A comparison of the ability of a 4:1 ketogenic diet and a 6.3:1 ketogenic diet to elevate seizure thresholds in adult and young rats.
The pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) infusion test was used to compare seizure thresholds in adult and young rats fed either a 4:1 ketogenic diet (KD) or a 6.3:1 KD. We hypothesized that both KDs would significantly elevate seizure thresholds and that the 4:1 KD would serve as a better model of the KD used clinically. Ninety adult rats and 75 young rats were placed on one of five experimental diets: (a) a 4:1 KD, (b) a control diet balanced to the 4:1 KD, (c) a 6.3:1 KD, (d) a standard control diet, or (e) an ad libitum standard control diet. All subjects were seizure tested by using the PTZ infusion test. Blood glucose and beta-hydroxybutyrate (beta-OHB) levels were measured. Neither KD elevated absolute "latencies to seizure" in young or adult rats. Similarly, neither KD elevated "threshold doses" in adult rats. In young rats, the 6.3:1 KD, but not the 4:1 KD, significantly elevated threshold doses. The 6.3:1 KD group showed poorer weight gain than the 4:1 KD group when compared with respective controls. The most dramatic discrepancies were seen in young rats. "Threshold doses" and "latency to seizure" data provided conflicting measures of seizure threshold. This was likely due to the inflation of threshold doses calculated by using the much smaller body weights found in the 6.3:1 KD group. Ultimately, the PTZ infusion test in rats may not be a good preparation to model the anticonvulsant effects of the KD seen clinically, especially when dietary treatments lead to significantly mismatched body weights between the groups.


Relation of carotid artery wall thickness to diabetes mellitus, fasting glucose and insulin, body size, and physical activity. Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study Investigators.
We tested the hypothesis that body mass, waist-to-hip circumference ratio, physical inactivity, diabetes, hyperglycemia, and fasting insulin are each positively associated with asymptomatic carotid artery wall thickness. Average intimal-medial carotid wall thickness (an indicator of atherosclerosis) was measured noninvasively by B-mode ultrasonography in cross-sectional samples of 45- to 64-year-old adults, both blacks and whites, free of symptomatic cardiovascular disease, in four US communities. Sample mean carotid wall thickness was approximately 0.7 mm in women (n = 7956) and 0.8 mm in men (n = 6474). Body mass, waist-to-hip ratio, work physical activity, diabetes, and fasting insulin were associated (P < .05) with carotid wall thickness in the hypothesized direction. Adjusted for age, race, smoking, body mass index, artery depth, and Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities field center, mean wall thickness was greater by 0.02 mm in women and 0.03 mm in men for a 0.07-unit (one SD) larger waist-to-hip ratio. Adjusted mean wall thickness was about 0.07 mm thicker in participants with diabetes mellitus and 0.02 mm thicker in participants with hyperglycemia (fasting glucose 6.4 to 7.7 mmol/L) than in subjects with fasting glucose < 6.4 mmol/L. Adjusted mean wall thickness increased by about 0.02 mm with an increase of 100 mmol/L in fasting serum insulin. Abdominal adiposity, physical inactivity, and abnormal glucose metabolism are associated positively with carotid intimal-medial wall thickness, suggesting these factors contribute to atherogenesis.


Microcosm studies of microbial degradation in a coal tar distillate plume.
Investigation of a groundwater plume containing up to 24 g l(-1) phenolic compounds suggested that over a period of nearly 50 years, little degradation had occurred despite the presence of a microbial community and electron acceptors within the core of the plume. In order to study the effect of contaminant concentration on degradation behaviour, laboratory microcosm experiments were performed under aerobic and anaerobic conditions at four different concentrations obtained by diluting contaminated with uncontaminated groundwater. The microcosms contained groundwater with total phenols at ca. 200, 250, 660 and 5000 mg l(-1), and aquifer sediment that had been acclimatised within the plume for several months. The microcosms were operated for a period of 390-400 days along with sterile controls to ascertain whether degradation was microbially mediated or abiotic. Under aerobic conditions, degradation only occurred at concentrations up to 660 mg l(-1) total phenols. At phenol concentrations below 250 mg l(-1) a benzoquinone intermediate, thought to originate from the degradation of 2,5-dimethylphenol, was isolated and identified. This suggested an unusual degradative pathway for this compound; its aerobic degradation more commonly proceeding via catecholic intermediates. Under anaerobic conditions, degradation only occurred in the most dilute microcosm (total phenols 195 mg l(-1)) with a loss of p-cresol accompanied by a nonstoichiometric decrease in nitrate and sulphate. By inference, iron(III) from the sediment may also have been used as a terminal electron acceptor, in which case the amount of biologically available iron released was calculated as 1.07 mg Fe(III)/g of sediment. The study shows that natural attenuation is likely to be stimulated by dilution of the plume.


Discoidin domain receptor 1 promotes lung adenocarcinoma migration via the AKT/snail signaling axis.
Discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1), a member of receptor tyrosine kinase, has been implicated in tumor progression. However, the function and underlying mechanism of DDR1 in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) progression is unclear. Thus, we explored the molecular regulatory mechanism of DDR1 in the migration of LUAD. Transwell assays, wound healing assays and xenograft tumor assays were performed to study the function of DDR1 in the progression of LUAD. Immunoblotting and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were used to detect the expression levels of genes. Co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) assays were performed to detect the interaction between DDR1 and AKT. Immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry assays were used to determine the expression level of proteins in cells and tissues, respectively. DDR1 expression was significantly higher in LUAD tissues than in normal lung tissues, and the level of DDR1 was inversely correlated with prognosis in patients. We found that DDR1 promoted the migration and invasion of LUAD cells in vitro. Furthermore, ectopic expression of DDR1 in LUAD cells altered EMT-related markers expression. Importantly, the DDR1 protein interacted with AKT and phosphorylated AKT. The AKT inhibitor MK2206 interrupted Snail upregulation in DDR1-overexpressing LUAD cells. Finally, our study revealed that depletion of DDR1 attenuated LUAD cell migration in a tumor xenograft mouse model. Our findings uncovered that a high abundance of DDR1 increased the migration and invasion capability of LUAD cells via the AKT/Snail signaling axis and indicated that DDR1 could be a potential target for treating LUAD.


Effects of Excluding Those Who Report Having "Syndomitis" or "Chekalism" on Data Quality: Longitudinal Health Survey of a Sample From Amazon's Mechanical Turk.
Researchers have implemented multiple approaches to increase data quality from existing web-based panels such as Amazon's Mechanical Turk (MTurk). This study extends prior work by examining improvements in data quality and effects on mean estimates of health status by excluding respondents who endorse 1 or both of 2 fake health conditions ("Syndomitis" and "Chekalism"). Survey data were collected in 2021 at baseline and 3 months later from MTurk study participants, aged 18 years or older, with an internet protocol address in the United States, and who had completed a minimum of 500 previous MTurk "human intelligence tasks." We included questions about demographic characteristics, health conditions (including the 2 fake conditions), and the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS)-29+2 (version 2.1) preference-based score survey. The 3-month follow-up survey was only administered to those who reported having back pain and did not endorse a fake condition at baseline. In total, 15% (996/6832) of the sample endorsed at least 1 of the 2 fake conditions at baseline. Those who endorsed a fake condition at baseline were more likely to identify as male, non-White, younger, report more health conditions, and take longer to complete the survey than those who did not endorse a fake condition. They also had substantially lower internal consistency reliability on the PROMIS-29+2 scales than those who did not endorse a fake condition: physical function (0.69 vs 0.89), pain interference (0.80 vs 0.94), fatigue (0.80 vs 0.92), depression (0.78 vs 0.92), anxiety (0.78 vs 0.90), sleep disturbance (-0.27 vs 0.84), ability to participate in social roles and activities (0.77 vs 0.92), and cognitive function (0.65 vs 0.77). The lack of reliability of the sleep disturbance scale for those endorsing a fake condition was because it includes both positively and negatively worded items. Those who reported a fake condition reported significantly worse self-reported health scores (except for sleep disturbance) than those who did not endorse a fake condition. Excluding those who endorsed a fake condition improved the overall mean PROMIS-29+2 (version 2.1) T-scores by 1-2 points and the PROMIS preference-based score by 0.04. Although they did not endorse a fake condition at baseline, 6% (n=59) of them endorsed at least 1 of them on the 3-month survey and they had lower PROMIS-29+2 score internal consistency reliability and worse mean scores on the 3-month survey than those who did not report having a fake condition. Based on these results, we estimate that 25% (1708/6832) of the MTurk respondents provided careless or dishonest responses. This study provides evidence that asking about fake health conditions can help to screen out respondents who may be dishonest or careless. We recommend this approach be used routinely in samples of members of MTurk.


A loss of function screen identifies nine new radiation susceptibility genes.
Genomic instability is considered a hallmark of carcinogenesis, and dysfunction of DNA repair and cell cycle regulation in response to DNA damage caused by ionizing radiation are thought to be important factors in the early stages of genomic instability. We performed cell-based functional screening using an RNA interference library targeting 200 genes in human cells. We identified three known and nine new radiation susceptibility genes, eight of which are linked directly or potentially with cell cycle progression. Cell cycle analysis on four of the genes not previously linked to cell cycle progression demonstrated that one, ZDHHC8, was associated with the G2/M checkpoint in response to DNA damage. Further study of the 12 radiation susceptibility genes identified in this screen may help to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of cell cycle progression, DNA repair, cell death, cell growth and genomic instability, and to develop new radiation sensitizing agents for radiotherapy.


Occipitocervical dissociation-incidence, evaluation, and treatment.
Traumatic occipitocervical dissociation (OCD) results from ligamentous injury to the craniocervical junction and is associated with a high rate of mortality and significant neurologic morbidity. The diagnosis is frequently missed on initial lateral cervical spinal radiographs mainly due to inadequate visualization of radiological landmarks and low degree of suspicion. Widespread availability of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) of the spine and development of better diagnostic radiological criteria has allowed timely diagnosis and good clinical outcome following posterior occipitocervical fusion and instrumentation for a pathology that was once considered uniformly fatal. The present paper reviews the clinical features, diagnosis, and management of OCD in light of most recent literature.


Exohemagglutinins: new products of vibrios.
A number of vibrio strains isolated from marine water produced high units of phytohemagglutinin-like agglutinins. Sugar specificity of the hemagglutinins was different from that of the sugar-binding bacterial toxins and that of the sugar-binding pili on the bacterial cell surfaces.


