Similarities and differences between the risk factors for gestational hypertension and preeclampsia: A population based cohort study in south China.
To compare the risk factors for gestational hypertension (GH) and preeclampsia (PE) in the same population, which may provide clues to better understanding of their etiologic mechanisms. We conducted a cohort study in Liuyang, China, during 2010-2011. Twelve potential risk factors were investigated, including maternal age, body mass index at first antenatal visit, gender of newborn, parity, abortion history, smoking history, family history of hypertension, gestational diabetes mellitus, pregnancy complications of diabetes mellitus/renal disease/cardiac disease, reproductive tract infection, season of delivery, and district level average per capita income. Logistic regression were used to estimate odds ratios for potential risk factors. Of 6223 pregnancies, 1.8% was complicated by PE, and 5.4% by GH. Maternal age older than 35, body mass index above 24, and pregnancy complicated with gestational diabetes mellitus increased the risk of both PE and GH, while with different effect sizes. Primiparity and deliver in winter and spring (compared with summer delivery) were risk factors for GH only. Pregnancy complicated with diabetes mellitus/renal disease/cardiac disease was risk factor for PE only. Significantly lower risk of GH was observed for women younger than 25 or with low body mass index in the first trimester. Mothers carrying a male fetus were more likely to develop PE. Risk factors for GH and PE were not exactly the same. Underling those differences might be their different etiology and mechanism. To confirm the similarities and differences been found in single study, it is important to conduct investigation in other population.


Longitudinal Analysis of Group A Streptococcus emm Types and emm Clusters in a High-Prevalence Setting: Relationship between Past and Future Infections.
Group A Streptococcus is a pathogen of global importance, but despite the ubiquity of group A Streptococcus infections, the relationship between infection, colonization, and immunity is still not completely understood. The M protein, encoded by the emm gene, is a major virulence factor and vaccine candidate and forms the basis of a number of classification systems. Longitudinal patterns of emm types collected from 457 Fijian schoolchildren over a 10-month period were analyzed. No evidence of tissue tropism was observed, and there was no apparent selective pressure or constraint of emm types. Patterns of emm type acquisition suggest limited, if any, modification of future infection based on infection history. Where impetigo is the dominant mode of transmission, circulating emm types either may not be constrained by ecological niches or population immunity to the M protein, or they may require several infections over a longer period of time to induce such immunity.


Transmission characteristics of all-dielectric guided-mode resonance filter in the THz region.
In this study we report the first on the terahertz (THz) transmission characteristics of a guided-mode resonance (GMR) filter made of all-dielectric material. Two strong transverse electric (TE) resonance modes, TE0,1 and TE1,1, and one strong transverse magnetic (TM) resonance mode, TM0,1, were detected. The measured resonances can be explained by diffraction from the grating surface of the GMR filter, and by guiding along the inside of the filter (slab waveguide). Because two identical GMR filters were employed to overcome limited grating numbers, the measured Q-factors of the TM0,1, TE1,1, and TM0,1 modes were as high as 62.9, 71.0, and 74.4 respectively. Also, we obtained polarization efficiencies of up to 96.9, 96.3, and 92.9% for the TM0,1, TM1,1, and TM0,1 modes, respectively, when the GMR filter was rotated to 90°. By increasing the incident THz beam angle, one TE resonance can be divided into two TE resonances, and the resonant frequency can be adjusted like a THz tunable resonance filter. Furthermore, when the GMR filters were inserted between Teflon plates, only the TM1,1 mode was perfectly removed. The designed GMR filter has a high Q-factor, tunable filter, good polarizer, and good modulator characteristics. These experimental results were in good agreement with simulation results.


Inhibitory effect of simiao qingwen baidu decoction on epstein-barr virus EA, VCA expression and DNA replication in vitro.
This article aims to investigate the role of Simiao Qingwen Baidu Decoction (traditional Chinese medicine) in Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-induced infectious mononucleosis. Sprague Dawley rats were given Simiao Qingwen Baidu Decoction by gavage, and the medicated serum was collected. EBV-latent infected human Burkitt lymphomas Raji and EBV-transformed marmosets B lymphoblast cell B95-8 were treated with medicated serum. CCK8 assay and flow cytometry were performed to detect cell proliferation and apoptosis. Indirect immunofluorescence assay was performed to analyze EA or VCA positive expression. The copy-number of EBV-DNA and the gene expression were detected by quantitative PCR or quantitative real-time PCR. We found that the medicated serum inhibited proliferation of Raji and B95-8 cells, especially 10 %-medicated serum. The 10 %-medicated serum significantly suppressed EA expression in Raji cells and VCA expression in B95-8 cells. The expression of BZLF1, BRLF1, BMLF1 and EBNA-1 in Raji cells was significantly inhibited by 10 %-medicated serum. 10 %-medicated serum caused a decrease in the copy-number of EBV-DNA in Raji cells. In conclusion, our data imply that Simiao Qingwen Baidu Decoction represses the expression of EA and VCA, and EBV-DNA replication. Thus, our work suggests that Simiao Qingwen Baidu Decoction may play a vital role in anti-EBV.


For What It's Worth: Medical School Reputation in The Integrated Plastic Surgery Match.
Integrated Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery residency programs may use medical school reputation to help fill the gap of a pass/fail USMLE Step 1 in the match. The main objective of this manuscript was to consider if this shifting emphasis is warranted. Herein, a cross-sectional analysis of academic plastic surgeons found that medical school reputation did not predict career achievement. In the absence of evidence demonstrating its worth, residency programs should exercise caution in using medical school reputation in the match.


The prevention of carotid artery rupture with isobutyl-2-cyanoacrylate.
Carotid artery exposure and rupture is one of the most feared complications of head and neck surgery. The ideal method for preventing rupture of an exposed artery should be easy to perform, safe, effective and should spare local and regional flaps for later use in reconstruction. Isobutyl-2-cyanoacrylate (Bucrylate) is a commercially available compound that appears to meet these criteria. Test animals were divided into two groups. The carotid arteries of 12 dogs (group A) were exteriorized bilaterally and coated with Bucrylate unilaterally. Group B (four dogs) underwent the same procedure except that the vessels were bilaterally coated. Wounds were dressed twice daily with moist-to-dry gauze. No antibiotics were given. Nine of the 12 unprotected arteries in group A ruptured within 2 weeks, and one unprotected artery ruptured on postoperative day (POD) 29. Two dogs healed over both vessels. In group B, three dogs ruptured their arteries within 2 weeks. One dog healed over both vessels. Gross and histologic examination of the arteries showed a striking difference between coated and uncoated vessels. We believe that Bucrylate and cyanoacrylate adhesives hold promise in the clinical protection of exposed carotid arteries.


Modulation of cell signaling pathways by oxysterols in age-related human diseases.
Cholesterol oxidation products, named oxysterols, may derive from the diet or originate endogenously by autoxidative nonenzymatic modification of cholesterol as well as through enxymatic pathways involved in lipid metabolism and maintenance of cholesterol homeostasis. Oxysterols have been shown to exert several in vitro and in vivo biochemical activities of both physiologic and pathologic relevance and they appear to be implicated in the pathogenesis of various age-related chronic diseases, including atherosclerosis and Alzheimer's disease (AD), where hypercholesterolemia represents a primary risk factor, and a redox state impairment and inflammation seem to play a central role. Our recent studies show that, in cells of the macrophage lineage or in human neuronal cells (differentiated or not), respectively in the contest of atherosclerosis or AD, oxysterols can initiate specific signal transduction pathways that are relevant to the development of these diseases. Regarding atherosclerosis, we have observed that oxysterols can contribute to plaque instability and rupture by enhancing inflammatory responses and matrix turnover through an unbalanced up-regulation of MMP-9. Concerning AD, we have demonstrated that oxysterols may promote neuroinflammatory changes and accelerate APP processing toward β-amyloid production by up-regulating APP and BACE1 protein levels. In addition, TLR4, a key player of immune and inflammatory signaling responses, seems to have an important role in the pathogenesis of both atherosclerosis and AD.


Ultrasound findings in perihepatitis associated with pelvic inflammatory disease.
The width of the right anterior extrarenal tissue was increased on ultrasound examination in 9 patients with perihepatitis (Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome). Normal values were obtained in 72 women without detectable or known disease and were found to be between 1 mm and 5 mm (mean 1.8 mm). The 9 patients with laparoscopically verified perihepatitis who demonstrated this thickening had values ranging from 6 mm to 12 mm, (mean 7.7 mm). Although the incidence of this inflammatory thickening in perihepatitis is not known, its value is that in its ultrasonic demonstration a careful search should be made for inflammatory disease in structures related to the anterior pararenal space.


Inhibition of omega-conotoxin-sensitive Ca2+ channel currents by internal Mg2+ in cultured rat cerebellar granule neurones.
The effects of changing the intracellular concentrations of either free Mg2+ ions ([Mg2+]i) or Mg(2+)-bound adenosine triphosphate ([Mg.ATP]i) on Ca2+ channel currents were assessed in cultured rat cerebellar granule neurones using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. Raising [Mg2+]i from 0.06 mM to 1.0 mM inhibited Ca2+ channel currents by approximately 50%. The action of omega-conotoxin GVIA (omega-CgTX), a selective inhibitor of "N"-type Ca2+ channels was also investigated. With increasing [Mg2+]i, the proportion of current irreversibly blocked by omega-CgTX was reduced, and was negligible (approximately 5 pA of current) in the presence of [Mg2+]i values of 0.5 mM or greater. Block of the omega-CgTX-sensitive current accounted for the reduction in total current by concentrations of [Mg2+]i to 0.5 mM. Raising [Mg2+]i had no effect on the rate of decay of Ca2+ currents, but did produce a negative shift in current activation, possibly due to a non-specific interaction with negative surface charge. Altering [Mg.ATP]i from 0.3 to 5.0 mM caused a twofold increase in the size of currents without affecting the proportion of current sensitive to omega-CgTX. [Mg2+]i was also effective in inhibiting the Ca2+ channel current following potentiation by increasing [Mg.ATP]i. These data suggest that omega-CgTX-sensitive current in these cells is selectively inhibited by internal Mg2+ whereas both omega-CgTX-sensitive and -resistant components of current are potentiated by internal Mg.ATP. The mechanism by which Mg2+ inhibits "N"-type channels is unclear, but may involve an open channel block.


