Effect of highly ordered single-crystalline TiO2 nanowire length on the photovoltaic performance of dye-sensitized solar cells.
One-dimensional semiconductor nanostructures grown directly onto transparent conducting oxide substrates with a high internal surface area are most desirable for high-efficiency dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Herein, we present a multicycle hydrothermal synthesis process to produce vertically aligned, single crystal rutile TiO(2) nanowires with different lengths between 1 and 8 μm for application as the working electrode in DSSCs. Optimum performance was obtained with a TiO(2) nanowire length of 2.0 μm, which may be ascribed to a smaller nanowire diameter with a high internal surface area and better optical transmittance with an increase in the incident light intensity on the N719 dye; as well as a firm connection at the FTO/TiO(2) nanowire interface.


Transplanting an organization: how does culture matter.
Cultural differences are often cited as a major obstacle to the successful transition/integration into new situations of organizations. In this contribution, the author details the changing cultural factors impacting the operation and move of the Menninger Clinic from autonomous status to an affiliation with and first year of operation in the Baylor College of Medicine and Methodist Hospital Health Care System. Both functional and dysfunctional consequences are outlined, and specific examples illustrate how the organization's leadership and staff struggled to adapt during this complicated process. Based on the experience within the Clinic, general recommendations for managing such an acculturation are provided.


[Spontaneous infestation of Phlebotomus dubosqui by promastigotes of Leishmania in Senegal].
An epidemiological survey of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Senegal revealed the presence of numerous Phlebotomus duboscqi in the entrances of rodent burrows. Two P. duboscqi out of 45 females dissected showed infection of the gut by promastigotes which could be cultured on NNN medium.


The African orphan crisis and international adoption.
The plight of Africa's AIDS orphans has reached crisis proportions, and the international community is beginning to mobilize at the family, community, national, and international levels. Despite these encouraging efforts, the response is inadequate, and increased attention and action are needed. The authors suggest that international adoption, although a small and temporary solution, may fit within the framework being used as a global working model. Issues surrounding adoption, such as racism, racial and cultural identity development, waiting children in the U.S. public child welfare system, and the potential legal risks, are delineated. The African perspective toward adoption is presented, although the response varies and is not collectively defined. The authors conclude that although international adoptions should be used as a last-resort solution, and with tight regulations, the potential benefits to some children merit the opening of a dialogue on the topic.


Development and Validation of a Specific Self-Efficacy Scale in Adherence to a Gluten-Free Diet.
The aim of this study was to develop a scale to assess the levels of specific self-efficacy in order to enhance adherence to a gluten-free diet and the life quality of celiac patients. Celiac disease is a chronic small intestinal immune-mediated enteropathy precipitated by exposure to dietary gluten in genetically predisposed people. The only treatment is a strict lifelong gluten-free diet. Within the framework of Social Cognitive Theory, expectation of self-efficacy is understood as the degree in which a person believes himself to be capable of performing a certain task (e.g., adhering to a gluten-free diet), a construct which has been widely studied in its relation with adopting healthy behaviors, but scarcely in relation to celiac disease. A validation study was carried out in various stages: preparation of the protocol; construction of the questionnaire and a pilot run with 20 patients; validation of the scale with 563 patients and statistical analysis. A 25-item scale was developed. Feasibility was excellent (99.82% of participants completed all the questions). Factorial analysis pointed to the existence of five factors that explained 70.98% of the variance with a Cronbach alpha of 0.81 for the scale overall and between 0.64 and 0.90 for each factor. The scale showed a Spearman's Rho coefficient of 0.279 with the General self-efficacy Scale. This easily administered scale provides good psychometric properties for evaluating specific self-efficacy of celiac patients in adhering to treatment. It seeks to be the first scale that provides not only a measurement of specific self-efficacy in celiac disease, but also to determine its levels for each of the areas as a first step toward designing interventions of self-management and empowerment programs to cope with the disease.


The combination of sarcopenia and biochemical factors can predict the survival of hepatocellular carcinoma patients receiving transarterial chemoembolization.
Transarterial chemoembolization(TACE) is the suggested treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) not amenable to curative treatments. We investigated the role of sarcopenia on overall survival in HCC patients receiving TACE and proposed a new prognostic scoring system incorporating sarcopenia. We retrospectively analyzed 260 HCC patients who received TACE between 2010 and 2015. Total psoas muscle was measured on a cross-sectional CT image before the first TACE session. Sarcopenia was defined by the pre-determined sex-specific cutoff value. We assessed the impact of sarcopenia and other biochemical factors on the overall survival and compared the new scoring system with other prognostic scoring systems. One hundred and thirty patients (50%) were classified as sarcopenia before the first TACE. They were older with a higher male tendency and a significantly lower body mass index (BMI). Cox regression multivariate analysis demonstrated that sarcopenia, multiple tumors, maximal tumor diameter≥ 5cm, major venous thrombosis, sarcopenia, AFP ≥ 200 ng/ml, and albumin<3.5mg/dL were independent poor prognostic factors for overall survival in HCC patients receiving TACE. Our scoring system comprising these factors outperformed other major scoring systems in terms of predicting survival after TACE. The current study demonstrated that sarcopenia was an independent prognostic factor for HCC undergoing TACE therapy. Our newly developed scoring system could effectively predict patient survival after TACE. Physicians could, based on the current score model, carefully select candidate patients for TACE treatment in order to optimize their survival. Further studies are warranted to validate our findings.


The Act-4 Years after.
The MP who did most to put the Abortion Act on to the statute book assesses the way it has been used and abused and whether it needs to be amended.


Truncated Cross Effect Dynamic Nuclear Polarization: An Overhauser Effect Doppelgänger.
The discovery of a truncated cross-effect (CE) in dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) NMR that has the features of an Overhauser-effect DNP (OE-DNP) is reported here. The apparent OE-DNP, where minimal μw power achieved optimum enhancement, was observed when doping Trityl-OX063 with a pyrroline nitroxide radical that possesses electron-withdrawing tetracarboxylate substituents (tetracarboxylate-ester-pyrroline or TCP) in vitrified water/glycerol at 6.9 T and at 3.3 to 85 K, in apparent contradiction to expectations. While the observations are fully consistent with OE-DNP, we discover that a truncated cross-effect ( tCE) is the underlying mechanism, owing to TCP's shortened T1e. We take this observation as a guideline and demonstrate that a crossover from CE to tCE can be replicated by simulating the CE of a narrow-line (Trityl-OX063) and a broad-line (TCP) radical pair, with a significantly shortened T1e of the broad-line radical.


Understanding the seasonal pattern of childhood asthma: results from the National Cooperative Inner-City Asthma Study (NCICAS).
To contrast the seasonal patterns of asthma symptoms and utilization and determine the impact of allergen sensitivity, environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure, and air pollution on the seasonal patterns of asthma. Participants in the National Cooperative Inner-City Asthma Study (NCICAS) were tracked for approximately 4 years after allergen skin testing and determination of exposure to ETS. Air pollution data were obtained from EPA monitoring sites in NCICAS cities. Asthma symptoms (wheeze) and health care utilization (unscheduled visits and hospitalization) had similar seasonal patterns, with low points during the summer months of June through August and a distinct autumn peak beginning in September. Seasonal patterns were similar among children with no allergen skin test reactivity, those reactive only to indoor allergens, and those reactive to outdoor allergens. ETS exposure, whether defined by self-report or urinary cotinine/creatinine ratio, was not related to the observed seasonal patterns. Among the pollutants evaluated, only the seasonal pattern of SO(2) coincided with that of asthma morbidity. Atopy, ETS, and most air pollutants do not appear to contribute to the distinct asthma seasonal pattern. On a population level, changes in symptoms are mirrored by changes in utilization.


Decreased insulin secretion and accumulation of triglyceride in beta cells overexpressing a dominant-negative form of AMP-activated protein kinase.
Adenosine 5' -monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) has been implicated in the regulation of energy metabolism, although its role in the pancreatic beta cells remains unclear. In the present, we have overexpressed a dominant negative form of AMPKalpha1 subunit (Asp57Ala) tagged with c-myc epitope (AMPKalpha1-DN) in INS-1D cells with an adenoviral vector. After 48 h of adenoviral infection, overexpression of AMPKalpha1-DN in INS-1D cells was confirmed by Western blot analysis with anti-c-myc antibody. Phosphorylation of the Thr172 in AMPKalpha1/alpha2 subunit was progressively decreased in parallel with increasing number of adenoviral titers. Glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in response to 30 mmol/L glucose was decreased in INS-1D cells overexpressing AMPKalpha1-DN as compared to control cells infected with adeno- LacZ vector. Neither cellular insulin content nor insulin mRNA level was changed between the two groups. Phosphorylation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), a down-stream substrate of AMPK, was decreased, indicating that ACC activity was increased, due to the decreased AMPK activity. In fact, intracellular triglyceride content was increased as compared to control cells. The beta-oxidation of palmitate was decreased at 30 mmol/L glucose. Insulin secretion in response to potassium chloride or glibenclamide was also decreased as compared to control cells. In conclusion, suppression of AMPK activity in beta-cells inhibited insulin secretion in response to glucose, potassium chloride or glibenclamide without altering insulin content. Accumulation of triglyceride subsequent to the activation of ACC by suppression of AMPK activity, was suggested to be, at least in part, responsible for the impaired insulin secretion through so-called lipotoxicity mechanism.


Environmental protection based on the nanobiosensing of bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPSs): material and method overview.
Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or endotoxin control is critical for environmental and healthcare issues. LPSs are responsible for several infections, including septic and shock sepsis, and are found in water samples. Accurate and specific diagnosis of endotoxin is one of the most challenging issues in medical bacteriology. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), plating and culture-based methods, and Limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) assay are the conventional techniques in quantifying LPS in research and medical laboratories. However, these methods have been restricted due to their disadvantages, such as low sensitivity and time-consuming and complicated procedures. Therefore, the development of new and advanced methods is demanding, particularly in the biological and medical fields. Biosensor technology is an innovative method that developed extensively in the past decade. Biosensors are classified based on the type of transducer and bioreceptor. So in this review, various types of biosensors, such as optical (fluorescence, SERS, FRET, and SPR), electrochemical, photoelectrochemical, and electrochemiluminescence, on the biosensing of LPs were investigated. Also, the critical role of advanced nanomaterials on the performance of the above-mentioned biosensors is discussed. In addition, the application of different labels on the efficient usage of biosensors for LPS is surveyed comprehensively. Also, various bio-elements (aptamer, DNA, miRNA, peptide, enzyme, antibody, etc.) on the structure of the LPS biosensor are investigated. Finally, bio-analytical parameters that affect the performance of LPS biosensors are surveyed.


