Gain-of-function in Arabidopsis (GAINA) for identifying functional genes in Hevea brasiliensis.
Forward genetics approaches are not popularly applied in non-model plants due to their complex genomes, long life cycles, backward genetic studies etc. Researchers have to adopt reverse genetic methods to characterize gene functions in non-model plants individually, the efficiency of which is usually low. In this study, we report a gain-of-function in Arabidopsis (GAINA) strategy which can be used for batch identification of functional genes in a plant species. This strategy aims to obtain the gain-of-function of rubber tree genes through overexpressing transformation ready full-length cDNA libraries in Arabidopsis. An initial transformation test produced about two thousand independent transgenic Arabidopsis lines, in which multiple obvious aberrant phenotypes were observed, suggesting the gain-of-function of rubber tree genes. The transferred genes were further isolated and identified. One gene identified to be metallothionein-like protein type 3 gene was further transferred into Arabidopsis and reproduced a similar aberrant phenotype. The GAINA system proves to be an efficient tool for batch identification of functional genes in Hevea brasiliensis, and also applicable in other non-model plants.


Physiological effects of capture and short-term captivity in an invasive snake species, the Burmese python (Python bivittatus) in Florida.
It is important to evaluate the role of captivity as a potential stressor. An understanding of stress responses to capture and transition to captivity may inform the limitations of laboratory studies on wild animals, aid in understanding the consequences of introducing animals into captive environments, and help predict which species may be successful invasives. We investigated physiological effects of captivity by comparing at-capture blood variables in wild Burmese pythons (Python bivittatus) in Florida to pythons recently brought into captivity (1-109 days). We conducted an acute restraint test by collecting samples at baseline (immediately at handling) and one hour post-restraint across wild field-sampled (n = 19) and recently-captive (n = 33) pythons to evaluate fluctuations in plasma corticosterone, bacterial killing ability, antibody response, leukogram, and serpentovirus infection. We observed higher baseline plasma corticosterone and monocytes in recently captive compared to wild snakes, which both subsided in snakes held for a longer time in captivity, and a mild decrease in lymphocytes in the middle of the captivity period. Functional immunity and viral infection were not affected by captivity, and pythons maintained restraint-induced responses in corticosterone, heterophil to lymphocyte ratio, and monocyte counts throughout captivity. Prevalence for serpentovirus was 50%, though infection status was related to sampling date rather than captivity, indicating that viral infection may be seasonal. The history of Burmese python as a common captive animal for research and pet trade, as well as its general resilience to effects of capture and short-term captivity, may contribute to its invasion success in Florida.


Effects of kaempferol on the oxidative properties of intact plant mitochondria.
The effects of kaempferol on the oxidative and phosphorylative properties of plant mitochondria from potato tubers and etiolated mung bean (Phaseolus aureus Roxb.) hypocotyls were investigated. Kaempferol inhibited the state 3 oxidation rate of malate, NADH, and succinate, but was without effect on the ascorbate-tetramethyl p-phenylenediamine oxidation rate. The inhibition was almost the same whether the mitochondria were in state 3 or in an uncoupled state 3. When 180 micromolar kaempferol was added during state 4, the tight coupling of succinate or NADH oxidation was not released. The results obtained indicate that kaempferol inhibits the mitochondrial electron flow at, or just after, the flavoprotein site.


Light-Caused Droplet Bouncing from a Cavity Trap-Assisted Superhydrophobic Surface.
Actuating droplet bouncing from a rigid surface is of considerable interest for potential applications, ranging from novel droplet microfluidics to self-cleaning and anti-icing. The photothermal effect and the accompanying phase change initiate a route for manipulating the tiny amount of liquid. In this work, we present a concept of droplet bouncing from a cavity trap-assisted superhydrophobic platform actuated by the photothermal effect-induced intense evaporation, which enables the purposeful manipulation of the droplet bouncing. It is demonstrated that such a design limits the vapor transport so that the vapor pressure under the droplet is considerably improved to overcome the gravity and liquid-solid adhesion force, leading to the droplet bouncing. Moreover, experimental results indicate that droplet bouncing behaviors can be easily tuned by simply adjusting the cavity dimension and the input laser power. This work provides a new method for the manipulation of droplet bouncing, presenting promising perspectives for future possible applications.


Infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis in Dar Es Salaam.
A five-year review revealed that 15 infants with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis were managed in Muhimbili Medical Centre. All belonged to parents residing within Dar es Salaam city: 12 were African, two Arabs and one was an Indian. the M.F ratio was 6'5:1. The approximate incidence rate was found to be one in 5,500 births. The majority presented with the characteristic clinical picture of the surgical condition and all were managed by the standard Fredet-Ramstedt pyloromyotomy. Mortality was 6.7pc.


Glutathione as a mediator of the in vitro cytotoxicity of a green tea polyphenol extract.
ABSTRACT The 24-hr cytotoxicities of a green tea polyphenol (GTP) extract to cell lines derived from the human oral cavity were assessed using the neutral red (NR) assay. The sequence of sensitivity was carcinoma HSC-2 cells > immortalized gingival GT1 fibroblasts > normal gingival HGF-2 fibroblasts. The GTP extract generated hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) in cell culture medium and in phosphate buffer, albeit to a lesser extent. A 3-hr exposure to the GTP extract lowered the intracellular glutathione (GSH) content of the HSC-2 cells, but stimulated that of the GT1 and HGF-2 fibroblasts. The cytotoxicity of a 4-hr exposure of the GTP extract to the HSC-2 and GT1, but not to the HGF-2, cells was lessened in the presence of 2.5 mM GSH. Conversely, a 0.5 hr preexposure to the glutathione depleter, 1-chloro-2-dinotrobenzene (CDNB) at 25 muM, potentiated the 24-hr cytotoxicity of the GTP extract to the HSC-2 and GT1, but not to the HGF-2, cells. Using a cell-free system, it was shown that the GTP extract quickly depleted GSH, with depletion greatly enhanced at an alkaline pH, thus, correlating with the enhanced generation of H(2)O(2) by the GTP extract observed at alkaline pH. Apparently, a mode of cytotoxicity of the GTP extract, in particular to the carcinoma HSC-2 cells, was to induce oxidative stress, as noted by the generation of H(2)O(2), the depletion of intracellular GSH, the protection afforded by extracellular GSH, and cell hypersensitivity after pretreatment with CDNB.


Molecular characterization and in situ localization of a mouse retinal taurine transporter.
Various ocular tissues have a higher concentration of taurine than plasma. This taurine concentration gradient across the cell membrane is maintained by a high-affinity taurine transporter. To understand the physiological role of the taurine transporter in the retina, we cloned a taurine transporter encoding cDNA from a mouse retinal library, determined its biochemical and pharmacological properties, and identified the specific cellular sites expressing the taurine transporter mRNA. The deduced protein sequence of the mouse retinal taurine transporter (mTAUT) revealed >93% sequence identity to the canine kidney, rat brain, mouse brain, and human placental taurine transporters. Our data suggest that the mTAUT and the mouse brain taurine transporter may be variants of one another. The mTAUT synthetic RNA induced Na+- and Cl(-)-dependent [3H]taurine transport activity in Xenopus laevis oocytes that saturated with an average Km of 13.2 microM for taurine. Unlike the previous studies, we determined the rate of taurine uptake as the external concentration of Cl- was varied, a single saturation process with an average apparent equilibrium constant (K(Cl-)) of 17.7 mM. In contrast, the rate of taurine uptake showed a sigmoidal dependence when the external concentration of Na+ was varied (apparent equilibrium constant, K(Na+) approximately 54.8 mM). Analyses of the Na+- and Cl(-)-concentration dependence data suggest that at least two Na+ and one Cl- are required to transport one taurine molecule via the taurine transporter. Varying the pH of the transport buffer also affected the rate of taurine uptake; the rate showed a minimum between pH 6.0 and 6.5 and a maximum between pH 7.5 and 8.0. The taurine transport was inhibited by various inhibitors tested with the following order of potency: hypotaurine > beta-alanine > L-diaminopropionic acid > guanidinoethane sulfonate > beta-guanidinopropionic acid > chloroquine > gamma-aminobutyric acid > 3-amino-1-propanesulfonic acid (homotaurine). Furthermore, the mTAUT activity was not inhibited by the inactive phorbol ester 4alpha-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate but was inhibited significantly by the active phorbol ester phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, which was both concentration and time dependent. The cellular sites expressing the taurine transporter mRNA in the mouse eye, as determined by in situ hybridization technique, showed low levels of expression in many of the ocular tissues, specifically the retina and the retinal pigment epithelium. Unexpectedly, the highest expression levels of taurine transporter mRNA were found instead in the ciliary body of the mouse eye.


Acute whiplash injury: is there a role for MR imaging?--a prospective study of 100 patients.
To evaluate the findings from magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the cervical spine and brain after acute whiplash injury. Within 3 weeks of trauma, 100 patients underwent MR imaging for evaluation of the cervical spine and the brain. In addition, plain radiographs were obtained, including functional images of the cervical spine. Only one patient had an abnormality on the MR image that was related to trauma (ie, prevertebral edema). In 17 patients, functional images showed a kyphotic angle, but no evidence of soft-tissue injury was seen on MR images. There is no role for MR imaging in the routine work-up of patients with acute whiplash injury who have normal plain radiographic findings and no evidence of a neurologic deficit. A kyphotic angle seen on functional images of the cervical spine should not be assumed to indicate soft-tissue injury and is most likely attributable to a compensating mechanism of hypermobility at a level of the spine above that at which hypomobility occurs, which is probably the result of a muscle spasm.


