Autoradiographic localization of the gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor agonist 3H-muscimol in the rat superior cervical ganglion.
The anatomical localization of gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA-A) receptor sites in the rat superior cervical ganglion was studied using combined radioreceptor binding and autoradiographic techniques. 3H-Muscimol was used as a ligand of GABA-A receptor sites. The binding was consistent with the labelling of GABA-A sites. The dissociation constant value was 6.4 nmol/l, and the maximum density of binding sites was 146 +/- 7.8 fmol/mg tissue. Light microscope autoradiography revealed the accumulation of 3H-muscimol mainly in superior portions of the ganglion. Binding sites are located primarily in the neuropil rather than within ganglionic neurons. It is probable that the sites revealed by autoradiography are involved in the inhibition of acetylcholine release from ganglionic neurons.


SAFE - Home Opioid Management Education (SAFE-HOME) in older adults: a naloxone awareness program for home health workers.
Older adults (≥65 years) have seen significant increases in opioid overdose deaths. Diversion of older adults' opioid medication is also a contributor to opioid misuse. Naloxone, an opioid antagonist, saves lives when used for an opioid overdose, yet education on opioid overdose and naloxone access and training for older adults is limited. A prospective, interventional training program was created to educate home health workers and their older adult clients on opioid overdose and naloxone utility. The SAFE - Home Opioid Management Education (SAFE-HOME) naloxone awareness program was created to include in-person training with educational handouts around opioid risks and on the importance of naloxone. Home health workers, who provide in-home care and care coordination to older adults in rural Illinois, were trained to educate their clients with the SAFE-HOME program. Older adults were included if they were prescribed an opioid for any indication. Outcomes included change in knowledge of opioids and naloxone, home health worker perception of client knowledge level and naloxone obtainment rates following the educational intervention. Thirty-five clients completed the SAFE-HOME program. The average knowledge assessment score increased from a baseline of 39.4% (SD 26.8) to 90.6% (SD 12.6, p<0.01). Most home health workers agreed their older adult clients had poor baseline knowledge of naloxone. No clients obtained naloxone due to lack of perceived need and cost barriers. An educational approach utilizing home health workers as client educators resulted in increased knowledge of opioid risks and naloxone utility amongst older adults.


Long-term hypertriglyceridemia and glucose intolerance in rats fed chronically an isocaloric sucrose-rich diet.
We have previously shown that short-term feeding [20 to 25 day induction period (IP)] normal rats a sucrose-rich diet (SRD) results in an increase of plasma (P), liver (L), and heart (H) triacylglycerol (TG) levels, accompanied by a drop in plasma postheparin total (T-TGL) and hepatic (H-TGL) triglyceride lipases activities, IV glucose intolerance (low Kg) and hyperinsulin responses both in vivo and in vitro, suggesting that a state of insulin resistance had developed. Since normalization of P-TG ensued in the medium term [40 to 55 day adaptation period (AP)] we decided to carry out a longitudinal, long-term (90 to 120 day) follow-up study to observe the dynamic behavior of the above metabolic and hormonal parameters as compared to the appropriate time course control rats were fed the standard chow (STD).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


Interpretations and judgments regarding positive and negative social scenarios in childhood social anxiety.
The present study extended our understanding of cognitive biases in childhood social anxiety. A non-clinical sample of 11-13-year olds completed social anxiety and depression scales and were presented with scenarios depicting positive and mildly negative social events. Social anxiety was associated with tendencies to interpret positive social events in a discounting fashion, to catastrophize in response to mildly negative social events, and to anticipate more negative emotional reactions to the negative events. Implications for understanding and treating social anxiety are discussed.


Risk factors of multidrug-resistant bacteria infection in patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria-induced VAP often has high lethality. We present this systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the risk factors for MDR bacterial infection in patients with VAP. PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched for studies regarding MDR bacterial infection in VAP patients, from Jan 1996 to Aug 2022. Study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment of included studies were conducted by two reviewers independently, and potential risk factors for MDR bacterial infection were identified. Meta-analysis showed that the score of the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE-II) [OR = 1.009, 95% (CI 0.732, 1.287)], Simplified Acute Physiology Score II (SAPS-II) [OR = 2.805, 95%CI (0.854, 4.755)], length of hospital-stay before VAP onset (days) [OR = 2.639, 95%CI (0.387, 4.892)], in-ICU duration [OR = 3.958, 95%CI (0.894, 7.021)], Charlson index [OR = 1.000, 95%CI (0.889, 1.111)], overall hospital-stay [OR = 20.742, 95%CI (18.894, 22.591)], Medication of Quinolones [OR = 2.017, 95%CI (1.339, 3.038)], medication of carbapenems [OR = 3.527, 95%CI (2.476, 5.024)], combination of more than 2 prior antibiotics [OR = 3.181, 95%CI (2.102, 4.812)], and prior use of antibiotics [OR 2.971, 95%CI (2.001, 4.412)] were independent risk factors of MDR bacterial infection in VAP patients. Diabetes and mechanical ventilation duration before VAP onset showed no association with risk for MDR bacterial infection. This study has identified 10 risk factors associated with MDR bacterial infection in VAP patients. Identification of these factors would be able to facilitate the treatment and prevention of MDR bacterial infection in clinical practice.


Transcription factor STOX1A promotes mitotic entry by binding to the CCNB1 promotor.
In this study we investigated the involvement of the transcription factor STOX1A in the regulation of the cell cycle. We found that several major cell cycle regulatory genes were differentially expressed upon STOX1A stimulation and knockdown in the neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y. This includes STOX1A dependent differential regulation of cyclin B1 expression, a cyclin which is known to regulate mitotic entry during the cell cycle. The differential regulation of cyclin B1 expression by STOX1A is direct as shown with chromatin immunoprecipitation. Results furthermore suggest that mitotic entry is enhanced through the direct upregulation of cyclin B1 expression effectuated by STOX1A. In conclusion we hereby show that STOX1A is directly involved in the regulation of the cell cycle.


Extending the socio-sexual brain: arginine-vasopressin immunoreactive circuits in the telencephalon of mice.
Quantitative analysis of the immunoreactivity for arginine-vasopressin (AVP-ir) in the telencephalon of male (intact and castrated) and female CD1 mice allows us to precisely locate two sexually dimorphic (more abundant in intact than castrated males and females) AVP-ir cell groups in the posterior bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BST) and the amygdala. Chemoarchitecture (NADPH diaphorase) reveals that the intraamygdaloid AVP-ir cells are located in the intra-amygdaloid BST (BSTIA) rather than the medial amygdala (Me), as previously thought. Then, we have used for the first time tract tracing (combined with AVP immunofluorescence) and fiber-sparing lesions of the BST to analyze the projections of the telencephalic AVP-ir cell groups. The results demonstrate that the posterior BST originates the sexually dimorphic innervation of the lateral septum, the posterodorsal Me and a substance P-negative area in the medioventral striato-pallidum (mvStP).The BSTIA may also contribute to some of these terminal fields. Our material also reveals non-dimorphic AVP-ir processes in two locations of the amygdala. First, the ventral Me shows dendrite-like AVP-ir processes apparently belonging supraoptic neurons, whose possible functions are discussed. Second, the Ce shows sparse, thick AVP-ir axons with high individual variability in density and distribution, whose possible influence on stress coping in relation to the affiliative or agonistic behaviors mediated by the Me are discussed. Finally, we propose that the region of the mvStP showing sexually dimorphic AVP-ir innervation is part of the brain network for socio-sexual behavior, in which it would mediate motivational aspects of chemosensory-guided social interactions.


Treatment effect of bone-anchored maxillary protraction in growing patients compared to controls: a systematic review with meta-analysis.
The aim of this systematic review was to determine which evidence level supports maxillary advancement after bone-anchored maxillary protraction (BAMP) in growing patients compared to controls. PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Scopus, and Web-of-Science databases were searched with no restrictions on publication status or year. Prospective and retrospective human studies about BAMP, in at least three patients, were included. Authors were contacted when necessary, and reference lists of the included studies were screened. Two authors undertook independent data extraction with conflict resolution by a third author. Risks of bias were assessed. A meta-analysis for estimates of changes for ANB angle, Wits appraisal, and incisor to mandibular plane angle (IMPA) angle of BAMP treatment compared to control groups was performed. A total of 449 articles were initially retrieved; 28 full-text articles met the inclusion criteria. Sample sizes ranged from 3 to 52 patients. There was heterogeneity in cephalometric outcomes reported, which prevented the comparison of certain outcomes. ANB angle improved more with BAMP in the maxilla combined with facemask (bone-anchored facemask, BAFM) compared to traditional facemask therapy: this was statistically but not clinically significant (0.2 degrees). No data are available for BAMP with skeletal anchorage in both jaws in combination with Class III elastics (bone-anchored Class III elastics, BAC3E). Likewise, no statistically significant differences in Wits appraisal were found (less than 1 mm). Lower incisor retroclination and facial height seemed to be better controlled with BAC3E compared to BAFM. The level of evidence available to support the maxillary advancement effect after BAMP was low. Publications reporting results based on identical samples tended to suggest overly positive results of BAMP. The differences in sagittal correction between BAMP and traditional facemask therapy were small and of questionable clinical significance. Long-term follow-up results are not available and, therefore, much needed. Most articles had a low level of evidence and some included a historical control group. PROSPERO database number CRD42015023366.


Lung cancer and smoking: a case-control study in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The objective of this study was to examine the risks for lung cancer associated with lifestyle characteristics of smoking in a developing country where lung cancer is the first cause of mortality by cancer in men, tobacco propaganda is freely allowed, and there are no restrictions operating for smoking. The design was a case-control and hospital-based study. Two hundred men with lung cancer and 397 hospital controls were interviewed. Odds ratio (OR) for current smokers was 8.5, whereas former smokers displayed an OR of 5.3. The risk increased with duration of smoking and with the number of cigarettes smoked per day. The attributable risk for smoking was 85%. Smokers of black tobacco and more than 24 cigarettes/day showed a risk of 12.9 regarding non-smokers, and of 15.5 for 40 or more years duration of smoking. The proportion of cases diagnosed as adenocarcinoma was higher than the proportion of squamous cell carcinoma.


