Conformational changes induced in the human protein translin and in the single-stranded oligodeoxynucleotides d(GT)(12) and d(TTAGGG)(5) upon binding of these oligodeoxynucleotides by translin.
Translin is a human single-stranded DNA and RNA binding protein that has been highly conserved in eukaryotic evolution. It consists of eight subunits having a highly helical secondary structure that assemble into a ring. The DNA and the RNA are bound inside the ring. Recently, some of us demonstrated that the human translin specifically binds the single-stranded microsatellite repeats, d(GT)(n), the human telomeric repeats, d(TTAGGG)(n), and the Tetrahymena telomeric repeats, d(GGGGTT)(n). These data suggested that translin might be involved in recombination at d(GT)(n).d(AC)(n) microsatellites and in telomere metabolism. Other data indicated that translin might stimulate binding of telomerase to single-stranded telomeric overhangs by unwinding secondary structures formed by the telomeric repeats. Here we present a circular dichroism (CD) analysis of complexes formed between the human translin and the microsatellite and telomeric oligodeoxynucleotides d(GT)(12) and d(TTAGGG)(5). We report that conformational changes occur in both the translin and the oligodeoxynucleotides upon formation of the complexes. In translin octamers bound to the oligodeoxynucleotide d(GT)(12), the fraction of alpha-helices decreases from approximately 67% to approximately 50%, while the fraction of turns and of the unordered structure increases from approximately 11% to approximately 17% and from approximately 19% to approximately 24%, respectively. In the bound oligodeoxynucleotide d(GT)(12), we observed CD shifts which are consistent with a decrease of base stacking and a putative anti-syn switch of some guanines. The oligodeoxynucleotide d(TTAGGG)(5) formed intramolecular quadruplexes under the conditions of our assays and translin was found to unfold the quadruplexes into structures consisting of a single hairpin and three unwound single-stranded d(TTAGGG) repeats. We suggest that such unfolding could account for the stimulation of telomerase activity by translin mentioned above.


Identification and characterization of a serotype b-specific segment of the Haemophilus influenzae genome.
Within the region of the Haemophilus influenzae serotype b genome required for capsule expression, a 4.6-kilobase segment was cloned, used as a hybridization probe, and found to be specific for serotype b strains. Deletion mutagenesis within this segment defined a locus necessary for serotype b capsule production and another involved in maintenance of wild-type colony appearance.


Fabrication of Low-Cost and Highly Sensitive Graphene-Based Pressure Sensors by Direct Laser Scribing Polydimethylsiloxane.
The cost-effective production of flexible interconnects is a challenge in epidermal electronics. Here we report a low-cost approach for producing and patterning graphene films from polydimethylsiloxane films by direct laser scribing in ambient air. The produced graphene films exhibit high electrical conductivity and excellent mechanical properties and can thus be used directly as a flexible conductive layer without the need for metals. The skinlike pressure sensor with these layers exhibits ultrahigh sensitivity (∼480 kPa-1) while maintaining the fast response/relaxation time (2 μs/3 μs) and excellent cycle stability (>4000 repetitive cycles). Moreover, it can naturally attach to the skin to monitor the wrist pulse. In addition, a 7 × 7 sensor array has been fabricated, which possesses the capability to detect the spatial distribution of pressure. This device has great potential for application in epidermal electronics because of its low cost and high performance.


Effects of PYY and PP on endocrine pancreas.
Novel intestinal polypeptide YY (PYY) and pancreatic polypeptide (PP) were infused in fed anaesthetized rats. The peptides (10 and 100 pmol/kg X min) were administered during 30 min, alone, together with glucose or together with arginine. Plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin and glucagon were measured. At the dose of 10 pmol/kg X min the peptides had no effect. PP at the dose of 100 pmol/kg X min slightly augmented basal, but had no effect on stimulated insulin and glucagon release. PYY at the dose of 100 pmol/kg X min was without effect on basal insulin and glucagon levels and on glucose-induced insulin release, but exerted an inhibitory effect on arginine-induced secretion of both insulin and glucagon. It is unlikely that PYY and PP can affect secretion of insulin and glucagon via blood circulation. The potential capability of high doses of PP to affect insulin and glucagon secretion suggests that this peptide may exert direct (paracrine) effects on the pancreatic A- and B-cells.


Catechin-loaded Eudragit microparticles for the management of diabetes: formulation, characterization and in vivo evaluation of antidiabetic efficacy.
Catechin (CT) is natural molecule proved for antidiabetic activity. Clinical application of CT is highly restricted because of its low bioavailability and ineffectiveness in in vivo conditions. Therefore, the main objective of the present investigation was to formulate CT-loaded Eudragit RS 100 microparticles and evaluated for its potential against diabetes. CT microparticles showing highest entrapment efficiency of 92.3 ± 6.5% and higher percentage yield of 63.46 ± 4.3% was selected as optimised formulation. CT microparticles treated rats showed significantly lower blood glucose, cholesterol, LDL, free fatty acid and triglyceride concentrations in comparison to pristine CT-treated rats. The glucose and lipid profiles of microparticle formulation were akin to normal rats. Moreover, CT microparticles did not produce obesity even after 60 days which is a comment side effect of antidiabetic drugs. These results indicate that the CT microparticles can be applied as potential and safe carrier for the treatment of diabetes.


Comparative efficacies of amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and ampicillin-sulbactam against experimental Bacteroides fragilis-Escherichia coli mixed infections.
Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid was compared with ampicillin-sulbactam in preventing the development of mixed infections produced in mice by subcutaneous inoculation of amoxicillin-resistant strains of Bacteroides fragilis and Escherichia coli. At doses designed to produce concentrations in mouse plasma similar to those obtained in humans, both amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and ampicillin-sulbactam were effective in preventing an infection caused by B. fragilis VPI 8908 mixed with E. coli E96, both strains being susceptible in vitro to each combination. However, ampicillin-sulbactam failed to arrest the progression of infections involving a more potent beta-lactamase-producing strain, E. coli 41548, even when a comparatively low inoculum was tested. In contrast, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid therapy effectively reduced the bacterial numbers at the site of infection. These data illustrate the need to treat polymicrobial infections with agents effective against the responsible aerobic as well as anaerobic bacteria.


Severe lead toxicity attributed to bullet fragments retained in soft tissue.
A man aged 30 years presented to an emergency department with a 1 month history of severe abdominal pain, jaundice, constipation, lower extremity weakness and weight loss. A peripheral blood smear was performed that showed basophilic stippling of erythrocytes prompting a blood lead level (BLL) evaluation. The patient had a BLL of >200 µg/dL. Retained bullet fragments were identified in the left lower extremity from a previous gunshot wound 10 years prior. Lead from the excised bullet fragment was consistent with the patient's blood lead by isotope ratio analysis. This case is a rare example of a severely elevated BLL attributed to bullet fragments in soft tissue. Bullets retained in soft tissue are not often considered a risk factor for a markedly elevated BLL because they become encapsulated within the tissue over time.


The coagglutination phenomenon of Bordet and Gengou involves a reaction between antibody-aggregated fourth component of complement and a receptor on guniea pig red cells.
The coagglutination phenomenon of Bordet and Gengou has been re-investigated. Many of the original observations have been confirmed. However, the explanation of the phenomenon has been found to be more special than that offered by Bordet and Gengou, who envisaged 'entrainment; or enmeshment of guinea pig red cells by lattices formed by antibodies reacting with serum proteins. We found that, so far as human serum is concerned, coagglutination of guinea pig red cells is confined to an activity of the fourth component of complement following its reaction with antibody. The nature of the association between antibody-reacted or antibody-aggregated C4 and the receptor on the guinea pig red cells is still to be elucidated.


MCP-1 expression in endotoxin-induced uveitis.
Monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 (CCL-2) is a chemokine with chemoattractant properties for monocytes, memory T cells, natural killer cells, mast cells, and basophils. To delineate the role played by MCP-1 in acute anterior uveitis, a common ocular inflammation, MCP-1(-/-) mice and wild-type matched control mice were analyzed for the development of endotoxin-induced uveitis (EIU) in response to subcutaneous injection of a sublethal dose of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). EIU was induced in MCP-1(-/-) and wild-type control mice by a single subcutaneous injection of Salmonella typhimurium LPS endotoxin at day 0. Alternatively, MCP-1(-/-) mice were injected subcutaneously with LPS plus recombinant MCP-1 at day 0 and with recombinant MCP-1 6 hours later. Mice were killed at day 1 or 3 after injection. Serum levels of IL-1alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1alpha, MIP-2, regulated on activation normal T-cell expressed and secreted (RANTES), and MCP-1 were determined by ELISA. Eyes were collected and analyzed histologically and by RT-PCR for MCP-1, IFN-gamma, IL-6, TNF-alpha, beta-actin, MCP-5, RANTES, KC, inflammatory protein (IP)-10, and toll-like receptor (TLR)-4. EIU was strongly reduced in MCP-1(-/-) mice compared with wild-type control mice. The number of ocular inflammatory cells was significantly reduced. Moreover, intraocular IFN-gamma transcription was increased. EIU was induced in MCP-1(-/-) mice by co-administration of recombinant rat MCP-1 and LPS. Data indicate that MCP-1 plays a crucial role in the induction of EIU. MCP-1 may be a new therapeutic strategy for acute anterior uveitis.


Managing overutilization, quality of care, and sustainable health care outcomes in Oman.
The health care system in Oman is facing a major challenge in managing escalating health care costs. One of the reasons for the dramatic increase in health care cost is overutilization. This article explores the problem of overutilization in Oman and its effect on sustaining the quality of health care. A review of the literature is used to develop a comprehensive model in controlling overutilization that is more applicable to the health system in Oman. Efforts to control costs and increase quality are discussed for possible implementation.


Spatio-temporal analysis of land use dynamics and its potential indications on land surface temperature in Sokoto Metropolis, Nigeria.
Land use change is the main driving force of global environmental change and is considered as most central to various debates on sustainable development. Even though a large volume of literature materials is available on land use/land cover change for many areas, very little work has been done on land use and its implications on land surface thermal characteristics over the Sokoto area of Nigeria, despite the strategic importance of the zone, including urbanization, increased population as well as the climate in the area, which is dominated by warm harmattan wind blowing Sahara dust inland. Thus, this study aimed at investigating the implications of urban growth on temporal variations of land surface temperature (LST) using remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) techniques over Sokoto Metropolis, Nigeria between 1986 and 2016. The change detection of each land use class was carried out for each period using Landsat images obtained from the archives of the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The results revealed that the area has undergone a drastic transformation where built-up area witnessed changes at 10.77%, farmland and vegetation increased at the rate of 0.72% and 2.15%, respectively, for the period of study (1986-2016). While bare soil and water body decreased at the rate of 0.56% and 1.11%, respectively, during the study period. This shows that there exists a transformation from bare surface (desert) to vegetated surface especially between years 2009 and 2016. The LST of Sokoto Metropolis was calculated from the satellite data, and the land surface temperature of each land use class was assessed for the study period. The maximum LST of Sokoto was 30.6°C, 32.8°C and 34.6°C for 1986, 1999 and 2016, respectively. This study has revealed the existence of a positive relationship between built-up area and LST over the area. This development might be as a result of anthropogenic activities through urban growth coupled with its potential impacts on urban climate. These are intensified by constant changes of the space, causing imbalance in the interactions between surface and atmosphere which may be extensively influenced or modified by various forms of land use.


