Simultaneous abdominal aortic aneurysm repair during the on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.
A case of simultaneous coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is reported. A 74-year-old man was diagnosed with left main coronary disease and infrarenal AAA. Triple CABG and infrarenal AAA repair were performed simultaneously, by different surgeons, on CPB. The duration of CPB, aortic clamp time, and total operation time was 81 min, 33 min, and 245 min, respectively. The patient was extubated three hours after ICU admission and the postoperative course was uneventful. This method is useful for reduction of operation time, for blood salvage, and for adjustment of preload and afterload of the vulnerable heart during AAA repair.


Factors influencing physicians' preventive practices.
We used data on a stratified random sample of 809 Quebec physicians to determine the extent to which the integration of prevention into medical practice was related to physicians' sociodemographic background, area of specialization, medical practice characteristics, and professional attitudes. Among factors positively associated with physicians' preventive practices were favorable attitudes toward prevention, patient education and patient-oriented activities, being in primary care medicine or in a medical specialty such as cardiology, gastroenterology, or pneumology, practicing in a public community health center on a salary basis, working in a group practice, having an office-based practice, devoting time to research activities, being older, and being a woman. Specialization in neurology, hematology, dermatology, nephrology, obstetrics-gynecology, and most notably surgery was negatively associated with preventive practices, as was working in an emergency room. Overall, the study variables explained 33% of the variance in physicians' preventive practices. The study underlines the prevailing role of attitudes in predicting physicians' preventive practices.


A Quantitative study of histamine H2-receptor bockade by burimamide in isolated artica.
The onset of burimamide inhibition of histamine stimulation of rabbit atria is rapid, and a near steady-state blockade occurs at approximately 15 min ( larger than or equal to 90% complete). The blockade is reversible but requires several washings suggesting the disassociation is slow. The administration of histamine may accelerate the decay of the burimamide effect. Reciprocal plots (rate response versus histamine concentration) of dose-response curves are linear for both rabbit and guinea pig atria. In the presence of low concentrations of burimamide; (2.4 times 10-5 M), the displacement of curves suggests a competitive type of inhibition both for rabbit and guinea guinea pig atria. The apparent association constants calculated from these curves are: K1 (rabbit) 3.7 times 10-6M and K-1 (guinea pig) 6.7 times 10-6M. These results for guinea pig atria are in satisfactory agreement with the value obtained in another laboratory (2). At higher concentrations of burimamide, inhibition curves showed distinct evidence of departure from competitive character for both guinea pig and rabbit atria.


Imaging modalities for acute abdominal pain.
The diagnosis of acute abdominal pain remains hinged on the performance of a careful history and physical exam. Five to ten million emergency department visits occur each year for acute abdominal pain, creating a need to achieve improved diagnostic accuracy in an expedient fashion. Technologies such as ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and diagnostic laparoscopy are helping achieve this goal. Of these, computed tomography appears to be the work horse of diagnostic imaging in the setting of acute abdominal pain. In this review, we examine each of these modalities, discussing their strengths and weaknesses. As well, we have reproduced an excellent algorithmic approach published by Martin and Rossi that shows the reader some basic diagnostic strategies for the evaluation of acute abdominal pain.


Ward-level leadership quality and prospective low-back pain of eldercare workers: do resident handlings mediate the association?
We investigated the extent to which ward-level leadership quality was associated with prospective low-back pain among eldercare workers, and how this association was mediated by observed resident handlings. 530 Danish eldercare workers, employed in 121 wards, distributed across 20 nursing homes were evaluated. At baseline, leadership quality was measured using the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire, and resident handlings [handlings per shift, handlings not using assistive devices, handlings done alone, interruptions to handlings, impediments to handlings] were assessed using observations. Frequency and intensity of low-back pain was assessed monthly during the following year. All variables were averaged for each ward. We used ordinary least squares regressions to examine direct effects of leadership on low-back pain and indirect effects through handlings, using PROCESS-macro for SPSS. After adjustments for low-back pain at baseline, type of ward, staff ratio (i.e., number of workers divided by number of residents) and proportion of devices not in place, leadership quality showed no effect on prospective low-back pain frequency (β = 0.01 [- 0.05:0.07]) and a small beneficial effect on pain intensity (β = - 0.02 [- 0.04:0.00]). Resident handlings did not mediate the association between leadership quality and frequency or intensity of low-back pain. Good leadership quality was associated with a small decrease in prospective low-back pain intensity, but resident handlings did not seem to play a mediating role, although better ward-level leadership quality contributed to fewer workplace-observed resident handlings without assistance. Potentially, organizational factors, such as type of ward and staff ratio, may have a greater influence on handlings and low-back pain than leadership quality per se among eldercare workers.


A randomised controlled trial investigating the clinical and cost-effectiveness of Alpha-Stim AID cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) in patients seeking treatment for moderate severity depression in primary care (Alpha-Stim-D Trial).
Major depression is the second leading cause of years lost to disability worldwide and is a leading contributor to suicide. However, first-line antidepressants are only fully effective for 33%, and only 40% of those offered psychological treatment attend for two sessions or more. Views gained from patients and primary care professionals are that greater treatment uptake might be achieved if people with depression could be offered alternative and more accessible treatment options. Although there is evidence that the Alpha-Stim Anxiety Insomnia and Depression (AID) device is safe and effective for anxiety and depression symptoms in people with anxiety disorders, there is much less evidence of efficacy in major depression without anxiety. This study investigates the effectiveness of the Alpha-Stim AID device, a cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) treatment that people can safely use independently at home. The device provides CES which has been shown to increase alpha oscillatory brain activity, associated with relaxation. The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of Alpha-Stim AID in treatment-seeking patients (aged 16 years upwards) with moderate to moderately severe depressive symptoms in primary care. The study is a multi-centre parallel-group, double-blind, non-commercial, randomised controlled superiority trial. The primary objective of the study is to examine the clinical efficacy of active daily use of 8 weeks of Alpha-Stim AID versus sham Alpha-Stim AID on depression symptoms at 16 weeks (8 weeks after the end of treatment) in people with moderate severity depression. The primary outcome is the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale at 16 weeks. All trial and treatment procedures are carried out remotely using videoconferencing, telephone and postal delivery considering the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. This study is investigating whether participants using the Alpha-Stim AID device display a reduction in depressive symptoms that can be maintained over 8 weeks post-treatment. The findings will help to determine whether Alpha-Stim AID should be recommended, including being made available in the NHS for patients with depressive symptoms. ISRTCN ISRCTN11853110 . Registered on 14 August 2020.


Hospitals meet space and HSA criteria through merger.
Building a new hospital on a new site was considered a far better alternative than expanding or recycling another facility.


Single-Port Mediastinoscopic Lymphadenectomy Along the Left Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve.
We herein describe a single-port mediastinoscopic method for upper mediastinal dissection in esophageal cancer surgery. After the left cervical incision and lymphadenectomy, a Lap-Protector (Hakko, Tokyo, Japan) was inserted into the wound and an EZ Access port (Hakko) was attached. Esophageal mobilization with en bloc lymphadenectomy along the left recurrent laryngeal nerve was then performed using a port-in-port technique with conventional flexible laparoscopy. Carbon dioxide insufflation expanded the intramediastinal space, and minute structures in the deep mediastinum around the aortic arch, such as nerves, bronchial arteries, and lymphatic vessels, were clearly visualized, allowing lymphadenectomy to be safely and carefully performed along the nerve.


Absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of telmesteine, a mucolitic agent, in rat.
1. The metabolism and disposition of telmesteine, a muco-active agent, have been investigated following single oral or intravenous administration of (14)C-telmesteine in the Sprague-Dawley rat. 2. (14)C-telmesteine was rapidly absorbed after oral dosing (20 and 50 mg kg(-1)) with an oral bioavailability of >90% both in male and female rats. The C(max) and area under the curve of the radioactivity in plasma increased proportionally to the administered dose and those values in female rats were 30% higher than in male rats. 3. Telmesteine was distributed over all organs except for brain and the tissue/plasma ratio of the radioactivity 30 min after dosing was relatively low with a range of 0.1-0.8 except for excretory organs. 4. Excretion of the radioactivity was 86% of the dose in the urine and 0.6% in the faeces up to 7 days after oral administration. Biliary excretion of the radioactivity in bile duct-cannulated rats was about 3% for the first 24 h. The unchanged compound mainly accounted for the radioactivity in the urine and plasma. 5. Telmesteine was hardly metabolized in microsomal incubations. A glucuronide conjugate was detected in the urine and bile, but the amount of glucuronide was less than 6% of excreted radioactivity.


Maspin impairs the function of endothelial cells: an implying pathway of preeclampsia.
Widespread endothelial injury contributes to the occurrence of preeclampsia. Maspin, first identified as a tumor suppressor, plays a critical role in cell invasion and angiogenesis. Our previous studies found that the expression of maspin was increased in preeclampsic placenta. In this research, we studied the function of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to explore the role and possible mechanism of maspin gene in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. HUVECs were treated with different concentration of recombinant human maspin protein (r-maspin) during normoxia and hypoxia, we detected the proliferation, apoptosis, migration and tube formation of HUVECs. We also assessed nitride oxide (NO) synthesis and the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) to further explore the underlying molecular mechanism. There was only slight maspin expression at mRNA level in HUVECs. Treated HUVECs with r-maspin, the proliferation of HUVECs was significantly promoted both under normoxia and hypoxia. The tubes formed by HUVECs were significantly inhibited and NO synthesis was significantly reduced by r-maspin. Meantime, r-maspin also inhibited MMP2 expression and activity in HUVECs. However, there was no significant change in the migration and apoptosis of HUVECs. Maspin may be an important participant for mediating endothelial function and ultimately leads to the occurence of preeclamsia.


