Matrilineal Behavioral and Physiological Changes following the Death of a Non-Alpha Matriarch in Rhesus Macaques (Macaca mulatta).
In many species, the loss of alpha matriarchs is associated with a number of negative outcomes such as troop fission, eviction, wounding, and reduced vitality. However, whether the dramatic consequences of their loss are due to their role as an old experienced figure or to their alpha status remains unclear. We tested the hypothesis that in a semi-free ranging colony of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta), the death of a non-alpha matriarch, who had a large set of kin, would lead to changes in behavior and physiological stress within her matriline. Following her death, her matriline increased in aggression, vigilance, and social grooming. Additionally, hierarchical stability, measured by levels of rank changes, decreased within her matriline, and levels of intense aggression by high-ranking animals were more frequent, as well as matrilineal wounding. Although ordinal rank was positively associated with higher chronic hair cortisol concentrations (HCCs) in the months before the matriarch's death, following her death, only those who experienced large increases in rank within her matriline displayed higher HCCs. Changes in matrilineal stability, aggression, behavior, and HCCs within the other two matrilines in the troop were not evident, although caution is needed due to the small sample sizes. We conclude that the death of the non-alpha matriarch led to matrilineal instability, characterized by higher levels of aggression and subsequent vigilance, rank changes, physiological stress, and grooming. We suggest that non-alpha matriarchs with a large number of kin and social support can be integral to the stability of matrilines.


Oxygen and ion concentrations in normoxic and hypoxic brain cells.
The goal of the present contribution is to discuss the relationships among brain oxygen tension, energy (ATP) level, and ion gradients and movements. The function of the CNS, the generation and transmission of impulses, is determined to a large extent by the movements of ions. Hence elucidation of these relationships is necessary to the understanding of how brain works. Moreover, such knowledge is indispensable for the design of rational therapies for treatment of a large group of pathological states caused by lack of oxygen. This paper is partly a review and partly an original contribution although the former involves to a considerable extent, results obtained in our laboratories. It is divided into 3 parts: a) a very brief general introduction which reminds the reader some well-known facts; b) presentation and discussion of data; and c) conclusions and/or predictions.


Mediators of altered perioperative physiology.
Several recent papers have described the development of a new study discipline, psychoneuroimmunology. "The new science begins with the premise that neither the brain nor the immune system can be excluded from any scheme that proposes to account for the onset and course of human disease." This article addresses the concept as it pertains to the perioperative state. Two basic ideas are necessary framework for this discussion, the notion of reflex arcs and a definition of stress.


Arthroscopic Ramp Repair: "No-Implant, Pass, Park, and Tie Technique" Using Knee Scorpion.
Ramp lesions play a significant role in both anteroposterior and rotational knee stability. Ramp lesions are difficult to diagnose clinically as well as on magnetic resonance imaging. Arthroscopic identification by visualizing the posterior compartment and probing via the posteromedial portal will confirm the diagnosis of ramp lesion. Failure to address this lesion properly will lead to poor knee kinematics, residual knee laxity, and increased chances of failure of reconstructed anterior cruciate ligament. Here, we describe a simple arthroscopic surgical technique to repair ramp lesion, the pass, park, and tie at the end, via 2 posteromedial portals using a knee scorpion suture passing device.


High yield recombinant silk-like protein production in transgenic plants through protein targeting.
DP1B is a synthetic analogue of spider dragline silk protein. It can be spun to form silk fiber. Previously, it had been expressed in transgenic plants, showing the general feasibility of the plant-based DP1B production. However, success of such a plant-based platform requires a great increase of DP1B productivity in plant cells to reduce production cost. This report describes a protein targeting approach to accumulate DP1B in apoplast, ER lumen, and vacuole in Arabidopsis cells, by utilizing appropriate combinations of sporamin-targeting determinant peptides and ER retention peptide. The approach has dramatically enhanced DP1B accumulation, resulting in high production yield. The accumulation can be as high as 8.5 and 6.7% total soluble protein in leaf tissue by targeting to apoplast and ER lumen, respectively, or as high as 18 and 8.2% total soluble protein in seeds by targeting to ER lumen and vacuole, respectively. However, the vacuole targeting in leaves and the apoplast targeting in seeds have failed to accumulate full length DP1B molecules or any DP1B at all, respectively, suggesting that they may not be suitable for applications in leaf tissues and seeds. Data in this study recommend a combination of seed-specific expression and ER-targeting as one of the best strategies for yield enhancement of plant-based DP1B production.


The function of metallothionein.
Since its discovery in 1957 metallothionein (MT) has remained a protein in search of a function. After 40 years of frustrating efforts, three areas of research point to its zinc cluster structure as the basis of its functional potential: (1) the regulation of MT gene expression by zinc-dependent transcription factors, (2) neuronal growth inhibition in brain, and (3) interactions with glutathione and zinc proteins.


Localization of binding sites for atrial natriuretic factor and angiotensin II in the central nervous system of the clawed toad Xenopus laevis.
The distribution of binding sites for atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) and angiotensin II (A II) was investigated in the central nervous system (CNS) of the clawed toad Xenopus laevis by means of in vitro autoradiography using [125I]-rat ANF(99-126) or [125I] [Val5] A II and [125I]human A II as labeled ligands. The highest densities of specific ANF-binding were detected in the nucleus habenularis, thalamic regions, hypophyseal pars nervosa and nucleus interpeduncularis. Moderate ANF-binding was found in the bulbus olfactorius, pallium, septum, striatum, lateral forebrain bundle, nucleus infundibularis, hypophyseal pars distalis and tectum. The highest levels of specific A II binding sites were observed in the nucleus praeopticus, nucleus habenularis, hypophyseal pars nervosa and pars distalis, whereas the amygdala contained moderate A II binding. The existence of specific binding sites for ANF and A II in the CNS of Xenopus laevis suggests that both peptides act as neurotransmitters or neuromodulators in the amphibian CNS. The co-localization of dense binding sites for both peptides in the nucleus habenularis, hypophyseal pars nervosa and pars distalis supports the view that ANF and A II have opposite regulatory functions in these regions.


A rhesus monkey reference label atlas for template driven segmentation.
We have acquired dual-echo spin-echo (DE SE) MRI data of the rhesus monkey brain since 1994 as part of an ongoing study of normal aging. To analyze these legacy data for regional volume changes, we have created a reference label atlas for the Template Driven Segmentation (TDS) algorithm. The atlas was manually created from DE SE legacy MRI data of one behaviorally normal, young, male rhesus monkey and consisted of 14 regions of interest (ROI's). We analyzed the reproducibility and validity of the TDS algorithm using the atlas relative to manual segmentation. ROI volumes were comparable between the two segmentation methodologies, except TDS overestimated the volume of basal ganglia regions. Both methodologies were highly reproducible, but TDS had lower sensitivity and comparable specificity. TDS segmentation calculates accurate volumes for most ROI's. Sensitivity will be improved in future studies through the acquisition of higher quality data.


Quantitative structure-activity studies on hallucinogenic mescaline analogs using modified first order valence connectivity.
Attempt is made to correlate the hallucinogenic activity of a series of mescaline analogs with Kier's molecular connectivity index (chi). In order to find a simpler and more meaningful correlation, a little modification is suggested to the first-order valence connectivity index (1 chi upsilon). The modification is found to reveal utterly simple but significant correlations between activity and 1 chi upsilon, which could describe the structural influence on the activity more vividly.


Subtilisin from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens induces apoptosis in breast cancer cells through ubiquitin-proteasome-mediated tubulin degradation.
To search for novel proteases from environmental isolates which can induce apoptosis in cancer cells, we have purified subtilisin from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and studied its anti-cancer properties. Subtilisin induced apoptosis in colon (HT29) and breast (MCF7) cancer cells but showed no effect on mouse peritoneal macrophages and normal breast cells (MCF10A). Western blot analysis showed that Bax, Bcl-2 level remained unchanged but tubulin level decreased significantly. Subtilisin does not induce the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis, rather it induced tubulin degradation in MCF-7 cells, whereas in normal cells (MCF-10A) tubulin degradation was not observed. Subtilisin activates ubiquitination and proteasomal-mediated tubulin degradation which was completely restored in presence of proteasome inhibitor MG-132. We further observed PARKIN, one of the known E3-ligase, is overexpressed and interacts with tubulin in subtilisin treated cells. Knockdown of PARKIN effectively downregulates ubiquitination and inhibits degradation of tubulin. PARKIN activation and tubulin degradation lead to ER-stress which in turn activates caspase-7 and PARP cleavage, thus guiding the subtilisin treated cells towards apoptosis. To our knowledge this is the first report of subtilisin induced apoptosis in cancer cells by proteasomal degradation of tubulin.


Obstructive sleep apnea and schizophrenia: A systematic review to inform clinical practice.
Risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are common in people with schizophrenia. Identification and treatment of OSA may improve physical health in this population; however there are no guidelines to inform screening and management. Systematic review to determine, in people with schizophrenia and related disorders: the prevalence of OSA; the prevalence of OSA compared to general population controls; the physical and psychiatric correlates of OSA, associations between antipsychotic medications and OSA; the impact of treatment of OSA on psychiatric and physical health; and the diagnostic validity of OSA screening tools. Medline, EMBASE, ISI Web of Science and PsycINFO electronic databases. Cohort, case-control and cross-sectional studies and RCTs reporting on prevalence of OSA in subjects with schizophrenia and related disorders were reviewed. The prevalence of OSA varied between 1.6% and 52%. The prevalence of OSA was similar between people with schizophrenia and population controls in two studies. Diagnosis of OSA was associated with larger neck circumference, BMI>25, male sex and age>50years. There were no data on physical or psychiatric outcomes following treatment of OSA. The diagnostic utility of OSA screening tools had not been investigated. OSA may be prevalent and potentially under-recognized in people with schizophrenia. Further research is required to determine utility of OSA screening tools, the relationships between antipsychotic medications and OSA and any benefits of treating OSA. We propose a strategy for the identification of OSA in people with schizophrenia and related disorders.


