Predictors of non-adherence to clinical follow-up among patients participating in a randomized trial of pharmaceutical care intervention in HIV-positive adults in Southern Brazil.
Pharmaceutical care (PC) has been shown to improve adherence to therapeutic interventions as well as improve clinical outcomes. We assessed the predictors of non-adherence to clinical follow-up (i.e., not attending three scheduled routine clinical visits over a 1 year period) among patients who participated in a clinical trial of PC intervention on adherence to HIV antiretroviral therapy uptake (the PC-HIV trial). A total of 332 patients participated: median age was 39 years, 63 % were male, 76 % had CD4 count ≥200 cells/mm³, and 52 % had undetectable viral load. About half, 52.7 %, were non-adherent to clinical follow-up. Identified risk factors for non-adherence were male gender, age <40 years, and being in the trial's "control" group (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.67, 95 % CI 1.05-2.66; AOR 2.21, 95 % CI 1.42-3.47; AOR 1.67, 95 % CI 1.07-2.61, respectively). Younger, male patients may benefit from interventions such as PC, which facilitates engagement in care.


Management of varicella-zoster virus primary infection during pregnancy: A national survey of practice.
Varicella (VZV) infection in pregnancy can result in serious outcomes: maternal pneumoniae irrespective of the term of pregnancy, and lead to congenital varicella syndrome before 18 weeks of gestation and neonatal varicella. There are between 350 and 500 cases a year in France. Until now, there have been no scientific obstetrical guidelines for clinical practice in France for VZV infection during pregnancy. To evaluate health care providers' knowledge and practices concerning varicella infection during pregnancy in France. An anonymous survey on VZV infection was sent by e-mail to gynecologists-obstetricians and midwives. We evaluated their knowledge and practices concerning VZV transmission, maternal varicella, congenital varicella syndrome, neonatal varicella and prevention. The survey was completed by 271 professionals: gynecologists (161/271; 60%) and midwives (110/271; 40%). Among 20 items, 5 were multiple choice questions. 29 correct answers were expected. Scores ranged from 6/29 to 28/29 (mean score: 17.44/29). The consequences of VZV primary infection in pregnancy are poorly known. We reveal a diversity of management among practitioners in our study population, not always in accordance with the international scientific literature or with the guidelines of other countries. Health care providers should update their knowledge of varicella infection during pregnancy. The publication of national guidelines could help to achieve this objective.


Prevalence of sarcopenia and its association with activities of daily living and dysphagia in convalescent rehabilitation ward inpatients.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of sarcopenia following stroke, musculoskeletal disease, or hospital-associated deconditioning in convalescent rehabilitation ward inpatients. The association between the activities of daily living (ADLs), dysphagia, and sarcopenia was also assessed. A cross-sectional study was performed in consecutive patients admitted to convalescent rehabilitation wards. Sarcopenia was defined as a loss of skeletal muscle mass and decreased muscle strength. The primary outcome was the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) score. Body mass index, Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form score, Food Intake Level Scale (FILS) score, Charlson Comorbidity Index, premorbid modified Rankin scale, time from onset, reason for admission, bioelectrical impedance analysis for skeletal muscle mass and fat mass, and handgrip strength were also assessed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine whether ADLs and dysphagia were associated with sarcopenia. The study included 637 patients (mean age: 74 years; 271 men and 366 women). Sarcopenia was diagnosed in 343 (53.0%) patients (141 men and 202 women). Sarcopenia was identified in 53.6% (125/233) of stroke patients (59.8%, 50.0%, and 34.6% of patients with brain infarctions, brain hemorrhages, and subarachnoid hemorrhages, respectively). Sarcopenia was found in 51.3% (154/300) of patients with musculoskeletal diseases (59.5%, 53.6%, and 36.5% of patients with hip fractures, vertebral compression fractures, and total knee arthroplasty, respectively). Of patients with hospital-associated deconditioning, 61.5% (64/104) had sarcopenia (95.1% and 39.7% of patients with pneumonia and other acute diseases, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that FIM motor domain and FILS scores were independently associated with skeletal muscle mass loss and decreased muscle strength. The prevalence of sarcopenia in convalescent rehabilitation ward inpatients was 53.0%. ADLs and dysphagia were independently associated with sarcopenia in this study population. Sarcopenia with disabilities should be assessed for all patients in rehabilitation settings.


A clinical decision framework to guide the outpatient treatment of emergency department patients diagnosed with acute pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis: Results from a multidisciplinary consensus panel.
The outpatient treatment of select emergency department patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE) or deep vein thrombosis (DVT) has been shown to be safe, cost effective and associated with high patient satisfaction. Despite this, outpatient PE and DVT treatment remains uncommon. To address this, the American College of Emergency Physicians assembled a multidisciplinary team of content experts to provide evidence-based recommendations and practical advice to help clinicians safely treat patients with low-risk PE and DVT without hospitalization. The emergency clinician must stratify the patient's risk of clinical decompensation due to their PE or DVT as well as their risk of bleeding due to anticoagulation. The clinician must also select and start an anticoagulant and ensure that the patient has access to the medication in a timely manner. Reliable follow-up is critical, and the patient must also be educated about signs or symptoms that should prompt a return to the emergency department. To facilitate access to these recommendations, the consensus panel also created 2 web-based "point-of-care tools."


Serological and clinical diagnosis of hydatid disease in schistosomal patients.
Indirect haemagglutination test (I.H.A.T.), Latex test (L.A.), and Complement Fixation test (C.F.T.), were performed on 100 serum samples obtained from Egyptian patients suspected clinically to have Hydatid disease and 50 healthy controls. The results of clinical, laboratory and serologic investigations revealed Hydatid infection in six cases.


Catalytic Deactivation and Regeneration of Nickel Microparticles in a Home-Built Microchannel-Coupled Millireactor: Substrate Specificity and Multiphase Flow Dependency.
Substrate-assisted product desorption often proposed in heterogeneous catalysis (nanozymes) denounces the catalytic deactivation of these catalysts. On the contrary, the catalytic deactivation of rigid heterogeneous catalyst becomes noticeable in a continuous flow reactor. Surprisingly, it has been addressed inadequately and in an isolated manner. In this study, we have developed a cost-effective non-lithographic method for the fabrication of a PDMS-based microchannel-coupled-millreactor. Immobilized nickel particles are resistant to leaching in the flow process. During continuous operation, millireactors show a strong catalytic activity for reduction of resazurin and p-nitrophenol with a conversion rate of almost 100 %. Catalytic poisoning is ubiquitous and gets gradually prominent whereas complete catalytic deactivation of magnetic Ni-microparticles is found to be an instantaneous process. Relatively large-sized resorufin binds predominantly to the surface and thereby blocks the access of the substrate to the Ni-particles. The dissociations of product molecules - resorufin and p-aminophenol are the rate-limiting steps that caused the abrupt deactivation of Ni-microparticle. The kinetic mechanism of heterogeneous derived from the Langmuir-Hinshelwood mechanism satisfactorily explains the catalytic poisoning and deactivation of nickel microparticles. This study sheds light on the intricacies of catalytic activity and poisoning of magnetic nickel microparticles.


Single-dose pharmacokinetics of amprenavir coadministered with grapefruit juice.
In this crossover study in 12 healthy volunteers, coadministration of amprenavir (1,200 mg; single dose) with grapefruit juice slightly reduced the maximum concentration of drug in serum (Cmax) compared to administration with water (7.11 versus 9.10 microg/ml), slightly increased the time to Cmax (1.13 versus 0.75 h), and did not affect the area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 12 h (AUC(0-12)), the AUC(0-infinity), or the concentration at 12 h. Therefore, grapefruit juice does not clinically significantly affect amprenavir pharmacokinetics.


In vivo recovery with products of very high purity--assay discrepancies.
In view of reports of FVIII assay discrepancies in post-infusion plasma samples depending on methods used, we compared FVIII results run by each of four different methods following infusion of rFVIII (Kogenate). Nine persons with haemophilia A were infused with each of two lots of product. Plasma samples were obtained at baseline, and at 10 min, 30 min, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 14, 30 and 48 h post-infusion for measurement of FVIII. FVIII assay methods were chromogenic, and one-stage APTT using three different types of activators: micronized, silica, ellagic acid, and kaolin. The same reference plasma standard was used throughout. Results demonstrated a consistent difference in FVIII values, with chromogenic assays being considerably higher than those run by one-stage assays. The discrepancy was greatest when kaolin was the activator. These results point out the problems in attempting to determine the "correct" FVIII level in patient plasma samples following infusion of high purity FVIII preparations. Potential "pitfalls" include the standard used for defining product potency, the methods, reagents, instrumentation and standards used in assaying plasma samples and, in some instances, the characteristics of the product itself. This situation has considerable cost implications, potential impact on patient care, and makes it difficult to compare results between laboratories.


Anaphylaxis produced by rubber glove contact. Case reports and immunological identification of the antigens involved.
A study was carried out on six subjects suffering from anaphylactic reactions including asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis, contact urticaria and hypotension following contact with rubber gloves. All of them showed skin sensitivity and serum specific IgE to various preparations of natural latex, and not to other chemicals used in glove manufacturing. Immunoblotting techniques demonstrated that at least four soluble polypeptides from natural latex had the ability to bind specific human IgE. The results suggested that natural latex proteins present in rubber gloves can cause severe specific hypersensitivity reactions.


Sympathetic innervation of the pulmonary artery, ascending aorta, and coronar glomera of the rabbit. A fluorescence microscopic study.
Adrenergic nerve fibres were demonstrated in the connective tissue of the rabbit coronar glomera by means of the formaldehyde-induced fluorescence technique for catecholamines. This type of innervation is similar to the adrenergic nerve supply to the rabbit and cat carotid body. Adrenergic fibres terminate subendothelially and only a few can be traced to type I cells in the glomera coronaria. The sympathetic innervation of the ascending aorta is exceedingly sparse in contrast to the pulmonary trunk, while vasa vasorum of the ascending aorta exhibit a dense sympathetic innervation.


