Combined prognostic value of absolute lymphocyte/monocyte ratio in peripheral blood and interim PET/CT results in Hodgkin lymphoma.
Decreased absolute lymphocyte/monocyte ratio (LMR) in peripheral blood has been reported as an unfavorable prognostic marker in Hodgkin lymphoma. We aimed to investigate whether combining LMR and interim PET/CT scan result (PET2) confers stronger prognostic value than PET2 alone. 121 HL patients were investigated. LMR was calculated from a blood sample taken at the time of diagnosis. PET2 was carried out after the second chemotherapy cycle. Survival was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and significance was determined by log-rank test. Effect of variants on survival results was examined using univariate and multivariate analyses. Best LMR cut-off value was determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Best LMR cut-off value was 2.11 in the case of our patients (LMR > 2.11: favorable, LMR ≤ 2.11: unfavorable). Overall and progression-free survivals (OS/PFS) were significantly worse both in lower LMR (≤ 2.11) (OS: P = 0.041, PFS: P = 0.044) and PET2 positive groups (OS: P < 0.001, PFS: P < 0.001). In PET2 positive patient group (n = 32) the low LMR result meant a significantly worse OS (0.030) and PFS (0.001). Both LMR and PET2 proved to be independent prognostic factors on multivariate analysis, and strengthened each other's effect.


First host plant record for Teriocolias zelia andina Forbes (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) and evidence for local specialization.
The shrub Senna birostris var. arequipensis (Fabaceae) is recorded as the first host plant for the little known butterfly Teriocolias zelia andina Forbes (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) in the occidental slopes of the Andes, northernmost Chile. Observations on egg-laying and larva-feeding behavior suggest that this butterfly is host specific.


Inheritance of isozyme variation and heterozygosity in Pinus ponderosa.
Techniques are presented to detect 23 isozyme loci in the long-lived perennial plant, ponderosa pine. Meiotically derived megagametophyte from seeds is used to examine directly the segregation of allelic variants. Approximately seven seeds were initially examined for 12 enzymes from each of 47 trees from ten stands throughout the northern Rocky Mountain region. Additional seeds were also examined from selected families to confirm the inheritance of observed electrophoretic variants at 13 polymorphic loci and to estimate linkage relationship. Significant norandom segregation was consistently detected for three pairs of loci: ADH-1:AAT-2, ADH-1:PGI-1, and LAP-2:6PG-1. Preliminary estimates of population parameters reveal a relatively high average heterozygosity (H = 0.123). This is partitioned into a high amont of genetic variation within local stands, with only approximately 12% of the total heterozygosity resulting from genic difference between stands.


Postlactational tumoral granulomatous mastitis: a localized immune phenomenon.
Recurrent, nodular necrotizing granulomatous mastitis in two patients is reported in detail. Pathologic, immunologic, and bacteriologic studies in one patient indicate that this entity is different from plasmas cell mastitis, fat necrosis, mammary ductal ectasia, and the usual infectious and puerperal mastitis. Systemic antibreast autoimmune mastitis and vasculitis are also ruled out. Its pathogenesis, differential diagnosis, surgical treatment, and prognosis are discussed.


Diffusion into rat brain of contrast and shift reagents for magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy.
A sensitive radiotracer technique was used to measure transfer constants (Kis) for blood to brain diffusion of the MR contrast reagent gadolinium diethylenetriaminepentaacetate (GdDTPA2-) and the MR shift reagent dysprosium triethylenetetraminehexaacetate (DyTTHA3-) across the normal and the ischemically injured blood-brain barrier (BBB) of rats. In rats with a normal BBB mean Kis (nL/g/s) for these reagents ranged from 0.3 to 1.4 across eight brain regions and were significantly lower in each region than Kis for sucrose (1.5-3.2), a substance known to be a poor permeant of the intact BBB. Kis measured 6 h after a 10 min period of normothermic forebrain ischemia were increased to 4.0-6.2 (reagents) and 6.6-7.5 (sucrose) in two brain regions, striatum and hippocampus, known to be especially vulnerable to ischemic injury. Measurements of BBB permeability to DyTTHA3- after osmotic opening of the barrier with hypertonic arabinose gave Kis of 25-30 in forebrain regions. Estimates of reagent concentrations in brain interstitial fluid 30 min after dosing the animals indicated that both an extremely high dose of DyTTHA3- and severe disruption of the BBB would be required to shift the resonance frequency of extracellular Na+ appreciably. With the moderate degrees of BBB injury produced by short-term ischemia, a dose of GdDTPA2- about 25 times the usual clinical dose of 0.1 mmol/kg would be required to quantify the injury by dynamic MRI.


Recently approved therapies in acute myeloid leukemia: A complex treatment landscape.
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous disease. Until recently, treatment for patients with AML was limited to induction chemotherapy with cytarabine and anthracycline or hypomethylating agents, and, in some instances, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant. With the recent approval of new therapies-i.e., CPX-351, enasidenib, ivosidenib, gemtuzumab ozogamicin, and midostaurin-a new era in AML treatment has emerged. Comprehensive diagnostic testing, such as cytogenetic and molecular testing, is necessary for establishing patient eligibility for these new agents and should be performed in a timely manner. However, choosing a therapy for patients who are eligible for multiple treatments may be a complex process, particularly for patients with newly diagnosed AML. This review discusses data, including associated safety profiles that supported these recent approvals, and provides insights to help clinicians navigate new therapy options for this devastating disease. Given the heterogeneity of AML, the treatment landscape will likely continue to grow and evolve as additional agents (and their combinations) are approved for the treatment of subpopulations of patients with AML. Physicians will need to remain abreast of the ever-changing treatment landscape.


Providing Diagnostic Pathology Services in Low and Middle-Income Countries.
Diagnostic pathology services in low and middle-income countries are often hindered by lack of expertise, equipment, and reagents. However, there are also educational, cultural, and political decisions, which must be addressed in order to provide these services successfully. In this review, we describe some of the infrastructure barriers that must be overcome and provide 3 examples of implementing molecular testing in Rwanda and Honduras despite initial lack of resources.


The role of a restricted region of the chick forebrain in the recognition of individual conspecifics.
It has been proposed that there are two neural systems underlying filial preference behaviour in the domestic chick. Firstly, a predisposition which serves to orient the chick towards objects resembling adult fowl, and secondly a learning system which is engaged by particular objects, including the bird's own mother. Lesions to a particular region of the chick forebrain, the intermediate and medial part of the hyperstriatum ventrale (IMHV), impairs the learning system but not the predisposition. The present experiment was designed to test the hypothesis that the IMHV is involved in learning to recognise individual members of a species. Between 6 and 10 h after chicks had hatched, bilateral lesions were placed in the IMHV (n = 16), and the Wulst (n = 16). There were 52 sham-operated controls. Following recovery from surgery (20-28 h later), all chicks were exposed to one of two stuffed jungle fowl for 4 X 50 min. Two hours after the final training session all birds were given a preference test. This test involved the simultaneous presentation of the fowl to which the chicks had previously been exposed and the fowl which they had not previously seen. While both the sham-operated and the Wulst-lesioned groups had a significant mean preference for the fowl to which they had been exposed during training, the IMHV-lesioned birds had no preference. This result is consistent with the hypothesis that IMHV is involved in learning to recognise individual birds, as well as other conspicuous objects.


Cerebral perfusion and oxygenation differences in Alzheimer's disease risk.
Functional MRI has demonstrated differences in response to memory performance based on risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD). The current study compared blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) functional MRI response with arterial spin labeling (ASL) perfusion response during an associative encoding task and resting perfusion signal in different risk groups for AD. Thirteen individuals with a positive family history of AD and at least one copy of the apolipoprotien E epsilon4 (APOE4) gene (high risk) were compared to ten individuals without these risk factors (low risk). In the medial temporal lobes (MTLs) the high risk group had an elevated level of resting perfusion, and demonstrated decreased fractional BOLD and perfusion responses to the encoding task. However, there was no difference in the absolute cerebral blood flow during the task. These data demonstrate that individuals with increased risk for Alzheimer's disease have elevated MTL resting cerebral blood flow, which significantly influences apparent differences in BOLD activations. BOLD activations should be interpreted with caution, and do not necessarily reflect differences in neuronal activation.


Problems in the diagnosis of pituitary adenoma (Cushing's syndrome) in horses.
Thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) stimulation tests were carried out on a number of horses, including one clinically affected horse whose age and clinical signs suggested that a pituitary adenoma was most unlikely. The results of these tests indicated that, according to criteria published overseas, the majority of these horses had pituitary adenomas. The fact that clinically normal or affected horses may have marked increases in cortisol concentrations indicates that the TRH stimulation test is not suitable for the diagnosis of pituitary adenoma. Other tests, including alterations in glucose metabolism and, if available, ACTH measurements, are probably more useful for diagnosis. However, most diagnoses will probably rely upon the characteristic clinical signs.


Histopathologic findings of retrieved specimens of vertebroplasty with polymethylmethacrylate cement: case control study.
Case control study. To investigate the histopathologic findings of 2 retrieved specimens from failed vertebroplasty with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) cement. Vertebroplasty using PMMA cement has been commonly used to treat debilitating back pain from compression fracture, angiomas, and metastatic cancer. However, there was concern about the unpredictable future results with PMMA cement. The histopathologic changes were rarely reported. There were 2 PMMA augmented and 3 nonaugmented fractured vertebral bodies retrieved for histopathologic study. Between the 2 groups, we compared the findings of bone necrosis, foreign body reaction, fibrotic wall formation, and neovascularization. Bone necrosis was noted in the periphery of PMMA cement, which was surrounded by fibrotic tissues. In contrast, no fibrotic wall formation could be found in the nonaugmented control group. Foreign body reaction was only noted in PMMA augmented cases, and neovascularization was only noted in the control cases. PMMA cement might not be as bioinert as we considered. Therefore, the long-term safety of vertebroplasty should be further evaluated.


Demonstration of GABA-like immunoreactivity in myenteric plexus of frog stomach.
The GABAergic innervation of the frog stomach was studied by means of an indirect immunohistochemical method. Whole mount preparations were obtained from frog stomachs after the animals had been perfused with a mixture of picric acid, glutaraldehyde and glacial acetic acid. Samples were incubated with an antiserum specific for GABA coupled to BSA with glutaraldehyde. Anti-rabbit IgG-HRP was processed by the two step method (Eckert and Ude 1983). GABA-positive varicose fibers and also nerve cell bodies were revealed within the myenteric plexus. The density of GABA-immunoreactive neurons was not higher than 4-8 cell/cm2, which is approximately 1% of the total nerve cell number in the myenteric plexus.