Developing skeletal muscle cells express functional muscarinic acetylcholine receptors coupled to different intracellular signaling systems.
This study analyzed the expression of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) in the rat cultured skeletal muscle cells and their coupling to G protein, phospholipase C and adenylyl cyclase (AC). Our results showed the presence of a homogeneous population of [(3)H]methyl-quinuclidinyl benzilate-binding sites in the membrane fraction from the rat cultured muscle (K(D) = 0.4 nM, B(max) = 8.9 fmol mg protein(-1)). Specific muscarinic binding sites were also detected in denervated diaphragm muscles from adult rats and in myoblasts isolated from newborn rats. Activation of mAChRs with carbachol induced specific [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding to cultured muscle membranes and potentiated the forskolin-dependent stimulation of AC. These effects were totally inhibited by 0.1-1 microM atropine. In addition, mAChRs were able to stimulate generation of diacylglycerol (DAG) in response to acetylcholine, carbachol or selective mAChR agonist oxotremorine-M. The carbachol-dependent increase in DAG was inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner by mAChR antagonists atropine, pirenzepine and 4-DAMP mustard. Finally, activation of these receptors was correlated with increased synthesis of acetylcholinesterase, via a PKC-dependent pathway. Taken together, these results indicate that expression of mAChRs, coupled to G protein and distinct intracellular signaling systems, is a characteristic of noninnervated skeletal muscle cells and may be responsible for trophic influences of acetylcholine during formation of the neuromuscular synapse.


Localization and identification of galactose/N-acetylgalactosamine and sialic acid-containing proteins in Chinese hamster metaphase chromosomes.
Four lectins were used to recognize galactose/N-acetyl-galactosamine (Gal/GalNAc) and sialic acid residues in proteins of Chinese hamster metaphase chromosomes. In situ binding pattern of a fluorescein isothiocyanate-labelled (Gal/GalNAc)-specific lectin Sophora japonica agglutinin (SJA) showed that chromosomal SJA-binding proteins are primarily localized to the helically coiled substructure of chromatids. Numerous SJA-binding proteins were identified in Western blots of chromosomal proteins, their molecular weights ranging from 26 to 200 kDa. Another Gal/GalNAc-specific lectin, peanut agglutinin (PNA), with a slightly different sugar binding specificity, did not bind to Chinese hamster metaphase chromosomes, and in Western blots only two chromosomal protein bands were faintly stained. The in situ labelling patterns of two sialic acid-specific lectins, Maackia amurensis (MAA) and Sambucus nigra (SNA) agglutinins, both showed that the helically coiled substructure of chromatids is also enriched in sialylated proteins. In Western blot analysis 11 MAA-binding protein bands with molecular weights ranging from 54 to 215 kDa were identified, while SNA only bound to one protein band of 67 kDa. MAA and SNA are specific for alpha(2-->3)- and alpha(2-->6)-linked sialic acid residues, respectively. Thus, it is likely that alpha(2-->3)-linked sialic acid residues are more common in chromosomal proteins than alpha(2-->6)-linked sialic acid residues. These data suggest that Gal/GalNAc and sialic acid-containing glycoproteins exist in metaphase chromosomes and that these proteins may have a role in the formation of higher order metaphase chromosome structures.


Mevalonate Pathway Provides Ubiquinone to Maintain Pyrimidine Synthesis and Survival in p53-Deficient Cancer Cells Exposed to Metabolic Stress.
Oncogene activation and loss of tumor suppressor function changes the metabolic activity of cancer cells to drive unrestricted proliferation. Moreover, cancer cells adapt their metabolism to sustain growth and survival when access to oxygen and nutrients is restricted, such as in poorly vascularized tumor areas. We show here that p53-deficient colon cancer cells exposed to tumor-like metabolic stress in spheroid culture activated the mevalonate pathway to promote the synthesis of ubiquinone. This was essential to maintain mitochondrial electron transport for respiration and pyrimidine synthesis in metabolically compromised environments. Induction of mevalonate pathway enzyme expression in the absence of p53 was mediated by accumulation and stabilization of mature SREBP2. Mevalonate pathway inhibition by statins blocked pyrimidine nucleotide biosynthesis and induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in p53-deficient cancer cells in spheroid culture. Moreover, ubiquinone produced by the mevalonate pathway was essential for the growth of p53-deficient tumor organoids. In contrast, inhibition of intestinal hyperproliferation by statins in an Apc/KrasG12D-mutant mouse model was independent of de novo pyrimidine synthesis. Our results highlight the importance of the mevalonate pathway for maintaining mitochondrial electron transfer and biosynthetic activity in cancer cells exposed to metabolic stress. They also demonstrate that the metabolic output of this pathway depends on both genetic and environmental context. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings suggest that p53-deficient cancer cells activate the mevalonate pathway via SREBP2 and promote the synthesis of ubiquinone that plays an essential role in reducing oxidative stress and supports the synthesis of pyrimidine nucleotide.


Delineating the conformational dynamics of intermediate structures on the unfolding pathway of β-lactoglobulin in aqueous urea and dimethyl sulfoxide.
The funnel shaped energy landscape model of the protein folding suggests that progression of folding proceeds through multiple pathways, having the multiple intermediates which leads to multidimensional free-energy surface. Herein, we applied all-atom MD simulation to conduct a comparative study on the structure of β-lactoglobulin (β-LgA) in aqueous mixture of 8 M urea and 8 M dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), at different temperatures. The cumulative results of multiple simulations suggest a common unfolding pathway of β-LgA, occurred through the stable and meta-stable intermediates (I), in both urea and DMSO. However, the free-energy landscape (FEL) analyses show that the structural transitions of I-states are energetically different. In urea, FEL shows distinct ensemble of intermediates, I1 and I2, separated by the energy barrier of ∼3.0 kcal mol-1. Similarly, we find the population of two distinct I1 and I2 states in DMSO, however, the I1 appeared transiently around ∼30-35 ns and is short-lived. But, the I2 ensemble is observed structurally compact and long-lived (∼50-150 ns) as compared to unfolding in urea. Furthermore, the I1 and I2 are separated through a high energy barrier of ∼6.0 kcal mol-1. Thus, our results provide the structural insights of intermediates which essentially bear the signature of a different unfolding pathway of β-LgA in urea and DMSO.Abbreviationsβ-LgAβ-lactoglobulinDMSOdimethyl sulfoxideFELfree-energy landscapeGdmClguanidinium chlorideIintermediate stateMGmolten globule statePMEparticle mesh EwaldQfraction of native contactsRMSDroot mean square deviationRMSFroot mean square fluctuationRgradius of gyrationSASAsolvent Accessible Surface AreascSASAthe side chain SASATrptryptophanCommunicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.


Comparison of deformation of 3 orthodontic miniplate lever arms.
Deflections of the lever arms on 3 commercially available miniplates (Stryker, Kalamazoo, Mich; KLS Martin, Tuttlingen, Germany; and Synthes, West Chester, Pa) were compared to determine whether orthopedic forces produce permanent deformation. Thirty-six miniplates were tested on a load frame in this ex-vivo trial. The force level at which permanent deformation occurred was measured. The arms of the miniplates were extended beyond the force level needed for orthopedic anchorage. Load-displacement data followed an expected trend from beam theory, where a linear region of elastic response was followed by an elastic-plastic transition to fully plastic deformation. The yield was measured at the beginning of the nonlinear response. Beam bending analysis was used to determine the yield stress of each sample and to estimate the elastic modulus. In some cases, the calculated yield stresses were higher and the modulus of elasticity was lower than the reported values for titanium. This was due to the torsion in the testing. Loads at the point of initial yielding ranged from 1280 to 3000 g, depending on the miniplate type. Stryker's yield was statistically lower than that for KLS Martin and Synthes, which were well above the ranges needed for orthopedic forces. All 3 miniplates were capable of withstanding orthopedic forces. The 3 brands had significant differences in modulus of elasticity values, which were lower than published values.


Conformationally constrained analogues of diacylglycerol (DAG). 15. The indispensable role of the sn-1 and sn-2 carbonyls in the binding of DAG-lactones to protein kinase C (PK-C).
The binding mode of DAG-lactones to PK-C was investigated using the C1b domain from the X-ray structure of the phorbol ester/C1b complex of PK-C delta as a template. Modeling experiments revealed two binding alternatives in which one of the carbonyls of the DAG lactones remained uninvolved with the protein. Experimentally, however, the removal of either sn-1 or sn-2 carbonyls caused a dramatic drop in binding affinity towards PK-C. Although it was not possible to discriminate between the two binding alternatives of the DAG-lactones, the study demonstrates an important role for the additional carbonyl group. The function of this group could be equivalent to that of the C-9(OH)/C-13 (C = O) motif in phorbol esters, which also appears free of interactions in the phorbol ester/C1b complex. This role presumably reflects interaction with the phosholipid head groups required for high affinity binding under the conditions of the biological assays.


Magnetic resonance imaging and permanent cosmetics (tattoos): survey of complications and adverse events.
To use a survey to determine the incidence of complications and adverse events in individuals with permanent cosmetics (e.g., tattooed eyeliner, eyebrows, lips, cheeks, etc.) who underwent magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. A questionnaire was distributed to clients of cosmetic tattoo technicians. This survey asked study subjects for demographic data, information about their tattoos, and for their experiences during MR imaging procedures. Data obtained from 1032 surveys were tabulated. One hundred thirty-five (13.1%) study subjects underwent MR imaging after having permanent cosmetics applied. Of these, only two individuals (1.5%) experienced problems associated with MR imaging. One subject reported a sensation of "slight tingling" and the other subject reported a sensation of "burning"; both sensations were transient in nature. Based on these findings and information in the peer-reviewed literature, it appears that MR imaging may be performed in patients with permanent cosmetics without any serious soft tissue reactions or adverse events. Therefore, the presence of permanent cosmetics should not prevent a patient from undergoing MR imaging.


Chronic pain management as a barrier to pediatric palliative care.
Pain is common as a presenting complaint to outpatient and emergency departments for children, yet pain management represents one of the children's largest unmet needs. A child may present with acute pain for an intermittent issue or may have acute or chronic pain in the setting of chronic illness. The mainstay of treatment for pain uses a stepwise approach for pain management, such as set up by the World Health Organization. For children with life-limiting illnesses, the Institute of Medicine guidelines recommends referral upon diagnosis for palliative care, meaning that the child receives comprehensive services that include pain control in coordination with curative therapies; yet barriers remain. From the provider perspective, pain can be better addressed through a careful assessment of one's own knowledge, skills, and attitudes. The key components of pain management in children are multimodal, regardless of the cause of the pain.


