Analysis and evaluation of mortality losses of the 2001 African swine fever outbreak, Ibadan, Nigeria.
The mortality losses of pigs of various age groups affected by the 2001 African swine fever outbreak in Ibadan Nigeria were analyzed and evaluated. Thirty one thousand nine hundred and sixteen (31,916) pigs on three hundred and six (306) farms reported by the Pig Farmers Association of Nigeria and the State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources were involved. Gross mortality was ninety one percent (91%), while age group mortality ranged from 75.9% (growers), 83.1% (weaners), 91.2% (finishers) and 99.8% (piglets); to 100.0% in gilts, sow and boars. Losses were estimated to worth nine hundred and forty one thousand, four hundred and ninety one dollars, sixty seven cents (US $941, 491.67). Highest financial loss was from sows (29.5% of total loss), followed by gilts (16.6%), finishers (15.2%), weaners (10.7%), boars (10.6%), growers (10.6%) and piglets (8.2%). Average mortality loss per farm of $3076.77 was of great financial and socioeconomic consequences for a developing country like Nigeria with a low Gross Domestic Product figures. In conclusion, the need to immediately revisit and take recommended actions on the 1998 Report of the FAO Consultancy Mission to Nigeria on Control and Eradication of an Outbreak of African swine fever in Western Nigeria is stressed.


A failed review of CCE site inspection standards and processes.
Accreditation of educational programs involves an independent agency assessing quality against a set of defined standards. Site inspection teams are appointed by an accrediting agency and compile a report with the intention of identifying deficiencies and making recommendations for their rectification and continued improvement. For chiropractic programs accreditation is carried out by Councils on Chiropractic Education (CCEs). However, the reliability of their site inspection teams remains unknown. Recent research has suggested that variability in chiropractic practice may be partially traced back to the education provider. This raises the possibility of deficient accreditation procedures that may include unsatisfactory site inspection standards or processes or the accreditation standards by which they work to.We sought to compare the various CCEs documented standards and processes for site inspection teams for similarities and differences with the intent of making recommendations to create uniform and high quality standards. Further, we sought to compare a sample of CCEs site inspection team surveys / reports for commonly identified recommendations and quality improvements and determine if they are adequately described in their accreditation standards. In December of 2018 invitation emails were sent to 4 CCEs through their website portals outlining a proposed study investigating site inspection teams' standards and processes. Access was requested to all appropriately redacted documentation relating to site inspection teams and their chiropractic program reports. Follow up emails were sent several weeks later. Only one of four of the CCEs responded by providing the requested information. Three CCEs did not cooperate with this educational research. The possible reasons for the non-engagement is discussed.


An optimization model of sewage discharge in an urban wetland based on the multi-objective wolf pack algorithm.
The Longfeng Wetland of Daqing City in China was taken as the research object to determine a reasonable sewage reduction scheme and resolve the pollution of urban wetland ecosystems. First, the main pollutants, including dichromate oxidizability (CODCr), ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), total phosphorus (TP), and petroleum, were selected as indices. A two-dimensional hydrodynamic and water quality coupling model was established using MIKE 21. An optimal regulation method to improve the water quality of the wetland was then proposed following the numerical simulation method, and a multi-objective optimization model is established. The model establishes two objective functions based on wetland pollutant and water quality requirements. The model's constraints include hydrodynamic conditions and water quality conditions, and it considers the control point of the sewage concentration, sewage outfall processing capacity, depth of treatment, and changes in the water cycle. The wolf pack algorithm is introduced to resolve the multi-objective problem of sewage outfall optimization, and an optimal sewage scheme is obtained. According to the results of the scheme, some measures are proposed to manage the pollutants in urban wetland waters.


Data-Driven Blood Transfusion Thresholds for Severely Injured Patients During Blood Shortages.
Crises like the COVID-19 pandemic create blood product shortages. Patients requiring transfusions are placed at risk and institutions may need to judiciously administer blood during massive blood transfusions protocols (MTP). The purpose of this study is to provide data-driven guidance for the modification of MTP when the blood supply is severely limited. This is a retrospective cohort study of 47 Level I and II trauma centers (TC) within a single healthcare system whose patients received MTP from 2017 to 2019. All TC used a unifying MTP protocol for balanced blood product transfusions. The primary outcome was mortality as a function of volume of blood transfused and age. Hemoglobin thresholds and measures of futility were also estimated. Risk-adjusted analyses were performed using multivariable and hierarchical regression to account for confounders and hospital variation. Proposed MTP maximum volume thresholds for three age groupings are as follows: 60 units for ages 16-30 y, 48 units for ages 31-55 y, and 24 units for >55 y. The range of mortality under the transfusion threshold was 30%-36% but doubled to 67-77% when the threshold was exceeded. Hemoglobin concentration differences relative to survival were clinically nonsignificant. Prehospital measures of futility were prehospital cardiac arrest and nonreactive pupils. In hospital risk factors of futility were mid-line shift on brain CT and cardiopulmonary arrest. Establishing MTP threshold practices under blood shortage conditions, such as the COVID pandemic, could sustain blood availability by following relative thresholds for MTP use according to age groups and key risk factors.


[Photorefractive keratectomy for treatment of ametropia after vitrectomy for retinal reattachment].
To evaluate the efficacy of photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for the treatment of ametropia after vitrectomy for retinal reattachment. PRK was used to treat 11 eyes of ametropia after victrectomy for more than seven months. The visual acuity, retina and corneal endothelial cell densities were investigated in a l2-month follow-up study. The postoperative visual acuity of all the 11 eyes was equal to or above the best corrected visual acuity before the operation. Postoperatively, there was no significant change of the corneal endothelial cell densities compared with that before the operation. PRK for ametropia after vitrectomy is an effective and safe surgery. But the indication must be selected appropriately.


Trypanosomal TBP functions with the multisubunit transcription factor tSNAP to direct spliced-leader RNA gene expression.
Protein-coding genes of trypanosomes are mainly transcribed polycistronically and cleaved into functional mRNAs in a process that requires trans splicing of a capped 39-nucleotide RNA derived from a short transcript, the spliced-leader (SL) RNA. SL RNA genes are individually transcribed from the only identified trypanosome RNA polymerase II promoter. We have purified and characterized a sequence-specific SL RNA promoter-binding complex, tSNAP(c), from the pathogenic parasite Trypanosoma brucei, which induces robust transcriptional activity within the SL RNA gene. Two tSNAP(c) subunits resemble essential components of the metazoan transcription factor SNAP(c), which directs small nuclear RNA transcription. A third subunit is unrelated to any eukaryotic protein and identifies tSNAP(c) as a unique trypanosomal transcription factor. Intriguingly, the unusual trypanosome TATA-binding protein (TBP) tightly associates with tSNAPc and is essential for SL RNA gene transcription. These findings provide the first view of the architecture of a transcriptional complex that assembles at an RNA polymerase II-dependent gene promoter in a highly divergent eukaryote.


'Dipping our toes in the research pool': novice researchers in a collaborative project.
A study into research capacity at two universities offered opportunities to both novice and experienced researchers. Here, Julie Douglas and three novice researchers, Yvonne Flood, Sara Morris and Claire Rushton, reflect on their involvement in the collaborative project and how it contributed to individual and institutional development.


Postmastectomy neuropathic pain: results of microsurgical lymph nodes transplantation.
Postmastectomy chronic pain may be divided into widespread and regional pain. Almost half patients with regional pain, which is more likely related to neuropathic phenomena, do not benefit any pain relief from medication. Our purpose was to report results on pain relief obtained by axillary lymph nodes autotransplantation. Six patients presented with chronic regional neuropathic pains and upper limb lymphedema after breast cancer surgery and radiation therapy. Despite medication, pain was intolerable and daily activity dramatically reduced. Lymph nodes were harvested in the femoral region, transferred to the axillary region and transplanted by microsurgical procedures. Lymphedema resolved in 5 out of 6 patients. Pain was relieved in all, permitting return to work and daily activity; analgesic medication was discontinued. This procedure proved efficient and may be advocated in case of neuropathic pain when discussing lymphedema management.


Mangiferin Protects DNase 2 Abundance via Nrf2 Activation to Prevent Cytosolic mtDNA Accumulation during Liver Injury.
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) released into the cytosol serves as a member of damage-associated molecular patterns to initiate inflammatory responses. Mangiferin is a xanthonoid derivative, usually isolated from plants including mangoes and iris unguicularis. This study aims to investigate whether mangiferin prevents mtDNA accumulation in the cytosol with a focus on deoxyribonuclease 2 (DNase 2) protection from oxidative damage. Mangiferin administration effectively protects against hepatotoxicity in mice subjected to CCl4 challenge or bile duct ligation (BDL) surgery. Moreover, mangiferin activates nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2)-antioxidant signaling, reduces cytosolic mtDNA accumulation, and suppresses Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR-9)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)-dependent inflammation in the liver. The study prepares hepatic mtDNA to stimulate hepatocytes, and finds that mangiferin protects DNase 2 protein abundance. mtDNA induces reactive oxygen species (ROS) production to promote DNase 2 protein degradation through oxidative modification, but mangiferin protects DNase 2 protein stability in a Nrf2-dependent manner. In hepatic Nrf2 deficiency mice, the study further confirms that Nrf2 induction is required for mangiferin to clear cytosolic mtDNA and block mtDNA-mediated TLR9/MyD88/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) inflammatory signaling cascades. These findings provide new insights into the role of mangiferin as a liver protecting agent, and suggest protection of DNase 2 as a novel therapeutic strategy for pharmacological intervention to prevent liver damage.


The complete amino acid sequence of human P2 protein.
The complete amino acid sequence of P2 protein from human peripheral nerve myelin was determined from nine staphylococcal protease peptides and four cyanogen bromide peptides. Human P2 protein is composed of 131 amino acids and has a molecular weight of 14,818. Compared to bovine P2 protein, there are replacements at nine positions (human in equilibrium bovine): 18(Asp in equilibrium Glu), 39(Thr in equilibrium Arg), 56(Thr in equilibrium Pro), 83(Ile in equilibrium Thr), 87(Gln in equilibrium Ala), 96(Arg in equilibrium Lys), 100(Lys in equilibrium Asn), 115(Ala in equilibrium Val), and 121(Gly in equilibrium Asp).


