Characterization of a novel reassortant H7N3 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus isolated from a poultry meat product taken on a passenger flight to Japan.
A new reassortant H7N3 avian influenza virus (AIV) was isolated from a duck meat product that was illegally taken on board a passenger flight from China to Japan in March 2018. Sequencing analysis revealed that the H7N3 isolate, A/duck/Japan/AQ-HE30-1/2018 (Dk/HE30-1) (H7N3), was a reassortant highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) that contained the haemagglutinin (HA) gene of Chinese H7N9 HPAIV. Dk/HE30-1 (H7N3) possessed a novel polybasic sequence motif PEVPKRRRTAR/GLF at the HA cleavage site that has never previously been reported in H7 HPAIVs. The HA antigenicity of Dk/HE30-1 (H7N3) slightly differed from that of H7N9 HPAIVs previously reported. These findings will help further our knowledge of the circulation and genetic evolution of emerging AIVs in endemic areas.


Choledocholithiasis in an infant of extremely low birthweight.
A five-month-old infant of extremely low birthweight with choledocholithiasis is reported. A baby girl was delivered at 26 weeks gestation as a second twin, weighing 834 g. At 30 days of age, gallbladder stones were found by routine ultrasonography. She had vomiting at 157 days of age. Ultrasonography revealed calculi in the gallbladder and a dilated common bile duct. She was conservatively treated with scopolamine, antibiotics and dehydrocholic and ursodeoxycholic acids, and the calculi had disappeared by 189 days of age. Although conservative treatment succeeded in this patient, further cases should be analysed to establish how to manage choledocholithiasis in such small infants.


Gallbladder histopathology during murine gallstone formation: relation to motility and concentrating function.
C57L mice are susceptible and AKR mice are resistant to gallstone formation. We studied in male mice of both strains gallbladder histopathology, cholecystokinin-induced emptying, and concentrating function at 0, 14, 28, and 56 days on a lithogenic diet. Gallbladder wall thickness increased on the diet, with stromal granulocyte infiltration, progressive fibrosis, edema, and epithelial cell indentation, particularly in C57L. Strong basal cholecystokinin octapeptide-induced gallbladder emptying (70% of fasting volumes) occurred in both strains, but fasting gallbladder volumes were significantly larger in C57L (14.8 +/- 2.2 microl vs. 8.8 +/- 1.0 microl). On the diet, fasting volumes increased exclusively in C57L (28.6 +/- 2.9 microl on day 56), with progressively decreased emptying (27% of fasting volumes on day 56). Gallbladder emptying remained normal in AKR. Gallbladder concentrating function decreased on the lithogenic diet (especially in C57L), coinciding with decreased aquaporin-1 (AQP1) and AQP8 expression at the mRNA and protein levels. In additional experiments, similar downregulation of AQP1 and AQP8 mRNA expression occurred in farnesoid X receptor (FXR)-deficient mice after 1 week on the lithogenic diet, without any difference from corresponding wild-type mice. In conclusion, during murine lithogenesis, altered gallbladder histology is associated with impaired motility, reduced concentrating function, and decreased AQP1 and AQP8 expression, the latter without the involvement of the FXR.


Isolation and Characterization of an Endophytic Fungal Strain with Potent Antimicrobial and Termiticidal Activities From Port-Orford-Cedar.
Termites are responsible for an estimated US$1 billion annually in property damage, repairs, pest control, and prevention. There is an urgent need of finding a better alternative way to control and prevent termites. Port-Orford-Cedar (POC) has been known to have significant levels of natural durability and termiticidal activities due to its extractive contents. In this study, 25 endophytes including 22 fungal and 3 bacterial strains were isolated from the POC. Four strains, namely, HDZK-BYF21, HDZK-BYF1, HDZK-BYF2, and HDZK-BYB11, were chosen to test their termiticidal activities. The fermentation broth of strain HDZK-BYF21 displayed the potent antimicrobial and termiticidal activities. Morphological examination and 18 S rDNA sequence analysis demonstrated that strain HDZK-BYF21 belonged to the genus Aspergillus. This finding indicates the existence of an interesting chemical symbiosis between an endophytic fungus and its host. This is also the first report on endophytes isolated from the POC that may have potential termiticidal activities. Endophytes with termiticidal activities can be grown in bioreactor to provide an inexhaustible supply of bioactive compounds and thus can be exploited commercially.


[A case of pleuropneumopathy due to Eikenella corrodens].
We report the observation of a pleuropneumonia due to Eikenella corrodens in a man of 39 years old suffering from diffuse dilatation of the bronchi. This small micro-aerophilic Gram negative bacillus has rarely been implicated as a cause of pneumonia. It appears that it may often be associated with streptococcal infections and that it becomes a pathogen when the immunity is lowered. Its sensitivity to antibiotics is excellent, particularly vis-à-vis bêta-lactams.


The use of oncofetal ferritin-bearing lymphocytes as a marker for the screening, diagnosis, and follow-up of patients with early breast malignancy screening of 3400 women.
The potential of using a blood test enumerating oncofetal ferritin-bearing lymphocytes (FBL) as a biomarker for early breast cancer was further explored. Nine hundred women attending a high-risk breast cancer clinic and 2500 normal-risk women were physically examined and their blood drawn for FBL determination using a newly developed radioimmunoassay. The FBL test results were compared to clinically or histopathologically diagnosed breast disease and to known breast cancer risk factors. A gradual increase in the mean FBL ratio was seen from normal risk disease-free women to those with in situ or early stage breast cancer. The percentage of women with positive FBL was 13.6% for the normal risk group, 19% and 25.7% for clinically and histopathologically diagnosed benign breast disease, respectively, and 100, 77.8, and 66.7% for in situ, Stage I, and Stage II breast cancer, respectively. In locally advanced disease (Stage III) the percentage of positive women was only 17.2%. It was further found that a negative FBL result in known breast cancer patients at Stage I, II of the disease was a bad prognostic marker indicating a shorter disease-free survival. The follow-up of patients after surgery by periodical clinical examination and the FBL test revealed that the positive FBL was declining after removal of the precancerous or malignant tumor and that it was highly sensitive (100%) in predicting tumor development and recurrence. Using a logistic regression analysis, an FBL-positive test indicated a significant association with risk of early breast cancer (odds ratio = 2.9; 95% confidence interval = 1.4-5.8). Being a measure of the immune response the positive FBL was associated with early breast cancer and good prognosis. Since patients with locally advanced cancer and poor prognosis were FBL negative but such patients were shown to have increased serum ferritin levels. It is suggested to use the FBL and serum ferritin assays for screening and diagnosis of breast cancer.


Wounds Week 2: 1-5 February 2021.
On 1 February, Journal of Wound Care and the University of Huddersfield streamed the first of the live webinars on their Wounds Week channel (www.woundsweek.com). All sessions are now available to watch on-demand. With highly innovative topics, Wounds Week 2 gives a chance for the wound care community to come together in these difficult times and engage in key education, free of charge. The sessions had live question and answer sessions; participants asked questions of the experts, making them a key part of the event. The registration process takes just a minute. There's nothing to install or set up-simply register and fill out your details. Follow on twitter at #WoundsWeek.


Mesoporous Tungsten Oxides with Crystalline Framework for Highly Sensitive and Selective Detection of Foodborne Pathogens.
Foodborne pathogens like Listeria monocytogenes can cause various illnesses and pose a serious threat to public health. They produce species-specific microbial volatile organic compounds, i.e., the biomarkers, making it possible to indirectly measure microbial contamination in foodstuff. Herein, highly ordered mesoporous tungsten oxides with high surface areas and tunable pores have been synthesized and used as sensing materials to achieve an exceptionally sensitive and selective detection of trace Listeria monocytogenes. The mesoporous WO3-based chemiresistive sensors exhibit a rapid response, superior sensitivity, and highly selective detection of 3-hydroxy-2-butanone. The chemical mechanism study reveals that acetic acid is the main product generated by the surface catalytic reaction of the biomarker molecule over mesoporous WO3. Furthermore, by using the mesoporous WO3-based sensors, a rapid bacteria detection was achieved, with a high sensitivity, a linear relationship in a broad range, and a high specificity for Listeria monocytogenes. Such a good gas sensing performance foresees the great potential application of mesoporous WO3-based sensors for fast and effective detection of microbial contamination for the safety of food, water safety and public health.


In vitro comparison of different reciprocating systems used during endodontic retreatment.
The present study evaluated the effectiveness of two reciprocating systems for the removal of root-filling material during endodontic retreatment. One hundred extracted mandibular premolars were prepared and root-filled with gutta-percha and sealer. Root fillings were removed with K-files according to the following techniques: Group A--hand instrumentation; Group B--Endo-Gripper system driven by compressed air; Group C--INTRAmatic 29CH + INTRA-LUX 3LD driven by compressed air; Group D--Endo-Gripper system driven by electric engine; Group E--INTRAmatic 29CH + INTRA-LUX 3LD driven by electric engine. The amount of filling debris on root canal walls was assessed radiographically and analysed using Auto CAD 2000 software. One-way anova and Duncan's test revealed statistically significant differences only in the middle third (P = 0.01); the best results being reached in group D. The apical third displayed the greatest amount of filling material debris, regardless of the technique used.


Prevalence and determinants of misreporting of energy intake among Latin American populations: results from ELANS study.
Underreporting and overreporting of energy intake (EI) have been recognized as potential sources of bias. Dietary data mainly rely on proxy respondents, but little is known about the determinants of misreporting of EI among Latin American (LA) populations. This study was conducted using data from the multicenter Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health that consisted of information about sociodemographics, physical activity, and dietary intake from 9218 individuals aged 15 to 65 years who were living in urban areas in 8 LA countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela). Goldberg methodology was applied to classify the participants into categories of overreporter (OR), plausible reporter (PR), or underreporter (UR) of EI. Associations between misreporting and covariates were examined by the Kruskal-Wallis test, logistic regression, and linear regression. The prevalence of UR was 12.1% and OR was 14.1%. Costa Rica had the highest percentage of UR (24.4%) and the lowest of OR (7.3%), and Colombia had the lowest of UR (5.7%) and the highest of OR (22.4%). Furthermore, underreporters were more likely to be females from older groups with minimal education, white, physically active, overweight or obese, and living in Costa Rica. Overreporters were more likely to be younger, single, of low socioeconomic level, nonwhite, physically active, underweight or with normal weight, and from Colombia. The results demonstrated that sex, age, race, education status, and nationality seemed to influence the reporting behavior, which is essential to correctly interpreting potentially biased associations between diet and health outcomes, and improving nutritional interventions and public health policies.


