Social Capital and Oral Health Among Adults 50 Years and Older: Results From the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing.
This study examines the differential associations of structural and functional social capital with objective and subjective measures of oral health, and the interactions between social capital and other sociodemographic and health factors. Secondary analysis of data on 8552 adults 50 years and older from the third wave (2006-2007) of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing was conducted. Oral health outcomes were self-rated oral health, edentulousness (having no natural teeth), and Oral Impacts on Daily Performances. Structural social capital was measured by membership of social organizations and volunteering. Functional social capital was measured by the number of close ties and perceived emotional social support. Logistic regression models were sequentially adjusted for demographic, socioeconomic, health-related factors, and smoking status. Structural social capital was primarily associated with edentulousness. Not being a member of any organization was associated with higher odds of being edentate (odds ratio [OR] = 1.77, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.43-2.16). Functional social capital was associated with self-rated oral health and oral impacts. Low social support was associated with poor self-rated oral health (OR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.16-1.72) and Oral Impacts on Daily Performances (OR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.27-2.24). The association of structural social capital with edentulousness may reflect health selection effects. The availability of a supportive social network seems to be the aspect of social capital most strongly associated with oral health.


Outcomes following surgery for fractured neck of femur in dialysis patients: a 5-year review from a district general hospital in the United Kingdom.
Neck of femur fractures are associated with high mortality and have increased prevalence in dialysis patients. Delays in operating on dialysis patients can occur as a result of logistical or medical issues; it has previously been shown that delays on operating on neck of femur fractures in the general population results in increased mortality. Medical records of 27 dialysis patients admitted to a large district general hospital in the UK with a fractured neck of femur between January 2009 and January 2014 were analysed alongside records of 27 age and sex-matched non-dialysis patients. Fisher's exact test and the unpaired t test were applied to data to explore outcomes. Odds ratio was also used to compare mortality between the dialysis and non-dialysis groups. Thirty-day mortality amongst dialysis patients was 22 %, compared to 7 % in the non-dialysis cohort. One-year mortality amongst dialysis patients was 70 %, compared to 15 % in the non-dialysis cohort (odds ratio 13.7 (3.56-52.4, 95 % confidence interval; p = 0.0001)). Average length of survival in dialysis patients overall was 311 days; average length of survival if the patient was operated on within 48 h of admission was 450 days (192-708 days, 95 % confidence interval) and was 224 days (45-402, 95 % confidence interval) if operated on after more than 48 h of admission (p = 0.16). Dialysis patients had higher post-operative mortality than the non-dialysis cohort. Odds ratio for death was significantly greater at one-year in the cohort of dialysis patients compared to the non-dialysis patients. Delay to operation amongst the dialysis patient cohort did not contribute significantly to mortality in this study. The higher rates of coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus and malignancy may confound mortality amongst patients on dialysis who sustain a fractured neck of femur. Limitations of this study included small patient numbers, data from only one centre being used, and some missing data for certain patients.


Responses of Labile Organic Carbon and Extractable Cadmium Fractions in an Agricultural Soil Following Long-Term Repeated Application of Pig Manure and Effective Microbes.
Long-term pig manure addition has been widely applied in red soil to improve soil fertility. However, the influence of combined utilization of pig manure and effective microbes (EM) on soil organic carbon (SOC) and Cd are not well understood. This study conducted a 23-year (1996-2019) long-term fertilization field trial to investigate the changes of different fractions of SOC and Cd under chemical fertilization (CF), pig manure (PM), and pig manure with effective microbes (PM + EM) treatments in an agricultural soil of Jiangxi Province, South China. The results showed that the pig manure addition significantly enhanced the contents of SOC and Cd in the soils compared with the CF treatments. Furthermore, with the increment of SOC, the PM + EM treatment significantly increased the contents of soil microbial biomass carbon, dissolved organic carbon and easily oxidizable carbon compared with the pig manure application alone. Meanwhile, compared with the CF treatments, the EM addition significantly enhanced the exchangeable and oxidizable fractions of Cd, thus the potential Cd environment risk due to pig manure application should be carefully assessed.


The cytotoxic activity of Shigella toxin. Evidence for catalytic inactivation of the 60 S ribosomal subunit.
The cytotoxic test system for Shigella shigae toxin was improved and used to study the stability of the toxin to various pH values, temperature, and chemicals. Inhibition of protein synthesis is the first demonstrable effect in cells treated with Shigella toxin. This inhibition appears to be at the level of peptide chain elongation. An inhibition effect on cell-free protein synthesis is exhibited by toxin pretreated first with trypsin and then with dithiothreitol and 8 M urea or 1% sodium dodecyl sulfate. Ribosomes treated with toxin or its A1 fragment had lost most of their ability to polymerize [14C]phenylalanine in a poly(U)-dependent cell-free system. Salt-washed ribosomes in simple buffered solutions were inactivated at a rate of at least 40 ribosomes/(min) (A1 fragment). Addition of antitoxin immediately stopped further inactivation, but it did not reactivate the inactivated ribosomes. 60 S ribosomal subunits from toxin-treated ribosomes had a marked reduction in ability to support polyphenylanine synthesis, whereas 40 S subunits from toxin-treated ribosomes retained their activity. Toxin-treated ribosomes retained their ability to incorporate [3H]puromycin into growing peptide chains, indicating that the peptide bond formation is not the function inhibited.


Electrogenerated chemiluminescence biosensor based on Ru(bpy)3(2+) and dehydrogenase immobilized in sol-gel/chitosan/poly(sodium 4-styrene sulfonate) composite material.
A new electrogenerated chemiluminescence biosensor was fabricated by immobilizing ECL reagent Ru(bpy)3(2+) and alcohol dehydrogenase in sol-gel/chitosan/poly(sodium 4-styrene sulfonate) (PSS) organically modified composite material. The component PSS was used to immobilize ECL reagent Ru(bpy)3(2+) by ion-exchange, while the addition of chitosan was to prevent the cracking of conventional sol-gel-derived glasses and provide biocompatible microenvironment for alcohol dehydrogenase. Such biosensor combined enzymatic selectivity with the sensitivity of ECL detection for quantification of enzyme substrate and it was much simpler than previous double-layer design. The detection limit was 9.3 x 10(-6) M for alcohol (S/N=3) with a linear range from 2.79 x 10(-5) to 5.78 x 10(-2) M. With ECL detection, the biosensor exhibited wide linear range, high sensitivity and good stability.


Effect of light-dark conditions on inhibition of Gram positive and gram negative bacteria and dye decomposition in the presence of photocatalyst Co/ZnO nanocomposite synthesized by ammonia evaporation method.
Environmental pollution and various bacterial strains cause severe health problems. Thus a need exists to synthesize new materials and develop new techniques which can be used against these hazardous pathogens and components. In this research work, sustainable and effective Co/ZnO nanocomposites were prepared via a new hydrothermal technique and ammonia evaporation method. The synthesized nanomaterial was analytically characterized through various techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-vis spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscope (SEM), High transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The as prepared nanocomposite was tested for photodegradation of methylene blue (MB). This test was performed both in visible light and in dark condition. The results demonstrate that the said material is more efficient in light compared to dark conditions and decomposed more than 80% MB dye only in 60 min. The synthesized nanomaterial Co/ZnO was also tested against highly drug resistant bacteria Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus both in light and dark. Hence, the antibacterial assessment indicates the zone of inhibition in visible light of Co/ZnO counter with Escherichia coli is 15 (±0.2) and for Staphylococcus aureus is 18 (±0.4) mm and in dark for Escherichia coli is 11 (±0.6) and for Staphylococcus aureus is 14 (±0.1) mm. Moreover, the detail mechanism, reactive oxygen species production and bacterial surface damage were also observed. We demonstrate that Co/ZnO nanomaterial is stable, eco-friendly photocatalyst shows high strength against MB degradation and also shows strong inhibition effect against pathogens in visible light.


Late-onset hemorrhagic cystitis after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children.
We analyzed the incidence, complications, and risk factors for late-onset hemorrhagic cystitis (HC) in 256 children undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Twenty-six recipients (10.2%) developed late-onset HC between 3 and 270 days (median, 33 days) after HSCT. In most patients, the severity of HC was mild to moderate, and spontaneous resolution occurred. Three children developed bladder tamponade, and one required suprapubic cystotomy. Four children died in the early post-transplant period without resolution of HC, but HC was not the direct cause of death in any patient. Twenty-two patients recovered within 6-86 days (median, 16 days) of onset. Three predisposing factors were identified for development of late-onset HC by multivariate analysis: allogeneic HSCT, older age (> or = 7 years), and busulphan for pretransplant conditioning were significantly associated with late-onset HC (P=0.022, P=0.044 and P=0.036, respectively). Excretion of adenovirus type 11 was demonstrated in six of 22 patients at the onset of cystitis. We suspect that reactivation of virus may be a major pathogenic factor in late-onset HC, but several clinical factors are also associated.


Catecholamine levels in peripheral blood lymphocytes from multiple sclerosis patients.
Circumstantial evidence suggests the involvement of sympathoadrenergic mechanisms in the progress of multiple sclerosis (MS). We studied peripheral blood lymphocytes from MS patients. The levels of dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE), epinephrine (E) and their metabolites in extracts of lymphocytes from 58 MS patients and 19 healthy controls were measured by using capillary electrophoresis. The MS patients were divided into clinical subgroups: a laboratory-supported definitive (first-attack) MS group, and a relapsing-remitting (RR) group in remission. The peripheral blood lymphocyte level of epinephrine was significantly higher in the first-attack MS patients (p=0.028) than in the controls. However, the norepinephrine levels were significantly (p=0.027) lower in the RR patients in remission. The catecholamines are known to be able to affect the lymphocyte activity, both by stimulation and by immunosuppression. Our results suggest that the catecholamines are important regulators of lymphocyte activation in MS, and of potential importance as concerns new diagnostic and therapeutic methods.