Acute stress differently modulates β1, β2 and β3 adrenoceptors in T cells, but not in B cells, from the rat spleen.
Stress-induced rise in circulating catecholamines (CAs), followed by modulation of β-adrenergic receptors (adrenoceptors, ARs), is one of the pathways involved in the stress-mediated effects of immune functions. The spleen is an organ with a high number of lymphocytes and provides a unique microenvironment in which they reside. Thus, lymphocytes may respond differently to CAs in the spleen than in the circulation. No reports exist concerning the involvement of β-ARs in stress-mediated effects on T and B cells isolated from the spleen. Therefore, our aim was to investigate the effect of single stress exposure on gene expression and cellular localization of β-adrenoceptor subtypes in splenic T and B cells. We tried to correlate changes in adrenoceptors with the expression of apoptotic proteins. Immobilization (IMMO) was used as a stress model. T and B cells were isolated from rat spleen using magnetically labeled antibodies. The gene expression of individual adrenoceptors and apoptotic proteins was evaluated by real-time PCR. Immunofluorescence was used to evaluate localization and adrenoceptor expression. We have found T cells to be more vulnerable to stress compared to B cells, because of increased β₁-, β₂- and β₃-ARs after a single IMMO. Moreover, β₂-ARs translocated from the nucleus to the plasma membrane in T cells after IMMO. The rise in β-ARs most probably led to the rise of Bax mRNA and Bax to Bcl-2 mRNA ratio. This might suggest the induction of an apoptotic process in T cells. Higher susceptibility of T cells to stress via modulation of β-ARs and apoptotic proteins might shift the immune responsiveness in the spleen.


Relationship between stimulus amplitude, stimulus frequency and neural damage during electrical stimulation of sciatic nerve of cat.
The relation is investigated between stimulus frequency, stimulus pulse amplitude and the neural damage induced by continuous stimulation of the cat's sciatic nerve. The chronically implanted electrodes were pulsed continuously and the effects of the electrical stimulation were quantified as the amount of early axonal degeneration (EAD) present in the nerves seven days after the continuous stimulation. The primary effect of stimulating at 100 Hz rather than 50 Hz was to cause an increase in the slope of the plot of the amount of EAD versus stimulus amplitude, but the threshold stimulus for the induction of EAD also was slightly lower. There was a small amount of EAD in three of the nerves stimulated at 20 Hz, but there was no detectable correlation between the amount of EAD and the stimulus amplitude. This suggests that continuous electrical stimulation of peripheral nerves at a low frequency induce little or no neural damage, even if the stimulus amplitude is very high. A preliminary presentation of the results has been made elsewhere (Agnew et al., 1993).


Body size and time-to-pregnancy in black women.
Are overall and central obesity associated with reduced fecundability in US black women? Overall and central obesity--based on self-reported measures of body mass index (BMI, kg/m(2)), waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio--were independent risk factors for subfertility in our cohort. Overall obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m(2)) has been associated with infertility in several studies. The role of central obesity is less clear. There are no previous studies of time-to-pregnancy (TTP) in black women. Data were derived from the Black Women's Health Study, a prospective cohort study. During 1995-2011, there were 2239 planned pregnancy attempts reported by 1697 women, resulting in 2022 births. Cohort retention was greater than 80%. Eligible women were aged 21-40 years and reported at least one planned pregnancy attempt during 1995-2011. Height and weight were reported in 1995, with weight updated every two years; waist and hip circumferences were reported in 1995 and updated in 2003. A validation study within the cohort showed high correlations between self-reported and technician-measured weight (r = 0.97), height (r = 0.93), waist circumference (r = 0.75) and hip circumference (r = 0.74). In 2011, TTP was reported in months. Proportional probabilities regression models were used to estimate fecundability ratios (FRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), adjusting for covariates. High BMI was associated with delayed conception: relative to BMI 18.5-24.9, FRs for BMI categories of <18.5, 25.0-29.9, 30.0-34.9 and ≥ 35.0 were 0.92 (CI: 0.64-1.32), 0.93 (CI: 0.84-1.03), 0.92 (CI: 0.79-1.06) and 0.73 (CI: 0.61-0.87), respectively. Associations were stronger among nulliparous women (P-interaction = 0.003). After controlling for BMI, reduced fecundability was observed among women with large waist circumferences (≥ 33 versus <26 inches: FR = 0.73, CI: 0.60-0.88) and large waist-to-hip ratios (≥ 0.85 versus <0.71: FR = 0.83, CI: 0.71-0.97). TTP was reported retrospectively and error in recall is likely, particularly as time since the pregnancy increases. However, results were similar when based on the most recent versus first pregnancies. Confounding may have been introduced by the lack of control for important determinants of TTP. Nevertheless, control for maternal age and education, which are highly correlated with TTP determinants such as paternal age and persistence in trying, should reduce the extent of confounding. The analysis was confined to planned pregnancies. If pregnancy intention was related both to body size and fecundability, our results could be biased. Bias is likely to be small because we found little difference in body size and other measured characteristics between pregnancy planners and non-planners. Our findings add to the growing body of literature showing that excess BMI is associated with reduced fecundability and further suggest that central obesity is an important independent risk factor for infertility. The relation of obesity to infertility is especially relevant to US black women because they have higher rates of obesity and infertility. Reductions in overall and central obesity may offer the potential to improve fertility outcomes. This work was funded by National Cancer Institute grant CA58420. We have no competing interests to report.


Determining the extent of the dural sac for the performance of caudal epidural blocks in newborns.
Information regarding the position and relationship of vital structures within the caudal canal is important for anesthesiologists who perform a caudal block. This information can be acquired by anatomical dissection, with ultrasound technology, or radiological studies. The aim of this study was to determine the position of the dural sac in neonates by measuring the distance of the termination of the dural sac from the apex of the sacral hiatus in neonatal cadavers. After careful dissection, the distance from the apex of the sacral hiatus to the dural sac was measured in a sample of neonatal cadavers. In 39 neonatal cadavers, the mean distance from the apex of the sacral hiatus to the dural sac was 10.45 mm. The range of this distance was between 4.94 and 26.28 mm. The mean distance for females was 9.64 mm (range from 6.66 to 15.09); that for males was 10.90 mm (range between 4.94 and 26.28). Linear regression with the log of this distance as the outcome variable gave an estimated 3.3% increase in the distance for each 1 cm increase in the length of the neonate (95% CI for this proportion was 1.91-4.71). Anesthesiologists should be aware of the short distance between the sacral hiatus and the dural sac when performing caudal blocks, the shortest distance was 4.94 mm. Armed with this knowledge, caudal techniques should be modified to improve the safety and reduce the risk of complications, such as dural puncture.


Fluoxetine Ameliorates the Aggravation of UC Symptoms in C57BL/6 Mice Induced by CUMS.
Patients with chronic ulcerative colitis (UC) often have mental symptoms such as depression and anxiety, and stress can lead to gastrointestinal diseases. However, the correlation between mental stress and UC is unclear. In this paper, chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) was utilized to evaluate the involvement of mental factors in the pathogenesis of UC. The CUMS model was used to evaluate the direct/indirect involvement of mental factors in the pathogenesis of UC. The behavior was evaluated by the open field, forced swimming, and tail suspension tests. Body weight, the disease activity index (DAI) score, colon length, and HE staining of colon tissue were used to evaluate the action of CUMS and fluoxetine. The results showed that weight loss and the DAI score increased in CUMS mice, but they had no meaningful effect on colon length and morphological structure of colon tissue. However, CUMS aggravated dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colon length shortening and colon morphological structure damage. Fluoxetine significantly improved the DAI score, shortened colon length, and damaged morphology and structure of the colons induced by CUMS combined with DSS in mice. Fluoxetine also decreased the level of IL-6 in the serum and the TNF-α and IFN-γ levels of colon tissue. Fluoxetine simultaneously improved behavioral abnormalities induced by CUMS combined with DSS in mice. CUMS aggravated the UC symptoms induced by DSS, and fluoxetine could improve the UC symptoms due to its improvement in the inflammatory level and behavioral abnormalities.


Complementary addressed modification of double-stranded DNA within a ternary complex.
Double-stranded DNA containing a d(pG)18.d(pC)18 sequence was shown to be selectively alkylated in the vicinity of this fragment using the 5'-p-(N-2-chloroethyl-N-methylamino)benzylamide of deoxyribooligocytidylate, CIRCH2NH(pdC)n (n = 9,15), in conditions favouring triple-stranded complex formation.


Neuronal localization of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase in mice.
Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) catabolizes tryptophan to kynurenine. In the immune system, the reduction in tryptophan and increase in kynurenine act to suppress T-cell function. In the nervous system, kynurenine can be further metabolized to quinolinic acid, which can be neurotoxic. IDO is known to be expressed by microglia and its levels are upregulated by interferon-gamma (IFNgamma). We report here that IDO immunoreactivity is also localized in neurons, and that IDO is upregulated by IFNgamma in neurons of the hippocampus. Thus, neuronal IDO could contribute to the vulnerability of neurons to inflammatory conditions.


A selective fluorescence-on reaction of spiro form fluorescein hydrazide with Cu(II).
The spiro form fluorescein hydrazide (1) bearing a cleavable active bond is characterized as a highly selective and sensitive fluorescence probe for Cu2+. In 0.01 M Tris-HCl buffer (pH 7.2), the probe displays a highly selective fluorescence-on response to Cu2+ only, instead of other common metal ions. The reaction mechanism has been explored and proposed as that the hydrazide group of 1 recognizes and binds Cu2+, and the subsequent complexation of Cu2+ promotes hydrolytic cleavage of the amide bond, causing the release of fluorophore (fluorescein) and thereby the retrievement of fluorescence. Conditions for fluorescence measurement were optimized, generating a calibration curve that is linear over the concentration range of 0.1-10 microM Cu2+. The detection limit for Cu2+ is 64 nM based on 11 blank determinations (k=3), also showing a highly sensitive feature. The fluorescence-on reaction described here has been used for the determination of trace Cu2+ in real biological fluids with satisfactory results.


