[Continuous intratympanic gentamycin infusion in Menière disease].
During the last three years at the ENT Department of the University of Lübeck, patients with Ménière's disease have been fitted with an endaural catheter. A portable infusion pump with a fluid reservoir then supplied the ear being treated with a continuous gentamicin solution. On average, 3 ml of a 0.3% solution was given each day of treatment. In comparison with discontinuous application, this technique proved to be advantageous and therapy was easier to direct. None of the 42 patients undergoing this treatment experienced total hearing loss, as opposed to 3 cases of total deafness under discontinuous treatment. Overall, hearing thresholds remained stable in 23 patients. Thirteen patients suffered hearing losses of up to 20 dB, 4 patients had losses of up to 40 dB, and 2 patients had losses up to 60 dB. In these patients high frequencies were mainly affected. Medical checkups were possible in 24 patients for a period of over 2 years. All of these patients experienced marked decreases in the frequency and intensity of vertigo. Additionally, 14 patients no longer suffered from vertigo, while 8 showed symptoms of incomplete compensation. Two patients still had attacks of vertigo after gentamycin treatment, but these attacks were distinctly less frequent than before. The average dose of gentamicin was 95 mg. In comparison with the control group under discontinuous therapy (325 mg), this dose was clearly smaller.


Suppression of the growth hormone (GH) response to clonidine and GH-releasing hormone by exogenous GH.
GH release in response to clonidine and human GH-releasing hormone-(1-44) (hGHRH-44) was assessed in 11 boys (aged 7-14 yr) with short stature, who had normal GH secretion. The response to these 2 provocative stimuli was repeated after, respectively, 2 and 3 days of treatment with human GH (0.1 U/kg, im). Exogenous GH significantly blunted the response to both clonidine [the mean 2-h integrated serum GH concentration falling from 1050 +/- 350 (+/- SEM) to 749 +/- 297 ng/ml X min; P = 0.03] and hGHRH-44, the 2-h integrated GH concentration falling from 1553 +/- 358 to 547 +/- 202 ng/ml X min; (P = 0.03). Plasma insulin-like growth factor (IGF-II) concentrations did not change after GH administration. In contrast, plasma IGF-I (somatomedin-C) concentrations increased from 97 +/- 16 ng/ml before administration of GH to 142 +/- 32 ng/ml (P = 0.05) after two days and 149 +/- 23 ng/ml (P less than 0.01) after the third treatment day. However, no correlation was found between the changes in response to clonidine or hGHRH-44 and changes in circulating levels of IGF-I. Our data confirm the existence of GH-dependent feedback inhibition of GH release during childhood and suggest that this inhibition operates, at least in part, at the level of the pituitary. While participation of the IGFs/somatomedins in this feedback loop cannot be excluded, the inhibitory effects of exogenous GH do not depend directly on circulating plasma IGF-I or IGF-II levels.


Sensitisation to Mallory bodies (alcoholic hyalin) in alcoholic hepatitis.
Using a leucocyte migration inhibition test sensitisation to Mallory bodies (alcoholic hyalin) was found in a statistically significant 41% of 17 patients with alcoholic hepatitis. Patients with alcohol-induced fatty liver and cirrhosis did not demonstrate sensitisation. Mallory bodies are a characteristic feature of alcohol-induced liver damage, and immunological sensitisation to them might lead to liver cell death and cell progression of the hepatitis process.


Fin whale tracks recorded by a seismic network on the Juan de Fuca Ridge, Northeast Pacific Ocean.
Fin whale calls recorded from 2003 to 2004 by a seafloor seismic network on the Endeavour segment of the Juan de Fuca Ridge were analyzed to determine tracks and calling patterns. Over 150 tracks were obtained with a total duration of ~800 h and swimming speeds from 1 to 12 km/h. The dominant inter-pulse interval (IPI) is 24 s and the IPI patterns define 4 categories: a 25 s single IPI and 24/30 s dual IPI produced by single calling whales, a 24/13 s dual IPI interpreted as two calling whales, and an irregular IPI interpreted as groups of calling whales. There are also tracks in which the IPI switches between categories. Call rates vary seasonally with all the tracks between August and April. From August to October tracks are dominated by the irregular IPI and are predominantly headed to the northwest, suggesting that a portion of the fin whale population does not migrate south in the fall. The other IPI categories occur primarily from November to March. These tracks have slower swimming speeds, tend to meander, and are predominantly to the south. The distribution of fin whales around the network is non-random with more calls near the network and to the east and north.


Semantically Congruent Visual Information Can Improve Auditory Recognition Memory in Older Adults.
In the course of normal aging, memory functions show signs of impairment. Studies of memory in the elderly have previously focused on a single sensory modality, although multisensory encoding has been shown to improve memory performance in children and young adults. In this study, we investigated how audiovisual encoding affects auditory recognition memory in older (mean age 71 years) and younger (mean age 23 years) adults. Participants memorized auditory stimuli (sounds, spoken words) presented either alone or with semantically congruent visual stimuli (pictures, text) during encoding. Subsequent recognition memory performance of auditory stimuli was better for stimuli initially presented together with visual stimuli than for auditory stimuli presented alone during encoding. This facilitation was observed both in older and younger participants, while the overall memory performance was poorer in older participants. However, the pattern of facilitation was influenced by age. When encoding spoken words, the gain was greater for older adults. When encoding sounds, the gain was greater for younger adults. These findings show that semantically congruent audiovisual encoding improves memory performance in late adulthood, particularly for auditory verbal material.


Low dose quetiapine in the treatment of an adolescent with somnambulism: a case report.
Somnambulism or sleepwalking is a sleep disorder of arousal. Compared to in adults, pediatric and adolescent sleep disorders is still under-researched and poorly described. We report the successful use of low dose quietiapine, an atypical antipsychotic, in the treatment of a 15-year-old Indian male who presented with significant somnambulism. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the use of quetiapine for the treatment of somnambulism in the literature. The presence of high voltage delta waves in sleepwalkers has been offered as a possible explanation for the patho-physiology of sleepwalking Quetiapine has been reported to decrease brain delta activity, and we postulate that this may be the mechanism on how it was beneficial for our patient.


M-line protein preparations from frog skeletal muscle: isolation and localization of an M-line protein and a 105 000 dalton polypeptide contaminant.
A 165 000 dalton polypeptide was purified and characterized from high salt extracted crude M-line protein preparations of frog skeletal muscle. It has an isoelectric point of 5.8-6.2 and an amino acid composition similar to that reported for the putative M-line protein in chicken muscle (termed component I) and rabbit muscle. Antibodies prepared against the 165 000 dalton polypeptide not not react with purified frog debranching enzyme, and indirect immunofluorescent studies localize this polypeptide wholly in the middle of the A band (presumably the M line) of frog skeletal muscle. We conclude that this 165 000 dalton polypeptide is a basic constituent of the M line in frog skeletal muscle. Crude M-line protein preparations from frog muscle invariably contained a 105 000 dalton polypeptide contaminant. In crude M-line protein preparation from chicken muscle, a polypeptide with a similar molecular mass was identified as phosphorylase b. Characterization of the 105 000 dalton polypeptide isolated from crude M-line protein preparations establishes that in frog muscle extracts this component has an amino acid composition which is different from phosphorylase b, but similar to frog alpha-actinin. Since it also exhibits immunochemical cross-reactivity with alpha-actinin and not with purified phosphorylase b, and is localized wholly at the Z line, we conclude that the 105 000 dalton polypeptide contaminant in crude M-line protein preparations from frog muscle is alpha-actinin.


Cross-flow determination by transcranial Doppler predicts clamping ischemia in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy.
Aim of the paper was to assess the reliability of preoperative cross-flow determination by transcranial Doppler measurement (TCD) to detect clamping ischemia in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy with selective shunting. Retrospective one-to-one matched-pair analysis of 72 patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy with preoperative TCD scanning. Matching criteria were gender, degree of contralateral stenosis and the type of stenosis (asymptomatic or symptomatic). Patients in need for a secondary shunt insertion had significantly less cross-flow in preoperative TCD measurement (N.=14; 38.89%) compared to the control group (N.=32; 88.89%: P=0.0001%). The sensitivity of the cross-flow determination to predict clamping ischemia was 88.9%, the specificity 61.1%. The risk of developing a clamping ischemia in the absence of a cross-flow was 12 fold higher (OR: 12.6; 95% CI: 3.7-43.3). The existence of circulatory impairment of the MCA was associated with the presence of a collateral flow in the ACoA (OR 3.21; P=0.0531; likelihood ratio test 0.0481). Other factors like renal insufficiency, the degree of stenosis or the stump pressure showed no association with a cross-flow of the ACoA in a multivariate model. TCD scanning is highly reliable to detect cross-flow prior to carotid surgery and thus helpful to identify patients at risk for clamping ischemia and need for shunting.


The Clinical and Urodynamic Results of Percutaneous Posterior Tibial Nerve Stimulation on Neurogenic Detrusor Overactivity in Patients With Parkinson's Disease.
To investigate the effect of percutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) treatment after 12 weeks on urodynamic and clinical findings in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) with neurogenic detrusor overactivity. A total of 47 patients with PD with neurogenic detrusor overactivity were enrolled in the study. Urodynamic studies before and after 12-week PTNS treatment were performed. International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICIQ-SF), Overactive Bladder Questionnaire (OAB-V8), and Overactive Bladder Questionnaire Short Form (OAB-q SF) have been assessed before and after PTNS treatment. The mean first involuntary detrusor contraction volume (1st IDCV) on standard cystometry was 133.2 ± 48.1 (24-265) mL, whereas it was 237.3 ± 43.1 (145-390) mL after PTNS. The mean maximum cystometric capacity (MCC) on standard cystometry was 202.2 ± 36.5 (115-320) mL, whereas it was 292.1 ± 50.6 (195-395) mL after stimulation. The improvements in the first involuntary detrusor contraction volume and maximum cystometric capacity were statistically significant after stimulation. The mean Pdetmax at first involuntary detrusor contraction, maximal detrusor pressure at maximum cystometric capacity, PdetQmax, Qmax, and post-void residual volume were statistically significant after 12-week stimulation. Mean parametric improvements at 12-week PTNS treatment from baseline included daytime frequency decreased by 5.6 voids daily, urge incontinence decreased by 3.1 episodes daily, urgency episodes decreased by 6.3 episodes daily, nocturia decreased by 2.7 voids, and voided volume improved by a mean of 92.6 mL. The change from baseline on the ICIQ-SF, OABv8, and OAB-q at 12-week PTNS treatment demonstrated statistically significant improvements. These results have demonstrated that PTNS improves the lower urinary tract symptoms and urodynamic parameters in patients with PD.