Steroid-dependent form of Kinsbourne syndrome: successful treatment with trazodone.
We report the case of a 19 month old girl with myoclonic encephalopathy of infants (MEI) (Kinsbourne syndrome), on long-term therapy with ACTH for the occurrence of frequent relapses (steroid-dependent form). The administration of trazodone per os at low doses as an alternative to the previous treatment ensured complete remission, also on the occasion of a subsequent relapse. No rebound effects were observed after trazodone withdrawal (10 months). At present, 3 years after withdrawal of the therapy, the child is well and free from symptoms. The hypothesis that trazodone may be effective in treating MEI, at least in cases that are steroid-dependent or resistant to ACTH, appears highly interesting. Trazodone is proposed as a possible alternative to treatment with ACTH.


A study on the applicability of in-line measurements in the monitoring of the pellet coating process.
Special populations including paediatric and elderly patients often need advanced approaches in treatment, such as one-a-day dosing, which is achieved with modified release formulations or alternative routes of applications such as nasogastric route. Pellets are a dosage form that is frequently used in such formulations. The aim of the present work was to study the applicability of two in-line techniques, namely, Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIR) and Spatial Filtering Technique (SFT) in the pellet coating process. The first objective of our work was to develop a prediction model for moisture content determination with the in-line NIR and to test its robustness in terms of sensitivity to changes in composition of the pellets and performance in wide range of moisture content. Secondly, the in-line SFT measurement was correlated with different off-line particle size methods. The third objective was to evaluate the ability of both in-line techniques for the detection of undesired deviations during the process, such as pellet attrition and agglomeration. Finally, the ability to predict coating thickness with the in-line NIR probe was evaluated. Results suggested that NIR prediction model for moisture content was less robust outside the calibration range and was also sensitive to changes in composition of the film coating. Nevertheless, satisfactory prediction was achieved in the case when coating composition was partially altered and adequate calibration range was used. The SFT probe results were in good correlation with off-line particle size measurement methods and proved to be an effective tool for coating thickness determination during the coating, however, the probe failed to accurately show the actual amount of the agglomerates formed during the process. In experiment when pellet attrition was initiated, both probes successfully detected abrasion of the pellet surface in real time. Furthermore, a predictive NIR model for coating thickness was made and showed a good potential to measure coating thickness in-line, suggesting that the NIR probe can be used as a single tool to monitor water content, coating thickness, and deviations in the coating process.


Partial reinforcement effects on learning and extinction of place preferences in the water maze.
In two experiments, two groups of rats were trained in a navigation task according to either a continuous or a partial schedule of reinforcement. In Experiment 1, animals that were given continuous reinforcement extinguished the spatial response of approaching the goal location more readily than animals given partial reinforcement-a partial reinforcement extinction effect. In Experiment 2, after partially or continuously reinforced training, animals were trained in a new task that made use of the same reinforcer according to a continuous reinforcement schedule. Animals initially given partial reinforcement performed better in the novel task than did rats initially given continuous reinforcement. These results replicate, in the spatial domain, well-known partial reinforcement phenomena typically observed in the context of Pavlovian and instrumental conditioning, suggesting that similar principles govern spatial and associative learning. The results reported support the notion that salience modulation processes play a key role in determining partial reinforcement effects.


Influence of short-term experimental diabetes on blood pressure and heart rate in response to norepinephrine and angiotensin II in the conscious rat.
Hypertension, atherosclerosis, arteriosclerosis, and cardiomyopathy account for 80% of all diabetic deaths. A paucity of data exists concerning reactivity of the diabetic vasculature to vasopressor substances. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the influence of short-term (4-5 weeks) diabetes on the responsiveness of the cardiovascular system to vasopressor substances in the intact conscious rat. Diabetes was chemically induced with streptozotocin (65 mg/kg i.v.) in 42-43-days-old, nonfasted, male Sprague-Dawley--derived rats. Direct blood pressure and heart rate were recorded, and responses to the vasopressor agonists norepinephrine and angiotensin II were obtained. Short-term diabetic rats were hypotensive and had lower heart rates when compared with control rats. Blood pressure responses to norepinephrine and angiotensin II were depressed in the short-term diabetic rat; however, the baroreceptor reflexes in these rats were more sensitive to increases in blood pressure. Therefore, it appears that there is some type of nonspecific alteration in the responsiveness of the cardiovascular system to the vasopressor agonists in the short-term diabetic rat.


Dynamic DNA methylation modification in peanut seed development.
Cytosine methylation is an important epigenetic modification involved in regulation of plant development. However, the epigenetic mechanisms governing peanut seed development remain unclear. Herein, we generated DNA methylation profiles of developmental seeds of peanut H2014 and its smaller seed mutant H1314 at 15 and 60 days after pegging (DAP, S1, S4). Accompanying seed development, globally elevated methylation was observed in both lines. The mutant had a higher methylation level of 31.1% than wild type at S4, and 27.1-35.9% of the differentially methylated regions (DMRs) between the two lines were distributed in promoter or genic regions at both stages. Integrated methylome and transcriptome analysis revealed important methylation variations closely associated with seed development. Furthermore, some genes showed significantly negative correlation of expression with the methylation level within promoter or gene body. The results provide insights into the roles of DNA methylation in peanut seed development.


From fact to meaning: Care practitioners' hermeneutic competence development in residential care for persons with dementia.
In long-term care for people with dementia, person-centred care (PCC) is widely promoted as an approach that contributes to the well-being of persons in psycho-geriatric care. The goal of PCC is to acknowledge the personhood of residents and to indicate the responsibility of others to ensure the personhood of persons with dementia. In 2016 and 2018, qualitative empirical research was conducted with the purpose to enhance PCC and meaningful care. Five Dutch nursing homes and a total of eight communities of practice participated in the research project 'People and their Stories'. The aim of this project was to strengthen the hermeneutic competence of care practitioners, with a focus on informal everyday interpersonal interactions between residents and care professionals. This article highlights how care professionals, by enhancing their hermeneutical competence, can do justice to the unique personhood of residents in everyday care practice. Three distinguished features for strengthening the hermeneutic competence of care professionals were formulated: respectful curiosity as a prerequisite, being able to differentiate between fact and meaning, and the awareness of own perspectives and assumptions.


Role of the Atg9a gene in intrauterine growth and survival of fetal mice.
Autophagy is activated by environment unfavorable for survival and requires Atg9a protein. Mice heterozygous for p57(Kip2), devoid of the imprinted paternal allele (p57(Kip2+/-)), are known to develop hypertension during pregnancy. To determine whether fetal Atg9a is involved in the intrauterine survival and growth of fetal mice, this study was performed on Atg9a heterozygous (Atg9a(+/-)) pregnant mice with and without p57(Kip2+/-). The pregnant mice heterozygous for both knockout alleles of Atg9a and p57(Kip2) (Atg9a(+/-)/p57(Kip2+/-)), but not those heterozygous for Atg9a alone, developed hypertension during pregnancy. Placental expression of Atg9a mRNA was significantly decreased in the Atg9a(-/-) mice compared to Atg9a(+/-) or Atg9a(+/+) mice. The Atg9a(-/-) fetal mice exhibited significantly retarded growth and were more likely to die in utero compared to Atg9a(+/+) and Atg9a(+/-) fetal mice. Growth retardation was observed in the presence of maternal hypertension in Atg9a(-/-) fetal mice. These results suggest that Atg9a(-/-) fetal mice from pregnant dams heterozygous for both knockout alleles of Atg9a and p57(Kip2) are more susceptible to hypertensive stress than fetuses with intact autophagic machinery.


[Appropriateness of treatment of acute pharyngotonsillitis according to the scientific evidence].
To evaluate the appropriateness of antibiotic prescriptions in children with acute pharyngotonsillitis. A descriptive study was performed in a series of pediatric patients diagnosed with acute pharyngotonsillitis in the emergency rooms of 11 Spanish hospitals. The appropriateness of antibiotic prescriptions was assessed by comparing our clinical practice in the use of antibiotics for pharyngotonsillitis with consensus guidelines developed for this study. We collected data from 1716 patients with acute pharyngotonsillitis. Antibiotics were prescribed in 80.9 %, mainly according to empirical criteria. The most commonly used antibiotics were amoxicillin (36 %), amoxicillin-clavulanate (22.5 %), cefixime (6.6 %), azithromycin (5.8 %) and cefuroxime (5.2 %). A total of 39.5 % of the patients were aged less than 3 years, of which 75.9 % were treated empirically. Of the prescribed treatments, 22.8 % were considered as the treatment of choice; 22.4 % as alternatives and 54.8 % as inappropriate. Antibiotic treatment was prescribed in most of the cases of pharyngotonsillitis and nearly always according to empirical criteria. The number of antibiotic prescriptions was far higher than the expected cases of bacterial pharyngotonsillitis and, in many cases, the antibiotic prescriptions were inappropriate.


Cautionary optimism: caffeine and Parkinson's disease risk.
Most Parkinson's disease (PD) patients present without known family history and without a diagnosed prodromal phase, underscoring the difficulty of employing primary (neuroprevention) and secondary (neuroprotection) preventions. In cases of monogenic forms, however, potential gene-carrying family members of a proband could engage in neuroprevention, such as exercise or diet modifications, to attenuate the risk of, or delay, disease development. However, a historical lack of recognized disease-modifying interventions has limited clinicians' ability to recommend reliable preventive measures in caring for at-risk populations. We briefly analyze the first retrospective study to examine caffeine consumption and PD risk in a LRRK2 R1628P cohort.


Glycosylation of the amyloid peptide precursor containing the Kunitz protease inhibitor domain improves the inhibition of trypsin.
The amyloid beta peptide (A beta P) is the major constituent of the amyloid deposits that accumulate extracellularly in the brain of patients with Alzheimer's disease. This peptide is obtained from transmembrane amyloid protein precursors (APP) which sometimes contain a Kunitz protease inhibitor (KPI) insert in their extracellular domain and therefore are able to inhibit serine proteases. Expression of the transmembrane and the secreted APP containing the KPI domain was obtained by transient transfection of COS-1 cells. The overexpressed proteins were detected in immunoblotting experiments and inhibition of trypsin was analyzed using reverse enzymography. Our results indicate that post-translational modifications including glycosylation improve the inhibition of trypsin by the APP containing the KPI domain.