[Not Available].
In german food control laboratories fumonisins mostly are analysed by HPLC with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD; with immunoaffinity cleanup) or HPLC-MS/MS (without any cleanup), while cattle feed is often analysed by ELISA for fumonisin FB1. 17 samples of corn flour (11 samples) and corn grit (6 samples) were analysed by the three different methods in order to rate the use of ELISA in public authority food control. Moreover ELISA cross reactions of fumonisins FB2, FB3, hFB1 and hFB2 were determined in order to quantify the influence of these reactions on ELISA results.The comparison showed that HPLC-MS/MS always gave higher contents than HPLC-FLD (20% up to 40%). That only can be explained by losses of fumonisins in the cleanup step of HPLC-FLD. In comparison with that there is a good correlation between HPLC-MS/MS results and ELISA results if the cross reactions are considered.As conclusion the ELISA can be used alternatively as a fast but sometimes even expensive screening method for determination of fumonisins.


[Diagnosis of malignant processes of the colon and rectum using a new method for the demonstration of sensitized lymphocytes (PAL-test)].
Peripheral blood lymphocytes of 45 patients with colon-rectum disease and 30 healthy controls were tested in a simple rapid microagglutination test (PAL test) for cancer diagnosis. In 30 cancer patients 28 positive reactions were obtained. All healthy controls were negative. The 15 patients with benign or premalignant lesions showed 5 positive and 10 negative reactions. Results of the PAL test were about 90% accurate.


Improving placental blood flow in pre-eclampsia with prostaglandin A1.
Prostaglandin A1 is a potent hypotensive, peripheral vasodilator, a weak oxytocic, antiplatelet aggregator. It improves the renal hemodynamics. Its effect on placental circulation was evaluated (expressed as systolic/diastolic ratio and umbilical artery resistance index) in 20 women with severe pre-eclampsia and 10 normotensive pregnant women, by using the Doppler technique. Moreover, another 10 women with severe pre-eclampsia received dextrose 5% as a placebo for comparative purposes. Significant improvements in both parameters studied were observed in the women with severe pre-eclampsia. The beneficial changes differed significantly from the recorded values when using dextrose in pre-eclampsia or prostaglandin A1 in normotensive subjects. Such promising data add another important perspective to prostaglandin A1 in severe pre-eclampsia and may open up new avenues for its use in other situations with compromised placental flow.


Exercise-induced asthma.
A review of exercise-induced asthma is presented which describes work that has been carried out by the authors and by other investigators over recent years. The effect of exericse on lung function in asthmatic and normal subjects is compared. The influence of the type and severity of exercise on the response of the asthmatic is noted and the importance this has for interpretation of results. The effects of various drugs on exercise-induced asthma are considered in some detail. The clinical implications of the results of exercise tests in asthmatics, their relatives, and other subjects are considered in terms of the diagnosis and prognosis of asthma and its mode of inheritance. It is concluded that there is as yet no explantation for the mechanism of exercise-induced asthma, but it is a tool of potentially great value for research into the physiology and treatment of clinical asthma.


In-situ growth of micro-cubic Prussian blue-TiO2 composite film as a highly sensitive H2O2 sensor by aerosol co-deposition approach.
Assisted by the aerosol co-deposition approach, Prussian blue (PB)-TiO2 composite film can be in-situ formed in one step. The architecture of this film is constructed by two layers: PB-TiO2 nano-particles as a ground layer and individual PB micro-cubes as a top layer. Together with the strong electrocatalytic ability from regular PB morphology, TiO2 can denote its high catalysis in H2O2 detection attributed by the extinction of band gap since the combination of PB. Under a low operation potential -0.05V, this sensor exhibits an ultrasensitive ability (1726.8μAmM(-1)cm(-2)), stability and low detection limit (1.5μM) in H2O2 analysis. The application of this composite material is hopeful to extend in complex physiological analysis, and the preparation approach is promising to extend in more composite materials in-situ synthesis.


Cartilage Restoration Using Dehydrated Allogeneic Cartilage, Platelet-Rich Plasma, and Autologous Cartilage Mixture Sealed With Activated Autologous Serum.
Articular cartilage injury is a common source of knee pain and dysfunction. Patients in whom conservative treatment fails may benefit from surgical intervention to restore function and alleviate pain. Autologous cartilage procedures are a viable treatment modality for cartilage repair, providing comparable outcomes to osteochondral allografts while leaving the subchondral bone intact. This article discusses the senior author's method of cartilage restoration using BioCartilage (Arthrex, Naples, FL), platelet-rich plasma, and autologous cartilage collected using a designated collection device sealed with activated autologous serum.


Exploring the land-use urban heat island nexus under climate change conditions using machine learning approach: A spatio-temporal analysis of remotely sensed data.
Urbanization strongly correlates with land use land cover (LULC) dynamics, which further links to changes in land surface temperature (LST) & urban heat island (UHI) intensity. Each LULC type influences UHI differently with changing climate, therefore knowing this impact & connection is critical. To understand such relations, long temporal studies using remote sensing data play promising role by analysing the trend with continuity over vast area. Therefore, this study is aimed at machine learning centred spatio-temporal analysis of LST and land use indices to identify their intra-urban interaction during 1991-2021 (summer) in Imola city (specifically representing small urban environment) using Landsat-5/8 imageries. It was found that LST in 2021 increased by 38.36% from 1991, whereas average Normalised Difference Built-up Index (NDBI) increased by 43.75%, associating with increased thermal stress area evaluated using ecological evaluation index. Major LULC transformations included green area into agricultural arable-land and built-up. Finally, the modelled output shows that built-up & vegetation index have strongly impacted LST. This study, help to understand the relative impact of land-use dynamics on LST at intra-urban level specifically with respect to the small urban settings. Further assisting in designing and regenerating urban contexts with stable configuration, considering sustainability and liveable climate, for benefit of health of public and fragile population in particular.


Development of a silver-based dual-function antimicrobial laundry additive and textile coating for the decontamination of healthcare laundry.
To repurpose a silver-based antimicrobial textile coating product (Micro-Fresh 1911) as a dual-function antimicrobial laundry additive and textile coating. Survival of Escherichia coli or Staphylococcus aureus type and clinical isolates in a domestic 40°C wash was assessed with and without soiling and biological detergent. Washing with 2% w/v silver additive (wash phase) reduced E. coli and S. aureus by 7·14-8·08 log10 and no cross-contamination was observed. Under dirty conditions, 0·5% silver additive in the rinse phase of a wash with biological detergent reduced E. coli and S. aureus by 7·98-8·40 log10 (0·00-1·42 log10 cross contamination). BS EN ISO 20645:2004 and BS EN ISO 20743:2013 methods were used to assess the antimicrobial activity of polycotton washed with 2% w/v silver additive against S. aureus and E. coli. The treated polycotton was antimicrobial against E. coli and S. aureus type and clinical isolates and remains active after at least one further wash cycle at 40 or 73°C. The silver additive exhibits antimicrobial activity in a 40°C domestic wash, preventing cross contamination onto clean textiles and depositing an antimicrobial coating onto polycotton. The survival of micro-organisms on healthcare uniforms during domestic laundering presents a potential risk of contaminating the home, cross-contamination of other clothing within the wash and transmitting potential pathogens back into healthcare settings via contaminated uniforms. Silver may be useful as an antimicrobial laundry additive to decontaminate healthcare laundry washed at low temperatures in domestic and industrial settings, to therefore reduce the potential risk of transmitting micro-organisms within the domestic and clinical environments.


Nutrition and growth.
Longitudinal growth data on children who developed obesity during childhood reveal a distinct tendency for height gain to accelerate coincident with or after the onset of excessive weight gain. The magnitude of the relative height increment is related to the degree of overweight. Overnutrition accelerates growth, just as undernutrition retards it.


Transcription-coupled mutagenesis by the DNA deaminase AID.
Activation-induced deaminase (AID) initiates switch recombination and somatic hypermutation of immunoglobulin genes in activated B cells. Compelling evidence now shows that AID travels with RNA polymerase II to deaminate actively transcribed DNA.


HIV, human papillomavirus, and cervical neoplasia and cancer in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy.
The objective of this study was to review the literature on the epidemiological association between human papillomavirus (HPV), HIV, and cervical neoplasia, and the impact of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) on this association. MEDLINE was searched using the terms 'human papillomavirus', 'HPV', 'HIV', 'cervix', 'neoplasm', and 'antiretroviral' to identify articles published before December 2006. HIV-infection was strongly associated with a higher prevalence, incidence, and persistence of HPV infection and correlated with prevalence, incidence, persistence, and progression of squamous intraepithelial lesions. The association between HIV and invasive cervical carcinoma has been more difficult to establish, but is now fully recognized. HAART seems to have little, if any, beneficial effect on the natural history of intraepithelial lesions in HIV-positive women. Despite this fact, HAART, does increase the life expectancy of HIV-positive women. Therefore, it remains important to closely monitor HPV-related disease in women with HIV who are receiving HAART, particularly in regions of the world where cervical screening is not available routinely.


Risk factors of acute cerebral infarction in patients with primary hypertension.
To explore the risk factors of acute cerebral infarction (ACI) in patients with primary hypertension. Patients diagnosed with primary hypertension and ACI and confirmed by MRI, who were admitted to Honghuagang District people's Hospital, Zunyi City, from January 2020 to December 2020, were selected. Concurrent patients with primary hypertension were selected as the control group. The risk factor including sex, age, smoking, drinking, laboratory examination, and other complications was analyzed. Three hundred patients with hypertensive ACI and 117 cases with hypertension were included. The laboratory examination comparison between the two groups showed that patients in the ACI group had higher glycosylated hemoglobin, D-dimer and FDPs then patients of the control group (P < 0.05). There was significant association between diabetes mellitus and acute cerebral infarction in patients with primary hypertension (OR = 1.452, P = 0.004). Poor control of blood glucose in pre-morbid diabetes mellitus may be related to the occurrence of ACI. Diabetes mellitus is an independent risk factor in ACI patients with primary hypertension.


The defeat-entrapment theory versus Beck's hopelessness theory of depression and suicidality: A cross-national analysis in Iran and the United States.
The defeat-entrapment theory has been proposed to explain both depression and suicidal behavior. Measures of defeat, entrapment, hopelessness and depression were administered to Iranian and American students. Scores on measures of hopelessness, defeat, entrapment and depression were strongly associated. In both nations, scores for defeat and entrapment were stronger predictors of past suicidal ideation and attempted suicide. Overall, the Iranian respondents had higher scores on the measures of defeat, entrapment, hopelessness and depression, but less often reported prior suicidal ideation. The defeat-entrapment theory of depression and suicidal behavior appears to have validity in both Iran and America.


