part-time jobs in primary care. In 2003, 52% of medical graduates are women, with an increase of 80% of women studying medicine and a decrease of 30% of men, since 1980. The women practice rather in group practices, in the cities and part-time. Working part-time increases satisfaction of the patients, the doctors with a part-time job and their colleagues. We urge the politicians and the medical societies to create a flexible training and adjusted possibilities to practice, so that we won't loose many motivated and proficient doctors especially as the attraction of primary care decreases.


Importance of kissing balloon inflation in bifurcation stenting.
Percutaneous bifurcation intervention is usually sufficient with a single-stent strategy. When the double-stent strategy is employed, higher restenosis and target lesion revascularization (TLR) rates are observed, especially at the side-branch ostium. The results may be improved, however, with refinement in techniques, for example, final kissing balloon inflation and double kissing balloon inflation.


Ciliary function of the nose in patients with Osler`s disease and the effect of topically applied estrogens as a nose ointment.
In recent years, the positive effect of topically applied estriol nose ointment in the adjuvant therapy of Morbus-Rendu-Osler (HHT) has been proven. Due to the induced metaplasia, a complete destruction of the ciliated cells may be expected. However, data regarding the ciliary function of HHT patients with and without the use of topical estriol application are currently lacking. Ciliated samples were obtained by gently brushing the inferior nasal turbinate of 19 healthy volunteers and 15 patients with known HHT (8 of them regularly using 0.1% estriol nose ointment for 2 years (HHTwE) and 7 of them not using the ointment in the last 12 months (HHTwoE)). Analysis was done with an inverted phase contrast microscope connected to a high-speed digital camera. Recorded parameters were the visual integrity (VI) of the ciliary beat and its frequency (CBF) in Hz. The VI index of all samples showed an undisrupted, even beating pattern with a difference between the three groups. The mean CBF in all HHT patients was reduced compared to the control group`s mean CBF. Within the HHT group itself, the mean CBF was reduced in the HHTwE group compared to the HHTwoE group. The ciliary beat frequency of HHT patients is impaired compared to the control group and even more so if the HHT patients topically apply estriol more than 6 months. An undisrupted beating pattern is found in the HHTwE group despite the fact that estrogens induce a transformation of the ciliated columnar into a keratinizing squamous epithelium. This data may justify the adjuvant application of estriol as a nose ointment in the treatment of epistaxis in HHT patients without the fear of damage to the nose`s mucus clearance.


Molecular Modeling Studies of N-phenylpyrimidine-4-amine Derivatives for Inhibiting FMS-like Tyrosine Kinase-3.
Overexpression and frequent mutations in FMS-like tyrosine kinase-3 (FLT3) are considered risk factors for severe acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Hyperactive FLT3 induces premature activation of multiple intracellular signaling pathways, resulting in cell proliferation and anti-apoptosis. We conducted the computational modeling studies of 40 pyrimidine-4,6-diamine-based compounds by integrating docking, molecular dynamics, and three-dimensional structure-activity relationship (3D-QSAR). Molecular docking showed that K644, C694, F691, E692, N701, D829, and F830 are critical residues for the binding of ligands at the hydrophobic active site. Molecular dynamics (MD), together with Molecular Mechanics Poison-Boltzmann/Generalized Born Surface Area, i.e., MM-PB(GB)SA, and linear interaction energy (LIE) estimation, provided critical information on the stability and binding affinity of the selected docked compounds. The MD study suggested that the mutation in the gatekeeper residue F691 exhibited a lower binding affinity to the ligand. Although, the mutation in D835 in the activation loop did not exhibit any significant change in the binding energy to the most active compound. We developed the ligand-based comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) and comparative molecular similarity index analysis (CoMSIA) models. CoMFA (q2 = 0.802, r2 = 0.983, and QF32 = 0.698) and CoMSIA (q2 = 0.725, r2 = 0.965 and QF32 = 0.668) established the structure-activity relationship (SAR) and showed a reasonable external predictive power. The contour maps from the CoMFA and CoMSIA models could explain valuable information about the favorable and unfavorable positions for chemical group substitution, which can increase or decrease the inhibitory activity of the compounds. In addition, we designed 30 novel compounds, and their predicted pIC50 values were assessed with the CoMSIA model, followed by the assessment of their physicochemical properties, bioavailability, and free energy calculation. The overall outcome could provide valuable information for designing and synthesizing more potent FLT3 inhibitors.


The SRSF3-MBNL1-Acin1 circuit constitutes an emerging axis to lessen DNA fragmentation in colorectal cancer via an alternative splicing mechanism.
Altered alternative splicing (AS) events are considered pervasive causes that result in the development of carcinogenesis. Herein, we identified reprogrammed expression and splicing profiles of Muscle blind-like protein 1 (MBNL1) transcripts in tumorous tissues compared to those of adjacent normal tissues dissected from individual colorectal cancer (CRC) patients using whole-transcriptome analyses. MBNL1 transcript 8 (MBNL18) containing exons 5 and 7 was majorly generated by cancerous tissues and CRC-derived cell lines compared with those of the normal counterparts. Interplay between the exonic CA-rich element and upregulated SRSF3 facilitated the inclusion of MBNL1 exons 5 and 7, which encode a bipartite nuclear localization signal (NLS) and conformational NLS. Moreover, abundant SRSF3 interfered with the autoregulatory mechanism involved in utilization of MBNL1 exons 5 and 7, resulting in enrichment of the MBNL18 isoform in cultured CRC cell lines. Subsequently, an increase in the MBNL18 isoform drove a shift in the apoptotic chromatin condensation inducer in nucleus 1-S (Acin1-S) isoform to the Acin1-L isoform, leading to diminished DNA fragmentation in cultured CRC cells under oxidative stress. Taken together, SRSF3-MBNL1-Acin1 was demonstrated to constitute an emerging axis which is relevant to proapoptotic signatures and post-transcriptional events of CRC cells.


Zinc transporters are differentially expressed in human non-small cell lung cancer.
Lung cancer is one of the most common human malignancies worldwide, but its oncogenesis process remains unclear. Recent studies demonstrated that zinc (Zn) and Zn transporters were associated with the development and progression of human cancers. The role of Zn transporters including ZIPs and ZnTs in lung cancer, however, has never been evaluated. Thus, we aimed to investigate the expression levels of all human Zn transporters, including 14 ZIPs and 10 ZnTs, in eight different lung cancer cell lines and paired human tumor tissues. We observed great variations in ZIPs and ZnTs mRNA levels across cell lines and human lung cancer specimens. ZIPs showed a tendency to be upregulated, while ZnTs exhibited a downward expression trend. ZIP4 was overexpressed in six lung cancer cell lines and 59% (26/44) of tumor tissues, which was consistent with results from lung cancer datasets including TCGA database. Our results indicated that the dysregulation of Zn transporters may contribute to lung tumorigenesis.


Dioxin is a systemic promoter blocker, II.
The author uses previously unpublished plant worker mortality data, which underlie the 1990 National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Report on Dioxin, to identify additional tissue/organ/system sites at which dioxin exposure causes or is associated with a reduction in mortality. These new observations in men include reductions in urinary organ cancers, including bladder cancers; multiple myeloma; respiratory diseases, including emphysema and pneumoconioses and other respiratory diseases; total disease other than cancer; and total disease. Explanations are provided for why some of these reductions, observed in the NIOSH internal plant comparisons, were not noted in Bertazzi and colleagues' R-region men, how men and women differ in their responses to dioxin exposure in common tissues, and how a dioxin complex might interact with the body's DNA to promote-block cancers in one tissue and to promote cancers in that tissue or another.


