Evidence that tobacco smoking increases the density of (-)-[3H]nicotine binding sites in human brain.
In a postmortem study of nicotinic receptors in human brain, cigarette smoking was found to be associated with increased (-)-[3H]nicotine binding to membranes prepared from gyrus rectus (Brodmann area 11) (p less than 0.001), hippocampal neocortex (Brodmann area 27), cerebellar cortex (p less than 0.01), hippocampal formation (Ammon's horn + subiculum), and the median raphe nuclei of the midbrain (p less than 0.05) but not the medulla oblongata. Analysis of the binding data suggested that the increased binding reflected an increase in the density of the receptors rather than a change in their affinity for (-)-nicotine. The effects of smoking were not influenced significantly by either the sex or age of the subject. It is concluded that smoking evokes an increase in high-affinity nicotine binding similar to that observed previously in animals treated chronically with nicotine and that the effect of smoking on these sites is probably caused by the nicotine present in the tobacco smoke.


Enhanced inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes by nisin in the presence of ethanol.
The effect of combinations of nisin and ethanol on the survival of Listeria monocytogenes was investigated. Killing by nisin was enhanced during simultaneous exposure to ethanol (2-7% v/v). For example, while 10 IU ml(-1) nisin reduced viability by 1 log unit in 20 min, a combination of this antimicrobial peptide and 5% ethanol, reduced numbers of surviving cells by 3 log units. Increasing the concentrations of either ethanol (2-7%) or nisin (10-50 IU ml(-1)) led to increased cell death with synergy being demonstrated for all combinations tested and at a range of temperatures from 5 to 37 degrees C. Ethanol can act synergistically with nisin to reduce the survival of L. monocytogenes. Combinations of ethanol and nisin may be feasible as an effective way of controlling this pathogen in the food processing environment.


Nonunion after a tibial shaft fracture complicating tibial tubercule osteotomy.
Tibial shaft fracture after tibial tubercle osteotomy in total knee replacement is a rare complication. We report on a 67-year-old man who had a knee revision arthroplasty in which a long tubercle osteotomy was performed to facilitate exposure. Three weeks after surgery, he presented with a transverse shaft fracture, which became a nonunion requiring surgical management. This shaft nonunion and its solution after tibial tubercle osteotomy is discussed as well as relevant literature.


Diprosopus with associated malformations: report of two cases.
We report on two patients with craniofacial duplication and anencephaly. In addition to these anomalies, one patient showed vertebral fusion and diaphragmatic hernia, and the other one presented cheilognathopalatoschisis.


Assessment of cardiovascular volume status by transoesophageal echocardiography and dye dilution during cardiac surgery.
Conventional evaluation of cardiovascular volume status by filling pressures is unreliable in critically ill patients. Measurements of left ventricular end diastolic area index by transoesophageal echocardiography and of intrathoracic blood volume index by dye indicator dilution are new approaches to this problem. In this study, different indices of cardiovascular volume status were analysed to define their relation during the pronounced haemodynamic changes associated with systemic inflammation after cardiopulmonary bypass. Correlations were performed with left ventricular end diastolic area index, intrathoracic blood volume index, central venous pressure (CVP) and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP). Data from 15 patients receiving coronary artery bypass grafts were compared after induction of anaesthesia and in the intensive care unit. Spearman's correlation coefficient for perioperative absolute changes in left ventricular end diastolic area index and intrathoracic blood volume index was 0.87 (P < 0.05). However, an increase in intrathoracic blood volume index by 125 mL m-2 was necessary to maintain a baseline left ventricular end diastolic area index. Absolute values of all variables varied widely, with the only significant correlation found between CVP and PCWP. Changes in CVP and PCWP did not correlate with changes in left ventricular end diastolic area index or intrathoracic blood volume index. Provided simultaneous baseline measurements are available and a supranormal intrathoracic blood volume index compensates for the haemodynamic changes in systemic inflammation, left ventricular end diastolic area index and intrathoracic blood volume index may substitute for each other during the evaluation of cardiovascular volume status in patients with stable cardiac function.


Crickets in Sunshine.
1. A method is described which makes the registration of body temperatures possible without disturbing the animals. Thus it is possible to observe and quantify the effect of basking on the development of a population. 2. In crickets (Gryllus bimaculatus) the time of development is drastically reduced by the possibility to bask in sunshine at self-determined intervals. The old rule of temperature-sums is demonstrated to be invalid in this case; the changing body temperature acts as a signal to unknown processes which speed up the development of the animal.


Enhanced biodegradation of endocrine disruptor bisphenol A by food waste composting without bioaugmentation: Analysis of bacterial communities and their relative abundances.
Composting with food waste was assessed for its efficacy in decontaminating Bisphenol A (BPA). In a BPA-treated compost pile, the initial concentration of BPA 847 mg kg-1 fell to 6.3 mg kg-1 (99% reduction) over a 45-day composting period. The biodegradation rate was at its highest when bacterial activity peaked in the mesophilic and thermophilic phases. The average rate of total biodegradation was 18.68 mg kg-1 day-1. Standard methods were used to assess physicochemical parameters of the compost matrix and gas chromatography combined with mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was used to identify BPA intermediates. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was used to detect BPA degraders and the diverse bacterial communities involved in BPA decomposition. These communities were found consist of 12 phyla and 21 genera during the composting process and were most diversified during the maturation phase. Three dominant phyla, Firmicutes, Pseudomonadota, and Bacteroidetes, along with Lactobacillus, Proteus, Bacillus, and Pseudomonas were found to be the most responsible for BPA degradation. Different bacterial communities were found to be involved in the food waste compost biodegradation of BPA at different stages of the composting process. In conclusion, food waste composting can effectively remove BPA, resulting in a safe product. These findings might be used to expand bioremediation technologies to apply to a wide range of pollutants.


4C-seq revealed long-range interactions of a functional enhancer at the 8q24 prostate cancer risk locus.
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified >100 independent susceptibility loci for prostate cancer, including the hot spot at 8q24. However, how genetic variants at this locus confer disease risk hasn't been fully characterized. Using circularized chromosome conformation capture (4C) coupled with next-generation sequencing and an enhancer at 8q24 as "bait", we identified genome-wide partners interacting with this enhancer in cell lines LNCaP and C4-2B. These 4C-identified regions are distributed in open nuclear compartments, featuring active histone marks (H3K4me1, H3K4me2 and H3K27Ac). Transcription factors NKX3-1, FOXA1 and AR (androgen receptor) tend to occupy these 4C regions. We identified genes located at the interacting regions, and found them linked to positive regulation of mesenchymal cell proliferation in LNCaP and C4-2B, and several pathways (TGF beta signaling pathway in LNCaP and p53 pathway in C4-2B). Common genes (e.g. MYC and POU5F1B) were identified in both prostate cancer cell lines. However, each cell line also had exclusive genes (e.g. ELAC2 and PTEN in LNCaP and BRCA2 and ZFHX3 in C4-2B). In addition, BCL-2 identified in C4-2B might contribute to the progression of androgen-refractory prostate cancer. Overall, our work reveals key genes and pathways involved in prostate cancer onset and progression.


Individual and Environmental Barriers to Successful Aging: The Importance of Considering Environmental Supports.
The cornerstone to successful aging is maintaining a consistent physical activity routine and healthy diet. This is particular important for aging adults to preserve their independence. However, for low-income aging adults there are significant individual and environmental barriers that reduce their ability to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Understanding how environmental supports can be found in existing programs geared toward older adults is a way to insure long-term behavioral changes.


[Ageing and the elderly in Turkey--results of the first age report from Turkey].
Although Turkey is generally considered a "young country," we already have the early signs of demographic ageing. By 2020, the percentage of the Turkish population above the age of 60 will be close to 20%. This article examines the important aspects of Turkish demographic structure and discusses the general life conditions of the elderly. All data are from a report published by the author about the life conditions of the elderly in Turkey. This report showed that, in Turkey, ageing is generally specific to female elderly. Poverty during elderly age should be considered the most serious problem both today and in the future, although this issue shows a great diversity in terms of occupational status, educational level and regions. Care for the elderly is not a major problem yet. However, Turkish society needs to prepare for future problems in elderly care by creating the necessary legal and political infrastructure. Education and research about social gerontology has not improved yet. There needs to be great improvement in this field to come to the general developmental level in Europe.


Infravestibular horizontal partial laryngectomy. A new surgical method.
We have developed a new functional surgical technique for cancers of the larynx specially those situated glottically and subglottically which are considered remedial to a total laryngectomy. Specifically an infravestibular horizontal partial laryngectomy can be performed to remove neoplasms together with the glottis and subglottis. The larynx then may be reconstructed by suturing the bands to the ascended trachea and the conserved upper half of the tyroid cartilage. The results have been encouraging. Swallowing, phonation and respiration by the natural vias has been obtained in 8 of the 12 patients so operated.


Maternal mortality decline in the Kassena-Nankana district of northern Ghana.
In the absence of an adequate vital registration system in Ghana, the Navrongo demographic surveillance system (NDSS) established in 1993 presents a viable alternative to monitor, in a poor rural district, the UN Millennium Development Goal on maternal health (MDG) of reducing maternal mortality by 75% between 1990 and 2015. Of the 518 women aged 12-49 years identified in the NDSS database to have died in the Kassena-Nankana district in the period January 2002-December 2004, spouses or family members completed verbal autopsy interviews for 516 female deaths. Of the 516 female deaths, 45 were identified as maternal deaths. 71% of the maternal deaths were attributed to direct maternal causes while 29% were due to indirect maternal causes. Abortion-related deaths were the most frequent cause of maternal deaths. The maternal mortality ratio for the period 2002-2004 was 373 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births indicating a 40% reduction of maternal mortality from the 1995-1996 level of 637 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. However, the health-facility based maternal mortality ratio in the district (which excludes maternal deaths outside health facilities) was 141 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births for the period 2002-2004. This district may be on track to achieve the MDG on maternal health. Ultimately, strengthening vital registration systems to provide timely information to policymakers should supersede the other methods of measuring maternal mortality.


