Echovirus 1 infection depends on biogenesis of novel multivesicular bodies.
Non-enveloped picornavirus echovirus 1 (EV1) clusters its receptor α2β1 integrin and causes their internalization and accumulation in α2β1 integrin enriched multivesicular bodies (α2-MVBs). Our results here show that these α2-MVBs are distinct from acidic late endosomes/lysosomes by several criteria: (i) live intra-endosomal pH measurements show that α2-MVBs are not acidic, (ii) they are not positive for the late endosomal marker LBPA or Dil-LDL internalized to lysosomes, and (iii) simultaneous stimulation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and α2β1 integrin clustering leads to their accumulation in separate endosomes. EGFR showed downregulation between 15 min and 2 h, whereas accumulation of α2β1 integrin/EV1 led to an increase of integrin fluorescence in cytoplasmic vesicles further suggesting that EV1 pathway is separate from the lysosomal downregulation pathway. In addition, the results demonstrate the involvement of ESCRTs in the biogenesis of α2-MVBs. Overexpression of dominant-negative form of VPS4 inhibited biogenesis of α2-MVBs and efficiently prevented EV1 infection. Furthermore, α2-MVBs were positive for some members of ESCRTs such as Hrs, VPS37A and VPS24 and the siRNA treatment of TSG101, VPS37A and VPS24 inhibited EV1 infection. Our results show that the non-enveloped EV1 depends on biogenesis of novel multivesicular structures for successful infection.


The vermicelli handling test: a simple quantitative measure of dexterous forepaw function in rats.
Loss of function in the hands occurs with many brain disorders, but there are few measures of skillful forepaw use in rats available to model these impairments that are both sensitive and simple to administer. Whishaw and Coles previously described the dexterous manner in which rats manipulate food items with their paws, including thin pieces of pasta [Whishaw IQ, Coles BL. Varieties of paw and digit movement during spontaneous food handling in rats: postures, bimanual coordination, preferences, and the effect of forelimb cortex lesions. Behav Brain Res 1996;77:135-48]. We set out to develop a measure of this food handling behavior that would be quantitative, easy to administer, sensitive to the effects of damage to sensory and motor systems of the CNS and useful for identifying the side of lateralized impairments. When rats handle 7 cm lengths of vermicelli, they manipulate the pasta by repeatedly adjusting the forepaw hold on the pasta piece. As operationally defined, these adjustments can be easily identified and counted by an experimenter without specialized equipment. After unilateral sensorimotor cortex (SMC) lesions, transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and striatal dopamine depleting (6-hydroxydopamine, 6-OHDA) lesions in adult rats, there were enduring reductions in adjustments made with the contralateral forepaw. Additional pasta handling characteristics distinguished between the lesion types. MCAO and 6-OHDA lesions increased the frequency of several identified atypical handling patterns. Severe dopamine depletion increased eating time and adjustments made with the ipsilateral forepaw. However, contralateral forepaw adjustment number most sensitively detected enduring impairments across lesion types. Because of its ease of administration and sensitivity to lateralized impairments in skilled forepaw use, this measure may be useful in rat models of upper extremity impairment.


Contribution of concentration-sensitive sodium channels to the absorption of alveolar fluid in mice.
The concentration-sensitive sodium channel (Nac) is activated by an increase in the extracellular sodium concentration. Although the expression of Nac in alveolar type II epithelial cells (AEC II) has been reported previously, the physiological role of Nac in the lung has not been established. We characterized Nac expression and examined amiloride-insensitive sodium transport mediated by Nac in mouse lung. Immunofluorescence studies revealed that Nac did not colocalize with either aquaporin 5 or cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator, but partially colocalized with the epithelial sodium channel γ-subunit. Immunoelectron microscopy studies showed that Nac localized at the basolateral membrane of pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMVECs). Nac mRNA and protein were expressed in PMVECs isolated from the lungs of mice. Image analysis indicated that sodium influx into the alveolar wall was dependent on increases in extracellular sodium concentration. We conclude that Nac expressed in PMVECs and AEC II contributes to the reabsorption of sodium via an amiloride-insensitive pathway during alveolar fluid clearance.


Oral cortisol and dexamethasone intake: Differential physiology and transcriptional responses in the marine juvenile Sparus aurata.
This study approached the long-term oral administration of cortisol (F) and dexamethasone (DEX), two synthetic glucocorticoids, compared to a control group (CT) in the juveniles of a marine teleost, the gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata). Physiologically, DEX treatment impaired growth, which appears to be linked to carbohydrate allocation in muscle and liver, hepatic triglycerides depletion, and reduced hematocrit. Hypophyseal gh mRNA expression was 2-fold higher in DEX than in CT or F groups. Similarly, hypothalamic trh and hypophyseal pomcb followed this pattern. Plasma cortisol levels were significantly lower in DEX than in CT, while F presented intermediate levels. In the posterior intestine, measured short circuit-current (Isc) was more anion absorptive in CT and F compared to the DEX group, whereas Isc remained unaffected in the anterior intestine. The derived transepithelial electric resistance (TEER) significantly differed between intestinal regions in the DEX group. These results provide new insights to understand better potential targeted biomarkers indicative of the differential glucocorticoid or mineralocorticoid-receptors activation in fish.


Analysis of tamoxifen and its metabolites in human plasma by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) using selected ion monitoring (SIM).
A method for the analysis of tamoxifen and its metabolites in plasma from tamoxifen treated breast cancer patients, by capillary GC-MS using selected ion monitoring has been developed. Metabolite extraction was carried out on a Sep-pak C18 cartridge and metabolite purification by selective ion exchange chromatographic steps. Satisfactory recovery of radioactive standards through the extraction and purification steps was obtained. The method was shown to be accurate and precise with precision coefficient of variation values ranging from 4.3-11% for tamoxifen and its metabolites. Tamoxifen, 4-hydroxytamoxifen, metabolite Y and N-desmethyltamoxifen were identified with certainty in patient plasma on the basis of GC relative retention times and mass spectral comparison with authentic standards; because of their low abundance in plasma cis-metabolite E and 3,4-dihydroxytamoxifen could only be tentatively identified but identical GC behaviour and a satisfactory comparison of the abundance of key fragment ions was achieved. The tamoxifen and metabolite concentration ranges (ng X ml-1) in the group of patients who received 40 or 80 ng tamoxifen for 14 days were tamoxifen, 307-745; N-desmethyltamoxifen, 185-491; 4-hydroxytamoxifen, 1.4-2.5; 3,4-dihydroxytamoxifen, 0.7-2.0; metabolite Y, 19.0-112; and metabolite E1, 0.9-2.0.


Development and histologic characteristics of synovitis induced by trauma in the rat temporomandibular joint.
Histopathological changes caused by trauma to the rat temporomandibular joint synovium were examined by light microscopy. The trauma was induced by forced hypermobility of the condyle. Pathological changes of the synovium were found primarily in the anterior pouch of the upper joint compartment. The main findings included surface cell proliferation, increased capillary hyperemia, fibrin deposits on the surfaces of inflamed synovial membranes, and fibrinous adhesion between closely opposed synovial membranes. A gradual change from fibrinous adhesion to fibrous adhesion was also seen.


Endoscopic evaluation of gastric inflammatory fibroid polyp.
Clinical and endoscopic manifestations of 18 gastric inflammatory fibroid polyps (IFP) in 16 patients who underwent endoscopic or surgical removal were retrospectively analyzed. All of the lesions were located within the pyloric antrum, and the sizes varied from 0.8 to 7.0 cm. On endoscopy, six polyps which measured 1.0 cm or less uniformly seemed to be sessile or intramural tumors, whereas four of the nine polyps between 1.1 and 2.0 cm in size were additionally accompanied by a central depression. The remaining three, which measured more than 2.0 cm, showed characteristic polypoid growth with ulcerations. Three polyps more than 1.0 cm in size occasionally prolapsed into the duodenal bulb. Three patients with these prolapsing polyps and two with polyps accompanied by ulcerations experienced abdominal pain, nausea, or severe anemia. Two polyps (11%) were precisely diagnosed as IFP by means of conventional forceps biopsy. Histological examinations revealed that all of the polyps proliferated within the submucosa. Therefore, this type of polyp may be subject to endoscopic removal to enable a precise diagnosis and treatment.


Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites, Risk Factors and Zoonotic Aspects in Dog and Cat Populations from Goiás, Brazil.
Gastrointestinal diseases caused by parasites are frequently diagnosed in the clinical routine of domestic animals, especially dogs and cats. In general, they trigger factors that can affect human health due to zoonoses. Therefore, this study aims to identify the main intestinal parasites obtained from the fecal samples of dogs and cats in the municipality of Jata, Brazil, and their associated risk factors. Between October 2020 and March 2022, fecal samples were collected from 359 dogs and 55 cats through spontaneous defecation and subsequently subjected to coproparasitological analyses using the Willis fluctuation and Hoffman spontaneous sedimentation techniques. The following parasitic species were identified: Ancylostoma spp., Toxocara spp., Trichuris vulpis, Dipylidium caninum; Giardia spp., Entamoeba spp., Cystoisospora spp., and Platynosomum fastosum. The risk factors associated with parasitism include age, average income of owners, access to garbage, sewage, waste, outdated deworming, and contact with animals. The results demonstrate the need to establish public policies and implement preventive and control measures to reduce the occurrence of parasites in animals and the exposure of humans to pathogenic agents.


Characterization of trace metal leachability from highway construction solid waste using the toxicity characteristic leaching procedure.
The potential risk of soil, surface and ground water contamination by trace metals leached from highway construction solid wastes is a major environmental concern. The objectives of this study were to evaluate trace metal leachability, toxicity of the leachate to aquatic organism and environmental impacts of highway construction solid waste (HCSW). Potential leachability, defined as the maximum metal pool that may become available for leaching at a constant pH 4 decreased in the following order: Zn > Ni > As > Pb > Cu. Potential metal leachability was controlled mainly by solid phase distribution of metals in wastes. The kinetics of metal release were determined using the cascade leaching test (CLT) with water at pH 4. With the exception of zinc in the first fraction, metal concentrations in all consecutive leaching fractions remained below the maximum permissible level in water for human consumption. The result of toxicity test showed that the leachates were in concentrations that did not exceed toxic concentrations for aquatic toxicity tests. The results indicate low risk of surface and ground water contamination resulting from highway construction solid wastes.