Investigation of Propolis' Effect on Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances and Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Levels of Hippocampus in Diabetic Rats Induced by Streptozotocin.
Propolis is an organic resinous viscous substance collected from flower bud and plant sprig by bees. Propolis has a potential treatment agent for oxidative damage caused by diabetes in hippocampus due to its flavonoid and phenolic content. In this study effect of propolis on thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and anti-oxidative enzyme levels of hippocampus in diabetic rats induced by streptozotocin was investigated. The study involved measuring levels of SOD, CAT, GSH-Px and TBARs in hippocampus tissue of STZ-induced diabetic rats (Adult Male Sprague Dawley rats) after applying propolis for one month. The subjects of the study were composed of 51 rats randomly assigned to four groups (Control, STZ, P+STZ and STZ+P). For analysis of data, Kruskal Wallis Test was utilized. The findings of the study showed that there were no significant difference in the levels of TBARS, SOD, CAT and GSH-Px of hippocampus across the groups. Propolis application in four-week duration does not have effect on TBARS, SOD, CAT and GSH-Px levels of hippocampus of diabetic rats. These findings mean that more time for observing oxidative harms on hippocampus is needed.


Validation of automated blood cell counter for the determination of polymorphonuclear cell count in the ascitic fluid of cirrhotic patients with or without spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.
Polymorphonuclear (PMN) cell count in ascitic fluid is the most useful test for the diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). We evaluated the validity of an automated blood cell counter for the PMN determination in ascitic fluid by comparing it with the traditional hematologic method with a light microscope in a manual counting chamber. A total of 130 ascitic fluid samples were collected from 74 consecutive cirrhotics. The agreement between the two techniques was assessed according to Bland and Altman's method. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the automated blood cell counter were calculated by considering the diagnosis of SBP as a PMN count > or = 250 cells/mm(3), determined by the manual method as the "gold standard." The mean PMN counts assessed by the manual method and the automated blood cell counter were 124 +/- 301 cells/mm(3) and 130 +/- 339 cells/mm(3), respectively (p = 0.89, ns). The mean +/- SD of the difference between manual and automated measurements was 6 +/- 61 cells/mm(3), whereas the limits of agreement were +127 cells/mm(3) (95% CI = +108 to +147) and -115 cells/mm(3) (95%CI = -96 to -135). SBP was diagnosed in 11 patients. All but one were correctly identified with the automated blood cell counter, with a sensitivity of 94% and a specificity of 100%; positive and negative predictive values were 100% and 99.1%, respectively. The manual method and the automated blood cell counter have a good agreement in the PMN determination in ascitic fluid, and the automated blood cell counter is a reliable tool for rapid diagnosis of SBP.


Two different and compatible intraneuronal labels for ultrastructural study of synaptically related cells.
To examine the structural interactions between synaptically connected neurons in Aplysia, we have developed a method for simultaneously labeling two identified cell with different and compatible intraneuronal marking agents (horseradish peroxidase and [3H]N-acetyl-D-galactosamine) visible in both the light and electron microscopes. Combining these two agents within a single cell yields a third label.


Incidence and risk factors of prosthetic valve endocarditis.
To study the incidence and risk factors of prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) we followed 99.5% of 912 patients who had valve replacements from 1 January 1981 to 31 December 1985 for 1-6 (mean 3) years. PVE occurred in 27 patients (2.96% or 0.98% per patient-year). The incidence of PVE in the aortic position (3.9%) was significantly higher than in the mitral position (1.5%): chi-square = 6.1, P less than 0.025. PVE developed in 19 of 329 patients with bioprostheses (5.8%), and in 8 of 583 patients with mechanical valves (1.4%): chi-square = 14.48, P less than 0.005). Actuarially at 5-year follow-up, 90.7% +/- 2.16% of the bioprosthetic group and 98.4% +/- 0.56% of the mechanical valve group was free of PVE (P less than 0.001). Antecedent endocarditis increased both the incidence and relative risk of PVE 7-fold compared to patients without antecedent endocarditis (chi-square = 32.0, P less than 0.0001). Bioprosthetic valve replacement in infective endocarditis increased the risk of PVE 12-fold compared to valve replacement by mechanical prostheses. in the order of importance, antecedent endocarditis, bioprostheses and aortic position are risk factors in the development of PVE. Bioprostheses implanted in patients with antecedent endocarditis further enhance the risk of PVE.


Community scale in-situ rapid biological reduction and resource recovery of food waste.
In this study, a community-scale in-situ rapid biological reduction (IRBR) system was applied to achieve the rapid disposal and resource recovery of food waste (FW). A total of 5263 kg FW was processed in the 35 days of stably operation, during which 84.37% total mass reduction and 43.30% volatile solid removal were achieved, and the odor had been effectively controlled. Microbial sequencing results showed that aerobic and facultative thermophilic bacteria were major bacterial community, and vigorous metabolism of both carbohydrate and amino acid were maintained during the IRBR process. The final products have the potential to be recycled as organic fertilizers or bio-solid fuel to realize resource recovery. The results of economic analysis showed that the IRBR system had lower FW disposal costs due to the high automation. These results suggested that the IRBR system was an environmentally friendly, economical and practical method for the FW rapid treatment.


Vestibular function in carotid territory stroke patients.
Stroke patients may present otoneurological symptoms. To assess the vestibular function of subjects with a history of carotid territory stroke. This historical cohort cross sectional study enrolled 40 patients; subjects answered the Dizziness Handicap Inventory, were interviewed and submitted to ENT examination and vectorelectronystagmography. Mild saccadic movement anomalies were seen in 20 patients (50.0%); nine complained of imbalance and dizziness. Abnormal smooth pursuit gain was seen in 17 cases (42.5%); six subjects reported imbalance and one complained of dizziness. Abnormal directional preponderance during rotational nystagmus was seen in two cases (5.0%), who also reported imbalance. Three patients (7.5%) and two subjects (5.0%) were found to have abnormal labyrinthine predominance and abnormal nystagmus directional preponderance respectively; all five individuals reported imbalance. Ten of the 11 patients without complaints of disordered balance had altered saccadic and smooth pursuit eye movements, while one had unaltered vestibular function. Patients with a history of carotid territory stroke may suffer from dizziness or imbalance and present signs of compromised eye motility and vestibular function.


Epidemiology, risk factors, and outcome of Clostridium difficile infection in heart and heart-lung transplant recipients.
Clostridium difficile is a major cause of diarrhea in thoracic organ transplant recipients. We investigated the epidemiology, risk factors, and outcome of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in heart and heart-lung transplant (HT) recipients. This is a retrospective study from 2004 to 2013. CDI was defined by diarrhea and a positive toxigenic C. difficile in stool measured by toxin enzyme immunoassay (2004-2006) or polymerase chain reaction (2007-2013). Cox proportional hazards regression was used to model the association of risk factors with time to CDI and survival with CDI following transplantation. There were 254 HT recipients, with a median age of 53 years (IQR, 45-60); 34% were female. During the median follow-up of 3.1 years (IQR, 1.3-6.1), 22 (8.7%) patients developed CDI. In multivariable analysis, risk factors for CDI were combined heart-lung transplant (HR 4.70; 95% CI, 1.30-17.01 [P=.02]) and retransplantation (HR 7.19; 95% CI, 1.61-32.12 [P=.01]). Acute cellular rejection was associated with a lower risk of CDI (HR 0.34; 95% CI, 0.11-0.94 [P=.04]). CDI was found to be an independent risk factor for mortality (HR 7.66; 95% CI, 3.41-17.21 [P<.0001]). Clostridium difficile infection after HT is more common among patients with combined heart-lung and those undergoing retransplantation. CDI was associated with a higher risk of mortality in HT recipients.


Percutaneous retrograde recanalization of a chronic total coronary artery occlusion in a 7 year old.
The arterial switch operation for correction of transposition of the great arteries can be complicated by late stenosis or occlusion of the coronary arteries that are re-implanted to the new aorta. We report the case of a young boy who underwent this operation as a neonate and was found to have an occluded anomalous left anterior descending artery (LAD) before age 3. Subsequent bypass surgery was complicated by anastomotic stricture and kinking of the left internal mammary artery graft to the LAD. At age 7, the LAD territory showed reversible ischemia on nuclear perfusion testing and he was referred for percutaneous coronary intervention. A combined approach with pediatric and adult interventional cardiologists resulted in successful retrograde PCI to recanalize the chronic total occlusion of the LAD. Important features of this technique in pediatric patients are discussed.


Community acquired pressure injuries in a work-related spinal cord injury population: Problem characterization and assessment of a working solution.
To characterize the problem of community-acquired pressure injuries (CAPIs) in a work-related spinal cord injury (SCI) population in Canada and assess the benefits of a person-centered solution. Characterization of the problem and a solution, albeit in an insured Worker's Compensation Board of British Columbia (WorkSafeBC) cohort, may inform the supply of solutions in the larger SCI population with disparate access to healthcare. For this observational study, data on 244 WorkSafeBC clients, who received an intervention featuring pressure injury (PI) assessment between 2011 and 2015, were used to characterize the problem. Data on observed injuries, risk, referrals, and outcomes were linked to healthcare service claims. Employing an activity-based costing methodology, total expenditures on attributed services were calculated for clients with 1 or more PIs. Intervention cost and benefits from the insurer's perspective are considered. 84 of 244 clients had 1 or more PIs at assessment, with attributed mean cost of $56,092 in 2015 Canadian dollars (CAD). Mean cost by PI severity range from $9580 to $238,736. At an intervention cost of $820,618, detection of less severe injuries provided an opportunity to prevent progression and achieve $3 million in cost avoidance. Follow-up data suggest reasonable returns. Reductions in the incidence, number, and risk of pressure injuries were also observed. The analysis establishes the cost of CAPIs in a Canadian-based work-related SCI population and suggests preventative and early intervention is not only feasible but also practical. Results are relevant to decisions regarding the use of proactive prevention-based treatment models as opposed to reactive, solutions in the larger SCI population.


Biliary atresia: unity in diversity.
Biliary atresia (BA) is a rare disease of unknown origin and unsatisfying outcome. Single, multicenter and national evaluations of epidemiological and outcome data on BA have been periodically published over the course of decades. However, the diversity of the registered parameters and outcome measures impede comparability and cumulative analysis of these very worthwhile studies. Taking into account the fact that BA is a good example of translational research and transition of patients from pediatric surgery and hepatology to transplant surgery and hepatology in general, the interdisciplinary community should make every effort to develop a common platform upon which further activities are conducted. Extending this topic to BA-related diseases might increase the acceptance of research studies and enhance the effectiveness of any recommendations outlined therein. The use of the Internet-based communication platform and registry on http://www.bard-online.com represents the first step in this direction, and the database should be viewed as a helpful tool that guides further activities.


