Presentation and outcome of myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries in coronavirus disease 2019.
Among the cardiac complications of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), one increasingly reported in the literature is myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronaries (MINOCA). We reviewed all reported cases of MINOCA in COVID-19 patients to summarize its clinical features, evaluation, and treatment. We performed a literature search in Pubmed using the search terms 'COVID-19' and 'MINOCA' or 'non-obstructive coronaries'. Among the reported cases, the mean age was 61.5 years (SD ± 13.4), and 50% were men. Chest pain was the presenting symptom in five patients (62.5%), and hypertension was the most common comorbidity (62.5%). ST-elevation was seen in most patients (87.5%), and the overall mortality rate was 37.5%. MINOCA in COVID-19 is an entity with a broad differential diagnosis. Therefore, a uniform algorithm is needed in its evaluation to ensure timely diagnosis and management.


Cardiogenic oscillations of He and SF6 in expired gas in dogs.
Quantitative analysis of cardiogenic oscillations of He and SF6 during airway and venous loading demonstrated that both VA/Q and VA/VA inequalities were involved in the lung gas inhomogeneity producing cardiac oscillations in the expirogram. Both inequalities were coupled in such a manner that low VA/Q units had high VA/VA. The oscillations were modified in conducting airways where SF6 oscillations were attenuated more than He oscillations, probably by laminar Taylor dispersion.


Pharmacotherapy of personality disorders in German speaking countries: state and changes in the last decade.
In many cases, patients with personality disorders currently receive psychopharmacological treatment as well as psychotherapy. Empirically oriented studies of outcome and efficacy are still rare, and clinical practice is still dominated by a symptomatic and rather pragmatic approach. This study provides empirical insight into the reality of psychopharmacological practice in psychiatric institutions in German speaking countries. The use of psychotropic drugs in patients with personality disorders is demonstrated using the data base of the AMSP drug safety program. Recent changes are shown by comparing results from 1996 and 2003. Our data show a symptom-driven, polypragmatic, and often off-label use of psychotropic drugs in personality disorders.


OsJMJ703, a rice histone demethylase gene, plays key roles in plant development and responds to drought stress.
JmjC-domain-containing (JmjC) protein, an important kind of histone demethylase in plants, plays key roles in multiple growth and development processes and in adversity resistance. In this study, we found that OsJMJ703, a known histone demethylase, is expressed in various tissues. Furthermore, over-expression of OsJMJ703 influenced the type of rice panicle, and knock-down of the expression of OsJMJ703 showed an earlier flowering time in rice. In addition, OsJMJ703 is involved in abiotic stress. Transgenic rice of over-expressing OsJMJ703 is sensitive to drought stress, whereas knocking down OsJMJ703 enhances the tolerance to drought stress. This study provides a theoretical basis of the biological function of JmjC protein and further promotes the study of drought resistance.


The effect of maternal starvation on the metabolic response to cold of the newborn rabbit.
Acute starvation of the pregnant rabbit before delivery leads to lipid mobilization, the circulating concentrations of free fatty acids (FFA) increase, and more fatty acids cross the placenta and are stored as triglyceride in fetal tissues, particularly the liver and adipose tissue. Thus the newborns from these unfed does are born with larger fat stores than normal. In this investigation the responses of newborns of unfed and fed does were compared with respect to aspects of the metabolic responses to birth and subsequent cold exposure. It was found that at 2 hr of age the newborns of unfed does had higher circulating concentrations of FFA and triglycerides. The glucose and glycerol concentrations were similar in the two groups, but after 2 hr of cold exposure the newborns of fed does had much higher blood concentrations of both glucose and glycerol. In both, a large increase in FFA concentration was seen. The newborns of unfed and fed does had similar minimal metabolic rates, but the maximal rate of heat production was greater on average by 15% in the newborns of unfed does over the first 3 days of life. Maternal nutrition immediately before delivery has considerable effect on the circulating concentrations of metabolites and the responses to cold of the newborn.


A hydromorphone and ethanol fatality.
A case report is presented of a fatality where death is attributed to the combined central nervous system-depressing effects of ethanol and hydromorphone. Blood and tissue levels of hydromorphone are reported and the concentrations are compared to previously reported data.


Diseases of the pinna.
Many diseases can affect the pinna of the dog and cat. These diseases represent most categories of cutaneous disease, from infectious to neoplastic. Although some diseases affect primarily the pinna, most pinnal dermatoses occur in conjunction with other integumentary disorders. One should approach the diagnostic work-up of pinnal disease in an organized manner, obtaining first a thorough history and physical examination. A systematic approach is required in the diagnostic evaluation in order to arrive at a tentative or definitive diagnosis. Skin scrapings, cytologic examination, and culture for dermatophytes provide the minimum database. A variety of diagnostic tests, including hematology, serum biochemical profiles, urinalysis, serology, intradermal skin testing, hypoallergenic diet trials, histopathology, and direct immunofluorescence, may be necessary in some cases before a definitive diagnosis is reached. The ears are somewhat difficult to biopsy, although in many instances histopathologic examination is essential to the diagnosis. In this author's opinion, it is preferable to use a no. 15 scalpel blade rather than a punch biopsy when obtaining a pinnal biopsy. This allows the veterinarian to obtain an elliptical or wedge biopsy, which can frequently be sutured. In some instances, biopsies are required from the ear margin and a full ear thickness biopsy is obtained. Sutures may not hold in this situation, and cautery may be necessary for hemostasis. As in other situations in which the ear is bleeding (aural hematomas, vasculitis, fly bite dermatitis, and so on), bandaging and immobilization of the ear may be necessary to prevent further trauma. Although symptomatic therapy is sometimes helpful when treating pinnal diseases, a definitive diagnosis is preferred. This is especially important following the second or third presentation of an animal for ear disease. Although ear diseases are frequently viewed as a nuisance rather than a serious condition, anyone who has owned or worked closely with an animal suffering from chronic otitis externa should appreciate the animal's discomfort and the owner's frustration. All too frequently, the chronic otitis externa is the result of a hypersensitivity (either inhalant or food) that has been overlooked in the attempt to treat the subsequent infectious otitis. Thus, in animals with recurrent otitis externa, every attempt should be made to identify and treat the underlying etiology.


Evaluation of effectiveness of (elements of) parenting support in daily practice of preventive youth health care; design of a naturalistic effect evaluation in 'CIKEO' (consortium integration knowledge promotion effectiveness of parenting interventions).
The number of interventions to support parents is growing. The level of evidence regarding these intervention varies. In this paper we describe a study that aims to assess the effectiveness of specific 'elements' within such parenting interventions for families with children up to 7 years. A naturalistic effect evaluation will be applied. Study questions are: 1. What is the exposure of parents to (elements of) parenting interventions in the daily practice of preventive youth health care? 2. What are the associations between the exposure to (elements of) parenting interventions and outcomes in parents/children related to parenting and child development? Thousand parents/caregivers are recruited by preventive youth health care providers in the Netherlands. Measurements will be performed after inclusion and after 12-months follow up. Data regarding child/parent/caregiver characteristics, use of (parenting) interventions and care, and outcomes with regard to parenting skills, family functioning and child development will be collected. Outcomes will be compared between parents/children exposed and non-exposed to the (elements of) parenting interventions (adjusting for confounders). We hypothesize that parents/caregivers with exposure to (elements of) parenting interventions show (relatively more) improvements in parenting outcomes. Results will support intervention selection/development, and support communities/professionals to select appropriate intervention-elements. Netherlands National Trial Register number NL7342 . Date of registration: 05-November-2018, retrospectively registered.


Oxidized low-density lipoprotein induces hematopoietic stem cell senescence.
We have investigated oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) induced senescence in hematopoietic stem cells (HCs). Mouse Sca-1+ HCs were separated and purified using the magnetic activated cell sorting technique. Ox-LDL induced significant senescence in HCs measured by SA-β-Gal staining, and reduced CFU-Mix colony-forming capacity, arresting cells at G0/G1 phase. In agreement with the cell cycle arrest, ox-LDL markedly reduced the expression of CDK4, cyclin D, and cyclin E. As possible contributing factors for cell senescence, ox-LDL also induced cellular oxidative stress and reduced telomerase activity.


Mutations in the ras proto-oncogene: clues to etiology and molecular pathogenesis of mouse liver tumors.
The mouse liver is a frequent target organ for chemical carcinogenesis (Huff et al., 1988, 1991; Gold et al., 1989) and tumor development exhibits preferential strain sensitivity (Dragani et al., 1992; Drinkwater and Bennett, 1991). In some reports a positive correlation has been observed between the degree of spontaneous liver tumor incidence and the propensity to develop liver tumors after treatment with chemical carcinogens (Della Porta et al., 1967; Flaks, 1968; Dragani et al., 1984, 1987; Diwan et al., 1986; Drinkwater and Ginsler, 1986), but this is not always the case (Grasso and Hardy, 1975; Hanigan et al., 1988; Dragani et al., 1992). Thus, the interpretation of this endpoint in assessing potential health hazards to humans continues to be the subject of active debate. Studies of molecular and genetic factors that modulate the genesis of mouse liver tumors should enhance our understanding of the relevance of this response following exposure to genotoxic as well as nongenotoxic chemicals. To utilize intelligently animal models as surrogates for human carcinogenesis, the validity of rodent tumor endpoints in assessing potential human health hazards from chemical exposure remains an important issue. One approach has been to understand the animal system itself and the mechanisms by which chemicals induce tumors in the animal model. Information regarding the molecular events associated with tumor induction should make the relevance of results from rodent carcinogenicity studies to human risk easier to assess. Results to date have identified activation of ras proto-oncogenes as one early event and an important factor associated with chemical induction of mouse liver neoplasia (Reynolds et al., 1986, 1987; Wiseman et al., 1986), although ras-independent pathways appear to account for an appreciable proportion of some chemically induced mouse liver tumors (Fox et al., 1990; Buchmann et al., 1991). Available data emphasize the complexity of H-ras activation in murine hepatocarcinogenesis. Not only the genetic background of the mouse but also the dose of the carcinogen may influence significantly the number of tumors containing activated H-ras. Both high sensitivity and low sensitivity strains of mice can develop liver tumors which contain activated H-ras oncogenes, showing that the ability to activate this gene does not in itself determine susceptibility to hepatocarcinogenesis. Ras gene mutational profiles in chemically induced liver tumors may be different and distinguishable from those in spontaneous tumors. Since multiple genetic as well as nongenetic events are associated with tumor development, defining a precise role for ras gene mutations when they occur in mouse liver tumors is often difficult.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)


