Serum growth hormone levels in schizophrenic patients during sleep.
Ten schizophrenic and five epileptic patients under antipsychotic drug treatment were studied to evaluate sleep-related GH secretion. Four of the schizophrenic patients had a high secretion peak of GH (range 15.2 to 38.0 ng/ml), four had a moderate peak (range 5.8--8.3 ng/ml), while two had no increase in GH secretion during sleep (range 0.5--1.0 ng/mg). Four of the five epileptic patients had a moderately increased secretion (range 5.8--9.2 ng/ml) and one had no increase in GH secretion during sleep. Thus, the GH secretory pattern varied with the patient as in known to be also with healthy individuals. However, no clear disturbances were noted in sleep-related GH secretion in schizophrenic patients receiving antipsychotic drug treatment, when compared e.g. to non-schizophrenic, epileptic patients under a same kind of drug treatment.


In vitro photic entrainment of the circadian rhythm in melatonin release from the pineal organ of a teleost, ayu (Plecoglossus altivelis) in flow-through culture.
The effects of light on the circadian rhythm in melatonin release from the pineal organ of a teleost, ayu (Plecoglossus altivelis) were investigated in flow-through culture. Under the reversed light-dark (LD) cycle, the melatonin rhythm phase shifted as compared with those under the normal LD cycle. This phase shift persisted even under constant darkness (DD). Single 6-h light pulses starting at six different circadian phases under DD acutely suppressed melatonin release. Phase-dependent phase shifts in the circadian rhythm of melatonin release were also observed. The phase response curve to light pulses in the ayu pineal organ is typical of that found in many circadian systems. Thus, the ayu pineal organ should provide a useful model for analyzing the physiological and molecular basis of the entrainment mechanism of vertebrate circadian system.


Genetic risk of primary open-angle glaucoma. Population-based familial aggregation study.
To study familial aggregation of primary open-angle glaucoma in a general population and to determine the absolute and relative risks for first-degree relatives. First-degree relatives of patients with glaucoma (n = 48) and control subjects (n = 155) from the population-based Rotterdam Study underwent a standardized examination, including perimetry. Intraocular pressure, vertical cup-disc ratio; and the presence of glaucoma, defined as a visual field defect with a cup-disc ratio of 0.7 or higher or asymmetry of 0.3 or higher between both eyes. The prevalence of glaucoma was 10.4% in siblings of patients, 1.1% in offspring of patients, 0.7% in siblings of controls, and 0% in offspring of controls. Life-time risk of elevated intraocular pressure in relatives of patients vs relatives of controls was 42.5% vs 6.7%, of enlarged cup-disc ratio was 62.2% vs 16.6%, and of glaucoma was 22.0% vs 2.3%, yielding a risk ratio for glaucoma of 9.2 (95% confidence interval = 1.2-73.9). The population-attributable risk of glaucoma was 16.4%. In a general population, relatives of patients with glaucoma have a strongly increased risk of glaucoma. Enlarged cup-disc ratio, not intraocular pressure, was the earliest and most prominent feature of familial aggregation. Further studies are needed to disentangle the genetic components of the increased familial risk.


Leukemia inhibitory factor induces an antiapoptotic response in oligodendrocytes through Akt-phosphorylation and up-regulation of 14-3-3.
Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) promotes the survival of oligodendrocytes (OLG) both in vitro and in an animal model of multiple sclerosis. Here, we show that LIF protects mature rat OLG cultures selectively against the combined insult of the proinflammatory cytokines interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, but it does not protect against oxidative stress nor against staurosporine induced apoptosis. We further demonstrate that LIF activates the janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/Akt pathway in mature OLG. We show that LIF protection is independent of suppressors of cytokine signaling and Bcl-2 mRNA expression levels. To gain further insight into the protective mechanism, a quantitative proteomic approach (DIGE) was applied to identify differentially expressed proteins in LIF-treated OLG. Our results indicate that LIF induces a shift in the cellular machinery toward a prosurvival execution program, illustrated by an enhanced expression of isoforms of the antiapoptotic molecule 14-3-3. These data provide further insight into the mechanisms of LIF-mediated protection of mature OLGs.


Lycopene/arabinoxylan gels: rheological and controlled release characteristics.
Arabinoxylan gels exhibiting different rheological and lycopene transport properties were obtained by modifying the polysaccharide concentration from 3 to 4% (w/v). The apparent lycopene diffusion coefficient decreased from 2.7 × 10⁻⁷ to 2.4 × 10⁻⁷ cm²/s as the arabinoxylan concentration in the gel changed from 3 to 4% (w/v). A low amount of lycopene is released by diffusion from arabinoxylan gels. These results indicate that arabinoxylan gels could be carriers for lycopene delivery in specific sites after network degradation. The possibility to modulate lycopene release from arabinoxylan gels makes these biomaterials potential candidates for the controlled delivery of biomolecules.


Design, synthesis and insulin-sensitising effects of novel PTP1B inhibitors.
Fifteen novel sulfathiazole-related compounds were designed as PTP1B inhibitors based on a previously reported allosteric inhibitor (1) of PTP1B. These compounds were synthesized and evaluated against human recombinant PTP1B. Six compounds (3, 4, 8 and 14-16) exhibited significant inhibitory activity against PTP1B. The most active compound (16) showed IC50 value of 3.2 μM and kinetic analysis indicated that it is a non-competitive inhibitor of PTP1B. Furthermore, compound 16 demonstrated excellent selectivity to PTP1B over other PTPs. It also displayed in vivo insulin sensitizing effect in the insulin resistant mice.


Soil remediation with a microbial community established on a carrier: strong hints for microbial communication during 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene degradation.
The objective of the present study was to get more insight into the mechanisms that govern the high mineralization potential of a microbial community attached on a carrier material, as we found in an earlier study (Wang et al., 2010). A 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene (1,2,4-TCB) degrading microbial community - attached (MCCP) and non-attached (MCLM) on clay particles - was inoculated into a simplified mineral medium system. Signaling molecules (AHLs), cell growth and 1,2,4-TCB mineralization were measured at different sampling points. The production of AHLs in the MCCP system increased continuously with increasing key degrader (Bordetella sp.) cell growth and a positive correlation was observed between the production of AHLs and 1,2,4-TCB mineralization. In the MCLM system, however, 1,2,4-TCB mineralization was lower than in the MCCP system; the AHLs production per Bordetella cell was higher than in MCCP and there was no correlation between AHLs and mineralization. Moreover, in the MCCP system less different AHLs were produced than in the MCLM system. These results indicate that a microbial community attached on a carrier material has an advantage over a non-attached community: it produces signaling molecules with much less energy and effort to achieve a well-directed cell-to-cell communication resulting in a high and effective mineralization.


[Modification of the leukocyte adherence inhibition test by prednisolone and aristolochic acid].
Drugs influence the leukocyte adherence inhibition test. Glucocorticoids reduce adherence more then aristolochic acid. When given together the glucocorticoid related adherence inhibition is abolished. In this way the known antagonistic behaviour of aristolochic acid towards glucocorticoids is confirmed.


Determining the prognosis of childhood epilepsies by establishing immune abnormalities.
When seizures develop in a child, an accurate prediction on outcome of the disorder can hardly be given. Literature indicating an association between seizure disorders and Immunoglobulin (Ig) abnormalities, HLA typing and the occurrence of anti-brain antibodies is shortly reviewed. It is argued that by determining such anti-brain antibodies, early ascertainment of prognosis in seizure disorders may be possible.


Coordinated collective migration and asymmetric cell division in confluent human keratinocytes without wounding.
Epithelial sheet spreading is a fundamental cellular process that must be coordinated with cell division and differentiation to restore tissue integrity. Here we use consecutive serum deprivation and re-stimulation to reconstruct biphasic collective migration and proliferation in cultured sheets of human keratinocytes. In this system, a burst of long-range coordinated locomotion is rapidly generated throughout the cell sheet in the absence of wound edges. Migrating cohorts reach correlation lengths of several millimeters and display dependencies on epidermal growth factor receptor-mediated signaling, self-propelled polarized migration, and a G1/G0 cell cycle environment. The migration phase is temporally and spatially aligned with polarized cell divisions characterized by pre-mitotic nuclear migration to the cell front and asymmetric partitioning of nuclear promyelocytic leukemia bodies and lysosomes to opposite daughter cells. This study investigates underlying mechanisms contributing to the stark contrast between cells in a static quiescent state compared to the long-range coordinated collective migration seen in contact with blood serum.


Acid stress in Rumex hydrolapathum (Polygonaceae) and its influence on the phytophage Lycaena dispar (Lepidoptera; Lycaenidae).
The relationship of insect growth to host condition was tested on host plants grown by hydroculture with a standard nutrient solution, but under different acidities, ranging from pH 3.5-7.5. The indirect effect of the host on the development of the phytophage was tested in the pupal stage. The host plant Rumex hydrolapathum had its highest nitrogen content in the range pH 5.5-6.5; pupal weight of Lycaena dispar was correlated with nitrogen concentration, ash weight and water content. There is a remarkable difference in element concentration between young and old leaves of the host, which varies with acidity of the rooting substrate.In this experiment a negative relationship was detected between reproduction of the phytophage and stress of the host.


Bilobed testicle diagnosed by ultrasound in a 9-year-old boy.
Bilobed testis is an extremely rare congenital malformation, and even rarer on the right side. Only 7 cases have been reported in the literature. We describe the case of a 9-year-old boy with a right bilobed testicle confirmed on ultrasound and discovered incidentally as a mass on physical examination. The aim of our work is to consider the bilobed testicle as a differential diagnosis of a testicular mass despite its rarity and to show the importance of ultrasound and MRI for its definitive diagnosis to avoid unnecessary surgery.


[Stationary distribution of enzymatic reaction intermediates in the microcirculatory system].
On base of date about structure of blood vessels and kinetic of enzymic reactions in vitro (in reactor with mix) on mathematical model we shown possible distribution of concentration of intermediates of enzymic reaction at nature conditions near in vivo of intact organism. It has non-line character and can explain some peculiarity of physiological processes. For example, maximum stationary concentration of intermediate is arrived in region of capillaries in case of authorizing of Frank-Starling's hypothesis. External influences, decreasing constant of Michaelis, can increase in vivo the effective stationary concentration of intermediate in region of capillaries and remove the maximum of concentration to arterioles.


