Stalking Victimization and Emotional Consequences: A Cross-Cultural Comparison Between American and Spanish University Students.
This paper entails a comparative study between a country that has criminalized stalking for almost three decades (the U.S.) and a nation that just recently outlawed the phenomenon (Spain). Employing a sample of American and Spanish university students, we examined the prevalence and types of stalking behaviors and victims' emotional responses to their victimization. We also explored whether experiencing a particular category of stalking behaviors (i.e., surveillance and approach stalking) triggers specific emotional responses similarly among American and Spanish victims. We found more than two-thirds (36%) of the Spanish students (n = 638) and almost half (48%) of the American students (n = 411) reported that they have experienced the unwanted or intrusive behaviors included in our study. We also found relative to Spanish victims, American victims were significantly more likely to encounter approach stalking and report feeling anxious, angry, depressed, sick, and suicidal as a result of their victimization. Implications of our findings and directions for future research are discussed.


Expanding the ROMP Toolbox: Synthesis of Air-Stable Benzonorbornadiene Polymers by Aryne Chemistry.
Benzonorbornadiene polymers synthesized by ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) are typically prone to oxidation at the benzylic/allylic position under ambient conditions. Accordingly, the use of benzonorbornadiene polymers in practical applications has remained limited. In this manuscript, we report the synthesis of poly(benzonorbornadiene) polymers using a strategic blend of benzyne chemistry and ROMP. Through a comparative study, we show that substitution at the benzylic/allylic position prevents oxidative deformation, yet does not inhibit polymerization by common ruthenium catalysts with good control over molecular weight dispersity. We expect the benzyne/ROMP reaction sequence will allow easy access to air-stable benzonorbornadiene polymers for various applications.


Efficient Upconverting Multiferroic Core@Shell Photocatalysts: Visible-to-Near-Infrared Photon Harvesting.
We report the two-step synthesis of a core@shell nanohybrid material for visible-to-near-infrared (NIR) photocatalysis. The core is constituted of NaGdF4:Er3+, Yb3+ upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs). A bismuth ferrite (BFO) shell is assembled around the UCNPs via a hydrothermal process. The photocatalytic degradation assays of methylene orange and 4-chlorophenol reveal that these core@shell nanostructures possess remarkably enhanced reaction activity under visible and NIR irradiation, compared to the BFO powder alone and the BFO-UCNP mixture. Photo-charge scavenger tests and fluorescent assays indicate that hydroxyl radicals play a pivotal role in the photodegradation mechanism. The enhanced photoactivity of the core@shell structure is attributed to the NIR radiation which is converted into visible light by UCNPs, and which is then captured by BFO via a nonradiative luminescence resonance energy transfer process. Therefore, this core@shell architecture optimizes solar energy use by efficiently harvesting visible and NIR photons.


Cell-cell interactions in the development of Dictyostelium.
We have described in D. discoideum a highly organized cell aggregation that is mediated by cAMP. After suitable differentiation induced by starvation, the cells develop the capacity to orient in gradients of cAMP and to secrete cAMP in response to cAMP. This signaling response sets up the cell-cell relay of cAMP waves that transiently orients the cells toward the center. Both the signaling response and the chemotactic response, measured in isolated cells, adapt. The kinetics and properties of adaptation of the two responses are similar and may be due to the same mechanism. The mechanism does not involve protein synthesis, a change in the number or affinity of surface receptors, or the activation of adenylate cyclase. Adaptation of signaling is essential for the oscillatory production of cAMP at the aggregation centers and ensures that the cAMP waves move steadily toward the edge of the aggregation territories. Adaptation of the chemotactic response also ensures that cells do not reorient away from the center in the gradient presented by the trailing edge of the wave. We have demonstrated that both chemotaxis and cAMP signaling are mediated by the same surface receptor. The polypeptide containing the binding site of the receptor has been identified by photoaffinity labeling with [32P]-8-N3-cAMP as a diffuse band of 41,000-45,000 Mr. The receptor and adenylate cyclase copurify on a homogeneous class of vesicles resistant to extraction by nonionic detergents. A GTP-binding protein that is a substrate for cholera toxin-catalyzed ADP ribosylation is found in supernatants and membranes and may be similar to the Gs regulatory protein of adenylate cyclase in higher organisms. The mechanism of activation of the adenylate cyclase and chemotactic machinery is unknown. We have been able to inhibit the activation of the adenylate cyclase selectively and rapidly with agents acting to crosslink cell surface components, which may give a clue to the activation mechanism. The elaborate mechanisms of cell-cell communication occurring in D. discoideum are without precedent in biological literature, although models of oscillatory wave propagation have been proposed to account for pattern formation. Although it is unlikely that extracellular cAMP would be involved, it is not inconceivable that such mechanisms occur during the development of more evolutionarily advanced organisms. The organized communication system in D. discoideum is only apparent when cells are plated uniformly on a flat surface; such organized movements occurring in a three-dimensional structure such as an embryo would be very difficult to discern.


Trials and tribulations among members of Canada's Defence Team early in the pandemic: key insights from the COVID-19 Defence Team Survey.
Due to the unprecedented impact of COVID-19, there is a need for research assessing pandemic-related challenges and stressors. The current study aimed to assess key concerns and general well-being among members of Canada's Defence Team, including Canadian Armed Forces personnel and members of the Department of National Defence (DND) Public Service. The COVID-19 Defence Team Survey was administered electronically to Defence Team staff in April and May of 2020 and was completed by 13 688 Regular Force, 5985 Reserve Force and 7487 civilian DND Public Service personnel. Along with demographic information, the survey included assessments of work arrangement, pandemic-related concerns, general well-being and social and organizational support. Weighted data (to ensure representation) were used in all analyses. The majority of respondents were working from home, with a small minority unable to work due to restrictions. Though many concerns were endorsed by a substantial proportion of respondents, the most prevalent concerns were related to the health and well-being of loved ones. The majority of respondents reported their partner, family, supervisors, friends, colleagues and children provided general support. Half of the civilian defence staff and one-third of military respondents reported a decline in mental health. Women, younger respondents, those with dependents and, in some cases, those who were single without children were at risk of lower well-being. The pandemic has negatively impacted a substantial portion of the Defence Team. When responding to future crises, it is recommended that leaders of organizations provide additional supports to higher-risk groups and to supervisors who are ideally positioned to support employees during challenging times.


Vitamin D, calcium, and sarcoidosis.
Hypercalcemia occurs in about 10% of the patients with sarcoidosis; hypercalciuria is about three times more frequent. These abnormalities of calcium metabolism are due to dysregulated production of 1,25-(OH)2-D3 (calcitriol) by activated macrophages trapped in pulmonary alveoli and granulomatous inflammation. Undetected hypercalcemia and hypercalciuria can cause nephrocalcinosis, renal stones, and renal failure. Corticosteroids cause prompt reversal of the metabolic defect. Chloroquine, hydroxychloroqune, and ketoconazole are the drugs that should be used if the patient fails to respond or develops dangerous side effects to corticosteroid therapy.


Analysis of skin penetration enhancement based on a two-layer skin diffusion model with polar and nonpolar routes in the stratum corneum: dose-dependent effect of 1-geranylazacycloheptan-2-one on drugs with different lipophilicities.
The effects of 1-geranylazacycloheptan-2-one (GACH) on the in vitro skin penetration of seven drugs with various lipophilicities were studied. The penetration of drugs from aqueous vehicle through the guinea pig skin was increased depending on the pretreatment dose of GACH. The largest enhancement was observed for 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and a bell-shaped relationship was obtained between enhancement ratio and the octanol/water partition coefficients of drugs. Further, Laplace transformed equations for percutaneous absorption of drug were derived from Fick's second law based on a two-layer skin diffusion model with polar and nonpolar routes in the stratum corneum. Through curve-fitting of their equations to penetration profiles using a nonlinear regression program MULTI(FILT) combined with a fast inverse Laplace transform (FILT) algorithm, the action mechanism of GACH was discussed in terms of its effect on the partitioning and diffusivity of drugs in each domain. With an increase in pretreatment dose of GACH, the estimated partition parameters of drugs into the nonpolar route increased but their diffusivities were little affected. The analysis based on a linear free-energy relationship suggested that the increase in partitioning of drugs into the nonpolar route was explained by its increasing polarity with GACH pretreatment.


Transplantation with hypoxia-preconditioned mesenchymal stem cells suppresses brain injury caused by cardiac arrest-induced global cerebral ischemia in rats.
Cardiac arrest-induced global cerebral ischemia is a main cause of neurological dysfunction in emergency medicine. Transplantation with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has been used in stroke models to repair the ischemic brain injury, but it is little studied in models with global cerebral ischemia. In the present study, a hypoxia precondition was used to improve the efficacy of MSC transplantation, given the low survival and migration rates and limited differentiation capacities of MSCs. We found that hypoxia can increase the expansion and migration of MSCs by activating the PI3K/AKT and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α/CXC chemokine receptor-4 pathways. By using a cardiac arrest-induced global cerebral ischemic model in rats, we found that transplantation of hypoxia-preconditioned MSCs promoted the migration and integration of MSCs and decreased neuronal death and inflammation in the ischemic cortex. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.


Where Do the Cultural Differences in Dynamics of Controlling Parenting Lie? Adolescents as Active Agents in the Perception of and Coping with Parental Behavior.
There is ongoing debate about the universal or culture-specific role of controlling parenting in children's and adolescents' development. This study addressed the possibility of cultural variability in how controlling parenting practices are perceived and dealt with. Specifically, we examined Belgian (N = 341) and Chinese (N = 316) adolescents' perceptions of and reactions towards a vignette depicting parental guilt-induction, relative to generally controlling and autonomy supportive vignettes. Whereas Belgian adolescents perceived guilt-induction to be as controlling as generally controlling parental behavior, Chinese adolescents' perception of guilt-induction as controlling was more moderate. Belgian and Chinese adolescents also showed some similarities and differences in their responses to the feelings of need frustration following from the controlling practices, with compulsive compliance for instance being more common in Chinese adolescents. Discussion focuses on cross-cultural similarities and differences in dynamics of controlling parenting.