Value of apparent diffusion coefficient calculation in the differential diagnosis of parotid gland tumors.
The differential diagnosis of parotid gland tumors is often difficult with conventional magnetic resonance imaging. To determine whether the calculation of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) is valuable for making the differential diagnosis of parotid tumors. Thirty parotid masses in 28 patients and 24 healthy parotid glands in 12 controls were examined in this prospective study. Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging with echo-planar spin-echo sequences was used to evaluate each subject. The ADC of each tumor and each healthy parotid gland was calculated. Tumor diagnoses were confirmed by the results of histopathologic analysis. The following types of masses were identified: 11 Warthin tumors, nine pleomorphic adenomas, seven malignant tumors, one basal cell adenoma, and two benign cysts. The mean ADC value for the Warthin tumors was 0.97+/-0.16 x 10(-3) mm(2)/s, for the pleomorphic adenomas was 1.74+/-0.37 x 10(-3) mm(2)/s, for the malignant tumors was 1.04+/-0.35 x 10(-3) mm(2)/s, and for the normal parotid glands was 0.34+/-0.20 x 10(-3) mm(2)/s. The respective ADC value for the single basal cell adenoma was 1.40 x 10(-3) mm(2)/s. Statistically significant differences were identified between the subjects with pleomorphic adenoma and those with another type of parotid tumor, and between subjects with healthy parotid glands and those with a tumor. Calculating the ADC appears to be useful in differentiating pleomorphic adenomas from other types of parotid gland tumors.


Geometry and physics of proteins.
A conceptual framework for understanding the protein folding problem has remained elusive in spite of many significant advances. We show that geometrical constraints imposed by chain connectivity, compactness, and the avoidance of steric clashes can be encompassed in a natural way using a three-body potential and lead to a selection in structure space, independent of chemical details. Strikingly, secondary motifs such as hairpins, sheets, and helices, which are the building blocks of protein folds, emerge as the chosen structures for segments of the protein backbone based just on elementary geometrical considerations.


Pilot study: bioequivalence of dihydroartemisinin in dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine tablet generic formulation in healthy Indonesian volunteers.
Bioequivalence test should be carried out for copy medicine, including dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DHP), which is used to treat critical diseases requiring medication. To predict the bioequivalence of film coated DHP generic tablets compared to the reference, a randomized controlled trial, single blind, single dose cross over design, two sequences, 2 periods, and wash-out period 7 days was conducted on 8 healthy adults. Blood samples were taken at certain times; plasma levels of dihydroartemisinin (DHA) were determined and analyzed for pharmacokinetics profile using UPLC MS MS system. The mean ±SD of AUC0-24, Cmax, Tmax, and T½ of the test drug (T) in the following order were 220.07 ± 64.48 ng.mL-1.hour; 119.00 ± 37.66 ng.mL-1.hour; 1.16 ± 0.30 hour; and 1.06 ± 0.31 hour. The mean ±SD of AUC0-24, Cmax, Tmax, and T½ of the reference drug (R) were 301.91 ± 161.30 ng.mL-1.hour; 203.60 ± 91.04 ng.mL-1.hour; 0.94 ± 0.35 hour; and 0.80 ± 0.21 hour. Based on statistical analysis, the geometrics mean ratio (T/R) for the Cmax and AUC0-t were 0.6083 with 90% CI (0.4853-0.7624) and 0.7769 with 90% CI (0.6493-0.9295) respectively. Kinetic profiles between the two products were the same, however the test drug is relatively inferior compared to the reference drug.


Asymmetric coupling of Au nanospheres on TiO2 nanochannel membranes for NIR-gated artificial ionic nanochannels.
Au nanoparticles were asymmetrically fabricated at one tip of TiO2 nanochannels by combining a photocatalytic reaction and limited penetration of light. Using the asymmetrical nanochannel-based membrane as a plasma absorber, near-infrared-gated artificial ionic nanochannels were designed.


Use of molecular dynamics fingerprints (MDFPs) in SAMPL6 octanol-water log P blind challenge.
The in silico prediction of partition coefficients is an important task in computer-aided drug discovery. In particular the octanol-water partition coefficient is used as surrogate for lipophilicity. Various computational approaches have been proposed, ranging from simple group-contribution techniques based on the 2D topology of a molecule to rigorous methods based molecular dynamics (MD) or quantum chemistry. In order to balance accuracy and computational cost, we recently developed the MD fingerprints (MDFPs), where the information in MD simulations is encoded in a floating-point vector, which can be used as input for machine learning (ML). The MDFP-ML approach was shown to perform similarly to rigorous methods while being substantially more efficient. Here, we present the application of MDFP-ML for the prediction of octanol-water partition coefficients in the SAMPL6 blind challenge. The underlying computational pipeline is made freely available in form of the MDFPtools package.


Serial outcomes in acute necrotising encephalopathy of childhood: A medium and long term study.
Acute necrotising encephalopathy (ANEC) is a severe, debilitating childhood disorder. We used the ANEC scoring system (ANE-ss) and standardised neurodevelopmental scores to objectively characterise medium and long term outcomes. Retrospective review of children with ANEC at KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, from 2005 to 2012. ANE-ss was determined from clinical features and neuroimaging, and neurodevelopmental scores (Pediatric Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended, Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category scale and Pediatric Overall Performance Category scale) were applied at 1, 6, 12 and 24months post diagnosis. Seven patients with ANEC were studied. All had a viral prodrome with fever, and encephalopathy at presentation, and received immunotherapy (steroids or immunoglobulin). ANE-ss scores were medium risk in 4 patients and high risk in 3 patients. One died (high risk ANE-ss) and outcome was determined in the 6 survivors. At 1month post diagnosis, 3 patients (50%) were mildly affected and 3 (50%) were severely affected. Morbidity rates improved by 12months, with 67% and 33.3% scoring in the mildly affected and severely affected ranges, respectively. Medium risk patients did well with majority having little or no neurological deficits and good outcome scores. Mortality and severe morbidity correlated well with high risk ANE-ss. However, our patients with medium risk ANE-ss had good neurodevelopmental sequelae. Serial disability scoring is useful in evaluating the progress of ANEC patients on follow up. Assessment at 1month post diagnosis can aid prognostication of long term outcome.


The use of magnets to move molars distally.
Repelling magnets, which were anchored to a modified Nance appliance cemented on the first premolars, were activated against the maxillary first molars to move them distally. Eighty percent of the space created represented distal movement of the first molars.


PREVALENCE OF VALVULAR REGURGITATIONS IN CLINICALLY HEALTHY CAPTIVE LEOPARDS AND CHEETAHS: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY FROM THE WILDLIFE CARDIOLOGY (WLC) GROUP (2008-2013).
The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate transthoracic echocardiograms from clinically healthy large felids for the presence of valvular regurgitations (VR). Physiologic VR commonly occur in normal dogs and cats, but the percentage of large felids with VR has not been previously reported. During a 5-yr study period (2008-2013), 28 healthy animals were evaluated under general anesthesia: 16 cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus soemmeringuii) with a mean age of 1.5±0.8 yr (range 0.7-3.5 yr), 5 Amur leopards (Panthera pardus orientalis), 1 snow leopard (Uncia uncia), and 6 clouded leopards (Neofelis nebulosa). For this study, all the leopards were gathered in one so-called "leopards group" with a mean age of 2.8±3.4 yr (range 0.3-10.7 yr). All valves observed in each view were examined for evidence of regurgitant jets and turbulent blood flow using the color-flow Doppler mode. Valves were also examined for structural changes. Mitral valve and aortic cusp abnormalities were considered to be of congenital origin. Mitral valve lesions led to mitral insufficiency in all the felids. Aortic cusp abnormalities led to aortic regurgitation in 94% of the cheetahs and 67% of the leopards. Leopards showed a predominance of early systolic mitral regurgitations, whereas all the mitral regurgitation jets in cheetahs were holosystolic. Tricuspid regurgitation was found in 81% of the cheetahs and in 50% of the leopards, whereas pulmonic regurgitation was detected in 44% of the cheetahs and 33% of the leopards. Interestingly, none of these tricuspid and pulmonic regurgitations were associated with two-dimensional structural valve abnormalities, thus suggesting their physiologic origin, as described in humans, cats, and dogs. In conclusion, subclinical valvular diseases are common in apparently healthy leopards and cheetahs. Longitudinal follow-up of affected animals is therefore required to assess their clinical outcome.


Forefoot deformation during stance: does the forefoot collapse during loading?
This study presents a specific description of forefoot deformation during the stance phase of normal human walking based on the combined analysis of pressure and three-dimensional optoelectronic measurements. Forefoot deformation is measured in forty healthy subjects using (1) a six-camera motion capture system (sampled at 250 Hz) tracking five reflective skin markers attached to the forefoot, (2) a pressure platform (sampled at 500 Hz) and (3) a forceplate (sampled at 1250 Hz). Forefoot deformation is characterized by the forefoot width, the mediolateral metatarsal arch height and the plantar pressure under the metatarsal heads. Using this setup, a typical pattern of forefoot motion is described during stance phase: From a flexible, compliant configuration at the beginning of stance phase, characterized by a decrease in mediolateral metatarsal arch height and a controlled increase in forefoot width, the forefoot turns into a stable configuration during midstance. Subsequently, the increase in mediolateral arch height and the decrease in forefoot width describe the transformation into a tight configuration during final stance. This transfer from a compliant into a rigid configuration through stance phase rejects the idea of the forefoot as a collapsing structure under increased loading.


Ultrasonographic measurement of flow-mediated vasodilation in dogs with chronic valvular disease.
To measure flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) in healthy dogs and in client-owned dogs with chronic valvular disease (CVD) and to investigate possible correlations between markers of CVD severity and FMD. Twelve dogs with CVD and 11 healthy weight-matched dogs. Brachial artery FMD following 5 min inflation of a cuff around the antebrachium was measured in 12 dogs with CVD and 11 healthy weight-matched dogs. Measurements were also obtained in the healthy dogs 5 min after cuff placement but without inflation ('sham cuff placement'). Dogs with CVD underwent echocardiography to confirm and characterize their disease. In healthy dogs (median age 4 [2-6] years), median FMD was 7.7% versus 3.4% with sham cuff placement (P = 0.003). In dogs with CVD (median age 8 [4-16] years) median FMD was 5.5% versus 7.7% in healthy dogs (P = 0.131). FMD showed an inverse correlation with left ventricular end-diastolic diameter normalized for body weight (r = -0.76, P = 0.0043). Brachial FMD in dogs with early CVD inversely correlates with severity of left ventricular remodelling.


