The effect of 1-ethyl-3(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide on calcium binding and associated changes in chloroplast structure and chlorophyll a fluorescence in spinach chloroplasts.
1. Chemical modification of carboxyl groups on the chloroplast membrane with a water-soluble carbodiimide plus a nucleophile caused inhibition of Ca-2plus binding. 2. Both binding sites were affected and showed a decrease in the number of binding sites and an increase in the dissociation constant. 3. Cation-induced changes in chlorophyll a fluorescence and structural changes (deltaA540) were inhibited at the same carbodiimide concentrations as Ca-2plus binding, emphasizing the relationship between these processes. 4. Chloroplasts that were illuminated with high intensity light for short time periods showed a decrease in the carbodiimide-mediated inhibition of Ca-2plus binding.


The Association of Perceived, Internalized, and Enacted HIV Stigma With Medication Adherence, Barriers to Adherence, and Mental Health Among Young People Living With HIV in Zambia.
Few studies have examined the independent effects of different manifestations of HIV stigma experiences on health outcomes among youth living with HIV in low- and middle-income countries. We examined the association of internalized, enacted, and perceived HIV stigmas with medication adherence, self-esteem, depression, and barriers to adherence. Young people living with HIV aged 18-21 years (N = 120) were purposively sampled from two health facilities in Eastern Province, Zambia, and completed self-report measures. Results indicated heterogeneous associations. Internalized HIV stigma was positively associated with depression and negatively associated with adherence, adherence motivation, behavioral adherence skills, and self-esteem. Perceived stigma was negatively associated with self-esteem. No significant association was observed between enacted stigma and health outcomes. The complexity of HIV stigma requires a precise explication of the associations among different HIV stigma experiences and outcomes, which can inform the development of stigma reduction interventions targeting one or more stigma experiences.


Tension-type headache and migraine in multiple sclerosis.
We review the evidence for a link between multiple sclerosis (MS) and two of the most common primary headache disorders: tension-type headache and migraine. We argue that the association between migraine and MS is biologically plausible and is confirmed by most studies. We discuss possible explanations for the association. First, we consider the possibility that the association is spurious. Next, we consider unidirectional causal models in which one of the conditions increases the risk of the other. A bidirectional model would suggest that each disease predisposes to the other. Alternatively, genetic or environmental risk factors shared by each condition may account for the association between them. We also address the question of whether coexisting migraine or tension-type headache in a patient with MS affects the symptom profile, clinical course, and radiographic characteristics of MS.


Non-proteinogenic amino acid based supramolecular hydrogel material for enhanced cell proliferation.
Supramolecular gel material built from low-molecular-weight (LMW) gelators finds potential applications in various fields, especially in drug delivery, cell encapsulation and delivery, and tissue engineering. The majority of the LMW gelators in these applications are based on functionalized peptides/amino acids consisting of proteinogenic amino acids which are proteolytically unstable. Herein, we have developed a new LMW gelator containing non-proteinogenic amino acid namely 2,3-diaminopropionic acid (Dap), a key precursor in the synthesis of many antibiotics namely viomycin and capreomycin, by functionalizing with fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl at both amino terminals of Dap [Fm-Dap(Fm)]. Hydrogelation test at different pH indicates that Fm-Dap(Fm) can form a hydrogel in a wide range of pH (4.9 to 9.1) with minimum hydrogelation concentration depends on the pH. The mechanical strength and thermal stability of the Fm-Dap(Fm) hydrogel material are found to decrease with increasing pH (acidic > neural/physiological > basic). The thermal stability of Fm-Dap(Fm) hydrogels is pH-dependent and elicits high stability at acidic pH. Also, Fm-Dap(Fm) hydrogels exhibit strong thixotropic property where regelation (self-healing) occurs upon release of stress. Morphological analysis indicates the formation of fibrils, which are entangled to form three dimensional network structures. Several spectroscopic measurements provided evidence for the self-assembly of Fm-Dap(Fm) molecules through intermolecular aromatic π-π stacking and hydrogen bonding interactions during hydrogelation. Interestingly, Fm-Dap(Fm) not only exhibits hydrogel formation but also shows cell viability and enhanced cell proliferation at physiological pH (7.4). Further, Fm-Dap(Fm) forms a hydrogel upon co-incubation with vitamin B12 and also exhibits release of vitamin B12 over a period. The current study thus demonstrates the development of a new hydrogel material, based on LMW gelator containing the non-proteinogenic amino acid, which can elicit cell viability, enhanced cell proliferation, drug encapsulation, and drug release properties. Hence, Fm-Dap(Fm) hydrogel could be an ideal material for biomedical applications, especially in tissue engineering and drug delivery.


2:1 left bundle branch block in acute bacterial endocarditis with septal abscess.
This report presents an unusual type of conduction disturbance of the left bundle branch which appeared in a patient with acute bacterial endocarditis of the aortic valve in which the septum was also invaded. This is the first case found in which the partial left bundle branch block (LBBB) was of acute inflammatory origin. Other previously reported cases of this functional delay of the left branch were secondary to arteriosclerotic heart disease.


On the structured imperfections of bulk GaSb using high resolution transmission electron microscopy.
GaSb is a promising III-V direct band gap semiconductor with sphalerite type FCC structure. Its band gap value has made it an excellent candidate for the conversion of infrared radiation to electricity. The wafers of GaSb, that were studied, originated from ingots grown with the Liquid Encapsulated Chochralski method. In all cases, Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy and Particle Induced X-ray Emission measurements demonstrated an excess of Sb. In the present work conventional transmission electron microscopy (CTEM) and high resolution electron microscopy (HRTEM) were used in order to determine the effect of the Sb excess in the structural characteristics of the material, mainly after thermal treatment. A structure model based on the ordering of the Sb antisites (Sb(Ga)) rather than the Ga vacancies (V(Ga)) is proposed for the observed modulation in small areas of the material.


Analysis of the motion of vacuolar volutin granules in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
The moving volutin (polyphosphate) granules known as "dancing bodies" can be observed in the vacuoles of the yeast cells. The aim of work was to study the effects of cultivation conditions and influences of physico-chemical factors on the motion of vacuolar volutin granules in Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells. The motion of granules is a non-Markovian process. It does not depend on the cell cycle phase, but depends on the growth stage. The maximal number of cells with "dancing bodies" was observed under cultivation of yeast at 25-28 °C and pH 5.4-5.8. Irradiation by non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation (EMR) of extremely high frequency (61.22 GHz, 100 μW, 30 min) had no effect on granule motion. After irradiation by non-ionizing EMR of very high frequency (40.68 MHz, 30 W, 30 min) the number of cells with "dancing bodies" decreased significantly and in 2 h restored almost to the control value. The possible nature of the moving volutin granules phenomenon due to metabolic processes is discussed.


Dental caries experience: a two-generation study.
The life-course framework stresses the importance of social, psychosocial, and biological factors in early life on the development of later disease. From this perspective, the association between edentulousness of mothers and their children's caries risk has not been studied. Therefore, a sample of 6303 mother-child pairs was randomly selected in Quebec (Canada). Mothers (6039 dentate and 264 edentulous) completed a self-administered questionnaire, and their children, aged 5 to 9 years, were clinically examined. Bivariate analyses and multiple logistic regressions showed that edentulous mothers' children are more likely to experience caries on both primary [OR=1.7 (1.3-2.3)] and permanent [OR=1.4 (1.0-2.0)] dentitions when compared with dentate mothers' children. These results are independent of socio-economic status, age, gender, and children's oral-health-related behaviors. Our study is the first to show that edentulous mothers' children constitute a group at risk of caries. It also highlights the need for a better understanding of the mother-child transmission of risk.


Optimized radio frequency coil for noninvasive magnetic resonance relaxation detection of human finger.
Noninvasive NMR measurement of human tissues, such as fingers, to achieve early detection for metabolic diseases is of important significance. The NMR relaxation measurements have a wide application prospect due to simplicity, portability, and low cost, as the static magnetic field is not required to be highly homogeneous. However, the inhomogeneous radiofrequency (RF) magnetic field (B1) results in errors in the magnetic resonance relaxation times. This is inevitable in in-vivo localized human tissue measurements with a portable MR scanner, as signals from tissues close to the edge of RF coil are excited with a different B1 field amplitude. A novel RF coil termed T coil with high B1 field homogeneity is presented. Numerical simulation and phantom measurements were implemented. The novel RF coil was compared with a regular solenoid coil and a variable width coil. In-vivo experiments were performed. The T coil has a better B1 field homogeneity than the regular solenoid coil and the variable width coil, producing more accurate magnetic resonance relaxation times. Improved detection accuracy has been achieved with the T coil. This work may promote the development of noninvasive human tissue diagnosis based on NMR relaxation methods.


Erratum: Psychiatric Characteristics of the Cardiac Outpatients with Chest Pain.
[This corrects the article on p. 169 in vol. 46, PMID: 27014347.].


False-Positive 18F-Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen-1007 PET/CT Caused by Hepatic Multifocal Inflammatory Foci.
A 68-year-old man with history of treated prostate cancer was referred to 68Ga-prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-11 PET/CT imaging. Moderate bone involvement was observed, with a normal liver tracer uptake. Bone biopsy confirmed metastases of prostate cancer. After therapy adjustment, a follow-up 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT revealed good response in bone lesions, although it showed 3 new rounded liver intense uptake foci. Concurrent PSA was 0.6 ng/mL. Liver function tests were normal. PET/CT-guided hepatic biopsy demonstrated no malignant cells, focal inflammation, and steatosis, being possibly the inflammation the cause of false-positive multifocal uptake of 18F-PSMA-1007. Following PET/CT, controls showed a normal liver.


Foundations of attention sharing: Orienting and responding to attention in term and preterm 5-month-old infants.
Attention is the gateway to perceptual, cognitive, and socioemotional development in humans. We observed 104 5-month-old term and preterm infants and their mothers in social interactions to address three questions about the role of maturation in orienting and responding to attention. We used a fine-grained coding system to allow parallel comparisons across infant and maternal orienting, and sequential analysis to evaluate infant and maternal responding to attention. Orienting and responding to attention differed for attention to people versus objects, as did the relations between maturity and attention. We conclude that maturity contributes to orienting and responding to attention and that orienting and responding to attention are specific rather than homogenous. We discuss the implications of these conclusions for future studies of how attention influences cognitive and communicative development.