The effect of surgical approach on the outcomes and prognosis of high-risk histologic endometrioid carcinomas.
High-risk histologic endometrioid carcinomas include poorly differentiated endometrial carcinoma (PDEC), uterine clear cell carcinoma (UCCC), uterine carcinosarcoma (UCS), and uterine papillary serous carcinomas (UPCS). The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the effect of open surgery and minimally invasive surgery on the prognosis of patients with high-risk endometrial cancer tissue types. A retrospective analysis was conducted to investigate 57 UCS or UPCS, 53 UCCC, and 110 PDEC patients receiving initial treatment at the Department of Gynecology in Shaanxi Provincial Tumor hospital and the Affiliated Hospital of Medical College of Xi'an Jiaotong University between February 2010 and January 2015. Prognostic factors were determined using univariate/multivariate analysis, and survival rates were assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method. The Cox regression model was adopted to assess the independent prognostic factors. Two hundred and twenty patients who met the criteria were included in this study. At the end of follow-up period, 94 patients were still alive. Univariate analysis found that the survival time of the patients was related to staging, adjuvant therapy, and surgical approach. Multivariate analysis revealed that surgical approach, staging, pathology, and adjuvant therapy were independent prognostic factors. Minimally invasive surgery has a shorter survival time compared to open surgery in women with PDEC, UCCC, UCS, and UPCS. Multivariate analysis confirmed that staging, pathological type, surgical approach, and postoperative adjuvant therapy are independent risk factors for prognosis and affect the survival of women with PDEC, UCCC, UCS, and UPCS.


Evaluation of coronary steal in myocardium supplied by coronary collaterals: the role of speckle tracking analysis in resting and stress echocardiography.
Coronary steal could develop in patients with chronic coronary artery disease (CAD) with collateral circulation, and adversely affect ventricular function and long-term clinical outcome. Poorly developed collaterals are more prone than well-developed collaterals to withdrawing their blood support to the collateralized myocardium due to higher collateral pathway resistance and lower vasodilatory reserve of the collateral bed. Even with well-developed coronary collaterals, coronary steal could still occur when perfusion pressure in the donor artery becomes low, or the recipient microvasculature is maximally dilated with exhaustion of vasodilatory reserve. The evaluation of distinctive coronary collateral function with or without steal provides important therapeutic and prognostic information in patients with chronic CAD. However, due to lack of reliable assessment methods, the detection and quantitative measurement of coronary steal remains a challenge. In this article, we present typical clinical scenarios to illustrate the major mechanisms underlying coronary steal in patients with chronic CAD and coronary collateral circulation, and review invasive and noninvasive methods currently available to assess coronary steal in myocardium supplied by coronary collaterals. We specifically focus on recent advances in the resting and stress echocardiography with speckle tracking techniques.


Short-term physical therapy treatment for female urinary incontinence: a quality of life evaluation.
Urinary incontinence (UI) is a widespread health condition and in some situations conservative treatment has been recommended. The aim of this study was to compare women's quality of life (QoL) before and after short-term physical therapy treatment. We carried out a clinical trial involving 72 women who received an eight-session intervention based on pelvic floor electrical stimulation (PFES), pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) and behavioral training. QoL was evaluated by the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF). The Wilcoxon signed-rank test compared the ICIQ-SF scores; the relative changes were calculated by dividing the differences by the initial score, and McNemar's χ(2) compared the questions related to the type of, possible causes of or situations related to UI (p < 0.05). There was a significant reduction in the frequency (p < 0.03), amount (p < 0.04) and impact (p < 0.001) of UI on QoL. The total score decreased from 14.6 ± 4.2 to 7.2 ± 4.5 (p < 0.001). All questions regarding the type of, possible causes of or situations related to UI had significantly decreased. Also, 15 women reported the 'never leaked urine' condition (p < 0.001) after treatment. A short-term physical therapy treatment based on PFES, PFMT and behavioral modifications reduced the frequency, amount and impact of UI and therefore resulted in QoL improvement.


The In Vitro Redundant Enzymes PurN and PurT Are Both Essential for Systemic Infection of Mice in Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium.
Metabolic enzymes show a high degree of redundancy, and for that reason they are generally ignored in searches for novel targets for anti-infective substances. The enzymes PurN and PurT are redundant in vitro in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, in which they perform the third step of purine synthesis. Surprisingly, the results of the current study demonstrated that single-gene deletions of each of the genes encoding these enzymes caused attenuation (competitive infection indexes [CI] of <0.03) in mouse infections. While the ΔpurT mutant multiplied as fast as the wild-type strain in cultured J774A.1 macrophages, net multiplication of the ΔpurN mutant was reduced approximately 50% in 20 h. The attenuation of the ΔpurT mutant was abolished by simultaneous removal of the enzyme PurU, responsible for the formation of formate, indicating that the attenuation was related to formate accumulation or wasteful consumption of formyl tetrahydrofolate by PurU. In the process of further characterization, we disclosed that the glycine cleavage system (GCV) was the most important for formation of C1 units in vivo (CI = 0.03 ± 0.03). In contrast, GlyA was the only important enzyme for the formation of C1 units in vitro The results with the ΔgcvT mutant further revealed that formation of serine by SerA and further conversion of serine into C1 units and glycine by GlyA were not sufficient to ensure C1 formation in S Typhimurium in vivo The results of the present study call for reinvestigations of the concept of metabolic redundancy in S Typhimurium in vivo.


Roughness and Fiber Fraction Dominated Wetting of Electrospun Fiber-Based Porous Meshes.
Wettability of electrospun fibers is one of the key parameters in the biomedical and filtration industry. Within this comprehensive study of contact angles on three-dimensional (3D) meshes made of electrospun fibers and films, from seven types of polymers, we clearly indicated the importance of roughness analysis. Surface chemistry was analyzed with X-ray photoelectron microscopy (XPS) and it showed no significant difference between fibers and films, confirming that the hydrophobic properties of the surfaces can be enhanced by just roughness without any chemical treatment. The surface geometry was determining factor in wetting contact angle analysis on electrospun meshes. We noted that it was very important how the geometry of electrospun surfaces was validated. The commonly used fiber diameter was not necessarily a convincing parameter unless it was correlated with the surface roughness or fraction of fibers or pores. Importantly, this study provides the guidelines to verify the surface free energy decrease with the fiber fraction for the meshes, to validate the changes in wetting contact angles. Eventually, the analysis suggested that meshes could maintain the entrapped air between fibers, decreasing surface free energies for polymers, which increased the contact angle for liquids with surface tension above the critical Wenzel level to maintain the Cassie-Baxter regime for hydrophobic surfaces.


Achnanthidiumgladius sp. nov. (Bacillariophyceae) - a new monoraphid diatom species from Indonesia.
A new monoraphid diatom species Achnanthidiumgladius sp. nov. is described from Indonesia. The description is based on molecular data (18SV4), morphological analysis and comparison with similar species. According to molecular data, Achnanthidiumgladius sp. nov. is closely related to Achnanthidiumminutissimum. Morphologically, the new species differs from similar species by the absence of a fascia on raphe valve, cell size, and striae density and pattern. The new species is only known from the type locality in Indonesia. Comparison with close related species is given.


[Consensus clinical practice guidelines of the Andalusian Epilepsy Society: therapeutic recommendations when dealing with a first epileptic seizure and in epileptic status].
Most epileptic seizures are brief and self-limiting, but sometimes they can last longer than expected and this entails (in the case of generalised seizures) a high risk of morbidity and mortality, which increases as they get longer. This severity justifies the need to draw up a set of consensus-based practice guidelines based on implicit evidence, to use Liberati's nomenclature, concerning aspects related to the recommended therapeutic management of a patient with prolonged seizures who is being attended in an emergency department. A selective search was conducted on PubMed-Medline for scientific information related to the subject using scientific evidence filters. This search was completed in other scientific evidence search engines, such as Tripdatabase, Biblioteca Cochrane Plus or DARE. The selected references were analysed and discussed by the authors, and the available evidence and any recommendations that could be drawn from it were collected. The search revealed the existence of 33 primary documents and six practice guidelines or protocols related with the topic under study. The recommendations were inserted in the text explicitly. The therapeutic protocol must be started when faced with any seizures that last more than five minutes. First, steps must be taken to ensure proper respiratory and cardiocirculatory functioning, and then fast-acting antiepileptic drugs are administered intravenously and in high doses until the cause is identified and controlled. Due to their lower level of morbidity and mortality, prolonged non-convulsive seizures do not generally require therapy that is so vigorous and with such a high risk of complications.


Clinical research: business opportunities for pharmacy-based investigational drug services.
The application by an academic health center of business principles to the conduct of clinical research is described. Re-engineering of the infrastructure for clinical research at the University of Wisconsin and University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics began in 1990 with the creation of the Center for Clinical Trials (CCT) and the restructuring of the investigational drug services (IDS). Strategies to further improve the institution's clinical research activities have been continually assessed and most recently have centered on the adaptation of a business philosophy within the institution's multidisciplinary research infrastructure. Toward that end, the CCT and IDS have introduced basic business principles into operational activities. Four basic business concepts have been implemented: viewing the research protocol as a commodity, seeking payment for services rendered, tracking investments, and assessing performance. It is proposed that incorporation of these basic business concepts is not only compatible with the infrastructure for clinical research but beneficial to that infrastructure. The adaptation of a business mindset is likely to enable an academic health center to reach its clinical research goals.


Surgery for Benign Salivary Neoplasms.
Salivary neoplasms are relatively infrequent entities that account for only 4% of tumors of the head and neck. Although slow-growing lesions of the preauricular area and submandibular space are often confused with sebaceous cysts, lymph nodes, or lipomas by the non-otolaryngologist, otolaryngologists-head and neck surgeons recognize that all preauricular and submandibular masses should be considered a salivary neoplasm until proven otherwise. Surgery remains the treatment of choice for benign salivary gland neoplasms; however, techniques continue to evolve in order to preserve salivary function and reduce surgical morbidity. The goals of management of benign salivary neoplasms include accurate diagnosis of the lesion, complete surgical extirpation, and functional preservation of adjacent cranial nerves. Accurate diagnosis is aided by appropriate preoperative physical examination, imaging, and fine needle aspiration biopsy. Benign neoplasms typically present as slow-growing, painless, mobile masses without adverse features, such as tissue fixation, ulceration, a cranial nerve deficit, or regional lymphadenopathy. Preoperative imaging with ultrasonography, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging reveals well-circumscribed lesions without an infiltrative growth pattern or associated adenopathy. Fine needle aspiration biopsy may favor a benign neoplasm, supporting the clinical presentation. Surgery for a benign or malignant salivary neoplasm is in essence a false dichotomy since the surgeon can never be completely confident of the diagnosis until the specimen is removed. The surgeon must recognize the significant overlap between benign and malignant salivary masses in terms of clinical presentation, imaging, and cytology, which requires the surgeon to remain vigilant and flexible at the time of surgery should tissue characteristics or frozen section analysis suggest a malignant process.