Context effects in visual word recognition: lexical relatedness and syntactic context.
In three experiments, we investigated how associative word-word priming effects in German depend on different types of syntactic context in which the related words are embedded. The associative relation always concerned a verb as prime and a noun as target. Prime word and target word were embedded in visually presented strings of words that formed either a correct sentence, a scrambled list of words, or a sentence in which the target noun and the preceding definite article disagreed in syntactic gender. In contrast to previous studies (O'Seaghdha, 1989; Simpson, Peterson, Casteel, & Burgess, 1989), associative priming effects were not only obtained in correct sentences but also in scrambled word lists. Associative priming, however, was not obtained when the definite article and the target noun disagreed in syntactic gender. The latter finding suggests that a rather local violation of syntactic coherence reduces or eliminates word-word priming effects. The results are discussed in the context of related work on the effect of gender dis-/agreement between a syntactic context and a target noun.


Solvent effects on the infrared spectra of beta-alkoxyvinyl methyl ketones I. Carbonyl and vinyl stretching vibrations.
Infrared spectroscopy studies of six beta-alkoxyvinyl methyl ketones, with common structure R(1)O-CR(2)CH-COR(3), where R(1)=R(3)=CH(3), R(2)=H (1); R(1)=C(2)H(5), R(2)=H (2); R(3)=CF(3); R(1)=R(2)=CH(3), R(3)=CF(3) (3); R(1)=C(2)H(5), R(2)=C(6)H(5), R(3)=CF(3) (4); R(1)=C(2)H(5), R(2)=4-O(2)NC(6)H(4), R(3)=CF(3) (5); R(1)=C(2)H(5), R(2)=C(CH(3))(3), R(3)=CF(3) (6) in 11 pure organic solvents of different polarity were undertaken to investigate the solute-solvent interactions and to correlate solvent properties by means of linear solvation energy relationships (LSER) with the carbonyl and vinyl stretching vibrations of existing stereoisomeric forms. It was shown that contrary to simple carbonyl-containing compounds where solvent HBD acidity (alpha) has the largest influence on the nu (CO) band shift to lower wavenumbers, the dipolarity/polarizability (pi) term plays the main role in the interactions of conjugated enones with solvent molecules leading to the nu (CO) and nu (CC) bathochromic band shifts. The trifluoroacetyl group possesses a reduced ability to form hydrogen bonds with solvents. For the nu (CC) band of non-fluorinated enone 1 solvent HBD acidity (alpha) and solvent HBA basicity term (beta) play a perceptible role, whereas for 2 these terms are not significant. beta-Substituents in fluorinated enones such as R(2)=H, C(6)H(5), and C(CH(3))(3) assist in the intermolecular hydrogen bond formation of the carbonyl moiety with HBD solvents, while beta-substituents such as CH(3) and 4-NO(2)C(6)H(4) prevent the CO group to form the H-bonds with HBD solvents (the solvent HBD acidity term (alpha) is not significant). The comparison of four conformers of the enone 1 reveals that (EEE) form is the most polarizable conformer; the influences of the solvent dipolarity/polarizability (pi) and solvent HBD acidity (alpha) term on the bathochromic nu (CO) band shift are opposite to one another.


Genotyping of Circulating Free DNA Enables Monitoring of Tumor Dynamics in Synovial Sarcomas.
Synovial sarcoma (SS) is a malignant soft tissue tumor of mesenchymal origin that frequently occurs in young adults. Translocation of the SYT gene on chromosome 18 to the SSX genes on chromosome X leads to the formation of oncogenic fusion genes, which lead to initiation and proliferation of tumor cells. The detection and quantification of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) can serve as a non-invasive method for diagnostics of local or distant tumor recurrence, which could improve survival rates due to early detection. We developed a subtype-specific targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) approach specifically targeting SS t(X;18)(p11;q11), which fuses SS18 (SYT) in chromosome 18 to SSX1 or SSX2 in chromosome x, and recurrent point mutations. In addition, patient-specific panels were designed from tumor exome sequencing. Both approaches were used to quantify ctDNA in patients' plasma. The subtype-specific assay allowed detection of somatic mutations from 25/25 tumors with a mean of 1.68 targetable mutations. The minimal limit of detection was determined at a variant allele frequency of 0.05%. Analysis of 29 plasma samples from 15 tumor patients identified breakpoint ctDNA in 6 patients (sensitivity: 40%, specificity 100%). The addition of more mutations further increased assay sensitivity. Quantification of ctDNA in plasma samples (n = 11) from one patient collected over 3 years, with a patient-specific panel based on tumor exome sequencing, correlated with the clinical course, response to treatment and tumor volume. Targeted NGS allows for highly sensitive tumor profiling and non-invasive detection of ctDNA in SS patients, enabling non-invasive monitoring of tumor dynamics.


Further observation of Hemoglobin Beograd (B121 Glu-Val) in Turkish population.
Hemoglobin Beograd (B121 Glu-Val) is a rarely reported hemoglobin variant. It was first reported in Turkey in 1984. This report is a further observation of this variant in a 22-years old Turkish man.


Isolation and sequence analysis of the orotidine-5'-phosphate decarboxylase gene (URA3) of Candida utilis. Comparison with the OMP decarboxylase gene family.
The URA3 gene of Candida utilis encoding orotidine-5'-phosphate decarboxylase enzyme was isolated by complementation in Escherichia coli pyrF mutation. The deduced amino-acid sequence is highly similar to that of the Ura3 proteins from other yeast and fungal species. An extensive analysis of the family of orotidine-5'-phosphate decarboxylase is shown. The URA3 gene of C. utilis was able to complement functionally the ura3 mutation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.


[Role of iron in Yersinia pestis multiplication in normal mammalian blood sera].
Y. pestis multiply in normal blood sera of susceptible and nonsusceptible animals at 28 degrees C, while at 37 degrees C bacteriostasis has been registered. Inhibition of the growth of Y. pestis at this temperature is due to the limited supply of iron to bacterial cells.


p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) upregulates catalase levels in response to low dose H2O2 treatment through enhancement of mRNA stability.
V79 fibroblasts were repetitively stressed through multiple exposures to a low dose (30 microM) H2O2 in culture for 4 weeks. Catalase activity, protein levels and mRNA levels increased markedly (5-6-fold) during this time and these augmentations were inhibited by the simultaneous presence of SB203580, an inhibitor of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK). p38MAPK became dually phosphorylated and ATF-2, a p38MAPK substrate also became increasingly phosphorylated over the repetitive stress period. Short interfering RNA that induced effective silencing of p38MAPK, was used to silence p38MAPK in V79 fibroblasts. Silencing of p38MAPK drastically hindered the elevation in catalase (protein and mRNA) levels observed after a single low dose (50 microM) of H2O. The rise in catalase mRNA levels induced by low concentration (single and multiple dose) H2O2 treatment was established to be unconnected with transcriptional upregulation but was brought forth primarily by an enhancement in catalase mRNA stability through the action of p38MAPK. Therefore, our data strongly indicate that activation of p38MAPK is a key controlling step in the upregulation of catalase levels by low dose H2O2 treatment.


Essential Functions: The Journey of an OT Student with Learning Disabilities.
This article is essentially the story of my journey, as a student with a learning disability, through the system. It is a very personal account designed to raise the awareness of those who deal with people during the recognition and evaluation stage of a learning disability.


miR-18a Contributes to Preeclampsia by Downregulating Smad2 (Full Length) and Reducing TGF-β Signaling.
The study investigated the regulation of Smad2 by miR-18a and its role in preeclampsia (PE). Bioinformatics analysis showed that both Smad2 and Smad3 were the predicted targets for miR-18a. Mass spectrum analysis showed that two mature Smad2 isoforms existed in human placenta: full length, Smad2(FL), and that lacking exon3, Smad2(Δexon3). The protein level of Smad2(FL), but not Smad2(Δexon3) or Smad3, was significantly increased in severe PE (sPE) placenta, which was inversely correlated with the level of miR-18a. Elevated Smad2(FL) phosphorylation level appeared in sPE placenta, and Smad2 was colocalized with miR-18a in various subtypes of trophoblasts in human placenta. Smad2(FL) was validated as the direct target of miR-18a in HTR8/SVneo cells. miR-18a enhanced trophoblast cell invasion, which was blocked by the overexpression of Smad2(FL). Furthermore, overexpression of miR-18a repressed Smad2 activation and the inhibition of trophoblast cell invasion by transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). In conclusion, our results suggest that miR-18a inhibits the expression of Smad2(FL), but not Smad2(Δexon3) or Smad3, which can reduce TGF-β signaling, leading to the enhancement of trophoblast cell invasion. A lack of miR-18a, which results in the upregulation of Smad2(FL), contributes to the development of PE.


Thoughts on writing a letter to the editor.
The "Letters to the Editor" column in any journal is an excellent place to begin writing for publication. Opinions, clarifications, and reflections about articles can be valuable to other readers. Does an article get you thinking? If so, write a letter to the editor. The AORN Journal readers looks forward to hearing from you.


Possible External Factors Determining Ultradian (4-20-min) Rhythms of Body Temperature.
The study examined the effect of passive magnetic shielding on the magnitude of rhythmic oscillations of body temperature (BT) with 4-20 min periods in mice and their correlation with similar oscillations in unshielded control group. A magnetic permalloy screen that 35-fold attenuates the total geomagnetic field and decreased the undulations of magnetic field with the periods of few minutes by 5 times, produced no effect on the mean amplitude of BT oscillations within the same period range, their spectral power, and the cross-spectral density of examined rhythms in comparison with the control (unshielded) mice. Thus, either the mice possess a very sensitive magnetic sensory system or there exists an external non-magnetic factor affecting rhythmicity of BT. The study advanced intensity of thermal neutron radiation near the Earth's surface known to reflect the flow of accelerated particles generated by the secondary cosmic rays as the external factor, which strongly correlates with BT rhythms revealed by cross-spectrum analysis.


Magnitude and Kinetics of CD8+ T Cell Activation during Hyperacute HIV Infection Impact Viral Set Point.
CD8(+) T cells contribute to the control of HIV, but it is not clear whether initial immune responses modulate the viral set point. We screened high-risk uninfected women twice a week for plasma HIV RNA and identified 12 hyperacute infections. Onset of viremia elicited a massive HIV-specific CD8(+) T cell response, with limited bystander activation of non-HIV memory CD8(+) T cells. HIV-specific CD8(+) T cells secreted little interferon-γ, underwent rapid apoptosis, and failed to upregulate the interleukin-7 receptor, known to be important for T cell survival. The rapidity to peak CD8(+) T cell activation and the absolute magnitude of activation induced by the exponential rise in viremia were inversely correlated with set point viremia. These data indicate that rapid, high magnitude HIV-induced CD8(+) T cell responses are crucial for subsequent immune control of acute infection, which has important implications for HIV vaccine design.


