Cigarette and alcohol consumption among Colombian migrants and Chileans living in Northern and Central Chile.
In Chile, the migrant population generally reports lower rates of cigarette and alcohol consumption. However, the migratory process and assimilation of behaviors after extended exposure to the host country could increase the consumption of these substances. The aim of this study was to compare cigarette and alcohol consumption among Colombian migrants and Chileans residing in Chile. In 2019, data were collected from 963 Colombian migrants and 909 Chileans in three cities in Chile. The chi-squared test was used to analyze significant differences in cigarette and alcohol consumption between the groups. Subsequently, the relative risk (RR) and corresponding p-values were obtained. Colombian migrants had a significantly lower consumption of cigarettes than Chileans (16.6% and 25.1%, respectively). Regarding alcohol consumption, Colombian migrants reported lower consumption than Chileans (43.3% and 48.4 %, respectively ). The lower consumption of cigarettes and alcohol by Colombian migrants compared to Chileans is positive for the health of migrants. However, it is advisable to promote health interventions to avoid an increase in the consumption of these substances, especially considering that migrants could assimilate the consumption habits of Chileans.


Amniotic fluid stem cells and fetal cell microchimerism.
Fetal cells (and cell-free, fetal DNA used for non-invasive prenatal diagnosis) are known to exist in the circulation of pregnant women. These cells exhibit stem cell properties when they differentiate at the site of injured maternal tissue, but the origin of these fetal, natural, and probably reparative cells is unknown. During pregnancy, mobilized pluripotent fetal stem cells of yet unidentified in vivo significance float in the amniotic fluid, and we argue that circulating fetal cells and the pluripotent amniotic fluid cells might share a common origin.


Morphological evidence that reline SMR and human mu are analogous rhythms.
In cats implanted with epidural screw electrodes over sensorimotor cortex, various recording montages were used to observe the waveform of the sensorimotor rhythm (SMR). It was found that in bipolar recordings spanning the crus, SMR exhibited a wicket-shaped waveform comparable in shape and polarity to the human mu rhythm. Based on previously reported topographic and functional similarities of feline SMR and human mu, and on the present data demonstrating morphological similarities, it appears that feline SMR is the first proven feline model of a spontaneous human ieeg rhythm.


International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group: Consensus guidelines on the diagnosis and management of type I laryngeal clefts.
The diagnosis and management of type I laryngeal clefts can be controversial and varies across centers and surgeons. Using existing peer-reviewed literature to develop an expert-based consensus will help guide physicians in the treatment of these patients as well as develop research hypotheses to further study this condition. To provide recommendations for the diagnosis and management of type I laryngeal clefts. Determination of current expert- and literature-based recommendations, via a survey of the International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group, using a modified Delphi method. Multinational, multi-institutional, tertiary pediatric hospitals. Consensus recommendations include diagnostic workup, medical management, pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operative considerations for type I laryngeal clefts. This guide on the diagnosis and management of patients with type I laryngeal clefts is aimed at improving patient care and promoting future hypothesis generation and research to validate the recommendations made here.


Nephrogenic adenoma in a patient with chronic renal failure associated with intravesical treatment with thiotepa.
We describe a patient with chronic renal failure and transitional cell carcinoma, in whom a nephrogenic adenoma of the bladder was diagnosed after a course of intravesical thiotepa treatment.


Retention of immunogenicity after X-irradiation of mouse colon tumor cells expressing the transfected influenza virus hemagglutinin gene.
We have previously demonstrated that murine colon tumor cells transfected with the gene coding for the hemagglutination antigen (HA) of influenza virus acquire an inherent immunogenicity, fail to grow in syngeneic mice, and demonstrate an ability to cross-protect against a challenge with parental nontransfected cells. In the present study the immunogenic potential of HA-transfected cells correlated with cell-surface HA expression, as measured both by a fluorescence-activated cell sorter and by radio-labeled antibody binding. HA-transfected immunogenic cells had a median lethal dose (LD50) that was 10,000-fold greater than that of nontransfected cells. Most importantly this study demonstrated that HA-transfected cells retained their immunogenicity after X-irradiation with 12,000 rad. This characteristic makes their potential usefulness in treating human neoplasia more plausible.


Abnormal course of the vertebral artery at the craniovertebral junction in patients with Down syndrome visualized by three-dimensional CT angiography.
We determined the incidence of vertebral artery (VA) anomalies at the craniovertebral junction (CVJ) in patients with Down syndrome, and characterized the VA anomalies. The course of the VA in 46 consecutive patients who were due to undergo posterior arthrodesis surgery at the CVJ were evaluated by three-dimensional CT angiography (3DCTA). Included were five patients with Down syndrome who suffered from myelopathy due to atlantoaxial subluxation. All five patients with Down syndrome also had a simultaneous congenital skeletal anomaly, either os odontoideum or ossiculum terminale. Of the five patients with Down syndrome, three had VA anomalies at the CVJ, two had fenestration and one had a persistent first intersegmental artery. Of the other 41 patients without Down syndrome, five had VA anomalies at the CVJ. The incidence of VA anomalies at the CVJ was much higher in patients with Down syndrome than in those without Down syndrome. In planning surgery in patients with Down syndrome with symptomatic atlantoaxial subluxation and a congenital skeletal anomaly at the CVJ, we should consider the possible presence of VA anomalies. Preoperative 3DCTA allows us to precisely identify an anomalous VA and evaluate the possible risk of intraoperative VA injury in advance.


Towards an integrated understanding of how micro scale processes shape groundwater ecosystem functions.
Micro scale processes are expected to have a fundamental role in shaping groundwater ecosystems and yet they remain poorly understood and under-researched. In part, this is due to the fact that sampling is rarely carried out at the scale at which microorganisms, and their grazers and predators, function and thus we lack essential information. While set within a larger scale framework in terms of geochemical features, supply with energy and nutrients, and exchange intensity and dynamics, the micro scale adds variability, by providing heterogeneous zones at the micro scale which enable a wider range of redox reactions. Here we outline how understanding micro scale processes better may lead to improved appreciation of the range of ecosystems functions taking place at all scales. Such processes are relied upon in bioremediation and we demonstrate that ecosystem modelling as well as engineering measures have to take into account, and use, understanding at the micro scale. We discuss the importance of integrating faunal processes and computational appraisals in research, in order to continue to secure sustainable water resources from groundwater.


Technical considerations in the surgical approach to multiple accessory pathways in the Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome.
Surgical techniques for the approach to and division of atrioventricular accessory pathways have been designed and perfected during the past 18 years. The standard method of exposure of a single left free wall accessory pathway is by a left atriotomy. All other single accessory pathways are exposed through a right atriotomy. Up to twenty percent of patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome harbor multiple atrioventricular accessory pathways. In this subgroup, classic operative techniques, especially the methods of approach, must be combined or modified depending on the specific locations of the accessory pathways encountered. Eighteen of 90 patients operated on for WPW syndrome at Charlotte Memorial Hospital from August, 1983, through September, 1986, had multiple accessory pathways. Thirty-eight of thirty-nine pathways were successfully divided. One posterior septal accessory pathway reappeared 2 months postoperatively and was catheter ablated. The most frequent combination of atrioventricular accessory pathways included a right free wall and a posterior septal accessory pathway (10 patients). This combination is approached by a right atriotomy. The posterior septal space dissection is extended onto the right free wall area. Technically the most difficult combination includes a left free wall and a posterior septal accessory pathway (3 patients in the present series). Our preferred approach is begun with a right atriotomy for the posterior septal space dissection, followed by an atrial septotomy to expose the left free wall area. There are other methods, however, that may be advantageous depending on the exact locations of the accessory pathways encountered.


Quality and Safety in Healthcare, Part LXXIX: Chief Nursing Officer Development, Assessment, and Turnover: An Example for Many Other Healthcare Executives.
Most executives new to a health care organization should have introductory and development programs during their first year, which should include networking opportunities, special projects to improve skills, independent or assigned course work, multiple types of assessments, and periodic discussions regarding expectations about their work and their progress in achieving them. It is preferable for the organization and the new executive to have information from outside sources about how a person in that position can achieve success and the reasons for turnover in the position. This is discussed in this article, using the chief nursing officer as the example.


Safety effects of traffic lane and shoulder widths on two-lane undivided rural roads: A matched case-control study from Norway.
This study estimates the effects of lane and shoulder widths on occurrence of head-on and single-vehicle accidents on rural two-lane undivided roads in Norway while considering the differences between winter and non-winter accidents and their severity levels. A matched case-control method was applied to calculate the odds ratios for lane and shoulder width categories, while controlling for the effects of AADT and adjusting for the effects of region, speed limit, segment length, share of long vehicles in AADT and horizontal alignment. The study used a sample of 71,999 roadway segments identified in GIS and 1886 related accidents recorded by the police in five-year period. The results suggest that it is relevant to consider winter and non-winter accidents as well as severe and slight accidents separately when studying the effects of lane and shoulder widths on the occurrence of head-on and single-vehicle accidents. When examining lane and shoulder widths for all related accidents, the lane widths 1.50-2.50 m and shoulder widths 0.50-0.75 m were relatively safer than other categories on Norwegian two-lane rural undivided roads.


Natural lipids enriched self-nano-emulsifying systems for effective co-delivery of tamoxifen and naringenin: Systematic approach for improved breast cancer therapeutics.
The nano-miceller drug delivery carriers of tamoxifen (TMX) having natural ingredients like polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) with self-nano-emulsifying properties was developed with naringenin (NG) in a synergistic manner i.e. TMX-NG-SNEDDS. The optimized nano-formulation revealed complete drug release in 30 min and >80% permeation in 45 min. Superior cellular uptake potential (4.6-6.5-fold) of the TMX-NG-SNEDDS using Caco-2 cells while cytotoxicity study on MCF-7 cells indicated significant results (P<0.05) of TMX-NG-SNEDDS. The in vivo pharmacokinetic study also construed remarkable improvement (7.3 and 11.4-fold increase in Cmax and AUC) in rate of drug absorption and 2-fold reduction in Tmax by optimized TMX-NG-SNEDDS. In vivo DMBA model construed superior efficacy of the formulation by reducing tumor size, and improved survival rate of the animals justifies its safety aspect as well.


