Vertebrobasilar revascularization rates and outcomes in the MERCI and multi-MERCI trials.
Mortality of 40% to 86% and good outcomes in only 13% to 21% of patients beg for treatment options for basilar occlusion. This study determined outcomes of patients with vertebrobasilar occlusion treated with mechanical embolus removal in cerebral ischemia (MERCI) retriever mechanical thrombectomy. Patients with vertebrobasilar occlusion in the MERCI and Multi-MERCI trials received treatment up to 8 hours after symptom onset. Recanalization was determined after retriever use and adjunctive therapy. Mortality and good outcomes, modified Rankin scale score 0-3, were determined at 90 days in patients who were recanalized and not recanalized. Recanalization occurred in 21 of 27 (78%) patients. Mortality was 44% and good outcomes were seen in 41%. Patients with recanalization tended to have better outcomes than those without. Outcomes in patients with vertebrobasilar occlusions treated with the MERCI retriever compared favorably with natural history reports and tended to be better in those patients with recanalization.


The effects of gamma radiation on the properties of composite restorative resins.
The effects of gamma radiation at therapeutic dosage levels on the physical properties of three anterior (two light-cured and one autocure) composites and a light-cured posterior composite were studied. Gamma radiation had no effect on the autocured composite but had varied effects on the light-cured systems. The diametral tensile strength and dimensional stability were unaffected, water sorption and solubility were reduced but surface and bulk hardnesses were increased with the hardness increases linearly related to the radiation dosage. These effects may arise from continued polymerization of the air-inhibited surface layer and possibility of low molecular weight entities within the matrix. Overall, therapeutic levels of gamma radiation had no detrimental effects on the physical properties of the composite resins.


Cholinergic stimulation in the posterior hypothalamic nucleus activates angiotensin II-sensitive neurons in the anterior hypothalamic area of rats.
We have previously reported that some neurons in the anterior hypothalamic area (AHA) are tonically activated by endogenous angiotensins in rats and that activities of these AHA angiotensin II-sensitive neurons are enhanced in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Acetylcholine in the posterior hypothalamic nucleus (PHN) has been implicated in hypertension in SHR. It is suggested that there exist neuronal projections from the PHN to the AHA in rats. In this study, we examined whether cholinergic stimulation in the PHN activates AHA angiotensin II-sensitive neurons. Male Wistar rats were anesthetized and artificially ventilated. Extracellular potentials were recorded from single neurons in the AHA. Microinjection of carbachol, physostigmine and glutamate into the PHN caused an increase in firing rate of AHA angiotensin II-sensitive neurons in anesthetized rats. The carbachol-induced increase of firing rate was inhibited by pressure application of the AT1 receptor antagonist losartan onto AHA angiotensin II-sensitive neurons. The glutamate-induced increase of firing rate was also inhibited by the pressure application of losartan. PHN microinjections of carbachol and glutamate did not affect blood pressure in these anesthetized rats. In conscious rats, PHN microinjection of carbachol produced an increase of blood pressure and the carbachol-induced pressor response was inhibited by bilateral microinjections of losartan into the AHA. These findings indicate that cholinergic stimulation in the PHN activates AHA angiotensin II-sensitive neurons. It seems likely that the activation of AHA angiotensin II-sensitive neurons induced by PHN cholinergic stimulation is partly mediated via release of angiotensins at AHA angiotensin II-sensitive neuron levels.


Realtime chemical characterization of post monsoon organic aerosols in a polluted urban city: Sources, composition, and comparison with other seasons.
Real time chemical characterization of non-refractory submicron aerosols (NR-PM1) was carried out during post monsoon (September-October) via Aerosol Mass Spectrometer (AMS) at a polluted urban location of Kanpur, India. Organic aerosol (OA) was found to be the dominant species with 58% contribution to total NR-PM1 mass, followed by sulfate (16%). Overall, OA was highly oxidized (average O/C = 0.66) with the dominance of oxidized OAs (60% of total OA) as revealed by source apportionment. Oxidized nature of OA was also supported by very high OC/EC ratios (average = 8.2) obtained from simultaneous offline filter sampling. High and low OA loading periods have very dramatic effects on OA composition and oxidation. OA O/C ratios during lower OA loading periods were on average 30% higher than the same from high loading periods with significant changes in types and relative contribution from oxidized OAs (OOA). Comparison of OA sources and chemistry among post monsoon and other seasons revealed significant differences. Characteristics of primary OAs remain very similar, but features of OOAs showed substantial changes from one season to another. Winter had lowest OOA contribution to total OA but similar overall O/C ratios as other seasons. This reveals that processing of primary OAs, local atmospheric chemistry, and regional contributions can significantly alter OA characteristics from one season to another. This study provides interesting insights into the seasonal variations of OA sources and evolution in a very polluted and complex environment.


An optimized protocol for estimating cellulase activity in biological samples.
Cellulase is a microbial enzyme responsible for degrading the β-1,4 glycoside bond in polysaccharide cellulose, which is abundant in various animal foodstuffs. Cellulase is an important industrial enzyme used for various purposes, including biopolishing textile fibers, softening garments, biostoning denim fabric, and removing excess color from textiles. In the food industry, cellulase is combined with pectinase and hemicellulase. Therefore, the need for a reliable, fast, and inexpensive cellulase activity protocol that could be used with diverse biological and environmental samples is great. This study developed a novel method to quantify cellulase activity using picric acid (PCA), which reacts with generated glucose molecules to produce mahogany red picramic acid. This PCA-cellulase method uses sodium hydroxide instead of sodium carbonate to provide alkalinity in the reaction solution, increasing the stability of picramic acid and the sensitivity and linearity of the reaction. It also overcomes the limitations of previous methods. It is notable for its dependence on few chemicals with low concentrations compared to previous methods that depend on many chemicals with high concentrations. The PCA-cellulase method was optimized using the Box-Behnken design, and its accuracy was determined using a response surface approach. A Bland-Altman cellulase activity graph was used to validate the PCA-cellulase method with a correlation coefficient of 0.9991. Therefore, the novel PCA-cellulase method provides accurate results that are comparable to existing methods.


[Effect of different light of LED light quality on growth and antioxidant enzyme activities of Ganoderma lucidum].
To study the effect of light quality on growth, antioxidant enzyme activities of Ganoderma lucidum mycelium. G. lucidum mycelium was cultured under different light qualities by light emitting diodes (LED). The growth G. lucidum mycelium was observed and antioxidant enzyme activities was determined in different growth periods. Under the red LED, the blue LED and dark condition (CK), the mycelium grew faster than that under other light qualities. The white LED resulted in a largest increase in the amount of the mycelium and always kept the activities of CAT high level. Major fluctuations of POD activities emerged under the green LED, while enhanced severely in the late phase. Under the yellow LED, the activities of SOD appeared high level. However, SOD activities on dark (CK) raised obviously in late period. At the late stage, the content of mycelium polysaccharides was significant higher than that under the blue LED. The light quality could influence the growth and metabolism of G. lucidum mycelium.


Naringenin improves ovarian health by reducing the serum androgen and eliminating follicular cysts in letrozole-induced polycystic ovary syndrome in the Sprague Dawley rats.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is most common in women of reproductive age, giving rise to androgen excess and anovulation, leading to infertility and non-reproductive complications. We explored the ameliorating effect of naringenin in PCOS using the Sprague Dawley (SD) rat model and human granulosa cells. Letrozole-induced PCOS rats were given either naringenin (50 mg/kg/day) alone or in combination with metformin (300 mg/kg/day), followed by the estrous cycle, hormonal analysis, and glucose sensitivity test. To evaluate the effect of naringenin on granulosa cell (hGC) steroidogenesis, we treated cells with naringenin (2.5 μM) alone or in combination with metformin (1 mM) in the presence of forskolin (10 μM). To determine the steroidogenesis of CYP-17A1, -19A1, and 3βHSD2, the protein expression levels were examined. Treatment with naringenin in the PCOS animal groups increased ovulation potential and decreased cystic follicles and levels of androgens. The expression levels of CYP-17A1, -19A1, and 3βHSD2, were seen restored in the ovary of PCOS SD rats' model and in the human ovarian cells in response to the naringenin. We found an increased expression level of phosphorylated-AKT in the ovary and hGCs by naringenin. Naringenin improves ovulation and suppress androgens and cystic follicles, involving AKT activation.


Country-wide assessment of the genetic polymorphism in Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax antigens detected with rapid diagnostic tests for malaria.
Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are becoming increasingly indispensable in malaria management, as a means of increasing the accuracy of diagnosis. The WHO has issued recommendations, but the selection of the most suitable RDT remains difficult for users in endemic countries. The genetic variability of the antigens detected with RDTs has been little studied, but may affect the sensitivity of RDTs. This factor has been studied by comparisons between countries at continental level, but little information is available concerning antigen variability within a given country. A country-wide assessment of polymorphism of the PfHRP2, PfHRP3, pLDH and aldolase antigens was carried out in 260 Plasmodium falciparum and 127 Plasmodium vivax isolates, by sequencing the genes encoding these antigens in parasites originating from the various epidemiological strata for malaria in Madagascar. Higher levels of polymorphism were observed for the pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 genes than for the P. falciparum and P. vivax aldolase and pldh genes. Pfhrp2 sequence analysis predicted that 9% of Malagasy isolates would not be detected at parasite densities < or = 250 parasites/mul (ranging from 6% in the north to 14% in the south), although RDTs based on PfHRP2 detection are now recommended in Madagascar. These findings highlight the importance of training of health workers and the end users of RDTs in the provision of information about the possibility of false-negative results for patients with clinical symptoms of malaria, particularly in the south of Madagascar.


Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy in COVID-19 infection - A case report.
To report a case of a non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) in the setting of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). A 60-year-old healthy female without any risk factors for vasculopathy, presented with an acute painless diminution of vision noticed in the lower half of the visual field in the left eye. She was diagnosed with NAION in the setting of a recent SARS-CoV-2 infection. The purpose of this case report is to supplement our knowledge about the neuro-ophthalmological complications of COVID-19 in the form of NAION which might occur even in the early stages of the infection.