Reconstruction of Vehicle-pedestrian Collision Road Traffic Accidents Based on PC-Crash Software.
Objective To discuss the application value of vehicle-pedestrian collision road traffic accidents reconstruction based on PC-Crash software in forensic identification. Methods A case of vehicle-pedestrian collision was chosen based on a tachograph, then PC-Crash software was applied to construct a vehicle-pedestrian collision model, and reconstruct the vehicle-pedestrian collision road traffic accident. Finally, the process of vehicle-pedestrian collision was reproduced. Results In accident reconstruction, when the car speed was lower than 50km/h, the landing point of the pedestrian after collision was in the front of the car. When the car speed was higher than 50 km/h, after collision, the pedestrian flipped towards the car roof and landed behind the car. With the increase of vehicle speed, throwing distance of the pedestrian increased continuously. When the vehicle collision speed reached 60 km/h, the experimental results in this case were basically consistent with the actual situation of the case. Head acceleration of the pedestrian was at the maximum (1 655.70 m/s2) at 0.080 s. Chest acceleration of the pedestrian increased from 597.63 m/s2 to the peak 675.52 m/s2 at 0.055-0.060 s. Tibia acceleration of the pedestrian increased from 759.26 m/s2 to the first peak 1 367.06 m/s2, then reached the maximum speed (1 718.19 m/s2) at 1.225 s. Conclusion The process of vehicle-pedestrian collision road traffic accidents can be reconstructed based on PC-Crash software under a situation of limited conditions, and can further clarify the speed of the vehicle, the location and degree of human body injury as well as the mechanism of damage of the pedestrian in the accident. Therefore, PC-Crash software has a certain practical value in forensic identification of road traffic accidents.


Altered organ growth and zinc and copper distribution in endotoxin-treated neonatal mice.
Organ weights and the distribution of zinc and copper were compared in HLA/ICR mice that received intraperitoneal injections of 10 micrograms of Serratia marcescens lipopolysaccharide W or of sterile physiologic saline at 2 d of age. Between 5 and 28 d of age, body weight gains were similar in both groups. At 5 and 7 d of age, lipopolysaccharide W-treated mice had significantly lower thymus weights (p less than 0.01). At 7 d of age, liver weight was significantly increased (p less than 0.01) in lipopolysaccharide W-treated mice. Compared with tissue copper concentration in coeval saline-treated mice, lipopolysaccharide W treatment significantly increased copper concentration in thymus at 5 d of age (p less than 0.05) and significantly decreased concentration of this metal in liver at 7 d of age (p less than 0.05) and in spleen at 14 d of age (p less than 0.05). Liver zinc concentration was significantly lower (p less than 0.05) in 28-d-old mice that had received lipopolysaccharide W. When expressed on the basis of total organ burdens of zinc or copper, only the liver burden of zinc in 5-d-old lipopolysaccharide W-treated mice was significantly increased (p less than 0.05). Lipopolysaccharide W treatment consistently decreased copper concentration in liver cytosol and the amounts of zinc and copper bound to metallothionein, a transition metal-binding protein, in liver cytosol. These effects of lipopolysaccharide W on organ size and metal distribution may contribute to the adverse effects that persist after endotoxin exposure in early life.


The influence of profession on functional ankle stability in musicians.
The aim of this study was to examine the influence of extensive work-related use of the feet on functional ankle stability among musicians. Thirty professional organists were compared to professional pianists and controls. All participants completed a questionnaire. Range of motion (ROM), peroneal reaction time, and positional sense tests of the ankle were measured. The postural balance control was investigated with the Biodex Stability System for the stable level 8 and unstable level 2. Statistical analysis was done with the Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Whitney test with Bonferroni-Holm correction, and Fisher's exact test. Nine of 30 organists compared to 5 of 30 pianists and controls reported ankle sprains in their medical history. Pianists had a significant increased flexion of both ankle joints compared to organists (p < 0.01) and increased flexion of the right ankle joint compared to controls (p = 0.02). The positional sense test and postural balance control showed no significant differences among groups. The peroneal reaction time of the right peroneus longus muscle was significantly increased in pianists compared to controls (p = 0.008). Organists have shown a high incidence of ankle sprains. Despite their extensive work-related use of the ankle joints, organists have neither increased functional ankle stability nor increased ROM of their ankle joints in comparison to controls. Pianists have increased flexion of the ankle joint, perhaps due to the exclusive motion of extension and flexion while using the pedals. To minimize injuries of the ankle and improve functional ankle stability as well as balance control, proprioceptive exercises of the ankle in daily training programs are recommended.


The meaning of employment from the perspective of persons with spinal cord injuries in six European countries.
People with spinal cord injuries (SCI) are underrepresented in the labour force. To examine the meaning of employment, as it is understood in the context of participation and integration in society, among persons with SCI in six European countries. We ask how SCI relates to employment, for the functions of employment, alternatives to employment, and its obstacles. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 74 persons and qualitatively analysed using a grounded theory approach. Employment was ranked as very important independent of the participants current employment status. We identified three main functions of employment: 1) employment contributes to the creation of personal and collective identity and social recognition; 2) employment enables structuring of time and distracts from impairment and pain; 3) employment is as an important social arena that facilitates interaction with other people. Voluntary work and domestic work did not fully replace the social functions of employment, nor correspond to the design of the disability compensation systems. This study illustrates the high value of employment and a need to pay more attention to a broader range of productive work. It also reveals the interdependencies between employment status and income mediated by the disability compensation schemes.


Cellular phosphorylation of anti-HIV nucleosides. Role of nucleoside diphosphate kinase.
Nucleotide analogs are widely used in antiviral therapy and particularly against AIDS. Delivered to the cell as nucleosides, they are phosphorylated into their active triphospho derivative form by cellular kinases from the host. The last step in this series of phosphorylations is performed by nucleoside diphosphate (NDP) kinase, an enzyme that can use both purine or pyrimidine and oxy- or deoxynucleotides as substrates. Using pure recombinant human NDP kinase type B (product of the gene nm23-H2), we have characterized the kinetic parameters of several nucleotide analogs for this enzyme. Contrary to what is generally assumed, diphospho- and triphospho- derivatives of azidothymidine as well as of dideoxyadenosine and dideoxythymidine are very poor substrates for NDP kinase. The rate of phosphorylation of these analogs varies between 0.05% and 0.5%, as compared to the corresponding natural nucleotide, a result that is not due to the inability of the analogs to bind to the enzyme. Using the data from the high resolution crystal structure of NDP kinase, we provide an interpretation of these results based on the crucial role played by the 3'-OH moiety of the nucleotide in catalysis.


Effect of angiotensin II and arginine vasopressin on aldosterone production and phosphoinositide turnover in rat adrenal glomerulosa cells: a comparative study.
We have previously shown that arginine vasopressin (AVP) stimulates the production of aldosterone in isolated superfused adrenal glomerulosa cells by a mechanism that involves an increased turnover of phosphoinositides. In the present study we compared the characteristics of AVP- and angiotensin II (AII)-induced changes in phosphoinositide turnover and aldosterone production in the rat. Selected concentrations of the two peptides, which were equipotent in terms of the magnitude of changes induced in phosphoinositide turnover, stimulated aldosterone production to the same extent only in the initial phase of the stimulation. A sustained aldosterone response was only observed in AII-stimulated cells. On the other hand, the AVP-induced increase in incorporation of [32P]phosphate into phosphatidylinositol and the stimulation of inositol phosphate production were maintained during incubation. Preincubation of the cells with AVP failed to modify the effects of AII on phosphoinositide breakdown or aldosterone production. These results indicate that desensitization at the level of the receptor or at a post-receptor site is not responsible for the transient character of AVP-induced aldosterone production. Delayed activation of an inhibitory mechanism by AVP can also be excluded. Additivity of the stimulation of the phosphoinositide turnover observed at submaximally, but not maximally, effective concentrations of AII indicates that the two agonists act on the same phosphoinositide pool. We suggest that the sustained steroidogenic effect of AII involves an as yet unidentified mechanism, which is absent when the cells are stimulated with AVP.


Identification of White Matter Networks Engaged in Object (Face) Recognition Showing Differential Responses to Modulated Stimulus Strength.
Blood-oxygenation-level-dependent (BOLD) signals in magnetic resonance imaging indirectly reflect neural activity in cortex, but they are also detectable in white matter (WM). BOLD signals in WM exhibit strong correlations with those in gray matter (GM) in a resting state, but their interpretation and relationship to GM activity in a task are unclear. We performed a parametric visual object recognition task designed to modulate the BOLD signal response in GM regions engaged in higher order visual processing, and measured corresponding changes in specific WM tracts. Human faces embedded in different levels of random noise have previously been shown to produce graded changes in BOLD activation in for example, the fusiform gyrus, as well as in electrophysiological (N170) evoked potentials. The magnitudes of BOLD responses in both GM regions and selected WM tracts varied monotonically with the stimulus strength (noise level). In addition, the magnitudes and temporal profiles of signals in GM and WM regions involved in the task coupled strongly across different task parameters. These findings reveal the network of WM tracts engaged in object (face) recognition and confirm that WM BOLD signals may be directly affected by neural activity in GM regions to which they connect.


