Ultrastructural pathology in Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
Ultrastructural studies of the thyroid tissue in two cases of Hashimoto's thyroiditis demonstrated that the inflammatory cells do not pass through the follicular cells. Indeed these cells travelled between the epithelial cells in a manner similar to the neutrophil emigration (diapedesis) through the vessel wall in acute inflammation. Inflammatory infiltrates were composed of lymphocytes, plasma cells, or transformed lymphocytes that showed features intermediate between those of lymphocytes and plasma cells. These inflammatory cells were observed to travel from the stroma to the follicular lumen in a vectorial manner - similar to neutrophilic chemotaxis in acute inflammation. The basement membrane around the thyroid follicles remained intact around some follicles whereas it was reduplicated or focally increased in thickness around others. The basement membrane material seemed to have been secreted by the follicular cells, and strands of early collagen fiber formation were seen within the excess basement membrane material. The follicular cells showed evidence fo sublethal injury characterized by prominent defects of the rough endoplasmic reticulum or the mitochondria. Cells from areas that appeared as foci of squamous metaplasia by light microscopy showed an increased number of cytoplasmic filaments (120 to 160 A), bundles of tonofilaments, large desmosomes, an increased number of desmosomes, and intracellular desmosomes. The colloid content of the follicles was diminished, and it seemed that instead of secreting the protein colloid, the follicular cells in Hashimoto's thyroiditis were producing either excessive proteinaceous material similar to colloid or other types of proteins such as basement membrane material or keratin.


Emerging combination immunotherapy strategies for breast cancer: dual immune checkpoint modulation, antibody-drug conjugates and bispecific antibodies.
Breast cancer has historically been considered a non-immunogenic tumor. Multiple studies over the last 10-15 years have demonstrated that a small subset of breast cancers is immune-activated, with PD-L1 expression and/or TILs in the tumor microenvironment. The PD-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab in combination with chemotherapy is now approved by the US FDA for the first-line treatment of metastatic PD-L1 + triple negative breast cancer, and the PD-L1 inhibitor atezolizumab has also demonstrated clinical activity. The median progression-free survival for pembrolizumab or atezolizumab combined with chemotherapy increased with the addition of immunotherapy by 4.1 months and 2.5 months, respectively. Despite this success, there is major room for improvement. Clinical benefit is modest. Only about 40% of triple negative breast cancers are PD-L1 + , not all PD-L1 + patients with advanced triple negative breast cancer respond, and immunotherapy is not yet approved for advanced PD-L1-negative triple negative breast cancer, HER2 + breast cancer, or ER + breast cancer. It is likely that redundant pathways of immune suppression are active in breast cancer, or that important pathways of immune activation are silent. In this review, we discuss emerging strategies for targeting multiple pathways of immunoregulation in advanced breast cancer with dual immune checkpoint inhibition, bispecific antibodies, and novel antibody drug conjugates. We also discuss the potential of nanotechnology to improve the delivery of immunotherapeutics to the breast tumor microenvironment to enhance their antitumor activity.


Overtubes (sleeves) for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.
Overtubes are short sleeves designed to fit over the shaft of fibrescopes. Several home made overtubes have been described. We have reviewed design principles and many potential applications, which are not widely appreciated.


Polymerase chain reactions using Saccharomyces, Drosophila and human DNA predict a large family of protein serine/threonine phosphatases.
Using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to examine the protein serine/threonine phosphatase (PP) family which includes PP1, PP2A and PP2B, we have identified two, seven, and four novel protein phosphatase genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Drosophila melanogaster and Homo sapiens, respectively. Consequently, the genes in the PP1/PP2A/PP2B family now number 11, 15 and 12 in these species respectively, and the data predicts still more unidentified phosphatases in higher eukaryotes. The PCR analyses also point to the presence in Drosophila and mammals of three or more different genes encoding PP2B, the enzyme recently identified as the target of certain immunosuppressant drugs.


Esophagus and Stomach: Is There a Role for MR Imaging?
MR imaging has been increasingly used in the diagnostic work-up of benign and malignant conditions of the gastroesophageal tract. The use of an adequate MR imaging protocol is crucial, although standardization of imaging studies is still far from being implemented. Research on MR imaging-based biomarkers show promising results in assessing tumor aggressiveness and prognosis, and in the evaluation of response to treatment, both in esophageal and gastric cancers.


Multicenter comparison of von Willebrand factor multimer sizing techniques. Report of the Factor VIII and von Willebrand Factor Subcommittee.
A multicenter study of various types of von Willebrand's disease (vWD) was conducted in order to compare the different electrophoretic techniques used to evaluate von Willebrand factor multimers in plasma. Seven laboratories participated in the blind study of eight plasma samples from two healthy subjects and six vWD types and subtypes (Ia, Ib, IIA, IIB, IIC and IID). From the results of the multimeric analysis of these samples, it appears that the differential diagnosis of vWD types and subtypes should be first approached by using a low-resolution electrophoretic technique, where each vWF multimer appears as a single band. Low-resolution techniques differentiate type I from type II, subtype Ia from Ib and also subtype IIA from other type II subtypes. When type II subtypes other than IIA are identified with these techniques, samples should be rerun using high resolution techniques that resolve each of the fastest migrating multimers in at least three subbands, and permit the differentiation of subtypes IIB, IIC and IID.


Long-term outcomes of modern multidisciplinary management of sinonasal cancers: The M. D. Anderson experience.
To report long-term outcomes of modern radiotherapy for sinonasal cancers. A retrospective analysis of patients with sinonasal tumors treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy or proton therapy. Multivariate analysis was used to determine predictive variables of progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Three hundred and eleven patients were included, with median follow-up of 75 months. The most common histologies were squamous cell (42%), adenoid cystic (15%), and sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma (15%). Induction chemotherapy was administered to 47% of patients; 68% had adjuvant radiotherapy. Ten-year local control, regional control, distant metastasis free survival, PFS, and overall survival rates were 73%, 88%, 47%, 32%, and 51%, respectively. Age, non-nasal cavity tumor site, T3-4 stage, neck dissection, and radiation dose were predictive of PFS, while age, non-nasal cavity tumor site, T3-4 stage, positive margins, neck dissection, and use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy were predictive of OS. There was a 13% rate of late grade ≥3 toxicities. This cohort of patients with sinonasal cancer treated with modern radiotherapy demonstrates favorable disease control rate and acceptable toxicity profile.


[The activities over one year of the first aid unit of the Florence Orthopedic Trauma Center: a statistical analysis].
The characteristics of all the traumatic cases treated at the emergency unit of C.T.O. Hospital in Florence are here described. The year 1985 was taken as a sample to be compared to the previous statistics obtained in the past. The authors found an increase in the number and severity of the traumatic cases, particularly in old patients and localized in the extremities (hand and foot).


Nasolacrimal evaluation and surgery.
The lacrimal drainage system is a very important functional and anatomic assembly in the orbit and midface. For surgeons who intend to become involved in its repair or reconstruction, it is mandatory to understand the full range of anatomic, physiologic, and diagnostic considerations prior to embarking upon a surgical course. Proper eyelid function depends upon the integrity of its constituent parts, including the margin, tarsus, muscle, and globe apposition. The lacrimal pump mechanism is produced by proper eyelid function and structure, and must be adequately assessed. The puncta and canaliculi are delicate structures and must be manipulated with care and gentleness. The lacrimal sac is a static structure that serves as a collecting sphere but also may be forced to evacuate its contents into the nasolacrimal duct by the "squeezing" action of the investing tendons. Proper tendon position must be maintained after surgery or trauma to facilitate this action. The nasolacrimal sac may be damaged after facial fractures or blocked from intranasal conditions. If the blockage cannot be relieved, it must be bypassed by performing a dacryocystorhinostomy. The use of long-term, indwelling silicone intubation catheters greatly facilitates the successful reconstruction of the lacrimal drainage system. Proper attention to all of these points will be appreciated by the patient.


Body checking in the eating disorders: association with narcissistic characteristics.
There is substantial evidence that body image is a clinically important element of eating pathology, and that patients' body checking cognitions and behaviours are key elements in the maintenance of that body image. However, there is little understanding of individual differences in body checking. This study considered the potential role of narcissism and narcissistic defences in driving body checking cognitions and behaviours. 68 eating-disordered and 70 non-clinical women completed well-validated measures of body checking and narcissism. There were specific patterns of association between different elements of narcissism and different aspects of body checking. These patterns are compatible with a model where body checking serves the defensive function of maintaining self-esteem, rather than promoting positive levels of narcissistic self-esteem.


The effect of yoga on pulmonary function in patients with asthma: A meta-analysis.
Asthma is one of the most common non-communicable diseases. Yoga with physical postures, breathing exercises, meditation, and relaxation may play an essential role in the complementary management of lower respiratory diseases. The study aimed to evaluate the impact of yoga (posture, breathing exercises, and meditation) on pulmonary function tests, asthma control tests, and health-related quality of adult asthmatic patients. MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Scopus, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, Clinical Key, and Academia electronic search engines were explored to search the relevant literature. The present study included adult asthmatic patients (age -18 and 60 years) with mild to moderate asthma, per GINA (Global Initiative for Asthma) guidelines. The effect of yoga was assessed on the following outcomes; pulmonary function tests, including FeV1 (Forced expiratory volume 1 s), FVC (Forced vital capacity), FeV1/FVC, peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), health-related quality of life, and asthma control test. A fixed-effect model was applied to compute significance for statistical heterogeneity. P-value <0.05 was considered for statistical significance. Finally, fifteen articles were included for meta-analysis. The forest plot for overall effect of yoga intervention and usual care favors the yoga intervention for improvement in pulmonary function as FeV1 (SMD = 0.96, CI = 0.77-1.14, I2 = 54%), FVC (SMD = 0.35, CI = 0.14-0.55, p = 0.11, I2 = 50%), Fev1/FVC (SMD = 0.18, CI = -0.38-0.02, p = 0.02, I2 = 50%), PEFR (SMD = 0.38, CI = 0.18-0.58, p = 0.0003, I2 = 0%), asthma control test (SMD = 0.16, CI = 0.15-0.48, p = 0.31, I2 = 86%) and health-related quality of life (SMD = 0.26, CI = 0.18-0.34, p = 0.02, I2 = 51%) of asthmatic patients. This meta-analysis provides a moderate level of evidence regarding yoga as a complementary therapy in managing mild to moderate asthmatic patients. It also adds to the current knowledge of the same.