Cytochrome P450 inhibition activities of non-standardized botanical products.
R-tab, H-tab and E-cap botanical products are used for the treatment of various ailments. R-tab is traditionally prescribed for improving urination, H-tab is for relieving piles, hemorrhoids, fissures, and rectal inflammation and E-cap is for regulating menstruation. To extract the botanical products and determine their potential interaction with the cytochrome P450 (CYP1A2, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4) enzymes. R-tab, H-tab and E-cap botanical products were first extracted using solvents and analyzed using HPLC and LC-MS/MS. The effects of methanol extracts on the cytochrome induction and inhibition activities were determined using a series of in vitro assays, including multiplex RT-qPCR, CYP activity assays (P450-Glo™) and LC-MS/MS-based assays. For the CYP induction assay, omeprazole, rifampicin and dexamethasone were used as CYP1A2, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 inducers, respectively. Ketoconazole and acetaminophen were used as positive and negative controls for the CYP3A4 inhibition assay, whereas furafylline and ketoconazole were used as positive and negative controls for the CYP1A2 inhibition assay. All three botanical products did not show any significant induction in CYP1A2, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 mRNA expression. By contrast, R-tab inhibited the mRNA expression of CYP1A2 significantly from the lowest concentration of 0.01 μg/mL, while, H-tab inhibited the mRNA expression of CYP1A2 and CYP3A4 from 0.1 μg/mL. Based on the P450 Glo assays, E-cap extract inhibited the metabolic activity of CYP1A2 with an IC50 value of 37.24 μg/mL. On the other hand, R-tab, H-tab and E-cap showed inhibitory effects on the CYP3A4 enzymatic activity with IC50 values of 17.42, 18.20 and 20.60 μg/mL, respectively. However, using the LC-MS/MS-based methods, the concentration-dependent effects of R-tab and H-tab extracts on the metabolism of testosterone appeared to be more prominent, with IC50 values of 51.90 and 56.90 μg/mL as compared with the rest of the results, which were all above 100 μg/mL CONCLUSION: The CYP3A4 mRNA and enzymatic activity were moderately inhibited by R-tab and H-tab. Methanol extract of botanical products in solid dosage forms can be evaluated for their herb-drug interaction risks using in vitro assays and may provide the minimum data required for safety labeling.


Junctional and allele-specific residues are critical for MERS-CoV neutralization by an exceptionally potent germline-like antibody.
The MERS-CoV is an emerging virus, which already infected more than 1,300 humans with high (∼36%) mortality. Here, we show that m336, an exceptionally potent human anti-MERS-CoV antibody, is almost germline with only one somatic mutation in the heavy chain. The structure of Fab m336 in complex with the MERS-CoV receptor-binding domain reveals that its IGHV1-69-derived heavy chain provides more than 85% binding surface and that its epitope almost completely overlaps with the receptor-binding site. Analysis of antibodies from 69 healthy humans suggests an important role of the V(D)J recombination-generated junctional and allele-specific residues for achieving high affinity of binding at such low levels of somatic hypermutation. Our results also have important implications for development of vaccine immunogens based on the newly identified m336 epitope as well as for elucidation of mechanisms of neutralization by m336-like antibodies and their elicitation in vivo.


Risk of breast implant removal after one- versus two-stage breast reconstructive surgery.
To date, both one- and two-stage techniques are used in immediate 'implant-based breast reconstruction' (IBBR) after mastectomy. Because it is still unknown what technique offers the best clinical outcomes, a multicenter retrospective study was conducted to compare both breast reconstruction techniques. All patients, who underwent a mastectomy followed by immediate one- or two-stage IBBR during 2010 - 2016 were included. Our primary outcome measure was explantation of the 'tissue expander' (TE) and/ or implants within 60 days after breast reconstruction. Secondary outcomes were overall complication rate and secondary corrections. Among a total of 383 women, TE/ implant explantation rate was higher in one-stage (19.9%) than in two-stage (11.3%) treated patients (p = 0.082). Overall complication rate (35.7% and 19.9% respectively, p = 0.008) and secondary corrections (29.8% and 20.3% respectively, p = 0.156) were also higher in one-stage compared to two-stage IBBR respectively. However, explantation (OR = 1.55; 95%CI = 0.67-3.58, p = 0.301) and complication (OR = 1.85; 95%CI = 0.92-3.37, p = 0.084) rates were comparable in one- and two-stage IBBR in our stratified multivariate logistic regression analyses, when controlling for history of smoking, nipple-sparing mastectomy, neoadjuvant radiation therapy, and removed breast tissue weight. A remarkable outcome in this study is that women treated with prophylactic surgery were more likely to have an explantation of the TE/ implant after a one-stage IBBR (OR = 4.49; 95%CI = 1.10-18.3, p = 0.037) than two-stage IBBR. In contrast, no association between type of IBBR and risk of TE/implants removal was found among women with a therapeutic mastectomy (OR = 0.82; 95%CI = 0.24-2.79, p = = 0.74). One- and two-stage IBBR showed a comparable explantation and complication rate in our retrospective study. In one-stage IBBR more secondary corrections were detected. In addition, women who have to decide on a prophylactic mastectomy should be aware of a significantly higher risk of explantation of their implant after one-stage IBBR.


Photoinduced charge separation in liposomes containing chlorophyll a. I. Photoreduction of copper(II) by potassium ascorbate through liposome bilayer containing purified chlorophyll a.
Photosensitivity of dispersion of phosphatidylcholine bilayer liposomes containing purified chlorophyll alpha was examined. The reduction of Cu(II) in the solution outside liposomes was observed upon illumination with visible light under anaerobic condition by means of ESR. The rate of photoreduction was significantly increased by a reductant, potassium ascorbate, localized in the solution of the opposite side of the membrane. The aciton spectrum of the reduction agreed with the absorption spectrum of chlorphyll a in the dispersion. The amount of bleach chlorophyll a was negligible compared with that of reduced (Cu(II). These facts lead to the conclusion that the potoinduced redox reactions at both the membrane-solution interfaces are coupled with each other through the bilayer of each liposome. Kinetic analysis of the reactions based on a possible reaction scheme was carried out and some of the kinetic parameters were determined.


Brain networking analysis in migraine with and without aura.
To apply effective connectivity by means of nonlinear Granger Causality (GC) and brain networking analysis to basal EEG and under visual stimulation by checkerboard gratings with 0.5 and 2.0 cpd as spatial frequency in migraine with aura (MA) and without aura (MO), and to compare these findings with Blood Oxygen Level Dependent (BOLD) signal changes. Nineteen asymptomatic MA and MO patients and 11 age and sex matched controls (C) were recorded by 65 EEG channels. The same visual stimulation was employed to evaluate BOLD signal changes in a subgroup of MA and MO. The GC and brain networking were applied to EEG signals. A different pattern of reduced vs increased GC respectively in MO and MA patients, emerged in resting state. During visual stimulation, both MA and MO showed increased information transfer toward the fronto-central regions, while MA patients showed a segregated cluster of connections in the posterior regions, and an increased bold signal in the visual cortex, more evident at 2 cpd spatial frequency. The wealth of information exchange in the parietal-occipital regions indicates a peculiar excitability of the visual cortex, a pivotal condition for the manifestation of typical aura symptoms.


First record of Elixothrips brevisetis (Bagnall) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in Brazil.
Elixothrips brevisetis (Bagnall), a species exotic to Brazil, is first recorded in the country. Individuals were collected on banana fruits (Musa sp.) (Musaceae) in July 2010 in the municipality of Luís Alves, state of Santa Catarina, causing rusting on the fruit peel in several bunches of bananas.


A novel peptide, vasoactive intestinal contractor, of a new (endothelin) peptide family. Molecular cloning, expression, and biological activity.
A new peptide family (endothelin (ET] consisting of three members in mammals appears to be present in mice according to genomic Southern blot analysis. Two ET-related genes were identified by cloning and sequence analysis of a mouse genome. One encoded a peptide identical to porcine and human vasoconstrictor peptide ET, and the other encoded a novel peptide differing from ET in 3 amino acid residues, with 4 cysteines in the same positions as in ET. This novel peptide was synthesized and confirmed to have in vivo pressor activity similar to that of ET. Northern blot analysis, however, indicated the gene of this novel peptide to be expressed only in the intestine, and not in other tissues or cell lines, or endothelial cells. Furthermore, the peptide evoked a strong contractile response in the guinea pig ileum. This peptide may thus be reasonably classified as a gastrointestinal peptide, vasoactive intestinal contractor.


Partially defatted rather than native poppy seeds beneficially alter lipid metabolism in rats fed a high-fat diet.
Partially defatted poppy seeds, a by-product of poppy oil cold pressing, could be an interesting dietary supplement for obesity management. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of dietary supplementation with a small amount of native or partially defatted poppy seeds on gastrointestinal function and lipid metabolism in rats fed a high-fat diet. The defatted poppy seeds had, among others, lower fat content and higher fibre and protein content than native poppy seeds. The rats fed with a high-fat diet were characterised by severe metabolic disorders, especially in the liver, and poppy seeds were unable to prevent them. However, depending on the seed form, dietary supplementation with poppy seeds differentially affected the microbial and endogenous lipid metabolism in rats. In the distal intestine, both dietary seed forms stimulated microbial acetate production, and the supplementation with partially defatted poppy seeds additionally inhibited isobutyrate and isovalerate formation, which indicates a reduction in putrefaction. Both dietary seed forms increased cholesterol accumulation in the liver. Only dietary supplementation with partially defatted poppy seeds attenuated visceral fat and hepatic triglyceride accumulations and lowered blood triglyceride concentrations, and at the transcriptional level, the inhibition of SREBP-1c, which upregulates genes responsible for de novo lipogenesis, was additionally observed in this organ. In conclusion, a low and regular consumption of partially defatted poppy seeds may be beneficial in managing obesity-related disorders.