Lateralized Subthalamic Stimulation for Axial Dysfunction in Parkinson's Disease: A Randomized Trial.
Patients with Parkinson's disease might develop treatment-resistant axial dysfunction after bilateral subthalamic stimulation. To study whether lateralized stimulation (unilateral 50% amplitude reduction) for ≥21 days results in ≥0.13 m/s faster gait velocity in the dopaminergic ON state in these patients, and its effects on motor and axial function, quantitative gait and speech measures, quality of life, and selected cognitive tasks. Randomized, double-blinded, double-crossover trial. In 22 participants (51-79 years old, 15 women), there were no significant changes in gait velocity, quality of life, cognitive, and speech measures. Reducing left-sided amplitude resulted in a 2.5-point improvement in axial motor Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) (P = 0.005, uncorrected) and a 1.9-point improvement in the Freezing of Gait Questionnaire (P = 0.024, uncorrected). Lateralized subthalamic stimulation does not result in meaningful improvement in gait velocity in patients with Parkinson's disease who develop treatment-resistant axial dysfunction after bilateral subthalamic stimulation. Left subthalamic overstimulation may contribute to axial deterioration in these patients. © 2022 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.


Myelomeningocele repair at pediatric hospitals: association with routine discharge and shorter hospital stay.
Postnatal repair for myelomeningocele (MMC) is a time-sensitive and technically challenging procedure. More experienced hospitals may provide improved outcomes for the complexity of care associated with these patients. No prior study has investigated the impact of MMC treatment at pediatric hospitals. The authors sought to examine the effect of pediatric hospital designation on patients undergoing postnatal MMC repair to identify factors associated with maximizing improved patient outcomes. The Nationwide Readmissions Database records from 2010 to 2018 were analyzed retrospectively to determine the effect of hospital designation on patient outcomes after postnatal MMC repair. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses of patient and hospital characteristics were conducted to evaluate if MMC repair at a designated pediatric hospital was independently associated with patient outcomes of perinatal infection rates, discharge disposition, and length of stay. Of the total of 6353 pediatric patients who underwent postnatal MMC repair between 2010 and 2018, 2224 (35.0%) received care at a pediatric hospital. Those with an extreme level of disease burden as defined by the all patient refined diagnosis-related group severity of illness index were more likely to be treated at a pediatric hospital (p = 0.03). Patients undergoing repair at a pediatric hospital were also associated with a decreased likelihood of perinatal infection (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.35-0.83, p = 0.005); greater likelihood of routine disposition (OR 4.85, 95% CI 2.34-10.06, p < 0.0001); and shorter length of stay (incidence rate ratio 0.88, 95% CI 0.77-0.995, p = 0.04). Pediatric patients requiring intervention for postnatal repair of MMC may benefit from the multidisciplinary subspeciality care offered at pediatric hospitals. The authors found that postnatal repair of MMC at pediatric hospitals was associated with a greater likelihood of improved patient outcomes.


Bile acid metabolism in cirrhotic liver tissue--altered synthesis and impaired hepatic secretion.
Bile acid analysis of mild and severe cirrhotic liver showed that with the advancement of cirrhosis the concentration of chenodeoxycholic acid in liver tissue becomes higher, resulting in the lower ratio of cholic to chenodeoxycholic acid probably due to the progressive alteration of cholic and chenodeoxycholic acid synthesis with the advancement of liver cirrhosis. Bile acid analysis of paired liver and bile of severe cirrhosis showed that the ratio of cholic to chenodeoxycholic acid in liver was lower than that in bile or even with that in bile. This can be explained by postulating the impaired hepatic secretion of bile acids, especially chenodeoxycholic acid. The impaired secretion together with the relatively well preserved chenodeoxycholic acid synthesis results in the accumulation of chenodeoxycholic acid in liver tissue with cirrhosis.


Comparative effects of atorvastatin 80 mg and rosuvastatin 40 mg on the levels of serum endocan, chemerin, and galectin-3 in patients with acute myocardial infarction.
Endocan, chemerin, and galectin-3 are discrete biomarkers associated with cardiovascular diseases and acting through different pathophysiological pathways. The aim of this study is to investigate and compare the effects of high doses of atorvastatin and rosuvastatin on serum endocan, chemerin, and galectin-3 levels in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Sixty-three patients with AMI were randomized to receive atorvastatin (80 mg/day) or rosuvastatin (40 mg/day) after percutaneous revascularization. Serum levels of endocan, chemerin, and galectin-3 were evaluated at baseline and after 4-week therapy. Endocan levels were not decreased statistically significantly with atorvastatin 80 mg, but rosuvastatin 40 mg markedly decreased the levels of endocan according to baseline [from 110.27 (86.03-143.69) pg/mL to 99.22 (78.30-122.87) pg/mL with atorvastatin 80 mg and from 110.73 (77.28-165.22) pg/mL to 93.40 (70.48-115.13) pg/mL with rosuvastatin 40 mg, p=0.242 for atorvastatin 80 mg and p=0.014 for rosuvastatin 40 mg]. Chemerin levels significantly decreased in both groups according to baseline [from 264.90 (196.00-525.95) ng/mL to 135.00 (105.95-225.65) ng/mL with atorvastatin 80 mg and from 309.95 (168.87-701.27) ng/mL to 121.25 (86.60-212.65) ng/mL with rosuvastatin 40 mg, p<0.001, respectively, for both groups]. Galectin-3 levels did not change markedly with atorvastatin 80 mg, but they decreased with rosuvastatin 40 mg [from 17.00 (13.10-22.25) ng/mL to 19.30 (15.25-23.45) ng/mL with atorvastatin 80 mg, p=0.721, and from 18.25 (12.82-23.82) ng/mL to 16.60 (10.60-20.15) ng/mL with rosuvastatin 40 mg, p=0.074]. There were no significant between-group differences in terms of absolute and percentage changes of endocan, chemerin, and galectin-3 at 4 weeks. We reported that both statins similarly decreased the endocan levels, whereas rosuvastatin seems to have more prominent effects on the reduction of the chemerin and galectin-3 levels in patients with AMI.


Long-term efficacy of antireflux mucosectomy in patients with refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Minimally invasive treatments have been applied for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), but the long-term results are controversial. Antireflux mucosectomy (ARMS) is a simple endoscopic procedure that does not require the insertion of a foreign body. We provide the first report on the long-term results of ARMS. This was a single-center, single-arm trial, prospective study of 88 patients with proton pump inhibitor (PPI)-refractory GERD who underwent ARMS between June 2012 and June 2017. Primary outcomes were the rates of long-term effectiveness and PPI discontinuation. Secondary outcomes were to compare patients' preoperative background characteristics, questionnaire, and multichannel intraluminal impedance and pH monitoring data to examine the predictive factors of ARMS. The clinical course was reviewed, including the need for additional treatment after ARMS. Antireflux mucosectomy produced a long-term effect in 68.3% of the patients, and PPI could be discontinued in 42% of patients. There were significant differences in age, intensity of preoperative symptoms, and acid-related indicators. Forty-five percent (27/60) had reflux hypersensitivity and ARMS provided long-term effectiveness in 81% of these patients. There was no significant difference in subjective symptom assessment between those with short-term and long-term efficacy. Additional treatment was administered in 23% (14/60) and scheduled at 1-2 years' follow-up. Antireflux mucosectomy showed long-term efficacy, and many of the cases with short-term effects were able to maintain them. In addition, ARMS is also effective in patients with reflux hypersensitivity, and provides a treatment option that bridges the gap between surgical and medical treatment.


A DNA resequencing array for genes involved in Parkinson's disease.
Parkinson's disease (PD) is aetiologically complex with both familial and sporadic forms. Familial PD results from rare, highly penetrant pathogenic mutations whereas multiple variants of low penetrance may contribute to the risk of sporadic PD. Common variants implicated in PD risk appear to explain only a minor proportion of the familial clustering observed in sporadic PD. It is therefore plausible that combinations of rare and/or common variants in genes already implicated in disease pathogenesis may help to explain the genetic basis of PD. We have developed a CustomSeq Affymetrix resequencing array to enable high-throughput sequencing of 13 genes (44 kb) implicated in the pathogenesis of PD. Using the array we sequenced 269 individuals, including 186 PD patients and 75 controls, achieving an overall call rate of 96.5% and 93.6%, for two respective versions of the array, and >99.9% accuracy for five samples sequenced by capillary sequencing in parallel. We identified modest associations with common variants in SNCA and LRRK2 and a trend suggestive of an overrepresentation of rare variants in cases compared to controls for several genes. We propose that this technology offers a robust and cost-effective alternative to targeted sequencing using traditional sequencing methods, and here we demonstrate the potential of this approach for either routine clinical investigation or for research studies aimed at understanding the genetic aetiology of PD.


Progesterone and its metabolites increase myelin basic protein expression in organotypic slice cultures of rat cerebellum.
We have previously shown that progesterone (PROG) is synthesized by Schwann cells and promotes myelin formation in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). We now report that this neurosteroid also stimulates myelination in organotypic slice cultures of 7-day-old (P7) rat and mouse cerebellum. Myelination was evaluated by immunofluorescence analysis of the myelin basic protein (MBP). After 7 days in culture (7DIV), we found that adding PROG (2(-5) x 10(-5) M) to the culture medium caused a fourfold increase in MBP expression when compared to control slices. The effect of PROG on MBP expression involves the classical intracellular PROG receptor (PR): the selective PR agonist R5020 significantly increased MBP expression and the PR antagonist mifepristone (RU486) completely abolished the effect of PROG on this MBP expression. Moreover, treatment of P7-cerebellar slice cultures from PR knockout (PRKO) mice with PROG had no significant effect on MBP expression. PROG was metabolized in the cerebellar slices to 5alpha-dihydroprogesterone (5alpha-DHP) and to the GABAA receptor-active metabolite 3alpha,5alpha-tetrahydroprogesterone (3alpha,5alpha-THP, allopregnanolone). The 5alpha-reductase inhibitor L685-273 partially inhibited the effect of PROG, and 3alpha,5alpha-THP (2(-5) x 10(-5) M) significantly stimulated the MBP expression, although to a lesser extent than PROG. The increase in MBP expression by 3alpha,5alpha-THP involved GABAA receptors, as it could be inhibited by the selective GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline. These findings suggest that progestins stimulate MBP expression and consequently suggest an increase in CNS myelination via two signalling systems, the intracellular PR and membrane GABAA receptors, and they confirm a new role of GABAA receptors in myelination.