Stress response symptoms in relatives of acutely admitted psychotic patients: a pilot study.
The aim of this study is to identify specific stress response symptoms in relatives of acutely admitted psychotic patients, and to compare these responses with those of relatives of chronic inpatients. Twenty-five relatives of acutely hospitalized, psychotic patients and 21 relatives of chronic inpatients were assessed within days of the acute patient's admission and 6 weeks later. The Impact Event Scale assessed intrusion and avoidance; items from the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) and the Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory (STAI) assessed arousal. At the first assessment, relatives of the acutely admitted psychotic patients reported higher intensity of intrusive symptoms, and more often a high arousal level compared to the relatives of chronic inpatients. Six weeks later, relatives of acutely admitted psychotic patients revealed both higher intensity and higher number of intrusive and avoidance symptoms, and higher level of arousal symptoms. Seven relatives of acutely admitted psychotic patients and no relatives of the chronic inpatients reported moderate to high level of intrusion, avoidance and arousal at both assessments. Relatives of acutely admitted psychotic patients revealed strong acute and persistent stress responses, similar to those described in subjects exposed to severe or life threatening illness. Even relatives of the chronic inpatients revealed stress-specific symptoms, but at a lower level. Specific stress response symptoms may impair the relatives' well-being, care-giving abilities, and their co-operation with the mental health system. Our results suggest that stress response symptoms in relatives should be given more attention.


Group Structure and Female Cooperative Networks in Australia's Western Desert.
The division of labor has typically been portrayed as a complementary strategy in which men and women work on separate tasks to achieve a common goal of provisioning the family. In this paper, we propose that task specialization between female kin might also play an important role in women's social and economic strategies. We use historic group composition data from a population of Western Desert Martu Aborigines to show how women maintained access to same-sex kin over the lifespan. Our results show that adult women had more same-sex kin and more closely related kin present than adult men, and they retained these links after marriage. Maternal co-residence was more prevalent for married women than for married men, and there is evidence that mothers may be strategizing to live with daughters at critical intervals-early in their reproductive careers and when they do not have other close female kin in the group. The maintenance of female kin networks across the lifespan allows for the possibility of cooperative breeding as well as an all-female division of labor.


Electrospun nanofiber-based regeneration of cartilage enhanced by mesenchymal stem cells.
Application of biomaterials in combination with stem cells is a novel tissue engineering approach to regenerate cartilage. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential of poly(vinyl alcohol)/polycaprolactone (PVA/PCL) nanofiber scaffolds seeded with rabbit bone marrow-mesenchymal stem cell (BM-MSC) for cartilage tissue engineering in vitro and in vivo. We tested the biocompatibility and mechanical properties of nanofibrous scaffolds using scanning electron microscope, MTT assay, and tensile measurements. The capacity of MSC for chondrogenic differentiation on scaffolds was examined using reverse transcription-polymer chain reaction and immunostaining. For in vivo assessments, PVA/PCL nanofiber scaffolds with or without MSC were implanted into rabbit full-thickness cartilage defects. To evaluate cartilage regeneration, semi-quantitative grading and histological analysis were performed. Our results showed that PVA/PCL scaffolds supported the proliferation and chondrogenic differentiation of MSC in vitro. Moreover, the animals treated with cell-seeded PVA/PCL scaffolds showed improved healing of defects compared with untreated control and those which received cell-free scaffolds. Our findings suggest that PVA/PCL scaffolds incorporated with MSC can serve as a suitable graft for articular cartilage reconstruction.


LRCH proteins: a novel family of cytoskeletal regulators.
Comparative genomics has revealed an unexpected level of conservation for gene products across the evolution of animal species. However, the molecular function of only a few proteins has been investigated experimentally, and the role of many animal proteins still remains unknown. Here we report the characterization of a novel family of evolutionary conserved proteins, which display specific features of cytoskeletal scaffolding proteins, referred to as LRCHs. Taking advantage of the existence of a single LRCH gene in flies, dLRCH, we explored its function in cultured cells, and show that dLRCH act to stabilize the cell cortex during cell division. dLRCH depletion leads to ectopic cortical blebs and alters positioning of the mitotic spindle. We further examined the consequences of dLRCH deletion throughout development and adult life. Although dLRCH is not essential for cell division in vivo, flies lacking dLRCH display a reduced fertility and fitness, particularly when raised at extreme temperatures. These results support the idea that some cytoskeletal regulators are important to buffer environmental variations and ensure the proper execution of basic cellular processes, such as the control of cell shape, under environmental variations.


Increased sodium reabsorption in the proximal and distal tubule of caval dogs.
The effects of water diuresis, hypotonic NaCl, and hypotonic mannitol diuresis on renal sodium and water excretion were examined in normal dogs and in dogs with chronic constriction of the thoracic inferior vena cava and ascites (caval dogs). During all three diuretic states, the capacity to excrete solute-free water relative to the supply of sodium to the water clearing segment of the nephron was significantly greater in the caval dog. This finding was most evident during hypotonic NaCl diuresis but was also striking during hypotonic mannitol diuresis despite the more unfavorable gradient for sodium reabsorption at the distal tubule produced by this agent in caval dogs. In addition, fractional distal sodium load was significantly smaller in caval dogs during water diuresis and could not be increased as readily as in normal dogs by hypotonic NaCl or mannitol infusion. The data indicate that fractional sodium reabsorption is increased at the water clearing segment and the proximal tubule in caval dogs. The differences in the pattern of free water clearance and tubular sodium transport between normal and caval dogs could not be easily explained by alterations in renal hemodynamics or aldosterone secretion. It is suggested that in the caval dog an alteration occurs in other factors which might influence renal tubular sodium transport, such as intrarenal hemodynamics, renal interstitial volume or pressure, or a natriuretic hormone, leading to increased tubular sodium reabsorption.


Two cases of nasal natural killer T-cell lymphoma.
Nasal natural killer T-cell lymphoma is a very aggressive and destructive disease with a poor prognosis. We hereby present two male patients in whom diagnostic problems and a mortal course were encountered. One patient (age 31 years) had progressive ulceration in the nasal area. Two biopsies that had been taken elsewhere were inconclusive. The other patient (age 40 years) was referred with a previous histopathologic diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma. He complained of an unhealing wound in the hard palate. Biopsies were repeated in each case. Diagnosis was made by immunohistochemical examination. Both patients died shortly after the diagnosis. The importance of obtaining an adequate and deep biopsy sample and employing sophisticated immunohistochemical examination is emphasized for an accurate diagnosis.


Searching the conformational complexity and binding properties of HDAC6 through docking and molecular dynamic simulations.
Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are a family of proteins involved in the deacetylation of histones and other non-histones substrates. HDAC6 belongs to class II and shares similar biological functions with others of its class. Nevertheless, its three-dimensional structure that involves the catalytic site remains unknown for exploring the ligand recognition properties. Therefore, in this contribution, homology modeling, 100-ns-long Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulation and docking calculations were combined to explore the conformational complexity and binding properties of the catalytic domain 2 from HDAC6 (DD2-HDAC6), for which activity and affinity toward five different ligands have been reported. Clustering analysis allowed identifying the most populated conformers present during the MD simulation, which were used as starting models to perform docking calculations with five DD2-HDAC6 inhibitors: Cay10603 (CAY), Rocilinostat (RCT), Tubastatin A (TBA), Tubacin (TBC), and Nexturastat (NXT), and then were also submitted to 100-ns-long MD simulations. Docking calculations revealed that the five inhibitors bind at the DD2-HDAC6 binding site with the lowest binding free energy, the same binding mode is maintained along the 100-ns-long MD simulations. Overall, our results provide structural information about the molecular flexibility of apo and holo DD2-HDAC6 states as well as insight of the map of interactions between DD2-HDAC6 and five well-known DD2-HDAC6 inhibitors allowing structural details to guide the drug design. Finally, we highlight the importance of combining different theoretical approaches to provide suitable structural models for structure-based drug design.


Chalcogenide glass bolometers.
The chalcogenide glass Tl(2)SeAs(2) Te(3) has been evaluated as a thermistor bolometer material for room temperature operation. Thin film bolometers were fabricated on mica, glass, and sapphire substrates by both hot-pressing and rf sputtering techniques. Best results were achieved with 10-micro thick Tl(2)SeAs(2) Te(3) elements on thin mica substrates. Using a 500 K blackbody at a 10-Hz chopping frequency, a 2.5 x10(_3)cm(2) device yielded an NEP of 2.3 x 10(_9) W Hz(_4) cm(-2) device achieved an NEP of 7.7 x 10(-10) W Hz(-1/2) The ac performance of these devices is limited by their inherently long response times (tau congruent with 1 sec).


The use of electroglottography in the treatment of deaf adolescents with puberphonia.
Electroglottography (EGG) was used as a visual feedback tool in the treatment of four male profoundly deaf adolescents of 15 years of age with puberphonia. A laryngograph, oscilloscope, computer, and laryngostroboscope were used for this research. The EGG was used during phonopedic exercises, which consisted of the patient producing voiced coughing in modal register and extended these into prolonged vowels. The investigation showed that EGG facilitated the production of vocal fold vibration in the modal register. It was concluded that EGG was highly effective in changing the production of vocal register and could be recommended in the treatment of puberphonia in the deaf.