Rapid intravascular injection into limb skeletal muscle: a damage assessment study.
We have recently developed a simple and highly efficient methodology for delivering plasmid DNA (pDNA) to skeletal muscle cells of mammalian limbs. The procedure involves the rapid intravascular injection of a large volume of saline (containing pDNA) into the vasculature of the distal limb. As a result of the robust delivery methodology involved, it is important to understand the effects of the injection procedure on the skeletal muscle tissue in the targeted limb. In previous studies, only modest and transient muscle damage was noted. In this study we quantitatively assessed the degree of muscle damage in rat limbs following intravascular injections using muscle histology (H&E staining), membrane integrity (Evans blue staining), and leukocyte infiltration (immunohistochemistry) assays. The rapid extravasation of fluid during the injection process resulted in edema of the muscle tissue of the targeted limb; however, the edema was transient and resolved within 24 h. Consistent with observations from previous studies, minimal levels of myofiber damage were detected. Immunohistochemical labeling indicated that increased numbers of neutrophils (CD43+) and macrophages (ED1+ and ED2+) were present in the muscle tissue interstitium shortly after injection but that elevations were relatively modest and resolved by 2 weeks postinjection.


The forgotten joint: quantifying the anatomy of the proximal tibiofibular joint.
Limited objective data exist detailing the quantitative anatomy of the individual bundles of the proximal tibiofibular joint and their relation to surgically pertinent osseous landmarks. The purpose of this study was to qualitatively and quantitatively describe the ligamentous anatomy of the proximal tibiofibular joint and its relation to relevant bony landmarks. Ten non-paired, fresh-frozen cadaveric knee specimens were dissected to identify the proximal tibiofibular joint ligament bundles. Pertinent bony landmarks were identified and served as reference points for the tibial and fibular attachments for each bundle. Ligament bundle footprints, lengths and orientations were measured using a 3D coordinate measuring device. Up to four bundles were identified anteriorly and up to three bundles posteriorly. The inferior bundle was identified anteriorly and posteriorly in 60% and 20% of the cases, respectively. For the anterior complex, the centres of the tibial attachments were a mean distance of 12.5 mm (95% CI [10.7, 14.3]) and 25.3 mm (95% CI [21.6, 29.0]) from the tibial plateau for the superior and inferior bundles, respectively. The centres of the fibular attachments were 11.3 mm (95% CI [7.4, 15.1]) and 27.0 mm (95% CI [24.0, 30.0]) from the apex of the fibular styloid for the superior and inferior bundles, respectively. For the bundles of the posterior complex, the centres of the tibial attachments were 13.4 mm (95% CI [11.6, 15.2]) and 38.8 mm (95% CI [31.0, 46.6]) distal to the tibial plateau for the superior and inferior bundles, respectively, and the centres of the fibular attachments were 8.0 mm (95% CI [5.8, 10.1]) and 29.3 mm (95% CI [25.5, 33.1]) from the apex of the fibular styloid for the superior and inferior bundles, respectively. In the coronal plane, the mean 2D angle between the medial to lateral knee joint axis and the axis passing through the centre of the proximal tibiofibular joint and the centre of the tibial plateau was 16.9° (95% CI [12.8, 21.0]). The ligament bundles of the proximal tibiofibular joint were reproducibly identified between specimens in relation to surrounding bony landmarks. Up to four bundles were identified in the anterior ligament complex and up to three in the posterior complex. Variation in bundle orientation and footprint size was observed. Based on these findings, an anatomic reconstruction can be performed using surrounding reliable landmarks.


Determination of non-metallic inclusions in a continuous casting slab of ultra-low carbon interstitial free steel by applying of metallographic method, electrolytic method and RTO technique.
Metallographic, electrolytic method and RTO(room temperature organic) technique were applied in the present study to more accurately determine non-metallic inclusion in a ultra-low carbon interstitial free(IF) steel and further to confirm their origination in a Compact Strip Production Process (CSP Process) continuous casting (CC) slab. Results show that inclusions detected by metallographic method usually appear relative smaller size and are mainly Al2O3 based or TiN based in composition, whereas those extracted by electrolytic method usually have larger size and are much more calcium-silicate based in composition. In addition, inner structures of extracted inclusions were detected by applying of RTO technique. The large size calcium-silicate based inclusions are confirmed high possibilities originating from mold flux and/or tundish flux entrapment, which are less affected by the liquid steel composition; while the smaller ones are generally endogenous inclusion precipitating during the refining or solidification process that strongly depending on the liquid steel composition and temperature.


Profiling cellular myristoylation and palmitoylation using ω-alkynyl fatty acids.
Methods to detect and characterize cellular protein myristoylation and palmitoylation are invaluable in cell biology, immunology, and virology. Recently, we developed ω-alkynyl fatty acid probes for monitoring myristoylation and palmitoylation of cellular proteins. This article describes a biochemical procedure for metabolic labeling of cells with ω-alkynyl fatty acids and click chemistry.


Left main coronary artery thrombus: a case series with different outcomes.
Left main coronary artery (LMCA) thrombosis with acute myocardial infarction is an uncommon condition with an extremely high mortality. The small number of reported cases prevents the development of an evidence-based approach. Hence there are no clear-cut guidelines describing the best management approach for this condition. We describe our experience with six patients who presented with LMCA thrombosis and discuss the epidemiology, etiology and management options available for this high-risk subgroup.


Evaluation of ventilators used during transport of ICU patients -- a bench study.
To evaluate portable ventilators. Bench study. Five portable ventilators used for transporting ICU patients [Osiris 1, (ventilator a), Osiris 2, (ventilator b), Oxylog 1000, (ventilator c), Oxylog 2000, (ventilator d), AXR1a, (ventilator e)] and three ICU ventilators which can be used for this purpose [Horus, (ventilator f), T-Bird, (ventilator g), and SV 300, (ventilator h)] were compared using a test lung regarding: 1) their capability to maintain set tidal volumes (V(T)) of 300 ml, 500 ml, and 800 ml under a normal condition A [resistance (R) 5 cmH(2)O/l/s and compliance (C) 100 ml/cmH(2)0] and two abnormal conditions B (R 20-C 30) and C (R 50-C 100); 2) trapped volume (expired V(T)relative to inspired V(T)at 0.7 s, 1 s, and 1.4 s), an estimate of the expiratory resistance of both circuit and valve; and 3) the triggering system assessed from the measurements of Delta t, Delta P for two inspiratory efforts at a PEEP of 0 cmH(2)0 and 5 cmH(2)0 in ventilators b, d, f, g, and h. Flow and airway pressure were measured with an independent physiologic recording system. 1) V(T). For ventilators a-h, the mean+/-SD changes of a set V(T)of 300 ml were -2.6+/-0.2%, -9.7+/-0.2%, 0+/-0%, -6.1+/-0.2%, 1.0+/-0.3%, -2.1+/-1.7%, 0.3+/-0%, and -1.3+/-0.1% ( P<0.001), respectively, during condition B relative to A. Similar results were obtained for a V(T)of 500 ml and 800 ml and during condition C relative to A; 2) Trapped volume. For ventilators a-h, trapped volume averaged 1+/-1%, 20+/-0%, 30+/-0.4%, 20+/-1%, 1+/-0%, 19+/-0%, 15+/-0%, and 14+/-0% at 0.7 s ( P <0.001) and 0.6+/-0%, 5+/-0%, 0.5+/-0%, 0+/-0%%, 0+/-0%, 0.6+/-0%, 0+/-0%, and 0+/-0% at 1.4 s ( P=NS); and 3) the triggering system of Oxylog 2000 was poor whereas it was of good quality for Horus, T-Bird, SV 300, and Osiris 2. The small portable ventilators presently investigated varied between each other and were less accurate than ICU ventilators.


Progesterone receptor in the rat anterior pituitary: effect of estrogen priming and adrenalectomy.
The present study was done to determine if a progesterone receptor is present in rat pituitary. Cytosol was labeled with 3H-progesterone (3HP) or 3H-R5020 (3HR) and subjected to sucrose-glycerol density-gradient centrifugation. Serum progesterone was measured for correlation with progesterone receptor levels. Two 3HP-binding peaks (4S + 6S) were evident in uterine and pituitary cytosols. The 4S peak was eliminated by competition with unlabeled cortisol leaving a single 6S peak (progesterone receptor). Estradiol (E) priming of the male or female rat increased progesterone receptor levels in pituitary cytosol as demonstrated using 3HP and 3HR, and pituitary progesterone receptor bound 3HR with a higher affinity than 3HP. Following adrenalectomy of gonadectomized rats, progesterone receptor levels were increased in pituitary and uterine cytosol of both E-primed and unprimed groups. An inverse relationship was established between serum progesterone and progesterone receptor levels in the uterus and pituitary suggesting that stress-induced adrenal progesterone secretion significantly influences progesterone receptor levels in the rat. These results demonstrate an estrogen-inducible progesterone receptor in the rat pituitary with properties similar to those of the uterine progesterone receptor.


Differences in levels of self-efficacy and anxiety between cancer and chronically-ill patients attending a Palliative Care Unit.
To investigate the differences in anxiety and self-efficacy beliefs as well as the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, between cancer and chronically-ill patients. A total of 175 patients from a pain relief and palliative care unit participated in this study. Patient sociode-mographic and clinical characteristics were recorded. Patients completed the Greek version of the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the Greek version of the General Perceived Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE). No statistically significant differences were found between the two patient populations regarding self-efficacy. Statistically significant differences were found between chronically-ill and cancer patients in the scales of "emotionality" (p<0.0005), and "self-deprecation" (p<0.0005). Statistically significant negative correlations were found between all STAI scales and self-efficacy for both cancer and chronically-ill patients (r ranged from -0.231 to -0.503). Chronically-ill patients experienced increased anxiety compared to cancer patients. Self-efficacy had a significant negative correlation with anxiety between the two groups of patients.


Pt nanoparticle dispersed Ni(OH)2 nanosheets via a pulsed laser deposition method efficiently enhanced hydrogen evolution reaction performance in alkaline conditions.
The use of electrochemical water is a very attractive and environmentally friendly solution for hydrogen fuel production. Platinum (Pt) catalysts are considered to be the most active catalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) but suffer from low efficiency and slow kinetics. Herein, Pt nanoparticles dispersed Ni(OH)2 nanosheets (Pt-Ni(OH)2-X) with different deposition times were designed and developed via a vapour-phase hydrothermal method, followed by a pulsed laser deposition method. The Pt-Ni(OH)2-5 only needs overpotentials of 247.5 ± 43 and 512.5 ± 18 mV to reach current densities of 10 and 100 mA cm-2, respectively, outperforming the commercial Pt/C at a current density of 100 mA cm-2. Furthermore, the infrared spectrum revealed that the adsorption of water molecules becomes stronger at the surface of the Pt-Ni(OH)2-5 nanosheets, and the hydrogen protons overflow onto the Pt surface and facilitate the HER process. This work suggests that moderate Pt nanoparticle dispersed Ni(OH)2 nanosheet help to promote the hydrogen production process.


