Spontaneous spinal subarachnoid haemorrhage--a complication of alcohol withdrawal therapy.
Non-traumatic spontaneous idiopathic spinal subarachnoid haemorrhage (SSH) is extremely rare. So far, only 12 cases have been described in the literature and there are no data regarding the association between alcohol dependence and SSH. We report the first case of an alcohol-dependent patient with an idiopathic non-traumatic cervical subarachnoid haemorrhage after alcohol withdrawal therapy. Clinicians should be aware of alcohol dependence as an independent risk factor for not only intracranial, but subarachnoid haemorrhage. We recommend performing spinal imaging in alcoholics with sudden onset of severe neck or back pain, even if neurological deficits are absent or coagulation parameters are normal.


Relations between plasma oxytocin, depressive symptoms and coping strategies in response to a stressor: the impact of social support.
Social support can serve as a protective factor against the negative impacts of stressors and may thereby promote well-being. As well, exogenous administration of oxytocin has been tied to diminished stress responses and might also enhance the effects of social support. In the current study, conducted among female undergraduate students (N = 67), higher depressive symptoms were related to lower endorsements of problem-focused coping in response to a psychosocial stressor comprising the Trier Social Stress test (TSST). However, the relation between depressive symptoms and problem-focused coping was absent among participants who had a close female friend present serving as social support prior to the stressor experience. Additionally, endogenous plasma oxytocin levels were related to certain coping strategies being favored (e.g., problem-solving, humor, cognitive distraction, self-blame and support seeking) in response to the psychosocial stressor. However, the strength of these relations varied as a function of whether individuals had social support present or not. These findings confirm the positive impact of social support in attenuating the relation between depressive symptoms and specific coping methods. The results of this study are consistent with view that oxytocin levels are accompanied by particular stress responses, possibly through the promotion of coping methods endorsed.


Transient Marangoni transport of colloidal particles at the liquid/liquid interface caused by surfactant convective-diffusion under radial flow.
Interfacial tension gradients at a liquid/liquid interface drive Marangoni flows. When colloidal particles are adsorbed to an interface in systems with spatial and temporal gradients of surfactant concentration, these interfacial flows can be potentially significant contributors to the direction and rate of particle transport. In this work, we use optical microscopy to measure the interfacial velocities of 5μm diameter polystyrene latex particles adsorbed at an oil/water interface, using olive oil to represent polar oils often encountered in cleaning applications. On surfactant adsorption the maximum interfacial velocity scales linearly with bulk surfactant concentration, even for concentrations exceeding the critical micelle concentration (CMC). The maximum interfacial velocity weakly decreases with increasing flow rate, but it varies non-monotonically with the radial distance from the inlet. Upon surfactant desorption into a rinse solution, the maximum velocity increases with increasing concentration of the original surfactant solution, but only up to a plateau near the CMC. These experimental trends are well-described by a convective-diffusion model for surfactant transport to or from the liquid/liquid interface coupled with Langmuir-type adsorption, using a constitutive relation between the interfacial tension gradient and interfacial velocity based on the interfacial tangential stress jump.


Differential CD147 Functional Epitopes on Distinct Leukocyte Subsets.
CD147, a member of the immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily, is widely expressed in several cell types. CD147 molecules have multiple cellular functions, such as migration, adhesion, invasion, energy metabolism and T cell activation. In particular, recent studies have demonstrated the potential application of CD147 as an effective therapeutic target for cancer, as well as autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. In this study, we elucidated the functional epitopes on CD147 extracellular domains in T cell regulation using specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Upon T cell activation, the anti-CD147 domain 1 mAbs M6-1E9 and M6-1D4 and the anti-CD147 domain 2 mAb MEM-M6/6 significantly reduced surface expression of CD69 and CD25 and T cell proliferation. To investigate whether functional epitopes of CD147 are differentially expressed on distinct leukocyte subsets, PBMCs, monocyte-depleted PBMCs and purified T cells were activated in the presence of anti-CD147 mAbs. The mAb M6-1E9 inhibited T cell functions via activation of CD147 on monocytes with obligatory cell-cell contact. Engagement of the CD147 epitope by the M6-1E9 mAb downregulated CD80 and CD86 expression on monocytes and IL-2, TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-17 production in T cells. In contrast, the mAb M6-1D4 inhibited T cell function via activation of CD147 on T cells by downregulating IL-2, TNF-α and IFN-γ. Herein, we demonstrated that certain epitopes of CD147, expressed on both monocytes and T cells, are involved in the regulation of T cell activation.


Modulation of π-stacking modes and photophysical properties of an organic semiconductor through isosteric cocrystallization.
We report on the control of π-stacking modes (herringbone vs slipped-stack) and photophysical properties of 9,10-bis((E)-2-(pyridin-4-yl)vinyl)anthracene (BP4VA), an anthracene-based organic semiconductor (OSC), by isosteric cocrystallization (i.e., the replacement of one functional group in a coformer with another of "similar" electronic structure) with 2,4,6-trihalophenols (3X-ph-OH, where X = Cl, Br, and I). Specifically, BP4VA organizes as slipped-stacks when cocrystallized with 3Cl-ph-OH and 3Br-ph-OH, while cocrystallization with 3I-ph-OH results in a herringbone mode. The photoluminescence and molecular frontier orbital energy levels of BP4VA were effectively modulated by the presence of 3X-ph-OH through cocrystallization. We envisage that the cocrystallization of OSCs with minimal changes in cocrystal formers can provide access to convenient structural and property diversification for advanced single-crystal electronics.


[The analysis of biological characteristics for the tissue-plasminogen activator (t-PA) mutant engineered cell line].
The morphology of t-PA mutant engineered cell line FSGGI48 is similar to that of CHO-dhfr- cell in polygon. When aminopterin (MTX) concentration is 5 x 10(-6) mol/L, a part of cells become slim, but they are still in polygon. Therefore, the morphology of FSGGI48 cell line is normal. The expression level is 4000 IU/10(6) cells/24 h in serum-free medium. The cell line is bequeathed for three months in vitro and revived after freezing three months, the greater part of cells are stable. The expression level is 3000-4000 IU/10(6) cells/24 h. The assay of tumorigenesis shows that the cells, cellular DNA and purified products don't form tumors in nude mice. The cell line hasn't been contaminated by mycoplasma. The results of chromosomal analysis show that the chromosomal number of CHO-dhfr- cell is 20 and the abnormal rate is 6%. FSGGI48 cell line is same as CHO-dhfr- cell in chromosomal number and the abnormal rate is 15%-18%, it is normal in scope. Therefore, the engineered cell line FSGGI48 is excellent.


Estrogen preconditioning: A promising strategy to reduce inflammation in the ischemic brain.
During the premenopausal phase of a woman's life, estrogen naturally protects against ischemic brain damage and its debilitating consequence of cognitive decline. However, the decline in estrogen at menopause exponentially increases a women's risk for cerebral ischemia and its severity. Supplementation of estrogen during menopause is the most logical solution to abate this increased risk for cerebral ischemia; however, continuous therapy has proven to be contraindicative. Studies from our laboratory over the past decade have shown that a single bolus or long-term periodic 17β-estradiol treatment(s) two days prior to ischemia mimics ischemic preconditioning-conferred protection of the brain in ovariectomized or reproductively senescent female rats. These studies also demonstrated that 17β-estradiol-induced preconditioning (EPC) requires estrogen receptor (ER)-subtype beta (ER-β) activation. ER-β is expressed throughout the brain, including in the hippocampus, which plays a key role in learning and memory. Because periodic activation of ER-β mitigates post-ischemic cognitive decline in ovariectomized female rats, it can be surmised that EPC has the potential to reduce post-ischemic damage and cognitive decline in females. Estrogens are key anti-inflammatory agents; therefore this review discusses the effects of EPC on the inflammasome. Furthermore, as we now clearly know, the brain acts differently in males and females. Indeed, neurodegenerative diseases, including cerebral ischemia, and pharmacological drugs affect males and females in different ways. Thus, inasmuch as the National Institutes of Health and the Stroke Treatment Academic Industry Roundtable (STAIR) consortium mandate inclusion of female experimental animals, this review also discusses the need to close the gap in our knowledge in future studies of EPC in female animal models of cerebral ischemia.


Embolization of medium-sized vessels with the penumbra occlusion device: evaluation of anchoring function.
The penumbra occlusion device (POD) is a recently developed metallic coil with a unique anchor segment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the anchoring function of the POD for embolization of medium-sized vessels in detail. We reviewed a series of cases of proximal embolization of medium-sized vessels in which the POD was used. Endovascular outcomes and complications were assessed. The distance between the distal end of the first-indwelled POD and the microcatheter tip was defined as the "landing distance," and this was also evaluated via fluoroscopic analysis. POD deployment was successful in 17 of 18 patients. The median landing distance was 9.6 mm, and no distal POD migration was observed after the formation of anchor loops. The specific anchoring function of the POD enables effective proximal occlusion of medium-sized vessels.


[Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for ureteral stone in patient with implanted cardiac pacemaker: a case report].
We report a case of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) for ureteral stone in patient with implanted cardiac pacemaker. A 68-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital for left back pain due to left single ureteral stone (13 x 7 mm) in 2002. A permanent cardiac pacemaker has been implanted for sick sinus syndrome in 1997. After evaluation for cardiac function and pacemaker function by a cardiologist and a pacemaker technician, SWL (MFL 5000, Dornier) was performed without changing pacemaker mode (DDD mode). Shock waves were incorrectly exposed a few time triggered by arterial pacing amplitude, but no cardiovascular event or malfunction of the pacemaker was occurred during or after SWL. The ureteral stone was successfully fragmented with 2,400 shock waves (24 kV) and the fragments were delivered immediately.