Technical advances in urological laparoscopic surgery.
Advances in laparoscopic techniques, technology and instruments have changed the face of urology to the extent that the laparoscopic approach has become the standard of care for many common urological procedures. The future of laparoscopy will build on incorporating additional technological innovations to improve surgical outcomes, advance surgical techniques and thereby decrease perioperative morbidity. Developments in laparoscopic imaging, laparoscopic instrumentation and novel surgical techniques will offer advantages to patients and urologists in the future.


Left atrial thrombus in patient with coronary-left atrium fistula.
We treated a 77-year-old woman diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis, who had undergone catheter ablation for paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia at the age of 62. Although the patient remained in sinus rhythm, she had been receiving Coumadin with a target INR level of 2.0 since that time. Preoperative coronary angiography revealed a coronary-left atrium (LA) fistula, while computed tomography and echocardiography findings did not detect thrombus formation. Intra-operative transesophageal echocardiography revealed a 2-cm solid mass, which unexpectedly appeared during deairing manipulation. Prompt cross-clamping and removal of an LA thrombus with closure of the LA appendage contributed to an uneventful postoperative course. The LA should be explored if a coronary-LA fistula is noted, even in non-mitral cases, especially those with a history of catheter ablation.


"Green" Aqueous Synthesis and Advanced Spectral Characterization of Size-Selected Cu2ZnSnS4 Nanocrystal Inks.
Structure, composition, and optical properties of colloidal mercaptoacetate-stabilized Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) nanocrystal inks produced by a "green" method directly in aqueous solutions were characterized. A size-selective precipitation procedure using 2-propanol as a non-solvent allows separating a series of fractions of CZTS nanocrystals with an average size (bandgap) varying from 3 nm (1.72 eV) to 2 nm (2.04 eV). The size-selected CZTS nanocrystals revealed also phonon confinement, with the main phonon mode frequency varying by about 4 cm-1 between 2 nm and 3 nm NCs.


Health screening strategies for international air travelers during an epidemic or pandemic.
Air travelers can carry an infectious disease's pathogenic microorganism in their bodies and spread the disease from one country to another in a few days. To delay the spread, health screening stations may be set up at airport terminals to screen travelers. This research tested three different health screening strategies, each with a different combination of screening stations at trip origins, destinations and connecting airports. Discrete event simulations were performed, based on the 2014 to 2016 Ebola virus epidemic, with special focus on travelers from the West African countries traveling to the United States, including travelers who transferred flights at airports in European Union member states. The effectiveness of the screening strategies was analyzed in terms of correct detection, missed detection and false alarm rate. The results showed that exit screening at trip origins brought big improvements in the performance measurements compared to no screening. However, additional screening at the destinations and connecting airports contributed marginal benefits.


Influence of aging on hepatic and peripheral glucose metabolism in humans.
Mechanisms of glucose intolerance with aging were studied by comparing the metabolic response to glucose ingestion in 10 young (20-23 yr) and 10 elderly (73-80 yr) normal men with the simultaneous application of the forearm and double-isotope techniques. The latter technique consisted of a primed-constant infusion of [3-3H]glucose followed by the administration of an oral glucose load (mean +/- SE, 90.7 +/- 0.7 g) containing [1-14C]glucose. Fasting plasma glucose and insulin concentrations were similar in young and elderly subjects, but in the elderly, glucose tolerance was markedly impaired. Although in the elderly the initial rise in insulin levels (delta, i.e., the incremental area under the curve) from 0 to 30 min was delayed (P less than .02), the response from 0 to 45 min, 0 to 60 min, and thereafter equaled that in the young group, and from 90 to 240 min insulin concentrations in the elderly exceeded those in young subjects. Basal hepatic glucose output (HGO) was similar in young and elderly men (2.13 +/- 0.10 and 1.97 +/- 0.14 mg.kg-1.min-1, respectively). Similar proportional reductions in HGO from 0 to 270 min after glucose loading occurred in young (59.7 +/- 10.3%) and elderly (50.3 +/- 4.9%) subjects but was delayed in the elderly. Suppression of HGO was observed in the young 30 min after glucose ingestion (P less than .02), but not before 60 min in the elderly subjects (P less than .05). The systemic appearance of ingested glucose (0-270 min) was slowed with age (80.7 +/- 3.1 and 66.9 +/- 4.3% of the oral load in the young and elderly groups, respectively; P less than .02). Initial increments in both total glucose disappearance (Rd) and forearm glucose uptake (FGU) from 0 to 60 min after glucose loading were decreased in the elderly (Rd, 4.1 +/- 0.7 vs. 11.5 +/- 1.3 g, P less than .001; FGU, 17.2 +/- 1.4 vs. 24.6 +/- 2.5 md/dl forearm, P less than .02). The overall increment (delta, 0-270 min) in Rd was reduced with age (47.2 +/- 2.9 and 34.5 +/- 3.6 g, P less than .02 in the young and elderly, respectively), but the corresponding data for FGU were similar in the two groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)


Therapeutic targets of hypercholesterolemia: HMGCR and LDLR.
Cholesterol homeostasis is critical and necessary for the body's functions. Hypercholesterolemia can lead to significant clinical problems, such as cardiovascular disease (CVD). 3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol receptor (LDLR) are major points of control in cholesterol homeostasis. We summarize the regulatory mechanisms of HMGCR and LDLR, which may provide insight for new drug design and development.


[Mortality of able-bodied population in Saratov oblast and measures of its decreasing].
On the basis of analysis of health status of able-bodied population in Saratov oblast measures of enhancing health promotion of this population group are validated.


Comparison of skeletal muscle miRNA and mRNA profiles among three pig breeds.
The pig is an important source of animal protein, and is also an ideal model for human disease. There are significant differences in growth rate, muscle mass, and meat quality between different breeds. To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying porcine skeletal muscle phenotypes, we performed mRNA and miRNA profiling of muscle from three different breeds of pig, Landrace (lean-type), Tongcheng (obese-type), and Wuzhishan (mini-type) by Solexa sequencing. Forty-three genes and 106 miRNAs were differentially expressed between Landrace and Tongcheng pigs, 92 genes and 151 miRNAs were differentially expressed between Tongcheng and Wuzhishan pigs, and 145 genes and 156 miRNAs were differential expressed between Landrace and Wuzhishan pigs. Gene ontology analysis suggested that genes differentially expressed between Landrace and Tongcheng pigs were mainly involved in the biological processes of oxidative stress and muscle organ development. Meanwhile, for Tongcheng vs Wuzhishan and Landrace vs Wuzhishan pigs, the differentially expressed genes were involved in fatty acid metabolism, oxidative stress, muscle contraction, and muscle organ development, processes that are closely related to meat quality. To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying meat quality diversity based on differentially expressed genes and miRNAs, interaction networks were constructed, according to target prediction results and integration analysis of up-regulated genes with down-regulated miRNAs or down-regulated genes with up-regulated miRNAs. Our findings identify candidate genes and miRNAs associated with muscle development and indicate their potential roles in muscle phenotype variance between different pig breeds. These results serve as a foundation for further studies on muscle development and molecular breeding.


An epidermal growth factor-like repeat of Del1 protein increases the efficiency of gene transfer in vitro.
In this paper, we found that Del1, an extracellular matrix protein secreted by embryonic endothelial cells, increases the efficiency of transfection in vitro. Conditioned medium containing Del1 increased transfection by the LacZ gene using several non-viral gene transfer systems, including lipoplex and polyplex methods. Experiments using deletion mutants and fragments of Del1 revealed that the third epidermal growth factor-like repeat (E3) of Del1 mediates the enhancement of gene transfer and, furthermore, that the motif CXDXXXFXCXC is essential. Incubation of Pro5 cells, a yolk sac-derived cell line, with as low as 16 pM recombinant E3 was sufficient to enhance transfection, and 1 nM recombinant E3 enhanced the transfection 12-fold. Inhibitors of endocytosis suppressed this activity of the recombinant E3. These results suggest that the E3 fragment of Del1 can be used as a general biological enhancer of non-viral gene transfer.


Comparing automated vs manual leukocyte differential counts for quantifying the 'left shift' in the blood of neonates.
The neutrophil 'left shift' can be measured via the immature to total (I/T) neutrophil ratio or the absolute bands per μl using a manual differential count. It can also be measured from an automated differential count by the immature granulocyte percentage (IG%) or the absolute IG per μl. In neonates, it is unknown if the manual or automated differential count is superior. We directly compared complete blood counts (CBCs) with manual and automated differential counts from infants <90 days old, and documented whether or not each neonate was infected. We developed reference intervals for I/T ratio, bands per μl, IG% and IG per μl using values from non-infected neonates. The database had 10 714 CBCs. The upper reference interval for I/T ratio was 0.29 in the first 48 h and 0.31 thereafter; bands per μl was 3710 μl(-1) in the first 48 h and 1785 μl(-1) thereafter. IG% was 6.2% then 4.2%; IG per μl was 1460 μl(-1) then 613 μl(-1). Statistical performances of the four methods were equivalent for identifying infection. We developed reference intervals for four methods of quantifying a neonate's 'left shift'. The information from automated differentials is not inferior to that from manual differentials in identifying infections, but automated differentials have the advantages of a larger sample size, being less expensive, and faster performance times.


Laparoscopy and natural orifice surgery: first entry safety surveillance step.
We are sharing information regarding the surveillance of the first entrance port in laparoscopic and natural orifice transvaginal endoscopy surgeries. However, we are not analyzing techniques or other surgical findings. In this study, 160 women with previous abdominal pelvic surgeries underwent laparoscopic surgery, 145 patients underwent transvaginal Minilaparoscopy Assisted Natural Orifice Surgery (hybrid), and 3 patients underwent pure natural orifice transvaginal endoscopic surgery (pure). For those patients who had laparoscopy and hybrid procedures, the surveillance was from a laparoscope or gastroscope placed in a secondary port. Surveillance in pure cases was done using a gastroscopic retro view to see the pouch of Douglas. The laparoscopic procedures were gynecological procedures. The hybrid procedures included gynecological procedures as well as appendectomies and cholecystectomies; the pure procedures were cholecystectomies. There were a few minor vascular and bowel injuries in the laparoscopy group. There were no injuries in the transvaginal hybrid or pure procedures groups. The surveillance of the first entrance port can be an effective precautionary step. The cumulative experience suggests that using such surveillance in cases involving patients with prior surgery may assist in recognizing complications that might otherwise be missed.


