Age-associated increase in aneuploidy and changes in gene expression in mouse eggs.
An increase in the incidence of aneuploidy is well documented with increasing maternal age, in particular in human females. Remarkably, little is known regarding the underlying molecular basis for the age-associated increase in aneuploidy, which is a major source of decreased fertility in humans. Using mouse as a model system we find that eggs obtained from old mice (60-70 weeks of age) display a 6-fold increase in the incidence of hyperploidy as assessed by chromosome spreads. Expression profiling of transcripts in oocytes and eggs obtained from young and old mice reveals that approximately 5% of the transcripts are differentially expressed in oocytes obtained from old females when compared to oocytes obtained from young females (6-12 weeks of age) and that this fraction increases to approximately 33% in eggs. The latter finding indicates that the normal pattern of degradation of maternal mRNAs that occurs during oocyte maturation is dramatically altered in eggs obtained from old mice and could therefore be a contributing source to the decline in fertility. Analysis of the differentially expressed transcripts also indicated that the strength of the spindle assembly checkpoint is weakened and that higher errors of microtubule-kinetochore interactions constitute part of molecular basis for the age-associated increase in aneuploidy in females. Last, BRCA1 expression is reduced in oocytes obtained from old females and RNAi-mediated reduction of BRCA1 in oocytes obtained from young females results in perturbing spindle formation and chromosome congression following maturation.


[Personality and comorbidity: are there "difficult patients" in hip arthroplasty?].
Concomitant disorders at the time of surgery in addition to psychological and socioeconomic patient characteristics may influence treatment outcomes in hip arthroplasty. To describe the impact of these factors on perioperative complications and postoperative results in terms of function, quality of life, and patient satisfaction. Review of relevant clinical studies, meta-analyses, and presentation of our own results. Comorbidities in general, especially in combination, increase the perioperative risk profile. Socioeconomic factors (education, professional qualifications, social deprivation) in addition to psychological variables (depression, distressed personality) can have a major impact on postoperative functional outcomes and patient satisfaction. It is of crucial importance to avoid inequalities in the provision of joint replacement for patients with hip osteoarthritis and co-existing risk factors. Preventive strategies should be implemented to reduce the negative impact of comorbidities on treatment outcome. Personalized communication and education may be helpful in avoiding unrealistic patient expectations before hip replacement.


Activation of Vago by interferon regulatory factor (IRF) suggests an interferon system-like antiviral mechanism in shrimp.
There is a debate on whether invertebrates possess an antiviral immunity similar to the interferon (IFN) system of vertebrates. The Vago gene from arthropods encodes a viral-activated secreted peptide that restricts virus infection through activating the JAK-STAT pathway and is considered to be a cytokine functionally similar to IFN. In this study, the first crustacean IFN regulatory factor (IRF)-like gene was identified in Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei. The L. vannamei IRF showed similar protein nature to mammalian IRFs and could be activated during virus infection. As a transcriptional regulatory factor, L. vannamei IRF could activate the IFN-stimulated response element (ISRE)-containing promoter to regulate the expression of mammalian type I IFNs and initiate an antiviral state in mammalian cells. More importantly, IRF could bind the 5'-untranslated region of L. vannamei Vago4 gene and activate its transcription, suggesting that shrimp Vago may be induced in a similar manner to that of IFNs and supporting the opinion that Vago might function as an IFN-like molecule in invertebrates. These suggested that shrimp might possess an IRF-Vago-JAK/STAT regulatory axis, which is similar to the IRF-IFN-JAK/STAT axis of vertebrates, indicating that invertebrates might possess an IFN system-like antiviral mechanism.


Phenylketonuria in Kuwait and Arab countries.
Seven cases of phenylketonuria including a pair of siblings were detected among 451 institutionalized mentally retarded individuals in Kuwait. A further 13 cases from eight Arab families of different nationalities were ascertained among referral cases. The occurrence of phenylketonuria in Kuwait and other Arab countries is discussed in view of the high consanguinity rate and large family size. Our findings stress the need for neonatal screening.


Altered Resting-State functional connectivity in the anterior and posterior hippocampus in Post-traumatic stress disorder: The central role of the anterior hippocampus.
Post-traumatic stress disorder can be viewed as a memory disorder, with trauma-related flashbacks being a core symptom. Given the central role of the hippocampus in autobiographical memory, surprisingly, there is mixed evidence concerning altered hippocampal functional connectivity in PTSD. We shed light on this discrepancy by considering the distinct roles of the anterior versus posterior hippocampus and examine how this distinction may map onto whole-brain resting-state functional connectivity patterns among those with and without PTSD. We first assessed whole-brain between-group differences in the functional connectivity profiles of the anterior and posterior hippocampus within a publicly available data set of resting-state fMRI data from 31 male Vietnam war veterans diagnosed with PTSD (mean age = 67.6 years, sd = 2.3) and 29 age-matched combat-exposed male controls (age = 69.1 years, sd = 3.5). Next, the connectivity patterns of each subject within the PTSD group were correlated with their PTSD symptom scores. Finally, the between-group differences in whole-brain functional connectivity profiles discovered for the anterior and posterior hippocampal seeds were used to prescribe post-hoc ROIs, which were then used to perform ROI-to-ROI functional connectivity and graph-theoretic analyses. The PTSD group showed increased functional connectivity of the anterior hippocampus with affective brain regions (anterior/posterior insula, orbitofrontal cortex, temporal pole) and decreased functional connectivity of the anterior/posterior hippocampus with regions involved in processing bodily self-consciousness (supramarginal gyrus). Notably, decreased anterior hippocampus connectivity with the posterior cingulate cortex/precuneus was associated with increased PTSD symptom severity. The left anterior hippocampus also emerged as a central locus of abnormal functional connectivity, with graph-theoretic measures suggestive of a more central hub-like role for this region in those with PTSD compared to trauma-exposed controls. Our results highlight that the anterior hippocampus plays a critical role in the neurocircuitry underlying PTSD and underscore the importance of the differential roles of hippocampal sub-regions in serving as biomarkers of PTSD. Future studies should investigate whether the differential patterns of functional connectivity stemming from hippocampal sub-regions is observed in PTSD populations other than older war veterans.


Determination of phosphonic acid breakdown products by high-performance liquid chromatography after derivatization.
A new HPLC method for the determination of oxidative breakdown products of aminopolyphosphonates is presented. The phosphonate nitrilotrismethylenephosphonic (NTMP) acid undergoes catalytic oxidation by molecular oxygen in the presence of manganese(II). The two diphosphonates iminodimethylenephosphonic acid (IDMP) and formyliminodimethylenephosphonic acid (FIDMP) are formed. The analytical method employs the derivatization of the aldehyde group in FIDMP by 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine and of the imine group in IDMP by 9-fluorenyl methylchloroformate. The two derivatives are quantified in separate runs using the same acidic phosphate-acetonitrile eluent with detection at 370 nm for FIDMP and 260 nm for IDMP. The detection limit for FIDMP is 0.01 microM, for IDMP 0.02 microM. The method is suitable for the determination of the breakdown products in wastewater.


Accessory and cavitated uterine mass with functional endometrium in an adolescent: diagnosis and laparoscopic excision technique.
Accessory and cavitated uterine masses (ACUM) with functional endometrium can be treated successfully with laparoscopic excision. The objectives of this report are to illustrate the surgical technique used for the removal of this uterine wall mass and to discuss the patient's clinical course and outcomes. Surgical technique and description of 1 case. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospitals Case Medical Center. A 16-year-old adolescent presented with severe dysmenorrhea and pelvic pain. Ultrasonographic examination and MRI demonstrated a cystic uterine wall mass distinct from the endometrial cavity. Laparoscopic excision of uterine mass. Pathologic examination of the mass was consistent with an accessory and cavitated uterine mass. A 9-month follow-up after surgical excision of the mass confirmed complete symptom resolution. ACUM is a unique and not uncommon pathologic category in the adolescent and young adult population. It is associated with severe and intractable dysmenorrhea and pelvic pain. Laparoscopic excision of these masses is justifiable, safe and feasible.


Disclosure of suboptimal health status through traditional Chinese medicine-based body constitution and pulse patterns.
Suboptimal health status (SHS) is a dynamic state wherein people have not been diagnosed with a disease but tend to develop diseases. People with SHS often experience fatigue and other nonspecific symptoms, which are related to a deviated body constitution in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). However, the correlation between TCM constitution and SHS has not been adequately investigated. Furthermore, no study has explored the radial pulse analysis-an assistive objective indicator of TCM constitution-in healthy people and people with SHS. A cross-sectional study. Center for Traditional Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan. Sixty-six adults (27 healthy participants and 39 participants with SHS) who were aged 20-39 years. The body constitution questionnaire (BCQ) scores, suboptimal health status questionnaire-25 (SHSQ-25) scores, and radial pulse waves detected using sphygmography were recorded. Pulse wave analyses are presented as the ratio of frequency below 10 Hz to that above 10 Hz (SER10), which represent energy changes in organ blood flow. Participants with SHS had significantly higher Yang-Xu, Yin-Xu, and stasis scores of BCQ compared with healthy participants. The SHSQ-25 scores of the participants with SHS were moderately correlated with their Yang-Xu, Yin-Xu, and stasis scores (r = 0.65, 0.66, and 0.72, respectively; all p < 0.001), but weak correlations were discovered for healthy participants. The participants with SHS had significantly higher SER10 at the left guan (the "liver" system in TCM) than did the healthy participants. SHS is moderately correlated with TCM-based constitution and those with SHS had increased SER10 at the leftguan of the radial pulse.


Use and automation of a rule in schizophrenia.
Schizophrenia is associated with cognitive deficits and information-processing anomalies. Several studies have shown impairments in frontal lobe functions such as discovering rules, adopting strategies and working memory. We have evaluated the performances of schizophrenic patients on three different tasks of information processing. The first was a simple reaction time task, the second consisted of discriminating the color of the stimuli, and the third required the use of a rule of permutation. The schizophrenic patients (n=17) showed a task-dependent increase in time for responses in comparison with the control group (n=17). This increase was particularly important in the last task, which requires the use of the rule. These results confirm and expand the previously described impairment of patients with schizophrenia in the ability to use rules. They are discussed in terms of deficit in executive functions probably due to frontal lobe malfunctioning.