Phenotypic analysis combined with tandem mass tags (TMT) labeling reveal the heterogeneity of strawberry stolon buds.
Ramet propagation in strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) is the most effective way in production. However, the lack of systematically phenotypic observations and high-throughput methods limits our ability to analyze the key factors regulating the heterogeneity in strawberry stolon buds. From observation, we found that the axillary bud located in the first node quickly stepped into dormancy (DSB), after several bract and leaf buds were differentiated. The stolon apical meristem (SAM) degenerated as the new ramet leaf buds (RLB), and the new active axillary stolon buds (ASB) differentiated continually after the differentiation of the first leaf. Using the tandem mass tags (TMT) labeling method, a total of 7271 strawberry proteins were identified. Between ASB and DSB, the spliceosome DEPs, such as Ser/Arg-rich (SR) and heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein particle (hnRNP), showed the highest enrichment and high PPI connectivity. This indicated that the differences in DEPs (e.g., SF-3A and PK) at the transcriptional level may be causing the differences between the physiological statuses of ASB and DSB. As expected, the photosynthetic pre-form RLB mainly differentiated from ASB and DSB judging by the DEP enrichment of photosynthesis. However, there are still other specialized features of DEPs between RLB and DSB and between ASB and DSB. The DEPs relative to DNA duplication [e.g., minichromosome maintenance protein (MCM 2, 3, 4, 7)], provide a strong hint of functional gene duplication leading the bud heterogeneity between RLB and DSB. In addition, the top fold change DEP of LSH 10-like might be involved in the degeneration of SAM into RLBs, based on its significant function in modulating the plant shoot initiation. As for RLB/ASB, the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway probably regulates the ramet axillary bud specialization, and further promotes the differentiation of xylem when ASB develops into a new stolon [e.g., cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase 1 (CAD1) and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase 1 (PAL1)]. By using phenotypic observation combined with proteomic networks with different types of strawberry stolon buds, the definite dormancy phase of DSB was identified, and the biological pathways and gene networks that might be responsible for heterogeneity among different stolon buds in strawberry were also revealed.


Stereoscopic vascular models of the head and neck: A computed tomography angiography visualization.
Computer-assisted 3D models are used in some medical and allied health science schools; however, they are often limited to online use and 2D flat screen-based imaging. Few schools take advantage of 3D stereoscopic learning tools in anatomy education and clinically relevant anatomical variations when teaching anatomy. A new approach to teaching anatomy includes use of computed tomography angiography (CTA) images of the head and neck to create clinically relevant 3D stereoscopic virtual models. These high resolution images of the arteries can be used in unique and innovative ways to create 3D virtual models of the vasculature as a tool for teaching anatomy. Blood vessel 3D models are presented stereoscopically in a virtual reality environment, can be rotated 360° in all axes, and magnified according to need. In addition, flexible views of internal structures are possible. Images are displayed in a stereoscopic mode, and students view images in a small theater-like classroom while wearing polarized 3D glasses. Reconstructed 3D models enable students to visualize vascular structures with clinically relevant anatomical variations in the head and neck and appreciate spatial relationships among the blood vessels, the skull and the skin.


Symmetric Basal Ganglia lesion in a diabetic dialysis patient: recurrence and pathogenesis.
This paper describes a diabetic dialysis patient presenting two episodes of symmetric basal ganglia lesions occurring 18 months apart, and discusses the MR imaging findings and the pathogenesis of this condition.


Breaking the conservation of guanine residues in the catalytic loop of 10-23 DNAzyme by position-specific nucleobase modifications for rate enhancement.
10-23 DNAzyme has been used as a very good model for exploring the potential of functional nucleic acids. Its 15-mer catalytic core has been demonstrated to be the optimized in vitro selection result. However, with the introduction of protein-like functional groups through 2'-deoxyguanosine analogues, its two highly conserved guanine residues (G2 and G14) can be modified for more efficient 10-23 DNAzyme analogues. This result implies that chemical modifications of functional nucleic acids with well-designed nucleoside analogues of each canonical residue could be used as the first step in the efforts toward more powerful functions of nucleic acids.


Strong Binding of Phytochemicals to the Catalytic Domain of Tyrosine Hydroxylase as a Trojan Horse Decreases Dopamine in Dopaminergic Cells: Pharmaceutical Considerations in Schizophrenia and Parkinson's Disease.
Imbalances in dopamine levels result in neurological and psychological disorders such as elevated dopamine in Parkinson's disease. Despite a considerable number of advertisements claiming Aloe-vera's effectiveness in PD treatment, it has hidden long-term disadvantages for healthy people and PD patients. In the present investigation, the impacts of Aloe-vera on dopaminergic cells were evaluated. The results indicated that the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) enhancement was in line with the Bax/Bcl2 ratio decrement, reactive oxygen specious (ROS) production, and nonsignificant alteration in the sub-G1phase of the cell cycle. It led to glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) upregulation but did not significantly change the BDNF level involved in depression and motor impairment recovery. These events apparently resulted in the enhancement in dopaminergic cell viability and neurite length and attenuated PI+ cells. However, it also induced neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) overexpression and nitric oxide (NO) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) production. Notably, docking results of the catalytic domain in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) with the Aloe-vera constituents showed strong binding of most Aloe-vera constituents with the catalytic domain of TH, even stronger than L-tyrosine as an original substrate. Following the docking results, Aloe-vera downregulated TH protein and attenuated dopamine. It can be hypothesized that Aloe-vera improves PD symptoms through enhancement in antiapoptotic markers and neurotrophic factors, while it suppresses TH and dopamine in the form of a Trojan horse, later resulting in the future deterioration of the disease symptoms. The results provide cues to pharmaceutical companies to use the active components of Aloe-vera as putative agents in neurological and psychiatric disorders and diseases to decrease dopamine in patients with enhanced dopamine levels.


Clustering of health and risk behaviour in immigrant and indigenous Dutch residents aged 19-40 years.
Studies on the co-occurrence, 'clustering' of health and other risk behaviours among immigrants from non-industrialised countries lack until now. The aim of this study was to compare this clustering in immigrant and indigenous adults. A representative sample (N = 2,982; response 71%) of the Dutch population aged 19-40, with 247 respondents from non-industrialized countries (Turkey, Morocco, Surinam, Netherlands Antilles), was asked about health behaviours (alcohol, smoking, drugs, unsafe sex, exercise, nutrition, sleep behaviour, traffic behaviour), and about rule-breaking behaviour and aggression. Data were collected using internet questionnaires, which excluded respondents unable to read Dutch. Among indigenous adults, health and risk behaviours co-occur in three clusters (alcohol, health-enhancing behaviour, and rule-breaking behaviour), whereas among immigrant groups two clusters were found (alcohol and rule-breaking behaviour/smoking). Differences mostly concerned health-enhancing behaviours such as nutrition, which was not part of any cluster, and physical activity. This supports an integrated promotion of healthier lifestyles to immigrants who are able to read Dutch. Regarding potentially risky behaviours like alcohol use and rule-breaking behaviours, this could be similar to that for indigenous people.


The prevalence of end-of-life chemotherapy and targeted therapy in Japan, assessed using a health claims database.
This study aimed to investigate the current status of end-of-life chemotherapy and targeted therapy and explore the aggressiveness of end-of-life care in Japan using the DeSC database, a large administrative claims database. We identified fatal cases of at least one cancer-related diagnosis between April 2015 and November 2020. Patients prescribed at least one anticancer drug were analyzed, and chemotherapy regimens were categorized based on the combination of concomitant anticancer drugs prescribed. Among 1,095,713 individuals enrolled in the National Health Insurance database, 7,300 deaths with cancer-related diagnosis were identified. Of these, 4,010 cases were identified in which at least one anticancer drug was prescribed, and 11.6% of 7,300 death had been prescribed anticancer drugs in their last 30 days of life. The most commonly used regimen was S-1 (tegafur, gimeracil, and oteracil potassium combination) monotherapy, followed by nivolumab monotherapy and nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine. Immune checkpoint inhibitor monotherapy was more likely prescribed to patients whose last chemotherapy dose was in the last 30 days of life (p = 0.0066, chi-squared test). This study provides insights into the current status of end-of-life chemotherapy and targeted therapy in Japan, using a large administrative claims database. The results of this study will inform future research on end-of-life chemotherapy and targeted therapy, and help develop strategies to improve the quality of life of patients with advanced cancer.


[Molecular epidemiology of human caliciviruses diarrhea among infants and young children in Lanzhou from December 2001 to June 2004].
To investigate the characteristics of human caliciviruses (HuCV) diarrhea among infants and young children with acute diarrhea in Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China by using molecular epidemiologic techniques. Stool specimens were collected from both outpatients and inpatients with acute diarrhea in Lanzhou. Enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) was used to detect rotavirus antigen (RVA). Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reactions (RT-PCR) were used to detect HuCV in stool specimens of RV ELISA (-). Of the stool specimens collected from 515 cases in Lanzhou from December 2001 to June 2004, 264 were RVA ELISA (+) and 251 were RVA ELISA (-). Among all cases who were RVA ELISA (-), 25 (9.96%) were found positive for HuCV. HuCV was detected in 12 of 133 cases (9.02%) from December 2001 to November 2002, no genotyping was performed for these cases. From July 2003 to June 2004 13 of 118 cases (11.02%) were found positive for HuCV, of whom 11 cases had Norwalk-like virus GII (NLV GII) infection and 2 cases had Sapporo-like virus infection (one case had combined infection with astrovirus) and no NLV GI was found. HuCV infection mainly occurred in children under 2 years of age and no seasonal cluster was found. HuCV is one of the major etiological agents of viral diarrhea among infants and young children in Lanzhou. NLV GII maybe the predominant genotype.