[Clinical and electroencephalographic analysis of epilepsy in children with hydrocephalus].
Clinical and electroencephalographic features of epilepsy and the prognosis of intelligence were investigated in 156 children with hydrocephalus. Of these 53 (34.0%) had epilepsy. The incidence and outcome of epilepsy were determined by the etiology of hydrocephalus. The incidence was high in children with hydrocephalus caused by intra-cranial infection and dysgenetic hydrocephalus without dysraphism. Furthermore, it was difficult to control the epileptic seizures in these patients. In contrast, children with dysgenetic hydrocephalus caused by dysraphism and simple hydrocephalus had lower incidence of epilepsy and epileptic seizures had been well controlled in these cases. In hydrocephalic children, localization-related epilepsy was the most common. Complex partial seizures and focal motor seizures were frequently observed. Common electroencephalographic findings were focal spikes or multi-focal spikes. The intelligence quotient was significantly lower in children with epilepsy than in those without epilepsy. All these findings suggest that the incidence of epilepsy may be a crucial prognostic factor in children with hydrocephalus.


Myxo-papillary ependymoma: an unusual cause of a pelvic mass.
One of the rarer causes of a pelvic mass is a myxo-papillary ependymoma. We describe the unusual presentation of a locally advanced tumour in an elderly lady.


Interleukin-23 Receptor Gene Variants in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and Their Relation to Prognostic Factors.
Interleukin (IL)-23 has an important role in tumor immune regulation. To investigate the possible association of interleukin-23 receptor (IL23R) gene variants rs1884444, rs10889677 and rs11209026 with development of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The IL23R variants were studied in 164 ALL patients and compared to 175 healthy controls by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. The relationship between these variants and clinical and laboratory features of the patients and response to therapy were evaluated. No significant differences in genotype and allele frequencies existed between patients and controls. The rs1884444TG genotype was significantly lower in patients who relapsed (24.2%) compared to those without relapse (55.9%, p=0.006). Fewer patients who relapsed had evidence of the G allele (p=0.034). The TG genotype was associated with a longer complete remission at 1804±116 days compared to other genotypes (<1217 days, p=0.028), however, this result was not significant in multivariate analysis. The rs10889677 AA genotype and A allele were associated with age (p<0.041) and platelet number (p=0.03) in precursor-B cell ALL (B-ALL) patients. Both occurred more frequently in patients aged 2-10 years (63.6% and 66%, respectively) and in those with platelets >100×10ˆ3 μL (68.4% and 52.4%, respectively). Our findings showed a lack of association of the studied polymorphisms with the risk of ALL. The influence of the rs1884444 polymorphism on relapse rate and association of rs10889677 AA genotype with favorable prognostic factors suggest the effect of the studied polymorphisms on ALL response to therapy and prognosis.


Galanin immunoreactivity is increased in the nucleus basalis of Meynert in Alzheimer's disease.
A depletion of large cholinergic neurons in the nucleus basalis of Meynert is a consistent finding in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The nucleus basalis of Meynert also contains interneurons and afferents that may modulate its functioning. In the present study we examined neurochemical markers for neuropeptides, amino acid neurotransmitters, and monoaminergic neurotransmitters in postmortem samples of the nucleus basalis in 16 control subjects and 30 patients with AD. There were no significant changes in glutamate, aspartate, taurine, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and catecholamines; however, concentrations of serotonin, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, and 5-hydroxytryptophol were significantly reduced. Choline acetyltransferase activity was significantly reduced, consistent with previous reports. Galanin immunoreactivity was significantly increased twofold in the patients with AD, but there were no significant changes in substance P, somatostatin, or neuropeptide Y immunoreactivity. Since galanin inhibits acetylcholine release, and produces cognitive deficits in animals, increased galanin immunoreactivity in the nucleus basalis of Meynert in AD may contribute to the cognitive deficits that characterize the illness.


The comparison of different dyspnoea scales in patients with COPD.
(i) To compare the relationship between different dyspnoea scales and physical and clinical parameters of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); and (ii) to determine the most suitable scale among these scales for this patient group. Forty patients with COPD [mean 1st second forced expiratory volume (FEV(1)), 49.16 +/- 2.33% predicted], aged 53-85 participated in this study. The severity of dyspnoea was assessed with different five scales [Modified Borg Scale (MBS), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Medical Research Council Dyspnoea Scale (MRCS), Baseline Dyspnoea Index (BDI) and Oxygen Cost Diagram (OCD)]. As clinical parameters, respiratory function was measured by means of pulmonary function test and arterial blood gas analysis. As physical parameters, age and body mass index was recorded. Patient's dyspnoea severities were 1.59 +/- 2.75, 2.03 +/- 2.82, 2.14 +/- 1.44, 6.81 +/- 4.07, 4.56 +/- 2.47 for MBS, VAS, MRCS, BDI, OCD, respectively (P = 0.08). It was proven that only %FEV(1) had a correlation with MRCS (r = -0.67, P = 0.01) and BDI (r = 0.58, P = 0.02). In addition to these determinations MRCS, MBS and VAS had a strong correlation defining their relationships with each other (P < 0.05). MRCS and BDI could assess dyspnoea during daily activities, so these scales showed strength correlation with physical and clinical values. Briefly MRCS is the most suitable dyspnoea scale for the patients with COPD, moreover, BDI, as the second suitable scale, is correlated only with MRCS. Based on these findings, we recommended that MRCS and BDI are appropriate scales for evaluation of dyspnoea in the patients with COPD.


Partnerships with Member States: enhancing cooperation for EU food safety risk assessment.
This editorial summarises a longer note (95th Meeting of the EFSA Management Board, item 7. Available online: https://www.efsa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/event/mb95/item-07-doc1-partnership-with-mss-230622-d2.pdf) submitted to Management Board of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for consideration prior to a discussion held in its 95th meeting, in June 2023. It presents the context and the framework of EFSA's current scientific cooperation activities and the vision of transitioning towards long-term partnerships as the necessary evolution for the sustainability of food safety risk assessment in the EU. This new approach needs strategic alignment and political will to ensure the involvement of risk assessment organisations in the Member States. For that purpose, Management Board members can act as key advocates towards national risk managers and policy makers.


Natural history of asthma in children.
Asthma is a syndrome of reversible bronchial obstruction in hyperresponsive airways mediated by allergy or other trigger factors. Allergic disease represents true asthma while transient wheezing may be caused by factors such as viral infection, aspiration, prematurity and neonatal lung damage and is likely to outgrow within few years. Personal or family history of atopy, increased serum IgE and positive skin tests may suggest allergic asthma, which persists throughout life irrespective of presence or absence of symptoms. Onset of age beyond 2 years, severity, persistence or recurrence of symptoms beyond 6 years of age, airway hyperresponsiveness and abnormal lung function even in absence of symptoms, strong family history especially in the mother, exposure to allergens, parental smoking and delay in starting appropriate therapy are some of high risk factors in persistence of asthma in adult life. As outcome of asthma depend upon multiple variable factors, it is difficult to predict natural history of asthma in an individual child.


Evaluation of cytokines in nasal secretions after nasal antigen challenge: lack of influence of antihistamines.
Previous studies of inflammation in allergic rhinitis using nasal irrication have been unsatisfactory because of 1) poor reproducibility; 2) the tendency of irrigation to overdilute mediators; and 3) the failure of this technique to evaluate interstitial concentrations of relevant mediators. For this study we used filter paper as a matrix to collect nasal secretions in patients undergoing nasal antigen challenge. To evaluate inflammatory mediators of allergen-induced rhinitis during a clinical trial of fexofenadine. Subjects evaluated at a referral medical center were placed on traditional dosing of fexofenadine at 60 mg, twice daily, or placebo in a double-blind, crossover fashion for 1 week before the nasal challenge. Nasal challenge was performed with nasal insufflation of either 1,000 AU timothy or 0.1 mL ragweed (1:100 wt/vol) extract outside the pollen season. Nasal secretions were collected at baseline and then at 2, 4, and 6 hours after nasal challenge. Secretions were evaluated for expression of the cellular adhesion molecule-1, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1alpha, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) using commercially available enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assay kits. Patients' symptom scores were evaluated during the nasal challenge. Significantly (P < 0.05) increased peak levels of TNF-alpha, IL-4, IL-10, and MIP-1alpha were detected after antigen challenge as compared with baseline levels. There was a nonsignificant trend toward an increase in GM-CSF after antigen challenge (P = 0.07). There was no difference in the peak levels of TNF-alpha, IL-4, IL-10, MIP-1alpha, or GM-CSF measured when patients were on fexofenadine versus placebo. Finally, there were no significant differences in patients' symptom scores during antigen challenge when subjects were on fexofenadine versus placebo. Collection of nasal secretions using a filter paper matrix provides a reproducible model for accurately detecting and evaluating changes in cytokine levels after nasal challenge. Cytokine levels tend to peak 3 to 4 hours after antigen challenge. Standard doses of fexofenadine do not seem to have a mitigating effect on the production of these cytokines. Symptoms of allergic rhinitis using this type of antigen challenge did not differ from treatment with fexofenadine versus placebo.


D-glucose stimulates mesangial cell GLUT1 expression and basal and IGF-I-sensitive glucose uptake in rat mesangial cells: implications for diabetic nephropathy.
The complications of diabetes arise in part from abnormally high cellular glucose uptake and metabolism. To determine whether altered glucose transporter expression may be involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy, we investigated the effects of elevated extracellular glucose concentrations on facilitative glucose transporter (GLUT) expression in rat mesangial cells. GLUT1 was the only transporter isoform detected. Cells exposed to 20 mmol/l glucose medium for 3 days demonstrated increases in GLUT1 mRNA (134%, P < 0.002), GLUT1 protein (68%, P < 0.02), and V(max) (50%, P < 0.05) for uptake of the glucose analog [3H]2-deoxyglucose (3H2-DOG), when compared to cells chronically adapted to physiologic glucose concentrations (8 mmol/l). The increase in GLUT1 protein was sustained at 3 months, the latest time point tested (77% above control, P < 0.01). In contrast, hypertonic mannitol had no effect on GLUT1 protein levels. Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I; 30 ng/ml) increased the uptake of 3H2-DOG by 28% in 8 mmol/l glucose-treated cells (P < 0.05) and by 75% in cells switched to 20 mmol/l glucose for 3 days (P < 0.005). These increases in 3H2-DOG uptake occurred despite a lack of effect of IGF-I on GLUT1 protein levels (P > 0.5 vs. control). Therefore, hyperglycemia and IGF-I treatment both lead to increases in mesangial cell glucose uptake, and hyperglycemia induces increased GLUT1 expression, which can directly lead to the pathological changes of diabetic nephropathy. The effects of high glucose and of IGF-I to stimulate 3H2-DOG uptake also appear to be additive.


