Noninvasive patient tracker mask for spinal 3D navigation: does the required large-volume 3D scan involve a considerably increased radiation exposure?
Intraoperative 3D imaging and navigation is increasingly used for minimally invasive spine surgery. A novel, noninvasive patient tracker that is adhered as a mask on the skin for 3D navigation necessitates a larger intraoperative 3D image set for appropriate referencing. This enlarged 3D image data set can be acquired by a state-of-the-art 3D C-arm device that is equipped with a large flat-panel detector. However, the presumably associated higher radiation exposure to the patient has essentially not yet been investigated and is therefore the objective of this study. Patients were retrospectively included if a thoracolumbar 3D scan was performed intraoperatively between 2016 and 2019 using a 3D C-arm with a large 30 × 30-cm flat-panel detector (3D scan volume 4096 cm3) or a 3D C-arm with a smaller 20 × 20-cm flat-panel detector (3D scan volume 2097 cm3), and the dose area product was available for the 3D scan. Additionally, the fluoroscopy time and the number of fluoroscopic images per 3D scan, as well as the BMI of the patients, were recorded. The authors compared 62 intraoperative thoracolumbar 3D scans using the 3D C-arm with a large flat-panel detector and 12 3D scans using the 3D C-arm with a small flat-panel detector. Overall, the 3D C-arm with a large flat-panel detector required more fluoroscopic images per scan (mean 389.0 ± 8.4 vs 117.0 ± 4.6, p < 0.0001), leading to a significantly higher dose area product (mean 1028.6 ± 767.9 vs 457.1 ± 118.9 cGy × cm2, p = 0.0044). The novel, noninvasive patient tracker mask facilitates intraoperative 3D navigation while eliminating the need for an additional skin incision with detachment of the autochthonous muscles. However, the use of this patient tracker mask requires a larger intraoperative 3D image data set for accurate registration, resulting in a 2.25 times higher radiation exposure to the patient. The use of the patient tracker mask should thus be based on an individual decision, especially taking into considering the radiation exposure and extent of instrumentation.


Effect of Core-Shell Morphology on the Mechanical Properties and Crystallization Behavior of HDPE/HDPE-g-MA/PA6 Ternary Blends.
In this paper, the high-density polyethylene/maleic anhydride grafted high-density polyethylene/polyamide 6 (HDPE/HDPE-g-MA/PA6) ternary blends were prepared by blend melting. The binary dispersed phase (HDPE-g-MA/PA6) is of a core-shell structure, which is confirmed by the SEM observation and theoretical calculation. The crystallization behavior and mechanical properties of PA6, HDPE-g-MA, HDPE, and their blends were investigated. The crystallization process, crystallization temperature, melting temperature, and crystallinity were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) testing. The results show that PA6 and HDPE-g-MA interact with each other during crystallizing, and their crystallization behaviors are different when the composition is different. At the same time, the addition of core-shell particles (HDPE-g-MA/PA6) can affect the crystallization behavior of the HDPE matrix. With the addition of the core-shell particles, the comprehensive mechanical properties of HDPE were enhanced, including tensile strength, elastic modulus, and the impact strength. Combined with previous studies, the toughening mechanism of core-shell structure is discussed in detail. The mechanism of the core-shell structure toughening is not only one, but the result of a variety of mechanisms together.


"Effectiveness of interventions in reducing pain and maintaining physical activity in children and adolescents with calcaneal apophysitis (Sever's disease): a systematic review".
Calcaneal apophysitis, also commonly known as sever's disease, is a condition seen in children usually aged between 8-15 years. Conservative therapies, such as taping, heel lifts and orthotic intervention are accepted management practices for calcaneal apophysitis, though there is very little high quality research examining the efficacy of such treatment modalities. Previous narrative literature reviews and opinion pieces provide some evidence for the use of heel raises or orthoses. The aim of this manuscript was to complete a systemic review on the treatment options for calcaneal apophysitis as measured by pain reduction and maintenance of physical activity. A search strategy completed by two reviewers examined nine databases from inception to May 2012. Search terms included heel pain, children, adolescent, calcaneal apophysitis, sever's disease, treatment, and management (full text publications, human studies). Systematic reviews, randomised control trials, case series, and case studies were included. The reference lists of the selected articles were also examined. The methodology, quality and risk of bias was examined and assessed using the PEDro scale. Nine articles were retrieved including three clinical trials involving randomisation, two case series, two retrospective case reviews, and two case reports. Effect size calculations and a meta analysis were unable to be completed due to the limited data reported within the literature. Numerous treatment options were reported throughout the literature, though few were examined against a control or alternate treatment option in well-designed trials. The limited evidence indicated that orthoses provided greater short-term pain relief than heel raises. Health practitioners should view these results with caution, as there were apparent methodological problems with the employed study design and limited follow-up of participants. There is limited evidence to support the use of heel raises and orthoses for children who have heel pain related to calcaneal apophysitis. Further research is needed to generate higher quality evidence with larger sample sizes, and validated measures of pain and function to establish effective treatment approaches for children with calcaneal apophysitis.


Decreased levels and ecological risks of disinfection by-product chloroform in a field-scale artificial groundwater recharge project by colloid supplement.
To bolster freshwater supply, artificial groundwater recharge with recycled water has increasingly attracted research attentions and interests. However, artificial groundwater recharge has potential risks to groundwater quality, as recharge water disinfection is frequently used for pathogen inactivation and causes the concerns of disinfection by-products (DBPs). Colloid supplement is a good approach solving this problem, but its roles in mitigating DBPs remains unclear. In this study, we collected 20 groundwater and soil samples from a field-scale groundwater recharge project, and explored the impacts of silica colloids on chloroform migration and groundwater bacterial communities during the recharge process. Water physicochemical variables changed along the recharge time, and colloid supplement significantly reduced chloroform formation and slowed its migration in groundwater. Bacterial communities in groundwater, river water and recharge water were significantly different. Gammaproteobacteria in recharge water (71.7%) was more abundant than in river water (30.5%) and groundwater (33.5%), while Actinobacteria dominated groundwater (40.6%). After recharge, Gammaproteobacteria increased more with colloid supplement (75.7%) than without (52.6%), attributing to its dominance in soils (74.6%). Our results suggested more bacterial lineages released from soils into aquifer by silica colloid supplement, owing to the competitive adsorption encouraging microbial transfer, especially Gram-negative bacteria. Our findings unraveled the effects of colloid supplement on chloroform formation and migration during artificial groundwater recharge, which consequently altered groundwater bacterial communities, and offered valuable suggestions for the safety management of DBPs in aquifer recharge.


Monoclonal antibodies with various reactivity to p58 killer inhibitory receptors.
Human natural killer (NK) cells have receptors that bind to HLA class I molecules. Among these receptors, p58 and p50 bind to HLA-C. P58 belongs to the killer inhibitory receptor (KIR) and p50 belongs to the killer activatory receptor (KAR). Previously, we obtained three recombinant p58 KIR or p50 KAR proteins, KAR-K1 (KIR2DS4), KIR-K6 (KIR2DL1), and KIR-K7 (KIR2DL3). In this study, we produced and characterized seven monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to the p58 KIR and p50 KAR proteins. The MAbs were classified in three groups according to their antigen-binding specificity: 5IB103 and 26ID707 were KAR-K1-specific; A809, 190IIC311, and 197IIC611 were KIR-K7-specific; while A210 and A803g bound to all three recombinant proteins. The MAbs reactive to KIR-K7 bound to the gamma3 domain among two immunoglobulin (Ig) domains of KIR-K7. Immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometric analysis with A803g showed reactivity to about 10% of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and 35% of purified natural killer cells. Double immunofluorescence staining with A803g and anti-CD56 Ab showed that CD56 and p58 or p50 were expressed on NK cells in a mutually exclusive way. We also investigated T-cell markers in A803g+ cells. A803g+ T cells were almost CD8+ cells. MAbs produced in this study can be utilized practically in the investigation of biological characteristics of p58 KIR and p50 KAR.


Automated transport and sorting system in a large reference laboratory: part 1. Evaluation of needs and alternatives and development of a plan.
Our laboratory, a large, commercial, esoteric reference laboratory, sought some form of total laboratory automation to keep pace with rapid growth of specimen volumes as well as to meet competitive demands for cost reduction and improved turnaround time. We conducted a systematic evaluation of our needs, which led to the development of a plan to implement an automated transport and sorting system. We systematically analyzed and studied our specimen containers, test submission requirements and temperatures, and the workflow and movement of people, specimens, and information throughout the laboratory. We performed an intricate timing study that identified bottlenecks in our manual handling processes. We also evaluated various automation options. The automation alternative viewed to best meet our needs was a transport and sorting system from MDS AutoLab. Our comprehensive plan also included a new standardized transport tube; a centralized automated core laboratory for higher volume tests; a new "automation-friendly" software system for order entry, tracking, and process control; a complete reengineering of our order-entry, handling, and tracking processes; and remodeling of our laboratory facility and specimen processing area. The scope of this project and its potential impact on overall laboratory operations and performance justified the extensive time we invested (nearly 4 years) in a systematic approach to the evaluation, design, and planning of this project.


T Cell Bispecific Antibodies: An Antibody-Based Delivery System for Inducing Antitumor Immunity.
As a breakthrough immunotherapy, T cell bispecific antibodies (T-BsAbs) are a promising antibody therapy for various kinds of cancer. In general, T-BsAbs have dual-binding specificity to a tumor-associated antigen and a CD3 subunit forming a complex with the TCR. This enables T-BsAbs to crosslink tumor cells and T cells, inducing T cell activation and subsequent tumor cell death. Unlike immune checkpoint inhibitors, which release the brake of the immune system, T-BsAbs serve as an accelerator of T cells by stimulating their immune response via CD3 engagement. Therefore, they can actively redirect host immunity toward tumors, including T cell recruitment from the periphery to the tumor site and immunological synapse formation between tumor cells and T cells. Although the low immunogenicity of solid tumors increases the challenge of cancer immunotherapy, T-BsAbs capable of immune redirection can greatly benefit patients with such tumors. To investigate the detailed relationship between T-BsAbs delivery and their T cell redirection activity, it is necessary to determine how T-BsAbs deliver antitumor immunity to the tumor site and bring about tumor cell death. This review article discusses T-BsAb properties, specifically their pharmacokinetics, redirection of anticancer immunity, and local mechanism of action within tumor tissues, and discuss further challenges to expediting T-BsAb development.