The Role of PDGFRA in Predicting Oncological and Immune Characteristics in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma.
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a lethal solid gastrointestinal malignancy with poor immune infiltration and a limited response to immunotherapy. The aim of our study was to explore the predictive value of platelet-derived growth factors (PDGFs) and their receptors (PDGFRs), which are widely expressed in various tumor cells. Transcriptomic data with follow-up information were obtained from the GEO, TCGA and ArrayExpress. The Kaplan-Meier (KM) method and univariate Cox (UniCox) proportional hazard regression were used to show the survival outcomes of the groups. Immune infiltration was analyzed using the online databases TISCH, TISIDB, TIMER2.0, and TIDE as well as the R packages "estimate" and "GSVA." Mutation and functional enrichment analyses were conducted using the R packages "maftools," "clusterProfiler," and online repository HOME for Researchers. Finally, the results were validated in 79 samples from our cancer center. Survival analysis using public databases and the FUSCC cohort indicated PDGFRA to be associated with prolonged overall survival (OS) (both p < 0.05). PDGFRA expression was highest in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) of PDAC, as validated in public databases and cell lines from our cancer center. The high expression of PDGFRA was associated with increased immune infiltration and potent T cell cytotoxicity in PDAC. In summary, high PDGFRA expression is associated with increased immune infiltration and prolonged OS. This finding might provide a new strategy for regulating immune cell infiltration in PDAC and improving the efficacy of immunotherapy.


Working capital management of SMEs in COVID-19: role of managerial personality traits and overconfidence behavior.
The study intends to investigate the role of managerial personality traits on working capital management of Chinese SMEs with the mediating role of overconfidence behavior. Data from the Chinese SMEs managers is collected through a close-ended survey questionnaire using multi-stage cluster sampling and structural equation modeling is applied for empirical analysis. The results shown that extroversion, openness to experience, and agreeableness traits determines overconfidence behavior among the managers. While, conscientiousness and neuroticism traits were found insignificant with overconfidence behavior. Overconfidence behavior significantly mediated during COVID-19 between managerial personality traits (e.g., extroversion and agreeableness traits) and working capital management. Limitted time remained a major limitation in completing this study. The study extended the knowledge by investigating the working capital management practices during COVID-19 in Chinese SMEs and contributed by presenting multiple practical implications for effective working capital management.


Enhanced degradation of bisphenol A: Influence of optimization of removal, kinetic model studies, application of machine learning and microalgae-bacteria consortia.
Bisphenol A (BPA), a typical endocrine disruptor and a contaminant of emerging concern (CECs), has detrimental impacts not only on the environment and ecosystems, but also on human health. Therefore, it is essential to investigate the degrading processes of BPA in order to diminish its persistent effects on ecological environmental safety. With this objective, the present study reports on the effectiveness of biotic/abiotic factors in optimizing BPA removal and evaluates the kinetic models of the biodegradation processes. The results showed that BPA affected chlorophyll a, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) activities, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and photosystem intrinsic PSII efficiency (Fv/Fm) in the microalga Chlorella pyrenoidosa, which degraded 43.0 % of BPA (8.0 mg L-1) under general experimental conditions. The bacteria consortium AEF21 could remove 55.4 % of BPA (20 mg L-1) under orthogonal test optimization (temperature was 32 °C, pH was 8.0, inoculum was 6.0 %) and the prediction of artificial neural network (ANN) of machine learning (R2 equal to 0.99 in training, test, and validation phase). The microalgae-bacteria consortia have a high removal rate of 57.5 % of BPA (20.0 mg L-1). The kinetic study revealed that the removal processes of BPA by microalgae, bacteria, and microalgae-bacteria consortia all followed the Monod's kinetic model. This work provided a new perspective to apply artificial intelligence to predict the degradation of BPA and to understand the kinetic processes of BPA biodegradation by integrated biological approaches, as well as a novel research strategy to achieve environmental CECs elimination for long-term ecosystem health.


Ileal trigonal urinary diversion: 5-year followup evaluation.
We anastomosed the intact, undisturbed vesical trigone to the isolated ileal conduit in 24 patients, most of whom have been followed for 5 years. None of these patients has had any pyelographic evidence of upper tract deterioration. There have been no episodes of pyelonephritis, no hydronephrosis, no renal stones and only 4 of the 46 renal units have demonstrated reflux. These data indicate unsurpassed protection of the upper tracts in those patients with neurogenic bladder dysfunction.


What do we want? Training! When do we want it? Now? A training needs analysis for adaptive radiotherapy for therapeutic radiographers.
Therapeutic radiographers (TRs) have adapted to the changing requirements and demands of the oncology service and in response to advanced techniques such as on-line adaptive MRI-guided radiotherapy (MRIgRT). The skills required for MRIgRT would benefit many TRs not just those involved in this technique. This study presents the results of a training needs analysis (TNA) for the required MRIgRT skills in readiness for training TRs for current and future practice. A UK-based TNA was used to ask TRs about their knowledge and experience with essential skills required for MRIgRT based on previous investigations into the topic. A five-point Likert scale was used for each of the skills and the difference in values were used to calculate the training need for current and future practice. 261 responses were received (n = 261). The skill rated the most important to current practice was CBCT/CT matching and/or fusion. The current highest priority needs were radiotherapy planning and radiotherapy dosimetry. The skill rated the most important to future practice was CBCT/CT matching and/or fusion. The future highest priority needs were MRI acquisition and MRI Contouring. Over 50% of participants wanted training or additional training in all skills. There was an increase in all values for skills investigated from current to future roles. Although the examined skills were viewed as important to current roles, the future training needs, both overall and high priority, were different compared to current roles. As the 'future' of radiotherapy can arrive rapidly, it is essential that training is delivered appropriately and timely. Before this can occur, there must be investigations into the method and delivery of this training. Role development. Education changes for therapeutic radiographers.


⁶⁸Ga-labelled peptides for diagnosis of gastroenteropancreatic NET.
In the past few years, the introduction of novel PET tracers labelled with (68)Ga has changed the diagnostic approach to neuroendocrine tumours (NET) in specialized centres. Although somatostatin analogue tracers labelled with (111)In have represented the gold standard imaging modality for NET detection in past decades, the advantages offered by both labelling somatostatin analogues with (68)Ga and using PET/CT tomography for image acquisition, account for the increasing use of these tracers in clinical practice. There are an increasing number of reports of the higher accuracy of (68)Ga-DOTA peptide PET/CT for the detection of NET lesions as compared to morphological imaging procedures and somatostatin receptor scintigraphy. Moreover, the use of (68)Ga-DOTA peptides offers the possibility to noninvasively evaluate NET cells for the presence of somatostatin receptor expression, with direct therapeutic implications. Several practical advantages also favour the use of (68)Ga-DOTA peptides including the relatively easy and economic synthesis process and the fact that (68)Ga labelling can be performed in centres without an on-site cyclotron. We describe the advantages and limitations of (68)Ga-DOTA peptide PET/CT imaging for the assessment of gastroenteropancreatic NET referring to the available literature as well as to our experience, and finally highlight potential future perspectives.


Variability of prior practice in learning and retention of a novel motor response.
The schema theory prediction that variability of practice would influence the strength of the motor response schema was investigated. Three groups of subjects, defined by much, little, or no variability of distances moved in prior practice on a linear-slide apparatus, completed 12 initial practice trials. Subjects then had 10 trials to estimate a novel distance from a new starting point. Knowledge of results was provided on the first three trials and withdrawn on the last seven trials. No differences in accuracy of production of the novel distance were noted although evidence for a stronger-schema by the group with little variability was noted on the second transfer trial. On the trials on which knowledge of results was withdrawn this stronger schema group maintained performance while the other two groups showed a decrement in performance.


Latissimus dorsi (LD) free flap and reconstruction plate used for extensive maxillo-mandibular reconstruction after tumour ablation.
The purpose of this study was to consider the indications and evaluate the clinical advantages and disadvantages including, results and complications, of immediate reconstruction using a latissimus dorsi (LD) free flap and reconstruction plate (R-plate) in advanced oro-mandibular tumour resection. Our cohort included 116 patients who underwent LD free flap and R-plate reconstruction. Flap survival, postoperative function, donor/recipient site complication and aesthetics were evaluated. Our series demonstrated a 99.1% flap survival rate. One case required a contralateral LD free flap reconstruction after the initial flap failed due to pedicle kinking. Twelve patients needed the plate to be removed and replaced (n=4, plate fracture; n=2, plate exposure) or definite reconstruction with free fibular flap and implant installation. Donor site complications included seroma accumulation, scarring, and discomfort of the shoulder girdle. The size of the skin paddle ranged from 6 × 10 cm to 12 × 18 cm (12 were double paddled).The facial contour was acceptable without sagging of the flap. The flap was tolerant to irradiation and was resistant to the exposure of the plate at the symphyseal arch. Our series of primary reconstruction with LD free flaps and R-plates showed the retention of mandibular function and the reconstruction of considerably large soft tissue can be achieved successfully. This reconstruction scheme can be indicated for large-volume defects in the oro-mandibular area when the area cannot be covered by a single osteocutaneous free flap, has undergone extensive oncologic resection for advanced or high recurrence rate malignancy and when immediate postoperative chemotherapy and/or irradiation is necessary.


[Prevalence of carbohydrate metabolism disorders in free-living females of capable age in the city of Baku].
The study of prevalence of carbohydrate metabolism disorders (CHMD) in females. A representative sample of 20-59-year-old female population of the city of Baku was examined using age-specific standardized index, WHO tests and criteria. CHMD occurred rather frequently. Tolerance to glucose was abnormal in 50% of the examinees. Diabetes mellitus affected 20-29-year-old women 4 times more frequently than poor glucose tolerance. An opposite trend was observed for 40-49-year-old women. Relevant prophylactic measures are required for female Baku population.