Advances of Endothelial Progenitor Cells in the Development of Depression.
Depression is a major psychological disease of human beings. With the severity of depression, it elevates the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), especially acute coronary syndrome (ACS), resulting in serious harm to human health. The number of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) is closely related to the development of depression. It has been reported that the number of peripheral blood EPCs in patients with depression was reduced. However, effects on the function of EPCs in depression are still unclear. This paper aims to analyze and summarize the research of EPCs in depression, and we envision that EPCs might act as a new target for evaluating the severity of depression and its complications.


Cavernous hemangioma of temporalis muscle: report of a case and review of the literature.
Hemangiomas are tumors of vascular origin comprising approximately 7% of all benign tumors. Intramuscular hemangioma is a rare condition and hemangiomas of the head and neck make up less than 15% of intramuscular hemangiomas. Temporalis muscle is an uncommon location for intramuscular hemangioma and seldom reported in the literature. Radiological methods are generally insufficient for the correct diagnosis and surgery is the treatment of choice to exclude malignancy and for adequate treatment of these lesions. A 37-year-old male was admitted with a slowly growing painless mass in his right temporal fossa. The lesion was surgically excised and histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of cavernous hemangioma. Diagnosis and treatment modalities for temporalis muscle hemangiomas are discussed.


[Effects of propranolol on proliferation of hemangioma-derived mesenchymal stem cells ].
To explore the new mechanism of propranolol for treatment of hemangioma and the effects of propranolol on proliferation of hemangioma-derived mesenchymal stem cells ( Hem- MSCs). We isolated Hem-MSCs from hemangioma in the proliferating phase by their selective adhesion to plastic culture dishes. Immunofluorescence staining was used to examine the expression of marker antigens in Hem-MSCs. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs) were used as control. Indiuction of multi-lineage differentiation including osteogenesis and adipogeneis was performed with appropriate medium to identify the multi-lineage differentiation potential. MTT cell counting was used to observe the effects of different concentrations of propranolol on proliferation of Hem-MSCs. Hem- MSCs were fibroblast-like morphology. All of them expressed vimentin, most expressed α-SMA,CD133, some expressed Glutl, and none of them expressed VEGF. Osteogenic, adipogenic differentiations of Hem- MSCs were induced successfully. Effects of low concentration of propranolol on proliferation of Hem-MSCs were not obvious, while high concentration of propranolol can inhibit the proliferation of Hem-MSCs. The cells we isolated from hemangioma are Hem-MSCs. High concentration of propranolol can inhibit the proliferation of Hem-MSCs.


[Imputation method for dropout in single-cell transcriptome data].
Single-cell transcriptome sequencing (scRNA-seq) can resolve the expression characteristics of cells in tissues with single-cell precision, enabling researchers to quantify cellular heterogeneity within populations with higher resolution, revealing potentially heterogeneous cell populations and the dynamics of complex tissues. However, the presence of a large number of technical zeros in scRNA-seq data will have an impact on downstream analysis of cell clustering, differential genes, cell annotation, and pseudotime, hindering the discovery of meaningful biological signals. The main idea to solve this problem is to make use of the potential correlation between cells and genes, and to impute the technical zeros through the observed data. Based on this, this paper reviewed the basic methods of imputing technical zeros in the scRNA-seq data and discussed the advantages and disadvantages of the existing methods. Finally, recommendations and perspectives on the use and development of the method were provided.


Molecular analysis of sorghum resistance to the greenbug (Homoptera: Aphididae).
Chromosomal regions of sorghum, Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench, conferring resistance to greenbug, Schizaphis graminum (Rondani), biotypes C, E, I, and K from four resistance sources were evaluated by restriction fragment-length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. At least nine loci, dispersed on eight linkage groups, were implicated in affecting sorghum resistance to greenbug. The nine loci were named according to the genus of the host plant (Sorghum) and greenbug (Schizaphis graminum). Most resistance loci were additive or incompletely dominant. Several digenic interactions were identified, and in each case, these nonadditive interactions accounted for a greater portion of the resistance phenotype than did independently acting loci. One locus in three of the four sorghum crosses appeared responsible for a large portion of resistance to greenbug biotypes C and E. None of the loci identified were effective against all biotypes studied. Correspondingly, the RFLP results indicated resistance from disparate sorghums may be a consequence of allelic variation at particular loci. To prove this, it will be necessary to fine map and clone genes for resistance to greenbug from various sorghum sources.


[Sentinel lymph node biopsy in papillary thyroid cancer].
To investigate the reliability and feasibility of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) of papillary thyroid carcinoma using combination of lymphoscintigraphy, the gamma probe and methylene blue staining techniques. Twenty-three consecutive patients with thyroid papillary carcinoma were entered in the study between August 2007 and August 2009. All cases were without clinical evidence of cervical lymph node involvement. The (99)Tc(m)-dextran of 74 MBq (2mCi) was injected intratumorally under ultrasound guidance about 2 h to 5 h prior to surgery. Methylene blue was injected around the tumor during surgery. Preoperative lymphoscintigraphy, intra-operative hand-held gamma probe detecting and methylene blue staining techniques were used to detect the sentinel lymph node (SLN). SLN biopsies were sent to prepare frozen sections and the results were compared with specimen of routine selective neck dissection. The SLNs were identified in all cases with the combination techniques. The SLN identification rates were 87.0% and 100% with methylene blue staining and lymphoscintigraphy plus probe scanning, respectively. Metastases in SLNs were revealed by frozen-section histology in 12 patients. In one case, SLNs frozen-section were negative, but metastasis was detected in routine histology. In other case both SLN and routine histology were negative, but metastasis was detected in non-SLN (level VI) neck dissection. The overall accuracy of the SLN biopsy was 91.3%, positive predictive value 100% and negative predictive value 81.8%. The results seem the SLN biopsy technique is a feasible and valuable method for detecting cervical lymph node metastasis and is helpful to decide performing neck dissection in patients with cN0 papillary thyroid carcinoma.


Nondestructive Readout Complementary Resistive Switches Based on Ferroelectric Tunnel Junctions.
Recently, complementary resistive switches (CRSs) have attracted considerable attention because of the effective suppression of the sneak leakage that is an inherent problem of crossbar memory arrays. In this work, we propose a new CRS device enabling nondestructive readout based on back-to-back in-series Pt/BaTiO3/Nb:SrTiO3 ferroelectric tunnel junctions (FTJs). The FTJ elements exhibit not only a nonvolatile resistance switching but also a typical diode-like transport in the high-resistance state (HRS) because of the ferroelectric enhancement on the Schottky barrier of the BaTiO3/Nb:SrTiO3 interface. With the rectifying characteristic, the complementary HRS + LRS (low-resistance state) and LRS + HRS states can be well-distinguished and nondestructively read out by a subthreshold voltage. In addition, the sneak current is significantly suppressed in the Pt/BaTiO3/Nb:SrTiO3 CRS crossbar array, and the maximum scaling size is increased by about 50 times, in comparison to the array constituted by only the single-FTJ devices. These results facilitate the design of high-performance resistive memories based on the crossbar architecture.


Clinical outcomes of endoscopic submucosal tunnel dissection compared with conventional endoscopic submucosal dissection for superficial esophageal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is the standard treatment for superficial esophageal cancer. However, it has limitations in case of large superficial esophageal squamous cell neoplasms (SESCNs), in which submucosal injection cannot attain satisfactory lifting effects. Thus, endoscopic submucosal tunnel dissection (ESTD) was introduced as a new treatment for SESCNs presenting satisfying results. Many studies have tried to verify the efficacy of ESTD, yet no meta-analysis has been published until now. We searched the databases of PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, SinoMed, Wanfang, and CNKI dating up to February 1, 2019. Studies comparing the clinical outcomes of ESTD and ESD for superficial esophageal cancers were enrolled. The Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale was used to evaluate the quality of these studies. Eight articles were included that involved a total of 625 superficial esophageal cancer patients. Our analysis revealed that ESTD is superior to ESD as it has higher en bloc resection rate, shorter operation time, and lower recurrence rate 1 year after operation. The R0 resection rate and postoperative adverse event rate of ESTD group is comparable with ESD group. Our study implicates that ESTD is a potentially superior treatment to ESD for superficial esophageal cancer.


Antimony-Bismuth Alloying: The Key to a Major Boost in the Efficiency of Lead-Free Perovskite-Inspired Photovoltaics.
The perovskite-inspired Cu2 AgBiI6 (CABI) material has been gaining increasing momentum as photovoltaic (PV) absorber due to its low toxicity, intrinsic air stability, direct bandgap, and a high absorption coefficient in the range of 105 cm-1 . However, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of existing CABI-based PVs is still seriously constrained by the presence of both intrinsic and surface defects. Herein, antimony (III) (Sb3+ ) is introduced into the octahedral lattice sites of the CABI structure, leading to CABI-Sb with larger crystalline domains than CABI. The alloying of Sb3+ with bismuth (III) (Bi3+ ) induces changes in the local structural symmetry that dramatically increase the formation energy of intrinsic defects. Light-intensity dependence and electron impedance spectroscopic studies show reduced trap-assisted recombination in the CABI-Sb PV devices. CABI-Sb solar cells feature a nearly 40% PCE enhancement (from 1.31% to 1.82%) with respect to the CABI devices mainly due to improvement in short-circuit current density. This work will promote future compositional design studies to enhance the intrinsic defect tolerance of next-generation wide-bandgap absorbers for high-performance and stable PVs.


