Neurally mediated contraction of ileal longitudinal muscle by substance P.
The time course of the spasmogenic effect of substance P (SP) on the longitudinal muscle (LM) of the guinea-pig ileum was investigated. Maximum effective concentrations of SP (greater than or equal to 10 ng/ml) produced a fast initial response which subsequently declined to about 50% of the initial contraction. This remaining half-maximum contraction was increased by physostigmine and decreased by tropicamide, morphine, and tetrodotoxin; hexamethonium had no effect. The results indicate that SP, apart from its direct action on the LM, also activates cholinergic neurones innervating the LM.


Health care utilization and expenditures of persons with diabetes comorbid with anxiety disorder: a national population-based cohort study.
The aim of this study was to investigate and compare health care utilization and expenditures between persons with diabetes comorbid with and without anxiety disorder in Taiwan. Health care utilization and expenditures among persons with diabetes with and without comorbid anxiety disorder in the period 2000-2004 were examined using the Taiwan's National Health Insurance claims data. Health care utilization included outpatient visits and use of hospital inpatient services, while expenditures included outpatient, inpatient and total medical expenditures. General estimation equation (GEE) models were used to analyze the factors associated with outpatient visits and expenditures, and multiple logistic regression analysis was applied to identify factors associated with hospitalization. In the study period, the average number of annual outpatient visits was 43.11-50.37 and 29.82-31.42 for persons with diabetes comorbid with anxiety disorder and for those without anxiety disorder, respectively. The average annual total expenditure was NT$74,875-92,781 and NT$63,764-81,667, respectively. Controlling for covariates, the GEE models revealed that age and time were associated with outpatient visits. Income and time factor were associated with total expenditure. Health care utilization and expenditures for persons with diabetes with comorbid anxiety disorder are significantly higher than those without anxiety disorder. The factors associated with health care utilization and expenditures are age, income and time.


Morphology of dentin surfaces in prepared cavities.
Rotating instruments produced cleaner cavity surfaces at 400,000 rpm than at 200,000 rpm. And tungsten carbide burs left cleaner surfaces than did the diamond instruments.


Iodoacetylated ouabagenins: their syntheses, spectroscopic characterizations, and stability studies.
Ouabain shows high binding ability to myocardial Na+,K(+)-ATPase and, therefore, a suitably radiolabeled derivative of this compound may find use in myocardial imaging. In this pilot experiment we report the preparation of several chloroacetylated and iodoacetylated ouabagenins. These intermediates may possess the potential for conversion to 99mTc-labeled tracer by a reported procedure with which the imaging of myocardial Na+,K(+)-ATPase may be possible. Appropriate analytical and spectroscopic data for these intermediates are reported for the first time. To determine the stability of the iodoacetylated ouabagenins, corresponding 131I derivatives were synthesized which showed sufficient stability for incorporating a suitable radiometal-binding chelating moiety to these steroid molecules.


Sealing ability of thermoplasticized gutta-percha fill techniques as assessed by a new method of determining apical leakage.
One hundred fifty-nine extracted single-rooted maxillary human teeth were instrumented and randomly divided into nine groups of 17 teeth each and 6 control teeth. Experimental groups were obturated with Thermafil, Obtura II, Ultrafil Regular Set gutta-percha, and Ultrafil Firm Set gutta-percha, each with or without root canal sealer. A control group was obturated using the lateral condensation technique and sealer. Teeth were immersed in a resorcinol-formaldehyde resin for 5 days at 4 degrees C, and the resin was allowed to polymerize completely for 4 days at room temperature. Teeth were then sectioned horizontally at 1.5, 2.5, and 3.5 mm from the anatomical apex, and examined under a stereomicroscope at x25 magnification. The resin filled the spaces in the gap between the canal wall and the gutta-percha and this was measured at each of the three levels. The ratio of the area of the resin to the total area of the canal was obtained as the mean leakage area. The results showed no significant difference in the mean leakage area at the same level for the different obturation materials. However, the leakage was significantly less for all materials when root canal sealer was used.


Breast and prostate cancers harbor common somatic copy number alterations that consistently differ by race and are associated with survival.
Pan-cancer studies of somatic copy number alterations (SCNAs) have demonstrated common SCNA patterns across cancer types, but despite demonstrable differences in aggressiveness of some cancers by race, pan-cancer SCNA variation by race has not been explored. This study investigated a) racial differences in SCNAs in both breast and prostate cancer, b) the degree to which they are shared across cancers, and c) the impact of these shared, race-differentiated SCNAs on cancer survival. Utilizing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), SCNAs were identified using GISTIC 2.0, and in each tumor type, differences in SCNA magnitude between African Americans (AA) and European Americans (EA) were tested using linear regression. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering of the copy number of genes residing in race-differentiated SCNAs shared between tumor types was used to identify SCNA-defined patient groups, and Cox proportional hazards regression was used to test for association between those groups and overall/progression-free survival (PFS). We identified SCNAs that differed by race in breast (n = 58 SCNAs; permutation p < 10- 4) and prostate tumors (n = 78 SCNAs; permutation p = 0.006). Six race-differentiated SCNAs common to breast and prostate found at chromosomes 5q11.2-q14.1, 5q15-q21.1, 8q21.11-q21.13, 8q21.3-q24.3, 11q22.3, and 13q12.3-q21.3 had consistent differences by race across both tumor types, and all six were of higher magnitude in AAs, with the chromosome 8q regions being the only amplifications. Higher magnitude copy number differences in AAs were also identified at two of these race-differentiated SCNAs in two additional hormonally-driven tumor types: endometrial (8q21.3-q24.3 and 13q12.3-q21.3) and ovarian (13q12.3-q21.3) cancers. Race differentiated SCNA-defined patient groups were significantly associated with survival differences in both cancer types, and these groups also differentiated within triple negative breast cancers based on PFS. While the frequency of the SCNA-defined patient groups differed by race, their effects on survival did not. This study identified race-differentiated SCNAs shared by two related cancers. The association of SCNA-defined patient groups with survival demonstrates the clinical significance of combinations of these race-differentiated genomic aberrations, and the higher frequency of these alterations in AA relative to EA patients may explain racial disparities in risk of aggressive breast and prostate cancer.


Gestational breast cancer in a patient with Crohn's disease: two case reports.
Diagnosis of breast cancer during gestation is a rare occurrence. In addition, the diagnosis of breast cancer in a patient with Crohn's disease is not common. We present a rare case of gestational breast cancer in a patient with Crohn's disease, with a concurrent breast cancer diagnosis in her sister. A 31-year-old Syrian woman with Crohn's disease was diagnosed with breast cancer at 30 weeks gestation; she received neoadjuvant chemotherapy during gestation. Incidentally, her 37-year-old sister was also diagnosed concomitantly with breast cancer. Both sisters underwent and successfully completed surgery and adjuvant therapy. At a 5-year review, both patients showed no signs of recurrence. The Crohn's disease symptoms have also improved after chemotherapy, and the baby born after gestational chemotherapy is currently 5 years old with normal psychomotor development and without any congenital malformations. This case report highlights the impact of gestation on breast cancer outcomes, the possibility of giving chemotherapy during gestation, and the effect of chemotherapy on the symptoms of Crohn's disease.


A case-control comparison of lingual tonsillar size in children with and without Down syndrome.
Lingual tonsillar hypertrophy is a common cause of persistent obstructive sleep apnea following adenotonsillectomy in the pediatric population and may be more prevalent in patients with Down syndrome (DS). We sought to quantify lingual tonsil size in pediatric DS patients and compare these findings to those of nonsyndromic children using cervical spine (c-spine) radiographs. Case control study. Retrospective review of c-spine radiographs from 105 pediatric DS patients and 89 age- and gender-matched non-DS controls was conducted. Films performed for possible airway compromise or trauma were excluded. Lingual tonsil size and narrowest lumen diameter of the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and hypopharynx were measured. Radiographically identifiable lingual tonsillar tissue was identified in 34% of children with DS and 30% of controls (P = .21); lingual tonsillar hypertrophy (≥10 mm) was seen in 5% and 0% respectively (P = .074). Nasopharyngeal diameter was smaller in patients with DS compared to controls (5.2 mm vs. 6.3 mm, P = .026), whereas lingual tonsil size was significantly larger in DS patients (2.1 mm vs. 0.8 mm, P = .0008). In multivariate analysis, lingual tonsil size was positively correlated with increasing age in the DS population (r = 0.38, P < .0001) but not in controls. Lingual tonsillar enlargement is more common in patients with DS than in controls, with an increased prevalence in older DS patients. C-spine radiographs are routinely carried out in these children and appear to be useful in identifying lingual tonsillar hypertrophy. Further trials should be carried out to compare c-spine findings and physical exam or magnetic resonance imaging to validate this method of evaluation.


High performance Au-Cu alloy for enhanced visible-light water splitting driven by coinage metals.
A Au-Cu alloy strategy is, for the first time, demonstrated to be effective in enhancing visible-light photocatalytic H2 evolution via promoting metal interband transitions. Au3Cu/SrTiO3, in which oxidation of Cu was successfully restrained, showed the highest visible-light H2 evolution activity.


Neurons Expressing Parvalbumin and Calretinin in the Human Amygdaloid Complex: A Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis in Every Nucleus and Nuclear Subdivision.
The primate amygdaloid complex (AC) contains projection neurons as well as subsets of interneurons (IN), many of which express calcium-binding proteins, that through their local circuits control the activity of the projection neurons. The inhibitory parvalbumin (PV) and calretinin (CR)-positive (+) AC IN have a crucial role in the appearance of synchronized oscillations in local ensembles of projection neurons that mediate the consolidation and recall of fear memories. The GABAergic transmission of these subsets of IN is modulated by dopamine. To expand the knowledge regarding the cellular composition and distribution of IN in the human AC, we focused on two non-overlapping populations: the PV+ and CR+. We have analyzed the distribution of these IN throughout the AC from subjects without any neurological or psychiatric disorders and estimated their absolute number and density using stereological methods. We have also provided percentages of the IN with respect to the total AC neurons. The CR + IN were distributed throughout the AC, whereas the PV+ were only present in the basolateral nuclear group. The quantity of CR + IN was four times higher than that of PV+ and the percentages varied from less than 1% for PV + IN to 6-20% for CR+. The differences in quantity and distribution of CR+ and PV + IN could be related to their differential inhibitory properties and to the intrinsic and extrinsic connections of every amygdaloid region.