A case of Bartonellosis mimicking systemic lupus erythematosus.
Cat-scratch disease (CSD) is a systemic bacterial infection caused by Bartonella henselae. The disease is typically characterized by regional lymphadenopathy developing after scratches from domestic or feral cats. Rarely, systemic involvement may be observed. The co-occurrence with glomerulonephritis and positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) tests have been reported before. In these cases, the disease can be misdiagnosed as systemic lupus erythematosus. Ocular involvement occurs in 5%-10% of the cases with CSD, and neuroretinitis is among the common manifestations. Administration of corticosteroids (CSs) in addition to antibiotics has been shown to improve prognosis in neuroretinitis cases. However, the optimal dose and duration, remain ill-defined. In this article, we present an 11-year-old girl with CSD and neuroretinitis with a positive ANA test and hematuria, who benefited from high-dose methyl-prednisolone and antibiotics. Further research is warranted in order to determine the dose and duration of CSs in the treatment of Bartonella neuroretinitis.


Regulation of EPS production in Lactobacillus casei LC2W through metabolic engineering.
Lactobacillus casei LC2W is an exopolysaccharide(EPS)-producing strain with probiotic effects. The low efficiency and unclear regulation mechanism of EPS biosynthesis have become main constraints for its application in food industry. To investigate the major rate-limiting factors of EPS biosynthesis and to improve its yield, metabolic engineering was applied to this strain. Eight relevant genes related to central metabolism, sugar-nucleotides supply, glycosyltransferase and cofactor engineering were cloned and overexpressed. The results suggested that nox, pfk, rfbB and galT genes were the largest contributors to EPS biosynthesis in this study, which elevated EPS yield by 46·0, 20, 17·4 and 19·6% respectively. Notably, under aerobic condition which was not a suitable condition for lactobacilli to grow in, recombinant strain LC-nox achieved the highest EPS yield of 263·7 mg l(-1) , which was increased by 75% compared to that of the starting strain. The oxygen stress was excluded since the phenomenon was not observed in the control strain under the same condition. Therefore, it was probably that higher NADH oxidase activity led to a decreased NADH availability and reduced lactate concentration, which resulted in the elevation of EPS yield. This study contributed to the understanding of EPS biosynthesis in Lact. casei through metabolic engineering and provided a starting point for introducing cofactor engineering into this strain. Overexpression of NADH oxidase was found to have a most significant effect on the EPS production. It is the first report that EPS could be accumulated to such a high level under aerobic condition in lactobacilli. Our results provided a novel strategy for the improvement of EPS production in lactic acid bacteria.


Complete Genome Sequence of Lysinibacillus sphaericus WHO Reference Strain 2362.
Lysinibacillus sphaericus is a species that contains strains widely used in the biological control of mosquitoes. Here, we present the complete 4.67-Mb genome of the WHO entomopathogenic reference strain L. sphaericus 2362, which is probably one of the most commercialized and studied strains. Genes coding for mosquitocidal toxin proteins were detected.


Efficient Removal of Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Drugs from Sewage Treatment Plant Effluents Using Magnetite Nanoparticles Synthesized Red Mud.
Due to the COVID-19 epidemic, the consumption of pharmaceuticals, especially paracetamol, has sharply increased on a global scale. The increasing concentration of analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs (AAIDs) in the aquatic medium is a global problem for human and aquatic life. Therefore, simple and effective treatment options for removing AAIDs from wastewater after the COVID-19 pandemic are needed. The removal of AAIDs (acetaminophen, acetylsalicylic acid, codeine, diclofenac, ibuprofen, indomethacin, ketoprofen, mefenamic acid, naproxen, and phenylbutazone) from sewage treatment plant (STP) effluents by the prepared magnetite nanoparticles synthesized from red mud (mNPs-RM) is presented for the first time in this study. The removal efficiencies of AAIDs onto mNPs-RM were determined to be between 90% (diclofenac) and 100% (naproxen, codeine, and indomethacin). Acetaminophen (paracetamol) was used as a model compound in kinetic and isotherm model studies. The adsorption of acetaminophen was matched well with the pseudo second order kinetic model. Film diffusion governed its rate mechanism. The Freundlich isotherm model preferably fitted the adsorption data with an adsorption capacity of 370 mg/g at 120 min contact time at pH 7.0 at 25 °C. Furthermore, the regenerated mNPs-RM were used four times without affecting the adsorption capacity and the magnetic separability. mNPs-RM can be used as a simple, inexpensive and effective adsorbent for removing AAIDs from STP effluents. Also, low cost adsorbent obtained from industrial waste could be employed to replace the high cost activated carbons for the adsorption of other micro pollutants in STP effluents. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11270-023-06404-7.


Similarities and differences of copper and zinc cations binding to biologically relevant peptides studied by vibrational spectroscopies.
GHK and DAHK are biological peptides that bind both copper and zinc cations. Here we used infrared and Raman spectroscopies to study the coordination modes of both copper and zinc ions, at pH 6.8 and 8.9, correlating the data with the crystal structures that are only available for the copper-bound form. We found that Cu(II) binds to deprotonated backbone (amidate), the N-terminus and Nπ of the histidine side chain, in both GHK and DAHK, at pH 6.8 and 8.9. The data for the coordination of zinc at pH 6.8 points to two conformers including both nitrogens of a histidine residue. At pH 8.9, vibrational spectra of the ZnGHK complexes show that equilibria between monomers, oligomers exist, where deprotonated histidine residues as well as deprotonated amide nitrogen are involved in the coordination. A common feature is found: zinc cations coordinate to Nτ and/or Nπ of the His leading to the formation of GHK and DAHK multimers. In contrast, Cu(II) binds His via Nπ regardless of the peptide, in a pH-independent manner.


Transition-metal-free, ambient-pressure carbonylative cross-coupling reactions of aryl halides with potassium aryltrifluoroborates.
We disclose an unprecedented transition-metal-free carbonylative cross coupling of aryl halides with potassium aryl trifluoroborates even at atmospheric pressure of carbon monoxide. This protocol is efficient, operationally simple, and shows wide scope with regard to both aryl halides and potassium aryl trifluoroborates containing a series of active functional groups.


Role of the K(Ca)3.1 K+ channel in auricular lymph node CD4+ T-lymphocyte function of the delayed-type hypersensitivity model.
The intermediate-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channel (K(Ca)3.1) modulates the Ca(2+) response through the control of the membrane potential in the immune system. We investigated the role of K(Ca)3.1 on the pathogenesis of delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) in auricular lymph node (ALN) CD4(+) T-lymphocytes of oxazolone (Ox)-induced DTH model mice. The expression patterns of K(Ca)3.1 and its possible transcriptional regulators were compared among ALN T-lymphocytes of three groups [non-sensitized (Ox-/-), Ox-sensitized, but non-challenged (Ox+/-) and Ox-sensitized and -challenged (Ox+/+)] using real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting and flow cytometry. KCa 3.1 activity was measured by whole-cell patch clamp and the voltage-sensitive dye imaging. The effects of K(Ca)3.1 blockade were examined by the administration of selective K(Ca)3.1 blockers. Significant up-regulation of K(Ca)3.1a was observed in CD4(+) T-lymphocytes of Ox+/- and Ox+/+, without any evident changes in the expression of the dominant-negative form, K(Ca)3.1b. Negatively correlated with this, the repressor element-1 silencing transcription factor (REST) was significantly down-regulated. Pharmacological blockade of K(Ca)3.1 resulted in an accumulation of the CD4(+) T-lymphocytes of Ox+/+ at the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle, and also significantly recovered not only the pathogenesis of DTH, but also the changes in the K(Ca)3.1 expression and activity in the CD4(+) T-lymphocytes of Ox+/- and Ox+/+. The up-regulation of K(Ca)3.1a in conjunction with the down-regulation of REST may be involved in CD4(+) T-lymphocyte proliferation in the ALNs of DTH model mice; and K(Ca)3.1 may be an important target for therapeutic intervention in allergy diseases such as DTH.


Integrated micro-biochemical approach for phytoremediation of cadmium and lead contaminated soils using Gladiolus grandiflorus L cut flower.
The potential of vermicompost, elemental sulphur, Thiobacillus thiooxidans and Pseudomonas putida for phytoremediation is well known individually but their integrated approach has not been discovered so far. The present work highlights the consideration of so far overlooked aspects of their integrated treatment by growing the ornamental plant, Gladiolus grandiflorus L in uncontaminated and sewage-contaminated soils (sulphur-deficient alluvial Entisols, pH 7.6-7.8) for phytoremediation of cadmium and lead under pot experiment. Between vermicompost and elemental sulphur, the response of vermicompost was higher towards improvement in the biometric parameters of plants, whereas the response of elemental sulphur was higher towards enhanced bioaccumulation of heavy metals under soils. The integrated treatment (T7: vermicompost 6g and elemental sulphur 0.5gkg(-1) soil and co-inoculation of the plant with T. thiooxidans and P. putida) was found superior in promoting root length, plant height and dry biomass of the plant. The treatment T7 caused enhanced accumulation of Cd up to 6.96 and 6.45mgkg(-1) and Pb up to 22.6 and 19.9mgkg(-1) in corm and shoot, respectively at the contaminated soil. T7 showed maximum remediation efficiency of 0.46% and 0.19% and bioaccumulation factor of 2.92 and 1.21 and uptake of 6.75 and 21.4mgkg(-1) dry biomass for Cd and Pb respectively in the contaminated soil. The integrated treatment T7 was found significant over the individual treatments to promote plant growth and enhance phytoremediation. Hence, authors conclude to integrate vermicompost, elemental sulphur and microbial co-inoculation for the enhanced clean-up of Cd and Pb-contaminated soils.


Dressler's syndrome complicating radiofrequency ablation of an accessory atrioventricular pathway.
Radiofrequency energy is being used frequently in catheter ablation of accessory pathways. This case reports a patient who underwent radiofrequency ablation that was complicated by the development of Dressler's syndrome.


Prevalence of delta antibodies among urban HBsAg-positive chronic liver disease patients in Egypt.
The prevalence of delta infection among urban Egyptians is reported for the first time. Sera of 44 HBsAg-positive chronic liver disease (CLD) patients and 48 asymptomatic HBsAg carriers were screened for antibodies to hepatitis delta antigen (anti-HD). Anti-HD was found in 21 (47.7%) of the patients compared with 4 (8.3%) of the asymptomatic carriers. The difference was statistically significant at the 0.001 level. Anti-HD was present in 14 out of 24 (58.3%) subjects with histological diagnosis of chronic active hepatitis, 4 of 9 (44.9%) with cirrhosis, and 3 out of 11 (27.2%) with chronic persistent hepatitis. This study points to a high prevalence of hepatitis delta virus in Egypt.


