An integrated genomic and proteomic approach to identify signatures of endosulfan exposure in hepatocellular carcinoma cells.
Present study reports the identification of genomic and proteomic signatures of endosulfan exposure in hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2). HepG2 cells were exposed to sublethal concentration (15μM) of endosulfan for 24h. DNA microarray and MALDI-TOF-MS analyses revealed that endosulfan induced significant alterations in the expression level of genes and proteins involved in multiple cellular pathways (apoptosis, transcription, immune/inflammatory response, carbohydrate metabolism, etc.). Furthermore, downregulation of PHLDA gene, upregulation of ACIN1 protein and caspase-3 activation in exposed cells indicated that endosulfan can trigger apoptotic cascade in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. In total 135 transcripts and 19 proteins were differentially expressed. This study presents an integrated approach to identify the alteration of biological/cellular pathways in HepG2 cells upon endosulfan exposure.


Noninvasive blood pressure measurement in the neonate.
Measurements of blood pressure are important in the care of the critically ill neonate. Although direct measurement of mean arterial pressure remains the standard, noninvasive methods provide clinically useful estimations of pressure. Clinicians are often faced with situations where measurements of pressure obtained by direct and indirect methods do not agree. Although the explanation for this is not entirely clear, at least two factors are important: first, direct techniques measure pressure while indirect (noninvasive) methods measure flow; second, neither direct or indirect measurements are straightforward and both are subject to error. Of the noninvasive methods, the oscillometric and Doppler devices appear to be most clinically useful in the newborn intensive care unit.


RF heating of deep brain stimulation implants in open-bore vertical MRI systems: A simulation study with realistic device configurations.
Patients with deep brain stimulation (DBS) implants benefit highly from MRI, however, access to MRI is restricted for these patients because of safety hazards associated with RF heating of the implant. To date, all MRI studies on RF heating of medical implants have been performed in horizontal closed-bore systems. Vertical MRI scanners have a fundamentally different distribution of electric and magnetic fields and are now available at 1.2T, capable of high-resolution structural and functional MRI. This work presents the first simulation study of RF heating of DBS implants in high-field vertical scanners. We performed finite element electromagnetic simulations to calculate specific absorption rate (SAR) at tips of DBS leads during MRI in a commercially available 1.2T vertical coil compared to a 1.5T horizontal scanner. Both isolated leads and fully implanted systems were included. We found 10- to 30-fold reduction in SAR implication at tips of isolated DBS leads, and up to 19-fold SAR reduction at tips of leads in fully implanted systems in vertical coils compared to horizontal birdcage coils. If confirmed in larger patient cohorts and verified experimentally, this result can open the door to plethora of structural and functional MRI applications to guide, interpret, and advance DBS therapy.


Responses of compositions, functions, and assembly processes of bacterial and microeukaryotic communities to long-range voyages in simulated ballast water.
Ballast water is one of the main vectors for the spread of harmful organisms among geologically isolated waters. However, the successional processes of microbial functions and assembly processes in ballast water during the long-term shipping voyage remain unclear. In this study, the compositions, ecological functions, community assembly, and potential environmental drivers of bacteria and microeukaryotes were investigated in simulated ballast water microcosms for 120 days. The results showed that the diversity and compositions of the bacterial and microeukaryotic communities varied significantly in the initial 40 days (T0∼T40 samples) and then gradually converged. The relative abundance of Proteobacteria showed a distinct tendency to decrease (87.90%-41.44%), while that of Ascomycota exhibited an increasing trend (6.35%-62.12%). The functional groups also varied significantly over time and could be related to the variations of the microbial community. The chemoheterotrophy and aerobic chemoheterotrophy functional groups for bacteria decreased from 44.80% to 28.02% and from 43.77% to 25.39%, respectively. Additionally, co-occurrence network analysis showed that the structures of the bacterial community in T60∼T120 samples were more stable than those in T0∼T40 samples. Stochastic processes also significantly affected the community assembly of bacteria and microeukaryotes. pH played the most significant role in driving the structures and assembly processes of the bacterial and microeukaryotic communities. The results of this study could aid in the understanding of variations in the functions and ecological processes of bacterial and microeukaryotic communities in ballast water over time and provide a theoretical basis for its management.


Antimicrobial peptide melittin against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae, the bacterial leaf blight pathogen in rice.
Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae is a destructive bacterial disease of rice, and the development of an environmentally safe bactericide is urgently needed. Antimicrobial peptides, as antibacterial sources, may play important roles in bactericide development. In the present study, we found that the antimicrobial peptide melittin had the desired antibacterial activity against X. oryzae pv. oryzae. The antibacterial mechanism was investigated by examining its effects on cell membranes, energy metabolism, and nucleic acid, and protein synthesis. The antibacterial effects arose from its ability to interact with the bacterial cell wall and disrupt the cytoplasmic membrane by making holes and channels, resulting in the leakage of the cytoplasmic content. Additionally, melittin is able to permeabilize bacterial membranes and reach the cytoplasm, indicating that there are multiple mechanisms of antimicrobial action. DNA/RNA binding assay suggests that melittin may inhibit macromolecular biosynthesis by binding intracellular targets, such as DNA or RNA, and that those two modes eventually lead to bacterial cell death. Melittin can inhibit X. oryzae pv. oryzae from spreading, alleviating the disease symptoms, which indicated that melittin may have potential applications in plant protection.


In Vitro Validation of 4D Flow MRI for Local Pulse Wave Velocity Estimation.
Arterial stiffness has predictive value for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Local artery stiffness can provide insight on CVD pathology and may be useful for diagnosis and prognosis. However, current methods are invasive, require real-time expertise for measurement, or are limited by arterial region. 4D Flow MRI can non-invasively measure local stiffness by estimating local pulse wave velocity (PWV). This technique can be applied to vascular regions, previously accessible only by invasive stiffness measurement methods. MRI PWV data can also be analyzed post-exam. However, 4D Flow MRI requires validation before it is used in vivo to measure local PWV. PWV, calculated from 4D Flow MRI and a benchtop experiment, was compared with petersons elastic modulus (PEM) of in vitro models. PEM was calculated using high-speed camera images and pressure transducers. Three transit-time algorithms were analyzed for PWV measurement accuracy and precision. PWV from 4D Flow MRI and reference benchtop experiments show strong correlation with PEM (R2 = 0.99). The cross correlation transit-time algorithm showed the lowest percent difference between 4D Flow MRI and benchtop experiments (4-7%), and the point to point of 50% upstroke algorithm had the highest transit-time vs. distance data average R2 (0.845). 4D Flow MRI is a feasible method for estimating local PWV in simple in vitro models and is a viable tool for clinical analysis. In addition, choice in transit-time algorithm depends on flow waveform shape and arterial region. This study strengthens the validity of 4D Flow MRI local PWV measurement in simple models. However, this technique requires validation in more complex models before it is used in vivo.


Intrathecal synthesis of IgM in neurological diseases: a comparison between detection of oligoclonal bands and quantitative estimation.
Immunoglobulin (Ig) M concentration in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was measured in 30 reference subjects to determine reference ranges which were up to 0.41 mg/l for CSF IgM, 0.06 for IgM index, and 9 x 10(-4) mg/l for the Reiber empirical formula. Intrathecal IgM synthesis was then studied in 159 patients with different neurological diseases both by detecting CSF oligoclonal IgM bands and by determining the IgM index and Reiber's intrathecal IgM production values. At the same time, the state of blood-CSF barrier was evaluated in all patients by CSF polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and by CSF/serum albumin ratio. Oligoclonal IgM bands were present mainly in patients with intrathecal humoral immune response, e.g. multiple sclerosis, other inflammatory nervous diseases, and infections of the central nervous system. Quantitative IgM ratios were, however, elevated in conditions not associated with local humoral immune response. Furthermore, quantitative ratios were elevated in patients with damaged blood-CSF barriers. Oligoclonal IgM bands are thus considered to be the most useful tool in detecting intrathecal synthesis of IgM.


Transcriptome analysis reveals significant differences between primary plasma cell leukemia and multiple myeloma even when sharing a similar genetic background.
Primary plasma cell leukemia (pPCL) is a highly aggressive plasma cell dyscrasia characterised by short remissions and very poor survival. Although the 17p deletion is associated with poor outcome and extramedullary disease in MM, its presence does not confer the degree of aggressiveness observed in pPCL. The comprehensive exploration of isoform expression and RNA splicing events may provide novel information about biological differences between the two diseases. Transcriptomic studies were carried out in nine newly diagnosed pPCL and ten MM samples, all of which harbored the 17p deletion. Unsupervised cluster analysis clearly distinguished pPCL from MM samples. In total 3584 genes and 20033 isoforms were found to be deregulated between pPCL and MM. There were 2727 significantly deregulated isoforms of non-differentially expressed genes. Strangely enough, significant differences were observed in the expression of spliceosomal machinery components between pPCL and MM, in respect of the gene, isoform and the alternative splicing events expression. In summary, transcriptome analysis revealed significant differences in the relative abundance of isoforms between pPCL and MM, even when they both had the 17p deletion. The mRNA processing pathway including RNA splicing machinery emerged as one of the most remarkable mechanisms underlying the biological differences between the two entities.


Two single-center, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, phase I studies to investigate the tolerability and pharmacokinetics of CH-1504, an antifolate, in healthy male subjects.
Several studies have suggested that a significant proportion of the toxicity profile of the antifolate methotrexate can be attributed to its hydroxylated and polyglutamylated metabolites. CH-1504 is an investigational antifolate, which is neither hydroxylated or polyglutamylated. The purpose of this study was to test the tolerability and pharmacokinetics of single and multiple ascending doses of CH-1504. Two single-center, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, Phase I studies were conducted in single and multiple ascending-dose designs in healthy male adult volunteers. In the single ascending-dose study, subjects were randomized to receive the study drug (1, 5, 7.5, 10, 15, or 20 mg) or placebo in a 4:1 ratio. Subjects were under clinical supervision for 48 hours following a single oral administration. Follow-up occurred on days 10 and 30. In the multiple ascending-dose study, subjects were randomized to receive the study drug (7.5, 10, or 15 mg) or placebo at a 3:1 ratio. Subjects received a single oral administration of CH-1504 once daily on days 1 through 7, during which time they remained under clinical supervision. Follow-up was conducted on days 16 and 30. Tolerability was determined through echocardiogram and clinical laboratory tests (eg, hematology, serum biochemistry, urinalysis). No clinically significant abnormalities were observed in any of the tolerability evaluations. No adverse events were attributed to treatment and those that were possibly related (eg, rash, headache, dizziness) were all considered mild. Peak plasma concentrations occurred between 1 to 2.5 hours after administration and the apparent t(1/2) was approximately 3 hours. On average, <3.1% of the administered dose was recovered as CH-1504 in the urine in the single-dose study and <1.5% in the multiple-dose study. CH-1504 appeared to be well tolerated in single administered doses up to 20 mg and daily administrations for 7 days up to 15 mg in healthy male volunteers in these studies. However, the results of the pharmacokinetic analysis support the development of a new formulation to improve the bioavailability before further clinical studies are warranted.