Longitudinal practice patterns of prophylaxis of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica.
The aim of this study was to analyze the longitudinal practice patterns of prophylaxis of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). Patients diagnosed with PMR were collected retrospectively in two rheumatology departments. In addition to demographic and diagnostic criteria, the chart review included the following information at baseline and at follow-up: doses of prednisone, prescription of calcium, vitamin D and bisphosphonates, bone mass measurement (BMD) and fragility fractures. We analyzed the percentage of patients undergoing BMD and were prescribed a bisphosphonate over the years. We evaluated 158 patients: 117 of them were women, mean age was 73 years, and they had an average follow-up of 4.8 years. 104 patients (66 %) received osteoporosis medication during the first visit, 44 of them were given bisphosphonate. During follow-up, another 30 treatments with bisphosphonate were added (46 % overall) while 37 cases (23 %) received no treatment with calcium or bisphosphonate. BMD was performed in 111 patients (69 %; 53 % of males and 76 % of females). Factors associated with the use of bisphosphonates were female sex (OR 4.4, 95 % CI 4.02-4.86), BMD (OR 2.4, 95 % CI 2.05-2.78) and commencement of treatment after the year 2005 (54 vs 37 %, OR 1.93, 95 % CI 1.60-2.26). No significant differences were found with age, initial doses of prednisone or the hospital. According to recent prevention guidelines, treatment with biphosphonate should have been administered in more than 90 % of patients. Although prophylaxis of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in patients with PMR has increased in the recent years, many patients do not receive prophylaxis with bisphosphonate during the first visit.


Does innovation in obesity drugs affect stock markets? An event study analysis.
This study empirically analyzes the effects of public information about the pharmaceutical R&D process on the market valuation of the sponsoring firm. We examined the market's response to scientific news and regulatory decisions about an antiobesity drug, rimonabant, and the effects on the sponsoring company (Sanofi-Aventis) and its incumbent competitors (Abbott and Roche). Event study methodology was used to test the null hypothesis of no market response. We covered the full life cycle of rimonabant (1994-2008), using a data set of daily closing price and volume. The results suggest that scientific news in the initial stages of the drug R&D process (i.e., drug discovery, preclinical and clinical trials) had no significant effects. However, news related to regulatory decisions, such as recall or safety warning, had significant negative effects on the company's market value. No spillover/contagion effects on competitor firms were detected. Market reactions occur at the time when the regulator takes decisions about drugs. Scientific news, even those of high-impact, may pass unnoticed.


Pore-Structure-Optimized CNT-Carbon Nanofibers from Starch for Rechargeable Lithium Batteries.
Porous carbon materials are used for many electrochemical applications due to their outstanding properties. However, research on controlling the pore structure and analyzing the carbon structures is still necessary to achieve enhanced electrochemical properties. In this study, mesoporous carbon nanotube (CNT)-carbon nanofiber electrodes were developed by heat-treatment of electrospun starch with carbon nanotubes, and then applied as a binder-free electrochemical electrode for a lithium-ion battery. Using the unique lamellar structure of starch, mesoporous CNT-carbon nanofibers were prepared and their pore structures were controlled by manipulating the heat-treatment conditions. The activation process greatly increased the volume of micropores and mesopores of carbon nanofibers by etching carbons with CO₂ gas, and the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) specific area increased to about 982.4 m²·g-1. The activated CNT-carbon nanofibers exhibited a high specific capacity (743 mAh·g-1) and good cycle performance (510 mAh·g-1 after 30 cycles) due to their larger specific surface area. This condition presents many adsorption sites of lithium ions, and higher electrical conductivity, compared with carbon nanofibers without CNT. The research suggests that by controlling the heat-treatment conditions and activation process, the pore structure of the carbon nanofibers made from starch could be tuned to provide the conditions needed for various applications.


Report of the Double-Molybdate Phase Cs2Ba(MoO4)2 with a Palmierite Structure and Its Thermodynamic Characterization.
The existence of a novel double-molybdate phase with a palmierite-type structure, Cs2Ba(MoO4)2, is revealed in this work, and its structural properties at room temperature have been characterized in detail using X-ray and neutron diffraction measurements. In addition, its thermal stability and thermal expansion are investigated in the temperature range 298-673 K using high-temperature X-ray diffraction, leading to the volumetric thermal expansion coefficient αV ≈ 43.0 × 10-6 K-1. The compound's standard enthalpy of formation at 298.15 K has been obtained using solution calorimetry, which yielded ΔfHm°(Cs2Ba(MoO4)2, cr, 298.15 K) = -3066.6 ± 3.1 kJ· mol-1, and its standard entropy at 298.15 K has been derived from low-temperature (2.1-294.3 K) thermal-relaxation calorimetry as Sm°(Cs2Ba(MoO4)2, cr, 298.15 K) = 381.2 ± 11.8 J K-1 mol-1.


Management strategies for patients with subclinical hypothyroidism: a protocol for an umbrella review.
Subclinical hypothyroidism is a thyroid disorder diagnosed from the laboratory blood test results of otherwise asymptomatic patients. It has been associated with poor cardiovascular outcomes, mortality and progression to overt thyroid hormone deficiency. Current guidelines on the management of subclinical hypothyroidism differ because of conflicting evidence on long-term treatment benefits. Even though there are several existing systematic reviews on its clinical outcomes, no definitive conclusion has been reached yet. As such, a new synthesis could help provide more insight and consensus on this topic. To this purpose, this umbrella review will evaluate and synthesise current evidence on the long-term clinical outcomes of the different management strategies for subclinical hypothyroidism. This is a protocol for an umbrella review on the management strategies for subclinical hypothyroidism. We will conduct literature searches in multiple electronic databases (from inception onwards), namely MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, JBI Evidence Synthesis, Epistemonikos database, PDQ Evidence and the PROSPERO register. There will be no restriction on the date or language of publication. Additional material will be identified through grey literature searches and citation chaining. Review inclusion criteria will be patients with subclinical hypothyroidism, receiving treatment or monitoring, no restrictions on the comparators used and with cardiovascular events, frailty fractures, quality of life and all-cause mortality as primary outcomes of interest. Two reviewers will independently screen all citations, full-text articles and abstract data on a pre-piloted form in duplicate. Methodological quality (or bias) of included studies will be appraised using AMSTAR-2. Any conflicts that arise will be resolved through discussion or involving a third reviewer. A narrative synthesis will be provided with information presented in the main text and tables to summarise and explain the characteristics and findings of the included reviews. Even so, it is not expected that a meta-analysis will be performed due to review variability. Study limitations and methodological quality assessments will also be reported to provide context for the overall summary of evidence. This review will provide a comprehensive summary of the effects of the pharmacological and non-pharmacological management of subclinical hypothyroidism on specific long-term clinical outcomes. It is anticipated that the findings of this umbrella review will aid in the development of consensus-based clinical recommendations for subclinical hypothyroidism, as well as highlight areas for future research. Review findings will be disseminated primarily through peer-reviewed publications. PROSPERO CRD42021235172.


[Protective effect of ascorbic acid in cells of people exposed to cobalt chloride].
The workers contacting with cobalt chloride for 10 years and more have been receiving 50 mg ascorbic acid for 30 days. DNA repair was analysed after this procedure in lymphocytes cultivated in vitro according to following criteria: reactivation and induced mutagenesis of vaccinia virus as well as formation of DNA breaks and their resynthesis upon treatment with cobalt chloride and 4-nitro-quinoline-1-oxide.


The long-term result of slanted medial rectus resection in exotropia of the convergence insufficiency type.
To evaluate the long-term results of slanted medial rectus (MR) resection for intermittent exotropia (X(T)) of the convergence insufficiency type. In all, 10 patients with an X(T) greater at near than at distance by 10 prism diopters (PD) or more were included in this prospective study. Patients received slanted bilateral MR resection. The upper edge of the MR was resected according to the distance exodeviation and the lower edge of the MR was resected according to near exodeviation. The postoperative follow-up period was between 6 and 62 months with a mean of 38.9 months. The paired t-test was used to compare: mean distance angle of deviation preoperatively and postoperatively; mean near angle of deviation preoperatively and postoperatively; and mean near-distance exodeviation difference preoperatively and postoperatively. Bilateral slanted MR resections reduced mean exodeviation at distance from 23.0+/-7.2 to 16.3+/-5.4 PD (P=0.03); mean exodeviation at near from 34.3+/-7.7 to 24.6+/-6.9 PD (P=0.01); and mean near-distance difference from 11.4+/-2.6 to 8.3+/-3.5 PD (P=0.04). At the final follow-up examination, all patients demonstrated an exodeviation of 10 PD or more at distance and near, and the exodeviation difference between distance and near deviation was within 10 PD in five of the 10 patients. Three patients had an esodeviation at distance after surgery, but all resolved within 4 weeks. Bilateral slanted MR resections in patients with X(T) of the convergence insufficiency type resulted in undercorrection in all patients.


A rapid and semi-quantitative method for the detection of autoantibodies by multiple spot immunoassay.
A method for rapid simultaneous determination of multiple autoantibodies in sera has been developed. 42 different antigens were coated onto a nitrocellulose membrane in a miniblotter apparatus with 42 lanes. The membrane was also coated with different concentrations of human IgG to create a standard curve. The blotting apparatus after coating, blocking and washing was turned 90 degrees so that all lanes crossed the antigen coated lanes. Thereafter, 42 sera were incubated with the antigens. After this stage the membrane was treated as in the usual dot-blot procedure. After incubation with alkaline phosphatase labelled anti-human IgG, staining and drying of the membrane, the staining intensity of individual lanes was scanned into a data file and analyzed by computer. By this method it was possible in 4 h to examine 42 sera for autoantibodies against 42 antigens, i.e., more than 1600 tests. Furthermore, the amount of antibody could be semi-quantified, using the IgG standards. The method should be useful for rapid screening of autoantibodies in a routine laboratory.


Lycopene attenuates alcoholic apoptosis in HepG2 cells expressing CYP2E1.
To test the hypothesis that ethanol-induced hepatic apoptosis is secondary to the oxidative stress generated by cytochrome P4502E1 (CYP2E1), we assessed the effects of the carotenoid lycopene, a potent antioxidant extracted from tomatoes, on oxidative stress and apoptosis in HepG2 cells overexpressing CYP2E1 (2E1 cells). These were exposed for 5 days to 100mM ethanol and 10 microM lycopene or an equal volume of placebo (vehicle). Ethanol significantly increased apoptosis measured by flow cytometry and by TUNEL assay. This was accompanied by an ethanol-induced oxidative stress: hydrogen peroxide production was significantly increased and mitochondrial GSH was strikingly decreased. Both were restored by lycopene, with a significant decrease in apoptosis. The placebo had no protective effect. In conclusion, Lycopene opposes the ethanol-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in 2E1 cells. The parallelism between these effects suggests a causal link. Furthermore, these beneficial effects and the innocuity of lycopene now justify an in vivo trial.


