OPN gene polymorphisms, rs17524488 GG/G, rs11730582 T/C, and rs9138 C/A, and cancer risk in a Chinese population.
Previous studies have investigated the association between osteopontin (OPN) gene polymorphisms, rs17524488 (-156 GG/G), rs11730582 (-443 T/C), and rs9138 (C/A) and cancer risk in the Chinese population. However, the results are controversial and indefinite. We therefore carried out a meta-analysis to derive a more precise estimation of these associations. The PubMed database was systematically searched to identify potentially eligible reports. Crude odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to assess the strength of associations between 3 OPN gene polymorphisms and cancer risk in a Chinese population. A total of 10 articles involving 2,391 cases and 3,007 controls were evaluated. The pooled OR indicated that OPN rs17524488 (-156 GG/G) polymorphism was significantly associated with cancer risk in Chinese population. In a stratified analysis by source of control, significant associations were also observed among rs17524488 (-156 GG/G) and rs11730582 (-443 T/C) polymorphisms and cancer. In addition, a stronger association was observed between rs9138 (C/A) polymorphism and cancer risk. In conclusion, this meta-analysis suggests that OPN rs17524488 (-156 GG/G), rs11730582 (-443 T/C), and rs9138 (C/A) polymorphisms may be associated with cancer susceptibility in the Chinese population. Nevertheless, further investigation on a larger population covering different ethnicities are warranted.


Determining 1-kestose, nystose and raffinose oligosaccharides in grape juices and wines using HPLC: method validation and characterization of products from Northeast Brazil.
The objective of this work was to validate a method for direct determination in grape juice and wine of 1-kestose, nystose and raffinose oligosaccharides by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with refractive index detection using a new type of RP-C18 column (150 × 4.6 mm, 4 µm) with polar end-capping. The validated methodology was also used to characterize grape juice and fine wine products from Northeastern Brazil; and presented suitable linearity, precision, recovery, limits of detection and quantification. The method presented good specificity, revealing that sugars, organic acids, and ethanol (the main interferences in refraction detection) did not influence the quantification of the studied oligosaccharides. The main oligosaccharide found was 1-kestose (approximately 50% of the samples), followed by raffinose (20% of the samples). The results obtained in this are an indication that grape juices and wines have the potential to be functional beverages in relation to the presence of prebiotics.


Ultrasound-promoted green approach for the synthesis of sulfonamides using natural, stable and reusable Natrolite nanozeolite catalyst at room temperature.
Natural Natrolite nanozeolite has been investigated as an efficient and reusable catalyst for the N-sulfonylation of amines under ultrasound irradiation at room temperature. Compared with traditional methods, the significant advantages for method are green solvent, milder and cleaner conditions, higher purity and yields, shorter reaction time, easier work-up procedure and the lower generation of waste or pollutions. The catalyst can be recovered and reused several times without significant loss of its catalytic activity.


A Challenging Case of Intracardiac Leiomyomatosis Accompanied by Pseudo-Meigs Syndrome Originating from Uterine Leiomyoma.
Pseudo-Meigs syndrome is an unusual condition involving pelvic tumors, excluding ovarian fibroma, and is associated with ascites and hydrothorax. Pseudo-Meigs syndrome originating from uterine leiomyoma is an even rarer condition. Intravenous leiomyomatosis originating from uterine tumors, which extend from the inferior vena cava to the right heart chambers, is also extremely rare. This report presents an extremely rare case of intravenous leiomyomatosis with intracardiac extension accompanied by Pseudo-Meigs syndrome caused by uterine leiomyoma. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of two different rare conditions originating simultaneously from one common pelvic benign tumor. We could only partially resect the tumor owing to its firm adherence to the vessel wall. It is crucial to remember that a pelvic neoplasm in a woman with various manifestations, such as hydrothorax, ascites, intravascular leiomyomatosis, intracardiac mass, and even elevated CA125 levels, does not always imply malignancy. All the accompanying symptoms can be resolved by simple surgical removal of the mass. Accurate preoperative assessment and detailed preparation for the surgery according to the nature of the tumor may yield successful results.


Site-specific chemical modification of B-Z junctions in supercoiled DNA as detected by nuclease S1 digestion, inhibition of restriction cleavage and nucleotide sequencing.
Structural distortions on the boundary between right-handed and left-handed segments in the superhelical plasmid pPK2 (a derivative of pUC19 containing (dC-dG)n segments cloned into polylinker) were studied by means of chemical probes. Strong osmium tetroxide, pyridine (Os,py) modification of DNA at native superhelical density (sigma) was found in four thymines surrounding the (dC-dG)13 segment. These results correlated with restriction cleavage inhibition (due to modification): BamHI cleavage was strongly inhibited, unlike the neighbouring XbaI and SalI (weak or no inhibition). In the (dC-dG)8 segment considerably weaker modification of the B-Z junctions was observed, accompanied by weak inhibition of BamHI cleavage, while the neighbouring SmaI and KpnI were not affected. Os,py modification of DNA at native sigma was not detected by nuclease S1 cleavage at and (dC-dG)n segment. However, this enzyme recognized and cleaved at the B-Z junction, osmium modified at more negative sigma. The results obtained with the glyoxal and diethyl pyrocarbonate modification support the idea of very narrow B-Z junctions at native sigma.


Simultaneous modeling of reaction times and brain dynamics in a spatial cueing task.
Understanding how brain activity translates into behavior is a grand challenge in neuroscientific research. Simultaneous computational modeling of both measures offers to address this question. The extension of the dynamic causal modeling (DCM) framework for blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) responses to behavior (bDCM) constitutes such a modeling approach. However, only very few studies have employed and evaluated bDCM, and its application has been restricted to binary behavioral responses, limiting more general statements about its validity. This study used bDCM to model reaction times in a spatial attention task, which involved two separate runs with either horizontal or vertical stimulus configurations. We recorded fMRI data and reaction times (n= 26) and compared bDCM with classical DCM and a behavioral Rescorla-Wagner model using Bayesian model selection and goodness of fit statistics. Results indicate that bDCM performed equally well as classical DCM when modeling BOLD responses and as good as the Rescorla-Wagner model when modeling reaction times. Although our data revealed practical limitations of the current bDCM approach that warrant further investigation, we conclude that bDCM constitutes a promising method for investigating the link between brain activity and behavior.


Increased Expression of CD95 in CD4+ Effector Memory T Cells Promotes Th17 Response in Patients with Myasthenia Gravis.
Emerging data have revealed that CD95 can evoke non-apoptotic signals, thereby promoting pro-inflammatory functions that link to the severity of autoimmune disorders. Here, we reported that the expression of CD95 in CD4+ effector memory T (CD4+ TEM) cells was increased in myasthenia gravis (MG) patients. We also found increased expression of CD95 in CD4+ TEM cells from MG patients correlated positively with clinical severity scores (QMGs), serum IL-17 levels and plasma cells (PCs) frequencies. Conventional treatment, such as glucocorticoid, could down-regulate the expression of CD95 in CD4+ TEM cells, QMGs, serum IL-17 levels and PCs frequencies from MG patients. In vitro, low-dose of agonistic anti-CD95 mAb could promote Th17 cell development. This effect was reversed by CD95 siRNA. Moverover, CD95 stimulation induced the phosphorylation of p38 and Erk1/2 and Th17 cell differentiation, and p38 specific inhibitor SB203580 or Erk1/2 specific inhibitor PD98059 could induce opposite changes. However, SB203580 or PD98059 do not abrogate the increase of CCR6+IL-17A+ cells, ROR-γt and IL-17 expression induced by CD95 triggering relatively to each corresponding control. This suggests that p38 and Erk1/2 MAPK pathway plays a role in expression of CCR6+IL-17A+ cells, ROR-γt and IL-17, but not in their increase induced by CD95 triggering. Taken together, this study revealed that increased expression of CD95 in CD4+ TEM cells promotes Th17 response under the microenvironment of MG.


Coupled analysis of bacterial transformants and ligation mixture by duplex PCR enables detection of fatal instability of a nascent recombinant plasmid.
When a DNA cloning experiment fails, it is often difficult to distinguish between an inadequate cloning protocol and instability of the new recombinant plasmid. The identification of plasmid instability is particularly challenging when the instability is fatal and no DNA of the expected construct can be isolated. We have effectively addressed this problem by employment of duplex PCR (insert-insert, vector-insert) to analyse both the ligation mixture and the resultant bacterial transformants. Using this approach we found a fatal maintenance instability of one of the plasmids generated during subcloning of the cDNA for human LDLR in Escherichia coli STBL2. The described duplex PCR screening method allows monitoring of the fate of nascent recombinant plasmid from ligation, through the initial bacterial colony and the subsequent overnight culture.


Degenerative changes of the vertebral column in spatial imaging of 3D computed tomography.
In a group of 38 patients with radicular pain syndromes diagnostic value of spatial reconstructions with computed tomography (3D CT) was assessed in examinations of bone structures of the vertebral column. It was found that 3D CT is a technique of choice in the assessment of degenerative stenosis of the vertebral canal, internal surface of the vertebral canal, bone narrowings of intervertebral foramens and lateral recesses.


Data on the intermolecular interactions of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane liquids from molecular dynamics simulations.
Detailed atomistic interactions of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFA-134a) liquid were presented in a data format, namely, DL_ANALYSER Notation for Atomic Interactions (DANAI), that annotates precisely the nature of interactions that is discoverable and searchable without having to resolve to diagrammatic illustrations. The datasets were obtained from raw atomic trajectory files of HFA-134a pure liquid models produced by using DL_POLY molecular dynamics software package. The trajectory datafiles contain expressions of atomic species in a natural chemical sense, and hence, provide localized key interactions, 'at a glance', of the liquid model on otherwise a typically disordered system consists of complex network of intermolecular interactions. The data provide insights to detailed structural behavior of molecules in liquid phase, and can be used as cheminformatics comparative investigations, linking to other molecular system models that contain similar interaction types and chemical species. This can form the foundation of investigations into the role of HFA-134a plays within different applications. For example, it can be used to compare structural and atomic interaction differences with alternative refrigerants, or as liquid propellants in pharmaceutical devices when solvating formulation ingredients.