[The role of taurine as hydroxyl radical inhibitor and its effect on lipid peroxidation in selenite cataract].
To study the role of taurine as hydroxyl radical and superoxide anion radical inhibitor in vitro and evaluate the effect of intraperitoneal injection of taurine on peroxidation in rat selenite cateractous lenses. Electron spin resonance (ESR) was used to detect hydroxyl radical and superoxide anion radical. The concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) in normal lenses, selenite-injected lenses and taurine-treated lenses were measured on the 2 nd, 5 th, 9 th and 14 th days after the first injection of selenite. Taurine was an inhibitor of hydroxyl radical and superoxide anion radical. Its effect was very obvious. The concentration of MDA in selenite-injected lenses increased significantly after injection of selenite and became higher with the development of cataract. The concentration of MDA in taurine-treated lenses was lower than that in selenite-injected lenses. Taurine is an inhibitor of hydroxyl radical and superoxide radical. It can prevent lipid peroxidation in selenite cataractous lenses.


Endoscopic diagnosis and surveillance of Barrett's esophagus.
There are many questions regarding the screening and surveiliance of BE for which there are currently no answers. Despite the use of models and extrapolations by some authors to suggest that screening and surveiliance for a cancer of such low incidence will never be justified, others argue just as vociferously that given the continued epidemic rise in incidence of this cancer, the uniformly fatal outcome of these cancers if dianosed after symptoms occur, and the enormous pool of patients remaining at risk for future cancer development, a focused and prudent screening and surveillance strategy for Barrett's-related esophageal adenocarcinoma is justified. The data also show that a single screening examination is probably as effective as almost all subsequent surveilance examinations in detecting advanced neoplasia, and much of the current resource use and energy for screening and surveillance in BE should be directed toward screening. Whether screening should be offered or recommended to only older patients (> 50-55 years), whites, and men is unknown, but it is premature to adopt this strategy until better evidence exist supporting a restricted screening policy. Regarding the optimal surveilance frequency and technique, examinations more frequent than every 3 to 5 years are not justifiable, and until proven otherwise, biopsy specimens should be obtained with the largest forceps that can be used with the endoscopic instrument and "saturation" biopsies from the Barrett's obtained. It is unlikely that too many biopsy specimens can be taken. Furthermore, the safety of this approach has been, proven. It is quite likely that the inverse is not true; clinicians likely can do much more harm by taking too few biopsy specimens. It is hoped that the current intense interest in Barrett's neoplasia allows clinicians to address these critical issues in the years to come and resolve this clinical conundrum.


The concepts, procedures, and problems related in endoscopic laser therapy of early gastric cancer. A retrospective study on early gastric cancer.
We report 34 cases of early gastric cancer in which endoscopic laser therapy was performed at the Kitasato University Hospital. The problems encountered were the size and location of the tumor, the presence of lymphatic metastasis or concomitant disorders, and technical problems associated with the irradiation procedure. Of the 34 cases, 22 cases were considered as completely cured (no malignancy was detected after laser therapy), 11 cases were incompletely cured (malignant cells were detected after laser therapy), and 1 case was undetermined.


Zooming into the structure-function of RING finger proteins for anti-cancer therapeutic applications.
Cancer is one of the most common and widely diagnosed diseases worldwide. With an increase in prevalence and incidence, many studies in cancer biology have been looking at the role pro-cancer proteins play. One of these proteins is the Really Interesting New Gene (RING), which has been studied extensively due to its structure and functions such as apoptosis, neddylation, and its role in ubiquitination. The RING domain is a cysteine-rich domain known to bind Cysteine and Histidine residues. It also binds two zinc ions that help stabilize the protein in various patterns, often with a 'cross-brace' topology. Different RING finger proteins have been studied and found to have suitable targets for developing anti-cancer therapeutics. These identified candidate proteins include Parkin, COP1, MDM2, BARD1, BRCA-1, PIRH2, c-CBL, SIAH1, RBX1 and RNF8. Inhibiting these candidate proteins provides opportunities for shutting down pathways associated with tumour development and metastasis.


Optical pressure and temperature sensor based on the luminescence properties of Nd3+ ion in a gadolinium scandium gallium garnet crystal.
Hypersensitivity to pressure and temperature is observed in the near-infrared emission lines of the Nd(3+) ion in a Cr(3+),Nd(3+):Gd(3)Sc(2)Ga(3)O(12) crystal, associated to the R(1,2)((4)F(3/2))→Z(5)((4)I(9/2)) and R(1,2)((4)F(3/2))→Z(1)((4)I(9/2)) transitions. The former emissions show large linear pressure coefficients of -11.3 cm(-1)/GPa and -8.8 cm(-1)/GPa, while the latter show high thermal sensitivity in the low temperature range. Thus this garnet crystal can be considered a potential optical pressure and/or temperature sensor in high pressure and temperature experiments up to 12 GPa and below room temperature, used in diamond anvil cells and excited with different UV and visible commercial laser due to the multiple Cr(3+) and Nd(3+) absorption bands.


Type 1 diabetes: prospective cohort studies for identification of the environmental trigger.
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is one of the most common chronic diseases with childhood onset, and the disease incidence has increased two to fivefold over the past half century by as yet unknown means. T1D occurs when the body's immune system turns against itself, destroying in a very specific and targeted way-the pancreatic β-cells. T1D results from poorly defined interactions between susceptibility genes and environmental determinants. In contrast to the rapid progress in finding T1D genes, identification and confirmation of environmental determinants remain a formidable challenge. This review article will give an overview of ongoing prospective cohort studies aiming to identify the environmental trigger(s) causing T1D.


Migratory and lymphoid-resident dendritic cells cooperate to efficiently prime naive CD4 T cells.
To initiate an adaptive immune response, rare antigen-specific naive CD4(+) T cells must interact with equally rare dendritic cells (DCs) bearing cognate peptide-major histocompatibility complex (MHC) complexes. Lymph nodes (LNs) draining the site of antigen entry are populated by lymphoid-resident DCs as well as DCs that have immigrated from tissues, although the requirement for each population in initiating the T cell response remains unclear. Here, we show that antigen processing and presentation by both lymphoid-resident and migratory DCs was required for clonal selection and expansion of CD4(+) T cells after subcutaneous immunization. Early antigen presentation by lymphoid-resident DCs initiated activation and trapping of antigen-specific T cells in the draining LN, without sufficing for clonal expansion. Migratory DCs, however, interacted with the CD4(+) T cells retained in the LN to induce proliferation. Therefore, distinct DC subsets cooperate to alert and trap the appropriate cell and then license its expansion and differentiation.


A Meta-analysis of Postoperative Complications of Tissue Expander/Implant Breast Reconstruction Using Acellular Dermal Matrix.
Acellular dermal matrix (ADM) is commonly used for tissue expander/implant breast (TE/I-based) reconstruction. But the relation between ADM and postoperative complications remains controversial. A few meta-analyses were conducted in 2011-2012 and the result revealed that ADM can increase the risk of complications. The purpose of our study is to offer updated evidence for ADM clinical application by analyzing the effect of ADM on complications of TE/I-based breast reconstruction. The literature published from January 2010 to February 2015 was searched in EMbase, Medline, Science Direct, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), CBMdisc, CNKI, VIP, and the references of those included studies were also searched by hand. According to inclusive criteria, 11 studies were selected and the values were extracted from the included literature. Complications with four different categories assigned for overall complications, infection, hematoma/seroma, and explantation were collected. RevMan 5.1 was used for meta-analysis. The evidence level was assessed by using the GRADE system. Eleven published studies were included. The results showed that compared to the control group, the ADM group increased the rate of overall complications (OR = 1.33, 95% CI 1.03-1.70, p = 0.03), infection (OR = 1.47, 95% CI 1.04-2.06, p = 0.03), hematoma/seroma (OR = 1.66, 95% CI 1.13-2.44, p = 0.01), but there was no significant difference in explantation (OR = 1.37, 95% CI 0.89-2.11, p = 0.15). Based on the GRADE system, all the evidence was at level C and weak recommendation. In TE/I-based breast reconstruction, ADM increased the incidence of overall complications, infection, and hematoma/seroma; the incidence of explantation remains unknown. For the poor quality of the original studies, a prudent choice is suggested; and more high-quality, large-sample studies are needed. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which Evidence-Based Medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes Review Articles, Book Reviews, and manuscripts that concern Basic Science, Animal Studies, Cadaver Studies, and Experimental Studies. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors http://www.springer.com/00266.


An 8-step approach for the systematic development of an evidence-based exercise program for patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
A tailored and reliable intervention program developed based on evidence is necessary for patients with serious health conditions. We describe the development of an exercise program for HSCT patients based on evidence from a systematic process. We developed the exercise program for HSCT patients using eight systematic steps: (1) a literature review, (2) understanding patient characteristics, (3) first expert group discussion, (4) development of the first draft of the exercise program, (5) a pre-test, (6) second expert group discussion, (7) a pilot randomized controlled trial (n=21), and (8) a focus group interview. The developed exercise program was unsupervised and consisted of different exercises and intensities according to the patients' hospital room and health condition. Participants were provided with instructions for the exercise program, exercise videos via smartphone, and prior education sessions. In the pilot trial, the adherence to the exercise program was only 44.7%, however, some changes in physical functioning and body composition favored the exercise group despite the small sample size. Strategies to improve adherence to this exercise program and larger sample sizes are needed to adequately test if the developed exercise program may help patients improve physical and hematologic recovery after HSCT. This study may help researchers develop a safe and effective evidence-based exercise program for their intervention studies. Moreover, the developed program may benefit the physical and hematological recovery in patients undergoing HSCT in larger trials, if exercise adherence is improved. https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/search/detailSearch.do?seq=24233&search_page=L, identifier KCT 0008269.