Darwin's agential materials: evolutionary implications of multiscale competency in developmental biology.
A critical aspect of evolution is the layer of developmental physiology that operates between the genotype and the anatomical phenotype. While much work has addressed the evolution of developmental mechanisms and the evolvability of specific genetic architectures with emergent complexity, one aspect has not been sufficiently explored: the implications of morphogenetic problem-solving competencies for the evolutionary process itself. The cells that evolution works with are not passive components: rather, they have numerous capabilities for behavior because they derive from ancestral unicellular organisms with rich repertoires. In multicellular organisms, these capabilities must be tamed, and can be exploited, by the evolutionary process. Specifically, biological structures have a multiscale competency architecture where cells, tissues, and organs exhibit regulative plasticity-the ability to adjust to perturbations such as external injury or internal modifications and still accomplish specific adaptive tasks across metabolic, transcriptional, physiological, and anatomical problem spaces. Here, I review examples illustrating how physiological circuits guiding cellular collective behavior impart computational properties to the agential material that serves as substrate for the evolutionary process. I then explore the ways in which the collective intelligence of cells during morphogenesis affect evolution, providing a new perspective on the evolutionary search process. This key feature of the physiological software of life helps explain the remarkable speed and robustness of biological evolution, and sheds new light on the relationship between genomes and functional anatomical phenotypes.


Efficient synthesis of 16 aromatic Morita-Baylis-Hillman adducts: Biological evaluation on Leishmania amazonensis and Leishmania chagasi.
Sixteen aromatic Morita-Baylis-Hillman adducts (MBHA) 1-16 were efficiently synthesized in a one step Morita-Baylis-Hillman reaction (MBHR) involving commercial aldehydes with methyl acrylate or acrylonitrile (81-100% yields) without the formation of side products on DABCO catalysis and at low temperature (0°C). The toxicities of these compounds were assessed against promastigote form of Leishmania amazonensis and Leishmania chagasi. The low synthetic cost of these MBHA, green synthetic protocols, easy one-step synthesis from commercially available and cheap reagents as well as the very good antileishmanial activity obtained for 14 and 16 (IC₅₀ values of 6.88μgmL⁻¹ and 11.06μgmL⁻¹ respectively on L. amazonensis; 9.58μgmL⁻¹ and 14.34μgmL⁻¹ respectively on L. chagasi) indicates that these MBHA can be a novel and promising class of anti-parasitic compounds.


Dynamic sorption of methylene blue by cedar sawdust and crushed brick in fixed bed columns.
The dynamic removal of methylene blue by cedar sawdust and crushed brick was studied in packed bed columns. The values of column parameters were predicted as a function of flow rate and bed height. On evaluating the breakthrough curves, the sorption isotherms of methylene blue onto cedar sawdust and crushed brick in 20 degrees C aqueous solution were experimentally determined in batch conditions. Both the Freundlich and the Langmuir models were found to fit the sorption isotherm data well, but the Langmuir model was better. A series of column tests using cedar sawdust and crushed brick as low-cost sorbents were performed to determine the breakthrough curves with varying bed heights and flow rates. To predict the breakthrough curves and to determine the characteristic parameters of the column useful for process design, five kinetic models; Bohart and Adams, bed depth service time (BDST), Clark, Wolborska, and Yoon and Nelson models were applied to experimental data. All models were found suitable for describing the whole or a definite part of the dynamic behavior of the column with respect to flow rate and bed height, with the exception of Bohart and Adams model. The simulation of the whole breakthrough curve was effective with the Yoon and Nelson and the Clark models, but the breakthrough was best predicted by the Wolborska model.


Investigations on the effect of antioxidant type and concentration and model system matrix on acrylamide formation in model Maillard reaction systems.
The formation of acrylamide in model Maillard reaction systems containing phenolic compounds was examined, with regards to phenolic type, concentration, and model system matrix. In dry glyoxal/asparagine waxy maize starch (WMS) systems, 9 out of 10 examined phenolics demonstrated an inhibiting effect, with the most significant reductions (55-60%) observed for caffeoylquinic acids. In WMS glucose/asparagine systems, examination of three different concentrations (0.1, 0.5 and 1 μmol/g WMS) suggested a 'minimum effective concentration' for epicatechin and caffeic acid, whilst addition of caffeoylquinic acids resulted in dose-dependent acrylamide reduction (25-75%). The discordant results of further studies utilising different matrices (dry and wet-to-dry) indicated that, apart from the nature and chemical reactivity, the matrix and the physical state of the reactants might be important for acrylamide formation.


Effect of benzothiadiazole treatment on quality and anthocyanin biosynthesis in plum fruit during storage at ambient temperature.
Plums tend to experience a reduction in fruit quality due to ripening and they deteriorate quickly during storage at room temperature. Benzothiadiazole (BTH) is a plant elicitor capable of inducing disease resistance in many crops. In this study, the effect of BTH treatment on fruit ripening, fruit quality, and anthocyanin biosynthesis in 'Taoxingli' plum was investigated. The results showed that BTH treatment could accelerate fruit ripening without affecting the incidence of fruit decay or the shelf life. Benzothiadiazole treatment improved the quality and consumer acceptability of 'Taoxingli' plums during storage by increasing the sweetness, red color formation, and the concentration of healthy antioxidant compounds. The BTH treatment could also effectively promote the biosynthesis of anthocyanin by enhancing the enzyme activities of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR), anthocyanidin synthase (ANS), and uridine diphosphate flavonoid 3-O-glucosyltransferase (UFGT) and up-regulating the gene expressions of PsPAL, PsCHI, PsDFR, PsANS, and PsUFGT during storage. Benzothiadiazole treatment could be a potential postharvest technology for improving fruit quality and consumer acceptability in harvested plum fruit. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.


Indonesian nursing students' intention to accept COVID-19 vaccines: an online, multicentre survey.
The determinants of intention to accept the COVID-19 vaccine and associated factors among nursing students during this pandemic need to be identified. The study assessed nursing students' attitudes to vaccination, health engagement and trust in government, as well as their intention to have a COVID-19 vaccination. A cross-sectional study was carried out among nursing students in three provinces of Java, Indonesia, from December 2020 to February 2021. Convenience sampling was used to gather primary data from 640 participants through a structured online survey. Multiple linear regression was used to analyse the results. All items of vaccine attitude and health engagement as well as trust in government were positive predictors of vaccine acceptance after adjusting for confounding factors. Nursing students were more likely to accept vaccination if they had a positive attitude to vaccination, high levels of health engagement and trust in the government regarding tackling the COVID-19 pandemic.


Assessment of five live-cell characteristics in periphytic diatoms as a measure of copper stress.
Metal pollution of fluvial systems remains a major problem and biomonitoring can be a useful tool for assessing the metal contamination. To assess their potential as new bioindicators of copper stress, we treated a field-collected live periphytic diatom community (dominated by Amphora, Navicula, and Nitzschia) with dissolved Cu under optimal growth conditions. We studied the effects of Cu on five live-cell attributes: motility, protoplasmic content, lipid body number and biovolume, and frustule morphology. In all three genera, motility and protoplasmic content decreased, whereas the LB number, biovolume and deformity increased when Cu and exposure time increased. The sensitivity to Cu was highest for % MF, % CPC and % BCLB in Navicula and the LB number and deformity in Nitzschia. Amphora appeared to be more tolerant to Cu in comparison with other genera. The five cell attributes were inter-related. A heatmap showed that a recommended indicator for rapid screening of Cu toxicity was % BCLB for Amphora and % MF for Navicula and Nitzschia. % MF might be the most common representative indicator that can be applied to all three genera to evaluate the lethal effects of Cu stress if only one of the five cell attributes must be selected.


Detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydophila pneumoniae directly from respiratory clinical specimens using a rapid real-time polymerase chain reaction assay.
We developed a rapid real-time polymerase chain reaction assay for detecting Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydophila pneumoniae directly from respiratory specimens. This procedure provides over 5 times faster results compared to existing methods while maintaining equivalent detection rates for specimens containing limited target organisms.


Interest of waiting time for spontaneous early reconnection after cavotricuspid isthmus ablation: A monocentric randomized trial.
The aim of this study was to determine the rate of recurrent atrial flutter (AFl) after isolated cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) ablation and to evaluate the impact of a waiting period with the search for early resumption of the CTI block on the long-term outcome. Three hundred and nineteen consecutive patients referred for typical AFl ablation were randomly assigned to CTI ablation with continuous reevaluation of the CTI block during 30 minutes and early reablation if needed (waiting time [WT] + group, n = 155) or to CTI ablation with no waiting period after proven bidirectional CTI block (WT - group, n = 164). All patients were regularly followed-up. In the WT+ group, 10 patients (6%) presented a recovery across the CTI (time to recovery: 17 ± 7') and were reablated at the end of the waiting period. After a median follow-up of 21 months, the rate of recurrent AFl was significantly higher in the WT - group as compared to the WT+ group (11.6% [19/164] vs 2.5% [4/155], respectively; P = 0.007). However, no significant differences in the subsequent rate of AF were observed between the two groups (29% [WT -] vs 32% [WT+], P = 0.66). During the follow-up, 28 patients from the WT - group underwent a second ablation procedure (16 AFl redo and 12 AF ablation) versus 10 patients form the WT+ group (three AFl redo and seven AF ablation). Waiting 30 minutes after CTI ablation to check for early resumption and early reablation allows for decreasing significantly the rate of recurrent atrial flutter.


Tumescent technique in cervicofacial rhytidectomy.
The tumescent technique of local anesthetic administration was originally spawned by the desire to facilitate full-body, large volume liposuction in a safe and efficient outpatient manner. The numerous advantages of this technique are readily applied to cervicofacial rhytidectomy. The method described creates an essentially bloodless field via hydrodissection with overall decreased surgical morbidity secondary to the decreased necessity of sharp surgical dissection.


An exploratory analysis of pediatric anesthesia activity on Twitter using the #pedsanes hashtag.
The use of social media within the medical field has rapidly evolved over the past two decades, with Twitter being one of the most common platforms of engagement. The use of hashtags such as #pedsanes has been reported as a community builder around the subject of pediatric anesthesia. Understanding the use of #pedsanes can inform dissemination of pediatric anesthesia content and discourse. We aimed to describe the distribution and patterns of tweets and contributors using #pedsanes across the globe. Using Tweetbinder (https://www.tweetbinder.com) and the R package "academictwitteR," we extracted tweets that included the hashtag "#pedsanes" from March 14, 2016 to March 10, 2022. Tweets were analyzed for frequency, type, unique users, impact and reach, language, content, and the most common themes. A total of 58 724 tweets were retrieved; 22 071 (38.8%) were original tweets including 3247 replies, while 35 971 (61.2%) were retweets all generated by over 5946 contributors located in at least 122 countries. The frequency distribution of tweets gradually increased over time with peaks in activity corresponding to major pediatric anesthesia societal meetings and during the early phases of the COVID-19 pandemic. The most retweeted and most liked posts included images. We report the widespread and increasing use of social media and the "#pedsanes" hashtag within the pediatric anesthesia and medical community over time. It remains unknown the extent to which Twitter hashtag activity translates to changes in clinical practice. However, the #pedsanes hashtag appears to play a key role in disseminating pediatric anesthesia information globally.


Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy.
Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (EDMD) is characterised by early contractures, slowly progressive muscle wasting and weakness with a distinctive humero-peroneal distribution and cardiac conduction defects leading to dilated cardiomyopathy. The genes known to be responsible for EDMD encode proteins associated with the nuclear envelope: the emerin and the lamins A and C.


Increasing Recognition and Diagnosis of Adolescent Depression: Project RedDE: A Cluster Randomized Trial.
Adolescent depression causes appreciable morbidity and is underdiagnosed in primary care. This study investigated whether a quality improvement collaborative (QIC) increases the frequency of adolescent depression diagnoses, thus reducing missed diagnoses. During a cluster-randomized clinical trial, a national cohort of primary care pediatric practices worked in different orders based on randomization to improve performance on each of three different diagnoses; one was increasing adolescent depression diagnoses. While improving their first diagnosis during an 8-month action period, practices collected control data for a different diagnosis. In two subsequent 8-month periods, practices worked to improve two additional diagnoses and continued to provide data on the ability to sustain and maintain improvements. The QIC intervention included day-long video conferences, transparent data sharing, analysis of failures, QI coaching, and tools to help improve diagnostic performance, including the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 Modified. The primary outcome was the measured frequency of depression diagnoses in adolescent health supervision visits compared via generalized mixed-effects regression models. Forty-three practices were randomized with 31 in the final analysis. We included 3,394 patient visits in the control and 4,114 in the intervention phases. The adjusted percentage of patients with depression diagnoses increased from 6.6% in the control to 10.5% in intervention phase (Risk Difference (RD) 3.9%; 95% CI 2.4%, 5.3%). Practices sustained these increases while working on different diagnoses during the second (RD -0.4%; 95% CI -2.3, 1.4%), and third action periods (RD -0.1%; 95% CI -2.7%, 2.4%). A QIC intervention can sustainably increase adolescent depression diagnoses.


Effects of L-arginine and L-citrulline supplementation in reduced protein diets for broilers under normal and cyclic warm temperature.
Heat stress causes significant economic losses in the broiler industry. Dietary supplementation of arginine (Arg) and citrulline (Cit) might increase the performance of broilers raised under warm temperature due to vasodilation effects. This study investigated the effects of L-Arg or L-Cit supplementation in broilers fed a reduced protein wheat-based diet deficient in Arg under thermoneutral (NT) and cyclic warm temperature (WT). Ross 308 cockerels (n = 720) were randomly allocated to 4 dietary treatments with 12 replicates of 15 birds per pen from d 7 to 21. The 4 treatments were: normal protein (NP), i.e., 22.3% and 20.9% crude protein in grower and finisher, respectively; reduced protein (RP), i.e., 2.5% lower protein and deficient in Arg; and RP supplemented with 0.28% Arg (RP-Arg) or 0.28% Cit (RP-Cit). A factorial arrangement of treatments was applied during the finisher phase (21 to 35 d). Factors were: diet (4 diets above); and temperature, NT (24 °C) or cyclic WT (33 ± 1 °C for 6 h per day) with 6 replicate pens per treatment. During 7 to 35 d and 21 to 35 d, the birds fed the RP diet had lower body weight gain (BWG) and higher FCR compared to the NP diet (P < 0.01). The addition of Arg or Cit to RP decreased FCR compared to RP (P < 0.01). During 21 to 35 d, the birds exposed to WT had lower feed intake (FI), lower BWG (P < 0.001) but similar FCR (P > 0.05) compared to birds exposed to NT. Diet by temperature interactions were not observed for performance parameters during the period of WT (P > 0.05). On d 35, the RP-fed birds had a lower yield of thigh and drumstick, higher fat pad, lower femur ash, and breaking strength but similar serum uric acid level and higher nitrogen digestibility on d 21 compared to those offered NP (P < 0.05). Supplementation of Arg or Cit to RP resulted in increased femur ash on d 35 (P < 0.05). Thus, feeding the NP diets is necessary to maintain growth performance in broilers regardless of the temperature conditions.


Biomarker evidence for green and purple sulphur bacteria in a stratified Palaeoproterozoic sea.
The disappearance of iron formations from the geological record approximately 1.8 billion years (Gyr) ago was the consequence of rising oxygen levels in the atmosphere starting 2.45-2.32 Gyr ago. It marks the end of a 2.5-Gyr period dominated by anoxic and iron-rich deep oceans. However, despite rising oxygen levels and a concomitant increase in marine sulphate concentration, related to enhanced sulphide oxidation during continental weathering, the chemistry of the oceans in the following mid-Proterozoic interval (approximately 1.8-0.8 Gyr ago) probably did not yet resemble our oxygen-rich modern oceans. Recent data indicate that marine oxygen and sulphate concentrations may have remained well below current levels during this period, with one model indicating that anoxic and sulphidic marine basins were widespread, and perhaps even globally distributed. Here we present hydrocarbon biomarkers (molecular fossils) from a 1.64-Gyr-old basin in northern Australia, revealing the ecological structure of mid-Proterozoic marine communities. The biomarkers signify a marine basin with anoxic, sulphidic, sulphate-poor and permanently stratified deep waters, hostile to eukaryotic algae. Phototrophic purple sulphur bacteria (Chromatiaceae) were detected in the geological record based on the new carotenoid biomarker okenane, and they seem to have co-existed with communities of green sulphur bacteria (Chlorobiaceae). Collectively, the biomarkers support mounting evidence for a long-lasting Proterozoic world in which oxygen levels remained well below modern levels.


A "HOLTER" for Parkinson's disease: Validation of the ability to detect on-off states using the REMPARK system.
The treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) with levodopa is very effective. However, over time, motor complications (MCs) appear, restricting the patient from leading a normal life. One of the most disabling MCs is ON-OFF fluctuations. Gathering accurate information about the clinical status of the patient is essential for planning treatment and assessing its effect. Systems such as the REMPARK system, capable of accurately and reliably monitoring ON-OFF fluctuations, are of great interest. To analyze the ability of the REMPARK System to detect ON-OFF fluctuations. Forty-one patients with moderate to severe idiopathic PD were recruited according to the UK Parkinson's Disease Society Brain Bank criteria. Patients with motor fluctuations, freezing of gait and/or dyskinesia and who were able to walk unassisted in the OFF phase, were included in the study. Patients wore the REMPARK System for 3days and completed a diary of their motor state once every hour. The record obtained by the REMPARK System, compared with patient-completed diaries, demonstrated 97% sensitivity in detecting OFF states and 88% specificity (i.e., accuracy in detecting ON states). The REMPARK System detects an accurate evaluation of ON-OFF fluctuations in PD; this technology paves the way for an optimisation of the symptomatic control of PD motor symptoms as well as an accurate assessment of medication efficacy.


Moral and social aspects of AIDS: a medical students' project.
The rising number of cases of AIDS in Great Britain has important implications for all those who work in the health services. A group of pre-clinical students at the Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine, London, undertook a project in which they explored some of the sociological and epidemiological aspects of AIDS. Particular attention was paid to any stigma that may surround the disease. The moral definition of the disease pervaded all areas of enquiry during the project. It is suggested that sound management of AIDS patients and those who are HIV antibody positive, will require both health care staff and students to carefully consider their own beliefs regarding the disease and those most at risk.


Dopamine / Artesunate loaded polyhydroxybutyrate-g-cellulose- magnetite zinc oxide core shell nanocomposites: Synergistic antimicrobial and anticancer efficacy.
In this study, polyhydroxybutyrate-g-cellulose - Fe3O4/ZnO (PHB-g-cell- Fe3O4/ZnO) nanocomposites (NCs) was synthesized and used as a delivery system for Dopamine (DO) /Artesunate (ART) drugs. Different types of cells (Ccell, Scell, Pcell) grafted with PHB were designed and mixed with different contents of Fe3O4/ZnO. Physical and chemical features of PHB-g-cell-Fe3O4/ZnO NCs were detected by FTIR, XRD, dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. ART/DO drugs were loaded into PHB-g-cell- Fe3O4/ZnO NCs by single emulsion technique. The rate of drugs release was studied at different pHs (5.4, 7.4). Owing to the overlap between the absorption bands of both drugs, differential pulse adsorptive cathodic stripping voltammetry (DP-AdCSV) was used for the estimation of ART. To study the mechanism of ART and DO release, zero-order, first order, Hixon Crowell, Higuchi and Korsmeyer-Peppas models were applied to the experiment results. The results showed that Ic50 of ART @PHB-g-Ccell-10% DO@ Fe3O4/ZnO, ART @PHB-g-Pcell-10% DO@ Fe3O4/ZnO and ART @PHB-g-Scell-10% DO@ Fe3O4/ZnO were 21.22, 12.3, and 18.11 μg/mL, respectively. The results revealed that ART @PHB-g-Pcell-10% DO@ Fe3O4/ZnO was more effective against HCT-116 than the carriers loaded by a single drug. The antimicrobial efficacy of the nano-loaded drugs was considerably improved compared with free drugs.


Heat shock induces a decrease in incorporation of 8-azidoadenosine 5'-triphosphate into a 42 kilodalton protein in Drosophila salivary glands.
The ATP photoaffinity analogue 8-azidoadenosine 5'-triphosphate (8N3ATP) was used to identify changes which occur in ATP binding proteins in Drosophila salivary glands following heat shock. Photolabeling experiments were done on salivary gland homogenates. Photoincorporation of 8N3ATP was observed in several proteins in both 25 degrees C control and 35 degrees C heat-shocked samples. A 42 kDa protein showed a decrease in the level of photoincorporation observed at saturation with the analogue following heat shock. A 2 min heat shock is enough to induce the effect. Protection against photolabeling was observed with low concentrations (5 microM) of ATP, while excess GTP did not protect, demonstrating that the nucleotide binding site is specific for ATP. The change is rapid enough to suggest that it is one of the earliest cellular changes in response to heat shock.


