Suppression mediated in vitro by Marek's disease virus-transformed T-lymphoblastoid cell lines: effect on lymphoproliferation.
Marek's disease virus (MDV)-transformed lymphoblastoid cells (MDCC-MSB1, -PA9 and -RP1) added to chicken splenic lymphocytes after treatment with mitomycin, suppress the lymphoproliferative response to T-cell mitogens (concanavalin A or phytohemagglutinin) by 40-70%. This suppressive activity was observed in syngeneic as well as in allogeneic combinations of cell lines and responder lymphocytes. The suppressive effect disappeared when the addition of MD-transformed cell lines to the responder cultures was delayed for 24 h. Treatment with glutaraldehyde, instead of mitomycin, greatly weakened the suppressive activity of the MD lymphoblastoid cells. A reduction of interleukin 2 (IL-2)-like activity produced by responder lymphocytes was observed after mixing with mitomycin-treated lymphoblastoid cells, but also, although slightly less, with the same glutaraldehyde-treated cells. Nevertheless no membrane fluorescence was observed, using INN-CH16 monoclonal antibody on MDV-induced lymphoblastoid cell lines to check up on the presence of IL-2 receptor-like structure. All the three lines exhibited a CD4+, CD8- phenotype.


1,4-dioxane, a suitable scaffold for the development of novel M₃ muscarinic receptor antagonists.
In this study the modulation of the pharmacological profile from agonist to antagonist was successfully obtained by replacing the methyl group in position 6 of the 1,4-dioxane scaffold of the potent M(2)/M(3) muscarinic agonist 1 with bulkier groups. In particular, the 6,6-diphenyl substitution provided the potent M(3) preferring antagonist (±)-17, which in in vivo study proved to be effective in reducing the volume-induced contractions of rat urinary bladder and was devoid of cardiovascular effects.


Regulation of the MAPK signaling pathway by miR-421-5p in rats under light pollution.
The present study aimed to explore the difference in the expression profiles of ovarian microRNA sequences in rats in a light pollution environment and rats in a normal light environment. Rats in the control group were exposed to 12‑h light/dark cycles, while rats in the model group were continuously exposed to 24‑h light. The ovaries were extracted from the two groups of rats, and Illumina HiSeq 2500 high‑throughput sequencing technology was used to detect the differences in microRNA (miRNA) expression among the two groups. Fluorescence quantitative reverse transcription‑polymerase chain reaction was used to verify the differential expression of miRNA. The present study was designed to experimentally validate the interaction between miR‑421‑5p and mitogen‑activated protein kinase (MAPK) 7 by using the dual‑luciferase reporter system, and to explore the expression of proteins in the MAPK signaling pathway with a lentiviral vector‑mediated small hairpin RNA interference against microRNA‑421‑5p. The expression of 45 miRNAs was significantly different. In total, 13 miRNAs were upregulated, of which 5 miRNA sequences were known and 8 were predicted. Furthermore, 32 miRNAs were downregulated, of which 11 miRNA sequences were known and 21 were predicted. The results of the luciferase reporter assay confirmed the targeting association between miR‑421‑5p and MAPK7. The expression levels of MAPK and genes in its downstream signaling pathways, including c‑Fos, CREB and c‑Myc, were downregulated when miR‑421‑5p was overexpressed and upregulated when miR‑421‑5p was silenced. The differential expression of miRNAs may serve an important role in the development of the ovary in a light pollution environment. miR‑421‑5p may regulate ovarian growth and development by targeting the MAPK signaling pathway in light polluted rat ovaries.


The Indonesian version of the Premature Infant Pain Profile-Revised: Translation and adaptation of a neonatal pain assessment.
Pain assessment is a key component of good pain management in hospitalized infants. This study aimed to translate and adapt a version of pain measurement in infants, the Premature Infant Pain Profile Revised (PIPP-R) into Indonesian. The adaptation process of the measuring instrument used a modified Brislin method which included forward translation, back translation 1, group discussion 1, back translation 2, group discussion 2, and pilot testing on neonatal nurses: feasibility test, inter-rater reliability using intraclass correlation (ICC), and internal consistency using Cronbach's α coefficient. The PIPP-R version in English has been translated into Indonesian. In general, nurses assessed this measuring instrument as feasible. The inter-rater reliability showed a high agreement (ICC = 0.968, P = 0.001) and this measuring instrument had good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.856). The Indonesian version of PIPP-R is easy to use and shows good psychometric properties. The use of this measuring instrument will help nurses and researchers obtain accurate infant pain intensity measurement values.


Believability and syllogistic reasoning.
In this paper we investigate the locus of believability effects in syllogistic reasoning. We identify three points in the reasoning process at which such effects could occur: the initial interpretation of premises, the examination of alternative representations of them (in all of which any valid conclusion must be true), and the "filtering" of putative conclusions. The effect of beliefs at the first of these loci is well established. In this paper we report three experiments that examine whether beliefs have an effect at the other two loci. In experiments 1 and 2 subjects drew their own conclusions from syllogisms that suggested believable or unbelievable ones. In the third experiment they evaluated conclusions that were presented to them. The data show that beliefs both affect the examination of alternative models and act as a filter on putative conclusions. We conclude by showing how some types of problem and some problem contents make the existence of alternative models more obvious than others.


Emotional reactions of children to isolation in a cancer hospital.
Emotional reactions of 123 hospitalized children and their mothers were evaluated during standard isolation with limited visitation and during peninsula isolation with visitation only through glass partitions. Self-report surveys and behavioral observations by nurses indicated that (1) patients and parents in both isolation facilities had overall high levels of hospital-related anxiety and depression which varied with the patient's chronologic age; and (2) parents of preschool children had more negative opinions toward peninsula isolation than did parents of older children. These results confirm the need for psychologically supportive programs for the families of children being treated for catastrophic diseases.


Frequency of tail lesions and risk factors for tail biting in heavy pig production from weaning to 170 kg live weight.
Tail biting lesions have a negative effect on both the welfare of pigs and on the revenue of the pig farm. Due to the multifactorial nature of this abnormal behaviour and its sporadic onset, an epidemiological approach was adopted to identify the management and housing factors influencing the occurrence of tail biting and the frequency of bitten pigs in the weaning and fattening phases up to 170 kg live weight in heavy pig production. Data were collected from a sample of 67 commercial pig farms via an on-farm visit and a questionnaire to the farmer. Data collected included general farm information, hygiene and herd health, prevention, management, climate control, feeding and production traits. In the weaning phase, the occurrence of tail biting was increased by a factor of 16.64 for tipped vs. short-docked tails, by a factor of 68.09 when the observer detected poor air quality, and by a factor of 14.44 when the feeding time was variable. In fattening pigs, a high stocking density increased the risk of tail biting by a factor of 18.00. The frequency of lesions in weaners was greater in pigs with tipped tails (0.29 vs. 0.03%; P = 0.034), whereas in fatteners the frequency of lesions was greater when drinkers were not present in the lying area (0.71 vs. 0.05%; P = 0.009) and when air turnover was not detected in the barn (0.70 vs. 0.07%; P = 0.005). There was also a trend for increased tail biting when the stocking density was high (1.06 vs. 0.33%; P = 0.057). Many of the risk factors that emerged for heavy pigs in the present study could be easily managed to reduce the risk of tail biting and the frequency of tail lesions through the systematic evaluation and control of stocking density, climate, and feed and water management.


Treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting: comparison of propofol, droperidol and metoclopramide.
To compare the efficacy of propofol in a subhypnotic dose (10 mg iv), droperidol (1.25 mg iv), or metoclopramide (10 mg iv) in the treatment of PONV in the post anaesthesia care unit (PACU). In a prospective, randomized, double-blind protocol, over four months, all eligible inpatients and outpatients were asked to give their consent to be included in the study should they suffer PONV in the PACU. They received a standardized general anaesthetic without any prophylactic antiemetic drug. In the recovery room, patients complaining of persistent nausea (lasting more than ten minutes) and/or experiencing at least two episodes of retching or vomiting were given one of the three study drugs. Recurrence of retching or vomiting was recorded for 60 min after administration of the study drug and nausea severity was assessed on a visual analog scale. Patients still complaining of PONV 30 min after administration of the study drug received a rescue medication (dimenhydrinate). Seventy-eight patients received one of the study drugs. The recurrence of retching or vomiting was higher with propofol (58%) than with droperidol (4%) or metoclopramide (24%) (P < 0.001). More patients who received propofol needed the rescue medication (54%) than those who received droperidol (15%) or metoclopramide (28%) (P < 0.02). No difference was observed in nausea severity. A subhypnotic dose of propofol (10 mg iv) is less effective than the conventional antiemetic drugs droperidol and metoclopramide for the treatment of PONV in the PACU.


Silica nanoparticles separation from water: aggregation by cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB).
Nanoparticles will inevitably be found in industrial and domestic wastes in the near future and as a consequence soon in water resources. Due to their ultra-small size, nanoparticles may not only have new hazards for environment and human health, but also cause low separation efficiency by classical water treatments processes. Thus, it would be an important challenge to develop a specific treatment with suitable additives for recovery of nanoparticles from waters. For this propose, this paper presents aggregation of silica nanoparticles (Klebosol 30R50 (75nm) and 30R25 (30nm)) by cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). Different mechanisms such as charge neutralization, "depletion flocculation" or "volume-restriction", and "hydrophobic effect" between hydrocarbon tails of CTAB have been proposed to explicate aggregation results. One important finding is that for different volume concentrations between 0.05% and 0.51% of 30R50 suspensions, the same critical coagulation concentration was observed at CTAB=0.1mM, suggesting the optimized quantity of CTAB during the separation process for nanoparticles of about 75nm. Furthermore, very small quantities of CTAB (0.01mM) can make 30R25 nanosilica aggregated due to the "hydrophobic effect". It is then possible to minimize the sludge and allow the separation process as "greener" as possible by studying this case. It has also shown that aggregation mechanisms can be different for very small particles so that a special attention has to be paid to the treatment of nanoparticles contained in water and wastewaters.


Fundamental locomotive activity time efficiency with differently positioning drive-axis wheelchairs among elders.
This study examined time efficiency in wheelchair locomotive activities among four different wheelchairs propelled by elders with arms and/or legs. Sixteen elder manual wheelchair users propelled her/his own wheelchair and three wheelchairs (the main drive-axis wheels positioning in front, middle, and rear, respectively) in the test of seven wheelchair locomotive activities of daily living. A Mixed-Model ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc test (p < .05) were employed to determine the time efficiency among four wheelchairs and three groups. The results demonstrated better time efficiency resulted from propelling the mid drive-axis and/or rear drive-axis wheelchairs; using arms and legs simultaneously propelling wheelchairs was more time efficient than using the arms or legs only in the selected locomotive activities.