A double-blind crossover study to compare lysine acetyl salicylate (Aspergesic) with ibuprofen in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
Lysine acetyl salicylate [1.8 g t.d.s. (Aspergesic 1,000 sachet)] has been compared to 400-mg ibuprofen tablets t.d.s. in a randomized double-blind trial in patients with rheumatoid arthritis using double-dummy technique. Both drugs proved effective in relieving symptoms. Three patients experienced drug-related side-effects with Aspergesic, and one patient with ibuprofen, that necessitated early discontinuation of treatment. Aspergesic was associated with a greater number of haemoglobin values falling below the normal range than ibuprofen. At the end of the study, eight out of 10 patients who expressed a preference selected Aspergesic for improving mobility whilst 15/24 selected Aspergesic for improving pain.


Long term effects of crop rotation and fertilization on crop yield stability in southeast China.
The objective of this study was to determine the effects of different fertilizer treatments and crop rotations on crop yield stability. A 9 years field experiment was conducted from 2013 to 2021 to evaluate the effects of combinations of two annual crop rotations and two methods of applying fertilizer on crop yield stability. Crop rotations were kidney bean-mustard-rice (P-B-O) and kidney bean-mustard-cowpea (P-B-V) each year. Fertilization methods were recommended fertilization (RF) and conventional fertilization (CF). The indexes Wi2 (Wricke's ecovalance), coefficient of variation (CV), and sustainable yield index (SYI) were used to quantify the long term effects of crop rotation and fertilization on crop yield stability, and a yield change trend model was used to predict future production. For fertilization program RF, average kidney bean and mustard yields in rotation P-B-O increased respectively by 7.47% and 19.37% over P-B-V in the 9 years of the project. For CF, average kidney bean and mustard yields for P-B-O increased respectively by 14.99% and 18.33% over P-B-V. Wi2 indexes of kidney bean and mustard for P-B-O (respectively 116 and 956) were significantly less than for P-B-V (respectively 147.87 and 1259.67). SYI for kidney beans and mustard in P-B-O (respectively 0.63 and 0.57) were significantly greater than for P-B-V (respectively 0.50 and 0.42). The trends of crop average yields for RF and CF show that the average yield trends of kidney bean in P-B-O (respectively 32.41 and 32.34) were greater than in P-B-V (respectively 29.56 and 27.45). The trends of average yields of mustard for RF and CF in P-B-O (respectively 64.18 and 60.87) were greater than in P-B-V (respectively 51.74 and 51.87). The preceding results led to the conclusion that long term annual P-B-O rotation combined with RF considerably increased yield and maintained yield stability, thus establishing the sustainability of this cropping system.


Clinical usefulness of gastric-juice analysis in 2007: the stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.
Gastric juice is usually discarded during upper-GI endoscopy. By using a novel device, the Mt 21-42, we evaluated the potential of this important organic fluid in clinical practice, exploring its contribution to the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection and atrophic gastritis of the oxyntic mucosa (AGOM). A multicenter study (17,907 patients; 10 endoscopy units) estimated the frequency of diagnosis of AGOM and H pylori infection in routine endoscopic practice. A prospective study (216 patients) at 1 of these units aimed to determine the real prevalence of these conditions and the possible benefits of gastric juice analysis. We considered gastric juice pH and ammonium concentration, endoscopic and histologic features, serologic parameters for atrophy and H pylori, gastric acid secretion, and costs. We found that H pylori infection and, even more markedly, AGOM were greatly underdiagnosed in routine endoscopic practice (20.1% and 0.8% vs 49.1% and 12.5% in the prospective study, respectively), because of the intrinsic limitations of the conventional tests and lack/inappropriateness of biopsy planning. Gastric-juice analysis proved to be a cheap, simple, and effective way to prevent such underdiagnosis and allowed detection of atrophic gastritis and H pylori in 96% and 98% of cases, and saved costs (cost-effectiveness ratio 209 vs 274-5047). Gastric juice provided a valuable source of clinicopathologic information that, properly analyzed, allowed detection of the main risk factors for gastric cancer (H pylori and atrophic gastritis), overcoming the diagnostic limitations associated with these conditions and also producing time and cost savings.


[Socio-cultural Representations of Suicide in Mid-20th Century Quebec: A Case Study].
By comparing the narratives in a 1958 Montreal newspaper article with the data compiled in the Coroner inquest report, this case study seeks to assess the value of journalistic sources in historicizing the shifts in the modes of representation and emotion surrounding suicide in the province of Quebec in the middle of the twentieth century.


Contrast discrimination: second responses reveal the relationship between the mean and variance of visual signals.
To explain the relationship between first- and second-response accuracies in a detection experiment, Swets, Tanner, and Birdsall [Swets, J., Tanner, W. P., Jr., & Birdsall, T. G. (1961). Decision processes in perception. Psychological Review, 68, 301-340] proposed that the variance of visual signals increased with their means. However, both a low threshold and intrinsic uncertainty produce similar relationships. I measured the relationship between first- and second-response accuracies for suprathreshold contrast discrimination, which is thought to be unaffected by sensory thresholds and intrinsic uncertainty. The results are consistent with a slowly increasing variance.


Physiologic expansion of human heart-derived cells enhances therapeutic repair of injured myocardium.
Serum-free xenogen-free defined media and continuous controlled physiological cell culture conditions have been developed for stem cell therapeutics, but the effect of these conditions on the relative potency of the cell product is unknown. As such, we conducted a head-to-head comparison of cell culture conditions on human heart explant-derived cells using established in vitro measures of cell potency and in vivo functional repair. Heart explant-derived cells cultured from human atrial or ventricular biopsies within a serum-free xenogen-free media and a continuous physiological culture environment were compared to cells cultured under traditional (high serum) cell culture conditions in a standard clean room facility. Transitioning from traditional high serum cell culture conditions to serum-free xenogen-free conditions had no effect on cell culture yields but provided a smaller, more homogenous, cell product with only minor antigenic changes. Culture within continuous physiologic conditions markedly boosted cell proliferation while increasing the expression of stem cell-related antigens and ability of cells to stimulate angiogenesis. Intramyocardial injection of physiologic cultured cells into immunodeficient mice 1 week after coronary ligation translated into improved cardiac function and reduced scar burden which was attributable to increased production of pro-healing cytokines, extracellular vesicles, and microRNAs. Continuous physiological cell culture increased cell growth, paracrine output, and treatment outcomes to provide the greatest functional benefit after experimental myocardial infarction.


Physical linkage of the cdc2-related gene (PCTK1) and the ubiquitin-activating enzyme E1 gene (UBE1) on human Xp11.3.
PCTAIRE-1 is a cdc2-related protein kinase of unknown function. The gene (PCTK1) has been mapped to chromosome Xp. In this study we refine the locus position by chromosome analysis with cosmid and YAC probes. PCTK1 maps distal to the t(X;18) synovial sarcoma breakpoint in Xp11.23. A 420-kb YAC clone positive for PCTK1 also contains the gene coding for ubiquitin-activating enzyme UBE1, previously mapped in Xp11.3, indicating close physical linkage of these genes. PCTK1 is a new candidate for heritable disorders mapped to Xp11.3--p11.23 region.


Further characterization of fat diet-induced changes in responsiveness to estrogen and glucose.
Possible reasons for hyperresponsiveness to the anorexic influence of estrogen of rats fed a high-fat (F) diet were explored. It was found that (1) hyperresponsiveness appeared unrelated to body weight, (2) other estrogenic effects (upon vaginal epithelia and upon mating behavior) were normal in F-fed rats, (3) hyperresponsiveness to estrogen was not a result of alterations in brain dopamine or norepinephrine, (4) F-fed rats were also hyperresponsive to postabsorptive satiating effects of intragastric glucose loads. Thus, an altered glucose metabolism of F-fed rats may be related to an increased responsiveness to the anorexic effects of estrogen.


Clean-up procedure for the extraction of soil samples in the determination of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin.
This paper describes the method which was developed in relation to analytical work connected with microbial and physico-chemical degradation experiments on 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). Soil samples are best extracted with methanol plus methylene chloride. Microbial preparations are extracted with light petroleum after boiling with methanolic potassium hydroxide. The clean-up consists of a sulphuric acid treatment and chromatography on a multilayer column (Celite + H2SO4/silica gel) followed by alumina column chromatography. The clean-up procedure proved to be suitable for soil samples and microbial preparations even when large quantities of organic matter (hydrocarbons, oils, surfactants) were present.


Tryptophanase from Sphaerophorus funduliformis. Purification, molecular weight and subunit properties.
A crystalline tryptophanase can be obtained from extracts of Spaerophorus funduliformis using a heat treatment, hydroxyapatite chromatography and solubility in solutions of (NH4)2SO4 as a function of pH and temperature. The purified enzyme is homogeneous by several criteria. S. funduliformis tryptophanase has a specific activity of 11.5-13.5 and requires pyridoxal 5'-phosphate for enzymatic activity. Like other tryptophanases that have been studied, the S. funduliformis enzyme is a tetramer protein consisting of four apparently identical subunits. The native enzyme has a sedimentation coefficient of 11.2 S and a molecular weight of 244 000. In solutions of 5 M guanidine - HCl, 8 M urea, and sodium dodecylsulfate, at high pH or in the presence of thiols, the enzyme dissociates to 59 000 molecular weight species which are homogeneous by the criterion of weight. Peptide maps of the reduced holo-tryptophanase show one pyridoxal-containing peptide and, lacking agreement with the determined amino acid composition, suggest that the subunits of the enzyme contain a high degree of internal sequence homology.


