Additive genetic and maternal effects on postweaning growth and carcass traits in rabbits.
Additive genetic and maternal effects were estimated for postweaning growth traits and carcass traits using a derivate-free REML procedure under animal model. The traits studied were weight at 84 days of age, age at slaughter, postweaning ADG, dressing percentage, weight of kidney and pelvic fat, and muscle pH value and electrical conductivity in the semimembranosus muscle. Heritability estimates from a total of 728 rabbits in a reciprocal crossbreeding experiment ranged from 0.15 to 0.26 for postweaning growth traits, 0.21 for dressing percentage, 0.38 for weight of kidney and pelvic fat, 0.02 for pH value, and 0.51 for electrical conductivity. Considerable maternal effects were present in postweaning growth traits and in weight of kidney and pelvic fat. Genetic correlation estimates indicated that genetic selection for postweaning daily gain would lead to lower dressing percentages (- 0.51) and leaner carcasses (- 0.34). The genetic relationships between ADG after weaning and pH value (- 0.90), and between ADG and electrical conductivity (0.58) illustrated a shifting towards a glycolytic energy metabolism of the muscle due to increased growth. Litter size at birth was found to be a significant source of variation for all postweaning growth traits (p < 0.001) and for electrical conductivity (p < 0.05). Genetic selection for litter size at birth would result in decreased growth rates, lower dressing percentage and enhanced adiposis. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG: Die Schätzung additiv-genetischer und maternaler Effekte auf Mastleistungs- und Schlachtkörpermerkmale beim Kaninchen Additiv-genetische und maternale Effekte wurden für Mastleistungsmerkmale nach dem Absetzen und für Schlachtkörpermerkmale anhand eines Tiermodells (DFREML-Methode) geschätzt. Bei den untersuchten Merkmalen handelt es sich um das 84-Tage-Gewicht, das Schlachtalter, Zunahmen nach dem Absetzen, Ausschlachtungsprozente, Nieren- und Beckenfettgewicht und um den pH-Wert und die elektrische Leitfähigkeit im M. semimembranosus. Die Heritabilitätsschätzungen an insgesamt 728 Tieren, die aus einem reziproken Kreuzungsversuch stammten, lagen bei den Wachstumsmerkmalen zwischen h(2) = 0,15 und h(2) = 0,26. Sie betrugen h(2) = 0,21 für die Ausschlachtungsprozente, h(2) = 0,38 für das Nieren- und Beckenfettgewicht, h(2) = 0,02 für den pH-Wert und h(2) = 0,51 für die Leitfähigkeitsmessung. Die Schätzung genetischer Korrelationen deutet an, daß eine genetische Selektion auf tägliche Zunahmen nach dem Absetzen zu einer verringerten Ausschlachtung (- 0,51) und zu magereren Schlachtkörpern führen würde. Die genetischen Beziehungen zwischen den Zunahmen und dem pH-Wert (- 0,90) und zwischen den Zunahmen und der elektrischen Leitfähigkeit (0,58) lassen eine Verschiebung in Richtung eines glykolytischen Muskelenergiestoffwechsels bei verstärktem Wachstum erwarten. Die Wurfgröße bei der Geburt stellt eine signifikante Variationsursache für die Mastleistungsmerkmale nach dem Absetzen (p < 0,001) una für die elektrische Leitfähigkeit (p < 0,05) dar. Bei einer Erhöhung der Wurfgröße durch Selektion sind verminderte Wachstumsraten, geringere Ausschlachtungsprozente und verstärkte Verfettung zu befürchten.


Bone scintigraphy in the diagnosis and management of traumatic injury.
Imaging with bone-seeking nuclear medicine radiopharmaceuticals has changed dramatically in a span of 10 years. The only indication for bone scintigraphy a decade ago was to detect skeletal metastases in patients with known carcinoma. Improvements in equipment and radiopharmaceuticals have led to the use of nuclear medicine studies for the detection and evaluation of a multitude of benign abnormalities. This article discusses the use of bone-seeking radiopharmaceuticals in traumatic processes involving the skeletal system, connective tissues, and muscles. A review of the subject is included, as well as some new ideas regarding the interpretation and evaluation of scintigraphs with respect to trauma to the bones and soft tissues.


Ondansetron, dexamethasone and an NK1 antagonist block radiation sickness in mice.
Radiation sickness is frequently observed in total body irradiation (TBI). We have reported that the kaolin ingestion behavior "pica" may be analogous to nausea and vomiting in mice. We evaluated the effects of anti-emetics on the prevention of radiation-induced pica in mice. After the intraperitoneal injection of ondansetron (OND: 2 mg/kg), dexamethasone (DEX: 2 mg/kg) or CP-99,994 (CP: 15 mg/kg), mice received 9 Gy of TBI, and then kaolin consumption was measured after 24 h. Radiation-induced pica was slightly inhibited by pretreatment with a single administration of OND or DEX, but not by CP (control: 0.69+/-0.19 g, OND: 0.33+/-0.06 g, DEX: 0.39+/-0.07 g, CP: 0.66+/-0.09 g); it was significantly inhibited by the combination treatment of OND and DEX (control: 0.55+/-0.09 g, OND+DEX: 0.30+/-0.06 g, OND+CP: 0.70+/-0.04 g, DEX+CP: 0.58+/-0.02 g). The combination of the three drugs completely abolished the behavior (control: 0.67+/-0.08 g, OND+DEX+CP: 0.10+/-0.05 g). These results suggest that radiation-induced pica in mice may be useful to evaluate drugs for treatment of radiation sickness and that the combination therapy of a serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonist and a glucocorticosteroid with a neurokinin NK1 receptor antagonist is effective in reducing the symptom.


Ethanol treatment enhances drought stress avoidance in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz).
External application of ethanol enhances tolerance to high salinity, drought, and heat stress in various plant species. However, the effects of ethanol application on increased drought tolerance in woody plants, such as the tropical crop "cassava," remain unknown. In the present study, we analyzed the morphological, physiological, and molecular responses of cassava plants subjected to ethanol pretreatment and subsequent drought stress treatment. Ethanol pretreatment induced a slight accumulation of abscisic acid (ABA) and stomatal closure, resulting in a reduced transpiration rate, higher water content in the leaves during drought stress treatment and the starch accumulation in leaves. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that ethanol pretreatment upregulated the expression of ABA signaling-related genes, such as PP2Cs and AITRs, and stress response and protein-folding-related genes, such as heat shock proteins (HSPs). In addition, the upregulation of drought-inducible genes during drought treatment was delayed in ethanol-pretreated plants compared with that in water-pretreated control plants. These results suggest that ethanol pretreatment induces stomatal closure through activation of the ABA signaling pathway, protein folding-related response by activating the HSP/chaperone network and the changes in sugar and starch metabolism, resulting in increased drought avoidance in plants.


Peri-implant diseases: a review of treatment interventions.
The ideal management of peri-implant diseases focuses on infection control, detoxification of implant surfaces, regeneration of lost tissues, and plaque-control regimens via mechanical debridement (with or without raising a surgical flap). However, a variety of other therapeutic modalities also have been proposed for the management of peri-implantitis. These treatment strategies encompass use of antiseptics and/or antibiotics, laser therapy, guided bone regeneration, and photodynamic therapy. The aim of this article was to review indexed literature with reference to the various therapeutic interventions proposed for the management of peri-implant diseases.


Differentiating low and high grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the salivary glands using CT radiomics.
The purpose of this study is to determine if Haralick texture analysis on CT imaging of mucoepidermoid carcinomas (MEC) can differentiate low-grade and high-grade tumors. A retrospective review of 18 patients with MEC of the salivary glands, corresponding CT imaging and pathology report was performed. Tumors were manually segmented and image analysis was performed to calculate radiomic features. Radiomic features were compared between low-grade and high-grade MEC. A multivariable logistic regression model and receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed. A total of 18 patients (mean age, 51, range 9-83 years, 8 men and 10 women) were included. Nine patients had low-grade pathology and nine patients had high-grade pathology. Of the 18 cases, 7 (39%) occurred in the parotid gland and 11 (61%) occurred in minor salivary glands. No individual feature was significantly different between low-grade and high-grade MEC. A logistic regression model including surface regularity, energy and information measure II of correlation was performed and was able to predict high-grade MEC accurately (sensitivity 89%, specificity 68%). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.802. High-grade MEC tend to have a low energy, high correlation texture as well as surface irregularity. Together, these three features may comprise a tumor phenotype that is able to predict high-grade pathology in MECs.


Serum zonulin levels in type 2 diabetes patients with diabetic kidney disease.
Recent data have shown that diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is associated with abnormal gut microbiota composition. Zonulin is a physiological tight junction modulator and an intestinal permeability marker. In this study we aimed to investigate serum levels of zonulin and interleukin 6 (IL-6) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and different levels of albuminuria. Ninety patients with T2DM and 30 healthy controls (HC) aged between 18 and 65 years were enrolled in the study. T2DM patients were divided into three groups as patients with normoalbuminuria (n = 30), microalbuminuria (n = 30), and macroalbuminuria (n = 30). Serum zonulin and IL-6 levels were measured by ELISA method. There was no significant difference between groups in terms of age, gender, serum ALT, LDL-C, HDL-C, and zonulin levels (p > 0.05). Significant differences between groups were present for the duration of diabetes (p < 0.001), body mass index (p < 0.001), fasting blood glucose (p < 0.001), creatinine (p < 0.001), uric acid (p = 0.037), triglyceride (p = 0.003), total cholesterol (p < 0.001), glycated haemoglobin (p < 0.001), and IL-6 (p < 0.001) levels. IL-6 levels were significantly increased in the microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria groups compared to the HC group, but no significant difference was determined between the HC and normoalbuminuria group. In patients with diabetic kidney disease, a significant positive correlation was found between zonulin with IL-6 and proteinuria (rho = 0.296, p = 0.008; rho = 0.190, p < 0.047, respectively). The serum IL-6 level was positively correlated with microalbuminuria and proteinuria (rho = 0.451, p < 0.001; rho = 0.425, p < 0.001, respectively). We suggest that the serum zonulin level is not a promising biomarker to assess the severity of DKD in patients with long-standing T2DM.


