Expression of "a disintegrin and metalloproteinase-33" (ADAM-33) protein in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.
A disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain containing protein 33 (also known as ADAM-33) is a member of a matrix metalloproteinase family which mediates extracellular matrix remodelling and changes in cellular adhesion. This study aimed to evaluate expression of this protein in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma, and to determine its correlation with patients' clinicopathological characteristics. Forty paraffin blocks of laryngeal carcinoma underwent immunohistochemical staining to detect "a disintegrin and metalloproteinase-33" expression. Case records were reviewed to determine patient characteristics. All epithelial, vascular and stromal staining scores were significantly increased in tumour tissue compared with controls (p < 0.001). However, patients' clinical characteristics at the time of diagnosis, and their disease extent, did not correlate significantly with the immunohistochemical staining scores. This study suggests that increased expression of "a disintegrin and metalloproteinase-33" may play a role in the pathogenesis of laryngeal carcinoma.


Use of a pituitary cell dispersion method and primary culture system for the studies of gonadotropin-releasing hormone action in the goldfish, Carassius auratus. II. Extracellular calcium dependence and dopaminergic inhibition of gonadotropin responses.
Primary static cultures of dispersed goldfish pituitary cells obtained by controlled trypsinization released gonadotropin (GTH) in response to 2-hr stimulations of 0.1 nM to 1 microM [Trp7,Leu8]-gonadotropin-releasing hormone (sGnRH), [D-Arg6,Pro9-N-ethylamide]-sGnRH (sGnRHa), and [His5,Trp7,Tyr8]-GnRH (cGnRH-II) in a dose-dependent manner. Coincubation with 10 to 1000 nM of a dopamine agonist, apomorphine, dose dependently reduced the GTH response to increasing concentrations of sGnRH. Apomorphine at 1 microM completely abolished the dose-dependent GTH response to sGnRHa and cGnRH-II, but only partially inhibited the GTH-releasing action of high concentrations of sGnRH. Addition of calcium ionophores, 1 to 100 microM A23187 and 10 to 100 microM ionomycin, significantly increased GTH release. The ED50S of the GTH response to A23187 and ionomycin were 0.88 +/- 0.15 and 13.67 +/- 2.76 microM, respectively. Incubation with Ca2(+)-deficient media (media prepared without the addition of Ca2+ salts) did not significantly affect basal GTH release, but severely decreased the hormone response to increasing concentrations of sGnRH, A23187, and ionomycin. These results confirm the direct inhibitory dopaminergic influence on GTH release in goldfish and further suggest that extracellular Ca2+ plays a role in mediating GnRH action on gonadotropes in fish.


Preservation of shock-frozen myocardial tissue as shown by cryo-ultramicrotomy and freeze-fracture studies.
Myocardial tissue was quickly quench-frozen by letting the specimen fall either into liquid nitrogen (LN2) or into LN2-slush, or, by drill-propelling the specimen into LN2 at a speed of 1.5 m/s. The preservation of the tissues was studied in ultrathin, dry-cut and freeze-dried cryo-sections. Shock-freezing by propelling into LN2 yields extensive areas of well preserved tissue without hole damage. Quenching into LN2-slush shows variable results, while a maximum of hole damage is obtained by letting the specimen fall into LN2. Replicas of freeze-fractured tissue which had been quench-frozen by the same methods confirmed these observations. By the drill-propelling, areas 2000-5000 micrometer2 wide reveal good preservation without visible ice crystals. Such areas occur within a superficial band of tissue to a depth of c. 20 micrometer. Even at 35 micrometer and 50 micrometer depth good preservation may be registered at the periphery of the replicas. Description is given of modifications in accessories and methods in order to make the LKB CryoKit more suitable as a routine instrument. These modifications cover replacement of the knife coolant container by a coolant brass container in open connection with three copper tubes, replacement of one of the LKB Dewar flasks by a 25 litre Dewar equipped with a Balzers filling device, and replacement of the LKB plastic sleeve fixed to the back of the specimen coolant container, by two perspex-glass discs mounted in the slit between the Ultrotome base and the cryo-chamber. In addition, modified constructions are presented of the grid-carrier, the press-assembly as well as of the container for freeze-drying and warming up of the frozen sections.


Saline-instillation abortion with laminaria and megadose oxytocin.
This study examines the effect of laminaria and oxytocin in 638 saline instillation abortions. Laminaria were inserted into the cervical canal in the physician's office 2 to 3 hours before admission to hospital for instillation. Pitocin was given intravenously at a rate of 417 to 555 mu/min starting 2 hours after instillation. Pitocin was given intravenously at a rate of 417 to 555 mu/min starting 2 hours after instillation. Center for Disease Control (CDC) criteria were used to define complications in the present series. Complication rates compared favorably to those in a national CDC study of traditional saline procedures. Instillation-abortion times averaged 12.5 hours in the present series, about half the time previously reported for saline abortion. If confirmed by other studies, laminaria and oxytocin will be beneficial adjuncts for managing patients aborted by saline instillation.


Collaborative activities of macrophage-stimulating protein and transforming growth factor-beta1 in induction of epithelial to mesenchymal transition: roles of the RON receptor tyrosine kinase.
Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process occurring during embryonic development and cancer progression. Using recepteur d'origine nantais (RON)-expressing epithelial cells as a model, we showed that RON activation causes spindle-shaped morphology with increased cell motilities. These activities resemble those observed in EMT induced by transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 or by Ras-Raf signaling. By immunofluorescent and Western blot analyses, we found that constitutive RON expression results in diminished expression of E-cadherin, redistribution of beta-catenin, reorganization of actin cytoskeleton, and increased expression of vimentin, a mesenchymal filament. RON expression is also essential for TGF-beta1-induced expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA), a specialized mesenchymal marker. In the study of signaling pathways responsible for RON-mediated EMT, it was found that PD98059, a MAP kinase inhibitor, blocks the collaborative activities of RON and TGF-beta1 in induction of alpha-SMA expression and restores epithelial cells to their original morphology. Moreover, we showed that RON expression increases Smad2 gene promoter activities and protein expression, which significantly lowers TGF-beta1 threshold for EMT induction. These results suggest that persistent RON expression and activation cause the loss of epithelial phenotypes. These changes, collaborating with TGF-beta1 signaling, could play a critical role in epithelial transdifferentiation towards invasiveness and metastasis of certain cancers.


Results of the 4th scientific workshop of the ECCO (Group II): markers of intestinal fibrosis in inflammatory bowel disease.
The fourth scientific workshop of the European Crohn's and Colitis Organization (ECCO) focused on intestinal fibrosis in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The objective was to better understand basic mechanisms and markers of intestinal fibrosis as well as to suggest new therapeutic targets to prevent or treat fibrosis. The results of this workshop are presented in three separate manuscripts. This section describes markers of fibrosis in IBD, identifies unanswered questions in the field and provides a framework for future studies addressing the unmet needs in the field of intestinal fibrosis.


Thiazide treatment of systemic hypertension: effects on serum magnesium and ventricular ectopic activity.
Clinical and investigational evidence has proved an association between thiazide-induced electrolyte imbalances and ventricular arrhythmias. It is hypothesized that this increases the potential for sudden unexplained death. Elderly hypertensive patients are at particular risk because of their tendency to have significantly depressed serum magnesium levels, which decrease even further when treated with thiazide diuretics. Potassium supplementation does not effectively restore electrolyte balance unless accompanied by magnesium. Therefore, concomitant administration of potassium and magnesium supplementation appears to be an approach to reducing the risk of arrhythmias and death in thiazide-treated hypertensive patients.


Bioinformatics analysis and characterization of a secretory cystatin from Thelohanellus kitauei.
Thelohanellus kitauei, is a member of obligate parasitic myxozoans, which causes intestinal giant-cystic disease of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and has resulted in significant economic losses in carp farms. Cystatin secreted by parasites can regulate the immune response of host to facilitate parasite's survival. In this study, the secretory TK-cystatin gene, encoding a protein of 120 amino acid residues (13.65 kDa), was cloned from T. kitauei genome. Phylogenetic analysis showed that TK-cystatin gene is closely related to the cystatin-A from Hydra vulgaris. Multiple sequence alignment revealed that TK-cystatin had three conserved motifs: N-terminal G19G20, Q73VVAG77, and C-terminal L102P103. Molecular docking between TK-cystatin and three cysteine proteases showed a lower binding energy (- 13 KJ/mol) with cathepsin L whereas a higher binding energy (- 8.6 KJ/mol) with cathepsin B. TK-cystatin gene was expressed in Escherichia coli. Activity assays revealed that TK-cystatin has stronger inhibitory activity on endopeptidases (papain and cathepsin L) and weaker inhibitory activity on exopeptidase (cathepsin B). TK-cystatin was stable under the condition of acidity or alkalinity or below 57 °C. This study laid a foundation for the design and development of the anti-T. kitauei vaccine in carp culture in the future.


Continuous epidural analgesia in the obstetric patient: a feasibility study using a mechanical infusion pump.
Eleven patients in uncomplicated labour received a continuous infusion of 0-125 or 0-25% bupivacaine solutions into the epidural space, using a simple rotary pump. Maternal and umbilical cord venous plasma bupivacaine levels were measured and were found to be within safe limits for mother and baby. Incidence of complications were noted.


Double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial of probucol in heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia.
Ten patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) were given probucol 500 mg b.d. or placebo for 3 months in a randomised order in a double-blind cross-over trial. There was a 14% decrease in serum cholesterol concentration due to a reduction in both low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. The subfraction of HDL most affected was HDL2. Reductions in serum LDL cholesterol concentration exceeding 20% were obtained in 3 (30%) of the patients. The magnitude of the change in LDL cholesterol concentration was related to the level of serum HDL2 cholesterol without therapy and to the magnitude of its decrease on probucol. Intravenous intralipid tolerance was unaffected by probucol administration. Serum apolipoprotein B concentration decreased less with probucol than did that of serum LDL cholesterol.


Electrographic correlates of "internal states" evoked by positive conditioned stimuli during operant training in dogs.
Experiments were performed to address the energy characteristics (power spectra) of short-term (less than 1 sec) EEG reactions arising in different areas of the neocortex in response to positive conditioned stimuli presented in conditions of selective attention. These EEG reactions directly preceded the motor reactions, which consisted of a strong blow with the paw on a feeder pedal to obtain reinforcement. The energy levels of EEG reactions were 1.5-3 times greater than pre-stimulus levels. The frequency structures of the corresponding EEG reactions were divided into discrete frequency subgroups, including the traditional (1-30 Hz) and the gamma ranges (30-80 Hz) as well as higher-frequency components (80-200 Hz). In some cases, the greater proportionate increases in power occurred in the high-frequency band.


