Short-latency somatosensory evoked potentials to median nerve stimulation: components N 13--P 13, N 14--P 14, P 15, P 16 and P 18 with different recording methods.
Comparative recordings of short-latency somatosensory evoked potentials with midfrontal (Fz), ear and non-cephalic reference electrodes were obtained in 12 normal subjects to define the site of the generators of the different components and the spatial distribution and interference of the different components recorded at the neck and scalp. Such investigations provide the basis for identical investigations in patients with focal lesions of the central nervous system. The N 13 recorded from the neck (C2-Fz) and the inconsistently recorded component N 14 were quite similar in latency to the far-field potentials P 13 and P 14 recorded at the scalp (C3', C4'--ear or hand). The component P 15 was clearly visible only in scalp-Fz leads and occurred 0.2--0.9 ms (mean 0.5 ms) later than P 14 in ear or hand reference recordings. This is evidence against the identity of these two components proposed by others. In a larger group of 48 subjects, using an exclusive Fz-reference lead, normal values were established of the components P 15, P 16 and P 18, as well as their scalp distribution.


Evaluation of physical symptoms in patients on peritoneal dialysis.
Introduction. Little is known about physical symptoms in peritoneal dialysis (PD) Patients. This study aims to determine the prevalence of symptoms (general and abdominal) in PD patients. Methods. A cross-sectional study, with subsequent followup, using an author-designed 21 symptoms questionnaire (15 nonabdominal and 6 abdominal). Each symptom was assessed on a scale 0-3 for severity (none-severe) and frequency (never-every day). Results. We studied 41 patients, mean age 60 ± 15 years, 56% male, 19.5% diabetics, and 51.5% on APD. Mean number of symptoms was 9.5 ± 3.9 and total symptoms score was 28.5 ± 12 with abdominal scores of 6.4 ± 4.8. Most frequent symptoms were lack of energy, itching, cramps, poor sleep, and loss of appetite. A second evaluation in 20 patients disclosed no statistical difference between the first and second assessments, or between subgroups. Cramps were the only symptoms which decreased over time (P = 0.120). Lack of energy did not correlate with haemoglobin, neither did itching with phosphate level. Conclusions. Physical symptoms are frequent and troublesome; they relate to advanced kidney disease and not specifically to PD. Symptoms remain stable over time and do not appear to relate to dialysis parameter markers.


Sinking Skin Flap Syndrome, a Rare Complication of Craniectomy.
Teaching point: Sinking skin flap syndrome is a medical emergency that rarely complicates large craniectomy. It results from an intracerebral hypotension and requires the replacement of the cranial flap.


COVID-19, the Immune System, and Organic Disability.
Despite the availability of safe vaccines against SARS-CoV-2, some people will remain vulnerable because they will not be vaccinated. Who are these non-vaccinated people? We can distinguish two groups: (i) persons who cannot be vaccinated for clinical reasons and who, despite having been vaccinated, have not achieved immunity; (ii) persons who voluntarily refuse to get vaccinated. These groups have in common an immune system that will make them vulnerable to COVID-19. The reasons for their vulnerability and the ethical judgment they deserve are different; the solutions offered to them are also different. In the case of those who voluntarily avoid vaccination, States are not compromised to introduce new protective policies. In the case of people who remain involuntarily vulnerable, instead, the response should be articulated on the same rules and principles that inform the social model of disability because they will live with an organic disability.


Long-term in vivo corrosion behavior, biocompatibility and bioresorption mechanism of a bioresorbable nitrided iron scaffold.
Pure iron as a potential bioresorbable material for bioresorbable coronary scaffold has major disadvantages of slow corrosion and bioresorption. However, so far, there are neither quantitative data of long-term in vivo corrosion nor direct experimental evidence for bioresorption of pure iron and its alloys, which are fundamental and vital for developing novel Fe-based alloys overcoming the intrinsic drawbacks of pure iron. This work systemically investigated scaffold performance, long-term in vivo corrosion behavior and biocompatibility of a nitrided iron coronary scaffold and explored its bioresorption mechanism. It was found that the 70μm Fe-based scaffold was superior to a state of the art Co-Cr alloy stent (Xience Prime™) in terms of crossing profile, recoil and radial strength. Mass loss was 76.0±8.5wt% for the nitrided iron scaffold and 44.2±11.4wt% for the pure iron scaffold after 36months implantation in rabbit abdominal aorta (p<0.05). The Fe-based scaffold showed good long-term biocompatibility in both rabbit and porcine model. Its insoluble corrosion products were demonstrated biosafe and could be cleared away by macrophages from in situ to adventitia to be indiscernible by Micro Computed Tomography and probably finally enter the lymphatics and travel to lymph nodes after 53months implantion in porcine coronary artery. The results indicate that the nitrided iron scaffold with further improvements shall be promising for coronary application. Pure iron as a potential bioresorbable material has major disadvantages of slow corrosion and bioresorption. However, so far, there are neither quantitative data of long-term in vivo corrosion nor direct experimental evidence for bioresorption of pure iron and its alloys. Only this work systemically investigated long-term in vivo corrosion behavior and biocompatibility of a nitrided iron coronary scaffold up to 53months after implantation and explored its bioresorption mechanism. These are fundamental and vital for developing novel Fe-based alloys overcoming the intrinsic drawbacks of pure iron. Novel testing and section-preparing methods were also provided in this work to facilitate future research and development of novel Fe-based alloy scaffolds.


Nanocomposite chitosan dressing incorporating polydopamine‑copper Janus nanoparticle.
This research aims to introduce a new wound dressing with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties made from chitosan and copper-containing Janus nanoparticles (JNPs). The JNPs were synthesized by attaching copper to PDA nanospheres, which were then embedded in Chitosan at different concentrations. The resulting spherical JNPs had a mean size of 208 ± 96 nm, and EDX mapping showed successful adhesion of Cu2+ ions to PDA nanospheres with a total Cu2+ content of 16.5 wt%. The samples exhibited interconnected porous structures, increasing JNPs concentration resulting in larger pore size and higher porosity. The addition of JNPs to 10 % (Ch-JNP 10) resulted in the highest strength, young modulus, and crystallinity, while a reverse trend was observed at higher JNPs content. JNPs improve the antibacterial activity of chitosan-based dressing, especially against E. coli. All samples were biocompatible and did not exhibit any cytotoxic effects. Ch-JNP10 had higher cellular density, confluency, and collagen secretion than other samples. The in vivo study demonstrated that Ch-JNP10 induced epithelialization and oriented collagen fiber formation while reducing inflammation. Overall, Ch-JNP10 may be a potential wound dressing for chronic wounds.


Examination of the factors Ac and Aeq for cylindrical ion chambers used in cobalt-60 beams.
The calibration of a cobalt-60 beam in a phantom with an ion chamber, which has been calibrated with respect to exposure, requires the use of a displacement correction factor which essentially corrects the photon fluence for the attenuation and scatter when the chamber with buildup cap is removed and replaced by phantom material. To determine the displacement factor, Ac, a special set of cylindrical ionization chambers with various volumes were constructed out of polystyrene. Tissue-air ratios were measured with these chambers for cobalt-60 gamma rays in a polystyrene phantom, and the ratio Ac/Aeq was experimentally determined. In order to calculate Ac from this ratio, Aeq was determined also. It was found that Ac depended on chamber diameter only, and not on field size or depth. A value of 0.990 for Aeq is recommended and a table of Ac for chambers of different outer diameters is included.


Temporomandibular Joint Disorders and Orofacial Pain.
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) affect 5% to 12% of the United States population. This article discusses common conditions related to temporomandibular joints, including disc displacements, inflammatory disturbances, loose joint bodies, traumatic disturbances, and developmental conditions. Also addressed are the appropriate imaging modalities and diagnostic criteria for TMD.


The effect of magnesium sulfate on maternal serum electrolytes and parathyroid hormone in pre-eclampsia.
To evaluate possible interactions of magnesium sulfate-the drug of choice in the management of pre-eclampsia/eclampsia-in response to a few case reports that revealed maternal electrolyte disturbances, especially symptomatic changes, following magnesium sulfate administration in pre-eclampsia. Prospectively, women with pre-eclampsia were given 4 g of intravenous magnesium sulfate followed by a 2 g/h infusion up to 24 h after delivery. Sequential blood samples were drawn from each patient and used to measure the serum levels of sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and parathyroid hormone. A total of 30 pregnant women with pre-eclampsia were evaluated. They were aged between 20 and 41 years with median gestational age of 37.6 (interquartile range 35.4-38.9) weeks. Only five patients reached the therapeutic window of magnesium in at least one of our measuring intervals during magnesium sulfate infusion. Plasma magnesium concentrations increased significantly during magnesium sulfate administration and dropped during the next 12 and 24 h after infusion discontinuation (P < 0.05). Fifteen of 30 (50%) patients developed asymptomatic hypocalcemia, mainly at hour 24 of infusion. Negative moderate correlations were detected between the calcium and magnesium concentrations at 12 and 24 hours of infusion (ρ = -0.390, P = 0.044 and ρ = 0.315, P = 0.096, respectively). None of the patients with hypocalcemia reached the therapeutic level of magnesium or experienced parallel hyperphosphatemia. Eleven of 30 (36.6%) patients developed hyperphosphatemia mainly at 2 and 12 h of magnesium sulfate infusion. Our study implies that magnesium sulfate could cause hypermagnesemia-induced hypocalcemia in women with pre-eclampsia, independent from parathyroid hormone. The negative correlations between calcium and magnesium concentrations could be indicative of dose-dependent associations between serum magnesium level and degree of hypocalcemia in our study.


Expression of heat-shock proteins is associated with major adverse prognostic factors in acute myeloid leukemia.
To identify prognostic factors alternative or additional to drug-resistance and apoptosis proteins, we studied the impact of the expression of heat-shock proteins (HSPs) in 98 newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML). HSP27 was expressed by 39%, HSP60 by 26%, HSP70 by 58%, HSP90 by 41%, and HSP110 by 30% of cases. HSP expressions were correlated with that of differentiation antigens (CD34, CD14, CD15, CD33) and that of drug-resistance (MRP, MRK) and apoptosis (Bcl-2) proteins. HSP90 and HSP110 were correlated with FAB subtype and karyotypic grouping. Complete remission (CR) was obtained in 68 cases (69%). Median disease-free survival (DFS) of the 68 remitters was 18.1 months with a 3-year DFS rate of 41%. CR rates were higher in patients with lower expression of HSPs. Overall survival (OS) was significantly longer in patients with lower expression of HSPs. Cytogenetics, CD34 positive expression, MRK positive expression, and HSP110 positive expression remained as pejorative prognostic factors for OS in the multivariate analysis. When considering patients with intermediate risk cytogenetics, HSP110 and MRP positive expressions and CD33 negative expression were of poor outcome, while HSP27 and HSP60 positive expressions appeared of pejorative prognostic value in patients with unfavorable karyotypes.