Strong opioids and non-cancer chronic pain in Catalonia. An analysis of the family physicians prescription patterns.
To identify family doctor prescription patterns for strong opioids for chronic, non-cancer-related pain. Design A descriptive study based on a self-administered email questionnaire. All primary health care centres in Catalonia. 3,602 family doctors, all members of the Catalan Society of Family and Community Medicine. Email survey of Catalan family doctors. Demographic data, number of patients treated with potent opioids for chronic non-cancer pain, type of opioid used and indications, prescribing patterns and relationship with the Pain Management Unit. A total of 551 answers were obtained from 3,602 questionnaires sent (response rate of 15.3%), in which 480 physicians (87%) prescribed strong opioids for musculoskeletal pain, 268 (48.6%) prescribed ultra-rapid fentanyl and 434 (78.7%) reduced benzodiazepines dosage when prescribing potent opioids. The most common adverse effects were constipation and nausea. The main problems related with opioid prescription were improper use (341, 71%) and patient and/or practitioner reluctance (87, 18.1%). The assessment of the relationship with Pain Management Units was 2±1 (on a 1 to 5 scale), with communication (271, 52.2%) and accessibility (141, 27.1%) being the areas most in need of improvement. Opioid prescribing patterns generally follow clinical guidelines (e.g. reduction of benzodiazepine use or dose titration). However, there are some areas of improvement, such as sparse use of laxatives or use of ultra-rapid opioids for unapproved indications and in patients with no background opioid therapy. Family doctors perceive patient reluctance to adhere to the prescribed treatment, and call for specific training and better relationships with Pain Management Units.


The zinc finger protein A20 targets TRAF2 to the lysosomes for degradation.
The zinc finger-containing protein A20 is a negative regulator of TNF-induced JNK (c-Jun-N-terminal kinase) and NFkappaB (nuclear factor kappaB) signaling. A20 is an unusual enzyme that contains both ubiquitinating and deubiquitinating activities. Although A20 is mostly localized in the cytosol, our recent studies reveal that a fraction of A20 can associate with a lysosome-interacting compartment in a manner that requires its carboxy terminal zinc fingers, but independent of its ubiquitin modifying activities. Whether the lysosome-associated A20 has a function in cellular signaling is unclear. Here, we demonstrate that A20 is capable of targeting an associated signaling molecule such as TRAF2 to the lysosomes for degradation. This process is dependent on the membrane tethering zinc finger domains of A20, but does not require A20 ubiquitin modifying activity. Our findings suggest a novel mode of A20 action that involves lysosomal targeting of signal molecules bound to A20.


The risk factors of neuropathic pain in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder: a retrospective case-cohort study.
Neuropathic pain is a common complication in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), which seriously affects the quality of life of NMOSD patients, with no satisfactory treatment. And risk factors of neuropathic pain are still uncertain. To investigate the risk factors of neuropathic pain in a NMOSD cohort. Our study was a retrospective case-cohort study, the patients diagnosed with NMOSD in the Department of Neurology from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine from January 2011 to October 2021 were screened. Inclusion criteria were: (1) patients diagnosed as NMOSD according to the International Panel for NMO Diagnosis (IPND) criteria, (2) the aquaporin-4 immunoglobulin G antibodies (AQP4-IgG) test was performed. Patients without AQP4-IgG antibody were excluded. Clinical data, including sex, age of the first onset, symptoms of the first episode including neuropathic pain and attack types, localization of lesions of the first episode on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Extended disability status Scale (EDSS) of the first onset, treatment of immunosuppression in the first acute phase, disease modifying therapy (DMT), treatment of neuropathic pain and APQ4-IgG status were collected from the hospital system database. Neuropathic pain was defined according to the International Association for the Study of Pain criteria and was described as "pain arising as a direct consequence of a lesion or disease affecting the somatosensory system". One hundred nineteen patients were screened and finally 86 patients fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled in our study. The prevalence of neuropathic pain in patients with NMOSD was 43.0%. Univariate analysis showed that the factors associated with neuropathic pain were the age at the onset, the attack type of optic neuritis, the attack type of myelitis, length of spinal cord involvement, localization of thoracic lesion, optic lesion, upper thoracic lesions, lower thoracic lesions, extended spinal cord lesions (≥ 3 spinal lesions), extended thoracic lesions (≥ 4 thoracic lesions), intravenous immunoglobulin and mycophenolate mofetil. Multivariate regression analysis showed that extended thoracic lesions (OR 20.21 [1.18-346.05], P = 0.038) and age (OR 1.35 (1-1.81) P = 0.050) were independently associated with neuropathic pain among NMOSD patients and that gender (OR 12.11 (0.97-151.64) P = 0.053) might be associated with neuropathic pain among NMOSD patients. Extended thoracic lesions (≥ 4 thoracic lesions), age and gender might be independent risk factors of neuropathic pain among patients with NMOSD. However, with a small sample size and predominantly female, caution must be applied and these results need validating in further cohorts.


Renal aneurysmectomy in the ex vivo setting.
The use of ex vivo dissection and reconstruction as definitive surgical management in 3 cases of renal artery aneurysms is presented. The indications, rationale for therapy and review of technique are discussed.


Perfluorocarbon as an adjuvant for tumor anti-angiogenic therapy: Relevance to hypoxia and HIF-1.
Lack of vascularization results in increased demand for oxygen and creates a defined feature of the tumor microenvironment known as tumor hypoxia. It is well established that in response to hypoxia, hypoxia-inducible factor-1 α (HIF-1α) is induced which is an important factor in angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis. In turn, HIF-1α regulates the expression of angiogenic factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Ascribed to abnormal characteristics of tumor angiogenic networks, antiangiogenic therapy approaches can even worsen the hypoxic condition and can create cancer cells with stemness features. Hence oxygen delivery via perfluorocarbon (PFC) to hypoxic sites seems to result in unstable HIF expression and consequent inactivation of angiogenesis cascade and metastasis and therefore, inhibition of cancer cells stemness.


The accumulation of a platelet protein, thrombospondin, at the site of arterial thrombus formation: preliminary report.
There are many methods available for the detection of thrombosis, none of which are noninvasive, rapid and accurate. Thrombospondin is a platelet protein that is present in the developing thrombus and may be an effective substance to use for imaging thrombosis. Vascular stenosis and thrombosis were produced in coronary, carotid and femoral arteries in eleven adult mongrel dogs. 131I labeled thrombospondin was administered to each animal to determine whether the radiotracer accumulated at the site of thrombus formation. The radioactivity per gram of vessels with thrombi was significantly different from the control vessels or whole blood (p = 0.0037 and p = 0.0015, respectively, paired t-test). This preliminary work suggests that iodinated thrombospondin accumulates at the site of thrombus formation. Labeled thrombospondin may be a rapid, safe and accurate method of detecting arterial thrombosis.


Comparing efficacy of a single intraarticular injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) combined with different hyaluronans for knee osteoarthritis: a randomized-controlled clinical trial.
Intraarticular plasma-rich platelet (PRP) and hyaluronic acid (HA) have each been shown to be effective for treating knee osteoarthritis (OA). Evidence supporting the combination therapy is controversial. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a single intraarticular PRP injection combined with different HAs in patients with knee OA. In this prospective randomized-controlled trial, 99 patients with Kellgren-Lawrence grade 2 knee OA with average knee pain ≥ 30 mm on a 0-100 mm pain visual analog scale (VAS) were randomized into two groups. The PRP + Artz group received a single intraarticular HA (Artz, 2.5 ml, 10 mg/ml) followed by 3 ml PRP (n = 50). The PRP + HYAJOINT Plus group received a single intraarticular cross-linked HA (HYAJOINT Plus, 3 ml, 20 mg/ml) followed by 3 ml PRP (n = 49). All patients were evaluated before and at 1, 3 and 6 months after injections. The primary outcome was the VAS pain reduction from baseline at 6 months. Secondary outcome measures included Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Lequesne index, single leg stance (SLS) test and patient satisfaction. Ninety-five patients were analyzed by intention-to-treat analysis. Both groups improved significantly in VAS pain, WOMAC, Lequesne index and SLS at 1, 3 and 6 months post intervention (p < 0.05). Between-group comparisons showed no significant differences at most follow-up time points, except better improvements in Lequesne index at 1 month (p = 0.003) and WOMAC-stiffness score at 6 months (p = 0.020) in the PRP + Artz group, and superiority in SLS at 1, 3 and 6 months in the PRP+ HYAJOINT Plus group (p < 0.001, p = 0.003 and p = 0.004). Additional Johnson-Neyman analyses showed that among the patients with baseline WOMAC-pain score > 8.5, WOMAC-function score > 21.7 and WOMAC-total score > 32.0, respectively, those treated with PRP + HYAJOINT Plus injections had better effects in WOMAC-pain, WOMAC-function and WOMAC-total scores than those treated with PRP + Artz at 3 months postinjection (p < 0.05). Both groups reported high satisfaction. No serious adverse events occurred during the study. A single PRP injection combined with Artz or HYAJOINT Plus is effective and safe for 6 months in patients with knee OA. Both injection regimens are potential treatment options for knee OA. Further studies are needed to confirm these results. The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04931719), retrospectively. Date of registration 18/6/2021. Comparing efficacy of single PRP combined with different hyaluronans for knee osteoarthritis. Therapeutic Level 1.


The effects of advertisements that sexually objectify women on state body dissatisfaction and judgments of women: The moderating roles of gender and internalization.
Experimental studies have demonstrated that exposure to idealized images of women increases state body image disturbance. However, little work has experimentally examined the effects of exposure to images that sexually objectify women, especially as it relates to women and men's state body dissatisfaction and judgments of women. In the current study, 437 women and men were randomly assigned to view advertisements that sexually objectify women and portray appearance ideals, or to view non-appearance-related advertisements. Results indicated that state body dissatisfaction increased for women and men exposed to advertisements that sexually objectified women, although this effect was larger for women. Trait internalization of appearance ideals moderated this effect, indicating that women and men with higher internalization exhibited greater state body dissatisfaction after viewing women sexually objectified in advertisements. Exposure to women sexually objectified in advertisements did not affect women's or men's attractiveness or competence ratings of women in university advertisements.


