WITHDRAWN: The Fundamental And Pathological Importance Of Oxysterol Binding Protein And Its Related Proteins.
This article has been withdrawn by the authors as part of this review overlapped with the contents of Pietrangelo A and Ridgway ND. 2018. Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences. 75; 3079-98.


Decompressive hemicraniectomy, strokectomy, or both in the treatment of malignant middle cerebral artery syndrome.
We sought to evaluate the impact of a craniotomy for strokectomy (CS) with bone replacement, decompressive hemicraniectomy (DHC), or DHC with a strokectomy (DHC+S) on outcome after malignant supratentorial infarction. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of cases of malignant supratentorial infarction treated by CS (n = 18), DHC (n = 17), or DHC+S (n = 33) at our institution from 2002 to 2008. End points included functional outcome measured by the modified Rankin Scale and incidence of mortality at 1 year. Mean age, gender, side, vessel, and time from ictus to surgery were not statistically different between treatment groups. Stroke volume was significantly higher in the CS group. Operative time and blood loss were significantly higher in the DHC+S group. At 1 year, the median modified Rankin Scale score was 4 and overall survival was 71%. Functional outcomes and mortality for both the CS and DHC+S groups were not significantly different from the DHC group (P = 0.24). After adjusting for patient age, stroke volume, and time to surgery, there was no significant difference in outcome. In patients with malignant supratentorial infarction, a strokectomy alone may be equivalent to a decompressive hemicraniectomy with or without brain resection.


Conditioning Regimens for Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation in Primary Immunodeficiency.
Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is an established curative treatment for children with primary immunodeficiencies. This article reviews the latest developments in conditioning regimens for primary immunodeficiency (PID). It focuses on data regarding transplant outcomes according to newer reduced toxicity conditioning regimens used in HCT for PID. Conventional myeloablative conditioning regimens are associated with significant acute toxicities, transplant-related mortality, and late effects such as infertility. Reduced toxicity conditioning regimens have had significant positive impacts on HCT outcome, and there are now well-established strategies in children with PID. Treosulfan has emerged as a promising preparative agent. Use of a peripheral stem cell source has been shown to be associated with better donor chimerism in patients receiving reduced toxicity conditioning. Minimal conditioning regimens using monoclonal antibodies are in clinical trials with promising results thus far. Reduced toxicity conditioning has emerged as standard of care for PID and has resulted in improved transplant survival for patients with significant comorbidities.


Alpha-adrenergic receptors in rat myocardium. Identification by binding of [3H]dihydroergocryptine.
[3H]Dihydroergocryptine ([3H]DHE) binds to sites in membranes derived from rat myocardium that have the characteristics expected of alpha-adrenergic receptors. The binding is saturable with 41 fmol [3H]DHE bound per mg of protein and of high affinity with KD = 2.9 nM. The binding is rapid and readily reversible. Adrenergic agonists compete with [3H]DHE for binding in the order: epinephrine greater than norepinephrine greater than isoproterenol; and adrenergic antagonists compete for binding in the order: phentolamine greater than propranolol. For comparison, (-)[3H]dihydroalprenolol [(-)[3h]dha] was used to bind to sites in the same membrane preparations having characteristics of beta-receptors. The number and affinity of beta-receptors were quite similar to those of the alpha-receptors with 46 fmol (-)[EH]DHA per mg protein bound at saturation and KD = 2.5 nM. These techniques allowed identification of both beta- and alpha-adrenergic receptors in membranes derived from isolated atria, right ventricular free walls, and left ventricles including interventricular septa. This is the first report documenting direct identification of myocardial alpha-receptors by radioligand-binding techniques and complements the literature previously reporting myocardial inotopic and electrophysiological responses to alpha-adrenergic stimulation.


Single T factors predict survival of patients with resected stage-IIB non-small-cell lung cancers.
In the seventh edition of TNM Classification of Malignant Tumours (TNM) staging, the stage-IIB category for lung cancer is comprised of four factors: lymph-node metastasis, chest-wall invasion, large tumor size (> 7 cm), and same-lobe nodules. Tumors are further classified into eight sub-categories based on each TN factor or factor combinations. This study evaluated the prognostic value of each TN factor or combinations for resected stage-IIB non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We retrospectively studied 186 consecutive patients who had resections for NSCLC at Chiba University Hospital and were diagnosed as stage IIB according to the seventh edition of TNM staging. Five-year survivals for each stage IIB were: T2bN1M0 = 47 ± 12% (± standard error); T3 (chest-wall invasion; N0M0) = 59 ± 7%; T3 (large tumor> 7 cm)=72 ± 11%; T3 (same-lobe nodules) = 78 ± 5%; T3 (invasion + > 7 cm)=44 ± 16%; T3 (invasion+same-lobe nodules) = 25 ± 22%; T3 (>7cm+same-lobe nodules) = 0%; and T3 (invasion + > 7 cm +same-lobe nodules)=0%. Among the four single factors, same-lobe nodules had the best prognoses, whereas T2bN1M0 had the worst prognoses. Comparing cases with single factors and multiple factors that decided stage IIB, cases with multiple factors had poorer prognoses (P=0.02). The stage-IIB category is comprised of eight sub-categories, with either single factors or factor combinations; these sub-categories have different prognoses. The worst survivals were for cases with T2bN1M0 as a single factor or for cases with multiple factors, although these represented a small proportion of resected stage-IIB NSCLC cases.


Tolerogenic dendritic cells induced by BD750 ameliorate proinflammatory T cell responses and experimental autoimmune encephalitis in mice.
BD750, a novel JAK3/STAT5 inhibitor, can inhibit T cell proliferation. This study aims to evaluate whether BD750 can induce tolerogenic dendritic cells (tolDC) and their function in experimental autoimmune encephalitis (EAE) in mice. Following BD750 treatment, LPS-induced maturation of DC, allogeneic T cell proliferation, Th1 and Th17 cell functional differentiation, the STAT5 and AKT activation were determined. The effect of tolDC loaded with antigen peptide on the development and severity of EAE and their splenic Th1 and Th17 cell responses were determined. In comparison with LPS-induced mature DC (mDC), BD750 treatment induced tolDC with lower expression levels of costimulatory molecules and pro-inflammatory cytokines and lower levels of STAT5 phosphorylation. TolDC inhibited allogeneic T cell proliferation and reduced Th1 and Th17 responses. Adoptive transfer of tolDC loaded with MOG35-55 inhibited the development and severity of EAE in mice, accompanied by reduced numbers of inflammatory infiltrates and decreased levels of demyelination in the spinal cord tissues of mice. In addition, treatment with tolDC loaded with antigen peptide also significantly reduced the frequency of splenic Th1 and Th17 cells in EAE mice. The effects of tolDC were similar to that of the JAK/STAT inhibitor, CP690550-treated DC. In conclusion, treatment with BD750 induced tolDC that inhibited pro-inflammatory T cell immunity in vitro and in vivo. BD750 and tolDC may be valuable for development of new therapies for EAE and other autoimmune diseases.


Using time-lapse confocal microscopy for analysis of centromere dynamics in human cells.
Using these methods we have shown that the alpha-satellite domain of the human centromere behaves as an elastic element, stretching in response to spindle forces applied during prometaphase and metaphase (Shelby et al., 1996). These data complement previous observations of centromere stretching during mitosis (e.g., Skibbens et al., 1993) by demonstrating a specific molecular compartment within the centromere, the satellite heterochromatin domain, that supports this strain. Centromere stretching reports on the net force applied across the centromere during mitosis and the availability of a fluorescence-based assay system in human cells provides a robust assay system to complement the elegant DIC-based methods that have been perfected using marsupial and newt cell cultures (Cassimeris et al., 1990; Skibbens et al., 1993, 1995; Rieder et al., 1994). Current applications of this method are directed toward examining the relationship between centromere tension and microtubule dynamics using pharmacological approaches and the behavior of kinetochore-associated regulatory proteins, such as Mad2 and Bub1 (Li and Benezra, 1996; Chen et al., 1996; Taylor and McKeon, 1997), as a function of centromere distortion. In addition, GFP-labeled centromeres can be observed during interphase, providing a novel window into chromosome organization within the nucleus. Our observations show that centromeres distribute into the newly forming nucleus at telophase by what is apparently a uniform isometric expansion, with little evidence for directed motion of individual centromeres contributing to the formation of the G1 nucleus. During interphase, centromeres show very little movement in general, behaving as though embedded in a rigid matrix. Sustained movements of individual centromeres or groups of centromeres are occasionally observed, however, suggesting that chromosome position is subject to change during interphase (Shelby et al., 1996). These experiments complement those described by Belmont and colleagues, who have developed a method to mark specific chromosomal sites with GFP for analysis in vivo (see Chapter 13; Robinett et al., 1996; Straight et al., 1996). These new GFP-based techniques for direct observation of defined DNA sequence domains in vivo carry the logic of in situ hybridization analysis into living cells and, coupled with new methods for observing global chromatin architecture as well as functional nuclear protein domains (Huang et al., 1997; Misteli et al., 1997), promise significant progress toward understanding the dynamic organization of the genome within the living nucleus.