Hedgehog signaling is a potential therapeutic target for vascular calcification.
Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) suffered from vascular calcification (VC), one major contributor for their increased mortality rate. Hedgehog (Hh) signaling plays a crucial role in physiological bone mineralization and is associated with several cardiovascular diseases. However, the molecular changes underlying VC is ill defined and it remains unclear whether Hh signaling intervention affects VC. We constructed human primary vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) calcification model and performed RNA sequencing. Alizarin red staining and calcium content assay were conducted to identify the occurrence of VC. Three different R packages were applied to determine differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis were carried out to explore the biological roles of DEGs. qRT-PCR assay was then applied to validate the expression of key genes. By using Connectivity Map (CMAP) analysis, several small molecular drugs targeting these key genes were obtained, including SAG (Hedgehog signaling activator) and cyclopamine (CPN) (Hedgehog signaling inhibitor), which were subsequently used to treat VSMC. Obvious Alizarin red staining and increased calcium content identified the occurrence of VC. By integrating results from three R packages, we totally obtained 166 DEGs (86 up-regulated and 80 down-regulated), which were significantly enriched in ossification, osteoblast differentiation, and Hh signaling. PPI network analysis identified 10 key genes and CMAP analysis predicted several small molecular drugs targeting these key genes including chlorphenamine, isoeugenol, CPN and phenazopyridine. Notably, our in vitro experiment showed that SAG markedly alleviated VSMC calcification, whereas CPN significantly exacerbated VC. Our research provided deeper insight to the pathogenesis of VC and indicated that targeting Hh signaling pathway may represent a potential and effective therapy for VC.


Phactr1 negatively regulates bone mass by inhibiting osteogenesis and promoting adipogenesis of BMSCs via RhoA/ROCK2.
The imbalance between osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) is involved in the occurrence and development of osteoporosis (OP). Previous studies have indicated the potential of phosphatase and actin regulator 1 (Phactr1) in regulating osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of BMSCs. The present study aims to investigate the function and mechanism of Phactr1 in regulating osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of BMSCs. Herein, the expression of Phactr1 in bone and adipose tissue of OP rats was determined by immunohistochemical. BMSCs were subjected to osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation, and transfected with Phactr1 overexpression lentivirus, small interference RNA (siRNA) and KD025 (selective ROCK2 inhibitor). The relationship between Phactr1 and ROCK2 was detected by Co-IP experiment. The expression of Phactr1, Runx2, C/EBPα, RhoA and ROCK2 was detected by Western blot. Calcium nodule and lipid droplets were determined by alizarin red and Oil red O staining. Interestingly, Phactr1 increased in both bone and adipose tissue of OP rats. During osteogenic differentiation, Phactr1 decreased and active RhoA, ROCK2 increased, while overexpression Phactr1 inhibits the increase of Runx2. Phactr1 increased and active RhoA decreased, ROCK2 did not changed during adipogenic differentiation. While, Knockdown Phactr1 inhibits the increase of C/EBPα. Phactr1 and ROCK2 were combined in osteogenic differentiation, but not in adipogenic differentiation. By using KD025, the decrease of Phactr1 and increase of Runx2 were inhibited respectively in osteogenic differentiation. Meanwhile, when ROCK2 was inhibited, Phactr1, C/EBPα were significantly increased in adipogenic differentiation. These findings indicated that Phactr1 negatively regulates bone mass by inhibiting osteogenesis and promoting adipogenesis of BMSCs by activating RhoA/ROCK2.


Growth characteristics of influenza virus type C in avian hosts. Brief report.
Influenza virus type C could be propagated to high yield in primary chick embryo kidney cell culture (PCEK) provided that trypsin (2 microgram/ml) was used as a medium supplement. The virus could also be titrated by plaque assay using PCEK host cells and influenza C virus that had been plaque-purified in PCEK cells could then be serially passaged to high titer using the allantoic route of 10--11-day-old embryonated eggs.


Intellectual development and academic achievement of children treated early for phenylketonuria.
Twenty early-treated children with classical phenylketonuria (PKU), five early-treated children with variant PKU and seven untreated children with hyperphenylalinemia were compared with non-PKU family members in terms of intellectual development, and 14 school-age PKU children were also compared for academic achievement. For the early-treated children with classical PKU, mean IQ (98) was within the normal range, but nine of these 20 children had IQ scores more than 1SD below those of family members. There was a significant negative correlation between phenylalanine concentrations at one to four years of age and later measured intelligence in these early-treated children, but this was probably a consequence of poor dietary control in the early years. The early-treated children with variant PKU and those with hyperphenylalaninemia had IQ scores consistent with those of unaffected family members, but untreated children with variant PKU had scores significantly lower than their own early-treated siblings. Achievement scores of the early-treated PKU children were consistent with their intellectual ability: they and their non-PKU siblings had similar standard scores for reading and spelling, but arithmetic scores were significantly lower for the PKU children. Early-treated children whose diet had been discontinued had achievement scores in all subjects below those predicted from their IQS.


Conformational Dynamics Underlies Different Functions of Human KDM7 Histone Demethylases.
The human KDM7 subfamily histone H3 Nϵ-methyl lysine demethylases PHF8 (KDM7B) and KIAA1718 (KDM7A) have different substrate selectivities and are linked to genetic diseases and cancer. We describe experimentally based computational studies revealing that flexibility of the region linking the PHD finger and JmjC domains in PHF8 and KIAA1718 regulates interdomain interactions, the nature of correlated motions, and ultimately H3 binding and demethylation site selectivity. F279S an X-linked mental retardation mutation in PHF8 is involved in correlated motions with the iron ligands and second sphere residues. The calculations reveal key roles of a flexible protein environment in productive formation of enzyme-substrate complexes and suggest targeting the flexible KDM7 linker region is of interest from a medicinal chemistry perspective.


Development of 2D graphene oxide sheets-based voltammetric sensor for electrochemical sensing of fungicide, carbendazim.
Incorporating new pollutants and environmental pollution has become a formidable issue as new pollutants are introduced into it and have become a significant concern in recent years. Detection of such pollutants needs a susceptible, selective, and cost-effective sensor that can sense their presence and quantify them at a trace level. In the present study, we have designed a 2D graphene oxide (GO)-based glassy carbon electrode (GCE) electrochemical sensor (GO/GCE) and utilized it as a sensing material for the detection and determination of CRZ. The voltammetric behavior of CRZ was studied using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and square wave voltammetry (SWV) techniques. The SWV was applied to quantify and analyze CRZ in actual samples. A better response of CRZ was noticed at GO/GCE when phosphate buffer solution of pH 4.2 was used as a supporting electrolyte for to experiment. The SWV technique achieved trace-level detection of CRZ. A linearity plot was obtained for the concentration range of 1.0 × 10-7 M to 2.5 × 10-4 M with a limit of detection of 1.38 × 10-8 M. The selectivity of the modified sensor was verified by the interference study of metal ions and other pesticides with CRZ. The agricultural and environmental significance of the developed method was successfully tested by estimating CRZ in water and soil samples.


Centre of pressure golf swing movement strategies are better defined using a continuous approach than by segregated styles.
The relationships between movement style and golf performance have been well researched, but the premise of segregated movement styles has not been fully examined. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the postulation that centre of pressure data are not best described by segregated styles but instead by a continuum and to determine relationships between centre of pressure, handicap and clubhead speed using a continuous approach. Centre of pressure paths of driver and 5-iron shots from 104 amateur golfers were analysed using discrete and continuous methods. Discrete methods used different cluster evaluation criteria which result in two-cluster and twenty-cluster solutions being considered "optimum". The two-cluster solution showed the characteristics of "front-foot" and "reverse" centre of pressure styles. However, a continuous principal component analysis method revealed that the clusters were not well separated and provided support for a multidimensional continuum. The principal components had a high correlation with handicap and clubhead speed. Lower handicap and higher swing speed golfers tended to display a centre of pressure with a "front-foot" style and a fast transition towards the front foot at the start of the downswing. A continuous characterisation of centre of pressure styles has more utility than the segregated styles previously described.


Trunk Kinematics of Experienced Riders and Novice Riders During Rising Trot on a Riding Simulator.
Asymmetry of horses and humans is widely acknowledged, but the influence of one upon the other during horse riding is poorly understood. Riding simulators are popular for education of beginners and analysis of rider biomechanics. This study compares trunk kinematics and saddle forces of 10 experienced riders (ER) and 10 novice riders (NR) performing rising trot on a simulator. Markers were placed on the 4th lumbar (L4) and 7th cervical (C7) spinous processes, and both acromion processes. Displacements in three axes of motion were tracked using 10 high-speed video cameras sampling at 240 Hz. Displacement trajectories at L4 and C7 were similar between both groups, displaying an asymmetrical butterfly pattern in the frontal plane, which reversed when changing diagonal. Comparison between groups, NR displayed greater vertical displacement and higher saddle impact forces at L4 (P = .034), greater amplitude of medio-lateral displacement on the right diagonal between C7 and L4, and on the right diagonal while seated they rotated left (acromion processes) while the ER rotated right. Within group comparison demonstrated that on the right diagonal both groups produced significantly greater medio-lateral displacement at L4, and NR displayed significantly greater medio-lateral displacement between C7 and L4. On the left diagonal NR produced significantly greater vertical displacement and higher saddle impact forces. The findings of this study suggest that ER were more stable, symmetrical, and had lower impact force on the saddle. These issues could be addressed in beginners using a simulator to avoid unnecessary stresses on horses.