Effect of tunicamycin on 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase in C-6 glial cells.
The effects of tunicamycin on 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase activity and cholesterol biosynthesis have been studied in cultured C-6 glial cells. Depending on culture conditions, exposure to tunicamycin caused either a marked inhibition of induction of HMG-CoA reductase activity or, under steady state conditions, a marked reduction in enzymatic activity. Incorporation of [14 C]acetate into sterols was affected similarly. After a 24-h exposure, a 50% reduction in reductase activity was observed with a concentration of 0.05 micrograms/ml, and a maximal, 65-70% reduction occurred with 0.10 micrograms/ml of the drug. The effect of tunicamycin on reductase activity and on sterol synthesis was apparent 4 h after addition of the drug and nearly maximal after 6 h. The relative specificity of the effect of tunicamycin was indicated by the finding of no change in the activities of NADPH-cytochrome c reductase, acetyl-CoA carboxylase, or fatty acid synthetase, in incorporation of [3H]leucine into total protein, or in the rate of increase in cellular protein and phospholipid at concentrations of tunicamycin that caused the marked effect on HMG-CoA reductase. The reversibility of the effect of tunicamycin was shown by observing total recovery of reductase activity within 24 h after removal of the drug following a 24-h exposure. That the effect of tunicamycin on reductase is related to the drug's effect on glycoprotein synthesis was shown in two ways. First, the range of concentrations over which tunicamycin led to the decrease in reductase activity was essentially identical with the range over which the drug led to a decrease in incorporation of [3H]mannose into protein. Second, incubation of C-6 cells with N-acetylglucosamine simultaneously with tunicamycin was accompanied by prevention of the drug's effect on both HMG-CoA reductase and glycoprotein synthesis. These data suggest that glycoprotein synthesis is necessary for the expression of HMG-CoA reductase activity and, thereby, cholesterol synthesis in glial cells. Moreover, a link between glycoprotein and cholesterol biosynthesis could play a role in the mediation of certain maturational events in cells of neural origin.


Is premature ejaculation an impulse control disorder?
Premature ejaculation (PE) is defined as persistent or recurrent ejaculation with minimal sexual stimulation that occurs before the participant wishes to ejaculate and is associated with marked distress or interpersonal difficulty. Impulse control disorders (ICDs) are grouped as a heterogeneous cluster of disorders linked by a "failure to resist" impulses to engage in harmful, disturbing or distressing behaviours. I hypothesise that premature ejaculation is an impulse control disorder. ICDs share features with PE aspects of impaired control, rapid responses to stimuli and hypersensitivity. These disorders often occur with subjective and social distress for patients. In addition to these features, the neurotransmitter systems have been similarly implicated in ICDs and PE. The same treatment options further support a relationship between ICDs and PE. The behaviours likely exist on a spectrum.


Retracted: Effects of Chinese Herbal Formula on Immune Function and Nutritional Status of Breast Cancer Patients.
[This retracts the article DOI: 10.1155/2022/5900024.].


[Pars plana vitrectomy in retinopathy of prematurity].
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a proliferative retinopathy which affects pre-term infants. ROP occurs primarily at the advancing edge of vascularization and consists of arrested spread of vessels, proliferation of endothelial cells, formation of arteriovenous shunt and in some cases, neovascularization. To date only the surgical approach for advanced ROP is acceptable, other ways are still in experimental stages of development. Because of the early development of fibrovascular proliferative tissue, vitreous surgery before the fovea is pulled anteriorly, may lead to successful results. Data from literature and own experiences lead the authors to use retinal re-attachment procedures to restore normal anatomic relation between the retina and choroid in affected eyes. 6 cases demonstrated that retinal detachments caused by fibrous proliferations that pull the retina upward to a fibrotic membrane on the posterior lens capsule can be treated successfully. Stages ROP when the retinal detachment threatening fovea are recommended for successful surgical repair of retinal detachment in ROP only.


The Role of N and S Doping on Photoluminescent Characteristics of Carbon Dots from Palm Bunches for Fluorimetric Sensing of Fe3+ Ion.
This work aims to enhance the value of palm empty fruit bunches (EFBs), an abundant residue from the palm oil industry, as a precursor for the synthesis of luminescent carbon dots (CDs). The mechanism of fIuorimetric sensing using carbon dots for either enhancing or quenching photoluminescence properties when binding with analytes is useful for the detection of ultra-low amounts of analytes. This study revealed that EFB-derived CDs via hydrothermal synthesis exceptionally exhibited luminescence properties. In addition, surface modification for specific binding to a target molecule substantially augmented their PL characteristics. Among the different nitrogen and sulfur (N and S) doping agents used, including urea (U), sulfate (S), p-phenylenediamine (P), and sodium thiosulfate (TS), the results showed that PTS-CDs from the co-doping of p-phenylenediamine and sodium thiosulfate exhibited the highest PL properties. From this study on the fluorimetric sensing of several metal ions, PTS-CDs could effectively detect Fe3+ with the highest selectivity by fluorescence quenching to 79.1% at a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.1 µmol L-1. The PL quenching of PTS-CDs was linearly correlated with the wide range of Fe3+ concentration, ranging from 5 to 400 µmol L-1 (R2 = 0.9933).


Recurrence benefit from supramarginal resection in brain metastases of lung adenocarcinoma.
There is growing evidence that brain metastases (BM) have no well-defined boundaries and that conventional microsurgical circumferential dissection of BM is often inadequate to prevent local tumor recurrence. Previous studies have suggested that supramarginal resection can significantly improve local tumor control. We retrospectively analyzed the local tumor control in a series of patients with BM from lung adenocarcinoma. We retrospectively analyzed 48 patients with BM for lung adenocarcinoma in Shenzhen Second People's Hospital from May 2015 to May 2020. 26 resected lesions were located in eloquent areas and underwent standard gross total resection (GTR group); 22 resected lesions were located in ineloquent areas, after standard gross total resection, the periphery was expanded and resected by 5 mm (MTR group). The postoperative tumor recurrence was compared between the two groups. During the follow-up period, the local recurrence rates in the GTR group and the MTR group were 61.5% and 27.3% (p = 0.022), respectively. Within 6 months after surgery, the local recurrence rates in the GTR group and the MTR group were 42.3% and 13.6% (p = 0.029), respectively. Within 12 months after surgery, the local recurrence rates in the GTR group and the MTR group were 57.7% and 22.7% (p = 0.014), respectively. The median progression-free survival time after surgery was 7.0 months (95% CI 4.0-10.0 months) in the GTR group and 14.0 months (95% CI 11.4-16.6 months) in the MTR group (Log-Rank p = 0.008). Compared with the MTR group, the HR of local recurrence in the GTR group was 3.74 (95% CI 1.38-10.39, p = 0.010). Cox multivariable analysis showed no other factors associated with local recurrence except for the surgical method (p = 0.012). On the basis of conventional surgical total resection, expanded peripheral resection of 5 mm around the brain metastases of lung adenocarcinoma can significantly reduce the local recurrence rate and prolongs the progression-free survival time.


The impact of fibromyalgia symptoms on brain morphometry.
Fibromyalgia (FMS) is a complex clinical syndrome that includes many symptoms beyond chronic pain. The studies that have addressed brain morphometry in FMS have had very heterogeneous results. Thus, the question of which specific FMS symptoms and clinical features-pain, but also psychological distress, sleep-related problems, health status, and medication intake-impact on brain morphometry remains open. Here, we wanted to determine if brain changes in FMS are "symptom-related" more than "diagnostic-related". We performed an observational study of 46 premenopausal women (23 FMS patients and 23 age-matched healthy participants). Magnetic resonance images were analyzed using voxel-based morphometry and subcortical segmentation. We used multiple regression models to assess the associations between total and local brain volumes and FMS clinical characteristics. Furthermore, we calculated associations between subcortical structures' shapes and volumes and FMS clinical characteristics. Larger psychological distress, anxiety, and sleepiness, and higher analgesic consumption accounted for 38 % of FMS patients' smaller total gray matter volume (GMV). For both groups, local decrements of GMV in the medial orbitofrontal cortex were associated to larger psychological distress. Local increases of GMV were positively related to pain scores (superior frontal gyrus), psychological distress (cerebellum), anxiety (medial orbitofrontal cortex), and sleepiness (frontal superior medial cortex). FMS clinical characteristics were also associated to deformations in subcortical structures and volumes changes. This study reveals that total and local GMV changes in FMS go beyond the traditional "pain matrix" alterations. We demonstrated that brain morphology is altered by pain, but also by clinical characteristics that define the FMS experience.


Food restriction markedly increases dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) in a rat model of obesity as assessed with in-vivo muPET imaging ([11C] raclopride) and in-vitro ([3H] spiperone) autoradiography.
Dopamine (DA) regulates food intake by modulating food reward and motivation but its involvement in obesity is much less understood. Recent evidence points to the involvement of leptin in the DA-related modulation of food intake. Here we assess DA D2 receptors (D2R) in a genetic rodent obesity model characterized by leptin-receptor deficiency and assess the influence of food restriction on these receptors. We compared D2R levels between Zucker Obese (fa/fa) and Lean (Fa/Fa) rats at 1 and 4 months of age and in two different feeding conditions (restricted and unrestricted food access) using in-vivo muPET imaging ([11C] raclopride, which is a method sensitive to competition with endogenous DA) and in-vitro ([3H] spiperone washed to ensure no competition with endogenous DA) autoradiography (ARG). Both ARG and muPET showed that D2R were higher at 1 month than at 4 months of age and that food restricted animals had higher D2R than unrestricted animals. However there were significant differences in the results obtained at 4 months between ARG and muPET. ARG showed that at 1 month and at 4 months unrestricted lean rats (Le U) had significantly higher D2R binding than obese unrestricted rats (Ob U) but showed no differences between restricted obese (Ob R) and restricted lean rats (Le R). It also showed that D2R decline between 1 and 4 months of age was significantly attenuated in food restricted rats [both obese and lean]. In contrast, muPET showed that at 4 months of age, Ob U showed greater D2R availability than Le U rats but like ARG showed no differences between Ob R and Le R rats. The lower D2R binding in Ob U than Le U rats observed with ARG most likely reflects decreases in striatal D2 receptors levels whereas the increased availability observed with muPET is likely to reflect reduced DA release (resulting in decreased competition with endogenous DA). Lack of a significant difference between Ob R and Le R suggests that the differences in dopamine activity and D2R levels between Ob and Le Zucker rats are modulated by access to food. The ARG finding of an attenuation of the age-related loss of D2R binding corroborates previous studies of the salutary effects of food restriction in the aging process. Because [11C] raclopride is sensitive to competition with endogenous DA, the higher D2R binding in obese rats with raclopride despite the lower D2R levels shown with spiperone could reflect lower extracellular DA in the Ob rats and merits further investigation.