Do orthopaedic and neurosciences inpatients who are at risk of falls have best practice fall prevention strategies implemented during their acute inpatient hospitalization?
To determine whether inpatients identified as being at high risk for falls received fall prevention interventions as recommended in the Best Practice Guidelines for Australian Hospitals. This cross-sectional study examined medical record data from a convenience sample of inpatients admitted to orthopaedic and neurosciences wards (N = 100). Data were compared to the fall prevention recommendations. Percentages were used to describe compliance and independent samples t-tests to assess difference in adherence. Data revealed that 45% and 62% of recommendations were implemented amongst inpatients on orthopaedic and neurosciences ward, respectively (P < 0.001). There was a significant positive correlation between orthopaedic inpatients at higher risk of falls and those with a greater length of stay [r(39) = .46, P = 0.003]. When analysed together, patients who were admitted following a fall had a lower percentage of fall prevention strategies implemented (P < 0.001). Implementation of fall prevention strategies is essential to target in the inpatient setting.


Cowpeas in Northern Ghana and the factors that predict caregivers' intention to give them to schoolchildren.
Cowpeas are important staple legumes among the rural poor in northern Ghana. Our objectives were to assess the iron and zinc content of cowpea landraces and identify factors that predict the intention of mothers/caregivers to give cowpeas to their schoolchildren. We performed biochemical analysis on 14 landraces of cowpeas and assessed the opinion of 120 caregiver-child pairs on constructs based on the combined model of the Theory of Planned Behaviour and Health Belief Model. We used correlations and multiple regressions to measure simple associations between constructs and identify predictive constructs. Cowpea landraces contained iron and zinc in the range of 4.9-8.2 mg/100 g d.w and 2.7-4.1 mg/100 g d.w respectively. The landraces also contained high amounts of phytate (477-1110 mg/100 g d.w) and polyphenol (327-1055 mg/100 g d.w). Intention of mothers was strongly associated (rs = 0.72, P<0.001) with and predicted (β = 0.63, P<0.001) behaviour. The constructs, barriers (β = -0.42, P = 0.001) and attitudes towards behaviour (β = 0.25, P<0.028), significantly predicted intention albeit the predictive ability of the model was weak. We conclude that some cowpea landraces from northern Ghana have appreciable amounts of iron and zinc but probably with poor bioavailability. Attitudes towards giving cowpeas and perception of barriers are important predictors of caregivers' intention to give cowpeas to their schoolchildren. Finally our results suggest that increasing knowledge on nutritional benefits of cowpeas may increase health values caregivers hold for their children in support of giving cowpeas to schoolchildren.


Hypomyelination in Weimaraner dogs.
Dogs from two separate litters of Weimaraners developed tremors by 3 weeks of age. Light and electron microscopic findings in one dog from each of the litters were compared to those of two age-matched controls. Many axons in the brain and spinal cord were either thinly myelinated or nonmyelinated in the affected dogs relative to the controls, while the peripheral nervous system was normally myelinated. The degree of hypomyelination seemed particularly severe at the periphery of the lateral and ventral funiculi of the spinal cord. In all areas of white matter evaluated, astrocytes subjectively outnumbered oligodendrocytes in the Weimaraners, while the reverse was true in the controls. This discrepancy in oligodendrocyte and astrocyte numbers was confirmed quantitatively in the spinal cord. These findings suggested that abnormal glial differentiation was responsible for the hypomyelination. Clinical signs in two affected littermates of one of the dogs gradually resolved, suggesting that the underlying lesion was reversible.


Increased resistance of chickens to acute aflatoxicosis by acclimation to low environmental temperatures.
Young broiler chickens were acclimated to environmental temperatures of 8, 19 and 30 degrees C for five weeks. After acclimation, the birds were administered a single oral dose of aflatoxin (8 mg./kg. body weight) by crop intubation and subsequent mortality were noted. Birds acclimated to the 8 degrees C. environment were more resistant to acute aflatoxicosis than birds acclimated to the other environments. Transferring birds from one environment to another at the time of aflatoxin administration had no effect on their resistance to aflatoxin.


Promoter hypermethylation of neural-related genes is compatible with stemness in solid cancers.
DNA hypermethylation is an epigenetic feature that modulates gene expression, and its deregulation is observed in cancer. Previously, we identified a neural-related DNA hypermethylation fingerprint in colon cancer, where most of the top hypermethylated and downregulated genes have known functions in the nervous system. To evaluate the presence of this signature and its relevance to carcinogenesis in general, we considered 16 solid cancer types available in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). All tested cancers showed significant enrichment for neural-related genes amongst hypermethylated genes. This signature was already present in two premalignant tissue types and could not be explained by potential confounders such as bivalency status or tumor purity. Further characterization of the neural-related DNA hypermethylation signature in colon cancer showed particular enrichment for genes that are overexpressed during neural differentiation. Lastly, an analysis of upstream regulators identified RE1-Silencing Transcription factor (REST) as a potential mediator of this DNA methylation signature. Our study confirms the presence of a neural-related DNA hypermethylation fingerprint in various cancers, of genes linked to neural differentiation, and points to REST as a possible regulator of this mechanism. We propose that this fingerprint indicates an involvement of DNA hypermethylation in the preservation of neural stemness in cancer cells.


Erratum to: The visual amplification of goal-oriented movements counteracts acquired non-use in hemiparetic stroke patients.
Unfortunately, in the original version of this article [1] the sentence "This project was supported through ERC project cDAC (FP7-IDEAS-ERC 341196), EC H2020 project socSMCs (H2020-EU.1.2.2. 641321) and MINECO project SANAR (Gobierno de España)" was missing from the acknowledgements.The acknowledgements have been correctly included in full in this erratum.


Universal stress proteins and Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis expresses universal stress proteins (USPs) when its growth is retarded by oxygen depletion. This class of proteins is emerging as being important in the resistance of bacteria to stress and prolonged growth arrest. Here we assess the properties of USPs and their relevance to mycobacteria.


Body computed tomography findings in systemic lupus erythematosus.
Fifty-five computed tomography scans in 27 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus were reviewed. The most frequent indication for scanning was suspected intraabdominal sepsis, and the most frequent finding was mild lymphadenopathy. Renal abnormalities were: subcapsular hematoma, focal defects, overall enlargement, and diminution of size. Other findings included serositis, bowel wall thickening with pneumatosis intestinalis, pancreatic pseudocyst, and hepatic and splenic enlargement. Five abscesses were found that were indistinguishable from other fluid collections. Computed tomography was helpful in clinical evaluation and in some cases changed management.


U-health service for managing chronic disease: a case study on managing metabolic syndrome in a health center in South Korea.
We were to analyze the effect of managing metabolic syndrome using a u-health service in a health center. We collected biometric data from 316 subjects living in a county (gun) in South Korea before and after the introduction of uhealth services in 2010. Analysis was done by contingency table using SPSS and latent growth model using AMOS. We found that regional u-health services affected instance of metabolic syndrome. Further, biometrics and health behavior improved. After six months of u-health services, the number of subjects with three or more factors for metabolic syndrome decreased by 62.5%; 63.3% of regular drinkers stopped drinking; 83.3% of subjects who rarely exercised began to exercise twice a week or more; and 60.9% of smokers stopped smoking. U-health services can change health behavior and biometrics to manage metabolic syndrome in rural areas. The usefulness of u-health services is discussed.


Trypanosoma cruzi Tc24 Antigen Expressed and Orally Delivered by Schizochytrium sp. Microalga is Immunogenic in Mice.
Chagas disease-caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi-is a neglected tropical disease for which available drugs are not fully effective in the chronic stage and a vaccine is not available yet. Microalgae represent a promising platform for the production and oral delivery of low-cost vaccines. Herein, we report a vaccine prototype against T. cruzi produced in a microalgae platform, based on the candidate antigen Tc24 with a C terminus fusion with the Co1 peptide (Tc24:Co1 vaccine prototype). After modeling the tertiary structure, in silico studies suggested that the chimeric protein is antigenic, not allergenic, and molecular docking indicated binding with Toll-like receptors 2 and 4. Thus, Tc24:Co1 was expressed in the marine microalga Schizochytrium sp., and Western blot confirmed the expression at 48 h after induction, with a yield of 632 µg/L of algal culture (300 μg/g of lyophilized algal cells) as measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Upon oral administration of whole-cell Schizochytrium sp. expressing Tc24:Co1 (7.5 µg or 15 µg of Tc24:Co1 doses) in mice, specific serum IgG and intestinal mucosa IgA responses were detected in addition to an increase in serum Th1/Th2 cytokines. In conclusion, Schizochytrium sp.-expressing Tc24:Co1 is a promising oral vaccine prototype to be evaluated in an animal model of Trypanosoma cruzi infection.


Juvenile polyposis occurring in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia.
Various extraintestinal manifestations may occur in juvenile polyposis, but hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia has rarely been reported in this type of polyposis. The authors treated a 14-year-old girl with rectal bleeding and anemia who had multiple polyps of the colorectum. Large polyps were removed and histologically diagnosed as juvenile polyps. She was later diagnosed as having telangiectasia of the skin, and arteriovenous malformations in the lung and in the liver, all of which were compatible with the diagnosis of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. At age 32, she had multiple ulcers in the ileum and in the colon. The coexistence of juvenile polyposis and hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia may be a clue for the understanding of the histopathogenesis of juvenile polyposis.


Estrogenic activity and nutrient losses in surface runoff after winter manure application to small watersheds.
Confined Animal Feeding Operations generate large amounts of wastes that are land-applied to provide nutrients for crop production and return organic matter to the soil. Production practices and storage limitations often necessitate that wastes be applied to frozen and snow-covered soil. Use of application setbacks have reduced concerns related to nutrient losses in surface runoff from manure, but the estrogenic activity of runoff under these conditions has not been evaluated. Therefore, we measured and sampled surface runoff when manure was applied in the winter at a rate to meet crop N needs and measured estradiol equivalents (E2Eqs) using E-Screen. In year one, six small watersheds used to produce corn were evaluated, treatments: 2 no-manure controls, 2 liquid swine manure with 30-m setbacks, and 2 turkey litter with 30-m setbacks. In addition, beef manure was applied to six frozen plots of forage. For years 2 and 3, applications were repeated on the swine manure watersheds and one control watershed. E2Eqs and nutrient concentrations generally peaked in the first runoff event after application. The highest measured E2Eq (5.6 ng L(-1)) was in the first event after swine manure application and was less than the 8.9 ng L(-1) Lowest Observable Effect Concentration (LOEC) for aquatic species and well below the concentrations measured in other studies using ELISAs to measure hormone concentrations. No runoff occurred from plots planted with forage, indicating low risk for environmental impact, and therefore plots were discontinued from study. In years 2 and 3, estrogenic activity never exceeded the Predicted No Effect Concentrations for E2 of 2 ng L(-1). When post-application runoff contained high estrogenic activity, strong correlations (R(2) 0.86 to 0.96) of E2Eq to Ca(2+), Mg(2+), and K(+) concentrations were observed, indicating under some condition these cations might be useful surrogates for E2Eq measurements.