Do 1,8-naphthyridine sulfonamides possess an inhibitory action against Tet(K) and MsrA efflux pumps in multiresistant Staphylococcus aureus strains?
Naphthyridines represent a class of heterocyclic compounds formed by two condensed aromatic rings. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity and in vitro inhibition of efflux resistance mechanisms of a series of 1,8-naphthyridine sulfonamides against strains carrying Tet(K) and MsrA efflux pumps. The efflux pump inhibitory capacity was evaluated by analyzing synergistic effects between 1,8-naphthyridine sulfonamides and standard antibiotics, as well as ethidium bromide. The following 1,8-naphthyridines were used: 4-methyl-N-(5-chloro-1,8-naphthyridin-2-yl)-benzenesulfonamide (Naph 1); 2,5-Dichloro-N-(5-chloro-1,8-naphthyridin-2-yl)-benzenesulfonamide (Naph 2); 2,3,4-trifluoro-N-(5-chloro-1,8-naphthyridin-2-yl)benzenesulfonamide (Naph 7); 3-trifluoromethyl-N-(5-chloro-1,8-naphthyridin-2-yl)-benzenesulfonamide (Naph 9). The 1,8-naphthyridine sulfonamide derivatives possessed a potential Tet(K) and MsrA efflux pump inhibitory action.


Consensus criteria for screening commercial drivers for obstructive sleep apnea: evidence of efficacy.
To validate the recently published consensus criteria for screening commercial drivers for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). A large, consecutive case series of commercial drivers was screened for OSA at a single occupational medicine clinic and those screening positive were referred for overnight polysomnography. One hundred ninety (13%) of 1443 individuals having commercial motor vehicle driver examinations screened positive for OSA. None of these would have been detected if the only screening were the questions on the current Commercial Driver Medical examination form. One hundred thirty-four underwent polysomnography, and of those 94.8% had OSA, which is the best estimate of the positive predictive value of these consensus criteria in a population of truck drivers. The proposed screening criteria have a high positive predictive value in this population. This study lends support for the requirement to screen for OSA in commercial drivers.


The urokinase receptor mediates basic fibroblast growth factor-dependent smooth muscle cell migration through baboon aortic explants.
The urokinase receptor is required for vascular smooth muscle cell migration in vitro, but may not be needed in vivo since smooth muscle cell migration and intimal hyperplasia after arterial injury in mice are not affected by urokinase receptor gene deletion. We have used baboon aortic explants as a bridge between cell culture and in vivo experiments to determine if the urokinase receptor is required for smooth muscle cell proliferation and smooth muscle cell migration in primate vessels. Levels of urokinase receptor in explants increased with time after explantation, while blockade of urokinase receptor with an antibody decreased smooth muscle cell proliferation and smooth muscle cell migration from the explants. A blocking antibody to basic fibroblast growth decreased levels of urokinase and urokinase receptor in explants, and it decreased smooth muscle cell migration and mitogenesis. These results suggest that the factor urokinase receptor plays a positive role in smooth muscle cell migration and proliferation in injured primate arterial tissue, in part mediating the pro-migratory and proliferative effects of basic fibroblast growth factor released by damaged smooth muscle cells.


Quality of life in partners of patients with cancer.
Cancer affects patients' quality of life (QOL) but might also influence their partners' QOL. We investigated QOL in partners of patients with different cancer types and examined potential predictors of partners' QOL. Three hundred seventy-three partners completed the SF-36 QOL questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, t-tests and linear regressions were performed. Potential predictors of partners' QOL included sociodemographic (sex, age, income), psychosocial (social support, quality of partner relationship, patient's QOL) and clinical variables (tumour stage, treatment, time since diagnosis). Male partners reported better QOL than female partners on most SF-36 subscales. Both male and female partners reported significantly lower mental QOL than the norm population. Higher quality of the relationship predicted higher mental QOL in partners of patients with cancers of digestive organs (P = 0.039) and breast cancer patients' partners (P = 0.001). Higher mental QOL of the patient predicted higher physical (P = 0.012) and mental QOL (P = 0.011) in partners of breast cancer patients. For partners of patients with cancers of the male genital organs, none of the variables in the model was of predictive value. Mental, rather than physical, QOL of partners was impaired. Stage and other clinical variables of the patient did not influence partners' mental or physical QOL.


A critical look at vestibular dysfunction in learning-disabled children.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the vestibular dysfunction hypothesis in learning disabilities. The data indicated that there was no significant difference in vestibular function between normal and learning-disabled children; that there was no significant correlation between vestibular function and academic achievement; and that there was no significant educational relevance in categorizing learning-disabled children according to vestibular dimensions.


Identification of chemical constituents of tomato juice which affect the heat resistance of Lactobacillus fermentum.
Pectins appear to be the main factors in tomato juice which are associated with the protection of Lactobacillus fermentum against destruction or injury by heat. Hydrolysis of pectins by enzymic action makes the cells more vulnerable to heat.


Open Surgical Tracheostomy in COVID 19 Patients and Their Outcomes During the Second Wave in India: Experience at a Tertiary Referral Centre.
Tracheostomy in COVID-19 is a debatable topic, with guidelines and recommendations evolving with every wave. Tracheostomy can help early weaning and potentially increase the availability of ICU beds. The aim of our study was to determine the outcomes of patients undergoing tracheostomy at different timings. This was an ambispective observational descriptive longitudinal study of patients confirmed to have COVID-19 by real- time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) admitted in the ICU and needed intubation for mechanical ventilation and underwent tracheostomy at a tertiary referral centre. This study was over a period of two months from May to June 2021. A total of 169 patients were admitted to the ICU for COVID-19 from May to June 2021 out of which 27 patients underwent open surgical tracheostomy. Study included almost equal number of male and female patients. The most frequent comorbidities were hypertension and diabetes. The majority of patients were between 5th and 7th decades of life (59.2%; 16 patients). The common indications for tracheostomy were acute respiratory distress syndrome, failure to wean from ventilation, sedation management, difficult airway, and persistent airway oedema. Five patients (18.5%) underwent tracheostomy on day 8, the maximum number on a single day. The earliest tracheostomy was done on day 3 and the latest on day 17 with variable results. There were 6 survivors out of 27, youngest being a 27-year-old female and oldest a 60-year-old male. Our study showed that there was no association of age, sex of the patients and presence of comorbid conditions with the timing of intubation. Clinical outcome of the patients also was not affected by the any of the socio clinical variables viz. age, sex of the patient, presence of comorbid conditions and timing of intubation. Tracheostomy in COVID-19 is an aerosol generating procedure; strict recommendations and guidelines need to be followed.


Massive atheromatous emboli to both kidneys: a fatal complication following aortic surgery.
A patient with severe and diffuse ulcerative atherosclerotic arterial disease developed acute renal failure and anuria during insertion of an aortobifemoral graft. Postoperative septicemia, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus fecalis, led to a deterioration in his condition and death. At autopsy the Dacron bifurcation graft showed no sign of infection, but massive atheromatous emboli of recent origin were found in both kidneys. We suggest using an extra-anatomic approach in reconstructive surgery for occlusive disease of the abdominal aorta in patients with ulcerative atheroma.


Biodegradation of bisphenol A and disappearance of its estrogenic activity by the green alga Chlorella fusca var. vacuolata.
Bisphenol A (BPA) is known as an endocrine disruptor and often is found in landfill leachates. Removal of BPA by green alga, Chlorella fusca, was characterized, because we previously found that various phenols were well removed by this strain, including BPA. Chlorella fusca was able to remove almost all BPA in the concentration range from 10 to 80 microM for 168 h under continuous illumination at 18 W/m2. At the low light intensity of 2 W/m2, 82% of 40 microM BPA was removed, and only 27% was removed in the dark. Moreover, C. fusca could remove 90% of 40 microM BPA under the 8:16-h light:dark condition, which was almost as high as that under the continuous-light condition. The amount of BPA contained in the cells was less than the amount of BPA removed from the medium. Monohydroxybisphenol A was detected as an intermediate of BPA degradation. Moreover, estrogenic activity that originated from BPA in the culture medium also completely disappeared. Based on these results, BPA was finally degraded to compounds having nonestrogenic activity. Therefore, C. fusca can be considered a useful organism to remove BPA from landfill leachates.


Advances and needs for endotoxin-free production strains.
The choice of an appropriate microbial host cell and suitable production conditions is crucial for the downstream processing of pharmaceutical- and food-grade products. Although Escherichia coli serves as a highly valuable leading platform for the production of value-added products, like most Gram-negative bacteria, this bacterium contains a potent immunostimulatory lipopolysaccharide (LPS), referred to as an endotoxin. In contrast, Gram-positive bacteria, notably Bacillus, lactic acid bacteria (LAB), Corynebacterium, and yeasts have been extensively used as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) endotoxin-free platforms for the production of a variety of products. This review summarizes the currently available knowledge on the utilization of these representative Gram-positive bacteria for the production of eco- and bio-friendly products, particularly natural polyesters, polyhydroxyalkanoates, bacteriocins, and membrane proteins. The successful case studies presented here serve to inspire the use of these microorganisms as a main-player or by-player depending on their individual properties for the industrial production of these desirable targets.


Epigalocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) downregulates PEA15 and thereby augments TRAIL-mediated apoptosis in malignant glioma.
EGCG is a flavonoid that exhibited therapeutic activity in cancer. In this study three glioblastoma cell lines (U87, A172 and U251) were treated with EGCG, tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) or the combination of both. Treatment with subtoxic doses of EGCG in combination with TRAIL induces rapid apoptosis in TRAIL-resistant glioma cells, suggesting that this combined treatment may offer an attractive strategy for treating gliomas. EGCG treatment down-regulated phosphoprotein-enriched in astrocytes (PEA15) through an Akt (PKB)-dependent mechanism. In addition, over-expression of PEA15 attenuated cytotoxicity induced by the combination of EGCG and TRAIL. In summary, PEA15 is a key regulator in TRAIL-EGCG-mediated cell death in malignant glioma.


Do we need to change empiric antibiotic use following natural disasters? A reflection on the Townsville flood.
Skin and soft tissue infections have the potential to affect every patient admitted to a surgical service. Changes to the microbiota colonizing wounds during natural disasters, such as the Townsville floods of 2019, could impact empiric antibiotic choice and need for return to theatre. This retrospective observational cohort study reviews culture data and demographics for patients undergoing surgical debridement of infected wounds over a six-month period starting in November 2018 to May 2019 at the Townsville Hospital. Of the 408 patients requiring operative intervention, only 61 patients met the inclusion criteria. The groups were comparative in terms of age and gender, but a greater proportion of patients (40.5% versus 29.1%, P = 0.368) in the post-flood group were diabetic. Common skin commensals, such as Staphylococcus aureus, were the most common pathogen in both groups, however the post-flood group had a higher proportion of atypical organisms (14 versus 8 patients), and an increased need for repeated debridement for infection control (24 versus 14 patients). Wound swabs and tissue culture are imperative during surgical debridement and may guide the use of more broad-spectrum coverage following a significant flooding event.