Sorption of Cr(VI) ions on two Lewatit-anion exchange resins and their quantitative determination using UV-visible spectrophotometer.
The sorption of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions with macroporous resins which contain quarternary amine groups (Lewatit MP 64 and Lewatit MP 500) was studied at varying Cr(VI) concentration, adsorbent dose, pH, contact time and temperature. Batch shaking sorption experiments were carried out to evaluate the performance of Lewatit MP 64 and Lewatit MP 500 anion exchange resins in the removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions. The concentration of Cr(VI) in aqueous solution was determined by UV-visible spectrophotometer. The ion exchange process, which is dependent on pH, showed maximum removal of Cr(VI) in the pH range 3-7 for an initial Cr(VI) concentration of 1x10(-3) M. The optimum pH for Cr(VI) adsorption was found as 5.0 for Lewatit MP 64 and 6.0 for Lewatit MP 500. The maximum Cr(VI) adsorption at pH 5.0 is 0.40 and 0.41 mmol/g resin for Lewatit MP 64 and Lewatit MP 500 anion exchangers, respectively. The maximum chromium sorption occurred at approximately 60 min for Lewatit MP 64 and 75 min for Lewatit MP 500. The suitability of the Freundlich and Langmuir adsorption models was also investigated for each chromium-sorbent system. The uptake of Cr(VI) by the anion exchange resins was reversible and so it has good potential for the removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions. Both ion exchangers had high bonding constants but Lewatit MP 500 showed stronger binding. The rise in the temperature caused a slight decrease in the value of the equilibrium constant (K(c)) for the sorption of Cr(VI) ion.


[Analysis of 51 cases of medical disputes in death after percutaneous coronary intervention].
To investigate the causes and features of medical disputes in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the cardiology and to provide references for forensic expert testimony and medical disputes prevention. Fifty one disputed fatal cases in PCI were analyzed in terms of the cause of death, informed consent and medical operations retrospectively. Thirty five cases were due to medical negligence, 28 due to defect technical operation, 2 due to mistake medical management and 5 due to both defect technical operation and mistake medical management. The causes of PCI medical negligence are defect medical operation, violate medical disciplines and insufficiency of informed consent.


Is a positive history of non-anaesthetic drug allergy a predictive factor for positive allergy tests to anaesthetics?
International recommendations stipulate not performing screening skin tests to a drug in the absence of a clinical history consistent with that specific drug allergy. Nevertheless, two publications showed that a positive history of non-anaesthetic drug allergy was the only predictive factor for a positive skin test when screening for allergy to anaesthetic drugs was done. We selected from a surgical population 40 volunteers with a prior history of allergy to non-anaesthetic drugs in order to analyse the prevalence of positive allergy tests to anaesthetics. The selected adult patients were tested for 11 anaesthetic drugs using in vivo tests: skin prick (SPT) and intradermal (IDT) tests and in vitro tests: the basophil activation test (BAT) and detection of drug-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE). The prevalence for the positive SPT and IDT was 1.6% and 5.8% respectively. The result of flow cytometry agreed with the SPT in five out of seven positive SPT (71%). IgEs confirmed two positive SPT with corresponding positive BAT. Ten per cent of the patients had a positive prick test to neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBA). For midazolam none of the SPT was positive, but 11 patients had positive IDT nonconfirmed by BAT. The prevalence of positive in vivo and in vitro allergy tests to NMBAs is higher in our study population. This could be an argument for pre-operative SPT to NMBAs for the surgical population with reported non-anaesthetic drug allergies. A larger prospective study is needed to validate changes in clinical practice.


Pseudorabies virus expressing bovine herpesvirus 1 glycoprotein B exhibits altered neurotropism and increased neurovirulence.
Herpesvirus glycoproteins play dominant roles in the initiation of infection of target cells in culture and thus may also influence viral tropism in vivo. Whereas the relative contribution of several nonessential glycoproteins to neurovirulence and neurotropism of Pseudorabies virus (PrV), an alphaherpesvirus which causes Aujeszky's disease in pigs, has recently been uncovered in studies using viral deletion mutants, the importance of essential glycoproteins is more difficult to assess. We isolated an infectious PrV mutant, PrV-9112C2, which lacks the gene encoding the essential PrV glycoprotein B (gB) but stably carries in its genome and expresses the homologous gene of bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1) (A. Kopp and T. C. Mettenleiter, J. Virol. 66:2754-2762, 1992). Apart from exhibiting a slight delay in penetration kinetics, PrV-9112C2 was similar in its growth characteristics in cell culture to wild-type PrV. To analyze the effect of the exchange of these homologous glycoproteins in PrV's natural host, swine, 4-week-old piglets were intranasally infected with 10(6) PFU of either wild-type PrV strain Kaplan (PrV-Ka), PrV-9112C2, or PrV-9112C2R, in which the PrV gB gene was reinserted instead of the BHV-1 gB gene. Animals infected with PrV-Ka and PrV-9112C2R showed a similar course of disease, i.e., high fever, marked respiratory symptoms but minimal neurological disorders, and excretion of high amounts of virus. All animals survived the infection. In contrast, animals infected with PrV-9112C2 showed no respiratory symptoms and developed only mild fever. However, on day 5 after infection, all piglets developed severe central nervous system (CNS) symptoms leading to death within 48 to 72 h. Detailed histological analyses showed that PrV-9112C2R infected all regions of the nasal mucosa and subsequently spread to the CNS preferentially by the trigeminal route. In contrast, PrV-9112C2 primarily infected the olfactory epithelium and spread via the olfactory route. In the CNS, more viral antigen and significantly more pronounced histological changes resulting in more severe encephalitis were found after PrV-9112C2 infection. Thus, our results demonstrate that replacement of PrV gB by the homologous BHV-1 glycoprotein resulted in a dramatic increase in neurovirulence combined with an alteration in the route of neuroinvasion, indicating that the essential gB is involved in determining neurotropism and neurovirulence of PrV.


Investigation of the role of Austrian ruminant wildlife in the epidemiology of malignant catarrhal fever viruses.
Malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) is an ubiquitous disease of cattle and other ruminants caused by Ovine herpesvirus 2 (OvHV-2), which is endemic in sheep and transmitted from healthy carriers. Further viruses of the MCF group are also able to induce MCF in ruminants. As alpine pasturing is very common in Austria, possible contact with ruminant wildlife carrying and excreting MCF viruses might be suspected as an infection source. To investigate the epidemiologic role of Austrian deer and chamois, spleen samples were collected from 55 red deer (Cervus elaphus), 72 roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), four fallow deer (Dama dama), and five chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) during the hunting seasons 2001-2003. Samples were tested by both herpesvirus consensus and OvHV-2-specific polymerase chain reaction. As all spleen samples tested negative, there is no indication that in the region and period investigated, MCF viruses circulated in wild ruminants.


Performance of medical students in case-based and essay components of written anatomy examinations.
This paper reports on second-year medical students' performance in the case-based and traditional essay components of the gross anatomy written examinations at the University of Otago held at the end of 1988 and 1989. The mean marks for these two components of the examinations are presented for the three main categories of student entry. Differential performance on the case-based component relative to the essay component has been determined for each student in the class and ranked in order. The proportions of students in the three entry categories falling in the various quartiles for the class are given. The data show that when an intensive programme of case-based learning was followed, as in 1988, all three categories performed similarly on the case-based component relative to the essay component. When a less intensive programme of case-based learning was used, as in 1989, the differential performance of the preferential undergraduate and graduate categories was different to each other. The findings suggest that the achievement of students in the case-based projects is dependent upon the organization of the programme and the extent to which students and staff become involved in the projects. The writing of reports on the cases by students for assessment in 1988 may have had an important influence on the outcome for this year.


Imaging of chorioretinal anastomoses in vascularized retinal pigment epithelium detachments.
To identify specific features of pigment epithelium detachments with limited hyperfluorescent lesions (hot spots). One hundred eighty-two consecutive patients (186 eyes) who had vascularized pigment epithelium detachments and recent onset of symptoms were examined with indocyanine green and fluorescein videoangiography using the scanning laser ophthalmoscope. The choroidal neovascularization complex and macular retinal vessels were studied. The natural history and the effect of laser treatment were evaluated. Fifty-four eyes had hot spots on indocyanine green angiography. In 50 of these 54 eyes, the video analysis showed an anastomosis of one or more retinal vessels, with the choroidal neovascularization within the hot spot. One or two retinal veins or arteries or both filled with both dyes and were seen to enter into the hot spot. Results of indocyanine green-guided photocoagulation of the hot spot in 28 eyes were disappointing. Continuous recording of the early phases of fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography allowed identification of chorioretinal anastomoses in vascularized pigment epithelium detachments with hot spots at an early exudative stage of age-related macular degeneration in 50 (26.8%) of 186 eyes. The poor outcome of laser photocoagulation could be related not only to the development of an overlying pigment epithelium detachment, but also to the retinal and choroidal vascularization of the lesion.


Chronic evaluation of the Cleveland Clinic CorAide left ventricular assist system in calves.
The Cleveland Clinic CorAide left ventricular assist system is based on a third-generation, implantable, centrifugal pump in which a rotating assembly is suspended fully. To evaluate chronic in vivo system performance and biocompatibility, the CorAide blood pump was implanted in 18 calves for either 1 month or 3 months. Hemodynamics were stable in all calves with a mean pump flow of 5.9 +/- 1.2 L/min and a mean systemic arterial pressure of 98 +/- 5 mm Hg. There were no incidences of bleeding, organ dysfunction, or mechanical failure in any of the 18 calves. Hemolysis occurred in only 1 calf due to outflow graft stenosis. Thrombus inside the pump, seen in 4 of the first 6 cases, was totally eliminated by a final redesign in the remaining cases, including the last 6 implants conducted without anticoagulation therapy. The CorAide blood pump demonstrated good biocompatibility and reliable, effective system performance.


Digitization of disability certification using technology to curtail infringement of dignity.
Privacy and dignity are the rights of every human being. The disability certificate issued has the medical diagnosis mentioned explicitly as well as the patients' photograph. A person with disability needs to produce a certificate to avail the benefits, which the law of the land accords. This article discusses the dignity and privacy issues, which may be felt while producing such a certificate before competent authorities and proposes a blinded disability certificate. Besides, the proposed certificate uses advanced technologies to link a functioning profile to a cloud-based central database.


Visible-light-driven photocatalytic N2 fixation to nitrates by 2D/2D ultrathin BiVO4 nanosheet/rGO nanocomposites.
Photocatalytic nitrogen fixation is a promising approach owing to its environmental friendliness and cost-effectiveness. The 2D/2D BiVO4/rGO hybrid developed in this study exhibits a high nitrate-production rate of 1.45 mg h-1 g-1 and an apparent quantum efficiency (QE) of 0.64% at 420 nm, which represents one of the most highly active photocatalysts reported thus far.