Infundibular septal resection: surgical anatomy of the superior approach.
A technique for extensive resection of the infundibular septum through the superior transarterial approach is proposed. Infundibular septal resection facilitates intraventricular rerouting for anatomic correction of transposition of the great arteries with ventricular septal defect and double-outlet right ventricle. This technique also may be used to enlarge progressively obstructive but physiologically advantageous ventricular septal defects, for example, with tricuspid atresia. Through the superior transaortic or transpulmonary approach, the landmarks of the infundibular septum are the intercoronary commissure of the aortic valve and the septal commissure of the pulmonary valve, both of which are directly above the middle of the infundibular septum. With this exposure, the infundibular septum may then be resected easily and relatively completely and a large opening created immediately beneath the semilunar valves. The feasibility of infundibular septal resection by the superior approach was assessed post mortem in 25 cases of transposition of the great arteries with ventricular septal defect and in 20 autopsied cases of double-outlet right ventricle. This technique was subsequently applied successfully to enlarge the obstructive ventricular septal defect of a 2-year, 11-month-old girl with D-transposition of the great arteries. The advantages of the proposed technique include technical ease, relative completeness of infundibular septal resection, and the facilitation of intraventricular repair of transposition of the great arteries with ventricular septal defect and double-outlet right ventricle.


Biomechanical Challenges to Polymeric Biodegradable Stents.
Biodegradable implants have demonstrated clinical success in simple applications (e.g., absorbable sutures) and have shown great potential in many other areas of interventional medicine, such as localized drug delivery, engineered tissue scaffolding, and structural implants. For endovascular stenting and musculoskeletal applications, they can serve as temporary mechanical support that provides a smooth stress-transfer from the degradable implant to the healing tissue. However, for more complex device geometries, in vivo environments, and evolving load-bearing functions, such as required for vascular stents, there are considerable challenges associated with the use of biodegradable materials. A biodegradable stent must restore blood flow and provide support for a predictable appropriate period to facilitate artery healing, and subsequently, fail safely and be absorbed in a controllable manner. Biodegradable polymers are typically weaker than metals currently employed to construct stents, so it is difficult to ensure sufficient strength to keep the artery open and alleviate symptoms acutely while keeping other design parameters within clinically acceptable ranges. These design challenges are serious, given the general lack of understanding of biodegradable polymer behavior and evolution in intimal operating conditions. The modus operandi is mainly empirical and relies heavily on trial-and-error methodologies burdened by difficult, resource-expensive, and time-consuming experiments. We are striving for theoretical advancements systematizing the empirical knowledge into rational frameworks that could be cast into in silico tools for simulation and product development optimization. These challenges are evident when one considers that there are no biodegradable stents on the US market despite more than 30 years of development efforts (and currently only a couple with CE mark). This review summarizes previous efforts at implementing biodegradable stents, discusses the specific challenges involved, and presents recently developed material-modeling frameworks that can benefit this exciting field.


Electrochemical K-562 cells sensor based on origami paper device for point-of-care testing.
A low-cost, simple, portable and sensitive paper-based electrochemical sensor was established for the detection of K-562 cell in point-of-care testing. The hybrid material of 3D Au nanoparticles/graphene (3D Au NPs/GN) with high specific surface area and ionic liquid (IL) with widened electrochemical windows improved the good biocompatibility and high conductivity was modified on paper working electrode (PWE) by the classic assembly method and then employed as the sensing surface. IL could not only enhance the electron transfer ability but also provide sensing recognition interface for the conjugation of Con A with cells, with the cell capture efficiency and the sensitivity of biosensor strengthened simultaneously. Concanavalin A (Con A) immobilization matrix was used to capture cells. As proof-of-concept, the paper-based electrochemical sensor for the detection of K-562 cells was developed. With such sandwich-type assay format, K-562 cells as model cells were captured on the surface of Con A/IL/3D AuNPs@GN/PWE. Con A-labeled dendritic PdAg NPs were captured on the surface of K-562 cells. Such dendritic PdAg NPs worked as catalysts promoting the oxidation of thionine (TH) by H2O2 which was released from K-562 cells via the stimulation of phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA). Therefore, the current signal response was dependent on the amount of PdAg NPs and the concentration of H2O2, the latter of which corresponded with the releasing amount from cells. So, the detection method of K-562 cell was also developed. Under optimized experimental conditions, 1.5×10(-14) mol of H2O2 releasing from each cell was calculated. The linear range and the detection limit for K-562 cells were determined to be 1.0×10(3)-5.0×10(6) cells/mL and 200 cells/mL, respectively. Such as-prepared sensor showed excellent analytical performance with good fabrication reproducibility, acceptable precision and satisfied accuracy, providing a novel protocol in point-of-care testing of cells.


An integrated pathway interaction network for the combination of four effective compounds from ShengMai preparations in the treatment of cardio-cerebral ischemic diseases.
SMXZF (a combination of ginsenoside Rb1, ginsenoside Rg1, schizandrin and DT-13) derived from Chinese traditional medicine formula ShengMai preparations) is capable of alleviating cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice. In this study we used network pharmacology approach to explore the mechanisms of SMXZF in the treatment of cardio-cerebral ischemic diseases. Based upon the chemical predictors, such as chemical structure, pharmacological information and systems biology functional data analysis, a target-pathway interaction network was constructed to identify potential pathways and targets of SMXZF in the treatment of cardio-cerebral ischemia. Furthermore, the most related pathways were verified in TNF-α-treated human vascular endothelial EA.hy926 cells and H2O2-treated rat PC12 cells. Three signaling pathways including the NF-κB pathway, oxidative stress pathway and cytokine network pathway were demonstrated to be the main signaling pathways. The results from the gene ontology analysis were in accordance with these signaling pathways. The target proteins were found to be associated with other diseases such as vision, renal and metabolic diseases, although they exerted therapeutic actions on cardio-cerebral ischemic diseases. Furthermore, SMXZF not only dose-dependently inhibited the phosphorylation of NF-κB, p50, p65 and IKKα/β in TNF-α-treated EA.hy926 cells, but also regulated the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway in H2O2-treated PC12 cells. NF-κB signaling pathway, oxidative stress pathway and cytokine network pathway are mainly responsible for the therapeutic actions of SMXZF against cardio-cerebral ischemic diseases.


Electron spin resonance, hematological, and deformability studies of erythrocytes from patients with Huntington's disease.
Electron spin resonance, hematologic, and deformability studies of erythrocytes from patients with Huntington's disease have been performed A decreased deformability of Huntington's disease erythrocytes compared to normal controls was demonstrated. No difference in erythrocyte hematologic indices, osmotic fragility, reticulocyte counts, or intracellular Na+ concentration was found. Huntington's disease serum had no demonstrable effect on electron spin resonance parameters of a protein-specific spin label attached to membrane proteins in control erythrocytes compared to the effect of control serum. This finding suggests that under the conditions employed no serum component or circulating factor is responsible for the changes in the physical state of membrane proteins in Huntington's disease erythrocytes (Butterfield, D.A., Oeswein, J.Q. and Markesbery, W.R. (1977) Nature 267, 453--455). No alteration in lipid fluidity of Huntington's disease erythrocyte membranes could be discerned suggesting that the underlying molecular defect in Huntington's disease involves a membrane protein. The results of the present studies on erythrocytes strongly support the concept that Huntington's disease is associated with a generalized membrane abnormality.


Soluble interleukin-2 receptor combined with interleukin-8 is a powerful predictor of future adverse cardiovascular events in patients with acute myocardial infarction.
Little is known about the role of interleukin (IL) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI), especially soluble IL-2 receptor (sIL-2R) and IL-8. We aim to evaluate, in MI patients, the predictive value of serum sIL-2R and IL-8 for future major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), and compare them with current biomarkers reflecting myocardial inflammation and injury. This was a prospective, single-center cohort study. We measured serum concentrations of IL-1β, sIL-2R, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10. Levels of current biomarkers for predicting MACEs were measured, including high-sensitivity C reactive protein, cardiac troponin T and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide. Clinical events were collected during 1-year and a median of 2.2 years (long-term) follow-up. Twenty-four patients (13.8%, 24/173) experienced MACEs during 1-year follow-up and 40 patients (23.1%, 40/173) during long-term follow-up. Of the five interleukins studied, only sIL-2R and IL-8 were independently associated with endpoints during 1-year or long-term follow-up. Patients with high sIL-2R or IL-8 levels (higher than the cutoff value) had a significantly higher risk of MACEs during 1-year (sIL-2R: HR 7.7, 3.3-18.0, p < 0.001; IL-8: HR 4.8, 2.1-10.7, p < 0.001) and long-term (sIL-2R: HR 7.7, 3.3-18.0, p < 0.001; IL-8: HR 4.8, 2.1-10.7, p < 0.001) follow-up. Receiver operator characteristic curve analysis regarding predictive accuracy for MACEs during 1-year follow-up showed that the area under the curve for sIL-2R, IL-8, sIL-2R combined with IL-8 was 0.66 (0.54-0.79, p = 0.011), 0.69 (0.56-0.82, p < 0.001) and 0.720 (0.59-0.85, p < 0.001), whose predictive value were superior to that of current biomarkers. The addition of sIL-2R combined with IL-8 to the existing prediction model resulted in a significant improvement in predictive power (p = 0.029), prompting a 20.8% increase in the proportion of correct classifications. High serum sIL-2R combined with IL-8 levels was significantly associated with MACEs during follow-up in patients with MI, suggesting that sIL-2R combined with IL-8 may be a helpful biomarker for identifying the increased risk of new cardiovascular events. IL-2 and IL-8 would be promising therapeutic targets for anti-inflammatory therapy.


