Induction of inhibitory agent produced by Enterococcus faecalis.
The effect of treatment with inducing agents, such as mitomycin C, hydrogen peroxide and UV irradiation on the production of two inhibitors by different mutants from Enterococcus faecalis S-48 was studied. With hydrogen peroxide and UV light no increase in either the absolute or the relative amount of antagonistic substances was observed. With mitomycin C, a significant increase in the individual cell capacity for inhibitor production was detected.


Over-expression of JcDREB, a putative AP2/EREBP domain-containing transcription factor gene in woody biodiesel plant Jatropha curcas, enhances salt and freezing tolerance in transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana.
Jatropha curcas L. is an all-purpose biodiesel plant and is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical climates. It can grow well on poor quality soil which is not qualified for crop cultivation. This is very important for relieving land, food and energy crises. However, tropical and subtropical distribution limits the production of J. curcas seed. So it is valuable to know the molecular mechanism of J. curcas response to adverse abiotic environmental factors, especially freezing stress, in order to change the plant's characteristics. Until now there are just a few reports about J. curcas molecular biology. In this paper, we cloned and characterized a DNA binding protein from this plant, designated as JcDREB. Sequence analysis and yeast one-hybrid assays show that JcDREB can effectively function as a transcription factor of DREB protein family belonging to A-6 subgroup member. Expression patterns of JcDREB showed that it was induced by cold, salt and drought stresses, not by ABA. Over-expression of JcDREB in transgenic Arabidopsis exhibited enhanced salt and freezing stresses. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of J. curcas responses to environmental stresses, for example, high salinity, drought and low temperature, is crucial for improving their stress tolerance and productivity. This work provides more information about A-6 subgroup members of DREB subfamily.


Circular isthmic-cervical sutures can be an alternative method to control peripartum haemorrhage during caesarean section for placenta praevia accreta.
To study the control of peripartum bleeding in cases of caesarean section for placenta praevia accreta with the Circular isthmic-cervical sutures. Circular isthmic-cervical sutures were applied in six cases. To avoid ureter and bladder injury, the bladder was reflected downward. A silastic drain was inserted into internal and through the external os, so as to drain the uterine cavity and to keep the cervical canal open. Firstly, at the left side of the uterus, a Vicryl number two (No..2) stitch was inserted very close to the cervix from the anterior to the posterior side of the broad ligament. The stitch was then passed posteriorly to the right side of the uterus. The needle then was inserted again very close to the cervix from the posterior to the anterior wall of the broad ligament and was tightened on the anterior uterine surface, above the reflexion of the bladder as tightly as possible. Circular isthmic-cervical sutures were effective in all cases. Circular isthmic-cervical suture is a quick, safe, simple and effective technique for controlling peripartum haemorrhage during caesarean section for placenta praevia accreta.


Binary THz modulator based on silicon Schottky-metasurface.
We propose a metasurface THz modulator based on split-ring resonators (SRRs) formed by four interconnected horizontal Si-Au Schottky diodes. The equivalent junction capacitance of each SRR in the proposed modulator is much smaller than that of the previously reported metasurface counterparts with vertical Schottky junctions, leading to a higher modulation speed. To modulate a THz incident signal by the proposed metasurface, we vary the bias voltage externally applied to the Schottky junctions. Applying a reverse bias of VA = - 5 V to the Au gate, two LC resonances at 0.48 THz, and 0.95 THz are excited in the metasurface. Switching the applied voltage to VA = + 0.49 V, we diminish the oscillator strengths of the LC resonances, creating one dipole resonance at 0.73 THz in the transmission spectrum of the metasurface modulator. The modulation depths at these resonances are more than 45%, reaching 87% at 0.95 THz. The phase modulation for this THz modulator is about 1.12 rad at 0.86 THz. Furthermore, due to the particular design of the meta-atoms, the modulation speed of this device is estimated up to approximately several hundred GHz, which makes this device an appropriate candidate for high-speed applications in wireless communications systems based on external modulators.


The effectiveness of prophylactic antibiotics and betadine skin preparation on cranial cutaneous Cutibacterium acnes - A prospective study.
Cutibacterium acnes, formerly known as Propionibacterium acnes, is increasingly recognized as a cause of surgical site infection and implant failure despite the use of prophylactic antibiotics and antiseptic surgical preparations. The aim of this study was to investigate whether C. acnes persists in the dermal layer of the skin after standard perioperative antibiotics and skin prepping with alcoholic betadine solution in consecutive patients undergoing a craniotomy. A single centre prospective observational study was performed at Flinders Medical Centre. Adult patients undergoing a cranial neurosurgical intervention between October 2019 to March 2021 were eligible for inclusion. After administration of standard preoperative antibiotics (Cefazolin), three swabs were taken for each patient: one before prepping the skin with alcoholic betadine, one after prepping the skin and a dermal swab once the skin was incised. 73 patients were included. Cutibacterium acnes cultures were positive in 61 patients of the "pre-prep" group (83.6%), 12 (16.4%) in the "post-prep" group, and 53 (72.6%) were from dermal swabs There was a significant reduction of positive cultures of the skin after surgical preparation was applied (p < 0.00001). There was a non-significant reduction of positive cultures in the dermal swabs after skin preparation (p = 0.068) CONCLUSIONS: Cutibacterium acnes persists within the dermis of the scalp despite standard prophylactic measures using alcoholic betadine solution and cefazolin.


The influence of altered tryptophan availability on ethanol intoxication in normal men.
Because of evidence that altered 5-hydroxytryptamine function may modulate ethanol intoxication, we investigated this in normal social drinkers. Using amino acid mixtures, 5-hydroxytryptamine was influenced by altering levels of its precursor tryptophan. Neither raising nor lowering tryptophan affected alcohol intoxication as measured by a self-report scale and memory and motor tasks. Our data do not support the idea that 5-hydroxytryptamine can modulate alcohol-induced intoxication.


DC-SIGN mediates the binding of Aspergillus fumigatus and keratinophylic fungi by human dendritic cells.
Human contact with fungi does not usually lead to pathological consequences, as the immune system manages to defeat the invader pathogens. Nevertheless, under immune suppression, fungi overcome immune defenses and cause diseases that range from nonserious colonizations of keratinizated tissue (Dermatophytosis) to life threatening disseminated infections (Aspergillosis). Host defenses against fungi rely on innate and adaptative responses, with dendritic cell (DC) and macrophage surface receptors having a major role in the recognition of fungal pathogens and in the orchestration of an effective immune response. DC-SIGN is a C-type lectin involved in the recognition of bacterial, viral and parasitic pathogens, as well as in interactions between cells of the immune system. Its expression is restricted to DCs and subsets of macrophages. Here we show that DC-SIGN mediates the binding and capture of Aspergillus fumigatus and keratinophylic fungi, including Chrysosporium tropicum, by human DCs, describe the requirements of these interactions and discuss their potential involvement in the onset and persistence of pulmonary fungal infections.


Distribution of NADPH-diaphorase positive nerve fibers in the rat nasal mucosa.
Nasal mucosa was investigated by NADPH-diaphorase histochemistry. Positive fibers were distributed around blood vessels, seromucous glands and in the subepithelial layer. The pterygopalatine, trigeminal and superior cervical ganglia were also studied to examine the origin of these fibers. Many neurons in the pterygopalatine ganglion were labeled, and a few neurons were stained in the trigeminal ganglion. No perikarya were labeled in the superior cervical ganglion. Therefore, most of the labeled fibers must be originating from the pterygopalatine ganglion, and the rest of them may originate from the trigeminal ganglion. These results suggest that nitric oxide may have some role in the nervous control of the nasal mucosa.


Revealing the Brønsted-Evans-Polanyi relation in halide-activated fast MoS2 growth toward millimeter-sized 2D crystals.
Achieving large-size two-dimensional (2D) crystals is key to fully exploiting their remarkable functionalities and application potentials. Chemical vapor deposition growth of 2D semiconductors such as monolayer MoS2 has been reported to be activated by halide salts, for which various investigations have been conducted to understand the underlying mechanism from different aspects. Here, we provide experimental evidence showing that the MoS2 growth dynamics are halogen dependent through the Brønsted-Evans-Polanyi relation, based on which we build a growth model by considering MoS2 edge passivation by halogens, and theoretically reproduce the trend of our experimental observations. These mechanistic understandings enable us to further optimize the fast growth of MoS2 and reach record-large domain sizes that should facilitate practical applications.


Nutritional requirements of Plasmodium falciparum in culture. I. Exogenously supplied dialyzable components necessary for continuous growth.
Continuous cultivation of Plasmodium falciparum presently requires the nutritionally complex medium, RPMI 1640. A basal medium of KCl, NaCl, Na2HPO4, Ca(NO3)2, MgSO4, glucose, reduced glutathione, HEPES buffer, hypoxanthine, phenol red (in RPMI 1640 concentrations), and 10% (v/v) exhaustively dialyzed pooled human serum was used to determine which vitamins and amino acids had to be exogenously supplied for continuous cultivation. Supplementation of basal medium with calcium pantothenate, cystine, glutamate, glutamine, isoleucine, methionine, proline, and tyrosine was necessary for continuous growth. This semi-defined minimal medium supported continuous growth of four isolates of P. falciparum at rates slightly less than those obtained with RPMI 1640. Adding any other vitamin or amino acid did not improve growth. Incorporation of several non-essential amino acids, particularly phenylalanine and leucine, into proteins was markedly enhanced in the minimal medium compared to RPMI 1640.


Glutamatergic alterations in the cortex of genetic absence epilepsy rats.
In absence epilepsy, the neuronal hyper-excitation and hyper-synchronization, which induce spike and wave discharges in a cortico-thalamic loop are suspected to be due to an imbalance between GABA and glutamate (GLU) neurotransmission. In order to elucidate the role played by GLU in disease outcome, we measured cortical and thalamic extracellular levels of GLU and GABA. We used an in vivo quantitative microdialysis approach (no-net-flux method) in an animal model of absence epilepsy (GAERS). In addition, by infusing labelled glutamate through the microdialysis probe, we studied in vivo glutamate uptake in the cortex and thalamus in GAERS and non-epileptic control (NEC) rats. Expression of the vesicular glutamate transporters VGLUT1 and VGLUT2 and a synaptic component, synaptophysin, was also measured. Although extracellular concentrations of GABA and GLU in the cortex and thalamus were not significantly different between GAERS and NEC rats, cortical GLU uptake was significantly decreased in unrestrained awake GAERS. Expression of VGLUT2 and synaptophysin was increased in the cortex of GAERS compared to NEC rats, but no changes were observed in the thalamus. The specific decrease in GLU uptake in the cortex of GAERS linked to synaptic changes suggests impairment of the glutamatergic terminal network. These data support the idea that a change in glutamatergic neurotransmission in the cortex could contribute to hyperexcitability in absence epilepsy.