Simultaneous adsorption of SO2 and CO2 in an Ni(bdc)(ted)0.5 metal-organic framework.
The metal-organic framework Ni(bdc)(ted)0.5 is a promising material for simultaneous capture of harmful gases such as SO2 and CO2. We found that SO2 performs much better than CO2 during adsorption, and the lack of physical insight was clarified through detailed analyses of the electronic structures obtained from density functional theory calculations. Our results showed that strong interactions of the d band of Ni atoms with the valence states (2n, 3n, and 4n) of SO2 but almost not with those of CO2 are the main reasons. Our finding is useful for the rational design of new metal-organic frameworks with suitable interactions for the simultaneous capture of not only SO2 and CO2 but also other gases.


Immunohistologic evidence of myocardial disease in apparently healthy relatives of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.
This study investigated whether apparently healthy relatives of patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) who have left ventricular enlargement (LVE) have biopsy evidence of underlying myocardial disease. Left ventricular enlargement with normal systolic function is common among asymptomatic relatives of patients with DCM. Although there is circumstantial evidence to suggest that LVE may be a marker of early DCM, its pathophysiologic significance remains uncertain. Over six years, 767 asymptomatic relatives of 183 consecutive patients with DCM were evaluated: 37 (5%) had DCM and 104 (14%) had LVE (left ventricular end-diastolic dimension >112% predicted) with normal systolic function. Right ventricular biopsy was performed in 32 relatives with LVE, 14 patients with symptomatic DCM and 6 control subjects with normal ventricular function undergoing elective coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Histologic and immunohistochemical analyses, including quantitative double immunofluorescence, were performed for leukocyte markers (CD3 and CD68), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and human leukocyte antigen class II antigens (DR and DQ). Histologic findings consistent with DCM were present in 50% of the patients with DCM, 25% of the relatives with LVE and 0% of the control subjects. The median CD3 count was 2.4/mm(2) in patients with DCM, 4/mm(2) in relatives with LVE and 0 in control subjects (p = 0.04). Using a threshold of >7 cells/mm(2), 21% of patients with DCM and 25% of relatives with LVE were CD3-positive (p = 0.01). Quantitative analysis demonstrated DR expression on 55.8+/-22.8%, 63.5+/-18.8% and 30.9+/-15.7% of the endothelial surface in patients with DCM, relatives and control subjects, respectively (p = 0.003). Corresponding values for ICAM expression were 35.6+/-15.1%, 36.7+/-14.5% and 17.3+/-7.9% (p = 0.013). When combining inflammatory and histologic changes, 28 (86%) of LVE, 14 (100%) of DCM and no control biopsies were abnormal (p < 0.001). Most asymptomatic relatives of patients with DCM with LVE have histopathologic and immunopathologic findings similar to those of patients with established disease. Clinical identification and follow-up of such individuals are warranted to prevent presentation with advanced DCM and to enable assessment of interventions aimed at attenuating disease progression.


Interdisciplinary Management of Extramammary Paget's Disease Using Mohs Micrographic Surgery With Frozen Section Cytokeratin-7 Immunostains.
To describe local recurrence rates and patient-reported outcomes when Mohs micrographic surgery with cytokeratin-7 immunostains (MMS-CK7) is included in the interdisciplinary management of extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD) METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted of EMPD treated with MMS-CK7 as part of an interdisciplinary team at an academic medical center between 2009 and 2016. Local recurrence rates and patient-reported outcomes were determined by record review and patient surveys. Twenty tumors in 19 patients were treated using MMS-CK7. After MMS-CK7 defined clear microscopic margins, 75% (15/20) of tumors underwent excision or reconstruction by a surgical colleague. Internal malignancy screening was performed by multiple specialties in 17 patients, with 1 associated malignancy of prostate cancer detected. No local recurrence was detected with a mean follow-up of 75.2 months. Most patients were satisfied with appearance (18/19, 95%) and function (16/19, 84%) after surgery. Interdisciplinary teams that include MMS-CK7 can treat EMPD with low local recurrence rates, high patient satisfaction, and thorough internal malignancy screening.


Identification of a potential gene target for osteoarthritis based on bioinformatics analyses.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common chronic joint disease worldwide. It is characterized by pain and limited mobility in the affected joints and may even cause disability. Effective clinical options for its prevention and treatment are still unavailable. This study aimed to identify differences in gene signatures between tissue samples from OA and normal knee joints and to explore potential gene targets for OA. Five gene datasets, namely GSE55457, GSE55235, GSE12021, GSE10575, and GSE1919, were selected from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using the R programming software. The functions of these DEGs were analyzed, and a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed. Subsequently, the most relevant biomarker genes were screened using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Finally, the expression of the protein encoded by the core gene PTHLH was evaluated in clinical samples. Eleven upregulated and 9 downregulated DEGs were shared between the five gene expression datasets. Based on the PPI network and the ROC curves of upregulated genes, PTHLH was identified as the most relevant gene for OA and was selected for further validation. Immunohistochemistry confirmed significantly higher PTHLH expression in OA tissues than in normal tissues. Moreover, similar PTHLH levels were detected in the plasma and knee synovial fluid of OA patients. The bioinformatics analysis and preliminary experimental verification performed in this study identified PTHLH as a potential target for the treatment of OA.


PRNCR1: a long non-coding RNA with a pivotal oncogenic role in cancer.
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been gaining importance in the field of cancer research in recent years. PRNCR1 (prostate cancer-associated non-coding RNA1) is a 12.7 kb, intron-less lncRNA found to play an oncogenic role in malignancy of diverse organs including prostate, breast, lung, oral cavity, colon and rectum. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of PRNCR1 locus have been found to be associated with cancer susceptibility in different populations. In this review, an attempt has been made for the first time to summarize all sorts of available data on PRNCR1 to date from relevant databases (GeneCard, LncExpDB, Ensembl genome browser, and PubMed). As functional roles of PRNCR1, miRNA (microRNA) sponging was mostly highlighted in the pathogenesis of different cancer; in addition, an association of the lncRNA with chromatin-modifying complex to enhance androgen receptor-mediated gene transcription was reported in prostate cancer. Diagnostic and prognostic importance of PRNCR1 was found in some malignancies suggesting potency of the lncRNA to serve as a clinical biomarker. For PRNCR1 SNPs, although cancer susceptibility of the risk alleles/genotypes was reported in different populations, majorities of the findings were not replicated and underlying molecular mechanisms remained unexplored. Therapeutic implication of PRNCR1 was not studied well and future research may come up in this direction for intervening novel strategies to fight against cancer.


Social network size in adolescents at clinical high risk for psychosis.
Adolescents and young adults at clinical high risk (CHR) for psychosis report few close friends. Social support has been linked to conversion to psychosis and psychosis relapse in CHR individuals. Expanding earlier research on loneliness and friendships at a single timepoint, this study described composition and changes in social network and its association with clinical and cognitive symptoms among CHR adolescents. Ninety five individuals (46 CHR individuals, 49 healthy volunteers) completed baseline and 1-year follow-up Social Network Index (SNI) evaluations and clinical interviews. Analyses first examined SNI size and composition across 10 categories (e.g., family, close friends, coworkers, classmates) between groups. Then, the relationship between SNI size and baseline social symptoms (i.e., paranoia, social anhedonia, social anxiety, social cognition), social function, and changes in symptoms and social networks over 1-year were examined within the CHR group. CHR individuals showed smaller social networks overall, driven by fewer friendships and family relationships. Social cognition and social anxiety significantly related to SNI size at baseline, but social anhedonia and paranoia did not. SNI size related to social function, but with a modest effect size (r's = .45 and .56). Surprisingly, an increase in positive symptom severity related to an increase in familial but a decrease in coworker social network size. The social support deficits in the CHR group were specific to relatives and friendships, with social anxiety and social cognition as implicated symptoms. Social relationships may serve as a promising early intervention target in individuals at CHR for psychosis.


Histopathological analysis of laparoscopically treated ovarian endometriotic cysts with special reference to loss of follicles.
The best operative procedure for the laparoscopic treatment of ovarian endometriotic cysts has yet to be defined. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between laparoscopic cystectomy and loss of follicles. Videotape records of the laparoscopic removal of 73 ovarian cysts, histologically confirmed in the focal endometrial epithelial lining, were retrospectively reviewed. They were divided into two groups: group 1 (61 cysts) in which the capsule was easily stripped from the underlying ovarian tissue and group 2 (12 cysts) in which the capsule could hardly be stripped from the underlying ovarian tissue. Main outcome measures included attached capsular structures and the number of attached follicles. Microscopically in all group 1 cysts, normal ovarian stroma was attached to the resected side of the capsule. In addition, 30/61 (49.1%) of group 1 cysts were attached to the corpus albicans. The primordial follicle was found within the capsule of 42/61 (68.9%) group 1 cysts. The number of primordial follicles ranged from 1-25 (mean 6.6). In group 2 cysts, no primordial follicles were found. The relative ease of removal of the capsules is probably associated with loss of follicles and damage to the ovarian stroma.


The Synergistic Influence of Ischemic Time and Surgical Precision on Acute Kidney Injury After Robotic Partial Nephrectomy.
To examine the dynamic and potentially synergistic influence of warm ischemia time (WIT) and excisional volume loss (EVL) on predicted rates of postpartial acute kidney injury (AKI) across a range of tumor complexities, and to investigate whether these modifiable variables sensitize the kidney to each other's damaging influence. We retrospectively reviewed 1245 patients between 2006 and 2016 with bilateral kidneys and enhancing renal masses in our single-institution robotic partial nephrectomy (PN) database. EVL was calculated as the difference between specimen and tumor volume based on pathologic measurements. Multivariate logistic regressions, followed by marginal effects, were run to examine the interaction of ischemia type, EVL, and radius, exophytic/endophytic properties, nearness of deepest tumor portion to collecting system or sinus, anterior/posterior and location relative to polar line score on rates of AKI. We found a significant interaction effect of WIT and log EVL on predicted AKI (P < .001). Each doubling of EVL caused a 4.03% and 8.46% increased probability of AKI for WIT of <25 and >25 minutes, respectively. At an EVL of >5.5 cm3, prolonged WIT had statistically greater odds of causing AKI. These predicted effects on AKI were amplified for increasing radius, exophytic/endophytic properties, nearness of deepest tumor portion to collecting system or sinus, anterior/posterior and location relative to polar line scores (P < .001). Although the adverse functional effects of WIT and parenchymal volume loss during PN have previously been described in isolation, our findings suggest that their influence on AKI is synergistic, especially in complex tumors. As such, additional attention should be given to limiting warm ischemia and maximizing surgical precision to avoid a "double hit" on postoperative renal function.