Comparison of clinical diagnostic value of spiral CT with different dose in patients with early-stage peripheral lung cancer.
To compare the clinical diagnostic value of spiral CT scan with different dose in patients with early-stage peripheral lung cancer. A total of 163 cases of patients with early-stage peripheral lung cancer who came to People's Hospital of Rizhao for treatment from June 2014 to January 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 78 cases of patients who received low-dose CT scanning were the low-dose group, another 84 cases of patients who received routine dose CT scanning were the routine dose group. Multislice helical CT (MSCT) scanning was performed in both groups, with tube voltage of 120 kV. Tube current was 25 m A in the low-dose group and 250 m A in the routine dose group. In addition, a total of 80 patients with lobar pneumonia were added as the control group of diagnostic sensitivity, specificity and accuracy. Pathological diagnosis was taken as the gold standard to compare the diagnostic sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the two groups. The image quality, nodules and signs of the two groups were compared, and the results of radiation dose of the two groups were compared. The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the low-dose group were 82.05%, 87.50% and 84.81%, respectively. The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the routine dose group were 85.71%, 86.25% and 85.97%, respectively. The diagnostic value of the two groups was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). However, the radiation dose in the low-dose group was significantly lower than that in the routine group. Low-dose MSCT scanning can meet the clinical requirements for imaging diagnosis of peripheral lung cancer, and can reduce the radiation dose of patients.


Assessing prognosis after acute myocardial infarction in the thrombolytic era.
The use of physiologic testing for prognostication continues to be useful and widely applied in the predischarge evaluation of patients recovering from an uncomplicated acute myocardial infarction in the thrombolytic era. Because patients with abnormal exercise test results are now routinely sent for angiography, there are no randomized trials or experimental confirmation that exercise parameters are still associated with the same prognostic value in the thrombolytic era. Nevertheless, the excellent outcomes in patients treated with thrombolytic therapy and risk stratified with exercise testing provide strong empiric support for the continued use of noninvasive testing of patients without complications after thrombolytic therapy. Reviews of patient cohorts enrolled in trials of thrombolytic therapy show that these patients have a lower incidence of multivessel disease and less evidence of ischemia (ST segment depression or thallium 201 redistribution) compared with prethrombolytic cohorts. For this and other reasons, the sensitivity and specificity of exercise variables for prognosis or detection of multivessel disease are not as strong. The addition of perfusion imaging will enhance the sensitivity for detection of ischemia within or remote from the infarct zone and will provide information regarding viability. Patients who are unable to exercise or those with poor exercise tolerance, an abnormal exercise blood pressure response, inducible ischemia, or nonsustained ventricular tachycardia are candidates for further invasive evaluation and consideration for coronary revascularization. With 201Tl imaging, evidence for increased pulmonary uptake of the tracer is indicative of high risk and a high probability of an adverse outcome with medical therapy. Low-risk patients are those who achieve their target heart rate or work load without inducible angina, ST segment depression, reversible perfusion abnormalities, or increased lung 201Tl uptake. Defect size is reflective of infarct size, and patients with extensive areas of nonreversible hypoperfusion are also at high risk for future events even in the absence of ischemia. Finally, pharmacologic stress imaging with dipyridamole, adenosine, or dobutamine has been found to be safe when employed for stress testing soon after uncomplicated infarction.


Long-term antimicrobial assessment of orthodontic brackets coated with nitrogen-doped titanium dioxide against Streptococcus mutans.
The antimicrobial properties of orthodontic wire and brackets with nitrogen-doped titanium dioxide (N-doped TiO2) coating have been studied in the past. However, the evaluation period had been short and limited to 30 days. The aim of the present study was to extend the evaluation period (up to 90 days) of assessing the long-term antimicrobial effects of stainless steel orthodontic brackets coated with nitrogen-doped titanium dioxide (N-doped TiO2). A total of 40 stainless steel pre-adjusted premolar brackets were equally divided into two groups; namely the control group (n=20, uncoated brackets) and the experimental group (n=20, coated brackets). RF magnetron sputtering was used to apply a thin film of TiO2 on the bracket surface. The crystalline structure of the thin film was assessed using X-ray diffraction. The antimicrobial property of the brackets against Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) was evaluated using the survival rate by colony-forming units (CFU) at four intervals: 24 hours (T0), 30 days (T1), 60 days (T2), and 90 days (T3). 2-way ANOVA Repeated Measures was used to compare the effects between the groups over the time. There was no significant interaction between group and time (p = 0.568). The orthodontic brackets coated with the N-doped TiO2 thin film showed a significant CFU reduction (37.71 ± 5.21, 37.81 ± 5.03, 37.98 ± 5.37, and 37.74 ± 5.21 at T0, T1, T2, and T3, respectively) compared to the uncoated brackets (400.91 ± 14.67, 401.58 ± 14.01, 400.31 ± 14.68, and 402.04 ± 13.98 at T0, T1, T2, and T3, respectively) through visible light (p < 0.001). N-doped TiO2 coated orthodontic brackets showed strong antimicrobial property against S. mutans over a period of 90 days, which is effective in preventing enamel decalcification during orthodontic therapy.


Change in condylar long axis and skeletal stability following sagittal split ramus osteotomy and intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy for mandibular prognathia.
The purpose of this study was to compare postsurgical time course changes in condylar long axis and skeletal stability between sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO) and intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy (IVRO). Of 40 Japanese patients with a diagnosed jaw deformity, 20 underwent IVRO without internal fixation and 20 underwent SSRO with rigid internal fixation. The time course change in condylar long axis and skeletal stability were assessed with axial, frontal, and lateral cephalograms. A significant difference in the rotation direction of condylar long axis was seen in horizontal axial cephalogram images (P <.01). In Pog-N perpendicular to SN, the IVRO group showed gradual decrease, although SSRO group showed gradual increase in lateral cephalogram (P <.05). The present results suggest a significant difference between SSRO and IVRO in time course changes in proximal segment including condyle and distal segment.


The adjustment of diet and insulin dose during long-term endurance exercise in type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetic men.
We examined in 2 consecutive years the effect of a 75-km (greater than 7 h) cross country skiing on dietary and insulin requirements and glycaemic control in 9 Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetic patients. In the first year, the patients were hyperglycaemic (20.9 +/- 1.8 mmol/l) before the race due to excessive carbohydrate loading (65 g) and reduction (by 58%) of short-acting insulin for breakfast. In the second year, breakfast included less carbohydrate (40 g) and more protein, and the morning short-acting insulin was reduced by 35%. With this adjustment of therapy the pre-exercise hyperglycaemia was less (p less than 0.05). The morning intermediate-acting insulin was reduced by 28 and 38% in consecutive years. During both races carbohydrate intake approximated 40 g/h, and blood glucose was maintained at near normal levels after 33 km of skiing. Hypoglycaemia did not occur during exercise, but one patient had symptomatic hypoglycaemia after finishing the second race. The day after exercise insulin sensitivity was increased in all four patients studied. Insulin treated patients can perform strenuous long-term exercise and maintain near normoglycaemia with a proper adjustment of therapy. Augmented insulin sensitivity may contribute to post-exercise hypoglycaemia.


Rapid diagnosis of leptospirosis in patients with different clinical manifestations by 16S rRNA gene based nested PCR.
Leptospirosis, a zoonosis of global importance and it is underreported in India and more than 50,000 severe cases are reported each year. Here we present the evaluation of 16S rRNA based nested PCR assay for the rapid identification of human leptospires using serum and urine samples. The study includes 261 suspected cases for leptospirosis with different clinical manifestations. 16S rRNA based nested PCR assay was compared and evaluated against the conventional serological methods such as MAT and ELISA. The technique enabled amplification of a 289 bp product with notable percentage of positivity in all sample groups including 94.8 in pediatric cases, 93 in pregnant women, 94.2 in renal failure, 87.8 in jaundice and 94.6 in common febrile cases. The sensitivity and specificity was 94.4% and 100%, respectively. The technique proved to be prompt and effective for the diagnosis of leptospiral infection at the acute phase of the disease. PCR based approach detects leptospiral DNA from the clinical samples both at the acute and leptospiruria phase on comparison with its counter parts where detection is made possible only after 7 days or 7-30 days post-infection. In this regard PCR based diagnosis of leptospirosis should be made available for clinicians for the early diagnosis and prompt treatment of the disease.


Restless Eating, Restless Legs, and Sleep Related Eating Disorder.
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) often presents with a primary complaint of sleep initiation difficulty with only ambiguous allusions to motor symptoms. This may result in the condition being misdiagnosed as a psychophysiological insomnia. Further, nocturnal eating is common in RLS and like the classic motor symptoms, patients will describe an inability to initiate sleep until their urge (to eat) is addressed. Restless nocturnal eating arises, intensifies, and subsides in parallel to motor symptoms. Once misdiagnosed as psychophysiological insomnia, RLS patients are frequently treated with benzodiazepine receptor agonists. The CNS actions of these sedating agents, suppression of memory and executive function, unleash predisposed amnestic behaviors. In the case of RLS this would be expected to include the inappropriate ambulatory and eating behaviors of sleep related eating disorder (SRED). The evidence and implications of a link between the restless eating of RLS and SRED is presented here.


Levels and predictors of knowledge of epilepsy among patients attending the epilepsy clinic of a neuro-psychiatric facility in North-Eastern Nigeria.
significant numbers of patients with epilepsy have poor knowledge of their disease. Patients' knowledge of disease is related to their success in coping with the disease and adherence to medication; which is one of the key factors that determined the success of pharmacotherapy in patient with epilepsy. In this study, we evaluate the level of knowledge of epilepsy among patient with Epilepsy in a tertiary mental health care facility. using a cross-sectional design, 410 patients with epilepsy attending general outpatient clinic of Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Maiduguri in Northeastern Nigeria were sampled randomly into the study after fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Socio-demographic, clinical and epilepsy knowledge questionnaires were used for data collection. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 18. 263 (64.1%) had poor knowledge of epilepsy and 290 (70%) had less frequent seizures (having fewer than four seizure episodes in the last three months). Independent predictors of knowledge of Epilepsy were intermediate skilled employment (O.R = 2.32, P = 0.022, 95% C I = 1.13 - 4.76); semi-skilled employment (O. R = 1/85, p = 0.001, 95% C I = 1.10 - 3.12); seizure frequency (O R = 1.72, p = 0.031, 95% C I = 1.31 - 3.24). the level of knowledge of epilepsy among people with epilepsy was low with more than 64.1% percent of the participants had poor knowledge of epilepsy. Occupational status and seizure frequencies were independent predictors of knowledge of epilepsy. We therefore recommend psycho-educational programs be incorporated in the routine clinical care of the patients and for clinicians to pay more attention to providing information and education needs of patients.