Microstructure and Characteristic of BiVO₄ Prepared under Different pH Values: Photocatalytic Efficiency and Antibacterial Activity.
In the present study, BiVO₄ sample was prepared under different pH 0.5-13 without capping agent. Different morphology characteristics were observed, such as sheet crystal structure, cross crystal structure and branching crystal structure. The mechanism of the formation of BiVO₄ nanostructure was discussed. Under acid condition, sheet crystal structure was obtained. The phenomenon could be attributed to polymerization of vanadate in the presence of H⁺. In the weak alkaline solution, across structure and branching type morphology was obtained. The photocatalytic efficiency for the samples ranked as pH 5 > pH 3 > pH 7 > pH 9 > pH 1 > pH 11 > pH 13 > blank, which is in good agreement with X-ray diffraction (XRD) result. E. coli envelop was damaged in the presence of BiVO₄ under visible light. The protrusion on envelop was diminished by BiVO₄. Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) results suggested the intensity was weakened for the amide, phosphoric, -COO- group and C-H bond in lipopolysaccharides (LPS), peptidoglycan and periplasm molecules.


The Ku-dependent non-homologous end-joining but not other repair pathway is inhibited by high linear energy transfer ionizing radiation.
Ionizing radiation (IR) induced DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) are repaired by both non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) and homologous recombination repair (HRR) in mammalian cells. The NHEJ repair includes a Ku-dependent main pathway and a PARP-1-dependent complementary pathway. Compared with low linear energy transfer (LET) IR (X or gamma ray) at the same doses, high LET IR (high-charge particles) induces more cell death because of ineffective DNA repair. However, it remains unclear whether high LET IR inhibits all repair or specifically one repair pathway. By combining the assays of clonogenic survival, G2M checkpoint and gammaH2AX in the cell lines with deficiencies in different repair genes, we show here that high LET IR inhibits only the Ku-dependent main NHEJ pathway and does not inhibit either the HRR pathway or the PARP-1-dependent complementary NHEJ pathway. In addition, by developing an assay to detect small fragments of DSB (<400 bp) and by detecting the binding abilities of purified Ku and PARP to different sized dsDNA, we present a possible link for explaining the phenotypes. When compared with low LET IR at the same dose, high LET IR might induce similar yields of DNA DSBs in total but it might induce more small fragments of DNA DSBs (<40 base pairs) that prevent Ku binding efficiently to two ends of one DSB fragment at the same time, thus delaying Ku-dependent repair.


Kcnq1ot1 antisense noncoding RNA mediates lineage-specific transcriptional silencing through chromatin-level regulation.
Recent investigations have implicated long antisense noncoding RNAs in the epigenetic regulation of chromosomal domains. Here we show that Kcnq1ot1 is an RNA polymerase II-encoded, 91 kb-long, moderately stable nuclear transcript and that its stability is important for bidirectional silencing of genes in the Kcnq1 domain. Kcnq1ot1 interacts with chromatin and with the H3K9- and H3K27-specific histone methyltransferases G9a and the PRC2 complex in a lineage-specific manner. This interaction correlates with the presence of extended regions of chromatin enriched with H3K9me3 and H3K27me3 in the Kcnq1 domain in placenta, whereas fetal liver lacks both chromatin interactions and heterochromatin structures. In addition, the Kcnq1 domain is more often found in contact with the nucleolar compartment in placenta than in liver. Taken together, our data describe a mechanism whereby Kcnq1ot1 establishes lineage-specific transcriptional silencing patterns through recruitment of chromatin remodeling complexes and maintenance of these patterns through subsequent cell divisions occurs via targeting the associated regions to the perinucleolar compartment.


Viral Infection Increases the Risk of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Meta-Analysis.
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive, fibrotic lung disease with a poor prognosis. Although many factors have been identified that possibly trigger or aggravate IPF, such as viral infection, the exact cause of IPF remains unclear. Until now, there has been no systematic review to assess the role of viral infection in IPF quantitatively. This meta-analysis aims to present a collective view on the relationship between viral infection and IPF. We searched studies reporting the effect of viral infection on IPF in the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Wiley Online Library databases. We calculated ORs with 95% CIs to assess the risk of virus in IPF. We also estimated statistical heterogeneity by using I2 and Cochran Q tests and publication bias by using the funnel plot, Begg test, Egger test, and trim-and-fill methods. Regression, sensitivity, and subgroup analyses were performed to assess the effects of confounding factors, such as sex and age. We analyzed 20 case-control studies from 10 countries with 1,287 participants. The pooled OR of all viruses indicated that viral infection could increase the risk of IPF significantly (OR, 3.48; 95% CI, 1.61-7.52; P = .001), but not that of exacerbation of IPF (OR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.47-2.12; P = .988). All analyzed viruses, including Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7), and human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), were associated with a significant elevation in the risk of IPF, except human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6). The presence of persistent or chronic, but not acute, viral infections, including EBV, CMV, HHV-7, and HHV-8, significantly increases the risk of developing IPF, but not exacerbation of IPF. These findings imply that viral infection could be a potential risk factor for IPF.


Thermal ecology of three coexistent desert lizards: Implications for habitat divergence and thermal vulnerability.
How ectotherms exploit thermal resources has important implications for their habitat utilization and thermal vulnerability to climate warming. To address this issue, we investigated thermal relations of three sympatric lizard species (Eremias argus, Eremias multiocellata, and Phrynocephalus przewalskii) in the desert steppe of Inner Mongolia, China. We determined the thermoregulatory behavior, body temperature (T b), operative temperature (T e), selected body temperature (T sel), and critical thermal maximum (CTmax) of adult lizards. Based on these physiological parameters, we quantified the accuracy and effectiveness of thermoregulation as well as thermal-safety margin for these species. The three species were accurate and effective thermoregulators. The P. przewalskii preferred open habitats, and had a higher T b than the two Eremias lizards, which preferred shade habitats and shuttled more frequently between the shade and sun. This indicated that the three sympatric lizards have different thermoregulatory behavior and thermal physiology, which might facilitate their coexistence in the desert steppe ecosystem. In addition, the P. przewalskii had higher T sel and CTmax, and a wider thermal-safety margin than the two Eremias lizards, suggesting that the two Eremias lizards would be more vulnerable to climate warming than P. przewalskii.


Decreased acylcarnitine content improves insulin sensitivity in experimental mice models of insulin resistance.
The important pathological consequences of insulin resistance arise from the detrimental effects of accumulated long-chain fatty acids and their respective acylcarnitines. The aim of this study was to test whether exercise combined with decreasing the content of long-chain acylcarnitines represents an effective strategy to improve insulin sensitivity in diabetes. We used a novel compound, 4-[ethyl(dimethyl)ammonio]butanoate (methyl-GBB), treatment and exercise to decrease acylcarnitine contents in the plasma and muscles in the insulin resistance models of high fat diet (HFD) fed C57BL/6 mice and db/db mice. The methyl-GBB treatment induced a substantial decrease in all acylcarnitine concentrations in both fed and fasted states as well as when it was combined with exercise. In the HFD fed mice methyl-GBB treatment improved both glucose and insulin tolerance. Methyl-GBB administration, exercise and the combination of both improved insulin sensitivity and reduced blood glucose levels in db/db mice. Methyl-GBB administration and the combination of the drug and exercise activated the PPARα/PGC1α signaling pathway and stimulated the corresponding target gene expression. Insulin insensitivity in db/db mice was not induced by significantly increased fatty acid metabolism, while increased insulin sensitivity by both treatments was not related to decreased fatty acid metabolism in muscles. The pharmacologically reduced long-chain acylcarnitine content represents an effective strategy to improve insulin sensitivity. The methyl-GBB treatment and lifestyle changes via increased physical activity for one hour a day have additive insulin sensitizing effects in db/db mice.


Histone deacetylase 3 indirectly modulates tubulin acetylation.
Histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3), a member of the Class I subfamily of HDACs, is found in both the nucleus and the cytoplasm. Its roles in the nucleus have been well characterized, but its cytoplasmic roles are still not elucidated fully. We found that blocking HDAC3 activity using MI192, a compound specific for HDAC3, modulated tubulin acetylation in the human prostate cancer cell line PC3. A brief 1 h treatment of PC3 cells with MI192 significantly increased levels of tubulin acetylation and ablated the dynamic behaviour of microtubules in live cells. siRNA-mediated knockdown (KD) of HDAC3 in PC3 cells, significantly increased levels of tubulin acetylation, and overexpression reduced it. However, the active HDAC3-silencing mediator of retinoic and thyroid receptors (SMRT)-deacetylase-activating domain (DAD) complex did not directly deacetylate tubulin in vitro. These data suggest that HDAC3 indirectly modulates tubulin acetylation.


Mo3Se4 nanoparticle with ROS scavenging and multi-enzyme activity for the treatment of DSS-induced colitis in mice.
Ulcerative colitis (UC), as a most common inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), has become a global public health concern. Exploring novel method of treating UC is urgent and necessary. Recently, nanozyme with excellent antioxidant properties may be one useful therapeutic strategy. In this study, a two-dimensional transition metal chalcogenide (TMCs) nano flake and polyethylene glycol (PEG) modified Mo3Se4 nano flakes (PMNFs) was synthesized, which had multi-enzyme activity, including peroxidase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT). The inhibition effect of PMNFs on sodium dextran sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis was explored. UC was effectively inhibited by PMNFs in this work. PMNFs significantly reduced disease activity index (DAI) score, including weight loss, colon shorten and histopathological abnormalities. The possible mechanism of PMNFs-attenuated colitis was investigated. The results showed that PMNFs reversed DSS-induced oxidative damage, and the antioxidant pathway Nrf2-keap1 signal was activated by PMNFs. Moreover, PMNFs suppressed the expression of pro-inflammatory factors including IL-1β, TNF-α, IFN-β and IL-6 via the inactivation of TLR4/NF-κB pathway in DSS-induced colitis and LPS-treated macrophage. Furthermore, PMNFs treatment prevented the reduction of tight junction proteins (ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-1) and mucin-2 (MUC-2) as well as the up-regulation of epithelial apoptosis caused by DSS. These findings demonstrate that the PMNFs against DSS-induced colitis due to its prevention on oxidative damage, inflammation, and intestine barrier breakdown. Thus, PMNFs have a potential application in the treatment of various oxidative stress or inflammation-related diseases.