Early declaration of death by neurologic criteria results in greater organ donor potential.
Aggressive management of patients prior to and after determination of death by neurologic criteria (DNC) is necessary to optimize organ recovery, transplantation, and increase the number of organs transplanted per donor (OTPD). The effects of time management are understudied but potentially pivotal component. The objective of this study was to analyze specific time points (time to DNC, time to procurement) and the time intervals between them to better characterize the optimal timeline of organ donation. Using data over a 5-year time period (2011-2015) from the largest US OPO, all patients with catastrophic brain injury and donated transplantable organs were retrospectively reviewed. Active smokers were excluded. Maximum donor potential was seven organs (heart, lungs [2], kidneys [2], liver, and pancreas). Time from admission to declaration of DNC and donation was calculated. Mean time points stratified by specific organ procurement rates and overall OTPD were compared using unpaired t-test. Of 1719 Declaration of Death by Neurologic Criteria organ donors, 381 were secondary to head trauma. Smokers and organs recovered but not transplanted were excluded leaving 297 patients. Males comprised 78.8%, the mean age was 36.0 (±16.8) years, and 87.6% were treated at a trauma center. Higher donor potential (>4 OTPD) was associated with shorter average times from admission to brain death; 66.6 versus 82.2 hours, P = 0.04. Lung donors were also associated with shorter average times from admission to brain death; 61.6 versus 83.6 hours, P = 0.004. The time interval from DNC to donation varied minimally among groups and did not affect donation rates. A shorter time interval between admission and declaration of DNC was associated with increased OTPD, especially lungs. Further research to identify what role timing plays in the management of the potential organ donor and how that relates to donor management goals is needed.


Isolation and characterization of living primary astroglial cells using the new GLAST-specific monoclonal antibody ACSA-1.
Astrocytes show large morphological and functional heterogeneity and are involved in many aspects of neural function. Progress in defining astrocyte subpopulations has been hampered by the lack of a suitable antibody for their direct detection and isolation. Here, we describe a new monoclonal antibody, ACSA-1, which was generated by immunization of GLAST1 knockout mice. The antibody specifically detects an extracellular epitope of the astrocyte-specific L-glutamate/L-aspartate transporter GLAST (EAAT1, Slc1a3). As shown by immunohistochemistry, immunocytochemistry, and flow cytometry, ACSA-1 was cross-reactive for mouse, human, and rat. It labeled virtually all astrocytes positive for GFAP, GS, BLBP, RC2, and Nestin, including protoplastic, fibrous, and reactive astrocytes as well as Bergmann glia, Müller glia, and radial glia. Oligodendrocytes, microglia, neurons, and neuronal progenitors were negative for ACSA-1. Using an immunomagnetic approach, we established a method for the isolation of GLAST-positive cells with high purity. Binding of the antibody to GLAST and subsequent sorting of GLAST-positive cells neither interfered with cellular glutamate transport nor compromised astrocyte viability in vitro. The ACSA-1 antibody is not only a valuable tool to identify and track astrocytes by immunostaining, but also provides the possibility of separation and further analysis of pure astrocytes.


Predicting Internet Use and Digital Competence Among Older Adults Using Performance Tests of Visual, Physical, and Cognitive Functioning: Longitudinal Population-Based Study.
The rapidly increasing role of the internet in obtaining basic services poses challenges, especially for older adults' capabilities of getting the services they need. Research on the predictors of older adults' internet use and digital competence is especially relevant given that people are living longer than before, and the age profile of many societies is changing rapidly. We aimed to examine the associations of objective measures of physical and cognitive impairment with the nonuse of the internet for services and low digital competence among older adults. A longitudinal population-based design was used that combined data from performance tests and self-rated questionnaires. Data were gathered in 2017 and 2020 among 1426 older adults aged between 70 and 100 years in Finland. Logistic regression analyses were used to examine the associations. Those who had poor near (odds ratio [OR] 1.90, 95% CI 1.36-2.66) or distant vision (OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.21-2.71), restricted or failed abduction of upper arms (OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.28-2.85), and poor results from the word list memory (OR 3.77, 95% CI 2.65-5.36) or word list delayed recall (OR 2.12, 95% CI 1.48-3.02) tests had greater odds for nonuse of the internet for services than their counterparts. Moreover, those who had poor near (OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.57-3.02) or distant vision (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.43-3.19), poor results from the chair stand test (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.06-2.31), restricted or failed abduction of upper arms (OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.10-2.76), and poor results from the word list memory (OR 3.41, 95% CI 2.32-5.03) or word list delayed recall (OR 2.05, 95% CI 1.39-3.04) tests had greater odds of low digital competence than their counterparts. According to our results, older adults' impaired physical and cognitive functioning may hamper their possibilities of accessing internet services such as digital health care services. Our results should be considered when planning digital health care services intended to be used by older adults; that is, digital solutions should also be suitable for older adults with impairments. Furthermore, face-to-face services should be provided for those who cannot use digital services, even if they are assisted properly.


Generation of acetate and production of ethyl-lysine in the reaction of acetaldehyde plus serum albumin.
We report that incubation of acetaldehyde with bovine serum albumin results in the generation of acetate in a reaction that is directly proportional to the levels of albumin and exponentially dependent on the concentration of acetaldehyde. Both reactants need to be present for acetate to be formed. The oxidation of acetaldehyde into acetate requires that a reduced product also be generated in the reaction. It was hypothesized that, at high concentrations, acetaldehyde itself may reduce the Schiff bases formed in the reaction of a second molecule of acetaldehyde with amino groups in the protein, resulting in the generation of ethyl-lysine moieties. Incubation of acetaldehyde (240 mM) with bovine serum albumin was found to generate ethyl-lysine moieties as determined by a specific monoclonal antibody. Immunization of rabbits with products of the reaction of bovine serum albumin with acetaldehyde led to the generation of antibodies that reacted to reduced adducts formed in the reaction of acetaldehyde and proteins in the presence of sodium cyanoborohydride. However, the generation of acetate from acetaldehyde plus albumin was 60-fold greater than could be explained by the reduction of Schiff bases, as determined by the maximal incorporation of [14C]-acetaldehyde into an acid-precipitable protein fraction. Thus, other mechanisms to generate acetate also occur. The present findings provide an explanation for earlier reports that acetaldehyde adducts formed under "nonreducing" conditions generate antibodies that recognize reduced acetaldehyde protein adducts. However, the mechanism by which the bulk of acetate is generated in the reaction of acetaldehyde and bovine serum albumin remains to be elucidated.


Azithromycin failure in Mycoplasma genitalium urethritis.
We report significant failure rates (28%, 95% confidence interval 15%-45%) after administering 1 g azithromycin to men with Mycoplasma genitalium-positive nongonococcal urethritis. In vitro evidence supported reduced susceptibility of M. genitalium to macrolides. Moxifloxacin administration resulted in rapid symptom resolution and eradication of infection in all cases. These findings have implications for management of urethritis.


[The characteristics of the effect of point and classical massage on the hemodynamics of patients with a history of transient ischemic attacks in the vertebrobasilar system].
Clinical and instrumental studies have revealed differences in effects of nerve ending and classic massage on hemodynamics in 41 patients early after transitory ischemic attacks in the vertebrobasilar area. Point massage produced more potent vasotropic effect, contraindications to it are minimal. It can be considered as a pathogenetic therapy aimed at correction of cerebral circulation in patients with vertebrobasilar area applicable early after acute cerebrovascular episodes.


Vascular supply in adenomatous hyperplasia of the liver and hepatocellular carcinoma: a morphometric study.
Vascular supply of adenomatous hyperplasia (AH) of the liver, a preneoplastic or early neoplastic lesion of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and that of HCC were morphometrically examined. Seventy-three nodules of AH were divided into 43 ordinary and 30 atypical AHs. The latter showed a variety of hepatocellular atypias that were, however, insufficient to make a diagnosis of HCC, while the former lacked such atypias. Arteries were slightly more numerous and portal veins were slightly less frequent in both ordinary and atypical AHs compared with the surrounding liver. In ordinary AHs, cumulative areas of arterial lumen and portovenous lumen were almost equal to or less than those in the surrounding liver in two thirds of our cases. The cumulative area of arterial lumen was equal to, and that of portovenous lumen was less than, the cumulative area in the surrounding liver in the remaining one third of our cases. In a majority of atypical AHs, the cumulative area of arterial lumen was equal to, and that of portovenous lumen was less than, the cumulative area in the surrounding liver. In most HCC nodules, the number and cumulative luminal area of arteries were much more, and those of portal veins were much less, than the number and cumulative area in the surrounding liver. The relative number and cumulative luminal area of abnormal arteries compared with all arteries showed a stepwise increase in the following order: ordinary AH (20.7% and 17.5%), atypical AH (46.8% and 52.5%), and HCC (93.6% and 92.0%). These data suggest that ordinary AH, atypical AH, and HCC are different in vascular supply, and that these differences may reflect sequential changes in the hemodynamic state during hepatocarcinogenesis.


Association of polymorphisms in one-carbon metabolizing genes with breast cancer risk in Syrian women.
Dietary folate status as well as polymorphisms in one-carbon metabolism genes may affect the risk of breast cancer through aberrant DNA methylation and altered nucleotide synthesis and DNA repair. A large number of studies investigated the role of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) and methionine synthase reductase (MTRR) polymorphisms in breast cancer with inconsistent results. Association between multiple polymorphisms in one-carbon metabolism genes and breast cancer was not studied before in an Arab population. The purpose of the present study is to test the hypothesis that polymorphisms in one-carbon metabolism genes are associated with breast cancer susceptibility in Syrian breast cancer women patients. A total of 245 subjects (119 breast cancer women patients and 126 healthy controls) were genotyped for MTHFR C677T and A1298C and MTRR A66G polymorphisms. Association was tested for under numerous genetic models. A statistically significant association was found for MTHFR A1298C polymorphism especially under the allele contrast model (odds ratio (OR) = 1.68, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.16-2.45), P = 0.006). On the other hand, no significant association was found for MTHFR C677T or MTRR A66G under any of the genetic models tested. The effects of the compound genotypes were also examined. The 66GG genotype was found to be protective against breast cancer when combined with the 677CT or 1298AC genotype (OR = 0.18, 95% CI (0.04-0.82), P = 0.014; OR = 0.3, 95% CI (0.08-1.11), P = 0.058). In conclusion, our study supports the hypothesis that polymorphisms in one-carbon gene metabolisms modulate the risk for breast cancer, particularly the A1298C polymorphism of the MTHFR gene.