Central giant cell reparative granuloma of the ethmoids with bilateral proptosis and intracranial extension.
Central giant cell reparative granuloma is an infrequent, benign, proliferating lesion affecting the maxilla, mandible and, rarely, cranial bones. A 16-year-old girl presented with a 6-month history of recurrent nasal bleeding, a mass in the nose, difficulty in nasal breathing, a change in voice, and bilateral proptosis. Radiologically, an extensive ethmoidal mass was seen. Histologic examination revealed a central giant cell reparative granuloma. After endoscopic removal, the patient was symptom-free at the 12-month follow-up. The clinical picture of central giant cell reparative granuloma of the ethmoids is discussed, along with the differential diagnosis, histologic evaluation, appearance on computed tomography, and endoscopic management of this lesion.


[The study of relationship between platelet function and thrombus in patients with essential thrombocythaemia].
To observe the influence of the plasma thromboxane B2 (TXB2), 6-keto-PGF1alpha, CD62P and PAC-1 and Thrombus in patients with primary thrombocytosis (ET). To observe the effect of sodium ozagrel to prevent and treat thrombosis in patients with ET. The subjects including 48 patients with ET. All patients were measured the plasma TXB2, 6-keto-PGF1alpha, CD62P and PAC-1 before and after treatment with or without sodium ozagrel. The plasma levels of CD62P, PAC-1, TXB2, 6-keto-PGF1alpha and TXA2/PGI2 in the patients with ET were significantly higher than the normal people (P < 0.01). The levels of CD62P, PAC-1, TXB2, TXB2/6-keto-PGF1alpha in patients with treatment of sodium ozagrel were higher than patients without treatment of sodium ozagrel (P < 0.01). The plasma levels of CD62P, PAC-1 and TXA2/PGI2 in patients with treatment of sodium ozagrel and that in normal people had no significant distinction (P < 0.01). All the index of conventional therapy group were higher than normal people (P < 0.01) but had no significant distinction with the patients before conventional treating. The incidence of thrombus in patients treated with sodium ozagrel was lower than patients treated without sodium ozagrel (P < 0.05). With the treatment of sodium ozagrel in patients with ET, the CD62P, PAC-1, TXB2 and TXA2/PGI2 of plasma could be decreased. And the incidence of thrombus was decreased.


[The clinical value of autofluorescence bronchoscopy for precancerous lesions in operable primary lung cancer patients].
The aim of the present study is to show the role of autofluorescence bronchoscopy (AFB) compare with white light bronchoscopy (WLB) in detecting synchronous cancer and precancerous lesions in cases with operable primary lung cancer. Fourty-nine patients were included in the study. WLB findings were grouped as group 1 normal, group 2 erithema or edema, group 3 nodular lesions or mucosal abnormality. AFB findings were grouped as group 1 normal, group 2 light brownish abnormal areas, group 3 brownish abnormal areas. Biopsies were obtained from group 2 and 3 patients. In 12 (24.5%) of the patients no areas were suspected and no biopsies were taken. Twenty-six (53%) of 49 patients did not show abnormal biopsy results in any of the specimens. One (2%) patient had metaplasia, 1 (2%) patient had dysplasia, 1 (2%) patient had in situ carcinoma. The diagnostic accuracy rates for the detection of synchronous cancer and precancerous lesions using WLB and AFB were as follows respectively: sensitivity 77.8% vs. 100%; specificity 37.5% vs. 3%; positive predictive value 21.9% vs. 24.3%; negative predictive value 88.2% vs. 100%. The relative sensitivity of AFB to WLB is 1.28. This study demonstrated that, AFB is an effective method in detecting synchronous cancer and precancerous lesions because of its low specificity it is more likely to be complementary to WLB.


Relative resistance of the F-42-stabilized classical pathway C3 convertase to inactivation by C4-binding protein.
The sera of some patients with SLE contain an IgG antibody (F-42) directed against the classical pathway C3 convertase (C-42), which is capable of stabilizing C42 in a dose-dependent manner. The half-life (T 1/2) of C42 is prolonged by F-42. In order to determine whether C4-binding protein was capable of reversing stabilization of C42, stabilized and unstabilized cell-bound C42 were exposed to purified C4-bp and the convertase activity was assessed. C4-bp was capable of accelerating the decay of C42 in a dose-dependent manner; 2 microgram/ml C4-bp reduced the T 1/2 of C42 from 5 to 2.5 min at 30 degrees C. On the other hand, 16 microgram C4-bp could reverse stabilization of C42 by F-42 from T 1/2 = 78 min to a T 1/2 - 40 min; 128 microgram C4-bp reduced the T 1/2 of stabilized C42 to 4 min. Functional inactivation of C42 occurs via enhanced decay-dissociation of C2 from the convertase by C4-bp, as shown by the release of 125I-C2i from the cell-bound convertase. Stabilization of C42 by F-42 is caused by prevention of decay-dissociation of 125I-C2. F-42 was also capable of stabilizing C4oxy2 even further, as shown by prolongation of the T 1/2 of cell-bound C4 oxy2 to a T 1/2 of at least 300 min at 30 degrees C.


Diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of hypersexuality.
This article reviews the current evidence base for the diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of hypersexual conditions. Controversy concerning this diagnosis is discussed. Terminology and diagnostic criteria, as well as psychological, psychopharmacological, and other treatment approaches, are presented.


The potential role of interleukin-2 in patients with HIV infection.
Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a T cell derived cytokine that leads to a sustained expansion of the CD4+ T cell pool when given as 5-day cycles approximately every 8 weeks. An extensive series of phase I/II studies have been carried out and have leaded to the initiation of two phase III trials that are currently enrolling patients in 23 countries. Studies of the mechanisms of action have revealed that IL-2 is capable of inducing the polyclonal proliferation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, even in the absence of expression of the high affinity IL-2 receptor. While IL-2 leads to a 6-fold increase in T cell proliferation and a 2-fold increase in T cell death, the primary mechanism of action leading to expansion of the CD4+ T cell pool appears to be an increase in CD4+ T cell survival. While early work focused on the ability of IL-2 to exert these effects in patients with relatively early stages of HIV infection, more recent work, in the setting of HAART, indicates that these effects may be seen at all stages of HIV disease. The results of the phase III studies should provide an answer to the question of whether or not this is a strategy that will be of clinical benefit.


Sensitization capacity of acrylated prepolymers in ultraviolet curing inks tested in the guinea pig.
One commonly used prepolymer in ultraviolet (UV) curing inks is epoxy acrylate. Of 6 men with dermatitis contracted from UV-curing inks, 2 had positive patch test reaction to epoxy acrylate. None reacted to the chemically related bisphenol A dimethacrylate. The sensitization capacity of epoxy acrylate and bisphenol A dimethacrylate performed with the "Guinea pig maximization test" (GPM) shows epoxy acrylate to be an extreme sensitizer and bisphenol A dimethacrylate a moderate sensitizer. Cross-reaction between the two substances occurs. The epoxy resin oligomer MW 340 present in the epoxy acrylate also sensitized some animals.


EFFECTS OF EGG SIZE ON POSTLARVAL PERFORMANCE: EXPERIMENTAL EVIDENCE FROM A SEA URCHIN.
Many life-history and developmental studies of marine invertebrates assume that eggs of species with nonfeeding larvae are large because they provide materials for rapid development. Using the sea urchin Heliocidaris erythrogramma which has 400 μm eggs and nonfeeding larvae, we removed an acellular, lipid-rich component from the blastula equivalent to ca. 40% of the egg volume and ca. 50% of the organic mass. Experimentally manipulated, reduced-lipid larvae survived well, developed in the usual time (3.5 d), and high percentages of the original numbers metamorphosed into anatomically normal juveniles. Control juveniles were larger at metamorphosis, grew more, and survived longer than siblings that lacked this lipid-rich material. Moderate increases in egg size in species with nonfeeding larvae may enhance postlarval performance significantly and therefore may reflect selection on early juvenile traits. The contrasts of our results and comparable experiments with feeding larvae suggests that egg size may play fundamentally different roles in species with feeding and nonfeeding larvae. The accommodation of materials reserved for the juvenile stage should be considered among hypotheses on evolutionary modification of developmental patterns.


Physical properties of DNA in vivo as probed by the length dependence of the lac operator looping process.
Plasmid constructs containing a wild-type (O+) lac operator upstream of an operator-constitutive (Oc) lac control element exhibit a length-dependent, oscillatory pattern of repression of expression of the regulated gene as interoperator spacing is varied from 115 to 177 base pairs (bp). Both the length dependence and the periodicity of repression are consistent with a thermodynamic model involving a stable looped complex in which bidentate lac repressor interacts simultaneously with both O+ and Oc operators. The oscillatory pattern of repression with distance occurs with a period approximating the helical repeat of DNA and presumably reflects the necessity for proper alignment of interacting operators along the helical face of the DNA. In the length regime examined, the presence of the upstream operator enhances repression between 6-fold and 50-fold depending upon phasing. This reflects a torsional rigidity of DNA in vivo that is consistent with in vitro measurements. The oscillatory pattern of repression is best fit with a period of either 9.0 or 11.7 bp/cycle but not 10.5 bp/cycle. This periodicity is interpreted as reflecting the average helical repeat of the 40-bp interoperator region of plasmid DNA in vivo, suggesting that the local helical repeat of DNA in vivo may differ significantly from 10.5 bp/turn. The apparent persistence length needed to fit the data (aapp) is only one-fifth the standard in vitro value. This low value of aapp may be due in part to DNA bending induced by catabolite activator protein (CAP) bound to its site between the interacting operators.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


C/EBPalpha and C/EBPbeta are required for Sebocyte differentiation and stratified squamous differentiation in adult mouse skin.
C/EBPalpha and C/EBPbeta are bZIP transcription factors that are highly expressed in the interfollicular epidermis and sebaceous glands of skin and yet germ line deletion of either family member alone has only mild or no effect on keratinocyte biology and their role in sebocyte biology has never been examined. To address possible functional redundancies and reveal functional roles of C/EBPalpha and C/EBPbeta in postnatal skin, mouse models were developed in which either family member could be acutely ablated alone or together in the epidermis and sebaceous glands of adult mice. Acute removal of either C/EBPalpha or C/EBPbeta alone in adult mouse skin revealed modest to no discernable changes in epidermis or sebaceous glands. In contrast, co-ablation of C/EBPalpha and C/EBPbeta in postnatal epidermis resulted in disruption of stratified squamous differentiation characterized by hyperproliferation of basal and suprabasal keratinocytes and a defective basal to spinous keratinocyte transition involving an expanded basal compartment and a diminished and delayed spinous compartment. Acute co-ablation of C/EBPalpha and C/EBPbeta in sebaceous glands resulted in severe morphological defects, and sebocyte differentiation was blocked as determined by lack of sebum production and reduced expression of stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD3) and melanocortin 5 receptor (MC5R), two markers of terminal sebocyte differentiation. Specialized sebocytes of Meibomian glands and preputial glands were also affected. Our results indicate that in adult mouse skin, C/EBPalpha and C/EBPbeta are critically involved in regulating sebocyte differentiation and epidermal homeostasis involving the basal to spinous keratinocyte transition and basal cell cycle withdrawal.