Evaluation of Autophagy Process in Differentiation of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells toward Insulin Producing Cells.
Autophagy is an intracellular self-degradative homeostasis process which eliminates undesirable and harmful macromolecules and organelles. Autophagy is also involved in self-renewal and differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSCs). In this study, we investigated the expression profile of autophagy marker genes in human iPSCs during their differentiation induction toward insulin producing β-like cells. Human iPSC line, R1-hiPSC1, was used for differentiation induction toward β-like cells. The mRNA expression of Nanog, OCT4 (pluripotency markers), SOX17, FOXA2 (endodermic markers), PTF1A, NKX6.1 (exocrine/endocrine determinants), and PDX1 were measured during differentiation stages. Autophagy was monitored by genes expression study of four autophagy markers, MAP1LC3B, BECN1, SQSTM1/P62 and ATG5, along with protein expression profile of LC3b-II during differentiation stages. The mRNA expression measurement of pluripotency, endoderm and exocrine/endocrine marker genes confirmed that hiPSCs skipped pluripotency, differentiated into endoderm, passed through the pancreatic lineage commitment stage and successfully generated insulin producing β-like cells. Expression profile of autophagy genes during differentiation stages indicated the decreased expression levels at the early stages (EB and MEI) and then increased at the definitive endoderm stages (DEI 1, DEI 2 and DE) followed by a subtractive pattern toward the end of differentiation. The results of protein expression of LC3b-II were consistent with gene expression data. This study demonstrated the high contribution of key autophagy genes/proteins during the differentiation of hiPSC toward β-like cells. The enhanced autophagy levels were a prominent feature of early stages of differentiation and DE rather than the later stages.


Hepatocellular carcinoma arising in association with von-Meyenburg's complexes: an incidental finding or precursor lesions? A clinicopatholigic study of 4 cases.
Biliary hamartomas or von-Meyenburg complexes form part of a spectrum of ductal plate malformation that includes polycystic liver disease, congenital hepatic fibrosis, and Caroli disease. These lesions are known to have neoplastic transformation. Development of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is well described in these complexes. Rarely, hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) have been seen in association with bile duct hamartomas, however; it is not clear whether development of HCC is an epiphenomenon unrelated to the precursor lesion or biliary hamartomas may progress to liver cancers. We herein report 4 interesting cases of hepatitis C virus-, alcohol-, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease-associated end-stage liver disease with coexisting HCC and multiple large von-Meyenburg complexes.


Identifying causes for N2O accumulation in a lab-scale sequencing batch reactor performing simultaneous nitrification, denitrification and phosphorus removal.
The recently described process of simultaneous nitrification, denitrification and phosphorus removal (SNDPR) has a great potential to save capital and operating costs for wastewater treatment plants. However, the presence of glycogen-accumulating organisms (GAOs) and the accumulation of nitrous oxide (N(2)O) can severely compromise the advantages of this process. In this study, these two issues were investigated using a lab-scale sequencing batch reactor performing SNDPR over a 5-month period. The reactor was highly enriched in polyphosphate-accumulating organisms (PAOs) and GAOs representing around 70% of the total microbial community. PAOs were the dominant population at all times and their abundance increased, while GAOs population decreased over the study period. Anoxic batch tests demonstrated that GAOs rather than denitrifying PAOs were responsible for denitrification. N(2)O accumulated from denitrification and more than half of the nitrogen supplied in a reactor cycle was released into the atmosphere as N(2)O. After mixing SNDPR sludge with other denitrifying sludge, N(2)O present in the bulk liquid was reduced immediately if external carbon was added. We therefore suggest that the N(2)O accumulation observed in the SNDPR reactor is an artefact of the low microbial diversity facilitated by the use of synthetic wastewater with only a single carbon source.


Peutz-Jeghers syndrome: experience with twenty patients in five generations.
Peutz-Jeghers syndrome is a familial disease characterized by spots on the lips and intestinal polyposis. A review of the history and the anatomic features of the disease are presented. One of us (AJM) has the largest personal series in the literature with twenty patients in five generations. Pedigree charts and aspects relating to the development and interrelationships of spots and polyps are explained. A previously unreported instance of colon intussusception is presented along with a discussion of the clinical presentation and the malignant potential.


Properties of X- and Y-type retinal ganglion cells in Siamese cats.
There is ample evidence that the visual system of the Siamese cat is different from common cats. These abnormalities suggest possible retinal origins, although no documentation exists. In the present study, single unit recordings were made from 91 misrouted and 209 normally-routed optic tract fibers in Siamese cats. Electrophysiological responses of the misrouted fibers did not differ from those found in the normally-routed fibers of the Siamese cat with the exception of depressed responses to contrast reversal stimuli. X/Y classification of units and experiments on receptive field center sizes, intensity-response functions, and responses to flicker failed to demonstrate significant differences between the misrouted and normally-routed fibers in Siamese cats. These results were not affected by different degrees of interocular misalignment exhibited by the Siamese cat studied. Response properties of retinal ganglion cells in Siamese cats, however, were found to be quite abnormal when compared with common cats. Only 14% (42/300) of all units studied were Y-cells in Siamese cats in comparison to 35% (60/170) in common cats. The percentage of Y-units also was correlated with the severity of interocular misalignment in Siamese cats, i.e. the greater the misalignment of the eyes, the lower the percentage of Y-cells. Experiments on response to contrast reversal stimuli, intensity-response functions and responses to flicker revealed that the ganglion cells in Siamese cats are not as responsive as those in common cats.


The DNA-repair enzyme uracil-DNA glycosylase in the human hematopoietic system.
The expression of the DNA base-excision-repair enzyme uracil-DNA glycosylase in the human hematopoietic system followed a tightly regulated pattern: high enzyme activities were recorded in proliferating bone marrow progenitor cells and in peripheral blood T- and B-cells, both groups of cells requiring the integrity of their genetic information for their proper function. The blood quiescent immunocompetent cells retained their DNA-uracil exclusion capacity, even in the oldest age groups. Peripheral blood mature end cells, granulocytes, platelets and red cells had little activity, consistent with the fact that these cells are anuclear or short-lived, so that no template-primer functions of their DNA are required. Uracil-DNA glycosylase expression is high in all types of human leukemia, providing a selective advantage for survival of leukemic cells. Overall results show that a deficiency of this DNA base-excision-repair pathway is not likely to be an etiopathogenetic factor in the formation of non-random or other chromosomal abnormalities or in the leukemogenesis itself.


Body mass index and health among Union Army veterans: 1891-1905.
This paper explores the relationship between BMI and several health conditions among Union Army veterans who had medical examinations between 1891 and 1905. We find that BMI, when used as a proxy of nutrition, helps to explain morbidity and mortality differentials among veterans. There is evidence suggesting that among Union Army veterans extremely low or high BMIs were both associated with poor health, as indicated by a higher level of disability rating, higher risk of developing certain diseases, and higher mortality risk than those associated with having normal weight. Compared to veterans with normal weight, underweight veterans were more likely to be diagnosed with cardiovascular, respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases, but were less likely to be diagnosed with rheumatic and musculo-skeletal conditions at the first examination. High BMI levels are also associated with a higher risk of developing cardiovascular and rheumatic diseases, and higher mortality in the 20 years after the first examination. We performed a longitudinal analysis to study the association between earlier BMI as well as weight change and later development of diseases. The results suggest that, as a predictor of diseases, the explanatory power of BMI becomes lower the farther into the future we try to predict. Compared with those who maintained the same weight, veterans who gained weight were associated with a lower risk of being diagnosed with gastrointestinal diseases at their second examination.


Determining sulfamonomethoxine and its acetyl/hydroxyl metabolites in chicken plasma under organic solvent-free conditions.
A quantitative technique is described for a sample preparation followed by high performance liquid chromatography method for the simultaneous determination of sulfamonomethoxine and its metabolites, N4-acetyl SMM and 2,6-dihydroxy SMM, in chicken plasma. The average recoveries, analytical total time, and limits of quantitation were >/=80% (relative standard deviations (SD) </=6%), <30 min sample-1 (12 samples in 2 h), and </=0.09 microg ml(-1), respectively. The procedure, performed under 100% aqueous conditions, uses no organic solvents and toxic reagents at all and is, therefore, harmless to the environment and humans.


Synergistic neuroprotection by phytocompounds of Bacopa monnieri in scopolamine-induced Alzheimer's disease mice model.
Millions of people around the globe are affected by Alzheimer's disease (AD). This crippling condition has no treatment despite intensive studies. Some phytocompounds have been shown to protect against Alzheimer's in recent studies. Thus, this work aimed to examine Bacopa monnieri phytocompounds' synergistic effects on neurodegeneration, antioxidant activity, and cognition in the scopolamine-induced AD mice model. The toxicity study of two phytocompounds: quercetin and bacopaside X revealed an LD50 of more than 2000 mg/kg since no deaths occurred. The neuroprotection experiment consists of 6 groups i.e., control (saline), scopolamine (1 mg/kg), donepezil (5 mg/kg), Q (25 mg/kg), BX (20 mg/kg), and Q + BX (25 mg/kg + 20 mg/kg). Visual behavioral assessment using the Morris water maze showed that animals in the diseased model group (scopolamine) moved more slowly toward the platform and exhibited greater thigmotaxis behavior than the treatment and control groups. Likewise, the concentration of biochemical NO, GSH, and MDA improved in treatment groups concerning the diseased group. mRNA levels of different marker genes including ChAT, IL-1α, IL-1 β, TNF α, tau, and β secretase (BACE1) improved in treatment groups with respect to the disease group. Both bacopaside X and quercetin synergistically have shown promising results in neuroprotection. Therefore, it is suggested that Q and BX may work synergistically due to their antioxidant and neuroprotective property.


pH control in rat skeletal muscle during exercise, recovery from exercise, and acute respiratory acidosis.
We used 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy to compare the response of rat skeletal muscle to three kinds of proton load. During exercise (tetanic sciatic nerve stimulation), protons from lactic acid were buffered passively and consumed by net hydrolysis of phosphocreatine (PCr). During recovery from exercise, the pH-dependent efflux of protons produced by PCr resynthesis could be partially inhibited by amiloride or 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulphonate (DIDS), implicating both sodium/proton and bicarbonate/chloride exchange, but was not inhibited by simultaneous respiratory acidosis. In early recovery, up to 30% of proton efflux was mediated by lactate/proton cotransport. During acute respiratory acidosis at rest, the eventual change in muscle pH was consistent with passive buffering and was unaffected by amiloride or DIDS, implying no significant contribution of proton fluxes.