Evaluating How Physician Attitudes May Affect Practice in Fetal Cardiac Counseling.
Advances in fetal cardiac imaging over the last few decades have allowed for increased prenatal detection and detailed counseling of congenital heart disease (CHD). When CHD is detected, fetal cardiologists are faced with the challenge of providing nuanced prenatal counseling. Studies in other specialties have shown that differences in physician attitudes exist around termination of pregnancy and correlate with variations in the counseling provided to parents. We conducted an anonymous cross-sectional survey of fetal cardiologists in New England (n = 36) regarding attitudes toward termination of pregnancy and the counseling provided to parents with a fetal diagnosis of hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Using a screening questionnaire, there was no significant difference in the counseling provided to parents regardless of the physician's personal or professional views on termination of pregnancy, age, gender, location, type of practice, or years of experience. There were, however, differences among physicians on reasons to consider termination and their perceived professional responsibility to the fetus or mother. Further investigation on a larger geographic scale may reveal additional insights on variations in physician beliefs and whether such beliefs affect variability in counseling practices.


Attitudes, confidence, barriers and current practice of managing depression in patients with COPD in Saudi Arabia: a national cross-sectional survey.
To investigate physicians' perceptions and current practices of identifying and managing depression in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A cross-sectional online survey was employed between March and September 2022. Saudi Arabia. 1015 physicians, including general practitioners and family, internal and pulmonary medicine specialists. Physicians' perceptions, confidence, practices and barriers to recognising and managing depression in patients with COPD. A total of 1015 physicians completed to the online survey. Only 31% of study participants received adequate training for managing depression. While 60% of physicians reported that depression interferes with self-management and worsens COPD symptoms, less than 50% viewed the importance of regular screening for depression. Only 414 (41%) physicians aim to identify depression. Of whom, 29% use depression screening tools, and 38% feel confident in discussing patients' feelings. Having adequate training to manage depression (OR: 2.89; 95% CI: 2.02 to 3.81; p<0.001) and more years of experience (OR: 1.25; 95% CI: 1.08 to 1.45; p=0.002) were associated with the intention to detect depression in COPD patients. The most common barriers linked to recognising depression are poor training (54%), absence of standard procedures (54%) and limited knowledge about depression (53%). The prevalence of identifying and confidently managing depression in patients with COPD is suboptimal, owing to poor training, the absence of a standardised protocol and inadequate knowledge. Psychiatric training should be supported in addition to adopting a systematic approach to detect depression in clinical practice.


Cortical reorganization after motor imagery training in chronic stroke patients with severe motor impairment: a longitudinal fMRI study.
Despite its clinical efficacy, few studies have examined the neural mechanisms of motor imagery training (MIT) in stroke. Our objective was to find the cortical reorganization patterns after MIT in chronic stroke patients. Twenty stroke patients with severe motor deficits were randomly assigned to the MIT or conventional rehabilitation therapy (CRT) group, but two lost in the follow-up. All 18 patients received CRT 5 days/week for 4 weeks. Nine subjects in the MIT group received 30-min MIT 5 days/week for 4 weeks. Before and after the interventions, the upper limb section of the Fugl-Meyer Scale (FM-UL) was blindly evaluated, and functional magnetic resonance imaging was administered while the patients executed a passive fist clutch task. Two cortical reorganization patterns were found. One pattern consisted of the growth in activation in the contralateral sensorimotor cortex (cSMC) for most patients (six in the MIT group, five in the CRT group), and the other consisted of focusing of the activation in the cSMC with increasing of the laterality index of the SMC for a small portion of patients (three in the MIT group, one in the CRT group). When we applied correlation analyses to the variables of relative ΔcSMC and ΔFM-UL in the 11 patients who experienced the first pattern, a positive relationship was detected. Our results indicate that different cortical reorganization patterns (increases in or focusing of recruitment to the cSMC region) exist in chronic stroke patients after interventions, and patients may choose efficient patterns to improve their motor function.


Relationship between blood pressure levels and ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, and mortality in very elderly patients taking antihypertensives: a nationwide population-based cohort study.
In the very elderly, "the lower the better" hypothesis has constantly been contradicted by randomized control trials and various cohort studies, but inconsistency in results led to unclear blood pressure treatment targets. This study aimed to assess the relationship between baseline blood pressure (BP) and ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, and all-cause mortality in very elderly people treated for hypertension. This large population-based retrospective cohort study was based on the national claims database of the Korean National Health Insurance System, which covers the entire Korean population. 374,250 participants aged ≥ 75 years taking antihypertensive agents were recruited, excluding patients with a history of previous ischemic stroke or myocardial infarction. Systolic BP (SBP) followed a J curve for ischemic stroke and a U curve for all-cause mortality, with nadir ranges of 120 to 129 mmHg and 140 to 149 mmHg, respectively. While increasing diastolic BP (DBP) generally resulted in higher HRs for ischemic stroke, HRs for myocardial infarction and all-cause mortality significantly increased only when DBP was ≥ 80 mmHg and ≥ 90 mmHg, respectively. The SBP/DBP combination analysis showed that even with SBP < 130 mmHg, higher DBP ≥ 90 mmHg had higher HRs for all three outcomes compared to the reference group (130 to 149 / < 80 mmHg). There were no further benefits or even harm below certain BP levels for ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, and all-cause mortality in very elderly hypertensive patients.


Socioeconomic status and changes in appetite from toddlerhood to early childhood.
Understanding the mechanisms through which deprivation predisposes a child to increased obesity risk is key to tackling health inequality. Appetite avidity is a key driver of variation in early weight gain. Low socioeconomic status (SES) can be a marker of a more 'obesogenic' food environment which may encourage the behavioural expression of appetite avidity. The objective was to test the hypothesis that children of lower SES demonstrate increases in appetite avidity from toddlerhood to five years. Data were from the Gemini twin birth cohort, with one twin per family selected at random. Parents completed the Child Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (CEBQ) to assess appetitive traits at 16 months and five years. SES was defined using a weighted composite measure comprising seven key correlates. Linear regression models examined the cross-sectional and prospective associations between SES and appetite from 16 months to 5 years, controlling for appetite at 16 months, sex, birth weight and parental BMI. Cross-sectionally, lower SES was significantly associated with higher food responsiveness (β = -0.09 ± 0.024), higher enjoyment of food (β = -0.13 ± 0.024), lower satiety responsiveness (β = 0.09 ± 0.024), and lower food fussiness (β = 0.09, ±0.024) at 16 months. At age 5, lower SES was significantly associated with higher food responsiveness (β = -0.10 ± 0.032), higher desire to drink (β = -0.22 ± 0.031) and higher emotional overeating (β = -0.10 ± 0.032). Prospectively, lower SES predicted greater increases in two key weight-related appetitive traits, from 16 months to 5 years: emotional overeating (β = -0.10 ± 0.032; p < 0.01) and food responsiveness (β = -0.09, ±0.030; p < 0.01). The results indicate that appetite may be a behavioural mediator of the well-established link between childhood deprivation and obesity risk.


Multi-loaded ceramic beads/matrix scaffolds obtained by combining ionotropic and freeze gelation for sustained and tuneable vancomycin release.
For a targeted release against bacteria-associated bone diseases (osteomyelitis) ceramic beads with a high drug loading capacity, loaded with vancomycin as model antibiotic, are synthesized as drug carrier and successfully incorporated in an open porous hydroxyapatite matrix scaffold via freeze gelation to prevent bead migration at the implantation site and to extend drug release. We demonstrate that the quantity of loaded drug by the hydroxyapatite and β-tricalcium phosphate beads, produced by ionotropic gelation, as well as drug release can be tuned and controlled by the selected calcium phosphate powder, sintering temperature, and high initial vancomycin concentrations (100mg/ml) used for loading. Bead pore volume up to 68mm(3)/g, with sufficiently large open pores (pore size of up to 650nm with open porosity of 72%) and high surface area (91m(2)/g) account likewise for a maximum drug loading of 236mg/g beads or 26mg/sample. Multi-drug loading of the beads/matrix composite can further increase the maximum loadable amount of vancomycin to 37mg/sample and prolong release and antibacterial activity on Bacillus subtilis up to 5days. The results confirmed that our approach to incorporate ceramic beads as drug carrier for highly increased drug load in freeze-gelated matrix scaffolds is feasible and may lead to a sustained drug release and antibacterial activity.


Crystallization of the Bacillus subtilis histidine-containing phosphocarrier protein HPr and of some of its site-directed mutants.
The histidine-containing phosphocarrier protein (HPr) from Bacillus subtilis has been crystallized. Two of the site-directed mutants aimed at probing function produce crystals suitable for X-ray studies. The mutant in which His15 is substituted by an alanyl residue crystallizes from ammonium sulfate solution in space group P3(1)21 or P3(2)21, with unit cell dimensions: a = b = 47.3 A; c = 61.5 A. These crystals diffract to at least 1.8 A resolution. The mutant in which Ser46 is substituted by an aspartyl residue crystallizes from polyethylene glycol 4000 solution in space group P2(1), with unit cell dimensions: a = 49.4 A; b = 25.6 A; c = 60.3 A; beta = 109 degrees. These crystals diffract to at least 2.0 A resolution.


An intraoperative case of spontaneous restoration of circulation from asystole: a case of lazarus phenomenon.
This case report refers to a victim of intraoperative cardiac arrest, who restored spontaneous circulation despite of cessation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The victim, a 53-year-old man, was undergoing a surgical investigation and rehabilitation of a thigh hematoma. Two minutes after discontinuation of a 46 min CPR, a normotensive sinus node rhythm appeared at monitor. Despite of lack of an adequate explanation, the authors believe that the combination of the high total dose of adrenaline with the cessation of mechanical ventilation might augment venous return and lead to restoration of spontaneous circulation.