Windblown Sand-Induced Degradation of Glass Panels in Curtain Walls.
The windblown sand-induced degradation of glass panels influences the serviceability and safety of these panels. In this study, the degradation of glass panels subject to windblown sand with different impact velocities and impact angles was studied based on a sandblasting test simulating a sandstorm. After the glass panels were degraded by windblown sand, the surface morphology of the damaged glass panels was observed using scanning electron microscopy, and three damage modes were found: a cutting mode, smash mode, and plastic deformation mode. The mass loss, visible light transmittance, and effective area ratio values of the glass samples were then measured to evaluate the effects of the windblown sand on the panels. The results indicate that, at high abrasive feed rates, the relative mass loss of the glass samples decreases initially and then remains steady with increases in impact time, whereas it increases first and then decreases with an increase in impact angle such as that for ductile materials. Both visible light transmittance and effective area ratio decrease with increases in the impact time and velocities. There exists a positive linear relationship between the visible light transmittance and effective area ratio.


Interfacial chemistry of poly(methyl methacrylate) arising from exposure to vacuum-ultraviolet light and atomic oxygen.
We herein report on the chemical and physical changes that occur in thin films of poly(methyl methacrylate), PMMA, induced by exposure to high-energy vacuum ultraviolet radiation and a supersonic beam of neutral, ground electronic state O((3)P) atomic oxygen. A combination of in situ quartz crystal microbalance and in situ Fourier-transform infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopy were used to determine the photochemical reaction kinetics and mechanisms during irradiation. The surface morphological changes were measured with atomic force microscopy. The results showed there was no enhancement in the mass loss rate during simultaneous exposure of vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) radiation and atomic oxygen. Rather, the rate of mass loss was impeded when the polymer film was exposed to both reagents. This study elucidates the kinetics of photochemical and oxidative reaction for PMMA, and shows that the synergistic effect involving VUV irradiation and exposure to ground state atomic oxygen depends substantially on the relative fluxes of these reagents.


The stimulated innate resistance event in Bordetella pertussis infection is dependent on reactive oxygen species production.
The exacerbated induction of innate immune responses in airways can abrogate diverse lung infections by a phenomenon known as stimulated innate resistance (StIR). We recently demonstrated that the enhancement of innate response activation can efficiently impair Bordetella pertussis colonization in a Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-dependent manner. The aim of this work was to further characterize the effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on StIR and to identify the mechanisms that mediate this process. Our results showed that bacterial infection was completely abrogated in treated mice when the LPS of B. pertussis (1 μg) was added before (48 h or 24 h), after (24 h), or simultaneously with the B. pertussis challenge (10(7) CFU). Moreover, we detected that LPS completely cleared bacterial infection as soon as 2 h posttreatment. This timing suggests that the observed StIR phenomenon should be mediated by fast-acting antimicrobial mechanisms. Although neutrophil recruitment was already evident at this time point, depletion assays using an anti-GR1 antibody showed that B. pertussis clearance was achieved even in the absence of neutrophils. To evaluate the possible role of free radicals in StIR, we performed animal assays using the antioxidant N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), which is known to inactivate oxidant species. NAC administration blocked the B. pertussis clearance induced by LPS. Nitrite concentrations were also increased in the LPS-treated mice; however, the inhibition of nitric oxide synthetases did not suppress the LPS-induced bacterial clearance. Taken together, our results show that reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an essential role in the TLR4-dependent innate clearance of B. pertussis.


Lack of correlation between objective and subjective evaluation of residual stigmata in cleft patients.
The multidisciplinary cleft team of the Academisch Ziekenhuis Vrije Universiteit treats cleft patients until they are 18 years old, when treatment is supposedly complete, with patients having a minimum of residual facial stigmata. The authors evaluated the relationship between objective residual facial deformities present and the patients' subjective judgment of the result of treatment by interviewing 50 patients (age range, 19-25 years) regarding their facial appearance and possible remaining wishes for secondary correction. All patients were subjected to 13 in vivo anthropometric measurements, and 5 inclinations were assessed on lateral facial photographs. The results of these measurements were compared with normal values to establish possible objective deformities. The subjective and the objective results were compared for each individual. Anthropometric evaluation revealed an average of 5.3 divergent measurement values per patient (range, 1-8 divergent values). No correlation was found between objective judgment and the patient's subjective judgment. A weak negative correlation could be demonstrated between the score on a visual analog scale and the wish for secondary correction. Surgeons should be aware that cleft patients have no anthropometric interest in their facial appearance.


Crystal morphology and carbon/carbon composition of solid oxalate in cacti.
Morphology, crystal structure, and carbon isotopic composition of calcium oxalate from representative species from the family Cactaceae were determined using scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, and isotope ratio mass spectrometry. Crystals from one species in the Opuntieae tribe of the Cactaceae were druses with acute points composed of the monohydrate form of calcium oxalate (whewellite). Crystals from three species in the Cereeae tribe were the dihydrate form of calcium oxalate (weddellite) forming druses made up of tetragonal and isodiametric crystallites. The oxalate was relatively enriched in (13)C isotope (-7.3 to - 8.7 per thousand) compared with woody fibers (-13.3 to 14.1 per thousand) from the same plants.


A conserved HPD sequence of the J-domain is necessary for YDJ1 stimulation of Hsp70 ATPase activity at a site distinct from substrate binding.
The 46-kDa protein YDJ1 is one of several known yeast homologues of the Escherichia coli DnaJ protein. Like all J homologues, it shares homology with the highly conserved NH2-terminal "J-domain" of DnaJ. A component of the DnaK (Hsp70) chaperone machinery that mediates protein folding, DnaJ is necessary for survival at elevated temperatures. It stimulates ATP hydrolysis by DnaK and effects the release of DnaK-bound polypeptides. Previous genetic and biochemical studies indicate that the J-domain is necessary for these functions. Using peptides corresponding to J-domain sequence, we show that a peptide containing the highly conserved His-Pro-Asp sequence at positions 34-36 in the J-domain competes off YDJ1 stimulation of Hsp70 ATPase activity. Inhibitory concentrations of peptide do not prevent binding of folding substrates, therefore YDJ1 must interact with Hsp70 at a site distinct from that for substrate binding. This interaction is critical for Hsp70 activity, since a mutant YDJ1 protein harboring a H34Q change (ydj1Q34) stimulates neither Hsp70 ATPase nor substrate release. The importance of the proper function of this region of the protein is supported by the poor growth and temperature-sensitive phenotype of yeast expressing ydj1Q34.


TRPC3 regulates agonist-stimulated Ca2+ mobilization by mediating the interaction between type I inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor, RACK1, and Orai1.
There is a body of evidence suggesting that Ca(2+) handling proteins assemble into signaling complexes required for a fine regulation of Ca(2+) signals, events that regulate a variety of critical cellular processes. Canonical transient receptor potential (TRPC) and Orai proteins have both been proposed to form Ca(2+)-permeable channels mediating Ca(2+) entry upon agonist stimulation. A number of studies have demonstrated that inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP(3)Rs) interact with plasma membrane TRPC channels; however, at present there is no evidence supporting the interaction between Orai proteins and IP(3)Rs. Here we report that treatment with thapsigargin or cellular agonists results in association of Orai1 with types I and II IP(3)Rs. In addition, we have found that TRPC3, RACK1 (receptor for activated protein kinase C-1), and STIM1 (stromal interaction molecule 1) interact with Orai1 upon stimulation with agonists. TRPC3 expression silencing prevented both the interaction of Orai1 with TRPC3 and, more interestingly, the association of Orai1 with the type I IP(3)R, but not with the type II IP(3)R, thus suggesting that TRPC3 selectively mediates interaction between Orai1 and type I IP(3)R. In addition, TRPC3 expression silencing attenuated ATP- and CCh-stimulated interaction between RACK1 and the type I IP(3)R, as well as Ca(2+) release and entry. In conclusion, our results indicate that agonist stimulation results in the formation of an Orai1-STIM1-TRPC3-RACK1-type I IP(3)R complex, where TRPC3 plays a central role. This Ca(2+) signaling complex might be important for both agonist-induced Ca(2+) release and entry.


Hemostatic abnormalities may predict chronic hypertension after preeclampsia.
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-induced hypertensive disease. About 25-30% of women suffering from this disease will later, while still fertile, develop essential hypertension. Various hemostatic variables known to increase the risk of cardiovascular complications were investigated in 28 women with severe preeclampsia and 14 with mild preeclampsia 6-15 months after delivery. High levels of the coagulation inhibitors protein C and total protein S were found in the women with severe preeclampsia (p < 0.001). The levels of prothrombin complex, fibrinogen, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 were increased in women who had previously had severe preeclampsia as compared to those who had had mild preeclampsia (p < 0.01). The levels of the four markers for thrombin activity (thrombin-antithrombin complex, prothrombin fragments 1 + 2, fibrin D-dimers and soluble fibrin) were higher in the severe preeclampsia group. In 12 women in this group (43%), the levels of three to four variables were higher than the reference ranges (mean +/- 2 SD). In patients with earlier severe or mild preeclampsia, factor VII antigen was also found to be increased as compared to normal fertile women (p < 0.02). Women with earlier severe preeclampsia displayed increased levels of coagulation factors and the main fibrinolytic inhibitor, high levels of which are known to predict cardiovascular events. This was also reflected by increased levels of thrombin markers.