Antitumorigenic effects of HIV protease inhibitor ritonavir: inhibition of Kaposi sarcoma.
Treatment of patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) protease inhibitors such as ritonavir can result in increases in CD4(+) T-cell counts that are independent of a reduction in HIV-1 viral load. This lack of correlation between the 2 has led to the identification of additional effects of ritonavir that potentially alter HIV disease pathogenesis. Our previous studies indicated that ritonavir directly affects immune cell activation, proliferation, and susceptibility to apoptosis. We show here that ritonavir inhibited the activation and proliferation of primary endothelial cells and decreased the production of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-8, and vascular endothelial growth factor, factors that all contribute to tumor neovascularization and to the development of Kaposi sarcoma (KS) lesions. Ritonavir also suppressed the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, intercellular adhesion molecule 1, and E-selectin, which correlated with a functional decrease in leukocyte adhesion. Transcriptional activation of nuclear factor-kappaB, as induced by the KS-promoting factor TNF-alpha, the HIV-1 Tat protein, or the human herpesvirus 8 protein ORF74, was inhibited by ritonavir. KS-derived cell lines underwent apoptosis in vitro after treatment with ritonavir at concentrations that are obtained in clinical therapy (3-15 microM). In a KS mouse xenotransplantation model, ritonavir inhibited tumor formation and progression by KS-derived cells. Taken together, these data suggest that ritonavir has antineoplastic effects that are independent from its ability to inhibit the HIV protease.


Role of Altered Metabolic Microenvironment in Osteolytic Metastasis.
Metastatic bone disease is generally incurable and leads to pathological fractures, pain, hypercalcemia, spinal cord compression and decreased mobility. The skeleton is the major site of bone metastases from solid cancers, including breast and prostate carcinoma. Bone metastasis is facilitated by activation of bone-resorbing osteoclasts, terminally differentiated multinucleated cells formed by fusion from monocytic precursors. Cancer cells are known to produce specific factors that stimulate osteoclast differentiation and function. Of interest, cancer cells are also known to alter their own bioenergetics increasing the use of glycolysis for their survival and function. Such change in energy utilization by cancer cells would result in altered levels of cell-permeable metabolites, including glucose, lactate, and pyruvate. Osteoclast resorption is energy-expensive, and we have previously demonstrated that during differentiation osteoclasts actively adapt to their bioenergetics microenvironment. We hypothesize that altered bioenergetics state of cancer cells will also modify the bioenergetics substrate availability for the tissue-resident bone cells, potentially creating a favorable milieu for pathological osteolysis. The goals of this review are to analyze how metastasizing cancer cells change the availability of energy substrates in bone microenvironment; and to assess how the altered bioenergetics may affect osteoclast differentiation and activity.


Known unknowns and unknown unknowns in suicide risk assessment: evidence from meta-analyses of aleatory and epistemic uncertainty.
Suicide risk assessment aims to reduce uncertainty in order to focus treatment and supervision on those who are judged to be more likely to die by suicide. In this article we consider recent meta-analytic research that highlights the difference between uncertainty about suicide due to chance factors (aleatory uncertainty) and uncertainty that results from lack of knowledge (epistemic uncertainty). We conclude that much of the uncertainty about suicide is aleatory rather than epistemic, and discuss the implications for clinicians.


The chaperone activity of clusterin is dependent on glycosylation and redox environment.
Clusterin (CLU), also known as Apolipoprotein J (ApoJ) is a highly glycosylated extracellular chaperone. In humans it is expressed from a broad spectrum of tissues and related to a plethora of physiological and pathophysiological processes, such as Alzheimer's disease, atherosclerosis and cancer. In its dominant form it is expressed as a secretory protein (secreted CLU, sCLU). During its maturation, the sCLU-precursor is N-glycosylated and cleaved into an α- and a β-chain, which are connected by five symmetrical disulfide bonds. Recently, it has been demonstrated that besides the predominant sCLU, rare intracellular CLU forms are expressed in stressed cells. Since these forms do not enter or complete the secretory pathway, they are not proteolytically modified and show either no or only core glycosylation. Due to their sparsity, these intracellular forms are functionally poorly characterized. To evaluate the function(s) of these stress-related intracellular forms, we investigate for the first time the impact of proteolytic cleavage, differential glycosylation and the influence of the redox environment on the chaperone activity of CLU. Non-cleavable sCLU was generated by expression from a mutant construct of sCLU, in which the furin-like proprotein convertase (PC) recognition site was modified. After purification of recombinant uncleaved sCLU from the medium of over-expressing cells, we performed chaperone activity assays to compare the activities of wild-type (cleaved) and uncleaved mutant sCLU. Additionally, this approach enabled us to investigate the role of carbohydrates, the proteolytic maturation and reducing conditions on CLU chaperone activity. Further, we characterized the differentially treated CLU forms by using MALDI-TOF, CD-spectroscopy and Western blotting in addition to the functional assay. We show that the PC-cleavage is dispensable for sCLU chaperone activity. Moreover, our data demonstrate that while fully deglycosylated sCLU lacks chaperone activity, partially deglycosylated sCLU is still capable of solubilizing target proteins. Most importantly, we here demonstrate for the first time that uncleaved sCLU is highly sensitive towards reducing conditions. Our study provides evidence that unglycosylated intracellular CLU forms cannot exhibit a chaperone activity compared to sCLU. Additionally, we support recent postulates that glycosylated intracellular CLU forms may act as a redox sensor under oxidative stress conditions. Furthermore, we conclude that the proteolytic cleavage of sCLU is important to maintain full chaperone activity, i.e. in the presence of necrosis.


DIFFERENTIAL COSTS OF A SECONDARY SEXUAL CHARACTER: AN EXPERIMENTAL TEST OF THE HANDICAP PRINCIPLE.
The evolution of reliable signaling can be explained by the handicap principle, which assumes that (1) the cost of a signal guarantees its reliability, and (2) cheating is prevented because the cost of a unit of display is greater for low-quality than for high-quality individuals. A test of these two assumptions was performed using manipulations of the length of the outermost tail feathers of male barn swallows Hirundo rustica, a trait currently subject to a directional female mate preference. We found that survival decreased with tail elongation and increased with tail shortening of males, supporting the assumption that the secondary sexual character is costly. Naturally long-tailed males were better able to survive with an elongated tail, whereas naturally short-tailed males improved their survival following tail shortening. This observation supports the second assumption of a differential cost of a signal. One mechanism imposing differential costs on sexually signaling barn swallows is foraging. Males with elongated tails captured smaller, less profitable Diptera, whereas males with shortened tails captured large, profitable prey items. The conditions for reliable sexual signaling by the tail ornament of male barn swallows are thus fulfilled.


Role of genetic variation in regulation of aldosterone biosynthesis.
Aldosterone biosynthesis is not only altered in rare mendelian disorders. Recent evidence suggests that common polymorphisms in the genes mediating the final stages of aldosterone and cortisol production (CYP11B1 and CYP11B2 respectively) are also associated with milder alterations in adrenal corticosteroid biosynthesis. These abnormalities consist of a decrease in adrenal 11β- hydroxylase activity and a subtle, life-long excess of aldosterone secretion which may lead to long-term cardiovascular risks. An interaction between the CYP11B1 and CYP11B2 genes may exist but is yet to be elucidated. This article describes the studies which highlight the importance of adrenal steroid synthesis in the development of hypertension and cardiovascular dysfunction as well as the role of common polymorphisms in adrenal synthetic genes in altering corticosteroid biosynthesis.


Hepatoprotection with Glycosmis pentaphylla (Retz).
Effects of extracts of leaf (250, 500 and 750 mg/kg body wt) and stem bark (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body wt) of G. pentaphylla were studied on CCl4 (1 mg/kg body wt) induced hepatic injury in albino rats. Parameters studied were plasma ALAT, ASAT, ALP, total bilirubin and tissue histopathology. Recovery of hepatic tissue was indicated with the highest dose (750 mg/kg body wt) of leaf extract. The therapeutic dose range was devoid of toxic effects. Toxicity of leaf extract was observed histopathologically at and above 2.5g/kg body wt.


Investigating proline puckering states in diproline segments in proteins.
In the current study, the puckering states of the Proline ring occurring in diproline segments ((L) Pro-(L) Pro) in proteins has been investigated with a segregation made on the basis of cis and trans states for the Pro-Pro peptide bond and the conformational states for the diproline segment to investigate the effects of conformation of the diproline segment on the corresponding puckering state of the Proline ring in the segment if any. The value of the endocyclic ring torsional angles of the pyrrolidine ring has been used for calculating and visualizing various puckering states using a proposed new sign convention (+/-) nomenclature. The results have been compared to that obtained in a previous study on peptides from this group. In this study, quite interestingly, the Planar (G) conformation that was present in 14.3% of the cases in peptides, appears to be nearly a rare conformation in the case of proteins (1.9%). The present study indicates that the (C(γ)-exo/C(γ)-exo), (C(γ)-exo/Twisted C(γ)-exo-C(β)-endo) and (Twisted C(γ)-endo-C(β)-exo/Twisted C(γ)-endo-C(β)-exo) categories are the most preferred combinations. For Proline rings in proteins, the states C(γ)-exo, Twisted C(γ)-exo-C(β)-endo and Twisted C(γ)-endo-C(β)-exo are the most preferred states. Within diproline segments, the pyrrolidine ring conformations do not show a strong co-relation to the backbone conformation in which they are observed. It is likely that five-membered rings have a considerable plasticity of structure and are readily deformed to accommodate a variety of energetically preferred backbone conformations.