Health-related quality of life and hypertension status, awareness, treatment, and control: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2001--2004.
We examined health-related quality of life measures by hypertension status, awareness, treatment, and control. Five unfavorable health-related quality of life measures were analyzed among 8303 adults aged 20 years or older who participated in the 2001--2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Multivariable logistic regression analyses examined differences in health-related quality of life with adjustment for age, race, sex, healthcare coverage, and other medical conditions. The 30% of respondents with hypertension were more likely to report fair or poor health status (adjusted odds ratio 1.72, 95% confidence interval 1.44-2.05), 14 or more unhealthy days in the past 30 days (1.23, 1.06-1.43), 14 or more physically unhealthy days (1.39, 1.15-1.67), and 14 or more activity-limited days (1.55, 1.17-2.04) than those without hypertension. Among adults with hypertension, the 73.2% who were aware of their condition were more likely to report fair or poor health status (2.19, 1.54-3.12), 14 or more unhealthy days (1.53, 1.12-2.09), 14 or more physically unhealthy days (1.49, 1.10-2.03), 14 or more mentally unhealthy days (1.70, 1.05-2.75), and 14 or more activity-limited days (2.38, 1.39-4.05) than those who were unaware. Among those aware they had hypertension, 14 or more physically unhealthy days (0.50, 0.28-0.90) was associated with current treatment. Health-related quality of life measures did not differ by blood pressure control status. Having hypertension and being aware of it was related to lower health-related quality of life. Antihypertensive medication was associated with more physically unhealthy days, while there were no differences in health-related quality of life by control status. Further study is needed to examine these differences including: disease severity, sex and racial/ethnic differences, comorbidities not examined, and impact of health-related quality of life and its changes on outcomes.


Structures of fibrils formed by α-synuclein hereditary disease mutant H50Q reveal new polymorphs.
Deposits of amyloid fibrils of α-synuclein are the histological hallmarks of Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies and multiple system atrophy, with hereditary mutations in α-synuclein linked to the first two of these conditions. Seeing the changes to the structures of amyloid fibrils bearing these mutations may help to understand these diseases. To this end, we determined the cryo-EM structures of α-synuclein fibrils containing the H50Q hereditary mutation. We find that the H50Q mutation results in two previously unobserved polymorphs of α-synuclein: narrow and wide fibrils, formed from either one or two protofilaments, respectively. These structures recapitulate conserved features of the wild-type fold but reveal new structural elements, including a previously unobserved hydrogen-bond network and surprising new protofilament arrangements. The structures of the H50Q polymorphs help to rationalize the faster aggregation kinetics, higher seeding capacity in biosensor cells and greater cytotoxicity that we observe for H50Q compared to wild-type α-synuclein.


Loss of heterozygosity and microsatellite instability in de novo versus ex-adenoma carcinomas of the colorectum.
Small adenocarcinomas of the colorectum showing no evidence of origin from an adenoma have been called de novo carcinomas, a name that implies an origin via a different molecular genetic mechanism than the usual colorectal carcinoma which develops from an adenoma. Using microsatellite analysis, 35 early (pT1) de novo and 36 pT1 ex-adenoma carcinomas were compared using 8 microsatellite loci at 6 different chromosomal loci (1p, 2p, 8p, 5q, 17p, and 18q) known or hypothesized to be important for colorectal carcinogenesis. The rate of loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at the 17p locus (near the p53 gene) was significantly higher in the de novo than in the ex-adenoma group (73 vs. 37%, P = 0.004). The rates of LOH at the other loci (including the APC and DCC genes) and the rate of MSI were not significantly different in the two groups. These results indicate that de novo carcinomas of the colorectum develop via a similar carcinogenetic pathway as conventional ex-adenoma carcinomas; however, their higher rate of LOH at 17p is evidence for a biologically more advanced lesion with more frequent p53 mutations, consistent with clinicopathological data indicating that de novo carcinomas are more aggressive than ex-adenoma carcinomas.


Regulation of serotonin production by specific microbes from piglet gut.
Serotonin is an important signaling molecule that regulates secretory and sensory functions in the gut. Gut microbiota has been demonstrated to affect serotonin synthesis in rodent models. However, how gut microbes regulate intestinal serotonin production in piglets remains vague. To investigate the relationship between microbiota and serotonin specifically in the colon, microbial composition and serotonin concentration were analyzed in ileum-cannulated piglets subjected to antibiotic infusion from the ileum when comparing with saline infusion. Microbes that correlated positively with serotonin production were isolated from piglet colon and were further used to investigate the regulation mechanisms on serotonin production in IPEC-J2 and a putative enterochromaffin cell line RIN-14B cells. Antibiotic infusion increased quantities of Lactobacillus amylovorus (LA) that positively correlated with increased serotonin concentrations in the colon, while no effects observed for Limosilactobacillus reuteri (LR). To understand how microbes regulate serotonin, representative strains of LA, LR, and Streptococcus alactolyticus (SA, enriched in feces from prior observation) were selected for cell culture studies. Compared to the control group, LA, LR and SA supernatants significantly up-regulated tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1) expression and promoted serotonin production in IPEC-J2 cells, while in RIN-14B cells only LA exerted similar action. To investigate potential mechanisms mediated by microbe-derived molecules, microbial metabolites including lactate, acetate, glutamine, and γ-aminobutyric acid were selected for cell treatment based on computational and metabolite profiling in bacterial supernatant. Among these metabolites, acetate upregulated the expression of free fatty acid receptor 3 and TPH1 while downregulated indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1. Similar effects were also recapitulated when treating the cells with AR420626, an agonist targeting free fatty acid receptor 3. Overall, these results suggest that Lactobacillus amylovorus showed a positive correlation with serotonin production in the pig gut and exhibited a remarkable ability to regulate serotonin production in cell cultures. These findings provide evidence that microbial metabolites mediate the dialogue between microbes and host, which reveals a potential approach using microbial manipulation to regulate intestinal serotonin biosynthesis.


Genomic structure, chromosomal mapping, and muscle-specific expression of a PH domain-associated intronless gene, cded/lior.
The aim of our study was to isolate novel gene(s) involved in cell differentiation and embryonic liver development. Mouse cded/lior was identified from subtraction hybridization of embryonic liver cDNA libraries as well as an adult mouse liver genomic DNA library. The full open reading frame of cded/lior encodes a 131-amino acid protein with 71.88% overall similarity to the PH domain of rat PLC-gamma1. A gapped search with the C-terminal region of CDED/LIOR revealed a 36-41% similarity to several proteins related to signal transduction and cell replication, such as ORC1 and KSR. Northern blot analysis of adult mouse tissues shows a strong 2.6-kb transcript restricted to heart and skeletal muscle. RT-PCR utilizing cded/lior-specific primers demonstrates cded/lior mRNAs in heart, brain, and liver tissue throughout mid-embryonic mouse gestation. cded/lior maps to the distal end of mouse Chromosome (Chr) 2. Analysis of the genomic structure for cded/lior demonstrated a single exon gene that is not an alternatively spliced isoform of PLC-gamma1. Analysis of the cded/lior promoter region revealed a high GC-content, high ratio of CpG/GpC, multiple GC-boxes, the lack of a TATA box, CTF/NFI element, and two MyoD-MCK binding sites. These characteristics are also found in several genes important in the regulation of cell growth or DNA synthesis, such as transforming growth factor-beta1, c-Ha-ras, nerve growth factor, epidermal growth factor receptor, and DNA polymerase beta. These results suggest that cded/lior is a mesoderm/muscle-specific transcript that may be involved in the mesodermal inductive and regulatory interactions required for liver formation and embryonic development.


Newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia in China (I): abnormal genetic patterns in 1346 childhood and adult cases and their comparison with the reports from Western countries.
It has been generally acknowledged that the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis evaluation of leukemia largely rely on an adequate identification of genetic abnormalities. A systemic analysis of genetic aberrations was performed in a cohort of 1346 patients with newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in China. The pediatric patients had higher incidence of hyperdiploidy and t(12;21) (p13;q22)/ETV6-RUNX1 than adults (P<0.0001); in contrast, the occurrence of Ph and Ik6 variant of IKZF1 gene was much more frequent in adult patients (all P<0.0001). In B-ALL, the existence of Ik6 and that of BCR-ABL were statistically correlated (P<0.0001). In comparison with Western cohorts, the incidence of t(9;22) (q34;q11)/BCR-ABL (14.60%) in B-ALL and HOX11 expression in T-ALL (25.24%) seemed to be much higher in our group, while the incidence of t(12;21) (p13;q22)/ETV6-RUNX1 (15.34%) seemed to be lower in Chinese pediatric patients. The occurrence of hyperdiploidy was much lower either in pediatric (10.61% vs 20-38%) or adult patients (2.36% vs 6.77-12%) in our study than in Western reports. In addition, the frequencies of HOX11L2 in adult patients were much higher in our cohort than in Western countries (20.69% vs 4-11%). In general, it seems that Chinese ALL patients bear more adverse prognostic factors than their Western counterparts do.


A new method of investigating the efficacy of regional thermotherapy in subcutaneous xenografts of nude mice.
A new method of investigating the efficacy of regional thermotherapy in subcutaneous xenografts of nude mice is reported. The use of high frequency hyperthermia was well tolerated by the sensitive animals and allowed an exact continuous temperature measurement in different tumor regions. The interstitial procedure in this model could be the best approach for later clinical use in urology, e.g. for prostate treatment and is an alternative to the transrectal hyperthermia application.


Management of Children with Hypersensitivity to Antibiotics and Monoclonal Antibodies.
Proper management of drug allergy in children is based on a thorough history, in vitro testing (if available), in vivo testing, and drug challenge. This approach has been well developed with beta-lactam drugs but not with non-beta-lactam drugs and monoclonal antibodies. Children commonly develop rashes during an antibiotic course, which can lead to misdiagnosis of drug allergy. Clinical reactions to monoclonal antibodies vary and are managed depending on the type. A better knowledge of drug reactions that can occur in antibiotic allergy and monoclonal allergy can aid a provider in better management of their drug-allergic pediatric patients.


[Nuclear localization region in soluble adenylyl cyclase].
To locate the region responsible for nuclear localization of protein sAC. The eukaryotic expression vector of vairous sAC deletion mutants were transfected into Hela cells. The localization of each mutant was observed using confocal microscope. For some mutants, the localization of sAC changed. Deletion of some region made it unable to locate in the nuclear. It is possible to figure out that the nucleotide region (739-1038 and 1045-1261) take charge of nuclear localization of sAC.


In vitro assessment of interaction of blood with model surfaces.
An in vitro system for the assessment of blood compatibility of artificial surfaces is described. Anticoagulated human whole blood was pumped through columns of beads and then analyzed for evidence of platelet retention and the release of platelet constitutents. Platelets were retained on the columns by adhesion to the beads and by aggregation. Experiments were conducted with PVAc, PC, PMA and PS beads to provide data on the reproducibility of the system and the effects of anticoagulants and RBC concentration on platelet adhesion and release. The system is versatile, inexpensive, reproducibile, and also suitable for studies of the effects of pharmacologic agents and other aspects of platelet-artificial surface interaction.