Using trace elements in skin to discriminate the populations of minke whales in southern hemisphere.
Concentrations of 12 trace elements (V, Cr, Mn, Cu, Zn, Se, Rb, Sr, Cd, Cs, Ba, and Hg) were determined in liver and skin tissues of minke whales from various regions within the Antarctic Ocean. Cd concentrations in livers of southern minke whale were apparently higher than those in cetaceans from other regions, while Hg concentrations were lower. There were significant positive correlations between body length and concentrations of Cd and Hg in the liver. The concentrations of all trace elements in the skin were lower than those in other cetaceans reported previously. Significant positive correlations between liver and skin were found for Cr, Mn, Cu, Zn, Rb, Cd, and Cs, implying that the concentrations of these trace elements in the skin reflect those of internal organs. Large interannual variation of the accumulation pattern of trace elements in the skin was observed for the southern minke whales from Area V. There were significant differences in the skin element concentrations among Areas III, IV, and V, especially for males. Also, discriminant analysis between geographically two different groups collected during 1995/1996 austral summer season, based on the concentrations of trace elements in the skin, allowed for a correct classification of 90% of these minke whales. These results suggest that measurement of trace elements in skin samples could provide valuable information on the status of contamination and possible geographic differences in the accumulation levels in southern minke whales.


Determination of dextrorphan in plasma and evaluation of bioavailability of dextromethorphan hydrobromide in humans.
A method is described for the estimation of dextrorphan, a metabolite of dextromethorphan, in plasma. The bioavailability of dextromethorphan hydrobromide after 30 mg po, as measured by the concentration of total (free and conjugated) dextrorphan in the plasma, was determined in six human volunteers with this procedure.


Identification of genes involved in phosphate solubilization and drought stress tolerance in chickpea symbiont Mesorhizobium ciceri Ca181.
Chickpea plant root colonizing bacteria Mesorhizobium ciceri Ca181 promotes plant growth and development through symbiotic association with root nodules. The potentially beneficial effects on plants generated due to this bacterium are mineral nutrient solubilization, abiotic stress tolerance, and nitrogen-fixation, though the molecular mechanisms underlying these probiotic capacities are still largely unknown. Hence, this study aims to describe the molecular mechanism of M. ciceri Ca181 in drought stress tolerance and phosphorus solubilization. Here we have developed the transposon inserted mutant library of strain Ca181 and further screened it to identify the phosphorous solubilization and PEG-induced drought stress tolerance defective mutants, respectively. Resultantly, a total of four and three mutants for phosphorous solubilization and drought stress tolerance were screened and identified. Consequently, Southern blot confirmation was done for the cross verification of insertions and stability in the genome. Through the sequencing of each mutant, the interrupted gene was confirmed, and the finding revealed that the production of gluconic acid is necessary for phosphorus solubilization, while otsA, Auc, and Usp genes were involved in the mechanism of drought stress tolerance in M. ciceri Ca181.


Strophanthidin and force regulation by intracellular sodium activity in cardiac Purkinje fibers.
The role of intracellular sodium activity (aiNa) in the inotropy of a low concentration of strophanthidin (5 X 10(-8 M) was studied in sheep cardiac Purkinje fibers by recording contractile force, aiNa and transmembrane potentials under conditions that vary aiNa. High [Na]O, strophanthidin and tetrodotoxin (TTX) changed force and aiNa in a closely related manner: on logarithmic coordinates, the data were well fitted by a single line obtained through the regression equation F = b (aiNa)s where b represents the intercept and s the slope of the relation. With low strophanthidin, force increases as a linear function of (aiNa) approximately 5 and with high [Na]O as a linear function of (aiNa) approximately 6. However, the combined administration of high [Na]O and strophanthidin results in a potentiated inotropic effect as force becomes a linear function of (aiNa) approximately 14. This potentiation and its abolition by TTX suggests that factors other than aiNa powerfully modify the inotropy of a low strophanthidin concentration.


Tiling mechanisms of the Drosophila compound eye through geometrical tessellation.
Tiling patterns are observed in many biological structures. The compound eye is an interesting example of tiling and is often constructed by hexagonal arrays of ommatidia, the optical unit of the compound eye. Hexagonal tiling may be common due to mechanical restrictions such as structural robustness, minimal boundary length, and space-filling efficiency. However, some insects exhibit tetragonal facets.1-4 Some aquatic crustaceans, such as shrimp and lobsters, have evolved with tetragonal facets.5-8 Mantis shrimp is an insightful example as its compound eye has a tetragonal midband region sandwiched between hexagonal hemispheres.9,10 This casts doubt on the naive explanation that hexagonal tiles recur in nature because of their mechanical stability. Similarly, tetragonal tiling patterns are also observed in some Drosophila small-eye mutants, whereas the wild-type eyes are hexagonal, suggesting that the ommatidial tiling is not simply explained by such mechanical restrictions. If so, how are the hexagonal and tetragonal patterns controlled during development? Here, we demonstrate that geometrical tessellation determines the ommatidial tiling patterns. In small-eye mutants, the hexagonal pattern is transformed into a tetragonal pattern as the relative positions of neighboring ommatidia are stretched along the dorsal-ventral axis. We propose that the regular distribution of ommatidia and their uniform growth collectively play an essential role in the establishment of tetragonal and hexagonal tiling patterns in compound eyes.


Acute effects of ketamine and esketamine on cognition in healthy subjects: A meta-analysis.
Impairment in cognition is frequently associated with acute ketamine administration. However, some questions remain unanswered as to which deficits are most prominent and what variables modulate these effects. A literature search yielded 56 experimental studies of acute ketamine administration that assessed cognition in 1041 healthy volunteers. A multivariate meta-analysis was performed, and effect sizes were estimated for eleven cognitive domains: attention, executive function, response inhibition, social cognition, speed of processing, verbal / language, verbal learning, verbal memory, visual learning & memory, visuospatial abilities, and working memory. There were small-to-moderate impairments across all cognitive domains. Deficits in verbal learning / memory were most prominent, whereas response inhibition was the least affected. Meta-regression analysis revealed that the negative effects of ketamine on cognition are dependent on infusion dose and plasma level, but unaffected by enantiomer type, route of administration, sex or age. A publication bias was observed. Acute ketamine broadly impairs cognition across all domains among healthy individuals. Verbal learning and memory figures most prominently in cognitive impairment elicited by acute ketamine administration.


Relation between activity, endothermic performance and respiratory metabolism in two paper wasps: Polistes dominula and Polistes gallicus.
Climate change is expected to produce shifts in species distributions as well as behavioural and physiological adaptations to find suitable conditions or to cope with the altered environment. The paper wasps Polistes dominula and Polistes gallicus are closely related species, native in the European Mediterranean region and North Africa. P. dominula has expanded its range to the relatively cooler climates of Northern and Eastern Europe, but P. gallicus remained in its original distribution area. In order to reveal their metabolic adaptation to the current climate conditions, and the impact on energy demand at future climate conditions, we investigated the respiratory metabolic rate (CO2 production) of P. dominula from Austria and P. gallicus from Italy. In contrast to the metabolic cold adaptation hypothesis their standard metabolic rate was nearly the same and increased in a typical exponential course with increasing ambient temperature. The metabolic rate of active wasps was higher than the standard metabolic rate and increased with the wasps' activity. There was no obvious difference in the active metabolism between the two species, with the exception that some P. gallicus individuals showed some extraordinary high values. A simultaneous measurement of metabolic rate and body temperature revealed that increased CO2 production was accompanied by endothermic activity. The two investigated populations of paper wasps are quite similar in their metabolic response to temperature, although they live in different climate regions. The spread of P. dominula into cooler regions did not have significant influence on their active and standard metabolic rate.


Cerebral Aspergillosis Complicating COVID Recovery.
How to cite this article: Sampley S, Bhasin D, Singh H, Mishra S. Cerebral Aspergillosis Complicating COVID Recovery. Indian J Crit Care Med 2022;26(4):535-536.


Designer pets discussed in House of Lords.
Amy Waddell, BVA head of media and public affairs, outlines the current debate around animal welfare and 'designer' breeds in the House of Lords.


Comparison of bone reactions to coated tricalcium phosphate and pure titanium dental implants in the canine iliac crest.
Titanium and TCP-coated implants were compared after insertion in the canine iliac crest. Observation time was 14 wk. Evaluation included pull-out tests, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, and histologic examination of in situ, undemineralized implants. The TCP-coated implants were more firmly attached to bone than were the titanium implants. The calcium/phosphorus ratios around the titanium implants were higher than around the TCP-coated implants. Both types of implants were closely surrounded by bone after a 14-wk implantation.


Author Correction: Evaluation of dental arch dimensions in 12 year-old Vietnamese children - A cross-sectional study of 4565 subjects.
An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.


Patients and informal caregivers' experience of surgical and transcatheter aortic valve replacement: Real-world data contributing to establish value-based medicine in Denmark.
The concept of value-based medicine (VBM) is increasingly implemented in therapeutic decision-making processes, but only few data on patient-perceived values are available in the field of aortic stenosis treatment. This study aimed to deliver data on patient-perceived values and health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) following surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in a real-world, all-comers patient population. Questionnaires were sent to 637 patients who had undergone elective AVR 12 to 24 months earlier in the period September 2015 to August 2016. The questionnaires were specifically designed to assess physical and mental impact of the entire AVR process on patients and their nearest relative and to capture HR-QoL. Questionnaires were completed by 429 patients (SAVR: N = 265; TAVR: N = 164). Both physical and mental impact of the intervention and its recovery period were experienced more stressful by SAVR as compared with TAVR patients. Also, nearest relatives of SAVR patients experienced the entire process mentally more stressful and enduring than relatives of TAVR patients. In both groups, 10% of patients reported no change in HR-QoL, whereas HR-QoL improved in 76% vs 83% (P = 0.092) and worsened in 14% vs 7% (P = 0.040) of the SAVR and TAVR populations, respectively. The perioperative experience tends to be more stressful for SAVR as compared with TAVR patients; however, HR-QoL finally improves to a similar degree in both groups. Given the increasing importance of VBM, patient-perceived values will have to be considered in future decision-making processes, both at individual and public policy-making level.