The impact of postoperative radiotherapy on the survival of patients with stage III non-small cell lung cancer: A CONSORT-compliant analysis using the SEER database.
Postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) is commonly used to treat patients with resected stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but its effectiveness remains uncertain. This retrospective cohort study aimed to investigate the impact of PORT on overall survival (OS) and evaluate its heterogeneity among subgroups of patients. A total of 6305 patients with resected stage III NSCLC were included in this study from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Propensity score matching was conducted to balance baseline characteristics between the patients who received PORT and those who did not. OS was used as the primary outcome. Subgroup analysis was performed to identify which patient subgroups might benefit more from PORT. Overall, no significant difference was observed in OS between the 2 groups with or without propensity score matching. However, subgroup analysis demonstrated that PORT improved OS in patients with certain characteristics, including stage IIIA/N2, stage IIIB, squamous cell carcinoma, tumor grade III-IV, or lymph node ratio (LNR) > 1/3. Multivariate analysis showed that several variables were associated with adverse prognostic factors for OS, such as marital status (others), race (white), male gender, squamous cell carcinoma, elderly age, advanced stage, poor histological differentiation grade, high LNR, and not receiving chemotherapy. In patients with resected stage III NSCLC, PORT may not be beneficial for all patients. However, it may improve survival time in certain patient subgroups, such as those with stage IIIA/N2, stage IIIB, squamous cell carcinoma, tumor grade III to IV, or LNR > 1/3. These findings provide important information for clinical decision-making and future research regarding the use of PORT in patients with resected stage III NSCLC.


Regulation of prostasin expression and function in the prostate.
The invasion suppressor prostasin is down-regulated in prostate cancer, but the mechanism is unknown. A prostasin-binding protein (PBP) was found in the seminal vesicles, but its identity remains unclear. Genomic Southern blot analysis using methylation sensitive restriction endonucleases was employed to examine the prostasin gene promoter region in prostate cancer cell lines. RT-PCR was employed to examine prostasin expression under demethylation, histone deacetylase inhibition, and nerve growth factor (NGF) treatment. Liquid column chromatography was employed to purify the PBP from mouse seminal vesicles. The PBP was further characterized by amino acid sequence analysis, recombinant protein expression, protease inhibition and binding assays. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis were used to evaluate PBP expression in the prostate and prostate cancer cells. Promoter DNA methylation partly causes the prostasin down-regulation in DU-145 and PC-3 cells, while prostasin expression can be induced by NGF. The PBP is identified to be protease nexin-1 (PN-1), a serpin. PN-1 inhibits prostasin's serine protease activity, is expressed by prostate epithelial cells (PrECs) and prostate cancer cells, and capable of binding to membrane-anchored prostasin. Prostasin's expression and function are regulated by factors in the prostate tissue environment.


Endobronchial myxoma--case report.
Pulmonary myxoma is an extremely rare benign neoplasm. It is mostly parenchymal but may occasionally occur within the tracheobronchial tree. There are very few reports of endobronchial myxoma. We describe a case of endobronchial myxoma in a 40-year-old female patient with a history of asthma and repeated right-sided pneumonia. Thoracic computed tomography (CT) showed medium lobe atelectasis. Fiber optic bronchoscopy revealed a polypoid, well-circumscribed tumor, causing total obstruction of the medium lobe bronchus. Biopsy of the mass was non-diagnostic. Further study included a positron emission tomography (PET) which demonstrated low metabolic activity of the tumor and no evidence of neoplasia in other location. The patient was submitted to a medium lobectomy and microscopic examination of the tumor revealed myxoid stroma with lobulated pattern, elongated and stellate cells, compatible with myxoma. Pulmonary myxoma is extraordinary rare and endobronchial location is very few reported in medical literature.


A new approach for the analysis of HLA class II polymorphism: 'HLA oligotyping'.
Histocompatibility typing allows the matching of patients and donors in organ transplantation, and the accuracy of HLA matching influences to a great extent the clinical outcome. Recent breakthroughs in the molecular biology of HLA class II genes have revealed that the degree of HLA diversity and polymorphism is in fact much greater than was expected on the basis of the traditional serological HLA typing assays. In parallel, it has become possible to analyse this extensive polymorphism directly at the level of the HLA class II genes and of their DNA sequences. We have described a DNA typing procedure referred to as 'HLA oligotyping' which is based on the hybridisation of allele and loci specific oligonucleotide probes. This procedure has now become operational on a large scale and this review describes the principles and major applications of the technique. It consists in the hybridisation of DNA with informative sequence-specific oligonucleotide probes, following an amplification of DNA in vitro by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The use of this highly sensitive technique for HLA-DR, -DQ and -DP typing is discussed, focusing on the clinical applications in the field of organ transplantation, particularly for bone marrow transplantation with unrelated donors. It now allows the unambiguous identification of all HLA subtypes, including those that cannot be recognised otherwise, and it represents powerful complement to current methods of HLA typing. Finally this methodology is widely used in HLA-disease association studies, aiming at the characterisation of HLA class II epitopes involved in the susceptibility or resistance to autoimmune diseases.


Pain Reduction and Posture Alignment Improvement in Older Adults with Chronic Low Back Pain: A Novel Approach Using Spinal Thermal Massage Bed and Calf Pneumatic Cell Compression.
BACKGROUND Chronic low back pain (CLBP) significantly affects the well-being of older adults, leading to diminished quality of life and heightened stress. Existing treatments have limited effectiveness and potential side effects. This study aimed to explore an integrative approach, employing a combination of spinal thermal massage bed (STMB) and intermittent pneumatic calf compression, as an alternative strategy for managing CLBP, improving body posture, reducing stress, and enhancing quality of life. MATERIAL AND METHODS Twenty-three participants aged 65-80 years completed a 4-week intervention involving eight sessions (2 per week) with the STMB device. Outcome measures included pain level assessed by the visual analog scale, trunk and pelvic tilting angles indicating spine curvature, stress level of the autonomic nervous system, Oswestry Disability Index, and EuroQol five-dimensions QoL questionnaire. RESULTS The study revealed significant reductions in pain intensity between baseline and mid-term scores (p=0.002) and between baseline and post-test scores (p=0.001). Moreover, notable improvements were observed in trunk and pelvic tilting angles (p<0.001) and stress scores between baseline and mid-term scores (p=0.037) and between baseline and post-test scores (p=0.019). However, no significant changes were observed in disability level or QoL. Participants expressed high satisfaction with the intervention, and no serious side effects were reported CONCLUSIONS This study provides compelling evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of combining STMB with intermittent pneumatic calf compression in reducing pain intensity and stress levels and improving trunk and pelvic tilting angles. Clinical trial number: KCT0008212.


The imaging spectrum of pulmonary tuberculosis in AIDS.
Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is the major opportunistic infection of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) on a worldwide basis. The purpose of this pictorial essay is to illustrate and review the spectrum of imaging findings associated with pulmonary TB in patients with AIDS and to describe important factors that may complicate the radiographic follow-up of patients being treated for TB.


Forecasting Value at Risk and Expected Shortfall of Foreign Exchange Rate Volatility of Major African Currencies via GARCH and Dynamic Conditional Correlation Analysis.
Research on the exchange rate volatility and dynamic conditional correlation of African currencies/financial markets interdependence appears to be limited. In this paper, we employ GARCH models to characterize the exchange rate volatility of eight major African currencies. The variation of interdependence with respect to time is described using the DCC-GARCH model. From the results of the DCC, remarkable variations in correlations through time across these countries are observed with the correlations varying from low to moderate, suggesting that African economies are generally governed by certain economic factors and are vastly regulated. These regulations, including exchange rate misalignment led to sluggish and negative growth in most of the African countries. For instance, persistent misalignment can cause high levels of inflation, for example, undervaluation. Overvaluation can lead to trade imbalances and they can in turn create macroeconomic instability and balance of payment problems. Given these results, we suggest that policy makers should revamp and adopt state resilience so as to reduce the negative effect of exchange rate misalignment on economic growth.


Implementing Transdiagnostic Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy in Adult Public Behavioral Health: A Pilot Evaluation of the Feasibility of the Common Elements Treatment Approach (CETA).
Few evidence-based psychotherapies are provided in adult public behavioral health (PBH), despite the need for such treatments. The common elements treatment approach (CETA) was developed for use by lay providers in low- and middle-income countries and may have relevance in PBH given its unique application with individuals with multiple diagnoses including PTSD, depression, and anxiety. This study utilized data collected as part of the implementation of CETA in 9 PBH agencies in Washington State with 58 providers, including a 2-day workshop and 6 months of consultation. Outcomes included provider-perceived skill in CETA delivery, training and consultation completion rates, and perceived appropriateness of CETA for clients. Thirty-nine (67%) providers completed requirements for training and consultation, and delivered CETA to a total of 56 clients. Perceived competence in delivering CETA improved over time, as well as client symptom scores. CETA shows promise for feasible and effective implementation within US-based PBH systems.


Monitoring of microbial adhesion and biofilm growth using electrochemical impedancemetry.
Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was tested to monitor the cell attachment and the biofilm proliferation in order to identify characteristic events induced on the metal surface by Gram-negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1) and Gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis) bacteria strains. Electrochemical impedance spectra of AISI 304 electrodes during cell attachment and initial biofilm growth for both strains were obtained. It can be observed that the resistance increases gradually with the culture time and decreases with the biofilm detachment. So, the applicability of electric cell-substrate impedance sensing (ECIS) for studying the attachment and spreading of cells on a metal surface has been demonstrated. The biofilm formation was also characterized by the use of scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy and COMSTAT image analysis. The electrochemical results roughly agree with the microscope image observations. The ECIS technique used in this study was used for continuous real-time monitoring of the initial bacterial adhesion and the biofilm growth. It provides a simple and non-expensive electrochemical method for in vitro assessment of the presence of biofilms on metal surfaces.


Jerking & confused: Leucine-rich glioma inactivated 1 receptor encephalitis.
This is a case of autoimmune encephalitis with features of faciobrachial dystonic seizures (FBDS) pathognomonic for Leucine Rich Glioma inactivated (LGI)1 antibody encephalitis. This voltage-gated potassium channel complex encephalitis is marked by rapid onset dementia, FBDS and hyponatremia, which is sensitive to management with immunotherapy including steroids, IVIG and other agents. In this case report we review the clinical features, imaging and management of this condition.