Social and racial inequity in self-rated oral health in adults in Southern Brazil.
This study aimed to estimate social and racial inequalities in self-rated oral health in adults from the Brazilian birth cohort study. This study belongs to 1982 Pelotas (Brazil) birth cohort study. Data from this study was collected for oral health conditions 31 years old (Oral Health Study). The outcome was self-rated oral health, dichotomized into positive (good/very good) and negative (regular/bad/very bad). Analyses were stratified by gender, racial/skin color groups, schooling level and income. For statistical analysis, the slope index of inequality (SII) and the concentration index (CIX) were used. The prevalence of negative self-rated oral health was 36.1%. Social inequalities were observed in self-rated oral health in both absolute and relative terms. A SII of -30.0 (95%CI: -43.6; -16.4) was observed for income, and -27.7 (95%CI: -41.9; -13.4) for schooling level. Both the individuals' income and the schooling level had negative CIX (CIXincome -14.6 [95%CI: -21.2; -8.0] and CIXschooling level -14.1 [95%CI: -20.7; -7.5]). Furthermore, the prevalence of negative self-rated oral health in black/brown/indigenous individuals from the highest income/schooling level was comparable to prevalence of the outcome in the white individuals belonging to the lowest income/schooling levels. This study results demonstrate racial disparities in oral health regardless of income and schooling levels. Furthermore, a higher concentration of negative self-rated oral health was identified among the most socioeconomically vulnerable individuals. Our findings reinforce the presence of racial and socioeconomic inequalities in oral health.


A New Method for the Visualization of Living Dopaminergic Neurons and Prospects for Using It to Develop Targeted Drug Delivery to These Cells.
This is the first study aiming to develop a method for the long-term visualization of living nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons using 1-(2-(bis(4-fluorophenyl)methoxy)ethyl)-4-(3-phenylpropyl)piperazine-BODIPY (GBR-BP), the original fluorescent substance, which is a derivative of GBR-12909, a dopamine uptake inhibitor. This method is based on the authors' hypothesis about the possibility of specifically internalizing into dopaminergic neurons substances with a high affinity for the dopamine transporter (DAT). Using a culture of mouse embryonic mesencephalic and LUHMES cells (human embryonic mesencephalic cells), as well as slices of the substantia nigra of adult mice, we have obtained evidence that GBR-BP is internalized specifically into dopaminergic neurons in association with DAT via a clathrin-dependent mechanism. Moreover, GBR-BP has been proven to be nontoxic. As we have shown in a primary culture of mouse metencephalon, GBR-BP is also specifically internalized into some noradrenergic and serotonergic neurons, but is not delivered to nonmonoaminergic neurons. Our data hold great promise for visualization of dopaminergic neurons in a mixed cell population to study their functioning, and can also be considered a new approach for the development of targeted drug delivery to dopaminergic neurons in pathology, including Parkinson's disease.


Barriers and enablers of adherence to infant nevirapine prophylaxis against HIV 1 transmission among 6-week-old HIV exposed infants: A prospective cohort study in Northern Uganda.
Sub-optimal adherence to infant prophylaxis has been associated with mother-to-child-transmission of HIV. However, the factors associated have not been well characterised in different settings. This study describes barriers and enablers of adherence to infant prophylaxis among 6-week-old HIV exposed infants in Lira district, Northern Uganda. This prospective cohort study was conducted from 2018-2020 at the PMTCT clinic at Lira Regional Referral Hospital and included 472 mother-infant pairs. HIV-infected pregnant women were recruited, followed up at delivery and 6 weeks postpartum. We used a structured questionnaire to obtain data on socio-demographic, reproductive-related, HIV-related characteristics and adherence. Data were analysed using Stata to estimate adjusted risk ratios using Poisson regression models to ascertain barriers and enablers of adherence to infant nevirapine prophylaxis. Barriers to infant adherence are maternal characteristics including: younger age (≤20 years adjusted risk ratio (ARR) = 1.55; 95% CI: 1.1-2.2), missing a viral load test during pregnancy (ARR: 1.4; 95% CI: 1.1-1.7) and not receiving nevirapine syrup for the baby after childbirth (ARR = 6.2; 95% CI: 5.1-7.6). Enablers were: having attained ≥14 years of schooling (ARR = 0.7; 95% CI: 0.5-0.9), taking a nevirapine-based regimen (ARR = 0.6; 95% CI: 0.4-0.9), long-term ART (≥ 60 months ARR = 0.75; 95% CI: 0.6-0.9), accompanied by a husband to hospital during labour and childbirth (ARR = 0.5; 95% CI: 0.4-0.7) and labour starting at night (ARR = 0.7; 95% CI: 0.6-0.8). Despite mothers receiving nevirapine syrup from the health workers for the infant, non-adherence rates still prevail at 14.8%. The health system needs to consider giving HIV infected pregnant women the nevirapine syrup before birth to avoid delays and non-adherence. There is need to pay particular attention to younger women and those who recently started ART.


Induction of uncoupling protein 3 gene expression in skeletal muscle of preterm newborns.
Prematurity is associated with delayed postnatal activation of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and impaired switch from glycolytic to oxidative metabolism. Fatty acids (FA), which represent a major energy substrate in mature muscle cells, are engaged in the postnatal activation of genes of energy metabolism and lipid oxidation. To understand the mechanism activating mitochondria in human newborns, expression of the genes for mitochondrial uncoupling proteins (UCP) was characterized in autopsy samples of skeletal (n = 28) and cardiac (n = 13) muscles of preterm neonates, who mostly died during the first postnatal month, and two aborted fetuses. Transcripts levels for UCP2, UCP3, and also for genes engaged in the transport of FA between cytoplasm and mitochondria were measured using real-time reverse transcriptase PCR. In accordance with studies in mice, our results document postnatal induction of UCP3 gene expression in skeletal muscle, involvement of nutritional FA in the induction, and a role of UCP3 in mitochondrial FA oxidation. They suggest impaired postnatal activation of UCP3 gene in neonates delivered before approximately 26 wk of gestation. Mean levels of the UCP3 transcript in skeletal muscle were by two orders of magnitude higher than in the heart. In contrast to UCP3, the UCP2 gene was active in fetuses, and its expression was not affected by nutrition. Our results support a role of UCP3 in postnatal activation of lipid oxidation in skeletal muscle and suggest the involvement of UCP3 in the delayed activation of mitochondrial energy conversion in very immature preterm neonates.


Morphological types of spermatheca in Coreidae: bearing on intra-familial classification and tribal-groupings (Hemiptera: Heteroptera).
The morphology of the spermatheca is described in 109 species of 86 genera representing all four currently recognised subfamilies of Coreidae, covering the undivided Hydarinae, both tribes of Pseudophloeinae, all three tribes of Meropachyinae and 27 of the 32 tribes of Coreinae. Three types of spermatheca are recognised. Type I is bipartite, consisting only of a simple tube differentiated into distal seminal receptacle and proximal spermathecal duct and lacks the intermediate part present in most Pentatomomorpha, in which it serves as muscular pump. Type II is also bipartite but more elaborate in form with the receptacle generally distinctly wider than the duct. Type III is tripartite, with receptacle, duct and an often complex intermediate part. Four subtypes are recognised within type III. Type I is found only in Hydarinae and type II only in Pseudophloeinae. Type III is found in both Coreinae and Meropachyinae. Subtype IIIA ("Coreus-group") unites many tribes from the Eastern Hemisphere and only one (Spartocerini) from the Western Hemisphere. Subtypes IIIB ("Nematopus-group") and IIID ("Anisoscelis-group") are confined to taxa from the Western Hemisphere and subtype IIIC ("Chariesterus-group") is found in tribes from both hemispheres. The polarity of several characters of the intermediate part and some of the spermathecal duct is evaluated, suggesting autapomorphies or apomorphies potentially relevant to the classification of Coreidae at the sufamilial and tribal levels. Characters of the intermediate part strongly indicate that the separation of Meropachyinae and Coreinae as currently constituted cannot be substantiated. The tribes Anisoscelini, Colpurini, Daladerini and Hyselonotini are heterogeneous, each exhibiting two subtypes of spermatheca, and probably polyphyletic. Two tribes, Cloresmini and Colpurini, requiring further investigation remain unplaced. This study demonstrates the great importance of characters of the spermatheca, in particular its intermediate part, for research into the phylogeny and taxonomy of Pentatomomorpha.


Assessing random error in the international normalized ratio.
Changes in the international normalized ratio (INR) following warfarin administration may be explained not only by the attendant anticoagulant effect but also, in part, by random errors normally associated with laboratory assays. Thus, a patient's true INR will differ from the reported value by some random error related to the variability in the prothrombin time (PT) assay. By employing a statistical technique known as the delta method, the error expected in an INR for a particular institution can be estimated by taking the product of the international sensitivity index (ISI) and the coefficient of variation (CV) for the PT assay.


Monetary delay discounting in gambling and cocaine dependence with personality comorbidities.
Cocaine addiction and pathological gambling are commonly associated with steeper (impulsive) discounting of delayed rewards, which promotes ongoing drug and gambling behaviors. However, it is yet unclear whether impulsive delay discounting is a stable trait in cocaine and gambling disorders during abstinence, and whether it is significantly impacted by dysfunctional personality beliefs. The aim of this study was to compare the delay discounting rates of four groups: 47 cocaine users with comorbid personality disorders, 41 cocaine users without psychiatric comorbidities, 28 pathological gamblers without psychiatric comorbidities, and 36 healthy comparison individuals. We also examined the association between dysfunctional personality beliefs and delay discounting rates. Participants completed the Kirby Delay Discounting Questionnaire and the Beck Personality Belief Questionnaire as part of a larger battery. We used non-parametric tests to compare discounting rates between the groups, and bivariate correlation analyses to examine the association between beliefs and discounting rates within each of the groups. We found that discounting rates were significantly higher in individuals with disordered gambling compared to controls. Specifically in cocaine users with Cluster B personality disorders, higher discounting rates were associated with the intensity of "dependent" dysfunctional beliefs (e.g., "I am needy and weak"). Conclusion:We conclude that impulsive delay discounting is increased in gambling relative to controls and linked to personality beliefs in cocaine users with Cluster B personality disorders.