Inhibition of mitochondrial respiration by general anesthetic drugs.
General anesthetic drugs have been associated with various unwanted effects including an interference with mitochondrial function. We had previously observed increases of lactate formation in the mouse brain during anesthesia with volatile anesthetic agents. In the present work, we used mitochondria that were freshly isolated from mouse brain to test mitochondrial respiration and ATP synthesis in the presence of six common anesthetic drugs. The volatile anesthetics isoflurane, halothane, and (to a lesser extent) sevoflurane caused an inhibition of complex I of the electron transport chain in a dose-dependent manner. Significant effects were seen at concentrations that are reached under clinical conditions (< 0.5 mM). Pentobarbital and propofol also inhibited complex I but at concentrations that were two-fold higher than clinical EC50 values. Only propofol caused an inhibition of complex II. Complex IV respiration was not affected by either agent. Ketamine did not affect mitochondrial respiration. Similarly, all anesthetic agents except ketamine suppressed ATP production at high concentrations. Only halothane increased cytochrome c release indicating damage of the mitochondrial membrane. In summary, volatile general anesthetic agents as well as pentobarbital and propofol dose-dependently inhibit mitochondrial respiration. This action may contribute to depressive actions of the drugs in the brain.


Insemination of recipient sows improves the survival to term of vitrified and warmed porcine expanded blastocysts transferred non-surgically.
This study was performed to evaluate reproductive performance after non-surgical embryo transfer (Ns-ET) of 10-15 porcine expanded blastocysts (ExBs) that had been vitrified and warmed (V/W) using the micro volume air cooling (MVAC) method. The effect of asynchrony between the donor and recipient estrous cycle was investigated. Ns-ET was conducted in recipients whose estrous cycle was asynchronous to that of donors by a delay of 2, 1, or 0 days. In the 2-day and 1-day groups, the similar farrowing rates (27.3% and 25.0%) and survival rates to term (13.9% and 15.7%) were obtained after Ns-ET of V/W ExBs. None of the recipients in 0-day group farrowed. Artificial insemination (AI) prior to Ns-ET was then evaluated. Ten-15 V/W ExBs were transferred non-surgically to 12 recipients whose estrous cycles were asynchronous to that of donors by a 2-day delay. All of the recipients produced piglets, and all (100.0%) delivered piglets were derived from the transferred V/W ExBs. The survival rate of V/W ExBs to term was 25.2%. These results demonstrate that Ns-ET of V/W ExBs using MVAC can facilitate piglet production, even if 10-15 embryos are transferred. Moreover, piglets were obtained stably when AI was performed prior to Ns-ET.


Maintaining health professional education during war: A scoping review.
War negatively impacts health professional education when health care is needed most. The aims of this scoping review are to describe the scope of barriers and targeted interventions to maintaining health professional education during war and summarise the research. We conducted a scoping review between 20 June 2018 and 2 August 2018. The search was restricted to English publications including peer-reviewed publications without date ranges involving war and health professional education (medical school, residency training and nursing school), with interventions described to maintain educational activities. Two independent reviewers completed inclusion determinations and data abstraction. Thematic coding was performed using an inductive approach allowing dominant themes to emerge. The frequency of barrier and intervention themes and illustrative quotes were extracted. Articles were divided into modern/postmodern categories to permit temporal and historical analysis of thematic differences. Screening identified 3271 articles, with 56 studies meeting inclusion criteria. Publication dates ranged from 1914-2018 with 17 unique wars involving 17 countries. The studies concerned medical students (61.4%), residents (28.6%) and nursing students (10%). Half involved the modern era and half the postmodern era. Thematic coding identified five categories of barriers and targeted interventions in maintaining health professions education during war: curriculum, personnel, wellness, resources, and oversight, with most involving curriculum and personnel. The distribution of themes among various health professional trainees was similar. The frequency and specifics changed temporally reflecting innovations in medical education and war, with increased focus on oversight and personnel during the modern era and greater emphasis on wellness, curriculum, and resources during the postmodern era. There are overarching categories of barriers and targeted interventions in maintaining health professional education during war which evolve over time. These may serve as a useful framework to strategically support future research and policy efforts.


Mechanistic comparison of artificial-chaperone-assisted and unassisted refolding of urea-denatured carbonic anhydrase B.
We have previously described a method for the refolding of chemically denatured proteins in which small molecules ('artificial chaperones', a detergent and cyclodextrin) assist renaturation. In a previous analysis of lysozyme refolding from the GdmCl-denatured, DTT-reduced state, we found that enzymatic activity is regained at indistinguishable rates for unassisted (absence of additives) and artificial-chaperone-assisted refolding. While unassisted and artificial-chaperone-assisted refolding rates could also be directly compared for GdmCl-denatured bovine carbonic anhydrase B (CAB), only cationic detergents could be used as assistants. We therefore set out to determine whether artificial chaperones could assist the refolding of urea-denatured CAB, whether the charge and structure of the detergent used affects refolding assistance, and, if so, whether the assistance is mechanistically similar to that observed for GdmCl-denatured CAB. Our results indicate that CAB can be refolded from the urea-denatured state via the artificial chaperone process, using both anionic and cationic detergents. There is a distinctive product-determining step early in the artificial-chaperone-assisted refolding mechanism, but the rate-determining steps of the unassisted and artificial-chaperone-assisted processes are indistinguishable. Because the rate-determining steps of unassisted and artificial-chaperone-assisted refolding are indistinguishable, we conclude that the rate-determining step of CAB refolding is unaffected by the use of artificial chaperones. Our observations also suggest that denatured CAB undergoes a slow partial folding in concentrated urea solution.


Polymorphism and Expression Profile of Cholecystokinin Type A Receptor in Relation to Gallstone Disease Susceptibility.
In the present study, we investigated expression pattern of Cholecystokinin type A receptor (CCKAR) in relation to its commonly studied polymorphism (rs1800857, T/C) in gallstone disease (GSD) patients and controls. A total of 502 subjects (272 GSD and 230 controls) were enrolled, and genotyping was performed by evaluating restriction fragments of PstI digested DNA. For analyzing expression pattern of CCKAR in relation to polymorphism, gallbladder tissue samples from 80 subjects (GSD-55; control-25) were studied. Expression of CCKAR mRNA was evaluated by reverse transcriptase-PCR and confirmed using real-time PCR. Protein expression was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We observed significantly (p < 0.0001) lower expression of CCKAR mRNA and protein in GSD tissues as compared with control. Significantly higher frequency of A1/A1 genotype (C/T transition) (p = 0.0005) was observed for GSD as compared with control. Expression of CCKAR protein was found to be significantly lower (p < 0.0001) in A1/A1 genotype as compared with other genotypes for GSD patients. Perhaps, this is the first report providing evidence of alteration in CCKAR expression in relation to its polymorphism elucidating the molecular pathway of the disease. Additional investigations with lager sample size are needed to confirm these findings.


Dress-up: deep neural framework for image-based human appearance transfer.
The fashion industry is at the brink of radical transformation. The emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in fashion applications creates many opportunities for this industry and make fashion a better space for everyone. Interesting to this matter, we proposed a virtual try-on interface to stimulate consumers purchase intentions and facilitate their online buying decision process. Thus, we present, in this paper, our flexible person generation system for virtual try-on that aiming to treat the task of human appearance transfer across images while preserving texture details and structural coherence of the generated outfit. This challenging task has drawn increasing attention and made huge development of intelligent fashion applications. However, it requires different challenges, especially in the case of a wide divergences between the source and target images. To solve this problem, we proposed a flexible person generation framework called Dress-up to treat the 2D virtual try-on task. Dress-up is an end-to-end generation pipeline with three modules based on the task of image-to-image translation aiming to sequentially interchange garments between images, and produce dressing effects not achievable by existing works. The core idea of our solution is to explicitly encode the body pose and the target clothes by a pre-processing module based on the semantic segmentation process. Then, a conditional adversarial network is implemented to generate target segmentation feeding respectively, to the alignment and translation networks to generate the final output results. The novelty of this work lies in realizing the appearance transfer across images with high quality by reconstructing garments on a person in different orders and looks from simlpy semantic maps and 2D images without using 3D modeling. Our system can produce dressing effects and provide significant results over the state-of-the-art methods on the widely used DeepFashion dataset. Extensive evaluations show that Dress-up outperforms other recent methods in terms of output quality, and handles a wide range of editing functions for which there is no direct supervision. Different types of results were computed to verify the performance of our proposed framework and show that the robustness and effectiveness are high by utilizing our method.


Stimulation of a sodium influx by cAMP in Helix neurons.
Brief pressure injections of aqueous solutions of cAMP in identified neurons of Helix pomatia caused depolarizations which lasted for tens of seconds. In voltage-clamped neurons an inward current of similar duration was induced which saturated at 10 microA/cm2 cell surface. In the range of negative membrane potentials with little voltage-dependent activation, this current was not accompanied by a change in membrane conductance. The inward current was not produced by injection of ATP, ADP, adenosine, inosine or cGMP. cAMP derivatives produced longer-lasting effects. Prolongation of the inward current was also observed after inhibition of the phosphodiesterase by IBMX. Drugs which block active transport had no effect on the response to cAMP injection. The inward current depended on extracellular sodium, and was maximal when all other mono- and divalent cations were replaced by Na+. The cAMP-induced current was accompanied by a transient increase in [Na+]i, but there was no change in [Cl-]i. Li+ could largely substitute for Na+; Ca2+ was less effective. Addition of Mg2+ or Ca2+ to solutions containing a high Na+-concentration inhibited the response. Internal acidification with HCl reversibly enhanced the inward current. These data indicate that the depolarizing effect of cAMP can be accounted for by an inward movement of Na-ions, and that the effect is augmented by H+-ions.


