[Biochemical strategy of survival of the freshwater mollusc Lymnaea stagnalis at near-zero temperatures].
Effect of an autumn-winter decrease of the environmental temperature on changes of the content of free amino acids and reducing sugars was studied in tissue fluids of the freshwater mollusc L. stagnalis. At a decrease of the temperature to 4 and 0 degrees C at the autumn period, concentration of free alanine rose several times; an increase of histidine, glutamate, glycine, and serine concentrations was less pronounced. Accumulation of methionine, leucine, isoleucine, tyrosine, and phenylalanine was revealed at 0 degree C. In the state of long hypobiosis (at 4 degrees C), pools of all amino acids fell 4-8 times; essential amino acids, except for lysine, were not detected at all. Both at the summer and at the autumn periods, high concentrations of free fructose and glucose were revealed. In the process of hypobiosis the fructose pool decreased almost 35, while the glucose pool--12 times. Maltose that was absent in summer was found at 4 and 0 degree C as well as after 2.5 months of hypobiosis. The changes of the studied parameters in L. stagnalis in response to hypothermia are compared with the corresponding parameters of changes in cryoresistant animals in response to negative temperatures.


Exploring clinical educators' perceptions of role modeling after participating in a role modeling educational program.
Role modeling significantly affects medical students' values, attitudes, and professional behaviors. Role modeling is a complex and multidimensional process that necessitates accurate perception and adequate knowledge and skills. However, most clinical educators do not have adequate awareness and knowledge about the positive and negative effects of role modeling. We aimed to explore clinical educators' perceptions of role modeling after participating in a role modeling educational program. This qualitative study was conducted on eighteen clinical educators who were voluntarily participated in a three-month role modeling educational program. Data were collected using reflection paper writing and were analyzed through conventional content analysis. Data analysis resulted in the development of three main categories, namely closer attention to role modeling and effort for its promotion, deliberate effort to display role modeling, and creating a positive environment to increase the effectiveness of role modeling. Clinical educators have limited role modeling knowledge and skills, and hence, educational programs are required to improve their role modeling knowledge, attitudes, and skills. Role modeling educational programs should aim at developing educators' awareness and knowledge about role modeling, develop their reflection and self-control abilities, and sensitize them to the importance of deliberate use of role modeling.


Biodegradation of metal-based ultra-small nanoparticles: A combined approach using TDA-ICP-MS and CE-ICP-MS.
The knowledge of the fate of metal-containing nanoparticles in biological media in aqueous media is of utmost importance for the future use of these promising theranostic agents for clinical applications. A methodology based on the combination of TDA-ICP-MS and CE-ICP-MS was applied to study the degradation pathway of AGuIX, a phase 2 clinical ultrasmall gadolinium-containing nanoparticle. Nanoparticle size measurements and gadolinium speciation performed in different media (phosphate buffer, urine and serum) demonstrated an accelerated dissolution of AGuIX in serum, without any release of free gadolinium for each medium.


Anti-VCAM-1 antibodies did not protect against ischemic damage either in rats or in mice.
Cerebral ischemia triggers an inflammatory process involving the infiltration of leukocytes to the parenchyma. Circulating leukocytes adhere to the vascular wall through adhesion molecules. Here we quantified the in vivo expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) in the brain, heart and lungs from 6 to 48 h after transient middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion in rats, by intravenous injection of a tracer radiolabelled anti-VCAM-1 antibody. The vascular localization of VCAM-1 was verified by immunohistochemistry after in vivo injection of the antibody. Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 was strongly induced (4-fold at 24 h) in the microvasculature of the ischemic area, and, to a lesser extent, in the contralateral hemisphere and in a remote organ, the heart, but not in the lungs, indicating that the inflammatory process propagates beyond the injured brain. We injected intravenously either blocking doses of anti-VCAM-1 antibodies or control antibodies after MCA occlusion in rats and mice. We evaluated the neurological score in rats, and infarct volume at 2 days in rats and at 4 days in mice. Anti-VCAM-1 did not protect against ischemic damage either in rats or in mice. Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 blockade significantly decreased the number of ED1 (labeling monocytes /macrophages/reactive microglia)-positive cells in the ischemic rat brain. However, it did not reduce the numbers of infiltrating neutrophils and lymphocytes, and total leukocytes (CD45 positive), which showed a trend to increase. The results show vascular upregulation of VCAM-1 after transient focal ischemia, but no benefits of blocking VCAM-1, suggesting that this is not a therapeutical strategy for stroke treatment.


Preparation of a cross-linked cartilage acellular matrix-poly (caprolactone-ran-lactide-ran-glycolide) film and testing its feasibility as an anti-adhesive film.
To protect unwanted tissue adhesions occurring after surgeries, we aimed to fabricate an anti-adhesive film using cartilage acellular matrix (CAM) with anti-vascular inhibition activity. Additionally, to fabricate anti-adhesive films with tunable swelling, mechanical, and biodegradation properties, a biodegradable polyester (PEP) with N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) in the chain end position was synthesized as a cross-linker. CAM/PEP (CP) films were prepared with various CAM: PEP ratios in the wide size with repeatable reproducibility, and then, cross-linked CP (Cx-CP) were obtained by the interpenetrating cross-linking reaction between the amine group on CAM and the NHS group on PEP cross-linkers under thermal treatment. The biodegradation, wettability, swelling, and mechanical properties of the prepared anti-adhesive Cx-CP films were controlled by varying the CAM:PEP ratio. The degradation half-life, contact angle, elastic moduli and toughness of Cx-CP films increased according to the increasing PEP content. Additionally, Cx-CP films significantly inhibits the attachment and proliferation of HUVECs. Cx-CP film prepared by varying the CAM:PEP ratio can be tailored to meet individual requirements for in vivo injured tissues. In animal experiments, anti-adhesive Cx-CP films implanted between the peritoneal wall and the cecum significantly suppressed tissue adhesion between them. Additionally, good adhesion effect observed at anti-adhesive film maintained for proper time period at injured tissues. Taken together, in this work, we successfully achieved strategy for the development of anti-adhesive barrier with tunable swelling, mechanical, and biodegradation properties.


Ecotoxicological effects of metal pollution in two mollusc species from the Spanish South Atlantic littoral.
Metal accumulation and some of their biochemical effects have been studied in oysters (Crassostrea angulata) and mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) of the South Atlantic Spanish littoral. Especial attention has been paid to antioxidant defences and oxidative damage to biomolecules. Deep differences in the response of oysters and mussels to metal pollution were found. Oysters, with the higher metal loads of both species, showed increased antioxidant defences, and less extensive oxidative damage. In contrast, mussels, which accumulated much lower metal concentrations, showed clear increases in oxidized biomolecules, in agreement with their low increases in the antioxidant defence mechanisms. Our results suggest that mussels are more sensitive and less well adapted to metal pollution, probably explaining their absence in the most contaminated studied site, Mazagón. We conclude that oysters can be used as more sensitive bioindicator of pollution in the South Spanish littoral, and as a suitable model to study the adaptation to metal pollution.


A specific shifting deficit in Parkinson's disease: a reversal shift of consistent stimulus-response mappings.
Two experiments were designed to investigate effects of cueing upon aptitude for shifting by patients with Parkinson's disease. Subjects executed in alternation two different components of a task set over successive items in a list. We compared the costs of shifting when the stimulus ensemble remained constant from trial to trial ("uniform" lists), with the case in which a change of stimulus ensemble cued each shift of task ("mixed" lists). Shift costs with mixed lists were significantly smaller than those with uniform lists (Exp. 1, ns = 12). This suggests that patients with Parkinson's disease can benefit from cues about the stimulus ensemble in performing tasks. Patients' shifting performance was different from that of controls only in a reversal-shift condition of the previously consistent stimulus-response mappings (Exp. 2, ns = 12). This result suggests that patients with Parkinson's disease suffer from a specific but not a general deficit in ability to shift.


Neuronorm is a potent and water soluble neurokinin A receptor antagonist.
We report here the synthesis and preliminary pharmacological characterization of a novel water soluble Neurokinin A receptor antagonist named Neuronorm. The synthesis was achieved in high yield by a combination of classical peptide synthesis methodologies, in both solution and solid phase. The pharmacological properties as neurokinin A receptor antagonist were assessed in in vitro experiments on rat vas deferens and guinea pig trachea, and were compared to those of MEN10627.


The RISE FOR HEALTH study: Methods for in-person musculoskeletal assessment.
To describe the methods for the in-person musculoskeletal (MSK) assessment of the RISE FOR HEALTH (RISE) study, a population-based multicenter prospective cohort study designed to identify factors associated with bladder health (BH) conducted by the Prevention of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Research Consortium (PLUS). A subset of RISE participants who express interest in the in-person assessment are screened to ensure eligibility (planned n = 525). Eligible consenting participants are asked to complete a standardized MSK assessment to evaluate core stability (four component core stability test, lumbar spine pain (seated slump test), pelvic girdle pain, (sacroiliac joint, anterior superior iliac spine, pubic symphysis tenderness, and pelvic girdle pain provocation test), hip pain (flexion, abduction, internal rotation and flexion, adduction and external rotation) and pelvic girdle function (active straight leg raise). Participants are also asked to complete the Short Physical Performance Battery to measure balance, gait speed, lower extremity strength, and functional capacity. Detailed online and in-person MSK training sessions led by physical therapy were used to certify research staff at each clinical center before the start of RISE in-person assessments. All evaluators exceeded the pre-specified pass rates. The RISE in-person MSK assessment will provide further insight into the role of general body MSK health and dysfunction and the spectrum of BH.


Measurements of long-term external and internal radiation exposure of inhabitants of some villages of the Bryansk region of Russia after the Chernobyl accident.
A Nordic-Soviet programme was initiated in 1990 to evaluate the external and internal radiation exposure of the inhabitants of several villages in the Bryansk region of Russia. This area was one of the number of areas particularly affected by the nuclear accident at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in 1986. Measurements were carried out yearly until 1998 and after that more irregularly; in 2000, 2006 and 2008 respectively. The effective dose estimates were based on individual thermoluminescent dosemeters and on in vivo measurements of the whole body content of (137)Cs (and (134)Cs during the first years of the programme). The decrease in total effective dose during the almost 2 decade follow-up was due to a continuous decrease in the dominating external exposure and a less decreasing but highly variable exposure from internal irradiation. In 2008, the observed average effective dose (i.e. the sum of external and internal exposure) from Chernobyl (137)Cs to the residents was estimated to be 0.3mSv y(-1). This corresponds to 8% of the estimated annual dose in 1990 and to 1% of the estimated annual dose in 1986. As a mean for the population group and for the period of the present study (2006-2008), the average yearly effective dose from Chernobyl cesium was comparable to the absorbed dose obtained annually from external exposure to cosmic radiation plus internal exposure to naturally occurring radionuclides in the human body. Our data indicate that the effective dose from internal exposure is becoming increasingly important as the body burdens of Chernobyl (137)Cs are decreasing more slowly than the external exposure. However, over the years there have been large individual variations in both the external and internal effective doses, as well as differences between the villages investigated. These variations and differences are presented and discussed in this paper.