Household smoking restrictions and adolescents' exposure to environmental tobacco smoke.
Reducing adolescents' exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is an important public health goal. This paper identifies the linkage between young people's exposure at home and household smoking restrictions, and suggests the promotion of such restrictions as a strategy to reduce health risks. Data are from the 1993 Massachusetts Tobacco Survey, a telephone survey of 1,606 adolescents. Seventy-eight percent of adolescents reported exposure to ETS during the preceding week. Reported hours of exposure at home were associated with the number of adult smokers in the household (P < 0.001). Fifty-three percent of teens who lived with smokers reported no smoking restrictions for family members, 22% reported designated smoking areas, and 25% reported smoking bans. Among those households, smoking restrictions for family members were associated with significant reductions in mean hours of ETS exposure reported: no restrictions were associated with 33.2 hr of exposure during the prior week, designated smoking areas--12.7 hr, and household smoking bans--2.4 hr. Restrictions on visitor smoking were associated with significant reductions in home ETS exposure for teens who lived with nonsmokers, but had no independent effect among teens who lived with smokers. Health risks experienced by adolescents living with adult smokers can be substantially reduced by household smoking restrictions.


[Surgical aid to military men of internal troops and staff of Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia wounded during contra-terrorist actions on Northern Caucasia].
The 4-years experience of medical supporting of a wide-ranging contra-terrorist action (2000-2003) has conclusively demonstrated an exact correlation between intensity of battle actions and scales of sanitarian losses, between character of battle actions and structure of sanitarian losses, between steps, passed by wounded and results of treatment. In offensive operations dominated single gunshot wounds. In these conditions was marked a high frequency of chest case, of hurts of venter and hip joint. In conditions, when territory is already occupied and the opponent began a "landmine" war,dominate fragment and multiple wounds. In the same phase of war frequency of conjoined and combinated hurts rise, the same as hurts of legs. In conditions of battle actions in structure of viscerogenic pathology the first place is occupied by diseases of respiratory system, of blood circulatory system and urogenital system.


Validity of electromyograms and tension as a means of motor unit number estimation.
The purpose of this study was to validate three different techniques for obtaining motor unit number estimates of the rat medial gastrocnemius muscle. These consisted of two electromyographic techniques using unprocessed and digitally averaged unitary muscle action potentials, and one mechanical technique. We also injected subunit B of cholera toxin into this muscle and counted the number of spinal motor neurons labeled by the toxin. Our results revealed that a motor unit number estimate obtained by using the unprocessed unitary muscle action potential was statistically different from the actual number of motor neurons. The other two motor unit number estimates, however, were not statistically different from the actual motor neuron number. These two methods thus seem more appropriate than the first electromyographic method for obtaining an accurate motor unit number estimate.


Odontoid Fracture in a Patient With Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis.
Nonoperative management of fractures in the setting of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) or ankylosing spondylitis is often unsuccessful. The subaxial spine is a common site of hyperextension fractures in the setting of DISH. Fractures of the upper cervical spine are uncommon in DISH. We report, to our knowledge, the first case describing successful nonoperative management of a type 2 odontoid fracture in a patient with DISH. We discuss the patient's initial presentation, physical examination, imaging findings, and management. A 73-year-old male presented with neck pain to the emergency department after sustaining a ground-level fall. Computed tomography of the cervical spine demonstrated a minimally displaced type 2 odontoid fracture in the setting of extensive DISH. He was immobilized with a hard cervical collar as the definitive management of his fracture. The collar was discontinued after 3 months. At his 2-year follow-up, he had a stable fibrous nonunion at the fracture site with tolerable neck pain. Flexion-extension radiographs demonstrated a stable alignment, and nonoperative management was continued. In selected patients with odontoid fractures in the setting of DISH, there is a role for nonoperative management alongside close monitoring.


Genomic evidence of genetic diversity and functional evolution in Flavobacterium columnare.
Flavobacterium columnare is the causative agent of columnaris disease in freshwater fish. Columnaris disease can cause heavy economic losses in aquaculture. In this study, whole-genome sequencing was used to characterize this pathogen. F. columnare isolate AH-01 had a circular chromosome and plasmid that encoded a total of 3,022 genes. Isolate GX-01 only had a circular chromosome and encoded 2,965 genes. Genomic islands, prophage regions, and CRISPR/Cas systems were identified in both genomes. Both genomes presented evidence of gene variation and horizontal transfer, both of which are the essential components of genetic diversity, genome plasticity, and functional evolution. Single-gene phylogeny and comparative genome analyses were performed to investigate the variation and evolution of this pathogen. Genetic analysis of 16S rRNA and housekeeping gene sequences significantly clustered 55 F. columnare isolates into four clades. The intragroup identity of the 16S rRNA gene exceeded 99%, while the intergroup identity was below the species delineation threshold. We discovered significant translocation, inversion, and rearrangement events that influenced local synteny within each group. Notably, the observed alignments varied considerably among all the studied groups. The core genomes of all strains with available sequences comprised 747 genes, corresponding to approximately 25% of the genome. Core genome multilocus sequence typing, genome-wide orthology and phylogenetic analyses, and average nucleotide identity suggested that the currently existing F. columnare was an assemblage of several distinct species, with levels of divergence at least equivalent to those between recognized bacterial species. The present investigation provided genomic evidence of gene variation and horizontal transfer, which were the basis of genetic diversity, genome plasticity, and functional evolution. The findings supported a proposed new taxonomic perspective on F. columnare.


Daily, weekly, seasonal, within- and between-individual variation in nutrient intake according to four season consecutive 7 day weighed diet records in Japanese female dietitians.
To study daily, weekly, seasonal, within- and between-individual variance in intake of selected nutrients and minimal days necessary for assessing true intake with a specified degree of error based on four season consecutive 7 day weighed diet records (WDRs). We evaluated consumption of energy and 30 nutrients based on four season consecutive 7 day WDRs from 80 Japanese female dietitians in 1996-1997. We examined daily, weekly, seasonal, within- and between-individual variation in nutrient intake, relative contributions of their variances to total variance, and minimal days required to estimate a person's nutrient intake within 10% and 20% of their true mean with 95% confidence intervals. The relative contributions of variation for all nutrients by person were larger than those by day, week and season. Within-individual variances were greater than the between-individual variances. The ratios of within- vs. between-individual variances thus ranged from 1.3-26.9. Minimal days necessary for estimating nutrient consumption per person within 10% (20%) of the true mean with 95% confidence intervals ranged from 10-35 (3-9) days for energy and major nutrients and 15-640 (4-160) days for micro-nutrients. The relative contributions of variability by person were largest for all nutrients, followed by those due to sequence of days, season and day of week. Within-individual variation was greater than between-individual variation. Minimal days necessary for ascertaining major nutrients were in general fewer than micro-nutrients.


Neuropeptide Y and its receptors in ventricular endocardial endothelial cells.
Endocardial endothelial cells (EECs) constitute an important component of the heart. These cells form a monolayer that covers the cavities of the right (EECRs) and left (EECLs) ventricles. They play an important role in cardiac excitation-contraction coupling via their secretion of cardioactive factors such as neuropeptide Y (NPY). They also contribute to cardiac pathology such as arrhythmia, hypertrophy, and heart failure. Differences between EECRs and EECLs contribute to tuning of circulating factors at the entry and exit of the ventricles. NPY, via activation of its receptors, modulates the excitation-secretion coupling of EECs, thus, indirectly modulating cardiac function and remodeling.


Insulin degludec + liraglutide: a complementary combination.
The treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus remains challenging, as it goes beyond adequate glycemic control, in particular addressing weight, blood pressure and other contributors to cardiovascular disease. In addition, the progressive nature of type 2 diabetes mellitus demands the intensification and combination of glucose lowering therapies. In many patients, there is a clinical inertia for the initiation of insulin therapy, leading to failure in reaching glycemic targets in many patients. Recently a fixed-ratio combination therapy of the basal insulin degludec and the glucagon-like peptide-1 analogue liraglutide has been developed and approved by the EMA. The rationale for this combination, as well as an overview of the published phase III clinical trials (DUAL I,II,V), are covered, highlighting the most important conclusions. The combination therapy of insulin degludec and liraglutide is an attractive therapeutic strategy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus as it gives a robust glycemic control with a low risk for hypoglycemia and less weight gain or even weight loss. The fixed-ratio combination of insulin degludec and liraglutide offers a smart therapeutic strategy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus where basal insulin needs to be initiated or intensified.


Particles from preformed polymers as carriers for drug delivery.
Biodegradable and biocompatible polymers are widely used for the encapsulation of drug molecules. Various particulate carriers with different sizes and characteristics have been prepared by miscellaneous techniques. In this review, we reported the commonly used preformed polymer based techniques for the preparation of micro and nano-structured materials intended for drug encapsulation. A description of polymer-solvent interaction was provided. The most widely used polymers were reported and described and their related research studies were mentioned. Moreover, principles of each technique and its crucial operating conditions were described and discussed. Recent applications of all the reported techniques in drug delivery were also reviewed.


Use of a Mouse Model of Experimentally Induced Endometriosis to Evaluate and Compare the Effects of Bisphenol A and Bisphenol AF Exposure.
Endometriosis is a gynecological disease affecting 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. Endometriosis incidence has risen; however, whether this rise is due to disease awareness or environmental contamination is not known. The objective of this study was to determine if bisphenol A (BPA) or bisphenol AF (BPAF) potentiate the development of endometriosis and if hormonal status alters how toxicant exposure affects disease. A mouse model of endometriosis, where minced uterine tissue is injected into the peritoneal cavity of a host mouse, was used to examine the effects of BPA and BPAF on endometriosis lesion development in ovariectomized and hormonally intact mice. BPA and BPAF were delivered through diet to include no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) and the low-observed-adverse-effect-level (LOAEL) exposure levels. After six weeks (at necropsy), lesions, ovaries, and blood were collected to examine characteristics, gene expression, and hormonal regulation. BPA and BPAF treatments affected endometriosis in a manner specific to dose and hormonal status of the host mouse. Estrogen and endometriosis-mediated differences in lesion target gene expression also depended on hormonal status. In intact mice, ovarian steroidogenic pathways were disrupted, progesterone levels were lowered, and atretic oocyte numbers were higher with toxicant exposure. BPAF, more so than BPA, resulted in more endometriosis lesion growth, but both toxicants disrupted normal ovarian signaling. These findings further our understanding of the effects and hormonal impacts of BPA and BPAF on endometriosis perturbation in ovariectomized and hormonally intact mice. BPAF appeared to be similar if not more estrogenic than BPA and may be affecting an environmental contribution of the increased incidence of endometriosis. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP3802.