Pressure oscillation delivery to the lung: Computer simulation of neonatal breathing parameters.
Preterm newborn infants may develop respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) due to functional and structural immaturity. A lack of surfactant promotes collapse of alveolar regions and airways such that newborns with RDS are subject to increased inspiratory effort and non-homogeneous ventilation. Pressure oscillation has been incorporated into one form of RDS treatment; however, how far it reaches various parts of the lung is still questionable. Since in-vivo measurement is very difficult if not impossible, mathematical modeling may be used as one way of assessment. Whereas many models of the respiratory system have been developed for adults, the neonatal lung remains essentially ill-described in mathematical models. A mathematical model is developed, which represents the first few generations of the tracheo-bronchial tree and the 5 lobes that make up the premature ovine lung. The elements of the model are derived using the lumped parameter approach and formulated in Simulink™ within the Matlab™ environment. The respiratory parameters at the airway opening compare well with those measured from experiments. The model demonstrates the ability to predict pressures, flows and volumes in the alveolar regions of a premature ovine lung.


Relationship between Fas and Fas Ligand gene polymorphisms and pre-eclampsia.
In normal pregnancy, the Th1 subtype, responsible for the production of inflammatory cytokines, is reduced, and the Th2 subtype is increased to prohibit inflammation. In pre-eclampsia, the Th1 cell population is increased; thus, subsequent inflammation and trophoblast destruction occur. Polymorphisms in the Fas and Fas Ligand (FasL) promoter regions can influence Fas and FasL expression and accused to increase of Th1 subtype. DNA samples from 153 pregnant women with pre-eclampsia and 140 controls were genotyped through polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. A Fisher's exact test was used to compare the distribution of individual polymorphisms. Fas-1377 AA, AG and GG genotypes were observed in 2.61%, 18.30% and 79.08% in the pre-eclampsia group opposed to 0%, 27.14% and 72.85% in the control group (P = 0.037), respectively. Fas-670 AA, AG and GG genotypes were observed in 37.9%, 41.8% and 20.3% of pre-eclampsia patients compared with 33.6%, 50.7% and 15.7% in healthy pregnant women (P = 0.291), respectively. No statically significant differences in the FasL-844 genotype were observed between the groups (P = 0.69). The Fas-1377G > A polymorphism is associated with a higher risk of pre-eclampsia.


Efficacy of Inpatient Rehabilitation After Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation.
Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have become an increasingly popular and effective means for treating advanced heart failure. LVAD implantation requires extensive surgery and postoperative rehabilitation. The Functional Independence Measure (FIM) has been used to quantify functional gains in numerous patient populations, including those with stroke and spinal cord injury. This study investigated functional improvements in patients undergoing LVAD implantation using the FIM score. To assess functional improvements in patients with advanced heart failure who underwent LVAD implantation. Retrospective. Inpatient rehabilitation unit. Ninety consecutive patients who received acute inpatient rehabilitation after continuous flow LVAD implantation. Demographic, laboratory, and functional outcomes data including inpatient rehabilitation unit (IRU) length of stay (LOS), discharge disposition, and FIM score were collected for all patients. Paired t-tests were used to assess change in functional measures and laboratory data. Primary outcome measures included FIM gain, FIM efficiency, discharge disposition, rates of readmission after discharge from rehabilitation, and LOS in the rehabilitation unit. The FIM gain was statistically significant at 28.4 ± 12.3 (P < .001) and compared favorably with benchmarks for mean FIM gains at our facility (26.4), regionally (21.5), and nationally (22.7) for patients admitted to IRUs with a cardiac diagnosis. FIM efficiency (FIM gain/IRU LOS) was 1.9 ± 1.0 compared with the mean FIM efficiency at our facility (2.2), regionally (2.1), and nationally (2.2). Seventy-four percent (n = 67) of patients were discharged directly home after inpatient rehabilitation, 17% (n = 16) were readmitted to the acute hospital service, and 8% (n = 7) required additional rehabilitation at a subacute rehabilitation facility. The IRU LOS was 16.2 ± 6.9 days. Our study indicates that most patients with an LVAD achieve clinically meaningful functional gains from acute inpatient rehabilitation, with the majority of patients being discharged home. Further studies need to be performed to analyze clinical outcomes after acute inpatient rehabilitation. IV.


Tracheostomy in bilateral neck dissection: Comparison of three tracheostomy scoring systems.
To evaluate whether elective tracheostomy is justified after tumor resection and bilateral neck dissection (ND) and whether application of tracheostomy scoring systems is reliable for planning of postoperative airway management. Retrospective cohort study. We retrospectively assessed airway management in 160 patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. Additionally, we applied and analyzed the 1) Cameron, 2) TRACHY, and 3) CASST tracheostomy scoring systems on the tracheostomy recommendations. Elective tracheostomies were performed in 51.3% of our patients, particularly in T3 to T4 tumors, cases with free flap reconstruction, and concurrent procedures. Among patients undergoing concurrent procedures, those who received tracheostomy showed significantly longer inpatient stays (27.8 ± 30.0 days vs. 13.3 ± 6.6 days; P < 0.001). Tracheostomy recommendation coincides with the performance of bilateral ND in 28.6% (CASST), 60.0% (Cameron), and 75.0% (TRACHY) of the cases, respectively. By applying corresponding criteria, tracheostomy would be recommended in 2.5% (CASST), 76.9% (Cameron), and 84.4% (TRACHY) of our cases. Bleeding episodes were the most common complication occurring in 10 patients (6.3%), but tracheostomy scores did not significantly differ between bleeders and nonbleeders. Bilateral ND on its own is not a reliable predictor for elective tracheostomy. Furthermore, given the significant heterogeneity of currently available scoring systems, they prove inadequate for decision making and predictive modeling of tracheostomy placement. 4 Laryngoscope, 130:E580-E586, 2020.


Semisynthesis of human ghrelin: condensation of a Boc-protected recombinant peptide with a synthetic O-acylated fragment.
The creation of peptide using a combination of recombinant expression and chemical synthesis can be a powerful tool for the production of a wide variety of polypeptides modified by phosphorylation, glycosylation, etc. We have developed a new method for the preparation of a recombinant peptide with a free N(alpha)-amino group and protected N(epsilon)-amino groups, and have used this method in the semisynthesis of human ghrelin. Ghrelin, a natural ligand for growth hormone secretagogue receptor, is a 28-residue peptide with an essential n-octanoyl modification on Ser3. A 7-residue N-terminal fragment of ghrelin containing the octanoyl modification was prepared by Fmoc chemistry. In the preparation of it, all reactions were performed on the 2-chlorotrityl resin. Additionally, TBDMS and tBu turned out to be the most effective protection groups for the Ser3 and the Ser2, Ser6, respectively. For preparation of a 21-residue C-terminal fragment, we established a two-step protease processing method for the partially protected segment. A recombinant precursor peptide was Boc protected and subsequently cleaved using two distinct proteases, OmpT and Kex2. The peptides were then coupled to each other and, after deprotection, resulted in fully active human ghrelin.


On doubling the signal in localised stimulated echo measurements.
Stimulated echo (STEAM) localisation yields up to 50% of the full magnetisation. It is shown that given the good magnetic field homogeneity now obtained in clinical MRS, and with a slight modification to the gradient pattern, the localised signal may be nearly doubled, although at the expense of introducing a frequency-dependent amplitude for peaks in the final spectrum. A two-step phase cycle is also required. The principle is demonstrated on a clinical MR system, and the relative merits of the sequence are discussed.


Myotonia and keratoderma induced by 20,25 diazacholestenol.
A new inhibitor of cholesterol synthesis, 20,25 diazachlestenol, produced myotonia in 31 persons; and, in six of these, a keratoderma which resembles the natural disease, keratoderma climactericum. These observations further emphasize the importance of normal lipid synthesis in orderly cornification.


Upconversion nanoparticles@AgBiS2 core-shell nanoparticles with cancer-cell-specific cytotoxicity for combined photothermal and photodynamic therapy of cancers.
UCNPs@AgBiS2 core-shell nanoparticles that AgBiS2 coated on the surface of upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) was successfully prepared through an ion exchange reaction. The photothermal conversion efficiency of AgBiS2 can be improved from 14.7% to 45% due to the cross relaxation between Nd ions and AgBiS2. The doping concentration of Nd ions played a critical role in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and enhanced the photothermal conversion efficiency. The NaYF4:Yb/Er/Nd@NaYF4:Nd nanoparticles endows strong upconversion emissions when the doped concentration of Nd ions is 1% in the inner core, which excites the AgBiS2 shell to produce ROS for photodynamic therapy (PDT) of cancer cells. As a result, the as-prepared NaYF4:Yb/Er/Nd@NaYF4:Nd@AgBiS2 core-shell nanoparticles showed combined photothermal/photodynamic therapy (PTT/PDT) against malignant tumors. This work provides an alternative near-infrared light-active multimodal nanostructures for applications such as fighting against cancers.


Spatially eutrophication potential and policy implication of nitrogen emission for surface water: A case study in Guangzhou city, China.
Understanding the spatial distribution and path tracing of eutrophication caused by nitrogen (N) enrichment in urban freshwater is crucial for whole-process and precise damage effect control. This study constructed a site-specific life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) model, covering the overall cause-effect chain from source emission to endpoint effect, to assess N-induced eutrophication potential at the species damage level. Applied to Guangzhou city, China, marked spatial disparities in eutrophication potential were derived, with higher values in the downtown areas driven by anthropogenic disturbances, such as wastewater discharge. Spatially differentiated measures were provided through eutrophication hotspot identification and driver tracking. This study offers a necessary complement for eutrophication impact category indicators in LCIA methodology and lays a scientific foundation for potential hotpots diagnosis and targeted mitigation policy-making.


The association between mnemonic discrimination ability and differential fear learning.
It is important to be able to learn which stimuli in our surroundings predict aversive outcomes. To maintain emotional well-being, it is similarly important to be able to learn which stimuli predict safety. The ability to discriminate between stimuli that predict danger and safety has been suggested to not only have an emotional component, but also a cognitive one. One such candidate mechanism is mnemonic discrimination (MD), the ability to differentiate between two memories that are similar but not identical. In the present study, we wanted to examine if MD performance helps to explain inter-individual differences in the ability to acquire a differentiated fear response during fear conditioning. Participants performed a task assessing MD ability, and then underwent a fear conditioning procedure. Fear responses were measured using skin conductance responses (SCRs). Results revealed no support for MD ability being associated with to which degree a differentiated fear response was acquired, or with the time needed to acquire such a response. Our only outcome measurement was SCRs. Future studies need to include fear ratings, expectancy ratings and neural responses. Future studies also need to examine this using a stimulus material where the conditioned stimulus and the safety stimulus are more difficult to distinguish from each other. If MD ability has a role in inhibiting overgeneralization of fear learning, this does not seem to be driven by MD already during the initial learning.