The Role of the Perioperative Nurse in Implementing Contact Precautions to Prevent Transmission of Multidrug-Resistant Organisms.
The World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention consider the global increase in multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) to be one of the greatest modern threats to public health. Limited treatment options exist for microorganisms such as carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales and Candida auris; as a result, infected patients may experience poor outcomes. Perioperative nurses should use infection prevention measures (eg, contact precautions) to prevent the spread of emerging MDROs when transporting patients to and from procedures, caring for patients during procedures, and completing between-procedure cleaning. Because nurses are involved with all phases of perioperative care, they are well-positioned to serve as infection prevention champions and provide education to personnel, patients, and caregivers. This article describes actions and steps the perioperative nurse should take during implementation of contact precautions to prevent the transmission of MDROs-specifically, emerging pathogens carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales and C auris.


Anti CD20 (Rituximab) therapy in refractory pediatric rheumatic diseases.
We aim to report the efficacy and safety of rituximab (RTX) in patients diagnosed with juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) or juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) refractory to conventional treatment. A retrospective review was made of all medical records of patients with JSLE or JIA treated with RTX between January 2009 and January 2015 in the Pediatric Rheumatology Unit of a central hospital. Five patients, 4 with JSLE and 1 with extended oligoarticular JIA, received 10 cycles of RTX (23 infusions). The scheme of RTX frequently used was 750 mg/m2 two weeks apart. The median follow-up time after receiving the first cycle of RTX was 24 months (12 - 70). The four patients with JSLE were female (three caucasian and one black). The patient with JIA was a caucasian male. The median age at diagnosis was 10 years (16 months - 17years). The median evolution time until receiving RTX was 6 years (5 months - 15 years). Refractory class IV lupus nephritis was the most common indication for receiving RTX. Previous treatment to RTX included nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, immunosuppressive drugs and corticosteroids in all patients and anti-TNFα (etanercept) in the patient with JIA. It was possible to reduce the mean oral corticosteroid dose after RTX, ranging from 23 mg/day (20-25mg/day) before RTX to 11 mg/day (0-20 mg/day) at the last evaluation. Disease activity before RTX and at last evaluation also improved. The SLEDAI score, for JSLE, decreased from a median of 15, 5 (11 - 18) to 3 (0 - 6), and the JADAS-27 score, for JIA, also diminished from 40.4 to 3.5. Adverse events occurred in 2 patients, including delayed second dose after the diagnosis of cryptococcosis and respiratory tract infection with concomitant hypogammaglobulinemia needing of immunoglobulin replacement and antibiotic therapy. Rituximab might have a role in the treatment of JSLE and JIA. However controlled studies and long term follow-up are needed to evaluate its safety and efficacy.


Long-range ordering in the lyotropic lamellar phase studied by high-resolution magnetic resonance diffusion-weighted imaging.
Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW MRI) was applied to the lyotropic lamellar phase of the dodecylammonium chloride/water system (DDACl/H(2)O). In the course of employing a well-known medical imaging method, namely, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), the system morphology was assessed accurately in the most straightforward way by two-dimensional visualization of eigenvectors associated with planar distribution of effective diffusion tensors throughout the whole slice with 40 microm in-plane resolution. Long-range order was observed in the studied lamellar phase, and morphology was best described by a combination of three- and one-dimensional diffusion.


Influence of Extrinsic Risk Factors on National Football League Injury Rates.
The risk of injury associated with American football is significant, with recent reports indicating that football has one of the highest rates of all-cause injury, including concussion, of all major sports. There are limited studies examining risk factors for injuries in the National Football League (NFL). To identify risk factors for NFL concussions and musculoskeletal injuries. Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Injury report data were collected prospectively for each week over the 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 regular seasons for all 32 teams. Poisson regression models were used to identify the relationship between predetermined variables and the risk of the 5 most frequent injuries (knee, ankle, hamstring, shoulder, and concussion). A total of 480 games or 960 team games (TGs) from the 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 regular seasons were included in this study. A trend to an increasing risk of concussion and TG ankle injury with decreasing mean game-day temperature was observed. The risk of TG concussion (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 2.16; 95% CI, 1.35-3.45; P = .001) and TG ankle injury (IRR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.10-1.98; P = .01) was significantly greater for TGs played at a mean game-day temperature of ≤9.7°C (≤49.5°F) compared with a mean game-day temperature of ≥21.0°C (≥69.8°F). The risk of TG shoulder injury was significantly increased for TGs played on grass surfaces (IRR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.02-1.81; P = .038) compared with synthetic surfaces. The risk of TG injury was not associated with time in season, altitude, time zone change prior to game, or distance traveled to a game. This study evaluated extrinsic risk factors for injury in the NFL. A hazardous association was identified for risk of concussion and ankle injury with colder game-day temperature. Further research should be conducted to substantiate this relationship and its potential implication for injury prevention initiatives.


Gastric cancer and metastasis to the brain.
Metastasis of gastric carcinoma to the brain is very uncommon. At The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center (M. D. Anderson), less than 1% of patients with primary gastric carcinoma are found to have brain metastases. Little has been published regarding the evaluation and treatment of these patients. The purpose of this study was to review our experience with gastric cancer metastatic to the brain and to describe the efficacy of the treatment used. Between 1957 and 1997, a total of 218,690 patients were seen for evaluation of malignant tumors at M. D. Anderson. Of these patients, 3320 (1.5%) had a diagnosis of gastric cancer; however, only 24 patients (0.7%) were found to have brain metastases on imaging studies or at autopsy. We performed a retrospective review of these 24 patients and divided them into three groups on the basis of the treatment they received. Group 1 included patients who received steroids alone (16 mg of dexamethasone, daily). Group 2 patients received 3000 cGy of whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT) delivered in 10 fractions in addition to steroids. Group 3 patients were managed with surgical resection, WBRT, and steroids. There were 18 male and 6 female patients, with a median age of 53 years. The most common presenting symptoms were weakness, difficulty with balance, and headache. Of the 19 patients diagnosed antemortem, 11 patients developed neurological symptoms after the primary diagnosis of gastric carcinoma, whereas 8 patients developed neurological symptoms before the diagnosis of gastric cancer. Forty-five percent of patients had a single brain metastasis, whereas 55% had multiple lesions. All patients had systemic disease, with bone, liver, and lung involvement seen in 46%, 42%, and 29%, respectively. Nineteen of 24 patients received treatment after diagnosis of brain metastases. Four patients received steroids only (group 1), 11 patients received WBRT and steroids (group 2), and 4 patients were treated with surgery, WBRT, and steroids (group 3). Median survival was approximately 2 months for patients in groups 1 and 2, whereas group 3 patients had a median survival of slightly greater than I year. Our results suggest that the overall prognosis of patients with brain metastases from gastric cancer is extremely poor (median survival, 9 weeks). WBRT, as an adjuvant to steroid treatment, was not effective in improving outcome in our series. In selected patients, most of whom were relatively young and had less advanced systemic disease, surgical resection followed by WBRT was associated with relatively long survival times (median survival, 54 weeks).


Suppression of cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression by conjugated linoleic acid in murine macrophages.
Activated macrophages express inducible isoforms of cyclooxygenase (COX-2) and nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and produce excessive amounts of prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) and nitric oxide (NO) which play key roles in cancer pathogenesis. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is an anticarcinogen while arachidonic acid (AA) may be a procarcinogen by increased PGE(2) production. This study examined the effects of CLA and AA on PGE(2) and NO synthesis in endotoxin-activated macrophages. RAW264.7 macrophages were incubated in medium containing no added lipid (control), 30 microM AA (AA medium), or 30 microM CLA (CLA medium) for 24 h followed by activation with bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 100 ng/ml) for 9 h. CLA significantly depressed PGE(2) and NO production by 78% (P=0.003) and 57% (P=0.0001) respectively. Northern blot analysis of COX-2 and iNOS showed significant 33% (P=0.01) and 51% (P=0.04) decreases, respectively, paralleling those seen for PGE(2) and NO production. In contrast, AA significantly increased PGE(2) synthesis by 62% (P=0.02) and also suppressed NO production and iNOS expression in the same manner as observed for CLA. These results suggest that the anticarcinogenic effect of CLA in endotoxin-activated macrophages may be related to its ability to decrease both PGE(2) and NO synthesis by suppressing transcription of COX-2 and iNOS.


