Asian and Pacific Islander childhood vaccination coverage: National Immunization Survey, 2002-2004.
Public health data on Asian/Pacific Islanders are most often collected and reported as one aggregated group. This aggregation of data can mask potential differences among the many ethnic/national/cultural groups classified as Asian/Pacific Islanders. We used data from the National Immunization Survey (NIS) to examine immunization status for all US children and four mutually exclusive groups: Asian only, Native Hawaiian only, Pacific Islander only, and other. We included information from 64,718 US children 19-35 months of age who had adequate vaccination histories from provider(s) for 2002 to 2004; among these, 2673 (4.3%) were Asian only, Native Hawaiian only, or Pacific Islander only. The sample sizes reported are unweighted, while results are based on weighted analyses. Vaccination coverage estimates for children in the Native Hawaiian only group were consistently higher than estimates for all US children, whereas those in the Asian only group were nearly the same. Children in the Pacific Islander only group had vaccination coverage estimates that were lower than estimates for all US children. The results of this study indicated that although overall the Asian/Pacific Islander group had similar childhood vaccination coverage to all US children, the group does not have homogeneous coverage, with Pacific Islanders having lower coverage. Public health researchers should, whenever possible, examine individual groups of Asian/Pacific Islanders to more accurately measure the health status of this growing population.


Periodontal conditions in patients with oral lichen planus: a pilot study.
To evaluate the periodontal status of patients with oral lichen planus and compare it with that of healthy controls. The association between periodontal condition and the extent of disease in oral lichen planus patients was also examined. A descriptive clinical study was made of the periodontal condition of 80 consecutive patients with clinically and histologically diagnosed oral lichen planus and 40 healthy controls. Measurements were made of the Gingival Index, Plaque Index, and Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN). Mean CPITN scores were significantly higher in oral lichen planus patients (2.8 ± 0.7) than in the healthy controls (1.1 ± 0.8) (P < .001).The patients with oral lichen planus showed no statistically significant difference in CPITN scores according to the extent of the lesions or their clinical form of presentation. The periodontal condition of the oral lichen planus patients was significantly worse than in the control group.


Three EST-SSR markers associated with QTL for the growth of the clam Meretrix meretrix revealed by selective genotyping.
The clam Meretrix meretrix is a member of widely cultured, commercially important clams. A marker-trait association analysis was performed using expressed sequence tag (EST) simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers for marker-assisted selection in M. meretrix. Three markers, MM1272, MM2034, and MM7721, were found to be significantly associated with quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling shell length (P < 0.0001) in clams of a fast-growing population (JSF) and a control population (JSC). The 144-bp allele of MM1272, the 154-bp allele of MM2034, and the 152- and 165-bp alleles of MM7721 showed a significantly higher frequency in the JSF population (17.65, 36.41, 28.67, and 29.33 %) than in the JSC population (4.65, 8.33, 3.47, and 5.56 %). The three markers showed lower values for the number of alleles and observed heterozygosity as well as a higher proportion of homozygotes in JSF than in JSC population. The three markers have been further confirmed in the high and low tails of another population (09G₃SPSB); similarly, lower values for the number of alleles and observed heterozygosity as well as a higher proportion of homozygotes were found in 09G₃SPSB(H). The putative functions of the three gene fragments containing MM1272, MM2034, and MM7721 also suggested that the three SSR-containing genes might be involved in growth of M. meretrix. All the results suggest that the three EST-SSR markers associated with growth QTLs would be useful for marker-assisted selection in M. meretrix breeding.


Psychopathology and economic status in mother-only and mother-father families.
This paper reports evidence on the link between economic resources and psychiatric disorder in female-headed families with children. It has been assumed that a father's absence leads to augmented psychopathology in children and their mother through the disruption of roles, relationships, socialization and development. This study suggests that the absence of father/husband compounds the stress of family separation by diminishing household income, often to the point of poverty.


The tumor volume after radical prostatectomy and its clinical impact on the prognosis of patients with localized prostate cancer.
We evaluated the contribution of tumor volume (TV) to localized prostate cancer (PCa) patients' prognosis. We retrospectively analyzed the data of 2394 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) for localized PCa. The effect of TV and tumor prostate ratio (TV/PV) on PCa patients' prognosis was analyzed through Kaplan-Meier and Cox-proportional analysis. The mean prostate volume for all patients was 36.5 ± 15.4 cc, and the mean TV was 5.9 ± 8.3 cc. A significant positive relationship was observed between the classification by risk group in D' Amico risk classification and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network risk group (P < 0.001). The high TV showed significantly worse pathologic outcomes than the low TV in terms of high rates of extra-capsular extension, seminal vesicle invasion, and positive surgical margin (P < 0.05). The patients with high TV and TV/PV had significantly shorter biochemical recurrence-free survivals than those with low TV and TV/PV (P < 0.001). Finally, based on multivariate Cox-proportional analyses, TV and TV/PV was an independent predictor to predict shorter biochemical recurrence-free survival as both a TV (HR: 1.04, 95% CI 1.04-1.05, P < 0.001) and TV/PV (HR: 1.42, 95% CI 1.13-1.78, P = 0.003). TV was revealed to be an independent prognostic factor in the postoperative biochemical recurrence. Patients with a high number of positive core and longer tumor length were significantly related to higher TV.


Anticandidal formyl phloroglucinol meroterpenoids: Biomimetic synthesis and in vitro evaluation.
Inspired by the diversity-oriented synthesis, some novel formyl phloroglucinol meroterpenoids were synthesized via biomimetic synthesis using essential oils. Eight of them were demonstrated with good in vitro fungicidal activity against Candida albicans and C. glabrata. Compound c2 showed the best anticandidal ability that was powerfully comparable to fluconazole when testing against several strains in vitro. The antibiofilm activity was also found for the c2 treating group which was evidenced to block the hyphal elongation and filamentation of C. albicans. Therefore, compound c2 is a promising candidate for further antifungal-based structure modification.


Conversion between the Montreal Cognitive Assessment and the Mini-Mental Status Examination.
Early and accurate detection of cognitive changes using simple tools is essential for an appropriate referral to a more detailed neurocognitive assessment and for the implementation of therapeutic strategies. The Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) are two commonly used psychometric tests for cognitive screening. Both tests have different strengths and weaknesses. Preferences regarding test selection may therefore differ among clinicians. The aim of this retrospective observational cohort study was to define corresponding scores for the MMSE and the MoCA. We examined the relationship between the cognitive screening tests in 803 German-speaking Memory Clinic outpatients, encompassing a wide range of neurocognitive disorders. We produced a conversion table using the equipercentile equating method with log-linear smoothing. In addition, we conducted a systematic review of existing MMSE-MoCA conversions to create a table allowing for the conversion of MoCA scores into MMSE scores and vice versa using the weighted mean method. The Memory Clinic sample showed that the prediction of MMSE to MoCA was overall less accurate compared to the conversion from MoCA to MMSE. The 19 studies included after thorough literature search showed that MoCA scores were consistently lower than MMSE scores. Eleven of 19 conversion studies had addressed the conversion of the MoCA to the MMSE, while two studies converted MMSE to MoCA scores. Another six studies applied bi-directional conversions. We provide an easy-to-use table covering the entire range of scores and taking into account all currently existing conversion formulas. The comprehensive MMSE-MoCA conversion table enables a direct comparison of cognitive test scores at screening examinations and over the course of disease in patients with neurocognitive disorders.


The endocrine evaluation of three children with vasomotor flushes following hypothalamic surgery.
Although vasomotor instability or hot flushes are a well-known occurrence in women with natural or artificially-induced menopause, they have not previously been described in children. We report three children in different stages of puberty who developed vasomotor instability following surgery involving the hypothalamic-pituitary region. One, a 16 7/12 year old female with Tanner III breast development, had low oestradiol levels both pre- and post-operatively, but developed vasomotor symptoms only in the post-operative period. The second, a 12 4/12 year old boy, was sexually mature and had normal male levels of testosterone and total oestrogen when he developed hot flushes post-operatively. The third case, a boy, was prepubertal at the time of craniopharyngioma resection. Our results support the conclusion that neither oestrogen deficiency nor gonadotrophin excess are absolute requirements for the development of hot flushes. It is possible that either pressure-related factors or actual manipulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary region result in biochemical changes which result in the development of post-operative vasomotor instability in these children.


IL-10-Expressing Th2 Cells Contribute to the Elevated Antibody Production in Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common autoimmune disease associated with progressive disability, systemic complications, and early death. Multiple lines of evidence have placed adaptive immune responses in the center of RA pathogenesis. However, the functional roles of T helper cells are insufficiently described. Here, we examined the Th2 cell subsets and their functions in RA patients. A downregulation of IL-4(+) cells in CD4(+) T cells were observed in RA patients, indicating a downregulation of Th2 cells, and these results were confirmed by using and CXCR3 and CCR6 surface markers. We then found that CXCR3(-)CCR6(-) Th2 cells can be separated into IL-4(+) (single positive), IL-10(+) (single positive), and IL-4(+)IL-10(+) (double positive) subsets. Further results showed that CXCR5 only expressed on IL-10+ Th2 cells. The CXCR5(+) and CXCR5(-) Th2 cells each exhibited distinctive features in helping B cell antibody secretion. CXCR5(+) Th2 cells were more potent at stimulating total Ig and IgM secretion, while CXCR5(-) Th2 cells were more potent at stimulating IgE. IL-10 was required for helping B cell total Ig, IgM, and IgE production, while IL-4 was required for total Ig and IgE. The frequencies of IL-10(+) and IL-4(+)IL-10(+) Th2 cells were positively correlated with rheumatoid factor titer in vivo. Together, our study demonstrated distinctive subsets within Th2 cells, each with different impacts on antibody production and RA disease.