Prolonged use of proton pump inhibitors, CagA status, and the outcome of Helicobacter pylori gastritis.
To assess whether prolonged use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in patients infected with Helicobacter pylori has adverse effects on gastritis. We studied 34 H. pylori-positive individuals with reflux esophagitis, Barrett esophagus, or nonulcer dyspepsia. Half of them were on maintenance treatment with PPIs (mean, 8 years) and half were not.H. pylori and CagA status were tested serologically. Gastric biopsies were classified histopathologically by the updated Sydney classification. Proton pump inhibitors in H. pylori gastritis are associated with significantly less antral inflammation and lower H. pylori density, regardless of CagA status. There was a tendency toward more antral atrophy in patients with the CagA strain who were undergoing maintenance treatment with PPIs (p = 0.08), but there was an opposite tendency in CagA-negative individuals (p = 0.08). Intestinal metaplasia was seen more frequently in CagA-positive, treated individuals (p = 0.028). These findings support the hypothesis that CagA status is important in the progression to atrophy and that maintenance treatment with PPIs accelerate this progression, while reducing inflammatory infiltration.


Particle surface characteristics may play an important role in phytotoxicity of alumina nanoparticles.
The phytotoxicity of alumina nanoparticles loaded with and without phenanthrene (Phen) was investigated by means of root elongation (RE) experiments in this study. Five plant species, Zea mays (corn), Cucumis sativus (cucumber), Glycine max (soybean), Brassica oleracea (cabbage), and Daucus carota (carrot) were used in our study of phytotoxicity by root elongation experiments. The surface characteristics of Phen-loaded and Phen-nonloaded nanoparticles were investigated using the Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy technique. It was found that when loaded with 10.0%, 100.0%, or 432.4% monomolecular layer (MML) of Phen, the degree of the root elongation inhibition caused by the particles was reduced. The loading of Phen leads to the appearance of a vibrational mode in the region of 850-1050 cm(-1), which was assigned to the surface characteristics of the particles and arises from the disappearance of free hydroxyl groups according to an earlier study. When mixed with a known free hydroxyl radical scavenger, DMSO (0.5% and 1.0%), the non-loaded particles also showed decreased inhibition of root elongations. We supposed that the surface characteristics of the particles play an important role in the phytotoxicity of alumina nanoparticles.


Effects of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on in vitro maturation and fertilization of porcine oocytes.
The beneficial properties of green tea and especially of its principal active polyphenol, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), have led to an increased demand for dietary supplements with highly enriched EGCG concentrations. In order to investigate the possible reproductive-related consequence of EGCG supplementation, the effects of this catechin on in vitro maturation (IVM) and fertilization (IVF) of oocyte, using the pig as experimental model, were examined. In the first series of experiments EGCG, at concentrations ranging from 0 to 25 microg/ml, was added during in vitro maturation of pig oocytes. EGCG had no effect on nuclear maturation of pig oocytes and on fertilization traits considered after IVF at any of the doses tested. By contrast, a significant (p<0.05) decrease in the number of embryos that developed to blastocysts following parthenogenetic activation was recorded when 25 microg/ml EGCG was added to IVM medium; in addition this catechin concentration significantly (p<0.05) inhibited progesterone production by cumulus cells after 48 h of culture. When induction of sperm capacitation was performed in presence of EGCG, a significantly lower percentage of spermatozoa showing a Hsp70-capacitated pattern and a significant reduction of sperm H(2)O(2) production were evident at a concentration of 25 microg/ml EGCG (p<0.05). During gamete coincubation EGCG reduced, in a dose response manner, the number of reacted spermatozoa suspended in fertilization medium and increased the number of sperm bound to ZP. Supplementation of 10 microg/ml EGCG during IVF significantly increased the fertilization rate while higher EGCG concentrations (25 microg/ml) decreased the percentage of fertilized oocytes (p<0.05). In conclusion, our data suggest that high EGCG concentrations could affect in vitro maturation and fertilization in pig; it cannot be totally excluded that excessive EGCG concentrations could induce reproductive-related consequences also in vivo.


Placenta accreta, increta, and percreta.
Placenta accreta is an abnormal adherence of the placenta to the uterine wall that can lead to significant maternal morbidity and mortality. The incidence of placenta accreta has increased 13-fold since the early 1900s and directly correlates with the increasing cesarean delivery rate. The prenatal diagnosis of placenta accreta by ultrasound along with risk factors including placenta previa and prior cesarean delivery can aid in delivery planning and improved outcomes. Referral to a tertiary care center and the use of a multidisciplinary care team is recommended.


Characterization of natural cellulosic fibers from Nendran Banana Peduncle plants.
The objective of this work is to explore the natural cellulosic fibers extracted from Nendran Banana Peduncle plants. This is the first time, the tests are carried out in the Nendran Banana Peduncle Fiber (NBPF) to measure the properties of the chemical, physical, mechanical, thermal (TGA/DTG), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis, Fourier-transform Infrared spectroscopy(FT-IR), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) analysis and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) furnished in this work. The Weibull distribution analysis was adopted for the analysis of diameter, tensile strength and Young's modulus of the fiber. The XRD analysis for the NBPF shows that the crystallinity index of 53.3%and crystallinity size of 4.72 nm. Thermogravimetric analysis depicted that NBPF can withstand thermally up to 356 °C. FT-IR results proved the existence of different chemical compositions and their corresponding functional groups. AFM analysis revealed the surface of the fiber found as rough. From the results, it is concluded that NBPF utilized as a polymer matrix composite for manufacturing light load automotive components and construction equipment.


Electrophysiology of the guinea-pig pineal organ: sympathetically influenced cells responding differently to light and darkness.
Single cell recordings (extracellular) from the posterior part of the guinea-pig pineal organ reveals two groups of sympathetically influenced spontaneously active cells: one group is stimulated by light and inhibited by darkness; the other type of cell whose activity was monitored over a period of 15 h shows activation by darkness and diminished activity after the onset of light. It is suggested that latter type is involved in melatonin synthesis.


Meningomyelocele with unusual feet deformity combination: A report of a rare case.
A 19-month-old male infant had presented to a paediatric orthopaedic clinic at the age of 6 months with meningomyelocele and bilateral feet deformity. The patient was admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit because of multiple congenital anomalies. These anomalies included meningomyelocele, right clubfoot, left vertical talus, imperforated anus, and an indirect hernia. Radiographs confirmed the diagnosis of right clubfoot and left-sided vertical talus. The course of management was delayed because of late diagnosis. At the age of 9 months, the patient underwent serial casting using the Ponseti and reverse Ponseti techniques for right clubfoot and left-sided vertical talus, respectively. The casting was performed weekly for 12 weeks. The right foot gained normal position before the left, but we decided to keep it in the cast until surgical correction was performed for both feet. The patient underwent right Achilles tendon tenotomy and casting and left Achilles tendon tenotomy, manipulation, and talonavicular reduction and k-wire fixation with casting. The casts remained for 3 and 6 weeks (clubfoot and vertical talus, respectively). The ultimate goal of the treatment was to produce braceable, plantigrade feet with the use of a well-padded knee ankle-foot orthosis to improve the quality of life.


Kidney transplantation: is it a solution to endothelial dysfunction?
Endothelial dysfunction is associated with elevated cardiovascular risk in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Kidney transplantation has demonstrated significant ability in reducing mortality and improving quality of life in recipients. Recent studies have also reported improvements in endothelial function following kidney transplantation; however, current literature is limited. We performed a systematic review of PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL databases for prospective cohort studies that assessed endothelial function prior to and following kidney transplantation via various clinical markers. Follow-up duration ranged from 1 month to 1 year. A meta-analysis of pooled data was conducted using random-effect models for four key markers: brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), nitroglycerin-mediated dilation (NMD), and adiponectin. We included nine studies in our final analysis with a total of 524 patients. Significant improvement of all four biomarkers was observed after transplantation. The mean difference was 2.81% (95% CI 1.92-3.71, p < 0.00001) for FMD, 17.27 mg/L (95% CI 5.82-28.72, p = 0.003) for hsCRP, 1.05%, (95% CI 0.56-1.54, p < 0.0001) for NMD, and 9.27 µg/mL (95% CI 5.96-12.57, p < 0.00001) for adiponectin. There is an immediate reversal of endothelial dysfunction in ESRD patients who undergo kidney transplantation, which may explain observed improvements in cardiovascular morbidity in transplant recipients. Future longitudinal studies are needed to understand possible re-emergence of endothelial dysfunction in the long-term postoperative period.


A fully automated micro‑CT deep learning approach for precision preclinical investigation of lung fibrosis progression and response to therapy.
Micro-computed tomography (µCT)-based imaging plays a key role in monitoring disease progression and response to candidate drugs in various animal models of human disease, but manual image processing is still highly time-consuming and prone to operator bias. Focusing on an established mouse model of bleomycin (BLM)-induced lung fibrosis we document, here, the ability of a fully automated deep-learning (DL)-based model to improve and speed-up lung segmentation and the precise measurement of morphological and functional biomarkers in both the whole lung and in individual lobes. µCT-DL whose results were overall highly consistent with those of more conventional, especially histological, analyses, allowed to cut down by approximately 45-fold the time required to analyze the entire dataset and to longitudinally follow fibrosis evolution and response to the human-use-approved drug Nintedanib, using both inspiratory and expiratory μCT. Particularly significant advantages of this µCT-DL approach, are: (i) its reduced experimental variability, due to the fact that each animal acts as its own control and the measured, operator bias-free biomarkers can be quantitatively compared across experiments; (ii) its ability to monitor longitudinally the spatial distribution of fibrotic lesions, thus eliminating potential confounding effects associated with the more severe fibrosis observed in the apical region of the left lung and the compensatory effects taking place in the right lung; (iii) the animal sparing afforded by its non-invasive nature and high reliability; and (iv) the fact that it can be integrated into different drug discovery pipelines with a substantial increase in both the speed and robustness of the evaluation of new candidate drugs. The µCT-DL approach thus lends itself as a powerful new tool for the precision preclinical monitoring of BLM-induced lung fibrosis and other disease models as well. Its ease of operation and use of standard imaging instrumentation make it easily transferable to other laboratories and to other experimental settings, including clinical diagnostic applications.