Effect of impaction on third molar development and age estimation-A study in a Lebanese population.
The effect of impaction on third molar development is disputable as the scientific literature is not uniform. In parallel, population-specific studies have been encouraged in dental age estimation. This study aimed to investigate the effect of impaction on third molar formation in a sample of Lebanese individuals. The sample consisted of 518 panoramic radiographs of females (n=229) and males (n=289) between 15 and 23.9 years. Mandibular third molars were classified based on their position as non-impacted and impacted (with horizontal, vertical, mesioangular, and distoangular impaction). Dental development was classified according to Demirjian's 8-level staging system. Most teeth presented mesioangular impaction (#38=29.7%, #48=33%). Developing third molars were predominantly distributed between stages D and G. The mean age of most developmental stages was higher among impacted teeth, meaning that third molar mineralization could be slower in the presence of impaction. In general, the delayed dental development did not have statistically significant effects (P<0.05). However, descriptive data pointed out differences between (impacted and non-impacted) mean ages of >12 months-suggesting a potential clinical significance (despite the lack of a statistical one). Furthermore, differences changed based on sex and side (#38/#48). Therefore, dental age estimation from third molars in the selected Lebanese population should preferably be performed in non-impacted third molars whenever available.


An artificial intelligence algorithm for pulmonary embolism detection on polychromatic computed tomography: performance on virtual monochromatic images.
Virtual monochromatic images (VMI) are increasingly used in clinical practice as they improve contrast-to-noise ratio. However, due to their different appearances, the performance of artificial intelligence (AI) trained on conventional CT images may worsen. The goal of this study was to assess the performance of an established AI algorithm trained on conventional polychromatic computed tomography (CT) images (CPI) to detect pulmonary embolism (PE) on VMI. Paired 60 kiloelectron volt (keV) VMI and CPI of 114 consecutive patients suspected of PE, obtained with a detector-based spectral CT scanner, were retrospectively analyzed by an established AI algorithm. The CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) were classified as positive or negative for PE on a per-patient level. The reference standard was established using a comprehensive method that combined the evaluation of the attending radiologist and three experienced cardiothoracic radiologists aided by two different detection tools. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and likelihood ratios of the algorithm on VMI and CPI were compared. The prevalence of PE according to the reference standard was 35.1% (40 patients). None of the diagnostic accuracy measures of the algorithm showed a significant difference between CPI and VMI. Sensitivity was 77.5% (95% confidence interval (CI) 64.6-90.4%) and 85.0% (73.9-96.1%) (p = 0.08) on CPI and VMI respectively and specificity 96.0% (91.4-100.0%) and 94.6% (89.4-99.7%) (p = 0.32). Diagnostic performance of the AI algorithm that was trained on CPI did not drop on VMI, which is reassuring for its use in clinical practice. A commercially available AI algorithm, trained on conventional polychromatic CTPA, could be safely used on virtual monochromatic images. This supports the sustainability of AI-aided detection of PE on CT despite ongoing technological advances in medical imaging, although monitoring in daily practice will remain important. • Diagnostic accuracy of an AI algorithm trained on conventional polychromatic images to detect PE did not drop on virtual monochromatic images. • Our results are reassuring as innovations in hardware and reconstruction in CT are continuing, whilst commercial AI algorithms that are trained on older generation data enter healthcare.


Body mass index cut-points to identify cardiometabolic risk in black South Africans.
To determine optimal body mass index (BMI) cut-points for the identification of cardiometabolic risk in black South African adults. We performed a cross-sectional study of a weighted sample of healthy black South Africans aged 25-65 years (721 men, 1386 women) from the North West and Free State Provinces. Demographic, lifestyle and anthropometric measures were taken, and blood pressure, fasting serum triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and blood glucose were measured. We defined elevated cardiometabolic risk as having three or more risk factors according to international metabolic syndrome criteria. Receiver operating characteristic curves were applied to identify an optimal BMI cut-point for men and women. BMI had good diagnostic performance to identify clustering of three or more risk factors, as well as individual risk factors: low HDL-cholesterol, elevated fasting glucose and triglycerides, with areas under the curve >.6, but not for high blood pressure. Optimal BMI cut-points averaged 22 kg/m2 for men and 28 kg/m2 for women, respectively, with better sensitivity in men (44.0-71.9 %), and in women (60.6-69.8 %), compared to a BMI of 30 kg/m2 (17-19.1, 53-61.4 %, respectively). Men and women with a BMI >22 and >28 kg/m2, respectively, had significantly increased probability of elevated cardiometabolic risk after adjustment for age, alcohol use and smoking. In black South African men, a BMI cut-point of 22 kg/m2 identifies those at cardiometabolic risk, whereas a BMI of 30 kg/m2 underestimates risk. In women, a cut-point of 28 kg/m2, approaching the WHO obesity cut-point, identifies those at risk.


Paracetamol treatment increases telomerase activity in rat embryonic liver cells.
Although paracetamol is known to have a damaging effect, this pharmaceutical is widely applied to pregnant and lactating women. Despite substantial progress in our understanding of its hepatotoxicity, some mechanisms, particularly of its embryonal and developmental toxicity, are still unknown. Thus, cell culture assays that investigate its toxicity are of particular interest. We assessed the effects of acute paracetamol treatment on cell viability (LDH assay, MTT assay), glutathione content (GSH assay), metabolic status (albumin and urea assays) and telomerase activity using rat embryonic liver cells (RLC-18 cells). Incubation with low (6 mmol/l) and high (15 mmol/l) concentrations of toxin for 24 h leads to 20% and 50% cytotoxicity, respectively. Paracetamol exerted its toxicity in a similar pathway (depletion of GSH stores) as in adult liver cells, producing damage at the cellular level. Interestingly, paracetamol treatment significantly enhanced telomerase activity. Mechanisms involved in paracetamol-induced inhibition of cell senescence should be further elucidated. Telomerase activity in RLC-18 cells offers unique opportunities for examining basic biologic mechanisms. Our findings should encourage further studies to investigate a link between telomerase activity and toxicity, implying a role of impaired telomerase activity in human pathology.


Development of a preoperative risk-scoring system for predicting poor responders to peroral endoscopic myotomy.
Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is an effective treatment for esophageal motility disorder. However, some people are poor responders who will probably need retreatments, such as endoscopic pneumatic dilation or re-POEM, and a scoring system for the prediction of poor responders preoperatively has not yet been established. We aimed to develop and validate a preoperative scoring system for predicting poor responders. Overall, 244 patients who underwent POEM for esophageal motility disorders in our hospital from April 2015 to March 2019 were retrospectively included in this study. Poor responders were defined as patients with any of following: (1) Eckardt score ≥3 at 1-year follow-up, (2) endoscopic findings of food retention at 1-year follow-up, and (3) retreatments within 1 year after POEM. A risk-scoring system for poor responders was developed based on multiple logistic regression analysis, and its performance was internally validated using bootstrapping. Forty patients were diagnosed as poor responders at the 1-year follow-up. In the multivariate study, points for risk scores were assigned for 4 independent risk factors as follows: pretreatment Eckardt score (1-point increments), previous treatments (4 points), sigmoid-type esophagus (4 points), and esophageal dilation grade ≥II (4 points). The scoring system could predict an estimated risk for poor responders and provided satisfactory discrimination (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.78; 95% confidence interval, 0.68-0.88) and calibration (slope = 0.93; 95% confidence interval, 0.62-1.31). A validated risk-scoring system for predicting poor responders preoperatively was established; this system could be useful for selecting treatment strategies and postoperative surveillance.


Porcine-derived xenogeneic bone/poly(glycolide-co-lactide-co-caprolactone) composite and its affinity with rat OCT-1 osteoblast-like cells.
Porcine-derived xenogeneic bone (PDXB) was derived from cancellous bone of adult porcine. Its morphology and structure were characterized by SEM, FTIR and XRD. A series of composite films consisting of PDXB and poly(glycolide-co-lactide-co-caprolactone) (PGLC) polymer were prepared. Because of the introduction of PGLC polymer, the PDXB/PGLC composites especially PDXB/PGLC(30/70) and PDXB/PGLC(50/50) showed good processability and mechanical properties. In addition, the hydrophilicity of the composites was enhanced as well since the PDXB component was hydrophilic. Osteoblast-like cells (OCT-1) were used as an in-vitro model to assess the affinity of the PDXB/PGLC composites. It was found that compared with the pure PGLC film, PDXB/PGLC(30/70) and PDXB/PGLC(50/50) composite films promoted cell attachment, proliferation and ALP (alkaline phosphatase) activity obviously. In addition, the cells preferred growing on the areas of exposed PDXB. It was considered that the hydrophilicity, osteoconductivity and appropriate surface roughness (Sa=3.30, 4.00 microm) induced by PDXB facilitate cell growth. However, the introduction of too much PDXB, such as PDXB/PGLC(70/30) film, would obtain an adverse effect on the cell growth since the value of Sa was up to 7.33 microm. It indicated that only the composites with appropriate surface topography could favor cell growth. Surface topography probably has a more important effect on cell growth process than surface chemistry.


Electrons generated by photosystem II are utilized by an oxidase in the absence of photosystem I in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803.
The reduction and reoxidation kinetics of the first quinone-type electron acceptor in photosystem II, QA-, were measured by fluorescence in a light-tolerant, photosystem I-less strain of the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. In this strain, which shows excellent amplitudes of variable fluorescence, the rate of QA- oxidation after photoreduction of the plastoquinone pool was about half of that in the presence of photosystem I. However, upon addition of 5 mM KCN, QA- decay was very slow, and the rate was comparable to that seen in the presence of diuron, which blocks electron transport between QA and QB. The KCN-imposed block of QA- oxidation was removed efficiently by addition of exogenous quinones that can oxidize the plastoquinone pool. These results indicate that, in the absence of photosystem I, photosystem II-generated electrons are used very effectively by an oxidase located in the thylakoid; this oxidase may be a component of the respiratory chain.


Initial surgical management of bulky malignant type II tumors of the endometrium by a robotic approach.
Type II uterine tumors often present with very large, necrotic tumor burden in the uterus that leads to dilation and effacement of the cervix. In patients with this presentation, conventional hysterectomy poses a much greater challenge as the ureters are composed of the mass of the tumor and are at an increased risk for injury. Given this surgical challenge, many of these patients may begin with neoadjuvant chemo-radiation. However, these treatment modalities are associated with significant toxicity and negatively impact patient quality of life. Therefore, we describe a minimally invasive robotic surgical approach that aims to optimize quality of life without sacrificing prognosis. Outcomes of 4 patients are presented.