Measured versus predicted energy expenditure in children with inactive Crohn's disease.
The aim of the study was to assess if the estimated average requirements for energy for normal children (EAR) and the Schofield equation could reliably predict energy requirements in children with inactive Crohn's disease (CD). Twenty-three children with inactive CD were studied, median age 14.3 years (range 7.8-16.9). Resting energy expenditure (REE) was measured by indirect calorimetry and compared with that predicted using the Schofield equation (BMR). Total energy expenditure (TEE) was measured using REE and a 3-day activity diary and compared with EAR. REE ranged from 79% to 136% of BMR. Mean REE was not significantly greater than mean BMR (P=0.25 2-tailed t-test). TEE ranged from 72% to 163% of estimated average requirements for energy for children of that weight (EARw). EARw tended to underestimate TEE in large children and overestimate TEE in small children (Bland-Altman plot R=0.5, P=0.002). EARw was a poor predictor of TEE (R=0.35, P=0.1). EAR underestimated energy requirements by >500 kcal/day in 40% of the children. The Schofield equation and EAR are unreliable methods of predicting total energy requirements in children with inactive CD with a significant potential to underestimate energy needs. When energy requirements were greater than EAR it was due to physical activity and body habitus rather than raised REE.


Loss of STARD13 contributes to aggressive phenotype transformation and poor prognosis in papillary thyroid carcinoma.
StAR Related Lipid Transfer Domain Containing 13 (STARD13) serves as a tumor suppressor and has been characterized in several types of malignancies. However, the role and the molecular mechanism of STARD13 in regulating the progression of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) remain underexplored. The gene expression and clinical information of thyroid cancer were downloaded using "TCGAbiolinks" R package. Quantitative PCR and immunohistochemical staining were conducted to detect the expression of STARD13 in clinical tumor and adjacent non-tumor samples. Wound-healing assay, Transwell assay and 3D spheroid invasion assay were performed to evaluate the migratory and invasive capacities of PTC cells. Cell proliferation ability was determined by CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) incorporation assay. The alterations of indicated proteins were detected by Western blotting. In the present study, we found that STARD13 was significantly underexpressed in PTC, which was correlated with poor prognosis. Downregulation of STARD13 might be due to methylation of promoter region. Loss-and gain-of-function experiments demonstrated that STARD13 impeded migratory and invasive capacities of PTC cells in vitro and in vivo. In addition, we found that STARD13 regulated the morphology of PTC cells and inhibited epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Our results suggest that STARD13 acts as a metastasis suppressor and might be a potential therapeutic target in PTC.


[Osteoporosis and the orthopaedic surgeon in 2007].
Despite advances in the prevention and treatment of fragility fractures, their prevalence continues to grow. The identification and treatment of osteoporosis in these high-risk patients are widely reported to be inadequate. The results of the 2002 and 2006 "Orthopaedic Surgeon Survey" under the auspice of BJD and IOF have shown a better involvement of the orthopaedic surgeon in osteoporosis management during his routine clinical practice. The orthopaedic surgeons knew that fragility fractures in patient over 50 years old require investigation for osteoporosis. Although some surgeons agreed to initiate investigation and inform patient about new osteoporosis fracture risk, the majority did not institute medical treatment and thought that the patient primary care provider or rheumatologist should be responsible for medical care. This round table highlights the current aspect of management of fragility fractures and focuses on diagnosis imaging techniques, pharmacological treatment as well as recent advances in implant design and surgical techniques.


[Assessment of myocardial performance in fetuses by using Tei index].
To define the value of Tei index of normal fetuses and to estimate the influence of gestational week and heart rate on the index. Fetal echocardiograms were performed on 225 normal single fetuses, which were divided into three groups (18 approximately 27(+6), 28 approximately 36(+6), 37 approximately 42 gestational weeks). The Tei indexes of both left and right ventricles (LV and RV) were measured by color Doppler ultrasonography. t test was used to compare the Tei index between LV and RV. The correlation between Tei index, gestational week and fetal heart rate were analyzed. The Tei indexes in three different gestational week groups (18 approximately 27(+6), 28 approximately 36(+6), 37 approximately 42 gestational weeks) were 0.37 +/- 0.08, 0.27 +/- 0.05, 0.22 +/- 0.05 of LV and 0.39 +/- 0.04, 0.30 +/- 0.05, 0.24 +/- 0.04 of RV respectively. There was significant difference of Tei index of RV and LV during 28 approximately 36(+6) gestational weeks (P < 0.05). The Tei index of LV and RV decreased linearly with advancing gestational week during 18 - 42 weeks (LV: r = -0.755, PP < 0.05; RV: r = -0.721, P < 0.05) in normal single fetuses. None of the fetal Tei indexes of LV and RV was related to fetal heart rate (LV: r = 0.133, P > 0.05; RV: r = 0.100, P > 0.05). Tei index may be useful, convenient and reliable in fetal cardiac function assessment.


Released dsDNA-triggered inflammasomes serve as intestinal radioprotective targets.
Intestinal mucositis is the major side effect during abdominal or pelvic radiotherapy, but the underlying immunogen remains to be further characterised and few radioprotective agents are available. This study investigated the role of dsDNA-triggered inflammasomes in intestinal mucositis during radiotherapy. Pro-inflammatory cytokines were detected by ELISA. Radiation-induced intestinal injury in mice was analyzed by means of survival curves, body weight, HE staining of intestines, and intestinal barrier integrity. Western blot, immunofluorescence staining, co-immunoprecipitation assay and flow cytometry were used to investigate the regulatory role of dsDNA on inflammasomes. Here, we show that a high level of IL-1β and IL-18 is associated with diarrhoea in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients during radiotherapy, which accounts for intestinal radiotoxicity. Subsequently, we found that the dose-dependently released dsDNA from the intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) serves as the potential immunogenic molecule for radiation-induced intestinal mucositis. Our results further indicate that the released dsDNA transfers into the macrophages in an HMGB1/RAGE-dependent manner and then triggers absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) inflammasome activation and the IL-1β and IL-18 secretion. Finally, we show that the FDA-approved disulfiram (DSF), a newly identified inflammasome inhibitor, could mitigate intestinal radiotoxicity by controlling inflammasome. These findings indicate that the extracellular self-dsDNA released from the irradiated IECs is a potential immunogen to stimulate immune cells and trigger the subsequent intestinal mucositis, while blunting the dsDNA-triggered inflammasome in macrophages may represent an exciting therapeutic strategy for side effects control during abdominal radiotherapy.


Calcein leakage as a robust assay for cytochrome c/H2O2-mediated liposome permeabilization.
Membrane-permeabilizing activity of cytochrome c (cyt c) in the presence of hydrogen peroxide associated with its functioning as peroxidase is considered relevant to initiation of the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis. Here, we present evidence that the choice of a fluorescent dye for measuring cyt c/H2O2-induced dye leakage from liposomes by fluorescence de-quenching is of major importance. The popular fluorescent marker 5(6)-carboxyfluorescein appeared highly susceptible to cyt c-mediated peroxidative destruction and therefore unsuitable for the leakage assay with cyt c/H2O2. On the contrary, calcein, another conventional marker, proved resistant to oxidative stress and thus perfectly suitable for the assay. Based on the concentration dependences of the cyt c/H2O2-induced calcein leakage, the optimal conditions for the assay were found.


Differential responses to sympathetic stimulation in the cerebral and brachial circulations during rhythmic handgrip exercise in humans.
The sympathetic neural regulation of the cerebral circulation remains controversial. The purpose of the present study was to determine how exercise modulates the simultaneous responsiveness of the cerebral and brachial circulations to 'endogenous' sympathetic activation (cold pressor test). In nine healthy subjects, heart rate (HR) and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) were continuously measured during cold pressor tests (4°C water) conducted at rest and during randomized bouts of rhythmic handgrip of 10, 25 and 40% of maximal voluntary contraction. Doppler ultrasound was used to examine brachial artery blood flow (FBF) and middle cerebral artery (MCA) mean blood velocity (V mean), and indices of vascular conductance were calculated for the brachial artery (forearm vascular conductance, FVC) and MCA (cerebral vascular conductance index, CVCi). End-tidal PCO2 (P ET.CO2) was evaluated on a breath-by-breath basis. Handgrip evoked increases in HR, FBF, FVC and MCA V mean (P < 0.05 versus rest), while MAP and CVCi were unchanged and P ET.CO2 fell slightly (P < 0.05 versus rest). Increases in MAP and HR during the cold pressor test were similar at rest and during all handgrip trials. Forearm vascular conductance was markedly reduced with the cold pressor test at rest (-45 ± 8%), but this vasoconstrictor effect was progressively attenuated with increasing exercise intensity (FVC -17 ± 3% during exercise at 40% of maximal voluntary contraction; P < 0.05). In contrast, the small reduction in CVCi with cold pressor test was similar at rest and during handgrip (approximately -5%). Our data indicate that while the marked vasoconstrictor responses to sympathetic activation in the skeletal muscle vasculature are blunted by handgrip exercise, the modest cerebrovascular responses to a cold pressor test remain unchanged.


Emerging patterns of diffusion-weighted MR imaging in Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease: case report and review of the literature.
We report the use of diffusion-weighted MR imaging in the early diagnosis and monitoring of the progression of a histopathologically proved case of sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Ribbon-like areas of hyperintensity in the cerebral cortex on diffusion-weighted images corresponded to the localization of periodic sharp-wave complexes on the electroencephalogram.


Tissue binding patterns and in vitro effects of Campylobacter jejuni DNA-binding protein from starved cells.
Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni) is frequently associated with axonal Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). We reported that C. jejuni DNA-binding protein from starved cells (C-Dps) binds to and damages myelinated nerves in vivo. We studied the binding patterns of C-Dps to nervous tissues and its in vitro effects on neural cells. Immunohistochemically, C-Dps labeled the nodes of Ranvier, the outermost parts of internodal myelin and the basement membrane in the peripheral nerves, and neurons and myelin in the central nervous tissues. Its binding was blocked by sulfatide. C-Dps bound to the cell surfaces of nerve growth factor (NGF)-treated PC12 cells leading to dose-dependent LDH release, which was inhibited by either heat-denaturation of C-Dps or coincubation with an anti-C-Dps mAb. However, its binding to the surfaces of cultured NSC34 cells, S16 cells, or dorsal root ganglion cells, did not induce cytotoxicity. These findings suggest a possible involvement of C-Dps in C. jejuni-related GBS.