Two differentially methylated region networks in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, viral hepatitis, and hepatocellular carcinoma.
We previously reported that two differentially methylated region (DMR) networks identified by DMR and co-methylation analyses are strongly correlated with the fibrosis stages of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In the current study, we examined these DMR networks in viral hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We performed co-methylation analysis of DMRs using a normal dataset (GSE48325), two NAFLD datasets (JGAS000059 and GSE31803), and two HCC datasets (GSE89852 and GSE56588). The dataset GSE60753 was used for validation. One DMR network was clearly observed in viral hepatitis and two HCC populations. Methylation levels of genes in this network were higher in viral hepatitis and cirrhosis, and lower in HCC. Fatty acid binding protein 1 (FABP1), serum/glucocorticoid regulated kinase 2 (SGK2), and hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 α (HNF4A) were potential hub genes in this network. Increased methylation levels of the FABP1 gene may be correlated with reduced protection of hepatocytes from oxidative metabolites in NAFLD and viral hepatitis. The decreased methylation levels of SGK2 may facilitate the growth and proliferation of HCC cells. Decreased methylation levels of HNF4A in HCC may be associated with tumorigenesis. The other DMR network was observed in NAFLD, but not in viral hepatitis or HCC. This second network included genes involved in transcriptional regulation, cytoskeleton organization, and cellular proliferation, which are specifically related to fibrosis and/or tumorigenesis in NAFLD. Our results suggest that one DMR network was associated with fibrosis and tumorigenesis in both NAFLD and viral hepatitis, while the other network was specifically associated with NAFLD progression. Furthermore, FABP1, SGK2, and HNF4A are potential candidate targets for the prevention and treatment of HCC.


Conservative treatment of a pathologic fracture of the scaphoid bone in a child: A case report.
Tumors of the scaphoid are rare, and some can cause pathological fractures. No cases of pathological fractures of the scaphoid have been reported in children. The most common treatment for pathologic fractures of the scaphoid bone associated with a benign lesion in adults is surgical, with intralesional curettage associated with autologous bone grafting and internal fixation. A 10-year-old boy presented with wrist pain after falling from his height. X-ray, CT-scan and MRI showed a pathological undisplaced fracture of the scaphoid on a benign lytic lesion. The arm was immobilized in a below-elbow cast. The fracture healed within 4 months of immobilization. 3 years after the fracture, the functional status was normal, and the lytic lesion could not be seen on radiographs. Retrospectively, the most probable etiology was a ganglion cyst. Our case suggests that some pathological fractures of the scaphoid may not need surgery, especially not in children.


Serum glucose concentration as a modulator of interdigestive gastric motility.
The objective of this study was to examine the effect of serum glucose concentration on interdigestive gastrointestinal motility and plasma motilin levels in humans. Motility studies were performed for a 3-h baseline period and a 3-h test period during which serum glucose levels were maintained with a glucose clamp at 250, 175, 140, or 120 mg/dl. During the basal recording, three phases of the interdigestive migrating motor complex (MMC) were easily recognizable, with a mean cycle duration of 97 +/- 12 min. Plasma motilin levels fluctuated in phase with the MMC. Gastric contractions were nearly absent at a serum glucose level of 250 mg/dl and markedly reduced at 175 and 140 mg/dl. Gastric phase III activity was inhibited during these infusions. Gastric contractions and phase III activity were not affected by glucose infusion at 120 mg/dl. In contrast, the frequency of duodenal phase III activity was unchanged at all levels of glucose infusion. Mean motilin levels were significantly reduced during glucose infusion at 250 and 175 mg/dl (p less than 0.05), but not at 140 and 120 mg/dl. We conclude that hyperglycemia inhibits the occurrence of the MMC in the stomach and suppresses plasma motilin levels. The differential sensitivity of motility and motilin concentration to different degrees of hyperglycemia suggests that hyperglycemia can inhibit antral motility independent of plasma motilin. In contrast, the duodenal MMC appears to be insensitive to hyperglycemia. This suggests that the antral and duodenal MMCs are mediated by different mechanisms. Our observations indicate the importance of serum glucose in regulating gastric motility.


In vitro antibacterial effects of the dentin primer of Clearfil Protect Bond.
This study aimed to investigate the antibacterial effects of the dentin primer of a commercially available self-etching adhesive system, Clearfil Protect Bond, which contains antibacterial monomer 12-methacryloyloxydodecylpyridinium bromide (MDPB). Inhibitory effects against Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus casei, or Actinomyces naeslundii were examined by an agar-disc diffusion method using the Clearfil Protect Bond primer containing 5% MDPB and an acidic adhesion-promoting monomer MDP, the primer only with MDP, and the primer with 1% cetylpyridinium chloride. The minimum inhibitory/bactericidal concentrations (MIC/MBC) of each primer for the three bacterial species were determined by serial microdilution assays. For testing the bactericidal effects seen in dentin, the primer was applied to demineralized dentin blocks in which S. mutans had been impregnated, and numbers of viable bacteria were counted. For all three bacteria, the sizes of the inhibition zones produced by Clearfil Protect Bond primer were significantly greater than for the other primers (p<0.05, ANOVA and Scheffe's F-test). The MIC/MBC values of Clearfil Protect Bond primer were less than those of the primer without MDPB, and comparable to those of the primer containing cetylpyridinium chloride. No bacterial recovery was obtained after application of Clearfil Protect Bond primer to the bacteria-impregnated dentin, although the primer without MDPB showed some bactericidal effect. Clearfil Protect Bond primer has strong antibacterial activity based upon MDPB against S. mutans, L. casei and A. naeslundii, and the capability to disinfect cavities containing residual bacteria.


Preparative two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of rat liver ribosomal proteins and determination of their amino acid compositions.
1. By enlarging the dimensions of the gels used in the usual analytical two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis it is possible to separate much larger amounts of ribosomal protein in comparison to analytical separations. 15 mg of protein mixture of small or large subunits of rat liver ribosomes can be separated by this procedure. 2. The positions of the proteins in the two-dimensional patterns are identified with a special staining procedure. The proteins are eluted from the gels with SDS/phosphate buffers. 3. The purity of the extracted proteins was tested by one-dimensional SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and two-dimensional electrophoresis, respectively. 24 proteins of the small and 24 proteins of the large ribosomal subunit were isolated in pure form. 4. The amino acid compositions of 24 proteins of the small and of 19 proteins of the large subunit were determined.


Polymorphism of human C2 detected by immunoblotting.
To allotype human complement component C2, thin layer agarose gel isoelectric focusing of human serum and/or EDTA-plasma was performed followed by direct immunofixation or by immunoblotting with a specific anti-human-C2 antibody. Using reference samples for C2 BC phenotypes and local samples from an HLA, C4, and Bf genotyped family, a differentiation of the C2*B and C2*C variants segregating with the respective HLA haplotype was achieved. The C2 BC phenotype is characterized by a double banding pattern similar to that observed in the haemolytic overlay assay usually used for the detection of C2 polymorphism. An homozygous C2*Q0 reference sample determined by functional assays was shown to be biochemically deficient, as demonstrated by immunofixation and immunoblotting. The visual interpretation of C2 phenotypes was definitely easier after immunofixation and immunoblotting than after an haemolytic overlay assay. In addition, the method for C2 allotyping described here has several advantages, in particular it saves time and tolerates repeated thawing and freezing of the samples.


[Study on selection of the EMC test system of medical electrical equipment].
The article introduces the EMC tests involved in YY0505-2005 (standard of Medical electrical equipment about EMC), and the requirements of test equipment meet the standard and practical tests. I hope it can be useful for select the EMC test system of Medical electrical equipment.


Tumor outgrowth in peripheral blood mononuclear cell-injected SCID mice is not associated with early Epstein-Barr virus reactivation.
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-positive B-cell lymphoproliferative disease develops in severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice inoculated with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from EBV(+) individuals (SCID/hu mice). In this study, we investigated the contribution of EBV reactivation and de novo infection of B lymphocytes to tumor outgrowth in SCID/hu mice. Evaluation of BZLF-1, an early EBV activation transcript, in cells recovered from the mouse peritoneal cavity within 16 days following PBMC transfer did not reveal EBV reactivation, while BZLF-1 expression was only detected in tumor masses or in vitro established lymphoblastoid cell lines. To confirm these data by a different strategy, we coinjected PBMC from seropositive donors with purified B cells from seronegative donors of different sex. Fluorescence in situ hydridization analysis of the resulting tumor masses disclosed that the overwhelming majority of lymphoma cells originated from the seropositive donor, implying that no substantial in vivo production and transmission of virus had occurred. Further, treatment of SCID/hu mice with ganciclovir did not prevent lymphoma development. Our results suggest that in the SCID/hu mouse, early EBV replication and secondary infection of bystander B cells does not occur, and that the direct outgrowth of the transformed B lymphocytes present within the PBMC inoculum is the predominant mechanism, which leads to lymphoma generation in this experimental model.


Damage control orthopaedics in severe polytrauma with femur fracture.
To evaluate the rate of systemic complications and mortality in severe polytrauma patients with associated femur fracture treated by early external fixation of femur. We made a retrospective cohort study with forty-one adult multitrauma patients (New Injury Severity Score ≥ 19) with femur fracture treated by external fixation following Damage Control Orthopaedic surgery. The mortality rates, TRISS analysis, incidence of ARDS and MOF were analysed. The mean NISS was 41.2 and the mean age 32.7. 50% of patients were in shock on admission. All patients were treated in the first 12 hours with external fixation. 30% of patients developed ARDS and six patients had MOF. Five patients treated by external fixation died. Difference between predicted mortality by TRISS and actual mortality showed a reduction of 15.9% (0.71 predicted survival versus 0.88 real survival). An aggressive and early Damage Control approach to treat femur fractures in severe polytrauma patients led to low mortality rate comparing to the predicted mortality by TRISS.


Determination of trace elements in whole blood by photon-induced X-ray fluorescence.
Photon-induced X-ray fluorescence is used to determine elements in human whole blood samples. The method is reliable and has a good sensitivity for a wide range of elements. The simplicity of the technique and the associated instruments makes the method suitable for use in hospitals.


Characterization of ribonuclease P from the archaebacterium Sulfolobus solfataricus.
Ribonuclease P is the endonuclease that removes the leader fragments from the 5'-ends of precursor tRNAs. The enzyme isolated from eubacteria contains a catalytic RNA subunit. RNAs also copurify with eukaryotic RNase P, although catalysis by those RNAs has not been demonstrated. This paper reports the isolation and characterization of ribonuclease P from the thermoacidophilic archaebacterium Sulfolobus solfataricus. Archaebacteria are a primary evolutionary lineage, distinct from both eukaryotes and eubacteria. Ribonuclease P of S. solfataricus has reaction component requirements and a Km for substrate tRNA (2.5 X 10(-7) M) that are roughly similar to those reported for eubacterial and eukaryotic ribonuclease P. The temperature optimum for the reaction is 77 degrees C, reflecting the thermophilic character of the organism. The enzyme activity is not affected by treatment with micrococcal nuclease, suggesting that there is no RNA subunit or that it is protected from nuclease action. The density of the enzyme in cesium sulfate equilibrium density gradients is 1.27 g/ml, which is similar to that of protein. However, several RNAs between 200 and 400 nucleotides in size copurify with the enzyme activity on the density gradients, and one of them remains after micrococcal nuclease treatment. These properties of the S. solfataricus enzyme are compared with those of ribonuclease P from eukaryotes and eubacteria.