Outcome of hypogammaglobulinemia in children: immunoglobulin levels as predictors.
We evaluated 131 children (M=88, F=43) with hypogammaglobulinemia. Data was analyzed mainly for delineating predictor factors for outcome. The distance from the lower limit of normal (-2SD) for any single measurement of immunoglobulins (Ig) was calculated and transformed into Ig scores. Mean age and duration of follow-up were 5.06 ± 4.05 and 3.7 ± 3.03 years, respectively. The diagnoses were: 22 CVID, 16 IgA deficiency, 33 transient hypogammaglobulinemia of childhood (THC), 3 selective IgM deficiency and 57 unclassified hypogammaglobulinemia (UCH). Low IgA scores (<-0.124) at presentation were indicative of subsequent development of IgA deficiency or CVID, whereas low IgM score (<-0.038) pointed towards more severe and persistent phenotypes. Combination of low IgM score between 2 and 5 years, impaired antibody response and low B cell counts enabled us to predict persistence of hypogammaglobulinemia beyond 5 years (specificity=90.5% and PPV=94.9%) and chronic lung disease (sensitivity=90.4% and specificity=68.3%). The set of criteria including low IgM scores, impaired antibody response and low B cell counts provided a high predictive value in detecting those with persistent hypogammaglobulinemia.


Clinical outcomes following isolated lateral meniscal allograft transplantation.
The purpose of our study was to determine the clinical outcomes following isolated lateral meniscal allograft transplantation. Thirty-two patients were retrospectively reviewed following isolated lateral meniscal allograft transplantation. Twenty-five were available for subjective follow-up, and 17 were available for a complete physical examination and postoperative radiographs. The average duration of follow-up was 3.3 years (range, 2 to 6 years), and the average age of the subjects was 30 years (range, 19 to 45 years). In all, 17 patients had bony fixation and 8 had suture fixation of the anterior and posterior horns of the meniscal allograft. Ninety-six percent of patients believed that their overall function and activity level were improved following surgery. Short Form-36 (SF-36) physical and mental component summary scores for these subjects were higher than age- and sex-matched scores from the US population. Joint space narrowing of the transplanted lateral compartments was not significantly different when compared with the joint space narrowing of the lateral compartment of the contralateral knee. In addition, preoperative and postoperative radiographic joint space measurements of the involved lateral compartment were significantly associated with subjective assessment, symptoms, sports activity score, Lysholm score, and final International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) rating at latest follow-up. Finally, patients fixed with the bony technique had significantly better range of motion, according to IKDC criteria at latest follow-up, compared with the suture fixation group. Our results suggest that isolated meniscal allograft transplantation can be a beneficial procedure in properly selected symptomatic patients with a lateral meniscus-deficient knee. The data also suggest that earlier meniscal transplantation, before the onset of significant joint space narrowing, may result in improved outcomes. Finally, bony fixation may have a significant advantage over suture fixation, particularly with regard to knee range of motion. Level IV, therapeutic case series.


Au@BSA microspheres-luminol and a novel luminescent Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework were used for potential-resolved electrochemiluminescence to detect dual targets.
Here, a novel electrochemiluminescence biosensor based on potential-resolved strategy was firstly prepared for the detection of dual targets α2,3-sialylated glycans and α2,6-sialylated glycans. This is the first time that Au@BSA microsphere was used to connect with luminol to enhance its ECL intensity, and it can generate ECL signals at positive potential. Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8 (ZIF-8) and Meso-tetra (4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrin (TCPP) were linked using a one-pot method to synthesize a novel luminescent ZIF (L-ZIF) named TZZ, which can emit ECL signals at negative potential. Moreover, magnetite microspheres were used to construct a sandwich-type biosensor to obtain higher sensitivity and reduce background signals. In addition, the biosensor manufactured directly in solution have a wider linear range than constructed on electrode because it has more available space than the electrode surface. Due to the above advantages, the prepared ECL biosensor exhibited high sensitivity, stability and broader linear range, even for practical analysis. Therefore, the prepared ECL biosensor will become a promising method for determination of α2,3-sialylated glycans and α2,6-sialylated glycans in clinical applications in the future. What is more, it provides a potential method for detection of other multi-targets.


Long-term outcomes of biliary atresia with splenic malformation.
We assessed the long-term outcomes of patients with biliary atresia with splenic malformation (BASM). We retrospectively assessed outcomes of 255 patients who underwent the Kasai procedure (KP) at our hospital between 1972 and 2014. Clinical outcomes of 11 patients with BASM (group A: nine with polysplenia, two with asplenia) and 244 patients with isolated BA (group B) were compared. The incidence of early cholangitis and hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) was significantly higher in group A than in group B. Of the 11 group A patients, three died of severe cardiac defects during early infancy. Seven became jaundice free following KP, with three patients subsequently requiring liver transplantation (LTx). Four survived with their native livers for 2, 5, 22, and 23years, respectively. Overall 20-year survival rates were 63.6% and 66.5% and 20-year native liver survival rates were 29.0% and 47.3% in groups A and B, respectively. No significant difference in cumulative survival rates was observed between both groups. Long-term outcomes in BASM patients without lethal cardiac defects were comparable to patients with isolated BA. Careful follow-up may be required in patients with BASM because of a potentially higher risk of secondary complications such as HPS.


A quantitative gain-independent assessment of the left atrial appendage as a method of thromboembolic risk stratification.
Visual assessment of the left atrial appendage (LAA) by echocardiography for the presence of thrombus is inherently qualitative. However, whether quantitative assessments can provide increased value over qualitative assessment has not been thoroughly examined. One hundred and thirty-eight patients (mean age 59 ± 13 years, 70% male) undergoing transesophageal echocardiography prior to pulmonary vein isolation or electrical cardioversion were retrospectively studied. LAA were examined by two expert readers and identified as thrombus, sludge, spontaneous echocardiograph contrast, or normal. LAA were then separately examined to calculate a gain-independent ratio between the average pixel density of the LAA cavity and that of the LAA wall (C/W ratio). C/W ratio was significantly related with qualitative LAA analysis (p < 0.0001) and with thromboembolic events (OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.095-2.347, p = 0.02). The C/W ratio (AUC 0.73, 95% CI 0.60-0.86) was a reliable predictor for future thromboembolic events when compared to expert reader LAA assessment (Expert Reader 1 AUC = 0.72, 95% CI 0.53-0.90; Expert Reader 2 AUC = 0.69). The C/W ratio may be a complementary method to adjudicate thromboembolic risk in patients with AF that is readily quantifiable at time of TEE.


Role of stratifin (14-3-3 sigma) in adenocarcinoma of gallbladder: A novel prognostic biomarker.
Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is a rare and fatal biliary tract malignancy. Genetic derangements are one of many factors that determine the prognosis of GBC. In this study, the expression of the stratifin (SFN) gene encoding 14-3-3 sigma protein, which is reported to be associated with the metastatic property of cholangiocarcinoma cells, was investigated in GBC. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded cancer (n = 37) and non-cancer control tissues (n = 14) of gallbladders from patients who underwent surgical resection from January 2006 to May 2015 were retrieved. The expression of SFN normalized with that of ACTB was determined using RT-qPCR. Multivariate analysis of factors affecting disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) including the type of SFN expression was performed. The average expression level of SFN in cancer was higher than that in control tissues (p = 0.002). The relative SFN expression in cancer tissue was classified as overexpression (n = 14) and control level expression (n = 23) according to the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for discriminating early GBC recurrence or metastasis after surgery. The SFN overexpression group was associated with lower rates of distant metastasis and early tumor recurrence following resection. The univariate analysis demonstrated factors affecting DFS, including resection margin (p < 0.001), lymphovascular invasion (p = 0.040), perineural invasion (p = 0.046), and SFN expression (p < 0.001). The multivariate analysis revealed that the resection margin (p = 0.019) and SFN expression (P = 0.040) were independent prognostic factors of DFS. To achieve the longest survival, margin-free resection is recommended. The overexpression of SFN in GBC is associated with better prognosis, lower rates of early cancer recurrence, and distant metastasis following resection. SFN expression might be a novel prognostic biomarker in GBC treatment. Further studies to elucidate the role of SFN might unveil its clinical benefit in cancer treatment regimens.


[A simple modification for the electrochemical oxygen analyzer to improve accuracy during prolonged closed system anaesthesia (author's transl)].
A simple modification of the condenser used with the electro-chemical oxygen analyzer (Dräger BioMarine OA202 R) consists of filling the distal chamber with hygroscopic silicagel. This prevents condensation of water vapour on the sensor thus allowing the accuracy during prolonged closed system anaesthesia to remain nearly unaffected (fade less than 0.5%/h).


Hydrogen sulfide post-conditioning preserves interfibrillar mitochondria of rat heart during ischemia reperfusion injury.
Cardiac mitochondrial dysfunction is considered to be the main manifestation in the pathology of ischemia reperfusion injury, and by restoring its functional activity, hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a novel endogenous gaseotransmitter renders cardioprotection. Given that interfibrillar (IFM) and subsarcolemmal (SSM) mitochondria are the two main types in the heart, the present study investigates the specific H2S-mediated action on IFM and SSM during ischemic reperfusion in the Langendorff rat heart model. Rats were randomly divided into five groups, namely normal, ischemic control, reperfusion control (I/R), ischemic post-conditioning (POC), and H2S post-conditioning (POC_H2S). In reperfusion control, cardiac contractility decreased, and lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, and infracted size increased compared to both normal and ischemic group. In hearts post-conditioned with H2S and the classical method improved cardiac mechanical function and decreased cardiac markers in the perfusate and infarct size significantly. Both POC and POC_H2S exerts its cardioprotective effect of preserving the IFM, as evident by significant improvement in electron transport chain enzyme activities and mitochondrial respiration. The in vitro action of H2S on IFM and SSM from normal and I/R rat heart supports H2S and mediates cardioprotection via IFM preservation. Our study indicates that IFM play an important role in POC_H2S mediated cardioprotection from reperfusion injury.