Role of serum thyroglobulin in the pre-operative evaluation of follicular thyroid tumours.
There is no reliable diagnostic test for pre-operative differentiation between benign and malignant follicular and Hurthle cell neoplasms. Measurements of serum thyroglobulin (Tg) are currently only used post-operatively as a marker of recurrent disease or distant metastases in the follow-up of patient with differentiated thyroid cancer. In this study pre-operative serum Tg measurements were performed with the aim of investigating whether Tg levels differ in benign and malignant follicular and Hurthle cell neoplasms. In 516 patients who underwent thyroid surgery at the Institute of Oncology in Ljubljana, Slovenia, from 1990 to 1996, serum Tg concentration was measured in addition to the standard pre-operative tests (fine-needle aspiration biopsy, ultrasonography, 99mTc scanning and hormonal profile). After the operation, patients were divided into 11 groups based on their histological diagnosis (papillary cancer--classic, papillary cancer--follicular variant, papillary cancer oncocytic variant, occult papillary cancer, follicular adenoma, follicular cancer, Hurthle cell adenoma, Hurthle cell cancer, anaplastic cancer, medullary cancer, nodular goiter) and the serum Tg values of the different groups were compared. In groups of patients with follicular and Hurthle cell cancer, median Tg values were higher (2895 and 638.5 ng/ml) and, statistically, differed significantly from the serum Tg values in all other groups (P<0.01). Sensitivities and specificities of the tests were 71.8% and 80.4% for follicular cancer and 55.6% and 83.8% for Hurthle cell cancer, while positive and negative predictive values were 75.6% and 77.1% for follicular cancer and 75% and 68.4% for Hurthle cell cancer. These results indicate that pre-operative serum Tg measurements might be an important additional diagnostic tool in the pre-operative work-up of patients with thyroid tumours.


A deep learning quantified stroma-immune score to predict survival of patients with stage II-III colorectal cancer.
Profound heterogeneity in prognosis has been observed in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with intermediate levels of disease (stage II-III), advocating the identification of valuable biomarkers that could improve the prognostic stratification. This study aims to develop a deep learning-based pipeline for fully automatic quantification of immune infiltration within the stroma region on immunohistochemical (IHC) whole-slide images (WSIs) and further analyze its prognostic value in CRC. Patients from two independent cohorts were divided into three groups: the development group (N = 200), the internal (N = 134), and the external validation group (N = 90). We trained a convolutional neural network for tissue classification of CD3 and CD8 stained WSIs. A scoring system, named stroma-immune score, was established by quantifying the density of CD3+ and CD8+ T-cells infiltration in the stroma region. Patients with higher stroma-immune scores had much longer survival. In the development group, 5-year survival rates of the low and high scores were 55.7% and 80.8% (hazard ratio [HR] for high vs. low 0.39, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.24-0.63, P < 0.001). These results were confirmed in the internal and external validation groups with 5-year survival rates of low and high scores were 57.1% and 78.8%, 63.9% and 88.9%, respectively (internal: HR for high vs. low 0.49, 95% CI 0.28-0.88, P = 0.017; external: HR for high vs. low 0.35, 95% CI 0.15-0.83, P = 0.018). The combination of stroma-immune score and tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage showed better discrimination ability for survival prediction than using the TNM stage alone. We proposed a stroma-immune score via a deep learning-based pipeline to quantify CD3+ and CD8+ T-cells densities within the stroma region on WSIs of CRC and further predict survival.


Activation of Tim-3-Galectin-9 pathway improves survival of fully allogeneic skin grafts.
T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain (Tim)-3 is a molecule expressed on terminally differentiated murine Th1 cells but not on Th2 cells. Identification of Galectin-9 as a ligand for Tim-3 has now firmly established the Tim-3-Galectin-9 pathway as an important regulator of Th1 immunity, which results in apoptosis of Th1 cells. Here, we demonstrate that engagement of Tim-3 by mouse recombinant Galectin-9 remarkably suppresses allograft rejection and improves survival of allogeneic skin grafts. Furthermore, administration of recombinant Galectin-9 decreases Tim-3 positive cells in draining lymph node and selectively inhibits production of IFN-gamma after skin transplantation. At last, even low dose of Galectin-9 (1 microg/ml) can obviously inhibit TCR crosslinking-induced primary T cell proliferation in vitro. These observations suggest that Tim-3-Galectin-9 pathway plays an important role in the termination of productive Th1-immune response and could lead to developing novel therapies in transplant medicine.


Effect of IGF-I on pig oocyte maturation, fertilization, and early embryonic development in vitro, and on granulosa and cumulus cell biosynthetic activity.
Porcine granulosa cells have been shown previously to both secrete and respond to insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), suggesting an autocrine function of this peptide in the follicle. The present work was undertaken to determine possible effects of IGF-I on in vitro maturation, in vitro fertilization, and early embryonic development in culture. Granulosa and cumulus cell proliferation and differentiation based on 3H-thymidine uptake and progesterone production, respectively, were also assessed. The results showed that the cleavage rate of oocytes was markedly stimulated in a dose-dependent manner by the addition of IGF-I to the oocyte maturation medium (P < 0.05). Embryo development beyond the 8-cell stage was improved by IGF-I, reaching a maximum of 22% at 200 ng/ml IGF-I. Treatment with IGF-I after fertilization increased the percentage of total oocyte cleavage (P < 0.05) to approximately 52%, 43%, and 57% at, respectively, 25, 50, and 100 ng/ml IGF-I. 3H-thymidine incorporation by granulosa cells was significantly increased in cultures treated with FSH (3-fold) or IGF-I (6-fold) compared to the control. For the cumulus cells, FSH caused a similar increase (3-fold) in 3H-thymidine incorporation while IGF-I stimulated a 15-fold increase. Progesterone production by the granulosa cells was increased to the same extent by treatment with FSH or IGF-I (4.7 and 5.1-fold, respectively). However, for the cumulus cells, while FSH caused a marked 16-fold increase in progesterone production, IGF-I caused only a marginal increase of 2.5-fold.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


IL-1beta (+3954C/T) polymorphism could protect human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients on highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART) against lipodystrophic syndrome.
To evaluate the impact of acquired and inherited factors on the development of lipodystrophic syndrome in patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy. Two hundred forty-three human immunodeficiency virus-infected Caucasians on highly active antiretroviral therapy were prospectively followed-up for 3 years. Eleven were naIve and 232 were on antiretrovirals (mean, 93.0 months +/- 43.8 months). Lipodystrophic syndrome was diagnosed clinically with a lipodystrophy severity grading scale. Polymorphisms of cytokines (IL-1beta, IL-6, TNF-alpha), TLR4, and NOS genes were genotyped. Ninety (37%) patients developed lipodystrophic syndrome. The polymorphic T allele of the (+3954C/T) polymorphism of IL-1beta was less frequent in patients with lipodystrophic syndrome compared with those without (17.8% vs. 27.0%, P = 0.03). Factors significantly associated with lipodystrophic syndrome were time on stavudine (P < 0.001), use of stavudine (P = 0.001), absence of the T allele of the (+3954C/T) IL-1beta polymorphism (P = 0.02), acquired immune deficiency syndrome diagnosis (P = 0.005), nadir levels of CD4 (P = 0.003), and time on highly active antiretroviral therapy (P = 0.003). Of these factors, only the time on stavudine (hazard ratio [95% confidence intervals] 1.007 [1.001-1.013]), use of stavudine (1.678 [1.048-2.68]), and absence of the T allele of the IL-1beta (+3954C/T) polymorphism (0.569 [0.347-0.931]) were significantly associated with lipodystrophic syndrome by Cox regression. Genotyping of the (+3954C/T) polymorphism of IL-1beta could be useful in patients starting highly active antiretroviral therapy, especially in potential users of stavudine, to predict their risk of developing lipodystrophic syndrome.


Patient retention and hand-wrist radiograph progression of rheumatoid arthritis during a 3-year prospective study that prohibited disease modifying antirheumatic drugs.
To quantitate patient retention and radiographic progression rates in serial hand/wrist radiographs of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who were not being treated with disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD). A total of 1433 RA patients with 1-7 years' disease duration entered a 3-year prospective randomized double-blind clinical trial comparing the nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAID) etodolac (300 or 1000 mg daily) and ibuprofen (2400 mg daily). Standardized hand/wrist radiographs were obtained yearly and at dropout if > 6 months after entry. DMARD were not permitted. Joint erosion, joint space narrowing (JSN), and total scores of 3 readers were averaged. At entry, mean duration of RA was 3.5 years (range 1-7); ages were 21-78 years; patients were 71% female, 84% Caucasian, 67% rheumatoid factor (RF) positive; tender joint count was 29, swollen joint count 22, Westergren erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) 49, and C-reactive protein (CRP) 2.44. There were 824 (57.5%) patients who completed >or= 6 months and had paired radiographs; 46% completed 48 weeks; 31%, 98 weeks; and 19%, 147 weeks. Months between paired radiographs (time in study) averaged 23.1 (range 6-36). Mean progression rates for total, erosion, and JSN scores (5.08, 2.53, and 2.54 units per year, respectively) were significantly associated with time in study, baseline RF, ESR, CRP, swollen joint count, presence of erosions at entry, and with 20% and 50% composite clinical responses. Painful joint count and RA duration were weakly associated only with progression of erosions. Progression rates were not associated with age, sex, corticosteroid use, or prior DMARD use. Patients who completed the 3-year trial had less severe disease activity and radiographic progression than those who dropped out. In this 3-year prospective double-blind clinical trial that prohibited DMARD, retention rates (57.5%, 46%, 31%, and 19% at 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 years) were similar to those in the non-DMARD-treated placebo groups of recent published studies. Radiographic progression rates are reported for 824 non-DMARD-treated patients during RA of 1-10 years' duration. This information may be useful as background information in the interpretation of longterm clinical trials that evaluate joint radiographic outcomes.