Byler disease associated with acute cholecystitis.
A case of Byler disease, which has a rare incidence of l in 90000, is reported. A 21-year-old woman known to have the disease since childhood presented with acute cholecystitis and underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. To the best of our knowledge, after a review of the English literature, this is the second patient with Byler disease to live beyond the second decade of life since the disorder was first described by Clayton 30 years ago, and the first case associated with acute cholecystitis that was managed successfully by laparoscopic cholecystectomy.


Polymorphism profiling of nine high altitude relevant candidate gene loci in acclimatized sojourners and adapted natives.
Sea level sojourners, on ascent to high altitude, undergo acclimatization through integrated physiological processes for defending the body against oxygen deprivation while the high altitude natives (resident population) are adapted to the prevailing hypobaric hypoxic condition through natural selection. Separating the acclimatization processes from adaptive changes and identifying genetic markers in lowlanders that may be beneficial for offsetting the high altitude hypoxic stress, although challenging, is worth investigating. We genotyped nine candidate gene polymorphisms, suggested to be relevant in high altitude environment, in sea level acclimatized sojourners and adapted natives for understanding differences/commonality between the acclimatized and the adapted cohorts at the genetic level. Statistically similar genotypic and allelic frequencies were observed between the sea level sojourners (acclimatized) and the high altitude natives (adapted) in six loci viz., EDN1 (endothelin 1) -3A/-4A VNTR, ADRB2 (beta-2 adrenergic receptor, surface) Arg16Gly (rs1042713:A > G), ADRB3 (beta-3 adrenergic receptor) Trp64Arg (rs4994:T > C), eNOS (nitric oxide synthase, endothelial) Glu298Asp (rs1799983:T > G), TH (tyrosine hydroxylase) Val81Met (rs6356:G > A) and VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) 963C > T (rs3025039:C > T) while SCNN1B (amiloride-sensitive sodium channel, subunit beta) Thr594Met (rs1799979:C > T) was monomorphic. Genotypic and allelic frequencies in EDN1 9465G > A (rs2071942:G > A) and ADRB2 Gln27Glu (rs1042714:G > C) were significantly different between the acclimatized sojourners and the high altitude natives with higher frequency of GG and GA genotypes of EDN1 rs2071942 and CC genotype of ADRB2 rs1042714 being observed in Ladakh natives. Mutated A allele (AA genotype) of rs2071942 and carriers of G allele (GG + GC genotypes) of rs1042714 were less favorable during acclimatization under recessive and dominant genetic models of inheritance respectively indicating thereby that GG genotype and G allele of EDN1 rs2071942 and CC genotype of ADRB2 rs1042714 conferred acclimatization benefit. Sea level acclimatized individuals shared similarity with the adapted natives in certain high altitude relevant genetically based trait variation suggesting advantageous consequence as well as commonality in gene regulatory pathways in which these gene products function both during process of acclimatization and adaptation in high altitude environment.


Relationship between breast arterial calcification and coronary artery disease by invasive coronary angiography in postmenopausal women.
To evaluate the relationship between the presence of BAC and coronary artery disease (CAD) by invasive coronary angiography (ICA) in postmenopausal women. In this cross-sectional study, postmenopausal women (age ≥ 45 years) with history of CAD, who underwent both ICA and digitized mammography, within six months of each other, were enrolled. Women who underwent prior percutaneous coronary intervention, or exhibited grade D breast density (BI-RADS®) or breast cancer upon mammography were excluded. Digital mammograms were identified in the electronic medical record system and reviewed for the presence of BAC, without knowledge of the ICA results by two experienced physicians. The ICA results were obtained from the electronic medical record, and categorized as follows: 1-single-vessel disease; 2-two-vessel disease; and 3-multivessel disease (≥3vessels). For statistical analysis Student t test, Gamma distribution, Chi-square test and logistic regression (odds ratio,OR) were used. Of the 183 postmenopausal women evaluated, 39 (21.3 %) had BAC. Women with BAC were older and had a longer time since menopause when compared to women without BAC (68.2 ± 9.6 × 59.6 ± 10.0 years of age and 19 ± 10.1 × 13.5 ± 8.2 years, respectively) (p < 0.0.0001). Among the clinical and cardiovascular characteristics evaluated, only the incidence of smoking was higher in women with BAC (p = 0.007). There was no difference in the number of affected vessels upon ICA in women with or without BAC (p = 0.683). In multivariate analysis, after adjustment for age, time since menopause and smoking, the presence of BAC was not associated with a significant risk of observing a greater number of affected vessels upon ICA (OR1.07; 95 %CI 0.41-2.76, p = 0.609). The presence of BAC was not associated with the severity of CAD in postmenopausal women.


Chronic and acute effects of dronedarone on the action potential of rabbit atrial muscle preparations: comparison with amiodarone.
Dronedarone, a noniodinated derivative of amiodarone, is under evaluation as a potentially less toxic anti-arrhythmic alternative to amiodarone. The acute and chronic electrophysiologic effects of dronedarone and amiodarone were compared in isolated rabbit atrial muscle by microelectrode techniques. Four-week PO treatment with dronedarone or amiodarone increased action potential duration (APD90) (58 +/- 4 ms control versus 69 +/- 2 ms dronedarone, p < 0.01; 68 +/- 3 ms amiodarone, p < 0.01 for a 100-mg/kg/d dose) and effective refractory period (49 +/- 6 ms control versus 68 +/- 4 ms dronedarone, p < 0.01; 63 +/- 3 ms amiodarone, p < 0.01). The APD90 prolonged reverse rate-dependency. In contrast, acute superfusion with 10 microM dronedarone or amiodarone decreased APD90 (61 +/- 6 ms control versus 53 +/- 4 ms dronedarone, p < 0.05; 52 +/- 6 ms amiodarone, p < 0.05), effective refractory period (50 +/- 5 ms control versus 44 +/- 4 ms dronedarone, p < 0.05; 43 +/- 6 ms amiodarone, p < 0.05), and the maximum upstroke slope of the action potential (Vmax) (188 +/- 9 V/s control versus 182 +/- 11 V/s dronedarone p < 0.05; 182 +/- 11 V/s amiodarone, p < 0.05). Thus, chronic and acute electrophysiologic effects of dronedarone on rabbit atrial muscle are similar to those of amiodarone, suggesting a similar potential against atrial arrhythmias.


Effects of gas saturation and sparging on sonochemical oxidation activity in open and closed systems, Part I: H2O2 generation.
Cavitational/sonochemical activity can be significantly enhanced or reduced depending on the gases dissolved in the liquid. Although many researchers have suggested the order of importance of dissolved gas conditions that affect the degree of sonoluminescence (SL), sonochemiluminescence (SCL), and compound degradation, the most suitable gas condition for sonochemical oxidation reactions is currently unknown. In this study (Part I), the effects of gas saturation and sparging on the generation of H2O2 were investigated in a 28-kHz sonoreactor system. Four gas modes, saturation/closed, saturation/open, sparging/closed, and sparging/open, were applied to Ar, O2, N2, and binary gas mixtures. The change in dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration during ultrasonic irradiation was measured and was used as an indicator of whether the gaseous exchange between liquid and air altered the gas content of the liquid. Considerable difference in the DO concentration was observed for the gas saturation/open mode, ranging from -11.5 mg/L (O2 100 %) to +4.3 mg/L (N2 100 %), while no significant difference was observed in the other gas modes. The change in the gas content significantly reduced the linearity for H2O2 generation, which followed pseudo-zero-order kinetics, and either positively or negatively affected H2O2 generation. Ar:O2 (75:25) and Ar:O2 (50:50) resulted in the highest and second-highest H2O2 generation for both gas saturation and sparging, respectively. In addition, gas sparging resulted in much higher H2O2 generation for all gas conditions compared to gas saturation; this was because of the significant change in the cavitational active zone and concentrated ultrasonic energy, which formed a bulb-shaped active zone, especially for the Ar/O2 mixtures adjacent to the transducer at the bottom. The sparging flow rate and position also significantly affected H2O2 generation; the highest H2O2 generation was obtained when the sparger was placed at the bottom adjacent to the transducer, with a flow rate of 3 L/min. In Part II, the generation of nitrogen oxides, including nitrite (NO2-) and nitrate (NO3-), was investigated using the same ultrasonic system with three gas modes: saturation/open, saturation/closed, and sparging/closed.


Sexual experimentation by adolescents while babysitting.
This paper deals with the sexual experiences an adolescent might have as a result of babysitting. The impact of babysitters in our culture has been ignored in the literature, and yet we find it practiced widely by teenagers in the United States. Parents and society in general have few guidelines in sitter selection and in recognizing the potential impact of the sitter on their children.


Comparison of maternal and fetal chromosome heteromorphisms to monitor maternal cell contamination in chorionic villus samples.
Maternal cell contamination (MCC) presents a potential problem in the analysis of chorionic villus sampling (CVS) preparations for early prenatal diagnosis by chromosomal, biochemical and molecular methods. Through the comparison of fluorescent chromosome variants from CVS and maternal cells, we found three out of 50 samples to have MCC. One of these was observed on a direct preparation. Routine chromosome heteromorphism analysis is suggested as a reliable method for monitoring MCC in CVS specimens.


Root responses to flooding.
Soil water-logging and submergence pose a severe threat to plants. Roots are most prone to flooding and the first to suffer from oxygen shortage. Roots are vital for plant function, however, and maintenance of a functional root system upon flooding is essential. Flooding-resistant plants possess a number of adaptations that help maintain oxygen supply to the root. Plants are also capable of initiating organogenesis to replace their original root system with adventitious roots if oxygen supply becomes impossible. This review summarizes current findings on root development and de novo root genesis in response to flooding.


Transcaval invasion of right atrium by thymoma: resection via transient cava-pulmonary shunt.
Transcaval extension of the thymoma to the right atrium has very rarely been reported, and cardiopulmonary bypass is recommended for successful resection. An invasive thymoma with intravascular invasion of the superior vena cava, and the left innominate vein extending into the right atrium was presented. Intra-atrial extension was resected through a transient external shunt from the inferior vena cava to the main pulmonary artery. We discussed the feasibility of this surgical technique and possible advantages of cardiopulmonary bypass avoidance.


Gastric rupture during fiberoptic bronchoscopy, a rare complication of oxygen administration by nasopharyngeal cannula: a case report.
Concomitant use of a nasopharyngeal catheter is frequently used for oxygen supply during fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB). This is a procedure that presents possible complications that are not negligible. We demonstrate the case of a 61-year-old woman who underwent FOB due to a history of hemoptoic sputum. During the procedure, gastric rupture occurred with a large pneumoperitoneum and bilateral pneumothorax requiring immediate drainage of the air and an emergent laparotomy. This was probably a complication of the nasopharyngeal catheter. The knowledge of these complications is essential for their correct identification and treatment.