Neurotoxicity of aluminum.
Aluminum is the most abundant metal and the third most common element. Soluble aluminum salts can be absorbed from the stomach and the metal is deposited in the gray matter in the brain. Following exposure to aluminum, aggregates of neurofilaments accumulate in neurons. Aluminum influences a number of neuronal processes, such as increasing protein synthesis and neurotransmitter breakdown, to decreasing neurotransmitter reuptake and slow axonal transport.


Expression of trefoil factor 3 is decreased in colorectal cancer.
In colorectal cancer (CRC), high expression of trefoil factor 3 (TFF3) is associated with tumor progression and reduced patient survival; however, bioinformatics analyses of public 'omics' databases show low TFF3 expression in CRCs as compared to normal tissues. Thus, we examined TFF3 expression in CRCs and matching normal tissues to evaluate its role in CRC progression. TFF3 gene expression was characterized using the bioinformatics portal UALCAN (http://ualcan.path.uab.edu). Tissue microarrays (TMAs) of archival CRC specimens (n=96) were immunostained with anti‑human TFF3 antibodies. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining intensity was semi‑quantitatively scored. For this cohort, the median follow‑up was 5.4 years. Associations between clinical and pathological variables were determined using Chi‑square or Fisher's exact tests. Univariate disease‑free survival was estimated by the Kaplan‑Meier method. Omics data analyses by UALCAN showed downregulation of TFF3 expression in CRC relative to normal tissue at protein (χ2, P<0.0001) levels. There was a similar decreasing trend of TFF3 expression in the pathologic stages of the CRCs (RNA, χ2, P=0.88 and protein, χ2 P<0.0001). UALCAN data analysis showed that TFF3 exhibited 27% lower mRNA expression in tumors with mutant TP53 (P=0.007). Confirming the findings of omics analyses, IHC analysis of TMAs exhibited lower TFF3 expression in 95.6% (65 of 68) of the available normal‑tumor matching pairs (χ2, P<0.0001). There was no statistically significant association of tumor TFF3 expression with patient sex, race/ethnicity, tumor location within the colorectum, Tumor, Node, Metastasis (TNM) stage, lymph node metastasis, or surgical margins. However, low TFF3 IHC staining in tumor tissue was associated with histological grade (P=0.026). Kaplan‑Meier survival analysis showed no prognostic value of low TFF3 expression relative to those with high expression (log‑rank, P=0.605). Our findings demonstrate low expression of TFF3 in CRCs. Association between low TFF3 and histopathological features suggests involvement of this molecule in progression of CRC.


Specific Activities of Hydromedusan Ca2+ -Regulated Photoproteins.
Nowadays the recombinant Ca2+ -regulated photoproteins originating from marine luminous organisms are widely applied to monitor calcium transients in living cells due to their ability to emit light on Ca2+ binding. Here we report the specific activities of the recombinant Ca2+ -regulated photoproteins-aequorin from Aequorea victoria, obelins from Obelia longissima and Obelia geniculata, clytin from Clytia gregaria and mitrocomin from Mitrocoma cellularia. We demonstrate that along with bioluminescence spectra, kinetics of light signals and sensitivities to calcium, these photoproteins also differ in specific activities and consequently in quantum yields of bioluminescent reactions. The highest specific activities were found for obelins and mitrocomin, whereas those of aequorin and clytin were shown to be lower. To determine the factors influencing the variations in specific activities the fluorescence quantum yields for Ca2+ -discharged photoproteins were measured and found to be quite different varying in the range of 0.16-0.36. We propose that distinctions in specific activities may result from different efficiencies of singlet excited state generation and different fluorescence quantum yields of coelenteramide bound within substrate-binding cavity. This in turn may be conditioned by variations in the amino acid environment of the substrate-binding cavities and hydrogen bond distances between key residues and atoms of 2-hydroperoxycoelenterazine.


The effects of green tea on acne vulgaris: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.
Green tea extract (GTE) has been studied for the treatment of acne based on its anti-inflammatory/antioxidant properties. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to examine the effects of GTE on acne. Electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched up to August 2019. The effect size of acne lesion counts is presented as mean differences and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Five randomized-controlled studies were included in the meta-analysis (N; experimental = 125, control = 122). GTE significantly reduced the number of inflammatory lesions (-9.38; 95% CI: -14.13 to -4.63). In subgroup analysis, topical GTE application significantly reduced the inflammatory lesion counts (-11.39; 95% CI: -15.91 to -6.86) whereas oral GTE intake showed minimal effect (-1.40; 95% CI: -2.50 to -0.30). Although GTE did not significantly reduce the number of non-inflammatory lesions (-21.65; 95% CI: -47.52 to 4.22), when stratified by the route of admission, non-inflammatory acne lesions were significantly reduced by topical GTE application (-32.44; 95% CI: -39.27 to -25.62) but not with oral GTE administration (0.20; 95% CI: 0.00 to 0.40). This systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that topical GTE application is beneficial for the treatment of acne without causing significant adverse events while oral GTE intake has limited effects. Further high-quality clinical trials are warranted.


Biosecurity implications of drifting marine plastic debris: Current knowledge and future research.
The introduction and spread of marine non-indigenous species (NIS) and pathogens into new habitats are a major threat to biodiversity, ecosystem services, human health, and can have substantial economic consequences. Shipping is considered the main vector for marine biological invasions; less well understood is the increased spread of marine NIS and pathogens rafting on marine plastic debris (MPD). Despite an increasing research interest and recent progress in characterizing the plastisphere, this manuscript highlights critical knowledge gaps and research priorities towards a better understanding of the biosecurity implications of MPD. We advocate for future research to (i) investigate plastisphere community succession and the factors influencing NIS propagules and pathogens recruitment through robust experimental investigations; (ii) combine microscopy and molecular approaches to effectively assess the presence of specific taxa; (iii) include additional genetic markers to thoroughly characterize the biodiversity associated with MPD and explore the presence of specific marine pests.


The early predictive value of routine laboratory tests on the severity of acute pancreatitis patients in pregnancy: a retrospective study.
Acute pancreatitis in pregnancy (APIP) varies in severity from a self-limiting mild condition to a severe life-threatening condition, and its severity is significantly correlated with higher risks of maternal and foetal death. This study evaluated the early predictive value of routine laboratory tests on the severity of APIP patients. We enrolled 100 patients with APIP in West China Hospital. Initial routine laboratory tests, including the biochemistry and hematologic tests were collected within 48 hours after the onset of APIP. For predicting SAP in AP, LDH had the highest specificity of 0.879. RDW was a suitable predictive marker as it had the sensitivity of 0.882. Lower levels of triglycerides (<4.72 mmol/L) predicted mild AP of APIP, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.724, and a negative predictive value of 0.80. Furthermore, a risk score was calculated based on white blood cells, neutrophils, RDW, LMR and LDH, as an independent marker (adjusted odds ratio = 3.013, 95% CI 1.893 to 4.797, P < 0.001), with the highest AUC of 0.906, a sensitivity of 0.875 and a specificity of 0.828. In conclusion, the risk score we recommended was the powerful marker to aid in the early prediction of the severity of APIP patients.


ADFR therapy in the prevention of bone loss after menopause.
Estrogens retard bone loss after menopause and constitute the most logical therapy for the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Estrogens are contraindicated in some circumstances and some postmenopausal women are unwilling to accept them. We have used ADFR therapy as an alternative in the prevention of postmenopausal bone loss. One hundred women in the early postmenopausal period (6-24 months since the last menses) were introduced into the study. 50 were treated with placebo and 50 were treated with ADFR therapy (phosphorus 1.5 gr/day during 3 days, followed by SCT 100 UI/day during 10 days and calcium 1 gr/day). After 77 days without any therapy we repeated the cycles every 3 months. Bone mass was evaluated at the beginning and at 3, 6, 12 and 18 months by dualphoton absorptionmetry lumbar spine. In the control group, the mean spinal BMD decreased 7.31% after 12 months and 6.16% after 18 months (p greater than 0.05). The ADFR group only had a mean spinal BMD decrease of 3.79% and 1.1% after 12 and 18 months respectively (NS). Bone loss was greater in control than in ADFR group after 12 and 18 months (p less than 0.05 at both times). We conclude that phosphorus and calcitonin like ADFR therapy may be a useful alternative to estrogen for the prevention of accelerated bone loss after menopause.


Modulation of aconitase, metallothionein, and oxidative stress in zinc-deficient rat intestine during zinc and iron repletion.
Potential interactions between zinc and iron during absorption and its functional consequences on intestinal oxidative damage and antioxidant status were studied using the zinc-deficient rat as a model. Zinc depletion produced mild-moderate iron deficiency in addition to zinc deficiency, which could be corrected by repletion with iron and zinc. The localization and intensity of both iron and zinc in the intestinal mucosa showed a pronounced decrease in the presence of the other metal, indicating negative interactions. Zinc-deficient intestine exposed to iron alone exhibited elevated peroxidative damage and compromised functional integrity, despite increased expression of ferritin. Inclusion of zinc significantly reduced the damage and improved the functional integrity, accompanied by decreased expression of ferritin. Decreased expression of ferritin in the presence of zinc was consistent with reduced aconitase activity, suggesting its modulation by zinc. Further, inclusion of iron along with zinc was associated with induction of ferritin and metallothionein in tune with the amount of iron and zinc localized in the intestinal mucosa, respectively. These results suggest that zinc and iron interact negatively with cytosolic aconitase, but prove beneficial in reducing the oxidative stress, apart from improving functional integrity and iron/zinc status.