A review of feature selection techniques in bioinformatics.
Feature selection techniques have become an apparent need in many bioinformatics applications. In addition to the large pool of techniques that have already been developed in the machine learning and data mining fields, specific applications in bioinformatics have led to a wealth of newly proposed techniques. In this article, we make the interested reader aware of the possibilities of feature selection, providing a basic taxonomy of feature selection techniques, and discussing their use, variety and potential in a number of both common as well as upcoming bioinformatics applications.


Treating atherosclerosis: local drug delivery from laboratory studies to clinical trials.
Treating only the specific section of the vascular bed that is diseased appears to make sense. Giving drugs systematically to treat perhaps only a few centimetres of affected artery carries with it the risk of systemic side effects and reduced efficacy consequent on low concentrations of agent at the site of the problem. There has thus been great interest since the early 1990s in local drug delivery. Initial targets were the thrombotic response to plaque disruption but the problems arising from the incidental damage inflicted by devices used in interventional cardiology and the pathological consequences of this, namely smooth muscle cell initiated intimal hyperplasia, soon became the focus of pre-clinical studies. Problems to be overcome were the low efficiency of delivery of drugs and the low retention rates. Solutions to these problems included the development of strategies to target drugs, through the use of antibodies directed at antigens newly released at the site of damage. As it became clear that stents were becoming central to the attainment of a better clinical response to intervention by their inherent physical properties, it also became obvious that stents could be used to deliver agents. Issues such as which stent, how to load the drug onto the stent and what drug to use to inhibit the unwanted pathobiological response are ongoing issues.


Time of mating and associated changes in the vaginal smear of the post-parturient Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus).
Most gerbils mating did so within 24 h of parturition, with a peak of activity occurring between 1600-2000 h on Day 0. Vaginal smears showed a gradual reduction both in the total number of cells present and leucocyte dominance, with a concomitant increase in cornification. A significant change to leucocyte and epithelial cell dominance occurred by 0930 on Day 1. The presence of distinctive fragmentary 'spicules', the absence of vaginal spermatozoa in many females showing vigorous mating behaviour, and significant differences between the sperm content at the time of mating (Day 0) and the following morning (Day 1), were associated with the presence of a concealed vaginal plug. The plug, which is quickly formed at the onset of mating, had usually disappeared by the following morning.


Protective effect of exogenous peroxiredoxin 6 and thymic peptide thymulin on BBB conditions in an experimental model of multiple sclerosis.
This study aimed to assess the effects of the immunomodulator thymulin, a thymic peptide with anti-inflammatory effects, and peroxiredoxin 6 (Prdx6), an antioxidant enzyme with dual peroxidase and phospholipase A2 activities, on the blood‒brain barrier (BBB) condition and general health status of animals with relapsing-remitting experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), which is a model of multiple sclerosis in humans. Both thymulin and Prdx6 significantly improved the condition of the BBB, which was impaired by EAE induction, as measured by Evans blue dye accumulation, tight-junction protein loss in brain tissue, and lymphocyte infiltration through the BBB. The effect was associated with significant amelioration of EAE symptoms. Thymulin treatment was accompanied by a decrease in immune cell activation as judged by interleukin-6, -17, and interferon-gamma cytokine levels in serum and NF-kappaB cascade activation in splenocytes of mice with EAE. Prdx6 did not induce significant immunomodulatory effects but abruptly decreased EAE-induced NOX1 and NOX4 gene expression in brain tissue, which may be one of the possible mechanisms of its beneficial effects on BBB conditions and health status. The simultaneous administration of thymulin and Prdx6 resulted in complete symptomatic restoration of mice with EAE. The results demonstrate prospective strategies for multiple sclerosis treatment.


Inhibitory effect of dimethyl sulfoxide on the proliferation of cultured arterial smooth muscle cells: relationship to the cytoplasmic microtubules.
Our preliminary study has shown that dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) has an inhibitory effect on the proliferation of cultured arterial smooth muscle cells and promotes phenotypic modulation from the synthetic state to the contractile state. In the present study we have examined the effect of DMSO with special attention to relationship between cell growth and cytoplasmic microtubules. DMSO inhibited DNA synthesis and cell division, and concomitantly promoted microtubule assembly. Initiation of DNA synthesis and cell division of nonproliferating cells by platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) was also inhibited in the presence of 1% DMSO. A 12-hr incubation with 10(-6) M colchicine caused disruption of microtubules; however, pretreatment with 1% DMSO for 24 hr prevented the disruption, indicating that DMSO has a stabilizing action on microtubules. A 24-hr exposure to PDGF resulted in microtubule depolymerization, while the addition of 1% DMSO prevented the depolymerization. These results suggest that DMSO inhibits DNA synthesis of cultured smooth muscle cells by stabilizing cytoplasmic microtubules.


Applications of chiroptical spectroscopy for the characterization of pharmaceutical compounds.
Many pharmaceutical compounds contain one or more centers of dissymmetry, thus presenting a unique series of regulatory and compendial requirements. Although most often characterized using chiral chromatography, these molecules can be effectively studied using the various techniques of chiroptical spectroscopy. Techniques which have been found to be very useful for such work include polarimetry, optical rotatory dispersion, circular dichroism, and circularly polarized luminescence. The principles underlying each effect will be briefly outlined, and the application of each illustrated through the inclusion of appropriate examples.


Inhibited histone deacetylase 3 ameliorates myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in a rat model by elevating microRNA-19a-3p and reducing cyclin-dependent kinase 2.
Over the years, the roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) and histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) in human diseases have been investigated. This study focused on the effect of miR-19a-3p and HDAC3 in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury (MIRI) by targeting cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2). The I/R rat models were established by coronary artery ligation, which were then treated with RGFP966 (an inhibitor of HDAC3), miR-19a-3p agomir or antagomir, or silenced CDK2 to explore their roles in the cardiac function, pathological changes of myocardial tissues, myocardial infarction area, inflammatory factors and oxidative stress factors in rats with MIRI. The expression of miR-19a-3p, HDAC3, and CDK2 was determined by RT-qPCR and western blot assay, and the interaction among which was also verified by online prediction, luciferase activity assay and ChIP assay. The results indicated that HDAC3 and CDK2 were upregulated while miR-19a-3p was downregulated in myocardial tissues of I/R rats. The inhibited HDAC3/CDK2 or elevated miR-19a-3p could promote cardiac function, attenuate pathological changes, inflammatory reaction, oxidative stress, myocardial infarction area and apoptosis of myocardial tissues. HDAC3 mediates miR-19a-3p and CDK2 is targeted by miR-19a-3p. Inhibited HDAC3 ameliorates MIRI in a rat model by elevating miR-19a-3p and reducing CDK2, which may contribute to the treatment of MIRI.


Meta-Analysis of Usefulness of Percutaneous Left Ventricular Assist Devices for High-Risk Percutaneous Coronary Interventions.
High-risk percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is often offered to patients with extensive coronary artery disease, decreased left ventricular function, and co-morbid conditions that increase surgical risk. In these settings, percutaneous left ventricular assist devices (PVADs) can be used for hemodynamic support. To assess the effects of PVAD use on mortality, myocardial infarction, and complication rates in patients undergoing high-risk PCI, we systematically searched the electronic databases, MEDLINE, PUBMED, EMBASE, and Cochrane for prospective controlled trials and cohort studies of patients that received hemodynamic support with PVADs for high-risk PCI. The primary outcome measures were 30-day all-cause mortality, 30-day myocardial infarction rates, periprocedural major bleeding, and vascular complications. We included 12 studies with 1,346 participants who underwent Impella 2.5 L device placement and 8 cohort studies with 205 patients that received TandemHeart device for high-risk PCI. Short-term mortality rates were 3.5% and 8% and major bleeding rates were 7.1% and 3.6% with Impella and TandemHeart, respectively. Both devices are associated with comparable periprocedural outcomes in patients undergoing high-risk PCI.


Integrative medicine rehabilitation for children with cerebral palsy: a study protocol for a multicenter pragmatic randomized controlled trial.
Traditional Korean medicine (TKM) has been employed for the treatment of children with cerebral palsy in Korea; however, the addition of TKM to usual rehabilitation (UR) treatment is hindered by insufficient evidence of clinical improvement with TKM in patients with cerebral palsy. In this study, we will evaluate the effectiveness and safety of integrative medicine rehabilitation (IMR) for cerebral palsy through a randomized controlled clinical study. Eighty children (2-6 years old) diagnosed with cerebral palsy will be recruited and randomly divided into groups A and B. Patients in group A will receive IMR with UR, while those in group B will receive only UR during weeks 1-12 of the study. IMR includes acupuncture treatment (head and limb acupuncture) three times a week and the administration of herbal medicine (Yukgunza-tang and Yukmijihwang-tang extracts) twice a day in parallel with UR. Evaluations will be conducted at the beginning of the study and at 12 and 24 weeks (follow-up). The primary outcome is the Gross Motor Function Measure-88 score, and the secondary outcomes are the scores for the Goal Attainment Scale, Korean Bayley Scales of Infant Development III, and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, and adverse events. This will be the first pragmatic randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of IMR in children with cerebral palsy in Korea. The results will help to demonstrate if IMR is an effective therapeutic approach for cerebral palsy. Ministry of Food and Drug Safety 31361 ( http://www.mfds.go.kr ). Registered on 29 June 2017. Clinical Research Information Service KCT0002620 ( https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/search/search_result_st01.jsp?seq=9819 ). Registered on 29 December 2017.


Opinion of the scientific committee on consumer safety (SCCS)--2nd Revision of the safety of the use of poly(hexamethylene) biguanide hydrochloride or polyaminopropyl biguanide (PHMB) in cosmetic products.
Conclusion of the opinion: On the basis of the data available, the SCCS concludes that Polyaminopropyl Biguanide (PHMB) is not safe for consumers when used as a preservative in cosmetic spray formulations and in all cosmetic products up to the maximum concentration of 0.3%. The safe use could be based on a lower use concentration and/or restrictions with regard to cosmetic products' categories. Dermal absorption studies on additional representative cosmetic formulations are needed. PHMB is used in a variety of applications other than cosmetics. General exposure data from sources others than cosmetics should be submitted for the assessment of the aggregate exposure of PHMB.