Effects of monensin and stage of lactation on variation of blood metabolites within twenty-four hours in dairy cows.
Effects of prepartum administration of a monensin controlled release capsule (CRC) and stage of lactation on variation of blood metabolites within 24 h were determined in 16 dairy cows. Cows were fed a total mixed ration ad libitum twice daily at 0700 and 1300 h. At calving, cows were switched from a close-up dry cow diet to a lactating cow diet. Cows were blood sampled every 3 h for 24 h at 3 stages of lactation, including 1 wk before calving (wk -1), 1 wk after calving (wk 1), and 6 wk after calving (wk 6). Serum concentrations of glucose, beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), and urea exhibited significant variation within 24 h. Glucose and NEFA were, respectively, 0.09 and 0.08 mM lower between 1030 and 2230 h than between 2230 and 1030 h. beta-Hydroxybutyrate and urea were, respectively, 95.1 and 0.49 mM higher between 1030 and 2230 h than between 2230 and 1030 h. Monensin did not significantly affect glucose, NEFA, and urea in this study. Monensin reduced BHBA at wk 1, but not at wk -1 or wk 6. Glucose was lower and BHBA and NEFA were higher at wk 1 compared with wk -1 and wk 6. Urea was higher at wk 6 compared with wk -1. The variation within 24 h of glucose, BHBA, and NEFA were not affected by monensin and stage of lactation. Diurnal variation of urea was affected by stage of lactation, but not by monensin.


Bioflavonoids and glutamine in diet and the Mg, Ca, Cu, Zn concentrations in heavy metals intoxicated rats' skins.
The effect of bioflavonoids on the Mg, Ca, Cu and Zn concentration in rats' skin intoxicated with heavy metals Pb or Cd. The animals were divided at random into nine groups, each of 6 rats. Group I obtained in drinking water the solution of plumbum nitrate, Pb(NO3)2 in concentration of 500 mg Pb/dm3, group II solution of lead ions--500 mg Pb/dm3 and quercetin--200 mg/dm3 and glutamine 4 g/dm3, group III--lead ions solution (500 mg Pb/dm3), catechin--200 mg/dm3 and glutamine 4 g/dm3, group IV received water solution of Pb(NO3)2--500mg Pb/dm3, naringenin--200 mg/dm3 and glutamine 4 g/dm3, V-VII groups obtained the same that groups I-IV, but instead of lead cadmium chloride (CdCl2) in the amount of 500 mg Cd/dm3 was used. Group IX was a control group, and these animals received redistilled water to drink. All the groups of rats were on a normal diet (LSM dry food) and they got solutions and food ad libitum. After the experiment, the animals were sacrificed under ketamine narcosis and while collecting tissues, the skins (together with furs) used for further studies were also obtained. Heavy metals intoxication caused a significant decrease of magnesium and calcium concentrations in the examined rats' skins, and bioflavonoids with glutamine dietary addition did not improve or improve to a small degree the levels of those elements. Lead, in opposition to cadmium, decreased zinc and copper levels in skins, and bioflavonoids with glutamine caused the return of those elements' concentrations to the values of control group.


Detection of novel sequence types and zoonotic transmission potentiality among strains of Shiga toxigenic Escherichia coli (STEC) from dairy calves, animal handlers and associated environments.
Shiga toxigenic Escherichia coli (STEC) is one of the most important food-borne zoonotic bacterial pathogens responsible for causing gastrointestinal infections, haemorrhagic colitis and haemolytic uremic syndrome. The present study was aimed to isolate and characterize STEC from neonatal dairy calves, animal handlers and their surrounding environment and to establish the genetic relationship among isolates by multilocus sequence typing (MLST). A total number of 115 samples were collected and processed for the isolation of E. coli. The occurrence rate of E. coli was 92.2% (106/115), of which, 18 were typed as STEC. Antibacterial susceptibility analysis revealed 11 (61.1%) strains as multiple drug-resistant (MDR). MLST analysis has delineated 16 sequence types (STs) including nine novel STs. Among STs, ST58 dominated with three strains and was recovered from the environment and neonatal calves. Strains from neonatal calves and humans showed genetic relatedness with significant bootstrap support values indicative of zoonotic transmission potentiality. Analysis of 211 global isolates belonging to 61 STs indicated predominant STs (ST 21, ST 33 and ST 3416) that can be either host-specific (ST 33 and ST 3416) or can be shared among human and bovine hosts (ST 21). The MLST analysis indicates genetic relatedness among isolates and the results predispose inter-host transmission and zoonotic spread.


Serratus anterior fascia plane block for pain control in patients with multiple rib fractures.
[Purpose] Respiratory physiotherapy plays an important role in the management of acute respiratory disturbance; however, chest pain often impedes patients from performing respiratory physiotherapy. In this study, we investigated whether pain due to multiple rib fractures can be managed with intermittent serratus anterior fascia plane (SAP) block. [Participants and Methods] We performed intermittent SAP blocks in three consecutive patients with pain due to multiple rib fractures based on the level of pain. The level of pain and differences in expiratory/inspiratory chest expansion were evaluated before and after performing the SAP block. [Results] All three patients reported an improvement in the severity of pain and increase in the thoracic range of motion after receiving the SAP block. No adverse events associated with intermittent SAP blocks were observed in any of the patients. [Conclusion] We report the cases of three patients who completed respiratory physiotherapy after receiving intermittent SAP blocks for the management of pain due to multiple rib fractures. SAP blocks are associated with a low risk of complications as the ribs are not punctured while performing SAP blocks.


Immunofixation electrophoretic techniques applied to identification of proteins in serum and cerebrospinal fluid.
We describe the application of immunofixation staining of agarose-gel electrophoretograms in areas where its use in the clinical laboratory is appropriate. Immunofixation electrophoresis consists of an electrophoretic phase followed by a fixation phase in which antiserum is used to precipitate the protein. As long as the antibody is in slight excess or near equivalency, the antigen/antibody complex remains insoluble. The reaction can be detected by visual inspection in indirect light, by protein staining, or by use of antibodies labeled with fluorescein, enzyme, or isotope. In the method described here we primarily have used protein staining (Coomassie Blue) to accentuate the proteins fixed by antisera. All unreacted proteins are removed by pressing with filter paper and saline washing. In the clinical laboratory, this method expedites immunochemical evaluation of samples and may also supplement immunoelectrophoresis. It has been applied successfully in identifying small obscure monoclonal proteins in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid of patients with multiple sclerosis, subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, biclonal gammopathies, serum monoclonal light chains, and mobility shifts of certain proteins, particularly of the complement series. Immunofixation demonstrates that the protein bands present in spinal fluid from multiple sclerosis and subacute sclerosing panencephalitis patients are of the IgG class of immunoglobulins; and non-IgG protein, such as beta and gamma trace proteins, are not detected. We also comment on reverse immunofixation with labeled antigen as a branch of the procedure that allows detection of function of the immunoglobulins separated by electrophoresis.


Morphology and tissue distribution of four kinds of endocrine cells in the digestive tract of the Chinese yellow quail (Coturnix japonica).
To describe the tissue distribution, density, and the morphological characteristics of 4 kinds of endocrine cells in the digestive tract of the Chinese yellow quail (Coturnix japonica). The streptavidin-biotin-peroxidase complex immunohistochemical method was used to identify the distribution of somatostatin (SS), serotonin (5-HT), gastrin and neuropeptide Y (NPY) in digestive tracts including proventriculus, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and rectum. SPSS 19.0 software was used to perform biological statistical analysis. The results showed that the SS and 5-HT secreting cells were mainly distributed in the proventriculus (19.2 +/- 6.9 and 16.1 +/- 3.4 cfu/mm2) and duodenum (2.9 +/- 2.0 and 1.9 +/- 0.6 cfu/mm2). Gastrin and NPY were not detected in each section of the digestive tract. Moreover, there was no significant difference in the quantitative distribution and morphological characteristics of SS and 5-HT secreting cells in the digestive tract between male and female quails. The distribution and morphological characteristics of endocrine cells were closely related to the physiological functions of different parts in the digestive tract. The preferential location of endocrine cells provides additional information for future studies on the physiological roles of gastrointestinal peptides in the gastrointestinal tract of the Chinese yellow quail.


A JNK-dependent pathway is required for TNFalpha-induced apoptosis.
Tumor necrosis factor (TNFalpha) receptor signaling can simultaneously activate caspase 8, the transcription factor, NF-kappaB and the kinase, JNK. While activation of caspase 8 is required for TNFalpha-induced apoptosis, and induction of NF-kappaB inhibits cell death, the precise function of JNK activation in TNFalpha signaling is not clearly understood. Here, we report that TNFalpha-mediated caspase 8 cleavage and apoptosis require a sequential pathway involving JNK, Bid, and Smac/DIABLO. Activation of JNK induces caspase 8-independent cleavage of Bid at a distinct site to generate the Bid cleavage product jBid. Translocation of jBid to mitochondria leads to preferential release of Smac/DIABLO, but not cytochrome c. The released Smac/DIABLO then disrupts the TRAF2-cIAP1 complex. We propose that the JNK pathway described here is required to relieve the inhibition imposed by TRAF2-cIAP1 on caspase 8 activation and induction of apoptosis. Further, our findings define a mechanism for crosstalk between intrinsic and extrinsic cell death pathways.


Congenital malformations of uterus and vagina.
Congenital malformations of uterus and vagina result from failure of development, failure of fusion or septal reabsorption of the Mullerian ducts. They present with a spectrum of findings ranging from agenesis to duplications. They are of clinical importance because of their association with menstrual disorders and impaired fertility. Furthermore, women with Mullerian duct anomalies (MDAs) have a significant risk of obstetric complications such as spontaneous abortion, stillbirth and preterm delivery. Hysterosalpingography (HSG) and laparoscopy have long played a pivotal role in the evaluation of MDAs. Ultrasonography and recently magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have emerged as noninvasive modalities that are used complementarily or as alternative diagnostic tools. The radiographic findings according to the classification of Buttram and Gibbons are described for HSG, ultrasound and MRI. The advantages and limitations of each method are discussed, and finally an algorithm for imaging is recommended.