Analysis of peristaltic reflex in young mdx dystrophic mice.
Experiments have been carried out in isolated distal colon of young normal and mdx dystrophic mice, the animal homologous of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Intraluminal pressure, longitudinal displacement, ejected fluid volume and changes in morphology during peristaltic events were recorded. In both male and female normal animals, pressure waves were observed to be generally regular in shape, amplitude (14.19 +/- 2.45 (SD) cm H2O), frequency (54.00 +/- 10.78 h-1) and duration (31.12 +/- 3.47 s). The propulsive activity resulted in orthograde transport of intraluminal content. Mdx mice exhibited great changes in relation to sex, since clear and more marked dysfunctions were recorded in female mice. In male mdx animals, an increase of intraluminal pressure (22%) and ejected fluid volume (38%) were recorded. In females, a remarkable significant (P < 0.001) increase (78%) of intraluminal pressure was observed. Simultaneous anterograde and retrograde propulsive activity also occurred. Localized annular constrictions in proximal, central and distal portions of colonic segment were observed. The implications of the results are discussed in terms of injury of myogenic and nervous pathways controlling mdx colonic smooth muscle.


Intrauterine development of posthaemorrhagic hydrocephalus.
Differential diagnosis of intrauterine hydrocephalus includes various types of cerebral malformations. In about 30% of cases the pathogenesis remains unknown. During 1983-1985 we diagnosed intrauterine posthaemorrhagic hydrocephalus (IPHH) in four newborns. In three of the reported cases intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) could already be proven in the fetus. Due to these observations, IPHH has to be considered with the differential diagnosis of congenital hydrocephalus. Haemorrhagic diathesis and multiple pregnancy are discussed as possible risk factors for this severe fetal complication.


Enhancing biohydrogen gas production in anaerobic system via comparative chemical pre-treatment on palm oil mill effluent (POME).
Biological hydrogen production using palm oil mill effluent (POME) as a carbon source through dark fermentation process has been suggested to be a promising bioenergy potential and enacts as alternative renewable energy source. Results have indicated that among various 1.5% (w/v) chemical pre-treatments (sodium hydroxide, NaOH; hydrochloric acid, HCl; sulphuric acid, H2SO4; phosphoric acid, H3PO4 and nitric acid, HNO3) on POME, using H3PO4 would generate maximum biohydrogen production of 0.193 mmol/L/h, which corresponded to a yield of 1.51 mol H2/mol TCconsumed with an initial total soluble carbohydrate concentration of 23.52 g/L. Among H3PO4 concentrations (1%-10%), the soluble carbohydrate content and the biohydrogen produced was highest and increased by 1.70-fold and 2.35-fold respectively at 2.5% (w/v), as compared to untreated POME. The batch fermentation maximum hydrogen production rate and yield of 0.208 mmol/L/h and 1.69 mol H2/mol TCconsumed were achieved at optimum pre-treatment conditions of pH 5.5 and thermophilic temperature (60 °C). This study suggests that chemical pre-treatment approaches manage to produce and improve the carbohydrate utilisation process further. Continuous fermentation in CSTR at the optimum conditions produce heightened 1.5-fold biohydrogen yield for 2.5% H3PO4 at 6 h HRT as compared to batch scale. Bacterial community via next-generation sequencing analysis at optimum HRT (6 h) revealed that Thermoanaerobacterium thermosaccharolyticum registered the highest relative frequency of 20.24%. At the class level, Clostridia, Bacilli, Bacteroidia, Thermoanaerobacteria, and Gammaproteobacteria were identified as the biohydrogen-producing bacteria in the continuous system. Insightful findings from this study suggest the substantial practical utility of dilute chemical pre-treatment in improving biohydrogen production.


Intensive nursing care of patients with a microvascular free flap after maxillofacial surgery.
This article provides an introduction to the care of patients following maxillofacial surgery, many of whom undergo the complexities of microvascular flap surgery and need careful nursing assessment in the postoperative period. A brief introduction to this surgery illustrates some of the potential reasons for admission to the intensive care unit. The nursing care is vital to maintain the survival of the flap, the details of which are discussed along with factors which potentially contribute to flap failure. Other considerations such as haemodynamic stability, postoperative complications, the importance of education and other options for postoperative management also form further points for discussion.


Enhanced Biocompatibility in Anodic TaO x Nanotube Arrays.
This study first investigates the biocompatibility of self-organized TaO x nanotube arrays with different nanotube diameters fabricated by electrochemical anodization. All as-anodized TaO x nanotubes were identified to be an amorphous phase. The transition in surface wettability with TaO x nanotube diameters can be explained based on Wenzel's model in terms of geometric roughness. In vitro biocompatibility evaluation further indicates that fibroblast cells exhibit an obvious wettability-dependent behavior on the TaO x nanotubes. The 35-nm-diameter TaO x nanotube arrays reveal the highest biocompatibility among all samples. This enhancement could be attributed to highly dense focal points provided by TaO x nanotubes due to higher surface hydrophilicity. This work demonstrates that the biocompatibility in Ta can be improved by forming TaO x nanotube arrays on the surface with appropriate nanotube diameter and geometric roughness.


Omega, J/psi, and psi(') production in nuclear collisions and quark-gluon-plasma hadronization.
The transverse mass spectra of Omega, J/psi, and psi' in Pb+Pb collisions at 158A GeV are studied within a hydrodynamical model of the quark-gluon-plasma expansion and hadronization. The model reproduces the existing data with the common hadronization parameters: temperature T = T(H) congruent with 170 MeV and average collective transverse velocity v(T) congruent with 0.2.


Clinical and genomic analyses of neuroendocrine neoplasms of the breast.
Breast neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) constitute a rare histologic subtype that includes both neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) and neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs). In this study, we aimed to gain insight into the clinical and molecular characteristics of NENs of the breast. NEN and paired distant normal fresh tissues and clinicopathological data were obtained from 17 patients with NENs, and clinicopathological data were collected from 755 patients with invasive breast carcinomas of no special type (IBCs-NST). We compared the clinicopathological characteristics of NENs and IBCs-NST and performed whole-exome sequencing (WES) of both NEN and paired normal tissues. Compared with the IBC-NST patients, the NEN patients had a higher mean age, lower clinical stage, and lower pathological nodal (pN) stage (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P = 0.017, respectively). The most frequently mutated gene in NENs was KMT2C (3/17, 17.6%). NENs had copy number variations (CNVs) of 8q, 11q, and 17q amplification and 17q and 11q deletion and harbored the following specific genes related to tumorigenesis: (i) suppressor genes with loss of heterozygosity (LOH) such as ACE (2/17, 11.8%); (ii) tumor driver genes such as GATA3 (2/17, 11.8%); and (iii) susceptibility genes such as MAP3K4 (17/17, 100%) and PDE4DIP (17/17, 100%). The oncogenic/likely oncogenic mutations of NETs in PI3K pathway genes (50.0%, 18.2%; P < 0.001) and MAPK signaling pathway genes (83.3%, 18.2%; P = 0.035) affected higher proportions than those of NECs. In conclusion, this study provides certain clinical and molecular evidence supporting NENs as a distinct subtype of breast cancer and provides some potential molecular features for distinguishing NETs from NECs.


Insights from coherence in students' scientific reasoning skills.
Improving scientific reasoning enables students to navigate the challenges of learning science. Teachers use Lawson's classroom test of scientific reasoning (LCTSR) to measure scientific reasoning. The LCTSR is a two-tiered assessment that uses content-based questions and explanation statements. Researchers have found that if a student answers a knowledge-based question correctly but selects an incorrect explanation statement, there may be an element of guessing or an established misconception. Misconceptions are beliefs that students hold that are not based on scientific evidence. The present study added a confidence variable to the LCTSR, which measures how confident students regarded their responses in both tiers. Selecting a correct response to a knowledge-based question while providing an incorrect explanation and having a high confidence rating indicates an established misconception. The confidence variable is, therefore, a measure of an established scientific misconception and is the basis of the present study. The present study analyzed the responses of 71 first-year university students enrolled in an introductory physics course. The LCTSR results indicate that students performed the best in the conservation reasoning dimension and the worst in the proportional reasoning dimension. In all scientific reasoning dimensions, more than half the students chose the incorrect explanation for each context question. Students' confidence responses surpassed their performance in three of the 14 LCTSR items. The low frequency of correct answers and the statistically significant correlation between LCTSR items and confidence suggest possible misconceptions in students' scientific reasoning skills.


One-step "green" preparation of graphene nanosheets and carbon nanospheres mixture by electrolyzing graphite rob and its application for glucose biosensing.
The graphene nanosheets and carbon nanospheres mixture (GNS-CNS) was prepared by electrolyzing graphite rob in KNO(3) solution under constant current, which was characterized by TEM, AFM, SEM, FT-IR, XRD, XPS, TGA and UV-vis. The nano-mixture can keep stable in water for more than one month. Based on this kind of mixture material, a novel electrochemical biosensing platform for glucose determination was developed. Cyclic voltammetry of glucose oxidase (GOD) immobilized on GNS-CNS/GCE exhibited a pair of well-defined quasi-reversible redox peaks at -0.488 V (E(pa)) and -0.509 V (E(pc)) by direct electron transfer between the protein and the electrode. The charge-transfer coefficient (α) was 0.51, the electron transfer rate constant was 2.64 s(-1) and the surface coverage of HRP was 3.18×10(-10) mol cm(-2). The immobilized GOD could retain its bioactivity and catalyze the reduction of dissolved oxygen. The glucose biosensor has a linear range from 0.4 to 20 mM with detection limit of 0.1 mM. Moreover, the biosensor exhibits acceptable reproducibility and storage stability. The fabricated biosensor was further used to determine glucose in human plasma sample with the recoveries from 96.83% to 105.52%. Therefore, GOD/GNS-CNS/GCE could be promisingly applied to determine blood sugar concentration in the practical clinical analysis.