Acupuncture and postpartum pyogenic sacroiliitis: a case report.
Pyogenic sacroiliitis, a rare form of septic arthritis, occurs in patients following trauma, intravenous drug use, genitourinary infections and pregnancy. Here we report a rare case where both acupuncture and pregnancy served as predisposing risk factors to the development of this infection. A 33-year-old white woman received several sessions of acupuncture treatment during her gestation at the site of her sacroiliac joint for sciatica; she developed biopsy-confirmed sacroiliitis with methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus during the immediate postpartum period. The diagnosis, medical management and treatment course are described. Low back and pelvic pain are common conditions during pregnancy and postpartum. Acupuncture is a common modality of medication-free treatment used by many patients. Recognition of the potential complications of such therapies can lead to early diagnosis, accurate treatment, decreased morbidity and increased chances for a successful outcome.


Evaluation of 8-oxodeoxyguanosine, typical oxidative DNA damage, in lymphocytes of ozone-treated arteriosclerotic patients.
In the present study we measured the amount of 8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxo-dG) in DNA isolated from lymphocytes of arteriosclerotic patients undergoing ozonetherapy. Treatment of the patients with therapeutic concentration of ozone caused a significant increase over the control value in the amount of 8-oxo-dG of DNA isolated from their lymphocytes. However, only three out of six patients examined responded positively to the treatment in terms of the base damage. The increases varied among patients, and were in the range of 100-450%. This interindividual difference may at least be partly explained by recently demonstrated heritable susceptibility to ozone.


The transcriptome from asexual to sexual in vitro development of Cystoisospora suis (Apicomplexa: Coccidia).
The apicomplexan parasite Cystoisospora suis is an enteropathogen of suckling piglets with woldwide distribution. As with all coccidian parasites, its lifecycle is characterized by asexual multiplication followed by sexual development with two morphologically distinct cell types that presumably fuse to form a zygote from which the oocyst arises. However, knowledge of the sexual development of C. suis is still limited. To complement previous in vitro studies, we analysed transcriptional profiles at three different time points of development (corresponding to asexual, immature and mature sexual stages) in vitro via RNASeq. Overall, transcription of genes encoding proteins with important roles in gametes biology, oocyst wall biosynthesis, DNA replication and axonema formation as well as proteins with important roles in merozoite biology was identified. A homologue of an oocyst wall tyrosine rich protein of Toxoplasma gondii was expressed in macrogametes and oocysts of C. suis. We evaluated inhibition of sexual development in a host-free culture for C. suis by antiserum specific to this protein to evaluate whether it could be exploited as a candidate for control strategies against C. suis. Based on these data, targets can be defined for future strategies to interrupt parasite transmission during sexual development.


Use of Humanized RS-ATL8 Reporter System for Detection of Allergen-Specific IgE Sensitization in Human Food Allergy.
Allergen-specific Immunoglobulin E (IgE) determination lies at the heart of diagnosis of sensitization to food and other allergens. In the past few years, reporter systems capable of detecting the presence of allergen-specific IgE have been developed by several labs. These rely on humanized rat basophil leukemia cell lines stably transfected with reporter genes such as firefly luciferase. In this chapter, we describe protocols for the use of the RS-ATL8 cell line (IgE cross-linking-induced luciferase expression; EXiLE) in 96-well and 384-well formats. We also describe optional treatment steps for enveloped virus and complement inactivation.


Transdural spread of glioblastoma through the foramen ovale with presentation as a masticator space mass.
Direct extension of a glioblastoma through the dura at the skull base is an uncommon occurrence. We report an unusual case of recurrent glioblastoma that spread transdurally through the foramen ovale and presented primarily as a masticator space mass. There was mandibular denervation and a relative paucity of intracranial disease.


Alcoholism and schizophrenia: the search for perspectives. A review.
The historical search for meaningful relationships between alcoholism and schizophrenia is reviewed. The results are considered inconclusive and further lines of research are suggested.


Structure of the carbohydrate moiety of human interferon-beta secreted by a recombinant Chinese hamster ovary cell line.
The carbohydrate structure of the major oligosaccharide of human interferon-beta (IFN-beta) synthesized by a genetically engineered Chinese hamster ovary cell line has been determined. Analysis of the glycopeptidase F-released carbohydrates by sequential exoglycosidase treatment, methylation analysis, and fast atom bombardment-mass spectrometry revealed that 95% of the IFN-beta oligosaccharides had the following structure: (Formula: see text). The remaining 5% of the carbohydrates are probably tri- or higher antennary oligosaccharide chains. The major oligosaccharide of the recombinant IFN-beta is remarkably homogeneous with respect to terminal galactose sialylation. NeuAc, which is alpha 2-3-linked to galactose in the human IFN-beta secreted by Chinese hamster ovary cells, can be re-incorporated with an alpha 2-6 linkage in vitro, into enzymatically desialylated IFN-beta using rat liver Gal beta 1-4GlcNAc alpha 2-6 sialyltransferase. The sugar chain is important for maintaining protein solubility as shown by the fact that IFN-beta protein precipitates after deglycosylation with glycopeptidase F.


[Duodenal ulcer treated by carbenoxolone sodium. Endoscopically controlled trial (author's transl)].
The authors present the results of a clinical and endoscopic controlled trial of outpatients with duodenal ulcer treated with carbenoxolone (CBX) and carbenoxolone plus antacids (CBX + AA). They observed complete healing of the duodenal ulcer in 77%-83,3% in both groups of patients. They concluded that CBX is important in the treatment of duodenal ulcer been equally effective alone or in association with antacids.


Emerging Targeted Therapeutics for Genetic Subtypes of Parkinsonism.
In recent years, a precision medicine approach, which customizes medical treatments based on patients' individual profiles and incorporates variability in genes, the environment, and lifestyle, has transformed medical care in numerous medical fields, most notably oncology. Applying a similar approach to Parkinson's disease (PD) may promote the development of disease-modifying agents that could help slow progression or possibly even avert disease development in a subset of at-risk individuals. The urgent need for such trials partially stems from the negative results of clinical trials where interventions treat all PD patients as a single homogenous group. Here, we review the current obstacles towards the development of precision interventions in PD. We also review and discuss the clinical trials that target genetic forms of PD, i.e., GBA-associated and LRRK2-associated PD.


Protective effects of metformin, statins and anti-inflammatory drugs on head and neck cancer: A systematic review.
The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of metformin, statins and anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on head and neck cancer (HNC). Specifically, the potential beneficial effects on risk, survival and recurrence based on epidemiological studies. PRISMA guidelines were followed. After searching MEDLINE (PubMed), IBECS, LILACS and the Cochrane Central Register for Controlled Trials, 13 studies met the inclusion criteria and so underwent qualitative synthesis (six studies for metformin and seven for NSAIDs). No studies were found for statins. Studies varied in their methodological quality. Meta-analyses showed that metformin exerts significant beneficial effects on HNC risk (RR = 0.71 95% CI 0.61-0.84) and overall survival (RR = 1.71 95% CI 1.20-2.42). Qualitative synthesis also suggests an apparently dose-response relationship and increased benefit when administered alone. The pooled-analyses yielded an almost significant effect of NSAIDs on HNC risk (RR = 0.86 95% CI 0.74-1.01). No associations were found between aspirin use and the risk of HNC (RR = 0.98 95% CI 0.77-1.24) and overall survival (RR = 1.10 95% CI 0.89-1.36). Metformin appears to have beneficial effects on HNC risk and overall survival, with an apparently dose-response relationship and increased benefit when administered alone. NSAIDs also seem to have a modest beneficial effect on HNC risk. No definitive conclusions can be reached for aspirin as the evidence available was proved inconsistent. Further research by means of well designed and conducted studies are needed to determine firm clinical implications. Standardized assessment methods for HNC outcomes should be established and account for known confounding factors such as smoking and alcohol consumption.


Virulence genotypes of Escherichia coli canine isolates from pyometra, cystitis and fecal origin.
Pyometra is the most common diestrual uterine disease of bitches. Escherichia coli is the most frequent bacterium isolated from the uterine content of pyometra uteri and it is associated with the most severe clinical signs, leading to endotoxemia and sepsis. In this study, canine E. coli isolates from pyometra (n=31), cystitis (n=23) and fecal (n=26) origin were compared regarding the prevalence of 23 potential virulence traits (15 virulence factor (VF) genes and 8 pathogenicity associated islands-PAIs), detected by PCR assays. Overall, there was a considerable overlap between pyometra, cystitis and fecal isolates regarding the phylogenetic grouping and virulence traits. Virulence traits more prevalent in pyometra than in cystitis and fecal isolates included two PAIs (PAI IV536 and PAI ICFT073) and three VF genes (sfa/focDE, fyuA and chuA). Regardless the isolates' origin, the average number of virulence traits per strain was higher in B2 than in the other phylogenetic groups (A, B1 and D). The prevalence of phylogenetic group B2 was significantly higher in pyometra (94%) than in cystitis (48%) and fecal (39%) isolates. In conclusion, pyometra isolates have a high potential of virulence and a broad virulence genotype, although being similar to a subset of cystitis and fecal isolates. This leads to the suggestion that cystitis and fecal isolates may be able to induce pyometra in receptive hosts.


Astaxanthin ameliorates spinal cord edema and astrocyte activation via suppression of HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in a rat model of spinal cord injury.
Spinal cord edema is a quick-onset phenomenon with long-term effects. This complication is associated with inflammatory responses, as well as poor motor function. No effective treatment has been developed against spinal edema, which urges the need to provide novel therapies. Astaxanthin (AST) is a fat-soluble carotenoid with anti-inflammatory effects and a promising candidate for treating neurological disorders. This study aimed to investigate the underlying mechanism of AST on the inhibition of spinal cord edema, astrocyte activation, and reduction of inflammatory responsesin a rat compression spinal cord injury (SCI) model. Male rats underwent laminectomy at thoracic 8-9, and the SCI model was induced using an aneurysm clip. After SCI, rats received dimethyl sulfoxide or AST via intrathecal injection. The effects of AST were examined on the motor function, spinal cord edema, integrity of blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB), and expression of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and aquaporin-4 (AQP4), and matrix metallopeptidase- 9 (MMP-9) post-SCI. We showed that AST potentially improved the recovery of motor function and inhibited the spinal cord edema via maintaining the integrity of BSCB, reducing the expression of HMGB1, TLR4, and NF-κB, MMP-9 as well as downregulation of astrocyte activation (GFAP) and AQP4 expression. AST improves motor function and reduces edema and inflammatory responses in the spinal tissue. These effects are mediated by suppression of the HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, suppressing post-SCI astrocyte activation, and decreasing AQP4 and MMP-9 expression.