Artificial Intelligence to Diagnose Tibial Plateau Fractures: An Intelligent Assistant for Orthopedic Physicians.
To explore a new artificial intelligence (AI)-aided method to assist the clinical diagnosis of tibial plateau fractures (TPFs) and further measure its validity and feasibility. A total of 542 X-rays of TPFs were collected as a reference database. An AI algorithm (RetinaNet) was trained to analyze and detect TPF on the X-rays. The ability of the AI algorithm was determined by indexes such as detection accuracy and time taken for analysis. The algorithm performance was also compared with orthopedic physicians. The AI algorithm showed a detection accuracy of 0.91 for the identification of TPF, which was similar to the performance of orthopedic physicians (0.92±0.03). The average time spent for analysis of the AI was 0.56 s, which was 16 times faster than human performance (8.44±3.26 s). The AI algorithm is a valid and efficient method for the clinical diagnosis of TPF. It can be a useful assistant for orthopedic physicians, which largely promotes clinical workflow and further guarantees the health and security of patients.


The prognostic impact of O6-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase and epidermal growth factor receptor expressions on primary gliosarcoma: a clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical study of seven cases at a single institution.
Gliosarcoma is an uncommon variant of glioblastoma characterized by a biphasic tissue pattern of glial and mesenchymal differentiation. O6-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) is a DNA repair protein that removes mutagenic and cytotoxic adducts from O6-guanine in DNA. Lack of MGMT protein expression immunohistochemically is related to drug responses in patients of malignant glioma treated with alkylating agents. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is the most frequently amplified gene in glioblastoma and associated with tumor invasiveness, angiogenesis, poor survival, and resistance to radiation therapy. To elucidate the relationship between the statuses of the MGMT as well as EGFR proteins and the prognosis. The study was undertaken on samples received at the Department of Pathology from 2003 to 2009. Clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical study of seven cases was performed. This series included three men and four women with a mean age of 49.3 years at first surgery. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 22.2 months and 8.6 months for primary tumors with 0 to 1+ and 2+ to 3+ MGMT staining, respectively; the median overall survival (OS) was 27.5 months and 14.2 months for primary tumors with 0 to 1+ and 2+ to 3+ MGMT staining, respectively. The median PFS was 17.2 months and 11.2 months for primary tumors with 0 to 1+ and 2+ to 3+ EGFR staining, respectively; the median OS was 20.4 months and 17.7 months for primary tumors with 0 to 1+ and 2+ to 3+ EGFR staining, respectively. The series showed that MGMT and EGFR protein expressions were both unfavorable prognostic factors for patients with gliosarcoma.


The distribution of myoneural junctions in the biceps brachii investigated by surface electromyography.
The location of the myoneural junction was investigated by a surface electromyogram. During a voluntary muscular contraction, an electrode array was placed on the skin overlying the muscle to detect myoelectric potentials propagating in both proximal and distal directions along the muscle fibers. The source of the propagating waves was presumed to mark the location of the myoneural junctions. The recordings were repeated to cover the whole muscle surface and the distribution of myoneural junctions was determined. Myoneural junctions in the biceps brachii were located nearly at the middle length of the muscle and were distributed in a zone across the muscle. The distribution showed differences in 3 subjects examined. In 1 subject, myoneural junctions occupied a single zone, while the other 2 subjects had 2 parallel zones separated by 10-20 mm. This information about the location of myoneural junctions is important for determining the electrode position in an electromyogram study.


[Epidermoid cysts of the fourth ventricle mimicking benign paroxysmal positional vertigo].
To report a case of atypical positional vertigo revealing a fourth ventricle epidermoid cyst. We report a case of a thirty-year-old woman suffering from positional vertigo with downbeat nystagmus. Except for these symptoms, the physical examination was normal, apart from intermittent headaches. On videonystagmography, a decrease in the average speed of beats and lowered benefits obtained by slow motion were noted. MRI revealed a fourth ventricle epidermoid cyst. Physical examination may provide several signs that are likely to enable the examiner to distinguish between central nervous system or peripheral vertigos. Atypical symptoms such as a downbeat nystagmus, a lack of reversal in nystagmus beats when returning to the sitting position and a lack of a latency period in vertigo and nystagmus occurrence during the Dix-Hallpike maneuver suggest a central nervous system etiology. With atypical symptoms noted when questioning the patient or during physical examination, a central nervous system etiology should be mentioned and explored with cerebral MRI.


Deviations from the planned dose during 48 hours of stepping source prostate brachytherapy caused by anatomical variations.
To determine the uncertainties in planned dose associated with catheter and organ movement during 48 hours of stepping source prostate brachytherapy. Pulsed-dose rate (PDR) prostate brachytherapy as a boost is given in 24 pulses every 2 hours, making the total treatment last 48 hours. The entire treatment is based on one plan, created on the planning CT (CT1). Two follow-up CTs (CT2 and CT3) were acquired; halfway through the treatment and at the end of treatment. On these repeat scans the catheters were reconstructed and PTV and OARs were delineated. The original treatment plan was calculated on the repeat CTs. Target coverage V(100%), D(90), dose to 2cm(3) (D2cm(3)) of the rectum and bladder and dose to 0.1cm(3) of the urethra were recorded from the recalculated DVHs. On the two repeat CTs the V100% decreased -1.5% and -2.3% as compared to the planning CT. For the rectum D2cm(3), the average increase was 14.8% (CT1-CT2) and 17.3% (CT1-CT3). Increase in bladder D2cm(3) was on average 23.1% (CT1-CT2) and 24.8% (CT1-CT3). For the urethra D0.1cm(3) an average decrease of -2% (CT1-CT2) and -3.2% (CT2-CT3) was observed. Changes in target coverage during treatment were small and considered clinically irrelevant. However, an overall increase in dose to the OARs was found as compared to the planned dose, which should be taken into account during treatment planning.


Rupture of the right hemidiaphragm due to blunt trauma in children: a diagnostic dilemma.
The diagnosis of right-sided diaphragmatic rupture (RDR) due to blunt abdominal trauma is often missed in the acute setting, especially in the absence of other thoracoabdominal injuries. We describe two such children. The problems associated with the diagnosis and management of RDR are discussed to emphasize the need to have a high index of suspicion for this entity.


A comprehensive assessment of energy efficiency of wastewater treatment plants: An efficiency analysis tree approach.
Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are energy intensive facilities. Controlling energy use in WWTPs could bring substantial benefits to people and environment. Understanding how energy efficient the wastewater treatment process is and what drives efficiency would allow treating wastewater in a more sustainable way. In this study, we employed the efficiency analysis trees approach, that combines machine learning and linear programming techniques, to estimate energy efficiency of wastewater treatment process. The findings indicated that considerable energy inefficiency among WWTPs in Chile existed. The mean energy efficiency was 0.287 suggesting that energy use should cut reduce by 71.3 % to treat the same volume of wastewater. This was equivalent to a reduction in energy use by 0.40 kWh/m3 on average. Moreover, only 4 out of 203 assessed WWTPs (1.97 %) were identified as energy efficient. It was also found that the age of treatment plant and type of secondary technology played an important role in explaining energy efficiency variations among WWTPs.


Markedly reduced axonal potassium channel expression in human sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: an immunohistochemical study.
Fasciculations are characteristic features of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), suggesting abnormally increased excitability of motor axons. Previous nerve excitability studies have shown reduced axonal potassium currents in ALS patients that may contribute to the hyperexcitability and thereby generation of fasciculations. To clarify changes in axonal ion channel expression in motor axons of ALS, we performed immunohistochemistry of potassium and sodium channels in the C7 and L5 ventral/dorsal roots obtained from five autopsy cases of sporadic ALS. Compared to controls, the immunoreactivity of potassium channels (Kv1.2) was markedly reduced in the ventral roots, but normal in the dorsal roots of all the ALS patients. Nodal sodium channel expression was not significantly different in ALS patients and control subjects. Our results show prominently reduced expression of axonal potassium channels, and provide the neuropathological and biological basis for decreased accommodative potassium currents in motor axons of ALS patients. The axonal hyperexcitability would lead to generation of fasciculations, and possibly enhances motor neuron death in ALS.


High expression of AP2M1 correlates with worse prognosis by regulating immune microenvironment and drug resistance to R-CHOP in diffuse large B cell lymphoma.
First-line treatment with R-CHOP has cured 50%-60% patients of diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), and more than one-third patients will eventually progressed to relapsed/refractory disease with dismal outcomes. Adaptor Related Protein Complex 2 Subunit Mu 1 (AP2M1) is required for the activity of a vacuolar ATPase and may also play an important role in regulating the intracellular trafficking and function of CTLA-4 protein. Herein, using both public databases and our own tumor samples, we aimed to demonstrate the prognostic role of AP2M1 and the potential tumor-promoting mechanisms in DLBCL. Using public datasets of DLBCL from both GEO and TCGA databases, we analyzed the role of AP2M1 in mediating chemoresistance to R-CHOP and its correlation with various clinical parameters and prognosis. By using various R packages, we evaluated the role of AP2M1 on regulating tumor immune microenvironment. Moreover, tumor samples of DLBCL from Beijing TongRen Hospital were used to validate our findings by immunohistochemistry staining. Expression of AP2M1 was significantly increased in DLBCL, which was correlated with poor prognosis and a variety of clinical indicators. On the basis of enrichment analysis, it was found that AP2M1 may be related to intracellular receptor signaling pathway. Through immune analysis and drug prediction, we found that the expression of AP2M1 affected the immune environment and drug response of DLBCL, which further revealed the important role of AP2M1 in DLBCL. By analyzing 61 patients treated uniformly with R-CHOP regimen in our center, we validated the above findings that high expression of AP2M1 correlated with inferior survival outcomes and affected sensitivity to R-CHOP treatment. Expression of AP2M1 may affect the prognosis of DLBCL patients probably by affecting the immune environment and the responses to many drugs in treating DLBCL, indicating AP2M1 as a potential therapy target in DLBCL.