In silico investigation of Panax ginseng lead compounds against COVID-19 associated platelet activation and thromboembolism.
Hypercoagulability is frequently observed in patients with severe coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Platelets are a favorable target for effectively treating hypercoagulability in COVID-19 patients as platelet hyperactivity has also been observed. It is difficult to develop a treatment for COVID-19 that will be effective against all variants and the use of antivirals may not be fully effective against COVID-19 as activated platelets have been detected in patients with COVID-19. Therefore, patients with less severe side effects often turn toward natural remedies. Numerous phytochemicals are being investigated for their potential to treat a variety of illnesses, including cancer and bacterial and viral infections. Natural products have been used to alleviate COVID-19 symptoms. Panax ginseng has potential for managing cardiovascular diseases and could be a treatment for COVID-19 by targeting the coagulation cascade and platelet activation. Using molecular docking, we analyzed the interactions of bioactive chemicals in P. ginseng with important proteins and receptors involved in platelet activation. Furthermore, the SwissADME online tool was used to calculate the pharmacokinetics and drug-likeness properties of the lead compounds of P. ginseng. Dianthramine, deoxyharrtingtonine, and suchilactone were determined to have favorable pharmacokinetic profiles.


AutoAbSC.Org -- Autoantibody Standardization Committee in 2006.
The Autoantibody Standardization Committee was established in the early 1980s based on the recognized needs for reference human autoimmune sera that were critical for academic, clinical, and industrial laboratories. To date, 14 reference reagents are available without charge from the Biological Reference Reagents distribution center at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A web site has been developed under "AutoAbSC.Org" to communicate to the wider stakeholder community and to facilitate ongoing activities in continuing the mission in autoantibody standardization.


Biomimetic hybrid nanovesicles improve infected diabetic wound via enhanced targeted delivery.
Infected diabetic wounds have been raising the global medical burden because of its high occurrence and resulting risk of amputation. Impaired endothelium has been well-documented as one of the most critical reasons for unhealed wounds. Recently, endothelial cell-derived nanovesicles (NVs) were reported to facilitate angiogenesis, whereas their efficacy is limited in infected diabetic wounds because of the complex niche. In this study, extrusion-derived endothelial NVs were manufactured and then hybridized with rhamnolipid liposomes to obtain biomimetic hybrid nanovesicles (HNVs). The HNVs were biocompatible and achieved endothelium-targeted delivery through membrane CXCR4-mediated homologous homing. More importantly, the HNVs exhibited better penetration and antibacterial activity compared with NVs, which further promote the intrinsic endothelium targeting in infected diabetic wounds. Therefore, the present research has established a novel bioactive delivery system-HNV with enhanced targeting, penetration, and antibacterial activity-which might be an encouraging strategy for infected diabetic wound treatment.


Adenosine-induced secretion in the canine trachea: modification by methylxanthines and adenosine derivatives.
Adenosine alone at 0.1 and 1.0 mg per tracheal segment stimulated mucus secretion by 52% and 88%, respectively, compared to baseline (P less than 0.0001). The site of the potent secretagogue effect of adenosine in canine trachea was consistent with A2 activation. A2 site activation and enhanced secretion were also induced by N-ethylcarboxamide adenosine and dipyridamole. N6-R-phenylisopropyl adenosine (PIA) and 2',5'-dideoxyadenosine (ddAdo) inhibited the adenosine-induced secretion (35% and 42%, respectively). However, when PIA or ddAdo were administered in conjunction with the potent phosphodiesterase inhibitor, methylisobutylxanthine (MIX), the effects of PIA were potentiated and the effects of ddAdo were reversed, yielding stimulation (A2) and antagonism (A1) of secretion, respectively. 8-Phenyltheophylline by aerosol was a very potent antagonist of the secretagogue effect of adenosine (70% inhibition; P less than 0.00001).


One-pot synthesis of biocompatible Te@phenol formaldehyde resin core-shell nanowires with uniform size and unique fluorescent properties by a synergized soft-hard template process.
One-pot hydrothermal process has been developed to synthesize uniform Te@phenol formaldehyde resin core-shell nanowires with unique fluorescent properties. A synergistic soft-hard template mechanism has been proposed to explain the formation of the core-shell nanowires. The Te@phenol formaldehyde resin core-shell nanowires display unique fluorescent properties, which give strong luminescent emission in the blue-violet and green regions with excitation wavelengths of 270 nm and 402 nm, respectively.


Lossy compression in diagnostic virtual 3-dimensional microscopy--where is the limit?
Data compression is inevitable to reduce the huge data amounts of virtual slides, especially in virtual 3-dimensional (3D) microscopy. Lossy compression influences the image quality and leads to recognizable compression artifacts above a compression ratio of 20:1 in JPEG2000 format. To test out whether higher compression ratios are acceptable in diagnostic pathology, we prepared virtual 3D slides of gastric biopsy specimens with or without Helicobacter pylori gastritis using 5 different compression ratios as follows: 20:1, 40:1, 50:1, 75:1, and 200:1. The virtual 3D slides were diagnosed in a blinded manner by 3 pathologists according to the updated Sydney classification. The results showed no significant differences using virtual 3D slides with any compression of up to 200:1. We conclude that compression ratios higher than those commonly used can be applied in virtual microscopy, even in diagnostic applications.


A multimodal treatment of carbon ions irradiation, miRNA-34 and mTOR inhibitor specifically control high-grade chondrosarcoma cancer stem cells.
High-grade chondrosarcomas are chemo- and radio-resistant cartilage-forming tumors of bone that often relapse and metastase. Thus, new therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. Chondrosarcoma cells (CH-2879) were exposed to carbon-ion irradiation, combined with miR-34 mimic and/or rapamycin administration. The effects of treatment on cancer stem cells, stemness-associated phenotype, radioresistance and tumor-initiating properties were evaluated. We show that high-grade chondrosarcoma cells contain a population of radioresistant cancer stem cells that can be targeted by a combination of carbon-ion therapy, miR-34 mimic administration and/or rapamycin treatment that triggers FOXO3 and miR-34 over-expression. mTOR inhibition by rapamycin triggered FOXO3 and miR-34, leading to KLF4 repression. Our results show that particle therapy combined with molecular treatments effectively controls cancer stem cells and may overcome treatment resistance of high-grade chondrosarcoma.


Artificial antigens. Synthetic carbohydrate haptens immobilized on crystalline bacterial surface layer glycoproteins.
The crystalline surface-layer glycoproteins of Clostridium thermohydrosulfuricum L111-69, Bacillus stearothermophilus NRS 2004/3a and Bacillus alvei CCM 2051 were used for immobilization of spacer-linked blood group A-trisaccharide (alpha GalNAc(1----3)[alpha Fuc(1----2)]beta Gal) and of the spacer-linked, tumor-associated T-disaccharide [beta Gal(1----3)alpha GalNAc]. The immobilization involved the glycan portions of surface-layer glycoproteins. Different activation methods were used, namely, periodate oxidation, or treatment with epichlorohydrin or divinyl sulfone, followed by coupling of the hapten under appropriate conditions. The resulting conjugates are useful for assessing the application potential of haptenated surface layer preparations as carrier/adjuvants for the induction of immunity to poorly immunogenic molecules.


Ropivacaine-lidocaine versus bupivacaine-lidocaine for retrobulbar anesthesia in cataract surgery.
To compare the efficacy of ropivacaine mixed with lidocaine and bupivacaine mixed with lidocaine for retrobulbar anesthesia in cataract surgery. Philippine General Hospital, Manila, Philippines. This prospective double-masked study consisted of 80 patients randomized to receive ropivacaine 1%-lidocaine 2% (Group 1) or bupivacaine 0.5%-lidocaine 2% (Group 2) for retrobulbar anesthesia during extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE). The main outcome measures were frequency of eye pain and amount of globe movement. The degree of pain was scored from 0 to 10 using a visual analog scale. Globe movement in 4 directions of gaze was measured with a ruler. The number of patients with visual analog system scores greater than zero at 5 minutes after infiltration, 10 minutes after infiltration, intraoperatively, and 1, 2, and 4 hours postoperatively was 0, 0, 0, 1, 18, and 29, respectively, in Group 1 and 1, 1, 0, 1, 21, and 33, respectively, in Group 2. The mean globe movement at 5 minutes, 10 minutes after infiltration, and intraoperatively was 5.1 mm, 3.0 mm, and 0.6 mm, respectively, in Group 1 and 4.9 mm, 3.0 mm, and 0.3 mm, respectively, in Group 2. There were no significant differences in frequency of pain and amount of globe movement between the 2 groups at any time. No adverse reactions developed in either group. The duration of surgery was similar between groups. Ropivacaine mixed with lidocaine and bupivacaine mixed with lidocaine were equally effective in producing ocular analgesia and akinesia for ECCE.


Subchronic steroid administration induces long lasting changes in neurochemical and behavioral response to cocaine in rats.
The abuse of anabolic androgenic steroids (AASs), such as nandrolone, is not only a problem in the world of sports but is associated with the polydrug use of non-athletes. Among other adverse effects, AAS abuse has been associated with long term or even persistent psychiatric problems. We have previously found that nandrolone decanoate treatment could produce prolonged changes in rats' brain reward circuits associated to drug dependence. The aim in this study was to evaluate whether AAS-induced neurochemical and behavioral changes are reversible. The increases in extracellular dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) concentration, as well as stereotyped behavior and locomotor activity (LMA) evoked by cocaine were attenuated by pretreatment with nandrolone. The recovery period, which was needed for the DA system to return back to the basic level, was fairly long compared to the dosing period of the steroid. In the 5-HT system, the time that system needed to return back to the basal level, was even longer than in the DA system. The attenuation was still seen though there were no detectable traces of nandrolone in the blood samples. Given that accumbal outflow of DA and 5-HT, as well as LMA and stereotyped behavior are all related to reward of stimulant drugs, this study suggests that nandrolone decanoate has significant, long-lasting but reversible effects on the rewarding properties of cocaine.


Recycle of synthetic calcium fluoride and waste sulfuric acid to produce electronic grade hydrofluoric acid.
An innovative method for utilizing synthetic calcium fluoride (CaF2), recovered from fluoride-containing semiconductor wastewater, and waste sulfuric acid (H2SO4) to produce hydrofluoric acid (HF) was investigated. The research was set to study the low-temperature production of HF via reaction of synthetic CaF2 and waste H2SO4. The impact of four factors, including H2SO4 concentration, total volume (H2SO4 + H2O)/CaF2 ratio, drying temperature of synthetic CaF2, and reaction carried out under different temperature, on HF productivity was investigated in this study. HF yield increased with increasing H2SO4 concentration and total volume/CaF2 ratio under room temperature. Generally, reactions carried out under low-temperature (< 100 °C) had a positive impact on HF yield. The higher temperature led to an increase in absorbed-HF but a decrease in total-HF. The reaction of commercial CaF2 and 70% H2SO4 had a higher absorbed-HF yield of 61.7% than synthetic CaF2 and 70% waste H2SO4, which had a yield of 36%. This was due to the higher purity of the commercial CaF2 and fewer interference ions in H2SO4. HF productivity was lowered by CaSO4, which hindered the reaction of reactants and also the generation of fluorosulfuric acid.