Roles of and correlation between alpha-smooth muscle actin, CD44, hyaluronic acid and osteopontin in crescent formation in human glomerulonephritis.
alpha-Smooth muscle actin (SMA), CD44, hyaluronic acid (HA) and osteopontin (OPN) are involved in crescent formation; however, the correlation between these molecules during the formation and progression of the crescents in human glomerulonephritis (GN) has not been fully evaluated. To investigate the expression of alpha-SMA, CD44, HA, OPN and CD68 renal biopsy specimens from 14 patients with crescentic GN were examined by immunohistochemistry. All crescents were separated into cellular, fibrocellular and fibrous. The extent of staining in each crescent was scored semiquantitatively. The change in the expression of each molecule and its correlation with other molecules during the formation and progression of the crescents were estimated statistically. The expression of alpha-SMA was significantly up-regulated in the fibrocellular crescents compared with that in the cellular and fibrous crescents. The expression of CD44, OPN and CD68 was significant in the cellular crescents compared with that in the fibrocellular and fibrous crescents. The deposition of HA in the three groups of crescents was high level. However, that of HA was not significant among three groups of crescent. The expression of CD44 in the cellular crescents correlated significantly with the expression of OPN and CD68, and the deposition of HA in the cellular crescents. The expression of OPN in the cellular crescents correlated with the deposition of HA and the expression of CD68 in the cellular crescents. The expression of alpha-SMA in the cellular and fibrocellular crescents correlated with the deposition of HA in the cellular and fibrocellular crescents. The expression of CD44, HA, OPN and CD68 was up-regulated at the early stage of the crescent formation in human crescentic GN. Moreover, myofibroblasts and cell-matrix interactions mediated by the CD44-OPN and CD44-HA receptor-ligand pairs may play important roles in the formation and progression of the crescents.


A biophysical explanation for Nd:YAG percutaneous laser disc decompression success.
To use pre- and postoperative CT density measurements to demonstrate changes achieved by Nd:YAG laser (1,064 nm) in protruded or extruded discs. Nonendoscopic percutaneous laser disc decompression and nucleotomy (PLDN) with the Nd:YAG laser is an established minimal invasive treatment of discogenic pain syndromes in patients with bulging, protruded, or extruded intravertebral discs. Extremely high success rates involving improvement in the flow of cerebrospinal fluid in the dural sac and enhanced venous flow by MRI myelography are 80% lumbar, 86.5% cervical, and 98% thoracic spine. However, verification of reduced intradisc and intraspinal pressure by imaging procedures is difficult. Twenty-one patients, four women and 17 men, with an average age of 43.67 (range, 24-59) were selected. The patients showed lumbar radicular pain syndromes with monosegmental disc protrusion or extrusion, and monoradicular clinical symptoms. Measurements were performed preoperatively and on postoperative day 1. The preoperative density measurements averaged 83.43, in agreement with the Houndsfield units (HU) described in the literature. Postoperatively, the reduction down to 66.33 HU had a statistical significance of p = 0.001 verified in the t test. Standardizing the measurements prior to laser irradiation to 100% produced an average 20% postoperative density reduction. PLDN with the Nd:YAG laser (1,064 nm) markedly reduces the postoperative density in protrusion and extrusion of intravertebral discs. The excellent therapeutic results achieved with this method in discogenic pain syndromes can be verified by imaging procedures.


Phylogenetic relationships among Vairimorpha and Nosema species (Microspora) based on ribosomal RNA sequence data.
A portion (approximately 350 nucleotides) of the large subunit ribosomal RNA (rRNA) 5' to the 580 region (Escherichia coli numbering) was sequenced using the reverse transcriptase dideoxy method and compared for several species of Nosema and Vairimorpha. Comparison among Nosema species suggests that this genus is composed of several unrelated groups. The group which includes the type species, Nosema bombycis, consists of closely related species found primarily in Lepidoptera. Other Nosema species sequenced (Nosema kingi, Nosema algerae, and Nosema locustae) do not appear to be closely related to each other or to the lepidopteran Nosema group. Comparison among the Vairimorpha species indicates that two distinct but very closely related groups exist. The Lymantria group consists of species isolated from the gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar, while the Vairimorpha necatrix group consists of species isolated from other Lepidoptera. Intergeneric comparison of the sequence data suggests that the lepidopteran Nosema species are closely related to the Vairimorpha species.


Correlated response to selection for litter size in pigs: II. Carcass, meat, and fat quality traits.
Data on a pig line selected for litter size (H) and a control line (C) were used to estimate the correlated responses to litter size in carcass, meat, and fat quality traits. The differences between the genetic means of animals from line H and line C were used to estimate correlated responses. No differences were found between the two lines in carcass measurements except backfat depth, which was higher (P < 0.05) in line H (0.69 +/- 0.28 mm). This led to a decrease (P < 0.05) in predicted carcass lean content (-6.0 +/- 2.7 g/kg). Differences in joint weight distribution between lines were primarily due to belly weight, which was higher (P < 0.05) in line H (6.3 +/- 1.2 g/kg). There were no important changes in meat quality traits. Chemical composition of semimembranosus muscle (SM) and subcutaneous backfat (SB) differed between lines only for DM in SB, which was higher (P < 0.05) in line H (15.1 +/- 7.1 mg/g), and for the fatty acid composition of intramuscular fat. The fatty acid profile in line H showed a lower (P < 0.01) proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (-14.7 +/- 4.8 mg/g FA), particularly with regard to the content of linoleic acid (-12.5 +/- 3.9 mg/g FA). It is concluded that selection for litter size reduced the lean content in the carcass but the proportion of high-priced cuts and meat quality traits were not affected. However, selection may lead to changes in the composition of intramuscular fat lipids towards a lower content of polyunsaturated fatty acids. The observed correlated effects can be interpreted assuming that selected pigs are more mature at the same weight, though the underlying genetic and physiologic processes that cause them are unknown. The results of this experiment indicate that the metabolic pathways taking part in fat metabolism should be considered first.


[Physical and methodological aspects of multimodality imaging and principles of treatment planning in 3D conformal radiotherapy].
The recent evolutions of the imaging modalities, the dose calculation models, the linear accelerators and the portal imaging permit to improve the quality of the conformal radiation therapy treatment planning. With DICOM protocols, the acquired imaging data coming from different modalities are treated by performant image fusion algorithms and yield more precise target volumes and organs at risk. The transformation of the clinical target volumes (CTV) to planning target volumes (PTV) can be realised using advanced probabilistic techniques based on clinical experience. The treatment plans evaluation is based on the dose volume histograms. Their precision and clinical relevance are improved by the multi-modality imaging and the advanced dose calculation models. The introduction of the inverse planning systems permitting to realise modulated intensity radiation therapy generates highly conformal dose distributions. All the previously cited complex techniques require the application of rigorous quality assurance programs.


Hysteroscopy: A necessary method for detecting uterine pathologies in post-menopausal women with abnormal uterine bleeding or increased endometrial thickness.
To investigate the histologic and hysteroscopic findings of post-menopausal women with uterine bleeding and asymptomatic women with increased endometrial thickness equal or more than 5 mm. This cross-sectional study was performed between May 2014 and June 2015 on 110 post-menopausal women aged 40-82 years. The women were divided into two groups: Women with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB group) and asymptomatic women with increased endometrial thickness (asymptomatic group). Among the participants, 67 women had AUB and 43 women were asymptomatic. In the AUB group sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of hysteroscopy for normal findings were 98%, 100%, 100% and 90%, respectively. In the asymptomatic group, the same parameters were 98%, 100%, 100% and 85%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of hysteroscopy for polyps and myomas were 100%. Also, the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were 100% in hyperplasia cases found during hysteroscopy in both groups. Increased endometrial thickness in postmenopausal women with or without AUB is mostly due to benign lesions such as polyps and submucosal myomas. Hysteroscopy is a safe and reliable method for evaluating and treating these lesions.


[14C]leucine incorporation into brain proteins in gerbils after transient ischemia: relationship to selective vulnerability of hippocampus.
Regional [14C]leucine incorporation into brain proteins was studied in gerbils after global ischemia for 5 min and recirculation times of 45 min to 7 days, using a combination of quantitative autoradiography and biochemical analysis. After recirculation for 45 min, incorporated radioactivity was reduced to approximately 20-40% of control values in all ischemic brain regions. Specific activity of the tracer, in contrast, was increased, a finding indicating that the reduced incorporation of radioactivity was not due to reduced tracer influx from plasma or a dilution of the tracer by increased proteolysis. After recirculation for 6 h, [14C]leucine incorporation returned to control levels in all regions except the CA1 sector of the hippocampus, where it amounted to less than 50%. After 1 day, protein synthesis in the CA1 sector returned to approximately 70% of control values, followed by a secondary decline to less than 50% after 3 days and returned to near control values after 7 days. Histological evaluations revealed selective neuronal death in the CA1 sector of the hippocampus after 3 days of recirculation. The complex time course of protein synthesis in the CA1 sector suggests a biphasic mode of injury, which may be related to similar changes of calcium homeostasis. The final return to near normal after CA1 neurons have disappeared is explained by astroglial proliferation and demonstrates that at this time protein synthesis is not a marker of neuronal viability.