Application and analysis of the Rissech acetabular adult aging method in a Colombian sample.
The classical age indicators of the innominate have been the pubic symphysis and auricular surface. However, recently, the acetabulum has been highlighted as an indicator of adult age, with applicability in young, middle-aged, and older adults. The Rissech acetabular method was developed in a Portuguese population and tested in European and European-Americans, giving estimates within 10 years of age in more than 89% of the sample. The main goal of this paper is to test the Rissech acetabular method in a modern South American sample. The material used for the study was 184 women and 378 men from a Colombian-documented skeletal collection. The obtained morphological scores from the acetabulum were analyzed through the IDADE2 web page, a Bayesian statistical program that estimates a relative likelihood distribution for the target individuals, produces age estimates, and provides 95% confidence intervals. Results showed this method is useful in the modern Colombian population with an average absolute error of 10.63 years in females and 9.44 years in males. These errors are similar to those obtained in other European and North American samples when this method was performed and similar or lower than those obtained when the 3 classical aging methods (Suchey-Brooks, Buckberry-Chamberlain, and Lovejoy) were applied in the same collection (absolute error: 10.29 years ♀ and 9.05 years ♂ in Suchey-Brooks, 12.5 years ♀, and 12.17 years ♀ in Buckberry-Chamberlain, and 13.54 years ♀ and 10.99 years ♂ in Lovejoy). Although Rissech's method was developed in a Western European sample, the results of this study indicate its applicability in modern Colombian samples with reasonable accuracy.


Functionality of the TOL plasmid under varying environmental conditions following conjugal transfer.
Conjugation of catabolic plasmids in contaminated environments is a naturally occurring horizontal gene transfer phenomenon, which could be utilized in genetic bioaugmentation. The potentially important parameters for genetic bioaugmentation include gene regulation of transferred catabolic plasmids that may be controlled by the genetic characteristics of transconjugants as well as environmental conditions that may alter the expression of the contaminant-degrading phenotype. This study showed that both genomic guanine-cytosine contents and phylogenetic characteristics of transconjugants were important in controlling the phenotype functionality of the TOL plasmid. These genetic characteristics had no apparent impact on the stability of the TOL plasmid, which was observed to be highly variable among strains. Within the environmental conditions tested, the addition of glucose resulted in the largest enhancement of the activities of enzymes encoded by the TOL plasmid in all transconjugant strains. Glucose (1 g/L) enhanced the phenotype functionality by up to 16.4 (±2.22), 30.8 (±7.03), and 90.8 (±4.56)-fold in toluene degradation rates, catechol 2,3-dioxygenase enzymatic activities, and xylE gene expression, respectively. These results suggest that genetic limitations of the expression of horizontally acquired genes may be overcome by the presence of alternate carbon substrates. Such observations may be utilized in improving the effectiveness of genetic bioaugmentation.


Perceptual integration without conscious access.
The visual system has the remarkable ability to integrate fragmentary visual input into a perceptually organized collection of surfaces and objects, a process we refer to as perceptual integration. Despite a long tradition of perception research, it is not known whether access to consciousness is required to complete perceptual integration. To investigate this question, we manipulated access to consciousness using the attentional blink. We show that, behaviorally, the attentional blink impairs conscious decisions about the presence of integrated surface structure from fragmented input. However, despite conscious access being impaired, the ability to decode the presence of integrated percepts remains intact, as shown through multivariate classification analyses of electroencephalogram (EEG) data. In contrast, when disrupting perception through masking, decisions about integrated percepts and decoding of integrated percepts are impaired in tandem, while leaving feedforward representations intact. Together, these data show that access consciousness and perceptual integration can be dissociated.


Functional magnetic resonance imaging responses in CADASIL.
The magnitude of the blood oxygen dependent level (BOLD) functional MRI (fMRI) response to visual stimulation is reduced in the small vessel disease cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), reflecting impaired vascular reactivity. We determined whether BOLD responses were reduced in another small vessel disease, cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL). BOLD fMRI data were collected using a visual stimulus (contrast-reversing checkerboard) and motor task (finger-tapping). The amplitude of BOLD responses in the visual cortex (visual stimulus) and motor cortex (motor task) were compared between 5 CADASIL, 18 CAA and 18 control subjects, controlling for age and hypertension. BOLD response varied by group for the visual stimulus (p<0.001) but not the motor task (p=0.47). After adjusting for age and hypertension, the estimated mean visual cortex BOLD amplitude response was 3.95% in CADASIL (95% confidence interval, CI 3.15-4.75%), 1.73% in CAA (95% CI 1.19-2.27%), and 2.88% (95% CI 2.39-3.37%) in controls. In CADASIL, the visual BOLD response was greater than in CAA (p<0.001) and controls (p=0.04). We observed increased and unchanged BOLD amplitude responses in the visual and motor cortices of CADASIL patients, respectively. This suggests that cortical blood flow regulation by neuronal activity may be relatively preserved in CADASIL, in contrast to CAA where occipital vascular reactivity is impaired. Cortical vascular reactivity in CADASIL may be preserved because the disease-related injury is primarily subcortical, whereas increased activation may reflect compensatory mechanisms for subcortical injury.


Methods for Membranes and Other Absorbent Surfaces.
Membrane arrays are a unique array platform option for the detection of multiple analytes or materials simultaneously. Their naturally absorptive properties and near universal use in various laboratory methods make it an excellent source with which to probe multiple factors simultaneously. Any liquid sample type can be probed, from bacterial strains, tissue lysates, secreted proteins, to DNA aptamers. Below, we will describe some considerations in how to print a membrane array and then a specific usage of the membrane arrays as it relates to a sandwich-based antibody array technique for simultaneously detection of secreted proteins in a liquid sample.


Spontaneous Neuronal Network Persistent Activity in the Neocortex: A(n) (Endo)phenotype of Brain (Patho)physiology.
Abnormal synaptic homeostasis in the cerebral cortex represents a risk factor for both psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, from autism and schizophrenia to Alzheimer's disease. Neurons via synapses form recurrent networks that are intrinsically active in the form of oscillating activity, visible at increasingly macroscopic neurophysiological levels: from single cell recordings to the local field potentials (LFPs) to the clinically relevant electroencephalography (EEG). Understanding in animal models the defects at the level of neural circuits is important in order to link molecular and cellular phenotypes with behavioral phenotypes of neurodevelopmental and/or neurodegenerative brain disorders. In this study we introduce the novel idea that recurring persistent network activity (Up states) in the neocortex at the reduced level of the brain slice may be used as an endophenotype of brain disorders that will help us understand not only how local microcircuits of the cortex may be affected in brain diseases, but also when, since an important issue for the design of successful treatment strategies concerns the time window available for intervention.


Reactivity of unactivated peroxymonosulfate with nitrogenous compounds.
A recent investigation has demonstrated that peroxymonosulfate (PMS), a peroxide commonly applied as a radical precursor during advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), can degrade organic contaminants without the involvement of radicals. However, little is known about this non-radical reaction mechanism. In this study, the reactivity of PMS with several nitrogenous compounds was investigated. Fluoroquinolone antibiotics (except for flumequine) were rapidly degraded by direct PMS oxidation, followed by aliphatic amines (e.g., metoprolol and venlafaxine) and nitrogenous heterocyclic compounds (e.g., adenine and caffeine) at pH 8. The degradation rate of fluoroquinolones followed a second-order kinetic and was highly pH and structure-dependent. Unlike the radical-based AOPs, the direct degradation of contaminants by PMS was less influenced by the scavenging effect of the water matrix. High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS) analysis demonstrated that the piperazine ring of fluoroquinolones was the main reaction site. Results showed that the direct electron-transfer from nitrogenous moieties (piperazine ring) to PMS can produce amide and aldehyde compounds. An amide-containing transformation product of ciprofloxacin (m/z 320), showing the highest signal intensity on HRMS, was previously recorded during ozonation. Moreover, the hydroxylamine analogue of ciprofloxacin and enrofloxacin N-oxide were tentatively identified, and the formation of the latter was not impacted by the dissolved oxygen in water. These results suggested that PMS also reacts with nitrogenous compounds via oxygen transfer pathway. Agar disk-diffusion tests indicated that PMS treatment efficiently removed the antibacterial activity of ciprofloxacin with the complete degradation of parent antibiotic, except for the transformation products in an earlier stage, which might still exert antibacterial potency.


Expanding access to HIV testing and counseling and exploring vulnerabilities among spouses of HIV-positive men who inject drugs in Pakistan.
To explore the utility of home and community-based HIV testing and counseling (HTC) to increase detection of undiagnosed HIV among female spouses and children of HIV-positive PWID in Punjab province, Pakistan. Between March 2014 and March 2015, home-based HTC was provided by a local NGO to spouses of HIV-positive PWID in Lahore, Faisalabad, and Sargodha. Convenience sampling was used to identify 2400 married, HIV-positive men who inject drugs and who were currently registered and receiving harm reduction services from the NGO 'Roshan Rasta' and seek consent to approach their wives. Trained outreach teams conducted HTC and administered a short sociodemographic and behavioral questionnaire to consenting spouses in their homes. HIV-exposed children were also tested with parental consent. of the 2400 married HIV positive male-injecting drug users, only 1959 spouses were approached and 1896 agreed to HTC (96.8%). HIV prevalence was 5.3% (n = 101) among spouses and they had very low level of HIV-related knowledge and protective behaviors Home and community-based HTC was effective in identifying undiagnosed HIV among spouses of PWID, the majority of whom reported low rates of prior HIV testing and low HIV-related knowledge. Expansion of HIV prevention services and linkages to treatment and care including PMTCT are urgently needed for this group.