Identification of m7G-related hub biomarkers and m7G regulator expression pattern in immune landscape during the progression of osteoarthritis.
Accumulating evidence has shown that aberrant N7-methylguanosine (m7G) RNA methylation played an important role in the occurrence and development of cancer. However, knowledge of m7G modifications in inflammatory diseases is limited. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common arthritic disease with poor prognosis. Our research aimed to identify m7G-related hub biomarkers and investigate m7G regulator expression pattern in immune landscape of OA patients. Gene expression profiles and their clinical information were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and differential analysis of 14 m7G-related regulators between elective OA and normal samples was performed. M7G-related hub genes for OA were mined based on single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) and the random forest (RF) algorithm, and qRT-PCR was performed to confirm the abnormal expression of hub genes. Enrichment, protein-protein interaction (PPI), transcription factor (TF)-gene interaction and microRNA (miRNA)-gene coregulatory analysis based on m7G hub genes were performed. Then we predicted several candidate drugs related to m7G hub genes using DSigDB database. Moreover, we comprehensively evaluated m7G methylation patterns in OA samples and systematically correlated these modification patterns with the characteristics of immune cell infiltration. The m7G score was generated to quantify m7G methylation patterns for individual OA patients by the application of principal component analysis (PCA) algorithm. We constructed an OA predictive model based on 4 m7G hub genes (SNUPN, METTL1, EIF4E2 and CYFIP1). Two m7G methylation patterns in OA were discovered to show distinct biological characteristics, and an m7G score were generated. M7G cluster A and a higher m7G score were found to be related to an inflamed phenotype. Our study was the first to comprehensively investigate the m7G methylation dysregulations in immune landscape during the progression of OA. These 4 m7G gene-related signatures can be used as novel OA biomarkers to predict the occurrence of OA. Evaluating the m7G methylation patterns of OA individuals will contribute to enhancing our cognition of immune infiltration characterization and guiding more effective immunotherapy strategies.


Effect of ketotifen on the ultrastructure of the erythrocytic stages of Plasmodium yoelii.
The effect on the morphology of Plasmodium yoelii of ketotifen treatment was different from that of chloroquine and other antimalarial drugs. Following administration of a low dosage of ketotifen, the parasite first developed a multilamellate pellicular complex which resembled a medullary sheath and then developed vacuoles and cavitations. The development of large multilamellate whorls consisting of a pellicular structure enclosing cytoplasm was the typical change which occurred.


Naloxone reverses the antihypertensive effect of clonidine.
In unanesthetized, spontaneously hypertensive rats the decrease in blood pressure and heart rate produced by intravenous clonidine, 5 to 20 micrograms/kg, was inhibited or reversed by nalozone, 0.2 to 2 mg/kg. The hypotensive effect of 100 mg/kg alpha-methyldopa was also partially reversed by naloxone. Naloxone alone did not affect either blood pressure or heart rate. In brain membranes from spontaneously hypertensive rats clonidine, 10(-8) to 10(-5) M, did not influence stereoselective binding of [3H]-naloxone (8 nM), and naloxone, 10(-8) to 10(-4) M, did not influence clonidine-suppressible binding of [3H]-dihydroergocryptine (1 nM). These findings indicate that in spontaneously hypertensive rats the effects of central alpha-adrenoceptor stimulation involve activation of opiate receptors. As naloxone and clonidine do not appear to interact with the same receptor site, the observed functional antagonism suggests the release of an endogenous opiate by clonidine or alpha-methyldopa and the possible role of the opiate in the central control of sympathetic tone.


Targeting BMP signalling in cardiovascular disease and anaemia.
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and their receptors, known to be essential regulators of embryonic patterning and organogenesis, are also critical for the regulation of cardiovascular structure and function. In addition to their contributions to syndromic disorders including heart and vascular development, BMP signalling is increasingly recognized for its influence on endocrine-like functions in postnatal cardiovascular and metabolic homeostasis. In this Review, we discuss several critical and novel aspects of BMP signalling in cardiovascular health and disease, which highlight the cell-specific and context-specific nature of BMP signalling. Based on advancing knowledge of the physiological roles and regulation of BMP signalling, we indicate opportunities for therapeutic intervention in a range of cardiovascular conditions including atherosclerosis and pulmonary arterial hypertension, as well as for anaemia of inflammation. Depending on the context and the repertoire of ligands and receptors involved in specific disease processes, the selective inhibition or enhancement of signalling via particular BMP ligands (such as in atherosclerosis and pulmonary arterial hypertension, respectively) might be beneficial. The development of selective small molecule antagonists of BMP receptors, and the identification of ligands selective for BMP receptor complexes expressed in the vasculature provide the most immediate opportunities for new therapies.


COVID-19: Pulse oximeters in the spotlight.
From home to intensive care units, innovations in pulse oximetry are susceptible to improve the monitoring and management of patients developing acute respiratory failure, and particularly those with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). They include self-monitoring of oxygen saturation (SpO2) from home, continuous wireless SpO2 monitoring on hospital wards, and the integration of SpO2 as the input variable for closed-loop oxygen administration systems. The analysis of the pulse oximetry waveform may help to quantify respiratory efforts and prevent intubation delays. Tracking changes in the peripheral perfusion index during a preload-modifying maneuver may be useful to predict preload responsiveness and rationalize fluid therapy.


Effects of knurl tooth angle on mechanical and thermal behaviors of aluminum ultrasonic welding.
Ultrasonic welding (USW) has been receiving more and more attentions in material joining field due to its advantages of cleanness and high efficiency. The knurl tooth angle (KTA), as a key factor of horn knurl geometry (HKG), has significant influences on the contact and friction behavior of the joint formation. Although there have been some researches on the simulation of ultrasonic welding, the 3D finite element (FE) model considering the influence of KTA has not been reported. In this study, the FE models of different KTAs are established to reveal the effects of KTA on joint formation. The simulation result shows that the KTA greatly influences the process parameters of the USW after 0.025 s. The gaps of the faying interface and local stress concentration in the sonotrode-workpiece contact area, caused by KTAs less than 120°, are the main reasons for the strength reduction of the joint. The higher average equivalent plastic strain and temperature of the welding area, formed by KTAs greater than 130°, are turned out to be the main reasons for the formation of more bonds. The simulation has been verified by experiments, and the results provide guidance to improve the quality of the joint.


Education and clinical pharmacist-led management strategies for the risk and prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism in general surgery.
Despite the risks of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in surgical patients are well defined, primary thromboprophylaxis (TP) can be neglected. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk of VTE and appropriateness of TP and to assess the effects of education and clinical pharmacy (CP) services. This study was conducted in a total of 3 periods (n = 800): pre-education (n = 340), post-education (n = 269) and CP intervention period (n = 191) and the risk of VTE and the appropriateness of TP were evaluated. At the end of pre-education period, patients were re-evaluated after education was given about the guidelines on TP and an educative poster was posted in the services (post-education period). During the CP intervention period, the CP made recommendations in terms of optimal TP use to the physicians in charge. While there was no significant difference in the optimal TP rate administered to the patients before and after education (138/340, 40.6% vs. 122/269, 45.4%; p = 0.238); this rate was increased to 113/191 (59.2%) in the CP intervention period (p = 0.004). High-risk patients who received one type of TP constituted the majority of patients who did not receive optimal TP. While the ratio of high-risk patients undergoing a single type of TP in the pre- and post-education periods (104/340, 30.6% vs. 83/269, 30.9%), was similar (p = 0.819); with the CP interventions, this rate was reduced to 35/191 (18.3%) (p = 0.001). Even though education has positive influence on surgeons, the implementation of CP practices is more effective especially in terms of maintaining optimal TP.


A comparison of the conventional and the rosette method of determination of interleukin 1 (IL-1) activity. The advantages of the rosette method.
In this report we compare the conventional method of determination of IL-1 activity with a new rosette assay. Determination of IL-1 activity in the rosette assay is well correlated with the conventional method and equally sensitive. However, the rosette method is able to dissect the activity of IL-1 from IL-2 and to determine the immunotropic, optimal dose of IL-1 more accurately.


Total daily energy expenditure in wasted chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.
To investigate total daily energy expenditure in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients during a rehabilitation programme. Observational study involving a case and a control group. Ten COPD patients (six with body mass index (BMI) <18.5 kg/m(2) and four with BMI >18.5 kg/m(2)) were evaluated for their energy expenditure profile. Four additional healthy age-matched volunteers were also included for methodology evaluation. Measurements of total daily energy expenditure (TEE), resting energy expenditure (REE) and diet-induced thermogenesis (DIT) and energy intake were undertaken by indirect calorimetry and bicarbonate-urea methods and dietary records. REE in COPD patients was not significantly different from that predicted by the Harris-Benedict equation. Before the exercise day the mean TEE was 1508 kcal/day and physical activity level (PAL as calculated by TEE/REE) was 1.52. On the exercise day the TEE increased to 1568 kcal/day and PAL was 1.60, but neither of these changes were significant. The energy cost of increased physical activity during rehabilitation exercise was estimated to be 191 kcal/day. No significant change was found in DIT between the two patient groups. However, overall energy balances were found to be negative (-363 kcal/day). The rehabilitation programme did not cause a significant energy demand in COPD patients. TEE in COPD patients was not greater than in free-living healthy subjects. Patients, who were underweight, did not have a higher TEE than patients with normal weight. This suggested that malnutrition in COPD patients was not due to an increased energy expenditure. On the other hand, a significant negative energy balance due to insufficient energy intake was found in seven out of 10 patients.


Targeting PDAC metabolism: Environment determines what has GOT2 give.
Metabolic disruption is a mainstay of cancer therapy, prompting research aimed at identifying novel metabolic targets. Despite strong effects observed in culture, three recent studies found pancreatic tumors are refractory to disruption of the metabolic enzyme GOT2, revealing complex interactions within the tumor microenvironment that bypass its conventional metabolic roles.


[MR urography: technique and clinical application in patients with kidney transplantation].
To assess the value of magnetic resonance urography (MRU) for the noninvasive postoperative evaluation of renal transplants. 28 cases of renal transplantation were examined with a modified, heavily T2-weighted fast apin-echo pulse sequence and fat-suppression pulse aid. Post-procedure processing was performed with a maximal-projection (MIP) algorithm. 28 patients were studied. MRU revealed abnormal finding in 9 patients: mild dilatation of the renal pelvis without any urodynamic relevant obstruction (2), moderate dilatation of the renal pelvis (3), acute rejection (3), and ATN (1). Ureteral stenosis was diagnosed in 1 patients and treated surgically. MRU is an alternative to conventional urinary tract images techniques. It requires no radiation or iodinated contrast material. It is reliable and noninvasive in depicting the urinary tract. MRU can be used as a noninvasive technique for assessment of renal transplantation in cases suspicious of complication in the excretory system.