Two new species of Rubus L. (Rosaceae) from the western Andes of Ecuador.
Two new species of Rubus (Rosaceae) from the western Andes of northern Ecuador are described. Rubuslongistipularis D.A. Espinel-Ortiz & Romol. is a scandent or climbing shrub found in the mountain forests of Chocó Andino from northern Ecuador. Rubusmaquipucunensis D.A. Espinel-Ortiz & Romol. is a vine or climbing shrub found in the rainforests of Chocó Andino from Pichincha and Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas. The species mentioned here are morphologically differentiated from all the Rubus species from Ecuador with a detailed botanical description, illustrations and photographs. We also report, for the first time, possible hybridisation between R.longistipularis and R.boliviensis Focke, as the samples reviewed showed mixed characteristics from both species.


Similar Lung Function Impairment In Auto Mechanics Operating In Stand-alone Auto Repair and Auto Repair Shops Shared with Spray Painters.
Automotive mechanics are reported to have lower lung function indices. Spray painting is associated with impairment of lung function among spray painters. It is a common practice by auto repairers in Calabar to operate in the vicinity of spray painting shops. Whether such dual exposure to auto repair and spray painting environments worsens the lung function of auto mechanics is not documented. Lung function was evaluated in 300 males divided into three groups: control (group1), auto mechanics in stand-alone auto repair shops (group 2) and auto mechanics working in the vicinity of spray painting shops (group 3). Each group consisted of 100 subjects. Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and forced expiratory volume in the first second expressed as percentage of FVC (FEV1%) were assessed using a Vitalograph spirometer. Percentage oxygen saturation was evaluated using a pulse oximeter. Results showed no significant differences in age, weight and height among various groups. FVC was significantly reduced in groups 2 and 3 (p< 0.05 and p<0.001 respectively) compared to control but not between groups 2 and 3. FEV1 was significantly reduced in groups 2 and 3 (P <0.001 each) compared with control but not significantly different between groups 2 and 3. FEV1% was significantly lower in groups 2 and 3 (p< 0.001 each) compared with control but not between groups 2 and 3. The PEFR was significantly reduced in groups 2 and 3 (p<0.001 each) compared with control but not significantly different between groups 2 and 3. Percentage oxygen saturation was significantly reduced in groups 2 and 3 (p<0.05 and p<0.001 respectively) and also significantly lower in group 2 compared with group 3 (p<0.01). In conclusion, auto mechanics in auto repair only and auto repair shops shared with spray painters have lower lung function compared with control but no significant difference in lung function between auto mechanics in stand-alone auto repair shops compared with those in auto repair shops shared with spray painters.


Tree- and needle-age-dependent variations in antioxidants and photoprotective pigments in Norway spruce needles at the alpine timberline.
To cope with environmental stress, plants are equipped with antioxidative (e.g., ascorbate, glutathione and alpha-tocopherol) and photoprotective (e.g., xanthophyll cycle pigments) defense systems. We investigated the defense capacities of three tree age classes (mature, sapling and seedling) of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) at a field site near the timberline. Biochemical data were expressed on both a needle dry mass and a surface area basis. Compared with current-year needles, previous-year needles contained higher mass- and area-based concentrations of chlorophylls and alpha-tocopherol, and a larger xanthophyll cycle pool that was in a more epoxidized state. Total glutathione concentration was lower, the glutathione pool was more reduced and the ascorbate pool was more oxidized in previous-year needles than in current-year needles. Needle concentrations of glutathione and alpha-tocopherol increased and chlorophyll concentration decreased with increasing tree age when expressed on a surface area basis. On a dry mass basis, these trends were reversed or nonexistent. The ascorbate pool was more reduced and the glutathione pool was more oxidized in needles of mature trees than in needles of saplings and seedlings. The proportion of protective xanthophyll cycle pigments decreased and the de-epoxidation state increased with increasing tree age. We conclude that tree age and the basis of expression of antioxidant concentration--surface area or dry mass--are important in scaling from seedlings to large trees.


Severe hypopharyngeal dysphagia in a patient on chronic steroid treatment.
A 44-year-old Caucasian male who had been on long-term steroid treatment for an unspecified collagen disease was referred to our Unit because of fever, severe hypopharyngeal dysphagia, night sweats and evidence of marked superior vena cava compression. Extrapulmonary disseminated tuberculosis also involving bone and liver was eventually diagnosed and proven by means of specific polymerase chain reaction assay. Antimycobacterial treatment, which led to a dramatic improvement within two months, was protracted for 18 months until the complete return to normal of both clinical and laboratory findings.


Preparation of C3N4/montmorillonite composite photocatalyst for effective removal of organic pollutants.
Due to the good photocatalytic performance, which ensures the decomposition of pollutants under light, g-C3N4 is considered as an ideal photocatalytic material. Montmorillonite has a high adsorption capacity and layered structure, which has positive effects on increasing the specific surface area of g-C3N4 and avoid its polymerization agglomeration. In this paper, montmorillonite was used as carrier for g-C3N4 to obtain a new photocatalytic composite g-C3N4/Mt. Then the morphological and (micro)structural properties were characterized. The well-characterized materials were evaluated for the photocatalytic activity in degradation of methylene blue and Bisphenol A. The effects of the mass fraction of g-C3N4, light irradiation time, and pollutant concentration on the photocatalytic performance of g-C3N4/Mt composites were studied. Under the optimal experimental plan, the rate of photocatalytic degradation can reach to 99.3% within 120 min. Through the MS spectrum, it can be found that methylene blue molecule were catalysed and degraded into many harmless substances with low-molecular weight. Finally, based on the obtained reaction products, the mechanism by which the pollutants are removed was proposed. This study provides a new strategy to improve the photocatalysis ability of g-C3N4, which is of great significance for a sustainable pollution treatment.


Photoluminescence study on polar nanoregions and structural variations in Pb(Mg₁/₃Nb₂/₃)O₃ ₋ PbTiO₃ single crystals.
We report polar nanostructure and electronic transitions in relaxor ferroelectric Pb(Mg₁/₃Nb₂/₃)O₃ ₋ PbTiO (PMN-PT) single crystals around morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) region by variable-temperature (80-800 K) photoluminescence (PL) spectra and low-wavenumber Raman scattering (LWRS). The discontinuous evolution from peak positions and intensity of luminescence emissions can be corresponding to formation of polar nanoclusters and phase transitions. Six emissions have been derived from PL spectra and show obvious characteristics near phase transition temperatures, which indicates that PL spectral measurement is promising in understanding the microcosmic mechanism. The Raman mode at 1145 cm(-1) indicates that temperature dependent luminescence phenomena can be modulated by thermal quenching.


Traction lesions of the brachial plexus.
Traction lesions of the brachial plexus are severe and disabling. All too often the patient is young, and many will be unable to return to work. Diagnosis has become more precise with the introduction of CT, with contrast, of the cervical spine, and the detection of cortical-evoked responses at operation.


Patisiran, an RNAi therapeutic for the treatment of hereditary transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis.
Hereditary transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis is a rapidly progressive, heterogeneous disease caused by the accumulation of misfolded transthyretin protein as amyloid fibrils at multiple sites, and is characterized by peripheral sensorimotor neuropathy, autonomic neuropathy and/or cardiomyopathy. Current treatment options have limited efficacy and often do not prevent disease progression. Patisiran is a novel RNA interference therapeutic that specifically reduces production of both wild-type and mutant transthyretin protein. In Phase II, III and long-term extension studies in patients with hereditary transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis, patisiran has consistently slowed or improved progression of neuropathy. In addition, the Phase III trial demonstrated significant improvements in quality of life measures and indicators of cardiomyopathy. Here, we highlight efficacy and safety data from the patisiran clinical trial programme.


The right to privacy and access to information about one's genetic origins.
The right to privacy contains different dimensions. Best known are the possibility to restrict the flow of personal information to others (limited access by others) and the right not to know certain information gathered about oneself. Since the privacy right is meant to protect the identity, self-image and personal life of the person, he should also have the right to know certain facts about himself. Information about genetic origins is potentially important for the child conceived by means of donor insemination because it tells him something about himself and about the relationships he has with others. However, the positive privacy right of the donor offspring may be overridden by the negative privacy right of the parents in which case they may keep the method of conception a secret and by the negative privacy of the donor which gives him the right to remain anonymous.


miR-101 down-regulates mTOR expression and attenuates neuropathic pain in chronic constriction injury rat models.
We aimed to demonstrate the effects of microRNA (miR)-101 on neuropathic pain and explore the underlying mechanisms. Rat spinal microglia cells were isolated and inflammatory condition was stimulated by 24-h incubation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Rats were divided into 4 groups: sham, chronic constriction injury (CCI), CCI + miR-negative control (miR-NC) and CCI + miR-101 mimics. Paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) and paw withdrawal latency (PWL) tests were conducted. The mRNA levels of key genes were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) protein level was detected by Western blot. Concentrations of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were examined by ELISA. MiR-101 was downregulated and mTOR was upregulated in lumbar spinal dorsal horns from CCI rats. Targetscan and luciferase reporter assay confirmed that mTOR was direct target of miR101. MiR-101 mimics inhibited LPS-stimulated increase in the levels of IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α in primary microglial cells in vitro. In the rat CCI model, miR-101 mimics also suppressed CCI-induced decrease in PWT and PWL and inhibited CCI-induced increase in mRNA and protein levels of IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α. In addition, miR-101 downregulated mTOR mRNA and protein expressions in CCI rats. Besides, CCI operation resulted in miR-101 downregulation and mTOR mRNA upregulation in spinal microglia cells in a time-dependent manner. In conclusion, miR-101 had neuropathic pain-attenuating activity through targeting mTOR.


Growth arrest-specific 2 protein family: Structure and function.
Members of the growth arrest-specific 2 (GAS2) protein family consist of a putative actin-binding (CH) domain and a microtubule-binding (GAR) domain and are considered miniversions of spectraplakins. There are four members in the GAS2 family, viz. GAS2, GAS2L1, GAS2L2 and GAS2L3. Although GAS2 is defined as a family of growth arrest-specific proteins, the significant differences in the expression patterns, interaction characteristics and biological issues or diseases among the different GAS2 family members have not been systemically reviewed to date. Therefore, we summarized the available evidence on the structures and functions of GAS2 family members. This review facilitates a comprehensive molecular understanding of the involvement of the GAS2 family members in an array of biological processes, including cytoskeleton reorganization, cell cycle, apoptosis and cancer development.