Further characterization of the mouse sperm surface zona-binding site with galactosyltransferase activity.
One of the mouse sperm surface binding sites for zona pellucida ligands exhibits galactosyltransferase (GT) enzyme activity. The present study was undertaken to ascertain whether the GT site behaves as a noncatalytic binding site in its physiological capacity, with no glycosylation of zona ligands, or whether glycosylation of zona ligands is an integral part of sperm-zona binding. The effects of Mn2+, the obligatory cation for GT catalysis, on enzyme activity and sperm-zona binding were examined. With uridine-5'-diphosphogalactose (UDPgal) as galactose donor, and N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) as galactose acceptor, increasing concentrations of Mn2+ in the range of 0.1-10 mM increased GT enzyme activity, with half-maximal activation at 0.65 mM Mn2+ (Vmax = 20 pmol/hr/10(6) cells). In the presence of 0-2 mM Mn2+, sperm-zona binding was inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner; 50% inhibition occurred at 1.25 mM Mn2+. At this concentration, GT enzyme activity was at 65% Vmax. To determine the specificity of the GT site for glycoprotein terminal carbohydrate residues, spermatozoa were incubated with, asialo-ovine submaxillary mucin (N-acetylgalactosamine residues), asialo-, -alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (beta 1-4 galactose residues) ovalbumin (Ov; GlcNAc residues), and asialo-agalacto-/alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (AsAgAGP; GlcN-Ac residues). Only Ov and AsAgAGP acted as acceptors for galactose in the enzyme assay and inhibitors in the sperm-zona binding assay. The kinetics of the interaction of AsAgAGP with the GT site were determined: the Km was 3.6 mg/ml, with Vmax of 33 pmol/hr/10(6) cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


Effects of pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) on the PKA-Bad-14-3-3 signaling pathway in glutamate-induced retinal injury in neonatal rats.
The neuropeptide PACAP (pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide) and its receptors are widely expressed in the nervous system including the retina. PACAP has well-known neuroprotective effects in neuronal cultures in vitro and against different insults in vivo. Recently, we have shown that PACAP1-38 is neuroprotective against monosodium glutamate (MSG)-induced retinal degeneration. Studying the molecular mechanisms of this protection has revealed that PACAP1-38 stimulates anti-apoptotic mechanisms such as phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and inhibits pro-apoptotic signaling molecules such as JNK1/2, p38MAPK, caspase-3 and the translocation of mitochondrial cytochrome c and apoptosis inducing factor in glutamate-treated retinas in vivo. In the present study we investigated the effects of PACAP1-38 on a further signal transduction pathway possibly involved in the protective effect of intravitreal PACAP1-38 administration against apoptotic retinal degeneration induced by neonatal MSG treatment. The focus of the present study was the protein kinase A (PKA)-Bad-14-3-3 transduction pathway. In vivo MSG treatment led to a reduction in the levels of anti-apoptotic molecules (phospho-PKA phospho-Bad, Bcl-xL and 14-3-3 proteins) in the retina. Co-treatment with PACAP1-38 counteracted these effects: the level of phospho-PKA, phospho-Bad, Bcl-xL and 14-3-3 were increased. All effects of PACAP1-38 were inhibited by the PACAP antagonist PACAP6-38. In summary, our results show that PACAP1-38 activates the PKA-Bad-14-3-3 pathway which is inhibited by MSG treatment. Our results also provide new insights into the signaling mechanisms possibly involved in the PACAP-mediated anti-apoptotic effects.


Organochlorine knockdown-resistance (kdr) association in housefly (Musca domestica): A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Although house flies (Musca domestica) do not directly cause disease in humans, they transmit pathogens to them, which provide the basis for many diseases. The main way to deal with this insect is to use insecticides. Due to the resistance from insecticides, the fight against house flies has been hampered. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of knockdown resistance against organochlorine insecticides in house flies worldwide. This study was conducted via a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the prevalence of knockdown resistance against organochlorine insecticides in house flies. Accordingly, by searching the databases of Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Proquest, Bioone, and Embase, all published articles were extracted, and reviewed until the end of May 2022. Statistical data analysis was performed using the random-effects model in the meta-analysis, meta-regression, and I2 index. Nine studies entered the meta-analysis process. Based on this, the prevalence of knockdown resistance against organochlorine insecticide in house flies was estimated to be 49.1%. Meta-regression showed that the prevalence of knockdown resistance increased with increasing years of study but decreased with increasing sample size. According to the findings, about 50% of house flies have knockdown resistance against organochlorine insecticide. As a result, it is necessary to adopt effective and combined methods to combat this insect to control it and prevent the transmission of diseases caused by it.


Clinical evaluation of polypropylene glycol-based caries detecting dyes for primary and permanent carious dentin.
The aim of this study was to compare the clinical efficacy of new caries detecting dye Caries Check Blue (CCB) with Caries Check (CC) and Caries Detector (CD) using a laser fluorescence device (DIAGNOdent). Primary and permanent teeth with dentin caries were stained with polypropylene glycol (MW=300) based new caries detecting dyes CCB, CC, or propylene glycol (MW=76) based CD. In the CCB and CC groups, stained dentin was completely removed. In the CD groups, pink-stained dentin was retained according to the manufacturers' instructions. Cavities before and after caries removal were measured with the DIAGNOdent. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Fisher's PLSD multiple comparison test at alpha=0.05. Regression analyses were performed between DIAGNOdent readings and scores obtained from the clinical parameters. The DIAGNOdent readings after caries removal were: primary-CCB (13.2+/-10.4), primary-CC (14.3+/-16.7), primary-CD (9.0+/-5.2), permanent-CCB (22.7+/-13.4), permanent-CC (10.6+/-6.8) and permanent-CD (9.7+/-9.0). Significant differences were identified between the permanent-CCB and all other groups. Correlation coefficients between DIAGNOdent readings and clinical parameters were low. When dentin stained with Caries Check Blue or Caries Check was completely removed, the DIAGNOdent readings were higher than those recorded when palely-stained pink dentin was retained with the Caries Detector, with significant difference observed for the permanent-CCB group. Caries Check Blue may be used clinically to avoid excessive removal of caries-affected or sound dentin in permanent teeth but not in primary teeth.


Asymptomatic Group A Streptococcus carriage in children with recurrent tonsillitis and tonsillar hypertrophy.
Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is the most important bacterial cause of acute tonsillitis in children. Some children are chronic GAS carriers, and this carriage is poorly understood. We determined the frequency of GAS detection using a rapid antigen detection test in pediatric patients with indications for tonsillectomy due to adenotonsillar hypertrophy or recurrent GAS infections. Seventy-two patients underwent a tonsil swab for a rapid antigen detection test. The GAS rapid antigen detection test was positive in 18.1% of children. GAS was not associated with sex, age or previous history of recurrent tonsillitis. Also, the prevalence of GAS was similar between patients with either recurrent tonsillitis or tonsil hypertrophy. In our study, the GAS carriage rate was similar to other reports, and GAS carrier state was not correlated with recurrent tonsillitis.


Symptom differences between older depressed primary care patients with and without history of trauma.
The current study explored the relationship between past traumatic experiences and current depression in a sample of depressed older adult primary care patients. Sixty-six patients were referred from primary care to a psychogeriatric clinic that specialized in the treatment of unipolar depressive disorders. All patients received an extensive psychological assessment. Twenty-one percent had a history of trauma reported in their medical charts. Despite no differences found on a clinician-rated measure of depression, those with a trauma history had more depressive symptoms on a self-report measure. Although older patients with a history of trauma may not appear more depressed than a non-trauma comparison group, they may be in more psychological distress. The clinical implications of these findings and recommendations for mental health professionals are discussed.


Identification and analysis of long non-coding RNAs that are involved in inflammatory process in response to transmissible gastroenteritis virus infection.
Transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) infection can cause acute inflammation. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in a number of biological process including inflammation response. However, whether lncRNAs participate in TGEV-induced inflammation in porcine intestinal epithelial cells (IPECs) is largely unknown. In this study, the next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology was used to analyze the profiles of lncRNAs in Mock and TGEV-infected porcine intestinal epithelial cell-jejunum 2 (IPEC-J2) cell line. A total of 106 lncRNAs were differentially expressed. Many differentially expressed lncRNAs act as elements to competitively attach microRNAs (miRNAs) which target to messenger RNA (mRNAs) to mediate expression of genes that related to toll-like receptors (TLRs), NOD-like receptors (NLRs), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and RIG-I-like receptors (RLRs) pathways. Functional analysis of the binding proteins and the up/down-stream genes of the differentially expressed lncRNAs revealed that lncRNAs were principally related to inflammatory response. Meanwhile, we found that the differentially expressed lncRNA TCONS_00058367 might lead to a reduction of phosphorylation of transcription factor p65 (p-p65) in TGEV-infected IPEC-J2 cells by negatively regulating its antisense gene promyelocytic leukemia (PML). The data showed that differentially expressed lncRNAs might be involved in inflammatory response induced by TGEV through acting as miRNA sponges, regulating their up/down-stream genes, or directly binding proteins.


'It's been a lifelong thing for me': parents' experiences of facilitating a healthy lifestyle for their children with severe obesity.
For parents and guardians, assisting children/adolescents with severe obesity to lose weight is often a key objective but a complex and difficult challenge. Our aim in this study was to explore parents' (and guardians') perspectives on the challenges they have faced in assisting their children/adolescents with severe obesity to lead a healthy lifestyle. Thirteen parents/guardians were interviewed from a pool of families who had been referred but did not engage between 2016 and 2018 (N = 103), with the Perth Children's Hospital Healthy Weight Service, a clinical obesity program for children/adolescents (parent age M = 43.2 years, children age M = 10.3 years). Using semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis, we identified 3 broad themes. Parental weight-related factors reflected parents' own lifelong obesity narrative and its effect on their own and their families' ability to live a healthy lifestyle. Perceived inevitability of obesity in their child reflected parents' feelings that the obesity weight status of their children/adolescent was a persistent and overwhelming problem that felt 'out of control'. Lastly, parents reported challenges getting medical help stemming from co-morbid medical diagnosis in their child/adolescent, and difficulties with medical professionals. This study demonstrates that parents face challenges in supporting healthy lifestyle for children/adolescents with severe obesity due to parents own internal weight biases and their negative experiences within the healthcare system when seeking help.


Segmental evaluation of left ventricular wall motion after myocardial infarction: magnetic resonance imaging versus echocardiography.
To assess relative capabilities of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and two-dimensional echocardiography (2DE) for evaluating regional contractile dysfunction in the left ventricle after a myocardial infarction, results from 22 concurrent MR (orthogonal-transaxial, ECG-gated, multiphasic, single-spin echo) and 2DE examinations were compared. By means of the same 11-segment LV description, MR and 2DE examinations were independently scored segment by segment for residual wall motion (point scores: 2 = normal, 1 = hypokinesia, 0 = akinesia, and -1 = dyskinesia). Significant correlation between MR and 2DE scoring was found throughout most of the left anterior descending (LAD) distribution, but right coronary artery (RCA) distribution (i.e., middle-posterior segment not well seen) could not be fully evaluated by MR imaging. When cumulative scores for the 10 segments mutually evaluated were used to derive measures of global residual LV function (i.e., score quotient [SQ] = accumulated points divided by 20 total possible points), MR SQ correlated well overall with both 2DE SQ (r = 0.82; p less than 0.05) and ejection fraction (EF) from ventriculography (r = 0.86, p less than 0.05 vs r = 0.88, p less than 0.05 for 2DE SQ compared with EF). MR evaluation of segmental wall motion was relatively stronger in the LAD distribution (MR SQ compared with 2DE SQ: r = 0.86, p less than 0.05; MR SQ compared with EF: r = 0.96, p less than 0.05) than in the RCA distribution (r = 0.06, p greater than or equal to 0.05 and r = 0.62, p greater than or equal to 0.05, respectively). For 2DE, regional variations were not as evident (2DE SQ compared with EF: r = 0.90, p less than 0.05 for LAD and r = 0.81, p less than 0.05 for RCA). For segmental evaluation of wall motion after myocardial infarction, MR imaging (transaxial, multiphasic) appears to be comparable to 2DE overall but superior in LAD distribution and inferior in RCA distribution.