Single-cell transcriptomics allows novel insights into the endocrine-disrupting chemicals induced mammalian reproductive disorder.
Increasing environmental pollution has led to the spread of many endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) around the world, which are toxic substances in the form of compounds that pose a great threat to the reproductive health of mammals and become a potential cause of many reproductive function-related diseases. In the past decade, the rapid development of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology has greatly promoted the study of the toxic mechanisms of EDCs in the mammalian reproductive system, including DEHP, ZEN, BPA, and BDE47. These studies aim to resolve the interference of EDCs in critical stages of reproductive development, including prepubertal and pubertal in males, meiosis I and early follicle formation in females. This paper introduces the sequencing process and analysis methods of current mainstream scRNA-seq technology, systematically reviews the outstanding contributions and specific research ideas of this technology in the study of reproductive system toxicity, lists representative cases of using this technology to explore reproductive damage caused by EDCs, and summarizes in detail the connection between environmental pollution and reproductive development disorders. It provides an important theoretical basis and direction for further exploring the mechanism of damage to the physiological functions of toxic substances on the reproductive system and the prevention and treatment of reproductive diseases.


Prospective evaluation of the accuracy of the intraductal secretin stimulation test in the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis.
The standard secretin stimulation test (SST) is the accepted gold standard for pancreatic function testing. The intraductal secretin stimulation test (IDST) performed at the time of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has been proposed as a more feasible way to evaluate pancreatic function. The accuracy of the IDST for the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis (CP) has not been well defined. We prospectively evaluated patients with suspected CP. The IDST, SST, and ERCP were performed in each of the 19 study patients. The SST and ERCP were used as independent diagnostic standards against which the results of the IDST were compared directly to determine the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the IDST. When the SST was used as a diagnostic standard for CP, the sensitivity of the IDST was 80% (95% confidence interval [CI], 44%-97%), the specificity was 22% (95% CI, 2%-60%), and the overall accuracy was 52% (95% CI, 28%-75%). The positive predictive value was 53% and the negative predictive value was 50%. When the pancreatogram was used as the diagnostic standard, the sensitivity of the IDST was 100% (95% CI, 69%-100%), the specificity was 55% (95% CI, 21%-86%), and the overall accuracy was 79% (95% CI, 54%-93%). Receiver operator curves showed that there was no optimal cut-off value for peak bicarbonate concentration that led to acceptable sensitivity and specificity. The IDST is not accurate for the diagnosis of CP.


A 5-year Journey with Cutis Laxa in an Indian Child: The De Barsy Syndrome Revisited.
De Barsy syndrome (DBS), synonymously known as autosomal recessive cutis laxa type III, is an extremely rare condition clinically characterized by cutis laxa, a progeroid appearance, and ophthalmologic abnormalities. We present here an account of 5-year follow-up since the birth of an Indian boy with DBS, who had a few rare and unusual manifestations. In addition, our case probably represents the first reported case of DBS from India.


[Faster double-lumen tube intubation with the videolaryngoscope than with a standard laryngoscope].
This study was designed to compare videolaryngoscopy with direct laryngoscopy with respect to ease of intubation when inserting a double lumen tube (DLT). In this prospective randomized study 68 patients American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I and II were included. Patients with criteria indicating possible difficult intubation were excluded. The patients were randomized into two groups, depending on the tool used to facilitate intubation: videolaryngoscope (VL group) or direct laryngoscopy (DL group). The time required for intubation was the primary endpoint. Cormack and Lehane glottic visualization (CL) scores, the need for external laryngeal maneuvers and the number of attempts were measured. Glottic visualization was better in the VL group than in the DL group. The CL scores were I, II and III in 24, eight and two patients, respectively, in the VL group compared with 13, 11 and eight in the DL group (P = 0.025). Patients in the VL group required fewer attempts than the DL group (P = 0.019). Intubation time was 39.9 ± 4.4 sec in the VL group and 47.9 ± 5.4 sec in the DL group (P < 0.001). No intubation failure was noted in group VL compared with two in the DL group (not significant). The use of a videolaryngoscope reduces the time required for intubation with a DLT compared with the direct laryngoscopy in elective thoracic surgery.


Investigation of Heavy Atom Effect on Fluorescence of Carbon Dots: NCDs and S,N-CDs.
The present work is an attempt to investigate the heavy atom effect imparted by halide ions, especially iodide (I-) ions on the fluorescence behavior of carbon dots (CDs). Here two different types of CDs viz. nitrogen doped carbon dots (NCDs) from Citric Acid (CA) & Urea and Sulfur and nitrogen co-doped carbon dots (S,N-CDs) from CA & L-Cysteine were synthesized and the fluorescence of both CDs were quenched by heavy atom effect on adding potassium iodide (KI). The large difference in average lifetime was obtained in time-correlated single-photon counting (TCSPC) analysis suggests the dynamic quenching and heavy atom effect. Graphical abstract.


Is vaginal douching associated with preterm delivery?
To examine the hypothesized association between vaginal douching and preterm delivery, we conducted a study among women in a managed care organization in Atlanta, GA. We drew a stratified random sample of 262 preterm (20-36 weeks' gestation) and 804 term deliveries that occurred between January 1996 and April 1997. Data were collected from telephone interviews and medical records. We used proportional hazards regression to compute gestation-specific conditional probabilities of delivery. The risk of preterm delivery associated with douching was examined, adjusted for potential confounders. Douching during pregnancy increased the overall risk of preterm delivery (hazard ratio = 1.9, 95% confidence interval = 1.0-3.7). Further research to clarify the relation between douching and preterm delivery should pay particular attention to the role of vaginal infections.


Retinal separation, retinotomy, and macular relocation: II. A surgical approach for age-related macular degeneration?
Three cases of age-related maculopathy with severe and recent massive submacular hemorrhage were treated by performing complete vitrectomy. A total retinal detachment was created by infusion of fluid underneath the retina, followed by a peripheral circumferential retinotomy. This allowed access to the subretinal space for removal of blood and membranes and, more importantly, permitted rotation of the retina with relocation of the fovea. Rotations between 30 degrees and 80 degrees were achieved. One patient with 5 months' follow-up had a visual improvement from 1/200 to 20/80 and excyclorotation of images. The other two patients developed proliferative vitreoretinopathy after initially successful rotation. Their retinas were reattached after surgical removal of the membranes and silicone oil tamponade, but visual function remained low. The rationale for this treatment is that relocating the fovea to an area where pigment epithelium is less diseased than in the central area may allow for recovery of some useful vision.


Late gadolinium enhanced cardiac MR derived radiomics approach for predicting all-cause mortality in cardiac amyloidosis: a multicenter study.
To evaluate the prognostic value of radiomics features based on late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) images in patients with cardiac amyloidosis (CA). This retrospective study included 120 CA patients undergoing CMR at three institutions. Radiomics features were extracted from global and three different segments (base, mid-ventricular, and apex) of left ventricular (LV) on short-axis LGE images. Primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. The predictive performance of the radiomics features and semi-quantitative and quantitative LGE parameters were compared by ROC. The AUC was used to observe whether Rad-score had an incremental value for clinical stage. The Kaplan-Meier curve was used to further stratify the risk of CA patients. During a median follow-up of 12.9 months, 30% (40/120) patients died. There was no significant difference in the predictive performance of the radiomics model in different LV sections in the validation set (AUCs of the global, basal, middle, and apical radiomics model were 0.75, 0.77, 0.76, and 0.77, respectively; all p > 0.05). The predictive performance of the Rad-score of the base-LV was better than that of the LGE total enhancement mass (AUC:0.77 vs. 0.54, p < 0.001) and LGE extent (AUC: 0.77 vs. 0.53, p = 0.004). Rad-score combined with Mayo stage had better predictive performance than Mayo stage alone (AUC: 0.86 vs. 0.81, p = 0.03). Rad-score (≥ 0.66) contributed to the risk stratification of all-cause mortality in CA. Compared to quantitative LGE parameters, radiomics can better predict all-cause mortality in CA, while the combination of radiomics and Mayo stage could provide higher predictive accuracy. Radiomics analysis provides incremental value and improved risk stratification for all-cause mortality in patients with cardiac amyloidosis. • Radiomics in LV-base was superior to LGE semi-quantitative and quantitative parameters for predicting all-cause mortality in CA. • Rad-score combined with Mayo stage had better predictive performance than Mayo stage alone or radiomics alone. • Rad-score ≥ 0.66 was associated with a significantly increased risk of all-cause mortality in CA patients.


In Situ Constructing Ultrathin, Robust-Flexible Polymeric Electrolytes with Rapid Interfacial Ion Transport in Lithium Metal Batteries.
Safety of lithium metal batteries (LMBs) has been improved by using the solid-state polymer electrolytes, but the performance of LMBs is still troubled by the poor interface of solid electrolytes/electrodes, leading to insufficient interfacial Li+ transport. Here, a novel ultrathin, robust-flexible polymeric electrolyte is achieved by in situ polymerization of 1,3-dioxolane in soft nanofibrous skeleton at room temperature without any extra initiator or plasticizer, leading to the electrolyte with rapid interfacial ion transport. This facilitated Li+ transportation is demonstrated by molecular dynamics simulation. Consequently, the as-prepared electrolyte exhibits excellent cycling performance. The results indicate that the electrolyte works well in the LiFePO4 //Li cell at elevated temperature up to 90 °C, and further matches with the high-voltage LiNi0.8 Mn0.1 Co0.1 O2 cathode. This study provides an effective approach to constructing a practical polymeric electrolyte for fabrication of safe, high performance LMBs.


Child sexual abuse images and youth produced images: The varieties of Image-based Sexual Exploitation and Abuse of Children.
This paper presents a categorization of sexual image crimes and abuse that occur against children, and it compares their frequency, dynamics, and emotional impact. A national sample of 2639 respondents aged 18-to-28 disclosed 369 childhood episodes involving a variety of image abuse. Online self-administered questionnaire. The analysis classified the cases into five incident types: 1) adult made images (child sexual abuse images), 2) images non-consensually made by other youth, 3) voluntarily provided self-made images that were non-consensually shared by other youth, 4) voluntarily provided self-made images non-consensually shared by adults, and 5) voluntarily provided self-made images to adults that entailed an illegal age difference or were part of a commercial transaction. We propose to refer to this aggregation of types as Image Based Sexual Exploitation and Abuse of Children (IBSEAC). Only 12 % of the image episodes qualified as adult produced, child sexual abuse images. Such adult produced image experiences were also not higher in negative emotional impact than the youth produced images. Only 10 % of the episodes involved images of children under age 13. The study highlights the predominance of youth made sexual images among the image exploitation and abuse affecting youth according to self-report. It also highlights the difference between what victim surveys reveal about the problem and what is inferred from police record studies.