Studies on the stability of rat testis membrane receptors for hLH, hCG and hFSH.
Receptor preparations from rat testes were stored at 4 C with various protease inhibitors and chemicals, at -20 C and -80 C, in freeze-dried form as well as at 4 C and 37 C after reconstitution in various media. Each preparation was tested for stability in terms of binding capacity of human luteinizing hormone (hLH), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and human follicle-stimulating hormone (hFSH). The freeze-dried samples were stable for at least six months, although once reconstituted and stored at 4 C, they were less stable than fresh ones. Furthermore, Na azide and Na azide with diisopropylfluoro-phosphate (DIFP) prolonged the stability of the fresh samples. The samples stored at -20 C or -80 C were stable for at least 90 days and repeated freezing and thawing (15 times) did not change the binding capacity of either the hCG/hLH or hFSH receptors.


Metabolic changes favor the activity and heterogeneity of reactive astrocytes.
Reactive astrocytes undergo morphological, molecular, metabolic, and functional remodeling in response to central nervous system (CNS) damage. However, we still know very little about how the metabolic switching of astrocytes influences, or is influenced by, reactive astrocytes in response to neurological diseases. In this review, we initially cover a brief introduction into reactive astrocyte function under pathological conditions. Subsequently, we summarize the emerging roles of glucose and lipid metabolism in reactive astrocytes in the context of CNS injury to provide a new insight into metabolic mechanisms of reactive astrocyte-mediated neuroprotection or damage. Finally, we propose that deciphering the mechanistic link between astrocyte heterogeneity metabolism and improved methods is an emerging frontier for the therapeutic investigation of CNS injury and disease.


[The development of the adrenal cortex in pig (Sus scrofa domestica). (A contribution on the development of the fetal interior zone of the adrenal cortex in pig) (author's transl)].
The adrenals of pigs have been investigated histologically and histochemically during different periods of time pre- and postnatally. The pig (Sus scrofa domestica) shows a proper fetal cortex in the prenatal development of the adrenal gland. This involves slowly during the last quarter of pregnancy. A weight reduction is not noted thereby. Just before delivery the adrenal cortex of the pig has been subdivided into a zona arcuata and zona fasciculata. The zona reticularis develops only postnatally.


Characterization of impact damage in composite laminates using guided wavefield imaging and local wavenumber domain analysis.
Delaminations in composite laminates resulting from impact events may be accompanied by minimal indication of damage at the surface. As such, inspections are required to ensure defects are within allowable limits. Conventional ultrasonic scanning techniques have been shown to effectively characterize the size and depth of delaminations but require physical contact with the structure and considerable setup time. Alternatively, a non-contact scanning laser vibrometer may be used to measure guided wave propagation in the laminate structure generated by permanently bonded transducers. A local Fourier domain analysis method is presented for processing guided wavefield data to estimate spatially dependent wavenumber values, which can be used to determine delamination depth. The technique is applied to simulated wavefields and results are analyzed to determine limitations of the technique with regards to determining defect size and depth. Based on simulation results, guidelines for application of the technique are developed. Finally, experimental wavefield data is obtained in quasi-isotropic carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates with impact damage. The recorded wavefields are analyzed and wavenumber is measured to an accuracy of up to 8.5% in the region of shallow delaminations. These results show the promise of local wavenumber domain analysis to characterize the depth of delamination damage in composite laminates. The technique can find application in automated vehicle health assurance systems with potential for high detection rates and greatly reduced operator effort and setup time.


Design and synthesis of a series of indole glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors.
Synthesis of 1,3-disubstituted indoles derivatives as potential glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa antagonists was reported. Substitution of the indolic nitrogen atom by piperidino or benzamidino moieties was used as mimics of an arginine residue. The acid carboxylic group was linked to the indole scaffold in position-3 via a methylene unit (compounds 4, 9, 10). Introduction of a beta-alanine chain was carried out on the acids (17-22) which after deprotection and basic hydrolysis afforded the final compounds 39-46. The distance between the indole scaffold and the amide bond was modulated from no methylene unit (compound 39) to 1 (compounds 40, 41) or 2 methylene units (compounds 42-46). The presence of a tosylamino group on the beta-alanine chain (compound 56) slightly increased the inhibiting action on platelet aggregation initiated by collagen.


Better public decisions on COVID-19: A thought experiment in metrics.
Poor decision-making is a hallmark of the COVID-19 pandemic. Better metrics would help improve decision-makers' understanding of the scope of the pandemic and allow for better public understanding/review of these decisions. Two novel metrics of disease impact were compared with more commonly used standard metrics. A multi-criteria decision analysis technique, used previously to support metric selection in solid waste planning, was adapted to compare number of deaths, hospitalisations, positive test results and positivity rates (standard COVID-19 impact metrics) with a simple model that estimates the total number of potentially infectious people in an area and an associated odds ratio for infectious people. The odds ratio and total infectious population estimate metrics scored better in a comparison analysis than number of deaths, hospitalisations, positive test results and positivity rates (in that order). The novel metrics provide a more effective means of communication than other more common measures of the outbreak. These superior metrics should support decision-making processes and result in a more informed population.


Atrial Function Impairments after Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Evaluated by STE Analysis.
Background: Applications of atrial speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) strain (ε) analysis in pediatric cardiac surgery have been limited. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of atrial STE ε analysis and the progression of atrial ε values as a function of post-operative time in children after pediatric cardiac surgery. Methods: 131 children (mean 1.69 ± 2.98; range 0.01−15.16 years) undergoing cardiac surgery were prospectively enrolled. Echocardiographic examinations were performed pre-operatively and at 3 different post-operative intervals: Time 1 (24−36 h), Time 2 (3−5 days), Time 3 (>5 days, before discharging). The right and left atrium longitudinal systolic contractile (Ct), Conduit (Cd), and Reservoir (R) ε were evaluated with a novel atrial specific software with both P- and R-Gating methods. One hundred and thirty-one age-matched normal subjects (mean 1.7 ± 3.2 years) were included as controls. Results: In all, 309 examinations were performed over the post-operative times. For each post-operative interval, all STE atrial ε parameters assessed were significantly lower compared to controls (all p < 0.0001). The lowest atrial ε values were found at Time 1, with only partial recovery thereafter (p from 0.02 to 0.04). All atrial ε values at discharge were decreased compared to the controls (all p < 0.0001). Significant correlations of the atrial ε values with cardio-pulmonary-bypass time, left and right ventricular ε values (p < 0.05), and ejection fraction (p < 0.05) were demonstrated. Conclusions: Atrial ε is highly reduced after surgery with only partial post-operative recovery in the near term. Our study additionally demonstrates that post-surgical atrial and ventricular ε responses correlated with each other.


Chronic subdural hematoma complicating arachnoid cyst secondary to soccer-related head injury: case report.
Soccer has become a popular sport, with more than 200 million Federation International Football Association-registered soccer players worldwide and 16 million participants in the United States. The risk of sustaining a significant head injury from a strike to a soccer ball with the head is unknown, but it may be increased with the presence of an underlying congenital arachnoid cyst. We describe the case of a 16-year-old female patient who sustained a large chronic and subacute subdural hematoma without a loss of consciousness from being struck on the head by a soccer ball. Because of the large size of the hematoma and her contralateral symptoms, surgery was performed. A temporal craniotomy for evacuation of a large chronic and subacute subdural hematoma with removal and fenestration of the arachnoid cyst resulted in resolution of her symptoms. Rigid craniotomy fixation of this small operative flap should allow the patient to return to soccer participation in the future. Although many may not consider soccer a contact sport, recent epidemiological data suggest that it is a common cause of sports-related concussion. In addition, as our case report demonstrates, there is a risk of significant intracranial injury and hematoma formation subsequent to a strike on the head by a soccer ball, and arachnoid cysts may contribute an additional risk of head injury.


Effect of Santoquin on humoral immune function in mice: lack of interference with selenium utilization.
Santoquin (0.25% by weight) in the diets of mice receiving adequate dietary selenium (1.0 parts/10(6] reduced the humoral immune response, as monitored by the plaque-forming cell assay, to levels exhibited by mice maintained on selenium-deficient diets (0.005 parts/10(6)). Mice exhibiting this suppression of immunity had levels of blood glutathione peroxidase, serum selenium, and liver DNA, RNA and protein similar to mice receiving selenium only. Therefore, it was concluded that Santoquin is not immunosuppressive by interfering with selenium metabolism or general tissue function, but by other unknown mechanisms.


Sex-different interrelationships of rs945270, cerebral gray matter volumes, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a region-wide study across brain.
Previous genome-wide association studies (GWAS) reported that the allele C of rs945270 of the kinectin 1 gene (KTN1) most significantly increased the gray matter volume (GMV) of the putamen and modestly regulated the risk for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). On the other hand, ADHD is known to be associated with a reduction in subcortical and cortical GMVs. Here, we examined the interrelationships of the GMVs, rs945270 alleles, and ADHD symptom scores in the same cohort of children. With data of rs945270 genotypes, GMVs of 118 brain regions, and ADHD symptom scores of 3372 boys and 3129 girls of the Adolescent Brain Cognition Development project, we employed linear regression analyses to examine the pairwise correlations adjusted for the third of the three traits and other relevant covariates, and examine their mediation effects. We found that the major allele C of rs945270 modestly increased risk for ADHD in males only when controlling for the confounding effects of the GMV of any one of the 118 cerebral regions (0.026 ≤ p ≤ 0.059: Top two: left and right putamen). This allele also significantly increased putamen GMV in males alone (left p = 2.8 × 10-5, and right p = 9.4 × 10-5; α = 2.1 × 10-4) and modestly increased other subcortical and cortical GMVs in both sexes (α < p < 0.05), whether or not adjusted for ADHD symptom scores. Both subcortical and cortical GMVs were significantly or suggestively reduced in ADHD when adjusted for rs945270 alleles, each more significantly in females (3.6 × 10-7 ≤ p < α; Top two: left pallidum and putamen) and males (3.5 × 10-6 ≤ p < α), respectively. Finally, the left and right putamen GMVs reduced 14.0% and 11.7% of the risk effects of allele C on ADHD, and allele C strengthened 4.5% (left) and 12.2% (right) of the protective effects of putamen GMVs on ADHD risk, respectively. We concluded that the rs945270-GMVs-ADHD relationships were sex-different. In males, the major allele C of rs945270 increased risk for ADHD, which was compromised by putamen GMVs; this allele also but only significantly increased putamen GMVs that then significantly protected against ADHD risk. In females, the top two GMVs significantly decreasing ADHD risk were left pallidum and putamen GMVs. Basal ganglia the left putamen in particular play the most critical role in the pathogenesis of ADHD.