Structural assessment of OsNIP2;1 highlighted critical residues defining solute specificity and functionality of NIP class aquaporins.
Nodulin-26-like intrinsic proteins (NIPs) are integral membrane proteins belonging to the aquaporin family, that facilitate the transport of neutral solutes across the bilayer. The OsNIP2;1 a member of NIP-III class of aquaporins is permeable to beneficial elements like silicon and hazardous arsenic. However, the atomistic cross-talk of these molecules traversing the OsNIP2;1 channel is not well understood. Due to the lack of genomic variation but the availability of high confidence crystal structure, this study aims to highlight structural determinants of metalloid permeation through OsNIP2;1. The molecular simulations, combined with site-directed mutagenesis were used to probe the role of specific residues in the metalloid transport activity of OsNIP2;1. We drew energetic landscape of OsNIP2;1, for silicic and arsenous acid transport. Potential Mean Force (PMF) construction illuminate three prominent energetic barriers for metalloid passage through the pore. One corresponds to the extracellular molecular entry in the channel, the second located on ar/R filter, and the third size constriction in the cytoplasmic half. Comparative PMF for silicic acid and arsenous acid elucidate a higher barrier for silicic acid at the cytoplasmic constrict resulting in longer residence time for silicon. Furthermore, our simulation studies explained the importance of conserved residues in loop-C and loop-D with a direct effect on pore dynamics and metalloid transport. Next we assessed contribution of predicted key residues for arsenic uptake, by functional complementation in yeast. With the aim of reducing arsenic uptake while maintaining beneficial elements uptake, we identified novel OsNIP2;1 mutants with substantial reduction in arsenic uptake in yeast. We provide a comprehensive assessment of pore lining residues of OsNIP2;1 with respect to metalloid uptake. The findings will expand mechanistic understanding of aquaporin's metalloid selectivity and facilitate variant interpretation to develop novel alleles with preference for beneficial metalloid species and reducing hazardous ones.


Maternal intake of fat in pregnancy and offspring metabolic health - A prospective study with 20 years of follow-up.
Maternal fat intake during pregnancy in relation to offspring metabolic outcomes has been studied primarily in animal models, yet little is known about the association in humans. The aim of this study was to examine the association of total and subtype of fat consumption in pregnancy with anthropometric measures and biomarkers of adiposity and glucose metabolism in the offspring. A source population was 965 Danish pregnant women recruited in 1988-1989 with offspring follow-up at 20 years. Information on fat intake was collected in the 30(th) week of gestation, and we subdivided fat according to saturated (SFA), monounsaturated (MUFA), and polyunsaturated (PUFA) fat. Offspring body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were recorded at follow-up (n = 670-678), and biomarkers were quantified in a subset (n = 443) of participants. Multivariable linear and log-binomial regression were used to calculate effect estimates and 95% CI for a 1:1%energy substitution of carbohydrates for fat. The mean (standard deviation) BMI was 22.1 (3.3) and 22.8 (2.9) kg/m(2) in female and male offspring, respectively. The median (10th to 90th percentile) of maternal fat intake was 31% of energy [23,39]. We found no overall associations for maternal fat intake with female offspring anthropometry. However, for male offspring higher intake of MUFA during pregnancy was associated with higher insulin levels at 20 years (Q4 vs. Q1: %Δ: 37, 95% CI: 1, 86) accompanied by a non-significant 3.6 (95% CI: -1.1, 8.2) cm increase in WC. High maternal total fat intake (>=35% energy) was also associated with higher BMI (0.9, 95% CI: 0.2, 1.6) and WC (4.0, 95% CI: 1.6, 2.3) among male offspring. A high fat diet during pregnancy may increase adiposity in adult male offspring. We surmise that maternal MUFA intake during this time included both MUFA and trans fat misclassified as MUFA, and that the associations observed may be more reflective of the latter exposure.


Recovery of single source DNA profiles from mixtures by direct single cell subsampling and simplified micromanipulation.
Deconvolution of forensic DNA mixtures into their individual component DNA (geno)types is of great investigative value, though often complex and difficult. Two-person mixtures comprising a major and minor contributor are often easily interpreted although, when the DNA ratio of the two individuals is approximately equal (~1:1), deconvolution and interpretation becomes much more difficult. To address this issue, a physical separation of individual-, two- or three- cell subsamples prior to autosomal STR analysis was performed using a simplified micromanipulation technique paired with a decreased reaction volume and increased cycle number PCR. Using this method, single and multiple buccal epithelial cells were collected from a 1:1 two-person mixture (i.e. from individual 'A' and 'B') and directly amplified, omitting standard DNA extraction and purification steps. Single cell subsamples resulted in partial single-source profiles for both contributors while, in accordance with expectations of a quasi-binomial sampling schema, two- and three-cell subsamples resulted in single source informative partial profiles of individual A and individual B as well as complete consensus profiles, and equally mixed 1:1 (2-cell subsamples) and 2:1 (3-cell subsamples) admixed profiles of individual A and B.This proof-of-concept approach shows promise in permitting the DNA deconvolution of mixed samples where the individual contributors are present in similar amounts that would otherwise be difficult to interpret, resulting in an increase in evidentiary value. The subsampling approach can be readily investigated for DNA casework applications without additional investment in costly, new equipment, requiring only a stereo microscope and a tungsten needle.


Serum copeptin in children exposed to maltreatment.
Childhood maltreatment (CM) has been related to a persistent reprograming of stress-response. Copeptin is a marker of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activation; however, few studies have examined copeptin levels in children exposed to CM. The aim of this study was to compare serum copeptin levels in children reporting child abuse and/or neglect and children with no history of CM. This study included 65 children with a positive history of moderate to severe CM, as reported by themselves and their parent(s) during a clinical interview, and 71 children with no history of CM as a comparison group. CM was considered moderate to severe based on the child-reported frequency of being exposed to events related to sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, emotional neglect, and/or physical neglect. Child psychopathology symptoms were assessed using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). We measured serum copeptin concentration using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Children exposed to CM exhibited higher levels of serum copeptin compared to children without CM when controlling for sex, age, and psychiatric morbidity. The CBCL total score, including internalizing and externalizing symptoms, was higher in children with CM. We found no correlation between copeptin and CBCL scores for internalizing symptoms and externalizing symptoms. CM is associated with copeptin serum levels independently of age, sex, and symptom severity. Copeptin is a promising new biomarker for children with a history of abuse and/or neglect.


[Biomedical research, care and development levels. A comparative study detailing the different areas of responsibility].
In an international context, biomedical research depends on development conditions. The disparities between the North and South may become a form of exploitation. This article proposes a reflection on ethical effects about terminological choices. As shown in some tragic cases, it seems important to specify the terms and their meaning in ethical texts. These choices have consequences on research participant protection and on involved responsibilities.


Role of cystitis cystica et glandularis and intestinal metaplasia in development of bladder carcinoma.
Cystitis cystica et glandularis (CCEG) and intestinal metaplasia (IM) have been suggested to represent precursors of bladder adenocarcinoma. The relationship between these entities and the subsequent development of bladder carcinoma remains unclear. We retrospectively evaluated the association among florid CCEG, IM, and bladder carcinoma. The records and imaging findings of patients with a pathologic diagnosis of florid CCEG and/or IM were reviewed for a concurrent or future diagnosis of bladder carcinoma or pelvic lipomatosis. We identified 136 patients from 1982 to 2006 with florid CCEG (n = 117) or IM (n = 19). Of the 117 patients with CCEG, a subset was identified with concurrent mucinous adenocarcinoma (n = 1; <1%), squamous cell carcinoma (n = 4; 3%), or urothelial carcinoma (n = 34; 29%) at diagnosis. Pure IM was identified concurrently with adenocarcinoma in 2 (10%), urothelial carcinoma in 4 (21%), and urothelial carcinoma with glandular differentiation in 1 (5%) of 19 patients. Follow-up for 103 patients (75%) ranged from 7 days to 23.7 years (median 2.6 years, mean 4.4). Only 1 new case of urothelial carcinoma was identified after 3 months in 1 patient with CCEG. None of the patients in our series had associated pelvic lipomatosis. Both florid CCEG and IM can be identified in benign bladder specimens or in conjunction with bladder carcinoma. Although IM can be associated with a concurrent diagnosis of carcinoma, we found no evidence that it increases the future risk of malignancy and our findings do not support a recommendation for surveillance cystoscopy in such patients. No association was identified between either CCEG or IM and pelvic lipomatosis.


A study on the correlation between seat selection and interaction preference in virtual-reality fusion simulation experiment.
In order to explore the correlation between students' seat choice and interaction preference in the open gamification scenario, an experiment has been carried out on the platform of provincial virtual simulation experiment teaching center of a university, and tested the relationship between absolute distance, seat type, workstation type, and students' interaction preference. The results show that in the virtual-reality fusion gamification scenario where students can move freely: (1) The inner circle students can stimulate the outer circle students' willingness to invest in learning. (2) The task attribute and the seat distribution of the group may lead to the difference of students' interaction preference. (3) Students are more likely to learn knowledge and skills by interacting with "people" rather than "object." (4) Gender and major influence students' experience of participating in gamified teaching. The results confirm that the interactive engagement effect of location does exist in immersive virtual-reality fusion gamification teaching scenario, and suggestions are put forward to adjust the effect of location through instructional design and teacher intervention.


Parent-Peer Relationship Patterns among Mexican-Origin Adolescents.
This study examined patterns of mothers' and fathers' acceptance and youths' friendship intimacy among 246 Mexican-origin 7th graders. Three patterns were identified using mixture modeling: (a) low mother and father acceptance, and average friendship intimacy (Low Parent Profile); (b) average mother acceptance, high father acceptance and friendship intimacy (Positive Profile); and (c) high mother acceptance, average father acceptance, and low friendship intimacy (Low Friend Profile). Profiles differed with respect to cultural characteristics and youth adjustment. Findings demonstrated the benefit of a person-oriented approach to illuminate how parental and peer experiences are connected in different ways for different youth and are linked with youth adjustment. Results highlighted the need for research to attend to the unique cultural experiences of minority youth.


Cryoablation of accessory pathways in children.
Cryoablation is utilized for septal tachycardia substrates due its safety. Considering the recent studies which reveal coronary artery stenosis related to radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in children, cryoablation may offer advantages for nonseptal accessory pathways (APs) as well. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of cryoablation of APs in children. A total of 39 patients (median age = 9.3 years, range 4.8 to 17.2 years) underwent cryoablation of APs. A three-dimensional, surface electrode-based navigation system (EnSite NavX, St. Jude Medical Inc., St. Paul, MN, USA) is used to decrease the fluoroscopy exposure. A total of 45 APs were identified. Of these APs, 23 were septal (anteroseptal, midseptal, posteroseptal) and 22 were nonseptal. Acute success rate with cryoablation was 73%. RFA was used when cryoablation failed and overall acute success rate was 84%. To assess for the effect of institutional experience, the initial 23 APs were compared to the recent 22 APs and acute success rate revealed significant improvement (57% vs. 91%). Recurrence rate was 24% during a median follow-up of 282 days. Cryoablation of APs is safe and yields to high acute success rates in children. It can potentially be used as the first ablation option for all APs in children. However, recurrence rate is higher compared to the RFA and there is a need for prospective comparative studies.