Treatment sequencing for simultaneous colorectal liver metastases.
Up to 25% of patients with colorectal cancer present with simultaneous metastases and the liver is frequently the only metastatic site. This review will review treatment sequence planning considerations-including metastatic burden, primary tumor site, chemotherapy response, and ability to perform minimally invasive surgery-for patients with simultaneous resectable colorectal liver metastases. In addition, this review will address conversion chemotherapy, combined vs staged surgeries, and their possible sequences.


Randomized controlled trial to treat migraine with acupuncture: design and protocol.
The effectiveness of using acupuncture to treat migraine is rarely and even suspectedly reported in the literature. In this article, we report the design and the protocol of a randomized controlled large-scale trial to treat migraine using acupuncture, aiming at testifying it is effective to use acupuncture to treat migraine. We demonstrate also that the effectiveness of the treatment may vary due to using acupoints of different meridians or different acupoints of one meridian. A multi-center randomized controlled trial is currently undergoing, with three acupoints treatment groups and one non-acupoints control group. The acupuncture treatment consists of 20 sessions per patient with a observation period of 20 weeks. In total, 480 patients with migraine are registered in this study within 8 hospitals in China from March 2008 to June 2009. These patients are randomly assigned to receive one of the following four acupoints treatment groups, i.e. 1) specific acupoints of Shaoyang meridians (120 patients), 2) non-specific acupoints of Shaoyang meridians (120 patients), 3) acupoints of other meridians (120 patients); or 4) non-acupoints control group (120 patients). The main outcome measurement in this trial is the effect comparison achieved among these four groups in terms of number of days with migraine and intensity of migraine during and after the baseline phase, i.e. the first 4 weeks before randomization and 4, 8 and 16 weeks after randomization. The intensity of headache including headache intensity grade (0-3) and visual analogue scale (VAS) score will also be used in this study. In addition, the differences of Migraine-Specific Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (MSQ) and Transcranial Doppler Sonography (TCD) before and after randomization are also used as the secondary outcome measurement. The result of this trial (which will be available in 2009) will demonstrate the efficacy of using acupuncture to treat migraine, and verify whether the specific effect of acupoints exists and whether this specific effect of acupoints is related to meridian and a collection of meridian Qi. Clinical Trials.gov NCT00599586.


Synthesis and antimicrobial activity of 5-hydroxymethyl- 8-methyl-2-(N-arylimino)-pyrano[2,3-c]pyridine-3-(N-aryl)-carboxamides.
Several novel 2-imino-5-hydroxymethyl-8-methyl-2H-pyrano[2,3-c]pyridine-3-(N-aryl) carboxamides were prepared by reaction of pyridoxal hydrochloride with various N-arylcyanoacetamides. Reaction of these compounds with aromatic amines furnished a wide series of 2-(N-R-phenyl) imino-5-hydroxymethyl-8-methyl-2H-pyrano[2,3-c]pyridine-3-carboxamides. Antibacterial and antifungal activities of the synthesized compounds were studied. Most of the obtained compounds demonstrated significant activity against bacterial or fungal strains (MIC in the range of 12.5-25microg/mL), displaying comparable or even better efficacy than the standard drugs.


Simple de-airing technique for aortic valve replacement with upper ministernotomy.
Upper ministernotomy for aortic valve replacement is intimidating for many surgeons, not only for limited surgical exposure but also for the inability to complete de-airing the apex of the heart. Conversion to full sternotomy had been reported for this inability to de-air the apex of the heart in a limited number of cases. We describe a simple de-airing method by introducing a 16 GA catheter into the apex of the left ventricle through the aorta and prosthetic valve.


Management and long-term follow-up of early stage H. pylori-associated gastric MALT-lymphoma in clinical practice: an Italian, multicentre study.
Data on management and long-term follow-up of Helicobacter pylori-associated MALT-lymphoma in clinical practice are scanty. We evaluate the long-term efficacy of H. pylori eradication on low-grade MALT-lymphoma, and the efficacy of further therapies in refractory patients. This study enrolled patients with stages I-II(1) MALT-lymphoma and H. pylori infection. H. pylori eradication was attempted in all patients. Patients with lymphoma persistence or progression following H. pylori treatments received further lymphoma treatments. Both 5-year and disease-free survivals were calculated. Sixty patients (stage I/II(1): 50/10) were followed up for a median time of 65 months (range 7-156). H. pylori infection was successfully eradicated in 53 (88.3%) patients following three consecutive therapeutic attempts, and lymphoma regressed in 42 (79.2%) of these patients. Sixteen patients received anti-neoplastic treatments due to either lymphoma persistence or progression, and lymphoma was cured in 14 (87.5%) cases. At follow-up, lymphoma relapsed in 13/42 (30.9%) patients within a median time of 19 months (range 3-41), and all but 1 patient were cured with further therapies. Overall, lymphoma regression was achieved in 56 patients (93.3%). The 5-year and disease-free survivals were 94.7% and 74.6%, respectively. In clinical practice, a conservative approach with antibiotic eradication seems to be appropriate management for early-stage MALT-lymphoma, with oncologic therapy being reserved for those patients who fail to respond to H. pylori therapy.


Quaternized chitin used as chiral stationary phase for HPLC and the high enantioseparation of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1-naphthalenamine racemates.
Quaternized chitin (QC) with different degrees of substitution (DSs) and molecular weight (Mw) were homogeneously synthesized. Eight novel chiral stationary phases (CSPs) for HPLC were prepared by coating the QC on 3-aminopropyl silica gel, which were firstly used to separate 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1-naphthalenamine (THNA) racemates. Enantioseparation capability of the CSPs was evaluated and the influence factors including DS and Mw of QCs were explored respectively. The results demonstrated that the successful separation of THNA enantiomers was obtained by all the new CSPs of the chitin derivatives. Resolution (Rs) increased from 1.12 to 1.58 with the increase of DS of QC from 0.40 to 0.62, while the Rs decreased with the reduction of Mw of the products from 2.8 × 105 to 9.7 × 104. The maximum Rs is 2.29. A simple pathway for the fabrication of novel CSPs of cationic chitin derivatives is developed, which has potential application for the separation of THAN racemates.


A new freeze-dried living virus vaccine against sheep-pox.
A sheep-pox virus strain has been adapted and multiplied in primary lamb kidney cell cultures. The main characteristics of the strain have been verified in vitro after clones were isolated, and the results confirmed its identity. The safety and the potency of the strain have been investigated in sheep. The inoculation of the strain to sheep was followed by a post-vaccinal reaction materialised by a nodule at the site of inoculation and an increase of temperature by about 1 degree C. No reactions adversely affecting pregnancy have been noted. Immunisation was demonstrated by an increase in the level of neutralising serous antibodies and protection against the pathogenic virus. The immunity tended to decrease during the second year after primovaccination and a yearly booster vaccination appeared to be necessary. Primovaccination of lambs over 2 months of age produced a better immunity, especially when the lambs were born from vaccinated ewes. This strain forms the active principle of a freeze-dried vaccine containing no adjuvant of the immunity.


Identification of high cadmium-accumulating oilseed sunflower (Helianthus annuus) cultivars for phytoremediation of an Oxisol and an Inceptisol.
Forty oilseed sunflower cultivars were screened in two soil types for phytoremediation of Cd coupled with maximum biomass yield and oil production. Several cultivars exhibited a significant difference in biomass and yield with enhanced uptake in shoots and low accumulation in roots from two Cd-contaminated soil types, an Oxisol and an Iceptisol. The Transfer Factor of Cd was >1 in several cultivars in both soil types, where as a significant difference in phytoextraction of Cd was observed in the Oxisol (acidic soil), greater than in the Inceptisol (alkaline soil). The results revealed that of the 40 cultivars, S9178, Huanong 667in the Oxisol and cvs. DW 667, HN 667, Huanong 667 and 668F1 in the Inceptisol showed a high biomass, better yield and enhanced accumulation of Cd in the shoots but a lesser accumulation in oil. The screened cultivar S 9178 produced the greatest amount of oil (55.6%) with 77% oleic acid, which makes it suitable for human consumption. Cultivar Huanong 667 was found to be the highest accumulating cultivar in both soil types. It is therefore suggested that some sunflower cultivars do exhibit phytoremediation potential together with agro-production potential.


Associations of urinary cadmium with circulating sex hormone levels in pre- and postmenopausal Japanese women.
Exposure to cadmium has been suspected as a risk factor for breast cancer. The present study examined the associations between urinary cadmium levels and circulating sex hormone levels that are linked to breast cancer risk in healthy women. The study subjects were 396 premenopausal Japanese women who had regular menstrual cycles less than 40 days long and 207 postmenopausal Japanese women. Urinary cadmium was measured using spot urine samples. Plasma estradiol, testosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate were measured. Additionally, the follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and sex hormone-binding globulin were measured for premenopausal women. In premenopausal women, the urinary cadmium level either expressed in μg per liter or per g of urine creatinine was significantly inversely associated with total and free testosterone levels after controlling for age, body mass index, smoking status, alcohol intake, and the phase of the menstrual cycle. Total and free testosterone levels were 14.6% and 15.0% lower, respectively, in women in the highest quartile of urinary cadmium per g creatinine in those in the lowest quartile. In postmenopausal women, the urinary cadmium in μg per liter as well as per g creatinine was significantly inversely associated with the estradiol level after controlling for covariates. The estradiol level was 25.8% lower in women in the highest tertile of urinary cadmium per g creatinine than in those in the lowest tertile. The data suggest inverse associations between urinary cadmium and the plasma estradiol or testosterone level in Japanese women.