Predictability of anterior open bite treatment with Invisalign.
Anterior open bite correction with Invisalign has been claimed to have relatively good predictability because of the proposed function of clear aligners to function as occlusal bite-blocks, limiting extrusion of the posterior teeth or possibly even intruding posterior teeth. This proposal, however, remains relatively unsubstantiated. The objective of this study was to investigate and determine the accuracy of Invisalign treatment in correcting anterior open bite by comparing the predicted outcome from ClinCheck to the achieved outcome for the initial aligner sequence. A retrospective study used pretreatment and posttreatment intraoral scans and predicted outcomes (ClinCheck) stereolithography files of 76 adult patients from private specialist orthodontic practices. Inclusion criteria comprised nonextraction treatment, with a minimum of 14 dual arch Invisalign aligners. Geomagic Control X software was used to measure overbite and overjet in the pretreatment, posttreatment, and predicted outcomes stereolithography files for each patient. Approximately 66.2% of the programmed open bite closure was expressed compared with the prescribed ClinCheck outcome. The use of posterior occlusal bite-blocks and prescribed movement of teeth via anterior extrusion, posterior intrusion, or a combination of the 2 made no difference to the efficacy of open bite closure. Two-week aligner changes resulted in 0.49 mm more bite closure on average. The prescribed bite closure in ClinCheck software overestimates the bite closure that is clinically achieved.


Extent of absent end-diastolic flow in umbilical artery and outcome of pregnancy.
To investigate if the extent of absent end-diastolic flow (AEDF) on umbilical artery (UA) Doppler velocimetry predicts pregnancy outcome. This was a retrospective observational study based on data from 25 000 Doppler examinations of UA flow performed between 1998 and 2017 at the Blood Flow Laboratory, Level III Perinatal Center, Lund, Sweden. All pregnancies with AEDF in the UA were identified, and the duration of AEDF as a proportion of the total duration of the cardiac cycle (Ta /Ttot ratio) was measured in digital images of the Doppler spectrum recorded at the last examination showing AEDF before delivery. Clinical data on pregnancies and neonatal outcomes were extracted from the regional perinatal database and the hospital patient records. The predictive performance of the Ta /Ttot ratio for intrauterine death and any (intrauterine or postnatal) death was assessed. A total of 170 fetuses (122 (72%) singletons and 48 (28%) twins) were included in the study. Median gestational age at birth was 189.5 days (range, 163-279 days) (i.e. 27 + 0 weeks (range, 23 + 2 to 39 + 6 weeks)), birth weight was 650 g (range, 320-3326 g) and deviation from expected birth weight (standard deviation score) was -2.975 (range, -6.38 to 0.69). There were 15 (9%) intrauterine and 26 (15%) postnatal deaths. The principal outcome variables and their relationship with Doppler velocimetry results did not differ significantly between singletons and twins, giving a rationale for using the Ta /Ttot ratio in the total study group. Mean Ta /Ttot ratio was 0.42 ± 0.08 and 0.34 ± 0.08 in stillborn and liveborn fetuses, respectively (P = 0.002). For fetuses examined before 30 weeks' gestation, a Ta /Ttot ratio cut-off of 0.30 predicted intrauterine death with 92% sensitivity and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 98% (area under receiver-operating-characteristics curve (AUC), 0.74) and predicted any death with 83% sensitivity and a NPV of 85% (AUC, 0.66). In fetuses with AEDF in the UA, duration of absent flow for at least 30% of the total cardiac cycle length might predict the risk of fetal demise, even when assessed before 30 weeks' gestation. This finding is particularly relevant to growth-restricted fetuses. After evaluation in further studies, the extent of AEDF might facilitate obstetric decision-making in very preterm growth-restricted fetuses. © 2020 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.


Management of coral reefs: where we have gone wrong and what we can do about it.
Globally, our current management of coral reefs is inadequate and becoming more so as we place new and greater stresses on these ecosystems. The future looks very dim, and yet we have the capacity to do a far more effective job of reef management if we want to. Making substantial improvements to the condition of these enormously valuable coastal marine ecosystems does not require new scientific discoveries, but a new commitment to apply the knowledge we already possess to manage our impacts so that sustainability becomes possible.


Maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnancies complicated by the inherited aortopathy Loeys-Dietz syndrome.
Pregnancies in women with Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) are rare and are typically documented in case reports only. Early reports suggested high rates of maternal complications during pregnancy and the puerperium, including aortic dissection and uterine rupture, but information on fetal outcomes was very limited. A retrospective cohort study. Eight specialist UK centres. Pregnant women with LDS. Data was collated on cardiac, obstetric, and neonatal outcomes. Maternal and perinatal outcomes in pregnancies complicated by LDS. Twenty pregnancies in 13 women with LDS were identified. There was one miscarriage, one termination of pregnancy, and 18 livebirths. In eight women the diagnosis was known prior to pregnancy but only one woman had preconception counselling. In four women the diagnosis was made during pregnancy through positive genotyping, and the other was diagnosed following delivery. Five women had a family history of aortic dissection. There were no aortic dissections in our cohort during pregnancy or postpartum. Obstetric complications were common, including postpartum haemorrhage (33%) and preterm delivery (50%). In all, 14/18 (78%) of deliveries were by elective caesarean section, at a median gestational age at delivery of 37 weeks. Over half the infants (56%) were admitted to the neonatal unit following delivery. Women with LDS require multidisciplinary specialist management throughout pregnancy. Women should be referred for preconception counselling to make informed decisions around pregnancy risk and outcomes. Early elective preterm delivery needs to be balanced against a high infant admission rate to the neonatal unit. Pregnancy outcomes in women with Loeys-Dietz syndrome.


A new perspective on oxidation of DNA repair proteins and cancer.
Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) are formed as byproducts of many endogenous cellular processes, in response to infections, and upon exposure to various environmental factors. An increase in RONS can saturate the antioxidation system and leads to oxidative stress. Consequently, macromolecules are targeted for oxidative modifications, including DNA and protein. The oxidation of DNA, which leads to base modification and formation of abasic sites along with single and double strand breaks, has been extensively investigated. Protein oxidation is often neglected and is only recently being recognized as an important regulatory mechanism of various DNA repair proteins. This is a review of the current state of research on the regulation of DNA repair by protein oxidation with emphasis on the correlation between inflammation and cancer.


Reversed-phase poly(styrene-divinylbenzene) materials optimised for large scale preparative and process purification of synthetic peptides and recombinant proteins.
Rigid macroporous copolymers of styrene and divinylbenzene have been designed for large-scale preparative and process-scale purification of synthetic peptides and recombinant proteins. The polymeric particles are mechanically stable and hence able to operate at the required high linear velocities. The pore size and pore morphology has been optimised to enable unhindered solute diffusion whilst providing maximum available surface area to enhance loading capacity. A 100 A pore size has been developed for synthetic peptides and a 300 A pore size for recombinant proteins. Precise control of particle size, within the range 10 to 20 microm, is possible which together with the very narrow particle size distribution enables maximum resolution/loading to be obtained within the pressure limits of the instrumentation being used. The chemical stability of the polymer enables cleaning in place with 1 M sodium hydroxide without particle dissolution or a deterioration in selectivity. These materials can be packed into compression hardware and are manufactured as single lots up to 100 kg (300 l) batch size.


[The fibroblast primary cell culture by the split-thickness skin slide technique].
To acquire lots of cell to culture during the primary cell culture. We take the split-thickness skin slide technique to acquire the dissociated fibroblast cell in two big-ear rats. The cell number is above 10(6) from 1 cm x 2 cm split-thickness skin slide and the technique is simple, economic, effectve. We think this way is better than other methods, and should be adopted in the primary cell culture, especially in fibroblast transplantation by injection.


Modified plasma-derived lipoproteins in human atherosclerotic plaques.
Low density lipoproteins extracted from surgical specimens of human atherosclerotic plaques (A-LDL) showed altered electrophoretic mobility indicating a greater negative charge than that of plasma LDL (P-LDL). A-LDL but not P-LDL showed high affinity binding/degradation by human monocyte-derived macrophages; this was inhibited by acetylated LDL but not by native P-LDL. Following injection of 125I-labelled autologous P-LDL prior to reconstructive arterial surgery, polyacrylamide and agarose gel electrophoresis of A-LDL extracted from arterial intima showed that the A-LDL and its apolipoprotein B moiety were derived from P-LDL; the electrophoretic mobility of the product A-LDL was greater than that of native P-LDL. The compositions of arterial intermediate density lipoprotein (A-IDL) and A-LDL differed from those obtained from human plasma intermediate density lipoprotein (P-IDL) and P-LDL. A-IDL showed a reduced triglyceride content and increased esterified and unesterified cholesterol. Although the total cholesterol content of A-LDL was similar to that of P-LDL, there was an increase in unesterified cholesterol and a decrease of cholesteryl ester. These studies indicate that LDL extracted from human atherosclerotic plaque is derived from and modified from P-LDL in vivo. Compared with native P-LDL, A-LDL showed differences in charge and composition, associated with its high affinity binding by the acetyl LDL receptor of human macrophages.