Low birth weight and nosocomial infection of neonates in a neonatal intensive care unit.
A one year prospective surveillance of nosocomial infections (NI) in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) was performed. Among 229 neonates the infection rate was 27.1%, the infection proportion 20.1%, and the incidence density 21.9 infections per 1000 patient days. Infants were stratified into four birth weight categories. Degrees of infection ranged from 44.4% in the < or = 1000 g group to 10.1% in the > 2500 g group. Differences between the groups were statistically significant (P < 0.01). The mean birth weight of infants with NI was significantly lower than that of infants without NI (1711 g, SD +/- 841 g vs. 2213 g, SD +/- 896 g; P < 0.01). Mortality of < or = 1000 g babies was 44.4 and 7.6% in > 2500 g neonates. Major sites of infection were pneumonia (32.3%), blood-stream infections (27.4%), infections of the skin, and surgical site infections (11.3% each). The predominant pathogen was Staphylococcus aureus (24.2%) whilst Gram-negative bacteria accounted for 22.7% of the total. Other major infective agents were Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, and Group B streptococci. It is concluded, that low birth weight was a major risk factor for the acquisition of NI in the observed NICU population.


Dissociation of Tetrahymena 30 S dynein into 14 S subunit by sonication.
The sonication of 30 S dynein obtained from Tetrahymena cilia induced dissociation into 14-S subunits, some of the enzyme still remaining as intact 30 S dynein and partially dissociated dynein (21 S) in a minor amount. It was demonstrated that the enzymatic properties of the 14 S subunit are quite similar to those of 30 S dynein except for the Ca2+:Mg2+ ratio. ATPase (EC 18.104.22.168) (ATP phosphohydrolase activity of the 14 S subunit was steadily enhanced by increasing concentrations of Mg2+. It was also activated by Ca2+ with an optimum at 6 mM but inhibited by a further increase in concentration. The Ca2+:Mg2+ ratio at 1 mM was about 0.62. 0.6 M KCl stimulated ATPase activity of the 14 S subunit two-fold. The Mg2+-ATPase had an optimum at pH 6.2 and revealed a high activity over pH 10. The Ca2+-ATPase showed two optima at pH 6.2 and 9.5. The Km for ATP was 10 muM. Only 10% of the 14 S subunit recombined with the outer fibers in the presence of Mg2+. The 14 S subunit was shown to have the same mobility as that of 30 S dynein on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.


Fluorescent protein transgenesis has varied effects on behaviour and cold tolerance in a tropical fish (Gymnocorymbus ternetzi): implications for risk assessment.
Fluorescent protein (FP) transgenesis is used in the ornamental aquarium trade to produce new colour morphs in tropical fish. Understanding whether such genetic modification could alter ability to survive temperate waters, or interactions with native fish, should such fish be released to natural systems is critical in developing policy on their commercial use. We examined the competitive foraging ability and cold tolerance of unrelated pet-trade sourced adult green FP transgenic tetra and non-transgenic white tetra (Gymnocorymbus ternetzi), as well as white non-transgenic and green FP transgenic juvenile progeny of these groups. FP transgenesis did not affect the foraging success or aggressive behaviour in either adult or juvenile fish, indicating FP transgenesis may not influence potential hazards through this pathway. During a cold temperature tolerance trial, adult green tetras had greatly diminished cold tolerance relative to unrelated adult white fish, while sibling juvenile offspring of these groups had intermediate cold tolerance between adult fish groups that were not affected by FP transgenesis. This data suggests background genetics, rearing history and/or life stage may play larger roles in cold tolerance than FP transgenesis in this species. Unexpectedly, both adult and juvenile white tetras were 3.8 times more likely to take refuge in shelters when temperature declined than green tetras. These data indicate FP transgenic fish may pose equal or lesser risk than non-transgenic fish, should they be released to natural environments. Results also demonstrate that unrelated pet-trade sourced fish may not always be appropriate models for examining effects of FP transgenesis.


[Biosynthesis of DNA and RNA in the liver under conditions of deficient nutrition and exposure to N-nitrosopiperidine].
Effect of N-nitrosopiperidine on macromolecules was studied. Nutrition deficient in retinol, tocopherol, ascorbic acid and essential amino acids was shown to increase the inhibitory action of N-nitrosopiperidine on synthesis of DNA and RNA liver tissue.


Activity and subcellular distribution of phospholipase A1 from neuronal cell-enriched fractions of the rabbit cerebral cortex.
Glycerophosphatides, specifically labeled either in the 1 or in the 2 position, were used to measure the activity of neuronal phospholipase A1 and to investigate the subcellular distribution of the enzyme. The microsomes were found to possess the highest phospholipase activity, with a threefold increase as compared to the cell homogenate. A considerable enzymatic activity could still be observed in the plasma membranes isolated from the neuronal-enriched cell fraction. Microsomal phospholipase possessed the highest activity with phosphatidylcholine, whereas phosphatidylserine was cleaved at a much lower rate. The rate of release of labeled fatty acids from the substrates by the microsomal phospholipase decreased with increasing degree of unsaturation of the fatty acids at the 1 position. The presence of plasmalogens and of alkylacyl analogues in the incubation mixture caused an appreciable inhibition of the hydrolysis of the diacyl glycerophosphatides.


Basement membranes.
Basement membranes (BMs) are thin, dense sheets of specialized, self-assembled extracellular matrix that surround most animal tissues (Figure 1, top). The emergence of BMs coincided with the origin of multicellularity in animals, suggesting that they were essential for the formation of tissues. Their sheet-like structure derives from two independent polymeric networks - one of laminin and one of type IV collagen (Figure 1, bottom). These independent collagen and laminin networks are thought to be linked by several additional extracellular matrix proteins, including nidogen and perlecan (Figure 1, bottom). BMs are usually associated with cells and are anchored to cell surfaces through interactions with adhesion receptors and sulfated glycolipids (Figure 1, bottom). Various combinations of other proteins, glycoproteins, and proteoglycans - including fibulin, hemicentin, SPARC, agrin, and type XVIII collagen - are present in BMs, creating biochemically and biophysically distinct structures that serve a wide variety of functions. BMs have traditionally been viewed as static protein assemblies that provide structural support to tissues. However, recent studies have begun to uncover dynamic, active roles for BMs in many developmental processes. Here, we discuss established and emerging roles of BMs in development, tissue construction, and tissue homeostasis. We also explore how cells traverse BM barriers, the roles of BMs in human diseases, and future directions for the field.


Increased resistance to cytotoxic agents in ZR75B human breast cancer cells transfected with epidermal growth factor receptor.
Human breast cancer cells selected for multidrug resistance frequently overexpress ligands and receptors in the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor family. To determine whether this overexpression contributes to the drug resistant phenotype, EGF receptor transfected ZR75B human breast cancer cells were examined. Two EGF receptor overexpressing clones were evaluated: clone 11 with > 1 x 10(6) sites, and clone 13 with 310,000 receptor sites/cell. These were compared with clone 2-neo, which was transfected with the neomycin gene only and contained 43,000 receptor sites/cell. The EGF receptor overexpressing clones and the neo transfected control clone displayed comparable growth rates. Cytotoxicity analyses were performed with doxorubicin, vinblastine, cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil to determine the sensitivity of the clones to antineoplastic drugs. The EGF receptor overexpressing clones were found to be 1.5-5.6 times more resistant to the four drugs tested. This increase in the IC50 conferred a selective advantage when grown in the presence of 2, 3 and 6 ng/ml doxorubicin. Clone 13 cells overtook a mixed population which began with clone 2-neo comprising 95% of the cells. Clone 2-neo remained the dominant clone in the absence of drug. Finally, after long-term selection of the clones with 6 ng/ml doxorubicin, clone 2-neo became fourfold more resistant than the unselected clone 2-neo, a level which was comparable to that found in the EGF receptor overexpressing clones 11 and 13. No additional increase in resistance was observed for these clones, suggesting that clone 2-neo had developed additional resistance mechanisms.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


IgG deposits and Disse's space pathology in human schistosomal liver.
IgG deposits were identified in Disse's spaces of patients with advanced Symmers' fibrosis consequent to schistosomal infection.


Spatiotemporal distribution of spectrin breakdown products induced by anoxia in adult rat optic nerve in vitro.
Hypoxic/ischemic and traumatic injury to central nervous system myelinated axons is heavily dependent on accumulation of Ca ions in the axoplasm, itself promoted by Na influx from the extracellular space. Given the high density of nodal Na channels, we hypothesized that nodes of Ranvier might be particularly vulnerable to Ca overload and subsequent damage, as this is the expected locus of maximal Na influx. Adult rat optic nerves were exposed to in vitro anoxia and analyzed immunohistochemically for the presence of spectrin breakdown. Cleavage of spectrin became detectable between 15 and 30 mins of anoxia, and increased homogeneously along the lengths of fibers; localized breakdown was not observed at nodes of Ranvier at any time point analyzed. Spectrin breakdown was also found in glial processes surrounding axons. Confocal imaging of axoplasmic Ca also revealed a gradual and nonlocalized increase as anoxia progressed, without evidence of Ca 'hot-spots' anywhere along the axons at any time between 0 and 30 mins of anoxic exposure in vitro. Calculations of Ca diffusion rates indicated that even if Ca entered or was released focally in axons, this ion would diffuse rapidly into the internodes and likely produce diffuse injury by activating Ca-dependent proteases. Western blot analysis for voltage-gated Na channel protein revealed that key functional proteins such as these are also degraded by anoxia/ischemia. Thus, proteolysis of structural and functional proteins will conspire to irreversibly injure central axons and render them nonfunctional, eventually leading to transection, degradation, and Wallerian degeneration.