Telephone contact with patients in the year after a suicide attempt: does it affect treatment attendance and outcome? A randomised controlled study.
Ambivalence to treatment and repeated suicidal behaviour are well-known problems in suicide attempters. A randomised controlled study was performed to investigate the influence of repeated telephone contacts on treatment attendance, repetition of suicidal behaviour and mental health the year after a suicide attempt. One month after their suicide attempt 216 patients were randomised to either two telephone interventions in addition to treatment as usual, or no such intervention during the subsequent year. The interventions included motivational support to attend and/or to stay in treatment. At 1 month and again after 12 months the following measurements were used: GSI (SCL-90), GAF and SSI. At follow-up treatment attendance was high and did not differ between the randomised groups. Among those with an initial treatment contact other than psychiatric, more patients in the intervention group had such contact at follow-up. The randomised groups did not differ in repetition of suicide attempts during follow-up or in improvement in GSI (SCL-90), GAF and SSI. In individuals with no initial treatment the intervention group improved more in certain psychological symptom dimensions (SCL-90). Telephone interventions seem to have an effect on patients who at their suicide attempt had other treatment than psychiatric and in those with no treatment.


Fixed bed porous glass sphere (porosphere) bioreactors for animal cells.
Process intensity of fixed bed glass sphere culture systems is increased considerably by replacing solid glass spheres with open pore glass spheres. This technique demonstrates the possibility of having a system capable of both volumetric and cell density scale up and being suitable for substrate attached and suspension cells. The yields achieved for a number of attached cell lines (approximately 10(7)/ml) demonstrate an increase approaching one order of magnitude over solid glass spheres (approximately 10(6)/ml). Also suspension cells were successfully entrapped in the open pore structure with similar yields.


Preoperative staging of gastric cancer as precondition for multimodal treatment.
Preoperative staging of gastric cancer plays a crucial role every multimodal treatment protocol. At present, staging intends to be far more than evaluation of the depth of tumor infiltration into the organ wall, that is, T stage, nodular status (N category), and the presence of distant metastases (M stage) according to UICC criteria. In modern surgical oncology it includes more often the evaluation of prognostic factors such as the RAS-protein, p53 tumor suppressor gene, growth factor receptors, cell adhesion molecules, proteolytic factors, and proliferation-associated antigens. Furthermore, evaluation of nodular status is possible by sophisticated computer programs. The conventional staging of gastric cancer using endoscopy and sonography, conventional ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging is discussed. Possible improvements of staging in oncologic centers should include surgical laparoscopy, laparoscopic ultrasonography, and meticulous evaluation of an abdominal lavage including immunohistochemical detection of free tumor cells. The most promising tumor biology-related prognostic factors in gastric cancer are briefly discussed.


Hereditary and acquired thrombopathias.
Normal platelet function is essential for hemostasis. The pathophysiologic processes that result in acquired quantitative platelet abnormalities are detailed. Platelet pathophysiology associated with acquired qualitative disorders, either drug-induced or secondary to disease, is discussed. Numerous hereditary platelet defects also exist. Their functional and biochemical features are presented.


Biosensor arrays for simultaneous measurement of glucose, lactate, glutamate, and glutamine.
For simultaneous measurement of glucose, lactate, glutamine, and glutamate a biosensor array is implemented in a micro flow-system thus giving a microsystem. The microsystem consists of a glass chip with the integrated biosensor array and a bottom part, which comprises a gold counter electrode, a 300 microm thick seal, and electrical interconnection lines. The flow device has a total internal volume of 2.1 or 6 microl when integrated with a mixer on chip. The biosensors with no crosstalking and high long term stability were produced by modifying the electrochemical transducers and utilizing photopatternable enzyme membranes. The use of appropriate miniaturization technology leads to mass producable devices for in vivo and ex vivo applications in whole blood and fermentation broth. Due to a novel glutaminase with an activity optimum in the neutral pH range direct and simultaneous monitoring of glutamine together with glucose, lactate, and glutamate could be performed.


Distinct epitopes are recognized by cytolytic T lymphocyte clones on the same class I molecule: direct demonstration using DNA-transfected targets and long-term cytolytic T cell clones.
By producing long-term, stable, cytolytic T lymphocyte clones and utilizing targets expressing only a single gene product derived from the stimulator mouse strain, we have been able to directly demonstrate that T cells recognize distinct epitopes expressed on a single H-2 molecule. These multiple determinants are distinguishable by inhibition patterns with monoclonal antibodies (mAb). When two T cell clones, P-2.14 and P-2.17, are tested on an L cell transfected with the Dp gene (lambda 12a), the T cells kill the transfected targets as well as blasts derived from Dp mouse strains. mAb 7-16.10 inhibits recognition and killing of Dp targets by both P-2.14 and P-2.17. This mAb recognizes a private specificity H-2.m22. Interestingly mAb 11-20.3 which also recognizes the H-2.m22 specificity inhibits clone P-2.14 but not P-2.17. The mAb 7-16.10, however, competes with 11-20.3 for binding to the surface of L cells expressing the Dp gene. Thus the two T cells must recognize an overlapping specificity. Other mAb which bind to the H-2Dp molecule are unable to inhibit either of these two cytolytic T cell clones. Paradoxically, any of the mAb when tested individually are sufficient to inhibit the polyclonal response derived from in vitro mixed lymphocyte culture. Therefore, by using targets expressing only a single H-2 molecule derived by DNA-mediated gene transfer and cytolytic T cell clones we have been able to directly demonstrate the presence of multiple epitopes on a single molecule and define their inhibition with mAb directed to that same molecule.


Impairments of thalamic resting-state functional connectivity in patients with chronic tinnitus.
The phantom sound of tinnitus is believed to arise from abnormal functional coupling between the thalamus and cerebral cortex. To explore this hypothesis, we used resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to compare the degree of thalamocortical functional connectivity in chronic tinnitus patients and controls. Resting-state fMRI scans were obtained from 31 chronic tinnitus patients and 33 well-matched healthy controls. Thalamocortical functional connectivity was characterized using a seed-based whole-brain correlation method. The resulting thalamic functional connectivity measures were correlated with other clinical data. We found decreased functional connectivity between the seed region in left thalamus and right middle temporal gyrus (MTG), right middle orbitofrontal cortex, left middle frontal gyrus, right precentral gyrus, and bilateral calcarine cortex. Decreased functional connectivity was detected between the seed in the right thalamus and the left superior temporal gyrus (STG), left amygdala, right superior frontal gyrus, left precentral gyrus, and left middle occipital gyrus. Tinnitus distress correlated negatively with thalamic functional connectivity in right MTG; tinnitus duration correlated negatively with thalamic functional connectivity in left STG. Increased functional connectivity between the bilateral thalamus and a set of regions were also observed. Chronic tinnitus patients have disrupted thalamocortical functional connectivity to selected brain regions which is associated with specific tinnitus characteristics. Resting-state thalamic functional connectivity disturbances may play an important role in neuropathological features of tinnitus.


Transient streaming potential in a finite length microchannel.
Pressure-driven flow of an electrolyte solution in a microchannel with charged solid surfaces induces a streaming potential across the microchannel. Such a flow also causes rejection of ions by the microchannel, leading to different concentrations in the feed and permeate reservoirs connecting the capillary, which forms the basis of membrane based separation of electrolytes. Modeling approaches traditionally employed to assess the streaming potential development and ion rejection by capillaries often present a confusing picture of the governing electrochemical transport processes. In this paper, a transient numerical simulation of electrochemical transport process leading to the development of a streaming potential across a finite length circular cylindrical microchannel connecting two infinite reservoirs is presented. The solution based on finite element analysis shows the transient development of ionic concentrations, electric fields, and the streaming potential over the length of the microchannel. The transient analysis presented here resolves several contradictions between the two types of modeling approaches employed in assessing streaming potential development and ion rejection. The simulation results show that the streaming potential across the channel is predominantly set up at the timescale of the developing convective transport, while the equilibrium ion concentrations are developed over a considerably longer duration.


Pre- and posttraining MMPI scores of women alcoholism counselors.
The scores of women alcoholism counselors on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory before and after completion of an intensive training program showed little change in basic personality configuration.


Superoxide targets calcineurin signaling in vascular endothelium.
Superoxide emerges as key regulatory molecule in many aspects of vascular physiology and disease, but identification of superoxide targets in the vasculature remains elusive. In this work, we investigated the possibility of inhibition of protein phosphatase calcineurin by superoxide in endothelial cells. We employed a redox cycler 2,3-dimethoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (DMNQ) to generate superoxide inside the cells. DMNQ caused inhibition of cellular calcineurin phosphatase activity, which was reversible upon DMNQ removal. Inhibition was suppressed by pre-incubating the cells with copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu,ZnSOD). In addition, reducing cellular Cu,ZnSOD activity by diethylthiocarbamic acid treatment resulted in calcineurin inhibition and enhanced sensitivity to DMNQ. Further, we could show that DMNQ inhibits calcineurin-dependent nuclear translocation and transcriptional activation of NFAT transcription factor, and Cu,ZnSOD or superoxide scavenger Tiron reduced the inhibition. Thus, superoxide generation in endothelial cells results in inhibition of calcineurin signaling, which could have important pathophysiological implications in the vasculature.


Use of the Child Opportunity Index to Examine Racial Variations in Outpatient Antibiotic Prescribing to Children.
To examine further racial and ethnic variations in antibiotic prescribing to children, we used the Child Opportunity Index. Black children were less likely to be prescribed an antibiotic. Low- and moderate-opportunity areas were associated with greater rates of antibiotic prescribing, after adjusting for race and other factors.


[A model experiment with a specialty clinic for geriatrics with an open psychosomatic unit].
Report on a current exemplary test in which "animators and multiplicators" are being trained in a specialized course. The intention is to employ the trainees as voluntary lay assistants in a geriatric clinic. In the same clinic programs have been established aiming at the reduction of expenses for drug therapy by making extensive use of motion therapy, musical therapy, reality training, creativity training, autogenic training.