[Subcutaneous plexiform schwannoma of the forearm. A case report].
Plexiform schwannoma is an exceptional schwannoma subtype. It's a benign nerve sheath tumor. Mainly, it's solitary, asymptomatic and slowly growing nodule that occurs in the subcutis or dermis. Histology gives the diagnosis. The authors report a case of solitary superficial plexiform schwannoma of the right forearm of a patient aged 22. A review of literature is done.


Super-Resolution Imaging Conditions for enhanced Yellow Fluorescent Protein (eYFP) Demonstrated on DNA Origami Nanorulers.
Photostability is one of the crucial properties of a fluorophore which strongly influences the quality of single molecule-based super-resolution imaging. Enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (eYFP) is one of the most widely used versions of fluorescent proteins in modern cell biology exhibiting fast intrinsic blinking and reversible photoactivation by UV light. Here, we developed an assay for studying photostabilization of single eYFP molecules with respect to fast blinking and demonstrated a 6-fold enhanced photostability of single eYFP molecules with a beneficial influence on the blinking kinetics under oxygen removal and addition of aliphatic thiols (dSTORM-buffer). Conjugation to single stranded DNA and immobilization via DNA hybridization on a DNA origami 12 helix bundle in aqueous solution allowed photophyiscal studies of eYFP at the single-molecule level and at close to physiological conditions. The benefit of improved photophysical properties for localization-based super-resolution microscopy is demonstrated and quantitatively characterized by imaging 12 helix bundle DNA origami nanorulers with binding sites at designed distances of 160 and 100 nm and by imaging microtubules in fixed mammalian Vero cells.


An identified PfHMGB1 promotes microcystin-LR-induced liver injury of yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco).
Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) is a potent hepatotoxin that can cause liver inflammation and injury. However, the mode of action of related inflammatory factors is not fully understood. PfHMGB1 is an inflammatory factor induced at the mRNA level in the liver of juvenile yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco) that were intraperitoneally injected with 50 μg/kg MC-LR. The PfHMGB1 mRNA level was highest in the liver and muscle among 11 tissues examined. The full-length cDNA sequence of PfHMGB1 was cloned and overexpressed in E. coli, and the purified protein rPfHMGB1 demonstrated DNA binding affinity. Endotoxin-free rPfHMGB1 (6-150 μg/mL) also showed dose-dependent hepatotoxicity and induced inflammatory gene expression of primary hepatocytes. PfHMGB1 antibody (anti-PfHMGB1) in vitro reduced MC-LR (30 and 50 μmol/L)-induced hepatotoxicity, suggesting PfHMGB1 is important in the toxic effects of MC-LR. In vivo study showed that MC-LR upregulated PfHMGB1 protein in the liver. The anti-PfHMGB1 blocked its counterpart and reduced ALT/AST activities after MC-LR exposure. Anti-PfHMGB1 partly neutralized MC-LR-induced hepatocyte disorganization, nucleus shrinkage, mitochondria, and rough endoplasmic reticula destruction. These findings suggest that PfHMGB1 promotes MC-LR-induced liver damage in the yellow catfish. HMGB1 may help protect catfish against widespread microcystin pollution.


The Moss Attention Rating Scale for traumatic brain injury: further explorations of reliability and sensitivity to change.
To examine the interrater agreement and responsiveness to change of the Moss Attention Rating Scale (MARS), 22-item version, during acute inpatient rehabilitation after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Observational study of clinician ratings (physical therapy [PT], occupational therapy [OT], speech-language pathology [SLP], nursing) of each patient's attentional function at 2 points in time, near the time of admission and near the time of discharge from inpatient rehabilitation. Dedicated acute inpatient brain injury rehabilitation program. Inpatients (N=149) with moderate to severe TBI (58% enrolled in the National Institute on Disability Rehabilitation Research-funded Traumatic Brain Injury Model System); age 16 years or older; receiving OT, PT, SLP, and nursing care on the inpatient TBI rehabilitation unit; and having Rancho Los Amigos Levels of Cognitive Functioning Scale scores of IV (confused/agitated) or higher at enrollment. Patients were excluded if they had premorbid history of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, major psychiatric disorder (eg, bipolar), or neurologic impairment (eg, stroke). Not applicable. Scores on the MARS (22-item version) and its 3 factor scores. Intraclass correlations among ratings from PT, OT, and SLP ranged from .69 to .78 at the initial assessment and .67 to .72 at the follow-up assessment. Agreement between nursing and the other disciplines was somewhat lower (at initial assessment, .59-.68; at follow-up, .48-.59), although still substantial. Agreement for 2 of the factor scores (restlessness and/or distractibility, initiation) was similar but agreement for the third factor (consistent and/or sustained attention) was lower (.25-.27). The total MARS scores were highly significantly improved (P<.001) at follow-up compared with initial assessment (mean, 27.6d between ratings; median, 21d; range, 4-125d) for each of the rating disciplines, with change scores ranging from 7.8 points (OT) to 13.1 points (nursing). Factor scores also improved significantly during the same interval. When different occupational therapists provided the initial and follow-up OT ratings, these follow-up ratings were significantly lower, but this pattern was not seen among other rating disciplines. The 22-item MARS showed good interrater agreement among PT, OT, and SLP and lower but still acceptable agreement between nursing and the other disciplines. Two of the 3 factor scores also showed good agreement. The 22-item total score and all 3 factor scores were highly sensitive to change occurring during inpatient rehabilitation. These results show that the 22-item MARS is a reliable instrument for the observational rating of attentiveness in an acute TBI rehabilitation sample. Lower agreement between nursing and the other disciplines suggests that the less structured environment of the nursing unit compared with therapy sessions reduces interrater agreement. The utility of the factor scores, particularly the least reliable sustained and/or consistent attention factor, requires additional investigation. Further research on construct validity and impact of the use of the MARS on clinical practice are warranted.


Endoscopic treatment of lumbar ligamentum flavum cyst by interlaminar approach: a minimally invasive and effective alternative to open surgery.
Lumbar ligamentum flavum cyst is a rare spinal condition that can cause significant morbidity and neurological deficits. Traditional surgical treatment involves open surgery, which can be associated with prolonged recovery time and significant morbidity. In recent years, endoscopic treatment of lumbar ligamentum flavum cyst has emerged as a minimally invasive and effective alternative to open surgery, but only a few cases have been reported in the literature. This paper describes our experience with endoscopic resection of an L4/5 ligamentum flavum cyst through an interlaminar approach and reviews the literature on the treatment of lumbar ligamentum flavum cyst. An 87-year-old man presented with lameness in the left leg, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed nerve compression by a ligamentum flavum cyst at the L4/5 intervertebral plane. The patient underwent endoscopic resection of the ligamentum flavum cyst through a left interlaminar approach with the facet joint preserved. The present study was approved by the Ethics Committee of our hospital. The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request. Text regarding patient consent is not applicable for this case. Postoperative clinical results improved significantly, and postoperative MRI showed complete cyst resection. Total endoscopic resection via an interlaminar approach provides a new minimally invasive approach for the surgical treatment of lumbar ligamentum flavum cyst, which can be used as a reference by clinicians.


Allele frequencies with genic selection.
The structure of the limit point process of the ordered allele frequencies in the stationary distribution of a K-allele diffusion model with mutation and genic selection is studied. This leads to a formula for expectations of functions of the allele frequencies in terms of expectations in the neutral infinite alleles model.


Solar light induced and TiO2 assisted degradation of textile dye reactive blue 4.
Aqueous solutions of reactive blue 4 textile dye are totally mineralised when irradiated with TiO2 photocatalyst. A solution containing 4 x 10(-4) M dye was completely degraded in 24 h irradiation time. The intensity of the solar light was measured using Lux meter. The results showed that the dye molecules were completely degraded to CO2, SO4(2-), NO3-, NH4+ and H2O under solar irradiation. The addition of hydrogen peroxide and potassium persulphate influenced the photodegradation efficiency. The rapidity of photodegradation of dye intermediates were observed in the presence of hydrogen peroxide than in its absence. The auxiliary chemicals such as sodium carbonate and sodium chloride substantially affected the photodegradation efficiency. High performance liquid chromatography and chemical oxygen demand were used to study the mineralisation and degradation of the dye respectively. It is concluded that solar light induced degradation of textile dye in wastewater is a viable technique for wastewater treatment.


Mechanism exploration of adsorption-immobilized enzymatic reactor using polymer-coated silica microbeads.
A verified mechanism of adsorption-immobilized enzymatic reactor for enhanced proteolysis is presented. Silica microbeads coated with poly (diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA) or poly (styrene sulfonate) (PSS) were used to trap trypsin and proteins on the surface through electrostatic interactions in order to improve digestion efficiency. Charge states measured by zeta-potentials showed their positively and negatively charged respectively. We found that high proteolytic efficiency could be achieved only if both proteases and proteins were adsorbed by materials. Once the proteins and proteases were confined together in a nanoscopic area, the enrichment of the substrate could lead to a high performance proteolytic effect. Electrostatic interactions were considered as the predominant adsorption factor rather than hydrophilic/hydrophobic interactions. In less than 5 min, in the presence of PSS-coated silica beads, 10 peptides digested from positively-charged cytochrome C were detected by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF), with the high sequence coverage up to 63%, while using PDDA-coated silica beads or conventional in-solution digestion yielded only 5 detectable peptides and 39% sequence coverage was obtained. Ovalbumin seemed incompatible with any kind of charged-material-aided tryptic digestion. The mechanism of adsorption-immobilized enzymatic processes has also been studied in detail. The adsorption equilibrium was proven to be attained in less than one minute, and the proteolytic procedure was regarded as the rate-determining step. This study provides a reasonable mechanism for an adsorption-material catalyzed proteolytic procedure and a promising guideline for designing the next generation of high-performance enzymatic reactors.


