Thromboelastometry-guided intraoperative haemostatic management reduces bleeding and red cell transfusion after paediatric cardiac surgery.
Thromboelastometric evaluation of coagulation might be useful for prediction and management of bleeding after paediatric cardiac surgery. We tested the hypothesis that the use of a thromboelastometry-guided algorithm for blood product management reduces blood loss and transfusion requirements. We studied 78 patients undergoing paediatric cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) for the initial 12 h after operation. Stepwise multiple linear regression was used to develop an algorithm to guide blood product transfusions. Thereafter, we randomly assigned 100 patients to conventional or algorithm-guided blood product management, and assessed bleeding and red cell transfusion requirements. CPB time, post-bypass rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM(®)) EXTEM amplitude at 10 min (A10), and FIBTEM-A10 were independently associated with chest tube drainage volume during the initial 12 h after operation. Discriminative analysis determined cut-off values of 30 mm for EXTEM-A10 and 5 mm for FIBTEM-A10, and estimated optimal intraoperative fresh-frozen plasma and platelet concentrate transfusion volumes. Thromboelastometry-guided post-bypass blood product management significantly reduced postoperative bleeding (9 vs 16 ml kg(-1), P<0.001) and packed red cell transfusion requirement (11 vs 23 ml kg(-1), P=0.005) at 12 h after surgery, and duration of critical care stay (60 vs 71 h, P=0.014). Rotational thromboelastometry-guided early haemostatic intervention by rapid intraoperative correction of EXTEM-A10 and FIBTEM-A10 reduced blood loss and red cell transfusion requirements after CPB, and reduced critical care duration in paediatric cardiac surgical patients. UMIN Clinical Trials Registry UMIN000006832 (December 4, 2011).


Fatty acid composition and extreme temperature tolerance following exposure to fluctuating temperatures in a soil arthropod.
Ectotherms commonly adjust their lipid composition to ambient temperature to counteract detrimental thermal effects on lipid fluidity. However, the extent of lipid remodeling and the associated fitness consequences under continuous temperature fluctuations are not well-described. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of repeated temperature fluctuations on fatty acid composition and thermal tolerance. We exposed the springtail Orchesella cincta to two constant temperatures of 5 and 20°C, and a continuously fluctuating treatment between 5 and 20°C every 2 days. Fatty acid composition differed significantly between constant low and high temperatures. As expected, animals were most cold tolerant in the low temperature treatment, while heat tolerance was highest under high temperature. Under fluctuating temperatures, fatty acid composition changed with temperature initially, but later in the experiment fatty acid composition stabilized and closely resembled that found under constant warm temperatures. Consistent with this, heat tolerance in the fluctuating temperature treatment was comparable to the constant warm treatment. Cold tolerance in the fluctuating temperature treatment was intermediate compared to animals acclimated to constant cold or warmth, despite the fact that fatty acid composition was adjusted to warm conditions. This unexpected finding suggests that in animals acclimated to fluctuating temperatures an additional underlying mechanism is involved in the cold shock response. Other aspects of homeoviscous adaptation may protect animals during extreme cold. This paper forms a next step to fully understand the functioning of ectotherms in more thermally variable environments.


Short time bleaching of fluorescein isothiocyanate. A possible parameter for the specific binding of conjugates in immunofluorescence.
The fluorescence kinetics of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-antibody conjugates during short (0.01 sec) laser excitations were analyzed for possible information about the immunological specificity of binding to antigenic substrates in direct immunofluorescence assays with antigen-coated Sephadex beads. First results of these investigations suggest marked differences in the bleaching characteristics of specifically and nonspecifically bound FITC conjugates: FITC-anti-bovine serum albumin (BSA) and FITC-anti-rabbit immunoglobulin (Ig) were found to fade significantly more slowly when bound to the respective homologous antigen (anti-BSA to BSA, and anti-rabbit Ig to rabbit Ig) as compared to nonspecifically adherent anti-BSA to rabbit Ig, and anti-rabbit Ig to BSA. Possible implications of these data for discrimination of nonspecific staining in immunofluorescence are discussed.


Morphometric characteristics of cryptotia.
In this study, we measured the normal and affected auricles of patients with cryptotia by the Martin method, quantitatively analyzed the data, and conducted a comparative study. On the basis of auricular measurements, cryptotia is defined as a deformity of the upper one third of the auricle, which develops as a result of the sum total of vectors operating inferiorly and medially. Furthermore, these data showed that the deformity occurring along the vertical axis is greater and that the inferiorly directed vector is stronger than the medially directed vector. A helical adhesion-like deformity was observed in the normal side auricles of 3 patients with unilateral cryptotia, and the hypothesis that the upper portion of the auricle became embedded secondary to a deformity of the cartilage appeared to be valid.


Loxoscelism: Cutaneous and Hematologic Manifestations.
Brown recluse spider (BRS) envenomation can lead to significant morbidity through severe local reaction and systemic illness including acute hemolytic anemia, rhabdomyolysis, disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC), and even death. We aim to describe the clinical features and the roles of antibiotics and steroids in the treatment of loxoscelism. We retrospectively identified nine patients (pts) at our institution who were admitted with moderate to severe loxoscelism. A chart review was performed to highlight important clinical features and effect of interventions. Nine pts (age 18 to 53) presented with fever (6), rash (9), pain/swelling (4), and jaundice (2). Of these, 6 pts had antecedent spider bites documented. Five pts were discharged from Emergency Room (ER) with oral antibiotics for "cellulitis" and were readmitted with severe systemic symptoms, with almost half (45%) of the pts being admitted to the intensive care unit. The most common admission diagnosis was sepsis secondary to cellulitis (6). Four pts developed worsening dermonecrosis, and 3 received prompt incision and drainage (I&D) with debridement. Hemolytic anemia developed around day 5 after spider bite (average); the lowest mean hemoglobin level was 5.8g/dL, with average drop of 3.1 g/dL. Direct antiglobulin test (DAT) (for both complement and surface immunoglobulin) was positive in 4 out of 9 patients. Four pts received glucocorticoid therapy for their hemolytic anemia. The use of steroid and intravenous immunoglobulin (IV Ig) did not seem to show a difference in the time of recovery although those who received steroids required less blood transfusion (2.1 units less). All pts had a complete recovery within two weeks. Treatment of systemic loxoscelism involves aggressive supportive care including appropriate wound management, blood transfusions, intravenous fluid replacement, and appropriate antibiotic coverage. It is unclear at this time if glucocorticoids or IVIg has any beneficial impact on the treatment of severe loxoscelism.


The developmental anatomy of the human superior hypogastric plexus: A morphometrical investigation with clinical and surgical correlations.
The superior hypogastric plexus (SHP) is the part of the autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for the sympathetic innervation of pelvic organs and extrapelvic genitals in humans of both sexes. The SHP also functions as the anatomic pathway for the major part of visceral sensitive fibers originating from pelvic viscera. In this study, the morphology of the SHP was analyzed through anatomical dissections performed both in human adult and fetal cadavers. A computerized morphometrical investigation of the SHP was also performed and the resulting quantitative data statistically assessed. The comparison between fetal and adult SHP revealed that in the male group there was a developmental increase of six times (in height) and of about five times (in width); while in the female group, there was a developmental increase of 3.5 times both in height and width values. In addition, the distance from the superior border of the SHP to the bifurcation of the common iliac arteries presented a developmental increase of about six times in the male group, and about four times in the female group. We propose an original morphological classification with six types, based upon the anatomical arrangement of the nervous fibers in this autonomic plexus.


Oral cancer and pre-cancer in Myanmar: a short review.
Cancer in Myanmar is one of the 10 leading causes of morbidity and mortality. In 1974, the Yangon Cancer Registry was established. From 1974 to 2001 a total of 85 298 cancer cases were registered. From 1963 to 1972 the average annual incidence rate of oral cancer was calculated to be 363 per 100 000 population. The tongue was mostly affected (31.2%). In one study, the prevalence of oral leukoplakia was 1.7%, erythroplakia 0.1%, and submucous fibrosis 0.1%. No epidemiologic studies of the prevalence of betel quid chewing (BQC) in Myanmar have been performed. One study showed that among 773 individuals over the age of 6 years, 46.4% were habitual smokers. A recent symposium on oral health stressed the necessity to introduce concepts of prevention, focusing on BQC habits and smoking as high-risk factors for oral cancer and pre-cancer in Myanmar.


PE Teacher and Classmate Support in Level of Physical Activity: The Role of Sex and BMI Status in Adolescents from Kosovo.
The aim of this paper is to examine the role of physical education (PE) teacher and classmate support in relation to sex and BMI status in adolescents' physical activity (PA) in Kosovo. A Classmate and Teacher Support Scale (with additional questions) was used on a cross-sectional sample of 608 girls and 620 boys aged 15-18, randomly selected from secondary schools of seven major municipalities in Kosovo. PA level was determined with a Physical Activity Screening Measure questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and a three-way ANOVA, along with Tukey's HSD post hoc test, were employed. The findings showed the levels of teacher and classmate support to be important factors in stimulating adolescents' PA. It was found that boys with normal weight, high support from teachers, and medium or high support from classmates were more physically active, compared with girls.


Sonographic and CT findings of sialadenosis in a child with leukemia.
Sialadenosis is characterized by asymptomatic bilateral enlargement of the parotid glands. It is uncommon, especially in children. Diagnosis and analysis of sialadenosis based on imaging modalities have been rarely reported. Here, we report a case of sialadenosis in a child with leukemia, in which the diagnosis was made based on sonography and CT findings.