New insights on folliculogenesis and follicular placentation in marine viviparous fish black rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii).
In viviparous fish, a considerable degree of variation in placental structures have been described. However, no distinct structures are reported in Scorpaenidae. In this study, we demonstrate a new type of folliculogenesis and follicular placentation in Sebastes schlegelii. Before copulation, the germinal epithelium gradually surrounds the oocytes and develops into individually follicles with a stalk-like structure hanging on the ovigerous lamella, which ensures each follicle have access to spermatozoa after copulation. From V to early gestation stage, the cyp17-I highly expressesaccompanied by cyp19a1a signals disappearance, and 11-ketotestosterone level keeps rising and peaks at blastula stage, while 17β-estradiol declines to the bottom. Meanwhile, the theca cells rapidly proliferate and invade outwards forming a highly hypertrophied and folded microvillous placenta. This unbalance of hormone might be an important factor driving the theca cells proliferation and invasion. Additionally, some conserved genes related to mammalian placentation are significantly high expression in follicular placenta suggesting the high convergence in vertebrate placenta evolution.


Metal oxide nanoparticles embedded in porous carbon for sulfur absorption under hydrothermal conditions.
MOx (M = Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe, Ce) nanoparticles (NPs) embedded in porous C with uniform diameter and dispersion were synthesized, with potential application as S-absorbents to protect catalysts from S-poisoning in catalytic hydrothermal gasification (cHTG) of biomass. S-absorption performance of MOx/C was evaluated by reacting the materials with diethyl disulfide at HTG conditions (450 °C, 30 MPa, 15 min). Their S-absorption capacity followed the order CuOx/C > CeOx/C ≈ ZnO/C > MnOx/C > FeOx/C. S was absorbed in the first four through the formation of Cu1.8S, Ce2S3, ZnS, and MnS, respectively, with a capacity of 0.17, 0.12, 0.11, and 0.09 molS molM-1. The structure of MOx/C (M = Zn, Cu, Mn) evolved significantly during S-absorption reaction, with the formation of larger agglomerates and separation of MOx particles from porous C. The formation of ZnS NPs and their aggregation in place of hexagonal ZnO crystals indicate a dissolution/precipitation mechanism. Note that aggregated ZnS NPs barely sinter under these conditions. Cu(0) showed a preferential sulfidation over Cu2O, the sulfidation of the latter seemingly following the same mechanism as for ZnO. In contrast, FeOx/C and CeOx/C showed remarkable structural stability with their NPs well-dispersed within the C matrix after reaction. MOx dissolution in water (from liquid to supercritical state) was modeled and a correlation between solubility and particle growth was found, comforting the hypothesis of the importance of an Ostwald ripening mechanism. CeOx/C with high structural stability and promising S-absorption capacity was suggested as a promising bulk absorbent for sulfides in cHTG of biomass.


Comparison of Low-Dose Direct Oral Anticoagulants for Patients <80 Versus ≥80 Years of Age With Atrial Fibrillation.
Evidence on the efficacy and safety of low-dose direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) in older patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation is still scarce. We conducted a single-center prospective registry of patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation treated with DOACs: the DIRECT registry (n = 2,216; follow-up, 407 ± 388 days, UMIN000033283). The whole population was divided into 2 groups: the older group (age ≥80 years, n = 548) versus the younger group (age <80 years, n = 1,668). Primary safety and efficacy end points were major bleeding according to the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis criteria, and stroke or systemic embolism (SSE), respectively. Effects of known risk factors and low-dose DOAC on major bleeding and SSE were assessed using a multivariable Cox proportional hazards model. In the older group, low-dose DOAC was associated with lower bleeding events (hazard ratio 0.279, 95% confidence interval 0.087 to 0.892, p = 0.031) but was not associated with increased SSE (p = 0.894). In the younger group, low-dose DOAC was neither associated with risk of major bleeding nor SSE (both p >0.05). In conclusion, in older patients, low-dose DOAC was associated with reduced risk of major bleeding without compromising its efficacy.


A naturally occurring p73 mutation in a p73-p53 double-mutant lung cancer cell line encodes p73 alpha protein with a dominant-negative function.
p73, a close homolog of p53 tumor suppressor, induces growth arrest and apoptosis. However, its role in cancers is controversial because of the rarity of p73 mutations, lack of tumors in p73-knockout mice, and the presence of multiple isotypes, among which Delta N isotypes inhibit the function of TA isotypes. We analyzed three naturally occurring p73 mutants found in lung cancer cell lines, NCI-H1155, DMS 92 and A427. NCI-H1155 is a cell line that has a p73 mutation [p73(G264W)] in the DNA-binding domain, as well as a p53 mutation [p53(R273H)], which is frequently found in human cancers and has a "gain-of-function" characteristic. p73 alpha(G264W) not only lacks transactivation activity itself, but also suppressed the transactivation activity of the wild-type p73 alpha in a dose-dependent manner, indicating that p73 alpha(G264W) is a dominant-negative mutant. p73 alpha(G264W) failed to suppress colony formation. We tested two other mutations, p73(Del418) in DMS 92 and p73(Del603) in A427. Both mutants retained similar levels of transactivation activity and suppression of colony formation to those of wild-type p73. The biological significance of these two mutations is unclear. In NCI-H1155 cells the coexistence of mutations that abrogate the normal functions of p73 and p53 may indicate that each mutation confers an additive growth advantage upon the cells.


Discordance in couples' reporting of courtship stages: Implications for measurement and marital quality.
The symbolism of rituals creates a shared understanding of events among group members. In the context of romantic relationships, a shared understanding of relationship status transitions may be associated with greater commitment and higher quality relationships. We argue that couples with differing retrospective accounts of their premarital courtship may not have had clear discussions or rituals marking relationship turning points. We test the association between discordance in couples' reports of premarital courtship stages and marital quality using data from married couples in a national online survey (n=1504). We find that couple discordance is common, particularly among former premarital cohabitors and for the less institutionalized relationship stages of dating and stayovers, and is associated with lower marital quality. Implications for relationship measurement and the meaning of couple discordance are discussed.


[The effect of plasmin-modified proteinase inhibitors on macroglobulin production by human blood mononuclear cells in culture].
A study was made of the influence of plasmin (PL) complexes with alpha 2-macroglobulin (MG) and alpha 2-antiplasmin on secretion of MG, pregnancy-associated alpha 2-glycoprotein (PAG), and pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) by mononuclear cells (MC), obtained from human peripheral blood. It has been shown that incubation of the MG-PL complexes with MC resulted in the increase in concentrations of all these macroglobulins (MG, PAG, and PAPP-A) in supernatants of cultured MC. We revealed the same effects of AP-PL with regard to the secretion of PZP and PAPP-A. However, this complex was found to suppress MG production by cultured MC. The effects found were dose dependent and some of them differed greatly in men and women, resp.


[Changes in neuronal excitability elicited by subthreshold depolarization as a possible mechanism of interval-selective interrelations in the central nervous system].
The cellular process that may be considered as a mechanism of interval-selective functional interrelations between neurons in the mammalian brain identified in the previous studies has been studied in neurons of mollusc Lymnaea stagnalis. This process consists of regular excitability changes resulting in high probability (0.6-1) of the impulse reaction elicited by the subthreshold depolarization current shock applied in time intervals (specific, individual for each neuron) after identical subthreshold conditioned stimulus. It is shown that a cycle of the excitability changes after subthreshold depolarization is not a result of the time summation of electrotonic, local or postsynaptic potentials of a neuron, but may be represented by the endogenous (cytoplasmatic) process insensitive to the mediator application and reversibly changed when one of the modulator peptide (bombesin) is applied.


Screw-Related Complications May Occur at a Greater Rate After Arthroscopic Versus Open Latarjet Procedure: A Systematic Review.
To determine the rate of complications attributable to the use of screw fixation during the Latarjet procedure and to delineate screw-related complications for open and arthroscopic Latarjet surgery. A systematic review of the literature was performed by querying MEDLINE and EMBASE computerized databases for relevant articles that reported clinical outcomes associated with the Latarjet procedure. Clinical studies of open and/or arthroscopic Latarjet surgery that employed screw fixation of the coracoid were included in our analysis. From 692 articles identified initially, 32 studies met eligibility criteria. The study cohort comprised 2,758 shoulders, with a mean age of patients ranged from 17 to 62 years, and the mean duration of follow-up ranged from 0.3 to 25.6 years. Twenty-two studies reported outcomes of an open Latarjet technique whereas 10 studies reported on an arthroscopic Latarjet technique. Across all studies, the overall complication rate ranged from 1.4% to 36%. The rate of screw-related complications ranged from 0% to16%, and the rate of screw removal ranged from 0% to 18%. Among the subset of studies that reported specific indications for screw removal, the most common indications were pain and screw loosening. Reported rates of screw-removal among arthroscopic Latarjet procedures range from 0% to 18% and among open procedures range from 0% to 7.3%. (1) Up to one-third of the overall surgical complications associated with the Latarjet procedure may be related to the use of screw fixation, (2) arthroscopic Latarjet procedure did not decrease the rate of screw related complications. The reported rate of screw-removal may be higher after the arthroscopic Latarjet procedures (up to 18%) than after open procedures (up to 7,3%), and is mainly indicated for persistent shoulder pain and/or screw loosening. Level IV, systematic review of Level III-IV studies.


Elevated serum neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio is associated with worse long-term survival in patients with HBV-related intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma undergoing resection.
This study aimed to examine the influence of serum inflammatory marker levels on long-term outcomes after liver resection in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). Data from 1189 consecutive ICC patients who underwent liver resection were reviewed. The serum neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) were measured before surgery. Overall survival (OS) and tumour recurrence were analysed using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using the log-rank test. Independent risk factors for OS and tumour recurrence were analysed using the Cox hazard regression model. We identified elevated serum NLR (≥ 2.15) as an independent risk factor for both OS and tumour recurrence (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.327, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.105-1.593; HR: 1.274, 95% CI: 1.074-1.510) among the three inflammatory markers assessed. Elevated NLR was associated with higher carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels, larger tumour size, multiple tumours, lymph node metastasis, vascular invasion, and more advanced tumour node metastasis (TNM) stage (III/IV). Subgroup analysis showed that elevated NLR was an independent risk factor for OS and tumour recurrence in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection compared with patients without HBV infection (HR: 1.347, 95% CI: 1.073-1.690; HR: 1.386, 95% CI: 1.112-1.726). Elevated serum NLR was associated with worse prognosis among ICC patients who underwent liver resection, especially in patients with HBV infection.


