Becker-type muscular dystrophy. Report of a family with one postmortem study.
Becker-type muscular dystrophy (BMD) is reported in two brothers. In one of the patients, the molecular demonstration of an in-frame deletion of exons 45, 46 and 47 has confirmed the clinical and pathological diagnosis of BMD. The autopsy of the other patient revealed mild neuronal losses in the anterior horns at C8, lumbar and sacral levels of the spinal cord. Mild neuronal losses in the spinal cord may explain the mixed type of neurogenic-myogenic features in the skeletal muscles of adult BMD patients.


Experimental Simulation of Traumatic Osteomyelitis in Rats.
A model of traumatic osteomyelitis in rats is created. The disease development was evaluated by bone marrow myelograms, results of scintigraphy, and histological studies.


A method for controlling bleeding from abdominal wall puncture site after laparoscopic surgery.
Bleeding from puncture sites can complicate laparoscopic procedures. Although it is usually self-limited, bleeding can persist into the postoperative course or obscure the field during the operative procedure. The following article describes a simple method for controlling this type of bleeding. To date, it has been used successfully on two separate occasions.


Synthesis and antibiofilm activity of a second-generation reverse-amide oroidin library: a structure-activity relationship study.
A second-generation library of 2-aminoimidazole-based derivatives incorporating a "reversed amide" (RA) motif in comparison to the marine natural product oroidin were synthesized and subsequently assayed for antibiofilm activity against the medically relevant Gram-negative proteobacteria P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii. Most notably, an in-depth activity profile is reported for the most active subclass of derivatives that bear linear aliphatic chains off the amide bond. Additionally, further structural modifications of the core template, such as removal of the amide bond or substitution with a triazole isostere, resulted in the discovery of analogues with antibiofilm activities that varied with respect to their inhibition and dispersal properties of P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii biofilms.


Giant cutaneous hemangioma associated with axillary arteriovenous fistula causing congestive heart failure in the newborn infant.
Although histopathologically benign, cutaneous hemangiomas may be pathophysiologically malignant if they are associated with significant arteriovenous malformation that is hemodynamically compromising. Rapid surgical intervention may be required to prevent clinical deterioration from congestive heart failure as in the case reported here. Angiography may directly influence the surgical approach to the lesion.


Getting positive about selection.
A report on the 68th Symposium on Quantitative Biology, The Genome of Homo Sapiens', Cold Spring Harbor, USA, 28 May-2 June 2003.


Antihypertensive effects of urapidil and clonidine: a double-blind cross-over study.
The antihypertensive effects of urapidil and clonidine have been studied in a double-blind cross-over trial in 11 hypertensive outpatients with mild to moderate hypertension, at rest and during isometric exercise. Urapidil 30 mg b.i.d. significantly decreased the standing diastolic blood pressure (p less than 0.05) and the systolic blood pressure at the end of isometric exercise (p less than 0.05). Clonidine 0.075-0.15 mg b.i.d. was more effective in decreasing both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the supine and standing positions as well as during isometric work (p less than 0.05-0.001). Urapidil caused fewer side-effects than clonidine. Overall, in the doses used urapidil had a weaker antihypertensive effect and caused fewer side-effects than clonidine.


Movements of field mice Apodemus agrarius (Pallas) in a suburban mosaic of habitats.
Movements of field mice (Apodemus agrarius) were studied using snap traps and coloured bait. The presence of coloured bait was recorded in 35% of field mice captured. Of animals with coloured bait, 60% had moved further than 100 m. The longest distances traversed by field mice exceeded 1000 m. It is suggested that live-trapping on a grid of several hectares is not an adequate method of studying small-mammal movements.


Effective utilization of clinical laboratories.
Effective utilization of clinical laboratories requires that underutilization, overutilization, and malutilization be appreciated and eliminated or reduced. Optimal patient care service, although subjective to a major extent, is reflected in terms of outcome and cost. Increased per diem charges, reduced hospital stay, and increased laboratory workload over the past decade all require each laboratory to examine its internal operations to achieve economy and efficiency as well as maximal effectiveness. Increased research and development, an active managerial role on the part of pathologists, internal self-assessment, and an aggressive response to sophisticated scientific and clinical laboratory data base requirements are not only desirable but essential. The importance of undergraduate and graduate medical education in laboratory medicine to insure understanding as well as effective utilization is stressed. The costs and limitations as well as the accuracy, precision, sensitivity, specificity, and pitfalls of measurements and examinations must also be fully appreciated. Medical malpractice and defensive medicine and the use of critical values, emergency and routine services, and an active clinical role by the pathologist are of the utmost value in assuring effective utilization of the laboratory. A model for the optimal use of the laboratory including economy and efficiency has been achieved in the blood bank in regard to optimal hemotherapy for elective surgery, assuring superior patient care in a cost effective and safe manner.


Methods for extracting biochemical information from bacterial Raman spectra: focus on a group of structurally similar biomolecules--fatty acids.
In this paper we explore the possibilities of Raman spectroscopy in order to deduce information on the fatty acid composition of bacterial cells. Therefore, representative strains of two bacterial taxa were each cultured in different conditions and in parallel analyzed by Raman spectroscopy and gaschromatographic FAME analysis. Raman spectra of pure fatty acids were recorded and used as reference spectra. The culturing conditions for each strain could be easily distinguished by the fatty acid information retrieved from bacterial Raman spectra. Chemometric techniques such as EMSC and PCA allowed to extract information about groups of fatty acids, that was consistent with the results from FAME analysis. Although the information retrieved from Raman spectroscopy is not as refined as that from FAME analysis, the presented methods could be useful to obtain basic information on the fatty acid present in bacteria when performing Raman spectroscopic analysis for fast whole cell profiling, which provides information for different types of cell components (fatty acids, amino acids, primary metabolites, etc.).


Heterologous biosynthesis and manipulation of alkanes in Escherichia coli.
Biosynthesis of alkanes in microbial foundries offers a sustainable and green supplement to traditional fossil fuels. The dynamic equilibrium of fatty aldehydes, key intermediates, played a critical role in microbial alkanes production, due to the poor catalytic capability of aldehyde deformylating oxygenase (ADO). In our study, exploration of competitive pathway together with multi-modular optimization was utilized to improve fatty aldehydes balance and consequently enhance alkanes formation in Escherichia coli. Endogenous fatty alcohol formation was supposed to be competitive with alkane production, since both of the two routes consumed the same intermediate-fatty aldehyde. Nevertheless, in our case, alkanes production in E. coli was enhanced from trace amount to 58.8mg/L by the facilitation of moderate fatty alcohol biosynthesis, which was validated by deletion of endogenous aldehyde reductase (AHR), overexpression of fatty alcohol oxidase (FAO) and consequent transcriptional assay of aar, ado and adhP genes. Moreover, alkanes production was further improved to 81.8mg/L, 86.6mg/L or 101.7mg/L by manipulation of fatty acid biosynthesis, lipids degradation or electron transfer system modules, which directly referenced to fatty aldehydes dynamic pools. A titer of 1.31g/L alkanes was achieved in 2.5L fed-batch fermentation, which was the highest reported titer in E. coli. Our research has offered a reference for chemical overproduction in microbial cell factories facilitated by exploring competitive pathway.


Improved cytometric analysis of untouched lung leukocytes by enzymatic liquefaction of sputum samples.
Phenotyping sputum-resident leukocytes and evaluating their functional status are essential analyses for exploring the cellular basis of pathological processes in the lungs, and flow cytometry is widely recognized as the gold-standard technique to address them. However, sputum-resident leukocytes are found in respiratory samples which need to be liquefied prior to cytometric analysis. Traditional liquefying procedures involve the use of a reducing agent such as dithiothreitol (DTT) in temperature-controlled conditions, which does not homogenize respiratory samples efficiently and impairs cell viability and functionality. Here we propose an enzymatic method that rapidly liquefies samples by means of generating O2 bubbles with endogenous catalase. Sputum specimens from patients with suspected pulmonary infection were treated with DTT, the enzymatic method or PBS. We used turbidimetry to compare the liquefaction degree and cell counts were determined using a hemocytometer. Finally, we conducted a comparative flow cytometry study for evaluating frequencies of sputum-resident neutrophils, eosinophils and lymphocytes and their activation status after liquefaction. Enzymatically treated samples were better liquefied than those treated with DTT or PBS, which resulted in a more accurate cytometric analysis. Frequencies of all cell subsets analyzed within liquefied samples were comparable between liquefaction methods. However, the gentle cell handling rendered by the enzymatic method improves cell viability and retains in vivo functional characteristics of sputum-resident leukocytes (with regard to HLA-DR, CD63 and CD11b expression). In conclusion, the proposed enzymatic liquefaction method improves the cytometric analysis of respiratory samples and leaves the cells widely untouched for properly addressing functional analysis of lung leukocytes.


Profiling intestinal microbiota of Metaplax longipes and Helice japonica and their co-occurrence relationships with habitat microbes.
Intestinal microbiota plays key roles in maintaining the health and homeostasis of the host. However, information about whether the formation of intestinal microbiota of wild aquatic animals is associated with habitat microbes is not fully understood. Here, intestine samples were collected from two wild crab species and sediment samples were collected from the habitat environment. The total DNA of each sample was extracted, and the V3-V4 regions of 16S rRNA were sequenced using the MiSeq platform. The purpose of this study was to investigate the composition and diversity of intestinal microbiota and habitat microbes, and bacterial community relationships between wild crab intestine and habitat sediment. In the present study, the composition and diversity of intestinal microbiota of the two crab species were different from the habitat microbes. In contrast, a similar composition and diversity of the intestinal microbiota were observed between two crab species. Moreover, the bacterial community relationships between crab intestine and habitat sediment were associated with intestinal regions. Further network analysis revealed that the network structure of the intestinal microbiota was not only associated with intestinal regions, but also with the crab species. Additionally, although the compositions of bacterial functions were similar between crab intestine and sediment, no significant correlation in bacterial functions was observed between crab intestine and sediment. The findings of the present study would contribute to understanding the relationship between intestinal microbiota of wild aquatic animal and habitat microbes, and providing new insights into the intestinal microbiota of wild aquatic animals.