Fabrication of TiO2/Fe2O3/CdS systems: effects of Fe2O3 and CdS content on superior photocatalytic activity.
A heterostructured material of CdS and Fe2O3 nanoparticle-modified TiO2 nanotube array (NTA) photoelectrode (TiO2/Fe2O3/CdS) is reported in this work. TiO2/Fe2O3 was prepared by annealing TiO2 NTAs pre-loaded with Fe(OH)3, which was uniformly clung to TiO2 NTAs using sequential chemical bath deposition (S-CBD). Subsequently, CdS nanoparticles were deposited on TiO2/Fe2O3 using the successive ion layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) technique. Three-dimensional (3D) TiO2/Fe2O3/CdS samples generated a photocurrent of approximately 4.92 mA cm-2, with a photoconversion efficiency of 4.36%, which is more than 20 times higher than that of bare TiO2 NTAs (0.22%) and 6 times that of TiO2/Fe2O3 (0.71%). The photocatalytic activity was evaluated by the degradation of p-nitrophenol (PNP) under visible light (λ > 420 nm). The TiO2/Fe2O3/CdS exhibited the best photocatalytic activity among all samples. Almost all PNP was degraded by TiO2/Fe2O3/CdS within 120 min. The enhancement of photocatalytic activity could be attributed to the promoted photo-induced electron and hole separation and migration on the basis of photoluminescence spectra, photocurrent measurements, and open-circuit photovoltage responses. In addition, the newly synthesized TiO2/Fe2O3/CdS can maintain high photocatalytic efficiency for five reuse cycles. Our findings provide a new idea for the low cost synthesis of high performance photocatalysts for the photodegradation of organic pollutants in aqueous solution.


Cytotoxicity and DNA interactions of some platinum(II) complexes with substituted benzimidazole ligands.
In the present study, four Pt(II) complexes with 2-ethyl (1)/or benzyl (2)/or p-chlorobenzyl (3)/or 2-phenoxymethyl (4) benzimidazole carrier ligands were evaluated for their in vitro cytotoxic activities against the human HeLa cervix, oestrogen receptor-positive MCF-7 breast, and oestrogen receptor-negative MDA-MB 231 breast cancer cell lines. The plasmid DNA interactions and inhibition of the BamHI restriction enzyme activities of the complexes were also studied. Complex 3 was found to be more active than carboplatin for all examined cell lines and comparable with cisplatin, except for the HeLa cell line.


Using Network Analysis to Understand Knowledge Mobilization in a Community-based Organization.
Knowledge mobilization (KM) has been described as putting research in the hands of research users. Network analysis is an empirical approach that has potential for examining the complex process of knowledge mobilization within community-based organizations (CBOs). Yet, conducting a network analysis in a CBO presents challenges. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the value and feasibility of using network analysis as a method for understanding knowledge mobilization within a CBO by (1) presenting challenges and solutions to conducting a network analysis in a CBO, (2) examining the feasibility of our methodology, and (3) demonstrating the utility of this methodology through an example of a network analysis conducted in a CBO engaging in knowledge mobilization activities. The final method used by the partnership team to conduct our network analysis of a CBO is described. An example of network analysis results of a CBO engaging in knowledge mobilization is presented. In total, 81 participants completed the network survey. All of the feasibility benchmarks set by the CBO were met. Results of the network analysis are highlighted and discussed as a means of identifying (1) prominent and influential individuals in the knowledge mobilization process and (2) areas for improvement in future knowledge mobilization initiatives. Findings demonstrate that network analysis can be feasibly used to provide a rich description of a CBO engaging in knowledge mobilization activities.


Clustering methods for the optimization of atomic cluster structure.
In this paper, we propose a revised global optimization method and apply it to large scale cluster conformation problems. In the 1990s, the so-called clustering methods were considered among the most efficient general purpose global optimization techniques; however, their usage has quickly declined in recent years, mainly due to the inherent difficulties of clustering approaches in large dimensional spaces. Inspired from the machine learning literature, we redesigned clustering methods in order to deal with molecular structures in a reduced feature space. Our aim is to show that by suitably choosing a good set of geometrical features coupled with a very efficient descent method, an effective optimization tool is obtained which is capable of finding, with a very high success rate, all known putative optima for medium size clusters without any prior information, both for Lennard-Jones and Morse potentials. The main result is that, beyond being a reliable approach, the proposed method, based on the idea of starting a computationally expensive deep local search only when it seems worth doing so, is capable of saving a huge amount of searches with respect to an analogous algorithm which does not employ a clustering phase. In this paper, we are not claiming the superiority of the proposed method compared to specific, refined, state-of-the-art procedures, but rather indicating a quite straightforward way to save local searches by means of a clustering scheme working in a reduced variable space, which might prove useful when included in many modern methods.


Amplitude modulation rate discrimination with sinusoidal carriers.
Discrimination of the change in rate of sinusoidal amplitude modulation was investigated for sinusoidal carriers. The just-noticeable change in the modulation rate was measured as a function of (1) carrier frequency (fc = 500, 1000, 2000, or 4000 Hz), (2) initial modulation rate (fm = 10, 20, 40, 80, 160, or 320 Hz), and (3) stimulus duration (T = 62, 125, 250, 500, 1000, or 2000 ms). For modulation rates less than 320 Hz, the thresholds for a change in modulation rate were not affected by changing the carrier frequency. When fm = 320 Hz, the threshold for changes in the modulation rate ordered in the same way as the threshold for changes in the frequency of a pure tone, suggesting that the primary cue for discriminating a change in modulation rate was the frequency of either sideband. As stimulus duration increased to a certain T (critical duration), the thresholds decreased by more than a factor of 2. Above that duration, the thresholds for changes in modulation rate decreased only slightly or remained constant. The critical duration corresponded to about five cycles of modulation, at least for the slower modulation rates.


Modulation of ATP-induced inward currents by docosahexaenoic acid and other fatty acids in rat nodose ganglion neurons.
The effects of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and other fatty acids on P2X-receptor-mediated inward currents in rat nodose ganglion neurons were studied using the nystatin perforated patch-clamp technique. DHA accelerated the desensitization rate of the ATP-induced current. DHA showed use-dependent inhibition of the peak ATP-induced current. Other polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as arachidonic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid, displayed a similar use-dependent inhibition. The inhibitory effects of saturated fatty acids including palmitic acid and arachidic acid were weaker than those of polyunsaturated fatty acids. The results suggest that fatty acids may modulate the P2X receptor-mediated response when the channel is in the open-state.


Second-harmonic generation in thermally poled chalcohalide glass.
Second-harmonic generation in 60GeS(2)-20Ga(2)S(3)-20KBr chalcohalide glass was investigated by the thermal poling method. A large second-order nonlinear susceptibility, as high as 7.0 pm/V, was obtained in a poled sample by Maker fringe analysis. We believe this to be the first time that a clear second-harmonic wave was observed in chalcohalide glasses containing large amount of alkali ions (6.25 at. %). Such observation is of great potential use in all optical waveguide devices.


[Experimental study of respiratory failure with acute pancreatitis in dogs].
In this experimental study, we investigated pathophysiology of respiratory failure with acute pancreatitis. Pancreatitis was induced by injection of 15% Na-taurocholate 1 ml/kg into the main pancreatic duct of the dogs. Experimental dogs were divided into two groups based on the value of Respiratory Index (R-Index). Group A included 9 dogs in whom respiratory failure was not recognized (R-Index less than 0.5) and Group B included 9 dogs with respiratory failure (R-Index less than 0.5). All the dogs were sacrificed 12 hours after induction of pancreatitis, and histological findings were examined. Quantity of water in the lung (Qwl) was also measured by gravimetric method. Group B showed severe hypoxia with hypocapnia, and increase of A-aDO2, R-Index, and decrease of a/A PO2. Qwl in Group B increased significantly comparing with Group A. In biochemical study, increase of serum lipase, triglyceride, free fatty acid, and angiotensin converting enzyme were observed in Group B. These results indicate that respiratory failure with acute pancreatitis is due to lung edema following injury of the capillary of the lung. The role of free fatty acid liberated by lipolysis was suggested in the mechanism of pulmonary damage with acute pancreatitis.


Assessing quality of life in the eating disorders: the HeRQoLED-S.
EVALUATION OF: Las Hayas C, Quintana JM, Padierna JA, Bilbao A, Muñoz P. Use of Rasch methodology to develop a short version of the Health Related Quality of Life for Eating Disorders questionnaire: a prospective study. Health Qual. Life Outcomes 8, 29 (2010). Quality of life has become of increasing interest for health professionals since the 1980s and is now incorporated into assessment, treatment and evaluation of many health interventions. Within the arena of eating disorders, adequate consideration of quality of life within treatment and research has been slower, but is now coming into line with wider physical and mental health fields. A number of eating disorder-specific measures have been developed that aim to assess perceived quality of life while also minimizing response bias, which can be attributable to the ego-syntonicity of the eating disorders. While these measures are of great importance, further work is still required to assess the reliability and validity of these scales and to adapt the current available measures to increase their suitability for incorporation into clinical and research protocols. The current discussed paper by Las Hayas et al. aims to evaluate the Health Related Quality of Life for the Eating Disorders - version 2 (HeRQoLEDv2) for reliability and validity, to develop a short form of this questionnaire, the Health Related Quality of Life for the Eating disorders - Short form (HeRQoLED-S) using Rasch methodology and to further assess the HeRQoLED-S for reliability and validity. The authors confirm their hypothesized internal structure of the scales and present evidence for the reliability of the short scale. However, the short measure should be subject to more rigorous analysis of its reliability and construct validity in order to provide evidence as to its relationship to quality of life as perceived by eating disorder individuals.


Biomechanics of the sensor-tissue interface-effects of motion, pressure, and design on sensor performance and foreign body response-part II: examples and application.
This article is the second part of a two-part review in which we explore the biomechanics of the sensor-tissue interface as an important aspect of continuous glucose sensor biocompatibility. Part I, featured in this issue of Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology, describes a theoretical framework of how biomechanical factors such as motion and pressure (typically micromotion and micropressure) affect tissue physiology around a sensor and in turn, impact sensor performance. Here in Part II, a literature review is presented that summarizes examples of motion or pressure affecting sensor performance. Data are presented that show how both acute and chronic forces can impact continuous glucose monitor signals. Also presented are potential strategies for countering the ill effects of motion and pressure on glucose sensors. Improved engineering and optimized chemical biocompatibility have advanced sensor design and function, but we believe that mechanical biocompatibility, a rarely considered factor, must also be optimized in order to achieve an accurate, long-term, implantable sensor.