Assessing the potential impact of fly ash amendments on Indian paddy field with special emphasis on growth, yield, and grain quality of three rice cultivars.
Proper disposal and/or recycling of different industrial waste materials have long been recognized as a prime environmental concern throughout the world, and fly ash is major amongst them. In the present study, we tried to assess the feasibilities of possible effective and safe utilization of fly ash as soil amendment in Indian paddy field and its impact on rice plants, especially at growth and yield level. Our results showed that certain doses of fly ash amendments have significantly improved the physico-chemical and mineralogical properties of paddy field soil, and at lower level of amendments, fly ash induced the growth performances of three rice cultivars too. Grain yield and grain quality also responded similarly as per the growth responses. However, differential cultivar response was observed accordingly, and cultivar Sugandha-3 showed higher yield as compared with cultivars Sambha and Saryu-52. Based on the observed results, it was concluded that up to a certain level, fly ash amendments could be beneficial for Indian paddy field and can be utilized as feasible management strategy for the disposal of this major industrial waste.


Differential Activation of Canal and Otolith Afferents by Acoustic Tone Bursts in Rats.
Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) are routinely used to test otolith function, but which specific vestibular afferent neurons and central circuits are activated by auditory frequency VEMP stimuli remains unclear. To examine this question, we analyzed the sensitivity of individual vestibular afferents in adult Sprague-Dawley rats to tone bursts delivered at 9 frequencies (125-4000 Hz) and 3 intensity levels (60, 70, 80 dB SL re: acoustic brainstem response (ABR) threshold). Afferent neuron tone sensitivity was quantified by the cumulative probability of evoking a spike (CPE). Based on a threshold CPE of 0.1, acoustic stimuli in the present study evoked responses in 78.2 % (390/499) of otolith afferent neurons vs. 48.4 % (431/891) of canal afferent neurons. Organ-specific vestibular inputs to the central nervous system in response to tone bursts differ based on intensity and frequency content of the stimulus. At frequencies below 500 Hz, tone bursts primarily activated both otolith afferents, even at the highest intensity tested (80 dB SL re ABR threshold). At 1500 Hz, however, tone bursts activated the canal and otolith afferents at the moderate and high intensities tested (70, 80 dB SL), but activated only otolith afferents at the low intensity tested (60 dB SL). Within an end organ, diversity of sensitivity between individual afferent neurons correlated with spontaneous discharge rate and regularity. Examination of inner ear fluid mechanics in silico suggests that the frequency response and preferential activation of the otolith organs likely arise from inner ear fluid motion trapped near the oval and round windows. These results provide insight into understanding the mechanisms of sound activation of the vestibular system and developing novel discriminative VEMP testing protocols and interpretative guidelines in humans.


miR-520c and miR-373 upregulate MMP9 expression by targeting mTOR and SIRT1, and activate the Ras/Raf/MEK/Erk signaling pathway and NF-κB factor in human fibrosarcoma cells.
MicroRNA 520c and 373 (miR-520c and miR-373) have been characterized as oncogenes and play critical roles in cancer cell metastasis. However, the relationship between these two microRNAs and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which are important in cancer cell metastasis, remains unknown. Here, we report new evidence in which miR-520c and miR-373 effects in human fibrosarcoma HT1080 cells are associated with MMP9 activity, and this upregulation of MMP9 is not only at the activity and protein levels, but also at that of its mRNA. Our experimental data demonstrate that these effects occur not by direct binding to the MMP9 promoter, but by miR-520c and miR-373 directly targeting the 3'-untranslational region (UTR) of mRNAs of mTOR and SIRT1 (negative regulators of expression of MMP9 via inactivating the Ras/Raf/MEK/Erk signaling pathway and transcription factor NF-κB activity); and thus suppressing translation levels of SIRT1 and mTOR. Moreover, inhibition of key kinases of the Ras/Raf/MEK/Erk signaling pathway and Western blots for selected proteins further identified miR-520c and miR-373 as activating this signaling pathway and NF-κB. In conclusion, miR-520c and miR-373 increased the expression of MMP9 by directly targeting the 3'-UTRs of mRNAs of mTOR and SIRT1 and suppressing their translation; resulting in activation of the Ras/Raf/MEK/Erk signaling pathway and NF-κB; and, finally, increasing the mRNA, protein, and activity of MMP9 and enhancing cell migration and cell growth in 3D type I collagen gels.


Bearing variant alleles at uridine glucuronosyltransferase polymorphisms UGT2B7 -161C > T (rs7668258) or UGT1A4*3 c.142 T > G (rs2011425) has no relevant consequences for lamotrigine troughs in adults with epilepsy.
To estimate whether epilepsy patients with variant UGT2B7 -161C > T (rs7668258) or UGT1A4*3 c.142 T > G (rs2011425) alleles differ from their wild-type (wt) peers in exposure to lamotrigine. Consecutive adults on lamotrigine monotherapy or lamotrigine + valproate co-treatment undergoing routine therapeutic drug monitoring, otherwise generally healthy and free of interacting drugs, were genotyped for UGT2B7 -161C > T and UGT1A4*3 c.142 T > G. Heterozygous, variant homozygous, or combined heterozygous/variant homozygous subjects were compared to their wt controls for dose-adjusted lamotrigine troughs with adjustment for age, sex, body weight, rs7668258/rs2011425, polymorphisms of efflux transporter proteins ABCG2 c.421C > A (rs2231142) and ABCB1 1236C > T (rs1128503), and level of exposure to valproate using covariate entropy balancing. Of the 471 included patients, 328 (69.6%) were on monotherapy and 143 were co-treated with valproate. Dose-adjusted lamotrigine troughs in UGT2B7 -161C > T heterozygous (CT, n = 237) or variant homozygous (TT, n = 115) subjects were closely similar to those in their wt controls (CC, n = 119): geometric means ratios (GMRs) (frequentist and Bayes) 1.00 (95%CI 0.86-1.16) and 1.00 (95%CrI 0.83-1.22) for CT vs. CC; and 0.97 (0.81-1.17) and 0.97 (0.80-1.20) for TT vs. CC subjects. Lamotrigine troughs were also closely similar in UGT1A4*3 c.142 T > G variant carriers (n = 106: 102 TG + 4 GG subjects) and wt controls (TT, n = 365): GMR = 0.95 (0.81-1.12) frequentist, 0.96 (0.80-1.16) Bayes. GMRs for variant carriers vs. wt controls were around unity also at different levels of exposure to valproate. Dose-adjusted lamotrigine troughs in epilepsy patients with variant UGT2B7 -161C > T or UGT1A4*3 c.142 T > G alleles are equivalent to those in their respective wt peers.


Editorial: Racial Discrimination as a Stressor Related to Suicidality Among Pre-Adolescents.
Suicide is a rising phenomenon among most racial, ethnic, and age groups in the United States.1 The increase in suicide among Black preadolescent children is particularly concerning, with suicide rates now doubling those in their White peer group.2 This increase has sparked an interest in understanding the specific mechanisms and causes contributing to suicide in Black individuals of such a young age to provide more tailored and effective interventions. Many factors are suspected to contribute to the increase in suicide rates among Black children, including racial discrimination, disparities in access to care, poverty, trauma exposure, and family and school problems.3 In addition, despite the number of important initiatives delivered through the mental health system, primary care, and schools, the rates of suicide among Black preadolescents have continued to increase, perhaps in part because of the absence of culturally relevant preventive interventions focused specifically on their strengths and needs.


Discharge patterns of tonically firing human motoneurones.
We have attempted to reconcile the different patterns of distribution of interspike intervals that are found in motoneurones made to discharge by intracellular injection of constant current in reduced animal preparations and by voluntary control in human subjects. We recorded long spike trains from single motor units in three human muscles made to discharge at constant mean frequencies with the help of auditory and visual feedback. The distribution of interspike intervals in each spike train was analysed quantitatively. We found that the different pattern of discharge of the human motor units could be accounted for when due allowance was made for the variability of the drive to the human motoneurone which arose because of the feedback process used to maintain the target frequency. A model testing this hypothesis gave results that were qualitatively consistent with the human data.


[Use of Q-sort assessment methods for diagnostic purposes and in treatment evaluation?].
Does quantifying psychotherapy research do justice to its subject matter? Q-sort techniques are presented for the assessment of personality pathology, mental and interpersonal problems, as well as for quantifying the psychotherapeutic process. In studies on psychotherapy planning we identified mechanisms characteristic of nonresponders which could be efficiently captured with q-sort methods. From these clinically relevant intervention techniques can be derived. In psychoanalytic process research we operationalized relevant microelements in the patient-therapist interaction. Q-sort methods are efficient and helpful for studying research questions that are clinically relevant but often difficult to grasp as well as for dismantling studies.


Closure of fenestra in Clagett procedure: use of rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap.
Empyema developed in a 62-year-old man after right pneumonectomy for lung cancer. According to the Clagett procedure, an open window thoracostomy was made with two ribs removed. After 5 weeks, primary closure of the fenestra was attempted. Because the fenestra was too large to be primarily closed, a rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap was successfully transposed to cover the chest wall. There was no evidence of recurrence of empyema during 11 months' observation after closure. In patients with a large fenestra and with little tissue left for closure, the rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap could be of great help in completing the Clagett procedure.