[Horner's syndrome revealing a spontaneous carotid artery dissection].
We report a case of spontaneous carotid artery dissection suspected by the appearance of Horner's syndrome. Under medical treatment, the intramural hematoma resolved within 3 months. The patient had an uneventful recovery, without any residual neurologic deficit. Spontaneous arterial dissection is responsible for a hematoma in the arterial wall without significant trauma. The pathogenesis remains unknown. Predisposing factors seem to exist. The clinical presentation is variable mainly due to local compression of adjacent structures which can precede a transient or permanent neurological deficit. The diagnosis is confirmed by Doppler US, CT angiography or magnetic resonance angiography, the best optional investigations. The treatment mainly consists of stroke prevention by anticoagulation versus antiplatelet therapy. The role of surgery and/or endovascular techniques has not yet been confirmed.


Transcriptome profile and clinical characterization of ICOS expression in gliomas.
Inducible co-stimulator (ICOS), an immune costimulatory molecule, has been found to play an essential role across various malignancies. This study investigated the transcriptome profile and clinical characterization of ICOS in gliomas. Clinical information and transcriptome data of 301 glioma samples were downloaded from the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) dataset for analysis (CGGA301 cohort). Furthermore, the results were validated in 697 samples with RNAseq data from the TCGA glioma dataset and 325 gliomas with RNAseq data from the CGGA325 dataset. Immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluate ICOS protein expression across different WHO grades in a tissue microarray (TMA). In addition, single-cell sequencing data from CGGA and GSE 163108 datasets were used to analyze the ICOS expression across different cell types. Statistical analyses and figure production were performed with R-language. We found that ICOS was significantly upregulated in higher-grade, IDH wild type, and mesenchymal subtype of gliomas. Functional enrichment analyses revealed that ICOS was mainly involved in glioma-related immune response. Moreover, ICOS showed a robust correlation with other immune checkpoints, including the PD1/PD-L1/PD-L2 pathway, CTLA4, ICOSL (ICOS ligand), and IDO1. Subsequent Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) analysis revealed that GBM patients with higher ICOS expression seemed to be more sensitive to ICB therapy. Furthermore, based on seven clusters of metagenes, GSVA identified that ICOS was tightly associated with HCK, LCK, MHC-I, MHC-II, STAT1, and interferon, especially with LCK, suggesting a strong correlation between ICOS and T-cell activity in gliomas. In cell lineage analysis, Higher-ICOS gliomas tended to recruit dendritic cells, monocytes, and macrophages into the tumor microenvironment. Single-cell sequencing analysis indicated that ICOS was highly expressed by regulatory T cells (Tregs), especially in mature Tregs. Finally, patients with higher ICOS had shortened survival. ICOS was an independent prognosticator for glioma patients. In conclusion, higher ICOS is correlated with more malignancy of gliomas and is significantly associated with Treg activity among glioma-related immune responses. Moreover, ICOS could contribute as an independent prognostic factor for gliomas. Our study highlights the role of ICOS in glioma and may facilitate therapeutic strategies targeting ICOS for glioma.


Bcl-2-dependent modulation of swelling-activated Cl- current and ClC-3 expression in human prostate cancer epithelial cells.
Cell shrinkage is an integral part of apoptosis. However, intimate mechanisms linking apoptotic events to the alterations in cell volume homeostasis remain poorly elucidated. We investigated how overexpression of Bcl-2 oncoprotein, a key antiapoptotic regulator, in lymph node carcinoma of the prostate (LNCaP) prostate cancer epithelial cells interferes with the volume-regulated anion channel (VRAC), a major determinant of regulatory volume decrease. Bcl-2 overexpression resulted in the doubling of VRAC-carried swelling-activated Cl(-) current (I(Cl,swell)) and weakened I(Cl,swell) inhibition by store-operated Ca(2+) channel (SOC)-transported Ca(2+). This also was accompanied by substantial up-regulation of ClC-3 protein, a putative molecular candidate for the role of VRAC. ClC-3-specific antibody suppressed I(Cl,swell) in the wild-type and Bcl-2-overexpressing LNCaP cells. Epidermal growth factor treatment of wild-type LNCaP cells, promoting their proliferation, resulted in the enhancement of endogenous Bcl-2 expression and associated increases in ClC-3 levels and I(Cl,swell) magnitude. We conclude that Bcl-2-induced up-regulation of I(Cl,swell), caused by enhanced expression of ClC-3 and weaker negative control from SOC-transported Ca(2+), would strengthen the ability of the cells to handle proliferative volume increases and thereby promote their survival and diminish their proapoptotic potential.


Impairment of constructive memory in schizophrenia.
Episodic memories are characterized by a specific state of awareness, conscious recollection, which allows subjects to mentally relive past events. They are not a literal reproduction of the past but instead depend on constructive processes. Patients with schizophrenia exhibit a specific impairment of conscious recollection. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of constructive processes into defective conscious recollection of patients with schizophrenia. An experiential approach to false recognition and related states of awareness was used. Thirty patients with schizophrenia, who were matched with 30 normal subjects, studied lists of words semantically related to a non-presented theme word (critical lure). On a recognition memory task with both previously presented words and non presented critical lures, they were asked to give Remember, Know or Guess responses to items that were recognized on the basis of conscious recollection, familiarity or guessing, respectively. Patients with schizophrenia recognized fewer studied words and critical lures than normal subjects. This deficit was restricted to memories associated with conscious recollection as indicated by a decrease in Remember responses, but not Know and Guess responses. Our results indicate that patients with schizophrenia exhibit an impaired conscious recollection, whether memories are true or false. They provide evidence that schizophrenia impairs the mere construction of conscious recollection.


Combining Percutaneous Ultrasound-Guided Hematoma Aspiration and Compression Repair to Treat Femoral Artery Pseudoaneurysm after Cardiac Catheterization.
This study aimed to prospectively evaluate the safety and efficacy of a new developed method that uses percutaneous ultrasound-guided hematoma aspiration followed by targeted localized manual compression for treatment of femoral artery pseudoaneurysm after cardiac catheterization, which obviates thrombin use, surgery, and long-time compression.From January 2007 to July 2014, 32 patients (17 women; mean age, 55.3 ± 11.5 years) out of 8,725 consecutive cases undergoing cardiac catheterization via femoral access developed one pseudoaneurysm each ranging in size from 21 × 11 mm to 72 × 39 mm. Under ultrasound guidance, blood within the pseudoaneurysm was aspirated percutaneously using an 18-gauge needle, while the pseudoaneurysm neck and a nearby site over the pseudoaneurysm were manually compressed for 15 min. All patients underwent repeat ultrasound examination 24 hours later.Of the 32 pseudoaneurysms, 31 were successfully occluded, and 1 recurred in a patient with coexisting arteriovenous fistula, yielding an overall success rate of 96.9% (31/32). No further recurrence or procedure related complications were observed. The treatment approach is unlike open surgical repair with hematoma evacuation and arterial defect suturing, in that it entails hematoma aspiration and feeding flow blockage at the pseudoaneurismal neck.In this preliminary experience, combining percutaneous ultrasound-guided hematoma aspiration and manual compression appears safe and effective in treating femoral artery pseudoaneurysms after catheterization and avoids thrombin use, long-time compression, and surgery.


[Sperm function tests].
Basing on the newer literature a survey is given concerning several methods of functional characterization of the spermatozoa. The evaluation of sperm movement characteristics, the examination of sperm-cervical mucus interaction in vitro, the zona-free hamster egg penetration test and the measurement of adenosine triphosphate levels may provide clinically valuable information. The combination of information from the conventional semen analysis with these tests of sperm function was accurate in predicting the in vivo fertilizing ability of an ejaculate. The tests are more technique consuming and expensive, therefore they are not widely available in the andrological practice.


Peripheral contrast sensitivity and attention in myopia.
Disruption of normal visual experience or changes in the normal interaction between central and peripheral retinal input may lead to the development of myopia. In order to examine the relationship between peripheral contrast sensitivity and myopia, we manipulated attentional load for foveal vision in emmetropes and myopes while observers detected targets with peripheral vision. Peripheral contrast detection thresholds were measured binocularly using vertical Gabor stimuli presented at three eccentricities (±8°, 17°, 30°) in a spatial 2 alternative forced choice task. Contrast thresholds were measured in young adult (mean age 24.5±2.6years) emmetropes (n=17; group SE: +0.19±0.32D) and myopes (n=25; group SE: -3.74±1.99D). Attention at central fixation was manipulated with: (1) a low attention task, requiring simple fixation; or (2) a high attention task, which required subjects to perform a mathematical task. We found that at 30° all subjects exhibited lower contrast sensitivity (higher thresholds). In addition, myopes (Wilcoxon, p<0.01), but not emmetropes (Wilcoxon, p=0.1), had a significant decrease in sensitivity at 30° during the high attention task. However, the attention dependent threshold increase for myopes was not significantly greater than for emmetropes (Wilcoxon, p=0.27). Attentional load did not increase thresholds at 8° or 17° for either refractive group. These data indicate that myopes experience a greater decrease in contrast sensitivity in the far periphery than emmetropes when attention is deployed in central vision.


Effects of Microorganisms on the Peroxidation of Lipid and Fatty Acid Composition of Fermented Fish Meal.
Fermentation of waste fish treated with Aspergillus oryzae, Aspergillus sojae K, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae IFO 2114 were studied independently and combined. Three microorganisms decreased the POV, MDA, and COY of fish meal at different rates. The optimum conditions for fermentation with the combination of three microorganisms was found at 30°C for 20-hr fermentation. Almost no difference was observed in the chemical composition or amino acid spectra of the protein hydrolysates of the fermented and nonfermented fish meal. On the quantity of water-soluble amino acids, the highest increase was in glutamate among others, but histidine was decreased by the combination of the three microorganisms. With A. oryzae, the highest increase was in phenylalanine and with A. sojae K in threonine. A great change was observed in some fatty acids content. Myristic acid (14:0) was decreased while the highest increase occurred in the linoleic acid (18: 2) content by fermentation with the combination of three microorganisms. The same phenomenum was observed with A. oryzae and A. sojae K. S. cerevisiae has a weaker effect than A. oryzae and A. sojae K in fermentation of waste fish.