Cobalt Phthalocyanine Supported on Mesoporous CeO2 as an Active Molecular Catalyst for CO Oxidation.
Heterogenization of biomolecules by immobilizing on a metal oxide support could greatly enhance their catalytic activity and stability, but their interactions are generally weak. Herein, cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc) molecules were firmly anchored on a Ce-based metal-organic framework (Ce-BTC) due to π-π stacking interaction between CoPc and aromatic frameworks of the BTC linker, which was followed by a calcination treatment to convert Ce-BTC to mesoporous CeO2 and realize a molecular-level dispersion of CoPc on the surface of CeO2. Various characterization results confirm the successful fabrication of molecular-based CoPc/CeO2 catalysts which exhibited good CO oxidation performance. Importantly, we found that the mixing manner of Ce-BTC and CoPc remarkably affects the physicochemical properties which then determined the catalytic performance of the resultant CoPc/CeO2 catalysts. In contrast, the direct physical mixing of CoPc and CeO2 led to poor performance toward CO oxidation, manifesting that the Ce-BTC-mediated CoPc loading strategy is promising for the heterogenization of catalytic biomolecules.


Assessment of Autozygosity Derived From Runs of Homozygosity in Jinhua Pigs Disclosed by Sequencing Data.
Jinhua pig, a well-known Chinese indigenous breed, has evolved as a pig breed with excellent meat quality, greater disease resistance, and higher prolificacy. The reduction in the number of Jinhua pigs over the past years has raised concerns about inbreeding. Runs of homozygosity (ROH) along the genome have been applied to quantify individual autozygosity to improve the understanding of inbreeding depression and identify genes associated with traits of interest. Here, we investigated the occurrence and distribution of ROH using next-generation sequencing data to characterize autozygosity in 202 Jinhua pigs, as well as to identify the genomic regions with high ROH frequencies within individuals. The average inbreeding coefficient, based on ROH longer than 1 Mb, was 0.168 ± 0.052. In total, 18,690 ROH were identified in all individuals, among which shorter segments (1-5 Mb) predominated. Individual ROH autosome coverage ranged from 5.32 to 29.14% in the Jinhua population. On average, approximately 16.8% of the whole genome was covered by ROH segments, with the lowest coverage on SSC11 and the highest coverage on SSC17. A total of 824 SNPs (about 0.5%) and 11 ROH island regions were identified (occurring in over 45% of the samples). Genes associated with reproduction (HOXA3, HOXA7, HOXA10, and HOXA11), meat quality (MYOD1, LPIN3, and CTNNBL1), appetite (NUCB2) and disease resistance traits (MUC4, MUC13, MUC20, LMLN, ITGB5, HEG1, SLC12A8, and MYLK) were identified in ROH islands. Moreover, several quantitative trait loci for ham weight and ham fat thickness were detected. Genes in ROH islands suggested, at least partially, a selection for economic traits and environmental adaptation, and should be subject of future investigation. These findings contribute to the understanding of the effects of environmental and artificial selection in shaping the distribution of functional variants in the pig genome.


Effects of dietary nutrient levels on microbial community composition and diversity in the ileal contents of pregnant Huanjiang mini-pigs.
The mammalian gut microbiota influences various metabolic and physiological processes. Substantial metabolic changes occur during a healthy pregnancy that may be related to microbiota composition dynamics. However, the effect of diet on intestinal microbiota composition and diversity during pregnancy remains unclear. We examined the ileal contents of Huanjiang mini-pigs at two pregnancy stages to determine the effects of dietary nutrient levels on such microbial communities. Animals received either a higher-nutrient (HN) diet formulated to meet US National Research Council requirements or a lower-nutrient (LN) diet that met the Chinese National Feeding Standard recommendations. On day 45 or 75 of pregnancy, sows were euthanized and their ileal contents sampled. Experimental diet and pregnancy stage did not affect ileal bacterial richness or diversity, as determined by Chao1 and ACE species richness measures and Shannon and Simpson indices, respectively. The phyla Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, accounting for 69.99-85.44% and 5.82-15.17% of the total reads, respectively, predominated regardless of diet. At the genus level, diet significantly affected the abundance of Lactobacillus species, which was greater in pigs given HN feed (P < 0.05), but had little impact on that of Megasphaera species (P = 0.096). Pregnancy stage had a minimal effect on Proteobacteria numbers (P = 0.053). The number of bacteria of the phylum Firmicutes and genus Lactobacillus decreased, while that of the phylum Proteobacteria, family Enterobacteriaceae, and genus Bacteroides increased between days 45 and 75 of pregnancy. Of the short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) measured, only propionate levels changed significantly, with higher concentrations observed on day 45 than on day 75. Our findings indicate that Firmicutes and Proteobacteria dominate pregnant sow ileal bacterial profiles. Excepting a tendency for the number of Proteobacteria to increase as pregnancy progressed, pregnancy stage and diet had little effect on ileal microbiotic composition and diversity and luminal SCFA concentrations.


Analysis of the human and ape foot during bipedal standing with implications for the evolution of the foot.
The ratio of the power arm (the distance from the heel to the talocrural joint) to the load arm (that from the talocrural joint to the distal head of the metatarsals), or RPL, differs markedly between the human and ape foot. The arches are relatively higher in the human foot in comparison with those in apes. This study evaluates the effect of these two differences on biomechanical effectiveness during bipedal standing, estimating the forces acting across the talocrural and tarsometatarsal joints, and attempts to identify which type of foot is optimal for bipedal standing. A simple model of the foot musculoskeletal system was built to represent the geometric and force relationships in the foot during bipedal standing, and measurements for a variety of human and ape feet applied. The results show that: (1) an RPL of around 40% (as is the case in the human foot) minimizes required muscle force at the talocrural joint; (2) the presence of an high arch in the human foot reduces forces in the plantar musculature and aponeurosis; and (3) the human foot has a lower total of force in joints and muscles than do the ape feet. These results indicate that the proportions of the human foot, and the height of the medial arch are indeed better optimized for bipedal standing than those of apes, further suggesting that their current state is to some extent the product of positive selection for enhanced bipedal standing during the evolution of the foot.


Differences in the Vibrational Dynamics of H(2)O and D(2)O: Observation of Symmetric and Antisymmetric Stretching Vibrations in Heavy Water.
Water's ability to donate and accept hydrogen bonds leads to unique and complex collective dynamical phenomena associated with its hydrogen-bond network. It is appreciated that the vibrations governing liquid water's molecular dynamics are delocalized, with nuclear motion evolving coherently over the span of several molecules. Using two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy, we have found that the nuclear motions of heavy water, D2O, are qualitatively different than those of H2O. The nonlinear spectrum of liquid D2O reveals distinct O-D stretching resonances, in contrast to H2O. Furthermore, our data indicates that condensed-phase O-D vibrations have a different character than those in the gas phase, which we understand in terms of weakly delocalized symmetric and antisymmetric stretching vibrations. This difference in molecular dynamics reflects the shift in the balance between intra- and intermolecular couplings upon deuteration, an effect which can be understood in terms of the anharmonicity of the nuclear potential energy surface.


Lysine biosynthesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: mechanism of alpha-aminoadipate reductase (Lys2) involves posttranslational phosphopantetheinylation by Lys5.
A key step in fungal biosynthesis of lysine, enzymatic reduction of alpha-aminoadipate at C6 to the semialdehyde, requires two gene products in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Lys2 and Lys5. Here, we show that the 31-kDa Lys5 is a specific posttranslational modification catalyst, using coenzyme A (CoASH) as a cosubstrate to phosphopantetheinylate Ser880 of the 155-kDa Lys2 and activate it for catalysis. Lys2 was subcloned from S. cerevisiae and expressed in and purified from Escherichia coli as a full-length 155-kDa enzyme, as a 105-kDa adenylation/peptidyl carrier protein (A/PCP) fragment (residues 1-924), and as a 14-kDa PCP fragment (residues 809-924). The apo-PCP fragment was covalently modified to phosphopantetheinylated holo-PCP by pure Lys5 and CoASH with a Km of 1 microM and kcat of 3 min-1 for both the PCP and CoASH substrates. The adenylation domain of the A/PCP fragment activated S-carboxymethyl-L-cysteine (kcat/Km = 840 mM-1 min-1) at 16% the efficiency of L-alpha-aminoadipate in [32P]PPi/ATP exchange assays. The holo form of the A/PCP 105-kDa fragment of Lys2 covalently aminoacylated itself with [35S]S-carboxymethyl-L-cysteine. Addition of NADPH discharged the covalent acyl-S-PCP Lys2, consistent with a reductive cleavage of the acyl-S-enzyme intermediate. These results identify the Lys5/Lys2 pair as a two-component system in which Lys5 covalently primes Lys2, allowing alpha-aminoadipate reductase activity by holo-Lys2 with catalytic cycles of autoaminoacylation and reductive cleavage. This is a novel mechanism for a fungal enzyme essential for amino acid metabolism.


In situ effects of mutations of the extrinsic cytochrome c550 of photosystem II in Synechocystis sp. PCC6803.
The H(2)O oxidizing domain of the cyanobacterial photosystem II (PSII) complex contains a low potential, c-type cytochrome termed c(550) that is essential for the in vivo stability of the PSII complex. A mutant lacking cytochrome c(550) (DeltapsbV) in Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 has been further analyzed together with a construct in which the distal axial heme iron ligand, histidine 92, has been substituted with a methionine (C550-H92M). Heme staining of SDS-PAGE showed that the C550-H92M mutation did not disturb the accumulation and heme-binding properties of the cytochrome. In DeltapsbV cells, the number of charge separating PSII centers was estimated to be 56% of the wild type, but of the existing centers, 33% lacked photooxidizable Mn ions. C550-H92M did not discernibly affect the intrinsic PSII electron-transfer kinetics compared to the wild type nor did it exhibit a significant fraction of centers lacking photooxidizable Mn; however, the number of charge separating PSII centers in mutant cells was 69% of the wild type. C550-H92M lost photoautotrophic growth ability in the absence of Ca(2+), but its growth was not affected by depletion of Cl(-), which differs from DeltapsbV. Taken together, the results suggest that in the absence of cytochrome c(550) electron transfer on the donor side is retarded perhaps at the level of Y(z) to P680(+) transfer, the heme ligand. His92 is not absolutely required for assembly of functional PSII centers; however, replacement by methionine prevents normal accumulation of PSII centers in the thylakoid membranes and alters the Ca(2+) requirement of PSII. The results are discussed in terms of current understanding of the Ca(2+) site of PSII.