A deficiency in the autophagy gene Atg16L1 enhances resistance to enteric bacterial infection.
Polymorphisms in the essential autophagy gene Atg16L1 have been linked with susceptibility to Crohn's disease, a major type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Although the inability to control intestinal bacteria is thought to underlie IBD, the role of Atg16L1 during extracellular intestinal bacterial infections has not been sufficiently examined and compared to the function of other IBD susceptibility genes, such as Nod2, which encodes a cytosolic bacterial sensor. We find that Atg16L1 mutant mice are resistant to intestinal disease induced by the model bacterial pathogen Citrobacter rodentium. An Atg16L1 deficiency alters the intestinal environment to mediate an enhanced immune response that is dependent on monocytic cells, but this hyperimmune phenotype and its protective effects are lost in Atg16L1/Nod2 double-mutant mice. These results reveal an immunosuppressive function of Atg16L1 and suggest that gene variants affecting the autophagy pathway may have been evolutionarily maintained to protect against certain life-threatening infections.


Re-recognize early recurrence of persistent atrial fibrillation.
Few studies on early recurrence (ER) focused on patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). We aimed to investigate the characteristics and clinical significance of ER in patients with persistent AF after catheter ablation (CA). A total of 348 consecutive patients who underwent first-time CA for persistent and long-standing persistent AF between January 2019 and May 2022 were investigated. About 5/348 (1.44%) patients who failed to convert to sinus rhythm after CA were excluded. A total of 110/343 (32.1%) patients had ER, in which 98 (89.1%) were persistent and 50.9% occurred in the first 24 h after CA. Compared with the patients without ER, those with ER were more likely to have late recurrence (LR) (92.7% vs. 1.7%, P < 0.001) during a median follow-up of 13 (IQR 6-23) months. ER was the most significant independent predictor for LR (OR 120.5, 95% CI 41.5-349.8, P < 0.001). ER as atrial flutter (AFL) had a lower risk of LR when compared with ER as AF (P = 0.011) and both AF and AFL (P = 0.003). Early intervention of the patient with ER improved the short-term outcomes (P < 0.001), not long-term outcomes. Only 22/251 (8.76%) patients of LR appears among those who had no recurrence in the first month. Patients with persistent AF may not have a blanking period but rather have a risk period. Clinical significance of the blanking period should be given differential treatment between paroxysmal AF and persistent AF.


Barrett's adenocarcinoma in long-segment Barrett's esophagus successfully detected by narrow-band imaging with magnifying endoscopy.
Conventionally, long-segment Barrett's esophagus (LSBE) has been considered a high-risk background for the occurrence of Barrett's adenocarcinoma in Western countries, and random biopsy has been proposed for surveillance, aiming to detect early cancer. However, accurate detection of a lesion and diagnosis of the expansion are difficult by this blind method. Herein, we report a case of early Barrett's adenocarcinoma derived from LSBE that was successfully detected by narrow-band imaging with magnifying endoscopy.


Physician Preferences for Botulinum Toxin Injections in Anticoagulated Patients with Spasticity.
To understand physician preferences and bleeding complication rates of intramuscular botulinum neurotoxin type A injections for spasticity management in anticoagulated patients, questionnaires were mailed to 138 physicians across Canada. The international normalized ratio comfort range for injections was <2.0 in 10%, 2.0 to 2.5 in 35%, 2.6 to 3.0 in 25%, and 3.1 to 3.5 in 20% of physicians. Only 23% injected outside their comfort value and 57% did not; 72% did not normalize the international normalized ratio value before injections. Only one injector reported the development of compartment syndrome. As expected, high variability exists in physician preferences in botulinum neurotoxin type A injection in anticoagulated patients.


Corrosion behavior and microstructure of Al-10Zn alloy with nano CuO addition.
The present study explores the preparation of Al-10wt.%Zn alloy by the casting process. Nano CuO was prepared by the Co-precipitation method. The effect of adding nanostructure of (1wt.% CuO) to Al-10Zn alloy was studied the corrosion effects as-cast and with different aging temperatures (423, 443, and 463 K) for 2 h in 3.5% NaCl aqueous solution after homogenized for 2 h at 500 K at room temperature. Electrochemical measurements (OCP, Tafel, and EIS) were performed to determine the corrosion rate (C.R.) and corrosion current density (Icorr.) to find out corrosion behavior. In addition, microstructures of Al-10Zn and Al-10Zn-1CuO were observed using a scanning electron microscope, EDX mapping, and the optical microscope to investigate the effect of the nanoparticle's addition before and after aging and the corrosion test. The average crystal size and the dislocation density were calculated from the XRD pattern. The results show that the appropriate addition of CuO nanoparticles can refine the Al-10Zn alloy and shift the Al-10Zn alloy to a more noble direction.


Extrathoracic cannulation for urgent cardiopulmonary bypass in cardiac tamponade. Use of the internal jugular vein.
Two patients with intra-thoracic cardiovascular catastrophies and cardiac tamponade precluding safe thoracotomy were approached using cannulation of the left internal jugular and femoral veins. Cardiopulmonary bypass could then be established with effective venous drainage before direct approach to the heart and great vessels was attempted. This method produced a satisfactory outcome in both patients.


Protein kinase C activators inhibit the inositol trisphosphate-mediated muscarinic current responses in rat lacrimal cells.
1. Pre-incubation (1-5 min) with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA, 8-16 nM), a tumour-promoting phorbol ester known to activate protein kinase C, was found to inhibit acetylcholine-induced Ca2+-dependent K+ and Cl- currents in cells isolated from rat lacrimal glands. 2. Previous work showed that the same currents may be elicited by dialysing cells with a high-Ca2+ (1.0 microM) solution, with inositol trisphosphate (InsP3), or with guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate (GTP-gamma-S). 3. After TPA incubation both types of currents could be elicited by dialysis with elevated Ca2+ solutions, although the magnitude of the K+ current was slightly reduced in comparison with control cells. 4. Responses to intracellular dialysis with InsP3 (20 microM) were similar to those in untreated cells, indicating that the Ca2+ release process was unaffected. 5. However, the response to GTP-gamma-S (0.2-0.5 mM) dialysis was strongly inhibited in TPA-treated cells. 6. These results suggest that protein kinase C exerts an inhibitory action on the pathway leading from receptor activation to inositol trisphosphate production.


Grazing on Upland Pastures Part-Time Instead of Full-Time Affects the Feeding Behavior of Dairy Cows and Has Consequences on Milk Fatty Acid Profiles.
Different grazing management systems are practiced on upland dairy farms during summer, depending on topography, local traditions, and infrastructure. The present experiment compared two distinct management systems with respect to feeding behavior and milk-related properties. Two similar groups of eight Valdostana Red Pied cows originating from two farms were followed during three grazing events in summer on three upland grazing sites. Cows in the full-time grazing group were kept exclusively on pasture and milked twice daily in a mobile milking parlor. Cows in the part-time grazing group had access to pasture for 4 h and 2 h after their morning and evening milkings, respectively. The part-time grazing cows differed markedly in their feeding behavior; they exhibited shorter daily ingestion times and longer durations of ingestion and idling bouts than full-time grazing cows. Part-time grazing cows had lower milk protein and casein contents, but milk yield and milk coagulation properties did not differ from the full-time grazing cows. As a result of the fasting periods in the barn, part-time grazing cows synthesized less fatty acids de novo and mobilized body fat reserves, as evidenced by the higher proportion of oleic acid in their milk fat.


Computer-aided diagnosis of plus disease via measurement of vessel thickness in retinal fundus images of preterm infants.
Changes in the characteristics of retinal vessels such as width and tortuosity can be signs of the presence of several diseases such retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and diabetic retinopathy. Plus disease is an indicator of ROP which requires treatment and is signified by an increase in posterior venular width. In this work, we present image processing techniques for the detection, segmentation, tracking, and measurement of the width of the major temporal arcade (MTA), which is the thickest venular branch in the retina. Several image processing techniques have been employed, including the use of Gabor filters to detect the MTA, morphological image processing to obtain its skeleton, Canny's method to detect and select MTA vessel-edge candidates, least-squares fitting to interpolate the MTA edges, and geometrical procedures to measure the width of the MTA. The results, obtained using 110 retinal fundus images of preterm infants, indicate a statistically highly significant difference in MTA width of normal cases as compared to cases with plus disease (p<0.01). The results provide good accuracy in computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) of plus disease with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.76. The proposed methods may be used in CAD of plus disease and timely treatment of ROP in a clinical or teleophthalmological setting.


Food liking, familiarity and expected satiation selectively influence portion size estimation of snacks and caloric beverages in men.
We explored the relationship between three food attributes and portion size estimation. Twenty-seven men rated liking, familiarity and expected satiation (ES) of a chocolate bar, muffin, banana, cola, cornflakes, potato chips (crisps), hot chocolate drink and ice-cream, before estimating portion size when hungry and full. Portion estimates correlated with liking ratings in three foods (r = -0.53 to 0.28); with familiarity in two foods (r = -0.30, full only); and with ES in four foods (r ≤ 0.45). Across foods lower ES ratings tended to correlate with higher portion size estimates. Portion size estimation is influenced by food liking, familiarity and expected satiation.


[Transurethral enucleation of the prostate with the holmium: YAG laser system: how much power is necessary?].
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of an intermediate power (50 W) holmium:YAG laser system for transurethral enucleation of the prostate (TULP) with the use of a new mechanical morcellator. Our results are compared with the results of high-powered holmium laser enucleation (HoLEP) presented in the literature. From December 2003 to January 2008, 129 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia were treated by TULP. In 45 cases (group A; 2.0, 12 Hz) we used a bipolar resectoscope (VISTA/ACMI) for morcellation, whereas after that morcellation was accomplished with a modified endoscopic shaver (Wolf). Thirty-nine patients were treated using 25 W (group B; 2.0 J, 12 Hz), and 45 patients were treated using 40 W (group C; 2.2 J 18 Hz), who were compared with 45 matched-pair patients who received transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP; group D). Finally, the literature on HoLEP was reviewed. Bipolar morcellation significantly prolonged the operating time (135 vs. 131 vs. 96 min). The morcellation speed averaged 2.8 (range 1.3-5.2) g/min with no complications. The resection speed (retrieval rate) of 40-W TULP was comparable to that for TURP (0.71 vs. 0.76 g/min). The transfusion rate was lower than for TURP (8% vs. 12%), with a smaller Hb difference (3.1 vs. 3.8 mg/dl). Catheter times (3.4 vs. 4.1 days) were similar; however, hospital stay was significantly shorter after TULP (5.2 vs. 6.8 days). The complication rate was significantly lower (6.6% vs. 13.3%). The efficacy of HoLEP significantly improved with introduction of the morcellator: Resection speed increased from 0.34-0.61 g/min to 0.48-0.82 g/min. HoLEP was better than 40-W TULP regarding transfusion rate (0-4% vs. 8%) and catheter time (1.1-1.5 vs. 3.4 days). Complications and functional results were similar. CONCLUSION[UBERSCHRIFT]: The intermediate-power 50-W holmium laser together with the new morcellator enable safe transurethral enucleation of the prostate. As with HoLEP, the procedure has a significant learning curve. The retrieval times of TULP are similar to those for HoLEP, but the risk of bleeding is higher. New modifications (i.e., thullium laser) will further improve the technique of laser enucleation.