Determination of serum diltiazem concentrations in a pharmacokinetic study using gas chromatography with electron capture detection.
An open cross-over randomized clinical trial was performed in nine healthy humans to determine steady-state pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of three oral diltiazem preparations, tablets containing 60 and 90 mg of diltiazem hydrochloride, administered in total daily doses of 180 mg. Serum drug levels were determined by gas chromatography with electron capture detection following a simple extraction procedure. Blood samples were collected before and at several post-dosing intervals after administration of the last dose in steady state, and pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated. The steady-state diltiazem concentrations in sera were determined 48 h after the first dose, and were (mean +/- SD): 46.4 +/- 28.1, 60.8 +/- 36.3 and 36.8 +/- 22.6 micrograms l-1 for Pliva 60, Pliva 90, and Aldizem 90 diltiazem preparations, respectively. The corresponding elimination half-lives were 5.6 +/- 2.0, 5.2 +/- 1.8 and 6.9 +/- 3.2 h; peak concentrations were 88.4 +/- 29.5, 153.5 +/- 86.5 and 139.2 +/- 72.5 micrograms l-1, and areas under the concentration curves (AUC 12 h) were 477.4 +/- 172.5, 989.2 +/- 536.3 and 817.9 +/- 494.5 micrograms h-1, respectively.


Pathology of otosclerosis: a review.
Otosclerosis is a bone disorder of unknown etiology confined to the otic capsule. Failure of remodeling of newly formed vascular, woven bone (otospongiosis) results in sclerotic bone (otosclerosis) with abnormal osteons. Involvement of the oval window causes conductive hearing loss. Electron microscopic, histochemical, and biochemical studies identify normal cellular and matrix components of otosclerotic bone without providing clues to the abnormal bone formation and resorption. Plastic-embedded, nondecalcified histologic sections with in vivo tetracycline labels permit the study of mineralization rates to separate this disorder from other bone dyscrasias that have similar histopathologic appearances. Characterization of the cells, matrix, and their mediators can yield an understanding of abnormalities that disorder bone.


Thiol proteases released in vitro by Fasciola hepatica.
Immature Fasciola hepatica release 11 distinct proteases when cultured in vitro for 16 h as revealed by gelatin-substrate sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Six of these proteases are active in the pH range 4.5 to 8.0. Five are acid proteases, being most active in the pH range 3.0 to 4.5. The majority of proteases released in vitro by immature flukes are also released by mature flukes; however, a 40-kDa protease released by immature flukes is a very minor protease released by mature flukes. The activity of all proteases is inhibited by leupeptin, L-trans-epoxysuccinyl-leucylamido(4-guanidino)butane, phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride and iodoacetamide and enhanced or stabilized by the reducing agents cysteine and dithiothreitol. Therefore, all F. hepatica in vitro-released proteases identified by gelatin-substrate SDS-PAGE are thiol proteases.


Inhibition of adrenalin depletion in hypoglycaemic rats following permanent adrenalin application by depot capsule.
Chronic treatment of rats with adrenalin by means of a subcutaneous depot capsule (cont. 40 mg dry adrenalin/HCl, Merck, ca. 10 mg ascorbic acid and ca. 0.4 ml 0.9% NaCl, and sealed with a dialysis membrane to provide constant adrenalin output) leads after a primary hyperglycaemic phase to hypoglycaemia. At the onset of hypoglycaemia the adrenalin contents of the suprarenal glands decrease to levels of about one third of their normal state. Simultaneous glucose infusions by intraperitoneal depot capsules prevent hypoglycaemia as well as adrenalin depletion. The fact that adrenalin depletion does not always correspond with blood sugar levels below 80 mg/dl and that this depletion could be prevented by glucose infusions altogether seems to provide a strong hint that the mentioned depletion is due to hypersecretion and not to the blocking of adrenalin synthesis. If is true, then there must be no direct negative feed-back system between adrenalin secretion and its extraglandular level.


[Breast cancer--evaluation of diagnostic procedures (author's transl)].
The different diagnostic procedures used in the diagnosis of breast cancer are discussed. Clinical examination and mammography are the most important diagnostic steps. Needle biopsy with cytology is a very helpful further diagnostic procedure for the so-called triple diagnosis. The most important diagnostic procedure should be the diagnostic extirpation of the tumor with examination by frozen resection.


Anomalous Near-Surface Low-Salinity Pulses off the Central Oregon Coast.
From mid-May to August 2011, extreme runoff in the Columbia River ranged from 14,000 to over 17,000 m(3)/s, more than two standard deviations above the mean for this period. The extreme runoff was the direct result of both melting of anomalously high snowpack and rainfall associated with the 2010-2011 La Niña. The effects of this increased freshwater discharge were observed off Newport, Oregon, 180 km south of the Columbia River mouth. Salinity values as low as 22, nine standard deviations below the climatological value for this period, were registered at the mid-shelf. Using a network of ocean observing sensors and platforms, it was possible to capture the onshore advection of the Columbia River plume from the mid-shelf, 20 km offshore, to the coast and eventually into Yaquina Bay (Newport) during a sustained wind reversal event. Increased freshwater delivery can influence coastal ocean ecosystems and delivery of offshore, river-influenced water may influence estuarine biogeochemistry.


The alpha 2C Del322-325 adrenergic receptor polymorphism is not associated with heart failure due to idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy in black Africans.
A four-amino acid deletion was identified within the alpha 2C-adrenergic receptor (alpha 2C Del322-325) that, when homozygous, increases the risk of heart failure in African-Americans nearly six-fold. We hypothesised that homozygosity for the alpha 2C Del322-325 polymorphism may be a risk factor for heart failure due to idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in black South Africans. The alpha 2C Del322-325 polymorphism was genotyped in 37 patients with heart failure and 34 controls, all of black African ancestry. Genotyping was performed by a size-fractionation assay. The patients studied ranged in age from 21 to 79 years with a mean age of 50 years, and 62% were male. No significant difference was observed in homozygosity for the alpha 2C Del322-325 polymorphism or in allele and genotype frequencies between patients and controls. The frequency of the allele containing the deletion was 0.54 in cases and 0.53 in controls. The genotype frequencies in the patients were consistent with those of the controls (p = 0.56). Homozygosity for the alpha 2C Del322-325 polymorphism is not associated with an increased risk for heart failure due to idiopathic DCM in black South Africans.


A random survey of drug screening proficiency.
There is little evidence of uniformity of standards of performance as influenced by technical capability and priority of concern for drug-screening proficiency. The objective of this quality-control survey was to illustrate the degree of error associated with toxicological analyses and encourage the use of controls to decrease the possibility of reporting erroneous findings.


Brain development: neural signature predicts autism's emergence.
A new study has found that neural sensitivity to eye gaze in early infancy is associated with subsequent development of autism. This discovery provides a much-needed biomarker for autism spectrum disorder prior to emergence of behavioral symptoms.


Modifiable comorbidities impact on ventral hernia recurrence following robotic abdominal wall reconstruction using resorbable biosynthetic mesh: 36-month follow-up.
There is an ongoing debate on the role of comorbidities in hernia outcomes, particularly with minimally invasive approaches. This study evaluated the impact of modifiable comorbidities (MCMs) on 36-month hernia recurrence rates after robotic transversus abdominis release (TAR) with resorbable biosynthetic mesh underlay for primary ventral hernia repair. A review of medical records for patients who underwent the robotic TAR procedure between January 2015 and May 2022 performed by a single surgeon was conducted. Patients were separated into three groups: those with 0, 1, and 2+ MCMs, followed by a breakdown of comorbidity types and combinations of comorbidities. MCMs included obesity, diabetes, and tobacco use. The primary outcomes included hernia recurrence at 36 months and the time between surgery and recurrence. 175 patients met the inclusion criteria, with a mean hernia diameter of 12.9 ± 5.4 cm and a mean BMI of 34 ± 8 kg/m2. 9.7 % of patients experienced hernia recurrence at 36-month follow-up. No significant difference in the recurrence rate and length of time between surgery and recurrence was observed between the groups (p = .265 and p = .283, respectively). No group, single comorbidity, or a combination of comorbidities was found to have significantly increased odds of recurrence at 36 months. The presence of MCMs, either alone or in combination with another, did not significantly increase the odds of hernia recurrence at 36 months following ventral hernia repair using this approach. Future studies with larger sample sizes and multiple surgeons are needed to corroborate this data. Modifiable comorbidities have previously been shown to increase the risk of hernia recurrence after ventral hernia repair. Our study found relatively low rates of hernia recurrence and no significantly increased odds of recurrence among different comorbid groups at 36-month follow-up following robotic transversus abdominis release with resorbable biosynthetic mesh underlay.


Experimental nerve imaging at 1.5-T.
Experimental lesions of the peripheral nerve system can be visualized in vivo by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Many studies of the rat peripheral nervous systems were performed on dedicated animal MR scanners with a high magnetic field strength for good spatial resolution. Here, we present an MR protocol to study experimental lesions of the rat nervous system with clinical 1.5-T MR scanners and commercially available coils. Using a three-sequence approach (T1-weighted imaging, fat-saturated T2-weighted imaging and fat-saturated T1-weighted imaging with Gd-DTPA in the same plane), the relevant signal changes of the lesioned nerve can be visualized and separated from other structures, e.g., blood vessels. Furthermore, we give an overview on different types of contrast agents used for peripheral nerve MR imaging and MR findings in selected experimental models of rat peripheral nerve injury.