Sewage sludge bioleaching by indigenous sulfur-oxidizing bacteria: effects of ratio of substrate dosage to solid content.
The aim of this work was to study the effect of ratio of substrate dosage to solid content (Sd/SC) on sewage sludge bioleaching. The inocula--indigenous sulfur-oxidizing bacteria were enriched and cultured from the fresh activated sludge to a wastewater treatment plant. The results showed that Sd/SC significantly influenced the sludge bioleaching process. With increase in Sd/SC the sludge bioleaching was enhanced, which was represented by the acceleration of sludge acidification, oxidizing environment formation, and substrate (sulfur) utilization. Higher Sd/SC was more efficient to solubilize the heavy metals and total phosphorus (TP) than lower Sd/SC, while total nitrogen (TN) release was not influenced by Sd/SC. Zinc and copper were efficiently bioleached because of sludge acidification and sludge oxidation, but lead was bioleached with a low efficiency because of the formation of low soluble PbSO(4) precipitates. After bioleaching the biotoxicity of sewage sludge greatly reduced.


N2O and N2 production during heterotrophic nitrification by Alcaligenes faecalis strain NR.
A heterotrophic nitrifier, strain NR, was isolated from a membrane bioreactor. Strain NR was identified as Alcaligenes faecalis by Auto-Microbic system and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. A. faecalis strain NR shows a capability of heterotrophic nitrification and N(2)O and N(2) production as well under the aerobic condition. Further tests demonstrated that neither nitrite nor nitrate could be denitrified aerobically by strain NR. However, when hydroxylamine was used as the sole nitrogen source, nitrogenous gases were detected. With an enzyme assay, a 0.063 U activity of hydroxylamine oxidase was observed, while nitrate reductase and nitrite reductase were undetectable. Thus, nitrogenous gas was speculated to be produced via hydroxylamine. Therefore, two different metabolic pathways might exist in A. faecalis NR. One is heterotrophic nitrification by oxidizing ammonium to nitrite and nitrate. The other is oxidizing ammonium to nitrogenous gas directly via hydroxylamine.


Nuclear and cytoplasmic genome relationships in the genus Avena: analysis by isoelectric focusing of ribulose biphosphate carboxylase subunits.
Comparisons of the isoelectric points of small and large subunits of ribulose biphosphate carboxylase extracted from a number of diploid, tetraploid, and hexaploid Avena species have been used to obtain information on the nuclear and cytoplasmic genome relationships within the genus. All species tested had small subunits with similar isoelectric points, so their analysis provided no information of taxonomic value. Three types of large subunits could be distinguished by this method, and the distribution of each among the available species provides strong evidence against the involvement of a C genome diploid (such as A. ventricosa) as the maternal parent in the formation of either tetraploid or hexaploid species. One type of large subunit was confined to the perennial tetraploid, A. macrostachya, and its position in the genus and possible origin are discussed. The value of this approach in studying genome relationships within the genus Avena and related genera is assessed.


Comparative omics of CCM signaling complex (CSC).
Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs), a major neurosurgical condition, characterized by abnormally dilated intracranial capillaries, result in increased susceptibility to stroke. KRIT1 (CCM1), MGC4607 (CCM2), and PDCD10 (CCM3) have been identified as causes of CCMs in which at least one of them is disrupted in most familial cases. Our goal is to identify potential biomarkers and genetic modifiers of CCMs, using a global comparative omics approach across several in vitro studies and multiple in vivo animal models. We hypothesize that through analysis of the CSC utilizing various omics, we can identify potential biomarkers and genetic modifiers, by systemically evaluating effectors and binding partners of the CSC as well as second layer interactors. We utilize a comparative omics approach analyzing multiple CCMs deficient animal models across nine independent studies at the genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic levels to dissect alterations in various signaling cascades. Our analysis revealed a large set of genes that were validated across multiple independent studies, suggesting an important role for these identified genes in CCM pathogenesis. This is currently one of the largest comparative omics analysis of CCM deficiencies across multiple models, allowing us to investigate global alterations among multiple signaling cascades involved in both angiogenic and non-angiogenic events and to also identify potential biomarker candidates of CCMs, which can be used for new therapeutic strategies.


Oral mucosal lesions: association with the presence of antibodies to the human immunodeficiency virus.
To assess the relationship between oral lesions and antibodies to the human immunodeficiency virus, oral examinations of 803 homosexual males were conducted at the time of serologic testing. Nineteen percent were HIV seropositive. Thirty percent of antibody-positive subjects had one or more oral lesion(s), as compared with 7% of antibody-negative subjects (p less than 0.001). The presence of oral lesions was significantly associated with HIV seropositivity: a subject was 5.7 times as likely to have serum antibodies if he had one or more oral lesions (95% confidence interval, 3.5 to 9.1; p less than 0.001). This significant association with HIV seropositivity was only partially explained by cigarette smoking (adjusted odds ratio 3.1; 1.4-6.8; less than 0.006). Specific conditions that were significantly associated with seropositivity included candidiasis, hairy leukoplakia, periodontal disease, and Kaposi's sarcoma. Other diseases identified included acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis, mucocutaneous ulcerations, and oral warts. Oral findings may occur earlier in the natural history of infection than previously reported.


Preliminary crystallographic study of the Fc fragment of a monoclonal IgG2b murine immunoglobulin.
The Fe fragment of a gamma 2b murine monoclonal anti-p-azophenylarsonate antibody (R19.9, IgG2b, kappa) has been crystallized. The crystals are tetragonal, space group P41 (or P43) with unit cell dimensions: a = b = 134.3 +/- 1.1 A, c = 144.0 +/- 0.7 A.


Coffee consumption and blood pressure: a randomized, crossover clinical trial.
To examine the effect of moderate coffee consumption on blood pressure over a prolonged period of time. Previous work in this area has used primarily purified caffeine. A prospective, randomized, crossover clinical trial. A hypertension specialty outpatient clinic at the University of Tennessee, Memphis. Healthy, young, white men who were moderate coffee drinkers (less than 6 cups/day) were recruited. Twenty-four subjects were randomized and 21 (average age 35.5 years) completed the trial. Subjects were randomized to one of two groups: Group A drank three or more cups of coffee/day for two months, then crossed over to abstaining from coffee for two months; group B abstained from coffee first, then crossed over to drinking coffee. Only filter-brewed coffee was used. Subjects were seen at monthly intervals for blood pressure measurements. The average coffee consumption was 3.6 cups/day during the coffee-drinking phases. There was no difference between the coffee-drinking phase and the abstention phase in either systolic blood pressure (110.1 mmHg vs. 108.0 mmHg, respectively; 95% CI of difference -7.3, 2.5) or diastolic blood pressure (67.2 mmHg vs. 69.6 mmHg, respectively; 95% CI of difference -2.2, 6.4). Moderate daily consumption of coffee does not elevate blood pressure.


Detection and characterization of the heterozygote state for lipoprotein lipase deficiency.
Because there are no characteristic clinical or biochemical manifestations, the heterozygote state for lipoprotein lipase (LPL) deficiency has been difficult to detect. Measurements of postheparin plasma LPL activity and of LPL mass were performed in six families of probands with LPL deficiency to characterize the heterozygote state. LPL mass was measured in a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using a monoclonal antibody (5D2) that had been produced against bovine milk LPL. Thirteen obligate heterozygotes from these families had reduced LPL activity and mass below the 95th percent confidence limits of 34 normal controls, while one obligate heterozygote had LPL activity and mass between the 90th and 95th percent confidence limits. Potential heterozygotes in these families were identified as normal (n = 8) or heterozygotes (n = 6) by comparison to the 95th percent confidence limits of the controls. Some relatives in four of the six families exhibited mild hyperlipidemia, similar to the pattern seen in familial combined hyperlipidemia (FCHL). The hyperlipidemia segregated with the heterozygote state for LPL deficiency in these families (p less than 0.03). High density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol was significantly reduced in the heterozygotes for LPL deficiency (p less than 0.01). The measurement of LPL activity and mass allows identification of the heterozygote state for LPL deficiency, which is characterized by variable expressions of hyperlipidemia and reduced HDL cholesterol. These results suggest that the heterozygote state for LPL deficiency may form one subset of FCHL.


Investigating disparities in compliance of nursing pain reassessment for obstetrics and gynecology patients.
Racial and socioeconomic disparities, exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic and surrounding socio-political polarization, affect access to, delivery of, and patient perception of healthcare. Perioperatively, the bedside nurse carries the greatest responsibility of direct care, which includes pain reassessment, a metric tracked for compliance. This study aimed to critically assess disparities in obstetrics and gynecology perioperative care and how these have changed since March 2020 using nursing pain reassessment compliance within a quality improvement framework. A retrospective cohort of 76,984 pain reassessment encounters from 10,774 obstetrics and gynecology patients at a large, academic hospital from September 2017 to March 2021 was obtained from Tableau: Quality, Safety and Risk Prevention platform. Noncompliance proportions were analyzed by patient race across service lines; a sensitivity analysis was performed excluding patients who were of neither Black nor White race. Secondary outcomes included analysis by patient ethnicity, body mass index, age, language, procedure, and insurance. Additional analyses were performed by temporally stratifying patients into pre- and post-March 2020 cohorts to investigate potential pandemic and sociopolitical effects on healthcare disparities. Continuous variables were assessed with Wilcoxon rank test, categorical variables were assessed with chi-squared test, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed (P<.05). Noncompliance proportions of pain reassessment did not differ significantly between Black and White patients as an aggregate of all obstetrics and gynecology patients (8.1% vs 8.2%), but greater differences were found within the divisions of Benign Subspecialty Gynecologic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery + Urogynecology) (14.9% vs 10.70%; P=.03) and Maternal Fetal Medicine (9.5% vs 8.3%; P=.04). Black patients admitted to Gynecologic Oncology experienced lower noncompliance proportions than White patients (5.6% vs 10.4%; P<.01). These differences persisted after adjustment for body mass index, age, insurance, timeline, procedure type, and number of nurses attending to each patient with multivariable analyses. Noncompliance proportions were higher for patients with body mass index ≥35 kg/m2 within Benign Subspecialty Gynecology (17.9% vs 10.4%; P<.01). Non-Hispanic/Latino patients (P=.03), those ≥65 years (P<.01), those with Medicare (P<.01), and those who underwent hysterectomy (P<.01) also experienced greater noncompliance proportions. Aggregate noncompliance proportions differed slightly pre- and post-March 2020; this trend was seen across all service lines except Midwifery and was significant for Benign Subspecialty Gynecology after multivariable analysis (odds ratio, 1.41; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.93; P=.04). Though increases in noncompliance proportions were seen for non-White patients after March 2020, this was not statistically significant. Significant race, ethnicity, age, procedure, and body mass index-based disparities were identified in the delivery of perioperative bedside care, especially for those admitted to Benign Subspecialty Gynecologic Services. Conversely, Black patients admitted to Gynecologic Oncology experienced lower levels of nursing noncompliance. This may be in part be related to the actions of a Gynecologic Oncology nurse practioner at our institution who helps coordinate care for the division's postoperative patients. Noncompliance proportions increased after March 2020 within Benign Subspecialty Gynecologic Services. Although this study was not designed to establish causation, possible contributing factors include implicit or explicit biases regarding pain experience across race, body mass index, age, or surgical indication, discrepancies in pain management across hospital units, and downstream effects of healthcare worker burnout, understaffing, increased use of travelers, or sociopolitical polarization since March 2020. This study demonstrates the need for ongoing investigation of healthcare disparities at all interfaces of patient care and provides a way forward for tangible improvement of patient-directed outcomes by utilizing an actionable metric within a quality improvement framework.