Why Teachers and Learners of Medicine Need Portraiture.
Medical and especially surgical teaching stresses the importance of careful observation, developing tolerance for ambiguity, and cultivating empathy for patients' and colleagues' experiences of receiving and giving health care. Portraiture is defined by portraitist Mark Gilbert as a collaborative process between subject and artist; sitting is as critical to this process as painting or drawing. This article draws upon the second author's work with Gilbert to examine how portraiture can motivate key teaching and learning goals in health professions education by facilitating learners' explorations of their own and others' biases, limitations, and approaches to gathering information from and about a source (eg, a subject or a patient).


Isolation of an organic solvent-tolerant bacterium Bacillus licheniformis PAL05 that is able to secrete solvent-stable lipase.
In this study, seven lipase-producing bacterial strains were isolated from salt-enriched and cattle farm soil samples after incubation in toluene- and benzene-enriched media. One strain (PAL05) showed significantly greater lipase activity on spirit blue agar medium and stability in organic solvents. The positive strain (PAL05) was identified as Bacillus licheniformis by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Lipase production was optimized in a medium containing glycerol as the carbon source and Tween 80 as an inducer (0.5% glycerol+0.5% Tween 80) at pH 8.0 and a temperature of 30 °C. In addition, the enzyme was moderately halotolerant as it exhibited increased activity in the presence of 2.5% NaCl. Optimized conditions increased the lipase production threefold. Crude lipase retained its activity for 14 days of incubation in the presence of various organic solvents at a level of 25% and 50%. The enzyme was stable at 25% in most solvents; some of the solvents such as hexane, benzene, and ethanol actually stimulated enzyme activity. The organic solvent stability of the lipase produced by the strain PAL05 enables the enzyme to be used as a potential biocatalyst for ester synthesis and other applications in nonaqueous conditions.


The effect of levamisole on adjuvant arthritis in the rat.
Levamisole (LEV), an immunostimulatory agent, was studied for its effect on adjuvant disease of the rat. The drug was administered continuously according to three schedules: (a) seven days prior to immunization with complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA); (b) simultaneously with CFA; or (c) 14 days after CFA. Control animals received CFA alone, LEV alone, or were sham treated with saline. Three weekly evaluations were made, recording the general condition, weight curves, joint scores, and volume of hind paws. Whole body radiographs were made at the end of six weeks. In all experimental groups, LEV accentuated the severity of the disease as compared to animals receiving CFA alone. Within the experimental groups, an increased severity was observed with earlier administration of LEV, although the day of disease onset was not altered. Spinal involvement was less severe with each consecutive administration of LEV. These findings suggest that LEV is effective not only in restoring an impaired cellular immune response, but also in enhancing an already activated system. It seems however, that for this stimulation the timetable of LEV administration is crucial, and that continuous therapy may result in a loss of efficiency.


Dissemination of Salmonella serotypes from raw feed ingredients to chicken carcases.
During a Salmonella survey in a large integrated poultry organization it was observed that a significant correlation existed between Salmonella serotypes isolated from the raw feed ingredients and those from finished carcases. A number of serotypes hitherto unrecognized in the organization were detected in the raw feed ingredients, and were later recognized in live birds and carcases from the processing plant. It appears that a significant reduction in carcase contamination rate could be achieved by minimizing Salmonella in the meal and grain constituents of poultry feed.


Diagnostic value of cerebrospinal fluid immunoglobulin G (IgG) in pediatric neurological diseases.
A total of 71 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens with paired serum samples from 16 controls and 55 patients with various neurologic diseases ranging in age from 1 to 15 years old were studied using a rate nephelometer to measure their immunoglobulin G (IgG) and albumin levels in both their CSF and serum. The patients included 15 cases of encephalitis, 6 cases of purulent meningitis, 20 cases of aseptic meningitis, 2 cases of multiple sclerosis and 12 cases of other noninflammatory neurologic diseases. The values of the CSF IgG quotient, IgG index, and de novo central nervous system (CNS) IgG synthesis were then calculated for each subject. In the control group, the mean values were as follows: CSF IgG, 1.45 mg/dl; IgG quotient, 6.2%; IgG index, 0.55; and de novo IgG synthesis, -1.17 mg/day. Those with CNS inflammatory diseases had significantly higher CSF IgG levels and IgG quotients compared with controls (p less than 0.05). The IgG index was selectively elevated in cases of encephalitis (p less than 0.005). The values for de novo IgG synthesis showed significant increase in all types of CNS inflammatory diseases except for the group with aseptic meningitis. In the noninflammatory diseases, none of the CSF parameters revealed any significant differences from those of the control group. Six cases (40%) of encephalitis showed normal CSF protein value, but an abnormal IgG component, IgG index and de novo IgG synthesis. Quantitation of IgG and other derivatives in CSF gives a sensitive supplementary reference for the detection of CNS infection.


Synthesis and evaluation of 18F-labeled carbonic anhydrase IX inhibitors for imaging with positron emission tomography.
Two carbonic anhydrase IX (CA IX) inhibitors were radiolabeled with (18)F, and evaluated for imaging CA IX expression. Despite good affinity for CA IX and excellent plasma stability, uptake of both tracers in CA IX-expressing HT-29 tumor xenografts in mice was low. (18)F-FEC accumulated predominately in the liver and nasal cavity, whereas a significant amount of (18)F-U-104 was retained in blood. Due to minimal uptake in HT-29 tumors compared to other organs/tissues, these two tracers are not suitable for use for CA IX-targeted imaging.


[Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: from a neurodevelopmental perspective].
Neurodevelopmental disorders cover a heterogeneous group of disorders such as intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorders or specific learning difficulties, among others. The neurobiological and clinical variables seem to clearly justify the recent inclusion of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as a neurodevelopmental disorder in the international classifications. Neurodevelopmental disorders are characterised by their dimensional nature and the distribution of the different symptoms in the population. These aspects are reviewed, specifically from the perspective of the clinical features and the neuropsychology of ADHD. The dimensional symptomatic nature of ADHD contrasts with the diagnostic criteria of this disorder according to different classifications or clinical guidelines. It also contrasts with the data collected by means of different complementary examinations (scales, tests, etc.). It is essential to understand the clinical continuum within each neurodevelopmental disorder (including ADHD), among the different neurodevelopmental disorders, and among the neurodevelopmental disorders and normality for their research, diagnosis and management. The development of instruments that provide support for this dimensional component is equally significant.


Detection and genotyping of the hepatitis C RNA in tear fluid from patients with chronic hepatitis C.
Tear fluid from 51 patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection was analyzed for the presence of the hepatitis C RNA to assess the potential role of this fluid in virus transmission. HCV sequences were amplified from sera and tear fluids by nested polymerase chain reaction using primers from the 5' non coding region of the virus genome. Positive samples were genotyped by the LiPA procedures. HCV RNA was detected in 76.5% (39/51) of the sera and in 9.8% (5/51%) of the tear fluid samples. The presence of the RNA in the tear fluid was independent of the severity of the hepatitis and of the viral load as measured by the branched DNA assay. The genotypes of the tears and serum isolates were different for two patients. For another patient, the HCV RNA was positive in the tear sample but negative in the serum sample. These findings suggest that tear fluid may transmit HCV but the source of HCV RNA in this fluid needs to be better understood.


Comparison of NIDEK CATz wavefront-guided LASIK to traditional LASIK with the NIDEK CXII excimer laser in myopia.
To compare the visual and refractive outcomes in myopic LASIK between wavefront-guided and traditional treatment. The study included 162 eyes of 81 myopic patients undergoing LASIK by one surgeon. The right eye of each patient underwent customized LASIK with the NIDEK NAVEX laser system (NIDEK, Gamagori, Japan) (study group); the left eye of each patient underwent traditional LASIK with the NIDEK CXII excimer laser system (control group). No significant differences were noted in refractive error, uncorrected visual acuity, and best spectacle-corrected visual acuity after surgery between the two groups (t test, P>.05). Postoperatively, 3.7% of patients in the study group reported glare, which was significantly lower than 12.4% in the control group (chi-square test, .01<P<.05). Higher order aberrations increased after surgery in both groups, but less increase was noted in patients in the study group. A statistically significant reduction was noted in the postoperative increase of Zernike coefficients C7, C8, and C12 in the study group compared to the control group (t test, P<.05). Customized LASIK significantly reduces the rate of postoperative glare and induction of higher order aberrations compared to traditional LASIK.


[Myeloblastic myoma of the tongue].
Usually the myeloblastoma of the tongue (Abrikossoff's tumour) is a benign tumour. Two cases are reported that differ from those described in the literature in respect of findings, course and histology. Particular reference is made to the malignant nature of this tumour.