Reverse-transcription, loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay for the sensitive and rapid detection of H10 subtype avian influenza viruses.
The H10 subtype avian influenza viruses (H10N4, H10N5 and H10N7) have been reported to cause disease in mammals, and the first human case of H10N8 subtype avian influenza virus was reported in 2013. Recently, H10 subtype avian influenza viruses (AIVs) have been followed more closely, but routine diagnostic tests are tedious, less sensitive and time consuming, rapid molecular detection assays for H10 AIVs are not available. Based on conserved sequences within the HA gene of the H10 subtype AIVs, specific primer sets of H10 subtype of AIVs were designed and assay reaction conditions were optimized. A reverse-transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) assay was established for the rapid detection of H10 subtype AIVs. The specificity was validated using multiple subtypes of AIVs and other avian respiratory pathogens, and the limit of detection (LOD) was tested using concentration gradient of in vitro-transcribed RNA. The established assay was performed in a water bath at 63 °C for 40 min, and the amplification result was visualized directly as well as under daylight reflections. The H10-RT-LAMP assay can specifically amplify H10 subtype AIVs and has no cross-reactivity with other subtypes AIVs or avian pathogens. The LOD of the H10-RT-LAMP assay was 10 copies per μL of in vitro-transcribed RNA. The RT-LAMP method reported here is demonstrated to be a potentially valuable means for the detection of H10 subtype AIV and rapid clinical diagnosis, being fast, simple, and low in cost. Consequently, it will be a very useful screening assay for the surveillance of H10 subtype AIVs in underequipped laboratories as well as in field conditions.


[Mycoplasma pneumoniae encephalitis associated with basal ganglia necrosis].
Severe central nervous system diseases, such as encephalitis, have been reported in association with Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections. A previously healthy 5-year-old boy presented with an atypical pneumonia; he rapidly developed encephalitis revealed by lethargy, generalized status epilepticus. MRI showed abnormal signals in the basal ganglia, typical of bilateral striatal necrosis. Serologic tests for M. pneumoniae were positive, the child recovered almost completely. M. pneumoniae infection should be considered in all cases of acute encephalopathy; yet the pathogenesis of the disorder is unknown and the treatment uncertain.


Magnetically induced Rayleigh-Taylor instability under rotation: Comparison of experimental and theoretical results.
Our theoretical work has shown that rotating a Rayleigh-Taylor-unstable two-layer stratification about a vertical axis slows the development of the instability under gravity and can stabilize axisymmetric modes indefinitely. Here we compare theoretical predictions directly with our experiments on a rotating two-layer system which is made unstable by magnetic forces applied using a superconducting magnet.


Resistant starch content among several sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) genotypes and the effect of heat treatment on resistant starch retention in two genotypes.
The resistant starch (RS) contents in 49 sorghum genotypes and the effects of heat treatment using dry and wet heat on the grain and flour from two sorghum genotypes were investigated. The results showed a wide variation in the RS contents of the genotypes analyzed. The RS mean values were grouped into six distinct groups and ranged from 0.31±0.33 g/100 g to 65.66±5.46 g/100 g sorghum flour on dry basis. Dry heat causes minor losses in the RS content with retentions of up to 97.19±1.92% of this compound, whereas wet heat retained at most 6.98±0.43% of the RS. The SC 59 and (SSN76)FC6608 RED KAFIR BAZINE (ASA N23) cultivars, which have an average RS content of 65.51 g/100 g, were appropriate for human consumption, and the use of dry heat is presented as a better alternative for the preservation of RS in heat-treated grains.


Clinical usefulness of high levels of C-reactive protein for diagnosing epithelial ovarian cancer.
The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the diagnostic role of CRP in ovarian cancer and to assess whether CRP can be combined with tumor markers to enhance the diagnostic efficacy toward ovarian cancer. Area under the curve, sensitivity, and specificity were calculated to access the diagnostic ability of each singly and combined as markers for ovarian cancer. The CRP cut-off value was then calculated to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of CRP for ovarian cancer. Our results showed that values for all markers were significantly higher in the cancer group than in the control group. Receiver operating characteristic curve results showed that CA125 had the highest diagnostic efficacy for ovarian cancer, while the sensitivity for CRP was higher than for CA125, and the specificity for CRP was equal to that of CA125. The combination of CRP, CA125, and HE4, however, provided the strongest diagnostic capability. Furthermore, the diagnostic cut-off value for CRP with regard to ovarian cancer was 9.8 mg/L, and high levels of CRP were correlated with stage and tumor size of ovarian cancer. Our study indicated that CRP is valuable in the diagnosis of ovarian cancer, and that combining CRP with CA125 and HE4 improved the diagnostic efficacy with respect to ovarian cancer.


Synthesis, physico-chemical studies of manganese(II), cobalt(II), nickel(II), copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes with some p-substituted acetophenone benzoylhydrazones and their antimicrobial activity.
Complexes of the type [M(pabh)(H2O)Cl], [M(pcbh)(H2O)Cl] and [M(Hpabh)(H2O)2 (SO4)] where, M = Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II); Hpabh = p-amino acetophenone benzoyl hydrazone and Hpcbh = p-chloro acetophenone benzoyl hydrazone have been synthesized and characterized with the help of elemental analyses, electrical conductance, magnetic susceptibility measurements, electronic, ESR and IR spectra, thermal (TGA & DTA) and X-ray diffraction studies. Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) chloride complexes are square planar, whereas their sulfate complexes have spin-free octahedral geometry. ESR spectra of Cu(II) complexes with Hpabh are axial and suggest d(x(2)-y(2) as the ground state. The ligand is bidentate bonding through > C = N--and deprotonated enolate group in all the chloro complexes, whereas, >C = N and >C = O groups in all the sulfato complexes. Thermal studies (TGA & DTA) on [Cu(Hpabh)(H2O)2(SO4)] indicate a multistep decomposition pattern, which are both exothermic and endothermic in nature. X-ray powder diffraction parameters for [Co(pabh)(H2O)Cl] and [Ni(Hpabh)(H2O)2(SO4)] correspond to tetragonal and orthorhombic crystal lattices, respectively. The ligands as well as their complexes show a significant antifungal and antibacterial activity. The metal complexes are more active than the ligand.


Growth of the lateral surface of the temporal bone in children.
The adaptation of implantable auditory prostheses for use in children has raised questions concerning both what effect growth may have on the implant and what effect the implant may have on growth. The purpose of this study is to describe temporal bone lateral surface dimensions in children of different ages to draw inferences about growth rates. Using a surface projected grid and point calipers, 158 intact temporal bones from 103 individuals of known ages between birth and 20 years were measured at six points from a fixed reference. These specimens were located in the skeletal collections of the Smithsonian Institute's Museum of Natural History, the Medical Museum of Walter Reed Hospital at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. Linear regression analysis helped clarify a bimodal pattern of growth in which marked increases in dimension occur from birth to 4 years of age and much less change is seen from age 4 to 20 years. These data suggest that implantation in children under 4 years of age is subject to maximal growth effects.


Metabolomics analysis of Semen Cuscutae protection of kidney deficient model rats using ultra high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight Mass Spectrometry.
The traditional Chinese medicine syndrome "Kidney yang deficiency" is a kind of chronic kidney disease. With the development of society, the incidence of chronic kidney disease is increasing year by year, which also brings great economic pressure to people. Semen Cuscutae is an important traditional Chinese medicine to tonify liver and kidney, mainly used to tonify deficiency of liver and kidney, spleen and kidney deficiency and diarrhea. Although there are a lot of research at the molecular and cellular level to study the Semen Cuscutae on the treatment of Kidney yang deficiency syndrome, but there's no comprehensive research complete with metabolomics method from plasma, feces and urine metabolites aspects. The purpose of this study is to find the potential differential biomarkers of the Kidney yang deficiency model and blank group rats in plasma, urine and feces, and to investigate the mechanism of Semen Cuscutae in the treatment of Kidney yang deficiency syndrome. In this study, ultra high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF/MS) was used to identify potential biomarkers. Through the analysis of metabolic profiles of plasma, urine, and feces, as well as multivariate statistical analysis and pathway analysis, the therapeutic mechanism of Semen Cuscutae for Kidney yang deficiency syndrome was described. The results showed that there were 69 differential metabolites in plasma, 93 differential metabolites in feces and 62 differential metabolites in urine, and the changes of the levels of these biomarkers showed that Semen Cuscutae had a good therapeutic effect on Kidney yang deficiency syndrome. Through the analysis of the channel, the metabolite changes mainly affected the steroid hormone biosynthesis, arachidonic acid metabolism, primary bile acid biosynthesis, sheath lipid metabolism and biosynthesis of tyrosine, phenylalanine metabolism, retinol metabolism,taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, lysine degradation and vitamin B6 metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, terpenoid backbone biosynthesis and starch and sucrose metabolism. Therefore, the results suggested that Semen Cuscutae could exert a good therapeutic effect by reversing the levels of some biomarkers.


Response of EP and cochlear blood flow to angiotensin II during hypoxic condition.
To understand the importance of oxygen transport to the inner ear tissue, we studied, using guinea pigs, the relationship between endocochlear DC potential (EP) and cochlear blood flow (CoBF) under hypoxic conditions. 33 guinea pigs weighing 200-400 g were used. EP and CoBF were recorded from the basal turn of the cochlea. Hypoxia (10 min) was induced by inspiring a mixture gas (2-10% oxygen in nitrogen). By inducing hypoxia, the EP declined to a intermediate level of the positive range in a few minutes. In the midpoint of 10-min loading of hypoxia, Angiotensin II (1 microg/kg, 1 ml/kg) was infused in 60 s, resulting in raising of systemic blood pressure (BP). Responding to this, CoBF and EP showed generally transient elevations (deltaCoBF, deltaEP) in accordance with BP change. Obtained data were analyzed for the value of deltaEP/deltaCoBF, which means the sensitivity of EP to CoBF change. Distribution of the value of deltaEP/deltaCoBF was found to be in a correlation with the EP level just before Angiotensin II infusion (EPi). That is, the sensitivity of EP to CoBF change became greater as a intermediate level of EP (EPi) was lowered in the range from 70 to 100% of EPi. Among several factors, we thought the hyperactivity of glycolysis in the stria vascularis may occur in such a mild hypoxemic condition. In addition to this, it could be presumable that cyclic AMP in the stria vascularis may increase by the sympathetic stimulation during hypoxemia, and increased cyclic AMP may produce more EP with a given O2 consumption.