Caenorhabditis elegans ras gene let-60 acts as a switch in the pathway of vulval induction.
The let-60 gene, an essential ras gene of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, acts as a switch in the inductive signalling pathway that initiates vulva formation. Recessive let-60 mutations that cause a vulvaless phenotype prevent let-60 function in response to the inductive signal. These mutations are clustered and define regions necessary either for the activation or for the action of the let-60 ras protein. Dominant let-60 mutations that cause a multivulva phenotype alter codon 13 and activate let-60 in vivo, rendering it independent of the inductive signal. The let-60 gene acts within an extensively defined genetic pathway, and other genes within this pathway seem likely to encode molecules that regulate let-60 function as well as molecules that are targets of let-60 action.


An integrative review of nurse practitioner practice and its relationship to the core competencies.
Competency based education (CBE) has been suggested for nurse practitioner (NP) education reform. For this to occur, competencies should reflect the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that NPs need for independent practice. This integrative review examined the general practice activities of NPs across all population foci to determine the extent to which these activities are reflected in current NP competencies. Using the Whittemore and Knafl (2005) integrative review method, 17 studies that focused on NP practice between 2008 and 2018 were retrieved from three electronic databases. These studies were evaluated, analyzed and synthesized for themes. Afterwards the themes were compared with seven sets of current NP core competencies. The themes for NP practice activities were direct and indirect patient care activities with a majority of NP time spent performing direct patient care activities. However, only 14% of the NP core competencies reflected these direct care activities. In order to successfully implement CBE, a need exists for the NP core competencies to reflect current NP practice.


The influence of social relations on mortality in later life: a study on elderly Danish twins.
We examined whether the presence of a spouse and the frequency of interaction with children, relatives, and friends significantly influence the risk of dying in late life. We assessed these effects separately by gender, controlling for self-reported health. In addition, we examined whether interaction with the co-twin has a different impact on mortality for identical and fraternal twins. The data set consists of 2,147 Danish twins aged 75 years and older, who were followed prospectively from 1995 to 2001. We modeled the effect of social ties on mortality by using event history analysis. Survival is extended by having a spouse and close ties with friends and the co-twin. However, contact frequency with friends and the co-twin is significant, respectively, only for women and identical twins. Investigating social relations sheds light on the life span of individuals older than 75 years of age. We stress the importance of social relations beyond the presence of the spouse for survival even at very old ages.


Molecular cloning, nucleotide sequence and expression of a Sulfolobus solfataricus gene encoding a class II fumarase.
Fumarase catalyzes the interconversion of L-malate and fumarate. A Sulfolobus solfataricus fumarase gene (fumC) was cloned and sequenced. Typical archaebacterial regulatory sites were identified in the region flanking the fumC open reading frame. The fumC gene encodes a protein of 438 amino acids (47,899 Da) which shows several significant similarities with class II fumarases from both eubacterial and eukariotic sources as well as with aspartases. S. solfataricus fumarase expressed in Escherichia coli retains enzymatic activity and its thermostability is comparable to that of S. solfataricus purified enzyme despite a 11 amino acid C-terminal deletion.


Voltammetric determination of hypoxanthine based on the enhancement effect of mesoporous TiO2-modified electrode.
A mesoporous TiO(2) was synthesized according to the reported method, and then used to modify the carbon paste electrode (CPE). The electrochemical behavior of hypoxanthine was investigated with great detail. Compared with the unmodified CPE, the mesoporous TiO(2)-modified CPE greatly enhances the oxidation signal of hypoxanthine. Due to huge surface area, well-defined and special mesopores, the mesoporous TiO(2)-modified CPE shows considerable enhancement effect toward hypoxanthine. Based on this, a sensitive, rapid and convenient electrochemical method was developed for the determination of hypoxanthine. The linear range is over the range from 2.0 x 10(-7) to 5.0 x 10(-5) mol L(-1), and the limit of detection is estimated to be 5.0 x 10(-8) mol L(-1). The relative standard deviation (RSD) for 10 mesoporous TiO(2)-modified CPEs is 5.7%. Finally, this sensing method was successfully used to determine hypoxanthine in human blood serum samples.


An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detecting the chicken B cells.
Two modifications of an indirect enzyme immunoassay described here allow the discernment of chicken B and T cells when a polyclonal rabbit anti-chicken Ig antibody or a monoclonal antibody reactive with chicken IgM and IgG heavy chains is used. Comparison of both types of antibody in ELISA and in indirect immunofluorescence suggests that they can readily be exploited for detection of lymphoid cells with surface immunoglobulin markers.


Effect of Sodium Selenite on the Metabolite Profile of Epichloë sp. Mycelia from Festuca sinensis in Solid Culture.
Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient with many beneficial effects for humans and other living organisms. Numerous microorganisms in culture systems enrich and convert inorganic selenium to organic selenium. In this study, Epichloë sp. from Festuca sinensis was exposed to increasing Na2SeO3 concentrations (0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4 mmol/L) in Petri dishes with potato dextrose agar (PDA) for 8 weeks. Epichloë sp. mycelia were immediately collected after mycelial diameters were measured at 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 weeks of cultivation, respectively. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) analysis was performed on different groups of Epichloë sp. mycelia. Different changes were observed as Epichloë sp. was exposed to different selenite conditions and cultivation time. The colony diameter of Epichloë sp. decreased in response to increased selenite concentrations, whereas the inhibitory effects diminished over time. Seventy-two of the 203 identified metabolites did not differ significantly across selenite treatments within the same time point, while 82 compounds did not differ significantly between multiple time points of the same Se concentration. However, the relative levels of 122 metabolites increased the most under selenite conditions. Specifically, between the 4th and 8th weeks, there were increases in 2-keto-isovaleric acid, uridine, and maltose in selenite treatments compared to controls. Selenium increased glutathione levels and exhibited antioxidant properties in weeks 4, 5, and 7. Additionally, we observed that different doses of selenite could promote the production of carbohydrates such as isomaltose, cellobiose, and sucrose; fatty acids such as palmitoleic acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acid; and amino acids such as lysine and tyrosine in Epichloë sp. mycelia. Therefore, Epichloë sp. exposed to selenite stress may benefit from increased levels of some metabolite compounds.


Mechanisms of acetohydroxyacid synthases.
Acetohydroxyacid synthases are thiamin diphosphate- (ThDP-) dependent biosynthetic enzymes found in all autotrophic organisms. Over the past 4-5 years, their mechanisms have been clarified and illuminated by protein crystallography, engineered mutagenesis and detailed single-step kinetic analysis. Pairs of catalytic subunits form an intimate dimer containing two active sites, each of which lies across a dimer interface and involves both monomers. The ThDP adducts of pyruvate, acetaldehyde and the product acetohydroxyacids can be detected quantitatively after rapid quenching. Determination of the distribution of intermediates by NMR then makes it possible to calculate individual forward unimolecular rate constants. The enzyme is the target of several herbicides and structures of inhibitor-enzyme complexes explain the herbicide-enzyme interaction.


[Conservative treatment of acute pancreatitis (author's transl)].
Since 1962, the conservative treatment of acute pancreatitis has been supported by delayed operation whenever necessary, based on clinical criteria. Of 65 patients operated upon, 22 died (33%). The overall mortality rate of 129 treated patients is 30%.


Allosteric peptide regulators of chemokine receptors CXCR4 and CXCR7.
The chemokine CXCL12 and its shared seven-transmembrane receptors CXCR4 and CXCR7 regulate diseases including cancer, atherosclerosis, autoimmunity, and HIV infection, making these molecules promising drug targets. These molecules also control key processes in normal development and physiology, suggesting the need to selectively modulate CXCR4 and/or CXCR7 functions and signaling to reduce potential complications of long-term therapy. We previously identified two peptides that functioned as allosteric agonists driving CXCR4-dependent chemotaxis, providing key structural information to design a small number of additional peptides to investigate determinants of CXCL12 interactions and signaling through CXCR4 and CXCR7. In the current study, we show that the previously identified peptides only minimally activated CXCR4 signaling through the cytosolic adapter protein β-arrestin 2 and do not initiate signaling to ERK1/2. By comparison, peptides with diverse N-terminal amino acid sequences effectively activated CXCR7 signaling to β-arrestin 2. One peptide, designated as GSLW based on its N-terminal amino acids, activated CXCR7 signaling and potentiated CXCL12-CXCR7 signaling without blocking the scavenger function of CXCR7 to internalize CXCL12. These results advance our understanding of CXCR7 ligand recognition and signaling, and provide structural information to target allosteric binding sites on this receptor as chemical probes and potential therapeutic agents.


Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in patients with infarct-related cardiogenic shock: an individual patient data meta-analysis of randomised trials.
Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is increasingly used in patients with cardiogenic shock despite the lack of evidence from adequately powered randomised clinical trials. Three trials reported so far were underpowered to detect a survival benefit; we therefore conducted an individual patient-based meta-analysis to assess the effect of VA-ECMO on 30-day death rate. Randomised clinical trials comparing early routine use of VA-ECMO versus optimal medical therapy alone in patients presenting with infarct-related cardiogenic shock were identified by searching MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, and trial registries until June 12, 2023. Trials were included if at least all-cause death rate 30 days after in-hospital randomisation was reported and trial investigators agreed to collaborate (ie, providing individual patient data). Odds ratios (ORs) as primary outcome measure were pooled using logistic regression models. This study is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023431258). Four trials (n=567 patients; 284 VA-ECMO, 283 control) were identified and included. Overall, there was no significant reduction of 30-day death rate with the early use of VA-ECMO (OR 0·93; 95% CI 0·66-1·29). Complication rates were higher with VA-ECMO for major bleeding (OR 2·44; 95% CI 1·55-3·84) and peripheral ischaemic vascular complications (OR 3·53; 95% CI 1·70-7·34). Prespecified subgroup analyses were consistent and did not show any benefit for VA-ECMO (pinteraction ≥0·079). VA-ECMO did not reduce 30-day death rate compared with medical therapy alone in patients with infarct-related cardiogenic shock, and an increase in major bleeding and vascular complications was observed. A careful review of the indication for VA-ECMO in this setting is warranted. Foundation Institut für Herzinfarktforschung.