Printable Fabrication of Nanocoral-Structured Electrodes for High-Performance Flexible and Planar Supercapacitor with Artistic Design.
Planar supercapacitors with high flexibility, desirable operation safety, and high performance are considered as attractive candidates to serve as energy-storage devices for portable and wearable electronics. Here, a scalable and printable technique is adopted to construct novel and unique hierarchical nanocoral structures as the interdigitated electrodes on flexible substrates. The as-fabricated flexible all-solid-state planar supercapacitors with nanocoral structures achieve areal capacitance up to 52.9 mF cm-2 , which is 2.5 times that of devices without nanocoral structures, and this figure-of-merit is among the highest in the literature for the same category of devices. More interestingly, due to utilization of the inkjet-printing technique, excellent versatility on electrode-pattern artistic design is achieved. Particularly, working supercapacitors with artistically designed patterns are demonstrated. Meanwhile, the high scalability of such a printable method is also demonstrated by fabrication of large-sized artistic supercapacitors serving as energy-storage devices in a wearable self-powered system as a proof of concept.


Metabolism of prostaglandin endoperoxide by microsomes from cat lung.
It has been reported that the prostaglandin (PG) precursor, arachidonic acid, produces divergent hemodynamic responses in the feline pulmonary vascular bed. However, the pattern of arachidonic acid products formed in the lung of this species is unknown. In order to determine the type and activity of terminal enzymes in the lung, prostaglandin biosynthesis by microsomes from cat lung was studied using the prostaglandin endoperoxide, PGH2, as a substrate. The major products of incubations of PGH2 with microsomes were thromboxane (TX) B2 (the major metabolite of TXA2), 6-keto-PGF1 alpha (the breakdown product of PGI2) and 12L-hydroxy-5,8,10-heptadecatrienoic acid (HHT). Formation of TXB2 was markedly reduced by imidazole. Tranylcypromine decreased the formation of TXB2 and HHT and inhibited the formation of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha. At low PGH2 concentrations, equal production of TXB2 and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha was observed. However, as PGH2 concentration increased, 6-keto-PGF1 alpha production approached early saturation while TXB2 production increased in a linear fashion. These results suggest that enzymatic formation of TXA2 and PGI2 is a function of substrate availability in the lung. These findings provide a possible explanation for the divergent hemodynamic responses to arachidonic acid infusions at high and low concentrations in the feline pulmonary vascular bed.


Diabetes treatment in people with type 2 diabetes and schizophrenia: Retrospective primary care database analyses.
Aim of this study were to compare outcomes (HbA1c, BMI) and antidiabetic treatment of type 2 diabetes patients with and without schizophrenia under real-life conditions in primary care practices in Germany. 1321 type 2 diabetes patients with and 1321 matched controls (age, sex, diabetes duration, diabetologist care, practice) without schizophrenia in 1072 general practices throughout Germany were retrospectively analyzed (Disease Analyser: 01/2009-12/2013). Antidiabetic treatment, HbA1c and BMI were compared using paired t-tests, McNemar tests and conditional logistic regression adjusting for macro- and microvascular comorbidity (ICD-10). Mean age (±SD) of patients and controls was 67.4±13.2 years (males: 38.9%). Diabetes duration was 5.7±4.3 years, 6% were in diabetologist care. Private health insurance was less often found among patients with schizophrenia than controls (2.2% vs 6.3%; p<0.0001). There was no difference in the mean HbA1c values (cases: 7.1±1.4%; controls: 7.2±1.5%) (54.1 vs. 55.2 mmol/mol) (p=0.8797) and in the average BMI (32.4±6.6 vs. 31.0±5.0 kg/m(2); p=0.2072) between the two groups. Novel cost-intensive antidiabetic agents (DPP-4- or SGLT2-inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists) were less often prescribed in cases (15.3 vs. 18.3%; p=0.0423). However, in multivariable logistic regression, schizophrenia (odds ratio, 95%CI: 1.101; 0.923-1.317) was not associated with prescription use of novel antidiabetic agents (reference: other antidiabetic agents) after adjusting for private health insurance (OR: 2.139; 1.441-3.177) and comorbidity. There is no evidence that type 2 diabetes patients with schizophrenia have worse diabetes control than those without a severe mental illness in general practices.


Paternal height and weight as determinants of birth weight in a Chinese population.
To evaluate the relationship between paternal weight and height and birth weight, 355 middle class patients with uncomplicated singleton pregnancies who booked within the first trimester were recruited from a homogenous obstetric population from a teaching hospital unit. Maternal height and prepregnant maternal weight were recorded at the booking visit. Paternal height and weight were recorded when the fathers entered the labor ward or visited the postnatal ward at or shortly after the time of delivery. These data were then correlated with the birth weight of the babies. There was a significant correlation between paternal height and weight and the corresponding maternal parameters (correlation coefficients 0.21, p<0.001 and 0.21, p < 0 > 0.01). When the crude birth weight was adjusted for the gestation at delivery, and then controlled for maternal height and weight with the use of a regression model, analysis of variance tests showed that paternal height was significantly correlated to the adjusted birth weight (p<0.01), while paternal weight only showed a marginal correlation (p = 0.05). There was a significant correlation between maternal and paternal height and weight, indicating that couples tend to be of similar sizes. When controlling for maternal size, paternal height was significantly correlated to birth weight, while paternal weight showed only marginal significance. The data suggested that paternal genetic influence could be a significant determinant of in utero fetal growth and thus birth weight.


Ferro- and ferrielectricity and negative piezoelectricity in thioamide-based supramolecular organic discotics.
Amide-based discotic supramolecular organic materials are of interest for fundamental understanding of cooperative self-assembly and collective dipole switching mechanisms as well as for practically relevant ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties. Here, we show how replacing amides (dipole moment of ∼3.5 D) with thioamides (∼5.1 D) as dipolar moieties in the archetypal C3-symmetric discotic molecule BTA leads to ferroelectric materials with a higher remnant polarization and lower coercive field. The thioamide-based materials also demonstrate a rare negative piezoelectricity and a previously predicted, yet never experimentally observed, polarization reversal via asymmetric intermediate states, that is, ferrielectric switching.


Quantitative characterization of the digestive viscosity profile of cereal soluble dietary fibers using in vitro digestion in Rapid ViscoAnalyzer.
A standard method measuring viscosity (η) of cereal products through in vitro digestion in a Rapid ViscoAnalyzer has been developed previously and is predictive of some physiological effects of cereal foods. This paper proposes a simple mathematical model to analyze quantitatively the digestograms obtained by that method. Digestograms of twelve uncooked and cooked cereal products were generated and data quality was assessed. Experimental data were fitted with a viscosity model ηmodel=η1+η2, where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] were respectively viscosity decrease and viscosity increase components. The model showed very good agreement with experimental data and enabled interpretation of the digestograms in relation to the composition of the products: η1 was interpreted as the decreasing viscosity of digestible polymeric nutrients whereas η2 was interpreted as the viscosity development of viscous dietary fibers. This model may be useful to investigate quantitatively the biological effects of soluble dietary fibers in cereal products and similar products.


DNA viruses and human cancer.
This review examines some of the evidence which aetiologically implicates various DNA viruses (primarily papillomavirus, hepatitis B virus and Epstein-Barr virus) in certain human cancers (cervical carcinoma, primary liver cell carcinoma, Burkitt's lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma, respectively). The evidence includes: presence of viral DNA, RNA and proteins in tumours (and cell lines derived from them); occurrence of viruses with apparently different oncogenic potential; their ability to transform cell lines in vitro or cause tumours in animals; epidemiological and serological data. Factors which affect the progression to cancer are briefly considered as they illustrate that there are several stages in tumorigenesis. These factors include the immune system, irradiation, presence of other viruses or carcinogens and treatment. The lack of a single unique characteristic which defines a transformed cell would be expected from the multistep hypothesis and is related to the possible virus-cell interactions that can occur. These form a continuous spectrum ranging from productive infection of a permissive cell, through infection of a non-permissive cell, to the inability of a virus to infect a cell. This spectrum may reflect the absence of increasing numbers of cellular functions necessary for productive virus infection, with cell transformation occurring as a rare type of abortive infection. The evidence, especially for human papillomavirus, indicates that it is quite probable that particular DNA viruses are the causative agents for certain human cancers. Even so other factors can play decisive roles in tumorigenesis. Final aetiological proof will only be obtained when an anti-virus vaccine eradicates one form of human cancer.


Emotional interdependence: the key to studying extrinsic emotion regulation.
The literature on extrinsic emotion regulation or the intention to modify other people's emotions has grown in recent years, accompanied by proposals in which its definition is made more precise, the way to understand it in relation to other related processes is delimited, and the consequences of its use in the quality of close relationships are evidenced. Conceptual reviews on this topic recognize the importance of examining the affect and dyadic dynamics that arise between those who regulate each other extrinsically. This dynamic refers to emotional interdependence, the potential of the members of a dyad to shape each other's emotions reciprocally, particularly in those who share a close bond, such as that of a romantic couple. There is little theoretical development regarding the relevance of this characteristic in relation to EER. This article has two objectives: (1) to make a narrative synthesis of the characteristics that define EER and (2) to expand and complexify the existing model by including the emotional interdependence as a vital component in the understanding of the functioning of EER. Lastly, the role of emotional interdependence in the emergence, maintenance, and satisfaction concerning couple relationships is made explicit through phenomena such as shared reality.


Lymphocyte subsets in haematological patients with COVID-19: Multicentre prospective study.
The role of immune dysregulation in the course and prognosis of COVID-19 is not clearly established. In particular, immune status in specific populations such as haematological patients, who have an impaired immunological system, has not been described so far. Here, we performed a comprehensive analysis of peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets in 27 SARS-CoV-2-infected patients, including 16 patients with haematological malignancies. We identified T cell subpopulations, B cells, NK cells and TCR α/ß and ɣ/ƍ-expressing T cells during COVID-19 infection, with significant changes observed in immune profiles during the course of disease, especially in haematological patients. We observed an increase in activated T lymphocytes (CD3+HLA-DR+ and CD3+CD8+HLA-DR+) in the early stages of SARS-CoV-2 infection with a concomitant decrease in the CD4/CD8 ratio in haematological patients compared to non-haematological patients affected by COVID-19. We also found a decrease in ɣ/ƍ T cells in both studied groups of patients, with lower numbers of CD25+ T cells and CD16+CD56+ NK cells in haematological patients compared to non-haematological patients with COVID-19. Our findings demonstrate, for the first time, impaired adaptive immunity in patients with haematological malignancies infected with COVID-19, resulting in impaired cellular immune responses to SARS-CoV-2. This warrants further investigation of this disease group in COVID-19 patient cohorts.