Mycobacterium smegmatis fatty acid synthetase. Long chain transacylase chain length specificity.
Long chain transacylase activity, acyl-CoA + enzyme in equilibrium acyl-enzyme + CoA, catalyzed by the multienzyme complex fatty acid synthetase from Mycobacterium smegmatis was measured by exchange of radioactive coenzyme A into even numbered fatty acyl-CoA substrates 14 to 24 carbon atoms long. This transacylase activity decreases sharply with increasing chain length. It is suggested that C24 transacylation may be rate-limiting in de novo fatty acid synthesis catalyzed by the myocobacterial system. Mycobacterial polysaccharides stimulate the rate of transacylation, and this enhancement becomes more marked as the chain length of the substrate increases. The magnitude of the effect is similar to polysaccharide stimulation of overall synthetase activity. It is therefore proposed that terminal transacylation is the specific and perhaps only partial reaction catalyzed by the M. smegmatis fatty acid synthetase which is facilitated by polysaccharide. The product distribution of the synthetase is distinctly bimodal, with peaks for acyl chains 16 and 24 carbon atoms long. A scheme based on nonoverlapping unimodal chain length specificities for the rates of two activities, elongation and terminal transacylation, is offered to explain this bimodal distribution.


A water-soluble sensor for distinguishing D2O from H2O by dual-channel absorption/fluorescence ratiometry.
By taking advantage of the slight difference in the acidity of D2O and H2O, we report a novel D2O optical sensor, namely Cy, with integrated great water-solubility, absorption/fluorescence dual-channel ratiometric response and even RGB visual sensing application. This work puts forward a facile method for distinguishing D2O from H2O with high sensitivity and high accuracy.


Biomechanical evaluation of lumbar lateral interbody fusion for the treatment of adjacent segment disease.
Adjacent segment disease (ASD) is a well-known complication after lumbar fusion. Lumbar lateral interbody fusion (LLIF) may provide an alternative method of treatment for ASD while avoiding the morbidity associated with revision surgery through a traditional posterior approach. This is the first biomechanical study to evaluate the stability of lateral-based constructs for treating ASD in existing multilevel fusion model. We aimed to evaluate the biomechanical stability of anterior column reconstruction through the less invasive lateral-based interbody techniques compared with traditional posterior spinal fusion for the treatment of ASD in existing multilevel fusion. Cadaveric biomechanical study of laterally based interbody strategies for treating ASD. Eighteen fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens were nondestructively loaded in flexion, extension, and lateral bending. The specimens were randomized into three different groups according to planned posterior spinal instrumented fusion (PSF): group 1: L5-S1, group 2: L4-S1, and group 3: L3-S1. In each group, ASD was considered the level cranial to the upper-instrumented vertebrae (UIV). After testing the intact spine, each specimen underwent PSF representing prior fusion in the ASD model. The adjacent segment for each specimen then underwent (1) Stand-alone LLIF, (2) LLIF + plate, (3) LLIF + single screw rod (SSR) anterior instrumentation, and (4) LLIF + traditional posterior extension of PSF. In all conditions, three-dimensional kinematics were tracked, and range of motion (ROM) was calculated for the comparisons. ROM results were expressed as a percentage of the intact spine ROM. LLIF effectively reduces ROM in all planes of ROM. Supplementation of LLIF with plate or SSR provides further stability as compared with stand-alone LLIF. Expansion of posterior instrumentation provides the most substantial stability in all planes of ROM (p <.05). All constructs demonstrated a consistent trend of reduction in ROM between all the groups in all bending motions. This biomechanical study suggests potential promise in exploring LLIF as an alternative treatment of ASD but reinforces previous studies' findings that traditional expansion of posterior instrumentation provides the most biomechanically stable construct.


Spontaneous unilateral dizygotic twin tubal pregnancy.
Spontaneous dizygotic unilateral twin tubal pregnancy is an extremely rare occurrence with a high risk for pregnancy-related mortality, and a diagnostic challenge for obstetricians. We present a case of a 27-year-old woman with spontaneous twin tubal pregnancy. Transvaginal color Doppler sonography revealed 2 separate gestational sacs within the right adnexa, each containing an embryo. Cytogenetic examination of the trophoblastic tissues confirmed the diagnosis of dizygotic twin ectopic pregnancy. Clinical signs and symptoms together with imaging studies help in the diagnosis of this rare variant of ectopic pregnancies.


Laser hair removal: a review.
Unwanted hair growth is a common aesthetic problem. Laser hair removal has emerged as a leading treatment option for long-term depilation. To extensively review the literature on laser hair removal pertaining to its theoretical basis, current laser and light-based devices, and their complications. Special treatment recommendations for darker skin types were considered. A comprehensive literature search related to the long-pulse alexandrite (755 nm), long-pulse diode (810 nm), long-pulse neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG; 1,064 nm), and intense pulsed light (IPL) system, as well as newer home-use devices, was conducted. The literature supports the use of the alexandrite, diode, Nd:YAG and IPL devices for long-term hair removal. Because of its longer wavelength, the Nd:YAG is the best laser system to use for pigmented skin. Further research is needed regarding the safety and efficacy of home-use devices. Current in-office laser hair removal devices effectively provide a durable solution for unwanted hair removal.


Wrinkled liquid-crystalline microparticle-enhanced photoresponse of PDLC-like films by coupling with mechanical stretching.
Photoresponsive behaviors are studied in hybrid liquid-crystalline (LC) films prepared with light-responsive LC polymer microparticles as dopants using photoinert polymers as a host material. Upon mechanical stretching, both topological shape change and mesogenic alignment occur in the LC polymer microparticles, enabling the polymer-dispersed LC (PDLC)-like films to bend toward a light source upon UV irradiation. The rough morphologies of the hydrophobic LC microparticles enhance their interactions with hydrophilic polymer substrates. The bilayer-like structures of the hybrid film formed in the fabrication processes are responsible for the photomechanical behavior, which is reversibly controlled by combing light irradiation with the stretching processes.


Cytotoxicity Evaluation of Mycotoxins by an MTT-Bioassay.
A colorimetric tetrazolium (MTT) cleavage test was modified and established as a bioassay for the cytotoxicity of mycotoxins. Using the human erythroleukemia cell line K562 and porcine white blood cells (lymphocytes and granulocytes) we evaluated the influence of deoxynivalenol, ochratoxin A, and zearalenone on cellular MTT cleavage activity. The yellow MTT is reduced by mitochondrial enzymes of metabolically active cells into a dark blue formazan product, the optical density (OD) of which can be measured by an ELISA reader. After an exposure time of 24hours, concentrations of deoxynivalenol and ochratoxin A as low as 0.4 \gmg/mL were found to inhibit significantly the cleavage activity in K562 cells. Cytotoxicity in lymphocytes and granulocytes was observed at concentrations of 0.8 up to 0.4 \gmg/mL for deoxynivalenol and 3.1 and 0.8 \gmg/mL for ochratoxin A, respectively. Zearalenone concentrations of 25.0 to 12.5 \gm/mL inhibited the mitochondrial cleavage activity of lymphocytes and of K562 cells significantly, whereas in granulocytes none of the concentrations tested was proved to be toxic. Morphological findings on the ultrastractural level showed that toxin incubation (28 hours) resulted in massive cell damage. Similar alterations were observed in about 15% of control cells. This indicates, that the massive cytotoxic effect of the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol is more likely to be an unspecific than a specific one. The modified MTT cleavage assay was found to be a quick (28 hours) and efficient colorimetric test for examining the cytotoxicity of three mycotoxins. The simplicity and speed of the procedure, which allows the simultaneous testing of various parameters and the possibility of objective data analysis could establish this test as an additional bioassay for the evaluation of cytotoxicity of mycotoxins.


Photocatalytic bacterial inactivation by polyoxometalates.
The photocatalytic inactivation (PCI) of Escherichia coli (Gram-negative) and Bacillus subtilis (Gram-positive) was performed using polyoxometalate (POM) as a homogeneous photocatalyst and compared with that of heterogeneous TiO2 photocatalyst. Aqueous suspensions of the microorganisms (10(7)-10(8)cfu ml(-1)) and POM (or TiO2) were irradiated with black light lamps. The POM-PCI was faster than (or comparable to) TiO2-PCI under the experimental conditions employed in this study. The relative efficiency of POM-PCI was species-dependent. Among three POMs (H(3)PW(12)O(40), H(3)PMo(12)O(40), and H(4)SiW(12)O(40)) tested in this study, the inactivation of E. coli was fastest with H(4)SiW(12)O(40) while that of B. subtilis was the most efficient with H(3)PW(12)O(40). Although the biocidal action of TiO2 photocatalyst has been commonly ascribed to the role of photogenerated reactive oxygen species such as hydroxyl radicals and superoxides, the cell death mechanism with POM seems to be different from TiO2-PCI. While TiO2 caused the cell membrane disruption, POM did not induce the cell lysis. When methanol was added to the POM solution, not only the PCI of E. coli was enhanced (contrary to the case of TiO2-PCI) but also the dark inactivation was observed. This was ascribed to the in situ production of formaldehyde from the oxidation of methanol. The interesting biocidal property of POM photocatalyst might be utilized as a potential disinfectant technology.


Human endogenous retrovirus IDDMK(1,2)22 and mouse mammary tumor virus superantigens differ in their ability to stimulate murine T cell hybridomas.
Recently, a newly identified human HERV-K18 like endogenous retrovirus (IDDMK(1,2)22) has been associated to the etiology of type I diabetes (IDDM). Although the exact mechanism remains unclear, it was postulated that the 3' end ORF product of the env gene of IDDMK(1,2)22 would trigger a V beta 7-specific human T cell expansion leading to their infiltration in the pancreas of afflicted patients and to the autoimmune destruction of the insulin-producing beta cells. Since then, such superantigen (SAg)-like activity as well as the association between the IDDMK(1,2)22 virus and IDDM pathogenesis have been challenged. To further characterize functionally the putative IDDMK(1,2)22-encoded SAg, we have cloned from human DNA the identical 462bp ORF sequence originally described. The IDDMK(1,2)22 ORF fragment was transfected in the same human B cell line (Raji) originally used as APC to demonstrate the V beta 7 specificity. The immunostimulatory potential of IDDM ORF was tested on murine T cell hybridomas and compared to the well-characterized mouse mammary tumor virus Mtv7 SAg transfected in the same conditions. A panel of 16 T cell hybridomas encompassing 14 different V betas was analyzed. We have failed to detect IDDMK(1,2)22-induced IL-2 production from any of these hybridomas, even those bearing the murine V beta 1 mV beta 1, V beta 4 or V beta 10 TcR beta chains which are most closely related to the human V beta 7 (hV beta 7). Our results suggest that IDDMK(1,2)22 ORF is devoid of superantigenic activity as defined by classical criteria.