Osmotic effects of polyethylene glycol.
Polyethylene glycol (PEG) has been used to increase the osmotic pressure of fluids used to cleanse the gastrointestinal tract. However, little is known about its osmotic activity. To investigate this activity systematically, solutions of PEG of differing molecular weights were made and subjected to measurement of osmolality by both freezing point depression and vapor pressure osmometry. Measured osmolality was increasingly greater than predicted from average molecular weight as PEG concentration increased. Measurement of sodium activity in NaCl/PEG solutions by means of an ion-selective electrode suggested that the higher than expected osmolality could be due in part to interactions that, in effect, sequestered water from the solution. Osmolality was consistently greater by freezing point osmometry than by vapor pressure osmometry. To determine which osmometry method reflected biologically relevant osmolality, normal subjects underwent steady-state total gut perfusion with an electrolyte solution containing 105 g/L of PEG 3350. This produced rectal effluent that was hypertonic by freezing point osmometry but isotonic by vapor pressure osmometry. Assuming that luminal fluid reaches osmotic equilibrium with plasma during total gut perfusion, this result suggests that the vapor pressure osmometer accurately reflects the biologically relevant osmolality of intestinal contents. We conclude that PEG exerts more of an osmotic effect than would be predicted from its molecular weight. This phenomenon may reflect interactions between PEG and water molecules that alter the physical chemistry of the solution and sequester water from the solution.


A green and efficient photocatalytic route for the highly-selective oxidation of saturated alpha-carbon C-H bonds in aromatic alkanes over flower-like Bi2WO6.
A green and efficient route for the highly-selective oxidation of saturated alpha-carbon C-H bonds in aromatic alkanes under visible-light irradiation and solvent-free conditions is developed using flower-like Bi2WO6 microspheres as catalysts.


[Computed tomography semiotics of osteonecrosis and sequestration in chronic hematogenic osteomyelitis].
Based on the data of computed tomography, radiography and densitometry in 39 patients the authors describe in detail the signs of osteonecrosis and sequestration of different localization and extension.


Lateralization, connectivity and plasticity in the human central auditory system.
Although it is known that responses in the auditory cortex are evoked predominantly contralateral to the side of stimulation, the lateralization of responses at lower levels in the human central auditory system has hardly been studied. Furthermore, little is known on the functional interactions between the involved processing centers. In this study, functional MRI was performed using sound stimuli of varying left and right intensities. In normal hearing subjects, contralateral activation was consistently detected in the temporal lobe, thalamus and midbrain. Connectivity analyses showed that auditory information crosses to the contralateral side in the lower brainstem followed by ipsilateral signal conduction towards the auditory cortex, similar to the flow of auditory signals in other mammals. In unilaterally deaf subjects, activation was more symmetrical for the cortices but remained contralateral in the midbrain and thalamus. Input connection strengths were different only at cortical levels, and there was no evidence for plastic reorganization at subcortical levels.


Treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome and its associated psychiatric symptoms with the Mongolian medicine Nuangong Qiwei Pill and macelignan.
The Mongolian medicine Nuangong Qiwei Pill (NGQW) is a folk prescription with a long history of use by the Mongolian people. NGQW comprises seven Mongolian medicines, which have the effects of regulating and nourishing blood, warming the uterus, dispelling cold and relieving pain. For a long time, it has been used as a good remedy for gynecological diseases, with remarkable curative effects, favored by the majority of patients and recommended by doctors. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common gynecological endocrine disorder that can lead to menstrual disorders or infertility. In the gynecological classification of Mongolian medicine, polycystic ovary syndrome has not been distinguished in detail, and the mechanism of NGQW in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome has not been scientifically studied and standardized. The aim of this study was to clarify the mechanism of action of NGQW and macelignan in the treatment of PCOS and to provide a reference for the clinical application of these drugs. The effect of intragastric administration of NGQW and macelignan on PCOS model mice was observed. The mental status of mice was examined behaviorally, and serum hormone levels and oxidative stress parameters were measured by ELISA. Giemsa staining was used to detect the reproductive cycle, and HE staining was used to observe the ovarian status. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to observe the proliferation and apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells. qRT‒PCR was conducted to measure the expression of IL-6, BAX, BCL-2, and estrogen synthesis-related genes in ovarian tissue and particle cells. In the dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)-induced PCOS model mice, both NGQW and macelignan improved the estrous cycle; increased the estradiol (E2) content; lowered testosterone (T), progesterone (P) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels; reduced the number of polycystic follicles; promoted granulosa cell proliferation; reduced granulosa cell apoptosis; and alleviated depression and anxiety. In addition, Nuangong Qiwei Pill and macelignan reduced the mRNA levels of the ovarian inflammatory factor IL-6; improved the disordered levels of the antioxidant indicators GSH, MDA, and SOD; and activated the TGF-β3 signaling pathway to increase the transcription of Cyp19a1, which increases estrogen secretion. NGQW and macelignan can treat PCOS through the TGF-β3/Smad/Cyp19a1 signaling pathway to regulate the secretion ability of ovarian granulosa cells. Our research justifies the traditional use of NGQW to treat PCOS and enriches the scope of action of macelignan.


Comparison of Coccidioides immitis arthrospore, mycelium, and spherule cell walls, and influence of growth medium on mycelial cell wall composition.
Comparative lipid content, cell wall yield, neutral monosaccharide, glucosamine, and protein (amino acid) contents of arthrospores, mycelia, and spherules of Coccidioides immitis Cash were studied. Cellular lipid contents were found in the decreasing order: spherules, arthrospores, mycelia. Lipid content of mycelia did not reach the level of arthrospores or spherules even when mycelia were grown on relatively rich media. Cell wall yields of spherules were lower than for mycelia when grown on comparable media. Cell walls of arthrospores, mycelia, spherules, and spherule culture filtrate all contained 3-O-methylmannose, mannose, and glucose, but in varying amounts. Cell wall yield and cell wall glucose content increased in mycelia grown in increasingly rich media, whereas mannose content either decreased or remained constant.


Cycloisomerization versus hydration reactions in aqueous media: a Au(III)-NHC catalyst that makes the difference.
A novel water-soluble Au(III)-NHC complex has been synthesized and successfully applied in the intramolecular cyclization of γ-alkynoic acids into enol-lactones under biphasic toluene/water conditions, thus representing a rare example of an active and selective catalyst for this transformation in aqueous media. Remarkably, competing alkyne hydration processes were not observed, even during the desymmetrization reaction of challenging 1,6-diyne substrates. In addition, after phase separation, the water-soluble Au(III) catalyst could be recycled 10 times without loss of activity or selectivity.


Bone marrow response in cattle with chronic dermatitis caused by Psoroptes ovis.
Six Hereford heifer calves were infested with Psoroptes ovis and compared to six uninfested control calves. Infested calves developed severe exudative dermatitis which covered 100% of the body surface by 7 weeks after infestation. They developed moderate nonregenerative anemia, decreased numbers of neutrophils and lymphocytes, and increased plasma protein and fibrinogen concentrations. Sternal marrow core biopsies taken 7 weeks after infestation were 75 to 90% cellular, while cores from uninfested calves were 10 to 20% cellular. Comparison of myelograms between the two groups of calves revealed increased M:E ratio, myelocyte and metamyelocyte hyperplasia with depletion of mature neutrophils and eosinophils in the P. ovis-infested calves. It was concluded that P. ovis-infested calves develop myeloid hyperplasia and that mange-related neutropenia is not due to bone marrow suppression by a mite or scab-associated toxin.


The effect of repeated administration of antidepressant drugs on the thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) content of rat brain structures.
The present study investigated the effect of repeated treatment with the antidepressant drugs imipramine, amitryptyline, citalopram and mianserin (10 mg/kg PO, twice daily for 14 days) on levels of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) in several brain structures (cerebral cortex, amygdala + pyriform cortex, hippocampus, nucleus accumbens, striatum and hypothalamus) of the rat. Amitriptyline caused a marked increase in the TRH content in the striatum and nucleus accumbens. Citalopram and mianserin produced a smaller but significant increase in the TRH content in the striatum only, while imipramine did not significantly affect the TRH concentrations in any of the brain structures. None of the antidepressant drugs administered acutely significantly affected the TRH concentrations in the nucleus accumbens or the striatum. These results indicate that changes in brain TRH induced by antidepressant drugs are not related to their therapeutic activity.


Functional anatomy of the medial ligamentous complex of the elbow. Its role in anterior posterior instability.
The question remains unanswered regarding the role of repair of medial ligament injuries associated with subluxation of the elbow and non-reconstructable radial head fracture and whether or not this will decrease the risk of chronic instability and cubitus valgus. The goal of this study was to define the role of the medial ligamentous complex of the elbow in elbow instability and to describe the anatomy of the complex in 35 fresh-frozen cadaver elbows. We documented medial ligamentous complex anatomy and compared our results to those in the literature. 25 elbows were dissected in order to describe the different bundles of the medial ligament complex and to precise the positions of the elbow that placed each in tension; section of the different ligamentous bundles was done to study the role of each in elbow stability. 10 other elbows were dissected and used for the ligamentous section studies which were performed subcutaneously. We found two bundles at the level of the anterior portion and termed them superficial and deep. Section of the anterior bundle lead to posterior subluxation of the elbow at 30-100 degrees flexion in both supination and pronation. Posterior subluxation was obtained after an anterior capsulotomy; medial epicondylectomy did not compromise the stability of the elbow after a complete section of the insertion of the deep fibers of the anterior bundle. Elements thus required for stability of the elbow are integrity of the articular surface of the humerus and the ulna, and the anterior bundle of the medial ligamentous complex.


Dopamine-beta-hydroxylase in behaviorally disturbed youth. Relationship between teacher and parent ratings.
A series of neurotransmitters, metabolites, and enzymes considered relevant to emotional and behavioral disorders was studied in blood samples obtained from boys admitted to a residential setting because of disruptive or unmanageable behavior in their home environments. The youth were categorized into mainly prepubertal (under 12.0 years) and pubertal/post pubertal (12.0 years and over) groups. Behavior ratings of the younger group completed by parents revealed significant inverse correlations between several behavioral factors and dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (DBH) activity levels, notably in the aggressive behavior and antisocial domains. Teacher ratings completed after about 1 month of living in the residential setting also showed numerous significant, but positive, correlations between several behavior factors and DBH activity levels. Furthermore, teacher and parent ratings themselves often were significantly and inversely correlated. The findings related to DBH activity levels were strongest in the younger group of boys. The results are discussed in terms of the possibility that low DBH activity in boys reflects a vulnerability towards behavioral disorder, which in certain environments becomes manifested by conduct problems and antisocial behavior.