Synthesis of functionalized pyridazin-3(2H)-ones via selective bromine-magnesium exchange and lactam directed ortho C-H magnesiation.
Selective bromine-magnesium exchange on 2-benzyl-5-bromo-4-methoxypyridazin-3(2H)-one could be achieved when MesMgBr was used as reagent. With more nucleophilic RMgCl species (R = Bu, i-Pr, Ph) both nucleophilic addition-elimination at C-4 and bromine-magnesium exchange at C-5 occurred. In 2-benzyl-5-bromopyridazin-3(2H)-one, which does not contain a substituent at C-4, addition could not be suppressed. Less nucleophilic Mg amides (TMPMgCl·LiCl) allowed regioselective C-H magnesiation at the C-4 position in such substrates, as exemplified for 2-benzyl-5-chloro- and 2-benzyl-6-chloropyridazin-3(2H)-one. Quenching of the magnesiated pyridazinones with electrophiles gives access to a variety of hitherto unknown pyridazin-3(2H)-one derivatives.


Bedside videolaryngoscopic assessment of intubation trauma.
Telescopic laryngoscopic examination was performed at the bedside after extubation in 29 consecutive surgical intensive care unit patients who required endotracheal intubation for more than 16 hours. The examinations were documented with a portable video recording system. The majority of patients exhibited evidence of acute endolaryngeal trauma. Vocal fold ulceration and vocal fold motion abnormalities were the most common lesions. Patients with abnormal larynges were followed up after discharge from the intensive care unit. Most of the identified injuries resolved without intervention. However, silent aspiration was identified frequently in patients with vocal fold paresis and was thought to be a significant factor in postoperative pulmonary complications. Early identification of significant laryngeal trauma and/or vocal fold paresis in critically ill patients is important for both postoperative pulmonary care and voice rehabilitation. This pilot study demonstrated that documentation of the laryngeal examination is feasible in critically ill patients in an intensive care unit setting.


[Utility of capsule endoscopy in pediatric gastroenterology].
Wireless endoscopy is a new noninvasive diagnostic method that is able to visualize small bowel lesions. The instrument is small and carries a battery and microcamera that takes two photographs per second. It is indicated in cases of bleeding of unknown origin and for the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease, among other disorders. To date, it has mainly been used in adults. We believe that this instrument could play an important role in the pediatric age group since it is noninvasive and can be used to diagnose small bowel lesions, thus avoiding unnecessary diagnostic tests. We report the case of a girl with suspicion of Crohn's disease that was unconfirmed by conventional endoscopic techniques. The capsule showed small bowel lesions compatible with Crohn's disease. Corticosteroid treatment was initiated and the patient is now in clinical remission.


Interchange of nominative patient data between health-care organizations.
In the context of current evolution of healthcare, hospitals will have to share medical files with different structures. Thus, it is necessary to establish procedures to identify the patients. A team professionals working with such medical information proposes a system of identification based on the matching of identification traits respecting various regulations in order to retrieve the information. We will see how this is made possible, with the help of a correlation engine enabling us to exchange medical documents between different health-care organizations.


A Toxic Conformer of Aβ42 with a Turn at 22-23 is a Novel Therapeutic Target for Alzheimer's Disease.
Immunotherapy targeting Aβ42 is drawing attention as a possible therapeutic approach for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Considering the significance of reported oligomerized Aβ42 species, selective targeting of the oligomer will increase the therapeutic efficacy. However, what kinds of oligomers are suitable targets for immunotherapy remains unclear. We previously identified a toxic conformer of Aβ42, which has a turn structure at 22-23 ("toxic turn"), among Aβ42 conformations. This toxic conformer of Aβ42 has been reported to show rapid oligomerization and to exhibit strong neurotoxicity and synaptotoxicity. We recently developed a monoclonal antibody against the toxic conformer (24B3), which demonstrated the increase of the toxic conformer in the cerebrospinal fluid of AD patients, indicating its accumulation in AD patients' brains. In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of 24B3 targeting the toxic conformer in AD model mice. The intraperitoneal administration of 24B3 for 3 months improved cognitive impairment and reduced the toxic conformer levels. Notably, this treatment did not reduce the number of senile plaques. Furthermore, the single intravenous administration of 24B3 suppressed the memory deficit in AD mice. These results suggest that the toxic conformer of Aβ42 with a turn at 22-23 represents one of the promising therapeutic targets.


The Mediating Role of Job Competence between Safety Participation and Behavioral Compliance.
The effective improvement of employee behavioral compliance and safety performance is an important subject related to the sustainable development of the construction industry. Based on data from a Chinese company (n = 290), this study used a partial least squares-structural equation model to clarify the relationship among safety participation, job competence, and behavioral compliance. Empirical analysis found that: (1) safety participation had a significant positive impact on employees' behavioral compliance; and (2) job competence played a partial mediating role between safety participation and behavioral compliance. By selecting two new perspectives of safety participation and job competence, this study derived new factors affecting behavioral compliance, constructed a new theory about safety management, and conducted an in-depth discussion on improving behavioral compliance theoretically. Practically, the research put forward a new decision-making model, deconstructed the mechanism between safety participation and behavioral compliance, and provided new guiding strategies for improving employee behavioral compliance.


Risk factors associated with development of dengue haemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome in adults in Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan Kuantan.
A retrospective study was conducted to investigate 183 serologically-confirmed cases of dengue fever (DF) admitted from October 2004 to March 2005 in a large hospital in Pahang. Clinical and laboratory features, progress and outcome of these patients were analysed in order to identify risk factors associated with development of dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS). Individually, we found that older patients, secondary dengue infection, high baseline haematocrit levels, low platelet levels and prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) ratio were significant associations with bleeding tendencies. Of these risk factors, haematocrit and APTT ratio were two independent significant risk factors on multivariate analysis. Older patients with primary infection and younger patients with secondary infection had significant bleeding tendencies. We also verified the validity of the haematocrit levels suggested as cut-off levels for plasma leakage for the Malaysian population by Malaysian Clinical Practice Guidelines for Dengue Infection in Adults (2003).


Diagnosis and management of a peripheral T-cell lymphoproliferative disease in an American pine marten (Martes americana).
A 9-year-old neutered male American pine marten (Martes americana) was referred for further evaluation of suspected lymphoproliferative disease. On physical examination, the pine marten was determined to be in an underconditioned state with an enlarged right mandibular lymph node. Hematology revealed a marked leukocytosis characterized by a lymphocytosis. Flow cytometry performed on peripheral blood was suggestive of a CD4+ T-cell lymphoproliferative disease. Whole-body radiographs demonstrated a large cranial mediastinal mass and splenomegaly. These findings were confirmed using ultrasound, which also identified intra-abdominal lymphadenopathy and splenic nodules. Cytologic evaluation of aspirates from the mediastinal mass was interpreted as possible lymphoma. The pine marten was treated with chlorambucil and prednisolone and achieved a durable partial remission. Twelve months after initial diagnosis, progressive disease was noted and treatment with lomustine was initiated as a rescue protocol until euthanasia, which was carried out 15 mo after the initial diagnosis. Based on a literature search, this is the first case report describing the management of peripheral T-cell lymphoproliferative disease, presumably peripheral lymphoma, in a pine marten; this neoplasm should be considered as a differential diagnosis in pine martens that have abnormal complete blood cell count findings and enlarged lymph nodes. Key clinical message: This report describes the diagnosis and management of a peripheral T-cell lymphoproliferative disease, presumably peripheral lymphoma, in an American pine marten (Martes americana). This is the first report of this disease and its successful treatment in a pine marten.


Croissant-shaped v-y advancement flap with 2 horns for repair of small- and medium-sized facial defects.
The use of a V-Y advancement flap is an effective technique for the reconstruction of small facial defects. However, in some areas, the use of a conventional V-Y advancement flap is not possible because of the tension caused by size variation. In the current study, we modified this method using a croissant-shaped V-Y advancement flap and repaired intermediate-sized defects without difficulty. A croissant-shaped modified V-Y flap was used in 15 patients (aged 53-82 y). To completely remove masses, wide excisions were performed in all cases (nasolabial area = 7, nasojugal area = 3, medial canthal area = 1, cheek = 2, nose = 1, forehead = 1), and the average size of the defects was 2.6 × 2.5 cm. The flap was designed after confirmation of clear resection margins on frozen section. The long axis of the V-flap was 1.5 to 2 times the length of the diameter of the defect and parallel to the nasolabial or nasojugal fold. In a conventional V-Y advancement flap, the lateral limbs of the V-flap begin at the end point of the central limb. However, in our design, the incision lines of the lateral limbs of the V-flap were extended to the end point of the defect to form a more convex shape. The flap was elevated in the subcutaneous layer above the mimetic muscles. The bilateral tips of the horns of the V-flap were sutured to each other and fixed medially to cover the distal aspect of the defect. The flap was then sutured with a 6-0 nylon. Donor site closure was performed with 6-0 Vicryl and 6-0 nylon in 2 layers. A Penrose drain was inserted at the donor site. No complications were reported in any of the 15 cases. In 2 cases, there was minimal flap congestion immediately after surgery. However, in both cases, the congestion spontaneously resolved during the ensuing days. At follow-up (mean, 12 mo), all 15 patients demonstrated satisfactory cosmetic results. This modified croissant-shaped V-Y flap may serve as an alternative to conventional V-Y flaps for reconstruction of soft tissue defects on the face.


Catalytic diastereoselective polycyclization of homo(polyprenyl)arene analogues bearing terminal siloxyvinyl groups.
Highly diastereoselective polycyclization of homo(polyprenyl)arene analogues bearing terminal siloxyvinyl groups was catalyzed by tin(IV) chloride (10 mol %). The cyclizations of tert-butyldiphenylsilyl and triisopropylsilyl polyenol ethers gave 4alpha(equatorial)- and 4beta(axial)-siloxypolycycles as major isomers, respectively. The strong nucleophilicity of pro-C(9), a (6E) geometry, and a bulky silyl group effectively favored the alpha-preference, whereas the weak nucleophilicity of pro-C(9), a (6Z)-geometry, and less steric hindrance of a silyl group favored the beta-preference. [reaction: see text].