Droplet digital PCR versus real-time PCR for in-house validation of porcine detection and quantification protocol: An artificial recombinant plasmid approach.
Authenticity and traceability are essential for modern food and medicine inspection, and reliable techniques are important for the trade of halal foods, which reach more than 20 percent of the world market. A sensitive and accurate porcine detection method is required to develop a conformity assessment system that includes laboratory testing for porcine-free certification. This study proposes a procedure that could be incorporated into the development of a standardized control and protocol for real-time PCR (qPCR) methods and their traceability using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). The design used a recombinant pUC57 plasmid as an amplification target to carry the 97 bp fragment of the porcine ATCB gene. The absolute quantification and linearity assessment showed high precision with R2 values of 0.9971 and 0.9998 for qPCR and ddPCR, respectively. In general, both methods showed comparable results in terms of linearity and detection limit. However, both limit of detection assessments showed high sensitivity, although ddPCR showed a slightly higher sensitivity than that of qPCR, especially at low DNA concentrations. Multiple-sample and inter-participatory testing evaluations revealed a high sensitivity, broad applicability, and robustness of the qPCR method. Therefore, we conclude that based on a recombinant plasmid analysis with a low quantity (less than five copy number), the digital PCR method produced more reliable results. These results could provide scientific information for regulatory authorities, especially those in Indonesia, to consider the development and formulation of a well-established qPCR protocol for porcine detection using expected DNA concentrations.


Precision Therapy for a Chinese Family With Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young.
To determine the pathogenic gene and explore the clinical characteristics of maturity-onset diabetes of the young type 2 (MODY2) pedigree caused by a mutation in the glucokinase (GCK) gene. Using whole-exome sequencing (WES), the pathogenic gene was detected in the proband-a 20-year-old young man who was accidentally found with hyperglycemia, no ketosis tendency, and a family history of diabetes. The family members of the proband were examined. In addition, relevant clinical data were obtained and genomic DNA from peripheral blood was obtained. Pathologic variants of the candidate were verified by Sanger sequencing technology, and cosegregation tests were conducted among other family members and non-related healthy controls. After adjusting the treatment plan based on the results of genetic testing, changes in biochemical parameters, such as blood glucose levels and HAblc levels were determined. In the GCK gene (NM_000162) in exon 9, a heterozygous missense mutation c.1160C > T (p.Ala387Val) was found in the proband, his father, uncle, and grandmother. Thus mutation, which was found to co-segregate with diabetes, was the first discovery of such a mutation in the Asian population. After stopping hypoglycemic drug treatment, good glycemic control was achieved with diet and exercise therapy. GCK gene mutation c.1160C > T (p.Ala387Val) is the pathogenic gene in the GCK-MODY pedigree. Formulating an optimized and personalized treatment strategy can reduce unnecessary excessive medical treatment and adverse drug reactions, and maintain a good HbA1c compliance rate.


Condensing parent training: A randomized trial comparing the efficacy of a briefer, more intensive version of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (I-PCIT).
The current study examined the comparative efficacy of a more intensive version of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (I-PCIT; 5 days/week over 2 weeks) versus a time-limited weekly PCIT format (1 day/week over 10 weeks) in treating early childhood externalizing behavior problems. Using a randomized trial design, 60 young children (mean age [Mage] = 4.33 years; 65% male; 85% Latinx) with clinically elevated levels of externalizing behavior problems and their parents were assigned to either I-PCIT (n = 30) or time-limited PCIT (n = 30). Families completed pre-, post-, and follow-up assessments 6-9 months following treatment completion. Parents completed measures of child behavior, discipline practices, and parenting stress. Observational data on child behavior and parenting were also collected. Noninferiority and multivariate repeated-measures analyses indicated comparable improvements across 6 out of 7 observed and parent-reported outcomes, including parenting skills, discipline practices, and child externalizing behavior problems at posttreatment. Comparable treatment gains remained at follow-up, with the caveat that parents in time-limited PCIT reported lower externalizing behavior problems compared with I-PCIT, although both groups were still significantly better compared with pretreatment. Lastly, moderation analyses indicated that parents experiencing high levels of stress benefited more from I-PCIT in terms of decreasing child externalizing behavior compared with time-limited PCIT. I-PCIT appears to be a viable treatment option for families, especially those experiencing high levels of stress, in terms of targeting early externalizing behavior problems within a short period of time. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).


3D-Printed Small-Animal Immobilizer for Use in Preclinical Radiotherapy.
We have designed a method for immobilizing the subjects of small-animal studies using a study group-specific 3D-printed immobilizer that significantly reduces interfraction rotational variation. A cone-beam CT scan acquired from a single specimen in a study group was used to create a 3D-printed immobilizer that can be used for all specimens in the same study group. 3D printing allows for the incorporation of study-specific features into the immobilizer design, including geometries suitable for use in MR and CT scanners, holders for fiducial markers, and anesthesia nose cones of various sizes. Using metrics of rotational setup variations, we compared the current setup in our small-animal irradiation system, a half-pipe bed, with the 3D-printed device. We also assessed translational displacement within the immobilizer. The printed design significantly reduced setup variation, with average reductions in rotational displacement of 76% ± 3% (1.57 to 0.37°) in pitch, 78% ± 3% (1.85 to 0.41°) in yaw, and 87% ± 3% (5.39 to 0.70°) in roll. Translational displacement within the printed immobilizer was less than 1.5 ± 0.3 mm. This method of immobilization allows for repeatable setup when using MR or CT scans for the purpose of radiotherapy, streamlines the workflow, and places little burden on the study subjects.


Caught up in uroweb.
Emphasizing "interactive exchange and discussion" among urologists worlwide, the mission of Uroweb (www.uroweb.org) is to be a global resource for urologic specialists and investigators, although the content is mostly from urologists in Europe and the United States. The European Association of Urology, which developed this World Wide Web site, notes it was born out of the desire to link educational and practical treatment information from a wide variety of sources.


Ureteral tissue expansion for bladder augmentation.
Ureteral augmentation is an effective method of bladder reconstruction using the native urothelium of a megaureter. Clinically this procedure is contingent on the presence of an enlarged ureter. We have iatrogenically produced a segmental megaureter, while preserving renal function in a pig model. The urothelium of the enlarged ureter was then used for augmentation cystoplasty. A tissue expander suitable for insertion into the lumen of the ureter was constructed. The tissue expander was passed antegrade through a flank incision of 8 pigs, and a separate nephrostomy tube was left in place. During the ensuing 1 to 4 weeks the pigs underwent daily dilation of the tissue expander without anesthesia. After dilation the pigs underwent ureteral augmentation of the bladder. The segment of expanded ureter was isolated from the native ureter, opened and anastomosed to the bladder. The continuity of the left ureter was restored by primary ureteroureterostomy. The animals underwent cystograms at 1 and 4 weeks and were sacrificed 4 weeks after augmentation. Tissue was harvested for gross and microscopic histology. Of the 8 pigs starting the protocol 5 underwent successful ureteral tissue expansion followed by bladder augmentation. Tissue expansion was performed from 1 to 4 weeks, and volumes of 150 to 1,000 cc were obtained. Two to 3 weeks of dilation was optimal to achieve ease of dilation, and no animal showed evidence of discomfort or failure to thrive. All 5 animals underwent successful ureteral augmentation with primary ureteroureterostomy. Tissue expansion volumes of approximately 250 cc were optimal for tissue management and ease of augmentation. Cystograms of all augmented animals showed increased bladder capacity with filling of the ureteral segment. Histological examination of the ureteral augmentation revealed preservation and regeneration of the urothelial mucosa. The use of a tissue expander in the lumen of the ureter is a novel method of generating urothelium for use in bladder augmentation. It may provide an alternative to bowel in patients who require bladder augmentation. Long-term studies are currently under way.


Targeting T cells in inflammatory bowel disease.
T cells play a pivotal role in the immune response underlying inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) pathogenesis. On this basis, over the past 25 years several drugs have assessed to target T cells in IBD patients. Amongst anti-CD3 antibodies, visilizumab and foralumab did not show clinical efficacy in ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) patients, respectively, whereas otelixizumab has been tested in vitro only. The anti-CD4 BF-5 and cM-T412, and the anti-CD25 basiliximab and daclizumab were not effective in CD and UC patients, respectively. The anti-NKG2D antibody NNC0142-0002 showed clinical benefit in CD patients, in particular in biologic naïve ones, in a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled trial. The anti-CD40L M90 and the GSK1349571A blocking calcium release-activated calcium (CRAC) channels, which are involved in the T cell activation and proliferation, were tested only in ex vivo/in vitro experiments. Apart from ustekinumab, all the other drugs targeting T cell-derived cytokines failed. The reinduction of lamina propria T cell apoptosis is a mechanism to modulate T cell survival exploited by cyclosporin A, azathioprine and anti-tumor necrosis factor-α agents, such as infliximab, adalimumab and golimumab. In this article, we review the drugs targeting T cells via surface receptors, via T cell-derived cytokines, via CRAC channels or by inducing apoptosis.


Stereochemistry of Endogenous Palmitic Acid Ester of 9-Hydroxystearic Acid and Relevance of Absolute Configuration to Regulation.
Lipids have fundamental roles in the structure, energetics, and signaling of cells and organisms. The recent discovery of fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids (FAHFAs), lipids with potent antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory activities, indicates that our understanding of the composition of lipidome and the function of lipids is incomplete. The ability to synthesize and test FAHFAs was critical in elucidating the roles of these lipids, but these studies were performed with racemic mixtures, and the role of stereochemistry remains unexplored. Here, we synthesized the R- and S- palmitic acid ester of 9-hydroxystearic acid (R-9-PAHSA, S-9-PAHSA). Access to highly enantioenriched PAHSAs enabled the development of a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) method to separate and quantify R- and S-9-PAHSA, and this approach identified R-9-PAHSA as the predominant stereoisomer that accumulates in adipose tissues from transgenic mice where FAHFAs were first discovered. Furthermore, biochemical analysis of 9-PAHSA biosynthesis and degradation indicate that the enzymes and pathways for PAHSA production are stereospecific, with cell lines favoring the production of R-9-PAHSA and carboxyl ester lipase (CEL), a PAHSA degradative enzyme, selectively hydrolyzing S-9-PAHSA. These studies highlight the role of stereochemistry in the production and degradation of PAHSAs and define the endogenous stereochemistry of 9-PAHSA in adipose tissue. This information will be useful in the identification and characterization of the pathway responsible for PAHSA biosynthesis, and access to enantiopure PAHSAs will elucidate the role of stereochemistry in PAHSA activity and metabolism in vivo.