Effect of co-morbidity on the association of high body mass index with walking limitation among men and women aged 55 years and older.
Obesity among older persons is rapidly increasing, thus affecting their mobility negatively. The aim of this study was to examine the association of high body mass index (BMI) with walking limitation, and the effect of obesity-related diseases on this association. In a representative sample of the Finnish population of 55 years and older (2055 women and 1337 men), maximal walking speed, chronic diseases, and BMI were ascertained in a health examination. Walking limitation was defined as maximal walking speed of less than 1.2 m/s or difficulty in walking 500 meters. To analyze the effects of chronic conditions, smoking, marital status, and education on BMI class differences in walking limitation, covariates were sequentially adjusted in logistic regression analyses. In women, an increasing gradient in the age-adjusted risk of walking limitation was observed with higher BMI: overweight (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.10-1.96), obese (OR 2.77, 95% CI 2.01-3.82), and severely obese (OR 5.80, 95% CI 3.52-9.54). In men, the risk was significantly increased among the obese (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.04-2.55) and severely obese (OR 4.33, 95% CI 2.20- 8.53). After adjustment of multiple covariates, the association remained significant among the obese (OR 1.99, 95% CI 1.38-2.86) and severely obese women (OR 3.64, 95% CI 2.12-6.26), as well as severely obese men (OR 2.78, 95% CI 1.30-5.95). Knee osteoarthritis in women and diabetes in men contributed most to the excess risk of walking limitation among obese persons, 18 and 32% respectively. Obesity increases the risk of walking limitation, independent of obesity-related diseases, smoking, marital status, and education, especially in older women. The results of this study emphasize the importance of maintaining normal body weight, in order to prevent obesity-related health risks and loss of functioning in older age.


Effect of atorvastatin on SR-BI expression and HDL-induced cholesterol efflux in adipocytes of hypercholesterolemic rabbits.
Adipose tissue contains a large amount of cholesterol and performs a buffer function for circulating cholesterol. Scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) might play a significant role in adipocytes cholesterol metabolism through mediation of cholesterol efflux. We evaluated the effect of atorvastatin on SR-BI expression and HDL-induced cholesterol efflux in adipocytes from hypercholesterolemic rabbits. Sixteen rabbits fed with high-cholesterol diet for 8 weeks were randomly divided into 2 groups: (1) maintained on a high cholesterol diet for 6 weeks (n=8); (2) the same cholesterol diet plus atorvastatin (2.5 mg/kg/day) for 6 weeks (n=8). Control group (n=5) was fed with normal diet for 14 weeks. Subcutaneous adipose was collected for adipocyte culture. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to evaluate adipocytes SR-BI mRNA expression. Cholesterol efflux rate was determined through measuring release of radioactivity from (3)H-cholesterol prelabeled cells into medium containing high-density lipoprotein (HDL). The direct effect of atorvastatin on SR-BI mRNA expression in primary rabbit adipocytes was assayed. High-cholesterol diet decreased SR-BI mRNA expression and reduced HDL-induced cholesterol efflux rate in adipocytes. Six weeks of atorvastatin treatment significantly enhanced the cholesterol efflux from adipocytes, which was related to the increased mRNA expression of SR-BI (r=0.58, P<0.05). Adipocytes SR-BI mRNA expression were negatively correlated with the serum total cholesterol levels at the end of the study (r=-0.46, P<0.05). Atorvastatin dose-dependently stimulated SR-BI mRNA expression in cultured adipocytes. Atorvastatin can up-regulate SR-BI mRNA expression and promote the HDL-induced cholesterol efflux in adipocytes from hypercholesterolemic rabbits possibly through lowering serum cholesterol levels and directly stimulating SR-BI mRNA expression.


Deletion of the pps-like gene activates the cryptic phaC genes in Haloferax mediterranei.
Haloferax mediterranei, a poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) producing haloarchaeon, possesses four PHA synthase encoding genes, phaC, phaC1, phaC2, and phaC3. In the wild-type strain, except phaC, the other three genes are cryptic and not transcribed under PHA-accumulating conditions. The PhaC protein together with PhaE subunit forms the active PHA synthase and catalyzes PHBV polymerization. Previously, it was observed that the deletion of a gene named pps-like significantly enhanced PHBV accumulation probably resulted from the upregulation of pha cluster genes (phaR-phaP-phaE-phaC). The present study demonstrated the influence of pps-like gene deletion on the cryptic phaC genes. As revealed by qRT-PCR, the expression level of the three cryptic genes was upregulated in the ΔEPSΔpps-like geneΔphaC mutant. Sequential knockout of the cryptic phaC genes and fermentation experiments showed that PhaC1 followed by PhaC3 had the ability to synthesize PHBV in ΔEPSΔpps-like geneΔphaC mutant. Both PhaC1 and PhaC3 could complex with PhaE to form functionally active PHA synthase. However, the expression of phaC2 did not lead to PHBV synthesis. Moreover, PhaC, PhaC1, and PhaC3 exhibited distinct substrate specificity as the 3HV content in PHBV copolymers was different. The EMSA result showed that PPS-like protein might be a negative regulator of phaC1 gene by binding to its promoter region. Taken together, PhaC1 had the most pronounced effect on PHBV synthesis in ΔEPSΔpps-like geneΔphaC mutant and deletion of pps-like gene released the negative effect from phaC1 expression and thereby restored PHBV accumulating ability in ΔphaC mutant. KEY POINTS: • Cryptic phaC genes were activated by pps-like gene deletion. • PPS-like protein probably regulated phaC1 expression by binding to its promoter. • Both PhaC1 and PhaC3 formed active PHA synthase with PhaE.


The efficacy and safety of aprotinin use in cardiac surgery.
The serine protease inhibitor aprotinin has received much attention in cardiac surgical practice as a pharmacologic intervention to improve the hemostatic derangement associated with cardiopulmonary bypass. This review highlights the major studies undertaken to investigate the efficacy and safety of aprotinin use in both primary and repeat coronary artery bypass graft surgical procedures. There have been at least 45 controlled studies in more than 7,000 patients in a variety of patient populations. These have ranged from primary coronary artery bypass graft and valve operations to complex reoperation procedures, including aortic arch reconstructions and thoracic organ transplantation. The recently completed International Multicenter Graft Patency Experience trial, the largest study to date, involved 870 patients at 13 international sites. The study examined the effects of aprotinin on graft patency, incidence of myocardial infarction, and blood loss in patients undergoing primary coronary artery bypass graft operations with cardiopulmonary bypass. Twenty-one studies in approximately 5,000 patients undergoing primary coronary artery bypass graft or valve operations reported 33% to 66% reduction in blood loss with full-dose aprotinin therapy; 15 of the same studies reported significant reductions in transfusion requirements, ranging from 31% to 85%. The recently completed International Multicenter Graft Patency Experience study observed a significant reduction in thoracic-drainage volume of 43% (p < 0.0001) and a 49% (p < 0.001) reduction in the requirement for allogeneic blood transfusions. Aprotinin did not affect the occurrence of definite myocardial infarction (aprotinin, 2.9% versus placebo, 3.8%) or mortality (aprotinin, 1.4% versus placebo, 1.6%). There was no observed difference in the patency of internal mammary artery bypass grafts from all study sites in aprotinin- versus placebo-treated patients (aprotinin, 98.2% versus placebo, 98.0%). Given the risks and costs associated with excessive bleeding and transfusions and the limited supply of banked blood, aprotinin represents an important and safe approach to blood conservation.


Novel and expanded jadomycins incorporating non-proteogenic amino acids.
Jadomycin B is a secondary metabolite produced, in response to stress, by Streptomyces venezuelae ISP5230 grown in nutrient-deprived media. We present definitive electrospray ionization mass spectrometry data identifying a series of novel jadomycins with non-proteogenic amino acids incorporated into the oxazolone ring of the secondary metabolite, and strengthening evidence for the existence of an aldimine intermediate in the biosynthetic pathway. We also demonstrate that the size of the oxazolone ring can be expanded by incorporating beta-amino acids.


Aerobic Oxidation of Benzylic Carbons Using a Guanidine Base.
Metal-free reaction conditions featuring oxygen and 1,5,7-triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec-5-ene (TBD) were employed for the selective oxidation of benzyl amines and active methylene compounds to afford various amides and ketones. Owing to the strong basicity of guanidine bases, TBD is presumed to play an important role in the cleavage of the C-H bond at the benzylic position of peroxide intermediates, which were formed by the reaction with oxygen.


One-year follow-up of choroidal and macular thickness in acute non-treated central serous chorioretinopathy.
Choroidal and macular thickness assessments are essential to understand the evolution of central serous chorioretinopathy and could help in identifying patients more prone to recurrence. The aim of this work was to evaluate changes in the choroidal thickness and macular thickness in acute non-treated central serous chorioretinopathy during a one-year follow-up. A prospective longitudinal study of 38 patients with central serous chorioretinopathy and 35 healthy controls at a tertiary care facility (Fundación Alcorcón University Hospital) was conducted. Choroidal and macular thicknesses were measured using enhanced-depth-imaging optical coherence tomography and subretinal fluid resolution and best-corrected visual acuity were evaluated, at baseline and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. Prognostic factors determining the need for treatment were evaluated. Choroidal thickness decreased in eyes with central serous chorioretinopathy (p < 0.001) but not in fellow eyes (p = 0.24) during one-year follow-up since the acute episode. The estimated mean choroidal thickness in symptomatic eyes was 465 µm (SE: 17.18) at baseline and decreased 58.1 µm (CI 95%: 30.1-85.9) at 12 months (p < 0.001). Best-corrected visual acuity improved over time (p = 0.037), with a decrease of logMAR 0.086 (CI95%: 0-0.172).The macular thickness changed over time (p < 0.001), with a decrease from baseline of 124.6 µm (CI95%: 61.4-187.9). Subretinal fluid resolved in 67% (CI 95%: 51-82) of patients at 6 months. There was no significant association between baseline choroidal thickness, macular thickness, best-corrected visual acuity, age or sex and the need for treatment. The choroidal thickness decreased in acute central serous chorioretinopathy episodes during a one-year follow-up. Subretinal fluid persisted in less than 20% of patients at the end of the one-year follow-up. No prognostic factors determining the need for treatment were found.