Nonlinear spin-wave excitations at low magnetic bias fields.
Nonlinear magnetization dynamics is essential for the operation of numerous spintronic devices ranging from magnetic memory to spin torque microwave generators. Examples are microwave-assisted switching of magnetic structures and the generation of spin currents at low bias fields by high-amplitude ferromagnetic resonance. Here we use X-ray magnetic circular dichroism to determine the number density of excited magnons in magnetically soft Ni80Fe20 thin films. Our data show that the common model of nonlinear ferromagnetic resonance is not adequate for the description of the nonlinear behaviour in the low magnetic field limit. Here we derive a model of parametric spin-wave excitation, which correctly predicts nonlinear threshold amplitudes and decay rates at high and at low magnetic bias fields. In fact, a series of critical spin-wave modes with fast oscillations of the amplitude and phase is found, generalizing the theory of parametric spin-wave excitation to large modulation amplitudes.


Evidence for the involvement of presynaptic cholinergic functions in tolerance to diisopropylfluorophosphate.
Rats were treated with diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP) acutely or daily for 14 days. The involvement of various presynaptic and postsynaptic functions of the cholinergic system in the development of tolerance to DFP was studied. Receptor density and affinity of both muscarinic and nicotinic receptors, high-affinity choline uptake, and [K+]-evoked release of acetylcholine (ACh) by atropine were not changed after acute administration of 2 mg/kg DFP. Both muscarinic and nicotinic receptors were down-regulated to the same extent (40-50%) after subacute administration of DFP (1 mg/kg) without changes in their affinities. Binding sites of muscarinic receptors were maximally decreased after 7 days of DFP administration. Thereafter, they remained constant throughout 14 days of administration. One hour after the last injection of 2 mg/kg DFP to subacutely treated rats, the maximum velocity of high-affinity choline uptake was significantly decreased in the striatum (33%) and hippocampus (53%) without changes in Km values. Twenty-four hours after the last injection of DFP, only a higher dose of DFP (2 mg/kg) significantly inhibited choline uptake. Potassium-evoked release of ACh by slices of striatum was not different between acutely and subacutely treated rats. However, the release of ACh by slices of striatum and hippocampus was significantly increased by atropine in subacutely treated rats. It is suggested that along with the down-regulation of the postsynaptic receptors, subsensitivity of presynaptic functions of the cholinergic synapse also develops during subacute administration of DFP.


Methodological modifications on quantification of phosphatidylethanol in blood from humans abusing alcohol, using high-performance liquid chromatography and evaporative light scattering detection.
Phosphatidylethanol (PEth) is an abnormal phospholipid formed slowly in cell membranes by a transphosphatidylation reaction from phosphatidylcholine in the presence of ethanol and catalyzed by the enzyme phospholipase D. PEth in blood is a promising new marker of ethanol abuse depending on the high specificity and sensitivity of this marker. None of the biological markers used in clinical routine at the present time are sensitive and specific enough for the diagnosis of alcohol abuse. The method for PEth analysis includes lipid extraction of whole blood, a one-hour HPLC separation of lipids and ELSD (evaporative light scattering) detection of PEth. Methodological improvements are presented which comprise a simpler extraction procedure, the use of phosphatidylbutanol as internal standard and a new algorithm for evaluation of unknown samples. It is further demonstrated that equal test results are obtained with blood collected in standard test tubes with EDTA as with the previously used heparinized test tubes. The PEth content in blood samples is stable for three weeks in the refrigerator. Methodological changes make the method more suitable for routine laboratory use, lower the limit of quantification (LOQ) and improve precision.


Antibacterial effect of 3D printed mesoporous bioactive glass scaffolds doped with metallic silver nanoparticles.
The development of new biomaterials for bone tissue regeneration with high bioactivity abilities and antibacterial properties is being intensively investigated. We have synthesized nanocomposites formed by mesoporous bioactive glasses (MBGs) in the ternary SiO2, CaO and P2O5 system doped with metallic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) that were homogenously embedded in the MBG matrices. Ag/MBG nanocomposites have been directly synthesized and silver species were spontaneously reduced to metallic AgNPs by high temperatures (700 °C) obtained of last MBG synthesis step. Three-dimensional silver-containing mesoporous bioactive glass scaffolds were fabricated showing uniformly interconnected ultrapores, macropores and mesopores. The manufacture method consisted of a combination of a single-step sol-gel route in the mesostructure directing agent (P123) presence and a biomacromolecular polymer such as (hydroxypropyl)methyl cellulose (HPMC) as the macrostructure template, followed by rapid prototyping (RP) technique. Biological properties of Ag/MBG nanocomposites were evaluated by MC3T3-E1 preosteoblastic cells culture tests and bacterial (E. coli and S. aureus) assays. The results showed that the MC3T3-E1 cells morphology was not affected while preosteoblastic proliferation decreased when the presence of silver increased. Antimicrobial assays indicated that bacterial growth inhibition and biofilm destruction were directly proportional to the increased presence of AgNPs in the MBG matrices. Furthermore, in vitro co-culture of MC3T3-E1 cells and S. aureus bacteria confirmed that AgNPs presence was necessary for antibacterial activity, and AgNPs slightly affected cell proliferation parameters. Therefore, 3D printed scaffolds with hierarchical pore structure and high antimicrobial capacity have potential applications in bone tissue regeneration. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: This study combines three key scientific aspects for bone tissue engineering: (i) materials with high bioactivity to repair and regenerate bone tissue that (ii) contain antibacterial agents to reduce the infection risk (iii) in the form of three-dimensional scaffolds with hierarchical porosity. Innovative methodology is described here: sol-gel method, which is employed to obtain mesoporous bioactive glass matrices doped with metallic silver nanoparticles where different polymer templates facilitate the different size scales presence, and rapid prototyping technique that provides ultra-large macroporosity according to computer-aided design. The dual scaffolds obtained are biocompatible and deliver active doses of silver capable of combating bone infections, which represent one of the most serious complications associated to surgical treatments of bone diseases and fractures.


Rationale and design of a randomized trial to assess the effects of beta-blocker in diastolic heart failure; Japanese Diastolic Heart Failure Study (J-DHF).
Heart failure consists of two phenotypes: systolic heart failure and diastolic heart failure (DHF). A growing body of evidence demonstrated benefits of beta-blocker, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, and angiotensin II receptor blocker in systolic heart failure; however, evidence leading to therapeutic strategy of DHF is lacking. The Japanese Diastolic Heart Failure Study (J-DHF) is a multicenter, prospective, randomized trial designed to assess effects of beta-blocker in patients with DHF. A total of 800 patients (400 patients in each group) will be enrolled. The primary outcome is a composite of cardiovascular death and unplanned admission to hospital for congestive heart failure. Other outcomes include all-cause mortality, worsening of the symptoms of heart failure, or a need for modification of the treatment for heart failure. Serial assessment of echocardiographic and neurohumoral parameters and cost analysis of the treatment regimen will be conducted. The follow-up period is a minimum of 2 years. This study will provide important evidences for the treatment of DHF.


Metagenomics reveal arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi altering functional gene expression of rhizosphere microbial community to enhance Iris tectorum's resistance to Cr stress.
Chromium (Cr) can disrupt a plant's normal physiological and metabolic functions and severely impact the microenvironment. However, limited studies have investigated the impact of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation on the rhizosphere microorganisms of Iris tectorum under Cr stress, and the mechanisms of how rhizosphere microorganisms interact with hosts and contaminants. In this study, we investigated the effects of AMF inoculation on the growth, absorption of nutrients and heavy metals, and functional genes of the rhizosphere microbial community of I. tectorum under Cr stress in a greenhouse pot experiment. The results showed that AMF significantly increased the biomass and nutrient levels of I. tectorum, while decreasing the content of Cr in soil. Furthermore, metagenome analysis demonstrated significant changes in the structure and composition of the rhizosphere microbial community after AMF formed a mycorrhizal symbiosis system with the I. tectorum. Specifically, the abundance of functional genes related to nutrient cycling (N, P) and heavy metal resistance (chrA and arsB), as well as the abundance of heavy metal transporter family (P-atPase, MIT, CDF, and ABC) in the rhizosphere microbial community were up-regulated and their expression. Additionally, the synergies between rhizosphere microbial communities were regulated, and the complexity and stability of the rhizosphere microbial ecological network were enhanced. This study provides evidence that AMF can regulate rhizosphere microbial communities to improve plant growth and heavy metal stress tolerance, and helps us to understand the potential mechanism of wetland plant remediation of Cr-contaminated soil under AMF symbiosis.


The Reliability of Suprapatellar Transverse Sonographic Assessment of Femoral Trochlear Cartilage Thickness in Healthy Adults.
To determine the intrasession reliability of femoral cartilage thickness measurements using sonography and extend the pool of normative data for cartilage thickness measurements assessed by sonography. A total of 77 healthy participants (55 men, 22 women), with an average age of 43 ± 18 (mean ± standard deviation) years, volunteered. Resting suprapatellar sonography was used to image trochlear cartilage thickness on 2 separate occasions a maximum of 7 days apart. Reliability was evaluated with intraclass correlation coefficients, Bland-Altman analysis, standard error of measurement, and the smallest real difference. Normative data was assessed using linear, multiple regression models and independent group t tests. The test-retest level of agreement at all locations was high (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.779-0.843), which increased to high-very high in young adults (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.884-0.920). The standard error of measurement was 8.2% to 8.3% at all locations and reduced further to 5.4% to 6.3% in younger adults. The smallest real difference was between 22.8% and 23.1% for the full sample and 14.9% and 17.5% in young adults only. Multiple regression analyses demonstrated that age, weight, female sex, and a high physical activity frequency could significantly predict cartilage thickness at all locations (P < .05); however, female sex was the only significant independent predictor in all models (all P < .01). Females also had thinner cartilage at all locations (P < .01). Suprapatellar sonography demonstrates high intratester reliability and measurement precision and is a promising method to assess trochlear cartilage thickness. Being female may impact femoral cartilage thickness more than other potential risk factors for knee osteoarthritis such as age, weight, and high physical activity frequency.


The G protein-channel connection.
Recent interest in the regulation of ion currents by hormones and neurotransmitters has focused on the role of G proteins as modulators. Which G proteins are involved? How is this regulation achieved? Initial results suggest that the pathways and mechanisms of action are complex and that delineation of this area of regulation has just begun.