Preclinical testing of an anti-erbB-2 recombinant toxin.
The performance of OLX-209 indicates it should enter phase I clinical testing. OLX-209 is a recombinant toxin targeting the erbB-2 oncoprotein. The design of OLX-209 takes advantage of improvements in immunotoxin technology to produce a molecule that is smaller and more potent than a conventional chemically linked antibody-toxin conjugate. The targeting portion of OLX-209 is a single chain antibody structure derived from the anti-erbB-2 hybridoma, e23. This antibody has unusual specificity in that it does not bind to most normal tissue including peripheral nerve or kidney tissue. Preclinical testing shows in vitro activity against breast cancer cell lines in the pM range. Efficacy testing in five models of human cancer indicates that a dose of 43 micrograms/kg causes reproducible tumor regressions. Efficacy can be achieved on a variety of schedules of administration. The effective dose results in no measurable change in serum liver enzymes when delivered to mice or primates. The LD10 is over twice the effective dose in mice. The pharmacokinetics indicate a t 1/2 of 50 minutes for both mice and cynomolgus monkeys. Serum concentrations of more than ten times those observed at the effective dose can be achieved in monkeys with no evidence of toxicity. Antigenicity of OLX-209 is surprisingly low. These results form the basis for the clinical testing phase for OLX-209.


Delayed callose degradation restores the fertility of multiple P/TGMS lines in Arabidopsis.
Photoperiod/temperature-sensitive genic male sterility (P/TGMS) is widely applied for improving crop production. Previous investigations using the reversible male sterile (rvms) mutant showed that slow development is a general mechanism for restoring fertility to P/TGMS lines in Arabidopsis. In this work, we isolated a restorer of rvms-2 (res3), as the male sterility of rvms-2 was rescued by res3. Phenotype analysis and molecular cloning show that a point mutation in UPEX1 l in res3 leads to delayed secretion of callase A6 from the tapetum to the locule and tetrad callose wall degradation. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis demonstrated that the tapetal transcription factor ABORTED MICROSPORES directly regulates UPEX1 expression, revealing a pathway for tapetum secretory function. Early degradation of the callose wall in the transgenic line eliminated the fertility restoration effect of res3. The fertility of multiple known P/TGMS lines with pollen wall defects was also restored by res3. We propose that the remnant callose wall may broadly compensate for the pollen wall defects of P/TGMS lines by providing protection for pollen formation. A cellular mechanism is proposed to explain how slow development restores the fertility of P/TGMS lines in Arabidopsis.


Low-density 3D-printed boluses with honeycomb infill in radiotherapy.
Dosimetric characteristics of 3D-printed plates using different infill percentage and materials was the purpose of our study. Test plates with 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% honeycomb structure infill were fabricated using TPU and PLA polymers. The Hounsfield unit distribution was determined using a Python script. Percentage Depth Dose (PDD) distribution in the build-up region was measured with the Markus plane-parallel ionization chamber for an open 10x10 cm2 field of 6 MV. PDD was measured at a depth of 1 mm, 5 mm, 10 mm and 15 mm. Measurements were compared with Eclipse treatment planning system calculations using AAA and Acuros XB algorithms. The mean HU for CT scans of 3D-printed TPU plates increased with percentage infill increase from -739 HU for 5% to -399 HU for 20%. Differences between the average HU for TPU and PLA did not exceed 2% for all percentage infills. Even using a plate with the lowest infill PDD at 1 mm depth increase from 44.7% (without a plate) to 76.9% for TPU and 76.6% for PLA. Infill percentage did not affect the dose at depths greater than 5 mm. Differences between measurements and TPS calculations were less than 4.1% for both materials, regardless of the infill percentage and depth. The use of 3D-printed light boluses increases the dose in the build-up region, which was shown based on the dosimetric measurements and TPS calculations.


Evidence for the independence of brainstem mechanisms mediating analgesia induced by morphine and two forms of stress.
Exposure to inescapable footshock stress causes potent analgesia in the rat. According to several criteria, prolonged, intermittent footshock elicits analgesia mediated by opioid peptides, whereas brief, continuous footshock produces non-opioid analgesia. We now report that these neurochemically discrete forms of stress analgesia also have different neuroanatomical bases. Electrolytic lesions damaging greater than 85% of the n. raphe magnus ('complete' NRM lesions), but not lesions of the same size causing less NRM damage (partial NRM lesions) significantly reduce only the non-opioid form of stress analgesia. In the same animals, complete and partial NRM lesions disrupt morphine analgesia; however, our analyses indicate that this effect is not mediated by the same substrate involved in either form of stress analgesia. These results support the existence of multiple endogenous analgesia mechanisms and indicate a complex role for the NRM in these systems.


Altered bile acid metabolism in skin tissues in response to ionizing radiation: deoxycholic acid (DCA) as a novel treatment for radiogenic skin injury.
Radiogenic skin injury (RSI) is a common complication during cancer radiotherapy or accidental exposure to radiation. The aim of this study is to investigate the metabolism of bile acids (BAs) and their derivatives during RSI. Rat skin tissues were irradiated by an X-ray linear accelerator. The quantification of BAs and their derivatives were performed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based quantitative analysis. Key enzymes in BA biosynthesis were analyzed from single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) data of RSI in the human patient and animal models. The in vivo radioprotective effect of deoxycholic acid (DCA) was detected in irradiated SD rats. Twelve BA metabolites showed significant differences during the progression of RSI. Among them, the levels of cholic acid (CA), DCA, muricholic acid (MCA), chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), glycocholic acid (GCA), glycohyodeoxycholic acid (GHCA), 12-ketolithocholic acid (12-ketoLCA) and ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) were significantly elevated in irradiated skin, whereas lithocholic acid (LCA), tauro-β-muricholic acid (Tβ-MCA) and taurocholic acid (TCA) were significantly decreased. Additionally, the results of scRNA-Seq indicated that genes involved in 7a-hydroxylation process, the first step in BA synthesis, showed pronounced alterations in skin fibroblasts or keratinocytes. The alternative pathway of BA synthesis is more actively altered than the classical pathway after ionizing radiation. In the model of rat radiogenic skin damage, DCA promoted wound healing and attenuated epidermal hyperplasia. Ionizing radiation modulates the metabolism of BAs. DCA is a prospective therapeutic agent for the treatment of RSI.


Hypopigmentation and maternal-zygotic embryonic lethality caused by a hypomorphic mbtps1 mutation in mice.
The site 1 protease, encoded by Mbtps1, mediates the initial cleavage of site 2 protease substrates, including sterol regulatory element binding proteins and CREB/ATF transcription factors. We demonstrate that a hypomorphic mutation of Mbtps1 called woodrat (wrt) caused hypocholesterolemia, as well as progressive hypopigmentation of the coat, that appears to be mechanistically unrelated. Hypopigmentation was rescued by transgenic expression of wild-type Mbtps1, and reciprocal grafting studies showed that normal pigmentation depended upon both cell-intrinsic or paracrine factors, as well as factors that act systemically, both of which are lacking in wrt homozygotes. Mbtps1 exhibited a maternal-zygotic effect characterized by fully penetrant embryonic lethality of maternal-zygotic wrt mutant offspring and partial embryonic lethality (~40%) of zygotic wrt mutant offspring. Mbtps1 is one of two maternal-zygotic effect genes identified in mammals to date. It functions nonredundantly in pigmentation and embryogenesis.


Reducing the induction to abortion interval in termination of second trimester pregnancies: a comparison of mifepristone with laminaria tent.
To determine whether mifepristone (RU486) is more effective than laminaria tent in shortening the induction-abortion interval in termination of second trimester pregnancies with gemeprost. Prospective randomised comparative trial. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in a University teaching hospital. Sixty-two women undergoing termination of pregnancy in the second trimester. The women were allocated at random to one of the two treatment groups. The first group received 600 mg of mifepristone 36 h before administration of gemeprost. In the second group, a medium-sized laminaria tent was inserted 12 h before gemeprost. The pregnancies in both groups were terminated with vaginal gemeprost, 1 mg every 3 h up to a maximum of 5 mg/day. Induction-abortion intervals, amount of gemeprost required, and incidence of side effects. The median induction-abortion interval in the mifepristone group (7.5 h) was significantly shorter than that in the laminaria tent group (11 h) and significantly fewer gemeprost pessaries were required. There was no significant difference in the amount of narcotic analgesics required or the incidence of side effects between the two groups. Mifepristone is more effective than laminaria tent in shortening the induction-abortion interval in termination of second trimester pregnancies.


From finger pricks to point-and-click.
In this issue of Immunity, Obermoser et al. (2013) systematically analyze and compare the blood-transcriptomic response of the pneumococcal and influenza vaccines in humans over multiple time points spanning hours to tens of days. They then present web-based interactive figures that facilitate exploration of this large, complex data set.


2,2'-Dichlorodiethyl sulfide (sulfur mustard) decreases NAD+ levels in human leukocytes.
2,2'-Dichlorodiethyl sulfide (sulfur mustard, HD) extensively alkylates DNA in a concentration-dependent manner in many cell types. We have proposed a biochemical hypothesis that explains HD-induced injury by linking DNA alkylation and DNA breaks with activation of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, resulting in depletion of cellular NAD+. This hypothesis was tested by treating human leukocytes with HD to determine whether NAD+ depletion occurred as predicted. These cells demonstrated a decrease in NAD+ levels which was dependent on both concentration of HD and time after exposure. Inhibitors of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase or substrates for NAD+ synthesis were able to prevent the HD-induced NAD+ decrease.


Hyperkalemic cardiac arrest, prolonged heart massage and simultaneous hemodialysis.
A 53 year old diabetic patient underwent CABG and aortic valve replacement in another institution and developed postoperative oliguric and hyperkalemic acute renal failure. Shortly after transferring to our unit a cardiac arrest occurred. Immediate resuscitative measures were ineffective. The serum potassium level was 10.2 mmol/l. Conventional arteriovenous hemodialysis was initiated while the patient was still undergoing cardiac massage. When the serum potassium level was lowered to 6.5 mmol/l, 90 min later, the heart began to beat. After hemodialysis was discontinued the patient was reactive and fully conscious. The use of simultaneous hemodialysis with prolonged mechanical heart massage as a reliable method for recovery in hyperkalemic cardiac standstill is stressed.