Treatment of idiopathic osteonecrosis: the current philosophy and rationale.
This article classifies the stages of the disease and proposes, in general terms, the appropriate treatment for each stage. A theory to explain the successful results that often follow the diagnostic-therapeutic core biopsy is advanced.


L-2-oxothiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid, a cysteine prodrug: pharmacokinetics and effects on thiols in plasma and lymphocytes in human.
L-2-oxothiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid (OTC), a prodrug of cysteine, was administered at a dose of 0.15 and 0.45 mmol/kg to healthy volunteers. The plasma concentration of OTC reached a peak between 45 and 60 min after p.o. administration. The p.o. clearance of 0.15 mmol/kg of OTC was 0.57 +/- 0.20 liters/(hr.kg) S.D.. The peak increase in plasma OTC was followed by an increase in the plasma concentration of cysteine which rose by 18 to 75 microM over the average basal concentration of 17 microM. The plasma concentrations of free glutathione and total glutathione (i.e., glutathione in small molecular and protein mixed disulfides) did not change significantly during 8 hr after the ingestion of OTC. In contrast, there was a significant increase in the average concentration of cysteine from 0.37 to 0.99 nmol/mg of protein and of glutathione from 8.7 to 15.6 nmol/mg of protein in lymphocytes 2 to 3 hr after ingestion of OTC. The present data shows that OTC is a prodrug of cysteine after p.o. administration in humans and that OTC can raise the circulating concentration of cysteine and the intracellular concentration of cysteine and glutathione in lymphocytes.


In vitro and in vivo inhibition of HCT116 cells by essential oils from bark and leaves of Virola surinamensis (Rol. ex Rottb.) Warb. (Myristicaceae).
Virola surinamensis (Rol. ex Rottb.) Warb. (Myristicaceae), popularly known in Brazil as "mucuíba", "ucuúba", "ucuúba-branca" or "ucuúba do igapó", is a medicinal plant used to treat a variety of diseases, including infections, inflammatory processes and cancer. In the present work, we investigated the chemical constituents and the in vitro and in vivo inhibition of human colon carcinoma HCT116 cells by essential oils obtained from the bark (EOB) and leaves (EOL) of V. surinamensis. EOB and EOL were obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed via gas chromatography with flame ionization detection and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. In vitro cytotoxic activity was determined in cultured cancer cells HCT116, HepG2, HL-60, B16-F10 and MCF-7 and in a non-cancerous cell line MRC-5 by the Alamar blue assay after 72 h of treatment. Annexin V/propidium iodide staining, mitochondrial transmembrane potential and cell cycle distribution were evaluated by flow cytometry in HCT116 cells treated with essential oils after 24 and 48 h of treatment. The cells were also stained with May-Grunwald-Giemsa to analyze cell morphology. In vivo antitumor activity was evaluated in C.B-17 SCID mice with HCT116 cells. The main constituents in EOB were aristolene (28.0 ± 3.1%), α-gurjunene (15.1 ± 2.4%), valencene (14.1 ± 1.9%), germacrene D (7.5 ± 0.9%), δ-guaiene (6.8 ± 1.0%) and β-elemene (5.4 ± 0.6%). On the other hand, EOL displayed α-farnesene (14.5 ± 1.5%), β-elemene (9.6 ± 2.3%), bicyclogermacrene (8.1 ± 2.0%), germacrene D (7.4 ± 0.7%) and α-cubebene (5.6 ± 1.1%) as main constituents. EOB showed IC50 values for cancer cells ranging from 9.41 to 29.52 μg/mL for HCT116 and B16-F10, while EOL showed IC50 values for cancer cells ranging from 7.07 to 26.70 μg/mL for HepG2 and HCT116, respectively. The IC50 value for a non-cancerous MRC-5 cell was 34.7 and 38.93 μg/mL for EOB and EOL, respectively. Both oils induced apoptotic-like cell death in HCT116 cells, as observed by the morphological characteristics of apoptosis, externalization of phosphatidylserine, mitochondrial depolarization and fragmentation of internucleosomal DNA. At a dose of 40 mg/kg, tumor mass inhibition rates were 57.9 and 44.8% in animals treated with EOB and EOL, respectively. These data indicate V. surinamensis as possible herbal medicine in the treatment of colon cancer.


Cleft Lip and Palate: Le Fort I Distraction Using an Internal Device.
Maxillary hypoplasia is a commonly seen dentofacial anomaly in patients with cleft lip and palate after surgical repair of the cleft anomaly. To facilitate large horizontal movements of the maxilla, distraction osteogenesis is used to slowly stretch the soft tissue envelope with the skeletal advancement preventing tissue recoil and skeletal relapse. Internal distraction devices have the advantage of reducing the amount of physical and psychological stress placed on patients, families, and caregivers. The technique has been successful in producing stable results for large advancements of the facial skeleton when compared with conventional Le Fort I advancement and fixation of the maxilla.


A novel fibrinogen variant: dysfibrinogenemia associated with γAsp185Asn substitution.
To identify the pathogenesis of a Chinese woman diagnosed with dysfibrinogenemia. A patient from Nanjing presented with a low plasma concentration of fibrinogen and a normal level of antigen of fibrinogen. This abnormality was also detected in her son. To detect whether the genetic mutation was responsible for the dysfibrinogenemia, genomic DNA was extracted and amplified by polymerase chain reaction, and DNA sequencing was performed on the purified PCR products. Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), molecular modeling and homologous sequences alignment were performed. Two heterozygous missense variants, AαArg16His and γAsp185Asn, were discovered in the proband. Only the former was detected in her son. AαArg16His had been reported by other teams, and γAsp185Asn was identified first in our study as a novel variant. RFLP was performed and indicated that the novel failed to be found in normal subjects. Furthermore, it was suggested to be responsible for dysfibrinogenemia depending on the molecular modeling and homologous sequence alignment. The heterozygous AαArg16His and γAsp185Asn identified in the study probably underlie the dysfibrinogenemia in this pedigree, with the latter being identified for the first time.


Characteristics of Tn5307 exchange and intergeneric transfer of genes associated with nisin production.
Transfer of the Lactococcus lactis 11454 nisin-sucrose conjugative transposon, Tn5307, was investigated to develop a methodology for conjugation of this element to other lactic acid bacteria. Tn5307 exchange was sensitive to temperature and pH but was not affected by protease or amylase treatments to donor cells. Moreover, conjugation studies demonstrated that the direct-plate method could be employed to rapidly identify LM2301 transconjugants able to transfer Tn5307 at least ten times more efficiently than 11454. Intergeneric transfer of nisin and sucrose genes between L. lactis and a dairy Enterococcus sp. was also investigated. Erythromycin-resistant Enterococcus sp. recipients were developed by electro-transformation with pGK13 or by conjugal introduction of the broad-host-range plasmid pAM beta 1. Matings between L. lactis 11454 and an Enterococcus sp. recipient that contained pAM beta 1 yielded sucrose-positive, nisin-immune transconjugants at a frequency of 2.3 x 10(-9) transconjugants per donor cfu. Agar-overlay assays for nisin production revealed that enterococcal transconjugants did not produce the bacteriocin, but DNA.DNA hybridization with a nisA-specific probe demonstrated that these bacteria had acquired the nisin structural gene.


Cryo-electron tomography structure of Arp2/3 complex in cells reveals new insights into the branch junction.
The actin-related protein (Arp)2/3 complex nucleates branched actin filament networks pivotal for cell migration, endocytosis and pathogen infection. Its activation is tightly regulated and involves complex structural rearrangements and actin filament binding, which are yet to be understood. Here, we report a 9.0 Å resolution structure of the actin filament Arp2/3 complex branch junction in cells using cryo-electron tomography and subtomogram averaging. This allows us to generate an accurate model of the active Arp2/3 complex in the branch junction and its interaction with actin filaments. Notably, our model reveals a previously undescribed set of interactions of the Arp2/3 complex with the mother filament, significantly different to the previous branch junction model. Our structure also indicates a central role for the ArpC3 subunit in stabilizing the active conformation.


pH of multipurpose contact lens solutions over time.
The pH of nine different brands of multipurpose contact lens solutions available in Spain was determined over a period of 32 days after opening the bottles. Five bottles of nine solutions were used, each of which was buffered and obtained from different manufacturers. The pH measurements were taken using a micropH 2002 Crison pH-meter (accuracy +/- 0.001 pH units). Each solution was measured three times daily over the test period using 10-ml samples taken from the same container. Fluctuations in pH over time were observed but these were within the range of ocular comfort. The average pH of all the solutions tested proved to be between 6.99 and 7.56.


Influence of the conductivity of the discharge liquid on the microbicidal effect of transient electric arcs in aqueous systems.
The microbicidal effect of electrical discharges on microorganisms suspended in the discharge liquid was reduced when the liquid contained high concentrations of inorganic salts (conductivity k >/= 5 mmho/cm). A higher discharge voltage and a smaller distance between the submerged electrodes counteracted this reduction. The decrease in the microbicidal effect was accompanied by a change in the electrical current and by a decreased yield of microbicidal photons from the electric discharge.


Pharmacological evaluation of C-3 modified Betulinic acid derivatives with potent anticancer activity.
In vitro and in vivo pharmacological screening of Betulinic acid (BA) and five dihydro-BA derivatives modified at C-3 position [4-nitrobenzyl-oximino (1), 2-4-difluoro-benzoyloxy (2), 2-4-difluoro-benzylidene-amino (3), benzoyl-hydrazono (4), and 4-fluorophenyl-hydrazono (5)], having potent in vitro anti-cancer activity was carried out using ADME, animal PK and tumor studies. We found that BA and the derivatives had poor aqueous solubility (<0.1 microg/ml), low to moderate permeability (log Pe<-5.0) and high plasma protein binding (>70%). Although BA and 5 were metabolized by human liver microsomes, derivatives 1, 2, 3 and 4 possessed good in vitro metabolic stability. Except 3 which inhibited CYP1A2 isoform by more than 50% none of the other compounds inhibited key cytochrome P450 enzyme isoforms (CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4) at 10 microM. Based on in vitro results one derivative 1 was tested in rodent PK and tumor studies. We found that 1 exhibited favorable pharmacokinetic characteristics of a systemically administered drug and showed better in vivo anti-tumor efficacy as compared to BA in a human colon cancer xenograft model. Our results show that BA derivatives are potential anti-cancer compounds which need to be explored in detail.