Targeting Transfusion-Related Acute Lung Injury: The Journey From Basic Science to Novel Therapies.
Transfusion-related acute lung injury is characterized by the onset of respiratory distress and acute lung injury following blood transfusion, but its pathogenesis remains poorly understood. Generally, a two-hit model is presumed to underlie transfusion-related acute lung injury with the first hit being risk factors present in the transfused patient (such as inflammation), whereas the second hit is conveyed by factors in the transfused donor blood (such as antileukocyte antibodies). At least 80% of transfusion-related acute lung injury cases are related to the presence of donor antibodies such as antihuman leukocyte or antihuman neutrophil antibodies. The remaining cases may be related to nonantibody-mediated factors such as biolipids or components related to storage and ageing of the transfused blood cells. At present, transfusion-related acute lung injury is the leading cause of transfusion-related fatalities and no specific therapy is clinically available. In this article, we critically appraise and discuss recent preclinical (bench) insights related to transfusion-related acute lung injury pathogenesis and their therapeutic potential for future use at the patients' bedside in order to combat this devastating and possibly fatal complication of transfusion. We searched the PubMed database (until August 22, 2017). Using terms: "Transfusion-related acute lung injury," "TRALI," "TRALI and therapy," "TRALI pathogenesis." English-written articles focusing on transfusion-related acute lung injury pathogenesis, with potential therapeutic implications, were extracted. We have identified potential therapeutic approaches based on the literature. We propose that the most promising therapeutic strategies to explore are interleukin-10 therapy, down-modulating C-reactive protein levels, targeting reactive oxygen species, or blocking the interleukin-8 receptors; all focused on the transfused recipient. In the long-run, it may perhaps also be advantageous to explore other strategies aimed at the transfused recipient or aimed toward the blood product, but these will require more validation and confirmation first.


A cancer vaccine based on fluorine-modified sialyl-Tn induces robust immune responses in a murine model.
Development of an effective vaccine to target tumor associated carbohydrate antigens, aberrantly expressed on the cell surface of various carcinomas, is an appealing approach toward cancer immunotherapy. However, a major problem of carbohydrate antigens is their poor immunogenicity. Immunization with modified-carbohydrate antigens could improve the immunogenicity and induce cross reaction with the native carbohydrate antigens. In this study, we investigated the antitumor ability of three fluoro-substituted sialyl-Tn (STn) analogues (2, 3, 4) coupled to KLH (keyhole limpet hemocyanin) and studied the mechanism of tumor immunotherapy of the vaccines in a murine model of colon cancer. Vaccination with 4-KLH, in which the two N-acetyl groups of STn are substituted with N-fluoroacetyl groups, could remarkably prolong the survival of tumor-bearing mouse and resulted in a significant reduction in tumor burden of lungs compared with STn-KLH (1-KLH). The vaccine 4-KLH could provoke stronger cytotoxic T lymphocytes immune response, T helper (Th) cell-mediated immune response and an earlier-stage Th1 immune response than 1-KLH, thus breaking immune tolerance and generating a therapeutic response. The 4-KLH vaccine induced strong tumor-specific anti-STn antibodies which could mediate complement-dependent cytotoxicity and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity against human tumor cells. Moreover, in the absence of adjuvant, 4-KLH still elicited stronger immune responses than 1-KLH. Our data suggested that 4-KLH is superior in tumor prevention. The strategic hapten fluorination may be a potential approach applicable to the vaccines development for the cancer immunotherapy.


Phosphorylation of high-mobility-group protein 14 by two specific kinases modifies its interaction with histone oligomers in free solution.
Chromosomal protein HMG14 can be specifically phosphorylated by the cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase at the N-terminus and by casein kinase 2 at the acidic C-terminus. Under the same conditions used for HMG14, HMG17 is not significantly phosphorylated by either of the two kinases. Further, we have studied the effect of phosphorylation by these kinases on the interaction of HMG14 with histone oligomers, using chemical cross-linking. Our results indicate that the phosphorylation of HMG14 by casein kinase 2 enhances its interaction with histone oligomers in free solution, whereas a minor effect was observed by phosphorylation with cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase. In contrast, HMG17 does not interact at all with any histone oligomer in free solution under the conditions used. To gain insight into the possible effect that phosphorylation may play in vivo, the pattern of distribution among different chromatin fractions was analysed. It was found that, although phosphorylation of HMG14 by both kinases allowed reconstitution of HMG14 to chromatin, the patterns obtained showed some slight differences.


Sudden cardiac death in the soccer field: a retrospective study in young soccer players from 2000 to 2013.
Soccer is the most popular sport in the world, with over 200 million active players. Sudden cardiac death (SCD) represents the most striking as well as the most common cause of death in the soccer field. Underlying cardiovascular pathologies predispose to life threatening ventricular arrhythmias and SCD in soccer players. Up to thousands to hundred thousands players might have an underlying condition that predisposes them for SCD. After several media striking SCD events in soccer players the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has made screening recommendations that are more thorough than the ones recommended for the American Heart Association and the European Society of Cardiology. We present a retrospective search through Internet databases that resulted in 54 soccer players with SCD events from 2000 until 2013. In this article, we will describe and discuss the conditions of those cases of SCD in order to provide more knowledge of the factors that may precipitate SCD in young soccer players.


Quantification of therapeutic miRNA mimics in whole blood from nonhuman primates.
MRX34, a microRNA (miRNA)-based therapy for cancer, has recently entered clinical trials as the first clinical candidate in its class. It is a liposomal nanoparticle loaded with a synthetic mimic of the tumor suppressor miRNA miR-34a as the active pharmaceutical ingredient. To understand the pharmacokinetic properties of the drug and to rationalize an optimal dosing regimen in the clinic, a method is needed to quantitatively detect the miRNA mimic. Here, we report the development and qualification of a quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assay in support of pharmacokinetic and toxicokinetic assessments in the nonhuman primate. Detection and quantification were performed on total ribonucleic acid (RNA) isolated from whole blood. The qualified range of the standard curve spans 6 orders of magnitude from 2.5 × 10(-7) to 2.5 × 10(-1) ng per reverse transcription (RT) reaction, corresponding to an estimated blood concentration from 6.2 × 10(-5) to 6.2 × 10(1) ng/mL. Our results demonstrate that endogenous as well as the exogenous miR-34a can be accurately and precisely quantified. The assay was used to establish the pharmacokinetic profile of MRX34, showing a favorable residence time and exposure of the miRNA mimic in whole blood from nonhuman primates.


X-Ray-Induced Chromosome Aberrations in the Corneal Epithelium of the Chinese Hamster.
When the corneal epithelium of the Chinese hamster is irradiated with ionizing radiation in vivo, a rectilinear relationship is observed between the yield of chromosome aberrations and the dose of x-rays within a dose range of 10 to 150 r. There is no threshold effect for chromosome breakage down to the 10-r level. The mean breakage rate of 0.00352 breaks per cell per roentgen is in very close agreement with the data obtained on other mammalian tissues, both in vitro and in vivo.


Methods of evaluation and quantification of microangiopathy in high perfusion microangiopathy (chronic venous insufficiency and diabetic microangiopathy).
Noninvasive macro- and microcirculatory tests provide quantitative information that offers answers to most questions posed in venous diseases. Duplex scanning is used to assess the macrocirculation, and microcirculatory methods are used to assess and quantify venous microangiopathy. Laser Doppler flowmetry is used to assess perfusion. Transcutaneous Po(2) and Pco(2) measurements are used to study venous hypertension, and strain-gauge plethysmography is used to assess capillary filtration. In venous hypertension, fluid filtration into the extracapillary compartment is increased. The increase in filtration is associated with a decreased venoarteriolar response. To quantify capillary filtration, two methods have been developed: venous occlusion plethysmography and rate of ankle swelling. These methods quantify filtration into the extracapillary compartment and, therefore, are an indication of the formation of edema, the most frequent sign in venous hypertension. Other methods, such as the vacuum suction chamber and the edema tester, can be used to assess changes due to treatments in venous hypertension. The techniques described in this article should be used in controlled environmental conditions


EGF induces cell motility and multi-drug resistance gene expression in breast cancer cells.
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is important for normal development, differentiation, and cell proliferation. Deregulation of EGFR has been observed in breast cancer. EGFR and signal pathways activated by these receptors have been associated with an advanced tumor stage and a poor clinical prognosis in breast cancer; however, the precise mechanisms responsible for this process are still not known. Here we show that treatment of MCF-7 breast cancer cells with EGF activated Akt and ERK, induced morphological changes, and increased cell motility. In addition, the constitutive expression of Raf-1 and the use of a MEK inhibitor demonstrated the participation of the Raf/MEK/ERK pathway in these processes. Importantly we detected that EGF induced MRP-1, 3, 5 and 7 gene expression and an increase in MRP1 promoter activity. In conclusion, treatment of MCF-7 breast cancer cells with EGF, in the absence of other growth factors, resulted in activation of EGFR signal transduction pathways; which were related with cell motility and drug resistance.


Self-Reported Side Effects following Mass Administration of Azithromycin to Eliminate Trachoma in Amhara, Ethiopia: Results from a Region-Wide Population-Based Survey.
A region-wide population-based post-mass drug administration (MDA) coverage survey was conducted 3 weeks following the 2016 trachoma MDA in Amhara, Ethiopia. The prevalence of self-reported side effects was assessed among those who self-reported receiving azithromycin. A total of 16,773 individuals from 5,129 households reported taking azithromycin during the 2016 MDA in Amhara. The regional prevalence of any self-reported side effect was 9.6% (95% CI: 8.3-11.2%) and ranged from 3.9% to 12.4% among the 10 zones. The most common reported side effects were abdominal pain (53.1%), nausea (21.7%), vomiting (12.8%), and diarrhea (12.5%). Side-effect prevalence among female members was higher than in male members (11.6% versus 7.6%; P < 0.001) and increased with age. After an average of 8 years of annual MDA, the prevalence of self-reported side effects was less than 10% in this population.


Metalated Porous Phenanthroline-Based Polymers as Efficient Heterogeneous Catalysts for Regioselective C-H Activation of Heteroarenes.
Direct C-H bond activation of heterocycles as a step-economical and environmentally friendly approach to build the heterobiaryls motifs is highly attractive, but it still has a challenge to design and prepare a cheap and regioselective heterogeneous catalyst. To tackle this challenge, we have introduced Ni species into a porous phenanthroline-based organic polymer donated as POP-Phen@Ni. This heterogeneous catalyst shows excellent catalytic performances in regioselective C-H activation of heterocycles, even better than those of the corresponding homogenous catalyst. H/D exchange experiments show that the lithium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide (LiHMDS), a base added in the reaction, play a very important role during the reaction processes. We believe that this heterogeneous catalyst would open a new door for design of heterogeneous catalysts to efficiently catalyze the regioselective C-H activation of heterocycles.