Antisynthethase syndrome presenting as peripheral limb fasciitis.
Inflammatory myopathy is a major clinical manifestation of the antisynthetase syndrome. Patients with anti Jo-1 antibodies can also present with other clinical manifestations as arthritis, mechanic's hands and lung fibrosis. As in dermatomyositis, polymyositis and overlap myopathies proximal muscle of the limbs are preferentialy involved. Associated fascia edema on magnetic resonance imagery studies with histological proven fasciitis has been reported. However peripheral limb involvement, reported here in two patients, as the isolated initial manifestation is unusual.


Colorectal cancer in the Ukraine: analysis and statistical data.
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cause of death due to malignancy in the Ukraine (21.7 per 100,000 in 1992). Only lung cancer (43.6) and stomach cancer (30.6) occur more frequently. Mortality is high; 47.9% and 38% of patients dying from colon and rectal cancer, respectively, within 1 year. The majority of patients present with advanced disease; 71.5% of patients with colon cancer and 60.1% of patients with rectal cancer have stage 3 or 4. Only 20.4% of patients with colon cancer and 29.4% with rectal cancer are suitable for radical surgery. The range of operative procedures performed reflects the stage of disease. Improvement in operability and survival figures in the Ukraine will result from improved facilities, increased public awareness of colorectal disease, introduction of screening programmes and closer links forged between the Ukraine and other European centres.


The influence of physical activity on the response of bone mineral density to 5 years tibolone.
Menopausal hormone replacement therapy (HRT) maintains bone mineral density (BMD) and reduces risk of fracture in postmenopausal women. It has been suggested that sex steroids and loading may have synergistic effects on bone. We therefore investigated whether habitual physical activity influences the response of BMD to tibolone in postmenopausal women. The subjects were 42 postmenopausal women aged mean (SE) 65.8+/-6.2 year who had taken tibolone for prevention/ treatment of osteoporosis over 5 years. Bone mineral density was measured annually by dual X-ray absorptiometry and physical activity was assessed using accelerometers after 5 years therapy. Twenty-six women were classified as having low physical activity (LPA; <15 min day(-1)) and sixteen as high physical activity (HPA; >15 min day(-1)). Spine BMD did not differ significantly between groups at baseline and increased significantly by 2 years of treatment with further increase to 5 years. The magnitude of increase did not differ between groups. Hip BMD at baseline was 7.3% higher in HPA women (P=0.07). Hip BMD increased over 2 years tibolone treatment in LPA women (+5.6%, P<0.01) whilst no significant change occurred in the HPA group (-0.5%). This difference in response between groups was statistically significant (P=0.002) and persisted after adjustment for age and body mass (P=0.002). Hip BMD was maintained in both groups over the subsequent 3 years of treatment. Spine BMD increased significantly in response to tibolone irrespective of physical activity participation. The more physically active women had higher hip BMD at baseline but the response to tibolone was greater in the less physically active women. The difference in response between groups may be due to physically active women having lower resorption at the hip and hence reduced response to anti-resorptive effects of HRT.


4-hydroxynonenal contributes to macrophage foam cell formation through increased expression of class A scavenger receptor at the level of translation.
4-Hydroxynonenal (HNE) is known to be atherogenic, but its mechanism of action in atherogenesis is not clear. Therefore, this study investigated the role of HNE in macrophage foam cell formation and the underlying mechanism involved in HNE-induced expression of scavenger receptors (SRs). In the aortic sinus of ApoE-deficient mice fed a high-fat diet, multiple plaque lesions were accompanied by increased accumulation of HNE adducts in the enhanced Mac-2 stained area. In an in vitro study, HNE exposure to J774A.1 macrophages led to increased expression of class A SR (SR-A) and CD36 at the protein level with a concomitant increase in endocytic uptake of oxLDL. In contrast to CD36 protein expression, which was associated with an increase in mRNA expression, the HNE-enhanced SR-A protein expression was neither accompanied by its mRNA expression nor affected by actinomycin D. HNE enhanced the incorporation rates of (35)S-Met/Cys into SR-A, and HNE-induced SR-A protein expression was effectively attenuated by translation inhibitors such as cycloheximide and rapamycin. Taken together, these data suggest that HNE contributes to macrophage foam cell formation through increased synthesis of SR-A at the level of mRNA translation, consequently leading to the progression of atherosclerosis.


Applying archaeology to fire investigation techniques: A review.
Archaeology and Fire Investigation do not appear to have much in common on the surface. Scratch beneath however, and the similarities begin to reveal themselves. Both disciplines require the investigation of physical remains by employing an analytical approach in order to reconstruct sequences of events. Before recovery employing an archaeological stratigraphic recording method at fire scenes, provides the opportunity for a sequential recording of both debris layers, recording objects and their relationship to the immediate environment. This approach is particularly pertinent in Fire Investigation, as the recovery of evidence can lead to destruction in cases of fragile evidence and remains.


Multivariate analysis of activated sludge community in full-scale wastewater treatment plants.
We investigated changes in protozoa and metazoa community in relation to process parameters in activated sludge from four wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) throughout the period of 1 year. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that activated sludge from investigated treatment plants had different dominating species representatives and community composition mainly depends on individual features of the treatment plants. Redundancy analysis (RDA) showed that the temperature in bioreactors was the most relevant factor explaining changes in the microorganism community, whereas reduction rate of chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD5), suspended solids (SS), and total nitrogen (TN) did not sufficiently explain the variation in protozoa and metazoan community composition. The results indicate that in stable working WWTP it is difficult to find a pronounced link between activated sludge species composition, process parameters, and plant configuration. Applied multivariate analysis can be a valuable tool for the exploration of the relations between community composition and WWTP process parameters.


Expression of an inhibitor of apoptosis, survivin, in oral carcinogenesis.
A novel inhibitor of apoptosis, survivin, plays a role in oncogenesis. To determine the potential involvement of survivin in oral carcinogenesis, we investigated the distribution of survivin protein expression in oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) and oral pre-malignant lesions. The mRNA expression level and methylation status of the gene also were evaluated in OSCCs and OSCC-derived cell lines. In immunohistochemistry, 58% of tumors and 37% of pre-malignant lesions examined were positive for survivin, while no immunoreaction was observed in corresponding normal tissues. The reverse-transcription/polymerase chain-reaction revealed similar changes in survivin gene expression levels. Furthermore, of the 9 normal oral tissues with no survivin gene expression, 4 showed methylation of the gene, while no methylation was detected in the corresponding tumorous tissues. The results suggest that survivin plays an important role during oral carcinogenesis, and that the gene expression may be regulated by an epigenetic mechanism.


Addressing Driving in Acute Care: Perceived Relevance and Competence.
Recent legislation has expanded the responsibilities of occupational therapists regarding fitness to drive in the Canadian province of Ontario. To date, little is known about the practice of acute care occupational therapy with addressing driving, or how such responsibilities have affected clinical practice. The objective of this study was to understand the relevance of driving-related knowledge areas to acute care occupational therapists and examine their self-reported competency for these areas. Anonymous online surveys were administered to 41 occupational therapists working in acute care hospitals in Ontario. Therapists reported many driving-related knowledge areas are relevant to acute care practice yet consistently reported lower levels of competence for addressing such areas. Findings support the need for further competency development regarding driving-related practice in acute care. Occupational therapy curriculum and continuing education initiatives are avenues for capacity-building. Future research to identify effective competency development strategies is warranted.


High-throughput compound evaluation on 3D networks of neurons and glia in a microfluidic platform.
With great advances in the field of in vitro brain modelling, the challenge is now to implement these technologies for development and evaluation of new drug candidates. Here we demonstrate a method for culturing three-dimensional networks of spontaneously active neurons and supporting glial cells in a microfluidic platform. The high-throughput nature of the platform in combination with its compatibility with all standard laboratory equipment allows for parallel evaluation of compound effects.


Dimethadione embryotoxicity in the rat is neither correlated with maternal systemic drug concentrations nor embryonic tissue levels.
Pregnant rats treated with dimethadione (DMO), the N-demethylated metabolite of the anticonvulsant trimethadione, produce offspring having a 74% incidence of congenital heart defects (CHD); however, the incidence of CHD has high inter-litter variability (40-100%) that presents a challenge when studying the initiating events prior to the presentation of an abnormal phenotype. We hypothesized that the variability in CHD incidence was the result of differences in maternal systemic concentrations or embryonic tissue concentrations of DMO. To test this hypothesis, dams were administered 300 mg/kg DMO every 12h from the evening of gestational day (GD) 8 until the morning of GD 11 (six total doses). Maternal serum levels of DMO were assessed on GD 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 18 and 21. Embryonic tissue concentrations of DMO were assessed on GD 11, 12, 13 and 14. In a separate cohort of GD 12 embryos, DMO concentrations and parameters of growth and development were assessed to determine if tissue levels of DMO were correlated with these endpoints. Embryos were exposed directly to different concentrations of DMO with whole embryo culture (WEC) and their growth and development assessed. Key findings were that neither maternal systemic concentrations nor tissue concentrations of DMO identified embryos that were sensitive or resistant to DMO in vivo. Direct exposure of embryos to DMO via WEC also failed to show correlations between embryonic concentrations of DMO with developmental outcomes in vitro. We conclude that neither maternal serum nor embryonic tissue concentrations of DMO predict embryonic outcome.


Incidence of surgical site infection after craniotomy: comparison between three months and twelve months of epidemiological surveillance.
To determine the incidence of surgical site infection in patients undergoing craniotomy and to compare 12-month and 3-month post-discharge surveillance periods in terms of their impact on the incidence of surgical site infection in those patients. This was a retrospective cohort study involving 173 adult patients submitted to "clean" craniotomy, with or without implants, during the six-month period, at a university hospital in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. All the patients were evaluated in the pre-, trans- and postoperative periods and were followed for 12 months to analyze the development of surgical site infections. Of the 173 patients undergoing craniotomy during the study period, 20 developed an surgical site infection during the first, and 12 months after discharge, the overall incidence of surgical site infection therefore being 11.56%, compared with a 1-month incidence of 8.67% and a 3-month incidence of 10.98%. Among the 106 patients who received implants, the 1-, 3-, and 12-month incidence of surgical site infection was 7.54% (n = 8), 8.49% (n = 9), and 9.43% (n = 10), respectively. Among the 67 patients who did not receive implants, the 1-, 3-, and 12-month incidence of surgical site infection was 10.44% (n = 7), 14.92% (n = 10), and 14.92% (n = 10), respectively. The incidence of surgical site infection after craniotomy is high. Reducing the duration of the post-discharge surveillance period from 12 months to 3 months did not cause significant losses in the numbers of surgical site infection identified or a substantial decrease in their incidence.