Mechanistic implications of the pH independence of inhibition of phosphoglucose isomerase by neutral sugar phosphates.
In contrast to the strongly pH-dependent inhibition of phosphoglucose isomerase by substrate analogues with a free carboxyl group, inhibition of this enzyme by neutral sugar phosphates is essentially invariant between pH 7 and 9. Competitive inhibition constants for glucitol 6-phosphate (40 muM), arabinose 5-phosphate (50 muM), and erythritol 4-phosphate (100 muM) were found to be of the same order of magnitude as that reported previously for substrate binding constants (50 to 240 muM). The unique exception is erythrose 4-phosphate whose Ki (0.7 muM, independent of pH) reflects a tightness of binding similar to that found at pH values near or below neutrality for the transition state analogue 5-phosphorarabinonate. The pH independence of inhibition by erythrose 4-phosphate and other neutral sugar phosphates may reflect a mode and locus of binding to phosphoglucose isomerase different from that of the aldonate inhibitors.


Cyanine dye structural and voltage-induced variations in photo-voltages of bilayer membranes.
Flash illumination alters the voltage across bilayer lipid membranes in the presence of certain cyanine dyes. The waveforms of the photo-voltage vary systematically with dye structure and imposed transmembrane voltage. Experimental results are reported for 27 positively charged cyanine dyes, primarily oxazole derivatives, using lecithin/oxidized cholesterol bilayer membranes and 10-mM sodium chloride solutions. Several dyes do not induce any photo-voltages. Examples are 3,3' diethyl 9 ethyl 2,2' oxacarbocyanine iodide, 3,3' diethyl 2 oxa 2" thiacyanine iodide, and 3,3' dimethyl 2,2' indocarbocyanine iodide. Several dyes, when added to one side of the membranes, induce monophasic waveforms. Examples are 3,3' dimethyl 2,2' oxacarbocyanine chloride, and 3,4,3',4' tetramethyl 2,2' oxazalinocarbocyanine iodide. Other dyes induce a photo-voltage only if transmembrane voltages are imposed. These waveforms are biphasic with some dyes (3,3' diethyl 2,2' oxacarbocyanine iodide, for example) and monophasic with other dyes (3,3' dibutyl 2,2' oxacarbocyanine iodide, for example). The photo-voltage waveforms are explained by models that consider the movement of charged dye molecules within the membrane, following optical excitation. The dye movements are probably induced through charge rearrangements in the dye associated with long-lived triplet states, isomerization, or through excimer formation. These results provide information on the location and orientation of the dye molecules within bilayer membranes. The variations which occur in the waveforms with applied voltage indicate that these membranes are fluid in the direction perpendicular to the membrane plane.


Metalliferous Mining Pollution and Its Impact on Terrestrial and Semi-terrestrial Vertebrates: A Review.
Metalliferous mining, a major source of metals and metalloids, has severe potential environmental impacts. However, the number of papers published in international peer-reviewed journals seems to be low regarding its effects in terrestrial wildlife. To the best of our knowledge, our review is the first on this topic. We used 186 studies published in scientific journals concerning metalliferous mining or mining spill pollution and their effects on terrestrial and semi-terrestrial vertebrates. We identified the working status of the mine complexes studied, the different biomarkers of exposure and effect used, and the studied taxa. Most studies (128) were developed in former mine sites and 46 in active mining areas. Additionally, although several mining accidents have occurred throughout the world, all papers about effects on terrestrial vertebrates from mining spillages were from Aznalcóllar (Spain). We also observed a lack of studies in some countries with a prominent mining industry. Despite >50% of the studies used some biomarker of effect, 42% of them only assessed exposure by measuring metal content in internal tissues or by non-invasive sampling, without considering the effect in their populations. Most studied species were birds and small mammals, with a negligible representation of reptiles and amphibians. The information gathered in this review could be helpful for future studies and protocols on the topic and it facilitates a database with valuable information on risk assessment of metalliferous mining pollution.


The effect of complementary music intervention on the patients' quality of life after septoplasty and rhinoplasty.
Quality of life (QoL) assessment has emerged as an important evaluation tool for therapeutic treatments. The positive impact of complementary music interventions on QoL has been demonstrated in the literature, particularly in chronic and malignant diseases. However, its benefits during the perioperative period in head and neck patients have not been investigated thus far. Head and neck patients undergoing septoplasty and rhinoplasty were prospectively randomized and consecutively included in the trial. Passive music intervention (60 min per day) was applied to the intervention group. QoL was assessed using the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) questionnaire and the Functional Rhinoplasty Outcome Inventory 17 (FROI-17) questionnaire at three visits during the postoperative phase. Pain was measured using a visual analogue scale. Forty-four patients were enrolled in the study. The NOSE score between the control group and the intervention group in the septoplasty arm differed significantly at visit #2 (p < 0.001) and visit #3 (p < 0.015). For the rhinoplasty study arm, significant differences in the FROI-17 score were also found at visit #2 and visit #3 (p = 0.04). Complementary music interventions can considerably improve patients' QoL during the postoperative period. Furthermore, passive music interventions may be easily implemented in clinical practice as an additional cost-effective treatment with ubiquitous availability.


Probing local tissue changes in the oral cavity for early detection of cancer using oblique polarized reflectance spectroscopy: a pilot clinical trial.
We report the results of an oral cavity pilot clinical trial to detect early precancer and cancer using a fiber optic probe with obliquely oriented collection fibers that preferentially probe local tissue morphology and heterogeneity using oblique polarized reflectance spectroscopy (OPRS). We extract epithelial cell nuclear sizes and 10 spectral features. These features are analyzed independently and in combination to assess the best metrics for separation of diagnostic classes. Without stratifying the data according to anatomical location or level of keratinization, OPRS is found to be sensitive to four diagnostic categories: normal, benign, mild dysplasia, high-grade dysplasia, and carcinoma. Using linear discriminant analysis, separation of normal from high-grade dysplasia and carcinoma yield a sensitivity and specificity of 90 and 86%, respectively. Discrimination of morphologically similar lesions such as normal from mild dysplasia is achieved with a sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 73%. Separation of visually indistinguishable benign lesions from high-grade dysplasia and carcinoma is achieved with good sensitivity (100%) and specificity (85%), while separation of benign from mild dysplasia gives a sensitivity of 92% and a specificity of 69%. These promising results suggest that OPRS has the potential to aid screening and diagnosis of oral precancer and cancer.


An Approach of Non-Linear Systems Through Fuzzy Control Based on Takagi-Sugeno Method.
Today, the advanced technology is a part of the everyday's life. As a result, most of the applications used require a more complex system in order to achieve a better performance. These systems have a mathematic background indicating the need of a better mathematical tool to increase the reliability of them. One of the most significant problems coming up against these systems is undoubtedly the non-linearity of the equations governing them. Herein, a linearization method is proposed and studied through intelligent control. The transformation of a non-linear system into a linear is based on fuzzy logic and more specifically on Takagi-Sugeno technique. Firstly, it is analyzed in a theoretical level followed by two examples. The fuzzy model was developed through Matlab program. Finally, the efficiency of the above method was investigated setting up various values for the under study variables and comparing the results of them with the "actual" ones. The square error method was used for a better evaluation indicating that this method is a useful technique except from the applications where the high accuracy is mandatory.


Kaposi's sarcoma confined to the colorectum: a case report.
Reported is a new case of a Kaposi's sarcoma involving only the colorectal area in an HIV-negative patient presenting with hemorrhagic rectocolitis. The colonoscopic examination and the radiological imaging showed the presence of multiple nodular pseudopolypoid formations in the rectum, which suggested, in the differential diagnosis, primarily a malignant non-Hodgkin lymphoma.


Change of temperature field around different drainage structures in cold region tunnel based on model testing.
Improper layout of drainage structures and inadequate insulation measures in cold tunnels can result in varying degrees of frost formation during operation. This study focuses on the Hongtoushan highway tunnel as an example, where the distribution characteristics of the temperature field around the lower drainage structure under different arrangements are investigated through indoor model testing. The results indicate that there is a significant hysteresis phenomenon in temperature changes across the cross-section as the burial depth increases. With an increase in the burial depth of the surrounding rock, the hysteresis time of temperature changes gradually elongates. The temperature variation pattern can be approximated by a cubic polynomial. In the vertical section, as the tunnel depth increases, the temperature of the surrounding rock in the lower part of the tunnel gradually rises while the amplitude of temperature change diminishes. The temperature near the centerline is relatively lower compared to the sides, where the temperature gradually increases moving away from the centerline.


Tension pneumothorax during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.
Life-threatening tension pneumothorax in neonates on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been associated with an increase in arterial oxygen tension and a decrease in peripheral perfusion, followed by a decrease in ECMO flow with progressive hemodynamic deterioration. To investigate this triad, chest tubes were placed bilaterally in 9 dogs to allow injection of air to produce tension pneumothorax. Six dogs were subsequently placed on standard venoarterial ECMO before the reinduction of tension pneumothorax. Measured values included arterial pulse pressure, inferior vena cava pressure, systemic arterial blood gases, peripheral arterial oxygen saturation, mixed venous oxygen saturation, and left heart cardiac output. Oxygen delivery was calculated from directly measured values. Each of the 6 dogs on ECMO demonstrated the triad of increased arterial oxygen tension (92 +/- 7 to 325 +/- 20 mm Hg; p less than 0.05), decreased peripheral perfusion (as evidenced by a decrease in pulse pressure from 55 +/- 4 to 31 +/- 5 mm Hg; p less than 0.05), and decreased mixed venous oxygen saturation (71% +/- 3% to 22% +/- 2% saturation; p less than 0.05) followed by a lower ECMO flow with progressive hemodynamic deterioration (oxygen delivery decreased from 285 +/- 11 to 111 +/- 12 mL/min; p less than 0.05). Aspiration of the intrathoracic air allowed return to baseline ECMO flow and hemodynamic stability in all dogs. The triad of increased arterial oxygen tension and decreased peripheral perfusion (as evidenced by a lower arterial pulse pressure and lower mixed venous oxygen saturation) followed by decreased ECMO flow with progressive hemodynamic deterioration consistently appears when tension pneumothorax occurs on ECMO.