Acetazolamide dosage forms in the treatment of glaucoma.
Patients with chronic glaucoma had a carefully scheduled series of intraocular pressure measurements before and after taking acetazolamide for one week at the following dosages: none, 500 mg of sustained-release capsules once a day, 500 mg of capsules twice a day, and 250 mg of tablets four times a day. A capsule taken once a day, which is better tolerated than one taken twice a day by some patients, offers a substantial pressure-lowering effect that lasts at least 23 hours, although the magnitude of the pressure lowering is less than with higher dosages. One capsule twice a day appears to be as effective in the regulation of IOP as one tablet four times a day. The 45% reduction in outflow pressure is achieved with an acetazolamide serum concentration in the range of 15 to 20 micrograms/mL.


An unexpected plethora of trehalose biosynthesis genes in Arabidopsis thaliana.
Trehalose accumulation has been documented in many organisms, such as bacteria and fungi, where it serves a storage and stress-protection role. Although conspicuously absent in most plants, trehalose biosynthesis genes were discovered recently in higher plants. We have uncovered a family of 11 TPS genes in Arabidopsis thaliana, one of which encodes a trehalose-6-phosphate (Tre6P) synthase, and a subfamily of which might encode the still elusive Tre6P phosphatases. A regulatory role in carbon metabolism is likely but might not be restricted to the TPS control of hexokinase activity as documented for yeast. Incompatibility between high trehalose levels and chaperone-assisted protein folding might be a reason why plants have evolved to accumulate some alternative stress-protection compounds to trehalose.


Treatment of complex aortic aneurysms with fenestrated endografts and chimney stent repair: Systematic review and meta-analysis.
Objective We reviewed data pertaining to fenestrated endograft technique and chimney stent repair of complex aortic aneurysm for comparative analysis of the outcomes. Methods A comprehensive search of relevant databases was conducted to identify articles in English, related to the treatment of complex aortic aneurysm with fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair and chimney stent repair, published until January 2015. Results A total of 42 relevant studies and 2264 patients with aortic aneurysm undergoing fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair and chimney stent repair were included in our review. A total of 4413 vessels were involved in these processes. The cumulative 30-day mortality was 2.4% and 3.2% ( p = 0.459). The follow-up aneurysm-related mortality was 1.4% and 3.2% ( p = 0.018), and target organ dysfunction was 5.0% and 4.0% in fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair and chimney stent repair, respectively ( p = 0.27). A total of 156 vessels showed restenosis or occlusion after primary intervention (3.6% and 3.4% in fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair and chimney stent repair, respectively, p = 0.792). The cumulative type I endoleak was 2.0% (38/1884) after fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair compared with 3.4% (13/380) after chimney stent repair ( p = 0.092), and the type II endoleak was 5.4% (102/1884) and 5.3% (20/380), respectively ( p = 0.905). Approximately, 1.1% and 1.6% increase in aneurysm was observed following fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair and chimney stent repair, respectively ( p = 0.437). The re-intervention frequency was 205 and 19 cases after fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair and chimney stent repair, respectively (11.7%, 5.6%, p = 0.001). Conclusions Fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair and chimney stent repair are safe and effective in treating patients with complex aortic aneurysm. A higher aneurysm-related mortality was observed in chimney stent repair while fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair was associated with a higher re-intervention rate.


The path exchange method for hybrid LCA.
Hybrid techniques for Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) provide a way of combining the accuracy of process analysis and the completeness of input-output analysis. A number of methods have been suggested to implement a hybrid LCA in practice, with the main challenge being the integration of specific process data with an overarching input-output system. In this work we present a new hybrid LCA method which works at the finest input-output level of detail: structural paths. This new Path Exchange method avoids double-counting and system disturbance just as previous hybrid LCA methods, but instead of a large LCA database it requires only a minimum of external information on those structural paths that are to be represented by process data.


Writing it up: a step-by-step guide to publication for beginning investigators.
Writing scientific manuscripts can be unnecessarily daunting, if not paralyzing. This paralysis is usually the result of one of two reasons: either researchers do not know how to start, or they do not know what to put where. However, most radiology manuscripts follow a definable blueprint. In this article, I attempt to lay out the paragraph-by-paragraph development of a typical radiology paper. If authors can accomplish the writing of the 18 paragraphs of text described in this article, they will produce a manuscript that is properly organized, correct in its essentials, and ready for the finishing hand of a seasoned writer and mentor.


Compulsivity in opioid dependence.
This study aimed to investigate the relationship between compulsivity versus impulsivity and structural MRI abnormalities in opioid dependence. We recruited 146 participants: i) patients with a history of opioid dependence due to chronic heroin use (n=24), ii) heroin users stabilised on methadone maintenance treatment (n=48), iii) abstinent participants with a history of opioid dependence due to heroin use (n=24) and iv) healthy controls (n=50). Compulsivity was measured using Intra/Extra-Dimensional (IED) Task and impulsivity was measured using the Cambridge Gambling Task (CGT). Structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) data were also obtained. As hypothesised, compulsivity was negatively associated with impulsivity (p<0.02). Testing for the neural substrates of compulsivity versus impulsivity, we found a higher compulsivity/impulsivity ratio associated with significantly decreased white matter adjacent to the nucleus accumbens, bed nucleus of stria terminalis and rostral cingulate in the abstinent group, compared to the other opioid dependent groups. In addition, self-reported duration of opioid exposure correlated negatively with bilateral globus pallidus grey matter reductions. Our findings are consistent with Volkow & Koob's addiction models and underline the important role of compulsivity versus impulsivity in opioid dependence. Our results have implications for the treatment of opioid dependence supporting the assertion of different behavioural and biological phenotypes in the opioid dependence and abstinence syndromes.


Military Grooming Standards and Black Hairstyling Practices.
Throughout history, armies of the world have codified grooming standards for their members. In the USA, the Department of Defense (DoD) provides overall guidance for grooming standards and each uniformed military service develops, promulgates, and enforces its own grooming standards. The specific details of each service's grooming standards are revised regularly to conform to contemporaneous notions of professionalism and operational necessity. In light of growing recognition of and respect for the diversity of people serving in the military, specific language used to describe certain hairstyles and hair textures as well as associated grooming policies have gained attention. Efforts have been made to modify the policy and language to be more inclusive, especially of minority groups with physiologic and cultural differences that influence grooming practices. Initial efforts in the DoD toward this endeavor were made possible with advocacy from members of the Congressional Black Caucus. We obtained service-specific documents, current and former, from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps that regulate the grooming standards for military personnel. We then examined the documents for text that addressed hair and hairstyles, specifically noting language describing and regulations regarding traditionally Black or African American hairstyles (i.e., afros, dreadlocks/locks/locs, braids, twists, etc.) for female and male soldiers. We also examined recently introduced legislation which seeks to end discrimination based on a person's hair texture or hairstyle, "Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair Act," abbreviated as the CROWN Act in the context of current grooming standards. Our examination of the grooming regulations of four branches of the U.S. Military shows recent modifications of the language governing female hairstyles, particularly natural hairstyles seen among African American women, such as cornrows, braids, and locs (or locks). Changes made to grooming standards demonstrate a shift in language used to describe natural hairstyles. Words with negative connotations (i.e., "matted," "unkempt," and "dreadlock") have been removed. These have been replaced with more descriptive language that provides a more objective definition of certain hairstyles. While these hairstyles have some level of regulation as to exact dimensions and styling rules to fit with the goal of uniformity in appearance and do not extend to male service members, recent updates in grooming standards have expanded to be inclusive of these natural hairstyles. Recent changes in language and policy in the military have been noted as positive examples in the CROWN Act. The DoD has recognized that former grooming standards, specifically regarding hair and hairstyles, may have introduced inequities in the treatment of military personnel. The DoD and its component military services have long been engaged in programs to ensure equal protections among its workforces. The re-examination and clarification of grooming standards related to hair and hairstyles is another effort to ensure equity and inclusion. The military services are working with great sincerity to implement policies that promote inclusiveness broadly. Steps to remove discrimination on the basis of hair and hairstyle can make the overall work environment more inclusive for people of color. Passage of a federal CROWN Act will promote similar or parallel changes for federal employees outside the military services.


Type IIB von Willebrand's disease: unusual response to cryoprecipitate infusion.
A 16-year-old boy had IIB von Willebrand's disease. The disorder is characterized by prolonged bleeding times; normal plasma levels of factor VIII-coagulant activity, factor VIII-ristocetin cofactor activity, and factor VIII-related antigen; abnormal (anodal) mobility of plasma factor VIII-related antigen on two-dimensional crossed immunoelectrophoresis; and enhanced binding of plasma factor VIII-related antigen to normal platelets in the presence of ristocetin. These variables were measured at time periods after an infusion of normal cryoprecipitate into the patient. The electrophoretic mobility of his plasma factor VIII-related antigen was normal 15 minutes after the infusion but became abnormal (anodal) by 4 hours. His bleeding times were normal after 24 hours and did not correlate with plasma levels of factor VIII-coagulation activity, factor VIII-ristocetin cofactor, factor VIII-related antigen, or the electrophoretic mobility of his plasma factor VIII-related antigen. These results imply that the abnormal factor VIII/von Willebrand factor multimers in the plasma of these patients can associate with normal factor VIII/von Willebrand factor multimers and delay the deposition of the normal multimers into subendothelial surfaces. This may require cryoprecipitate infusions 24 hours before elective surgical procedures.


Familial aggregation of insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk factors in hypertension.
The authors assessed the familial aggregation of cardiometabolic abnormalities (elevated homeostasis model assessment [HOMA], triglycerides [TG], and low-density lipoprotein [LDL] and reduced high-density lipoprotein [HDL]) among hypertensive siblings (N=287 from 138 families). Evidence for familial aggregation required sibling-pair concordance of outcome variables dichotomized according to predefined values (concordance for highest-quartile HOMA [>3.3], TG [>170 mg/dL], and LDL [>138 mg/dL] and lowest-quartile HOMA for HDL [<32 mg/dL]). Hypertensive individuals with insulin resistance (high-quartile HOMA) had higher TG and lower HDL and LDL levels compared with insulin-sensitive hypertensives. High-quartile HOMA, TG, and LDL aggregated in hypertensive families, and TG plus HOMA coaggregated. HDL did not show aggregation. In a multivariate logistic regression, the only significant predictor of an individual's HOMA status was a sibling's HOMA status in a model including age, sex, race, and body mass index (odds ratio=9.12; 95% confidence interval, 3.64-23.14; P<.001). Cardiometabolic variables demonstrate heritability in hypertensive families. Further exploration of common genetic susceptibility loci in hypertension involving these factors is warranted.