Stabilization of a polypeptide in non-aqueous solvents.
A pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP) analogue (HSDAVFTDNYTRLRKQVAAKKYLQSIKNKRY, P66) was formulated in several non-aqueous solvents in anticipation of improved shelf-life stability. However, the stability of this peptide in these solvents was found to be as poor as in an aqueous solution. The major degradation reaction in non-aqueous solvents was dimer formation. The proposed mechanism for dimerization was a nucleophilic attack of a basic amino acid on cyclic imide formed by dehydration or deamidation of Asp or Asn. Two approaches were found to be effective in stabilizing the peptide in non-aqueous solvents: (1) acidification of the peptide and (2) use of zinc chloride in the formulation. Stabilization could be attributed to reduction of the nucleophilicity of the reactive groups through protonation and metal-peptide interaction through chelation. The stabilization approaches are applicable only in a non-aqueous environment for this peptide, and possibly for other peptides with similar reactive moieties.


Platelet-derived extracellular vesicles promote endothelial dysfunction in sepsis by enhancing neutrophil extracellular traps.
The role of platelet-derived extracellular vesicles (PEVs) in the development of sepsis was investigated in this study. After collection of blood samples from sepsis patients and normal volunteers, the extracellular vesicles (EVs) were separated, followed by the isolation of PEVs from the blood of rats. Next, a sepsis rat model was constructed by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), and rats received tail vein injection of PEVs to explore the role of PEVs in sepsis. Subsequently, nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were adopted to determine the diameter of EVs and observe the morphology of PEVs, respectively; flow cytometry to detect the percentage of CD41-and CD61-positive EVs in isolated EVs; and ELISA to assess neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation, endothelial function injury-related markers in clinical samples or rat blood and serum inflammatory factor level. Compared with normal volunteers, the percentage of CD41- and CD61-positive EVs and the number of EVs were significantly elevated in sepsis patients. Moreover, sepsis patients also presented notably increased histone H3, myeloperoxidase (MPO), angiopoietin-2 and endocan levels in the blood, and such increase was positively correlated with the number of EVs. Also, animal experiments demonstrated that PEVs significantly promoted NET formation, mainly manifested as up-regulation of histone H3, high mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1), and MPO; promoted endothelial dysfunction (up-regulation of angiopoietin-2, endocan, and syndecan-1); and stimulated inflammatory response (up-regulation of interleukin (IL) -1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP) -1) in the blood of sepsis rats. PEVs aggravate endothelial function injury and inflammatory response in sepsis by promoting NET formation.


Coexistence of substance P- and methionine5-enkephalin-like immunoreactivity in nerve cells of the myenteric ganglia in the cat ileum.
Intramural ganglia of colchicine-injected cat ileum were examined immunohistochemically using antisera to substance P (SP), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and methionine5-enkephalin (ENK). SP- and ENK-like immunoreactive nerve cells were preferentially located in the myenteric ganglia, whereas VIP-like immunoreactive nerve cells were distributed in both myenteric and submucous ganglia. A small number of nerve cells in the myenteric ganglia showed immunoreactivities to both ENK and SP antisera, but not to VIP antiserum. These findings provide supportive evidence for the coexistence of SP and ENK in a small population of neurones in the cat myenteric plexus.


Digestive enzyme patterns and evaluation of protease classes in Catla catla (family: Cyprinidae) during early developmental stages.
Digestive enzymes of Catla catla were studied during ontogenic development. Specific amylase activity was 0.12+/-0.01 mg maltose mg protein(-1) h(-1) in fish 4 days after hatching (DAH) and reached a maximum on (0.41+/-0.12 mg maltose mg protein(-1) h(-1)) 34 DAH. Total protease activity was minimum (123.2+/-16.5 mU mg protein(-1) min(-1)) on day-8 and reached its highest level (2713+/-147.2 mU mg protein(-1) min(-1)) on day-32. Trypsin activity showed constant increasing trend from day-16 onwards and was maximum on day-34 (118.1+/-7.09 mU mg protein(-1) min(-1)). Highest chymotrypsin activity was found on day-32 (1789.0+/-111.7 mU mg protein(-1) min(-1)). Lipase activity was detected in 4 DAH catla. Lipase activity increased steadily from day-22 onwards. SDS-PAGE of crude enzyme extracts showed that high molecular mass bands (41.8-127.8 kDa) appeared during the early stages followed by low molecular mass bands (17.8-37.2 kDa). The number of protease activity bands in substrate SDS-PAGE increased with age of fish. During ontogenesis of carp, soybean trypsin inhibitor (SBTI), PMSF and TLCK inhibited 75.5+/-1.19% to 92.8+/-0.85%, 53.3+/-9.47% to 90.5+/-2.6% and 39.8+/-3.8% to 84.7+/-1.54% of total protease activity, respectively. There was only 2.58+/-0.66% to 10.21+/-0.09% inhibition of protease activity with EDTA. SBTI and PMSF inhibited 8 and 4 activity bands, respectively. TLCK, a specific trypsin inhibitor, inhibited four trypsin-like enzymes in carp during ontogenesis.


The host targeting effect of chloroquine in malaria.
Due to the rapid onset and spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, the treatment of COVID-19 patients by hydroxychloroquine alone or in combination with other drugs has captured a great deal of attention and triggered considerable debate. Historically, the worldwide use of quinoline based-drugs has led to a spectacular reduction in death from malaria. Unfortunately, scientists have been forced to seek alternative drugs to treat malaria due to the emergence of chloroquine-resistant parasites in the 1960s. The repurposing of hydroxychloroquine against viral infections, various types of cancer and autoimmune diseases has been ongoing for more than 70 years, with no clear understanding of its mechanism of action (MOA). Here, we closely examine the MOA of this old but influential drug in and beyond malaria. Better insights into how chloroquine targets the host's cellular and immune responses may help to develop applications against to new pathogens and diseases, and perhaps even restore the clinical utility of chloroquine against malaria.


Paraumbilical perforator flap for reconstruction of the external auditory meatus: A case report.
We herein present a technique of using the umbilical stalk for reconstruction of the external auditory meatus. A 49-year-old female presented with locally aggressive melanoma affecting her mastoid region. She underwent radical excision including the skin and soft tissues around the external ear with simultaneous lymph node clearance. The resultant defect measured 15 cm × 8 cm in diameter and was 2.5 cm deep. This was reconstructed with a similarly sized microvascular paraumbilical perforator flap that included the umbilical stalk. In the post-operative course there was complete flap survival but a prolonged wound dehiscence near the auditory meatus that required revision surgery. At 15-months follow-up, the patient was melanoma-free and the auditory meatus was patent. Hearing was also preserved. The umbilical stalk is one of the few skin covered tubed structures in the human body that may be used without major donor morbidity to "replace like with like," the auditory channel.


[Molecular genetic diagnostics of the cause of ventricular arrhythmias in children].
Andersen-Tawil syndrome (ATS) is a rare hereditary multi--system disorder consisting of a triad of symptoms, ventricular arrhythmias, periodic paralysis and dysmorphic features. The syndrome is associated with a loss of function mutation in the gene KCNJ2, which encodes the Kir2.1 inward rectifier potassium channel. We represent a case story of a 15-year-old girl who had unexplained arrhythmias for six years. Molecular genetic screening with a 75-heart-panel revealed a pathogenic KCNJ2 missense mutation. The patient was diagnosed with ATS.


Dataset for mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) from Vaca Key, Monroe County, Florida USA.
The Florida Keys Mosquito Control District has used dry ice-baited light traps to monitor mosquito populations on Vaca Key since 1998. The first site sampled was monitored continuously for almost 20 years until all vegetation was removed. This paper describes a dataset compiled over almost 20 years of continuous trapping along Manor Lane on Vaca Key, Florida.


Golgi fractions from livers of control and ethanol-intoxicated rats. Enzymic and morphologic properties following rapid isolation.
Following rapid isolation, it has been found that Golgi apparatus from ethanol-intoxicated animals contain high levels of galactosyltransferase but also detectable glucose-6-phosphatase and microsomal esterase, as well as 5'-nucleotidase activity. In experiments carried out in parallel on littermate animals but without intoxication, similar recoveries and specific activities of the four enzymes were observed. Morphologic analysis of Golgi fractions isolated from control animals demonstrated no striking morphologic difference to those from the ethanol-intoxicated animals. Indeed, using galloyl glucose-lead staining techniques to mark the lipoprotein particles in situ, it was found that all Golgi apparatus of hepatocytes from control animals were marked by very low density lipoprotein particles. It is therefore concluded that within the limits of the present analyses, Golgi fractions isolated from control animals are as valid as those isolated from ethanol-intoxicated rats.


Comparative effects of angiotensin receptor blockade and ACE inhibition on the fibrinolytic and inflammatory responses to cardiopulmonary bypass.
The effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition and angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockade (ARB) on fibrinolysis and inflammation after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) are uncertain. This study tested the hypothesis that ACE inhibition enhances fibrinolysis and inflammation to a greater extent than ARB in patients undergoing CPB. One week to 5 days before surgery, patients were randomized to ramipril 5 mg/day, candesartan 16 mg/day, or placebo. ACE inhibition increased intraoperative bradykinin and tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA ) concentrations as compared to AR B. Both ACE inhibition and AR B decreased the need for plasma transfusion relative to placebo, but only ACE inhibition decreased the duration of hospital stay. Neither ACE inhibition nor AR B significantly affected concentrations of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI -1), interleukin (IL )-6, IL -8, or IL -10. ACE inhibition enhanced intraoperative fibrinolysis without increasing the likelihood of red-cell transfusion. By contrast, neither ACE inhibition nor ARB affected the inflammatory response. ACE inhibitors and ARBs may be safely continued until the day of surgery.


Pathology of breast papillary neoplasms: Community hospital experience.
In this study, 550 breast papillary neoplasms collected in a community hospital over more than ten years were reviewed and analyzed. This included 457 intraductal papillomas, 53 papillary carcinomas, 35 papillary DCIS and five invasive papillary carcinomas. The diagnostic rate of papillary neoplasms increased over time, likely due to better recognition by pathologists. Intraductal papillomas occurred most frequently in the upper outer quadrants and contained ADH/DCIS in 19% of cases. A total of 28% of non-incidental papillomas were associated with ADH/DCIS, and 29% of patients with papillomas had ADH/DCIS in adjacent tissue; nearly half of papillomas that were > 1 cm in size contained ADH/DCIS in the papilloma or adjacent to it. No single feature could predict an upgrade on excision for non-atypical intraductal papillomas diagnosed on core biopsy. There was no significant difference in the association of ADH/DCIS with central or peripheral papillomas. The overall upgrade rate of non-atypical intraductal papillomas to DCIS on excision was 2%, which justifies the conservative management of non-atypical sub-centimeter lesions. Papillary carcinomas occurred in older than intraductal papilloma patients and were most frequent in the upper quadrants. Although classically devoid of a myoepithelial cell layer, papillary carcinomas may contain some residual or even an ample myoepithelial cell layer in the papillae. An association between papillary carcinoma and conventional invasive carcinoma was found in 40% of EPCs and 89% of SPCs. Papillary DCIS was usually low- or intermediate-grade. The presence of a myoepithelial cell layer in the papillae was not inconsistent with this diagnosis. Invasive papillary carcinoma may have two histologic patterns: papillary and cribriform.