Histopathology of cutaneous lupus erythematosus.
The basic histopathologic feature of all cutaneous lesions of lupus erythematosus involves a perivascular mononuclear cell infiltrate with subsequent involvement of the epidermis and appendages. The various histologic alterations affecting the epidermis, dermis, and adnexal structures reflect the particular type of lesion biopsied and the duration of the lesion at the time of biopsy. The different clinical and serologic forms of lupus erythematosus cannot reliably be distinguished histologically, which supports the premise that lupus erythematosus is a disease with a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations but with a common underlying pathogenesis.


LC-ESI-MSD fast determination of residual mitomycin C in hen aqueous humour after corneal refractive surgery.
A simple, fast and reliable method has been developed for the assay of traces of mitomycin C (MMC) in hen aqueous humour samples. The determination was carried out by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization mass spectrometric detection. In isocratic elution analysis, the mobile phase was a mixture of water-acetonitrile (78:22, v/v) and the chromatographic column was C(18) at 35 degrees C. The method has been validated over a range from 0.1 to 250 microg L(-1) in hen aqueous humour with correlation coefficients higher than 0.999. Limit of detection and limit of quantification for MMC based in signal to noise ratio of 3 and 10, respectively, were 20 and 71 ng L(-1). The developed method allows the analysis of MMC in hen aqueous humour samples obtained at different times and conditions in order to evaluate and compare the efficacy of the drug administration.


Interplay between HMGA and TP53 in cell cycle control along tumor progression.
The high mobility group A (HMGA) proteins are found to be aberrantly expressed in several tumors. Studies (in vitro and in vivo) have shown that HMGA protein overexpression has a causative role in carcinogenesis process. HMGA proteins regulate cell cycle progression through distinct mechanisms which strongly influence its normal dynamics along malignant transformation. Tumor protein p53 (TP53) is the most frequently altered gene in cancer. The loss of its activity is recognized as the fall of a barrier that enables neoplastic transformation. Among the different functions, TP53 signaling pathway is tightly involved in control of cell cycle, with cell cycle arrest being the main biological outcome observed upon p53 activation, which prevents accumulation of damaged DNA, as well as genomic instability. Therefore, the interaction and opposing effects of HMGA and p53 proteins on regulation of cell cycle in normal and tumor cells are discussed in this review. HMGA proteins and p53 may reciprocally regulate the expression and/or activity of each other, leading to the counteraction of their regulation mechanisms at different stages of the cell cycle. The existence of a functional crosstalk between these proteins in the control of cell cycle could open the possibility of targeting HMGA and p53 in combination with other therapeutic strategies, particularly those that target cell cycle regulation, to improve the management and prognosis of cancer patients.


Application of color Doppler ultrasonography to ulcerative colitis.
We used color Doppler ultrasonography (US) to evaluate bowel wall thickening in ulcerative colitis and to determine the value of this modality in this application. Twelve patients (6 men and 6 women) with ulcerative colitis underwent both gray-scale and color Doppler US. Bowel wall thickness and wall echotexture were recorded by gray-scale US, and the presence of intramural color Doppler flow and arterial signal were evaluated by color Doppler US. Color Doppler flow was graded as 'weak' or 'abundant', and resistive index was calculated; clinical severity of disease activity was also graded, and serum CRP level was measured. Variation in serum CRP levels and intramural color Doppler flow according to clinical severity, and the correlations between serum CRP levels and the number of blood flow signals were statistically significant. In 10 of the 12 patients, analysis of the Doppler waveform showed an arterial blood flow signal, and mean resistive index value was determined to be 0.550. We thus conclude that information provided by gray-scale and color Doppler US is useful in evaluating bowel wall thickening in ulcerative colitis.


The Conformational State of the BTK Substrate PLCγ Contributes to Ibrutinib Resistance.
Mutations in PLCγ, a substrate of the tyrosine kinase BTK, are often found in patients who develop resistance to the BTK inhibitor Ibrutinib. However, the mechanisms by which these PLCγ mutations cause Ibrutinib resistance are unclear. Under normal signaling conditions, BTK mediated phosphorylation of Y783 within the PLCγ cSH2-linker promotes the intramolecular association of this site with the adjacent cSH2 domain resulting in active PLCγ. Thus, the cSH2-linker region in the center of the regulatory gamma specific array (γSA) of PLCγ is a key feature controlling PLCγ activity. Even in the unphosphorylated state this linker exists in a conformational equilibrium between free and bound to the cSH2 domain. The position of this equilibrium is optimized within the properly regulated PLCγ enzyme but may be altered in the context of mutations. We therefore assessed the conformational status of four resistance associated mutations within the PLCγ γSA and find that they each alter the conformational equilibrium of the γSA leading to a shift toward active PLCγ. Interestingly, two distinct modes of mutation induced activation are revealed by this panel of Ibrutinib resistance mutations. These findings, along with the recently determined structure of fully autoinhibited PLCγ, provide new insight into the nature of the conformational change that occurs within the γSA regulatory region to affect PLCγ activation. Improving our mechanistic understanding of how B cell signaling escapes Ibrutinib treatment via mutations in PLCγ will aid in the development of strategies to counter drug resistance.


Influence of caste polyethism on longevity of workers in social insect colonies.
Different patterns of division of labor can affect the expected longevity of social insects workers. It has been earlier suggested that when tasks performed inside and outside colony are equally risky then the expected longevity of workers in colonies with caste polyethism is greater than that in colonies without polyethism. To verify these predictions I used a model assuming two sets of tasks, associated with different mortality rates. In the colony without polyethism the workers preformed safe and risky tasks in turn, while in the colony with caste polyethism the workers specialized in only one set of tasks. The outcomes suggest that the expected longevity of workers in colonies with caste polyethism cannot be greater than that in colonies without polyethism. Only if there is no aging and under some special and rare conditions are there no differences in expected longevity between colonies with and without caste polyethism. If aging is independent of activity, caste polyethism does not shorten longevity when all tasks in the colony are equally risky. The results can explain why caste polyethism is not as widespread among social insects as age polyethism.


Pollen flow in Psiguria warscewiczii: a comparison of Heliconius butterflies and hummingbirds.
Pollen dispersal by male and female Heliconius butterflies and hermit hummingbirds was examined in a natural population of the tropical vine Psiguria warscewiczii. Fluorescent dyes were used to track flowers visited by individual pollinators. Mean distance of pollen dispersal was significantly higher by males than by female Heliconius. Butterflies dispersed pollen greater distances than did hummingbirds. There were no significant differences in dispersal distance among species of Heliconius. The number of flowers or plants to which dye was dispersed was greater for Heliconius than for hummingbirds.The home range behavior and site specificity exhibited by Heliconius, together with the preference by most Heliconius species in the study site for Psiguria led us to examine the relationship between the butterflies' home range and its daily foraging among Psiguria. A Heliconius mark-recapture program was conducted simultaneously with the dye program. This study showed that individual butterflies, for which extensive recaptures were made, visited an area of Psiguria plants on any one day that corresponded to the area in which those butterflies were caught or observed. The area over which a butterfly moved was termed its home range; within home ranges relative movement by butterflies was estimated as the mean distance between sequential captures. This estimate differed significantly among species of Heliconius; males of all species moving greater distances than females.


V(D)J recombination and the cell cycle.
V(D)J recombination is a major source of antigen receptor diversity and represents the only known form of site-specific DNA rearrangement in vertebrates. V(D)J recombination is initiated by specific DNA cleavage at recombinational signal sequences and requires components of the general machinery used for double-strand (DS)-break repair. The involvement of DS cleavage and repair mechanisms suggests that V(D)J recombination might be coupled to the cell cycle, as introduction or persistence of DS breaks during DNA replication or mitosis could interfere with faithful transmission of genetic information to daughter cells. Here, Weei-Chin Lin and Stephen Desiderio review recent evidence indicating that this is indeed the case and consider some biological implications of this linkage.


Suppression of promoter-dependent transcriptional activity of inducible nitric oxide synthase by sodium butyrate in colon cancer cells.
Butyrate suppresses the growth of colon cancer cells, inducing differentiation and apoptosis in vitro. Increased expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) has been suggested to be closely involved in colon carcinogenesis. In this study, effects of sodium butyrate on the promoter-dependent transcriptional activity of iNOS and COX-2 genes were investigated in a colon cancer cell line, DLD-1, using a reporter gene assay system. Sodium butyrate significantly reduced promoter-dependent iNOS transcriptional activity dose-dependently at concentrations higher than 0.1 mM. COX-2 transcriptional activity was not suppressed, but slightly increased. While hyperacetylated histones appeared at concentrations of sodium butyrate suppressing iNOS gene promoter activity, promoter-dependent transcriptional activities of iNOS and COX-2 genes were both increased by the histone deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin A. These results suggested that sodium butyrate exhibits differential effects on iNOS and COX-2 genes, acting to suppress iNOS expression via mechanisms independent of histone acetylation.


Neighbourhood deprivation and overweight: the GLOBE study.
Increasing morbidity and mortality rates of coronary heart disease (CHD) by increasing levels of neighbourhood deprivation may be explained by a positive association between neighbourhood deprivation and risk factors of CHD. In this study we investigated the association between neighbourhood deprivation and overweight. Further, we examined whether this association was modified by educational level, age and sex of the neighbourhood residents. Data were used from 8897 subjects who participated in the baseline measurement of the Dutch GLOBE Study in 1991 and lived in 86 neighbourhoods of the fifth largest city in The Netherlands (Eindhoven). Neighbourhood deprivation was based on aggregated self-reported information about educational and occupational level and employment status. Self-reported body height and body weight were used to define overweight body mass index ((BMI) >or=25). Adjusted for educational level, age and sex of neighbourhood residents, odds ratios of overweight increased significantly by increasing neighbourhood deprivation (odds ratio=1.20, 95% CI 1.02, 1.41 in the highest vs lowest quartile of neighbourhood deprivation). Stratified analyses showed a stronger association between neighbourhood deprivation and overweight in females compared to males, and in older (>or=49 y of age) compared to younger participants. The pattern of increasing odds ratios of overweight by neighbourhood deprivation was generally similar in all educational groups, the highest educational group being the exception with no association between neighbourhood deprivation and overweight. Increased prevalence rates of overweight in more compared to less deprived neighbourhoods are likely to contribute to the positive association between neighbourhood deprivation and CHD. Our results justify the development of a community-based strategy of primary prevention of overweight in deprived neighbourhoods, which may have a larger impact in females and older residents in particular. Prior to implementation, however, longitudinal research needs to further examine responsible mechanisms for the development of neighbourhood inequalities in overweight.