Distribution of Anisakis simplex in fish caught in the Ligurian Sea.
A total of 822 individuals of 5 fish species were sampled in the western coastal area of the Mediterranean Sea and examined for the presence of Anisakis simplex larvae in the body cavity, muscle, and viscera. A. simplex mean intensity (mI) and prevalence (Pr) values were very high in the common scad (Trachurus trachurus; Pr 80-100%, mI 19.3-36.8) and the blue scad (T. picturatus; Pr 80-100%, mI 18.2-70.7), moderate in the blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou), and low in the red mullet (Mullus barbatus) and the striped mullet (M. surmuletus). The larval burden was strongly related to host length in the common and blue scad.


Delivery catheter cone separation and embolization after Corevalve dislocation by subclavian approach.
Corevalve dislocation has been reported to significantly increase the perioperative risk for severe complications and poor outcomes. We describe the case of an 87-year-old man who was referred to our center for transcatheter aortic valve implantation and who experienced an original complication after Corevalve dislocation by subclavian approach. Indeed, during the attempt to retrieve the partially expanded and dislocated valve through the subclavian introducer sheath, we experienced a dislodgment of the valve from the housing sheath that led to a delivery catheter cone separation and systemic embolization.


Analysis of hydrophobic and charged patches and influence of medium- and long-range interactions in molecular chaperones.
The amino acid composition of the aromatic residues Phe, Tyr and Trp are much less significant in chaperones and the residues Cys, Glu, His, Met and Pro vary significantly in chaperones compared to normal globular proteins. In the present work, we have analysed the hydrophobic and charged patches in molecular chaperones which provide more insight for a better understanding of chaperone folding. Also, we have investigated the role of medium- and long-range contacts in chaperones and the preference of amino acid residues influenced by these interactions. Furthermore, the role of hydrophobic and helix-forming residues and disulfide bonding in these interactions have been discussed.


Silicon nanocrystal growth under irradiation of electron beam.
In our experiment, it was observed that silicon nanocrystal rapidly grows with irradiation of electron beam on amorphous silicon film prepared by pulsed laser deposition, and shape of silicon nanocrystal is usually sphere in smaller nanoscale with less exposure time under electron beam, in which the quantum dots are prepared in nanoscale near 3 nm. In the electron interaction process, it was investigated that the various crystals structures in different orientations occur in the same time and the condensed structures of silicon nanocrystal are changed with different impurity atoms in silicon film.


Portopulmonary hypertension in decompensated cirrhosis with refractory ascites.
The prevalence of portopulmonary hypertension (PPHTN) in patients with cirrhosis and refractory ascites is unknown. Its presence may preclude patients from receiving a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt or liver transplantation as a definitive treatment for their end stage cirrhosis. To determine the prevalence, possible aetiological factors, and predictive factors for the development of PPHTN in these patients. Sixty two patients (53 males, nine females; mean age 54.5 (1.4) years) with biopsy proven cirrhosis and refractory ascites underwent angiographic measurements of pulmonary and splanchnic haemodynamics. Endothelin 1 levels were measured from the pulmonary artery. Forty nine patients underwent radionuclide angiography for measurements of central blood volume, pulmonary vascular, and cardiac chamber volumes. Forty seven patients also underwent two dimensional echocardiography for measurements of cardiac structural and functional parameters. Cardiac output, and systemic and pulmonary vascular resistance were calculated. Ten patients (16.1%) fulfilled the criteria for PPHTN (mean pulmonary artery pressure >/= 25 mm Hg and pulmonary vascular resistance >/= 120 dynxs/cm(5)), with significantly higher mean right atrial (15.4 (1.2) v 7.9 (0.5) mm Hg; p<0.001), and right ventricular pressures (24.7 (1.5) v 14.7 (0.6) mm Hg; p<0.001), and endothelin 1 levels (3.04 (0.40) v 1.98 (0.12) pg/ml; p=0.02). No significant differences in any of the other parameters measured were detected between the two groups. A right atrial pressure of >/= 14 mm Hg had a 83% positive predictive value for the presence of PPHTN. Portopulmonary hypertension is common in cirrhosis with refractory ascites, possibly due to excess endothelin 1 in the pulmonary circulation. An elevated right atrial pressure >/= 14 mm Hg predicts the presence of PPHTN, which may be helpful in deciding management options in these patients.


Identification and validation of a novel signature as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in colorectal cancer.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignant neoplasms worldwide. Although marker genes associated with CRC have been identified previously, only a few have fulfilled the therapeutic demand. Therefore, based on differentially expressed genes (DEGs), this study aimed to establish a promising and valuable signature model to diagnose CRC and predict patient's prognosis. The key genes were screened from DEGs to establish a multiscale embedded gene co-expression network, protein-protein interaction network, and survival analysis. A support vector machine (SVM) diagnostic model was constructed by a supervised classification algorithm. Univariate Cox analysis was performed to construct two prognostic signatures for overall survival and disease-free survival by Kaplan-Meier analysis, respectively. Independent clinical prognostic indicators were identified, followed by univariable and multivariable Cox analysis. GSEA was used to evaluate the gene enrichment analysis and CIBERSORT was used to estimate the immune cell infiltration. Finally, key genes were validated by qPCR and IHC. In this study, four key genes (DKC1, FLNA, CSE1L and NSUN5) were screened. The SVM diagnostic model, consisting of 4-gene signature, showed a good performance for the diagnostic (AUC = 0.9956). Meanwhile, the four-gene signature was also used to construct a risk score prognostic model for disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS), and the results indicated that the prognostic model performed best in predicting the DFS and OS of CRC patients. The risk score was validated as an independent prognostic factor to exhibit the accurate survival prediction for OS according to the independent prognostic value. Furthermore, immune cell infiltration analysis demonstrated that the high-risk group had a higher proportion of macrophages M0, and T cells CD4 memory resting was significantly higher in the low-risk group than in the high-risk group. In addition, functional analysis indicated that WNT and other four cancer-related signaling pathways were the most significantly enriched pathways in the high-risk group. Finally, qRT-PCR and IHC results demonstrated that the high expression of DKC1, CSE1L and NSUN5, and the low expression of FLNA were risk factors of CRC patients with a poor prognosis. In this study, diagnosis and prognosis models were constructed based on the screened genes of DKC1, FLNA, CSE1L and NSUN5. The four-gene signature exhibited an excellent ability in CRC diagnosis and prognostic prediction. Our study supported and highlighted that the four-gene signature is conducive to better prognostic risk stratification and potential therapeutic targets for CRC patients.


Characterization of a 225 kilodalton rhoptry protein of Plasmodium falciparum.
A monoclonal antibody (24C6 4F12) raised against Plasmodium falciparum culture supernatant antigens gave a multiple dot picture on schizonts when assayed by immunofluorescence on P. falciparum erythrocytic stages. The corresponding antigen was localized in the peduncle of rhoptries by immunoelectronmicroscopy. On Western blots of P. falciparum schizonts, a major antigen of 225 kDa and a minor one of 240 kDa were recognized by this McAb. Pulse chase analysis of [35S]methionine biosynthetic labeling of P. falciparum culture demonstrated that the 240 kDa molecule was the precursor of the 225 kDa and that its processing occurred between 0 and 4 h after synthesis. Biosynthesis of the 240-225 kDa antigen occurred only during schizogony.


Burn rehabilitation-a team approach.
The team concept in the treatment of burned patients is an effective approach in caring for the physical, psychological, and social needs of the patient. Through the initiation of early rehabilitation services, long-term problems can be prevented and a quicker return to a meaningful life style is possible.


Long Noncoding RNA HOTAIRM1 Maintains Tumorigenicity of Glioblastoma Stem-Like Cells Through Regulation of HOX Gene Expression.
Noncoding RNAs regulate transcription of gene expression and play an important role in the pathogenesis of glioblastomas. These tumors are heterogeneous with some glioma stem cells (GSCs) that are highly tumorigenic subpopulations of cells contributing to recurrence and treatment resistance. In this study, GSCs were established by neurosphere cultures of primary glioblastoma cells and validated by the expression of GSC marker CD133. The expression of the long noncoding RNA HOTAIRM1 was detected using real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). The role of HOTAIRM1 in the proliferation, apoptosis, stemness, and tumorigenicity of GSCs was investigated by soft agar colony formation, flow cytometry, TUNEL analysis, sphere formation, and in vivo xenograft models through silencing of HOTAIRM1. The expression of HOTAIRM1 and the neighboring HOX genes were analyzed by qRT-PCR in different grades of gliomas and nontumor tissues. We found that HOTAIRM1 is significantly elevated in GSCs. The silencing of HOTAIRM1 significantly impairs the proliferation, apoptosis, self-renewal, tumorigenesis of GSCs. In addition, HOTAIRM1 is significantly upregulated in gliomas and associated with tumor grade and patient survival. HOTAIRM1 neighboring genes, HOXA1, HOXA2, and HOXA3, are also significantly upregulated in gliomas and correlate with the expression of HOTAIRM1. Among them, HOXA2 and HOXA3 were identified as being upregulated in GSCs and contributed to the self-renewal of these stem cells. Taken together, our results demonstrate that HOTAIRM1 plays a critical role in the self-renewal of GSCs. These data also suggest that overexpression of HOTAIRM1 can be a negative prognostic factor for patient survival in malignant glioma and may be a promising potential therapeutic target.


Nitric oxide augments mesenchymal stem cell ability to repair liver fibrosis.
Liver fibrosis is a major health problem worldwide and poses a serious obstacle for cell based therapies. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent and important candidate cells for future clinical applications however success of MSC therapy depends upon their homing and survival in recipient organs. This study was designed to improve the repair potential of MSCs by transplanting them in sodium nitroprusside (SNP) pretreated mice with CCl(4) induced liver fibrosis. SNP 100 mM, a nitric oxide (NO) donor, was administered twice a week for 4 weeks to CCl(4)-injured mice. MSCs were isolated from C57BL/6 wild type mice and transplanted in the left lateral lobe of the liver in experimental animals. After 4 weeks, animals were sacrificed and liver improvement was analyzed. Analysis of fibrosis by qRT-PCR and sirius red staining, homing, bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) serum levels between different treatment groups were compared to control. Liver histology demonstrated enhanced MSCs homing in SNP-MSCs group compared to MSCs group. The gene expression of fibrotic markers; αSMA, collagen 1α1, TIMP, NFκB and iNOS was down regulated while cytokeratin 18, albumin and eNOS was up-regulated in SNP-MSCs group. Combine treatment sequentially reduced fibrosis in SNP-MSCs treated liver compared to the other treatment groups. These results were also comparable with reduced serum levels of bilirubin and ALP observed in SNP-MSCs treated group. This study demonstrated that NO effectively augments MSC ability to repair liver fibrosis induced by CCl(4) in mice and therefore is a better treatment regimen to reduce liver fibrosis.