Night Shift Work and Risk of Breast Cancer in Women.
Night shift work involving circadian disruption has been associated with increased breast cancer rates in some epidemiological studies, but the evidence is still on debate. The objective of this study is to assess the association between night shift work and breast cancer in Mexican women. A Case-control study was conducted with incident cases of breast cancer at the Instituto de Seguridad Social del Estado de México y Municipios. Cases were interviewed about past exposures prior to the final diagnosis. Controls were women without breast cancer matched on multiple sociodemographic characteristics. 101 cases and 101 matched controls were interviewed; this small sample size provided consistent, but wide estimates of the assessed associations. The multivariate conditional logistic regression showed that breast-feeding was associated with reduced risk for breast cancer (OR 0.12; 95% CI: 0.02-0.60); women who experienced early menarche (12 years) were more likely to develop breast cancer (OR 18.58; 95% CI 18: 2.19-148). Women who worked at night were more likely to develop breast cancer compared to women who never did (OR = 8.58; 95% CI: 2.19-33.8). Our results are consistent with studies from other countries, which positively associated night shift work with breast cancer.


Physiology over Angiography to Determine Lesion Severity: the FAME Trials.
The "Achilles heel" of invasive coronary angiography is its inability to accurately localize which stenoses induce ischemia and warrant treatment. Fractional flow reserve (FFR) is a coronary wire-based physiologic index that measures the functional significance of epicardial stenoses, thereby overcoming this limitation. Over the past decade, the landmark FAME (Fractional Flow Reserve vs Angiography for Multivessel Evaluation) trials demonstrated the clinical utility of an FFR-guided strategy for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) compared with angiography-only PCI or medical therapy alone in patients with predominantly stable ischemic heart disease. These trials have spurred the current era of coronary-physiology-guided revascularization.


Preventive and curative care utilization among Mexican immigrant women in Birmingham, AL.
This study aims to describe the utilization of curative and preventive care among Mexican immigrant women in the country of origin versus the US, and to identify factors associated with preventive and curative care utilization. A cross-sectional sample of 185 Mexican immigrant women living in Birmingham, AL between 2004 and 2005 were included in this study. Fisher's Exact tests showed that there was a statistically significant difference between seeking curative care (p < 0.0001) and preventive care (p < 0.0001) in country of origin versus the US. Differences in the reasons for lack of utilization of both curative and preventive care were also observed in the US and the country of origin. These findings suggest that difference in healthcare-seeking behaviors and utilization among Mexican immigrant women between the US and their country of origin may be useful in the development of interventions aimed at increasing the use of preventive and curative care services to this immigrant population in the US.


High-dose penicillin therapy in meningopolyneuritis Garin-Bujadoux-Bannwarth. Clinical and cerebrospinal fluid data.
Clinical data of 19 patients with meningopolyneuritis Garin-Bujadoux-Bannwarth (MPN-GBB), treated with 2 X 10 million units intravenous sodium penicillin for 10 days, were evaluated at the beginning of therapy, 3 weeks thereafter, and 6 months after onset of the neurological disease. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was analysed in 14 patients at the onset of therapy and 3 1/2 weeks thereafter. At the same interval antibodies against B. burgdorferi were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in the CSF and sera of 12 patients. Clinical data and all CSF results, with exception of specific antibody titers, were compared with those of patients who had suffered from MPN-GBB between 1979 and 1983, and who had not received antibiotic or corticosteroid therapy. Comparing the clinical data of all treated patients with those of all non-treated controls, no significant difference could be observed. A significant improvement could however be detected in those patients who had their treatment begun 5 weeks within onset of the neurological disease. Changes in CSF 3 1/2 weeks after onset of treatment showed slight differences when compared with controls.


Stapled versus handsewn methods for ileocolic anastomoses.
This is the first systematic review specifically investigating ileocolic anastomosis. To compare outcomes of ileocolic anastomoses performed using stapling and handsewn techniques. The hypothesis tested was that the stapling technique is associated with fewer complications. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Colorectal Cancer Group specialised register SR-COLOCA, and Cochrane Library were searched for randomised controlled trials comparing the use of a linear cutter stapler with any type of suturing technique for ileocolic anastomoses in adults from 1970 to 2005. Selection criteria were randomised controlled trials comparing the use of linear cutter stapler (isoperistaltic side to side or functional end to end) with any type of suturing technique in adults. Regarding data collection and analysis, eligible studies were selected and their methodological quality assessed. Sub-group analyses for cancer and inflammatory bowel disease as indication for ileocolic anastomoses were performed. Six trials (including one unpublished) with 955 ileocolic participants were included. The three largest trials had adequate allocation concealment. Stapled anastomosis was associated with significantly fewer anastomotic leaks compared with the handsewn technique (S = 5/357, HS = 36/598, OR 0.34 [0.14, 0.82] p = 0.02). For the sub-group of 825 cancer patients in four studies, stapled anastomosis led to significantly fewer anastomotic leaks (S = 4/300, HS = 35/525, OR 0.28 [0.10, 0.75] p = 0.01). There were very less Crohn's disease patients to perform a sub-group analysis. All other outcomes showed no significant difference. Stapled functional end-to-end ileocolic anastomosis is associated with fewer leaks than handsewn anastomosis.


Management of oesophageal impaction of button batteries in Queensland.
Oesophageal button battery impaction (OBBI) is a medical emergency requiring timely removal due to rapid oesophageal tissue injury. The aim of this study was to characterize circumstances of OBBI and identify potential barriers to timely removal of button batteries (BB) in the paediatric population. This is a retrospective review of OBBI cases between January 2018 to June 2019. Medical records were used to obtain patient demographics, battery size and type, battery source, location of initial presentation and outcomes. Time to obtaining x-ray, transfer to tertiary centre and to removal of button battery were recorded. Eight cases of OBBI were recorded during the 18 months study timeframe. Six patients were male and two were female, aged 0.97 to 2.8 years. Six were from an English-speaking background and two were from families of non-English speaking background. Battery removal occurred at Queensland Children's Hospital (QCH) in seven of eight cases. Time from ingestion to initial presentation to hospital ranged from 39 min to 123 h with a mean time of 2 h and 13 min. Overall, the total time from ingestion of BB to removal ranged from 2 h 54 min to 126 h 51 min. Despite being recognized as a time critical emergency, diagnostic, geographic and logistic challenges in Queensland make optimal care a challenge. Primary prevention strategies coupled with an expanded network for safe battery removal, and novel management strategies such as honey and acetic acid could improve care and reduce morbidity.


The amygdala and related structures in the pathophysiology of autism.
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is defined behaviorally by severe deficiencies in reciprocal social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and restricted interests. The amygdala is involved in the regulation of social behaviors and may be an important site of pathology for the social dysfunction seen in autism. This review focuses on lesion, postmortem, and neuroimaging studies that investigate the amygdala and related structures in this disorder. Other brain regions potentially involved in the neuropathology of autism are also briefly discussed. Although supportive evidence exists for amygdala dysfunction in autism, the currently available data are inconsistent and additional research is needed.


Fluorescence in situ hybridization for the identification of Treponema pallidum in tissue sections.
Syphilis is often called the great imitator because of its frequent atypical clinical manifestations that make the disease difficult to recognize. Because Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum, the infectious agent of syphilis, is yet uncultivated in vitro, diagnosis is usually made using serology; however, in cases where serology is inconclusive or in patients with immunosuppression where these tests may be difficult to interpret, the availability of a molecular tool for direct diagnosis may be of pivotal importance. Here we present a fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay that simultaneously identifies and analyzes spatial distribution of T. pallidum in histological tissue sections. For this assay the species-specific FISH probe TPALL targeting the 16S rRNA of T. pallidum was designed in silico and evaluated using T. pallidum infected rabbit testicular tissue and a panel of non-syphilis spirochetes as positive and negative controls, respectively, before application to samples from four syphilis-patients. In a HIV positive patient, FISH showed the presence of T. pallidum in inguinal lymph node tissue. In a patient not suspected to suffer from syphilis but underwent surgery for phimosis, numerous T. pallidum cells were found in preputial tissue. In two cases with oral involvement, FISH was able to differentiate T. pallidum from oral treponemes and showed infection of the oral mucosa and tonsils, respectively. The TPALL FISH probe is now readily available for in situ identification of T. pallidum in selected clinical samples as well as T. pallidum research applications and animal models.


One - Step synthesis of nitrogen doped reduced graphene oxide with NiCo nanoparticles for ethanol oxidation in alkaline media.
Development of anode catalysts and catalyst supporting carbonaceous material containing non-precious metal have attracted tremendous attention in the field of direct ethanol fuel cells (DEFCs). Herein, we report the synthesis and electrochemical properties of nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide (NRGO) supported Co, Ni and NiCo nanocomposites. The metal NRGO nanocomposites, in which metal nanoparticles are embedded in the highly porous nitrogen-doped graphene matrix, have been synthesized by simply and one-pot method at a mild temperature using GO, urea choline chloride and urea as reducing and doping agent. The fabricated NiCo/NRGO exhibit remarkable electrocatalytic activity (with Tafel slope of 159.1mVdec(-1)) and high stability for the ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR). The superior performance of the alloy based NRGO is attributed to high surface area, well uniform distribution of high-density nitrogen, metal active sites and synergistic effect.


Immunological relationship between the EDTA-extractable proteins from calf lens fiber membranes.
An antiserum has been prepared against the EDTA-extractable proteins (EEP) from calf lens fiber membranes. It was shown to be highly specific for EEP. Using this anti-EEP antiserum in (crossed-line) immunoelectrophoresis and (crossed) immunoelectrofocusing experiments, evidence was obtained that all of the EDTA-extractable proteins are immunologically related. They have at least one of six different antigenic determinants in common, while some of the proteins with pI values above 4.8 probably have a second common determinant. The acidic proteins of EEP comprise specific determinants with a low immunogenicity. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that no crystallin-like determinant was present on the EEP molecules.