Intra- and Inter-Reader Variations in Lung Nodule Measurements: Influences of Nodule Size, Location, and Observers.
(1) Background: Accurate measurement of lung-nodule size is necessary, but whether a three-dimensional volume measurement is better or more reliable than the one-dimensional method is still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the intra- and inter-reader variations according to nodule type, size, three-dimensional volume measurements, and one-dimensional linear measurements. (2) Methods: This retrospective study included computed tomography (CT) examinations of lung nodules and volume measurements performed from October to December 2016. Two radiologists independently performed all measurements. Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) and Bland-Altman plots were used for analysis. (3) Results: The overall variability in the calculated volume was larger than when using the semiautomatic volume measurement. Nodules <6 mm tended to have larger variability than nodules ≥6 mm in both one-dimensional and calculated volume measurements. The isolated type showed smaller variability in both intra- and inter-reader comparisons. The juxta-vascular type showed the largest variability in both one-dimensional and calculated volume measurements. The variability was decreased when using the 3D volume semiautomated software. (4) Conclusions: The present study suggests that 3D semiautomatic volume measurements showed lower variability than the calculated volume measurement. Nodule size and location influence measurement variability. The intra- and inter-reader variabilities in nodule volume measurement were considerable.


Long-term results of anterior interbody fusion for treatment of degenerative spondylolisthesis.
Thirty-nine patients, 34 women and five men, underwent anterior decompression and interbody fusion for degenerative spondylolisthesis between February 1958 and August 1988. Their average age at surgery was 51 years (range, 34-74 years), and their average follow-up period was 12 years 7 months (range, 6 months to 30 years). Clinical evaluation was done by the score rating system of the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA Score). Patients with JOA scores of 25 points or more were rated as "satisfactory." Survivorship was analyzed by the method of Kaplan and Meier to determine the cumulative percentage of patients with satisfactory results. The following results were obtained: Seventy-six percent of the patients had satisfactory results for 10 years after the anterior interbody fusion, 60% for 20 years, and 52% for 30 years. Irrespective of their age at surgery, the patients generally maintained satisfactory results up to 65 years of age.


Local arterial wall injury caused by thromboemboli.
The changes in the walls of pulmonary and systemic arteries caused by overlying thromboemboli were studied at autopsy. A spectrum of alterations was observed, from mural inflammation to arterial false and dissecting aneurysms and rupture. The arterial abnormalities were confined to the region immediately beneath the thrombus. Although the pathogenesis of the arterial lesions is uncertain, mural ischemia secondary to the overlying thromboemboli is the most probable explanation. The similarity of the lesions in many instances to those of atherosclerosis also suggests that arterial mural thrombosis may be involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.


Generalized acoustic energy density based active noise control in single frequency diffuse sound fields.
In a diffuse sound field, prior research has established that a secondary source can theoretically achieve perfect cancellation at an error microphone in the far field of the secondary source. However, the sound pressure level is generally only reduced in a small zone around the error sensor, and at a distance half of a wavelength away from the error sensor, the averaged sound pressure level will be increased by more than 10 dB. Recently an acoustic energy quantity, referred to as the generalized acoustic energy density (GED), has been introduced. The GED is obtained by using a weighting factor in the formulation of total acoustic energy density. Different values of the weighting factor can be chosen for different applications. When minimizing the GED at the error sensor, one can adjust the weighting factor to increase the spatial extent of the "quiet zone" and to achieve a desired balance between the degree of attenuation in the quiet zone and the total energy added into the sound field.


Emergency and institutional crisis in Peru during El Nino 1982-1983.
From December 1982 through July 1983, Peru was plagued by disastrous consequences of El Nino/Southern Oscillation phenomenon. While the northern part of the country was devastated by torrential rains and floods, central Andean Peru endured landslides and flash floods, the southern Altiplano suffered a severe drought. Hazard preparedness was nonexistent, and official disaster relief uncoordinated and slow in coming. Administrative inefficiency magnified the stress upon the populations under disaster conditions. Provisions of disaster training from specialized international organizations is recommended as a preventive measure and as a policy to improve catastrophe-coping abilities in developing nations.


[Effects of acute exposure to high altitude on hepatic function and CYP1A2 and CYP3A4 activities in rats].
To investigate the changes in hepatic functions and activities of CYP1A2 and CYP3A4 in rats after acute exposure to high altitude. Twelve healthy male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control group and exposure group for acute exposure to normal and high altitude (4010 m) environment. Blood samples were collected from the vena orbitalis posterior for detection of the hepatic function. Hepatic pathologies of the rats were examined microscopically with HE staining. Liver microsomes were extracted by differential centrifugation to assess the activities of CYP1A2 and 3A4 using P450-GloTM kit. In rats with acute exposure to high altitude, AST, ALT, and ALP all increased significantly by 48.50%, 47.90%, and 103.02%, respectively, and TP decreased significantly by 17.80% as compared with those in rats maintained in normal altitude environment (P<0.05). Pathological examination of the liver revealed edema of the central vein of the liver and hepatocyte karyopyknosis in rats after acute exposure to high altitude, which also resulted in significantly lowered activities of CYP1A2 and 3A4 in the liver (by 96.56% and 43.53%, respectively). Acute exposure to high altitude can cause obvious liver injuries and lowered activities of CYP1A2 and 3A4 in rats to severely affect drug metabolism in the liver and result in increased concentration, prolonged half-life and reduced clearance of drugs.


Poor Sleep Quality is Associated with Insulin Resistance in Postmenopausal Women With and Without Metabolic Syndrome.
Poor sleep quality has previously been shown to be related to insulin resistance in apparently healthy adults. However, it is unclear whether an association between sleep quality and insulin resistance exists among adults with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Participants included 347 overweight/obese postmenopausal women without type 2 diabetes (age: 57.5 ± 6.5 years; body mass index [BMI]: 31.7 ± 3.7 kg/m2; 54% with MetS). Sleep quality was assessed with the six-item Medical Outcomes Study Sleep Scale; values were categorized into quartiles. Insulin resistance was calculated from fasting glucose and insulin with the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA2-IR) method. Analysis of covariance models were used to examine the association between sleep quality and HOMA2-IR after accounting for MetS and covariates (e.g., BMI, cardiorespiratory fitness, and energy intake). Women with the worst sleep quality had significantly higher HOMA2-IR values than women in all other quartiles (P ≤ 0.05 for each), and women with MetS had significantly higher HOMA2-IR values than women without MetS (P < 0.0001), but the relationship between sleep quality and HOMA2-IR did not differ between those with or without MetS (P = 0.26). Women with MetS in the worst quartile of sleep quality had higher HOMA2-IR values than all other women (P < 0.02). Taking >30 min to fall asleep, frequent restless sleep, and frequent daytime drowsiness were each related to higher HOMA2-IR values (each P < 0.04). Sleep quality is an important correlate of insulin resistance in postmenopausal women with and without MetS. Intervention studies are needed to determine whether improving sleep improves insulin resistance in populations at elevated cardiometabolic risk.


Sleep-Related Issues for Recovery and Performance in Athletes.
The body of research that reports the relevance of sleep in high-performance sports is growing steadily. While the identification of sleep cycles and diagnosis of sleep disorders are limited to lab-based assessment via polysomnography, the development of activity-based devices estimating sleep patterns provides greater insight into the sleep behavior of athletes in ecological settings. Generally, small sleep quantity and/or poor quality appears to exist in many athletic populations, although this may be related to training and competition context. Typical sleep-affecting factors are the scheduling of training sessions and competitions, as well as impaired sleep onset as a result of increased arousal prior to competition or due to the use of electronic devices before bedtime. Further challenges are travel demands, which may be accompanied by jet-lag symptoms and disruption of sleep habits. Promotion of sleep may be approached via behavioral strategies such as sleep hygiene, extending nighttime sleep, or daytime napping. Pharmacological interventions should be limited to clinically induced treatments, as evidence among healthy and athletic populations is lacking. To optimize and manage sleep in athletes, it is recommended to implement routine sleep monitoring on an individual basis.


Use of vascular endothelial cell growth factor gene transfer to enhance implantable sensor function in vivo.
In the current study, we developed and validated a simple, rapid and safe in vivo model to test gene transfer and sensor function in vivo. Using the model, we tested the specific hypothesis that in vivo gene transfer of angiogenic factors at sites of biosensor implantation would induce neovascularization surrounding the sensor and thereby enhance biosensor function in vivo. As the in vivo site for testing of our gene transfer cell and biosensor function systems, the developing chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of the embryo was utilized. Vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) was used as a prototype for angiogenic factor gene transfer. A helper-independent retroviral vector derived from Rous sarcoma virus (RSV), designated RCAS, was used for gene transfer of the murine VEGF (mVEGF) gene (mVEGF:RCAS) into the DF-1 chicken cell line (designated mVEGF:DF-1). Initially, the ability of VEGF:DF-1 cells to produce VEGF and RCAS viral vectors containing the mVEGF gene (mVEGF:RCAS) was validated in vitro and in vivo, as was the ability of the mVEGF:DF-1 cells to induce neovascularization in the ex ova CAM model. Using the system, we determined the ability of mVEGF:DF-1 cells to enhance acetaminophen sensor function in vivo, by inducing neovascularization at sites of sensor implantation in the ex ova CAM model. For these studies, acetaminophen sensors were placed on 8-day-old ex ova CAMs, followed by addition of media or cells (mVEGF:DF-1 cells or GFP:DF-1 cells) at the sites of biosensor implantation on the CAM. At 4 to 10 days after sensor placement, the biosensor function was determined by measuring sensor response to an intravenous injection of acetaminophen. Sensors implanted on CAMs with buffer or control cells (GFP:DF-1 cells) displayed no induced neovascularization around the sensor and had minimal/baseline sensor responses to intravenous acetaminophen injection (media, 133.33 +/- 27.64 nA; GFP:DF-1, 187.50 +/- 55.43 nA). Alternatively, the sensors implanted with mVEGF:DF-1 cells displayed massive neovascularization and equally massive sensor response to intravenous injection of acetaminophen (VEGF:DF-1, 1387.50 +/- 276.42 nA). These data clearly demonstrate that enhancing vessel density (i.e., neovascularization) around an implanted sensor dramatically enhances sensor function in vivo.