Short-term effect of dust storms on the risk of mortality due to respiratory, cardiovascular and all-causes in Kuwait.
This study aimed to investigate the impact of dust storms on short-term mortality in Kuwait. We analyzed respiratory and cardiovascular mortality as well as all-cause mortality in relation to dust storm events over a 5-year study period, using data obtained through a population-based retrospective ecological time series study. Dust storm days were identified when the national daily average of PM10 exceeded 200 μg/m(3). Generalized additive models with Poisson link were used to estimate the relative risk (RR) of age-stratified daily mortality associated with dust events, after adjusting for potential confounders including weather variables and long-term trends. There was no significant association between dust storm events and same-day respiratory mortality (RR = 0.96; 95%CI 0.88-1.04), cardiovascular mortality (RR = 0.98; 95%CI 0.96-1.012) or all-cause mortality (RR = 0.99; 95%CI 0.97-1.00). Overall our findings suggest that local dust, that most likely originates from crustal materials, has little impact on short-term respiratory, cardiovascular or all-cause mortality.


Interactions of plant stress and herbivory: intraspecific variation in the susceptibility of a palatable versus an unpalatable seaweed to sea urchin grazing.
Interactions among environmental stresses, plant defensive characteristics, and plant nutrient status may significantly affect an alga's susceptibility to herbivores. Following desiccation, the palatable seaweed Gracilaria tikvahiae was less susceptible to grazing by the sea urchin Arbacia punctulata while the unpalatable alga Padina gymnospora became more susceptible. Increased grazing on desiccated Padina appeared to result from a loss of chemical defenses following desiccation. Palatable plants treated with organic extracts from desiccated Padina plants were consumed at more than twice the rate of plants treated with extracts from undesiccated plants. Increased susceptibility of Padina did not correlate with changes in protein content of the alga; reduced grazing on desiccated Gracilaria was associated with a decrease in protein content. When Padina was grazed by Arbacia or mechanically damaged to mimic urchin grazing, its susceptibility to Arbacia decreased within 1 to 5 days. These results demonstrate that history of physical or biological stress may affect a plant's susceptibility to herbivory. We hypothesize that urchins cue primarily on attractiveness features (e.g. nutrient content) of highpreference algae and deterrent features (e.g. chemical defenses) of low-preference algae. Stresses may therefore increase, decrease, or not affect a plant's susceptibility to herbivory depending upon the primary feeding cues used by the herbivore, the defensive mechanisms used by the plant, and the way these are altered by various environmental stresses.


Patterns of reproduction and habitat use in an assemblage of Neotropical hylid frogs.
We censused pond-breeding hylid frogs in northeastern Costa Rica weekly for 15 months to deseribe patterns of reproduction, habitat use, and to establish baseline data on relative abundance for members of the assemblage. Reproduction in the Costa Rican assemblage was seasonal and occurred only during wet months. Some species called, but none reproduced, during the dry season. Three species (Agalychnis callidryas, Hyla ebraccata, and Scinax elaeochroa) accounted for more than 75% of the observations made during the study. The species overlapped broadly in time and space, but differed in substrate use and phenology. Two species of leaf-breeding frogs (A. callidryas and A. saltator) used perches that were significantly higher than those used by the other species. Some phenological differences were associated with different mating strategies. Explosive breeders (Scinax elaeochroa and Smilisca baudinii) were most common early in the wet seasons. Prolonged breeders (A. callidryas and H. ebraccata) were the most persistent members of this assemblage. Predation affects early and late life history stages of these hylids. Predation on arboreal egg masses by two snake species was observed. Ctenid spiders preyed on recently metamorphosed frogs and small adults. Our weekly samples were pooled into 21-day periods so that we could compare our results with those obtained for two communities of breeding anurans from South America. The patterns observed in the Costa Rican assemblage differed from those reported for South American pond-breeding frogs, but in all three assemblages reproduction was associated with wet periods.


The competition of molybdate and sulphate ions for a transport system in the ovine small intestine.
The transport of molybdate and sulphate by segments of ovine small intestine in vitro was examined and kinetic constants derived for the late ileum where transport was highest. Sulphate inhibited the uptake of molybdate, probably by competition for sites on a common transport system. The significance of the results with respect to the problem of molybdate toxicity in animals is discussed, and related to the known protective effect of sulphate.


Radiation safety and handling of therapeutic radionuclides.
The use of radionuclides in therapy, both as sealed sources and in the radiopharmaceutical form, is discussed from receipt of radiopharmaceuticals through their use, to their disposal. The licensing requirements for use of therapeutic radionuclides is presented. Discussions dealing with receipt, storage and administration of radiopharmaceuticals are treated in detail, as well as suggestions for personnel monitoring. Procedures involved in the event of emergency surgery and/or death are discussed. The misadministration rules of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission regarding therapies were presented.


Mapping of a novel susceptibility gene for rheumatoid arthritis in the telomeric MHC region.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a complex heterogeneous disease with an estimated genetic contribution to of 30-50%. Approximately one third arises from the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) at 6p21.3. The contribution of specific DRB1 alleles encoding the shared epitope has been well described, however, several recent studies have suggested that additional telomeric genetic influences may exist. This region is difficult to study as a result of the presence of strong linkage disequilibrium (LD) within the MHC and high gene density particularly in the central class III region. In this article we review the current data supporting the existence of a non-DRB1 susceptibility gene for rheumatoid arthritis, in particular within the class III region.


Impact of fragility fractures on activities of daily living and productivity in community-dwelling women: a multi-national study.
We estimated the short-term impact of fragility fractures on community-dwelling women in five countries. Women with fragility fractures reported significantly more difficulties performing activities of daily living and significantly higher levels of lost productivity and caregiver support than those without fractures; results highlight the multi-country indirect burden of fragility fractures. To estimate the impact of fragility fractures on activities of daily living (ADL), productivity loss and caregiver support in women with a recent fragility fracture. This multi-centre cross-sectional study enrolled community-dwelling women aged ≥ 50 years in South Korea, Spain, Germany, Australia and the United States. The fragility fracture cohort consisted of women with an index fragility fracture in the past 12 months; the fracture free cohort consisted of women with no fracture in the 18 months prior to study enrolment. Study participants completed three validated questionnaires: Lawton Instrumental ADL (IADL), Physical Self-Maintenance Scale (PSMS) and iMTA Productivity Cost Questionnaire (iPCQ). In total, 1,253 participants from 41 sites across the five countries were included. Compared with the fracture free cohorts, fragility fracture cohorts had significantly lower function and were more dependent on support (p < 0.05 in all countries for Lawton IADL, and in South Korea, Spain, Australia and the United States for PSMS), significantly higher hours of paid absenteeism (p < 0.05, Spain, Germany, Australia), significantly higher unpaid lost productivity (p < 0.05, South Korea, Spain, Germany), significantly more days of paid help received in the home (p < 0.05 South Korea, Spain and the United States), and significantly more days of unpaid help from family members or friends (p < 0.05, all countries). In this multi-national study, fragility fractures in community-dwelling ≥ 50 years women were associated with several outcomes indicating higher indirect burden and lower quality of life, including more difficulties performing ADL and higher levels of lost productivity and caregiver support.


Surgical treatment of superior mesenteric artery dissecting aneurysm and simultaneous celiac artery compression.
Spontaneous dissections of visceral arteries are rare, but when they do occur, they most commonly involve the superior mesenteric artery (SMA). We present a case of intestinal ischemia caused by a spontaneous dissection of the SMA in a patient with simultaneous celiac artery occlusion. The patient was a 45-year-old woman who presented with intestinal angina of sudden onset. Arteriography revealed the classic findings of SMA dissection and occlusion of the celiac artery. The patient underwent repair of both visceral vessels and made a full recovery. The 18 previously reported cases of isolated, spontaneous dissection of the SMA are reviewed. No previous case has been associated with celiac compression syndrome. The reported experience with symptomatic dissections of the SMA would suggest that prompt surgical repair is indicated and yields excellent results.


VN/14-1 induces ER stress and autophagy in HP-LTLC human breast cancer cells and has excellent oral pharmacokinetic profile in female Sprague Dawley rats.
Resistance to aromatase inhibitors is a major concern in the treatment of breast cancer. Long-term letrozole cultured (LTLC) cells represent a model of resistance to aromatase inhibitors. The LTLC cells were earlier generated by culturing MCF-7Ca, the MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line stably transfected with human placental aromatase gene for a prolonged period in the presence of letrozole. In the present study the effect of RAMBA, VN/14-1 on the sensitivity of LTLC cells upon multiple passaging and the mechanisms of action of VN/14-1 in such high passage LTLC (HP-LTLC) cells was investigated. We report that multiple passaging of LTLC cells (HP-LTLC cell clones) led to profound decrease in their sensitivity to VN/14-1. Additionally, microarray studies and protein analysis revealed that VN/14-1 induced marked endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and autophagy in HP-LTLC cells. We further report that VN/14-1 in combination with thapsigargin exhibited synergistic anti-cancer effect in HP-LTLC cells. Preliminary pharmacokinetics in rats revealed that VN/14-1 reached a peak plasma concentration (Cmax) within 0.17h after oral dosing. Its absolute oral bioavailability was >100%. Overall these results indicate potential of VN/14-1 for further clinical development as a potential oral agent for the treatment of breast cancer.


Effective conductivity of a suspension of permeabilized cells: a theoretical analysis.
During the electroporation cell membrane undergoes structural changes, which increase the membrane conductivity and consequently lead to a change in effective conductivity of a cell suspension. To correlate microscopic membrane changes to macroscopic changes in conductivity of a suspension, we analyzed the effective conductivity theoretically, using two different approaches: numerically, using the finite elements method; and analytically, by using the equivalence principle. We derived the equation, which connects membrane conductivity with effective conductivity of the cell suspension. The changes in effective conductivity were analyzed for different parameters: cell volume fraction, membrane and medium conductivity, critical transmembrane potential, and cell orientation. In our analysis we used a tensor form of the effective conductivity, thus taking into account the anisotropic nature of the cell electropermeabilization and rotation of the cells. To determine the effect of cell rotation, as questioned by some authors, the difference between conductivity of a cell suspension with normally distributed orientations and parallel orientation was also calculated, and determined to be <10%. The presented theory provides a theoretical basis for the analysis of measurements of the effective conductivity during electroporation.