Cervical concentrations of interleukin-10 and interleukin-12 do not correlate with plasma levels.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infects the transformation zone of the cervix and is the primary cause of cervical cancer. The infection is localized to the cervix and mucosal immunity is likely to be an important determinant for viral clearance. Previous studies of immunity to HPV have measured immune markers in the blood, but the relationship of systemic immunity to cervical immunity is poorly understood. In this study of 70 women enrolled in the ASCUS-LSIL Triage Study (ALTS), a clinical trial for management of low-grade cytologic abnormalities of the cervix, we collected paired plasma and cervical secretions to investigate the relationship between cervical concentrations of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and interleukin-12 (IL-12) and plasma levels. Neither IL-10 (p = 0.11), or IL-12 (p = -0.04) nor the ratio of IL-12 to IL-10 (p = 0.06) were correlated between blood and cervical secretions. Except for weak correlations of IL-10 among nonsmokers (p = 0.35. P = 0.019) and those in day 18-27 of their menstrual cycle (p = 0.51, P = 0.015), this lack of correlation persisted in all subgroups defined by genital inflammation or infection, current oral contraceptive use, heme contamination and volume of collected secretions, HPV16 seropositivity, and repeat HPV infection and/or cytologic abnormalities. The lack of correlation and high concentrations in cervical secretions indicate that the cervical IL-10 and IL-12 concentrations exceed what could be expected from blood as a principle source of IL-10 and IL-12 and suggest that cytokine concentrations in cervical secretions are predominantly the result of local cytokine production.


Bacillus Calmette-Guerin and bladder cancer.
Bladder cancer is the second most common cancer of the urinary tract, and overall it is among the top 10 cancers in men. Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) is the most common type, with the majority being superficial disease, i.e. the tumour has not gone beyond the lamina propria. The main problem with superficial TCC is the high recurrence rate. Various forms of treatment methods have been attempted to reduce the recurrence rate, with intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) being the most successful to date. In fact, intravesical BCG is one of the most successful forms of immunotherapy in the treatment of any form of cancer. This article is a general review of BCG in bladder cancer with an emphasis on the indication and mechanism of action in reducing recurrence and progression.


Torcetrapib does not reduce atherosclerosis beyond atorvastatin and induces more proinflammatory lesions than atorvastatin.
Although cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibition is regarded as a promising strategy to reduce atherosclerosis by increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, the CETP inhibitor torcetrapib given in addition to atorvastatin had no effect on atherosclerosis and even increased cardiovascular death in the recent Investigation of Lipid Level Management to Understand its Impact in Atherosclerotic Events trial. Therefore, we evaluated the antiatherogenic potential and adverse effects of torcetrapib in humanized APOE*3-Leiden.CETP (E3L.CETP) mice. E3L.CETP mice were fed a cholesterol-rich diet without drugs or with torcetrapib (12 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)), atorvastatin (2.8 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)), or both for 14 weeks. Torcetrapib decreased CETP activity in both the absence and presence of atorvastatin (-74% and -73%, respectively; P<0.001). Torcetrapib decreased plasma cholesterol (-20%; P<0.01), albeit to a lesser extent than atorvastatin (-42%; P<0.001) or the combination of torcetrapib and atorvastatin (-40%; P<0.001). Torcetrapib increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the absence (30%) and presence (34%) of atorvastatin. Torcetrapib and atorvastatin alone reduced atherosclerotic lesion size (-43% and -46%; P<0.05), but combination therapy did not reduce atherosclerosis compared with atorvastatin alone. Remarkably, compared with atorvastatin, torcetrapib enhanced monocyte recruitment and expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and resulted in lesions of a more inflammatory phenotype, as reflected by an increased macrophage content and reduced collagen content. CETP inhibition by torcetrapib per se reduces atherosclerotic lesion size but does not enhance the antiatherogenic potential of atorvastatin. However, compared with atorvastatin, torcetrapib introduces lesions of a less stable phenotype.


Clinical experience with the 32P test and the semiconductor probe in diagnosis of intraocular tumors.
The ultrasonic examination gives no answer as to the metabolic activity of pathological intraocular tissue. Therefore, the combination with the 32P uptake test is great clinical value. The diagnosis of intraocular tumors is possible with a 95% certainty. A new probe with a Si(Li) semiconductor detector is presented.


The effects of sodium butyrate (NaB) combination with soy saponin dietary supplementation on the growth parameters, intestinal performance and immune-related genes expression of hybrid grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus♀ × E. lanceolatus♂).
Soy saponins are generally known to have negative effects on growth and the intestines of aquatic animals, and appropriate levels of sodium butyrate (NaB) may provide some mitigating effects. We investigated the effects of low and high levels of soy saponin and the protective effects of NaB (based on high level of soy saponin) on growth, serum cytokines, distal intestinal histopathology, and inflammation in hybrid grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ♀ × E. lanceolatus ♂). The experiment included four groups: fishmeal group (FM, 0.00% saponin and 0.00% NaB), low saponin group (SL, 0.30% saponin and 0.00% NaB), high saponin group (SH, 1.50% saponin and 0.00% NaB) and high saponin with NaB group (SH-NaB, 1.50% saponin and 0.13% NaB). The results showed compared to FM, the final body weight (FBW) and weight gain (WG) were significantly higher and lower in SL and SH, respectively (P < 0.05). Compared to SH, the FBW and WG were significant higher in SH-NaB (P < 0.05). In the serum, compared to FM, the interferon γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) levels in SH were significantly increased (P < 0.05). Compared to SH, the IFN-γ level was significantly decreased in SH-NaB (P < 0.05). In the distal intestine, based on Alcian Blue-Periodic Acid-Schiff (AB-PAS) observation, the goblet cell/μm was significantly increased and decreased in the SL and SH, respectively, compared to FM. The intestinal diameter/plica height ratio in the SH was significantly higher than those in the FM, SL and SH-NaB (P < 0.05). The NO and ONOO- levels in the SH were significantly higher than that in FM and SL (P < 0.05). At the transcriptional level in the distal intestine, compared to FM, the mRNA levels of tumor necrosis factor (tnfα), il1β, interleukin-8 (il8) and ifnγ were significantly up-regulated in the SH (P < 0.05). Compared to the SH, tnfα, il8 and ifnγ were significantly down-regulated in the SH-NaB (P < 0.05). Compared to the FM, the mRNA levels of claudin3, claudin15, zo2 and zo3 were significantly up-regulated in the SL (P < 0.05). The mRNA levels of occludin, claudin3, claudin12, claudin15, zo1, zo2 and zo3 were significantly down-regulated in the SH compared to the FM (P < 0.05). Additionally, compared to the SH, the mRNA levels of occludin, claudin3, claudin12, claudin15, zo1, zo2 and zo3 were significantly up-regulated in the SH-NaB (P < 0.05). After the 7-day Vibrio parahaemolyticus challenge test, the survival was significantly higher and lower in the SL and SH, respectively, compared to FM (P < 0.05). Overall, low and high levels of soy saponins had positive and negative effects on growth, disease resistance, serum cytokines, and distal intestinal development and anti-inflammation, respectively, in hybrid grouper. NaB effectively increased disease resistance and improved distal intestinal inflammation in hybrid grouper, but the effects of NaB were mainly observed in improving distal intestinal tight junctions.


Longitudinal serological responses to Salmonella enterica of growing pigs in a subclinically infected herd.
A longitudinal survey was conducted in France in a subclinically Salmonella-infected farrow-to-finish pig farm to describe the time-course of the serological response to Salmonella enterica in growing pigs. We used three batches of sows and their corresponding litters (n = 31 litters). Among these, 256 pigs randomly selected and individually identified were followed from the first week of age until slaughter. Serial individual blood samples were submitted to indirect Salmonella-ELISA testing. Salmonella shedding was investigated by bacteriological testing of faecal material regularly collected from the sows and pigs and by environment swabs taken from the pens. Caecal contamination was checked at the slaughterhouse. Information about litter composition (filiation), location of the pigs in post-weaning and fattening pens, sanitary events, sex and body weights was recorded. 11.6% of the pigs shed S. enterica; 52% of pigs seroconverted before slaughter. The age-related variation of the natural logarithm of calibrated optical densities (COD) of pigs was described with two linear mixed models. From 8 to 61 days of age, the decrease in COD with age was fitted with a model including random effects of the animal and the dam on the intercept and slope, a batch random effect on the intercept and an individual birth-weight fixed effect on the intercept. The dam random effect was explained by the parity of the sow, Salmonella shedding by the sow during the farrowing phase and the value of the optical density of colostrum collected at parturition. A second model fitting the increase in COD from 61 days of age until slaughter included the random effect on intercept of the batch and the random effects on slope and intercept of the animal, the dam and the pen in which the followed animals were located during the fattening phase and the environmental contamination as fixed effect. In this second model, no relation was found between individual slaughter-bacteriological results and increasing COD values. Considering seroconversion time between 61 days of age and slaughter, survival function were constructed using the Cox proportional-hazards model. Both methods suggested that seroconversions generally occurred during the last third of the fattening phase (from 140 days of age to slaughter), while shedding was observed during the first half of the fattening period. The fitted models suggest the existence of clusters (such as pen and litter of origin).


Frequency of side effects in outpatient cancer care and their influence on patient satisfaction--a prospective survey using the PASQOC questionnaire.
The aims of the study were to examine the frequency of side effects and fatigue in ambulatory cancer patients and to analyse how these symptoms are reflected in patient satisfaction. Private practices (N = 41) and day hospitals (N = 8) in Germany took part in the study. The respondents were 4,538 patients with cancer (response rate: 82%). The diagnoses were: 25% breast cancer, 21% colorectal cancer, 11% lymphomas and 12% haematological malignancies; mean age 63.5 years; 57% female. The 2004 PASQOC questionnaire contained 63 problem-oriented items which covered patient satisfaction for 15 dimensions of care. One item specifically assessed the prevalence of 17 different side effects. A score reflecting the severity of fatigue (fatigue index) was computed from three additional questions. For statistical analysis of patient satisfaction, the problem frequency was computed for each item. The most frequent single side effects were fatigue (60%), hair loss (54%), nausea (51%), sleep disturbance (42%), weight loss (36%), diarrhoea (32%) and mouth ulcerations (31%). The mean number of side effects was 5 per patient (range 0 to 17). The fatigue index revealed that 42% of subjects complained of moderate and 28% of severe fatigue. Both the total number of side effects and the fatigue score were negatively associated with patient satisfaction. Side effects and especially fatigue are frequent problems in cancer patients and are related to the patients' assessment of cancer care. Routine symptom assessment may identify patients who require more comprehensive supportive care.