Muscle carnitine pools in cancer patients.
Muscle and plasma concentrations of free and acylated carnitine (short-chain acylcarnitine and long-chain acylcarnitine) were determined by employing an optimized radiochemical-enzymatic assay in 14 healthy volunteers and in 10 patients with oesophageal carcinoma prior to elective operation. No significant correlations between total carnitine and its subfractions in muscle and plasma were observed and no sex differences were apparent. The estimated total carnitine pool in the patients (75.0 +/- 27 mmol) was significantly reduced compared to controls (130 +/- 24.3 mmol). The reduction was still present when expressed per kg muscle tissue (3.5 +/- 1.0 mmol versus 4.5 +/- 0.7 mmol) in order to consider age related decreased muscle mass in the patients. The muscular ratio of acylcarnitines to free carnitine was higher in the patients (0.23 +/- 0.10) than in healthy subjects (0.15 +/- 0.07), whereas the corresponding plasma quotient in the patients (0.22 +/- 0.09) was lowered compared to controls (0.30 +/- 0.10), indicating that instead of glucose, oxidation of fatty acids can be maintained, resulting in a preservation of the glycogen stores and thus an energy-conserving metabolic adaptation as a response to prolonged energy deficit.


Gene therapy for hemoglobinopathies: progress and challenges.
Hemoglobinopathies are genetic inherited conditions that originate from the lack or malfunction of the hemoglobin (Hb) protein. Sickle cell disease (SCD) and thalassemia are the most common forms of these conditions. The severe anemia combined with complications that arise in the most affected patients raises the necessity for a cure to restore hemoglobin function. The current routine therapies for these conditions, namely transfusion and iron chelation, have significantly improved the quality of life in patients over the years, but still fail to address the underlying cause of the diseases. A curative option, allogeneic bone marrow transplantation is available, but limited by the availability of suitable donors and graft-vs-host disease. Gene therapy offers an alternative approach to cure patients with hemoglobinopathies and aims at the direct recovery of the hemoglobin function via globin gene transfer. In the last 2 decades, gene transfer tools based on lentiviral vector development have been significantly improved and proven curative in several animal models for SCD and thalassemia. As a result, clinical trials are in progress and 1 patient has been successfully treated with this approach. However, there are still frontiers to explore that might improve this approach: the stoichiometry between the transgenic hemoglobin and endogenous hemoglobin with respect to the different globin genetic mutations; donor cell sourcing, such as the use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs); and the use of safer gene insertion methods to prevent oncogenesis. With this review we will provide insights about (1) the different lentiviral gene therapy approaches in mouse models and human cells; (2) current and planned clinical trials; (3) hurdles to overcome for clinical trials, such as myeloablation toxicity, insertional oncogenesis, and high vector expression; and (4) future perspectives for gene therapy, including safe harbors and iPSCs technology.


Quantitative characterisation of the morphology of Trichoderma harzianum cultured in shake-flasks and containing tween 40.
Image analysis was used to measure the effect of Tween 40 on the morphology of Trichoderma harzianum. The percentage of pellets was maximal (93%) with Tween at 0.2 ml l(-1), whereas the maximal proportion of dispersed mycelia (40%) was with Tween at 1.6 ml l(-1). The particle median diameter decreased from 2 to 0.5 mm as Tween concentration was increased and was inversely correlated to the biomass dry weight. Adding pre-determined aliquots of Tween 40 to the culture medium can be used to define the morphological characteristics of Trichoderma harzianum in submerged shake-flask culture.


The developmental toxicity of uranium in mice.
To evaluate the developmental toxicity of uranium, 5 groups of 20 pregnant Swiss mice were given by gavage daily doses of 0, 5, 10, 25 and 50 mg/kg of uranyl acetate dihydrate on gestational days 6-15. Cesarean sections were performed on all females on gestation day 18. Fetuses were examined for external, visceral, and skeletal abnormalities. The results indicated that such exposure resulted in maternal toxicity as evidenced by reduced weight gain and food consumption during treatment, and increased relative liver weight. There were no treatment-related effects on the number of implantation sites per dam, or on the incidence of postimplantation loss (resorptions plus dead fetuses). The number of live fetuses per litter and the fetal sex ratio were not affected by the treatment. However, dose-related fetal toxicity, consisting primarily of reduced fetal body weight and body length, and an increased incidence of abnormalities was observed. Malformations (cleft palate, bipartite sternebrae) and developmental variations (reduced ossification and unossified skeletal variations) were noted at the 25 and 50 mg/kg per day test levels. Therefore, administration of uranyl acetate dihydrate during organogenesis in mice produced maternal toxicity at 5, 10, 25 and 50 mg/kg per day. The "no observable effect level" (NOEL) for fetotoxicity including teratogenicity was below 5 mg/kg per day, as some anomalies were observed at this dose. There was no evidence of embryolethality at any dosage level used in this study.


Research tests for the diagnosis of tuberculosis infection.
Despite huge efforts, tuberculosis (TB) is still a major public health threat worldwide, it is estimated that a quarter of the global population is infected by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). For controlling TB and reducing Mtb transmission it is fundamental to diagnose TB infection (TBI) as well as the progressors from TBI to disease to identify those requiring preventive therapy. At present, there is no gold standard test for TBI diagnosis although several new methodologies have been attempted. This review provides an update on the most recent approaches to develop reliable tests to diagnose TBI and progressors from infection to disease. Experimental tests are based on either the direct identification of Mtb (i.e., Mtb DNA upon host cells isolation; Mtb proteins or peptides) or host response (i.e., levels and quality of specific anti-Mtb antibodies; host blood transcriptome signatures). The experimental tests described are very interesting. However, further investigation and randomized clinical trials are needed to improve the sensitivity and specificity of these new research-based tests. More reliable proofs-of-concept and simplification of technical procedures are necessary to develop new diagnostic tools for identifying TBI patients and those that will progress from infection to TB disease.


A case of sadomasochistic transference: the analyst's contributions to perverse enactments.
A young woman who came for treatment of anxiety and depression is presented in a detailed case report. She developed an erotized transference that was predominantly sadomasochistic and included her intention to torture and castrate the analyst. The author demonstrates how the analyst's behavior, including countertransference contributions, assisted in shaping the vicissitudes of sadomasochistic transference paradigms. A collusion was established between patient and analyst in a manner that enabled the analytic dyad to work productively toward an eventual resolution of the patient's conflicts. The author discusses the case's complexities pertaining to enactments, while emphasizing the importance of carefully monitoring and addressing countertransference experiences that mold and shape such a collusion.


The effects of charge and lipophilicity on the antibacterial activity of undecapeptides derived from bovine lactoferricin.
We have investigated the effects of charge and lipophilicity on the antibacterial activity of an undecapeptide (FKCRRWQWRMK) derived from the sequence of bovine lactoferricin. We prepared ten analogues that were modified by the incorporation of Ala, Tyr, Trp, Met and Arg residues, which are amino acids known to be important for the antibacterial activity of longer derivatives of lactoferricins. All undecapeptides contained the native Trp residues in positions 6 and 8, and the Arg residues in positions 5 and 9. Generally, the Gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus was more susceptible to these undecapeptides than the Gram-negative bacteria, and a higher antibacterial activity was observed against Escherichia coli than against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The only exception was the peptide Undeca 9 (RRWYRWAWRMR-NH2), which was almost equally active against all three test strains, displaying minimal inhibitory concentrations of 10 microg/ml (5.8 microM), 7.5 microg/ml (4.4 microM) and 5 microg/ml (2.9 microM) against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. The peptides Undeca 6 (YRAWRWAWRWR-NH2) and Undeca 7 (YRMWRWAWRWR-NH2) were the two most active undecapeptides against Staphylococcus aureus, both displaying a minimal inhibitory concentration of 2.5 microg/ml (1.5 microM). The study showed that a level was reached in which undecapeptides having a net charge above +4 and containing three or four Trp residues all displayed a high antibacterial activity. All undecapeptides prepared were essentially non-haemolytic, but undecapeptides containing more than three Trp residues displayed 50% haemolysis of human red blood cells at concentrations above 400 microg/ml (>230 microM).


SPECT/CT of lung nodules using 111In-DOTA-c(RGDfK) in a mouse lung carcinogenesis model.
Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, including Japan. Although computed tomography (CT) can detect small lung lesions such as those appearing as ground glass opacity, it cannot differentiate between malignant and non-malignant lesions. Previously, we have shown that single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging using (111)In-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-N,N',N'',N'''-tetraacetic acid-cyclo-(Arg-Gly-Asp-D-Phe-Lys) (DOTA-c(RGDfK)), an imaging probe of αvβ3 integrin, is useful for the early detection of pancreatic cancer in a hamster pancreatic carcinogenesis model. In this study, we aimed to assess the usefulness of SPECT/CT with (111)In-DOTA-c(RGDfK) for the evaluation of the malignancy of lung cancer. Lung tumors were induced by a single intraperitoneal injection (250 mg/kg) of urethane in male A/J mice. Twenty-six weeks after the urethane treatment, SPECT was performed an hour after injection of (111)In-DOTA-c(RGDfK). Following this, the radioactivity ratios of tumor to normal lung tissue were measured by autoradiography (ARG) in the excised lung samples. We also examined the expression of αvβ3 integrin in mouse and human lung samples. Urethane treatment induced 5 hyperplasias, 41 adenomas and 12 adenocarcinomas in the lungs of 8 A/J mice. SPECT with (111)In-DOTA-c(RGDfK) could clearly visualize lung nodules, though we failed to detect small lung nodules like adenoma and hyperplasias (adenocarcinoma: 66.7%, adenoma: 33.6%, hyperplasia: 0.0%). ARG analysis revealed significant uptake of (111)In-DOTA-c(RGDfK) in all the lesions. Moreover, tumor to normal lung tissue ratios increased along with the progression of carcinogenesis. Histopathological examination using human lung tissue samples revealed clear up-regulation of αvβ3 integrin in well-differentiated adenocarcinoma (Noguchi type B and C) rather than atypical adenomatous hyperplasia. Although there are some limitations in evaluating the malignancy of small lung tumors using (111)In-DOTA-c(RGDfK), SPECT with (111)In-DOTA-c(RGDfK) might be a useful non-invasive imaging approach for evaluating the characteristics of lung tumors in mice, thus showing potential for use in humans.