Regulation of IGF-I function by proinflammatory cytokines: at the interface of immunology and endocrinology.
During the past decade, the immune and endocrine systems have been discovered to interact in controlling physiologic processes as diverse as cell growth and differentiation, metabolism, and even human and animal behavior. The interaction between these two major physiological systems is a bi-directional process. While it has been well documented that hormones, including prolactin (PRL), growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), regulate a variety of immune events, a great deal of data have accumulated supporting the notion that cytokines from the innate immune system also affect the neuroendocrine system. Communication between these two systems coordinates processes that are necessary to maintain homeostasis. Proinflammatory cytokines often act as negative regulatory signals that temper the action of hormones and growth factors. This system of 'checks and balances' is an active, ongoing process, even in healthy individuals. Dysregulation of this process has been implicated as a potential pathogenic factor in the development of co-morbid conditions associated with several chronic inflammatory diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, major depression, and even normal aging. Over the past decade, research in our laboratory has focused on the ability of the major proinflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)alpha and interleukin (IL)-1beta, to induce a state of IGF resistance. This review will highlight these and other new findings by explaining how proinflammatory cytokines induce resistance to the major growth factor, insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I). We also highlight that IGF-I can induce resistance or reduce sensitivity to brain TNFalpha and discuss how TNFalpha, IL-1beta, and IGF-I interact to regulate several aspects of behavior and cognition.


ArtR, a novel sRNA of Staphylococcus aureus, regulates α-toxin expression by targeting the 5' UTR of sarT mRNA.
Recent studies point to the importance of small-noncoding RNAs (sRNAs) in bacterial virulence control. In Staphylococcus aureus, functional dissections of sRNAs are limited to RNA III, SprD, RsaE, SprA1, and SSR42 only. Here, we report the identification and functional analyses of a novel sRNA, which we have designated ArtR. Our data show that the AgrA protein can bind to the artR promoter and repress artR transcription, suggesting that, after RNA III, ArtR is the second sRNA regulated by AgrA. Furthermore, ArtR is unique in S. aureus and involved in virulence regulation by activating α-toxin expression. ArtR promotes the degradation of sarT mRNA by RNase III and arrests the translation of SarT by direct binding to the 5' untranslated region of the sarT mRNA, suggesting that the activation of ArtR on the α-toxin expression was through SarT. This study reveals another kind of staphylococcal regulatory small RNA that plays a role in virulence control. It also indicates the diversity of small RNA-target mRNA interactions and how these multiple interactions can mediate virulence regulation in this pathogen.


Initial destination hospital of paediatric prehospital patients in rural Victoria.
The objective of this present study was to describe the initial destination hospital of paediatric patients transported by Ambulance Victoria paramedics within the South Western area of Victoria to determine the proportion of patients that bypassed their closest hospital. All Ambulance Victoria primary ambulance transports for paediatric patients aged 1 month to 14 years in the Barwon South West region between 1 April 2008 and 28 February 2011 were reviewed. Each case was examined to determine the destination hospital location relative to the case scene location, and the overall nature of each case was grouped into one of seven categories (medical respiratory, medical cardiac, medical neurological, medical other, trauma time critical, and trauma non-time critical). There were 1191 cases identified, with 978 (82%) being taken to the closest hospital and 213 (18%) to a more distant facility. The average distance travelled from the scene to the destination hospital was 15.2 km, and almost 90% of patients transported to the nearest hospital were within 15 km of that hospital. Time critical trauma cases and respiratory-related medical cases had higher rates of transport to more distant hospitals as their initial destination (26% to non-closest and 23% to non-closest, respectively). The patient's condition and their location relative to the larger medical facilities appear to influence the decision of destination hospital. Uncertainty regarding the availability of 24 h hospital services and staffing details may contribute to longer transfers.


Kawasaki disease in children with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin scar reactivity: Focus on coronary outcomes.
/Purpose: Reactivity at the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) scar is a pathognomonic feature of Kawasaki disease (KD). However, its value in predicting KD outcomes has not been emphasized. This study explored the clinical significance of BCG scar redness with respect to coronary artery outcomes. This retrospective study collected data on children with KD from 13 hospitals in Taiwan during 2019-2021. Children with KD were categorized into four groups based on the KD type and BCG scar reactivity. Risk factors of coronary artery abnormalities (CAA) were analyzed in all groups. BCG scar redness occurred in 49% of 388 children with KD. BCG scar redness was associated with younger age, early intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment, hypoalbuminemia, and CAA at the first echocardiogram (p < 0.01). BCG scar redness (RR 0.56) and pyuria (RR 2.61) were independent predictors of any CAA within 1 month (p < 0.05). Moreover, pyuria (RR 5.85, p < 0.05) in children with complete KD plus BCG scar redness was associated with CAA at 2-3 months; first IVIG resistance (RR 15.2) and neutrophil levels ≥80% (RR 8.37) in children with complete KD plus BCG scar non-redness were associated with CAA at 2-3 months (p < 0.05). We failed to detect any significant risk factors of CAA at 2-3 months in children with incomplete KD. BCG scar reactivity contributes to diverse clinical features in KD. It can be effectively applied to determine the risk factors of any CAA within 1 month and CAA at 2-3 months.


Family Support Practices to Impact Stress Scores in Parents of Critically Ill Children.
When a child becomes critically ill and hospitalized in intensive care, this can be emotionally and physically traumatic for parents. The purpose of the initiative was to utilize a stress screening tool to quantify parental stress and examine the use of family support services as a way to impact stress scores. The Family Stress Thermometer (FST) was introduced and parents were asked to circle their stress level at up to three time points. Along with recorded stress scores, resources accessed were documented, how often it was utilized, and parental suggestions that might ease stressors recorded. The results indicate the FST accurately recorded elevated stress levels in parents with critically ill children, analysis showed a statistically significant decrease in the stress levels of parents over time. This project appears to validate parental distress levels as a modifiable risk factor. The FST was cost-effective and easy to administer. As part of comprehensive plans of care for families, interprofessional teams can work to design support services that meet individualized needs of parents with critically ill children. Partnering with parents to quantify their stress and responding to their needs will insure the likelihood of this happening.


Effectiveness of motor imagery or mental practice in functional recovery after stroke: a systematic review.
In recent decades, many stroke rehabilitation methods have been developed. Mental practice (MP) is a dynamic state in which the subject evokes an imaginary representation of a motor action or skill in order to learn or perfect that action. Although functional imaging has shown that MP produces similar cortical activation patterns to those of movement, the clinical effectiveness of such methods in rehabilitation and functional recovery has yet to be demonstrated. Systematic search of all clinical studies published in the main scientific databases between December 2011 and October 2012 concerning mental practice in stroke rehabilitation. We selected 23 clinical trials testing different MP protocols in patients with hemiparesis. MP is effective when used in conjunction with conventional physical therapy for functional rehabilitation of both upper and lower limbs, as well as for the recovery of daily activities and skills. Owing to the heterogeneity of the studies with regard to the intervention protocol, specific imagery technique, time spent practicing, patient characteristics, etc., more studies are needed in order to determine the optimal treatment protocol and patient profile.


Tetanus immunization recommendations for persons less than seven years old. American College of Emergency Physicians.
This position paper represents a reflection of expert opinions regarding current knowledge about tetanus immunization. It should complement, but not supplant, sound clinical judgment.


Multiple primary tumors: a case report and review of the literature.
Multiple primary tumors, especially quadruple primary neoplasms is extremely rare. Fibrous dysplasia (FD), osteosarcoma (OS), and giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) are three bone tumors with low incidence while primary pulmonary meningioma is a rare disease. In this case report, we present a unique synchronous occurrence of these four separate pathological conditions. A 53-year-old male previously underwent resection of OS of fifth rib and FD of eighth rib 1 year ago. Recently, a discontinuous pain at right knee developed. Serial X-ray films showed a progressively pure osteolytic lesion of proximal tibia which extended gradually. The incisional biopsy revealed that this tumor was confirmed as GCTB, and the tumor was successfully managed by extensive curettage and bone cement filling. The diagnosis of GCTB was re-confirmed by the postoperative histopathologic examinations. High-throughput sequencing from the GCTB exhibited a somatic mutation of H3.3A (G35W exon2). Germline testing revealed a germ-cell variant in gene of BRCA2 (exon 8 V220Ifs*4). This is a unique case with quadruple primary tumors. Germline mutation in gene of BRCA2 may be associated with the occurrence of multiple primary tumors in this patient.


Measurement of rat insulin. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with increased sensitivity, high accuracy, and greater practicability than established radioimmunoassay.
Total immunoreactive insulin (IRI) is conventionally determined by radioimmunoassays. IRI measurement in rats can be made more sensitive, accurate, and practical, as demonstrated by a new modified enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). It is characterized by indirect binding of an anti-insulin antibody by an antiglobulin antibody and uses the principle of competitive saturation. In this ELISA, IRI can be determined in a wide range of concentrations, corresponding to the standards. The standard curve ranges from 100 to 0.049 ng/ml IRI (1 ng/ml approximately 23.4 microU/ml approximately 172 pM rat insulin). The statistical analysis shows between- and within-assay coefficients of variation of less than or equal to 15%.


Cell-free systems for in vitro translation of herpes simplex virus messenger RNA.
A cell-free system active in translation of HSV mRNA was obtained by fractionation of reticulocyte lysates. Endogenous protein synthesis was further reduced by preincubation with micrococcal nuclease, although this treatment did not affect the translation of infected (or uninfected) BHK cell RNA. Polypeptides synthesized by the fractionated reticulocyte cell-free system were very similar to those produced by unfractionated reticulocyte lysates.