A new clinical classification of acute myocardial infarction.
The existence of a universal definition of myocardial infarction-which involves classification into multiple subtypes-has promoted the use of standard diagnostic criteria across the world. However, this classification has not been applied consistently in practice and is perceived by some as too complicated. Where there is diagnostic uncertainty, patients have worse outcomes. This uncertainty has also impacted on the validity of the diagnosis of myocardial infarction in clinical trials. To address these issues and to encourage clinicians to recognize that different mechanisms of myocardial infarction have differing treatment implications, we propose an alternative clinical classification for consideration; one that recognizes that myocardial infarction can arise spontaneously, secondary to another condition, or as a complication of a cardiac procedure. This classification is aligned with clinical practice and proposes more objective and specific diagnostic criteria that, if agreed by international consensus, could reduce diagnostic uncertainty in practice and research.


Leaflet replacement for aortic stenosis using the 3f stentless aortic bioprosthesis: midterm results.
The 3f aortic bioprosthesis is a stentless valve resembling the native aortic valve. It has been postulated that improved hemodynamic performance with this prosthesis may translate into superior durability. We hereby report the midterm results using this valve substitute. Fifty patients with severe aortic stenosis received the 3f aortic bioprosthesis between 2002 and 2004 in our unit. Clinical outcomes, effective orifice area, mean gradients, and ejection fraction were evaluated at discharge, at 6 and 12 months, and yearly thereafter. Mean follow-up was 52 ± 10 months and was complete in 96% of surviving patients. Hemodynamic performance of the 3f valve was satisfactory for substitutes in the range of 25 mm and 27 mm; smaller valve substitutes showed unfavorable hemodynamic performance with mean gradients of 18 ± 7 mm Hg for 21-mm prosthesis, and 14 ± 5 mm Hg for 23-mm prosthesis. Consequently, the regression of left ventricular hypertrophy was incomplete. Late mortality included 10 patients (valve-related in 1, cardiac-related in 3) for a survival of 77% ± 3% at 4 years. Four patients required reoperation owing to endocarditis in 2 and paravalvular leak in other 2. Freedom from reoperation was 93% at 4 years. Six patients experienced 9 neurologic events, accounting for 82% freedom from neurologic events. Its unique design makes the 3f aortic bioprosthesis less complex to implant than conventional stentless valves, as only a single suture line is necessary. The hemodynamic profile and clinical performance of the prosthesis are inconsistent with the established stentless valves, especially with regard to higher incidence of neurologic complications seen during the follow-up.


Postoperative ghrelin levels and delayed recovery from body weight loss after distal or total gastrectomy.
Body weight loss is a common but one of the most serious sequelae after gastrectomy. Ghrelin, a novel gastric hormone that up-regulates body weight through appetite control and metabolic reaction, seems to be affected by gastric surgery. Early postoperative alteration of serum ghrelin was evaluated at days 3 and 7 after gastrectomy for 13 hospital patients. In 64 outpatients who had previously undergone total gastrectomy (TG: 26 patients) or distal gastrectomy (DG: 38 patients) 4.6 months to 136 months (average, 41 months) earlier, the association between their serum ghrelin and leptin levels and postoperative body weight was investigated. Serum ghrelin declined immediately and greatly after TG to 12% of the preoperative level (day 3 and day 7), whereas the decline was less significant after DG at 39% (day 3) and 56% (day 7). In outpatients, serum ghrelin after TG was very low compared with the control (18.6 fmol/mL versus 92.1 fmol/mL, P<0.0001), irrespective of the period after surgery, whereas the level after DG recovered and was equivalent to the control (73.4 fmol/mL, P=0.355). Body weight loss was more apparent in TG patients than in DG patients, showing postoperative reduction of body mass index (DeltaBMI) -3.940 versus -1.949 (P<0.0001). Serum leptin concentration, reflecting the systemic fat volume, significantly correlated with BMI in both TG and DG patients, and tended to be lower in TG patients than in DG patients (800 pg/mL versus 1158 pg/mL, P=0.236). Persistent decline of serum ghrelin and body weight was observed commonly after total gastrectomy. Further study is needed as to whether or not ghrelin administration can improve the body weight level for these patients.


Stochastic system identification of skin properties: linear and wiener static nonlinear methods.
Wiener static nonlinear system identification was used to study the linear dynamics and static nonlinearities in the response of skin and underlying tissue under indentation in vivo. A device capable of measuring the dynamic mechanical properties of bulk skin tissue was developed and it incorporates a custom-built Lorentz force actuator that measures the dynamic compliance between the input force (<12 N) and the output displacement (<20 mm). A simple linear stochastic system identification technique produced a variance accounted for (VAF) of 75-81% and Wiener static nonlinear techniques increased the VAF by 5%. Localized linear techniques increased the VAF to 85-95% with longer tests. Indentation experiments were conducted on 16 test subjects to determine device sensitivity and repeatability. Using the device, the coefficient of variation of test metrics was found to be as low as 2% for a single test location. The measured tissue stiffness was 300 N/m near the surface and 4.5 kN/m for high compression. The damping ranged from 5 to 23 N s/m. The bulk skin properties were also shown to vary significantly with gender and body mass index. The device and techniques used in this research can be applied to consumer product analysis, medical diagnosis and tissue research.


[Associations between socioeconomic status and self-rated health in northeast German rural communities in 1973, 1994, and 2004/2008].
This paper reports on selected results from the study "Health and Lifestyle in Rural Northeast Germany". A special characteristic of this study is the regional focus on peripheral rural communities and the trend study design. It was analyzed whether, and to what extent, associations exist between socioeconomic status and self-rated health in this regional context and over time. Thus, regression analyses were conducted using equivalent income, level of school education, and age as independent variables and self-rated health as the dependent variable. Analyses are based on paper-pencil surveys of the adult residents of 14 rural communities chosen at random in northeast Germany, performed in 1973, 1994, and 2004-2008. In all survey waves, a lower level of school education was associated with poor self-rated health. By contrast, associations between income and health were less consistent and constant over time. The associations between income and health are discussed as being specific to East Germany and as a consequence of social transformation in the context of reunification.


Reward and anxiety in genetic animal models of childhood depression.
One of the most important criteria for major depressive disorder in adults and in children and adolescents as well, is the loss of interest in or pleasure from typically enjoyable experiences or activities: anhedonia. Anxiety is frequently co-morbid with depression. We examined reward and anxiety in genetic animal models of childhood depression. Two different "depressed" lines were studied: the Flinders Sensitive Line (FSL) and their controls, Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats and the Wistar Kyoto (WKY) line and their controls, Wistar rats. Recently, we found that prepubertal rats (about 35 days old) from these lines exhibited increased immobility in the swim test, and abnormal social play observed after 24-h isolation. We hypothesized that FSL and WKY prepubertal rats will further show anhedonia in two different behavioral assays: the conditioned place preference test (CPP), examining the rewarding aspect of social interaction and the saccharin preference test. Behavior in the open field paradigm and freezing behavior in the CPP apparatus were also used as measures of anxiety. WKY, but not FSL prepubertal rats, consumed less of the saccharin solution compared to their control line. FSL, and WKY prepubertal rats found social interaction to be rewarding to a similar extent as their control lines, in the CPP test. Only the WKY rats showed anxiety in behavior in the open field and freezing behavior in the CPP paradigm. The results suggest that WKY prepubertal rats are anxious and sensitive to stress-induced anhedonia, while FSL prepubertal rats exhibit none of these symptoms.


Quality of roof-harvested rainwater--comparison of different roofing materials.
The objective of the study reported in this paper was to assess the quality of harvested rainwater on the basis of the roofing materials used and the presence of lichens/mosses on the roofing surface. Four pilot structures with different roofing materials (i.e., wooden shingle tiles, concrete tiles, clay tiles [Gi-Wa] and galvanized steel) were installed in a field. The galvanized steel was found to be the most suitable for rainwater harvesting applications, with their resulting physical and chemical water quality parameters meeting the Korean guidelines for drinking water quality (e.g., pH (5.8-8.5), TSS <500 mg/L, NO(3)(-) < 10 mg/L, SO(4)(2-) < 200 mg/L, Al < 0.2 mg/L, Cu < 1 mg/L, Fe < 0.3 mg/L, Pb < 0.05 mg/L, Zn < 1 mg/L, and E. coli (No detection)). In the galvanized steel case, the relatively high water quality was probably due to ultraviolet light and the high temperature effectively disinfecting the harvested rainwater. It was also found that the presence of lichens and mosses may adversely affect the physical, chemical and microbiological quality of rainwater.


Association between duration of playing video games and bone mineral density in Chinese adolescents.
The aim of the study was to investigate the association between duration of playing video games and bone mineral density (BMD) in Chinese adolescents. Three hundred eighty-four Chinese adolescents aged 14-18 yr (148 males and 236 females) were analyzed. Anthropometric measurements were obtained using standard procedures. Total body and regional BMD were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Duration of playing video games, defined as hours per day, was measured by a self-report questionnaire. We examined the association between duration of playing video games and BMD using multiple linear regression analysis. After adjustment for age, sex, pubertal stage, parental education, body mass index, adolescents with longer video game duration were more likely to have lower legs, trunk, pelvic, spine, and total BMD (p < 0.05). We concluded that duration of video game was negatively associated with BMD in Chinese adolescents. These findings provide support for reducing duration of playing video games as a possible means to increase BMD in adolescents. Future research is needed to elucidate the underlined mechanisms linking playing video games and osteoporosis.


[Convoluted nuclear cell malignant lymphoma in the infant--report of 2 autopsy cases].
Two autopsy cases of malignant lymphoma characterized by convoluted nuclear cells are presented. The two cases were infants under two years of age. One of the patients had a mediastinal tumor, both had marked lymph node involvement and were complicated with leukemia in the late course of the disease. High power and oil immersion microscopy showed that the surface of the nuclei in the neoplastic cells were convoluted in form of cerebral gyrus or mulberry. Though the typical convoluted nuclear cell being important morphologically, clinical history and histologic feature must be considered in the diagnosis of this tumor.