Early Identification of High-Risk Factors for Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding.
To identify simple and accurate pre-endoscopy risk factors for early identification of high-risk upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Patients who were admitted to Suzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2019, due to upper gastrointestinal bleeding were retrieved, and the detailed clinical data of the above patients were collected. Patients with a definite diagnosis of bleeding from esophageal/and gastric varices were assigned to the high-risk group. Patients with bleeding not caused by varices were divided into a high-risk and a low-risk group according to the Forrest grading and scoring standard (high-risk group Forrest Ia-IIb, low-risk group Forrest IIc-III). Univariate analysis, t-test, chi-square test, binary logistic regression, ROC curve (Receiver-operating characteristic curve), etc. were employed for analysis in order to identify some simple and accurate risk factors for high-risk upper digestion tract bleeding before endoscopy. A total of 916 patients were collected. Three risk factors among the screened risk factors (1) hemoglobin ≤ 85 g/L, (2) vomiting red blood, and (3) "red bloody stool" were analyzed by ROC curve analysis. The specificities of each factor were 78.4%, 94.5%, and 96.7%, respectively, and the sensitivities were 71.8%, 55.9%, and 23.1%, respectively. We also derived a risk prediction scoring system for the three factors that meet the high risk such as (1) hemoglobin ≤ 83 g/L, (2)vomiting red blood, and (3) "red bloody stool." The area under the ROC curve (AUROC), sensitivity, and specificity were 0.877, 0.904, and 0.746. Hemoglobin ≤ 85 g/L, vomiting red blood, and red bloody stool were included in a simple scoring standard for predicting high-risk UGIB patients before endoscopy. The new risk prediction scoring system requires only three indicators and has the advantages of high accuracy, short time-consuming, and easy application.


Novel Eye Movement Disorders in Whipple's Disease-Staircase Horizontal Saccades, Gaze-Evoked Nystagmus, and Esotropia.
Whipple's disease, a rare systemic infectious disorder, is complicated by the involvement of the central nervous system in about 5% of cases. Oscillations of the eyes and the jaw, called oculo-masticatory myorhythmia, are pathognomonic of the central nervous system involvement but are often absent. Typical manifestations of the central nervous system Whipple's disease are cognitive impairment, parkinsonism mimicking progressive supranuclear palsy with vertical saccade slowing, and up-gaze range limitation. We describe a unique patient with the central nervous system Whipple's disease who had typical features, including parkinsonism, cognitive impairment, and up-gaze limitation; but also had diplopia, esotropia with mild horizontal (abduction more than adduction) limitation, and vertigo. The patient also had gaze-evoked nystagmus and staircase horizontal saccades. Latter were thought to be due to mal-programmed small saccades followed by a series of corrective saccades. The saccades were disconjugate due to the concurrent strabismus. Also, we noted disconjugacy in the slow phase of gaze-evoked nystagmus. The disconjugacy of the slow phase of gaze-evoked nystagmus was larger during monocular viewing condition. We propose that interaction of the strabismic drifts of the covered eyes and the nystagmus drift, putatively at the final common pathway might lead to such disconjugacy.


Short intramolecular hydrogen bonds: derivatives of malonaldehyde with symmetrical substituents.
A systematic study of various derivatives of malonaldehyde has been carried out to explore very short hydrogen bonds (r(OO) < 2.450 A). Various electron-withdrawing groups, including CN, NO(2), and BH(2), have been attached to the central carbon atom, C(2). To C(1) and C(3), strong electron donors and/or sterically hindered substituents were used to strengthen the intramolecular hydrogen bond, including but not limited to NH(2), N(CH(3))(2), and C(CH(3))(3). Seven molecules (Figure 2 ) were found to have extremely short intramolecular hydrogen bonds. The chemical systems investigated are intriguing due to their low energetic barriers for the intramolecular hydrogen atom transfers. Classical barriers were predicted using correlated methods including second-order perturbation theory and coupled cluster theory in conjunction with the Dunning hierarchy of correlation consistent basis sets, cc-pVXZ (X = D, T, Q, 5). Focal point analyses allowed for the barriers to be evaluated at the CBS limit including core correlation and zero-point vibrational energy corrections. B3LYP energies are benchmarked against highly accurate correlated energies for intramolecular hydrogen bonded systems. The focal point extrapolated method, including coupled cluster full triple excitation contributions, gives a hydrogen transfer barrier for malonaldehyde of approximately 4 kcal mol(-1). We describe two compounds with extremely low classical barriers, nitromalonamide (0.43 kcal mol(-1)) and 2-borylmalonamide (0.60 kcal mol(-1)). An empirical relationship was drawn between the B3LYP energetic barriers and the predicted coupled cluster barriers at the CBS limit. By relating these two quantities, barrier heights may be estimated for systems too large to presently use highly correlated electronic structure methods.


Biodegradable nanoparticles for improved kidney bioavailability of rhein: preparation, characterization, plasma, and kidney pharmacokinetics.
The aim of this work is to develop biodegradable nanoparticles for improved kidney bioavailability of rhein (RH). RH-loaded nanoparticles were prepared using an emulsification solvent evaporation method and fully characterized by several techniques. Kidney pharmacokinetics was assessed by implanting a microdialysis probe in rat's kidney cortex. Blood samples were simultaneously collected (via femoral artery) for assessing plasma pharmacokinetics. Optimized nanoparticles were small, with a mean particle size of 132.6 ± 5.95 nm, and homogeneously dispersed. The charge on the particles was nearly zero, the encapsulation efficiency was 62.71 ± 3.02%, and the drug loading was 1.56 ± 0.15%. In vitro release of RH from the nanoparticles showed an initial burst release followed by a sustained release. Plasma and kidney pharmacokinetics showed that encapsulation of RH into nanoparticles significantly increased its kidney bioavailability (AUCkidney/AUCplasma = 0.586 ± 0.072), clearly indicating that nanoparticles are a promising strategy for kidney drug delivery.


Renal function, uraemia and early arteriovenous fistula failure.
Guidance varies regarding the optimal timing of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) creation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between uraemia, haemodialysis and early AVF failure. Immunoblotting and cell proliferation assays were performed on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSM) cells isolated from long saphenous vein samples to evaluate the cells' ability to proliferate when stimulated with uraemic (post-dialysis) and hyperuraemic (pre-dialysis) serum. Clinical data was collected prospectively for 569 consecutive radiocephalic (RCF) and brachiocephalic (BCF) fistulae. The primary outcome was AVF failure at 6 weeks. Dialysis status (haemodialysis (HD); pre-dialysis (Pre-D)), eGFR and serum urea were evaluated to determine if they affected early AVF failure. Human VSM cells demonstrated increased capacity to proliferate when stimulated with hyperuraemic serum. There was no significant difference in early failure rate of either RCF or BCF depending on dialysis status (pre-D RCF 31.4% (n=188); pre-D BCF 22.4% (n=165); HD RCF 29.3% (n=99); HD BCF 25.9% (n=116); p=0.34). There was no difference in mean eGFR between those patients with early AVF failure and those without (11.2+/-0.2 ml/min/1.73 m2 vs. 11.6+/-0.4 ml/min/1.73 m2; p=0.47). Uraemia was associated with early AVF failure (serum urea: 35.0+/-0.7 mg/dl vs. 26.6+/-0.3 mg/dl (p<0.001)). We present the first in vivo evidence of an association between adverse early AVF outcomes and uraemia. This is supported mechanistically by in vitro work demonstrating a pro-mitogenic effect of hyperuraemic serum. We hypothesise that uraemia-driven upregulation of VSM cell proliferation at the site of surgical insult in contributes to higher early AVF failure rates.


The sirtuin family in cancer.
Sirtuins are a family of protein deacylases and ADP-ribosyl-transferases, homologs to the yeast SIR2 protein. Seven sirtuin paralogs have been described in mammals, with different subcellular locations, targets, enzymatic activities, and regulatory mechanisms. All sirtuins share NAD+ as substrate, placing them as central metabolic hubs with strong relevance in lifespan, metabolism, and cancer development. Much effort has been devoted to studying the roles of sirtuins in cancer, providing a wealth of data on sirtuins roles in mouse models and humans. Also, extensive data are available on the effects of pharmacological modulation of sirtuins in cancer development. Here, we present a comprehensive and organized resume of all the existing evidence linking every sirtuin with cancer development. From our analysis, we conclude that sirtuin modulation after tumor initiation results in unpredictable outcomes in most tumor types. On the contrary, all genetic and pharmacological models indicate that sirtuins activation prior to tumor initiation can constitute a powerful preventive strategy.


Computer assisted telephone interviewing (CATI) for health surveys in public health surveillance: methodological issues and challenges ahead.
This article describes methodological issues, challenges, and a vision for using computer assisted telephone interviewing (CATI) in a comprehensive public health surveillance system in the 21st century. Methodological issues include funding of surveys, survey frequency, sample size considerations, response rates, and types of bias to be considered in questionnaire design. Challenges include the recognition of the merits and limitations of CATI, and the potential for greater use in surveillance of public health issues in health regions requiring rapid and regular data. The vision of a CATI survey-based, rapid, flexible, cost-effective public health surveillance system is described. It is concluded that further discussion and views on improvements with regard to CATI methodological and practical issues will help build a better CATI survey-based public health surveillance system for the future.


Synergy as a rationale for phage therapy using phage cocktails.
Where phages are used to treat bacterial contaminations and infections, multiple phages are typically applied at once as a cocktail. When two or more phages in the cocktail attack the same bacterium, the combination may produce better killing than any single phage (synergy) or the combination may be worse than the best single phage (interference). Synergy is of obvious utility, especially if it can be predicted a priori, but it remains poorly documented with few examples known. This study addresses synergy in which one phage improves adsorption by a second phage. It first presents evidence of synergy from an experimental system of two phages and a mucoid E. coli host. The synergy likely stems from a tailspike enzyme produced by one of the phages. We then offer mathematical models and simulations to understand the dynamics of synergy and the enhanced magnitude of bacterial control possible. The models and observations complement each other and suggest that synergy may be of widespread utility and may be predictable from easily observed phenotypes.


[Surgery for children and adolescents. Post-operative phase].
The authors explain the third and last phase in the surgical process, the post-operative phase. The authors propose a standardized model of nursing care for children and adolescents. The third and last phase in the surgical process commences at the moment the child arrives in the recovery room and lasts until he/she is released from the hospital. This phase includes the treatment applied in the recovery room and later in a hospital ward or in the child's home. The authors use the Gordon Functional Health Patterns. Special emphasis is given to the perception-management health pattern, the nutritional-metabolic pattern, the elimination pattern, the exercise-activity pattern, and the cognitive-perception pattern. Of special importance is the vigilance during the first post-operative hours, as well as the child's parenteral nutrition or total parenteral nutrition, TPN, and the evaluation of pain according to the age of the child. The authors select the NANDA (North American Nursing Diagnosis Association) Nursing Diagnoses which appear most frequently in this post-operative phase.


Supramolecular semifluorinated dendrons glued by weak hydrogen-bonds.
H-Bonded semifluorinated dendritic polymer networks are generated by association of macromolecules, driven by the weak diaminopyridine (DAP) and thymine (THY) couple. Solvent-dependent morphologies are observed: a continuous film structure when drop-cast from tetrahydrofuran (THF) solution or uniform nanoparticles with a diameter of ∼50 nm in toluene.