Muscle on a chip: in vitro contractility assays for smooth and striated muscle.
To evaluate the viability of a muscle tissue, it is essential to measure the tissue's contractile performance as well as to control its structure. Accurate contractility data can aid in development of more effective and safer drugs. This can be accomplished with a robust in vitro contractility assay applicable to various types of muscle tissue. The devices developed in this work were based on the muscular thin film (MTF) technology, in which an elastic film is manufactured with a 2D engineered muscle tissue on one side. The tissue template is made by patterning extracellular matrix with microcontact printing. When muscle cells are seeded on the film, they self-organize with respect to the geometric cues in the matrix to form a tissue. Several assays based on the "MTF on a chip" technology are demonstrated. One such assay incorporates the contractility assay with striated muscle into a fluidic channel. Another assay platform incorporates the MTFs in a multi-well plate, which is compatible with automated data collection and analysis. Finally, we demonstrate the possibility of analyzing contractility of both striated and smooth muscle simultaneously on the same chip. In this work, we assembled an ensemble of contractility assays for striated and smooth muscle based on muscular thin films. Our results suggest an improvement over current methods and an alternative to isolated tissue preparations. Our technology is amenable to both primary harvests cells and cell lines, as well as both human and animal tissues.


Mas-related G protein-coupled receptors in gastrointestinal dysfunction and inflammatory bowel disease: A review.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic debilitating condition, hallmarked by persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Despite recent advances in clinical treatments, the aetiology of IBD is unknown, and a large proportion of patients are refractory to pharmacotherapy. Understanding IBD immunopathogenesis is crucial to discern the cause of IBD and optimise treatments. Mas-related G protein-coupled receptors (Mrgprs) are a family of approximately 50 G protein-coupled receptors that were first identified over 20 years ago. Originally known for their expression in skin nociceptors and their role in transmitting the sensation of itch in the periphery, new reports have described the presence of Mrgprs in the gastrointestinal tract. In this review, we consider the impact of these findings and assess the evidence that suggests that Mrgprs may be involved in the disrupted homeostatic processes that contribute to gastrointestinal disorders and IBD.


Activation of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor mobilizes calcium from caffeine-insensitive stores in C2C12 mouse myotubes.
In cultured mouse C2C12 myotubes, digital Ca2+ imaging fluorescence microscopy using the acetoxymethyl ester of Fura-2, Fura-2-AM, showed that, in the absence of extracellular Ca2+, acetylcholine (ACh) and nicotine, but not muscarine, raised the intracellular concentration of Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) by about tenfold. ACh-induced Ca2+ mobilization was prevented by thapsigargin, a drug known to deplete inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3)-sensitive stores, and was concomitant with InsP3 accumulation. Caffeine, which releases Ca2+ from the ryanodine-sensitive stores of the sarcoplasmic reticulum, did not interfere with the ACh-induced [Ca2+]i increase. Ca2+ mobilization was also inhibited when myotubes were depolarized by high K+, or when extracellular Na+ was omitted. Nicotinic ACh receptor (nAChR) stimulation lowered intracellular pH with a time course slower than the [Ca2+]i increase. Possible mechanisms linking the current flowing through the nAChR pore to [Ca2+]i increase are discussed.


Optimization of culture conditions for enhanced Dunaliella salina productions in mixotrophic culture.
Dunaliella salina (D. salina) is a green microalga known for its tendency to produce lipid and β-carotene. Fatty acid profile, lipid and β-carotene productions of the microalga D. salina cultivated under different mixotrophic conditions were assayed. Notably, in spite of a broad spectrum of substrates served, mixotrophic cultivations slightly affected the fatty acid composition, and as a result C16:0 and C18:0, C18:1, C18:2 and C18:3 were identified as main fatty acids. Lipid in dry weight biomass (DWB) hit a high of 24.3% at 5% of NaCL and linolenic acid in lipid reached a peak of 9.15% at 15% of NaCL in medium containing glucose and equal amounts of yeast extract and soy bean powder. One-factor-at-a-time was applied to elucidate the substrates which had noticeable impacts on β-carotene production. Glucose, meat peptone, titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs), pH 7.5 and 5% NaCL were identified as key process parameters impacting β-carotene production. Following, the concentration of glucose, meat peptone and TiO2 NPs were optimized by using response surface method. The highest content of β-carotene, 25.23 mg/g DWB, was obtained in medium composed of (g/L); 22.92 glucose, 5 meat peptone and 0.002 TiO2 NPs.


Novel bis[1,6-dihydro-6,6-dimethyl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamines] as antitrypanosomal agents.
A series of novel 1,1'-(4,1-phenylene)bis [1,6-dihydro-6,6-dimethyl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamines] was prepared and evaluated for activity against Trypanosoma rhodesiense in mice. The importance of the bis structure and the nature of the spacer between the two phenyl rings for optimal activity have been revealed. The potent parenteral activity of several analogues within this series as well as preliminary indication of oral activity lends encouragement to further development of this structural class.


Role of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) for diagnosis of solid pancreatic masses.
Since it was developed in 1992, endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) has been widely used and has been adapted for gastrointestinal and perigastrointestinal lesions. A medical literature review to evaluate the role of EUS-FNA for diagnosis of solid pancreatic masses showed a 78-95% sensitivity, 75-100% specificity, 98-100% positive predictive value, 46-80% negative predictive value and a 78-95% accuracy. The reported complication rates of EUS-FNA for pancreatic solid masses were 0-2%, although the criteria for complications varied among the studies. Because of its high diagnostic yield and low complication rate, EUS-FNA is cost-effective and widely applicable for the diagnosis of solid pancreatic masses, and is the best initial and the preferred secondary method compared with other biopsy techniques, such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography-guided biopsy, computed tomography/ultrasound-FNA and surgery. Although EUS-FNA is 'a nearly perfected procedure,' controversy remains, such as the most suitable diameter of the needle, the appropriate number of needle passes and the necessity of on-site cytopathological evaluation. Recently investigators reported that using molecular analysis of EUS-FNA samples can achieve a higher diagnostic efficacy. Further research is encouraged to optimize the EUS-FNA procedure to reach its maximum diagnostic yield for solid pancreatic masses.


How to apply for the academic foundation programme.
The UK Academic Foundation Programme (AFP) is a two-year foundation programme that includes an additional "academic theme" undertaking work in research, management/leadership, or education and teaching activities. The limited number of AFP places makes the AFP application a highly competitive process. This article outlines points to consider when applying for the AFP and successful application strategies. Reviewed by successful AFP applicants, this article provides specific insight into applications to the London Academic Unit of Application (deanery).


Improvements on activated sludge settling and flocculation using biomass-based fly ash as activator.
Biomass-based fly ash and wastewater are undesired products of the pulping industry. Recently, the use of biomass-based fly ash as an adsorbent (i.e., a valued material) for constituents of wastewater effluents was reported. In this work, the settling performance and properties of activated sludge were studied in the presence of fly ash. Upon mixing, fly ash increased the zeta potential of the sludge from -31 mV to -28 mV, which was due to the release of cationic ions from fly ash in the sludge suspension. The sludge settling and its flocculation affinity were improved through the complexation of flocs and released cation ions from fly ash. The relationships between the protein/polysaccharide (PN/PS) ratio and the content of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) as well as the ratio and the properties of the sludge flocs were determined. A correlation between the total loosely bound-EPS (LB-EPS) content and the effluent suspended solids (ESS) (Pearson's coefficient, rp = 0.83) was observed. The performance of sludge flocculation and settling were much more closely correlated with LB-EPS than with tightly bound EPS (TB-EPS). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of sludge flocs before and after EPS extraction showed that the sludge flocs contained a large number of microorganisms, mainly Bacillus and Cocci. The amount of LB-EPS had an adverse influence on bioflocculation, effluent clarification and sludge settling affinity. The sludge properties had a moderate relationship with the PN/PS ratio of LB-EPS. Also, no correlation could be established between the ratio and the TB-EPS content.


Sex differences in the effect of the FKBP5 inhibitor SAFit2 on anxiety and stress-induced reinstatement following cocaine self-administration.
Cocaine use and withdrawal prompt stress system responses. Stress and the negative affective state produced by cocaine withdrawal are major triggers for relapse. FKBP5 is a co-chaperone of the glucocorticoid receptor and regulates HPA axis negative feedback. The role of FKBP5 in cocaine-related behaviors has not been studied. The FKBP5 inhibitor SAFit2 was used to examine the role of FKBP5 in anxiety-like behavior during early cocaine withdrawal and in stress-induced reinstatement following cocaine self-administration in male and female rats. Withdrawal from cocaine self-administration resulted in heightened anxiety-like behavior in female rats, which was significantly attenuated by SAFit2 administration. SAFit2 pretreatment prior to stress-induced reinstatement to cocaine seeking significantly reduced active lever presses of males. In female rats, SAFit2 administration prevented stress-induced reinstatement for rats in metestrus or diestrus, but not proestrus or estrus phases at the time of reinstatement. These data suggest an important role for FKBP5 in stress-related behaviors following cocaine self-administration, particularly in females.


[Effect of isoflavones in regulating the transcription of target genes through estrogen receptors].
To observe the transcriptional regulation of the two isoflavones genistein and daidzein on target genes. In this study, we used ERalpha or ERbeta over-expressing Hela cells to observe the transcriptional regulation of genistein and daidzein on ERE reporter gene with calcium-phosphate method, and furthermore observing the effects of phytoestrogen antagonist ICI 182780 on their activation. Our results showed that both genistein and daidzein could activate ERE receptor gene through ERalpha and ERbeta, and these effects could be blocked by ICI 182780. Both genistein and daidzein can mimic estrogen's effect to activate the transcription of target genes through binding to the ERs.


The fate of newly formed satellite cells during compensatory muscle hypertrophy.
Compensatory hypertrophy was induced in the rat extensor digitorum longus muscle by extirpation of the synergistic tibialis anterior. Injections of 3H-thymidine (2 muCi/g body weight) was given at 24, 48, and 72 h after the operation. In animals killed immediately after the last injection both satellite cell nuclei and true muscle nuclei were labeled, whereas in animals killed 4 weeks later only true muscle nuclei were labeled. The results are interpreted as indicating incorporation of newly formed satellite cells into the fibers during compensatory hypertrophy.