[Expression of galectin-3 in invasive prolactinomas].
To investigate the expression of galectin-3 (Gal-3) in prolactinomas. Expressions of Gal-3 were evaluated by immunohistochemistry using polyclonal antibody in 16 invasive prolactinomas and 16 prolactinomas. Gal-3 was expressed both in invasive prolactinomas and noninvasive prolactinomas while significantly higher expression seen in the invasive prolactinomas (P < 0.05). Gal-3 expression may be used as a useful indicator to determine the invasiveness and prognosis of prolactinomas.


Measurement of the intracellular free calcium concentration in salamander rods.
Measurement of the free calcium concentration within a photo-receptor outer segment has been considered an important aim since the proposal by Hagins and Yoshikami that the primary event in phototransduction is a release of Ca (2+) inside the cell. More recent evidence has cast doubt on the calcium hypothesis, and the observations of Yau and Nakatani and Matthews et al. suggest that the internal Ca (2+) concentration ([Ca (2+)]i), may decrease after a flash of light. In the present study we have measured [Ca (2+)]i directly by using a new method for incorporating the Ca-sensitive photoprotein aequorin into an isolated rod. We report that the light response is accompanied by a decrease in [Ca (2+)]i, caused by the closure of light-sensitive channels which are the main route for Ca (2+) entry into the outer segment. Of the Ca (2+) entering through light-sensitive channels, about 95% is sequestered by a rapid and reversible buffering mechanism. Calcium is removed from the cell by an electrogenic pump in which 3 Na (+) ions are exchanged for each Ca (2+); the pump is highly active and the free Ca (2+) in the cell declines with a time constant of ~0.5 s after a flash of light.


Life-cycle assessment approach for municipal solid waste management system of Delhi city.
The life-cycle assessment (LCA) approach with route optimization technique was adopted in the present study to evaluate environmental and economic aspects associated with the prevalent waste management system in Delhi city. With an objective of cost minimization and abating environmental hazards from waste transportation systems, ArcGIS was used to identify the most appropriate route for waste transportation. The study was conducted considering four landfills located at Bawana, Bhalswa, Ghazipur and Okhla present in Delhi city. Landfilling, composting, anaerobic digestion, and recycling methods were analyzed for global warming potential (GWP), eutrophication potential (EP), acidification potential, abiotic resource depletion potential and photochemical oxidation potential parameters using LCA software GaBiPro. The results from the LCA studies for the municipal solid waste management system of Delhi city revealed that transportation emissions and landfilling negatively impact the environment. The effect of recycling rate on the landfilling, composting, anaerobic digestion was also studied using sensitivity analysis. Results of sensitivity analysis depicted that recycling of waste is inversely related to the impact categories. Overall, the results exhibited a detrimental effect of landfilling on the environment in terms of GWP and EP. Further, considering the geospatial analysis, two waste recycling stations are proposed in the vicinity of existing waste management plants to reduce the time and cost of waste transport from the landfills to the waste management plants.


Livestock-associated MRSA ST398 carriage in pig slaughterhouse workers related to quantitative environmental exposure.
To assess livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (LA-MRSA) carriage among workers in pig slaughterhouses and assess associated risk factors, including occupational exposure to LA-MRSA. A cross-sectional study in three Dutch pig slaughterhouses was undertaken. Nasal swabs of participants were taken. Nasal swabs and surface wipes, air and glove samples were screened for presence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). MRSA was quantitatively determined on gloves and in air samples by culturing and real-time PCR. 11 of 341 (3.2%) participants were identified as nasal MRSA carriers. MRSA-positive workers were predominantly found at the start of the slaughter process. Major risk factors for carriage were working in the lairage and working in the scalding and dehairing area. Most nasal isolates (73%) belonged to the LA-MRSA clone ST398. MRSA ST398-positive environmental samples were found throughout the slaughter process. A clear decrease was seen along the slaughterline in the number of MRSA-positive samples and in the MRSA amount per sample. This study showed that working in the lairage area or scalding and dehairing area were the major risk factors for MRSA carriage in pig slaughterhouse workers, while the overall prevalence of MRSA carriage is low. Occupational exposure to MRSA decreased along the slaughterline, and the risk of carriage showed a parallel decrease.


Application of three-dimensional magnetic resonance image registration for monitoring hip joint diseases.
The purpose of this study was to estimate the accuracy of a method in which three-dimensional (3D) magnetic resonance (MR) volume registration is used for monitoring hip joint disease. Data were analyzed using a normalized cross-correlation (NCC) algorithm involving a user-selected 3D box including the proximal femur. Most of the femoral head was not included in the 3D box because it can become deformed during the course of disease. The accuracy of registration around the femoral head was evaluated using five phantoms and clinical MR data of 17 patients with hip joint disease. In the phantom experiment, registration accuracy was evaluated using four fiducial markers attached to the femoral head. In the experiment using clinical data, registration accuracy was evaluated using a landmark in the femoral head. The registration accuracy in the phantom and clinical experiment was 0.43+/-0.18 mm (S.D.) and 1.12+/-0.46 mm (S.D.), respectively. The former is a value less than half the minimum dimension of a voxel (1.25 x 1.25 x 1.0 mm). Although the latter is slightly larger than the minimum dimension of a voxel, actual errors would be smaller because of the uncertainty in landmark localization. In conclusion, the present method based on an NCC algorithm can be used to accurately register serial MR images of the femoral heads with an error on the order of a voxel. We believe that this method is sufficiently accurate for monitoring hip joint diseases.


Apparent and partial specific adsorption of 1,10-phenanthroline on mixtures of Ca-montmorillonite, activated carbon, and silica gel.
The process of 1,10-phenanthroline adsorption at pH 5 on Ca-montmorillonite, activated carbon, and silica gel mixtures was studied as a function of the equilibrium concentration and the composition of the mixture. A model is presented for determining adsorption of the main component (the variable in the system) of the mixture, based on the thermodynamic concept of apparent and partial quantities, in combination with an equation representing total adsorption of the other two adsorbents as a function of the weight fraction of one of them and introducing the concept of mean total adsorption. The partial specific adsorption of orthophenanthroline (OP) on Ca-montmorillonite is strongly influenced by the presence of activated carbon and silica gel. Owing to a phenomenon of cationic exchange, adsorption on the clay is higher at low proportions in the mixture, but the strong effect of carbon and silica gel becomes apparent at increasing amounts of clay in the mixture. The partial specific adsorption of orthophenanthroline on activated carbon and silica gel was determined using a total adsorption equation for the two adsorbents as a function of the weight fraction of one of them and shows behavior inverse to that of adsorption on clay.


Intestinal microbiome characterization of adult Brazilian men with psoriasis compared to omnivore and vegetarian controls.
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with systemic inflammation and comorbidities. Changes in the composition of the intestinal microbiome are involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases and metabolic syndrome. Characterizing the intestinal microbiome of patients with psoriasis may be relevant for the understanding of its clinical course and comorbidity prevention. To characterize the intestinal microbiome of men with psoriasis compared to omnivore and vegetarian controls (without psoriasis). Cross-sectional study of 42 adult males: 21 omnivores with psoriasis; and controls: 14 omnivores and 7 vegetarian individuals. The characterization of the intestinal microbiome was performed by metagenomic analysis. Serum levels of lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LPB) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were evaluated. The groups differed from each other regarding nutritional aspects and microbiome; individuals with psoriasis had a higher consumption of protein and lower consumption of fibers. Levels of LPB, CRP, and the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio were higher in the group with psoriasis than in the vegetarian group (p<0.05). The genera Prevotella, Mogibacterium, Dorea, Bifidobacterium and Coprococcus, differed in the group with psoriasis compared to vegetarians; the genera Mogibacterium, Collinsella and Desulfovibrio differed from omnivores. A microbiome pattern linked to psoriasis (plsPSO) was identified, which was associated with higher LPB levels (rho=0.39; p=0.02), and lower dietary fiber intake (rho=-0.71; p<0.01). Only adult men were evaluated. A difference was identified in the intestinal microbiome of adult men with psoriasis when compared to healthy omnivores and vegetarian controls. The identified microbiome pattern was correlated with dietary fiber intake and serum levels of LPB.


Relevance of positive patch-test reactions to fragrance mix.
Fragrances are an important cause of allergic contact dermatitis. We presume that the traditional fragrance mix (FM) detects 70 to 80% of fragrance-allergic patients. FM has an irritant potential. Weak positive reactions may have a greater chance of being irrelevant than strong reactions. To improve the appraisal of FM patch-test reactions, we studied the relevance of reactions of different strength. We also studied the predictive value of the following on the relevance of the initial FM patch-test results: patch-test results of a repeated FM test; results of patch tests with balsam of Peru, colophony, and ingredients of the mix; and (history of) atopic dermatitis. One hundred thirty-eight patients who had doubtful positive (?+) or positive (+ to +++) reactions were included in the study. We determined relevance by history taking, location and course of the dermatitis, and additional patch testing. Patients were retested with FM and with each ingredient separately. The relevance of reactions to FM increases with the strength of the reactions. Predictors of relevance are the results of retesting with FM, the results of tests with the ingredients, and a history and/or present symptoms of atopic dermatitis. Retesting with FM and its ingredients may add to the benefit of patch testing.


Salt stress increases content and size of glutenin macropolymers in wheat grain.
Addition of salt solution in making wheat dough improves viscoelasticity. However, the effect of native salt fortification on dough quality is unclear. Here, wheat plants were subjected to post-anthesis salt stress to modify salt ion content in grains. The contents of Na(+) and K(+), high-molecular-weight glutenin subunits (HMW-GS), glutenin macropolyers (GMP) and amino acids in mature grains were measured. As NaCl concentration in soil increased, grain yield decreased while Na(+) and K(+) contents increased. The contents of amino acids, HMW-GS and GMP in grains also increased, especially when NaCl concentration exceeded 0.45%. Fraction of GMP larger than 10 μm was also increased. Na(+) and K(+) contents were significantly positively correlated to GMP and total HMW-GS contents, and to large GMP fraction.