Extracellular vesicles: pathogenetic, diagnostic and therapeutic value in traumatic brain injury.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Accurate classification according to injury-specific and patient-specific characteristics is critical to help informed clinical decision-making and to the pursuit of precision medicine in TBI. Reliable biomarker signatures for improved TBI diagnostics are required but still an unmet need. Areas covered: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) represent a new class of biomarker candidates in TBI. These nano-sized vesicles have key roles in cell signaling profoundly impacting pathogenic pathways, progression and long-term sequelae of TBI. As such EVs might provide novel neurobiological insights, enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying TBI pathophysiology and recovery, and serve as biomarker signatures and therapeutic targets and delivery systems. Expert commentary: EVs are fast gaining momentum in TBI research, paving the way for new transformative diagnostic and treatment approaches. Their potential to sort out TBI variability and active involvement in the mechanisms underpinning different clinical phenotypes point out unique opportunities for improved classification, risk-stratification ad intervention, harboring promise of predictive, personalized, and even preemptive therapeutic strategies. Although a great deal of progress has been made, substantial efforts are still required to ensure the needed rigorous validation and reproducibility for clinical implementation of EVs.


Immobilization of Enzymes on Cyclodextrin-Anchored Dehiscent Mesoporous TiO2 for Efficient Photoenzymatic Hydroxylation.
A three-in-one heterogeneous catalyst (UPO@dTiO2-CD) was fabricated by grafting cyclodextrins (CDs) on the dehiscent TiO2 (dTiO2) surface and subsequently immobilizing unspecific peroxygenase (rAaeUPO), which exhibited double enhanced electron/mass transfer in photo-enzymatic enantioselective hydroxylation of the C-H bond. The tunable anatase/rutile phase ratio and dehiscent mesoporous architectures of dTiO2 and the electron donor feature and hydrophobic inner cavity of the CDs are independently responsible for accelerating both electron and mass transfer. The coordination of the photocatalytic and enzymatic steps was achieved by structural and compositional regulation. The optimized UPO@dTiO2-CD not only displayed high catalytic efficiency (turnover number and turnover frequency of rAaeUPO up to >65,000 and 91 min-1, respectively) but also exhibited high stability and reusability.


How Men Manage Bulbar Urethral Stricture by Concealing Urinary Symptoms.
In this article, we present findings from research conducted as part of a multi-center surgical trial. Bulbar urethral stricture, a narrowing of the middle urethra, is a common cause of urinary problems in men that can have a profound impact on their lives. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sample of 19 men seeking treatment for urethral stricture. The findings reveal how men tend to develop routines and tactics to adapt to their symptoms and hide them from others rather than seek help. We argue that this concealment becomes an inseparable part of how the disease is managed and is an additional hidden practical and emotional burden for these men. In addition, we suggest that the patients only sought curative treatments once practices of social concealment are no longer viable.


Cumulative survival rate of implants placed "fully guided" using CT-guided surgery: a 7-year retrospective study.
To evaluate the cumulative survival rates (CSRs) of dental implants placed "fully guided" using computed tomography (CT)-guided surgery, including cone beam CT (CBCT). Records, mountings, wax-ups, and scanning appliances were made for patients to wear during CT/CBCT scans following established manufacturer-guided surgery protocols. Virtual planning was performed using either the NobelProcera/NobelClinician or the SimPlant/Facilitate softwares. Manufacturer-produced stereolithographic guides and implant-specific instrumentation were used to place implants fully guided to planned depths and angulations. Included in the study were 177 patients, who had 796 implants placed fully guided, using 212 surgical guides. Among 796 implants placed, there were 24 failures, for a 96.98% CSR. System CSRs were: NobelActive, 95.87%; Astra OsseoSpeed, 96.72%; NobelReplace Select Tapered, 97.02%; and NobelReplace Select Straight, 100% (P less than 0.05). Maxillary CSR was 97.62%; mandibular CSR was 95.88% (P less than 0.05). CSR for standard implants (10 mm to 13 mm) was 97.3%; short implants (less than or equal to 9 mm) was 95.1% (P less than 0.05), and long implants greater than 13 mm) was 95.2%. Implant diameter CSR was not significant (P greater than 0.05) for any diameter implant. Full-arch immediately loaded CSR (97.18%) was not different compared to full-arch unloaded (97.20%) (P less than 0.05). 1) Fully guided implant CSR was 96.98%, which is comparable to "freehand" placement; 2) CSRs varied between implant systems; 3) fully guided short and long implants had lower CSRs than standard implants; 4) the diameter of fully guided implants did not affect CSR; 5) fully guided implants in the anterior maxilla and posterior mandible had reduced CSRs; 6) extraction/immediate placement using fully guided surgery had reduced CSRs; and 7) immediate loading fully guided implants did not affect CSRs.


Anti-CD43 and anti-galectin-1 autoantibodies in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by the production of multiple autoantibodies and also by T-cell dysfunction. CD43 is expressed by most immune cells, is involved in lymphocyte adhesion and activation, and interacts with galectin-1 (Gal-1). The aim of this work was to evaluate the plasma levels of autoantibodies against CD43 and Gal-1 as well as the levels of soluble Gal-1 in SLE Mexican mestizo patients, with the aim of establishing a correlation between these parameters and the clinical profile. Serum levels of immunoglobulin (Ig)G autoantibodies against CD43 and Gal-1 and levels of soluble Gal-1 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 55 patients with SLE and 71 healthy controls. We found significantly enhanced titres of anti-CD43 and anti-Gal-1 antibodies in sera from SLE patients compared to controls. In addition, the serum levels of Gal-1 were significantly higher in SLE patients than in healthy individuals. However, we could detect no correlation of these parameters with disease activity [using the Mexican Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (MEX-SLEDAI)], age, or a variety of different clinical or laboratory features. Similarly, no significant correlation with immunosuppressive or glucocorticoid therapy was observed. By contrast, a significant association was found between anti-CD43 titres and time of disease evolution, complement levels, and the presence of anti-Gal-1 antibodies. As CD43 and Gal-1 participate in modulating the immune system, we suggest that the presence of autoantibodies against these molecules may contribute to the immune deregulation observed in SLE.


Effect of Functionalised and Non-Functionalised Carbon Nanotubes-Urea Fertilizer on the Growth of Paddy.
The roles of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) and functionalised multiwalled carbon nanotubes (fMWNTs) in enhancing the efficacy of urea fertilizer (UF) as plant nutrition for local MR219 paddy variety was investigated. The MWNTs and fMWNTs were grafted onto UF to produce UF-MWNTs fertilizer with three different conditions, coded as FMU1 (0.6 wt. % fMWNTs), FMU2 (0.1 wt. % fMWNTs) and MU (0.6 wt. % MWNTs. The batches of MR219 paddy were systematically grown in accordance to the general practice performed by the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI). The procedure was conducted using a pot under exposure to natural light at three different fertilization times; after a certain number of days of sowing (DAS) at 14, 35 and 55 days. Interestingly, it was found that the crop growth of plants treated with FMU1 and FMU2 significantly increased by 22.6% and 38.5% compared to plants with MU addition. Also, paddy treated with FMU1 produced 21.4% higher number of panicles and 35% more grain yield than MU while paddy treated with FMU2 gave 28.6% more number of panicles and 36% higher grain yield than MU, which implies the advantage of fMWNTs over MWNTs to be combined with UF as plant nutrition. The chemical composition and morphology of UF-MWNTs fertilizers which is further characterised by FTiR and FESEM confirmed the successful and homogeneous grafting of UF onto the fMWNTs.


[Advances in monoclonal antibody researches].
Monoclonal antibody techniques are very important tools in modern life science research. Despite extensive research efforts paid in recent years, and promising results yielded in the study on the structure and function of genes and proteins, there is still a great need for further researches on the definition, principle and applicability of some immunological methods. This review gives an overview of the advances in immunological researches, including DNA immunization, cellular immunization and preparation of monoclonal antibodies. Using methods of modem molecular immunology, such as genetic immunization, cellular immunization, subtractive immunization and repetitive immunization multiple sites (RIMMS), to construct eukaryotic expression vector and to prepare high-affinity monoclonal antibodies in short time, the conventional method which is time-consuming and laborious could be improved. It is meaningful to the field of basic research and application, such as proteomics, biochip, clinical medicine and diagnosis and therapy of diseases.


Flattening Epidemic Curves and COVID-19: Policy Rationales, Inequality, and Racism.
This commentary first provides lists of rationales for and against intervening to flatten an epidemic curve instead of letting the natural spike occur. The context is the U.S. COVID-19 experience, but the analyses apply to any communicable disease epidemic. After briefly exploring various reasons for flatter instead of spiked curves, it explores in detail the observation that flattened curves increase risks to essential workers and low-income and minority populations. Racism is the specific form of inequality highlighted, because discussions of race currently dominate civic discourse and have generated important new literature. Three forms of racism/inequality are distinguished: simple, systemic or institutional, and structural. Structural racism is distinct from the other forms by lacking intentionality, rendering praise or blame inappropriate. The commentary concludes that flattening exacerbates structural inequality. Nonetheless, societies should mitigate and compensate victims of inequality due to prolonging an epidemic.


[A comprehensive surveillance on HIV among 1,237 men who have sex with men in thirteen cities of Yunnan].
To understand the knowledge, risk behaviors and HIV prevalence in men who have sex with men (MSM) in thirteen cities. Target samples were chosen using the snowball-rolling method, with transverse KABP and HIV-antibody testing developed for those MSM in thirteen cities of Yunnan. A total of 1237 valid questionnaires and 1129 blood samples were collected. Basic knowledge on HIV and the rate of the response was 93.2%. 81.1% of the respondents had anal sex with male partners in the last six months, of them 49.7% could persistently using condoms in each anal sex episode. 29.0% of the respondents had sex with female partners in the last six months. The HIV prevalence among the studied MSM was 8.2% and the prevalence of syphilis among them was 3.9%. Most risky factors of those MSM infected by HIV would include: not persistently use condom when having sex and co-infection of syphilis. Both rates of HIV infection associated risk behaviors and HIV prevalence were high in MSM under study that called for more work on HIV prevention and control MSM in Yunnan.