Reported gastroparesis in adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) from the T1D Exchange clinic registry.
To better understand the prevalence and impact of gastroparesis in the T1D Exchange clinic registry database. The analysis included 7107 adult participants with T1D across 45 sites (median age 46years. and median duration 24years). Linear and logistic regression models were used to assess the association of gastroparesis vs. no gastroparesis (obtained from medical record) with demographic characteristics, glycemic control and diabetes complications. Among 7107 registry participants, 340 (4.8%) had a clinical diagnosis of gastroparesis. Females were more likely to have gastroparesis compared with males (5.8% vs. 3.5%, P<0.001). Participants with gastroparesis compared with those without gastroparesis were older (median age 49.4 vs. 45.3years, P<0.001), had a longer duration of T1D (median duration 32 vs. 23years, P<0.001), higher mean HbA1c (8.1% vs. 7.7% [65 vs. 61mmol/mol], P<0.001), more frequent severe hypoglycemia (25% vs. 11% with ≥1 event in the past 12months, P<0.001), lower socio-economic status, less likely to be using CGM and insulin pump and greater prevalence of microvascular and neuropathic complications than participants without gastroparesis. Gastroparesis is associated with higher risk of severe hypoglycemia despite higher HbA1c levels than in T1D patients without gastroparesis. The increased presence of multiple long-term complications and overall poor glycemic control in these subjects emphasizes the need to establish diagnostic protocols for earlier diagnosis, achieve tighter glycemic control with more extensive use of insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring, and the need for wider availability of medical therapies for treatment of diabetic gastroparesis.


Thalassemia Major and Intermedia Patients in East Java do not Show Fetal Hemoglobin Level Difference in Relation to XMNI Polymorphism.
Thalassemia is a genetic disorder, which shows, varies phenotype due to genetic modifier. XmnI is one of the genetic modifiers which affect clinical severity in thalassemia. XmnI polymorphism may increase HbF production beyond fetal life, thus ameliorating the clinical phenotype. this study aimed to investigate the difference in HbF level and the relation of HbF level and XmnI polymorphism in Thalassemia Major (TM) and Thalassemia Intermedia (TI) patients. forty-eight beta thalassemia patients (28 males and 20 females), consists of 16 TM and 32 TI; mean age, 25.30 year old. Hemoglobin Fetal and HbA2 level were determined using High performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), and XmnI polymorphism was confirmed by PCR-RFLP. Statistical analysis was done using T-test, Mann-Whitney and Pearson Chi-square. The frequency of heterozygote (+/-) XmnI polymorphism in TM and TI patients was 56.25% vs 71.87%, while the frequency of homozygote (-/-) in TM and TI was 43.75% vs 28.13% with p value >0.05. The insignificant difference also found in HbF level between XmnI +/- and -/- in TM and TI patients. This study revealed that thalassemia major and thalassemia intermedia patients in East Java showed similar XmnI polymorphism. These phenomena also showed by HbF level in relation to XmnI polymorphism in the phenotype groups (TM and TI).


Sleep and headaches.
Sleep has long been recognized to both provoke and relieve headache. Epidemiologic research has associated sleep disorders with more frequent and severe headaches. Chronic daily, awakening, and morning headache patterns are particularly suggestive of sleep disorders, including sleep-related breathing disorders, insomnia, circadian rhythm disorders, and parasomnias. Snoring and other indicators of sleep-disordered breathing are the most commonly studied and are particularly salient because of the potential for headache to improve or resolve with treatment of sleep. In addition to sleep disorders, clinical research correlates specific headache diagnoses (eg, migraine, tension-type, and cluster) with chronobiologic patterns and sleep processes, implicating common anatomic structures and neurochemical processes involved in the regulation of sleep and headache. Evidence strongly supports screening for sleep disorders by headache practitioners. Headache management should identify and treat sleep disorders that may improve or resolve headache.


Altered hedonic, novelty-, stress- and D-amphetamine-induced response due to social isolation in peripuberty.
Reduction in direct social contact with peers during early adolescence is thought to be a risk factor for an increase in depressive symptoms, but there is still no clear evidence to suggest early behavioral manifestations and their association with the later outcome of social distancing during this period. To address this question, we used social isolation paradigm in peripubertal rats as the rodent model of adolescence. The litter was an experimental unit. On postnatal day 29, each litter gave group-housed and single-housed males, which were reared and tested one week and two weeks thereafter. Psychomotor/emotional response to novelty in exploration-based tasks, behavioral and neuronal responses to the drug reward (D-amphetamine), motivation/hedonic behavior, physiological and response to physiological stress were examined. Social isolation in peripubertal rats manifested through: hyper-reactivity/agitation and the state anxiety/risk-taking at an early stage; reduced behavioral response to D-amphetamine and altered neural processing of this stimulus, at a later stage; consummatory hypohedonia that deepened over time without changing the motivation to eat; unchanged body weight gain and resting blood corticosterone, cortisol and glucose levels over time; altered blood biochemistry (silenced corticosterone and increased glucose) due to overnight fasting only at an early stage. Our results highlight that the outcome of reduced direct social contact with peers during peripuberty is dynamic, with the cluster of atypical early symptoms that evolve into the syndrome that is delicate for assessment through routinely measurable behavior and biomarkers of stress, but with progressive consummatory hypohedonia and unaffected motivation to eat as stable marks.


New strategies and approaches for engineering biosynthetic gene clusters of microbial natural products.
With the rapidly growing number of sequenced microbial (meta)genomes, enormous cryptic natural product (NP) biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) have been identified, which are regarded as a rich reservoir for novel drug discovery. A series of powerful tools for engineering BGCs has accelerated the discovery and development of pharmaceutically active NPs. Here, we describe recent advances in the strategies for BGCs manipulation, which are driven by emerging technologies, including efficient DNA recombination systems, versatile CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing tools and diverse DNA assembly methods. We further discuss how these approaches could be used for genome mining studies and industrial strain improvement.


Correction to: New perspectives in nanotherapeutics for chronic respiratory diseases.
The original version of this article unfortunately contains an error. The third author's name "Patricia Rieken Macedo Rocco" was incorrectly spelled with "Roccco". The correct author name is now presented in the authorgroup.


Macroeconomics and health: Understanding the impact of a declining economy on health outcomes of children and young adults in South Africa.
The current covid-19 economic crisis continues to weaken economic growth in South Africa. This study was designed to show how a declining economic state affects the mental health conditions, metabolic risk factors, communicable conditions, and non-communicable conditions of adolescent (18-year cohorts) and adult (25-year cohorts) population groups comparatively. This was a panel analysis using secondary data issued by Statistic South Africa. The author used a Two-stage Least Squared Model (2SLS) to quantify the impact of the declining economy on mental health conditions (depression and traumatic stress), non-communicable conditions (cancer and diabetes), metabolic risk factors (alcohol abuse and hypertension), and communicable conditions (influenza, diarrhea, dry cough) of both adolescent and young adult population groups. Each group comprised a treatment and a control group. The declining economic state of 2008-2014 worsens the mental health conditions, metabolic risk factors, and non-communicable conditions of adolescent and young adult populations. However, the declining economy reduced cases of communicable conditions. The impact of the declining economy worsens mental health conditions, metabolic risk factors, and non-communicable conditions more in urban settings than in rural regions. Men abuse alcohol more than women during economic decline, triggering worsening mental health conditions, hypertension, and non-communicable conditions, especially in the adult population residing in urban settings. Economic decline worsen mental health conditions, metabolic risk factors, and non-communicable conditions. The South African government may want to prioritize these conditions as covid-19 economic shocks continue to backslide economic growth.


Induction of multiple forms of tyrosine aminotransferase by amino acid mixtures of different compositions.
Hepatic tyrosine aminotransferase (EC 18.104.22.168) was induced in rats by intubation of amino acid mixtures (complete or tryptophan-free). Enzyme activity was increased 4-fold by the complete mixture and 8-fold by the tryptophan-free mixture. The enzyme was analyzed by chromatography on CM-Sephadex. Chromatographic patterns were characteristic of the type of inducer rather than of the chronology of the induction cycle: after induction by the complete amino acid mixture the three forms of the enzyme were equally increased whereas after induction by the tryptophan-free mixture Form I was preferentially increased.


To Be or Not to Be: Demystifying the 2nd-Quantized Picture of Complex Electronic Configuration Patterns in Chemistry with Natural Poly-Electron Population Analysis.
We provide a didactic introduction to 2nd-quantized representation of complex electron-hole (e/h) excitation patterns in general configuration interaction wave functions built from orthonormal local orbitals of natural atomic orbital or natural bond orbital (NBO) type. Such local excitation patterns of chemically oriented basis functions can be related to the resonance concepts of valence bond theory, and quantitative evaluation of the associated excitation probabilities then provides an alternative assessment of resonance "weighting" that may be compared with those of NBO-based natural resonance theory. We illustrate the usefulness of anticommutation relations in deriving Pauli-compliant expressions for allowed excitation patterns, showing how the exciton-like promotions φλ → φν (creating an e/h excitation with h in φλ and e in φν ) impose strict constraints on associated e/h-probabilities (requiring, e.g., that the e-probability for an electron "to be" or "not to be" in φν must be rigorously linked to the complementary h-probabilities in φλ ). Specific examples are presented of the quantum Boolean logic for four or six local spin-orbitals, with emphasis on Natural Poly-Electron Population Analysis (NPEPA) evaluation of VB-type covalent and ionic contributions in conventional 2-center bonding, resonance weightings in 3-center hydrogen bonding, and general characteristics of higher-order m-center bonding motifs for m > 3. Numerical results are presented for methylamine, acrolein, and water dimer to illustrate current NPEPA implementation in the NBO program. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.


