Learning basic laparoscopic skills: a randomized controlled study comparing box trainer, virtual reality simulator, and mental training.
The objectives of this study were (1) to compare different methods of learning basic laparoscopic skills using box trainer (BT), virtual reality simulator (VRS) and mental training (MT); and (2) to determine the most effective method of learning laparoscopic skills. Randomized controlled trial. King's College, London. 41 medical students were included in the study. After randomization, they were divided into 5 groups. Group 1 was the control group without training; group 2 was box trained; group 3 was also box trained with an additional practice session; group 4 was VRS trained; and group 5 was solely mentally trained. The task was to cut out a circle marked on a stretchable material. All groups were assessed after 1 week on both BT and VRS. Four main parameters were assessed, namely time, precision, accuracy, and performance. Time: On BT assessment, the box-trained group with additional practice group 3 was the fastest, and the mental-trained group 5 was the slowest. On VRS assessment, the time difference between group 3 and the control group 1 was statistically significant. Precision: On BT assessment, the box-trained groups 2 and 3 scored high, and mental trained were low on precision. On VRS assessment, the VRS-trained group ranked at the top, and the MT group was at the bottom on precision. Accuracy: On BT assessment, the box-trained group 3 was best and the mental-trained group was last. On VRS assessment, the VRS-trained group 4 scored high closely followed by box-trained groups 2 and 3. Performance: On BT assessment, the box-trained group 3 ranked above all the other groups, and the mental-trained group ranked last. On VRS assessment, the VRS group 4 scored best, followed closely by box-trained groups 2 and 3. The skills learned on box training were reproducible on both VRS and BT. However, not all the skills learned on VRS were transferable to BT. Furthermore, VRS was found to be a reliable and the most convenient method of assessment. MT alone cannot replace conventional training.


Understanding the complexities of digital dentistry integration in high-volume dental institutions.
The purpose of this article is to detail the primary challenges faced by large dental institutions as they incorporate digital dentistry into their mainstream workflow. Integration of digital technology is easier in private practices with smaller patient volumes and fewer trained staff required. Additionally, in private practices, scanning, designing and milling frequently occur in a single location, which does not require an external digital data transfer. However, large dental institutions must overcome several barriers which are uniquely generated by their large-scale operation. Numerous individuals must be comprehensively and efficiently trained to operate the advanced technologies. The digital software must seamlessly integrate with existing software and an internal infrastructure must be established capable of handling massive data inputs. High-volume production in large dental institutions requires the involvement of external laboratories to meet demand. This outsourcing presents a new challenge of safe digital data transfer in accordance with patient privacy and protection regulations set forth by governing agencies. It is vital for large dental institutions to recognise the unique challenges thrust upon them as they attempt to incorporate a digital workflow. With proper forethought and planning an appropriate infrastructure may be established allowing for a smooth and safe transition to the digital era.


Synthesis by mouse peritoneal cells of G-CSF, the differentiation inducer for myeloid leukemia cells: stimulation by endotoxin, M-CSF and multi-CSF.
Normal C57BL mouse peritoneal cells were able to synthesize material with the ability to induce differentiation in colonies of the mouse myelomonocytic leukemia cell line, WEHI-3B. The active factor was provisionally identified biochemically as the normal regulator, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, G-CSF. Thioglycollate-induced peritoneal exudate cells had little or no capacity to synthesize such material. Production of active material was elevated 10-100-fold by exposure of peritoneal cells to endotoxin, detectable elevations being observed after the addition of as little as 0.8 ng/ml. Production of G-CSF was observed using adherent peritoneal macrophages, was a radioresistant process depending on protein synthesis and was not modified by the absence or addition of T-lymphocytes. Addition of unfractionated media containing M-CSF or Multi-CSF, partially purified M-CSF or fully purified Multi-CSF elevated the production of G-CSF by peritoneal cells from both C57BL mice and mice of the endotoxin-unresponsive strain C3H/HeJ, but an involvement of endotoxin in this process could not be excluded absolutely. The experiments provide further evidence that microorganisms and perhaps hemopoietic regulators play an important role in modulating the production of G-CSF and thus have the potentiality to influence the emergence and progressive proliferation of myeloid leukemia populations.