Triphenyltin (TPT) exposure causes SD rat liver injury via lipid metabolism disorder and ER stress revealed by transcriptome analysis.
TPT is an environmental endocrine disruptor that can interfere with endocrine function. However, whether TPT can cause damage to liver structure and function and abnormal lipid metabolism and whether it can cause ER stress is still unclear. To explore the effect of TPT on liver structure, function and lipid metabolism and whether ER stress occurs. Male SD rats were divided into 4 groups: control group (Ctrl group, TPT-L group (0.5 mg/kg/d), TPT-M group (1 mg/kg/d), and TPT-H group (2 mg/kg/d). After 10 days of continuous gavage, HE staining was used to observe the morphological structure of liver tissue, serum biochemical indicators were detected, gene expression and functional enrichment analysis were performed by RNA-seq, Western Blot was used to detect the protein expression level of liver tissue, and qRT-PCR was used to detect the gene expression. After TPT exposure, the liver structure damaged; serum TBIL, AST and m-AST levels were significantly increased in the TPT-M group, and serum TG levels were significantly decreased in the TPT-H group. TCHO and TG in liver tissues were significantly increased; transcriptomic analysis detected 105 differential genes. Enrichment analysis showed that TPT exposure mainly affected fatty acid metabolism and drug metabolism in liver tissue, and also affected the redox process of liver tissue; the protein expression levels of PPARα, PPARγ, AMPK, RXRα, IRE1α and PERK were significantly increased after TPT exposure; the expression levels of lipid metabolism-related genes Acsl1, Elovl5, Hmgcr, Hmgcs1 and Srebf1 were significantly increased in the TPT-L group, while in the TPT-M and TPT-H groups had no significant change. TPT exposure can cause liver injury, lipid metabolism disorder and ER stress.


Seasonal accumulations of some heavy metal in water, sediment and tissues of black-chinned tilapia Sarotherodon melanotheron from Biétri Bay in Ebrié Lagoon, Ivory Coast.
The seasonal accumulation of cadmium, copper, lead, mercury and zinc was determined in sediments, water, and black-chinned tilapia (Sarotherodon melanotheron; muscle, brain, kidney and liver tissues) collected monthly from Biétri Bay. The mean water concentration of metals (in mg L(-1)) ranged from 0.01 to 0.30 (mercury), 0.02-0.26 (cadmium), 2.40-4.80 (lead), 9.05-9.68 (copper), and 12.05-19.87 (zinc). The seasonal variations showed a significant difference in the levels of mercury, cadmium and lead among season. The highest mercury (0.30 ± 0.02 μg L(-1)), cadmium (0.26 ± 0.02 mg L(-1)) and lead (4.80 ± 1.03 mg L(-1)) levels were observed during dry season, while the lowest levels (0.21 ± 0.01, 0.02 ± 0.01 and 2.40 ± 0.02 mg L(-1), respectively mercury, cadmium and lead) were measured during rainy season. The average cadmium (0.58 ± 0.36 mg L(-1)), copper (42.15 ± 19.40 mg L(-1)), lead (58.47 ± 38.10 mg kg(-1)), mercury (0.79 ± 0.47 μg kg(-1)) and zinc (187.58 ± 76.99 mg kg(-1)) concentrations determined in Biétri Bay sediments showed a similar trend as in water. The seasonal variations of mercury, cadmium and lead in tissues revealed that these metals were higher concentrated during dry and swelling seasons. The levels of zinc and copper followed by lead were higher in the tissues. The order of tissues metals concentrations was: kidney > liver > brain > muscle.


Indigenous migration patterns in Brazil based on the 2010 national demographic census: analysis and critical reflection.
Research in several Latin American countries points to violence, loss of traditional territories, and seeking education, health, and wage labor as key variables in triggering rural-urban migration among Indigenous people. This study presents an analysis of the migration patterns of Indigenous people in Brazil, compared to non-indigenous people, based on data from the most recent national census, conducted in 2010. Migration characteristics related to lifetime migration and recent migration were investigated by means of descriptive and multivariable logistic regression analyses. The findings pointed to complex mobility scenarios according to migrants' Indigenous status and geographical regions of origin and destination. Indigenous people living in urban areas presented high levels of mobility (approximately 50% lived in different municipalities from those where they were born), which were more pronounced than those of non-Indigenous people. Indigenous people living in rural areas presented the lowest levels of migration (approximately 90% residing in their municipality of birth). Statistical modeling confirmed the patterns observed in descriptive analysis, highlighting the marked mobility of Indigenous subjects in urban areas. We emphasize the limitations of using census data for characterizing Indigenous mobility profiles, although no other nationally representative data are available. The finding that the Indigenous population living in urban areas presents rates of migration higher than their non-Indigenous counterparts is particularly important for the planning and implementation of a broad range of public policies aimed at ethnic minorities in the country, including health, education, and housing initiatives.


Predıctıve value of pregnancy of follıcular fluıd fetuın-A and -B levels ın infertıle women after intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection.
We aimed to investigate the value of follicular fluid fetuins-A and -B to predict successful IVF and pregnancy outcomes in infertile women with poor, normal, and high ovarian reserve. The follicular fluid of 96 infertile women who underwent intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) procedure was analyzed. Fetuins-A and -B levels were examined and compared in those who could achieve pregnancy and those who could not. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyzes were used to determine cut-off and statistically significant associations for fetuins-A and -B. Follicular fluid fetuin-A levels were higher in cases with weak ovarian reserve (OR) (p < 0.05) and higher in patients who did not achieve clinical pregnancy (p < 0.05). Conversely, the follicular fluid fetuin-B levels were lower in cases with poor OR (p < 0.05) and were lower in patients who did not achieve a clinical pregnancy (p < 0.05). A follicular fluid fetuin-A concentration ≤ 19.12 ng/mL had a sensitivity and specificity of 94.74% and 93.1%, respectively, at predicting clinical pregnancy. While the follicular fluid fetuin-B concentration >24.7 ng/mL had sensitivity and specificity of 71.1% and 51.7%, respectively, for clinical pregnancy prediction. Overall, high levels of follicular fluid fetuin-A may be independently associated with unsuccessful IVF irrespective of OR grouping. A low level of follicular fetuin-B was also associated with failed IVF. The sensitivity and specificity were found to be higher for fetuin-A in predicting clinical pregnancy. Therefore, the follicular fluid fetuin-A may be more predictive for successful IVF and clinical pregnancy outcomes than follicular fluid fetuin-B.


Thermal inactivation reaction rates for ricin are influenced by pH and carbohydrates.
Ricin is a lethal protein toxin produced by the castor bean plant. Ricin is known to possess significant heat resistance. Therefore, we placed it in a variety of foods to study the influence of the food matrix on behavior of a thermally stable protein toxin. First order rate constants for the thermal inactivation of ricin in foods and simple buffers were measured using cytotoxicity assays. We observed greater thermal stability at 75 °C for the cytotoxic activity of ricin when it was placed in a yogurt-containing fruit drink compared to its stability when placed in the other foods tested. We found that galactose and high molecular weight exopolysaccharides present in various dairy products contributed to the thermal stability of ricin. Differential scanning calorimetry also showed enhanced thermal stability for ricin at pH 4.5. Our results demonstrate the importance of considering pH and the presence of stabilizing ligands in the thermal inactivation of protein toxins in foods.


Identification of black sturgeon caviar pigment as eumelanin.
Reported herein is the purification of the pigment of black sturgeon caviar and its unambiguous identification as a typical eumelanin by means of chemical degradation coupled with electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) evidence. HPLC and LC-MS analysis of oxidative degradation mixtures revealed the formation of pyrrole-2,3,5-tricarboxylic acid (PTCA), a specific marker of eumelanin pigments, in yields compatible with a 6.5% w/w pigment content. EPR spectral features and parameters were in close agreement with those reported for a typical natural eumelanin such as Sepia melanin from squid ink. The identification for the first time of eumelanin in a fish roe is expected to provide a novel molecular basis for the valorization of black caviar and production wastes thereof in food chemistry and diet.


Zoonotic origin of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium malariae from African apes.
The human parasite Plasmodium malariae has relatives infecting African apes (Plasmodium rodhaini) and New World monkeys (Plasmodium brasilianum), but its origins remain unknown. Using a novel approach to characterise P. malariae-related sequences in wild and captive African apes, we found that this group comprises three distinct lineages, one of which represents a previously unknown, highly divergent species infecting chimpanzees, bonobos and gorillas across central Africa. A second ape-derived lineage is much more closely related to the third, human-infective lineage P. malariae, but exhibits little evidence of genetic exchange with it, and so likely represents a separate species. Moreover, the levels and nature of genetic polymorphisms in P. malariae indicate that it resulted from the zoonotic transmission of an African ape parasite, reminiscent of the origin of P. falciparum. In contrast, P. brasilianum falls within the radiation of human P. malariae, and thus reflects a recent anthroponosis.


A Review of the Potential Role of CoQ10 in the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma.
The coenzyme ubiquinone-10 (CoQ10) is not only an important part of the electron transport chain of the mitochondrial inner membrane but also has complex biological functions beyond mitochondrial respiration. It is a natural nutrient that is not only produced by the body but is also found in foods, such as meat, eggs, fish, and vegetable oils. Because some types of cancer reduce CoQ10 blood levels, the use of CoQ10 supplements is recommended for the treatment of cancer patients. The anti-cancer effects of CoQ10 supplementation have been reported in several cancers, including colon and breast cancer. CoQ10 scavenges free radicals to reduce oxidative stress and minimize tissue damage. CoQ10 protects the body from damage caused by chemotherapy drugs by reducing the production of inflammatory cytokines and other inflammatory factors. Recent studies suggest that CoQ10 may be a supplement to pharmacotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma. This article examines the effects of CoQ10 in hepatocellular carcinoma.