Control of asymmetric biaryl conformations with terpenol moieties: syntheses, structures and energetics of new enantiopure C2-symmetric diols.
New enantiopure, C(2)-symmetric biphenyl-2,2'-diols based on (-)-menthone (BIMOL), (-)-verbenone (BIVOL) and (-)-carvone (BICOL and hydrogenated BIMEOL), are accessible via short, synthetic routes. All diols form intramolecular hydrogen bonds and hence can be employed as chelating ligands for catalyst design, as it demonstrated for the (-)-fenchone based BIFOL. The sense of asymmetry of the biphenyl axes is controlled by the chiral terpene units and is conformationally surprisingly stable. X-ray analyses reveal M biphenyl conformation for BIMOL and P biphenyl conformation for each of BIVOL, BICOL and BIMEOL. The origins of the conformational biphenyl preferences are confirmed by computational ONIOM evaluations of the diols and their diastereomeric conformers. The experimentally observed biphenyl conformations are all energetically preferred, i.e. with 1.3 kcal/mol for (M)-BIMOL, with 5.1 kcal/mol for (P)-BIVOL, with 5.8 kcal/mol for (P)-BICOL, and with 5.4 kcal/mol for (P)-BIMEOL.


Predicting urinary stone composition based on single-energy noncontrast computed tomography: the challenge of cystine.
To study several measurements from a single-energy noncontrast computed tomography (NCCT) that may distinguish calcium oxalate, uric acid, and cystine stones. Patients with pure urinary stones who had at least 1 single-energy NCCT before the stone composition analysis from January 2008 to December 2012 were enrolled in this study. The analyzed data comprised stone size, volume, core Hounsfield unit (HU), periphery HU, absolute and relative HU differences between core and periphery, and HU density. After these measurements, an NCCT bone window was subjectively evaluated to study the homogeneity of each stone from core to periphery. The Spearman correlation test was used to determine the correlation between HU values and stone size and volume for each group. A total of 113 patients were found with pure urinary stones who also had a corresponding NCCT. There were 36, 47, and 30 patients in the calcium oxalate, uric acid, and cystine groups, respectively. The core HU, periphery HU, absolute and relative HU differences, and HU density were significantly different among the 3 groups (P<.001). Stone size and volume had a positive correlation with core and periphery HUs only for calcium oxalate and cystine stones. The subjective evaluation of the urinary calculi revealed a different pattern for each stone composition. Single-energy NCCT may predict calcium oxalate stones with a high degree of accuracy. There is an overlap in radiographic profiles of cystine and uric acid stones, making a definitive differentiation more challenging.


Altered brain connectivity during visual stimulation in schizophrenia.
Schizophrenia (SCZ) can be described as a functional dysconnectivity syndrome that affects brain connectivity and circuitry. However, little is known about how sensory stimulation modulates network parameters in schizophrenia, such as their small-worldness (SW) during visual processing. To address this question, we applied graph theory algorithms to multi-electrode EEG recordings obtained during visual stimulation with a checkerboard pattern-reversal stimulus. Twenty-six volunteers participated in the study, 13 diagnosed with schizophrenia (SCZ; mean age = 38.3 years; SD = 9.61 years) and 13 healthy controls (HC; mean age = 28.92 years; SD = 12.92 years). The visually evoked potential (VEP) showed a global amplitude decrease (p < 0.05) for SCZ patients as opposed to HC but no differences in latency (p > 0.05). As a signature of functional connectivity, graph measures were obtained from the Magnitude-Squared Coherence between signals from pairs of occipital electrodes, separately for the alpha (8-13 Hz) and low-gamma (36-55 Hz) bands. For the alpha band, there was a significant effect of the visual stimulus on all measures (p < 0.05) but no group interaction between SCZ and HZ (p > 0.05). For the low-gamma spectrum, both groups showed a decrease of Characteristic Path Length (L) during visual stimulation (p < 0.05), but, contrary to the HC group, only SCZ significantly lowered their small-world (SW) connectivity index during visual stimulation (SCZ p < 0.05; HC p > 0.05). This indicates dysconnectivity of the functional network in the low-gamma band of SCZ during stimulation, which might indirectly reflect an altered ability to react to new sensory input in patients. These results provide novel evidence about a possible electrophysiological signature of the global deficits revealed by the application of graph theory onto electroencephalography in schizophrenia.


Sesquiterpene lactone parthenolide, an inhibitor of IkappaB kinase complex and nuclear factor-kappaB, exerts beneficial effects in myocardial reperfusion injury.
Sesquiterpene lactones are extracts of common medicinal Asteracae plants used in folk medicine for their anti-inflammatory activity. Recently, in vitro studies have shown that these compounds may interfere with pro-inflammatory gene regulation. This study examines the effects of parthenolide, a sesquiterpene lactone, in experimental myocardial ischemia and reperfusion. Myocardial injury was induced in rats by 30 min occlusion and 120 min reperfusion of the left coronary artery. Parthenolide (250 or 500 microg/kg) or vehicle (0.05% Tween 80, 1 mL/kg) was administered intraperitoneally 10 min before reperfusion. In vehicle-treated rats, ischemia and reperfusion caused myocardial injury, as evaluated by infarct size, serum levels of creatine phosphokinase and by histological examination. Elevated tissue levels of myeloperoxidase activity were indicative of a significant infiltration of neutrophils. This event paralleled the occurrence of oxidative damage, as evaluated by a marked increase in tissue malondialdehyde levels. These inflammatory events were preceded by activation of the IkappaB kinase complex (IKK) and partial disappearance of inhibitor-kappaBalpha (IkappaBalpha) in the cytosol and translocation of the nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) to the nucleus, as early as 15 min after reperfusion. Administration of parthenolide ameliorated myocardial injury, lowered serum creatine phosphokinase activity, and reduced neutrophil infiltration and the subsequent oxidative damage. These beneficial effects were associated with inhibition of IKK activity, enhanced stability of IkappaBalpha, and inhibition of nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB. The results of this study suggest that parthenolide may be beneficial for the treatment of reperfusion-induced myocardial damage by inhibition of the IKK/NF-kappaB pathway.


The value of the mean arterial blood pressure in the second trimester (MAP-2 value) as a predictor of pregnancy-induced hypertension and preeclampsia. A preliminary report.
In 200 healthy nulliparous women the mean arterial blood pressure in the second trimester (MAP-2 value) was calculated. 85 women (42 %) had a MAP-2 value of greater than or equal to 90 mmHg (positive test result), but only 27 women (32 %) developed a hypertensive complication. Conversely, 113 of the 115 (98 %) women with a negative test result (MAP-2 value less than 90 mmHg) remained normotensive. Only two women of this group (2 %) later showed a mild pregnancy-induced hypertension. Thus, the MAP-2 value has a high sensitivity (93 %) and a high predictive value of negative test results (98 %). On the other hand, there is a high rate of false-positive results (68 %) and thus a low predictive value of positive test results (32 %). It is concluded that the MAP-2 value is a simple method for selecting pregnant women who should be examined with other more specific predictive tests. Alternatively, weekly measurements of blood pressure are recommended for early diagnosis of hypertensive disorders of late pregnancy in all women with a MAP-2 value of 90 mmHg or more.


Long term success of 6 implants supporting a mandibular screw-retained fixed dental prosthesis: a clinical report.
Dental implant therapy has become successful with improved surgical and prosthodontic techniques. However, most clinical trials, even though well controlled, are limited in longevity. There are few clinical reports that show long-term results with dental implants. Although there are many similarities among criteria for success in these studies, these criteria may vary from what the individual patient reports as a success. This clinical report describes the 28-year successful clinical outcome of a 62-year-old woman with dental implants supporting a mandibular screw-retained fixed dental prosthesis.


Retinal ischemia and risk of neovascularization following central retinal vein obstruction.
The predominant risk factor for the development of neovascular complications involving the retina (NVR), the optic disc (NVD), and iris (NVI) following central retinal vein obstruction (CRVO) is the extent, location, and duration of retinal ischemia (ischemic drive). The extent of retinal capillary nonperfusion (ischemic index) was quantitated by microcomputer analysis of 200 standard fundus-iris fluorescein angiograms. The results were correlated with the development of neovascularization in eyes not receiving prophylactic argon laser panretinal photocoagulation (PRP). Of the 85 eyes with intact capillary perfusion (hyperpermeable group), none developed NVR/NVD and only one eye (1%) developed neovascular glaucoma (NVG). Twenty-nine eyes exhibited moderate degrees of retinal ischemia (indeterminate group), and three eyes (10%) developed NVR/NVD, with two eyes (7%) developing NVG. Of the 86 eyes with extensive retinal capillary nonperfusion (ischemic group), 28 eyes (33%) developed NVR/NVD and NVG occurred in 39 eyes (45%). The inherent difficulties in following high risk patients clinically and angiographically at frequent intervals over extended periods of time, the tendency for rapid progression of early NVI to NVG, and the relatively poor results following treatment in advanced cases make the early recognition of eyes at high risk to develop NVG essential and the initiation of prophylactic PRP as the treatment of choice in this disorder.


Assessment of the antihypercholesterolemic drug, Probucol, in benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Seventy patients were administered either Probucol, an anti-cholesterol agent or a placebo in a double blind manner for a period of 1 year in an effort to assess the effectiveness of this agent in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia. Sensation of incomplete voiding and peak and mean voiding flow rates showed a trend which indicated a therapeutic effect, however, this effect was comparable for both placebo and the drug group. This is interpreted as indicating the effectiveness of standard urologic therapy, and double blind trials are therefore needed in assessing different agents for the medical management of benign prostatic hyperplasia.


Added value of indocyanine green fluorescence imaging in liver surgery.
Recently, indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging has been widely used as a substitute for cholangiography in hepatobiliary surgery, to detect hepatic tumors, for accurate anatomical hepatectomy, and to increase the safety and accuracy of minimally invasive (laparoscopic and robotic) hepatectomy. The clinical relevance of this method has been increasing gradually, as new procedures develop in this field. Various important roles and the latest added value of ICG fluorescence imaging in liver surgery are discussed in this report.