Response force titration for the assessment of the neuromuscular toxicity of 2,5-hexanedione in rats.
A silent, non-moving glass lever combined with strain gauges and mounted in an operant chamber measured the vertical isometric force exerted by the forepaw of rats. Every weekday the rats were subjected to a force titration schedule consisting of a sequence of discrete trials signalled by a lever light. The required force, above which a water reinforcement is delivered, was regulated by a generalized bisection algorithm. A stable force level which the rat was able to attain at 50% of the trials was quickly reached in each session by this algorithm. This technique was used to measure the neuromuscular performance decrement due to repeated 2,5-hexanedione treatment (250 and 500 mg/kg/day per os). The results were compared with fore- and hindlimb grip strength measurements on the same animals. This experiment showed that the force titration technique is able to distinguish between motivational and true force decrements, a distinction which cannot be made by the grip strength technique.


Gastric distension in neonatal necrotising enterocolitis.
Nine cases of neonatal necrotising enterocolitis with a combination of gastric distension, paucity of bowel gas and bowel wall oedema are presented. It is postulated that the gastric distension may either be a result of a temporary obstruction at the pyloric canal from oedema or a direct effect of bacterial toxins on ischaemic gastric mucosa. Six (66%) of the 9 infants were term and it is suggested that any newborn infant presenting with isolated gastric distension with bloody stools should be treated as a case of necrotising enterocolitis.


Diterpenes from the roots of Oryza sativa L. and their inhibition activity on NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages.
Two new pimarane diterpenoids, momilactone D (3) and momilactone E (5), along with three known diterpenoids, momilactone A (1), sandaracopimaradien-3-one (2), and oryzalexin A (4) were isolated from Oryza sativa roots. The chemical structures of the compounds were determined by spectroscopic data analysis. The isolated diterpenoids were evaluated for their ability to inhibit NO production and iNOS mRNA and protein expression in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. Compound 4 showed strong inhibition activity on NO production, and compounds 1 and 4 decreased the expression of iNOS mRNA and protein levels.


Directional regulation of cytosolic PEPCK catalysis is mediated by competitive binding of anions.
Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) is a well-characterized enzyme involved in primary glucose metabolism, responsible for catalyzing one of the key steps of gluconeogenesis. It is well demonstrated that PEPCK can efficiently catalyze the reversible interconversion of oxaloacetic acid (OAA) to phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) in vitro, but the enzyme is typically ascribed a metabolic role that requires preferential catalysis in the direction of PEP synthesis in vivo. Here we present structural and functional data that demonstrate the preferential synthesis of PEP from OAA catalyzed by PEPCK in vivo is facilitated by anion-mediated enzyme inhibition that reduces enzyme activity more significantly in the direction of OAA synthesis than in the direction of PEP synthesis. From our studies we conclude that the specific binding of small, ubiquitous anions like chloride, present in millimolar concentrations under normal cellular conditions allows for metabolic control by restricting PEPCK to function in the direction of PEP synthesis.


Effect of melatonin supplementation and cross-fostering on renal glutathione system and development of hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats.
Antenatal and postnatal environments are hypothesised to influence the development of hypertension. This study investigates the synergistic effect of cross-fostering and melatonin supplementation on the development of hypertension and renal glutathione system in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). In one experiment, 1-day-old male SHR pups were fostered to either SHR (shr-SHR) or Wistar-Kyoto rats, (shr-WKY). In a concurrent experiment, SHR dams were given melatonin in drinking water (10 mg/kg body weight) from day 1 of pregnancy. Immediately following delivery, 1-day-old male pups were fostered either to SHR (Mel-shr-SHR) or WKY (Mel-shr-WKY) dams receiving melatonin supplementation until weaning on day 21. Upon weaning, melatonin supplementation was continued to these pups until the age of 16 weeks. Systolic blood pressures (SBP) were recorded at the age of 4, 6, 8, 12 and 16 weeks. Renal antioxidant activities were measured. Mean SBP of shr-WKY, Mel-shr-SHR and Mel-shr-WKY was significantly lower than that in shr-SHR until the age of 8 weeks. At 12 and 16 weeks of age, mean SBP of Mel-shr-WKY was lower than those in non-treated shr-SHR and shr-WKY pups but was not significantly different from that in Mel-shr-SHR. Renal glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities were significantly higher in Mel-shr-SHR and Mel-shr-WKY at 16 weeks of age. It appears that combination of cross-fostering and melatonin supplementation exerts no synergistic effect on delaying the rise in blood pressure in SHR. The elevated GPx and GST activities are likely to be due to the effect of melatonin supplementation.


Population health management in Belgium: a call-to-action and case study.
Although there are already success stories, population health management in Belgium is still in its infancy. A health system transformation approach such as population health management may be suited to address the public health issue of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, as this is one of the main causes of mortality in Belgium. This article aims to raise awareness about population health management in Belgium by: (a) eliciting barriers and recommendations for its implementation as perceived by local stakeholders; (b) developing a population health management approach to secondary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease; and (c) providing a roadmap to introduce population health management in Belgium. Two virtual focus group discussions were organized with 11 high-level decision makers in medicine, policy and science between October and December 2021. A semi-structured guide based on a literature review was used to anchor discussions. These qualitative data were studied by means of an inductive thematic analysis. Seven inter-related barriers and recommendations towards the development of population health management in Belgium were identified. These related to responsibilities of different layers of government, shared responsibility for the health of the population, a learning health system, payment models, data and knowledge infrastructure, collaborative relationships and community involvement. The introduction of a population health management approach to secondary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease may act as a proof-of-concept with a view to roll out population health management in Belgium. There is a need to instill a sense of urgency among all stakeholders to develop a joint population-oriented vision in Belgium. This call-to-action requires the support and active involvement of all Belgian stakeholders, both at the national and regional level.


Graphene-grafted bimetallic MOF membranes for hazardous & toxic contaminants treatment.
Development of membrane with improved carbon dioxide (CO2) gas separation capability is a significant challenge. However, the fabrication of membrane that efficiently separate and purification CO2-containing gases has been the focus of global attention. Cellulose Acetate (CA) has robust reinforcing characteristics when incorporated within a suitable polymer matrix. This work focus on the synthesis of novel mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) by introducing Graphene-grafted bimetallic MOFs in Cellulose Acetate polymer. The graphene-grafted bimetallic MOF (GG-BM MOFs) was prepared by a hydrothermal technique. Whereas, the solution casting approach used to fabricate membranes. The 1-5 wt% of GG-BM MOFs incorporated into the CA matrix. The mechanical, hydrophilicity and adsorption characteristics of fabricated MMMs were investigated. The crystallinity of MMM enhanced after the addition of GG-BM MOFs. In addition, the mechanical characteristics of MMMs were improved with the incorporation of GG-BM MOFs inside the polymer matrix. Maximum stress and strain was obtained for 2 wt% MMM (36.4 N/mm2 and 11% respectively). The CO2 adsorption performance was evaluated at 10 bar and 45 °C. The FTIR results represent insignificant bond shifting with the addition GG-BM MOFs at these conditions. The overall results showed that MMMs containing 2 wt% GG-BM MOFs have good adsorption properties for CO2 i.e 3.15 wt% of CO2. The MMMs have shown a decrease in the mechanical properties and CO2 adsorption at the higher GG-BM MOFs loading due to the presence of agglomeration which was confirmed through SEM. Thus, the addition of GG-BM MOFs in the CA matrix positively altered the physicochemical characteristics of the resulting MMMs, which could assist them in achieving remarkable CO2 adsorption at 2 wt%.


Molecular organization of the chicken ets locus.
Chicken DNA segments homologous to the ets region from the transforming gene of avian erythroblastosis virus, E26, were molecularly cloned and shown to be almost identical to v-ets by sequence analysis. The transforming gene acids from two cell-derived sequences, myb and ets. Whereas the mammalian ets genes are present on two chromosomes, the chicken ets sequence is present as a single locus with v-ets homologous sequences found in nine regions over about 60 kb of genomic DNA. The major sequence difference between the v-ets and c-ets is found at the 3' end, resulting in different carboxy termini of p135 and the chicken proto-ets product. The chicken locus is primarily expressed in normal thymus cells as a 7.5-kb mRNA. The first two viral homologous regions are not found in this c-ets transcript or any other minor species, suggesting that they may not be true exons. Thus, the v-ets region of E26 demonstrates that two major structural differences may have occurred during the transduction of proto-ets sequences by the virus: (1) Truncation of sequences present at the 5' and 3' ends of the gene; and (2) Acquisition of noncoding proto-ets sequences into the virus. Either or both of these differences may be, in part, responsible for the oncogenic potential of this retrovirus.


3D hierarchically gold-nanoparticle-decorated porous carbon for high-performance supercapacitors.
Porous carbon are excellent electrode materials for energy-storage devices. Here, we present a facile in-situ reduction method to improve the electrochemical performance of carbon materials by gold nanoparticles. The prepared porous carbon microspheres decorated with gold-nanoparticle had a 3D honeycomb-like structure with a high specific surface area of about 1635 m2 g-1, confirmed by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method. The electrochemical performance of as-synthesized porous carbon microspheres was exemplified as electrode materials for supercapacitor with a high specific capacitance of 440 F g-1 at a current density of 0.5 A g-1, and excellent cycling stability with a capacitance retention of 100% after 2000 cycles at 10 A g-1 in 6 M KOH electrolyte. Our method opened a new direction for the gold-nanoparticle-decorated synthesis of porous carbon microspheres and could be further applied to synthesize porous carbon microspheres with various nanoparticle decorations for numerous applications as energy storage devices, enhanced absorption materials, and catalytical sites.