Plasticity of Escherichia coli porin channels. Dependence of their conductance on strain and lipid environment.
The conductance properties of three members of the porin family which form channels across the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria were compared. With their endogenous lipopolysaccharide (LPS) bound, the closely related porins F and C from Escherichia coli reveal significantly different conductance steps and closing potentials, with values of 0.82 nS (nanosiemens) and 89 mV for F-type channels, and 0.49 nS and 158 mV for C-type pores (1 M NaCl), respectively. On the basis of their closing potentials, the two channel types can be distinguished unequivocally. If reconstituted in asolectin and extraneous LPS, porin C forms F-type in addition to C-type channels. Substitution of asolectin by mitochondrial lipids yields the native C-type pores only. Both channel types can be induced to assume the mutually other channel configuration by variation of ionic strength. A multiplicity of channel subtypes is observed by variation of the pH of the medium. The three channels within a trimer are, however, consistently of the same type. Since structural studies have revealed a single channel per monomer, the several conductance steps observed are likely to reflect distinct configurations of the same channel. Best channel recoveries were observed if endogenous LPS remained associated to porin during purification. Significant yields could nevertheless be obtained also if LPS was removed from porin and replaced with various precursors or chemically synthesized analogues. As function requires the presence of glycolipids, yet crystallization is perturbed by heterodisperse endogenous LPS, the smallest monodisperse analogues yielding good channel recovery were determined. The minimal synthetic moiety is a monoglucosaminetetraacyl compound. The characteristics of porin B from E. coli BE are shown to be indistinguishable from those of porin F. The conductance properties of this porin, refolded from random coil configuration, are indistinguishable from those exhibited by native protein. The formation of channels is thus encoded by the sequence of the mature polypeptide alone.


Using impact analysis to measure healthcare.
With the publication of the Francis report, and last year's publication of the national nursing strategy, it is clear that change is needed. Impact analysis is key to recognising, quantifying and implementing essential changes to the nursing profession. By calculating the value of the services nurses provide, we can see what works and how we can do better. Nurses are committed to improving patient care and impact analysis helps us to do this more efficiently.


Characterization of an ion sensitive field effect transistor and chloride ion selective electrodes for pH measurements in seawater.
Characterization of several potentiometric cells without a liquid junction has been carried out in universal buffer, aqueous HCl, and artificial seawater media. The electrodes studied include Ion Sensitive Field Effect Transistor (ISFET) pH electrodes, and Chloride-Ion Selective Electrodes (Cl-ISE) directly exposed to the solution. These electrodes were compared directly to the conventional hydrogen electrode and silver-silver chloride electrode in order to report the degree to which they obey ideal Nernstian laws. These data provide a foundation for operating the ISFET|Cl-ISE pair in seawater as a pH sensor. In order to obtain the highest quality pH measurements from this sensor, its response to changes in pH and salinity must be properly characterized. Our results indicate near-ideal Nernstian response for both electrodes over a wide range of pH (2-12) and Cl(-) molality (0.01-1). We conclude that the error due to sub-Nernstian response of the cell ISFET|seawater|Cl-ISE over the range of seawater pH and salinity is negligible (<0.0001 pH). The cross sensitivity of the Cl-ISE to Br(-) does not seem to be a significant source of error (<0.003 pH) in seawater media in the salinity range 20-35.


Respiratory function and ribcage contribution to ventilation in body positions commonly used during anesthesia.
Lung function tests are normally performed in the upright position, whereas anesthesia is usually administered with the patient in the supine position, and occasionally in other postures. We therefore compared forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), functional residual capacity (FRC), and ribcage contribution to ventilation by respiratory inductive plethysmography in 13 conscious healthy male volunteers, sitting and in four horizontal positions used during anesthesia. Forced vital capacity and FEV1 were similar in all positions, except for a significant mean increase in FVC of 300 mL (SD 213) when sitting compared with when supine (P less than 0.001). The mean decrease in FRC was 806 mL (SD 293) between the sitting and supine positions (P less than 0.001). A significant increase in FRC occurred (252 mL, SD 329, P less than 0.01) when supine subjects raised their arms above their heads as required for computed tomography. Functional residual capacity in the prone and lateral positions was significantly larger than in the supine position (mean change 350 mL, P less than 0.001), but was still some 450 mL less than in the sitting position. Mean ribcage contribution was similar in all horizontal positions (32%-36%), whereas supine values were significantly different from those of the sitting position (mean 70%, SD 11, P less than 0.001). In conclusion, the various horizontal postures studied have no effect on FVC, FEV1, or ribcage contribution to ventilation. However, FRC in the prone, lateral, and arms-up positions is on average 250 mL larger than in the supine position, an observation that may affect gas exchange during anesthesia in these positions.


Pharmacognostic standardization of Xanthium spinosum L. through scanning electron microscopy and analytical techniques.
The present study was intended to evaluate the pharmacognostic attributes including macroscopy, microscopy, physico-chemical and phytochemical screening of the aerial part of Xanthium spinosum, belonging to family Asteraceae. Morphologically, the leaf was covered with sparsely scattered non-glandular, multicellular hair on adaxial surface, while abaxial surface was reported with dense silvery furs. Leaf showed lamphystomatic nature bearing anomocytic stomata. Various other leaf constant values like vein islets number, vein termination number and palisade cell ratio were also observed and recorded as 4.36 ± 0.5, 3.36 ± 0.5, and 11.82 ± 2.04, respectively. Cross section of the stem showed typical dicot anatomy differentiated into a single epidermal layer followed by few rows of collenchyma cells, thin-walled parenchyma cells followed by closed and collateral vascular bundles having prephloemic sheaths and a central pith. Light and scanning electron microscopy of the powdered drug revealed a variety of tissues and cells fragments having different measurements. Fluorescence analysis of the fine powder treated with different reagents revealed a variety of colors implying as a sign for the presence of various biochemical constituents. Highest and lowest percent extractive value was found in methanol and distilled water which were 29.10% and 9.80%, respectively. Qualitative phytochemical screening revealed the presence of various secondary metabolites like flavonoids, phenols, tannins, glycosides, phytosterols, glycosides, saponins, and coumarins, while quantitative phytochemical screening detected maximum quantity of flavonoids in chloroform followed by methanol and ethyl acetate. The aforementioned studies have been reported first time for the said species, which may be helpful for the standardization of the current taxon.


Extraction of Flavonoids from the Saccharification of Rice Straw Is an Integrated Process for Straw Utilization.
To date, bioethanol is not economically competitive. One strategy to overcome this limitation is co-producing ethanol and high value-added products as an integrated process. The results of this study demonstrated that flavonoids could be extracted from rice straw, and the flavonoids apigenin and kaempferol were detected by HPLC. Compared with untreated straw, ball-milling slightly increased the total amount of flavonoids and antioxidant activity measured by ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP assays. The saccharification step in the bioconversion of straw strongly affected the extraction of flavonoids from straw. The residue obtained after saccharification of ball-milled straw for glucose production was more suitable for flavonoid extraction than untreated and ball-milled straw. The yield of flavonoids from the residue was 1.51-fold higher than that from untreated straw. The antioxidant activity of flavonoids derived from the residue was similar to that of flavonoid-rich biomasses such as rice bran and wheat bran. More importantly, saccharification may significantly affect the conditions of flavonoid extraction. In this respect, treatment with cellulase may reduce the extraction time from 2.0 to 0.5 h and the extraction temperature from 80 to 30 °C. Therefore, saccharification in the bioconversion of straw may be considered as an enzyme pretreatment step for the efficient extraction of flavonoids from straw, serving as a sustainable process for straw utilization.


Proptosis presenting as a delayed sign of frontal extradural haematoma.
We report a case of a young man who presented with proptosis as a delayed manifestation of a frontal extradural haematoma (EDH) following a minor head injury. A computed tomography (CT) of the brain done 72 hours after trauma revealed a large extradural haematoma in the right anterior cranial fossa with orbital roof fracture and subperiosteal clot extension into the orbital cavity. Right frontal craniotomy with evacuation of haematoma was done and the proptosis completely resolved after surgery. The clinical course, possible mechanism and management of the patient are discussed.


Synthesis of LiNbO(3) nanoparticles in a mesoporous matrix.
The synthesis of LiNbO(3) nanoparticles in SBA-15 is reported for the first time. The preparation of nanoparticles was carried out by impregnation from the metal precursor and mesoporous silica SBA-15 as the template. A rapid one-step treatment in an IR furnace reduces the preparation time to only 10 min. In comparison, a conventional furnace requires 5 h reaction time to produce nanoparticles with similar textural properties. Another advantage of applying an IR furnace compared to conventional heating is the extremely high heating rate (up to 10 °C/s) and corresponding time saving. The resulting samples were investigated by powder X-ray diffraction, nitrogen physisorption, and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The obtained nanoparticles are spherical with a diameter of approximately 10 nm.


Antioxidant effects of the chestnut (Castanea crenata) inner shell extract in t-BHP-treated HepG2 cells, and CCl4- and high-fat diet-treated mice.
The antioxidant effects of chestnut inner shell extract (CISE) were investigated in a tert-butylhydroperoxide (t-BHP)-treated HepG2 cells, and in mice that were administered carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) and fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Pre-incubation with CISE significantly blocked the oxidative stress induced by t-BHP treatment in HepG2 cells (P<0.05) and preserved the activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase compared to group treated with t-BHP only. Similarly, the CCl(4)- and HFD-induced reduction of antioxidant enzymes activities in liver was prevented by CISE treatment compared to control groups. Furthermore, hepatic lipid peroxidation were remarkably lower (P<0.05) in the CISE-treated groups with t-BHP or HFD. To determine the active compound of CISE, the fractionation of CISE has been conducted and scoparone and scopoletin were identified as main compounds. These compounds were also shown to inhibit the t-BHP-induced ROS generation and reduction in antioxidant enzyme activity in an in vitro model system. From these results, it was demonstrated that CISE has the ability to protect against damage from oxidative stressors such as t-BHP, CCl(4) and HFD in in vitro and in vivo models. The CISE might be useful for the prevention of oxidative damage in liver cells and tissues.


Optimization and validation of high-performance liquid chromatography method for individual curcuminoids in turmeric by heat-refluxed extraction.
Turmeric is a plant in the Zingiberaceae family which contains curcuminoids as anticancer agents and has been widely used as a main ingredient in curry powder. However, there is a lack of suitable high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) methods for reducing sample preparation time and peak resolution improvement of curcuminoids (bisdemethoxycurcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and curcumin). No significant differences in yield concentrations were observed after 60 min of heat-refluxed extraction (p < 0.05). Simultaneous chromatographic separation of all three curcuminoids achieved satisfactory results with a separation factor of 1.08 and a resolution factor of 3.39 with validation results in compliance with FDA guidelines. The expanded relative measurement uncertainty results 5.71-6.60 complied with CODEX draft. The method was successfully applied to the turmeric samples (n = 107, range 2.70-4.41 g/100 g, total curcuminoids 3.58 g/100 g). These results show that heat-refluxed extraction can be carried out easily with excellent precision and accuracy of total curcuminoids in turmeric samples.