Understanding the association between psychomotor processing speed and white matter hyperintensity: A comprehensive multi-modality MR imaging study.
Cognitive processing speed is crucial for human cognition and declines with aging. White matter hyperintensity (WMH), a common sign of WM vascular damage in the elderly, is closely related to slower psychomotor processing speed. In this study, we investigated the association between WMH and psychomotor speed changes through a comprehensive assessment of brain structural and functional features. Multi-modal MRIs were acquired from 60 elderly adults. Psychomotor processing speeds were assessed using the Trail Making Test Part A (TMT-A). Linear regression analyses were performed to assess the associations between TMT-A and brain features, including WMH volumes in five cerebral regions, diffusivity parameters in the major WM tracts, regional gray matter volume, and brain activities across the whole brain. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to demonstrate the contribution of each index to slower psychomotor processing speed. Linear regression analysis demonstrated that WMH volume in the occipital lobe and fractional anisotropy of the forceps major, an occipital association tract, were associated with TMT-A. Besides, resting-state brain activities in the visual cortex connected to the forceps major were associated with TMT-A. Hierarchical regression showed fractional anisotropy of the forceps major and regional brain activities were significant predictors of TMT-A. The occurrence of WMH, combined with the disruption of passing-through fiber integrity and altered functional activities in areas connected by this fiber, are associated with a decline of psychomotor processing speed. While the causal relationship of this WMH-Tract-Function-Behavior link requires further investigation, this study enhances our understanding of these complex mechanisms.


Vitamin B12 deficiency alters the distribution of membrane proteins on linear sucrose gradients in the fruit bat brain.
Total particulate material prepared by homogenization in water and centrifugation at 100,000 g for 60 min from the brains of normal and vitamin B12-deficient fruit bats was fractionated on linear sucrose gradients (0.1 M-1.4 M sucrose). Animals were made vitamin B12-deficient by dietary deprivation or as a result of exposure to nitrous oxide. Based on absorbance at 280 nm three peaks were seen in material derived from the B12-deficient fruit bat brain and only two peaks in the normal animal. Myelin proteins were observed over a larger range of molarities of sucrose in the deficient brain than in the control tissue. Animals rendered vitamin B12-deficient by nitrous oxide treatment showed membrane protein patterns similar to those observed in the control animal.


Amifostine and dexrazoxane enhance the rapid loss of bone mass and further deterioration of vertebrae architecture in female rats.
Doxorubicin (DOX) is widely used in combination cocktails for treatment of childhood hematologic cancers and solid tumors. A major factor limiting DOX usage is DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. Dexrazoxane (DXR) is an iron-binding compound and the only approved cardioprotectant for use with DOX. Amifostine (AMF) is a free radical scavenger and approved as a broad-spectrum cytoprotectant. We have shown that when female rats are treated with AMF, AMF + DOX, or AMF + DXR + DOX there is a significant decrease in the right femoral and lumbar vertebral bone mineral density (BMD) (P < 0.05) but not in the left femoral BMD. Furthermore, the relative bone volume (BV/TV) was significantly smaller in the lumbar vertebral bodies of rats treated with AMF (21.1%), AMF + DOX (34.4%), and AMF + DXR + DOX (38.4%), as was the trabecular number (Tb.N) with AMF (15.5%), AMF + DOX (29.9%), and AMF + DXR + DOX (32.3%). AMF + DOX- and AMF + DXR + DOX-treated vertebrae also exhibited deterioration in the microarchitecture of the trabecular bone and spinous processes as ascertained by microcomputerized tomography (micro CT). This information will be useful in designing better cancer combination therapies that do not lead to bone deterioration.


Combined mass mapping and biochemical characterization of grape beta-glycosidase-enriched extract.
A beta-glucosidase enzyme activity was enriched from skins of ripe grape berry by cell wall fractionation, hydrophobic interaction and cation-exchange chromatographies. This enriched enzyme extract contained several beta-glycosidase activities hydrolyzing a wide range of synthetic and natural monoglycosides and diglycosides, as well as a beta-fructosidase activity. The enzyme extract was further characterized by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis coupled to peptide mass fingerprinting of eight spots using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. No beta-glucosidase but a beta-fructosidase associated to the relevant spot at 66 kDa/pI 5.1 was identified. Taken together all results issued from the biochemical characterization, the substrate specificity and the mass spectrometry-based identification of this enriched enzyme extract, we propose that this protein could be a specific beta-fructosidase isoform associated with a broad spectrum of beta-glycosidase activities in grape berry skin and involved in cell wall modifications which occur during the ripening-induced thickness of the grape.


Aortic Stenosis: What Risks Do the Stresses of Noncardiac Surgery or Pregnancy Pose and How Should They Be Managed?
Studies suggest that patients with aortic stenosis have increased risk in pregnancy and delivery and during anesthesia and surgery, although there are significant degrees of uncertainty as to the exact risks and best way to manage such patients. This article reviews current literature regarding impact of aortic stenosis on pregnancy and anesthesia during noncardiac surgery. There are shortcomings in the scientific evidence. Most of the available studies are observational and often retrospective and therefore there is a great deal of bias. This leads to difficulty in drawing conclusions in terms of how to apply the published information to clinical management.


Association between soluble forms of the receptor for advanced glycation end products and periodontal disease: a retrospective study.
Periodontitis is the most common chronic disease that causes tooth loss and is related to systemic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. An objective indicator of the current activity of periodontitis is necessary. Soluble forms of the receptor for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE) are markers that reflect the status of inflammatory diseases. In this study, the relationship between sRAGE and periodontitis was analyzed to determine whether it can be used to diagnose the current state of periodontitis. Patients and. Eighty-four patients without any systemic diseases were diagnosed with periodontitis using three classifications of periodontitis. Demographics and oral examination data such as plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP) index, and probing pocket depth (PPD) were analyzed according to each classification. In addition, correlation and partial correlation between sRAGE and the values indicating periodontitis were analyzed. In each classification, the level of sRAGE tended to decrease if periodontitis was present or severe, but this change was not statistically significant. sRAGE and periodontitis-related variables exhibited a weak correlation, among which the BOP index showed a relatively strong negative correlation (ρ=-0.20). Based on this, on analyzing the correlation between the BOP index and sRAGE in the group with more severe periodontitis (PPD≥5 mm group, severe group of AAP/CDC [American Academy of Periodontology/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention], periodontitis group of López), the correlation further increased (ρ=-0.23, -0.40, -0.50). Partial correlation analysis of the sRAGE and BOP index showed a stronger negative correlation (ρ=-0.36, -0.55, -0.45). sRAGE demonstrated a tendency to decrease upon increased severity of periodontitis according to the classifications used. Above all, the correlation with the BOP index, which reflects the current state of periodontitis, was higher in the group with severe periodontitis. This indicates that the current status of periodontitis can be diagnosed through sRAGE.


Rasch Analyses of the Wheelchair Use Confidence Scale for Power Wheelchair Users.
To examine the dimensionality of the Wheelchair Use Confidence Scale for power wheelchair users (WheelCon-P), to identify items that do not fit the Rasch rating scale model as well as redundant items for elimination, and to determine the SEMs and reliability estimates for the entire range of measurements. Secondary analysis of cross-sectional data. Community. Volunteer participants (N=189) using wheelchairs (mean age of the sample, 56.7±13.0y; mean years of wheelchair use experience, 20.4±16.4). Not applicable. 59-Item WheelCon-P. Principal component analyses confirmed the presence of 2 self-efficacy dimensions: mobility and social situation. Eleven mobility items and 5 social situation items fit the Rasch rating scale model. Three items misfit the model using all 16 items (ie, WheelCon-P short form). In each of the mobility, social situation, and WheelCon-P short form range of measurements, the 2 lowest and 2 highest measures had internal consistency reliability estimates below .70; all other measures had reliability estimates above .70. The WheelCon-P is composed of 2 self-efficacy dimensions related to mobility and social situations. The scores from the WheelCon-P short form and the 11-item mobility and 5-item social situation dimensions using a 0 to 10 response scale have good reliability.


Interaction of chitosans and their N-acylated derivatives with lipopolysaccharide of gram-negative bacteria.
The interactions of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) with the natural polycation chitosan and its derivatives--high molecular weight chitosans (80 kD) with different degree of acetylation, low molecular weight chitosan (15 kD), acylated oligochitosan (5.5 kD) and chitooligosaccharides (biose, triose, and tetraose)--were studied using ligand-enzyme solid-phase assay. The LPS-binding activity of chitosans (80 kD) decreased with increase in acetylation degree. Affinity of LPS interaction with chitosans increased after introduction of a fatty acid residue at the reducing end of chitosan. Activity of N-monoacylated chitooligosaccharides decreased in the order: oligochitosan --> tetra- > tri- --> disaccharides. The three-dimensional structures of complexes of R-LPS and chitosans with different degree of acetylation, chitooligosaccharides, and their N-monoacylated derivatives were generated by molecular modeling. The number of bonds stabilizing the complexes and the energy of LPS binding with chitosans decreased with increase in acetate group content in chitosans and resulted in changing of binding sites. It was shown that binding sites of chitooligosaccharides on R-LPS overlapped and chitooligosaccharide binding energies increased with increase in number of monosaccharide residues in chitosan molecules. The input of the hydrophobic fragment in complex formation energy is most prominent for complexes in water phase and is due to the hydrophobic interaction of chitooligosaccharide acyl fragment with fatty acid residues of LPS.


Hydrazido-derivatized supports in affinity chromatography.
Many chemistries have been developed for the immobilization of ligands onto insoluble matrices for subsequent use in affinity systems. One such chemistry which has received little attention involves the use of hydrazido-derivatized solid supports. Hydrazine derivatives are strong nucleophiles which will react with a number of functional groups including aldehydes which may be generated on the oligosaccharide moieties of glycoconjugates by specific oxidation reactions. This paper presents a brief overview of the chemistries involved and the uses of hydrazido-derivatized solid supports for the site-directed immobilization of glycoconjugates. Specific examples from the literature on the uses of affinity matrices prepared by this method are cited.