Haemoparasite infections in newly introduced dairy cattle in Loei Province, Thailand: Trypanosoma evansi antigen levels by ELISA referring to abortion.
An antigen-detection enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Ag-ELISA) based on affinity-purified polyclonal antibody was utilised as an immunodiagnosis for Trypanosoma evansi infections in cattle. Five hundred pregnant heifers were introduced in Loei province, Thailand and a total of 271 samples were collected at 37 farms during four visits over a year commencing a month after the introduction. Each time the haematocrit centrifuge technique (HCT) was carried out as a field diagnosis for T. evansi, and sera were examined for trypanosomal antigen levels by Ag-ELISA. At the first sampling over 80% of the cattle were positive for trypanosome antigens by Ag-ELISA although the titres were low. Soon after, aborted cases at the late stage of pregnancy were reported and at the second sampling in the rainy season, 25.5% of the cattle sampled were found to harbour T. evansi by HCT. This time the infection rate by Ag-ELISA was 52.9% with high antigen levels. Between the first and second sampling nine cattle out of 51 aborted, which was suspected to be due to T. evansi. As soon as treatment with a trypanocidal drug was started, abortion cases decreased. However, the infection rate remained high during the rainy season when Tabanus flies were active. As the climate became cool and dry, the antigen levels in the area lowered and the positive rate by Ag-ELISA dropped to 32.3%.


Predictors of participation in atrial fibrillation screening among community residents in China.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with increased stroke risk, but many cases of AF remain undiagnosed. Screening is suggested for early detection of AF. However, nonparticipation in screening is frequently reported, and the underlying causes of why patients choose to participate or not are poorly understood. To explore factors associated with participation in AF screening in a high-risk population in China. A cross-sectional study was conducted among community residents who were at risk for AF in Guangzhou, China, from February to September 2022. Data on AF knowledge, attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and willingness to participate in AF screening were collected. Sociodemographic and clinical data were also collected. Multiple linear stepwise regression analysis was performed to explore predictors for participation in AF screening. In total, 420 participants were included, with a mean age of 74.4 (±7.43) years old. The results showed that 77.4% of participants reported that they were likely to participate in AF screening. The results of multiple linear regression showed that perceived behavioral control (β =0.591, 95% CI: 0.071, 0.094), attitude (β =0.085, 95% CI: 0.001, 0.025), and having an AF diagnosis (β =0.098, 95% CI: 0.068, 0.494) were positively associated with willingness to participate in AF screening. Chinese patients are more likely to participate in AF screening when they perceive great control over their behavior, hold a positive attitude, and have an AF diagnosis. The findings provide clues for future interventions aimed at improving the AF screening participation rate.


National trends in gastrointestinal access procedures: an analysis of Medicare services provided by radiologists and other specialists.
To evaluate national trends in enteral access services by radiologists and other specialists. Medicare data from 1997 to 2000 were analyzed for trends in gastrointestinal access services. Current Procedural Terminology codes for gastrostomy placement and maintenance services were selected. Utilization was analyzed by physician specialty. Targeted service analysis was performed for interventional radiologists. For sampled enteral access procedures, annual services to Medicare beneficiaries increased from 279,509 to 283,353 (+1.4%). These were most often performed by gastroenterologists (48.6%), surgeons (25.1%), radiologists (7.4%), and others (18.9%). Total procedures by radiologists increased 29.6% whereas procedures by gastroenterologists, surgeons, and other nonradiologists changed +6.9%, -4.9%, and -10.2%, respectively. For new gastrostomy accesses, radiologist volume increased 46.9% whereas gastroenterologist, surgeon, and other volumes changed +7.9%, -5.0%, and -21.5%, respectively. For maintenance services, radiologist volume increased 21.8% whereas gastroenterologist, surgeon, and other volumes changed +3.1%, -4.7%, and +7.9%, respectively. Analyzed for frequency, relative value, and physician time, enteral access services account for less than 1% of all services provided by interventional radiologists. Although the number of gastrointestinal access services provided to Medicare beneficiaries has remained static, radiologists have experienced a marked relative increase in volume, particularly for new gastrostomy procedures. This increase is largely at the expense of surgeons and other nongastroenterologists. However, radiologists still provide only a small portion of gastrointestinal access services nationwide, and these services account for only a small portion of all procedures performed by interventionalists. Therefore, the potential for enteral access service growth in interventional radiology is high.


Cytogenetic demonstration of gene amplification in a primary intracranial germ cell tumor.
We report the cytogenetic analysis of a primary pineal germinoma. The modal chromosome number was 81. Multiple numerical and structural chromosome abnormalities were noted along with a large homogeneously staining region (HSR). No isochromosome 12p was identified.


Increased emissions of 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations in hemiparkinsonian rats repeatedly treated with dopaminomimetic drugs: A potential preclinical model for studying the affective properties of dopamine replacement therapy in Parkinson's disease.
Dopamine replacement therapy used in Parkinson's disease (PD) may induce alterations in the emotional state that can underlie the manifestation of iatrogenic psychiatric-like disturbances. The preclinical investigation of these disturbances is limited, also because few reliable paradigms are available to study the affective properties of dopaminomimetic drugs in parkinsonian animals. To provide a relevant experimental tool in this respect, we evaluated whether dopaminomimetic drugs modified the emission of 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs), a behavioral marker of positive affect, in rats bearing a unilateral lesion with 6-hydroxydopamine in the medial forebrain bundle. Apomorphine (2 or 4 mg/kg, i.p.), L-3,4-dihydroxyphenilalanine (L-DOPA, 6 or 12 mg/kg, i.p.), or pramipexole (2 or 4 mg/kg, i.p.) were administered in a test cage (× 5 administrations) on alternate days. Seven days after treatment discontinuation, rats were re-exposed to the test cage to measure conditioned calling behavior and thereafter received a drug challenge. Hemiparkinsonian rats treated with either apomorphine or L-DOPA, but not pramipexole, markedly vocalized during repeated treatment and after challenge, and showed conditioned calling behavior. Moreover, apomorphine, L-DOPA and pramipexole elicited different patterns of 50-kHz USV emissions and rotational behavior, indicating that calling behavior in hemiparkinsonian rats treated with dopaminomimetic drugs is not a byproduct of motor activation. Taken together, these results suggest that measuring 50-kHz USV emissions may be a relevant experimental tool for studying how dopaminomimetic drugs modify the affective state in parkinsonian rats, with possible implications for the preclinical investigation of iatrogenic psychiatric-like disturbances in PD.


Rotavirus infection in a small community.
Serial titres of rotavirus specific IgG and IgM have been measured in children and adults living in a small community over a 2 1/4-year period. In all age groups the mean titres of rotavirus specific IgG and IgM rose and fell in parallel with the changes in frequency of gastroenteritis symptoms in the community but after the time when respiratory symptoms reached their peak. Gastroenteritis symptoms were seen most commonly in the children but were also frequent in adults, especially the women. Titres of rotavirus specific IgG changed with age, increasing through childhood into early adult life, but decreased thereafter only to increase again in those over the age of 50 years. Females had higher levels of IgG in all age groups but especially among the children and 30-49-year-old women. The high levels of IgG did not protect the young adults from symptomatic gastroenteritis. Detectable levels of rotavirus specific IgM occurred in all age groups but more commonly in children aged under 10 years and in young adults. Raised levels of IgM were uncommon in the elderly, who rarely suffered gastroenteritis symptoms. An epidemiological model is proposed in which the older members of the community act as a reservoir of rotavirus, passing the infection to the children, who then infect the young adults.


Catalytic Undirected Meta-Selective C-H Borylation of Metallocenes.
Metallocenes are privileged backbones in the fields of synthetic chemistry, catalysis, polymer science, etc. Direct C-H functionalization is undoubtedly the simplest approach for tuning the properties of metallocenes. However, owing to the presence of multiple identical C(sp2 )-H sites, this protocol often suffers from low reactivity and selectivity issues, especially for the regioselective synthesis of 1,3-difunctionalized metallocenes. Herein, an efficient iridium-catalyzed meta-selective C-H borylation of metallocenes is reported. With no need of preinstalled directing groups, this approach enables a rapid synthesis of various boronic esters based on benzoferrocenes, ferrocenes, ruthenocene, and related half sandwich complex. A broad range of electron-deficient and -rich functional groups are all compatible with the process. Notably, C-H borylation of benzoferrocenes takes place exclusively at the benzene ring, which is likely ascribed to the shielding effect of pentamethylcyclopentadiene. The synthetic utility is further demonstrated by easy scalability to gram quantities, the conversion of boron to heteroatoms including N3 , SePh, and OAc, as well as diverse cross-coupling reactions.


Preoperative information needs of children undergoing tonsillectomy.
To identify the information needs of children undergoing tonsillectomy with reference to content of information, method of delivery, information providers and timing of information provision. Tonsillectomy can be anxiety provoking for children and preoperative preparation programmes are long recognised to reduce anxiety. However, few have been designed from the perspectives of children and to date little is known about how best to prepare children in terms of what to tell them, how to convey information to them, who can best provide information and what is the best timing for information provision. A qualitative descriptive study. Data were collected from nine children (aged 6-9) using interviews supported by a write and draw technique. Data were coded and categorised into themes reflecting content, method, providers and timing of information. Children openly communicated their information needs especially on what to tell them to expect when facing a tonsillectomy. Their principal concerns were about operation procedures, experiencing 'soreness' and discomfort postoperatively and parental presence. Mothers were viewed as best situated to provide them with information. Children were uncertain about what method of information and timing would be most helpful to them. Preoperative educational interventions need to take account of children's information needs so that they are prepared for surgery in ways that are meaningful and relevant to them. Future research is needed in this area. Practical steps towards informing children about having a tonsillectomy include asking them what they need to know and addressing their queries accordingly. Child-centred information leaflets using a question and answer format could also be helpful to children.


Clinical aspects of androgen deficiency in men.
We have carried out a prospective survey of 25 cases of male hypogonadism attending one hospital, and a retrospective study of 73 men attending other endocrine clinics in Manchester. In total, 47 had pituitary disorders, 15 isolated gonadotrophin deficiency (including 4 with Kallmann's syndrome), 10 testicular atrophy of unknown cause, 12 testicular damage, 10 with Klinefelter's syndrome, and 4 had miscellaneous disorders. Our survey emphasises the importance of adequate history and examination. Most patients presented with reduced libido, with marital problems in 62% of married men. Less common problems were facial flushing, osteoporosis and gross obesity. Several patients with pituitary disorders were asymptomatic, even in the presence of visual field defects. Klinefelter's syndrome, and testicular atrophy, may present with infertility or gynaecomastia rather than symptoms of androgen deficiency. On examination, the presence of gynaecomastia or obesity were of no help in differential diagnosis, whereas visual field defects clearly indicated a pituitary cause. Measurement of height/span was of little help. The precise diagnosis was usually established with basal plasma LH, FSH, testosterone and prolactin, with karyotype and pituitary radiology, and without more elaborate dynamic hormone tests. Testosterone esters given by intramuscular injection as "Sustanon 250" was the most commonly used replacement therapy. Improved libido usually resulted. Side-effect occurred in 10%, usually as muscle cramps, pain at the injection sites, acne, or excessive sex drive. One tragic case illustrates the potential dangers of androgen replacement therapy in an unrecognised psychopath, and where doubt exists a psychiatric opinion should be sought before starting therapy.