Association between biliary tree manipulation and outcome in dogs undergoing cholecystectomy for gallbladder mucocele: A multi-institutional retrospective study.
To determine whether catheterization of the common bile duct (CBD) is associated with outcome in dogs undergoing cholecystectomy for gallbladder mucocele and to determine whether this association is modified by the catheterization method. Multi-institutional retrospective cohort study. Dogs (n = 252) that underwent cholecystectomy for gallbladder mucocele. Dogs were identified via electronic medical record review at four veterinary teaching hospitals. Baseline dog characteristics, surgical findings, and methods including normograde vs retrograde CBD catheterization, intraoperative outcomes, and postoperative outcomes and complications were recorded. Variables were compared between dogs with and without catheterization. Catheterized dogs had higher American Society of Anesthesiologists scores (P = .04), higher total bilirubin (P = .01), and were more likely to have dilated CBD at the time of surgery (P < .01). Incidence of major and minor intraoperative complications was similar between the two groups. Surgical time was longer for the catheterized group (P = .01). The overall incidence of postoperative complications was similar between the groups; however, postoperative pancreatitis was associated with performing CBD catheterization (P = .01). This association was retained as an independent association in a multivariable model that addressed baseline group differences (P = .04). Likelihood of developing postoperative pancreatitis was not different between normograde and retrograde catheterization (P = .57). Catheterization of the CBD was associated with development of postoperative pancreatitis. This was not influenced by the method of catheterization. The requirement for catheterization of the CBD during open cholecystectomy in dogs should be carefully considered, particularly in dogs without evidence of biliary obstruction because the procedure may induce postoperative pancreatitis.


Direct or indirect action of histamine on dopamine metabolism in the rat striatum?
Intraventricular administration of 500 microgram of 2-pyridylethylamine, an agonist of the histamine (Hi) H1-receptor, produced a 20% increase of striatal HVA in the rat while the Hi H2-receptor agonist 4-methylhistamine had no influence on HVA and DOPAC levels. L-Histidine (1.5 g/kg) or amodiaquine (60 mg/kg) given i.p. increased HVA and DOPAC levels to the same extent as did pyridylethylamine. Histidine combined with tremorine had an additive effect with respect to the increase of DA acidic metabolites while mepyramine slightly attenuated the tremorine-induced rise of HVA.


UrQt: an efficient software for the Unsupervised Quality trimming of NGS data.
Quality control is a necessary step of any Next Generation Sequencing analysis. Although customary, this step still requires manual interventions to empirically choose tuning parameters according to various quality statistics. Moreover, current quality control procedures that provide a "good quality" data set, are not optimal and discard many informative nucleotides. To address these drawbacks, we present a new quality control method, implemented in UrQt software, for Unsupervised Quality trimming of Next Generation Sequencing reads. Our trimming procedure relies on a well-defined probabilistic framework to detect the best segmentation between two segments of unreliable nucleotides, framing a segment of informative nucleotides. Our software only requires one user-friendly parameter to define the minimal quality threshold (phred score) to consider a nucleotide to be informative, which is independent of both the experiment and the quality of the data. This procedure is implemented in C++ in an efficient and parallelized software with a low memory footprint. We tested the performances of UrQt compared to the best-known trimming programs, on seven RNA and DNA sequencing experiments and demonstrated its optimality in the resulting tradeoff between the number of trimmed nucleotides and the quality objective. By finding the best segmentation to delimit a segment of good quality nucleotides, UrQt greatly increases the number of reads and of nucleotides that can be retained for a given quality objective. UrQt source files, binary executables for different operating systems and documentation are freely available (under the GPLv3) at the following address: https://lbbe.univ-lyon1.fr/-UrQt-.html .


The effect of levodopa therapy on dopamine transporter SPECT imaging with( 123)I-FP-CIT in patients with Parkinson's disease.
The aim of this study was to evaluate, by means of (123)I-FP-CIT SPECT, the effect of chronic treatment with levodopa on striatal dopamine transporter (DAT) in patients with Parkinson's disease. Fifteen patients under stable levodopa/carbidopa monotherapy were imaged twice: at baseline on medication and after at least 20 days of treatment wash-out. DAT levels were assessed from SPECT imaging for the entire striatum, the right and left striatum, the right and left putamen and the right and left caudate, as a ratio of regional brain activities using the formula: (striatal region of interest-occipital)/occipital. During levodopa wash-out, despite a worsening in patients' clinical disability (H&Y mean stage 2.53+/-0.58 versus 1.73+/-0.45 on therapy, p<0.001), striatal( 123)I-FP-CIT levels were not significantly different from those at baseline in any of the brain regions examined. The results of this study suggest that levodopa does not affect( 123)I-FP-CIT brain imaging and confirm that it is not necessary to withdraw this medication to measure DAT levels with SPECT.


Identification of DNA binding sites for the V-erbA oncoprotein, the viral homolog to thyroid hormone receptor alpha.
The v-erbA oncogene protein, p75(gag-v-erbA), is a mutant form of the thyroid hormone receptor alpha (TR alpha) which has sustained mutations both in the ligand binding and DNA binding domains. The oncoprotein has therefore lost its ability to bind ligand, and its heterodimerization with the retinoid-X receptor (RXR) is impaired. Here, we have investigated the effects of the mutations in the DNA binding domain. By applying a PCR-based screening assay we isolated DNA sequences to which p75(gag-v-erbA) binds as a heterodimer with RXR, and characterized these with regard to their nucleotide sequence and ability to associate with RXR/P75(gag-v-erbA) heterodimers in vitro and in vivo. In the PCR selection assay the heterodimer exhibited a preference for direct repeats with a 3' half-site sequence AGGTCG and spacers of four or five nucleotides separating the two half-sites. These DNA binding data were confirmed by gel retardation assays with synthetic oligonucleotides as well as by transfection experiments using dominantly active VP16 fusion proteins with P75(gag-v-erbA) and TR alpha. The comparison between RXR/P75(gag-v-erbA) and RXR/TR alpha heterodimers demonstrated that although their DNA binding properties are very similar, however, a relaxed specificity of P75(gag-v-erbA) for the spacer length may allow it to interfere with more hormone signalling pathways than only that of thyroid hormone.


Innovations in Joint Preservation Procedures for the Dysplastic Hip "The Periacetabular Osteotomy".
The Bernese periacetabular osteotomy is an effective treatment for symptomatic developmental dysplasia in the prearthritic young adult hip. Refinements in the periacetabular osteotomy technique and perioperative management have markedly improved the clinical outcomes and recovery in these patients. We will review the clinical presentation of acetabular dysplasia, indications for surgery, perioperative management, and contemporary refinements in technique including refined acetabular reduction, adjunctive hip arthroscopy, femoral head-neck osteochondroplasty, femoral procedures, and rapid recovery protocols. In well-selected patients, this reconstructive osteotomy should be considered safe and effective in alleviating pain and improving hip function in patients with symptomatic acetabular dysplasia.


Surgical nurses' responses to worry: A qualitative focus-group study in the Netherlands.
Hospital nurses observe and respond to deterioration using the 'National Early Warning Score 2'. Surgical nurses are highly engaged in the early recognition of and response to deterioration. Responses to deterioration are based on deviating vital signs, while nurses also act on subjective indicators like worry. Scientific literature and (inter)national guidelines do not mention any information about acting upon worry. To gain an in-depth understanding of the actions nurses on surgical wards undertake to generate an appropriate response to nurses' worry when the 'National Early Warning Score 2' does not indicate deterioration. A qualitative focus-group study with surgical nurses working at a hospital in the Netherlands. Data was collected by focus-group interviews supported by vignettes and analysed thematically. Four focus-group interviews with a total of 20 participants were conducted between February and April 2020. Two sequential themes emerged: 'Searching for explanation and confirmation' and 'Responding by actively applying nursing interventions'. Nurses gathered additional information about the patient and searched for a reference point to place this information in perspective. Nurses also approached others for co-assessment and verification. However, nurses faced barriers in calling for medical assistance. They felt physicians did not take them seriously. After gathering additional information, nurses responded by applying nursing interventions to comfort the patient. Nurses mainly try to formalise an in-depth understanding of their feeling of worry to convince a physician to accurately treat the patient. Spending much time on a search to this understanding leads to delays in escalating care.


Radical resection of a venous malformation in middle finger and immediate reconstruction using medial plantar artery perforator flap: a case report.
Reconstruction of complex defects resulting from radical resection of venous malformation occurring in other digits except the thumb is challenging because a thin and durable flap is required to achieve optimal reconstruction without functional impairment. Here, we describe an alternative reconstruction technique in a young patient. A 15-year-old female patient with venous malformation of the left 3rd finger was treated by radical excision of the tumor including involved skin, distal phalanx, and nail bed followed by reconstruction with free medial plantar artery perforator flap and split thickness nail bed graft from the great toe. Twenty-nine months after surgery, the reconstructed finger showed a acceptable aesthetic result without tumor recurrence and excellent restoration of motor function. This method can be considered as an useful alternative option for management of the digital venous malformation in other digits except the thumb. Indications and technical aspects of this method are discussed in this report.


Quantitative proteomics analysis on the meat quality of processed pale, soft, and exudative (PSE)-like broiler pectoralis major by different heating methods.
This study aims to assess and compare the influences of different heating methods on the quality characteristics of pale, soft, and exudative (PSE)-like and normal (NOR) pectoralis major through quantitative proteomic analysis. A total of 632 proteins were identified, and there were 84, 89, 50, and 43 differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) between processed PSE and NOR samples after four thermal treatments, including boiling (BO), steaming (ST), roasting (RO), and microwaving (MV), respectively, where moist heating conditions led to more different protein abundance. Processed PSE muscles resulted in significant changes in structural proteins related to myofibrillar and connective tissue, which could be associated with their structural instability and degraded quality. Collagen, tropomyosin, myoglobin, and hemoglobin could be potential indicators of PSE muscles color stability and variation during thermal processing. The quantitative proteomic analysis will help correlate molecular changes with processed meat quality towards future optimization of PSE poultry meat processing.