Two distinct blue-light responses regulate epicotyl elongation in pea.
Blue light induces a long-term suppression of epicotyl elongation in red-light-grown pea (Pisum sativum L.) seedlings. The fluence-response characteristics are bell-shaped, indicating the possibility of two different blue-light responses: a lower fluence response causing suppression and a higher fluence response alleviating the suppression. To determine if two responses are in effect, we have grown pea seedlings under dark conditions hoping to eliminate one or the other response. Under these growth conditions, only the lower fluence portion of the response (suppression of elongation) is apparent. The kinetics of suppression are similar to those observed for the lower fluence response of red-light-grown seedlings. The response to blue light in the dark-grown seedlings is not due to the excitation of phytochrome because a pulse of far-red light large enough to negate phytochrome-induced suppression has no effect on the blue-light-induced suppression. Furthermore, treatment of the dark-grown seedlings with red light immediately prior to treatment with high fluence blue light does not elicit the higher fluence response, indicating that the role of red light in the blue high fluence response is to allow the plant to achieve a specific developmental state in which it is competent to respond to the higher fluences of blue light.


Intestinal function and gut microflora of broiler chickens as influenced by cereal grains and microbial enzyme supplementation.
A study was conducted to investigate the effect of the key cereal grains and a microbial enzyme supplement on broiler chicken performance, gut microflora and intestinal function. Ingestion of the barley-based diet was associated with low 28-day body weight, decreased feed intake and high FCR. The supplemental enzyme increased feed intake and weight gain of the chickens on a wheat-based diet. The pH of the gizzard and caecal contents varied with the grain type. Enzyme supplementation reduced ileal viscosity, particularly in birds that received the diet based on wheat. The birds on the barley-based diet had lower ileal digestibility of dry matter, protein and energy than those given maize and sorghum-based diets. The ileal digestibility of starch was increased by enzyme supplementation. Enzyme supplementation increased the number of total anaerobic bacteria in the gizzard of birds fed on sorghum and increased lactobacilli in the gizzard of those fed both sorghum and wheat. The birds fed the sorghum-based diet had the lowest counts of caecal total anaerobic bacteria and lactobacilli. Jejunal villus height and villus:crypt ratio of birds fed the barley-based diet were the lowest when compared with those fed the other diets. Enzyme application induced an increase in villus height and villus:crypt ratio of birds on wheat, crypt depth on barley and a reduction in crypt depth of chickens on the sorghum-based diets. The highest activity of maltase and the lowest activity of sucrase were observed in tissue from birds fed on maize and sorghum-based diets respectively. The differences in the performance of broilers on cereal grains could be explained by changes in intestinal morphology, enzyme activities and gut microflora as well as nutrient digestibility. The improved performance by supplemental enzyme in wheat-fed chickens was associated with beneficial changes in intestinal morphology and digesta viscosity.


Intestinal parasites coinfection does not alter plasma cytokines profile elicited in acute malaria in subjects from endemic area of Brazil.
In Brazil, malaria is prevalent in the Amazon region and these regions coincide with high prevalence of intestinal parasites but few studies explore the interaction between malaria and other parasites. Therefore, the present study evaluates changes in cytokine, chemokine, C-reactive protein, and nitric oxide (NO) concentrations in 264 individuals, comparing plasma from infected individuals with concurrent malaria and intestinal parasites to individuals with either malaria infection alone and uninfected. In the studied population 24% of the individuals were infected with Plasmodium and 18% coinfected with intestinal parasites. Protozoan parasites comprised the bulk of the intestinal parasites infections and subjects infected with intestinal parasites were more likely to have malaria. The use of principal component analysis and cluster analysis associated increased levels of IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10, and CRP and low levels of IL-17A predominantly with individuals with malaria alone and coinfected individuals. In contrast, low levels of almost all inflammatory mediators were associated predominantly with individuals uninfected while increased levels of IL-17A were associated predominantly with individuals with intestinal parasites only. In conclusion, our data suggest that, in our population, the infection with intestinal parasites (mainly protozoan) does not modify the pattern of cytokine production in individuals infected with P. falciparum and P. vivax.


PLZF(+) Innate T Cells Support the TGF-β-Dependent Generation of Activated/Memory-Like Regulatory T Cells.
PLZF-expressing invariant natural killer T cells and CD4 T cells are unique subsets of innate T cells. Both are selected via thymocyte-thymocyte interaction, and they contribute to the generation of activated/memory-like CD4 and CD8 T cells in the thymus via the production of IL-4. Here, we investigated whether PLZF(+) innate T cells also affect the development and function of Foxp3(+) regulatory CD4 T cells. Flow cytometry analysis of the thymus and spleen from both CIITA transgenic C57BL/6 and wild-type BALB/c mice, which have abundant PLZF(+) CD4 T cells and invariant natural killer T cells, respectively, revealed that Foxp3(+) T cells in these mice exhibited a CD103(+) activated/memory-like phenotype. The frequency of CD103(+) regulatory T cells was considerably decreased in PLZF(+) cell-deficient CIITA(Tg)Plzf(lu/lu) and BALB/c.CD1d(-/-) mice as well as in an IL-4-deficient background, such as in CIITA(Tg)IL-4(-/-) and BALB/c.lL-4(-/-) mice, indicating that the acquisition of an activated/memory-like phenotype was dependent on PLZF(+) innate T cells and IL-4. Using fetal thymic organ culture, we further demonstrated that IL-4 in concert with TGF-β enhanced the acquisition of the activated/memory-like phenotype of regulatory T cells. In functional aspects, the activated/memory-like phenotype of Treg cells was directly related to their suppressive function; regulatory T cells of CIITA(Tg)PIV(-/-) mice more efficiently suppressed ovalbumin-induced allergic airway inflammation compared with their counterparts from wild-type mice. All of these findings suggest that PLZF(+) innate T cells also augmented the generation of activated/memory-like regulation via IL-4 production.


Adsorption of slow- and fast-growing rhizobia to soybean and cowpea roots.
Roots of soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr. cv Hardee) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata [L.] Walp. cv Pink Eye Purple Hull) were immersed in suspensions containing 10(4)Rhizobium cells per milliliter of a nitrogen-free solution. After 30 to 120 minutes the roots were rinsed, and the distal 2-centimeter segments excised and homogenized. Portions of the homogenates then were plated on a yeast-extract mannitol medium for bacterial cell counts. The adsorption capacities of four slow-growing rhizobia and a fast-growing R. meliloti strain varied considerably. Adsorption was independent of plant species and of the abilities of the Rhizobium strains to infect and nodulate. R. lupini 96B9 had the greatest adsorption capacity, and Rhizobium sp. 3G4b16 the least. Rhizobium sp. 229, R. japonicum 138, and R. meliloti 102F51 were intermediate, except on cowpea, where the adsorption of strain 102F51 was similar to that of strain 3G4b16. The initial adsorption rates of bacteria cultured in synthetic media and in the presence of soybean roots were about the same. Addition of soybean lectin to the bacterial inoculum failed to influence initial adsorption rates. Both treatments, however, reduced the numbers of bacteria that bound after incubation with roots for 120 minutes. The relationship between the logarithm of the number of strain 138 cells bound per soybean root segment and the logarithm of the density of bacteria in the inoculum was linear over five orders of magnitude. Binding of strain 138 to soybean roots was greatest at room temperature (27 degrees C) and substantially attenuated at both 4 and 37 degrees C. Although R. lupini 96B9 strongly rejected a model hydrophobic plastic surface, there were no simple correlations between bacterial binding to model hydrophobic and hydrophilic plastic surfaces and bacterial adsorption to roots.