Smoking and mechanisms of cardiovascular control.
In humans short-term administration of nicotine, whether by smoking or intravenous injection, will typically raise blood pressure by 5 to 10 mm Hg and heart rate by 10 to 25 bpm. Smoking causes reduced myocardial contractility and left ventricular function in patients with angina pectoris or heart failure. Nicotine's mechanism of action is more complex than the classic concept of nicotinic ganglionic stimulation can account for. Nicotine exerts a potent pressor effect in the ventral lateral medulla (C-1 area). Little current data are available documenting the efficacy of centrally acting antihypertensive agents and converting-enzyme inhibitors with regard to preventing nicotine's acute cardiovascular effects.


MHC epitopes of KS and Dd restrict the same population of cytolytic T lymphocytes.
When A. SW (H-2S) mice are immunized with B10.S (H-2S) epidermal cells, cytolytic T lymphocytes are evoked that efficiently lyse B10.D2 (H-2d) as well as B10.S target cells. Immunogenetic analysis of this apparent H-2-unrestricted killing revealed that the most plausible explanation was a sharing of an H-2-restricting epitope by H-2KS and H-2Dd molecules.


Cyanide encephalopathy following therapy with sodium nitroprusside: report of a case.
Bilateral necrosis of the globus pallidus was observed in a 43-year-old man who had received treatment for malignant hypertension with sodium nitroprusside. Cyanide released from sodium nitroprusside may have caused the pallidal lesions in the presence of deranged liver function and episodes of hypoxia.


Breastfeeding peer counseling: rationale for the National WIC Survey.
Peer counseling has been recognized as an effective intervention in the promotion of breastfeeding among low-income women. This paper provides a literature review demonstrating the effectiveness of peer counseling in health care settings, especially those concerned with breastfeeding. In addition, barriers identified in the literature that limit the integration of peer counseling in medical settings are examined. The need for The National WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Survey and background information on this survey are also discussed.


Symposium Report: International Symposium on Ciliate Biology, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, India, 04-06 April 2018.
Ciliated protists have attracted wide interest among researchers from the Indian subcontinent in the last few years. An International Symposium on Ciliate Biology (ISCB) 2018 was held on 04-06 April 2018 at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, India. The symposium represented a synergy with International Research Coordination Network for Biodiversity of Ciliates (IRCN-BC), an affiliate society of International Society of Protistologists (ISOP). The symposium provided a platform for Indian and International delegates to exchange knowledge, present their latest research findings, and establish collaborations as well as creating a networking opportunity for undergraduate and postgraduate students. Nine foreign delegates from 5 countries and 300 Indian delegates actively participated in the event which included 22 oral and 57 poster presentations.


Structure-function relationship of interleukin-1 giving new insights for its therapeutic potential.
The pleiotropic activities of IL-1 have fostered a series of studies on the structure-function relationship in these proteins. In fact, the attempt to dissociate different biological functions of IL-1 should simplify its therapeutic use. About human IL-1 beta, which has been more extensively studied in this respect, enzymatic cleavage of the precursor protein to generate the mature polypeptide appears necessary for its full biological activity. The almost complete integrity of the mature IL-1 beta protein is also required for its ability to bind to the receptor and trigger cellular functions. However, by the use of monoclonal antibodies and recombinant or synthetic peptides, it has been possible to map some IL-1 beta regions important for different activities. Both N-terminal and C-terminal fragments are important for receptor binding. A domain around amino acids 187-204 is apparently involved in the hyperalgesic effects of IL-1 beta. Finally, the fragment in position 163-171 appears to be responsible for a restricted series of the IL-1 beta activities, mainly directed to the immune system, although irrelevant for inflammation-related effects and unable of binding to the IL-1R. It is thus possible, within the sequence of a cytokine, to isolate selectively active domains. This will give us new tools for new therapeutic approaches. Thus, IL-1 might be the prototype of a new generation of cytokines developed with the goal of stimulating specific biological activities without activating the cascade effects which are typical for many cytokines.


A meta-analysis of gait in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
This study aimed to compare the results of gait analysis of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients and healthy subjects through a meta-analysis of the existing research. The Medline (via PubMed), Cochrane, Scopus, and Embase databases were searched for studies that evaluated the findings of AIS, including spatiotemporal parameters (walking speed, step length, cadence, and stance phase duration), segmental kinematics (frontal, sagittal, and transverse pelvic motion), and electromyographic variables (electrical activity of the quadratus lumborum, erector spinae, and gluteus medius), and were published between January 2000 and May 2020. Two authors extracted the data independently, and any discrepancies regarding the eligibility of retrieved studies were resolved by a consensus. Six comparative studies were identified and subsequently analyzed. It was found that the stance phase and frontal pelvic motion were significantly reduced in AIS patients compared with healthy controls. No significant difference was observed for speed, step length, cadence, sagittal pelvic motion, and transverse pelvic motion. The electrical activity durations of the quadratus lumborum, erector spinae, and gluteus medius were significantly increased in the AIS group compared with healthy subjects. Despite the heterogeneity, a limited number of meta-analyses showed reduced stance phase and frontal pelvic motion with prolonged activation timing of the quadratus lumborum, erector spinae, and gluteus medius muscles. Hence, further large-scale, multicenter studies are required to validate our results.


Plasmon-Enhanced Characterization of Single Extracellular Vesicles.
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) represent heterogeneous populations of membrane-bound vesicles shed from almost all kinds of cells. Although superior to conventional methods, most newly developed EV sensing platforms still require a certain number of EVs, measuring bulk signals from a group of vesicles. A new analytical approach that enables single EV analysis could be extremely valuable for understanding EVs' subtypes, heterogeneity, and production dynamics during disease development and progression. Here, we describe a new nanoplasmonic sensing platform for sensitive single EV analysis. Termed nPLEX-FL (nano-plasmonic EV analysis with enhanced fluorescence detection), the system amplifies EVs' fluorescence signals using periodic gold nanohole structures, enabling sensitive, multiplexed analysis of single EVs.


Enhanced neointimal growth in cultured rabbit aorta following in vivo balloon angioplasty.
We have used in vivo balloon catheterization in combination with in vitro organ culture to develop a model system for vascular neointima formation. A Fogarty balloon catheter was used to deendothelialize and rupture the internal elastic lamina of aortae in adult rabbits. After three d of recovery, aortae were harvested, divided into segments, and placed into organ culture. We obtained a daily index of cell proliferation in cultured vessels using [3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA. Also, segments were collected and processed for routine histology or immunohistochemistry. Aortic segments that had undergone ballooning 3 d before harvest and then cultured exhibited diffuse neointimal growth after several d in vitro, whereas those from sham-operated (nonballooned) rabbits showed generally only a single endothelial cell layer that is characteristic of normal intima. Aortae that were harvested, balloon-damaged in vitro, and then cultured exhibited no neointimal growth. The neointima that developed in cultured segments from in vivo ballooned rabbits was primarily of smooth muscle cell origin as determined by positive immunostaining for alpha-smooth muscle actin. The intima:media thickness ratios were significantly higher in aortic segments from ballooned rabbits at harvest and after 4 or 7 d in culture compared with those from nonballooned rabbits. Also, the [3H]thymidine index was higher in the in vivo ballooned aorta compared to non-ballooned or in vitro ballooned vessel. We conclude that ballooning in vivo followed by exposure to blood-borne elements produces an enhanced proliferative response in cultured vessels that is distinct from other in vitro models of neointimal growth.


Linkage study between congenital cataracts and five crystallin loci.
Congenital cataracts are a common cause of preventable blindness in children. We studied autosomal dominant congenital cataracts in 38 families and examined linkage between cataract loci and the crystallin genes on chromosomes 2, 11, 17, 21, and 22. We used clinical information to group families with phenotypically similar cataracts and analyzed the genetic data in these groups. Although LOD scores > 3.0 were not obtained, we found some support for linkage to four of the chromosomal regions examined, namely 2q33-35, 17q11.2-12, 21q22.3, and 22q11.2.


Isolation of aureol from Smenospongia sp. and cytotoxic activity of some aureol derivatives.
The sesquiterpene aureol (1) was isolated by chromatographic fractionation of a non-polar extract from Smenospongia sp. Methylation of aureol yielded 5'-O-methyl-aureol (2) while the prepared acylation products of aureol were 5'-O-acetyl-aureol (3), 5'-O-benzoyl-aureol (4), 5'-O-(4-fluoro-benzoyl)-aureol (5), 5'-O-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-aureol (6), 5'-O-(4-methylbenzoyl)-aureol (7), 5'-O-nicotinoyl-aureol (8), aureol-N,N-dimethylthiocarbamate (9), 5'-O-(2-furoylcarbonyl)-aureol (10), 5'-O-(2-thienoylcarbonyl-aureol (11). The structures of aureol as well as its ten derivatives were established through spectral analysis. The in vitro cytotoxic activities of the eleven compounds were evaluated against Hepa59T/VGH, KB and Hela tumor cell lines.


Exciting Wavelength and Concentration Related Two-Photon Fluorescence of Single and Mixed Laser Dyes.
Two-photon nonlinear process induced fluorescence of Rhodamine 6G (R6G), Rhodamine B (RB), and their mixed aqueous solutions in mass proportion of 1:1, is experimentally observed by different exciting wavelengths. It shows that, for each sample, the exciting wavelength can influence the fluorescence intensity considerably but only slightly influence the peak wavelength of the spectrum. The optimal exciting wavelengths of R6G and the mixed dyes are around 700 nm. While for RB, the optimal exciting wavelengths can be 700 nm and 620 nm. For each dye sample, the spectral red-shift will occur as increase of the solution concentration. The mixing of the two dyes will cause the spectral red-shift with regard to the single dye under our experimental conditions. Moreover, in comparison, at lower concentrations, the mixed dye has relatively intense fluorescence. This work is of significance for determining the optimal exciting wavelength and developing the tunable two-photon dye lasers.


[Experience in using complex flaps on microvascular anastomoses in treating with skin cancer on the face and scalp, appearing in scarred areas].
The authors describe 11 patients operated upon for carcinoma of the face skin and hairy part of the head developing from scars of various etiology. The substitution of vast defects which had appeared after dissection of a tumor was performed by means of microsurgical autotransplantation of tissue complexes. The following vascularized autotransplants were used: musculus serratus anterior, scapular and radial grafts. Positive results were obtained in all the cases. The authors consider the microsurgical autotransplantation of tissue complexes to be a necessary component of surgical treatment of carcinoma of the skin and hairy part of the head developed from vast and deep scars.