Chemical synthesis of 2'-deoxyguanosine-C8 adducts with heterocyclic amines: an application to synthesis of oligonucleotides site-specifically adducted with 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine.
Synthesis of 2'-deoxyguanosine-C8 adducts (dG-C8 adducts) with mutagenic/carcinogenic heterocyclic amines (HCAs) was achieved via the Buchwald-Hartwig arylamination reaction. By using tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium (Pd(2)dba(3)) and 9,9-dimethyl-4,5-bis(diphenylphosphino)xanthene (xantphos) with a cesium carbonate (Cs(2)CO(3)) base at a reaction temperature of 100 approximately 120 degrees C, we obtained derivatives of dG-C8 adducts with 2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline (IQ), 2-amino-6-methyldipyrido[1,2-a:3',2'-d]imidazole (Glu-P-1), 3-amino-1,4-dimethyl-5H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole (Trp-P-1), 2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline (MeIQx), and 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) in 69% approximately 97% yield from the cross-coupling of an 8-bromodeoxyguanosine derivative. In the case of PhIP, it was found that dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was the critical solvent for the arylamination reaction. Subsequent deprotection of the resulting dG-C8 adduct derivatives yielded authentic samples of dG-C8 adducts with HCAs. The dG-C8-PhIP adduct was further converted into a suitably protected phosphoramidite derivative for automated DNA synthesis. Synthesis of oligonucleotides wherein PhIP adducted on each G within a triple G sequence in codon 869 (TCC GGG AAC) of rat Apc genes was performed with a modification in the coupling time and deprotection procedures.


Stability of sperm characteristics in men with disturbances in sperm quality.
Sixty-one men referred to our laboratory for semen analysis, and subsequently judged to exhibit some form of sperm pathology, were asked to return for a second analysis, not less than 2 months after the first, in order to assess the stability of the pathological changes observed. In almost half of the cases, the referring physician had, on his own initiative, started hormone or antibiotic treatment. The sperm parameters studied included sperm count, sperm motility judged by laser-Doppler spectroscopy, and sperm morphology and viability. The motility characteristics included percentage motile, their average velocity, and percentage swimming in a progressive manner, and their progressive velocity. In untreated subjects, there was no significant difference between the first and second analysis in any of the sperm parameters measured. This was also true for both oligozoospermic individuals (less than 20 x 10(6) sperm/ml) and the group with higher sperm concentrations. All parameters were highly correlated on the two occasions. The average coefficients of variation of the paired observations were highest for sperm count (approximately 25%) and lowest for sperm velocities and the proportion of abnormal and viable cells in the ejaculate (1-9%). No major differences in the extent of variation could be detected between the low and high sperm density groups. In general, the unsystematic antibiotic and hormone regimens (clomiphene or androgen) used by the referring physicians had no discernable effect on any aspect of sperm quality, indicating the need for more controlled and standardized programmes of treatment.


Frequency- and voltage-dependent effects of disopyramide in canine Purkinje fibers.
The voltage- and frequency-dependent blocking actions of disopyramide were assessed in canine Purkinje fibers within the framework of concentrations, membrane potentials, and heart rates which have relevance to the therapeutic actions of this drug. Vmax was used to assess the magnitude of sodium channel block. Disopyramide produced a concentration- and rate-dependent increase in the magnitude and kinetics of Vmax depression. Effects on activation time (used as an estimate of drug effect on conduction) were exactly analogous to effects on Vmax. A concentration-dependent increase in tonic block was also observed. Despite significant increases in tonic block at more depolarized potentials, rate-dependent block increased only marginally with membrane potential over the range of potentials in which propagated action potentials occur. Increases in extracellular potassium concentration accentuated drug effect on Vmax but attenuated drug effect on action potential duration. Recovery from rate-dependent block followed two exponential processes with time constants of 689 +/- 535 ms and 15.7 +/- 2.7 s. The latter component represents dissociation of drug from its binding site and the former probably represents recovery from slow inactivation. A concentration-dependent increase in the amplitude of the first component suggested that disopyramide may promote slow inactivation. There was less than 5% recovery from block during intervals equivalent to clinical diastole. Thus, depression of beats of all degrees of prematurity was similar to that of basic drive beats. Prolongation of action potential duration by therapeutic concentrations of drug following a long quiescent interval was minimal. However, profound lengthening of action potential duration occurred following washout of drug effect at a time when Vmax depression had reverted to normal, suggesting that binding of disopyramide to potassium channels may not be readily reversed. Variable effects on action potential duration may thus be attributed to a block of the window current flowing during the action potential being partially or over balanced by block of potassium channels. Purkinje fiber refractoriness was prolonged in a frequency-dependent manner. Disopyramide did not significantly alter the effective refractory period of basic beats but did increase the effective refractory period of sequential tightly coupled extra stimuli. The results can account for the antiarrhythmic actions of disopyramide during a rapid tachycardia and prevention of its initiation by programmed electrical stimulation.


Systemic hypertensive disease and the feline fundus.
The fundoscopic appearance and some of the histopathological findings of arterial hypertension in the cat are reviewed in relation to the anatomical and physiological features that place retinal function at particular risk when the eye is subjected to sustained increased arterial blood pressure. The fundus changes fall into three categories: hypertensive retinopathy, hypertensive choroidopathy and hypertensive optic neuropathy, and information from cases with confirmed arterial hypertensive disease is used to provide a basis for discussion and future investigation.


Repression of the antifungal activity of Pseudomonas sp. strain DF41 by the stringent response.
The stringent response (SR) enables bacteria to adapt to nutrient limitation through production of the nucleotides guanosine tetraphosphate and guanosine pentaphosphate, collectively known as (p)ppGpp. Two enzymes are responsible for the intracellular pools of (p)ppGpp: RelA acts as a synthetase, while SpoT can function as either a synthetase or a hydrolase. We investigated how the SR affects the ability of the biological control agent Pseudomonas sp. strain DF41 to inhibit the fungal pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary. Strain DF41 relA and relA spoT mutants were generated and found to exhibit increased antifungal activity. Strain DF41 produces a lipopeptide (LP) molecule that is essential for Sclerotinia biocontrol. LP production and protease activity were both elevated in the relA and relA spoT mutants. Addition of relA but not spoT in trans restored the mutant phenotype to that of the parent. Next, we investigated whether an association exists between the SR and known regulators of biocontrol, including the Gac system and RpoS. A gacS mutant of strain DF41 produced less (p)ppGpp and exhibited a 1.7-fold decrease in relA expression compared to the wild type, suggesting that relA forms part of the Gac regulon. We discovered that rpoS transcription was reduced significantly in the SR mutants. Furthermore, rpoS provided in trans restored protease activity to wild-type levels but did not attenuate antifungal activity. Finally, relA expression was decreased in the mutants, indicating that the SR is required for maximum expression of relA.


THz-TDS Reflection Measurement of Coating Thicknesses at Non-Perpendicular Incidence: Experiment and Simulation.
Time-domain spectroscopy (TDS) in the terahertz (THz) frequency range is gaining in importance in nondestructive testing of dielectric materials. One application is the layer thickness measurement of a coating layer. To determine the thickness from the measurement data, the refractive index of the coating layer must be known in the surveyed frequency range. For perpendicular incidence of the radiation, methods exist to extract the refractive index from the measurement data themselves without prior knowledge. This paper extends these methods for non-perpendicular incidence, where the polarization of the radiation becomes important. Furthermore, modifications considering effects of surface roughness of the coating are introduced. The new methods are verified using measurement data of a sample of Inconel steel coated with yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) and with COMSOL simulations of the measurement setup. To validate the thickness measurements, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the layer structure are used. The results show good agreement with an average error of 1% for the simulation data and under 4% for the experimental data compared to reference measurements.


Characteristics and trends of newly identified HIV infections among incarcerated populations: CDC HIV voluntary counseling, testing, and referral system, 1992-1998.
Inmate contact with the correctional health care system provides public health professionals an opportunity to offer HIV screening to a population that might prove difficult to reach otherwise. We report on publicly funded human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) voluntary counseling, testing, and referral (VCTR) services provided to incarcerated persons in the United States. Incarcerated persons seeking VCTR services received pretest counseling and gave a blood specimen for HIV antibody testing. Specimens were considered positive if the enzyme immunoassays were repeatedly reactive and the Western blot or immunofluorescent assay was reactive. Demographics, HIV risk information, and laboratory test results were collected from each test episode. Additional counseling sessions provided more data. From 1992 to 1998, there were 527,937 records available from correctional facilities from 48 project areas; 484,277 records included a test result and 459,155 (87.0%) tests came with complete data. Overall, 3.4% (16,797) of all tests were reactive for HIV antibodies. Of reactive tests accompanied by self-reports of previous HIV test results (15,888), previous test results were 44% positive, 23% negative, 6% inconclusive or unspecified, and 27% no previous test. This indicates that 56% of positive tests were newly identified. During the study period, the number of tests per year increased three-fold. Testing increased among all racial/ethnic groups and both sexes. The largest increase was for heterosexuals who reported no other risk, followed by persons with a sex partner at risk. Overall, the greatest number of tests was reported for injection drug users (IDUs) (128,262), followed by men who have sex with men (MSM) (19,928); however, episodes for MSM doubled during the study, while for IDUs, they increased 74%. The absolute number of HIV-positive (HIV+) tests increased 50%; however, the percentage of all tests that were HIV+ decreased nearly 50% due to the increased number of tests performed. HIV+ tests fell 50% among blacks (7.6% to 3.7%), Hispanics (6.7% to 2.5%), and males (5.1% to 2.5%); 33% among females (4.5% to 3.1%); 95% among IDUs (8.6% to 4.4%); and 64% among MSM (19.3% to 11.8%). Among HIV+ episodes, those for IDUs dropped from 61.5% to 36.6%, while episodes for heterosexuals with no reported risk factor increased from 4.3% to 18.2%. The use of VCTR services by incarcerated persons rose steadily from 1992 to 1998, and 56% of HIV+ tests were newly identified. High numbers of tests that recorded risk behaviors for contracting HIV indicate that correctional facilities provide an important access point for prevention efforts.