Diversity of SARS-CoV-2 isolates driven by pressure and health index.
One of the main concerns about the fast spreading coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic is how to intervene. We analysed severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) isolates data using the multifractal approach and found a rich in viral genome diversity, which could be one of the root causes of the fast Covid-19 pandemic and is strongly affected by pressure and health index of the hosts inhabited regions. The calculated mutation rate (mr) is observed to be maximum at a particular pressure, beyond which mr maintains diversity. Hurst exponent and fractal dimension are found to be optimal at a critical pressure (Pm), whereas, for P > Pm and P < Pm, we found rich genome diversity relating to complicated genome organisation and virulence of the virus. The values of these complexity measurement parameters are found to be increased linearly with health index values.


Intrinsic noise induced resonance in presence of sub-threshold signal in Brusselator.
In a system of non-linear chemical reactions called the Brusselator, we show that intrinsic noise can be regulated to drive it to exhibit resonance in the presence of a sub-threshold signal. The phenomena of periodic stochastic resonance and aperiodic stochastic resonance, hitherto studied mostly with extrinsic noise, is demonstrated here to occur with inherent systemic noise using exact stochastic simulation algorithm due to Gillespie. The role of intrinsic noise in a couple of other phenomena is also discussed.


Daptomycin use in a neonate: serum level monitoring and outcome.
We present a case of successfully treated persistent bacteremia due to Gram-positive bacteria with daptomycin in a preterm neonate. Daptomycin was given at higher doses (6 mg/kg/dose) and shorter intervals (every 12 hours) than those recommended for adults with no adverse events. Peak and trough serum concentrations of daptomycin were 27.3 and 11.6 μg/mL [DOSAGE ERROR CORRECTED] at day 4 as well as 22.9 and 7.9 μg/mL [DOSAGE ERROR CORRECTED]at day 11 after initiation of treatment, respectively.


Dengue fever: a primer for the otolaryngologist.
It has been estimated that more than 50 million cases of dengue occur worldwide each year, mostly in the tropics. In light of recent cases appearing in central and southern Florida, dengue has reemerged as a public health issue in the United States with respect to infection control and prevention. We review the course of dengue infection and its clinical presentation from the perspective of the practicing otolaryngologist, and we outline tactics for prevention and management.


Discrete subaortic stenosis.
Data concerning 17 consecutive patients with discrete subaortic stenosis are recorded. Twelve patients underwent operative resection of the obstructing lesion. Of these all except one were symptomatic and all had electrocardiographic evidence of left ventricular hypertrophy or left ventricular hypertrophy with strain. They had a peak resting systolic left ventricular outflow tract gradient of greater than 50 mmHg as predicted from the combined cuff measurement of systolic blood pressure and the echocardiographically estimated left ventricular systolic pressure and/or as determined by cardiac catheterisation. The outflow tract gradient as predicted from M-mode echocardiography and peak systolic pressure showed close correlation with that measured at cardiac catheterisation or operation. During the postoperative follow-up from one month to 11 years, of 11 patients, one patient required a further operation for recurrence of the obstruction four years after the initial operation. All patients are now asymptomatic. Five patients have not had an operation. The left ventricular outflow tract gradient as assessed at the time of cardiac catheterisation was greater than 50 mmHg. One patient has been lost to follow-up. The remaining four have been followed from four to eight years and have remained asymptomatic and the electrocardiograms have remained unchanged. Careful follow-up of all patients is essential with continuing clinical assessment, electrocardiograms, M-mode and two-dimensional echocardiograms, and if necessary cardiac catheterisation. Prophylaxis against bacterial endocarditis is also essential.


Straightforward Synthesis and Properties of Highly Fluorescent [5]- and [7]-Helical Dispiroindeno[2,1-c]fluorenes.
This work presents a general approach for synthesis of substituted [5]-helical dispiroindeno[2,1-c]fluorenes based on Rh-catalyzed intramolecular cyclotrimerization of triynes. This approach was further extended for the first synthesis of configurationally stable [7]-helical dispiroindeno[2,1-c]fluorenes. A series of variously substituted derivatives was prepared and their photophysical and electrochemical properties were evaluated. Their fluorescence emission maxima were in the region of 351-428 nm and quantum yields up to 88 % are the highest measured among the full-carbon helical compounds.


Signature-tagged transposon mutagenesis studies demonstrate the dynamic nature of cecal colonization of 2-week-old chickens by Campylobacter jejuni.
We have constructed plasmids to be used for in vitro signature-tagged mutagenesis (STM) of Campylobacter jejuni and used these to generate STM libraries in three different strains. Statistical analysis of the transposon insertion sites in the C. jejuni NCTC 11168 chromosome and the plasmids of strain 81-176 indicated that their distribution was not uniform. Visual inspection of the distribution suggested that deviation from uniformity was not due to preferential integration of the transposon into a limited number of hot spots but rather that there was a bias towards insertions around the origin. We screened pools of mutants from the STM libraries for their ability to colonize the ceca of 2-week-old chickens harboring a standardized gut flora. We observed high-frequency random loss of colonization proficient mutants. When cohoused birds were individually inoculated with different tagged mutants, random loss of colonization-proficient mutants was similarly observed, as was extensive bird-to-bird transmission of mutants. This indicates that the nature of campylobacter colonization in chickens is complex and dynamic, and we hypothesize that bottlenecks in the colonization process and between-bird transmission account for these observations.


Identification of peptides with targeted adhesion to bone-like mineral via phage display and computational modeling.
The challenges in engineering bone scaffolds reflect the complexity of bone as an organ. The organic-inorganic hybrid system design aims to provide signals within a conductive apatite layer to promote cell adhesion, proliferation and ultimately differentiation into bone tissue. Dual functioning peptides designed to specifically adhere to the apatite layer, while promoting cell adhesion via cell recognition sequences, may increase cell adhesion, leading to increased osteogenesis. The aim of this study is to identify peptide sequences with preferential adsorption towards apatite-based materials. Bone-like mineral films and hydroxyapatite disks were panned with a phage library to elucidate peptide sequences with favorable adsorption. Peptide sequences were analyzed using the web-based biotechnology tool RELIC and validated with a modified ELISA, in addition to being investigated using a newly developed method of high-throughput computational modeling. Peptides having the highest affinity and greatest potential to be incorporated into a dual functioning peptide design are APWHLSSQYSRT, VTKHLNQISQSY and STLPIPHEFSRE. These experiments provide a method of rationally designing peptides that adhere to apatite and that may improve bone tissue regeneration. This work also provides structure for investigating peptide/protein adsorption on apatite substrates with varied carbonate, or other impurity, content.


Return of the lysergamides. Part VII: Analytical and behavioural characterization of 1-valeroyl-d-lysergic acid diethylamide (1V-LSD).
The psychopharmacological properties of the psychedelic drug lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) have attracted the interest of several generations of scientists. While further explorations involving novel LSD-type compounds are needed to assess their potential as medicinal drugs, the emergence of novel derivatives as recreational drugs has also been observed. 1-Valeroyl-LSD (also known as 1-valeryl-LSD, 1-pentanoyl-LSD, 1V-LSD, or "Valerie") is a new N1 -acylated LSD derivative that recently appeared on the online market, and it could be viewed as a higher homolog of ALD-52, 1P-LSD, and 1B-LSD. The present study included the analytical characterization and involved various methods of mass spectrometry (MS), gas and liquid chromatography (GC and LC), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, GC-solid-state infrared (GC-sIR) analysis, and Raman spectroscopy. The in vivo activity of 1V-LSD was assessed using the mouse head-twitch response (HTR), a 5-HT2A -mediated head movement that serves as a behavioral proxy in rodents for human hallucinogenic effects. Similar to LSD and other psychedelic drugs, the HTR induced by 1V-LSD was dose dependent, and the median effective dose for 1V-LSD was 373 nmol/kg, which was about a third of the potency of LSD (ED50 = 132.8 nmol/kg). Lysergamides containing the N1 -substituent typically act as weak partial agonists at the 5-HT2A receptor and are believed to serve as prodrugs for LSD. 1V-LSD is also likely to be hydrolyzed to LSD and serve as a prodrug, but studies to assess the biotransformation and receptor pharmacology of 1V-LSD should be performed to fully elucidate its mechanism of action.


Haemoglobin Concentration and Cognitive Ability in the Aberdeen Children of the 1950s.
Introduction Haemoglobin concentrations decrease with age. Abnormally low and high haemoglobin concentrations are associated with reduced cognition; however, the evidence for these associations in cohort data is limited. This study aims to assess the relationship between haemoglobin concentration and cognition in a well-characterised cohort of older adults. Methods Two hundred and fifty-two healthy participants were drawn from the Aberdeen Children of the 1950s cohort, aged between 59 to 65 years. Participants underwent cognitive tests of processing speed, memory, verbal and nonverbal reasoning, and language ability and these were used to construct a global cognitive score, g, using principal component analysis. Haemoglobin concentration in the blood was measured concurrently. Hierarchical multiple regression models were constructed assessing the relationship between haemoglobin concentration and each cognitive measure and these were corrected for age, sex, education, C-reactive protein, hypertension, and body mass index. Results Significant linear association between haemoglobin concentration and nonverbal reasoning demonstrated that low haemoglobin levels are associated with lower scores. A quadratic relationship was found for haemoglobin concentration and immediate memory scores in which low and high haemoglobin levels were associated with lower scores. Conclusions Haemoglobin concentration was found to have a significant linear association with nonverbal reasoning scores and a significant quadratic association with memory scores. The results from this study help to understand the association between haemoglobin and different aspects of cognition.


A cathepsin L-like proteinase is involved in moulting and metamorphosis in Helicoverpa armigera.
Holometabolous insects undergo larval moulting and metamorphosis within their life cycle. A cDNA encoding the cathepsin L-like proteinase Ha-cathL has been cloned from Helicoverpa armigera. It has a sequence of 1826 bp and encodes a 550-residue protein with a molecular mass of 63 kDa. Northern blot analysis indicated that Ha-cathL is specifically expressed in haemocytes, with increased expression during larval moulting and metamorphosis. In vivo experimentation revealed that Ha-cathL is up-regulated by 20-hydroxyecdysone. Meanwhile, in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry revealed that Ha-cathL mRNA is mainly expressed in granulocytes and plasmatocytes. Knock down of cathepsin L by RNA interference results in larvae death before pupation or the formation of a chimeric pupa containing a larval head and thorax, abnormal wings and the pupal abdomen. The reason for this is that the affected haemocytes cannot become granulated, and therefore cannot participate in fat body remodelling and wing development. These facts suggest that Ha-cathL is involved in larval moulting and metamorphosis by participating in the functioning of haemocytes.