The impact of a corrective tether on a scoliosis porcine model: a detailed 3D analysis with a 20 weeks follow-up.
Non-fusion treatment for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis generates interest due to the potential for growth preservation and mobility. Using an established porcine scoliotic model, this study aims to evaluate the global alignment and the morphology of the spine with and without application of a non-fusion corrective tether. At 12 weeks of age, 21 immature Yorkshire pigs had an induction of scoliosis. Once a 50° Cobb angle was obtained; animals were placed into one of the following groups: a scoliosis model group (SM, n = 11) where animals were euthanized, tether release group (TR, n = 5) where the inducing tether was removed, and an anterior correction group (AC, n = 5) where the inducing tether was removed and non-fusion corrective tether was applied. TR and AC were observed for a further 20 weeks and then euthanized. Post-mortem CT scans were used to create 3D spinal reconstructions to obtain global and morphologic parameters. Maximal Cobb angle of the scoliotic deformity was significantly lower for AC (27.9° ± 12.0°) than for the two other groups (TR 52.7° ± 10.0°, SM 48.3° ± 7.6°). AC experienced an increase in kyphosis (24.2° ± 15.9°) compared to TR (7.1° ± 6.4°). Correction in the axial plane was also observed in AC versus TR. Correction of vertebral wedging was found for AC compared to SM and TR in the three apical vertebrae. 3D realignment of scoliotic curves was observed with application of the corrective tether. The correction was the product of both mechanical action and growth modulation. These findings are encouraging for future development of a non-fusion device for the treatment of immature scoliotic curves.


Pd-Catalyzed C-H Functionalization of Indole-Containing Alkene-Tethered Aryl Halides with Alkynes To Construct Indole Alkaloid Scaffolds.
A convenient and straightforward approach for the construction of indole alkaloid scaffolds from indole-containing alkene-tethered aryl halides and alkynes through a sequential C-H activation, five-membered palladacycle formation, and alkyne insertion process has been described. The approach provides a series of indole alkaloid compounds in moderate to excellent yields with good functional tolerance.


The orphan G protein-coupled receptor, GPR139, is expressed in the hypothalamus and is involved in the regulation of body mass, blood glucose, and insulin.
GPR139 is an orphan G-protein-coupled receptor that is expressed in restricted areas of the nervous system, including the hypothalamus. In this study, we hypothesized that GPR139 could be involved in the regulation of energy balance and metabolism. In the first part of the study, we confirmed that GPR139 is expressed in the hypothalamus and particularly in proopiomelanocortin and agouti-related peptide neurons of the mediobasal hypothalamus. Using a lentivirus with a short-hairpin RNA, we inhibited the expression of GPR139 bilaterally in the mediobasal hypothalamus of mice. The intervention promoted a 40% reduction in the hypothalamic expression of GPR139, which was accompanied by an increase in body mass, a reduction in fasting blood glucose levels, and an increase in insulin levels. In the hypothalamus, inhibition of GPR139 was accompanied by a reduction in the expression of orexin. As previous studies using a pharmacological antagonist of orexin showed a beneficial impact on type 2 diabetes and glucose metabolism, we propose that the inhibition of hypothalamic GPR139 could be acting indirectly through the orexin system to control systemic glucose and insulin. In conclusion, this study advances the characterization of GPR139 in the hypothalamus, demonstrating its involvement in the regulation of body mass, blood insulin, and glycemia.


The FGFR Landscape in Cancer: Analysis of 4,853 Tumors by Next-Generation Sequencing.
Molecular profiling may have prognostic and predictive value, and is increasingly used in the clinical setting. There are more than a dozen fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) inhibitors in development. Optimal therapeutic application of FGFR inhibitors requires knowledge of the rates and types of FGFR aberrations in a variety of cancer types. We analyzed frequencies of FGFR aberrations in 4,853 solid tumors that were, on physician request, tested in a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) laboratory (Foundation Medicine) using next-generation sequencing (182 or 236 genes), and analyzed by N-of-One. FGFR aberrations were found in 7.1% of cancers, with the majority being gene amplification (66% of the aberrations), followed by mutations (26%) and rearrangements (8%). FGFR1 (mostly amplification) was affected in 3.5% of 4,853 patients; FGFR2 in 1.5%; FGFR3 in 2.0%; and FGFR4 in 0.5%. Almost every type of malignancy examined showed some patients with FGFR aberrations, but the cancers most commonly affected were urothelial (32% FGFR-aberrant); breast (18%); endometrial (∼13%), squamous lung cancers (∼13%), and ovarian cancer (∼9%). Among 35 unique FGFR mutations seen in this dataset, all but two are found in COSMIC. Seventeen of the 35 are known to be activating, and 11 are transforming. FGFR aberrations are common in a wide variety of cancers, with the majority being gene amplifications or activating mutations. These data suggest that FGFR inhibition could be an important therapeutic option across multiple tumor types.


Aurora A inhibitor (MLN8237) plus vincristine plus rituximab is synthetic lethal and a potential curative therapy in aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Aurora A and B are oncogenic serine/threonine kinases that regulate mitosis. Overexpression of Auroras promotes resistance to microtubule-targeted agents. We investigated mechanistic synergy by inhibiting the mitotic spindle apparatus in the presence of MLN8237 [M], an Aurora A inhibitor with either vincristine [MV] or docetaxel [MD] in aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL). The addition of rituximab [R] to MV or MD was evaluated for synthetic lethality. Aggressive B-NHL cell subtypes were evaluated in vitro and in vivo for target modulation and anti-NHL activity with single agents, doublets, and triplets by analyzing cell proliferation, apoptosis, tumor growth, survival, and mechanisms of response/relapse by gene expression profiling with protein validation. MV is synergistic whereas MD is additive for cell proliferation inhibition in B-NHL cell culture models. Addition of rituximab to MV is superior to MD, but both significantly induce apoptosis compared with doublet therapy. Mouse xenograft models of mantle cell lymphoma showed modest single-agent activity for MLN8237, rituximab, docetaxel, and vincristine with tumor growth inhibition (TGI) of approximately 10% to 15%. Of the doublets, MV caused tumor regression, whereas TGI was observed with MD (approximately 55%-60%) and MR (approximately 25%-50%), respectively. Although MV caused tumor regression, mice relapsed 20 days after stopping therapy. In contrast, MVR was curative, whereas MDR led to TGI of approximately 85%. Proliferation cell nuclear antigen, Aurora B, cyclin B1, cyclin D1, and Bcl-2 proteins of harvested tumors confirmed response and resistance to therapy. Addition of rituximab to MV is a novel therapeutic strategy for aggressive B-NHL and warrants clinical trial evaluation.


Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation effects on detrusor overactivity incontinence are not due to a placebo effect: a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial.
This is a prospective, double-blind, placebo controlled study, based on an original placebo technique, performed to evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation in female patients with detrusor overactivity incontinence. A total of 35 female patients presenting with detrusor overactivity incontinence that did not respond to antimuscarinic therapy were randomly assigned to percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation or to a control group. The percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation group (18 patients) was treated with 12 percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation sessions. The control group (17 patients) received an original placebo treatment using a 34 gauge needle placed in the medial part of the gastrocnemius muscle. The sessions lasted for 30 minutes and were performed 3 times weekly as percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation sessions. All patients were evaluated with bladder diaries as well as quality of life scores before and after treatment. Patients showing a reduction in urge incontinence episodes greater than 50% were considered responders. Some patients (1 in the percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation group and 2 in the placebo group) did not complete the study for reasons not related to the technique. Of 17 patients in the percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation group 12 (71%) and of 15 in placebo group 0 were considered responders according to the previously reported definition (p <0.001). Improvement in the number of incontinence episodes, number of voids, voided volume and incontinence quality of life score were statistically significant in the percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation group but not in the placebo group. Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation can be considered an effective treatment for detrusor overactivity incontinence with 71% of patients considered responders, while none of those treated with placebo was considered a responder. The relevance of a placebo effect seems to be negligible in this patient population.


Efficacy and safety of Nivolumab in older patients with pretreated lung cancer: A subgroup analysis of the Galician lung cancer group.
Nivolumab is an anti PD1 immunotherapy drug approved for advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) patients who previously received at least one prior line of treatment. Older patients are often not represented in clinical trials and drugs with acceptable safety profiles are necessary. We aim to report the efficacy and safety profile of Nivolumab in the real-world older subgroup of the Galician lung cancer group study. We retrospectively reviewed 188 advanced NSCLC patients treated with at least one prior therapy. We collected data from patients who were ≥70 years old treated with Nivolumab in second or subsequent lines. Patient characteristics, treatment efficacy (overall survival, progression-free survival, and response rate), and safety profile were reported. Thirty-eight patients aged ≥70 years were included in the subgroup analysis. The median age was 74.5 years, a high percentage of patients were males (95%), most had a Performance Status of 1 (79%) and only 13% were non-smokers. The predominant histology was adenocarcinoma (53%), and 18% of patients received 2 or more lines. The median Progression-Free Survival was 7.53 months (CI 4.3-17.3, p = 0.15) and the median Overall Survival was 14.85 months (CI 10.5-20.7, p = 0.44). The objective response rate was 42%. No new adverse events were reported in comparison to a global population. The efficacy and safety profile of Nivolumab in advanced NSCLC patients treated with at least one prior therapy and age ≥70 years old can be overlapped to a global population. Further prospective trials are needed to define and confirm these results.


Promoter-defined isolation and identification of hepatic progenitor cells from the human fetal liver.
Hepatoblasts, which are considered one type of hepatic progenitor cell, reside in the fetal liver. To selectively identify these cells, we transfected primary cultured human fetal liver cells (FLCs) with a pGL3 vector bearing the gene for the enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP) under the control of the alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) promoter expressed in hepatoblasts. The FLCs were then sorted by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) on the basis of AFP promoter-driven EGFP expression. The EGFP-positive cells expressed AFP, albumin, and cytokeratin 19, and could be expanded in vitro. Thus, the AFP promoter-EGFP reporter system is highly useful for identification and isolation of hepatic progenitor cells.


Influence of knee flexion angle and transverse drill angle on creation of femoral tunnels in double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using the transportal technique: Three-dimensional computed tomography simulation analysis.
The purpose of this study was to find appropriate flexion angle and transverse drill angle for optimal femoral tunnels of anteromedial (AM) bundle and posterolateral (PL) bundle in double-bundle ACL reconstruction using transportal technique. Thirty three-dimensional knee models were reconstructed. Knee flexion angles were altered from 100° to 130° at intervals of 10°. Maximum transverse drill angle (MTA), MTA minus 10° and 20° were set up. Twelve different tunnels were determined by four flexion angles and three transverse drill angles for each bundle. Tunnel length, wall breakage, inter-tunnel communication and graft-bending angle were assessed. Mean tunnel length of AM bundle was >30mm at 120° and 130° of flexion in all transverse drill angles. Mean tunnel length of PL bundle was >30mm during every condition. There were ≥1 cases of wall breakage except at 120° and 130° of flexion with MTA for AM bundle. There was no case of wall breakage for PL bundle. Considering inter-tunnel gap of >2mm without communication and obtuse graft-bending angle, 120° of flexion and MTA could be recommended as optimal condition for femoral tunnels of AM and PL bundles. Flexion angle and transverse drill angle had combined effect on femoral tunnel in double-bundle ACL reconstruction using transportal technique. Achieving flexion angle of 120° and transverse drill angle close to the medial femoral condyle could be recommended as optimal condition for femoral tunnels of AM and PL bundles to avoid insufficient tunnel length, wall breakage, inter-tunnel communication and acute graft-bending angle.