Establishment of cell lines from the human middle and inner ear epithelial cells.
The middle ear infection is the most common childhood infection. In order to elucidate the cell and molecular mechanisms involved in bacterial recognition and innate immune response, we have established a stable human middle ear cell line, which has contributed to the current knowledge concerning the molecular pathogenesis of the middle ear infection. The inner ear, a sensory organ responsible for hearing and balance, is filled with inner ear fluid, and disturbance of the fluid homeostasis results in dizziness and hearing impairment. It has been suggested that the endolymphatic sac (ES) may play a critical role in the fluid homeostasis of the inner ear. We have established a stable human ES cell line and are undertaking cell and molecular characterization of this cell line.


Precolumn derivatization LC-MS/MS method to simultaneous quantitation of 10 monosaccharides in rat plasma.
Monosaccharides are essential for maintaining the normal physiological functions of living organisms. Under disease states, metabolic disorders in vivo will inevitably affect the levels of monosaccharides, which brings the possibility of monosaccharides as a biomarker of some diseases. In this study, a method was developed and validated for simultaneously determining 10 monosaccharides (glucose, galactose, mannose, rhamnose, fucose, xylose, iduronic acid, glucuronic acid, N-acetylgalactosamine and N-acetylglucosamine) in SD rat plasma using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The method employed 1-phenyl-3-methyl-5-pyrazolone (PMP) as a derivatization reagent, considerably improved the chromatographic retention and ionization efficiency of monosaccharides. After protein precipitation of plasma samples, monosaccharides and isotope internal standards were derivatized and liquid-liquid extraction was performed to remove excess PMP. To achieve the baseline separation of several isomers, the resulting derivatives were chromatographed on a Bridged ethyl hybrid (BEH) Phenyl column using gradient elution with a total run time of 8 min. The method was linear within the range of 0.0100-5.00 μg/mL for rhamnose, 0.0500-25.0 μg/mL for fucose, xylose, iduronic acid, glucuronic acid, N-acetylgalactosamine and N-acetylglucosamine, 1.00-500 μg/mL for galactose, 10.0-5000 μg/mL for mannose, and 50.0-25,000 μg/mL for glucose. And the accuracy and precision verification of surrogate matrix samples and plasma samples met the required criteria. The method has been used successfully to study the effect of hepatic insufficiency on monosaccharide levels in rats. It was found that the concentration of glucuronic acid in SD rat plasma was abnormally increased in rats with liver injury.


TRAF1 knockdown alleviates palmitate-induced insulin resistance in HepG2 cells through NF-κB pathway.
High-fat diet (HFD) and inflammation are key contributors to insulin resistance (IR) and Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). With HFD, plasma free fatty acids (FFAs) can activate the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in target tissues, then initiate negative crosstalk between FFAs and insulin signaling. However, the molecular link between IR and inflammation remains to be identified. We here reported that tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 1 (TRAF1), an adapter in signal transduction, was involved in the onset of IR in hepatocytes. TRAF1 was significantly up-regulated in insulin-resistant liver tissues and palmitate (PA)-treated HepG2 cells. In addition, we showed that depletion of TRAF1 led to inhibition of the activity of NF-κB. Given the fact that the activation of NF-κB played a facilitating role in IR, the phosphorylation of Akt and GSK3β was also analyzed. We found that depletion of TRAF1 markedly reversed PA-induced attenuation of the phosphorylation of Akt and GSK3β in the cells. The accumulation of lipid droplets in hepatocyte and expression of two key gluconeogenic enzymes, PEPCK and G6Pase, were also determined and found to display a similar tendency with the phosphorylation of Akt and GSK3β. Glucose uptake assay indicated that knocking down TRAF1 blocked the effect of PA on the suppression of glucose uptake. These data implicated that TRAF1 knockdown might alleviate PA-induced IR in HepG2 cells through NF-κB pathway.


Radiologic spectrum of rectal stenosis.
Rectal stenosis is a common condition caused by a wide variety of diseases, including both intrinsic and extrinsic disorders, as well as both malignant and benign pathologies. Barium enema, CT, and MRI are the primary modalities for the evaluation of the disease, and careful observation of the characteristic radiologic features usually leads to correct diagnosis. However, some of the lesions looks very similar and are difficult to differentiate from each other. The purpose of this study is to review the literature on diseases that cause rectal stenosis, to clarify the characteristics of radiologic features, and to suggest the limitations in differential diagnosis. Deliberate analysis of these imaging features and correlation with clinical manifestations can facilitate a more specific diagnosis.


[Cloning of human LUNX gene enhancers and analysis of transcriptional regulation].
To identify the enhancers of human lung specific X protein (LUNX) and their regulation at the transcription level in vitro. Three enhancer fragments (E1:+3770~+3959bp; E2: +6454~+6555bp; E3: +14553~+14652 bp) predicted by bioinformatics software were isolated from the human genomic DNA by PCR amplification. Luciferase assay was performed to detect the activities of the enhancers in transcriptional regulation. PCR products were confirmed by DNA sequencing. The amplified enhancers digested by Kpn I/Xho I and BamH I/Sal I, to generate the sticky-end fragments were inserted into PGL3-promoter in a reporter vector, and 6 luciferase expression vectors were obtained. All the reporter plasmids and pGL3-promoter were transiently transfected into HEK293 cells with an internal control of pSV-β-Galactosidase reporter vector. The enhancer activity of each construct was evaluated by luciferase assay of the cell extracts after transfection for 48 h. The results showed that the 3 fragments, when located upstream, did not increase transcription of reporter gene, but when at the downstream, E1 and E3 increased the transcription by 2.83 and 1.59 folds of that of pGL3-promoter, respectively. LUNX gene sequences from +3770 to +3959 bp and +14553 to +14652 bp possess the capacity to enhance gene transcription.


Impaired saline-stimulated diuresis and natriuresis in the conscious hypertensive glucose-intolerant rat.
A major complication of type 2 diabetes is renal dysfunction, a condition that worsens with coexistence of systemic hypertension. However, less is known regarding the renal impact of the prediabetic condition characterized by glucose intolerance. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that chronic glucose intolerance leads to abnormal renal function, a condition also exacerbated by concurrent systemic hypertension. A rat model of concomitant NaCl-sensitive hypertension and glucose intolerance was used to study renal function. Glucose intolerance was produced by administering streptozotocin to neonatal Wistar-Kyoto rats, and systemic hypertension was induced by combining dietary NaCl excess with unilateral nephrectomy. Hemodynamic and renal excretory responses were determined in conscious animals before and after administration of a 30-min isotonic saline challenge (5% of body weight, intravenously). Nine-month-old glucose-intolerant rats fed a normal NaCl diet did not manifest impairment in saline-stimulated diuresis and natriuresis. By contrast, 3-month-old glucose-intolerant rats fed a high NaCl diet displayed an exaggerated diuretic and natriuretic response to a saline challenge. Although saline-stimulated diuresis and natriuresis were enhanced in the hypertensive rats, they were reduced in the hypertensive glucose-intolerant animals. The reduction in renal excretory function of the latter group was caused by alterations in both glomerular function and tubular reabsorption of fluid and sodium. The coexistence of systemic hypertension and glucose intolerance result in impaired renal excretory function. This defect could be important, as hypertension can develop before the onset of overt type 2 diabetes.


Preliminary clinical experience with the heat probe at endoscopy in acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
The heat probe is a recently developed instrument for endoscopic treatment of bleeding. A prototype probe was used in 16 patients with significant hemorrhage from peptic ulcers (10 duodenal and six gastric). It proved impossible to treat four of the patients with duodenal ulcers because of obscuring clots or active bleeding. Rebleeding occurred in only one of 12 patients who had undergone successful application of the probe and ceased after a second treatment. There were no complications due to treatment.


Mechanisms by which docosahexaenoic acid and related fatty acids reduce colon cancer risk and inflammatory disorders of the intestine.
A growing body of epidemiological, clinical, and experimental evidence has underscored both the pharmacological potential and the nutritional value of dietary fish oil enriched in very long chain n-3 PUFAs such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6, n-3) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5, n-3). The broad health benefits of very long chain n-3 PUFAs and the pleiotropic effects of dietary fish oil and DHA have been proposed to involve alterations in membrane structure and function, eicosanoid metabolism, gene expression and the formation of lipid peroxidation products, although a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms of action has yet to be elucidated. In this review, we present data demonstrating that DHA selectively modulates the subcellular localization of lipidated signaling proteins depending on their transport pathway, which may be universally applied to other lipidated protein trafficking. An interesting possibility raised by the current observations is that lipidated proteins may exhibit different subcellular distribution profiles in various tissues, which contain a distinct membrane lipid composition. In addition, the current findings clearly indicate that subcellular localization of proteins with a certain trafficking pathway can be subjected to selective regulation by dietary manipulation. This form of regulated plasma membrane targeting of a select subset of upstream signaling proteins may provide cells with the flexibility to coordinate the arrangement of signaling translators on the cell surface. Ultimately, this may allow organ systems such as the colon to optimally decode, respond, and adapt to the vagaries of an ever-changing extracellular environment.


Diffraction efficiency and signal-to-noise ratio of diffuse-object holograms in real time in polyvinyl alcohol photopolymers.
We studied the influence of the beam ratio and intensity on the optical quality of the transmission hologram images of diffuse objects stored in a photopolymer and reconstructed in real time. The signal-to-noise ratio and the diffraction efficiency were used as measures of the optical quality. We obtained a signal-to-noise ratio of 0.94 with a diffraction efficiency of 13% for a beam ratio of 20 and an intensity of 1.2 mW/cm2.


Association of cytokine gene polymorphisms with malignant melanoma in Caucasian population.
It has been hypothesized that polymorphisms expected to result in functional changes in cytokine genes may influence susceptibility to cancer, including malignant melanoma (MM). Here, we have screened 24 potentially functional polymorphisms in five cytokine genes by PCR-SBT and PCR-SSP methods in 122 MM cell lines derived from Caucasian patients. The polymorphic positions studied were: TNFA -1031, -863, -857, -851, -574, -376, -308, -238, +488; TGFB1 -988, -800, -509, +869, +915, +652, +673, +713, +788; IL10 -1082, -819, -592; IL6 -174; IFNG -333, +874. The frequencies of cytokine genotypes of melanoma tumours were compared with those published for healthy Caucasians. It was found that TNFA -238 GA, TGFB1 -509 CT, -800 GG, IFNG +874 AT, IL6 -174 GG, IL10 -1082 GA genotypes were significantly decreased, while TNFA -238 AA, -857 CC, TGFB1 -509 TT, IFNG +874 AA, IL6 -174 CC, IL10 -1082 AA, -819 TT, -592 AA genotypes were significantly increased, in MM. This suggests that genotypes provisionally associated with low expression of pro-inflammatory and immunomodulatory TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma and IL-6 and anti-inflammatory IL-10 and TGF-beta1 could be involved in the mechanisms of cancer progression and escape from immunosurveillance.