Education and employment levels among Jamaican patients newly diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Comparisons between persons with bipolar disorder and those with schizophrenia are not well researched in the Caribbean. To compare the educational and occupational attainments in Jamaicans diagnosed with these two disorders. Data on diagnosis, educational level, type of employment and other basic socio-demographic variables were collected from Jamaican hospital patients who were newly diagnosed with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Fisher's exact and χ2 tests, as well as binary logistic regression, were used to explore how these characteristics varied according to diagnosis. Statistical significance was taken at p < .05. Schizophrenia was associated with significantly lower educational attainment than bipolar disorder (p = .022 for educational level attained; p = .026 for completion of secondary school). The majority (87.1%) of the 93 patients included in the analysis had no specific marketable job skills. However, the proportion of persons with bipolar disorder who had such skills was three times the corresponding proportion of persons with schizophrenia. The low educational achievement among persons with schizophrenia makes education a potentially important area for interventions targeted at this group. Because gross deficiencies in job skills were common to both patient groups, improvement in job skill levels is an important goal for persons with either of these disorders.


Emerging role of high-density lipoprotein in the prevention of cardiovascular disease.
In major statin trials, the relative risk reduction is typically in the range 25-35%, thus indicating that the majority of cardiac events continues to occur despite statin therapy. Hence, there is a considerable interest in identifying novel therapies capable of further reducing cardiovascular disease risk. One such potential therapeutic target is a low level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Emerging targets involved in HDL metabolism are: (i) liver X receptor and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor agonists; (ii) cholesteryl ester transfer protein inhibitors; (iii) HDL mimetics (ETC-216); (iv) apolipoprotein A-I synthetic peptides; and (v) HDL delipidation and reinfusion. Although they are at various stages of development, each of these therapies has promise for the treatment of cardiovascular disease in humans.


Gender differences in cigarette smoking cessation attempts among adults who smoke and drink alcohol at high levels: Findings from the 2018-2020 International Tobacco Control Four Country Smoking and Vaping Surveys.
This study examined the association between alcohol consumption and smoking cessation behaviour of adults who smoke in four countries. Data came from 4275 adults (≥18 years) who smoked tobacco ≥ monthly and participated in the 2018 and 2020 International Tobacco Control Four Country Smoking and Vaping Surveys (Australia: n = 720; Canada: n = 1250; US: n = 1011; England: n = 1294). The 2018 Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption (AUDIT-C) survey data coded into three levels ('never/low', 'moderate' or 'heavy' consumption) were analysed using multivariable logistic regression models to predict any smoking cessation attempts and successful cessation by 2020 survey, and whether this differed by gender and country. Compared to never/low alcohol consumers, only those who drink heavily were less likely to have made a quit smoking attempt (40.4 % vs. 43.8 %; AOR = 0.69, 95 % CI = 0.57-0.83, p < .001). The association differed by gender and country (3-way interaction, p < .001), with females who drink heavily being less likely to attempt to quit smoking in England (AOR = 0.27, 95 % CI = 0.15-0.49, p < .001) and Australia (AOR = 0.38, 95 % CI = 0.19-0.77, p = .008), but for males, those who drink moderately (AOR = 2.18, 95 % CI = 1.17-4.06, p = .014) or heavily (AOR = 2.61, 95 % CI = 1.45-4.68, p = .001) were more likely to make a quit attempt in England only. Alcohol consumption did not predict quit success. Heavy alcohol use among adults who smoke appears to only undermine the likelihood of trying to quit smoking with some variation by gender and country of residence, but not their chances of succeeding if they tried.


The impact of Anastrazole and Letrozole on the metabolic profile in an experimental animal model.
Anastrazole and Letrozole are used as endocrine therapy for breast cancer patients. Previous studies suggested a possible association with metabolic and liver adverse effects. Their results are conflicting. Fifty-five 4-week-old female Wistar rats were allocated in 4 groups 1) ovariectomy control (OC), 2) ovariectomy-Anastrazole (OA) 3) ovariectomy -Letrozole (OL), 4) control. Serum glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-c and LDL-c were measured at baseline, 2 and 4 months. At the end, the animals' liver were dissected for pathology. At 4 months, total cholesterol differed among the OC and OL groups (p = 0.15) and the control and OL groups (p = 0.12). LDL-C differed between the control and OC groups (p = 0.015) as well as between the control and OA (p =0 .015) and OL groups (p = 0.002). OC group triglycerides, differed from those of the OL group (p =0 .002) and the control group (p = 0.007). The OA also significantly differed from the OL (p = 0.50). Liver pathology analysis revealed differences among groups with favored mild steatosis and ballooning. Anastrazole and Letrozole seem to negatively influence the lipid profile in our experimental model. This information should be taken in caution by medical oncologists when addressing patients with altered lipid metabolism.


[Observation of the cognition and the velocities of blood in the brain in cerebral arteriosclerosis and infarct patients].
To observe the change of the cognition and the supply of blood in brain in healthy people and patients with arteriosclerosis (AS) and cerebral infarct. 1) control group: healthy people, 30 cases. 2) AS group: 22 cases with cerebral arteriosclerosis. Cerebrovascular infarct patients were divided into two groups. 3) 2W group: 21 cases, the patients' course of disease was shorter than two weeks. 4) 6M group: 20 cases, the patients' course of disease was from six months to four years. All cases were checked with cognitive P300 and transcranial doppler ultrasound (TCD) and mini-mental status examination (MMSE). The result revealed that the P300 incubation period in 2W group, 6M group and the AS group was remarkable extend than the control group (P<0.01), meanwhile the period of the 6M group was longer than the AS group (P<0.05); the amplitude of the wave of the 2W group and 6M group were shorter than the control group (P<0.05; 0.05). The velocities of bilateral MCA and right ACA were remarkable improved in AS group (P<0.05; 0.01), and the velocities of left MCA both in 2W and 6M group, the right ACA and BA in 6M group were remarkably decreased than the control group (P<0.05; 0.01). The grades of MMSE in all patients were lower than the control group and the grades in 6M group was lower than the AS group. There are some changes in the P300 and abnormality of brain blood supply in the cerebral infarct patients and AS patients. The longer the course, the more serious of the cognition with the patients.


Limited maximal flow rate of target-controlled remifentanil infusion and induced cough.
This study evaluated the effect of limiting maximal infusion-pump flow rate on suppression of remifentanil-induced cough during target-controlled infusion. Two hundred and ten patients were randomly assigned to receive remifentanil at an effect-site concentration of 4.0 ng.ml(-1) with maximal flow rate limited to 100 (group R(100)), 200 (group R(200)), or 1200 ml.h(-1) (group R(1200)). The number of episodes of cough were recorded and graded as mild (1-2), moderate (3-4), or severe (5 or more). The incidence of cough was 2.9% in group R(100), 5.7% in group R(200) and 25.7% in group R(1200). Patients in group R(100) and R(200) had a significantly lower incidence of cough than those in group R(1200) (p < 0.05). Zero, two and five patients coughed a moderate amount in groups R(100), R(200) and group R(1200), respectively (p < 0.05). Limiting maximal infusion rate during remifentanil TCI suppressed remifentanil-induced cough.


[HIV and dentistry. Part 9. HIV infection and dental care].
Dental treatment of HIV-infected or AIDS patients can be safely performed in the dental office. In general, no special precautions are necessary. Only in case of severe illness a dental emergency may have to be referred to a dedicated clinic. Ideally, the dentist should have the possibility to treat his own patient in such a clinic.


Dorsal visual stream and LIMK1: hemideletion, haplotype, and enduring effects in children with Williams syndrome.
Williams syndrome (WS), a rare neurodevelopmental disorder caused by hemizygous deletion of ~ 25 genes from chromosomal band 7q11.23, affords an exceptional opportunity to study associations between a well-delineated genetic abnormality and a well-characterized neurobehavioral profile. Clinically, WS is typified by increased social drive (often termed "hypersociability") and severe visuospatial construction deficits. Previous studies have linked visuospatial problems in WS with alterations in the dorsal visual processing stream. We investigated the impacts of hemideletion and haplotype variation of LIMK1, a gene hemideleted in WS and linked to neuronal maturation and migration, on the structure and function of the dorsal stream, specifically the intraparietal sulcus (IPS), a region known to be altered in adults with WS. We tested for IPS structural and functional changes using longitudinal MRI in a developing cohort of children with WS (76 visits from 33 participants, compared to 280 visits from 94 typically developing age- and sex-matched participants) over the age range of 5-22. We also performed MRI studies of 12 individuals with rare, shorter hemideletions at 7q11.23, all of which included LIMK1. Finally, we tested for effects of LIMK1 variation on IPS structure and imputed LIMK1 expression in two independent cohorts of healthy individuals from the general population. IPS structural (p < 10-4 FDR corrected) and functional (p < .05 FDR corrected) anomalies previously reported in adults were confirmed in children with WS, and, consistent with an enduring genetic mechanism, were stable from early childhood into adulthood. In the short hemideletion cohort, IPS deficits similar to those in WS were found, although effect sizes were smaller than those found in WS for both structural and functional findings. Finally, in each of the two general population cohorts stratified by LIMK1 haplotype, IPS gray matter volume (pdiscovery < 0.05 SVC, preplication = 0.0015) and imputed LIMK1 expression (pdiscovery = 10-15, preplication = 10-23) varied according to LIMK1 haplotype. This work offers insight into neurobiological and genetic mechanisms responsible for the WS phenotype and also more generally provides a striking example of the mechanisms by which genetic variation, acting by means of molecular effects on a neural intermediary, can influence human cognition and, in some cases, lead to neurocognitive disorders.


Defueling the cancer: ATP synthase as an emerging target in cancer therapy.
Reprogramming of cellular metabolism is a hallmark of cancer. Mitochondrial ATP synthase (MAS) produces most of the ATP that drives the cell. High expression of the MAS-composing proteins is found during cancer and is linked to a poor prognosis in glioblastoma, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, and clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Cell surface-expressed ATP synthase, translocated from mitochondrion to cell membrane, involves the angiogenesis, tumorigenesis, and metastasis of cancer. ATP synthase has therefore been considered a therapeutic target. We review recent various ATP synthase inhibitors that suppress tumor growth and are being tested for the clinic.


Prion infected rhesus monkeys to study differential transcription of Alu DNA elements and editing of Alu transcripts in neuronal cells and blood cells.
Rhesus monkeys were used as a non-human primate model to study small non-coding RNA after infection with human sporadic and variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob prions. Tissue-specific Alu DNA element transcription and editing of transcripts were assessed in neuronal - and blood cells (Buffy Coat). Tissue/cell-specific transcription and editing patterns were obtained. Active Alu DNA elements belonged to several Alu DNA families, they could be located on several chromosomes, and their genomic sites were identified. Deamination by adenosine deaminase acting on RNA and apolipoprotein B editing complex was found. Different Alu transcription and editing programmes exist and may depend on the infection status.