Comparison of HBV DNA and RNA markers in Alaska Native people who did and did not clear hepatitis B surface antigen.
In a comparison between 50 Alaska Native persons with chronic hepatitis B who cleared HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) and 50 Alaska Native age-, sex-, and HBV genotype-matched controls, we found differences in changes in HBV DNA and HBV RNA levels over time but no difference in hepatitis B core-related antigen. These findings suggest that serial HBV DNA and HBV RNA may be associated with HBV functional cure defined by HBsAg clearance.


Hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the papilla of Vater.
An adenocarcinoma of the papilla of Vater showing hepatoid differentiation similar to that described for hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the stomach is reported. The tumor was a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma with clear cells containing occasional hyaline droplets and exhibiting bile secretion. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), alpha 1-antitrypsin (alpha 1-AT) and carcino-embryonic antigen (CEA) were demonstrated by immunoperoxidase staining. This appears to be the first report of a hepatoid adenocarcinoma at this location.


Clinical signs, symptoms, perceptions, and impact on quality of life in patients suffering from peri-implant diseases: a university-representative cross-sectional study.
To study the symptoms and perception reported by patients with peri-implant diseases, as well as their signs and their potential impact on the oral health quality of life. Two hundred and forty randomly selected patients were invited to participate. As part of the history assessment, the patient OHIP-14Sp was evaluated together with, for each implant, the patient perception regarding the peri-implant health status and the history of pain, spontaneous discomfort, bleeding, suppuration, swelling, and discomfort during brushing. As part of the clinical examination, the following potential signs of peri-implant diseases were collected: probing pocket depth (PPD), mucosal dehiscence (MD), extent of BoP, presence of SoP, and visual signs of redness and swelling. Those parameters were analyzed in relation to the actual peri-implant health diagnosis. Ninety-nine patients with a total of 458 dental implants were studied. Even in case of peri-implantitis, 88.9% of the implants were perceived by the patients as healthy. The total OHIP-14Sp sum score did not differ in relation to the peri-implant health diagnosis. Increased reports of spontaneous discomfort, bleeding, swelling, and discomfort during brushing were observed in presence of disease. However, only a minor proportion of implants with peri-implant diseases presented symptoms. PPD ≥ 6 mm was more frequent in diseased than in healthy implants (p < .01), while PPD ≥ 8 in pre-peri-implantitis/peri-implantitis than in healthy/mucositis implants (p < .01). Implants with peri-implantitis showed higher MD than implants without peri-implantitis (p < .01). Peri-implant diseases are in most cases asymptomatic and not perceived by the patients. Despite being unable to accurately discriminate between peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis, PPD and MD resulted as the only two clinical signs associated with pre-peri-implantitis/peri-implantitis.


Dopaminergic innervation of the telencephalon of the pigeon (Columba livia): a study with antibodies against tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine.
The dopaminergic structures in the telencephalon of the pigeon were investigated with antisera against glutaraldehyde-conjugated dopamine (DA) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). Our goal was to describe the morphological patterns of the labelled axons and to provide a detailed map of the density and regional distribution of the dopaminergic innervation in relation to cytoarchitectonic areas. DA- and TH-like fibers reached their highest density in the paleostriatum augmentatum and the lobus parolfactorius of the basal ganglia. The paleostriatum primitivum was characterized by a dichotomous DA-positive innervation with a diffuse fiber network contacting enpassant granular cells and a more specific input that completely wrapped up large cells, which probably represent relay neurons. Two distinct DA-positive pathways could be followed back from the forebrain leading to the dopaminergic cell groups of the nucleus tegmenti pedunuculopontinus pars lateralis and the area ventralis tegmentalis. The primary sensory areas of the visual, auditory, somatosensory, and trigeminal systems within the forebrain of the pigeon were virtually devoid of DA-like fibers and demonstrated only TH-positive axons, probably of a noradrenergic nature. Among the limbic structures, the neostriatum caudolaterale (a possible equivalent of the mammalian prefrontal cortex), the septum, the nucleus accumbens, and parts of the archistriatum were heavily labelled by DA-like axons. A highly characteristic morphological feature of the catecholaminergic innervation was the presence of "baskets," which are constituted by TH- and DA-positive fibers coiled up around large perikarya, so that the surrounded somata were virtually visible by the presence of labelled axons. The density of basket and nonbasket type innervations seemed to be independently regulated, so that each forebrain structure could be characterized by a mixture consisting of the individual degrees of these two features. Our results demonstrate that the dopaminergic innervation of the forebrain of the pigeon is widespread but shows important regional variations. Similar to mammals, associative and motor structures are heavily innervated by dopaminergic fibers, whereas sensory areas are dominated by their noradrenergic input. The basket and nonbasket type innervations observed in virtually all of these subdivisions of the telencephalon may indicate the presence of two main classes of catecholaminergic afferents with different mechanisms of modulation of forebrain activity patterns.


Genetic mapping of male sterility and pollen fertility QTLs in triticale with sterilizing Triticum timopheevii cytoplasm.
Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) phenomenon is widely exploited in commercial hybrid seed production in economically important crop species, including rye, wheat, maize, rice, sorghum, cotton, sugar beets, and many vegetables. Although some commercial successes, little is known about QTLs responsible for the trait in case of triticale with sterilizing Triticum timopheevii (Tt) cytoplasm. Recombinant inbred line (RIL) F6 mapping population encompassing 182 individuals derived from the cross of individual plants representing the HT352 line and cv Borwo was employed for genetic map construction using SNP markers and identification of QTLs conferring pollen sterility in triticale with CMS Tt. The phenotypes of the F1 lines resulting from crossing of the HT352 (Tt) with HT352 (maintainer) × Borwo were determined by assessing the number of the F2 seeds per spike. A genetic map with 21 linkage groups encompasses 29,737 markers and spanned over the distance of 2549 cM. Composite (CIM) and multiple (MIM) interval mappings delivered comparable results. Single QTLs mapped to the 1A, 1B, 2A, 2R, 3B, 3R, 4B, and 5B chromosomes, whereas the 5R and 6B chromosomes shared 3 and 2 QTLs, respectively. The QTLs with the highest LOD score mapped to the 5R, 3R, 1B, and 4B chromosomes; however, the QRft-5R.3 has the highest explained variance of the trait.


[Microbiological verification of the cleanliness of the hands in surgery (author's transl)].
A technique for sampling organisms on the hands, the so-called "disc method" was tested in three surgical departments, in parallel with the classical method of direct finger print on a gel medium. The respective value of 6 products for washing the hands was assessed in order to demonstrate the possibilities offered by the technique proposed, which is truly quantitative. In particular, it was shown, "in the field", that three products had a very valuable action (Chlorhexidine, Hexachlorophene and a quarternary ammonium salt), but simple washing with Marseille soap followed by rincing with alcohol gave good results, limited only by the absence of any persistent bactericidal action.


Development of a slow polycolloid-releasing substrate (SPRS) biobarrier to remediate TCE-contaminated aquifers.
In this study, an in situ slow polycolloid-releasing substrate (SPRS) biobarrier system was developed to continuously provide biodegradable substrates for the enhancement of trichloroethylene (TCE) reductive dechlorination. The produced SPRS contained vegetable oil (used as a slow-released substrate), cane molasses [used as an early-stage (fast-degradable) substrate], and surfactants [Simple Green (SG) and soya lecithin (SL)]. An emulsification study was performed to evaluate the globule droplet size and stability of SPRS. The distribution and migration of the SPRS were evaluated in a column experiment, and an anaerobic microcosm study was performed to assess the capability of SPRS to serve as a slow and long-term carbon-releasing substrate for TCE dechlorination. The results show that a stable oil-in-water (W/O, 50/50) emulsion (SPRS) with uniformly small droplets (D₁₀, 0.93 μm) has been produced, continuously supplying primary substrates. The emulsion containing the surfactant mixture (with 72 mg/L SL and 71 mg/L SG) had a small absolute value of the zeta potential, which reduced the inter-particle repulsion, leading the emulsion droplets to adhere to one another after collision. The addition of SPRS creates anaerobic conditions and leads to a more complete and thorough removal of TCE through biodegradation and sorption mechanisms.


The coexistence of carotid and lower extremity atherosclerosis further increases cardio-cerebrovascular risk in type 2 diabetes.
Both carotid and lower limb atherosclerosis are associated with increased cardiovascular and cerebrovascular risks. However, it is still unclear whether the concomitant presence of carotid and lower extremity atherosclerosis further increases the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular risks. Therefore, our aim is to investigate whether the coexistence of carotid and lower extremity atherosclerosis was associated with higher cardiovascular and cerebrovascular risks in patients with type 2 diabetes. This cross-sectional study was performed in 2830 hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes. Based on carotid and lower limb Doppler ultrasound results, the patients were divided into three groups including 711 subjects without atherosclerosis, 999 subjects with either carotid or lower limb atherosclerosis, and 1120 subjects with both carotid and lower limb atherosclerosis. And we compared the clinical characteristics and prevalence of both cardio-cerebrovascular events (CCBVEs) and self-reported cardio- cerebrovascular diseases (CCBVDs) among the three groups. After adjusting for age, sex, and duration of diabetes, there were significant increases in the prevalence of both CCBVEs (3.8 vs. 11.8 vs. 26.4 %, p < 0.001 for trend) and self-reported CCBVDs (6.9 vs. 19.9 vs. 36.5 %, p < 0.001 for trend) across the three groups (diabetics without atherosclerosis, diabetics with either carotid or lower limb atherosclerosis, and diabetics with both carotid and lower extremity atherosclerosis). A fully adjusted logistic regression analysis also revealed that compared with those without atherosclerosis, those with either carotid or lower limb atherosclerosis had higher risk of CCBVEs (OR 1.724, 95 % CI 1.001-2.966) and self-reported CCBVDs (OR 1.705, 95 % CI 1.115-2.605), and those with concomitant presence of carotid and lower extremity atherosclerosis had the highest risk of CCBVEs (OR 2.869, 95 % CI 1.660-4.960) and self-reported CCBVDs (2.147, 95 % CI 1.388-3.320)(p < 0.001 for trend in CCBVEs and p = 0.002 for trend in CCBVDs, respectively). Either carotid or lower limb atherosclerosis was obviously related to increased cardio-cerebrovascular risk in type 2 diabetes. The concomitant presence of carotid and lower extremity atherosclerosis further increased cardio-cerebrovascular risk in patients with type 2 diabetes. The combined application of carotid and lower extremity ultrasonography may help identify type 2 diabetics with higher cardio-cerebrovascular risk.