Increased CaSR and TRPC6 pulmonary vascular expression in the nitrofen-induced model of congenital diaphragmatic hernia.
The high morbidity and mortality rates in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) are attributed primarily to severe lung hypoplasia and/or persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPH). PPH in CDH is characterized by abnormal vascular remodeling with thickening of medial and adventitial layers and extension of smooth muscle into previously nonmuscularized arteries. Excessive proliferation of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMC) is an important contributor to the concentric pulmonary arterial remodeling. An increase in cytosolic-free Ca2+ concentration in PASMC is a major trigger for pulmonary vasoconstriction and a key stimulus for PASMC proliferation and migration. Calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR), a member of the G-protein coupled receptor family, is activated by cations (e.g., Ca2+, Mg2+) and polyamines. Under normal physiological conditions, the expression levels of CaSR in the pulmonary vasculature are very low. Canonical transient receptor potential channels (TRPCs) constitute a series of nonselective cation channels with variable degree of Ca2+ selectivity. TRPC6 has been reported to play a crucial role in the regulation of neo-muscularization, vasoreactivity, and vasomotor tone in the pulmonary vasculature. We hypothesized that CaSR and TRPC6 expression is upregulated in the pulmonary vasculature of nitrofen-induced CDH rats. Following ethical approval (REC1103), time-pregnant Sprague Dawley rats received nitrofen or vehicle on gestational day (D) 9. D21 fetuses were divided into CDH and control (n = 12). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (QRT-PCR), western blotting, and confocal-immunofluorescence microscopy were performed to detect lung gene and protein expression of CaSR and TRPC6. QRT-PCR and western blot analysis revealed that CaSR and TPRC6 expression was significantly increased in the CDH group compared to controls (p < 0.05). Confocal-immunofluorescence microscopy revealed that CaSR and TRPC6 lung expression was markedly increased in CDH group compared to controls. Increased CaSR and TRPC6 expression in CDH lung suggests that CaSR interacting with TRPC6 may contribute to abnormal vascular remodeling resulting in pulmonary vasoconstriction and development of PPH.


Taxonomic revision of Hypostomus albopunctatus (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) reveals a new piece of the Hypostomus jigsaw in the upper Rio Paraná basin.
Hypostomus albopunctatus was described from the Rio Piracicaba, a tributary of the Rio Tietê, upper Rio Paraná basin. Nevertheless, specimens attributed to this species are commonly found throughout other river systems in the upper Rio Paraná basin and present varying degrees of morphological variation. A taxonomic review of H. albopunctatus based on large series of specimens from many localities throughout the upper Rio Paraná basin was carried out. Results support H. lexi, H. niger and H. scaphyceps as junior synonyms. Hypostomus albopunctatus differs from all congeners except H. heraldoi by having pectoral-fin spine equal to or shorter than pelvic-fin spine (v. longer); it differs from H. heraldoi by having white or light yellow spots on the body and fins (v. dark brown or black spots). Despite conspicuous variation related to the shape and size of the spots and snout morphology, both spot and snout patterns overlapped among the examined populations, thus this variation was inferred to be intraspecific within a widely distributed H. albopunctatus.


Determinants of health facility delivery among young mothers in Ghana; insights from the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey.
Globally, young women deliver at home, often under unhygienic conditions and without skilled birth attendants. This study identified the determinants of health facility delivery among young mothers in Ghana. We analysed secondary data from the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey, which collected data across the former ten administrative regions of Ghana. This study analysed data from the 'women file' by adjusting for the sample weight. STATA/SE version 16 was employed to analyse the data by computing descriptive statistics, Chi-square, and Binary Logistic Regression. Seven in ten young mothers gave birth in a health facility. Young mothers who had secondary school education were over three-fold more likely to deliver in a health facility (AOR = 3.5, 95% CI: 1.33-9.23) compared with young mothers with no formal education. Young mothers who resided in rural areas had lower odds (73%) of delivering in a health facility (AOR = 0.27; 95% CI: 0.14-0.514) compared with those in urban areas. Young mothers within the richest wealth quintile also had higher odds (8 times) of delivering in a health facility (AOR = 8.24; 95% CI: 0.95-71.77) compared with those within the poorest wealth quintile. Young mothers who obtained four to seven antenatal visits (AOR = 0.53; 95% CI: 0.27-1.03) had lower odds of delivering in a health facility compared with those who obtained eight or more antenatal visits. The majority of young mothers in Ghana gave birth in a health facility. The likelihood of delivering in a health facility was influenced by socio-demographic factors, economic factors and utilization of antenatal care services. Therefore, interventions aimed at increasing utilization of skilled delivery among young women should focus on promoting girl child education, economic status and antenatal care visits.


Cerium and Ytterbium Codoped Halide Perovskite Quantum Dots: A Novel and Efficient Downconverter for Improving the Performance of Silicon Solar Cells.
Quantum cutting can realize the emission of multiple near-infrared photons for each ultraviolet/visible photon absorbed, and has potential to significantly improve the photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) of solar cells. However, due to the lack of an ideal downconversion material, it has merely served as a principle in the laboratory until now. Here, the fabrication of a novel type of quantum cutting material, CsPbCl1.5 Br1.5 :Yb3+ , Ce3+ nanocrystals is presented. Benefiting from the larger absorption cross-section, weaker electron-phonon coupling, and higher inner luminescent quantum yield (146%), the doped perovskite nanocrystals are successfully explored as a downconverter of commercial silicon solar cells (SSCs). Noticeably, the PCE of the SSCs is improved from 18.1% to 21.5%, with a relative enhancement of 18.8%. This work exhibits a cheap, convenient, and effective way to enhance the PCE of SSCs, which may be commercially popularized in the future.


Monocyte activation by smooth muscle cell-derived matrices.
Mononuclear phagocytes adhere to and penetrate the vessel wall endothelium and contact the subendothelial space prior to the development of the atherosclerotic plaque. In an attempt to model the early events of plaque development we used an elastin-rich, multicomponent, cell-derived matrix from neonatal rat aortic smooth muscle cells as a substratum for monocytes. Using this model, we show that human monocyte morphology and metabolism are markedly altered by the matrix substratum. When a mixed mononuclear cell population is seeded on matrix or plastic, only monocytes adhere to the matrix surface. In contrast, lymphocytes as well as monocytes adhere to the plastic surface. The matrix-adherent monocytes develop large intracellular granules and form extensive clusters of individual cells. Metabolically, these cells develop sodium fluoride resistant non-specific esterase activity and their media contain more growth factor activity and PGE2. Although total protein synthesis is equivalent in both cultures, the matrix contact induces an increase in specific proteins in the media. We also show that a purified alpha-elastin substratum induces some, but not all, of the monocyte changes seen when using the matrix substratum. Using the alpha-elastin substratum, there is selective adhesion of monocytes and increased growth factor activity, however, the cells are morphologically different from the matrix-adherent cells. Thus, the use of the smooth muscle cell-derived matrix, in conjunction with purified matrix components, serves as a model that can provide insight into the mechanisms of monocyte adhesion and stimulation by the matrix environment that exists in vivo. Such mechanisms may be particularly important in atherogenesis.


Conformationally constrained D,L-alternating oligopeptides.
The possibility of selectively reducing the number of beta-helical structures theoretically possible for a D,L-alternating peptide by using a N-methyl group as conformational constraint is considered. Some 1H-nmr data regarding Boc(L-Nle-D-Nle)3-L-Nle-D-MeNle-L-Nle-D-Nle-L-Nle-OMe (I), its formyl analogue (II), and the pentadecapeptide Boc(D-Leu-L-Leu)5-D-MeLeu-(L-Leu-D-Leu)2-OMe (III) are presented. It is shown that these alternating stereocooligopeptides with a N-methyl group in the (n - 3) (I and II) or (n - 4) position (III) differ drastically in their behavior from the corresponding nonmethylated compounds. In chloroform, I and II form predominantly -- beta 7.2-helices and III forms almost exclusively -- beta 5.6 or -- beta 7.2-helices. The helices are in every case those having the maximum possible number of interchain H bonds.


EXIT-to-resection for fetuses with large lung masses and persistent mediastinal compression near birth.
To identify prenatal diagnostic features that will help select fetuses with lung masses (LM) who may benefit from ex-utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT procedure) as the preferred mode of delivery. The CCAM-volume ratio (CVR), fetal treatment, and outcomes of all fetuses with LM evaluated between 2001 and 2011 were reviewed retrospectively. Fetuses with hydrops or CVR>1.6 were classified as high risk. Indications for fetal interventions included hydrops and heart failure, and indication for EXIT-to-resection was the finding of persistent mediastinal compression (PMC) near birth. Of 110 fetuses evaluated for LM, 78 were classified as low-risk. No fetus in this group had PMC near birth and none required perinatal treatment. Of 32 high-risk fetuses, 8 developed heart failure of which 4 survived (3 following fetal surgery). Nine high-risk fetuses with no PMC near birth were asymptomatic postnatally and treated electively. Sixteen high-risk fetuses had PMC near birth. All 9 babies with PMC treated with EXIT-to-resection did well with discharge at a median of 10 days post-operatively. All 7 fetuses treated without an EXIT developed respiratory distress following birth requiring an urgent operation; 2 died. The EXIT-to-resection procedure is a favorable delivery approach for those fetuses with large LM and PMC near birth.


Association between oral infections, triglyceride-glucose index, and in-stent restenosis.
To investigate oral infections in patients suffering in-stent restenosis (ISR) and non-ISR and analyze the possible correlation between the oral infection and triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, a clinical surrogate indicator of insulin resistance (IR). A cross-sectional design was used, in which 586 patients with acute coronary syndrome who underwent coronary angiography 6-24 months after coronary stent implantation were recruited. The modified total dental index (TDI) was used to evaluate the status of oral inflammation. In both univariate analyses, TDI scores [3 (1.5, 4.5) vs. 2.5 (1.5, 4.0), p < 0.01] and a multivariate regression model (OR = 1.202, 95% CI = 1.085-1.333, p < 0.01), the TDI significantly correlated with ISR. The TyG index was positively associated with ISR (OR = 1.766, 95% CI = 1.055-2.957, p < 0.05). Correlation analysis showed that TDI was positively correlated with TyG index (r = 0.190, p < 0.01). Using linear regression analysis, higher TDI scores were significantly associated with IR (95% CI = 0.029-0.063, p < 0.01). Oral infections and TyG index were independently and positively correlated with ISR in patients with acute coronary syndrome. Oral inflammatory burden assessed by TDI score was associated with IR.