The anti-estrogenicity of Ah receptor agonists in carp (Cyprinus carpio) hepatocytes.
Cultured hepatocytes of female carp (Cyprinus carpio) were coexposed for 4 days to 200 nM 17beta-estradiol (E2), and concentration ranges of nine known Ah receptor (AhR) agonists: 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), 3,3'4,4'5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 126), 2,3'4,4'5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 118), beta-naphthoflavone (BNF), benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), benzo(a)anthracene (BaA), diindolylmethane (DIM), 6-methyl-1,3,8-trichlorodibenzofuran (MCDF) and hexachlorobenzene (HCB). TCDD caused a greater than 100-fold induction of cytochrome P4501A (CYP1A) activity, measured as ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD), with an EC50 of 6 pM. Based on EC50 values, the order of potency as CYP1A inducers was TCDD > PCB 126 > BNF > BaP > BaA > PCB 118. DIM and MCDF caused a lower maximum CYP1A induction (< 9-fold), whereas HCB caused no EROD induction at concentrations up to 6 microM. TCDD, PCB 126, BNF, BaP, and DIM also caused a concentration-dependent suppression of the secretion of the yolk protein vitellogenin (Vtg), relative to E2-treated hepatocytes. Suppression of Vtg secretion was not directly correlated with EROD activity, and the antiestrogenic effects occurred at higher concentrations than the induction of CYP1A. This indicates that the anti-estrogenicity was not caused by increased metabolism of E2 due to induction of CYP1A. Nevertheless, the order of potency of the tested compounds for suppression of Vtg secretion was comparable to the order of potency for CYP1A induction. This concurrence suggests that the anti-estrogenicity of these compounds is AhR-mediated, but does not involve CYP1A. This could be relevant for feral fish populations, as they are frequently exposed to AhR agonists, to an extent that AhR-mediated effects are observed.


Ionic screening in bulk and under confinement.
Recent experiments have shown that the repulsive force between atomically flat, like-charged surfaces confining room-temperature ionic liquids or concentrated electrolytes exhibits an anomalously large decay length. In our previous publication [J. Zeman, S. Kondrat, and C. Holm, Chem. Commun. 56, 15635 (2020)], we showed by means of extremely large-scale molecular dynamics simulations that this so-called underscreening effect might not be a feature of bulk electrolytes. Herein, we corroborate these findings by providing additional results with more detailed analyses and expand our investigations to ionic liquids under confinement. Unlike in bulk systems, where screening lengths are computed from the decay of interionic potentials of mean force, we extract such data in confined systems from cumulative charge distributions. At high concentrations, our simulations show increasing screening lengths with increasing electrolyte concentration, consistent with classical liquid state theories. However, our analyses demonstrate that-also for confined systems-there is no anomalously large screening length. As expected, the screening lengths determined for ionic liquids under confinement are in good quantitative agreement with the screening lengths of the same ionic systems in bulk. In addition, we show that some theoretical models used in the literature to relate the measured screening lengths to other observables are inapplicable to highly concentrated electrolytes.


Peptides do not induce contractions in gastrointestinal smooth muscle in calcium-free solution.
1. Smooth muscle from six sites in the cat gastrointestinal tract was evaluated with respect to its ability to generate contractions in calcium-free solutions. 2. Membrane depolarization and carbachol, but not cholecystokinin or neurotensin, increased tension in smooth muscle segments of esophagus, corpus, duodenum, ileum, proximal colon and distal colon in calcium-free solution. 3. Substance-P produced a contractile response in the absence of calcium but only in the corpus and distal colon. 4. These findings indicate that peptide mediated release of intracellular calcium plays a minimal role in activation of cat gastrointestinal smooth muscle.


CCL2 binding is CCR2 independent in primary adult human astrocytes.
Chemokines are low relative molecular mass proteins, which have chemoattractant actions on many cell types. The chemokine, CCL2, has been shown to play a major role in the recruitment of monocytes in central nervous system (CNS) lesions in multiple sclerosis (MS). Since resident astrocytes constitute a major source of chemokine synthesis including CCL2, we were interested to assess the regulation of CCL2 by astrocytes. We showed that CCL2 bound to the cell surface of astrocytes and binding was not modulated by inflammatory conditions. However, CCR2 protein was not detected nor was activation of the classical CCR2 downstream signaling pathways. Recent studies have shown that non-signaling decoy chemokine receptors bind and modulate the expression of chemokines at site of inflammation. Here, we show that the D6 chemokine decoy receptor is constitutively expressed by primary human adult astrocytes at both mRNA and protein level. In addition, CCL3, which binds to D6, but not CCL19, which does not bind to D6, displaced CCL2 binding to astrocytes; indicating that CCL2 may bind to this cell type via the D6 receptor. Our results suggest that CCL2 binding to primary adult human astrocytes is CCR2-independent and is likely to be mediated via the D6 decoy chemokine receptor. Therefore we propose that astrocytes are implicated in both the establishment of chemokine gradients for the migration of leukocytes into and within the CNS and in the regulation of CCL2 levels at inflammatory sites in the CNS.


Evaluation of in vitro cytotoxicity and properties of polydimethylsiloxane-based polyurethane/crystalline nanocellulose bionanocomposites.
Polydimethylsiloxane-based polyurethane (PU)/crystalline nanocellulose (CNC) bionanocomposites were produced via in situ prepolymer approach. Also, hexamethylene diisocyanate as aliphatic diisocyanate monomer and 1,4-butanediol as aliphatic chain extender were used. CNC was incorporated into PU matrix to prepare different PU/CNC bionanocomposites. Effect of CNC content on the properties of the bionanocomposites such as thermal, thermophysical, microstructure, and in vitro cytotoxicity was investigated. According to the results, incorporating CNCs into PU matrix significantly affected the hydrogen bonding between different microstructures of matrix. Adding different amounts of CNCs affected the thermal and thermophysical properties of bionanocomposites. Also, higher amounts of CNCs resulted in lower crystallization of hard segment. Neat PU matrix showed a moderate cytotoxicity behavior against human fibroblast cells. However, incorporating CNCs significantly improved the cytotoxicity behavior of bionanocomposites where by addition of 2 wt % of CNCs, cell viability increased to 90-100%. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 1771-1778, 2019.


Maffucci's syndrome with frontal lobe astrocytoma.
Maffucci's syndrome is a particularly rare clinical form of mesodermal dysplasia. It consists of angiomatosis, chondromatosis and sometimes dyschromic cutaneous lesions. The syndrome is usually associated with a high incidence of malignancy, originating primarily from mesodermal derivatives. The present case is the second in the literature in which the syndrome is associated with a frontal lobe astrocytoma. This patient and those reported in the literature, suggest the potential involvement of non-mesodermal tumors in the Maffucci's syndrome.


A systematic review and meta-analysis of the correlation between hyperuricemia and thyroid nodules in adults.
In recent years, thyroid nodules have gradually become one of the important factors endangering people's health, and we hope to recognize the association between hyperuricemia and thyroid nodulogenesis by this meta-analysis study. Literatures related to hyperuricemia and thyroid nodules were searched in the Chinese biomedical databases Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP, Wanfang, and the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), as well as the English databases PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library from establishment of the databases to September 2021. Duplicate literatures were identified using Endnote X9 software and excluded. All studies were screened according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the quality of the included literature was assessed. Data were recorded and meta-analyzed using the Stata 15.1 software. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using the fixed effects or random effects models. Finally, sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the reliability of the results. Funnel plots were constructed to evaluate the publication bias of the literatures. A total of 16 articles, with a total sample size of 126,907, were included in this study. Meta-analysis showed that there was no correlation between the incidence of thyroid nodules and the presence or absence of hyperuricemia in the overall population. Interestingly, hyperuricemia was found to be a protective factor for the incidence of thyroid nodules in the male population (OR =0.91; 95% CI: 0.86 to 0.97; P<0.05). However, hyperuricemia was identified as a risk factor for the incidence of thyroid nodules in the female population (OR =1.14; 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.25; P<0.05). Serum uric acid has a bidirectional regulatory effect in different genders and female patients should be wary of secondary thyroid nodules.


A dismantling study on imaginal retraining in smokers.
Imaginal retraining is a noncomputerized variant of cognitive bias modification, an intervention aimed at reducing craving in substance use disorders and behavioral addictions. We conducted a dismantling study to elucidate which of its multiple components are effective and hence essential ingredients of the training and which are ineffective (and hence perhaps dispensable) in reducing craving. We randomized 187 smokers to one out of six conditions that instructed participants to perform a brief intervention. In four of these, participants were instructed to perform isolated components of the imaginal retraining protocol, and in the two other conditions participants either suppressed or simply observed (control condition) the image of a cigarette. Before and after the intervention, participants were asked to rate their level of craving and how pleasant they found three smoking-related images. We examined within-group changes by means of paired t-tests separately across conditions (trial registration: DRKS00021044). Mental distancing from cigarettes (without a corresponding actual physical movement; non-motor retraining) led to a significant decline in craving (paired t-test), which remained significant when compared to the control condition. The effects of other components of the retraining were less consistent. The present study shows that a single therapeutic "dose" of distinct components involved in imaginal retraining can reduce craving for cigarettes. Future trials should investigate the effectiveness of components of imaginal retraining not yet tested (e.g., mood induction) and whether combinations and repetition of single components strengthen or dilute efficacy.