Antidiabetic activity of Tartary buckwheat protein-derived peptide AFYRW and its effects on protein glycosylation of pancreas in mice.
Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is one of the most important public health problems, and new antidiabetic drugs with fewer side effects are urgently needed. Here, we measured the antidiabetic effects of an antioxidant peptide (Ala-Phe-Tyr-Arg-Trp, AFYRW) from Tartary Buckwheat Albumin (TBA) in a high-fat diet/streptozotocin (HFD/STZ)-induced diabetic mouse model. The data showed that AFYRW suppressed hepatocyte steatosis and triglycerides while ameliorating insulin resistance in mice. Successively, the influence of AFYRW on aberrant protein glycosylation in diabetic mice was further investigated by lectin microarrays. The results suggested AFYRW could restore the expression of GalNAc, GalNAcα1-3Gal and GalNAcα1-3Galβ1-3/4Glc recognized by PTL-I, Siaα2-3Galβ1-4Glc(NAc)/Glc, Siaα2-3Gal, Siaα2-3 and Siaα2-3GalNAc recognized by MAL-II, terminating in GalNAcα/β1-3/6Gal recognized by WFA and αGalNAc, αGal, anti-A and B recognized by GSI-I to normal levels in the pancreas of HFD-STZ-induced diabetic mice. This work may provide new targets for the future discovery of potential biomarkers to evaluate the efficacy of food-derived antidiabetic drugs based on precise alterations of glycopatterns in DM.


Effect of the inseminate and the site of insemination on the uterus and pregnancy rates of mares.
In this review, effects of the composition of the inseminate on uterine response and pregnancy rates in mares are discussed. The inseminate can differ for volume, sperm concentration, total sperm numbers, presence, absence, or proportion of seminal plasma, and extender composition. Semen can be used as fresh, cooled, or frozen. The site of semen deposition also plays a role; semen is deposited either into the uterine body (standard artificial insemination (AI)) or into the tip of the uterine horn ipsilateral to the preovulatory follicle (deep AI) using the hysterocopical or transrectally guided techniques. In addition to pregnancy rates, some uterine responses to the inseminate are considered including myometrial contractions, transport and elimination of sperm, and uterine inflammation, which is reflected as numbers of polymorphonuclear leukocytes, enzyme levels, and presence of intrauterine fluid. Reproductively normal and abnormal mares are compared.


Impact of food security on glycemic control among low-income primarily Hispanic/Latino children in Los Angeles, California: A cross-sectional study.
Studies examining the impact of food insecurity on metabolic markers are limited, specifically in Hispanic youth. This study was a cross-sectional analysis of 218 3rd-5th grade students (83% Hispanic and 49% male). Anthropometrics, blood glucose, insulin, and lipids via fasting blood draw, dietary intake via Block screener, and a 5-item food security scale were collected. HOMA-Insulin Resistance was calculated. Multivariate analyses of covariance were used to examine differences in glucose and insulin indices, adiposity, metabolic and dietary intake variables between categories of food security. Food secure children had greater glycemic control and decreased insulin resistance compared to food insecure children.


Phosphate-functionalized ramie stalk adsorbent for efficient removal of Zn2+ from water: adsorption performance, mechanism, and fixed-bed column treatment of real wastewater.
A highly efficient adsorbent functionalized with phosphate groups made from a local agricultural waste, ramie stalk, was designed for Zn2+ removal from water. SEM, EDS, FTIR, zeta potential, and XPS tests were used to study the morphology and properties of modified ramie stalk (RS-P). The results showed that the phosphate groups were successfully grafted to the surface of the ramie stalk, which has a multilayered and porous structure and can provide large adsorption sites. Adsorption performance and mechanism were investigated in the static and dynamic adsorption experiments. The adsorption kinetics of Zn2+ by RS-P were better fitted by the pseudo-second-order model, indicating chemical adsorption. Adsorption isotherm was better described by Redlich-Peterson isotherm, which suggested heterogeneous and multi-site adsorption, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 0.558 mmol g-1. The characterization of adsorbents before and after adsorption indicated that a combined action of electrostatic interaction and ion exchange was the primary mechanism of adsorption. Dynamic adsorption experiments with fixed-bed column displayed excellent water treatment capabilities. RS-P exhibited good reusability in 5 cycles without much deterioration in its adsorption performances. Complex co-existing ions impaired Zn2+ adsorption during real wastewater treatment. This research benefits agricultural waste recycling and provides safe water to ensure economic, social, and environmental sustainability.


Clinical outcomes of rotator cuff repair in patients with concomitant glenohumeral osteoarthritis.
Glenohumeral osteoarthritis (OA) is a common comorbidity in patients with rotator cuff tears. However, the efficacy of rotator cuff repair in patients with concomitant glenohumeral OA is still heavily debated. Thus, the purpose of this study was to compare the clinical and functional outcome measures following arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs in patients with concomitant glenohumeral OA vs. those without glenohumeral OA. A retrospective review of 206 consecutive patients who underwent arthroscopic supraspinatus repairs (both isolated and with accompanying infraspinatus and/or subscapularis involvement) between 2013 and 2018 with a minimum of 1-year follow-up was performed. Patients were separated into 2 groups based on the presence or absence of concomitant glenohumeral OA. The primary outcome was failure of repair, defined as the need for revision repair or a retear confirmed on postoperative magnetic resonance imaging. The secondary outcomes were patient-reported outcome measures including the visual analog scale pain score, Subjective Shoulder Value, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score; active range of motion (ROM); and strength testing. Within the OA cohort, a subgroup analysis was conducted to compare outcomes between patients with mild OA and patients with moderate to severe OA. There were 91 patients in the glenohumeral OA group and 115 patients in the control group. Significant differences in postoperative forward flexion (FF) ROM (153.55° ± 21.07° vs. 160.14° ± 17.26°, P = .001) and external rotation (ER) ROM (46.91° ± 11.95° vs. 52.25° ± 11.60°, P = .001) were observed between the glenohumeral OA and control groups. There were no significant differences between groups in revision repairs, retears, postoperative internal rotation ROM, all preoperative ROMs, all patient-reported outcome measures, and all strength parameters (all P > .05). For the subgroup analysis, there were 70 patients in the mild OA group and 21 patients in the moderate to severe OA group. We found a significant difference in postoperative FF strength (88.4% vs. 61.9% with 5 of 5 strength, P = .010) and ER strength (89.9% vs. 71.4% with 5 of 5 strength, P = .046) between the mild OA group and moderate to severe OA group. There were no significant differences between the groups in all other outcome measures. Rotator cuff repair remains an excellent treatment option in patients with concomitant glenohumeral OA. The data in this study demonstrate that rotator cuff repairs in patients with concomitant glenohumeral OA have similar clinical and functional outcomes to repairs in patients without OA with the exception of slightly decreased postoperative FF and ER ROM. Patients with moderate to severe OA may have slightly decreased FF and ER strength outcomes compared with patients with mild OA.


The use of high-solids loadings in biomass pretreatment--a review.
The use of high-solids loadings (≥ 15% solids, w/w) in the unit operations of lignocellulose conversion processes potentially offers many advantages over lower-solids loadings, including increased sugar and ethanol concentrations and decreased production and capital costs. Since the term lignocellulosic materials refers to a wide range of feedstocks (agricultural and forestry residues, distillery by-products, and dedicated energy crops like grasses), the term "solids loading" here is defined by the amount of dry material that enters the process divided by the total mass of material and water added to the material. The goal of this study is to provide a consolidated review of studies using a high-solids pretreatment step in the conversion process. Included in this review is a brief discussion of the limitations, such as the lack of available water to promote mass transfer, increased substrate viscosity, and increased concentration of inhibitors produced affecting pretreatment, as well as descriptions and findings of pretreatment studies performed at high solids, the latest reactor designs developed for pretreatment at bench- and pilot-scales to address some of the limitations, and high-solids pretreatment operations that have been scaled-up and incorporated into demonstration facilities.


RNA and Protein Interactomes of an RNA-Binding Protein Tagged with FLAG Epitopes Using Combinatory Approaches of Genome Engineering and Stable Transfection.
To study the function of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), an overexpression or knockout approach is generally used. However, as many RBPs are essential to cellular functions, the complete knockout of these proteins may be lethal to the cell. Overexpression of RBPs, on the other hand, may create an altered transcriptome and aberrant phenotypes that can mask their physiological function. Additionally, biochemical characterization of RBP often requires highly specific antibodies for efficient immunoprecipitation for downstream mass spectrometry or RNA footprinting profiling. To overcome these hurdles, we have developed a strategy to generate cellular systems either using a CRISPR-Cas9-mediated epitope tag knock-in approach or a two-step workflow to first stably express an exogenous Flag-tagged RBP and subsequently knockout the endogenous RBP using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing. The generation of these cell lines will be beneficial for downstream RNA footprinting studies and mass spectrometry-mediated interactome studies.


Field enhancement sample stacking for analysis of organic acids in traditional Chinese medicine by capillary electrophoresis.
A technique known as field enhancement sample stacking (FESS) and capillary electrophoresis (CE) separation has been developed to analyze and detect organic acids in the three traditional Chinese medicines (such as Portulaca oleracea L., Crataegus pinnatifida and Aloe vera L.). In FESS, a reverse electrode polarity-stacking mode (REPSM) was applied as on-line preconcentration strategy. Under the optimized condition, the baseline separation of eight organic acids (linolenic acid, lauric acid, p-coumaric acid, ascorbic acid, benzoic acid, caffeic acid, succinic acid and fumaric acid) could be achieved within 20 min. Validation parameters of this method (such as detection limits, linearity and precision) were also evaluated. The detection limits ranged from 0.4 to 60 ng/mL. The results indicated that the proposed method was effective for the separation of mixtures of organic acids. Satisfactory recoveries were also obtained in the analysis of these organic acids in the above traditional Chinese medicine samples.