Turbidity maximum of the northern chesapeake bay.
The turbidity maximum near the head of the Chesapeake Bay is produced primarily by the local resuspension of bottom sediments, and by the estuarine "sediment trap" which is formed in the upper reaches of the estuarine circulation regime by the net nontidal circulation.


Patient-physician communication about financial problems: A cross-sectional study among over-indebted individuals.
About every tenth household across Europe is unable to meet payment obligations and living expenses on an ongoing basis and is thus considered over-indebted. Previous research suggests that over-indebtedness reflects a potential cause and consequence of psychosomatic health problems and limited access to care. However, it is unclear whether those affected discuss their financial problems with general practitioners. Therefore, this study examined patient-physician communication about financial problems in general practice among over-indebted individuals. We conducted a cross-sectional survey among clients of 70 debt advice agencies in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, in 2017. We assessed the prevalence of patient-physician communication about financial problems and its association with patient characteristics using descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis. Of 699 individuals who returned the questionnaire (response rate:50.2%), we included 598 respondents enrolled in statutory health insurance with complete outcome data in the analyses. Conversations about financial problems with general practitioners were reported by 22.6% (n = 135) of respondents. Individuals with a high educational level were less likely to report such conversations than those with medium educational level (aOR 0.11; 95%CI 0.01-0.83) after adjustment for other sociodemographic characteristics, health status and measures of financial distress. Those without a migrant background(aOR 2.09; 95%CI 1.32-3.32), the chronically ill(aOR 1.90; 95%CI 1.16-3.13) and individuals who reported high financial distress(aOR 2.15; 95%CI 1.22-3.78) and cutting on necessities to pay for medications(aOR 1.86; 95%CI 1.12-3.09) were more likely to discuss financial problems than their counterparts. Few over-indebted individuals discussed financial problems with their general practitioner. Patients' health status, coping strategies and perception of financial distress might contribute to variations in disclosure of financial problems. Thus, enhancing communication and screening by routine assessment of financial problems in clinical practice can help to identify vulnerable patients and promote access to health care and social services and well-being for all.


AONL Workforce Compendium: Practice-Based Evidence to Support Nurse Leaders.
The American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL) led a nationwide strategic initiative during 2022 to cull best practices and strategies for nurse leaders. Two key objectives were targeted: 1) to gain keen insights from nurse leaders through 2 nationwide surveys; and 2) to collect practice-led initiatives, which often are not included in searchable peer-reviewed literature. These practices were gathered in a compendium, organized into 7 sections, which is now available on the AONL website at aonl.org/compendium.


Selective chain reaction of acetone leading to the successive growth of mutually perpendicular molecular lines on the si(100)-(2 x 1)-H surface.
The successive growth of mutually perpendicular molecular lines from one dangling-bond (DB) site on the Si(100)-(2 x 1)-H surface has been realized through a substrate-mediated chain reaction at 300 K. Among various molecules, acetone molecules undergo the most facile chain reaction with a DB site, which proceeds selectively on the Si(100)-(2 x 1)-H surface, resulting in only single molecular lines in the parallel-row (parallel to the dimer row) direction. The smaller size and higher reactivity of acetone molecules enable us to successively grow a parallel-row acetone line from the end of a cross-row (perpendicular to the dimer row) allylmercaptan line simply by changing the feed of gas molecules into the reaction chamber. Since the length of a molecular line is controlled by the number of gas molecules impinged, it is possible to turn a chain reaction from the cross-row direction to the parallel-row direction at any desired point on the surface. The reaction path of the adsorbing molecules is discussed. The present study provides a new means of fabricating mutually perpendicular molecular lines through a chain reaction initiating at a preselected DB site on the Si(100)-(2 x 1) surface.


Orbital phlebography. IV. The carernous sinuses and adjacent venous sinuses of the skull base.
Frontal phlebography has been used to examine the cavernous sinuses and adjacent basal venous sinuses of the skull. The method has proved to be simple and effective. The normal phlebographic anatomy of the basal sinuses and their drainage has been revised in a material of 26 cases. A normal range for the transverse diameter of the pituitary fossa has been established.


Linear and Nonlinear Gait Features in Older Adults Walking on Inclined Surfaces at Different Speeds.
This study evaluated linear and nonlinear gait features in healthy older adults walking on inclined surfaces at different speeds. Thirty-seven active older adults (experimental group) and fifty young adults (control group) walked on a treadmill at 100% and ±20% of their preferred walking speed for 4 min under horizontal (0%), upward (UP) (+8%), and downward (DOWN) (-8%) conditions. Linear gait variability was assessed using the average standard deviation of trunk acceleration between strides (VAR). Gait stability was assessed using the margin of stability (MoS). Nonlinear gait features were assessed by using the maximum Lyapunov exponent, as a measure of local dynamic stability (LDS), and sample entropy (SEn), as a measure of regularity. VAR increased for all conditions, but the interaction effects between treadmill inclination and age, and speed and age were higher for young adults. DOWN conditions showed the lowest stability in the medial-lateral MoS, but not in LDS. LDS was smaller in UP conditions. However, there were no effects of age for either MoS or LDS. The values of SEn decreased almost linearly from the DOWN to the UP conditions, with significant interaction effects of age for anterior-posterior SEn. The overall results supported the hypothesis that inclined surfaces modulate nonlinear gait features and alter linear gait variability, particularly in UP conditions, but there were no significant effects of age for active older adults.


Mosaic hexasomy 21.
Cases in which there are more than three copies of a sex chromosome, and rarely of an autosome, have been reported, but to our knowledge hexasomy has never been described except in tissue undergoing neoplastic change. This report describes a female infant with multiple malformations in whom we found a mosaic hexasomy 21. This was first detected in amniotic fluid cells and subsequently in skin fibroblasts.


Instability of neural xenografts placed in neonatal rat brains.
Embryonic mouse retinae placed in neonatal rat brains differentiate normally, form appropriate connections with the host brain, and may survive for longer than 1 year. However, such grafts are susceptible to rejection, either spontaneously or after challenge. Advanced spontaneous rejection of the transplant was identified in about 10% of the animals. In addition, two circumstances have been defined in which mouse retinal grafts can be subsequently induced to undergo rejection. One is following placement of a mouse skin graft on the flank of a rat that has received a retinal transplant in the brain, and the other is following removal of a host eye. After each of these procedures, the neural grafts become infiltrated with lymphocytes and undergo degeneration. It is proposed that this system may provide a useful approach not only for studying the immunology and genetics of neural transplantation, but also for examining the circumstances that precipitate the degenerative events associated with certain autoimmune diseases of the central nervous system.


Self-similarities in the frequency-amplitude space of a loss-modulated CO2 laser.
We show the standard two-level continuous-time model of loss-modulated CO2 lasers to display the same regular network of self-similar stability islands known so far to be typically present only in discrete-time models based on mappings. Our results suggest that the two-parameter space of class B laser models and that of a certain class of discrete mappings could be isomorphic.


'Stroke Room': Diagnosis and Treatment at a Single Location for Rapid Intraarterial Stroke Treatment.
For patients with acute ischemic stroke, intra-arterial treatment (IAT) is considered to be an effective strategy for removing the obstructing clot. Because outcome crucially depends on time to treatment ('time-is-brain' concept), we assessed the effects of an intervention based on performing all the time-sensitive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures at a single location on the delay before intra-arterial stroke treatment. Consecutive acute stroke patients with large vessel occlusion who obtained IAT were evaluated before and after implementation (April 26, 2010) of an intervention focused on performing all the diagnostic and therapeutic measures at a single site ('stroke room'). After implementation of the intervention, the median intervals between admission and first angiography series were significantly shorter for 174 intervention patients (102 min, interquartile range (IQR) 85-120 min) than for 81 control patients (117 min, IQR 89-150 min; p < 0.05), as were the intervals between admission and clot removal or end of angiography (152 min, IQR 123-185 min vs. 190 min, IQR 163-227 min; p < 0.001). However, no significant differences in clinical outcome were observed. This study shows for the, to our knowledge, first time that for patients with acute ischemic stroke, stroke diagnosis and treatment at a single location ('stroke room') saves crucial time until IAT.


Opposite influences of mineral-associated and dissolved organic matter on the transport of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles through soil and aggregates.
The mechanism by which soil organic matter (SOM) controls nanoparticle transport through natural soils is unclear. In this study, we distinguished the specific effects of two primary SOM fractions, mineral-associated organic matter (MOM) and dissolved organic matter (DOM), on the transport of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (nHAP) through a loamy soil under the conditions of saturated steady flow and environmentally relevant solution chemistry (1 mM NaCl at pH 7). The results showed that MOM could inhibit the transport of nHAP by decreasing electrostatic repulsion and increasing mechanical straining and hydrophobic interactions. Specifically, the presence of MOM reduced the mobility of nHAP in the bulk soil and its macroaggregates by ~4 fold and ~6 fold, respectively, and this hindered effect became further conspicuous in microaggregates (~36 fold decrease). An analysis of extended Derjaguin-Landau-Vervey-Overbeek (abbreviated as XDLVO) interactions indicated that MOM could decrease the primary energy barrier (Φmax1), primary minimum (Φmin1), and secondary minimum (Φmin2) to promote nHAP attachment. Conversely, DOM (10-50 mg L-1) favored nHAP mobility due to an increase in electrostatic repulsion among nHAP particles and between nHAP and soil surfaces. Pre-flushing soil with DOM (causing DOM sorption on soil) increased nHAP mobility by ~2 fold in the bulk soil and its macroaggregates, and this facilitated effect was furthered in microaggregates (~11 fold increase). The results of XDLVO interactions showed that DOM increased Φmax1, Φmin1, and Φmin2, producing an unfavorable effect on nHAP attachment. Mass recovery data revealed that the MOM-hindered effect was stronger than the DOM-facilitated effect on nHAP transport. This study suggested that changing SOM fractions could control the mobility of nanoparticles in the subsurface considerably.