Collective Knowledge Used to Unveil Cardiovascular Injury Emerged during COVID-19.
Two years have passed since the unprecedented breakout of the global pandemic of the coronavirus disease COVID-19, which began at the end of 2019 [...].


Numerical investigation of a squeezing flow between concentric cylinders under the variable magnetic field of intensity.
The ongoing research aims to examine the mass and heat transmission phenomena of squeezing flow between two concentric cylinders under the effect of heat sources and magnetic fields. The impacts of the Lorentz force on the behavior of the liquid flow are elucidated via a magnetic field incorporated in the momentum equation. Furthermore, within concentric cylinders, the expression [Formula: see text] has been employed as a source/sink. The proposed model of PDEs formulates the physical phenomena of time-dependent incompressible two-dimensional squeezing flow via modified Navier-Stokes equation, energy equation, and mass transfer equation, and variable magnetic field. The proposed model involved a highly nonlinear system of PDEs, which has been reduced into a system of ODEs via Lie group of similarity transformation and subsequently solved numerically in MATLAB by Parametric Continuation Method. The direct impact of the squeezing parameter on the profile of temperature and concentration has been observed. The results shown that an increment in the heat source indicates a decline in the liquid temperature profile, that an increment in the heat source indicates a decline in the liquid temperature profile. An increment in the heat source indicates a decline in the liquid temperature prof. At the same time, an inverse relationship is observed for the concentration profile. Therefore, we have witnessed a significant increase in the velocity profiles of the flow, mainly as a result of the heat absorption coefficient. In addition, the declining effect of the Soret number on the concentration profile is noticed. It has been found that it enhanced the entropy generation rate for Pr, [Formula: see text], and Ec, while an opposite impact has been noticed at the Bejan number. The numerical outcomes of the proposed model that explain fluid flow characteristics and fluid flow characteristics are quantitatively elucidated by tables and displayed graphically. The comparison of two numerical results in the cases are found to be in good agreement, as shown in Tables.


Auditory-nerve integrity after middle-fossa acoustic-tumor removal.
We sought to investigate the functional integrity of the auditory nerve in patients with postoperative hearing loss after middle cranial fossa acoustic-tumor removal in a case-series descriptive study. The study setting was a tertiary referral center, a private otologic practice. The study population comprised seven patients who underwent a middle-cranial-fossa approach for unilateral acoustic-tumor resection and sustained postoperative anacusis with an anatomically intact auditory nerve. Four were men and three women; they ranged in age from 30 to 60 years; all underwent surgery between 1990 and 1994 and agreed to return to the center to participate in the study during 1995. Diagnostic electrical promontory stimulation was used to determine the functional integrity of the auditory nerve. Our main outcome measures were the presence or absence of discrete tone perception, electrical threshold, maximum acceptable level and dynamic range, gap detection and temporal difference limen during electrical promontory stimulation. Three of the seven patients demonstrated positive responses to electrical promontory testing (e.g., discrete tone perception). All three were able to perform the gap-detection and temporal difference limen tests. None of the preoperative characteristics was related to performance on promontory stimulation testing. We conclude that the middle cranial fossa approach permits anatomic--and, in some cases, functional auditory-nerve preservation. These data suggest that auditory rehabilitation in some patients who sustain anacusis after the middle cranial fossa approach to acoustic tumors, as in neurofibromatosis 2, may be provided with cochlear implantation.


Discoidin domain receptor 1 as a promising biomarker for high-grade gliomas.
Two fundamental challenges in the current therapeutic approach for central nervous system tumors are the tumor heterogeneity and the absence of specific treatments and biomarkers that selectively target the tumor tissue. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the potential relationship between discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1) expression and the prognosis and characteristics of glioma patients. Tissue and serum samples from 34 brain tumor patients were evaluated for DDR1 messenger ribonucleic acid levels in comparison to 10 samples from the control group, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis has performed. DDR1 expression was observed in both tissue and serum samples of the patient and control groups. DDR1 expression levels in tissue and serum samples from patients were higher in comparison to the control group, although not statistically significant (P > 0.05). A significant correlation between tumor size and DDR1 serum measurements at the level of 0.370 was reported (r = 0.370; P = 0.034). The levels of DDR1 in serum showed a positive correlation with the increasing size of tumor. The results of the 5-year survival analysis depending on the DDR1 tissue levels showed a significantly higher survival rate (P = 0.041) for patients who have DDR1 tissue levels above cutoff value. DDR1 expression was significantly higher among brain tumor tissues and serum samples and its levels showed a positive correlation with the increased size of tumor. This study can be a starting point, since it investigated and indicated, for the first time, that DDR1 can be a novel therapeutic and prognostic target for aggressive high-grade gliomas.


[Resonance effect of coherent millimeter-band electromagnetic waves on living organisms].
A survey is presented of Soviet and foreign theoretical studies contributing to understanding the mechanism of acute resonance effect of high frequency coherent electromagnetic radiations of low power on the living organisms and the role of these radiations in the functioning of the latter.


The impact of COVID-19 related lockdown restrictions on musculoskeletal health: a systematic review.
There is limited empirical evidence on whether Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) related lockdown restrictions precipitate or perpetuate musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders. This study was aimed to synthesis literature that assessed the impact of COVID-19 related lockdown restrictions on MSK health. A literature search was conducted using MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database (AMED), Web of Science, and Scopus databases. Studies meeting the following criteria were included in the review: the condition being considered was MSK health, the intervention was COVID-19 related lockdown restrictions, cross sectional studies, cohort studies, case controlled, prospective studies and retrospective studies. Data were extracted by 2 independent researchers. Risk of bias was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale. Evidence from included studies was summarised using narrative synthesis. Fourteen studies comprising 22,471 participants of the general population from Turkey (n = 5), Italy (n = 1), Poland (n = 1), Australia (n = 2), Jordan (n = 1), Bangladesh (n = 1), Estonia (n = 1), the Netherlands (n = 1) and Saudi Arabia (n = 1) have met the inclusion criteria. The sample size of populations studied ranged from 91 to 1054. The included studies used questionnaire, visual analogic scale, or growth mixture modelling. Except for one study, all the included studies reported increased prevalence and incidence of MSK disorders due to COVID-19 related lockdown restrictions. The findings suggest that COVID-19 related lockdown restriction led to increased MSK disorders. Home-based strategies such as physical activity programmes and ergonomic workspace could potentially guide public health authorities to avoid MSK health problem.


Monoclonal IgG to the inner capsid of human rotavirus.
Monoclonal IgG to the inner capsid of human rotavirus was produced by mice immunized with hybrid cells derived from mouse myeloma and the spleens of mice immunized with rotavirus. This IgG reacted with an antigenic determinant of mammalian rotaviruses that was not present on that of avian rotaviruses.


Effects of extenders, cryoprotectants and freezing methods on sperm quality of the threatened Brazilian freshwater fish pirapitinga-do-sul Brycon opalinus (Characiformes).
The objective was to develop a suitable freezing method to cryopreserve Brycon opalinus (Characiformes) sperm. Extenders (NaCl and glucose at 325 and 365 mOsm/kg), cryoprotectants (dimethyl sulfoxide=dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and methyl glycol=methyl glycol (MG)), equilibration times (15 and 30 min), thawing temperatures (30 and 60 °C), and straw sizes (0.5 and 4.0 mL) were tested. Sperm were frozen in a liquid nitrogen vapor vessel at -170 °C and subsequently stored in liquid nitrogen. Post-thaw sperm quality was always evaluated in terms of motility (expressed as percentage of motile sperm), duration of motility and vitality (eosin-nigrosin staining, expressed as percentage of intact sperm). The best freezing method was also tested for fertility and hatching (expressed as the percentage of fertilized eggs). Post-thaw sperm quality was highest when sperm were cryopreserved in Glucose 365 mOsm/kg and MG, after a 30-min equilibration and thawed at 60 °C for 8 s, of regardless straw size: 74±7% motile sperm, 47±4 s of motility duration, 69±3% intact sperm, 64±4% fertilization and 63±3% hatching. The freezing method developed in the present study was efficient and can be used to maximize larvae production for both aquaculture purposes and for conservational programs, since B. opalinus is a threatened species.


Mild morphometric vertebral fractures predict vertebral fractures but not non-vertebral fractures.
In this meta-analysis of the control arms of four phase 3 trials, mild vertebral fractures were a significant risk factor for future vertebral fractures but not for non-vertebral fracture. A prior vertebral fracture is a risk factor for future fracture that is commonly used as an eligibility criterion for treatment and in the assessment of fracture probability. The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic significance of a morphometric fracture according to the severity of fracture. We examined the control (placebo) treated arms of four phase 3 trials. Vertebral fracture status was graded at baseline in 7,623 women, and fracture outcomes were documented over the subsequent 20,000 patient-years. Fracture outcomes were characterised as a further vertebral fracture, a non-vertebral fracture or a clinical fracture (non-vertebral plus clinical vertebral fracture). The relative risk of fracture was computed from the merged β coefficients of each trial weighted according to the variance. Mild vertebral fractures were a significant risk factor for vertebral fractures [risk ratio (RR) = 2.17; 95% CI = 1.70-2.76] but were not associated with an increased risk of non-vertebral fractures (RR = 1.08; 95% CI = 0.86-1.36). Moderate/severe vertebral fractures were associated with a high risk of vertebral fractures (RR = 4.23; 95% CI = 3.58-5.00) and a moderate though significant increase in non-vertebral fracture risk (RR = 1.64; 95% CI = 1.38-1.94). Prior moderate/severe morphometric vertebral fractures are a strong and significant risk factor for future fracture. The presence of a mild vertebral fracture is of no significant prognostic value for non-vertebral fractures. These findings should temper the use of morphometric fractures in the assessment of risk and the design of phase 3 studies.