Targeted mutations in Val101 and Arg27 interferon beta protein increase its transcriptional and translational activities.
Interferon β (IFNβ) is the most prescribed drug that has been used frequently for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. The aim of this study is to improve the production of IFNβ by induction of site directed mutagenesis. Accordingly, recombinant constructs were designed in order to enhance the expression of IFNβ mRNA and protein. The recombinant plasmids were transfected to the CHO cell line, following RNA extractions and cDNA synthesis. The effects of recombinant constructs were analyzed by real time PCR, ELISA and MTT assay. Transfected samples with either IFNβ101 or IFNβ101+27 have shown 11.55 and 2.26 fold elevation and over-expression compare to the wild type construct respectively. Our data also indicated that the IFNβ101 and IFNβ101+27 constructs increase IFNβ protein expression more than 2.2 and 4.5 fold, respectively compared to the control group. It could be concluded that the substitution of Phe in the codon 101 position, which may increase the binding activity of IFNβ with its receptors and introduction of an additional N glycosylation site (Asn-X-Thr) in the position 27 of IFNβ protein may cause such an effect. The proliferative activity of transfected cells by a recombinant IFNβ101 decreases in comparison to the wild type, although it was not statistically significant. Over-expression of IFNβ in such a level is promising not only for the patients but also for the pharmaceutical industries.


Characterization of Ambient Air Pollution Measurement Error in a Time-Series Health Study using a Geostatistical Simulation Approach.
In recent years, geostatistical modeling has been used to inform air pollution health studies. In this study, distributions of daily ambient concentrations were modeled over space and time for 12 air pollutants. Simulated pollutant fields were produced for a 6-year time period over the 20-county metropolitan Atlanta area using the Stanford Geostatistical Modeling Software (SGeMS). These simulations incorporate the temporal and spatial autocorrelation structure of ambient pollutants, as well as season and day-of-week temporal and spatial trends; these fields were considered to be the true ambient pollutant fields for the purposes of the simulations that followed. Simulated monitor data at the locations of actual monitors were then generated that contain error representative of instrument imprecision. From the simulated monitor data, four exposure metrics were calculated: central monitor and unweighted, population-weighted, and area-weighted averages. For each metric, the amount and type of error relative to the simulated pollutant fields are characterized and the impact of error on an epidemiologic time-series analysis is predicted. The amount of error, as indicated by a lack of spatial autocorrelation, is greater for primary pollutants than for secondary pollutants and is only moderately reduced by averaging across monitors; more error will result in less statistical power in the epidemiologic analysis. The type of error, as indicated by the correlations of error with the monitor data and with the true ambient concentration, varies with exposure metric, with error in the central monitor metric more of the classical type (i.e., independent of the monitor data) and error in the spatial average metrics more of the Berkson type (i.e., independent of the true ambient concentration). Error type will affect the bias in the health risk estimate, with bias toward the null and away from the null predicted depending on the exposure metric; population-weighting yielded the least bias.


Altered dynamic functional connectivity of insular subregions could predict symptom severity of male patients with autism spectrum disorder.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties with social communication and restricted or repetitive patterns of behavior. This disorder was characterized by widespread abnormalities involving distributed brain networks. As one such key network node, the insular cortex has been regarded as a research focus of ASD neuropathology. The insula is a functionally complex brain structure. However, it is not fully clear if dynamic characteristics of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (R-fMRI) signals in insular heterogeneous could be used to depict abnormalities in ASD. To address this question, we investigated dynamic functional connectivity (dFC) of 12 insular subregions. Data were obtained from 44 individuals with ASD and 65 typically developing age-matched controls (TDC). We assessed dFC by sliding-window method and quantified its temporal variability. Multivariable linear regression models were constructed to determine whether dFC support complementary information about symptom severity of individuals with ASD rather than static functional connectivity (sFC). The results showed that individuals with ASD exhibited dFC and sFC alterations in distinct insular subregions. Some brain regions showed only abnormal dFC but not sFC with insular subregions. These abnormal dFC could significantly predict the symptom severity of individuals with ASD. Our findings might advance our knowledge about the potential of insular heterogeneity and dynamic characteristics in understanding the neuropathology mechanism of ASD and in developing neuroimaging biomarkers for clinical applications.


The Darwinian muddle on the division of labour: an attempt at clarification.
It is of philosophical and epistemological interest to examine how Darwin conceived the process of division of labour within Natural History. Darwin observed the advantages brought by division of labour to the human economy, and considered that the principle of divergence within nature, which is, according to him, one of the two 'keystones' of his theory, gave comparable advantages. This led him to re-examine Milne-Edwards' view on the notion of division of physiological labour, and to introduce this with modifications into his naturalist writings. After a short review of the Darwinian historiography dealing with this issue, I first show the conceptual confusion into which Darwin plunges, when using a so-called economic argument to defend his thesis of the maximization of beings in a given territory due to division of labour. Following this I propose several hypotheses to explain these shifts, recurring in Darwin's texts, from one conception and from one application to another, of the division of labour.


The ciliary body and the suspension of the lens in rabbits. A scanning electron microscopy study.
The ciliary body in rabbits is dominated by the ciliary processes, which number about 165. Most of them are straight, regularly spaced and uniformly shaped, and they have an even surface when seen at low magnification. They are separated by deep valleys with almost vertical sides. Anteriorly, the ciliary processes end abruptly, and about every second process leads into an iridial process which run radially along the posterior surface of the iris. At higher magnification, the individual cells can be seen to be demarcated by furrows, with a pattern which is specific for the different parts of the surfaces studied. The lens is suspended in innumerable zonular fibers, forming a rather thick mat. They attach in one continuous belt at the anterior end of the ciliary processes, and directly on the lens equator. The anatomy of this part the rabbit eye differs in many respects from that found in primates.


Synthesis and characterization of CeO2 and SiO2 nanoparticles and their effect on growth parameters and the antioxidant defense system in Vigna mungo L. Hepper.
Engineered nanoparticles (NPs) have recently attracted a lot of attention after being tested in various agricultural plants. This paper reports the green synthesis of CeO2 NPs and SiO2 NPs from leaf extracts of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis. The physical characteristics of the produced nanoparticles were then determined using UV-visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), fluorescence spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Furthermore, the interaction effects of cerium oxide NPs (C1, C2, and C3) and silicon dioxide NPs (S1, S2, and S3) at 10 mg/L on blackgram (Vigna mungo L.) were evaluated. CeO2 and SiO2 NPs treatments enhanced the growth performance of the plants by causing a decrease in superoxide radical (SOR) and H2O2 via improving antioxidant enzymes. These findings imply that the size and shape of CeO2 and SiO2 NPs provide defense against oxidative damage to the blackgram.


Comparison of markers of circulating blood volume in hemodialysis patients.
Pulse dye-densitometry (PDD) is a newly developed technique for monitoring the arterial concentration of indocyanine green (ICG). By using this method, the circulating blood volume (CBV) can be measured as accurately as by established dilution methods using (131)I-labeled human serum albumin in healthy subjects. In the present study, we estimated the CBV in hemodialysis (HD) patients, using PDD, and compared the utility of this method with that of other markers of the CBV. We measured the CBV in seven HD patients and eight healthy volunteers, using PDD, and evaluated the correlation between the CBV measured by PDD (CBV-PDD) and the calculated CBV (CBV-Cal), using a prediction formula (CBV (l) = 2.68 x BSA, where BSA is body surface area (m(2))). We also investigated the correlation between CBV-PDD and the maximal inferior vena cava diameters in quiet expiration (IVCe), and the plasma levels of atrial and brain natriuretic peptides (ANP and BNP, respectively) in the HD patients. CBV-Cal was closely correlated with CBV-PDD in the healthy volunteers, but there was no such correlation in the HD patients. On the other hand, IVCe was significantly correlated with the CBV-PDD in the healthy volunteers as well as in HD patients. ANP and BNP were not correlated with the CBV-PDD in the HD patients. We concluded that CBV-PDD and IVCe were useful parameters in evaluating the CBV in HD patients, while CBV-Cal was not a useful parameter. Also, as a marker of changes in the CBV in HD patients, IVCe was considered to be more sensitive than either ANP or BNP.


Quickly evolving histones, nucleosome stability and chromatin folding: all about histone H2A.Bbd.
Histone H2A.Bbd (Barr body-deficient) is a novel histone variant which is largely excluded from the inactive X chromosome of mammals. Discovered only 6 years ago, H2A.Bbd displays very unusual structural and functional properties, for instance, it is relatively shorter and only 48% identical compared to H2A, lacking both the typical C-terminal tail of the H2A family and the very last sequence of the docking domain, making it the most specialized among all histone variants known to date. Indeed, molecular evolutionary analyses have shown that H2A.Bbd is a highly hypervariable and quickly evolving protein exclusive to mammalian lineages, in striking contrast to all other histones. Different studies have described a deposition pattern of H2A.Bbd in the chromatin that overlaps with regions of histone H4 acetylation suggesting its association with transcriptionally active euchromatic regions of the genome. In this regard, it is believed that this histone variant plays an important role in determining such regions by destabilizing the nucleosome and locally unfolding the chromatin fiber. This review provides a concise, comprehensive and timely summary of the work published on H2A.Bbd structure and function. Special emphasis is placed on its chromatin deposition patterns in relation to gene expression profiles and its evolutionary history, as well as on the dynamics of H2A.Bbd-containing nucleosomes.


Increased collagen cross-linking is a signature of dystrophin-deficient muscle.
Collagen cross-linking is a key parameter in extracellular matrix (ECM) maturation, turnover, and stiffness. We examined aspects of collagen cross-linking in dystrophin-deficient murine, canine, and human skeletal muscle. DMD patient biopsies and samples from mdx mice and golden retriever muscular dystrophy dog samples (with appropriate controls) were analyzed. Collagen cross-linking was evaluated using solubility and hydroxyproline assays. Expression of the cross-linking enzyme lysyl oxidase (LOX) was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunoblotting, and immunofluorescence. LOX protein levels are increased in dystrophic muscle from all species evaluated. Dystrophic mice and dogs had significantly higher cross-linked collagen than controls, especially in the diaphragm. Distribution of intramuscular LOX was heterogeneous in all samples, but it increased in frequency and intensity in dystrophic muscle. These findings implicate elevated collagen cross-linking as an important component of the disrupted ECM in dystrophic muscles, and heightened cross-linking is evident in mouse, dog, and man. Muscle Nerve 54: 71-78, 2016.


Reconstruction of the metacarpophalangeal joint with autogenous metatarsal.
Restoration of the articular surface of a damaged or lost metacarpal head is necessary for adequate function of the metacarpophalangeal joint. Although several salvage procedures have been described, none has been as satisfactory as the metatarsal transfer. This report describes the functional outcome of a patient who had a metatarsal transfer to replace the metacarpal involved by giant cell tumors. Follow-up 2 1/4 years after the transfer showed good maintenance of the joint space and excellent joint function.