Acute trichloroethylene poisoning with additional ingestion of ethanol--concentrations of trichloroethylene and its metabolites during hyperventilation therapy.
One hour after suicidal ingestion of about 150 g of trichloroethylene, a 32-year-old male was admitted to hospital. On admission, the patient's state of consciousness deteriorated from somnolence to coma. Based on blood level data, an absorbed trichloroethylene dose of at least 35 g was estimated. Additionally, ethanol, which is a strong inhibitor of trichloroethylene metabolism, had been ingested. With respect to the high dose of trichloroethylene, hyperventilation therapy was performed for 28 h. Concentrations of trichloroethylene and its metabolites in blood and urine were determined by gas chromatography. Due to hyperventilation and inhibition of trichloroethylene metabolism, not more than 30% of the absorbed dose was metabolized and excreted via kidneys. Under normal respiratory conditions and in the absence of ethanol, this fraction amounts to about 75%. Obviously, hyperventilation and ethanol-induced inhibition of metabolism led to considerably enforced pulmonary elimination of the absorbed trichloroethylene.


Prostate-specific antigen as a biomarker of condom failure: comparison of three laboratory assays and self-reported condom use problems in a randomized trial of female condom performance.
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a biomarker for semen exposure, may provide a more objective measure of condom failure than subject self-reports. Methods for measuring PSA vary and their comparability with respect to assessing condom performance has not been adequately evaluated. This study compared results from three different PSA assays of vaginal samples collected by subjects in a randomized clinical trial which compared the performance of female condoms. We selected 30 pairs of pre- and post-coital vaginal samples from subjects who reported condom functionality problems or whose original PSA assay was positive. Samples were retested using three different PSA assays [quantitative enzyme-linked immunoassay (EIA), rocket immune-electrophoresis (RIE) and chromatographic immunoassay (CIA)]. We compared the proportion of condom uses where the post-coital PSA result indicated semen exposure for each of the three assays. Despite varying levels of sensitivity, the results from all three assays were remarkably consistent. Self-reported condom failures did not correlate well with positive PSA results, suggesting that exclusive reliance on either PSA or user self-report may be inadequate for assessing condom functionality. In combination with user self-report of condom failure, PSA testing provides a reliable, objective marker of condom functionality. Studies based on PSA testing may improve on conventional contraceptive clinical trials by offering a more direct assessment of a condom product's ability to prevent semen exposure.


[Expression of apoptosis-related protein in epithelial dysplasia and squamous cell carcinoma].
To study the expression and significance of apoptosis-related protein p53, Bcl-2, and Bax during the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The expression was observed in 10 normal oral epithelia, 48 dysplasia epithelia and 42 SCC by immunohistochemical evaluation. In normal mucosa, the positive rate of p53, Bcl-2 and Bax were 0%, 20% and 60%. In dysplasia epithelia, the positive rate of p53 is increased (P < 0.05), the positive rate of Bcl-2 and Bax remained no significant change (P > 0.05), but the positive intensity in severe dysplasia was higher than in mild group. In SCC, the positive rate of Bcl-2 increased significantly (compared with dysplasia, P < 0.05), while the expression of Bax was decreased with the increase of SCC histological grade. Further analysis showed the correlation was evident in p53 and Bax in dysplasia, and in p53 and Bcl-2 in SCC. In dysplasia, p53 gene mutation results in accumulation of dysplasia cells. In SCC, the cooperation of p53, Bcl-2 and Bax results in the progression of SCC. Apoptosis genes could work either independently or cooperatively.


Brief-interval telephone surveys of medication adherence and asthma symptoms in the Childhood Asthma Management Program Continuation Study.
Although it is known that most patients do not consistently take controller medications every day, the impact of nonadherence on asthma control is not well documented. To establish the relationship between medication adherence and symptom control in adolescents and young adults with asthma. A total of 756 adolescents and young adults diagnosed as having mild to moderate asthma on entry into the original study underwent 6 monthly telephone interviews as an ancillary project to the Childhood Asthma Management Program Continuation Study. Participants were queried about medication use and symptom control within each 1-month interview window. Strategies adopted to improve self-report accuracy included use of repeated interviews, confidential reporting to staff unknown to the participants, and use of questions focused on recent behavior. Only participants who were consistently on inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) for the entire 6-month study interval were included. Three groups of patients were contrasted: those not on ICSs (n = 420), those on ICSs with high adherence (> or = 75% of medication taken, n = 90), and those on ICSs with low/medium adherence (< 75% of medication taken, n = 148). Participants in the low/medium adherence group reported, on average, less symptom control and more variability in wheezing, awakening at night, missed activities, and beta2-agonist use during the 6-month period, although most in this group perceived their asthma to be under good control. Despite extensive patient education and support, diminished ICS adherence was frequent and undermined symptom control in this group of adolescents and young adults with mild to moderate asthma.


Enhanced power generation, organics removal and water desalination in a microbial desalination cell (MDC) with flow electrodes.
This study introduced a flow electrode microbial desalination cell (FE-MDC), which used activated carbon (AC) particles and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as the electrode to promote electron harvesting. The recovered electricity energy (0.371 KWh/m3) and columbic efficiency (66.7 %) of the FE-MDC were over 2 times higher than those of the conventional MDC without the flow electrode. Consequently, the salt and COD removal efficiencies were enhanced to 77.8 % and 91.2 %, respectively. Electrochemical analysis implied that the charge transfer resistance of the system was reduced by the flow electrode. Electron accumulation and charging-discharging experiments proved that the flow electrode could accumulate electrons and transfer the electrons to the fixed anode. Bacterial community analysis indicated that the bacterial activity was improved by the flow electrode. The content of the exoelectrogen Pseudomonas increased from 5.0 % to 14.7 %, and Hydrogenophaga improved from 1.4 % to 5.9 %. Finally, a continuous operation mode of the FE-MDC was established, and the flow electrode slurry was returned to the anodic chamber for recirculated utilization. The voltage output, COD removal, and salt removal during the operation mode reached 610 mV, 78.8 %, and 76.1 %, respectively. This study proved that the flow electrode is a promising way to promote the practical application of MDC technology.


Gait reaction reconstruction and a heel strike algorithm.
A mathematical model of gait ground loading is presented. The model allows the ground reactions produced by any particular single- or multiple-footfall pattern to be constructed, given a sufficient variety of other measured ground reactions. An algorithm which uses center of vertical pressure data only to determine the instants of successive heel strikes on a large force plate is then presented. Experiments show the high accuracy of the heel strike algorithm and show that reconstructions of the vertical component of ground reactions are typically within 3% of corresponding measured reactions. The techniques presented allow certain problems associated with small force plates and other problems associated with large force plates to be largely overcome.


5-Azacytidine and fetal hemoglobin.
The evidence that 5-azacytidine stimulates the production of Hb F and F cells in baboon and man is reviewed. The mechanism of this effect is not entirely clear, but 5-azacytidine produces hypomethylation of the gamma gene at certain sites, and gene expression and DNA hypomethylation are related phenomena in many other systems. Other mechanisms have been postulated by other investigators. The therapeutic significance of increased Hb F levels in homozygous beta thalassemia and sickle cell anemia is exemplified. The potential risk of carcinogenicity has delayed more extensive clinical trials.


Anosmia and play fighting behavior in prepubescent male and female rats.
Prepubescent male and female rats were paired after intranasal treatment with isotonic zinc sulfate or saline solutions to determine the influence of peripheral anosmia upon play fighting behavior. In Experiment 1, male isolate residents pinned intruders significantly more often than intruders pinned residents but anosmia treatment had no influence on pinning behavior. In Experiment 2, males and females differed significantly in all major categories of play fighting but anosmia treatment had no influence on play fighting of either males or females. In Experiment 3, male groups matched for play fighting behavior prior to intranasal zinc or saline treatment were paired with like-treated males. All males in all pairings engaged in play behavior but anosmic males played less than controls. Evidently, intranasal zinc treatment depresses play behavior only when both members of a pair are anosmic. Play behavior is more markedly affected by resident-intruder status and by gender than by peripheral anosmia.


FIB-fabricated complex-shaped 3D chiral photonic silicon nanostructures.
Technologies capable of fabricating complex shaped silicon metasurfaces attract increasing attention. The focused ion beam fabrication technique is considered traditionally as causing thick damaged layers in silicon resulting in a significant rise of the optical absorption loss. We examine the structure of the FIB-fabricated nanostructures on the silicon-on-sapphire (SOS) platform and its optical characteristics before and after thermal oxidation. We show that being thermally oxidised the FIB-patterned silicon subwavelength nanostructure tends to regain its chiral optical features. The impact of the oxidation process on the silicon nanostructure optical behaviour is discussed.


The Se…S/N interactions as a possible mechanism of δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase enzyme inhibition by organoselenium compounds: A computational study.
Organoselenium compounds present many pharmacological properties and are promising drugs. However, toxicological effects associated with inhibition of thiol-containing enzymes, such as the δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (δ-AlaD), have been described. The molecular mechanism(s) by which they inhibit thiol-containing enzymes at the atomic level, is still not well known. The use of computational methods to understand the physical-chemical properties and biological activity of chemicals is essential to the rational design of new drugs. In this work, we propose an in silico study to understand the δ-AlaD inhibition mechanism by diphenyl diselenide (DPDS) and its putative metabolite, phenylseleninic acid (PSA), using δ-AlaD enzymes from Homo sapiens (Hsδ-AlaD), Drosophila melanogaster (Dmδ-AlaD) and Cucumis sativus (Csδ-AlaD). Protein modeling homology, molecular docking, and DFT calculations are combined in this study. According to the molecular docking, DPDS and PSA might bind in the Hsδ-AlaD and Dmδ-AlaD active sites interacting with the cysteine residues by Se…S interactions. On the other hand, the DPDS does not access the active site of the Csδ-AlaD (a non-thiol protein), while the PSA interacts with the amino acids residues from the active site, such as the Lys291. These interactions might lead to the formation of a covalent bond, and consequently, to the enzyme inhibition. In fact, DFT calculations (mPW1PW91/def2TZVP) demonstrated that the selenylamide bond formation is energetically favored. The in silico data showed here are in accordance with previous experimental studies, and help us to understand the reactivity and biological activity of organoselenium compounds.