Second-generation functionalized medium-chain-length polyhydroxyalkanoates: the gateway to high-value bioplastic applications.
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are biodegradable biocompatible polyesters, which accumulate as granules in the cytoplasm of many bacteria under unbalanced growth conditions. Medium-chain-length PHAs (mcl-PHAs), characterized by C6-C14 branched monomer chains and typically produced by Pseudomonas species, are promising thermoelastomers, as they can be further modified by introducing functional groups in the side chains. Functionalized PHAs are obtained either by feeding structurally related substrates processed through the beta-oxidation pathway, or using specific strains able to transform sugars or glycerol into unsaturated PHA by de novo fatty-acid biosynthesis. Functionalized mcl-PHAs provide modified mechanical and thermal properties, and consequently have new processing requirements and highly diverse potential applications in emergent fields such as biomedicine. However, process development and sample availability are limited due to the toxicity of some precursors and still low productivity, which hinder investigation. Conversely, improved mutant strains designed through systems biology approaches and cofeeding with low-cost substrates may contribute to the widespread application of these biopolymers. This review focuses on recent developments in the production of functionalized mcl-PHAs, placing particular emphasis on strain and bioprocess design for cost-effective production.


Peripheral Neuropathy Presents Similar Symptoms and Pathological Changes in Both High-Fat Diet and Pharmacologically Induced Pre- and Diabetic Mouse Models.
The objective of the study was to compare the effects of experimentally induced type 1 or type 2 diabetes (T1D or T2D) on the functional, structural and biochemical properties of mouse peripheral nerves. Eight-week-old C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned into three groups, including the control (CTRL, chow-fed), STZ (streptozotocin (STZ)-injected), and HFD (high-fat diet (HFD)-fed) group. After 18-weeks of experimental treatment, HFD mice had higher body weights and elevated levels of plasma lipids, while STZ mice developed hyperglycemia. STZ-treated mice, after an extended period of untreated diabetes, developed motor and sensory nerve conduction-velocity deficits. Moreover, relative to control fibers, pre- and diabetic axons were lower in number and irregular in shape. Animals from both treatment groups manifested a pronounced overexpression of nNOS and a reduced expression of SOD1 proteins in the sciatic nerve, indicating oxidative-nitrosative stress and ineffective antioxidant protection in the peripheral nervous system of these mice. Collectively, STZ- and HFD-treated mice revealed similar characteristics of peripheral nerve damage, including a number of morphological and electrophysiological pathologies in the sciatic nerve. While hyperglycemia is a large component of diabetic neuropathy pathogenesis, the non-hyperglycemic effects of diabetes, including dyslipidemia, may also be of importance in the development of this condition.


Nutrition management for the promotion of growth in very low birth weight premature infants.
Premature infants are highly susceptible to extrauterine growth restriction. Without early and adequate nutrition support, nutrition deficits of energy and protein can quickly accrue. Growth failure has been implicated in poor neurodevelopmental outcomes and long-term morbidity, creating a major focus on neonatal nutrition alongside medical management. Optimal nutrition is paramount for optimal growth outcomes. The purpose of this article is to review the implications and long-term effects of growth failure in premature infants, specifically, those with very low birth weights. In addition, nutrition interventions and treatments will be presented to manage and improve growth outcomes of the neonate.


Recurrent priapism in the setting of cannabis use.
Priapism (persistent and painful erection of the penis) is a notable urological emergency, with over 90% of those remaining erect for 24 h losing sexual function. Drug-induced priapism is common in the adult population, with intracavernosal injectables for erectile dysfunction topping the list. A variety of illicit drugs associated with priapism have been described; however, we are not aware of any other case reports showing cannabis alone as the inciting factor. Here, we present a case of a healthy 32-year-old African American man with a history of stuttering (recurrent) priapism secondary to mild cannabis substance use without comorbid substance use, licit or illicit.


Volkmann's contracture of the extraocular muscles following blowout fracture.
In the past decade there has been considerable controversy over the surgical indications for treatment of blowout fractures of the orbit. It has been well recognized that some fracture patients develop an ischemic contracture of the inferior rectus muscle. We have found that a Volkmann's type of contracture of the inferior rectus muscle does exist and is similar to that found in the distal extremities. A specific group of fracture patients is at greater risk for development of a contracture. Elderly patients, hypotensive patients, patients with small fractures, and those with high inferior rectus compartment pressures are more prone to developing a contracted extraocular muscle. We have measured compartment pressures in 18 patients who were surgical candidates following orbital fracture. Our conclusions indicate that surgical intervention following blowout fractures in these high-risk patients may be more prudent than medical management. Patients with persistent diplopia due to a contracted inferior rectus are extremely difficult to treat many months after fracture. We still believe it prudent to surgically repair orbital fractures in patients with diplopia, enophthalmos, and a risk for muscle contracture. The documentation of this additional sequela of unrepaired fractures lends more strength to this belief. There is no evidence to indicate that a Volkmann's contracture would be possible after early repair of a blowout fracture.


[Prospective comparison of laparoscopic surgery of inguinal hernia using pre-peritoneal surgical mesh implantation with the classic open approach].
The authors focused their attention on a comparison of laparoscopic hernioplasty and the classical operation of inguinal hernia in a prospective study. The study comprised fifty consecutive patients operated at the First Surgical Clinic in Olomouc between November 1994 and April 1995. The study compares surgical and postoperative complications, postoperative pain and the hospitalization period. Every patient was followed up for one month after operation. The results indicate that laparoscopic hernioplasty is an equally valuable method as classical surgery of inguinal hernia. According to the authors the main advantage of laparoscopic plastic surgery is a better postoperative course--i.e. less pain, a shorter hospitalization period and more rapid return to full activity. The disadvantage is the intraabdominal approach and all possible complications ensuing from it.


Safety and Risk of Medication Overuse Headache in Lasmiditan and Second-Generation Gepants: A Rapid Review.
The treatment of migraine is often complicated by insufficient headache relief, a miscellany of side effects and the risk of developing Medication Overuse Headache (MOH). Novel acute therapies have been recently developed and are now in the early post-marketing phase. Lasmiditan is a highly selective serotonin receptor agonist that binds to the 5-HT1F receptor, while ubrogepant and rimegepant antagonize the calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor. All three medications are now prescribed in a real-world setting, and an adequate level of knowledge is the starting point for rational use. In this rapid systematic review, we have established what is known about lasmiditan, ubrogepant and rimegepant, highlighting the most relevant safety aspects available from published studies and speculating about their risk of MOH.


[Influence of introducing hexyloxy group on fluorescence property of 4-nitrostilbene compounds].
Two new stilbene derivatives, 4-methacryloxyl-4'-nitrostilbene (NS) and 4-(6-methacryloxyl)-hexyloxy-4'-nitrostilbene (HNS), were synthesized and characterized by FTIR, UV-Vis, HPLC and 1H NMR. The influence of structure, concentration and solvent polarity on the fluorescence of the two compounds was investigated in the present paper. Results showed that both NS and HNS have concentration quenching effect and the fluorescence spectrum exhibited a red shift with the increase in the polarity of solvents. Moreover, the donor-acceptor structure is formed in HNS due to the introduction of donor group hexyloxy, which leads to a 72 nm red shift of the maximum wavelength of fluorescence compared with NS, and the fluorescence generated from such composite in DMF solution would change from yellow to orange.


Antifouling Activity of Meroterpenes Isolated from the Ascidian Aplidium aff. densum.
The settlement and growth of fouling organisms on man-made surfaces can be prevented by the application of antifouling paints containing active compounds (biocides, heavy metals), most of which are toxic to non-target organisms. As part of our research program in chemical ecology and blue biotechnology, we are conducting studies to investigate the natural defence mechanisms of marine organisms that are free from epibionts, with the aim of isolating molecules involved in surface defence that could be good candidates as antifouling agents. Ascidians were selected for our investigation because previous studies have shown that they contain abundant and diverse secondary metabolites, which play a defensive role and have been applied to drug discovery. It is therefore relevant to study the role of such secondary metabolites in surface protection. In this study, 5 meroterpenoids (cordiachromene A, didehydroconicol, epiconicol, methoxyconidiol, conidione) from Aplidium aff. densum (ascidian) were investigated as potential antifoulants towards the inhibition of bacterial growth and settlement inhibition of barnacles. Cardiochromene A (IC50 barnacle settlement = 6.04 μg/mL; MIC Gram positive = 125 μg/mL; MIC Gram negative = 32 μg/mL) and epiconicol (IC50 barnacle settlement = 8.05 μg/mL; MIC Bacillus = 63 μg/mL; MIC other strains = 32 μg/mL) were the most promising compounds among those tested in this study.