Genetic counseling of consanguineous families. Use of Smith's method to calculate recurrence risks in multifactorial inheritance in consanguineous matings.
A modification of Smith's method is described for deriving recurrence risks for multifactorial conditions when parents are related. Using cleft palate as an example, the possible increased risks caused by consanguinity are discussed.


Agreement between participation ratings of children with intellectual disabilities and their primary caregivers.
Participation of children with ID it is argued must be understood in relation to the fit with the environment. Since caregivers are a vital factor within the close environment of a child with intellectual disability, their perceptions are unequivocally important. The main aim of this study is to describe the self-reported participation of children with ID and the perceptions of their primary caregivers. Both frequency of attendance and perceived importance of activity was measured with self-reported and proxy-reports. A custom developed Picture my Participation (PmP) survey was utilised in an interview format with children with intellectual disability whilst their primary caregivers completed the survey independently. Overall, the perceptions of children with intellectual disabilities and of primary caregivers showed similarities regarding attendance and activities considered important. On group level, both children and primary caregivers perceived the child to have a high level of attendance ofFormal learning in school, Family mealtime, Interacting with family and Celebrations. An overall poor agreement in perceived frequency of attendance was found. However, in child-primary cargiver-dyads poor agreement in perceived frequency of attendance was found. While primary caregivers and children's ratings of attendance and selection of the most important activities appeared somewhat similar, there was a noted difference, in that primary caregivers' were uniform in their selection, whilst there was a diversity in the selection of activities amongst children.


Partial specific volumes of lipid and water in mixtures of egg lecithin and water.
We describe in this paper measurements of the partial specific volumes of lipid (upsilon L) and water (upsilon W) in mechanical mixtures of egg yolk lecithin and water over a range of hydrations (5-55 wt% water) that includes the region at which excess water appears. upsilon L and upsilon W are found to be very nearly 1 cm3/g over the entire range. The water activities of the mixtures were also determined and found to be the same as for lipid deposited as oriented multilayers on solid substrates.


Recruitment of the recombinational repair machinery to a DNA double-strand break in yeast.
Repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) by homologous recombination requires members of the RAD52 epistasis group. Here we use chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) to examine the temporal order of recruitment of Rad51p, Rad52p, Rad54p, Rad55p, and RPA to a single, induced DSB in yeast. Our results suggest a sequential, interdependent assembly of Rad proteins adjacent to the DSB initiated by binding of Rad51p. ChIP time courses from various mutant strains and additional biochemical studies suggest that Rad52p, Rad55p, and Rad54p each help promote the formation and/or stabilization of the Rad51p nucleoprotein filament. We also find that all four Rad proteins associate with homologous donor sequences during strand invasion. These studies provide a near comprehensive view of the molecular events required for the in vivo assembly of a functional Rad51p presynaptic filament.


Simultaneous removal of metal ions and linear alkylbenzene sulfonate by combined electrochemical and photocatalytic process.
Combined electrochemical removal of Zn(++) and Ni(++) and photo-oxidation of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) by suspended TiO(2) particles was investigated. The effect of different process variables such as current density, pH and liquid flow rate on the sole electrochemical reduction of metal ions was also evaluated. At pH of 5.0, the removal of Zn(++) increased by 28% with increases in the liquid flux from 0.0021 to 0.0172 m(3)m(-2)s(-1) while the removal of Ni(++) was only enhanced marginally. Under optimum operating conditions used in the present study (liquid flux=0.0172 m(3) m(-2) s(-1), current density=0.166 mA cm(-2), pH 5.0 and in the presence of LAS), Zn(++) and Ni(++) were reduced by 86 and 56%, respectively, over 7h of the sole electrochemical treatment. For the sole photocatalytic treatment of LAS at pH of 5.0, a 60% LAS degradation was obtained. However, the liquid flow rate did not have any considerable effect on the LAS oxidation. Finally, in the combined photocatalytic-electrolytic process, the LAS degradation increased to 76%. Nonetheless, in the combined system the Zn(++) and Ni(++) removal remained at comparable levels to those obtained in the sole electrochemical system.


Prevelance of Hearing Loss and Factors Association in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients.
Aim: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is becoming a great concern, especially in developing countries and SNHL among patients with CKD is considerably higher than general population. So, current study aims evaluation and assessment of degree of hearing loss in chronic kidney disease patients using pure tone audiogram and correlation of hearing loss with its contributing factors. Materials and methods:70 patients with CKD were included in this prospective observational cross sectional study performed in tertiary care hospital. A detailed history; general physical, otological examination, blood investigation was done.CKD staging was done using KDIGO guidelines and hearing assessment using pure tone audiometry. Hearing loss association with CKD and contributing factors were studied. Result: Out of 70 participants, SNHL was seen in twenty one participants. Hearing loss was present in 3 out of 22 participants of CKD-3; 6 out of 12 participants of CKD-4 and 12 out of 15 participants of stage CKD-5. A statistically significant association of hearing loss was found with CKD stage, albuminuria, hemodialysis, hypertension and other factors. Discussion: Since hearing impairment may well have a negative impact on the social function of an affected individual, the use of pure tone audiogram to monitor CKD patients should be considered as a routine procedure. Patients with CKD would benefit from early detection of hearing loss which will allow for early rehabilitative measures to be taken.


Convective heat and mass transfer rate on 3D Williamson nanofluid flow via linear stretching sheet with thermal radiation and heat absorption.
A mathematical analysis is communicated to the thermal radiation and heat absorption effects on 3D MHD Williamson nanoliquid (NFs) motion via stretching sheet. The convective heat and mass boundary conditions are taken in sheet when liquid is motion. As a novelty, the effects of thermal radiation, heat absorption and heat and mass convection are incorporated. The aim is to develop heat transfer. Williamson NFs are most important source of heat absorption, it having many significant applications in "energy generation, HT, aircraft, missiles, electronic cooling systems, gas turbines" etc. The suitable similarity transformations have been utilized for reduce basic governing P.D. E's into coupled nonlinear system of O.D. E's. Obtained O.D. Es are calculated by help of R-K-F ("Runge-Kutta-Fehlberg")4th order procedure with shooting technique in MATLAB programming. We noticed that, the skin friction coefficient is more effective in Williamson liquid motion when compared with NFs motion with higher numerical values of stretching ratio parameter, Williamson liquid motion is high when compared to NFs motion for large values of magnetic field. We compared with present results into previous results for various conditions. Finally, in the present result is good invention of previous results.


Cytogenetic mapping of the W chromosome in the genus Leporinus (Teleostei, Anostomidae) using a highly repetitive DNA sequence.
The distribution of the Leporinus elongatus LeSpeI repetitive sequence in other Leporinus species was studied in an attempt to elucidate the evolutionary history of sex chromosomes in this genus using chromosome fluorescence in situ hybridization. The presence of fluorescent signals only in species that have differentiated sex chromosomes suggests that this sequence is related to the differentiation of sex chromosomes in this genus. Thus, these data will contribute to a better understanding of chromosome evolution, especially for sex chromosomes, in the Leporinus genus.


Clinicopathologic study of serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma with invasive carcinoma: is serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma a reliable feature for determining the organ of origin?
In the past several decades, the concept of serous ovarian carcinoma has been revised repeatedly. However, the exact pathogenesis remains controversial. The most popular current concept is origin from the epithelium of the fimbriated ends of the fallopian tubes. The objective of our study was to evaluate the characteristic clinical and morphologic features of serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma (STIC) and associated invasive carcinomas. One hundred sixteen consecutive cases of STIC seen from 2007 to 2011 were included in this study. High-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) with or without a mixed component was identified in 107 cases (92.2%), non-HGSC in 5 cases, and STICs without invasive carcinoma in 4 cases. Using conventional criteria, HGSCs were classified as fallopian tube in origin in 65 cases (60.7%), as ovarian in 30 (28.0%), as peritoneal in 9 (8.4%), and as endometrial in 3 (2.8%). Among the 107 cases with HGSCs, most STICs (86; 80%) were present unilaterally, whereas invasive tumors more commonly involved the ovaries bilaterally (79%; 84 cases). These findings support the hypothesis that STIC acts as a precursor lesion for most fallopian tube, ovarian, and peritoneal HGSCs, but not for endometrial HGSC.


Relationship between bone mineral density changes in pregnancy and maternal and pregnancy characteristics: a longitudinal study.
The study aims to verify whether a progressive fall in bone mineral density (BMD) values can be demonstrated using quantitative ultrasound measurements of the os calcis. The BMD change during the pregnancy was then correlated with other maternal and pregnancy characteristics to identify any high-risk factors for bone loss in pregnancy. Consecutive patients were recruited from a low-risk obstetric clinic over a period of 9 months. BMD measurements were performed at the os calcis before 18 weeks, between 28 and 32 weeks, and at 36-38 weeks using a Hologic Sahara Clinical Bone Sonometer system. A computer-derived BMD value was obtained with each measurement. Body fat composition was also measured using a Tanita 501 bioimpedance assay system. In a cohort of 780 patients, a mean fall in BMD of 0.040 g/cm2 was demonstrable across the trimesters. The difference in BMD across the three serial measurements was highly significant (p < 0.001). Univariate analysis showed that those with a low initial BMD, glucose intolerance and high body fat accumulation weight gain during the pregnancy had lower BMD loss, while gestational hypertension and obesity had no impact on the degree of BMD loss. Entering these parameters in a logistic regression analysis showed that the impact of glucose intolerance was lost, but that the other factors remained significant. A linear regression model of quantitative variables showed that only fat accumulation (p = 0.03) and early pregnancy BMD values (p < 0.001) remained significant factors associated with BMD loss. A gradual fall in BMD was demonstrable using ultrasound measurement of the os calcis from early to late pregnancy. Of the various parameters identified as significant factors affecting BMD loss in pregnancy, a low initial BMD in early pregnancy and high body fat accumulation during pregnancy appeared to be related to lower BMD loss.