The aging of man and society.
The author takes the main themes of an International Colloquium held in Toulouse on 15 June 1984 as a starting point to present some reflections on aging. In particular the need for aged societies to face important problems regarding dynamism is stressed, in order to maintain a confrontation with other, younger, societies and to provide people with the same levels of welfare. Moreover, in the future, towns will be more compact with less space so that within a limited environment the elderly individual--whose degree of mobility is ever-decreasing--can carry out his daily activities independently and with ease. From now on, collective savings--adequately invested in production--can assure economic development and a pension system worthy of a progressively aging society.


Context-controlled nicotine-induced changes in the labeling of serotonin (5-HT)2A and 5-HT2C receptors in the rat brain.
We have previously demonstrated that serotonin (5-HT)2A and 5-HT2C receptor ligands modulate the sensitizing effects of nicotine. In the present study we used male rats to verify the hypothesis that the binding pattern of 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors in the brain is altered by chronic nicotine treatment in different environments. Rats were given repeatedly vehicle or nicotine in different sensitizing regimens (home or experimental cages). On day 10, animals were challenged with nicotine (expression of nicotine sensitization) or vehicle in either home or experimental cages, and were sacrificed immediately after the experiment. Repeated treatment with nicotine in home cages evoked significant increases in [(3)H]ketanserin binding to 5-HT2A receptors in the prefrontal cortex, striatal subregions and ventral tegmental area as well as reductions in [(3)H]mesulergine binding to 5-HT2C receptors in subregions of the prefrontal cortex. In contrast, nicotine paired with environmental context produced robust increases in 5-HT2A receptor labeling in the infralimbic cortex and decreased [(3)H]ketanserin binding in striatal subregions and ventral tegmental area; 5-HT2C receptor labeling in the prefrontal cortex fell. The present data indicate that chronic nicotine administration in home cages induces bi-directional neuroplastic changes within 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors in the prefrontal cortex. Pairing the nicotine with environmental context potentiates the neuroplastic response in the latter region and evokes opposite changes in 5-HT2A receptor binding in striatal and tegmental regions compared with nicotine administered in the absence of the context, indicating a modulatory role of environmental context in the expression of nicotine-induced sensitization.


Myoid differentiation and prognosis in adult pleomorphic sarcomas of the extremity: an analysis of 92 cases.
The results of a recent study demonstrated an association between myoid differentiation and an adverse prognosis in adult patients with pleomorphic sarcoma, as determined by 5-year metastasis-free survival rates. To confirm the importance of muscle differentiation on prognosis in a well controlled clinical context, 92 samples from patients with pleomorphic sarcoma of the extremity from a single institution were immunostained with 4 monoclonal antibodies believed to be correlated with myoid differentiation: alpha-smooth muscle actin, muscle-specific actin, desmin, and myoglobin. Forty-two cases were positive for at least 1 muscle marker and 50 cases were uniformly negative. Between the two groups, there was no significant difference in tumor size, tumor extent, or patient age found; however, histologic grade was significantly higher (P = 0.038) in the myoid tumors. The 5-year survival differed significantly between patients with myoid tumors (35%) and those without myoid tumors (65%) (P = 0.0054). Myoid differentiation remained an adverse prognostic indicator after adjusting for clinically significant factors (i.e., histologic grade, tumor size, tumor extent, and patient age) (P = 0.01) (hazard ratio, 2.39; 95% confidence interval, 1.24-4.63). Furthermore, there was an inverse relation found between the number of myoid markers present and survival (P = 0.004). Myoid differentiation was found to be an independent indicator of adverse prognosis in adult patients with pleomorphic spindle cell sarcoma of the extremity.


Ultrastructural characteristics of hepatocytes during echinococcosis.
We performed an electron microscopy study and histological examination of hepatocytes during hepatic echinococcosis. The type of damage to liver cells depended on intrahepatic localization of hydatid cysts, which determined the development of postoperation complications.


An open-label study of the effects of bupropion SR on fatigue, depression and quality of life of mixed-site cancer patients and their partners.
This preliminary study investigated whether bupropion sustained release (SR) improved symptomatic fatigue, depression and quality of life in cancer patients and caregiver quality of life. The sample consisted of a prospective open case series of 21 cancer patients, with fatigue and with or without depression at moderate to severe levels, referred for psychiatric assessment from a tertiary care cancer centre. Both patient symptom ratings and caregiver ratings were measured before and after 4 weeks of treatment with the maximally tolerated dose of bupropion in the range of 100-300 mg per day. At trial completion, significant improvement was found for symptoms of fatigue and depression. Subjects were divided into two groups: depressed and non-depressed (based on a cut-off score of 17 on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale). Both groups reported improvement for fatigue and depressive symptoms. Depressed subjects and their caregivers did not experience any change in quality of life, while the non-depressed subjects and their caregivers reported improvements. Results from this small group of patients suggest that bupropion may have potential as an effective pharmaceutical agent for treating cancer-related fatigue. A randomized, placebo-controlled trial with this medication is indicated.


Fibrous Nonunion of Odontoid Fractures: Is It Safe To Accept Nonoperative Management? A Systematic Review.
Nonoperative management of odontoid fractures can result in solid fusion, unstable nonunion, and fibrous nonunion. Odontoid fractures with fibrous nonunion will not demonstrate dynamic instability on imaging studies. However, the safety of accepting this outcome has been debated. We have provided, to the best of our knowledge, the first systematic review of the existing literature to explore the safety of allowing fibrous nonunion as an acceptable outcome for odontoid fractures. The PubMed and Embase databases were searched in January 2022. The outcomes were extracted and categorized according to the mortality, neurologic sequelae, pain, neck disability index, and satisfaction. Of a total of 700 abstracts screened, the full text of 79 reports was assessed, with 13 studies included. Of the included patients, 141 had had a fibrous nonunion, all described in observational studies. The follow-up ranged from 0.6 to 5.8 years. None of the 141 patients had experienced a neurologic event. One patient had died of trauma-related issues; however, causality was not reported. Most of the studies had reported good to excellent pain scores. Most of the neck disabilities reported had ranged from mild to moderate in severity. However, 1 study of 5 patients had reported severe disability. All the patients reported good or excellent satisfaction. The evidence we found supports that it is safe to forgo surgery for carefully selected patients with nonunited odontoid fractures when near-anatomic alignment is present, dynamic instability is lacking on imaging studies, the neurologic examination findings are normal, and the risk of neck injury is low. Further study is needed to define the full natural history of fibrous nonunion of odontoid fractures.


Chemical mediators enhance the excitability of unmyelinated sensory axons in normal and injured peripheral nerve of the rat.
Ectopic excitation of nociceptive axons by chemical mediators may contribute to symptoms in neuropathic pain. In this study, we have measured the excitability of unmyelinated rat C-fiber axons in isolated segments of sural nerves under different experimental conditions. (1) We demonstrate in normal rats that several mediators including ATP, serotonin (5-HT), 1-(3-chlorophenyl)biguanide (5-HT3 receptor agonist), norepinephrine, acetylcholine and capsaicin alter electrophysiological parameters of C-fibers which indicate an increase of axonal excitability. Other mediators such as histamine, glutamate, prostaglandin E(2) and the cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-1beta and interleukin-6 did not produce such effects. (2) The effects of several mediators were tested after peripheral nerve injury (partial ligation or spared nerve injury). Sural nerves from such animals did not show significant changes when compared with controls. (3) We tested whether the effects of chemical mediators on axonal excitability are due to actions on the sensory C-fiber afferents or the postganglionic sympathetic efferents. In order to distinguish these effects, we performed surgical sympathectomy of the lumbar sympathetic chain, including the L3, L4 and L5 ganglia. Sympathectomy did not markedly influence the effects of mediators on axonal excitability (except that the norepinephrine effect was significantly diminished). In conclusion, our data suggest a constitutive rather than inducible expression of axonal receptors for some chemical mediators on the axonal membrane of unmyelinated fibers. Most of the changes in axonal excitability take place in sensory C-fiber afferents rather than in postganglionic sympathetic efferents. Thus, it is possible that certain immune and glial cell mediators released in or around the nerve following injury or inflammation influence the excitability of intact nociceptive fibers. This mechanism could contribute to ectopic excitation of axons in neuropathic pain.


Isoproterenol induced changes in myocardial nucleic acids.
Daily subcutaneous injections of isoproterenol increased heart weight 42% after 4 days of therapy. Ventricular RNA concentration was significantly elevated after 24 hours. Myocardial DNA was initially unchanged but significantly increased after 8 days of treatment. Ventricular systolic, diastolic pressures and coronary flow were not diminished in hypertrophied hearts. However, muscle contractility was slightly increased (P less than .05).


Non-destructive determination and visualisation of insoluble and soluble dietary fibre contents in fresh-cut celeries during storage periods using hyperspectral imaging technique.
The feasibility of using hyperspectral imaging technique to non-destructively determine insoluble dietary fibre (IDF) and soluble dietary fibre (SDF) contents in fresh-cut celeries and visualise their spatial distribution during 28-day storage periods was investigated. Genetic synergy interval partial least square (GA-Si-PLS) algorithm was developed to establish calibration model, which, superior to the PLS and Si-PLS developed models, achieved the prediction performance with Rp of 0.9638 and 0.9756, and RMSEP of 1.180 and 0.336, respectively. The developed GA-Si-PLS models were then applied pixel-wise to visualise the spatial distribution of IDF and SDF contents during storage, which clearly showed that the IDF content increased with storage time, while the SDF content kept decreasing. The study provides the basis for further understanding of the spatial-temporal variation of IDF and SDF contents during storage, demonstrating that HSI could be useful in real-time IDF and SDF contents monitoring in vegetable research and industry.