Hypersensitivity reactions to fluoroquinolones: analysis of the factors involved.
Hypersensitivity reactions to fluoroquinolones seem to be on the increase, especially immediate type reactions. The aim of this study was to determine whether several conditions, including gender, age, type of reaction, time interval between the reaction and the study, type of symptoms, the specific fluoroquinolone involved in the reaction and previous confirmed hypersensitivity to betalactams or to other drugs were factors contributing to the development of hypersensitivity to fluoroquinolones. We analysed retrospectively all patients attending our allergy department between January 2005 and December 2010 because of a reaction associated with fluoroquinolone administration. The diagnosis was confirmed by basophil activation test or drug provocation tests. In accordance with the results, patients were then classified as having hypersensitivity or non-hypersensitivity to fluoroquinolones. A group of 218 patients was evaluated; 69 were confirmed as having hypersensitivity, 146 as non-hypersensitivity and 3 were excluded. Comparisons between groups showed that the allergic patients more often had a previous confirmed hypersensitivity to betalactams (P = 0.029), immediate reactions (P = 0.001) and anaphylaxis (P = 0.000), and moxifloxacin was the fluoroquinolone most frequently involved (P = 0.027). The logistic regression analysis showed three factors associated with the diagnosis of hypersensitivity reactions to fluoroquinolones: previous hypersensitivity to betalactams (OR: 4.571; 95% CI: 0.987-21.171; adjusted OR: 23.654; 95% CI: 1.529-365.853), immediate reactions (OR: 17.333; 95% CI: 4.374-68.691; adjusted OR: 52.493; 95% CI: 6.621-416.200) and reactions induced by moxifloxacin (OR: 3.091; 95% CI: 1.160-8.239; adjusted OR: 13.610; 95% CI: 2.419-76.565). In patients who develop reactions to fluoroquinolones, hypersensitivity is more often confirmed in those with immediate reactions and when moxifloxacin is involved. Moreover, patients with hypersensitivity to betalactams are more prone to develop hypersensitivity reactions to fluoroquinolones.


Association of FcgR2a, but not FcgR3a, with inflammatory bowel diseases across three Caucasian populations.
The Fc receptors II and III (FcgR2a, and FcgR3a) play a crucial role in the regulation of the immune response. The FcgR2a*519GG and FcgR3a*559CC genotypes have been associated with several autoimmune diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, nephritis, and possibly to type I diabetes, and celiac disease. In a large multicenter, two-stage study of 6570 people, we tested whether the FcgR2a and FcgR3a genes were also involved in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). We genotyped the FcgR2a*A519G and FcgR3a*A559C functional variants in 4205 IBD patients in six well-phenotyped Caucasian IBD cohorts and 2365 ethnically matched controls recruited from the Netherlands, Spain, and New Zealand. In the initial Dutch study we found a significant association of FcgR2a genotypes with IBD (P-genotype = 0.02); while the FcgR2a*519GG was more common in controls (23%) than in IBD patients (18%; odds ratio [OR] = 0.75; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.61-0.92; P = 0.004). This association was corroborated by a combined analysis across all the study populations (Mantel-Haenszel [MH] OR = 0.84; 0.74-0.95; P = 0.005) in the next stage. The Fcgr2a*GG genotype was associated with both UC (MH-OR = 0.84; 0.72-0.97; P = 0.01) and CD (MH-OR = 0.84; 0.73-0.97; P = 0.01), suggesting that this genotype confers a protective effect against IBD. There was no association of FcgR3a*A559C genotypes with IBD, CD, or UC in any of the three studied populations. The FcgR2a*519G functional variant was associated with IBD and reduced susceptibility to UC and to CD in Caucasians. There was no association between FcgR3a*5A559C and IBD, CD or UC.


Assessment of Harbour Porpoise Bycatch along the Portuguese and Galician Coast: Insights from Strandings over Two Decades.
The Iberian harbour porpoise population is small and fisheries bycatch has been described as one of its most important threats. Data on harbour porpoise strandings collected by the Portuguese and Galician stranding networks between 2000 and 2020 are indicative of a recent mortality increase in the western Iberian coast (particularly in northern Portugal). Overall, in Portugal and Galicia, individuals stranded due to confirmed fishery interaction represented 46.98% of all analysed porpoises, and individuals stranded due to probable fishery interaction represented another 10.99% of all analysed porpoises. Considering the Portuguese annual abundance estimates available between 2011 and 2015, it was possible to calculate that an annual average of 207 individuals was removed from the population in Portuguese waters alone, which largely surpasses the potential biological removal (PBR) estimates (22 porpoises, CI: 12-43) for the same period. These results are conservative and bycatch values from strandings are likely underestimated. A structured action plan accounting for new activities at sea is needed to limit the Iberian porpoise population decline. Meanwhile, there is an urgent need for a fishing effort reorganization to directly decrease porpoise mortality.


Photosynthesis of the Cyanidioschyzon merolae cells in blue, red, and white light.
Photosynthesis and respiration rates, pigment contents, CO2 compensation point, and carbonic anhydrase activity in Cyanidioschizon merolae cultivated in blue, red, and white light were measured. At the same light quality as during the growth, the photosynthesis of cells in blue light was significantly lowered, while under red light only slightly decreased as compared with white control. In white light, the quality of light during growth had no effect on the rate of photosynthesis at low O2 and high CO2 concentration, whereas their atmospheric level caused only slight decrease. Blue light reduced markedly photosynthesis rate of cells grown in white and red light, whereas the effect of red light was not so great. Only cells grown in the blue light showed increased respiration rate following the period of both the darkness and illumination. Cells grown in red light had the greatest amount of chlorophyll a, zeaxanthin, and β-carotene, while those in blue light had more phycocyanin. The dependence on O2 concentration of the CO2 compensation point and the rate of photosynthesis indicate that this alga possessed photorespiration. Differences in the rate of photosynthesis at different light qualities are discussed in relation to the content of pigments and transferred light energy together with the possible influence of related processes. Our data showed that blue and red light regulate photosynthesis in C. merolae for adjusting its metabolism to unfavorable for photosynthesis light conditions.


Nativity, complications, and pathology are determinants of surgical results for gastric cancer.
About half the patients involved in the current study were born outside of the United States. Epidemiologic and histologic features and survival estimates were compared with persons born in the United States. Results of gastrectomy with lymph node dissection were studied. Records of 187 patients with adenocarcinoma of the stomach were reviewed. Seventy-six with a curative gastrectomy were staged retrospectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses were done. Seventy-six percent of histologically reviewed curative resections had the intestinal subtype with the same frequency in U.S.-born and foreign-born patients. Fewer patients with proximal third lesions were foreign born. Thirty-six percent had complications. The overall 5-year Kaplan-Meier survival estimate was 46%: 77% for patients with negative nodes and 33% for patients with positive nodes. N1 survival estimate was 44%; N2, 25%; N3(M1), 0%. All six patients with early gastric cancer are alive 50-147 months after surgery. Other stage I patients had estimated survival of 65%; Stage II, 52%; Stage III, 40%; and Stage IV, 0%. Multivariate analysis revealed four significant prognostic variables: nativity, histologic subgroup, presence of complications, and number of positive nodes. Proximal gastric cancer was more common in U.S.-born persons. Gastric cancer may be more malignant in U.S.-born persons than in foreign-born persons because their survival was significantly poorer. Complications, a significant adverse factor, were more common in U.S. series. Pancreatectomy with gastrectomy is rarely indicated, because microscopic involvement is rare and complications frequent. The prognostic advantage of a regional lymphadenectomy remains unclear.


Isolated radial neck delayed union/nonunion after conservative treatment in adults: two case reports and a literature review.
Treatment recommendations for isolated radial neck delayed union/nonunion are sparse, but include mainly conservative treatment, electro-stimulation, bone grafting, open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) and radial head resection. The purpose of this study was to perform a literature review on isolated delayed union/nonunion of radial neck fractures and to evaluate the reported outcomes of proposed treatment strategies. Furthermore, we aimed to generate data-based recommendations for this rare pathology. In the second part of this paper, we report two clinical cases of delayed union of isolated radial neck fractures recently treated at the senior authors institution. A literature search on PubMed was performed. We selected all papers with a documented delayed union, pseudarthrosis or nonunion of the radial neck. All papers were reviewed for patient demographics, patient occupation, treatment type and timing relative to the initial trauma, X-ray documentation and outcome. The two patients with delayed union after isolated radial neck fractures recently treated at our institution were evaluated for age, mechanism of injury, occupation, treatment and outcome. Clinical and radiological follow-up examinations were performed 6, 12 weeks, and 1 year after initial trauma. Final clinical evaluations included the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) [1] and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) Score [2]. We found 17 cases reported in 11 articles matching our selection criteria of isolated radial neck delayed union or nonunion in adult patients. Average age was 55 years (range 29-73 years). The most frequent mechanism of injury was a fall on an outstretched arm from standing height. Initial treatment consisted of an arm sling for 1-4 weeks and physiotherapy. From the 17 included cases, six were operated on due to persistent pain. Three received bone grafts, one was supplemented with additional K-wire fixation, and three had radial head resections. Ten patients were treated conservatively: six were pain free and three were symptomatic at last follow-up; symptoms were not reported for one case. All surgically treated cases were pain free at the last follow-up, average 32 months (range 6-84). Of the conservatively treated group, eight of ten had documented nonunion. The two reported cases from our institution were initially treated conservatively for 4 and 6 months. Both had a radiologically documented delayed union. Both patients were operated on due to persistent pain precluding them from returning to work. At the last follow-up, MEPS and DASH scores were 100 points and 29 in one case and 100 points and 18 in the other, respectively. Isolated delayed union or nonunion of the radial neck after conservative treatment in adult patients appears to be rare and often remains asymptomatic. Operative treatment is recommended for symptomatic delayed union/nonunion in patients with altered elbow function [3]. All surgically treated patients in our study with symptomatic delayed unions/nonunions had favorable clinical outcomes.


Why do nucleic acids have 3'5' phosphodiester bonds?
Details of the stereochemistry of the 2'5' and 3'5' dinucleoside monophosphates of polynucleotides have been delineated in aqueous solution using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Incorporation of these experimentally determined geometries into the structure of polynucleotides reveals that the intrinsic spatial configurations of the 2'5' bonds cannot support helical structures whereas the geometries of 3'5' bonds allow the formation of helical configurations for RNA.