Crown preparations for semiprecision attachment removable partial dentures.
The utilization of intracoronal or extracoronal removable partial denture attachments in conjunction with a fixed retainer applies additional stresses to the structural durability of the fixed retainer and its integrity with the underlying abutment. Therefore, the utilization of this attachment with a fixed retainer requires understanding and diligent application of the basic principles of fixed prosthodontics.The primary objective of prosthodontics must be the preservation and health of the remaining existing tissues and structures: teeth, periodontal tissues, temporomandibular joint, and oral facial muscles. This must be of primary importance as we achieve our goals of (1) eliminating existing pathology, (2) restoring morphology and function, and (3) improving esthetics and thereby heightening self-esteem and the psychological well-being of the individual. These objectives make us sensitive to the considerations we have discussed in preparation design and the tissue management required in the fabrication of fixed retainers.


[Persistence of pulmonary lesions in a 6-year-old boy with type I Gaucher's disease treated by alglucerase since the age of 20 months].
Gaucher's disease is a serious disorder which becomes curable by bone marrow transplantation. Enzyme replacement therapy has permitted improvement in quality of life and has been shown to decrease the disease's progression. A 6-year-old boy was treated by alglucerase (Ceredase) since the age of 20 months. He presented at that time a failure to thrive, pancytopenia, hepatosplenomegaly and bone involvement. The lung X-rays revealed a diffuse reticulonodular pattern. After 4 years and 5 months, there was an improvement of growth and hepatosplenomegaly, associated with hematological parameters and bone changes normalization. However, an important interstitial syndrome without clinical signs persisted. In our patient it is impossible to note the difference between pulmonary disease from fibrotic origin and pulmonary involvement by Gaucher's cells accumulation.


Sumatriptan (5-HT1D receptor agonist) does not exacerbate symptoms in obsessive compulsive disorder.
The non-selective serotonin (5-HT) receptor agonist meta-chlorophenylpiperazine (mCPP) has been reported to elicit symptoms in patients with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). MK-212, another non-selective 5-HT receptor agonist, does not seem to induce obsessive compulsive symptoms in OCD patients. The major pharmacological difference between mCPP and MK-212 is their affinity for the 5-HT(ID) receptor. The aim of this study was to explore the role of the 5-HT(ID) receptor in the pathophysiology of OCD, by using a challenge paradigm with the selective 5-HT(ID) receptor agonist sumatriptan (Imigran). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover challenge with sumatriptan (100 mg PO) was performed in 15 OCD patients. Neither the obsessive compulsive symptoms nor mood or anxiety symptoms changed significantly following sumatriptan administration as compared to placebo. Sumatriptan did induce a significant increase in plasma growth hormone (GH) levels. In the present study, no indication were found for the role of the 5-HT(ID) receptor in the pathophysiology of OCD. It should be noted, however, that sumatriptan does not readily pass the blood-brain barrier. Selective 5-HT(ID) receptors with better brain penetrating properties may shed more light on the role of this 5-HT receptor subtype in OCD.


Fetal echocardiographic evaluation of atrial morphology and the prediction of laterality in cases of heterotaxy syndromes.
To evaluate whether abnormal atrial morphology, which is well recognized in autopsy series, is detectable by fetal echocardiographic examination of the four-chamber view, and can therefore be utilized to differentiate left from right isomerism in heterotaxy syndromes. This study was a retrospective review of 30 cases with prenatally diagnosed heterotaxy syndromes. Ultrasound video recordings and still images were reviewed with respect to atrial morphology in the four-chamber view. In 25 cases the morphology of both atria was sufficiently well visualized on the recordings to be evaluated and only these were included in the study. Two types of atrial morphology were distinguished in our cohort: a sickle-shape with the tip pointing laterally and apically, and a blunt shape resembling the usual atrial appearance in the four-chamber view. Nineteen out of the 25 cases (76%) presented with isomerism of the atria in the four-chamber view. Thirteen had bilateral sickle-shaped atrial morphology, all associated with left isomerism. Six had bilateral blunt-shaped atrial morphology, all associated with right isomerism. The atria of the remaining six cases were not isomeric, the right atrium being sickle-shaped and the left blunt-shaped. Five of the latter cases were associated with left and one with right isomerism. The majority of prenatally diagnosed heterotaxy syndromes seem to present with isomeric atrial morphology in the four-chamber view. In these cases a differentiation between left and right isomerism can be based on the two distinct types of atrial morphology. This may further enhance the prenatal differentiation of these syndromes.


Computed tomographic measurement of gender differences in bowing of the sagittal femoral shaft in persons older than 50 years.
Surgeons do not give enough weight to the effects of bowing of the sagittal femoral shaft in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), which can result in damage to the cortex, fractures, or malalignment of the femoral component. To determine gender differences in bowing, we used spiral computed tomography to scan the femurs of 26 men and 47 women older than 50 years who required TKA. Skeletal extraction of the total sagittal femoral shaft from computed tomographic images was done by a matrix laboratory. The extracted curves were evenly divided into 3 sections. Comparison of the curvature on different sections of the same side of the femur showed that the distal third was significantly bowed. In addition, the curvature of the distal third was significantly larger in women than in men. Such morphological characteristics put forward new requirements in how intramedullary guide rods are used in TKA.


Substantially enhanced homogeneous plastic flow in hierarchically nanodomained amorphous alloys.
To alleviate the mechanical instability of major shear bands in metallic glasses at room temperature, topologically heterogeneous structures were introduced to encourage the multiplication of mild shear bands. Different from the former attention on topological structures, here we present a compositional design approach to build nanoscale chemical heterogeneity to enhance homogeneous plastic flow upon both compression and tension. The idea is realized in a Ti-Zr-Nb-Si-XX/Mg-Zn-Ca-YY hierarchically nanodomained amorphous alloy, where XX and YY denote other elements. The alloy shows ~2% elastic strain and undergoes highly homogeneous plastic flow of ~40% strain (with strain hardening) in compression, surpassing those of mono- and hetero-structured metallic glasses. Furthermore, dynamic atomic intermixing occurs between the nanodomains during plastic flow, preventing possible interface failure. Our design of chemically distinct nanodomains and the dynamic atomic intermixing at the interface opens up an avenue for the development of amorphous materials with ultrahigh strength and large plasticity.


LSECtin interacts with filovirus glycoproteins and the spike protein of SARS coronavirus.
Cellular attachment factors like the C-type lectins DC-SIGN and DC-SIGNR (collectively referred to as DC-SIGN/R) can augment viral infection and might promote viral dissemination in and between hosts. The lectin LSECtin is encoded in the same chromosomal locus as DC-SIGN/R and is coexpressed with DC-SIGNR on sinusoidal endothelial cells in liver and lymphnodes. Here, we show that LSECtin enhances infection driven by filovirus glycoproteins (GP) and the S protein of SARS coronavirus, but does not interact with human immunodeficiency virus type-1 and hepatitis C virus envelope proteins. Ligand binding to LSECtin was inhibited by EGTA but not by mannan, suggesting that LSECtin unlike DC-SIGN/R does not recognize high-mannose glycans on viral GPs. Finally, we demonstrate that LSECtin is N-linked glycosylated and that glycosylation is required for cell surface expression. In summary, we identified LSECtin as an attachment factor that in conjunction with DC-SIGNR might concentrate viral pathogens in liver and lymph nodes.


Echinostoma caproni (Trematoda): differential in vivo cytokine responses in high and low compatible hosts.
In order to investigate the factors determining the expulsion of intestinal trematodes, we have analyzed the in vivo cytokine responses at several levels and the local responses against Echinostoma caproni (Trematoda) in two host species displaying different compatibility with the parasite. The response of the high compatible host (mice) is characterized by a mixed Th1/Th2 phenotype in the spleen, Peyer's patches and mesenteric lymph nodes. At the intestine, a marked Th1 response with a marked increase of IFN-γ together with elevated number of mucosal neutrophils and expression of induced nitric oxide synthase were observed. The responses in the host of low compatibility (rats) with the parasite at the spleen, Peyer's patches and mesenteric lymph node did not show clear differences with regard to the mice. However, the response in the intestine was markedly different. In rats, a Th2 response with increase in the levels of IL-5, IL-6 and IL-13 expression was detected. According to these results, the local production of IFN-γ and the local inflammatory responses with neutrophilic infiltration are associated with the development of chronic infections, whereas the worm expulsion is related with the development of Th2 responses and appears to be based on effects on non-bone narrow-derived cells.


Navigating Complex Anatomy During Leadless Pacemaker Implantation.
Transvenous pacemakers may lead to wound site complications, such as hematomas and infections. Leadless pacemakers have eliminated these risks. However, when the central venous and/or cardiac anatomy are challenging, their implantation technique may require modification(s). Here, we discuss 3 cases of successful leadless pacemaker implantation in patients with a challenging anatomy. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.).


In vivo electrophysiological effects of a selective slow delayed-rectifier potassium channel blocker in anesthetized dogs: potential insights into class III actions.
This study evaluated the in vivo electrophysiological effects of a highly selective slow delayed-rectifier K+-current blocker, HMR 1556, to gain insights into the consequences of selectively inhibiting the slow delayed-rectifier current in vivo. Atrial and ventricular effective refractory periods, sinus node recovery time, Wenckebach cycle-length, atrial fibrillation duration and electrocardiographic intervals were measured before and after intravenous HMR 1556. HMR 1556 increased atrial and ventricular refractory periods (e.g. by 6 +/- 4% and 27 +/- 6% at cycle lengths of 360 and 400 ms, respectively), QT intervals and sinus-node recovery times. Beta-adrenoceptor blockade with nadolol abolished all effects except those on ventricular refractoriness and changed positive use-dependent effects on refractoriness to reverse use-dependent ones. In the presence of dofetilide to block rapid delayed-rectifier current, HMR 1556 effects were potentiated (e.g. atrial and ventricular refractory periods increased by 26 +/- 3% and 34 +/- 3% at cycle lengths of 360 and 400 ms, respectively). HMR 1556 reduced vagal atrial fibrillation duration from 1077 +/- 81 to 471 +/- 38 s, an effect abolished by nadolol and greatly potentiated by dofetilide (duration 77 +/- 30 s). HMR 1556 increased Wenckebach cycle length only in the presence of dofetilide. Slowed delayed-rectifier current inhibition affects atrial repolarization, sinus node function and atrial fibrillation in vivo, but only in the presence of intact beta-adrenergic tone, and delays ventricular repolarization even when beta-adrenoceptors are blocked. The slow delayed-rectifier current is particularly important when rapid delayed-rectifier current is suppressed, illustrating the importance of repolarization reserve.