Cellular immunity in healthy volunteers treated with an octavalent conjugate Pseudomonas aeruginosa vaccine.
Humoral immunity in response to an octavalent O-polysaccharide-toxin A conjugate Pseudomonas aeruginosa vaccine is well studied, and a phase III clinical study in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients is currently ongoing. In contrast, little is known about cellular immunity induced by this vaccine. Fifteen healthy volunteers were immunized on days 1 and 60. Parameters of cellular immunity were studied before vaccination on day 1, and on day 74. Analyses included flow cytometry of whole blood and antigen-induced proliferation of and cytokine production by lymphocyte cultures. The effects of immunization on the composition of peripheral blood lymphocytes as determined by flow cytometry were minor. In contrast, after immunization a highly significant increase of proliferation in response to stimulation with detoxified toxin A was noted: the stimulation index rose from 1.4 on day 1 to 42.2 on day 74 (restimulation with 0.4 microg/ml; P = 0.003). Immunization led to significant production of interferon (IFN)-gamma and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha by antigen-stimulated lymphocytes. In contrast, no significant induction of interleukin (IL)-4 or IL-10 was observed. In conclusion, immunization of healthy volunteers led to activation of cellular immunity including strong antigen-specific proliferation and cytokine production. In CF patients priming of the cellular immune system towards a Th1-like pattern would be of potential advantage. Therefore, confirmatory analyses in immunized CF patients with and without chronic infection with P. aeruginosa are foreseen.


Racial similarities and differences in predictors of mobility change over eighteen months.
To define racial similarities and differences in mobility among community-dwelling older adults and to identify predictors of mobility change. Prospective, observational, cohort study. Nine hundred and five community-dwelling older adults. Baseline in-home assessments were conducted to assess life-space mobility, sociodemographic variables, disease status, geriatric syndromes, neuropsychological factors, and health behaviors. Disease reports were verified by review of medications, physician questionnaires, or hospital discharge summaries. Telephone interviews defined follow-up life-space mobility at 18 months of follow-up. African Americans had lower baseline life-space (LS-C) than whites (mean 57.0 +/- standard deviation [SD] 24.5 vs. 72.7 +/- SD 22.6; P < .001). This disparity in mobility was accompanied by significant racial differences in socioeconomic and health status. After 18 months of follow-up, African Americans were less likely to show declines in LS-C than whites. Multivariate analyses showed racial differences in the relative importance and strength of the associations between predictors and LS-C change. Age and diabetes were significant predictors of LS-C decline for both African Americans and whites. Transportation difficulty, kidney disease, dementia, and Parkinson's disease were significant for African Americans, while low education, arthritis/gout, stroke, neuropathy, depression, and poor appetite were significant for whites. There are significant disparities in baseline mobility between older African Americans and whites, but declines were more likely in whites. Improving transportation access and diabetes care may be important targets for enhancing mobility and reducing racial disparities in mobility.


Polyamines and its analogue modulates amyloid fibrillation in lysozyme: A comparative investigation.
Polyamines can induce protein aggregation that can be related to the physiology of the cellular function. Polyamines have been implicated in protein aggregation which may lead to neuropathic and non neuropathic amyloidosis. Change in the level of polyamine concentration has been associated with ageing and neurodegeneration such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease. Lysozyme aggregation in the presence of polyamines leads to non neuropathic amyloidosis. Polyamine analogues can suppress or inhibit protein aggregation suggesting their efficacy against amyloidogenic protein aggregates. In this study we report the comparative interactions of lysozyme with the polyamine analogue, 1-naphthyl acetyl spermine in comparison with the biogenic polyamines through spectroscopy, calorimetry, imaging and docking techniques. The findings revealed that the affinity of binding varied as spermidine > 1-naphthyl acetyl spermine > spermine. The biogenic polyamines accelerated the rate of fibrillation significantly, whereas the analogue inhibited the rate of fibrillation to a considerable extent. The polyamines bind near the catalytic diad residues viz. Glu35 and Asp52, and in close proximity of Trp62 residue. However, the analogue showed dual nature of interaction where its alkyl amine region bind in same way as the biogenic polyamines bind to the catalytic site, while the naphthyl group makes hydrophobic contacts with Trp62 and Trp63, thereby suggesting its direct influence on fibrillation. This study, thus, potentiates, the development of a polyamine analogue that can perform as an effective inhibitor targeted towards aggregation of amyloidogenic proteins.


Low-protein diets supplemented with glycine improves pig growth performance and meat quality: An untargeted metabolomic analysis.
For the purpose to improve meat quality, pigs were fed a normal diet (ND), a low protein diet (LPD) and a LPD supplemented with glycine (LPDG). Chemical and metabolomic analyses showed that LPD increased IMF deposition and the activities of GPa and PK, but decreased glycogen content, the activities of CS and CcO, and the abundance of acetyl-CoA, tyrosine and its metabolites in muscle. LPDG promoted muscle fiber transition from type II to type I, increased the synthesis of multiple nonessential amino acids, and pantothenic acid in muscle, which should contributed to the improved meat quality and growth rate. This study provides some new insight into the mechanism of diet induced alteration of animal growth performance and meat quality. In addition, the study shows that dietary supplementation of glycine to LPD could be used to improved meat quality without impairment of animal growth.


Hiatal Hernia Presenting with Recurrent Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Cardiac Tamponade.
Hiatal hernia is a common pathology, particularly among the elderly or obese populations. Occasionally, markedly dilated hernias can impinge on surrounding structures, notably the heart or lung. In such cases, morbidity can be considerable. We present a case of an enlarging hiatal hernia that compressed the heart, leading to recurrent non-ST elevation myocardial infarction with cardiac tamponade. The patient was successfully managed with nasogastric decompression and surgical repair. We recommend that extrapericardial pathology be considered in tamponade patients with concurrent hiatal hernia and that surgery should be considered the definitive treatment modality.


Enriched environment elevates expression of growth associated protein-43 in the substantia nigra of SAMP8 mice.
An enriched environment protects dopaminergic neurons from 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced neuronal injury, but the underlying mechanism for this is not clear. Growth associated protein-43 (GAP-43) is closely associated with neurite outgrowth and axon regeneration during neural development. We speculate that an enriched environment can reduce damage to dopaminergic neurons by affecting the expression of GAP-43. This study is designed to test this hypothesis. Three-month-old female senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) mice were housed for 3 months in an enriched environment or a standard environment. These mice were then subcutaneously injected in the abdomen with 14 mg/kg MPTP four times at 2-hour intervals. Morris water maze testing demonstrated that learning and memory abilities were better in the enriched environment group than in the standard environment group. Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry and western blot assays showed that mRNA and protein levels of GAP-43 in the substantia nigra were higher after MPTP application in the enriched environment group compared with the standard environment group. These findings indicate that an enriched environment can increase GAP-43 expression in SAMP8 mice. The upregulation of GAP-43 may be a mechanism by which an enriched environment protects against MPTP-induced neuronal damage.


Clarifying lysosomal storage diseases.
Lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) are a class of metabolic disorders caused by mutations in proteins critical for lysosomal function. Such proteins include lysosomal enzymes, lysosomal integral membrane proteins, and proteins involved in the post-translational modification and trafficking of lysosomal proteins. There are many recognized forms of LSDs and, although individually rare, their combined prevalence is estimated to be 1 in 8000 births. Over two-thirds of LSDs involve central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction (progressive cognitive and motor decline) and these symptoms are often the most debilitating. Although the genetic basis for these disorders is clear and the biochemistry of the proteins well understood, the cellular mechanisms by which deficiencies in these proteins disrupt neuronal viability remain ambiguous. In this review, we provide an overview of the widespread cellular perturbations occurring in LSDs, how they might be linked and interventions that may specifically or globally correct those defects.


Oral microbial heat-shock proteins and their potential contributions to infections.
The oral cavity is a complex ecosystem in which several hundred microbial species normally cohabit harmoniously. However, under certain special conditions, the growth of some micro-organisms with a pathogenic potential is promoted, leading to infections such as dental caries, periodontal disease, and stomatitis. The physiology and pathogenic properties of micro-organisms are influenced by modifications in environmental conditions that lead to the synthesis of specific proteins known as the heat-shock proteins (HSPs). HSPs are families of highly conserved proteins whose main role is to allow micro-organisms to survive under stress conditions. HSPs act as molecular chaperones in the assembly and folding of proteins, and as proteases when damaged or toxic proteins have to be degraded. Several pathological functions have been associated with these proteins. Many HSPs of oral micro-organisms, particularly periodontopathogens, have been identified, and some of their properties-including location, cytotoxicity, and amino acid sequence homology with other HSPs-have been reported. Since these proteins are immunodominant antigens in many human pathogens, studies have recently focused on the potential contributions of HSPs to oral diseases. The cytotoxicity of some bacterial HSPs may contribute to tissue destruction, whereas the presence of common epitopes in host proteins and microbial HSPs may lead to autoimmune responses. Here, we review the current knowledge regarding HSPs produced by oral micro-organisms and discuss their possible contributions to the pathogenesis of oral infections.


A New Technique for Radiographic Visualization of the Scaphotrapeziotrapezoid Joint.
Standard radiographs of the wrist do not provide adequate visualization of the scaphotrapeziotrapezoid joint. A radiographic technique that provides an improved and more complete visualization of the joint compared with routine views is described. [Orthopedics. 2020; 43(2):e123-e124.].


[Therapy in bronchial asthma].
A division into two main groups is made: causal and symptomatic treatment. The first group includes elimination and avoidance of allergens and the specific hyposensitization according to own experiences. The second group is divided into medicamentous treatment (bronchodilatators, DNCG, corticosteroids, secretolytics, antibiotics, tranquilizers) and into a nonmedicamentous treatment like physiotherapy, climate therapy and psychotherapy.