Collection and storage of invertebrate samples.
The validity of any comparative study is dependent on the reliability of the identification of the samples in the study. Not all researchers are experts in the field of identification of samples, nor do all researchers have quick and ready access to expert systematists who can accomplish the task of identification. The importance of verification of sample identity for comparative studies is vital. We describe several methods by which researchers can obtain and identify samples from the wild, and we suggest methods by which voucher samples can be obtained for future reference to these collected samples. We outline alternatives to collection of samples from the wild, such as purchase from stock centers and biological supply companies. Museum collections can also be extremely helpful in obtaining complete organismal samples for comparative studies.


Beyond fluconazole: A review of vulvovaginal candidiasis diagnosis and treatment.
Vaginitis symptoms are among the most common reasons for patients to seek acute gynecological care. NPs who care for women and other patients with vaginas need to be up-to-date on diagnosis and treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and recurrent VVC (RVVC). Two new antifungal medications for VVC are available. This article reviews vaginal physiology and provides an overview of VVC and RVVC pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment options.


Impact of COVID-19 on the lives of people with severe mental illness-front-line community psychiatry workers observation from a provincial survey of assertive community treatment teams in Ontario, Canada.
Using an online survey distributed to members of the provincial organization that represents the 88 Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) and Flexible ACT teams in Ontario, Canada, this descriptive study relied on the unique vantage points and observations of the front-line community psychiatry workers who maintained contact with patients through outreach and telecommunication during the height of COVID-19. The patients who suffer from serious mental illness (SMI) were uniquely affected by COVID-19 due to the changes, reduction or shut down of many essential clinical and community support services. Thematic and quantitative analyses of the workers' observations highlighted 6 main areas of note, including significant social isolation and loneliness, clinical course deterioration and life disruption, increased hospital and ER use, police and legal contacts, and substance abuse and related deaths. There were also encouraging signs of positive adaptations in terms of independence and resilience. Reflections of these impacts and potential ameliorating approaches are further discussed.


[Endorectal ultrasonic study of the large intestine (a preliminary report)].
Endorectal ultrasound examination is known mainly as a method of examination of the prostate gland. In this report results are presented of the use of this method in patients with tumors of the rectum or of the adjacent organs, with the purpose of evaluating the relation of the tumor to the intestinal wall. In 7 cases gamma 4 with cancer of the colon and 1 with benign tumor, 1 patient with cancer of the uterine cervix and 1 patient with recurrent tumor in the pararectal space) the results of endorectal ultrasound examination matched the data of the histopathologic examination (in 6 cases) and with the clinical course of the disease (in 1 case) followed up over a period of 5 years. It is suggested that endorectal echography has a place as supplementary method of examination in patients with malignant tumors in the rectal area; the accumulated information will help to choose the therapeutic approach.


Efficacy of aortic balloon valvoplasty: direct measurement of orificial area in a model with pulsatile flow.
The efficacy of balloon valvoplasty of calcific aortic stenosis remains controversial. We studied, therefore, 5 human aortic valves obtained at necropsy in a positive-displacement pulse duplicator which delivered stroke volumes of 40-100 ml with a quasiphysiological waveform of flow. All valves had three leaflets without commissural fusion and were preserved in antibiotic solution before study. Orificial area was planimetered from videotape of opening of the valve and varied with flow in all cases. Valvoplasty with a 20 mm diameter balloon had no effect on the orifice of the normal valve but increased the orifice of 2 mildly calcified valves from 0.70-1.77 cm2 (range) at baseline to 1.06-1.95 cm2. In 2 valves with severe calcification of the leaflets, the orifice was increased from 0.31-0.82 cm2 to 0.73-1.07 cm2. Dual balloon valvoplasty achieved a variable but small further increase in orificial area. No valve showed tears of the leaflets or fracture of calcific deposits after valvoplasty. We conclude that balloon valvoplasty can acutely increase orificial area, independently of any change in stroke volume. In valves without commissural fusion, its mechanism appears to be an increase in the pliability of the leaflets which does not require macroscopic fracture of calcific deposits.


Uncalibrated arterial pulse cardiac output measurements in patients with moderately abnormal left ventricular function.
The aim of the study was to evaluate the accuracy and precision of the Vigileo/FloTrac system (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA) when compared with the intermittent cardiac output and continuous cardiac output measurements obtained from pulmonary arterial catheters in patients with moderately abnormal left ventricular function undergoing elective coronary artery bypass graft surgery. A prospective, observational study. Tertiary university hospital. Twenty patients with moderately abnormal left ventricular function undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery were enrolled. Data were collected before the induction of anesthesia (T1), after the induction of anesthesia (T2), before cardiopulmonary bypass with an open chest (T3), after cardiopulmonary bypass (T4), after sternal closure (T5), on intensive care unit admission (T6), and at 6 hours (T7) and 12 hours after surgery (T8). A total of 360 data measurements were collected; the mean bias between intermittent cardiac output (ICO) and arterial pressure cardiac output (APCO) was -0.50 ± 1.72 L/min, and the percentage error (PE) was 37.00%. The mean difference between CCO and APCO was -0.06 ± 1.84 L/min, and the PE was 37.80%. The correlation between ΔICO and ΔAPCO was r = 0.7; the correlation between ΔCCO and ΔAPCO was r = 0.73. In the intraoperative period, the mean bias between ICO and APCO was -0.41 ± 1.75 L/min, and the PE was 40.87%. The mean difference between CCO and APCO was -0.18 ± 1.90 L/min, and the PE was 41.48%. In the postoperative period, the mean bias between ICO and APCO was -0.56 ± 1.70 L/min, and the PE was 34.43%. The mean difference between CCO and APCO was -0.36 ± 1.76 L/min, and the PE was 34.87%. In cardiac surgical patients with moderately abnormal left ventricular function, the Vigileo/FloTrac 2nd generation software sensor device showed mild intraoperative and postoperative agreement when compared with a pulmonary arterial catheter.


Synchronous-scan fluorescence as a selective detection method for sodium dodecylbenzene-sulfonate and pyrene in environmental samples.
Synchronous-scan fluorescence spectra of dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid sodium salt (SDBS) and pyrene in aqueous solution were studied. The concentration ranges of SDBS and pyrene in aqueous solutions were 0.01-10.00 and 0.001-0.050 mg L(-1), respectively. The optimized wavelength differences (Deltalambda) of 46-55 and 38 nm were maintained between excitation and emission wavelengths for SDBS and pyrene, respectively, and they were found to be suitable for effective determination of SDBS and pyrene without mutual interferences; the peaks were observed at lambda(ex) 229-232 nm (SDBS) and lambda(ex) 335 nm (pyrene). Linear relationships between synchronous-scan fluorescence spectroscopy (SFS) intensity and concentration of SDBS or pyrene in aqueous solution (Milli-Q water, river water, and mucus of fish gills) were established. It was demonstrated that SFS method was effective for simultaneous analyses of SDBS and pyrene in mixed solution.


The incidence of depression by fertility status in overweight and obese Latina women.
The link between depression, obesity, and fertility status is poorly understood among Latina women. The Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) is routinely administered in the Diabetes and Obesity in Reproductive Age women Clinic. We describe median PHQ-9 score and PHQ-9 score ≥10 [indicative of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)] by fertility status. Of the 76 eligible new patients seen between June 2008 and 2009, 18.4% (n = 14) had PHQ-9 scores indicative of MDD. Infertile women had marginally significantly higher PHQ-9 scores than non-infertile women (p = 0.08). 26.5% of infertile women and 12.2% of non-infertile women had a PHQ-9 score indicative of MDD (p = 0.14). Number of previous births was inversely correlated with PHQ-9 score (R = -0.34, p = 0.002), those with no previous births had higher PHQ-9 scores (p = 0.001) and were more likely to have a PHQ-9 score indicative of MDD than those with previous births (28.6 vs. 9.8%, p = 0.04). Among non-infertile women, postpartum women had significantly lower PHQ-9 scores than non-postpartum women (p = 0.002). 4.6% of postpartum women and 21.1% of non-postpartum women had a PHQ-9 indicative of MDD (p = 0.19). Further investigation is needed to determine if reproductive success is protective against MDD among overweight and obese urban Latinas. Overall, depression is common among overweight and obese reproductive-age Latinas and thus routine screening is recommended.


Changes in hexokinase properties during transformation and subsequent proliferation of liver cells.
The activity and subcellular distribution of hexokinase in liver and several hepatomas were studied. The differences were found in the behavior of this enzyme in spontaneous, primary induced and transplantable hepatomas as compared with normal liver.


James M. Clyde, D.D.S., M.S.A.: The Canadian-American who rescued the Chicago Post-Graduate School of Anaesthesia.
The Chicago Post-Graduate School of Anaesthesia (PGSA) commenced with the opening of the Columbian Exposition, eight miles north of that Chicago World's Fair in May of 1893. When PGSA founder Samuel J. Hayes, D.D.S., M.S.A., forsook Chicago to tend to his moribund son back in Pittsburgh, Hayes' fellow professor, James M. Clyde, D.D.S., M.S.A., kept the PGSA from closing.


Cervical collar use following anterior cervical hybrid surgery: protocol for a prospective randomized, time-controlled trial.
Cervical hybrid surgery (HS) combines anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) to establish an individualized surgical plan for patients with multiple cervical disc degenerative diseases. In order to maintain the stability of the spine after HS, an external cervical collar is often used. However, there is still controversy regarding the importance of a cervical collar following surgery. This study aims to determine whether the cervical collar is effective and how long it should be worn after surgery. This is a randomized, single-center, prospective, parallel-controlled trial. Eligible participants will be selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The primary outcome is the neck disability index, which will be evaluated before surgery and at one week, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months following surgery. The secondary outcomes consist of the Japanese Orthopedic Association Scores, MOS 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36), visual analog scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Bazaz dysphagia scoring system, Falls Efficacy Scale, cervical collar satisfaction score, neck soft tissue assessment, and Braden Scale, as well as radiologic assessments for cervical lordosis, disc height of the operative levels, fusion rate, range of motion (ROM), and complications including anterior bone loss, prosthesis migration, and heterotopic ossification. The clinical and radiologic examinations were performed by investigators with no therapeutic relationship with the individual patient. All radiographs were examined by one independent radiologist. The results of this study will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at conferences. Upon completion of this trial, our findings could provide an appropriate cervical collar-wearing guideline for patients receiving HS. ChiCTR.org.cn ChiCTR2000033002. Registered on 2020-05-17.