Novel application of parameters in waveform contour analysis for assessing arterial stiffness in aged and atherosclerotic subjects.
Although contour analysis of pulse waves has been proposed as a non-invasive means in assessing arterial stiffness in atherosclerosis, accurate determination of the conventional parameters is usually precluded by distorted waveforms in the aged and atherosclerotic objects. We aimed at testing reliable indices in these patient populations. Digital volume pulse (DVP) curve was obtained from 428 subjects recruited from a health screening program at a single medical center from January 2007 to July 2008. Demographic data, blood pressure, and conventional parameters for contour analysis including pulse wave velocity (PWV), crest time (CT), stiffness index (SI), and reflection index (RI) were recorded. Two indices including normalized crest time (NCT) and crest time ratio (CTR) were also analysed and compared with the known parameters. Though ambiguity of dicrotic notch precluded an accurate determination of the two key conventional parameters for assessing arterial stiffness (i.e. SI and RI), NCT and CTR were unaffected because the sum of CT and T(DVP) (i.e. the duration between the systolic and diastolic peak) tended to remain constant. NCT and CTR also correlated significantly with age, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, PWV, SI and RI (all P<0.01). NCT and CTR not only showed significant positive correlations with the conventional parameters for assessment of atherosclerosis (i.e. SI, RI, and PWV), but they also are of particular value in assessing degree of arterial stiffness in subjects with indiscernible peak of diastolic wave that precludes the use of conventional parameters in waveform contour analysis.


Acute exercise is associated with reduced exhaled nitric oxide in physically inactive adults with asthma.
Although exercise has multiple health benefits, relatively little attention has been paid to its potential therapeutic effects in those with asthma. To examine the effects of acute exercise on inflammation in physically inactive and active adults with asthma. Fourteen adults with asthma (n = 6 physically inactive, n = 8 physically active) completed (1) 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise on a treadmill and (2) 30 minutes of rest in random order, with 4 weeks between sessions. Exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) was measured before and after the intervention (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 24 hours). Blood inflammatory mediators were measured before and after the intervention (0, 2, and 24 hours). Physically inactive participants had a significant decrease in eNO 4 hours after exercise (-4.8 ppb, -6.4 to -0.5 ppb, P = .028), which was not observed in physically active participants (P = .362). Interluekin-1 receptor antagonist increased in the physically inactive group 2 hours after exercise, with this increase strongly correlated with the decrease in eNO at 4 hours (R = -0.685, P = .007) and 24 hours (R = -0.659, P = .014) after exercise. Interleukin-6 was increased significantly 2 hours after exercise in physically inactive participants. Blood neutrophils and nuclear factor erythroid 2-like 2 gene expression were increased 2 hours after exercise in the overall cohort. This study demonstrates that acute moderate-intensity exercise is associated with decreased eNO in physically inactive adults with asthma and suggests that interluekin-1 receptor antagonist could have a role in mediating this effect. The attenuated response in physically active participants might be due to the sustained anti-inflammatory effects of exercise training. Future studies should investigate the impact of exercise intensity and exercise training on airway inflammation in those with asthma. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (http://www.anzctr.org.au), registration number ACTRN12613001014741.


Epidemiology of the Guillain-Barré syndrome in the county of Hordaland, Western Norway.
We have examined the incidence of the Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) in the county of Hordaland. We have previously reported a marked increase in the incidence of MS in the same population. 109 GBS-patients were diagnosed in the period 1957-1982 according to the criteria of NINCDS. The annual incidence rates were stable over time with an average incidence of 1.2 per 100,000 population per year. The male/female ratio was 1.7. No statistically significant difference in incidence was found between urban and rural areas. We found an increasing incidence with age, more marked among males than among females. A predilection for GBS to occur in the colder half of the year was also found. 57% of the patients reported an antecedent infection less than 4 weeks prior to the onset of neurological symptoms. The stable incidence rates for GBS over time in contrast to an increase in the incidence of MS in the same population, indicates that different pathogenetic mechanisms are important in the two demyelinating diseases.


Ribotyping and plasmid profiling of Yersinia ruckeri.
A total of 183 strains of Yersinia ruckeri, isolated from a wide variety of sources, were studied with respect to their plasmid profile and ribotype patterns. Eight plasmid profiles and 11 ribotypes were demonstrated, with one profile being predominant by both typing methods. The results suggest a clonal structure for this species, with a predominant clone being responsible for most of the outbreaks worldwide. The results of a long-time survey in several fish farms in Spain and Denmark seem to support this idea.


Ileal replacement of the bilharzial ureter: is it worthwhile?
Our 14-year experience with the use of isolated ileal segments for replacement of the bilharzial ureter is analyzed retrospectively. Of 52 patients subjected to this procedure followup data were available for 38, in whom 52 ureters were repaired. The results generally were unsatisfactory: the morbidity and mortality rates were high and the percentage of functional improvement was low. The risk was higher for patients with low creatinine clearance. Therefore, we recommend that this operation be avoided when possible. If the operation is unavoidable, tapering of the ileal segment with antireflux ileovesical anastomosis may improve the outcome. Further clinical study must be done.


Cardiothoracic surgery in Australia: future manpower needs.
A survey has been made of cardiothoracic surgeons in Australia, and of trainees in the speciality. Analysis of the results suggests that too many surgeons are being trained in this field. Remedial measures are suggested.


In vivo/ex vivo T cell depletion reduces the morbidity of allogeneic bone marrow transplantation in patients with acute leukaemias in first remission without increasing the risk of treatment failure: comparison with cyclosporin/methotrexate.
We have performed a non-randomised GVHD prophylaxis trial comparing cyclosporin/methotrexate with in vivo/ex vivo T cell depletion with the monoclonal antibodies Campath 1G/1M in patients with acute leukaemias in first complete remission. We observed significantly less acute and chronic GVHD, neutropenic fever and severe mucositis in the T cell depletion group. The incidence of graft rejection and relapses was no higher than in the cyclosporin/methotrexate group. There is a trend in favour of improved disease-free survival in the in vivo/ex vivo T cell depletion group (80% vs. 62%).


Resting-state functional connectivity in deaf and hearing individuals and its link to executive processing.
Sensory experience shapes brain structure and function, and it is likely to influence the organisation of functional networks of the brain, including those involved in cognitive processing. Here we investigated the influence of early deafness on the organisation of resting-state networks of the brain and its relation to executive processing. We compared resting-state connectivity between deaf and hearing individuals across 18 functional networks and 400 ROIs. Our results showed significant group differences in connectivity between seeds of the auditory network and most large-scale networks of the brain, in particular the somatomotor and salience/ventral attention networks. When we investigated group differences in resting-state fMRI and their link to behavioural performance in executive function tasks (working memory, inhibition and switching), differences between groups were found in the connectivity of association networks of the brain, such as the salience/ventral attention and default-mode networks. These findings indicate that sensory experience influences not only the organisation of sensory networks, but that it also has a measurable impact on the organisation of association networks supporting cognitive processing. Overall, our findings suggest that different developmental pathways and functional organisation can support executive processing in the adult brain.


Target-site mutation and enhanced metabolism endow resistance to nicosulfuron in a Digitaria sanguinalis population.
Digitaria sanguinalis is a competitive and annual grass weed that commonly infests crops across the world. In recent years, the control of D. sanguinalis by nicosulfuron has declined in Hebei Province, China. To determine the resistance mechanisms of D. sanguinalis to nicosulfuron, a population of D. sanguinalis where nicosulfuron had failed was collected from a maize field of Hebei Province, China. Whole-plant dose-response experiments demonstrated that the resistant population (HBMT-15) displayed 6.9-fold resistance to nicosulfuron compared with the susceptible population (HBMT-5). Addition of the glutathione S-transferase (GSTs) inhibitor 4-chloro-7-nitrobenzoxadiazole (NBD-Cl) significantly reduced the resistance level of the HBMT-15 population to nicosulfuron, and the GSTs activity of the HBMT-15 population was higher than the HBMT-5 population after nicosulfuron treatment. In vitro acetolactate synthase (ALS) enzyme experiments revealed that the nicosulfuron I50 value for the HBMT-15 population was 41 times higher than that of the HBMT-5 population. An Asp376 to Glu substitution in the ALS gene was identified in the HBMT-15 population. The HBMT-15 population had a moderate (2- to 4-fold) level of cross-resistance to three other ALS inhibitors (imazethapyr, pyroxsulam, and flucarbazone‑sodium), but was susceptible to pyrithiobac‑sodium. This study demonstrated that both an Asp376 to Glu substitution in the ALS gene and GSTs-involved metabolic resistance to ALS inhibitors coexisted in a D. sanguinalis population.


When efficacy beliefs affect team attributions: relationships between self- and collective efficacy beliefs and team attributions over time.
This study investigated the extent to which efficacy beliefs and perceptions of team performance influenced team causal attributions overtime. A total of 258 undergraduate students were assigned to a three or four person team and played three games against three different opponents in a semi-round robin team bowling tournament. Multilevel modelling analyses revealed that individuals' perceptions in team performance were positively associated with internal, stable, and team controllable attributions. Collective efficacy beliefs positively predicted team attributions overtime; whereas, self-efficacy beliefs were a negative predictor of team attributions across the tournament. The results indicated that individuals' perceptions of their team's success/failure were the stronger determinant of team attributions than their team's winning/losing and, as well as, the efficacy beliefs - team attributions relationships were moderated by time.


Soft magnetic ferrite for enhanced anaerobic digestion of food waste: Effects on methane production and magnetic recovery.
Soft magnetic ferrite (SMF) is a potentially efficient anaerobic digestion (AD) additive that can be recovered simultaneously along with the microorganisms it carries. In this study, two typical SMFs (Fe3O4 and γ-Fe2O3) were compared in batch experiments to investigate their effects on food waste AD and to examine the recovery characteristics of both the SMFs and the microorganisms they carried after AD. The results showed that Fe3O4 and γ-Fe2O3 addition increased methane production by 31% and 68% respectively, compared with the control treatment. Both SMF materials and enriched microorganisms were effectively adsorbed post-AD using a magnet. The observed enhancement in biomethanization after SMF addition was likely due to enhanced syntrophic acetate oxidation and hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis, and direct interspecific electron transfer. γ-Fe2O3 outperformed Fe3O4 due to its high recycling rate and ability to promote Methanosarcina growth. This study provides a potential economically efficient solution for developing AD enhancement technologies.