EVALUATION OF FEEDING BEHAVIOR AS AN INDICATOR OF PAIN IN SNAKES.
The necessity to prevent and manage pain in reptiles is becoming increasingly important, as their use in scientific research and popularity as exotic pets continues to rise. It was hypothesized that feeding behavior would provide an adequate indicator of pain perception in the ball python (Python regius). Normal feeding was defined the previous week, where a dead rodent was struck within 12 sec (n = 10). Eighteen pythons were randomly assigned to one of three treatments: anesthesia only (AO), chemical noxious stimulus (CS; capsaicin injection), or surgical noxious stimulus (SS; surgical incision). The time to strike was recorded 4 hr after the procedure and weekly during the subsequent 3 wk. Delayed feeding was observed in animals in the CS and SS groups, and normal feeding resumed after 1 and 3 wk, respectively. Spontaneous feeding remained uninterrupted for the AO group. These findings demonstrate feeding behavior as a potential model to assess pain in snakes.


Overexpression and secretion of the soluble CTLA-4 splice variant in various autoimmune diseases and in cases with overlapping autoimmunity.
To explore the potential genetic association of CTLA-4 Exon1 +49A/G and 3'UTR (AT)(n) to susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and overlapping (OP) autoimmunity; affected with more than one autoimmune disease. Expression of two major CTLA-4 isoforms; full length (mCTLA-4) and soluble (sCTLA-4) were explored in all subjects. A total of 680-age/gender/ethnically matched Kuwaitis were recruited and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-fragment analysis was employed for genotyping both markers. mCTLA-4 and sCTLA-4 mRNA expression were analyzed using quantitative real time-PCR. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to screen sCTLA-4 in all subjects' sera. Only two CTLA-4 3'UTR (AT)(n) allelotypes; (AT)(15) and (AT)(6) were detected. The heterozygous (AT)(15/6) genotype confers protectivity rather than susceptibility to SLE (p=0.01, odds ratio=0.43, and confidence interval=0.21-0.86). No significant association was observed between Exon 1 +49A/G and any of the tested diseases. A consistently high serum sCTLA-4 level was observed in RA (6.8 ng/mL, p=0.005), SLE (6.34 ng/mL, p=0.007), and OP (8.75 ng/mL, p=0.012) compared to healthy control. A significant increase in the expression of sCTLA-4 mRNA was observed in OP (p=0.05) and SLE (p=0.047), while a significant increase in the expression of mCTLA-4 (p=0.01) was observed only in OP. The present study is the first to report a statistically significant association between OP and serum sCTLA-4. The novelty of our study is the significance of CTLA-4 in the pathogenesis of OP besides SLE and RA.


Chemical cross-linking of virion envelope and tegument proteins of herpes simplex virus type 1.
The virion of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) consists of three structural components which include the envelope, tegument, and capsid. Little is known about the organization and potential interaction of proteins of the tegument and envelope. In this report, studies with chemical cross-linking reagents were initiated to determine the arrangement of the HSV-1 glycoprotein B (gB) on the viral envelope and its interactions with other virion proteins. With use of four homobifunctional N-hydroxysuccinimide ester reagents, gB was cross-linked to dimers and eventually high molecular weight complexes. In addition, four virion structural proteins were detected to be associated with gB as well as gD and gH but not with gC when cross-linked with dithiobis(succinimidyl propionate). Experimental results indicated that these four proteins are likely to represent viral tegument proteins and one of these proteins was immunologically identified as the known tegument protein, VP16.


Twenty-four Month Outcomes in the Collaborative Ocular Tuberculosis Study (COTS)-1: Defining the "Cure" in Ocular Tuberculosis.
Purpose: To report the clinical findings, anatomical features, and treatment outcomes in subjects with ocular tuberculosis (OTB) at 24 months in the Collaborative Ocular Tuberculosis Study (COTS)-1.Methods: Of the 945 subjects included in COTS-1, those who completed a 24-month follow-up after completion of treatment were included. The main outcome measure was a number of patients with treatment failure (TF).Results: 228 subjects (120 males; mean age of 42.82 ± 14.73 years) were included. Most common phenotype of uveitis was posterior (n = 81; 35.53%), and panuveitis (n = 76; 33.33%). Fifty-two patients (22.81%) had TF. On univariable analysis, odds of high TF was observed with bilaterality (OR: 3.46, p = .003), vitreous haze (OR: 2.14, p = .018), and use of immunosuppressive therapies (OR: 5.45, p = .003). However, only bilaterality was significant in the multiple regression model (OR: 2.84; p = .02).Conclusions: Majority of subjects (>75%) achieved cure in the COTS-1 at 24-month follow-up. The concept of "cure" may be a valuable clinical endpoint in trials for OTB.


Synergistic Effect between Monodisperse Fe3O4 Nanoparticles and Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Nanosheets to Promote Polysulfide Conversion in Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.
Effective fabrication of electrocatalysts active in anchoring and converting lithium polysulfides is critical for the manufacturing of high-performance lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs). In this study, original Fe3O4 nanospheres with diameters close to 12 nm were finely dispersed over a porous nitrogen-doped carbon matrix by the freeze-drying method to produce a three-dimensional composite material (nano-Fe3O4/PNC) suitable for application as a sulfur host in LSBs. Nano-Fe3O4/PNC loaded with sulfur (S@nano-Fe3O4/PNC) was used as a cathode in a Li-S cell, whose initial discharge specific capacity reached 1256 mA h g-1 at a 0.1 C rate. After 100 charge-discharge cycles at a 0.2 C rate, the reversible capacity of S@nano-Fe3O4/PNC remained at 745 mA h g-1, demonstrating a capacity retention rate of 70%. Importantly, a high Coulombic efficiency of more than 99% was achieved, indicating effective inhibition of the polysulfides' "shuttle effect" by nano-Fe3O4/PNC. The use of electrolytes containing lithium nitrate further reduces the "shuttle effect" of polysulfides. This study demonstrates the synergistic effect between metal oxide nanoparticles and N-doped carbon, which plays an important role in promoting the adsorption and conversion of polysulfides in LSBs.


A specific endpoint assay for ubiquitin.
Simple endpoint assays for free ubiquitin (Ub) and for the Ub-activating enzyme are described. The method for measuring Ub makes use of the reaction of iodoacetamide-treated Ub-activating enzyme (E): [3H]ATP + Ub + E----E X [3H]AMP-Ub + PPi and PPi----2Pi (in the presence of pyrophosphatase). The Ub is then measured by determining the acid-insoluble radioactivity. The reaction is accompanied by a slow enzyme-catalyzed hydrolysis of the complex to AMP plus Ub. The presence of ubiquitin-activating enzyme in excess of Ub by approximately equal to 0.1 microM assures that the steady state will be close to the endpoint for total Ub. A preparation of the activating enzyme from human erythrocytes that does not depend on affinity chromatography is described. Several applications of the assay are presented.


Impact of puberty, sex determinants and chronic inflammation on cardiovascular risk in young people.
Worrying trends of increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in children, adolescents and young people in the Modern Era have channelled research and public health strategies to tackle this growing epidemic. However, there are still controversies related to the dynamic of the impact of sex, age and puberty on this risk and on cardiovascular health outcomes later in life. In this comprehensive review of current literature, we examine the relationship between puberty, sex determinants and various traditional CVD-risk factors, as well as subclinical atherosclerosis in young people in general population. In addition, we evaluate the role of chronic inflammation, sex hormone therapy and health-risk behaviours on augmenting traditional CVD-risk factors and health outcomes, ultimately aiming to determine whether tailored management strategies for this age group are justified.


Influence of temperature on the life-cycle of Globodera spp.
The potato cyst nematodes (PCN) G. rostochiensis (Woll.) and G. pallida (Stone) are the most economically important pests of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in the UK and are widespread in ware potato growing regions in Europe. The new EU directive 2007/33/EC which came into effect July 1, 2010 aims to control their spread and limit further increases in populations. We are investigating the role of temperature in the life cycle of PCN to assess how this effects population multiplication in relation to managing PCN. Hatching and nematode development are stages in the life cycle that are affected by temperature and thus are important life stages that can be examined to determine the impact of temperature on the length of time required for one generation to be completed and the potential for final populations to increase on different potato genetic backgrounds. In some conditions a partial or complete second generation has also been observed within the growing season. Females have been observed on the surface of tubers and "pecking" skin damage can occur which may be a result of a second generation. We are investigating the influence of temperature on the potential for a second generation or the induction of diapause.


Macroscopic brain gray matter staining: historical protocol overview and neuroanatomy learning applications in second-year medical students.
Macroscopic staining in anatomical samples of the central nervous system is a technique that has been used for decades to achieve better differentiation of multiple gray matter structures, such as the cortex, basal ganglia, and cerebellar nuclei. Staining methods are based on using the different components of the brain, mainly the lipids present in the white matter. These techniques have been progressively forgotten while computer renderings are increasing; however, as a primary exposure to surgical anatomy, stained brain specimens are considered a helpful tool. We aim to summarize different staining techniques, their principles, and their current applications for neuroanatomy learning purposes. In total, four gray matter staining protocol descriptions (Mulligan's, Roberts's, Alston's, and Prussian Blue) were performed, as well as Likert scale surveys of second-year medical students about their perceptions of the stained sections. The results showed that the different macroscopic stains for brain tissue are based on lipid and reactant interactions, intending to increase the white matter (WM) and gray matter (GM) contrast. The search also showed that most staining protocols would take 2 days to develop. Efficient preservation options include submerging the sections in formaldehyde solutions, formaldehyde-free solutions, ethanol, or applying plastination techniques. Based on the student's perspective, the stained slices seem to be a valuable alternative to facilitate the study and identification of the basal ganglia and their relationships with the white matter (from 51.2 to 72% based on the Likert scale) compared with the non-stained sections. In conclusion, macroscopic staining of brain tissue continues to be a valuable tool for comprehensively studying the brain. Further research is needed to determine the efficacy of stained specimens as teaching tools.


Effect of Steam on Carbonation of CaO in Ca-Looping.
Ca-looping is an effective way to capture CO2 from coal-fired power plants. However, there are still issues that require further study. One of these issues is the effect of steam on the Ca-looping process. In this paper, a self-madethermogravimetric analyzer that can achieve rapid heating and cooling is used to measure the change of sample weight under constant temperature conditions. The parameters of the Ca-looping are studied in detail, including the addition of water vapor alone in the calcination or carbonation stage and the calcination/carbonation reaction temperatures for both calcination and carbonation stages with water vapor. Steam has a positive overall effect on CO2 capture in the Ca-looping process. When steam is present in both calcination and carbonation processes, it increases the decomposition rate of CaCO3 and enhances the subsequent carbonation conversion of CaO. However, when steam was present only in the calcination process, there was lower CaO carbonation conversion in the following carbonation process. In contrast, when steam was present in the carbonation stage, CO2 capture was improved. Sample characterizations after the reaction showed that although water vapor had a negative effect on the pore structure, adding water vapor increased the diffusion coefficient of CO2 and the carbonation conversion rate of CaO.