Long-term follow-up of a rare calcified cardiac tumor: a case report.
We describe a case of cardiac masses (high- and iso-echoic mass) which were detected by echocardiography in a 57-year-old man with cerebral infarction. Because he refused both biopsy and surgery, the patient was treated with an anticoagulant and antibiotic in our outpatient clinic. During 3-year follow-up, the iso-echoic mass disappeared and the high-echoic mass did not change. Thus, we considered the iso-echoic mass a thrombus and the high-echoic mass a benign tumor. Cardiac computed tomography revealed that the high-echoic mass had extensive calcifications like phleboliths, and magnetic resonance imaging pattern coincided with that of hemangiomas. We conclude that the benign tumor/high-echoic mass might be a vascular malformation.


Characteristic surface morphology of human and murine myeloma cells: a scanning and transmission electron microscopic study.
Cells from cultured human and murine myeloma cell lines and circulating leukaemic plasma cells from four patients with generalized myeloma were studied by transmission and scanning electron microscopy and time-lapse cinematography. Both circulating and cultured cells exhibited consistent surface architectures and varying numbers of prominent blebs of different sizes were seen, in addition to microvilli. The presence of surface blebs appears to be a characteristic feature for secreting and non-secreting myeloma cells.


Effect of lindane on nitroreductase and dechlorinase enzyme activity in the gastrointestinal tract.
A previously reported acceleration of parathion metabolism in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of lindane-pretreated rats could have been due to either a prolonged residence time of parathion or increased GI nitroreductase activity or both. Thus to determine the effect on GI nitroreductase and dechlorinase activity, 20 mg/kg lindane or 535 mg/kg neomycin were administered daily, by gavage, to weanling F-344 rats. Enzyme activity in the small intestine and cecum were assayed after 2 weeks and 5 weeks of treatment. Neomycin treatment inhibited the activity of both enzymes in the cecum but had no significant effect on enzyme activity in the small intestine, suggesting the presence of mucosal nitroreductase and dechlorinase in the small intestine. In contrast, lindane, which had no effect on enzyme activity in the cecum, significantly increased nitroreductase activity in the small intestine after treatment for 5 weeks. This increased nitroreductase may account for the previously reported lindane-parathion interaction and could influence the metabolism, toxicity, and risk assessment of many other environmental nitro-compounds that become toxic, mutagenic or carcinogenic upon reduction of their nitro-groups.


Uptake and K+-stimulated release of [14C]glycine from frog retinal synaptosomal fractions.
The uptake of [14C]glycine and the effect of depolarizing potassium concentrations on its release was investigated in the whole frog retina and its synaptosomal fractions. The uptake of [14C]glycine in retina and synaptosomal fractions was found to be saturable as well as energy and Na+-dependent. The Km value for glycine uptake was found to be 46 microM for P2 fraction and 100 microM for P1 fraction, with a Vmax of 3.5 and 3.8 nmol/mg protein/min respectively. The release of [14C]glycine from P1 and P2 synaptosomal fractions was markedly increased by raising potassium concentration in the medium, in a partially Ca2+-dependent manner. Evoked glycine release was 50% reduced when calcium was omitted from the medium. The K+-stimulated release of glycine from P2 fraction was significantly reduced in the presence of TTX. The cellular origin of the P1 and P2 synaptosomal fractions releasing glycine is discussed.


C3 amino-substituted chalcone derivative with selective adenosine rA1 receptor affinity in the micromolar range.
To identify novel adenosine receptor (AR) ligands based on the chalcone scaffold, herein the synthesis, characterization and in vitro and in silico evaluation of 33 chalcones (15-36 and 37-41) and structurally related compounds (42-47) are reported. These compounds were characterized by radioligand binding and GTP shift assays to determine the degree and type of binding affinity, respectively, against rat (r) A1 and A2A ARs. The chalcone derivatives 24, 29, 37 and 38 possessed selective A1 affinity below 10 µM, and thus, are the most active compounds of the present series; compound 38 was the most potent selective A1 AR antagonist (K i (r) = 1.6 µM). The structure-affinity relationships (SAR) revealed that the NH2-group at position C3 of ring A of the chalcone scaffold played a key role in affinity, and also, the Br-atom at position C3' on benzylidene ring B. Upon in vitro and in silico evaluation, the novel C3 amino-substituted chalcone derivative 38-that contains an α,ß-unsaturated carbonyl system and easily allows structural modification-may possibly be a synthon in future drug discovery. C3 amino-substituted chalcone derivative (38) with C3' Br substitution on benzylidene ring B possesses selective adenosine rA1 receptor affinity in micromolar range.


Ultrastructural analysis and identification of envelope proteins of "Candidatus Chloracidobacterium thermophilum" chlorosomes.
Chlorosomes are sac-like, light-harvesting organelles that characteristically contain very large numbers of bacteriochlorophyll (BChl) c, d, or e molecules. These antenna structures occur in chlorophototrophs belonging to some members of the Chlorobi and Chloroflexi phyla and are also found in a recently discovered member of the phylum Acidobacteria, "Candidatus Chloracidobacterium thermophilum." "Ca. Chloracidobacterium thermophilum" is the first aerobic organism discovered to possess chlorosomes as light-harvesting antennae for phototrophic growth. Chlorosomes were isolated from "Ca. Chloracidobacterium thermophilum" and subjected to electron microscopic, spectroscopic, and biochemical analyses. The chlorosomes of "Ca. Chloracidobacterium thermophilum" had an average size of ∼100 by 30 nm. Cryo-electron microscopy showed that the BChl c molecules formed folded or twisted, sheet-like structures with a lamellar spacing of ∼2.3 nm. Unlike the BChls in the chlorosomes of the green sulfur bacterium Chlorobaculum tepidum, concentric cylindrical nanotubes were not observed. Chlorosomes of "Ca. Chloracidobacterium thermophilum" contained a homolog of CsmA, the BChl a-binding, baseplate protein; CsmV, a protein distantly related to CsmI, CsmJ, and CsmX of C. tepidum, which probably binds a single [2Fe-2S] cluster; and five unique polypeptides (CsmR, CsmS, CsmT, CsmU, and a type II NADH dehydrogenase homolog). Although "Ca. Chloracidobacterium thermophilum" is an aerobe, energy transfer among the BChls in these chlorosomes was very strongly quenched in the presence of oxygen (as measured by quenching of fluorescence emission). The combined analyses showed that the chlorosomes of "Ca. Chloracidobacterium thermophilum" possess a number of unique features but also share some properties with the chlorosomes found in anaerobic members of other phyla.


Lumbar herniation following extended autologous latissimus dorsi breast reconstruction.
Reconstructive breast surgery is now recognized to be an important part of the treatment for breast cancer. Surgical reconstruction options consist of implants, autologous tissue transfer or a combination of the two. The latissimus dorsi flap is a pedicled musculocutaneous flap and is an established method of autologous breast reconstruction.Lumbar hernias are an unusual type of hernia, the majority occurring after surgery or trauma in this area. The reported incidence of a lumbar hernia subsequent to a latissimus dorsi reconstruction is very low. We present the unusual case of lumbar herniation after an extended autologous latissimus dorsi flap for breast reconstruction following a mastectomy. The lumbar hernia was confirmed on CT scanning and the patient underwent an open mesh repair of the hernia through the previous latissimus dorsi scar. Lumbar hernias are a rare complication that can occur following latissimus dorsi breast reconstruction. It should be considered in all patients presenting with persistent pain or swelling in the lumbar region.


Effect of an inactivated bluetongue serotype 8 vaccine on semen quality in rams.
The aim of this study was to determine whether a single dose of an inactivated bluetongue virus serotype 8 (BTV-8) vaccine altered semen quality in rams. Twenty sexually mature rams were assigned to three experimental groups: two groups of four animals were vaccinated and a third group of four animals was unvaccinated. The first group included rams with a history of natural BTV-8 infection in 2007 and the second and third groups included BTV-8 naïve rams. Semen was collected prior to vaccination and for 4 months post-vaccination. There were no significant differences in semen quality traits, including motility and concentration of spermatozoa, and percentages of living, normal dead and abnormal dead spermatozoa, between vaccinated and unvaccinated groups, or over time (P>0.05). The BTV-8 vaccine tested in this study did not appear to have any adverse effect on semen quality in rams.


Small-Cell Neuroendocrine Tumor of Larynx: A Rare Presentation.
Here we report a 60 year aged male presented with complaints of right neck swelling of 3 months duration, swelling was initially small in size and gradually increasing. On examination right level II, hard mobile lymph node was palpable measuring 4 × 4 cm in size, oral cavity and oropharynx was normal. Computed tomography of face neck showed moderately enhancing soft tissue mass of 2 × 3 cm in the supra glottis and left level II cervical lymphadenopathy of size 5 × 5 cm with infiltrating into left sternomastoid muscle. Direct laryngoscopy revealed an ulcero proliferative growth in the supra glottis extending into vallaculla biopsy from the growth showed small round cells with scant amount of cytoplasm with hyperchromatic nucleus, atypical mitosis and at places rosettoid arrangement was seen. Immunohistochemistry with pancytokeratin, CD 56 and synaptophysin were positive, LCA was negative and Ki 67 was >70 %, features consisted with neuroendocrine carcinoma small cell type. Computed tomography of chest, abdomen and pelvis was normal. Finally it was labeled as localized neuro endocrine carcinoma small cell type of larynx (supraglottis). This patient treated with external beam radiotherapy 70 Gy in 35 fractions @ 2 Gy per fraction over 7 weeks along with concurrent chemotherapy with weekly cisplatin followed by adjuvant chemotherapy with Cisplatin and Etoposide for six cycles.