Inhibition of PDK1 enhances radiosensitivity and reverses epithelial-mesenchymal transition in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
Radioresistance challenges the clinical outcomes of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The 3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1 (PDK1) is a crucial kinase of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway which has been implicated in the process of radioresistance. However, the role of PDK1 in NPC remains largely unclear. The expression of PDK1 was determined by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. The effects of RNA interference and pharmacologic inhibitor of PDK1 in combination with irradiation were investigated. Overexpression of PDK1 was correlated with poor prognosis in patients with NPC. PDK1 depletion enhanced radiosensitivity of NPC cells both in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, a specific PDK1 inhibitor also had the potential to enhance radiosensitivity in radioresistant NPC cells. Mechanistically, PDK1 depletion inhibited various targets of AKT including mTOR and GSK-3β and reversed the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. These findings indicated that PDK1 might be a potential target for NPC.


Macrolide antibiotics M-4365 produced by Micromonospora. I. Taxonomy, production, isolation, characterization and properties.
A series of basic 16-membered macrolide antibiotics, M-4365 A1, A2, A3, G1, G2 and G3, were isolated from the culture broth of strain MCRL 0940 which is assigned to be a new species of Micromonospora and for which the name Micromonospora capillata sp. nov. is proposed. Among these antibiotics, M-4365 A2 and G2 showed strong inhibitory activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.


Next-generation sequencing improves molecular epidemiological characterization of thalassemia in Chenzhou Region, P.R. China.
Thalassemia is a highly prevalent monogenic inherited disease in southern China. It is important to collect epidemiological data comprehensively for proper prevention and treatment. In this study, blood samples collected from 15 807 residents of Chenzhou were primarily screened by hematological tests. A total of 3973 samples of suspected thalassemia carriers were further characterized by combined next-generation sequencing (NGS) and Gap-PCR. In total, 1704 subjects were diagnosed as thalassemia carriers with a total prevalence rate of 10.78%, including 943 α-thalassemia carriers, 708 β-thalassemia carriers, and 53 composite α and β-thalassemia carriers. The prevalence rates of α-thalassemia, β-thalassemia, and composite α and β-thalassemia were 5.97%, 4.48%, and 0.34%, respectively. Meanwhile, we characterized 19 α-thalassemia variations and 21 β-thalassemia variations in thalassemia carriers. Approximately 2.88% of thalassemia carriers would be missed by traditional genetic analysis. In addition, four novel thalassemia mutations and one novel abnormal hemoglobin mutation were identified. Our data suggest a high prevalence of thalassemia and a diverse spectrum of thalassemia-associated variations in Chenzhou. Also, combined NGS and Gap-PCR is an effective thalassemia screening method. Our findings might be helpful for prevention and treatment of thalassemia in this region.


Two-dimensional mapping of the ultrasonic attenuation and speed of sound in brain.
Brain is inhomogeneous due to its composition of different tissue types (gray and white matter), anatomical structures (e.g. thalamus and cerebellum), and cavities in the brain (ventricles). These inhomogeneities lead to spatial variations in the ultrasonic properties of the organ. The goal of this study is to characterize the spatial variation of the speed of ultrasound and frequency slope of attenuation in fixed sheep brain. 1-cm-thick slices of tissue from the coronal, sagittal and transverse cardinal planes were prepared from 12 brains. Ultrasonic measurements were performed using broadband transducers with center frequencies of 3.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10 MHz. By mechanically scanning the transducers over the specimens, two-dimensional maps of the speed of sound (SOS) and frequency slope of attenuation (FSA) were produced. Measured values for the spatial mean and standard deviation of FSA ranged between 0.59 and 0.81 dB/cm·MHz and 0.29-0.60 dB/cm·MHz, respectively, depending on the specimen and transducer frequency. Measured values for the spatial mean and standard deviation of SOS ranged from 1532-1541 m/s and 10-14 m/s, respectively. Detailed, two-dimensional maps of FSA and SOS were produced, representing the first such characterization of the spatial variation of the ultrasonic properties of normal mammalian brain.


Intraoperative hypogastric artery embolization for life-threatening pelvic hemorrhage: a preliminary report.
Percutaneous pelvic embolization has become a useful adjunct in the management of life-threatening hemorrhage from pelvic trauma. However, this approach may be preempted by the need for emergency laparotomy. The surgeon is then confronted with a hemodynamically unstable patient with an expanding hematoma in the face of other life-threatening injuries. Bilateral hypogastric artery ligation has failed in this scenario due to extensive collateralization of the pelvic circulation. We present our experience with intraoperative hypogastric artery embolization used in the management of four patients, and review the available literature on the subject.


Evolving Clinical Care in Esophageal Button Batteries: Impact of Expert-Opinion Guideline Adoption and Continued Gaps in Care.
Esophageal button battery impactions (BBI) in children pose a significant danger to children. Although there are expert-opinion guidelines to help manage this population, few studies detail the impact of guidelines on the clinical care of these patients. With this study, we aimed to describe the care of these patients before and following adoption of guidelines at a single center. Retrospective cohort study of patients with esophageal BBI at a single center, large volume, urban academic pediatric hospital system before adoption of expert-opinion guidelines (2007-2017) and following adoption (2018-2020). Cohort was comprised of 31 patients before adoption and 32 patients following adoption of guidelines. Patient characteristics did not differ between groups. After 2018, significantly more patients received acetic acid irrigation, initial cross-sectional imaging, and serial cross-sectional imaging. There was also an increase in intensive care unit (ICU) stays, number of intubations, nil per os time, and hospital length of stay. There was no difference in patient outcomes. This study describes a large cohort of pediatric esophageal BBI before and following adoption of guidelines. Findings detail increased adherence to guidelines resulting in more cross-sectional imaging which led to ICU stays, longer length of stays, and more nil per os time. This study emphasizes the need for multi-disciplinary guidelines as well as further multi-institutional study.


Molar-incisor malformation: Eight new cases and a review of the literature.
Molar-incisor malformation (MIM) is a recently described dental abnormality. While MIM mimics dentin dysplasia, it presents in a localized pattern. Furthermore, it is speculated that MIM is caused by significant early-life medical history. The purpose of this study is to present a series of MIM cases and compare the findings with the literature. An extensive search of all published cases of MIM in the English-language literature was conducted. Additionally, an institutional review board-approved retrospective search was performed within the University of Florida oral pathology biopsy service archives. Radiographic consultation cases were also included. Cases lacking radiographs were excluded. Seventy-nine cases were identified in the literature, and eight cases were identified in our retrospective search. All but one case involved the permanent first molars. The average age at diagnosis was 9 years. Many patients reported significant early-life medical histories. MIM usually affects the permanent first molars and may be linked to early-life medical conditions or interventions. Oral healthcare providers, especially paediatric dentists, should be aware of MIM to avoid misdiagnosing it as dentin dysplasia. Long-term follow-up studies with thorough medical history documentation are essential to understand the pathogenesis and aetiology and to create treatment guidelines.


MR-based follow-up of the superior cerebellar artery after radiosurgery for trigeminal neuralgia.
To study with a non invasive method any potential radiological change on the superior cerebellar artery (SCA) in patients treated radiosurgically for classic trigeminal neuralgia (CTN). A retrospective measure of maximal dose received by SCA was performed analyzing the treatment planning in 55 consecutive patients treated by Gamma Knife radiosurgery for an CTN, then, a prospective study was designed using high resolution MR, with T2 SPIR, T1 without and with gadolinium enhancement, Proton density, 3D TONE and MIP reconstructions. Inclusion criteria were: patients followed at our institution, follow-up of one year or more, dose received by the SCA of 15 Gy or more and voluntary patient participation in the study. Patients with repeated Gamma Knife radiosurgery for failure or recurrence were excluded. The end points were: SCA occlusion, stenosis or infarction in the territory supplied by SCA. Sixteen patients were studied, with a mean follow-up of 25.2 months (12-42 months). The mean maximal dose received by the SCA was 57.5 Gy. (15-87 Gy). Among these 16 patients studied, neither obstruction of the SCA nor infarction was demonstrated. In one patient a suspicion of asymptomatic SCA stenosis was visualized distant to the irradiation field. SCA can receive a high dose of irradiation during radiosurgical treatment for CTN. This study does not confirm any vascular damage to the SCA after radiosurgery for CTN.


Taurine enhances low density lipoprotein binding. Internalization and degradation by cultured Hep G2 cells.
To evaluate the impact of taurine on hepatic cholesterol catabolism low density lipoprotein (LDL) binding, internalization and degradation were measured in cultured Hep G2 cells. Preincubation of cells with 0.1-10 mM taurine for 24 h stimulated LDL receptor activity by as much as 100%. Only the high affinity LDL receptor activity (specific) was increased by taurine preincubation, whereas the low affinity receptor activity (nonspecific) remained unchanged. Scatchard analysis of the binding data revealed that taurine doubled the number of LDL receptors without affecting receptor affinity. Taurine-enhanced LDL receptor activity was most pronounced when LDL concentrations exceeded 100 micrograms/ml, but was noted at taurine concentrations as low as 0.1 mM (plasma level). Interestingly, taurine had no effect on LDL receptor activity when it was added simultaneously with 125I-LDL to Hep G2 cells, or when non-bile acid-producing human skin fibroblasts were tested. Stimulation of LDL receptor activity was also obtained with 10 mM cysteine, a taurine precursor, but not with glycine. Increased cellular concentrations of taurine and cysteine were associated with an elevated rate of bile acid synthesis and a reduced cellular free cholesterol concentration. The data suggest that taurine enhanced LDL receptor activity by sparing cysteine, a known sulfhydryl group donor and stimulator of 7 alpha-hydroxylase activity, and that the latter stimulated bile acid production leading to increased utilization of cellular free cholesterol and enhanced LDL uptake.