A study of the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of the women referred to health centers for cardiovascular disease (CVDs) and their risk factors.
Hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes are established risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality. In the past decade a general increase in CVD risk factors in the population aged 65 and older, along with suboptimal control rates, have occurred. In this descriptive, cross-sectional study, the authors describe the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of Iranian females regarding risk factors for CVD, in an attempt to help with the development of strategies to control risk factors and CVD. Participants were 200 women ages 15-49 referred to health centers in Yazd, selected from four different centers. Data were gathered through a questionnaire consisting of demographics and questions related to KAP. The validity of the questionnaire was determined by a health education specialist, with its reliability determined by piloting and measuring the related Cronbach's alpha (Alpha = 0.720). Measuring knowledge of CVD on a scale of 0-20, the mean knowledge score was 10.203.91. More than 76% of the participants knew that CVD is preventable. Ninety-one percent liked exercising and believed that exercising would make them feel better. The average mean scores for attitudes of participants toward CVD were 30.31 ± 3.21 out of 36. The authors conclude that there is a need for enhancing mothers' general knowledge about the disease, because of the increasing rates of CVD in females. This will lead to improvements in attitude and practice. Furthermore, learning in groups of 12 can be a beneficial educational method.


Telemedicine: An Innovative Twist to Primary Health Care in Rural Bangladesh.
Health care service is worsening in the remote villages due to less complete and further away of healthcare facilities and service and makes this service costs compared to those of urban people. Telemedicine service provides a potential solution regarding this particular issue. This study provides empirical evidence of the benefits package consists of hypothetical telemedicine service and evaluates the economic benefit of telemedicine service. The study measures marginal willingness-to-pay (MWTP) responses to policy change on a sample (n = 203) observations. A randomized conjoint experiment has conducted in 7 remote villages of 3 coastal districts of the southwest coastal region of Bangladesh. Each respondent ranks 3 options-two hypothetical alternatives and the telemedicine status quo scheme. The level of attributes-payment for telemedicine service, sample collection from home, medicine delivery to home, capitation through online technology, service delivery frequency, and blood pressure and glucose measure at home-are randomly and jointly assigned to the 2 alternatives. Coastal villagers would like to pay more in option 4 and above. The lower payment for telemedicine service does not necessarily imply low demand for telemedicine, as the findings from MWTP illustrate potential demand for telemedicine in coastal villages in Bangladesh.


[Cerbral salt wasting syndrome versus SIADH].
In the context of cerebral diseases the two main mechanisms responsible for non iatrogenic causes of hyponatremia are cerebral salt wasting syndrome (CSW) and inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). Distinction between these two syndromes is difficult and is based on the assessment of the patient's volume status. In case of CSW, the volume status is low and the treatment is fluid and sodium replacement. In case of SIADH the volume status is normal or slightly expanded and the treatment is fluid restriction. To avoid centropontine myelinolysis, the speed of correction should not exceed 8 to 10 mmol/L over a 24-hour period. This article will describe practical tools to differentiate CSW from SIADH and therapeutic strategies useful in daily clinical practice.


Absorption of decabromodiphenyl ether and other organohalogen chemicals by grey seals (Halichoerus grypus).
An input-output balance study was performed for polybrominated diphenyl ethers, polychlorinated biphenyls and some organochlorine pesticides on three captive, juvenile grey seals (Halichoerus grypus). The animals were fed a diet of herring for six months, during the last three months of which this study was performed. A supplement of decabromodiphenyl ether was included in the diet during the second month of the study. Consistently high absorption (>89%) was observed for all of the chemicals studied, whereas work on other animals has generally shown high (>80%) net absorption at log K(OW) < approximately 6, dropping towards higher log K(OW), and very low absorption of decabromodiphenyl ether. The half-life of decabromodiphenyl ether in blood was estimated to be between 8.5 and 13 days. Measurable concentrations of decabromodiphenyl ether were detected in seal blubber at the end of the study, indicating that this chemical can be stored in adipose and may bioaccumulate. Current understanding of the mechanism of absorption of organohalogen chemicals and the potential for accumulation of decabromodiphenyl ether will need reassessing in the light of these results.


Serous cystadenoma with massive ovarian edema. A case report and review of the literature.
Massive ovarian edema is an usual tumour-like condition. It may be confused with an ovarian neoplasm. A 13-year-old female in premenarchy was referred as emergency case to a local hospital due to acute, severe and persistent hypogastric pain. She had noticed a gradual abdominal enlargement, mainly on the right abdomen during the last months. Ultrasound revealed a mass of a non-echogenic cystic compartment of 13 cm maximum diameter, and an area of mixed echogenicity of 11 cm maximum diameter at the anatomic site of the right ovary. The CA- 125 levels were increased. An unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy was performed. The pathology examination revealed serous cystadenoma with massive ovarian edema. Conservative treatment and ovarian suspension may be more appropriate, when histology on frozen section suggests a benign lesion.


RE-AIMing conferences: evaluating the adoption, implementation and maintenance of the Rick Hansen Institute's Praxis 2016.
In April 2016, the Rick Hansen Institute (RHI) hosted an innovative, 2-day conference called Praxis 2016. RHI aimed to bring together a diverse group of stakeholders to develop solutions for overcoming the challenges of translating spinal cord injury (SCI) research into practice. To understand the impact of Praxis, RHI funded an independent team to evaluate Praxis at the individual and setting level using the RE-AIM framework. Individual-level findings are published elsewhere. The aim of this evaluation is to report on the impact of Praxis at the setting level in terms of its adoption, implementation and maintenance. Data sources included interviews with attendees (n = 13) and organisers (n = 9), a fidelity assessment conducted at the conference, and observation notes provided by the evaluation team. Main findings indicated that the Praxis model was adopted by organisers and attendees, implemented by RHI as intended, and has the potential for long-term maintenance. Lessons learned highlighted the importance of including SCI community members throughout the entire process from development to post-conference activities as well as in the research process, the value of facilitation and fostering interactive problem solving, and the need to identify leadership and funds to foster long-term efforts. Developing and implementing a solutions-focused conference that brings together a diverse group of SCI stakeholders was challenging and rewarding for attendees and organisers. Other domains could learn from, adopt and build on the Praxis 2016 approach to address research-to-practice gaps.


[The course of pregnancy and fetal outcome in diabetic patients with anamnestic fetal death].
Of 116 pregnant patients with diabetes mellitus type 1 or gestational diabetes, 12 (10.3%) had previously suffered stillbirth, while in four (3.4%) cases spontaneous abortion after the 6th month had occurred. In these 16 cases, we examined the mean daily blood glucose concentration, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fructosamine as well as glucose and albumin elimination via urine. These control data on carbohydrate metabolism were correlated with the intensity of gestational monitoring in relation to course of pregnancy and neonatal morbidity and/or mortality. In addition, we retrospectively analyzed the cause of prior intrauterine death. In six of eight cases evaluable, we could hereby demonstrate disturbed carbohydrate metabolism. Pregnant women with diabetes mellitus type 1 were hospitalized twice as often (on average four times) as patients with gestational diabetes (2.1 admissions on average). While five of seven type 1 diabetics were primarily admitted prior to the 20th week of gestation, the majority of gestational diabetics (7/9) were first examined by qualified medical personnel trained in the care of gestational diabetes after the 28th week of gestation. Two of nine were first diagnosed post partum. 13 of 14 patients with prepartally known diabetes demonstrated mean blood glucose values under 110 mg/dl. While one of the two patients with postpartally diagnosed diabetes suffered stillbirth once again, the other had to be delivered by emergency C-section because of fetal distress (pH art. 7.08). Our results show that adequate monitoring of carbohydrate metabolism and proper care of diabetic pregnant women can lower obstetrical/neonatal risks to more acceptable levels, especially in those patients who have had stillbirth in their prior medical history.


Aggression, Sibling Antagonism, and Theory of Mind During the First Year of Siblinghood: A Developmental Cascade Model.
A developmental cascade model was tested to examine longitudinal associations among firstborn children's aggression, theory of mind (ToM), and antagonism toward their younger sibling during the 1st year of siblinghood. Aggression and ToM were assessed before the birth of a sibling and 4 and 12 months after the birth, and antagonism was examined at 4 and 12 months in a sample of 208 firstborn children (initial Mage = 30 months, 56% girls) from primarily European American, middle-class families. Firstborns' aggression consistently predicted high sibling antagonism both directly and through poorer ToM. Results highlight the importance of examining longitudinal influences across behavioral, social-cognitive, and relational factors that are closely intertwined even from the early years of life.


Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis in infants following pertussis prophylaxis with erythromycin--Knoxville, Tennessee, 1999.
In February 1999, pertussis was diagnosed in six neonates born at hospital A in Knoxville, Tennessee. Because a health-care worker at hospital A was most likely the source of exposure, the local health department recommended on February 25, 1999, that erythromycin be prescribed as postexposure prophylaxis for the approximately 200 infants born at hospital A during February 1-24, 1999. In March 1999, local pediatric surgeons noticed an increased number of cases of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS) in the area, with seven cases occurring during a 2-week period. All seven IHPS cases were in infants born in hospital A during February who were given erythromycin orally for prophylaxis following possible exposure to pertussis, although none had pertussis diagnosed. The Tennessee Department of Health and CDC investigated the cluster of IHPS cases and its possible association with use of erythromycin. This report summarizes the results of the investigation, which suggest a causal role of erythromycin in this cluster of IHPS cases.


Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency in Italy: regional differences of the PIS and PIZ deficiency alleles.
Critical to the effective diagnosis and management of disease is information on its prevalence in a particular geographic area such as Italy. Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AAT Deficiency) is one of the most common serious hereditary diseases in the world, but its prevalence varies markedly from one country to another. AAT Deficiency affects at least 120.5 million carriers and deficient subjects worldwide for the two most prevalent deficiency alleles PIS and PIZ. This genetic disease is known to exist in Italy and is related to a high risk for development of jaundice in infants, liver disease in children and adults, and pulmonary emphysema in adults. Studies on the genetic epidemiology of AAT Deficiency has resulted in the development of a unique database that permits a unique analysis of the geographic distribution in 14 different regions located at random from Piemonte to Sicilia. The use of Hardy-Weinberg statistical analysis to evaluate the distribution of these two deficiency alleles has demonstrated striking differences in the frequencies of these two deficiency alleles in these 14 different regions with 23/84 pair wise combinations significantly different (P=0.05) for PIS, and 5/84 combinations for PIZ. These findings demonstrate differences that impact the standards of care and diagnosis of AAT Deficiency in Italy since the prevalence of these deficiency alleles is not uniform throughout the country.


Angiographic selective methylene blue staining of an occult small-bowel arteriovenous malformation.
This case report details a technique to intraoperatively define a segment of small bowel containing a bleeding arteriovenous malformation allowing definitive surgery. A patient with an arteriovenous malformation of the small intestine underwent angiographic localization using a highly selective microcatheter and intraoperative methylene blue dye allowing a specific segment of intestine to be resected. Angiographic identification and intraoperative location of small intestine arteriovenous malformations can allow the surgeon to more accurately define the affected segment allowing the surgery to be specific and successful.


Long-term outcome of the survivors of infantile hypercalcaemia with CYP24A1 and SLC34A1 mutations.
Infantile hypercalcaemia (IH) is a vitamin D3 metabolism disorder. The molecular basis for IH is biallelic mutations in the CYP24A1 or SLC34A1 gene. These changes lead to catabolism disorders (CYP24A1 mutations) or excessive generation of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] (SLC34A1 mutations). The incidence rate of IH in children and the risk level for developing end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are still unknown. The aim of this study was to analyse the long-term outcome of adolescents and young adults who suffered from IH in infancy. Forty-two children (23 girls; average age 10.7 ± 6.3 years) and 26 adults (14 women; average age 24.2 ± 4.4 years) with a personal history of hypercalcaemia with elevated 1,25(OH)2D3 levels were included in the analysis. In all patients, a genetic analysis of possible IH mutations was conducted, as well as laboratory tests and renal ultrasonography. IH was confirmed in 20 studied patients (10 females). CYP24A1 mutations were found in 16 patients (8 females) and SLC34A1 in 4 patients (2 females). The long-term outcome was assessed in 18 patients with an average age of 23.8 years (age range 2-34). The average glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was 72 mL/min/1.73 m2 (range 15-105). Two patients with a CYP24A1 mutation developed ESRD and underwent renal transplantation. A GFR <90 mL/min/1.73 m2 was found in 14 patients (77%), whereas a GFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 was seen in 5 patients (28%), including 2 adults after renal transplantation. Three of 18 patients still had serum calcium levels >2.6 mmol/L. A renal ultrasound revealed nephrocalcinosis in 16 of 18 (88%) patients, however, mild hypercalciuria was detected in only one subject. Subjects who suffered from IH have a greater risk of progressive chronic kidney disease and nephrocalcinosis. This indicates that all survivors of IH should be closely monitored, with early implementation of preventive measures, e.g. inhibition of active metabolites of vitamin D3 synthesis.


Inhalation of volatile anesthetics via a laryngeal mask is associated with lower incidence of intraoperative awareness in non-critically ill patients.
Increased incidence of intraoperative awareness was reported in critically ill patients during major operations, particularly under total intravenous (TIVA) or endotracheal general anesthesia (ETGA). However, the incidence and effect of anesthesia techniques on awareness in generally healthy, non-critically ill patients during operations have yet to receive significant attention. This retrospective matched case-control study was conducted between January 2009 to December 2014. Surgical patients (ASA physical status I-III) whom reported intraoperative awareness during this study period were interviewed and their medical records were reviewed. The potential risk factors for awareness were compared with the non-case matched controls, who were randomly selected from the database. A total of 61436 patients were included and 16 definite cases of intraoperative awareness were identified. Patients who received ETGA and TIVA had significantly higher incidence of developing awareness compared to those who were anesthetized using laryngeal masks (LMA) (P = 0.03). Compared with the matched controls (n = 80), longer anesthesia time was associated with increased incidence of awareness (odds ratio 2.04; 95% CI 1.30-3.20, per hour increase). Perioperative use of muscle relaxant was also associated with increased incidence of awareness, while significantly lower incidence of awareness was found in patients who were anesthetized with volatile anesthetics. The overall incidence of awareness was 0.023% in the ASA≤ III surgical patients who received general anesthesia. Anesthesia with a laryngeal mask under spontaneous ventilation and supplemented with volatile anesthetics may be the preferred anesthesia technique in generally healthy patients in order to provide a lower risk of intraoperative awareness.


Characterization of two novel YY1 binding sites in the polyomavirus late promoter.
NF-D is a ubiquitous nuclear factor that has been shown to bind specifically to a DNA element in the polyomavirus regulatory region. In this report, we demonstrate that NF-D is either identical or very similar to a transcription factor that has been variously named YY1, delta, NF-E1, UCRBP, or CF1. Moreover, we show the presence in the polyomavirus genome of a second DNA motif, located 40 bp from the first, which binds YY1/NF-D with high affinity. Both sites lie downstream of the major late transcription initiation sites. By site-directed mutagenesis, we demonstrate that both elements contribute positively to the activity of the late promoter, probably by a cooperative mechanism. We also demonstrate that the requirement of the YY1/NF-D function for late promoter activity varies with the cell line.


Differences in NMDA receptor expression during human development determine the response of neurons to HIV-tat-mediated neurotoxicity.
HIV infection of the CNS can result in neurologic dysfunction in a significant number of infected individuals. NeuroAIDS is characterized by neuronal injury and loss, yet there is no evidence of HIV infection in neurons. Thus, neuronal damage and dropout are likely due to indirect effects of HIV infection of other CNS cells, through elaboration of inflammatory factors and neurotoxic viral proteins, including the viral transactivating protein tat. We and others demonstrated that tat induces apoptosis in differentiated mature human neurons. We now demonstrate that the high level of tat toxicity observed in human neurons involves specific developmental stages that correlate with N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) expression, and that tat toxicity is also dependent upon the species being analyzed. Our results indicate that tat treatment of primary cultures of differentiated human neurons with significant amounts of NMDAR expression induces extensive apoptosis. In contrast, tat treatment induces only low levels of apoptosis in primary cultures of immature human neurons with low or minimal expression of NMDAR. In addition, tat treatment has minimal effect on rat hippocampal neurons in culture, despite their high expression of NMDAR. We propose that this difference may be due to low expression of the NR2A subunit. These findings are important for an understanding of the many differences among tissue culture systems and species used to study HIV-tat-mediated toxicity.