Combination of liver enzymes, amylase and abdominal ultrasound tests have acceptable diagnostic values as an alternative test for abdominopelvic CT scan in blunt abdominal trauma.
Abdominal trauma accounts for 15-20% of all-cause mortality of trauma. Abdominopelvic CT scan with intravenous contrast is considered the most accurate non-invasive diagnostic tool in detecting intra-abdominal injuries. In previous studies, rise in liver enzymes and amylase was associated with intra-abdominal injuries but the studies were not sufficient. Our aim was to assess the diagnostic values of liver enzymes and amylase for intra-abdominal injuries in blunt trauma patients. We included blunt abdominal trauma patients who referred to three teaching hospitals in 2018. The patients who had 14 years old or more and Glasgow Coma Scale above 8 were enrolled the study if the treating physician had high index of suspicion for intra-abdominal injuries and sent the patients for abdominopelvic CT scan with intravenous contrast. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values are calculated for results of liver enzymes, amylase and abdominal ultrasound. Eventually, 300 patients with blunt abdominal trauma entered the study. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of concurrent positive results of abdominal ultrasound, amylase and liver enzymes were 81.73 (95% CI, 73.2-88.1), 63.78 (95% CI, 65.36-70.61), 58.38 (95% CI, 56.36-70.61) and 84.89 (95% CI, 77.6-90.19), respectively. Considering findings of the present study, the combination of liver enzymes, amylase and abdominal ultrasound results can be an alternative method for detecting intra-abdominal injuries in patients in whom treating physicians have limitations such as overweight, instability of hemodynamic and lack of CT scan facility.


Light-responsive self-strained organic semiconductor for large flexible OFET sensing array.
With the wide application of organic semiconductors (OSCs), researchers are now grappling with a new challenge: design and synthesize OSCs materials with specific functions to satisfy the requirements of high-performance semiconductor devices. Strain engineering is an effective method to improve the semiconductor material's carrier mobility, which is fundamentally originated from the rearrangement of the atomic packing model of materials under mechanic stress. Here, we design and synthesize a new OSC material named AZO-BTBT-8 based on high-mobility benzo[b]benzo[4,5]thieno[2,3-d]thiophene (BTBT) as the semiconductor backbone. Octane is employed to increase molecular flexibility and solubility, and azobenzene at the other end of the BTBT backbone provides photoisomerization properties and structural balance. Notably, the AZO-BTBT-8 photoisomerization leads to lattice strain in thin-film devices, where exceptional device performance enhancement is realized. On this basis, a large-scale flexible organic field-effect transistor (OFET) device array is fabricated and realizes high-resolution UV imaging with reversible light response.


Aerosol in the oral health-care setting: a misty topic.
Studies have shown that mouth and respiratory tract microorganisms can be transported in aerosol and spatter. Due to aerosol-generating procedures, there are potentially various infection risks for patients and those working in health care, especially in oral health care. Dental aerosol can contaminate not only the mucous membranes of the oral health-care professional's mouth, respiratory passages, and eyes but also exposed surfaces and materials in the environment. As such, preventing disease transmission within oral health-care offices is important issue. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, an innumerable amount of (mis)information and advice on how to stay safe and prevent the spread of coronavirus has been published. What preventive measures can and have been taken to counteract this, and what have we learned during the pandemic? This review summarizes relevant literature that has addressed the presence and dispersal of aerosol and spatter as a concern in health care. It includes the sources of dental aerosol, their potential health threats, and strategies for controlling and mitigating their impact. It shows that further research is needed to better understand the potential health risks of dental aerosol and to develop effective strategies for mitigating them. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Using personal protective equipment, high-volume evacuation systems and pre-procedural antimicrobial agents can help to reduce the potential for infection in oral health-care settings and protect the well-being of oral health-care workers and their patients.


Trends in Racial-Ethnic Disparities in Adult Mental Health Treatment Use From 2005 to 2019.
Although U.S. mental health treatment rates increased in the 2000s, gaps in treatment among racial-ethnic groups grew. Little is known, however, about national trends after 2012, when treatment access increased overall. This study assessed trends in racial-ethnic disparities in past-year treatment rates among people with a major depressive episode, serious psychological distress, or serious mental illness. National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2005-2019) data of adults with a past-year major depressive episode (N=49,791) or serious psychological distress (N=89,233) and of adults with past-year serious mental illness (N=24,944; 2008-2019) were analyzed. Linear risk regressions were used to model trends in past-year use of mental health treatment and included an interaction term between survey year and race-ethnicity. Treatment use prevalence (2005-2019) among marginalized individuals with a major depressive episode remained lower than that among White people. The magnitude of the disparity in treatment use between White and Hispanic people with major depressive episode decreased slightly (percentage-point difference=-25.1% to -14.9%), whereas the disparity in treatment use between White people and American Indian/Alaska Native people with serious mental illness increased significantly (percentage-point difference=23.4% to -12.2%), from 2005 to 2019. The magnitude of the disparities for other marginalized racial-ethnic groups did not meaningfully change. Racial-ethnic disparities in past-year mental health treatment use have persisted. Efforts to reduce disparities should consider structural barriers that hinder treatment use among marginalized groups.


Characterization of infectious hepatitis C virus from liver-derived cell lines.
The efficient production of infectious HCV from the JFH-1 strain is restricted to the Huh7 cell line and its derivatives. However, the factors involved in this restriction are unknown. In this study, we examined the production of infectious HCV from other liver-derived cell lines, and characterized the produced viruses. Clones of the Huh7, HepG2, and IMY-N9, harboring the JFH-1 full-genomic replicon, were obtained. The supernatant of each cell clone exhibited infectivity for naïve Huh7. Each infectious supernatant was then characterized by sucrose density gradient. For all of the cell lines, the main peak of the HCV-core protein and RNA exhibited at approximately 1.15g/mL of buoyant density. However, the supernatant from the IMY-N9 differed from that of Huh7 in the ratio of core:RNA at 1.15g/mL and significant peaks were also observed at lower density. The virus particles produced from the different cell lines may have different characteristics.


Genetic Predictors of Response to Different Medical Therapies in Acromegaly.
In the era of predictive medicine, management of diseases is evolving into a more personal and individualized approach, as more data are available regarding clinical, biochemical, radiological, molecular, histopathological, and genetic aspects. In the particular setting of acromegaly, which is a rare, chronic, debilitating, and disfiguring disease, an optimized approach deems even more necessary, especially because of an associated increased morbidity and mortality, the impact on patients' quality of life, and the increased cost of frequently necessary life-long treatments. In this paper, we review the available studies that address potential genetic influences on acromegaly, their role in the outcome, and response to treatments, as well as their contribution to the risk of developing side effects. We focus mainly on pharmacogenetic factors involved during treatment with dopamine agonists, somatostatin analogs, and pegvisomant. Specifically, mutations in dopamine receptors, somatostatin receptors, growth hormone receptors, and metabolic pathways involved in growth hormone action; polymorphisms in the insulin-like growth factor and the insulin-like growth factor binding proteins; and polymorphisms in other genes that may determine differences in the frequency of developing adverse events.


Spatial Gradients in the Size of Inner Hair Cell Ribbons Emerge Before the Onset of Hearing in Rats.
The size and locations of pre-synaptic ribbons and glutamate receptors within and around inner hair cells are correlated with auditory afferent response features such as the spontaneous discharge rate (SR), threshold, and dynamic range of sound intensity representation (the so-called SR-groups). To test if the development of these spatial gradients requires experience with sound intensity, we quantified the size and spatial distribution of synaptic ribbons from the inner hair cells of neonatal rats before and after the onset of hearing (from post-natal day (P) 3 to P33). To quantify ribbon size, we used high resolution fluorescence confocal microscopy and 3-D reconstructions of immunolabeled ribbons. The size, density, and spatial distribution of ribbons changed during development. At P3, ribbons were densely clustered near the basal/modiolar face of the hair cell where low SR-groups preferentially contact adult hair cells. By P12, the disparity in ribbon count was less striking and ribbons were equally likely to occupy both faces. At all ages before P12, ribbons were larger on the modiolar face than on the pillar face. These differences initially grew larger with age but collapsed around the onset of hearing. Between P12 and P33, the spatial gradients remained small and began to re-emerge around P33. Even by P12, we did not find spatial gradients in the size of the post-synaptic glutamate receptors as is found on afferent terminals contacting adult inner hair cells. These results suggest that spatial gradients in ribbon size develop in the absence of sensory experience.


Adding luteinizing hormone to follicle stimulating hormone from day 3-5 improves pregnancy outcome in normal but not poor responders using gonadotropin releasing hormone antagonists.
To determine if the addition of luteinizing hormone (LH) to follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulation for controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) protocols using gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists improves pregnancy rates following in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET). All IVF-ET cycles using a GnRH antagonist were evaluated according to whether FSH was used exclusively or if LH was added. The cycles were further stratified according to age (< or = 39 and 40-42 years) and according to good responders (> or = five oocytes retrieved) or poor responders (< or = four oocytes). Combining all data, a significantly higher clinical and live delivered pregnancy rates were found in those adding LH (34.7% and 32.3%) vs those taking all FSH (33.4% and 25.8%). The only subgroup not showing this effect was the women aged 40-42 years with diminished oocyte reserve. LH should be added not only to COH protocols using GnRH agonists but also those using GnRH antagonists.


Vesicouterine fistula: a rare complication of vaginal birth after cesarean.
Vesicouterine fistula is rare. We report a vesicouterine fistula that was the direct result of a vaginal delivery in a patient with a history of lower uterine segment cesarean delivery. A woman developed a vesicouterine fistula during vaginal delivery after a previous cesarean. An anterior uterine wall defect was noted immediately after the delivery. Continuous bladder drainage was unsuccessful in managing her fistula, and surgical correction was necessary. Although rare, a vesicouterine fistula can occur as a complication of vaginal delivery in patients with a history of cesarean delivery.