Perioperative thrombosis prophylaxis with low molecular weight heparins in elective hip surgery. Clinical and economic considerations.
A review and meta analysis of randomized prophylaxis studies in total hip arthroplasty (THA) surgery with the low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) compounds presently marketed in Europe. Thromboprophylaxis with recommended dosages of LMWH was significantly more effective than both placebo (no prophylaxis), dextran 70 and low-dose unfractionated heparin (UH) (5,000 IU thrice daily) in terms of protection against objectively diagnosed deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is the main source of postoperative pulmonary embolism. The efficacy of LMWH was similar to that of adjusted-dose UH but only 2 studies have been conducted with this regimen so far. When combined with 0.5 mg dihydroergotamine (DHE), UH was as effective as LMWH, but DHE bears a definite risk of circulatory disturbances in the lower limbs. In all studies LMWH prophylaxis was safe under the clinical conditions. A cost-effectiveness analysis based on the reported efficacy and safety of LMWH in the European studies showed that, compared with no prophylaxis, dextran 70, and low-dose UH, LMWH prophylaxis used routinely in patients undergoing THA is more profitable for the health care system due to fewer expenses used on treatment of postoperative thromboembolic complications. LMWH therefore leads to better utilization of the economic resources.


[Vitreomacular adhesion in HD-OCT images in the age-related macular degeneration].
The aim of this study was to evaluate an incidence of the vitreomacular adhesion in patients with age-related macular degeneration. We examined 472 eyes in 241 patients (136 W/ 105 M) in age of 54-92 years (mean 62.6 years +/- 8.5) with dry or wet age-related macular degeneration using Cirrus HD-OCT (Zeiss) macular cube 512x128 program or 5-line pro-gram. Vitreomacular adhesion was observed in 139 eyes with dry age-related macular degeneration (29.4%, p=0.000*), in 101 eyes with drusen (21.4%, p=0.000*), in 38 eyes with retinal pigment epithelium alterations (8%, p=0.202), in 278 eyes with wet age-related macular degeneration (58.9%, p=0.001*), in 21 eyes with pigment epithelial detachment (4.4%, p=0.303), in 161 eyes with choroidal neovascularzation (34. 1%, p=0.031*/ and in 96 eyes with scar (20.4%, p=0.040*). Probably, vitreomacular adhesion alone is not able to induce age-related macular degeneration, but it may be associated with choroidal neovascularization development, it can contribute to exudate formation and choroidal neovascularization, it may induces or sustains a chronic low-grade inflammation in the macula region.


The N-terminal region of serum amyloid A3 protein activates NF-κB and up-regulates MUC2 mucin mRNA expression in mouse colonic epithelial cells.
Serum amyloid A (SAA) is the major acute-phase protein and a precursor of amyloid A (AA) in AA amyloidosis in humans and animals. SAA isoforms have been identified in a wide variety of animals, such as SAA1, SAA2, SAA3, and SAA4 in mouse. Although the biological functions of SAA isoforms are not completely understood, recent studies have suggested that SAA3 plays a role in host defense. Expression of SAA3 is increased on the mouse colon surface in the presence of microbiota in vivo, and it increases mRNA expression of mucin 2 (MUC2) in murine colonic epithelial cells in vitro, which constitutes a protective mucus barrier in the intestinal tract. In this study, to identify responsible regions in SAA3 for MUC2 expression, recombinant murine SAA1 (rSAA1), rSAA3, and rSAA1/3, a chimera protein constructed with mature SAA1 (amino acids 1-36) and SAA3 (amino acids 37-103), and vice versa for rSAA3/1, were added to murine colonic epithelial CMT-93 cells, and the mRNA expressions of MUC2 and cytokines were measured. Inhibition assays with NF-κB inhibitor or TLR4/MD2 inhibitor were also performed. Up-regulation of MUC2 mRNA expression was strongly stimulated by rSAA3 and rSAA3/1, but not by rSAA1 or rSAA1/3. Moreover, NF-κB and TLR4/MD2 inhibitors suppressed the increase of MUC2 mRNA expression. These results suggest that the major responsible region for MUC2 expression exists in amino acids 1-36 of SAA3, and that up-regulations of MUC2 expression by SAA3 and SAA3/1 are involved with activation of NF-κB via the TLR4/MD2 complex.


Unpalatable Truths: Food and Drink as Medicine in Colonial British India.
This article considers the significance of eating and drinking within a series of diaries and journals produced in British colonial India during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. The discussion of food and drink in this context was not simply a means to add color or compelling detail to these accounts, but was instead a vital ingredient of the authors' understanding of health and medical treatment. These texts suggest a broader colonial medical understanding of the importance of regulating diet to maintain physical health. Concern with food, and the lack thereof, was understandably a key element in diaries, and in the eyewitness accounts kept by British soldiers, doctors, and civilians during the rebellion. At a narrative level, mention of food also functioned as a trope serving to increase dramatic tension and to capture an imagery of fortitude. In references to drink, by contrast, these sources reveal a conflict between professional and lay opinions regarding the use of alcohol as part of medical treatment. The accounts show the persistent use of alcohol both for medicinal and restorative purposes, despite growing social and medical anxieties over its ill-effects on the body. Close examination of these references to food and drink reflect the quotidian habits, social composition, and the extent of professional and lay knowledge of health and medicine in colonial British India.


[Early and intermediate results of conservatively and surgically treated lateral clavicular fractures].
Between 1986 and 1988 67 patients with distal clavicular fracture were treated at the trauma hospital in Innsbruck. Depending on type of fracture conservative treatment (using a spica or other bandages) was performed in those cases without dislocation. Operation was necessary if coracoclavicular ligament was ruptured and dislocation of the distal clavicular end was found in X-rays. The most common practice was the use of K-wires and wire-loops. Plate fixation was necessary in one case of delayed fracture healing. No pseudarthrosis was seen in X-rays, mobility of the shoulder girdle was good and symptoms of pain were rare.


Posterior segment ocular manifestations of HIV/AIDS patients.
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has the ability to affect any organ in the body. In 70% of HIV -infected patients ocular manifestations were observed, these, in the vast majority reflect the systemic disease and may be the first signs of disseminated infections. The purpose of this paper is to determine the prevalence of posterior segment ocular manifestations in HIV / AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) patients. The study is retrospective, conducted in the Cabinet of Ophthalmology of "Matei Bals" Infectious Diseases Hospital in Bucharest, during the period 1 August 2007 - 1 August 2013 . Each patient was examined thoroughly at the biomicroscope ocular slit by using 90D microscope lens and 20D indirect lens after the administration of topical mydriatics. 348 patients with HIV/AIDS and ocular disorders were followed. There was a high number of children and young people with HIV who had eye disorders (194 patients aged between 14 and 25 years). 44.25% of patients had posterior segment ocular damage, 17.55% of them had the anterior segment affected. 22.90% of the 131 patients with compromised posterior segment microangiopathy have been diagnosed with HIV / AIDS. Doctors should be aware of the existence of ocular damage in HIV / AIDS and to emphasize the importance of regular ophthalmologic examination of patients with HIV / AIDS.


Proteoglycan synthesis and deposition in fetal rat bone.
A pulse-labeling approach has been used to study proteoglycan metabolism in fetal rat bone. Pregnant rats were injected with [35S]sulfate and sacrificed 6, 24, or 48 h later. Fetal calvaria were dissected and extracted sequentially with 4 M guanidine hydrochloride and 4 M guanidine hydrochloride/0.5 M ( ethylenedinitrilo )tetraacetic acid (EDTA). With time after injection, the proportion of total incorporated radioactivity decreased in the guanidine pool (corresponding to nonmineralized bone and associated soft tissues) and increased in the guanidine/EDTA pool (mineralized bone). Chromatographic analysis of the proteoglycan species present in these pools after different labeling times indicated that three species of proteoglycan are synthesized in fetal rat calvaria. A large chondroitin sulfate (CS) proteoglycan and a smaller dermatan sulfate (DS) proteoglycan are located in the nonmineralized compartment. A CS proteoglycan similar in size to the DS proteoglycan is initially present in the nonmineralized bone but subsequently is located in the mineralized matrix. A fraction of the small CS proteoglycan is strongly associated with collagen.


[Interventricular communication caused by nonpenetrating injury of the thorax].
Previously fatal in the majority of cases, traumatic interventricular communications are now curable by surgery. This is illustrated by the case described here of a 20 year old man. 62 other cases were found in the literature. A systolic murmur is the essential feature in diagnosis but it may be discovered some time after the accident. The demonstration of cardiomegaly has less diagnostic significance than ECG signs suggestive of an infarction. Haemodynamic studies are essential to confirm the diagnosis and to provide an accurate assessment of the lesion. The spontaneous course is serious since death results in two thirds of cases. Surgery is indicated, other than in well tolerated forms with a minimal shunt. The approach used has almost always been right cardiotomy. However, incision of the left ventricle offers better visibility of the lesions which may be masked by the papillary muscles when a right-sided approach is adopted. This was used in the present case with an excellent result since the patient was able to continue the military career for which he had opted.


Induction of anesthesia with propofol in urological outpatient surgery.
Propofol (Diprivan) in a new formulation, a short-acting intravenous anesthetic, was used as an induction agent for short urological procedures. Forty unpremedicated patients were treated with either propofol or thiopental in a randomized study. The onset of anesthesia and duration of apneic period were prolonged and the decrease in systolic blood pressure was more profound in the propofol group. Heart rate was less stable and recovery time was longer in the thiopental group. Other parameters, such as quality of anesthesia, acceptability of the drug or rate of side effects, were similar in both groups. These results suggest that propofol in a new formulation is a suitable agent for short urological procedures in outpatient surgery.


Postischemic sevoflurane offers no additional neuroprotective benefit to preischemic dexmedetomidine.
We designed this study to determine whether a combination of dexmedetomidine and sevoflurane postconditioning provides additive neuroprotection in a rat model of transient global cerebral ischemia. Forty rats were randomly allocated to 4 groups. Control group (group C, n=10) received no treatment. Dexmedetomidine group (group D, n=10) received dexmedetomidine of 100 μg/kg intraperitoneally 30 minutes before ischemia. Sevoflurane postconditioning group (group P, n=10) underwent 2 sevoflurane inhalations after ischemia. Each inhalation consisted of 5 minutes of 2.5% sevoflurane and a subsequent washout time of 10 minutes. Sevoflurane postconditioning plus dexmedetomidine group (group PD, n=10) received received dexmedetomidine and 2 sevoflurane inhalations 30 minutes before ischemia and after ischemia, respectively. In all the groups, ischemia was induced by a bilateral common carotid artery occlusion plus hemorrhagic hypotension and was maintained for 8 minutes. Histologic outcomes and apoptosis-related proteins were measured 7 days after ischemia in the CA1 area of the rat hippocampus. Groups D, P, and PD contained more viable cells and less apoptotic cells in the hippocampal CA1 area than group C (P<0.01). There was a significant difference in the Bax and Bcl-2 expression between group C and other groups (P<0.05). But the number of viable and apoptotic cells, and the Bax and Bcl-2 expression were not statistically different between group D or P and group PD. A combination of preischemic dexmedetomidine and sevoflurane postconditioning provides no additional neuroprotective benefit over preischemic dexmedetomidine or sevoflurane postconditioning alone.