Incidence and recognition of elevated triage blood pressure in the pediatric emergency department.
This study aimed to determine the incidence of elevated triage blood pressure (BP) in pediatric emergency patients and to evaluate its recognition by health care practitioners. This retrospective review randomly selected patients seen in a large academic pediatric emergency department for 13 months. Triage and subsequent BP measurements were recorded and categorized as normal or elevated (≥ 90th to < 95th, ≥ 95th-99th percentile plus 4 mm Hg, and ≥ 99th percentile plus 5 mm Hg). Physician recognition of elevated BP, training level, and specialty were collected. Demographic information and possible confounding variables (weight, pain, medications, and triage level) were also collected and analyzed. Exclusions included known hypertension or related conditions and those patients without a triage BP measurement. Of the 978 charts reviewed, 907 were included for study (17.5% infants, 82.5% children 1 year and older to 18 years; 50% male, 50% female; 77% African American, 16% white, 4% Hispanic, and 3% other). Fifty-five percent (n = 497) had elevated triage BP (≥ 90th percentile) with only 1% (n = 7) recognized by practitioners as having elevated triage BP. Further, 152 (20%) of the 748 children 1 year and older to 18 years had severely elevated BP with only 5 recognized. In this study, more than half of the patients had elevated triage BP (≥ 90th percentile), which was rarely recognized by emergency department practitioners regardless of specialty or experience. Early recognition of elevated triage BP offers opportunities for diagnosis of hypertension and related disorders but is challenging to accomplish.


MR elastography of breast lesions: understanding the solid/liquid duality can improve the specificity of contrast-enhanced MR mammography.
The purpose of this analysis is to explore the potential diagnostic gain provided by the viscoelastic shear properties of breast lesions for the improvement of the specificity of contrast enhanced dynamic MR mammography (MRM). The assessment of viscoelastic properties is done via dynamic MR elastography (MRE) and it is demonstrated that the complex shear modulus of in vivo breast tissue follows within the frequency range of clinical MRE a power law behavior. Taking benefit of this frequency behavior, data are interpreted in the framework of the exact model for wave propagation satisfying the causality principle. This allows to obtain the exponent of the frequency power law from the complex shear modulus at one single frequency which is validated experimentally. Thereby, scan time is drastically reduced. It is observed that malignant tumors obtain larger exponents of the power law than benign tumors indicating a more liquid-like behavior. The combination of the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BIRADS) categorization obtained via MRM with viscoelastic information leads to a substantial rise in specificity. Analysis of 39 malignant and 29 benign lesions shows a significant diagnostic gain with an increase of about 20% in specificity at 100% sensitivity.


The evolution of private equity in dermatology.
The first known entry of private equity (PE) in the clinical dermatology space was over a decade ago. There are now in excess of 30 PE-backed dermatology groups (PEGs) with a vision for dermatology. Many use the management services organization, which allows PE firms to circumvent corporate practice of medicine laws, align cooperative physicians, and set the foundation for PEG evolution. PEGs may have different characteristics depending on their stage of evolution; however, as they mature through the stages, they become increasingly similar to each other. This contribution will discuss the stages of PEG evolution in detail. Dermatologists should be aware of these stages so that they can understand a PEG's past and anticipate a PEG's future.


Bimodal familiarization re-sensitizes 12-month-old infants to other-race faces.
Perceptual narrowing in the domain of face perception typically begins to reduce infants' sensitivity to differences distinguishing other-race faces from approximately 6 months of age. The present study investigated whether it is possible to re-sensitize Caucasian 12-month-old infants to other-race Asian faces through statistical learning by familiarizing them with different statistical distributions of these faces. The familiarization faces were created by generating a morphed continuum from one Asian face identity to another. In the unimodal condition, infants were familiarized with a frequency distribution wherein they saw the midpoint face of the morphed continuum the most frequently. In the bimodal condition, infants were familiarized with a frequency distribution wherein they saw faces closer to the endpoints of the morphed continuum the most frequently. After familiarization, infants were tested on their discrimination of the two original Asian faces. The infants' looking times during the test indicated that infants in the bimodal condition could discriminate between the two faces, while infants in the unimodal condition could not. These findings therefore suggest that 12-month-old Caucasian infants could be re-sensitized to Asian faces by familiarizing them with a bimodal frequency distribution of such faces.


Abortive or minimal-growth hemangiomas: Immunohistochemical evidence that they represent true infantile hemangiomas.
Infantile hemangiomas have a characteristic natural history of rapid proliferation in the first weeks of life followed by spontaneous involution. At birth, they may be present as a precursor lesion. Sometimes one may see precursor lesions that never undergo a growth phase or that undergo minimal growth. It is unclear the exact nature of these precursor-like lesions. We sought to describe the morphology and histopathology of these precursor-like lesions. We describe 4 patients with macules resembling precursor lesions of hemangiomas that did not show proliferation phase or minimal growth. The histopathologic and immunohistochemical study with glucose transporter-1 was performed in all of these cases. The skin biopsy specimen showed superficial ectatic vessels that reacted with anti-glucose transporter-1 antibodies. All skin biopsy specimens exhibited capillary lobules in papillary dermis and, in two of them, in the reticular dermis and subcutis. This text is limited by the number of cases reported. Precursor lesions of hemangioma that do not show proliferation phase or minimal growth represent, in the view of glucose transporter-1 immunoreactivity, true hemangiomas of infancy with an aborted or arrested growth cycle.


Tradable permit system for PM(2.5) emissions from residential and industrial sources.
Residential wood combustion is a significant source of air pollution in urban areas of many countries with cold weather and low cost of firewood. These conditions worsen in urban areas where atmospheric emissions from industrial activities are present. This study addresses this problem and extends the existing literature to develop an optimization model that simulates a system of tradable permits for fine particulate matter emissions, which includes different options to reduce emissions for both industrial and residential sources. Results show that replacing wood heaters in urban areas is highly desirable from an economic and environmental perspective regardless if the expenses originate from each household, public programs or emission compensation mechanisms from the industrial sector.


A retrospective study of the ideal operation time for preterm biliary atresia patients.
To study the ideal Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE) time for preterm infants with biliary atresia (BA) through evaluation of the postoperative effects. Retrospectively, 34 preterm infants with BA from 2012 to 2016 were recruited in the present study. The following three groups were established according to their chronological and corrected age at the time of KPE operation: chronological age ≤ 90 days, chronological age > 90 days and corrected age ≤ 90 days, and corrected age > 90 days. For chronological age ≤ 90 days at operation, patients were further divided into another three groups: chronological age ≤ 60 days, chronological age > 60 days and corrected age ≤ 60 days, and corrected age > 60 days. Postoperative effects were then followed up and recorded. First, of those patients divided according to 90-day chronological and corrected age, postoperative total bilirubin levels (TBL), direct bilirubin levels (DBL), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) of the group whose chronological age was ≤ 90 days were lower than the levels of the group whose chronological age was > 90 days and corrected age ≤ 90 days (P = 0.0472, P = 0.0358, P = 0.0083, and P = 0.0491), and the group whose corrected age was > 90 days (P = 0.0383, P = 0.0392, P = 0.0043, and P = 0.0107). Second, for those patients whose chronological age was ≤ 90 days, the group whose corrected age was > 60 days showed a higher ALT level than the other two groups with chronological age ≤ 60 days (P = 0.0472) and chronological age > 60 days and corrected age ≤ 60 days (P = 0.0258). According to the present study, the ideal KPE time for preterm BA infants should meet two conditions: chronological age ≤ 90 days and corrected age ≤ 60 days. The groups with a chronological age ≤ 60 days, and chronological age > 60 days and corrected age ≤ 60 days show similar postoperative effects.


Posttraumatic stress disorder in response to HIV infection.
This study investigated the psychological impact of HIV infection through assessment of posttraumatic stress disorder in response to HIV infection. Sixty-one HIV-positive homosexual/bisexual men were assessed for posttraumatic stress disorder in response to HIV infection (PTSD-HIV) using a modified PTSD module of the DIS-III-R. Thirty percent met criteria for a syndrome of posttraumatic stress disorder in response to HIV diagnosis (PTSD-HIV). In over one-third of the PTSD cases, the disorder had an onset greater than 6 months after initial HIV infection diagnosis. PTSD-HIV was associated with other psychiatric diagnoses, particularly the development of first episodes of major depression after HIV infection diagnosis. PTSD-HIV was significantly associated with a pre-HIV history of PTSD from other causes, and other pre-HIV psychiatric disorders and neuroticism scores, indicating a similarity with findings in studies of PTSD from other causes. The findings from this preliminary study suggest that a PTSD response to HIV diagnosis has clinical validity and requires further investigation in this population and other medically ill groups. The results support the inclusion of the diagnosis of life-threatening illness as a traumatic incident that may lead to a posttraumatic stress disorder, which is consistent with the DSM-IV criteria.


Patterned expression of ion channel genes in mouse dorsal raphe nucleus determined with the Allen Mouse Brain Atlas.
The dorsal raphe nucleus (DR) is the major source of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) in the forebrain and dysfunction of this midbrain structure is implicated in affective disorders. The DR is composed of several types of 5-HT and non-5-HT neurons and their excitable-membrane properties are heterogeneous and overlapping. In order to understand how these properties may be generated, we examined the mRNA expression patterns of voltage- and ligand-gated ion channels in the DR using the Allen Mouse Brain Atlas. Since DR cytoarchitecture is organized with respect to the midline, we sought to identify genes that were expressed in a pattern with respect to the midline, either enriched or depleted, rather than those that were homogenously expressed throughout the DR. Less than 10% of the screened genes for voltage-gated ion channels showed patterned expression within the DR. Identified genes included voltage-gated sodium channel beta subunits, potassium channels, P/Q-, N-type calcium channels, as well as the alpha2/delta-1 calcium channel. Several voltage-gated chloride channels were also identified, although these may function within intracellular compartments. Of the ligand-gated ion channels examined, 20% showed patterned expression. These consisted primarily of glutamate and GABA-A receptor subunits. The identified genes likely contribute to unique excitable properties of different groups of neurons in the DR and may include novel pharmacologic targets for affective disorders.


Teratogenic and carcinogenic effects of some chemicals during perinatal life in rats, Syrian golden hamsters, and minipigs.
Teratogenic effects of ENU have been observed in the rat, Syrian golden hamster, and minipig. In BD and Wistar rats, as well as in hamsters, ENU is a potent carcinogen when administered prenatally. Other members of the homologous series of alkylnitrosoureas, except n-propylnitrosourea, have been shown to be less active or totally inactive as carcinogens in experiments on prenatal animals. Simultaneous oral administration of L-citrulline and sodium nitrite induced adenosarcomas of the kidney (Wilm's tumors) in 6 of 22 offspring. The importance of prophylactic measures in man during prenatal development is emphasized.