Ultrasonographic demonstration of inferior vena caval invasion.
Whenever a liver neoplasm is seen ultrasonographically, an effort should be made to visualize the veins within the liver as well as the inferior vena cava for tumor extension. Valuable information can be obtained by the demonstration of this finding which may radically alter the further work-up and treatment of the patient.


Selective fiberoptic left main-stem intubation for severe unilateral barotrauma in a 24-week premature infant.
A 24-week premature infant developed severe right-sided pulmonary barotrauma secondary to mechanical ventilation for respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). High-frequency oscillatory ventilation and permissive hypercapnia were initiated. A chest tube was placed to relieve a pneumothorax, and a catheter was inserted into an air-filled cyst for drainage. These maneuvers failed to improve the child's respiratory status. The child's left main-stem bronchus was then successfully fiberoptically intubated for single-lung ventilation in order to reduce the unilateral barotrauma. Single-lung ventilation was effectively and safely continued for 5 days, with complete resolution of the pulmonary barotrauma.


Higher Initial Formula for Resuscitation After Severe Burn Injury Means Higher 24-Hour Volumes.
Initial fluid infusion rates for resuscitation of burn injuries typically use formulas based on patient weight and total body surface area (TBSA) burned. However, the impact of this rate on overall resuscitation volumes and outcomes have not been extensively studied. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of initial fluid rates on 24-hour volumes and outcomes using the Burn Navigator (BN). The BN database is composed of 300 patients with ≥20% TBSA, >40 kg that were resuscitated utilizing the BN. Four study arms were analyzed based on the initial formula-2 ml/kg/TBSA, 3 ml/kg/TBSA, 4 ml/kg/TBSA or the Rule of Ten. Total fluids infused at 24 hours after admission were compared as well as resuscitation-related outcomes. A total of 296 patients were eligible for analysis. Higher starting rates (4 ml/kg/TBSA) resulted in significantly higher volumes at 24 hours (5.2 ± 2.2 ml/kg/TBSA) than lower rates (2 ml/kg/TBSA resulted in 3.9 ± 1.4 ml/kg/TBSA). No shock was observed in the high resuscitation cohort, whereas the lowest starting rate exhibited a 12% incidence, lower than both the Rule of Ten and 3 ml/kg/TBSA arms. There was no difference in 7-day mortality across groups. Higher initial fluid rates resulted in higher 24-hour fluid volumes. The choice of 2ml/kg/TBSA as initial rate did not result in increased mortality or more complications. An initial rate of 2ml/kg/TBSA is a safe strategy.


Separation of enantiomers in capillary electrophoresis with contactless conductivity detection.
Contactless conductivity detection is successfully demonstrated for the enantiomeric separation of basic drugs and amino acids in capillary electrophoresis (CE). Derivatization of the compounds or the addition of a visualization agent as for indirect optical detection schemes were not needed. Non-charged chiral selectors were employed, hydroxypropylated cyclodextrin (CD) for the more lipophilic basic drugs and 18-crown-6-tetracarboxylic acid (18C6H4) for the amino acids. Acidic buffer solutions based on lactic or citric acid were used. The detection limits were determined as 0.3 microM for pseudoephedrine as an example of a basic drug and were in the range from 2.5 to 20 microM for the amino acids.


Fetal abnormalities: diagnosis or treatment with percutaneous umbilical blood sampling under continuous US guidance.
Percutaneous umbilical blood sampling has become an important tool in maternal-fetal medicine and allows direct access to fetal blood. In 52 patients, 100 successful consecutive blood sampling procedures were done for a variety of indications, including 20 intravascular intrauterine fetal transfusions for isoimmune disease. Indications, technique, and complications in this series of percutaneous umbilical blood sampling procedures are described.


Polymorph engineering of CuMO2 (M = Al, Ga, Sc, Y) semiconductors for solar energy applications: from delafossite to wurtzite.
The cuprous oxide based ternary delafossite semiconductors have been well studied in the context of p-type transparent conducting oxides. CuAlO2, CuGaO2 and CuInO2 represent a homologous series where the electronic properties can be tuned over a large range. The optical transparency of these materials has been associated with dipole forbidden transitions, which are related to the linear O-Cu-O coordination motif. The recent demonstration that these materials can be synthesized in tetrahedral structures (wurtzite analogues of the chalcopyrite lattice) opens up a new vista of applications. We investigate the underlying structure-property relationships (for Group 3 and 13 metals), from the perspective of first-principles materials modelling, towards developing earth-abundant photoactive metal oxides. All materials studied possess indirect fundamental band gaps ranging from 1 to 2 eV, which are smaller than their delafossite counterparts, although in all cases the difference between direct and indirect band gaps is less than 0.03 eV.


Spontaneous isolated mesenteric fibromatosis. Report of a case.
A rare case of spontaneous isolated mesenteric fibromatosis (mesenteric desmoid) unassociated with Gardner's syndrome or prior abdominal surgery is presented. Computed tomography revealed a nonenhancing, well-defined, large, soft-tissue mass in the mesentery. The clinical and radiographic features of mesenteric fibromatosis are reviewed and the differential diagnosis is discussed.


[A comparative analysis of the antigenic complexes isolated from synthetic and semisynthetic media for the cultivation of Bordetella pertussis].
Some physicochemical properties of B.pertussis antigenic complexes isolated from synthetic and semisynthetic culture media have been studied. The chemical composition of these complexes has been determined. Proteins, polypeptide subunits and lipopolysaccharide forming these complexes have been characterized. The presence of two main protective substances of B.pertussis has been revealed: fimbrial hemagglutinin and B.pertussis toxin. The influence of culture medium on the level of the synthesis of B.pertussis adenylate cyclase has been studied.


Criminal justice system interactions among young adults with and without autism: A national birth cohort study in New Zealand.
Sensationalist headlines and highly publicised criminal cases lead many in the public to believe that people with autism are more likely to engage in criminal behaviour. However, recent studies present an unresolved debate, and indicate this may not necessarily be the case. The aims of this study were to examine the prevalence of criminal justice system interactions among young adults with and without autism, and determine whether offence types differ between these groups. We tracked a national birth cohort until their 25th birthday, detecting criminal justice system interactions from age 17 onwards. Linked health and criminal justice system data were used to identify those with autism and detect interactions with the criminal justice system. We found that young people with autism interacted with the criminal justice system at lower rates compared to those without autism. However, there were considerable differences in the types of offences these young people were charged with. For example, among those charged with an offence, people with autism were more likely to be charged with a serious offence, punishable by 2 or more years in prison. We conclude that although young people with autism are not over-represented in the criminal justice system, disparities in offence types and incarceration rates among those charged with an offence suggest the importance of identification and appropriate response to autism within the criminal justice system.


Cirrhosis with atypia. A potential pitfall in the interpretation of liver aspirates.
Needle aspirations of the liver yielding highly atypical hepatocytes present a diagnostic challenge, with the differential diagnosis lying between hepatocellular carcinoma and benign reactive atypia. A case of a healing liver abscess in a patient with cirrhosis, mistakenly diagnosed as an hepatocellular carcinoma, is presented. Criteria for the avoidance of false-positive diagnoses of hepatocellular carcinoma on needle aspirates are presented, and the concept of "liver cell dysplasia" as a cytodiagnostic entity is discussed.


Persistent abnormal intraventricular conduction after myocarditis revealed by recurrent syncopes.
A 24-year-old male was admitted to our hospital for recurrent syncopes. Several ECG showed paroxysmal second degree atrioventricular block with the QRS axis changing between conducted beats and escape beats. Transvenous cardiac pacing was performed until permanent recapture of atrioventricular conduction (day 4). At day 7, the CMRI showed extensive subepicardial enhancement highly consistent with acute myocarditis. A second CMRI was performed 3months later showing complete regression of subepicardial enhancement despite persistent RBBB and left posterior fascicular block. Although there was no ECG available before the event, the likelihood of a causal relationship between ECG findings and the myocardial disease is high. When it happens, a long follow-up should be advised.


Cervical length measurement by transvaginal sonography in preterm pregnant women for prediction of preterm birth.
To determine the optimal value of cervical length and the presence of funneling in women with preterm labor to predict preterm delivery. Transvaginal sonography to determine cervical length and presence of funneling in 69 pregnant women with gestational age between 24 - 36 weeks who had preterm labor and were admitted to the labor room of BMA Medical College and Vajira Hospital. The cervical length of women with preterm labor ranged between 10.7-61.2 mm (mean +/- SD = 30.1 + 9.9 mm). The prevalence of preterm delivery was 43.4%. The cervical length of 30 mm had the highest diagnostic performances in predicting preterm delivery, with the sensitivity 93.3%, specificity 82.0%. About 90% of women with funneling presence had preterm delivery. The cervical length and presence of funneling in preterm labor women are significantly associated with preterm delivery.


Intussusception as a presenting feature of Burkitt lymphoma: implications for management and outcome.
Intussusception is a recognised but unusual presenting feature of Burkitt lymphoma. We sought to identify the clinical features associated with intussusception in this setting, and assess the outcome following protocol directed chemotherapy. A retrospective case note review was performed on patients treated for Burkitt lymphoma at our institution between 1976 and 2010. Cases presenting with intussusception were identified from hospital records and oncology database. Fourteen of the 210 children seen with a diagnosis of Burkitt lymphoma during the study period (6.7%) developed intussusception. Median age was 6.1 years (range 2.5-10.9). Twelve patients presented with recurrent abdominal pain, and two patients with a jaw mass associated with endemic Burkitt lymphoma. Nine patients underwent a right hemicolectomy with ileo-colic anastomosis, and five had segmental small-bowel resections. Three patients had bone marrow involvement at diagnosis, two of whom died. All patients received chemotherapy. Median follow-up was 6.07 years (range 0.1-28.8). Small bowel lymphoma should be considered in children presenting with intussusception above the normal infantile peak age range. The presentation is often insidious, and complete obstruction may not be apparent. However, when surgically resected, the majority can achieve a good outcome with additional chemotherapy.