Nerve Entrapment.
Entrapment and compressive neuropathies are frequent clinical conditions occurring about the elbow. In most instances clinical and electromyograhic evaluation are adequate for patient management, but in some cases further evaluation with imaging techniques is required. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been shown to be useful in the evaluation of these conditions, especially to detect space occupying lesions. In this article, compressive neuropathies involving the ulnar, median, and radial nerves are discussed, with emphasis on the normal anatomy and the MRI depiction of pathologic findings.


The effect of Eglin C on the function of human neutrophils in vitro.
Eglin C is an inhibitor of polymorphonuclear leukocyte elastase and cathepsin G. Recently, it was suggested that Eglin C may inhibit bacterial clearance in an experimental animal model of pneumonia. Since the phagocytic-bactericidal activity of polymorphonuclear leukocytes is most important in the promotion of bacterial clearance, we determined the effect of Eglin C on a variety of functions of isolated human polymorphonuclear leukocytes such as phagocytic-bactericidal activity, superoxide production, degranulation and chemotaxis. Apart from a partial inhibition of superoxide production, which was shown to be due to a superoxide dismutase-like effect of Eglin C, there was no inhibition of polymorphonuclear leukocyte functions measured. Eglin C can therefore be considered as a protease inhibitor, which does not interfere with the phagocytic-bactericidal activity of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes.


Hyperbaric oxygen decreases infarct size and behavioral deficit after transient focal cerebral ischemia in rats.
Cerebral hypoxia is a major component of immediate and secondary cell damage caused by ischemia. Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) is a potent means to increase the amount of oxygen dissolved in blood plasma. The effectiveness of HBO in clinical and experimental cerebral ischemia, however, is controversial. We sought to determine whether treatment with HBO initiated early after focal cerebral ischemia-onset protects the brain when experimental conditions such as brain temperature are controlled. Male Wistar rats (n=57) underwent reversible filament occlusion of the right middle cerebral artery (MCA) for 75 min. Animals were awakened after filament introduction and assessed for presence of forelimb paresis. Rats then underwent a 60-min course of either 100% O(2) at 1.0 atmosphere absolute (ata; control group), HBO 1.5 ata, or HBO 2.5 ata in a customized HBO chamber allowing physiological monitoring and pericranial temperature control. The filament was then removed. Seven days after ischemia, rat behavior was scored from 3-18 (18=normal) and brains were removed for histological analysis of infarct volume. Rats treated with HBO 2.5 ata had better mean+/-standard deviation (S.D.) behavioral scores (14+/-2; p<0.05) than control (10+/-3) or HBO 1.5-ata-treated animals (11+/-3). Similarly, total infarct volumes (mean+/-S.D.) were smaller in animals receiving HBO at 2.5 ata (76+/-65 mm(3); p<0.05) compared to control (129+/-83 mm(3)) and HBO 1.5-ata (119+/-68 mm(3))-treated groups. Cortical infarction occurred less frequently in HBO 2. 5-ata-treated than in control animals (44% vs. 71%; p<0.05). We conclude that HBO can improve outcome after temporary focal ischemia when treatment is started early after ischemia-onset but HBO dose appears important. Potential mechanisms include enhanced oxygen supply to marginally perfused cells.


Contact screening and latent TB infection treatment in Singapore correctional facilities.
Singapore, a city-state with a tuberculosis (TB) incidence rate of 47 per 100000 population in 2000. 1) To report our experience with contact investigation and latent TB infection (LTBI) treatment in high-risk contacts with unknown human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status in correctional facilities (CFs) (prisons/drug rehabilitation centres); and 2) to compare the yield of contact screening in this setting with that in the community (household/family) setting. The tuberculin skin test (TST) readings of 704 CF contacts screened from 1999 to 2001 were compared with those of 2729 household/family contacts who underwent screening in 2000. Respectively eight (1.1%) and 20 (0.7%) active TB cases were detected among the CF and community contacts. A significantly higher proportion of CF contacts had first (non-conversion) TST readings > or =15 mm (39% vs. 22%, OR 2.3; 95%CI 1.9-2.7; P < 0.001), and 10-14 mm (26% vs. 18%, OR 1.6; 95%CI 1.3-2.0; P < 0.001) and TST conversion (43% vs. 20%, OR 2.9; 95%CI 1.7-4.9; P < 0.001). LTBI treatment was started in 65% of the CF contacts screened; 87% completed treatment. We found a high LTBI rate among CF contacts, presenting an opportunity for intervention.


Anastrepha ludens and Anastrepha serpentina (Diptera: Tephritidae) do not infest Psidium guajava (Myrtaceae), but Anastrepha obliqua occasionally shares this resource with Anastrepha striata in nature.
This study examined whether economically important fruit fly species Anastrepha ludens (Loew), Anastrepha serpentina (Wiedemann), and Anastrepha obliqua (Macquart) (Diptera: Tephritidae) may opportunistically exploit guavas, Psidium guajava L. (Myrtaceae), growing near preferred natural hosts. We collected 3,459 kg of guavas and 895 kg of other known host species [sour orange, Citrus aurantium L.; grapefruit, Citrus paradisi Macfadyen; mango, Mangifera indica L.; white sapote, Casimiroa edulis La Llave and Lex.; sapote, Pouteria sapota (Jacq.); sapodilla, Manilkara zapota L.; and wild plum, Spondias purpurea L. and Spondias mombin L.] along an altitudinal gradient over a 4-yr period (2006-2009). Plants were growing in sympatry in 23 localities where the guavas are usually infested in the state of Veracruz, M6xico. The guava samples yielded 20,341 Anastrepha spp. pupae in total (overall mean, 5.88 pupae per kg of fruit). Confirming previous reports, Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann) and Anastrepha striata (Schiner) were found heavily infesting guavas in Veracruz. Importantly, although we did not find evidence that A. ludens and A. serpentina are able to attack this valuable commodity, we document for the first time in the agriculturally important state of Veracruz that P. guajava is an alternative natural host plant of A. obliqua. We recovered two fruit in the mango-growing locality of la Vibora, Tlalixcoyan, that harbored larvae of A. striata and A. obliqua. This finding has important practical implications for management of A. obliqua. Over the entire altitudinal gradient, when individual fruit infestation was examined, a dynamic pattern of species dominance was unveiled with guavas growing below 800 m above sea level mainly attacked by A. striata and a progressive replacement with increasing altitude by A. fraterculus. Interestingly, most individual fruit examined (97%) harbored a single species of fruit fly, a finding that may be taken as evidence of competitive displacement among sympatric species of fruit flies. Based on this study and previously published work by us on this topic, we conclude that literature reports indicating that A. ludens and A. serpentina infest guavas under field conditions should be questioned.


5-hydroxytryptamine subtype 6 receptor modulators: a patent survey.
Among the GPCR subclasses that have been discovered to date, 5-HT receptors are especially attractive as key biological targets with enormous clinical importance. In particular, during the last decade, the 5-HT(6) receptor has gained increasing attention due to extensive cellular functions. It has also been suggested that its activity can be mediated by inverse agonists. Summarizing the points listed above, the current review primarily focuses on patent literature within the title field, evolution and trends that have not yet been covered in such depth in other published papers. To obtain a clear understanding of the situation and dynamics within the field of 5-HT(6) ligands, having an obvious pharmaceutical potential in terms of related patents, we provide a comprehensive search through several key patent collections. We have covered promising small molecule compounds which are being evaluated in different clinical trials as well as drugs currently available in the pharmaceutical market. In addition, readers will gain a deep insight into the patent specification, geographic distribution, tendency and patent holders presented. Several of 5-HT(6)-targeted compounds are reasonably regarded as powerful drug candidates for the treatment of a range of neuropathological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease and Huntington's disease.


Elongation factor 1 beta of artemia: localization of functional sites and homology to elongation factor 1 delta.
Elongation factor (EF)-1 beta, a 26 kDa protein, is the eukaryotic equivalent of bacterial EF-Ts, the nucleotide exchange factor in protein synthesis. EF-1 beta catalyzes the exchange of guanine nucleotides bound to EF-1 alpha; the latter protein is the eukaryotic equivalent of bacterial EF-Tu. Limited proteolytic cleavage studies on EF-1 beta lead to the following picture: the protein is composed of two domains, an aminoterminal and a carboxyterminal domain, connected to each other by a stretch of hydrophilic, charged amino acids situated in the middle of the molecule. The carboxyterminal domain supplies the catalytic site for the nucleotide exchange reaction, whereas the aminoterminal domain interacts with EF-1 gamma, the third component of elongation factor 1. The regulatory, serine phosphate residue, Ser-89, localized in the hydrophilic stretch of EF-1 beta, does not appear to be necessary for the basic exchange reaction. The fourth component of the high molecular weight elongation factor complex (EF-1H), named EF-1 delta or 28 K protein, is homologous to EF-1 beta and contains regions very similar to the carboxyterminal part. EF-1 delta was found to be active in the nucleotide exchange reaction.


Good Computational Practice in the Assignment of Absolute Configurations by TDDFT Calculations of ECD Spectra.
Quantum-mechanical calculations of chiroptical properties have rapidly become the most popular method for assigning absolute configurations (AC) of organic compounds, including natural products. Black-box time-dependent Density Functional Theory (TDDFT) calculations of electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra are nowadays readily accessible to nonexperts. However, an uncritical attitude may easily deliver a wrong answer. We present to the Chirality Forum a discussion on what can be called good computational practice in running TDDFT ECD calculations, highlighting the most crucial points with several examples from the recent literature. Chirality 28:466-474, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.


Memory Support System training in mild cognitive impairment: Predictors of learning and adherence.
This study aimed to identify predictors of learning and adherence to a previously validated compensatory calendar and note-taking system (Memory Support System; MSS) in persons with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). Age, education, global cognition, depression, and memory-related self-efficacy were studied as predictors of individuals' ability to learn the use of the MSS during the two-week training and of their adherence to the MSS 6, 12, and 18 months after training. How well an individual was able to learn the use of the MSS was itself examined as a predictor of adherence. Two-hundred-and-fifteen older adults with aMCI and their study partners (e.g., spouse, adult child) received MSS training one-hour daily for 10 days. Ordinal logistic regression analyses indicated that (1) global cognition predicted MSS learning at end of training, and (2) MSS learning at end of trainng predicted MSS adherence at 6, 12, and 18 months post-training. The current study suggests that offering compensatory strategies as early as possible for those with MCI might be of most benefit, and might have implications for long-term adherence.