Helping While Social Distancing: Pathogen Avoidance Motives Influence People's Helping Intentions during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
The behavioral immune system (BIS) theory suggests that pathogen avoidance motives relate to greater behavioral avoidance against social interactions that pose potential risks of pathogen transmission. Based on the BIS theory, pathogen avoidance motives would decrease people's helping behavior towards others. However, would pathogen avoidance motives decrease all types of helping behavior towards others during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (i.e., COVID-19) pandemic indiscriminately? In the present study, we conducted a within-subjects design to compare people's helping intentions toward voluntary work with and without social contact. Specifically, participants (N = 1562) completed an online survey at the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic in China measuring pathogen disgust sensitivity, state anxiety, and intentions to perform volunteer work with and without social contact. Results revealed that pathogen disgust sensitivity negatively predicted intentions to perform voluntary work with social contact yet had no influence on intentions to perform socially distanced voluntary work. Moreover, the effect of pathogen disgust sensitivity on socially distanced volunteering preference was mediated by the state anxiety people experienced during the pandemic. The findings have implications for understanding people's helping behavior during the pandemic.


Human rhinovirus infections of the lower respiratory tract in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.
Human rhinoviruses (HRVs) are a common cause of upper respiratory infection (URI) in hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients; yet, their role in lower respiratory illness is not well understood. We performed a retrospective chart review of HSCT recipients with HRV infection from the time molecular detection methods were implemented at our institution in 2008. Factors associated with proven or possible HRV pneumonia at the first HRV detection were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analysis. We then characterized all episodes of proven and possible HRV pneumonia from the initial HRV infection through a 1-year follow-up period. Between 2008 and 2011, 63 HSCT recipients had ≥1 documented HRV infections. At first HRV detection, 36 (57%) patients had HRV URI and 27 (43%) had proven or possible HRV pneumonia; in multivariate analysis, hypoalbuminemia (odds ratio [OR] 9.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3-71.7; P = 0.03) and isolation of respiratory co-pathogen(s) (OR 24.2, 95% CI 2.0-288.4; P = 0.01) were independently associated with pneumonia. During the study period, 22 patients had 25 episodes of proven HRV pneumonia. Fever (60%), cough (92%), sputum production (61%), and dyspnea (60%) were common symptoms. Fifteen (60%) episodes demonstrated bacterial (n = 7), fungal (n = 5), or viral (n = 3) co-infection. Among the remaining 10 (40%) cases of HRV monoinfection, patients' oxygen saturations ranged from 80% to 97% on ambient air, and computed tomography scans showed peribronchiolar, patchy, ground glass infiltrates. HRV pneumonia is relatively common after HSCT and frequently accompanied by bacterial co-infection. As use of molecular assays for respiratory viral diagnosis becomes widespread, HRV will be increasingly recognized as a significant cause of pneumonia in immunocompromised hosts.


Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) in Lolium perenne L. 2. The mitochondrial genome of a CMS line is rearranged and contains a chimaeric atp 9 gene.
The most striking difference between the mtDNAs of the fertile L. perenne line LPSB21 and the male-sterile line CMS9B290, is the presence in the former and the absence in the latter of a 5.6-kb HindIII fragment. This difference between fertile and sterile lines was the starting point for a detailed molecular analysis of the mitochondrial genome in the region spanning the 5.6-kb HindIII fragment in fertile L. perenne and the corresponding region in CMS9B290. Restriction mapping and Southern-blot analyses indicated that rearrangement of the mitochondrial genome consistent with a deletion/insertion event had occurred in the sterile line. Nucleotide-sequence analysis of the rearranged region in CMS9B290 revealed the presence of (1) a novel chimaeric gene, orf-C9, comprising the first six codons of atp9 fused to a further 118 codons of an unknown sequence and (2) a truncated version of an open reading frame, orf-L, originally identified in LPSB21 mtDNA. Northern-blot analysis confirmed the absence of orf-L transcripts and the presence of orf-C9 transcripts in the mtRNA of CMS9B290.


Attenuated spread of X-inactivation in an X;autosome translocation.
X inactivation in female mammals involves transcriptional silencing of an entire chromosome in response to a cis-acting noncoding RNA, the X inactive-specific transcript (Xist). Xist can also inactivate autosomal sequences, for example, in X;autosome translocations; but here, silencing appears to be relatively inefficient. This variation has been attributed to either attenuated spreading of Xist RNA at the onset of X inactivation or inefficient maintenance of autosomal silencing. Evidence to date has favored the latter. Here, we demonstrate attenuated spreading of Xist RNA at the onset of X inactivation in the T(X;4)37H X;autosome translocation. Our findings provide direct evidence that underlying chromosome/chromatin features can disrupt spreading of the primary inactivating signal.


Health, probiotics, and inflammation.
Probiotic bacteria are normal inhabitants of microflora and may confer several benefits, including prevention against intestinal inflammation. However, the exact mode of action of probiotics is still largely unknown. The first line of defense against the entry of pathogens is represented by the gut membrane barrier and probiotics may prevent pathogen-induced membrane damage by inhibiting pathogen adhesion and maintaining the correct organization of the tight junction and cytoskeleton proteins. The gut immune system should not only protect the mucosa against pathogens, but also avoid hypersensitivity reactions to food proteins and normal microflora. Failure of induction or maintenance of oral tolerance has been postulated to be a cause of food allergy. Feeding probiotic bacteria may prevent or ameliorate the onset of allergic disease and the associated inflammatory reactions through mechanisms involving modulation of T regulatory cells. Breakdown in tolerance toward intestinal bacteria is a primary cause of inflammatory bowel disease. Recent studies have shown that probiotics may ameliorate experimental colitis in mice by inducing interleukin 10 and interleukin 10-dependent T regulatory cells. In this article, an update of the anti-inflammatory activity of different probiotics and of the more accredited mechanisms underlying such activities are reported.


Nurses' perceptions of individual and organizational political reasons for horizontal peer bullying.
Nurses are exposed to bullying for various reasons. It has been argued that the reason for bullying can be political, meaning that the behavior occurs to serve the self-interests of the perpetrators. This study aims to identify how nurses perceive the relevance of individual and political reasons for bullying behaviors. In February 2009 a survey was conducted with nurses working in a research and training hospital located in Turkey. The results showed that the aim of influencing promotion, task assignments, performance appraisal, recruitment, dismissal, allocation of equipment and operational means, together with allocation of personal benefits and organizational structure decisions, were perceived as potential political reasons for bullying by nurses. Moreover, the reasons for the various bullying behaviors were perceived as relevant to individual characteristics, namely, the perpetrators' need for power, and their psychological and private life problems.


Correlates of sugar-sweetened beverage intake among low-income women during the first 1000 days.
To describe prenatal and postpartum consumption of water, cows' milk, 100 % juice and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) among women enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) programme in New York City (NYC) and to identify correlates of SSB intake in this population. Cross-sectional data were collected from structured questionnaires that included validated beverage frequency questionnaires with the assistance of container samples. The association of maternal and household factors and non-SSB consumption with habitual daily energetic (kJ (kcal)) intake from SSB was assessed by using multivariable median regression. WIC programme in NYC, NY. Data were collected in 2017. 388 pregnant or postpartum women (infant aged <2 years) from the NYC First 1000 Days Study. Median age was 28 years (interquartile range (IQR) 24-34); 94·1 % were Hispanic/Latina, and 31·4 % were pregnant. Overall, 87·7 % of pregnant and 89·1% of postpartum women consumed SSB ≥ once weekly, contributing to a median daily energetic intake of 410 kJ (98 kcal) (IQR (113-904 kJ) 27-216) and 464 kJ (111 kcal) (IQR (163-1013 kJ) 39-242), respectively. In adjusted analyses, only consumption of 100 % juice was associated with greater median energetic intake from SSB (adjusted β for each additional ounce = 13; 95% CI 8, 31 (3·2; 95 % CI 2·0, 7·3). Among pregnant and postpartum women in WIC-enrolled families, interventions to reduce SSB consumption should include reduction of 100 % juice consumption as a co-target of the intervention.