Rapid two-step synthesis of drug-like polycyclic substances by sequential multi-catalysis cascade reactions.
An efficient amino acid-/self-/base-/ruthenium-/thermal-catalyzed two-step process for the synthesis of functionalized drug-like carbocycles was achieved through combinations of cascade TCRA/C-allylation/enyne-RCM/Diels-Alder reactions as key steps starting from simple acyclic substrates. In this communication, we report the two-step synthesis of drug-like carbocycles through a combination of organocatalysis with ruthenium-catalysis.


[Treatment of Chemotherapy Related Leukocytopenia by Oral Administration of Multiple Leucogenic Drugs Combined with G-CSF: an Experimental Study].
To evaluate efficacies of three commonly used oral drugs including Berbamine Hydrochloride Tablet (B), Qijiao Shengbai Capsule (Q), and Leucogen Tablet (L) (by single drug, two drugs or three drugs) combined with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) for treat ment of chemotherapy related leukocytopenia in mice. Totally 156 Kunming male mice were divided into the normal control group (A, n=24), the model group (B, n=24), the G-CSF group (C, n =24), the G-CSF+Q group (D, n=12), G-CSF+ B (E, n=12), the G-CSF+L group (F, n=12), the G-CSF + Q + B group (G, n=12), the G-CSF + Q + L group (H, n=12), the G-CSF + L + B group (I, n=12), and the G-CSF + L + Q + B (J, n=12). Mouse models of chemotherapy related leukocytopenia were established by intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide (CTX). A G-CSF group was set up as a positive control. Mice were treated by a single oral drug, a single oral drug combined with G-CSF, and two or three drugs combined with G-CSF respectively, and the death rate calculated. Hemocytes [such as white blood cells (WBC) and its classification, red blood cells (RBC), platelet (PLT), hemoglobin (Hb)] were calculated by hematology analyzer. Mice were anatomized and important organs weighed. Organ indices were calculated. There was no statistical difference in the mortality rate among all groups (P > 0.05). Compared with Group B, WBC was elevated in all other groups (P < 0.01). WBC and PLT were elevated most in Group J, Hb and RBC were also increased at the same time (P < 0.05, P < 0. 01). Compared with Group B, RBC increased in Group E, F, G, I, and J (P < 0.01); Hb obviously increased in Group C, E, F, H, I, and J (P<0.01). Compared with Group B and D, the promotion of erythroid hematopoiesis by G-CSF could be elevated in any group contained drug B and L (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The spleen index of model mice could be significantly improved in Group C, D, and G (P < 0.01). The thymus index of model mice could be significantly improved in Group H (P < 0.05). The best scheme to treat mice with chemotherapy related leukopenia or decreased three blood series was to administrate three commonly oral drugs combined with G-CSF. Authors speculated that G-CSF and Q might have a certain effect on CTX induced immune inhibition.


Early detection of caudal regression syndrome with transvaginal scanning.
High-resolution transvaginal ultrasonography may recognize structures in the first- and early second-trimester fetus. In a patient with pregestational diabetes, caudal regression syndrome in the fetus was diagnosed using transvaginal ultrasonography. At 9 weeks of gestation, a shortening of the crown-rump length and a protuberance of the lower spine suggested caudal regression syndrome. By 17 weeks of gestation, the diagnosis was made with certainty. The transvaginal approach has changed the role of first-trimester ultrasound in the diabetic pregnancy. We suggest that transvaginal ultrasonography be used for purposes of accurate dating and for early detection of diabetic embryopathy, particularly in patients with poor periconceptional glycemic control.


Crystallization and preliminary X-ray crystallographic analysis of human RGS10 complexed with Galphai3.
G-protein-coupled receptors, which are major targets for drug discovery, play a major role in diverse physiological processes by relating changes in the extracellular environment to intracellular functions via activation of heterotrimeric G-proteins. However, G-protein activity is also modulated by a family of proteins called regulators of G-protein signalling (RGS), which are classified into six subfamilies. RGS10 belongs to the subgroup D/R12 and is known to act specifically on activated forms of three Galpha proteins (Galphai3, Galphaz and Galphao but not Galphas). It is abundantly expressed in brain and immune tissues and has been implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. The RGS domain of RGS10 was cloned, purified, complexed with human Galphai3 and crystallized. The crystals containing both RGS and Galphai3 belong to space group P4(3)2(1)2 (or P4(1)2(1)2), with unit-cell parameters a = 99.88, b = 99.88, c = 144.59 A, alpha = beta = gamma = 90 degrees . A full set of diffraction data were collected to 2.5 A resolution at 100 K using synchrotron radiation at Pohang beamline 4A.


Atypical jobs in psychology: Interview of Dr. Karen DuBois-Walton.
This article provides a look into the career of Dr. Karen DuBois-Walton, the president of Elm City Communities in New Haven, Connecticut. As an African American woman and a trained clinical psychologist, Dr. DuBois-Walton has utilized her knowledge of psychology to guide her career in serving marginalized communities. Fueled by her interest in community building and her willingness to challenge the status quo, Dr. DuBois-Walton has helped to transform the policy and infrastructure that underlie the historic marginalization of those across the New Haven community. This interview outlines her career trajectory and how her work has helped impact families on both an individual and systemic levels. Dr. DuBois-Walton provides commentary on how her training as a psychologist has fundamentally shaped her approach to serve families and how through her role, she strives to set in place programming and policy that moves away from how our nation has historically treated low-income families. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).


Plantar response in infancy.
The objective of the study was to characterize the plantar response at various ages in infancy in Indian children. The subjects were 1281 apparently healthy children born at term and without any history suggestive of neurological disease, enrolled between the ages of 1 and 12 months. The plantar response was elicited in both feet by thumbnail drag method and graded as flexor, extensor and equivocal. The percentage of extensor, flexor and equivocal responses was compared between right and left foot and the average of these two responses was compared between the age categories [1-3 months (n=389), 3.1-6 months (n=332), 6.1-9 months (n=354) and 9.1-12 months (n=206)]. Frequency (%) of various combinations of bilateral responses was also calculated for different age categories. Results showed that the extensor plantar response was the predominant response till 6 months of age. Bilateral extensor response was seen in 79.4%, 67.8%, 32.5% and 31.1% in the four age categories respectively; bilateral flexor response in the corresponding age groups was 0.3%, 5.1%, 26.6% and 39.3% respectively. The percentage of asymmetrical responses was 20.7%, 25.3%, 40.3%, and 28.7% in different age categories. We concluded that normal plantar response is predominantly extensor in early infancy; the transition to flexor response starts occurring after 6 months of age. A fairly high number of infants continue to have an extensor response even after 6 months; and the transition may be advanced in one foot leading to asymmetrical plantar response.


Effect of a probiotics supplementation on respiratory infections and immune and hormonal parameters during intense military training.
This study examined the effect of a probiotics supplementation on respiratory tract infection (RTI) and immune and hormonal changes during the French Commando training (3-week training followed by a 5-day combat course). Cadets (21 +/- 0.4 years) received either a probiotics (n = 24) or a placebo (n = 23) supplementation over the training period. We found no difference in the RTI incidence between groups but a significantly greater proportion of rhinopharyngitis in the probiotic group (p < 0.05). Among immune parameters, the major finding was an immunoglobulin A decrease after the combat course only in the placebo group (p < 0.01), but the difference between the two groups was not significant. A greater increase in dehydroepiandrostane sulfate was observed in the probiotics group after the combat course (p < 0.05). This study suggested that the benefits of a probiotics supplementation in a multistressor environment relied mainly on its capacity to prevent the infection to spread throughout the respiratory tract.


[Glycohemoglobins in diabetic children].
The percentages of glycohaemoglobins in sixteen diabetic children are studied in different metabolic situations (hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, coma, hemolytic anaemia) by two different methods; chromatographic method (stable and unstable glycohemoglobin), and colourimetric method (unstable glicohaemoglobin). The glycohaemoglobins appear as a useful parameter to assess the hydrocarbonate metabolism in infant diabetes; provided that alterations in the average life the red blood cells, do not exist. The chromatographic method is a quick, reliable technique in determining glycohemoglobins, although it is necessary to bear in mind that one may detect hyperglycemias changes dose to their realization, furnishing greater amounts than those which correspond to the stable form. Administration of slow insulin divided in two dose throughout the day appears more useful than administration of one dose in metabolic control of the diabetic.


Effect of target-masker similarity on across-ear interference in a dichotic cocktail-party listening task.
Similarity between the target and masking voices is known to have a strong influence on performance in monaural and binaural selective attention tasks, but little is known about the role it might play in dichotic listening tasks with a target signal and one masking voice in the one ear and a second independent masking voice in the opposite ear. This experiment examined performance in a dichotic listening task with a target talker in one ear and same-talker, same-sex, or different-sex maskers in both the target and the unattended ears. The results indicate that listeners were most susceptible to across-ear interference with a different-sex within-ear masker and least susceptible with a same-talker within-ear masker, suggesting that the amount of across-ear interference cannot be predicted from the difficulty of selectively attending to the within-ear masking voice. The results also show that the amount of across-ear interference consistently increases when the across-ear masking voice is more similar to the target speech than the within-ear masking voice is, but that no corresponding decline in across-ear interference occurs when the across-ear voice is less similar to the target than the within-ear voice. These results are consistent with an "integrated strategy" model of speech perception where the listener chooses a segregation strategy based on the characteristics of the masker present in the target ear and the amount of across-ear interference is determined by the extent to which this strategy can also effectively be used to suppress the masker in the unattended ear.


Non-linear classification for on-the-fly fractional mass filtering and targeted precursor fragmentation in mass spectrometry experiments.
Mass spectrometry (MS) has become the method of choice for protein/peptide sequence and modification analysis. The technology employs a two-step approach: ionized peptide precursor masses are detected, selected for fragmentation, and the fragment mass spectra are collected for computational analysis. Current precursor selection schemes are based on data- or information-dependent acquisition (DDA/IDA), where fragmentation mass candidates are selected by intensity and are subsequently included in a dynamic exclusion list to avoid constant refragmentation of highly abundant species. DDA/IDA methods do not exploit valuable information that is contained in the fractional mass of high-accuracy precursor mass measurements delivered by current instrumentation. We extend previous contributions that suggest that fractional mass information allows targeted fragmentation of analytes of interest. We introduce a non-linear Random Forest classification and a discrete mapping approach, which can be trained to discriminate among arbitrary fractional mass patterns for an arbitrary number of classes of analytes. These methods can be used to increase fragmentation efficiency for specific subsets of analytes or to select suitable fragmentation technologies on-the-fly. We show that theoretical generalization error estimates transfer into practical application, and that their quality depends on the accuracy of prior distribution estimate of the analyte classes. The methods are applied to two real-world proteomics datasets. All software used in this study is available from http://software.steenlab.org/fmf firstname.lastname@example.com Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.