ATQ: alert time quality, an evaluation metric for assessing timely epidemic detection models within a school absenteeism-based surveillance system.
Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health (WDGPH) has conducted an absenteeism-based influenza surveillance program in the WDG region of Ontario, Canada since 2008, using a 10% absenteeism threshold to raise an alert for the implementation of mitigating measures. A recent study indicated that model-based alternatives, such as distributed lag seasonal logistic regression models, provided improved alerts for detecting an upcoming epidemic. However model evaluation and selection was primarily based on alert accuracy, measured by the false alert rate (FAR), and failed to optimize timeliness. Here, a new metric that simultaneously evaluates epidemic alert accuracy and timeliness is proposed. The alert time quality (ATQ) metric is investigated as a model selection criterion on both a simulated and real data set. The ATQ assessed alerts on a gradient, where alerts raised incrementally before or after an optimal day were considered informative, but were penalized for lack of timeliness. Summary statistics of ATQ, average alert time quality (AATQ) and first alert time quality (FATQ), were used for model evaluation and selection. Alerts raised by ATQ and FAR selected models were compared. Daily elementary school absenteeism and laboratory-confirmed influenza case data collected by WDGPH were used for demonstration and evaluation of the proposed metric. A simulation study that mimicked the WDG population and influenza demographics was conducted for further evaluation of the proposed metric. The FATQ-selected model raised acceptable first alerts most frequently, while the AATQ-selected model raised first alerts within the ideal range most frequently. Models selected by either FATQ or AATQ would more effectively predict community influenza activity with the local community than those selected by FAR.


Clinical experience with miocamycin in the treatment of respiratory tract infections.
The object of the study was to evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness and tolerability of miocamycin, a new macrolide antibiotic, in 86 patients with lower respiratory tract infections. The mean peak concentration of miocamycin was determined in bronchial secretions. High concentrations were recorded, in some cases exceeding serum levels. The pathogens were eradicated in all cases, with few side-effects.


[Psychometric properties of Profile of Mood States (POMS) in people with dementia and its application in the evaluation of the effects of therapeutic creative dance].
There is a growing need for scientific studies and tools that allow the evaluation of the effects at an affective level of some non-pharmacological therapies for people with dementia such as the creative therapeutic dance. To explore the validity and reliability of the Profile of Mood States (POMS) in people with dementia and to analyse the possible differences in the scores of the participants before and after sessions of creative therapeutic dance. POMS was administered to 36 people with dementia before and after four group sessions of creative therapeutic dance. To verify the construct validity, PANAS and STAXI-2 were also administered. The POMS presented a good internal consistency for each factor and an excellent one for the total scale. The temporal stability was medium-high. Convergent validity results support construct validity. After the creative therapeutic dance sessions, POMS factors tension, depression and confusion were reduced, while vigour increased significantly. There was no effect on fatigue and anger. The validity and reliability of POMS have been demonstrated in a population with dementia. Creative therapeutic dance can offer emotional benefits for people with dementia.


Non-invasive sampling in Itatiaia National Park, Brazil: wild mammal parasite detection.
Non-invasive sampling through faecal collection is one of the most cost-effective alternatives for monitoring of free-living wild mammals, as it provides information on animal taxonomy as well as the dynamics of the gastrointestinal parasites that potentially infect these animals. In this context, this study aimed to perform an epidemiological survey of gastrointestinal parasites using non-invasive faecal samples from carnivores and artiodactyls identified by stool macroscopy, guard hair morphology and DNA sequencing in Itatiaia National Park. Between 2017 and 2018, faeces from carnivores and artiodactyls were collected along trails in the park. The host species were identified through macroscopic and trichological examinations and molecular biology. To investigate the parasites, the Faust, Lutz and modified Ritchie and Sheather techniques and enzyme immunoassays to detect Cryptosporidium sp. antigens were used. A total of 244 stool samples were collected. The species identified were Chrysocyon brachyurus, Leopardus guttulus, Canis familiaris, Cerdocyon thous, Puma yagouaroundi, Leopardus pardalis, Puma concolor and Sus scrofa. There were 81.1% samples that were positive for parasites distributed mainly in the high part of the park. Helminths, especially eggs of the family Ascarididae, were more frequently detected in carnivore faeces (70.9%). Protozoa, especially Cryptosporidium sp., represented the highest frequency of infection in artiodactyl faeces (87.1%). This zoonotic protozoon was detected in eight mammalian species, including in a wild boar. High values of structural richness and Shannon and Simpson diversity indices were observed for the parasites, especially in the faeces of C. brachyurus. Significant differences in parasite diversity were observed between wild and domestic animals, such as C. brachyurus and C. familiaris, respectively, and between taxonomically distant species, such as C. brachyurus and S. scrofa. The highest values for parasite similarity were found among the species that frequented similar areas of the park, such as C. brachyurus and L. guttulus. The animals and parasite infections were identified through the combination of three techniques. High frequency parasite structures were diagnosed. Zoonotic protozoa were found and mainly occurred in samples from introduced species.


Hormone-fuel metabolism during exercise of insulin-dependent diabetic patients treated with an artificial B-cell unit.
The effects of restoration of glucose homeostasis on hormone-fuel metabolism of diabetic individuals during exercise (40% maximal O2 consumption) were determined by monitoring fuel oxidation rates and levels of substrates and hormones in nine normal subjects and five insulin-dependent diabetic patients while on conventional insulin therapy and after 3 days on artificial B-cell directed glucose regulation. The non-protein respiratory quotient (npRQ) and carbohydrate oxidation rate of the conventionally-treated diabetic subjects (0.908 +/- 0.002 and 538 +/- 5 mg/m2.min) were lower and the lipid oxidation rate (101 +/- 2 mg/m2.min) was significantly higher than those of the normal group during the bicycle exercise (101 +/- 2 mg/m2.min) was significantly 70 +/- 4 mg/m2.min, respectively). After 3 days of artificial B-cell insulin therapy, the npRQ and carbohydrate oxidation rate of the exercising diabetics significantly increased to 0.965 +/- 0.004 and 693 +/- 13 mg/m2.min, while the lipid oxidation rate declined to 39 +/- 4 mg/m2.min (p less than 0.001). We conclude that artificial B-cell directed insulin therapy increases carbohydrate oxidation and decreases lipid oxidation in exercising insulin-dependent diabetic subjects. However, if restoration of metabolic response identical to that of exercising normals is desired, the excess in carbohydrate oxidation coincident with elevated blood lactate and pyruvate levels suggest that the artificial B-cell therapy may not have been completely optimal, probably due to the hyperinsulinization of the diabetic patients.


Adherence to the Mediterranean diet and the risk of unexpected poor response to ovarian stimulation in IVF cycles.
Can preconception adherence to a Mediterranean diet influence the rate of poor response to ovarian stimulation in IVF cycles? The impact of dietary habits on the success of IVF is controversial. Inconsistencies may be explained by confounders associated with the use of pregnancy as an outcome as well as by a reductionist view of diet that focuses on single components rather than on food patterns. This cross-sectional study analysed adherence to a Mediterranean diet in women with unexpected poor response to ovarian stimulation. Main inclusion criteria were: age 18-39 years, normal weight, preserved ovarian reserve and starting dose of gonadotrophins of 150-225 IU/day. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was assessed through a Mediterranean diet score (MDS). Unexpected poor ovarian response was defined as the retrieval of ≤3 suitable oocytes. A total of 296 women were included, of whom 47 (15.9%) showed an unexpected poor response. A clear dose-related association with tertiles of MDS was not observed in the univariate analysis. However, in the multivariate analysis, the risk of unexpected poor response was significantly lower for women in the second tertile of MDS compared with the first tertile (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.29, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.11-0.76) and for women in the second and third tertiles, grouped together, compared with the first tertile (adjusted OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.14-0.82). Low adherence to a Mediterranean diet could be a risk factor for unexpected poor ovarian response.


Assessing intraoperative blood flow in cardiovascular surgery.
Off-pump coronary arterial bypass grafting and new surgical apparatus and techniques have decreased the mortality rate associated with this procedure to approximately 1.5%. If we could detect problems in the constructed coronary anastomoses by an alternative imaging system to coronary angiography during surgery, decisions to revise the surgical procedure could be made without hesitation. Meanwhile, the intraoperative direct evaluation of intestinal blood flow during abdominal aortic aneurysmal surgery is required to prevent ischemic colitis, which is a devastating complication. Indocyanine green (ICG) has recently improved ophthalmic angiography and the navigation systems of oncological surgery. The fluorescence illumination of ICG with a near-infrared light is captured on camera. In coronary arterial surgery, the ICG imaging system is also becoming increasingly useful. A new ICG imaging system, the HyperEye Medical System (HEMS), provides a clear view of the blood flow and ischemic area with color visualization. Furthermore, its combination with a quantitative blood flow assessment tool such as transit time flow measurement could improve the accuracy of intraoperative examination. In this review, we evaluate the current strategies of assessing blood flow intraoperatively with an ICG imaging system in cardiovascular surgery.


Demyelinating encephalomyelitis induced by a long-term corona virus infection in rats. A preliminary report.
About 30% of weanling rats inoculated with JHM virus developed a subacute demyelinating encephalomyelitis (SDE) 3 weeks after inoculation (a.i.). From the remaining animals, 5% displayed overt neurological signs 3, 6, and 8 months a.i. Animals with and without clinical signs 6-8 months a.i. were morphologically examined. Fresh demyelinating lesions could be demonstrated in paralyzed animals. Viral antigen was demonstrated and infectious JHM virus could be recovered from one animal which developed clinical signs at 3 months a.i. In one animal with clinical onset of 8 months a.i. completely remyelinated areas as well as recent demyelinating lesions were observed, suggesting a recurrence of the disease process. Remyelinated areas were also found in 40% of clinically silent animals. The morphology of the late onset of the demyelination was similar to that occurring in SDE. Remyelination consisted of both CNS and PNS-type. This animal model offers the possibility to investigate the virus-host relationship which is responsible for the induction of a demyelinating process after a long incubation period.


Low susceptibility to the induction of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in a substrain of the otherwise susceptible Lewis rat.
A substrain of the Lewis rat, Lew/Mol, differing from ordinary Lewis rats in that it is hardly susceptible to the induction of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is described. The Lew/Mol rats did not mount a host-vs.-graft response towards cells from an EAE-susceptible substrain of Lewis rats (Lew/Mai) and vice versa. This argues against the possibility that the origin of Lew/Mol rats involves accidental cross-breeding with other rat strains. Thus the EAE-resistance in Lew/Mol rats in interpreted as being due to a mutation(s) in a gene(s) regulating the susceptibility to EAE. Specific pathogen-free Lew/Mol rats were more resistant to EAE induction than Lew/Mol rats bred under conventional conditions, emphasizing the importance of environmental factors. Neither cyclophosphamide treatment nor increased age resulted in marked susceptibility in the Lew/Mol rats, although aging apparently had some effect, as a few animals did show neurological signs. Approximately half of (Lew/Mol x Lew/Mai)F1 hybrids developed EAE with neurological signs. In this respect, Lew/Mol rats differ from another recently described EAE-resistant substrain of the Lewis rat (LeR).