Nosocomial outbreak of systemic candidosis associated with parenteral nutrition.
Eight patients in two surgical units developed systemic candidosis during a 40-day period from June 5 to July 13, 1987 (in five cases Candida albicans was identified). Three of them died. All cases belonged to a group of 27 patients receiving parenteral nutrition (PN), while among the 108 patients who did not receive PN, no cases were observed (p = .000001). Candida was cultured from two PN bags administered to the cases. A specialized nutrition nurse was responsible for the PN compounding and for maintaining administration sets in the two wards involved. An epidemiological investigation, in which 19 uninfected patients who had had PN were used as controls, showed no significant difference between cases and controls except that lipids were more frequently added to bags administered to cases (p = .0005). Furthermore, the bags administered to cases contained a higher average number of multidose constituents (p = .0008) when the comparison was focused on the two days before the onset of symptoms. Given the favorable medium provided by lipids, even a low level contamination of PN solutions during compounding and/or administration could have been responsible for the exposure of cases to multidose vials suggests, although not conclusively, that an extrinsic contamination occurred during compounding. Six isolates of C albicans were available from four cases. C albicans was cultured from the pharyngeal swabs of two physicians and three nurses, including the specialized nutrition nurse.


Detection, identification and characterization of bacteriocin-producing lactic acid bacteria from retail food products.
Forty bacteriocin-producing (Bac+) lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from food samples purchased from retail supermarkets and local farms. Of the 40 Bac+ isolates, 18 were isolated from 85 food samples by enrichment (21% isolation rate) whereas eight were obtained from 63 samples by direct plating (13% isolation rate). By direct plating, Bac+ LAB were detected at levels up to 2.4 x 10(5) cfu/g in ready-to-eat meats. The Bac+ isolates were identified by carbohydrate fermentation patterns, SDS-PAGE protein patterns, and other biochemical characteristics; SDS-PAGE proved invaluable in identifying strains that could not be identified by other means. Differential inhibitory spectra against indicator microorganisms assisted in the identification of 19 unique Bac+ isolates. Bac+ LAB included Enterococcus faecalis, Lactobacillus curvatus, Lb. delbrueckii, Lb. plantarum, Lactococcus lactis, and Pediococcus acidilactici. Lb. curvatus (four strains) and Lc. lactis (nine strains) were the only isolates inhibitory to foodborne pathogens including Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus cereus, Clostridium perfringens and Staphylococcus aureus. Some Lc. lactis isolates inhibited as many as nine Gram-positive genera. Lb. curvatus FS47 and FS65 grew to high cell densities and produced bacteriocin at 6 degrees C; however, Lc. lactis FS56 produced greater levels of bacteriocin at lower cell densities. The high incidence of Bac+ LAB detected in retail foods indicates that the public is consuming a wide variety of Bac+ LAB that occur as natural contaminants. These data suggest a greater role for bacteriocins as biopreservatives in food.


Proteomic analysis of host brain components that bind to infectious particles in Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.
Transmissible encephalopathies (TSEs), such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) and scrapie, are caused by infectious agents that provoke strain-specific patterns of disease. Misfolded host prion protein (PrP-res amyloid) is believed to be the causal infectious agent. However, particles that are stripped of PrP retain both high infectivity and viral proteins not detectable in uninfected mouse controls. We here detail host proteins bound with FU-CJD agent infectious brain particles by proteomic analysis. More than 98 proteins were differentially regulated, and 56 FU-CJD exclusive proteins were revealed after PrP, GFAP, C1q, ApoE, and other late pathologic response proteins were removed. Stripped FU-CJD particles revealed HSC70 (144× the uninfected control), cyclophilin B, an FU-CJD exclusive protein required by many viruses, and early endosome-membrane pathways known to facilitate viral processing, replication, and spread. Synaptosomal elements including synapsin-2 (at 33×) and AP180 (a major FU-CJD exclusive protein) paralleled the known ultrastructural location of 25 nm virus-like TSE particles and infectivity in synapses. Proteins without apparent viral or neurodegenerative links (copine-3), and others involved in viral-induced protein misfolding and aggregation, were also identified. Human sCJD brain particles contained 146 exclusive proteins, and heat shock, synaptic, and viral pathways were again prominent, in addition to Alzheimer, Parkinson, and Huntington aggregation proteins. Host proteins that bind TSE infectious particles can prevent host immune recognition and contribute to prolonged cross-species transmissions (the species barrier). Our infectious particle strategy, which reduces background sequences by >99%, emphasizes host targets for new therapeutic initiatives. Such therapies can simultaneously subvert common pathways of neurodegeneration.


Energy drinks and alcohol in a binge drinking protocol in Wistar rats: Male and female behavioral and reproductive effects.
The consumption of energy drinks is common among adolescents and young adults. The possible effects (mainly behavioral and reproductive) of ingestion in this population remain unknown. For this reason, this study aimed to evaluate the behavioral and reproductive effects of energy drinks and their main constituents (caffeine and taurine), as well as their combinations with alcohol, via a binge drinking protocol in male and female Wistar rats during puberty. In this study, 100 male and 100 female rats were treated with a binge drinking protocol 3 days a week over 4 weeks from postnatal day (PND) 28 to PND 60, which included 10 mL/kg by oral gavage of distilled water, energy drink, caffeine (3.2 mg/kg), taurine (40 mg/kg), and their combinations with alcohol (2 g/kg). The animals were evaluated by behavioral tests from PND 56 to PND 60 (open field, plus maze and object recognition) and reproductive parameters (estrous cycle regularity, weight of sexual organs, oocyte quality, spermatid and sperm count, sperm morphology and testosterone level). Locomotor activity was increased in females in the groups combined with alcohol (except alcohol + caffeine) and in the caffeine group. Long-term memory was increased in males in the caffeine and taurine groups even when combined with alcohol. The combination of energy drinks and alcohol did not have significant effects on the reproductive parameters of either sex of rats during puberty. We concluded that energy drinks (and their main constituents) and alcohol combinations did not cause alterations in reproductive profiles, and locomotor activity and long-term memory were increased in females and males, respectively.


Endovascular treatment of cystic adventitial disease of the popliteal artery.
Cystic adventitial disease of the popliteal artery is an uncommon cause of intermittent claudication in young patients. Several treatment options are available, oriented to either drainage of the cyst and/or arterial reconstruction. Endovascular techniques have been used in exceptional cases to treat this condition, mostly balloon angioplasty and only 2 cases of stenting, with mixed to poor results. We report the case of a 36-year-old female patient with claudication who was treated with primary stenting with long-term symptomatic relief and arterial patency.


Association between microscopic hematuria and albuminuria in patients with chronic kidney disease caused by diabetes and hypertension: the Fukuoka Kidney disease Registry Study.
The association between microscopic hematuria (MH) and albuminuria in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) caused by diabetes and hypertension remains unclear. The Fukuoka Kidney disease Registry Study is a Japanese multicenter prospective cohort study of 4476 patients with non-dialysis-dependent CKD. In this cohort, we conducted a cross-sectional study in 994 patients with diabetic nephropathy and hypertensive nephrosclerosis. Patients were divided into three groups according to erythrocyte count in urine sediment [T1: < 5/high power field (HPF); T2: 5-9/HPF; T3: ≥ 10/HPF]. Macroalbuminuria was defined as urinary albumin-creatinine ratio > 300 mg/g. Associations between the degree of MH (T1-T3) and the prevalence of macroalbuminuria were analyzed using logistic regression. The prevalence of macroalbuminuria was 50.8%, 50.4%, and 67.4% in T1 (n = 725), T2 (n = 226), and T3 (n = 43), respectively. The multivariable-adjusted odds ratios for the presence of macroalbuminuria were 0.95 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.65-1.39; P = 0.86] and 2.50 (95% CI 1.15-5.47; P = 0.022) for patients in T2 and T3, respectively, compared with patients in T1. MH with erythrocytes ≥ 10/HPF was significantly associated with increased prevalence of macroalbuminuria in patients with non-dialysis-dependent CKD caused by diabetes and hypertension.


The significance of the Darier-like solar keratosis and acantholytic change in preneoplastic lesions of the epidermis.
Fifty-two lesions of solar keratosis from 40 patients were studied prospectively for the presence of Darier-like changes and acantholysis. Twenty-seven per cent of specimens showed some degree of these changes. The affected lesions tended to be larger and were less common on the hands, but were otherwise clinically indistinguishable from other solar keratoses. Histologically, the specimens with Darier-like changes were significantly thicker and more dysplastic. The autoradiographic labelling index was not different for the lesions with these changes indicating similar cell kinetic characteristics. It is suggested that acantholytic separation of epidermal cells within a solar keratosis may signify that the lesion has a greater invasive potential than a solar keratosis not showing this change.


[Adolescents and suicide. Some comments on the role of the pediatrician in researching the motivations for suicidal behaviors].
The modern pediatric is interested also in the adolescent. Sometimes disorders of the behaviour lived of a teenager in a family on risk can lead to attempts of suicide. The authors will analyze at the basis of their experience like pediatrics this problematic.


Analytical performance specifications: relating laboratory performance to quality required for intended clinical use.
This article proposes analytic performance goals for five quality indicators: precision, trueness, linearity, detection limits, and consistency across instruments and time. We defined our goals using methods linked to clinical practice data. Goals for desirable precision and trueness are based on biological variation. Linearity goals are related to total error recommendations. Detection limit goals are derived from 0.1 percentile of patient values. Goals for consistency are derived from the variability of distributions of patient test values. Data were collected and evaluated for each of these quality indicators for 46 chemistry tests measured on the Roche cobas 8000 analyzer.


Influence of superconductivity on the magnetic moment of quantum impurity embedded in BCS superconductor.
We study the influence of superconductivity on the formation of the localized magnetic moment for a single-level quantum impurity embedded in an s-wave Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer (BCS) superconducting medium, modeled by single-impurity Anderson Hamiltonian. We have combined Bogoliubov transformation with Green's function method within self-consistent Hartree-Fock Mean Field approximation to analyze the conditions necessary in metal (in the superconducting) for the formation of the magnetic moment at the impurity site for the low-frequency limit $|\omega|<<\Delta_{sc}$ as well as for the finite superconducting gap $\Delta_{sc}$. We have compared these results with other theoretical results and with the single-level quantum impurity embedded in the normal metallic host. Further we analyze the electronic spectral density of the quantum impurity embedded in superconducting host with the finite superconducting gap to study the sub-gap states as a function of impurity parameters.