Intimate partner violence among reproductive-age women in central Gondar zone, Northwest, Ethiopia: a population-based study.
Violence against women is the most widespread kind of human rights violation, and it has been linked to a wide range of consequences. The most prominent psychosocial and mental health concern that has serious effects for women's physical and mental well-being. This study assessed the prevalence and associated factors of women's violence by intimate partner among women in the reproductive age group (15-49). Multistage community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among reproductive age group women in the central Gondar zone. We recruited 845 participants and interviewed by health extension workers using face-to-face interviews. We used a Women's Abuse Screening test to outcome variable; it has a total score ranges 0-16, a score > 1 indicates positive for the presence of intimate partner violence within a year. Variables were coded and entered to Epi data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 21 for analysis. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression analysis was run for data analysis. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with a 95% confidence level (CI) were declared significant. Among a total of 845 participants 804 responded to the interviews with a response rate of 95%. The prevalence rate of intimate partner violence is 391(48.6%). From multivariate logistic regression analysis women being married [AOR:3.85; 95% CI (2.38, 6.22)], high school and above educational status [(AOR: 0.43; 95% CI (0.30, 0.61), women's having > 3children [(AOR: 1.82, 95% CI (1.0, 3.1)], having a household food insecurity[(AOR: 2.09, 95% CI (1.51, 2.91)], having life threatening events [(AOR: 2.09; 95% CI (1.51, 2.91)], moderate social support [(AOR: 0.60; 95% CI (0.41, 0.83)], depression [(AOR: 3.12; 95% CI (1.60, 6.07) were significantly associated with violence by intimate partner at 95% CI . Intimate partner violence is common among reproductive-age women. Married, women with several children, food insecurity, life-threatening events, and depression were all found to be significant predictors of violence. Measures should be taken to raise community awareness, particularly among intimate partners, their families, and government officials.


Impact of the variant allele frequency of ASXL1, DNMT3A, JAK2, TET2, TP53, and NPM1 on the outcomes of patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia.
The impact of the allelic burden of ASXL1, DNMT3A, JAK2, TET2, and TP53 mutations on survival remains unclear in patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The authors assessed bone marrow aspirates from 421 patients with newly diagnosed AML using next-generation sequencing for ASXL1, DNMT3A, JAK2, TET2, and TP53 mutations, defined as the presence of mutations in ASXL1, DNMT3A, JAK2, TET2, or TP53 with a minimum variant allele frequency (VAF) of 5%. A total of 71 patients (17%) had ASXL1 mutations, 104 patients (25%) had DNMT3A mutations, 16 patients (4%) had JAK2 mutations, 82 patients (20%) had TET2 mutations, and 86 patients (20%) had TP53 mutations. Among patients with each mutation, the median VAF of ASXL1 was 34.31% (range, 1.17%-58.62%), the median VAF of DNMT3A was 41.76% (range, 1.02%-91.66%), the median VAF of JAK2 was 46.70% (range, 10.4%-71.7%), the median VAF of TET2 was 42.78% (range, 2.26%-95.32%), and the median VAF of TP53 was 45.47% (range, 1.15%-93.74%). The composite complete response rate was 60%, and was 77% in patients with AML with and without ASXL1, DNMT3A, JAK2, TET2, or TP53 mutations, respectively (P = .006); the median overall survival was 11 months and 27 months, respectively (P < .001). Multivariate analysis identified age; an antecedent history of dysplasia; white blood cell count; adverse cytogenetic risk; previous treatment with an FLT3 inhibitor; and the VAF of ASXL1, DNMT3A, JAK2, TET2, TP53, and NPM1 mutations by next-generation sequencing as prognostic factors for overall survival. The VAF of ASXL1, DNMT3A, JAK2, TET2, TP53, and NPM1 mutations is associated with worse prognosis in patients with newly diagnosed AML.


Too much of a good thing? Global trends in the curtailment of solar PV.
Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems generate electricity with no marginal costs or emissions. As a result, PV output is almost always prioritized over other fuel sources and delivered to the electric grid. However, PV curtailment is increasing as PV composes greater shares of grid capacity. In this paper, we present a novel synthesis of curtailment in four key countries: Chile, China, Germany, and the United States. We find that about 6.5 million MWh of PV output was curtailed in these countries in 2018. We find that: Policy and grid planning practices influence where, when, and how much PV is curtailed; Some PV curtailment is attributable to limited transmission capacity connecting remote solar resources to load centers; PV curtailment peaks in the spring and fall, when PV output is relatively high but electricity demand is relatively low. We discuss available measures to reduce PV curtailment as well as increasing PV curtailment in the contexts of evolving grids and energy technologies.


99mTc bone scanning agents--V. Influence of experimental conditions on the labeling efficiency and gel chromatography of 99mTc(Sn)HMDP.
The preparation of 99mTc(Sn)HMDP was investigated as a function of pH, Sn(II) and ligand concentration. HMDP could be labeled efficiently from pH 2-9. The Sn(II) and the ligand concentrations had a beneficial influence. The composition of the radiopharmaceutical under various experimental conditions was studied by means of gel chromatography on Biogel P-4. Six different complexes were found. A preparation consisted of maximally three major complexes. The presence of a particular complex was mainly determined by pH and ligand concentration. The Sn(II) concentration had little influence.


Emergency nurse practitioner: an answer to an emergency care crisis in rural hospitals.
During the last three years, a nine-month training program at the University of Virginia was designed and implemented to prepare the nurse to assume an expanded role in the emergency department. The course provides the student with sufficient knowledge and skill to diagnose and treat patients in the emergency department setting while under the supervision of a physician. Graduates of the program are certified by the State of Virginia as "emergency nurse practitioners". Qualified candidates who had identified a physician preceptor or were from an area with embryonic emergency medical systems were given priority in the selection process. The training program was divided into three-month modules which dealt first with teaching interview techniques and physical assessment skills, then clinical experiences in rural and urban emergency departments, and finally a preceptorship in the community hospital where the nurses work with the physician preceptors.


Combined influence of information load and opioid peptide opilong on hemostasis and fibrinolysis in rats.
Preliminary administration of opioid peptide opilong accelerated information perception, but at the same time caused neurotic disorders in rats exposed to information load during training. Under these conditions, suppression of fibrinolysis and hypercoagulation (signs of prethrombosis confirmed by functional thrombin challenge) were detected in the blood. Histochemical analysis of tissues, depots of fibrinolytic enzymes of the anticoagulation system, revealed inadequate weakened tissue response to thrombin in opilong-treated rats in comparison with the control.


Unusual pelvic complications of a pancreatic pseudocyst.
Pancreatic pseudocysts are notorious for their extension beyond the normal confines of the pancreatic bed. Their inferior extension has been known to involve kidney and ureter. However, involvement of the bladder and rectum is unique although understandable on anatomic grounds. We report an enormous pseudocyst with extension deep into the pelvis to displace both rectum and bladder.


The "Magic Linker": Highly Effective Gelation from Sterically Awkward Packing.
Bis(urea)s based on the 4,4'-methylenebis(2,6-diethylphenylene) (4,4'-MDEP) spacer are highly effective low molecular weight gelators, and the first single crystal structure of a bis(urea) based on this spacer is reported. The structure is a conformational isomorph with eight crystallographically independent molecules (Z' = 8) arranged in four tennis-ball type dimers with the 2,6-diethylphenylene units adopting five different conformations in the ratio 4:5:3:2:2. The awkward shape and conformational promiscuity arising from the orientations of the ethyl groups in this system is linked to its gelation behavior. A total of seven 4,4'-MDEP derivatives have been prepared, and six are versatile gelators, confirming the particularly effective nature of the MDEP spacer. Only the nitrophenyl derivative does not form gels, likely because of intramolecular CH···O hydrogen bonding arising from the electron-withdrawing nature of the nitro substituent and hence inhibition of the urea α-tape hydrogen-bonded motif.


Parity non conservation: NMR parameters in chiral molecules.
The formula giving the parity-violating electroweak interaction contribution to the magnetic shielding tensor has been applied to enantiomers containing thallium. Using an extended Hückel relativistically parameterized method a chemical shift difference close to 1 mHz at 11.7 T is calculated in two couples of enantiomers. Such a difference is slightly lower than the extreme line width which may be actually reached in ultra-high resolution NMR.


"Kickstart to Recovery": An Irish Football Program for Mental Health Service Users.
The "Kickstart to Recovery" program is a collaboration between Irish mental health occupational therapists and the Football Association of Ireland. This pilot study aimed to investigate whether participants experienced changes in quality of life, recovery, social gains, and the meaning of football following participation in the program. A quantitative pre-post study design was employed, with 27 participants completing a questionnaire consisting of outcome measures aimed to measure the above changes. Findings revealed statistically significant improvements in the Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36) "Energy/Fatigue" domain for the total sample and the Recovery Assessment Survey-Domains and Scales (RAS-DS) "Mastering My Illness" domain for first-time program participants. Statistically significant results were found for domains of "Social Functioning" and "Emotional Wellbeing" in groups incorporating additional social elements. The Engagement in Meaningful Activities Survey (EMAS) showed no change for the personal meaning participants attributed to football; however, high pre-test scores were noted. The "Kickstart to Recovery" program is attributed as a possible factor contributing to these results.