Dynamic Prediction of Near-Term Overall Survival in Patients with Advanced NSCLC Based on Real-World Data.
Patients with terminal cancers commonly receive aggressive and sub-optimal treatment near the end of life, which may not be beneficial in terms of duration or quality of life. To improve end-of-life care, it is essential to develop methods that can accurately predict the short-term risk of death. However, most prediction models for patients with cancer are static in the sense that they only use patient features at a fixed time. We proposed a dynamic prediction model (DPM) that can incorporate time-dependent predictors. We apply this method to patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer from a real-world database. Inverse probability of censoring weighted AUC with bootstrap inference was used to compare predictions among models. We found that increasing ECOG performance status and decreasing albumin had negative prognostic associations with overall survival (OS). Moreover, the negative prognostic implications strengthened over the patient disease course. DPMs using both time-independent and time-dependent predictors substantially improved short-term prediction accuracy compared to Cox models using only predictors at a fixed time. The proposed model can be broadly applied for prediction based on longitudinal data, including an estimation of the dynamic effects of time-dependent features on OS and updating predictions at any follow-up time.


Aberrant expression of caspase-14 in epithelial tumors.
Cysteine-dependent aspartate-specific proteases (caspases) are the cellular executors of apoptosis. Caspase-14 is the most divergent member of the family of mammalian caspases and displays a variety of unique characteristics. It is expressed in a limited number of tissues and has the shortest amino acid sequence within the caspase protein family. During induction of apoptosis, it is not processed, whereas terminal differentiation in skin leads to cleavage of caspase-14. Here we show that 40% of lung squamous cell carcinomas, 22% of breast cancers, and about 80% of cervical carcinomas express caspase-14. Immunohistochemistry reveals that caspase-14 is localized in areas of ongoing differentiation close to necrotic sites but is not strictly associated with the differentiation markers keratin-1/-10. Caspase-14 is neither mutated nor alternatively spliced in the tumors analyzed. Furthermore, caspase-14 is not processed into a small and large subunit, a process critical for the proteolytic activation of known effector caspases. We conclude that conditions exist in tumors leading to re-expression of this normally silent gene.


Management of Acute Coronary Syndrome.
One of the most common complaints encountered in the emergency department is chest pain. In many evaluations, the leading diagnostic consideration is an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). ACS refers to a spectrum of coronary artery pathologies, including unstable angina, non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction, and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. The distinction between subtypes of ACS guides acute diagnostic and management decisions. Failure to diagnose and manage ACS properly is a frequent cause of medico-legal litigation. In this article, we review the initial identification and critical management steps in patients presenting to the emergency department with ACS.


Advances in Management of Voice and Swallowing Disorders.
Dysphagia (swallowing disorders) and dysphonia (voice disorders) are both common disorders within the area of laryngology [...].


Synovial macrophage response to aluminium oxide ceramic and cobalt-chrome alloy wear particles in rats.
The tissue response to intra-articular injection into rat knees of similar concentrations of sterile cobalt-chrome (Co-Cr) alloy and aluminium oxide (AL2O3) ceramic prosthesis wear particles was assessed at 1, 4 and 13 wk. A semiquantitative method of histological assessment showed a correlation between the numbers of particles and macrophage response in the tissues, and a difference in the response to different concentrations of Co-Cr particles. At 1 wk, the macrophage response to Co-Cr particles was significantly greater (p less than or equal to 0.01) than that to AL2O3 particles but no difference was detected at 4 and 13 wk. The difference may be due to necrosis of macrophages induced by Co-Cr particles.


Pure Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES) with a new elongated, curved Transanal Endoscopic Operation (TEO) device for rectosigmoid resection: a survival study in a porcine model.
Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) has seen considerable new developments in its evolution to a platform for rectal and sigmoid resection, but to date no true single NOTES procedure has been convincing. This study investigates the safety and feasibility of a further developed transanal NOTES platform for single-access NOTES rectosigmoid resection. Ten large female pigs, mean weight 99.3 kg [standard deviation (SD) 7 kg, range 85.1-112.6 kg], underwent transanal rectosigmoid resection. Five animals were included in an acute study group with immediate postoperative euthanization. A second group included five animals in a survival study. Transanal rectosigmoid resections were performed with an elongated and curved transanal endoscopic operation (TEO) device. Coloanal anastomosis was performed using the transanal circular stapler technique. Survival follow-up was at 7 and 28 days via colonoscopy under sedation. Single-access NOTES transanal rectosigmoid resection with coloanal anastomosis was performed in nine out of ten female pigs. Mean length of rectosigmoid specimens exteriorized was 18.7 cm (SD 2.9 cm, range 14-23 cm). Mean operating time was 124 min (SD 35.7 min, range 70-166 min). Within the survival group, no complications occurred during the monitoring phase. In one case, there was ascites and colitis at necropsy as well as fibrosis at the anastomosis site. Pure transanal rectosigmoid resection is a feasible procedure. The approach via a single transanal access is demanding but viable with the elongated and curved TEO device. The newly developed scope offers an excellent view of the area cephalad to the promontory.


A new biologically active malyngamide from a New Zealand collection of the sea hare Bursatella leachii.
A new malyngamide, S (1), was isolated from a New Zealand collection of the sea hare Bursatella leachii and structurally characterized by spectroscopic methods and chemical degradation. Malyngamide S exhibited cytotoxicity and antiinflammatory properties.


Measurement of substrate-induced oxygen uptake during microsomal drug oxidation using a gold micro-electrode.
1. A resin-coated gold micro-electrode has been used for polarographic determination of oxygen concentration in liver microsomal suspensions from phenobarbital-pretreated rats. 2. The rate of oxygen uptake on addition of an NADPH-regenerating system and the rate after addition of various substrates of the mixed function oxidase system were measured. The rate of oxygen uptake was faster in the presence of substrate than in the presence of NADPH alone. 3. Kinetic constants (Km and V max) for biphenyl, hexobarbital, ethylmorphine, naphthalene and SKF 525-A measured by this technique compare favourably with those obtained either by measurements of NADPH oxidation, or chemical measurements of substrate disappearance or product formation. 4. The practical applications of the gold electrode to drug metabolism studies are discussed.


The number of children, use of oral contraceptives and menopausal status in relation to the number of remaining teeth and the periodontal bone height. A population study of women in Gothenburg, Sweden.
A representative sample of urban women in Gothenburg, Sweden was examined for proximal periodontal bone heights and the number of teeth remaining. The results were studied in relation to the number of children borne, the use of oral contraceptives and the menopausal state. There was an increased risk of being edentulous with an increased number of children borne. This was also obvious when socio-economic status was taken into consideration. Edentulousness was most common among those women in the lowest socio-economic group who had given birth to many children. No significant difference in the number of remaining teeth was observed between current or previous users of oral contraceptives on the one hand and women who had never used them on the other. No significant differences were observed between premenopausal and postmenopausal women as regards the number of remaining teeth. The values for proximal periodontal bone heights showed no statistically significant differences for any of the conditions studied.


Blended Suture-bridge Technique for Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair.
Techniques in rotator cuff repair are constantly evolving, with the main goal of a biologic, stable, and tension-free construct. Significant controversy exists between various methods, and there is no gold standard surgical protocol. We demonstrate an alternative arthroscopic rotator cuff repair technique with 2 key components. First, we performed a transosseous equivalent, suture bridge technique with a combination of triple-loaded medial anchors and knotless lateral anchors. Second, we incorporated 2-strand and 3-strand suture shuttling through the torn rotator cuff and selective medial knot-tying. A total of 6 passes through the tendon are made, comprising 1-2-3-3-2-1 strands each pass. This minimizes the number of passes through the tendon and the overall number of medial knots. Our technique retains the known biomechanical advantages akin to a double-row repair, including less gap formation and wider footprint coverage. In addition, using fewer medial knots with efficient suture passing may result to decreased cuff strangulation and favorable biologic environment for tendon healing. We theorize that this technique may yield lower retear rates while maintaining immediate stability, translating to improved clinical results.


Smart window coating based on F-TiO2-KxWO3 nanocomposites with heat shielding, ultraviolet isolating, hydrophilic and photocatalytic performance.
A series of smart window coated multifunctional NIR shielding-photocatalytic films were fabricated successfully through KxWO3 and F-TiO2 in a low-cost and environmentally friendly process. Based on the synergistic effect of KxWO3 and F-TiO2, the optimal proportion of KxWO3 to F-TiO2 was investigated and the FT/2KWO nanocomposite film exhibited strong near-infrared, ultraviolet light shielding ability, good visible light transmittance, high photocatalytic activity and excellent hydrophilic capacity. This film exhibited better thermal insulation capacity than ITO and higher photocatalytic activity than P25. Meanwhile, the excellent stability of this film was examined by the cycle photocatalytic degradation and thermal insulation experiments. Overall, this work is expected to provide a possibility in integrating KxWO3 with F-TiO2, so as to obtain a multifunctional NIR shielding-photocatalytic nanocomposite film in helping solve the energy crisis and deteriorating environmental issues.


Europe's renewable energy directive poised to harm global forests.
This comment raises concerns regarding the way in which a new European directive, aimed at reaching higher renewable energy targets, treats wood harvested directly for bioenergy use as a carbon-free fuel. The result could consume quantities of wood equal to all Europe's wood harvests, greatly increase carbon in the air for decades, and set a dangerous global example.


The impact of IgM deposits on the outcome of Nephrotic syndrome in children.
The significance of IgM deposits in glomerular mesangium has been controversial since they were first described due to the variations in the both the definitions used and described impact on clinical outcome. The aim of our study was to evaluate the significance of the IgM deposits in the glomerular mesangium for outcomes of nephrotic syndrome (NS) in children. Forty-five children with NS who underwent renal biopsy at tertiary pediatric hospital from January 1st, 2000 to December 31st, 2015 and the pathology diagnosis of minimal change disease, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and mesangial hypercellularity (MH) were retrospectively analyzed. IgM positivity was defined as ≥1+ imunofluorescence with predominantly mesangial distribution. The patients were stratified into IgM-positive (n = 18) and IgM-negative (n = 27). At the end of the median follow-up 4.5 years (range 0.17-13.14), the IgM-positive group was represented by 11 patients (61.1%) in remission, 3 patients (16.7%) with active disease and normal kidney function, 2 (11.1%) patients with active disease and impaired kidney function, 2 (11.1%) patients on renal replacement therapy. Accordingly, the IgM-negative group included 13 patients (48.1%) in remission, 12 (44.4%) with active disease and normal kidney function, 1 (3.7%) with active disease and impaired kidney function, 1 (3.7%) on renal replacement therapy, with no statistical significance between groups (p = 0.186). This study did not reveal significant differences of the disease outcomes between IgM-positive and IgM-negative groups.