CT and MRI appearances and radiologic staging of pediatric renal cell carcinoma.
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is an uncommon but noteworthy primary pediatric renal malignancy. There is a paucity of published data regarding the CT/MRI appearances and accuracy of pretreatment radiologic staging of this form of cancer in children. To review the various CT/MRI appearances of pediatric RCC and assess the accuracy of pretreatment radiologic staging using these imaging modalities. Institutional Departments of Pathology and Radiology records were searched from 1995 through 2010 for children (younger than 18 years of age) with RCC. Available pretreatment contrast-enhanced abdominopelvic CT and MRI examinations were reviewed by two radiologists. Pertinent imaging findings were documented by consensus, and correlation was made between radiologic and surgicopathological TNM staging. Pretreatment imaging studies from 10 RCCs in nine children (four girls and five boys; mean age 12.9 years) were reviewed. The mean size of the primary tumor was 6.2 cm (range, 1.5-12.6 cm). Ninety percent of RCCs demonstrated heterogeneous postcontrast enhancement. Fifty percent of masses had associated hemorrhage, while 40% contained internal calcification. Regarding TNM staging, N staging was correct for 10 of 10 tumors, while M staging was correct for 10 of 10 tumors. Imaging correctly staged only 4 of 10 tumors with respect to T stage. Radiologic and surgicopathological overall staging were concordant for 8 of 10 tumors. Pediatric RCCs typically present as large, heterogeneous masses, and they commonly hemorrhage and contain internal calcification. Radiologic and surgicopathological overall TNM staging are frequently concordant, although radiologic T staging is often incorrect.


Effects of anti-EGF serum on newborn mice.
Administration of anti-EGF serum to newborn mice led to delay of eyelid opening and incisor tooth eruption, acceleration of hair growth and delay of weight gain. These results indicate that in the first week after birth EGF still has a physiological function, which can be abrogated by anti-EGF serum.


Quantification of host preference by manipulation of oviposition behavior in the butterfly Euphydryas editha.
This paper describes a novel method of measuring host specificity and determining host rank order. As applied to oviposition behavior of the butterfly Euphydryas editha, the rank order of preference is the order in which plants become acceptable as the insect searches, while specificity is quantified in terms of the rate at which searching insects become less discriminating. The information obtained is different from that gleaned from other preference testing techniques. It is useful in helping to assess the behavioral bases of interpopulation differences in the degree of host specialization, in understanding the ways in which multiple host use is generated within a population, and in testing hypotheses about the evolution of host specialization.The data presented here show interpopulation variation in both rank order of host species and in the degree of host specificity of E. editha.


Biomimetic scaffold design for functional and integrative tendon repair.
Rotator cuff tears represent the most common shoulder injuries in the United States. The debilitating effect of this degenerative condition coupled with the high incidence of failure associated with existing graft choices underscores the clinical need for alternative grafting solutions. The 2 critical design criteria for the ideal tendon graft would require the graft to not only exhibit physiologically relevant mechanical properties but also be able to facilitate functional graft integration by promoting the regeneration of the native tendon-to-bone interface. Centered on these design goals, this review will highlight current approaches to functional and integrative tendon repair. In particular, the application of biomimetic design principles through the use of nanofiber- and nanocomposite-based scaffolds for tendon tissue engineering will be discussed. This review will begin with nanofiber-based approaches to functional tendon repair, followed by a section highlighting the exciting research on tendon-to-bone interface regeneration, with an emphasis on implementation of strategic biomimicry in nanofiber scaffold design and the concomitant formation of graded multi-tissue systems for integrative soft-tissue repair. This review will conclude with a summary and discussion of future directions.


Elevated Interleukin-31 Levels in Serum, but Not CSF of Dogs with Steroid-Responsive Meningitis-Arteritis Suggest an Involvement in Its Pathogenesis.
Steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis (SRMA) is a predominantly Th-2 immune-mediated disease, but the exact pathomechanism remains unclear. Interleukin-31 (IL-31) is predominantly produced by T cells with a Th-2 phenotype during proinflammatory conditions. We hypothesize that IL-31 might be involved in the pathogenesis of SRMA. IL-31 was measured in archived samples (49 serum and 52 CSF samples) of dogs with SRMA, meningoencephalitis of unknown origin (MUO), infectious meningoencephalitis, and atopic dermatitis, and of healthy control dogs using a competitive canine IL-31 ELISA. The mean serum IL-31 level in dogs with SRMA (n = 18) was mildly higher compared to dogs with atopic dermatitis (n = 3, p = 0.8135) and MUO (n = 15, p = 0.7618) and markedly higher than in healthy controls (n = 10, p = 0.1327) and dogs with infectious meningoencephalitis (n = 3, no statistics). Dogs with SRMA in the acute stage of the disease and without any pre-treatment had the highest IL-31 levels. The mean CSF IL-31 value for dogs with SRMA (n = 23) was quite similar to that for healthy controls (n = 8, p = 0.4454) and did not differ markedly from dogs with MUO (n = 19, p = 0.8724) and infectious meningoencephalitis. Based on this study, an involvement of IL-31 in the pathogenesis of the systemic Th-2 immune-mediated immune response in SRMA can be assumed as a further component leading to an aberrant immune reaction.


Community of protein complexes impacts disease association.
One important challenge in the post-genomic era is uncovering the relationships among distinct pathophenotypes by using molecular signatures. Given the complex functional interdependencies between cellular components, a disease is seldom the consequence of a defect in a single gene product, instead reflecting the perturbations of a group of closely related gene products that carry out specific functions together. Therefore, it is meaningful to explore how the community of protein complexes impacts disease associations. Here, by integrating a large amount of information from protein complexes and the cellular basis of diseases, we built a human disease network in which two diseases are linked if they share common disease-related protein complex. A systemic analysis revealed that linked disease pairs exhibit higher comorbidity than those that have no links, and that the stronger association two diseases have based on protein complexes, the higher comorbidity they are prone to display. Moreover, more connected diseases tend to be malignant, which have high prevalence. We provide novel disease associations that cannot be identified through previous analysis. These findings will potentially provide biologists and clinicians new insights into the etiology, classification and treatment of diseases.


Anatomical localization, gene expression profiling and functional characterization of adult human neck brown fat.
The imbalance between energy intake and expenditure is the underlying cause of the current obesity and diabetes pandemics. Central to these pathologies is the fat depot: white adipose tissue (WAT) stores excess calories, and brown adipose tissue (BAT) consumes fuel for thermogenesis using tissue-specific uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1). BAT was once thought to have a functional role in rodents and human infants only, but it has been recently shown that in response to mild cold exposure, adult human BAT consumes more glucose per gram than any other tissue. In addition to this nonshivering thermogenesis, human BAT may also combat weight gain by becoming more active in the setting of increased whole-body energy intake. This phenomenon of BAT-mediated diet-induced thermogenesis has been observed in rodents and suggests that activation of human BAT could be used as a safe treatment for obesity and metabolic dysregulation. In this study, we isolated anatomically defined neck fat from adult human volunteers and compared its gene expression, differentiation capacity and basal oxygen consumption to different mouse adipose depots. Although the properties of human neck fat vary substantially between individuals, some human samples share many similarities with classical, also called constitutive, rodent BAT.


Complex t(X;18)(p11.2;q11.2) with a pericentric inversion of the X chromosome in an adolescent boy with synovial sarcoma.
Synovial sarcoma is the most common nonrhabdomyosarcomatous soft-tissue sarcoma in children and young adults. It is characterized by the common t(X;18)(p11.2;q11.2) that results in the fusion of SYT on chromosome 18 to one of two closely related and adjacent genes on the X chromosome, SSX1 or SSX2. Here we describe a poorly differentiated, monophasic synovial sarcoma in a 17-year-old adolescent boy. Hyperdiploidy, a t(X;18)(q13;q11), and other structural abnormalities were detected by conventional cytogenetic analysis. Fluorescence in situ hybridization with the PAC probe RP3-519N18, which is specific for the Xp11 region, resulted in a signal on the der(Xq), a finding consistent with a pericentric inversion of the X chromosome that resulted in a t(X;18)(p11.2;q11.2)inv(X)(p11.2q13). Real-time polymerase chain reaction using primer sets specific for SYT-SSX1 and SYT-SSX2 confirmed the presence of an SYT-SSX1 fusion transcript. Our finding of this unique and complex translocation in synovial sarcoma demonstrates the utility of molecular methods in confirming the diagnosis of synovial sarcoma.


Natural history of Von Hippel-Lindau disease-associated and sporadic clear cell renal cell carcinoma: a comparative study.
To compare the tumor growth kinetics between sporadic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and Von Hippel-Lindau disease-associated renal cell carcinoma (VHL-associated RCC). To analyze predictive markers for the growth rate of these two types of RCC. The clinical data of patients with renal tumors who received active surveillance were collected retrospectively. Immunohistochemical staining was utilized to analyze the expression levels of VHL, PBRM1, H3K36me3, and BAP1 in the postoperative specimens. The age of the VHL group was significantly younger than that of the sporadic group (P < 0.0001). The mean linear growth rate (LGR) was significantly faster in the sporadic group (P = 0.0004). The tumors of those in the sporadic group tended to have a higher histologic grade (P = 0.0011). In the sporadic group, tumor histologic grade was an independent predictor for rapid mean LGR (P = 0.0022). In the VHL group, initial maximal tumor diameter (MTD) was the only independent predictor for rapid mean LGR (P < 0.0001). Tumors with low VHL expression and negative PBRM1 expression showed a faster growth rate in the sporadic group (P = 0.001 and P = 0.008, respectively). The expression levels of the four biomarkers showed no impact on the tumor growth rate in the VHL group. Sporadic ccRCC grew faster than VHL-associated RCC. High histologic grade, low VHL expression and negative PBRM1 expression were predictors of faster growth in sporadic ccRCC. A large initial MTD was a predictor of faster growth for VHL-associated RCC.


Autophagy determines efficiency of liver-directed gene therapy with adeno-associated viral vectors.
Use of adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors for liver-directed gene therapy has shown considerable success, particularly in patients with severe hemophilia B. However, the high vector doses required to reach therapeutic levels of transgene expression caused liver inflammation in some patients that selectively destroyed transduced hepatocytes. We hypothesized that such detrimental immune responses can be avoided by enhancing the efficacy of AAV vectors in hepatocytes. Because autophagy is a key liver response to environmental stresses, we characterized the impact of hepatic autophagy on AAV infection. We found that AAV induced mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)-dependent autophagy in human hepatocytes. This cell response was critically required for efficient transduction because under conditions of impaired autophagy (pharmacological inhibition, small interfering RNA knockdown of autophagic proteins, or suppression by food intake), recombinant AAV-mediated transgene expression was markedly reduced, both in vitro and in vivo. Taking advantage of this dependence, we employed pharmacological inducers of autophagy to increase the level of autophagy. This resulted in greatly improved transduction efficiency of AAV vectors in human and mouse hepatocytes independent of the transgene, driving promoter, or AAV serotype and was subsequently confirmed in vivo. Specifically, short-term treatment with a single dose of torin 1 significantly increased vector-mediated hepatic expression of erythropoietin in C57BL/6 mice. Similarly, coadministration of rapamycin with AAV vectors resulted in markedly enhanced expression of human acid-α-glucosidase in nonhuman primates. We identified autophagy as a pivotal cell response determining the efficiency of AAVs intracellular processing in hepatocytes and thus the outcome of liver-directed gene therapy using AAV vectors and showed in a proof-of-principle study how this virus-host interaction can be employed to enhance efficacy of this vector system. (Hepatology 2017;66:252-265).