Celiac disease in patients with sporadic and inherited cardiomyopathies and in their relatives.
To investigate celiac disease (CD) and related co-morbidity in patients with familial and sporadic cardiomyopathy and in their relatives. We screened anti-human-tissue-transglutaminase (IgA and IgG anti-h-tTG) and anti-endomysial antibodies (AEAs) in 238 consecutive adult patients with inherited or sporadic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), 418 relatives, and 2000 healthy blood donors. HLADQ2-DQ8 was tested in tTG-positive subjects. The IgA-tTG-positive patients with cardiomyopathy underwent duodenal biopsy. Twenty-six subjects were tTG-positive: five DCM patients (2.1%), two of 28 (7.1%) and three of 390 (0.7%) relatives with and without echocardiographic abnormalities respectively, and 16 controls (0.8%). Twenty-two of 26 subjects were AEA-positive, and 25 HLA-positive. Of the five patients with cardiomyopathy and biopsy-proven CD, four suffered iron-deficiency anaemia. Two CD-positive DCM patients and two tTG-positive relatives were from families with inherited disease in which CD did not co-segregate with DCM. CONCLUSIONS; The higher prevalence of CD in patients with sporadic or inherited DCM, and of tTG-positive serology in relatives with echocardiographic abnormalities, suggests that immune-mediated mechanisms are active in subsets of patients/families. However, gluten intolerance cannot be considered causative since CD seems to be associated but not co-segregated with DCM in familial cases.


Evolutionary conservation of the active site of soluble inorganic pyrophosphatase.
Soluble inorganic pyrophosphatases (PPases) are essential enzymes that are important for controlling the cellular levels of inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi). Although prokaryotic and eukaryotic PPases differ substantially in amino acid sequence, recent evidence now demonstrates clearly that PPases throughout evolution show a remarkable level of conservation of both an extended active site structure, which has the character of a mini-mineral, and a catalytic mechanism. PPases require several (three or four) Mg2+ ions at the active site for activity and many of the 15-17 fully conserved active site residues are directly involved in the binding of metal ions. Each of the eight microscopic rate constants that has been evaluated for the PPases from both Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae is quite similar in magnitude for the two enzymes, supporting the notion of a conserved mechanism.


Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO): evidence for a susceptibility gene located on chromosome 18q21.3-18q22.
Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO) is characterised by recurrent inflammatory lesions in the metaphyses of long bones and usually affects children and adolescents. Similarity with an autosomal recessive mouse disorder (cmo, chronic multifocal osteomyelitis) prompted us to perform a family based association study with two markers on chromosome 18q in the region homologous to the cmo localisation of the mouse. We found a significant association of CRMO with a rare allele of marker D18S60, resulting in a haplotype relative risk (HRR) of 18. This suggests the existence of a gene in this region contributing in a significant manner to the aetiology of CRMO and concomitantly demonstrates evidence for a genetic basis of CRMO for the first time. This gene is different from RANK, which is mutated in familial expansile osteolysis (FEO), but not in CRMO. Mutation screening in RANK and the genes PIGN and KIAA1468 led to detection of two variants (one in RANK and one in PIGN), which are in linkage disequilibrium with the rare D18S60 allele, but not independently associated with CRMO.


Vitamin K in the newborn: influence of nutritional factors on acarboxy-prothrombin detectability and factor II and VII clotting activity.
The incidence of acarboxy-prothrombin and the clotting activity of factors II and VII were evaluated on the fifth day of life in 183 healthy newborns, who had received no vitamin K prophylaxis. Acarboxy-prothrombin was detected in 93/183 newborns. All acarboxy-prothrombin-negative babies had factors II and VII clotting activities above 25% whereas a great variability was observed in acarboxy-prothrombin-positive babies: 21/93 had factor II and 14/93 had factor VII activities below 25%. Seventy-two of the acarboxy-prothrombin-positive babies had normal factor II and VII clotting times on the fifth day of life. These babies must be suspected to have had vitamin K deficiency on one of the first 4 days, as acarboxy-prothrombin has a 50% disappearance rate of 50 h. Acarboxy-prothrombin was mainly observed in breast-fed infants (84/122) and only rarely detectable in infants receiving supplementary (7/44) or exclusive formula feeding (2/17). The type of milk feeding however might be less important for the babies' vitamin K supply than the actual milk intake. All acarboxy-prothrombin-positive babies had received small amounts of milk on the first 4 days of life. In those with low factor II and VII clotting activities the milk intake was low throughout the first 4 days of life, whereas babies with acarboxy-prothrombin and and normal clotting activities had increased their milk intake to more than 100 ml on the third and fourth day of life. Recommendations for vitamin K prophylaxis in newborns should be given with regard to the feeding on the first days of life.


Global COVID-19 case fatality rates influenced by inequalities in human development and vaccination rates.
COVID-19 has exerted distress on virtually every aspect of human life with disproportionate mortality burdens on older individuals and those with underlying medical conditions. Variations in COVID-19 incidence and case fatality rates (CFRs) across countries have incited a growing research interest regarding the effect of social factors on COVID-19 case-loads and fatality rates. We investigated the effect of population median age, inequalities in human development, healthcare capacity, and pandemic mitigation indicators on country-specific COVID-19 CFRs across countries and regions. Using population secondary data from multiple sources, we conducted a cross-sectional study and used regional analysis to compare regional differences in COVID-19 CFRs as influenced by the selected indicators. The analysis revealed wide variations in COVID-19 CFRs and the selected indicators across countries and regions. Mean CFR was highest for South America at 1.973% (± 0.742) and lowest for Oceania at 0.264% (± 0.107), while the Africa sub-region recorded the lowest scores for pandemic preparedness, vaccination rate, and other indicators. Population Median Age [0.073 (0.033 0.113)], Vaccination Rate [-3.3389 (-5.570.033 -1.208)], and Inequality-Adjusted Human Development Index (IHDI) [-0.014 (-0.023 -0.004)] emerged as statistically significant predictors of COVID-19 CFR, with directions indicating increasing Population Median Age, higher inequalities in human development and low vaccination rate are predictive of higher fatalities from COVID-19. Regional differences in COVID-19 CFR may be influenced by underlying differences in sociodemographic and pandemic mitigation indicators. Populations with wide social inequalities, increased population Median Age and low vaccination rates are more likely to suffer higher fatalities from COVID-19.


Attitudes of a group of Brazilian orthodontists towards the diagnosis and management of primary headache (migraine): an electronic-based survey.
The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge and attitudes of orthodontists in the diagnosis and management of migraine without aura. Participants were dentists, recruited among members of the Brazilian Association of Orthodontics and Facial Orthopedics (ABOR). An e-mail was sent to all ABOR members, with a link to a website, especially prepared for this research. Dentists were presented to a report of a fictional patient fulfilling diagnostic criteria for a primary headache disorder, known as migraine without aura. Participants were asked to describe how they would relieve the patient's pain. Professional procedures were classified as "adequate" or "inadequate" according to the answers given. 161 valid answers were received (18.8% response rate). Of them, 36% of the actions were considered to be "adequate" procedures, while 64% were "inadequate". The results yielded 12 main procedures, based on common characteristics. Eighty-two orthodontists suggested orthodontic treatment with or without orthognathic surgery, and some suggested using stabilization appliances prior to the orthodontic treatment. The majority of participants proposed inadequate therapies, and 51% suggested orthodontic correction of occlusion, including orthognathic surgery. Educational activities on migraine should also target orthodontists.


Studies on the pathogenicity of Yersinia enterocolitica. III. Comparative studies between Y. enterocolitica and Y. pseudotuberculosis.
Comparative studies on pathogenicity between Yersinia enterocolitica and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis were performed using experimental infection systems in vivo and in vitro. All of thestra ins of both species successfully produced experimental enterocolitis in rabbits although the severity varied with the strains challenged. The changes were characterized by granulomatous lesions with necrobiotic centers in reticuloendothelial tissues of the intestine, mesenteric lymph nodes, liver and spleen. These strains uniformly had the ability to penetrate HeLa cells and to survive or multiply within cultured rabbit peritoneal macrophages. In addition, in infections with strain TP-2 or PST-III of Y. pseudotuberculosis, catarrhal inflammation all over the small intestine and/or focal necrosis and parenchymatous degeneration in the liver were observed, along with the granulomatous lesions. These strains, at the same time, exhibited cytotoxic effects on the cultured cells. The pathogenic factors of Y. enterocolitica are discussed in comparison with those of Y. pseudotuberculosis.


Value of the modified semiquantitative classification in predicting outcomes in children with Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis.
The modified semiquantitative classification (SQC) is a new pathological classification for Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis (HSPN), and its prognostic value with regard to the outcomes of HSPN is unclear. We performed a retrospective review of 249 patients with biopsy-proven HSPN admitted to the Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University. In addition to the International Study of Kidney Disease in Children (ISKDC) classification, renal biopsy specimens were also reevaluated according to the SQC. During the follow-up period of 2.9 (1.0-6.9) years, 14 (5.6%) patients reached the poor outcome at the end of follow-up. The SQC activity and chronicity indexes were positively correlated with the clinical manifestations, conventional pathology grades, and 24-h urinary protein (24hUP). The difference in the areas under the curve between the total biopsy SQC scores and ISKDC classification was 0.12 (p = .001, 95% CI: 0.0485-0.192). In the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis of 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year poor outcomes and total biopsy SQC scores, a total biopsy score ≥10 was associated with a higher risk of an adverse outcome. Our study suggests that the SQC indexes are clearly correlated with the clinical and pathological findings of HSPN. The SQC is more sensitive than ISKDC classification for the prediction of the long-term outcomes of HSPN in children.


Pre-programmed microdroplet generator to control wide-ranging chemical concentrations.
Controlling the chemical concentration in droplets is an essential function in numerous applications of biology, chemistry, and engineering. However, it is difficult to perform an automated control of wide-ranging chemical concentrations accurately without any high-precision off-chip controllers. In this study, we present a preprogrammed microdroplet generator that controls the chemical concentration of droplets by more than three orders of magnitude. The device used constant water-head pressure as the sole driving force and regulated the concentration in a periodic and stepwise manner while keeping the droplet size constant. For this process, an autonomous microfluidic circuit controlled the flow rate ratio of two solutions, and an external mechanical capacitor tuned the step size of the control pressure over a wide range of 0.31-237 Pa. The utility of the device was demonstrated using a DNA-mediated homogeneous binding assay.