A reappraisal of the evidence for a direct action of tetraethylammonium on the chick biventer cervicis muscle equilibrated with lidocaine.
Contractures of the chick biventer cervicis muscle were recorded in vitro in response to exogenous acetylcholine (ACh) and to tetraethylammonium (TEA) and concentration response curves (CRC) produced for these drugs. In BVC muscles equilibrated with lidocaine (1.07 mM), physostigmine (3.63 microM) blocked TEA induced contractures in a reversible non-competitive manner. It had a similar action on ACh induced contractures. Lidocaine (1.07 mM) had no action on the ACh CRC except that it reduced the response to the highest concentration of ACh tested. The data of this and of previous experiments was analyzed and a theory proposed to account for TEA contractures. It suggested that background extravesicular ACh release results in the passage of K+ into the transverse tubular system (TT). In the presence of TEA blocking the K+ channels accumulation of K+ in the TT no longer occurs. Na+/K+ exchange is depressed in favour of Na+/Ca+ exchange and the resulting rise in intracellular Ca2+ acting on the sarcoplasmic reticulum leads to contraction. Lidocaine potentiates the contraction by blocking Ca2+ uptake into the sarcoplasmic reticulum.


Maternal obesity and pregnancy.
We examined the risk of maternal obesity in 588 pregnant women weighing at least 113.6 kilograms (250 pounds) during pregnancy. Compared with a control group matched for age and parity, we found a significantly increased risk in the obese patient for gestational diabetes, hypertension, therapeutic induction, prolonged second stage of labor, oxytocin stimulation of labor, shoulder dystocia, infants weighing more than 4,000 grams and delivery after 42 weeks gestation. Certain operative complications were also more common in obese women undergoing cesarean section including estimated blood loss of more than 1,000 milliliters, operating time of more than two hours and wound infection postoperatively. These differences remained significant after controlling for appropriate confounding variables. We conclude that maternal obesity should be considered a high risk factor.


Inhalation Therapy in Horses.
This article discusses the benefits and limitations of inhalation therapy in horses. Inhalation drug therapy delivers the drug directly to the airways, thereby achieving maximal drug concentrations at the target site. Inhalation therapy has the additional advantage of decreasing systemic side effects. Inhalation therapy in horses is delivered by the use of nebulizers or pressured metered dose inhalers. It also requires the use of a muzzle or nasal mask in horses. Drugs most commonly delivered through inhalation drug therapy in horses include bronchodilators, antiinflammatories, and antimicrobials.


Hyperglycosylated N-Linked Site 339 of gp120 Appears to Be Unique and May Contribute to CRF01_AE Transmission Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in China and Thailand.
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 CRF01_AE is one of the most important genotypes in China, especially in the population of men who have sex with men (MSM). It has become the most prevalent strain among them. Describing the variant characterization of CRF01_AE will help to reveal the reason behind its predominance in MSM. In this study, the complete DNA sequences (CDSs) for gp120 from the envelope protein (env) gene of CRF01_AE in China and Thailand were retrieved from the Los Alamos HIV database. The CDSs for gp120 were divided into three subgroups according to the risk factors for HIV-1 transmission in a variety of populations, such as intravenous drug users (IDU), heterosexual contacts (HC), and MSM. The N-linked CDS glycosylation sites for gp120 in CRF01_AE were analyzed. The results showed a unique hyperglycosylation site N-339 (refer to Hxb2) in the gp120 of CRF01_AE in MSM compared with the IDU and HC groups from China. The result was the same in the MSM group from Thailand, which suggests that the hyperglycosylation site N-339 may explain the widespread CRF01_AE genotype in MSM.


Lipomatous hypertrophy of the interatrial septum.
Lipomatous hypertrophy of the interatrial septum is a rare condition and it does not require any specific treatment. We present the transoesophageal echocardiogram findings of a 70-year-old lady demonstrating the appearances that were typical of lipomatous hypertrophy of the interatrial septum.


Smart bed based daytime behavior prediction in Children with autism spectrum disorder - A Pilot Study.
Monitoring the sleep patterns of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and understanding how sleep quality influences their daytime behavior is an important issue that has received very limited attention. Polysomnography (PSG) is commonly used as a gold standard for evaluating sleep quality in children and adults. However, the intrusive nature of sensors used as part of PSG can themselves affect sleep and is, therefore, not suitable for children with ASD. In this study, we evaluate an unobtrusive and inexpensive bed system for in-home, long-term sleep quality monitoring using ballistocardiogram (BCG) signals. Using the BCG signals from this smart bed system, we define "restlessness" as a surrogate sleep quality estimator. Using this sleep feature, we build predictive models for daytime behavior based on 1-8 previous nights of sleep. Specifically, we use two supervised machine learning algorithms namely support vector machine (SVM) and artificial neural network (ANN). For all daytime behaviors, we achieve more than 78% and 79% accuracy of correctly predicting behavioral issues with both SVM and ANN classifiers, respectively. Our findings indicate the usefulness of our designed bed system and how the restlessness feature can improve the prediction performance.


Differential diagnosis and management of airway obstruction in Riedel's thyroiditis: a case report.
A case of Riedel's thyroiditis, which required differential diagnosis from malignant tumor of the thyroid gland, and the strategy of surgical treatment is reported. Differential diagnosis prior to the treatment was difficult, but the diagnosis was decided by the histopathological findings of an open biopsy specimen obtained simultaneously in an emergent tracheostomy required for progressive airway stenosis. First-choice treatment for Riedel's thyroiditis has been reported to be steroid administration, however, this treatment was difficult for the present case due to continuous steroid treatment for complicated neuro-Behçet's disease. Therefore, vaporization of the lesion using KTP-LASER and T-tube placement was chosen for the surgical treatment strategy of this patient. After 1 year of follow-up since the operation, the T-tube was removed and the tracheostoma was closed, and the patient has remained symptom free for 412 years. Careful long-term follow-up is still needed for this patient to prevent recurrence of the disease, subsequent complications of autoimmune diseases, and thyroid malignancies.


Tibial inlay technique with quadriceps tendon-bone autograft for posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
Surgical reconstruction of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is indicated in a PCL-deficient knee with symptomatic instability and injury to other ligaments. However, the choice of graft tissues remains controversial. The tibial inlay method has the benefit of preventing the acute turn associated with transtibial reconstruction and permitting accurate anatomic placement of the graft. This study describes an arthroscopic-assisted inlay technique for PCL reconstruction using quadriceps tendon-patellar bone autograft. This technique is a reasonable alternative for PCL reconstruction.


Crude saponins improve the immune response to an oral plant-made measles vaccine.
Millions of people live in areas where infectious diseases, such as measles, are endemic and resources are scarce. Heat-stable vaccines that are delivered orally will greatly enhance vaccination programs in these areas. A stumbling block in the development of oral vaccines is the availability of safe and effective mucosal adjuvants, especially for use with subunit vaccines. The experiments presented here examine the ability of CTB/CT, LT(R192G) and crude Quillaja saponin extracts to stimulate MV-specific immune responses in mice, following oral immunisation with plant-made measles virus hemagglutinin (MV-H) protein. LT(R192G) and crude saponin extracts both functioned as potent mucosal adjuvants when ad-mixed with plant-made MV-H protein, and were more effective than CTB/CT. MV-H protein supplemented with saponin extract induced the strongest MV-specific responses, in the greatest number of mice. Crude saponins are routinely used by the food and beverage industry at concentrations greater than those required for adjuvanticity, and as such, they have a better safety profile than bacterial enterotoxins. This study demonstrates their potential as adjuvants for use with oral plant-made vaccines.


Application of calcium-rich mineral under nonwoven fabric mats and sand armor as cap layer for interrupting N and P release from river sediments.
This work investigates the applicability of thermally treated calcium-rich minerals (CRMs), such as sepiolite (SPL), attapulgite (ATT), and dolomite (DLM) to hinder the nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) release from river sediments. A non-woven fabric mat (NWFM) or a sand layer were also capped as armor layers, i.e., placed over CRMs to investigate the capping impact on the N/P release. The capping efficiency was evaluated in a cylindrical reactor, consisting of CRMs, armor layers, sediments, and sampled water. We monitored N/P concentrations, dissolved oxygen (DO), oxidation reduction potential, pH, and electric conductivity in overlying water over 70 days. The DO concentrations in the uncapped and capped conditions were preserved for 30 days and 70 days (until the end of experiment duration), respectively. ATT showed higher efficiency for NH4-N and T-N than the other two materials, and the capping efficiency of NH4-N was measured as 96.4%, 93.7%, and 61.6% when capped with 2-cm sand layer, 1-cm sand layer, and NWFM layer, respectively. DLM showed a superior rejection capability of PO4-P to ATT and SPL, reported as 97.2% when capped with 2-cm sand armor. The content of weakly adsorbed-P was lower in the uncapped condition than in the capping condition. It can be concluded that ATT and DLM can be used as capping agents to deactivate N and P, respectively, to reduce water contamination from sediments of the eutrophic river.


Deaths in winter: can Britain learn from Europe?
There is a substantial increase in the number of deaths in winter in the United Kingdom. This is also seen in some, but not all, European countries. Almost 60% of the variation among countries can be explained by the minimum average monthly temperature and the gross national product per capita. Seasonal variation is lowest in those countries with cold winters, suggesting that insulation may be important. It is also low in the more wealthy countries. The implications for health service policy of these finding are discussed. Some of the residual variation may be explained by known factors, such as low cost geo-thermal energy in Iceland, but much remains unexplained. There is a need for more research in this field.