Experimental Investigation of the Stress-Strain Behavior and Strength Characterization of Rubberized Reinforced Concrete.
Due to the rapid increase in population, the use of automobile vehicles increases day by day, which causes a considerable increase in the waste tires produced worldwide. Research studies are in progress to utilize scrap tires and waste rubber material in several fields to cater the pollution problems in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. In this research, the shredded waste tires were used in concrete to replace fine aggregates in different percentages. The fine aggregates in the rubberized concrete were replaced 10%, 15%, and 20% by rubber. The stress-strain behavior of the concrete models is then determined and compared with the already established analytical models, i.e., Modified Kent and Park Model, Mander's model, and Razvi and Saatcioglu Model. A total of 12 standard concrete cylinders and 18 models of each type of concrete, i.e., normal concrete, reinforced rubberized concrete with 10%, 15%, and 20% addition of rubber, were fabricated. Specimens fabricated in each replacement of rubber were laterally confined, employing 3 in (76 mm) and 6 in (152 mm) c/c tie spacing. The model and cylinders were subjected to uni-axial compression tests using Universal Testing Machine (UTM). The drop in compressive strength, stress-strain constitutive law, strain limits, and overall behavior of the rubberized reinforced concrete were explored experimentally. The results were then compared with the analytical results of the established models. The research can help explore the possible future for the use of rubberized concrete for the potential application as a structural material.


On fuel choice and water balance during migratory bird flights.
It has been proposed that water loss during flight in migratory birds under high evaporative conditions can be offset by the production of water through increased protein catabolism. Indeed, oxidation of protein may supply 7-times more water/kJ than fat. However, the lack of a relative increase in protein catabolism over that of fat during long flights indicates that processes other than water balance may be the primary drivers of protein catabolism during long and strenuous flights. These processes include the release of stress hormones (which increase both protein and fat catabolism) and protein catabolism triggered by increased oxidative damage to muscle proteins from reactive oxygen species produced by mitochondria. Protein catabolism is an important source of water for birds during migratory flight, but it remains to be determined if this process is directly regulated by hydration status.


Anti-inflammatory effects of montelukast on smoke-induced lung injury in rats.
To evaluate the effects of montelukast in smoke-induced lung injury. 28 Wistar-Albino rats were enrolled into 4 groups with 7 rats per group. The healthy control group was exposed to fresh air while all rats in the 3 experimental groups were exposed to cigarette smoke for 20 weeks for 2 hours per day. After histopathological verification of smoke induced lung injury, montelukast (0.1 mg/kg) dissolved in Na2CO3 was given in one group (MON), Na2CO3 only was given in another group (MON control) and placebo was injected in the third group (COPD control) intraperitoneally for 21 days. At the end of this period blood samples were obtained for serum TNF-α assessment and light and electron microscopy analyses were performed on the lung tissues of sacrificed rats. Serum TNF-α levels in the MON group were significantly lower than in the MON control and COPD control groups (38.84 ± 4.9 pg/ml, 77.5 ± 5.8 pg/ml and 79.2 ± 6.9 pg/ml respectively, p < 0.05). Furthermore there was no statistically significant difference between the MON group and healthy controls with respect to serum TNF-α levels (38.84 ± 4.9 pg/ml vs. 29.5 ± 3.6 pg/ml, p > 0.05). Light and electron microscopic evaluation of the lungs demonstrated that the total histopathological damage score of the lung samples was significantly lower in the MON group than in MON controls and COPD controls (5.14 ± 0.5, 8.4 ± 0.6 and 8.7 ± 0.4 respectively, p < 0.05), while there was no significant difference between the MON group and healthy controls (5.1 ± 0.6 vs 2.3 ± 0.2, p > 0.05). These findings suggest that montelukast might have a protective effect on smoke-induced lung injury in rats both from a histopathological and inflammatory point of view.


Subtle abnormalities in contractile function are an early manifestation of sarcomere mutations in dilated cardiomyopathy.
Sarcomere mutations cause both dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM); however, the steps leading from mutation to disease are not well described. By studying mutation carriers before a clinical diagnosis develops, we characterize the early manifestations of sarcomere mutations in DCM and investigate how these manifestations differ from sarcomere mutations associated with HCM. Sixty-two genotyped individuals in families with sarcomeric DCM underwent clinical evaluation including strain echocardiography. The group included 12 subclinical DCM mutation carriers with normal cardiac dimensions and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF ≥55%), 21 overt DCM subjects, and 29 related mutation (-) normal controls. Results were compared with a previously characterized cohort of 60 subclinical HCM subjects (sarcomere mutation carriers without left ventricular hypertrophy). Systolic myocardial tissue velocity, longitudinal, circumferential, and radial strain, and longitudinal and radial strain rate were reduced by 10%-23% in subclinical DCM mutation carriers compared with controls (P<0.001 for all comparisons), after adjusting for age and family relations. No significant differences in diastolic parameters were identified comparing the subclinical and control cohorts. The opposite pattern of contractile abnormalities with reduced diastolic but preserved systolic function was seen in subclinical HCM. Subtle abnormalities in systolic function are present in subclinical DCM mutation carriers, despite normal left ventricular size and ejection fraction. In contrast, impaired relaxation and preserved systolic function appear to be the predominant early manifestations of sarcomere mutations that lead to HCM. These findings support the theory that the mutation's intrinsic impact on sarcomere function influences whether a dilated or hypertrophic phenotype develops.


Fidelity decay in interacting two-level boson systems: freezing and revivals.
We study the fidelity decay in the k-body embedded ensembles of random matrices for bosons distributed in two single-particle states, considering the reference or unperturbed Hamiltonian as the one-body terms and the diagonal part of the k-body embedded ensemble of random matrices and the perturbation as the residual off-diagonal part of the interaction. We calculate the ensemble-averaged fidelity with respect to an initial random state within linear response theory to second order on the perturbation strength and demonstrate that it displays the freeze of the fidelity. During the freeze, the average fidelity exhibits periodic revivals at integer values of the Heisenberg time t(H). By selecting specific k-body terms of the residual interaction, we find that the periodicity of the revivals during the freeze of fidelity is an integer fraction of t(H), thus relating the period of the revivals with the range of the interaction k of the perturbing terms. Numerical calculations confirm the analytical results.


Evaluation of the Use of Formalin-Fixed and Paraffin-Embedded Archive Gastric Tissues for Microbiota Characterization Using Next-Generation Sequencing.
Large numbers of well-characterized clinical samples are fundamental to establish relevant associations between the microbiota and disease. Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues are routinely used and are widely available clinical materials. Since current approaches to study the microbiota are based on next-generation sequencing (NGS) targeting the bacterial 16S rRNA gene, our aim was to evaluate the feasibility of FFPE gastric tissues for NGS-based microbiota characterization. Analysis of sequencing data revealed the presence of bacteria in the paraffin control. After the subtraction of the operational taxonomic units (OTUs) present in the paraffin control to the FFPE tissue sample dataset, we evaluated the microbiota profiles between paired FFPE and frozen gastric tissues, and between different times of archiving. Compared with frozen gastric tissues, we detected a lower number of OTUs in the microbiota of paired FFPE tissues, regardless of the time of archiving. No major differences in microbial diversity were identified, but taxonomic variation in the relative abundance of phyla and orders was observed between the two preservation methods. This variation was also evident in each case and throughout the times of FFPE archiving. The use of FFPE tissues for NGS-based microbiota characterization should be considered carefully, as biases can be introduced by the embedding process and the time of tissue archiving.


Enhanced in vitro formation and antibiotic resistance of nonattached Pseudomonas aeruginosa aggregates through incorporation of neutrophil products.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a major pathogen in cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease. Children with CF are routinely exposed to P. aeruginosa from the natural environment, and by adulthood, 80% of patients are chronically infected. P. aeruginosa in the CF airway exhibits a unique biofilm-like structure, where it grows in small clusters or aggregates of bacteria in association with abundant polymers of neutrophil-derived components F-actin and DNA, among other components. These aggregates differ substantially in size and appearance compared to surface-attached in vitro biofilm models classically utilized for studies but are believed to share properties of surface-attached biofilms, including antibiotic resistance. However, little is known about the formation and function of surface-independent modes of biofilm growth, how they might be eradicated, and quorum sensing communication. To address these issues, we developed a novel in vitro model of P. aeruginosa aggregates incorporating human neutrophil-derived products. Aggregates grown in vitro and those found in CF patients' sputum samples were morphologically similar; viable bacteria were distributed in small pockets throughout the aggregate. The lasA quorum sensing gene was differentially expressed in the presence of neutrophil products. Importantly, aggregates formed in the presence of neutrophils acquired resistance to tobramycin, which was lost when the aggregates were dispersed with DNase, and antagonism of tobramycin and azithromycin was observed. This novel yet simple in vitro system advances our ability to model infection of the CF airway and will be an important tool to study virulence and test alternative eradication strategies against P. aeruginosa.


A RANKL G278R mutation causing osteopetrosis identifies a functional amino acid essential for trimer assembly in RANKL and TNF.
Receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL), a trimeric tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily member, is the central mediator of osteoclast formation and bone resorption. Functional mutations in RANKL lead to human autosomal recessive osteopetrosis (ARO), whereas RANKL overexpression has been implicated in the pathogenesis of bone degenerative diseases such as osteoporosis. Following a forward genetics approach using N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU)-mediated random mutagenesis, we generated a novel mouse model of ARO caused by a new loss-of-function allele of Rankl with a glycine-to-arginine mutation at codon 278 (G278R) at the extracellular inner hydrophobic F β-strand of RANKL. Mutant mice develop severe osteopetrosis similar to Rankl-deficient mice, whereas exogenous administration of recombinant RANKL restores osteoclast formation in vivo. We show that RANKL(G278R) monomers fail to assemble into homotrimers, are unable to bind and activate the RANK receptor and interact with wild-type RANKL exerting a dominant-negative effect on its trimerization and function in vitro. Since G278 is highly conserved within the TNF superfamily, we identified that a similar substitution in TNF, G122R, also abrogated trimerization, binding to TNF receptor and consequently impaired TNF biological activity. Notably, SPD304, a potent small-molecule inhibitor of TNF trimerization that interacts with G122, also inhibited RANKL activity, suggesting analogous inhibitory mechanisms. Our results provide a new disease model for ARO and identify a functional amino acid in the TNF-like core domain essential for trimer formation both in RANKL and in TNF that could be considered a novel potential target for inhibiting their biological activities.