Convergence in Perceptions of Ecosystem Services Supports Green Infrastructure Decision-making in a Semi-arid City.
Effective management of cities using ecosystem services from green infrastructure (GI) requires explicit consideration of the linkages between provision of services and ecosystem service demands (i.e., governance priorities). Identification of stakeholder knowledge and objectives in GI decision-making contexts with respect to ecosystem services may improve urban planning; yet this information is rarely explicit in local contexts and cases. We address this gap by surveying environmental stakeholders and practitioners to investigate how perceptions of ecosystem services influence GI practice in Tucson, AZ. Results indicate that the semi-arid environment and urban design led to prioritizations that focus on water sustainability and urban heat mitigation. We found strong agreement in environmental perceptions between different management sectors. We observed matches (as well as mismatches) between the ecosystem service priorities and important environmental issues. Ecosystem services prioritization revealed a unique classification of ecosystem services that reflects stakeholder priorities. Our findings suggest the study of ecosystem services supply and demand can inform local urban management. These findings from a semi-arid city further suggest that understanding stakeholder knowledge, perceptions, and priorities should be important for cities in other regions where GI is being implemented as an environmental solution to provide ecosystem services.


Gastric pyogenic granuloma: Report of two cases and review of the literature.
Pyogenic granuloma (PG) is a polypoid lobular capillary hemangioma rarely described in the stomach. We report two cases aged 72 and 66 years. A review of the literature on gastric PG, including the present cases, yielded ten patients. There were six males and four females. The age of the patients ranged from 35 to 82 years with a mean of 58.9 years. The lesions were all solitary, except one case of multiple lesions in the corpus and antrum. PG can be located in any part of the stomach. The most common site was the antrum. The mean maximum diameter of the lesions was 14.5mm (range 7-30mm). Most lesions were pedunculated. Pain or discomfort (epigastric, right upper quadrant or chest), upper gastrointestinal bleeding, and melena were the most common clinical symptoms. Iron deficiency anemia was the rule, often requiring blood transfusion. Five patients underwent snare polypectomy, four endoscopic mucosal resection, and one laser irradiation. The follow-up ranged from two weeks to two years. There were no recurrences. Pathologists should be familiar with this condition in order to avoid overdiagnosis as a malignant vascular tumor.


Expression of Class III facilitative glucose transporter genes (GLUT-10 and GLUT-12) in mouse and human adipose tissues.
We have examined whether GLUT-10 and GLUT-12, members of the Class III group of the recently expanded family of facilitative glucose transporters, are expressed in adipose tissues. The mouse GLUT-12 gene, located on chromosome 10, comprises at least five exons and encodes a 622 amino acid protein exhibiting 83% sequence identity and 91% sequence similarity to human GLUT-12. Expression of the GLUT-12 gene was evident in all the major mouse adipose tissue depots (epididymal, perirenal, mesenteric, omental, and subcutaneous white; interscapular brown). The GLUT-10 gene is also expressed in mouse adipose tissues and as with GLUT-12 expression occurred in the mature adipocytes as well as the stromal vascular cells. 3T3-L1 adipocytes express GLUT-10, but not GLUT-12, and expression of GLUT-12 was not induced by insulin or glucose. Both GLUT-10 and GLUT-12 expression was also found in human adipose tissue (subcutaneous and omental) and SGBS adipocytes. It is concluded that white fat expresses a wide range of facilitative glucose transporters.


Cyclotriveratrylene-carbazole cage for self-assembly of C₆₀.
A novel open-bowl pyramidal compound cyclotriveratrylene-carbazole (CTV-CZ) was designed and synthesized. Its absorption and emission spectroscopic properties in different organic solvents were characterized. Three absorption peaks of CTV-CZ around 235 nm, 260 nm and 290 nm were observed. The fluorescence emission peaks were at about 353 nm and 368 nm using a solution of ∼10(-7)M CTV-CZ. The intermolecular interaction between CTV-CZ and fullerene (C₆₀) was studied in detail by UV-vis absorption and fluorescence spectra. CTV-CZ could associate with C₆₀ to form supramolecular complex with 1:1 molar ratio and the binding constant was estimated to be 5.0(6) × 10(4)M(-1) by fluorimetry. The formation of inclusion complex for CTV-CZ and C₆₀ was further confirmed by (1)H NMR and cyclic voltammetry. The downfield shift of protons of CTV-CZ in its (1)H NMR spectrum and the decrease of redox currents on addition of C₆₀ showed that photo induced electron transfer (PET) occurred from the electron donor CTV and CZ units to the electron acceptor C₆₀.


Assessing ageist behaviours in undergraduate nursing students using the Relating to Older People Evaluation (ROPE) survey.
To describe the prevalence of ageist behaviours amongst first-year undergraduate nursing students. A cross-sectional survey design. The Relating to Older People Evaluation (ROPE) survey was administered to first-year undergraduate nursing students in one Australian university. One hundred and eighty-five students responded (response rate (RR) 85.3%). Up to 97.8% of students reported engaging in some ageist behaviours, with positive ageist behaviours ranked highest. Up to 87.5% of the cohort reported engaging in negative behaviours, such as talking slow and loud to an older person. Most students (63.2%) indicated that they would work in aged care in the future. Nursing students report engaging in ageist behaviours that can have a negative effect on their future relationships with older patients. The ROPE survey can be used to make collective ageist behaviours explicit to students. Combining explicit collective information on ageist behaviours with educational strategies is proposed to address ageism in undergraduate nursing curricula.


Phylogenetically distant symbiotic microorganisms reside in Glossina midgut and ovary tissues.
Many blood-feeding insects, including tsetse flies (Diptera: Glossinidae), harbour intracellular bacterial symbionts. Using isolates from tissues of several Glossina species and diagnostic DNA oligonucleotide primers, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based assay was designed to identify symbiotic bacteria. Those inhabiting the midgut of Glossina were found to belong to the gamma subdivision, whereas ovarian Proteobacteria were of the alpha subdivision--probably genus Wolbachia (Rickettsiaceae). The presence of Wolbachia-like Rickettsia in the ovaries of G.morsitans subspecies may help to explain the maternally inherited incompatibility of some crosses within this species.


[Cortical reaction of the eggs of the mussel, Crenomytilus grayanus].
The extrusion of the contents of cortical granules was found in the places of contact of spermatozoa with the egg surface upon fertilization of the mussel eggs. Not all cortical granules broke down, a great number of them is preserved in the developing embryo cells. The possible mechanism and importance of this phenomenon are discussed.


Switching Condensates: The CTD Code Goes Liquid.
Condensates containing RNA polymerase II (Pol II) materialize at sites of active transcription. Young and coworkers now establish that C-terminal domain phosphorylation regulates Pol II partitioning into distinct condensates connected with transcription initiation or splicing. This advance hints that distinct condensates with specialized functional compositions might choreograph distinct stages of transcription.


Narcolepsy: regional cerebral blood flow during sleep and wakefulness.
Serial measurements of regional cerebral blood flow were made by the 135Xe inhalation method during the early stages of sleep and wakefulness in eight normal volunteers and 12 patients with narcolepsy. Electroencephalogram, electro-oculogram, and submental electromyogram were recorded simultaneously. In normals, mean hemispheric gray matter blood flow (Fg) during stages I and II sleep was significantly less (-9.2 percent) than waking values (84.3 +/- 13 ml per 100 gm brain per minute). Maximum regional blood flow decreases during sleep occurred in the brainstem-cerebellar (-25.1 percent), right inferior temporal (-23.1 percent) and bilateral frontal (-18.9 percent) regions (p less than 0.05). In patients with narcolepsy, mean hemispheric Fg while awake was 80.5 +/- 13 ml per 100 gm brain per minute. During REM sleep (n = 2), mean hemispheric Fg increased by 9.8 percent concurrently with large increases (+34.6 percent) in brainstem-cerebellar region flow. During stages I and II sleep without REM (n = 6), there were significant increases in mean hemispheric Fg of +/-20.2 percent (p less than 0.01) and brainstem-cerebellar Fg of 38.0 percent (p less than 0.01), just the opposite of changes in normals. In narcolepsy, there appears to be a reversal of normal cerebral deactivation patterns, particularly involving the brainstem, during stages I and II sleep.


Cochlear and vestibular functions of the rat after obliteration of the endolymphatic sac.
A combined morphological and physiological study on the effect of saccus obliteration on the cochlea and the vestibular labyrinth of the rat is presented. Endolymphatic hydrops was successfully induced in 49% of the animals. It was frequently associated with fistulae of the membranous wall and degenerative changes in the organ of Corti and spiral ganglion. In hydropic ears electrocochleography revealed a CAP threshold increase only in those cases where hydrops was associated with loss of hair cells and ganglion cells. In two of these animals also an increased negative SP was present. Static otolith reflexes were found to be normal in all hydropic ears despite severe lesions of the saccule in some of these. Abnormal canal reflexes measured by electronystagmography and cupulometry were established in animals with hydrops of the semicircular canals and in one animal with a fistula of the saccule.


Exercise versus immersion: antagonistic effects on water and electrolyte metabolism during swimming.
Changes in blood composition, renal function, aldosterone and antidiuretic hormone (ADH) concentrations were investigated in 10 untrained male subjects when swimming (60 min at a heart rate of about 155 beats.min-1, water temperature 28 degrees C) and during the subsequent 3 h in a sitting position. Many specific effects of either exercise or immersion were abolished or attenuated; no significant changes in plasma aldosterone, [ADH], [K+], [Cl-], or of urinary volume, glomerular filtration rate, free water or osmolar clearance were observed. The urine was diluted resulting in lowered [Na+]. In blood some quantities which are only slightly influenced by immersion increased during swimming ([Na+], [Lac-], [H+], osmolality, [creatinine]). Exercise induced plasma volume loss, calculated from increasing [Hb], was small (110 ml), probably because interstitial fluid enters the vascular space during the initial phase of immersion. One might anticipate that the training effects on fluid and electrolyte metabolism and circulation are different when swimming and when performing endurance sports on land.