Tumoricidal activity of endothelium-derived NO and the survival of metastatic cells with high GSH and Bcl-2 levels.
Metastatic spread, not primary tumor burden, is the leading cause of cancer death. Glutathione (L-gamma-glutamyl-L-cysteinyl-glycine; GSH) is the most prevalent non-protein thiol in mammalian cells, and in cancer cells is particularly relevant in regulating mutagenic mechanisms, DNA synthesis, growth, and multidrug and radiation resistance. In malignant tumors, as compared with normal tissues, that resistance associates in most cases with higher GSH levels. Interaction of metastatic cells with the vascular endothelium activates local release of proinflammatory cytokines, which act as signals promoting cancer cell adhesion, extravasation, and proliferation. A high% of metastatic cells with high GSH levels survive the nitrosative and oxidative stresses elicited by the endothelium and possibly by macrophages and granulocytes. Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase overexpression and an interorgan flow of GSH, by increasing cysteine availability for tumor GSH synthesis, promote metastatic growth. The mechanism of NO- and H(2)O(2)-induced tumor cytotoxicity has been examined during murine B16 melanoma (B16M) adhesion to the vascular endothelium. H(2)O(2) was not cytotoxic in the absence of NO. But, NO-induced tumor cytotoxicity was increased by H(2)O(2) due to the formation of potent oxidants, likely (.)OH and ((-))OONO radicals, via a trace metal-dependent process. B16M cells with high GSH content were more resistant to NO and H(2)O(2). Cancer cell survivors showed higher Bcl-2 and GSH levels. Metastatic invaders, after surviving attack by tissue macrophages, may further enhance their resistance.


Clinical aspects and therapeutic approach of drug-induced adverse skin reactions in a quaternary hospital: a retrospective study with 219 cases.
Adverse drug reactions are frequent, with cutaneous manifestations being the most common. In the hospital environment, the incidence of cutaneous drug reactions varies from 2% to 3%. To analyze the profile of cutaneous drug reactions, relating clinical forms, suspected medications, histopathological alterations, systemic repercussions, treatment and course. Clinical, retrospective and observational study of patients seen by the Dermatology Interconsultation team from January 2013 to December 2016. The frequency of cutaneous drug reactions among the evaluated patients was 13.6%, with 219 cases diagnosed. In 65.7%, the reaction was considered mild, of which the most common was exanthema, while in 34.2%, the reaction was considered severe, with DRESS being the main form of reaction(18.2%). Antibiotics (36.5%) and anticonvulsants (10%) were the most involved drugs. In addition to drug discontinuation, systemic corticosteroids were prescribed in 47% of cases and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) in 4.5%. Of the mild forms, in 62%, expectant management and/or exclusive use of symptomatic treatment was used. Retrospective study, with limitations inherent to this type of investigation; lack of some information in medical records; long evaluation period, with a possible change in external validity. The most frequently identified clinical form was exanthema, and antibiotics and anticonvulsants were the most frequently involved drug classes. About one-third of the patients had severe cutaneous drug reactions, with DRESS being the main one. Cutaneous drug reactions are frequent in clinical practice, and the dermatologist should be called in as soon as possible to assist in the diagnosis and management of these cases.


Communication among cancer patients, caregivers, and hospice nurses: Content, process and change over time.
First, to describe communication of home hospice nurse visits to cancer patient-caregiver dyads. Second, to assess change in communication related to domains of care over the course of visits. Multi-site prospective observational longitudinal study of audio-recorded home hospice visits (N=537 visits; 101 patient-caregiver dyads; 58 nurses). Communication was coded using the Roter Interaction Analysis System to describe content and process. Conversation representing three care domains (physical, psychosocial/daily life, and emotional) was calculated from RIAS categories across speakers and analyzed to assess change in communication over time. On average, nurses spoke 54% of total utterances, caregivers 29%, and patients 17%. For all participants, the predominant conversational focus was on physical care. Linear mixed effects models indicated that combined participant emotional talk showed a small systematic decrease over time; however, the results for all domains indicated variability unexplained by time or speaker effects. Home hospice conversations are predominantly focused on physical care. Systematic change in communication versus responsiveness to the dynamic effects of patient death and family response over time are discussed. Communication strategies already in use by hospice nurses could be leveraged and expanded upon to better facilitate family competence and confidence.


Fusarium in wheat: importance and toxin production in the field - possibilities and limits of fungicide treatments.
Effects of plant cropping measures on toxin production were investigated. The use of the plough reduced the DON level by 71%. Additionally, the choice of less sensitive varieties, as well as an adequate nitrogen fertilization showed a significant reduction of the DON content in grain. In non-ploughed systems, an ear application with fungicides reduced DON by 63 %. The effects of strobilurin containing fungicides (strobilurin solo products and strobilurin-azole mixtures) upon the toxin content were compared with azoles.


Stroke recurrence in children with sickle cell disease treated with hydroxyurea following first clinical stroke.
Chronic transfusion therapy is the treatment of choice for preventing stroke recurrence in children with sickle cell disease (SCD). The majority of children affected by this devastating complication live in the developing world where access to regular blood transfusions may be impractical. Since 2000, in the absence of regular blood supplies, all children at the Sickle Cell Unit who had experienced a first clinical stroke were offered hydroxyurea (HU) as the only intervention to prevent stroke recurrence. Forty-four children were identified as having experienced a first clinical stroke between January 1, 2000 and September 30, 2009; one died at that presentation. Forty-three children were therefore followed for 111 person-years, of whom 10 (23.3%) agreed to start HU. Only one child in the HU group, incidence rate 2/100 person-years, had clinical stroke recurrence, compared to 20/33 in the non-HU group, incidence rate 29/100 person-years (Hazard ratio (HR) 9.4 [95% Confidence interval (CI): 1.3-70.6]; P = 0.03). When the groups were compared, in the non-HU group, four died (vs. zero), 13 (53% vs. 10%) had moderate-severe physical disability (P = 0.017), and 12 (44% vs. 20%) required special education or were too disabled to attend school. Our data support the role of HU as a useful intervention for prevention of stroke recurrence in SCD when transfusion programs are not available or practical.


The exocyclic amino group of adenine in PtII and PdII complexes: a critical comparison of the X-ray crystallographic structural data and gas phase calculations.
A detailed computational (DFT level of theory) study regarding the nature of the exocyclic amino group, N6H2, of the model nucleobase 9-methyladenine (9MeA) and its protonated (9MeAH+) and deprotonated forms (9MeA-H), free and metal-complexed, has been conducted. The metals are PtII and PdII, bonded to nitrogen-containing co-ligands (NH3, dien, bpy), with N1, N6, and N7 being the metal-binding sites, individually or in different combinations. The results obtained from gas phase calculations are critically compared with X-ray crystallography data, whenever possible. In the majority of cases, there is good qualitative agreement between calculated and experimentally determined C6-N6 bond lengths, but calculated values always show a trend to larger values, by 0.02-0.08 Å. Both methods indicate, with few exceptions, a high degree of double-bond character of C6-N6, consistent with an essentially sp2-hybridized N6 atom. The shortest values for C6-N6 distances in X-ray crystal structures are around 1.30 Å. Exceptions refer to cases in which DFT calculations suggest the existence of a hydrogen bond with N6H2 acting as a H bond acceptor, hence a situation with N6 having undergone a substantial hybridization shift toward sp3. Nevertheless, even in these cases the C6-N6 bond (1.392 Å) is still halfway between a typical C-N single bond (1.48 Å) and a typical C=N double bond (1.28 Å). This scenario is, however, not borne out by X-ray crystallographic results, and is attributed to the absence of counter anions and solvent molecules in the calculated structures.


Seroprevalence to bovine immunodeficiency virus and lack of association with leukocyte counts in Italian dairy cattle.
We report herein on the first serological detection of antibodies to bovine immunodeficiency virus (BIV) in Italy. According to criteria of a stratified-random sampling of dairy cattle reared in the Parma area (a province in the Po Valley, Northern Italy), sera from 3166 cows belonging to 272 herds were collected. In addition, sera of 138 bulls from eight artificial-insemination (AI) centres were sampled. Seventy-eight cows (2.5%) from 16 herds (5.8%) and seven bulls (5.1%) from two AI centres were positive for BIV-R29 antibodies in the IFA-test. IFA-positive sera assayed by Western blot had reaction to different viral proteins: 81 out of 85 sera showed antibody to p26 (considered the BIV major internal core protein); four sera reacted to other viral proteins but not to p26. Peripheral blood leukocytes of 60 seropositive and 60 seronegative animals, belonging to eight BIV-infected herds, were enumerated to assess any effect of BIV infection on white-blood cells. No significant differences were detected between the two groups. These data indicate that BIV infection is present in Italian dairy cattle--but the role of BIV in inducing disease remains unclear.


Enhanced adsorptive desulfurization with flexible metal-organic frameworks in the presence of diethyl ether and water.
Several metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) were employed in adsorptive desulfurization in the presence of oxygen-containing compounds (OCCs). Unlike conventional MOFs and activated carbon, flexible MOFs with a MIL-53 topology showed remarkable performances for the desulfurization in the presence of OCCs.


GMS is superior to PAS for diagnosis of onychomycosis.
Onychomycosis is a common cause of deformed nails. Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) stains are more sensitive than fungal cultures for diagnosing onychomycosis. We performed a retrospective study comparing the use of PAS and Gomori methenamine silver (GMS) stains for histopathologic diagnosis of onychomycosis. GMS stains were performed on 20 PAS-positive and 51 PAS-negative cases from nail biopsies with a clinical diagnosis of onychomycosis. The PAS stained slides and GMS stained slides were evaluated for the presence of fungal hyphae. The results were analyzed with McNemar's test. All 20 PAS-positive cases were also positive with GMS stains. Of the 51 PAS-negative cases, GMS stains detected an additional five cases with fungal hyphae. GMS stains were quantitatively superior (p < 0.0253). GMS stains were also qualitatively superior. More fungal hyphae were highlighted and fungal hyphae were more easily recognized on low or medium power magnification. GMS stains are superior to PAS stains for the routine diagnosis of onychomycosis.