Neurostimulation for Traumatic Brain Injury: Emerging Innovation.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant source of brain deficit and death among neurosurgical patients, with limited prospects for functional recovery in the cases of moderate-to-severe injury. Until now, the relevant body of literature on TBI intervention has focused on first-line, invasive treatment options (namely craniectomy and hematoma evacuation) with underwhelming focus on non-invasive therapies following surgical stabilization. Recent advances in our understanding of the impaired brain have encouraged deeper investigation of neurostimulation strategies, owed largely to its demonstrated livening of damaged neural circuitry and capacity to stabilize erratic network activity. The objective of the present study is to provide a scoping review of new knowledge in neurostimulation published in the PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases from inception to November 2022. We critically assess and appraise the available data on primary neurostimulation delivery techniques, with marked emphasis on restorative opportunities for accessory neurostimulation in the interdisciplinary care of moderate-to-severe TBI (msTBI) patients. These data identify two primary future directions: 1) to relate obtained gain-of-function outcomes to hemodynamic and histological changes and 2) to develop a clearer understanding of neurostimulation efficacy, when combined with pharmacologic interventions or other modulatory techniques, for complex brain insult.


DrugSig: A resource for computational drug repositioning utilizing gene expression signatures.
Computational drug repositioning has been proved as an effective approach to develop new drug uses. However, currently existing strategies strongly rely on drug response gene signatures which scattered in separated or individual experimental data, and resulted in low efficient outputs. So, a fully drug response gene signatures database will be very helpful to these methods. We collected drug response microarray data and annotated related drug and targets information from public databases and scientific literature. By selecting top 500 up-regulated and down-regulated genes as drug signatures, we manually established the DrugSig database. Currently DrugSig contains more than 1300 drugs, 7000 microarray and 800 targets. Moreover, we developed the signature based and target based functions to aid drug repositioning. The constructed database can serve as a resource to quicken computational drug repositioning. Database URL: http://biotechlab.fudan.edu.cn/database/drugsig/.


Sensitivity analysis of biochemical systems using bond graphs.
The sensitivity of systems biology models to parameter variation can give insights into which parameters are most important for physiological function, and also direct efforts to estimate parameters. However, in general, kinetic models of biochemical systems do not remain thermodynamically consistent after perturbing parameters. To address this issue, we analyse the sensitivity of biological reaction networks in the context of a bond graph representation. We find that the parameter sensitivities can themselves be represented as bond graph components, mirroring potential mechanisms for controlling biochemistry. In particular, a sensitivity system is derived which re-expresses parameter variation as additional system inputs. The sensitivity system is then linearized with respect to these new inputs to derive a linear system which can be used to give local sensitivity to parameters in terms of linear system properties such as gain and time constant. This linear system can also be used to find so-called sloppy parameters in biological models. We verify our approach using a model of the Pentose Phosphate Pathway, confirming the reactions and metabolites most essential to maintaining the function of the pathway.


Indigenous African fermented dairy products: Processing technology, microbiology and health benefits.
Africa is known for its rich, ancient tradition in fermented foods. Among these, fermented dairy products represent one category that is widely consumed, contributing to the socio-economic development and food security of the people. In Africa, traditional food fermentation lends itself as a relatively cheap food processing technology that often improves shelf life/food safety as well as nutrition and health via improvement in the levels of specific micronutrients and the action of probiotics. A range of African fermented dairy products (mainly yoghurt-like products) are produced by spontaneous fermentation, and these fermented dairy products harbor rich and valuable microbial diversity, predominated by lactic acid bacteria and yeasts. Detailed knowledge of the production processes, microbiological and biochemical aspects of traditional African dairy fermentation is critical for the development of products with enhanced quality, safety and health benefits for a sustainable food security in the region. This review therefore provides a comprehensive overview of the traditional African fermented dairy processing technology, as well as technologically relevant microorganisms and health benefits associated with fermented dairy products. Efforts aimed at harnessing the functional food potential of these fermented products could help control some food and health challenges facing many countries in the region.


Prognostic factors in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma refractory or intolerant to sorafenib.
The aim of this study was to identify the prognostic factors in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who are refractory or intolerant to sorafenib and to exclude unsuitable candidates from subsequent therapy. The study cohort consisted of 111 patients who had discontinued sorafenib therapy. Uni- and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify the prognostic factors for survival after discontinuation of sorafenib therapy. The median age of the patients was 70 years, and 96 of them (86%) were male. The Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status was 0-1 in 94 patients (85%). Forty patients (36%) were classified as Child-Pugh class A and 57 (51%) as Child-Pugh class B. The median survival time after discontinuation of sorafenib therapy was 146 days. Hepatitis C viral antibody negativity, presence of ascites, absence of a history of previous treatment excluding sorafenib, elevated serum total bilirubin level, and elevated serum α-fetoprotein level were identified as the independent unfavorable prognostic factors by multivariate analysis. The median survival time of the patients with 4 or 5 unfavorable prognostic factors was 59 days. We should judge the indication of any subsequent therapy carefully in patients with 4 or 5 of the aforementioned factors.


Inhibition of cancer growth and induction of apoptosis by BGP-13 and BGP-15, new calcipotriene-derived vitamin D3 analogs, in-vitro and in-vivo studies.
One of the most innovative approaches to the treatment of cancer entails the use of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (calcitriol) analogs to inhibit cancer cell growth. We demonstrate here that BGP-13, a new calcipotriene-based 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 analog that we synthesized in our laboratory, inhibits the growth of prostate cancer (LNCaP), breast cancer (MCF-7), and colon cancer (HT-29) cell lines. Moreover, we also show that BGP-13 causes cells both to accumulate in G0-G1 and to activate caspase-3 and undergo apoptosis. In addition, we observed elevated vitamin D receptor (VDR) mRNA and protein levels in both LNCaP and MCF-7 cells following the exposure of the two cell lines to BGP-13. Importantly, we found that both the new analog BGP-13 and also BGP-15, another calcipotriene-based analog we synthesized previously and about which we published recently, inhibit the growth of HT-29 tumor xenografts in nude mice.


Removal of the polar lobe leads to the formation of functionally deficient photocytes in the annelidChaetopterus variopedatus.
The light emitting photocytes ofChaetopterus variopedatus larvae are bilaterally situated within the ectoderm of the post-trochal region. Their histological appearance is similar to that of the adult photocytes. The larval photocytes contain a large quantity of membranous secretory vesicles (photosomes), which probably contain the photoluminescent protein. The two-cellChaetopterus embryo contains a small AB and a large CD blastomere. Previous studies have shown that only the "larvae" resulting from isolated CD blastomeres are able to luminesce. Consistent with these findings, morphologically distinct photocytes are only found in the CD larvae. The removal of the small polar lobe that forms during first cleavage leads to the production of a "larva" that is unable to produce light. All delobed larvae contain morphologically distinct photocytes, which are identical to those in normal larvae except they appear to contain only a small quantity of photosomes. Experimental equalization of first cleavage leads to the production of a double embryo. While photocytes are found in both of the duplicated post-trochal regions, usually only one of these is capable of emitting luminescence. Apparently, the highly localized vagetal material (determinants) responsible for functional light emission is distributed to both halves in only a few cases when first cleavage is experimentally "equalized". These results indicate that the determinative action of the polar lobe is not required for the formation of the photocytes themselves, but rather for their ability to function as emitters of light. The determinants in the polar lobe ofChaetopterus may control some aspect of the photoluminescence reaction itself, such as the production of the photoprotein.


Yellow nail syndrome: missed diagnosis of a rare syndrome.
A 61 year old male, with a bilateral persistent and recurrent pleural effusion, had undergone frequent tapping over a period of eight months, prior to the referral. The patient was treated earlier to the referral empirically for pulmonary tuberculosis with no response to the treatment. Malignancy was suspected and ruled out. A detailed examination showed that he also had atrophic nails with yellow discoloration and lymphedema of feet. Yellow nail syndrome was diagnosed on the basis of the clinical findings of the triad viz. yellow atrophic nails, lymphedema and bilateral pleural effusions. Pathogenesis still remains elusive for the syndrome. Pleurodesis provided both symptomatic relief and a respite from repeated tapping. The case is presented as a rare condition, which was missed for diagnosis, for quite some time by several specialists.


Isolation and characterization of epithelial and connective tissue cells from rat palate.
Epithelial and connective tissue cells were isolated from rat palate by sequential enzymatic digestion. Differences between the two populations were noted with respect to proline uptake and incorporation, % collagen synthesized, effects of parathyroid hormone and metabolism of D-valine. From these studies it can be concluded that the cell populations are viable and distinct with respect to the biochemical parameters examined.


[Educational practice expressing the care in public health].
This study is a reflection about the educative practices importance as a care form in Public Health Nursing, from the experience developed in the Project of University Extension: Learning and Teaching with the Alto Simão, of the College of Nursing of the University of the State of the River of Janeiro - UERJ. The recital theoretician-methodological is based on the critical pedagogy in a Paulo Freire perspective and proposal the Shared Construction of the Knowledge. The results points to many forms to perceive the care and its relation with the educative action. Concluding, perceives that it has a potentiality in the extension as a space of formation directed to the care and as knowledge production and also shows the importance of educative action to the Nursing in Public Health.


Encapsulated XAD-2 extraction technique for a rapid screening of drugs of abuse in urine.
This paper describes a novel technique for the rapid screening of drugs of abuse in urine involving extraction with encapsulated Amberlite XAD-2 resin followed by gas chromatographic analysis. Each capsule is fabricated as a rigid, porous, polypropylene sphere, 2 cm in diameter, and contains 300 mg of the XAD-2 resin. Two mL of urine is shaken with one capsule under slight positive pressure for eight minutes. A sequential extraction is employed to obtain separate elution of the acidic-neutral and basic drugs. Identification is by dual column gas chromatography. The results, as given for spiked urine samples containing 16 commonly encountered drugs, were found to be linear and reproducible over both the therapeutic and toxic ranges. Extraction efficiencies using the encapsulated XAD-2 technique are comparable to those reported in literature for XAD-2 column chromatography. The purity of the extracts, as seen from the gas chromatographic analysis, is demonstrably better than that seen with the conventional procedures. There was minimal interference from polymer bleed. The total volume of solvents used in the sequential scheme is 5 mL. Total extraction time to achieve dried residues is 15 minutes.