Aminomethylpyrimidines as novel DPP-IV inhibitors: a 10(5)-fold activity increase by optimization of aromatic substituents.
The influence of aromatic substitution on a newly discovered class of inhibitors of dipeptidyl peptidase IV was investigated. A 10(5)-fold increase in potency was achieved by the optimization of aromatic substituents in a parallel chemistry program. The observed SAR could be explained by an X-ray structure of the protein-ligand complex.


A single mutation converts Alr5027 from cyanobacteria Nostoc sp. PCC 7120 to a heme-binding protein with heme-degrading ability.
HutZ from Vibrio cholerae (VcHutZ) is a dimeric protein that catalyzes oxygen-dependent degradation of heme. The reaction mechanism is the same as that of canonical heme oxygenase (HO), but the structure of HutZ is quite different from that of HO. Thus, we postulate that HutZ has evolved via a different pathway from that of HO. The Alr5027 protein from cyanobacteria possessing proteins potentially related to ancestral proteins utilizing O2 in enzymatic reactions is homologous to HutZ family proteins (67% similarity), but the heme axial ligand of HutZ is not conserved in Alr5027. To investigate whether Alr5027 can bind and degrade heme, we expressed Alr5027 in Escherichia coli and purified it. Although Alr5027 did not bind heme, replacement of Lys164, corresponding to the heme axial ligand of HutZ, with histidine conferred heme-binding capability. The K164H mutant produced verdoheme in the reaction with H2O2, indicating acquisition of heme-degradation ability. Among the mutants, the K164H mutant produced verdoheme most efficiently. Although the K164H mutant did not degrade heme through ascorbic acid, biliverdin, the final product of VcHutZ, was formed by treatment of verdoheme with ascorbic acid. An analysis of Trp103 fluorescence indicated elongation of the distance between protomers in this mutant compared with VcHutZ-the probable cause of the inefficiency of ascorbic acid-supported heme-degradation activity. Collectively, our findings indicate that a single lysine-to-histidine mutation converted Alr5027 to a heme-binding protein that can form verdoheme through H2O2, suggesting that HutZ family proteins have acquired the heme-degradation function through molecular evolution from an ancestor protein of Alr5027.


Prolonged neurophysiological effects of cumulative wine drinking.
The effects of a single, large dose of alcohol have been studied extensively, but how alcohol affects the brain under more realistic social drinking situations has received scant attention. The neurophysiological effects of a cumulative dose of alcohol were investigated as subjects drank three glasses of alcoholic or placebo red wine, 1 h apart. In a double-blind procedure, electroencephalographic (EEG) activity was recorded for social drinkers during rest and performance of a working memory task at two levels of difficulty. Background EEG power in the theta, slow alpha, and beta bands increased with alcohol consumption. Along with this systemic increase in background cortical resonant activity, event-related potential (ERP) amplitudes decreased between 200 and 350 ms poststimulus and P300 latency increased, effects that occurred while relevant stimulus factors were being evaluated. These neurophysiological effects endured 3 h after drinking, whereas blood/breath alcohol concentration had decreased considerably and cognitive performance returned to normal. These findings seem to indicate that moderate social alcohol consumption has cumulative effects on brain function that persist for hours after chemical and behavioral indicators of intoxication have diminished. The results seem to indicate that neuronal populations needed for stimulus processing were less available after wine consumption (as evidenced by reduced ERP amplitudes) because of increased background oscillatory activity (as evidenced by increased background EEG power).


[The square search test in connection with acoustic evoked brain stem potentials].
A random sample of 15 patients suffering from multiple sclerosis without acute episodes and at least partially able to work, shows to a high degree of statistical certainty that reduction in amplitude of acoustically evoked brain stem potentials (BAEP) is closely linked with beta-weighted performance value of the square search test (QSP).


The transsylvian corridor through minimally invasive transcranial approaches: a comparative anatomical study.
Minimally invasive transcranial approaches (MITAs) continue to expand in popularity in neurosurgery. Only few MITAs allow sufficient sylvian exposure to enable wide use of the transsylvian corridor. In this study, we aim to compare the transsylvian corridor in two MITAs: the minipterional (MPTa) and the extended supraorbital eyebrow approaches (XSEa). Eight cadaver heads were used to quantify the surgical exposure and maneuverability along the sylvian fissure and the insular lobe provided by the MPTa and the XSEa. Surgical exposure was calculated by means of the exposed length of the sylvian fissure and by the area framed within three extreme points in the insular lobe. Maneuverability was assessed by means of the surgical freedom along the sylvian cistern. XSEa provides twice the frontal exposure and half of the temporal exposure in comparison to the MPTa (p < 0.001 and p = 0.02, respectively). No significant differences were found between the two craniotomies in the length of the exposure of the sylvian fissure, area of insular exposure, or surgical freedom. Both the MPTa and the XSEa afford sufficient grades of exposure along the sylvian fissure and the insular lobe, although the viewing angle is significantly different between the two approaches. Such properties allow either to be used for microsurgery deep within the sylvian cistern. The use of additional corridors, such as the subfrontal route (XSEa) and pretemporal route (MPTa), may influence selection of either the minipterional or the extended supraorbital approaches according to the origin of the surgical pathology addressed.


DNA methylation and the core pluripotency network.
From the onset of fertilization, the genome undergoes cell division and differentiation. All of these developmental transitions and differentiation processes include cell-specific signatures and gradual changes of the epigenome. Understanding what keeps stem cells in the pluripotent state and what leads to differentiation are fascinating and biomedically highly important issues. Numerous studies have identified genes, proteins, microRNAs and small molecules that exert essential effects. Notably, there exists a core pluripotency network that consists of several transcription factors and accessory proteins. Three eminent transcription factors, OCT4, SOX2 and NANOG, serve as hubs in this core pluripotency network. They bind to the enhancer regions of their target genes and modulate, among others, the expression levels of genes that are associated with Gene Ontology terms related to differentiation and self-renewal. Also, much has been learned about the epigenetic rewiring processes during these changes of cell fate. For example, DNA methylation dynamics is pivotal during embryonic development. The main goal of this review is to highlight an intricate interplay of (a) DNA methyltransferases controlling the expression levels of core pluripotency factors by modulation of the DNA methylation levels in their enhancer regions, and of (b) the core pluripotency factors controlling the transcriptional regulation of DNA methyltransferases. We discuss these processes both at the global level and in atomistic detail based on information from structural studies and from computer simulations.


Intestinal barrier dysfunction and increased COX-2 gene expression in the gut of elderly rats with acute pancreatitis.
The clinical course of acute pancreatitis can vary from mild to severe. In its most severe manifestation, acute pancreatitis is associated with an exacerbated systemic inflammatory response and high mortality rates. The severe form of acute pancreatitis is more frequent in elderly patients than in young patients, but the mechanisms underlying this difference are still under investigation. Rats were divided into two groups as follows: Group 1, young rats; and Group 2, old rats. Acute pancreatitis group was induced by a retrograde injection of a sodium taurocholate solution into the biliopancreatic duct. Using this model of acute pancreatic injury, we designed a study to investigate possible differences in microbial translocation and characteristics of the intestinal barrier between elderly and young rats. There was a significantly higher number of bacterial colonies in the pancreas of elderly rats compared with young rats following pancreas injury, which was associated with a more severe local intestinal inflammatory response that included elevated gene expression of COX-2 and a decreased gene expression of tight junction proteins. We conclude that intestinal damage during acute pancreatitis is exacerbated in elderly rats compared with young rats and that COX-2 inhibition could be a potential therapeutic target to offer tailored treatment for acute pancreatitis in the elderly.


Pressure-driven formation and stabilization of superconductive chromium hydrides.
Chromium hydride is a prototype stoichiometric transition metal hydride. The phase diagram of Cr-H system at high pressures remains largely unexplored due to the challenges in dealing with the high activation barriers and complications in handing hydrogen under pressure. We have performed an extensive structural study on Cr-H system at pressure range 0 ∼ 300 GPa using an unbiased structure prediction method based on evolutionary algorithm. Upon compression, a number of hydrides are predicted to become stable in the excess hydrogen environment and these have compositions of Cr2Hn (n = 2-4, 6, 8, 16). Cr2H3, CrH2 and Cr2H5 structures are versions of the perfect anti-NiAs-type CrH with ordered tetrahedral interstitial sites filled by H atoms. CrH3 and CrH4 exhibit host-guest structural characteristics. In CrH8, H2 units are also identified. Our study unravels that CrH is a superconductor at atmospheric pressure with an estimated transition temperature (T c) of 10.6 K, and superconductivity in CrH3 is enhanced by the metallic hydrogen sublattice with T c of 37.1 K at 81 GPa, very similar to the extensively studied MgB2.


Extruded sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) reduces metabolic risk of hepatic steatosis in obese rats consuming a high fat diet.
The study investigated the effect of extruded sorghum flour (ESF) in a high fat diet (HFD) on biometric measurements and hepatic lipogenesis. Male Wistar rats were fed a normal diet (AIN-93M), HFD, HFD plus ESF replacing 50% cellulose and 100% corn starch (HFDS50), or HFD plus ESF replacing 100% cellulose and 100% corn starch (HFDS100) for eight weeks. ESF reduced the body mass index and liver weight of obese rats. Additionally, ESF reduced hepatic lipogenesis by increasing adiponectin 2 receptor gene expression and gene and protein expressions of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα), while reducing the gene expression of sterol regulatory element-binding transcription factor 1. Molecular docking analysis revealed the affinity of ESF compounds (luteolinidin, apigeninidin, 5-methoxy-luteolinidin, and 7-methoxy-apigeninidin) with the PPAR-α receptor. Histological analysis confirmed the decreased grade of hepatic steatosis in obese rats. These data indicate the potential of ESF to reduce metabolic risk of hepatic steatosis associated with lipogenesis and obesity.