Berta Bornstein's "Frankie": The Contemporary Relevance of a Classic to the Treatment of Children with Disruptive Symptoms.
In this paper the lasting effect of the work of Berta Bornstein is described, particularly the technique of interpreting defenses against unpleasant emotions when beginning an analysis with a young child. This technique is illustrated in the analysis of the patient she called "Frankie" (1949). Although her work is rarely cited (perhaps because she did not publish widely as a result of the dominance of the oral tradition at the New York Psychoanalytic Society and Institute), her work remains centralfor child psychoanalysis and psychodynamic psychotherapy, with the evolution of the experience-near technique of interpreting defenses against unpleasant emotions. The applicability of Bornstein's ideas to contemporary ideas about affect regulation and the treatment of disruptive children is discussed.


Determination of trace elements in dairy milk collected from the environment of coal-fired power plant.
In the present study the environmental effects on herbivores mammals in and around Coal-fired power plant were studied by collecting the various milk samples of Cow and Buffalo in clean polyethylene bottles. Milk samples collected at five different locations along the banks of the Paravanaru river in and around Neyveli area. These samples were prepared for trace metal determination. The concentration of trace metals (Cu, Zn, Ni, Cd, Cr, Mn, Co and Hg) were determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES) and Cold Vapour Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (CVAAS). It is observed that the samples contain greater amounts of trace metals than that in the unexposed areas. Obviously the milk samples are contaminated with these metals due to fly ash released in such environment.


[IgA nephropathy--IgA1 disease].
The aim of this study was to prove the increased IgA1 production in patients with IgA nephropathy compared to the control group of healthy subjects, by determination of serum subclasses IgA, IgA1 and IgA2 levels. That with the exclusive presence of IgA1 in kidney tissue, justified the assertion that IgAN was IgA1 disease. Eighteen patients with IgA nephropathy, 15 male and 3 female, average age 17-54 (mean +/- SD = 34.1 +/- 5.18) were included in the prospective study. The diagnosis was proved by immunofluorescent assay of bioptic kidney material obtained by ultrasonically guided biopsy. The total serum IgA and IgA1 and IgA2 subclasses levels were determined in the patients and healthy conscripts from the control group. The methods of immunonephelometry and radial immunodiffusion were used. Increased IgA values were found in 22.75% and of IgA1 subclass in 38.85% patients. Patients with IgA nephropathy had significantly higher IgA1 values (p < 0.01), compared to the control group. There was no significant difference in IgA2 subclass levels. Renal function did not significantly affect IgA1 and IgA2 subclasses values.


Polyplexes of polyethylenimine and per-N-methylated polyethylenimine-cytotoxicity and transfection efficiency.
For non-viral gene delivery, the carriers for DNA transfer into cells must be vastly improved. The branched cationic polymer polyethylenimine has been described as an efficient gene carrier. However, polyethylenimine was demonstrated to mediate substantial cytotoxicity. Therefore, this study is aimed at investigating per-N-methylated polyethylenimine, which is thought to have a much lower cytotoxicity due to its lower charge density. Results from a gel retardation assay and laser light scattering indicated that per-N-methylated polyethylenimine condenses DNA into small and compact nanoparticles with a mean diameter <150 nm. Furthermore, polyplexes of polyethylenimine and per-N-methylated polyethylenimine with DNA had a positive zeta potential and the polymers protected DNA from nuclease-mediated digestion. The transfection efficiency of polyethylenimine and per-N-methylated polyethylenimine was tested in CHO-K1 cells. Using green fluorescent protein as reporter gene and flow cytometry analysis, we demonstrated that per-N-methylated polyethylenimine has a lower cytotoxicity, but also a significantly lower transfection efficiency. Using propidium iodide staining, we could additionally distinguish between viable and dead cells. At NP > or = 12, per-N-methylated polyethylenimine showed a much higher cell viability and the ratio of viable and transfected cells to dead and transfected cells was about 1.5 to 1.7 fold higher than for polyethylenimine. The results of cell viability from flow cytometry analysis were confirmed by the MTS assay. Using luciferase reporter gene for transfection experiments, the gene expression of per-N-methylated polyethylenimine was lower at NP 6, 12 and 18 as compared to polyethylenimine, but at NP 24 it yielded similar levels.


Partial Characterization of a Potassium-stimulated Adenosine Triphosphatase from the Plasma Membrane of Meristematic and Mature Soybean Root Tissue.
A K(+)-stimulated adenosine triphosphatase was partially characterized in plasma membrane from meristematic and mature soybean root tissue. The substrate concentrations required for maximum enzyme activity (3 millimolar Mg.ATP) and pH optimum (6.5) were similar for both systems. Enrichment studies, performed to ensure that the membrane vesicle preparations were comparable, indicated similar purity levels at selected steps during purification. Phospholipid and sterol analyses further substantiated their similarity.Enzyme studies revealed significantly greater ATPase activity, per unit membrane protein, in the meristematic region. Mixing experiments indicated that the lower level of activity associated with vesicles from mature tissue was not due to endogenous inhibitor(s).


Validation of a rating scale of perceived exertion in young children.
The aim of this study was to develop and validate a scale rating the perceived exertion of young children (RPE-C) who do not read. This scale presents seven pictures showing a man who becomes progressively fatigued. In order to evaluate this scale, we examined its reliability and sensitivity. Thirteen children (aged 5 to 6 years) completed two identical incremental maximal running trials during a period of one week. A group of 12 adolescents and a group of 12 adults also tested the RPE-C by performing one trial under the same experimental conditions as the child group. RPE-C was recorded at the end of each load level. Statistical analysis revealed significant effects for velocity (F = 23.98, p < 0.0001) with non-significant effects for the trials. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) revealed an acceptable reliability of RPE-C at low and high exercise intensities but also showed a low reliability at intermediate load levels (0.17 < ICC < 0.77). A significant correlation between RPE-C and heart rate (r2 = 0.61, p < 0.0001) was observed in children. However, the r2 level was lower than that observed for the adolescent or adult groups. This finding demonstrates the sensitivity of RPE-C to discriminate the effects of age on perceived exertion. RPE-C seems to be a good tool which can be used in young children to monitor exercise performed at low and high intensities.


Biocontrol of Carrot Disease-Causing Pathogens Using Essential Oils.
Diseases caused by fungal pathogens such as Alternaria spp. damage the commercial appearance of carrots or cause foliage diseases, resulting in significant yield losses each year and are a source of pre- and postharvest rots. European commission encourages the reduction of chemical pesticides. Therefore, the potential of essential oils for alternative plant protection is increasingly discussed. Furthermore, essential oils naturally produced by aromatic plants are rich in secondary metabolites, which possess several biological activities, and their use could be a significant step in environmentally friendly food production. This study aimed to evaluate the Origanum vulgare subsp. vulgare and Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum essential oils efficacy on Alternaria spp. growth inhibition. A Clevenger-type apparatus was used to extract the essential oils from the fresh material. The Alternaria spp. radial colony growth was evaluated under essential oils concentrations from 200 to 600 µL L-1. Each essential oil separately was mixed with a PDA medium and Alternaria spp. disk placed in the center of the Petri dishes. Plates were incubated at 25 °C in the dark and evaluated 1, 2, 3, and 7 days after inoculation. The results revealed little difference between the essential oils, and the most effective concentration was 600 µL L-1 of O. vulgare subsp. vulgare essential oil and 400 µL L-1 of O. vulgare subsp. hirtum. Our findings can help to control carrot disease-causing pathogens Alternaria spp., but further research is needed.


Transmission of brucellosis from reindeer to cattle.
Sixteen reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) naturally infected with Brucella suis biovar 4 were penned with 6 male and 2 female cattle for 30 days, then removed and euthanatized. During this period, 5 reindeer had fawns, and 2 reindeer aborted. Brucella suis biovar 4 was recovered from all adult reindeer at necropsy. Nine reindeer had B suis biovar 4 in uterus, udder, and/or milk. The cattle were euthanatized 2 months after the reindeer were removed. Clinical or pathologic signs of disease were not observed in the cattle. Brucella suis biovar 4 was isolated from 2 male and from both female cattle at necropsy. The female cattle had positive reactions on the buffered plate antigen test, brucellosis card test, tube agglutination test, complement fixation test, and indirect enzyme immunoassay for most of the experiment, but the males had inconsistent reactions on these tests. The indirect enzyme immunoassay was the only test to detect all cattle from which bacteria were cultured. This study revealed that caution is warranted before moving reindeer or caribou into areas of traditional agriculture.


The modulatory effect of leptin on the overall insulin production in ex-vivo normal rat pancreas.
Leptin has a modulator effect on glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. To define the influences of different glucose (4, 8, 12, and 16 mmol/L) and leptin (5, 10, 15, and 20 nmol/L) concentrations on total insulin release in ex vivo pancreatic preparations, a customized perfusion technique was used. Such a profile of concentration brought about an index for the combined effect of leptin and glucose on the production of insulin. Insulin output was measured by radioimmunoassay. Stimulated by glucose alone in the control group, insulin secretion confirmed a bi-phasic pattern. Addition of leptin in the experimental group suppressed insulin secretion compared with control. A U-shape pattern of suppression was observed when the leptin and stimulatory glucose concentrations were combined. At 12 mmol/L glucose, leptin showed maximal insulin suppression. Leptin's effect on insulin was glucose dependent and showed a reproducible U-shaped pattern of suppression, which implicated possible direct dose-dependent interaction between leptin and glucose on insulin secretion.