Contribution of Countries to Main Neurosurgical Journals with Particular Emphasis on Turkey.
To quantitatively analyze the contribution of different countries to neurosurgical journals, with emphasis on Turkey. Further, we discuss the factors affecting research productivity and strategies for improvement. Neurosurgical journals were selected from the Journal Citation Reports database using given criteria. Data were collected from the Web of Science database to analyze the contribution rates of countries to neurosurgical journals in terms of publication numbers and average citations per item from September to December 2018. The article types, departmental contributions, and most cited articles were evaluated particularly for Turkey. Fourteen of 52 journals were chosen for analysis. There were 82,626 articles published from 2000 to 2018. The top three contributors included the USA with 28,939 (35%), Japan with 6,382 (7.7%), and Germany with 4,454 articles (5.3%). Turkey contributed 2,087 articles (2.5%) to neurosurgical journals, including 1003 (48%) original articles and 742 (36%) case reports, and ranked 10th in the world. Hacettepe University is the only organization in Turkey that ranked in the top 10 in all categories. Among the top-cited articles from Turkey, the majority were retrospective studies (39%), followed by laboratory studies (18%) and prospective studies (15%). This bibliometric assessment of neurosurgical journals allows countries to perceive their neurosurgical research productivity. It can function as a benchmark for academic productivity and the methodology can be a model for particular analysis of other countries.


Effect of multiple firings on the shear bond strength of presintered cobalt-chromium alloy and veneering ceramic.
How multiple firing cycles may affect the oxide layer and, consequently, the shear bond strength of metal-ceramic restorations is unclear. The purpose of this in vitro study was to determine the effect of multiple firings on the shear bond strength of porcelain to cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) alloy. Forty cylinders (Ø6.8×9 mm) of a representative presintered Co-Cr alloy (Ceramill Sintron) were prepared with computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) technology. After airborne-particle abrasion and polishing, the specimens were ultrasonically cleaned of surface contaminants. A circular surface (Ø4×2 mm) was veneered on each specimen with porcelain (VM13) after 3 firings (wash opaque, opaque, and dentin). The specimens were then randomly divided into 4 groups (n=10). The normal group underwent 3 firings. The other groups underwent an additional porcelain firing: the one-plus firing group underwent 4 firings, the two-plus firing group underwent 5 firings, and the three-plus firing group underwent 6 firings. Next, the specimens were mounted in autopolymerized acrylic resin and tested in a universal testing machine and loaded at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min at the metal-ceramic interface until fracture occurred. The average shear bond strength (MPa) was calculated by dividing the maximum fracture force (N) by the bonded surface of the specimens (mm2). The fracture patterns were observed microscopically and classified as adhesive, cohesive, or mixed. One-way ANOVA was used to determine differences between groups (α=.05). No significant differences were found among the shear bond strengths of specimens after 3, 4, 5, and 6 porcelain firings (P>.05). The mean bond strength of all groups ranged from 30 to 34 MPa. The fracture pattern of all specimens was mixed, indicating that multiple firings had no significant effect on the failure pattern. Multiple porcelain firings under controlled conditions had no significant effect on the fracture pattern or shear bond strength of porcelain to a presintered Co-Cr alloy.


Regulation of the microtubule steady state in vitro by ATP.
ATP increases microtubule steady state assembly and disassembly rates in vitro in a concentration-dependent manner. Bovine brain microtubules, composed of 75% tubulin and 25% high molecular weight microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs), were purified by three cycles of assembly and disassembly in the absence of ATP. When assembled to steady state, these microtubules add dimers at one end and lose them at the other in a unidirectional assembly-disassembly process. In the presence of 1.0 mM ATP the unidirectional flow of tubulin from one end of the microtubules to the other increases as much as 20 fold, as revealed by loss of 3H-GTP from uniformly labeled microtubules under GTP chase conditions and by the rate of disassembly following addition of 50 microM podophyllotoxin. UTP, CTP and 5' adenylylimidodiphosphate (AMP-PNP) cannot substitute for ATP in producing this effect. Furthermore, the increase in steady state flow rate persists afer ATP is removed. Thus microtubules assembled in ATP and centrifuged through sucrose cushions to separate them from nucleotides continue to exhibit increased rates in the next assembly cycle in the absence of ATP. It is possible that an ATP-dependent microtubule protein kinase is responsible for the observed increase in tubulin flow rate. A kinase activity associated with brain MAPs has been reported to be cAMP-dependent (Sloboda et al., 1975). We have found an adenylate cyclase activity associated with these microtubules. Whether the adenylate cyclase is a contaminant or due to a specific microtubules-associated protein, and whether its activity is functionally linked to the increased rate of assembly and disassembly in the presence of ATP, remain to be determined.


Nutritional management of the donor cow.
Nutrition of the donor cow can influence oocyte and embryo quality, which can affect the success of embryo transfer. Severe undernutrition compromised ovarian follicular development, with implications for superovulatory response and embryo quality. In postpartum lactating cows, undernutrition or inability to consume sufficient nutrients delayed resumption of ovulation, reduced the number of follicles, and compromised oocyte quality. Moderate undernutrition of nonlactating cows was unlikely to affect embryo quality; conversely, nonlactating animals on maintenance diets usually had better superovulatory responses and improved oocyte competence and embryo quality. The negative effects of overfeeding are thought to be mediated by alterations in endocrine cues, such as hyperinsulinemia and increased glucose and IGF-I, which may interfere with glucose transport in the embryo and increase apoptosis. Manipulating energy sources such as carbohydrates and fatty acids (FA) may influence embryo viability, but the effects of FA were not consistent in vitro; increasing concentrations of unsaturated FA in follicular and embryonic cells usually improved embryo viability and resistance to cryopreservation. Excess protein intake and increased urea and ammonia in body fluids can be toxic to embryos, impairing their development; these effects seemed to be associated with alterations in uterine pH and granulosa cell function. Likewise, toxins in feeds (e.g. gossypol), reduced embryo development and increased pregnancy losses. Diet of donor cows should be formulated to optimize the supply of nutrients to meet needs; however, manipulating energy intake, source of FA and protein content of donor diets, particularly moderate underfeeding in nonlactating cows, may further optimize responses.


A single preoperative low-dose dexamethasone may reduce the incidence and severity of postoperative delirium in the geriatric intertrochanteric fracture patients with internal fixation surgery: an exploratory analysis of a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
Postoperative delirium (POD) is a common complication along with poor prognosis in geriatric intertrochanteric fracture (ITF) patients. However, the prevention and treatment of POD remain unclear. Previous studies have confirmed that POD is essentially a consequence of neuro-inflammatory responses. Dexamethasone is a glucocorticoid with comprehensive anti-inflammatory effects, while a high dose of dexamethasone correlates with many side effects or even adverse consequences. Thus, this prospective study aims to discuss whether a single preoperative low-dose dexamethasone can reduce the impact of POD on geriatric ITF patients with internal fixation surgery. Between June 2020 and October 2022, there were 219 consecutive ITF patients assessed in our department. Of the 219 ITF patients, 160 cases who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were finally enrolled and randomly allocated to the dexamethasone group and the placebo group (80 geriatric ITF patients in each group) in this prospective study. The patients in the dexamethasone group received intravenous 10 mg (2 ml) dexamethasone while the patients in the placebo group received intravenous 2 ml saline in 30 min before being sent to the operating room, respectively. The baseline characteristics, surgical information, incidence and severity of POD as the efficacy-related outcomes, and infection events and hyperglycemia as safety-related outcomes (adverse events), were collected and analyzed between the two groups. The severity of POD was evaluated by Memorial Delirium Assessment Scale (MDAS) score. There were no differences in baseline characteristics and surgical information between the dexamethasone group and the placebo group. The dexamethasone group had a lower incidence of POD than the placebo group within the first 5 days after surgery [(9/80, 11.3% vs. 21/80, 26.3%, RR = 0.83, 95% CI 0.71-0.97, P = 0.015]. The dexamethasone group had lower MDAS scores (Mean ± SD) than the placebo group [13.2 ± 1.0 (range 11 to 15) vs. 15.48 ± 2.9 (range 9 to 20), P = 0.011, effect size = 0.514]. There were no differences in infection events and hyperglycemia between the two groups. A single preoperative low-dose dexamethasone may reduce the incidence and severity of POD in geriatric ITF patients with internal fixation surgery. ChiCTR2200055281.


Sleep disturbance and anxiety symptom among public during the second wave of COVID-19 in Beijing: A web-based cross-sectional survey.
The global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic has significantly impacted people's lives. This study aimed to examine the influence of the unexpected second wave of COVID-19 on sleep quality and anxiety of Chinese residents in Beijing in June 2020, compared with the initial outbreak at the beginning of 2020, and to investigate the associated factors. Using a web-based cross-sectional survey, we collected data from 1,511 participants. assessed with demographic information, sleep quality and anxiety symptoms. The participants were asked to compare their recent sleep and sleep during the first outbreak. The Zung's Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) was used to assess their current insomnia severity. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to analyze the association between COVID-19 epidemic and risk of sleep disturbance and anxiety symptom. The overall prevalence of sleep disturbance and anxiety symptoms were 50.8% and 15.3% respectively. People had significantly shorter sleep duration during the second wave of COVID-19(7.3 ± 1.3) h than the first outbreak (7.5 ± 1.4)h (p < 0.001). During the second outbreak, people were less concerned about infection and more concerned about financial stress and occupational inferference. Beijing residents did not have significant differences in sleep disturbance and anxiety compared with other regions, nor were occupations and nucleic acid testing associated risk factors. Home quarantine, health administrators, history of insomnia and anxiety-depression were significantly associated with sleep disturbance. Female gender, home quarantine, history of insomnia and anxiety-depression were significantly associated with anxiety. High prevalence of sleep disturbance and depression symptom was common during the second wave of COVID-19 crisis in Beijing. Home quarantine and previous history of insomnia and anxiety-depressive risk factors were associated with sleep disturbance and anxiety. Female gender was impacting predictor of anxiety. We need continuous assessment of the sleep quality and anxiety symptoms of this epidemic.


Discovery and characterization of AZD9272 and AZD6538-Two novel mGluR5 negative allosteric modulators selected for clinical development.
AZD9272 and AZD6538 are two novel mGluR5 negative allosteric modulators selected for further clinical development. An initial high-throughput screening revealed leads with promising profiles, which were further optimized by minor, yet indispensable, structural modifications to bring forth these drug candidates. Advantageously, both compounds may be synthesized in as little as one step. Both are highly potent and selective for the human as well as the rat mGluR5 where they interact at the same binding site than MPEP. They are orally available, allow for long interval administration due to a high metabolic stability and long half-lives in rats and permeate the blood brain barrier to a high extent. AZD9272 has progressed into phase I clinical studies.