Mantle zone lymphoma: an immunohistologic study of skin lesions.
Mantle zone lymphoma (MZL) is a B-cell proliferation regarded as the follicular variant of intermediate lymphocytic lymphoma (ILL). Neoplastic small lymphoid cells proliferate as wide mantles around atrophic centers of benign appearance. The clinical, histologic, and immunohistochemical features of four cases of MZL, heralded by cutaneous lesions, are described and correlated with the lymph node pattern. All specimens showed extensive nodules in the reticular dermis invading the subcutaneous tissue. They were mainly composed of a proliferation of small lymphocytes with slightly irregular nuclear contours and clumped chromatin, forming wide mantles around small atrophic germinal centers. Serial biopsy specimens in case 1 revealed evolution of the skin lesions from pseudolymphoma into MZL. Their immunohistochemistry was similar to that of lymph nodes and showed that the neoplastic cells were CD5+, CD20+, CD22+, CD25+, CD74+, Leu-8+, HLA-DR+, IgM+, IgD+ with restriction for the lambda light chain, CD10-, and CD71-, whereas the germinal center cells were polyclonal. In three cases many CD38+, PCA-1+ plasma cells were present both in the grenz zone and in bordering neoplastic nodules. The clinical course was chronic. The only death occurred from unrelated causes; one patient is still alive 17 years after onset. Skin lesions may be the only manifestation of MZL for an extended period. The differentiation between pseudolymphoma and other lymphoma subtypes is based not only on the histologic and cytologic features but also on the architecture, followed by immunohistochemical confirmation.


Defining Clinically Meaningful Subgroups for Risk Stratification in Patients Undergoing Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Combined Unsupervised and Supervised Machine Learning Approach.
Studies developing predictive models from large datasets to risk-stratify patients under going revision total hip arthroplasties (rTHAs) are limited. We used machine learning (ML) to stratify patients undergoing rTHA into risk-based subgroups. We retrospectively identified 7,425 patients who underwent rTHA from a national database. An unsupervised random forest algorithm was used to partition patients into high-risk and low-risk strata based on similarities in rates of mortality, reoperation, and 25 other postoperative complications. A risk calculator was produced using a supervised ML algorithm to identify high-risk patients based on preoperative parameters. There were 3,135 and 4,290 patients identified in the high-risk and low-risk subgroups, respectively. Each group significantly differed by rate of 30-day mortalities, unplanned reoperations/readmissions, routine discharges, and hospital lengths of stay (P < .05). An Extreme Gradient Boosting algorithm identified preoperative platelets < 200, hematocrit > 35 or < 20, increasing age, albumin < 3, international normalized ratio > 2, body mass index > 35, American Society of Anesthesia class ≥ 3, blood urea nitrogen > 50 or < 30, creatinine > 1.5, diagnosis of hypertension or coagulopathy, and revision for periprosthetic fracture and infection as predictors of high risk. Clinically meaningful risk strata in patients undergoing rTHA were identified using an ML clustering approach. Preoperative labs, demographics, and surgical indications have the greatest impact on differentiating high versus low risk. III.


Updates in Glycemic Management in the Hospital.
To provide an update of glycemic management during metabolic stress related to surgery or critical illness. There is a clear association between severe hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, and high glycemic variability and poor outcomes of postoperative or critically ill patients. However, the impressive beneficial effects of tight glycemic management (TGM) by intensive insulin therapy reported in one study were never reproduced. Hence, the recommendation of TGM is now replaced by more liberal blood glucose (BG) targets (< 180 mg/dL or 10 mM). Recent data support the concept of targeting individualized blood glucose (BG) values according to the presence of diabetes mellitus/chronic hyperglycemia, the presence of brain injury, and the time from injury. A more liberal glycemic management goal is currently advised during metabolic stress and could be switched to individualized glycemic management once validated by prospective trials.


Comparing Stereotactic Radiosurgery and Fractionated Stereotactic Radiotherapy in Treating patients with Growth Hormone-Secreting Adenomas: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
Context: Radiotherapy for patients with acromegaly was considered when patients have residual disease or tumor recurrence after surgery, or when surgery can't be carried out. There are two main modes of radiotherapy, including stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT). Objective: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to present the effectiveness and safety of SRS and FSRT for GH secreting pituitary adenoma in clinical practice. Methods: We searched the published literature using following databases: Pub Med, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and EMBASE up to March 22, 2020, for studies in which SRS or FSRT were used in patients with GH secreting pituitary. Results: A total of 33 studies were eligible, involving 2016 participants. No significant differences were observed in tumor shrinkage rate, local tumor control rate and adverse effect rate between SRS and FSRT. Compared to FSRT, SRS showed significant increase in biochemical remission rate (43% vs. 28%; p=0.023) and significant lower follow-up GH level (SMD: -1.20 vs. -0.37, p=0.006). Conclusions: SRS and FSRT showed comparable effectiveness and safety in the management of GH secreting pituitary adenoma patients. SRS might be associated with better biochemical remission.


Exercise Addiction and Major Depressive Disorder - Clinical Diagnoses and Longitudinal Course.
People at risk of exercise addiction report increased symptoms of psychopathology. The aim of this study was to clinically assess the lifetime prevalence of depressive disorders in individuals at risk of exercise addiction and to determine whether depressive symptoms tend to precede or follow excessive exercising. Based on the Exercise Dependence Scale-21, a total of 31 individuals categorized at risk of exercise addiction underwent the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 to assess major depressive disorder (MDD). The results showed 16 of the 31 participants suffered from MDD. The onset of MMD occurred in 10 participants after excessive exercising and in 5 before excessive exercising. In one participant, the symptom onset was unclear. MDD is far more prevalent in patients with exercise addiction compared to the general population and develops more often after the beginning of exercise addiction. Caution in the use of exercise to treat depression may be warranted.


Hirshfeld atom like refinement with alternative electron density partitions.
Hirshfeld atom refinement is one of the most successful methods for the accurate determination of structural parameters for hydrogen atoms from X-ray diffraction data. This work introduces a generalization of the method [generalized atom refinement (GAR)], consisting of the application of various methods of partitioning electron density into atomic contributions. These were tested on three organic structures using the following partitions: Hirshfeld, iterative Hirshfeld, iterative stockholder, minimal basis iterative stockholder and Becke. The effects of partition choice were also compared with those caused by other factors such as quantum chemical methodology, basis set, representation of the crystal field and a combination of these factors. The differences between the partitions were small in terms of R factor (e.g. much smaller than for refinements with different quantum chemistry methods, i.e. Hartree-Fock and coupled cluster) and therefore no single partition was clearly the best in terms of experimental data reconstruction. In the case of structural parameters the differences between the partitions are comparable to those related to the choice of other factors. We have observed the systematic effects of the partition choice on bond lengths and ADP values of polar hydrogen atoms. The bond lengths were also systematically influenced by the choice of electron density calculation methodology. This suggests that GAR-derived structural parameters could be systematically improved by selecting an optimal combination of the partition and quantum chemistry method. The results of the refinements were compared with those of neutron diffraction experiments. This allowed a selection of the most promising partition methods for further optimization of GAR settings, namely the Hirshfeld, iterative stockholder and minimal basis iterative stockholder.


[Subjective need for help and objectified geriatric assess. Comparison of the Halberstädter Gerontologic Study and the Augsburger Senior Study].
The Halberstadt Geriatric Study and the Augsburg Senior Citizens Study contain common elements of geriatric assessment (self-assessment of functional dependence, objective evaluation of the functional status). In our cross-sectional investigation, the objective was to examine associations between functional dependence and functional tests and to investigate whether association patterns differed between the surveyed groups. The prospective Halberstadt study began in the German Democratic Republic in 1983 within the framework of a vocational examination before employees entered retirement. In 1995 the study was reactivated; 367 survivors answered a postal questionnaire of which 167 persons took part in a test battery including performance and psychometric tests. The 214 Augsburg test persons had already taken part in the MONICA survey (monitoring of trends and determinants of cardiovascular disease). In 1997 they were assessed in a follow-up study, the aim being to determine the functional status of an elderly cohort through interviews and functional tests. In both studies functional dependence was defined by the (I)ADL concept [(instrumental) activities of daily living]. The participants' functional status was determined with the help of performance tests such as foot tapping and cognitive tests such as the Mini-Mental State Examination. Additionally, medical diagnoses and the use of medical facilities were investigated. The presence of functional dependence was consistently and predominantly significantly associated with the functional status assessed by performance tests. These results were largely confirmed by a logistic regression model. Our results show that even in populations with a different socialization, performance tests are stable indicators of functional dependence and should therefore be incorporated in geriatric assessment programs. The introduction of a standardized assessment program with subsequent intervention measures could lead to a delay of functional dependence and need of care and reduce costs in the health care system.


[Morphological and structural S.E.M. analysis of a new type of orthodontic bracket].
The SEM analysis, the metallographic analysis, the microhardness and the mechanic resistance before and after recycling treatment, are compared with the analysis made on a bracket earlier produced by the same firm.


The MuLV 4070A G541R Env mutation decreases the stability and alters the conformation of the TM ectodomain.
Virus-cell and cell-cell fusion events are affected by various properties of the fusogenic Env protein on the cell surface. The G541R mutation within the TM ectodomain of murine leukemia virus (MuLV) 4070A arose by positive selection in viral passage and results in a reduction of cell-cell fusion events while maintaining viral titer. Size exclusion chromatography shows that the multimerization properties are similar among expressed wild-type and mutant ectodomain peptides. Circular dichroism measurements reveal decreased thermal stability of the G541R mutant as compared to wild type. The G541R mutant also renders the peptide more susceptible to Lys-C protease cleavage. The 42-114 monoclonal antibody does not bind to the G541R mutant peptides, suggesting a structural difference from wild type. These altered physical properties result in productive viral infection of G541R bearing virus with decreased syncytia.


The negative inotropic effect of diazepam in rat right ventricular strips.
The effect of diazepam on cardiac contractility was investigated in electrically-driven right ventricular strips of the rat. Diazepam produced a concentration-dependent negative inotropic effect which was antagonized by either flumazenil, a benzodiazepine central-type receptor antagonist, or PK 11195, a benzodiazepine peripheral type receptor antagonist. The results suggest that the inhibitory effect of diazepam on cardiac contractility in the rat is mediated by both central and peripheral benzodiazepine receptors.