Chronic autoreceptor blockade and neuroleptic-induced dopamine receptor hypersensitivity.
Metoclopramide and sulpiride, two benzamide compounds, are equally potent in terms of their ability to block postsynaptic D2 dopamine receptors. However these compounds show a marked divergence in their ability to block dopamine autoreceptors, as metoclopramide is 20-25-fold more potent than sulpiride in blocking these receptors. When injected twice daily for 16 days, metoclopramide at a dose of 10 mg/kg/day will result in the development a postsynaptic dopamine receptor hypersensitivity (i.e., increased behavioral response to apomorphine upon cessation of the chronic treatment). An equivalent dose and treatment schedule with sulpiride has no apparent effect on dopamine receptor sensitivity. Because of the divergent pre- and postsynaptic potency of these two drugs it was possible to construct an autoreceptor "dose response curve" by varying the amount of these two drugs injected. Combinations of these two drugs were chosen so that the level or amount of postsynaptic dopamine receptor blockade was held constant while the amount of dopamine autoreceptor blockade was gradually increased. The results of this autoreceptor blockade "dose response curve" indicated that chronic autoreceptor blockade was involved in the increased dopamine receptor sensitivity that develops upon withdrawal from the neuroleptic drugs. These results suggest that the blockade of dopamine autoreceptors, and perhaps the resulting increase in autoreceptor sensitivity, is an integral component of the neuroleptic-induced dopamine receptor hypersensitivity.


Midline abdominal wall incisional hernia after aortic reconstructive surgery: a prospective study.
To evaluate rate of formation of midline abdominal wall incisional hernia (MAIH) after elective open repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and revascularization for aortoiliac occlusive disease (AOD). AAA and AOD patients operated electively via a primary midline abdominal incision at our institution over a decade were entered in this prospective study. Patients who had already undergone midline laparotomy or had an MAIH after previous celiotomy were excluded. Patients were examined for MAIH 6-monthly for 2 years, then yearly. We included 1,065 patients who underwent aortic reconstructive surgery (412 with AAA and 653 with AOD). The follow-up (mean ± standard deviation) was 6.4 ± 3.8 years (range, 0.5-12.7). Wounds were closed with a suture length-to-wound length (SL:WL) ratio of at least 4:1 in 58% (239 of 653) of AAA patients and 66% (431 of 653) of AOD patients (P = .01). There were 124 (11.6%) MAIHs, with an incidence of 12.4% (51 of 412) in the AAA group and 11.2% (73 of 653) in the AOD group (P = .62), and 3 (0.4%) wound infections (all among the AOD patients), none of which resulted in MAIH. At multivariate analysis, a SL:WL ratio of <4:1 was the only independent predictor of MAIH in AAA (P = .004) and AOD patients (P < .001). AAA and AOD patients had a similar incidence of MAIH, which seems related to the wound closure technique. A SL:WL ratio of at least 4:1 is recommended. Further clinical studies are required to determine possible technical and perioperative variables that may be modified to decrease the incidence of MAIH development after aortic reconstructive surgery.


Oxidative stress, defense response, and early biomarkers for lead-contaminated soil in Vicia faba seedlings.
Chemical analyses and biological measurements were investigated in leaves of Vicia faba seedlings exposed to extraneous lead (Pb) at 0 to 2,000 mg/kg of soil for a month. The results showed that superoxide radical (O*(2)(-)) production, increased along with total Pb in leaves and available Pb in soil, resulted in enhancement of malondialdehyde and carbonyl groups. Antioxidant enzymes, including corresponding isoenzymes and heat shock protein 70 (hsp 70), were also enhanced to some extent. Significant changes were detected in the patterns and intensities of guaiacol peroxidase isoenzymes, while superoxide dismutase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase isoenzymes only changed intensities. Superoxide dismutase activities increased with the increase of extraneous Pb at 0 to 500 mg/kg of soil and tended to decline thereafter, which might be responsible for the decrease of hydrogen peroxide and accumulation of O*(2)(-). Guaiacol peroxidase and ascorbate peroxidase enzymes were upregulated to become major scavengers of excess hydrogen peroxide on the condition of decreased catalase activities. Levels of hsp 70 were well correlated with Pb contents in leaves (r=0.777), O*(2)(-) accumulation (r = 0.985, p<0.01), and carbonyl groups (r=0.920, p<0.01) under extraneous Pb at 0 to 250 mg/kg of soil, suggesting that hsp 70 induced by O*(2)(-) was possibly involved in disposal of denatured proteins. The results showed that O*(2)(-), hsp 70, and guaiacol peroxidase isoenzymes had the most sensitive responses in the seedlings and these parameters could be potential early biomarkers of soil Pb contamination.


Body dissatisfaction, self-esteem, and depression in obese Korean children.
To investigate the relationship between obesity and psychological well being in children and to examine the mediation effect of body dissatisfaction on mental health of obese Korean children. A total of 413 Korean children in grades 5 and 6 from 3 elementary schools completed self-reporting questionnaires on body dissatisfaction, self-esteem, and level of depressive symptoms. A sex-specific body mass index for age at or the above the 95th percentile was defined as obese, and that between the 85th and 94th percentiles was defined as overweight. Obese children demonstrated higher body dissatisfaction and lower self-esteem than normal weight and overweight peers (P = 0 and .008, respectively), but not more depression. Body dissatisfaction mediated the association between obesity and self-esteem. The obese children with body dissatisfaction had significantly lower self-esteem and higher levels of depressive symptoms than the obese children without body dissatisfaction and normal weight children (P = 0). Our findings suggest that childhood obesity may be linked to body dissatisfaction, leading to low self-esteem and high levels of depressive symptoms.


The cutaneous ink sign: a tipoff to suicide or suicide notes.
The presence of smeared or unsmeared ink on the skin resulting from the writing process has been observed in a number of suicide victims who have left suicide notes. The authors report a case of a palmar "cutaneous ink sign" and discuss its forensic science import.


Synanthropy of Calliphoridae and Sarcophagidae (Diptera) in Bogotá, Colombia.
Calliphoridae and Sarcophagidae have medical and forensic importance. Species of these families are the first insects colonizing corpses and are, therefore, useful in establishing postmortem interval and as indicators in corpse transfer. The synanthropic index (SI) measures the relation of dipteran species with human settlements. Our main objective was to determine the synanthropic index of these families during the rainy and dry seasons in Bogotá. Captures were carried out using traps with baits (beef liver) in three zones (urban, rural, and forest areas). In the family Calliphoridae, the most abundant species were Calliphora vicina (Robineau-Desvoidy) with a sinanthropy index (SI) of +83.1, followed by Lucilia sericata (Meigen) (SI = +92.2) and Compsomyiops verena (Walker) (SI = +42.0). Calliphora nigribasis (Macquart) was not associated with human settlements, while Sarconesiopsis magellanica (Le Guillou) was present in the three zones and considered hemisynanthropic (SI = +19.0). Roraimomusca roraima (Townsend) was reported for the first time in Bogotá and was a non-synanthropic species (SI = -36.0). On the other hand, in Sarcophagidae, three species were collected: Ravinia rufipes (Twonsend), Ravinia colombiana (Lopes), and Boettcheria sp1, which were abundant in the rural and forest zones, the first having a dual characterization as synanthropic and hemisynanthropic, while the other two were hemisynanthropic. Our data showed differences in the association of Calliphoridae species with the three environments, whereas Sarcophagidae were distributed in locations with a lower human impact.


The correlation between quality of life, acceptance of illness and health behaviors of advanced age patients.
The purpose of this study was to analyze correlations between quality of life (QoL), acceptance of illness (AI), and health behaviors (HB) demonstrated by chronically ill patients of advanced age. The study was comprised of 1974 chronically ill primary care patients (mean age 71.60±7.98 years) recruited from 131 primary care practices. QoL was assessed with the World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument Short Form. The patients' AI with the Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS) and the Health Behavior Inventory (HBI) measured four categories of HB: healthy eating habits (HEH), preventive behaviors (PB), positive mental attitudes (PMA) and health practices (HP). The Spearman rank correlation test was used to check correlations between the variables and analysis of multiple regression was used in order to examine the impact of explanatory variables on the response variable. The highest scores were obtained in the Social Relationship Domain of QoL (M=13.68±2.75) and the lowest in the Psychological Domain of QoL (M=12.38±2.66) of the patients. The low AI was noted in 65.68% (1221). Lower level of QoL and AI were observed in patients with a larger number of chronic diseases and higher health care utilization. The lowest HB scores were obtained in the category of PMA (M=3.61±0.73) and HEH (M=3.36±0.84). The AI level correlated strongest with: Physical Domain of QoL (r(S)=0.49, p<0.0001) and PMA (r(S)=0.23, p<0.0001). HB correlated strongest with Psychological Domain of QoL (r(S)=0.33, p<0.0001). Health behavior programs for chronically ill patients of advanced age should stimulate health behavior categories such as PMA and HEH, and raise the AI level. This would result in a higher QoL and, consequently, a lower health care utilization.


An exploration of information seeking behavior among persons living with spinal cord injury in Switzerland.
Observational study using data from the second community survey of the Swiss Spinal Cord Injury Cohort Study (Survey 2017). To examine information seeking of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) in Switzerland and its association with personal characteristics, quality of life, satisfaction with health, and healthcare services utilization. Community. Descriptive statistics were used to describe information needs, information sources, and health literacy of the participants. Linear, logistic, and Poisson regression analyses were used to assess the association of information-related variables with personal characteristics, quality of life, satisfaction with health, and healthcare services utilization. One quarter of the 1294 study participants (24.6%) reported having information needs. Most frequently mentioned were needs for medical information about SCI, complications and comorbidities (30.5%), and information on living with SCI (28.6%). The most often used sources of information were healthcare professionals (72.3%), the Internet (43.2%), and other people living with SCI (40.8%). Almost half of the participants (41.4%) were only somewhat or not at all confident in their ability to find information. Having information needs was associated with suboptimal outcomes. This study confirms the importance of information for individuals living with SCI. By providing evidence on topics to be addressed and modalities of information delivery, our findings can help institutions in developing information to support individuals living with SCI in their daily activities. Information should cover all aspects of living with SCI, be relevant to and understandable for people of all backgrounds, and be made available online and offline.