A simple, low-cost instrument for electrochemiluminescence immunoassays based on a Raspberry Pi and screen-printed electrodes.
A powerful, yet low-cost and semi-portable electrochemiluminescence (ECL) biosensing device is described. It is constructed around a Raspberry Pi single-board computer, which serves as the controller and user interface. The Pi is interfaced with an expansion board that controls the potential applied to a disposable screen-printed electrode and facilitates data acquisition from a photomultiplier tube (PMT), which detects the ECL emission from the sensor surface. As proof-of-concept, we demonstrate that this arrangement can quantitate tris(2,2'-bipyridine)ruthenium(II) ([Ru(bpy)3]2+]) with an estimated limit of detection (LOD) of 20 pM, and C-reactive protein with an LOD of 50 fg mL-1. The analytical performance of the Raspberry Pi-based setup is comparable to a conventional ECL configuration (computer, potentiostat and photodetector). The Raspberry Pi-based setup can replace a conventional ECL setup, at a fraction of the cost, without sacrificing sensitivity or versatility. The combination of a single-board computer and a sensitive light detector represents a significant step towards translating ECL instruments into mobile, point-of-care diagnostic platforms.


Evidence that GABA transmission mediates context-specific extinction of learned fear.
Six experiments used rats to study the effects of the beta-carboline FG 7142 on extinction of fear responses (freezing) to an auditory cue that had signalled footshock. Subcutaneous injection of FG 7142 interfered with the development of extinction without having any detectable effect on the rats' levels of fear prior to extinction. Injection of FG 7142 also reversed extinction, partially reinstating fear responses that had been extinguished previously. A similar reinstatement of extinguished fear was seen when rats were tested for fear of the cue in a different chamber. The reinstatement produced by FG 7142 and that caused by context shift were not additive: FG 7142 did not increase extinguished fear if rats were tested in the different chamber. Finally, FG 7142 had no detectable effect on the latent inhibition of fear produced by repeatedly presenting the cue alone before conditioning with shock, even though this inhibition, like extinction, was affected by a shift in context. The present findings indicate that GABA transmission at GABA(A) receptors is involved in the inhibition of extinguished fear, and that this effect of GABA is regulated by those cues that constitute the extinction context.


Different anesthesiologic strategies have no effect on neonatal jaundice.
In this prospective study, we examined the influence of either segmental epidural anesthesia with bupivocaine hydrochloride or general anesthesia with sevoflurane on serum bilirubin levels and jaundice in neonates born with caesarean section. The patients at 38-40 weeks were included into this prospective study. General anesthesia group (sevoflurane); Group A, (n=66) and segmental epidural anesthesia group (bupivocaine hydrochloride); Group B, (n=76) underwent caesarean section under elective circumstances. Neonatal serum bilirubin levels were determined at the ages of 24 h and 5 days in 142 infants. The sexuality, weight, 5th minute APGAR scores, hematocrit levels of the neonates were recorded. The neonates who needed phototherapy were also noted. The results in Group A and Group B were compared. There was no significant difference on bilirubin levels between two groups and the incidence of hyperbilirubinemia did not differ statistically (p>0.05). The percent of the newborns who needed phototherapy displayed no significant differences between the deliveries by caesarean section under general or segmental epidural anesthesia. Our findings support the clinical studies which have not demonstrated an association between different anesthesiologic strategies and neonatal jaundice.


Comparison of heart rate and blood pressure response to amyl nitrite, isoproterenol, and standing before and during acute beta-adrenergic blockade with intravenous propranolol.
Heart rate responses to three different procedures (amyl nitrite inhalation, standing up, and isoproterenol infusion), were studied before and during acute adrenergic beta blockade with intravenous propranolol in three normal and six hypertensive subjects. Propranolol decreased, but did not completely abolish, the heart rate increase produced by amyl nitrite and standing, probably because of vagal participation (withdrawal) in heart rate increase produced by baroreceptor hypotension (amyl nitrite) and on assuming the upright posture. Heart rate responses to amyl nitrite varied greatly from patient to patient (from 27 to 97%), but the drug proved to be the most potent stimulus for heart rate increase as a result of its marked hypotensive effect. However, this vasodilator-induced acute hypotension was well tolerated, and without deleterious hemodynamic consequences, despite the presence of beta blockade. Different degrees of correlation in heart rate increase were observed with the three procedures, reflecting probably the varying sympathetic-parasympathetic participation in reflex heart rate control. It is concluded that from the clinical stand point, neither amyl nitrite administration nor standing up can be used as a test to assess acurately the degree of beta blockade, because both procedures activate vagal withdrawal which increases heart rate regardless of the degree of beta blockade.


Hypertension in epileptic mice: a phenomenon related to reduction of Ca(2+)-dependent catecholamine synthesis in the brain.
The possible complication of hypertension and epilepsy was investigated through the response in epileptic El mice. The systolic blood pressure in El mice (male, 8 weeks of age) and that in normal ddY mice (the parent strain of El mice) were compared by a tail-cuff method, using a programmed sphygmomanometer. The systolic blood pressure in El mice (120.5 +/- 5.6 mm Hg) was 28% (P < 0.01) higher than that in ddY mice (93.9 +/- 5.3 mm Hg). The higher systolic blood pressure in El mice was lowered by the acute intracerebroventricular administration of CaCl2 (10 mumol/kg, 30 min before measurement) or dopamine (30 nmol/mouse, 15 min before measurement), and was also improved by the chronic oral supplementation with 1.2% calcium (Ca2+) solution. Combining these results with those in our previous reports, where it is stated that lowering of Ca(2+)-calmodulin-dependent catecholamine synthesis increases the susceptibility to epileptic convulsions, we suggest that the increase in susceptibility to epileptic convulsion and occurrence of hypertension in El mice may be linked and that the two diseases may be associated.


Group analysis of ongoing EEG data based on fast double-coupled nonnegative tensor decomposition.
Ongoing EEG data are recorded as mixtures of stimulus-elicited EEG, spontaneous EEG and noises, which require advanced signal processing techniques for separation and analysis. Existing methods cannot simultaneously consider common and individual characteristics among/within subjects when extracting stimulus-elicited brain activities from ongoing EEG elicited by 512-s long modern tango music. Aiming to discover the commonly music-elicited brain activities among subjects, we provide a comprehensive framework based on fast double-coupled nonnegative tensor decomposition (FDC-NTD) algorithm. The proposed algorithm with a generalized model is capable of simultaneously decomposing EEG tensors into common and individual components. With the proposed framework, the brain activities can be effectively extracted and sorted into the clusters of interest. The proposed algorithm based on the generalized model achieved higher fittings and stronger robustness. In addition to the distribution of centro-parietal and occipito-parietal regions with theta and alpha oscillations, the music-elicited brain activities were also located in the frontal region and distributed in the 4∼11 Hz band. The present study, by providing a solution of how to separate common stimulus-elicited brain activities using coupled tensor decomposition, has shed new light on the processing and analysis of ongoing EEG data in multi-subject level. It can also reveal more links between brain responses and the continuous musical stimulus. The proposed framework based on coupled tensor decomposition can be successfully applied to group analysis of ongoing EEG data, as it can be reliably inferred that those brain activities we obtained are associated with musical stimulus.


Genotoxicity of p-aminophenol in somatic and germ line cells of Drosophila melanogaster.
p-Aminophenol (PAP; as a component of, e.g., hair dyes, photographic developers, as adsorbent in gas filters, as a metabolite of various fungicides, pesticides and drugs) has been tested for genotoxicity in Drosophila by means of the sex-linked recessive lethal test (SLRLT) and the somatic mutation and recombination test (SMART) of the wing. While the SLRLT was not significant, the SMART clearly indicated that the compound has genotoxic properties in this in vivo test in agreement with a majority of mammalian short-term tests in vitro and in vivo. The reducing agent dithiothreitol enhanced the genotoxic effects of PAP in the SMART; the reasons for this interaction remain to be elucidated.


Interference or Noninterference Between Soy and Levothyroxine: That Is the Question. A Narrative Review of Literature.
To evaluate the effect of soy intake on levothyroxine (L-T4) absorption among different L-T4 formulations. A PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus research was performed. Case reports, case series, and original studies written in English and published online up to November 30, 2022, were selected and reviewed. The final reference list was defined based on the relevance of each study to the scope of this review. Few data, mainly case reports, seemed to suggest a possible interference of soy products on L-T4 tablets absorption. However, the only prospective randomized cross-over study showed no differences in L-T4 absorption when L-T4 and soy isoflavones were assumed concomitantly. The very little data available on liquid L-T4 formulations did not allow for any conclusions to be made, even if a double-blind placebo-controlled trial showed no impaired L-T4 absorption. The inference of soy products on L-T4 absorption, if present, seems to have little clinical impact. Considering this fact, the Hamlet-like question whether soy milk interferes with L-T4 absorption remains unanswered.


Inhibition of carcinogenesis in transgenic mouse models over-expressing 15-lipoxygenase in the vascular wall under the control of murine preproendothelin-1 promoter.
Oxygenases are a family of enzymes that dioxygenate unsaturated fatty acids, thus initiating membrane oxidation and signaling molecule synthesis. The lipoxygenases (LOs), a family of lipid-peroxidizing enzymes that induce structural and metabolic changes in the cell in a number of pathophysiological conditions, belong to the oxygenases family. This class of enzymes has several subgroups, named 5-, 8-, 12- and 15-LOs, and these LO-isoforms are capable of oxygenating arachidonic and linoleic acid. 15-LOs were reported to play an inhibitory role in tumor angiogenesis and, consequently, they slow down carcinogenesis. It has been suggested that its anti-carcinogenic effect is conferred by promoting cell differentiation and apoptosis. Using transgenic mice that over-express 15-LO-1 in endothelial cells under the regulation of the murine preproendothelin-1 promoter, we studied its effect on tumor and metastasis growth. We found that 15-LO-1 inhibited tumor and metastasis growth in the transgenic mice in two different models of cancer (mammary gland and Lewis lung carcinoma). This inhibition was concomitant with a higher number of apoptotic cells in the metastases of the transgenic mice and with a complicated network of multiple small blood vessels. This finding targets 15-LO as a new candidate in the treatment of carcinogenesis.


Research on Papua, a digital tool with artificial intelligence in favor of learning and linguistic attitudes towards the learning of the English language in students of Spanish language as L1.
This study examines learners' perceptions of the linguistic and learning potential of an AI-based English language learning app called Papua. The study took a quasi-experimental approach in which 128 students of the degree in Primary Education at the University of Huelva, Spain, gained experience of using the app over a six-week period, and then answered a questionnaire. This was of a quantitative design, and included the following components: attitudes towards learning English; attitudes towards learning oral and written skills, and towards opportunities for interacting in English; and attitudes towards the motivation provided by the app. These attitudes were contrasted according to the variables memory and self-evaluation. The results of the study showed that oral skills were perceived as the most improved skill. Participants also foregrounded the enhancement of memorization of vocabulary, and positively evaluated the self-evaluation feature included in the app.