Diagnostic contribution of individual components of adrenal function tests to diagnose canine hyperadrenocorticism.
There is limited information regarding the value of constitutive components of the ACTH stimulation test (ACTHST) and low-dose dexamethasone suppression test (LDDST) including serum baseline cortisol (BC), difference between post-ACTH stimulation cortisol (PC) and BC (ΔACTHC), cortisol concentration 4h after dexamethasone administration (4HC), difference between 4HC and BC (Δ4C), and the difference between cortisol concentration 8h after dexamethasone administration and 4HC (Δ8C). Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine if these components can predict hyperadrenocorticism, pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH), or functional adrenocortical tumor (FAT) in dogs. Cortisol concentrations were normalized, as fold change (FC), to the PC reference interval upper limit. A total of 1267 dogs were included, with hyperadrenocorticism diagnosed in 537 (PDH, n=356; FAT, n=28; undetermined, n=153) and excluded in 730. The area under the receiver operating curves for BC, ΔACTHC, 4HC, Δ4C, and Δ8C to predict hyperadrenocorticism were 0.76 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.73-0.79), 0.91 (95% CI, 0.89-0.93), 0.83 (95% CI, 0.80-0.87), 0.55 (95% CI, 0.50-0.60), and 0.67 (95% CI, 0.62-0.72), respectively. A diagnostic limit of ≥0.78 FC for ΔACTHC had excellent sensitivity (1.00; 95% CI, 0.74-1.00), but poor specificity (0.67; 95% CI, 0.64-0.71), to predict FAT in dogs with a positive ACTHST. A diagnostic limit of ≥-0.26 FC for Δ4C had excellent sensitivity (1.00; 95% CI, 0.79-1.00), but poor specificity (0.21; 95% CI, 0.18-0.26), to predict FAT in dogs with a positive LDDST. In hyperadrenocorticoid dogs that have positive ACTHST or LDDST results, ΔACTHC or Δ4C, respectively, could be used to exclude FAT.


Partial purification and properties of two histone acetyltransferases from the yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Two histone acetyltransferases, A and B, have been extracted and partially purified from yeast cells. The purification scheme included ammonium sulfate precipitation, and chromatography on DEAE-Sepharose and Sephadex G-200. The basic properties of both enzymes closely correspond to those of acetyltransferase A and B found in higher eucaryotes. Yeast enzyme A elutes from DEAE-Sepharose prior to acetyltransferase B, and it is activated by low concentrations of DNA and strongly inhibited by p-chloromercuribenzoate (PCMB). Enzyme B is inhibited by DNA over the entire range of concentrations tested and it is less sensitive to PCMB than enzyme A. When assayed with yeast whole histones, enzyme B shows a marked specificity toward histone H4, although H3 and H2B are also accepted as substrates. Enzyme A preferentially catalyzes the acetylation of yeast H2B and H3, with the other two core histones being acetylated to a much lesser extent.


Large Sinonasal Schwannoma with Skull Base Defect: A Case Report.
Unilateral sinonasal masses account for 6% of all paranasal sinus pathologies. We are reporting a case of nasoethmoidal schwannoma with a large skull base defect. The lesion was removed endoscopically along with repair of the defect. We are highlighting the challenges faced in diagnosis and mangement of this case with an emphasis that these tumours should be considered as one of the differential diagnosis in presence of a unilateral nasal mass.


Compliance control based on PSO algorithm to improve the feeling during physical human-robot interaction.
Robots play more important roles in daily life and bring us a lot of convenience. But when people work with robots, there remain some significant differences in human-human interactions and human-robot interaction. It is our goal to make robots look even more human-like. We design a controller which can sense the force acting on any point of a robot and ensure the robot can move according to the force. First, a spring-mass-dashpot system was used to describe the physical model, and the second-order system is the kernel of the controller. Then, we can establish the state space equations of the system. In addition, the particle swarm optimization algorithm had been used to obtain the system parameters. In order to test the stability of system, the root-locus diagram had been shown in the paper. Ultimately, some experiments had been carried out on the robotic spinal surgery system, which is developed by our team, and the result shows that the new controller performs better during human-robot interaction.


Human granulocytic anaplasmosis affecting the myocardium.
A case of 65-year-old male is reported who presented with myalgias, headache, and fever. He subsequently developed myocarditis and was diagnosed to have anaplasmosis on peripheral blood smear. He was treated with doxycycline for 30 days. A coronary angiogram done after recovery showed normal epicardial arteries. The case illustrates the importance of a careful examination of the peripheral smear, with a high index of clinical suspicion, which led to prompt treatment and complete recovery of the patient.


Diode laser in otosclerosis surgery: first clinical results.
To evaluate the functional results of otosclerosis surgery using diode laser. Retrospective cohort analysis. One hundred seven patients operated on for otosclerosis with a diode laser (119 ears, all primary cases) and 141 patients operated on with a conventional technique (141 ears, all primary cases). Revision cases using the diode laser were also described. Preoperative tomographic computed scan findings and intraoperative observations were collected. Pure-tone and vocal audiometry was performed preoperatively and postoperatively (at 3 mo and 1 yr). In the laser group, the air-bone gap was 29 +/- 0.8 dB (n= 112) preoperatively and 9 +/- 0.6 dB (n = 58) at 1 year. Air conduction was improved by 22 +/- 1.7 dB at 1 year (n = 58). In the conventional group, the air-bone gap was 32 +/- 0.9 dB (n=127) preoperatively and 10 +/- 0.6 dB (n = 127) at 1 year. Air conduction was improved by 25 +/- 1.1 dB (n = 127) at 1 year. No difference of hearing gain was observed between the 2 groups at 1 year. A decreased rate of footplate fracture was observed with the diode laser (3.6%) compared with the conventional technique (21.3%). Diode laser is a reliable and safe device for otosclerosis surgery. The functional results were similar to those reported in other series.


A yeast recombination-based cloning system to produce chimeric HIV-1 viruses and express HIV-1 genes.
Differential phenotypes or properties of HIV-1 gene products in primary virus isolates are difficult to assess due to interference by the high degree of sequence variation across the entire genome. Thus, chimeric viruses provide a powerful tool to study the function of single gene products or genetic elements in the context of a neutral viral genomic backbone. In this chapter, we describe how to produce HIV-1 chimeric viruses utilizing a yeast-based homologous recombination cloning technique to insert env sequences first into a yeast cloning vector and then into the common pNL4-3 virus backbone. This technique is not limited to the env gene, but can be used to build chimeric viruses with any HIV-1 gene or genetic element. This cloning technique involves the use of a shuttle vector that can replicate in yeast and bacterial cells. Along with acting as a shuttle vector for subsequent subcloning into pNL4-3, this construct pRec/env can also be used to express to the env gene product, gp120/gp41, on the surface of mammalian cells. The chimeric viruses produced by this cloning method are capable of undergoing multiple rounds of replication and are therefore very useful to study drug sensitivity, coreceptor usage, and viral fitness as influenced by a single gene or gene fragment of a primary HIV-1 isolate from any group M subtype.


Editorial Commentary: Superior Capsular Reconstruction Employing Allograft Heals and Functions Well if the Graft Is Sufficiently Thick and Stiff.
Superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) has fallen into disrepute, and the numbers performed appear to be on the decline because it is technically demanding and time-consuming, requires a long postoperative recovery, and does not always heal or function as expected. In addition, two "new kids on the block," the subacromial balloon spacer and the lower trapezius tendon transfer, have emerged as viable alternatives for low-demand patients who cannot tolerate a lengthy recovery and for high-demand patients who lack external rotation strength, respectively. However, carefully selected patients continue to do well after SCR, when surgery is meticulously performed using a graft that is sufficiently thick and stiff. The clinical results and healing rates after SCR using allograft tensor fascia lata are comparable with those after SCR using tensor fascia lata autograft and without donor-site morbidity. Robust comparative clinical study is needed to sort out the optimal graft type and thickness for SCR and the precise indications for each of the surgical treatment options for the irreparable rotator cuff tear, but let's not "throw the baby out with the bathwater" and abandon SCR altogether.


Increased intima-media thickness in rayon workers after long-term exposure to carbon disulfide.
Long-term exposure to carbon disulfide (CS2) is associated with increased cardiovascular mortality. However, previous studies on actual vascular changes showed heterogeneous results. Intima-media thickness of the carotid arteries (IMT) represents an established marker of atherosclerosis and a reasonable surrogate marker for cardiovascular risk. IMT was examined in a large cohort of CS2 exposed workers and the association with cumulative CS2 exposure analysed. In a cross-sectional examination, 290 exposed and 137 non-exposed workers in a German rayon-manufacturing plant were assessed. Individual cumulative exposure was calculated from this assessment combined with the results of two cross-sectional studies in 1992 and 1999 and department-specific annual means of ambient (CECS2) and individual biological (CETTCA) monitoring results obtained 1992-2009. Furthermore, cumulative duration of working in CS2-exposed departments (CEYEARS) was calculated. Examination included assessment of a broad set of known cardiovascular risk factors and IMT measurement of the carotid arteries on both sides. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed with IMT as outcome and three variants of cumulative exposure (duration of exposure, cumulative CS2, and cumulative TTCA) as well as categorised maximum CS2 exposure, all adjusted for cardiovascular risk factors. All models of cumulative exposure showed a significant increase in IMT in the group with the highest level of exposure: CEYEARS > 20 years, β = 0.045 mm; CECS2 > 270 ppm × years, β = 0.052 mm; CETTCA > 33 mg/g creatinine × years, β = 0.038 mm. Alternatively, addressing maximum exposure, workers with CS2 exposure of >10 ppm in at least 3 years exhibited a significant IMT increase (β = 0.068 mm). Long-term CS2 exposure is an independent risk factor concerning IMT changes. The amount of IMT increase, in a similar range as that associated with other cardiovascular risk factors, might be clinically relevant.