The effect of situation, background, assessment, recommendation-based safety program on patient safety culture in intensive care unit nurses.
Patient safety culture is an integral part of patient care standards and a prerequisite for safe care. SBAR is an acronym for Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation; this communication model has gained popularity in health-care settings, especially among professions such as nursing. However, there is little evidence that nursing professional education can enhance patient safety culture. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a SBAR-based training program on patient safety culture in intensive care unit (ICU) nurses. The quasi-experimental study was carried out in 2018-2019 at areas covered by Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Iran. This study was performed on 60 nurses working in ICU. The participants were randomly assigned to two experimental and control groups of 30 each. For the experimental group, five workshop sessions of SBAR-based program were held. For the control group, the patient delivery process was performed according to the ward routine. Data were collected using patient safety culture questionnaires before and 1 month after the intervention, and were analyzed using descriptive and analytical tests such as paired t-test, independent t-test, and Chi-square test by SPSS 22. The mean score of safety culture was 31 ± 23.5 and 55.2 ± 28.6 in frequency of reporting events, 32.8 ± 17.8 and 54.3 ± 19 in overall perception of patient safety, 23 ± 20.1 and 52.9 ± 26 in communication channel openness, and 35.2 ± 19.8 and 52.4 ± 18.8 in information exchange and conveyance before and after training intervention, respectively, so that they improved from poor level to neutral-moderate level. There was no strength in any dimensions of safety culture; however, the implementation of the SBAR-based program was significantly associated with patient safety culture (P < 0.001). Improving patient safety culture requires attention to patient safety models such as SBAR approach that provides an appropriate and reliable structure for quality improvement. SBAR-based program training is effective in promoting patient safety culture; therefore, it is recommended that managers use this technique to promote patient safety culture.


Sensitization of upper airway mechanoreceptors as a new pharmacologic principle to treat obstructive sleep apnea: investigations with AVE0118 in anesthetized pigs.
Drug treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is desirable because at least 30% of patients do not tolerate continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment. The negative pressure reflex (NPR) involving superficially located mechanoreceptors in the upper airway (UA) is an important mechanism for UA patency inhibitable by topical UA anesthesia (lidocaine). The NPR may serve as a target for pharmacological intervention for a topical treatment of OSA. The objective was to determine the effect of pharmacological augmentation of the NPR on UA collapsibility. We developed a model of UA collapsibility in which application of negative pressures caused UA collapses in spontaneously breathing α-chloralose-urethane anesthetized pigs as indicated by characteristic tracheal pressure and air flow changes. N/A. N/A. N/A. The potassium channel blocker AVE0118 administered topically to the UA in doses of 1, 3, and 10 mg per nostril sensitized the NPR, shifting the mechanoreceptor response threshold for the genioglossus muscle to more positive pressures (P < 0.001; n = 6 per group) and dose-dependently inhibited UA collapsibility. Ten mg of AVE0118 prevented UA collapses against negative pressures of -150 mbar (P < 0.01) for > 4 h in all pigs, while in control pigs the UA collapsed at -50 mbar or less negative pressures. The effect of AVE0118 was abolished by UA lidocaine anesthesia. Acute intravenous administration of naloxone or acetazolamide was ineffective; paroxetine and mirtazepine were weakly effective and fluoxetine was moderately effective in line with reported clinical efficacy. Topical administration of AVE0118 to the UA is a promising pharmacologic approach for the treatment of OSA.


Adverse events associated with concurrent chemoradiation therapy in patients with head and neck cancer.
To assess toxicities, functional outcomes, and health-related quality of life associated with concurrent chemoradiation therapy (CRT) in patients with head and neck cancer. Prospective and retrospective outcomes study. Tertiary care institution. Participants in the longitudinal Outcomes Assessment Project whose head and neck cancer was treated with CRT between February 1, 2000, and March 1, 2007 (n = 104). Patients prospectively provided functional and health-related quality of life information, including data from the 1-year and most current follow-up visits. Medical records were reviewed to determine toxicity and survival rates. Well-defined acute and late toxicities; functional outcomes (diet, dentition, tracheostomies); head and neck cancer-specific, general health, and depression outcomes; and survival rates. Most patients had oropharyngeal or laryngeal tumors (87.5%) and advanced-stage disease (75.0%). Approximately one-half had hematologic toxicities and toxicity-related treatment delays. Approximately one-quarter had neurotoxicities and/or ototoxicites, moist desquamation, pneumonia, nausea and vomiting requiring hospitalization or intravenous fluids, dehydration or malnutrition requiring hospitalization, and mild or moderate fever. Although patients receiving the current intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) protocol using the Pinnacle(3) planning system had more toxicity-related treatment delays, they had fewer toxicities and better functional and health-related quality of life outcomes compared with those receiving conventional lateral opposing-field radiation or the initial IMRT protocol using the Best nomos PEACOCK planning system. Patients receiving CRT experience a substantial number of treatment-related adverse events, primarily affecting oropharyngeal and laryngeal function, with improvement noted for the current IMRT protocol. Improving dental prosthetic rehabilitation and including evaluations with speech and swallowing pathologists before and during treatment may enhance patient outcomes.


Burns from orthodontic pliers.
A case of burn injury from orthodontic pliers resulting in a partial-thickness burn is presented. A brief description of the injury, a review of the pertinent literature, and general guidelines for out-patient management of such burns are also presented.


Development of polymeric micelles for targeting intractable cancers.
In relation to recent advances in nanobiotechnologies, cancer-targeted therapy using nano-scaled drug carriers (nanocarriers) has been attracting enormous attention with success in clinical studies. Polymeric micelles, core-shell-type nanoparticles formed through the self-assembly of block copolymers, are one of the most promising nanocarrier, because their critical features such as size, stability, and drug incorporation efficiency and release rate can be modulated by designing the constituent block copolymers. The utilities of polymeric micelles have been reported not only in experimental tumor models in mice but also in clinical studies. In this article, we aim to explain the rationale of designing polymeric micelles for targeting intractable cancers such as pancreatic cancer, glioblastoma, and metastases. Also, we review recent progress in clinical studies on polymeric micelles incorporating anticancer drugs. In addition, we introduce the next generation of polymeric micelles as the platform integrated with smart functionalities such as targetability, environmental sensitivity, and imaging properties. Thus, polymeric micelles can realize safe and effective cancer therapy, and offer tailor-made medicines for individual patients.


Deposition from Ultra-Low Volume Application of Public Health Insecticides in a Hot Desert Environment.
Three insecticides commonly used for mosquito and sand fly control were applied 30 min to 3 h after sunset during June and July 2010, at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, to determine the relative quantity of pesticides to height and distance traveled in a hot desert environment. A BVA dilution oil was used for the control. Oil-based adulticides were sprayed using a truck-mounted Curtis DynaFog Maxi-Pro 4 ultra-low volume (ULV) sprayer. Malathion (Fyfanon ULV, 96% active ingredient [AI]), resmethrin (Scourge 4+12, 4% AI), pyrethrins (ULD BP-300, 3% AI), and BVA Spray 13 (100% refined petroleum distillate) were mixed with Uvitex optical brightener fluorescent dye and applied at 2 speeds on evenings when wind speed was less than 16.1 km/h (10 mph). Collection targets using biodegradable cotton ribbons (1 m×2.5 cm) were later read with a fluorometer to quantify the amount of insecticide deposited on targets set at heights of 15.2, 76.2, and 152.4 cm (6, 30, and 60 in.) and distances of 1.5, 6.1, 15.2, 30.5, 61.0, and 91.4 m (5, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 300 ft). Mean insecticide deposition across all distances was 31% on 76.2-cm targets and 49% on 152.4-cm targets, while 15.2-cm targets typically collected <20% of test spray. Mean ground temperatures were typically within 5°C of air temperatures at 152.4 cm and within 1 to 5°C of air at 15.2 cm or 76.2 cm. Collectively, mean insecticide deposition was 80% at or above 76.2 cm for all insecticides. This finding may explain in part why control of low-flying phlebotomine sand flies with ULV insecticides has been met with less than optimal success by US military forces deployed in the Middle East.


Optical multiscale morphological processor using a complex-valued kernel.
Morphological transformations are typically performed on binary images by convolution with a binary kernel, which is followed by a threshold. We present an alternate approach that uses a complex-valued kernel with odd symmetry to perform these morphological operations. The complex-valued kernel increases the information-processing ability of the processor with no increase in system complexity. One advantage is that the processor operates on all constant regions of a gray-level image in parallel. A scale-space representation of this processor is obtained by varying the size of the kernel continuously through a range of scales. By using redundant information in the scale representation, this system is found to be robust in the presence of noise and spatial nonuniformities in the image. An optical system to perform morphological filtering based on this system is presented.


Idarubicin. A review of its pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties, and therapeutic potential in the chemotherapy of cancer.
Idarubicin is a 4-demethoxy-anthracycline analogue of daunorubicin which, when administered intravenously in combination with cytarabine, has therapeutic efficacy superior to that of standard induction and salvage treatment regimens in acute myelogenous leukaemia. Idarubicin alone or in combination regimens has also been effective in limited studies in patients with other acute leukaemias, advanced breast cancer, multiple myeloma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Idarubicin is more lipophilic than its parent drug daunorubicin. It intercalates DNA, induces DNA strand breaks and delays cell cycle progression. Leucopenia is often dose-limiting in patients with solid tumours treated with idarubicin, and most other adverse effects are similar in incidence and severity to those experienced with other anthracycline cytotoxic agents, except for alopecia which appears to occur with a reduced incidence and severity. Cardiotoxic effects have been reported with idarubicin as with other anthracyclines, but animal data and preliminary clinical findings suggest the possibility of reduced cardiotoxicity with idarubicin--a potentially important advantage if confirmed on further study. A maximum cumulative dose of idarubicin beyond which the incidence of cardiotoxicity rapidly increases has not been determined. Thus, intravenous idarubicin is a useful alternative to other anthracyclines (particularly in combination with cytarabine) in the treatment of acute myelogenous leukaemia, and there is some evidence that it is less cardiotoxic than other anthracycline drugs. Further studies are required to establish the use of intravenous idarubicin as a replacement for other intravenous anthracyclines, especially its effect on response duration and survival, and to confirm the evidence of reduced cardiotoxic effects. The role of idarubicin as consolidation and maintenance therapy for various malignancies requires further investigation, as does the potential use of oral idarubicin which is currently under development.