Pressure oscillation with destructive effect of flame propagation of a stoichiometric hydrogen-air mixture in a confined space.
In the present work, the formation mechanism of high-intensity combustion with high pressure oscillation and its destructive effects was studied by a newly designed constant volume combustion bomb equipped with a perforated plate. The stoichiometric H2-air mixture was selected as the test fuel because of its high flame propagation velocity with obvious shock wave, which easily leads to a strong pressure oscillation. Two kinds of high-intensity combustion phenomena, including the continuous acceleration of the flame front and end-gas auto ignition, were obtained. The results show that the ultrafast and intense combustion would lead to a high pressure oscillation, consequently caused damage to the experimental device, such as the optical glass and perforated plate. The perforated plate vibrated back and forth in situ forced by the combustion waves. The peak pressure was up to 10.3MPa and maximum amplitude of pressure oscillation was 4.2MPa when the optical glass was damaged. And according to FFT analysis, the frequency of in-cylinder pressure changed because of the combustion mode transition. The present work provides an alternative method to not only grasp the destructive mechanism of knocking combustion, but also understand the destructive effect of the combustion of the hydrogen-air mixture.


Nurses' Early Recognition of Neonatal Sepsis.
To determine nurses' perceptions of the most common physiologic and behavioral indicators of neonatal sepsis. Descriptive correlational study. A women's and children's hospital in an academic medical center in the southwestern United States. Nurses (N = 181) who cared for neonates in the mother-infant and NICU settings. Participants completed an e-mail survey developed from the literature to ascertain their perceptions of which physiologic and behavioral indicators were most often associated with neonatal sepsis. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Participants identified six signs and symptoms as indicators most often associated with sepsis: two were physiologic and four were behavioral. Recognition of these indicators was not related to level of nursing education but was associated with working in the NICU. Seventy-three percent of participants reported that they suspected that newborns were septic before evaluation and diagnosis of septicemia. Nurses can identify the physiologic and behavioral indicators related to neonatal sepsis. Early recognition, expressed as their intuitive knowing, should be considered a valuable clinical tool. Understanding that different practice settings influence identification of signs and symptoms is important. Integration of this knowledge into formal care surveillance could potentially lower the threshold for early evaluation and treatment and thereby improve outcomes.


Raising rare disease awareness using red flags, role play simulation and patient educators: results of a novel educational workshop on Raynaud phenomenon and systemic sclerosis.
As lack of awareness of rare diseases (RDs) among healthcare professionals results in delayed diagnoses, there is a need for a more efficient approach to RD training during academic education. We designed an experimental workshop that used role-play simulation with patient educators and focused on teaching "red flags" that should raise the suspicion of an RD when faced with a patient with frequently encountered symptoms. Our objective was to report our experience, and to assess the improvement in learners' knowledge and the satisfaction levels of the participants. The workshop consisted of 2 simulated consultations that both started with the same frequent symptom (Raynaud phenomenon, RP) but led to different diagnoses: a frequent condition (idiopathic RP) and an RD (systemic sclerosis, SSc). In the second simulated consultation, the role of the patient was played by a patient educator with SSc. By juxtaposing 2 seemingly similar situations, the training particularly highlighted the elements that help differentiate SSc from idiopathic RP. When answering a clinical case exam about RP and SSc, students that had participated in the workshop had a higher mean mark than those who had not (14 ± 3.7 vs 9.6 ± 5.5 points out of 20, p = 0.001). Participants mostly felt "very satisfied" with this training (94%), and "more comfortable" about managing idiopathic RP and SSc (100%). They considered the workshop "not very stressful" and "very formative" (both 71%). When asked about the strengths of this training, they mentioned the benefits of being put in an immersive situation, allowing a better acquisition of practical skills and a more interactive exchange with teachers, as well as the confrontation with a real patient, leading to a better retention of semiological findings and associating a relational component with this experience. Through the use of innovative educational methods, such as role-play simulation and patient educators, and by focusing on teaching "red flags", our workshop successfully improved RP and SSc learning in a way that satisfied students. By modifying the workshop's scenarios, its template can readily be applied to other clinical situations, making it an interesting tool to teach other RDs.


Mercury-modulated supramolecular assembly of a hexaphenylbenzene derivative for selective detection of picric acid.
Spherical aggregates of hexaphenylbenzene derivative 5 undergo metal-induced modulation to form nanorods in the presence of Hg(2+) ions, which exhibit selective and sensitive response toward picric acid (PA) with a detection limit of 6.87 ppb.


1986 Association of Residents in Radiation Oncology Survey.
Two simultaneous surveys were conducted by the Association of Residents in Radiation Oncology (ARRO). A survey of all residents in Radiation Oncology was conducted to obtain information on trends in residency training. A simultaneous survey of Chief Residents was obtained to determine more specific information on current training programs. Over one-half of residents responded. Eighty-eight percent of respondents were graduates of a North American medical school. Most did at least an internship prior to entering Radiation Oncology and 3/4 of those who did not do a separate internship rotated through other areas at a later time to broaden their knowledge. One-half are Board certified or Board eligible in another specialty or hold a Masters or Ph.D. degree. Three-quarters of all residents had authorship of at least one paper during training and one-half were primary authors. Eighty percent felt adequately prepared for practice after residency. One-half plan at least an initial post-residency affiliation with an academic center. Many were concerned that Radiation Oncologists are not afforded respect equivalent to that of other specialties. Ninety-eight percent favored departmental status for Radiation Oncology. Resident recommendations for improving the image of Radiation Oncology are presented.


The long noncoding RNA lncNB1 promotes tumorigenesis by interacting with ribosomal protein RPL35.
The majority of patients with neuroblastoma due to MYCN oncogene amplification and consequent N-Myc oncoprotein over-expression die of the disease. Here our analyses of RNA sequencing data identify the long noncoding RNA lncNB1 as one of the transcripts most over-expressed in MYCN-amplified, compared with MYCN-non-amplified, human neuroblastoma cells and also the most over-expressed in neuroblastoma compared with all other cancers. lncNB1 binds to the ribosomal protein RPL35 to enhance E2F1 protein synthesis, leading to DEPDC1B gene transcription. The GTPase-activating protein DEPDC1B induces ERK protein phosphorylation and N-Myc protein stabilization. Importantly, lncNB1 knockdown abolishes neuroblastoma cell clonogenic capacity in vitro and leads to neuroblastoma tumor regression in mice, while high levels of lncNB1 and RPL35 in human neuroblastoma tissues predict poor patient prognosis. This study therefore identifies lncNB1 and its binding protein RPL35 as key factors for promoting E2F1 protein synthesis, N-Myc protein stability and N-Myc-driven oncogenesis, and as therapeutic targets.


Adenosine Monophosphate-Activated Protein Kinase Abates Hyperglycaemia-Induced Neuronal Injury in Experimental Models of Diabetic Neuropathy: Effects on Mitochondrial Biogenesis, Autophagy and Neuroinflammation.
Impaired adenosine monophosphate kinase (AMPK) signalling under hyperglycaemic conditions is known to cause mitochondrial dysfunction in diabetic sensory neurons. Facilitation of AMPK signalling is previously reported to ameliorate inflammation and induce autophagic response in various complications related to diabetes. The present study assesses the role of AMPK activation on mitochondrial biogenesis, autophagy and neuroinflammation in experimental diabetic neuropathy (DN) using an AMPK activator (A769662). A769662 (15 and 30 mg/kg, i.p) was administered to Sprague-Dawley rats (250-270 g) for 2 weeks after 6 weeks of streptozotocin (STZ) injection (55 mg/kg, i.p.). Behavioural parameters (mechanical/thermal hyperalgesia) and functional characteristics (motor/sensory nerve conduction velocities (MNCV and SNCV) and sciatic nerve blood flow (NBF)) were assessed. For in vitro studies, Neuro2a (N2A) cells were incubated with 25 mM glucose to simulate high glucose condition and then studied for mitochondrial dysfunction and protein expression changes. STZ administration resulted in significant hyperglycaemia (>250 mg/dl) in rats. A769662 treatment significantly improved mechanical/thermal hyperalgesia threshold and enhanced MNCV, SNCV and NBF in diabetic animals. A769662 exposure normalised the mitochondrial superoxide production, membrane depolarisation and markedly increased neurite outgrowth of N2A cells. Further, AMPK activation also abolished the NF-κB-mediated neuroinflammation. A769662 treatment increased Thr-172 phosphorylation of AMPK results in stimulated PGC-1α-directed mitochondrial biogenesis and autophagy induction. Our study supports that compromised AMPK signalling in hyperglycaemic conditions causes defective mitochondrial biogenesis ultimately leading to neuronal dysfunction and associated deficits in DN and activation of AMPK can be developed as an attractive therapeutic strategy for the management of DN.


Immunological and clinical significance of HLA class I antigen processing machinery component defects in malignant cells.
Experimental as well as clinical studies demonstrate that the immune system plays a major role in controlling generation and progression of tumors. The cancer immunoediting theory supports the notion that tumor cell immunogenicity is dynamically shaped by the immune system, as it eliminates immunogenic tumor cells in the early stage of the disease and then edits their antigenicity. The end result is the generation of a tumor cell population able to escape from immune recognition and elimination by tumor infiltrating lymphocytes. Two major mechanisms, which affect the target cells and the effector phase of the immune response, play a crucial role in the editing process. One is represented by the downregulation of tumor antigen (TA) processing and presentation because of abnormalities in the HLA class I antigen processing machinery (APM). The other one is represented by the anergy of effector immune infiltrates in the tumor microenvironment caused by aberrant inhibitory signals triggered by immune checkpoint receptor (ICR) ligands, such as programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1). In this review, we will focus on tumor immune escape mechanisms caused by defects in HLA class I APM component expression and/or function in different types of cancer, with emphasis on head and neck cancer (HNC). We will also discuss the immunological implications and clinical relevance of these HLA class I APM abnormalities. Finally, we will describe strategies to counteract defective TA presentation with the expectation that they will enhance tumor recognition and elimination by tumor infiltrating effector T cells.