4-Methyl-anilinium 4-hy-droxy-benzene-sulfonate.
In the crystal of the title molecular salt, C7H10N(+)·C6H5O4S(-), the benzene-sulfonate units are linked through phenol-sulfonate O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming chains along the c-axis direction. These chains are linked via N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds involving two of the three H atoms of the ammonium group of the 4-methyl-anilium cation, giving rise to two-dimensional networks parallel to the bc plane which are further connected through an additional N-H⋯O inter-action in which the third ammonium H atom is involved, generating a three-dimensional network.


Lipidomic profiling of Pleurotus ostreatus by LC/MS Q-TOF analysis.
In this paper, for the first time a lipidomic analysis on Pleurotus ostreatus species was performed by liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC/MS Q-TOF). Twenty-seven lipid classes, including polar and non-polar lipid classes, were detected. Free fatty acids (FA) were the predominant fraction (>57%), followed by fatty acid ester of hydroxyl fatty acid and ceramide. C18 chain length and two double bonds were the main structural characteristics for FA. Phosphatydilcholine, phosphatydiletanolamine, and glycerophosphates showed high percentages of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Unconventional fatty acids, such as odd and oxygenated chains, were detected. The highest odd/even ratio was found in hexosylceramides and sphingomyelin, while oxygenated chains were mainly represented in ceramides. As a preliminary approach, the results of lipid molecular species, subjected to principal component analysis and discriminant analysis, were able to differentiate P. ostreatus samples on the base of grown substrate. The results of the comprehensive analysis of P. ostreatus lipids are useful to evaluate the lipid nutritional value and could facilitate exploitation of P. ostreatus consumption.


Dosimetric comparison of centered and off-centered posterior neck electron fields.
Approximately rectangular low or medium energy electron fields at extended SSD are often used to boost over the spinal cord in the treatment of head and neck cancer after cord tolerance is reached. A separate abutting photon field is used to continue treatment anterior to the spine. Typically, the electron and photon fields have different central axes and the electron cutout is symmetrically centered in the cone. However, a good match between the photon and electron fields is achieved more readily if the central axis of the electron field is located at the center of the area treated by the photon field. This displaces the electron cutout toward the edge of the cone. We measured and compared the percent depth dose (PDD), output factors and profiles for matched pairs of centered and off-centered rectangular and square cutouts for the 6, 9 and 12 MeV beams of three Varian linacs. The 10 x 10 and 15 x 15 cones were used at SSDs of 100 cm and 110 cm. Differences between centered and off-centered cutouts of the same dimensions were less than 1% for PDD and profiles and less than 5% for output factors. Therefore, the same central axis can be used for abutting photon and electron fields, without requiring extra dosimetric data to account for the off-center location of the electron cutout.


Evolution of exceptionally large genes in prokaryotes.
Analysis of bacterial genomic sequences revealed an average bacterial gene size of approximately 1 kb. However, genes with a size >10 kb were also noted. This study investigates the prevalence, possible function, and origin of exceptionally large-size genes (ELSGs; >10 kb) in prokaryotes. Forty-two ELSGs (0.03%) were identified after searching more than 170,000 genes in 46 bacterial and 11 archaeal species. These ELSGs were found in diverse species including both archaeal and eubacterial kingdoms. Homology analysis of these ELSGs indicates that, other than encoding nonribosomal peptide synthesis enzymes, many ELSGs likely encode cell surface proteins. The ELSGs have different degrees of codon usage bias, and evidence of gene expression is observed in some cases. Both intragenic domain duplication and gene recombination are major means contributing to gene size expansion in these ELSGs. Direct evidence of gene fusion was identified in only one ELSG. Finally, several ELSGs showed recent horizontal transfer signatures. In summary, ELSGs are commonly present in prokaryotes. Aside from their large size, the evolutionary process of ELSGs is quite heterogeneous.


A Multicomponent Behavioral Intervention to Reduce Stroke Risk Factor Behaviors: The Stroke Health and Risk Education Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial.
The Stroke Health and Risk Education Project was a cluster-randomized, faith-based, culturally sensitive, theory-based multicomponent behavioral intervention trial to reduce key stroke risk factor behaviors in Hispanics/Latinos and European Americans. Ten Catholic churches were randomized to intervention or control group. The intervention group received a 1-year multicomponent intervention (with poor adherence) that included self-help materials, tailored newsletters, and motivational interviewing counseling calls. Multilevel modeling, accounting for clustering within subject pairs and parishes, was used to test treatment differences in the average change since baseline (ascertained at 6 and 12 months) in dietary sodium, fruit and vegetable intake, and physical activity, measured using standardized questionnaires. A priori, the trial was considered successful if any one of the 3 outcomes was significant at the 0.05/3 level. Of 801 subjects who consented, 760 completed baseline data assessments, and of these, 86% completed at least one outcome assessment. The median age was 53 years; 84% subjects were Hispanic/Latino; and 64% subjects were women. The intervention group had a greater increase in fruit and vegetable intake than the control group (0.25 cups per day [95% confidence interval: 0.08, 0.42], P=0.002), a greater decrease in sodium intake (-123.17 mg/d [-194.76, -51.59], P=0.04), but no difference in change in moderate- or greater-intensity physical activity (-27 metabolic equivalent-minutes per week [-526, 471], P=0.56). This multicomponent behavioral intervention targeting stroke risk factors in predominantly Hispanics/Latinos was effective in increasing fruit and vegetable intake, reaching its primary end point. The intervention also seemed to lower sodium intake. Church-based health promotions can be successful in primary stroke prevention efforts. URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01378780.


Cytochemistry of adenylate cyclase. Quantitative analysis of the effect of cytochemical procedures on adenylate cyclase in heart tissue homogenates.
The effects of different preparative and cytochemical procedures on adenylate cyclase (AC) activity in heart muscle homogenates were studied by quantitative analysis. We were mainly concerned with perfusion prefixation, using glutaraldehyde (GA) with and without DMSO, and with the influence of cytochemical incubation with lead ions as the capture reagent. Furthermore, we measured the direct effect on the AC activity of lead, cobalt, and strontium ions in prefixed heart homogenates. We also studied the influence of phosphatidylinositol and 2',5'-dideoxyadenosine. The following results were obtained: 1. Perfusion fixation using 2% GA buffered with cacodylate reduced the AC activity by about 20%. After the entire cytochemical procedure was finished, 20% of the original AC activity was still present. Stimulation by epinephrine, histamine and fluoride, which increased the activity of AC two or three times in our experiments, was only slightly reduced by the cytochemical treatments. 2. Lead ions (2 mM), added to the biochemical assay without chelating compounds, reduced the AC activity about 90%. 5 muM phosphatidylinositol stabilized the fluoride- and hormone-sensitive AC activity. 3. Co2+ also reduced the AC activity, though less than Pb2+. Sr2+ had no effect on the basic activity of the AC but had a slightly inhibitory effect on the hormone and fluoride stimulation. 4. 5% DMSO added to the fixative had no influence on the basic activity of the AC. However, this solvent definitely reduced the level of stimulation by fluoride and guanine nucleotide plus hormones. 5. A potential inhibitor of enzyme activity and of the hormone- and fluoride-sensitive AC was the adenosine derivative, 2',5'-dideoxyadenosine. This compound, at a concentration of 10(-3) M, inhibited all AC activity in the heart homogenates.


Inhibitory effect of calcium channel blockers on proliferation of human glioma cells in vitro.
The effects of 2 specific calcium channel blockers, verapamil and nimodipine, on the proliferation of human glioma tumour cells were investigated in vitro. Tumour tissues for primary cell cultures were obtained bioptically from 3 patients with the histopathological diagnosis of glioblastoma. The [3H]-thymidine incorporation into glioma tumour cells DNA was used as a sensitive index of the cell proliferation. It was found that verapamil (10(-4)-10(-5) M) and nimodipine (10(-4)-10(-6) M) significantly inhibited the [3H]-thymidine uptake in a dose-related manner. The inhibitory effect of both calcium channel antagonists was reversed by simultaneous addition of calcium chloride (5 x 10(-3) M). These results indicate that verapamil and nimodipine may exert an antiproliferative effect on glioma cells growth acting through a blockade of specific voltage-dependent calcium channels.


More than preparing a meal? Concerning the meanings of home cooking.
Cooking is one of the basic activities in our lives. However, people frequently feel they fall short of time to cook when facing problems with the temporal organization of daily life. How people think about home cooking is considered to be important for the time they spend on preparing meals. It is assumed that the meaning of cooking differs for different people, depending on the temporal and social context. This contribution allows us to clarify how the meaning of cooking varies according to individual and household characteristics and the cooking occasion. By using the pooled time-diary data from the Flemish time-use surveys from 1999 and 2004 we can examine people's views on cooking in order to understand how people use time for food preparation. Although the results suggest that people consider cooking primarily as a household chore, preparing food can also be a way to please others, as well as themselves. It seems that feelings of time pressure and the family situation are clearly related to men's and women's cooking experiences. Furthermore, the meaning of cooking also tends to be clearly influenced by the meal situation and (the moment of) the day.


Anisakis simplex-induced small bowel obstruction after fish ingestion: preliminary evidence for response to parenteral corticosteroids.
Gastrointestinal anisakiasis, a fish-borne zoonoses, may be acquired by humans after the ingestion of raw marine fish infested with larvae of the nematode Anisakis simplex. Because of the invasive nature of the parasite, inflammatory obstruction or perforation of the gut wall may result. Although rare, Anisakis-induced intestinal obstruction is becoming a growing public health problem in Mediterranean areas, such as Spain, with a high fish-intake-based diet. Unawareness of this entity and nonspecific clinical symptoms, along with the lack of alternative therapeutic options other than conservative measures, may explain why half of these patients require abdominal laparotomy for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. We describe a series of 8 patients with acute intestinal anisakiasis treated in our center from July 2001 to January 2004. The first 3 patients underwent segmental ileal resection for imminent peritonitis. The remaining 5 patients were treated with intravenous 6-methylprednisolone (1 mg/kg/24 h) for 5 days with fast clinical and radiologic resolution in all 5 patients with no adverse reactions. Although preliminary, our data may suggest that parenteral corticosteroids could be a reasonable, inexpensive, and safe alternative in these patients to prevent intestinal resection.