Metal fume fever presenting as aseptic meningitis with pericarditis, pleuritis and pneumonitis.
Metal fume fever (MFF) is a well-known complication of zinc oxide fume inhalation. Prompt recognition of this condition is essential for the proper medical management of this self-limited disease. To present a unique and unusual case of MFF. Our patient is a 25-year-old male welder who had MFF and presented with aseptic meningitis with pericarditis, pleuritis and pneumonitis. To our knowledge, this is the first case of MMF presenting with these signs and symptoms. MFF can present with a systemic inflammatory response causing a multi-organ serositis. Our case highlights the utmost importance of obtaining an occupational history on all our patients, even if they are critically ill.


VA family service access and utilization in a national sample of veterans.
Relationship and family difficulties are common experiences for military veterans, who are able to access family services (i.e., couple and family therapy) through the Veterans Affairs (VA) Healthcare System. This study examines demographic, mental health, military, and referral source variables associated with referral to and utilization of family services using a large national VA dataset of 22,969 veterans who were referred to couple or family therapy from 2016 to 2019. Of those referred, 44.39% had a completed referral; among those who initiated therapy, 31.11% attended five or more sessions. Logistic regression was used to evaluate predictors of completed referrals and of attending five or more sessions of couple or family therapy. Veterans identifying as Black/African American, American Indian or Alaska Native were less likely to have a completed referral than non-Hispanic White veterans; moreover, veterans identifying as Black/African American or Hispanic were less likely to attend five or more sessions. Lower likelihood of a completed referral was also associated with rural county residence, being separated, post-9/11 service era, a substance use disorder diagnosis, and being referred by a psychiatrist, neurologist, physician, or nursing staff rather than a psychologist. Lower likelihood of attending five or more sessions was associated with a delay of 22 or more days to intake, an adjustment disorder diagnosis, and being referred from VA specialty care, or by a psychiatrist or neurologist. These findings may help inform efforts for outreach and service retention within VA family services in order to ensure equity in access to care and healthcare utilization. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).


Sulfide sensor based on the room-temperature phosphorescence of ZnO/SiO2 nanocomposite.
An environmentally friendly sulfide sensor based on the room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) of the ZnO/SiO(2) nanocomposite has been developed. The ZnO/SiO(2) nanocomposite prepared by the sol-gel route produces highly emissive broadband RTP which can be clearly observed by the naked eye. The phosphorescence intensity monitored at 460 nm (excitation at 320 nm) decreases with increasing sulfide ions concentrations. The response behavior of the sensor is dependent on the pH value of the solution. At pH 10, the sensor shows a good, linear response to sulfide from 4.88 x 10(-5) to 1.02 x 10(-2) M with a detection limit of 1.64 x 10(-6) M (3sigma). It has been successfully applied to the determination of sulfide in spiked water and wastewater. Furthermore, this sensor can be regenerated by dipping it into an H(2)O(2) solution. The mechanisms for the RTP detection of sulfide based on the ZnO/SiO(2) nanocomposite and the sensor regeneration by H(2)O(2) are proposed.


Neuroprotection by 21-aminosteroids: insights from latencies of anoxic terminal negativity in hippocampus slices of guinea pig.
The protection of neuronal function by 21-aminosteroids against a hypoxic challenge was tested in guinea pig hippocampal slices. 21-aminosteroids, which apart from a protective mechanism against membrane lipid peroxidation, provide direct membrane stabilizing effects, are reported. We tested whether the 21-aminosteroid U-74389G delays the anoxic terminal negativity (ATN) of the DC-potential during hypoxia. Hippocampal slices were placed at the interface of artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF) and gaseous phase (normoxic: 95% O2, 5% CO2; hypoxic: 95% N2, 5% CO2). Population spikes obtained by stimulation of Schaffer-collaterals as well as the DC-Potential were recorded in the CA1 region. The latency of appearance of ATN after oxygen deprivation was determined. In control experiments, the latency of ATN was 12.6 +/- 3.1 min (n = 6, mean +/- SEM). With application of U-74389G, the ATN-latency was 8.8 +/- 3.2 min (n = 6). We conclude that the cerebroprotective effect of the 21-aminosteroid is not mediated via direct membrane stabilization.


ACTH-secreting islet cell tumor of the pancreas presenting as bilateral ovarian tumors and Cushing's syndrome.
A 41-year-old woman presented with hirsutism, a pelvic mass, and Cushing's syndrome. Imaging studies revealed bilateral ovarian masses and a solid and cystic mass within the pancreas. Partial pancreatectomy, bilateral oophorectomy, and excision of several peritoneal tumor nodules were performed. Pathological examination revealed a neuroendocrine islet cell tumor of the pancreas with bilateral ovarian metastases. The tumor was immunoreactive for ACTH, chromogranin, neuron-specific enolase, and keratin. The patient received postoperative chemotherapy and has been disease-free for 6 years. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of an ACTH-secreting pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor presenting as bilateral ovarian metastases.


Loose women or lost women? The re-emergence of the myth of white slavery in contemporary discourses of trafficking in women.
This article compares current concerns about "trafficking in women" with turn of the century discourses about "white slavery". It traces the emergence of narratives on "white slavery" and their reemergence in the moral panics and boundary crises of contemporary discourses on "trafficking in women". Drawing on historical analysis and contemporary representations of sex worker migration, the paper argues that the narratives of innocent, virginal victims purveyed in the "trafficking in women" discourse are a modern version of the myth of "white slavery". These narratives, the article argues, reflect persisting anxieties about female sexuality and women's autonomy. Racialized representations of the migrant "Other" as helpless, child-like, victims strips sex workers of their agency. This article argues that while the myth of "trafficking in women"/"white slavery" is ostensibly about protecting women, the underlying moral concern is with the control of "loose women". Through the denial of migrant sex workers' agency, these discourses serve to reinforce notions of female dependence and purity that serve to further marginalize sex workers and undermine their human rights.


Axial length, vitreoretinal pathology, and anterior chamber depth can predict postoperative refractive outcomes in phacovitrectomy/silicone oil removal.
To evaluate the postoperative refractive prediction error (PE) and determine the factors that affect the refractive outcomes of combined pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) or silicone oil removal (SOR) with cataract surgery. The study is a retrospective, case-series study. Totally 301 eyes of 301 patients undergoing combined PPV/SOR with cataract surgery were enrolled. Eligible individuals were separated into four groups according to their preoperative diagnoses: silicone oil-filled eyes after PPV (group 1), epiretinal membrane (group 2), macular hole (group 3), and primary retinal detachment (RD; group 4). The variables affecting postoperative refractive outcomes were analyzed, including age, gender, preoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), axial length (AL), keratometry average, anterior chamber depth (ACD), intraocular tamponade, and vitreoretinal pathology. The outcome measurements include the mean refractive PE and the proportions of eyes with a PE within ±0.50 diopter (D) and ±1.00 D. For all patients, the mean PE was -0.04±1.17 D, and 50.17% of patients (eyes) had a PE within ±0.50 D. There was a significant difference in refractive outcomes among the four groups (P=0.028), with RD (group 4) showing the least favorable refractive outcome. In multivariate regression analysis, only AL, vitreoretinal pathology, and ACD were strongly associated with PE (all P<0.01). Univariate analysis revealed that longer eyes (AL>26 mm) and a deeper ACD were correlated with hyperopic PE, and shorter eyes (AL<26 mm) and a shallower ACD were correlated with myopic PE. RD patients have the least favorable refractive outcome. AL, vitreoretinal pathology, and ACD are strongly associated with PE in the combined surgery. These three factors affect refractive outcomes and thus can be used to predict a better postoperative refractive outcome in clinical practice.


[Study of CdTe quantum dots as fluorescence probe to detect trace amount of Pb2+].
The surface modified quantum dots (QDs) as fluorescence probe to quantitatively detect the Pb2+ in water phase was studied in the paper. Using the mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) as the stabilizer, the CdTe quantum dots were synthesized in water phase. Based on the quenching effect of the Pb2+ on the QDs fluorescence, the method for detecting trace Pb2+ using QDs as probe was established. The results showed that the relationship between the Pb2+ concentration and the quenching intensity of the QDs (Delta F) while the Pb2+ concentration ranged from 1.0 x 10(-8) to 1.0 x 10(-6) mol x L(-1) was fairly linear, and the correlation coefficient was 0.997 2. The detection limit was 9.3 x 10(-10) mol x L(-1). The RSD was 5.9%, and the recovery rate was between 86% and 110%. The study of the interference of the metal ions showed that the method was highly selective.


[Lymphoepithelial cysts of the parotid gland. Its association with immunodeficiency virus infection].
Lymphoepithelial cysts of the parotid gland are frequently associated with HIV disease. We describe a case of a patient positive for HIV antibodies, stade A2, and extracapsular, bilateral and symmetric lymphoepithelial cysts of the parotid. The diagnosis was achieved by biopsy following a cervicotomy. A prior needle-biopsy procedure was disappointing. Literature review and discussion about the source and envolvement of those cysts linked to HIV-infection.


Graphene: A Cathode Material of Choice for Aluminum-Ion Batteries.
The pairing of an aluminum anode with a cathode of high energy and power density determines the future of aluminum-ion battery technology. The question is-"Is there any suitable cathode material which is capable of storing sufficiently large amount of trivalent aluminum-ions at relatively higher operating potential?". Graphene emerges to be a fitting answer. Graphene emerged in the research arena of aluminum-ion battery merely three years ago. However, research progress in this front has since been tremendous. Outperforming all other known cathode materials, several remarkable breakthroughs have been made with graphene, in offering extraordinary energy density, power density, cycle life, thermal stability, safety and flexibility. The future of the Al-graphene couple is indeed bright. This Minireview highlights the electrochemical performances, advantages and challenges of using graphene as the cathode in aluminum-ion batteries in conjugation with chloroaluminate based electrolytes. Additionally, the complex mechanism of charge storage in graphene is also elaborated.


On-line discussion boards: impact on caregiver reports of satisfaction, support and decision making in health care.
Informatics initiatives, including on-line discussion boards, increase the accessibility of health care information and may strengthen patient and caregiver levels of satisfaction with health care. In 2005, 95% of the living organ donors in the U.S. were living kidney donors. Care of the donor frequently falls to the spouse/companion and has been reported as extremely stressful. The proposed study seeks to better prepare the caregiver through the use of online information- discussion board interaction.