The Inhibitory Effects of Cu(2+) on Exopalaemon carinicauda Arginine Kinase via Inhibition Kinetics and Molecular Dynamics Simulations.
We studied the Cu(2+)-mediated inhibition and aggregation of Exopalaemon carinicauda arginine kinase (ECAK). We found that Cu(2+) significantly inactivated ECAK activity and double-reciprocal kinetics demonstrated that Cu(2+) induced noncompetitive inhibition of arginine and ATP (IC50 = 2.27 ± 0.16 μM; K i for arginine = 13.53 ± 3.76; K i for ATP = 4.02 ± 0.56). Spectrofluorometry results showed that Cu(2+) induced ECAK tertiary structural changes including the exposure of hydrophobic surfaces that directly induced ECAK aggregation. The addition of osmolytes such as glycine and proline successfully blocked ECAK aggregation induced by Cu(2+) and recovered ECAK activity. We built a 3D structure for ECAK using the ECAK ORF gene sequence. Molecular dynamics (MD) and docking simulations between ECAK and Cu(2+) were conducted to elucidate the binding mechanisms. The results showed that Cu(2+) blocked the entrance to the ATP active site; these results are consistent with the experimental result that Cu(2+) induced ECAK inactivation. Since arginine kinase (AK) plays an important role in cellular energy metabolism in invertebrates, our study can provide new information about the effect of Cu(2+) on ECAK enzymatic function and unfolding, including aggregation, and the protective effects of osmolytes on ECAK folding to better understand the role of the invertebrate ECAK metabolic enzyme in marine environments.


Gender Differences in How Parents, Peers, and Exposure to Sexually Explicit Materials Influence the Intention to Engage in Casual Sex among Adolescents and Young Adults in Taiwan: Applying the Theory of Planned Behavior.
The aims of this study were to examine gender differences in how parent-child discussions on sex issues, peer interactions around sexual issues, and exposure to sexually explicit materials affect the intention to engage in casual sex among adolescents and young adults in Taiwan. This cross-sectional survey study recruited 767 participants (348 men and 419 women) aged 15-24 years. The survey collected data on participants' intention to engage in casual sex, their attitude toward and perception of casual sex based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) (favorable attitude, perceiving positive social norms toward casual sex, and perceived control over involvement), parent-child and peer discussions about sexual issues, and exposure to sexually explicit materials. The results of multiple regression analysis revealed that parent-child discussions on sex issues, peer interactions around sexual issues, and exposure to sexually explicit materials were significantly associated with the intention to engage in casual sex. The results of structural equation modeling (SEM) further supported that favorable attitude, perceiving positive social norms toward casual sex, and control over involvement mediated the associations. For men, decreased favorable attitude mediated the negative association between parent-child discussions and casual sex intention; increased favorable attitudes and decreased control over involvement mediated the positive associations between peer interactions and casual sex intention. For women, decreased control over involvement mediated the positive association between exposure to sexually explicit materials and casual sex intention. The associations between peer interaction and subjective norms of acceptance, perceived control over involvement, and casual sex intention were stronger in men than in women; the association of favorable attitudes with casual sex intention was also stronger in men than in women.


Liquid ventilation of human preterm neonates.
This report details the application of liquid perfluorochemical ventilation for investigational therapy in three human preterm neonates (gestational ages 28, 24, and 23 weeks) in whom conventional therapies for severe respiratory distress had failed. Liquid ventilation was performed without difficulty in each infant for two 3- to 5-minute cycles by means of gravity-assisted technique. Marked improvement in lung distensibility, without a change in cardiovascular status, occurred in all three infants after liquid ventilation; oxygenation improved in two. All infants died within 19 hours of liquid ventilation, and there was no evidence of retained perfluorochemical fluid in the lungs or pleural space. Death was probably related to the severity of lung disease before the initiation of liquid ventilation. This satisfactory initial outcome shows the feasibility and potential of this treatment of pulmonary dysfunction in the preterm neonate.


Mechanism of inhibition of IgE-dependent histamine release from rat mast cells by xestobergsterol A from the Okinawan marine sponge Xestospongia bergquistia.
Histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells induced by anti-IgE was essentially complete within 4-5 min. Xestobergsterol A and B, which are constituents of the Okinawan marine sponge Xestospongia bergquistia Fromont, dose-dependently inhibited anti-IgE-induced histamine release from rat mast cells. The IC50 values of xestobergsterol A and B for histamine release in mast cells activated by anti-IgE were 0.07 and 0.11 microM, respectively. Anti-IgE stimulated PI-PLC activity in a mast cell membrane preparation. Xestobergsterol A dose-dependently inhibited the generation of IP3 and membrane-bound PI-PLC activity. Moreover, xestobergsterol A inhibited Ca(2+)-mobilization from intracellular Ca(2+)-stores as well as histamine release in mast cells activated by anti-IgE. On the other hand, xestobergsterol B did not inhibit the membrane-bound and cytosolic PI-PLC activity, IP3 generation or the initial rise in [Ca2+]i in mast cells activated by anti-IgE. These results suggest that the mechanism of inhibition by xestobergsterol A of the initial rise in [Ca2+]i, of the generation of IP3, and of histamine release induced by anti-IgE, was through the inhibition of PI-PLC activity.


A review on structural mechanisms of protein-persistent organic pollutant (POP) interactions.
With the advent of the industrial revolution, the accumulation of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the environment has become ubiquitous. POPs are halogen-containing organic molecules that accumulate, and remain in the environment for a long time, thus causing toxic effects in living organisms. POPs exhibit a high affinity towards biological macromolecules such as nucleic acids, proteins and lipids, causing genotoxicity and impairment of homeostasis in living organisms. Proteins are essential members of the biological assembly, as they stipulate all necessary processes for the survival of an organism. Owing to their stereochemical features, POPs and their metabolites form energetically favourable complexes with proteins, as supported by biological and dose-dependent toxicological studies. Although individual studies have reported the biological aspects of protein-POP interactions, no comprehensive study summarizing the structural mechanisms, thermodynamics and kinetics of protein-POP complexes is available. The current review identifies and classifies protein-POP interaction according to the structural and functional basis of proteins into five major protein targets, including digestive and other enzymes, serum proteins, transcription factors, transporters, and G-protein coupled receptors. Further, analysis detailing the molecular interactions and structural mechanism evidenced that H-bonds, van der Waals, and hydrophobic interactions essentially mediate the formation of protein-POP complexes. Moreover, interaction of POPs alters the protein conformation through kinetic and thermodynamic processes like competitive inhibition and allostery to modulate the cellular signalling processes, resulting in various pathological conditions such as cancers and inflammations. In summary, the review provides a comprehensive insight into the critical structural/molecular aspects of protein-POP interactions.


Cleft lip and palate surgery in children: anaesthetic considerations.
The Care of cleft patients is very challenging. Team cleft care is usually lacking in many developing countries due to shortage of qualified manpower. This study is aimed at highlighting anaesthetic challenges in the management of cleft in children. This was a study of cleft lip and palate patients who were managed during team cleft care activities at University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and Federal Medical Centre Nguru both in north eastern Nigeria from January to June 2009. One hundred and six cleft patients presented for surgical repair under general or local anaesthesia. Fifteen (14%) patients all of whom children were unfit for general anaesthesia due to various medical reasons. Ninety-one (86%) cleft patients comprising 53(50%) children and 38(36%) adults had cleft repair under halothane general endotracheal anaesthesia and local anaesthesia, respectively. There was no anaesthetic complications recorded under local anaesthesia. Fifteen percent of children who received general endotracheal anaesthesia suffered various anaesthetic complications which included hypoxia (3.8%), laryngospasm (1.9%), kinking of endotracheal tube (5.7%), inadvertent extubation (1.9%) and pulmonary aspiration (1.9%). There was no mortality or anaesthesia-related morbidity at the time of discharge in all the cases. We conclude that anaesthesia for cleft lip and palate repair in hospital based team-cleft care activities in our environment is relatively safe. We recommend general anaesthesia with controlled ventilation for children and local anaesthesia for adult and older children who can cooperate.


The use of ultra filtration in trace metal speciation studies in sea water.
During this work, size fractionation technique "ultra filtration" is used in speciation studies of trace elements in the coastal sea water. Filtration is the most commonly used method to fractionate trace metal species, but often only "dissolved" and "particulate" fraction. The purpose of the present study is to determine colloidal and suspended particulate concentrations of Fe, Zn, Cu, Ni, and Mn in sea water. Suspended particulate matter were separated in three different size groups namely (>2.7 microm, <2.7->0.45 microm and <0.45->0.22 microm) by suction filtration using cellulose acetate and nitrate filter membranes. Thereafter to concentrate the solution with colloidal particle <0.22 microm-1.1 nm (0.5 k Nominal Molecular Weight cut-off Limit {NMWL}), the solution obtained from filtration through <0.22 microm, is sequentially passed through the ultra-filtration membranes having pore diameters of 14 nm (300 k NMWL), 3.1 nm (50 k NMWL), 2.2 nm (30 k NMWL), 1.6 nm (10 k NMWL) and 1.1 nm (0.5 k NMWL) by using Stirred Ultra-filtration Cells, operating in concentration mode. The concentration of Fe, Zn, Cu, Ni, and Mn were measured in suspended and dissolved fraction by ion chromatography, ICP-AES and Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. The salinity of the solution in various dissolved fractions of sequential filtration varies between 30.89-34.22 parts per thousand. The maximum concentrations of colloidal Zn, Cu, Ni and Mn in dissolved fraction were in <2.2->1.6 nm fraction. In case of Fe, colloidal fractions <2.2->1.6 nm and <1.6-<1.1 nm shows higher concentration. The concentration of Zn, Cu, Ni and Mn increase with decrease in size in suspended particulate matter, while the reverse is observed in case of Fe. This size separation data that specifies the partitioning of metals between dissolved and suspended solid phases is necessary for developing physically based models of metal transport in aquatic system.