Dental caries in Rwanda: A scoping review.
Dental caries is an infectious disease affecting virtually all nations, including Rwanda. In Rwanda, the burden of dental caries is an issue of public health concern. To ensure the progressive eradication of the current dental caries burden in Rwanda through an evidence-based approach, it is imperative to have an overview of the scientific research landscape of dental caries in the country. This study-a scoping review-aims to review the available evidence and gaps on dental caries in Rwanda. This scoping review was reported based on the Preferred Reporting Items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist. A systematic search of 11 databases was done to scoop out all literature relevant to the topic. Based on the review's selection criteria, a total of eight peer-reviewed journal articles were included in the review. The extracted data were collated, summarized, and presented as results. The analysis of the data extracted from the included articles revealed a high prevalence of dental caries (ranging from 42.42% to 71.5%) in Rwanda. Also, the major pathogens causing dental caries in Rwanda as well as the impact of dental caries on the physical health and quality of life of Rwandans were identified in this review. Furthermore, the reported operative treatment options for dental caries in Rwanda were predominantly nonconservative. Also, no intervention study has been conducted on dental caries in Rwanda. The findings in this review identify the need for massive public health interventions on dental caries in Rwanda.


Identification of two genes, sll0804 and slr1306, as putative components of the CO2-concentrating mechanism in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. strain PCC 6803.
Insertional transposon mutations in the sll0804 and slr1306 genes were found to lead to a loss of optimal photoautotrophy in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. strain PCC 6803 grown under ambient CO(2) concentrations (350 ppm). Mutants containing these insertions (4BA2 and 3ZA12, respectively) could grow photoheterotrophically on glucose or photoautotrophically at elevated CO(2) concentrations (50,000 ppm). Both of these mutants exhibited an impaired affinity for inorganic carbon. Consequently, the Sll0804 and Slr1306 proteins appear to be putative components of the carbon-concentrating mechanism in Synechocystis sp. strain PCC 6803.


Feasibility and impact of a mental health chatbot on postpartum mental health: a randomized controlled trial.
Perinatal mood disorders are common yet underdiagnosed and un- or undertreated. Barriers exist to accessing perinatal mental health services, including limited availability, time, and cost. Automated conversational agents (chatbots) can deliver evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy content through text message-based conversations and reduce depression and anxiety symptoms in select populations. Such digital mental health technologies are poised to overcome barriers to mental health care access but need to be evaluated for efficacy, as well as for preliminary feasibility and acceptability among perinatal populations. To evaluate the acceptability and preliminary efficacy of a mental health chatbot for mood management in a general postpartum population. An unblinded randomized controlled trial was conducted at a tertiary academic center. English-speaking postpartum women aged 18 years or above with a live birth and access to a smartphone were eligible for enrollment prior to discharge from delivery hospitalization. Baseline surveys were administered to all participants prior to randomization to a mental health chatbot intervention or to usual care only. The intervention group downloaded the mental health chatbot smartphone application with perinatal-specific content, in addition to continuing usual care. Usual care consisted of routine postpartum follow up and mental health care as dictated by the patient's obstetric provider. Surveys were administered during delivery hospitalization (baseline) and at 2-, 4-, and 6-weeks postpartum to assess depression and anxiety symptoms. The primary outcome was a change in depression symptoms at 6-weeks as measured using two depression screening tools: Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Secondary outcomes included anxiety symptoms measured using Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, and satisfaction and acceptability using validated scales. Based on a prior study, we estimated a sample size of 130 would have sufficient (80%) power to detect a moderate effect size (d=.4) in between group difference on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. A total of 192 women were randomized equally 1:1 to the chatbot or usual care; of these, 152 women completed the 6-week survey (n=68 chatbot, n=84 usual care) and were included in the final analysis. Mean baseline mental health assessment scores were below positive screening thresholds. At 6-weeks, there was a greater decrease in Patient Health Questionnaire-9 scores among the chatbot group compared to the usual care group (mean decrease=1.32, standard deviation=3.4 vs mean decrease=0.13, standard deviation=3.01, respectively). 6-week mean Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scores did not differ between groups and were similar to baseline. 91% (n=62) of the chatbot users were satisfied or highly satisfied with the chatbot, and 74% (n=50) of the intervention group reported use of the chatbot at least once in 2 weeks prior to the 6-week survey. 80% of study participants reported being comfortable with the use of a mobile smartphone application for mood management. Use of a chatbot was acceptable to women in the early postpartum period. The sample did not screen positive for depression at baseline and thus the potential of the chatbot to reduce depressive symptoms in this population was limited. This study was conducted in a general obstetric population. Future studies of longer duration in high-risk postpartum populations who screen positive for depression are needed to further understand the utility and efficacy of such digital therapeutics for that population.


Anti-cancer effect of miR-139-3p on laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma by targeting rab5a: In vitro and in vivo studies.
Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Nowadays, as traditional treatment methods are gradually limited, the development of new treatment methods needs to be resolved. This study aimed to investigate the role of microRNA(miR)-139-3p in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma, and further explored the underlying mechanism. In this study, we first used quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) to detect the level of miR-139-3p in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma tissue. Then, TargetScan and dual luciferase reporter assay were used to explore and verify whether rab5a was a direct target of miR-139-3p. Thereafter, the expression of miR-139-3p and rab5a in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma cell line SNU46 was changed by transfection with miR-139-3p mimic or rab5a-plasmid. Then, SNU46 cell proliferation, cell apoptosis, cell cycle, cell migration and cell invasion were determined using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), flow cytometry, scratch assay and Transwell assay, respectively. Finally, mouse tumor formation experiments were used to test whether miR-139-3p still exerted its role in inhibiting laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma in vivo. Compared with the adjacent normal tissues, miR-139-3p significantly down-regulated in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma tissue. It was confirmed by dual luciferase reporter experiment that rab5a was a direct target of miR-139-3p. Moreover, the up-regulation of miR-139-3p could effectively inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma cells, and induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. In the molecular level study, we found that up-regulation of miR-139-3p inhibited the expression of rab5a in SNU46 cells. In addition, the protein and mRNA expression of factors related to cell migration, invasion, proliferation and apoptosis, such as integrin β1, Focal adhesion kinase (FAK), paxillin, B cell lymphoma-2 (bcl-2), nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), in SNU46 cells were changed after miR-139-3p up-regulation. Consistent with the results of in vitro studies, in vivo experiments showed that miR-139-3p mimic inhibited laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma tumor growth. All the effects of miR-139-3p on laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma were reversed by rab5a over-expression. miR-139-3p could inhibit laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma by targeting rab5a both in vitro and in vivo.


Functions of bacteria and archaea participating in the bioconversion of organic waste for methane production.
Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a widely applied technology for treating organic wastes to generate renewable energy in the form of biogas. The effectiveness of AD process depends on many factors, among which the most important is the presence of active and healthy microbial community in the anaerobic digesters, which needs to be explored. However, the deciphering of microbial populations and their functions during the AD process of different materials is still incomplete, which restricts the understanding of its long-term performance under different operational conditions. This review describes the type, morphology, functions, and specific growth conditions of commonly found hydrolytic, acidogenic, acetogenic bacteria, and archaea during the AD process. The effects of microbes on the performance and stability of the digestion process are also presented. Furthermore, the article offers a deep understanding of the AD management strategies for the enhancement of methane production and the efficiency of the energy conversion process of various organic wastes.


A review of empirical support for differential reinforcement of alternative behavior.
Differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA) is one of the most common behavior analytic interventions used to decrease unwanted behavior. We reviewed the DRA literature from the past 30 years to identify the aspects that are thoroughly researched and those that would benefit from further emphasis. We found and coded 116 empirical studies that used DRA, later grouping them into categories that met APA Division 12 Task Force criteria. We found that DRA has been successful at reducing behaviors on a continuum from relatively minor problems like prelinguistic communication to life-threatening failure to thrive. DRA with and without extinction is well established for treating destructive behavior of those with developmental disabilities, and to combat food refusal.


Density Functional Theory Calculations for Multiple Conformers Explaining the Regio- and Stereoselectivity of Ti-Catalyzed Hydroaminoalkylation Reactions.
Hybrid Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations for multiple conformers of the insertion reactions of a methylenecyclopropane into the Ti-C bond of two differently α-substituted titanaaziridines explain the experimentally observed differences in regioselectivity between catalytic hydroaminoalkylation reactions of methylenecyclopropanes with α-phenyl-substituted secondary amines and corresponding stoichiometric reactions of a methylenecyclopropane with titanaaziridines, which can only be achieved with α-unsubstituted titanaaziridines. In addition, the lack of reactivity of α-phenyl-substituted titanaaziridines as well as the diastereoselectivity of the catalytic and stoichiometric reactions can be understood.


[Experience in therapy and prophylaxis of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (author's transl)].
101 patients with epidemic keratoconjunctivitis were treated with different eye drops: cortisone, antibiotics and P.V.P.-Iodine. The treatment of 19 patients with P.V.P.-Iodine showed that inflammatory symptoms disappeared rapidly; corneal complications however such as superficial keratitis could not be prevented. After the outbreak of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis, severe hygienic measures had been taken at the eye-clinic. On account of the hygienic prophylactic measures further infections could be prevented at the clinic almost completely.


'How I do it': TEM for tumors of the rectum.
Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) has an established role in the management of benign rectal tumors. It also has an expanding role in the management of malignant tumors, which is more demanding for the clinician. It requires accurate histological and radiological assessment and draws on an expert understanding of the nature of local recurrence, metastasis, and the place of adjuvant therapies. A multidisciplinary approach is recommended. This paper discusses our institutional approach to TEM for benign and malignant tumors and covers some of the current management controversies.


Biliary complications after 52 adult living donor liver transplantations: a single-center experience.
The incidence of biliary complications after adult living donor liver transplantation (ALDLT) are still high even though various devices have been reported to overcome them. From October 2000 to April 2007, we performed 52 ALDLTs which included 15 ABO-incompatible grafts. Median follow-up was 565 days. In 49 procedures, we used duct-to-duct anastmosis with a stent inserted in the recipient duct and out through the common bile duct wall as an external stent, and in 3 procedures, we used duct-to-jejunostomy anastomosis. We investigated postoperative biliary complications and their management. Forty-four patients received right lobe grafts and 8 received left lobe grafts. Among patients in whom duct-to-duct anastomosis was used, nine (20.5%) developed biliary complications including bile leakage in five and biliary strictures in four. All bile leakage was treated with reoperation. Three biliary strictures were treated with stent placement, and one biliary stricture was treated with magnetic compression anastomosis. Among the three patients in whom duct-to-jejunostomy was used, two (66.7%) had bile leakage and stricture, respectively. Two of four ABO-incompatible patients (50%) had hepatic artery thrombosis with biliary complications, a high incidence. In our series of ABO-incompatible patients undergoing ALDLT, those who developed hepatic artery thrombosis exhibited a high incidence of biliary complications.