Diastematomyelia without a median septum in congenital scoliosis. A report of 2 cases.
Two unusual cases of congenital scoliosis with distematomyelia, without median septa and with single dural sacs, are described. Both cases were neurologically intact without any stigmata of diastematomyelia in the lower extremities. Computed tomographic myelography added valuable information to the radiological anatomy.


[Re-evaluation of the AOK hospital navigator with a focus on total knee replacement].
One of the biggest health insurance companies in Germany (AOK, Allgemeine Ortskrankenkasse) has published new results focussing on process quality of total knee replacement in 2010. These results were published in the online portal "Weiße Liste", which is based on health insurance routine data. The German Association of Orthopeadic Surgery questions the credibility of the rating system of the "Weiße Liste". To prove the system an interdisciplinary task force was created. The task force identified patient-specific parameters, which influence the outcome of total knee replacement based on the literature and expert opinions. Out of 907 orthopaedic departments, 4 above average and four below average were identified. The AOK was asked to provide 80 data sets for each department. These anonymised data sets could be converted into patient-specific data sets in the identified departments. Statistical analysis was performed to answer the question of whether there are differences between the below and the above average groups. 625 cases could be investigated. We found an increased rate of postoperative complications in the below average group. There are differences between both groups in terms of factors influencing the procedure. In the below average group an increased rate of patients with one or more comorbidities and a preoperative extension lag of over 10° was found. The above average group has a higher rate of operations before the knee replacement. The results need to be proven on a larger scale. Further, prospective investigations are planned.


Overcoming the Use of Mechanical Restraints in Psychiatry: A New Challenge in the Everyday Clinical Practice at the Time of COVID-19.
Restraining interventions, which comprise physical (PR) and mechanical restraint (MR), have a long history in mental health services [...].


Evaluation of accuracy of salivary gland fine needle aspirates using the Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology.
The Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology (MSRSGC) is a standardised six-tier reporting format aimed at ensuring better communication and improved patient management. The main objectives of our study were to classify salivary gland fine needle aspirates into six categories of the MSRSGC and assess risk of malignancy (ROM), specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value. This retrospective study covered a period of three years from January 2017 to December 2020. All salivary gland FNAs performed in the above period were retrieved and classified into six categories based on the Milan system. Histopathological diagnosis was also retrieved wherever available. Using histopathological diagnosis as the gold standard, ROM was calculated. Specificity, sensitivity, positive and negative predictive values, and diagnostic accuracy were also assessed. Out of the 202 salivary gland FNAs, histopathological diagnosis was available in 102 cases. ROM for the Non-Diagnostic, Non-Neoplastic, Atypia of Undetermined Significance (AUS), Benign, Salivary Gland Neoplasm of Uncertain Malignant Potential (SUMP), Suspicious for Malignancy (SM), and Malignant categories was 30%, 8.3%, 25%, 3.9%, 33.3%, 71.4%, and 93.3% respectively. Highest specificity and diagnostic accuracy were achieved when only Malignant and SM were considered as positive results. Maximum sensitivity was observed when AUS, SUMP, SM, and Malignant were included in positive test results. The MSRSGC is an excellent system for accurately classifying salivary gland FNAs with better reproducibility of reports and enhanced communication between pathologist and surgeon.


Modified technique for correction of gynaecomastia.
To test a modification of the circumareolar incision for correction of a gynaecomastia from the points of view of complications and appearance of the scar. Clinical study. Military and university hospitals, Turkey. 32 patients with gynaecomastia operated on between 1992 and 2000. Simon I patients were treated with an inferior semicircular periareolar incision (n = 12). Half of the Simon II patients had the same incision and the others were treated with a modified extended incision (n = 10 in each group). Haematoma, skin necrosis, nipple inversion, low-seated nipple, asymmetry, hypoaesthesia and hypertrophic scar. Simon II patients treated with the unmodified incision had more haematomas and seromas than Simon I patients and worse cosmesis (p = 0.009 and p = 0.02). However, the complication rates did not differ significantly compared with the Simon II patients who had the modified incision. A modified extended circumareolar incision results in fewer complication and better cosmesis in grade II gynaecomastia than the standard incision.


Refusing to TAP out: 16 new human TEIPPs identified.
In this issue of JEM, Marijt et al. (https://doi.org/10.1084/jem.20180577) report their discovery of 16 novel human TAP-independent TEIPP peptides, whereas only one had been previously identified. This opens the door to new therapeutic options for patients with TAP-deficient tumors.


Angiotensin 1-7 increases quantal content and facilitation at the frog neuromuscular junction.
At the neuromuscular junction, several endogenous substances have been shown to act presynaptically to modify transmitter release. Here we show that angiotensin 1-7, a vasoactive peptide of the renin-angiotensin system, increased quantal content in a dose-dependent manner, with a maximal increase of 78% at 250 nM. At the same dose, angiotensin 1-7 increased paired pulse facilitation by 70%. This is the first report of angiotensin 1-7 altering a cholinergic synapse.


Investigating factors that influence residency program selection among medical students.
Medical students and interns face several decisions during their career development. One of the most critical decisions they have to make is choosing a residency program that suits their career goals and aspirations. The selection process can be challenging, as several factors can influence the decision-making process. There was limited research on the role of GPA and opportunities in residency program selection. Therefore, this study examines the factors that influence interns' and 5th-year medical students' choices of residency programs. Observational and analytical cross-sectional studies were conducted at King Saud University (KSU) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A sample of 5th-year medical students as well as medical interns was included in the study. This study only includes students who were interested in choosing a residency program in one of these eight domains: Medicine, Family Medicine, Orthopedics, Pediatrics, Radiology, Surgery, Obstetrics/Gynecology, and Ophthalmology. The total number of students with 5th-year medical students was 205 (60.1%) and the number of students with medical interns was 135 (39.5%). The majority of students (51.0%) had a GPA above 4.5 out of 5, followed by 3.5 to 4.5 among 146 (42.8) students, and only 21 (6.2) had a GPA below 3.5. Those students with less than a 3.5 GPA out of 5 were found not to have any favorite residency program specialties when it came to academic achievement. Furthermore, in the case of those students whose GPA was 3.5 to 4.5, they had a certain mindset when it came to choosing a residency program. A 1.9 times greater likelihood of selecting obstetrics and gynecology (OR = 1.9, p = 0.19) was achieved by students with GPAs between 3.5 and 4.5, followed by a 1.5 times greater probability of selecting radiology (OR = 1.5; p = 0.55). High achievers, ophthalmology (OR = 1.7; p = 0.32) and surgery (OR = 1.4; p = 0.31) were the most popular residency programs. A student with a high GPA (mean score = 7.3) also chooses his or her career based on better opportunities than a student with a low GPA (mean score = 6.8). The study highlights the correlation between academic achievement and preferred specialties for future careers among medical students. While the study's findings should be considered in the context of various other factors such as lifestyle, social life, and income can influence students' preferred specialties for residency programs.


Dynamic health index extraction for incipient bearing degradation detection.
Performance degradation is a natural phenomenon for mechanical roller element bearings (REBs) during their long-term service time. It is essential to extract an effective dynamic health index, that can describe and quantify the dynamic characteristics of REBs health status, for automated detection of REB degradation at an early stage. This study presents a new numerical computation method to achieve this end, which can consider and utilize useful information from different individual indices. First, graph-based modeling integrated with dynamic analysis is performed on each channel of individual indices to solve the non-stationary and noise problems. The adaptive inputs weighting (AIW) fusion technique is adopted to assign adaptive weights to each graph-enhanced channel for the purpose of multi-channel graph information fusion. The resulting comprehensive index is finally fed to a commonly-used hypothesis test for decision making. Comprehensive evaluations conducted on simulation and real scenarios demonstrated the significant improvements of the proposed method and its great potential in practical applications.


Venous aneurysm following construction of a polytetrafluoroethylene arteriovenous dialysis graft.
Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) is the most commonly employed vascular prosthetic for constructing arteriovenous fistulas for hemodialysis. Venous aneurysm is a rare complication following construction of such fistulas. We describe the case of a saccular aneurysm of the cephalic vein arising after construction of a PTFE arteriovenous graft for hemodialysis. The aneurysm was successfully resected with primary repair of the vein, allowing continued use of the graft for dialysis.


Prosaposin facilitates sortilin-independent lysosomal trafficking of progranulin.
Mutations in the progranulin (PGRN) gene have been linked to two distinct neurodegenerative diseases, frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL). Accumulating evidence suggests a critical role of PGRN in lysosomes. However, how PGRN is trafficked to lysosomes is still not clear. Here we report a novel pathway for lysosomal delivery of PGRN. We found that prosaposin (PSAP) interacts with PGRN and facilitates its lysosomal targeting in both biosynthetic and endocytic pathways via the cation-independent mannose 6-phosphate receptor and low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1. PSAP deficiency in mice leads to severe PGRN trafficking defects and a drastic increase in serum PGRN levels. We further showed that this PSAP pathway is independent of, but complementary to, the previously identified PGRN lysosomal trafficking mediated by sortilin. Collectively, our results provide new understanding on PGRN trafficking and shed light on the molecular mechanisms behind FTLD and NCL caused by PGRN mutations.


Somatosensory evoked potentials: a simple neurophysiological monitoring technique in supra-aortal balloon test occlusions.
The aim of this study was to evaluate somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP) as a simple neurophysiological monitoring method in supra-aortal balloon test occlusions (BTO). The 13 patients examined had carcinoma of the larynx (n = 6), nasopharyngeal malignancy (n = 3), sphenoid meningioma (n = 2), mycotic aneurysm (n = 1), and a tumor of the carotid body (n = 1). Transfemoral balloon occlusion of the internal carotid artery was maintained for 30 min and monitored both clinically and by SEP. None of the 13 patients showed neurological deficits or pathological changes in the SEP. No thromboembolic complications occurred during BTO. In 11 cases the cervical vessels could be spared or reconstructed during surgery. No neurological symptoms occurred during the clinical follow-up. One patient died the day after BTO due to cardiac arrest. Neurophysiological monitoring of preoperative BTO using SEP is a technically simple method. A similar method has been shown to have a high sensitivity and reliability in carotid surgery.