Hyperhomocysteinemia is a risk factor for erectile dysfunction in men with adult-onset diabetes mellitus.
Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is associated with cardiovascular disease such as coronary arteriosclerosis and stroke. However, its role in the development of vasculogenic erectile dysfunction (ED) is still putative. In this study, we evaluated the relationship between plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) and the presence of vasculogenic ED in men with adult-onset diabetes mellitus. This was a case-control study of 97 adult-onset diabetics with vasculogenic ED and 97 concurrently sampled control diabetics, who were free from ED. We obtained risk estimates of odds ratios (ORs), both crude and adjusted, using logistic regression models. We then determined cardiovascular risk factors and HbA1c levels in both groups of patients. Plasma tHcy was significantly higher in cases compared with controls. The mean +/- standard deviation plasma tHcy in cases was 11.2 +/- 3.5 micromol/L versus 8.8 +/- 2.6 micromol/L in controls (P <0.001). Moreover, those with HHcy had 5.2 times the odds of vasculogenic ED compared with men without HHcy (OR 5.2, 95% confidence interval, 1.4 to 18.9). Although the risk of ED did not vary significantly according to body mass index, serum cholesterol, triglycerides, C-reactive protein, and blood HbA1c levels, it was significantly affected by smoking status and hypertension. High plasma tHcy appears to be associated with ED in patient with adult-onset diabetes mellitus.


Metabolic action and cellular structure of the myocardium during coronary angiography.
Experimental perfusion of coronary arteries of guinea pig heart with contrast media causes various changes in electrolyte metabolism, depending on the chemical structures of the administered contrast media. These electrolyte changes are related to the tolerance of the myocardium to the contrast agents. Electron microscopic sections of human myocardium after coronary perfusion with Urografin-76 reveal that no alterations of subcellular structure occur.


Familial degeneration of the basal ganglia with acanthocytosis: a clinical, neuropathological, and neurochemical study.
Three siblings, offspring of normal consanguineous parents, had a progressive neurological disorder characterized primarily by chorea and leading to death in the fourth or fifth decade. The most carefully studied patient had neither malabsorption nor absent serum beta-lipoprotein but did have erythrocyte acanthocytosis. Postmortem examination showed marked neuronal loss and gliosis of the caudate nucleus and putamen. Activities of glutamic acid decarboxylase and choline acetyltransferase were normal in cortex, caudate, and putamen. Autosomal recessive inheritance, acanthocytosis, and probable peripheral neuropathy help differentiate this disorder from Huntington's disease.


Mercury budget of a small forested boreal catchment in southeast Norway.
We present input and output fluxes of total mercury (Hg(tot)) and methyl mercury (MeHg) based on throughfall, litterfall and stream water samples from 2004/2005 from a small forested catchment (Langtjern) in Norway. Hg(tot) input via throughfall and litterfall was estimated to 6.7 and 2.7 microg m(-2) yr(-1), respectively, which is considerably lower than previously reported from other boreal catchments in Scandinavia. A likely cause for the low input flux is the sparseness and low productivity of the forest in the Langtjern catchment, with less atmospheric scavenging and lower litterfall fluxes than previously studied sites. In addition there has been a general decrease in mercury (Hg) in the atmosphere on the northern hemisphere in the last decade. The estimated output flux of Hg(tot) with surface water was 2.5 microg m(-2) yr(-1), which is comparable to what has been reported elsewhere. The ratio of Hg(tot) output flux to input flux was 26%, which is considerably higher than reported from other sites. This illustrates that catchment properties have greater importance for surface water export of Hg than the current atmospheric input. The estimated total soil pool of Hg(tot) in the catchment was 17.4 mg m(-2). This corresponds to roughly 8000 years of the current surface water output flux and 2000 years of the current input flux.


Tetrahedral Framework Nucleic Acid Promotes the Treatment of Bisphosphonate-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaws by Promoting Angiogenesis and M2 Polarization.
Bisphosphonates are often used to treat osteoporosis, malignant bone metastases, and hypercalcemia. However, it can cause serious adverse reactions, bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ), which seriously affects the quality of life of patients. At present, the treatment of BRONJ is still difficult to reach an agreement, and there is no effective treatment. Therefore, it is very important to find effective treatments. Many studies have shown that the occurrence of BRONJ may be due to unbalanced bone turnover, anti-angiogenesis, bacterial infection, direct tissue toxicity, and abnormal immune function. The previous research results show that tetrahedral framework nucleic acids (tFNAs), a new type of nanomaterial, can promote various biological activities of cells, such as cell proliferation, migration, anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation, and angiogenesis. Therefore, we intend to explore the potential of tFNAs in the treatment of BRONJ through this study. The results show that tFNAs can promote the treatment of BRONJ by promoting angiogenesis and promoting M2 polarization in macrophages and inhibiting M1 polarization both in vitro and in vivo. These results provide a theoretical basis for the application of tFNAs in the treatment of BRONJ and also provide new ideas and methods for the treatment of other diseases based on ischemia and immune disorders.


Atherosclerosis and inflammation. New therapeutic approaches.
The recognition of atherogenesis as an active process rather than a passive cholesterol storage disease has underlined key inflammatory mechanisms. Hence, innate and adaptive immune responses play an important role in the onset and progression of atherosclerosis. More recently, some clinical studies were designed to address the impact of anti-inflammatory intervention strategies in reducing risk of cardiovascular disease beyond the management of classic risk factors. Therefore, we review first the pathophysiological contribution of inflammation to atherosclerosis and the effect of lipid-lowering drugs on inflammatory biomarkers. Next, we address the effect of classic anti-inflammatory drugs, pharmacological therapies targeting specific inflammatory mediators and vaccines in cardiovascular prevention.


The prevalence of Barrett's esophagus in patients with chronic peptic esophageal strictures.
Both Barrett's esophagus and peptic stricture of the esophagus are consequences of chronic reflux esophagitis. Barrett's esophagus appears to be a premalignant condition, and continued histologic surveillance for dysplasia and carcinoma has been recommended for affected patients. While patients with peptic esophageal strictures and persistent reflux are at risk for the development of Barrett's epithelium, such patients often do not receive continued histologic surveillance if Barrett's epithelium is not identified on the initial endoscopic evaluation. Using endoscopic and peroral aspiration biopsy techniques, we studied the prevalence of Barrett's esophagus in 25 patients with chronic peptic esophageal strictures in whom Barrett's epithelium had not been identified previously. We found Barrett's esophagus in 11 (44%) of our 25 patients. One patient who did not have Barrett's esophagus was found to have an undifferentiated esophageal carcinoma. We conclude that patients with chronic peptic esophageal strictures frequently have Barrett's esophagus. A program of continued histologic surveillance seems advisable for such patients.


Global trend in exosome isolation and application: an update concept in management of diseases.
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by various cells offer great potential for use in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. EVs are heterogeneous membranous vesicles. Exosomes are a subtype of EVs, 40-150 nm spherical vesicles with a lipid layer derived from endosomes. Exosomes, which are involved in signal transduction and maintain homeostasis, are released from almost all cells, tissues, and body fluids. Although several methods exist to isolate and characterize EVs and exosomes, each technique has significant drawbacks and limitations that prevent progress in the field. New approaches in the biology of EVs show great potential for isolating and characterizing EVs, which will help us better understand their biological function. The strengths and limitations of conventional strategies and novel methods (microfluidic) for EV isolation are outlined in this review. We also present various exosome isolation techniques and kits that are commercially available and assess the global market demand for exosome assays.


Myelin-associated inhibitors of neurite growth and regeneration in the CNS.
Axons often respond to lesions by spontaneous sprouting which, in the PNS, can be followed by elongation over long distances. In contrast, in the CNS, regenerative axon growth in most fibre systems subsides after 0.5-1.0 mm. The observation that an identical situation can be found in tissue culture in the presence of trophic factors argued for the existence of inhibitory mechanisms within the CNS tissue. Detailed cell biological and biochemical studies have provided evidence for two membrane proteins localized selectively in oligodendrocytes and CNS myelin and which exert a powerful inhibitory effect on neurite growth. Antibodies raised against these neurite growth inhibitors (NI-35 and NI-250) and applied to rats with complete transections of the corticospinal tract (CST) resulted in CST axon regeneration over five to ten mm from the lesion site within two to three weeks. Analogous results were obtained in rats lacking myelin and oligodendrocytes in the spinal cord. During development, the 'fuzzy' appearance of the CST grown in the absence of oligodendrocytes or in the presence of anti-inhibitor antibodies indicates a boundary and guidance function of these inhibitors for late growing CNS tracts.


Estimating abundance using mark-resight when sampling is with replacement or the number of marked individuals is unknown.
Although mark-resight methods can often be a less expensive and less invasive means for estimating abundance in long-term population monitoring programs, two major limitations of the estimators are that they typically require sampling without replacement and/or the number of marked individuals available for resighting to be known exactly. These requirements can often be difficult to achieve. Here we address these limitations by introducing the Poisson log and zero-truncated Poisson log-normal mixed effects models (PNE and ZPNE, respectively). The generalized framework of the models allow the efficient use of covariates in modeling resighting rate and individual heterogeneity parameters, information-theoretic model selection and multimodel inference, and the incorporation of individually unidentified marks. Both models may be implemented using standard statistical computing software, but they have also been added to the mark-recapture freeware package Program MARK. We demonstrate the use and advantages of (Z)PNE using black-tailed prairie dog data recently collected in Colorado. We also investigate the expected relative performance of the models in simulation experiments. Compared to other available estimators, we generally found (Z)PNE to be more precise with little or no loss in confidence interval coverage. With the recent introduction of the logit-normal mixed effects model and (Z)PNE, a more flexible and efficient framework for mark-resight abundance estimation is now available for the sampling conditions most commonly encountered in these studies.