CAN THE PERCUTANEOUS CHEVRON AND AKIN (PECA) TECHNIQUE CORRECT THE PRONATION OF THE FIRST METATARSAL IN HALLUX VALGUS?
Pronation of the first metatarsal in hallux valgus has recently been discussed among foot and ankle surgeons. This study aimed to evaluate the potential radiographic correction of moderate and severe hallux valgus using the percutaneous Chevron and Akin (PECA) technique. We evaluated 45 feet in 38 patients (mean age 65.3 years old [36 - 83]; 4 men; 34 women; 7 bilateral) who underwent surgical correction using the PECA technique. The radiographic images evaluated were anteroposterior radiographs obtained pre- and postoperatively at least 6 months after surgery, including the metatarsophalangeal angle, the intermetatarsal angle, pronation of the first metatarsal, displacement of the distal fragment, medial sesamoid position and bone union. All parameters evaluated showed significant postoperative improvement, including correction of pronation of the first metatarsal (p < .05) and position of the sesamoid (p < .05). There was a union of osteotomies in all feet. No complications were observed, such as screw loosening or necrosis of the first metatarsal head. The PECA technique can correct pronation of the first metatarsal in moderate and severe hallux valgus, and other deformity-associated parameters. Level of Evidence IV; Case Series.


Sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate functionalized graphene for confined electrochemical growth of metal/oxide nanocomposites for sensing application.
The electrochemical fructose sensor attracts considerable attention in the food industry and for clinical applications. Here, a novel fructose biosensor was developed based on immobilization of highly dispersed CuO-Cu nanocomposites on Graphene that was non-covalently functionalized by sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS) (denoted briefly as SDBS/GR/CuO-Cu). The structure and morphology of SDBS/GR/CuO-Cu were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The electrochemistry and electrocatalysis were evaluated by cyclic voltammetry (CV). The fructose sensing performances were evaluated by chronoamperometry (i-t). Those properties were also compared with that of CuO-Cu. Results revealed the distinctly enhanced sensing properties of SDBS/GR/CuOCu towards fructose, showing significantly lowered overpotential of +0.40V, ultrafast (<1s) and ultra-sensitive current response (932 μAm M(-1)cm(-2)) in a wide linear range of 3-1000 μM, with satisfactory reproducibility and stability. Those could be ascribed to the good electrical conductivity, large specific surface area, high dispersing ability and chemical stability of GR upon being functionalized non-covalently by SDBS, as well as the outstanding cation anchoring ability of SDBS on GR to resist aggregation among Cu-based nanoparticles during electro-reduction. More importantly, an improved selectivity in fructose detection was achieved. SDBS/GR/CuO-Cu is one of the promising electrode materials for electrochemical detection of fructose.


Cooperativity of intermolecular hydrogen bonds in microsolvated DMSO and DMF clusters: a DFT, AIM, and NCI analysis.
Density functional theory (DFT) calculations are performed to study the hydrogen-bonding in the DMSO-water and DMF-water complexes. Quantitative molecular electrostatic potential (MESP) and atoms-in-molecules (AIM) analysis are applied to quantify the relative complexation of DMSO and DMF with water molecules. The interaction energy of DMSO with water molecules was higher than in DMF-water complexes. The existence of cooperativity effect helps in the strong complex formation. A linear dependence was observed between the hydrogen bond energies EHB, and the total electron densities in the BCP's of microsolvated complexes which supports the existence of cooperativity effect for the complexation process. Due to the stronger DMSO/DMF and water interaction, the water molecules in the formed complexes have a different structure than the isolated water clusters. NCI analysis shows that the steric area is more pronounced in DMF-water complex than the DMSO-water complex which accounts for the low stability of DMF-water complexes compared to the DMSO-water complex. Graphical abstract NCI analysis shows that the steric area is more pronounced in DMF-water complex than the DMSO-water complex which accounts for the low stability of DMF-water complexes compared to the DMSO-water complex.


Plasma xanthine levels in premature infants treated for apnoea with theophylline.
Evidence is presented that oral theophylline doses of 3 mg per kg per 24 h in premature babies produces plasma levels of theophylline and caffeine of about 5 and 1-2 mg/l respectively in most subjects.


Protein-protein interactions in the mammalian brain.
Recent genome-wide high-throughput (HTS) analyses of protein-protein interactions (PPIs) provide molecular-based information to uncover functions of cells and tissues, such as those of the mammalian brain. However, the HTS PPI data contain much false-negatives and false-positives, which should be primarily addressed in experiments. Integrating PPI data sets with other genome-wide data, such as expression profiles and phenotype data sets, provides novel biological insights. Such integration analysis is valuable for addressing the complexity of the mammalian brain. Discovery of novel interactions followed by a detailed analysis is a successful approach to uncover the function of proteins. For example, extensive PPI screens for parkin, a hereditary Parkinson's disease gene, elucidated the function of parkin as an E3 ubiquitin ligase, with localization and activity regulated by contact with its interaction partners, uncovering at least a part of the molecular pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease.


Role of cholinoceptors recycling in short-term potentiation of cholinosensitivity of command neurons in edible snail.
Exocytosis inhibitor Exo 1, dynamin inhibitory peptide (inhibitor of endocytosis), and colchicine disturb short-term potentiation of cholinosensitivity of defensive behavior command neurons in edible snail induced by rhythmic electrical orthodromic stimulation. We hypothesize that the short-term potentiation of cholinosensitivity in the extra-synaptic membrane develops due to incorporation of extra cholinoceptors into neuron plasmalemma as a result of enhanced recycling of the internalized cholinoceptors with participation of microtubules.


Usefulness of [18F]FDG-PET kinetic analysis in non-enhancing primary central nervous system lymphoma: case report.
A 62-year-old woman experienced headache and rapidly progressive left hemiparesis over 2 weeks. Diffusion-weighted and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery MR images of the head showed increased signal intensity in the right basal ganglia, periventricular white matter and the brain stem. Enhancement was not observed on a T1-weighted spin-echo MR image after the administration of a contrast material. An 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography ([18F]FDG-PET) study with kinetic analysis showed decreased FDG transport and increased hexokinase activity in the lesions compared with the contralateral hemisphere. The diagnosis was made by biopsy of the right caudate head and pathologic specimens were positive for malignant large-cell lymphoma, B-cell phenotype. The patient received high-dose methotrexate with CHOP chemotherapy, and an [18F]FDG-PET study with kinetic analysis showed decreased hexokinase activity after the first chemotherapy. Kinetic [18F]FDG-PET analysis may be useful to diagnose and monitor the treatment effect in non-enhancing primary central nervous system lymphoma.


Multimodal image analysis of sensorimotor gating in healthy women.
Prepulse inhibition (PPI) deficits have been reported in individuals with schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders with dysfunction of the cortico-striato-pallido-thalamic circuit. The purpose of this study was to investigate the structural neural correlates of PPI by using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) metrics. The subjects were 53 healthy women (mean age; 40.7±11.3 years). We examined the possible relationships between PPI and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) metrics to estimate white matter integrity and gray matter volume analyzed using the DARTEL (diffeomorphic anatomical registration through exponentiated lie) algebra method. There were significant correlations between DTI metrics and PPI in the parahippocampal region, the anterior limb of the internal capsule, the ventral tegmental area, the thalamus and anterior thalamic radiations, the left prefrontal region, the callosal commissural fiber, and various white matter regions. There were also positive correlations between PPI and gray matter volume in the bilateral parietal gyri and the left inferior prefrontal gyrus at a trend level. The present study revealed evidence of a relationship between PPI and the integrity of white matter. This result was compatible with the previous suggestion that PPI would be modulated by the cortico-striato-thalamic-pallido-pontine circuit.


Removal of Cr(VI) and Ni(II) from aqueous solution by fused yeast: study of cations release and biosorption mechanism.
Biosorption of Cr(VI) and Ni(II) by a fused yeast from Candida tropicalis and Candida lipolytica under varying range of pH, initial metal concentration and reaction time was investigated. Net cation release and Cr removal reached 2.000 mmol/l and 81.37% when treating 20mg/l Cr(VI) at pH 2 with 25mg/l biomass for 30 min, while for Ni were 0.351 mmol/l and 64.60%, respectively. Trace metal elements such as Co, Cu, Mn, Mo, Se and Zn played active role in biosorption as important ingredients of functional enzymes. Cr(VI) was reduced to less toxic Cr(III) and chelated with extracellular secretions, and further accumulated inside the cells. For Ni biosorption, however, largely a passive uptake process influenced by ion gradient led to lower adsorption capacity and cations release. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum analysis indicated that amide and pyridine on cells were involved in binding with Cr, but for Ni, bound-OH and nitro-compounds were the main related functional groups. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis confirmed that considerable amounts of metals precipitated on cell surface when dealing with high concentration metals.


Impact of lock solutions on the mechanical performance of polyurethane central venous catheters: A comparative study.
The impact of ethanol locks on the mechanical performances of central venous catheters was compared to that of aqueous-based locks. Several mechanical tests were performed to evaluate catheter behavior: kinking radius measurements, burst pressure, and tensile tests. Different polyurethanes were studied to assess the impact of radio-opaque charge and polymer chemical composition on catheter behavior. The results were correlated to swelling measurements and calorimetric measurements. In particular, ethanol locks have a higher impact on long contact time than aqueous-based locks: stresses and strains at break were lower, and kinking radii were higher. However, for all catheters, the mechanical performances remain much higher than the normative requirements.