[Experimental study on seal treatment of early root-surface caries in senile patients after irradiated by Nd:YAG laser].
To study the curative effect of pulsed Nd:YAG laser on early root-surface caries in senile patients. Teeth with early root-surface caries removed from patients aged over 60 were irradiated with different energy output and sealant and observed under scanning electron microscope. Surface layer on early root-face caries were seen to be honeycomb or nibbled before irradiation, melted after irradiated by Nd:YAG laser,and with a smooth surface of the lesion after sealed. Early root-surface caries sealed with light-cured sealant after pulsed Nd:YAG laser irradiation is a safe and effective therapy.


The cognitive penetrability of perception: A blocked debate and a tentative solution.
Despite the extensive body of psychological findings suggesting that cognition influences perception, the debate between defenders and detractors of the cognitive penetrability of perception persists. While detractors demand more strictness in psychological experiments, proponents consider that empirical studies show that cognitive penetrability occurs. These considerations have led some theorists to propose that the debate has reached a dead end. The issue about where perception ends and cognition begins is, I argue, one of the reasons why the debate is cornered. Another reason is the inability of psychological studies to present uncontroversial interpretations of the results obtained. To dive into other kinds of empirical sources is, therefore, required to clarify the debate. In this paper, I explain where the debate is blocked, and suggest that neuroscientific evidence together with the predictive coding account, might decant the discussion on the side of the penetrability thesis.


Automatic quantification of perivascular spaces in T2-weighted images at 7 T MRI.
Perivascular spaces (PVS) are believed to be involved in brain waste disposal. PVS are associated with cerebral small vessel disease. At higher field strengths more PVS can be observed, challenging manual assessment. We developed a method to automatically detect and quantify PVS. A machine learning approach identified PVS in an automatically positioned ROI in the centrum semiovale (CSO), based on -resolution T2-weighted TSE scans. Next, 3D PVS tracking was performed in 50 subjects (mean age 62.9 years (range 27-78), 19 male), and quantitative measures were extracted. Maps of PVS density, length, and tortuosity were created. Manual PVS annotations were available to train and validate the automatic method. Good correlation was found between the automatic and manual PVS count: ICC (absolute/consistency) is 0.64/0.75, and Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) is 0.61. The automatic method counts fewer PVS than the manual count, because it ignores the smallest PVS (length <2 mm). For 20 subjects manual PVS annotations of a second observer were available. Compared with the correlation between the automatic and manual PVS, higher inter-observer ICC was observed (0.85/0.88), but DSC was lower (0.49 in 4 persons). Longer PVS are observed posterior in the CSO compared with anterior in the CSO. Higher PVS tortuosity are observed in the center of the CSO compared with the periphery of the CSO. Our fully automatic method can detect PVS in a 2D slab in the CSO, and extract quantitative PVS parameters by performing 3D tracking. This method enables automated quantitative analysis of PVS.


Thrombin generation and fibrinolytic activities among patients receiving reduced-dose alteplase plus abciximab or undergoing direct angioplasty plus abciximab for acute myocardial infarction.
The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of these 2 reperfusion strategies (reduced-dose alteplase plus abciximab or direct angioplasty plus abciximab) on fibrinolytic and thrombin generation activities. The effect of reduced-dose alteplase plus abciximab and direct angioplasty plus abciximab on hemostatic factors is unknown. Of 70 patients with acute myocardial infarction of < or = 6 hours, 34 were randomized to reduced-dose alteplase (35 to 50 mg in 1 hour) and 36 to direct angioplasty. A standard bolus and infusion dose of abciximab was administered to all patients. Blood specimens were collected at baseline, and at 1, 4, 12, and 24 hours. The following parameters were assayed: fibrinogen, plasminogen and antiplasmin activities, tissue plasminogen activator antigen, D-dimer, prothrombin fragments F1 + 2, and thrombin/antithrombin III complexes. Among patients treated with reduced-dose alteplase plus abciximab, the fibrinogen level decreased by 28.4% in the first hour (11.7 +/- 3.4 vs 7.8 +/- 2.5 micromol/L, p <0.001). Correspondingly, plasminogen and antiplasmin activities decreased by 43.8% (p <0.001) and 59.1% (p <0.001), respectively. Prothrombin fragments F1 + 2 increased from 2.2 +/- 1.7 to 4.2 +/- 1.6 nmol/L (1 hour) (p <0.001) and thrombin/antithrombin III increased from 16.3 +/- 15.0 to 33.5 +/- 19.9 microg/L (1 hour) (p <0.001). Conversely, in the direct angioplasty group, there was a marginal elevation in fibrinogen level at 1 hour (10.2 +/- 2.4 vs 10.6 +/- 2.0 micromol/L, p = 0.064) despite a significant reduction in plasminogen and an increase in tissue plasminogen activator levels. There was no significant change in prothrombin fragments F1 + 2 and thrombin/antithrombin III levels. Thus, there was considerable fibrinolytic activity with reduced-dose alteplase plus abciximab; thrombin generation was not prevented. Among patients treated with direct angioplasty, there was some endogenous fibrinolytic activity, but there was no significant thrombin generation.


Role of prolactin in the regulation of sensitivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary system to steroid feedback.
During sexual maturation, pituitary gonadotropins stimulate the gonads to produce increasing amounts of biologically active steroids and yet gonadotropin release does not become suppressed until concentrations of sex hormones, LH and FSH, in peripheral circulation stabilizes at a higher adult level. There is a substantial amount of evidence that in many mammals, this transition from prepubertal to adult level of activity of the pituitary-gonadal axis is associated with a reduction in the sensitivity of the hypothalamic-adenohypophyseal system to negative feedback of gonadal steroids. In the female, these changes are accompanied by the appearance of positive estrogen feedback on gonadotropin release. In seasonal breeders, annual transitions between the periods of gonadal activity and quiescence are associated with corresponding shifts in the sensitivity to steroid feedback. Peripheral levels of pituitary prolactin (PRL) typically increase during sexual maturation and exhibit large seasonal fluctuations in response to changes in photoperiod and ambient temperature. We propose that PRL is one of the factors which regulate the sensitivity of gonadotropin release to gonadal steroid feedback. In hyperprolactinemic women, responsiveness to negative estrogen feedback increases, while LH response to positive estrogen feedback is reduced or absent. In hyperprolactinemic men, both LH and testosterone levels are reduced, implying increased sensitivity of LH release to negative testosterone feedback. In the male rat, both physiological amounts of PRL and experimentally-induced hyperprolactinemia increase the ability of exogenous testosterone to suppress LH and FSH release. Different regulatory mechanisms appear to operate in the seasonally breeding male golden hamster, in which short photoperiod causes concomitant suppression of PRL, LH, FSH and testosterone release. In this species, pharmacologic suppression of PRL release leads to increased responsiveness of plasma gonadotropin levels to negative feedback effects of testosterone, while PRL-secreting ectopic pituitary transplants exert an opposite effect. We have examined some of the suspected mechanisms of PRL modulation of testosterone feedback in male golden hamsters. In immature animals, the amount of cytoplasmic androgen receptors in the anterior pituitary was decreased by mild hyperprolactinemia and increased by treatment with bromocriptine, an inhibitor of PRL release. Bromocriptine increased pituitary androgen binding also in adult hamsters. These findings would imply that PRL modulates the responsiveness to negative steroid feedback at the pituitary level.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)


A Multicenter Retrospective Evaluation of Specialized Laboratory Investigations in the Workup of Pediatric Patients With New-Onset Supraventricular Tachycardia.
Specialized laboratory evaluation of supraventricular tachycardia in children may occur, but the utility is unknown. The study objectives are to assess the type, frequency, and results of specialized laboratory testing performed in pediatric patients presenting with new-onset supraventricular tachycardia. We hypothesized that when specialized laboratory testing occurs (particularly for cardiac failure, toxicologic, inflammatory, and thyroid diseases), the results are generally within normal limits. This is a retrospective descriptive study using an electronic health record database (TriNetX, Inc). We collected and evaluated the following data of subjects aged younger than 18 years with a first-time supraventricular tachycardia diagnosis: demographics, diagnostic codes, deaths, and laboratory codes/results (natriuretic peptide B, natriuretic peptide B prohormone N-terminal, troponin I, toxicology testing, inflammatory markers, and thyroid studies). A total of 621 subjects (524 [84.4%] without laboratory testing, 97 [15.6%] with laboratory testing) were included. Thyroid studies (65 [10.5%]) were the most frequent laboratory study performed followed by cardiovascular specific studies (35 [5.6%]), inflammatory markers (21 [3.4%]), and toxicology tests (10 [1.6%]) (P = .002). Obtained laboratory testing was more frequent with older subjects, females, and need for emergency, hospital, and critical care services. Cardiac-specific and noncardiac laboratory testing is frequently ordered for pediatric patients who present with supraventricular tachycardia. Thyroid studies were the most common laboratory testing ordered, but abnormal results only occurred in less than a quarter of subjects. These findings may highlight a quality improvement opportunity for emergency nurses and practitioners in the practice of obtaining laboratory tests to better reflect high-value evidence-based care for this vulnerable population.


Contribution of echography to the diagnosis of retinoblastoma: a homogeneous B-scan study.
This paper concerns the echographic study of 38 pathological eyes suspected to be retinoblastoma cases examined between 1980 and 1983. It was a homogeneous study carried out with the same machine (Biophysic Medical's Triscan) and the same operator. No error of diagnosis was made on the 25 eyes considered to be cases of retinoblastoma. Two doubtful cases turned out to be pseudogliomas and in eleven cases the diagnosis of pseudoglioma given by the echography examination turned out to be correct. This study helps to demonstrate the importance of echography in the diagnosis of retinoblastoma and in the differential diagnosis between retinoblastoma and pseudoglioma.


[Participatory approaches in age(ing) research : Definitions, fields of application and challenges in different research stages].
There is much to be gained from participatory research: it can increase the closeness of research to everyday life, the acceptance of the resulting practical implications and holds the potential to fundamentally democratize scientific knowledge production. It is not surprising that this is not without irritation on the part of academic researchers and their institutional environment as well as on the part of nonacademically trained co-researchers. Based on an inspection of the relevant literature this article outlines the different understanding and definitions of participatory age(ing) research, its current fields of application, and utilization in different phases of the research process. Subsequently, the challenges that participatory approaches in age(ing) research can pose in these different fields and phases are discussed and possible solutions are outlined.