Pharmacological profile of droxicam.
In Studies of anti-inflammatory activity, droxicam has shown itself to be as active as piroxicam and much more active than phenylbutazone, isoxicam and suprofen, both in acute studies such as carrageenin oedema, nystatin oedema and ultraviolet erythema, and in longer-term tests such as that of the cotton pellet. In the studies of anti-arthritic activity, which require long-term treatment, droxicam was as effective as piroxicam, both on primary and on secondary lesions. The study of analgaesic activity, conducted by means of the tests of protective activity against writhing induced by phenylbenzoquinone and acetylcholine bromide in the mouse and by acetic acid in the rat, droxicam activity was superior to that of acetylsalicylic acid, dipyrone, isoxicam and phenylbutazone. Droxicam also showed antipyretic activity in the rat, greater than that of acetylsalicylic acid, dipyrone and 4-aminoantipyrine, in the brewer's yeast and Salmonella typhi tests. Droxicam also acts as an ex vivo platelet aggregation inhibitor in the dog. In the study of inhibition of peritoneal capillary permeability in the mouse, droxicam was considerably more potent than isoxicam or phenylbutazone. Studies of general pharmacology have demonstrated that droxicam, at high doses, has no cardiovascular or respiratory effects, and that neither does it modify behaviour in rats and mice, determined by the Irwin test. Gastrointestinal tolerance of droxicam has been compared with that of piroxicam, and it has been found that droxicam is far better tolerated. The study of induction of gastrointestinal lesions in the rat demonstrated that the gastrolesive potential of droxicam is 10 times inferior to that of piroxicam.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


Spontaneous T(H)1 cytokine production by intraepithelial but not circulating T cells in infants with or without food allergies.
It has been established that the maintenance of immunological tolerance to dietary antigen and the intestinal flora (oral tolerance) is an actively-maintained process dependent upon mucosal lymphocyte populations. Early life exposures appear critical in the development of such tolerance. However little is known about the activation status of mucosal lymphocytes in human infancy and childhood. We have performed flow cytometric analysis for cell lineage and cytokine-production status in peripheral blood and duodenal intraepithelial lymphocytes taken during endoscopy from 20 children [median age 2.9 +/- 0.6 years (median +/- SE)] in whom investigation found no intestinal abnormalities (histologically normal controls) and 30 children (median age 1.6 +/- 0.4 years) with confirmed allergy to cow's milk and other dietary antigens. Regardless of clinical status, spontaneous production of cytokines was low or undetectable in peripheral blood cells. By contrast, intraepithelial CD4 and CD8 cells isolated from the small intestine were often activated, with 5% or more showing spontaneous production of T(H)1 type [interleukin-2, interferon (IFN)-gamma] cytokines in both normal controls and food-allergic children. Stimulation in vitro strongly induced cytokine production in peripheral blood but not intraepithelial lymphocytes. Immunohistochemistry showed similar density of IFN-gamma(+) intraepithelial lymphocytes in controls and allergic children. Duodenal intraepithelial lymphocytes in human infants show a state of increased spontaneous activation compared with peripheral blood lymphocytes, and show no significant impairment of T(H)1 responses in food allergic children.


CD45R CD4 T cell subset-reconstituted nude rats: subset-dependent survival of recipients and bi-directional isoform switching.
High and low molecular weight variants (CD45R) of the leukocyte common antigen (CD45) divide CD4 T helper cells into subpopulations which display distinct characteristics. In vitro and in vivo evidence suggested that the presence of the high molecular weight splice variants CD45RA or CD45RB distinguished naive CD4 T cells from memory T cells which underwent an irreversible switch to the low molecular weight isoform as a consequence of antigen encounter. In the rat monoclonal antibody MRC OX22 identifies an epitope on the CD45RB molecule. We investigated this proposed differentiation pathway by reconstituting athymic nude rats with highly purified OX22+ or OX22- CD4 T lymphocyte subsets obtained from the thoracic duct (TDL) of euthymic, congenic, allotype-marked donors. Injection of CD4+CD45RB- (45R-) cells ensured long-term survival of nude recipients; recipients of CD4+CD45R+ (45R+) cells died within 2-3 months of injection. Early after transfer (3-4 weeks) the progeny of both 45R+ and 45R- TDL were uniformly 45R-. With time (by 2 months) progeny of both parental types expressed the high molecular weight CD45RB isoform. Nude recipients of 45R- TDL always generated progeny a proportion of which bore the 45R+ phenotype; 3 months to 2 years post-injection, 30%-50% of the donor-derived CD4 T cells were 45R+, 45R- progeny isolated from primary recipients of either 45R- or 45R+ cells transferred into secondary nude recipients induced skin allograft rejection with equal effectiveness and also generated 45R+ offspring. The results indicated that CD4 T cell subsets switched between CD45R isoforms and that the change between high and low molecular weight expression was bi-directional. The splice variants apparently are not lineage or maturation markers, but rather identify CD4 T cells that exist transiently in different functional states.


Characterization of the circulating serum amyloid A in bottlenose dolphins.
Several isoforms of serum amyloid A (SAA) have been identified so far and because the plasma concentration of it increases dramatically, it is used as an indicator of inflammation in animals. In many terrestrial mammals, the circulating isoforms are SAA1 and SAA2, which are synthesized in the liver. Extra-hepatically synthesized SAA3, however, is a predominantly local SAA isoform with a characteristic N-terminal TFLK motif and a highly alkaline isoelectric point (pI). The aim of this study was to characterize the circulating SAA isoforms in bottlenose dolphins (dSAA) by determining the deduced amino acid sequence isolated from liver and the pI of plasma from healthy dolphins and those with inflammation. The deduced amino acid sequences of dSAA showed characteristics of SAA3 with an N-terminal TFLK motif, a predicted alkaline pI and were phylogenetically clustered with the SAA3 group rather than the SAA1 and SAA2 groups. Various tissues contained dSAA mRNA with the highest levels being detected in the liver. Isoelectric focusing and western blot analysis showed that one highly alkaline SAA was markedly detected in plasma obtained from dolphins affected by inflammation. These results suggest that, unlike other mammals, the circulating SAA in dolphins exhibits SAA3 properties, as is the case in pigs.


N,N'-[2,2'-(Phenyl-aza-nedi-yl)bis-(ethane-2,1-di-yl)]dipicolinamide.
The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C22H23N5O2, contains two independent mol-ecules with similar conformations; the terminal pyridine rings are oriented at dihedral angles of 23.99 (8) and 18.07 (8)° with respect to the central benzene ring in one mol-ecule and 28.99 (8) and 23.22 (8)° in the other. In the crystal, N-H⋯O and weak C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds link the mol-ecules into a three-dimensional supra-molecular structure. Weak inter-molecular C-H⋯π inter-actions are also observed in the crystal.


Knee arthroscopy routines and practice.
Knee arthroscopy is one of most commonly performed day-case orthopaedic procedures, thus consuming huge medical resources. The aim of the present questionnaire survey was to study knee arthroscopy routines and practice. An electronic web-based survey including questions around pre-, per- and postoperative routines for elective knee arthroscopy was send to all orthopaedic units associated to the Swedish Arthroscopic Society (n = 60). Responses covering 37 centres out of 60 (response rate 62%) were returned. Preoperative radiograph routines varied considerable between centres; conventional radiograph varied between 5 and 100% and preoperative MRI between 5 and 80% of patients. General anaesthesia was the preferred intra-operative technique used in all centres (median 79% of patients), local anaesthesia with or without light sedation was used in all 28 out of the 37 centres responding (median 10% of cases) and spinal anaesthesia was used in 15 centres (median 5% of cases). Intra-articular local anaesthesia was provided in all but one of centres. Perioperative administration of oral NSAIDs was common (31 out 37), 6 centres (all teaching hospitals) did not routinely give pre- or postoperative NSAID. Analgesic prescription was provided on a regular base in 18 (49%) of centres; an NSAID being the most commonly prescribed. All but one centre provided written information and instruction at discharge. Referral to physiotherapy, prescribed sick leave and scheduled follow-up in the outpatient clinic diverged considerably. Routines and practice associated to elective knee arthroscopy differed; however, no clear differences in practice were seen between teaching centres, general or local hospitals apart from a lower usage of NSAID for perioperative analgesia. There is an obvious room for further standardisation in the routine handling of patients undergoing elective arthroscopy of the knee.


Effect of 5 weeks horizontal bed rest on human muscle thickness and architecture of weight bearing and non-weight bearing muscles.
The aim of the present study was to investigate the changes in thickness, fascicle length (L (f)) and pennation angle (theta) of the antigravity gastrocnemius medialis (GM) and vastus lateralis (VL) muscles, and the non-antigravity tibialis anterior (TA) and biceps brachii (BB) muscles measured by ultrasonography in ten healthy males (aged 22.3 +/- 2.2 years) in response to 5 weeks of horizontal bed rest (BR). After BR, muscle thickness decreased by 12.2 +/- 8.8% (P < 0.05) and 8.0 +/- 9.1% (P < 0.005) in the GM and VL, respectively. No changes were observed in the TA and BB muscles. L (f) and theta decreased by 4.8 +/- 5.0% (P < 0.05) and 14.3 +/- 6.8% (P < 0.005) in the GM and by 5.9 +/- 5.3% (P < 0.05) and 13.5 +/- 16.2% (P < 0.005) in the VL, again without any changes in the TA and BB muscles. The finding that amongst the antigravity muscles of the lower limbs, the GM deteriorated to a greater extent than the VL is possibly related to the differences in relative load that this muscle normally experiences during daily loading. The dissimilar response in antigravity and non-antigravity muscles to unloading likely reflects differences in loading under normal conditions. The significant structural alterations of the GM and VL muscles highlight the rapid remodelling of muscle architecture occurring with disuse.


Dual metal cations coated magnetic mesoporous silica probe for highly selective capture of endogenous phosphopeptides in biological samples.
For the first time, dual metal ions (Ti4+-Zr4+) were successfully modified into the channel of magnetic mesoporous silica to obtain an affinity probe for highly selective capture of endogenous phosphopeptides in biological samples. The newly prepared Fe3O4@mSiO2@Ti4+-Zr4+ composites possessed the advantages of ordered mesoporous channels, superparamagnetism, and enhanced affinity properties of dual metal ions of Ti4+ and Zr4+. The phosphopeptide enrichment efficiency of the Fe3O4@mSiO2@Ti4+-Zr4+ composite was investigated, and the result indicated an ultrahigh size exclusive ability (weight ratio of β-casein tryptic digests, BSA, and α-casein protein reached up to 1:1000:1000). Compared to magnetic affinity probes with single metal ions (Fe3O4@mSiO2@Ti4+, Fe3O4@mSiO2@Zr4+), the composite possessed stronger specificity, higher sensitivity, and better efficiency; and more importantly, it showed much enhanced enrichment ability towards both mono- and multi-phosphorylated peptides. Additionally, by utilizing the Fe3O4@mSiO2@Ti4+-Zr4+ affinity probe, a total number of 104 endogenous phosphopeptides including 95 mono-phosphopeptides and 9 multi-phosphopeptides were captured and identified from human saliva, indicating the great potential for the application of the novel probe for the peptidome analysis in the future. Graphic abstract.