Depolarization of neurones in the isolated olfactory cortex of the guinea-pig by gamma-aminobutyric acid.
1 Effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) on single neurones in slices of guinea-pig olfactory cortex maintained in vitro were recorded with single intracellular microelectrodes. The average resting potential of 52 cells was -75 mV and apparent input resistance ranged from 20 to 200 MOmega.2 Superfusions of GABA over the slice invariably depolarized the neurones and reduced their input resistance. The minimum effective concentration was 50 to 200 muM.3 The reversal potential for the depolarization produced by 0.1 mM GABA (E(g)) was -66 +/- 2 mV. At concentrations >0.1 mM the reversal potential became progressively more positive (-55 to -50 mV).4 Reduction of external chloride, with isethionate as the substitute anion, increased the amplitude of the depolarization.5 GABA reduced the amplitude of the excitatory postsynaptic potential produced by lateral olfactory tract stimulation, and occluded or reversed the subsequent depolarizing recurrent inhibitory postsynaptic potential.6 Action potentials elicited by injection of depolarizing current or by focal antidromic stimulation were slowed and reduced in amplitude by GABA.7 The effects of GABA on membrane conductance (potency = 1) were duplicated by 3-aminopropanesulphonic acid (potency = 20), beta-alanine (0.5), beta-amino-n-butyric acid (0.5), glycine (0.3) and L-2,4-diaminobutyric acid (0.2). For a given conductance change, 3-aminopropanesulphonic acid, glycine and beta-alanine produced less depolarization than did GABA.8 It is concluded that the action of GABA on the neurones is compatible with a role in mediating recurrent postsynaptic inhibition.


Impact of mecA gene testing and intervention by infectious disease clinical pharmacists on time to optimal antimicrobial therapy for Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia at a University Hospital.
In patients with Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia, intervention by infectious disease clinical pharmacists on the basis of the results of tests for mecA resulted in a 25.4-h reduction in the time to optimal antimicrobial therapy, from 64.7 +/- 36.8 to 39.3 +/- 15.5 h (P = 0.002), which may result in decreased mortality.


Touchable cell biophysics property recognition platforms enable multifunctional blood smart health care.
As a crucial biophysical property, red blood cell (RBC) deformability is pathologically altered in numerous disease states, and biochemical and structural changes occur over time in stored samples of otherwise normal RBCs. However, there is still a gap in applying it further to point-of-care blood devices due to the large external equipment (high-resolution microscope and microfluidic pump), associated operational difficulties, and professional analysis. Herein, we revolutionarily propose a smart optofluidic system to provide a differential diagnosis for blood testing via precise cell biophysics property recognition both mechanically and morphologically. Deformation of the RBC population is caused by pressing the hydrogel via an integrated mechanical transfer device. The biophysical properties of the cell population are obtained by the designed smartphone algorithm. Artificial intelligence-based modeling of cell biophysics properties related to blood diseases and quality was developed for online testing. We currently achieve 100% diagnostic accuracy for five typical clinical blood diseases (90 megaloblastic anemia, 78 myelofibrosis, 84 iron deficiency anemia, 48 thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, and 48 thalassemias) via real-world prospective implementation; furthermore, personalized blood quality (for transfusion in cardiac surgery) monitoring is achieved with an accuracy of 96.9%. This work suggests a potential basis for next-generation blood smart health care devices.


Zinc treatment reverses and anti-Zn-regulated miRs suppress esophageal carcinomas in vivo.
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a deadly disease with few prevention or treatment options. ESCC development in humans and rodents is associated with Zn deficiency (ZD), inflammation, and overexpression of oncogenic microRNAs: miR-31 and miR-21. In a ZD-promoted ESCC rat model with upregulation of these miRs, systemic antimiR-31 suppresses the miR-31-EGLN3/STK40-NF-κB-controlled inflammatory pathway and ESCC. In this model, systemic delivery of Zn-regulated antimiR-31, followed by antimiR-21, restored expression of tumor-suppressor proteins targeted by these specific miRs: STK40/EGLN3 (miR-31), PDCD4 (miR-21), suppressing inflammation, promoting apoptosis, and inhibiting ESCC development. Moreover, ESCC-bearing Zn-deficient (ZD) rats receiving Zn medication showed a 47% decrease in ESCC incidence vs. Zn-untreated controls. Zn treatment eliminated ESCCs by affecting a spectrum of biological processes that included downregulation of expression of the two miRs and miR-31-controlled inflammatory pathway, stimulation of miR-21-PDCD4 axis apoptosis, and reversal of the ESCC metabolome: with decrease in putrescine, increase in glucose, accompanied by downregulation of metabolite enzymes ODC and HK2. Thus, Zn treatment or miR-31/21 silencing are effective therapeutic strategies for ESCC in this rodent model and should be examined in the human counterpart exhibiting the same biological processes.


Recombinant Ralstonia eutropha engineered to utilize xylose and its use for the production of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) from sunflower stalk hydrolysate solution.
Lignocellulosic raw materials have extensively been examined for the production of bio-based fuels, chemicals, and polymers using microbial platforms. Since xylose is one of the major components of the hydrolyzed lignocelluloses, it is being considered a promising substrate in lignocelluloses based fermentation process. Ralstonia eutropha, one of the most powerful and natural producers of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), has extensively been examined for the production of bio-based chemicals, fuels, and polymers. However, to the best of our knowledge, lignocellulosic feedstock has not been employed for R. eutropha probably due to its narrow spectrum of substrate utilization. Thus, R. eutropha engineered to utilize xylose should be useful in the development of microbial process for bio-based products from lignocellulosic feedstock. Recombinant R. eutropha NCIMB11599 expressing the E. coli xylAB genes encoding xylose isomerase and xylulokinase respectively, was constructed and examined for the synthesis of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) [P(3HB)] using xylose as a sole carbon source. It could produce 2.31 g/L of P(3HB) with a P(3HB) content of 30.95 wt% when it was cultured in a nitrogen limited chemically defined medium containing 20.18 g/L of xylose in a batch fermentation. Also, recombinant R. eutropha NCIMB11599 expressing the E. coli xylAB genes produced 5.71 g/L of P(3HB) with a P(3HB) content of 78.11 wt% from a mixture of 10.05 g/L of glucose and 10.91 g/L of xylose in the same culture condition. The P(3HB) concentration and content could be increased to 8.79 g/L and 88.69 wt%, respectively, when it was cultured in the medium containing 16.74 g/L of glucose and 6.15 g/L of xylose. Further examination of recombinant R. eutropha NCIMB11599 expressing the E. coli xylAB genes by fed-batch fermentation resulted in the production of 33.70 g/L of P(3HB) in 108 h with a P(3HB) content of 79.02 wt%. The concentration of xylose could be maintained as high as 6 g/L, which is similar to the initial concentration of xylose during the fed-batch fermentation suggesting that xylose consumption is not inhibited during fermentation. Finally, recombinant R. eutorpha NCIMB11599 expressing the E. coli xylAB gene was examined for the production of P(3HB) from the hydrolysate solution of sunflower stalk. The hydrolysate solution of sunflower stalk was prepared as a model lignocellulosic biomass, which contains 78.8 g/L of glucose, 26.9 g/L of xylose, and small amount of 4.8 g/L of galactose and mannose. When recombinant R. eutropha NCIMB11599 expressing the E. coli xylAB genes was cultured in a nitrogen limited chemically defined medium containing 23.1 g/L of hydrolysate solution of sunflower stalk, which corresponds to 16.8 g/L of glucose and 5.9 g/L of xylose, it completely consumed glucose and xylose in the sunflower stalk based medium resulting in the production of 7.86 g/L of P(3HB) with a P(3HB) content of 72.53 wt%. Ralstonia eutropha was successfully engineered to utilize xylose as a sole carbon source as well as to co-utilize it in the presence of glucose for the synthesis of P(3HB). In addition, R. eutropha engineered to utilized xylose could synthesize P(3HB) from the sunflower stalk hydrolysate solution containing glucose and xylose as major sugars, which suggests that xylose utilizing R. eutropha developed in this study should be useful for development of lignocellulose based microbial processes.


Simultaneous determination of five flavonoids during the growth of Fructus Sophorae by capillary electrophoresis.
A method of simultaneous determination of five flavonoids during the growth of Fructus Sophorae by β-cyclodextrin (β-CD-) modified capillary zone electrophoresis was developed. The effects of various parameters such as buffer concentration, pH, applied voltage, and β-CD concentrations were investigated. After a series of optimization processes, the determination of five flavonoids in Fructus Sophorae was successfully achieved in 20 mmol/L borax buffer (pH 9.5), 25 kV applied voltage, and 8 mmol/L β-CD. The linearity, detection limits, repeatability, and recovery were satisfactory. Thus, the proposed β-CD-modified capillary zone electrophoresis method was satisfactorily used to analyze Fructus Sophorae samples. The results can be useful for the quality control and medicinal resource development of Fructus Sophorae.


Sleep: Crucial for patients and nurses alike.
Sleep can impact health and performance. With increased knowledge about sleep hygiene and sleep disorders, nurses can teach patients practical behaviors and strategies to promote healthy sleep habits and assist their journey to healing and recovery.


Evaluation of incomplete maternal smoking data using machine learning algorithms: a study from the Medical Birth Registry of Norway.
The Medical Birth Registry of Norway (MBRN) provides national coverage of all births. While retrieval of most of the information in the birth records is mandatory, mothers may refrain to provide information on her smoking status. The proportion of women with unknown smoking status varied greatly over time, between hospitals, and by demographic groups. We investigated if incomplete data on smoking in the MBRN may have contributed to a biased smoking prevalence. In a study population of all 904,982 viable and singleton births during 1999-2014, we investigated main predictor variables influencing the unknown smoking status of the mothers' using linear multivariable regression. Thereafter, we applied machine learning to predict annual smoking prevalence (95% CI) in the same group of unknown smoking status, assuming missing-not-at-random. Overall, the proportion of women with unknown smoking status was 14.4%. Compared to the Nordic country region of origin, women from Europe outside the Nordic region had 15% (95% CI 12-17%) increased adjusted risk to have unknown smoking status. Correspondingly, the increased risks for women from Asia was 17% (95% CI 15-19%) and Africa 26% (95% CI 23-29%). The most important machine learning prediction variables regarding maternal smoking were education, ethnic background, marital status and birth weight. We estimated a change from the annual observed smoking prevalence among the women with known smoking status in the range of - 5.5 to 1.1% when combining observed and predicted smoking prevalence. The predicted total smoking prevalence was only marginally modified compared to the observed prevalence in the group with known smoking status. This implies that MBRN-data may be trusted for health surveillance and research.