Resveratrol alleviates aluminum-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction in mice.
Aluminum is mainly exposed to the general population through food and water, and is absorbed into the systemic circulation through intestine, which in turn damages the intestinal barrier. The mice model of subchronic exposure to aluminum chloride (AlCl3 ) was established via oral. Tail suspension test was used to detect depressive behavior. H&E staining was performed to assess pathological intestinal injury. Intestinal permeability was estimated by exogenous Evans blue content. The level of inflammatory cytokines and tight junction protein were assessed via ELISA and western blotting. Simultaneously, resveratrol (Rsv, an agonist of Sirt1) was evaluated the protective role against intestinal barrier injuries caused by aluminum exposure. Our results showed that AlCl3 induced depressive-like behavior, intestinal pathological damage and intestinal barrier permeability, resulting in intestinal barrier dysfunction. Besides, aluminum induced the expression of inflammatory cytokines, which further triggered IRF8-MMP9-mediated downregulation of tight junction proteins including CLD1, OCLD and ZO-1. After Rsv treatment, SIRT1 expression was increased, depressive symptom was improved, pathological injury was reduced, inflammatory reaction was alleviated, and intestinal barrier function restored. Our findings revealed that aluminum exposure induced intestinal barrier dysfunction by IRF8-MMP9 signaling pathway. Rsv alleviated these injuries via activating SIRT1.


Compound specific stable isotope analysis of aromatics in diesel fuel to identify potential cocktailing.
Estimates suggest billions of dollars are lost annually in the US due to fuel tax fraud. One method of fuel fraud is called "cocktailing" and involves blending products that are non-taxed, lower value, taxed at a lower rate, or unwanted/less-refined petroleum to diesel fuels. The goal of this study was to investigate compound specific isotope analysis (CSIA) using isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) for small aromatics contained in diesel fuel to determine whether this approach could be used to identify cocktailing and potentially fingerprint possible sources. However, the high chemical complexity of diesel fuels complicates CSIA owing to the need to fully separate individual compounds for effective isotope analysis. Therefore, different methods were investigated to selectively isolate aromatics for CSIA and evaluate these methods for isotopic fractionation. Analyses indicate that there is enough variability in isotopic ratios (δ2H and δ13C) between toluene samples obtained from different sources to use CSIA to differentiate/identify the origin of potential fuel adulterants. Three isolation methods were identified that provided sufficiently pure aromatic fractions for CSIA: selective solvent extraction, ionic liquid coated solid phase microextraction (SPME), and a combination of the two. However, due to the labor-intensive nature of selective solvent extraction, ionic liquid coated SPME represents the best method to quickly isolate aromatics from diesel fuel, without sacrificing selectivity or sensitivity. All methods tested can result in isotopic fractionation, but this can be compensated for by applying a correction factor. Furthermore, the chemical composition of a sample appeared to be important in the degree to which fractionation occurred during isolation. While the tested approaches for aromatic extraction from diesel showed promise, additional studies are required to refine and validate the methods prior to routine use in fuel cocktailing investigations.


Trace element, antioxidant activity, and lipid peroxidation levels in brain cortex of gerbils after cerebral ischemic injury.
Proper trace element level and antioxidant enzyme activity are crucial for the brain in maintaining normal neurological functions. To our knowledge, alteration of lipid peroxidation status, trace element level, and antioxidant activity in the homogenates of brain cortex after cerebral ischemia in gerbil, however, has not been investigated so far. Male Mongolian gerbils were divided into control and ischemic subjects. Cerebral ischemia was induced by occlusion of the right middle cerebral artery and right common carotid artery for 1 h. Experimental results showed that a significant increase (P < 0.01) of the malondialdehyde level was found in the ischemic brain as compared with the control group. Trace element analysis indicated that a remarkable elevation (P < 0.01) of the level of iron (Fe), chromium (Cr), and a statistical decrease of selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) (P < 0.05) concentration were observed in the ischemic brain as compared with the control subject. No significant change (P > 0.05) of the copper (Cu) level was found in both experimental groups. Additionally, antioxidant activity of superoxide dismutase (P < 0.01) and catalase (P < 0.05) was significantly decreased in the ischemic brain as compared with the control subject. Taking all results together, it is conceivable to manifest the experimental findings that cerebral ischemia not only may result in an enhanced oxidative stress but also may lead to further oxidative injury. Moreover, disturbance of trace element level combined with declined antioxidant activity seems to play a significant role in responsible for the etiology of cerebral ischemia.


Review article: the iron overload syndromes.
Iron overload syndromes encompass a wide range of hereditary and acquired conditions. Major developments in the field of genetics and the discovery of hepcidin as a central regulator of iron homeostasis have greatly increased our understanding of the pathophysiology of iron overload syndromes. To review advances in iron regulation and iron overload syndrome with special emphasis on hereditary haemochromatosis, the prototype iron overload syndrome. A PubMed search using words such as 'iron overload', 'hemochromatosis', 'HFE', 'Non-HFE', 'secondary iron overload' was undertaken. Iron overload is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Sensitive diagnostic tests and effective therapy are widely available and can prevent complications associated with iron accumulation in end- organs. Therapeutic phlebotomy remains the cornerstone of therapy for removal of excess body iron, but novel therapeutic agents including oral iron chelators have been developed for iron overload associated with anaemia. Iron overload disorders are common. Inexpensive screening tests as well as confirmatory diagnostic tests are widely available. Increased awareness of the causes and importance of early diagnosis and knowledge of the appropriate use of genetic testing are encouraged. The availability of novel treatments should increase therapeutic options for patients with iron overload disorders.


Oculomotor prismatic training is effective in ameliorating spatial neglect: a pilot study.
Visuomotor prismatic training has been demonstrated to be among the most effective rehabilitative techniques of spatial neglect, a neurological syndrome manifested by a number of right brain-damaged patients characterized by unawareness of the egocentric left half of the world. In the present study, we demonstrate that a novel oculomotor prismatic training procedure only consisting in a sequence of gaze shifts to visual targets, can reduce spatial neglect symptoms. Following oculomotor prismatic training, patients show a significant decrease in neglect severity in straight ahead and paper and pencil tasks. We propose that during oculomotor prismatic training, the inconsistency between the prisms-biased visual/oculomotor input and the unbiased head-on-trunk proprioceptive information relative to the straight-ahead position determines the observed aftereffects and the amelioration of spatial neglect symptoms.


Protective effect of heterologous gram-positive vaccine against lethal upper respiratory tract infection with type M50 group A streptococci in mice.
Type M50 group A streptococci are exceptional for their virulence in mice. However, intranasal (i.n.) vaccination with heat-killed group A streptococci, either of type M50 or M55, or an M12 strain deficient in M-protein, protected mice against i.n. challenge with M50 streptococci (82, 88 and 83% survival, respectively). Significant resistance against M50 streptococci was also noted by i.n. application of heat-killed Lactobacillus fermenti (81% survival) as well as two strains of pneumococci (50 and 79% survival). In contrast, no protective effect was obtained using heat-killed trypsin-treated M55 streptococci. Nor did vaccination with Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa induce protection against type M50. Thus, M protein was not required for immunity against type M50. The results call for a revision of the hitherto accepted view that M proteins are the only candidates for mucosal vaccines against group A streptococci.


Evaluation of the salivary level of glutathione reductase, catalase and free thiol in patients with oral lichen planus.
Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a usual chronic inflammatory disease of the oral mucosa with malignant capacity, whose pathogenesis is not yet well known. Free radicals and reactive oxygen species may have a vital role in the pathogenesis of oral lichen planus. This study aimed to assess Glutathione reductase, catalase, and free thiol levels in the saliva of OLP patients and compare it with healthy people. In this cross-sectional study, 35 patients with OLP and 20 healthy people were involved. Five mL of whole, unstimulated saliva samples were collected in the morning, and the salivary levels of antioxidants were measured by ELISA technique. In this experiment, sex, age and OLP types were also evaluated. There was a significant decrease in the patients' salivary level of Glutathione reductase (0.2043 mU/ml in patients and 0.3901 mU/ml in the control group) and catalase (0.1525 mU/ml in patients and 0.2700 mU/ml in the control group) (p = 0.001). But there were no differences between the two groups regarding free-thiol levels (0.0586 mU/ml in patients and 0.0569 mU/ml in the control group) (p = 0.7). However, there was no correlation between age and gender with the antioxidants' contents. There was a significant decrease in glutathione reductase and catalase in the erosive type than in the non-erosive type. In this study, we found that the salivary levels of Glutathione reductase and Catalase were lower in OLP patients than in the healthy group, which means these antioxidants were affected by OLP and also associated with the type of it. So salivary Glutathione reductase and Catalase levels may be used as biomarkers for OLP monitoring and treatment.


The liver during and after fulminant hepatitis.
Within 5 to 14 days of onset of grade 3 or 4 coma, liver biopsies were obtained in 14 of 15 consecutive patients who recovered from fulminant hepatitis. In 9 patients, follow-up biopsy was obtained 6 to 60 months after acute hepatitis and autopsy was performed in 2 patients who died in 4 months from complications of hepatitis (aplastic anemia) or of corticosteroid therapy (sepsis). During fulminant illness the biopsy findings were: multilobular necrosis in 4 patients, confluent (bridging) necrosis in 9, and only portal inflammation in 1. The duration or the grade of coma did not correlate with the severity of necrosis on the biopsy. Follow-up biopsy showed development of chronic (active) hepatitis in 3 of 9 patients (with cirrhosis in one of these). Chronic liver disease was not found in the two autopsies. If fulminant hepatitis is the result of vigorous cell-mediated immune attack on hepatocytes, then this process cannot always eradicate chronic hepatitis B surface antigenemia, nor can it always prevent the development of chronic (active) hepatitis or cirrhosis.


Associations between health communication behaviors, neighborhood social capital, vaccine knowledge, and parents' H1N1 vaccination of their children.
During the H1N1 pandemic in 2009-10, the vaccination behavior of parents played a critical role in preventing and containing the spread of the disease and the subsequent health outcomes among children. Several studies have examined the relationship between parents' health communication behaviors and vaccinations for children in general. Little is known, however, about the link between parents' health communication behaviors and the vaccination of their children against the H1N1 virus, and their level of vaccine-related knowledge. We drew on a national survey among parents with at least one child less than 18 years of age (n=639) to investigate Parents' H1N1-related health communication behaviors including sources of information, media exposure, information-seeking behaviors, H1N1-related knowledge, and neighborhood social capital, as well as the H1N1 vaccination rates of their children. Findings showed that there is a significant association between the degree at which parents obtained H1N1 vaccination for their children and health communication variables: watching the national television news and actively seeking H1N1 information. And this association was moderated by the extent of the parents' H1N1-related knowledge. In addition, the parents' degree of neighborhood social capital mediated the association between H1N1 knowledge of the parents and H1N1 vaccination acceptance for their children. We found, compared to those with a low-level of neighborhood social capital, parents who have a high-level of neighborhood social capital are more likely to vaccinate their children. These findings suggest that it is necessary to design a strategic health communication campaign segmented by parent health communication behaviors.