The origin of the giant liver fluke, Fascioloides magna (Trematoda: Fasciolidae) from Croatia determined by high-resolution melting screening of mitochondrial cox1 haplotypes.
The high-resolution melting (HRM) method, recently optimized as a reliable technique for population study of the European Fascioloides magna populations, was applied to determine an origin of F. magna individuals from Croatia. The structure and frequency of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (439 bp; cox1) haplotypes of 200 Croatian flukes coming from 19 red deer (Cervus elaphus elaphus) livers were screened and compared with recently determined reference samples of F. magna from all European foci-Italy, Czech Republic, and Danube floodplain forests. While the reference haplotypes Ha1 and Ha2 were specific for flukes from the first European focus of fascioloidosis, the Natural Park La Mandria in Italy, the remaining three haplotypes (Ha3, Ha4, and Ha5) represented parasites from the second focus, Czech Republic. Besides, Ha3 and Ha4 were found also in the third, latest, and still expanding European focus, the Danube floodplain forests. The HRM screening of cox1 haplotypes of Croatian F. magna individuals resulted in classification of samples into the two mitochondrial haplogroups characterized by well-distinguished melting curves. They corresponded to Ha3 and Ha4 reference haplotypes that confirmed the Danube origin of F. magna from Croatia. The results support the theory that the Danube floodplain forests population of F. magna represents uniform genetic pool of the parasite. The spread of F. magna alongside the Danube River down to Croatia was possible due to suitable ecological conditions for definitive and intermediate hosts present in this unique biotope.


Activin A increases human trophoblast invasion by upregulating integrin β1 through ALK4.
Activin A promotes human trophoblast invasion during the first trimester of pregnancy and is associated with preeclampsia and pregnancy-induced hypertension (PE/PIH) in naturally conceived pregnancies. However, whether integrin β1 mediates activin A-increased trophoblast invasion remains unknown and the evidence is limited regarding the predictive value of activin A for PE/PIH in women receiving in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. Here, we studied the role and underlying molecular mechanisms of integrin β1 in activin A-promoted invasion in immortalized (HTR8/SVneo) and primary human extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cells. A nest case-control study was designed to investigate the predictive/diagnostic value of activin A in IVF pregnancies. Results showed that integrin β1 expression increased after activin A treatment and knockdown of integrin β1 significantly decreased both basal and activin A-increased HTR8/SVneo cell invasion. SB431542 (TGF-β type I receptors inhibitor) abolished activin A-induced SMAD2/SMAD3 phosphorylation and integrin β1 overexpression. Activin A-upregulated integrin β1 expression was attenuated after the depletion of ALK4 or SMAD4 in both HTR8/SVneo and primary EVT cells. Furthermore, we found similar first-trimester activin A levels in IVF patients with or without subsequent PE/PIH. These results reveal that integrin β1 mediates activin A-promoted trophoblast invasion through ALK4-activated SMAD2/3-SMAD4 pathway, and the predictive/diagnostic value of first-trimester maternal serum activin A for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy might be different in IVF population.


Leptomycins A and B, new antifungal antibiotics. I. Taxonomy of the producing strain and their fermentation, purification and characterization.
A strain of Streptomyces was found to produce new antifungal antibiotics. The active compounds were purified and separated into two substances named leptomycin A and B by high performance liquid chromatography. The molecular formulae of leptomycins A and B are C32H46O6 and C33H48O6 respectively, and physicochemical and biological properties of them are very similar to each other. Leptomycins A and B exhibit strong inhibitory activity against Schizosaccharomyces and Mucor.


Fall Risk Program for Oncology Inpatients: Addition of the "Traffic Light" Fall Risk Assessment Tool.
The incidence of falls on inpatient oncology units indicated the need for quality improvement. This project aimed to reduce falls by implementing a fall reduction plan including the "Traffic Light" Fall Risk Assessment Tool (TL-FRAT). We retrospectively reviewed the oncology unit fall data from January 2013 to September 2014 and found that the average fall incidence was high. The project used a program evaluation design, and the process was guided by Kotter's 8-step change model. We implemented the TL-FRAT to classify oncology inpatients at a high risk of falling in advance. The average fall incidence and falls with injury during the project were reduced. Adding the TL-FRAT to the fall protocol on the units effectively reduced the incidence of falls related to impaired mobility. The TL-FRAT can improve nurses' sensitivity to falls related to impaired mobility and, subsequently, guide corresponding fall prevention strategies.


Liver and brain differential expression of one-carbon metabolism genes during ontogenesis.
One-carbon metabolism (1C metabolism) is of paramount importance for cell metabolism and mammalian development. It is involved in the synthesis or modification of a wide variety of compounds such as proteins, lipids, purines, nucleic acids and neurotransmitters. We describe here the evolution of expression of genes related to 1C metabolism during liver and brain ontogeny in mouse. The level of expression of 30 genes involved in 1C metabolism was quantified by RT-qPCR in liver and brain tissues of OF1 mice at E9, E11, E13, E15, E17, P0, P3, P5, P10, P15 developmental stages and in adults. In the liver, hierarchical clustering of the gene expression patterns revealed five distinct clades of genes with a first bifurcating hierarchy distinguishing two main developmental stages before and after E15. In the brain most of the 1C metabolism genes are expressed but at a lower levels. The gene expression of enzymes involved in 1C metabolism show dramatic changes during development that are tissue specific. mRNA expression patterns of all major genes involved in 1C metabolism in liver and brain provide clues about the methylation demand and methylation pathways during embryonic development.


GFICLEE: ultrafast tree-based phylogenetic profile method inferring gene function at the genomic-wide level.
Phylogenetic profiling is widely used to predict novel members of large protein complexes and biological pathways. Although methods combined with phylogenetic trees have significantly improved prediction accuracy, computational efficiency is still an issue that limits its genome-wise application. Here we introduce a new tree-based phylogenetic profiling algorithm named GFICLEE, which infers common single and continuous loss (SCL) events in the evolutionary patterns. We validated our algorithm with human pathways from three databases and compared the computational efficiency with current tree-based with 10 different scales genome dataset. Our algorithm has a better predictive performance with high computational efficiency. The GFICLEE is a new method to infers genome-wide gene function. The accuracy and computational efficiency of GFICLEE make it possible to explore gene functions at the genome-wide level on a personal computer.


Peritoneal pre-conditioning reduces macrophage marker expression in collagen-containing engineered vascular grafts.
Engineered vascular grafts have shown promise as arteriovenous shunts, but they have not yet progressed to clinical trials for coronary arteries <4 mm in diameter such as the coronary arteries. Control over initial biomaterial properties and remodeling are necessary to generate viable grafts. In this study, we blended collagen with a synthetic material, poly(ε-caprolactone), to modulate the post-grafting inflammatory response while avoiding aneurysmal-like dilation and failure that can occur with pure collagen grafts. We also used pre-implantation in an "in vivo bioreactor" to recruit autologous cells and improve patency after grafting. Electrospun conduits were pre-implanted within rat peritoneal cavities and then grafted autologously into abdominal aortae. Conduit collagen percentages and pre-implantation were tested for their impact on graft remodeling and patency. Burst pressures >2000 mmHg, reproducible expansion with systole/diastole, and maintenance of mechanical integrity were observed. More importantly, peritoneal pre-implantation reduced overall lipid oxidation, intimal layer thickness, and expression of an M1 macrophage marker. The condition with the most collagen, 25%, exhibited the lowest expression of macrophage markers but also resulted in a thicker intimal layer. Overall, the 10% collagen/PCL with peritoneal pre-implantation condition appeared to exhibit the best combination of responses, and may result in improved clinical graft viability. This manuscript describes a rodent study to systematically determine the benefits of both pre-implantation in the peritoneal cavity and specific ratios of collagen on engineered vascular graft viability. We show that pre-implantation had a significant benefit, including decreasing the expression of macrophage markers and reducing lipid oxidation after grafting. This study is the first time that the benefits of peritoneal pre-implantation have been compared to an "off the shelf," directly grafted control condition. We also demonstrated the importance of specific collagen ratio on the response after grafting. Overall, we feel that this article will be of interest to the field and it has the potential to address a significant clinical need: a graft for coronary arteries <4 mm in diameter.


Analysis of central mechanism of cognitive training on cognitive impairment after stroke: Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging study.
To investigate the central mechanism of cognitive training in patients with stroke, using resting state (RS) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Patients with stroke and executive function and memory deficit were randomized to receive computer-assisted cognitive training (treatment group; total 60 h training over 10 weeks) or no training (control group). All participants received neuropsychological assessment and RS fMRI at baseline and 10 weeks. Patients in the treatment group (n = 16) showed increased functional connectivity (FC) of the hippocampus with the frontal lobe (right inferior, right middle, left middle, left inferior and left superior frontal gyrus) and left parietal lobe at 10 weeks compared with baseline. Patients in the control group (n = 18) showed decreased FC of the left hippocampus-right occipital gyrus, and right hippocampus-right posterior lobe of cerebellum and left superior temporal gyrus. Significant correlations were found between improved neuropsychological scores and increased FC of the hippocampus with the frontal lobe and left parietal lobe in the treatment group only. Increased RS FC of the hippocampus with the frontal and parietal lobes may be an important mechanism of cognitive recovery after stroke.


Production of prostacyclin (PGI2) and thromboxane A2 (TXA2) by vessels draining and not-draining benign and malignant tumours of the breast.
The production of PGI2 (determined by bioassay) and TXB2 (determined by radioimmunoassay) was studied in the supernatant solutions obtained after incubation of vessel rings prepared from veins draining and not draining benign and malignant tumours of the breast. A significant increase (p less than 0.01) was found in the production of PGI2 by vessels draining the malignant tumours as compared to those not draining such tumours or vessels draining benign tumours. The changes in PGI2, and the tendency for TXB2 to be higher in vessels draining malignant tumours, were in the same direction so that they balanced out when the ratio PGI2/TXB2 was calculated: in consequence no significant changes in this ratio were found in malignant tumours as compared to the benign. A significant difference (p less than 0.01) was observed in the ratios of vessels draining tumours:vessels not draining tumours between malignant and benign tumours in relation to the production of PGI2. The present data demonstrate that the production of PGI2 by vessels draining malignant tumours of the breast is different to that obtained with vessels from patients with benign tumours, although the mechanism responsible for this difference is not known.