Long term changes in platelet counts after H. pylori eradication in non-ITP patients.
Helicobacter pylori eradication is becoming a first-line therapy against idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and its long term efficacy has already been reported. In contrast, eradication therapy reduced peripheral platelets in non-ITP patients 8 weeks later. To confirm the long term efficacy of Helicobacter eradication on platelet counts in non-ITP patients, we evaluated changes in peripheral platelet counts in endoscopically diagnosed patients with Helicobacter infection. Endoscopically diagnosed patients with Helicobacter infection received eradication therapy using amoxicillin (1500 mg/day), clarithromycin (400 mg/day) and lansoprazole (60 mg/day). The changes in platelet counts after Helicobacter eradication were serially evaluated for as long as 3 years or more. In total, 294 patients were enrolled: 243 patients successfully received eradication therapy and 51 were unsuccessfully treated. As a whole, peripheral platelet counts significantly decreased after Helicobacter eradication, being reduced by more than 1.0 × 10⁹/l by 5-6 months, 1 year, 2 years and 3 years or more (from 24.2+/-5.6 to 23.1+/-5.0, 23.0+/-5.0, 22.1+/-4.5, 22.4+/-5.6, and 21.6+/-5.3 × 10⁹/l: p = <0.0001, <0.0001, 0.0001, 0.0052, and <0.0001, respectively). Helicobacter pylori eradication finally reduced peripheral platelet counts around 2.0 × 10⁹/l in non-ITP patients. There was a definite difference in platelet regulation by Helicobacter pylori between ITP and non-ITP patients. These bivalent effects, upregulation and downregulation, on the peripheral platelet induced by Helicibacter pylori infection appeared to originate from quite different mechanisms.


Inverse design with deep generative models: next step in materials discovery.
Data-driven inverse design for inorganic functional materials is a rapidly emerging field, which aims to automatically design innovative materials with target properties and to enable property-to-structure material discovery.


Competitive binding of CREB and ATF2 to cAMP/ATF responsive element regulates eNOS gene expression in endothelial cells.
Expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is a critical determinant for vascular homeostasis. We examined the effects of Beraprost sodium (BPS), a stable analogue of prostacyclin, on the eNOS gene expression in the presence of inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-1beta in cultured endothelial cells. Exposure of human and bovine endothelial cells to IL-1beta decreased eNOS expression. Western blot analysis using phospho-specific antibodies showed that IL-1beta stimulated p38 MAP kinase and phosphorylated ATF2. BPS inhibited these effects via protein kinase A (PKA)/cAMP-responsive element binding protein (CREB) activation. Transfection assays using site-specific mutation constructs showed that CRE/ATF elements located at -733 and -603 within the human eNOS promoter are necessary for full IL-1beta responsiveness. BPS attenuated the IL-1beta-mediated decrease in eNOS promoter activity and the expression of eNOS gene through PKA pathway. Electrophoretic gel mobility shift assays showed that IL-1beta increased the binding of phosphorylated ATF2 to CRE/ATF. On treatment with BPS, phosphorylated CREB predominantly bound to CRE/ATF. These results indicate that IL-1beta and BPS antagonistically regulates the eNOS expression through the activation of p38 and PKA, respectively. Furthermore, the ability to bind both CREB and ATF2 implicates the CRE/ATF sequence as a potential target for multiple signaling pathways in the regulation of the eNOS gene transcription.


Management of hot tar burn using vitamin e ointment containing petroleum and polyoxyethylene sorbitan.
Tar burns are primarily an occupational hazard associated with the road paving or roofing industry. Management of tar burns requires safe and effective removal of solidified tar from the skin using a dissolution or emulsifying agent to prevent inflicting further injury and pain. We report a case of a patient with tar burns on 10% of his body surface area involving the lower arms bilaterally and splashes to the facial area. The tar was efficiently removed with Webber Vitamin E Ointment without toxicity, irritation, or other complications.


Identifiers, or "red flags," of complexity and need for integrated care.
Because complex medical patients are a subgroup of the medical population and because complexity assessment involves extra effort, preselection of these patients through identifiers is necessary. There is no best identifier for complexity, and the one most suitable for the population served should be selected. This article provides a table with potential identifiers and discusses the difference between disease-oriented screening and treatment and a more generic approach such as complexity screening and complexity management.


Youngest replantation with microsurgical anastomoses.
A successful replantation of a finger on an infant aged twelve months and fifteen days by microsurgical repair is reported.


Improved detection of echocardiographically occult left ventricular thrombi following ST-elevation myocardial infarction.
The aim of this study was to investigate predictors of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE)-occult left ventricular (LV) thrombi (LVT) and to propose a clinical model for improved detection of TTE-occult LVT post-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Patients with acute STEMI are at significant risk for developing LVT. However, this complication often (up to 65%) remains undetected by using TTE, referred to as TTE-occult LVT. In total, 870 STEMI patients underwent TTE and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), the reference method for LVT detection, 3 days after infarction. Clinical (body mass index, peak cardiac troponin T) and echocardiographic [ejection fraction, apical wall motion scores (AWMSs)] predictors were analysed. Primary endpoint was the presence of TTE-occult LVT identified by CMR imaging. From the overall cohort, 37 patients (4%) showed an LVT by CMR. Of these thrombi, 25 (68%) were not identified by TTE. Transthoracic echocardiography-occult thrombi did not significantly differ in volume (1.4 vs. 2.74 cm3), diameter (19.0 vs. 23.3 mm), and number of fragments or shape compared with TTE-apparent LVT (all P > 0.05). For predicting these TTE-occult LVT, the 16-segment AWMS (AWMS16Seg) showed highest validity {area under the curve: 0.91 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.89-0.93]; P < 0.001}, with an association independent of ejection fraction and 17-segment AWMS (AWMS17Seg) [odds ratio: 1.68 (95% CI: 1.43-1.97); P < 0.001] and clinical (body mass index, peak troponin) and angiographic (culprit lesion, post-interventional thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow) associates of TTE-occult LVT (all P < 0.05). Dichotomization at AWMS16Seg ≥ 8 (n = 260, 30%) allowed for a detection of all TTE-occult LVT (sensitivity: 100%), with a corresponding specificity of 77%. After acute STEMI, AWMS16Seg served as a simple and very robust predictor of TTE-occult LVT. An AWMS16Seg-based algorithm to identify patients for additional CMR imaging offers great potential to optimize detection of TTE-occult LVT following STEMI.


A prospective investigation of cell dose in single-unit umbilical cord blood transplantation for adults with high-risk hematologic malignancies.
Umbilical cord blood (UCB) as an allogeneic transplant source is generally limited to units with pre-cryopreservation total nucleated cell (TNC) doses ⩾2.5 × 10(7) NC/kg. We prospectively investigated single UCB transplantation, with cord units as low as 1 × 10(7) NC/kg, all processed with post-thaw albumin-dextran dilution. We transplanted 104 adult patients with 84% having relapsed/refractory disease. The median TNC dose was 2.1 × 10(7) NC/kg (range: 1.0-4.4 × 10(7)) and median CD34+ cell dose was 1.0 × 10(5)/kg (range: 0.0-3.7 × 10(5)/kg). Post-manipulation cell recovery and viability were 96% and 99%, respectively. Median times to neutrophil and platelet engraftment were 16 and 43 days, respectively. Univariate factors predicting neutrophil engraftment included TNC (P=0.03) and CD34+ cell dose (P=0.01). CD34+ dose predicted platelet engraftment (P<0.001). In multivariate analysis, CD34+ dose remained significant for neutrophil and platelet engraftment (P<0.0001 and P<0.0001, respectively). The 100-day and 1-year overall survival were 70% and 46%, respectively (95% confidence interval: 36%-56% at 1 year). The subset transplanted with 1-1.5 × 10(7) NC/kg had similar 100-day and 1-year survivals of 73% and 45%, respectively. Single-unit UCB transplantation using small units, processed as described, leads to favorable engraftment and acceptable outcomes in poor prognosis patients. CD34+ cell dose (⩾1.5 × 10(5)/kg) helps predict faster engraftment and can aid in graft selection.


Brachial artery disruption following closed elbow dislocation.
Although elbow dislocation occurs frequently, associated brachial artery injury is rare. Adequate treatment of this injury includes prompt arteriography, reduction of the dislocation, vascular repair, and transarticular fixation of the reduction. A case report and review of the literature are presented.


Selective peripheral expansion and activation of B cells expressing endogenous immunoglobulin in mu-transgenic mice.
Two different lines of C57BL/6 mice (IgHb) carrying complete rearranged mu chain genes from BALB/c (IgMa) were analyzed for the expression and secretion of endogenous as well as transgenic immunoglobulins at the level of single cells. Quantitation of B cells expressing endogenous IgMb by cytofluorometry, limiting dilution analyses of clonal precursors and secretory cell assays revealed a marked selective expansion, activation and terminal differentiation of those cells producing endogenous immunoglobulins. Thus, the very infrequent IgMb-bearing B cells produced in bone marrow of transgenic mice accumulate in spleen, where they are activated and account for roughly half of all natural immunoglobulin-secreting cells. These observations indicate that mu-transgenic mice are valuable in studies of the antibody repertoire selection operating in unprimed animals but their use could be misleading in the analyzing "monoclonal" immune system.


Wear particles induce a new macrophage phenotype with the potential to accelerate material corrosion within total hip replacement interfaces.
Evidence that macrophages can play a role in accelerating corrosion in CoCrMo alloy in total hip replacement (THR) interfaces leads to questions regarding the underlying cellular mechanisms and immunological responses. Hence, we evaluated the role of macrophages in corrosion processes using the cell culture supernatant from different conditions and the effect of wear particles on macrophage dynamics. Monocytes were exposed to CoCrMo wear particles and their effect on macrophage differentiation was investigated by comparisons with M1 and M2 macrophage differentiation. Corrosion associated macrophages (MCA macrophages) exhibited upregulation of TNF-α, iNOS, STAT-6, and PPARG and down-regulation of CD86 and ARG, when compared to M1 and M2 macrophages. MCA cells also secreted higher levels of IL-8, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, and IL-12p70 than M1 macrophages and/or M2 macrophages. Our findings revealed variation in macrophage phenotype (MCA) induced by CoCrMo wear particles in generating a chemical environment that induces cell-accelerated corrosion of CoCrMo alloy at THR modular interfaces. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Fretting wear and corrosion within the implant's modular taper junction are prominent causes of implant failure, as they promote the release of corrosion products and subsequent development of adverse local tissue reactions. Being a multifactorial process, several in vitro models have been developed to recreate the in vivo corrosion process, often summarized as mechanically-assisted crevice corrosion. Considering the excellent corrosion properties of CoCrMo alloy, the severity of chemically-generated damage observed at the modular interface has been surprising and poorly understood. The aim of the current study is to provide a better understanding of macrophages and their plasticity at the THR taper interface when they encounter wear debris from CoCrMo alloy. This is a preliminary study along the path towards determining the mechanism(s) of CAC.