Simultaneous mutation detection in 90 retinal disease genes in multiple patients using a custom-designed 300-kb retinal resequencing chip.
To develop a high-throughput, cost-effective diagnostic strategy for the identification of known and new mutations in 90 retinal disease genes. Evidence-based study. Sixty patients with a variety of retinal disorders, including Leber's congenital amaurosis, ocular albinism, pseudoxanthoma elasticum, retinitis pigmentosa, and Stargardt's disease. We designed a custom 300-kb resequencing chip. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification, DNA fragmentation, and chip hybridization were performed according to Affymetrix recommendations. Hybridization signals were analyzed using Sequence pilot module seq-C mutation detection software (2009). This resequencing approach was validated by Sanger sequence technology. Disease-causing sequence changes. We developed a retinal resequencing chip that covers all exons of 90 retinal disease genes. We developed and tested multiplex primer sets for 1445 amplicons representing the genes included on the chip. We validated our approach by screening 87 exons from 25 retinal disease genes containing 87 known sequence changes previously identified in our patient group using Sanger sequencing. Call rates for successfully hybridized amplicons were 98% to 100%. Of the known single nucleotide changes, 99% could be detected on the chip. As expected, deletions could not be detected reliably. We designed a custom resequencing chip that can detect known and new sequence changes in 90 retinal disease genes using a new high-throughput strategy with a high sensitivity and specificity for one tenth of the cost of conventional direct sequencing. The developed amplification strategy allows for the pooling of multiple patients with non-overlapping phenotypes, enabling many patients to be analyzed simultaneously in a fast and cost-effective manner.


Pressure induced topological phase transition in layered Bi2S3.
A large bulk band gap and tunable Dirac carriers are desired for practical device applications of topological insulators. However, most known topological insulators are narrow gap materials and the manipulation of their Dirac surface states is limited by residual bulk charge carriers originating from intrinsic defects. In this study, via density functional theory based first-principles calculations, we predict that a layered hexagonal structure of Bi2S3 is stable, and it becomes a topological insulator under a moderate compressive pressure of about 5.3 GPa. Interestingly, we find that the strength of the spin-orbit interaction in Bi2S3 can be effectively enhanced by the applied pressure. This leads to an increased inverted band gap with pressure, which can reach 0.4 eV with a pressure of 13.7 GPa. Compared to Bi2Se3, intrinsic defects are suppressed in Bi2S3 under both cation- and anion-poor growth conditions. Our calculations predict a new Bi-based topological insulator, and also shed light on control over spin-orbit interactions in Bi2S3 and tuning of its topological properties.


Heart transplantation after repair of postinfarction ventricular septal defect.
A 68 year-old man underwent surgical repair of a ventricular septal defect following an acute myocardial infarction. Recurrent interventricular septal rupture with significant left-to-right shunting led to progressive deterioration in cardiac function and intractable heart failure. The patient underwent orthotopic heart transplantation three months after his initial operation, and he is clinically well sixteen months after transplantation.


Increased cocaine and amphetamine-regulated transcript cord blood levels in the newborns exposed to crack cocaine in utero.
Cocaine and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) is an endogenous antioxidant present since the embryonic period. CART is activated by high levels of dopamine and might be of interested in understanding the changes in the REDOX system associated with crack/cocaine intake. The goal of this study was to determine whether exposure to crack in utero is associated with increased CART levels. In this cross-sectional study with consecutive sampling, we compared the umbilical cord blood (UCB) CART levels (μg/mL) of newborns exposed to crack/cocaine in utero (EN, n = 57) to levels in non-exposed newborns (NEN, n = 99). In addition, we compared serum CART levels between EN and NEN mothers, in the immediate postpartum period. Potential confounders, such as perinatal data (e.g., weight, Apgar, etc.), psychopathology (DSM-IV), and use of drugs other than crack (ASSIST) were assessed. According to general linear model analysis, the adjusted mean CART was significantly higher in EN (0.180, 95% CI 0.088-0.272) than in NEN (0.048, 95% CI 0.020-0.076; p < 0.002; d = 0.68). The difference in CART levels between EN and NEN mothers was not significant (p ≥ 0.05). The increase in CART levels in EN UBC suggests a response to crack/cocaine-induced oxidative stress during gestational period, as a potential attempt of neuroprotection. In adult women in puerperium, however, this endogenous antioxidant recruitment does not seem to operate.


Co-assembled Supramolecular Nanofibers With Tunable Surface Properties for Efficient Vaccine Delivery.
The utilization of nanotechnology to deliver vaccines and modulate immunity has shown great potential in cancer therapy. Peptide-based supramolecular hydrogels as novel vaccine adjuvants have been found to effectively improve the immune response and tumor curative effect. In this study, we designed a set of reduction-responsive self-assembled peptide precursors (Fbp-GDFDFDYD(E, S, or K)-ss-ERGD), which can be reduced by glutathione (GSH) into Fbp-GDFDFDYD(E, S or K)-SH for forming of hydrogel with different surface properties (E-gel, S-gel, and K-gel, respectively). Using the same method, co-assembled hydrogel vaccines (E-vac, S-vac, and K-vac, respectively) can also be prepared by mixing different precursors with antigens before GSH reduction. Through TEM observation of the nanostructure, we found that all the co-assembled hydrogels, especially K-vac, possessed much denser and more unified nanofiber networks as compared with antigen-free hydrogels, which were very suitable for antigen storage and vaccine delivery. Although the three peptides adopted similar β-sheet secondary structures, the mechanical properties of their resulted co-assembled hydrogel vaccines were obviously different. Compared to E-vac, S-vac had a much weaker mechanical property, while K-vac had a much higher. In vivo experiments, co-assembled hydrogel vaccines, especially K-vac, also promoted antibody production and anti-tumor immune responses more significantly than the other two vaccines. Our results demonstrated that co-assembled hydrogels formed by peptides and antigens co-assembly could act as effective vaccine delivery systems for boosting antibody production, and different immune effects can be acquired by tuning the surface properties of the involved self-assembling peptides.


Photochemical Stability of a Cotton Fabric Surface Dyed with a Reactive Triphenodioxazine Dye.
The paper describes the photochemical stability of a commercial triphenodioxazine dye (Reactive Blue_204) linked onto a cotton fabric. Preliminary studies have shown that as a result of irradiation, the dye and its photodegradation products can pass directly onto the skin under conditions that mimic human perspiration and cause side-effects. The cotton dyed fabric was photo irradiated at different time intervals. Standard methods were employed to evaluate the color strength at various levels of pH, temperature, dyeing contact time, and salt concentration. The influence of UV radiation at different doses (λ > 300 nm) on the structural and color modifications of the dyed cotton fabrics was studied. Structural modifications before and after irradiation were compared by applying FTIR, UV-Vis, and near infrared chemical imaging (NIR-CI) techniques. Color modifications were investigated with the CIELAB system. Color differences significantly increased with the irradiation dose. High irradiation doses caused changes in the dye structure.


InfarctSizer: computing infarct volume from brain images of a stroke animal model.
Many computational methods for determining the infarct volume from the image of 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride-stained brain slices rely on the discretion of the user to determine the infarct region by visual inspection. Once the user determines the infarct boundary by visual inspection, the methods compute the area within the boundary with the assumption that all the spots within the boundary have been infarcted at the same level. However, in the same brain image, partially infarcted spots often tend to appear pinkish whereas fully or severely infarcted spots appear white. We developed a program called InfarctSizer, which automatically detects the infarct region and computes the infarct volume proportional to infarction levels. Comparison of InfarctSizer with other methods shows that InfarctSizer computes the infarct volume more accurately and efficiently than other methods. InfarctSizer and sample brain images are available at http://wilab.inha.ac.kr/brainimage.


Microbial desulfurization of organic sulfur compounds in petroleum.
Sulfur removal from petroleum is important from the standpoint of the global environment because the combustion of sulfur compounds leads to the production of sulfur oxides, which are the source of acid rain. As the regulations for sulfur in fuels become more stringent, the existing chemical desulfurizations are coming inadequate for the "deeper desulfurization" to produce lower-sulfur fuels without new and innovative processes. Biodesulfurization is rising as one of the candidates. Several microorganisms were found to desulfurize dibenzothiophene (DBT), a representative of the organic sulfur compounds in petroleum, forming a sulfur-free compound, 2-hydroxybiphenyl. They are promising as biocatalysts in the microbial desulfurization of petroleum because without assimilation of the carbon content, they remove only sulfur from the heterocyclic compounds which is refractory to conventional chemical desulfurization. Both enzymological and molecular genetic studies are now in progress for the purpose of obtaining improved desulfurization activity of organisms. The genes involved in the sulfur-specific DBT desulfurization were identified and the corresponding enzymes have been investigated. From the practical point of view, it has been proved that the microbial desulfurization proceeds in the presence of high concentrations of hydrocarbons, and more complicated DBT analogs are also desulfurized by the microorganisms. This review outlines the progress in the studies of the microbial desulfurization from the basic and practical point of view.


Structural basis for the interaction of the chaperone Cbp3 with newly synthesized cytochrome b during mitochondrial respiratory chain assembly.
Assembly of the mitochondrial respiratory chain requires the coordinated synthesis of mitochondrial and nuclear encoded subunits, redox co-factor acquisition, and correct joining of the subunits to form functional complexes. The conserved Cbp3-Cbp6 chaperone complex binds newly synthesized cytochrome b and supports the ordered acquisition of the heme co-factors. Moreover, it functions as a translational activator by interacting with the mitoribosome. Cbp3 consists of two distinct domains: an N-terminal domain present in mitochondrial Cbp3 homologs and a highly conserved C-terminal domain comprising a ubiquinol-cytochrome c chaperone region. Here, we solved the crystal structure of this C-terminal domain from a bacterial homolog at 1.4 Å resolution, revealing a unique all-helical fold. This structure allowed mapping of the interaction sites of yeast Cbp3 with Cbp6 and cytochrome b via site-specific photo-cross-linking. We propose that mitochondrial Cbp3 homologs carry an N-terminal extension that positions the conserved C-terminal domain at the ribosomal tunnel exit for an efficient interaction with its substrate, the newly synthesized cytochrome b protein.


[Modulation of the surface antigens of Salmonella-phagocytized U937 cells].
In this study, modulation of the surface antigens of Salmonella enteritidis-phagocytized U937 cells and morphology of the bacteria in these cells were analyzed by the indirect immunofluorescence technique. The results are as follows: (1) Morphological studies revealed that the bacteria phagocytized by the U937 cells were transformed to a small coccoid form. (2) The expression of CD14 antigen was observed 24 to 48 h after phagocytosis. (3) The levels of CD11b and CD23 antigens were clearly enhanced 48 h after phagocytosis. (4) No modulation of HLA-class II (DR, DQ and DP) antigens was observed after phagocytosis.