The involvement of DRP1-mediated caspase-1 activation in inflammatory response by urban particulate matter in EA.hy926 human vascular endothelial cells.
Atmospheric particulate matter (PM) has been reported to be closely related to cardiovascular adverse events. However, the underlying mode of action remains to be elucidated. Previous studies have documented that PM induces mitochondrial damage and inflammation, the relation between these two biological outcomes is still unclear though. In this study, we used EA.hy926 human vascular endothelial cells and a standard PM, PM SRM1648a to study the potential effects of mitochondrial dysfunction on endothelial inflammatory responses. As a result, PM SRM1648a changes mitochondrial morphology and interrupts mitochondrial dynamics with a persistent tendency of fission in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, the caspase-1/IL-1β axis is involved in inflammatory responses but not cell pyroptosis in EA.hy926 cells following the exposure to PM SRM1648a. The activation of caspase-1 has implications in inflammation but not pyroptosis, because caspase-1-dependent pyroptosis is not the main modality of cell death in PM SRM1648a-treated EA.hy926 cells. With regard to the association between mitochondrial damage and inflammation in the case of particle stimulation, DRP1-mediated mitochondrial fission is responsible for inflammatory responses as a result of caspase-1 activation. The current study showed that PM SRM1648a has the ability to disturb mitochondrial dynamics, and trigger endothelial inflammation via DRP1/caspase-1/IL-1β regulatory pathway. In a conclusion, mitochondrial fission enables EA.hy926 cells to facilitate caspase-1 activation in response to PM SRM1648a, which is a crucial step for inflammatory reaction in vascular endothelial cells.


Rescue of rat spinal motoneurons from avulsion-induced cell death by intrathecal administration of IGF-I and Cerebrolysin.
Ventral root avulsion results in the loss of motoneurons in the corresponding spinal cord segment. In the present experiments we have tested effects of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and Cerebrolysin on survival of avulsed motoneurons after their chronic intrathecal administration in the adult rats. We have found that avulsion of the C5 ventral roots results in significant loss of motoneurons in the same spinal cord segment due mainly to apoptosis. In comparison to the untreated control rats, the amount of motoneuron survival in avulsed ventral horn was significantly higher after 4 weeks intrathecal administration of IGF-I or Cerebrolysin. No significant differences were observed between effects of IGF-I and Cerebrolysin in our experimental model. The results suggest that both IGF-I and Cerebrolysin can reduce avulsion-induced loss of adult rat motoneurons.


Practicing management and leadership: creating the information network for public health officials.
The Management Moment" is a regular column within the Journal of Public Health Management and Practice. Janet Porter, PhD, and Edward Baker, MD, MPH, MSc, are serving as The Management Moment Editors. Dr Porter is Associate Dean for Executive Education, The North Carolina Institute for Public Health, School of Public Health, at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Dr Baker is Director of The North Carolina Institute for Public Health, School of Public Health, at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. This column provides commentary and guidance on timely management issues commonly encountered in public health practice.


The immediate effect of HCM causing actin mutants E99K and A230V on actin-Tm-myosin interaction in thin-filament reconstituted myocardium.
Human cardiac actin mutants E99K and A230V were expressed with baculovirus/insect cells and used to reconstitute the thin-filament of bovine cardiac (BVC) muscle fibers, together with tropomyosin (Tm) and troponin (Tn) purified from bovine ventricles. Effects of [Ca(2+)], [ATP], and [phosphate] on tension and its transients were studied at 25°C. In the absence of Tm/Tn, both mutants significantly decreased the tension of actin filament reconstituted fibers (WT: 0.75±0.06 T0, E99K: 0.58±0.04 T0, A230V: 0.58±0.03 T0), where T0 is active tension of native fibers (T0=26.9±1.1kPa, N=41), indicating diminished actin-myosin interactions. However, in the presence of Tm and Tn, WT, E99K, and A230V recovered tension (0.85±0.06 T0, 0.89±0.06 T0, and 0.85±0.05 T0, respectively), demonstrating the compensatory effect of Tm/Tn. Ca(2+) sensitivity (pCa50) increased (5.59±0.02, 5.80±0.03, 5.77±0.03, respectively) and cooperativity (nH) decreased (2.6±0.3, 1.87±0.21, 1.60±0.11, respectively). The kinetic constants of the cross-bridge cycle were deduced using sinusoidal analysis. E99K did not show any significant changes in any of the kinetic constants compared to those of WT. A230V caused a decrease in K1 (ATP association constant), k2 and k-2 (rate constants of the cross-bridge detachment step). The cross-bridge distribution was similar among WT, E99K, and A230V. In conclusion, our experiments demonstrate that the first step of HCM pathogenesis with E99K is increased pCa50 and decreased nH, which result in larger tension during partial activation to cause a diastolic problem. The effect on nH is more severe with A230V. In addition, A230V has a problem of decreased cross-bridge kinetics, which affects the normal functions of the cross-bridge cycle and may contribute to the first step of the HCM pathogenesis.


Associations among knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward palliative care consultation service in healthcare staffs: A cross-sectional study.
The palliative care consultation service (PCCS) of the National Health Insurance payments has been promoted in Taiwan since 2011, although few studies have been conducted on healthcare staffs' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding PCCS in Taiwan; consequently, the main objective of this study was to explore any correlations regarding the above by cross-sectional design using convenience sampling. A total of 210 healthcare staff members were enrolled from a regional hospital from June 1, 2018, to September 30, 2018. Questionnaire items on the Palliative Care Consultation Service Inventory (KAP-PCCSI) were used to measure healthcare staff's knowledge, attitudes, and practices of PCCS. The collected data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test, Pearson's correlation coefficient analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis. The results revealed that the mean scores for knowledge of and attitudes of KAP-PCCSI were 58.7 ± 8.9 (perfect score: 75) and 42.7 ± 4.7 (perfect score: 50) respectively, while the mean score for practices of KAP-PCCSI was 36.3 ± 8.1 (perfect score: 50); moreover, the healthcare staff's knowledge and attitudes were positively correlated with their practices (p < 0.01). The results also showed that knowledge, attitudes, experience of having a family member(s) or friend(s) passing away, and being a medical personnel constituted the major predictors of practices (p < 0.001). These factors explained 43.2% of the overall variance for practices of KAP-PCCSI. The findings can help healthcare staff understand factors influencing practices of KAP-PCCSI and can serve as a reference for the development of strategies for palliative care education and training while improving the care quality of patients undergoing such palliative care with terminal life considerations in the hospitals, thereby fulfilling the goal of achieving holistic care.


Regional connectivity drove bidirectional transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in the Middle East during travel restrictions.
Regional connectivity and land travel have been identified as important drivers of SARS-CoV-2 transmission. However, the generalizability of this finding is understudied outside of well-sampled, highly connected regions. In this study, we investigated the relative contributions of regional and intercontinental connectivity to the source-sink dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 for Jordan and the Middle East. By integrating genomic, epidemiological and travel data we show that the source of introductions into Jordan was dynamic across 2020, shifting from intercontinental seeding in the early pandemic to more regional seeding for the travel restrictions period. We show that land travel, particularly freight transport, drove introduction risk during the travel restrictions period. High regional connectivity and land travel also drove Jordan's export risk. Our findings emphasize regional connectedness and land travel as drivers of transmission in the Middle East.


Bedside evaluation of postoperative sinus node function in children.
Sinus node dysfunction in children frequently results from the surgical correction of congenital heart defects. We evaluated postoperative sinus node function at the bedside in 25 children by utilizing atrial epicardial electrodes which were placed near the sinus node at the time of operation. Sinoatrial conduction times (SACTs) and corrected sinus node recovery times (CSNRTs) were determined within 3 days of operation in each patient. Group 1 consisted of 20 patients (aged 1 month to 13 years) with normal postoperative sinus node function. Mean (+/- SD) SACTs and CSNRTs were 122 +/- 33 msec (range 61 to 187 msec) and 165 +/- 54 msec (range 52 to 253 msec), respectively. Preoperative evaluation of sinus node function during cardiac catheterization showed that preoperative and postoperative SACTs and CSNRTs were not significantly different (p greater than 0.05) in any of nine patients. Group 2 was composed of five children (aged 1 to 14 years) with postoperative sinus node dysfunction. Three had abnormal SACTs of 230 msec or greater and two children had first-degree sinus node entrance block. Two patients had prolonged CSNRTs. Electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring revealed evidence of sinus node dysfunction in four of the five patients in Group 2. This report describes a simple and safe means of evaluating postoperative sinus node function at the bedside. The data are comparable to those obtained using more conventional methods during cardiac catheterization.


Exploring the mechanisms responsible for the modulating role of frowning in emotional reasoning: An ERP study.
Studies show that emotions impact reasoning, and that emotions are embodied. A recent study revealed that emotions embodied in facial expressions can modulate the impact of emotional content on reasoning accuracy. In the current study, we aimed to explore the mechanisms responsible for the impact of frowning on emotional reasoning using electrophysiology. We examined two reasoning-related ERPs: the N400 related to inference process and the N2 related to conflict detection. We also measured the LPP, associated with sustained attention to emotional stimuli. Twenty-six participants completed a reasoning task with emotional content while we recorded their brain activity with electroencephalography. In one block, they were instructed to solve syllogisms while voluntarily frowning. In another block, they were asked to solve syllogisms while contracting a non-facial muscle. Results revealed that frowning influenced sustained attention towards emotional stimuli, as measured through LPP. Frowning also showed a trend for a deleterious effect on the inference process measured through the N400. In line with the dual process models, this suggests that frowning impacts sustained attention, but surprisingly it might also impact Type 2 processes. This study provides useful insight regarding the link between reasoning and emotions in the body.


Traumatic tricuspid valve regurgitation: A two case series.
Traumatic tricuspid valve injury is rare, accounting for 0.02% of traumatic injuries. The majority of cases result from blunt force trauma to the chest, however penetrating injuries have been documented in literature. Patients' can be in the full spectrum of disease, from asymptomatic to cardiogenic shock. Indications for surgery include right heart failure or evidence of right heart volume overload in the setting of significant tricuspid regurgitation. Early surgical repair is warranted to preserve right ventricular function. Surgery also needs to be planned in conjunction with the patients' other injuries. In some cases, it may be beneficial for surgery to be delayed whilst the patient is closely observed, in order for the patient to recover from concomitant injuries. We report two cases of tricuspid regurgitation in the context of blunt trauma, and our approach to the management of these patients.