Utilizing radar graphs in the visualization of simulation and estimation results in network meta-analysis.
Traditional visualization in meta-analysis uses forest plots to illustrate the combined treatment effect, along with the respective results from primary trials. While the purpose of visualization is clear in the pairwise setting, additional treatments broaden the focus and extend the results to be illustrated in network meta-analysis. The complexity increases further in situations where all potential contrasts in the network are compared to a predefined fixed value of interest, such as the 95% coverage evaluated against the nominal value of 95% in simulation studies. We propose utilizing radar graphs to illustrate results from network meta-analysis in cases where the interest lies in the comparison of estimated results (after fitting a network meta-analysis in a specific data set) or a performance measure (simulation study) to a pre-defined fixed reference value. Accounting for the complex high-dimensional data structure, the general picture of the full network is captured at once without increasing the space needed for visualization. Especially in large simulation studies, where multiple scenarios need to be visually combined to gain an overview on different scenarios, this type of illustration facilitates the discussion of results. Further properties, such as the expected variation due to the Monte-Carlo error or the differentiation between directly and indirectly estimated treatment contrasts in simulation studies, as well as the indication of well-connected and sparsely connected treatments in an applied network meta-analysis, can additionally be included in the visualization. While we used the radar-graph mainly for a simulation study, other applications are suitable whenever relative contributions of treatment (contrasts) are of interest.


Exploring ligand non-innocence of coordinatively-versatile diamidodipyrrinato cobalt complexes.
The non-innocence of diamidodipyrrin is explored in a series of cobaltous complexes with novel binding motifs. By varying the coordination modes, a reversible one-electron reduction is remarkably shifted by nearly 200 mV in a single metal-ligand platform. Our study illustrates a new strategy for modifying the redox activity of porphyrin-like scaffolds.


Glucocorticoid receptor-mediated transcriptional activation of S100P gene coding for cancer-related calcium-binding protein.
S100P is a member of the S100 family of calcium-binding proteins involved in calcium sensing and signal transduction. Its abnormal expression and biological activities are linked to tumor phenotype, namely to increased survival, proliferation, invasion and metastatic propensity of tumor cells. Association of S100P with outcome of tumor treatment and preliminary data from S100P promoter analysis prompted us to study regulation of S100P expression by glucocorticoids, which are implicated in tumor response to chemotherapy. We showed that dexamethasone (DX), a representative glucocorticoid, was capable to induce activity of S100P promoter by means of increased expression, nuclear translocation, and transactivation properties of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). Moreover, DX treatment led to decreased phosphorylation of ERK1/2, reduced transcriptional activity of AP1, and modulated activity of some additional transcription factors. We identified a promoter region responsible for DX-mediated transactivation and proved GR binding to S100P promoter. We found that the effect of DX was enhanced by partial but not complete inhibition of the MAPK/ERK pathway, supporting an active crosstalk between GR and MAPK/ERK signal transduction in control of S100P expression. On the other hand, suppression of GR mRNA level by transient siRNA expression resulted in reduced S100P transcription. The role of GR activation in S100P regulation was supported by co-expression of GR with S100P in cells treated with DX. These data suggest that S100P is a direct transcriptional target of glucocorticoid-mediated signaling in tumor cells that is activated through the interplay of GR and MAPK pathways.


[Evaluation of the accuracy of precipitation methods for HDL cholesterol determination].
Several methods for HDL-Cholesterol determination have been proposed; the over-floating cholesterol evaluation after non-HDL lipoproteins precipitation by polyanions with bivalent cations or neutral polymers is practical and not expensive, but it's accuracy and precision must be strictly control led. The Authors, after a review and a quality-check of the most used methods, conclude that the best accuracy for HDL-Cholesterol determination is provided by Dextransulphate-Mg-chloride and Phosphotungstate-Mg-chloride at pH 7,5.


Anaesthetic management of a prematurely born infant with Cantrell's pentalogy.
Cantrell's pentalogy (CP) is a rare congenital syndrome combining a defect of the supraumbilical abdominal wall, the agenesis of the lower part of the sternum and of the anterior portion of the diaphragm, the absence of the diaphragmatic part of the pericardium, and a cardiac malformation. It was first described by Cantrell in 1958 (1,2). We report the case of a prematurely born infant with CP and Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome who required surgery first for bilateral inguinal hernia repair and later for Blalock-Taussig shunt. During these two procedures, our anaesthetic plan was to preserve the fragile equilibrium of both the pulmonary and the cardiovascular systems.


Bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity of ranitidine bismuth citrate in Helicobacter pylori clinical isolates.
Ranitidine bismuth citrate is a novel salt that seems to be useful in eradication of Helicobacter pylori from gastric mucosa when it is combined with antibiotics. The in vitro bacteriostatic (by MIC determination) and bactericidal (by killing curve) activity of ranitidine bismuth citrate was determined in this study. A total of 52 strains were cultured from gastric antral biopsy specimens taken at routine endoscopy and identified using standard methodology. MIC was determined by agar dilution using Mueller-Hinton agar supplemented with 7% horse blood. Killing curves were studied in 11 isolates. Ranitidine bismuth citrate at final concentrations of 1 mg/l and 8 mg/l were used. A starting inoculum of 10(4) to 10(6) CFU/ml was prepared in BHI with 10% fetal calf serum from a 48 h H. pylori broth culture. Viable colony counting was performed at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 24 h. A control without the study drug was included in each experiment and treated identically. A reduction of 100 to 1,000 CFU/ml was considered bactericidal. The MIC50, MIC90 and range for ranitidine bismuth citrate was 1, 2 and 0.25-4 mg/l, respectively. At 1 mg/l it showed a bactericidal effect after 2 h in one strain, after 8 h in two and after 24 h in four strains, and four strains were not killed. At 8 mg/l it killed three strains in 2 h, one in 4 h, two in 6 h, one in 8 h and four strains in 24 h. Ranitidine bismuth citrate was active in vitro against the H. pylori clinical isolates tested (by MIC and killing curves).


Rapid and accurate agglutination-based testing for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies.
We have developed a rapid, accurate, and cost-effective serologic test for SARS-CoV-2 virus, which caused the COVID-19 pandemic, on the basis of antibody-dependent agglutination of antigen-coated latex particles. When validated using plasma samples that are positive or negative for SARS-CoV-2, the agglutination assay detected antibodies against the receptor-binding domain of the spike (S-RBD) or the nucleocapsid protein of SARS-CoV-2 with 100% specificity and ∼98% sensitivity. Furthermore, we found that the strength of the S-RBD antibody response measured by the agglutination assay correlated with the efficiency of the plasma in blocking RBD binding to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 in a surrogate neutralization assay, suggesting that the agglutination assay might be used to identify individuals with virus-neutralizing antibodies. Intriguingly, we found that >92% of patients had detectable antibodies on the day of a positive viral RNA test, suggesting that the agglutination antibody test might complement RNA testing for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection.


Problems in diagnosing nosocomial pneumonia in mechanically ventilated patients: a review.
To review the available information about diagnosing nosocomial pneumonia in mechanically ventilated intensive care unit patients. The National Library of Medicine MEDLINE database and bibliographies of the reviewed articles. Studies were selected from the English literature, with an emphasis on recent studies. Studies were selected on the basis of their historical value and originality. A total of 82 articles was considered relevant. Many efforts have been made to diagnose nosocomial pneumonia with more accuracy. Two promising new diagnostic modalities are the protected specimen brush and bronchoalveolar lavage, both performed via flexible bronchoscopy. Depending on the study design and patient selection, sensitivity and specificity of bronchoalveolar lavage and protected specimen brush differ widely, ranging from 50% to 100%. However, interpretation of study results is seriously hampered because a standardized diagnostic threshold is not available, the influence of previous antimicrobial therapy on culture results remains unclear, and, most importantly, a well-defined gold standard to study the value of both methods is lacking. Because studies of bronchoalveolar lavage and protected specimen brush are seriously hampered by several pitfalls, these studies as well as clinical results must be interpreted with caution.


Relationship between cumulative exposure to triglyceride-glucose index and heart failure: a prospective cohort study.
High triglyceride-glucose index (TyG) is a major risk factor for heart failure, but the long-term effect of high TyG index on the risk of developing heart failure remains unclear. Therefore, we aimed to determine the relationship between the cumulative exposure to TyG index and the risk of heart failure. A total of 56,149 participants from the Kailuan Study, who participated in three consecutive health examinations in 2006, 2008, and 2010 and had no history of heart failure or cancer were recruited for this study. The cumulative TyG index was calculated as the weighted sum (value × time) of the mean TyG index for each time interval. The participants were placed into quartiles based on their cumulative TyG index. The study ended on December 31, 2020, and the primary outcome was new-onset heart failure during the follow-up period. In addition, a Cox proportional hazards regression model and a restricted cubic spline analysis were used to further evaluate the relationship between cumulative TyG index and the risk of heart failure. During a median follow-up period of 10.04 years, a total of 1,312 new heart failure events occurred. After adjustment for potential confounding factors, the Cox regression analysis showed that the hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) for the risk of heart failure in the Q2, Q3, and Q4 groups were 1.02 (0.83,1.25), 1.29 (1.07,1.56) and 1.40 (1.15,1.71), respectively, vs. the Q1 group. The subgroup analysis showed a significant interaction between cumulative TyG index and BMI or waist circumference, but there was no interaction between age, sex and cumulative TyG index. The restricted cubic spline analysis showed a dose-response relationship between cumulative TyG index and the risk of heart failure. In addition, the sensitivity analysis generated results that were consistent with the primary results. High cumulative TyG index is associated with a higher risk of heart failure. Thus, the TyG index may be useful for the identification of individuals at high risk of heart failure. The present findings emphasize the importance of the long-term monitoring of the TyG index in clinical practice.