Hyperbaric oxygen enhances neutrophil apoptosis and their clearance by monocyte-derived macrophages.
Neutrophil apoptosis and clearance by macrophages are essential for wound healing. Evidence suggests that hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) exposure may enhance neutrophil apoptosis, but HBO effects leading to neutrophil clearance by macrophages are still unclear. In the current study, bovine neutrophils and monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMΦ) were co-cultured under HBO (97.9% O2, 2.1% CO2 at 2.4 atm absolute (ATA)) (1 atm = 101.325 kPa), hyperbaric normoxia (8.8% O2 at 2.4 ATA), normobaric hyperoxia (95% O2, 5% CO2), normoxia (air), and normobaric hypoxia (5% O2, 5% CO2). Phagocytosis of fresh and 22 h aged neutrophils by MDMΦ was increased after HBO pre-treatment, assessed using flow cytometry and light microscopy. Enhanced clearance of neutrophils was accompanied by an increase in H2O2 levels following HBO pre-treatment with upregulation of IL-10 (anti-inflammatory cytokine) mRNA expression in LPS-stimulated MDMΦ that had ingested aged neutrophils. TNF-α (pro-inflammatory cytokine) gene expression did not change in LPS-stimulated MDMΦ that had ingested fresh or aged neutrophils after HBO, pressure, and hyperoxia. These findings suggest that HBO-activated MDMΦ participate in the clearance of apoptotic cells. Uptake of neutrophils by MDMΦ exposed to HBO may contribute to resolution of inflammation, because HBO induced up-regulation of IL-10 mRNA expression.


Strategic synthesis of SBA-15 nanorods.
A simple synthesis of homogeneously sized, ordered mesoporous silica nanorods (SBA-15), spanning about 10 porous channels in width and ranging from 300 to 600 nm in length is reported.


A cluster of cytoplasmic histidine residues specifies pH dependence of the AE2 plasma membrane anion exchanger.
Intracellular pH is maintained by a dynamic equilibrium balancing the opposing forces of proton loading and proton extrusion. By providing an efflux pathway for base, anion exchangers constitute a key component of the plasma membrane proton-loading machinery. The data in this paper identify a histidine-rich sequence within the cytoplasmic domain of the nonerythroid anion exchanger, AE2, that serves as an intracellular pH "sensor" that modulates anion exchange activity within the physiological range of cytoplasmic pH. These data reveal an interaction between the two major domains of the anion exchanger and suggest a novel substrate feedback mechanism by which intracellular protons directly control the activity of an acid-loading plasma membrane ion transporter.


Analysis of acellular dermal matrix integration and revascularization following tissue expander breast reconstruction in a clinically relevant large-animal model.
Postmastectomy breast reconstruction remains one of the most frequently performed plastic surgery procedures in the United States. Acellular dermal matrix has been used extensively in expander-implant breast reconstruction and therefore is an appropriate material to be used to develop a clinically relevant animal model of breast reconstruction. The study population consisted of 18 female Yorkshire pigs, which were assigned randomly to bilateral expander breast reconstruction with either AlloMax Surgical Graft or AlloDerm Regenerative Tissue Matrix (n = 9 per group). Each group was further randomized to 4-, 8-, or 12-week time points (n = 3), to evaluate integration and neovascularization by means of microcirculatory and histologic techniques. Microcirculatory analysis revealed early acellular dermal matrix angiogenesis at 4 weeks on the skin flap surfaces only, and well-formed vasculature on both acellular dermal matrix surfaces at 8 weeks. Both surfaces were vascularized and exhibited detectable flow at 12 weeks after implantation. Progressive acellular dermal matrix angiogenesis was also histologically observed over time by means of hematoxylin and eosin-stained slides, as indicated by direct vascular identification/scoring at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. The authors have developed a clinically relevant large-animal model of breast reconstruction using acellular dermal matrix. The acellular dermal matrix inflammatory, neovascularization, and tissue integration response should be evaluated in an in vivo setting that accurately simulates the anatomy, biomaterials, surgical techniques, and timeframes encountered in human postmastectomy breast reconstruction to appropriately predict clinical performance. Neovascularization of the acellular dermal matrix with detectable blood flow took place after postimplantation week 8, a much slower process than previously reported in models not clinically relevant to acellular dermal matrix-assisted tissue expander breast reconstruction.


Fatty acid composition and tocopherol profiles of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) seed oils.
The oil contents of safflower seeds ranged from 23.08% to 36.51%. The major fatty acid of safflower oil is linoleic acid, which accounted for 55.1-77.0% in oils, with a mean value of 70.66%. Three types of tocopherols were found in safflower oil in various amount α-tocopherol, β-tocopherol and γ-tocopherol, ranged from 46.05 to 70.93 mg/100 g, 0.85 to 2.16 mg/100 g and trace amount to 0.45 mg/100 g oils, respectively. This research shows that both fatty acid and tocopherol contents differ significantly among the safflowers.


(123)I-FP-CIT SPECT imaging in early diagnosis of dementia in patients with and without a vascular component.
Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD) are the most common cause of dementia. Cerebral ischemia is a major risk factor for development of dementia. (123)I-FP-CIT SPECT (DaTScan) is a complementary tool in the differential diagnoses of patients with incomplete or uncertain Parkinsonism. Additional application of DaTScan enables the categorization of Parkinsonian disease with dementia (PDD), and its differentiation from pure AD, and may further contribute to change the therapeutic decision. The aim of this study was to analyze the vascular contribution towards dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). We evaluated the utility of DaTScan for the early diagnosis of dementia in patients with and without a clinical vascular component, and the association between neuropsychological function, vascular component and dopaminergic function on DaTScan. One-hundred and five patients with MCI or the initial phases of dementia were studied prospectively. We developed an initial assessment using neurologic examination, blood tests, cognitive function tests, structural neuroimaging and DaTScan. The vascular component was later quantified in two ways: clinically, according to the Framingham Risk Score (FRS) and by structural neuroimaging using Wahlund Scale Total Score (WSTS). Early diagnosis of dementia was associated with an abnormal DaTScan. A significant association was found between a high WSTS and an abnormal DaTScan (p < 0.01). Mixed AD was the group with the highest vascular component, followed by the VaD group, while MCI and pure AD showed similar WSTS. No significant associations were found between neuropsychological impairment and DaTScan independently of associated vascular component. DaTScan seems to be a good tool to discriminate, in a first clinical assessment, patients with MCI from those with established dementia. There was bigger general vascular affectation observable in MRI or CT in patients with abnormal dopaminergic uptake seen on DaTScan.


Frequency and Predictors of Pacifier Use in the Low Socioeconomic Group of Karachi, Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Study.
Background Pacifier use has been popular for ages. They are prevalent all over the world because of their various perceived benefits. On the other hand, there is a common belief that they do carry health risks as well. Due to these contradicting belief systems, the frequency of their use, and the factors that determine them, need to be thoroughly evaluated. Since Pakistan is a developing country with a low literacy rate, it can be implied that a vast majority of the country's population may lack awareness regarding the advantages and disadvantages of pacifier use, making them incapable of weighing associated risks versus benefits. The data evaluating these factors in this region are however scarce in the published literature. We, therefore, aimed to highlight the frequency and predictors of pacifier use in the low socioeconomic group of Karachi, Pakistan. Materials and methods A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 300 mothers visiting a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. We included mothers who had at least one child under the age of two years, and whose child did not have any oro-nasal anomaly that could prevent them from sucking a pacifier. Data were collected using pre-tested questionnaires and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 23.0, IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, US). Frequencies were calculated and presented in the form of tables. The chi-square test was used to determine the significance of all categorical variables. A P-value of <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results Almost half of our respondents (49%) gave pacifiers to their children. A significant number (59%) of these mothers were uneducated. Almost all (97%) of the users had annual household income less than 15,000 Pakistani rupees (PKR); 34% were primiparous and more than two-thirds (71%) had a normal vaginal delivery. Out of all the factors, maternal age less than 20, annual household income less than 15,000 PKR, and primiparity were significantly associated with pacifier use in mothers (P<0.05). Only a half of the users (51%) cleaned the pacifiers by boiling; one-fourth (25%) washed it with water only; while 18% washed it with soap and water. The majority (84%) of the mothers used the pacifier to soothe the baby when upset. Among mothers who did not use a pacifier, about a third (30%) did not do so as they believed it's a bad practice. About one-fourth (27%) believed it was unhygienic. Conclusions Our study highlights the gap in the awareness of mothers regarding pacifier use. Using this data, we can target to disseminate specific information to this population to integrate safe and healthy child care habits in society.


Flow diverter implantation in a rat model of sidewall aneurysm: a feasibility study.
More challenging animal models are needed to elucidate the efficacy of flow diverter (FD) designs and the mechanisms behind observed complications. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the feasibility of implanting a FD in a sidewall aneurysm rat model. An end-to-side anastomosis was created in the abdominal aorta of 36 rats using a decellularized donor pouch. A FD was subsequently implanted. After up to 3 months of follow-up, we observed that rats displayed normal growth and behavior. Mortality within the groups was low (2 rats, 5.6%). All aneurysms thrombosed after FD implantation and showed progressive soft tissue replacement of the thrombus during follow-up. The abdominal aortas remained patent. This model can be used to test the effects of FDs in future studies.


Chemiluminescent assay of alkaline phosphatase in human gingival crevicular fluid: investigations with an experimental gingivitis model and studies on the source of the enzyme within crevicular fluid.
The purpose of this study was to investigate how levels of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) alkaline phosphatase (ALP) change in relation to levels of plaque and gingival inflammation in 20 adults during a 21 day period of experimental gingivitis. The source of ALP within GCF was also investigated using a repeat sampling protocol; by determining enzyme levels derived from 30 putative periodontal pathogenic and non-pathogenic species; and by examining inhibition profiles from a variety of host and bacterial ALP isoenzymes. Total 30-s GCF ALP levels increased significantly (p < 0.002) during experimental gingivitis and preceded an increase in gingival index (GI) by approximately 7 days. Enzyme levels correlated with GCF volume (R = 0.7; p < 0.0001), but repeat sampling indicated that entry of ALP into the gingival crevice was independent of the rate of fluid flow. Only 5 of the bacterial species investigated produced clearly detectable levels of ALP in culture supernatants, these were P. gingivalis (381), P. intermedia (581), P. nigrescens (8944), Dentin P. gingivalis (TW 471: clinical isolate) and C. ochracea (25). Levamisole inhibition and studies on suspensions of washed plaque demonstrated that host-derived ALP contributed to > 80% of the enzyme in GCF. We conclude that elevated 30-s GCF ALP levels measured using the chemiluminescent assay reported, are detectable before increases in gingival indices and appear to be a better marker of gingival inflammation than ALP concentrations. The major source of ALP within GCF is host derived and in early inflammatory disease is likely to be of polymophonuclear leukocyte origin.