The influence of Ca and Cu additions on the microstructure, mechanical and degradation properties of Zn-Ca-Cu alloys for absorbable wound closure device applications.
Novel ternary Zn-Ca-Cu alloys were studied for the development of absorbable wound closure device material due to Ca and Cu's therapeutic values to wound healing. The influence of Ca and Cu on the microstructure, mechanical and degradation properties of Zn were investigated in the as-cast state to establish the fundamental understanding on the Zn-Ca-Cu alloy system. The microstructure of Zn-0.5Ca-0.5Cu, Zn-1.0Ca-0.5Cu, and Zn0.5Ca-1.0Cu is composed of intermetallic phase CaZn13 distributed within the Zn-Cu solid solution. The presence of CaZn13 phase and Cu as solute within the Zn matrix, on the one hand, exhibited a synergistic effect on the grain refinement of Zn, reducing the grain size of pure Zn by 96%; on the other hand, improved the mechanical properties of the ternary alloys through solid solution strengthening, second phase strengthening, and grain refinement. The degradation properties of Zn-Ca-Cu alloys are primarily influenced by the micro-galvanic corrosion between Zn-Cu matrix and CaZn13 phase, where the 0.5% and 1.0% Ca addition increased the corrosion rate of Zn from 11.5 μm/y to 19.8 μm/y and 29.6 μm/y during 4 weeks immersion test.


Seasonality of depression referrals in older people.
Seasonal affective disorder is becoming more widely recognised as a prevalent mood disorder in the adult population. However, few studies have investigated the link between sunlight exposure and mood in the elderly. Referrals to the community Mental Health Care for Older People (MHCOP) in the Hackney and City area, were screened for the number of patients referred with depression in three separate years (2007, 2009 and 2011) in order to determine whether more referrals were made to the service during darker months of the year (October to March) than in the lighter months of the year (April to September). When data from the three years was combined, we found no significant increase in the number of referrals to the MHCOP in the darker months (Chi squared value 1.375, p value (2 tailed) 0.2409). We observed no statistically significant seasonal pattern of referrals, this suggests that depression in older people is not more prevalent in darker months of the year.


Management and outcomes of coronary artery perforations during percutaneous treatment of acute coronary syndromes.
Coronary artery perforation (CAP) is an infrequent and life-threatening complication of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), requiring prompt intervention. There is insufficient data about the prognosis and management of CAP in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The aim of this study was to investigate the management of CAP in patients with ACS. The results of 25 patients with CAP were retrospectively analyzed. Of the 25 patients, 14 patients (56%) had ACS. According to the Ellis classification, the grade of perforation was type-I in 8 (32%) patients, type-II in 6 (24%) patients and type-III in 11 (44%) patients. Prolonged balloon inflation was performed to 20 (80%) cases of CAP. It successfully sealed the perforation in three cases of type-I, five cases of type-II CAP and in seven cases of type-III CAP. Seven patients underwent covered stent implantation. Emergent CABG was required in two patients with type-III CAP. In-hospital mortality was not observed in the patients. The outcomes of CAP in patients with ACS were similar to patients with stable coronary disease. The continuation of anti-platelet agents after the successful management of CAP may be encouraged in these patients.


How to Make a Do-It-Yourself, Disposable Bite Guard Using Easily Available Materials, to Prevent Tongue and Lip Injuries, During Motor Evoked Potential Monitoring in Neurosurgery.
We describe a do-it-yourself method of making a bite guard, using pairs of Foley catheters and surgical gloves to prevent tongue, lip, and other injuries during the monitoring of transcranially elicited motor evoked potential. We have used it in five cases, and have found that the hack is particularly cost-effective and reliable. We describe the technique here using multiple photographs.


Dating the divergence of the infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus.
Infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV) is an economically significant rhabdovirus that can cause severe disease to most salmonid fish. Phylogenetic analyses of worldwide IHNV isolates have defined five major genogroups. Herein, to further the understanding of the molecular epidemiology and evolution of IHNV, Bayesian coalescent analyses were conducted to the time-stamped coding sequences of the N, G and NV genes. The nucleotide substitution rates and the divergence times were assessed. Among the three genes, NV, the smallest one coding for a non-virion protein, was conferred the highest mean rate. Estimates for the G subsets based upon the five genogroups indicated that L and U evolved much slower than the others. Age calculations suggested that the first diversification event of the IHNV isolates analyzed might have happened before the notification of the disease during the early 1950s. Selection analyses suggested that the three genes were mainly subject to purifying selection. In addition, surveys of codon usage variation showed that the three genes had influences other than mutational bias.


Masking ability of implant abutment substrates by using different ceramic restorative systems.
Information regarding the masking ability of ceramic crowns over different implant abutment materials is scarce. The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the masking ability of different monolithic or bilayer ceramic materials with different thicknesses over substrates indicated for implant restorations by using opaque and translucent evaluation pastes. Disk-shaped specimens, shade A1 (VITA Classic; Ø10×1.5 to 2.5 mm), of different ceramics (a bilayer system [yttria-stabilized zirconia infrastructure+porcelain veneer: Zir+Pc] and monolithic systems [lithium disilicate under low, medium, or high translucency: LtLD, MtLD, or HtLD, respectively, and a high-translucent yttria-stabilized zirconia: HtZir]) were made (n=4). The color difference (ΔE00) was assessed by using the CIEDE2000 formula and considering the different ceramic systems over 5 implant abutment materials (A1 shade Zir [Zir A1]; white Zir [White Zir]; A1 low-translucency lithium disilicate [LD]; polyetheretherketone [PEEK]; and titanium [Ti]) when using 2 different evaluation pastes (translucent or opaque). The control comparison was the restorative material positioned over the Zir A1 substrate with a translucent evaluation paste. Statistical analysis was made by using a 2-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc tests (α=.05) for ΔE00 data considering the restorative material and luting agent factors as their association. Additionally, ΔE00 data were qualitatively analyzed considering the acceptability and perceptibility thresholds. The translucency parameter (TP00) of each restorative material was evaluated, and data were submitted to 1-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc tests (α=.05). The most predictable masking ability was seen with Zir+Pc regardless of the evaluation paste used. Nevertheless, under 1.5-mm thickness, Zir+Pc did not adequately mask Ti (ΔE00>1.77). Most monolithic ceramics did not mask discolored substrates (PEEK or Ti, ΔE00>1.77). The exception was HtZir, which presented acceptable masking ability over PEEK at 2.5-mm thickness with both evaluation pastes (ΔE00<1.77). Regardless of the restorative material thickness, Zir+Pc showed the lowest (P<.05) TP00 values (TP00=3.45 at 1.5-mm thickness; TP00=2.00 at 2.5-mm thickness), and HtLD presented the highest (P<.05, TP00=23.50 at 1.5-mm thickness; TP00=13.36 at 2.5-mm thickness). HtZir showed similar TP00 to MtLD at 1.5-mm thickness and similar TP00 to Zir+Pc when used at 2.5-mm thickness (P>.05). Monolithic ceramics should be used with caution over discolored implant abutments. Bilayer systems (Zir+Pc) were the most predictable approach to adequately masking discolored substrates such as PEEK or Ti. An increased restoration thickness provided higher masking ability for all restorative materials tested.


Time for an active antiviral therapy for hepatitis B: An update on the management of hepatitis B virus infection.
Significant advances in the management of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) have been made over the past decade. During this period we have witnessed improvements in survival as well as reduction of disease progression in CHB patients due to the introduction of effective antiviral therapy. The need for effective antiviral therapy is underscored by the results of the REVEAL-HBV study in which 3653 hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers were followed over 12 year period. This study demonstrated that a persistently elevated serum HBV DNA level was the most important risk factor for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The ultimate goal of antiviral therapy for CHB patients should include halting the progression to cirrhosis and its life threatening complications and in preventing/reducing the development of HCC. An earlier study of 651 CHB patients with cirrhosis or advanced fibrosis from countries in Asia also demonstrated that treatment with lamivudine (LVD) not only delayed disease progression but also reduced the development of HCC. These landmark studies reaffirm the need for active antiviral therapy for CHB. Current treatment options for patients with CHB include interferon and nucleos(t)ide analogues. As we gain experience with these agents, it has become increasingly clear that long-term therapy benefits patients with CHB.


Is Perceived Parental Monitoring Associated with Sexual Risk Behaviors of Young Black Males?
This study determined whether perceived parental monitoring (PPM) is associated with any of twelve selected outcomes related to sexual risk behaviors of young Black males (YBM). Recruitment occurred in clinics diagnosing and treating sexually transmitted infections. YBM living with a parent or guardian (N = 324) were administered a 9-item scale assessing level of PPM. The obtained range was 10 - 45, with higher scores representing more frequent monitoring. The mean was 29.3 (sd=7.0). Eight of the twelve outcomes had significant associations with PPM (all in a direction indicating a protective effect). Of these eight, five retained significance in age-adjusted models were ever causing a pregnancy, discussing pregnancy prevention, safer sex, and condom use with sex partners, and using a condom during the last act of penile-vaginal sex. Monitoring by a parent figure may be partly protective against conceiving a pregnancy for Black males 15-23 years of age.


Uncompensated mitochondrial oxidative stress underlies heart failure in an iPSC-derived model of congenital heart disease.
Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a severe congenital heart disease with 30% mortality from heart failure (HF) in the first year of life, but the cause of early HF remains unknown. Induced pluripotent stem-cell-derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CM) from patients with HLHS showed that early HF is associated with increased apoptosis, mitochondrial respiration defects, and redox stress from abnormal mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening and failed antioxidant response. In contrast, iPSC-CM from patients without early HF showed normal respiration with elevated antioxidant response. Single-cell transcriptomics confirmed that early HF is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction accompanied with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. These findings indicate that uncompensated oxidative stress underlies early HF in HLHS. Importantly, mitochondrial respiration defects, oxidative stress, and apoptosis were rescued by treatment with sildenafil to inhibit mPTP opening or TUDCA to suppress ER stress. Together these findings point to the potential use of patient iPSC-CM for modeling clinical heart failure and the development of therapeutics.