Impact of oxidative and osmotic stresses on Candida albicans biofilm formation.
Candida albicans possesses an ability to grow under different host-driven stress conditions by developing robust protective mechanisms. In this investigation the focus was on the impact of osmotic (2M NaCl) and oxidative (5 mM H2O2) stress conditions during C. albicans biofilm formation. Oxidative stress enhanced extracellular DNA secretion into the biofilm matrix, increased the chitin level, and reduced virulence factors, namely phospholipase and proteinase activity, while osmotic stress mainly increased extracellular proteinase and decreased phospholipase activity. Fourier transform infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy analysis of mannan isolated from the C. albicans biofilm cell wall revealed a decrease in mannan content and reduced β-linked mannose moieties under stress conditions. The results demonstrate that C. albicans adapts to oxidative and osmotic stress conditions by inducing biofilm formation with a rich exopolymeric matrix, modulating virulence factors as well as the cell wall composition for its survival in different host niches.


Comparative study of vulva and abdominal skin microbiota of healthy females with high and average BMI.
Obesity is known to modulate human health in a number of ways including altering the microbiome of the gut. Very few studies have examined the how obesity may affect the microbiomes of sites distant to the gut. We hypothesized that vulva and abdominal skin may be especially susceptible to body mass index (BMI)-induced alterations in biophysical properties and the microbiome due increased maceration and skin folds at those sites. The aim of this study was to determine if high BMI (≥30) was associated with alterations in the biophysical properties and microbiomes of vulva and abdominal skin. The vulvar microbial communities of healthy reproductive-aged females were examined using 16S rRNA sequencing techniques. Our results show that vulvar pH of women with high body mass index (BMI) was statistically higher than that of women with average BMI. Phylogenetic analysis of the vulvar microbiota indicated that women with average BMI have a predominately Lactobacillus-dominated flora, whereas women with high BMI and higher pH were predominately colonized by Finegoldia and Corynebacterium. This BMI-associated shift in microbiota was not observed in samples collected from the exposed skin around the belly, indicating the effect is not global. These results indicate that physiological changes associated with changes in BMI may modulate the vulva microbiome.


Vibrationally excited hydroxyl tagging velocimetry.
A new molecular-based velocity method is developed for high-temperature flame gases based on the hydroxyl tagging velocimetry (HTV) technique. In vibrationally excited HTV (VE-HTV), two photons from a KrF laser (248 nm) dissociate H2O into a tag line of vibrationally excited OH (v=1). The excited state OH tag is selectively detected in a background of naturally occurring ground state OH (v=0). In atmospheric pressure laboratory burners, the OH (v=1) tag persists for 5-10 μs, allowing single-shot velocity measurements along a 2 cm line under lean, stoichiometric, and rich flame conditions with temperatures reaching 2300 K. Mean velocity measurements are demonstrated in a lean (ϕ=0.78) premixed H2/air turbulent flame (Re=26,550) laboratory flame. The VE-HTV method is best suited to measure high-speed velocities in hot combustion environments in the presence of background OH.


Efficacy of oxcarbazepine for prophylaxis against cumulative oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy.
We conducted a randomized, open-label, controlled trial to assess the efficacy of oxcarbazepine for prophylaxis against oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy (OxIN). Thirty-two patients with colon cancer received 12 courses of the FOLFOX-4 regimen and were randomly assigned to receive oxcarbazepine (600 mg BID) or chemotherapy without oxcarbazepine. The incidence of OxIN was strikingly decreased in patients receiving oxcarbazepine (31.2% vs 75%). Oxcarbazepine may prevent OxIN symptoms. Further larger placebo-controlled trials are warranted to confirm our results.


Local control of prostate cancer with radiotherapy: frequency and prognostic significance of positive results of postirradiation prostate biopsy.
The best available data indicate that, although it is imperfect, the postirradiation biopsy performed at a sufficient interval after radiotherapy can provide accurate prognostic information useful in the determination of the success or failure of radiotherapy in an individual patient as well as the measurement of overall efficacy of any particular radiotherapeutic regimen. Needle biopsy of the prostate was performed routinely in 510 patients with clinical stage A2, B, or C1 prostate cancer treated with a combination of radioactive gold seed implantation and external-beam irradiation. Of the 140 patients who had one or more needle biopsies performed 6-36 months after completion of radiotherapy, who had no evidence of local recurrence or distant metastases at the time of biopsy, and who had received no hormonal therapy before documented recurrence of the tumor, 45 (32%) had one or more biopsies positive for cancer. The frequency of positive biopsy results correlated significantly with the size of the local tumor but not with the grade. The correlation between biopsy results and the eventual development of recurrence was highly significant. If any biopsy was positive, 60% of the patients eventually developed local recurrence; if all biopsies were negative, only 19% developed local recurrence during the period of follow-up. The poor prognosis associated with a positive biopsy result was found within almost every subset of stage, grade, or nodal status examined although the results varied because of the small number of patients in some groups.


Attenuated total reflection fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectral discrimination of brain tumour severity from serum samples.
Gliomas are the most frequent primary brain tumours in adults with over 9,000 people diagnosed each year in the UK. A rapid, reagent-free and cost-effective diagnostic regime using serum spectroscopy would allow for rapid diagnostic results and for swift treatment planning and monitoring within the clinical environment. We report the use of ATR-FTIR spectral data combined with a RBF-SVM for the diagnosis of gliomas (high-grade and low-grade) from non-cancer with sensitivities and specificities on average of 93.75 and 96.53% respectively. The proposed diagnostic regime has the ability to reduce mortality and morbidity rates.


Characterization of key aroma-active sulfur-containing compounds in Chinese Laobaigan Baijiu by gas chromatography-olfactometry and comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with sulfur chemiluminescence detection.
Volatile sulfur-containing compounds (VSCs) often exist at extremely low concentrations, making them difficult to be determined. The VSCs in Laobaigan (LBG) Baijiu were analyzed by headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) coupled with GC × GC-SCD, by which 12 VSCs were identified. Among the 65 odor-active compounds that were determined by GC-O with the aid of aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA), benzenemethanethiol and 2-methyl-3-furanthiol were found to possess the highest FD values of 6561. The limits of detection (LODs) of the identified VSCs determined by GC × GC-SCD were found to be extremely low at 0.05-1.53 ng/L, with their analytical recoveries from 85% to 116%. The VSCs in the LBG samples were determined in a range of concentrations from 0.77 ± 0.02 µg/L to 60.04 ± 2.32 µg/L. Benzenemethanethiol, dimethyl trisulfide, 2-methyl-3-furanthiol and 2-furfurylthiol exhibited odor activity values (OAVs) > 100 and significantly contributed to the overall aroma of LBG Baijiu.


Serum disposition of sertraline, N-desmethylsertraline and paroxetine: a pharmacokinetic evaluation of repeated drug concentration measurements during 6 months of treatment for major depression.
Sertraline and paroxetine are frequently prescribed SSRIs for long-term treatment of major depression. Nevertheless, continuous follow-ups of drug concentrations prevailing in patients during the whole treatment period are not available. Hence, in a large phase IV clinical trial, a total of 353 patients with major depression were enrolled for a 6-month comparison of sertraline (50-150 mg daily) and paroxetine (20-60 mg daily). The present study reports the pharmacokinetic results of up to eight serum samples per patient. 1. A profound variability was found in the interindividual steady state and trough serum levels of sertraline, desmethylsertraline and paroxetine: the coefficient of variation (CV) was 59% for sertraline, 51% for desmethylsertraline, 27% for the ratio desmethylsertraline/sertraline (50 mg/day), and 71% for paroxetine (20 mg/day). The intraindividual CV for the ratio desmethylsertraline/sertraline was only 19%, indicating intraindividual metabolizing stability over time. Both sertraline and paroxetine displayed sex differences in the dose-concentration correlation. 2. It was possible to predict sertraline, but not paroxetine, steady state levels. 3. The terminal elimination t(1/2) for both drugs after 6 months of treatments was similar to data previously reported from short-term withdrawal studies. 4. No correlation between serum drug concentrations and clinical effect was detected for either sertraline or paroxetine. For the future, continuous efforts are warranted to perform PK investigations in the natural clinical setting in which the drugs are usually prescribed.


Lateral and dorsal column hyperintensity on magnetic resonance imaging in a patient with myelopathy associated with intrathecal chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy-related myelopathy mimicking subacute combined degeneration (SCD) has rarely been reported. We encountered a 35-year-old female with sensory ataxia after intrathecal chemotherapy. Spinal magnetic resonance imaging showed localized abnormal signal areas in the lateral and dorsal white matter, mimicking SCD. Diffusion imaging showed restricted water diffusion and increased microstructural complexity, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed increased levels of myelin basic proteins, indicating demyelinating myelopathy. Advanced diffusion imaging can provide more information on the microstructure of chemotherapy-related myelopathy.


Constructing carbon-coated Fe₃O₄ microspheres as antiacid and magnetic support for palladium nanoparticles for catalytic applications.
Fe₃O₄ microsphere is a good candidate as support for catalyst because of its unique magnetic property and large surface area. Coating Fe₃O₄ microspheres with other materials can protect them from being dissolved in acid solution or add functional groups on their surface to adsorb catalyst. In this paper, a carbon layer was coated onto Fe₃O₄ microspheres by hydrothermal treatment using polyethylene glycol as the connecting agents between glucose and Fe₃O₄ spheres. Through tuning the added amounts of reactants, the thickness of the carbon layer could be well-controlled. Because of the abundant reductive groups on the surface of carbon layer, noble metal ions could be easily adsorbed and in situ reduced to nanoparticles (6-12 nm). The prepared catalyst not only had unique antiacid and magnetic properties, but also exhibited a higher catalytic activity toward the reduction of methyl orange than commercially used Pd/C catalyst.