Imaging Utilization During the COVID-19 Pandemic Highlights Socioeconomic Health Disparities.
The devastating impact from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic highlights long-standing socioeconomic health disparities in the United States. The purpose of this study was to evaluate socioeconomic factors related to imaging utilization during the pandemic. Retrospective review of consecutive imaging examinations was performed from January 1, 2019, to May 31, 2020, across all service locations (inpatient, emergency, outpatient). Patient level data were provided for socioeconomic factors (age, sex, race, insurance status, residential zip code). Residential zip code was used to assign median income level. The weekly total imaging volumes in 2020 and 2019 were plotted from January 1 to May 31 stratified by socioeconomic factors to demonstrate the trends during the pre-COVID-19 (January 1 to February 28) and post-COVID-19 (March 1 to May 31) periods. Independent-samples t tests were used to statistically compare the 2020 and 2019 socioeconomic groups. Compared with 2019, the 2020 total imaging volume in the post-COVID-19 period revealed statistically significant increased imaging utilization in patients who are aged 60 to 79 years (P = .0025), are male (P < .0001), are non-White (Black, Asian, other, unknown; P < .05), are covered by Medicaid or uninsured (P < .05), and have income below $80,000 (P < .05). However, there was a significant decrease in imaging utilization among patients who are younger (<18 years old; P < .0001), are female (P < .0001), are White (P = .0003), are commercially insured (P < .0001), and have income ≥$80,000 (P < .05). During the pandemic, there was a significant change in imaging utilization varying by socioeconomic factors, consistent with the known health disparities observed in the prevalence of COVID-19. These findings could have significant implications in directing utilization of resources during the pandemic and subsequent recovery.


A comparison of time delay and system of least prompts in teaching object identification.
This study is a comparison of two response prompting procedures: Progressive time delay and system of least prompts. Three students with severe handicaps were each taught to identify eight functional objects, four objects with each prompting procedure. The procedures were compared in terms of effectiveness (establishing criterion level correct responding) and efficiency, (sessions and trials to criterion, errors to criterion, and the number of minutes of direct instructional time). A combination of two concurrently operating multiple probe designs (Parallel Treatments Design) in which extraneous variables were counterbalanced across sessions was employed. An analysis of the results indicates that both prompting procedures were effective in establishing correct responding at criterion levels, but the time delay procedure required fewer sessions, trials, and errors to criterion, and fewer minutes of direct instruction time than did the system of least prompts. Issues for further comparative research are discussed.


Dabrafenib and trametinib therapy in an elderly patient with non-small cell lung cancer harboring the BRAF V600E mutation.
Dabrafenib and trametinib therapy for BRAF V600E-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has demonstrated strong antitumor effects in clinical trials and has been approved for use in clinical practice. However, the efficacy and safety of this combination therapy in elderly patients remain unclear. An 86-year-old male patient, who had been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma with the BRAF V600E mutation, received dabrafenib and trametinib combination chemotherapy. The tumor shrunk rapidly; however, therapy was discontinued after 40 days because adverse events (hypoalbuminemia, peripheral edema, and pneumonia) developed. Although this targeted combination therapy seemed to cause relatively severe adverse events compared with single-agent targeted therapy in this "oldest old" elderly patient, the marked tumor shrinkage prolonged the patient's life and helped him to maintain a good general condition. Active targeted therapy may therefore be considered with appropriate drug dose reduction instead of conservative treatment, even if a patient is extremely old.


Characterization of antisense oligonucleotide-peptide conjugates with negative ionization electrospray mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.
Covalent post-synthesis or solid-phase conjugation of peptides to oligonucleotides has been reported as a possible method of delivering antisense oligonucleotides into cells. While synthesis strategies for preparing these conjugates have been widely addressed, few detailed reports on their structural characterization have been published. This paper discusses the negative ion electrospray ionization mass spectrometric (ESI-MS) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometric (LC-MS) analysis of various peptide-oligonucleotide conjugates ranging from small T(6)-nucleopeptides to large peptide-oligonucleotide phosphorothioate conjugates and ribozyme-peptide hybrids (3-13 kDa). Molecular weight determination with mass errors of 0.1-3.1 amu were conducted, employing on-line IP-RP-HPLC and high m/z range mode to facilitate the analysis of large compounds and difficult modifications.


[The right inferior laryngeal nerve with a non-recurrent course].
Two cases of a right non-recurrent laryngeal nerve were encountered during the performance of 992 thyroid operations. In its abnormal non-recurrent course the nerve passes transversely from under the carotid sheat hand takes a position which is at right-angles to the normal recurrent laryngeal nerve.


Involvement of aquaporin-7 in the cutaneous primary immune response through modulation of antigen uptake and migration in dendritic cells.
Dendritic cells (DCs) have the ability to present antigen and play a critical role in the induction of the acquired immune response. Skin DCs uptake antigen and subsequently migrate to regional draining lymph nodes (LNs), where they activate naive T cells. Here we show that the water/glycerol channel protein aquaporin 7 (AQP7) is expressed on epidermal and dermal DCs and involved in the initiation of primary immune responses. AQP7-deficient DCs showed a decreased cellular uptake of low-molecular-mass compounds (fluorescein isothiocyanate and Lucifer yellow) and high-molecular-mass substances (ovalbumin and dextran), suggesting that AQP7 is involved in antigen uptake. AQP7-deficient DCs also exhibited reduced chemokine-dependent cell migration in comparison to wild-type DCs. Consistent with these in vitro results, AQP7-deficient mice demonstrated a reduced accumulation of antigen-retaining DCs in the LNs after antigen application to the skin, which could be attributed to decreased antigen uptake and migration. Coincidentally, AQP7-deficient mice had impaired antigen-induced sensitization in a contact hypersensitivity model. These observations suggested that AQP7 in skin DCs is primarily involved in antigen uptake and in the subsequent migration of DCs and is responsible for antigen presentation and the promotion of downstream immune responses.


Integrated green complexing agent and biochar modified nano zero-valent iron for hexavalent chromium removal: A characterisation and performance study.
In this study, nano zero-valent iron (nZVI) was loaded on biochar (BC) prepared from recycled waste peanut shells. The loaded BC in the nZVI@BC composite was assumed to weaken the agglomeration of nZVI and the environmentally-friendly complexing agents sodium citrate (Cit) and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) were used to establish Cit-nZVI@BC and CMC-nZVI@BC for the effective removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous environments. The characterisation results suggested that Cit and CMC not only inhibited the oxidation of nZVI, but also effectively improved its reactivity. The experimental results demonstrated that the Cr(VI) removal efficiency by nZVI was less than 20%, while CMC-nZVI@BC enhanced the Cr(VI) removal efficiency to 80.73%, because CMC was coated on the nZVI surface for anti-passivation and improved the surface activity of nanoparticles. In addition, the Cr(VI) removal efficiency reached almost 100% with Cit-nZVI@BC, and the citrate dissociated the passivation layer on the surface of the zero-valent iron particles to ensure the reactivity of the zero-valent iron. The reaction mechanism of Cit-nZVI@BC includes adsorption, reduction, and co-precipitation, whereas CMC-nZVI@BC also involves surface complexation reactions. The kinetic studies revealed that the removal of Cr(VI) by Cit-nZVI@BC and CMC-nZVI@BC followed the second-order reaction kinetic model, and the reaction rates of Cit-nZVI@BC and CMC-nZVI@BC were both higher than that of nZVI. The results indicate that the prepared systems are promising for Cr(VI) remediation in contaminated environments.


Assessing and mitigating the effects of windblown soil on rare and common vegetation.
Acting under the auspices of the US Endangered Species Act, we quantified wind erosion and its effects on rare and common plant species on a semi-arid military installation in Hawaii. Our goal was to develop management strategies, based on local data, to aid the conservation of rare and common indigenous plants and their habitats. We collected windblown soil coming off of roads and other disturbed soils to assess likely impacts to plants occurring at certain heights and distances from disturbed surfaces. We then subjected plants in a glasshouse to windblown dust treatments, designed from our field data to simulate erosion events, and evaluated the effect of these treatments on photosynthesis and survival. We also designed several field experiments to examine the in-situ effects of windblown soil and soil substrate on germination, growth rate, and survival of indigenous and nonindigenous plants. We conclude from these experiments that most direct effects of windblown soil to plants can be effectively mitigated by locating roads and training areas at least 40 m from sensitive plant habitats and through vegetation management to maintain at least 11% aerial cover on disturbed surfaces. Effects of soil type on germination, growth, and survival was species-specific, emphasizing the importance of species trials prior to, or during, rehabilitation efforts.


When the average hides the risk of Bt-corn pollen on non-target Lepidoptera: Application to Aglais io in Catalonia.
Field cultivation of Genetically Modified (GM) Bt-plants has a potential environmental risk toward non-target Lepidoptera (NTLs) larvae through the consumption of Bt-maize pollen. The Bt-maize Cry protein targeting Lepidoptera species detrimental to the crop is also expressed in pollen which is dispersed by wind and can thus reach habitats of NTLs. To better assess the current ecological risk of Bt-maize at landscape scales, we developed a spatially-explicit exposure-hazard model considering (i) the dynamics of pollen dispersal obtained by convolving GM plants emission with a dispersal kernel and (ii) a toxicokinetic-toxicodynamic (TKTD) model accounting for the impact of toxin ingestion on individual lethal effects. We simulated the model using real landscape observations in Catalonia (Spain): GM-maize locations, flowering dates, rainfall time series and larvae emergence date of the European peacock butterfly Aglais io. While in average, the additional mortality appears to be negligible, we show significant additional mortality at sub-population level, with for instance a mortality higher than 40% within the 10m for the 10% most Bt-sensitive individuals. Also, using Pareto optimality we capture the best trade-off between isolation distance and additional mortality: up to 50 m are required to significantly buffer Bt-pollen impact on NTLs survival at the individual level. Our study clears up the narrow line between diverging conclusions: those claiming no risk by only looking at the average regional effect of Bt on NTLs survival and those pointing out a significant threaten when considering the variability of individuals mortality.


Computer-based virus sensitivity assay and neutralization method. Applications for herpesviruses.
A method for computerized analysis of the antiviral efficiency of drugs and immunoglobulins was developed. The sensitivities of herpes simplex virus (HSV), cytomegalovirus (CMV) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV) to antiviral drugs were determined. A new type of neutralization assay could be performed rapidly and accurately with HSV and CMV. Combining immunological methods for herpesvirus antigen detection with a computerized analysis permitted rapid, sensitive measurement of drug sensitivities, comparison of antiviral activities at various virus concentrations and selection of potent neutralizing antisera.