Adaptive variations in heat production within Gerbils (genus Gerbillus) from different habitats.
Species of the genus Gerbillus are very common among the rodent fauna inhabiting arid zones and dune habitats in the palaearctic region. In Israel G. nanus is distributed in extreme arid areas, while G. allenbyi is common in coastal plain dune habitats, of mesic and semi-arid areas. Therefore, their distribution pattern is considered allopatric.Heat production, estimated by the oxygen consumption (Vo2), and body temperature (T b) at various ambient temperatures were measured in both gerbils. The thermoneutral zone for G. allenbyi is between T a=28-35° C ([Formula: see text] T b=36.3-38.3° C) and for G. nanus is at T a=33±1° C ([Formula: see text], T b=38.8° C). The [Formula: see text] values at thermoneutrality are 75.7% and 50.6% respectively of the calculated values for rodents with a mean body weight of 35.3 g and 28.4 g.Nonshivering thermogenesis (NST) was measured in both species as the maximal response to an injection of noradrenaline (2.0 mg/Kg s.c.). NST magnitude was the same for both species.The results show that both gerbils are adapted to arid environments. The difference in the thermoneutral zones of the two species is discussed in terms of its adaptive nature.


One-year results using a risk scoring system in a family planning clinic.
During one year (from 1/1/85 to 12/31/85) 1038 women sought contraception at a family planning clinic. Contraception was recommended using a risk scoring system to increase the suitability of a method to the needs of an individual woman. Among the 546 women fitted with a IUD (copper or unmedicated), the continuation rate was 90.49%. Removal rates for pregnancy or bleeding were small compared with the rates published in the current literature. Among the 472 women using oral contraceptive pills (combined or triphasic), the continuation rate was 99.16%: the triphasic pill was well accepted, without discontinuation for menstrual disruption, pregnancy, or gastrointestinal side-effects. Only 20 women (1.92%) selected a barrier method (diaphragm with spermicide) suggesting the need to improve the image of barrier methods as safe and reliable. We conclude that prescribing contraception using a risk scoring system increases the appropriateness to the needs of the woman, thereby eliminating many complications and side-effects.


Circadian study of immunoreactive prolactin in patients with cirrhosis of the liver.
The pattern of immunoreactive prolactin secretion over 24 hr in a group of patients suffering from cirrhosis of the liver has been studied and compared to that of healthy controls. The results were analyzed by use of chronograms and by mean cosinor. Although the daily mean average secretion of serum prolactin by the cirrhotics is not different from that of the control subjects utilizing the standard t-test, cosinor analysis of the data fails to demonstrate a circadian rhythm for prolactin secretion in the cirrhotics. These results are discussed in view of the apparent clinical hyperestrogenization and known changes in electrolyte balance which are commonly found in persons with advanced liver disease.


Environmental predictors may change at fine scale habitat suitability modelling: implications for conservation of Kashmir musk deer in three protected areas of Uttarakhand, India.
The Kashmir musk deer (Moschus cupreus, hereafter KMD) is one of the top conservation priority species which is facing population decline due to poaching, habitat loss, and climate change. Therefore, the long-term survival and viability of KMD populations in their natural habitat require conservation and management of suitable habitats. Hence, the present study attempted to assess the suitable habitat of KMD in three protected areas (PAs) of the Western Himalayan region of Uttarakhand using the Maxent modelling algorithm. Our results suggest that Kedarnath wildlife sanctuary (KWLS) possesses the maximum highly suitable habitats (22.55%) of KMD, followed by Govind Pashu Vihar National Park & Sanctuary (GPVNP&S; 8.33%) and Gangotri National Park (GNP; 5%). Among the environmental variables, altitude was the major contributing factor governing the distribution of KMD in KWLS. In contrast, human footprint in GPVNP&S and precipitation in GNP were the major contributing factors governing the distribution of KMD in these respective PAs. The response curve indicated that habitats with less disturbance falling in the altitudinal zone of 2000-4000 m were the most suitable habitat range for the distribution of KMD in all three PAs. However, in the case of GNP suitable habitat of KMD increases with an increase in the value of variables bio_13 (precipitation of wettest month). Further, based on our results, we believe that the predictors of suitable habitat change are site specific and cannot be generalized in the entire distribution range of the species. Therefore, the present study will be helpful in making proper habitat management actions at fine scale for the conservation of KMD.


An investigation into the lipid interactions of peptides corresponding to the C-terminal anchoring domains of Escherichia coli penicillin-binding proteins 4, 5 and 6.
The Escherichia coli low molecular mass penicillin-binding proteins PBP4, PBP5 and PBP6 are DD-peptidases involved in murein biosynthesis. It has been suggested that these proteins may be anchored to the periplasmic face of the inner membrane via their C termini. Here, peptide homologues (P4, P5 and P6) of the PBP4, PBP5 and PBP5 C-terminal regions have been used to investigate potential protein-lipid interactions involved in this anchoring mechanism. Surface pressure changes observed for the interactions of P5 and P6 with a range of monolayers indicated that the peptides are membrane interactive and that the interactions proceeded via predominantly hydrophobic forces with only minor requirements for anionic lipid. In contrast, P4 interactions with monolayers appeared to proceed via predominantly electrostatic forces with a major requirement for anionic lipid. The lipid interactions of all three peptides were generally enhanced by low pH and for P5 and P6 were in the range of 10-15 mN m-1 whereas for P4 interactions they were in the range of 3-7 mN m-1. CD analysis implied the presence of alpha-helical structure in P5 and P6 and molecular area determinations implied that P4 may also possess helical architecture in the presence of dioleoylphosphatidylglycerol monolayers. Overall, our results support the view that C-terminal amphiphilic alpha-helices are involved in the membrane anchoring of PBP5 and PBP6 and suggest that a similar mechanism could contribute to PBP4-membrane anchoring. Furthermore, we have speculated that the presence of cationic residues in the hydrophilic face of these alpha-helices may help facilitate membrane interaction.


Highlights of the XII International Congress on Toxicology, 19 - 23 July 2010, Barcelona, Spain.
There are few true international meetings dedicated to covering multiple areas of toxicology. The XII International Congress of Toxicology (IUTOX) held from 19 to 23 July 2010 in Barcelona, Spain is one such meeting. The IUTOX is important as its emphasis is on chemical safety and integrating approaches and alternative possibilities to protecting public health. The meeting was an important forum with professional interactions in different subspecialties of toxicology addressing these current topics. The basis of toxic effects including mechanistic, effects testing, monitoring and alternative methods are covered in this meeting highlights article. Coverage of industry, clinical toxicologists, environmentalists, regulators and technological developers is provided. Insight into the coverage of topics discussed at the XII IUTOX meeting. Current topics in toxicology with international impact are presently centered on new testing strategies, biomarkers and understanding mechanisms of toxicity to help address the safety and risk of substances relevant to public health.


Correlation between thromboplastic activity and lecithin/sphingomyelin ratio in amniotic fluid preliminary report.
THe thromboplastic activity of amniotic fluid was correlated with the lecithin sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio in 59 pregnancies. It was shown that the thromboplastic activity and the L/S ratio in amniotic fluid had a coefficient of correlation of r = --0-73 (P less than 0-004). The thromboplastic activity was estimated by a modified method for prothrombin time, and a time of 113 seconds appeared to correspond to an L/S ratio of 2, in that it was the border line between maturity and immaturity of the fetal lungs. Thirty women were delivered within 24 hours of a sample of amniotic fluid being obtained. In the three patients whose babies developed the respiratory distress syndrome, the thromboplastic activity was estimated as being slower than 113 seconds.


Cowden syndrome and the associated Lhermitte-Duclos disease--Case presentation.
We report a patient with features of Cowden syndrome (CS). A 35-year old woman has been suffering from headache, vertigo and mild imbalance since 2 years. Examination showed subtle mucocutaneous lesions: papillomatous papules on the gingival mucosa, a few verrucous acral skin lesions and macrocephaly. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a tumor of the left cerebellar hemisphere with "tiger-striped" pattern on T2-weighted image (T2WI), typical of Lhermitte-Duclos disease (LDD)--one of the pathognomonic but infrequent features of CS. A pathogenic de novo heterozygous PTEN mutation: c.49C>T variant has been identified in exon 1 of the PTEN gene by sequencing.


Xylanase contribution to the efficiency of cellulose enzymatic hydrolysis of barley straw.
In this study, different enzyme preparations available from Novozymes were assessed for their efficiency to hydrolyze lignocellulosic materials. The enzyme mixture was evaluated on a pretreated cellulose-rich material, and steam-exploded barley straw pretreated under different temperatures (190, 200, and 210 degrees C, respectively) in order to produce fermentable sugars. Results show that xylanase supplementation improves initial cellulose hydrolysis effectiveness of water-insoluble solid fraction from all steam-exploded barley straw samples, regardless of the xylan content of substrate. The mixture constituted by cellulase: beta-glucosidase: endoxylanase of the new kit for lignocellulose conversion at a ratio 10:1:5% ([v/w], enzyme [E]/substrate [S]) provides the highest increment of cellulose conversion in barley straw pretreated at 210 degrees C, for 10 min.


Comparative phosphoproteomic provides insights into meat quality differences between slow- and fast-growing broilers.
The selection of broilers for augmented growth rate and breast yield has been accompanied by deterioration in meat quality. To characterise the meat quality differences between slow- (SG) and fast-growing broilers (FG), Xueshan and Ross 308 chickens were employed to determine the mechanisms causing these differences. SG meat was found to display more redness and yellowness, higher shear force, pH24h, and protein content, with lower intramuscular fat (IMF) content than FG meat. Further, based on comparative phosphoproteomic analysis (SG/FG), upregulated phosphorylated myofibrillar proteins resulted in larger fibres, which contributed to lower pressing loss and tenderness. The phosphoproteins of glycolytic enzymes, phosphorylase kinases, and calcium-related proteins were significantly downregulated, which reduced the acidity of the meat. SLC7A5 at Ser21, MRC2 at Ser1359 and CRAT at Ser341, AUP1 at Ser377 positively affected protein and IMF deposition, respectively. Together, these phosphoproteins elicit vital information for the genetic improvement of chicken meat quality.