Relationship Between Temperature and the Metabolism of Experimental Ecosystems.
Short-term temperature variations of approximately 7 degrees C above and below the normal maintenance temperature of balanced laboratory aquaria demonstrated that the metabolism of the ecosystem is practically independent of temperature. It is postulated that the closer a living system approaches the integration of a balanced ecosystem, the less it is affected by temperature.


Nitrogen-in-the-ring pyranoses and furanoses: structural basis of inhibition of mammalian glycosidases.
Seven pyranoses and three furanoses with a nitrogen in the ring were prepared by chemical synthesis, microbial conversion, and isolation from plants to investigate the contribution of epimerization, deoxygenation, and conformation to the potency of inhibition and specificity of mammalian glycosidases. The seven pyranoses are 1-deoxynojirimycin (1), the D-manno (2), D-allo (3), and D-galacto (4) isomers of 1, fagomine (1,2-dideoxynojirimycin, 5), and the D-allo (6) and D-galacto (7) isomers of 5, while the three furanoses are 2,5-dideoxy-2,5-imino-D-mannitol (8), 1,4-dideoxy-1,4-imino-D-arabinitol (9), and 1,4-dideoxy-1,4-imino-D-ribitol (10). The 2-deoxygenation and/or 3-epimerization of 1 enhanced the potency for rat intestinal lactase and bovine liver cytosolic beta-galactosidase. Especially compound 6 showed a potent inhibitory activity against both enzymes, and compound 8, a mimic of beta-D-fructofuranose, was a potent inhibitor of both beta-galactosidases as well. Compound 4, which has been known as a powerful alpha-galactosidase inhibitor, exhibited no significant inhibitory activity for most of mammalian beta-galactosidases. In addition, compound 6 fairly retained a potency of 1 toward rat intestinal isomaltase. In this study, compound 8, known as a processing alpha-glucosidase I inhibitor in cell culture, has been found to have no effect on processing alpha-glucosidase II, whereas 9 has been shown to be a good nonspecific inhibitor of intestinal isomaltase, processing alpha-glucosidase II, Golgi alpha-mannosidases I and II, and porcine kidney trehalase. It has been speculated that glycosidase inhibitors have structures which resemble those of the respective glycosyl cations. This Broad inhibitory activity of 9 toward various glycosidases suggest that it superimposes well on the various glycosyl cations.


Diagnosis and management of valvular heart disease in emergency medicine.
A popular saying holds that if one can hear a heart murmur in the middle of a loud and busy emergency department, then by definition the murmur is significant. Whether or not this is actually true, it does capture the frustration emergency physicians feel when trying to diagnose or manage valvular pathologic conditions with familiar yet limited tools. This article focuses on the valve-related issues the emergency physician will face, from the trauma patient with a mechanical valve who may need his or her anticoagulation reversed to the febrile patient with a new murmur.


Schizophrenia-like neurophysiological abnormalities in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome and their association to COMT and PRODH genotypes.
22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) is a common genetic risk factor for the development of schizophrenia. We investigated two neurophysiological endophenotypes of schizophrenia - P50 sensory gating and mismatch negativity in 22q11.2DS subject and evaluated their association with catechol O-methyltransferase (COMT) and proline dehydrogenase (PRODH) genetic variants. We also assessed the association of neurophysiological measures with schizophrenia-like symptomatology in 22q11.2DS. Fifty-nine subjects, 41 with 22q11.2DS and 18 typically developing controls, participated in the study. The participants with 22q11.2DS were genotyped for the COMT Val(158)Met (rs4680) and PRODH Gln(19)Pro (rs2008720) and Arg(185)Trp (rs4819756) polymorphisms. Following psychiatric evaluation, all the participants underwent neurophysiological recordings and executive function assessment. The 22q11.2DS group showed poorer sensory gating of the P50 response than the controls. Within the 22q11.2DS group, the COMT Met allele was associated with poorer sensory gating, while both the COMT Met allele and the PRODH Pro-Arg haplotype were associated with smaller mismatch negativity amplitudes. Smaller mismatch negativity amplitudes predicted greater impairment of executive functions and greater severity of schizophrenia-like negative symptoms in 22q11.2DS. The current study demonstrates that sensory gating impairments that are typical of schizophrenia are found in 22q11.2DS subjects. Our results further suggest that COMT and PRODH genetic variations contribute to sensory gating and mismatch negativity schizophrenia-like impairments in 22q11.2DS, possibly via dopaminergic/glutamatergic networks. The associations of mismatch negativity impairments with increased severity of schizophrenia-like negative symptoms and poorer executive functions performance in our 22q11.2DS sample suggest that mismatch negativity is a potential endophenotype for schizophrenia in 22q11.2DS.


Potential Metabolic Drug-Drug Interaction of Citrus aurantium L. (Rutaceae) Evaluating by Its Effect on 3 CYP450.
Aim:Fructus aurantii (FA) is widely used in clinic as an expectorant and digestant herb in traditional Chinese medicine and proven to have a variety of pharmacological functions. FA is close to grapefruit either by botanical taxonomy or by their same components (flavonoids, etc.) and grapefruit has been proven to cause drug-drug interaction when co-administrated with CYP3A4 substrates. Besides, FA contains many compounds, such as flavonoids, which have been reported to impact the expressions of CYP450. However, the effect of FA on CYP450, whose change may affect drug safety and clinical efficacy attributed to drug-drug interaction, still remains unknown. Methods: The protein, mRNA expression and enzyme activity of CYP1A2, CYP3A4, and CYP2E1 in rat were determined by Western Blotting, RT-PCR method, the cocktail method, respectively, after orally administration of FA in succession for 7 days. CYP1A2, CYP3A4, and CYP2E1 mRNA expression were investigated in HepG2 cells following FA-medicated serum incubation for 24 h. Results: In rat, compared to the control group, CYP1A2, CYP3A4 protein, and mRNA expression were significantly induced consistent with the corresponding CYP activities; the protein expression of CYP2E1 was significantly upregulated, while the corresponding mRNA expression and enzyme activity showed no significant change. In HepG2 cells, compared to the control group, the mRNA expression of CYP1A2 and CYP3A4 was up-regulated statistically while CYP2E1 mRNA expression was not significantly induced or inhibited. Conclusion: FA may be a potential slight inducer of CYP1A2 and CYP3A4 and is unlikely to impact CYP2E1 until clinical researches are conducted.


Case report: Urgent liver pathologies: All in one.
Ruptured hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a well-known serious complication of this most common primary liver malignancy. However, when HCC rupture is associated with other focal liver lesions, the diagnosis and therapy may be very challenging. Correct differentiation of focal liver lesions is of paramount importance for successful treatment. The aim of this report is to present a unique case of HCC rupture complicated with liver abscess, hematoma and portal vein thrombosis. We discuss possible pathophysiological mechanisms and radiologic findings of such clinical scenarios and review literature related to the management of HCC rupture.


DECOCTION PROCESS OPTIMIZATION AND QUALITY EVALUATION OF YI-HUANG DECOCTION BY HPLC FINGERPRINT ANALYSIS.
Yi Huang decoction (YHD) has been used as one of famous traditional formula because of its unique effectiveness against gynecological diseases. YHD is composed of five herbs, including the rootstock of Dioscoma opposita Thunb. (Dioscoreaceae), the kernel of Etayale ferx Salisb. (Nymphaeaceae), the bark of Phellodendron chinense Schneid. (Rutaceae), the seed of Plantago asiatica L. (Plantaginaceae), and the seed of Ginkgo biloba L. (Ginkgoaceae). To effectively control the quality, the processing method for YHD was optimized by means of single factor test as well as orthogonal test in this study. A completely validated method based on HPLC coupled with diode array detector was performed on a Kromasil C(18) column at 30° with mobile phase of 0.1% aqueous phosphoric acid and acetonitrile. As a result, HPLC fingerprint on the basis of the chromatographic data from 32 batches of samples was obtained, which contained 44 common peaks. Among these common peaks, 6 peaks were identified as geniposidic acid, berberine hydrochloride, palmatine hydrochloride, phellodendrine chloride, magnoflorine, and verbascoside, respectively, based on their retention time relative to the standards. Meanwhile, the contents of these 6 compounds were also simultaneously examined. In sum, this study offered valuable information for the proper processing and quality control for YHD.


Toxoplasma gondii: characterization of a mutant resistant to 6-thioxanthine.
6-Thioxanthine caused 50% inhibition of the growth of Toxoplasma gondii in human fibroblasts at a concentration of 5 micrograms/ml. A mutant induced by treatment with ethylnitrosourea (ThxR-1) was 20-fold more resistant than the wildtype. Wild-type parasites grown in Lesch-Nyhan fibroblasts efficiently incorporated hypoxanthine, guanine, and xanthine, but ThxR-1 incorporated each of these precursors less than 2% as well as the wildtype did. Soluble extracts of wild-type parasites had potent phosphoribosyltransferase activities for hypoxanthine, guanine, and xanthine, while extracts of ThxR-1 had barely detectable activity with any of these substrates. The basis for the resistance of ThxR-1 to 6-thioxanthine is, therefore, the lack of the enzyme hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase. Thus, salvage pathways that employ this enzyme are not essential for the acquisition of purines, which the parasite must obtain from the host cell. Incubation in a medium containing mycophenolic acid and xanthine allowed the efficient recovery of wild-type T. gondii in the presence of many ThxR-1 parasites. Together with the use of 6-thioxanthine to detect resistant mutants in the presence of many wild-type parasites, this procedure provides a simple selection and back-selection for mutations that affect the hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase gene of T. gondii.