An intervention for cardiac arrest survivors with chronic fatigue: A feasibility study with preliminary outcomes.
The primary aim was to examine the feasibility of recruiting and retaining participants for an Energy Conservation+Problem Solving Therapy (EC+PST) intervention delivered over the telephone, to evaluate the acceptability of the intervention, and to assess the appropriateness of the outcome measures. The secondary aim was to evaluate the preliminary intervention effect on fatigue impact, activity performance, and participation in daily activities in post-cardiac arrest (CA) adults with chronic fatigue. This feasibility study used a prospective, pre-post experimental design. Individuals who were at least 3 months post-CA with moderate-to-severe fatigue were eligible to participate. By participating in EC+PST intervention sessions, participants learned how to apply EC strategies to solve their fatigue-related problems. Participants were assessed before and after completing the intervention using outcome measures assessing fatigue, activity performance, and participation in daily activities. Eighteen CA survivors with chronic fatigue successfully completed the intervention and the assessments with high satisfaction. We observed a 15% recruitment rate and ceiling effects on two outcome measures of perceived-performance in daily activities. Significant decreases in the impact of physical (p=.001) and cognitive (p=.006) fatigue of CA survivors were observed with small to moderate effect sizes of r=0.23-0.25 after receiving the EC+PST intervention. The delivery of EC+PST intervention over the telephone is feasible, and the intervention is highly acceptable to CA survivors with chronic fatigue. Also, the EC+PST intervention seems promising in reducing the impact of physical and cognitive fatigue of CA survivors.


The association of HBB-related significant hemoglobinopathies and low fetal fraction on noninvasive prenatal screening for fetal aneuploidy.
HBB-related significant hemoglobinopathies have been anecdotally associated with low fetal fraction on noninvasive prenatal screening (NIPS). We sought to compare the difference in fetal fraction using NIPS in women with HBB-related significant hemoglobinopathies (HSH) and women with normal hemoglobin. This is a retrospective case-control study. Cases were women with a diagnosis of HSH using NIPS from a commercial laboratory. The comparison group was women with hemoglobin AA from a tertiary care center database. We tested for differences in median fetal fraction using quantile regression analysis, adjusting for maternal body weight and gestational age. This study includes 35 women with clinically significant HSH and a comparison group of 636 women with hemoglobin AA. Adjusting for gestational age and body weight, the median fetal fraction was 4.1 point lower in the HSH than in the comparison group (β - 4.1; 95% -5.7 to -2.5, p < .05). The rate of no-calls due to low fetal fraction was significantly higher in the clinically significant HSH group than in the comparison group [HSH: n = 9/35, 25.7% versus comparison: n = 32/636, 5.0% (p < .001)]. Women with HSH were more likely to have a lower fetal fraction and ultimately a five-fold higher no-call rate. What's already known about this topic?Low fetal fraction is one of the most common causes of no-call result in noninvasive prenatal screeningHigh maternal weight, early gestational age and fetal aneuploidies are associated with low fetal fraction What does this study add?HBB-related significant hemoglobinopathies are associated with low fetal fractionReduction in fetal fraction due to HBB-related significant hemoglobinopathies may also result in higher no-call rate.


Rupture of the flexor pollicis longus tendon associated with an ununited fracture of the scaphoid.
A 66-year-old man was admitted to the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Aarhus County Hospital a few hours after spontaneous rupture of the left flexor pollicis longus tendon. At operation the tendon was found to be ruptured at the radiocarpal level, where an opening to the radiocarpal joint was found. Radiographs showed a long-standing ununited fracture of the scaphoid.


Effect of Eye Movement Training on Sleep Quality of Patients with Advanced Lung Cancer Based on Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index.
To explore the effect of eye movement training on sleep quality of patients with advanced lung cancer based on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). 120 advanced lung cancer patients admitted to our hospital from January 2019 to January 2020 were selected as the research object and divided into group A (PSQI scores ≥ 10 points, n = 60) and group B (PSQI < 10 points, n = 60). Routine nursing was performed to both groups, and patients in group A received the eye movement training additionally, so as to compare their PSQI scores, negative emotion scores, adverse reaction rate (ARR), Cancer Coping Modes Questionnaire (CCMQ) scores, and pain scores. After training, group A obtained significantly better sleep quality (P < 0.05), lower negative emotion scores (P < 0.001), lower ARR (P < 0.05), better CCMQ scores (P < 0.05), and lower pain scores (P < 0.001) than group B. Eye movement training should be promoted in practice because it can reduce negative emotions, alleviate pain sensation, improve sleep quality and body condition, and lower the ARR for advanced lung cancer patients.


Bio-Prospecting of Endospore-Based Formulation of Bacillus sp. BST18 Possessing Antimicrobial Genes for the Management of Soil-Borne Diseases of Tomato.
Tomato is affected by various diseases which cause economical loss to the farming community. In the present study, twenty isolates of Bacillus sp. were isolated from the rhizosphere of tomato and screened against soil-borne pathogens viz., Pythium aphanidermatum No.5, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici No. FOL-8, and Sclerotium rolfsii No. S-MK in tomato. The results revealed that three Bacillus sp. viz., BST8, BST18, and BST19 were promising in reducing the mycelial growth of the pathogens (up to 48% reduction) when compared to control under in vitro. The isolates possessed antimicrobial peptide genes which were detected through PCR. Novel compounds and secondary metabolites responsible for antifungal action were identified through GC-MS and FTIR analysis. Endospores have been isolated from the Bacillus sp. BST18 and standardized for the development of formulation. Pot culture experiment revealed sequential application of endospore-based bioformulation as seed treatment, (10 ml/kg), seedling dip (10 ml/lit), soil application on 30 days (100 ml/pot) along with foliar spray (0.2%) on 60 days recorded the lowest disease incidence of wilt (9.5%), and collar rot (11.5%) as against 65.5% and 75%, respectively, in the inoculated control. Field experiments revealed sequential application of endospore-based formulation of Bacillus sp. BST 18 as seed treatment, (10 ml/kg), seedling dip (10 ml/lit), soil application (400 ml/acre) at 30 days after transplantation (DAT) along with foliar spray (0.2%) on 60 DAT recorded the lowest wilt disease incidence of 15.97 &17.07 percent as against 49.77 & 51.10 percent in the control.


Senescence: a new weapon for cancer therapy.
Senescence is a stable cell cycle arrest that can be activated by oncogenic signaling and manifests with changes in cellular organization and gene expression, such as the induction of a complex secretome. Importantly, senescence limits tumor progression and determines the outcome of conventional anticancer therapies. In recent years, therapeutic approaches such as p53 reactivation, inhibition of c-MYC in addicted tumors or treatment with cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors have proven effective by invoking a senescence response. The possibility of using prosenescence therapies for cancer treatment has provoked considerable interest. We propose that the senescence secretome can be a source of novel targets for prosenescence therapies, as it has tumor suppressive actions. Overall, tailored prosenescence therapies have the potential to be used for treating cancer and other pathologies.


Consent to DNA collection in epidemiological studies: findings from the Whitehall II cohort and the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing.
Epidemiological studies increasingly include DNA sampling in their protocols, but participation may vary by demographic, psychological, or health characteristics. This analysis explored sociodemographic (age, gender, religion, and education), health-related, and psychological predictors of participation in genetic data collection in two large epidemiological studies: the Whitehall II cohort and the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. DNA consent in both studies was not obtained on initial enrollment, but after long-standing participation in the study. Study participants who accepted or declined DNA sampling were compared. Very few participants declined DNA sampling; 1.6% in Whitehall II and 1.0% in English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. In both cohorts, participants who declined were more likely to be female, nonwhite, and involved in religious activities; although only the ethnic effect consistently survived multivariate analyses. Decliners also felt less in control of events in their lives than those who consented, and this remained significant in multivariate analysis in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing sample. Consent to DNA sampling was very high in two established UK cohort studies. Differences between the subset of the population unwilling to provide DNA samples and those who consented were modest, although this may be due to the highly selected populations in these cohorts. However, our findings suggest that a greater proportion of decliners would create an important source of selection bias.


The use of isobutylcyanoacrylate as a tissue adhesive in abdominal surgery.
The use of cyanoacrylate substances as tissue adhesives is of valuable aid in surgery, especially in cases of injuries of the intraabdominal organs, where the haemorrhage is very difficult to control. We investigated the efficiency of isobutyl-2-cyanoacrylate as a tissue adhesive in the haemostasis and adhesion of different types of wounds in solid and hollow organs. Forty-six dogs underwent single-organ (26 dogs) and combined-organ (20 dogs) procedures; cuneiform excisions of the liver and the spleen, as well as incisions of the small intestine were carried out. The wound surfaces were coated with isobutyl-2-cyanoacrylate and approximated. The majority (91.3%) of the surgical operations were uncomplicated, in which a very good macroscopical and histological result was achieved. Histological examination of the surgical injuries, performed 4 months later, confirmed complete wound healing. Isobutyl-2-cyanoacrylate proved to be a very effective tissue adhesive for both solid and hollow organs, even for high risk surgical operations.


Understanding food allergy through neuroimmune interactions in the gastrointestinal tract.
Food allergies are adverse immune reactions to food proteins in the absence of oral tolerance, and the incidence of allergies to food, including peanut, cow's milk, and shellfish, has been increasing globally. Although advancements have been made toward understanding the contributions of the type 2 immune response to allergic sensitization, crosstalk between these immune cells and neurons of the enteric nervous system is an area of emerging interest in the pathophysiology of food allergy, given the close proximity of neuronal cells of the enteric nervous system and type 2 effector cells, including eosinophils and mast cells. At mucosal sites, such as the gastrointestinal tract, neuroimmune interactions contribute to the sensing and response to danger signals from the epithelial barrier. This communication is bidirectional, as immune cells express receptors for neuropeptides and transmitters, and neurons express cytokine receptors, allowing for the detection of and response to inflammatory insults. In addition, it seems that neuromodulation of immune cells including mast cells, eosinophils, and innate lymphoid cells is critical for amplification of the type 2 allergic immune response. As such, neuroimmune interactions may be critical targets for future food allergy therapies. This review evaluates the contributions of local enteric neuroimmune interactions to the underlying immune response in food allergy and discusses considerations for future investigations into targeting neuroimmune pathways for treatment of food allergies.