Successful Treatment of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma in a Captive Green Iguana (Iguana Iguana).
Reptiles are popular exotic pets and green iguanas (Iguana iguana) are amongst the top ten most popular reptiles. Here we describe a captive 8-year-old female green iguana that was referred for treatment of a non-healing, discharging lesion on the side of the body. The lesion was surgically excised and histopathological analysis revealed an epidermal proliferation of neoplastic keratinocytes, with focal infiltration through the basement membrane, into the underlying superficial dermis. Marked dysplastic changes, characterized by multifocal dyskeratosis and keratin pearl formation were also noted. A diagnosis of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was made. Two years later, the iguana has shown no signs of recurrence. This is the first report of successful treatment of cutaneous SCC in a green iguana and contributes to the limited knowledge of cutaneous neoplasms in green iguanas.


Effect of microchannel protrusion on the bulk acoustic wave-induced acoustofluidics: numerical investigation.
Acoustofluidics inside the microchannel has already found its wide applications recently. Acoustic streaming and radiation force are two underlying mechanisms that determine the trajectory of microparticles and cells in the manipulation. Critical particle size of viscous effects is found to be about 1.6 µm in the conventional rectangular microchannel (W × H = 380 m × 160 m) at the frequency of 2 MHz, below which the acoustic streaming dominants, and is independent of the driving voltage. In order to effectively adjust such a critical size, a approach is proposed and evaluated numerically to enhance the acoustic streaming by adding some protrusions (i.e., in the shape of a wedge, rod, half-ellipse) to the middle of the top or bottom wall. It is found that the resonant frequency and acoustic pressure will decrease and the acoustic streaming velocity will increase significantly, respectively, with the increase of protrusion height (up to 30 µm while keeping the width the same as 8 µm). Subsequently, trajectory motion patterns of microparticles have apparent changes in comparison to those inside the rectangular microchannel, and acoustic streaming can even dominate the motion of large microparticles (i.e., 10 µm). As a result, the critical particle size could be increased up to 72.5 µm. Furthermore, different protrusion shapes (i.e., wedge, rod, half-ellipse) on the top wall were compared. The sharpness of protrusion at its tip seems to determine the acoustic streaming velocity. The wedge attached to the bottom wall had higher resonant frequency and lower acoustic streaming velocity compared with the top wedge in the same dimension. The patterns of acoustic streaming and microparticle trajectory motion in the microchannel with dual wedges on the top and bottom walls are not the superposition of those of the top and bottom wedge individually. In summary, the geometry of the microchannel has a significant effect on the induced acoustofluidics by the bulk acoustic waves. A much larger acoustic streaming velocity is produced at the tip of the protrusion to change the critical size of microparticles between acoustic streaming and radiation force. It suggests that more applications of acoustofluidics (i.e., mixing and sonoporation) to microparticles and cells in various sizes are feasible by designing an appropriate geometry of the microchannel.


A new source of variance in visual acuity.
In an ocularly healthy population, decimal visual acuities range from 1 to 3. We wondered how this spread can be understood. Using a maximum likelihood adaptive procedure, "visual acuity" was measured in a healthy population with four stimulus sets: unblurred Landolt Cs and Cs blurred with a Gaussian of width sigma = 2.12', 4.24' and 8.48'. A simple model based on scale invariance of the visual system was applied. This model was tested by predicting the outcomes of the 2.12' measurements based on the other measurements. The minimum angle of resolution (MAR) values found are closely proportional to "equivalent blur" of the stimulus defined as the convolution of a value for intrinsic blur of the eye and added blur. The proportionality factor is different between individuals and is an important source for the spread in acuities found in a healthy population. The differences between the proportionality factors are interpreted as differences in the (neuronal) judgment capability between individuals. The total standard deviation of log(MAR) found in our study was 0.11. This value can be subdivided in 0.06 for the (neuronal) judgment capability, 0.08 for the intrinsic retinal blur and a measurement accuracy of 0.04.


Multimodality preoperative imaging of pancreatic insulinomas.
Pancreatic insulinomas are rare tumours of the islet cells of the pancreas, which account for the majority of functional neuroendocrine tumours of the pancreas. There is often a typical history of recurrent hypoglycaemic collapse and dizzy spells. Insulinomas are usually solitary, and the vast majority are intra-pancreatic in location. They are characteristically small with approximately 66% being less than 2cm at presentation. Insulinomas continue to pose a diagnostic challenge to physicians, surgeons and radiologists alike. The role of imaging is to detect and provide precise anatomical localization and staging of tumours prior to surgery. Due to their small size at clinical presentation, they are notoriously difficult to localize radiologically, and specifically designed protocols are necessary to aid detection. In this review, we describe the current "state of the art" imaging protocols that may be used in the preoperative localization of insulinomas.


PbAc Triggers Oxidation and Apoptosis via the PKA Pathway in NRK-52E Cells.
This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of the lead exposure-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells. We explored the effects of lead acetate (PbAc) on the oxidation and apoptosis of renal proximal tubular cells (NRK-52E) through in vitro experiments. Results showed that PbAc induced dose-dependent reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in NRK-52E cells, and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) decreased, whereas the malondialdehyde (MDA) content increased. Under the exposure of 40 and 80 μM PbAc, the mRNA level of B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) in the cells decreased, the mRNA levels of Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) and caspase-3 increased, and apoptosis was obvious. Furthermore, the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 4 (Nox4) activity was enhanced by PbAc in a dose-dependent manner. The mRNA levels of protein kinase A (PKA) were upregulated by PbAc. H-89, a PKA inhibitor, suppressed PKA activation, ROS accumulation, and Nox4 activity in NRK-52E cells. Our results indicated that PbAc potentially stimulated oxidative stress and apoptosis in NRK-52E cells by increasing Nox4-dependent ROS production via the PKA signaling pathway.


Solvothermal Synthesis of Hierarchical Colloidal Nanocrystal Assemblies of ZnFe₂O₄ and Their Application in Water Treatment.
Hierarchical colloidal nanocrystal assemblies (CNAs) of ZnFe₂O₄ have been synthesized controllably by a solvothermal method. Hollow ZnFe₂O₄ spheres can be formed with the volume ratios of ethylene glycol to ethanol of 1:4 in the starting systems, while solid ZnFe₂O₄ CNAs are obtained by adjusting the volume proportion of ethylene glycol to ethanol from 1:2 to 2:1. Magnetometric measurement data showed that the ZnFe₂O₄ CNAs obtained with the volume ratios of 1:2 and 1:1 exhibited weak ferromagnetic behavior with high saturation magnetization values of 60.4 and 60.3 emu·g-1, respectively. However, hollow spheres showed a saturation magnetization value of 52.0 emu·g-1, but the highest coercivity among all the samples. It was found that hollow spheres displayed the best ability to adsorb Congo red dye among all the CNAs. The formation mechanisms of ZnFe₂O₄ CNAs, as well as the relationship between their structure, crystallite size, and properties were discussed based on the experimental results.


Monosynaptic excitation of medullary inspiratory neurons by bulbospinal inspiratory neurons of the ventral respiratory group in the cat.
In Nembutal-anesthetized, immobilized, and artificially ventilated cats, we studied the connectivity of medullary collaterals of bulbospinal inspiratory (BS-I) neurons in the ventral respiratory group (VRG). BS-I neurons which projected to the contralateral spinal cord were isolated extracellularly and intracellular recordings were made from the respiratory neurons in the contralateral VRG. The intracellular membrane potentials were averaged using extracellular spikes of the BS-I neurons as triggers (spike-triggered averaging method). Fast-rising and short-lasting depolarizing potentials locked to the triggering spikes were obtained and shown to be unitary EPSPs induced monosynaptically by the medullary collaterals of BS-I neurons. A total of 137 pairs were analyzed and unitary EPSPs were found in 11 pairs. Four BS-I neurons and 7 inspiratory vagal motoneurons received EPSPs from the medullary collaterals of BS-I neurons. These findings suggest that 1) BS-I neurons in the VRG drive medullary motoneurons of accessory respiratory muscles and phrenic or intercostal motoneurons simultaneously, 2) BS-I neurons on both sides synchronize via the excitatory connections, and 3) the augmenting firing pattern of BS-I neurons might partly be produced by this reexcitatory connection within the population of BS-I neurons.


Management of aortic prosthetic infections.
Infections of aortic vascular prostheses remain a dreaded complication. Although removal of the graft has generally been recommended in the literature, the role of lesser procedures, the need for alternate revascularization, and a precise plan of attack are ill defined. We have treated 18 patients with infection of aortic prostheses. Specific risk factors potentially promoting infection included reoperation, septic complications, or gastrointestinal entry at the time of graft placement. Clinical signs of infection included chronic draining sinus in eight patients, localized groin abscess in three patients, groin swelling in four patients, gastrointestinal bleeding in two patients, and pseudoaneurysm in one patient. Treatment by local therapy, including catheter irrigation of sinus tracts, debridement, and local antibiotics, resulted in failure in eight of nine patients. If the sinogram of a groin sinus showed no communication with the body of the graft, resection of a graft limb was successful in 66 percent of the patients. If the sinus communicated with the body of the graft, total resection was mandatory. When total excision was necessary, all patients required revascularization by means of an extraanatomic bypass. The mortality rate was 33 percent and was primarily due to bleeding fistulas. An aggressive approach to this serious problem with early graft excision is encouraged.


Professional nursing burnout and irrational thinking: a replication study.
This expanded (n = 648) replication study examines job-related burnout in practicing nurses in relation to five maladaptive thinking patterns at eight northeast Florida hospitals. Data supported the hypothesis that maladaptive thinking patterns may be related to nurses' burnout thoughts and behaviors. The focus of this research spotlights the individual nurse's thoughts, emotions, and actions and suggests that these burnout tendencies can be mitigated if not changed.