Flashbacks after traumatic hand injuries: prognostic indicators.
Flashbacks of a traumatic hand injury may compromise a patient's rehabilitation process. This study examined the nature and significance of these flashbacks in a work-injured population. We also evaluated the ability of these patients to return to work at the site of the original injury. Sixty-one patients with work-related, traumatic hand injuries received psychological evaluation and treatment. All patients experienced flashbacks. The following three types of flashbacks were identified: (1) a replaying of the events occurring just before the accident and continuing until the injury (replay flashbacks), (2) an image of the injured hand just after the trauma occurred (appraisal flashbacks), and (3) images in which an injury that was more severe than the one that actually occurred were perceived (projected flashbacks). Regardless of the result of injury, patients with replay flashbacks were the most likely to return to their former employment (95.2%) after only 4.8 1-hour sessions of psychotherapy for control of symptoms. Patients with a combination of appraisal and projected flashbacks were the least likely to return to work (10.3%), despite the fact they received an average of 13.1 1-hour sessions of psychotherapy.


Lactic acidosis following heart transplantation: a common phenomenon?
Lactic acidosis (LAc) is a common form of metabolic acidosis early after heart transplantation (HTX). The mechanism remains unclear. This study analyzed 13 patients who developed severe LAc after HTX. From a series of 60 consecutive heart transplant patients, we identified 13 patients with LAc in the first hours following HTX. Nine patients with normal or mildly elevated lactate levels (<5.0 mmol/l) were investigated as controls. Thirteen patients developed a moderate or severe LAc (up to 14.6 mmol/l) after HTX. Serum lactate levels increased immediately following surgery with a peak after 6.3+/-1.4 h, spontaneously returning to normal values within 24 h. In contrast to the control group, a significant correlation was found between the maximal serum lactate level and the maximal dosage of inotropic drugs (r=0.93, P<0.02), administered during the reperfusion phase and continued for 12-24 h postoperatively. No correlation was found between LAc and blood gas analysis during extracorporeal perfusion period. LAc can occur after HTX and seems to be related to the inotropic support of the graft. In contrast to other forms, LAc after HTX has an excellent prognosis and resolves rapidly and spontaneously without treatment. The fact that inotropic support during and immediately after cardiac transplantation can enhance preexisting severe peripheral metabolic cellular dysfunction remains hypothetical.


Electroconvulsive seizure inhibits the mTOR signaling pathway via AMPK in the rat frontal cortex.
Accumulating evidence indicates critical involvement of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in the treatment of depressive disorders, epilepsy, and neurodegenerative disorders through its signal transduction mechanisms related to protein translation, autophagy, and synaptic remodeling. Electroconvulsive seizure (ECS) treatment is a potent antidepressive, anti-convulsive, and neuroprotective therapeutic modality; however, its effects on mTOR signaling have not yet been clarified. The effect of ECS on the mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway was investigated in the rat frontal cortex. ECS or sham treatment was administered once per day for 10 days (E10X or sham), and compound C was administered through the intracerebroventricular cannula. Changes in mTORC1-associated signaling molecules and their interactions were analyzed. E10X reduced phosphorylation of mTOR downstream substrates, including p70S6K, S6, and 4E-BP1, and increased inhibitory phosphorylation of mTOR at Thr2446 compared to the sham group in the rat frontal cortex, indicating E10X-induced inhibition of mTORC1 activity. Akt and ERK1/2, upstream kinases that activate mTORC1, were not inhibited; however, AMPK, which can inhibit mTORC1, was activated. AMPK-responsive phosphorylation of Raptor at Ser792 and TSC2 at Ser1387 inhibiting mTORC1 was increased by E10X. Moreover, intrabrain inhibition of AMPK restored E10X-induced changes in the phosphorylation of S6, Raptor, and TSC2, indicating mediation of AMPK in E10X-induced mTOR inhibition. Repeated ECS treatments inhibit mTORC1 signaling by interactive crosstalk between mTOR and AMPK pathways, which could play important roles in the action of ECS via autophagy induction.


Depolymerization and decolorization of kraft lignin by bacterium Comamonas sp. B-9.
There is no commercial or industrial-scale process for the remediation of black liquor using microorganisms to date. One of the most important causes is that most microorganisms are not able to use lignin as their principal metabolic carbon or energy source. The bacterial strain Comamonas sp. B-9 has shown remarkable ability to degrade kraft lignin and decolorize black liquor using lignin as its principal metabolic carbon and energy source. This report looks at the depolymerization and decolorization of kraft lignin by Comamonas sp. B-9. The degradation, decolorization, and total carbon removal reached 45, 54, and 47.3%, respectively, after 7 days treatment. Comamonas sp. B-9 was capable of depolymerizing kraft lignin effectively as analyzed by gel permeation chromatography and decolorization via degrading benzene ring structures as shown using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis.


Understanding the Trends and Variability in Procedures Performed During Orthopedic Spine Surgery Fellowship Training: An Analysis of ACGME Case Log Data.
To understand trends and variability of procedures performed by orthopedic spine surgery fellows during training. Cross-sectional survey. Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) case logs. Fellows enrolled in ACGME-accredited "Orthopaedic Surgery of the Spine" fellowships from 2010 to 2015. The 2010 to 2015 ACGME fellowship case logs for "Orthopaedic Surgery of the Spine" were retrieved. Spine cases in case logs are grouped into the following categories: (1) Excision, (2) Osteotomy, (3) Fracture and/or Dislocation, (4) Decompression, (5) Anterior fusion/arthrodesis, (6) Posterior fusion, (7) Deformity surgery, (8) Exploration, (9) Instrumentation, and (10) other/uncategorized. The total number of spine cases logged by each fellow increased from 821 in 2010 to 1134 in 2015 (38.2% increase). The greatest increases were noted from fracture/dislocation cases (77.9%), followed by posterior fusions (62.2%), anterior fusions (43.6%), decompressions (36.3%), and instrumentation (29.5%). The average number of deformity cases decreased from 23 in 2010 to 19 in 2016 (18.6% decrease). The average number of adult-only cases increased from 770 in 2010 to 1100 in 2015 (42.8% increase), whereas the average number of pediatric-only cases declined from 51 in 2010 to 35 in 2015 (32.1% decrease). Based on case logs from 2015, the greatest variation in case volume between the 10th centile and 90th centile of fellows was noted for deformity cases, followed by decompressions and posterior fusions. Even though there has been a 38% increase in the overall number of spine cases performed by fellows during training, a large amount of variation in type of case exposure exists between fellowships. The findings of our study call for the establishment of minimal case volumes and/or uniformity of training spectrums across the nation to ensure appropriate surgical care is made accessible to all patients.


Nurse led telephone assessment of expanded disability status scale assessment in MS patients at high levels of disability.
In clinical trials drop out bias reduces the validity of results. This is a particular problem in long-term multiple sclerosis (MS) studies, particularly when patients become progressively disabled and have increasing difficulty attending assessment clinics. To assess the validity of nurse led telephone assessment of Expanded Disability Status Scale (TEDSS) in MS patients with EDSS scores >6.0. We performed a multi-centre, single blind trial to assess nurse derived TEDSS against physician face-to-face EDSS scores derived from neurological examination (FEDSS) in patients with clinically definite MS and EDSS >6.0. Ninety patients (n=15 primary progressive MS, n=74 secondary progressive MS, n=1 relapsing remitting MS) had a mean baseline FEDSS of 7.5. TEDSS correlated with FEDSS (r=0.76, p<0.0001) and kappa scores for perfect agreement, within 0.5 of an EDSS points, and within 1 EDSS point were 0.25, 0.86, and 1.0 respectively. Intra-class correlation between the scoring systems was 0.88, representing a high level of agreement. Nurse-led telephone assessment of EDSS gives good agreement with physician derived face-to-face EDSS in MS patients with higher disability scores. This may be a valuable tool to improve clinical follow-up in routine clinical practice and improve patient retention in long-term outcome studies.


Progression and incidence of myopia among schoolchildren in the post-COVID-19 pandemic period: a prospective cohort study in Shantou, China.
To determine the progression and incidence of myopia in Chinese schoolchildren in the post-COVID-19 pandemic period in Shantou, China. Prospective cohort study. Shantou Myopia Study, China. 1-year follow-up data were available for 621 881 schoolchildren (301 999 females). Data on spherical equivalent refraction (SER) were collected. The primary outcomes were myopia progression and incidence. Myopia progression is defined as a change of SER towards the negative direction in the follow-up visit. Incidence is defined as the proportion of schoolchildren who were not myopic but developed myopia in the follow-up study. Age, sex and SER at baseline were evaluated as associated factors for myopia burden, which were defined as the secondary outcomes. Mean progression of SER was -0.35±0.97 D for the population (ranging from -0.06 D at 18 years of age to -0.46 D at 11 years of age), with a rapid myopic progression for students at the age of 10-12 years (-0.50 D in girls and -0.44 D in boys). A myopic shift greater than -0.50 D/year occurred in 256 299 eyes (41.21%). Myopic progression in refraction was associated with the 10-12 years age groups (OR 1.42; 95% CI 1.39 to 1.45, p<0.001), female sex (OR 1.09; 95% CI 1.08 to 1.10, p<0.001) and higher refractive errors at baseline (OR>1.00, p<0.001). The annual incidence of myopia among schoolchildren was 24.85%, with an incidence of 26.69% in girls and 23.02% in boys. Our study revealed an annual myopia progression of -0.35 D and an incidence of 24.85% among schoolchildren in the post-COVID-19 pandemic period. Myopia progressed rapidly at 10-12 years of age, with -0.50 D in girls and -0.44 D in boys. The incidence was higher for children aged 10-11 years and for girls.