Ten commandments of airway management: simple lessons to guide oxygenation & ventilation.
Excellent clinicians have a solid knowledge base and use sound principles to guide their practice. Most of us work in dynamic and, at times, uncontrolled settings. To succeed, you must follow some established guidelines. As you grow in your chosen career, also continue to improve your airway knowledge and strive to follow these commandments. Hopefully, they'll empower you to maximize your skills, expand your knowledge base and enhance your problem-solving abilities.


Sorafenib treatment on Chinese patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: A study on prognostic factors of the viral and tumor status.
Sorafenib is of proven efficacy in treating patients of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Our study was aimed to determine the factors influence the sorafenib efficacy.We evaluated data of HCC patients receiving sorafenib from June 2012 to October 2016. All HCC cases were of the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) classification stage C. The exclusion criteria: those of BCLC classification stage A or B, with the absence or co-infection of hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV). The presence of HBV, HCV, macoscopic vascular invasion (MVI) or extrahepatic spread (EHS) was recorded for each patient. Time-to-progression (TTP) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed.Among a total of 90 HCC patients, 48 (53.3%) had HBV infection, 42 (46.7%) had HCV infection, 51 (56.7%) had MVI, and 39 (43.3%) had EHS. Patients with HCV infection showed better TTP and OS than those with HBV infection. Patients with EHS had a longer TTP and OS than those with MVI. For patients with HBV infection, those with EHS had a longer TTP (mean 4.60 vs 2.64 months, P = .002) and OS (mean 6.65 vs 4.53 months, P = .045) compared to those with MVI. Among those with MVI, patients with HBV infection had a poorer TTP (mean 2.64 vs 4.74 months, P = .019) and shorter OS (mean 4.53 vs 7.00 months, P = .059) compared to those with HCV infection.HCC patients with HCV infection or with the presence of EHS showed better sorafenib efficacy.


Anger temperament is modestly associated with the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus: the Atheroslcerosis Risk in Communities Study.
Trait anger has been shown to predict coronary heart disease; however, there are no prior studies evaluating anger as a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. The objective of this study was to determine if anger proneness predicted type 2 diabetes using prospective analyses. We analyzed data on trait anger, assessed by questionnaire, in a longitudinal, bi-racial cohort study of 11,615 initially non-diabetic adults aged 48-67, who were subsequently followed for 6 years for the development of type 2 diabetes. There was no relation between overall trait anger and the subsequent risk of diabetes; however, individuals in the highest tertile of trait anger temperament scores had a 34% increased risk of developing diabetes compared to those in the lowest tertile (Relative hazard [RH] = 1.34; 95% confidence interval: 1.10, 1.62), following adjustment for age, race, gender, and education. The relation between anger temperament and diabetes remained significant following adjustment for behavioral factors (smoking, physical activity, and caloric intake) (RH = 1.31; 95% CI: 1.08, 1.60) but was non-significant after additional adjustment for waist-to-hip ratio and body-mass index (RH = 1.18; 95% CI: 0.97, 1.44). While we found no relation between overall trait anger and incident diabetes, persons who had higher anger temperament subscale scores had a slightly increased risk of type 2 diabetes, which was largely explained by adiposity. Anger temperament may deserve further attention as a potential risk factor for type 2 diabetes.


Development of a serum-free medium for the production of humanized antibody from Chinese hamster ovary cells using a statistical design.
To develop serum-free (SF) media for the production of humanized antibody from recombinant Chinese hamster ovary (rCHO) cells, a statistical optimization approach based on a Plackett-Burman design was adopted. A basal medium was prepared by supplementing alpha-minimal essential medium (alpha-MEM) with Fe(NO3)3.9H2O, CuCl2, ZnSO4.7H2O, and Na2SeO3 which are generally contained in SF medium formulations. Insulin, transferrin, and ethanolamine were also supplemented to the basal medium to determine their optimal concentrations. From this statistical analysis, serine, phenylalanine, and tyrosine were identified as important determinants for cell growth. Also, putrescine, linoleic acid, and hydrocortisone were shown to be important for both cell growth and antibody production. The SF medium was formulated by supplementing the basal medium with components showing positive effects on cell growth and/or antibody production. Cell growth and antibody production in this SF medium were comparable to those in alpha-MEM supplemented with 5% dialyzed fetal bovine serum. Taken together, the results obtained here show that a Plackett-Burman design facilitates the development of SF media for rCHO cells aimed at producing a humanized antibody.


Variable development rate and survival of navel orangeworm (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) on wheat bran diet and almonds.
A series of laboratory and field studies were conducted using three lines of navel orangeworm, Amyelois transitella (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), reared on wheat bran diet and almonds, Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A.Webb, at constant and fluctuating temperature. The duration of development on wheat bran diet at constant temperature differed significantly among the three lines. Development was as much as 40% faster at constant temperature than at fluctuating temperatures, consequently the developmental duration determined at constant temperature was not an absolute measure. When the maximum temperature in fluctuating regimes exceeded 43 degrees C, survival decreased by 50% compared with the constant temperature control. In almonds held at constant temperature, the developmental rate on new-crop nuts was variety-dependent and was fastest on 'Nonpareil' almonds and slowest on the experimental selection '23-122'. Development and survival were also variety-dependent on unharvested (mummy) almonds, and navel orangeworm average emergence was earliest from Nonpareil and latest from 'Carmel' nuts, differing by 529 degree-days, whereas survival was the highest on 'Butte', 35.7%, and the lowest on Carmel nuts, 7.2%. In our trials, both the speed of development and survival depended on host age, variety and quality, indicating that almonds were a dynamic rather than a static nutrient source for navel orangeworm. Identifying the factors responsible for variation in development and survival will give insight into improving control strategies.


Pharmacological characterization of GABA receptors mediating vasodilation of verebral arteries in vitro.
GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) produced a dose-dependent dilation of isolated cat and dog cerebral artery segments which had been given an active, tonic contraction by either prostaglandin F2 alpha or serotonin. No effect of GABA on extracranial blood vessels was observed. The GABA-induced dilation could be blocked in a dose-dependent manner by either bicuculline or picrotoxin. The latter agent appeared to act as a competitive antagonist. GABA agonists muscimol, imidazoleacetic acid, delta-aminovaleric acid, (+/-)gamma-amino-beta-hydroxybutyric acid, and beta-alanine also relaxed actively contracted cerebral arteries dose-dependently. The relative potency of these agonists was consistent with that established for GABA receptors on neurons and invertebrate striated muscle. GABA was also tested on two human cerebral arteries and found to cause a small dilation. The results support the existence of a cerebrovascular GABA receptor which may mediate an interaction between GABA and the cerebral circulatory system.


[Experimental study of tongxinluo capsule on restraining myocardial cell apoptosis due to ischemia/reperfusion].
To find out the mechanism of Tongxinluo Capsule on anti-apoptosis of cardiac myocyte due to ischemia/reperfusion. Mouse myocardium of ischemia/reperfusion model was observed for evaluating the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), the level of malondialdehyde (MDA), the apoptotic index of cardial myocyte and the expression of apoptosis correlation protein bcl-2 and bax. Tongxinluo Capsule could raise the activity of SOD and decrease the level of MDA. And it could depress cardial myocyte apoptosis caused by ischemia/reperfusion through up-regulating bcl-2 expression and down-regulating bax expression. Tongxinluo Capsule could protect cardial myocyte well to avoid injury due to ischemia and reperfusion.


Reliable set-up for in-loop ¹¹C-carboxylations using Grignard reactions for the preparation of [carbonyl-¹¹C]WAY-100635 and [¹¹C]-(+)-PHNO.
Aim of this work was the implementation of a generalized in-loop synthesis for (11)C-carboxylations and subsequent (11)C-acylations on the TRACERlab FxC Pro platform. The set-up was tested using [carbonyl-(11)C]WAY-100635 and, for the first time, [(11)C]-(+)-PHNO. Its general applicability could be demonstrated and both [carbonyl-(11)C]WAY-100635 and [(11)C]-(+)-PHNO were prepared with high reliability and satisfying outcome.


Feline demodicosis: a consideration in the itchy or overgrooming cat.
In cats, three species of demodex mites have been identified as causes of demodicosis, which may manifest as pruritus, miliary dermatitis and/or self-induced alopecia. The condition has been recognized in various countries but does seem to show regional preferences. Diagnosis of feline demodicosis can be a challenge as mites are not always readily found within scrapings of the skin examined microscopically. One or more species of demodex mite may be involved in an infestation. Furthermore, the condition can be difficult to treat effectively. This review is intended as a clinical update for veterinary surgeons in practice who rarely encounter demodicosis.


Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery in infants.
We describe a technique for performing cataract surgery with a femtosecond laser in infants. Anterior capsulotomy and lens division are performed by the laser. A fluid-filled interface makes it possible to re-dock the laser to the eye for posterior capsulotomy after the eye has been opened for lens aspiration without complications. The integrated 3-dimensional optical coherence tomography also visualizes the posterior capsule, allowing a centered central posterior capsulotomy followed by mechanical anterior vitrectomy. The anterior and the posterior capsule disks are removed without capsule tears. The technique has been performed in 4 infants (ages 2, 4, 7, and 9 months) with congenital cataract. It can enhance the quality of pediatric cataract surgery.


Improved operational stability of chloroperoxidase through use of antioxidants.
Chloroperoxidase (CPO) from Caldariomyces fumago is a potentially very useful enzyme due to its ability to catalyze a large variety of stereoselective oxidation reactions, but poor operational stability is a main limitation for commercial use. In the present study, the possibility of increasing the operational stability by use of antioxidants was investigated using the oxidation of indole as model reaction. Caffeic acid was the antioxidant showing the strongest positive effects, reaching a total turnover number (TTN) of 135,000 at pH 4 and 4 mM hydrogen peroxide, compared to 28,700 in the absence of antioxidant. Portion-wise addition of hydrogen peroxide in the presence of caffeic acid caused a further increase in TTN to 171,000. An alternative way to reach high TTN was to use tert-butyl hydroperoxide as oxidant instead of hydrogen peroxide: a TTN of 600,000 was achieved although the reaction was quite slow. In this case, antioxidants did not have any positive effect. Possible mechanisms for the observed inactivation of CPO are discussed.