Correlation of Intravoxel Incoherent Motion Parameters and Histological Characteristics From Infiltrated Marrow in Patients With Acute Leukemia.
An accurate and noninvasive method is of great importance to assess angiogenesis and cellularity of bone marrow in acute leukemia (AL). To investigate whether the intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) parameters correlate with the histological characteristics of infiltrated marrow in AL patients and compare the difference between acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Prospective. Forty newly diagnosed patients with AL, including 20 AML and 20 ALL. 1.5T/T1 WI and IVIM. IVIM-derived parameters (true diffusion coefficient D, pseudodiffusion coefficient D*, and perfusion fraction, f) were measured in lumbar marrow. Histopathological analyses were performed from samples of marrow biopsy. The correlations between IVIM parameters and histological parameters used the Spearman correlation test. The difference of IVIM parameters and histological parameters between ALL and AML groups used the unpaired t-test or Mann-Whitney U-test, as appropriate. The f was positively correlated with microvessel density (MVD) in patients with ALL, AML, and AL (r = 0.740, P = 0.006; r = 0.771, P < 0.001; and r = 0.750, P < 0.001, respectively). There were no significant correlations between D and bone marrow cellularity in the three groups (r = -0.289, P = 0.362; r = 0.281, P = 0.292; and r = 0.058, P = 0.769, respectively). D and f values of ALL were higher than that of AML group (t = 3.332, P = 0.003 and t = 2.600, P = 0.014, respectively). MVD was higher in ALL than AML (t = 2.120, P = 0.044), whereas bone marrow cellularity had no significant difference between AML and ALL (t = -0.682, P = 0.501). The f value derived from IVIM in bone marrow was positively correlated with MVD, while f might be able to show a difference of vascularity between ALL and AML. Therefore, the f value can be used as an alternative imaging marker of angiogenesis in marrow of AL patients. 1 Technical Efficacy Stage: 3 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:1720-1726.


Multi-layered regulation of courtship behaviour.
The fruitless gene governs courtship in male, but not female, Drosophila, yet it is expressed and specifically spliced in the brains of both sexes. New experiments reveal that a splice-recognition site retained in the mature message in females provides the basis for sex-specific translational repression.


Evaluation of glucomannan for its adsorbing ability of Aflatoxin B1 and T-2 Toxin in the Gastrointestinal Tract of Broiler Chickens.
A biological experiment was conducted to evaluate the ability of glucomannan to adsorb aflatoxin B1(AFB1 and T-2 toxin in gut conditions of broiler chickens. Glucomannan (GM) was tested at 0.1 percent (1kg / ton) on a total of two hundred uniformly weighing five-week-old commercial broiler birds, which were randomly assigned to one of the ten dietary treatments with four replicates each. Four birds were sacrificed at 30 minutes intervals i.e., 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes from each treatment, and the gut contents were collected. The toxin concentrations in the dried gut samples were estimated and percent of AFB1 and T-2 toxin recovered was measured. Thein vivo results revealed that glucomannan had the ability to adsorb Aflatoxin upto 75-90% and T-2 toxin upto 30-35% in gastrointestinal tract of broilers.


Enhanced Adsorption of Aromatic Volatile Organic Compounds on a Perchloro Covalent Triazine Framework through Multiple Intermolecular Interactions.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) may have short- and long-term adverse health effects. Especially, aromatic VOCs including benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) are important indoor air pollutants. Developing highly efficient porous adsorbents with broad applicability remains a major challenge. In this study, a perchlorinated covalent-triazine framework (ClCTF-1-400) is prepared for adsorbing BTEX. ClCTF-1-400 is confirmed as a partially oxidized/chlorinated microporous covalent triazine framework through a variety of characterization. It is found that ClCTF-1-400 is reversible VOCs absorbent with very high absorption capacities, which can adsorb benzene (693 mg g-1 ), toluene (621 mg g-1 ), ethylbenzene (603 mg g-1 ), o-xylene (500 mg g-1 ), m-xylene (538 mg g-1 ), and p-xylene (592 mg g-1 ) at 25 °C and their saturated vapor pressure (≈ 1 kPa). ClCTF-1-400 is of higher adsorption capacities for all selected VOCs than activated carbon and other reported adsorbents. The adsorption mechanism is also inferred through theoretical calculation and in-site Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The observed excellent BTEX adsorption performance is attributed to the multiple weak interactions between the ClCTF-1-400 frameworks and aromatic molecules through multiple weak interactions (CH… π and CCl… π). The breakthrough experiment demonstrates ClCTF-1-400 has the potential for real VOCs pollutant removal in air.


Categorisation of lymph node aspirates using the proposed Sydney system with assessment of risk of malignancy and diagnostic accuracy.
The Sydney system has been proposed as a uniform format for reporting lymph node cytopathology under five standardised categories: Non-Diagnostic (ND), Benign (B), Atypical (Cells) of Undetermined Significance/Atypical Lymphoid (Cells) of Uncertain Significance (AUS/ALUS), Suspicious for Malignancy (SFM), and Malignant (M). Very few studies have been conducted so far to confirm the risk of malignancy (ROM) of the different categories. The main objectives of our study were to classify lymph node aspirates according to the proposed Sydney system and assess the ROM and other performance parameters. All lymph node aspirates done at our centre from January 2018 to December 2020 were reclassified according to the Sydney system. Using histopathological diagnosis as gold standard, ROM and performance parameters were calculated. A total of 1205 lymph node aspirates were reclassified: 53 (4.4%) ND, 488 (40.5%) B, 10 (0.8%) AUS/ALUS, 275 (22.8%) SFM, and 379 (31.5%) M. The ROM for each category was 9.1%, 1.5%, 37.5%, 96.9%, and 98.2%, respectively. The highest sensitivity was achieved when AUS/ALUS, SFM, and M were considered positive for malignancy, whereas maximum diagnostic accuracy was observed when only SFM and M were considered positive. The Sydney system is an excellent system for accurately categorising lymph node aspirates with greater reproducibility of reports and better patient management through improved communication between cytopathologist and clinician.


Treatment of Paget's disease of bone.
Paget's disease of bone is the paradigm of bone focal distortion with accelerated bone turnover. Over the years, a number of different drugs have been used to control its activity but, since biphosphonates were introduced for the treatment of the disease, they have become the preferred treatment. This review will update the therapeutic indications, available drugs and therapeutic response monitoring.


Protective and anti-protective effects of acute ethanol exposure in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion.
Epidemiological data suggest that a cardioprotective effect of acute alcohol exposure exists in humans. Recent studies in animal models indicate that transient alcohol exposure can indeed reduce myocardial infarct size and exert a preconditioning-like protective effect akin to ischemic preconditioning (IPC). Moreover, the mechanism of alcohol-induced cardioprotection in part resembles the signaling cascade triggered by ischemic preconditioning, with adenosine receptors, PKC, protein tyrosine kinases, and mitochondrial K(ATP) channels all being implicated as key components. However, it was also seen, at least in the rabbit, that if alcohol were present during the ischemic insult, it could block its own protection. The primary protective effect of alcohol use is probably in the chronic setting where alcohol exposure causes a second window type of protection that persists for many days thereafter. Regular moderate drinking should keep the heart in a second window state indefinitely.


Co-culture with osteoblasts up-regulates glycolysis of chondrocytes through MAPK/HIF-1 pathway.
It is well recognized that the neighbor location between cartilage layer and subchondral bone facilitates the intercellular communication and material exchange. However, the evidence that demonstrates the influence of direct communication between cartilage and subchondral bone on their cell behaviors are still partially unknown. In the current study, we established a co-culture system of chondrocytes and osteoblasts aiming to explore the changes of intracellular metabolism of chondrocytes induced by osteoblasts. By using lactate assay kit, RNA sequencing, qRT-PCR and western blot, we found that osteoblasts enhanced the glycolysis in chondrocytes by characterizing the changes of lactate secretion and cytoplasmic expression, and gene expressions including glucose-6-phosphate isomerase 1 (Gpi1), phosphofructokinase, liver type (Pfkl), lactate dehydrogenase A (Ldha), aldolase, fructose-bisphosphate C (Aldoc), phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (Pgk1), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (Gapdh) and triosephosphate isomerase 1 (Tpi1). The enhanced glycolysis might be due to the activation of HIF-1 signaling and its downstream target, pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase1 (PDK1), by qRT-PCR, western blot and immunofluorescence. We also detected the up-regulation of ERK and p38/MAPK upstream signaling in chondrocytes induced by osteoblasts by western blot and immunofluorescence. The enhanced glycolysis in chondrocytes induced by osteoblasts could help us to better understand the intracellular metabolic mechanism of chondrocytes and cartilage disease occurrence.


Computer programs to implement retinal models.
To implement retinal models of some complexity a set of computer programs, coordinated by a main program is required. A set of said programs is presented here which permits the design and the experimentation with linear and non-linear retinal layered models. A main program, called RETINA, is the basis for the building of a model, the generation of the input stimuli and the experimentation with the overall system.


Multivisceral and standard resections in colorectal cancer.
The current study was designed to identify prognostic factors for long-term survival in patients with advanced colorectal cancer in a consecutive cohort. A total of 123 patients were operated because of T4 colorectal cancer between 1 January 2002 and 31 December 2008 in the Clinic of Surgery, UK-SH Campus Luebeck. A total of 78 patients underwent a multivisceral resection. The postoperative morbidity was elevated in the patient group with multivisceral resections (34.6% vs. 26.7%). Nevertheless, we detected no significant differences concerning 30 days mortality (7.7% vs. 8.9%; p = 0.815). The main prognostic factor that reached significance in the multivariate analysis was the possibility to obtain a R0 resection (p < 0.0001) resulting in a 5-year survival rate of 55% for patients with curative resection. There were no statistically significant differences in 5-year survival between multivisceral and non-multivisceral resections (p = 0.608). Also we were not able to detect any significant differences for cancer of colonic or rectal origin (p = 0.839), for laparoscopic vs. open procedures (p = 0.610), and for emergency vs. planned operations (p = 0.674). Moreover, the existence of lymph node metastases was not a predictive factor concerning survival as there was no difference between patients with and without lymph node metastases (p = 0.658). Multivisceral resections are associated with the same 5-year survival as standard resections. Therefore, the aim to perform a R0 resection should always be the main goal in surgery for colorectal cancer. In planned operations, a laparoscopic approach is justified in selected patients.