Artificial sweeteners--a recently recognized class of emerging environmental contaminants: a review.
An overview is given of existing trace analytical methods for the determination of seven popular artificial sweeteners [acesulfame (ACE), aspartame, cyclamate (CYC), neotame, neohesperidine dihydrochalcone, saccharin (SAC), and sucralose (SUC)] from aqueous environmental samples. Liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization high-resolution mass spectrometry are the methods most widely applied, either directly or after solid-phase extraction. Limits of detection and limits of quantification down to the low nanogram per liter range can be achieved. ACE, CYC, SAC, and SUC were detected in wastewater treatment plants in high microgram per liter concentrations. Per capita loads of individual sweeteners can vary within a wide range depending on their use in different countries. Whereas CYC and SAC are usually degraded by more than 90% during wastewater treatment, ACE and SUC pass through wastewater treatment plants mainly unchanged. This suggests their use as virtually perfect markers for the study of the impact of wastewater on source waters and drinking waters. In finished water of drinking water treatment plants using surface-water-influenced source water, ACE and SUC were detected in concentrations up to 7 and 2.4 μg/L, respectively. ACE was identified as a precursor of oxidation byproducts during ozonation, resulting in an aldehyde intermediate and acetic acid. Although the concentrations of ACE and SUC are among the highest measured for anthropogenic trace pollutants found in surface water, groundwater, and drinking water, the levels are at least three orders of magnitude lower than organoleptic threshold values. However, ecotoxicology studies are scarce and have focused on SUC. Thus, further research is needed both on identification of transformation products and on the ecotoxicological impact of artificial sweeteners and their transformation products.


The logic of the medical research article.
As do all forms of science, medical theories have a factual as well as a logical basis. New information is presented in medical research articles. These papers have three separate arguments: the argument of the hypothesis, the argument of the experimental protocol, and the argument of the hypothesis's judgement. These arguments may be examples of the hypothetico-deductive or confirmational model of scientific interference. The logical form of these arguments are informal and inductive rather than formal and deductive. Understanding the nature of the logic of the medical research article may help avoid erroneous conclusions.


The validity of determining pancreatic cancer incidence in the United States by the use of mortality data.
To test the validity of using pancreatic cancer mortality as an indicator of incidence, mortality data for 1969-1971 were compared to incidence data for those areas covered by the Third National Cancer Survey, which was conducted during the same time period. Good correlation was found for whites but not for blacks. Small numbers of black study subjects in the Third National Cancer Survey probably influenced the incidence data for blacks. Pancreatic cancer mortality and incidence data for U.S. whites appear to be fairly accurate indicators of each other. The same cannot be said for the corresponding data for blacks. The pancreatic cancer mortality data from 1970 to 1978 for whites in the United States were analyzed to determine the current trend of the disease. In contrast to previously increasing rates, the age-adjusted rates for white females were determined to have leveled off, while the age-adjusted rates for white males appear to have started to decline slightly.


FGF23 beyond Phosphotropic Hormone.
Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 23 is a bone-derived phosphotropic hormone that regulates phosphate and vitamin D metabolism. FGF23 mainly affects kidney function via the FGF receptor (FGFR)/α-Klotho complex. The physiological roles of FGF23 and α-Klotho in the regulation of mineral homeostasis have been well established. In addition, recent studies have reported that FGF23 has various effects on many other tissues, sometimes in an α-Klotho-independent manner, especially under pathological conditions. However, how FGF23 works in these tissues without α-Klotho is not entirely clear. Here we review the recent reports concerning the actions of FGF23 on various tissues and discuss the remaining questions about FGF23.


Intermittent Fasting Alleviates Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis by Regulating Bile Acid Metabolism and Promoting Fecal Bile Acid Excretion in High-Fat and High-Cholesterol Diet Fed Mice.
Intermittent fasting (IF) has a protective role across a wide range of chronic disorders, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, but its protection against non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is still lacking. This study seeks to investigate how IF alleviates NASH by regulating gut microbiota and bile acids (BAs) composition. Male C57BL/6 mice are fed a high-fat and high-cholesterol (HFHC) diet for 16 weeks to establish a NASH model. Mice then continued HFHC feeding and are treated with or without every other day fasting for 10 weeks. Hepatic pathology is assessed using hematoxylin-eosin staining. Gut microbiota of the cecum are profiled using 16S rDNA gene sequencing and the levels of BAs in serum, colon contents, and feces are measured using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Results indicate that IF significantly decreases murine body weight, insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis, ballooning, and lobular inflammation. IF reshapes the gut microbiota, reduces the accumulation of serum BAs, and increases total colonic and fecal BAs. Moreover, IF increases the expression of cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase 1 in liver, but decreases the expressions of both farnesoid-X-receptor and fibroblast growth factor 15 in the ileum. IF alleviates NASH by regulating bile acid metabolism and promoting fecal bile acid excretion.


The reproducibility of closed-pouch sweat collection and thermoregulatory responses to exercise-heat stress.
Seven active male subjects cycled for 60 min at 29.5 (0.8)% peak work rate on three separate occasions in a hot environmental condition [36.0 (0.1) degrees C, 60 (1)% relative humidity] in order to determine the reproducibility of a closed-pouch sweat collection technique for sweat composition at the scapula, forearm and thigh. To confirm that sweat composition was not influenced by between-trial variations in sudomotor drive, local sweat rate, whole-body sweat rate, heart rate (HR), rectal temperature (T(re)) and mean skin temperature (T(sk)) responses were also measured, consequently reproducibility was also established for these variables. Sweat composition did not differ among trials, with the mean coefficients of variation (CVs) for sweat [Na(+)], [K(+)] and pH being 10.4 (7.4)%, 8.1 (6.5)% and 1.3 (1.1)%, respectively. Local sweat rates did not differ among the three trials (P>0.05) although whole-body sweat rate was reduced in the third trial (P<0.05). The mean CVs were 11.0 (7.8)% and 4.7 (1.6)% for local and whole-body sweat rates, respectively. Between-trial differences were not evident for T(re), T(sk) or HR with mean CVs of 0.3 (0.2)%, 0.7 (0.6)% and 3.9 (1.7)%, respectively, although HR tended to be greater in the first trial ( P=0.08). It is proposed that moderate variations in sweat composition were influenced by variations in the local sweat rate, which were induced by application of the pouch.


A prospective cohort study using non-invasive methods of cardiovascular assessment to compare postnatal adaptation in well late preterm and term infants.
Echocardiography was combined with pulse oximetry plethysmography to investigate postnatal cardiovascular adaptation in late preterm and term infants. Median (IQR) pleth variability decreased over three days and similar, day2 15%(12-18%) preterm versus 16%(15-18%) term infants. Median (IQR) pulse transit time heart rate normalised was lower in term babies, day2 0.55(0.51-0.63) versus 0.64(0.62-0.68).


Correlation of RAST and provocation tests for diagnosing allergic asthma and rhinitis.
252 bronchial (BPT) and 346 nasal (NPT) provocation tests were done. A positive RAST coincided with a positive BPT in 81% and a positive NPT in 82% of the cases. When RAST was negative the BPT's were positive in 33% and NPT's in 54% of trials. Contrary to the NPT's the RAST and the BPT's agreed well in different allergen groups, excepting mold provocation.


Helping to heal nature and ourselves through human-rights-based and gender-responsive One Health.
The health of our planet and humanity is threatened by biodiversity loss, disease and climate crises that are unprecedented in human history, driven by our insatiable consumption and unsustainable production patterns, particularly food systems. The One Health approach is a pathway to synergistically addressing outcomes in term of health and sustainability, but gender issues at the One Health and biodiversity nexus are largely ignored. By examining the roles and responsibilities of Indigenous and Local People, and especially women, in conserving natural resources, and the social costs of living at the Human-Animal-Environment interface under current conservation strategies, we show that women bear a disproportionate health, poverty and climate burden, despite having pivotal roles in conserving biodiversity. To mitigate risks of emerging infectious diseases, food insecurity and climate change impacts, a gender perspective has previously been proposed, but implementation lags behind. Endemic zoonotic diseases, human-wildlife conflict and environmental pollution lack gender-sensitive frameworks. We demonstrate that women can be powerful agents for change at all levels of society, from communities to businesses, and policy-making institutions, but gender inequalities still persist. We develop a framework for mainstreaming a gender-responsive and rights-based One Health approach, in order to heal ourselves and nature. Using a leverage-points perspective, we suggest a change of paradigm, from the pursuit of GDP and over-consumption, to a focus on human well-being and their reconnection with healthy environments, using a One Health understanding of nature and health. We recommend learning from Indigenous People to re-position ourselves within nature and to better conserve biodiversity. We also propose integration of gender equity in leadership, the respect of human rights, women's rights (access to health care, healthy food, land tenure, natural resources, education, and economic opportunities), and the rights of nature, through the implementation of gender-responsive and rights-based One Health Action Plans, at policy-making level, in the private sector and the civil society. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to unveil deep socio-economic inequities in the wealthiest economies and the vital role of nature in supporting our health, we argue to seize this opportunity to build back better and improve resilience and sustainability by using a gender-responsive and rights-based One Health approach.


Effect of temperature on the orthodontic clinical applications of NiTi closed-coil springs.
NiTi spring coils were used to obtain large deformation under a constant force. The device consists on a NiTi coil spring, superelastic at body temperature, in order to have a stress plateau during the austenitic retransformation during the unloading. The temperature variations induced changes in the spring force. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of the temperature variations in the spring forces and corrosion behaviour simulating the ingestion hot/cold drinks and food. The springs were subjected to a tensile force using universal testing machine MTS-Adamel (100 N load cell). All tests were performed in artificial saliva maintained at different temperatures. The corrosion tests were performed according to the ISO-standard 10993-15:2000. The increase in temperature of 18 °C induced an increase in the spring force of 30%. However, when the temperature returns to 37 °C the distraction force recovers near the initial level. After cooling down the spring to 15 °C, the force decreased by 46%. This investigation show as the temperature increase, the corrosion potential shifts towards negative values and the corrosion density is rising. The changes of the temperatures do not modify the superelastic behaviour of the NiTi closed-coil springs. The corrosion potential of NiTi in artificial saliva is decreasing by the rise of the temperatures.