Antioxidant levels in germinating soybean seed axes in relation to free radical and dehydration tolerance.
The axis of soybean seeds suffer dehydration injury if they are dried to 10% moisture at 36 hours of imbibition, but tolerate this stress if dried at 6 hours of imbibition. Deesterification of membrane phospholipids has been correlated with the increased permeability and increased lipid phase transition temperatures of membranes from dehydration injured tissues. Deesterification, measured as increased free fatty acid:phospholipid and decreased phospholipid:sterol ratios, occurred primarily when the tissue was in the dry state and did not change significantly (P </= 0.05) with increasing imbibition time.When liposomes were exposed to free radicals in vitro, wide angle x-ray diffraction indicated that the phase transition temperature of liposomes prepared from membrane lipid from 36-hour axes (susceptible) increased from 6 to 31 degrees C. In contrast, those from membrane lipid from 6-hour axes (tolerant) increased from 3 to only 8 degrees C, indicating that the tolerance of free radicals previously observed in these membranes was due to a lipid-soluble component.Lipid-soluble antioxidants were detected in 6-hour imbided axes in much greater quantities than in the 36-hour imbibed axes. The presence of lipid-soluble antioxidants in the membrane apparently contributes to the free radical tolerance of seed membranes observed during the early stages of germination, and these antioxidants may contribute to the dehydration tolerance of this tissue.


[Thrombosis test in vitro of 107 cases with arteriosclerosis obliterans].
Thrombosis test in vitro of 107 cases with arteriosclerosis obliterans were measured and controlled by 36 normal persons. Of 107 cases, 13 cases belonged to ischemic phase, 47 cases nutritional disturbance phase, 47 necrosis (24 cases were first degree, 9 cases second degree, 14 third degree). Types distribution were: simple blood stasis 65 cases, blood and damp stasis 34, and 8 others. 46 patients were treated systematically by TCM-WM. The result proved that the indexes of thrombosis test in vitro of patients were much higher than that of normal persons (P less than 0.001). The relevant indexes were different in varied periods, degrees and types (P less than 0.05-0.01) and between before and after treatment (P less than 0.001). Of treated 46 cases, total effective rate was 86.96%, amputation rate was 13.04%. Formation of thrombus in vitro lowered 88.03%. The authors suggested that measurement of thrombosis test might be a accurate way to reflect the course of the disease and a basis for treatment and differentiation of symptoms.


Ageing-induced decline in physical endurance in mice is associated with decrease in cardiac SUR2A and increase in cardiac susceptibility to metabolic stress: therapeutic prospects for up-regulation of SUR2A.
Ageing is characterized by decline in physical endurance which has been suggested to be partly due to diminished functional and adaptive reserve capacity of the heart. Ageing is associated with decrease in numbers of sarcolemmal ATP-sensitive K(+) (K(ATP)) channels, but whether this has anything to do with ageing-induced decline in physical endurance is yet to be determined. We have previously shown that the numbers of sarcolemmal K(ATP) channels are controlled by the level of expression of SUR2A, a K(ATP) channel regulatory subunit. Here, we have found that ageing decreases the level of SUR2A mRNA in the heart without affecting expression of pore-forming K(ATP) channel subunits, Kir6.1 and Kir6.2. This effect of ageing was associated with decrease in levels of fully-assembled sarcolemmal K(ATP) channels. At the same time, ageing was associated with decreased physical endurance. In order to determine whether increased expression of SUR2A would counteract ageing-induced decrease in physical endurance, we have taken advantage of mice which SUR2A levels are regulated by more efficient CMV promoter. These mice had increased resistance of cardiomyocytes to metabolic stress/hypoxia and increased physical endurance when compared to the wild type. In transgenic mice, ageing did not affect the level of SUR2A mRNA in the heart and the level of fully-assembled sarcolemmal K(ATP) channels. The effect of increased SUR2A to resistance of cardiomyocytes to hypoxia and physical endurance was retained in old mice. The magnitude of these effects was such that they were significantly increased even when compared to those in wild type young mice. We conclude that (1) the level of SUR2A expression in the heart is important factor in regulating physical endurance, (2) ageing-induced decrease in cardiac SUR2A is, at least in part, responsible for ageing-induced decline in physical fitness and (3) up-regulation of SUR2A could be a viable strategy to counteract ageing-induced decline in physical endurance.


[Pharmaceutical chemistry of major analgesics].
The paper represents the 5th part of a series about agents acting on the central nervous system. This time the major analgesics are surveyed. As previously, the material is divided into chapters of hystory-preparation; structure-properties-activity; therapeutical use; analysis.


A population-based study of all-terrain vehicle-related head and spinal injuries.
All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are inherently unstable and their use results in numerous injuries annually in the United States. We evaluated the magnitude of ATV-related head and spinal column injuries in Utah and identified risk factors that might be addressed by preventative measures. Four statewide trauma and hospital databases were queried to obtain data on hospital visits by patients with ATV-related neurological injuries in Utah from 2001 to 2005. Seven hundred forty-one patients (median age, 24 years; range, 2-87 years) with ATV-related head and spinal injuries were identified. Five hundred one patients had injuries requiring transport to a hospital, of which 261 required intensive care. Five hundred fifty-nine patients experienced head trauma and 328 patients sustained spinal trauma. The average injury severity score was 12.6 (range, 0-75). Average hospital stay was 4 days (range, 0-34 days). Vehicle rollover was the most common mechanism of injury (28.6%), followed by loss of control and separation of rider and vehicle (20.1%) and collisions with stationary objects (6.1%) or other vehicles (4.1%). Helmet use was inconsistently documented, but patients without helmets were more likely to have a head injury. Injury frequency increased over time, from 116 in 2001 to 174 in 2005. The number of ATV-related head and spinal injuries is increasing in Utah. Serious injuries requiring surgery or intensive care are common. Riders under 20 years of age are especially at risk, and helmet use may decrease the likelihood of admission to the intensive care unit, head injuries, and death.


Micropillar array chips toward new immunodiagnosis.
In this paper, we demonstrate the possibility to use a micropillar array to perform molecular immunodiagnosis. A polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microdevice consisting of a rectangular array of micropillars (45 µm in height, 100 × 100 µm square cross section) was used to replace microchannels or gels (polyacrylamide or agarose) to perform electrokinetic separation. This microarray was used to mimic highly diluted gel and to maintain electrolyte within the pillar zone by capillary effect. The electrolyte composition (glycerol and agarose content) was investigated in order to improve protein separation by isoelectric focusing (IEF). The influence of glycerol on focusing time and on the different evaporative contributions was further evaluated. In order to perform an immunodiagnostic of milk allergy, different surface treatments were optimized to prevent milk allergen adsorption on PDMS surface. Poly(dimethylacrylamide)-co-allyl glycidyl ether (PDMA-AGE) as well as gelatin led to a satisfactory signal to noise ratio. Finally the possibility to perform protein mixture separation using this micropillar array chip followed by immunoblotting was demonstrated by using the serum from an allergic individual, confirming the great potential of this analytical platform in the field of immunodiagnosis.


Expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 in gastric carcinoma and its correlation with angiogenesis.
To investigate the expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 in gastric carcinomas, and to correlate this expression with clinicopathological parameters and angiogenesis. Ninety-six resected tumor specimens from patients with gastric carcinoma were obtained, and 30 corresponding paracancerous normal tissues were randomly selected as a control. Immunohistochemical staining was used for detecting the expression of COX-2 and MMP-9. Monoclonal antibody against CD34 was used for displaying vascular endothelial cells, and microvascular density (MVD) was calculated by counting of CD34-positive vascular endothelial cells. The positive expression rates of COX-2, MMP-9 and MVD in the cancerous tissue were 80.2%, 74.0%, and 32.5 +/- 8.3, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in the normal tissue (P < 0.01). COX-2, MMP-9 expression rates and MVD in the patients with stages III and IV were 91.4%, 84.5% and 34.9 +/- 8.7, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in the patients with stages I and II (P < 0.01). In addition, the Spearman rank correlation test showed that tumor MVD was closely associated with COX-2 (r = 0.311, P < 0.01) and MMP-9 (r = 0.349, P < 0.01) expressions. Overexpression of COX-2 and MMP-9 is related to tumor invasion and lymph node metastasis in the gastric carcinoma. These results provide evidence that COX-2 contribute to gastric cancer development by promoting MMP-9 expression and angiogenesis.


Core heritable personality characteristics and relapse in alcoholics.
This article represents the proceedings of a symposium at the 2000 ISBRA Meeting in Yokohama, Japan. The chairs were David S. Janowsky and Jan Fawcett. The presentations were (1) The tridimensional personality questionnaire: Predictor of relapse in detoxified alcoholics, by Kurt Meszaros; (2) Novelty seeking predicts clinical trial attrition in alcoholics, by Jan Fawcett; (3) Personality and alcohol/substance use disorder patient relapse and attendance at self-help group meetings, by David S. Janowsky; and (4) A three-pathway psychobiological model for craving for alcohol, by Roel Verheul.


Performance of an A1C and fasting capillary blood glucose test for screening newly diagnosed diabetes and pre-diabetes defined by an oral glucose tolerance test in Qingdao, China.
OBJECTIVE The study's goal was to evaluate the performance of A1C and fasting capillary blood glucose (FCG) tests as mass screening tools for diabetes and pre-diabetes, as determined by the standard oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Data from 2,332 individuals aged 35-74 years who participated in a population-based cross-sectional diabetes survey in Qingdao, China, were analyzed. A 2-h 75-g OGTT was used to diagnose diabetes. The performance of A1C and FCG was evaluated against the results of the OGTTs by using receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis. RESULTS The prevalence of newly diagnosed diabetes and pre-diabetes (impaired fasting glucose and/or impaired glucose tolerance) was 11.9 and 29.5%, respectively. For subjects with newly diagnosed diabetes, the area under the ROC curve was 0.67 for A1C and 0.77 for FCG (P < 0.01) in men and 0.67 and 0.75 (P < 0.01) in women, whereas for pre-diabetes, these values were 0.47 and 0.64 (P < 0.001) in men and 0.51 and 0.65 (P < 0.001) in women. At the optimal A1C cutoff point of > or =5.6% for newly diagnosed diabetes, sensitivities (specificities) were 64.4% (61.6%) for men and 62.3% (63.3%) for women. CONCLUSIONS As a screening tool for newly diagnosed diabetes and pre-diabetes, the FCG measurement performed better than A1C in this general Chinese population.