Grouped circular data in biology: advice for effectively implementing statistical procedures.
The most common statistical procedure with a sample of circular data is to test the null hypothesis that points are spread uniformly around the circle without a preferred direction. An array of tests for this has been developed. However, these tests were designed for continuously distributed data, whereas often (e.g. due to limited precision of measurement techniques) collected data is aggregated into a set of discrete values (e.g. rounded to the nearest degree). This disparity can cause an uncontrolled increase in type I error rate, an effect that is particularly problematic for tests that are based on the distribution of arc lengths between adjacent points (such as the Rao spacing test). Here, we demonstrate that an easy-to-apply modification can correct this problem, and we recommend this modification when using any test, other than the Rayleigh test, of circular uniformity on aggregated data. We provide R functions for this modification for several commonly used tests. In addition, we tested the power of a recently proposed test, the Gini test. However, we concluded that it lacks sufficient increase in power to replace any of the tests already in common use. In conclusion, using any of the standard circular tests (except the Rayleigh test) without modifications on rounded/aggregated data, especially with larger sample sizes, will increase the proportion of false-positive results-but we demonstrate that a simple and general modification avoids this problem. Circular data are widespread across biological disciplines, e.g. in orientation studies or circadian rhythms. Often these data are rounded to the nearest 1-10 degrees. We have shown previously that this leads to an inflation of false-positive results when testing whether the data is significantly different from a random distribution using the Rao test. Here we present a modification that avoids this increase in false-positives for rounded data while retaining statistical power for a variety of tests. In sum, we provide comprehensive guidance on how best to test for departure from uniformity in non-continuous data.


Enzymatic characterization of a novel thermostable and alkaline tolerant GH10 xylanase and activity improvement by multiple rational mutagenesis strategies.
Thermo-alkaline xylanases are widely applied in paper pulping industry. In this study, a novel thermostable and alkaline tolerant GH10 xylanase (Xyn30Y5) gene from alkaliphilic Bacillus sp. 30Y5 was cloned and the surface-layer homology (SLH) domains truncated enzyme (Xyn30Y5-SLH) was expressed in Escherichia coli. The purified Xyn30Y5-SLH was most active at 70 °C and pH 7.0 and showed the highest specific activity of 349.4 U mg-1. It retained more than 90% activity between pH 6.0 to 9.5 and was stable at pH 6.0-10.0. To improve the activity, 47 mutants were designed based on eight rational strategies and 21 mutants showed higher activity. By combinatorial mutagenesis, the best mutant 3B demonstrated specific activity of 1016.8 U mg-1 with a doubled catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km) and RA601/2h value, accompanied by optimal pH shift to 8.0. The molecular dynamics simulation analysis indicated that the increase of flexibility of α5 helix and loop7 located near to the catalytic residues is likely responsible for its activity improvement. And the decrease of flexibility of the most unstable regions is vital for the thermostablity improvement. This work provided not only a novel thermostable and alkaline tolerant xylanase with industrial application potential but also an effective mutagenesis strategy for xylanase activity improvement.


Strong N-X⋅⋅⋅O-N Halogen Bonds: A Comprehensive Study on N-Halosaccharin Pyridine N-Oxide Complexes.
A study of the strong N-X⋅⋅⋅- O-N+ (X=I, Br) halogen bonding interactions reports 2×27 donor×acceptor complexes of N-halosaccharins and pyridine N-oxides (PyNO). DFT calculations were used to investigate the X⋅⋅⋅O halogen bond (XB) interaction energies in 54 complexes. A simplified computationally fast electrostatic model was developed for predicting the X⋅⋅⋅O XBs. The XB interaction energies vary from -47.5 to -120.3 kJ mol-1 ; the strongest N-I⋅⋅⋅- O-N+ XBs approaching those of 3-center-4-electron [N-I-N]+ halogen-bonded systems (ca. 160 kJ mol-1 ). 1 H NMR association constants (KXB ) determined in CDCl3 and [D6 ]acetone vary from 2.0×100 to >108 m-1 and correlate well with the calculated donor×acceptor complexation enthalpies found between -38.4 and -77.5 kJ mol-1 . In X-ray crystal structures, the N-iodosaccharin-PyNO complexes manifest short interaction ratios (RXB ) between 0.65-0.67 for the N-I⋅⋅⋅- O-N+ halogen bond.


Effects of basin nutrient discharge variations coupled with climate change on water quality in Lake Erhai, China.
In Lake Erhai, water quality was affected by the basin nutrient discharge and climate change. To analyze the relationships between the water quality (total nitrogen [TN], total phosphorus [TP], chemical oxygen demand [CODmn], ammonia [NH4], and trophic level index [TLI]) and basin nutrient discharge (TNd, TPd, and CODd) combined with climate changes (air temperature [AT], precipitation [pre], wind speed [wind], and sunshine hours [SHs]), the generalized additive model (GAM) was employed to explore the nonlinear relationships with their interactions using data sets ranging from 1999 to 2012. Our findings revealed that the water quality in Lake Erhai deteriorated in the early twentieth century, and the basin discharge and AT appeared significant (p < 0.05) rising trends in a long time, while the precipitation decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in the study period. Single-factor GAM results indicated that the basin nutrient discharge was the main explanatory factor for the variations of TN and TP in lake, while precipitation was the main driver for CODmn and NH4. Besides, the water quality displayed nonlinear responses to the basin discharge, but all of the water quality variables went up as the emission levels increased in the lower range. The results showed that the water quality deteriorated in the lower rainfall, and TN rose as the AT increases, while TP was elevated accompanied by the ascending SHs there. The GAM interaction results suggested that the increase of AT and TPd had a promoting effect on TP in Lake Erhai. Stricter nutrient management measures should be implemented when the impacts of climate change are taken into account.


Potential of education-based insulin therapy for achievement of good metabolic control: a real-life experience.
Achievement of good metabolic control in Type 1 diabetes is a difficult task in routine diabetes care. Education-based flexible intensified insulin therapy has the potential to meet the therapeutic targets while limiting the risk for severe hypoglycaemia. We evaluated the metabolic control and the rate of severe hypoglycaemia in real-life clinical practice in a centre using flexible intensified insulin therapy as standard of care since 1990. Patients followed for Type 1 diabetes (n = 206) or those with other causes of absolute insulin deficiency (n = 17) in our outpatient clinic were analysed in a cross-sectional study. Mean age (± standard deviation) was 48.9 ± 15.7 years, with diabetes duration of 21.4 ± 14.4 years. Outcome measures were HbA(1c) and frequency of severe hypoglycaemia. Median HbA(1c) was 7.1% (54 mmol/mol) [interquartile range 6.6-7.8 (51-62 mmol/mol)]; a good or acceptable metabolic control with HbA(1c) < 7.0% (53 mmol/mol) or 7.5% (58 mmol/mol) was reached in 43.5 and 64.6% of the patients, respectively. The frequency of severe hypoglycaemic episodes was 15 per 100 patient years: 72.3% of the patients did not experience any such episodes during the past 5 years. Good or acceptable metabolic control is achievable in the majority of patients with Type 1 diabetes or other causes of absolute insulin deficiency in routine diabetes care while limiting the risk for severe hypoglycaemia.


Functioning and nonfunctioning cysts of the adrenal cortex and medulla.
Adrenal cysts are rare clinical and pathologic entities. The vast majority are minute in size, unilateral, and found in females at autopsy. They come to the physician's attention when they produce symptoms or are identified on x-ray studies. When symptomatic, they generally produce lumbar discomfort and gastrointestinal symptoms, and occasionally are palpable by abdominal examination. There is no significant agreement as to cause and pathogenesis of the disease. The most common histologic types are lymphangiomatous endothelial cysts, secondary to lymphangiectasis, and the fibrous wall or hemorrhagic pseudocysts. In many patients preoperative diagnosis is now possible with high quality nephrotomography, ultrasonography, and adrenal arteriography. The presence of a suprarenal mass with peripheral or laminar calcification strongly suggests the presence of an adrenal pseudocyst. Selective biochemical studies are mandatory to rule out the presence of an occult cystic pheochromocytoma, and adrenal cortical tumor. Adrenal cysts must be differentiated from all space-occupying lesions of the upper abdomen. Surgical exploration is recommended in almost all patients for accurate diagnosis and to rule out malignant disease or occult pheochromocytoma. The choice of the surgical approach should be planned to provide for safe and adequate exposure, depending on the size and location of the lesion. Careful dissection with preservation of the adjacent kidney, liver, and pancreas should be performed.


Growth of Cryptococcus neoformans in a thiamine-free medium.
The growth of Cryptococcus neoformans in a minimal liquid synthetic medium with or without thiamine (10 micrograms/ml) was investigated. In these media the presence or absence of thiamine had no effect on the development of C. neoformans. To check these results, we performed a series of experiments on a solid form of the minimal synthetic medium. In this study a series of six serial transfers were carried out to starve the cells of nutrients that may have been carried over from their growth on rich media. In each of the transfers on the solid synthetic medium, C. neoformans showed a similar and scarce growth. This finding indicates that C. neoformans could be autotrophic in respect to thiamine.


Considerable knock-on displacement of metal atoms under a low energy electron beam.
Under electron beam irradiation, knock-on atomic displacement is commonly thought to occur only when the incident electron energy is above the incident-energy threshold of the material in question. However, we report that when exposed to intense electrons at room temperature at a low incident energy of 30 keV, which is far below the theoretically predicted incident-energy threshold of zirconium, Zircaloy-4 (Zr-1.50Sn-0.25Fe-0.15Cr (wt.%)) surfaces can undergo considerable displacement damage. We demonstrate that electron beam irradiation of the bulk Zircaloy-4 surface resulted in a striking radiation effect that nanoscale precipitates within the surface layer gradually emerged and became clearly visible with increasing the irradiation time. Our transmission electron microscope (TEM) observations further reveal that electron beam irradiation of the thin-film Zircaly-4 surface caused the sputtering of surface α-Zr atoms, the nanoscale atomic restructuring in the α-Zr matrix, and the amorphization of precipitates. These results are the first direct evidences suggesting that displacement of metal atoms can be induced by a low incident electron energy below threshold. The presented way to irradiate may be extended to other materials aiming at producing appealing properties for applications in fields of nanotechnology, surface technology, and others.


Erratum.
In the article "Reexamination of acoustic evidence in the Kennedy assassination" by the Committee on Ballistic Acoustics, National Research Council (8 Oct., p. 127), the probability given on page 130, column 1, line 17, was incorrectly printed. It should have been "P = .044."