Prenatal Detection of PIK3CA-related Overgrowth Spectrum in Cultured Amniocytes Using Long-range PCR and Next-generation Sequencing.
Mutations in PIK3CA are associated with overgrowth spectrum disorders including excessive growth in some areas of the body and the central nervous system. Alterations in PIK3CA occur as somatic, postzygotic events and confer a mosaic genotype with variability in phenotypic expression being commonly observed. We describe the second reported prenatal diagnosis of a PIK3CA-related overgrowth spectrum disorder. The prenatal ultrasound features in this case enabled the presumptive, prospective diagnosis to be made which was then confirmed by genetic testing. Subsequent parental testing for mutations in PIK3CA demonstrated normal genotypes. Identification of this mutation prenatally enabled prospective information to be provided to the family and facilitated multidisciplinary perinatal management.


Dominant role for calpain in thromboxane-induced neuromicrovascular endothelial cytotoxicity.
Thromboxane A(2) (TXA(2)) is an important lipid mediator generated during oxidative stress and implicated in ischemic neural injury. This autacoid was recently shown to partake in this injury process by directly inducing endothelial cytotoxicity. We explored the mechanisms for this TXA(2)-evoked neural microvascular endothelial cell death. Stable TXA(2) mimetics 5-heptenoic acid, 7-[6-(3-hydroxy-1-octenyl)-2-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-yl]-[1R-[1alpha,4alpha,5beta(Z),6alpha,(1E,3S)]]-9,11-dedioxy-9alpha,11alpha-methanolpoxy (U-46619) [as well as [1S-[1alpha,2alpha(Z),3beta(1E,3S(*)),4alpha]]-7-[3-[3-hydroxy-4-(4-iodophenoxy)-1-butenyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.1.1]-hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid; I-BOP] induced a retinal microvascular degeneration in rat pups in vivo and in porcine retinal explants ex vivo and death of porcine brain endothelial cells (in culture). TXA(2) dependence of these effects was corroborated by antagonism using the selective TXA(2) receptor blocker (-)-6,8-difluoro-9-p-methyl-sulfonyl-benzyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrocarbazol-1-yl-acetic acid (L670596). In all cases, neurovascular endothelial cell death was prevented by pan-calpain and specific m-calpain inhibitors but not by caspase-3 or pan-caspase inhibitors. Correspondingly, TXA(2) (mimetics) augmented generation of known active m-calpain (but not mu-calpain) form and increased the activity of m-calpain (cleavage of fluorogenic substrate N-succinyl-Leu-Leu-Val-Tyr-7-amino-4-methylcoumarin; and of alpha-spectrin into specific fragments) but not of pan-caspase or specific caspase-3 (respectively, using sulforhodamine-Val-Arg-Asp-fluoromethyl ketone and detecting its active 17- and 12-kDa fragments). Interestingly, these effects were phospholipase C (PLC)-dependent [associated with increase in inositol triphosphate and inhibited by PLC blocker 1-[6-[[17beta-methoxyestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-yl]amino]hexyl]-1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione (U73122)] and required calcium but were not associated with increased intracellular calcium. U-46619-induced calpain activation resulted in translocation of Bax to the mitochondria, loss of polarization of the latter (using potentiometric probe 5,5',6,6'-tetrachloro-1,1',3,3'-tetraethylbenzimidazolyl-carbocyanine iodide; JC-1) and in turn release of cytochrome c into the cytosol and depletion of cellular ATP; these effects were all blocked by calpain inhibitors. Overall, this work identifies (specifically) m-calpain as a dominant protease in TXA(2)-induced neurovascular endothelial cell death.


Freshness evaluation of refreshing creams: influence of two types of peppermint oil and emulsion formulation.
The aim of the present work was to study the influence of emulsion composition and two types of peppermint oil (common and dementholated) on freshness perception (skin feel) of refreshing creams, as evaluated by trained assessors and two consumer panels. Both common peppermint oil (PO) and dementholated peppermint oil (DPO) were added in a 1% concentration to two base emulsions formulated with high (emulsion A) and low (emulsion B) concentration of apolar components. The samples' freshness was evaluated by a panel of trained assessors and by consumers. Results showed that the freshness sensation was higher when formulation B was considered, which indicates that its low proportion of apolar components might have enhanced peppermint oil liberation and penetration into the skin, increasing freshness perception. On the other hand, no significant differences in freshness intensity after 5 min of application were found between creams formulated containing DPO or PO, suggesting that other components different from menthol might have contributed to the immediate perception of freshness. Results from the present work showed that emulsion formulation has a great effect on freshness perception, suggesting that different formulations should be considered and tested when developing refreshing cosmetics.


Grand canonical Monte Carlo simulation study of capillary condensation between nanoparticles.
Capillary condensation at the nanoscale differs from condensation in the bulk phase, because it is a strong function of surface geometry and gas-surface interactions. Here, the effects of geometry on the thermodynamics of capillary condensation at the neck region between nanoparticles are investigated via a grand canonical Monte Carlo simulation using a two-dimensional lattice gas model. The microscopic details of the meniscus formation on various surface geometries are examined and compared with results of classical macromolecular theory, the Kelvin equation. We assume that the system is composed of a lattice gas and the surfaces of two particles are approximated by various shapes. The system is modeled on the basis of the molecular properties of the particle surface and lattice gas in our system corresponding to titania nanoparticles and tetraethoxy orthosilicate molecules, respectively. This system was chosen in order to reasonably emulate our previous experimental results for capillary condensation on nanoparticle surfaces. Qualitatively, our simulation results show that the specific geometry in the capillary zone, the surface-surface distance, and the saturation ratio are important for determining the onset and broadening of the liquid meniscus. The meniscus height increases continuously as the saturation ratio increases and the meniscus broadens faster above the saturation ratio of 0.90. The change of the radius of curvature of the particle surface affects the dimensions of the capillary zone, which drives more condensation in narrow zones and less condensation in wide zones. The increase of surface-surface distance results in the decrease of the meniscus height or even the disappearance of the meniscus entirely at lower saturation ratios. These effects are significant at the nanoscale and must be carefully considered in order to develop predictive relationships for meniscus height as a function of saturation conditions.


Susceptibility testing of clinically isolated anaerobic bacteria by an agar dilution technique.
Agar dilution minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of penicillin, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, and clindamycin were determined using Wilkens-Chalgren agar for 1,266 clinical isolates of anaerobic bacteria. In addition, a reference strain of Bacteroides fragilis was repeatedly tested and demonstrated the precision of the technique. Fifty-six percent of our Bacteroides melaninogenicus strains were resistant (MIC greater than or equal to 4.0 microgram/ml) to penicillin. Resistance to this antibiotic was also seen among other anaerobes, but the results are more in accord with previous reports. Resistance to tetracycline (MIC greater than or equal to 4.0 microgram/ml) was found in 60% of our isolates. Chloramphenicol proved to be the most effective agent in vitro with only 2.0% of strains resistant (MIC less than or equal to 16 microgram/ml). Only 5% of strains were resistant to clindamycin (MIC greater than or equal to 8.0 microgram/ml), and this included 10 isolates of B. fragilis and 4 of B. melaninogenicus. The incidence of resistance of anaerobic bacteria to these frequently used antibiotics is greater than previous reports and indicates the need for reliable susceptibility testing of anaerobic bacteria.


Nanograssed Zigzag Structures To Promote Coalescence-Induced Droplet Jumping.
To increase the efficiency of jumping-droplet condensation, this study proposes a hierarchical superhydrophobic surface that promotes coalescence-induced jumping. Inspired by the phenomenon in which a growing droplet moves spontaneously within a superhydrophobic V structure, we fabricated nanograssed zigzag structures on the surface to induce the spontaneous motion of condensed droplets. The direction of the motion was parallel to the surface, so the condensed droplets easily coalesced on it. Compared with a conventional nanograssed superhydrophobic surface, the proposed surface increased the frequency of coalescence-induced jumping by ≥17 times and increased the cumulative volume of jumping droplets by ∼1.8 times. The proposed surface has great potential to increase the efficiency of applications such as water- and energy-harvesting and cooling systems that exploit jumping-droplet condensation.


Switching of ferroelectric liquid crystal doped with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide-assisted CdS nanostructures.
Large scale high yield cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanowires with uniform diameter were synthesized using a rapid and simple solvo-chemical and hydrothermal route assisted by the surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). Unique CdS nanowires of different morphologies could be selectively produced by only varying the concentration of CTAB in the reaction system with cadmium acetate, sulfur powder and ethylenediamine. We obtained CdS nanowires with diameters of 64-65 nm and lengths of up to several micrometers. A comparative study of the optical properties of ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) Felix-017/100 doped with 1% of CdS nanowires was performed. Response times of the order of from 160 to 180 μs, rotational viscosities of the order of from 5000 to 3000 mN s m(-2) and polarizations of the order of from 10 to 70 nC cm(-2) were measured. We also observed an anti-ferroelectric to ferroelectric transition for CdS doped FLC instead of the ferroelectric to paraelectric transition for pure FLC.


Surgical resection of malignant brain tumors: who benefits?
While almost no malignant glial tumor can be cured by surgical resection alone, the oncologic benefits of radical tumor removal are clear. Mechanical cytoreduction is the only therapeutic modality by which a two-log cell kill can be achieved quickly. Surgery also "sets up" other therapies by facilitating the patient's survival during the acute treatment phase, by improving the patient's neurologic status, by potentiating the effect of other treatment agents, and through the removal of large numbers of inherently resistant cells. Recently, the value of reoperation also has been demonstrated, confirming its positive effect on survival. Nevertheless, there remain some patients for whom a radical resection is an inappropriate procedure, and reasonable alternatives should always be considered. Of course, glioblastoma multiforme and other intrinsic tumors of the brain are highly complex and heterogeneous lesions that require multimodal therapy, of which surgery is but one component.


Loading and unloading of molecular cargo by DNA-conjugated microtubule.
We developed a novel method to load and unload molecular cargos to and from microtubules (MTs) that move on kinesin-coated surfaces. Quantum dots (Qds) (molecular cargo) connected to 21-mer DNA can be selectively loaded on DNA-conjugated MTs through DNA hybridization. The average velocity of the Qd-loaded MTs (0.43 +/- 0.06 microm s(-1) at 25 degrees C) was comparable to that of control MTs. In addition, MTs conjugated with two types DNA sequences can achieve multiloading of Qds. To unload Qd molecular cargos from MTs, the DNA double helix connecting Qds to MTs were cleaved by an appropriate restriction enzyme. This biomolecular motors-based transport system should enable us to construct nanometer-scale devices such as nanobiosensor, nanofluidic system, or nanomachine.