MicroRNAs downregulated in neuropathic pain regulate MeCP2 and BDNF related to pain sensitivity.
Nerve injury induces chronic pain and dysregulation of microRNAs in dorsal root ganglia (DRG). Several downregulated microRNAs are predicted to target Mecp2. MECP2 mutations cause Rett syndrome and these patients report decreased pain perception. We confirmed MeCP2 upregulation in DRG following nerve injury and repression of MeCP2 by miRNAs in vitro. MeCP2 regulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and downregulation of MeCP2 by microRNAs decreased Bdnf in vitro. MeCP2 T158A mice exhibited reduced mechanical sensitivity and Mecp2-null and MeCP2 T158A mice have decreased Bdnf in DRG. MeCP2-mediated regulation of Bdnf in the DRG could contribute to altered pain sensitivity.


alpha-DNA-V. Parallel annealing, handedness and conformation of the duplex of the unnatural alpha-hexadeoxyribonucleotide alpha-[d(CpApTpGpCpG)] with its beta-complement beta-[d(GpTpApCpGpC)] deduced from high field 1H-NMR.
The beta-complementary hexamer, beta-d[GTACGC], to the alpha-sequence, alpha-d[CATGCG], was synthesized by the phosphotriester method. The non-exchangeable proton assignments were obtained using 1D- and 2D-NMR techniques, including NOE, COSY and NOESY. The beta-strand exists as a random coil at 21 degrees C; however, at 4 degrees C, it forms an antiparallel self-recognition duplex annealing at positions 1-4. The beta-strand was annealed to the alpha-strand, and confirmation of complete annealing was obtained by detection and assignment of the six base pair imino protons in H2O/D2O solution at 21 degrees C. 1D-NOE experiments of the alpha, beta duplex d[alpha-(CATGCG) X beta-(GTACGC)] reveal that (i) it exists in aqueous solution in a conformation that belongs to the B family, (ii) it is 70 +/- 10% right-handed, (iii) the sugar-base orientations of the beta-strand are anti, and the deoxyribose units exist predominantly in the 2'-endo-3'-exo conformation. NOE measurements of the imino proton signals in the alpha, beta duplex reveal that the duplex exhibits parallel polarity.


Effect of time on colony odour stability in the ant Formica exsecta.
Among social insects, maintaining a distinct colony profile allows individuals to distinguish easily between nest mates and non-nest mates. In ants, colony-specific profiles can be encoded within their cuticular hydrocarbons, and these are influenced by both environmental and genetic factors. Using nine monogynous Formica exsecta ant colonies, we studied the stability of their colony-specific profiles at eight time points over a 4-year period. We found no significant directional change in any colony profile, suggesting that genetic factors are maintaining this stability. However, there were significant short-term effects of season that affected all colony profiles in the same direction. Despite these temporal changes, no significant change in the profile variation within colonies was detected: each colony's profile responded in similar manner between seasons, with nest mates maintaining closely similar profiles, distinct from other colonies. These findings imply that genetic factors may help maintain the long-term stability of colony profile, but environmental factors can influence the profiles over shorter time periods. However, environmental factors do not contribute significantly to the maintenance of diversity among colonies, since all colonies were affected in a similar way.


The effect of chronic methadone treatment on intra-uterine growth of the cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis).
A generally accepted management of heroin addiction during pregnancy is treatment with methadone, which reduces the complications of heroin addiction considerably. Reports in the literature are still contradictory, however, about the influence of methadone upon birthweight. In pregnant Cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) the effect of chronic treatment with rather high dosages of methadone upon birthweight was studied under standardized conditions. Birthweights were significantly lower in the methadone-treated animals.


Dynamic Glucose-Enhanced MR Imaging.
Conventional medical imaging techniques use contrast agents that are chemically labeled, for example, iodine in the case of computed tomography, radioisotopes in the case of PET, or gadolinium in the case of MR imaging to create or enhance signal contrast and to visualize tissue compartments and features. Dynamic glucose-enhanced MR imaging represents a novel technique that uses natural, unlabeled d-glucose as a nontoxic biodegradable contrast agent in chemical exchange-sensitive MR imaging approaches.


Electrochemical reduction of nitrobenzene via redox-mediated chronoamperometry.
Anilines are important feedstocks for pharmaceuticals, dyes, and other materials, but traditional approaches to their syntheses usually lack selectivity and environmental sustainability. Here, we describe the selective reduction of nitrobenzene to aniline under mild conditions, using water as the ultimate source of the required protons and electrons. We describe the electrochemical cell assembly, and detail steps for electrochemical reduction followed by organic extraction and analysis of the extracts using NMR. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Stergiou and Symes (2022a).


Impact of AJCC 8 pT staging in cutaneous head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in a nonselected real-world patient sample.
Our aim was to evaluate characteristics associated with worse survival and the effectiveness of AJCC 8 in a real-world cohort of HNCSCC from South Brazil. A 10-year retrospective cohort study (2011-2020) at a tertiary care center comprising 647 HNCSCC excised from 435 patients. At multivariable analysis, ear/nose/zygomatic or periorbital site, compromised or exiguous margins, and advanced pT stage were independent factors associated to DFS, while age, pN, and loco-regional recurrence were independent factors associated to DSS. Cox-regression multivariable models showed that the pT stage was statistically significant for the DFS, but not DSS. A significant distinction was only observed between T1 and T2. It was only in the lower categories of AJCC 8 (T1 and T2) that we were able to demonstrate the ability to stratify tumors with a significant risk of poor disease-related outcomes.


Water stress, temperature, and light effects on the capacity for isoprene emission and photosynthesis of kudzu leaves.
Kudzu (Pueraria lobata (Willd) Ohwi.) is a vine which forms large, monospecific stands in disturbed areas of the southeastern United States. Kudzu also emits isoprene, a hydrocarbon which can significantly affect atmospheric chemistry including reactions leading to tropospheric ozone. We have studied physiological aspects of isoprene emission from kudzu so the ecological consequences of isoprene emission can be better understood. We examined: (a) the development of isoprene emission as leaves developed, (b) the interaction between photon flux density and temperature effects on isoprene emission, (c) isoprene emission during and after water stress, and (d) the induction of isoprene emission from leaves grown at low temperature by water stress or elevated temperature. Isoprene emission under standard conditions of 1000 μmol photons·m-2·s-1 and 30°C developed only after the leaf had reached full expansion, and was not complete until up to two weeks past the point of full expansion of the leaf. The effect of temperature on isoprene emission was much greater than found for other species, with a 10°C increase in temperature causing a eight-fold increase in the rate of isoprene emission. Isoprene emission from kudzu was stimulated by increases in photon flux density up to 3000 μmol photons·m-2·s-1. In contrast, photosynthesis of kudzu was saturated at less than 1000 μmol·m-2·s-1 photon flux density and was reduced at high temperature, so that up to 20% of the carbon fixed in photosynthesis was reemitted as isoprene gas at 1000 μmol photons·m-2·s-1 and 35°C. Withholding water caused photosynthesis to decline nearly to zero after several days but had a much smaller effect on isoprene emission. Following the relief of water stress, photosynthesis recovered to the prestress level but isoprene emission increased to about five times the prestress rate. At 1000 μmol photons·m-2·s-1 and 35°C as much as 67% of the carbon fixed in photosynthesis was reemitted as isoprene eight days after water stress. Leaves grown at less than 20°C did not make isoprene until an inductive treatment was given. Inductive treatments included growth at 24°C, leaf temperature of 30°C for 5 h, or witholding water from plants. With the new information on temperature and water stress effects on isoprene emission, we speculate that isoprene emission may help plants cope with stressful conditions.


Inhibition of human and rabbit platelet activation by Ketotifen.
The effects of Ketotifen and disodium cromoglycate were investigated on human and rabbit platelet activation. Ketotifen inhibited dose-dependently human and rabbit platelet aggregation. The paf-acether pathway was the most markedly influenced by Ketotifen in human and rabbit platelets (IC50 = 38.8 +/- 7.7 microM and 7.2 +/- 4.5 microM respectively) as compared to adenosine diphosphate (IC50 greater than 100 microM and 79 +/- 19 microM) and to arachidonic acid (IC50 greater than 100 microM and 98 +/- 28 microM). Similar concentrations of Ketotifen inhibited the ATP release from human platelets induced by paf-acether. Disodium cromoglycate up to 5 x 10(-4) M did not inhibit platelet aggregation induced by paf-acether, adenosine diphosphate and arachidonic acid.


Enhancing Sweat Rate Using a Novel Device for the Treatment of Congestion in Heart Failure.
Current treatment of fluid retention in heart failure relies primarily on diuretics. However, adequate decongestion is not achieved in many patients. We aimed to study the feasibility and short-term performance of a novel approach to remove fluids and sodium directly from the interstitial compartment by enhancing sweat rate. We used a device designed to enhance fluid and salt loss via the eccrine sweat glands. Skin temperature in the lower body was increased from 35 °C to 38 °C, where the slope of the relationship between temperature and sweat production is linear. The sweat evaporates instantaneously, thus avoiding the awareness of perspiration. The primary efficacy endpoint was the ability to increase skin temperature to the desired range. A secondary efficacy endpoint was a clinically meaningful hourly sweat output, defined as ≥150 mL/h. The primary safety endpoint was any procedure-related adverse events. We studied 6 normal subjects and 18 patients with congestion. Participants underwent 3 treatment sessions of up to 4 hours. Skin temperature increased to a median of 37.5 °C (interquartile range, 37.1-37.9 °C) with the median core temperature increasing by 0.2 °C (interquartile range, 0.1-0.3 °C). The median hourly weight loss during treatment was 215 g/h (interquartile range, 165-285; range, 100-344 g/h). In 80% of treatment procedures, the average sweat rate was ≥150 mL/h. There were no significant changes in hemodynamic variables or renal function and no procedure-related adverse events. Enhancing sweat rate was safe and resulted in a clinically meaningful fluid removal and weight loss. URL: https://www. gov; Unique identifier: NCT04578353.


Distribution and metabolism of N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester in patients with septic shock.
The pharmacokinetics of N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), an inhibitor of nitric oxide (NO) synthesis, was investigated in patients with septic shock. Blood was sampled at intervals before, during and after 12-h infusion of L-NAME 1 mg x kg(-1) x h(-1) in nine septic shock patients for determination of plasma concentrations by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In three patients the renal clearance of the drug was determined. Incubation of L-NAME with plasma and blood in vitro revealed hydrolysis to N(G)-nitro-L-arginine (L-NOARG), the active inhibitor of NO synthesis. L-NOARG did not undergo further degradation. Continuous intravenous infusion of 1 mg x kg(-1) x h(-1) of L-NAME for 12 h in patients with septic shock increased blood pressure and resulted in increasing plasma concentrations of L-NOARG (Cmax 6.2 microg x ml(-1) at 12 h) whereas L-NAME concentrations reached a plateau within 1.5 h (Cmax 1.0 microg x ml(-1)). After the infusion was stopped L-NAME disappeared from the plasma rapidly (half-life 19.2 min) whereas L-NOARG concentration declined slowly (half-life 22.9 h). The calculated volume of distribution for L-NAME was 0.451 x kg(-1) body weight and 1.961 x kg(-1) for L-NOARG. The renal clearance for L-NOARG was 3.5% of total body clearance for L-NOARG, whereas L-NAME could not be detected in urine. We conclude that vasoconstriction with L-NAME in septic patients may result from hydrolysis to L-NOARG, the active inhibitor of NO synthesis. The long plasma half-life and large volume of distribution for L-NOARG suggests extensive distribution to extravascular tissues. Since renal excretion is minimal, elimination of the metabolite L-NOARG follows other pathways.