Electricity generation and in situ phosphate recovery from enhanced biological phosphorus removal sludge by electrodialysis membrane bioreactor.
In this study, a novel electrodialysis membrane bioreactor was used for EBPR sludge treatment for energy and phosphorus resource recovery simultaneously. After 30days stable voltage outputting, the maximum power density reached 0.32W/m3. Over 90% of phosphorus in EBPR sludge was released while about 50% of phosphorus was concentrated to 4mmol/L as relatively pure phosphate solution. Nitrogen could be removed from EBPR sludge by desalination and denitrification processes. This study provides an optimized way treating sludge for energy production and in situ phosphorus recovery.


Protein O-mannosylation.
Protein O-mannosylation, originally observed in fungi, starts at the endoplasmic reticulum with the transfer of mannose from dolichyl activated mannose to seryl or threonyl residues of secretory proteins. This reaction is catalyzed by a family of protein O-mannosyltransferases (PMTs), which were first characterized in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The identification of this evolutionarily conserved PMT gene family has led to the finding that protein O-mannosylation plays an essential role in a number of physiologically important processes. Focusing on the PMT gene family, we discuss here the main aspects of the biogenesis of O-linked carbohydrate chains in S. cerevisiae, Candida albicans, and other fungi. We summarize recent work utilizing pmt mutants that demonstrates the impact of protein O-mannosylation on protein secretion, on maintenance of cell wall integrity, and on budding. Further, the occurrence of PMT orthologs in higher eukaryotes such as Arabidopsis, Drosophila and mammals is reported and discussed.


Psychological model for judicial decision making in emergency or temporary child placement.
In emergencies, family court judges must often make rapid decisions, without benefit of thorough information, that have significant impact on people's lives. Action-oriented research was used to develop a model that would bring psychosocial factors to the legal system for the purpose of enhancing the judicial decision-making process in emergency and temporary child placement cases.


Relative Motion Flexion Splinting for Flexor Tendon Lacerations: Proof of Concept.
The principle of relative motion has allowed patients to regain a higher degree of hand function, while protecting extensor tendon repairs. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the principle of relative motion could be a viable method to protect a flexor tendon repair. Four fresh-frozen cadaver arms were each mounted on a testing apparatus (wrist in 30° of extension, metacarpophalangeal [MCP] joints blocked to 70°-80°). A minimum of 11 N was used to cyclically load the flexor digitorum profundus and extensor digitorum communis tendons to maximum allowable flexion and extension for 25 cycles. Measurements of elongation of the tendons were obtained through the use of differential variable reluctance transducers. Testing was performed in both intact and repaired (single 6-0 nylon suture) middle finger tendons (zone 3) with and without a relative motion flexion splint (RMFS), which placed the affected finger in 15° to 25° of relative flexion at the MCP joint. In all 4 hands, elongation was restricted to less than 1.3 mm in repaired tendon in the RMFS compared with elongation >2 mm in the nonsplinted condition. Average elongation was 0.86 mm (SD = 0.45). Visual examination of the tendons demonstrated no gapping with the use of the RMFS in any of the hands. All repairs had suture breakage and repair rupture without the RMFS. This study demonstrates that the RMFS decreases elongation and eliminates tendon-repair gapping after flexion/extension cycling in a cadaver model. It provides proof of concept that the RMFS may be a viable protective mechanism for flexor tendon repairs in zone 3.


Single-port endoscopy-assisted thyroidectomy via cervical gas-insufflation approach for papillary thyroid carcinoma: A pilot retrospective comparative study.
This study aims to investigate the safety and efficacy of our novel technique of single-port endoscopy-assisted thyroidectomy via cervical gas-insufflation approach (SPEAT, also called the Huang procedure) in the treatment of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). We perform a retrospective comparative study from a prospectively maintained database. A cohort of 82 patients with PTC who underwent total thyroidectomy and central neck dissection were included. Of these patients, 48 underwent SPEAT and 34 underwent conventional open thyroidectomy (COT). The differences in surgical outcome and oncological completeness were compared. Compared with the COT group, the SPEAT group had obviously shorter incision (P < 0.001), less postoperative pain (P = 0.036), better cosmetic satisfaction (P = 0.001)and slightly longer operating time (P = 0.041). In intraoperative bleeding, postoperative drainage, postoperative hospital stay, surgical complications, number of dissected or positive lymph nodes per patient, and postoperative non-stimulated or stimulated thyroglobulin levels, there were no significant differences. SPEAT (the Huang procedure) is a minimally invasive, safe and oncologically complete surgical option for PTC in selected patients.


Lim1/LIM1 is expressed in developing and adult mouse and human endometrium.
Lim1 encodes a homeodomain transcription factor required for head, kidney and female reproductive tract development in the murine embryo. Recently, Lim1 expression was documented in several adult murine and human organs. In the developing female reproductive tract, Lim1 expression was first detected in the Müllerian ducts. Using immunofluorescence, we detected LIM1 expression in a developmental model of human female reproductive tract which was established by recombination of neonatal uterine mesenchyme with human embryonic stem cells. In addition, we report a dynamic expression of Lim1/LIM1 in neonatal and adult mouse, and adult human endometrial epithelium and stroma as revealed by immunofluorescence and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. LIM1 expression was also observed in several endometrial epithelial cancer cell lines (ECC-1, Ishikawa, and HEC1A). Furthermore, we found that Activin A significantly upregulated LIM1 mRNA expression in ECC-1 cells. These studies demonstrate previously unreported Lim1/LIM1 expression in neonatal, adult mouse and human endometrium suggesting Lim1/LIM1 may have a role in endometrial development and remodelling.


Development of a speaker discrimination test for cochlear implant users based on the Oldenburg Logatome corpus.
The purpose of the study was to develop a speaker discrimination test for cochlear implant (CI) users. The speech material was drawn from the Oldenburg Logatome (OLLO) corpus, which contains 150 different logatomes read by 40 German and 10 French native speakers. The prototype test battery included 120 logatome pairs spoken by 5 male and 5 female speakers with balanced representations of the conditions 'same speaker' and 'different speaker'. Ten adult normal-hearing listeners and 12 adult postlingually deafened CI users were included in a study to evaluate the suitability of the test. The mean speaker discrimination score for the CI users was 67.3% correct and for the normal-hearing listeners 92.2% correct. A significant influence of voice gender and fundamental frequency difference on the speaker discrimination score was found in CI users as well as in normal-hearing listeners. Since the test results of the CI users were significantly above chance level and no ceiling effect was observed, we conclude that subsets of the OLLO corpus are very well suited to speaker discrimination experiments in CI users.


A proteomic approach to rapidly elucidate oligodendrocyte-associated proteins expressed in the myelinating rat optic nerve.
The lack of cDNA libraries derived from myelinating oligodendrocytes has hampered attempts to identify proteins associated with myelination during normal development or with remyelination after insult or disease. We, therefore, established a new method to elucidate such proteins by coupling the techniques of X-irradiation, two-dimensional (2-D) gel electrophoresis, and mass spectrometry. Specifically, 2-D gel protein profiles of normal optic nerves were compared with those of X-irradiated rat optic nerves, which were absent of oligodendrocytes, to elucidate oligodendrocyte-associated proteins. The subsequent identification of these oligodendrocyte-associated proteins was accomplished by mass spectrometry. The results presented in this paper demonstrate the potential of the X-irradiated optic nerve model system combined with proteomic techniques to rapidly elucidate oligodendrocyte-associated proteins expressed in vivo.


[Primary and secondary prevention of benign prostatic hyperplasia: current knowledge and implications for clinical management].
Histological benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and the BPH disease are frequent, lead to a reduction of quality of life, are both progressive and potentially associated with complications in the lower and upper urinary tract. A PubMed/MEDLINE search was conducted for the years 1990 to 2011. This article summarizes known selective measures of primary and secondary disease prevention.Measures of primary disease prevention aim to inhibit histological BPH and the development of clinically relevant BPH. Weight loss, regular physical activity, vegetable consumption, alcohol intake, 5α-reductase inhibitors, avoidance of overweight and reduction of fatty food can reduce the probability of histological and clinical BPH. Selective measures of secondary prevention aim to inhibit disease progression and BPH-associated complications. The regular and long-term use of α1-blockers reduces lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and inhibits symptomatic disease progression but cannot prevent BPH-associated complications (e.g. urinary retention or need for prostate surgery). 5α-Reductase inhibitors can reduce the probability of symptomatic disease progression, urinary retention or need for surgery but the combination of α1-blocker and 5α-reductase inhibitor is more efficacious than either monotherapy. Especially older men with enlarged prostates (>40 cm(3)) and elevated serum PSA concentration (>1.6 µg/l) profit from measures of secondary disease prevention.For primary disease prevention, data quality is low and early treatment with 5α-reductase inhibitors is not been approved. For secondary disease prevention, men with risk factors of disease progression should use a treatment containing 5α-reductase inhibitors. Despite several epidemiological and clinical investigations on BPH disease progression no official programme exists in Germany for disease prevention.


Crystal structure of (Na0.70)(Na0.70,Mn0.30)(Fe(3+),Fe(2+))2Fe(2+)(VO4)3, a sodium-, iron- and manganese-based vanadate with the alluaudite-type structure.
The title compound, sodium (sodium,manganese) triiron(II,III) tris[vana-date(V)], (Na0.70)(Na0.70,Mn0.30)(Fe(3+),Fe(2+))2Fe(2+)(VO4)3, was prepared by solid-state reactions. It crystallizes in an alluaudite-like structure, characterized by a partial cationic disorder. In the structure, four of the 12 sites in the asymmetric unit are located on special positions, three on a twofold rotation axis (Wyckoff position 4e) and one on an inversion centre (4b). Two sites on the twofold rotation axis are entirely filled by Fe(2+) and V(5+), whereas the third site has a partial occupancy of 70% by Na(+). The site on the inversion centre is occupied by Na(+) and Mn(2+) cations in a 0.7:0.3 ratio. The remaining Fe(2+) and Fe(3+) atoms are statistically distributed on a general position. The three-dimensional framework of this structure is made up of kinked chains of edge-sharing [FeO6] octa-hedra stacked parallel to [10-1]. These chains are held together by VO4 tetra-hedral groups, forming polyhedral sheets perpendicular to [010]. Within this framework, two types of channels extending along [001] are present. One is occupied by (Na(+)/Mn(2+)) while the second is partially occupied by Na(+). The mixed site containing (Na(+)/Mn(2+)) has an octa-hedral coordination sphere, while the Na(+) cations in the second channel are coordinated by eight O atoms.