The economic impact of organic production in Brazil: A study based on municipal production hotspots.
The agroecological products market has increased substantially worldwide in recent decades. As a traditional agricultural country, Brazil has followed this trend and has increased the production of certified organic products in recent years. In addition, the country is one of the largest consumer markets in Latin America. This study aims to measure the effects of organic production on the economic development of municipalities through spatial analysis and econometric methodologies. Thus, it estimates the impact of organic production hotspots on the 2017 gross domestic product of Brazilian municipalities and the agriculture gross value added. The results indicate that the organic hotspots had a positive effect on both variables. Therefore, the results corroborate incentives for organic production as an alternative for the sustainable development of the agricultural sector.


Quantitative MRI volumetry, diffusivity, cerebrovascular flow, and cranial hydrodynamics during head-down tilt and hypercapnia: the SPACECOT study.
To improve the pathophysiological understanding of visual changes observed in astronauts, we aimed to use quantitative MRI to measure anatomic and physiological responses during a ground-based spaceflight analog (head-down tilt, HDT) combined with increased ambient carbon dioxide (CO2). Six healthy, male subjects participated in the double-blinded, randomized crossover design study with two conditions: 26.5 h of -12° HDT with ambient air and with 0.5% CO2, both followed by 2.5-h exposure to 3% CO2 Volume and mean diffusivity quantification of the lateral ventricle and phase-contrast flow sequences of the internal carotid arteries and cerebral aqueduct were acquired at 3 T. Compared with supine baseline, HDT (ambient air) resulted in an increase in lateral ventricular volume (P = 0.03). Cerebral blood flow, however, decreased with HDT in the presence of either ambient air or 0.5% CO2 (P = 0.002 and P = 0.01, respectively); this was partially reversed by acute 3% CO2 exposure. Following HDT (ambient air), exposure to 3% CO2 increased aqueductal cerebral spinal fluid velocity amplitude (P = 0.01) and lateral ventricle cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) mean diffusivity (P = 0.001). We concluded that HDT causes alterations in cranial anatomy and physiology that are associated with decreased craniospinal compliance. Brief exposure to 3% CO2 augments CSF pulsatility within the cerebral aqueduct and lateral ventricles.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Head-down tilt causes increased lateral ventricular volume and decreased cerebrovascular flow after 26.5 h. Additional short exposure to 3% ambient carbon dioxide levels causes increased cerebrovascular flow associated with increased cerebrospinal fluid pulsatility at the cerebral aqueduct. Head-down tilt with chronically elevated 0.5% ambient carbon dioxide and acutely elevated 3% ambient carbon dioxide causes increased mean diffusivity of cerebral spinal fluid within the lateral ventricles.


Directed evolution of artificial repeat proteins as habit modifiers for the morphosynthesis of (111)-terminated gold nanocrystals.
Natural biocomposites are shaped by proteins that have evolved to interact with inorganic materials. Protein directed evolution methods which mimic Darwinian evolution have proven highly successful to generate improved enzymes or therapeutic antibodies but have rarely been used to evolve protein-material interactions. Indeed, most reported studies have focused on short peptides and a wide range of oligopeptides with chemical binding affinity for inorganic materials have been uncovered by phage display methods. However, their small size and flexible unfolded structure prevent them from dictating the shape and crystallinity of the growing material. In the present work, a specific set of artificial repeat proteins (αRep), which exhibit highly stable 3D folding with a well-defined hypervariable interacting surface, is selected by directed evolution of a very efficient home-built protein library for their high and selective affinity for the Au(111) surface. The proteins are built from the extendable concatenation of self-compatible repeated motifs idealized from natural HEAT proteins. The high-yield synthesis of Au(111)-faceted nanostructures mediated by these αRep proteins demonstrates their chemical affinity and structural selectivity that endow them with high crystal habit modification performances. Importantly, we further exploit the protein shell spontaneously assembled on the nanocrystal facets to drive protein-mediated colloidal self-assembly and on-surface enzymatic catalysis. Our method constitutes a generic tool for producing nanocrystals with determined faceting, superior biocompatibility and versatile bio-functionalization towards plasmon-based devices and (bio)molecular sensors.


The effects of season, daylight saving and time of sunrise on serum cortisol in a large population.
Cortisol is critical for maintenance of health and homeostasis and factors affecting cortisol levels are of clinical importance. There is conflicting information about the effects of season on morning cortisol and little information on the effects of sunlight on population cortisol assessment. The aim of this study was to assess whether changes in median serum cortisol occurred in a population in conjunction with changing seasons, daylight saving time (DST) or time of sunrise. We analysed serum cortisol results (n = 27,569) from a single large laboratory over a 13-year period. Subjects with confounding medications or medical conditions were excluded and data analysed in 15-minute intervals. We assessed the influence of traditional seasons, seasons determined by equinox/solstice, DST and time of sunrise on median cortisol. The median time of cortisol collection did not vary significantly between seasons. Using traditional seasons, median cortisol was lowest in summer (386 nmol/L) and spring (384 nmol/L) with higher cortisol in autumn (406 nmol/L) and winter (414 nmol/L). Median cortisol was lowest in the summer solstice quarter with significant comparative increases in the spring equinox quarter (3.1%), the autumn equinox quarter (4.5%) and the winter solstice quarter (8.6%). When cortisol was modelled against time, with adjustment for actual sunrise time on day of collection, for each hour delay in sunrise there was a 4.8% increase in median cortisol (95% CI: 3.9-5.7%). In modelling to explain the variation in cortisol over the morning, sunrise time was better than season in explaining seasonal effects. A subtle cyclic pattern in median cortisol also occurred throughout the months of the year. A 3-year trial of DST allowed comparison of cortisol in DST and non DST periods, when clock time differed by one hour. There was modest evidence of a difference in acrophase between DST and non DST cortisol (p = 0.038), with DST peak cortisol estimated to occur 58 minutes later than non-DST peak. In summary, we found that time of sunrise and time of cortisol collection were the most important factors influencing median cortisol. For each hour later that the sun rose there was an almost 5% increase in median cortisol. There was significant seasonal variability with lowest cortisol noted in summer coinciding with the earliest sunrise time. This is an important finding which is consistent with the understanding that light is the major zeitgeber in entrainment of the human circadian cortisol rhythm. Our data suggest this rhythm is resistant to the arbitrary changes in clock time with daylight saving.


The relationship between the soleus H-reflex amplitude and vibratory inhibition in controls and spastic subjects. II. Computer model.
A computer model is presented that describes soleus H-reflex recruitment as a function of electric stimulus intensity. The model consists of two coupled non-linear transfer functions. The first transfer function describes the activation of muscle spindle (Ia) afferent terminals as a function of the electric stimulus intensity; whereas the second describes the activation of a number of motoneurons as a function of the number of active Ia afferent terminals. The effect of change in these transfer functions on the H-reflex recruitment curve is simulated. In spastic patients, a higher average maximal H-response amplitude is observed in combination with a decreased H-reflex threshold. Vibration of the Achilles tendon reduces the H-reflex amplitude, presumably by reducing the excitatory afferent input. Vibratory inhibition is diminished in spasticity. In the model, the afferent-motoneuron transfer function was modified to represent the possible alterations occurring in spasticity. The simulations show that vibratory suppression of the H-reflex is determined only in part by the inhibition level of the afferent input. With a constant level of presynaptic inhibition, the suppression of reflexes of different sizes may vary. A lowering of the motoneuron activation thresholds in spastic patients will directly contribute to a decrease of vibratory inhibition in spasticity.


Tongue strength and endurance in different aged individuals.
It is generally accepted that age-related changes occur in voluntary muscle. Studies of hand grip strength and aging demonstrate a decrease in strength with age; however, there are little data regarding tongue function. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of increased age to tongue strength and endurance. A pressure transducer, the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument, was used to measure maximal strength and endurance of both the hand and tongue. Ninety-nine healthy volunteers from the oral physiology component of the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging were divided into four age groups, ranging from 21 to 96 years of age. A multivariate analysis of variance was used to determine differences in strength and endurance between age groups and genders. Regression analysis was done to determine the relationship of strength and endurance with age. Gender analysis indicated that both tongue and hand strength were greater in males; however, tongue and hand endurance demonstrated no gender differences. The strength in both the tongue and hand decreased with age. Individuals over the age of 79 years showed statistically decreased tongue strength, and individuals over the age of 59 years showed statistically decreased hand strength. There was no significant change in the tongue and hand endurance with age. The results of this study suggest that tongue function is gender- and age-dependent and follows the same trends as hand function. Tongue strength is decreased in older individuals and females, while tongue endurance is gender- and age-independent.


[Clinical analysis of bladder cancer].
We report our clinical experiences of treatment for bladder cancer. Clinical analysis was performed about 282 primary bladder cancer patients who performed first time treatment in our hospital from January 1991 to December 2002. As to T classification, 127 patients were in Ta, 89 in T1, 27 in T2,18 in T3, eight in T4 and 13 in Tis, respectively and among those, there were seven patients with a metastasis. Most patients of superficial cancer were treated by combined use of TUR and instillation therapy. There were few patients of total cystectomy performed as a first time treatment in the case of invasive cancer in our clinic and comparatively many preservation therapies by TUR, systemic chemotherapy and radiotherapy combined use were performed. Cancer recurred to 90 cases in 275 patients, and 18 patients died owing to cancer progression. Five and ten-years-recurrence free rate in the whole were 59.5 and 44.3%, five and ten-years-disease specific survival rate were 92.9 and 85.9%. Furthermore, 5-years-disease specific survival rate classified by T stage were 100, 100, 71.2, 46.7 (3-years-survival), 53.6, 83.3% in Ta, T1, T2, T3, T4, Tis, respectively and the significant difference was observed. The disease specific five-years survival rate of the whole local invasive carcinoma (T2-4N0M0) was 57.5% and 70.2% in the case of preservation therapy performed by TUR, chemotherapy and radiotherapy combined use. An appropriate treatment according to the each case is needed for bladder cancer.


Cellular and molecular mechanisms controlling the migration of neocortical interneurons.
The discovery, approximately 15 years ago, that cortical GABAergic interneurons originate outside the pallium has revolutionized our understanding of the development of the cerebral cortex. It is now clear that glutamatergic pyramidal cells and GABAergic interneurons follow largely distinct development programs, a notion that has challenged our views on how these neurons assemble to form precise neural circuits. In this review, I summarize our current knowledge of the mechanisms that control the migration of neocortical interneurons, a process that can be subdivided into three consecutive phases: migration to the cortex, intracortical dispersion, and layering.