Histatins, a family of salivary histidine-rich proteins, are encoded by at least two loci (HIS1 and HIS2).
We screened a human parotid gland cDNA library with mixed synthetic oligonucleotide probes representing a central coding region common to histatins 1 and 3. Sequence analysis of 12 histatin cDNA clones strongly suggests that the histatin protein family is encoded by at least two closely related loci (HIS1 and HIS2) such that histatins 1 and 3 are primary products of HIS1(1) and HIS2(1) alleles, respectively, and that histatins 4-6 are derived from histatin 3 by proteolysis. We present additional data indicating that histatin 2 may represent the non-phosphorylated form of histatin 1.


Guggulsterone, a plant sterol, inhibits NF-kappaB activation and protects pancreatic beta cells from cytokine toxicity.
Guggulsterone has been used to treat hyperlipidemia, arthritis, and obesity. Although its anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperlipidemic effects have been well documented, the effect of guggulsterone on pancreatic beta cells is unknown. Therefore, in this study, the effect of guggulsterone on IL-1beta- and IFN-gamma-induced beta-cell damage was investigated. Treatment of RINm5F (RIN) rat insulinoma cells with IL-1beta and IFN-gamma induced cell damage, and this damage was well correlated with nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production. However, guggulsterone completely prevented cytokines-mediated cytotoxicity, as well as NO and PGE2 production, and these effects were correlated with reduced levels of the inducible form of NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNA and protein expressions. The molecular mechanism by which guggulsterone inhibits iNOS and COX-2 gene expressions appeared to involve the inhibition of NF-kappaB activation. The cytoprotective effects of guggulsterone were also mediated through the suppression of the JAK/STAT pathway. Cells treated with the cytokines downregulated the protein level of SOCS-3, however pretreatment with guggulsterone attenuated this decrease. Additionally, in a second set of experiments in which rat islets were used, the findings regarding the beta-cell protective effects of guggulsterone were essentially the same as those observed when RIN cells were used; guggulsterone prevented cytokines-induced NO and PGE2 production, iNOS and COX-2 expressions, JAK/STAT activation, NF-kappaB activation, downregulation of SOCS-3, and impairment of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Collectively, these results suggest that guggulsterone may be used to preserve functional beta-cell mass.


Probing spin dynamics of ultra-thin van der Waals magnets via photon-magnon coupling.
Layered van der Waals (vdW) magnets can maintain a magnetic order even down to the single-layer regime and hold promise for integrated spintronic devices. While the magnetic ground state of vdW magnets was extensively studied, key parameters of spin dynamics, like the Gilbert damping, crucial for designing ultra-fast spintronic devices, remains largely unexplored. Despite recent studies by optical excitation and detection, achieving spin wave control with microwaves is highly desirable, as modern integrated information technologies predominantly are operated with these. The intrinsically small numbers of spins, however, poses a major challenge to this. Here, we present a hybrid approach to detect spin dynamics mediated by photon-magnon coupling between high-Q superconducting resonators and ultra-thin flakes of Cr2Ge2Te6 (CGT) as thin as 11 nm. We test and benchmark our technique with 23 individual CGT flakes and extract an upper limit for the Gilbert damping parameter. These results are crucial in designing on-chip integrated circuits using vdW magnets and offer prospects for probing spin dynamics of monolayer vdW magnets.


A single use electrochemical sensor based on biomimetic nanoceria for the detection of wine antioxidants.
We report the development and characterization of a disposable single use electrochemical sensor based on the oxidase-like activity of nanoceria particles for the detection of phenolic antioxidants. The use of nanoceria in the sensor design enables oxidation of phenolic compounds, particularly those with ortho-dihydroxybenzene functionality, to their corresponding quinones at the surface of a screen printed carbon electrode. Detection is carried out by electrochemical reduction of the resulting quinone at a low applied potential of -0.1V vs the Ag/AgCl electrode. The sensor was optimized and characterized with respect to particle loading, applied potential, response time, detection limit, linear concentration range and sensitivity. The method enabled rapid detection of common phenolic antioxidants including caffeic acid, gallic acid and quercetin in the µM concentration range, and demonstrated good functionality for the analysis of antioxidant content in several wine samples. The intrinsic oxidase-like activity of nanoceria shows promise as a robust tool for sensitive and cost effective analysis of antioxidants using electrochemical detection.


MRI confirmed cervical cord injury caused by spinal manipulation in a Chinese patient.
To report a rare case of cervical cord injury caused by spinal manipulation in a Chinese patient. A 46-year-old man suffered from acute tetraplegia immediately after spinal manipulation by a bonesetter. There was nothing abnormal in the plain X-ray but Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of his cervical spine demonstrated cervical cord oedema at the level of C1/2. The patient was treated with high doses of methylprednisolone. Coupled with intensive rehabilitation, the patient made a nearly complete recovery 6 months after injury. Repeated MRI demonstrated syrinx formation at the previous location of cervical cord oedema. Spinal manipulation may cause cervical cord injury. MRI is useful in the documentation of this injury and exclusion of other pathology.


Retromolar canals as observed on cone-beam computed tomography: their incidence, course, and characteristics.
The study aims at assessing the incidence, course, and characteristics of retromolar canals. The cone-beam computed tomography images of 171 subjects were evaluated for the presence, course, and pattern of occurrence of retromolar canals. Three types of retromolar canals namely A, B, & C were detected in 129 subjects. Type A branched off the mandibular canal distal to third molar to open into retomolar fossa, type B coursed between retromolar fossa and radicular portion of third molar, type C coursed from mandibular foramen anteroinferiorly to exit into retromolar fossa. The type B retromolar canal presented features distinguishing it from other types. Considerable number of individuals presented with retromolar canals emphasizing their significance in surgeries involving the retromolar area. The type B pattern, to the best of our knowledge, hasn't been reported by most researchers and hence, could be considered as an additional type of retromolar canal.


Neuropeptides as regulators of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis activity and their putative roles in stress-induced fertility disorders.
Neuropeptides being regulators of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity, also affect the function of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis by regulating gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion from hypothalamic neurons. Here, we review the available data on how neuropeptides affect HPG axis activity directly or indirectly via their influence on the HPA axis. The putative role of neuropeptides in stress-induced infertility, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, is also described. This review discusses both well-known neuropeptides (i.e., kisspeptin, Kp; oxytocin, OT; arginine-vasopressin, AVP) and more recently discovered peptides (i.e., relaxin-3, RLN-3; nesfatin-1, NEFA; phoenixin, PNX; spexin, SPX). For the first time, we present an up-to-date review of all published data regarding interactions between the aforementioned neuropeptide systems. The reviewed literature suggest new pathophysiological mechanisms leading to fertility disturbances that are induced by stress.


Aspirin enhances cisplatin sensitivity of resistant non-small cell lung carcinoma stem-like cells by targeting mTOR-Akt axis to repress migration.
Conventional chemotherapeutic regimens are unable to prevent metastasis of non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) thereby leaving cancer incurable. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are considered to be the origin of this therapeutic limitation. In the present study we report that the migration potential of NSCLCs is linked to its CSC content. While cisplatin alone fails to inhibit the migration of CSC-enriched NSCLC spheroids, in a combination with non-steroidal anti inflammatory drug (NSAID) aspirin retards the same. A search for the underlying mechanism revealed that aspirin pre-treatment abrogates p300 binding both at TATA-box and initiator (INR) regions of mTOR promoter of CSCs, thereby impeding RNA polymerase II binding at those sites and repressing mTOR gene transcription. As a consequence of mTOR down-regulation, Akt is deactivated via dephosphorylation at Ser473 residue thereby activating Gsk3β that in turn causes destabilization of Snail and β-catenin, thus reverting epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). However, alone aspirin fails to hinder migration since it does not inhibit the Integrin/Fak pathway, which is highly activated in NSCLC stem cells. On the other hand, in aspirin pre-treated CSCs, cisplatin stalls migration by hindering the integrin pathway. These results signify the efficacy of aspirin in sensitizing NSCLC stem cells towards the anti-migration effect of cisplatin. Cumulatively, our findings raise the possibility that aspirin might emerge as a promising drug in combinatorial therapy with the existing chemotherapeutic agents that fail to impede migration of NSCLC stem cells otherwise. This may consequently lead to the advancement of remedial outcome for the metastatic NSCLCs.


Geometrical factors as predictors of increased growth rate or increased rupture risk in small aortic aneurysms.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAAs) are focal dilation of the aorta that can lead to excessive enlargement and rupture over time. Current practice suggests intervention when the maximum diameter exceeds 5.5 cm, since in this diameter range the annual rupture risk outweighs the operative mortality. However, small AAA (<5.5 cm), though infrequently, may rupture or produce symptoms. Evidence from large randomized studies of small AAAs support the heterogeneity in patterns of growth and rupture potential among small AAAs. Elevated wall stress values have been implicated in AAAs rupture and rapid enlargement. Additionally, many studies have identified a strong correlation between certain geometric factors and elevated stress values. In this article we discuss the possibility that geometrical factors may have a predictive value to identify those small AAAs that have an increased risk of rupture or growth rate either during initial examination or during follow-up, making them amenable for early repair.


Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor in a child.
Among the diverse causes of posterior mediastinal masses, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors is a very rare neurogenic tumor. Imaging features tend to be variable. A 20-month-old toddler presented with a 3-month history of persistent diffuse thoracic and abdominal pain. A chest magnetic resonance imaging was taken and shown a posterior mediastinal lesion. Histopathology and immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the diagnosis of a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor with myxoid areas. Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors are an uncommon entity in the children with a poor prognosis. Magnetic resonance imaging is the preferred technique in children to limit the use of ionizing radiation and because has a higher contrast resolution; however, all suspicious tumors should be biopsied to make an appropriate diagnosis. Treatment is radical surgery with excision of the entire mass; however, there is a high incidence of local recurrence.


The sensitive period and optimum dosage for induction of audiogenic seizure susceptibility by kanamycin in the Wistar rat.
The incidence and severity of audiogenic seizures in kanamycin (KM)-treated rat pups, from a Wistar strain which is inherently seizure-resistant, was analyzed as a function of (a) postnatal age at the time of KM injection (i.p.) and (b) KM dosage. The vigor of the pinna reflex response on postnatal day (PND) 28 was correlated with (a) age at the time of injection, (b) dosage and (c) individual audiogenic seizure severity scores on PND 28 or PND 32. The data indicate that PNDs 9-12 are the developmental period when the rat has its greatest sensitivity to induction of susceptibility to audiogenic seizures by KM. The pinna reflex data suggest that cochlear vulnerability to KM intoxication is also greatest during this period. The optimum dosage for the induction of susceptibility was 100 mg/kg X 4 days. Use of higher doses resulted in a reduction of both incidence and severity of audiogenic seizures. The pinna reflex generally exhibited a supranormal vigor in animals having the most severe seizures. The behavioral attributes of induced audiogenic seizures at postnatal ages of 28 and 32 days are described and discussed.