Ageing in the hypothalamo-neurohypophysial-renal system.
Ageing is characterised by a failure in the maintenance of the internal environment (homeostasis) which is regulated by the hypothalamic neuroendocrine system. Of the many systems that undergo age-related degeneration is the control of water metabolism which leads to a variety of complications in the elderly. The magnocellular neurons of the hypothalamus produce the peptide anti-diuretic hormone (vasopressin) which acts on the kidney regulating water loss in the urine. This physiological axis lends itself to both fundamental studies of the cellular and molecular biology of ageing, and to studies of age-related alterations in the functional ability of elderly people. This review summarises some of the recent research into age-related changes in this system. The morphological and functional changes in the hypothalamus, neurohypophysis and kidney are described for the various species examined and the results discussed in terms of ageing in humans.


Effect of low-dose lanthanum carbonate on calcium and phosphorus metabolism in Asian Patients with end-stage renal disease, maintenance hemodialysis and hyperphosphatemia.
This study aimed to examine whether a 12-week small-dose lanthanum carbonate (LaCO3; 500 mg/d) treatment could improve calcium and phosphorus metabolism and parathyroid function in Asian patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) under hemodialysis. This was a prospective observational study of patients treated at our Hospital between 10/2014 and 02/2015. The patients were given 500 mg/d of LaCO3 with lunch for 12 weeks. Baseline and after 12-week treatment serum phosphorus levels were 2.49±0.51 mmol/L and 1.65±0.34 mmol/L (P<0.001). The baseline and after 12-week treatment calcium×phosphorus product were 69.40±17.34 mg2/dL2 and 44.27±9.67 mg2/dL2 (P<0.001). There was no significant difference in serum calcium and iPTH levels from baseline to after 12 weeks treatment (both P>0.05). Fourteen (25.9%) patients developed gastrointestinal adverse reactions to LaCO3 and 10 patients improved after treatment. Far below the 1.5-3.0g/d required by the drug instructions, LaCO3 500 mg/d for 12 weeks can still reduce serum phosphorus level and calcium × phosphorus product, without serum calcium and iPTH levels increase.


Dietary curcumin supplementation promotes browning and energy expenditure in postnatal overfed rats.
Early postnatal overfeeding could result in metabolic imprinting that decreases energy expenditure following white adipose tissue (WAT) gain throughout life. This research investigated whether curcumin (CUR) supplementation could promote WAT browning and activate thermogenesis in postnatal overfed rats. This study adjusted the size of litters to three (small litters, SL) or ten (normal litters, NL) to mimic early postnatal overfeeding or normal feeding from postnatal day 3. From postnatal week 3 (weaning period), SL rats were fed a standard diet (SL) or a diet supplemented with 1% (SL1% CUR) or 2% (SL2% CUR) CUR for ten weeks. At postnatal week 13, SL rats with 1% or 2% CUR supplementation had lower body weight and less WAT gain and had an increased lean mass ratio, and their glucose tolerance and blood lipid levels had recovered to normal when compared to SL rats that did not receive the supplement. Moreover, the increased heat generation were consistent with the expression levels of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) and other browning-related genes in the subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) of the SL2% CUR rats but not in the SL1% CUR rats. In addition, 2% CUR dietary supplementation enhanced the serum norepinephrine levels in SL rats, with upregulated mRNA levels of β3-adrenergic receptor (β3-AR) in SAT. Dietary CUR supplementation attenuates body fat gain and metabolic disorders in SL, which might be induced by promoting browning of SAT and energy expenditure. Moreover, the benefits were more obvious in SL with 2% CUR supplementation.


UltraHigh Field MR Imaging in Epilepsy.
More than one million people in the United States suffer from seizures that are not controlled with antiseizure medications. Targeted interventions such as surgery and deep brain stimulation can confer seizure reduction or even freedom in many of these patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, but success critically depends on identification of epileptogenic zones through MR imaging. Ultrahigh field imaging facilitates improved sensitivity and resolution across many imaging modalities and may facilitate better detection of epileptic markers than is achieved at lower field strengths. The increasing availability and clinical adoption of ultrahigh field scanners play an important role in characterizing drug-resistant epilepsy and planning for its treatment.


Facial Contouring Surgery with Custom Silicone Implants Based on a 3D Prototype Model and CT-Scan: A Preliminary Study.
From perspectives of differences in anatomic and cultural characteristics from Caucasians, Asians have been considered to undergo facial bone contouring surgery of the zygoma and mandible and fat grafting in the anterior mimetic area of midface. We have sought to develop more ready-to-use methods for increasing the applicability of custom facial implants in the field of esthetic surgery. We performed insertion of custom silicone implants after taking a clinical history and photographs in a total of seven patients (n = 7) between March 2008 and July 2014. Our clinical series of patients comprises two men and five women, whose mean age was 41.6 ± 21.6-years old (range 23-82 years). In addition, the patients were followed up during a mean period of 11.43 ± 6.68 months (range 3-24 months). In the current study, we evaluated treatment outcomes of custom silicone implants using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) in facial contouring surgery by reviewing seven cases. There were no abnormalities of the soft tissue or bone due to the use of custom silicone implants. Moreover, we found that custom silicone implants were advantageous in predicting treatment outcomes. All the patients were satisfied with treatment outcomes. Custom silicone implants based on the PVA clay on the 3D RP model will play a prominent role in facial contouring surgery but its full potential deserves further studies. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .


A Culturally Adapted Parenting Intervention for Mexican-Origin Immigrant Families with Adolescents: Integrating Science, Culture, and a Focus on Immigration-Related Adversity.
Low-income Latina/o immigrants are very likely to experience intense contextual challenges in the USA, such as limited exposure to culturally relevant parent training (PT) prevention interventions. This prevention study consisted of an exploratory randomized controlled trial, aimed at empirically testing the implementation feasibility and initial efficacy of a culturally adapted version of the evidence-based PT intervention known as GenerationPMTO©. The parenting intervention was adapted to overtly address immigration-related stressors, discrimination, and challenges associated with biculturalism. Seventy-one Mexican-origin immigrant mothers participated in this study and were allocated to one of two conditions: (a) culturally adapted GenerationPMTO (i.e., CAPAS-Youth) or (b) wait-list control. Measurements were completed at baseline (T1) and intervention completion (T2). When compared to mothers in the control condition at T2, CAPAS-Youth participants reported significant improvements on four of the core parenting practices delivered in the CAPAS-Youth intervention. As hypothesized, no significant differences in limit-setting skills were identified at T2. With regards to adolescents' outcomes, mothers exposed to CAPAS-Youth reported significant improvements in youth internalizing and externalizing behaviors at T2 when compared to a wait-list control condition. Mothers in both conditions also reported significant reductions in levels of immigration-related stress. Current findings indicate the feasibility of implementing CAPAS-Youth within a context of considerable adversity, as well as the beneficial impacts of the parent-based intervention on salient parenting and youth outcomes.


Effect of ICV infusion of CRF on blood pressure and adrenal steroids in rabbits.
The effect of prolonged, 22 h long, intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) infusion of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRF) on plasma cortisol, corticosterone and electrolyte concentrations, mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were investigated in conscious rabbits. During i.c.v. infusion of CRF, 1 and 3 micrograms/h, at a rate of 17 microliters/h, plasma cortisol and corticosterone concentrations rose to the level noted after ACTH stimulation in rabbits. Plasma [Na] did not change, but plasma [K] was reduced and plasma osmolality increased during the infusion of CRF, 3 micrograms/h. MAP and HR, recorded continuously during i.c.v. infusion of CRF, changed only with the higher dose of CRF: MAP was elevated during the first 5 h of infusion, and then returned to the control level. HR was lower than control at the end of the first hour of infusion and again between 9 and 15 h of infusion. The prolonged rise of CRF concentration in the brain induced a sustained rise in circulating adrenal steroid hormones. MAP did not increase to the level noted after bolus i.c.v. injection of CRF and the rise in MAP was not sustained.


Estrogens and prostate cancer.
Hormonal influences such as androgens and estrogens are known contributors in the development and progression of prostate cancer (CaP). While much of the research to the hormonal nature of CaP has focused on androgens, estrogens also have critical roles in CaP development, physiology as well as a potential therapeutic intervention. In this review, we provide a critical literature review of the current basic science and clinical evidence for the interaction between estrogens and CaP. Estrogenic influences in CaP include synthetic, endogenous, fungi and plant-derived compounds, and represent a family of sex hormones, which cross hydrophobic cell membranes and bind to membrane-associated receptors and estrogen receptors that localize to the nucleus triggering changes in gene expression in various organ systems. Estrogens represent a under-recognized contributor in CaP development and progression. Further research in this topic may provide opportunities for identification of environmental influencers as well as providing novel therapeutic targets in the treatment of CaP.


Freezing-Facilitated Dehydration Allowing Deposition of ZnO from Aqueous Electrolyte.
When an aqueous NaCl solution with low concentrations of transition metal ions is frozen, most of the solutes are concentrated in the freeze concentrated solutions (FCS). However, Zn2+ is often accumulated at sites where other elements are not detected. X-ray absorption near-edge structure spectroscopy at the Zn K-edge indicates the formation of ZnO. A possible mechanism for the ZnO formation is discussed.


An unusual cause of pyrexia of unknown origin with sepsis: A diagnostic challenge.
Sphingobacterium species are ubiquitous and are abundant in nature and rarely involved in causing human infections. A 62-year-old man presented with recurrent episodes of high fever up to 40 °C accompanied by rigors, sweating, and malaise for the past 4 weeks. After a thorough workup, only elevated C-reactive protein with a leucocytosis was evident. Blood culture showed growth of Gram-negative bacilli which was identified as spingobacterium spiritivorum. Although S. spiritivorum is rare, with limited cases reported in the literature, it must be considered as a causative organism in patients with persistent fevers with sepsis.


Simultaneous nitrification and denitrification in step feeding biological nitrogen removal process.
The simultaneous nitrification and denitrification in step-feeding biological nitrogen removal process were investigated under different influent substrate concentrations and aeration flow rates. Biological occurrence of simultaneous nitrification and denitrification was verified in the aspect of nitrogen mass balance and alkalinity. The experimental results also showed that there was a distinct linear relationship between simultaneous nitrification and denitrification and DO concentration under the conditions of low and high aeration flow rate. In each experimental run the floc sizes of activated sludge were also measured and the results showed that simultaneous nitrification and denitrification could occur with very small size of floc.