The Impact of a Signalized Crosswalk on Traffic Speed and Street-Crossing Behaviors of Residents in an Underserved Neighborhood.
Infrastructure improvements such as pedestrian crosswalks that calm traffic and increase access to physical activity opportunities could alleviate important barriers to active living in underserved communities with outdated built environments. The purpose of this study was to explore how the built environment influences street-crossing behaviors and traffic speeds in a low-income neighborhood with barriers to active living in Columbia, Missouri. In 2013, a signalized pedestrian crosswalk and 400-ft-long median was constructed along a busy 5-lane, high-speed arterial highway linking low-income housing with a park and downtown areas. Data collection occurred prior to June 2012, and after June 2013, completion of the project at the intervention site and control site. Direct observation of street-crossing behaviors was performed at designated intersections/crosswalks or non-designated crossing points. Traffic volume and speed were captured using embedded magnetic traffic detectors. At the intervention site, designated crossings increased at the new crosswalk (p < 0.001), but not at non-designated crossings (p = 0.52) or designated crossings at intersections (p = 0.41). At the control site, there was no change in designated crossings (p = 0.94) or non-designated crossings (p = 0.79). Motor vehicles traveling above the speed limit of 35 mph decreased from 62,056 (46 %) to 46,256 (35 %) (p < 0.001) at the intervention site and increased from 57,891 (49 %) to 65,725 (59 %) (p < 0.001) at the control site. The installation of a signalized crosswalk facilitated an increase in safe street crossings and calmed traffic volume and speed in an underserved neighborhood. We believe these findings have significant public health implications that could be critical to advocacy efforts to improve infrastructure projects in similar communities.


Air Quality Index and Emergency Department Visits and Hospitalizations for Childhood Asthma.
Rationale: Outdoor air pollution causes emergency department visits and hospitalizations for childhood asthma. In the United States, the Air Quality Index (AQI) alerts the public to air quality and provides behavioral recommendations to reduce exposure and harm, yet little is known about the relationship between the AQI and childhood asthma exacerbations. Objectives: To test for association between the AQI and childhood asthma exacerbations resulting in emergency department visits and hospitalizations. Methods: This was a retrospective time-stratified case-crossover study, conducted using medical records data from 2010 through 2018 for children aged 6-17 years with a primary diagnosis of an asthma exacerbation (defined as an emergency department visit or hospitalization for asthma) at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. Daily AQI data was obtained for Allegheny County, Pennsylvania from the Environmental Protection Agency. Conditional logistic regression was used for analyses of the AQI (as both a continuous and categorical variable) and asthma exacerbations. Stratified analyses were conducted to explore modification of the AQI effects on asthma exacerbations by race and other covariates. Results: There were 6,573 events. Particulate matter <2.5 μm (PM2.5) was the primary pollutant responsible for the AQI, followed by ozone (62% and 29% of days with events, respectively). The overall AQI was associated with asthma exacerbations (e.g., as continuous, per 10-unit increase, Lag Day 2: odds ratio [OR], 1.014; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.003-1.025; Lag Day 3: OR, 1.012; 95% CI, 1.001-1.023). By pollutant-specific AQI, the association was strongest for PM2.5. In stratified analyses, the AQI was associated with exacerbations in Black and younger children (6-11 yr) on Lag Day 4. Conclusions: The AQI is associated with asthma exacerbations among children in Allegheny County. This is driven primarily by PM2.5, with Black and younger children particularly affected. Healthcare providers should discuss the AQI in asthma management.


Aquaculture rearing systems induce no legacy effects in Atlantic cod larvae or their rearing water bacterial communities.
The microbial rearing quality influences the survival of marine larvae. Microbially matured water treatment systems (MMS) provide a more favourable rearing water microbiome than flow-through systems (FTS). It has previously been hypothesised, but not investigated, that initial rearing in MMS leaves a protective legacy effect in Atlantic cod larvae (Gadus morhua). We tested this hypothesis through a crossover 2 × 2 factorial experiment varying the rearing water treatment system (MMS vs FTS) and the microbial carrying capacity (+ /- added organic matter). At 9 days post-hatching, we switched the rearing water treatment system. By comparing switched and unswitched rearing tanks, we evaluated if legacy effects had been established in the larvae or their surrounding rearing water bacterial community. We analysed the bacterial communities with flow cytometry and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. We found no evidence that the initial rearing condition left a legacy effect in the communities by evaluating the bacterial community diversity and structure. Instead, the present rearing condition was the most important driver for differences in the rearing water microbiota. Furthermore, we found that MMS with high microbial carrying capacity appeared to seed a stable bacterial community to the rearing tanks. This finding highlights the importance of keeping a similar carrying capacity between the inlet and rearing water. Moreover, we reject the hypothesis that the initial rearing condition leaves a protective legacy effect in larvae, as the larval survival and robustness were linked to the present rearing condition. In conclusion, our results highlight the importance of maintaining a beneficial microbial rearing environment from hatching and throughout the larval rearing period.


Recruitment of the priming protein pTP and DNA binding occur by overlapping Oct-1 POU homeodomain surfaces.
The human transcription factor Oct-1 can stimulate transcription from a variety of promoters by interacting with the coactivators OBF-1/OCA-B/BOB-1, SNAP190 and VP16. These proteins contact Oct-1 regions different from the DNA binding surface. Oct-1 also stimulates the DNA replication of adenovirus through its DNA binding site in the origin. The Oct-1 POU homeodomain (POUhd) binds the adenovirus precursor terminal protein pTP, which serves as the protein primer of DNA replication and recruits pTP to the origin. To map the interaction with pTP at the POUhd surface, we screened a library of randomly mutated POU domains and identified mutations that interfered with pTP interaction and DNA replication stimulation. These mutants clustered at a surface different from those recognized by OBF-1, SNAP190 and VP16. Unexpectedly, the pTP binding region largely overlapped with the DNA binding surface of POUhd. In agreement with this, pTP binding and DNA binding were mutually exclusive. We propose a model to reconcile pTP recruitment and DNA binding by Oct-1.


Diagnosis of pregnancy in bloodstains. Study of progesterone and luteinizing hormone levels.
The objective of this work is to establish the diagnostic efficiency of the determination of progesterone and luteinizing hormone in bloodstains on an absorbent surface. In a stain consisting of woman's blood, the establishment of pregnancy or birth may be significant in cases of criminal abortion or infanticide, or to determine the probable date of the events. A total of 61 women between the ages of 16 and 47 years were studied (mean age 29.54 years; S.D. 7.82). Subjects were distributed in three groups: pregnant women, women in labour and non-pregnant women. We found statistically significant differences in progesterone and LH levels between the non-pregnant group and pregnant women in labour in 24 and 48-h bloodstains. We found no statistically significant differences between progesterone and LH levels in pregnant women in 24, 48 and 72-h stains and at 6 and 7 days. We can conclude that progesterone and LH measurements in bloodstains at least 1 week old and probably much older can be very useful in establishing the diagnosis of pregnancy up until and including the time of birth.


Correction: Global Role and Burden of Influenza in Pediatric Respiratory Hospitalizations, 1982-2012: A Systematic Analysis.
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1001977.].


Glicentin-related pancreatic polypeptide inhibits glucose-stimulated insulin secretion from the isolated pancreas of adult male rats.
Peptides derived from the glucagon gene Gcg, for example, glucagon and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), act as physiological regulators of fuel metabolism and are thus of major interest in the pathogenesis of diseases, such as type-2 diabetes and obesity, and their therapeutic management. Glicentin-related pancreatic polypeptide (GRPP) is a further, 30 amino acid Gcg-derived peptide identified in human, mouse, rat, and pig. However, the potential glucoregulatory function of this peptide is largely unknown. Here, we synthesized rat GRPP (rGRPP) and a closely related peptide, rat GRPP-like peptide (rGRPP-LP), and investigated their actions in the liver and pancreas of adult male rats by employing isolated-perfused organ preparations. Rat GRPP and rGRPP-LP did not affect glucose output from the liver, but both elicited potent inhibition of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) from the rat pancreas. This action is unlikely to be mediated by glucagon or GLP-1 receptors, as rGRPP and rGRPP-LP did not stimulate cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) production from the glucagon or GLP-1 receptors, nor did they antagonize glucagon- or GLP-1-stimulated cAMP-production at either receptor. GRPP and GRPP-LP may be novel regulators of insulin secretion, acting through an as-yet undefined receptor.


Initial experience with intensity modulated proton therapy for intact, clinically localized pancreas cancer: Clinical implementation, dosimetric analysis, acute treatment-related adverse events, and patient-reported outcomes.
Pencil-beam scanning intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) may allow for an improvement in the therapeutic ratio compared with conventional techniques of radiation therapy delivery for pancreatic cancer. The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical implementation of IMPT for intact and clinically localized pancreatic cancer, perform a matched dosimetric comparison with volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), and report acute adverse event (AE) rates and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of health-related quality of life. Between July 2016 and March 2017, 13 patients with localized pancreatic cancer underwent concurrent capecitabine or 5-fluorouracil-based chemoradiation therapy (CRT) utilizing IMPT to a dose of 50 Gy (radiobiological effectiveness: 1.1). A VMAT plan was generated for each patient to use for dosimetric comparison. Patients were assessed prospectively for AEs and completed PRO questionnaires utilizing the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Hepatobiliary at baseline and upon completion of CRT. There was no difference in mean target coverage between IMPT and VMAT (P > .05). IMPT offered significant reductions in dose to organs at risk, including the small bowel, duodenum, stomach, large bowel, liver, and kidneys (P < .05). All patients completed treatment without radiation therapy breaks. The median weight loss during treatment was 1.6 kg (range, 0.1-5.7 kg). No patients experienced grade ≥3 treatment-related AEs. The median Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Hepatobiliary scores prior to versus at the end of CRT were 142 (range, 113-163) versus 136 (range, 107-173; P = .18). Pencil-beam scanning IMPT was feasible and offered significant reductions in radiation exposure to multiple gastrointestinal organs at risk. IMPT was associated with no grade ≥3 gastrointestinal AEs and no change in baseline PROs, but the conclusions are limited due to the patient sample size. Further clinical studies are warranted to evaluate whether these dosimetric advantages translate into clinically meaningful benefits.