Ingenuity in performing replica permutation: How to order the state labels for improving sampling efficiency.
In the replica-permutation method, an advanced version of the replica-exchange method, all combinations of replicas and parameters are considered for parameter permutation, and a list of all the combinations is prepared. Here, we report that the temperature transition probability depends on how the list is created, especially in replica permutation with solute tempering (RPST). We found that the transition probabilities decrease at large replica indices when the combinations are sequentially assigned to the state labels as in the originally proposed list. To solve this problem, we propose to modify the list by randomly assigning the combinations to the state labels. We performed molecular dynamics simulations of amyloid-β(16-22) peptides using RPST with the "randomly assigned" list (RPST-RA) and RPST with the "sequentially assigned" list (RPST-SA). The results show the decreases in the transition probabilities in RPST-SA are eliminated, and the sampling efficiency is improved in RPST-RA.


Antibodies against rabbit red blood cells in murine serum and their effect on the activity of complement alternative pathway.
Antibody content against rabbit red blood cells (anti-RaRBC) in murine sera of different strains (Swiss, CBA, C57BL/6, AKR, BALB/c) and activity of complement alternative pathway (AP) were investigated. In contrast to the CBA and C57BL/6, random-bred Swiss strain and inbred BALB/c and AKR strains are good producers of these natural antibodies. There is no correlation between AP activity and anti-RaRBC content. Isolated human anti-RaRBC antibodies, IgM and IgG classes, lead to the enhancement of APhu and APmo activity, contrary to the murine anti-RaRBC which belong solely to IgM class, and do not express this capability.


How well do randomized trials inform decision making: systematic review using comparative effectiveness research measures on acupuncture for back pain.
For Comparative Effectiveness Research (CER) there is a need to develop scales for appraisal of available clinical research. Aims were to 1) test the feasibility of applying the pragmatic-explanatory continuum indicator summary tool and the six CER defining characteristics of the Institute of Medicine to RCTs of acupuncture for treatment of low back pain, and 2) evaluate the extent to which the evidence from these RCTs is relevant to clinical and health policy decision making. We searched Medline, the AcuTrials™ Database to February 2011 and reference lists and included full-report randomized trials in English that compared needle acupuncture with a conventional treatment in adults with non-specific acute and/or chronic low back pain and restricted to those with ≥30 patients in the acupuncture group. Papers were evaluated by 5 raters. From 119 abstracts, 44 full-text publications were screened and 10 trials (4,901 patients) were evaluated. Due to missing information and initial difficulties in operationalizing the scoring items, the first scoring revealed inter-rater and inter-item variance (intraclass correlations 0.02-0.60), which improved after consensus discussions to 0.20-1.00. The 10 trials were found to cover the efficacy-effectiveness continuum; those with more flexible acupuncture and no placebo control scored closer to effectiveness. Both instruments proved useful, but need further development. In addition, CONSORT guidelines for reporting pragmatic trials should be expanded. Most studies in this review already reflect the movement towards CER and similar approaches can be taken to evaluate comparative effectiveness relevance of RCTs for other treatments.


Authenticity of Honey: Characterization, Bioactivities and Sensorial Properties.
Honey is a natural product well known for its beneficial properties, which depend on its composition [...].


Third-generation thrombolytic drugs.
Several third-generation thrombolytic agents have been developed. They are either conjugates of plasminogen activators with monoclonal antibodies against fibrin, platelets, or thrombomodulin; mutants, variants, and hybrids of alteplase and prourokinase (amediplase); or new molecules of animal (vampire bat) or bacterial (Staphylococcus aureus) origin. These variations may lengthen the drug's half-life, increase resistance to plasma protease inhibitors, or cause more selective binding to fibrin. Compared with the second-generation agent (alteplase), third-generation thrombolytic agents such as monteplase, tenecteplase, reteplase, lanoteplase, pamiteplase, and staphylokinase result in a greater angiographic patency rate in patients with acute myocardial infarction, although, thus far, mortality rates have been similar for those few drugs that have been studied in large-scale trials. Bleeding risk, however, may be greater.


Variation in response of xenografts of colo-rectal carcinoma to chemotherapy.
Ten xenograft lines of human colonic and rectal carcinomas have been established in immune-suppressed mice. Mice bearing tumours in the 2nd to 6th passage were treated with maximum tolerated doses of 8 chemotherapeutic agents and tumour growth delay was estimated in terms of the number of volume doubling times gained by the treatment. The average response corresponded to a delay of only about 0.5 doubling times, but some tumour lines showed a good response to some agents. Twenty-three out of about 700 treated tumours failed to regrow. Statistical analysis showed no consistent difference in sensitivity among the tumour lines, but melphalan, 5-fluorouracil and hexamethylmelamine stood out as the most effective agents. A study of two-drug combinations showed that their order of administration had little effect on response. Only 4 of the patients who donated the xenografts were treated with chemotherapy, but among these there was some evidence that response in the xenografts correlated with response in the patient.


An extraordinary case of an intracranial foreign body after a gunshot to the head.
Intermediate targets (IT) can modify the morphology of an entrance wound, the trajectory of the bullet, and contaminate the path with fragments or material from the target. The penetration into the body of big fragments or even of an entire IT is exceptional and only rarely reported in the literature. The interpretation of a gunshot wound after contact of the bullet with IT can sometimes be very tricky as the classical morphology can be missing. The presented case is a rare example of atypical entrance wound and path due to a surprising intermediate target of a gunshot fired against the head.


Structural dynamics of DNA strand break sensing by PARP-1 at a single-molecule level.
Single-stranded breaks (SSBs) are the most frequent DNA lesions threatening genomic integrity. A highly kinked DNA structure in complex with human PARP-1 domains led to the proposal that SSB sensing in Eukaryotes relies on dynamics of both the broken DNA double helix and PARP-1's multi-domain organization. Here, we directly probe this process at the single-molecule level. Quantitative smFRET and structural ensemble calculations reveal how PARP-1's N-terminal zinc fingers convert DNA SSBs from a largely unperturbed conformation, via an intermediate state into the highly kinked DNA conformation. Our data suggest an induced fit mechanism via a multi-domain assembly cascade that drives SSB sensing and stimulates an interplay with the scaffold protein XRCC1 orchestrating subsequent DNA repair events. Interestingly, a clinically used PARP-1 inhibitor Niraparib shifts the equilibrium towards the unkinked DNA conformation, whereas the inhibitor EB47 stabilizes the kinked state.


Clinical utility of genetic testing in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is the most frequent cause of heart transplantation. The prevalence of familial disease can reach 50%. Our objective was to describe the genetic basis of DCM in a cohort with a high proportion of transplanted patients. We included patients with DCM and genetic testing performed using next-generation sequencing (NGS) that included at least 80 genes. Clinical data, family history and genetic results were retrospectively analysed. When possible, assessment of first-degree relatives was carried out. Eighty-seven DCM patients and 308 relatives from 70 families were evaluated. Clinical prevalence of familial disease was 37% (32 patients). Forty-four percent of patients (38 patients) had required heart transplantation. A relevant variant was found in 43 patients (49%), 25 patients (29%) carried variants of unknown significance and in 19 patients (22%) the study was negative. Most genetic variants were found in sarcomeric genes and the yield of genetic testing was higher in patients with familial DCM. The yield of genetic testing in our DCM cohort was high, reaching 69% in familial cases. Mutational spectrum was heterogeneous and the identification of the specific aetiology of the disease often provided prognostic information.


Supporting women who develop poor postnatal mental health: what support do fathers receive to support their partner and their own mental health?
Research regarding support provided for poor maternal postnatal mental health (such as depression, anxiety disorders, and postpartum psychosis) is relatively common. Fathers appear to play an important role supporting partners but many feel alienated within maternity services. Research focusing on fathers is less common. The current qualitative study aimed to investigate fathers' experience of support provided to fathers, to help support their partner should she experience poor postnatal mental health. Twenty-five fathers participated in an online questionnaire regarding their experience of their partner's poor postnatal mental health and the support provided to fathers to help her. Thematic analysis revealed three main themes and seven sub-themes. The themes were: 'Support received to help support their partner', 'Support fathers wanted that was not received' and 'Father's mental health'. The results highlight an overall lack of support for many fathers, despite many wanting support on how to help their partner, information on their own mental health and the services available. Fathers specifically wanted healthcare professionals to sign-post them to someone they can talk to for emotional support, and to be taught coping strategies which would help them to support both their partner and baby. The findings from this study suggest that health professionals and perinatal mental health services need a better understanding about what resources fathers need to support the mental health of themselves and their partner.


Clinical outcomes following total en bloc spondylectomy for spinal metastases from lung cancer.
The current guidelines for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer encourage local curative treatment for selected patients with oligometastases. This study evaluated the surgical results of total en bloc spondylectomy (TES) for isolated spinal metastases originating from lung cancer in carefully selected patients. We retrospectively reviewed 14 patients (7 men and 7 women) who underwent TES for spinal metastases originating from lung cancer between 2000 and 2017. The primary outcome measure was the postoperative overall survival time. The histological types included adenocarcinoma (n = 12), pleomorphic carcinoma (n = 1), and small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) (n = 1 patient). We assessed postoperative survival using Kaplan-Meier analysis and the log-rank test. The median postoperative survival time was 83.0 months (6-162 months) in 13 patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) and 6 months in 1 patient with SCLC. The 3-, 5-, and 10-year overall survival rates in patients with NSCLC were 61.5%, 53.8%, and 15.4%, respectively. Poor postoperative performance status (PS) and Frankel grade, and preoperative irradiation to the vertebrae to be resected were significantly associated with short-term survival after TES in patients with NSCLC (p < 0.05). The surgical results of TES for spinal metastases of lung cancer were relatively favorable among carefully selected patients. TES may be indicated for spinal metastases of lung cancer in patients with controlled primary lung cancer, NSCLC histology, prospect of good postoperative PS, and preferably no irradiation to the target vertebrae.