The protective impact of betaine on the tissue structure and renal function in isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in rat.
Myocardial infarction is one of the most common life threatening diseases that may lead to renal disorders via oxidative stress and inflammation. Betaine is a safe and well-tolerated compound exhibiting beneficial antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Previous studies have demonstrated protective effects of betaine against myocardial infarction and renal injury. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of betaine on tissue structure and renal function after isoprenaline-induced myocardial infarction in rats. Fifty Wistar strain male albino rats, weighing 200 ± 10, were selected for the study. The animals were housed individually under standard environmental conditions (Light-dark cycle, temperature and constant humidity) for 1 week. After acclimatization, they were randomly divided into five groups. G1, G2, and G3 groups received betaine at doses of 50, 150, and 250 mg/kg body weight/day via gavage for a period of 60 days. After 60 days, isoprenaline is injected subcutaneously (200 mg/kg body weight). In the isoprenaline group (G4), the rats were injected with isoprenaline (200 mg/kg body weight) and the control group (G5) received a standard diet (Without isoprenaline). Then, isoproterenol solution was used for induction of myocardial infarction. At the end, the expression of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) protein was detected using immunohistochemical analysis and kidney tissues were assessed via histopathological analysis. In addition, serum level of TNF-α and creatinine level were measured via ELISA test and colorimetric methods, respectively. The results of our study indicate that isoproterenol-induced renal histopathological injury without changing creatinine level. Betaine has protective effects against renal injuries induced by isoprenaline and the expression of nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) protein showed no significant difference in all groups. Further, betaine reduced TNF-α level significantly. According to our results, betaine has protective effects on isoprenaline-induced renal failure via a decrease in TNF-α level and nitric oxide synthase.


Developing consensus on core outcome domains and measurement instruments for assessing effectiveness in perioperative pain management after sternotomy, breast cancer surgery, total knee arthroplasty, and surgery related to endometriosis : The IMI-PainCare PROMPT protocol for achieving a consensus on core outcome domains.
Evidence synthesis of clinical trials requires consistent outcome assessment. For pain management after surgery, inconsistency of effectiveness assessment is still observed. A subproject of IMI-PainCare (Innovative Medicine Initiatives, www.imi-paincare.eu ) aims for identifying core outcome domains and measurement instruments for postoperative pain in four surgical fields (sternotomy, breast cancer surgery, total knee arthroplasty, and surgery related to endometriosis) in order to harmonize outcome assessment for perioperative pain management. A multifaceted process will be performed according to existing guidelines (Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials (COMET), COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN)). In a first step, outcome domains will be identified via systematic literature review and consented on during a 1-day consensus meeting by 10 stakeholder groups, including patient representatives, forming an IMI PROMPT consensus panel. In a second step, outcome measurement instruments regarding the beforehand consented core outcome domains and their psychometric properties will be searched for via systematic literature review and approved by COSMIN checklist for study quality and scale quality separately. In a three-step online survey, the IMI PROMPT consensus panel will vote for most suitable measurement instruments. The process is planned to be conducted between 11/2017 (systematic literature review on common outcome domains) and 3/2022 (final voting on core outcome measurement).


Synergistic cancer immunotherapy utilizing programmed Salmonella typhimurium secreting heterologous flagellin B conjugated to interleukin-15 proteins.
The use of appropriately designed immunotherapeutic bacteria is an appealing approach to tumor therapy because the bacteria specifically target tumor tissue and deliver therapeutic payloads. The present study describes the engineering of an attenuated strain of Salmonella typhimurium deficient in ppGpp biosynthesis (SAM) that could secrete Vibrio vulnificus flagellin B (FlaB) conjugated to human (hIL15/FlaB) and mouse (mIL15/FlaB) interleukin-15 proteins in the presence of L-arabinose (L-ara). These strains, named SAMphIF and SAMpmIF, respectively, secreted fusion proteins that retained bioactivity of both FlaB and IL15. SAMphIF and SAMpmIF inhibited the growth of MC38 and CT26 subcutaneous (sc) tumors in mice and increased mouse survival rate more efficiently than SAM expressing FlaB alone (SAMpFlaB) or IL15 alone (SAMpmIL15 and SAMphIL15), although SAMpmIF had slightly greater antitumor activity than SAMphIF. The mice treated with these bacteria showed enhanced macrophage phenotype shift, from M2-like to M1-like, as well as greater proliferation and activation of CD4+ T, CD8+ T, NK, and NKT cells in tumor tissues. After tumor eradication by these bacteria, ≥50% of the mice show no evidence of tumor recurrence upon rechallenge with the same tumor cells, indicating that they had acquired long-term immune memory. Treatment of mice of 4T1 and B16F10 highly malignant sc tumors with a combination of these bacteria and an immune checkpoint inhibitor, anti-PD-L1 antibody, significantly suppressed tumor metastasis and increased mouse survival rate. Taken together, these findings suggest that SAM secreting IL15/FlaB is a novel therapeutic candidate for bacterial-mediated cancer immunotherapy and that its antitumor activity is enhanced by combination with anti-PD-L1 antibody.


Tumorigenic clones of hamster brain cells transformed in vitro by polyoma virus. Ultrastructural and immunohistochemical study.
The morphological characteristics of three clones of hamster brain cells transformed in vitro by polyoma virus and of the tumors obtained after subcutaneous grafting of these cells in syngenic animals are reported. These clones appeared to be glial in nature by light and electron microscopy. The initial tumors induced by the three clones presented astrocytic features both by electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry. Analysis of the subsequent in vivo passages showed a decrease in cell differentiation, which was accompanied by a decrease in the latency period; after 2 years of serial transplantation, the tumors seemed poorly differentiated gliomas. A control cell line of hamster cerebellar cells evolved similarly.


Gantt, Pavlov and Freud: a comparison.
Contrasts between classical Pavlovianism and classical psychoanalysis have been emphasized, but there are also significant similarities of which I write. A recent edition of a textbook of psychiatry which is widely used in the United States (Kaplan and Sadock 1985) indexes neither Pavlov nor Gantt, although it provides extensive coverage of psychoanalysis.


Trace element concentrations in renal cell carcinoma.
Cadmium, zinc, copper levels and zinc-copper, zinc-bromine, iorn-zinc, iron-copper and iron-bromine ratios are measured in neoplastic and normal kidney samples from humans by the particle induced X-ray emission analysis (PIXE) technique. It is found that cadmium which is normally present in the tubular cells of kidney is not detectable in tumor samples. It is also observed that the zinc-copper ratios in all neoplastic kidney tissues are decreased, but this observation cannot be extended to other element ratios.


Facilitators of and barriers to success in nursing internship programs: A qualitative study of interns' and faculty members' perspectives.
Through internship programs, nursing students learn information and skills in multiple hospital departments. Internships can also help with transitioning from student roles to graduate roles. However, the factors contributing to successful clinical internships in different education and health systems have not yet been sufficiently explored. The purpose of this study was to explore the factors that contribute to successful clinical internships in both public and private hospitals in Saudi Arabia. This study uses a qualitative descriptive design. Due to precautionary measures for COVID-19 and the inclusion of participants from different locations across Saudi Arabia, this study was conducted virtually. The study was conducted with a purposive sample of 16 nursing interns and four instructors. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews to provide a wide variety of perspectives from nursing students and instructors. Each interview was recorded, transcribed verbatim in Arabic, and then translated into English. Collected data were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. Three facilitators of success and four barriers to success emerged in the study. Facilitators of success included the program curriculum, hospital internship program, and contribution to the nursing board exam. Barriers to success were as follows: exploitation, lack of self-confidence, lack of incentives, and the long duration of the programs. The findings of this study could contribute to the creation of more effective clinical internship. It is recommended that clinical internship programs be enhanced and that appropriate support be given to nursing students.


An updated review of case-control studies of lung cancer and indoor radon-Is indoor radon the risk factor for lung cancer?
Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related death in the world. Smoking is definitely the most important risk factor for lung cancer. Radon ((222)Rn) is a natural gas produced from radium ((226)Ra) in the decay series of uranium ((238)U). Radon exposure is the second most common cause of lung cancer and the first risk factor for lung cancer in never-smokers. Case-control studies have provided epidemiological evidence of the causative relationship between indoor radon exposure and lung cancer. Twenty-four case-control study papers were found by our search strategy from the PubMed database. Among them, seven studies showed that indoor radon has a statistically significant association with lung cancer. The studies performed in radon-prone areas showed a more positive association between radon and lung cancer. Reviewed papers had inconsistent results on the dose-response relationship between indoor radon and lung cancer risk. Further refined case-control studies will be required to evaluate the relationship between radon and lung cancer. Sufficient study sample size, proper interview methods, valid and precise indoor radon measurement, wide range of indoor radon, and appropriate control of confounders such as smoking status should be considered in further case-control studies.


Implications for epidemiologic research on variation by pesticide in studies of farmers and their families.
Epidemiologic studies rely on participants' recall to classify their exposure to specific pesticides. As exposure classification evolves, an important issue is whether the recall of pesticide application details can be used to derive measures of exposure intensity or cumulative exposure. A preliminary analysis of biomonitoring data for farmers before, during, and after a pesticide application suggests variation for different pesticides in the proportion with detectable urinary concentrations, urinary levels, and patterns of uptake and elimination. These findings, and the limited predictive modeling done to date, suggest that chemical-specific differences need to be considered in exposure classification schemes. An analysis of biomonitoring data for farm spouses and children found few with appreciable changes in the urinary concentration after a pesticide application. These findings point to the need to validate assumptions about exposures in studies of people who are not directly involved in pesticide application.


Discrimination of blood metabolomics profiles in neonates with idiopathic polyhydramnios.
This study aimed to compare the blood metabolic status of neonates with idiopathic polyhydramnios (IPH) and those with normal amniotic fluid, and to explore the relationship between IPH and fetal health. Blood metabolites of 32 patients with IPH and 32 normal controls admitted to the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University between January 2017 and December 2022 were analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) and metabolite enrichment analyses were performed to identify the differential metabolites and metabolic pathways. There was a significant difference in the blood metabolism between newborns with IPH and those with normal amniotic fluid. Six discriminant metabolites were identified: glutamate, serine, asparagine, aspartic acid, homocysteine, and phenylalanine. Differential metabolites were mainly enriched in two pathways: aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, and alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism. This study is the first to investigate metabolomic profiles in newborns with IPH and examine the correlation between IPH and fetal health. Differential metabolites and pathways may affect amino acid synthesis and the nervous system. Continuous attention to the development of the nervous system in children with IPH is necessary. • There is an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes with IPH, such as perinatal death, neonatal asphyxia, neonatal intensive care admission, cesarean section rates, and postpartum hemorrhage. • Children with a history of IPH have a higher proportion of defects than the general population, particularly central nervous system problems, neuromuscular disorders, and other malformations. • In neonates with IPH, six differential metabolites were identified with significant differences and good AUC values using LC-MS/MS analysis: glutamic acid, serine, asparagine, aspartic acid, homocysteine, and phenylalanine, which were mainly enriched in two metabolic pathways: aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis and alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism. • These differential metabolites and pathways may affect amino acid synthesis and development of the nervous system in neonates with IPH.