[Clinical judgment and decision making in medical practice. A retiree with fatigue and foot drop].
A 64-year-old former civil servant consulted his general practitioner because of severe fatigue. Later he began to lose weight and gradually developed chronic sensorimotor polyneuropathy characterized by sensory nerve loss which started in his legs. After a year he needed a wheel chair and developed cachexia. IgG paraprotein was detected. Morbid-anatomical examination of enlarged supraclavicular lymph nodes revealed plasma cell angiofollicular hyperplasia, characteristic of Castleman's disease. Treatment with corticosteroids led to marked improvement of the patient's condition. He was able to walk again, using an ankle orthosis on both legs.


Expression of Sterol Regulatory Element-Binding Proteins in epicardial adipose tissue in patients with coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus: preliminary study.
Objectives: Sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBP) genes are crucial in lipid biosynthesis and cardiovascular homeostasis. Their expression in epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) and their influence in the development of coronary artery disease (CAD) and type-2 diabetes mellitus remain to be determined. The aim of our study was to evaluate the expression of SREBP genes in EAT in patients with CAD according to diabetes status and its association with clinical and biochemical data. Methods: SREBP-1 and SREBP-2 mRNA expression levels were measured in EAT from 49 patients with CAD (26 with diabetes) and 23 controls without CAD or diabetes. Results: Both SREBPs mRNA expression were significantly higher in patients with CAD and diabetes (p<0.001) and were identified as independent cardiovascular risk factor for coronary artery disease in patients with type-2 diabetes (SREBP-1: OR 1.7, 95%CI 1.1-2.5, p=0.02; SREBP-2: OR 1.6, 95%CI 1.2-3, p=0.02) and were independently associated with the presence of multivessel CAD, left main and anterior descending artery stenosis, and higher total and LDL cholesterol levels, and lower HDL cholesterol levels, in patients with CAD and diabetes. Conclusions: SREBP genes are expressed in EAT and were higher in CAD patients with diabetes than those patients without CAD or diabetes. SREBP expression was associated as cardiovascular risk factor for the severity of CAD and the poor lipid control. In this preliminary study we suggest the importance of EAT in the lipid metabolism and cardiovascular homeostasis for coronary atherosclerosis of patients with diabetes and highlight a future novel therapeutic target.


A Novel Approach for 3D Printing Fiber-Reinforced Mortars.
Three-dimensional printing with cement-based materials is a promising manufacturing technique for civil engineering applications that already allows for the design and the construction of complex and highly customized structures using a layer-by-layer deposition approach. The extrusion mechanism is one of the most expensive parts of the 3D printer. Also, for low-scale 3D printers, based on the shape of the extruder and the geometry limitation of the mixing blade, the 3D mixture is often limited to a narrow range of materials due to the risk of layer splitting or blockage. Therefore, there is a need to develop affordable and feasible alternatives to the current design-fabrication-application approach of 3D printers. In this paper, various newly designed mixtures of fiber-reinforced mortars that can be 3D printed using only a commercially available screw pump are analyzed based on their fresh properties and mechanical characteristics. The results, in terms of extrudability, buildability, flowability, and flexural and compressive strengths, highlight the potential of using this technology for constructing complex structures with high strength and durability. Also, the reduced facility requirements of this approach enable 3D printing to be made more available for civil engineering applications. With further innovations to come in the future, this method and these mixtures can be extended for the sustainable and economically feasible printing of single-family housing units.


Identification of Tumor Initiating Cells with a Small-Molecule Fluorescent Probe by Using Vimentin as a Biomarker.
Tumor initiating cells (TICs) have been implicated in clinical relapse and metastasis of a variety of epithelial cancers, including lung cancer. While efforts toward the development of specific probes for TIC detection and targeting are ongoing, a universal TIC probe has yet to be developed. We report the first TIC-specific fluorescent chemical probe, TiY, with identification of the molecular target as vimentin, a marker for epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). TiY selectively stains TICs over differentiated tumor cells or normal cells, and facilitates the visualization and enrichment of functionally active TICs from patient tumors. At high concentration, TiY also shows anti-TIC activity with low toxicity to non-TICs. With the unexplored target vimentin, TiY shows potential as a first universal probe for TIC detection in different cancers.


[Effect of heat inactivation of blood samples on the efficacy of three detection methods of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies].
To evaluate the effects of heat inactivation of blood samples at 56℃ for 30 min on the results of SARS-CoV-2 antibody detection using different methods. This retrospective study was conducted in 11 patients with established diagnosis of COVID-19 and 10 patients with diseases other than COVID- 19 in our hospital. We collected samples of serum, plasma and whole blood from each patient between February, 12 and 18, 2020, and with a double- blind design, the samples were examined for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies before and after heat inactivation at 56 ℃ for 30 min. In all the samples, the total SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were detected using immunochromatography, and the IgM antibodies were detected using fluorescence immunochromatography; the IgM and IgG antibodies in the serum and plasma samples detected with chemiluminescence immunoassay. We compared the detection results and analyzed the correlation of semi-quantitative detection results of IgM and IgG antibodies before and after heat inactivation of the samples. With immuno-chromatography, the coincidence rate of the total SARS-CoV-2 antibody detection before and after heat inactivation of the serum and plasma samples was 90.0% in COVID-19 cases and 100.0% in the negative cases, resulting in a total coincidence rate 95.2%; for the whole blood samples, the total coincidence rates of the total SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were 100.0%. For detection of IgM antibodies in the serum, plasma and whole blood samples using fluorescence immunochromatography, the coincidence rates in SARS-CoV-2-positive and negative cases and the total coincidence rate before and after inactivation were 100.0%, 0 and 47.6%, respectively. For detection of serum IgM and IgG antibodies and plasma IgG antibodies with chemiluminescence immunoassay, the coincidence rates in SARS-CoV-2-positive and negative cases and the total coincidence rate before and after inactivation were all 100.0%, and the total coincidence rate of plasma IgM antibodies was 95.2%. Pearson correlation analysis of the semi-quantitative results of IgM and IgG detection in the serum and plasma samples showed a correlation coefficient of 0.9999 (95%CI: 0.9998-1.000, P < 0.001) between the results before and after sample inactivation. Heat inactivation of blood samples at 56 ℃ for 30 min does not obviously affect the results of immunochromatography and chemiluminescent immunoassay for detection of SARS-COV-2 antibodies but can reduce the risk of infection for the operators. Heat-inactivated samples can not be used in fluorescence immunochromatography for SARS-CoV-2 antibody detection.


Influence of differing nitrate and nitrogen availability on flowering control in Arabidopsis.
Nitrogen, an essential macronutrient for plants, regulates many aspects of plant growth and development. Nitrate is one of the major forms of nitrogen taken up by plants from the soil. Nitrate and nitrogen have been reported to regulate flowering; while some studies have shown that lower nitrate/nitrogen promoted flowering, others have reported the opposite trend. To elucidate how nitrate/nitrogen affects flowering, we reviewed the existing literature and conducted experiments to examine flowering time under a wide range of nitrate concentrations using two growth systems. From the literature review and our experiments, we established that differing nitrate availability results in a U-shaped flowering curve, with an optimal concentration of nitrate facilitating flowering and concentrations above or below this optimal concentration delaying flowering. The role of nitrate and nitrogen in regulating flowering has been elucidated by several transcriptomic and mutant studies, which have suggested close interactions between nitrate/nitrogen, phosphate, the circadian clock, photosynthesis, and, potentially, hormones. We discuss several possible molecular mechanisms underlying the U-shaped flowering response.


Fruit and vegetable liking and intake among college students: a cross-sectional study.
ObjectiveThis study examined the liking of fruits and vegetables among college students and the relationship between skin carotenoid levels and liking of fruits and vegetables. Participants: Sixty-six undergraduate students enrolled at a university in the southeastern United States participated in this study beginning August 2019. Methods: Skin carotenoid levels were measured using the Veggie Meter® reflection spectroscopy device. Liking of individual fruits and vegetables was measured using a hedonic general Labeled Magnitude Scale. Results: There were significant differences in mean skin carotenoid levels by year of study and age group. Students had a very strong liking for potatoes and pineapple. Veggie Meter scores and overall liking for fruits and vegetables were positively correlated. Conclusions: In order to encourage the consumption of fruits and vegetables, preferences for specific fruits and vegetables as well as accessibility should be considered to better serve and accommodate college students.


Comparison of immunological and enzymatic properties of human urinary and pancreatic kallikrein.
Human urinary and human pancreatic kallikreins were compared by radioimmunoassay, immunoelectrophoresis, by their enzymatic activity using the substrate Ac-Phe-Arg-OEt and by their biological activity employing the dog blood pressure assay. The only significant difference observed was a higher anodal mobility of the urinary kallikrein under the conditions of immunoelectrophoresis.


Role of c-myc in simian virus 40 large tumor antigen-induced DNA synthesis in quiescent 3T3-L1 mouse fibroblasts.
Stably transfected NIH 3T3-L1 mouse fibroblasts (L1 cells) expressing the simian virus 40 large tumor antigen (LTAg) maintain c-myc expression and proliferation in low serum, whereas cells expressing the mutant form LTAg-K1, defective in binding of the retinoblastoma suppressor gene product pRb, showed reduced levels of c-myc RNA and only background levels of DNA synthesis in low serum. The role of the c-Myc protein in LTAg-induced DNA synthesis was studied in microinjection experiments. Expression of LTAg induced cellular DNA synthesis in > 95% of microinjected serum-starved L1 cells, whereas the mutant LTAg-K1 could not induce DNA synthesis. Coexpression of dominant negative c-Myc or Max mutants with LTAg inhibited DNA synthesis, indicating that functional c-Myc is necessary for induction of DNA synthesis by LTAg. Expression of c-Myc induced programmed cell death (apoptosis) in serum-starved L1 cells. Coexpression of c-Myc with LTAg-K1 restored induction of DNA synthesis without apoptosis. Expression of a truncated LTAg, LTAg-(1-259), defective in binding of the tumor suppressor gene product p53, failed to prevent c-Myc-induced apoptosis. The data indicate that c-Myc can restore the ability of LTAg-K1 to induce DNA synthesis and that LTAg-K1 prevents c-Myc-induced apoptosis in serum-starved L1 cells by its interaction with p53.