Considerations regarding carotid artery dose in radiotherapy of the cervical spine.
Radiation to the carotid arteries, e.g. in the context of head and neck cancer treatment, is one of several risk factors for artery stenosis. In principle, this fact may also have implications for stereotactic cervical spine radiotherapy, because long-term survival can be achieved in patients with oligometastatic disease and favorable prognostic features. Here, we suggest that radiation dose distributions with reduced dose to the carotid artery are achievable when planning stereotactic cervical spine radiotherapy. Patients with high likelihood of long-term survival may benefit from such vessel-sparing approaches.


Emotional support given by ward-based nurses to sarcoma patients.
Cancer patients value emotional support but may encounter difficulties in accessing appropriate sources of support. This study explored the emotional support, as perceived by patients, that ward nurses give to sarcoma patients at a large cancer centre. A purposive sample of five sarcoma patients who had experienced numerous admissions throughout their chemotherapy took part. These participants were interviewed using a method based on the critical incident technique, which utilised face-to-face semi-structured interviews. The data produced from the interviews contained descriptions of incidents where ward nurses had been either successful or unsuccessful in providing emotional support to participants. Six themes emerged which highlighted the areas of behaviour that were important to the participants. The recognition of their feelings and needs was a major theme, including reference to the significance of ward nurse behaviour in providing emotional support on their first admission to the unit. Evidence emerged where nurses had successfully aided patients. Conversely other examples demonstrated a negative impact on the participants' emotional well-being, upsetting them and proving additional stress. It was concluded from the study that ward nurses have an important role in providing emotional support to sarcoma patients. Whilst this study was small, it has shown the successful use of a methodology based on the critical incident technique. The findings have been used to aid nurses on the unit to reflect on their roles in caring for patients with sarcomas.


Malignant extracranial germ cell tumours: A first national report by the South African Children's Cancer Study Group.
To determine the overall survival (OS) and prognostic factors influencing outcomes in children and adolescents with malignant extracranial germ cell tumours (MEGCTs) in preparation for the development of a harmonised national treatment protocol. A retrospective folder review was undertaken at nine South African paediatric oncology units to document patient profiles, tumour and treatment-related data and outcomes for all children with biopsy-proven MEGCTs from birth up to and including 16 years of age. Between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2015, 218 patients were diagnosed with MEGCTs. Female sex (hazard ratio [HR] 0.284, p = .037) and higher socio-economic status (SES) (HR 0.071, p = .039) were associated with a significantly lower risk of death. Advanced clinical stage at diagnosis significantly affected 5-year OS: stage I: 96%; stage II: 94.3%; stage III: 75.5% (p = .017) and stage IV (60.1%; p < .001). There was a significant association between earlier stage at presentation and higher SES (p = .03). Patients with a serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level of more than 33,000 ng/ml at diagnosis had significantly poorer outcomes (p = .002). The use of chemotherapy significantly improved survival, irrespective of the regimen used (p < .001). The cohort demonstrated a 5-year OS of 80.3% with an event-free survival (EFS) of 75.3%. Stage, the use of chemotherapy and an elevated serum AFP level of more than 33,000 ng/ml were independently predictive of outcome. The relationship between SES and outcome is important as the implementation of the new national protocol hopes to standardise care across the socio-economic divide.


Staging the separation of ischiopagus twins.
A pair of ischiopagus tetrapus twins were successfully separated in Calcutta in 1986. The separation was staged. The gastrointestinal tracts were separated at a preliminary operation, and definitive separation carried out 3 months later. Staging permitted us to perform the final separation on healthier babies with the exclusion of the intestinal contents from the wounds and with reduced operating time.


ZnO nanoparticles embedded in hollow carbon fiber membrane for electrochemical H2O2 production by two-electron water oxidation reaction.
Electrochemical two-electron water oxidation reaction (2e-WOR) provides a promising alternative route for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production, where the design of earth abundant and environmentally friendly electrocatalysts with both high selectivity and production rate is crucial. Here we report the synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles embedded in hollow carbon fiber membrane as efficient 2e-WOR electrocatalyst by a metal-organic framework engaged electrospinning-pyrolysis method. The resultant ZnO@carbon composite fiber exhibits a foam-like hierarchical structure composed of interconnected hollow carbon nanocubes encapsulated with oxygen vacancy rich ZnO nanocrystals. Owing to the improved selectivity of ZnO, excellent conductivity of carbon fiber, promoted active site exposure and mass transfer of hollow structure, the free-standing membrane electrode shows superior 2e-WOR performances with high selectivity (83.8% at 2.8 V vs. RHE), H2O2 generation rate (19.7 μmol cm-2 min-1) and robust stability.


[Modification of gas exchange and metabolism by various hemodialysis procedures].
We compared the effects of various dialysate composition on pulmonary and transdialyzer gas exchange in patients during hemodialysis. Under acetate hemodialysis there was a permanent loss of CO2 (45-68 ml/min) into the dialysate resulting in a significant decrease of arterial pO2, which can be explained by a reduced alveolar ventilation. The pulmonary oxygen uptake increased up to +20% during treatment, reflecting rising energy metabolism and possibly increased cardiopulmonary instability. Using different concentrates for bicarbonatehemodialysis we saw a moderate to clinical relevant uptake of CO2 (40-60 ml/min) from the dialysate into the blood of the patients, cause the pCO2 in the dialysate varied between 45 and 115 mmHg. Bicarbonate hemodialysis with high pCO2-levels in the dialysate led to hyperventilation and markedly increased oxygen consumption. In critically ill hemodialysis patients the pathophysiologic effects on pulmonary gas exchange of either acetatehemodialysis and bicarbonatehemodialysis with high pCO2 can explain the higher incidence of severe complications.


The assay of 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3: physiologic and pathologic modulation of circulating hormone levels.
A sensitive radioreceptor assay for 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1alpha,25-(OH)2D3) is utilized to quantitate the circulating concentration of this sterol in experimental animals and humans. When weanling rats are grown for 2 weeks on low calcium or low phosphate diets, limited availability of either ion elicits a five-fold increase in the plasma level of 1alpha,25-(OH)2D3. The enhancement of 1alpha,25-(OH)2D3 in calcium deficiency is dependent upon the presence of the parathyroid and/or thyroid glands, which is consistent with parathyroid hormone (PTH) mediation of this effect. In contrast, the response to phosphate deficiency is independent of these glands and may result from a direct action of low phosphate on the renal synthesis of 1alpha,25-(OH)2D3. Studies in humans indicate that the normal level of 1alpha,25-(OH)2D is 2.1--4.5 ng/100 ml plasma. Patients with chronic renal failure have markedly lower circulating 1alpha,25-(OH)2D and this kidney hormone is undetectable in anephric subjects, but returns to normal within 1 day after successful renal transplantation. Hypoparathyroidism and pseudohypoparathyroidism are associated with reduced plasma 1alpha,25-(OH)2D while patients with primary hyperparathyroidism have significantly elevated sterol hormone levels. Thus, from measurements in rats and humans, it appears that circulating 1alpha,25-(OH)2D3 is regulated by PTH and/or phosphate and that abnormal plasma 1alpha,25-(OH)2D3 is a part of the pathophysiology of renal osteodystrophy and parathyroid disorders.


Effects of Pharmacogenetic Screening for CYP2D6 Among Elderly Starting Therapy With Nortriptyline or Venlafaxine: A Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial (CYSCE Trial).
The duration of untreated depression is a predictor for poor future prognosis, making rapid dose finding essential. Genetic variation of the CYP2D6 isoenzyme can influence the optimal dosage needed for individual patients. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of CYP2D6 pharmacogenetic screening to accelerate drug dosing in older patients with depression initiating nortriptyline or venlafaxine. In this randomized controlled trial, patients were randomly allocated to one of the study arms. In the intervention arm (DG-I), the specific genotype accompanied by a standardized dosing recommendation based on the patients' genotype and the prescribed drug was directly communicated to the physician of the participant. In both the deviating genotype control arm (DG-C) and the nonrandomized control arm, the physician of the participants was not informed about the genotype and the associated dosing advise. The primary outcome was the time needed to reach adequate drug levels: (1) blood levels within the therapeutic range and (2) no dose adjustments within the previous 3 weeks. No significant difference was observed in mean time to reach adequate dose or time to adequate dose between DG-I and DG-C. Compared with the nonrandomized control arm group, adequate drug levels were reached significantly faster in the DG-I group (log-rank test; P = 0.004), and there was a similar nonsignificant trend for the DG-C group (log-rank test; P = 0.087). The results of this study do not support pharmacogenetic CYP2D6 screening to accelerate dose adjustment for nortriptyline and venlafaxine in older patients with depression.


Inhibition of mitogen-induced lymphocyte proliferative responses by quinine.
In vitro mitogen-induced proliferative responses of human lymphocytes were inhibited by concentrations of quinine normally attainable during therapy of malaria infections. The clinical implications of these findings are discussed.


Relapsing polychondritis - A single Centre study in the United Kingdom.
Relapsing Polychondritis (RP) is a rare immune mediated inflammatory disorder that may result in damage and destruction of cartilaginous tissues. We retrospectively analysed patients with a clinical diagnosis of RP. Patients were investigated using pulmonary function tests, dynamic high-resolution CT scans, bronchoscopy, laryngoscopy and/or PET-CT scans along with autoimmune serology. Patients had other specialist reviews when indicated. We identified 68 patients with a diagnosis of RP, 55 (81%) were Caucasian, 8 (12%) Afro Caribbean, 4 (6%) Asian and 1 patient had Mixed Ethnicity. Twenty-nine (43%) had pulmonary involvement and in 16, pulmonary involvement was the initial presentation. The mean age at onset was 44 years (range 17-74). There was a mean diagnostic delay of 55 weeks. Sixty-six (97%) patients received a combination of oral Prednisolone and disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. Twelve of 19 (63%) received biologics, with an initial good response, and 10 remain on treatment. Eleven patients with respiratory collapse required CPAP to maintain airway patency. Twelve (18%) patients died due to RP and 9 had respiratory complications. Two patients developed myelodysplasia and one had lung carcinoma. In a multivariate regression analysis, the prognostic variables were ethnicity, nasal chondritis, laryngotracheal stricture and elevated serum creatinine. RP is a rare autoimmune condition often associated with significant delays in diagnosis and initiation of treatment. Pulmonary involvement in RP may cause significant morbidity and mortality due to organ damage. Disease modifying anti rheumatic drugs and biologics should be considered early in the disease course to minimise adverse effects of long-term corticosteroid therapy and organ damage.