Application of immunocytochemistry in the diagnosis of soft tissue sarcomas: a review and update.
The diagnosis and classification of soft tissue sarcomas has been a source of difficulty for surgical pathologists. This has been largely attributable to a significant degree of overlap in histologic features among different types of soft tissue sarcomas. The immunohistochemical identification of various cell and tissue markers specific for certain avenues of cell differentiation has permitted more accurate diagnosis and classification of these tumors.


Invasion of cytotrophoblastic JEG-3 cells is stimulated by hCG in vitro.
Trophoblast invasion into the uterine wall is controlled by many factors. Previously, a human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) receptor has been found to be expressed on invasive trophoblast as well as on choriocarcinoma cells implying a possible role for the hormone in trophoblast invasion. Therefore, this study examined the role of hCG in the invasion of trophoblastic (JEG-3) cells. Increasing hCG concentrations were applied in a trophoblast invasion model, JEG-3, through matrigel-coated filters. The proliferation was quantified by WST-1 cleavage assay. Cell migration was studied by examining the number of cells that had passed the uncoated porous (8-microm pore size) filters. After staining, filters were examined microscopically for cells on the underside of the membrane. A quantitative protease assay was also performed. Flow cytometric analysis of alpha5 and alpha6 integrin subunits, which are essential for interactions between cells and extracellular matrix, was performed. hCG increased significantly (P<0.01) the in vitro invasion of trophoblastic JEG-3 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Migration was also increased by hCG (P<0.01). However, cell proliferation remained unchanged. The second messenger analogue dibutyryl cAMP (db cAMP) and the cAMP elevating factor (forskolin) mimicked the effects of hCG by stimulating a dose-dependent increase of trophoblastic cell UEG-3) invasion. The collagenolytic activity of trophoblastic cells (EG-3) was increased by hCG stimulation. No changes were shown in the expression of alpha5 and alpha6 integrin subunits on JEG-3 cells. In vitro hCG is a regulatory factor of invasion and migration in trophoblastic JEG-3 cells, whereas proliferation is not influenced. The endogenous production of hCG by the trophoblast in vivo implies an autocrine control of invasion processes by hCG.


Gal80 intersectional regulation of cell-type specific expression in vertebrates.
Characterization and functional manipulation of specific groups of neurons in the vertebrate central nervous system (CNS) remains a major hurdle for understanding complex circuitry and functions. In zebrafish, the Gal4/UAS system has permitted expression of transgenes and enhancer trap screens, but is often limited by broad expression domains. We have developed a method for cell-type specific expression using Gal80 inhibition of Gal4-dependent expression. We show that native Gal4 is able to drive strong expression, that Gal80 can inhibit this expression, and that overlapping Gal4 and Gal80 expression can achieve "intersectional" expression in spatially and genetically defined subsets of neurons. We also optimize Gal80 for expression in vertebrates, track Gal80 expression with a co-expressed fluorescent marker, and use a temperature-sensitive allele of Gal80 to temporally regulate its function. These data demonstrate that Gal80 is a powerful addition to the genetic techniques available to map and manipulate neural circuits in zebrafish.


Gastrointestinal bleeding in infantile hemangioma: a complication of segmental, rather than multifocal, infantile hemangiomas.
To highlight an association of facial segmental hemangiomas with gastrointestinal bleeding in infants with infantile hemangiomas. We conducted a multicenter retrospective case series study. Ten female patients met study inclusion criteria; 8 were Caucasian, 9 had a facial segmental hemangioma, and 9 cases met the diagnostic criteria for definitive posterior fossa malformations, hemangioma, arterial lesions, cardiac anomalies/coarctation of the aorta and eye abnormalities syndrome with abnormalities of the aorta and cerebral arteriopathy. Severe gastrointestinal bleeding requiring blood transfusion occurred in 9 cases, with age at presentation of gastrointestinal bleeding ranging from 8 days to 6 months. When detected, the location of the hemangioma in the small intestine was in the distribution of the superior mesenteric artery. More than one agent was required to control the gastrointestinal bleeding, including oral or intravenous steroids, vincristine, oral propranolol, interferon, and resection of the small intestine. All cases needed ongoing support care with red blood cell transfusions. Gastrointestinal bleeding is a rare complication of true infantile hemangioma. The segmental pattern of the cutaneous hemangioma associated with gastrointestinal bleeding should suggest a segmental infantile hemangioma of the lower gastrointestinal tract.


Superior mesenteric artery-to-renal artery bypass: a rare but useful alternative for renal artery revascularization.
The aorta, celiac axis, and iliac arteries are the most common inflow arteries used for renal revascularization. When these inflow vessels are diseased, the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) can be an alternative source of renal artery graft inflow. Previous reports have suggested that only an enlarged SMA should be used for this purpose, for fear of developing mesenteric ischemia. We report a patient who required renal artery revascularization with a saphenous vein graft from a normal-caliber SMA who did not develop subsequent mesenteric ischemia. The procedure was unique in demonstrating that the SMA can be used as a viable source of graft inflow even when it is anatomically normal.


Transthyretin Concentrations in Acute Stroke Patients Predict Convalescent Rehabilitation.
For stroke patients, intensive nutritional management is an important and effective component of inpatient rehabilitation. Accordingly, acute care hospitals must detect and prevent malnutrition at an early stage. Blood transthyretin levels are widely used as a nutritional monitoring index in critically ill patients. Here, we had analyzed the relationship between the transthyretin levels during the acute phase and Functional Independence Measure in stroke patients undergoing convalescent rehabilitation. We investigated 117 patients who were admitted to our hospital with acute ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke from February 2013 to October 2015 and subsequently transferred to convalescent hospitals after receiving acute treatment. Transthyretin concentrations were evaluated at 3 time points as follows: at admission, and 5 and 10 days after admission. After categorizing patients into 3 groups according to the minimum transthyretin level, we analyzed the association between transthyretin and Functional Independence Measure. In our patients, transthyretin levels decreased during the first 5 days after admission and recovered slightly during the subsequent 5 days. Notably, Functional Independence Measure efficiency was significantly associated with the decrease in transthyretin levels during the 5 days after admission. Patients with lower transthyretin levels had poorer Functional Independence Measure outcomes and tended not to be discharged to their own homes. A minimal transthyretin concentration (<10 mg/dL) is predictive of a poor outcome in stroke patients undergoing convalescent rehabilitation. In particular, an early decrease in transthyretin levels suggests restricted rehabilitation efficiency. Accordingly, transthyretin levels should be monitored in acute stroke patients to indicate mid-term rehabilitation prospects.


The prevalence and co-occurrence of hematological complications at the time of diagnosis of chronic hepatitis C in Poland: a cross-sectional study.
To evaluate the frequency, co-occurrence, and risk factors for hematological complications at the time of diagnosis of chronic hepatitis C (CHC). This study included 1237 patients with CHC aged 18-88 years diagnosed in the years 1998-2010 in the Pomeranian region of Poland. Clinical data, cell blood count, liver biopsy, and biochemistry results were obtained retrospectively. Hematological complications were found in 31% of patients. The most frequent complication was thrombocytopenia (23.8%). The multivariate analysis showed a 5.1-fold increased risk (P<0.05) of at least one additional hematological complication in patients with thrombocytopenia. The greatest increase in risk (7.3) was related to leukopenia and cryoglobulinemia (2.3). The risk of leukopenia was correlated with the severity of thrombocytopenia. The risk of leukopenia and thrombocytopenia increased significantly from, respectively, stages 3 and 2 of liver fibrosis compared with patients without fibrosis. In patients with CHC, decreases in cell blood count occur quite frequently. The most often is mild and solitary thrombocytopenia, but if severe, it may be accompanied by leukopenia, especially in women. The presence of thrombocytopenia and leukopenia in patients with CHC may indicate advanced liver fibrosis or its final stage: cirrhosis.


A 14;19 translocation in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia: a new recurring chromosome aberration.
Four of 30 patients with a diagnosis of B-CLL or prolymphocytic transformation of CLL, who had an adequate cytogenetic analysis, had abnormalities involving 14q32. Three of the 4 had a translocation involving chr. 19; in 2 of them it appeared to be t(14;19) (q32;q13.1). The third patient probably had the same translocation. All 3 patients had received therapy prior to cytogenetic analysis.


Adolescent With Acute Liver Failure in the Setting of Ethanol, Cocaine, and Ecstasy Ingestion Treated With a Molecular Adsorbent Recirculating System.
Recreational polypharmacy intoxication is a popular trend, particularly among adolescents and young adults. Acute liver failure is an uncommon complication of drug intoxication and has been described separately among patients intoxicated with ethanol, cocaine, and 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy). Many patients with acute liver failure will die without liver transplant, and management of drug-induced acute liver failure is complicated by the fact that polysubstance abuse may be a contraindication for liver transplant, even among young patients. Here we report a case of acute liver failure in an adolescent male secondary to recreational intoxication with ethanol, cocaine, and ecstasy. This patient was not a candidate for liver transplantation. We describe successful treatment using a molecular adsorbent recirculating system (MARS®) or "liver dialysis" and review the literature pertaining to management options for this type of patient.


Phytoestrogen-mediated inhibition of proliferation of the human T47D breast cancer cells depends on the ERalpha/ERbeta ratio.
This study investigates the importance of the intracellular ratio of the two estrogen receptors ERalpha and ERbeta for the ultimate potential of the phytoestrogens genistein and quercetin to stimulate or inhibit cancer cell proliferation. This is of importance because (i) ERbeta has been postulated to play a role in modulating ERalpha-mediated cell proliferation, (ii) genistein and quercetin may be agonists for both receptor types and (iii) the ratio of ERalpha to ERbeta is known to vary between tissues. Using human osteosarcoma (U2OS) ERalpha or ERbeta reporter cells it was shown that compared to estradiol (E2), genistein and quercetin have not only a relatively greater preference for ERbeta but also a higher maximal potential for activating ERbeta-mediated gene expression. Using the human T47D breast cancer cell line with tetracycline-dependent ERbeta expression (T47D-ERbeta), the effect of a varying intracellular ERalpha/ERbeta ratio on E2- or pythoestrogen-induced cell proliferation was characterised. E2-induced proliferation of cells in which ERbeta expression was inhibited was similar to that of the T47D wild type cells, whereas this E2-induced cell proliferation was no longer observed when ERbeta expression was increased. With increased expression of ERbeta the phytoestrogen-induced cell proliferation was also reduced. These results point at the importance of the cellular ERalpha/ERbeta ratio for the ultimate effect of (phyto)estrogens on cell proliferation.