Behavioral, electrophysiological and histopathological consequences of systemic manganese administration in MEMRI.
Manganese (Mn(2+))-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MEMRI) offers the possibility to generate longitudinal maps of brain activity in unrestrained and behaving animals. However, Mn(2+) is a metabolic toxin and a competitive inhibitor for Ca(2+), and therefore, a yet unsolved question in MEMRI studies is whether the concentrations of metal ion used may alter brain physiology. In the present work we have investigated the behavioral, electrophysiological and histopathological consequences of MnCl(2) administration at concentrations and dosage protocols regularly used in MEMRI. Three groups of animals were sc injected with saline, 0.1 and 0.5 mmol/kg MnCl(2), respectively. In vivo electrophysiological recordings in the hippocampal formation revealed a mild but detectable decrease in both excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSP) and population spike (PS) amplitude under the highest MnCl(2) dose. The EPSP to PS ratio was preserved at control levels, indicating that neuronal excitability was not affected. Experiments of pair pulse facilitation demonstrated a dose dependent increase in the potentiation of the second pulse, suggesting presynaptic Ca(2+) competition as the mechanism for the decreased neuronal response. Tetanization of the perforant path induced a long-term potentiation of synaptic transmission that was comparable in all groups, regardless of treatment. Accordingly, the choice accuracy tested on a hippocampal-dependent learning task was not affected. However, the response latency in the same task was largely increased in the group receiving 0.5 mmol/kg of MnCl(2). Immunohistological examination of the hippocampus at the end of the experiments revealed no sign of neuronal toxicity or glial reaction. Although we show that MEMRI at 0.1 mmol/Kg MnCl(2) may be safely applied to the study of cognitive networks, a detailed assessment of toxicity is strongly recommended for each particular study and Mn(2+) administration protocol.


Ventral polarization vision in tabanids: horseflies and deerflies (Diptera: Tabanidae) are attracted to horizontally polarized light.
Adult tabanid flies (horseflies and deerflies) are terrestrial and lay their eggs onto marsh plants near bodies of fresh water because the larvae develop in water or mud. To know how tabanids locate their host animals, terrestrial rendezvous sites and egg-laying places would be very useful for control measures against them, because the hematophagous females are primary/secondary vectors of some severe animal/human diseases/parasites. Thus, in choice experiments performed in the field we studied the behavior of tabanids governed by linearly polarized light. We present here evidence for positive polarotaxis, i.e., attraction to horizontally polarized light stimulating the ventral eye region, in both males and females of 27 tabanid species. The novelty of our findings is that positive polarotaxis has been described earlier only in connection with the water detection of some aquatic insects ovipositing directly into water. A further particularity of our discovery is that in the order Diptera and among blood-sucking insects the studied tabanids are the first known species possessing ventral polarization vision and definite polarization-sensitive behavior with known functions. The polarotaxis in tabanid flies makes it possible to develop new optically luring traps being more efficient than the existing ones based on the attraction of tabanids by the intensity and/or color of reflected light.


Community-acquired upper respiratory tract infections and the role of third-generation oral cephalosporins.
Common community-acquired infections include those of the upper respiratory tract. In the 1990s, the antimicrobial treatment of upper respiratory tract infections focused on penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae. However, following the introduction of a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, a decrease in invasive pneumococcal disease occurred, and in the case of otitis media a shift towards Haemophilus influenzae as the predominant causative pathogen was observed. Future antimicrobial therapy for outpatient upper respiratory tract infections may need to focus on pathogens such as penicillin-susceptible S. pneumoniae, beta-lactamase-producing H. influenzae, beta-lactamase-negative amoxicillin-resistant H. influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis. In these circumstances, third-generation oral cephalosporins, such as cefixime and cefdinir, could be increasingly used as an optional first-line therapy in community practice for upper respiratory tract infections suspected to be caused by these key pathogens, as an alternative to amoxicillin-clavulanate.


Recurrence and increased proliferation rate of a solitary fibrous tumor in the central nervous system--case report and review of the literature.
Meningeal solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) were at first estimated as rare benign tumors which can be cured by total resection. To date, only 37 patients with intracranial SFTs have been reported. Therefore, the natural history of this tumor entity needs more enlightenment. The authors report a case of a 77-year-old female in whom a SFT with infiltration of the transversal sinus was subtotally resected. After a short time, interval tumor recurrence was seen, 2 years and 6 months later second surgery was performed. Immunohistologically, in both specimens typical features for SFT with positivity for CD34, vimentin and BCL-2 and negative for epithelial membrane antigen was seen. No signs for malignancy occurred in the second resection. Notably the MIB-1 index increased from 1 to 5%. In conclusion, consequent long-time follow-up for SFTs are necessary, especially after incomplete tumor resection.


Children's cost-benefit assessment of lies across three cultures.
We examined 4- to 11-year-old children's evaluation of six types of lies arranged along a cost-benefit assessment scale factoring both the lie teller and the lie recipient. Children were from three distinct cultural environments: rural Samoa (n = 99), urban China (n = 49), and urban United States (n = 109). Following the simple script of six different stories involving a lie teller and a lie recipient, children were asked to evaluate the character who lied and whether it deserved reward or punishment using a child-friendly Likert scale. From the age when children produce both antisocial and prosocial lies, our results show that their evaluation of lies rests on a cost-benefit analysis of both the lie teller and the lie recipient. Such analysis varies depending on age, type of lie, and the child's cultural environment. In general, Samoan children tended to rate lies more negatively, and they were less differential in their evaluation of the different types of lies compared with both Chinese and U.S. children. We interpret these results as reflecting the differences across cultures in explicit moral teaching and children's relative experience in resource allocation.


Coherent dynamics in a butane molecule.
We have simulated by molecular dynamics a single molecule of butane in a thermal bath at different temperatures. We have found that the collective degrees of freedom of the essential dynamics are endowed with quite different degrees of coherence, and that those subject to the largest fluctuations are also the most coherent, that is, the least chaotic. We suggest that this pattern may be characteristic also of larger molecules. A detailed assessment of the degree of coherence has been obtained by computing in the tangent space the whole set of generalized coherence angles.


Quintuplex PCR-amplification of microsatellites.
We tested the potential usefulness of quintuplex PCR-amplification of STRs (D16S537, D8S320, FGA, D11S554 and THO1) for paternity testing, first by constructing 20 false family trios, each with a non-biological father, to estimate the actual exclusion rate, and next by a retrospective study of 20 paternity cases which had been previously tested by RFLP analysis and typing of conventional genetic markers. The five STR loci have a combined average exclusion power of 99.8%. The forensic efficiency values for four of the five STRs were based on typing of a Japanese population of 300 individuals. The observed rate of exclusion was in close agreement with the expected rate for the Japanese population. In 12 of the 20 cases, paternity was not excludable by any of the loci. The probability of paternity calculated for the alleged father was > 99% in the inclusion cases. In the remaining 8 cases, paternity was excluded by at least 2 of the STR loci. The results of STR typing agreed with the data from RFLP analysis and conventional genetic typing. Taking advantage of five STRs sharing AA in the tetranucleotide repeats (AAAG or AATG), we detected PCR products simultaneously with a digoxigenin-labeled (AAAG)6 oligonucleotide probe after sequencing-gel electrophoresis. The quintuplex PCR-amplification of STRs is a rapid and efficient method for paternity testing and individual identification.


The development and validation of a new coeliac disease quality of life survey (CD-QOL).
Previous studies on coeliac disease (CD)-related quality of life (QOL) have been limited by their use of a 'generic' rather than coeliac disease-specific assessment instruments. To develop and psychometrically validate a new coeliac disease-specific instrument, the CD-QOL. Through a series of focus groups, we elicited items from patients that related to the specific nature of their disease and its impact on their basic needs. Through expert review, cognitive debriefing with patients and pilot testing, a scale was developed, refined and administered to 387 patients on a gluten-free diet from both community-based support groups and a tertiary care referral centre. Finally, a formal validation study was conducted to assess the psychometric properties of the CD-QOL. The final CD-QOL has 20 items across four clinically relevant subscales (Limitations, Dysphoria, Health Concerns, and Inadequate Treatment). The CD-QOL has high internal consistency, reliability, and psychometric validation indicates both convergent and discriminate validity. The CD-QOL is a reliable and valid measure of coeliac disease related QOL. As a new disease-specific instrument, it is likely to be a useful tool for evaluating patients with this disorder.


Nonsurgical management of a periapical cyst: a case report.
Large periapical lesions, regardless of whether they are granulomas, abscesses or cysts, are primarily caused by root canal infection. Thus the treatment protocol should be elimination of etiological factors in the root canal system rather than their product, apical true cyst. A 10 year old female patient reported to the Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, Dr R Ahmed Dental College & Hospital, Kolkata, with the chief complaint of pain and swelling in relation to upper front fractured teeth. Clinical and radiological findings were suggestive of periapical radicular cyst. Non-surgical endodontic therapy was performed using 1% sodium hypochlorite solution irrigant and Calcium hydroxide intra canal medicament. A 12 months follow-up radiographic examination revealed progressive involution of periapical radiolucency without any clinical symptoms. Periapical cysts respond favorably to non-surgical endodontic treatment and should be considered as primary treatment modality. How to cite this article: Dandotikar D, Peddi R, Lakhani B, Lata K, Mathur A, Chowdary U K. Nonsurgical Management of a Periapical Cyst: A Case Report. J Int Oral Health 2013; 5(3):79-84.