Bisphosphonates for pain management in children with benign cartilage tumors.
Cochrane meta-analyses have shown significant benefit in bone pain from bisphosphonate therapy in adults with bone diseases such as multiple myeloma, Paget disease, breast and prostate cancer. Our aim was to assess if bisphosphonate treatment could alleviate severe pain in children with Ollier disease and hereditary multiple exostoses that are refractory to standard analgesics. We report our clinical experience with bisphosphonate therapy in 2 children with cartilage tumors, one with Ollier disease, and the other with hereditary multiple exostoses. We found bisphosphonate therapy to be helpful for pain relief and improving overall ability to carry out daily activities. One can consider bisphosphonate therapy in children with Ollier disease and hereditary multiple exostoses who have debilitating pain that is refractory to standard analgesic treatment.


Expression of the Manduca sexta allatotropin gene in cells of the central and enteric nervous systems.
Manduca sexta allatotropin (Mas-AT) was isolated and first characterized as a peptide that stimulated juvenile hormone biosynthesis in adult lepidopteran corpora allata and was subsequently shown to have cardioacceleratory activity in the pharate adult. In this study, we identified the cells in the nervous system of the insect that contain mRNA encoding Mas-AT and immunoreactivity against a polyclonal antiserum to Mas-AT. In larvae, Mas-AT mRNA and immunoreactivity was most abundant in two cells in the frontal ganglion, which project their axons down the recurrent nerve toward the gut, and in cells in the terminal abdominal ganglion. Lower levels of Mas-AT mRNA were detected in the brain and subesophageal ganglion. In the pupal and pharate adult stages, we detected Mas-AT mRNA and immunoreactivity in cells of the abdominal ganglia and in additional cells in the terminal abdominal ganglion. These additional cells in the ventral nerve cord that express Mas-AT during the pupal and pharate adult stages include cells that differentiate during metamorphosis as well as cells that exist in larvae but do not begin to express Mas-AT until these later developmental stages. Some of the cells that exhibit Mas-AT immunoreactivity lack Mas-AT mRNA, suggesting that the antisera used in this and previous studies recognizes other peptides in addition to Mas-AT. This pattern of expression suggests that Mas-AT may mediate multiple physiological functions during the life cycle of the insect, including the larval stage in which no function has yet been described for the peptide.


Investigation of microplastic contamination in blood cockles and green mussels from selected aquaculture farms and markets in Thailand.
Recent studies have indicated that bivalves are bioindicators for microplastic pollution since they are filter feeders and accumulate microplastics (MPs) during their feeding process. This study focused on the investigation of MPs in blood cockles (Tegillarca granosa) and green mussels (Perna viridis) from selected aquaculture farms and markets in Thailand. The abundance of MPs was identified by fluorescence microscopy with Nile Red tagging and the polymer detection by micro-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (micro-FTIR). The number of MPs in blood cockle samples from the Khlong Dan market and the BangBo aquaculture farm was 11 ± 5 and 6 ± 1 particles/individual, respectively. For green mussel samples, the number of MPs from the Talaad Thai market and the Sriracha fisheries research station was 96 ± 19 and 11 ± 7 particles/individual, respectively. The results of the study indicate that the number of MPs in bivalve samples from the markets is much higher than in the aquaculture farms. This probably is due to the contamination of MPs in bivalves during the packaging and transportation processes. However, further studies are needed to confirm this. The predominant MPs were fragments and fibres with a size range of 0.05-0.3 mm. Most polymers were polypropylene, polyethylene, copolymer, polyester, and nylon. In brief, this study showed the contamination of MPs in bivalves cultivated for human consumption. The accumulation of MPs in these marine bivalves can lead to the biomagnification of MPs along the food chain. This can impact food safety and human health.


Targeting hemoglobin receptors IsdH and IsdB of Staphylococcus aureus with a single VHH antibody inhibits bacterial growth.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, is one of the major causative agents of hospital-acquired infections worldwide. Novel antimicrobial strategies efficient against antibiotic-resistant strains are necessary and not only against S. aureus. Among those, strategies that aim at blocking or dismantling proteins involved in the acquisition of essential nutrients, helping the bacteria to colonize the host, are intensively studied. A major route for S. aureus to acquire iron from the host organism is the Isd (iron surface determinant) system. In particular, the hemoglobin receptors IsdH and IsdB located on the surface of the bacterium are necessary to acquire the heme moiety containing iron, making them a plausible antibacterial target. Herein, we obtained an antibody of camelid origin that blocked heme acquisition. We determined that the antibody recognized the heme-binding pocket of both IsdH and IsdB with nanomolar order affinity through its second and third complementary-determining regions. The mechanism explaining the inhibition of acquisition of heme in vitro could be described as a competitive process in which the complementary-determining region 3 from the antibody blocked the acquisition of heme by the bacterial receptor. Moreover, this antibody markedly reduced the growth of three different pathogenic strains of MRSA. Collectively, our results highlight a mechanism for inhibiting nutrient uptake as an antibacterial strategy against MRSA.


Light microscopic analysis of the kitten retina: postnatal development in the area centralis.
A method was devised for morphological localization of the area centralis, and the timecourse of its formation as a structural entity was established. Postnatal differentiation of the retina proceeds as follows: the irregularly laminated ganglion cell layer of the newborn becomes unilaminar everywhere but in the presumptive area centralis, a difference which is first discernible at five to six days of age; the outer nuclear layer is always of the same thickness in the area centralis, while in the periphery the layer thins with time; the outer nuclear layer is always thinner in the area centralis than in the periphery; inner nuclear layer thickness is invariant early in postnatal life, but in the adult it is thicker in the area centralis than in the near temporal periphery; plexiform layers form by two weeks of age and rach adult thickness thereafter. Retinal ganglion cells were measured and the percent distributions of three ganglion cell size classes (6-10 micron; 11-20 micron; 21-35 micron) were determined for the area centralis and near temporal periphery; Mean ganglion cell size is constant in center and periphery through five weeks age, is adultlike in the periphery soon thereafter and in the center sometime after eight weeks of age. The percent distribution of ganglion cells by size class in center and periphery is not adultlike even at eight weeks of age. The implications of these observations and others are discussed relative to postnatal growth of the eye and placement of the area centralis in the retinal field and optic axis. The involvement of retinal cell proliferation, cell growth, ganglion cell dendrite formation and cell shape changes in the expansion of the retina are also discussed.


Blockage of PPARγ T166 phosphorylation enhances the inducibility of beige adipocytes and improves metabolic dysfunctions.
Beige adipocytes in mammalian white adipose tissue (WAT) can reinforce fat catabolism and energy expenditure. Promoting beige adipocyte biogenesis is a tantalizing tactic for combating obesity and its associated metabolic disorders. Here, we report that a previously unidentified phosphorylation pattern (Thr166) in the DNA-binding domain of PPARγ regulates the inducibility of beige adipocytes. This unique posttranslational modification (PTM) pattern influences allosteric communication between PPARγ and DNA or coactivators, which impedes the PPARγ-mediated transactivation of beige cell-related gene expression in WAT. The genetic mutation mimicking T166 phosphorylation (p-T166) hinders the inducibility of beige adipocytes. In contrast, genetic or chemical intervention in this PTM pattern favors beige cell formation. Moreover, inhibition of p-T166 attenuates metabolic dysfunction in obese mice. Our results uncover a mechanism involved in beige cell fate determination. Moreover, our discoveries provide a promising strategy for guiding the development of novel PPARγ agonists for the treatment of obesity and related metabolic disorders.


Management of uterine and vaginal prolapse in the bovine.
Uterine prolapse in cows is a historic topic that is well discussed in scientific veterinary literature and texts, argued at legendary proportion between practitioners, and even referenced in western poetry. The condition occurs sporadically and is recognized easily, but sometimes it is not so easily repaired. This article discusses the replacement, repair, and removal of the uterus and helpful techniques and potential complications. Because the veterinarian occasionally encounters situations where manual eversion (iatrogenic prolapse) of the uterus is helpful, particularly for efficiently repairing the traumatized uterus in the field, a technique for iatrogenic prolapse is discussed.


Shear stress in arterial stenoses: a momentum integral model.
A mathematical model is developed to investigate blood flow in arterial stenoses up to Reynolds numbers of 1000. The approach is based on Thwaites' method, normally used to treat laminar boundary layer development over a body in a freestream. The model is applicable to any axisymmetric stenosis geometry in all laminar physiological flow regimes, has a minimum of externally input parameters and is implemented as a short program on a personal computer. Maximum bounds on the expected errors are derived by comparison with known results from Poiseuille flow in a pipe. Agreement with shear stresses reported by other researchers using computational fluid dynamics is within 13% rms. The method has been specifically designed to be a useful predictive tool for biomedical investigators.


Microbial and heavy metal contamination in commonly consumed traditional Chinese herbal medicines.
The increasing popularity and widespread use of traditional Chinese herbs as alternative medicine have sparked an interest in understanding their biosafety, especially in decoctions that are consumed. This study aimed to assess the level of microbial and heavy metal contamination in commonly consumed herbal medicine in Malaysia and the effects of boiling on these contamination levels. Four commonly consumed Chinese herbal medicine in Malaysia-"Eight Treasure Herbal Tea", "Herbal Tea", Xiyangshen (Radix Panacis Quinquefolii) and Dangshen (Radix Codonopsis) were evaluated in this study. Herbal medicines were prepared as boiled and non-boiled decoctions, and their microbial enumeration and heavy metal detection were conducted with plate assay and atomic absorption spectroscopy, respectively. Findings revealed that herbal medicines generally had 6 log10cfu/mL microbial cells and that boiling had significantly reduced microbial contaminants, where no Bacillus spp., Staphylococcus spp. and Clostridium spp. were recovered. Heavy metals such as Mn, Cu, Cd, Pb, Fe and Zn were also detected from all the samples, generally in low concentrations (< 1 mg/L) except for Mn (18.545 mg/L). All decoctions (after boiling) have reduced concentrations of Cu, while others were not significantly different. Comparisons between samples with single and multi-herbs suggest level of microbial and metal contamination is not influenced by number of herbs in sample. Herbal medicines generally have microbial and heavy metal contaminants. However, the boiling process to generate decoctions was able to successfully reduce the number of microbes and Cu, ensuring safety of herbal medicines for consumption.


Aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase in mouse mammary gland: in vitro study using mammary cell lines.
The effects of 3-methylcholanthrene (MCA), 5,6-benzoflavone (betaNF), 7,8-benzoflavone (alphaNF) and pregnenolone 16alpha-carbonitrile (PCN) upon aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) were determined in primary mammary gland epithelial cell cultures prepared from the C3Hf-/Ki mouse. MCA elevated AHH activity by 3--4 fold after 24 h of treatment; alphaNF produced a 50% inhibition. The specific activity of AHH in these cells was elevated by 6 h after exposure to MCA; enzyme activity was still maximally elevated after 48 h. The effects of MCA were also investigated in a group of mammary cell lines, one of which was derived from a control virgin mouse, the MCG V14; 3 of which arose from mammary tumors, MCG T10, MCG T14 and MCG T19; and 2 of which were sublines developed from hyperplastic alveolar nodules, HAN-1 and HAN-2. Induction was seen in all lines at 24 h, with the MCG T14 being the most responsive and the HAN-2, the least. Although the MCG T19 tumor cells did respond in culture, when implanted in the mouse, the AHH of the subsequent tumor was not elevated upon administration of MCA in vivo.


The impact of anastomotic leakage on recurrence and long-term survival in patients with colonic cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Anastomotic leakage (AL) is one of the most severe complications following colorectal cancer surgery and is associated with increased short and long term mortality. The literature is conflicting regarding increased risk of recurrence after AL. The aim of this study was to systematically review the impact of anastomotic leakage on the risk of local or distant recurrence and overall survival, cancer specific survival, and disease-free survival. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. A systematic search in PubMed, EMBASE, CINHAL, and The Cochrane Library was performed and meta-analyses were performed on all outcomes including analysis based on time-to-event data. A total of eighteen cohort studies, including 69,047 patients whereof 2,555 patients had anastomotic leakage, were included. Meta-analysis demonstrated no significant effects of anastomotic leakage on local recurrence (RR 1.16, 95% CI 0.84-1.59) or distant recurrence (RR 1.44, 95% CI 0.52-3.96). Anastomotic leakage decreased overall survival (RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.77-0.94), disease free survival (RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.72-0.89), and cancer specific survival (RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.83-0.97). A time-to-event analysis was conducted on available data and the results were congruent with the frequency analyses. Anastomotic leakage following colonic resections is significantly associated with impaired overall survival, disease free survival and cancer specific survival. The study did not show any statistically significant association between anastomotic leakage and recurrence.


Vaccine impedes the development of reflux-induced esophageal cancer in a surgical rat model: efficacy of the vaccine in a Pre-Barrett's esophagus setting.
We developed a granulocyte-macrophage-colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) tumor vaccine for esophageal cancer. We evaluated the effectiveness of the vaccine as a prevention option in a surgical reflux rat model of esophageal cancer. A surgical model involving a jejuno-esophagostomy was used to create Barrett's esophagus and esophageal cancer in rats. No carcinogen exposure was utilized. Cell lines derived from these tumors were stably passaged in vitro. GM-CSF-secreting tumor cells were generated using stable transfection. All rats underwent a total gastrectomy, followed by a jejuno-esophagostomy. The surgery promoted the reflux of duodenal contents into the esophagus. All animals were administered either a GM-CSF secreting whole cell vaccine or a phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) placebo injection 4, 6, 14, and 16 weeks post-surgery. While 15 of 16 animals in the non-vaccinated placebo group developed esophageal cancer, 94% (15 of 16), animals in the vaccine group had an incidence of cancer of 25% (4 of 16) (p<0.05). Barrett's esophagus was seen in 100% (16 of 16) of the controls and 83% (13 of 16) of the vaccinated animals. A GM-CSF-secreting whole cell tumor vaccine impeded esophageal tumor growth, but not the development of Barrett's esophagus, in a clinically relevant surgical reflux model.


Dashcam-captured moment of right hemispheric stroke.
A bus driver presented with neurological abnormalities following a driving mishap. He was diagnosed cardioembolic stroke. The bus was equipped with a dashboard camera that recorded the moment when the patient suffered the stroke. We reported the first case dashcam-captured images at the first sign of a right hemispheric stroke.


Multiple genetic variants explain measurable variance in type 2 diabetes-related traits in Pakistanis.
Multiple genetic variants are associated with type 2 diabetes-related traits in Europeans, but their role in South Asian populations needs further study. We hypothesised that genetic variants associated with diabetes-related traits in Europeans would explain a similar proportion of phenotypic variance in a Pakistani population and could be used in Mendelian randomisation analyses. We used data from 2,131 individuals from the Control of Blood Pressure and Risk Attenuation Trial (COBRA) in Karachi, Pakistan. Individuals were aged 40 years or older. Combining information from multiple genetic variants showed that fasting glucose, BMI, triacylglycerol, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure variants explained 2.9%, 0.7%, 5.5%, 1.2% and 1.8% of the variance in those traits respectively. Genetic risk scores of fasting glucose, triacylglycerol, BMI, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure variants were associated with these traits, with per allele SD effects of 0.057 (95% CI 0.041, 0.074), p=3.44 × 10(-12), 0.130 (95% CI 0.105, 0.155), p=2.9 × 10(-21), 0.04 (95% CI 0.014, 0.072), p=0.004, 0.031 (95% CI 0.016, 0.047), p=7.9 × 10(-5), 0.028 (95% CI 0.015, 0.042), p = 5.5 × 10(-5), respectively. These effects are consistent with those observed in Europeans, except that the effect of triacylglycerol variants in South Asians was slightly lower. Mendelian randomisation provided evidence that genetically influenced, raised triacylglycerol levels do not causally affect type 2 diabetes risk to the extent predicted from observational data (p=0.0003 for difference between observed and instrumental variables correlations). Genetic variants identified in Europeans are associated with type 2 diabetes-related traits in Pakistanis, with comparable effect sizes. Larger studies are needed to perform adequately powered Mendelian randomisation and help dissect the relationships between type 2 diabetes-related traits in diverse South Asian subgroups.


Functional consequences of partial glossectomy.
The postsurgical deglutition, oral suction, and speech capabilities of 11 patients who had undergone partial glossectomy for squamous cell carcinoma of the lateral aspect of the tongue were compared with that of 20 healthy control subjects. Volume swallowed per second and speech quality were significantly correlated with the area of tongue removed. Three patients subjected to a second operation to improve the mobility of the residual tongue regained almost normal speech intelligibility. In general, functional performance was better than expected, which justifies a radical surgical approach to this kind of tumor.


Influence of silver nanoparticles on the resin-dentin bond strength and antibacterial activity of a self-etch adhesive system.
The influence of silver nanoparticles on adhesive properties of Single Bond Universal (3M ESPE) and the antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles-modified adhesives against Streptococcus mutans is unclear. The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of silver nanoparticles on the dentin bond strength of modified adhesives and the antibacterial activity against the cariogenic pathogen S. mutans. Single Bond Universal adhesive was used as the control. Silver nanoparticles were added to adhesives at 0.05% and 0.1% (by weight) (experimental groups), and scanning electron microscopy was used to observe the uniformity of the modified adhesives. The Single Bond Universal adhesive and the modified adhesives were then used to prepare dentin-composite resin blocks. The microtensile bond strength and microleakage of the prepared dentin-composite resin blocks were determined with or without thermocycling. The colony-forming units (CFU) of S. mutans cultured with the adhesives were evaluated, and the microtensile bond strength and microleakage of each group were tested after treatment with S. mutans. The differences in the microtensile bond strength or CFU were analyzed by using the 2-way analysis of variance and independent sample t test. The differences in microleakage between the groups were evaluated by using the Mann-Whitney test (α=.05). Silver nanoparticle-modified adhesives exhibited uniform morphologies without agglomeration and exhibited a homogeneous adhesive layer in dentin-composite resin blocks. The microtensile bond strength and microleakage of the modified adhesives were similar to those of the control group, with or without thermocycling (P>.05). However, thermocycling reduced the bond strength significantly (P<.001). Self-etch adhesives incorporated with silver nanoparticles showed significant antibacterial activities after less than 6 months of aging treatment. The modified adhesives did not exhibit a decreased bond strength after S. mutans exposure (P>.05), while the control group exhibited a markedly decreased bond strength after S. mutans exposure (P<.05). Silver nanoparticle-modified adhesives showed excellent antibacterial activities against S. mutans and resisted the destruction of dentin bond strength caused by S. mutans while not compromising the bonding properties of Single Bond Universal self-etch adhesives.


QSAR study of the peptidic fibrinogen inhibitors FK633, FR158999 and related derivatives, using a novel and useful hydrophobic descriptor (logPmw).
A QSAR study using the novel hydrophobic descriptor (logPmw), which is a descriptor for membrane affinity, of our fibrinogen inhibitors FK633 (1), FR158999 (21), and related derivatives was performed, and resulted in good correlation (n = 19, s = 0.268, F = 6.38**, r = 0.667). Based on these results, we constructed a hypothesis by which these potent inhibitors bind to the receptor via the biomembrane and the C-terminal moiety functions as an anchor moiety.


Determination of 210Pb and 210Po in soil or rock samples containing refractory matrices.
A new method has been developed for determination of (210)Pb and (210)Po in soil or rock samples containing refractory matrices. The samples were first fused with Na(2)CO(3) and Na(2)O(2) at 600 degrees C for pre-treatment and then (210)Pb and (210)Po were sequentially leached out at 200-250 degrees C with HNO(3)+HF, HClO(4) and HCl. About 10% of the leaching solution was used for (210)Po determination, carried out by spontaneous deposition of polonium on a silver disc from a weakly acidic solution that contained hydroxylamine hydrochloride, sodium citrate and (209)Po tracer, measurement being made by alpha-spectrometry. The remains of the leaching solution were used for determination of (210)Pb, conducted by precipitation as sulphate, purification with Na(2)S as PbS in 6M ammonium acetate, separation from alpha-emitters by an anion-exchange resin column, source preparation as PbSO(4), and measurement with a beta-counter. The procedure has been checked with two certified IAEA reference materials, showing good agreement with the recommended values. The lower limits of detection for 1g of analysed soil or rock samples were found to be 0.75 Bqkg(-1) for (210)Po and 2.2 Bqkg(-1) for (210)Pb. A variety of solid sample species analysed through use of the procedure gave average yields of 90.0+/-9.8% for (210)Po and 88.4+/-7.1% for (210)Pb.