Achieving Effective and Efficient Basal Insulin Optimal Management by Using Mobile Health Application (APP) for Type 2 Diabetes Patients in China.
To evaluate the effectiveness of the mobile health application (APP) education in basal insulin optimal management program for insulin-naive type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients in China. The basal insulin optimal management program was launched in 297 hospitals in China, throughout the six main regions of China. A total of 17,208 insulin-naive patients with T2D who started to use basal insulin were screened. The mobile health APP was downloaded in each recruited patient's mobile phone and the doctor's mobile phone. Then, according to the instructions and education materials in the APP, these patients began their self-management of insulin dosage titrations and contacted their doctors by APP if they need help. Overall, 12,530 patients with T2D were finally included in the analysis. The average age was 51.97±12.76 years, and 58% of them were males. The average body mass index is 24.46±3.83 kg/m2, and the average HbA1c at baseline was 8.33±2.11% with 24% of the subjects reaching the target of HbA1c<7.0% at baseline. After 3 months of treatment and educations through the APP, HbA1c decreased significantly from baseline (-1.02±1.72%), with 59% of the patients reaching HbA1c<7.0%. After 6 months, the glycemic control of HbA1c also decreased from baseline significantly (-1.01±1.67%). Dosage of insulin daily was 0.23±0.09 IU/kg at baseline, and 0.23±0.23 IU/kg after 6 months of treatment. Regarding the profiles of hypoglycemia treatment, 3145 patients received basal insulin in combination with mono oral anti-diabetic drug (OAD), 1204 patients with dual OADs, 208 patients with triple OADs, and 17 patients with quarter OADs. Patients could benefit from the basal insulin optimal management program in self-management by using mobile health APP educations. For T2D patients who are going to start insulin treatment, mobile health APP can help them to reach the target of glycemic control with appropriate dosage of insulin.


Key stakeholders' experiences and expectations of the care system for individuals affected by borderline personality disorder: An interpretative phenomenological analysis towards co-production of care.
The diagnosis of borderline personality disorder (BPD) consists of extreme emotional dysregulation and long-term disability when left untreated. It is associated with ineffective use of health care systems and mismanaged care in emergency departments, which can result in a revolving door phenomenon of urgent system usage, poor treatment outcomes, or patients falling out of care entirely-all of which primarily affect patients with BPD as well as their caregivers and clinicians. This crisis must be addressed with a comprehensive understanding of key stakeholder perspectives on the challenges of the system and potential solutions. This study explored the perspectives of three key stakeholder groups (i.e., patients, clinicians, and caregivers) in relation to their experiences with and future expectations of the care system for those affected by BPD. Four patients with BPD, three generalist clinicians with experience treating BPD, and three caregivers of individuals with BPD participated in individual semi-structured interviews. Participants were asked about their experiences with the current healthcare system and their suggestions for improvement. Responses were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. In-depth analysis of the qualitative data revealed twelve shared themes and three themes that were unique to each key stakeholder group. These themes are discussed and used to inform recommendations for promising practices, policies, and training in this area. Findings support the importance of a comprehensive mental health system approach for improving the accessibility, effectiveness, and acceptability of the management and treatment of BPD.


Geographical variations in arsenic contents in rice plants from Latin America and the Iberian Peninsula in relation to soil conditions.
Arsenic is a ubiquitous, toxic element that is efficiently accumulated by rice plants. This study assessed the spatial variability in the total As (tAs) contents and organic and inorganic forms in different types of rice, plant parts (husk, stem, leaves and phytoliths) and residues. Samples were collected in different countries in Latin America (Ecuador, Brazil and Peru) and the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal). The tAs content in commercial polished rice from the Latin American countries was similar (0.130-0.166 mg kg-1) and significantly lower than in the rice from the Iberian countries (0.191 ± 0.066 mg kg-1), and together, the tAs concentration in brown rice (236 ± 0.093 mg kg-1) was significantly higher than in polished and parboiled rice. The inorganic As (iAs) content in rice was similar in both geographical regions, and the aforementioned difference was attributed to dimethylarsinic acid (DMA). The relative abundance of organic species increased as the tAs content in rice grain increased. A meta-analysis of our and previously reported data confirmed the negative correlation between iAs/tAs and tAs. At low tAs concentrations, inorganic forms are dominant, while at higher values (tAs > 0.300 mg kg-1) the concentration of organic As increases substantially and DMA becomes the dominant form in rice grain. On the contrary, inorganic arsenic was always the dominant form, mainly as arsenate [As(V)], in leaves and stems. The presence in soils of high concentrations of amorphous Fe and Al oxides and hydroxides, which are capable of strongly adsorbing oxyanions (i.e. arsenate), was associated with low concentrations of As in rice plants. In addition, the presence of high concentrations of As(V) in stems and leaves, low concentration of As in phytoliths, and the As associated with organic matter in stems and husk, together suggest that rice plants take up more As(V) than As(III).


Systematic review: the pathophysiology and management of polycystic liver disease.
Polycystic liver diseases (PCLD) represent a group of genetic disorders in which cysts occur solely in the liver, or together with renal cysts. Most of the patients with PCLD are asymptomatic, however, in some patients, expansion of liver cysts causes invalidating abdominal symptoms. To provide a systemic review on the pathophysiology and management of PCLD. A PubMed search was undertaken to identify relevant literature using search terms including polycystic liver disease, pathophysiology, surgical and medical management. The most common complication in patients with PCLD is extensive hepatomegaly, which may lead to malnutrition and can be lethal. Conservative surgical approaches are only partially effective and do not change the natural course of the disease. Liver transplantation has been successfully performed in PCLD, however, in an era of organ shortage, medical management needs to be evaluated. A better understanding of the pathophysiology and the availability of animal models have already identified promising drugs. Abnormalities in cholangiocyte proliferation/apoptosis and enhanced fluid secretion are key factors in the pathophysiology. It has been demonstrated in rodents and in humans that somatostatin analogues diminish liver volume. The role of the inhibitors of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in the management of PCLD is still under investigation. The exact pathophysiology of polycystic liver disease still remains unclear. In symptomatic patients, none of the currently available surgical options except liver transplantation have been shown to change the natural course of the disease. The use of somatostatin analogues has been shown to diminish liver volume.


Quantitative evaluation of impacts of the steadiness and duration of urban surface wind patterns on air quality.
The complexity and heterogeneity of urban land surfaces result in inconsistencies in near-surface winds, which in turn influence the diffusion and dispersion of air pollutants. In this study, we classified urban surface wind fields, quantified their steadiness, duration, and influence on air quality using hourly wind observations from 50 meteorological stations, as well as hourly PM2.5 and NO2 concentrations from 18 monitoring stations during 2017-2018 in Shenzhen, a mega city in southern China. We found that the K-means clustering technique was reliable for distinguishing surface wind patterns within the city. Urban surface-wind patterns greatly affected pollutant concentrations. When dominated by calm, northerly wind, high PM2.5/NO2 concentration episodes occurred more frequently than those during other surface wind patterns. The urban surface transport index (USTI) was used to quantify the steadiness of surface wind classes. High pollutant concentrations were present during both high wind speed periods with a large USTI, indicating external pollutant transport, and during low wind speed periods with a small USTI, indicating pollutant accumulation. The threshold durations for surface wind fields (TDSWF) was proposed to quantify the impacts of surface wind persistence on air quality. We found that poor air quality occurred during the first several hours of a dominant wind pattern, indicating that transitions between wind patterns should be a particular focus when assessing air-quality deterioration. USTI and TDSWF are potentially applicable to other urban areas, owing to their clear definitions and simple calculation. In combination with wind speeds, these indices are likely to improve air quality forecasting and strategic decisions on air pollution emergencies, based on long time series of multiple wind and pollutant concentration observations.


Quantitative proteomics provides insights into the mechanism of the differences in heat-induced gel properties for egg white proteins with different interior quality during ageing in laying hens.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanism for the differences in heat-induced gel properties of egg white proteins with different interior quality during ageing in laying hens. Quantitative proteomic analysis revealed that the abundance of ovotransferrin, avidin, mucin 5B, and clusterin increased with decreasing Haugh units (HU), leading to the transition from disorder to order in the secondary and tertiary structure of egg white proteins, with the burial of hydrophobic groups and a reduction in the negative charge on the protein surface, rendering the egg white protein solution aggregated. These changes would accelerate the rate of aggregation of egg white proteins during heating, resulting in the loss of orientation of the molecular chains, forming coarse and porous gel structures and poor gel properties. This research provides a new idea for improving the gelling properties of egg whites from lower interior quality during ageing in laying hens.


[Receptors for vasoactic intestinal peptide (VIP) in human colonic adenocarcinoma membranes: specific binding and stimulation of adenylate cyclase].
Human colonic adenocarcinoma plasma membranes exhibit specific receptors for VIP. Adenylate cyclase activity is stimulated by a VIP concentration as low as 10(-10) mol/1.


Intrathyroidal parathyroid carcinoma: a case report and literature review.
Parathyroid carcinoma is an uncommon endocrine malignancy comprising 0.5%-2% of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. The probability of an intrathyroidal location is low (0.2%) and make preoperative suspicion and diagnosis challenging. Less than 20 cases of intrathyroidal parathyroid carcinoma have been reported. We introduce a case of intrathyroidal parathyroid carcinoma mimicking a suspicious thyroid nodule, and review the literature, with a focus on the role of adjuvant radiotherapy.


Diagnostic utility of the Minnesota multiphasic personality inventory-2 in patients diagnosed with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures in the Czech Republic.
The purpose of the present study is to examine the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory 2 (MMPI-2) scores of individuals diagnosed with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) in a tertiary epilepsy center in the Czech Republic. Patients (F:M 130:45; mean age 36.8 years; 12.7 years of education, frequency of seizures 0.37 per day, illness duration 5.75 years) were assessed while inpatients at the Epilepsy Center, Na Homolce Hospital, Prague. Patients underwent video-EEG testing and comprehensive neuropsychological testing and personality assessment which included the MMPI-2. Elevated (+1.5SD) F and Back F (Fb) validity scales were observed along with elevated clinical scales Hypochondriasis (Hs), Depression (D), Hysteria (Hy), Psychasthenia (Pt), and Schizophrenia (Sc). Scores higher than 1 SD were found in Psychopathic Deviate (Pd), Paranoia (Pa), Hypomania (Ma) andSocial Introversion (Si) scales and on validity scales True Response Inconsistency Scale (TRIN) and Variable Response Inconsistency Scale (VRIN). Patients diagnosed with PNES exhibit numerous elevations on the MMPI-2. Understanding the underlying psychological constructs of the patient with PNES more accurately improves predictive utility (for the presence of PNES) and allows the clinician to offer interventions that are more customized. Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory results may be useful to exclude other possible diagnoses and to further determine the individual's characteristics that may be helpful when tailoring treatment, including psychotherapy.