Engineering a Virus-Like Particle as an Antigenic Platform for a Pfs47-Targeted Malaria Transmission-Blocking Vaccine.
We recently characterized Pfs47, a protein expressed on the surface of sexual stages and ookinetes of Plasmodium falciparum, as a malaria transmission-blocking vaccine (TBV) target. Mice immunization induced antibodies that conferred strong transmission-reducing activity (TRA) at a concentration of 200 μg/mL. Here, we sought to optimize the Pfs47 vaccine to elicit higher titers of high-affinity antibodies, capable of inducing strong TRA at a lower concentration. We report the development and evaluation of a Pfs47-based virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine generated by conjugating our 58 amino acid Pfs47 antigen to Acinetobacter phage AP205-VLP using the SpyCatcher:SpyTag adaptor system. AP205-Pfs47 complexes (VLP-P47) formed particles of ~22 nm diameter that reacted with polyclonal anti-Pfs47 antibodies, indicating that the antigen was accessible on the surface of the particle. Mice immunized with VLP-P47 followed by a boost with Pfs47 monomer induced significantly higher antibody titers, with higher binding affinity to Pfs47, than mice that received two immunizations with either VLP-P47 (VLP-P47/VLP-P47) or the Pfs47 monomer (P47/P47). Purified IgG from VLP-P47/P47 mice had strong TRA (83-98%) at concentrations as low as 5 μg/mL. These results indicate that conjugating the Pfs47 antigen to AP205-VLP significantly enhanced antigenicity and confirm the potential of Pfs47 as a TBV candidate.


[Reception and initial assessment when caring for a person with severe obesity].
In France, there are 37 specialist obesity treatment centres (CSOs), located in mainland and overseas France. Attached to public or private health establishments, they have two main missions, which they carry out within the framework of national specifications: the multidisciplinary management of severe or complex obesity, and the organisation, coordination and development of the regional obesity care network. This article illustrates the practice of the Caen Normandy CSO.


Granuloma formation after repeated episodes of peritoneal dialysis catheter-related infection, a case report.
Peritoneal catheter related infection is one of the main complications and the major cause of technical failure of peritoneal dialysis (PD) treatment. However, PD catheter tunnel infection can be difficult to diagnosis and resolve. We presented a rare case in which a granuloma formation after repeated episodes of peritoneal dialysis catheter-related infection. A 53-year-old female patient with kidney failure due to chronic glomerulonephritis treated with peritoneal dialysis for 7 years. The patient had repeated exit-site and tunnel inflammation, and repeated suboptimal courses of antibiotics. She switched to hemodialysis after 6 years in a local hospital without the peritoneal dialysis catheter being removed. The patient complained of an abdominal wall mass that lasted for several months. She was admitted to the Department of surgery to undergo mass resection. The resected tissue of the abdominal wall mass was sent for pathological examination. The result showed foreign body granuloma with necrosis and abscess formation. After the surgery, the infection did not recur. The following key points can be learned from this case: 1. It is important to strengthen patient follow-up. 2.The PD catheter should be removed as early as possible in patients who do not need long-term PD, especially in patients with a history of exit-site and tunnel infections. 3. For patients presenting abnormal subcutaneous mass, attention should be paid to the possibility of the granuloma formation of infected Dacron cuffs of the PD catheter. If catheter infection occurs repeatedly, catheter removal and debridement should be considered.


The histological and pathogenetic spectrum of cutaneous disease in monoclonal gammopathies.
The dermatological disorders associated with monoclonal gammopathies are clinically heterogeneous and may be divided into four groups with distinctive pathogenetic mechanisms (a) specific (infiltrative) disorders including primary and secondary cutaneous plasmacytoma and cutaneous lymphoplasmacytic infiltration of Waldenström's disease (b) skin disorders because of the deposition of monoclonal immunoglobulin (M protein), including amyloidoisis macroglobulinemia cutis, light chain deposition of Randall's disease, follicular spicules of the nose, and cryoglobulinemia (c) skin disorders associated with monoclonal gammopathies, including highly associated (>50%), weakly associated (<50%) or anecdotal and (d) miscellaneous (non specific). In most cases, histopathology is crucial to confirm or to diagnose those skin conditions and is also very useful to understand their pathogenetic mechanisms.


Correlation of p21 gene codon 31 polymorphism and TNF-alpha gene polymorphism with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
Background p21 (WAF1/CIP1) is a downstream protein from p53 and can arrest the cell cycle at the G1/S phase in response to signal from p53. The most frequently seen polymorphic site is at codon 31, where a base change from AGC to AGA causes an amino acid change from serine to arginine. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is a cytokine that is secreted from macrophages, and is related to a sequence of events in the response to inflammation and cancer formation. The TNF-alpha gene promoter -308 G/A polymorphism has been reported to be associated with some cancers. In this study, these polymorphisms were proposed to be a candidate genetic marker of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The distribution was analyzed in 47 NPC patients and a control group of 119 healthy people. The association of the p21 codon 31 polymorphism with NPC was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction analysis by Blp I endonuclease, and calculated by the chi-square test. The TNF-alpha gene promoter -308 G/A polymorphism was identified by Nco I endonuclease. The distribution of the gene p21 codon 31 polymorphisms showed no significant difference between the two groups. The serine form of p21 codon 31 was more prominent in smokers than nonsmokers among the NPC patients (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the distribution of TNF-alpha gene promoter -308 G/A polymorphism between control and cancer patients. The results indicate that the gene p21 codon 31 polymorphism and TNF-alpha promoter -308 polymorphism are not correlated with NPC. However, the difference between smokers and nonsmokers suggests that an environmental factor may be involved in association with the p21 gene in the formation of NPC.


Construction of an immune-related lncRNA signature pair for predicting oncologic outcomes and the sensitivity of immunosuppressor in treatment of lung adenocarcinoma.
Although immunotherapy has shown clinical activity in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), LUAD prognosis has been a perplexing problem. We aimed to construct an immune-related lncRNA pairs (IRLPs) score for LUAD and identify what immunosuppressor are appropriate for which group of people with LUAD. Based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)-LUAD cohort, IRLPs were identified to construct an IRLPs scoring system by Cox regression and validated in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) dataset using log-rank test and the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). Next, we used spearman's correlation analysis, t-test, signaling pathways analysis and gene mutation analysis to explore immune and molecular characteristics in different IRLP subgroups. The "pRRophetic" package was used to predict the sensitivity of immunosuppressant. The IRLPs score was constructed based on eight IRLPs calculated as 2.12 × (MIR31HG|RRN3P2) + 0.43 × (NKX2-1-AS1|AC083949.1) + 1.79 × (TMPO-AS1|LPP-AS2) + 1.60 × (TMPO-AS1|MGC32805) + 1.79 × (TMPO-AS1|PINK1-AS) + 0.65 × (SH3BP5-AS1|LINC01137) + 0.51 × (LINC01004|SH3PXD2A-AS1) + 0.62 × (LINC00339|AGAP2-AS1). Patients with a lower IRLPs risk score had a better overall survival (OS) (Log-rank test P TCGA train dataset < 0.001, P TCGA test dataset = 0.017, P GEO dataset = 0.027) and similar results were observed in the AUCs of TCGA dataset and GEO dataset (AUC TCGA train dataset = 0.777, AUC TCGA test dataset = 0.685, AUC TCGA total dataset = 0.733, AUC GEO dataset = 0.680). Immune score (Cor = -0.18893, P < 0.001), stoma score (Cor = -0.24804, P < 0.001), and microenvironment score (Cor = -0.22338, P < 0.001) were significantly decreased in the patients with the higher IRLP risk score. The gene set enrichment analysis found that high-risk group enriched in molecular changes in DNA and chromosomes signaling pathways, and in this group the tumor mutation burden (TMB) was higher than in the low-risk group (P = 0.0015). Immunosuppressor methotrexate sensitivity was higher in the high-risk group (P = 0.0052), whereas parthenolide (P < 0.001) and rapamycin (P = 0.013) sensitivity were lower in the high-risk group. Our study established an IRLPs scoring system as a biomarker to help in the prognosis, the identification of molecular and immune characteristics, and the patient-tailored selection of the most suitable immunosuppressor for LUAD therapy.


Protective Effects of Curcumin Against Nephrotoxic Agents.
Curcumin is the one of the main phenolic ingredients in curcuma species rhizome. Curcuma species have traditionally been used for the treatment of diabetes, cardiovascular, and renal diseases. The present study was designed to review the scientific literature on the protective effects of curcumin against nephrotoxic agents. Studies have shown the protective effects of curcumin against nephrotoxic agents such as gallic acid, glucose, tartrazine, streptozotocin, lead, cadmium, fluoride, maleate, malathion, nicotine, cisplatin, gentamicin, and methotrexate. However, further investigations are needed to determine the efficacy of curcumin as an antidote agent due to the lack of clinical trial studies. Therefore, it is recommended to conduct clinical trials in humans to confirm these effects. The current review indicated that curcumin may be effective against nephrotoxicity by modulating oxidative stress and inflammatory responses.


Determination of malic acid and other C4 dicarboxylic acids in atmospheric aerosol samples.
An ion chromatographic method was developed which is able to separate five unsubstituted and hydroxy C4 dicarboxylic acids, succinic, malic, tartaric, maleic and fumaric acid, besides the other unsubstituted C2-C5 dicarboxylic acids, oxalic, malonic and glutaric acids, as well as inorganic ions in samples extracted from atmospheric particulate matter. By the application of this method it was found for both rural and urban sites and for various types of air masses that in the summer-time malic acid is the most prominent C4 diacid (64 ng m(-3) by average), exceeding succinic acid concentration (28 ng m(-3) by average) considerably. In winter-time considerably less, a factor of 4-15, C4 acids occurred and succinic acid was more concentrated than malic acid. Tartaric, fumaric and maleic acids were less concentrated (5.1, 5.0 and 4.5 ng m(-3) by average, respectively). Tartaric acid was observed for the first time in ambient air. The results indicate that in particular anthropogenic sources are important for the precursors of succinic, maleic and fumaric acids. Biogenic sources seem to influence the occurrence of malic acid significantly.