Immunogenic Potency of a Chimeric Protein Comprising InvH and IpaD against Salmonella and Shigella spp.
Shigella and Salmonella cause serious problems in many subjects, including young children and the elderly, especially in developing countries. Chimeric proteins carrying immunogens increase immune response. In-silico tools are applied to design vaccine candidates. Invasion plasmid antigens D (ipaD) gene is one of the Shigella virulence factors. The N-terminal region of the IpaD plays a significant role in invading the host cell. Invasion protein H (invH) gene plays important role in bacterial adherence and entry into epithelial cells. A recombinant chimeric construct, containing IpaD and InvH was designed and used as a vaccine candidate against Shigella and Salmonella enteritidis. After bioinformatics assessments, the construct was designed, synthesized, and expressed in E.coli. Chimeric protein, IpaD, and InvH were purified with Ni-NTA chromatography. Purified proteins were confirmed with western blotting and then were injected into separate mice groups. The antibody titer was estimated with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Mice were challenged with 10, 100, and 1000 LD50 of Salmonella, and the sereny test was performed for Shigella. The Codon adaptation index of the chimeric gene was increased to 0.84. Validation results showed that 97.9% of residues lie in the favored or additional allowed region of the Ramachandran plot. A significant antibody rise was observed in all test groups. The immunized mice with chimer and InvH could tolerate 100 LD50 of Salmonella. In the sereny test, the application of bacteria treated with immunized mice sera of both antigens showed no infection in Guinea pigs' eyes. The recombinant protein could protect animal models against Salmonella and Shigella and therefore can be considered as a suitable vaccine candidate against these two pathogens.


Excessive fruit consumption during the second trimester is associated with increased likelihood of gestational diabetes mellitus: a prospective study.
This study aimed to investigate the association between fruit consumption during the second trimester and the occurrence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). A prospective study with 772 female participants was conducted in China from April 2013 to August 2014. Dietary intake was assessed in face-to-face and telephone interviews using a 3-day food record. GDM was ascertained using a standard 75 g 2 hour oral glucose tolerance test. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) after adjustment for various confounders. Of the 772 participants, 169 were diagnosed with GDM during the period under study. Greater total fruit consumption during the second trimester was associated with a higher likelihood of GDM (highest vs. lowest quartile: adjusted OR4.82, 95% CI 2.38 to 9.76). Fruits with a moderate or high glycaemic index (GI) were positively associated with the occurrence of GDM. Fruit subgroups were also categorised by polyphenol content, and tropical-fruit and citrus-fruit consumption was found to be positively related to the occurrence of GDM. These findings suggest that the excessive consumption of fruit, especially fruit with moderate or high GI values, tropical-fruit and citrus-fruit, increases the likelihood of GDM.


Australia and New Zealand Transplant and Cellular Therapies COVID-19 vaccination consensus position statement.
Australia and New Zealand have achieved excellent community control of COVID-19 infection. In light of the imminent COVID-19 vaccination roll out in both countries, representatives of all adult and paediatric allogeneic bone marrow transplant and cellular therapy (TCT) centres as well as representatives from autologous transplant only centres in Australia and New Zealand collaborated with infectious diseases specialists with expertise in TCT on this consensus position statement regarding COVID-19 vaccination in TCT patients in Australia and New Zealand. It is our recommendation that TCT patients, should have expedited access to high-efficacy COVID-19 vaccines given that these patients are at high risk of morbidity and mortality from COVID-19 infection. We also recommend prioritising vaccination of TCT healthcare workers and household members of TCT patients. Vaccination should not replace other public health measures in TCT patients given the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination in TCT patients is unknown. Furthermore, given the limited available data, prospective collection of safety and efficacy data of COVID-19 vaccination in this patient group is a priority.


Neuropharmacological evaluation of the putative anxiolytic effects of Passiflora edulis Sims, its sub-fractions and flavonoid constituents.
Passiflora edulis Sims together with several other plants of the genus Passiflora have been reported to possess anxiolytic properties. It has been suggested recently that flavonoids may be partly responsible for the neuropharmacological activity of these plants but there are still few data reporting the relation between the constituents of these plants and their activity. This work evaluated the anxiolytic/sedative activity of an aqueous extract of Passiflora edulis Sims and bioguided its fractionation using the elevated plus-maze model of anxiety and other complementary pharmacological tests. The aqueous extract presented an anxiolytic-like activity without any significant effect upon the motor activity whilst the total flavonoid fraction (TFF) presented an anxiolytic-like activity but compromised motor activity. Through fractionation of TFF it was possible to isolate and characterize luteolin-7-O-[2-rhamnosylglucoside] which showed an anxiolytic-like activity without compromising motor activity.


Heterogeneity of mouse vascular endothelium. In vitro studies of lymphatic, large blood vessel and microvascular endothelial cells.
Microvascular endothelial cell cultures have been established from mouse lung, liver, brain, heart, placenta, kidney, urinary bladder, mammary gland, ovary and epididymal fat pad. In addition, large vessel endothelial cells have been obtained from the mouse aorta and thoracic duct. The heterogeneity of these cells has been shown by flow cytometric determination of angiotensin-converting enzyme, by differential presence of the acetyl low density lipoprotein receptor, by the variable expression of cell surface antigens, and by differential binding of various plant lectins. The endothelial cell lines we have developed provide the means to examine in the mouse, long a key species for biomedical research, a wide range of biological functions and properties of the vascular endothelium.


Impact of the Italian Society of Anatomic Pathology and Diagnostic Cytology Classification of Thyroid Nodules in the Treatment of Indeterminate Follicular Lesions: Five-Year Results at a Single Center.
Aim of the study was to assess the impact of the Italian Society of Anatomic Pathology and Diagnostic Cytology (SIAPEC) classification of 2014, on the treatment of indeterminate thyroid lesions (TIR3). We retrospectively analyzed patients undergoing thyroid surgery for TIR3 lesions between 2013 and 2018, at the General Surgery Department of Trieste University Hospital. According to the SIAPEC classification, patients were divided into TIR3A and TIR3B groups. All patients treated before 2014 underwent surgical treatment, and surgical specimens were retrospectively classified after revision of fine-needle aspiration cytology. Starting 2014, TIR3A patients were treated only when symptomatic (i.e., coexistent bilateral thyroid goiter or growing TIR3A nodules), whereas TIR3B patients always received surgical treatment. Hemithyroidectomy (HT) was the procedure of choice. Total thyroidectomy (TT) was performed in case of concurrent bilateral goiter, autoimmune thyroid disease, and/or presence of BRAF and/or RAS mutation. Lastly, we analyzed the malignancy rate in the two groups. 29 TIR3A and 90 TIR3B patients were included in the study. HT was performed in 10 TIR3A patients and 37 TIR3B patients, respectively, with need for reoperation in 4 TIR3B (10.8%) patients due to histological findings of follicular thyroid carcinoma >1 cm. The malignancy rates were 17.2% in TIR3A and 31.1% in TIR3B, (p = 0.16). Predictability of malignancy was almost 89% in BRAF mutation and just 47% in RAS mutation. The new SIAPEC classification in association with biomolecular markers has improved diagnostic accuracy, patient selection, and clinical management of TIR3 lesions.


[GABA containing neurons in the nucleus raphes dorsalis of the rat (author's transl)].
The Nucleus raphes dorsalis (NRD) of adult rat was investigated by means of fluorescence histochemical and neurohistological methods. After application of a modified ninhydrine reaction GABA-containing fusiform neurons and small nerve cells exhibiting fluorescence around their somata were found. Using the EINARSON-reaction for demonstrating the ribonucleic proteins in the NRD 3 neuron types could be demonstrated.


Periodontal laser surgery.
A gingivectomy performed with a laser is a short, easy procedure that produces an immediately dramatic effect. Compared to a scalpel gingivectomy, there is excellent hemostasis, which improves visualization, requires less need for periodontal packing, and results in minimal postoperative discomfort. Tissue rebound also is minimal. Use of lasers requires specific training. The only approved function in periodontics at this time according to the American Academy of Periodontology is soft tissue surgery. Some periodontal applications include frenectomy, soft tissue crown lengthening, distal wedge procedures, soft tissue tuberosity reductions, gingivectomy, gingivoplasty, stage II of implants, operculectomies, biopsies, coagulation of graft donor sites, hemorrhage disorder patients, and stripping procedures for various leukoplakias.


The forkhead box O3 (FOXO3): a key player in the regulation of ischemia and reperfusion injury.
Forkhead box O3 is a protein encoded by the FOXO3 gene expressed throughout the body. FOXO3 could play a crucial role in longevity and many other pathologies, such as Alzheimer's disease, glioblastoma, and stroke. This study is a comprehensive review of the expression of FOXO3 under ischemia and reperfusion (IR) and the molecular mechanisms of its regulation and function. We found that the expression level of FOXO3 under ischemia and IR is tissue-specific. Specifically, the expression level of FOXO3 is increased in the lung and intestinal epithelial cells after IR. However, FOXO3 is downregulated in the kidney after IR and in the skeletal muscles following ischemia. Interestingly, both increased and decreased FOXO3 expression have been reported in the brain, liver, and heart following IR. Nevertheless, these contribute to stimulating ischemia and reperfusion injury via the induction of inflammatory response, apoptosis, autophagy, mitophagy, pyroptosis, and oxidative damage. These results suggest that FOXO3 could play protective effects in some organs and detrimental effects in others against IR injury. Most importantly, these findings indicate that controlling FOXO3 expression, genetically or pharmacologically, could contribute to preventing or treating ischemia and reperfusion damage.


Noninvasive localization of maximal frequency sites of atrial fibrillation by body surface potential mapping.
Ablation of high-frequency sources in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is an effective therapy to restore sinus rhythm. However, this strategy may be ineffective in patients without a significant dominant frequency (DF) gradient. The aim of this study was to investigate whether sites with high-frequency activity in human AF can be identified noninvasively, which should help intervention planning and therapy. In 14 patients with a history of AF, 67-lead body surface recordings were simultaneously registered with 15 endocardial electrograms from both atria including the highest DF site, which was predetermined by atrial-wide real-time frequency electroanatomical mapping. Power spectra of surface leads and the body surface location of the highest DF site were compared with intracardiac information. Highest DFs found on specific sites of the torso showed a significant correlation with DFs found in the nearest atrium (ρ=0.96 for right atrium and ρ=0.92 for left atrium) and the DF gradient between them (ρ=0.93). The spatial distribution of power on the surface showed an inverse relationship between the frequencies versus the power spread area, consistent with localized fast sources as the AF mechanism with fibrillatory conduction elsewhere. Spectral analysis of body surface recordings during AF allows a noninvasive characterization of the global distribution of the atrial DFs and the identification of the atrium with the highest frequency, opening the possibility for improved noninvasive personalized diagnosis and treatment.