4-aminoantipyrine modified carbon dots and their analytical applications through response surface methodology.
A sensitive and selective nanoprobe for detection of hypochlorite (OCl-) based on 4-aminoantipyrine (AAP) modified carbon dots (CDs-AAP) has been prepared. The CDs-AAP exhibit an emission peak at 484 nm when the excitation wavelength is 370 nm, accompanying 36 nm red shift compare with the pristine CDs. The addition of OCl- lead to the AAP on the surface of CDs experience a process of hydrazide hydrolysis and double bond addition, causing the singlet and triplet electrons of the excited state more closer in energy (ie, the energy difference between the two is reduced), eventually quenching the fluorescence of CDs due to heavy atomic effects. Central composite design (CCD) and response surface method (RSM) were used to optimize the detection variables of pH, incubation time and temperature. The designed model study indicated that the optimum detection conditions was pH 7.0, temperature 30 °C and incubation time 20 min, respectively. Under optimal conditions, the fluorescent intensity of the nanoprobe linearly responded to the OCl- concentration from 3 μM to 36 μM and the limit of detection was 40 nM. The proposed nanoprobe was successfully used to the detection of OCl- in tap water and pool water, and the recovery were in the range of 94% - 103%. In addition, the nanoprobe was also applied in imaging of VMSCs cells and labeling E.coli.


Recurrent autoimmune myocarditis in a young woman during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.
We report a unique case of a young woman with recurrent immune-mediated (virus-negative) lymphocytic fulminant myocarditis during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. At the first endomyocardial biopsy (EMB)-proven episode, she had concomitant pneumonia, and a temporary biventricular assist device implant was followed by complete and long-lasting cardiac recovery. Five years later, she was re-admitted for relapsing cardiogenic shock with a recent history of pneumonia. She was treated with extracorporeal life support with apical venting for left ventricular unloading, and full recovery was achieved. Despite negative seriate nasopharyngeal swabs and EMB during hospitalization, an antibody positivity for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 was discovered after 4 weeks from discharge. This is the first report of an EMB-proven, immune-mediated (virus-negative) recurrence of fulminant myocarditis. We hypothesize that in patients with a predisposing immunogenetic background, autoimmune disease may be triggered or reactivated by major infections, for example, pneumonia, that may act as adjuvants leading to an immune-mediated hyper-response.


Rim mandibulectomy for cancer of the oral cavity.
Improvements in our understanding of the methods of mandibular invasion by malignancies and refinements in the biomechanical analysis of mandibular osteotomies led us to modify our standard operative procedure for this disease process. Over a 10 year period, we performed rim mandibulectomy to treat oral cavity malignancies with mandibular involvement. This retrospective analysis of 38 patients comparing rim mandibulectomy with the traditional segmental mandibulectomy has demonstrated equivalent local control rates between rim mandibulectomy and segmental resection (75 and 64 percent, respectively). Patients with rim mandibulectomies were more satisfied with their postoperative appearance, and some were able to wear lower dentures if well motivated. In performing the rim mandibulectomy, we found that smooth, curved osteotomies without step-offs resulted in a technically simple operation that was biomechanically sound and had a low complication rate. Rim mandibulectomy, because it is based on sound pathologic principles and does not disrupt the mandibular arch, is an operation that adequately resects the tumor without compromising the cancer operation or the patient.


Inclusion complexes between chrysin and amino-appended β-cyclodextrins (ACDs): Binding behavior, water solubility, in vitro antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity.
Solid inclusion complexes between chrysin and four amino-appended β-cyclodextrins (ACDs) were prepared by suspension method and characterized in solid and solution states by kinds of analytical methods. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed distinct micro-morphologies of them. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis revealed their unique thermal properties, such as decomposition temperatures and endothermic points. Powder X-ray diffractometry (XRD) analysis disclosed their unique crystal patterns. Their nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses provided the variations of chemical shifts before and after the formation of inclusion complexes. Their binding stability constants (Ks) were 574, 842, 704, and 474 L·mol-1, respectively, as determined by spectral titration. A 1:1 inclusion mode with self-assembly of their amino side chains inside the ACD cavity was proposed based on Job plot and 2D-ROESY experiments. Water solubility of chrysin was promoted up to 4411.98 μg·mL-1 after formation of inclusion complexes with ACDs, better than that of β-CD and its derivatives, i.e., HP- and SBE-β-CD. In vitro antioxidant activity of chrysin was also improved after inclusion complexation by the DPPH scavenging assay. Furthermore, in vitro cytotoxicity of solid inclusion complexes towards three human cancer cell lines, A549, HT-29 and HCT116 were enhanced significantly.


Tumor residue in patients with stage II-IVA nasopharyngeal carcinoma who received intensity-modulated radiation therapy: development and validation of a prediction nomogram integrating postradiotherapy plasma Epstein-Barr virus deoxyribonucleic acid, clinical stage, and radiotherapy dose.
To develop and validate a predictive nomogram for tumor residue 3-6 months after treatment based on postradiotherapy plasma Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), clinical stage, and radiotherapy (RT) dose in patients with stage II-IVA nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). In this retrospective study, 1050 eligible patients with stage II-IVA NPC, who completed curative IMRT and underwent pretreatment and postradiotherapy (-7 to +28 days after IMRT) EBV DNA testing, were enrolled from 2012 to 2017. The prognostic value of the residue was explored using Cox regression analysis in patients (n=1050). A nomogram for predicting tumor residues after 3-6 months was developed using logistic regression analyses in the development cohort (n=736) and validated in an internal cohort (n=314). Tumor residue was an independent inferior prognostic factor for 5-year overall survival, progression-free survival, locoregional recurrence-free survival and distant metastasis-free survival (all P<0.001). A prediction nomogram based on postradiotherapy plasma EBV DNA level (0 vs. 1-499 vs. ≥500 copies/ml), clinical stage (II vs. III vs. IVA), and RT dose (68.00-69.96 vs. 70.00-74.00 Gy) estimated the probability of residue development. The nomogram showed better discrimination (area under the curve (AUC): 0.752) than either the clinical stage (0.659) or postradiotherapy EBV DNA level (0.627) alone in the development and validation cohorts (AUC: 0.728). We developed and validated a nomogram model integrating clinical characteristics at the end of IMRT for predicting whether tumor will residue or not after 3-6 months. Thus, high-risk NPC patients who might benefit from immediate additional intervention could be identified by the model, and the probability of residue can be reduced in the future.


Pulse broadening due to polarization mode dispersion with first-order compensation.
We give the exact analytical expression for the autocorrelation function of the polarization mode dispersion (PMD) vector of a fiber link in which first-order PMD is compensated for at the output. We use the result to obtain the mean-square width of a Gaussian pulse in the presence of a first-order PMD compensator.


Human Papilloma Virus and Cancer Stem Cell markers in Oral Epithelial Dysplasia-An Immunohistochemical Study.
To study the correlation between the putative cancer stem cell (CSC) markers aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1), cluster of differentiation 44 (CD44), sex-determining region Y-box 2 (SOX2), and octamer-binding protein 4 (OCT4) and human papilloma virus (HPV) infection using p16, the surrogate marker of HPV in oral epithelial dysplasia (OED) and normal mucosa. Five sections each from 40 histopathologically diagnosed cases of different grades of OED and 10 cases of normal oral mucosa without dysplasia were immunohistochemically stained with p16, ALDH1, CD44, SOX2, and OCT4, respectively. Expression of ALDH1 and SOX2 was significantly increased in OED cases, whereas CD44 and OCT4 expression was increased in normal mucosa. P16-positive OED cases showed upregulation of ALDH1 and OCT4 expression as compared to p16-negative cases, while CD44 and SOX2 expression was downregulated in p16-positive OED cases; however, the results were not statistically significant. The present study indicated a suggestive link between p16 and cancer stem cell marker expression in HPV-associated OED, and that p16 has a significant role in CSC progression in OED. This is the first study to evaluate the expression of putative CSC markers in HPV-associated OED. However, low study numbers are a potential limiting factor in this study.


Trifascicular block with asynchronous intraventricular recovery and "supernormal" AV conduction.
The authors present a case of trifascicular block: complete right bundle branch block, tachycardia-dependent left anterior hemiblock, and bradycardia-dependent left posterior hemiblock. There is, in addition, a complicating independent AV junctional rhythm that is in most instances not affected by the conducted sinus impulses. Occasionally, however, this focus is discharged by very early sinus impulses that are unexpectedly conducted to the ventricles (a manifestation of "supernormal" conduction). A complex electrocardiographic pattern results from the interplay of the aforementioned mechanisms.


A combined model for short-term wind speed forecasting based on empirical mode decomposition, feature selection, support vector regression and cross-validated lasso.
The planning and control of wind power production rely heavily on short-term wind speed forecasting. Due to the non-linearity and non-stationarity of wind, it is difficult to carry out accurate modeling and prediction through traditional wind speed forecasting models. In the paper, we combine empirical mode decomposition (EMD), feature selection (FS), support vector regression (SVR) and cross-validated lasso (LassoCV) to develop a new wind speed forecasting model, aiming to improve the prediction performance of wind speed. EMD is used to extract the intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) from the original wind speed time series to eliminate the non-stationarity in the time series. FS and SVR are combined to predict the high-frequency IMF obtained by EMD. LassoCV is used to complete the prediction of low-frequency IMF and trend. Data collected from two wind stations in Michigan, USA are adopted to test the proposed combined model. Experimental results show that in multi-step wind speed forecasting, compared with the classic individual and traditional EMD-based combined models, the proposed model has better prediction performance. Through the proposed combined model, the wind speed forecast can be effectively improved.


The role of physiological heterogeneity in microbial population behavior.
As the ability to analyze individual cells in microbial populations expands, it is becoming apparent that isogenic microbial populations contain substantial cell-to-cell differences in physiological parameters such as growth rate, resistance to stress and regulatory circuit output. Subpopulations exist that are manyfold different in these parameters from the population average, and these differences arise by stochastic processes. Such differences can dramatically affect the response of cells to perturbations, especially stress, which in turn dictates overall population response. Defining the role of cell-to-cell heterogeneity in population behavior is important for understanding population-based research problems, including those involving infecting populations, normal flora and bacterial populations in water and soils. Emerging technological breakthroughs are poised to transform single-cell analysis and are critical for the next phase of insights into physiological heterogeneity in the near future. These include technologies for multiparameter analysis of live cells, with downstream processing and analysis.