Linking autotrophic activity in environmental samples with specific bacterial taxa by detection of 13C-labelled fatty acids.
A method for the detection of physiologically active autotrophic bacteria in complex microbial communities was developed based on labelling with the stable isotope 13C. Labelling of autotrophic nitrifying, sulphur-oxidizing and iron-oxidizing populations was performed in situ by incubation with NaH[13C]O3. Incorporated label into fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) was detected and quantified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in single ion monitoring mode. Before the analyses of different environmental samples, the protocol was evaluated in pure culture experiments. In different environmental samples a selective labelling of fatty acids demonstrated which microbial taxa were responsible for the respective chemolithoautotrophic activity. The most strongly labelled fatty acids of a sample from a sulphide treating biofilter from an animal rendering plant were cis-7-hexadecenoic acid (16:1 cis7) and 11-methyl hexadecanoic acid (16:0 11methyl), which are as-yet not known for any sulphide-oxidizing autotroph. The fatty acid labelling pattern of an experimental biotrickling filter sample supplied with dimethyl disulphide clearly indicated the presence and activity of sulphide-oxidizing bacteria of the genus Thiobacillus. For a third environmental sample from an acid mining lake sediment, the assignment of autotrophic activity to bacteria of the genus Leptospirillum but not to Acidithiobacillus could be made by this method, as the fatty acid patterns of these bacteria show clear differences.


Women exhibit a greater age-related increase in proximal aortic stiffness than men.
Large artery mechanical properties are a major determinant of pulse pressure and cardiovascular outcome. Sex differences in these properties may underlie the variation in cardiovascular risk profile between men and women, in relation to age. To investigate sex differences in the age-related stiffening of large arteries. Cross-sectional. One hundred and twenty healthy men and women were recruited and divided equally into tertiles by age: young (mean +/- SD, 23 +/- 5 years), middle-age (47 +/- 3 years) and older (62 +/- 7 years). Lipids, mean arterial pressure and heart rate were matched within each tertile. Carotid tonometry and Doppler velocimetry were used to measure indices of large artery stiffness. There was no sex difference in systemic arterial compliance (SAC) in the young group (mean +/- SEM, 0.61 +/- 0.05 arbitrary compliance units (ACU) in women compared with 0.67 +/- 0.04 ACU in men), but in the older population women had lower SAC than men (0.27 +/- 0.03 ACU compared with 0.57 +/- 0.04 ACU respectively; P < 0.001). Measures independent of aortic geometry (distensibility index and aortic impedance) indicated that stiffness was lower in young women than in men (P < 0.05), but the reverse was true in the older population (P < 0.01). This paralleled the brachial and carotid pulse pressures, which were lower in young (P < 0.01) and higher in older women compared with those in men (P < 0.05). Follicle stimulating hormone concentrations correlated strongly (r values 0.39-0.65) with all indices of central, but not peripheral, arterial function, whereas concentrations of luteinizing hormone, progesterone and oestradiol correlated less strongly. In men and women matched for mean pressures, the age-related stiffening of large arteries is more pronounced in women, which is consistent with changes in female hormonal status.


Application of comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography to the quantification of overlapping faecal sterols.
Standard solutions containing a mixture of seven sterols and 5alpha-cholestane as internal standard, and sample mixtures that comprised varying ratios of sterol and stanols from green lip mussel tissue and dried cow faeces were analysed by using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC x GC). Quantitative results were compared with single-column GC analysis. The latter samples included sterols of interest, but which cannot be readily obtained elsewhere. It may also mimic potential environmental samples where dairy production and aquaculture (oyster, mussel cultivation) share the same catchment; environmental sterol signatures may exhibit characteristics of both sample types comprising this mixture. Whereas single-column GC-flame ionisation detection was unable to reliably quantitate target sterols, the GC x GC experiment permitted small amounts of sterols and stanols to be detected and separated. Likewise GC-MS analysis was unable to detect some of the minor sterols which coeluted on a single column. The GC x GC mode allows complete separation of several important sterols and stanols, such as 24-ethylcoprostanol, campesterol and 24-methylenecholesterol, demonstrating the enhanced resolving power of the GC x GC system. Separation of 24-ethyl-epi-coprostanol from several algal-derived interfering components was achieved, leading to higher degree of confidence in the quantitative analysis of faecal sterols. The effects of a number of operating variables--column length, carrier flow-rate and elution temperature--on component resolution and presentation of data in the two-column analysis are described.


Violent Behaviours among Adolescents and Young Adults: Association with Psychoactive Substance Use and Parenting Styles.
This study extends existing research on the relationship between psychoactive substance use among young people and violent behaviour, by evaluating the possible effect of the modification of parenting in a nationally representative sample of 14,685 Italian students drawn from the 2019 wave of the ESPAD Italia survey (51% male; mean age about 17 years). Parental dimensions considered in the study were rule-setting, monitoring, and emotional support, as well as the possible absence of a parent. Relative risk ratios and binary logistic regressions were used to estimate the associations separately for adolescents (15-17) and young adults (18-19). Overall, parental rule-setting, perceived parental monitoring, and emotional support were protective factors for substance use, and the strength of this relationship increased with the frequency of use. Among adolescents, the absence of a parent represented a risk factor. In both age groups, the odds of engaging in violent behaviour was increased among those reporting alcohol intoxication and substance use and the greater the frequency of use, the greater the increase in the odds. As parental monitoring and emotional support decreased, the odds of engaging in violent behaviour increased (except in the case of lower parental support among young adults), while the opposite applies to parental rule-setting. The odds of engaging in violent behaviour were increased among those reporting the absence of a parent only in the adolescent age group. Parental rule-setting was found to have an effect only among adolescents, increasing the odds of violent behaviour among frequent drinkers. Our results might be helpful to signal adolescents who would be more prone to adopt violent behaviour in order to target prevention policies.


Immunocytochemical study on the C cells in pig thyroid glands.
The distribution of pig thyroid C cells was demonstrated by a immunoperoxidase method using antiserum to porcine calcitonin. The average number of C cells per 4 mm2 counted in the deep and superficial regions was 127 and 55, respectively. The number in the cranial, middle and caudal regions was 60, 128 and 83, respectively. The number of C cells per follicular and C cells (C cell concentration) in deep and superficial regions was 4.9 and 2.6%. It was 3.2, 4.9 and 3.3% in the cranial, middle and caudal regions, respectively. These results indicate that the number and concentration of C cells were not only larger in deep than superficial regions but also in the middle region than in cranial and caudal in pig thyroid gland. These results also indicate that the C cell distribution in pig thyroid gland is the same as that of dog, human, cat, rat, guinea pig, and mouse.


Pathogenesis of bronchiectasis.
Non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis is a heterogeneous condition and its pathogenesis is still not well defined. A combination of a defect in host defense and bacterial infection allows microbial colonization of the airways resulting in chronic inflammation and lung damage. An ongoing cycle of infection and inflammation may be established. Typically, the walls of the small airway are infiltrated by inflammatory cells causing obstruction whilst mediators, such as proteases released predominantly by neutrophils, damage the large airways resulting in bronchial dilatation. Adjacent parenchyma is also involved in the inflammation. Lung function testing generally demonstrates mild to moderate airflow obstruction that progresses over time. There are a large number of different aetiologic factors associated with bronchiectasis. A variety of different microbial pathogens is involved and they change as disease progresses.


Sofosbuvir inhibits hepatitis A virus replication in vitro assessed by a cell-based fluorescent reporter system.
Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection remains a major cause of acute hepatitis worldwide and even leads to fulminant hepatitis. For screening antivirals against HAV in vitro, we develop a cell-based fluorescent reporter system named Huh-7.5.1-GA, in which HAV infection is visualized by green fluorescence protein (GFP) translocation from the cytosol into the nucleus. The reliability of Huh-7.5.1-GA for antiviral studies is validated by IFN-α, a known inhibitor of HAV replication, which impedes GFP translocation. Utilizing this in-vitro reporter system, we find that sofosbuvir, an FDA approved prodrug for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C, disturbs GFP translocation and inhibits HAV replication efficiently. In addition, we find that inhibition of HAV by sofosbuvir is hepatic-cell dependent, with IC50 (half-maximal inhibitory concentration) being 6.3 μM and 9.9 μM in Huh-7.5.1, quantified separately by RT-qPCR and image-based analysis. Therefore, our reporter system may serve as a high-throughput platform for screening potent antivirals against HAV. Sofosbuvir may be considered for treatment of hepatitis A, especially in re-infected patients who undergo liver transplantation due to HAV-induced liver failure.


Perioperative Metabolites Are Associated With Adverse Neonatal Congenital Heart Disease Surgical Outcomes.
Background Clinical risk factors in neonatal cardiac surgery do not fully capture discrepancies in outcomes. Targeted metabolomic analysis of plasma from neonates undergoing heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass was performed to determine associations with clinical outcomes. Methods and Result Samples and clinical variables from 149 neonates enrolled in the Corticosteroid Therapy in Neonates Undergoing Cardiopulmonary Bypass trial with surgical treatment for congenital heart disease between 2012 and 2016 were included. Blood samples were collected before skin incision, immediately after cardiopulmonary bypass, and 12 hours after surgery. Outcomes include composite morbidity/mortality (death, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, cardiac arrest, acute kidney injury, and/or hepatic injury) and a cardiac composite (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, cardiac arrest, or increase in lactate level), hepatic injury, and acute kidney injury. Targeted metabolite levels were determined by high-resolution tandem liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Principal component and regression analyses were used to assess associations between metabolic profiles and outcomes, with 2 models created: a base clinical model and a base model+metabolites. Of the 193 metabolites examined, 40 were detected and quantified. The first principal component, principal component 1, was composed mostly of preoperative metabolites and was significantly associated with the composite morbidity/mortality, cardiac composite, and hepatic injury outcomes. In regression models, individual metabolites also improved model performance for the composite morbidity/mortality, cardiac composite, and hepatic injury outcomes. Significant disease pathways included myocardial injury (false discovery rate, 0.00091) and heart failure (false discovery rate, 0.041). Conclusions In neonatal cardiac surgery, perioperative metabolites were associated with postoperative outcomes and improved clinical model outcome associations. Preoperative metabolite levels alone may improve risk models and provide a basis for optimizing perioperative care.