EFL teachers' digital literacy: the role of contextual factors in their literacy development.
Digital technology can have significant effects on language education. This effect makes the English language teachers teach the subjects better to the students and also improves the quality of teachers' education. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the digital literacy of English language teachers and to investigate the difference between digital literacy and their gender, education level, and teaching experience. To conduct the study, the researcher invited 2,110 EFL teachers to fill out the Teachers' Digital Literacy questionnaire. The researchers used SPPS and AMOS in analyzing the obtained data. The results of the study indicated that teachers' contextual factors do not influence their digital literacy skills. In addition, the study showed that teachers' attitudes toward technology, their skill to use technology, and their access to technology can significantly affect teachers' digital literacy. Implications of the study are further discussed in this paper.


Effect of Aloe vera topical gel combined with tretinoin in treatment of mild and moderate acne vulgaris: a randomized, double-blind, prospective trial.
Topical retinoids are considered first-line therapy in the treatment of acne vulgaris, yet can be associated with cutaneous irritations. Combination therapy with natural preparations could be effective in treatment and decreasing adverse events. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of the combination of tretinoin (TR) cream (0.05%) and Aloe vera topical gel (50%) with TR and vehicle. The randomized, double-blind, prospective 8-week trial evaluated inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesion scores and tolerability in 60 subjects with mild to moderate acne vulgaris (global acne grading system scale). Several formulations of A. vera leaf gel were prepared and the most stable one was selected for clinical study based on physicochemical evaluations. The combination therapy showed superior efficacy to TR and placebo. TR/Aloe vera gel (AVG) was significantly more effective in reducing non-inflammatory (p = 0.001), inflammatory (p = 0.011) and total (p = 0.003) lesion scores than control group. The highest percentage of adverse cutaneous effect was reported for scaling. At the end of study, erythema in the TR/AVG-treated group was significantly less severe (p = 0.046). The combination TR/AVG was well tolerated and significantly more effective than TR and vehicle for the treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris.


The Relation Between the Two Factors of Psychopathy and Intimate Partner Aggression.
Psychopathy is a personality disorder that has emerged as a correlate of antisocial, impulsive, and violent behavior, including intimate partner violence (IPV). In the current study, we sought to explore the complex relationship between two factors of psychopathy and IPV perpetration. The Fearlessness-Dominance Factor 1 (PPI-I) assesses the affective-interpersonal traits of psychopathy, whereas the Impulsive-Antisociality Factor II (PPI-II) assesses the behavioral-lifestyle traits of psychopathy. Data from 114 couples was utilized in the current study. When using male self-report of IPV, all forms of violence were significantly correlated with PPI-I. No male self-report or female-report of any of the forms of violence were significantly correlated with PPI-II. Hierarchical regression was utilized to study the impact of psychopathy factors in predicting physical violence while controlling for demographic variables. In predicting women's report of men's violence, the addition of psychopathy factors to the model explained significantly more of the variance (F = 2.71; p < .05) above and beyond demographic variables. The addition of psychopathy factors to the model predicting men's self-reported physical violence was also significant (F = 4.78, p < .001). These results suggest that individuals high in PPI-I may be at higher risk of IPV perpetration compared to those high in PPI-II.


Circulating estradiol and hypothalamic corticotrophin releasing hormone enhances along with time after ovariectomy in rats: effects of electroacupuncture.
Repeated electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation is known to enhance the circulating level of estrogen in the ovariectomized rats by stimulating the activity of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. To explore the mechanism of EA in promoting the homeostasis in ovariectomized rats, the hypothalamic CRH content and its mRNA expression as well as the circulating estradiol in the rats along with time after ovariectomy were detected. Female rats were divided into fourteen groups: 1 month after ovariectomy (OVX1M), OVX2M, OVX3M, OVX4M, OVX5M, OVX6M; intact 1 month (INT1M), INT2M, INT3M, INT4M, INT5M, INT6M; OVX1M with EA (OVX1M+EA) and intact 1 month with EA (INT1M+EA). The blood concentrations of estradiol (E2) and total contents of hypothalamic CRH were measured by radioimmunoassay. The expressions of CRHmRNA were semiquantified by RT-PCR. The results showed that the blood E(2) concentrations increased gradually along with time after ovariectomy in the rats. The level was higher in OVX1M+EA than those in OVX1M, 2M, 3M (p < 0.05), which was near to the level in OVX6M. The total content (ng/g tissue) of hypothalamic CRH and the CRHmRNA expressions in the OVX6M rats were higher than other groups (p < 0.05). The CRH content or mRNA expression in the OVX1M+EA increased significantly compared with that in OVX1M (p < 0.05), and it was close to the level in the OVX4M and OVX5M. The results suggested that the circulating E2 and hypothalamic CRH enhances along with time after ovariectomy in rats, and the EA stimulation might speedup the process.


Bayesian-based estimation of acoustic surface impedance: Finite difference frequency domain approach.
Acoustic performance for an interior requires an accurate description of the boundary materials' surface acoustic impedance. Analytical methods may be applied to a small class of test geometries, but inverse numerical methods provide greater flexibility. The parameter estimation problem requires minimizing prediction vice observed acoustic field pressure. The Bayesian-network sampling approach presented here mitigates other methods' susceptibility to noise inherent to the experiment, model, and numerics. A geometry agnostic method is developed here and its parameter estimation performance is demonstrated for an air-backed micro-perforated panel in an impedance tube. Good agreement is found with predictions from the ISO standard two-microphone, impedance-tube method, and a theoretical model for the material. Data by-products exclusive to a Bayesian approach are analyzed to assess sensitivity of the method to nuisance parameters.


Inhibition of voltage-gated Ca2+ entry into GH3 and chromaffin cells by imidazole antimycotics and other cytochrome P450 blockers.
We have studied the effects of cytochrome P450 inhibitors on the entry of Ca2+ and Mn2+, used here as a Ca2+ surrogate for Ca2+ channels, in fura-2-loaded GH3 pituitary cells and bovine chromaffin cells depolarized with high-K+ solutions. Imidazole antimycotics were potent inhibitors (econazole greater than miconazole greater than clotrimazole greater than ketoconazole). alpha-Naphtoflavone and isosafrole, but not metyrapone, also inhibited the entry of Ca2+ and Mn2+ induced by depolarization. This inhibitory profile most resembles that reported for IA-type cytochrome P450. However, carbon monoxide (CO), a well-known cytochrome P450 antagonist, had no effect on Ca2+ (Mn2+) entry. Given the high selectivity of the imidazole antimycotics for the heme moiety, our results suggest that a hemoprotein closely related to cytochrome P450 (but insensitive to CO) might be involved in the regulation of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels. The inhibitory pattern was also similar to that previously reported for agonist-induced Ca2+ (Mn2+) influx in neutrophils and platelets, although CO was an efficient inhibitor in this case. These results pose the question of whether similarities in the sensitivity to cytochrome P450 inhibitors exhibited by receptor-operated and voltage-gated channels reflect unknown similarities either in structural features or regulation mechanisms.


Huntington's disease: objective assessment of posture--a link between motor and functional deficits.
Postural deficits in Huntington's disease are linked to functional impairment. We investigated whether assessment of center-of-mass variability using posturography provides objective and quantitative measures that correlate to the severity of motor phenotype, functional measures, and genotype as assessed by a disease burden score (based on repeat length and age). In addition, we investigated whether withdrawing visual feedback facilitates the detection of postural deficits. Using a force plate, the ability of symptomatic Huntington's disease patients (n = 34) and controls (n = 20) to stand as stably as possible was assessed in eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions. All posturographic measures (DISTANCE, VELOCITY, and SURFACE of centre-of-mass mobility) were increased in patients and correlated to (1) the UHDRS Total Motor Score, (2) the UHDRS Total Functional Capacity, (3) the UHDRS Functional Assessment Score, and (4) the disease burden score. Correlations to motor and functional measures were stronger when visual feedback was provided. Posturography may provide useful objective and quantitative measures of postural motor dysfunction in Huntington's disease.


Facile synthesis of novel helical imprinted fibers based on zucchini-derived microcoils for efficient recognition of target protein in biological sample.
Highly selective recognition and purification of target proteins from complex biological matrices remains a challenging subject in natural and life sciences. Compared with natural recognition receptors, artificial imprinted polymers are an ideal alternative candidate. In this study, we report a novel method to prepare helical protein imprinted fibers (HPIFs) with zucchini-derived microcoils as a carrier, firstly. Inspired by the self-polymerization of adhesive proteins in mussels, dopamine and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid were chosen as bifunctional monomers for the first time to form a biocompatible imprinted layer. The chemical/physical properties and recognition performance of HPIFs were studied in a series of experiments. Additionally, the practicability of HPIFs was verified by specifically recognizing target protein in complex egg white sample. The one-step synthesis process and excellent binding performance of HPIFs make them a promising material for protein recognition and purification, and endow HPIFs with potential application value in the food, chemical and pharmaceutical fields.


Optic disc pit maculopathy after blunt ocular trauma.
To present a symptomatic optic pit 3 months after a blunt ocular trauma. A 16-year-old male with unilateral decreased vision was examined with multiple cross-sectional scans using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and kinetic ultrasound at the optic disc and macula. Visual acuity was 20/30 OD and 20/20 OS. Fundus examination OD demonstrated an optic pit with a corresponding serous macular detachment. OCT disclosed a schisis-like separation of the inner retinal layer emanating from the optic disc and an outer layer detachment of the retina. B-scan ultrasound disclosed attached Choquet's canal at the optic pit. Patients with optic pit and firm adherent posterior vitreous may develop schisis-like retinal detachments after blunt ocular trauma.


Fetoplacental endothelial dysfunction in gestational diabetes mellitus and maternal obesity: A potential threat for programming cardiovascular disease.
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and maternal obesity (MO) increase the risk of adverse fetal outcomes, and the incidence of cardiovascular disease later in life. Extensive research has been conducted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms by which GDM and MO program the offspring to disease. This review focuses on the role of fetoplacental endothelial dysfunction in programming the offspring for cardiovascular disease in GDM and MO pregnancies. We discuss how pre-existing maternal health conditions can lead to vascular dysfunction in the fetoplacental unit and the fetus. We also examine the role of fetoplacental endothelial dysfunction in impairing fetal cardiovascular system development and the involvement of nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide in mediating fetoplacental vascular dysfunction. Furthermore, we suggest that the L-Arginine-Nitric Oxide and the Adenosine-L-Arginine-Nitric Oxide (ALANO) signaling pathways are pertinent targets for research. Despite significant progress in this area, there are still knowledge gaps that need to be addressed in future research.