[Clinical characteristics of a family with early-onset Alzheimer's disease associated with a presenilin 1 mutation (M139T)].
The objective of this study was to describe the clinical features and the genetic analysis of a family with autosomal-dominant familial Alzheimer's disease. In addition to the clinical findings of different family members, we performed a genetic analysis to detect mutations in the amyloid precursor protein genes, presenilin 1 and presenilin 2 genes, by means of single-strand conformation polymorphism and subsequent sequencing. The APOE genotype was also determined. The proband was a 52-year-old patient whose Alzheimer's disease started at age 49 years. Family history revealed that several members had developed an early onset dementia. The clinical picture in all them was characterized by cognitive and behavioral abnormalities that started at age 40 to 50 years. An important variability in the age of onset was observed among family members (range 39-51 years). The proband's genetic study identified a mutation in the presenilin 1 gene which predicted a methionine-to-treonine substitution at codon 139 (M139T). APOE genotype was *3/*3. The clinical picture of this family carrying the M139T mutation was similar to that of the sporadic variant of Alzheimer's disease. The observed variability in the age of onset suggests that, yet being genetically determined, other genetic or environmental factors modify the clinical expression of the disease.


Infectious molecular clones with the nonhomologous dimer initiation sequences found in different subtypes of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 can recombine and initiate a spreading infection in vitro.
Recombinant forms of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) have been shown to be of major importance in the global AIDS pandemic. Viral RNA dimer formation mediated by the dimerization initiation sequence (DIS) is believed to be essential for viral genomic RNA packaging and therefore for RNA recombination. Here, we demonstrate that HIV-1 recombination and replication are not restricted by variant DIS loop sequences. Three DIS loop forms found among HIV-1 isolates, DIS (CG), DIS (TA), and DIS (TG), when introduced into deletion mutants of HIV-1 recombined efficiently, and the progeny virions replicated with comparable kinetics. A fourth DIS loop form, containing an artificial AAAAAA sequence disrupting the putative DIS loop-loop interactions [DIS (A6)], supported efficient recombination with DIS loop variants; however, DIS (A6) progeny virions exhibited a modest replication disadvantage in mixed cultures. Our studies indicate that the nonhomologous DIS sequences found in different HIV-1 subtypes are not a primary obstacle to intersubtype recombination.


Elevated C-reactive protein level predicts lower gastrointestinal tract bleeding.
Lower gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding can be caused by colorectal polyps or cancer. The aim of the present study was to identify blood test variables and medications that can predict lower GI bleeding, which would allow for appropriate colonoscopy. The medical records of patients who underwent colonoscopy from September 2014 to September 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. The selected patients included 278 men (mean age, 67.0±11.5 years) and 249 women (mean age, 69.6±12.0 years). The diagnosis, medications, and blood test variables were compared between patients with and without bleeding. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the factors associated with lower GI bleeding. The presence of colorectal polyp and cancer was associated with lower GI bleeding (P=0.0044) with an odds ratio of 6.71 (P=0.0148). No lower GI bleeding was observed in patients taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, or anticoagulants. The C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were significantly higher in patients with lower GI bleeding (P=0.0227). The Hb levels were lower in patients with lower GI bleeding, however this finding was not statistically significant (P>0.05). No blood test variable was associated with lower GI bleeding. Elevated CRP was associated with lower GI bleeding, while there was no association between the medications and lower GI bleeding.


Morphological changes in the salivary glands upon stimulation by receptor-selective agonists. I. Parotid glands of the mouse.
The innervation of the parotid glands of the mouse by the autonomic nervous system and the influence of receptor-selective mimetics of the neurotransmitter substances on these glands have been studied with histological techniques. The receptor-selective agonists were administered either via an intraperitoneal injection or via perfusion of the glands, followed by a rapid perfusion-fixation. The acinar cells were surrounded by both an adrenergic and a cholinergic plexus. Both types of transmitter mimetics were able to induce exocytosis from the parotid acinar cells. Administration of either isoprenaline or pilocarpine via the perfusion fluid resulted within 15 min in a distinct effect on the acinar cells, though in the doses used, the beta-adrenergic effect dominated the cholinergic influence. Also 90 min after an intraperitoneal injection it was observed that both agonists stimulated the granular release. Stimulation of the alpha-adrenoceptor resulted only in a transient formation of vacuoles in the acinar cells. These results confirm the biochemical data reported previously, which indicated that both isoprenaline and pilocarpine induce a significant amylase secretion, in contrast to phenylephrine. In addition these results show that the perfusion technique is excellently suitable for studying morphological effects of secretagogues on the salivary glands.


Estimation of preterm labor immediacy by nonlinear methods.
Preterm delivery affects about one tenth of human births and is associated with an increased perinatal morbimortality as well as with remarkable costs. Even if there are a number of predictors and markers of preterm delivery, none of them has a high accuracy. In order to find quantitative indicators of the immediacy of labor, 142 cardiotocographies (CTG) recorded from women consulting because of suspected threatened premature delivery with gestational ages comprehended between 24 and 35 weeks were collected and analyzed. These 142 samples were divided into two groups: the delayed labor group (n = 75), formed by the women who delivered more than seven days after the tocography was performed, and the anticipated labor group (n = 67), which corresponded to the women whose labor took place during the seven days following the recording. As a means of finding significant differences between the two groups, some key informational properties were analyzed by applying nonlinear techniques on the tocography recordings. Both the regularity and the persistence levels of the delayed labor group, which were measured by Approximate Entropy (ApEn) and Generalized Hurst Exponent (GHE) respectively, were found to be significantly different from the anticipated labor group. As delivery approached, the values of ApEn tended to increase while the values of GHE tended to decrease, suggesting that these two methods are sensitive to labor immediacy. On this paper, for the first time, we have been able to estimate childbirth immediacy by applying nonlinear methods on tocographies. We propose the use of the techniques herein described as new quantitative diagnosis tools for premature birth that significantly improve the current protocols for preterm labor prediction worldwide.


Inhibition of eIF5A hypusination reprogrammes metabolism and glucose handling in mouse kidney.
Inhibition of the eukaryotic initiation factor 5A activation by the spermidine analogue GC7 has been shown to protect proximal cells and whole kidneys against an acute episode of ischaemia. The highlighted mechanism involves a metabolic switch from oxidative phosphorylation toward glycolysis allowing cells to be transiently independent of oxygen supply. Here we show that GC7 decreases protein expression of the renal GLUT1 glucose transporter leading to a decrease in transcellular glucose flux. At the same time, GC7 modifies the native energy source of the proximal cells from glutamine toward glucose use. Thus, GC7 acutely and reversibly reprogrammes function and metabolism of kidney cells to make glucose its single substrate, and thus allowing cells to be oxygen independent through anaerobic glycolysis. The physiological consequences are an increase in the renal excretion of glucose and lactate reflecting a decrease in glucose reabsorption and an increased glycolysis. Such a reversible reprogramming of glucose handling and oxygen dependence of kidney cells by GC7 represents a pharmacological opportunity in ischaemic as well as hyperglycaemia-associated pathologies from renal origin.


Unilateral renal agenesis with absent ductus deferens, epididymis and seminal vesicle: incidental finding in a 22-year-old patient with maldevelopment of the mesonephric duct.
Unilateral renal agenesis with an absence of the seminal vesicle, epididymis and ductus deferens is rare and is the result of a developmental disorder of the mesonephric or Wolffian duct. We report the case of a 22-year-old man who presented with testicular pain on the left side of 3 weeks' duration. During the clinical investigation of the scrotum a nonpalpable ductus deferens on the left side was found incidentally. As a result of the urological ultrasound the diagnosis of renal, epididymal, seminal vesicle and ductus deferens agenesis on the left was confirmed. As a vascular variety the CT demonstrated 2 renal veins and 2 renal arteries on the right originating from the superior mesenteric artery together with the right hepatic artery. The testicular artery was placed on both sides. Further diagnostic investigations including a spermiogram, hormone analysis and kidney function tests were normal. Congenital urogenital malformations can be found in various combinations even in adults. Unilateral absence of the vas deferens during clinical examination should alert the clinician to an underlying renal, seminal vesicle and epididymal anomaly; further urological investigation is mandatory. A genetic investigation of the CFTR gene is not necessary in the absence of both ductus deferentes with renal agenesis.


Inkjet-Printed Photodetector Arrays Based on Hybrid Perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 Microwires.
Hybrid perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 has attracted extensive research interests in optoelectronic devices in recent years. Herein an inkjet printing method has been employed to deposit a perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 layer. By choosing the proper solvent and controlling the crystal growth rate, hybrid perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 nanowires, microwires, a network, and islands were synthesized by means of inkjet printing. Electrode-gap-electrode lateral-structured photodetectors were fabricated with these different crystals, of which a hybrid perovskite microwire-based photodetector would balance the uniformity and low defects to obtain a switching ratio of 16000%, responsivity of 1.2 A/W, and normalized detectivity of 2.39 × 1012 Jones at a light power density of 0.1 mW/cm2. Furthermore, the hybrid perovskite microwire-based photodetector arrays were fabricated and applied in an imaging sensor, from which the clear mapping of the light source signal was successfully obtained. This work paves the way for the realization of low-cost, solution-processed, and high-performance hybrid perovskite-based photodetector arrays.


[Self-inflicted injurious behavior].
Self-inflicted injurious behavior Auto-aggressive behavior such as the simulation of crimes, attempted insurance fraud or suicidal intent are observed in psychiatric diseases and, in particular, in borderline personality disorder. The self-inflicted injuries often show typical characteristics, the knowledge of which is helpful for making a diagnosis and can critically influence further therapy. Borderliner injuries are often noticeably uniform, arranged in parallel, superficial and on body locations that are easily reached. For affected persons who are at high risk for suicide, it is of great importance that they receive psychiatric therapy as soon as possible.


Nursing management of the patient with meningeal carcinomatosis.
The care of the patient with meningeal carcinomatosis is not unlike the care of any other patient. Despite varying symptomatology, the nurse views the patient holistically. The nurse helps the patient and family adjust to a disease process which at present, shows a gradual deterioration of function even with current therapy.