Nonsense mutations in the COX1 subunit impair the stability of respiratory chain complexes rather than their assembly.
Respiratory chain (RC) complexes are organized into supercomplexes forming 'respirasomes'. The mechanism underlying the interdependence of individual complexes is still unclear. Here, we show in human patient cells that the presence of a truncated COX1 subunit leads to destabilization of complex IV (CIV) and other RC complexes. Surprisingly, the truncated COX1 protein is integrated into subcomplexes, the holocomplex and even into supercomplexes, which however are all unstable. Depletion of the m-AAA protease AFG3L2 increases stability of the truncated COX1 and other mitochondrially encoded proteins, whereas overexpression of wild-type AFG3L2 decreases their stability. Both full-length and truncated COX1 proteins physically interact with AFG3L2. Expression of a dominant negative AFG3L2 variant also promotes stabilization of CIV proteins as well as the assembled complex and rescues the severe phenotype in heteroplasmic cells. Our data indicate that the mechanism underlying pathogenesis in these patients is the rapid clearance of unstable respiratory complexes by quality control pathways, rather than their impaired assembly.


Prevalence of sarcopenia in older patients with colorectal cancer.
Sarcopenia is the age-related loss of muscle mass, strength, and function. It is a common finding in older patients and is associated with decreased life expectancy and potentially higher susceptibility to chemotherapy toxicity. This study describes the prevalence of sarcopenia in older adults with early stage colorectal cancer. Patients ≥70 years old who underwent surgical resection for stage I-III colorectal cancer between 2008 and 2013 were identified from the medical record. Sarcopenia was assessed by measuring the total muscle area on computerized tomography (CT) images obtained prior to surgery. Total muscle area was measured at the level of L3 and normalized using each patient's height to produce a skeletal muscle index (SMI). Sarcopenia was defined using sex- and body mass index (BMI)-specific threshold values of SMI. Eighty-seven patients were included, with a median age of 77 years (70-96). Twenty-five men (60% of 42) and 25 women (56% of 45) had sarcopenia. Sarcopenic patients had significantly lower BMI (p=0.03) compared to non-sarcopenic patients. There was a positive correlation between BMI and SMI for both men (r=0.44) and women (r=0.16). Sarcopenia is highly prevalent among older patients with early stage colorectal cancer. BMI alone is a poor indicator of lean body mass and improved methods of screening for sarcopenia are necessary. CT scans are a viable option for identifying sarcopenic patients in whom timely interventions may improve survival, quality of life, and functional outcomes.


Nodal abdominal spread in adenocarcinoma of the cardia. Results of a multicenter prospective study.
BACKGROUND: Precise knowledge of the abdominal nodal spread of cardia adenocarcinoma in relation to the depth of invasion of the tumor and its longitudinal extension may be very important for the surgeon as a guide in choosing the type of resection and lymphadenectomy.METHODS: The frequency of node metastases in each abdominal station of the first and second tier was prospectively studied in 101 patients with type II and III cardia cancer (defined as approved by the consensus conference held during the second International Gastric Cancer Conference in Munich in April, 1997) who underwent total gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy during the period January 1994 to April 1998. Lymph nodes were retrieved immediately after operation by the surgeon and assigned to the appropriate station according to the classification of the Japanese Research Society for Gastric Cancer.RESULTS: In early gastric cancer, of both type II and type III, lymph node involvement was limited to the perigastric nodes of the upper half of the stomach and to the lymph node station of the celiac trunk. In advanced cancers, whether of type II or type III, there was a fairly high frequency of metastases to the perigastric nodes of the lower half of the stomach; there was also high frequency of metastases at N2 stations, without differences in frequency between pT2 and pT3 tumors (staged according to the classification of the Japanese Research Society for Gastric Cancer).CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study provide evidence for the need to perform a total gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy in all patients with advanced cardia cancer type II or type III. In early cancers, a less extensive resection (proximal gastrectomy) with D2 lymphadenectomy may be indicated.


Mercury and other trace elements distribution and profiling of microbial community in the surface sediments of East Siberian Sea.
In this study, total mercury (THg), methylmercury (MeHg), various trace elements, and microbial communities were measured in surface sediments of the East Siberian Sea (ESS). The results showed that the average values of THg and MeHg were 58.8 ± 15.21 μg/kg and 0.50 ± 0.22 μg/kg, respectively. The notable levels of trace elements present in both surface sediment and porewater were Al, Fe, and Mn. The enrichment factor and geoaccumulation index analyses found that both natural phenomena and anthropogenic activities contributed to elevated concentrations of metals in the ESS. The redox proxy metals, pH, and SO42- were the major factors influencing the THg and MeHg distributions. Microbial profiles were substantially affected by metals and other abiotic factors. Proteobacteria and Thaumarchaeota were the most abundant phyla. Overall, the findings presented here facilitate the understanding of the current status of metal contamination, its influencing factors, and metal-microbiota-interactions in ESS.


Modelling privilege management and access control.
For establishing trustworthiness in advanced architectures for future-proof health information systems being open, flexible, scaleable, portable, and semantically interoperable, security and privacy services needed must be designed as an inherent part of the architecture. Such architecture has to meet the paradigms of distribution, component orientation, formal modelling, separation of logical and technological aspects, etc. In model-driven architectures components providing security and privacy services have to be specified using the same methodology of formal models with meta-languages as expression means, as deployed in computational, technical, or medical domains. The resulting approach must be based on the ISO Reference Model-Open Distributed Processing. Currently, standards developing organisation are defining emerging tasks and standards for semantic interoperability and trustworthy collaboration for advanced health information systems. Communication security issues have been specified and implemented, while application security challenges such as privilege management and access control are still under development. Therefore, a series of formal models have been developed by the authors covering, e.g. domains, service delegation, claims control, policies, roles, authorisations, and access control. The required models are introduced and interpreted in a generic way. The crucial concept of security policy and its relationship to the other concepts has been considered in detail. Based on formal models, security services can be integrated into advanced systems architectures enabling semantic interoperability in the context of trustworthiness of communication and co-operation.


Association between placental DNA methylation and fetal congenital heart disease.
Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a worldwide problem with high morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis of congenital heart disease is still a challenge in clinical work. In recent years, few studies indicated that placental methylation may be predictors of CHD. More studies are needed to confirm the association between placental methylation and CHD. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between prenatal placental DNA methylation and CHD. Placental tissues were obtained from four fetuses during the second trimester with isolated, non-syndromic congenital heart disease, including three cases with double outlet right ventricle (DORV) and one case with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), and four unaffected fetuses as controls. The Illumina Infinium Human Methylation 850K BeadChip assay was employed to identify differential methylation sites (DMSs) and differential methylation regions (DMRs). Differential methylation was evaluated by comparing the β-values for individual CpG loci in cases vs. controls. In addition, the function of genes was assessed through KEGG enrichment analysis, Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and KEGG pathway analysis. Compared with the control group, we identified 9625 differential methylation genes on 26,202 DMSs (p < 0.05), of which 6997 were hyper-methylation and 2628 were hypo-methylation. The top 30 terms of GO biological process and KEGG enrichment analysis of DMSs were connected with multiple important pathways of heart development and disease. Ten differentially methylated regions and the genes related to DMRs, such as TLL1, CRABP1, FDFT1, and PCK2, were identified. The deformity caused by the loss of function of these genes is remarkably consistent with the clinical phenotype of our cases. The DNA methylation level of placental tissue is closely associated with fetal congenital heart disease.


The effect of acrylamide and nitric oxide donors on human mesenchymal progenitor cells.
We have examined the effects of nitric oxide donors and acrylamide on mesenchymal progenitor cell (hMPC) viability, programmed cell death (PCD) and differentiation. Acrylamide was examined at 0.5mM and 1.5mM concentrations, NOC-18 at 10μM and SNP at 100μM. Cell viability was assayed with MTS, PCD was determined by phosphatidylserine, caspase-9 and -3/7 and mitochondrial membrane potential assays, and osteogenic cell differentiation was evaluated by alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP) and mRNA levels for collagen type I, bone sialoprotein, ostepontin and osteocalcin. Serum-free hMPC cultures treated with 1.5mM acrylamide and SNP for 72h demonstrated reduced viability. PCD analyses revealed that SNP stimulated cells to necrosis in reactive species-dependent manner. Acrylamide (1.5mM) led to apoptosis independent of reactive species. Acrylamide and SNP reduced ALP activity and collagen type I mRNA levels but mRNA levels for bone sialoprotein and osteopontin increased in SNP treated cells and remained unchanged in acrylamide. Acrylamide had no effect on guanylate cyclase and cGMP osteogenic signaling pathway. The study suggests that acrylamide might impair bone development and remodeling upon acute or prolonged intoxication with this compound of mesenchymal cells.


The corporatization of care in academic dermatology.
Concern over the corporatization of medicine has existed since the late 1800s and continues to grow today in the face of large-scale mergers, vertical integration of health care services, and private equity (PE) investment in dermatology practices. Although academic departments have traditionally been viewed as exempt from Corporate Practice of Medicine (CPOM) laws, they face the same health care landscape and cultural pressures as private and PE-backed practices, as well as some unique financial challenges. To adapt to these difficult realities, academic dermatology has embraced new models of care, some of which mirror the controversial strategies used by PE-backed practices to maximize profit. We explore the corporatization of academic dermatology and its manifestations in changing practice patterns, patient care, education, and research.