Simultaneous magnetic resonance gadolinium-enhanced 2D perfusion and 3D angiographic imaging.
A method was implemented and tested that allows the simultaneous acquisition of magnetic resonance 2D slice selective perfusion and 3D angiographic data during a single bolus injection of a contrast agent. High quality contrast-enhanced perfusion images and angiograms of the lung, kidney and heart were obtained in healthy volunteers. Combined perfusion and angiography provided additional information with an acceptable increase in acquisition time. No image artifacts were attributed to the technique. The combined information may be useful in detecting, as well as characterizing, vascular abnormalities.


Construction and Comprehensive Analysis of a ceRNA Network to Reveal Potential Novel Biomarkers for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer.
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most common and aggressive type of breast cancer with an unfavourable outcome worldwide. Novel therapeutic targets are urgently required to explore this malignancy. This study explored the ceRNA network and the important genes for predicting the therapeutic targets. It identified the differentially expressed genes of mRNAs, lncRNAs and miRNAs between TNBC and non-TNBC samples in four cohorts (TCGA, GSE38959, GSE45827 and GSE65194) to explore the novel therapeutic targets for TNBC. Downstream analyses, including functional enrichment analysis, ceRNA network, protein-protein interaction and survival analysis, were then conducted by bioinformatics analysis. Finally, the potential core protein of the ceRNA network in TNBC was validated by immunohistochemistry. A total of 1,045 lncRNAs and 28 miRNAs were differentially expressed in the TCGA TNBC samples, and the intersections of 282 mRNAs (176 upregulations and 106 downregulations) between the GEO and TCGA databases were identified. A ceRNA network composed of 7 lncRNAs, 62 mRNAs, 12 miRNAs and 244 edges specific to TNBC was established. The functional assay showed dysregulated genes, and GO, DO and KEGG enrichment analysis were performed. Survival analysis showed that mRNA LIFR and lncRNA AC124312.3 were significantly correlated with the overall survival of patients with TNBC in the TCGA databases (P < 0.05). Finally, the LIFR protein was validated, and immunohistochemical results showed the upregulated expression of LIFR in TNBC tissues. Thus, our study presents an enhanced understanding of the ceRNA network in TNBC, where the key gene LIFR may be a new promising potential therapeutic target for patients with TNBC.


The Interplay between Microbiota and Human Complex Traits.
Microorganisms have been one of the most influential drivers propelling some of the greatest environmental and evolutionary changes in the landscape and biology of the entire planet [...].


Computed tomography vs. digital radiography assessment for detection of osteolysis in asymptomatic patients with uncemented cups: a proposal for a new classification system based on computer tomography.
Digital radiographic images in the anterior-posterior and lateral view have been gold standard for evaluation of peri-acetabular osteolysis for patients with an uncemented hip replacement. We compared digital radiographic images and computer tomography in detection of peri-acetabular osteolysis and devised a classification system based on computer tomography. Digital radiographs were compared with computer tomography on 206 hips, with a mean follow up 10 years after surgery. The patients had no clinical signs of osteolysis and none were planned for revision surgery. On digital radiographs, 192 cases had no osteolysis and only 14 cases had osteolysis. When using computer tomography there were 184 cases showing small or large osteolysis and only 22 patients had no osteolysis. A classification system for peri-acetabular osteolysis is proposed based on computer tomography that is easy to use on standard follow up evaluation.


Outcomes of Cultivated Oral Mucosal Epithelial Transplantation in Eyes With Chronic Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Sequelae.
To study the outcomes of cultivated oral mucosal epithelial transplantation (COMET) in eyes with chronic Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) sequelae. Prospective interventional case series. Forty-five eyes of 41 patients with chronic SJS sequelae were recruited and evaluated from 2013 to 2017 in an institutional setting. All patients underwent COMET, with an aim of fornix reconstruction and visual rehabilitation. Change in corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), severity scores of various ocular surface parameters, and the occurrence of complications were documented during a follow up period of 2 years. Attainment and maintenance of a stable ocular surface, as assessed by change in the ocular surface severity scores was the primary outcome measure, while change in CDVA was the secondary outcome measure. The mean preoperative CDVA was 2.7± 0.5 logMAR, which improved to 1.5± 0.7 logMAR and 1.49± 0.98 postoperatively, at 1- and 2-year follow-up visit. Overall, 82.2% eyes (37/45) had improvement in visual acuity, 13.3% (6/45) experienced no change, whereas 2 eyes (4.4%) had worsening of visual acuity. The total ocular surface severity scores improved from a mean preoperative value of 29.1± 9.7 to 18.7± 7.2 postoperatively, at 2-year follow-up. Two eyes developed persistent epithelial defects, with progression to corneal melting requiring keratoplasty. COMET allows successful and sustained restoration of ocular surface anatomy with functional improvement, in eyes with chronic sequelae of SJS.


Special Considerations in Children with Vitiligo.
Childhood vitiligo differs from adult-onset vitiligo for several features including increased incidence of the segmental variant, higher prevalence of halo nevi, and more common family history for autoimmune diseases and atopic diathesis. The major differential diagnoses are the postinflammatory hypomelanoses for nonsegmental vitiligo and nevus depigmentosus for segmental vitiligo. From a therapeutic standpoint, early awareness of the diagnosis seems to correlate with a good treatment outcome in this age group.


Ag/AgO Nanoparticles Grown via Time Dependent Double Mechanism in a 2D Layered Ni-PCP and Their Antibacterial Efficacy.
A simple synthesis route for growth of Ag/AgO nanoparticles (NPs) in large quantitative yields with narrow size distribution from a functional, non-activated, Ni (II) based highly flexible porous coordination polymer (PCP) as a template has been demonstrated. This template is a stable storage media for the NPs larger than the pore diameters of the PCP. From EPR study it was concluded that NPs were synthesized via two mechanisms i.e. acid formation and the redox activity of the framework. Size range of Ag/AgO NPs is sensitive to choice of solvent and reaction time. Direct use of Ag/AgO@Ni-PCP shows influential growth inhibition towards Escherichia coli and the pathogen Salmonella typhimurium at extremely low concentrations. The pristine template shows no cytotoxic activity, even though it contains Ni nodes in the framework.


Discrimination of speech sounds by children with dyslexia: comparisons with chronological age and reading level controls.
Previous studies have shown that children suffering from developmental dyslexia have a deficit in categorical perception of speech sounds. The aim of the current study was to better understand the nature of this categorical perception deficit. In this study, categorical perception skills of children with dyslexia were compared with those of chronological age and reading level controls. Children identified and discriminated /do-to/ syllables along a voice onset time (VOT) continuum. Results showed that children with dyslexia discriminated among phonemically contrastive pairs less accurately than did chronological age and reading level controls and also showed higher sensitivity in the discrimination of allophonic contrasts. These results suggest that children with dyslexia perceive speech with allophonic units rather than phonemic units. The origin of allophonic perception in the course of perceptual development and its implication for reading acquisition are discussed.


Prevalent cardiac involvement in dystrophin Becker type mutation.
Myocardial involvement is frequently present in Xp21-linked muscular dystrophy, due to a lack of dystrophin in cardiac fibres. We describe a 41-yr-old man affected by dilated cardiomyopathy with sporadic episodes of myoglobinuria induced by effort and increased levels of serum creatine kinase. Very mild signs of skeletal myopathy were clinically evident. His mother was affected by an indefinite cardiopathy and suddenly died when she was 36 yr old. Muscle biopsy of the patient showed a dystrophic process. Dystrophin analysis together with a genetic DMD locus study led us to diagnose Becker type muscular dystrophy, with truncated dystrophin and a gene deletion extending from exon 45 to 48. Prevalent cardiac involvement in a Becker type mutation of the dystrophin gene further confirms clinical variability of dystrophinopathies.


Speciation and extinction drive the appearance of directional range size evolution in phylogenies and the fossil record.
While the geographic range of a species is a fundamental unit of macroecology and a leading predictor of extinction risk, the evolutionary dynamics of species' ranges remain poorly understood. Based on statistical associations between range size and species age, many studies have claimed support for general models of range evolution in which the area occupied by a species varies predictably over the course of its life. Such claims have been made using both paleontological data and molecular estimates of the age of extant species. However, using a stochastic model, we show that the appearance of trends in range size with species' age can arise even when range sizes have evolved at random through time. This occurs because the samples of species used in existing studies are likely to be biased with respect to range size: for example, only those species that happened to have large or expanding ranges are likely to survive to the present, while extinct species will tend to be those whose ranges, by chance, declined through time. We compared the relationship between the age and range size of species arising under our stochastic model to those observed across 1,269 species of extant birds and mammals and 140 species of extinct Cenozoic marine mollusks. We find that the stochastic model is able to generate the full spectrum of empirical age-area relationships, implying that such trends cannot be simply interpreted as evidence for models of directional range size evolution. Our results therefore challenge the theory that species undergo predictable phases of geographic expansion and contraction through time.


The effectiveness of biofeedback-assisted relaxation in modifying sickle cell crises.
Eight outpatients with sickle cell disease received six EMG and six thermal half-hour biofeedback training sessions. Statistically significant changes in the desired directions were obtained for the following variables: (a) frontalis muscle tension, (b) digital temperature, (c) frequency of headache as a crisis symptom, (d) frequency of analgesic use, (e) perceived pain intensity, (f) frequency of self-treated crises, and (g) state anxiety. Nonsignificant changes in hospital chart data were found. A 6-month posttreatment follow-up questionnaire revealed the continued effectiveness of the training received regarding headaches and mild pains.