Magnetic Resonance Perfusion Changes of Arteriovenous Malformations Treated with Stereotactic Radiosurgery.
The latency period from stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) to obliteration of arteriovenous malformations (AVM) requires continuous imaging surveillance. Magnetic resonance (MR) perfusion is promising for noninvasive monitoring of AVMs after SRS. We studied longitudinal MR perfusion changes of brain AVMs treated with SRS. Consecutive patients treated for brain AVMs using SRS who had MR perfusion imaging studies performed before and at least once after SRS were studied. We estimated ipsilateral/contralateral brain hemisphere ratios of MR perfusion indexes, including regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV), in the AVM nidus, perinidal region, and remote anterior and posterior brain regions. Eleven patients (6 women; median age, 21 years) underwent SRS (median prescription dose, 18 Gy; range, 12-20 Gy) for brain AVMs (median Spetzler-Martin grade 2 and median volume 4.6 mL). Before the SRS, rCBV and rCBF ratios were significantly higher in the AVM nidus compared with other investigated brain regions (P < 0.001). Median time from SRS to the first and last post-SRS MR perfusion studies was 8 and 35 months, respectively. There was a statically significant decrease of rCBV (P = 0.043) and rCBF (P = 0.036) ratios in the AVM nidus, but not other brain regions, during post-SRS follow-up. There is a gradual decrease of rCBV and rCBF in the AVM nidus after SRS. MR perfusion imaging is promising for monitoring of hemodynamic changes of AVMs after SRS. Larger studies investigating clinical value of MR perfusion imaging for AVMs after SRS are warranted.


Mutation of miRNA target sequences during human evolution.
It has long-been hypothesized that changes in non-protein-coding genes and the regulatory sequences controlling expression could undergo positive selection. Here we identify 402 putative microRNA (miRNA) target sequences that have been mutated specifically in the human lineage and show that genes containing such deletions are more highly expressed than their mouse orthologs. Our findings indicate that some miRNA target mutations are fixed by positive selection and might have been involved in the evolution of human-specific traits.


Efficacy of two hydrogen peroxide vapour aerial decontamination systems for enhanced disinfection of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Clostridium difficile in single isolation rooms.
Hydrogen peroxide vapour (HPV) disinfection systems are being used to reduce patients' exposure to hospital pathogens in the environment. HPV whole-room aerial disinfection systems may vary in terms of operating concentration and mode of delivery. To assess the efficacy of two HPV systems (HPS1 and HPS2) for whole-room aerial disinfection of single isolation rooms (SIRs). Ten SIRs were selected for manual terminal disinfection after patient discharge. Test coupons seeded with biological indicator (BI) organisms [∼10(6) colony-forming units (cfu) of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or Klebsiella pneumoniae, or ∼10(5)cfu Clostridium difficile 027 spores] prepared in a soil challenge were placed at five locations per room. For each cycle, 22 high-frequency-touch surfaces in SIRs were sampled with contact plates (∼25cm(2)) before and after HPV decontamination, and BIs were assayed for the persistence of pathogens. Approximately 95% of 214 sites were contaminated with bacteria after manual terminal disinfection, with high numbers present on the SIR floor (238.0-352.5cfu), bed control panel (24.0-33.5cfu), and nurse call button (21.5-7.0cfu). Enhanced disinfection using HPV reduced surface contamination to low levels: HPS1 [0.25cfu, interquartile range (IQR) 0-1.13] and HPS2 (0.5cfu, IQR 0-2.0). Both systems demonstrated similar turnaround times (∼2-2.5h), and no differences were observed in the efficacy of the two systems against BIs (C. difficile ∼5.1log10 reduction; MRSA/K. pneumoniae ∼6.3log10 reduction). Despite different operating concentrations of hydrogen peroxide, MRSA persisted on 27% of coupons after HPV decontamination. Enhanced disinfection with HPV reduces surface contamination left by manual terminal cleaning, minimizing the risks of cross-contamination. The starting concentration and mode of delivery of hydrogen peroxide may not improve the efficacy of decontamination in practice, and therefore the choice of HPV system may be based upon other considerations such as cost, convenience and logistics.


Postnatal undernutrition: effect of epidermal growth factor on growth and function of the gastrointestinal tract in rats.
Rats were kept undernourished from birth to 24 days of age. At 17 days of age, the undernourished animals were divided into two groups and then injected with either saline or epidermal growth factor (EGF; 20 micrograms/kg) once a day for 7 days. They were killed 12-14 h after the last injection at which time the animals were 24 days old. During the experimental period the undernourished animals were prevented from weaning. A well-nourished group (weaned) which was injected with saline from 17 to 24 days of age, was also included. Undernutrition by itself significantly decreased body weight and the weight of the oxyntic gland area, antrum, and small intestine. This was also accompanied by a parallel reduction in DNA, RNA, and protein content in the oxyntic gland and small intestine. However, administration of EGF to undernourished rats resulted in a partial reversal of the situation. In undernourished rats, EGF caused significant enhancements in body weight as well as the weight of the gastrointestinal tissues and their protein and nucleic acid content when compared with the saline-treated undernourished controls. Furthermore, the magnitude of stimulation was found to be greater in the oxyntic gland than in the small intestine following EGF administration. The antral or serum gastrin levels were not affected by EGF. In both saline- and EGF-treated undernourished rats, lactase, sucrase, and alkaline phosphatase activities (expressed as total or specific activity) were found to be significantly higher than in the well-nourished animals.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


Cervical sarcomas: an analysis of incidence and outcome.
Cervical sarcomas are exceedingly rare neoplasms associated with a poor prognosis. The objective of this study was to examine the treatment and outcome of women with cervical sarcomas. A hospital-based tumor registry was searched to identify all patients with cervical sarcomas treated between 1986 and 2003. The medical records of all patients were reviewed. All pathologic specimens were reviewed by a single pathologist. Among 1583 with cervical malignancies, 8 cervical sarcomas were identified. All patients presented with vaginal bleeding. The lesions were clinically staged as IB1 (2), IB2 (4), IIIA (1), and IIIB (1). Five of the tumors were carcinosarcomas. Other histologies included sarcoma NOS (12.5%), leiomyosarcoma (12.5%), and endometrial stromal sarcoma (12.5%). Initial treatment included surgery in 5 patients, radiation in 2, and chemoradiation in 1. Six patients were treated with curative intent, 5 received adjuvant therapy. While both patients treated palliatively died from progressive disease, the other 6 patients remain alive after a mean follow-up of 2.5 years. Two patients have recurred. One patient underwent a thoracotomy for an isolated pulmonary metastasis and is alive with no evidence of disease. The second patient developed pulmonary metastases and is alive 8 months after recurrence. Cervical sarcomas are rare neoplasms. Most patients present with vaginal bleeding and a palpable cervical mass. While the optimal management of these tumors is uncertain, aggressive primary therapy can result in prolonged survival and cure.


Resistive polymer versus forced-air warming: comparable heat transfer and core rewarming rates in volunteers.
Mild perioperative hypothermia increases the risk of several severe complications. Perioperative patient warming to preserve normothermia has thus become routine, with forced-air warming being used most often. In previous studies, various resistive warming systems have shown mixed results in comparison with forced-air. Recently, a polymer-based resistive patient warming system has been developed. We compared the efficacy of a standard forced-air warming system with the resistive polymer system in volunteers. Eight healthy volunteers participated, each on two separate study days. Unanesthetized volunteers were cooled to a core temperature (tympanic membrane) of 34 degrees C by application of forced-air at 10 degrees C and a circulating-water mattress at 4 degrees C. Meperidine and buspirone were administered to prevent shivering. In a randomly designated order, volunteers were then rewarmed (until their core temperatures reached 36 degrees C) with one of the following active warming systems: (1) forced-air warming (Bair Hugger warming cover #300, blower #750, Arizant, Eden Prairie, MN); or (2) polymer fiber resistive warming (HotDog whole body blanket, HotDog standard controller, Augustine Biomedical, Eden Prairie, MN). The alternate system was used on the second study day. Metabolic heat production, cutaneous heat loss, and core temperature were measured. Metabolic heat production and cutaneous heat loss were similar with each system. After a 30-min delay, core temperature increased nearly linearly by 0.98 (95% confidence interval 0.91-1.04) degrees C/h with forced-air and by 0.92 (0.85-1.00) degrees C/h with resistive heating (P = 0.4). Heating efficacy and core rewarming rates were similar with full-body forced-air and full-body resistive polymer heating in healthy volunteers.


Ecosystem matters: fish consumption, mercury intake and exposure among fluvial lake fish-eaters.
Many studies use the number of fish meals as an estimate of Hg intake, although fish Hg concentrations, even within the same species, can greatly vary. Furthermore, most freshwater advisories only refer to local catch, while market fish advisories only focus on market fish, although both can contribute to Hg body burden. The present study, carried out in lakeside communities from 2 ecosystems in Quebec, Canada, sought to (i) estimate Hg intake from local freshwater sources, hunted waterfowl and market fish and seafood, and (ii) examine the relations between fish consumption, estimated Hg intake and biomarkers of exposure. A total of 238 adults (18-74 years), who had consumed local catch within the past three months, responded to an extensive interview-administered fish and waterfowl frequency questionnaire. Anthropometric measures were taken and a self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain socio-demographic information. Hg intake was estimated as microg Hg/kg body weight/day. Blood and hair samples were analyzed for Hg content. Results showed that persons from one ecosystem ate significantly more fish compared to those from the other (median: 52.1 g/day vs 38.9 g/day), but presented significantly lower concentrations of hair Hg (median: 448.0 ng/g vs 730.5 ng/g), blood organic Hg (median: 1.1 microg/L vs 3.4 microg/L) and inorganic Hg (median: 0.4 microg/L vs 0.8 microg/L). Median daily total Hg intake was 0.080 microg/kg bw/day for the former community and 0.141 microg/kg bw/day for the latter. Overall, 59.5% from the first ecosystem and 41.0% from the other, exceeded the US EPA RfD (0.1 microg/kg bw/day), while 13.2% and 6.0%, respectively, exceeded the Canadian tolerable daily intake (0.47 microg/kg bw/day) for adults. For the two groups, freshwater fish consumption frequency, but not total fish, was positively associated with bioindicators of Hg while estimated Hg intake from freshwater catch as well as from total fish consumption were positively related to Hg biomarkers. There was a positive relation between consumption and estimated Hg intake from freshwater fish and blood inorganic Hg. These findings indicate that the number of fish can be a poor surrogate for Hg exposure. The differences observed here for Hg intake and exposure reflect ecosystem disparities in fish diversity and Hg bioaccumulation. Studies and advisories need to consider Hg fish concentrations and fish-eating patterns in different ecosystems, as well as the contribution of market fish. The relation between fish consumption and inorganic Hg exposure, reported as well in other studies, needs to be further investigated.