Clinical performance and sample freeze-thaw stability of the cobas®6800 SARS-CoV-2 assay for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in oro-/nasopharyngeal swabs and lower respiratory specimens.
Studies describing the performance characteristics of the cobas®6800 system for SARS-CoV-2 detection in deep respiratory specimens and freeze-thaw stability are limited. The current study compares the clinical performance of the automated SARS-CoV-2 assay on the cobas®6800 system to a lab-developed assay (LDA) and the cobas impact of freeze-thawing combined with lysis buffer. Both retrospective and prospectively selected deep respiratory samples and oro- and nasopharyngeal samples in either E-swab® or GLY- were tested using the SARS-CoV-2 assay on the cobas®6800 System and compared to a lab developed assay. Additonally, SARS-CoV-2 RNA stability was assessed after one freeze-thaw cycle with or without lysis buffer. In total, 221 (58.3 %) oro- and nasopharyngeal swabs, 131 (34.6 %) deep respiratory specimens, and n = 25 (6.6 %) swabs of unknown origin were included to study clinical performance. Only 4 samples gave discrepant results, all being positive in the LDA and not the cobas®6800 system. For stability testing, 66 samples without and 110 with lysis buffer were included. No clinically significant difference was found in test results after one freeze-thaw cycle and addition of lysis buffer. Based on our findings, the cobas®6800 SARS-CoV-2 RNA assay yielded similar results as the LDA in oro-/nasopharyngeal swabs and deep respiratory specimens. Moreover, the cobas®6800 SARS-CoV-2 RNA assay yielded similar results before and after a freeze-thaw cycle, with better preservation of low viral loads in lysis buffer.


Consequences of adding gum Arabic as a cryoprotectant on motility and viability of frozen stallion semen.
A trial was conducted to check effect of adding gum Arabic (GA) instead of egg yolk (EY) as a cryoprotectant for stallion sperm. Two experiments were designed; experiment I tested adding 3 levels of nonheated GA (i.e., 3, 6 and 9 g/100 mL diluents) in HF-20 extender. However, in experiment II the same levels were tested except that GA was heated at 80 °C for 60 min. HF-20 containing 10% of EY was used as control. In experiment I, sperm frozen in HF-20 containing nonheated GA exhibited lower percentages of motile sperm, progressively motile sperm and sperm with intact plasma membranes, vitality rate, and acrosome integrity after cooling or after deep freezing. Frozen semen in HF-20 containing 3-6% of preheated GA in experiment II maintained sperm motility at 46-50% and elevated progressive motility at 27%. The semen diluted in preheated GA (6%) and frozen exhibited a fertility rate of 40% (2/5). A similar fertility rate (40%) was found in the control semen (i.e. 10%) compared to those that were inseminated with frozen semen in preheated 3% GA (20%, 1/5). These results suggest that preheated GA could be used as an alternative cryoprotectant for cryopreserving stallion sperm.


Adder bite: an uncommon cause of compartment syndrome in northern hemisphere.
Snakebite envenomation is an uncommon condition in the northern hemisphere, but requires high vigilance with regard to both the systemic effects of the venom and the locoregional impact on the soft tissues. Bites from the adder, Vipera Berus, may have serious clinical consequences due to systemic effects. A case of a 44-year-old man is reported. The patient was bitten in the right hand. He developed fasciotomy-requiring compartment syndrome of the upper limb. Recognition of this most seldom complication of an adder bite is vital to save the limb. We recommend that the classical signs and symptoms of compartment syndrome serve as indication for surgical decompression.


Dual focal adhesion kinase/Pyk2 inhibitor has positive effects on bone tumors: implications for bone metastases.
Lytic bone metastases occur frequently in cancer patients and present major clinical issues including lack of effective therapies. The mechanism of lytic bone metastases involves interactions between tumor cells, bone matrix, and bone cells. Both focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and Pyk2 are implicated in the biology and physiology of bone and cancer. The efficacy of PF-562,271 was evaluated using MDA-MB-231 cells implanted in the tibia of nude rats. The drug was administered orally at a dose of 5 mg/kg, 7 days per week for 28 days. Serum and urine biomarkers, imaging, and histologic techniques were deployed to monitor tumor take rate, disease progression, and response to therapy. The compound was well tolerated. Both compound-treated groups demonstrated significant and similar increases in osteocalcin and cancellous bone parameters. Radiographic evaluation of tumor-bearing tibiae revealed tumor expansion in nontreated rats compared with a decrease in tumor growth and signs of bone healing in rats treated with PF-562,271. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase and fluorescent in situ hybridization analysis revealed that the majority of bone resorption at the tumor site was performed by osteoclasts of rat origin. The oral administration of PF-562,271 at a dose of 5 mg/kg suppressed the growth and local spread of intratibial tumors and restored tumor-induced bone loss. The unique ability of PF-562,271 to both curb tumor growth and safely increase bone formation may be an effective therapy for many cancer patients with bone metastases and cancer-associated osteoporosis.


Prevalence of anemia and its associated factors among adult asthmatic patients in Northwest Ethiopia.
Asthma is a heterogeneous disease characterized by chronic airway inflammation. The pathophysiologic processes of asthma can disrupt iron homeostasis, resulting in anemia. However, the association between asthma and anemia among adult asthma patients remains limited. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with anemia among adult asthmatic patients from May to August 2021. An institution-based, cross-sectional study was conducted among 291 asthmatic patients in Northwest Ethiopia. A pre-tested structured questionnaire and checklist were used to collect sociodemographic and clinical data. A blood specimen was collected from asthmatic patients for a complete blood count analysis and morphology assessment. The data were entered into the Epi data software and exported to the statistical package for social science version 20 software for analysis. Non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare red blood cell parameters among groups with acute and chronic exacerbations. Binary logistic regression models were used to determine the factors associated with anemia. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The overall prevalence of anemia in this study was 11% (95% CI: 7.2-14.8%). Acutely exacerbated asthmatic patients had significantly lower median values of red blood cell parameters such as red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and mean cell hemoglobin when compared to chronic exacerbations. In addition, using systemic corticosteroids (AOR = 4.07, 95% CI: 1.126-14.71, p = 0.032) and being hospitalized in the emergency department (AOR = 3.74, 95% CI: 1.26-11.07, p = 0.017) were found to be significantly associated with anemia. This study demonstrated that anemia was predominant in adult asthma patients. Red blood cell number, hemoglobin level, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin were significantly lower in acute asthma exacerbations. Therefore, appropriate intervention strategies should be undertaken to reduce the prevalence of anemia among adult asthma patients to reduce further complications and provide better monitoring of asthma patients.


Plant metacaspases: Decoding their dynamics in development and disease.
Plant metacaspases were evolved in parallel to well-characterized animal counterpart caspases and retained the similar histidine-cysteine catalytic dyad, leading to functional congruity between these endopeptidases. Although phylogenetic relatedness of the catalytic domain and functional commonality placed these proteases in the caspase family, credible counterarguments predominantly about their distinct substrate specificity raised doubts about the classification. Metacaspases are involved in regulating the PCD during development as well as in senescence. Balancing acts of metacaspase activity also dictate cell fate during defense upon the perception of adverse environmental cues. Accordingly, their activity is tightly regulated, while suppressing spurious activation, by a combination of genetic and post-translational modifications. Structural insights from recent studies provided vital clues on the functionality. This comprehensive review aims to explore the origin of plant metacaspases, and their regulatory and functional diversity in different plants while discussing their analogy to mammalian caspases. Besides, we have presented various modern methodologies for analyzing the proteolytic activity of these indispensable molecules in the healthy or stressed life of a plant. The review would serve as a repository of all the available pieces of evidence indicating metacaspases as the key regulator of PCD across the plant kingdom and highlight the prospect of studying metacaspases for their inclusion in a crop improvement program.


Normal-to-abnormal rearrangement and NHC activation in three-coordinate iron(II) carbene complexes.
The 'normal' three-coordinate iron-NHC complex [(IPr)Fe(N'')2] (N″ = N(SiMe3)2) rearranges to its abnormal NHC analogue [(aIPr)Fe(N″)2] (6) on heating, providing a rare abnormal iron-aNHC complex, and the first such three-coordinate complex. The tert-butyl-substituted complex [(I(t)Bu)Fe(N″)2] (4) undergoes a thermal decomposition that has not previously been observed in iron-NHC chemistry, resulting in the bis(imidazole) complex [((t)BuIm)2Fe(N″)2] (7). A mechanism that involves consecutive C-H and C-N activation is proposed to account for the formation of 7.


Genetic diversity studies and identification of SSR markers associated with Fusarium wilt (Fusarium udum) resistance in cultivated pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan).
Genetic diversity and identification of simple sequence repeat markers correlated with Fusarium wilt resistance was performed in a set of 36 elite cultivated pigeonpea genotypes differing in levels of resistance to Fusarium wilt. Twenty-four polymorphic sequence repeat markers were screened across these genotypes, and amplified a total of 59 alleles with an average high polymorphic information content value of 0.52. Cluster analysis, done by UPGMA and PCA, grouped the 36 pigeonpea genotypes into two main clusters according to their Fusarium wilt reaction. Based on the Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA and simple regression analysis, six simple sequence repeat markers were found to be significantly associated with Fusarium wilt resistance. The phenotypic variation explained by these markers ranged from 23.7 to 56.4%. The present study helps in finding out feasibility of prescreened SSR markers to be used in genetic diversity analysis and their potential association with disease resistance.


Norepinephrine release in amygdala of rats during chronic nicotine self-administration: an in vivo microdialysis study.
The essential role of the amygdala in learning and memory, including cue-associated learning, is influenced by local release of norepinephrine (NE). The current study investigated changes in amygdaloid NE secretion in rats learning to self-administer nicotine in an unlimited access model (23 h/day). In vivo microdialysis of NE was performed for 9 h intervals during three phases of nicotine self-administration: acquisition (day 1); early maintenance, when self-administration rates first stabilized (day 8.4+/-0.7); and later, during fully stable maintenance (day 17.6+/-1.0). On day 1, a greater number of self-administration episodes (SAEs) were associated with elevated NE levels in rats bar-pressing for nicotine (88% vs. 39% with saline). By early maintenance, such episodes increased threefold and overall NE levels were greater. During later maintenance, however, bar-pressing behavior was similar and NE was elevated by the first SAE of the day, but total daily NE levels were no longer elevated. In all the three phases, the enhanced NE release during the first daily SAE did not occur in the last SAE 9 h later. Thus, in an animal model of unlimited nicotine self-administration that approximates the human pattern of nicotine consumption via smoking, the amygdaloid NE response to nicotine diminishes over each day and with the stabilization of self-administration. The decline of amygdaloid NE secretion after long-term nicotine self-administration likely reflects desensitization to the pharmacological effects of nicotine. In addition, amygdaloid NE release, which enhances the consolidation of amygdala-dependent memory, may no longer be necessary once self-administration behavior has been established.