Navigated unicompartmental knee replacement.
The author developed a non-image-guided navigation system for unicompartmental knee replacement that can be used with conventional surgery or minimally invasive surgery. The author performed a radiological analysis of the accuracy of implantation for unicompartmental knee replacement with conventional surgery, navigated minimally invasive surgery, and conventional navigated surgery. A significant increase in the rate of prostheses implanted in the desired angular range for all criteria in conventional navigated minimally invasive surgery and conventional navigated surgery was found. The conventional navigated technique was significantly more accurate than minimally invasive surgery.


The Effect of Stepping Back From the X-Ray Table on Operator Radiation Exposure.
Background: Nearly all radiation safety courses teach that scatter radiation around the x-ray table falls with the inverse of the distance from the imaging site. Humans, however, are complex x-ray reflectors and the application of the inverse square law to clinical imaging is only assumed. Methods: We measured scatter radiation at two positions where staff commonly stand around the x-ray table. Using an anthropomorphic human phantom, human and pig cadavers, and a glass sphere, we measured scatter radiation levels in each position, and then 2- and 3-fold the distance from the imaging site. We compared the measured scatter radiation to that predicted by the common inverse square law and a more detailed geometric inverse square law. Results: In all but the glass sphere, scatter radiation was much higher below the table (68-74% of all scatter radiation, depending on model and position) than above the table (26-32% of scatter radiation, p < 0.01). Scatter radiation fell with increasing distance from the table, but above the table both inverse square laws significantly over-estimated the benefit of stepping back (19-93% overestimation by geometric inverse square law at 2-fold distance, 14-46% at 3-fold). In addition, a pelvis in the phantom appeared to cause significant scatter radiation field anomalies at the angiographer position. Conclusion: Stepping back from the table does not reduce scatter radiation levels as much as the inverse square law predicts. The geometric inverse square law best predicts the reduction in scatter radiation below the table, but above the table it too overestimates the benefit of stepping back. The irregularity of the scatter radiation field should be taken into account by scatter radiation shielding systems.


Body Weight Fluctuation as a Risk Factor for Type 2 Diabetes: Results from a Nationwide Cohort Study.
We aimed to investigate how body weight fluctuation affects the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by conducting a nationwide cohort study. A total of 3,855,884 participants from the National Health Insurance System health check-up data from 2012 were included in this study, and follow-up continued until 2016. Body weight was measured at least thrice between 2009 and 2012. Body weight variability (BWV) was estimated using average successive variability (ASV) indices. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to evaluate the association of BWV with the risk of type 2 diabetes using hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Body weight fluctuation was associated with a higher risk of incident diabetes after adjustment for confounders (HR 1.10, 95% CI 1.07, 1.12 in the highest BWV quartile compared to the lowest). Regardless of the weight change status, the highest ASV quartile of BWV increased the risk for diabetes. Even subjects with a normal glucose tolerance status and those aged under 65 years had a higher risk of diabetes if their body weight highly fluctuated during the follow-up years. Our results suggest that body weight variability is an independent risk factor for diabetes. It is important to pay attention to frequent body weight fluctuations.


Alpha-synuclein adopts an alpha-helical conformation in the presence of polyunsaturated fatty acids to hinder micelle formation.
Alpha-synuclein is a small cytosolic protein involved in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. Recent studies suggested a lipid-related function for this brain-enriched protein. Since the brain carries a high level of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and since the extent of alpha-synuclein gene expression increases in response to DHA intake, we have investigated the interaction of alpha-synuclein with this essential omega-3 fatty acid. We show that alpha-synuclein allows DHA to be present in a soluble rather than micellar form. Upon interaction with DHA, the normally unstructured alpha-synuclein rapidly adopts an alpha-helical conformation. Prolonged exposure to DHA, however, gradually converts alpha-synuclein into amyloid-like fibrils. These results identify a potential biological function for alpha-synuclein and define an omega-3-linked pathway leading to alpha-synuclein aggregation.


Phosphorus Doping Strategy-Induced Synergistic Modification of Interlayer Structure and Chemical State in Ti3C2Tx toward Enhancing Capacitance.
Heteroatom doping is considered an effective method to substantially improve the electrochemical performance of Ti3C2Tx MXene for supercapacitors. Herein, a facile and controllable strategy, which combines heat treatment with phosphorous (P) doping by using sodium phosphinate (NaH2PO2) as a phosphorus source, is used to modify Ti3C2Tx. The intercalated ions from NaH2PO2 act as "pillars" to expand the interlayer space of MXene, which is conducive to electrolyte ion diffusion. On the other hand, P doping tailors the surface electronic state of MXene, optimizing electronic conductivity and reducing the free energy of H+ diffusion on the MXene surface. Meanwhile, P sites with lower electronegativity owning good electron donor characteristics are easy to share electrons with H+, which is beneficial to charge storage. Moreover, the adopted heat treatment replaces -F terminations with O-containing groups, which enhances the hydrophilicity and provides sufficient active sites. The change in surface functional groups increases the content of high valence-stated Ti with a high electrochemical activity that can accommodate more electrons during discharge. Synergistic modification of interlayer structure and chemical state improves the possibility of Ti3C2Tx for accommodating more H+ ions. Consequently, the modified electrode delivers a specific capacitance of 510 F g-1 at 2 mV s-1, and a capacitance retention of 90.2% at 20 A g-1 after 10,000 cycles. The work provides a coordinated strategy for the rational design of high-capacitance Ti3C2Tx MXene electrodes.


Risk factors influencing complications of cardiac implantable electronic device implantation: infection, pneumothorax and heart perforation: a nationwide population-based cohort study.
As the number of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) is increasing annually, CIED-related complications are becoming increasingly important. The aim of the study was to assess the risks associated with CIEDs by a nationwide database. Patients were selected from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Database. Admissions for CIED implantation, replacement, and revision were evaluated and the evaluation period was 14 years. Endpoints included CIED-related infection, pneumothorax, and heart perforation. The study included 40,608 patients with a mean age of 71.8 ± 13.3 years. Regarding infection, the incidence rate was 2.45 per 1000 CIED-years. Male gender, younger age, device replacement, and previous infection were risks for infection while old age and high-volume centers (>200 per year) were protectors. The incidence of pneumothorax was 0.6%, with an increased risk in individuals who had chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) and cardiac resynchronized therapy (CRT). The incidence of heart perforation was 0.09%, with an increased risk in individuals who had pre-operation temporal pacing and steroid use. High-volume center was found to decrease infection rate while male gender, young people, and individuals who underwent replacements were associated with an increased risk of infection. Additionally, pre-operation temporal pacing and steroid use should be avoided if possible. Furthermore, COPD patients or those who accept CRTs should be monitored closely.


Haste does not always make waste: expertise, direction of attention, and speed versus accuracy in performing sensorimotor skills.
In two experiments, we examined the attentional mechanisms governing sensorimotor skill execution across levels of expertise. In Experiment 1, novice and expert golfers took a series of putts under dual-task conditions designed to distract attention from putting and under skill-focused conditions that prompted attention to step-by-step performance. Novices performed better under skill-focused than under dual-task conditions. Experts showed the opposite pattern. In Experiment 2, novice and expert golfers putted under instructions that emphasized either putting accuracy or speed--the latter intended to reduce the time available to monitor and explicitly adjust execution parameters. Novices putted better under accuracy instructions. Experts were more accurate under speed instructions. In agreement with theories of skill acquisition and automaticity, novice performance is enhanced by conditions that allow for on-line attentional monitoring (e.g., skill-focused or accuracy instructions) in comparison with conditions that prevent explicit attentional control of skill execution (e.g., dual-task or speed constraints). In contrast, the proceduralized skill of experts benefits from environments that limit, rather than encourage, attention to execution.


Contrast-induced Nephropathy in Non-cardiac Vascular Procedures, A Narrative Review: Part 2.
This is Part 2 of a narrative review summarizing the literature on CIN after non-cardiac vascular diagnostic or therapeutic procedures, focusing on Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) and Renal Artery Stenosis (RAS). Part 1 discussed CIN in relation to aortic aneurysms and carotid stenosis. We comment on the incidence, biomarkers, risk factors and consequences of CIN in patients with PAD or RAS, as well as on strategies to prevent CIN. Future perspectives in the field of CIN in relation to non-cardiac vascular procedures are also considered.


Characterization of a new fimbrial antigen present in Escherichia coli strains isolated from calves.
Thirteen Escherichia coli strains isolated from calves with diarrhoea, supposed to carry a common antigen were examined for their hemagglutinating activity and compared by bacterial agglutination, double diffusion in two dimensions and by crossed immunoelectrophoresis (CIE). Two of the strains were examined also in the electron microscope. Most of the strains agglutinated red blood cells of horse, ox, guinea pig and chicken, of which the agglutination of ox erythrocytes was mannose-resistant (MRHA). None of the strains agglutinated human erythrocytes. All strains with MRHA of ox red blood cells, regardless to their O:K:H antigens could be agglutinated in unabsorbed or absorbed antisera produced against cultures C1209 (020:K-:H9) and C1213 (09:K36:H-) when live cells as antigens were used. None of these sera agglutinated reference strains carrying K88, K99, 987P, F41 or FY (Att25) antigen respectively. By the double gel diffusion test and by CIE in extracts (60 degrees C) of the strains a common heat labile antigen, responsible for the MRHA of ox red blood cells was identified. Electron microscopy revealed that this common antigen was represented by thin, long, hair-like fimbriae on cells of E. coli C1213, and that specific homologous antibodies attached to these fimbriae.