Development and Validation of a Self-Efficacy Scale for Nursing Educators' Role in Sri Lanka.
This study develops a scale that assesses the self-efficacy of Sri Lankan nursing educators in assuming the roles of nursing educators and validates its psychometric properties. This methodological research followed the DeVellis Scale Development Model, which involves six steps of instrument development and evaluation. Preliminary items were determined through a literature review and focus group interviews with nine Sri Lankan nursing experts. The experts, comprising five South Korean and two Sri Lankan nursing professors, tested the scale's content validity. Moreover, 15 nursing educators participated in a pilot study, and 126 educators took part in the main survey. To evaluate the scale's validity and reliability, the data from a preliminary questionnaire were analyzed using SPSS/IBM and AMOS 24.0. Further, construct validity was tested using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, and reliability was tested by calculating Cronbach's alpha and performing split-half testing. Finally, 39 items under four themes, "clinical mentorship" (18 items), "research" (10), "teaching" (6), and "advising" (5), explained 63.5% of the total variance. Confirmatory factor analysis results revealed an acceptable model fit for the final scale. The developed scale achieved a Cronbach's alpha value of 0.97. Thus, the psychometrical properties of the scale measuring Sri Lankan nursing educators' self-efficacy were comprehensively evaluated and found acceptable. The developed scale will be useful in guideline development or studies regarding the self-efficacy of nursing educators' roles in developing countries with similar context to Sri Lanka.


[Heart lesions in mice with experimental infection caused by Coxsackie virus A13].
The results of pathomorphological and virological studies of experimental Coxsackie A 13 virus infection in BALB/C mice are described. Chronic myocarditis, endocarditis and valvulitis were observed in mice inoculated 10 to 12 hours after birth. The virus was revealed in the infected mice for 15-20 days only.


Lipoma of the foot: a large and unusual case.
Lipomas are usually found in adipose tissue; however, on rare occasions, they are found in the hands or feet. The authors describe a lipoma in the lateral plantar aspect of the left heel of one of their patients. They describe the procedure used in surgical excision of lipomas and the possible complications.


Molecular methods for monitoring malignant disease after bone marrow transplantation.
Significant progress has been made over the past few years in the characterization of genetic defects responsible for the development of leukemia. In addition to contributing to our understanding of the biology of malignancy, defined genetic lesions may serve as markers of the abnormal cells. Such markers are useful for diagnostic purposes and for the detection of residual malignancy in patients after therapy or as contamination in peripheral blood or bone marrow harvests. In particular, detection of tumor-specific lesions or other tumor-associated markers by the techniques of cell and molecular biology has prompted a reevaluation of the definitions of remission and relapse.


Monitoring the bacterial population dynamics during fermentation of artisanal Argentinean sausages.
The dynamics of the microbial community responsible for the artisanal fermentation of dry sausage produced in Argentina was investigated by using classical and molecular approaches. The combined use of RAPD analysis with primers M13, XD9, RAPD1 and RAPD2 and 16S rDNA sequencing were applied to the identification and intraspecific differentiation of 100 strains of lactobacilli and Micrococcaceae. DGGE analysis was used to monitor the dynamic changes in population after total microbial DNA was directly extracted from sausages and subjected to PCR using V3f (GC), Bact-0124f-GC and Univ-0515r primers. The sequence analysis of 16S rDNA of the dominant species was also carried out. Lactobacillus sakei and Lactobacillus plantarum were the dominant lactic acid organisms during the fermentation while Staphylococcus saprophyticus represented the dominant species of Micrococcaceae. It was demonstrated that the ripening process of Argentinean artisanal fermented sausage is driven by a limited number of Lactobacillus and Staphylococcus strains selected from environmental microbiota by the ability to best compete under the prevailing conditions of the ecological niche. The identification of dominant communities present in this artisanal fermented sausage can help in the selection of starter cultures consisting in well adapted strains to the particular production technology.


Verbal short-term memory and language impairments in Cantonese speakers after stroke.
The study examined the relationship between verbal short-term memory (STM) and language impairment in Cantonese speakers after stroke. It is hypothesised that Cantonese speakers with left-hemisphere (LH) stroke would perform worse than those with right hemisphere (RH) stroke and normal controls. Specific linguistic factors of Cantonese might affect results in the tasks. Fifteen participants with LH stroke, 10 with RH stroke and 25 healthy controls were tested with auditory-verbal immediate serial recall (ISR) tasks and auditory linguistic tasks. All stroke participants were assessed with the Cantonese version of Western Aphasia Battery (CAB). The LH group performed significantly worse than the RH and healthy control groups in the auditory verbal ISR and auditory linguistic tasks. There were significant lexicality, frequency and imageability effects in most tasks. Auditory discrimination and word comprehension tasks, but not the auditory word recognition task had correlations with ISR tasks. Verbal STM and language performance of Cantonese-speakers with history of LH stroke were inferior to RH stroke and healthy controls. The effects of lexicality, word frequency and imageability on verbal STM memory performance were found. Cantonese tones have effects on performance in auditory word recognition task, similar to onset, nucleus and rime.


Ultrasonic-assisted preparation and characterization of hierarchical porous carbon derived from garlic peel for high-performance supercapacitors.
Ultrasonic-assisted impregnation is used to synthesize physically modified garlic peel-based 3D hierarchical porous carbons (PCs), and the effect on PCs is investigated by changing ultrasonic time. The results show that ultrasonic waves can effectively peel off surface attachments of the carbonized product, so that activator has a better mass transfer process and create more active sites. The connectivity of 3D pore network is enhanced as well, so the structure and electrochemical properties of garlic peel-based porous carbon (GBPC) are improved. The ultrasonic disperser is used as an ultrasonic generator, specific conditions are as follows: ultrasonic frequency is 40 kHz, ultrasonic power is 500 W, and ultrasonic time is 0, 3, 6, and 9 min, respectively. With the increase of ultrasonic time, impurities again block the pore structure during dynamic movement, resulting in a decrease in electrochemical performance. Specifically, the performance of GBPC-6 is the most excellent, the specific surface area (SSA) increases from 2548 m2 g-1 to 3887 m2 g-1, the specific capacitance increases from 304 F g-1 to 426 F g-1 at a current density of 1 A g-1 in a two-electrode test system. Energy density and cycle performance are also improved at the same time, which are attributed to rational structure. In addition, the effectiveness of the strategy of ultrasonic-assisted synthesis has been confirmed on another precursor material-scallion, meaning that this work proposes a new and simple modification method for improving the performance of biomass-based PCs.


Mannose-binding lectin expression genotype in pediatric-onset systemic lupus erythematosus: associations with susceptibility to renal disease and protection against infections.
To study possible associations between extended mannose-binding lectin (MBL) expression genotypes and clinical manifestations and infections in children with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Clinical and laboratory variables for a cohort of 125 patients with pediatric-onset SLE were obtained by clinical examinations and chart reviews. Controls were 137 age-matched and sex-matched healthy children and adolescents. MBL gene polymorphisms were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction. Serum MBL concentrations were measured by ELISA. The frequencies of extended MBL expression genotypes did not differ between patients and controls. There were 82 patients with SLE who had high MBL expression genotypes and 43 who had medium and low MBL expression genotypes. Patients with the high MBL expression genotype had renal disorders more frequently than patients in the group with medium and low MBL expression genotypes [54/82 (65.9%) vs 18/43 (41.9%), respectively; p = 0.013] and fewer serious bacterial infections [22/82 (26.8%) vs 20/43 (46.5%); p = 0.030]. Using logistic regression for patients with SLE, a high MBL expression genotype was independently associated with renal disorders (OR 2.49, 95% CI 1.15-5.39, p = 0.021) and had a protective effect against serious bacterial infections (OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.12-0.71, p = 0.007). MBL levels decreased significantly when patients with active SLE reached an inactive stage (1.56 ± 0.55 μg/ml vs 1.08 ± 0.65 μg/ml; p = 0.001), but these levels were still higher than those in controls. Our findings suggest that a high MBL expression genotype is a risk factor for renal disorder, while it has a protective effect against infections. Serum MBL levels reflect SLE activity.


Arkaitz Carracedo: If the scientific question is good, the result will be interesting.
Arkaitz Carracedo is a principal investigator at the Association for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE) in Spain; his laboratory focuses on signaling and metabolic alterations in cancer. Arkaitz has investigated the regulation of fatty acid oxidation in cancer cells and how these changes could be manipulated therapeutically. We chatted with Arkaitz to find out about his career in science so far.


Single Room Occupancy Residence: Processes Linking Housing to Not Engaging in HIV Outpatient Care.
Homelessness and housing instability undermine engagement in medical care, adherence to treatment and health among persons with HIV/AIDS. However, the processes by which unstable and unsafe housing result in adverse health outcomes remain understudied and are the focus of this manuscript. From 2012 to 2014, we conducted qualitative interviews among inpatients with HIV disengaged from outpatient care (n = 120). We analyzed the content of the interviews with participants who reported a single room occupancy (SRO) residence (n = 44), guided by the Health Lifestyle Theory. Although SROs emerged as residences that were unhygienic and conducive to drug use and violence, participants remained in the SRO system for long periods of time. This generated experiences of living instability, insecurity and lack of control that reinforced a set of tendencies (habitus) and behaviors antithetical to adhering to medical care. We called for research and interventions to transform SROs into housing protective of its residents' health and wellbeing.


Targeting purinergic receptors to attenuate inflammation of dry eye.
Inflammation is one of the potential factors to cause the damage of ocular surface in dry eye disease (DED). Increasing evidence indicated that purinergic A1, A2A, A3, P2X4, P2X7, P2Y1, P2Y2, and P2Y4 receptors play an important role in the regulation of inflammation in DED: A1 adenosine receptor (A1R) is a systemic pro-inflammatory factor; A2AR is involved in the activation of the MAPK/NF-kB pathway; A3R combined with inhibition of adenylate cyclase and regulation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway leads to regulation of transcription; P2X4 promotes receptor-associated activation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory vesicles; P2X7 promotes inflammasome activation and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18; P2Y receptors affect the phospholipase C(PLC)/IP3/Ca2+ signaling pathway and mucin secretion. These suggested that purinergic receptors would be promising targets to control the inflammation of DED in the future.