Evaluation of (99m)Tc-TRODAT-1 SPECT in the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease versus other progressive movement disorders.
Parkinson disease (PD), parkinsonian syndromes (PS) and essential tremor (ET) are different types of movement disorders which share some symptoms resulting in a difficulty of certain diagnosis. This study was conducted to determine the value of (99m)Tc-TRODAT-1 scan to differentiate PD from ET and other PS cases. Totally, 75 patients were studied including 29 PD, 6 possible PD, 22 ET and 18 PS cases. A dual-head SPECT-CT was used to perform basal ganglia (BG) imaging following administration of (99m)Tc-TRODAT-1. The BG uptake values were normalized to whole brain and occipital activity. All patients were followed for 2-22 months to reach a certain diagnosis. Patients with ET and drug-induced parkinsonism show significantly higher normalized BG uptake as compared to the other subgroups; however, no significant difference was noted between PD and PS patients. The sensitivity and specificity of the findings for the differentiation between patients with the disease associated versus not associated with BG dysfunction were 80 and 83.3%, respectively. A predictive positive value of 82.6% was obtained using an additive scaling index defined as asymmetry and unevenness of uptake in putamen and/or caudate contralateral to the dominant side of current symptoms. (99m)Tc-TRODAT-1 scan is an appropriate method to differentiate PD or PS versus ET. A combination of scan pattern including asymmetry of BG uptake and unevenness of activity in caudate and putamen along with the side of dominant symptoms may be valuable for the differentiation of Parkinson's disease from the other parkinsonian syndromes.


Compulsory psychiatric treatment checklist: Instrument development and clinical application.
Instruments designed to evaluate the necessity of compulsory psychiatric treatment (CPT) are scarce to non-existent. We developed a 25-item Checklist (scoring 0 to 50) with four clusters (Legal, Danger, Historic and Cognitive), based on variables identified as relevant to compulsory treatment. The Compulsory Treatment Checklist (CTC) was filled with information on case (n=324) and control (n=251) subjects, evaluated under the Portuguese Mental Health Act (Law 36/98), in three hospitals. For internal validation, we used Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), testing unidimensional and bifactor models. Multilevel logistic regression model (MLL) was used to predict the odds ratio (OR) for compulsory treatment based on the total scale score. Receiver Operating Characteristic analysis (ROC) was performed to predict compulsory treatment. CFA revealed the best fit indexes for the bifactor model, with all items loading on one General factor and the residual loading in the a priori predicted four specific factors. Reliability indexes were high for the General factor (88.4%), and low for specific factors (<5%), which demonstrate that CTC should not be performed in the subscales to access compulsory treatment. MLL reveals that for each item scored in the scale, it increases the OR by 1.26 for compulsory treatment (95%CI 1.21-1.31, p<0.001). Based on the total score, accuracy was 90%, and the best cut-off point of 23.5 detects compulsory treatment with a sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 93.6%. The CTC presents robust internal structure with a strong unidimensional characteristic, and a cut-off point for compulsory treatment of 23.5. The improved 20-item version of the CTC could represent an important instrument to improve clinical decision regarding CPT, and ultimately to improve mental health care of patients with severe psychiatric disorders.


Age, scrapie status, PrP genotype and follicular dendritic cells in ovine ileal Peyer's patches.
Follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) residing within ileal Peyer's patches (PPs) are of crucial relevance for sheep scrapie early pathogenesis and subsequent scrapie prion neuroinvasion. In this study, ileal PP follicles were significantly more numerous in lambs than in adult Sarda breed sheep, with significant differences being also found in lymphoid follicle area, perimeter and FDC density. Furthermore, PrPd deposition within ileal PPs and host's PrP genotype did not significantly influence these parameters. We conclude that age significantly affects FDC density in ileal PPs from Sarda breed ovines, independently from host's scrapie status and PrP genotype.


An online field-amplification sample stacking method for the determination of β2-agonists in human urine by CE-ESI/MS.
Field amplified sample stacking (FASS) was combined with a simple, rapid, sensitive CE-ESI-MS method to achieve the on-line enrichment and simultaneous determination of Clenbuterol (CLE), Salbutamol (SAL), Terbutaline (TER) and Formoterol (FOR). Samples were diluted in deionized water, and electrokinetic injection (10 kV × 50 s) was employed to carry out FASS. With FASS, the four β2-agonists had simultaneously baseline enhancement as much as 319, 332, 297 and 115 fold, respectively. Consequently, satisfactory LODs (S/N=3) of 0.08, 0.1, 0.1 and 0.5 ng/mL for CLE, SAL, TER and FOR were obtained. The separation of the four analytes was performed at 22 kV in ammonium acetate/ammonia (20 mmol/L, pH 9.0), using 7.5 mmol/L acetic acid in isopropanol/water 50/50% (v/v) as sheath liquid. In addition, an excellent linear response was obtained with RSD less than 1.3% for migration times and less than 6.7% for peak areas (n=5). The recoveries of spiked urine samples were in the range of 82.7-101% with RSD lower than 9.8%. The proposed method has been applied to analyze human urine samples successfully.


Protocol to record multiple interaction types in small social groups of birds.
Here, we present a protocol for collecting data on multiple interaction types in small, stable groups of Arabian babblers (Argya squamiceps). We describe the procedure of habituation, the recording of social interactions, and how to classify the interaction types. Additionally, we provide code for testing, comparing, and visualizing data. The high-resolution data collection is time demanding and requires several data tests before forming the final protocol. The collected data can then be used for multiplex social network analysis. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Dragić et al. (2021).


Mannosylerythritol lipid induces granulocytic differentiation and inhibits the tyrosine phosphorylation of human myelogenous leukemia cell line K562.
Mannosylerythritol lipid (MEL), which induced granulocytic differentiation of human promyelocytic leukemia cell line HL60, also induced differentiation of human myelogenous leukemia cell line K562. MEL inhibited insulin-dependent cell proliferation and induced leukocyte esterase activity of K562 cells. MEL markedly increased the differentiation-associated characteristics in granulocytes, such as nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reducing ability, expression of Fc receptors, and phagocytic activity of K562 cells. The tyrosine phosphorylation in K562 cells inhibited by MEL. These results suggest that MEL directly down-regulates the tyrosine kinase activities in K562 cells to inhibit the cell proliferation and to induce the differentiation.


Pyriform sinus fistula appearing as a neck tumor in the neonatal period: a case report.
Pyriform sinus cyst and fistula is a relatively rare tumor of the neck, even less is the neonatal period. We experienced a case of this one, and preoperative diagnosis was made by using endoscopy and cine-esophagography. A dyeing method that confirmed the fistula tract of cyst lead us to successful resection.


Distribution of muscarinic receptors in mammalian sympathetic ganglion: autoradiographic and electrophysiological studies.
Localization of muscarinic receptors in rabbit superior cervical ganglion (SCG) neurons was investigated by means of light microscopy autoradiographic study of binding sites for the labeled selective muscarinic antagonist atropine, and intracellular recordings were made from single ganglionic neurons to determine their response to local iontophoretic application of the selective muscarinic agonist--5-methylfurmethide (MF). Autoradiography showed that muscarinic receptors are located predominantly on the dendrites of ganglion neurons and on their soma near large processes. The remaining soma areas are usually devoid of muscarinic receptors or their density is much lower than in dendritic areas. MF-elicited depolarization was seen in 34% of neurons studied; an initial hyperpolarization was followed by depolarization in 23% of the neurons and no responses occurred in the remaining 43%. Lowering Ca2+ and increasing Mg2+ content in the external medium abolished MF-hyperpolarization but not MF-depolarization. The following properties of MF-depolarization support the concept of dendritic localization of muscarinic receptors: (i) the time-course of MF-depolarization varies widely in different cells; (ii) its rise time increases with the increase of the MF dose; (iii) MF is more effective in inducing a MF-depolarization if it is applied to cell processes than if it is applied to cell soma. The origin of MF-hyperpolarization is discussed.


Indications for prognostic gene expression profiling in early breast cancer.
Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease. While breast cancer mortality has dropped substantially over the past three decades due to early detection and adjuvant systemic therapy (AST), the risk of recurrence is highly dependent upon numerous factors including tumor size, involvement of regional lymph nodes, histologic grade, expression of hormone receptors (estrogen and progesterone), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) amplification. We use these factors to determine which early breast cancer (EBC) patients should be treated with AST, including endocrine therapy (ET), chemotherapy, and HER2-directed treatments. While these factors aid in this determination, it remains challenging to identify those patients unlikely to benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy, resulting in over-treatment of patients. Given this dilemma, there has been great interest in the development of prognostic and predictive gene expression profiles. The most extensively studied profile, the 21-gene recurrence score (Oncotype Dx®), estimates 10-year risk of breast cancer recurrence in patients with estrogen receptor (ER)-positive, HER2-negative, node-negative EBC and is likely predictive of chemotherapy benefit. This assay has established analytic validity, clinical validity, and clinical utility for this patient group and, therefore, is indicated in this patient population to help inform decisions regarding administration of adjuvant chemotherapy. Several other assays may have utility in this clinical context or perhaps to identify patients who do not require extended adjuvant ET. These assays include the following: PAM 50 Risk of Recurrence (ROR) Score (Prosigna™), Breast Cancer Index, and EndoPredict®.


Outcome of mitral repair combined with Cox-maze procedure for atrial functional mitral regurgitation with heart failure with recovered ejection fraction.
Atrial functional mitral regurgitation (AFMR) in patients with heart failure with recovered ejection fraction has received insufficient attention. This study analysed the prognosis and outcomes of mitral valve (MV) repair combined with the Cox-maze procedure. A prospective cohort study of patients with AFMR with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <40% was conducted. All patients received guideline-directed medical therapy. Those with recovered ejection fraction underwent MV repair combined with the Cox-maze procedure. Mortality, atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence, mitral regurgitation (MR) and postoperative tricuspid regurgitation were assessed using the inverse probability weighting (IPW) method. In total, 312 patients were enrolled in this study between 2010 and 2019, 247 of whom underwent MV repair combined with the Cox-maze procedure [full recovery (LVEF > 50%): n = 132, partial recovery (LVEF of 40-50%): n = 115]. IPW-adjusted survival of patients with LVEF ≥50% and LVEF 40-50% showed no significant difference [hazard ratio (HR): 2.18, 95% confidence interval: 0.46-10.38, P = 0.33]. However, patients with LVEF ≥50% had better IPW-adjusted long-term freedom from recurrent MR [HR: 2.44 (1.28-4.63), P = 0.0065] and AF recurrence [HR: 1.85 (1.06-3.21), P = 0.030] than those with LVEF of 40-50%. MV repair combined with the Cox-maze procedure was effective and feasible in patients with severe AFMR with heart failure with recovered ejection fraction. Additionally, patients with LVEF ≥50% after guideline-directed medical therapy undergoing these combined procedures had better long-term freedom from recurrent AF and MR than those with LVEF of 40-50%.