Retraction: Hypertonic saline compared to mannitol for the management of elevated intracranial pressure in traumatic brain injury: a meta-analysis.
[This retracts the article DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2021.765784.].


Safety, tolerability, and bioavailability of topical SAR 1118, a novel antagonist of lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1: a phase 1b study.
A growing body of evidence points to a role for inflammation mediated by lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) and its ligand intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in the pathogenesis of diabetic macular oedema. This phase 1b clinical trial assessed the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of topically administered SAR 1118, a novel LFA-1 antagonist, in human subjects. In this prospective, randomized, double-masked trial, 13 subjects scheduled for vitrectomy received one of three concentrations of topical SAR 1118 (0.1, 1.0, or 5.0%) twice daily for 1 week before surgery. Undiluted aqueous and vitreous samples were collected at surgery and analysed for the concentration of the medication. All subjects completed the entire course of medication. The only adverse events reported were instillation site irritation (4/13, 31%) and dysgeusia (3/13, 23%). These were mild and transient, occurring at the highest dose. Mean concentrations (ng/ml) of SAR 1118 in the aqueous humour were 0.25, 37.2, and 101.1 for the 0.1%, 1.0%, and 5.0% dose groups, respectively. SAR 1118 was below the level of detection (0.5 ng/ml) for all vitreous samples except in a single subject who had a history of prior vitrectomy and a dislocated intraocular lens. Topical SAR 1118 was safe and well tolerated, and dose-dependent levels of drug were detected in aqueous. However, vitreous levels were below the threshold of detection with the concentrations tested. Further investigation of this medication for posterior segment applications would require intravitreal delivery or chemical modification of the drug.


The relationship between immunosuppressive therapy and clinical isolates for patients diagnosed with dermatomyositis-related interstitial lung diseases.
Immunosuppressive therapy is the main treatment for patients with interstitial lung diseases (ILD) secondary to dermatomyositis (DM). Microbial colonization or infection might be very common for these patients. However, the relationship between immunotherapy and microorganism isolates are not fully understood in these patients. This study retrospectively analyzed on the clinical features in DM-ILD patients who had positive microbiological results during immunosuppressive therapy in our hospital. Patients were divided into two groups, according to the result of microbiological study. Comparisons in infection-related data in various contexts were carried out. As a result, patients who had positive microbiological findings were manifested as higher fever degree [p = 0.01; positive group: mean ± SEM: 38.83 ± 0.15 °C, N = 28; negative group: mean ± SEM: 38.27 ± 0.15 °C; N = 28], higher serum C-reactive protein (CRP) [p less than 0.001, positive group (mean ± SEM: 31.6 ± 5.2 mg/L; N = 43); negative (mean ± SEM: 11.1 ± 1.6 mg/L; N = 86)], and lower CD3+CD4+ T cells counts than that of negative populations [p = 0.03, positive group (mean ± SEM: 0.27 ± 0.05 × 109/L; N = 31); negative group (mean ± SEM: 0.400 ± 0.03 × 109/L; N = 44)]. Longer hospital stay [p = 0.005; 21/36 vs 31/99] and higher serum FK506 concentrations [p = 0.02, positive group: 9.80 ± 1.87 ng/ml; N = 7; negative group: 5.76 ± 0.73 ng/ml; N = 27] were related to the occurrence of microorganism in the airway. Meanwhile, short-term investigation of in-hospital mortality related to airway microbial carry had no statistical difference between the both groups [p = 0.21, Log-rank (Mantel-Cox) Test]. Occurrence of positive isolates in DM-ILD patients may relate to higher inflammatory markers CRP, lower CD4 + T cells counts, high concentration of serum FK-506, and longer hospital stay.


[Comparison of nicardipine and isradipine in hypertension following coronary artery bypass graft].
Compare the efficacy of isradipine to that of nicardipine for the control of arterial hypertension following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). Clinical prospective, randomised study. 40 patients ASA II or III, mean age 66 +/- 8 years, scheduled for elective CABG were included. If the mean arterial pressure (MAP) was > or = 100 mmHg within the first six post operative hours, the patients were included and randomly attributed to either one of the 2 groups: Gr I (n = 20) received nicardipine, Gr II (n = 20) received isradipine in bolus then in continuous perfusion. HR, MAP, MPAP, CVP, PCWP, CI, SVRI, PVRI and SVI were recorded at: T0 before administration of drugs, T1 = 2 min after the first bolus. T2 when MAP reached 85 +/- 5 mmHg. T3, T4, T5, T6, T7 and T8 at 5, 10, 30, 60, 90 and 120 min after the continuous perfusion. T9 before stopping the perfusion. No significant changes in HR, CVP, PCWP, MPAP or PVRI at any time in both groups. Significant increase in CI at T2 in both groups. Reduction of MAP at T2 was more important (-27%) in Gr I compared to that in Gr II (-22%). This was mainly due to a significant decrease in SVRI. Isradipine is effective in the treatment of arterial hypertension following CABG. However there is not any significant beneficial effect of isradipine over nicardipine.


Differences in Tumor Microenvironment Dictate T Helper Lineage Polarization and Response to Immune Checkpoint Therapy.
Immune checkpoint therapy (ICT) shows encouraging results in a subset of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) but still elicits a sub-optimal response among those with bone metastases. Analysis of patients' bone marrow samples revealed increased Th17 instead of Th1 subsets after ICT. To further evaluate the different tumor microenvironments, we injected mice with prostate tumor cells either subcutaneously or intraosseously. ICT in the subcutaneous CRPC model significantly increases intra-tumoral Th1 subsets and improves survival. However, ICT fails to elicit an anti-tumor response in the bone CRPC model despite an increase in the intra-tumoral CD4 T cells, which are polarized to Th17 rather than Th1 lineage. Mechanistically, tumors in the bone promote osteoclast-mediated bone resorption that releases TGF-β, which restrains Th1 lineage development. Blocking TGF-β along with ICT increases Th1 subsets and promotes clonal expansion of CD8 T cells and subsequent regression of bone CRPC and improves survival.


Quantitative estimation of spermatogenesis in bulls (Bos indicus) in a tropical environment of Nigeria.
Spermatogenesis in bulls (Bos indicus) indigenous to Nigeria, and the significance of Sertoli cell index (SCI) as a measure of testicular degeneration were studied. The mean testicular weights and dimensions were lower than reported for Bos taurus breeds. The diameters of the seminiferous tubules were lower than reported for Bos taurus, although within the same range. Inter-month and intra-month variations were highly significant (P less than 0.01). A mean annual spermatogenesis of 77.60% was reported. Active spermatogenesis was observed throughout the year, with a peak during the rainy season and extending toward the pre-dry season. This was consistent with previous reports. Severe testicular degeneration was found to influence spermatogenesis. This was reflected in the decrease in SCI. Mild degeneration had no significant effect on spermatogenesis, and did not significantly change the SCI. The SCI was defined as the ratio of the number of germinal cells to the number of Sertoli cells in the same cross sections of tubules.


Evaluation of the impact of the intensive exploitation of groundwater and the mega-drought based on the hydrochemical and isotopic composition of the waters of the Chacabuco-Polpaico basin in central Chile.
A hydrogeochemical and isotopic study has been carried out to understand the hydrogeological functioning of a small alluvial aquifer in central Chile in a context of mega-drought and intensive exploitation of its waters. Additionally, two mine tailings dams from porphyry copper mining are situated in the area. The prolonged mega-drought, which has lasted for over thirteen years, has resulted in a significant decrease in rainfall recharge and a drop of up to 50 m in piezometric levels, although no serious groundwater contamination problems have yet been detected, except for a rise in nitrate contents (ranging between 23 and 45 mg/L NO3) attributed to return irrigation. Groundwaters are calcium-bicarbonate and calcium-sodium-bicarbonate in composition. The values of δ18O and δ2H of the alluvial aquifer indicate fractionation by evaporation that would be explained by the recirculation of water that occurs in the agricultural areas of the basin, where the excess irrigation water that go back to the aquifer presents fractionation by evaporation. The δ34S and δ18O of dissolved sulfate point to pyrite oxidation, which could be related to the pyrite present in the copper porphyry and recognized in the Andes Cordillera. The 87Sr/86Sr isotopic values of the alluvial aquifer waters are close to the isotopic fingerprint of the volcanic rocks of the Abanico Formation. However, the water from the wells located further downstream in the basin and close to the tailing dams show δ34S and δ18O of dissolved sulfate and 87Sr/86Sr consistent with Miocene intrusive mineralogies of the copper porphyry type. The groundwater chemistry does not show water seepage from the tailings dam. Therefore, a minor contribution of minerals related to the intrusive rocks is proposed, which would originate from the movement of fine particles by the wind from the dams to the valley floor. The 14C activities indicate that groundwater is recent.


Direct and reflex cardiovascular effects of trichothecene mycotoxins.
Intravenous injection of T-2 toxin or roridin-A (2 mg/kg) into pentobarbital-anesthetized (30 mg/kg) dogs produced, respectively, decreased systolic pressure within 30 min and atrio-ventricular block within 60 min. Within 45 +/- 15 min after injection of each toxin heart rate increased and remained elevated for at least 4 hr. The increase in sinus rate was reduced by 50% when dogs were pretreated with i.v. propranolol--HCl (5 mg/kg); pretreatment with atropine sulphate (5 mg/kg) did not alter the effect of the trichothecenes. Upon administration of T-2 toxin or roridin-A (30 mg/l) to isolated arterially perfused canine right atria, sinus rate decreased by 12% and 28%, respectively, and sinus node cell diastolic potentials became more negative by 7% and 10%, respectively. Sino-atrial block observed in 50% of the isolated atrial preparations perfused with roridin-A disappeared when toxin perfusion was discontinued. Perfusion with T-2 toxin or roridin-A produced no significant effects on atrial muscle cell action potentials. The cardiovascular response to systemic trichothecenes was hypotension followed by propranolol-sensitive tachycardia. The direct effects on conduction system cells may contribute to the overall deleterious action on the cardiovascular system.


The ontogenetic mouse brain model employed in the characterization of antibrain antibodies in multiple sclerosis.
The complement-fixing antibrain antibodies which may be found in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) belong to several specificities, of which only two are as yet identified. In order to study three of the incompletely characterized specificities, the ontogenetic evolution of the corresponding antigens in mouse brain was followed. MS serum containing antibodies to sulfatide, a relatively myelin-specific glycolipid, served as a control. The studied antigens were virtually absent at birth and accumulated at different rates during the postnatal period. The results give valuable clues for the further study of the antibrain antibodies in MS.