Dual midfacial distraction osteogenesis for Crouzon syndrome: long-term follow-up study for relapse and growth.
Rigid external distraction osteogenesis is regarded as a standard treatment for congenital midfacial hypoplasia. However, external distraction for the upper portion of the midface is not as effective and tends to rotate the midfacial segment in a counterclockwise direction. Moreover, patients poorly tolerate it because of the device's bulkiness. To prevent such drawbacks of an external distractor, both external and internal distractors were synchronously applied to patients with Crouzon syndrome. In 6 patients with Crouzon syndrome in whom a dual-distraction technique was applied, distraction of the midfacial region was performed for up to a mean length of 15.3 mm. The external distractor was removed after a 1-month consolidation period, but the internal distractor was maintained for more than 6 months. The degree of advancement of the midface and ossification was measured with lateral cephalometry and 3-dimensional computed tomography imaging, respectively. At long-term follow-up (mean, 4.6 years), the facial contours retained the initial distraction geometry with almost no relapse, showing that the ideal facial contour and occlusion could be obtained. Bone deposition was found to be continually progressing even 6 months postoperatively, and more than 6 months of consolidation was required for complete ossification that mainly occurred in the pterygomaxillary junction and lateral orbital wall. The dual-distraction technique can induce balanced growth without the recurrence of hypoplasia, and it may eventually yield satisfactory outcomes in Crouzon syndrome.


Fabrication of γ-cyclodextrin-Based metal-organic frameworks as a carrier of cinnamaldehyde and its application in fresh-cut cantaloupes.
Cinnamaldehyde (CA) is a promising antimicrobial agent for the preservation of fruits and vegetables due to its excellent antibacterial activity. The application is however, limited by its unstable and volatile properties. A biocompatible carbon dots hybrid γ-cyclodextrin-based metal organic framework (CD/MOF) was developed by the seed-mediated method to improve the encapsulation and sustained continuous release of CA. CD/MOF-0.5 exhibited a CA loading efficiency of 28.42% and a sustained release duration time of more than 15 days at 8 oC. The release kinetics results showed that the release behavior of CD/MOF-0.5 fitted well with the Korsmeyer-Peppas release kinetics model, indicating that its sustained release is mainly controlled by diffusion. Both the Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses revealed that CD/MOF-0.5 and CA molecules were linked by hydrogen bonds. Due to the high sustained release performance, CA-loaded CD/MOF-0.5 considerably inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli, hence preventing the spoilage of fresh-cut cantaloupes. CD/MOF-0.5/CA treatment also maintained the qualities of the fresh-cut cantaloupes, prolonging their edibility to five days. This work provides a promising strategy for the prevention of spoilage in food industry.


Clinical manifestations and cerebrospinal fluid status in ocular syphilis in HIV-Negative patients.
Syphilis with ocular involvement has reemerged as a critical health problem. The aim of the present study was to explore the clinical manifestations and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) status in ocular syphilis in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-negative patients. The clinical records of patients with ocular syphilis presenting to the Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital in the period from January 2011 to December 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. The median age of 25 HIV-negative patients with ocular syphilis was 53 years, 18 patients (72.0 %) were males and 7 (28.0 %) were females. None of them self-identified themselves as men who had sex with men (MSM). The ocular lesions included: uveitis (13 cases), optic neuropathy (6 cases), retinal vasculitis (5 cases), retinal detachment (3 cases), and neuroretinitis (4 cases). Serum toluidine red unheated serum test (TRUST) titer ranged from 1 to 512, with a median of 64. Overall, 18 (72.0 %) of the 25 patients had abnormal CSF results, 15 (60.0 %) CSF samples had elevated white blood cell counts, 13 (52.0 %) had elevated protein levels, and 9 (36.0 %) had reactive CSF Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test, respectively. Mann-Whitney U tests showed higher serum TRUST titer (>32) correlated with the abnormal CSF results. The demographic characteristics of patients with ocular syphilis in this study were different from previous reports. The study showed a high CSF abnormal rate in HIV-negative patients. The recommendation for CSF examination from all patients with ocular syphilis, including HIV-negative cases, is strongly supported by the present data.


Bioengineered silk proteins to control cell and tissue functions.
Silks are defined as protein polymers that are spun into fibers by some lepidoptera larvae such as silkworms, spiders, scorpions, mites, and flies. Silk proteins are usually produced within specialized glands in these animals after biosynthesis in epithelial cells that line the glands, followed by secretion into the lumen of the gland prior to spinning into fibers.The most comprehensively characterized silks are from the domesticated silkworm (Bombyx mori) and from some spiders (Nephila clavipes and Araneus diadematus). Silkworm silk has been used commercially as biomedical sutures for decades and in textile production for centuries. Because of their impressive mechanical properties, silk proteins provide an important set of material options in the fields of controlled drug release, and for biomaterials and scaffolds for tissue engineering. Silkworm silk from B. mori consists primarily of two protein components, fibroin, the structural protein of silk fibers, and sericins, the water-soluble glue-like proteins that bind the fibroin fibers together. Silk fibroin consists of heavy and light chain polypeptides linked by a disulfide bond. Fibroin is the protein of interest for biomedical materials and it has to be purified/extracted from the silkworm cocoon by removal of the sericin. Characteristics of silks, including biodegradability, biocompatibility, controllable degradation rates, and versatility to generate different material formats from gels to fibers and sponges, have attracted interest in the field of biomaterials. Cell culture and tissue formation using silk-based biomaterials have been pursued, where appropriate cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation on or in silk biomaterials support the regeneration of tissues. The relative ease with which silk proteins can be processed into a variety of material morphologies, versatile chemical functionalization options, processing in water or solvent, and the related biological features of biocompatibility and enzymatic degradability make these proteins interesting candidates for biomedical applications.


Platelet aggregation and erythrocyte deformability in surgical patients under total parenteral nutrition.
Platelet aggregation (PA) and erythrocyte deformability (ED) were studied in twenty patients undergoing TPN for major abdominal surgery. PA was studied by the method of Born. ED was evaluated using standard filters (Uni Pore) and recording the filterability time (FT). All the patients had normal basal values of both parameters. In those receiving TPN slight increases of PA and FT were noticed after the first post-operative day (ADP 1 muM = 31.29 + 6.4%, EPI 5 muM = 24.08 + 8.2%, COLL 0.5 mug/ml = 27.94 + 6.5%, FT = 35.5 + 3.5''). This trend was more pronounced on post-operative day 4, and was statistically significant on days 7, 14, and 19 (ADP = 49.76 + 8.8, EPI = 57.2 + 11%) (p 0.05), (COLL = 73.2 + 8.6%) (P 0.01), (FT = 65.5 + 10.5'') (p 0.05). Some days after stopping TPN, these values slowly returned towards normal. These changes were not observed in a control group of ten patients, not undergoing TPN. From our data the following conclusions can be drawn: 1) PA is progressively enhanced in surgical patients undergoing TPN and slowly returns to normal several days after oral feeding resumption. 2) There is a significant linear relationship between PA and FT in the post-operative phase.


Masked hypertension and prehypertension: diagnostic overlap and interrelationships with left ventricular mass: the Masked Hypertension Study.
Masked hypertension (MHT) and prehypertension (PHT) are both associated with an increase in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, relative to sustained normotension. This study examined the diagnostic overlap between MHT and PHT, and their interrelationships with left ventricular (LV) mass index (LVMI), a marker of cardiovascular end-organ damage. A research nurse performed three manual clinic blood pressure (CBP) measurements on three occasions over a 3-week period (total of nine readings, which were averaged) in 813 participants without treated hypertension from the Masked Hypertension Study, an ongoing worksite-based, population study. Twenty-four-hour ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) was assessed by using a SpaceLabs 90207 monitor. LVMI was determined by echocardiography in 784 (96.4%) participants. Of the 813 participants, 769 (94.6%) had normal CBP levels (<140/90 mm Hg). One hundred and seventeen (15.2%) participants with normal CBP had MHT (normal CBP and mean awake ABP ≥135/85 mm Hg) and 287 (37.3%) had PHT (mean CBP 120-139/80-89 mm Hg). 83.8% of MHT participants had PHT and 34.1% of PHT participants had MHT. MHT was infrequent (3.9%) when CBP was optimal (<120/80 mm Hg). After adjusting for age, gender, body mass index (BMI), race/ethnicity, history of high cholesterol, history of diabetes, current smoking, family history of hypertension, and physical activity, compared with optimal CBP with MHT participants, LVMI was significantly greater in PHT without MHT participants and in PHT with MHT participants. In this community sample, there was substantial diagnostic overlap between MHT and PHT. The diagnosis of MHT using an ABP monitor may not be warranted for individuals with optimal CBP.


Identification and validation of quantitative trait loci for kernel traits in common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).
Kernel weight and morphology are important traits affecting cereal yields and quality. Dissecting the genetic basis of thousand kernel weight (TKW) and its related traits is an effective method to improve wheat yield. In this study, we performed quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis using recombinant inbred lines derived from the cross 'PuBing3228 × Gao8901' (PG-RIL) to dissect the genetic basis of kernel traits. A total of 17 stable QTLs related to kernel traits were identified, notably, two stable QTLs QTkw.cas-1A.2 and QTkw.cas-4A explained the largest portion of the phenotypic variance for TKW and kernel length (KL), and the other two stable QTLs QTkw.cas-6A.1 and QTkw.cas-7D.2 contributed more effects on kernel width (KW). Conditional QTL analysis revealed that the stable QTLs for TKW were mainly affected by KW. The QTLs QTkw.cas-7D.2 and QKw.cas-7D.1 associated with TKW and KW were delimited to the physical interval of approximately 3.82 Mb harboring 47 candidate genes. Among them, the candidate gene TaFT-D1 had a 1 bp insertions/deletion (InDel) within the third exon, which might be the reason for diversity in TKW and KW between the two parents. A Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR (KASP) marker of TaFT-D1 allele was developed and verified by PG-RIL and a natural population consisted of 141 cultivar/lines. It was found that the favorable TaFT-D1 (G)-allele has been positively selected during Chinese wheat breeding. Thus, these results can be used for further positional cloning and marker-assisted selection in wheat breeding programs. Seventeen stable QTLs related to kernel traits were identified. The stable QTLs for thousand kernel weight were mainly affected by kernel width. TaFT-D1 could be the candidate gene for QTLs QTkw.cas-7D.2 and QKw.cas-7D.1.