The genomic origins of the Bronze Age Tarim Basin mummies.
The identity of the earliest inhabitants of Xinjiang, in the heart of Inner Asia, and the languages that they spoke have long been debated and remain contentious1. Here we present genomic data from 5 individuals dating to around 3000-2800 BC from the Dzungarian Basin and 13 individuals dating to around 2100-1700 BC from the Tarim Basin, representing the earliest yet discovered human remains from North and South Xinjiang, respectively. We find that the Early Bronze Age Dzungarian individuals exhibit a predominantly Afanasievo ancestry with an additional local contribution, and the Early-Middle Bronze Age Tarim individuals contain only a local ancestry. The Tarim individuals from the site of Xiaohe further exhibit strong evidence of milk proteins in their dental calculus, indicating a reliance on dairy pastoralism at the site since its founding. Our results do not support previous hypotheses for the origin of the Tarim mummies, who were argued to be Proto-Tocharian-speaking pastoralists descended from the Afanasievo1,2 or to have originated among the Bactria-Margiana Archaeological Complex3 or Inner Asian Mountain Corridor cultures4. Instead, although Tocharian may have been plausibly introduced to the Dzungarian Basin by Afanasievo migrants during the Early Bronze Age, we find that the earliest Tarim Basin cultures appear to have arisen from a genetically isolated local population that adopted neighbouring pastoralist and agriculturalist practices, which allowed them to settle and thrive along the shifting riverine oases of the Taklamakan Desert.


Ecology of some sympatric reptilian species from Egypt with special reference to helminthic parasites: Ptyodactylus guttatus and Tarentola annularis.
Ptyodactylus guttatus and Tarentola annularis are sympatric throughout most of their geographical distribution in Egypt. Their temporal activities, feeding habits, food items, feeding strategy are almost similar. These species have been harboured 6 species of nematodes, one species of trematodes in addition to helminthic cysts of cestodes in the liver of each specific host.


Bursting mitral cells time the oscillatory coupling between olfactory bulb and entorhinal networks in neonatal mice.
During early postnatal development, mitral cells show either irregular bursting or non-bursting firing patterns Bursting mitral cells preferentially fire during theta bursts in the neonatal olfactory bulb, being locked to the theta phase Bursting mitral cells preferentially fire during theta bursts in the neonatal lateral entorhinal cortex and are temporally related to both respiration rhythm- and theta phase Bursting mitral cells act as a cellular substrate of the olfactory drive that promotes the oscillatory entrainment of entorhinal networks ABSTRACT: Shortly after birth, the olfactory system provides not only the main source of environmental inputs to blind, deaf, non-whisking and motorically-limited rodents, but also the drive boosting the functional entrainment of limbic circuits. However, the cellular substrate of this early communication remains largely unknown. Here, we combine in vivo and in vitro patch-clamp and extracellular recordings to reveal the contribution of mitral cell (MC) firing to early patterns of network activity in both the neonatal olfactory bulb (OB) and the lateral entorhinal cortex (LEC), the gatekeeper of limbic circuits. We show that MCs predominantly fire either in an irregular bursting or non-bursting pattern during discontinuous theta events in the OB. However, the temporal spike-theta phase coupling is stronger for bursting than non-bursting MCs. In line with the direct OB-to-LEC projections, both bursting and non-bursting discharge augments during co-ordinated patterns of entorhinal activity, albeit with higher magnitude for bursting MCs. For these neurons, temporal coupling to the discontinuous theta events in the LEC is stronger. Thus, bursting MCs might drive the entrainment of the OB-LEC network during neonatal development.


Siwi levels reversibly regulate secondary piRISC biogenesis by affecting Ago3 body morphology in Bombyx mori.
Silkworm ovarian germ cells produce the Siwi-piRNA-induced silencing complex (piRISC) through two consecutive mechanisms, the primary pathway and the secondary ping-pong cycle. Primary Siwi-piRISC production occurs on the outer mitochondrial membrane in an Ago3-independent manner, where Tudor domain-containing Papi binds unloaded Siwi via its symmetrical dimethylarginines (sDMAs). Here, we now show that secondary Siwi-piRISC production occurs at the Ago3-positive nuage Ago3 bodies, in an Ago3-dependent manner, where Vreteno (Vret), another Tudor protein, interconnects unloaded Siwi and Ago3-piRISC through their sDMAs. Upon Siwi depletion, Ago3 is phosphorylated and insolubilized in its piRISC form with cleaved RNAs and Vret, suggesting that the complex is stalled in the intermediate state. The Ago3 bodies are also enlarged. The aberrant morphology is restored upon Siwi re-expression without Ago3-piRISC supply. Thus, Siwi depletion aggregates the Ago3 bodies to protect the piRNA intermediates from degradation until the normal cellular environment returns to re-initiate the ping-pong cycle. Overall, these findings reveal a unique regulatory mechanism controlling piRNA biogenesis.


Meniscal injuries and imaging the postoperative meniscus.
Meniscal injuries are common. Magnetic resonance imaging is considered the imaging modality of choice in diagnosing meniscal pathologic conditions in the nonoperative knee. Meniscal-preserving surgery is becoming more frequent, with a resultant increase in postoperative meniscal imaging, which is particularly challenging for the reporting radiologist. This article provides a review of the anatomy, pathologic conditions, and diagnostic pitfalls of meniscal injury, with a synopsis of the issues faced with postoperative meniscal imaging.


Genetic and phylogeographic structure of populations of Pulex simulans (Siphonaptera) in Peru inferred from two genes ( CytB and CoII).
In this paper we discuss the potential usefulness of determining the phylogeographic and phylogenetic patterns of a vector for understanding the spread of pathogens or insecticide resistance. We do so using the example of Pulex simulans in Peru. Six populations from six different localities were investigated. Mitochondrial DNA sequences were obtained and branching patterns were inferred using phylogenetic reconstruction methods and nested clade analyses. Ten different haplotypes were discovered. Phylogenetic analysis revealed P. simulans in Peru as a monophyletic group, containing clades that were generally not geographically correlated. The data suggest that P. simulans is not a single genetic entity but rather that this species shows a high degree of intraspecific variation. Restricted gene flow with long distance dispersal coupled with range expansion and long distance colonization are likely to have contributed to the observed patterns of variation.


A silver and gold technique for axons and axon-bundles in formalin-fixed central and peripheral nervous tissue.
We have modified the reduced silver procedure of Liesegang and added a gold treatment. The technique has been successfully and routinely used to impregnate both peripheral and central nervous tissues of mice of different ages, and central nervous tissue of man. It was applied on conventionally (formalin) fixed and cryostat-cut material. In the periphery, nerves, individual axons, and sensory and motor endings stained a dark purple. In the brain, both bundles of axons and individual fine axonal branches were stained. When counterstained by a Nissl method, an excellent overall image of CNS structure is obtained.


Investigation of intraocular pressure of the anterior chamber and vitreous cavity of porcine eyes via a novel method.
To evaluate a new method of measuring the intraocular pressure (IOP) in the vitreous cavity. IOPs in the anterior chamber and vitreous cavities of 24 porcine eyes (12 eyes with lenses and 12 eyes without lenses) were measured directly, continuously, and simultaneously. We used a needle as a part of the pressure sensor to measure the anterior chamber IOP and a disk-shaped sensor to measure the vitreous cavity IOP. A significant group-by-condition interaction on the vitreous cavity IOP between the two groups (phakia and aphakia) and four conditions of anterior chamber IOP were observed (F[3,258] = 5.8564, p < 0.001). A positive correlation was observed between the vitreous cavity IOP and anterior chamber IOP in both the phakia group (R = 0.96, p < 0.001) and the aphakia group (R = 0.97, p < 0.001). No significant correlation was observed between the ΔIOPv-a (vitreous cavity IOP - anterior chamber IOP) and anterior chamber IOP in either group (phakia group: R = - 0.18, p = 0.034; aphakia group: R = - 0.029, p = 0.73). The vitreous cavity IOP measured with the new sensor was well-correlated with the anterior chamber IOP in the physiological range tested.


BASIC PENTACYSTEINE2 negatively regulates osmotic stress tolerance by modulating LEA4-5 expression in Arabidopsis thaliana.
Osmotic stress substantially affects plant growth and development. Study of plant transcription factors involved in osmotic stress can enhance our understanding of the mechanisms of plant osmotic stress tolerance and how the tolerance of plants to osmotic stress can be improved. Here, we identified the specific function of Arabidopsis thaliana BARLEY B RECOMBINANT/BASIC PENTACYSTEINE transcription factor, BPC2, in the osmotic stress response. Phenotypic analysis showed that loss-of-function of BPC2 led to an increase in osmotic stress tolerance in the seedling growth stage. Physiological analysis showed that mutation of BPC2 in Arabidopsis alleviated osmotic-induced increases in H2O2 accumulation, the malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and percent electrolyte leakage. BPC2 was localized in the nucleus. RNA-seq and qRT-PCR analysis showed that BPC2 could negatively regulate the expression of late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) genes (LEA3, LEA4-2, and LEA4-5). Further analysis showed that BPC2 could directly bind to the promoter of LEA4-5 in vitro and in vivo. Overexpression of BPC2 enhanced hypersensitivity to osmotic stress in the seedling growth stage. Overexpression of BPC2 led to decreases in LEA4-5 expression and aggravated osmotic-induced increases in H2O2 accumulation, the MDA content, and percent electrolyte leakage. Overall, our results indicate that BPC2 negatively regulates LEA4-5 expression to modulate osmotic-induced H2O2 accumulation, the MDA content, and percent electrolyte leakage, all of which affect the osmotic stress response in Arabidopsis thaliana.


Acute liver failure in tropical infections- thinking beyond viral hepatitis!
Acute liver failure is characterised by the presence of jaundice and encephalopathy with or without coagulopathy in a patient with a previously normal liver.1 A variety of tropical infections can lead to this clinical presentation. Hepatosplenomegaly and bleeding manifestations are common in such patients. Deranged liver biochemistry and poor outcomes are hallmarks of viral hepatitis inducing liver failure.


Recombinant polypeptides for serology of malaria.
We have evaluated 3 molecularly defined polypeptides encoded by encloned Plasmodium falciparum genes for their ability to serve as antigens for detecting antimalaria antibodies. The recombinant proteins correspond to (i) a conserved part of 190-200 kDa schizont merozoite surface component, (ii) the carboxy terminal part of the P. falciparum aldolase, and (iii) the 5.1 antigen. Antibodies were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) in a high percentage of sera from individuals from a malaria endemic area in The Gambia (up to 99% for some adult groups). These results were further improved, especially for detection of antimalaria antibodies in children, when a pool of all 3 polypeptides (ELISA MIXT) was used as antigen. This ELISA MIXT improves presently available assays for the detection of antimalaria antibodies directed against asexual blood stages in respect of standardization, sensitivity and specificity.