Functional characterization of the 5' flanking region of human ubiquitin fusion degradation 1 like gene (UFD1L).
UFD1L (Ubiquitin Fusion Degradation 1 Like) gene encodes for a component of a multi-complex involved in the degradation of ubiquitin fusion proteins. The gene maps on chromosome 22q11, in a region commonly deleted in severe congenital disorders such as DiGeorge (DGS) and velo-cardio-facial (VCFS) syndromes. UFD1L is a single copy gene ubiquitously expressed in high levels in the pharyngeal pouches and fourth branchial arch artery during development. To understand the regulation of UFD1L expression we performed a functional analysis of its 5' regulatory region. 5'-RACE and primer extension analyses revealed the presence of different transcription start sites in adult and fetal tissues. UFD1L 5' flanking region contains a TATA-box motif and is also very GC-rich with a CpG island encompassing exon 1. Transcriptional activity of this region was examined by transfection experiments of promoter-GFP reporter gene constructs in a human epithelial cell line. These experiments revealed the importance of the region between -17 and -463 nt which contains the TATA-box. EMSA assay resulted in the detection of five functional consensus sequences respectively for the transcription complex TFIID and for the transcription factors AP-1 (one site), AP-2 (one) and Sp1 (two).


Organization of the convergence in the intermediate cerebellar nuclei of somatosensory receptive fields with motor cortical-evoked responses.
The convergence in the intermediate cerebellar nuclei of somatosensory inputs with those from the motor cortex was investigated in cats (1) by examining with natural stimulation the receptive field of nuclear neurons, and (2) by determining the response of the same neurons to stimulation of motor cortical sites which had been identified by microstimulation-evoked movements. Of 196 neurons studied, a response to natural stimulation could be identified in 143, more than half of which (83) were driven by passive movement of one or two joints. The predominant response to cortical microstimulation was a suppression of discharge, although the suppression was sometimes preceded by a weak facilitation or interrupted by a brief but strong facilitation. A pattern of convergence was identified in which 72% of those cells driven by passive joint movement in one direction were suppressed by stimulation of the cortical site from which movement could be evoked in the opposite direction. A model based on this convergence is proposed.


Regulatory interrelations between GABA and polyamines. II. Effect of GABA on ornithine decarboxylase and putrescine levels in cell culture.
GABA added to rat hepatoma (HTC) cells in spinner culture at the time of induction of cell proliferation increased levels of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) up to two- to threefold above that of control cells. The increases in ODC were also reflected by concomitant increases of intracellular putrescine levels, while spermidine and spermine were unchanged. GABA seems to have a direct stabilizing effect on ODC, since the turnover of the enzyme was slowed almost twofold when measured in cells treated with 10(-2) M GABA. The stabilizing effect is most pronounced for GABA, although some amino acids such as asparagine, glutamine, and lysine as well as some GABA analogues and homologues also tend to increase ODC but to a significantly lesser extent than GABA itself. GABA metabolites had no effect on ODC. S-Adenosylmethionine decarboxylase and tyrosine aminotransferase were not affected by the presence of GABA. The GABA effect on ODC may be important in certain types of cells for the regulation of polyamine biosynthesis.


Evaluation of the efficacy of upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor in removal of colour and reduction of COD in real textile wastewater.
The upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor was evaluated for its efficacy in decolourization and reduction in chemical oxygen demand (COD) of real textile wastewater (RTW) under different operational conditions. The efficiency of UASB reactor in reducing COD was found to be over 90%. Over 92% of colour removal due to biodegradation was achieved. The activities of the anaerobic granules were not affected during the treatment of textile wastewater. Cocci-shaped bacteria were the dominant group over Methanothrix like bacteria in textile wastewater treatment. Alkalinity, volatile fatty acids (VFA) content and pH in effluents indicated that the anaerobic process was not inhibited by textile wastewater. It is concluded that UASB reactor system can effectively be used in the treatment of textile wastewater for the removal of colour and in the reduction of COD.


Risk of chronic pancreatitis in carriers of the c.180C>T (p.Gly60=) CTRC variant: case-control studies and meta-analysis.
Chymotrypsin C (CTRC) is a digestive serine protease produced by the pancreas that regulates intrapancreatic trypsin activity and provides a defensive mechanism against chronic pancreatitis (CP). CTRC exerts its protective effect by promoting degradation of trypsinogen, the precursor to trypsin. Loss-of-function missense and microdeletion variants of CTRC are found in around 4% of CP cases and increase disease risk by approximately 3-7-fold. In addition, a commonly occurring synonymous CTRC variant c.180C>T (p.Gly60=) was reported to increase CP risk in various cohorts but a global analysis of its impact has been lacking. Here, we analyzed the frequency and effect size of variant c.180C>T in Hungarian and pan-European cohorts, and performed meta-analysis of the new and published genetic association data. When allele frequency was considered, meta-analysis revealed an overall frequency of 14.2% in patients and 8.7% in controls (allelic odds ratio (OR) 2.18, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.72-2.75). When genotypes were examined, c.180TT homozygosity was observed in 3.9% of CP patients and in 1.2% of controls, and c.180CT heterozygosity was present in 22.9% of CP patients and in 15.5% of controls. Relative to the c.180CC genotype, the genotypic OR values were 5.29 (95% CI 2.63-10.64), and 1.94 (95% CI 1.57-2.38), respectively, indicating stronger CP risk in homozygous carriers. Finally, we obtained preliminary evidence that the variant is associated with reduced CTRC mRNA levels in the pancreas. Taken together, the results indicate that CTRC variant c.180C>T is a clinically relevant risk factor, and should be considered when genetic etiology of CP is investigated.


Meerwein reaction of phosphonium ions with epoxides and thioepoxides in the gas phase.
Phosphonium ions are shown to undergo a gas-phase Meerwein reaction in which epoxides (or thioepoxides) undergo three-to-five-membered ring expansion to yield dioxaphospholanium (or oxathiophospholanium) ion products. When the association reaction is followed by collision-induced dissociation (CID), the oxirane (or thiirane) is eliminated, making this ion molecule reaction/CID sequence a good method of net oxygen-by-sulfur replacement in the phosphonium ions. This replacement results in a characteristic mass shift of 16 units and provides evidence for the cyclic nature of the gas-phase Meerwein product ions, while improving selectivity for phosphonium ion detection. This reaction sequence also constitutes a gas-phase route to convert phosphonium ions into their sulfur analogs. Phosphonium and related ions are important targets since they are commonly and readily formed in mass spectrometric analysis upon dissociative electron ionization of organophosphorous esters. The Meerwein reaction should provide a new and very useful method of recognizing compounds that yield these ions, which includes a number of chemical warfare agents. The Meerwein reaction proceeds by phosphonium ion addition to the sulfur or oxygen center, followed by intramolecular nucleophilic attack with ring expansion to yield the 1,3,2-dioxaphospholanium or 1,3,2-oxathiophospholanium ion. Product ion structures were investigated by CID tandem mass spectrometry (MS(2)) experiments and corroborated by DFT/HF calculations.


Effects of anesthetic MS-222 on stress and reproduction of South American silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen) males.
Anesthesia is a common practice used in fish research and aquaculture. It is important to understand anesthetic effects on the animal and tissues of interest to ensure validity of data and to improve animal welfare in research and fish production endeavors. The production of some captive fish species is only possible by imposing artificial reproduction procedures, and manipulation of fish for these purposes is a stressor. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to evaluate effects of different concentrations (100, 200, and 300 mg/L) of the anesthetic MS-222 (tricaine methanesulfonate) on cortisol concentrations and effects on sperm quality in Rhamdia quelen. After hormonal induction of gamete production, 28 sexually mature males were randomly assigned to treatments, and milt and blood samples were collected. Anesthesia induction time, motility rate, sperm concentration and morphology, plasma cortisol concentrations, and reproductive hormone concentrations (testosterone, 17-α-hydroxyprogesterone, and estradiol) were evaluated. Sperm motility was greater in the control than 300 mg/L treatment group but did not differ among the control, 100, and 200 mg/L groups. The estradiol concentration was greater in non- anesthetized than anesthetized Rhamdia quelen, but plasma cortisol concentrations did not differ among treatment groups (182.50 ± 42.03 ng/mL). The anesthetic MS-222 at concentrations of 100, 200, and 300 mg/L did not inhibit the stress response due to handling of Rhamdia quelen males. In addition, treatment with MS-222 was not effective in inhibiting detrimental effects on sperm quality because this treatment was associated with impaired sperm motility and lesser concentrations of plasma estradiol.


Antimony and arsenic particle size distribution in a mining contaminated freshwater river: Implications for sediment quality assessment and quantifying dispersion.
Assessments of antimony (Sb) and arsenic (As) contamination in sediments are reported on a wide range of different particle size fractions, including <63 μm, < 180 μm and <2 mm. Guidelines vary between jurisdictions which limits comparative assessment between contamination events and complicates ecotoxicity assessment, and almost no information exists on Sb size distribution in contaminated sediments. This study quantified and compared the size distribution of Sb and As in 11 sediments (and 2 floodplain soils) collected along 320 km of waterway contaminated by historic mining activity. Sediment particle size distribution was the primary determinant of total metalloid load in size fractions across the varying substrates of the waterway. Minerals and sorption complexes influenced metalloid particle distribution but relative importance depended on location. Arsenic concentrations were greatest in the fine <63 μm fraction across all the different river environments (7.3-189 mg kg-1, or 1-26% of total sample As), attributed to fine-grained primary arsenopyrite and/or sorption of As(V) to fine solid-phases. The Sb particle size concentrations were greatest in mid-size fractions (205-903 mg kg-1) in the upper catchment and up to 100 km downstream to the mid-catchment as a result of remnant Sb minerals. Antimony concentrations in the lower catchment were greatest in the <63 μm fraction (8.8-12.1 mg kg-1), reflecting the increasing importance of sorption for Sb particle associations. This work demonstrates the importance of particle size analysed for assessment of sediment quality, and provides support for analysis of at least the <250 μm fraction for Sb and As when comparing pollutant distribution in events impacted by primary contamination. Analysis of the <63 μm fraction, however, provides good representation in well-dispersed contaminated sediments.