Nucleation in polydisperse polymer mixtures.
The effect of polydispersity on nucleation in a metastable mixture of polydisperse polymer A and monodisperse polymer B is studied using self-consistent field theory. We adopt the continuous Schulz chain length distribution to describe the polydispersity of species A. The results show that the free energy barrier, as well as many other properties of the critical nucleus, is sensitive to the polydispersity, especially in the highly polydisperse case. This should be attributed to the fact that longer chains have stronger tendencies toward nucleation. As a result, the distribution of the volume fraction as a function of chain length in the nucleus becomes different from that in the bulk. The chain length, which corresponds to the maximum contribution to the volume fraction in the nucleus, becomes larger than the number-average chain length. Meanwhile, the interface between the critical nucleus and the parent metastable bulk phase broadens. This phenomenon is obvious when the polydispersity is high.


Draft Genome Sequence of Alkalinema sp. Strain CACIAM 70d, a Cyanobacterium Isolated from an Amazonian Freshwater Environment.
In order to increase the genomic data of cyanobacterial strains isolated in Brazil, we hereby present the draft genome sequence of the Alkalinema sp. strain CACIAM 70d, isolated from an Amazonian freshwater environment. This report describes the first genome available for this genus.


Chemical and molecular examinations of some cowpea genotypes using simple sequence repeat and intersimple sequence repeat DNA markers in relation to their cooking quality.
Cowpea is a leguminous crop that has received widespread attention due to its high nutritional value. However, it is prone to losing some of its nutritional content due to the long cooking process. In this study, fourteen cowpea genotypes were evaluated for their chemical properties before and after cooking, along with the effect of different cooking treatments on the cooking time, considered as the main indicator of the cooking quality. Moreover, the correlation between molecular markers (simple sequence repeat (SSR) and intersimple sequence repeat (ISSR)) and the cooking time of cowpea genotypes was determined. The obtained results showed significant differences between all the investigated genotypes before and after the cooking procedure, reflecting significant genotypic and heritability estimates. Kareem 7 and Greenish Black Balady genotypes showed the shortest cooking time. Microwave's treatment manifested the shortest cooking time compared with the other treatments, which appeared as a new approach to improve the cooking quality of cowpea seeds. Spearman's rank correlation showed that the calculated values were smaller than the tabulated value at 0.05, reflecting the existence of a rank correlation between SSR/ISSR-PCR banding products and the cooking time of cowpea genotypes. Such a study appeared to be a new approach, particularly in Egypt for the proper selection of the optimal cowpea seed on the basis of its cooking quality.


Comparison of the biological properties of several marine sponge-derived sesquiterpenoid quinones.
Eight naturally occurring marine-sponge derived sesquiterpenoid quinones were evaluated as potential inhibitors of pyruvate phosphate dikinase (PPDK), a C4 plant regulatory enzyme. Of these, the hydroxyquinones ilimaquinone, ethylsmenoquinone and smenoquinone inhibited PPDK activity with IC50's (reported with 95% confidence intervals) of 285.4 (256.4-317.7), 316.2 (279.2-358.1) and 556.0 (505.9-611.0) microM, respectively, as well as being phytotoxic to the C4 plant Digitaria ciliaris. The potential anti-inflammatory activity of these compounds, using bee venom phospholipase A2 (PLA2), was also evaluated. Ethylsmenoquinone, smenospongiarine, smenospongidine and ilimaquinone inhibited PLA2 activity (% inhibition of 73.2 +/- 4.8 at 269 microM, 61.5 +/- 6.1 at 242 microM, 41.0 +/- 0.6 at 224 microM and 36.4 +/- 8.2 at 279 microM, respectively). SAR analyses indicate that a hydroxyquinone functionality and a short, hydroxide/alkoxide side-chain atC-20 is preferred for inhibition of PPDK activity, and that a larger amine side-chain at C-20 is tolerated for PLA2 inhibitory activity.


[About the relationship between medicine and social sciences: the French Foundation for the Study of Human Problems or Carrel Foundation (1941-1945)].
Nobel Prize winner for medicine in 1912, author of a widely acclaimed best seller which was published in English and in French in 1935, Man, the Unknown, Alexis Carrel was Regent of the French Foundation for the Study of Human Problems from 1942 to 1944, during the Second World War in France. The Foundation, known as the "Carrel Foundation", was created as a financially autonomous public establishment with full legal status and had a dual mission: to stkudy "all possible means of safeguarding, improving and developing the French population" (1) and to "synthesize efforts undertaken by its own members or by others and to develop the science of man" (2). Considering its short official existence and the exceptional circumstances of the period, the scientific work of the Foundation is impressive: the demographical analyses undertaken by R. Gessain, P. Tincent, and J. Bourgeois; the pioneer work of J. Sutter in nutrition; J. Merlet's work on group settings; the Gallup polls undertaken by J. Stoetzel's team; and the work and publications of the F. Perroux Department of Bio-Sociology, without failing to mention the study carried out on a group of one hundred thousand children. Amongst the effects of the Foundation, one must mention the National Institute of Demographic Studies (INED) and with it, the establishment of one of the most active and productive research groups in the Social and Human Sciences in France. There are other initiatives and activities which form part of the Foundation's inheritance: the creation in 1947 by Dr A. Gros, former Vice-regent of the Foundation, of the group of "Advisers in Synthesis"; the jkoint creation ten years later by D Gros and G. Berger of the group and the publication "Prospective"; the wide multidisciplinary study undertaken by the (DGRST) "Délégation Générale à la Recherche Scientifique et Technique" undertaken in 1960 thanks to the initiative of R. Gessain and of J. Sutter; and the Monaco Forums on Social Sciences, not to mention the contribution of former Foundation members to the establishment at the international level of medicine of work and the encouragement given to ergonomic studies.


Preconception serum 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2,bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane and B-vitamin status: independent and joint effects on women's reproductive outcomes.
Although preconception 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2,bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane (DDT) exposure and B-vitamin deficiencies have each been shown to negatively affect human reproductive outcomes, little is known about their joint effect. We sought to examine whether B-vitamin sufficiency protects against adverse effects of DDT on clinical pregnancy (CP) and subclinical early pregnancy loss (EPL). We measured preconception concentrations of plasma B vitamins (vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12, and folate) and serum total DDT [sum of p,p' and o,p' isomers of DDT and 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene] in 291 nulligravid women from Anhui, China, who were studied in 1996-1998. The women were followed prospectively from the time they stopped contraception until CP (gestational age ≥42 d) or 12 mo (whichever occurred first). EPL was identified by using daily urinary human chorionic gonadotropin. The women were categorized according to B-vitamin status (deficiency compared with sufficiency) and DDT concentration (high compared with low). Of 291 study women, a total of 385 conceptions (31% of which ended in EPL) and 265 CPs occurred. Compared with women with adequate B-vitamins and low DDT, incidence rates of CP were reduced in women with B-vitamin deficiency and a high DDT concentration (P < 0.05 for all). Most notably, in women with sufficient vitamin B-12, DDT was not associated with the incidence of CP; in contrast, in women with vitamin B-12 deficiency, high DDT was associated with a lower incidence of CP (HR: 0.44; 95% CI: 0.23, 0.84); and the test for interaction was significant (P < 0.05). The odds of EPL decreased by 45% (95% CI: 21%, 62%) for each interquartile distance increase in folate in women with high DDT concentrations, and the test for interaction was significant (P = 0.006). Our results provide suggestive evidence that vitamin B-12 and folate sufficiency may help protect against adverse reproductive effects of DDT exposure. Additional studies are needed to confirm our findings.


A prospective, multicenter, randomized trial of percutaneous transmyocardial laser revascularization in patients with nonrecanalizable chronic total occlusions.
We sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous transmyocardial revascularization (PTMR) in patients with refractory angina caused by one or more chronic total occlusions (CTOs) of a native coronary artery. Previous unblinded, randomized trials of PTMR in patients with end-stage coronary artery disease and refractory angina have demonstrated significant relief of angina and increased exercise duration. Whether such benefits would be realized in blinded patients with less extensive coronary artery disease is unknown. A total of 141 consecutive patients with class III or IV angina caused by one or more chronically occluded native coronary arteries in which a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) had failed were prospectively randomized, at 17 medical centers, in the same procedure, to PTMR plus maximal medical therapy (MMT) (n = 71) or MMT only (n = 70). Blinding was achieved through heavy sedation, dark goggles and the concurrent performance of PCI in all patients. Baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups. A median number of 20 laser channels were created in patients randomized to PTMR. At six months, the anginal class improved by two or more classes in 49% of patients assigned to PTMR and in 37% of those assigned to MMT (p = 0.33). The median increase in exercise duration from baseline to six months was 64 s with PTMR versus 52 s with MMT (p = 0.73). There were no differences in the six-month rates of death (8.6% vs. 8.8%), myocardial infarction (4.3% vs. 2.9%) or any revascularization (4.3% vs. 5.9%) in the PTMR and MMT groups, respectively (p = NS for all). In patients with class III or IV angina caused by nonrecanalizable CTOs, the performance of PTMR does not result in a greater reduction in angina, improvement in exercise duration or survival free of adverse cardiac events, as compared with MMT only.


Coherent Phonon Disruption and Lock-In during a Photoinduced Charge-Density-Wave Phase Transition.
Ultrafast manipulation of phase domains in quantum materials is a promising approach to unraveling and harnessing interwoven charge and lattice degrees of freedom. Here we find evidence for coupling of displacively excited coherent acoustic phonons (CAPs) and periodic lattice distortions (PLDs) in the intensely studied charge-density-wave material, 1T-TaS2, using 4D ultrafast electron microscopy (UEM). Initial photoinduced Bragg-peak dynamics reveal partial CAP coherence and localized c-axis dilations. Weak, partially coherent dynamics give way to higher-amplitude, increasingly coherent oscillations, the transition period of which matches that of photoinduced incommensurate domain growth and stabilization from the nearly-commensurate phase. With UEM imaging, it is found that phonon wave trains emerge from linear defects 100 ps after photoexcitation. The CAPs consist of coupled longitudinal and transverse character and propagate at anomalously high velocities along wave vectors independent from PLDs, instead being dictated by defect orientation. Such behaviors illustrate a means to control phases in quantum materials using defect-engineered coherent-phonon seeding.


Longitudinal study of major histocompatibility complex antigen expression on hepatocytes in fine-needle aspiration biopsies from human liver grafts.
Expression of MHC class II antigens on hepatocytes is part of the natural history of liver grafts. The expression appears to be enhanced by rejection episodes but not during infection and seems to persist on higher levels in chronic rejection and multigraft recipients. Intense expression of class I antigens is a nonspecific feature of the posttransplant situation.