Raf-1 protein kinase activates the NF-kappa B transcription factor by dissociating the cytoplasmic NF-kappa B-I kappa B complex.
Addition of mitogenic growth factors to quiescent cells triggers complex signal transduction cascades that result in the reprogramming of gene expression and entry into the cell cycle. We have found that an oncogenic variant of the c-Raf-1 protein kinase stimulated the expression of promoters containing NF-kappa B binding sites. In situ immunofluorescence analysis revealed elevated nuclear levels of the p65 subunit of NF-kappa B in v-raf-transformed NIH 3T3 cells. Incubation of HeLa cell cytoplasmic extracts with a purified recombinant glutathione S-transferase-raf fusion protein in the presence of ATP released active NF-kappa B that could be detected by electrophoretic gel mobility shift assay. Coincubation of purified recombinant I kappa B and glutathione S-transferase-raf in the presence of ATP resulted in the phosphorylation of I kappa B. Coexpression of GAL4 (activation domain)-I kappa B and GAL4 (DNA-binding domain)-raf fusion proteins in yeast resulted in stimulation of a GAL4-responsive reporter gene, indicating that I kappa B and Raf interact physically in vivo. These results indicate that the Raf-1 kinase functions in signal transduction in part by activating the NF-kappa B transcription factor by phosphorylating I kappa B in the cytoplasmic I kappa B-NF-kappa B complex to release active NF-kappa B.


Functional screening for cellulolytic activity in a metagenomic fosmid library of microorganisms associated with coral.
Cellulases are enzymes that degrade cellulosic materials. Cellulose is the most abundant renewable carbon resource on Earth, and cellulases are used in various industrial sectors. Although cellulases are obtained from a variety of sources, this is the first description of cellulolytic activity isolated from a coral metagenomic library. A metagenomic fosmid library of microorganisms associated with the coral Siderastrea stellata, comprising 3552 clones, was screened for cellulolytic activity; this allows access to non-cultivable microorganisms by exploiting the full biotechnological potential. Clones were grown on LB agar plates supplemented with 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose and cellulase positive clones revealed by staining with Congo red. Using this approach, six positive clones with cellulolytic activity were identified. The enzymatic index (EI) of the positive clones was calculated by the ratio between the hydrolysis zone diameter and colony diameter. All positive clones had an EI greater than 1.5. Digestion of the DNA isolated from the six positive clones, using the HindIII restriction endonuclease, revealed different restriction patterns in each clone, indicating that the DNA of each clone is different. There is a growing interest for new cellulolytic enzymes in various industry sectors. Here, we present the initial selection of potential clones for cellulose degradation that could be targets for future studies of enzymatic characterization.


Conversion of an electromagnetic wave into a periodic train of solitons under cyclotron resonance interaction with a backward beam of unexcited electron-oscillators.
The possibility of the conversion of intense continuous microwave radiation into a periodic train of short pulses by means of resonant interaction with a beam of unexcited cyclotron electron oscillators moving backward is shown. In such a system there is a certain range of parameters where the incident stationary signal splits into a train of short pulses and each of them can be interpreted as a soliton. It is proposed to use this effect for amplitude modulation of radiation of short wavelength gyrotrons.


The relationship between maternal characteristics and carotid intima-media thickness using an automated ultrasound technique.
Objective: To investigate CIMT and its relationship with maternal demographic characteristics in healthy pregnancy. Methods: CIMT was measured using an au. Results: CIMT showed no relationship with gestational age (rho=-0.124, p=0.335), parity (Z=-0.055, p=0.960) and MAP (rho=0.110, p=0.393). A relationship was found between CIMT and maternal age (rho=0.277, p=0.028), booking BMI (rho=0.278, p=0.027), and BMI at time of study (rho=0.287, p=0.023). CIMT ranged from 0.30-0.80mm, the 97.5th percentile was 0.63 mm. Conclusion: In healthy pregnancy, we reported CIMT was related to BMI and maternal age but not parity or gestational age.


Clinical and pathological significance of Homo sapiens ceramide synthase 2 (CerS-2) in diverse human cancers.
Homo sapiens ceramide synthase 2 (CerS-2) plays an important role in inhibiting invasion and metastasis of tumor cells and has been reported as a tumor metastasis suppressor gene in diverse cancers. Thus, low level of CerS-2 protein might suggest a bad prognosis and up-regulation of CerS-2 protein might act as a promising therapeutic strategy for malignant tumors. In this review, we discussed the expression, as well as the clinical and pathological significance of CerS-2 in diverse human cancers. The pathological processes and molecular pathways regulated by CerS-2 were also summarized.


Mitochondria-targeted antioxidant SkQ1 improves impaired dermal wound healing in old mice.
The process of skin wound healing is delayed or impaired in aging animals. To investigate the possible role of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) in cutaneous wound healing of aged mice, we have applied the mitochondria-targeted antioxidant SkQ1. The SkQ1 treatment resulted in accelerated resolution of the inflammatory phase, formation of granulation tissue, vascularization and epithelization of the wounds. The wounds of SkQ1-treated mice contained increased amount of myofibroblasts which produce extracellular matrix proteins and growth factors mediating granulation tissue formation. This effect resembled SkQ1-induced differentiation of fibroblasts to myofibroblast, observed earlierin vitro. The Transforming Growth Factor beta (TGFb) produced by SkQ1-treated fibroblasts was found to stimulated motility of endothelial cells in vitro, an effect which may underlie pro-angiogenic action of SkQ1 in the wounds. In vitro experiments showed that SkQ1 prevented decomposition of VE-cadherin containing contacts and following increase in permeability of endothelial cells monolayer, induced by pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF. Prevention of excessive reaction of endothelium to the pro-inflammatory cytokine(s) might account for anti-inflammatory effect of SkQ1. Our findings point to an important role of mtROS in pathogenesis of age-related chronic wounds.


Changes in epidemiological pattern of Meningococcal disease in Saudi Arabia. Does it constitute a new challenge for prevention and control?
Meningococcal meningitis epidemics, which occurred in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) coincided with Hajj and Umra seasons; the 2 major pilgrims to Muslims. In many countries, the disease showed major changes of its epidemiological determinants, in particular to age and prevailing serogroup. This study was conducted to determine the epidemiological trend of meningococcal meningitis disease in KSA. All confirmed meningococcal meningitis cases reported in KSA during the period from January 1999 to December 2002 were studied retrospectively. Confirmation of cases was based on isolation of the causative organism from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or blood culture or detection of antigen in the CSF. Personal, clinical and laboratory results were analyzed using Epi info version 6 software. Categorical data were tested using chi2 test. A total of 729 cases were reported, 304 cases (42%) were among people coming from abroad for Hajj or Umra and 425 (58%) were among local population. Nearly half of the later (48%) were reported at the 2 holy areas of Makkah and Madinah, KSA. Thirty-nine percent of cases were children aged <2 years and 58% were <5 years of age. Proportion of cases affected with serogroup W135 increased over time (up to 95%) and significantly affected children aged <5 years (p<0.001). Continuous monitoring of epidemiological determinants is essential to guide vaccination policy.


Expertise and age-related changes in components of intelligence.
In a sample of 263 male GO players at 48 levels of expertise and ranging from 18 to 78 years of age, it was found that factors of expertise deductive reasoning (EDR) and expertise working memory (EWM) were independent of factors of fluid reasoning (Gf) and short-term working memory (STWM) that, along with cognitive speed (Gs), have been found to characterize decline of intelligence in adulthood. The main effects of analyses of cross-sectional age differences indicated age-related decline in EDR and EWM as well as in Gf, STWM, and Gs. However, interaction and partialing analyses indicated that decline in EDR and EWM decreased to no decline with increase in level of expertise. The results thus suggest that with increase in factors known to raise the level of expertise--particularly, intensive, well-designed practice--there may be no age-related decline in the intelligence that is measured in the abilities of expertise.


Improvement Effect of Water-Based Organic Polymer on the Strength Properties of Fiber Glass Reinforced Sand.
The mechanical properties of sandy soil can be effectively improved by the incorporation of water-based polymer and glass fibers. In order to study the reinforcement effects of a type of water-based organic polymer and fiber glass on sand, three strength tests (unconfined compression test, direct shear test and tensile test) and scanning electron microscopy were carried out. A series of polymer content, fiber content and dry density were selected for the tests. The results revealed that the composite reinforcement of water-based organic polymer and fiber glass can improve the strength. With an increase in polymer content and fiber content, the unconfined compression strength, the cohesion, and the tensile strength increase. The internal friction angles maintain a relatively stable state. All three strength properties increase with an increase in dry density. The results can be considered as the reference for sand reinforced engineering.


[Intestinal-urinary fistula in children].
The authors report their 15-year experience with diagnosis and treatment of 63 boys at the age of 6 months to 15 years having various intestino-urinary bypasses. Clinical manifestations of the latter are polymorphic. The examination of the patients included ultrasonic, histomorphological, x-ray contrast and other investigations. An original classification of the fistulas are proposed. Congenital, acquired, primary, recurrent fistulas are distinguished. Location, topographoanatomic form and diameter are also considered. Surgical policy is discussed in respect of the above factors.


Electronic system for investigation of the electrical hysteresis of ferroelectric thin films with high dielectric losses.
A description is given of operating principles and technical data of an electronic system to investigate an electric hysteresis phenomenon of ferroelectric thin films with high dielectric losses. Two hysteresis loops, the compensated and the noncompensated, can be observed simultaneously on the dual-trace oscilloscope screen.


Rationale and early clinical data on IL-17 blockade in psoriasis.
Psoriasis vulgaris is a chronic, immune-mediated, inflammatory disease that affects between 2 and 3% of the US population. Often severely physically and emotionally debilitating, psoriasis has driven investigators to strive to better characterize its complex immune pathogenesis. Some of the most promising and exciting advances have occurred in the last decade with recognition of the IL-23/Th17 pathway in disease initiation, progression and maintenance. Biologic therapies targeting various points in the pathway have met with success, prompting the study of the safety and efficacy of IL-17 blockade for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. This article will review the rationale and early clinical data on IL-17 blockade in psoriasis.