7,8-Methylenedioxy-4H-2,3-benzodiazepin-4-ones as novel AMPA receptor antagonists.
The synthesis and anticonvulsant activity of novel 7,8-methylenedioxy-4H-2,3-benzodiazepin-4-ones 3a-e, structurally-related to GYKI 52466 1, a well-known noncompetitive AMPA-receptor antagonist, are reported. The new compounds possess marked anticonvulsant properties and, in analogy to 1, antagonize seizures induced by AMPA. In addition, when compared to the model compound 1, compounds 3 show a longer-lasting anticonvulsant activity and a lower toxicity.


Employing Laccase-Producing Aspergillus sydowii NYKA 510 as a Cathodic Biocatalyst in Self-Sufficient Lighting Microbial Fuel Cell.
In the present work, we isolated and identified Aspergillus sydowii NYKA 510 as the most potent laccase producer. Its medium constituents were optimized to produce the highest possible amount of laccase, which was after 7 days at 31°C and pH 5.2. Banana peel and peptone excelled in inducing laccase production at concentrations of 15.1 and 2.60 g/l, respectively. Addition of copper sulfate elevated enzyme yield to 145%. The fungus was employed in a microbial fuel cell (MFC). The best performance was obtained at 2000 Ω achieving 0.76 V, 380 mAm-2, 160 mWm-2, and 0.4 W. A project to design a self-sufficient lighting unit was implemented by employing a system of 2 sets of 4 MFCs each, connected in series, for electricity generation. A scanning electron microscopy image of A. sydowii NYKA 510 was utilized in algorithmic form generation equations for the design. The mixed patterning and patterned customized mass approach were developed by the authors and chosen for application in the design.


Interactive video module and simulated model for uterine manipulation during laparoscopic hysterectomy.
Hysterectomy is one of the most common gynecologic surgeries, with an increasing proportion of hysterectomies performed by a laparoscopic approach. Uterine manipulation is critical for patient safety and surgical efficiency; however, the most junior member of the surgical team assumes the responsibility of uterine manipulation, commonly without preparation. The objective of our study was to determine whether kinesthetic learning using a low-cost simulated pelvic model while learning the uterine manipulation maneuvers of a laparoscopic hysterectomy improves learning efficacy and application efficiency compared to an interactive video module alone. Our randomized control trial at an academic medical center included forty first-year and second-year medical students. Participants were randomized to the intervention group that used a low-cost simulated pelvic model for kinesthetic learning during the video module or the control group who only had the interactive video module to learn the uterine manipulation maneuvers of a laparoscopic hysterectomy. Participants in the intervention group were less likely to make unnecessary movements with demonstration of both pelvic side walls (right wall: control 78.9%, intervention 42.9%, p < 0.027; left wall: control 94.7%, intervention 66.7%, p < 0.046), and this was more pronounced in novice first-year participants (p < 0.009). Additionally, participants in the intervention group reported higher perceived preparedness (100% versus 71.4% in control group, p < 0.037). However, there was no difference in verbal or physical cues required, time per task, or force used between the groups. Kinesthetic practice may not be required for learning the uterine manipulation maneuvers of a laparoscopic hysterectomy, but it may be beneficial for more novice learners and to increase learners' perceived preparedness. Our novel interactive video module alone may be sufficient to prepare learners to perform uterine manipulation maneuvers prior to the operating room.


Evaluation of interleukin 13 polymorphisms in systemic sclerosis.
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multisystem disease of unknown etiology. It is characterized by excessive cutaneous and visceral fibrosis, damage to small blood vessels, and production of autoantibodies. Interleukin-13 (IL-13) has been shown to be involved in abnormal fibrosis in other diseases. Therefore, we have evaluated its possible involvement in SSc. We analyzed four IL13 gene polymorphisms, rs1800925 (IL13-1055), rs20541 (Arg130Gln), rs847, and rs2243204 in 107 unrelated SSc patients (40 patients having diffuse cutaneous form and 67 patients having limited cutaneous form) and in 170 controls. All subjects were Caucasians. In the total patient population and in the diffuse cutaneous subset, we observed an association between two IL13 polymorphisms, IL13 rs1800925 (IL13-1055), and IL13 rs2243204, and disease (p=0.03-0.04). The IL13 rs2243204T allele was more common in SSc patients (p=0.01, OR=2.3 CI 1.21-4.38) and in the diffuse cutaneous form (p=0.01, OR=2.95, CI 1.35-6.49) than in control subjects. Our result supports the suggestion that polymorphisms in IL13 are associated to SSc and skin fibrosis process. However, further studies on larger and independent population and functional analyses are needed to confirm these findings.


Changes in dietary patterns from preconception to during pregnancy and its association with socio-demographic and lifestyle factors.
To examine dietary patterns changes from preconception to during pregnancy and their associations with socio-demographic and lifestyle factors. This study used data from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health (ALSWH), a population-based prospective cohort study. Women's dietary patterns were assessed using Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015) score and the four patterns were obtained from the factor analysis (Western diets, vegetable and grains, traditional vegetable and fruit patterns). Multi-variable linear regression and repeated measures mixed-effect models were used. A national representative survey which covers all Australian citizens and permanent residents in Australia. 621 women were included from the ALSWH. Women's scores increased on the 'HEI-2015', 'traditional vegetable' and 'fruit' patterns while the 'vegetable and grains' decreased from preconception to during pregnancy. Women with higher education were more likely to increase their HEI-2015 score and fruit consumption from preconception to during pregnancy, respectively (β = 2·31, (95 % CI 0·02, 4·60)) and (β = 23·78, (95 % CI 4·58, 42·97)), than those with lower educational status. Single women were more likely to increase the consumption of vegetables and grains compared to married women (β = 76·08, (95 % CI 20·83, 131·32)). Women with higher income had a greater increase in the HEI-2015 score than those with lower income (β = 3·02, (95 % CI 0·21, 5·83)). The findings indicate that there have been marked dietary changes from preconception to during pregnancy. Changes in healthy dietary patterns were influenced by education, marital status and income.


[Prognostic analysis of BCL-2/MYC double- hit in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma].
To investigate the effect of BCL-2/MYC double-hit on prognosis in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL). A retrospective study was conducted to investigate clinical and pathological data of 111 patients with DLBCL. CD10, BCL-6, MUM-1, BCL-2 protein expressions were examined by immune-histochemical methods, and abnormal BCL-2 and MYC genes were analyzed by FISH for patients with sufficient pathological data. SAS 8.2 was adopted to perform Chi- square test, COX's proportional Hazard Model, Life table survival analyses. Of 111 patients, male 77 cases, female 34 cases, the median age was 55(14-85)years, CD10, BCL-6, MUM-1, BCL-2 positive rates were 15.7%(16/102), 58.8%(60/102), 33.0%(34/103), 74.8(77/103)respectively, the abnormal rate of BCL-2 gene was 43.1%(25/58, 24 cases with multiple copies, 1 case with translocation), and the abnormal rate of MYC gene was 20.4%(10/49, 10 cases with multiple copies). Coexistence of BCL-2 and MYC genes abnormalities accounted for 13.0%(6/46). According to the classification of Hans model, GCB subgroup accounted for 41.2%(42/102), and non-GCB subgroup 58.8%(60/102), the median survival time was 24 months, 3-year and 5-year overall survival rates were 48.5% and 39.7% respectively. Overall survival rates of normal and abnormal BCL-2 gene were 34.2%,22.8%, respectively with no statistical significance(P=0.770). Overall survival rates of normal and abnormal MYC gene were 35.9% and 22.2% ,with no statistical significance(P=0.650). Overall survival rate of double-hit was 0, far worse than that of single abnormal gene(P=0.034), which implied double-hit of BCL-2 and MYC gene abnormality to be adverse prognostic factors. BCL-6 protein express could be classified as benign prognostic factors, while ECOG score≥2, escalated IPI index as adverse prognostic factors, and further COX risk model regression analysis indicated that ECOG score, IPI grading and treatment methods were independently adverse factors affecting prognosis. Comprehensive therapy based on chemotherapy could improve outcome. BCL-2/MYC genes double-hit was the factor for the adverse outcome in DLBCL patients. However, ECOG score, IPI risk grading and treatment methods were the independent factors affecting prognosis.


The antagonistic roles of PDGF and integrin αvβ3 in regulating ROS production at focal adhesions.
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been shown to play crucial roles in regulating various cellular functions, e.g. focal adhesion (FA) dynamics and cell migration upon growth factor stimulation. However, it is not clear how ROS are regulated at subcellular FA sites to impact cell migration. We have developed a biosensor capable of monitoring ROS production at FA sites in live cells with high sensitivity and specificity, utilizing fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). The results revealed that platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) can induce ROS production at FA sites, which is mediated by Rac1 activation. In contrast, integrins, specifically integrin αvβ3, inhibits this local ROS production. The RhoA activity can mediate this inhibitory role of integrins in regulating ROS production. Therefore, PDGF and integrin αvβ3 coordinate to have an antagonistic effect in the ROS production at FA sites to regulate cell adhesion and migration.


Impact of collection programs for the generation of monocyte apheresis products on product quality and composition as starting material for the generation of cellular therapeutics.
With the discontinuation of the last generation of apheresis machines, new options for monocyte apheresis became available. As apheresis products play a crucial role in the generation of new cellular therapeutics (e.g., generation of dendritic cells [DCs] or precursor for T-cell experiments) we sought to compare two different collection programs for potential benefits or disadvantages due to different composition of the cellular products. Composition of discontinuously and continuously collected monocyte products from the same 13 donors was analyzed. For further evaluation as starting material for manufacturing of cellular therapeutics typically used steps such as Ficoll Isopaque, cryoconservation and monocyte isolation, with subsequent generation of mature DCs (mDCs) and assessment of T-cell function, were performed on seven of these apheresis pairs. Yield of total cells, monocytes, and mDCs was equal with both methods. T-cell composition did not differ significantly in content of CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ cells. Differentiation status and cytokine production of CD8+ T cells upon stimulation with cytomegalovirus pp65 antigen was not significantly different. Both methods seem comparably suited for the generation of cellular products. If the intended use is "fresh" (without cryoconservation), continuously harvested cells show better cell numbers, while discontinuously harvested cells show better recovery after cryoconservation.