Selective Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Experiments for Sign-Sensitive Determination of Heteronuclear Couplings: Expanding the Analysis of Crude Reaction Mixtures.
State-of-the-art nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) selective experiments are capable of directly analyzing crude reaction mixtures. A new experiment named HD-HAPPY-FESTA yields ultrahigh-resolution total correlation subspectra, which are suitable for sign-sensitive determination of heteronuclear couplings, as demonstrated here by measuring the sign and magnitude for proton-fluorine couplings (JHF) from major and minor isomer products of a two-step reaction without any purification. Proton-fluorine couplings ranging from 51.5 to -2.6 Hz could be measured using HD-HAPPY-FESTA, with the smallest measured magnitude of 0.8 Hz. Experimental JHF values were used to identify the two fluoroketone intermediates and the four fluoroalcohol products. Results were rationalized and compared with the density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Experimental data were further compared with the couplings reported in the literature, where pure samples were analyzed.


Ventriculoatrial shunt displacement by a central venous catheter in pediatrics: report of two atypical cases.
The treatment of hydrocephalus accounts for 40% of all procedures in pediatric neurosurgery. Ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement is the treatment of choice for most patients. When contraindicated due to different abdominal complications, the use of a ventriculoatrial shunt is a safe second option. Nevertheless, this procedure is not without risk of complications. An extremely rare complication is the displacement of the distal catheter by a central venous catheter. We present two atypical cases of shunt dysfunction related to the placement of a central venous catheter. After an extensive review of the literature, we believe these are the first cases of this unusual complication in children. Awareness of this complication is essential for its prevention and to ensure safe medical care.


Nutrient release and ammonium sorption by poultry litter and wood biochars in stormwater treatment.
The feasibility of using biochar as a filter medium in stormwater treatment facilities was evaluated with a focus on ammonium retention. Successive batch extractions and batch ammonium sorption experiments were conducted in both deionized (DI) water and artificial stormwater using poultry litter (PL) and hardwood (HW) biochars pyrolyzed at 400°C and 500°C. No measureable nitrogen leached from HW biochars except 0.07 μmol/g of org-N from 400°C HW biochar. PL biochar pyrolyzed at 400°C leached 120-127 μmol/g of nitrogen but only 7.1-8.6 μmol/g of nitrogen when pyrolyzed at 500°C. Ammonium sorption was significant for all biochars. At a typical ammonium concentration of 2mg/L in stormwater, the maximum sorption was 150 mg/kg for PL biochar pryolyzed at 400°C. In stormwater, ion competition (e.g. Ca(2+)) suppressed ammonium sorption compared to DI water. Surprisingly, ammonium sorption was negatively correlated to the BET surface area of the tested biochars, but increased linearly with cation exchange capacity. Cation exchange capacity was the primary mechanism controlling ammonium sorption and was enhanced by pyrolysis at 400°C, while BET surface area was enhanced by pyrolysis at 500°C. The optimal properties (BET surface area, CEC, etc.) of biochar as a sorbent are not fixed but depend on the target pollutant. Stormwater infiltration column experiments in sand with 10% biochar removed over 90% of ammonium with influent ammonium concentration of 2mg/L, compared to only 1.7% removal in a sand-only column, indicating that kinetic limitations on sorption were minor for the storm conditions studied. Hardwood and poultry litter biochar pyrolyzed at 500°C and presumably higher temperature may be viable filter media for stormwater treatment facilities, as they showed limited release of organic and inorganic nutrients and acceptable ammonium sorption.


Hypoxic Preconditioning Combined with Microbubble-Mediated Ultrasound Effect on MSCs Promote SDF-1/CXCR4 Expression and its Migration Ability: An In Vitro Study.
Our objective is to investigate the promoting effect of hypoxic preconditioning combined with microbubble (MB)-mediated ultrasound (US) on the SDF-1/CXCR4 expression and the migration ability of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Based on the uniform design, the parameters of MB-mediated US, such as the total treatment time (T), acoustic intensity (Q), and the dosage of MBs, were optimized firstly. The results were assessed by regression analysis. Using the optimum irradiation parameters, the concentration of SDF-1 in the supernatant, the expression levels of membrane CXCR4, and the cell viability of hypoxic MSCs or normoxic MSCs were compared. The in vitro transwell migration assay was performed as well. The best combination of parameters for more SDF-1 secretion and less MSCs death was T = 30 s, A = 0.6 W/cm(2), and MB = 10(6)/ml. After 24 h of hypoxic preconditioning, the expression of SDF-1 and surface CXCR4 was increased in the hypoxic MSC group as compared to the normoxic MSC group (P < 0.05). On the basis of that, MB-mediated US could further upregulate the expression of SDF-1/CXCR4 with the optimum parameters (P < 0.05), while the cell viability was only decreased by about 9-10 % compared to the untreated groups. The number of successfully migrated cells was also the largest in the hypoxic preconditioning combined with MB-mediated US group than all the other groups. The results obtained indicate the combination of hypoxic preconditioning, and MB-mediated US can upregulate the SDF-1/CXCR4 expression and improve the migration ability in MSCs.


The effects of personality types on self-reported safety behavior: Focused on plant workers in Korea.
We sought to validate a safety behavior tool used in South Korean nuclear power plants, and to investigate the effects of HEXACO personality types on safety behaviors. The participants were 242 individuals employed in corporate safety management who answered the questionnaires on safety behaviors checklist, impulsiveness, affectivity, job burnout, and perfectionism. An exploratory factor analysis was conducted on the safety behavior items, and the convergent and discriminant validity were confirmed through correlational analyses with the existing related variables. To examine the individual effects of personality variables on the validated safety behavior questionnaire, we introduced control variables into a subsequent hierarchical regression analysis. The analyses revealed that the personality variables had significant effects on the subscales of the safety behavior scale. The present study is significant in that it revealed that personality, a broad construct, can predict human errors and safety behaviors, which have had previously been found to associate with only specific variables, such as stress, impulsiveness, and perfectionism.


Association of housing adaptation services with the prevention of care needs level deterioration for older adults with frailty in Japan: a retrospective cohort study.
Housing adaptations are aimed at minimizing the mismatch between older adults' functional limitations and their building environments. We examined the association of housing adaptations with the prevention of care needs level deterioration among older adults with frailty in Japan. The subjects comprised individuals who were first certified as having care support levels (defined as frail, the lowest two of seven care needs levels) under the public long-term care insurance systems between April 2015 and September 2016 from a municipality close to Tokyo. The implementation of housing adaptations was evaluated in the first six months of care support certification. Survival analysis with Cox proportional hazards model was performed to examine the association between housing adaptations and at least one care needs level deterioration, adjusting for age, sex, household income level, certified care support levels, cognitive function, instrumental activities of daily living, and the utilization of preventive care services (designed not to progress disabilities). We further examined the differences in the association of the housing adaptation amount by categorizing the subjects into the maximum cost group (USD 1,345-1,513) or not the maximum cost group (< USD 1,345). All the subjects were followed until the earliest of deterioration in care needs level, deaths, moving out of the municipality, or March 2018. Among 796 older adults, 283 (35.6%) implemented housing adaptations. The incidence of care needs level deterioration was 19.3/1000 person-month of older adults who implemented housing adaptations, whereas 31.9/1000 person-month of those who did not. The adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of care needs level deterioration was 0.69 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.51-0.93). The aHRs were 0.51 (95% CI: 0.31-0.82) and 0.78 (95% CI: 0.57-1.07) in the maximum and not maximum cost groups, respectively. Housing adaptations may prevent care needs level deterioration of older adults with frailty. Policymakers and health professionals should deliver housing adaptations for older adults at risk of increasing care needs.


Hostility scores are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events in women undergoing coronary angiography: a report from the NHLBI-Sponsored WISE Study.
To evaluate hostility-related personality traits assessed by the Cook Medley Hostility Inventory and to relate these to the occurrence of adverse cardiac events in women with suspected myocardial ischemia. The cohort included 506 women with suspected coronary artery disease from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute-sponsored Women's Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation (WISE) study. We examined individual components of the Cook Medley Hostility Score (CMHS) measuring cynicism, hostile affect, and aggressive responding, and a total CMHS (sum of these three) and associations with adverse events (defined as hospitalization for angina, nonfatal myocardial infarction, stroke, congestive heart failure (CHF) other vascular events and death) during 3 to 6 years follow-up using Cox proportional hazard modeling. Women with adverse events had higher total CMHS (10.6 +/- 5.5) than women without any of these events (9.2 +/- 5.1) p = .02. They also had poorer survival by Kaplan-Meier analysis (log-rank p < .05). Unadjusted Cox models showed that the individual scores of cynicism and aggressive responding and the total CMHS were associated with more adverse events (all p < .05). Women with total CMHS above the median had a 35% increase risk of an adverse event in comparison to women with lower scores. In a risk-adjusted Cox model, the hazard ratio for an adverse event was 1.5 (p = .03) for women with total CMHS above the median. In this cohort of women with suspected myocardial ischemia, higher Cook Medley scores reflecting cynicism, hostile affect, and aggressive responding were associated with poorer 3 to 6 year event-free survival and a higher risk of adverse events. After adjusting for risk factors and CAD, the association with risk for adverse events increased.


Detoxification from methadone maintenance: the state of the art.
The reasons for successful withdrawal from methadone maintenance remain to be clarified. The theories, methods, and outcome of methadone maintenance withdrawal are reviewed, and it is concluded that successful withdrawal is possible for at least a sizable minority.