[Open Bankart shoulder stabilization using bioabsorbable staples. Technique and results].
In the supply of anterior unidirectional instability the open Bankart repair still represents the standard procedure. In a retrospective study 48 patients with an open repair were supplied with bioabsorbable staples and the result with 42 patients (88%) was postoperative clinically examined following 18-48 months. The middle number of dislocations of the affected shoulder was 8.8. After surgery the average Rowe Score amounted to 96.1 points. Reluxations arose with two patients. The middle external rotation of the affected side was reduced in comparison to the opposite side by 9.7 degrees. With the open supply of the unidirectional instability by absorbable staples (Suretac) an easy procedure of the open operation according to Bankart is available. Reproducible results occurred in our patients. Thus the advantages of arthroscopical operation technology with those of the open execution of capsular shift are combined applicable, providing both patient and operating surgeon a high security at a low rate of reluxation.


Minimally invasive osteotomy for distal radius malunion: A preliminary series of 9 cases.
The rate of malunion after distal radius fractures is 25% after conservative treatment and 10% after surgery. Their main functional repercussion related to ulno-carpal conflict is loss of wrist motion. We report a retrospective clinical series of minimally invasive osteotomies. The series consisted of 9 cases of minimally invasive osteotomies with volar locking plate fixation. All osteotomies healed. The average pain was 5.3/10 preoperatively and 2.1/10 at last follow-up. The mean Quick DASH was 55.4/100 preoperatively and 24.24/100 at last follow-up. Compared to the opposite side, the average wrist flexion was 84.11%, the average wrist extension was 80.24%, the average pronation was 95.33% and the average supination was 93.9%. With similar results to those of the literature, our short series confirms the feasibility of minimally invasive osteotomy of the distal radius for extra-articular malunion. TYPE: Case-series. IV.


Large Endobronchial Hamartoma Successfully Resected by Snare Through Flexible Bronchoscopy.
Benign pulmonary tumors are rare, composing less than 1% of pulmonary tumors; of these, hamartomas are the most common. Endobronchial hamartomas are rarer still, composing 1.4% of all pulmonary hamartomas. As therapeutic bronchoscopy has improved, it has replaced conventional operations for resection of endobronchial benign tumors, although there are limitations to the procedure in the case of large tumors causing complete obstruction. The present report describes a case of a large endobronchial hamartoma inducing total lung atelectasis, which was successfully resected using an electrosurgical snare through flexible bronchoscopy. This could be a useful option in select endobronchial tumors.


Chloride-induced increment in short-circuiting current of the turtle bladder. Effects of in-vivo acid-base state.
Evidence for the participation of conductive and non-conductive (exchange) transmembrane anion pathways in the luminal acidification, alkalinization, and chloride-reabsorptive functions of the turtle bladder is provided from the pattern of Cl- -induced changes in transepithelial electrical parameters of isolated urinary bladders from three groups of donor turtles: control or post-absorptive turtles (those killed 5 days after feeding); acidotic turtles (NH4Cl-loaded); and alkalotic turtles (NaHCO3-loaded). The predominance of each of the three aforementioned transport functions as well as the response to Cl- -addition is altered by the in-vivo electrolyte balance of the turtle. In post-absorptive bladders, which are poised for acidification and Cl- reabsorption, the mucosal and serosal addition of Cl- to Na+-free, (HCO3- + CO2)-containing media increases the negative short-circuiting current (Isc). In acidotic bladders, which are poised for acidification but not Cl- reabsorption, mucosal Cl- addition has no effect on this Isc whereas serosal Cl- addition increases the negative Isc in a manner identical to that observed in the post-absorptive bladders. Alkalotic bladders do not possess an acidification function but instead are poised for Cl- reabsorption and cAMP-dependent electrogenic alkali secretion (positive Isc). In these bladders, serosal Cl- addition is without effect while mucosal Cl- addition produces transient changes in this positive Isc. It is found that these results can be replicated by a model of the turtle bladder in which transmembrane Cl- and HCO3- conductive and exchange paths mediate transepithelial acidification, alkalinization and Cl- reabsorption.


Spatial distribution and sources of nutrients at two coastal developments in South Kohala, Hawai'i.
Nutrient sources to coastal waters with coral reefs are not well-characterized. This study documented spatial distributions of nutrients within coastal waters along two developments with coral reefs, and identified nutrient sources through nutrient mixing plots, δ15N measurements in macroalgal tissue, and NO3- stable isotope mixing models. Nutrients decreased from fresh groundwaters to offshore waters, with some surface waters higher in concentrations than benthic ones. Conservative and non-conservative mixing between fresh and ocean waters occurred, the latter suggestive of local nutrient sources and biological removal. δ15N in macroalgal tissue and NO3- concurred that fresh groundwater, ocean water, and fertilizers were dominant nutrient sources. Benthic salinity and NO3- + NO2- concentrations illustrated that submarine groundwater discharge delivered nutrients to reefs in pulses ranging from minutes to days. Information generated from this study is imperative for developing management actions to improve water quality and make coral reefs more resilient to stressors.


A comprehensive review on the advances of bioproducts from biomass towards meeting net zero carbon emissions (NZCE).
This review investigates the development of bioproducts from biomass and their contribution towards net zero carbon emissions. The promising future of biomasses conversion techniques to produce bioproducts was reviewed. The advances in anaerobic digestion as a biochemical conversion technique have been critically studied and contribute towards carbon emissions mitigation. Different applications of microalgae biomass towards carbon neutrality were comprehensively discussed, and several research findings have been tabulated in this review. The carbon footprints of wastewater treatment plants were studied, and bioenergy utilisation from sludge production was shown to mitigate carbon footprints. The carbon-sinking capability of microalgae has also been outlined. Furthermore, integrated conversion processes have shown to enhance bioproducts generation yield and quality. The anaerobic digestion/pyrolysis integrated process was promising, and potential substrates have been suggested for future research. Lastly, challenges and future perspectives of bioproducts were outlined for a contribution towards meeting carbon neutrality.


NOTES--third generation surgery. Vain hopes or the reality of tomorrow?
Laparoscopic approach has made many procedures less invasive; however, it seems like this is not enough. The newest challenge for the medical environment is applying the scarless surgery in humans. In this article, we review the origin, current state of art, and future of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES). The registered base of research in humans is yet scarce; however, the porcine model experimental studies hold a great promise. In NOTES, peritoneal cavity can be easily achieved, and some procedures are feasible through the natural orifices like digestive tract, vagina, or urinary bladder. If safety and advantages of these approaches will be proven beyond question, NOTES procedures are likely to be adapted in humans after overcoming the critical obstacles, like reliable closure methods, indispensable equipment invention, the multidisciplinary specialists training, etc. The aim of this article was to review available literature to provide current state of art in NOTES surgery. Medical databases were searched for animal and human experience with NOTES to give an overview of history, current state of art, and future of this technique. NOTES is currently the subject of the intensive research. It seems like this is only the matter of time when a transluminal access to the abdominal or even thoracic cavity will become the reality. Moreover, this will enable the management of some diseases in a possibly minimally invasive pattern, nearly painless and leaving no scar at all.


Bacterial breakdown of benomyl. II. Mixed cultures.
Experiments with mixed bacterial cultures grown in liquid media which contained the benzimidazole fungicide benomyl, with or without Na-lactate, as source of carbon provided circumstantial evidence for cleavage of the benzimidazole heterocyclic ring. Yet, neither 2-aminobenzimidazole (2-AB) nor benzimidazole, as sole source of carbon, supported any bacterial growth. "Total 14C-balance analysis" experiments conclusively showed production of 14CO2 from [2-14C]methyl benzimidazol-2-yl carbamate (MBC), and thus cleavage of the benzimidazole nucleus: bioassays, however, showed that the actual rate of benomyl and MBC breakdown was only small, the parent compound benomyl being still recovered in substantial quantities after up to 80 days of incubation. Therefore, cleavage of the benzimidazole ring is probably a matter of cometabolism, n-butylamine which originates from the butylcarbamoyl side chain serving as the proper source of carbon. Besides radiolabelled 2-AB and CO2, an unknown metabolite was isolated which showed characteristics of a 2-AB-nucleotide. Probably, 2-AB was incorporated into bacterial DNA, which upon lysis of the bacterial cells gave rise to the nucleotide in question. Therefore, 2-AB might exert its inhibitory action by interfering with the normal functioning of DNA.


The duration of larval life of Aedes aegypti as affected by time of hatch.
When Aedes aegypti eggs (1-10 wk old) were submerged in water, larvae that hatched in the 24 hr period following exposure to reduced oxygen developed significantly faster than larvae from the initial hatch. There were significant differences in the sex ratios between first- and second-hatch groups; however, adult size and fecundity did not differ significantly.


Melittin induces both time-dependent aggregation and inhibition of Na,K-ATPase from duck salt glands however these two processes appear to occur independently.
Using cupric phenanthroline as a cross-linking agent, we have shown that melittin induced time-dependent aggregations of Na,K-ATPase in microsomal fractions and in preparations of purified Na,K-ATPase from duck salt glands. Incubation of melittin with these preparations also led to the progressive loss of Na,K-ATPase activity. At melittin/protein molar ratio of 5:1, we did not observe inhibition of Na,K-ATPase in the microsomal fraction but the process of enzyme aggregation occurred. At higher melittin/protein molar ratios (10:1 and 30:1), the inhibition of the enzyme and its aggregation proceeded simultaneously but the rates of these processes and maximal values achieved were different. At a melittin/protein ratio of 30:1, Na,K-ATPase inhibition may be described as a biexponential curve with the values for pseudo-first order rate constants being 2.7 and 0.15 min(-1). However, the aggregation may be presented by a monoexponential curve with a pseudo-first order rate constant of 0.15 min(-1). In purified preparations of Na,K-ATPase, the maximal aggregation (about 90%) was achieved at a melittin/protein molar ratio of 2:1, and a further increase in the melittin/protein ratio increased the rate of aggregation but did not affect the value of maximal aggregation. The results show that melittin induced both aggregation and inhibition of Na,K-ATPase but these two processes proceeded independently.