Assessment of medical practitioners' knowledge of fibromyalgia in Saudi Arabia.
Fibromyalgia (FM), a relatively common disease, is difficult to diagnose owing to its subjective symptoms and poor knowledge among medical practitioners. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge regarding FM among medical practitioners in Saudi Arabia and the need for educational programs at the undergraduate level. An online survey was administered to physicians, nurses, and technologist/technicians in different regions of the country. Responses were obtained from 104 medical practitioners. Knowledge regarding FM including clinical symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment was assessed. Only 26% of the respondents reported that FM was part of their undergraduate curriculum, and only 8.7% attended educational programs about FM. (Approximately 50% of the medical practitioners either referred FM patients to unrelated specialty or did not know whom to refer these patients to). Only 33.7% of the respondents were familiar with the diagnostic criteria. Physiotherapy (69.4%) and pharmacological treatment (63.9%) were predominantly reported as the appropriate treatment. Knowledge regarding FM among medical practitioners in Saudi Arabia is poor. Further education at the undergraduate level is needed to improve knowledge and avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.


[Protective and family risk factors related to drugs in families of adolescents from Valparaíso, Chile].
This quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive and exploratory research aimed to identify and describe protective and family risk factors related to the phenomenon of drugs in adolescents' families in the community of Valparaiso, Chile. The sample consisted of 61 students enrolled in 2008 and selected through simple random sampling. The data collection instrument was a questionnaire, developed and validated by experts from five countries in the Americas. Of the adolescents, 86.9% perceived the family relations, in general, as a protective factor, highlighting great communication with parents. Tensions, health and behavior problems were found as protective factors by a small number of students who act as neutral actors, in both cases associated with alcohol and drugs consumption by some family member. As risk factors, education and parents' kind of work were appointed.


Metal-support interaction on cobalt based FT catalysts - a DFT study of model inverse catalysts.
It is challenging to isolate the effect of metal-support interactions on catalyst reaction performance. In order to overcome this problem, inverse catalysts can be prepared in the laboratory and characterized and tested at relevant conditions. Inverse catalysts are catalysts where the precursor to the catalytically active phase is bonded to a support-like ligand. We can then view the metal-support interaction as a ligand interaction with the support acting as a supra-molecular ligand. Importantly, laboratory studies have shown that these ligands are still present after reduction of the catalyst. By varying the quantity of these ligands present on the surface, insight into the positive effect SMSI have during a reaction is gained. Here, we present a theoretical study of mono-dentate alumina support based ligands, adsorbed on cobalt surfaces. We find that the presence of the ligand may significantly affect the morphology of a cobalt crystallite. With Fischer-Tropsch synthesis in mind, the CO dissociation is used as a probe reaction, with the ligand assisting the dissociation, making it feasible to dissociate CO on the dense fcc Co(111) surface. The nature of the interaction between the ligand and the probe molecule is characterized, showing that the support-like ligands' metal centre is directly interacting with the probe molecule.


[Study of Legionella pneumophila strains isolated from environmental objects].
The paper presents the results of studying the biological properties of Legionella pneumophila strains isolated from environmental objects. Elective legionellosis medium (ELM) has been found to be suitable for the isolation of the causative agent from the starting material and to be as sensitive as CYE (Oxoid company) containing growth and selective additives. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with a home-produced commercial test system used to detect L. pneumophila DNA enables identification of the causative agent, including its species. Hyperimmune sera against L. pneumophila 1-7 serogroups used in slide-agglutination and agglutination, as well as a series of co-agglutinating diagnosticums for legionellosis 1-7 serogroups make it possible to identify even the serogroups of L. pneumophilla. Comparative analysis of the virulence of L. pneumophila cultures in vivo and in vitro allows recommendation that practical laboratories should employ a simple NaCl resistance test, which can be used as a guide virulence test.


[Bone and calcium update; diagnosis and therapy of bone metabolism disease update. Calcification of atherosclerotic plaques: mechanism and clinical significance].
Vascular calcification is an important problem in the patients with diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD) , and contributes to the increased risk of cardiovascular events by a variety of mechanisms, including an increase in arterial stiffness by medial calcification or an increase in plaque vulnerability by a specific type of atherosclerotic calcification. Coronary calcification is a marker of atherosclerosis and evaluation of coronary artery calcium (CAC) score by cardiac MDCT has been recognized as the useful strategies to initiate or intensify appropriate treatment to slow the progression of atherosclerosis. Besides the risk of coronary heart disease, CAC has been demonstrated to be associated with the risk of complication during PCI, including arterial perforation and dissection, stent malapposition, and resultant late stent thrombosis. Increasing evidence demonstrates that both types of vascular calcification are active and tightly regulated by a process similar to bone formation.


Pattern recognition-based Raman spectroscopy for non-destructive detection of pomegranates during maturity.
In this study, the feasibility of utilizing Fourier transform Raman spectroscopy, combined with supervised and unsupervised pattern recognition methods was considered, to distinguish the maturity stage of pomegranate "Ashraf variety" during four distinct maturity stages between 88 and 143 days after full bloom. Principal component analysis (PCA) as an unsupervised pattern recognition method was performed to verify the possibility of clustering of the pomegranate samples into four groups. Two supervised pattern recognition techniques namely, partial least squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) and Soft Independent Modeling of Class Analogy (SIMCA) were also used as powerful supervised pattern recognition methods to classify the samples. The results showed that in all groups of samples, the Raman spectra of the samples were correctly clustered using PCA. The accuracy of the SIMCA classification for differentiation of four pomegranate groups was 82%. Also, the overall discriminant power of PLS-DA classes was about 96%, and 95% for calibration and validation sample sets, respectively. Due to the misclassification among different classes of immature pomegranates, that was lower than the expected, it was not possible to discriminate all the immature samples in individual classes. However, when considering only the two main categories of "immature" and "mature", a reasonable separation between the classes were obtained using supervised pattern recognition methods of SIMCA and PLS-DA. The SIMCA based on PCA modeling could correctly categorize the samples in two classes of immature and mature with classification accuracy of 100%.


A clinical study on Krimidanta with reference to dental caries and its management with Jatipatradi Gutika and Yavanadi Churna.
Dental caries is progressive destruction of enamel, dentine and cementum, initiated by microbial activity at the tooth surface. It is one of the major problems in dentistry. On the basis of clinical features, it can be compared with Krimidanta which is one among the eight diseases of tooth. In the management of Krimidanta, Krimighna, Vataghna and Ushna Veerya dravyas are to be used which can relieve the toothache and discoloration. In this study, the trial drugs used were Jatipatradi Gutika for Pratisarana and Yavanadi Churna for oral administration. In this study, the patients of Krimidanta (dental caries) were selected from OPD of Shalakya Department and allotted randomly in different groups. In Group A, the patients were treated with Jatipatradi Gutika for Pratisarana for 30 days. In Group B, the patients were treated with Yavanadi Churna orally and Group C patients were treated with combined therapy for 30 days. The clinical study has shown that combined therapy gives better results than individual therapies.


The immune response of plaice (Pleuronectes platessa L) to the metacercariae of Cryptocotyle lingua and Rhipidocotyle johnstonei.
The humoral immune response of plaice to infestations of selected metacercariae was studied. Precipitating antibodies to both Cryptocotyle lingua and Rhipidocotyle johnstonei were demonstrated using agar gel diffusion techniques. Immunochemical investigations of these antibodies indicated they were macroglobulins, resembling immunoglobulin M (IgM) of mammals. The rate and magnitude of antibody production by the host was determined by the ambient temperature.


Targeted oncolytic herpes simplex viruses for aggressive cancers.
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a well-known vector that is often used for gene therapy to treat cancers. The most attractive feature of HSV is its ability to destroy tumors through a distinctive oncolytic mechanism where the virus can destroy cancer cells via cell lysis, a killing function that no anti-cancer drugs can mimic. Importantly, HSV is a safe and effective virus that can be easily manipulated to preferentially replicate in tumor cells. In the last 20 years of reengineering efforts, a number of HSV designs, including the classical G207, have been focused on deleting viral genes in order to render the virus tumor specific. Although such designs can successfully destroy tumor xenografts in animal models, with minimal impact on normal tissues, a common trade-off is the marked attenuation of the virus. This problem is most profound in many clinical tumors, where virus dissemination is often hindered by the difficult cellular and molecular terrain of the human tumor mass. In order to harness all of HSV's replication potential to destroy tumor cells, efforts in our lab, as well as others, last several years have been focused on engineering an oncolytic HSV to target tumor cells without deleting any viral genes, and have since generated highly tumor specific viruses including our transcriptional translational dually regulated HSV (TTDR-HSV). In this review, we will discuss the improvements associated with the newer TTDR-HSV design compared to the classical defective HSV designs such as G207 and tk- HSV. Lastly, we will review additional cellular features of aggressive tumors, such as their immense cellular heterogeneity and volatility, which may serve to hinder the dissemintation of TTDR-HSV. The challenge for future studies would be to explore how TTDRHSV could be redesigned and/or employed with combinatorial approaches to better target and destroy the heterogeneous and dynamic cell populations in the aggressive tumor mass.


Malformation of cortical and vascular development in one family with parietal foramina determined by an ALX4 homeobox gene mutation.
Vascular and cortical anomalies have been found in a family with parietal foramina type 2 (PFM2), which is determined by the ALX4 gene. It is believed that ALX4 has a bone-restricted expression. We report a case of PFM with age-related size variation in a 4-year-old boy, as well as in his mother, aunt and grandfather. MR imaging of the child demonstrates prominent malformations of cortical (polymicrogyric cortex with an unusual infolding pattern) and vascular development (persistence median prosencephalic vein), associated with high tentorial incisure periatrial white matter changes.