Parallel analysis of multiple human memory CD4+ T-cell subsets within antigen-specific responses using cell proliferation dyes.
Activation induced marker (AIM) assays are being used increasingly to measure antigen-specific T-cell responses, but this activation can alter cell lineage defining phenotypic markers. We aimed to extend the utility of AIM assays to enable pre-activation defined cell populations to be tracked and quantified within T-cell memory responses. We sorted three ex vivo CD4+ T-cell populations prior to any activation using well defined ex vivo lineage surface marker combinations. These populations were memory non-Tregs, CD39+ Tregs and CD39neg Tregs, although any three memory CD4+ T-cell populations able to be isolated by cell surface markers could potentially be tracked. These cells were labeled with three distinct fluorescent cell proliferation dyes (CFSE, CellTrace Violet and Cell Proliferation Dye eF670) and then all autologous PBMCs were reconstituted maintaining ex vivo cell ratios and CD25/OX40 AIM assays performed with CMV and HSV antigens. This approach enabled tracking of pre-defined cell populations within antigen stimulated responses using both activation marker and cell proliferation readouts. We confirmed that although CD39+ Tregs comprise a substantial proportion of AIM assay responses, they do not make substantial contributions to the proliferative response. This extends the utility of AIM assays to enable parallel analysis of the relative contribution of several CD4+ memory T-cell subsets to recall responses.


Dystrophinopathy presenting as congenital muscular dystrophy.
We report a 3 1/2-year-old boy with congenital hypotonia, calf pseudohypertrophy, markedly delayed motor milestones and joint contractures. He was initially diagnosed to have congenital muscular dystrophy on the basis of the age of onset, a myopathic EMG, an elevated creatine kinase and a dystrophic muscle biopsy. Subsequently, dystrophin immunocytochemistry and immunoblot analysis showed complete absence of dystrophin. We suggest that male cases of CMD should undergo dystrophin analysis, if there is calf hypertrophy and markedly elevated CK (> 2000 U/l).


Melatonin alleviates intrarenal CaOx crystals deposition through inhibiting LPS-induced non-canonical inflammasome-mediated renal tubular epithelial cells pyroptosis.
Urinary tract infection has long been considered a complication rather than etiology of calcium oxalate (CaOx) nephrolithiasis. This study aimed to explore the role of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an important component of Gram-negative bacteria, on CaOx nephrolithiasis formation and antagonistic effect of melatonin. Male C57BL/6 mice were intraperitoneally injected with glyoxylate acid (80 mg/kg) daily for 7 days to construct CaOx nephrolithiasis model. A single dose of LPS (2.0 mg/kg) was given 2 h before the second glyoxylate acid treatment in the presence or absence of melatonin (25 mg/kg). Our results found that LPS promoted adhesion of CaOx crystals to renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs) and intrarenal CaOx crystals deposition. Protein levels of cleaved Caspase-11, N-terminal of cleaved GSDMD (GSDMD-N), NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) and cleaved Caspase-1, several markers of non-classical inflammasome activation were upregulated in LPS-treated mouse kidneys and HK-2 cells. Moreover, the number of GSDMD pores was increased in LPS-treated HK-2 cell membrane. Melatonin inhibited Caspase-11 cleavage and antagonized the subsequent LPS-mediated upregulation of GSDMD-N, NLRP3 and cleaved Caspase-1 in kidney tissues and HK-2 cells. In addition, melatonin reduced membrane localization of GSDMD-N and the number of GSDMD pores in LPS-treated HK-2 cells. Accordingly, melatonin inhibited LPS-induced IL-1β and IL-18 in mouse serum and HK-2 culture supernatant. Importantly, melatonin alleviated LPS-induced crystal-cell interactions and intrarenal CaOx crystals deposition. We provide experimental evidence that LPS promoted CaOx nephrolithiasis formation by inducing non-canonical inflammasome-mediated RTECs pyroptosis. Melatonin alleviated CaOx nephrolithiasis formation through inhibiting LPS-induced non-canonical inflammasome-mediated RTECs pyroptosis.


Delineation of positive and negative control elements within the promoter region of the murine leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) gene.
Leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is a multifunctional growth and differentiation factor with activities in both the adult and the embryo. The expression of LIF appears to be tightly regulated, as the levels of constitutive expression in most tissues and cell lines is extremely low. In this report we have identified three sequence elements within the 5'-flanking region of the murine LIF gene which control the constitutive action of the LIF promoter. A nested set of DNA fragments from the LIF gene 5'-flanking region was placed upstream of the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) gene and assayed for their ability to direct chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) expression in STO-fibroblasts. The essential promoter of the LIF-gene, giving rise to low levels of CAT expression, was found to require the major start-site of transcription (+1), a TATA-box (-31) and up to 72 additional 5' nucleotides (-32 to -103). A negative regulatory element which abolished CAT-activity was identified between positions -360 and -249. The SV40 enhancer element was able to override this apparent negative element. In addition, an apparent positive control element in the LIF 5'-flanking region, between positions -860 and -661 was identified which was also able to override this negative effect.


In vitro inhibition of cytidine triphosphate synthetase activity by cyclopentenyl cytosine in paediatric acute lymphocytic leukaemia.
Cytidine triphosphate (CTP) synthetase is a key enzyme for the synthesis of cytosine (deoxy)ribonucleotides, catalysing the conversion of uridine triphosphate (UTP) into CTP, and has a high activity in several malignancies. In this preclinical study, the enzyme activity and mRNA expression of the enzyme and (deoxy)ribonucleotide concentrations were analysed in leukaemic cells of 57 children suffering from acute lymphocytic leukaemia (ALL). In addition, in vitro experiments were performed with the CTP synthetase inhibitor cyclopentenyl cytosine (CPEC). A significantly higher activity of CTP synthetase (6.5 +/- 3.9 nmol CTP/mg/h) was detected in ALL cells than in lymphocytes of healthy controls (1.8 +/- 0.9 nmol CTP/mg/h, P < 0.001) that was independent of white blood cell (WBC) count, blast percentage, age, gender or type of ALL. The enzyme activity was not correlated with the CTP synthetase mRNA expression. The activity of CTP synthetase in ALL cells compared with non-malignant CD34+ bone marrow controls (5.6 +/- 2.4 nmol CTP/mg/h) was not statistically different. In vitro treatment of ALL cells with CPEC induced a dose-dependent decrease of the CTP concentration. The lowest concentration of CPEC (0.63 microM) induced a depletion of CTP of 41 +/- 20% and a depletion of dCTP of 27 +/- 21%. The degree of CTP depletion of ALL cells after treatment with CPEC was positively correlated with the activity of CTP synthetase. The inhibition of CTP synthetase in situ was confirmed by flux studies using radiolabelled uridine. From these results, it can be expected that CPEC has a cytostatic effect on lymphoblasts of children with ALL.


Current trends in leprosy transmission in eastern India in the era of 12-month multi-drug treatment: a hospital-based retrospective study.
Our objective was to study current trends in the occurrence of new cases of leprosy (Hansen's disease [HD]) a decade after significant operational changes in the National Leprosy Elimination Program (NLEP) were enacted by shortening the duration of multi-drug treatment for multibacillary cases of HD to 12 months and stopping post-treatment follow-up. The percentages represented by newly diagnosed cases of HD among all new patients attending the dermatology outpatient department (OPD) from April 2008 to March 2011 were calculated from hospital records. Patient age and sex, and type of disease were noted in each case, and annual data were compared. The OPD data were also matched with population data for the catchment area of the hospital (i.e. the South 24-Parganas district). There was a slight annual decline in the percentage of new cases represented by HD, but this was not statistically significant. This trend broadly corroborated changes in the annual new case detection rate in the catchment area of the hospital. In addition, the percentage of HD cases represented by paucibacillary disease was significantly higher than that represented by multibacillary HD (P=0.0072). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study of this type to be conducted in eastern India. The present data indicate that significant transmission of HD is ongoing in the community.


Fluorescence imaging of tumor immune contexture in immune checkpoint blockade therapy.
In the past decade, immunotherapy using immune checkpoint blockades (ICBs) has markedly changed the field of clinical oncology. However, the therapeutic efficacy of ICBs is closely related to the infiltration of immune cells in tumors and varies among different patients. There are still patients whose treatment effect is poor or even unresponsive. Due to different tumor immune contexture and highly complex regulation of immune network, immunoimaging techniques emerge and develop quickly. Fluorescence imaging, as a whole-body and non-invasive imaging technique, is regarded as a potential molecular imaging technique for immunotherapy by using a variety of fluorescent probes. In this review, we summarize the fluorescence imaging used in immune checkpoint blockade therapies: 1) evaluate the presence, subtype and abundance of T cells in tumors; 2) monitor the activation of T cell; 3) identify the immune regulators expressed on T and tumor cells. Moreover, for some theranostic nanoparticles, they could integrate fluorescence imaging and photoimmunotherapy as a whole.


Fusing safety and efficacy: A maternal bivalent RSV prefusion F vaccine.
In this phase 3 trial, Kampmann et al.1 demonstrated safety and efficacy of a maternal bivalent RSV prefusion F vaccine. Vaccine efficacy was achieved in reducing severe RSV-associated lower respiratory tract infections in infants at 90 and 180 days following birth.


Rifapentine, moxifloxacin, or DNA vaccine improves treatment of latent tuberculosis in a mouse model.
Priorities for developing improved regimens for treatment of latent tuberculosis (TB) infection include (1) developing shorter and/or more intermittently administered regimens that are easier to supervise and (2) developing and evaluating regimens that are active against multidrug-resistant organisms. By using a previously validated murine model that involves immunizing mice with Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guérin to augment host immunity before infection with virulent Mycobacterium tuberculosis, we evaluated new treatment regimens including rifapentine and moxifloxacin, and assessed the potential of the Mycobacterium leprae heat shock protein-65 DNA vaccine to augment the activity of moxifloxacin. Quantitative spleen colony-forming unit counts, and the proportion of mice with culture-positive relapse after treatment, were determined. Three-month, once-weekly regimens of rifapentine combined with either isoniazid or moxifloxacin were as active as daily isoniazid for 6-9 mo. Six-month daily combinations of moxifloxacin with pyrazinamide, ethionamide, or ethambutol were more active than pyrazinamide plus ethambutol, a regimen recommended for latent TB infection after exposure to multidrug-resistant TB. The combination of moxifloxacin with the experimental nitroimidazopyran PA-824 was especially active. Finally, the heat shock protein-65 DNA vaccine had no effect on colony-forming unit counts when given alone, but augmented the bactericidal activity of moxifloxacin. Together, these findings suggest that rifapentine, moxifloxacin, and, perhaps, therapeutic DNA vaccination have the potential to improve on the current treatment of latent TB infection.