Sex differences in plasma lipid profiles of accelerated brain aging.
Lipids are essential components of brain structure and shown to affect brain function. Previous studies have shown that aging men undergo greater brain atrophy than women, but whether the associations between lipids and brain atrophy differ by sex is unclear. We examined sex differences in the associations between circulating lipids by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and the progression of MRI-derived brain atrophy index Spatial Patterns of Atrophy for Recognition of Brain Aging (SPARE-BA) over an average of 4.7 (SD = 2.3) years in 214 men and 261 women aged 60 or older who were initially cognitively normal using multivariable linear regression, adjusted for age, race, education, and baseline SPARE-BA. We found significant sex interactions for beta-oxidation rate, short-chain acylcarnitines, long-chain ceramides, and very long-chain triglycerides. Lower beta-oxidation rate and short-chain acylcarnitines in women and higher long-chain ceramides and very long-chain triglycerides in men were associated with faster increases in SPARE-BA (accelerated brain aging). Circulating lipid profiles of accelerated brain aging are sex-specific and vary by lipid classes and structure. Mechanisms underlying these sex-specific lipid profiles of brain aging warrant further investigation.


Management of Jehovah's Witness patients undergoing major head and neck surgery.
Several diverse strategies have been recommended to manage Jehovah's Witness patients undergoing surgery when significant blood loss is expected. However, many of the proposed management strategies cannot be used when the urgent nature of the disease precludes adequate preoperative preparation of the patient. We present our experience of the management of two Jehovah's Witnesses with oral carcinoma requiring extensive resection, neck dissection, and reconstruction with free tissue transfer. Hypervolemic hemodilution, hypotensive anesthesia, meticulous surgical hemostasis, and antifibrinolytic therapy were used as an alternative to blood products or transfusion. Radical surgical ablation and state-of-the-art reconstruction were possible, as a single-stage procedure, even though blood transfusion or blood product replacement therapy was refused. Radical surgical ablation of oral carcinoma, with free tissue transfer reconstruction, is possible in this group of patients without the use of blood products or transfusion. There would have been no advantage in raising the red cell mass preoperatively, as the packed cell volume was ideal for free tissue transfer.


Evaluation of the Physico-Chemical and Biological Stability of SB8 (Aybintio), a Proposed Biosimilar to Bevacizumab, Under Ambient and In-Use Conditions.
No stability data of SB8 (proposed biosimilar to bevacizumab) are available for opened vials at 2-8 °C or for unopened vials stored outside of this range. Furthermore, limited stability data are available for dilutions. Stability of unopened vials of SB8 at ambient temperature and in-use stability for opened vials as well as diluted SB8 in infusion bags were evaluated. SB8 stability was assessed in three scenarios in the absence of light: unopened 100-mg vials 36 months after manufacture stored at 30 ± 2 °C with 65 ± 5% relative humidity for 1 month, opened 100-mg and 400-mg vials stored at 5 ± 3 °C for 72 h and diluted (1.4 mg/ml or 16.5 mg/ml in 100 ml 0.9% NaCl polyolefin bags) stored for 45 days at 5 ± 3 °C and then 3 days at 30 ± 2 °C; the United Kingdom's National Health Service protocol was used for the study design after dilution. Physicochemical stability (appearance, pH, protein concentration, size-exclusion high-performance liquid chromatography, non-reducing capillary electrophoresis-sodium dodecyl sulfate, imaged capillary isoelectric focusing), biological activity [vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) neutralization assay, VEGF binding assay] and potential safety impact properties (subvisible particulates, submicronic aggregation by dynamic light scattering) were determined. All stability-indicating criteria including those for biological activity were met for both unopened vials at ambient condition and for in-use conditions of opened vials as well as both dilutions. No noteworthy changes in terms of physicochemical stability, biological activity and properties with a potential safety impact occurred. Under the studied aspetic extreme conditions, SB8 was stable. Our data may support advanced SB8 preparation and may help prevent SB8 wastage because of exceptional temperature excursions or unused product. Sterility assurance is the responsibility of the user and is of utmost importance when opened or diluted SB8 is not immediately used.


Male irradiation affects female remating behavior in Anastrepha serpentina (Diptera: Tephritidae).
Female remating in target pest species can affect the efficacy of control methods such as the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) but very little is known about the postcopulatory mating behavior of these pests. In this study, we investigated the remating behavior of female Anastrepha serpentina (Diptera: Tephritidae), an oligophagous pest of Sapotaceae. First, we tested how long the sexual refractory period of females lasted after an initial mating. Second, we tested the effect of male and female sterility, female ovipositing opportunities and male density on female propensity to remate. Lastly, we tested if the amount of sperm stored by females was correlated to the likelihood of females to remate. We found that receptivity of mass-reared A. serpentina females had a bimodal response, with up to 16% of mass-reared A. serpentina females remating five days after the initial copulation, decreasing to 2% at 10 and 15 days and increasing to 13% after 20 days. Compared to fertile males, sterile males were less likely to mate and less likely to inhibit females from remating. Copula duration of sterile males was shorter compared to fertile males. Remating females were less likely to mate with a sterile male as a second mate. Sterile females were less likely to mate or remate compared to fertile females. Opportunity to oviposit and male density had no effect on female remating probability. Sperm numbers were not correlated with female likelihood to remate. Information on the post-copulatory behavior of mass-reared A. serpentina will aid fruit fly managers in improving the quality of sterile males. We discuss our results in terms of the differences this species presents in female remating behavior compared to other tephritids.


Modulation of antitumor alkylating agents by novobiocin, topotecan, and lonidamine.
Topoisomerase I and topoisomerase II allow a metabolically active cell to mobilize its supercoiled chromosomal DNA and undergo replication, transcription, recombination, and repair. Several topoisomerase inhibitors have recently been shown to be active in preclinical systems. Topotecan (SK&F 104,864), a water-soluble camptothecin analog, is an inhibitor of topoisomerase I. Novobiocin is an inhibitor of topoisomerase II. Lonidamine depletes cellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) and may impede energy-dependent DNA repair, MCF-7 human breast-cancer cells were treated in vitro with topotecan, novobiocin, and lonidamine alone, in paired combinations, and in combination with CDDP and melphalan. The three enzyme inhibitors alone and in combination did not increase tumor cell sensitivity to CDDP. However, the combinations of topotecan/novobiocin and lonidamine/novobiocin did enhance the cytotoxicity of melphalan. Mice bearing the FSaII fibrosarcoma were treated in vivo with topotecan, novobiocin, and lonidamine alone, in paired combinations, and in combination with CDDP, melphalan, BCNU, and cyclophosphamide. The combination of topotecan/novobiocin had the greatest impact on tumor cell sensitivity to each cytotoxic agent tested in both tumor cell-survival and tumor growth-delay assays. This sensitization was greatest at the highest concentrations of the cytotoxic agent tested. Combinations of topoisomerase I and topoisomerase II inhibitors may be useful as modulators of antitumor alkylating agents.


Congenital refractory anaemia with vacuolisation of bone marrow precursors, sideroblastosis and growth failure in a girl with normal endocrine pancreatic function.
The case is described of an 8-years-old girl with consanguineous parents. She was apparently well, apart, from growth retardation, until 18 months of age when she developed severe normocytic hypochromic anaemia. Bone marrow examination revealed vacuolisation of the erythroid and myeloid precursor, and electron microscopic studies showed striking sideroblastosis with ringed arrangement of the iron granules. Porphyrin metabolism was apparently normal, whereas blood levels of iron and ferritin were high. A careful study of the exocrine pancreas showed completely normal function. Vitamin B6 administration was unsuccessful. The patient is transfusion-dependent, and iron chelation treatment has produced good results. The case could be a new entity or a variant of congenital sideroblastic anaemia, since it has some features in common with the syndrome described by Pearson et al.


[Pancreatitis with hepatitis revealing a systemic lupus erythematosus].
We report the case of a 27 years old woman, hospitalised for non necrotizing acute pancreatitis and cytolytic hepatitis. No usual aetiology was found. Associated cutaneous manifestations and biologic abnormalities were the clue to the diagnosis of lupus-related pancreatitis and hepatitis. Disease course was uneventful with systemic corticotherapy and antimalarials. Pancreatitis is a very uncommon manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus. Its incidence is estimated at 1.1/1000 lupus per year. Ten cases of lupus-revealing pancreatitis have been reported. This case is the first one associated with a lupus-related hepatitis. It is important to seek specific cutaneous signs to ascertain the diagnosis as soon as possible and avoid useless and deleterious investigations. In our patient, the favourable evolution of the pancreatitis with corticosteroids adds further evidence to the idea that lupus-related pancreatitis is not a side effect of corticosteroid therapy.


Association between exposure to dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls and miR-191 expression in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells.
Accumulating evidence shows an association between deregulation of miRNAs and exposure to environmental chemicals; miRNAs play a unique regulatory role in gene expression. Among environmental pollutants, dioxins are a family of compounds that are known to have multiple hazardous effects. Also, in utero exposure of the fetus to dioxins has been shown to cause impaired psychomotor development, decreased immune function and skin disease. miR-191 is a microRNA that has been found to be up-regulated by dioxin in hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro. Our study provides the first molecular evidence in vivo of a positive relationship between levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and miR-191 expression in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. miR-191 expression was significantly correlated with blood concentrations of total PCB and, in particular, of 3,3',4,4',5,5'-hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 169, a coplanar congener). Blood concentrations of PCB 169 correlated significantly with miR-191 expression in pregnant women living in a PCB-polluted area, who underwent therapeutic abortion due to fetal malformations. These data suggest that miRNAs could be potential biomarkers to clarify the mechanisms of environmental disease.


[Experiments in biological engineering to induce puberty in young female swine. 4: Ovulation period after puberty in animals aged about 200 days, using different combinations of gonadotropic hormones].
44 prepuberal gilts were treated with gonadotropic combinations and investigated for ovarian dynamics. 400 PMS + 200 HCG (Suigonan-Vemie) induced ovulations at the 4th day p.i., 100 FSH + 100 HCG resp. 200 FSH + 200 HCG at the 6th day p.i. At the 8,-11th day p.i. the PMS/HCG-treated animals showed corp. lut, in 100, the FSH/HCG-treated in 50 resp. 87% of the cases. A second injection of 250 HCG 3 days after 200 FSH + 200 HCG increased the number of animals which had ovulated. Zystic ovaries (larger than or equal to 11 mm) developed in all groups. Declaration of gonadotropins in "international units".