A qualitative secondary evaluation of statewide follow-up interviews for abnormal newborn screening results for cystic fibrosis and sickle cell hemoglobinopathy.
The purpose of this qualitative analysis was to assess parental acceptability of large-scale, telephone follow-up regarding their infants' newborn screening (NBS) results, indicating carrier status for sickle cell hemoglobinopathy (SCH) and cystic fibrosis (CF). Analysis of 195 interview transcripts focused on parents' responses to two open-ended questions: "What was your reaction to being called by me?" and "What do you think of the state NBS program having follow-up people calling parents like you?" Responses were coded using conventional content analysis procedures, and nonparametric tests were performed to analyze quantitative data. Most parents reported favorable opinions about the follow-up. Favorable opinions were associated with several emotional reactions to receiving follow-up (P <0.001) and three reasons why parents found the interview beneficial (P < 0.05): it provided information, clarified NBS results, and answered questions. Seventeen parents of SCH carriers reportedly had not been told their infant's NBS results and received them for the first time during the follow-up interview. Parents of CF and SCH carrier infants had favorable opinions and identified specific benefits to receiving follow-up contact. This analysis demonstrates an information deficit among carrier parents and illustrates the importance of NBS follow-up and need for comprehensive communication and counseling.


Quantifying Current Events Identifies a Novel Endurance Regulator.
In nongrowing microbes, proteome turnover is reduced and identification of newly synthesized, low-abundance proteins is challenging. Babin and colleagues recently utilized bio-orthogonal noncanonical amino acid tagging (BONCAT) to identify actively synthesized proteins in nongrowing Pseudomonas aeruginosa, discovering a regulator whose influences range from biofilm formation to secondary metabolism.


Genetic architecture of tuber-bound free amino acids in potato and effect of growing environment on the amino acid content.
Free amino acids in potato tubers contribute to their nutritional value and processing quality. Exploring the natural variation in their accumulation in tubers across diverse genetic backgrounds is critical to potato breeding programs aiming to enhance or partition their distribution effectively. This study assessed variation in the tuber-bound free amino acids in a diversity panel of tetraploid potato clones developed and maintained by the Texas A&M Potato Breeding Program to explore their genetic basis and to obtain genomic-estimated breeding values for applied breeding purposes. Free amino acids content was evaluated in tubers of 217 tetraploid potato clones collected from Dalhart, Texas in 2019 and 2020, and Springlake, Texas in 2020. Most tuber amino acids were not affected by growing location, except histidine and proline, which were significantly lower (- 59.0%) and higher (+ 129.0%), respectively, at Springlake, Texas (a location that regularly suffers from abiotic stresses, mainly high-temperature stress). Single nucleotide polymorphism markers were used for genome-wide association studies and genomic selection of clones based on amino acid content. Most amino acids showed significant variations among potato clones and moderate to high heritabilities. Principal component analysis separated fresh from processing potato market classes based on amino acids distribution patterns. Genome-wide association studies discovered 33 QTL associated with 13 free amino acids. Genomic-estimated breeding values were calculated and are recommended for practical potato breeding applications to select parents and advance clones with the desired free amino acid content.


Convenient access to glutamic acid side chain homologues compatible with solid phase peptide synthesis.
[reaction: see text] Preparation of several side chain length variants of glutamic acid is achieved via olefin cross metathesis of allyl glycine derivatives. The products are suitably protected for direct use in Fmoc solid-phase peptide synthesis, as demonstrated by successful synthesis of test sequences.


Diagnostic accuracy of coronary 320 slice CT angiography using retrospective electrocardiogram gated acquisition compared with virtual prospective electrocardiogram gated acquisition with and without padding.
To reduce radiation-exposure, prospective-ECG-gating without padding is preferable. To evaluate diagnostic-accuracy of coronary 320-slice-CT angiography using various-acquisition-methods, we compared retrospective-ECG-gated with dose-modulation and "virtual" prospective-ECG-gating with and without padding. We retrospectively selected seventy-seven consecutive symptomatic subjects (52-males, 62 ± 12 years) with normal-sinus-rhythm who underwent both retrospective-ECG-gated 320-slice-CT and conventional-coronary-angiograms (CCAG) within 3-months. CT images were reconstructed at 5% from 0 to 95% of RR-interval. Three-methods were used to assess >50% coronary-stenosis; 1) using only 75% of data named virtual prospective-ECG-gating without padding, 2) using 70-100% of data if heart-rate (HR) was <66 beats/minute (bpm), or using 35-100% of data if HR was >65 bpm, named as virtual prospective-ECG-gating with padding, and 3) using all-phase-data named retrospective-ECG-gating. In 42-subjects with HR <66 bpm, there were zero unevaluable-segments in virtual prospective-ECG-gating with and without padding and retrospective-ECG-gating. But in 35-subjects with HR >65 bpm, the percentage of unevaluable-segments were significantly-higher in virtual prospective-ECG-gating without padding (13.6 ± 27.9%) than in virtual prospective-ECG-gating with padding (0.7 ± 3.1%), and retrospective-ECG-gating (0.7 ± 3.1%) (both P = 0.012). Using only evaluable-lesions, in 35-subjects with HR >65 bpm, sensitivity, specificity, positive-predictive-value and negative-predictive-value of CT for detecting >50% luminal-stenosis compared with CCAG were 82%, 94%, 60%, and 98%, respectively, for virtual prospective-ECG-gating without padding, 97%, 96%, 73%, and 100%, respectively, for virtual prospective-ECG-gating with padding, and 97%, 96%, 73%, and 100%, respectively, for retrospective-ECG-gating (all P = not-significant). Virtual prospective-ECG gating at 75% of RR-interval without padding had significantly-more unevaluable-segments than virtual prospective-ECG-gating with padding and retrospective-ECG-gating only in subjects with HR >65 bpm.


Molar-incisor hypomineralization in quilombola children and adolescents: A study of prevalence and associated factors.
This cross-sectional observational study determined the prevalence and factors associated with molar-incisive hypomineralization (MIH) in quilombola children and adolescents in north-eastern Brazil. The sample consisted of 251 children and adolescents (8 to 14 years old) living in the rural quilombola community Lagoas in São Raimundo Nonato, Piauí (census population). Sociodemographic and health-related data were collected from pre-, peri- and post-natal health records and a clinical examination for MIH diagnosis was performed by four previously trained and calibrated examiners. Descriptive data analysis and Poisson regression were performed. The magnitude of the association was determined by adjusted prevalence ratio (PR) and confidence intervals (95% CI). The prevalence of MIH was 46.6%. The presence of MIH was associated with gestational diabetes (PR = 2.49, 95% CI 2.08-2.99; p <0.001) and acute foetal distress (PR = 1.39; 95% CI 1.04-1.86; p = 0.025). It was concluded that the prevalence of MIH in the quilombola community was high and associated with gestational diabetes and acute foetal distress.


Prognostic value of left ventricular mass in uncomplicated acute myocardial infarction and one-vessel coronary artery disease.
This study assesses the relative prognostic value of increased left ventricular (LV) mass compared with residual ischemic myocardium and angiographic characteristics of the diseased vessel in 76 patients with uncomplicated acute myocardial infarction associated with 1-vessel coronary artery disease (CAD). All patients underwent symptom-limited treadmill exercise testing, resting and dipyridamole echocardiography and coronary angiography before discharge, and were followed-up for 32 +/- 6 months. LV measurements were obtained in diastole according to the Penn convention. Measurements of LV mass were divided by body surface area to obtain LV mass index. A cut-off value of 135 g/m2 body surface area for men and 112 g/m2 for women was prospectively selected. The individual effects of clinical, stress testing and angiographic variables were evaluated by using the Cox regression model. Echocardiographic LV mass index was increased in 43 patients and normal in 33. There was no intergroup difference with respect to baseline clinical and angiographic variables, ejection fraction and prevalence of stress-induced ischemia. During follow-up there were 23 cardiac events in the 43 patients with increased LV mass index and only 5 in the 33 with normal LV mass index (p < 0.001). No patient died or had nonfatal reinfarction among patients with normal LV mass. Cox survival analysis identified an increased LV mass index as the only independent predictor of cardiac events (chi-square = 7.9; p < 0.005; RR = 5.4). Thus, these data suggest that LV mass is an important independent risk factor in patients with uncomplicated acute myocardial infarction associated with 1-vessel CAD.


Development of the spinal nerves in the lamprey: III. Spinal ganglia and dorsal roots in 26-day (13 mm) larvae.
Serial sections of the trunk and tail of 26-day (13 mm) larval lampreys were examined by light and electron microscopy. Trunk region: Spinal ganglia and ventral nerves are seen alternately along the spinal cord and the notochord in the trunk. Spinal ganglia are located medially in intermyotome spaces with intersegmental blood vessels and send "dorsal nerves" ventrally along the vessels. "Ventral nerves" are seen on the midmedial surface of each myotome. Fibers containing dense-cored vesicles occur in the dorsal root but not in the ventral root. Caudal region: In the caudal one-third of the tail the ventral nerves are formed earlier than spinal ganglia and dorsal nerves. The most caudal (primitive) ventral nerve (root) develops at the 12th myotome from the caudal end of the series of myotomes, the caudalmost ganglion being formed between the 15th and the 14th myotome in a 13-mm larval lamprey. The intimate association of dorsolateral outflow (DLO) fibers (Nakao and Ishizawa: J. Comp. Neurol. 256:356-368, '87b) with neural crest cells (DO cells of Nakao and Ishizawa; ibid.) strongly suggested that these fibers play an important role as the substrate for guiding the cells to form compact cell masses as primitive spinal ganglia. Two types of cell groups are progressively distinguished in primitive spinal ganglia during development. One of them has a light round nucleus with a prominent nucleolus and a large amount of the perinuclear cytoplasm that contains abundant free ribosomes, rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER), numerous Golgi apparatuses, and dense bodies. Cells of the other type are characterized by a dense, flattened nucleus with a small amount of perinuclear cytoplasm that extends as a thin cytoplasmic sheet to surround cells of the other type as a whole, the basal lamina surrounding the whole cell mass. The former type is interpreted as neural cells and the latter satellite cells of the ganglion. Central processes of ganglionic neural cells are assumed to enter the spinal cord along DLO fibers by using them as a substrate to establish the dorsal root. Intersegmental blood vessels develop later than spinal ganglia and peripheral processes extend along the vessels.