Density-dependent growth responses in two clonal herbs: regulation of shoot density.
It has been shown in clonal perennial herbs that shoot natality decreases, and shoot mortality increases, in stands of increasing density. In a two-year garden experiment, we have tested Hutchings' (1979) hypothesis that these responses are the result of physiological integration, i.e. the exchange of resources and growth substances between shoots of a single clone. Dense monocultures of two rhizomatous graminoids, Brachypodium pinnatum and Carex flacca, were created that differed more than 10-fold in the density of clones (genets), but that had similar densities of shoots. A more effective shoot density control was expected in stands with the smaller clone densities (larger clones) due to more extensive clonal connections. Shoot turnover was evaluated by counting living and dead shoots at different times. In the summer of the second year, when shoot densities and stand structure were similar between treatments, shoot natality (the number of shoots born per plot) and shoot mortality (the number of shoots that died per plot) were usually unrelated to clone density in either species. If there was a significant treatment effect, it could be attributed to (small) differences in shoot density. Over the whole range of shoot densities, natality was negatively density-dependent. The number of shoots that died in a given growth period was proportional to the number of shoots present, suggesting that mortality rates were density independent. In Carex, however, there were some indications that mortality rate increased with increasing density. Our study confirms that clonal herbaceous species can effectively prevent an overproduction of shoots, but in contrast to Hutchings' (1979) propositions, we found no evidence that physiological integration may be the responsible mechanism. An alternative explanation for the observed patterns is proposed.


Non-invasive assessment of left ventricular relaxation property using color M-mode-derived intraventricular pressure gradients in cats.
Diastolic dysfunction is an early clinical feature of feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). The left ventricular filling in early diastole is facilitated by the diastolic intraventricular pressure gradient (IVPG). The study objectives were to evaluate color Doppler M-mode-derived IVPG calculation in cats as a non-invasive assessment of the left ventricular relaxation property to determine the normal ranges of peak IVPG in cats and investigate the influence of left ventricular function and heart rate (HR). One hundred and six client-owned apparently healthy cats. Prospective cross-sectional study. Quantitative analysis of color Doppler M-mode images was used to estimate total and segmental IVPGs non-invasively. The total IVPG was 0.76 mmHg (95% reference interval (RI): 0.28-1.29 mmHg), the basal IVPG 0.34 mmHg (95% RI: 0.07-0.63 mmHg), and the mid-apical IVPG 0.42 mmHg (95% RI: 0.15-0.71 mmHg). Total and segmental IVPG increased with HR (P < 0.003), while segmental percent IVPG was HR independent. A short isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT) and a high mitral annular velocity in early diastole were associated with an increase in total IVPG (P = 0.008 and P = 0.009, respectively) adjusted for HR. An increase in IVPG was associated with an increase in mitral inflow velocity (P < 0.001). Feline IVPGs increase with HR and a short IVRT, which was believed to be a normal physiologic adrenergic response associated with an increased sympathetic tone. Future studies of segmental IVPG changes in feline HCM are needed to evaluate the clinical applicability of color Doppler M-mode estimated IVPGs in feline cardiology.


Using neuromuscular electrical stimulation in conjunction with ultrasound imaging technique to investigate lumbar multifidus muscle activation deficit.
Lumbar multifidus muscle (LM) activation deficit has been proposed as a potential underlying mechanism responsible for recurrence episode of low back pain (LBP). The quantification of voluntary LM activation can provide a better understanding of the role of muscle activation deficit in LBP. The objective of this technical report is to propose a new approach using neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in combination with the ultrasound imaging technique (USI) to investigate the ability of individual to voluntarily activate the LM. We recruited ten participants with a recurrent LBP (rLBP) and twelve participants with no history of LBP (NoLBP). Theoretically, the superimposition of NMES on the LM during maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) should activate all motor units available in the LM. The percentage of LM activation (%LM) can be calculated by the changes of LM thickness during MVIC, divided by the changes of LM thickness during the combination of MVIC and NMES. This %LM was used to compare between groups. The individuals with rLBP had significantly lower %LM (p < 0.05) compared with the NoLBP counterpart (%LM = 72.4 and 92.9, respectively). Results demonstrate that this new approach can potentially differentiate %LM among individuals with rLBP and NoLBP. This new approach can be potentially used to 1) determine the extent of LM activation deficit, 2) identify the existence of muscle activation deficit in the LM, and 3) objectively measure the effect of the intervention designed to address the LM activation deficit.


Thymus cell migration in a prostaglandin-mediated system.
Prostaglandin (PG)-mediated T cell traffic and the nature of these emigrant T cells were analyzed by using a fluorescent activated cell sorter. Administration of indomethacin (INDO), an inhibitor of PG synthesis, increased the number of splenic T cells in normal mice but not in adult-thymectomized mice. An increase in thymus cell migrants in peripheral blood lymphocyte and splenic cell populations of mice pretreated with INDO were detected, using the method of in situ labelling of thymocytes with fluorescein diacetate. These results indicate that the increase in the T cell population in the spleen by INDO treatment results from the increase in thymus cell migration to the spleen. Such recent emigrants in the spleen were thought to have been derived from the thymus cortex, judging from the response to phytohemagglutinin and intracellular terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase activity; however, they expressed a Thy-1 level similar to that found on peripheral T cells. These results suggested that a cortical thymocyte population was recruited from the thymus to the spleen by a PG-mediated system, but its Thy-1 level rapidly changed to that found on the peripheral T cell population.


Hospital-acquired infection surveillance in a neurosurgical intensive care unit.
A prospective study on hospital-acquired infection (HAI) was undertaken in the eight-bed neurosurgical intensive care unit (NSICU) of a teaching hospital in Rome, Italy. All patients admitted for >48 h between January 2002 and December 2004 were included. The infection control team collected the following data from all patients: demographic characteristics, patient origin, diagnosis, severity score, underlying diseases, invasive procedures, HAI, isolated micro-organisms and antibiotic susceptibilities. Overall, 323 patients were included in the study. Mean age was 55.5 years (range 17-91), and mean American Society of Anesthesiologists' score was 2.88. Seventy (21.7%) patients developed 132 NSICU HAIs: 43 pneumonias, 40 bloodstream infections (BSIs), 30 urinary tract infections (UTIs), 10 cases of meningitis associated with an external ventricular drain (EVD) and nine surgical site infections (SSIs). The SSI rate was high (5.6%), but a reduction was achieved during the three-year period. There were 7.2 bloodstream infection episodes per 1000 days of device exposure; 11.00 pneumonias per 1000 days of mechanical ventilation and 4.5 UTIs per 1,000 days of urinary catheterisation. Among patients with an EVD, the SSI relative risk was 11.3 [95% confidence intervals (CI) 4.2-30.6; P<0.01]. Sixty-one (18.9%) patients died. Logistic regression analysis showed that mortality was significantly associated with infection [odds ratio (OR)=2.28; 95%CI 1.11-4.71; P=0.02] and age (OR=1.04; 95%CI 1.01-1.06; P=0.002). Candida spp. were the leading cause of UTIs (40.0%) and the third most common cause of BSIs (12.7%). Antibiotic-resistant pathogens included meticillin-resistant staphylococci (77.5%), carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (36.4%), and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (75.0%). Although the overall incidence of infection (21.7%) was within the range of published data, the associated mortality, the increasing severity of illness of patients, and the emergence of multi-drug-resistant organisms shows the need to improve infection control measures.


Artificial Intelligence in pathology: current applications, limitations, and future directions.
Given AI's recent success in computer vision applications, majority of pathologists anticipate that it will be able to assist them with a variety of digital pathology activities. Massive improvements in deep learning have enabled a synergy between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and deep learning, enabling image-based diagnosis against the backdrop of digital pathology. AI-based solutions are being developed to eliminate errors and save pathologists time. In this paper, we will discuss the components that went into the use of Artificial Intelligence in Pathology, its use in the medical profession, the obstacles and constraints that it encounters, and the future possibilities of AI in the medical field. Based on these factors, we elaborate upon the use of AI in medical pathology and provide future recommendations for its successful implementation in this field.


A 37-year-old Woman with Altered Mental Status and Urinary Frequency.
We present a case report of a patient who initially presented with altered mental status and significant urinary frequency. Over the course of her emergency department stay, she then developed tachycardia out of proportion to a new fever along with a respiratory alkalosis. Although each objective finding has a broad differential diagnosis, thyroid storm was the only unifying diagnosis when all findings were present.


Effect of soil contamination with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from drilling waste on germination and growth of lawn grasses.
In many studies, grasses were used to increase the biodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soil because they are the most common plant species on the ground level and are quite resistant to contamination with these compounds. One of the main failures in PAH remediation in soil using plant species was the negative impact on germination and seedling growth. The objective of this study was to evaluate grass seed germination and seedling growth affected by drill cuttings to determine the resistance of selected grass species to the impact of PAH and their suitability for an effective phytoremediation of soils contaminated with waste that contain compounds from this group. In the study four grass species: tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea), red fescue (Festuca rubra), perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) and common meadow-grass (Poa pratensis). The germination energy of all species decreased as the amount of drill cuttings increased. Among the species studied, the highest germination energy and capacity were found in Lolium perenne (54.1 and 73.2 respectively), and the lowest - in Poa pratensis (16.7 and 23.3 respectively). With an increasing amount of drill cuttings, the root and seedling height were decreased. Festuca arundinacea seedlings were distinctly the highest and had the longest roots (96.7 and 52.7, respectively), while Poa pratensis seedlings showed the significantly slowest seedling and root elongation rate (30.4 and 12.4, respectively). However, the strongest decrease in seedling height and root length compared to the control was observed in Festuca rubra. Based on IC50, the greatest tolerance to the addition of drilling waste to the substrate was found for Festuca arundinacea and Festuca rubra. The conducted investigation indicates that Festuca arundinacea and Lolium perenne are grass species that are least sensitive to drilling waste in the substrate because no significant differences were found in root length and seedling height between the control soil and the soil where a PAH dose of 5% and 10% was applied.