Bisphenol A detection based on nano gold-doped molecular imprinting electrochemical sensor with enhanced sensitivity.
A facile electrochemical sensor based on nano gold-doped molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) was proposed to realize the selective detection of bisphenol A (BPA) with enhanced sensitivity. Initially, gold-doped MIP (Au@MIP) film was constructed by electropolymerizing p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) and BPA with in situ gold reduction to distribute gold nanoparticles nearby the imprinted cavities. Subsequently, the template molecules were further extracted from the polymer film, then the MIP could rebind with the template molecules to achieve specific detection of BPA. The nano gold-doped MIP increased the effective surface area and promoted conductivity when BPA was oxidized in the imprinted cavities, which improved the determination sensitivity. Under optimal conditions, the prepared sensor displayed a linear range from 0.5 to 100 μM for BPA detection with a detection limit of 52 nM. The designed sensor was further used to detect BPA in food samples, obtaining satisfactory recoveries from 96.7% to 107.6%.


Clinical predictors of progression and clearance of low-level CMV DNAemia in solid organ transplant recipients.
Low-level CMV DNAemia is common and in the absence of treatment may either progress to higher viral loads that require therapy, or may spontaneously resolve. The clinical predictors of progression and spontaneous viral clearance are not well defined. We performed a retrospective cohort study of organ transplant recipients who had untreated low-level CMV DNAemia (<1000 IU/mL). Outcomes were evaluated for 8 weeks after initial viral detection, and progression to CMV high viral load was defined as CMV viral load ≥1000 IU/mL. CMV DNAemia doubling time was calculated for a subset of patients with sufficient viral load timepoints. Of the 297 patients analyzed, 118/297 (39.7%) patients progressed to a high viral load and the remaining cleared DNAemia spontaneously (46.8%) or remained at low level (13.4%). In multivariate analysis, progression was significantly more likely in lung transplant recipients (odds ratio 3.09) and less likely in those with an episode of previously treated CMV infection (odds ratio 0.081). In a subset of 27 patients with progression, the doubling time for CMV DNAemia was a median of 6.1 days (range 2.4-21.8). We found that previous CMV infection significantly decreased the likelihood of low-level DNAemia progression suggesting that CMV immunity plays a role in progression vs spontaneous clearance.


Erratum to Lifestyle changes might prevent Alzheimer's disease.
[This corrects the article on p. 222 in vol. 3, PMID: 26488018.].


Antidepressants regulate glucocorticoid receptor messenger RNA concentrations in primary neuronal cultures.
Increased cortisol secretion, caused by hyperactivity of the brain-pituitary-adrenal axis, and non-suppression of cortisol secretion following dexamethasone administration are two characteristics frequently associated with major depression or the depressed phase of bipolar illness. Antidepressants, irrespective of their selective inhibitory actions on the re-uptake of serotonin or of norepinephrine, modify glucocorticoid receptor messenger RNA concentrations in primary cultures of rat hypothalamic or amygdaloid neurons in a biphasic manner, with predominant stimulatory effects. This suggests a mechanism whereby antidepressants, by restoring the sensitivity of the limbic-hypothalamic system to glucocorticoid feedback inhibition, reverse the hyperactivity of the brain-pituitary-adrenal axis.


Gastric lavage: a simple method to obtain IgA-rich intestinal secretions from the rabbit.
A lavage procedure was developed to obtain intestinal secretions from rabbits. The procedure facilitated the repeated monitoring of the intestinal IgA immune response of these animals to enteric infection with Campylobacter jejuni. This non-invasive technique was easily performed, reproducible and yielded consistent levels of IgA from rabbit intestinal secretions. It is anticipated that this procedure will aid in the study of the intestinal immune response of rabbits to other enteric pathogens.


[Experience with regard to the use of plasmapheresis in pathologies of resuscitative importance].
After a report on the basic techniques and clinical significance of plasmapheresis, personal experience of the application of the technique on 6 patients with various pathologies is described. The overall results were satisfactory.


Efficient production, purification, and application of egg yolk antibodies against human HLA-A*0201 heavy chain and light chain (beta2m).
The importance of eggs as a source of specific antibodies is well recognized. Egg yolk contains 8--20mg immunoglobulins (IgY) per milliliter. However, the major problem in separating IgY is to remove the high concentrations of lipids in egg yolk. We first used water dilution method to get the supernatant containing IgY, then purified the antibody by caprylic acid-ammonium sulfate method, and obtained specific antibody with satisfactory purity and activity. By comparison of these several methods, each has its advantages, one can be chosen to purify IgY according to practical need. The purified IgY produced by the immunized chickens can stain the human peripheral blood mononuclear cell effectively when labeled with fluorescent FITC.


Distribution of neurons innervating the uterus of the pig.
The distribution of neurons innervating the uterus of the pig was studied with the use of fluorescent retrograde tracer Fast Blue. Tracer injections were made into the uterine cervix, pericervical, middle and perioviductal part of the right uterine horn. After tracer injection into the uterine cervix tracer-positive neurons were found bilaterally in the inferior mesenteric ganglia, paracervical ganglia, paravertebral ganglia L1-S3 and dorsal root ganglia Th10-L4 and S2-S3. After tracer injection into the pericervical part of the right uterine horn the distribution of tracer-positive neurons resembled the one described earlier, except the tracer-positive neurons were absent in the left dorsal root ganglia. After tracer injection into the middle part of the right uterine horn tracer-positive neurons were found in the ipsilateral inferior mesenteric ganglion, bilaterally in the paracervical ganglia and in the ipsilateral paravertebral ganglia (L2-L6). Injection of the tracer into the perioviductal part of the right uterine horn revealed tracer-positive neurons bilaterally in the inferior mesenteric ganglia and paracervical ganglia and single cells in the ipsilateral paravertebral ganglia.


A comparison of pulsed radiofrequency and radiofrequency denervation for lumbar facet joint pain.
Lumbar facet joint pain is a common disorder. The main symptom is chronic lumbar pain, which can reduce quality of life. Radiofrequency has often been used to treat lumbar facet joint pain. However, the effectiveness of this technique has been controversial. This study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) and radiofrequency denervation (RD) for lumbar facet joint pain. One hundred and forty-two patients with lumbar facet joint pain were allocated to two treatment groups: PRF group (N = 72) and RD group (N = 70). Patients enrolled in the study were assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS), Roland-Morris questionnaire (RMQ), Oswestry disability index (ODI) and Short-Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire before therapy, 3 months and 12 months later. There were no significant differences in VAS, RMQ score, ODI score and SF-36 score at 3 months (p > 0.05). Significant differences in pain control were observed in both groups at 12 months (3.09 ± 1.72 vs. 2.37 ± 1.22, p = 0.006). There was a significant difference in RMQ score (11.58 ± 3.58 vs. 8.17 ± 2.34, p < 0.001) and ODI score (43.65 ± 11.01 vs. 35.42 ± 11.32, p < 0.001) at 12 months. The total SF-36 score was higher in the RD group than in the PRF group at 12 months (58.45 ± 6.97 vs. 69.36 ± 6.43, p < 0.001). In terms of complications, skin numbness occurred in three patients. Mild pain such as burning and pinking at the puncture site in two patients. One patient experienced a decrease in back muscle strength and back muscle fatigue. These complications disappeared in 3 weeks without any treatment. There were no serious adverse events in the PRF group. Radiofrequency is an effective and safe treatment option for patients with lumbar facet joint pain. RD could provide good and lasting pain relief, with significant improvement in lumbar function and quality of life at long-term follow-up.


Identifying potential biological processes and key targets in COVID-19-associated heart failure.
Novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) is a new type of viral pneumonia caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that has spread rapidly and become a global pandemic. Heart failure (HF) is the ultimate period of the development of various cardiovascular diseases. There are several research have found that SARS-CoV-2 infection may induce cardiac complications including enhanced cardiac stress biomarkers and heart failure. Our research aims at identifying underlying biological processes and key targets in COVID-19-associated heart failure via bioinformatics analysis. A total of three heart failure datasets and three COVID-19 datasets were obtained using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Batch effects cross each sample were eliminated with surrogate variable analysis algorithm. Then, we identified key modules of COVID-19 datasets and heart failure datasets through weighted gene co-expression network analysis. HF-associated as well as COVID-19-associated key modules were intersected for determining the shared genes of COVID-19-associated heart failure. The pivotal genes associated with COVID-19-related heart failure were determined by intersecting the shared genes with the HF-associated hub genes selected through WGCNA. Furthermore, we conducted GO as well as KEGG enrichment analysis on shared genes of COVID-19-associated heart failure. Two COVID-19-associated key modules as well as three HF-associated key modules were determined. In addition, eleven shared genes for COVID-19-associated heart failure were determined. In conclusion, our work screened two critical genes, namely PYGM and BLM, which may be possible intervention targets for COVID-19-associated heart failure. According to functional enrichment results, the shared genes of COVID-19-associated heart failure showed high enrichment in starch and sucrose metabolism, homologous recombination, Fanconi anemia pathway, and insulin resistance indicate the probably biological processes linked to COVID-19-associated heart failure. These results provided further insights in possible interventional and therapeutic targets of COVID-19-associated heart failure.


Prevention and treatment of sciatic denervation disuse osteoporosis in the rat tibia with capacitively coupled electrical stimulation.
Osteoporosis in the sciatic-denervated rat tibia was both prevented and reversed with a capacitively coupled electrical field. In both the prevention of the development of osteoporosis and the reversal of a previously established osteoporosis, a statistically significant enhancement of wet weight, dry weight, ashed weight, ultimate strength, cortical area, cortical thickness, and a concomitant decrease in cortical porosity occurred in the stimulated, denervated tibiae of the experimental animals compared with the nonstimulated, denervated tibiae of the control animals. These effects exhibited dose-response characteristics. A 60 kHz symmetrical sinewave signal was effective in preventing osteoporosis at a range of 5-10 peak-to-peak, and it was effective in reversing osteoporosis at 10 V peak-to-peak. Reversal of a well-established osteoporosis in laboratory animals has not been reported previously. Continued investigation into the use of a capacitively coupled electrical field in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis seems warranted from these studies.