Cardiomyopathy and carnitine deficiency.
Carnitine is essential for the transfer of long-chain fatty acids across the mitochondrial membrane for subsequent beta-oxidation. A defect in the high-affinity carnitine transporter OCTN2 causes autosomal recessive primary carnitine deficiency that can present with hypoketotic hypoglycemia, mainly in infancy or cardiomyopathy. Heterozygotes for primary carnitine deficiency can have mildly reduced plasma carnitine levels and can develop benign cardiac hypertrophy. In animal models, heterozygotes for this disease have a higher incidence of cardiomyopathy with aging. This study tested whether heterozygosity for primary carnitine deficiency was associated with cardiomyopathy. The frequency of mutations in the SLC22A5 gene encoding the OCTN2 carnitine transporter was determined in 324 patients with cardiomyopathy and compared to that described in the normal population. Missense variations identified in normal controls and patients with cardiomyopathy were expressed in Chinese Hamster Ovary cells to confirm a functional effect. Exons 2-10 of the SLC22A5 gene were amplified by PCR in the presence of LCGreen I and analyzed by dye-binding/high-resolution thermal denaturation. Exon 1 of the gene was sequenced in all patients. Heterozygosity for a few variants (L144F, T264M, I312V, E317K, and R488H) was found in 6/324 patients with cardiomyopathy. Expression of these variants in CHO cells indicated that T264M decreased, E317K increased, while L144F, I312V, and R488H did not significantly affect carnitine transport. Expression in CHO cells of all the variants identified in a normal population indicated that only two had a functional effect (L17F and Y449D), while L144F, V481I, V481F, M530V, and P549S did not change significantly carnitine transport. The frequency of variants affecting carnitine transport was 2/324 patients with cardiomyopathy (0.61%) not significantly different from frequency of 3/270 (1.11%) in the general population. These results indicate that heterozygosity for primary carnitine deficiency is not more frequent in patients with unselected types of cardiomyopathy and is unlikely to be an important cause of cardiomyopathy in humans.


Complete 1H and 13C NMR spectra of pregnenolone.
Assignments for signals from 1H and 13C in the NMR spectra of pregnenolone (1), 16-dehydropregnenolone (2), and the 3-acetate of 1 (3) were validated by two-dimensional correlated spectroscopy (2D COSY) and heteronuclear single quantum coherence (HSQC). The narrow band of overlapping signals from H-7, H-2, and H-4 was resolved by exploiting three-bond coupling in the 2D COSY spectra and heteronuclear correlation. Assignments were based on high intensity cross peaks from long-range coupling by H-18 with H-17 and H-12 (axial). Similar cross peaks were observed for H-17 with H-21. Low intensity cross peaks were seen for H-4 coupled with H-6 and H-7, and also H-16 (quasi-axial) with H-14 of 1 and 3. Assignments based on 2D COSY spectra were confirmed by correlation peaks from HSQC. This now corrects the earlier conflicts among assignments reported for 13C signals of 1 and 3. Accurate assignments were similarly derived for signals from C-2, C-7, C-8, and C-21 of 1 and 3, and C-15 and C-16 of 1, 2, and 3. The complete sets of 1H and 13C NMR data for pregnenolone, pregnenolone 3-acetate, and 16-dehydropregnenolone serve as reference standards.


Reassessing Risk Factors for High Defibrillation Threshold: The EF-SAGA Risk Score and Implications for Device Testing.
To reevaluate risk factors for high defibrillation threshold (DFT) and propose a risk assessment tool. Controversy exists over routine DFT testing during implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) placement. We retrospectively analyzed 1,642 consecutive patients who received an ICD and underwent DFT testing. The incidence of high DFT requiring addition of a subcutaneous array was 2.3%. Five significant independent variables predictive of high DFT were identified, including younger age, male gender (hazard ratio 1.99), left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, secondary prevention (hazard ratio 2.33), and amiodarone use (hazard ratio 2.39). Each 10-year increase in age was indicative of a 0.35-times lower chance of high DFT. Each 10% increase of LV ejection fraction (EF) was indicative of a 0.52-times lower chance of high DFT. These five variables form the EF-SAGA risk score (LVEF < 20%, Secondary prevention ICD indication, Age < 60 years, male Gender, Amiodarone use). Cumulative risk of high DFT increased incrementally; patients with four or more variables had an 8.9% likelihood of high DFT. Importantly, primary prevention patients with LVEF > 20% had a negative predictive value for high DFT of 99.3%. We identified five independent predictors of high DFT. We propose the EF-SAGA risk score to help decision making. Primary prevention patients with an LVEF > 20% had an exceedingly low incidence of high DFT suggesting that testing could be avoided in these patients. Careful assessment of the risk-benefit ratio of testing is important in high-risk patients.


Informational affordances: evidence of acquired perception-action sequences for information extraction.
Visual objects can automatically prime actions allowing efficient interaction with them. The present study examined whether object perception can automatically prime actions leading to efficient information extraction. Participants in Experiment 1 learned to rotate a cube in a specific way with the end goal of efficiently revealing object-identifying information. In Experiments 2 and 3, the end goal of obtaining object-identifying information was removed, but the stimulus-response associations were preserved. Only object views associated with actions learned in the context of obtaining identifying information caused response interference and benefits in a subsequent test phase where the object was irrelevant. These results demonstrate the existence of informational affordances: perception-action sequences acquired with the goal of information extraction that are automatically primed during later exposure to the object. Perceptual priming of actions for efficient information extraction is an important component of expert performance and its use of action systems to optimally deal with the world.


Perichromism: a powerful tool for probing the properties of cellulose and its derivatives.
This overview is concerned with the use of certain dyes (perichromic indicators, hereafter designated as "probes") in order to determine the properties of cellulose, its solutions and solid derivatives. It is arranged as follows: (i) the properties of cellulose and its derivatives that are relevant to their applications are listed; (ii) a general discussion is presented on how perichromism can be employed in order to gain information on the medium where the probe is present; (iii) the results of perichromism, as applied to cellulose, cellulose solutions, and derivative films are discussed.


Friendship group identification, multidimensional self-concept, and experience of developmental tasks in adolescence.
This study applied a social identity perspective to the study of adolescent self-concept and social development. British adolescents aged 14-15 years (N=114) completed a questionnaire which asked them to: (i) rate their degree of identification with a school-based friendship group; (ii) complete a measure of multi-dimensional self-concept; and (iii) report their experiences of a variety of personal, relational and socio-institutional (e.g., achieving economic independence) developmental tasks. Compared to low identifiers, participants who were highly identified with a friendship group reported highest levels of self-esteem; and these differences were most marked in non-academic domains of self. High identifiers also displayed higher levels of general self-esteem and reported more positive experiences of personal and relational developmental tasks. The discussion focuses on the potential benefits to understanding of social developmental processes that can be derived from a consideration of adolescents' subjective appraisals of their peer relations.


3D Spheroid Invasion Assay for High-Throughput Screening of Small-Molecule Libraries.
Cancer metastasis is a complex cascade that involves the activation of cancer cell migration and invasion of the extracellular space. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are known inducers of cancer cell invasion. However, current in vitro invasion assays such as the Boyden chamber assay are cumbersome and low throughput. Therefore, there is an urgent need for new ex vivo, surrogate invasion assays that can faithfully recapitulate the cancer cell invasion process in vitro and are amenable to large-scale screening of small-molecule libraries in a high-throughput fashion. Here, we describe a well-established high-throughput three-dimensional (3D) spheroid invasion assay as a powerful tool to identify novel molecular targets that can potentially mediate CAF-dependent cancer cell invasion.


The prevalence of coeliac disease as detected by screening in children with iron deficiency anaemia.
Iron deficiency anaemia is a frequent finding seen in coeliac disease, which can be diagnosed alone or with other findings. In this study, our aim was to determine the prevalence of coeliac disease in children with iron deficiency anaemia without significant gastrointestinal symptoms. There were 135 children with iron deficiency anaemia in the patient group (group 1), and 223 healthy children without iron deficiency anaemia in the control group (group 2) in this study. Antiendomysial antibody (EMA) IgA test was given to both groups. Antiendomysial antibody-positive patients underwent small intestine biopsy. The mean age was 7.2+/-4.6 (2-16) y in the patient group (group 1) and 8.2+/-3.8 (2-16) y in the control group (group 2), and no significant difference between the two groups was detected. In terms of gender, there was a significant difference between groups 1 and 2 (M/F: 74/61 and 98/125, respectively) ( p<0.05). EMA was positive in six cases in group 1 (4.4%), and villous atrophy and/or inflammation in the lamina propria with increased intraepithelial lymphocytes was seen on small intestine biopsy in these patients. In the control group, EMA was negative in all children. In detailed histories of patients with coeliac disease diagnosis, recurrent iron deficiency anaemia/pica was found in four patients (66.7%) and occasionally foul-smelling or watery stool attacks were seen in four patients (66.7%). Three of these six patients (50%) had short stature. The prevalence of coeliac disease was high in patients with iron deficiency anaemia; therefore, gastrointestinal findings should be further examined for coeliac disease, and the possibility of coeliac disease should be investigated in patients with recurrent iron deficiency anaemia and short stature.


On the recovery of horsehair worms, Gordius sp. (Nematomorpha: Gordiida) from pork in Shillong, India.
The members of the phylum Nematomorpha, called as horsehair or gordian worms, are the parasites of arthropods and emerge from their host for reproduction and early development in water. There are about 360 species of nematomorphs described till date. Although, horsehair worms are parasites of arthropod species, sporadic cases of their occurrence have also been reported from several other hosts, including man. This paper describes a case history of the occurrence of two nematomorph worms in the meat of a pig in Shillong, India. The worms were reported to have emerged in live condition from pork bought by a consumer from local market in Shillong. One of the recovered specimens was studied by scanning electron microscopy for species determination and identified as Gordius sp., mainly on the basis of flat polygonal areoles and fine bristles on the cuticle.


Applications of a hollow fiber device to monitor hemostasis.
A global assessment of hemostasis can be determined by the perfusion of unanti-coagulated whole blood through a hollow fiber at a nominal shear rate of 300 sec(-1). Once the pressure across the hollow fiber is stable, uniform holes are punched through the top and bottom of the fiber, resulting in an optically detectable leakage of blood from the hollow fiber and a pressure drop throughout the system. Changes in the shear rate and flow profile at the puncture site are sufficient to activate platelets mechanically, resulting in a platelet plug observable by electron microscopy. Fibrin is the principal component of the luminal surface adjacent to the puncture site and a prominent fibrin tail extends downstream from this site. The time from the introduction of the punch site to 90% recovery of the baseline pressure defines the in vitro bleeding time (IVBT). The rate of the pressure recovery appears to be related to the efficiency of the thrombin-mediated recruitment of additional platelets to the plug. Pressure recovery can be delayed by either platelet or thrombin inhibitors.