A life satisfaction approach to valuing the impact of health behaviours on subjective well-being.
Increasingly, decision-makers are interested in understanding the returns on investments in programs and policies that promote health and prevent chronic diseases. While the costs of these programs are more easily quantified, many of the outcomes they aspire to achieve are intangible and lack obvious market values. The subjective well-being (SWB) method was developed to value a wide range of non-market goods, including health outcomes directly in monetary terms. This paper presents an application of the SWB approach to estimate the monetary value of health-promoting behaviours as the intermediate outcomes of health promotion and chronic disease prevention programs and policies. Life satisfaction (LS) was used as a proxy of individuals' SWB. Based on the combined Canadian Community Health Survey 2009-10 data, we modeled LS as a function of income and healthy behaviours, controlling for the socio-demographic factors associated with LS at the individual level using ordinary least squares regression. Equivalent effects of income and healthy behaviours on LS derived from the models allowed us to estimate the trade-off between income and healthy behaviours. We found that income and healthy behaviours were positively associated with LS. The values of increased physical activity, an additional daily serving of fruits/vegetables, and not smoking are respectively $631, $115 and $563 per week. These represent the amounts of additional weekly income required to maintain an individual at their level of LS in the absence of each of these behaviours. The SWB method holds promise as a method to monetize the value of a range of non-market goods, including healthy behaviours for which market values do not exist. The SWB method can be applied efficiently and cost-effectively using readily available survey data.


Uniform polypyrrole electrodeposition triggered by phytic acid-guided interface engineering for high energy density flexible supercapacitor.
Unevenly distributed polypyrrole (PPy) films/coatings with extensive "dead volumes" via electrodeposition have emerged as a main challenge for high energy density flexible supercapacitor. In this work, we have fabricated a phytic acid-guided graphite carbon felt/polypyrrole (GF@PA@PPy) 3D porous composite with less "dead volumes" via electrodeposition. After the activation of phytic acid (PA), the quantity and content of defects and oxygen-containing groups on the surface of carbon felt (GF) have increased. First, these functional groups improve the hydrophilicity of the surface of GF, resulting in the preferential uniform distribution of pyrrole monomer (Py). While significantly, the synergistic effects between the defects and oxygen-containing groups boost the attraction of pyrrole ring, and thus promotes the formation of perfect PPy films with less "dead volume" on GF. Finally, the supercapacitor assembled from the GF@PA@PPy-40 displays a high areal energy density of 0.0732 mWh cm-2, exceeding the previously reported PPy-based electrodes values. The deeper understanding of the role for the defects and oxygen-containing groups in the synthesis of PPy/carbon materials offers a new strategy to construct advanced PPy-based supercapacitors.


Identification of Covert Atrial Fibrillation in Cryptogenic Ischemic Stroke: Current Clinical Practice in Japan.
A new insertable cardiac monitor, Reveal LINQ (Medtronic, Dublin, Ireland), was approved for clinical use in Japan in March 2016 for detecting atrial fibrillation in patients who develop ischemic stroke with no clearly definable etiology even after extensive workup, so-called cryptogenic ischemic stroke. Cooperation between a specialist of the Japan Stroke Society and a trained cardiologist or cardiac surgeon is needed both for appropriate patient selection and appropriate management of the device. In this paper, the clinical significance of and diagnostic methods for cryptogenic stroke and covert atrial fibrillation are explained, along with our proposal for the clinical indications for this new device. The majority of cryptogenic ischemic strokes are considered to be embolic. In particular, covert atrial fibrillation is drawing attention as the causal emboligenic disease, and it was identified in 30% of patients with long-term observation using an insertable cardiac monitor. Should atrial fibrillation be present, there is a high risk of recurrent stroke, and the cardioembolic stroke that appears is generally severe. The ability to identify atrial fibrillation would be beneficial for preventing stroke recurrence, as anticoagulants can then be used as an established method of secondary prevention. Because the use of insertable cardiac monitors is somewhat invasive, and long-term care systems are also needed, patients suitable for examination using the new device would need to be identified on the basis of detailed diagnostics in accordance withcurrent medical practice in Japan.


Tinea pedis due to Cylindrocarpon lichenicola beginning onycholysis.
A 33 year old woman presented with both feet, humid and white Tinea pedis at the second, third and fourth inter-toes areas associated with a beginning onycholysis of the nails lasting for 18 months. KOH mount of the samples was positive for fungal hyphae. The fungus was isolated on Sabouraud-chlorampphenicol agar and identified as Cylindrocarpon lichenicola. The patient was treated with an association of terbinafine tablet and terbinafine cream and presented clinical cure after three months.


Detection and partial characterization of bacteriocin in the methanotrophic bacterium Methylobacter bovis.
The strain Methylobacter bovis 98 was selected among methanotrophic bacteria as one of the most active producers of secretory bacteriocin-like compounds. In the above strain this compound was shown to be a protein with a molecular weight of about 70 kD, relatively thermostable, having a bactericidal effect on closely related organisms. Its properties as a whole are consistent with the accepted definition of bacteriocins, which so far have not been found in this group of microorganisms. A methodical approach that combines electrophoretic separation of secretory proteins and testing their antibacterial activity directly in polyacrylamide gel allowed us for the first time to identify bacteriocin in methanotrophic bacterial culture.


Failure to detect antibodies to myelin basic protein or peptic fragments of myelin basic protein in CSF of patients with MS.
Using the sodium sulfate precipitation radioimmunoassay and solid-phase radioimmunoassay, we measured antibody to intact human myelin basic protein and myelin basic protein peptic fragments, residues 1-44, 45-89, and 90-170, in CSF. Comparable levels of binding were obtained for MS and normal CSF by both tests. The increased amount of CSF IgG in MS patients cannot be attributed to specific antibody against myelin basic protein or its peptic fragments.


A slurry electrode integrated with membrane electrolysis for high-performance acetate production in microbial electrosynthesis.
Microbial electrosynthesis (MES) technology employs electrotrophic microbes as biocatalysts to produce chemicals from CO2. The application of a slurry electrode can enlarge the surface area to volume ratio, and membrane electrolysis (ME) for on-line extraction can solve the problem of product inhibition. This study constructed a novel dual-chamber ME-MES integrated system equipped with a slurry electrode, and the effect of concentration of powder-activated carbon (AC) in the catholyte on chemical production was also evaluated. The integrated system amended with 5 g L-1 AC produced up to 13.4 g L-1 acetate, showing a 179% increase compared with the control group without AC (4.8 g L-1). However, further increasing the AC concentration to 10 and 20 g L-1 resulted in decreased acetate production. A high concentration of AC showed higher antimicrobial activity to methanogens, as compared to acetogens. Amending AC exacerbated the process of electroosmosis. Also, amending AC with 0 to 10 g L-1 decreased the electrochemical losses via both the membrane and electrolyte. The chemical production using H2 or the electrode as electron donors showed a similar trend when amending AC. The present study provided important information for guiding future research to construct an efficient configuration of an MES bioreactor.


Transcriptional repression by the histone tails in budding yeast is mediated by Rpd3, Tup1-Ssn6, and Bur6/NC2.
Chromatin-mediated transcriptional regulation is modulated by post-translational modifications of the core histones, particularly the H3 and H4 unstructured amino termini, or "tails". In budding yeast, the H3 and H4 tails can be deacetylated by Rpd3 to repress specific target genes, and hypoacetylated histones can facilitate recruitment of the Tup1-Ssn6 complex to effect gene repression. However, the extent to which these mechanisms are used to effect repression by the histone tails, and whether other factors similarly collaborate with the tails to facilitate gene repression, has not been determined. Here, a chromatin modifier compendium of 170 gene expression profiles from yeast strains mutated for chromatin-related genes was used to query the effect of the corresponding mutations on gene cohorts repressed by the histone H3 and H4 tails and/or by Rpd3. The resulting analysis reveals that repression of nearly all of the genes repressed by the histone tails requires Rpd3 and/or the Tup1-Ssn6 complex. Repression by Rpd3 occurs via the Rpd3-L complex, and TFIID-dominated genes are underrepresented among genes repressed by mutations or deletions of the H3 or H4 tails, in accord with previous work. In addition, Bur6, the yeast homolog of human NC2α, is required for repression at ∼50 % of genes repressed by the H3 or H4 tail. These results illuminate genome-wide repression mechanisms utilized by the histone tails in yeast and raise new questions regarding the role of Bur6 in histone tail-mediated repression and whether parallels exist in metazoan cells.


Inducibility of metallothionein biosynthesis in cultured normal and Menkes kinky hair disease fibroblasts: effects of copper and cadmium.
Metallothionein biosynthesis is not induced by extracellular copper in Menkes Kinky hair disease (MKHD) or in normal cultured fibroblasts under the conditions of these experiments. In the presence of copper, MKHD fibroblasts also incorporated less cysteine than did normal fibroblasts. Extracellular cadmium greatly enhanced the uptake of cysteine in both normal and MKHD cultures. By the technique of polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, it was demonstrated that metallothionein is induced by cadmium in normal and MKHD-cultured fibroblasts.


All VH11 genes expressed in peritoneal lymphocytes encode anti-bromelain-treated mouse red blood cell autoantibodies but other VH gene families contribute to this specificity.
We have studied the relationship between B cell reactivity to bromelain-treated autologous mouse erythrocytes (BrMRBC) and expression of the VH11 gene family in splenic, peritoneal and pleuropericardial cell populations from normal C57BL/6 mice. B lymphocytes producing antibodies to BrMRBC were selectively enriched or depleted from normal populations by rosette formation with BrMRBC, followed by centrifugation over density gradients. This selection method, based on the presence of functional receptors (membrane IgM), is harmless for the cells and allowed subsequent cloning in agar (colony-forming unit-B). The utilization of the 10 VH gene families was then scored in mRNA colony blot assays. The analysis of greater than 650 anti-BrMRBC clones and greater than 350 VH11-expressing colonies indicates that about half of those antibody reactivities are encoded by VH11 genes. Furthermore, it appears that all VH11-expressing B cells in the peritoneal cavity produce anti-BrMRBC antibodies.