Soluble Collectin 11 (CL-11) Acts as an Immunosuppressive Molecule Potentially Used by Stem Cell-Derived Retinal Epithelial Cells to Modulate T Cell Response.
Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell allotransplantation is seen as a possible solution to retinal diseases. However, the RPE-complement system triggered by the binding of collectin-11 (CL-11) is a potential barrier for RPE transplantation as the complement-mediated inflammatory response may promote T cell recognition. To address this, we investigated the role of CL-11 on T cell immuno-response. We confirmed that RPE cells up-regulated MHC class I and expressed MHC class II molecules in an inflammatory setting. Co-cultures of RPE cells with T cells led to the inhibition of T cell proliferation. We found that CL-11 was partially responsible for this effect as T cell binding of CL-11 inhibited T cell proliferation in association with the downregulation of CD28. We also found that the suppressive action of CL-11 was abrogated in the presence of the RGD peptide given to block the T cell binding of CL-11 by its collagen-like domain. Because RPE cells can bind and secrete CL-11 under stress conditions, we postulate that soluble CL-11 contributes to the immunosuppressive properties of RPE cells. The investigation of this dual biological activity of CL-11, namely as a trigger of the complement cascade and a modulator of T cell responses, may provide additional clues about the mechanisms that orchestrate the immunogenic properties of RPE cells.


Auditory brain stem and midbrain development after cochlear implantation in children.
Input to the central auditory system through a cochlear implant promotes psychophysical improvement of auditory skills. However, the developmental changes along the pathways have never been characterized in children with hearing loss who use implants. We aimed to measure auditory development in such children by using the electrically evoked auditory brain stem response (EABR). We made repeated measures of the EABR in 41 nonsedated children with implants before chronic stimulation and after 2, 6, and 12 months of consistent implant use. The results show that EABRs were present in all of the children even before chronic auditory stimulation, and that EABR wave latencies decreased from the time of initial activation throughout the first year of cochlear implant use. These findings reflect auditory development to the level of the midbrain as a result of the cochlear implant. The decreasing latencies likely reflect decreased neural conduction times at this level, in part because of increased synaptic efficacy.


Assistive technology use by disability type and race: exploration of a population-based health survey.
To examine the relationships among Assistive Technology (AT) use, race, type of disability and selected other demographic characteristics. Using 2009 National Health Interview Survey, descriptive statistics, statistical interactions and binary logistic regression were performed to identify, contrast and predict the likelihood of using AT based on the type of disability among African Americans (AAs) and European Americans (EAs). We found that more AAs (10% within group proportion of total AAs) used AT compared to EAs (7.5% within group proportion of total EAs). Physical (p < 0.001), auditory (p = 0.028) and emotional (p = 0.008) impairments were statistically significant predictors of AT use. However, physical impairment as a predictor of AT use was greater among AAs (OR = 222.49, CI: 64.04-773.04, p < 0.001) than EAs (OR = 50.77, CI: 31.78-81.12, p < 0.001). EAs had a greater number of disabling conditions that predict the use of AT than AAs, whereas AAs had more demographic characteristics beyond race that predict AT use than EAs. Disparities were observed in AT usage by disability types and demographic characteristics between AAs and EAs. Moreover, the predictive strength of AT usage based on disability types and other demographic variables differed by races. Overall, the findings about the different relationships among race, disability type, and AT use are found. Implications for Rehabilitation The finding may inform the development of initiatives by rehabilitation leaders to encourage the use of AT by AAs and EAs according to their type of impairment. Having identified physical impairment as statistically significant predictor of AT use greater among AAs, rehabilitation leaders should ensure that people living with those types of disability have access to the corresponding type of AT and can use them effectively.


Variance in caregiver burden predicted by patient behaviors versus neuropsychological profile.
Informal caregivers provide the majority of care to persons with dementia; efforts to support caregivers' well-being are increasingly important in the context of limited formal healthcare supports. Informal caregiving is commonly associated with caregiver burden and burden may depend upon patient characteristics including neuropsychological profile, dementia severity, and dementia etiology. This study investigated predictors of caregiver burden in a sample of 213 Memory Clinic patients diagnosed with dementia and whose caregivers provided collateral information. Caregiver burden was similar irrespective of dementia etiology. Beyond the expected predictive value of dementia severity on caregiver burden, patient behavioral symptoms, functional dependence, and caregiver psychological distress were predictive of caregiver burden. In contrast, care-recipient neuropsychological performance did not predict burden. These findings suggest that beyond severity of dementia, specific behavioral disturbances predict caregiver burden which may have implications for programming and intervention aimed at supporting and sustaining caregivers in their role.


Sural nerve donor-site morbidity: thirty-four years of follow-up.
This study presents a long-term evaluation of sural nerve donor-site morbidity in patients with at least 15 years' follow-up (mean 26 years) after sural nerve harvesting for peripheral nerve repair. Twenty-nine patients (mean age 30 years at time of surgery) participated in a retrospective analysis using a questionnaire. The subjective patient evaluations indicated a significant recovery of the sural nerve donor site with regard to sensory loss, pain, and cold sensitivity over time. Beyond 5 years, no further improvement is to be expected. Our findings provide a guideline for general patient information regarding sural nerve donor-site morbidity. An area of sensory loss of approximately the size of 5 x 6 cm is to be expected, and 20%-30% of the patients experienced minimal levels of pain, cold sensitivity, functional impairment, and scar discomfort. The latter 2 were confined to inconvenience with bumping of the donor site and putting on shoes.


Actin-regulated Siglec-1 nanoclustering influences HIV-1 capture and virus-containing compartment formation in dendritic cells.
The immunoglobulin-like lectin receptor CD169 (Siglec-1) mediates the capture of HIV-1 by activated dendritic cells (DCs) through binding to sialylated ligands. These interactions result in a more efficient virus capture as compared to resting DCs, although the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Using a combination of super-resolution microscopy, single-particle tracking and biochemical perturbations we studied the nanoscale organization of Siglec-1 on activated DCs and its impact on viral capture and its trafficking to a single viral-containing compartment. We found that activation of DCs leads to Siglec-1 basal nanoclustering at specific plasma membrane regions where receptor diffusion is constrained by Rho-ROCK activation and formin-dependent actin polymerization. Using liposomes with varying ganglioside concentrations, we further demonstrate that Siglec-1 nanoclustering enhances the receptor avidity to limiting concentrations of gangliosides carrying sialic ligands. Binding to either HIV-1 particles or ganglioside-bearing liposomes lead to enhanced Siglec-1 nanoclustering and global actin rearrangements characterized by a drop in RhoA activity, facilitating the final accumulation of viral particles in a single sac-like compartment. Overall, our work provides new insights on the role of the actin machinery of activated DCs in regulating the formation of basal Siglec-1 nanoclustering, being decisive for the capture and actin-dependent trafficking of HIV-1 into the virus-containing compartment.


[The development of experimental sample of immune chromatographic test-system for detecting protein of pathogenicity of CagA Helicobacter pylori.]
The immunochromatographic test-system was developed for detecting protein of pathogenicity of CagA Helicobacter pylori in various biological samples (feces, content of dento-gingival recesses) and also in culture of H.pylori. The test-system represents multi-membrane composite on the basis of membranes manufactured by "MDI" (India). The main immunochemical components of test-system are conjugate of nanoparticles of colloid gold with size of 30 nm with monoclonal antibodies (clone HP-387), applied to membrane for conjugate; monoclonal antibodies (clone HP-1811) and anti-species antibodies of goat against Ig of mouse, applied to nitrocellulose membrane correspondingly in test and control zones. All antibodies are produced by the firm "Bialeksa" (Russia).


Prevalence of different strains of Candida albicans in patients with denture-induced stomatitis.
Eighteen resistogram strains of Candida albicans were found among isolates obtained from 10 oral sites sampled prior to treatment in 22 patients with denture stomatitis. Eight strains were isolated from single patients, but two were found in four patients and one was found in five patients. Fifteen of the 18 strains were isolated from sites including the fitting surface of the denture or the denture-bearing mucosa. Twelve patients, sampled on a second occasion after treatment, harboured at least one strain on both occasions.


Purification and chemical characterization of salt-extractable glycoproteins from porcine mitral valve.
Four major glycoproteins were extracted by dilute salt solution from procine mitral valvular tissue. Two of these major glycoproteins, procine valve glycoprotein I and porcine valve glycoprotein III, were isolated and purified by fractionation of salt extract with ammonium sulfate followed by column chromatography on DEAE-cellulose. The purified glycoproteins appeared to be homogeneous by polyacrylamide disc electrophoresis in several buffer systems, and by Sephadex filtration. The porcine valve glycoprotein I has a molecular weight of approximately 120000. Isoelectric focusing yielded a single band, pI = 5.8. The glycoprotein contained large amounts of acidic amino acids, and amide nitrogen. The carbohydrate moiety was composed of fucose, mannose, galactose, glucose, glucosamine, and galactosamine in the molar ratio of 5:10:15:12:7:2 per mole of glycoprotein. The second major glycoprotein, porcine valve glycoprotein III, has an approximate molecular weight of 72000. This glycoprotein gives two bands upon analytical isoelectric focusing with isoelectric points of pI = 4.1 and 4.3. Porcine valve glycoprotein III contained large amounts of acidic amino acids and low amounts of amide nitrogen. Its carbohydrate moiety was composed of glucose, galactose, mannose, fucose, glucosamine, and sialic acid in the ratio of 3:3:2:1:4:1 mol/mole of glycoprotein. This glycoprotein was similar to a glycoprotein preparation isolated from porcine aortic intima by P.V. Wagh and B.I. Roberts (1972), Biochemistry 11, 4222.


Electron paramagnetic resonance study of thermally treated bismuth subgallate.
Complex of bismuth, an anti-inflammatory drug, was studied by EPR spectroscopy. The aim of this study was to determine concentrations and properties of free radicals formed during thermal sterilization of bismuth subgallate according to pharmacopoeia norms to optimize its sterilization process. Different temperatures (160°C, 170°C, and 180°C) and times (120 minutes, 60 minutes, and 30 minutes) of sterilization were used. Interactions of bismuth subgallate with DPPH, the model free radical reference, were checked. g-Factors, amplitudes (A), integral intensities (I), and linewidths (ΔB pp) were obtained. Integral intensities were obtained by double integration of the first-derivative EPR lines. The influence of microwave power in the range of 2.2-70 mW on shape and parameters of the EPR spectra was examined. Thermal sterilization produced free radicals in bismuth subgallate in all tested cases. Strong interactions with free radicals were pointed out for all the analysed samples containing bismuth independent of sterilization conditions. Optimal conditions of thermal sterilization for bismuth subgallate with the lowest free radical formation are temperature 170°C and time of heating 60 minutes. Strong dipolar interactions exist in thermally sterilized bismuth subgallate. EPR spectroscopy is a useful method of examination of thermal sterilization conditions.