Protection of macaques against infection with simian type D retrovirus (SRV-1) by immunization with recombinant vaccinia virus expressing the envelope glycoproteins of either SRV-1 or Mason-Pfizer monkey virus (SRV-3).
Rhesus macaques were immunized with live vaccinia virus recombinants expressing the envelope glycoproteins (gp70 and gp22) of simian type D retrovirus (SRV), serotype 1 or 3. All of the animals immunized with either the SRV-1 env or the SRV-3 env vaccinia virus recombinant developed neutralizing antibodies against the homologous SRV. In addition, both groups developed cross-reactive antibodies and were protected against an intravenous live-virus challenge with SRV-1. The four control animals immunized with a vaccinia virus recombinant expressing the G protein of respiratory syncytial virus were not protected against the same SRV-1 challenge. Although SRV-1 and SRV-3 immune sera showed cross-neutralization, they failed to neutralize a separate, more distantly related serotype, SRV-2, in an in vitro assay. These findings are consistent with the known degree of serologic and genetic relatedness of these three SRV strains.


A gas-liquid chromatographic method for the determination of naltrexone and beta-naltrexol in human urine.
A rapid quantitative method was developed to assay in urine naltrexone and its major urinary metabolite, beta-naltrexol. Following solvent extraction and elimination of interfering materials, the weakly basic drug, its metabolite and the internal standard (etorphine) were silylated and analyzed by gas-liquid chromatography. As little as 0.02 mug/ml of naltrexone and beta-naltrexol was detectable using a hydrogen flame ionization detector. Twenty-four-hour urine samples were analyzed from three subjects taking 180 mg naltrexone daily. The major urinary excretion product was beta-naltrexol which accounted for 48.6% of the administered dose. Only 5% of the administered dose excreted in the urine was naltrexone. Beta-naltrexol was excreted 70% as free drug and 30% conjugated while naltrexone was 90% conjugated.


Expressing a Short Tandem Target Mimic (STTM) of miR164b/e-3p enhances poplar leaf serration by co-regulating the miR164-NAC module.
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs (21-24 nt) that play important roles in plant growth and development. The miR164 family is highly conserved in plants and the miR164-NAM/ATAF/CUC (NAC) module is validated to regulate leaf and flower development, lateral root initiation and stress response. However, our knowledge of its role in Populus remains limited. In this study, two mature miRNA species, miR164e-5p and miR164e-3p, were identified in Populus deltoides. Their nucleotide sequences were identical to those of miR164a/b/c/d/e-5p and miR164b/e-3p in P. tremula × P. alba clone 717-1B4 (hereinafter poplar 717), respectively. Transgenic plants of poplar 717, including overexpression lines (35S::pri-miR164e) and Short Tandem Target Mimic lines (STTM-miR164a-d,e-5p and STTM-miR164b/e-3p), were generated to study the roles of miR164e-5p and miR164e-3p in poplar. Compared with poplar 717, the leaf margins of 35S::pri-miR164e lines were smoother, the leaves of STTM-miR164b/e-3p line were more serrated, while the leaf morphology of STTM-miR164a-d,e-5p lines had no obvious change. In addition, both 35S::pri-miR164e and STTM-miR164b/e-3p plants had a dwarf phenotype. Expressions of miR164a-d,e-5p target genes, including PtaCUC2a, PtaCUC2b and PtaORE1, was significantly reduced in the apex of 35S::pri-miR164e lines. Green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter assay showed that PtaCUC2a/2b and PtaORE1 were cleaved by miR164a-d,e-5p, and the cleavage was inhibited by STTM-miR164b/e-3p. Therefore, miR164b/e-3p may cooperate with miR164a-d,e-5p to regulate certain NAC members, such as PtaCUC2a/2b and PtaORE1, thereby regulating leaf development and plant growth in poplar. Our findings add new insights into the mechanisms by which the miR164-NAC module regulates plant development.


Changes in Drosophila melanogaster midgut proteins in response to dietary Bowman-Birk inhibitor.
The midgut proteome of Drosophila melanogaster was compared in larvae fed dietary Bowman-Birk inhibitor (BBI) vs. larvae fed a control diet. By using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, nine differentially expressed proteins were observed, which were associated with enzymes or transport functions such as sterol carrier protein X (SCPX), ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme, endopeptidase, receptor signalling protein kinase, ATP-dependent RNA helicase and alpha-tocopherol transport. Quantitative real-time PCR verified differential expression of transcripts coding for six of the proteins observed from the proteomic analysis. BBI evidently affects expression of proteins associated with protein degradation, transport and fatty acid catabolism. We then tested the hypothesis that SCPX was critical for the Drosophila third instars' response to BBI treatment. Inhibition of SCPX caused the third instars to become more susceptible to dietary BBI.


Relations between forms of dietary restraint, restriction, and loss-of-control eating among adolescents seeking weight control: An ecological momentary assessment study.
This study aimed to: 1) compare rates of dietary restraint and restriction between adolescents with and without loss-of-control (LOC) eating who were seeking weight control and 2) examine temporal relations between restraint/restriction and LOC eating. 37 adolescents seeking weight control (mean age: 15.4 ± 1.5; 62 % White; 57 % female; mean BMI percentile = 97.3 ± 3.1) completed a one-week ecological momentary assessment protocol and reported on dietary restraint/restriction and eating behavior prior to beginning a weight control intervention. Chi-square tests examined differences in frequency of restraint/restriction between participants with and without LOC eating. Multilevel models examined associations between dietary restraint/restriction and LOC eating at the next survey and on the next day. Of 37 participants, 15 (41 %) reported engaging in LOC eating. Participants with LOC eating more frequently endorsed several forms of restraint and restriction versus participants without LOC eating. Attempting to avoid enjoyable foods and attempting to limit eating at one survey predicted greater likelihood of LOC eating at the next survey. Findings suggest that attempted restraint, but not actual restriction, was associated with LOC eating. Research should explore additional factors that may influence these relationships, which could inform weight control treatments that address restraint/restriction.


Hemostatic effects of air versus fluid in diabetic vitrectomy.
The potential hemostatic effect of an intravitreal air bubble after diabetic vitrectomy was studied in an animal model and in a randomized clinical trial. One day after vitrectomy with induced intraoperative hemorrhage, vitreous cavity hemorrhage was present in 60% of air-filled rabbit eyes compared with 27% of fluid-filled eyes. The prevalence and extent of hemorrhage was equal in the two groups on postoperative days 3 and 7. In a clinical trial of 51 eyes undergoing diabetic vitrectomy, 70% of eyes randomized to air-filled vitreous cavity after vitrectomy had vitreous cavity hemorrhage on postoperative day 1 compared with 50% of fluid-filled eyes. At 1 week, the incidence of hemorrhage was 78% for air and 61% for fluid. The 6-month visual and anatomic results were similar in both groups. These findings suggest that an intravitreal air bubble neither improves hemostasis nor reduces the visual outcome after diabetic vitrectomy.


Nerve fibers in uterosacral ligaments of women with deep infiltrating endometriosis.
Endometriosis is a disease of high prevalence and enigmatic origin. One aspect not yet clarified is the relationship between endometriosis and nerve tissue. To evaluate, by immunohistochemistry, the presence of sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve fibers in the uterosacral ligament and adjacent connective tissue in women with deep pelvic endometriosis and women without endometriosis. Cross-sectional study (Canadian Task Force II). University Hospital. Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Santa Casa Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil. We selected 49 patients, 20 of them with deep endometriosis in the uterosacral ligament and 29 patients without endometriosis. Secondary antibodies to NSE (pan-neuronal marker), NPY (that identifies sympathetic nerve fibers), and VIP (that identifies parasympathetic nerve fibers) were used for the immunohistochemistry analyses. The immunohistochemical staining by the NSE antibody was positive in 40% of cases of women with endometriosis and in 20.7% of patients without endometriosis (non-significant). The immunohistochemical staining by the NPY antibody was positive in 60% of patients with endometriosis and in 20.7% of the control group (p=0.005), while staining by the VIP antibody was 60% in patients with endometriosis and 13.8% in patients without endometriosis (p=0.001). Immunoexpression of NPY (sympathetic fibers) and VIP (parasympathetic fibers) is higher in women with deep pelvic endometriosis than in women without endometriosis.


Treatment of pituitary-dependent Cushing's disease with the multireceptor ligand somatostatin analog pasireotide (SOM230): a multicenter, phase II trial.
There is currently no medical therapy for Cushing's disease that targets the pituitary adenoma. Availability of such a medical therapy would be a valuable therapeutic option for the management of this disorder. Our objective was to evaluate the short-term efficacy of the novel multireceptor ligand somatostatin analog pasireotide in patients with de novo, persistent, or recurrent Cushing's disease. We conducted a phase II, proof-of-concept, open-label, single-arm, 15-d multicenter study. Thirty-nine patients with either de novo Cushing's disease who were candidates for pituitary surgery or with persistent or recurrent Cushing's disease after surgery without having received prior pituitary irradiation. Patients self-administered sc pasireotide 600 microg twice daily for 15 d. Normalization of urinary free cortisol (UFC) levels after 15 d treatment was the main outcome measure. Of the 29 patients in the primary efficacy analysis, 22 (76%) showed a reduction in UFC levels, of whom five (17%) had normal UFC levels (responders), after 15 d of treatment with pasireotide. Serum cortisol levels and plasma ACTH levels were also reduced. Steady-state plasma concentrations of pasireotide were achieved within 5 d of treatment. Responders appeared to have higher pasireotide exposure than nonresponders. Pasireotide produced a decrease in UFC levels in 76% of patients with Cushing's disease during the treatment period of 15 d, with direct effects on ACTH release. These results suggest that pasireotide holds promise as an effective medical treatment for this disorder.


Proximal row carpectomy and intercarpal arthrodesis for the management of wrist arthritis.
For advanced noninflammatory wrist arthritis, the most common surgical treatments to preserve motion are proximal row carpectomy and scaphoid excision with capitohamate-lunotriquetral arthrodesis. Both procedures have documented successful outcomes. Proximal row carpectomy is simpler but typically is contraindicated when degeneration of the capitate head cartilage exists. Scaphoid excision with capitohamate-lunotriquetral arthrodesis is more complex but may provide greater grip strength and can be successful in the presence of capitate degeneration. Treatment selection should be based on surgeon preference and experience as well as on the patient's understanding of the possible complications and benefits of each procedure.