Engraftment of acute myeloid leukemia in NOD/SCID mice is independent of CXCR4 and predicts poor patient survival.
The aim of this study was to investigate factors influencing the engraftment potential of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) CD34+ cells in nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficiency (NOD/SCID) mice. We examined the relationship between engraftment, CXCR4 expression on CD34+ and CD34+CD38- cells, and patient (Pt) clinical/laboratory characteristics in 44 samples from 11 Pts. Engraftment, evaluated by Southern blot and CD45 flow cytometric analyses, was observed in murine bone marrow of 6 of 11 Pt samples, ranging from 0.1% to 73.9% by Southern blot and from 0.1%-36.8% by flow cytometry. Poor Pt prognosis was inversely correlated with engraftment; the median overall survival was 95.9 weeks for Pts whose cells did not engraft and 26.1 weeks for those whose cells did engraft (p = 0.012, log-rank test). No other clinical/laboratory variable predicted engraftment. No correlation between the level of CXCR4 expression on AML cells and engraftment was observed. Cells with virtually absent CXCR4 expression were able to engraft, and cells from two Pts with high expression levels of CXCR4 did not engraft. Furthermore, anti-CXCR4 antibody failed to block the engraftment of AML cells into NOD/SCID mice. In conclusion, we demonstrated that CXCR4 is not critical for the engraftment of AML CD34+ cells in NOD/SCID mice. The model may, however, reflect the clinical course of the disease.


Hydrogen peroxide determination in pharmaceutical formulations and cosmetics using a new catalase biosensor.
The possibility of evaluating the content of hydrogen peroxide in several authentic matrices, such as cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations, was studied. A new catalase biosensor fabricated using an amperometric gas-diffusion oxygen sensor as electrochemical transducer and the catalase enzyme immobilized in kappa-carrageenan gel and capable of operating in both aqueous and non aqueous solvents was developed and tested for this purpose. Creams, emulsions and disinfectant solutions were analysed. To this end, a preliminary check was needed to establish the best conditions to analyse these matrices; the choice of solvent was one of the most important points studied. The solvents considered included dioxane, water-dioxane mixtures, water saturated chloroform and aqueous solutions. The different solubility properties of the matrices analysed were taken into account.


The characteristics and algicidal mechanisms of cyanobactericidal bacteria, a review.
Cyanobacterial blooms are a worldwide problem, especially in freshwaters. As one of the most abundant co-existing organisms of algae, bacteria play critical roles in cyanobacteria growth, particularly the cyanobactericidal bacteria which can efficiently kill cyanobacteria. Recent years, cyanobactericidal bacteria are highly recognized as a method that could potentially block cyanobacterial blooms. Many studies have been conducted to assess their effects on the termination of cyanobacteria blooms and explore their cyanobactericidal mechanisms, e.g., attacking by cell to cell or releasing specific compounds, the physiological, metabolic, and transcriptional disturbance on cyanobacteria. In this review, the present state of research on cyanobactericidal bacteria for the bloom-causing cyanobacteria species is summarized. The challenges in applying cyanobactericidal bacteria in the control of natural cyanobacterial blooms are discussed.


Cadmium effects on bone and dental tissues of rats in acute and subacute poisoning.
Injection of cadmium chloride to rats fed by normal calcium diet induced distrubances of tibia and incisor hard tissues metabolism. It is suggested that there may be the possibility of direct cadmium actions on those hard tissues metabolisms.


Basic fibroblast growth factor messenger ribonucleic acid levels in eutopic and ectopic human endometrial stromal cells as assessed by competitive polymerase chain reaction amplification.
Previous studies have localized basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and its mRNA in normal and neoplastic endometrium but the expression of bGFG mRNA in endometriosis cells is virtually unknown. Our purpose was to investigate the presence of bFGF and its receptor mRNAs in highly purified primary cultures of stromal cells isolated from six eutopic endometrial samples obtained from patients without evidence of endometriosis and five endometriosis cyst linings. Using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), single major DNA bands of the expected sizes for bFGF and its receptor (354 and 661 bp, respectively) were detected in both endometrial and endometriosis samples. A competitive RT-PCR, that uses coprimer extension and amplification of a bovine RNA as an internal standard, was developed for semiquantitative estimation of bFGF gene expression. The target to standard mean ratios +/- SEM in six normal endometrial samples and in five endometriosis cultures were 26.7 +/- 10.7 and 9.2 +/- 3.0, respectively. Furthermore, when data were analyzed according to the cyst diameter, levels of bFGF mRNA resulted statistically higher (P < 0.05) in bigger cysts when compared to those detected in smaller ones (16 +/- 2.7 and 4.7 +/- 1.8, respectively). These results demonstrate that the genes coding for bFGF and its receptor are expressed in endometriosis cells, but levels of bFGF mRNA are generally lower than those detected in their eutopic counterpart. Moreover, they indicate that endometriosis cells derived from large cysts have increased bFGF mRNA levels. Thus, bFGF could be one of the factors responsible for a more or less active behavior of the endometnotic lesion.


Membrane transport of mitoxantrone by L1210 leukemia cells.
Transport of radiolabeled mitoxantrone, a new antineoplastic agent, was studied using cultured mouse L1210 leukemia cells. The initial velocity of influx remained linear for about 90 sec and was 110 pmoles/10(6) cells measured at 60 sec. The steady-state accumulation of about 480 pmoles/10(6) cells was not reached until 30 min. The unidirectional drug influx was linear from 0 to 1000 microM extracellular drug concentration. The initial uptake was relatively temperature independent between 37 degrees and 27 degrees, but accumulation at steady state was 17% lower at 27 degrees. None of six metabolic inhibitors had an appreciable effect on initial uptake. Efflux was initially exponential with a half-life of 2.8 min; this efflux and the residual drug concentration plateau were not affected by KCN or verapamil. Under steady-state conditions, about 86% of the cell-associated label was contained in parent drug and the remainder in an unidentified metabolite. These studies indicate that the mechanism of mitoxantrone uptake is passive diffusion. The efflux is not energy requiring, but there is considerable tight binding of the drug to cellular structures.


Polymorphisms of STS gene and SULT2A1 gene and neurosteroid levels in Han Chinese boys with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: an exploratory investigation.
This study examined the relationships among polymorphisms of the STS gene and SULT2A1 gene, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfated form (DHEA-S), and characteristics of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We used cheek swabs to obtain the genomic DNA of 200 ADHD male probands (mean age: 8.7 years), 192 patients' mothers and 157 patients' fathers. Three SNPs in the STS gene (rs6639786, rs2270112, and rs17268988) and one SNP in the SULT2A1 gene (rs182420) were genotyped. Saliva samples were collected from the ADHD patients to analyze DHEA and DHEA-S levels. The behavioral symptoms were evaluated with the Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham, and Version IV Scale for ADHD (SNAP-IV), and the neuropsychological function was assessed using the Conners' Continuous Performance Tests (CPT). We found the C allele of rs2270112 within the STS gene to be over-transmitted in males with ADHD. Polymorphisms of rs182420 within the SULT2A1 gene were not associated with ADHD. In addition, the C allele carriers of rs2270112 demonstrated significantly higher DHEA-S levels than the G allele carriers. Levels of DHEA were positively correlated with attention as measured by the CPT. These findings support a potential role in the underlying biological pathogenesis of ADHD with regard to STS polymorphisms and neurosteroid levels.


Influence of operator proficiency on the sealing ability of the vertical condensation.
This study sought to evaluate on a long-term basis the quality of the apical seal of the vertical condensation performed by three operators with different levels of proficiency in vertical compaction. Ninety anterior teeth were used. After cleaning and shaping to a size 30 file, the teeth were divided into three equal groups. Then, vertical condensation was performed. Apical microleakage was determined using pressurized fluid filtration at 90 min, 1 day, and 1, 4, 12, 18, and 24 wk after root canal obturation. Leakage tended to increase over time for the three groups. Teeth obturated by an inexperienced operator showed greater long-term leakage.


Pulsed transistor operation enables miniaturization of electrochemical aptamer-based sensors.
By simultaneously transducing and amplifying, transistors offer advantages over simpler, electrode-based transducers in electrochemical biosensors. However, transistor-based biosensors typically use static (i.e., DC) operation modes that are poorly suited for sensor architectures relying on the modulation of charge transfer kinetics to signal analyte binding. Thus motivated, here, we translate the AC "pulsed potential" approach typically used with electrochemical aptamer-based (EAB) sensors to an organic electrochemical transistor (OECT). Specifically, by applying a linearly sweeping square-wave potential to an aptamer-functionalized gate electrode, we produce current modulation across the transistor channel two orders of magnitude larger than seen for the equivalent, electrode-based biosensor. Unlike traditional EAB sensors, our aptamer-based OECT (AB-OECT) sensors critically maintain output current even with miniaturization. The pulsed transistor operation demonstrated here could be applied generally to sensors relying on kinetics-based signaling, expanding opportunities for noninvasive and high spatial resolution biosensing.


Expressivism, Relativism, and the Analytic Equivalence Test.
The purpose of this paper is to show that, pace (Field, 2009), MacFarlane's assessment relativism and expressivism should be sharply distinguished. We do so by arguing that relativism and expressivism exemplify two very different approaches to context-dependence. Relativism, on the one hand, shares with other contemporary approaches a bottom-up, building block, model, while expressivism is part of a different tradition, one that might include Lewis' epistemic contextualism and Frege's content individuation, with which it shares an organic model to deal with context-dependence. The building-block model and the organic model, and thus relativism and expressivism, are set apart with the aid of a particular test: only the building-block model is compatible with the idea that there might be analytically equivalent, and yet different, propositions.