Modelling the in-vitro dissolution and release of sumatriptan succinate from polyvinylpyrrolidone-based microneedles.
A mathematical model was developed to predict the transport of sumatriptan molecules across the skin followed by absorption into the bloodstream. The drug was encapsulated in dissolving polyvinylpyrrolidone-based microneedles shaped in the form of pyramids. Mass balance equations were derived to simulate the dissolution and transport of the pharmaceutical ingredient. The theoretical framework made it possible to assess and predict the effects of key parameters on the release profile. The skin concentration increased with the loading dose and the height of the microneedle. An inverse relationship was noted between the amount of drug released in the dermal layer and the pitch width. These results were validated with in-vitro diffusion studies previously conducted using Göttingen minipig skin. The new mathematical approach successfully explained the in-vitro permeation of three different sumatriptan-containing formulations.


Signaling pathways mediating the neuroprotective effects of sex steroids and SERMs in Parkinson's disease.
Studies with the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) animal model of Parkinson's disease have shown the ability of 17β-estradiol to protect the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system. This paper reviews the signaling pathways mediating the neuroprotective effect of 17β-estradiol against MPTP-induced toxicity. The mechanisms of 17β-estradiol action implicate activation of signaling pathways such as the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase/Akt and the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways. 17β-estradiol signaling is complex and integrates multiple interactions with signaling molecules that act to potentiate a protective effect. 17β-estradiol signaling is mediated via estrogen receptors, including GPER1, but others receptors, such as the IGF-1 receptor, are implicated in the neuroprotective effect. Glial and neuronal crosstalk is a critical factor in the maintenance of dopamine neuronal survival and in the neuroprotective action of 17β-estradiol. Compounds that stimulate GPER1 such as selective estrogen receptor modulators and phytoestrogens show neuroprotective activity and are alternatives to 17β-estradiol.


Prevalence of harmful traditional practices during pregnancy and associated factors in Southwest Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study.
To assess the prevalence of harmful traditional practices during pregnancy and associated factors in Southwest Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study. Southwest Ethiopia. 667 women who were pregnant at the time of the study or gave birth 2 years prior to the study have participated. Harmful traditional practices during pregnancy (yes/no). Harmful traditional practices during pregnancy include abdominal massage, herbal intake or food taboos done on/by pregnant women without health professionals' instruction. The prevalence of harmful traditional practices in the study area was 37%, 95% CI (33.4% to 40.8%). The most commonly practised activities were abdominal massage (72.9%), intake of herbs (63.9%) and food taboos (48.6%). Monthly income (AOR=3.13, 95% CI (1.83 to 5.37), p<0.001), having had no history of child death (AOR=2.74, 95% CI (1.75 to 4.29), p<0.001), women with no formal education (AOR=4.81, 95% CI (2.50 to 9.23), p<0.001), women who had antenatal care (ANC) visits during their last pregnancy (AOR=0.24, 95% CI (0.10 to 0.59), p=0.002) and being multipara (AOR=0.47, 95% CI (0.27 to 0.80), p=0.003) were significantly associated with harmful traditional practices during pregnancy. Our study showed that more than one-third of women in Southwest Ethiopia practised harmful traditional practices while they were pregnant. The practices were more common among primiparas, women who had lower educational and financial status, women with no ANC visits, and women with no history of child death. Health education should be given to the community about the complications of harmful traditional practices during pregnancy.


Alloantigens introduced into the anterior chamber of the eye induce systemic suppression of delayed hypersensitivity to third-party alloantigens through "linked recognition".
It has been recognized for over a century that the anterior chamber of the eye is endowed with unique immunological properties that permit the long-term survival of histoincompatible grafts that would otherwise be rejected at extraocular sites. Immune privilege in the anterior chamber of the eye has been attributed, at least in part, to the active down regulation of systemic delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) that is induced when antigens are introduced into this ocular compartment. The antigen-specific suppression of systemic DTH that is induced by anterior chamber priming has been termed anterior chamber-associated immune deviation (ACAID) and has been demonstrated with a variety of antigens. The present report summarizes a systematic evaluation of various categories of histocompatibility antigens for their capacity to induce ACAID. The results indicate that ACAID can be induced against a wide variety of alloantigens ranging from a single minor histocompatibility antigen (H-Y) to mismatches involving the entire major histocompatibility complex plus multiple minor histocompatibility loci. Further investigation revealed that it was possible to induce suppression of DTH to third-party alloantigens providing the alloantigens introduced into the anterior chamber were coexpressed with the third-party alloantigens on cells used for extraocular immunizations.


Serum Paraoxonase Activity and Malondialdehyde Serum Concentrations Remain Unaffected in Response to Hydroxyurea Therapy in β-Thalassemia Patients.
β-Thalassemia is the most common hereditary disorder characterized by reduced production of β-globin chains of hemoglobin A (HbA). In recent years, hydroxyurea (HU) has shown promising therapeutic benefits in patients with β-thalassemia by fetal hemoglobin augmentation. We have analyzed effects of hydroxyurea treatment on oxidative stress in β-thalassemia patients by assessing activities of paraoxonase (PON) and arylesterase along with malondialdehyde (MDA) and total reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentrations. Blood samples from 159 individuals including 56 HU-treated and 58 untreated β-thalassemia patients and 45 healthy controls were analyzed. PON activity was found to be highest in healthy individuals (177.76 ± 4.44 U/mL) as compared to treated (52.67 ± 3.65 U/mL) and untreated (55.11 ± 3.26 U/mL) patients. A similar trend was observed in the case of arylesterase activity in normal, β-thalassemia-treated, and untreated (210.0 ± 11.25 U/mL, 163.03 ± 9.04 U/mL, 139.77 ± 10.10 U/mL) subjects. Serum MDA concentrations (2.59 ± 0.09 nmol/mL, 2.45 ± 0.08 nmol/mL, and 1.15 ± 0.05 nmol/mL) and total ROS concentrations (3.73 ± 0.20 nmol/mL, 3.54 ± 0.23 nmol/mL, and 2.45 ± 0.14 nmol/mL) were significantly elevated in both groups (untreated and treated) as compared to healthy individuals (P < .01). Oxidative stress was found to be markedly elevated in β-thalassemia patients as compared to healthy controls. Insignificant differences were, however, observed in mean concentrations of PON1 paraoxonase and arylesterase activities, serum MDA concentration and total ROS concentrations between HU-treated and untreated patients. We propose that HU therapy alone seems to be ineffective in managing oxidative stress and is likely to offer a better clinical outcome when supplemented with efficient iron chelation therapy and antioxidants.


Apigenin promotes apoptosis, inhibits invasion and induces cell cycle arrest of T24 human bladder cancer cells.
Apigenin (4',5,7-trihydroxyflavone) was recently shown effective in inhibiting several cancers. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect and mechanism of apigenin in the human bladder cancer cell line T24 for the first time. T24 cells were treated with varying concentrations and time of apigenin. Cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay. Cell motility and invasiveness were assayed by Matrigel migration and invasion assay. Flow cytometry and western blot analysis were used to detect cell apoptosis, cell cycle and signaling pathway. The results demonstrated that apigenin suppressed proliferation and inhibited the migration and invasion potential of T24 bladder cancer cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, which was associated with induced G2/M Phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. The mechanism of action is like to involve PI3K/Akt pathway and Bcl-2 family proteins. Apigenin increased caspase-3 activity and PARP cleavage, indicating that apigenin induced apoptosis in a caspase-dependent way. These findings suggest that apigenin may be an effective way for treating human bladder cancer.


Load/strain distribution between ulna and radius in the mouse forearm compression loading model.
Finite element analysis (FEA) of the mouse forearm compression loading model is used to relate strain distributions with downstream changes in bone formation and responses of bone cells. The objective of this study was to develop two FEA models - the first one with the traditional ulna only and the second one in which both the ulna and radius are included, in order to examine the effect of the inclusion of the radius on the strain distributions in the ulna. The entire mouse forearm was scanned using microCT and images were converted into FEA tetrahedral meshes using a suite of software programs. The performance of both linear and quadratic tetrahedral elements and coarse and fine meshes were studied. A load of 2N was applied to the ulna/radius model and a 1.3N load (based on previous investigations of load sharing between the ulna and radius in rats) was applied to the ulna only model for subsequent simulations. The results showed differences in the cross sectional strain distributions and magnitude within the ulna for the combined ulna/radius model versus the ulna only model. The maximal strain in the combined model occurred about 4mm toward the distal end from the ulna mid-shaft in both models. Results from the FEA model simulations were also compared to experimentally determined strain values. We conclude that inclusion of the radius in FE models to predict strains during in vivo forearm loading increases the magnitude of the estimated ulna strains compared to those predicted from a model of the ulna alone but the distribution was similar. This has important ramifications for future studies to understand strain thresholds needed to activate bone cell responses to mechanical loading.


[Relation between blood indices during postnatal development of albino mice].
Morphological indicators and those of reversible aggregation of red blood cells were studied in postnatal development of white mice. The linear correlation coefficient made it possible to estimate the interrelationship between the indicators of peripheral blood and marrow in mice, to describe the age dynamics of blood system indicators, and to determine the most informative indicators in the process of postnatal development of white mice.


An evaluation of transfer learning models in EEG-based authentication.
Electroencephalogram(EEG)-based authentication has received increasing attention from researchers as they believe it could serve as an alternative to more conventional personal authentication methods. Unfortunately, EEG signals are non-stationary and could be easily contaminated by noise and artifacts. Therefore, further processing of data analysis is needed to retrieve useful information. Various machine learning approaches have been proposed and implemented in the EEG-based domain, with deep learning being the most current trend. However, retaining the performance of a deep learning model requires substantial computational effort and a vast amount of data, especially when the models go deeper to generate consistent results. Deep learning models trained with small data sets from scratch may experience an overfitting issue. Transfer learning becomes an alternative solution. It is a technique to recognize and apply the knowledge and skills learned from the previous tasks to a new domain with limited training data. This study attempts to explore the applicability of transferring various pre-trained models' knowledge to the EEG-based authentication domain. A self-collected database that consists of 30 subjects was utilized in the analysis. The database enrolment is divided into two sessions, with each session producing two sets of EEG recording data. The frequency spectrums of the preprocessed EEG signals are extracted and fed into the pre-trained models as the input data. Three experimental tests are carried out and the best performance is reported with accuracy in the range of 99.1-99.9%. The acquired results demonstrate the efficiency of transfer learning in authenticating an individual in this domain.