Jaw elevator silent periods in complete denture wearers and dentate individuals.
Functional meaning and underlying mechanisms of jaw elevator silent period (SP) have still not been completely understood. Since complete denture wearers (CDWs) have no periodontal receptors in their jaws, the aim was to examine SPs in CDWs and to compare it with dentate individuals (DIs). Thirty six DIs (skeletal/occlusal Class I) and 24 eugnath CDWs participated. EMG signals were registered using the EMGA-1 apparatus from the left and the right side anterior temporalis (ATM) and masseter muscles (MM). Ten registrations of an open-close-clench (OCC) cycle were obtained for each individual. DIs had the average latency between 12.5 and 12.9 ms and always one single short inhibitory pause (IP) with complete inhibition of motoneurons (20.1-21.1 ms). On the other hand, in CDWs various types of SPs emerged: single or single prolonged SPs, double SPs, SPs with three IPs, periods of depressed muscle activity following the first, or the second IP, SPs with relative inhibition of motoneurons or even in several registrations the SP was missing. Unless more than one IP emerged, complete duration of inhibitory pauses (CDIP) was measured. CDIP varied from 37.17 to 42.49 ms. Average latencies were from 16.22 to 16.76 ms. Based on the results of this study it is obvious that both, the duration and the latencies were significantly longer in CDWs than in DIs (p<0.05), which can be explained by different mechanisms responsible for the muscle reflex behaviour.


Morbidity and mortality following degenerative spine surgery in a prospective cohort of 1687 consecutive surgical procedures.
Prospective, observational cohort study. To determine the true incidence of adverse events (AEs) in European adults undergoing surgery for degenerative spine diseases. The majority of surgeries performed for degenerative spinal diseases are elective, and the need for adequate estimation of risk-benefit of the intended surgery is imperative. A cumbersome obstacle for adequate estimation of surgery-related risks is that the true incidence of complications or adverse events (AEs) remains unclear. All adult patients (≥ 18 years) undergoing spine surgery at a single center from February 1, 2016, to January 31, 2017, were prospectively and consecutively included. Morbidity and mortality were determined using the Spine AdVerse Events Severity (SAVES) system. Additionally, the correlation between the AEs and length of stay (LOS) and mortality was assessed. A total of 1687 procedures were performed in the study period, and all were included for analysis. Of these, 1399 (83%) were lumbar procedures and 288 (17%) were cervical. The overall incidence of AEs was 47.4%, with a minor AE incidence of 43.2% and a major of 14.5%. Female sex (OR 1.5 [95% CI 1.2-1.9), p < 0.001) and age > 65 years (OR 1.5 [95% CI 1.1-1.7], p = 0.012) were significantly associated with increased odds of having an AE. Based on prospectively registered AEs in this single-center study, we validated the use of the SAVES system in a European population undergoing spine surgery due to degenerative spine disease. We found a higher incidence of AEs than previously reported in retrospective studies. The major AEs registered occurred significantly more often perioperatively and in patients > 65 years.


Difference analysis of the enzymatic hydrolysis performance of acid-catalyzed steam-exploded corn stover before and after washing with water.
The difference in the enzymatic hydrolysis yield of acid-catalyzed steam-exploded corn stover (ASC) before and after washing with water reached approximately 15 % under the same conditions. The reasons for the difference in the yield between ASC and washed ASC (wASC) were determined through the analysis of the composition of ASC prehydrolyzate and sugar concentration of enzymatic hydrolyzate. Salts produced by neutralization (CaSO4, Na2SO4, K2SO4, and (NH4)2SO4), sugars (polysaccharides, oligosaccharides, and monosaccharides), sugar-degradation products (weak acids and furans), and lignin-degradation products (ethyl acetate extracts and nine main lignin-degradation products) were back-added to wASC. Results showed that these products, except furans, exerted negative effect on enzymatic hydrolysis. According to the characteristics of acid-catalyzed steam explosion pretreatment, the five sugar-degradation products' mixture and salts [Na2SO4, (NH4)2SO4] showed minimal negative inhibition effect on enzymatic hydrolysis. By contrast, furans demonstrated a promotion effect. Moreover, soluble sugars, such as 13 g/L xylose (decreased by 6.38 %), 5 g/L cellobiose (5.36 %), 10 g/L glucose (3.67 %), as well as lignin-degradation products, and ethyl acetate extracts (4.87 %), exhibited evident inhibition effect on enzymatic hydrolysis. Therefore, removal of soluble sugars and lignin-degradation products could effectively promote the enzymatic hydrolysis performance.


Thermogenic response to total parenteral nutrition in depleted patients with multiple organ failure.
Nutrient-induced thermogenesis was studied in eight patients with severe nutritional depletion and multiple organ failure after abdominal surgery. Energy expenditure (EE) and RQ were recorded continuously over a period of 4 days. On each study day balanced total parenteral nutrition was administered during a period of approximately 16 h, followed by a period of low-energy glucose infusion. The total energy supply was in the order of 110% of the measured EE and the supply of glucose, fat and amino-acids was 2.6 +/- 0.4, 2.6 +/- 0.2 and 0.84 +/- 0.2 kJ x kg BW(-1) x h(-1) (mean +/- SD), respectively. The nutrient-induced thermogenesis, expressed as the rise in EE in percent of the energy content of the administered nutrients, was approximately 5%, which appears to be lower than previously observed in healthy individuals. A plateau in energy expenditure was reached after 6-8 h in response to parenteral nutrition. It is hypothesized that this plateau reflects the oxidative capacity and thus may be used as a guideline for nutritional therapy.


Regulatory mechanism of pepsinogen gene expression in monolayer cultured guinea pig gastric chief cells.
We have investigated the effects of dibutyryl cAMP, forskolin, carbamylcholine chloride (carbachol), ionomycin, and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) on the expression of guinea pig pepsinogen mRNA in monolayer cultured gastric chief cells. After exposure of the cells to each of these compounds for 4 to 24 hr, and at 48 hr after primary culture, total cellular RNA was isolated using acid guanidium-phenol-chloroform and then was reverse transcribed to cDNA. Obtained cDNA was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using primers detecting guinea pig pepsinogen mRNA and human beta-actin mRNA as an internal standard. The PCR products were separated and quantified using capillary electrophoresis. Dibutyryl cAMP and forskolin significantly increased pepsinogen mRNA, but carbachol, ionomycin, and TPA failed to increase that. These findings suggested that pepsinogen gene expression was up-regulated by intracellular cAMP, but not by intracellular calcium or protein kinase C in guinea pig chief cells.


The chromatin remodeling protein CHD-1 and the EFL-1/DPL-1 transcription factor cooperatively down regulate CDK-2 to control SAS-6 levels and centriole number.
Centrioles are submicron-scale, barrel-shaped organelles typically found in pairs, and play important roles in ciliogenesis and bipolar spindle assembly. In general, successful execution of centriole-dependent processes is highly reliant on the ability of the cell to stringently control centriole number. This in turn is mainly achieved through the precise duplication of centrioles during each S phase. Aberrations in centriole duplication disrupt spindle assembly and cilia-based signaling and have been linked to cancer, primary microcephaly and a variety of growth disorders. Studies aimed at understanding how centriole duplication is controlled have mainly focused on the post-translational regulation of two key components of this pathway: the master regulatory kinase ZYG-1/Plk4 and the scaffold component SAS-6. In contrast, how transcriptional control mechanisms might contribute to this process have not been well explored. Here we show that the chromatin remodeling protein CHD-1 contributes to the regulation of centriole duplication in the C. elegans embryo. Specifically, we find that loss of CHD-1 or inactivation of its ATPase activity can restore embryonic viability and centriole duplication to a strain expressing insufficient ZYG-1 activity. Interestingly, loss of CHD-1 is associated with increases in the levels of two ZYG-1-binding partners: SPD-2, the centriole receptor for ZYG-1 and SAS-6. Finally, we explore transcriptional regulatory networks governing centriole duplication and find that CHD-1 and a second transcription factor, EFL-1/DPL-1 cooperate to down regulate expression of CDK-2, which in turn promotes SAS-6 protein levels. Disruption of this regulatory network results in the overexpression of SAS-6 and the production of extra centrioles.


Production & characterization of a unique dextran from an indigenous Leuconostoc mesenteroides CMG713.
On the basis of high enzyme activity a newly isolated strain of L. mesenteroides CMG713 was selected for dextran production. For maximum yield of dextran, effects of various parameters such as pH, temperature, sucrose concentration and incubation period were studied. L. mesenteroides CMG713 produced maximum dextran after 20 hours of incubation at 30 masculineC with 15% sucrose at pH 7.0. The molecular mass distribution of dextran produced by this strain showed that its molecular mass was about 2.0 million Da. Dextran analysis by (13)C-NMR spectrometry showed no signals corresponding to any other linkages except alpha-(1-->6) glycosidic linkage in the main chain, which has not been reported before. Physico-chemical properties of this unique dextran were also studied. These optimised conditions could be used for the commercial production of this unique high molecular weight dextran, which have significant industrial perspectives.


Dynamical modelling of pattern formation during embryonic development.
The combination of genetic and molecular biology techniques has uncovered the intricacies of several gene networks controlling developmental processes. In the face of such complex regulatory networks, developmental geneticists cannot rely on reasoning alone; a thorough understanding of the spatio-temporal properties of these networks clearly requires the use of proper computational tools and methods.