Angiotensin-(1-7) and baroreflex function in nucleus tractus solitarii of (mRen2)27 transgenic rats.
Endogenous angiotensin (Ang)-(1-7) enhances, while Ang II attenuates, baroreceptor sensitivity (BRS) for reflex control of heart rate (HR) in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. In (mRen2)27 renin transgenic rats [(mRen2)], there is overexpression of the mouse Ren2 gene in brain, leading to elevated Ang II and reduced Ang-(1-7) in brain medullary, and associated with hypertension and impaired BRS. We therefore tested the contribution of endogenous Ang-(1-7) to BRS for control of HR and responses to cardiac vagal chemosensitive afferent fiber activation (CVA) with phenylbiguanide (PBG) in anesthetized SD and (mRen2) 27 rats before and after bilateral nucleus of the solitary tract (nTS) injection of the Ang-(1-7) receptor antagonist (D-Ala7)-Ang-(1-7). (mRen2) 27 rats exhibited a approximately 50% impairment in BRS as compared with SD (P < 0.05). (D-Ala7)-Ang-(1-7) attenuated BRS by approximately 50% in SD rats, but was without effect in (mRen2) 27 rats. (D-Ala7)-Ang-(1-7) did not alter the responses to CVA by PBG (iv bolus) in either strain. There were no differences in the depressor effects of Ang-(1-7) injected into the nTS, nor were levels of mRNA different for angiotensin-converting enzyme, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, neprilysin, or the mas receptor in medullary tissue from SD versus (mRen2)27 rats. Endogenous Ang-(1-7) does not provide tonic input in the nTS to modulate BRS for control of HR in (mRen2)27 rats, which may contribute to impairment of BRS in these animals.


cDNA that encodes active agrin.
Agrin is thought to mediate the motor neuron-induced aggregation of AChRs and AChE on the surface of muscle fibers at neuromuscular junctions. We have isolated a cDNA from a chick brain library that, based on sequence homology and expression experiments, codes for active agrin. Examination of the sequence reveals considerable similarity to homologous cDNAs previously isolated from ray and rat libraries. A conspicuous difference is an insertion of 33 bp in chick agrin cDNA, which endows the encoded protein with AChR/AChE aggregating activity. Homologous transcripts having the 33 bp insertion were detected in the ray CNS, which indicates that an insertion of similar size is conserved in agrin in many, if not all, vertebrate species. Results of in situ hybridization studies and PCR experiments on mRNA isolated from motor neuron-enriched fractions of the spinal cord indicate that, consistent with the agrin hypothesis, motor neurons contain transcripts that code for active agrin.


Classroom reality orientation and the enhancement of orientation--a critical note.
Findings from the neuropsychology of amnesia and accounts of normal orientation abilities are considered in a critique of the claim that enhanced orientation follows classroom RO. Some implications for evaluation are discussed.


Efficient graphene-coated iron oxide (GCIO) nanoadsorbent for removal of lead and arsenic ions.
ABSTRACTThe graphene-coated iron oxide (GCIO) was used for the removal of Pb2+ and As3+ ions from aqueous solution. For the characterization of GCIO, several techniques (FTIR, XRD, EDX, SEM, TEM, TGA, DSC and vibrating sample magnetometry) were used which indicated the interaction of Pb2+ and As3+ with adsorbent. In addition, the effects of adsorbate concentration, different composition of adsorbent, temperature, pH of the solution and contact time of adsorbate-adsorbent were studied. After analysis of these experiments, it was found that GCIO offered very fast removal of Pb2+ and As3+ with small amount of GCIO (0.09 g) in 100 mg/L adsorbate solution. The maximum removal of Pb2+ ions (up to 97.62%) was achieved when 100 mg/L standard solution of metal ion was treated with GCIO for 35 min at 45°C in weak acidic medium (5 pH). The adsorption of Pb2+ ions followed Freundlich model with high correlation coefficient 0.98 R2. In case of As3+ ions, maximum removal of metal ion (up to 86.62%) was attained when 100 mg/L adsorbate solution is treated with GCIO for 25 min in slightly acidic medium (6 pH) at 25°C. The adsorption of As3+ ions followed D-R model with 0.98 R2 value. The adsorption of both metal ions (Pb2+ and As3+) follows second-order kinetic model. The high percentage removal of metal ions with little quantity of GCIO confirmed that GCIO is an excellent, effective and economic adsorbent.


Corticotropin-releasing factor requires CRF binding protein to potentiate NMDA receptors via CRF receptor 2 in dopamine neurons.
Stress increases addictive behaviors and is a common cause of relapse. Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) plays a key role in the modulation of drug taking by stress. However, the mechanism by which CRF modulates neuronal activity in circuits involved in drug addiction is poorly understood. Here we show that CRF induces a potentiation of NMDAR (N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor)-mediated synaptic transmission in dopamine neurons of the ventral tegmental area (VTA). This effect involves CRF receptor 2 (CRF-R2) and activation of the phospholipase C (PLC)-protein kinase C (PKC) pathway. We also find that this potentiation requires CRF binding protein (CRF-BP). Accordingly, CRF-like peptides, which do not bind the CRF-BP with high affinity, do not potentiate NMDARs. These results provide evidence of the first specific roles for CRF-R2 and CRF-BP in the modulation of neuronal activity and suggest that NMDARs in the VTA may be a target for both drugs of abuse and stress.


Frontomaxillary facial angle in trisomy 21 fetuses at 16-24 weeks of gestation.
To establish a normal range for the frontomaxillary facial (FMF) angle by three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound imaging and to examine the FMF angle in trisomy 21 fetuses at 16-24 weeks of gestation. We measured the FMF angle using 3D volumes of the fetal profile obtained with the transducer parallel to the long axis of the nose and at 45 degrees to the palate, which had been acquired from 150 normal fetuses and 23 fetuses with trisomy 21. In the normal group there was no significant association between the FMF angle and gestational age; the mean FMF angle was 83.9 degrees (range, 76.9-90.2 degrees ) and the 95(th) centile was 88.5 degrees . In 15 (65.2%) of the fetuses with trisomy 21 the FMF angle was greater than 88.5 degrees . Repeatability studies demonstrated that in 95% of cases the difference between two measurements of FMF angle by the same operator and different operators was less than 5 degrees . In the majority of second-trimester fetuses with trisomy 21 the FMF angle is increased.


Significant changes of T2 value in the peripheral zone and seminal vesicles after ejaculation.
To analyse the quantitative changes of the prostate and seminal vesicles (SV) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after ejaculation. Ten healthy young males were enrolled for T2-weighted and T2 mapping MRI before and after two consecutive ejaculations. T2 values of the peripheral zone (PZ) and the central gland (CG) at the midgland of the prostate were compared before and after ejaculation, respectively. T2 values of the PZ at the apex and base were also compared before and after, respectively. Pre- and post-ejaculation SV volumes were compared. The Wilcoxon's signed rank test with Bonferroni adjustment was used for comparison. After ejaculation, T2 values of the PZ significantly decreased (mean, 119±20 vs. 105±21, p=0.002) while those of the CG did not significantly change at the midgland. At the apex, T2 values of the PZ also decreased significantly (mean, 114±9 vs. 94±7, p=0.002). On the other hand, T2 values of the PZ did not change at the base. SV volumes were significantly reduced after ejaculation (mean, 11.1±7.7mL vs. 7.2±6.7mL, p=0.002). Ejaculation decreases T2 values of the PZ at the midgland and apex, and reduces SV volumes. Abstinence periods should be considered in evaluating the prostate and SV on MRI. • T2 values decrease after ejaculation in the apical-mid peripheral zone. • Ejaculation does not affect T2 values of the central gland. • Volume of the seminal vesicles decreases after ejaculation. • An abstinence period should be considered before pelvic MRI in men.


Comparative analysis of allergen genes and pro-inflammatory factors in pollen and fruit of apple varieties.
Allergy to freshly consumed apple fruits is often associated to pollinosis and manifested as oral allergy syndrome (OAS). The allergenic properties of apple varieties differ greatly, spanning from low allergenic to high allergenic varieties. The knowledge of the genetic determinants for allergenicity has been of great interest in scientific community for several years, but the molecular mechanisms involved are still little understood. Here, factors putatively involved in allergenicity were investigated at biochemical and molecular level in pollen and in fruits of apple varieties differing in their allergenic potential. Among putative sensitizing factors, transglutaminase (TGase) and phospholipase A2 (PLA2) were considered together with reactive oxygen species (ROS) and known apple allergen genes, with particular attention devoted to the Mal d 1 gene family, the most important one in sensitization. We found that the expression of some allergen genes and the activities of TGase, PLA2 and ROS producing enzyme are lower in the hypo-allergenic variety 'Durello di Forlì' in comparison with the high-allergenic genotypes 'Gala' and 'Florina'. These results highlight correlations among allergen expressions, enzymatic activities and apple cultivars; these data underline the possibility that some of them could be used in the future as markers for allergenicity.


Portrait of an Artist as Collaborator: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of an Artist.
The subjective experience of being an artist was examined using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), focusing on the perspective of the artist but interpreted by me, a psychologist, from my perspective as an artistic collaborator. Building upon a literature that has hitherto focused on clinical, elderly, or vulnerable participants, I interpreted superordinate themes of Process (Constraint, Playfulness, Movement) and Identity (The Ill-Defined Artist, Becoming, Mixing Identities, Choosing an Identity, Calling, Collaboration, and Outsider). These themes are broadly similar to the existing literature, but emphasise identity while de-emphasising self reflection and the need to become an "insider."


Long-term outcome of insulin pump therapy in children with type 1 diabetes assessed in a large population-based case-control study.
We determined the impact of insulin pump therapy on long-term glycaemic control, BMI, rate of severe hypoglycaemia and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in children. Patients on pump therapy at a single paediatric tertiary hospital were matched to patients treated by injections on the basis of age, duration of diabetes and HbA1c at the time of pump start. HbA1c, anthropometric data, episodes of severe hypoglycaemia and rates of hospitalisation for DKA were collected prospectively. A total of 345 patients on pump therapy were matched to controls on injections. The mean age, duration of diabetes at pump start and length of follow-up were 11.4 (± 3.5), 4.1 (± 3.0) and 3.5 (± 2.5) years, respectively. The mean HbA1c reduction in the pump cohort was 0.6% (6.6 mmol/mol). This improved HbA1c remained significant throughout the 7 years of follow-up. Pump therapy reduced severe hypoglycaemia from 14.7 to 7.2 events per 100 patient-years (p < 0.001). In contrast, severe hypoglycaemia increased in the non-pump cohort over the same period from 6.8 to 10.2 events per 100 patient-years. The rate of hospitalisation for DKA was lower in the pump cohort (2.3 vs 4.7 per 100 patient-years, p = 0.003) over the 1,160 patient-years of follow-up. This is the longest and largest study of insulin pump use in children and demonstrates that pump therapy provides a sustained improvement in glycaemic control, and reductions of severe hypoglycaemia and hospitalisation for DKA compared with a matched cohort using injections.