Patients older than 55 years regain sporting and recreational activities after arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
(1) To compare sporting and recreational activity levels before and at a minimum 6 year follow-up, and (2) to assess the clinical and functional outcomes after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in patients older than 55 years. A retrospective evaluation of prospectively collected data of 150 patients with a mean age of 64 ± 4.5 (57-74) years was evaluated 8.6 ± 1.4 (6-11) years after primary ACL reconstruction using hamstring autograft. All patients were assessed using the International Knee Documentation Committee scoring system (IKDC), Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Tegner activity level, and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. The level of recreational activities was assessed using a sport-specific questionnaire. All patients were categorized according to Isolated and Combined ACL injury groups. The data of 125 patients were analyzed at the last follow-up. While 25 patients were lost to follow-up, 117 of 125 patients were active before their injury in at least one sports discipline compared to 121 of 125 patients after ACL reconstruction. One hundred and two (82%) patients had returned to their recreational activities at the final follow-up. The mean IKDC subjective score increased from 49.5 ± 23.2 (11.5-100) to 76.2 ± 14.8 (33.3-100) (p < 0.0001). The mean KOOS sport increased significantly from 36 ± 36.2 (0-100) to 74.1 ± 25.5 (0-100) (p < 0.0001). The mean VAS score improved from 6.0 ± 2.6 (0-10) to 1.0 ± 1.4 (0-6) (p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in the median Tegner activity level (preoperative 5 (2-8) vs. follow-up 5 (2-8) (n.s). There was no significant difference in the number of sports disciplines and duration when comparing pre-injury and mid-term follow-up activity after ACL reconstruction. High-impact activities experienced a significant decline, while a significant increase in participation in low-impact activities was recorded. The majority of patients with symptomatic instability regained their pre-injury recreational activity level with excellent clinical and functional outcomes after arthroscopic ACL reconstruction. Nevertheless, a change from high-to low-impact activities has been observed. Level IV.


Lymph node chemokines promote sustained T lymphocyte motility without triggering stable integrin adhesiveness in the absence of shear forces.
Lymphocyte motility in lymph nodes is regulated by chemokines, but the contribution of integrins to this motility remains obscure. Here we examined lymphocyte migration over CCR7-binding chemokines that 'decorate' lymph node stroma. In a shear-free environment, surface-bound lymph node chemokines but not their soluble counterparts promoted robust and sustained T lymphocyte motility. The chemokine CCL21 induced compartmentalized clustering of the integrins LFA-1 and VLA-4 in motile lymphocytes, but both integrins remained nonadhesive to ligands on lymphocytes, dendritic cells and stroma. The application of shear stress to lymphocytes interacting with CCL21 and integrin ligands promoted robust integrin-mediated adhesion. Thus, lymph node chemokines that promote motility and strongly activate lymphocyte integrins under shear forces fail to stimulate stable integrin adhesiveness in extravascular shear-free environments.


Using what we know about threat reactivity models to understand mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been accompanied by unprecedented levels of stress and threats in a variety of domains (e.g., health, livelihood). Individual differences in threat reactivity may explain why some individuals are at elevated risk for the development or maintenance of psychopathology during the COVID-19 pandemic. This article describes several prominent models, mechanisms, and components of threat reactivity (e.g., appraisals, intolerance of uncertainty, avoidance) and discusses how they might help improve understanding of changes in psychopathology during and following the COVID-19 pandemic.


Linking the hemodynamic consequences of adverse childhood experiences to an altered HPA axis and acute stress response.
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), such as maltreatment and severe household dysfunction, represent a significant threat to public health as ACEs are associated with increased prevalence of several chronic diseases. Biological embedding, believed to be rooted in dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, is the prevailing theory by which chronic diseases become imprinted in individuals following childhood adversity. A shift towards HPA axis hypoactivity occurs in response to ACEs exposure and is proposed to contribute towards altered cortisol secretion, chronic low-grade inflammation, and dysregulated hemodynamic and autonomic function. This shift in HPA axis activity may be a long-term effect of glucocorticoid receptor methylation with downstream effects on hemodynamic and autonomic function. Emerging evidence suggests syncopal tendencies are increased among those with ACEs and coincides with altered neuroimmune function. Similarly, chronic low-grade inflammation may contribute towards arterial baroreceptor desensitization through increased arterial stiffness, negatively impacting autonomic regulation following posture change and increasing rates of syncope in later life, as has been previously highlighted in the literature. Although speculative, baroreceptor desensitization may be secondary to increased arterial stiffness and changes in expression of glucocorticoid receptors and arginine vasopressin, which are chronically altered by ACEs. Several research gaps and opportunities exist in this field and represent prospective areas for future investigation. Here, we synthesize current findings in the areas of acute psychosocial stress reactivity pertaining to HPA axis function, inflammation, and hemodynamic function while suggesting ideas for future research emphasizing systemic interactions and postural stress assessments among those with ACEs. This review aims to identify specific pathways which may contribute towards orthostatic intolerance in populations with history of childhood adversity.


The critical component to establish in vitro BBB model: Pericyte.
The blood-brain barrier (BBB), a highly regulated membranous barrier of brain capillaries, consists of an intricate network of tight junctions (TJs) that segregate the central nervous system (CNS) from systemic blood circulation and maintain a delicate homeostasis of the CNS environment. While endothelial cells (ECs) of brain capillaries are clearly the principal cellular element of BBB, the formation and regulation of intact BBB structure appear to require the interactions of endothelial cells with other cellular components. Astrocytes, one of the major non-neural cells in the brain, associate closely and interact with capillary endothelial cells during the angiogenesis and BBB development. Current in vitro cellular models for the study of BBB functions often incorporate astrocytes with endothelial cells. However, another foremost cell type, CNS pericyte, which intimately embraces brain capillary endothelium, attracts relatively little attention for its role in developing the in vitro BBB system. This review will analyze the critical functions of pericytes in angiogenesis in various systems and discuss the relevance of these functions in mediating the development, maintenance, and regulation of BBB. The author will also discuss the functional role of actin in both ECs and pericytes, and further elaborate the molecular mechanisms of BBB permeability regulation that involves the transduction pathway-mediated actin remodeling process. Finally, the rationale of incorporating pericytes for establishing a better in vitro BBB model will be emphasized.


In vivo mass production in the cabbage moth (Mamestra brassicae) of a heterologous (Panolis) and a homologous (Mamestra) nuclear polyhedrosis virus.
In preparation for field trials, a nuclear polyhedrosis virus (NPV) of the pine beauty moth, Panolis flammea, was mass produced in vivo in an alternative (heterologous) host, the cabbage moth, Mamestra brassicae. Simultaneously, Mamestra NPV was also produced in M. brassicae. This homologous NPV/host system was a consistently more efficient production system than the heterologous one. Evidence is presented that increased humidity may improve levels of infection and, therefore, yield achieved. Full purification of the resultant product through a sucrose gradient resulted in a loss of virus of about 30%.


Refined structure of southern bean mosaic virus at 2.9 A resolution.
The T = 3 capsid of southern bean mosaic virus is analyzed in detail. The beta-sheets of the beta-barrel folding motif that form the subunits show a high degree of twist, generated by several beta-bulges. Only 34 water molecules were identified in association with the three quasi-equivalent subunits, most of them on the external viral surface. Subunit contacts related by quasi-3-fold axes are similar, are dominated by polar interactions and have almost identical calcium binding sites. There is no metal ion on the quasi-3-fold axis, as previously reported. Subunits related by quasi-2-fold and icosahedral 2-fold axes have different contacts but nevertheless display almost identical interactions between the antiparallel helices alpha A. A dipole-dipole type interaction between these helices may produce an energetically stable hinge that allows two types of dimers in a T = 3 assembly. The temperature factor distribution, the hydrogen-bonding pattern, and the contacts across the icosahedral 2-fold axes suggest that one of the dimer types is present in the intact virion and probably also in solution; the other is produced only during capsid assembly. Interactions along the 5-fold axes are mainly polar and possibly form an ion channel. The beta-sheet structures of the three subunits can be superimposed with considerable precision. Significant relative distortions between quasi-equivalent subunits occur mainly in helices and loops. The two dimeric forms and the subunit distortions are the consequence of the non-equivalent subunit environments in the capsid.


A new parcellation of the human thalamus on the basis of histochemical staining.
Serial sections of human thalami, cut in the 3 standard planes, were stained in alternating series for Nissl substance, myelin, cytochrome oxidase and acetylcholinesterase. Nissl and acetylcholinesterase-stained sections revealed a parcellation of the nuclei that could be correlated with that used in the macaque monkey thalamus. Human nuclei were accordingly re-named using the monkey nomenclature. Apart from differences of size, the nuclei of the human and monkey thalamus are remarkably similar. In the human ventral nuclear complex there is a very clear histochemical distinction between nuclei which, on the basis of comparison with the monkey, probably form the pallidal, cerebellar and lemniscal relays to premotor, motor and somatic sensory cortex, respectively. In the human somatic sensory relay nucleus there is a further clear cytoarchitectonic distinction between components that are probably equivalent to the relays for deep and cutaneous receptors in the equivalent monkey nucleus.


[Clinico-functional evaluation of the effectiveness of trental in the treatment of duodenal ulcer].
A study was made of microcirculation in patients with peptic ulcer of the duodenum during exacerbation and after combined antiulcerous therapy including trental that improves microcirculation and rheology of the blood. The data obtained point to the presence in the majority of patients of pronounced microcirculatory disorders during exacerbation. The degree of the disorders depended on the disease standing, acuity of the painful syndrome and the size of the ulcer. The use of trental as a constituent part of therapy led to significant correction of the altered parameters of microcirculation and reduction of the time of ulcer cicatrization. Application of trental entailed a reduction in secretory function of the gastric glands according to the data of fractional exploration. It is recommended that trental may be included into combined therapy of peptic ulcer of the duodenum.


Implication of leucyl-tRNA synthetase 1 (LARS1) over-expression in growth and migration of lung cancer cells detected by siRNA targeted knock-down analysis.
Molecular mechanism of lung carcinogenesis and its aggressive nature is still largely elusive. To uncover the biomarkers related with tumorigenesis and behavior of lung cancer, we screened novel differentially expressed genes (DEG) in A549 lung cancer cell line by comparison with CCD-25Lu, normal pulmonary epithelial cell line, using annealing control primer(ACP)-based GeneFishing system. Of the DEGs, over-expression of leucyl-tRNA synthetase 1 (LARS1) was prominent and this up-regulation was confirmed by immunoblotting and real-time quantitative RT-PCR analysis. In addition to A549 cell line, primary lung cancer tissues also expressed higher level of LARS1 mRNA than their normal counter tissues. To explore the oncogenic potential of LARS1 over-expression in lung cancer, we knocked-down LARS1 by treating siRNA and observed the tumor behavior. LARS1 knock-down cells showed reduced ability to migrate through transwell membrane and to form colonies in both soft agar and culture plate. Taken together, these findings suggest that LARS1 may play roles in migration and growth of lung cancer cells, which suggest its potential implication in lung tumorigenesis.