Multiparametric MRI for prediction of treatment response to neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX therapy in borderline resectable or locally advanced pancreatic cancer.
To identify multiparametric MRI biomarkers to predict the tumor response to neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX therapy in patients with borderline resectable (BR) or locally advanced (LA) pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). From May 2016 to March 2018, adult patients with BR or LA PDAC were prospectively enrolled in this study. They received eight cycles of FOLFIRINOX therapy and underwent multiparametric MRI twice (at baseline and after the second cycle). MRI evaluations included dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI, intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging, and assessment of T2* relaxivity (R2*) and the change in T1 relaxivity (ΔR1, equilibrium phase R1 minus non-enhanced R1) of the tumors. Factors to predict the responders determined by the best overall response during FOLFIRINOX therapy and those to predict progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression and the Cox proportional hazard model. Forty-one patients (mean age, 60.3 years ± 9.3; 24 men) were included. Among the clinical and MRI factors, the baseline ΔR1 (adjusted odds ratio, 31.07; p = 0.008) was the only independent predictor for tumor response. The baseline ΔR1 was also an independent predictor for PFS (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.40; p = 0.033) along with R0 resection. The use of a cutoff ΔR1 value of ≥ 1.31 s-1 enabled prognostic stratification (median PFS, 16.0 months vs.10.0 months; p = 0.029; median OS, 34.9 months vs. 16.6 months; p = 0 .023, respectively). The baseline tumor ΔR1 value may be useful to predict tumor response and survival in patients with BR or LA PDAC receiving FOLFIRINOX neoadjuvant therapy. • Baseline ΔR1 was an independent predictor for tumor response (adjusted odds ratio, 31.07; p = 0.008) and progression-free survival (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.40; p = 0.033) in patients with borderline resectable or locally advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma receiving neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX therapy. • The criterion of baseline ΔR1 value ≥ 1.31 s-1 allowed for the prediction of favorable tumor response and survival outcome after neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX therapy.


Rhizosphere microbial communities associated to rose replant disease: links to plant growth and root metabolites.
Growth depression of Rosa plants at sites previously used to cultivate the same or closely related species is a typical symptom of rose replant disease (RRD). Currently, limited information is available on the causes and the etiology of RRD compared to apple replant disease (ARD). Thus, this study aimed at analyzing growth characteristics, root morphology, and root metabolites, as well as microbial communities in the rhizosphere of the susceptible rootstock Rosacorymbifera 'Laxa' grown in RRD-affected soil from two sites (Heidgraben and Sangerhausen), either untreated or disinfected by γ-irradiation. In a greenhouse bioassay, plants developed significantly more biomass in the γ-irradiated than in the untreated soils of both sites. Several plant metabolites detected in R. corymbifera 'Laxa' roots were site- and treatment-dependent. Although aloesin was recorded in significantly higher concentrations in untreated than in γ-irradiated soils from Heidgraben, the concentrations of phenylalanine were significantly lower in roots from untreated soil of both sites. Rhizosphere microbial communities of 8-week-old plants were studied by sequencing of 16S rRNA, ITS, and cox gene fragments amplified from total community DNA. Supported by microscopic observations, sequences affiliated to the bacterial genus Streptomyces and the fungal genus Nectria were identified as potential causal agents of RRD in the soils investigated. The relative abundance of oomycetes belonging to the genus Pythiogeton showed a negative correlation to the growth of the plants. Overall, the RRD symptoms, the effects of soil treatments on the composition of the rhizosphere microbial community revealed striking similarities to findings related to ARD.


Two cases of necrotizing myelopathy associated with malignancy caused by herpes simplex virus type 2.
Two cases of necrotizing myelopathy were autopsied; one was complicated with lung carcinoma and the other with chronic type adult T cell leukemia (ATL leukemia). To our knowledge, they were the first cases of their type in Japan. In both cases, necrosis of the spinal cord was observed in the gray and white matter along most of its extent. Marked changes were found in the lumbar segment. The patients were not treated with intravenous cancer chemotherapy or irradiation. Immunohistochemical and electron microscopic examination revealed an extremely strong infection of herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 2. However, HSV type 1 and cytomegalovirus antigens were not detected.


Popliteal Vein Puncture Technique Based on Bony Landmark Positioning in Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis of Deep Venous Thrombosis: A Retrospective Review.
Catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) is an effective method for the treatment of deep venous thrombosis (DVT). The most widely used puncture technique involves the popliteal vein of the affected leg. We introduce a new puncture technique based on bony landmark positioning. Between May 2012 and December 2014, we performed CDT in 96 cases of DVT using the puncture technique. The procedure is performed with the patient in the prone position on the angiography table. The popliteal vein is punctured according to tibial bony landmarks under fluoroscopic guidance. The needle puncture is made from the popliteal crease, along the direction of tibial lateral intercondylar eminence and parallel to the vertical axis. An introducer sheath is inserted after successful puncture followed by placement of a perfusion catheter of appropriate length in the thrombus. Technical success was achieved in 83 cases, with a success rate of 86.46% (83/96). The mean operation time was 38.6 ± 16.8 min, the mean fluoroscopy time was 11.3 ± 4.9 min, the mean effective dose (ED) was 77.2 ± 25.4 mGy, the mean dose-area product (DAP) was 3,927.5 ± 1,261 cGy cm(2). Compared with catheterization via incised ipsilateral small saphenous and contralateral femoral veins, the technique significantly shortened the operation and the X-ray exposure and reduced the dosage of ED and DAP. Popliteal vein puncture technique based on bony landmark positioning is a user-friendly alternative to CDT, especially in the absence of ultrasound localization.


Two new isoquinoline alkaloids from Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in human glioma cancer U87 cells.
Two new isoquinoline alkaloids 1-2 and seven known compounds 3-9 were isolated from the ethanol extract of centipede Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans L. Koch. The structures were elucidated by a combination of spectroscopic analyses including 1D and 2D NMR, and HRESIMS. Compounds 1-2 exhibited good cytotoxicity with IC50 values ranging from 1.19 to 31.28μM against six human cancer cell lines and low cytotoxicity against human normal liver L-02 cell lines, suggesting that compounds 1-2 had high specific cytotoxicity on human cancer cell lines. Further analyses showed that compounds 1-2 inhibited U87 cells proliferation by arresting cell cycle progress at G0/G1 phase and inducing apoptosis through loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), activation of caspase 9/3 and down-regulation of the Bcl-2/Bax protein ratio. The results suggest that compounds 1-2 induce apoptosis in U87 cells through the mitochondria apoptosis pathway, and they deserve further research as potential anti-glioma cancer agents.


Tuberculosis screening and prevention for foreign-born students: eight years experience at Ohio University.
In the mid-1980s, international students enrolled at Ohio University were identified as a high-risk group for tuberculosis (TB), contributing an estimated 30%-50% of all active TB cases in the sparsely populated county where the university is located. While the student health center routinely screened all newly enrolled international students with PPD Mantoux tests, no provision for Isoniazid (INH) chemoprophylaxis was available until the Preventive Medicine/Public Health Section of Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine initiated a program in September 1985. In 1993, cases of active TB among international students had declined significantly from a pre-1986 rate of 97.5/100,000 student-years to 19.4/100,000 after 1986 (P < .01), while case rates among other groups in the county increased. Positive PPD reaction rates have remained high (53.6%), but less than 15% of international students who should have taken INH chemoprophylaxis by Centers for Disease Control (CDC) criteria did so. This finding suggests that other factors may have contributed to the observed decline in active cases. We examined the influence of five variables (age, gender, geographic origin, BCG vaccination status, and year of enrollment) on PPD status. In this international student population, geographic origin and BCG vaccination status were the most important contributors to positive PPD testing. We suggest that PPD status alone may no longer be sufficient to distinguish those at higher risk of developing active TB in similar populations. A changing mix in international students' geographic origin and BCG vaccination status may help explain the decrease in active case rates in the face of continued high positive PPD rates.


The induction of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes in mice using single and multiple treatments.
Studies are reviewed in which the effect of treatment/sample protocol on the induction of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MN-PCE) in male B6C3F1 mice by 3 carcinogens (benzidine, dimethylbenzanthracene and mitomycin C) were evaluated. 3 different treatment/sampling protocols were used, involving from 1 to 3 consecutive daily treatments and from 3 to 1, respectively, consecutive daily samplings beginning 24 h after the last injection. The results indicate that the 3-day injection/single sample time protocol eliminates the need for multiple sample times, minimizes the number of animals required in a study, decreases the time needed for data collection and simplifies data analysis. A comparison of the frequency of induced MN-PCE in peripheral blood and bone marrow suggests that, following a 3-injection protocol, either tissue can be used with equal efficiency.


Ovariectomy modify local renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system gene expressions in the heart of ApoE (-/-) mice.
The evaluation of the local Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone system (RAAS) gene expressions in the heart of ovariectomized (OVX) apolipoprotein E deficient mice (ApoE). Four-months old C57BL/6 female mice (wild-type, wt, n=20), and ApoE female mice (n=20), were submitted to OVX or a surgical procedure without ovary removal (SHAM) and formed four groups (n=10/group): SHAM/wt, SHAM/ApoE, OVX/wt, and OVX/ApoE. OVX led to greater body mass, plasma triglycerides (TG) and total cholesterol, and resulted in insulin resistance and altered RAAS gene expressions in the heart tissue. The gene expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-2 was lower in OVX/wt than in SHAM/wt (P=0.0004), Mas receptor (MASr) was lower in OVX/wt compared to SHAM/wt (P<0.0001). Also, angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT1r) was higher in OVX/wt than in SHAM/wt (P=0.0229), and AT2r was lower in OVX/wt than in SHAM/wt (P=0.0121). OVX and ApoE deficiency showed interaction potentializing the insulin resistance, increasing TG levels and altering ACE and MASr gene expressions. ACE gene expression was higher in OVX/ApoE than in OVX/wt (P<0.0001), and MASr gene expression was lower in OVX/ApoE than in OVX/wt (P<0.0001). The impact of OVX on local RAAS cascade in the heart of ApoE deficient animals, besides the metabolic changes culminating with insulin resistance, involves an upregulation of renin, ACE, and AT1r gene expressions. The findings may contribute to clarify the mechanisms of development of postmenopausal hypertension and the link between RAAS and apolipoprotein E.