[Treatment of atopic eczema].
Atopic dermatitis affects 15 to 20% of the populations, the proportion being even larger in children. The diagnosis is a clinical one. Essential symptoms include itching and eczema on typical regions of the skin, as well as dry skin. The prognosis is good, but development of respiratory allergy is common. Instructed self-care constitutes the basis of therapy. The skin is inflamed and its care is essential. First line treatment comprises regular application of emollient cream and intermittent use of ointments containing corticosteroids.


Machine Learning Algorithms to Predict In-Hospital Mortality in Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can lead to severe adverse clinical outcomes, including death and disability. Early detection of in-hospital mortality in high-risk populations may enable early treatment and potentially reduce mortality using machine learning. However, there is limited information on in-hospital mortality prediction models for TBI patients admitted to emergency departments. The aim of this study was to create a model that successfully predicts, from clinical measures and demographics, in-hospital mortality in a sample of TBI patients admitted to the emergency department. Of the 4881 TBI patients who were screened at the emergency department at a high-level first aid duty hospital in northern Taiwan, 3331 were assigned in triage to Level I or Level II using the Taiwan Triage and Acuity Scale from January 2008 to June 2018. The most significant predictors of in-hospital mortality in TBI patients were the scores on the Glasgow coma scale, the injury severity scale, and systolic blood pressure in the emergency department admission. This study demonstrated the effective cutoff values for clinical measures when using machine learning to predict in-hospital mortality of patients with TBI. The prediction model has the potential to further accelerate the development of innovative care-delivery protocols for high-risk patients.


Balloon-borne ion sampling package.
A mass filter package for atmospheric sampling in the stratosphere has been designed and constructed so that ambient positive ions can be detected in one mode of operation (PI) and ambient negative ions in a second mode of operation (NI). The range of the quadrupole mass filter is 1-150 amu. Any one of the 150 mass positions can be selected for a fixed peak operation, or the total range can be covered in a continuous sweep at the rate of 300 amu/s. Filtered ions are individually counted. The atmosphere is sampled through a valved 0.03-cm-diam orifice which has a conductance of about 9 x (10(-3)) l/s and width-to-thickness ratio greater than 10. Ambient temperature, ambient pressure, atmospheric electrical conductivity, and cosmic ray ionization detectors are also part of the package. An on-board clock and logic circuitry control the gathering of data. However, the mass filter operations can also be preferentially controlled via telemetry. Data are concurrently recorded with an on-board digital tape recorder and telemetered to earth for real-time data analysis. The entire package has been designed and constructed to minimize contamination of the atmosphere being sampled. Preliminary results from a recent flight show evidence for the presence of hydrated protons in the stratosphere.


Determine the effectiveness of lipid-lowering therapy in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease combined with coronary heart disease.
In complex treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) combined with ischemic heart disease (IHD) more and more attention is drawn to pleiotropic effect of statins. The aim of our researches became determining the effectivity of utilization of rosuvastatin (CRESTOR®, IPR PHARMACEUTICALS, Inc.) in complex treatment of COPD combined with IHD. Basing on pulmonology department of Poltava regional clinical hospital, 30 patients with COPD combined with IHD have been examined (stable effort angina FC II) aged from 51 to 67 y.o. (average age was 57,03 ± 3,51). The patients were divided into two age compatible groups. Patients of the main group (n = 15) underwent regular COPD and IHD treatment, addind 20 mg of rosuvastatin per night. The observed group (n = 15) didn't receive rosuvastatin. The examination of patients was held before and half year of treatment, included the estimation of respiratory symptoms of the disease, the degree of intensity of dyspnea (Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale). The tolerance to physical exercise was studied with 6 minute walking test. The cholesterine level, HDL, LDL, function of ventilation have been tested as well. The average frequency of aggravations during the year was estimated through retrospective examination of anamnesis. After the treatment the improvement of clinical state has been noticed at both groups due to decrease of intensity of respiratory symptoms of the disease, such as cough, amount of expectoration, dyspnea and also increase of tolerance to physical exercise and improvement of laboratory-instrumental indexes. Though the patients of the main group were noticed to have significantly less amount of expectoration and cough. The distance covered in 6 minutes was positively longer (р < 0,05). It has to be noted that the patients of the main group had positive decrease of wheezing after treatment, due to increase of FEV1, GI (р < 0,01). The retrospective studying of the anamnesis revealed that the frequency of arrogations during the year was 1-2 times a year (1,6 ± 0,48). Including rosuvastatin into the treatment scheme allows to decrease and stabilize the main clinical symptoms of this constellation of diseases, improving the quality of life, reduce the frequency of exacerbations.


Disrupted by disaster: shared experiences of student registered nurse anesthetists affected by hurricane Katrina.
The purpose of this focused ethnography was to describe the shared experiences of student registered nurse anesthetists (SRNAs) whose senior year of education and training was disrupted by Hurricane Katrina, as well as to determine the storm's psychosocial impact on them. A convenience sample of 10 former SRNAs participated in focus groups that were audiorecorded, transcribed, and qualitatively analyzed. Three major themes emerged from the study: Seriousness of Urgency, Managing Uncertainty, and Stability Equaled Relief. The themes represented how the SRNAs appraised and coped with the stressful events surrounding Hurricane Katrina. The psychosocial impact of Hurricane Katrina on the SRNAs resulted mainly in temporary increased alcohol consumption and short-term anxiety. One person started smoking. The results of this study should serve as a guide to formulate policies regarding the education of SRNAs during and immediately after a disaster and to provide a framework for future disaster studies regarding SRNAs.


Evaluation of surgical treatment for signs of acute abdominal pain in draft horses: 72 cases (1983-2002).
To determine whether heavy (> or = 680 kg [> or = 1,500 lb]) draft horses undergoing surgical treatment for acute signs of abdominal pain were at a greater risk for anesthetic and postoperative complications and lower postoperative survival rates than light (< 680 kg) draft horses. Retrospective case series. 72 draft horses. Medical records of draft horses that underwent exploratory celiotomy for signs of acute abdominal pain from October 1983 to December 2002 were reviewed. Medical records of draft horses in which a celiotomy was performed for correction of reproductive abnormalities were not included in the study. When compared with light draft horses, heavy draft horses had longer durations of anesthesia, more postoperative complications, and lower survival rates. Seventy-six percent of horses that recovered from anesthesia had postoperative complications. Postoperative complications associated with low survival rates included myopathy and neuropathy, ileus, diarrhea, and endotoxemia. All horses with postoperative myopathy and neuropathy died or were euthanized. The short-term survival rate for horses that recovered from anesthesia was 60%. Horses undergoing small intestinal surgery had a worse prognosis for short-term survival than those undergoing large intestinal surgery. The survival rate for horses for which long-term (> 1 year) follow-up information was available was 50%. Draft horses weighing > 680 kg that underwent surgery because of acute signs of abdominal pain had longer durations of anesthesia, more postoperative complications, and higher mortality rates than draft horses weighing < 680 kg.


Antiretroviral therapy for children in resource-limited settings: current regimens and the role of newer agents.
WHO antiretroviral treatment guidelines for HIV-infected children have influenced the design of treatment programmes in resource-limited settings. This review analyses the latest WHO first- and second-line regimen recommendations. The recommendation to use lopinavir/ritonavir-containing first-line regimens in young children with prior non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) exposure is based on good quality evidence. Recent research suggests that lopinavir/ritonavir-containing first-line regimens should be extended to all young children, irrespective of prior NNRTI exposure. Strategies for overcoming the adverse metabolic effects of rifampicin-containing anti-tuberculosis therapy on antiretroviral therapy regimens have been under-researched in HIV-infected children, creating uncertainty about global recommendations. Preferred second-line recommendations are largely predictable. The exception is that NNRTI-containing second-line regimens are recommended for children previously exposed to NNRTIs and who subsequently did not respond to lopinavir/ritonavir-containing first-line therapy. In these patients, second-line regimens containing newer protease inhibitors (PIs) such as darunavir and tipranavir, or integrase inhibitors such as raltegravir, should be evaluated. Newer antiretroviral agents including second-generation NNRTIs and PIs, C-C chemokine receptor type 5 inhibitors, and integrase inhibitors may assist in further refinement of existing regimen options.


The Impact of Chronic Health Conditions on Length of Stay and Mortality in a General PICU.
Each year approximately 20,000 children are admitted to PICUs across the United Kingdom. It is highlighted in several international studies that 40-70% of children admitted to PICUs have at least one chronic health condition that leads to increased length of stay and higher mortality rates. The prevalence of chronic health conditions in children admitted to U.K. PICUs is unknown. The purpose of this study was to use existing clinical data to explore the prevalence and impact of chronic health conditions on length of stay and mortality in a tertiary U.K. PICU. Single-centre retrospective observational cohort study. Single, tertiary referral PICU. One thousand one hundred ninety-seven children 0-18 years old admitted between March 1, 2009, and February 28, 2013. None. Data were derived from the unit's data submitted to the Paediatric Intensive Care Audit Network, the U.K. national PICU dataset. Data included demographics, diagnosis, Pediatric Index of Mortality-2 score, PICU interventions, PICU outcomes, chronic health condition etiologies, admission, and discharge dates and times. In total, 554 of 1,197 (46.3%) had at least one chronic health condition. Of 554, 371 patients (67.1%) presented with a single chronic health condition, 126 (22.6%) with two chronic health conditions, and 57 (10.3%) with at least three chronic health conditions to a maximum of four chronic health conditions. There was a statistically significant difference in length of stay in those with a chronic health condition compared with those without (medians, 4 vs 3 d [interquartile range, 1-7 d]; Mann-Whitney U test, p < 0.001). The length of stay also increased significantly according to the number of chronic health conditions (Kruskal-Wallis test, p < 0.001). Mortality was significantly different between those with and without chronic health conditions (8.8% vs 5.4%; chi-square test, p = 0.024). Having two or at least three chronic health conditions significantly increased mortality compared with no chronic health conditions (odds ratio, 2.3 [CI, 1.2-4.55]; p = 0.013 and 2.95 [CI, 1.28-6.8]; p = 0.011), respectively. The increasing number of chronic healthcare conditions is associated with length of stay and mortality.