The effect of diet on performance, digestibility, blood composition and intestinal microflora of weaned pigs.
Good evaluation variables are needed to study postweaning lag in early weaned pigs. In this study, performance, digestibility, concentration of blood components and aerobic fecal microflora under different dietary regimens from weaning at 3 wk of age to 35 d of age are reported. Treatment 1 (T1) consisted of a corn-soybean meal starter diet. Pigs in treatment 2 (T2) received a steamed, rolled oat groats-casein starter diet. Pigs in treatment 1 and 2 were weaned at 3 wk of age while those in treatment 3 remained with the sow. Treatment 1 pigs had lower average daily gains for the 2-wk trial as compared with T2 pigs (P less than .05). Three of the four animals consuming the corn-soybean meal diet were observed to have diarrhea during the experiment as compared with an occasional loose stool from the pigs fed oats-casein. There were no significant differences in digestibility of dry matter, crude protein or ether extract among pigs in T1 and T2. Digestibilities of ash and crude fiber were higher (P less than .05) in T1 pigs, while there was an increase (P less than .05) in digestibility of N-free extract by pigs in T2. Serum protein, Na, CO2 and blood hematocrit were not significantly different among treatments. Blood chloride was higher, whereas glucose was lower for pigs in T1 and T2 than T3 (P less than .05). Blood urea N was higher for pigs in T1 as compared with pigs in T2 or T3. Potassium was higher (P less than .05) for pigs in T1 as compared with those in T2 or T3.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


MicroRNA-92a promotes growth, metastasis, and chemoresistance in non-small cell lung cancer cells by targeting PTEN.
MicroRNA-92a (miR-92a) has been reported to play important roles in tumorigenesis of human various cancers. However, the roles and underlying molecular mechanism of miR-92a in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have not been totally elucidated. Therefore, the aims of this study were to determine the role of miR-92a and to elucidate its regulatory mechanism in NSCLC. We found that miR-92a was significantly upregulated in NSCLC tissues compared to matched adjacent normal lung tissues, and its expression is significantly associated with clinical characteristics of patients, including tumor, node, and metastasis (TNM) stage; tumor size; and lymph node metastasis (all P < 0.01). Function assays demonstrated that upregulation of miR-92a in NSCLC cells promoted cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, decreased apoptosis and caspase-3 activity, and enhanced chemoresistance of NSCLC cells, whereas downregulation of miR-92a showed the opposite effects. Moreover, phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), a unique tumor suppressor gene, was confirmed as a direct target of miR-92a, and PTEN messenger RNA (mRNA) expression was decreased in NSCLC tissues and was inversely correlated with miR-92a. Downregulation of PTEN could mimic the same effects of miR-92a mimic in NSCLC cells and rescue the effects on NSCLC cells induced by miR-92a inhibitor. Taken together, these findings suggested that miR-92a could promote growth, metastasis, and chemoresistance in NSCLC cells at least partially by targeting PTEN.


[Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: characteristics, diagnosis and treatment].
Longer remissions and better overall survival rates can be achieved with the introduction of new, effective treatments and targeted therapies in the past 1-2 decades, however, the incidence of side effects is also increasing parallelly. Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common and potentially debilitating side effect due to peripheral somatic or autonomic nerve dysfunction. CIPN becomes increasingly important, as it affects patients' quality of life, and it is very often a dose limiting factor with the potential for reduced treatment efficacy. The pathomechanism, diagnosis, prevention and treatment possibilities are described in this review with special attention to the different groups of drugs.


Equilibrium and transient kinetic studies of the binding of cytochalasin B to the L-arabinose-H+ symport protein of Escherichia coli. Determination of the sugar binding specificity of the L-arabinose-H+ symporter.
The kinetics of the binding of cytochalasin B to the L-arabinose-H+ symport protein of Escherichia coli have been investigated, using a strain that over-produces the symport protein in the cytoplasmic membrane. Equilibrium binding studies revealed a single set of binding sites (2.9-8.9 nmol/mg protein) with a Kd of 0.7-1.0 microM at 22 degrees C. It proved possible to follow the transient kinetics of cytochalasin B binding by measuring the changes in the fluorescence of the L-arabinose-H+ symporter upon binding the ligand, by stopped-flow fluorescence spectroscopy. The association and dissociation rate constants thus determined were confirmed by rapid filtration measurements, using [3H]cytochalasin B, yielding values of 4.5-6.5 microM-1.s-1 and 4-5 s-1, respectively, consistent with Kd values obtained by measuring equilibrium binding of [3H]cytochalasin B by dialysis at 22 degrees C. Titration of the protein fluorescence with cytochalasin B yielded a similar binding site concentration and Kd value to those obtained in equilibrium binding studies. All the measurements of binding site concentration are consistent with a stoichiometry of 1 mol cytochalasin B binding sites/mol L-arabinose-H+ symport protein. Inhibition of both the rate and equilibrium binding of cytochalasin B by sugars indicated the following order of substrate binding 5-thio-D-glucose > D-fucose > L-arabinose > 6-deoxy-6-fluoro-D-galactose > D-xylose approximately 6-deoxy-D-glucose > D-galactose > D-glucose > D-ribose. Neither D-arabinose nor L-fucose had any significant inhibitory effect upon cytochalasin B binding.


Examining Type A behavior pattern to explain the relationship between job stressors and psychosocial outcomes.
Despite cautions against using a global measure of Type A behavior pattern (TABP), few studies have examined the TABP components of Achievement Striving (AS) and Impatience/Irritability (II). The authors examined these 2 components to assess whether they moderated the relationships between job stressors and psychosocial outcomes. Results based on 106 employees from a large Canadian organization supported the independence of the 2 TABP components. After controlling for the job stressors (i.e., overload, ambiguity, intrarole conflict, and lack of job control), II and AS accounted for additional variance in job satisfaction, perceived stress, and life satisfaction, although these components were uniquely related to different outcomes. Finally, AS and II moderated several of the stressor-psychosocial outcome relationships.


Dense 3D Face Correspondence.
We present an algorithm that automatically establishes dense correspondences between a large number of 3D faces. Starting from automatically detected sparse correspondences on the outer boundary of 3D faces, the algorithm triangulates existing correspondences and expands them iteratively by matching points of distinctive surface curvature along the triangle edges. After exhausting keypoint matches, further correspondences are established by generating evenly distributed points within triangles by evolving level set geodesic curves from the centroids of large triangles. A deformable model (K3DM) is constructed from the dense corresponded faces and an algorithm is proposed for morphing the K3DM to fit unseen faces. This algorithm iterates between rigid alignment of an unseen face followed by regularized morphing of the deformable model. We have extensively evaluated the proposed algorithms on synthetic data and real 3D faces from the FRGCv2, Bosphorus, BU3DFE and UND Ear databases using quantitative and qualitative benchmarks. Our algorithm achieved dense correspondences with a mean localisation error of 1.28 mm on synthetic faces and detected 14 anthropometric landmarks on unseen real faces from the FRGCv2 database with 3 mm precision. Furthermore, our deformable model fitting algorithm achieved 98.5 percent face recognition accuracy on the FRGCv2 and 98.6 percent on Bosphorus database. Our dense model is also able to generalize to unseen datasets.


Artificial cationic peptides that increase nuclease resistance of siRNA without disturbing RNAi activity.
Properties of cationic peptides bearing amino or guanidino groups with various side chain lengths that bind to double stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) were investigated. Peptides with shorter side chain lengths effectively bound to dsRNAs (12mers) increasing their thermal stability. NMR measurements suggested that the cationic peptide binds to the inner side of the major groove of dsRNA. These peptides also increased the thermal stability of siRNA and effectively protected from RNase A digestion. On the other hand, both peptides containing amino groups and guanidine groups did not disturb RNAi activity.


Experimental infection of laying chickens with egg-drop syndrome 1976 virus.
Brown layer hens (BC and HC strains) and white layer hens (WL strain) orally infected with the H-162 strain of the egg-drop syndrome 1976 virus developed few clinical signs except for abnormal egg production. Depressed and/or aberrant-egg production was observed for 3 days or longer in 17 of 18 BC hens, 13 of 15 HC hens, and 10 of 17 WL hens. On the average, abnormal egg production began 8.8, 10.3, and 12.2 days after infection of the BC, HC, and WL hens, respectively. Egg production was depressed in the WL hens, but little depression was observed in the BC and HC hens. Aberrant-egg production was much less frequent in the WL hens than in the BC and HC hens. Aberrant eggs were shell-less, soft-shelled, thin-shelled, and/or discolored. No eggs of abnormal internal quality or shape were observed. The virus spread from infected BC and WL hens to contact hens.


Longitudinal analysis of reticular drusen associated with age-related macular degeneration using combined confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography imaging.
To evaluate longitudinal variations of reticular drusen (RDR) in age-related macular degeneration using confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (cSLO), near-infrared reflectance (NIR) and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) imaging. Eighteen eyes of 12 patients with RDR (median observational time 5 months, range 3-10) were included. Changes over time in the en face cSLO NIR images, the identical SD-OCT B scan (simple approach) and the dense SD-OCT volume scans (11 µm between B scans, detailed approach) for 5 preselected RDR lesions were analysed, respectively. Nineteen of 90 (21%) lesions were no longer detectable at the follow-up examination with the simple SD-OCT approach (increase 7/decrease 48/unchanged 15/not gradable 1). By contrast, no disappearance of single lesions was noted for both cSLO (3/8/61/18) and detailed SD-OCT image analysis (67/22/1/0). Within the dense SD-OCT volume scan, a median change of individual lesion height of 10 µm/year was determined. The findings indicate a recordable progression of RDR lesions in lateral and vertical dimensions. Using dense SD-OCT volume scans, individual RDR lesion progression can be quantified and may be applied in future longitudinal studies.