A novel capsular polysaccharide from Rhizobium rubi strain DSM 30149.
Rhizobium rubi, strain DSM 30149, is a Gram negative phytopathogenic bacterium which produces a linear polysaccharide with the following repeating unit: This new structure was determined by spectroscopical and chemical methods. It presents similar lipophilic features reported for another strain of R. rubi. These contrast with features already known for capsular polysaccharide species from symbiontic members of the Rhizobiaceae family, namely highly anionic polymers.


Transferring images via the wireless messaging network using camera phones shortens the time required to diagnose acute coronary syndrome.
Clear images can be sent via e-mail using camera phones. We examined whether camera phones are useful to transmit electrocardiogram (ECG) images. ECG images were taken of 20 patients suspected to have acute coronary syndrome. Ten images were sent to a cardiologist by fax. The other 10 images were transmitted using a camera phone. The total time elapsed between image transmission to diagnosis by cardiologists was shorter in the camera phone group than in the fax group. ECG image transmission by camera phone can be efficiently used in the diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome.


[Bone remodelling after condylar fractures in children].
The results of functional treatment of condylar fractures in children are reported. Ten patients were subjected to a radiographic study. Long-term follow-up shows a very good osseus remodelling of fractured condyles.


Is characterizing the digital forensic facial reconstruction with hair necessary? A familiar assessors' analysis.
In the international scientific literature, there are few studies that emphasize the presence or absence of hair in forensic facial reconstructions. There are neither Brazilian studies concerning digital facial reconstructions without hair, nor research comparing recognition tests between digital facial reconstructions with hair and without hair. The miscegenation of Brazilian people is considerable. Brazilian people, and, in particular, Brazilian women, even if considered as Caucasoid, may present the hair in very different ways: curly, wavy or straight, blonde, red, brown or black, long or short, etc. For this reason, it is difficult to find a correct type of hair for facial reconstruction (unless, in real cases, some hair is recovered with the skeletal remains). This study focuses on the performance of three different digital forensic facial reconstructions, without hair, of a Brazilian female subject (based on one international database and two Brazilian databases for soft facial-tissue thickness) and evaluates the digital forensic facial reconstructions comparing them to photographs of the target individual and nine other subjects, employing the recognition method. A total of 22 assessors participated in the recognition process; all of them were familiar with the 10 individuals who composed the face pool. The target subject was correctly recognized by 41% of the 22 examiners in the International Pattern, by 32% in the Brazilian Magnetic Resonance Pattern and by 32% in the Brazilian Fresh Cadavers Pattern. The facial reconstructions without hair were correctly recognized using the three databases of facial soft-tissue thickness. The observed results were higher than the results obtained using facial reconstructions with hair, from the same skull, which can indicate that it is better to not use hair, at least when there is no information concerning its characteristics.


The sequence and de novo assembly of the genome of the Indian oil sardine, Sardinella longiceps.
The Indian oil sardine, Sardinella longiceps, is a widely distributed and commercially important small pelagic fish of the Northern Indian Ocean. The genome of the Indian oil sardine has been characterized using Illumina and Nanopore platforms. The assembly is 1.077 Gb (31.86 Mb Scaffold N50) in size with a repeat content of 23.24%. The BUSCO (Benchmarking Universal Single Copy Orthologues) completeness of the assembly is 93.5% when compared with Actinopterygii (ray finned fishes) data set. A total of 46316 protein coding genes were predicted. Sardinella longiceps is nutritionally rich with high levels of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). The core genes for omega-3 PUFA biosynthesis, such as Elovl 1a and 1b,Elovl 2, Elovl 4a and 4b,Elovl 8a and 8b,and Fads 2, were observed in Sardinella longiceps. The presence of these genes may indicate the PUFA biosynthetic capability of Indian oil sardine, which needs to be confirmed functionally.


Studies on the mechanism of acetaldehyde-mediated inhibition of rat liver transaminases.
Incubation of mitochondria-depleted rat liver homogenates with 5 mmol/l acetaldehyde at 37 degrees C for 1 h inhibited both aspartate and alanine aminotransferases by 30%. Inhibition was prevented by decreasing temperature to 4 degrees C or by preincubating homogenates with cyanate but was unaffected by cyanamide and methylpyrazole which block acetaldehyde oxidation and reduction respectively. Cyanate-sensitive acetaldehyde-mediated inhibition of purified porcine heart transaminases was also demonstrated in the presence of rat liver homogenate but not in Tris/sucrose medium. Moreover, porcine transaminases were inhibited by trichloroacetic acid extracts of rat liver homogenates previously incubated with acetaldehyde but not by extracts of homogenates incubated with both acetaldehyde and cyanate. These findings suggest that acetaldehyde-mediated transaminase inhibition requires further non-oxidative metabolism of acetaldehyde. Since transaminase activities were not restored by addition of pyridoxal 5'-phosphate to the assay systems, acetaldehyde-induced transaminase inhibition does not appear to be mediated by displacement or depletion of this B6 coenzyme.


Influence of physical activity on change in weight status as children become adolescents.
Physical activity (PA) has been shown to have a positive effect on weight status, but habitual physical activity declines as youth age, yet some adolescents do not gain weight. To determine if changes in weight status over 5 years during adolescence are associated with changes in PA levels. A longitudinal study of 377 girls and 388 boys tested initially at ages 9-11 years old and 5 years later (age 14-16 years old). The sample was grouped by initial and final weight status: N-N = youth with BMIs < 85(th) percentile at both points (n = 456; 60%); O-O = overweight youth with BMIs > or = 85(th) percentile at both time points (n = 186; 24%); O-N = overweight youth whose BMI declined to < 85(th) percentile (n = 66; 9%); N-O = normal weight youth who became overweight (n = 57; 7%). Stature and body mass were measured and habitual PA levels were obtained during the survey. Total PA scores, moderate (MPA) and vigorous activity (VPA) declined by 65-70% for all groups (p = 0.002). Girls in the O-N groups had less of a decline in PA than the girls in the N-O group (p < 0.05). No differences were evident for the boys. These results were consistent even when adjusted for developmental stage or race/ethnicity. Overweight children as young as 9 years old are already participating in less PA than normal weight youth. Although PA declined from childhood to adolescence, overweight girls with normalized weight status, had less of a decline in MPA or VPA than normal weight girls who became overweight. The data highlight the complexity of the interrelationship between physical activity and weight gain or loss. These data suggest that habitual physical activity levels, especially in girls, may have a role in adolescents attaining a healthy weight status.


Imaging transcriptomics: Convergent cellular, transcriptomic, and molecular neuroimaging signatures in the healthy adult human brain.
The integration of transcriptomic and neuroimaging data, "imaging transcriptomics," has recently emerged to generate hypotheses about potential biological pathways underlying regional variability in neuroimaging features. However, the validity of this approach is yet to be examined in depth. Here, we sought to bridge this gap by performing transcriptomic decoding of the regional distribution of well-known molecular markers spanning different elements of the biology of the healthy human brain. Imaging transcriptomics identifies biological and cell pathways that are consistent with the known biology of a wide range of molecular neuroimaging markers. The extent to which it can capture patterns of gene expression that align well with elements of the biology of the neuroinflammatory axis, at least in healthy controls without a proinflammatory challenge, is inconclusive. Imaging transcriptomics might constitute an interesting approach to improve our understanding of the biological pathways underlying regional variability in a wide range of neuroimaging phenotypes.


Antidepressants and suicide.
To estimate the rate and means of suicide among people taking 10 commonly prescribed antidepressant drugs: dothiepin, amitriptyline, clomipramine, imipramine, flupenthixol, lofepramine, mianserin, fluoxetine, doxepin, and trazodone. Open cohort study with a nested case-control analysis. General practices in the United Kingdom that used VAMP computers to maintain their patient records from January 1988 to February 1993. 172,598 people who had at least one prescription for one of the 10 antidepressants during the study period. Suicide confirmed by general practitioner or on death certificate, or both. 143 people committed suicide. The overall rate of suicide was estimated to be 8.5 per 10,000 person years (95% confidence interval 7.2 to 10.0). Rates of suicide were higher in men than women (relative risk 2.8 (95% confidence interval 1.9 to 4.0)), people with a history of feeling suicidal (19.2 (9.5 to 38.7)), and people who had taken several different antidepressants (2.8 (1.8 to 4.3)). People who received high doses of antidepressants and those who had had a prescription in the 30 days before they committed suicide were also at higher risk than those who had received low doses and had had their prescriptions 30 or more days previously (2.3 (1.4 to 3.7) and 2.3 (1.6 to 3.4)) respectively. Rates of suicide were higher in patients who received fluoxetine, but this may be explained by selection biases which were present for those drug users. Several factors correlate with the risk of suicide in people taking antidepressants. After controlling for these factors, the risk of suicide was similar among the 10 study antidepressants. Overdose with antidepressants accounted for only 14% of the suicides.


[Results obtained after robotic-assisted laparoscopic sacral colpopexy for the management of urogenital prolapse: a review].
Laparoscopic sacral colpopexy (LSCP) is one of the gold standard surgical treatment for the management of urogenital prolapse. Robot-assisted laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (RALSCP) is an alternative surgical access which has been recently proposed. The aim of the current study was to report the functional results obtained after RALSCP. [corrected] A systematic review of the scientific literature was achieved in the Pubmed database, using the following keywords: robotic; robot; sacrocolpopexy; sacralcolpopexy. Clinical cases and series of less than five cases were spontaneously not selected herein. Overall, 12 series in published between September 2004 and September 2011 which included 350 female patients were selected. The mean age was 63 years old with a pelvic organ prolapse of stage 3 to 4 in the Baden Walker classification. The mean operative time of the RALSCP was 207 minutes with a conversion rate of 3,4% and an intraoperative complication rate of 4,6%. The mean length of hospital stay was 3 days and the perioperative complication rate of 7,1%. The success rate of the RALSCP was 97% and the vaginal erosion rate was 2,5% with a median follow-up of 13,5 months. The mid-term functional results obtained after RALSCP were equivalent to those obtained with the LSCP approach. However, there is no prospective randomized comparison available between the two access so far. In addition, the experience with RALSCP remains limited due to the important cost that the robotic access generates.