Long-term follow-up of human papillomavirus type replacement among young pregnant Finnish females before and after a community-randomised HPV vaccination trial with moderate coverage.
Large scale human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination against the most oncogenic high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) types 16/18 is rapidly reducing their incidence. However, attempts at assessing if this leads to an increase of nonvaccine targeted HPV types have been hampered by several limitations, such as the inability to differentiate secular trends. We performed a population-based serological survey of unvaccinated young women over 12 years. The women were under 23-years-old, residents from 33 communities which participated in a community-randomised trial (CRT) with approximately 50% vaccination coverage. Serum samples were retrieved pre-CRT and post-CRT implementation. Seropositivity to 17 HPV types was assessed. HPV seroprevalence ratios (PR) comparing the postvaccination to prevaccination era were estimated by trial arm. This was also assessed among the sexual risk-taking core group, where type replacement may occur more rapidly. In total, 8022 serum samples from the population-based Finnish Maternity Cohort were retrieved. HPV types 16/18 showed decreased seroprevalence among the unvaccinated in communities only after gender-neutral vaccination (PR16/18A = 0.8, 95% CI 0.7-0.9). HPV6/11 and HPV73 were decreased after gender-neutral vaccination (PR6/11A = 0.8, 95% CI 0.7-0.9, PR73A = 0.7, 95% CI 0.6-0.9, respectively) and girls-only vaccination (PR6/11B = 0.8, 95% CI 0.7-0.9, PR73B = 0.9, 95% CI 0.8-1.0). HPV68 alone was increased but only after girls-only vaccination (PR68B = 1.3, 95% CI 1.0-1.7, PRcore68B = 2.8, 95% CI 1.2-6.3). A large-scale, long-term follow-up found no type replacement in the communities with the strongest reduction of vaccine HPV types. Limited evidence for an increase in HPV68 was restricted to girls-only vaccinated communities and may have been due to secular trends (ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT00534638).


Inactivation of proteases and esterases by halomethylated derivatives of dihydrocoumarins.
A series of halomethylated derivatives of dihydrocoumarins has been found to inhibit irreversibly proteases and esterases. alpha-Chymotrypsin, subtilish, elastase are rapidly inactivated in the presence of these compounds, while trypsin, kallicrein, papain are inhibited more slowly. Esterases like acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase also lose activity in their presence. Two structural features of these inactivators are essential for inhibition: a reactive cis-ester function and an alkylating function. Analogues of these derivatives having only one of these characteristics are inefficient. Therefore it is suggested that the efficiency of these bifunctional reagents is due to their character of potential "suicide substrates".


Duration of the effectiveness of nicotine electronic cigarettes on smoking cessation and reduction: Systematic review and meta-analysis.
The success of pharmacotherapies for smoking cessation in real-life remains limited, with a significant number of long-term relapses. Despite first promising results, the duration of the effectiveness of electronic cigarettes is still unknown. Our objective was to assess the duration of the effectiveness of electronic cigarettes on smoking cessation and reduction in daily smokers. The databases EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), ClinicalTrials.gov and PUBMED were consulted until March 23, 2022. We selected only randomized controlled trials with daily adult smokers. The intervention was the nicotinic electronic cigarette vs. non-nicotine electronic cigarette or other validated pharmacotherapies (varenicline, bupropion and nicotine replacement therapy). The minimum duration of the intervention was 3 months, with a follow-up of at least 6 months. Two independent reviewers used the PRISMA guidelines. The primary endpoint was smoking cessation at the end of the intervention and follow-up periods confirmed by a reduction in expired CO < 10 ppm. The reduction was defined as at least 50% of the initial consumption or by a decrease of daily mean cigarette consumption at the end of the intervention and follow-up periods. Abstinence at the end of the intervention and follow-up periods was significantly higher in the nicotine electronic cigarette group, compared to nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) [respectively: RR: 1.37 (CI 95%: 1.32-2.93) and RR: 1.49 (CI 95%: 1.14-1.95)] and to the non-nicotine electronic cigarette condition [respectively: RR: 1.97 (CI 95%: 1.18-2.68) and RR: 1.66 (CI 95%: 1.01-2.73)]. With regard to smoking reduction, the electronic cigarette with nicotine is significantly more effective than NRT at the end of the intervention and follow-up periods [respectively RR: 1.48 (CI 95%: 1.04-2.10) and RR: 1.47 (CI 95%: 1.18-1.82)] and non-nicotine electronic cigarette in the long term [RR: 1.31 (CI 95%: 1.02-1.68)]. This meta-analysis shows the duration of the effectiveness of the nicotine electronic cigarette vs. non-nicotine electronic cigarette and NRT on smoking cessation and reduction. There are still uncertainties about the risks of its long-term use and its potential role as a gateway into smoking, particularly among young people.


Correction: Epigenetic loss of AOX1 expression via EZH2 leads to metabolic deregulations and promotes bladder cancer progression.
After publication of this Article, the Authors noticed errors in some of the Figures. In Figures 2e, 2f-g, 4a, 4j, 5a and 6b, unmatched β-actin was inadvertently used as loading control for the immunoblots. These have been corrected using repeat data from a similar set of samples and the revised Figures containing matched β-actin and their respective quantification data are included below. In Figure 7a, the same image was inadvertently used to represent tumors 3 and 5 in the control group. This error has been corrected using original images of tumors 3 and 5 in the control group. Additional corrections have been made in the Article and Figure legends to enhance the clarity of the description. NAD was replaced by NADP. NAD/NADP was replaced by NADP/NADPH. The description of the antibody source and dilution for the antigens PFKFB4 (Abcam, 1:1000), G6PD, and HK1 (Cell Signaling, 1:1,000) have been included in the Methods section for Western Blot. The legend for Figure 4e and 4j has been updated. The HTML and PDF versions of this Article have been corrected. The scientific conclusions of this paper have not been affected.


207-nm UV Light-A Promising Tool for Safe Low-Cost Reduction of Surgical Site Infections. II: In-Vivo Safety Studies.
UVC light generated by conventional germicidal lamps is a well-established anti-microbial modality, effective against both bacteria and viruses. However, it is a human health hazard, being both carcinogenic and cataractogenic. Earlier studies showed that single-wavelength far-UVC light (207 nm) generated by excimer lamps kills bacteria without apparent harm to human skin tissue in vitro. The biophysical explanation is that, due to its extremely short range in biological material, 207 nm UV light cannot penetrate the human stratum corneum (the outer dead-cell skin layer, thickness 5-20 μm) nor even the cytoplasm of individual human cells. By contrast, 207 nm UV light can penetrate bacteria and viruses because these cells are physically much smaller. To test the biophysically-based hypothesis that 207 nm UV light is not cytotoxic to exposed mammalian skin in vivo. Hairless mice were exposed to a bactericidal UV fluence of 157 mJ/cm2 delivered by a filtered Kr-Br excimer lamp producing monoenergetic 207-nm UV light, or delivered by a conventional 254-nm UV germicidal lamp. Sham irradiations constituted the negative control. Eight relevant cellular and molecular damage endpoints including epidermal hyperplasia, pre-mutagenic UV-associated DNA lesions, skin inflammation, and normal cell proliferation and differentiation were evaluated in mice dorsal skin harvested 48 h after UV exposure. While conventional germicidal UV (254 nm) exposure produced significant effects for all the studied skin damage endpoints, the same fluence of 207 nm UV light produced results that were not statistically distinguishable from the zero exposure controls. As predicted by biophysical considerations and in agreement with earlier in vitro studies, 207-nm light does not appear to be significantly cytotoxic to mouse skin. These results suggest that excimer-based far-UVC light could potentially be used for its anti-microbial properties, but without the associated hazards to skin of conventional germicidal UV lamps.


Effects of sodium tungstate on insulin and glucagon secretion in the perfused rat pancreas.
Both the direct effect of sodium tungstate on insulin and glucagon secretion in the perfused rat pancreas, and the insulin response to glucose and arginine in pancreases isolated from tungstate-pretreated rats were studied. Infusion of tungstate stimulated insulin output in a dose-dependent manner. The insulinotropic effect of tungstate was observed at normal (5.5 mM), and moderately high (9 mM) glucose concentrations, but not at a low glucose concentration (3.2 mM). Tungstate-induced insulin output was blocked by diazoxide, somatostatin, and amylin, suggesting several targets for tungstate at the B-cell secretory machinery. Glucagon release was not modified by tungstate. Pancreases from chronically tungstate-treated rats showed an enhanced response to glucose but not to arginine. Our results indicate that the reported reduction of glycemia caused by tungstate administration is, at least in part, due to its direct insulinotropic activity. Furthermore, chronic tungstate treatment may prime the B-cell, leading to over-response to a glucose stimulus.


Behavioural and electrocortical changes induced by paraquat after injection in specific areas of the brain of the rat.
The behavioural and electrocortical effects of paraquat were studied after its administration into the substantia nigra, pars compacta, an area where dopamine-(DA) containing cell bodies are present, into the caudate nucleus, where DA-containing nerve endings of the DA nigro-striatal system project, into the locus coeruleus, an area containing noradrenaline cell-bodies and into the n. raphe dorsalis or into the n. raphe medianus, two nuclei containing serotonin (5-HT) cell bodies. The intraventricular administration of paraquat (10 and 50 micrograms) produced an intense pattern of behavioural stimulation and an increase in locomotor activity, circling and the wet-dog syndrome. This symptomatology was accompanied by desynchronization of the electrocorticogram (ECoG) and the appearance of bilateral high voltage epileptogenic spikes, culminating in clonic convulsions. The infusion of paraquat into the s. nigra produced contralateral head and neck deviation, behavioural and motor stimulation, these effects being observed also with smaller doses (1 and 5 micrograms), than those used intraventricularly. The ECoG activity was desynchronized and characterized by high voltage spike discharges. A similar behavioural, postural and ECoG pattern was also observed after infusion of paraquat into the caudate nucleus (10, 25 and 50 micrograms). In addition, paraquat, infused into the locus coeruleus or into the raphe nuclei (5 and 10 micrograms), produced circling, escape responses, jumping and clonic convulsions accompanied by ECoG desynchronization and epileptic phenomena. In conclusion, the present experiments showed that paraquat was able to produce central neurotoxicological effects which did not seem to be specific, at least for the doses used, for the DA nigro-striatal system.