The efficacy of detecting arrhythmia is higher with 7-day continuous electrocardiographic patch monitoring than with 24-h Holter monitoring.
Detecting high-risk arrhythmia is important in diagnosing patients with palpitations. We compared the diagnostic accuracies of 7-day patch-type electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring and 24-h Holter monitoring for detecting significant arrhythmias in patients with palpitations. This was a single-center prospective trial with 58 participants who presented with palpitations, chest pain or syncope. Outcomes were defined as the detection of any one of six arrhythmias, including supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter lasting more than 30 s, pauses of more than 3 s, high-degree atrioventricular block, ventricular tachycardia (VT) >3 beats, or polymorphic VT/ventricular fibrillation. The McNemar test for paired proportions was used to compare arrhythmia detection rates. The overall arrhythmia detection rate was higher with 7-day ECG patch monitoring than with 24-h Holter monitoring (34.5% vs. 19.0%, p = .008). Compared with the use of 24-h Holter monitors, the use of 7-day ECG patch monitors was associated with higher detection of SVT (29.3% vs. 13.8%, p = .042). No serious adverse skin reactions were reported among the ECG patch-monitored participants. The results suggest that a 7-day patch-type continuous ECG monitor is more effective for the detection of supraventricular tachycardia than is a 24-h Holter monitor. However, the clinical significance of device detected arrhythmia should be consolidated.


Biochanin A alleviates unilateral ureteral obstruction-induced renal interstitial fibrosis and inflammation by inhibiting the TGF-β1/Smad2/3 and NF-kB/NLRP3 signaling axis in mice.
Tubulointerstitial fibrosis, a frequent complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major public health issue. Biochanin A (BCA), an isoflavone, has numerous pharmacological activities. However, its effect on renal fibrosis and underlying molecular mechanism has not yet been clarified. This study explored the effect of BCA on renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis and inflammation in mice. The mouse model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) in vivo and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 activated renal fibroblast (NRK 49F) cells in vitro model were used to assess the antifibrotic effect of BCA. Biochemical analysis, histopathology, western blotting, and immunofluorescent staining methods were performed to elucidate the mechanism of BCA. In vitro, BCA suppressed the expression of fibrogenic proteins in TGF-β1-activated renal fibroblasts. The treatment with BCA displayed less tubular injury, prevented the aberrant accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components, and inhibited the TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling axis in the kidneys. Furthermore, BCA impeded the phosphorylation of NF-kB(p65) and blunted the expression of inflammatory genes in the obstructed kidneys. The UUO induced expressions of nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), active caspase 1, interleukin(IL)-18, and IL-1β proteins were decreased in the BCA treated groups. We also found the increased expression of redox-sensitive nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) proteins in BCA treated groups compared to the UUO control. These findings indicate that BCA has a therapeutic benefit against renal fibrosis, and the ameliorative effect is mediated via inhibiting the TGF-β1/Smad2/3 and NF-kB/NLRP3 signaling axis.


Methodological uncertainties in drug-receptor binding free energy predictions based on classical molecular dynamics.
Computational approaches are becoming an essential tool in modern drug design and discovery, with fast compound triaging using a combination of machine learning and docking techniques followed by molecular dynamics binding free energies assessment using alchemical techniques. The traditional MD-based alchemical free energy perturbation (FEP) method faces severe sampling issues that may limits its reliability in automated workflows. Here we review the major sources of uncertainty in FEP protocols for drug discovery, showing how the sampling problem can be effectively tackled by switching to nonequilibrium alchemical techniques.


Sensitive detection of food-borne pathogen Salmonella by modified PAN fibers-immunoassay.
Sensitive and rapid detection of Salmonella is a key to the prevention and identification of problems associated with human health and safety. Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISAs) are popular and widely implemented technique to detect pathogenic bacteria in routine analysis but a typical ELISA yields a sensitivity of 10(6)-10(7)cfu/mL. The present study consecrates on the applicability of surface modified polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibers as a novel matrix of immunoassay for the detection of Salmonella typhimurium in a sandwich ELISA format. Affinity purified antibody against Salmonella common structural antigen (CSA-1-Ab) was immobilized on modified PAN (mPAN) fibers using covalent immobilization via amine-glutaraldehyde chemistry and inactivated S. typhimurium were captured from various samples and detected colorimetrically using peroxidase-labelled common structural antibody (CSA-1-Ab-HRP) against Salmonella. The performance of the developed immunoassay was compared with commercially available immunomagnetic microbeads (Dynabeads(®) anti-Salmonella), polystyrene (PS) microtitre plate and glutaraldehyde activated PS plate. Limit of detection (LOD) was found to be 10, 10(5), 10(6) and 10(7)cells/mL of bacteria for mPAN, Dynabeads(®), glu-plate and PS plate respectively without any pre-enrichment step. The assay was specific for the targeted bacteria when investigated with other cross-reactant food and water-borne pathogens. The developed immunoassay offered undisputed advantages of being simple, sensitive and specific for the detection of S. typhimurium.


The use of digitized intravenous angiography in a clinical setting. A retrospective review of 58 patients.
Digitized intravenous angiography (DIVA) is a frequently used alternative to conventional intra-arterial angiography for the evaluation of cerebrovascular disease. In an attempt to identify factors that may increase the diagnostic capacity of DIVA, a retrospective study of 58 patients evaluated by DIVA for cerebrovascular disease was performed. The reason for the DIVA study was the presence of focal symptoms in 25 patients and nonfocal or vertebrobasilar symptoms in nine. Twenty-four patients were asymptomatic. DIVA was found to be adequately diagnostic in 37 patients (64%), and further evaluation was required in 21 (36%). When the 42 patients who had ocular pneumoplethysmography (OPG-Gee) results available were classified according to their presenting symptoms, 85% of those with focal symptoms and positive OPG-Gee had a diagnostically successful DIVA study. A high DIVA accuracy rate was also obtained in the asymptomatic patients, whether the OPG-Gee results were positive (60%) or negative (78%). The category of patients for whom the DIVA was the least successful was the group with nonfocal or vertebrobasilar symptoms. As many as 56% of these patients required additional testing. Thus it appears that the yield of diagnostic DIVA is increased when the clinical presentation and noninvasive testing are considered. A prospective study is underway to further verify this hypothesis.


Post-thaw quality assessment of testicular fragments as a source of spermatogonial cells for surrogate production in the flatfish Solea senegalensis.
Cryopreservation of germ cells would facilitate the availability of cells at any time allowing the selection of donors and maintaining quality control for further applications such as transplantation and germline recovery. In the present study, we analyzed the efficiency of four cryopreservation protocols applied either to isolated cell suspensions or to testes fragments from Senegalese sole. In testes fragments, the quality of cryopreserved germ cells was analyzed in vitro in terms of cell recovery, integrity and viability, DNA integrity (fragmentation and apoptosis), and lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde levels). Transplantation of cryopreserved germ cells was performed to check the capacity of cells to in vivo incorporate into the gonadal primordium of Senegalese sole early larval stages (6 days after hatching (dah), pelagic live), during metamorphosis (10 dah) and at post-metamorphic stages (16 dah and 20 dah, benthonic life). Protocols incorporating dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as a cryoprotectant showed higher number of recovered spermatogonia, especially in samples cryopreserved with L-15 + DMSO (0.39 ± 0.18 × 106 cells). Lipid peroxidation and DNA fragmentation were also significantly lower in this treatment compared with other treatments. An important increase in oxidation (MDA levels) was detected in samples containing glycerol as a cryoprotectant, reflected also in terms of DNA damage. Transplantation of L-15 + DMSO cryopreserved germ cells into larvae during early metamorphosis (10 dah, 5.2 mm) showed higher incorporation of cells (27.30 ± 5.27%) than other larval stages (lower than 11%). Cryopreservation of germ cells using testes fragments frozen with L-15 + DMSO was demonstrated to be a useful technique to store Senegalese sole germline.


Quadruplex melting.
Melting curves are commonly used to determine the stability of folded nucleic acid structures and their interaction with ligands. This paper describes how the technique can be applied to study the properties of four-stranded nucleic acid structures that are formed by G-rich oligonucleotides. Changes in the absorbance (at 295nm), circular dichroism (at 260 or 295nm) or fluorescence of appropriately labelled oligonucleotides, can be used to measure the stability and kinetics of folding. This paper focuses on a fluorescence melting technique, and explains how this can be used to determine the T(m) (T((1/2))) of intramolecular quadruplexes and the effects of quadruplex-binding ligands. Quantitative analysis of these melting curves can be used to determine the thermodynamic (DeltaH, DeltaG, and DeltaS) and kinetic (k(1), k(-1)) parameters. The method can also be adapted to investigate the equilibrium between quadruplex and duplex DNA and to explore the selectivity of ligands for one or other structure.


The X-ray structure of a snake venom Gln48 phospholipase A2 at 1.9A resolution reveals anion-binding sites.
Phospholipase A2 is an "interfacial" enzyme and its binding to negatively charged surfaces is an important step during catalysis. The Gln48 phospholipase A2 from the venom of Vipera ammodytes meridionalis plays the role of chaperone and directs a toxic His48 PLA2 onto its acceptor. In the venom the two phospholipases A2 exist as a postsynaptic neurotoxic complex, Vipoxin. The X-ray structure of Gln48 PLA2, complexed to sulphate ions, which mimic the negatively charged groups of anionic membranes, has been determined by the molecular replacement method and refined to 1.9A resolution. The protein forms a homodimer stabilized by ionic, hydrophobic, and hydrogen-bond interactions. The structure reveals two anion-binding sites per subunit. These sites are probably involved in interactions with the negatively charged membrane surface and, in this way, in the "targeting" of the toxic component to the receptors of the postsynaptic membranes. In the absence of the chaperone subunit the toxin changes the target of the physiological attack. A comparison of the homodimeric Gln48 PLA2 structure with that of the heterodimeric Vipoxin reveals differences in regions involved in the pharmacological activity of the toxin. This fact, except the active site histidine substitution, can explain the absence of toxicity in the Gln48 protein in comparison to the His48 phospholipase A2.