Altered expression of iron regulatory proteins with aging is associated with transient hepatic iron accumulation after environmental heat stress.
An increasing body of evidence suggests that dysregulation of iron metabolism contributes to age-related pathologies. We have previously observed increased hepatic iron with aging, and that environmental heat stress stimulates a further increase in iron and oxidative liver injury in old rats. The purpose of this study was to determine a mechanism for the increase in hepatic iron in old rats after heat stress. Young (6 mo) and old (24 mo) Fischer 344 rats were exposed to two heating bouts separated by 24 h. Livers were harvested after the second heat stress, and protein levels of the iron import protein, transferrin receptor-1 (TFR1), and the iron export protein, ferroportin (Fpn) were determined by immunoblot. In the nonheated condition, old rats had lower TFR1 expression, and higher Fpn expression. After heat stress, TFR1 declined in the old rats, and iron chelation studies demonstrated that this decline was dependent on a hyperthermia-induced increase in iron. TFR1 did not change in the young rats after heat stress. Since TFR1 is inversely regulated by iron, our results suggest that the increase in intracellular iron with aging and heat stress lower TFR1 expression. Fpn expression increased in both age groups after heat stress, but this response was delayed in old rats. This delay in the induction of an iron exporter suggests a mechanism for the increase in hepatic iron and oxidative injury after heat stress in aged organisms.


Metabolic microenvironmental control by photosynthetic biofilms under changing macroenvironmental temperature and pH conditions.
Ex situ microelectrode experiments, using cyanobacterial biofilms from karst water creeks, were conducted under various pH, temperature, and constant-alkalinity conditions to investigate the effects of changing environmental parameters on cyanobacterial photosynthesis-induced calcification. Microenvironmental chemical conditions around calcifying sites were controlled by metabolic activity over a wide range of photosynthesis and respiration rates, with little influence from overlying water conditions. Regardless of overlying water pH levels (from 7.8 to 8.9), pH at the biofilm surface was approximately 9.4 in the light and 7.8 in the dark. The same trend was observed at various temperatures (4 degrees C and 17 degrees C). Biological processes control the calcium carbonate saturation state (Omega) in these and similar systems and are able to maintain Omega at approximately constant levels over relatively wide environmental fluctuations. Temperature did, however, have an effect on calcification rate. Calcium flux in this system is limited by its diffusion coefficient, resulting in a higher calcium flux (calcification and dissolution) at higher temperatures, despite the constant, biologically mediated pH. The ability of biological systems to mitigate the effects of environmental perturbation is an important factor that must be considered when attempting to predict the effects of increased atmospheric partial CO(2) pressure on processes such as calcification and in interpreting microfossils in the fossil record.


N-Terminal Segment of TvCyP2 Cyclophilin from Trichomonas vaginalis Is Involved in Self-Association, Membrane Interaction, and Subcellular Localization.
In Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis), cyclophilins play a vital role in dislodging Myb proteins from the membrane compartment and leading them to nuclear translocation. We previously reported that TvCyP1 cyclophilin from T. vaginalis forms a dimer and plays an essential role in moving the Myb1 transcription factor toward the nucleus. In comparison, TvCyP2 containing an extended segment at the N-terminus (N-terminal segment) formed a monomer and showed a different role in regulating protein trafficking. Four X-ray structures of TvCyP2 were determined under various conditions, all showing the N-terminal segment interacting with the active site of a neighboring TvCyP2, an unusual interaction. NMR study revealed that this particular interaction exists in solution as well and also the N-terminal segment seems to interact with the membrane. In vivo study of TvCyP2 and TvCyP2-∆N (TvCyP2 without the N-terminal segment) indicated that both proteins have different subcellular localization. Together, the structural and functional characteristics at the N-terminal segment offer valuable information for insights into the mechanism of how TvCyP2 regulates protein trafficking, which may be applied in drug development to prevent pathogenesis and disease progression in T. vaginalis infection.


Development of a prognostic model for 1-year survival after fragile hip fracture in Chinese.
No prognostic model for the survival of fragile hip fracture has been developed for Asians. The goal of this study was to develop a simple and practical prognostic model to predict survival within 1 year after fragile hip fracture in Asians. A single-center retrospective cohort study was designed. Under a multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model, we used the preoperative characteristics of patients to predict survival within 1 year after hip fracture. We built a full model and then used the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) method to further shrink the model coefficients and achieved variable screening. Finally, we obtained a LASSO model. The model performance was evaluated with Nagelkerke's R2 and the concordance (c) statistic. We assessed the internal validity with a bootstrapping procedure of 1 000 repetitions. A total of 735 eligible patients were admitted to our department for hip fracture from January 2015 to December 2020, but 11 (1.5%) patients were lost to follow-up. Among the remaining patients, 68 (9.3%) died within 1 year after hip fracture. We identified 12 candidate predictors from the preoperative characteristics of the patients. The last model contained nine predictors: surgery, age, albumin, sex, serum creatinine, malignancy, hypertension, ability to live independently, and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Among them, surgery, age, and albumin are effective predictors of survival. The discrimination c statistic of the model is 0.814 (95% confidence interval 0.762-0.865); the corrected value through internal validation is 0.795. This prognostic model can accurately predict a 1-year survival rate for patients with fragile hip fractures. This information can help clinicians develop a reasonable and personalized treatment plan.


Cigarette smoking and incidence of chronic bronchitis and asthma in women.
To examine the relation of smoking habits and development of asthma in a large cohort of US women. Prospective cohort study. Among 74,072 women, 34 to 68 years of age, who were free of major diseases, we documented 671 incident asthma cases and 798 incident cases of chronic bronchitis during 10 years of follow-up. Age-adjusted relative risk estimates for smoking categories were calculated separately for chronic bronchitis and asthma. Risk of chronic bronchitis was significantly higher in current smokers than in never smokers (relative risk [RR] = 2.85; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.45 to 3.32) and increased with the number of cigarettes smoked per day (p for trend < 0.0001). Approximately 5 years after quitting, chronic bronchitis risk in past smokers approached that in never smokers. In contrast, current smokers were at significantly lower risk for asthma than women who never smoked (RR = 0.57; 95% CI = 0.46 to 0.71) and women who quit (RR = 0.50; 95% CI = 0.40 to 0.62), possibly because individuals with sensitive airways are less likely to become regular smokers, and smokers who develop respiratory symptoms of any etiology tend to quit. Asthma risk in past smokers initially increased compared with that in never smokers, possibly because of quitting prior to diagnosis in response to symptoms of any etiology, but decreased with time since quitting (p for trend = 0.007); within approximately 5 years, the risk did not differ between past and never smokers. These data suggest that smoking in adults may not be an independent cause of asthma but could exacerbate or be perceived as exacerbating asthma symptoms in susceptible individuals.


Benchmarks for value in cancer care: an analysis of a large commercial population.
Cancer costs are increasing at an unprecedented rate. Key cost drivers include chemotherapy, hospital admissions/emergency room visits, and aggressive end-of-life care. We sought to evaluate these costs in a commercial payer population in collaboration with consultants from Milliman. We used a retrospective analysis of Medstat 2007 to evaluate chemotherapy costs and use. Included patients had a cancer diagnosis; received chemotherapy during the evaluation period; had at least 1 day of coverage between January 1 and December 31, 2007 (medical and prescription coverage); was younger than age 70, and had active employment or was the spouse of an active employee. Costs are allowed amounts and are trended until 2009. Admission rates and emergency room visits are reported. Hospice use and chemotherapy during the last 14 and 30 days of life were also evaluated. In this commercial population of 14 million patients, 0.68% had claims for a cancer diagnosis; approximately 22% of those received chemotherapy during the study time period. Patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy averaged $111,000 per year in total medical and pharmacy costs. The average hospitalization rate for any reason was 1 admission/yr. Approximately 40% (or 0.4 admits/year) were identified as being chemotherapy related. Of the 3.5% of patients who died in the hospital, 51% received chemotherapy within 30 days of death. Understanding the costs of cancer care offers opportunities to formulate a strategic plan to control cancer costs and maintain quality care. Comprehensive cancer solutions to address the full spectrum of care will facilitate improved quality and patient outcomes.


Impact of psychological distress and psychophysical wellbeing on posttraumatic symptoms in parents of preterm infants after NICU discharge.
Parents after Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) hospitalization of preterm infant may develop psychopathological symptoms. The aim of the study was to determine how parental stress and psychophysical wellbeing affect posttraumatic symptoms (PTTS) in parents during the first year after NICU discharge. Moreover, this study aimed to explore any gender-specific difference in psychological distress among mothers and fathers. Prospective study design from September 2018 to September 2019. 20 pairs of parents of preterm infants admitted to a tertiary-level NICU were enrolled. Primary outcome was evaluation of PTTS in parents of preterm infants at one year after NICU discharge through Impact of Event Scale- Revised. Secondary outcomes were: impact of parental stress, psychophysical wellbeing, anxiety and depression respectively through Parental Stressor Scale: NICU, Short Form Health Survey-36(SF-36), Self-rating Anxiety Scale and Self-rating Depression Scale. Mothers experienced higher rates of PTTS than fathers across the first year after NICU discharge (55% vs 20%). Maternal avoidance symptoms were associated with perception of their own infant look. Emotional aspects linked to maternal role predicted 36,8% of their hyperarousal symptoms. Maternal PTTS severity was predicted by their social functioning. Paternal mental health was associated both with maternal and paternal intrusive symptoms.. Maternal stress was associated with paternal avoidance symptoms. Paternal mental health predicted their hyperarousal symptoms (40%) and PTSD severity (52%). Parents who experienced NICU hospitalization of their own infant are at heightened risk to develop psychopathological symptoms. According to our initial hypothesis, investigating parental psychophysical wellbeing, through SF-36, originally provides a valuable support to detect parents at higher risk to develop posttraumatic outcomes across the first year after NICU discharge. In addition, paternal depression deserves to be taken into account since hospitalization as it could impact paternal PTSD development. Finally, these findings provide an initial evidence of gender-related patterns in PTSD development and psychological distress among mothers and fathers across the first year of their infant.