Activating transcription factor 4 confers a multidrug resistance phenotype to gastric cancer cells through transactivation of SIRT1 expression.
Multidrug resistance (MDR) in gastric cancer remains a major challenge to clinical treatment. Activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) is a stress response gene involved in homeostasis and cellular protection. However, the expression and function of ATF4 in gastric cancer MDR remains unknown. In this study, we investigate whether ATF4 play a role in gastric cancer MDR and its potential mechanisms. We demonstrated that ATF4 overexpression confered the MDR phenotype to gastric cancer cells, while knockdown of ATF4 in the MDR variants induced re-sensitization. In this study we also showed that the NAD(+)-dependent histone deacetylase SIRT1 was required for ATF4-induced MDR effect in gastric cancer cells. We demonstrated that ATF4 facilitated MDR in gastric cancer cells through direct binding to the SIRT1 promoter, resulting in SIRT1 up-regulation. Significantly, inhibition of SIRT1 by small interfering RNA (siRNA) or a specific inhibitor (EX-527) reintroduced therapeutic sensitivity. Also, an increased Bcl-2/Bax ratio and MDR1 expression level were found in ATF4-overexpressing cells. We showed that ATF4 had a key role in the regulation of MDR in gastric cancer cells in response to chemotherapy and these findings suggest that targeting ATF4 could relieve therapeutic resistance in gastric cancer.


Using the Utah Population Database to assess familial risk of primary open angle glaucoma.
Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is a leading cause of irreversible blindness in the elderly. Previous epidemiological studies have identified family history, ethnic origin, age, high intraocular pressure and diabetes mellitus as risk factors. However, it is difficult to assess the extent family history plays in this disease process. The Utah Population Database (UPDB), created by the University of Utah, has recently become a resource for which greater than 9 million records are available for use. The UPDB is divided into two major data sets from which family members can be identified, namely 1.6 million genealogy records and 2 million Utah birth certificates. This study utilizes these resources to assess the familial risk of POAG within the Utah Population. The University of Utah's hospital and clinic records were searched for patients with primary and chronic open angle glaucoma (ICD9 codes 365.04 and 365.11) between the years 1995 and 2005. A case-control analysis was then performed with specialized UPDB software that was modified to constrain the control and pedigree populations to over 1 million University of Utah-UPDB linked records. Controls were matched to cases by gender and birth year (±2.5years) with only one control being used per case. Population-attributable risk (PAR) to familial factors and relative risk (RR) were computed using conditional logistic regression (CLR). From the original 1.5 million medical records, 6198 patients with glaucoma were identified. Of these, 3391 met the inclusion criteria, which required patients to have at least one parent or one child in the UPDB. The PAR in this population was found to be 0.20, indicating 20% of the risk for glaucoma is attributable to genetic factors. CLR computations also showed a significantly increased relative risk (p<0.05) in first cousins (RR=1.45 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.16-1.8)), second cousins (RR=1.19 (95% CI 1.08-1.32)), siblings (RR=3.76 (95% CI 2.66-5.31)), parents (RR=6.25 (95% CI 3.94-9.9)) and children (RR=6.77 (95% CI 3.39-13.5)). Based on these familial data, there is a significantly higher prevalence of glaucoma in both first and second generation relatives of those affected as compared to relatives in the control group. When compared with other epidemiologic studies, such as an analysis of first-degree relatives of patients from the Rotterdam study, which showed a PAR of 16%, our study actually demonstrates a greater familial contribution to glaucoma. The UPDB is a valuable and unique resource providing a large population from which to analyze the familial risk of glaucoma.


Surgical technique influences HeartMate II left ventricular assist device thrombosis.
Thrombosis of the HeartMate II (HM2 [Thoratec Corporation, Pleasanton, CA]) is a potentially devastating complication. While attention has been focused on anticoagulation strategies to prevent this complication, the impact of surgical technique has not been assessed. Patients undergoing HM2 implantation at two institutions were reviewed. Pump thrombosis (PT) was defined as a clinical syndrome that included more than 30% elevation in pump power, more than 30% elevation in lactate dehydrogenase, and greater than 20% decrease in hemoglobin with the presence of thrombus in the HM2 stator or rotor, or both, at explant or autopsy. A blinded clinician reviewed dimensions and angles of the HM2 obtained from chest x-ray films. Patients demonstrating PT were compared with patients having normal function. Of the 49 patients reviewed, 11 (22.4%) displayed evidence of PT at a median of 42 days after HM2 implantation. Patient with PT had greater acute angulation of the HM2 inflow cannula immediately postoperatively (48.2 ± 6.8 versus 65.4 ± 9.2 degrees, p < 0.001) and after 30 days (50.1 ± 8.0 versus 65.1 ± 9.9 degrees, p < 0.001). Pump pocket depth was lower in the PT group immediately after HM2 implantation (107.0 ± 41.9 versus 144.3 ± 20.3 cm, p < 0.001) and after 30 days (86.0 ± 39.1 versus 113.1 ± 25.4 cm, p = 0.02). Patients with evidence of PT did not have a decrease in end-diastolic diameter (76 ± 9 versus 70 ± 15 mm, p = 0.24) whereas patients in the normal function group had effective remodeling of the left ventricle (70 ± 10 versus 56 ± 12 mm, p = 0.01). Meticulous surgical technique, which necessitates creating an adequately sized pump pocket and appropriately directing the inflow cannula at the time of operation, may reduce the risk of PT.


A database of seed plants on taxonomy, geography and ecology in the Qinling-Daba Mountains and adjacent areas.
The Qinling-Daba Mountains span subtropical and warm temperate zones and are one of the most remarkable biodiversity hotspots in China. Establishing a complete checklist of seed plants organized by nature reserves in the Qinling-Daba Mountains and adjacent areas is an important basis for managing and utilizing plant resources. First, we collected seed plant species data from published checklists representing 58 nature reserves in the Qinling-Daba Mountains and adjacent areas; second, we comprehensively and systematically sorted and integrated these data; third, we proofread and revised the data with the help of the R language and Flora of China dataset; and finally, we set up a seed plant database containing 96148 records, including the name, order, family, genus, life form, and endemism of each species for the entirety of the Qinling-Daba Mountains. The database contains 9491 species of seed plants belonging to 1729 genera, 211 families, and 59 orders, accounting for 39% of China's seed plants.


Active Commuting to School, Physical Activity, and Behavior Problems Among Third-Grade Children.
We examined factors associated with active commuting to school and the relationships of active commuting and physical activity to child- and teacher-reported internalizing and externalizing behavior problems in a sample of third graders. The study sample consisted of 13,166 third graders enrolled in the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study Kindergarten Class of 1998-1999. "Active" commuters were children who walked to school and "passive" commuters were those who took the bus or were driven. Linear analyses evaluated differences in behavior problems by school commute, physical activity, and sports team participation after adjusting for sociodemographic, regional, and neighborhood factors. Overall, 11% of children actively commuted. Type of commute differed by sociodemographics, region, urbanicity, school type, and neighborhood safety. Active commuters had less general physical activity participation and sports team participation. Commuting type and general physical activity were not associated with behavior problems, but sports team participation was associated with fewer child-reported internalizing and externalizing behaviors as well as fewer teacher-reported internalizing behaviors. Our findings demonstrate the ongoing need for creating and maintaining physical activity programs (such as sports teams) among school-aged children to optimize children's overall health and well-being.


Experience of annual events in the family and social adjustment of school-age children.
Parent-child relationships, the rearing attitudes of parents toward their children as well as the interactive relationships, such as play and cultural activities that parents and children enjoy together, serve as important factors in predicting a child's growth and development. These experiences of annual events celebrated with the family may be related to the school-age child's development. However, this relationship has not been investigated sufficiently. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the relationship between the experience of annual events observed in the family and a child's social adjustment. In 2019, a self-administered questionnaire survey targeting fifth graders (ages 10-11) in Japan was conducted with children's parents. Major survey items included participants' characteristics (child's sex, family composition, siblings, household income, and parents' educational backgrounds), annual events observed in the family (Setsubun or the day before the start of spring, Mother's Day, Father's Day, the Tanabata or Weaver Festival, Respect for the Aged Day, Winter solstice, etc.), and the child's social adjustment (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire). A total of 653 children who met the criteria of not having any developmental disorders were included as participants for the analysis. The participants had celebrated an average of 15.47 (± 5.52) annual events with their families that year. The number of annual events celebrated was significantly related to family composition and the parents' educational backgrounds. We found that children who came from families with numerous experiences of annual events were more likely to have higher prosocial behavior and were less likely to have externalizing or internalizing problems. The same pattern was found even after adjusting for the family's socioeconomic background and other factors; that is, children who came from families having diverse experiences of annual events were more likely to show prosocial tendencies. Our findings suggest that the experience of annual events observed with family potentially enhances a child's prosocial behavior. Thus, celebrating and preserving cultural and personal events in the amily context may be an important developmental experience in terms of children's social adjustment.


Spatial heterogeneity of aggregate stability and soil carbon in semi-arid rangeland.
To measure and manage for C sequestration in heterogeneous rangeland systems, we need to more fully understand spatial patterns of soil resources. Spatial distributions of aggregate stability and soil carbon were investigated in a semiarid rangeland in New Mexico, USA. Soil was analyzed from plant interspaces, black grama (Bouteloua eriopoda (Torr.) Torr.), and mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa Torr.) in a landscape-replicated study. Aggregate stability at the 250 microm scale, carbonate C, organic C and N, C:N ratio, and glomalin, were all highest under mesquite. Soil C:N ratio was the best predictor of aggregate stability. Estimates of metric tons of C per hectare in the top 10 cm were highly variable at patch and landscape scales, varying from 4.2 to 10.5 under mesquite and from 3.0 to 7.0 in interspaces. High variability of aggregate stability and soil C has important implications for C sequestration. We argue that this multi-scale soil heterogeneity must be considered when measuring and managing for C sequestration.


PB-10, a thiazolo[4,5-d] pyrimidine derivative, targets p21-activated kinase 4 in human colorectal cancer cells.
Targeting p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) is a potential therapeutic strategy against human colorectal cancer (CRC). In this study, we synthesized a series of novel thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidine derivatives (PB-1-12) and identified PB-10 (PAK4 IC50 = 15.12 μM) as a potential and potent PAK4 inhibitor. Our results showed that PB-10 significantly suppressed the proliferation and colony formation of human CRC cells. PB-10 also arrested HCT-116 CRC cells at sub G0/G1 phase while promoting the expression of proapoptotic proteins. In addition, PB-10 inhibited migration, invasion, and adhesion as well as the PAK4 downstream signaling pathway in HCT-116 cells. Molecular docking analysis showed possible binding modes between PB-10 and PAK4. Our study provides a novel compound that may block the PAK4 signaling in CRC cells.