Balloon catheter contol of a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm in a patient with Cullen's sign.
A patient with Cullen's sign due to a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm is reported. At operation a balloon catheter was used to stop severe retroperitoneal bleeding and the aneurysm was replaced with a graft.


Comparison of Different Types of Drug-Eluting Stents for De Novo Long Coronary Artery Lesions.
Outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention for diffuse long lesions remain relatively unfavorable. Prior clinical trials investigated the relative efficacy and safety of different types of drug-eluting stents (DES) in long lesions. This study sought to compare the relative performance of different types of DES for de novo long (≥25 mm) coronary artery lesions. Using a pooled analysis of individual data of 1,450 patients from 3 randomized clinical trials, we compared angiographic and clinical outcomes of 5 different types of DES: 224 patients with cobalt-chromium everolimus-eluting stents (EES), 255 with platinum-chromium EES, 250 with Resolute zotarolimus-eluting stents, 245 with biodegradable polymer biolimus-eluting stents, and 476 with first-generation sirolimus-eluting stents (SES). The primary endpoint was in-segment late lumen loss at 9 months. The primary endpoint was not significantly different between 4 second-generation DES and 1 first-generation SES (0.17 ± 0.41 mm in cobalt-chromium EES; 0.11 ± 0.37 in platinum-chromium EES: 0.14 ± 0.38 in Resolute zotarolimus-eluting stents; 0.14 ± 0.38 in biodegradable polymer biolimus-eluting stents; or 0.10 ± 0.37 in SES, respectively, overall P = 0.38). Also, there were no significant between-group differences with respect to death, myocardial infarction, target-vessel revascularization, or stent thrombosis at 12 months. In the multiple treatment propensity-score analysis, the risk of angiographic and clinical outcomes was also similar among several types of DES. In this patient-level pooled analysis, several second-generation DES showed similar angiographic and clinical outcomes in patients with de novo long coronary lesions. (Percutaneous Treatment of LONG Native Coronary Lesions With Drug-Eluting Stent-III [LONG-DES-III]; NCT01078038; Percutaneous Treatment of LONG Native Coronary Lesions With Drug-Eluting Stent-IV [LONG-DES-IV]; NCT01186094; and Everolimus-eluting [PROMUS-ELEMENT] vs. Biolimus A9-Eluting [NOBORI] Stents for Long-Coronary Lesions [LONG-DES-V]; NCT01186120).


More than just someone to inject drugs with: Injecting within primary injection partnerships.
Studies have shown intimate injection partners engage in higher rates of syringe and injecting equipment sharing. We examined the drug use context and development of injection drug use behaviors within intimate injection partnerships. In-depth interviews (n=18) were conducted with both members of nine injecting partnerships in Sydney, Australia. Content analysis identified key domains related to the reasons for injecting with a primary injection partner and development of drug injection patterns. Most partnerships (n=5) were also sexual; three were blood-relatives and one a friend dyad. The main drug injected was heroin (66%) with high rates of recent sharing behaviors (88%) reported within dyads. Injecting within a primary injection partnership provided perceived protection against overdose events, helped reduce stress, increased control over when, where, and how drugs were used, and promoted the development of an injecting pattern where responsibilities could be shared. Unique to injecting within primary injection partnerships was the social connection and companionship resulted in a feeling of fulfillment while also blinding one from recognizing risky behavior. Findings illuminated the tension between protection and risks within primary injection partnerships. Primary injection partnerships provide a potential platform to expand risk reduction strategies.


Metabolic fingerprinting of rat urine by LC/MS Part 2. Data pretreatment methods for handling of complex data.
Metabolic fingerprinting of biofluids like urine is a useful technique for detecting differences between individuals. With this approach, it might be possible to classify samples according to their biological relevance. In Part 1 of this work a method for the comprehensive screening of metabolites was described, using two different liquid chromatography (LC) column set-ups and detection by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). Data pretreatment of the resulting data described in is needed to reduce the complexity of the data and to obtain useful metabolic fingerprints. Three different approaches, i.e., reduced dimensionality (RD), MarkerLynx, and MS Resolver, were compared for the extraction of information. The pretreated data were then subjected to multivariate data analysis by partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) for classification. By combining two different chromatographic procedures and data analysis, the detection of metabolites was enhanced as well as the finding of metabolic fingerprints that govern classification. Additional potential biomarkers or xenobiotic metabolites were detected in the fraction containing highly polar compounds that are normally discarded when using reversed-phase liquid chromatography.


Effects of H3PO4 modified biochar on heavy metal mobility and resistance genes removal during swine manure composting.
In this research, static composting treatments of swine manure with forced ventilation were conducted to study the effects of biochar (BC) and H3PO4 modified biochar (BP) addition on heavy metals (HMs) stabilization, profiles of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), heavy metals resistance genes (MRGs) and bacterial communities during swine manure composting. After 42 days of the composting, compared to control (CK), BC and BP decreased the concentration of diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid extractable Cu and Zn by 12.04%, 15.15% and 26.91%, 36.50%, respectively. Furthermore, BC and BP treatments reduced the total abundances of nine ARGs by 4.02% and 66.21%, and five MRGs by 53.66% and 58.81%, compared to CK in the compost product. Network analysis and square structural equation model analysis revealed that the decrease of ARGs and MRGs in BP treatment was related tothe change in bacterial community during the composting, rather than differences in co-selection pressure.


Effect of anesthetic strategies on distal stroke thrombectomy in the anterior and posterior cerebral artery.
Numerous questions regarding procedural details of distal stroke thrombectomy remain unanswered. This study assesses the effect of anesthetic strategies on procedural, clinical and safety outcomes following thrombectomy for distal medium vessel occlusions (DMVOs). Patients with isolated DMVO stroke from the TOPMOST registry were analyzed with regard to anesthetic strategies (ie, conscious sedation (CS), local (LA) or general anesthesia (GA)). Occlusions were in the P2/P3 or A2-A4 segments of the posterior and anterior cerebral arteries (PCA and ACA), respectively. The primary endpoint was the rate of complete reperfusion (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score 3) and the secondary endpoint was the rate of modified Rankin Scale score 0-1. Safety endpoints were the occurrence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and mortality. Overall, 233 patients were included. The median age was 75 years (range 64-82), 50.6% (n=118) were female, and the baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 8 (IQR 4-12). DMVOs were in the PCA in 59.7% (n=139) and in the ACA in 40.3% (n=94). Thrombectomy was performed under LA±CS (51.1%, n=119) and GA (48.9%, n=114). Complete reperfusion was reached in 73.9% (n=88) and 71.9% (n=82) in the LA±CS and GA groups, respectively (P=0.729). In subgroup analysis, thrombectomy for ACA DMVO favored GA over LA±CS (aOR 3.07, 95% CI 1.24 to 7.57, P=0.015). Rates of secondary and safety outcomes were similar in the LA±CS and GA groups. LA±CS compared with GA resulted in similar reperfusion rates after thrombectomy for DMVO stroke of the ACA and PCA. GA may facilitate achieving complete reperfusion in DMVO stroke of the ACA. Safety and functional long-term outcomes were comparable in both groups.


Health and ecological risk assessment of heavy metals pollution in an antimony mining region: a case study from South China.
In recent years, international research on the toxicity of the heavy metal, antimony, has gradually changed focus from early medical and pharmacological toxicology to environmental toxicology and ecotoxicology. However, little research has been conducted for sources identification and risk management of heavy metals pollution by long-term antimony mining activities. In this study, a large number of investigations were conducted on the temporal and spatial distribution of antimony and related heavy metal contaminants (lead, zinc, and arsenic), as well as on the exposure risks for the population for the Yuxi river basin in the Hunan province, China. The scope of the investigations included mine water, waste rock, tailings, agricultural soil, surface water, river sediments, and groundwater sources of drinking water. Health and ecological risks from exposure to heavy metal pollution were evaluated. The main pollution sources of heavy metals in the Yuxi River basin were analyzed. Remediation programs and risk management strategies for heavy metal pollution were consequently proposed. This article provides a scientific basis for the risk assessment and management of heavy metal pollution caused by antimony basin ore mining.


Direct measurement of the action of acetylcholine on isolated outer hair cells of the guinea pig cochlea.
Acetylcholine has long been thought to be the neurotransmitter of the cochlear efferent system in mammals although the evidence is largely indirect. By using whole-cell recordings from isolated outer hair cells, we show that acetylcholine activates a large rapidly desensitizing outward potassium current. This corresponds to hyperpolarization of the membrane potential from rest. The half maximal dose for acetylcholine was 13.5 microM with a cooperativity of 2. The response was not due to a conventional muscarinic action of acetylcholine for it was not blocked by 0.1 microM atropine and muscarinic antagonists but it could be blocked by 0.1 microM curare, suggesting that it shared many properties of a nicotinic receptor. It was, however, inhibited by 10 microM strychnine. The potassium current activated by acetylcholine required external calcium and was characterized by a significant delay at room temperature. This points to the involvement of a second messenger system, possibly calcium itself.


Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation Does Not Improve Working Memory in Schizophrenia: A Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials.
Poor working memory functioning is commonly found in schizophrenia. A number of studies have now tested whether non-invasive brain stimulation can improve this aspect of cognitive functioning. This report used meta-analysis to synthesise the results of these studies to examine whether transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) or repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can improve working memory in schizophrenia. The studies included in this meta-analysis were sham-controlled, randomised controlled trials that utilised either tES or rTMS to treat working memory problems in schizophrenia. A total of 22 studies were included in the review. Nine studies administered rTMS and 13 administered tES. Meta-analysis revealed that compared to sham/placebo stimulation, neither TMS nor tES significantly improved working memory. This was found when working memory was measured with respect to the accuracy on working memory tasks (TMS studies: Hedges' g = 0.112, CI95: -0.082, 0.305, p = .257; tES studies Hedges' g = 0.080, CI95: -0.117, 0.277, p = .427) or the speed working memory tasks were completed (rTMS studies: Hedges' g = 0.233, CI95: -0.212, 0.678, p = .305; tES studies Hedges' g = -0.016, CI95: -0.204, 0.173, p = .871). For tES studies, meta-regression analysis found that studies with a larger number of stimulation sessions were associated with larger treatment effects. This association was not found for TMS studies. At present, rTMS and tES is not associated with a reliable improvement in working memory for individuals with schizophrenia.