Allogeneic bone marrow transplantation in a patient with acute myeloid leukemia secondary to Hodgkin's disease.
A patient with Hodgkin's disease entered complete clinical remission by combination radiochemotherapy. He developed dyshematopoiesis 1.5 years later and an overt acute nonlymphocytic leukemia 3 years after diagnosis. A complete remission was achieved following 2 courses of intensive polychemotherapy. Four months later, while still in remission, he underwent an allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) from an HLA-identical sister. Mild chronic graft versus host disease of the skin occurred 3 months after BMT, and now the patient has been in complete remission of leukemia for over 2 years. This appears to be a unique case of prolonged remission of a leukemia secondary to an intensively treated Hodgkin's disease.


Low-dose ionizing radiation induces direct activation of natural killer cells and provides a novel approach for adoptive cellular immunotherapy.
Recent evidence indicates that limited availability and cytotoxicity have restricted the development of natural killer (NK) cells in adoptive cellular immunotherapy (ACI). While it has been reported that low-dose ionizing radiation (LDIR) could enhance the immune response in animal studies, the influence of LDIR at the cellular level has been less well defined. In this study, the authors aim to investigate the direct effects of LDIR on NK cells and the potential mechanism, and explore the application of activation and expansion of NK cells by LDIR in ACI. The authors found that expansion and cytotoxicity of NK cells were markedly augmented by LDIR. The levels of IFN-γ and TNF-α in the supernatants of cultured NK cells were significantly increased after LDIR. Additionally, the effect of the P38 inhibitor (SB203580) significantly decreased the expanded NK cell cytotoxicity, cytokine levels, and expression levels of FasL and perforin. These findings indicate that LDIR induces a direct expansion and activation of NK cells through possibly the P38-MAPK pathway, which provides a potential mechanism for stimulation of NK cells by LDIR and a novel but simplified approach for ACI.


Protein for Life: Review of Optimal Protein Intake, Sustainable Dietary Sources and the Effect on Appetite in Ageing Adults.
With an ageing population, dietary approaches to promote health and independence later in life are needed. In part, this can be achieved by maintaining muscle mass and strength as people age. New evidence suggests that current dietary recommendations for protein intake may be insufficient to achieve this goal and that individuals might benefit by increasing their intake and frequency of consumption of high-quality protein. However, the environmental effects of increasing animal-protein production are a concern, and alternative, more sustainable protein sources should be considered. Protein is known to be more satiating than other macronutrients, and it is unclear whether diets high in plant proteins affect the appetite of older adults as they should be recommended for individuals at risk of malnutrition. The review considers the protein needs of an ageing population (>40 years old), sustainable protein sources, appetite-related implications of diets high in plant proteins, and related areas for future research.


[Lymphotropic therapy in the combined treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis in children and adolescents].
The validity of the use and the procedure of lymphotropic therapy directed to transport of the main antituberculous drug (isoniazid) to the affection foci via the lymphatic system are presented. The procedure was well tolerated by children and adolescents. A course of 30 injections promoted faster resolution of the specific lesions in the lung tissue and intrathoracic lymph nodes. The procedure is useful in treatment of primary infection. It should be applied 3 months after the start of the treatment when there is a tendency to slow progress of the process.


Biomechanical Effects of Fixation of Different Segments of Goat Lumbar Spine on Adjacent Segmental Motion and Intradiscal Pressure Change.
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to investigate the biomechanical fixation effects of different segments of the goat spine on adjacent segmental motion and intradiscal pressure (IDP) change. MATERIAL AND METHODS Eighteen goat spine specimens were randomly divided into 3 groups: group A (single-segment fixation), group B (double-segment fixation), and group C (triple-segment fixation). The motion was tested on each specimen using a spinal motion simulation test system with rational pressure loading. The IDP was measured using a pinhole pressure sensor. RESULTS Range of motion (ROM) and IDP of adjacent segments increased with increased external load. In comparison of the 3 groups, significant differences in ROM were found when the external force was more than 100 N (P<0.05). The differences in IDP of the adjacent segment were statistically significant (P<0.05) when external pressure was greater than or equal to 60 N. However, in comparison of group A with group B, no significant differences in ROM and IDP of the adjacent segments were noted for the motions of anterior flexion, posterior extension, and lateral bending (P>0.05). Moreover, upper adjacent segments had greater ROM than the lower adjacent segments (P<0.05). We found significant differences between IDPs of the upper adjacent segments and lower adjacent segments (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS As the number of fixated lumbar segments increases, ROM and IDP of the adjacent segments increase. Multisegment fixation is most likely the main factor contributing to the development of adjacent segmental lesions after lumbar fixation.


Contemporary medical ethics: an overview from Iran.
The growing potential of biomedical technologies has increasingly been associated with discussions surrounding the ethical aspects of the new technologies in different societies. Advances in genetics, stem cell research and organ transplantation are some of the medical issues that have raised important ethical and social issues. Special attention has been paid towards moral ethics in Islam and medical and religious professions in Iran have voiced the requirement for an emphasis on ethics. In the last decade, great strides have been made in biomedical ethics, especially in the field of education, research and legislation. In this article, contemporary medical ethics in Iran, and the related moral philosophy, have been reviewed in brief and we have discussed some of the activities in the field of medical ethics that have been carried out in our country within recent years. These activities have included the establishment of the National and Regional Committees for Medical Research Ethics and the production of national codes of ethics in biomedical research in the 1990 s and the introduction of a comprehensive strategic plan for medical ethics at the national level in 2002. This paper will discuss these issues, along with the production, in 2005, of the Specific National Ethical Guidelines for Biomedical Research.


Dielectrophoresis of an inhomogeneous colloidal particle under an inhomogeneous field: a first-principles approach.
In reality, colloidal particles often possess an arbitrary inhomogeneity profile. We present a first-principles approach to dielectrophoresis of such an inhomogeneous colloidal particle under an inhomogeneous field of an oscillating electric dipole moment. For numerical simulations, we treat the inhomogeneous particle as a specific graded one with a physically motivated dielectric model and conductivity profile. We find that both multipolar interactions and spatial fluctuations inside the particle can affect the dielectrophoretic spectrum of the particle significantly.


Isolation of an influenza A virus from seals.
Influenza A virus of serotype Hav1 Neq1 (H7N7 by the 1980 revised influenza typing system proposed by WHO experts) was repeatedly isolated from lung and brain tissues taken from harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) found suffering from pneumonia on Cape Cod Peninsula (U.S.A.) in the winter of 1979-1980. The seal isolates, although of a serotype identical to some fowl plaque virus strains, were harmless to chickens and turkeys in transmission experiments. An earlier human infection by a Hav1 Neq1 influenza virus and the serologic relatedness of this avian serotype with the equine 1 serotype are cited in support of the view that influenza viruses with these antigenic characteristics seem to have a facility to pass from birds to mammals.


Isolated medial longitudinal fasciculus syndrome: Review of imaging, anatomy, pathophysiology and differential diagnosis.
Isolated medial longitudinal fasciculus (MLF) syndrome due to infarction limited only to the midbrain is a rare occurrence. The MLF are a group of fiber tracts located in the paramedian area of the midbrain and pons. They control horizontal eye movements by interconnecting oculomotor and abducens nuclei in the brain stem. Such small infarcts can easily be overlooked by young neuroradiologists and trainees. In this review, we discuss the clinical and imaging characteristics, comprehensive review of the anatomy, pathophysiology, and differential diagnosis.


Home food safety program for the Georgia Older Americans Act Nutrition Program.
This study examined the effects of an educational intervention on improving home food safety practices (HFSP) in 136 older adults (mean age: 79 years; 74% female; 61% Caucasian). At the pre-test, adherence to 16 HFSP was variable and ranged from <or= 17% for checking temperatures of the refrigerator and cooked meats to >or= 76% for other practices. Following the intervention, participants were more likely to wash their hands with warm water and soap for 20 seconds before eating (76% vs. 90%, P <or= 0.01) and preparing food (76% vs. 92%, P <or= 0.01). In a series of regression analyses, younger age was the most consistent predictor of adherence to HFSP at the pre-test, and older age was the most consistent predictor of improvements in adherence after the intervention. This intervention improved several aspects of HFSP; however, additional interventions are needed to increase HFSP in older adults.


Comparative bioavailability of intravenous and oral chloramphenicol in adults.
The comparative bioavailability of chloramphenicol from intravenous succinate, oral palmitate, and oral base preparations was studied in a crossover manner in 12 adult patients. Chloramphenicol was administered at a dose of 1 Gm every 6 hours, and blood samples were collected at steady state. For the succinate study, total urine output was also collected. The bioavailability of active chloramphenicol from the succinate preparation averaged 85.8 +/- 42.3 and 78.8 +/- 50.1 per cent of the free base and palmitate forms, respectively. This lower availability appeared to be due to variable excretion of unchanged succinate in the urine, averaging 27 +/- 11 per cent of the dose. Regardless of dosage form or route of administration, plasma chloramphenicol concentrations remained in the therapeutic range (5 to 25 mg/liter) for the entire dosage interval, implying that no change needs to be made when changing dosage form or route of administration. The interpatient variability, however, supports the need for monitoring of plasma chloramphenicol concentrations, especially in newborn infants, persons with liver disease, or those receiving other medications that alter chloramphenicol metabolism.


Zilsel's Thesis, Maritime Culture, and Iberian Science in Early Modern Europe.
Zilsel's thesis on the artisanal origins of modern science remains one of the most original proposals about the emergence of scientific modernity. We propose to inspect the scientific developments in Iberia in the early modern period using Zilsel's ideas as a guideline. Our purpose is to show that his ideas illuminate the situation in Iberia but also that the Iberian case is a remarkable illustration of Zilsel's thesis. Furthermore, we argue that Zilsel's thesis is essentially a sociological explanation that cannot be applied to isolated cases; its use implies global events that involve extended societies over large periods of time.