Are citizens willing to pay for the ecosystem services supported by Common Agricultural Policy? A non-market valuation by choice experiment.
Public attention to the impact of human activities on the environment is growing over time across several sectors, particularly agri-food. In Europe, the agricultural sector's focus on sustainability has influenced EU policies for at least 40 years. The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) has for years been proposing tools, commitments, and incentives to mitigate the over-use of natural resources and to increase or maintain the flow of ecosystem services (ES) provide by agro-ecosystems. In the latest reform (23-27), the EU strengthens the commitments required of farmers for environmental issues. The role of farmers in natural capital management and ES provision seems to be recognized, EU subsidies for farmers seem to be more related to sustainability and well-being concerns of European citizen. However, it is necessary to understand whether society recognizes these benefits and legitimizes this transfer of public money for these purposes. This study aims to evaluate non-farmers citizen preference through a Choice Experiment for the potential higher flows of ES provided by three of the reformulated and new Good Agricultural Environmental Conditions - GAEC. The case study developed in Italy collected data from 185 citizens of the Po Valley, one of the most intensely cultivated areas in Europe. Analyses demonstrated how society recognizes the benefits provided by more sustainable agricultural systems, showing a preference for higher ES flows. The results show that there is a hypothetical value recognized by society for ES attributable to new GAECs that will be implemented by CAP farmers. In the case study, this value is higher than what farmers currently receive for general environmental purposes through direct payment for the management of arable land. Analysis it could justify that efforts required by the new CAP reform (23-27) to the farmers to achieve sustainable agricultural systems could be compensate and supported by positive citizens valuation.


The effects of DBS patterns on basal ganglia activity and thalamic relay : a computational study.
Thalamic neurons receive inputs from cortex and their responses are modulated by the basal ganglia (BG). This modulation is necessary to properly relay cortical inputs back to cortex and downstream to the brain stem when movements are planned. In Parkinson's disease (PD), the BG input to thalamus becomes pathological and relay of motor-related cortical inputs is compromised, thereby impairing movements. However, high frequency (HF) deep brain stimulation (DBS) may be used to restore relay reliability, thereby restoring movements in PD patients. Although therapeutic, HF stimulation consumes significant power forcing surgical battery replacements, and may cause adverse side effects. Here, we used a biophysical-based model of the BG-Thalamus motor loop in both healthy and PD conditions to assess whether low frequency stimulation can suppress pathological activity in PD and enable the thalamus to reliably relay movement-related cortical inputs. We administered periodic pulse train DBS waveforms to the sub-thalamic nucleus (STN) with frequencies ranging from 0-140 Hz, and computed statistics that quantified pathological bursting, oscillations, and synchronization in the BG as well as thalamic relay of cortical inputs. We found that none of the frequencies suppressed all pathological activity in BG, though the HF waveforms recovered thalamic reliability. Our rigorous study, however, led us to a novel DBS strategy involving low frequency multi-input phase-shifted DBS, which successfully suppressed pathological symptoms in all BG nuclei and enabled reliable thalamic relay. The neural restoration remained robust to changes in the model parameters characterizing early to late PD stages.


Designing of biocompatible and biodegradable chitosan based crosslinked hydrogel for in vitro release of encapsulated povidone-iodine: A clinical translation.
Controlled drug delivery is a prime stratagem for minimizing both the frequency of therapeutic administration as well as systematic side effects with high drug content. One of the extensively studied approaches for controlling medicament delivery is the encapsulation of drug within polymer chains which sluggish the release on the basis of its crosslinked network. Recent advances in biomedical field have led to the fabrication of chitosan (CS) based biocompatible and biodegradable hydrogels for controlled delivery of encapsulated drug. In this study, CS-PVP based hydrogels are fabricated by varying the concentration of 3-glycidyloxypropyl trimethoxysilane (GPTMS) via solution casting technique. Swelling indices of prepared hydrogel samples were determined in different media including distilled water, different pH and electrolyte solutions. FTIR, TGA and WAXRD are conducted to evaluate the structural, thermal and crystalline properties of prepared hydrogels, respectively. Porosity (71%), hydrophilicity (55°) and mechanical properties (97.56 MPa of UTS and 85.23% E%) were investigated for the fabricated samples. Extensively in vitro biodegradation, antimicrobial performance and cytotoxicity were evaluated for these hydrogels. The drug release analysis was carried out to examine the release response of encapsulated iodopovidone at physiological conditions. These results tender a strategy for the design of structural hydrogel with different crosslinking mechanism like physical and covalent interactions. These insights obviate the demand for encapsulation and offer promising and translatable strategies for more effective release of drugs.


The chemical characterization of the radioactive products derived from [[3H]PheB1]insulin in the circulation of the rat.
1. Gel filtration of rat plasma taken 1 h after subcutaneous injection of [[3H]PheB1]insulin gives three peaks of radioactivity. 2. The material in these peaks was characterized by electrophoresis and chromatography. 3. We conclude that [[3H]PheB1]insulin is rapidly degraded to free tritiated phenylalanine. The phenylalanine is subsequently used for synthesis of plasma proteins de novo.


Concurrence of transient asplenia and pure red cell aplasia.
We report a 9-year-old male with anatomical asplenia diagnosed at 7 months of age documented by ultrasound and liver-spleen scan which resolved spontaneously 3 years later. The patient concurrently had pure red cell aplasia which subsequently resolved spontaneously.


Nonhomologous DNA end rejoining in chromosomal aberration formation.
The role of recombination of nonhomologous DNA ends in chromosomal aberration formation was investigated in Chinese hamster ovary cells. Restriction enzymes that produce blunt, 3' overhanging, or 5' overhanging DNA double-strand breaks were electroporated into cells in various combinations, and chromosomal aberrations were analyzed at metaphase. For all enzyme combinations tested, there was a significant increase in the frequency of aberrations whose formation requires two breaks in the DNA over the sum obtained when each of the enzymes was tested separately and the aberration frequencies were totaled. No such pattern existed for terminal deletions, which presumably require only one DNA break. The extent of interaction did not depend on the homology in the overhanging sequences or on the combination of ends used, although the largest effect was seen with a combination of two blunt ends. This study shows that nonhomologous DNA double-strand breaks can interact to increase chromosomal aberration formation significantly.


Plasma steroid changes in pre-term labour in association with salbutamol infusion.
Serial measurements of peripheral plasma concentrations of progesterone and oestradiol-17beta were made in 23 women with singleton pregnancies who were given intravenous salbutamol in an attempt to inhibit pre-term labour. Mean levels of both hormones fell significantly during salbutamol infusion but returned to pre-treatment levels after therapy was stopped. Plasma human placental lactogen concentrations did not change during salbutamol infusion, suggesting that the fall in steroid hormone levels was unlikely to be an effect of altered uterine or placental blood flow.


Hydroxychloroquine-induced cardiotoxicity in a 39-year-old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus and systolic dysfunction.
A 39-year-old woman with a history of systemic lupus erythematosus developed chest pain and conduction abnormalities. An echocardiographic examination revealed systolic dysfunction and ventricular thickening. Because of the unclear nature of her cardiac disease, right ventricular endomyocardial biopsy was performed. Light microscopy showed diffuse myocyte vacuolization without myocarditis, and transmission electron microscopy demonstrated sarcoplasmic myelinoid and curvilinear bodies, diagnostic of hydroxychloroquine toxicity. Among patients with autoimmune connective disorders, cardiac dysfunction may be a result of the disease or occasionally of its treatment. Although the nature of the cardiac disease (myocardial, valvular, or pericardial) can generally be evaluated echocardiographically, endomyocardial biopsy may be indicated to rule out diseases with a specific microscopic appearance, such as myocarditis or hydroxychloroquine cardiotoxicity.


Cutaneous microvascular functional assessment during exercise: a novel approach using laser speckle contrast imaging.
Cardiovascular diseases are often revealed during exercise and are associated with cutaneous blood flow (CBF) dysfunction. Studies of CBF during exercise are consequently of interest. Laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) allows for non-contact and real-time recording of CBF at rest. We tested whether LSCI could allow the study of CBF during a cycling exercise using a specific signal treatment procedure that removes movement-induced artefacts from the LSCI raw signal. We recorded the baseline CBF and peak post-occlusive reactive hyperaemia (PORH) from the cutaneous forearm using LSCI and the mean blood pressure before and during cycling (80 W at 70 rpm) in nine healthy subjects. We determined the cross-correlation coefficient r between LSCI traces obtained before and during cycling and before and after a specifically designed signal processing technique. The results are presented as the median (25th-75th centile) and expressed as the cutaneous vascular conductance (laser speckle perfusion units (LSPU) per millimetre of mercury). Cross-correlation r increased from 0.226 ± 0.140 before to 0.683 ± 0.170 after post-processing. After signal processing, the peak PORH during exercise was reduced [0.38 (0.30-0.52) LSPU/mmHg] compared with the peak PORH during the non-exercise phase [0.69 (0.63-0.74) LSPU/mmHg, p < 0.01], whereas no difference was found between the baseline values. With adequate signal processing, LSCI appears valuable for investigating CBF during exercise. During constant-load lower limb cycling exercise, the upper limb peak PORH is reduced compared with the peak PORH during non-exercise. The underlying mechanisms warrant further investigations in both healthy (trained) subjects and diseased (e.g., coronary heart disease) patients.


Which health-related quality of life aspects are important to patients with chronic myeloid leukemia receiving targeted therapies and to health care professionals? GIMEMA and EORTC Quality of Life Group.
The objective of this study was to investigate the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) aspects valued the most by patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) receiving targeted therapies (TT), and to compare their perception with that of health-care professionals' (HCPs). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 137 CML patients receiving TT from five different countries. An additional sample of 99 CML patients, completing an online interview, was considered for supportive analyses. A sample of 59 HCPs from 12 countries also participated in the study. Patients and HCPs were asked to rate and rank the importance of a predefined list of 74 HRQOL aspects of potential relevance for CML patients. Patients and HCPs agreed that the following five aspects are most important: fatigue, muscle cramps, swelling, worries, and uncertainty about health condition in the future, and importance of social support in coping with the disease. However, the difference in rankings between the two groups was substantial with respect to other HRQOL aspects investigated. Patients valued some issues related to symptoms much higher than HCPs, thus suggesting that a better symptom management could be the crucial aspects to improve HRQOL of CML patients.