New Polymeric Adsorbents Functionalized with Aminobenzoic Groups for the Removal of Residual Antibiotics.
In this paper, we present the synthesis of new polymeric adsorbents derived from macroporous chloromethylated styrene-divinylbenzene (DVB) copolymers with different cross-linking degrees functionalized with the following aminobenzoic groups: styrene-6.7% DVB (PAB1), styrene-10% DVB (PAB2), and styrene-15% DVB (PAB3). The new polymeric products, PAB1, PAB2, and PAB3, were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and EDX, SEM, and BET analysis, respectively. The evolution of the functionalization reaction was followed by FTIR spectroscopy, which revealed a decrease in the intensity of the γCH2Cl band at 1260 cm-1, and, simultaneously, the appearance of C=O carboxylic bands from 1685-1695 cm-1 and at 1748 cm-1. The thermal stability increased with the increase in the cross-linking degree. The data obtained from the EDX analysis of the novel cross-linked copolymers confirmed the functionalization with aminobenzoic groups through the presence and content of nitrogen, as follows: PAB1: N% = 0.47; PAB2: N% = 0.85; and PAB3: N% = 1.30. The adsorption performances of the novel polymeric adsorbents, PAB1, PAB2, and PAB3, were tested in the adsorption of three antibiotics, tetracycline, sulfamethoxazole, and amoxicillin, from aqueous solutions, by using extensive kinetic, equilibrium, and thermodynamic studies. The best adsorption capacity was demonstrated by the tetracycline. Amoxicillin adsorption was also attempted, but it did not show positive results.


The effects of organochlorine pesticides as inducers of testosterone and benzo[a]pyrene hydroxylases.
p,p'-DDE, phenobarbital, dieldrin heptachlor, chlordane and toxaphene induced rat liver microsomes exhibited increased formation of the 4,5-dihydrodiol, 3,6-quinone, 9- and 3-hydroxymetabolites of benzo[a]pyrene and the latter three compounds also induced an increase in the rate of formation of the 9,10-dihydrodiol metabolite. Lindane was inactive as an inducer of benzo[a]pyrene hydroxylase. With the exception of lindane, all the organochlorine pesticides and PB induced testosterone 16 alpha- and 16 beta-hydroxylases; in contrast lindane induced testosterone 6 alpha-, 7 alpha- and 6 beta-hydroxylases and PB also induced testosterone 15 beta-hydroxylase and androstenedione formation. Using a battery of monooxygenase enzyme assays it was evident that there were significant differences between PB and several organochlorine pesticides as inducers of rat hepatic cytochrome P-450-dependent monooxygenases.


High prevalence and diversity of viruses of the subfamily Gammaherpesvirinae, family Herpesviridae, in fecal specimens from bats of different species in southern China.
Several studies have reported the detection of herpesviruses (HVs) in bats. However, the prevalence and phylogenetic characteristics of HVs in bats are still poorly understood. To elucidate the epidemiological characteristics of bat HVs in southern China, 520 fecal samples from eight bat species were collected in four geographic regions of southern China. Of these samples, 73 (14.0 %) tested positive for HVs using nested polymerase chain reaction assay. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a high degree of molecular diversity of HVs in bats of different species from different geographic regions. Our study provides evidence for co-evolution of bats and HVs.


Laser Soldering of Cartilage Graft Interposed Into a Tracheal Incision in a Porcine Model.
Investigate the feasibility of soldering a free cartilage graft into a tracheal defect by laser heating and assessing the resulting burst pressure and thermal damage to the cartilage. Animal study. A 20 × 8 mm defect was created in fresh cadaveric pig tracheas, a cartilage graft of the same size was harvested from the thyroid ala cartilage, and the graft was fitted into the defect. The soldering process involved covering the edges with liquid albumin and using a fiber-laser system for heating the edges to temperature T under temperature control. This was done for groups of grafts at various temperatures T = 60°C to 90°C. The tracheas were sealed, for each group the burst pressure was measured, and a histologic examination of the soldered incisions was performed. The burst pressures were in the range of 66 to 409 mm Hg. The median burst pressure was 78, 157, 231, and 146 mm Hg, respectively, for T = 60°C, 70°C, 80°C, and 90°C. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in burst pressures between the T = 60°C group and the T = 80°C and T = 90°C groups (P < .05). The highest burst pressure was measured in the T = 80°C group. Histologic examination revealed no thermal damage to the cartilage at this temperature. Performing a sutureless laser soldering of a free cartilage graft to a tracheal defect, achieving an immediate watertight bond, is feasible. At T = 80°C the highest burst pressures were achieved. No histologic damage was observed. In vivo studies are needed before implementation of this technique in laryngotracheopasty. NA Laryngoscope, 129:58-62, 2019.


Human Telomeric G-Quadruplex Structures and G-Quadruplex-Interactive Compounds.
G-quadruplexes are noncanonical secondary structures formed in DNA sequences containing consecutive runs of guanines. It has been shown that the 3' G-rich single-stranded overhangs of human telomeres can form G-quadruplex structures, and the human telomeric DNA G-quadruplexes are considered attractive targets for anticancer drugs. G-quadruplex-interactive compounds have been shown to inhibit telomerase access as well as telomere capping. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a powerful method in determining the G-quadruplex structures under physiologically relevant conditions. We present the NMR and biophysical methodology used in our research group for the study of G-quadruplex structures in physiologically relevant solution and their interactions with small-molecule compounds.


Physiological adaptations to exercise in people with spinal cord injury.
The number of patients that suffer some type of spinal cord lesion in recent years are high and have increased because of factors such as traffic accidents. Although their life expectancy has increased, cardiovascular illnesses is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality. Since the degree of physical fitness is an important factor regarding the risk of cardiovascular disease, the objective of the present study was to examine the global adaptation (cardiorespiratory, metabolic and thermoregulatory response) of the organism to exercise and the application of this data to the habitual practice of physical activity to improve state of health. A group of 42 patients with spinal injury, 85% of whom were paraplegic and the remaining 15% tetraplegic performed 42 exercise tests on a cycloergometer. Body temperature (tympanum, surface of the deltoids and surface of the back), metabolic parameters (plasma uric acid, glycemia, plasma lactate), cardiocirculatory adaptation (heart rate, blood pressure arm, blood pressure leg) and ventilatory adaptation (VO2, VCO2, fr Vt, VE) were monitored. Blood pressure in the arm, blood concentrations of lactate and ventilatory parameters showed an evolution statistically dependent on the work to which the subject was submitted. Heart rate showed a statistically significant correlation with the ventilatory parameters and work load. The proportional response of the cardioventilatory parameters to the increase in the work load allowed us to evaluate the repercussion of a given exercise and thus avoid exercise of an excessive intensity that could produce cardiocirculatory changes that might entail an added risk. Heart rate presents an excellent correlation, shown in this work, with the oxygen consumption and could therefore be used to quantify the cardiorespiratory and metabolic repercussion of the exercise carried out. Furthermore, this quantification may allow for the adaptation of exercise intensity to the patient thus improving the results obtained from the practice of exercise that has been proven so necessary in these patients.


Development of a refined ex vivo model of peritoneal adhesion formation, and a role for connexin 43 in their development.
Despite many advances across the surgical sciences, post-surgical peritoneal adhesions still pose a considerable risk in modern-day procedures and are highly undesirable. We have developed a novel mouse peritoneal strip ex vivo adhesion model which may serve to bridge the gap between single cell culture systems and in vivo animal drug testing for the assessment of potential anti-adhesion agents, and study of causality of the process. We investigated the optimal conditions for adhesion formation with mouse peritoneal tissue strips by modifying an existing ex vivo rat model of peritoneal adhesions. We assessed the impact of the following conditions on the formation of adhesions: contact pressure, abrasions, and the presence of clotted blood. Macroscopic adhesions were detected in all mouse peritoneal strips exposed to specific conditions, namely abrasions and clotted blood, where peritoneal surfaces were kept in contact with pressure using cotton gauze in a tissue cassette. Adhesions were confirmed microscopically. Interestingly, connexin 43, a gap junction protein, was found to be upregulated at sites of adhesions. Key features of this model were the use of padding the abraded tissue with gauze and the use of a standardised volume of clotted blood. Using this model, peritoneal strips cultured with clotted blood between abraded surfaces were found to reproducibly develop adhesion bands at 72 h. Our goal is to develop a model that can be used in genetically modified mice in order to dissect out the role of particular genes in adhesion formation and to test drugs to prevent adhesion formation.


Using a simulated environment to support students learning clinical skills.
Within intellectual disability nursing students are prepared within a biopsychosocialeducational model and curriculum address these challenges. Using a simulated learning environment has great potential for promoting competence and in-depth knowledge of substantive topics relevant to practice. This article presents an assignment designed to more closely resemble real-world activities to allow students develop and exercise skills that translate to practice activities and incorporates a student's reflective comments on the process. The assignment was designed to foster intellectual disability student nurses ability to facilitate family/client education. The aim of the assignment was fulfilled through the students designing a clinical skill teaching session that could be used with families/clients. The sessions were recorded and the student reviewed their recording to reflect on their performance and to self assess. To facilitate student learning the modules academic lecturer also reviewed the recording and both lecturer and student meet to discuss the reflection and self assessment.


Effects of social context on overweight and normal-weight children's food selection.
Although most eating occurs in a social context, the impact of peer influence on child food consumption and selection of healthy and unhealthy snacks has not been the object of systematic experimental study. The present experiment assessed the effects of peer interaction on energy intake and food choices in 18 overweight and 21 non-overweight youth. Participants had access to high and low-calorie food items and were provided with several games as alternatives to eating. On one occasion, participants were tested alone and on another occasion they were tested in dyads with an unfamiliar peer. Consistent with previous results, we found that overweight children ate substantially more when alone than when in the presence of a peer and also more when alone than the lean children in the same condition. Non-overweight youths' food intake was unaffected by the social context. Findings also indicated that the best predictor of whether participants consumed healthy snack foods was if the other youth in the dyad also consumed healthy snack foods. These findings suggest that the presence of peers can influence overweight children's energy intake and also influence healthier food selection in both overweight and non-overweight children.


Acetylcholinesterase activation in organotypic rat hippocampal slice cultures deprived of oxygen and glucose.
Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was analyzed in organotypic hippocampal slice cultures (OHSCs) during recovery from a brief period (20 min) of combined hypoxia and hypoglycemia. Simulated ischemia transiently increased AChE activity in OHSCs in a time-dependent manner reaching a 1.5 fold increase at 6 h post-ischemia. The ischemia-induced AChE increase was totally abolished by incubation with 10 microM dizocilpine (MK-801), a neuroprotective NMDA receptor blocker.