Predicting restoration of kidney function during CRRT-free intervals.
Renal failure is common in critically ill patients and frequently requires continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). CRRT is discontinued at regular intervals for routine changes of the disposable equipment or for replacing clogged filter membrane assemblies. The present study was conducted to determine if the necessity to continue CRRT could be predicted during the CRRT-free period. In the period from 2003 to 2006, 605 patients were treated with CRRT in our ICU. A total of 222 patients with 448 CRRT-free intervals had complete data sets and were used for analysis. Of the total CRRT-free periods, 225 served as an evaluation group. Twenty-nine parameters with an assumed influence on kidney function were analyzed with regard to their potential to predict the restoration of kidney function during the CRRT-free interval. Using univariate analysis and logistic regression, a prospective index was developed and validated in the remaining 223 CRRT-free periods to establish its prognostic strength. Only three parameters showed an independent influence on the restoration of kidney function during CRRT-free intervals: the number of previous CRRT cycles (medians in the two outcome groups: 1 vs. 2), the "Sequential Organ Failure Assessment"-score (means in the two outcome groups: 8.3 vs. 9.2) and urinary output after the cessation of CRRT (medians in two outcome groups: 66 ml/h vs. 10 ml/h). The prognostic index, which was calculated from these three variables, showed a satisfactory potential to predict the kidney function during the CRRT-free intervals; Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed an area under the curve of 0.798. Restoration of kidney function during CRRT-free periods can be predicted with an index calculated from three variables. Prospective trials in other hospitals must clarify whether our results are generally transferable to other patient populations.


Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for diagnosis of brucellosis.
The performance of an ELISA for detection of total antibodies to Brucella spp. was compared with that of the Rose Bengal, standard agglutination and Coombs test in the diagnosis of brucellosis. Sera tested were from 208 patients from whom Brucella melitensis had been isolated, 177 patients with significant results in at least two conventional tests, and 107 patients with fever from whom no Brucella spp. had been isolated and in whom all conventional tests were negative. ELISA was the most sensitive test (97%), showing greater specificity (96%) and good predictive positive and negative values (98% and 94% respectively). ELISA was the only positive test in 6% of patients in whom brucellosis had been confirmed by culture.


Improvement of psoriasis vulgaris after intralesional injections of 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15-HETE).
Psoriatic skin lesions are characterized by elevated levels of 5- and 12-lipoxygenase products (leukotrienes B4, C4, and D4, and 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid [12-HETE]), which can stimulate epidermal proliferation and induce skin inflammation. 15-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15-HETE) has the potential to inhibit the activity of 5- and 12-lipoxygenases. The purpose of the present study was to determine the therapeutic effect of intralesional injections of 15-HETE. 15-HETE was formed by oxidation of arachidonic acid by soybean lipoxygenase, purified by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, and identified by mass spectrometric analysis. Thirteen patients took part in the investigation. Plaques with a diameter of approximately 1 cm were injected with 0.1 ml of 10 mumol/L 15-HETE, 0.1 ml of 1 mumol/L 15-HETE, or 0.1 ml of saline weekly. After 3 weeks the effect was evaluated clinically and histologically by an observer uniformed of the treatment given. We found that plaques injected with 10 mumol/L 15-HETE had cleared completely in four patients and improved considerably in seven. In one patient minimal improvement only was seen and in one patient no change was observed. Injection of 1 mumol/L 15-HETE was without effect in 11 patients and improvement was observed in two patients. Of the plaques injected with saline, minimal improvement was observed in one patient; otherwise the plaques had not changed. Injection of 0.1 ml of 10 mumol/L 15-HEPE (identical to 15-HETE except for five double bonds instead of four) induced only minimal improvement in one of four patients. The results imply that 15-HETE by a dose-dependent and stereospecific mechanism can improve psoriasis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


Construction of a neolarynx after radiation and laryngectomy.
We have developed a technique for forming a new larynx from a cervical "bucket handle" flap to replace the larynx after laryngectomy in patients who have had radiation of the neck. Experience with the technique in six patients suggests that it is more successful than previous procedures used in such patients and may offer some advantages as a general technique of laryngeal construction. The procedure is designed to preserve speech and swallowing without aspiration, but translaryngeal breathing is sacrificed and respiration requires a permanent tracheostomy tube.


Examining the validity of chiropractic grade point averages for predicting National Board of Chiropractic Examiners Part I exam scores.
The main objective of this study was to evaluate the validity of grade point average (GPA) for predicting the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) Part I exam scores using chiropractic GPA. Data were collected during the January 2019 computer-based testing administration of the NBCE's Part I exam. The sample size was n = 2278 of test takers from 18 domestic and 4 international chiropractic educational institutions. Six regression models were developed and tested to predict the Part I domain scores from chiropractic GPA while controlling for self-reported demographic variables. Residuals from the models were disaggregated by pre-chiropractic GPA. Chiropractic GPA revealed a positive, statistically significant correlation with sex. The chiropractic GPA was found to be a significant predictor of the Part I domain scores. A different perspective was obtained when residuals (observed minus predicted) were collected and split by the pre-chiropractic GPA. Very good students tended to be underpredicted, while other students were overpredicted. This study builds on the cascading evidence from educational literature by providing additional results suggesting that undergraduate (prechiropractic) GPA as well as the GPA obtained in doctor of chiropractic programs are related to the future performance on the NBCE Part I exam. The results provide a first glance at the connection between the standardized test scores, which are often used for instructors' and institutional evaluation and the GPA obtained in a doctor of chiropractic program.


Study of laser created ZRO2 and hydroxyapatite/ZrO2 films for implantology.
Thin films of ZrO2 and hydroxyapatite/ZrO2 were created by excimer laser ablation on Ti6Al4V substrates. ZrO2 layers were fabricated in vacuum by KrF laser at various substrate temperatures and hydroxyapatite (HA) layers were fabricated in water vapor ambient by ArF laser and in water vapor/argon ambient by KrF excimer laser. Film properties were evaluated by XRD, SEM and WDX methods. The test of mechanical adhesion was proceeded on ZrO2 films. XRD analysis proved the presence of amorphous or crystalline HA in the deposited films. SEM method demonstrated smooth surface covered by droplets for both HA and ZrO2 films. Ca/P ratio of the HA films is higher than that of the natural HA and is within the range of 2.8-3.0. The HA/ZrO2 and ZrO2 samples were tested in vitro for cytotoxicity. The best results were received by the HA/ZrO2 samples in the test of cytotoxicity. Fibroblasts cultivating with HA/ZrO2 samples exhibited subconfluent and confluent growth and showed fibronectin homogenously.


Combined use of dopamine transporter imaging (DAT-SPECT) and 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) myocardial scintigraphy for diagnosing Parkinson's disease.
To examine whether combined use of 123I-FP-CIT dopamine transporter single photon emission computed tomography (DAT-SPECT) and 123I-MIBG myocardial scintigraphy (MIBG) is superior to either modality alone for diagnosing Parkinson's disease (PD). Patients with probable PD (n=120) who underwent both DAT-SPECT and MIBG myocardial scintigraphy within short intervals were enrolled. Specific binding ratio (SBR) of DAT-SPECT images and heart-to-mediastinum (H/M) ratio of MIBG images were used as quantitative measures. We classified patients into 4 groups based on SBR value and H/M ratio, or into two groups based on the striatal asymmetry index (SAI) of DAT-SPECT, and examined the clinical features of each group. We also investigated the characteristics of SWEDDs (scans without evidence of dopaminergic deficits) patients. Finally, we calculated the sensitivity and specificity of each method and the combined method. SBR value was significantly correlated with both early and delayed H/M ratio values. Motor complications and hallucinations were observed at high frequency in the group with both lower SBR and H/M ratio, and hallucinations appeared in the group with larger SAI. SWEDDs were observed 8.3% of patients. The sensitivity and specificity of diagnosing PD were 91.7% and 15.0% by SBR of DAT-SPECT, 78.3% and 90.0% by H/M ratio of MIBG uptake, and 74.2% and 95.0% by the combined modalities, respectively. Combined use of DAT-SPECT and MIBG myocardial scintigraphy increases the specificity of PD diagnosis, and is helpful for understanding the clinical features or predicting complications.


Cluster-tic syndrome and basilar artery ectasia: a case report.
A 54-year-old patient presented with two types of pain. The first was similar to trigeminal neuralgia and the second was similar to cluster headache. Clinical diagnosis was cluster-tic syndrome. Neuro-imaging studies disclosed an ectatic basilar artery. The significance of this finding is difficult to ascertain.


Does the multicystic dysplastic kidney really involute? The role of the retroperitoneoscopic approach.
To assess the role of video-assisted retroperitoneoscopy in the follow up of multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK) that has involuted--disappeared?--on serial renal ultrasonography (US). Prospectively, we performed a retroperitoneoscopy in 14 patients, nine girls and five boys, with unilateral MCDK that had involuted on serial US. MCDK was diagnosed in utero (80%) and confirmed postnatally by US and Tc99m dimercaptosuccinic acid radionuclide scan. Follow up US examinations were performed at 1 month, 5 months and 12 months in the first year of life and every 6 months from then on. US showed complete involution at a mean age of 13 months (range 5-18 months). Retroperitoneoscopy was then indicated, at a mean age of 23 months (range 8-24 months), to confirm the disappearance of the kidney dysplastic remnant. Retroperitoneoscopy detected persistence of anomalous kidney tissue in 100% of cases. The mean length of the renal remnant was 2 cm (range 1-3.5 cm). Two cases showed a pelvic ectopic location that was not detected by US before involution. The remnant was removed during the same procedure. Anatomo-pathological findings were found to be compatible with dysplastic renal tissue. There were no intra- or postoperative complications. All patients had a mean length of stay of less than 24h. Complete resolution on US does not mean disappearance of MCDK, as US does not detect renal dysplastic remnants after cyst involution has occurred. The retroperitoneoscopic approach to the renal and pelvic area is a minimally invasive, safe and effective procedure to diagnose and treat the renal dysplastic remnant in US-involuted MCDK.