[The interaction of DNA with sperm-specific histones of the H1 family].
We have studied the interactions of DNA with sperm-specific histones of the H1 family of sea urchin Strongylocentrotus intermedius, sea starfish Aphelasterias japonica and bivalve mollusk Chlamis islandicus using circular dichroism and DNA melting analysis. It was shown that echinoderm's sperm H1 protein has additional alpha-helical domains in its C-terminus and it demonstrates stronger DNA compaction. The differential melting curves of DNA-protein complexes have two peaks. The low temperature peak characterized the melting temperature of free DNA within the complex. The higher temperature peak characterizes the melting temperature of DNA bond to protein. DNA is found to be in the most stable state in the complexes with mollusk sperm H1 protein.


A study on metabolic prowess of Pseudomonas sp. RPT 52 to degrade imidacloprid, endosulfan and coragen.
A bacterial strain identified as Pseudomonas sp. RPT 52, was isolated from an agricultural field by soil enrichment technique. The bacterial strain was able to metabolize three different chlorinated pesticides; imidacloprid, endosulfan and coragen (belonging to neonicotinoid, organochlorine and anthranillic diamide categories, respectively). RPT 52 was able to degrade 46.5%, 96.6%, 92.7% and 80.16% of 0.5 mM of imidacloprid, endosulfan α, endosulfan β and coragen, respectively, in minimal medium over a period of 40 h, when provided as sole source of carbon and energy. Degradation kinetics showed that imidacloprid, endosulfan α and endosulfan β followed first order kinetics whereas coragen followed zero order kinetics. Toxicity studies show reduction in toxicity of the parent compound when degraded by RPT 52. Laboratory scale, soil microcosm studies showed that strain RPT 52 is a suitable candidate for bioremediation of endosulfan and coragen contaminated sites. Thus, RPT 52 holds potential for toxicity reduction in the affected environment.


Adsorption-desorption characteristics of typical heavy metal pollutants in submerged zone sediments: a case study of the Jialu section in Zhengzhou, China.
In recent years, the accumulation ability of heavy metals in sediment has become a key indicator for sediment pollution prevention and control. The adsorption-desorption processes of typical heavy metal pollutants in sediments under different conditions were explored and relied in this article. In addition, different binary competitive adsorption systems were designed to study the competitive adsorption properties of heavy metal contaminants, The quasi-secondary kinetic model simulated the adsorption kinetic process. The sediment adsorption rates for heavy metals were (in descending order) Cu, Pb, Cd, Zn. The Elovich equation simulated the desorption kinetics process better, and the sediment desorption rates for heavy metals were (in descending order) Cd, Cu, Zn, Pb. The average free adsorption energy E of heavy metals was within the range of 8-16 kJ∙mol-1. After the removal of organic matter, the ability of the sediment to sequester heavy metals decreases, The binary competitive adsorption results showed that the presence of interfering ions had the greatest effect on Cd and the least effect on Pb. The adsorption and desorption of the four heavy metals by the sediments in the submerged zone increased with the increase of temperature, and the ratio of desorption to adsorption also increased therewith: the adsorptions of heavy metals by the sediments were all spontaneous processes (under heat absorption reactions). The presence of organic matter can increase the ability of the sediment to sequester Cd, Pb, Cu, and Zn. Additionally, heavy metals exhibited significant selective adsorption properties.


A modified colorimetric assay of macrophage activation for intracellular cytotoxicity against Leishmania parasites.
An in vitro method is described which colorimetrically assesses the activation of macrophages for intracellular cytotoxicity against the obligate intracellular parasite Leishmania donovani. The assay system uses a highly purified macrophage population derived from 10-day murine bone marrow cultures. These were infected in vitro as a suspension culture with viable L. donovani amastigotes and then exposed to activating agents. After 48 h the intracellular parasites were released by SDS lysis of the macrophages. Surviving Leishmania organisms were quantitated by their conversion of the chromophore MTT. The sensitivity of this method was comparable with the established method of [3H]dThd incorporation. This assay system has been used to show that there is a dual signal requirement (recombinant interferon-gamma and bacterial endotoxin (LPS] for effective activation of macrophages for leishmanicidal activity.


Effects of interval duration on temporal processing in schizophrenia.
Temporal processing has received scant attention in the literature pertaining to cognitive deficits in patients with schizophrenia. Previous research suggests that patients with schizophrenia exhibit temporal perception deficits on both auditory and visual stimuli. The current study investigated the effects of interval manipulation to (1) replicate the original findings with a larger sample and an increased number of trials (2) assess the degree to which both patients and controls can differentiate temporal changes in a range of experimental interstimulus intervals, and (3) explore whether different interstimulus interval durations pose different levels of difficulty for the patients with schizophrenia. Participants were asked to decide whether temporal intervals were shorter or longer than standard intervals on a computer-based auditory temporal perception task. The standard interval remained the same duration throughout the various tasks. The interstimulus interval separating the standard and experimental intervals varied in the range of 500, 1000, or 3000 ms. Data are presented for a sample of 16 patients with schizophrenia and 15 controls. Data suggest that patients with schizophrenia exhibit deficits in differentiating interval durations across all paradigms compared to their control-group peers on a range of auditory tasks (p<.001). These results are consistent with a general temporal deficit in schizophrenia. However, the roles of medication and localization are also addressed.


Biotin and carnitine deficiency due to hypoallergenic formula nutrition in infants with milk allergy.
Amino acid formulas and hydrolyzed formulas given to infants in Japan with milk allergies theoretically contain little, if any, biotin and carnitine. We assessed biotin and carnitine insufficiency in six infants with milk allergy who were fed amino acid formulas and/or hydrolyzed formulas, by measuring urine 3-hydroxyisovaleric acid (3-HIA) and serum free carnitine (C0), respectively. All patients presented with elevated urine 3-HIA and lowered serum C0 compared with post-menstrual age-matched infants who were fed breast milk or standard infant formulas. Supplementation with biotin and L-carnitine immediately improved the insufficiency. Care should be taken to avoid biotin and carnitine deficiency in allergic infants fed amino acid or hydrolyzed formulas.


The War on Drugs That Wasn't: Wasted Whiteness, "Dirty Doctors," and Race in Media Coverage of Prescription Opioid Misuse.
The past decade in the U.S. has been marked by a media fascination with the white prescription opioid cum heroin user. In this paper, we contrast media coverage of white non-medical opioid users with that of black and brown heroin users to show how divergent representations lead to different public and policy responses. A content analysis of 100 popular press articles from 2001 and 2011 in which half describe heroin users and half describe prescription opioid users revealed a consistent contrast between criminalized urban black and Latino heroin injectors with sympathetic portrayals of suburban white prescription opioid users. Media coverage of the suburban and rural opioid "epidemic" of the 2000s helped draw a symbolic, and then legal, distinction between (urban) heroin addiction and (suburban and rural) prescription opioid addiction that is reminiscent of the legal distinction between crack cocaine and powder cocaine of the 1980s and 1990s. This distinction reinforces the racialized deployment of the War on Drugs and is sustained by the lack of explicit discussion of race in the service of "color blind ideology." We suggest potential correctives to these racially divergent patterns, in the form of socially responsible media practices and of clinical engagement with public policy.


Specialized subregions in the cat motor cortex: anatomical demonstration of differential projections to rostral and caudal sectors.
Ipsilateral cortico-cortical and thalamo-cortical projections to the cat motor cortex were determined from the locations of retrogradely labeled neurons following single small intracortical injections of HRP in area 4 gamma. These projections were also examined by studying the distribution of anterogradely transported axonal label following multiple injections of HRP or of tritiated amino acids in areas 1-2 of SI and in area 2pri (SII). The number of retrogradely labeled cells in areas 1-2 and in area 2pri differed markedly between HRP injection sites located in the precruciate (anterior sigmoid gyrus) and postcruciate (posterior sigmoid gyrus) subregions of area 4 gamma. These associational projections from primary and secondary somatosensory cortices were dense to postcruciate subregions but weak to the precruciate subregions. The associational projections from areas 1-2 and from area 2pri to the postcruciate subregion of area 4 gamma were topographically organized, but no clear topographic organization could be demonstrated for the precruciate projection. Anterograde terminal labeling following injection of either HRP or tritiated amino acids into areas 1-2 and area 2pri confirmed the preferential projection of somatosensory cortex to the postcruciate subregion of motor cortex. The projection from somatosensory areas 1-2 was uniform over its terminal field, but that from area 2pri was more patchy and complex. HRP injections in area 4 gamma gave rise to lamellae of labeled neurons in the ventrolateral nucleus of thalamus (VL). A topographic relationship was found between the site of injection and the location of the lamella of labeled neurons. The percentage of retrogradely labeled neurons in the shell zone surrounding the border of the ventrolateral nucleus and the ventrobasal complex (VB) was greater following postcruciate than precruciate injections, whereas fewer retrogradely labeled neurons were found in central lateral nucleus (CL) after postcruciate injections than after precruciate injections. These observations support the hypothesis that differential cortical and thalamic projections to different subregions of area 4 gamma may give rise to the different physiological properties of neurons observed in these subregions (Vicario et al. 1983; Martin et al. 1981).


Expression of miR-34a is a sensitive biomarker for exposure to genotoxic agents in human lymphoblastoid TK6 cells.
miR-34a has been identified as a tumor suppressor microRNA (miRNA) involved in the P53 network. Its expression levels correlate to carcinogenesis, which are generally lower in tumor tissue and higher in response to DNA damage. In this study, the response of miR-34a from exposure to genotoxic agents in human lymphoblastoid TK6 cells was evaluated to assess whether the expression of this miRNA could be used as an early indicator for genotoxic damage in mammalian cells. TK6 cells were treated with seven genotoxic agents with different mode-of-actions (cisplatin, N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea, etoposide, mitomycin C, methyl methanesulphonate, taxol, and X-ray radiation) and a non-genetic toxin (usnic acid) at different concentrations for four hours (except for X-rays) and the expression levels of miR-34a were measured 24 h after the beginning of the treatments. The expression levels of miR-34a were significantly increased by these genetic toxins in a dose-dependent manner, while no significant change in miRNA expression was found in the usnic acid-treated cells. These results suggest that miR-34a can respond to genotoxic insults sensitively; thus, miR-34a expression has the potential to be used to evaluate genotoxicity of agents.


Separation of a diiminopyridine iron(II) complex into rac- and meso- diastereoisomers provides evidence for a dual stereoregulation mechanism in propene polymerization.
Separation of a diiminopyridine iron(II) complex into its rac- and meso- diastereoisomers provides for first time the opportunity of observing the enantiomorphic site control competing with the chain-end control mechanism in a non-metallocene catalyst system.