Factors influencing noradrenaline uptake by the perfused spleen of the cat.
1. Noradrenaline was infused intra-arterially at the constant rate of 0.51 mug/min for 22 min into the cat spleen perfused with Krebs saline, and the amount appearing in the perfusate was assayed either chemically or on the blood pressure of the pithed rat.2. In normal animals, 34% of the infused noradrenaline appeared in the perfusate, indicating 66% removal by the spleen.3. Neither removal of calcium from Krebs solution nor perfusion with 25 mM-Ca(2+) Krebs solution had significant effects on noradrenaline recovery.4. In spleens perfused with 0 or 50 mM-K(+) Krebs solution the noradrenaline recoveries were not significantly different from the control recoveries.5. Removal of sodium from Krebs solution increased the recoveries to 92%.6. The effect of interference with energy metabolism on noradrenaline recoveries was investigated. Iodoacetate or dinitrophenol alone increased the recoveries only moderately, but combined treatment with both metabolic inhibitors increased the recoveries to 74%.7. If the temperature of the perfusion fluid was reduced to 15 degrees C, noradrenaline recoveries increased to 96%. At 27 degrees C the recoveries were 48%.8. At pH 5.6, noradrenaline recoveries in the venous effluent increased to 63%. At pH 9.0 the recoveries were not significantly different from the control recoveries.9. When (+)-noradrenaline was infused at 0.51 mug/min into the spleen, 55% of the infused amount was recovered in the venous effluent. This recovery is significantly higher than the 34% for (-)-noradrenaline.10. Ouabain and tetracaine increased the recoveries to over 70%, whereas mercuric chloride and insulin had no effect.11. Neither the flow rate nor the size of the spleen correlated with noradrenaline recovery.12. Our results suggest that uptake of infused noradrenaline is energy dependent and has an absolute requirement for the presence of sodium ions in the perfusion medium.


Relationships between socioeconomic and lifestyle factors and indoor air quality in French dwellings.
To date, few studies have analyzed the relationships between socioeconomic status (SES) and indoor air quality (IAQ). The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between socioeconomic and other factors and indoor air pollutant levels in French homes. The indoor air concentrations of thirty chemical, biological and physical parameters were measured over one week in a sample of 567 dwellings representative of the French housing stock between September 2003 and December 2005. Information on SES (household structure, educational attainment, income, and occupation), building characteristics, and occupants' habits and activities (smoking, cooking, cleaning, etc.) were collected through administered questionnaires. Separate stepwise linear regression models were fitted to log-transformed concentrations on SES and other factors. Logistic regression was performed on fungal contamination data. Households with lower income were more likely to have higher indoor concentrations of formaldehyde, but lower perchloroethylene indoor concentrations. Formaldehyde indoor concentrations were also associated with newly built buildings. Smoking was associated with increasing acetaldehyde and PM2.5 levels and the risk of a positive fungal contamination index. BTEX levels were also associated with occupant density and having an attached garage. The major predictors for fungal contamination were dampness and absolute humidity. These results, obtained from a large sample of dwellings, show for the first time in France the relationships between SES factors and indoor air pollutants, and believe they should be considered alongside occupant activities and building characteristics when study IAQ in homes.


Performance Measurement to Demonstrate Value.
Anesthesiologists are obligated to demonstrate the value of the care they provide. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has multiple performance-based payment programs to drive high-value care and motivate integrated care for surgical patients and hospitalized patients. These programs rely on diverse arrays of performance measures and complex reporting rules. Among all specialties, anesthesiology has tremendous potential to effect wide-ranging change on diverse measures. Performance measures deserve scrutiny by anesthesiologists as tools to improve care, the means by which payment is determined, and as a means to demonstrate the value of care to surgeons, hospitals, and patients.


The role of chest radiography following pectus bar removal.
Surgical correction of pectus excavatum (PE) via a minimally invasive approach involves placement of a steel bar, which is subsequently removed. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the incidence of pneumothorax and the role for chest radiography (CXR) in patients undergoing pectus bar removal. A retrospective review of 84 patients who underwent pectus bar removal from 2006 to 2014 was performed. Results of postoperative CXR, repeat imaging, need for chest thoracostomy tube placement, and complications were analyzed. Mean Haller index prior to correction was 4.3 ± 0.9. The mean time between PE repair and bar removal was 2.3 ± 0.6 years. Sixty-one patients (72.6 %) had a postoperative CXR. Thirty-one (50.8 %) had no acute findings, 20 (32.8 %) had findings of atelectasis or subcutaneous emphysema, and 10 (16.4 %) had a pneumothorax. One patient (1.6 %) had a second postoperative CXR for a small pneumothorax and rib fractures. There were two complications (2.4 %). No chest tubes were placed for pneumothorax, and 95 % of patients were discharged the day of surgery. Postoperative CXR following pectus bar removal is unnecessary given the low incidence of postoperative pneumothorax requiring intervention. Patients can be safely discharged the day of surgery without the need for routine postoperative chest imaging.


Large-scale transcriptional profiling of lignified tissues in Tectona grandis.
Currently, Tectona grandis is one of the most valuable trees in the world and no transcript dataset related to secondary xylem is available. Considering how important the secondary xylem and sapwood transition from young to mature trees is, little is known about the expression differences between those successional processes and which transcription factors could regulate lignin biosynthesis in this tropical tree. Although MYB transcription factors are one of the largest superfamilies in plants related to secondary metabolism, it has not yet been characterized in teak. These results will open new perspectives for studies of diversity, ecology, breeding and genomic programs aiming to understand deeply the biology of this species. We present a widely expressed gene catalog for T. grandis using Illumina technology and the de novo assembly. A total of 462,260 transcripts were obtained, with 1,502 and 931 genes differentially expressed for stem and branch secondary xylem, respectively, during age transition. Analysis of stem and branch secondary xylem indicates substantial similarity in gene ontologies including carbohydrate enzymes, response to stress, protein binding, and allowed us to find transcription factors and heat-shock proteins differentially expressed. TgMYB1 displays a MYB domain and a predicted coiled-coil (CC) domain, while TgMYB2, TgMYB3 and TgMYB4 showed R2R3-MYB domain and grouped with MYBs from several gymnosperms and flowering plants. TgMYB1, TgMYB4 and TgCES presented higher expression in mature secondary xylem, in contrast with TgMYB2, TgHsp1, TgHsp2, TgHsp3, and TgBi whose expression is higher in young lignified tissues. TgMYB3 is expressed at lower level in secondary xylem. Expression patterns of MYB transcription factors and heat-shock proteins in lignified tissues are dissimilar when tree development was evaluated, obtaining more expression of TgMYB1 and TgMYB4 in lignified tissues of 60-year-old trees, and more expression in TgHsp1, TgHsp2, TgHsp3 and TgBi in stem secondary xylem of 12-year-old trees. We are opening a door for further functional characterization by reverse genetics and marker-assisted selection with those genes. Investigation of some of the key regulators of lignin biosynthesis in teak, however, could be a valuable step towards understanding how rigidity of teak wood and extractives content are different from most other woods. The obtained transcriptome data represents new sequences of T. grandis deposited in public databases, representing an unprecedented opportunity to discover several related-genes associated with secondary xylem such as transcription factors and stress-related genes in a tropical tree.


Perceptual dimensions of tactile surface texture: a multidimensional scaling analysis.
The purpose of this study was to examine the subjective dimensionality of tactile surface texture perception. Seventeen tactile stimuli, such as wood, sandpaper, and velvet, were moved across the index finger of the subject, who sorted them into categories on the basis of perceived similarity. Multidimensional scaling (MDS) techniques were then used to position the stimuli in a perceptual space on the basis of combined data of 20 subjects. A three-dimensional space was judged to give a satisfactory representation of the data. Subjects' ratings of each stimulus on five scales representing putative dimensions of perceived surface texture were then fitted by regression analysis into the MDS space. Roughness-smoothness and hardness-softness were found to be robust and orthogonal dimensions; the third dimension did not correspond closely with any of the rating scales used, but post hoc inspection of the data suggested that it may reflect the compressional elasticity ("springiness") of the surface.


Contrast Ultrasound Assessment of Skeletal Muscle Recruitable Perfusion after Permanent Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation: Implications for Functional Recovery.
In heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), abnormal regulation of skeletal muscle perfusion contributes to reduced exercise tolerance. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that improvement in functional status after permanent left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation in patients with HFrEF is related to improvement in muscle perfusion during work, which was measured using contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). CEUS perfusion imaging of calf muscle at rest and during low-intensity plantar flexion exercise (20 W, 0.2 Hz) was performed in patients with HFrEF (n = 22) at baseline and 3 months after placement of permanent LVADs. Parametric analysis of CEUS data was used to quantify muscle microvascular blood flow (MBF), blood volume index, and red blood cell flux rate. For subjects alive at 3 months, comparisons were made between those with New York Heart Association functional class I or II (n = 13) versus III or IV (n = 7) status after LVAD. Subjects were followed for a median of 5.7 years for mortality. Echocardiographic data before and after LVAD placement and LVAD parameters were similar in subjects classified with New York Heart Association functional class I-II versus functional class III-IV after LVAD. Skeletal muscle MBF at rest and during exercise before LVAD implantation was also similar between groups. After LVAD placement, resting MBF remained similar between groups, but during exercise those with New York Heart Association functional class I or II had greater exercise MBF (111 ± 60 vs 52 ± 38 intensity units/sec, P = .03), MBF reserve (median, 4.45 [3.95 to 6.80] vs 2.22 [0.98 to 3.80]; P = .02), and percentage change in exercise MBF (median, 73% [-28% to 83%] vs -45% [-80% to 26%]; P = .03). During exercise, increases in MBF were attributable to faster microvascular flux rate, with little change in blood volume index, indicating impaired exercise-mediated microvascular recruitment. The only clinical or echocardiographic feature that correlated with post-LVAD exercise MBF was a history of diabetes mellitus. There was a trend toward better survival in patients who demonstrated improvement in muscle exercise MBF after LVAD placement (P = .05). CEUS perfusion imaging can quantify peripheral vascular responses to advanced therapies for HFrEF. After LVAD implantation, improvement in functional class is seen in patients with improvements in skeletal muscle exercise perfusion and flux rate, implicating a change in vasoactive substances that control resistance arteriolar tone.