The regenerated tail of juvenile leopard geckos (Gekkota: Eublepharidae: Eublepharis macularius) preferentially stores more fat than the original.
The tail of many species of lizard is used as a site of fat storage, and caudal autotomy is a widespread phenomenon among lizards. This means that caudal fat stores are at risk of being lost if the tail is autotomized. For fat-tailed species, such as the leopard gecko, this may be particularly costly. Previous work has shown that tail regeneration in juveniles of this species is rapid and that it receives priority for energy allocation, even when dietary resources are markedly reduced. We found that the regenerated tails of juvenile leopard geckos are more massive than their original counterparts, regardless of dietary intake, and that they exhibit greater amounts of skeleton, inner fat, muscle and subcutaneous fat than original tails (as assessed through cross-sectional area measurements of positionally equivalent stations along the tail). Autotomy and regeneration result in changes in tail shape, mass and the pattern of tissue distribution within the tail. The regenerated tail exhibits enhanced fat storage capacity, even in the face of a diet that results in significant slowing of body growth. Body growth is thus sacrificed at the expense of rapid tail growth. Fat stores laid down rapidly in the regenerating tail may later be used to fuel body growth or reproductive investment. The regenerated tail thus seems to have adaptive roles of its own, and provides a potential vehicle for studying trade-offs that relate to life history strategy.


Magnesium-deficiency does not alter calcineurin inhibitors activity in mice.
Tacrolimus (TAC) and cyclosporin (CsA) are commonly responsible for hypomagnesemia that predisposes in turn for hypertension, renal impairment and encephalopathy. The effects of TAC on Mg(2+)-homeostasis and of pre-existing Mg(2+)-deficiency on TAC immunosuppressive activity were compared to CsA in mice. Mg(2+) was quantified in plasma, erythrocytes, urine, feces, and femurs from mice treated with TAC 5mg/kg/day. Immunosuppression was assessed in splenocytes by mixed lymphocyte reaction, IL-2 quantification and CN activity determination. Plasma and urine Mg(2+) levels in TAC-treated mice were significantly lower from day 7 until day 21 (p<0.05 versus control) and returned to control value at day 28. Mg(2+) levels were unchanged in erythrocyte, feces and femur. Inhibition of allogeneic proliferation, IL-2 production and CN activity were 68, 56 and 30% lower (p<0.01) after 7 days of TAC-treatment, and 72, 68 and 51% lower (p<0.01) after 7 days of CsA-treatment with a dose of 50mg/kg/day. Dietary-induced hypomagnesemia resulted in significant inhibition of CN activity (p<0.01) without alteration of IL-2 production or allogeneic proliferation. However, it did not alter the effects observed with CsA- or TAC-treatment on allogeneic proliferation, IL-2 production and CN activity. By contrast with CsA, long-course TAC-treatment induced an early, but transient, and moderate hypomagnesemia without alteration of bone or erythrocyte stocks, intestinal absorption or renal function. Therefore, in clinical use, TAC should be preferred to CsA in patients with pathological or pharmacological conditions which favor Mg(2+)-deficiency. However, dietary-induced hypomagnesemia did not alter the immunosuppressive effects of TAC and CsA.


Somatic Embryogenesis of Lilium from Microbulb Transverse Thin Cell Layers.
A reliable somatic embryogenesis protocol is a prerequisite for application of other plant biotechniques. Several protocols were reported for genus Lilium, with variable success. Between them, transverse Thin Cell Layers (tTCL) were used efficiently to induce indirect somatic embryogenesis of Lilium. Somatic embryogenesis potential is dependent on the genotype, explant, and culture medium composition, especially as for plant growth regulators and environmental conditions. Usually, the process comprises three phases: embryogenic callus induction, embryogenic callus proliferation and somatic embryo germination. Somatic embryo germination can be achieved in light or dark. In the first case, complete plantlets are formed, with green leaves and pseudobulb in the base. In darkness, microbulbs are formed from single somatic embryos or clusters. A last phase of microbulb enlargement allows plantlets or microbulbs to increase their biomass. These enlarged microbulbs do not need special acclimatization conditions when transferred to soil and quickly produce sturdy plants. This chapter describes a protocol for somatic embryogenesis of Lilium using tTCL from microbulbs.


Localization and age distribution of telangiectases in children and adolescents with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia: A retrospective cohort study.
The location of telangiectases in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), as set forth in the consensus diagnostic (Curaçao) criteria, is based primarily on adults. Document the locations and numbers of telangiectases in a cohort of pediatric patients with HHT. A retrospective chart review using a standardized data collection form for site and number of telangiectases was performed for pediatric patients with HHT (age, 0-18 years) from 2005 to 2016. Of 90 pediatric patients with HHT, 71% had one or more telangiectases. Of all the telangiectases counted (N = 319), cutaneous telangiectases were more common (73%) than oral telangiectases (27%). The hands were the most frequent site, accounting for 33% of all telangiectases. Adolescents were more likely than children to have cutaneous telangiectases (85% vs 50% [Q = 0.005]). The most frequent sites in children younger than 10 years were the hands excluding the fingers (27%), fingers (25%), and face (23%). Only 23% of subjects (21 of 90) presented with multiple (≥3) telangiectases at locations considered characteristic for the current consensus diagnosis guidelines (lips, oral cavity, and fingers). Ascertainment bias based on recruitment. In this pediatric population, telangiectases at sites not included as "characteristic" by the Curaçao diagnostic criteria were common. The Curaçao criteria in regard to both number and location of telangiectases may be inadequate in the pediatric HHT population.


Stage for stage comparison of recurrence patterns after definitive chemoradiotherapy or surgery for oesophageal carcinoma.
Definitive chemoradiotherapy (dCRT) has been advocated as an alternative treatment for oesophageal carcinoma, but received criticism for perceived poorer locoregional disease control when compared with surgery. The aim of this study was to determine the relative incidence and pattern of oesophageal carcinoma recurrence after dCRT and surgery in patients receiving stage-directed therapy with curative intent. In total, 623 consecutive patients with oesophageal carcinoma (207 squamous cell carcinoma, 416 adenocarcinoma) were studied. The primary outcome measure was disease-free survival, adjusted for baseline differences in gender, age and histological cell type. Three hundred and eleven patients deemed unsuitable for surgery on the grounds of performance status (n = 137), bulky local disease (n = 121) or personal choice (n = 53) received dCRT and 312 surgery (200 received neoadjuvant chemotherapy). Oesophageal carcinoma recurrence was diagnosed in 44.1% of patients after dCRT compared with 40.7% after surgery (P = 0.222). Locoregional recurrence was more common after dCRT than after surgery (24.1% versus 9.3%, P < 0.0001). In contrast, distant metastases were more common after surgery than after dCRT (22.8% versus 12.9%, P = 0.001). The median time to recurrence in patients receiving dCRT and surgery were 15 and 17 months, respectively (P = 0.052). Stage-related disease-free 2 year survival for dCRT versus surgery was: stage I (68.6 versus 85.6%, P = 0.069), stage II (36.9 versus 47.4%, P = 0.011), stage III (31.0 versus 28.6, P = 0.878), stage IVa (21.4 versus 26.3%, P = 0.710). These findings provide further support for a randomised trial of dCRT versus surgery in both oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.


Sense of coherence as an independent predictor of health-related quality of life among coronary heart disease patients.
The aim of this study was to determine whether sense of coherence (SOC) at baseline predicts health-related quality of life (HRQoL) at 12-28-month follow-up among patients with coronary heart disease when controlled for sociodemographic and medical variables. A total of 179 consecutive patients (58.28 ± 6.52 years, 16.8% women) scheduled for coronary angiography (CAG) were interviewed before CAG and 12-28 months after. SOC was measured with the 13-item Orientation to Life Questionnaire. HRQoL was measured using the Short Form Health Survey 36 (SF-36), from which the mental and physical component summaries (MCS, PCS) were calculated. The relationship between SOC and HRQoL was examined using regression analyses. SOC proved to be a significant predictor of the MCS-score (B = 0.29; 95% CI = 0.17-0.41) and PCS-score (B = 0.18; 95% CI = 0.06-0.31) when not adjusted for possible confounding sociodemographic and medical variables. After adjustment for sociodemographic and medical variables, SOC remained a predictor of the MCS-score (B = 0.26; 95% CI = 0.14-0.39). SOC also remained a predictor of the PCS-score when controlled for gender, age and family income; however, the association disappeared after adjustment for functional status (B = 0.07; 95% CI = -0.05 to 0.19). SOC is a predictor of mental and physical HRQoL at 12-28-month follow-up, crude and also after adjustment. Patients undergoing CAG with low SOC thus deserve particular attention in regard to the maintenance and improvement of their HRQoL.


A comprehensive assessment of the techno-socio-economic research growth in electric vehicles using bibliometric analysis.
Electric vehicles (EVs) have proved capable of solving many of the environment's problems such as reducing harmful pollutants' emission along with having greater motor efficiency than gasoline vehicles. This study presents a bibliometric analysis of 10,426 publications from the year 1989 to 2020, obtained from Web of Science™ (WoS) core collection (CC). An initial citation analysis was done using Histcite to identity the leading nations, institutes, authors, and journals performing research related to EVs. Following this, a co-citation analysis was performed using VOSviewer, which generates clusters that are further analyzed to identify the key domains in EV research. A research overview in EVs over the last three decades is presented that can serve various stakeholders in this field of study. The results of this study will highlight the critical research areas in the field of EVs. Additionally, it will also provide various insights that may help the policymakers, practitioners and associations to accelerate EV adoption by the end-users.


Comparison of survivability of Staphylococcus aureus and spores of Aspergillus niger on commonly used floor materials.
The survivability of Staphylococcus aureus and spores of Aspergillus niger was compared on 5 common floor materials. Floor materials were inoculated with a known concentration of S aureus and spores of A niger on day 0. Their survivability was measured on days, 2, 7, 14, and 28 by bulk rinsate method and enumerated using culture-based method. The difference in change of S aureus levels was statistically significant for all tested days (P < .001) for all floor materials. Vinyl composition tile (VCT) and porcelain tile (PT) had statistically similar survivability and differed statistically from carpets. On both VCT and PT, positive growth for S aureus occurred by day 2 (1-1.7 log10), declined slightly (0.1 to -0.2 log10) by day 7, and remained positive until day 28. However, S aureus was undetected by day 7 on both carpets. A niger spores were undetected on residential broadloom carpet and rubber-backed commercial carpet after day 2 but survived on VCT, PT, and wood until day 28. Floor materials with hard and smooth surfaces, such as VCT and PT, can allow survival of S aureus and A niger for up to 4 weeks. It may imply that floor materials can play a major role in preserving microbial contaminants in the built environment.