The underappreciated role of biotic factors in controlling the bloom ecology of potentially harmful microalgae in the Hudson-Raritan Bay.
Despite widespread distribution of harmful algal blooms (HABs) and new and improved methods for detecting and quantifying them, no unifying ecological explanation has been found. Improved understanding depends upon local, ecological studies that include analysis of phytoplankton species data in relation to both abiotic and biotic parameters. Ecological network analysis was used to detect co-occurrence patterns among abiotic and biotic parameters in a long-term monitoring dataset (i.e., 2010-2021) from the eutrophic Hudson-Raritan Estuary (HRE) between the states of New York and New Jersey. The regular co-occurrence of potentially harmful bloom-forming species with companion species observed through microscopy was supported by the results of ecological network analysis, which showed that there were far more associations between HAB species and biotic parameters (∼95%) than abiotic parameters (∼5%). Temperature was the environmental variable that was most associated with HAB species throughout the estuary. The numerous network associations of HAB species with one another and with diatoms, dinoflagellates, and zooplankton highlight the complexity of planktonic food webs and interactions. Results also suggest that some taxa may play a central role in structuring the HRE plankton communities. These findings demonstrate that biotic associations play an underappreciated role in plankton structure and the value of examining the ecology of HAB species within the breadth of their biological communities. While network analysis does not fully explain and confirm complex associations among species, it does provide fresh insights and testable hypotheses to strengthen understanding and improve prediction.


The MT4 allodeterminant is borne on an HLA-DS molecule on DR5 cells.
Human HLA-DR molecules have been shown to be structurally homologous to the murine I-E subregion molecules by amino acid sequence analysis. Recent studies have demonstrated the isolation of an I-A subregion-homologous molecule (HLA-DS) from human B-cell lines with the rabbit antiserum RbO3, made against a marmoset I-A-like Ia molecule. Previous work from our laboratory has demonstrated that the DR5 homozygous lymphoblastoid cell line Swei expresses at least two different Ia alpha chains and four different Ia beta chains, which associate to form four distinct human Ia molecules, alpha 1 beta 2, alpha 1 beta 3, alpha 2 beta 1, and alpha 2 beta 4, and that the alpha 2 beta 1 molecule bears the allodeterminants MB3 and MT4. To determine whether the MT4-bearing alpha 2 beta 1 molecule was an HLA-DS molecule, the alpha 2 beta 1 molecule reactive with an anti-MT4 alloserum was compared with the Ia molecule reactive with the rabbit xenoantiserum RbO3 by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and sequential immunoprecipitation. The alpha 2 chain and the RbO3-reactive alpha chain yielded essentially similar spot patterns. The beta 1-chain spot pattern was a subset of the RbO3-reactive beta-chain spot pattern. Sequential immunoprecipitation indicated that RbO3 removed all molecules reactive with MGH88B. These results indicate that on DR5 cells the allosera-reactive alpha 2 beta 1 molecule, which bears MT4, is an HLA-DS molecule.


Acute neurological care in north-east Germany with telemedicine support (ANNOTeM): protocol of a multi-center, controlled, open-label, two-arm intervention study.
Both diagnosis and treatment of neurological emergencies require neurological expertise and are time-sensitive. The lack of fast neurological expertise in regions with underserved infrastructure poses a major barrier for state-of-the-art care of patients with acute neurological diseases and leads to disparity in provision of health care. The main purpose of ANNOTeM (acute neurological care in North East Germany with telemedicine support) is to establish effective and sustainable support structures for evidence based treatments for stroke and other neurological emergencies and to improve outcome for acute neurological diseases in these rural regions. A "hub-and-spoke" network structure was implemented connecting three academic neurological centres ("hubs") and rural hospitals ("spokes") caring for neurological emergencies. The network structure includes (1) the establishment of a 24/7 telemedicine consultation service, (2) the implementation of standardized operating procedures (SOPs) in the network hospitals, (3) a multiprofessional training scheme, and (4) a quality management program. Data from three major health insurance companies as well as data from the quality management program are being collected and evaluated. Primary outcome is the composite of first time of receiving paid outpatient nursing care, first time of receiving care in a nursing home, or death within 90 days after hospital admission. Beyond stroke only few studies have assessed the effects of telemedically supported networks on diagnosis and outcome of neurological emergencies. ANNOTeM will provide information whether this approach leads to improved outcome. In addition, a health economic analysis will be performed. German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00013067, date of registration: November 16 th, 2017, URL: http://www.drks.de/DRKS00013068.


Using hand-held computer technologies to improve dietary intake.
Portable hand-held information technology offers much promise not only in assessing dietary intake in the real world, but also in providing dietary feedback to individuals. However, stringent research designs have not been employed to examine whether it can be effective in modifying dietary behaviors. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the efficacy of a hand-held computer (i.e., personal digital assistant [PDA]) for increasing vegetable and whole-grain intake over 8 weeks in mid-life and older adults, using a randomized study design. Twenty-seven healthy adults aged > or =50 were randomized and completed the 8-week study. Intervention participants received an instructional session and a PDA programmed to monitor their vegetable and whole-grain intake levels twice per day and to provide daily individualized feedback, goal-setting, and support. Controls received standard, age-appropriate, written nutritional education materials. Dietary intake was assessed via the Block Food Frequency Questionnaire at baseline and 8 weeks. Relative to controls, intervention participants reported significantly greater increases in vegetable servings (1.5-2.5 servings/day; p=0.02), as well as a trend toward greater intake of dietary fiber from grains (3.7-4.5 servings/day; p=0.10). This study's findings provide preliminary evidence that using portable hand-held technology to provide daily individualized feedback on dietary behavior in the real world can increase the dietary intake of healthy food groups.


Seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and risk factors among healthy blood donors in Luanda, Angola.
SARS-CoV-2 emerged in China and spread throughout the world due to its rapid transmission. The exposure rate in the healthy population is unknown, mainly in resource-limited countries. Herein, we estimated the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and risk factors among blood donors in Luanda, the capital city of Angola. This was a retrospective study conducted with 343 blood donors. Chi-square and logistic regression were calculated to predict the independent variable for SARS-CoV-2 infection and deemed significant when p < 0.05. Seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 was 4.7%. Positivity rates varied to age groups (3.5-14.3%), gender (0-5%), area of residence (3.1-.6%), educational level (5.1-10.2%), occupation (4.4-7.7%), and the blood donor category (2.0-5.1%). Past and recent infections were detected in 3.2% and 1.5%, respectively. Blood donors under the age of 20 years (OR: 4.58, p = 0.241) and from non-urbanized areas (OR: 1.86, p = 0.293) presented a high risk related to infection. The infection was higher in blood group A and lower in blood group O. The risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection has increased from January 2020 (OR: 0.03, p = 0.001) to August 2020 (OR: 0.57, p = 0.426). We provide an estimate of the exposure of healthy blood donors in Luanda. Also, we detected anti-SARS-CoV-2 in January 2020, indicating that the SARS-CoV-2 could have been imported during the first month of 2020. Further studies should be performed to assess the exposure rate in different groups from Angola.


[Treatment of fresh subcutaneous flexor tendon rupture of the distal joint of long fingers with temporary bone wire arthrodesis].
Drop-finger at the distal joint or mallet-finger from injury occurs because of the extensor apparatus is so much weaker than the flexor tendon that it breaks under strain. We report on 100 cases treated by internal splinting with longitudinal applied Kirschner wire in the distal and middle phalanx of the finger. It affords an absolute immobilisation of the distal interphalangeal joint in slight hyperextension with relaxation of the extensor apparatus. The wire was removed after six weeks. The results evaluated in 76 patients by follow-up four to 84 months were classified as excellent in 86.8% (full range of motion), good in 11.9% (loss of motion 5 to 15 degrees), and poor in 1.3% (loss of motion more than 15 degrees). The excellent and good results emphasize that internal splinting in ruptures of the extensor apparatus near the distal interphalangeal joint.


Maternal 1-nitropyrene exposure during pregnancy increases susceptibility of allergic asthma in adolescent offspring.
1-nitropyrene (1-NP) is widespread in the environment, as a typical nitrated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon. The purpose of this research was to explore the effects of gestational 1-NP exposure on susceptibility of allergic asthma in offspring. Maternal mice were exposed to 1-NP (100 μg kg-1) by gavage throughout the whole pregnancy. Pups were sensitized by injecting with ovalbumin (OVA) on postnatal day (PND)23, 29, and 36, respectively. At 7 days following the last injection, sensitized mice were exposed to aerosol OVA. As expected, there were quite a few inflammatory cells in the lungs of OVA-sensitized pups, accompanied by bronchial wall thickening and hyperemia. Elevated goblet cells and overproduced mucus were observed in the airways of OVA-sensitized pups. Interestingly, gestational 1-NP exposure aggravated infiltration of inflammatory cells, mainly eosinophils, in OVA-sensitized offspring. Although it had little effect on airway smooth muscle layer thickening and basement membrane fibrosis, gestational 1-NP exposure aggravated goblet cell hyperplasia, Muc5ac mRNA upregulation, and mucus secretion in the airways of OVA-sensitized and challenged offspring. Mechanistically, gestational 1-NP exposure aggravated elevation of pulmonary IL-5 in OVA-sensitized pups. These findings suggest that gestational 1-NP exposure increases susceptibility of allergic asthma in offspring.


Neurofibromatosis 2: rare constellation of findings with extensive cranial nerve involvement.
In this report, we aim to present a sporadic case of a 17-year old female patient who presented to the Radiodiagnosis department in JSS Hospital, Mysuru, India with complaints of insidious onset of difficulty in walking, motor & sensory impairment, slurring of speech, difficulty in food ingestion, and hearing impairment. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed bilateral vestibular & non vestibular Schwannomas with extensive cranial nerve involvement, multiple spinal & falcine meningiomas, and cervicodorsal intramedullary ependymoma amongst other findings. These core features give rise to the acronym MISME, which describes Multiple Inherited Schwannomas, Meningiomas and Ependymomas. This case is being reported to highlight the rare constellation of multiple cranial nerve Schwannomas, meningiomas, ependymomas and other peripheral nerve sheath tumors in a single patient and will add to the evidence of MISME in world literature.


Veterinary Chagas Disease (American Trypanosomiasis) in the United States.
Veterinary Chagas disease is a persistent threat to humans, dogs, and other wild or domestic mammals that live where infected triatomine "kissing bug" insect vectors occur across the Americas, including 28 states in the Southern United States. Animals infected with the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite may be asymptomatic or may develop myocarditis, heart failure, and sudden death. It is difficult to prevent animal contact with vectors because they are endemic in sylvatic environments and often disperse to domestic habitats. Challenges for disease management include imperfect diagnostic tests and limited antiparasitic treatment options.