In Vitro Screening and Transfection Concentration Optimization of Cynomolgus Monkey IκBα-siRNA.
To seek for a small interfering RNA (siRNA) sequence targeting a cynomolgus monkey inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B α (IκBα) that can specifically and effectively suppress IκBα gene expression of cynomolgus monkey ciliary muscle (CM) cells and trabecular meshwork (TM) cells in vitro and screen for optimal siRNA transfection concentration. Three IκBα-specific double-stranded siRNAs were designed and synthesized. They were transfected into primarily cultured cynomolgus monkey CM cells and TM cells. The mRNA and protein levels of IκBα were examined by using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) and western blot to screen a pair of candidate valid sequences with the highest inhibitory rate. Both cells were transfected with Cy5-labeled nonspecific control-siRNA (NC-siRNA) of four different concentrations (10, 20, 50, and 100 nmol/L(nM)), and flow cytometry was used to assess transfection efficiency. Then, cells were transfected with the candidate valid IκBα -siRNA of the same four concentrations, and the cytotoxicity was detected by using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8), and the inhibitory efficiency of IκBα was identified via real-time PCR to find out optimal siRNA transfection concentration. The suppression effect of the siRNA targeting the GCACTTAGCCTCTATCCAT of IκBα gene was most obvious by in vitro screening. The inhibitory rate of IκBα was 82% for CM cells and 82% for TM cells on the mRNA level and 98% for CM cells and 93% for TM cells on the protein level, respectively. The results of flow cytometry showed that the transfection efficiency was the highest at 100 nM, which was 89.0% for CM cells and 48.2% for TM cells, respectively. The results of CCK8 showed that there was no statistically significant difference in cell viability after transfection of different concentrations of IκBα-siRNA. The results of real-time PCR indicated that there was no statistical difference in the inhibitory efficiency of IκBα after transfection of different concentrations of IκBα-siRNA. It proves that the siRNA targeting the GCACTTAGCCTCTATCCAT of IκBα gene is the valid sequence to suppress cynomolgus monkey IκBα expression of CM cells and TM cells by RNAi. 10 nM is the optimal transfection concentration.


Efficient Continuous Skyline Query Processing in Wireless Sensor Networks.
Owing to the rapid advent of wireless technology and proliferation of smart sensors, wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have been widely used to monitor and query the physical world in many applications based on the Internet of Things (IoT), such as environmental monitoring and event surveillance. A WSN can be treated as a distributed database to respond to user queries. Skyline query, as one of the popular queries for multi-criteria decision making, has received considerable attention due to its numerous applications. In this paper, we study how to process a continuous skyline query over a sensor data stream in WSNs. We present an energy-efficient continuous skyline query method called EECS. EECS can avoid the transmission of invalid sensor data and prolong the lifetime of WSNs. Extensive experiments are conducted, and the experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.


Band dynamics of leaky-mode photonic lattices.
External waves incident on a periodic metamaterial lattice couple to it at frequencies corresponding to the leaky, or second, stop band. The resulting leaky-mode or guided-mode resonance effects are useful in device design and spectral manipulation. Indeed, some of the most important properties of metamaterials are associated with the leaky stopband. Thus motivated, we treat the band dynamics of leaky-mode resonant photonic lattices. In particular, properties of the band gap and conditions for band closure and band flips under multimode conditions are quantified. For a symmetric lattice, the nonleaky band edge hosts a bound state in the continuum whose band transition reverses the modal symmetry of the band edge modes. The leaky edge supports a guided-mode resonant radiative peak that also undergoes band flip upon band closure. We analyze a canonical one-dimensional lattice with exact numerical methods and a semianalytical formulation modified to handle the multimodal case. We show that the band dynamics of the various leaky modes present differ appreciably with, for example, the band associated with the fundamental TE0 and the first higher order TE1 modes closing at differing values of dielectric-constant modulation. We compare the thin-film lattice with an infinite lattice and find an approximate analytical condition for band closure that we verify with rigorous computations.


Use of medications associated with weight change among participants in the All of Us research programme.
Our objective was to describe the use of medications associated with weight change among US adults with overweight/obesity, including anti-obesity medications (AOMs), weight-loss-promoting and weight-gain-promoting medications. We performed a cross-sectional analysis of data from the nationwide All of Us Research Programme. We included adults with measured body mass index (BMI) ≥ 27 kg/m2 enrolled between 2018 and 2022 across the United States. We used linked electronic health record data to determine medication use ±12 months of BMI measure. Our 132 057 participants had mean age 54 years and mean BMI 34 kg/m2 ; 60% of participants were women, 62% White, and 32% Black. Only 1% used any AOM, and 14% used at least one weight-loss-promoting medication. We found that 36% used at least one weight-gain-promoting medication, and approximately 20% used multiple weight-gain-promoting medications. While AOMs are underutilized by participants with overweight/obesity, weight-gain-promoting medication use is common. Our results raise concern about potential iatrogenic weight gain from medications. Future research is needed to estimate the long-term effect of weight-gain-promoting medications on weight status and determine whether weight-loss benefits occur with their discontinuation. Clinician education on AOMs and weight-loss-promoting medications may be needed to increase their use.


Mapping of distinct serologic and T cell recognition epitopes on an HLA-DR beta-chain.
A new DR beta-chain allele is defined that is identical to the previously described DR6b molecule except for the first hyperpolymorphic region, where the new allele displays the same polymorphisms found on DR8 and DR12 genes. Two distinct epitopes have been mapped on this new allele. The polymorphism in common with DRw8 and DRw12 is recognized by mAb GS313-9D11. However, alloreactive T cell clones specific for DR6b cells (Dw9) recognize this allele, whereas Dw8-specific T cell clones do not. The mAb determinant maps to the first beta-sheet and probably involves a polymorphic residue lying outside the helix. The binding of mAb 9D11 to this region does not interfere with TCR binding. Alloreactive T cell recognition is associated with polymorphisms located predominantly on the alpha-helical portion of the molecule.


Nanotheranostics: The Fabrication of Theranostics with Nanoparticles and their Application to Treat the Neurological Disorders.
Theranostics is a method that focuses on providing patient-centred care and is evolving as a targeted, safe, and effective pharmacotherapy. Nanotheranostics combines diagnosis and therapeutic modalities that bridge traditional treatment and personalised medicine. Theranostics provides novel ideas for nanotechnology. This review describes the current state of nanotechnology-based therapies used to treat neurological illnesses. Some patents on theranostics are also discussed in this review. This study aims to provide a more comprehensive review of the diagnosis and therapeutic properties of nanotheranostics, the present state of nanotechnology-based treatment of neurological disorders, and the future potential of theranostics. The phrase "theranostics" refers to a treatment strategy that integrates therapeutics and diagnostics to monitor treatment response and enhance drug efficacy and safety. Theranostics is a crucial component of personalised medicine and calls for significant advancements in predictive medicine. The term "theranostics" refers to a diagnosis that screens patients for potential adverse drug reactions and targets drug delivery depending on the test results. Theranostics treats neurological disorders (like brain tumours (glioma), Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and neurovascular diseases). Many review articles on Google Scholar, PubMed, Google Patents, and Scopus were used to gather information for this review. Data acquired from many sources was compiled in this review to provide more information on theranostics. The role of various nanocarrier systems as theranostic agents for neurological illnesses and the fabrication of nanomaterials for theranostics are discussed in this article after evaluating a substantial number of review articles. The distinctive intrinsic features of nanoparticles make them useful for functionalization and imaging. Theranostics in nuclear medicine include diagnostic imaging and therapy using the same molecule that is radiolabeled differently or the same medication at various doses. It is possible to determine if a patient will benefit from a given treatment by visualising potential targets. Targeted nuclear therapy has been shown to be beneficial in patients if chosen carefully and has a good safety profile.


A drug repurposing screen for whipworms informed by comparative genomics.
Hundreds of millions of people worldwide are infected with the whipworm Trichuris trichiura. Novel treatments are urgently needed as current drugs, such as albendazole, have relatively low efficacy. We have investigated whether drugs approved for other human diseases could be repurposed as novel anti-whipworm drugs. In a previous comparative genomics analysis, we identified 409 drugs approved for human use that we predicted to target parasitic worm proteins. Here we tested these ex vivo by assessing motility of adult worms of Trichuris muris, the murine whipworm, an established model for human whipworm research. We identified 14 compounds with EC50 values of ≤50 μM against T. muris ex vivo, and selected nine for testing in vivo. However, the best worm burden reduction seen in mice was just 19%. The high number of ex vivo hits against T. muris shows that we were successful at predicting parasite proteins that could be targeted by approved drugs. In contrast, the low efficacy of these compounds in mice suggest challenges due to their chemical properties (e.g. lipophilicity, polarity, molecular weight) and pharmacokinetics (e.g. absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) that may (i) promote absorption by the host gastrointestinal tract, thereby reducing availability to the worms embedded in the large intestine, and/or (ii) restrict drug uptake by the worms. This indicates that identifying structural analogues that have reduced absorption by the host, and increased uptake by worms, may be necessary for successful drug development against whipworms.


Meningococcal Neonatal Purulent Conjunctivitis/Sepsis and Asymptomatic Carriage of N. meningitidis in Mother's Vagina and Both Parents' Nasopharynx.
Neonatal conjunctivitis is usually associated with vagina's infection by Chlamydia sp., N. gonorrhoeae, and/or other bacteria during delivery. Meningococcal neonatal conjunctivitis is an extremely rare disease. We report a case of neonatal meningococcal sepsis/conjunctivitis and asymptomatic carriage of N. meningitidis from both parents (vagina and nasopharynx). As part of our active surveillance for meningococcal disease at the Tijuana General Hospital (TGH), Mexico, we identified a 3-day-old newborn with meningococcal conjunctivitis and sepsis. The patient had a one-day history of conjunctivitis and poor feeding. Clinical examination confirmed profuse purulent conjunctival discharge, as well as clinical signs and laboratory findings suggestive of bacteraemia. Gram stain from conjunctival exudate revealed intracellular Gram negative diplococci; we presumed the baby had gonorrheal conjunctivitis; however, serogroup Y, N. meningitidis was isolated both from conjunctival exudate and blood. Additionally, isolation of serogroup Y, N. meningitidis was obtained from mother's vagina and both parents' nasopharynx. The baby was treated with 7 days of IV ceftriaxone and discharged with no sequelae.


Intensive chemotherapy with daunorubicin, 5-azacytidine, 6-thioguanine, and cytarabine (DATA) for the blastic transformation of chronic granulocytic leukemia.
Thirty patients with blastic transformation of chronic granulocytic leukemia were treated with a combination of daunorubicin, 5-azacytidine, 6-thioguanine, and cytarabine. Hematopoietic toxic effects were substantial and eight of 23 patients developed hepatic dysfunction (bilirubin greater than 5.5 mg/dl). Although the regimen resulted in marked decrease in peripheral blood blast cells and produced marrow hypoplasia in most of the patients (20 of 23), there was little therapeutic benefit. Seven patients died while aplastic, nine had recurrence of blastic leukemia, and only four had partial improvement in marrow function.