What increases the risk of malnutrition in Parkinson's disease?
Parkinson's disease (PD) patients are at a higher risk of malnutrition. The prevalence has been estimated to 0-24%, while 3%-60% of PD patients are reported to be at risk of malnutrition. To date, there is no clear explanation for malnutrition in these patients. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of malnutrition and to analyze factors that influence its appearance. The Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) was used to determine normal nutritional status; at risk of malnutrition; and already malnourished status. The Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) parts III and IV, Hoehn and Yahr scale (H&Y scale), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Questionnaire for Impulsive-Compulsive Disorders in Parkinson's Disease-Rating Scale - eating part (QUIP-RS) and Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) were used to evaluate the factors affecting patient nutritional status. Out of 96 patients, 55,2% were at risk of malnutrition, while 8,3% had already been malnourished. Age, H&Y scale, UPDRS part III, 'off' periods and depression influence negatively on MNA. More patients with 'off' periods were rigor dominant. Thyroid gland hormone therapy was related to malnutrition, while patients with normal nutritional status used ropinirole more often than pramipexole. Factors affecting nutritional status are age, motor symptoms and stage severity, 'off' states, rigidity dominant type with 'off' states, and thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Ropinirole exhibited the possible 'protective' effect against malnutrition.


Subcarrier wave continuous variable quantum key distribution with discrete modulation: mathematical model and finite-key analysis.
In this paper we report a continuous-variable quantum key distribution protocol using multimode coherent states generated on subcarrier frequencies of the optical spectrum. We propose a coherent detection scheme where power from a carrier wave is used as a local oscillator. We compose a mathematical model of the proposed scheme and perform its security analysis in the finite-size regime using fully quantum asymptotic equipartition property technique. We calculate a lower bound on the secret key rate for the system under the assumption that the quantum channel noise is negligible compared to detector dark counts, and an eavesdropper is restricted to collective attacks. Our calculation shows that the current realistic system implementation would allow distributing secret keys over channels with losses up to 9 dB.


Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the mitochondrial displacement loop and age at onset of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) accumulated frequently in the mitochondrial displacement loop (D-loop) in many cancers. We had identified cancer risk-associated SNPs in the D-loop of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) patients previously, in this study, we investigated the association of age at onset and D-loop SNPs in NHL patients. The D-loop region of mtDNA was sequenced for 133 NHL patients recorded at the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to identify age at onset-associated SNPs in the D-loop of NHL patients. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify independent risk factors for age at onset. The SNP sites of nucleotides 146C/T, 151T/C, 194T/C, 315C/C insert, 523Del/A, and 525Del/C were identified for their association with age at onset, by the logrank test. In an overall multivariate analysis, allele 146 (relative risk, 0.403; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.182-0.895) (P = 0.026), allele 151 (relative risk, 0.378; 95% CI: 0.165-0.868) (P = 0.022), and allele 315 (relative risk, 3.554; 95% CI: 1.344-9.400) (P = 0.011) were identified as independent predictors for age at onset in NHL patients. SNPs in the D-loop can predict age at onset in NHL patients. Analysis of the D-loop SNPs can help identify NHL patient subgroups at high risk of early onset.


Multiple-beam and double-mode staggered double vane travelling wave tube with ultra-wide band.
This paper presents design, fabrication and cold test of an ultra-wide band travelling wave tube (TWT) with planar alignment multiple pencil beams. The fundamental double-mode of staggered double vane slow wave structure (SDV-SWS) rather than the only one mode are put forward and adopted to match with the same electron beam to increase the bandwidth greatly. Simultaneous planar alignment multiple pencil beam tunnels are designed to improve interaction impedance and then to enhance output power, gain, efficiency, growth rate. The transmission performance of a two-stage 51-period SDV-TWT in G-band with structure attenuator between two sections shows that it indeed has an ultra-wideband performance from 81 to 110 GHz. By using computer numerical control machining, the SDV-SWS was manufactured and a detailed cold test was conducted. Good agreement is found at the wide band, where S21 is above - 5 dB and S11 is below - 10 dB. 3D PIC simulations with double-mode multiple-beam SDV-TWT within total length of 70 mm show that it can get a nearly 2120 W peak output power, a 42.5 dB corresponding gain and a 10.7% electron efficiency at 94 GHz with a 22.1 kV beam voltage and a 3 × 0.15A beam current. The 3 dB bandwidth of our double-mode SDV-TWT can achieve about 29 GHz.


Contour integration across depth.
In order to investigate the extent of the local connections subserving contour integration across depth, we measured performance for detecting the continuity of a path of Gabor elements distributed in depth and embedded in a three-dimensional field of random background elements. The results show that performance cannot be explained in terms of monocular performance and that contour information is not limited to single disparity planes. Path detection does indeed involve the integration of information across different, very disparate depth planes. The rules which emerge are in general similar to that already described in the two-dimensional case in as far as orientation and disparity are important. Unlike the two-dimensional case, three-dimensional integration operates over relatively large three-dimensional distances.


Brain and Liver Headspace Aldehyde Concentration Following Dietary Supplementation with n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids.
Reactive oxygen species react with unsaturated fatty acids to form a variety of metabolites including aldehydes. Many aldehydes are volatile enough to be detected in headspace gases of blood or cultured cells and in exhaled breath, in particular propanal and hexanal which are derived from omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, respectively. Aldehydes are therefore potential non-invasive biomarkers of oxidative stress and of various diseases in which oxidative stress is thought to play a role including cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. It is unclear, however, how changes in the abundance of the fatty acid precursors, for example by altered dietary intake, affect aldehyde concentrations. We therefore fed male Wistar rats diets supplemented with either palm oil or a combination of palm oil plus an n-3 fatty acid (alpha-linolenic, eicosapentaenoic, or docosahexaenoic acids) for 4 weeks. Fatty acid analysis revealed large changes in the abundance of both n-3 and n-6 fatty acids in the liver with smaller changes observed in the brain. Despite the altered fatty acid abundance, headspace concentrations of C1-C8 aldehydes, and tissue concentrations of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, did not differ between the 4 dietary groups. Our data suggest that tissue aldehyde concentrations are independent of fatty acid abundance, and further support their use as volatile biomarkers of oxidative stress.


Utility of metformin as an adjunct to hydroxycitrate/carnitine for reducing body fat in diabetics.
Excessive exposure of tissues to fatty acids is likely to be the chief cause of the various dysfunctions that lead to sustained hyperglycemia in type II diabetes. These dysfunctions are likely to be substantially reversible if body fat and dietary fat can be greatly reduced. Disinhibition of hepatic fatty acid oxidation with hydroxycitrate (HCA) and carnitine has considerable potential as a new weight-loss strategy, but in diabetics runs the risk of further enhancing excessive hepatic gluconeogenesis. Since the clinical utility of metformin in diabetes is probably traceable to inhibition of gluconeogenesis, its use as an adjunct to HCA/carnitine treatment of obesity in diabetics deserves evaluation, particularly as metformin therapy itself tends to reduce body weight. A consideration of relevant evidence suggests that metformin therapy will not impede the activation of fatty acid oxidation by HCA/carnitine, and is likely to potentiate the appetite-suppressant and thermogenic benefits of this strategy. Indeed, since metformin has been reported to lower body weight and improve cardiovascular risk factors in obese non-diabetics, a broader application of a metformin/HCA/carnitine therapy for obesity can be contemplated.


Polyaniline as interface layers promoting the in-situ growth of zeolite imidazole skeleton on regenerated cellulose aerogel for efficient removal of tetracycline.
Antibiotics as newly emerging organic pollutants are arousing more and more serious environmental issues. Meantime, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are considered as promising adsorbents to remove antibiotics. To overcome the limitations of large-scale applications for MOFs in the powder form, herein, we proposed a strategy of in-situ growth ZIF-67 onto polyaniline (PANI) modified regenerated cellulose aerogel (RCA). First, RCA was obtained by chemical cross-linking and physical cross-linking method. Then, PANI played the role of metal chelated layers, which were coated on RCA by in-situ polymerization. Finally, ZIF-67 nanocrystals were in-situ growth on the surface of the PANI coated regenerated cellulose aerogel to synthesise the composite adsorbent ZIF-67/PANI/RCA. The loading mass ratios of ZIF-67 on RCA and PANI/RCA were 25.39% and 42.38%, respectively, which indicates that PANI as interface layers can effectively promote the in-situ growth of ZIF-67 compared with pure RCA. The obtained composite adsorbent (ZIF-67/PANI/RCA) was applied for the adsorption of tetracycline (TC) with high adsorption capacity (409.55 mg·g-1) and good recycling ability. After six cycles of adsorption-desorption, the removal efficiency toward TC was still over 94%. This strategy may provide an effective and versatile pathway to increase MOF loading mass on aerogel and sequentially branch out their applications in pollutant treatment fields.


The InterSePT scale for suicidal thinking reliability and validity.
The InterSePT Scale for Suicidal Thinking (ISST) is a 12-item instrument for the assessment of current suicidal ideation in patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders. We report the psychometric characteristics of this new scale based on two studies. In Study 1, 22 inpatients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders, who had recently attempted suicide or engaged in suicidal ideation, were rated by three trained independent raters to examine interrater reliability. In Study 2, a total of 980 patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder with a history of suicidal ideation in the past 36 months were enrolled in a 2-year industry-sponsored suicide prevention study. At baseline, these patients were administered the ISST and the Clinical Global Impression Scale for Severity of Suicidality (CGI-SS) by the Principal Investigator (PI) and by a blinded rater (BR), who also administered the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS), the Calgary Depression Scale (CDS), and the Scale of Functioning (SOF). Indices of internal reliability, construct and discriminant validity were examined. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for the total ISST score for the 22 subjects in Study 1 was 0.90 and mean weighted item kappa coefficients ranged from 0.66 to 0.92. In Study 2, internal reliability (Cronbach alpha) was high, ranging from 0.86 to 0.89 for the individual items, and the overall Cronbach alpha coefficient for all items was 0.88. The ISST (PI) total score was highly correlated with the CGI-SS by the blind rater (r = 0.61, p < 0.0001). ISST total scores significantly differentiated the different levels of CGI-SS (F = 519.2; p < 0.0001). Results of construct and discriminant validity analyses are also presented. The ISST is a reliable and valid instrument for the assessment of current suicidal thinking in patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder by both clinicians and researchers.