Preparation of airborne Ag/CNT hybrid nanoparticles using an aerosol process and their application to antimicrobial air filtration.
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been widely used in a variety of applications because of their unique structure and excellent mechanical and electrical properties. Additionally, silver (Ag) nanoparticles exhibit broad-spectrum biocidal activity toward many different bacteria, fungi, and viruses. In this study, we prepared Ag-coated CNT hybrid nanoparticles (Ag/CNTs) using aerosol nebulization and thermal evaporation/condensation processes and tested their usefulness for antimicrobial air filtration. Droplets were generated from a CNT suspension using a six-jet collison nebulizer, passed through a diffusion dryer to remove moisture, and entered a thermal tube furnace where silver nanoparticles were generated by thermal evaporation/condensation at ∼980 °C in a nitrogen atmosphere. The CNT and Ag nanoparticle aerosols mixed together and attached to each other, forming Ag/CNTs. For physicochemical characterization, the Ag/CNTs were introduced into a scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS) for size distribution measurements and were sampled by the nanoparticle sampler for morphological and elemental analyses. For antimicrobial air filtration applications, the airborne Ag/CNT particles generated were deposited continuously onto an air filter medium. Physical characteristics (fiber morphology, pressure drop, and filtration efficiency) and biological characteristics (antimicrobial tests against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Escherichia coli bioaerosols) were evaluated. Real-time SMPS and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) data showed that Ag nanoparticles that were <20 nm in diameter were homogeneously dispersed and adhered strongly to the CNT surfaces. Because of the attachment of Ag nanoparticles onto the CNT surfaces, the total particle surface area concentration measured by a nanoparticle surface area monitor (NSAM) was lower than the summation of each Ag nanoparticle and CNT generated. When Ag/CNTs were deposited on the surface of an air filter medium, the antimicrobial activity against test bacterial bioaerosols was enhanced, compared with the deposition of CNTs or Ag nanoparticles alone, whereas the filter pressure drop and bioaerosol filtration efficiency were similar to those of CNT deposition only. At a residence time of 2 h, the relative microbial viabilities of gram-positive S. epidermidis were ∼32, 13, 5, and 0.9% on the control, CNT-, Ag nanoparticle-, and Ag/CNT-deposited filters, respectively, and those of gram-negative E. coli were 13, 2.1, 0.4, and 0.1% on the control, CNTs, Ag nanoparticles, and Ag/CNTs, respectively. These Ag/CNT hybrid nanoparticles may be useful for applications in biomedical devices and antibacterial control systems.


Different doses of porcine luteinizing hormone in precocious puberty induction in gilts.
The use of hormonal protocols in puberty induction and synchronization of oestrus has lead to an increase in the efficiency of replacement gilts. The aim of this study was to evaluate different doses of porcine LH in precocious puberty induction and oestrus synchronization in a homogeneous group of gilts. Sixty-seven homogeneous prepubertal gilts (Camborough 22) at 137 +/- 4 days of age and 87 +/- 7 kg were treated with three different hormonal protocols: T1--600 UI of equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG; Novormon) and after a 72-h period 5 mg of LH (Lutropin); T2--600 UI of eCG and a 72-h period 2.5 mg of LH; T3--600 UI of eCG and a 72-h period 1.25 mg of LH. The ovaries were examined at slaughter, on day 6 after the hormonal treatment. There were no statistical differences (p > 0.05) between the different LH doses in the percentage of the detected oestrus (T1 = 42.85%; T2 = 60.87%, T3 = 52.18%), oestrus duration (T1 = 41.44 +/- 16.30 h; T2 = 48.57 +/- 16.29 h, T3 = 39.33 +/- 11.42 h), number of corpora lutea (T1 = 9.61 +/- 5.43; T2 = 9.86 +/- 3.32, T3 = 8.13 +/- 5.52) and percentage of animals presenting ovarian cystic degeneration (T1 = 33.33%; T2 = 39.13%, T3 = 39.13%). The T2 (2.5 mg of LH) presented the lowest dispersion (p < 0.05) of the LH-ovulation interval (T1 = 37.17 +/- 4.07 h; T2 = 38.26 +/- 2.84 h; T3 = 36.25 +/- 5.69 h). The LH dose reduction to 2.50 and 1.25 mg presented equal results with the recommended dose of 5.0 mg, and could be used in the precocious induction of oestrus in gilts. The 2.5-mg LH dose showed the lowest dispersion of ovulation and it can be used in fixed-time artificial insemination programmes.


Genome of Rhizobium leucaenae strains CFN 299(T) and CPAO 29.8: searching for genes related to a successful symbiotic performance under stressful conditions.
Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is the most important legume cropped worldwide for food production and its agronomic performance can be greatly improved if the benefits from symbiotic nitrogen fixation are maximized. The legume is known for its high promiscuity in nodulating with several Rhizobium species, but those belonging to the Rhizobium tropici "group" are the most successful and efficient in fixing nitrogen in tropical acid soils. Rhizobium leucaenae belongs to this group, which is abundant in the Brazilian "Cerrados" soils and frequently submitted to several environmental stresses. Here we present the first high-quality genome drafts of R. leucaenae, including the type strain CFN 299(T) and the very efficient strain CPAO 29.8. Our main objective was to identify features that explain the successful capacity of R. leucaenae in nodulating common bean under stressful environmental conditions. The genomes of R. leucaenae strains CFN 299(T) and CPAO 29.8 were estimated at 6.7-6.8 Mbp; 7015 and 6899 coding sequences (CDS) were predicted, respectively, 6264 of which are common to both strains. The genomes of both strains present a large number of CDS that may confer tolerance of high temperatures, acid soils, salinity and water deficiency. Types I, II, IV-pili, IV and V secretion systems were present in both strains and might help soil and host colonization as well as the symbiotic performance under stressful conditions. The symbiotic plasmid of CPAO 29.8 is highly similar to already described tropici pSyms, including five copies of nodD and three of nodA genes. R. leucaenae CFN 299(T) is capable of synthesizing Nod factors in the absence of flavonoids when submitted to osmotic stress, indicating that under abiotic stress the regulation of nod genes might be different. A detailed study of the genes putatively related to stress tolerance in R. leucaenae highlighted an intricate pattern comprising a variety of mechanisms that are probably orchestrated to tolerate the stressful conditions to which the strains are submitted on a daily basis. The capacity to synthesize Nod factors under abiotic stress might follow the same regulatory pathways as in CIAT 899(T) and may help both to improve bacterial survival and to expand host range to guarantee the perpetuation of the symbiosis.


Analyzing symptom data in indoor air questionnaires for primary schools.
Questionnaires on symptoms and perceived quality of indoor environment are used to assess indoor environment problems, but mainly among adults. The aim of this article was to explore best ways to analyze and report such symptom data, as part of a project to develop a parent-administered indoor air questionnaire for primary school pupils. Indoor air questionnaire with 25 questions on child's symptoms in the last 4 weeks was sent to parents in five primary schools with indoor air problems and in five control schools. About 83% of parents (N=1470) in case schools and 82% (N=805) in control schools returned the questionnaire. In two schools, 351 (52%) parents answered the questionnaire twice with a 2-week interval. Based on prevalence of symptoms, their test-retest repeatability (ICC), and on principal component analysis (PCA), the number of symptoms was reduced to 17 and six symptoms scores were developed. Six variants of these six symptom scores were then formed and their ability to rank schools compared. Four symptom scores (respiratory, lower respiratory, eye, and general symptoms) analyzed dichotomized maintained sufficiently well the diversity of symptom data and captured the between-school differences in symptom prevalence, when compared to more complex and numerous scores.


[Changes in the electrocardiogram in status asthmaticus].
The aim of this study, based on the electrocardiographic analysis of 42 patients in status asthmaticus, is to define the basic criteria which may be used as a basis for electrocardiographic differential diagnosis. The following ECG changes were observed: the pulmonary "p" wave is common, sometimes with exaggerated amplitude in peripheral leads, however, in the precordial leads, the voltage of the "p" wave is reduced; most cases have a vertical heart with clockwise rotation and mild right axis deviation, S1 Q2 Q3 and the transitional zone displaced to the left. Ten cases also had a S1 S2 S3 appearance and three cases showed Q1 Q2 Q3, simulating myocardial infarction; there is poor progression of the R wave in the precordial leads and marked persistence of the S wave in the left precordial leads. In some cases, a QS complex dominates the right precordial leads. A variation in the amplitude of the QRS with the respiratory rhythm is often seen in V1 and V2; ventricular repolarization shows a lowered J point with an upward oblique ST segment in the peripheral leads. However, in the precordial leads, the repolarization is normal except for three cases which presented a frank hypokalaemia. The mechanism of these electrocardiographic changes appears to depend on the vertical position of the heart caused by over expansion of the lungs and pulmonary arterial hypertension. The elements of the electrocardiographic differential diagnosis with myocardial infarction and pulmonary embolism are discussed.


Host genetic modifiers of nonproductive angiogenesis inhibit breast cancer.
Multiple aspects of the tumor microenvironment (TME) impact breast cancer, yet the genetic modifiers of the TME are largely unknown, including those that modify tumor vascular formation and function. To discover host TME modifiers, we developed a system called the Consomic/Congenic Xenograft Model (CXM). In CXM, human breast cancer cells are orthotopically implanted into genetically engineered consomic xenograft host strains that are derived from two parental strains with different susceptibilities to breast cancer. Because the genetic backgrounds of the xenograft host strains differ, whereas the inoculated tumor cells are the same, any phenotypic variation is due to TME-specific modifier(s) on the substituted chromosome (consomic) or subchromosomal region (congenic). Here, we assessed TME modifiers of growth, angiogenesis, and vascular function of tumors implanted in the SSIL2Rγ and SS.BN3IL2Rγ CXM strains. Breast cancer xenografts implanted in SS.BN3IL2Rγ (consomic) had significant tumor growth inhibition compared with SSIL2Rγ (parental control), despite a paradoxical increase in the density of blood vessels in the SS.BN3IL2Rγ tumors. We hypothesized that decreased growth of SS.BN3IL2Rγ tumors might be due to nonproductive angiogenesis. To test this possibility, SSIL2Rγ and SS.BN3IL2Rγ tumor vascular function was examined by dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI), micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), and ex vivo analysis of primary blood endothelial cells, all of which revealed altered vascular function in SS.BN3IL2Rγ tumors compared with SSIL2Rγ. Gene expression analysis also showed a dysregulated vascular signaling network in SS.BN3IL2Rγ tumors, among which DLL4 was differentially expressed and co-localized to a host TME modifier locus (Chr3: 95-131 Mb) that was identified by congenic mapping. Collectively, these data suggest that host genetic modifier(s) on RNO3 induce nonproductive angiogenesis that inhibits tumor growth through the DLL4 pathway.