Effect of Tensile Stresses on the Evolution of Post-Compaction Properties of Sodium Chloride Tablets and Its Mixtures.
This study focuses on the effect of moisture on the strength of tablets of sodium chloride (NaCl) and its mixtures after compaction. We built on our prior work that proposed an explanation of the strengthening of NaCl tablets due to a dissolution-reprecipitation mechanism and the decrease in strength of NaCl-starch tablets due to the presence of residual stresses on NaCl-NaCl contacts in the mixture. Here, we offer experimental evidence that induced tensile stresses on NaCl slow down or negate (if large enough) the strengthening mechanism. Based on the idea of the negative role of tensile residual stresses in NaCl mixtures, we prove experimentally that NaCl-X mixtures can be optimized in terms of post-compaction strength, if the elastic properties of the second component in the mixture match that of NaCl.


Persistent sternum synchondroses on bone scintigraphy.
This report describes the case history of two patients who showed a hyperactive midsternal area on bone scintigraphy due to a persistent sternal synchondrosis. Whereas this anatomical variant is diagnosed infrequently, midsternal hotspots can sometimes be related to arthrotic degeneration of these extra joint spaces. In the differential diagnosis of midsternal hotspots on bone scintigraphy, persistent sternum synchondroses should be considered.


Investigation of the interaction mechanism of 3-allyl-2-hydantoin anti-cancer on the pristine and functionalized BC2N nanotubes as an effective drug delivery nanocarriers.
One of the exciting aspects of different nanomaterials in biomedical applications is the delivery of a wide range of anti-cancer drugs to mitigate their negative side effects via precise targeting of the tumor cells. In the present study, the DFT B3LYP/6-31G (d, p) level of theory was used to evaluate the capabilities of raw BC2N nanotubes (BC2NNTs) and functionalized BC2NNTs nanostructures as a carrier for an anti-cancer drug (i.e., 3-allyl-2-hydantoin (3-ASH)). It was specified that the existing interaction between 3-ASH and BC2N nanotubes is weak (-10.97 kcal mol-1). Therefore, the functionalized BC2NNTs were investigated for 3-ASH interaction. According to our computations, compared with raw BC2NNTs, the role of hydrogen bonds between 3-ASH molecules' active sites and carboxyl-functionalized BC2NNTs in the complexes' fixation, adsorption, and thermodynamic energy is of great importance. A considerable transfer of charge between 3-ASH molecule to the functionalized BC2NNTs was detected via MEP, NBO, and fractional charge transfer analysis. Also, it was found that these nanostructures have high stability on the water medium while their solvation energies have negative values. This negative value is beneficial for the applications of 3-ASH drug delivery. The present work proposes a new method to load 3-ASH drugs with a high density on BC2NNTs' surfaces.


Prevention of the Genotoxic Effects of Doxorubicin with Anthocyanin-Containing Complex from Sorbus aucuparia L. Fruit.
We studied the effect of an anthocyanin-containing complex from the fruits of S. aucuparia L. on doxorubicin-induced genotoxicity in bone marrow cells of C57BL/6 mice. The complex reduced the genotoxic effect doxorubicin in metaphase plates of bone marrow cells in 24, 48 h, and 10 days after the administration of the cytostatic. The mean number of single fragments and the fraction of cells with gaps and aberrant metaphases also decreased.


Upconversion nanoparticles anchored MnO2 nanosheets for luminescence "turn on" detecting hydrogen peroxide.
The sensitively and reliably detecting hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is of significant for biology and environment protection fields. Herein, we reported a high sensitive H2O2 nanoprobe based on upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) anchored MnO2 nanosheets. In which, DNA modified NaYF4@NaYF4:Yb,Tm core-shell nanoparticles were anchored onto the MnO2 nanosheets surface via π-π stacking. Owing to the luminescence resonance energy transfer, the blue luminescence of UCNPs was effectively quenched by MnO2 nanosheets, then the luminescence could be restored by adding H2O2 for reducing MnO2 to Mn2+, and achieving a H2O2 concentration-dependent luminescence change, the detection limit could reach to 0.23 nM (S/N = 3). The proposed method could detect H2O2 in serum, lake water and real samples. Thus, a desired upconversion luminescence sensing strategy for detection H2O2 in life and environmental analysis was successfully constructed. It may be provide a potential tool in disease diagnosis and environmental monitoring fields.


A potential vector of domoic acid: the swimming crab Polybius henslowii Leach (Decapoda-brachyura).
The swimming crab Polybius henslowii may play an important role in the movement of the amnesic shellfish toxin, domoic acid (DA), through the marine food chain. High DA concentrations have been determined in crab samples harvested along the Portuguese coast during the summer of 2002, reaching a level of 323.1 microg DA/g crab tissue. Toxin distribution in the different crab organs showed levels as high as 571.6 microg DA/g in the visceral tissues. Levels of toxin 4-12 times lower were detected in the remaining tissues. This crab might be a prominent vector of the toxin to higher trophic levels, including fishes, sea birds and even humans. In Portugal P. henslowii is commercialised during the summer in some local markets. DA concentrations were found close to the legal limit of 20 microg/g in samples purchased at Figueira da Foz market. The crabs are boiled prior to reaching the consumers. The cooking process was evaluated. Determination of toxin losses during the cooking process showed a toxin reduction higher than 50%. DA was determined by HPLC-UV and confirmed by spectra acquired with diode-array detector.


A comparison of tonsillar size and oropharyngeal dimensions in children with obstructive adenotonsillar hypertrophy.
Hypertrophy of the tonsils and adenoids is the most common cause of obstructive sleep apnea in children. There is relatively little known about the occurrence of subclinical variations in the dimensions of the oropharynx which may predispose to the development of obstructive sleep apnea in children without obvious craniofacial abnormalities. Fifty-one children (3-10 years) were divided into two groups: the first group consisted of 18 patients with small tonsils and no history of snoring who underwent tonsillectomy for chronic tonsillitis. They were compared to a second group of 33 patients with large tonsils who underwent tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy for symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. Age, height, weight, body surface area and tonsil weight were correlated to the dimensions of the oropharynx obtained by direct measurement intraoperatively including the length of the soft palate, anterior-posterior depth of the nasopharynx and the distances between the medial tonsillar surfaces, anterior tonsillar pillars and lateral pharyngeal walls at mid-tonsil level. Increased patient height, weight and surface area correlated positively to increased distance between the lateral pharyngeal walls and to the length of the soft palate in the patients with small tonsils. No such correlation existed in the patients with obstructive adenotonsillar hypertrophy. In addition, the distance between the lateral pharyngeal walls was significantly decreased in the group with large, obstructing tonsils as compared to those with small tonsils and no history of obstruction (P less than 0.01). However, the patients with small tonsils and no obstruction had significantly longer soft plates (P less than 0.01) and less depth tot eh nasopharynx (P less than 0.01).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


[Implementation of an oncological care program in a multidisciplinary clinic].
A working group has highlighted guidelines in thoracic oncology in Europe without study of their implementation, due to a lack of data. The records of 354 untreated lung cancer patients seen between January 2009 and December 2012 were reviewed. Any new treatment should have been proposed by a multidisciplinary consultation (MDC) in accordance with an oncology care program (OCP) based on the European Lung Cancer Working Party guidelines. For the 354 patients, there were 636 MDC (332, 176, 81 and 47 in 1st, 2nd, 3rd and subsequent lines). For the first line, the MDC rate was 88%, in accordance with the OCP, and 75% of treatments were in agreement with the guidelines. For the 2nd and 3rd lines, the rates were 93% and 92% respectively (MDC), 90 and 89% (OCP), 55 and 63% (guidelines). In the first line, the main causes of non-compliance with the OCP were patient's refusal or doctor's choice and with guidelines a lack of adequate recommendations for specific situations such as comorbidities or the appearance of new treatments. The vast majority of patients are the subject of a MDC with a high rate of application of OCP. Guidelines should be updated regularly to incorporate new treatments.


Herpes zoster associated with tooth resorption and periapical lesions.
A 72-year-old woman presented with multiple periapical lesions and resorption of teeth in a single quadrant 17 years after an attack of herpes zoster (shingles) of the maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve. It is possible that cases of tooth resorption that were previously classified as idiopathic may have a viral aetiology and we suggest that these patients should be asked about a previous attack of shingles.


Alleviative effects of pinostrobin against cadmium-induced renal toxicity in rats by reducing oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction.
Cadmium (Cd) is a highly toxic heavy metal that can be found everywhere in the environment and can have harmful effects on both human and animal health. Pinostrobin (PSB) is a bioactive natural flavonoid isolated from Boesenbergia rotunda with several pharmacological properties, such as antiinflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, and antiviral. This investigation was intended to assess the therapeutic potential of PSB against Cd-induced kidney damage in rats. In total, 48 Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four groups: a control, a Cd (5 mg/kg), a Cd + PSB group (5 mg/kg Cd and 10 mg/kg PSB), and a PSB group (10 mg/kg) that received supplementation for 30 days. Exposure to Cd led to a decrease in the activities of catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GSR), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), whereas levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) increased. Cd exposure also caused a substantial increase in urea, kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), and creatinine levels. Moreover, a noticeable decline was noticed in creatinine clearance. Moreover, Cd exposure considerably increased the levels of inflammatory indices, including interleukin-1b (IL-1b), tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a), interleukin-6 (IL-6), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-kB), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity. Cd treatment decreased the expression of the antiapoptotic markers (Bcl-2) while increasing the expression of apoptotic markers (Bax and Caspase-3). Furthermore, Cd treatment substantially reduced the TCA cycle enzyme activity, such as alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase, and isocitrate dehydrogenase. Moreover, mitochondrial electron transport chain enzymes, succinatedehydrogenase, NADH dehydrogenase, cytochrome c-oxidase, and coenzyme Q-cytochrome reductase activities were also decreased following Cd exposure. PSB administration substantially reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential while inducing significant histological damage. However, PSB treatment significantly reduced Cd-mediated renal damage in rats. Thus, the present investigation discovered that PSB has ameliorative potential against Cd-induced renal dysfunction in rats.