Perception of causes of malaria and treatment-seeking behaviour of nursing mothers in a rural community.
Maternal health care workers' recognition of malaria, its transmission and treatment of children's fever at community level. Randomised sampling of households with children of 0-5 years. Rural community in a forest zone. Fifty-five households at Ijegemo village, Ogun state, Nigeria were sampled and questionnaires administered to 200 mothers/care workers of children within the age group 0-5 years. Blood smears were obtained from finger pricks and level of parasitemia with malaria parasites determined for each child. Interactions with the women during the survey empowered them with accurate knowledge of malaria recognition, transmission and management of children's fever at the community level. Forty per cent of the respondents did not know the exact cause of malaria, 20% attributed the cause to sunlight, 16.5% to mosquitoes, 12.5% to poor hygiene, 4% to palm oil intake, 4% to blood shortage and 6% to a hot body. Of respondents 85.5% identified stagnant water as breeding site of mosquitoes but could not correlate it with the occurrence of malaria fever. Herbal concoction was the first treatment action. Some of these herbs are listed in the text. Plasmodium falciparum alone was identified in all blood smears. Children at two to three years of age were recorded with the highest percentage (67.5%) of parasite-positive cases with a mean value of 1237.04 +/- 2113.19. This study highlights a critical need for targeting health messages towards poorly educated women in order to empower them with the knowledge and resources to recognise and manage their children's health problems.


The endurance of children's working memory: a recall time analysis.
We analyze the timing of recall as a source of information about children's performance in complex working memory tasks. A group of 8-year-olds performed a traditional operation span task in which sequence length increased across trials and an operation period task in which processing requirements were extended across trials of constant sequence length. Interword pauses were longer than are commonly found in immediate serial recall tasks yet shorter than for reading span. These pauses increased with the demands of recall, decreased across the output sequence, and were to some extent predictive of scholastic ability. Overall, timing data illustrate that recall in working memory tasks involves subtle processes of item access rather than simple readout of information from an immediate store.


Clinical and Molecular Inflammatory Response in Sjögren Syndrome-Associated Dry Eye Patients Under Desiccating Stress.
To evaluate the response of the lacrimal function unit in Sjögren syndrome (SS)-associated dry eye patients exposed to 2 simulated daily life environmental conditions. Prospective crossover pilot study. Fourteen female SS dry eye patients were exposed for 2 hours to a controlled normal condition (23 C, 45% relative humidity, and air flow 0.10 m/s) and a controlled adverse condition that simulates desiccating stress (23 C, 5% relative humidity, and air flow 0.10 m/s). The following dry eye tests were performed before and after the exposure: tear osmolarity, phenol red thread test, conjunctival hyperemia, fluorescein tear break-up time, corneal fluorescein staining, conjunctival lissamine green staining, and Schirmer test. Levels of 16 molecules were analyzed in tears by multiplex immunobead analysis. Clinical evaluation showed lacrimal functional unit impairment after the desiccating stress: significantly increased tear osmolarity (315.7 ± 3.0 vs 327.7 ± 5.1 mOsm/L, P = .03), conjunctival hyperemia (1.3 ± 0.1 vs 1.6 ± 0.1, P = .05), and corneal staining in temporal (3.5 ± 0.5 vs 4.7 ± 0.4, P = .01) and nasal (3.6 ± 0.5 vs 4.5 ± 0.5, P = .04) areas. Tear concentrations increased for interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (16 557.1 ± 4047.8 vs 31 895.3 ± 5916.5 pg/mL, P = .01), interleukin-6 (63.8 ± 20.2 vs 111.5 ± 29.6 pg/mL, P = .02), interleukin-8 (2196.1 ± 737.9 vs 3753.2 ± 1106.0 pg/mL, P = .03), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (101 515.6 ± 37 088.4 vs 145 867.1 ± 41 651.5 pg/mL, P = .03). After the simulated normal condition, only a significant increase in nasal corneal staining (2.9 ± 0.5 vs 3.6 ± 0.5, P = .03) was observed. Even a short exposure to a desiccating environment can produce a significant deterioration of the lacrimal function unit in female SS dry eye patients. The often unnoticed exposure to these conditions during daily life may increase inflammatory activity rapidly, triggering an ocular surface deterioration.


SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Effectiveness against Omicron Variant in Infection-Naive Population, Australia, 2022.
SARS-CoV-2 transmission in Western Australia, Australia, was negligible until a wave of Omicron variant infections emerged in February 2022, when >90% of adults had been vaccinated. This unique pandemic enabled assessment of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine effectiveness (VE) without potential interference from background immunity from prior infection. We matched 188,950 persons who had a positive PCR test result during February-May 2022 to negative controls by age, week of test, and other possible confounders. Overall, 3-dose VE was 42.0% against infection and 81.7% against hospitalization or death. A primary series of 2 viral-vectored vaccines followed by an mRNA booster provided significantly longer protection against infection >60 days after vaccination than a 3-dose series of mRNA vaccine. In a population free from non-vaccine-derived background immunity, vaccines against the ancestral spike protein were ≈80% effective for preventing serious outcomes from infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant.


Effect of tolfenamic acid on canine cancer cell proliferation, specificity protein (sp) transcription factors, and sp-regulated proteins in canine osteosarcoma, mammary carcinoma, and melanoma cells.
Tolfenamic acid (TA) is an NSAID currently under investigation as an anticancer agent in humans. TA induces proteosome-dependent degradation of transcription factors Sp 1, 3, and 4. These proteins are known to be overexpressed in many human cancers. To evaluate the protein expression of Sps in canine tissue, and efficacy of TA against several canine tumor cell lines. Six canine cell lines (2 osteosarcoma, 2 mammary carcinoma, 2 melanoma) were evaluated. Protein levels of Sp 1-4 and their downstream targets were evaluated using Western Blots. Cell survival and TUNEL assays were performed on cell lines, and Sp1 expression was evaluated on histologic samples from archived canine cases. Six immortalized canine cancer cell lines derived from dogs were used. Archived tissue samples were also used. Sps were highly expressed in all 6 cell lines and variably expressed in histologic tissues. TA decreased expression of Sps 1-4 in all cell lines. All of the downstream targets of Sps were inhibited in the cell lines. Variable Sp1 expression was identified in all histologic samples examined. TA significantly inhibited cell survival in all cell lines in a dose dependant fashion. The number of cells undergoing apoptosis was significantly increased (P < .05) in all cell lines after exposure to TA in a dose-dependent fashion. CONCLUSIONS, AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Tolfenamic acid is a potential anticancer NSAID and further investigation is needed to determine its usefulness in a clinical setting.


Our Shrinking Globe: Implications for Child Unintentional Injuries.
Unintentional injuries are a leading cause of deaths for children of all ages. Globally, they accounted for 15.4% of 2.6 million deaths recorded among children aged 1 to 14 years in 2013. The 12 highest burden countries in the world by absolute death count and mortality are low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) except for Russia and Equatorial Guinea. These countries accounted for 58% of the 406,442 unintentional injury deaths among 1 to 14 year olds in 2013. Globalization drives inequalities in the distribution of economic gains, risks, and opportunities for preventing child unintentional injuries between high-income countries and LMIC.


Convolutional neural network for automated classification of osteonecrosis and related mandibular trabecular patterns.
The present study aimed to develop and validate a tool for the automated classification of normal, affected, and osteonecrosis mandibular trabecular bone patterns in panoramic radiographs using convolutional neural networks (CNNs). A dataset of 402 panoramic images from 376 patients was selected, comprising 112 control radiographs from healthy patients and 290 images from patients treated with antiresorptive drugs (ARD). The latter was subdivided in 70 radiographs showing thickening of the lamina dura, 128 with abnormal bone patterns, and 92 images of clinically diagnosed osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). Four pre-trained CNNs were fined-tuned and customized to detect and classify the different bone patterns. The best performing network was selected to develop the classification tool. The output was arranged as a colour-coded risk index showing the category and their odds. Classification performance of the networks was assessed through evaluation metrics, receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC), and a confusion matrix. Furthermore, Gradient-weighted Class Activation Mapping (Grad-CAM) was employed to visualise class-discriminative regions. All networks correctly detected and classified the mandibular bone patterns with optimal performance metrics. InceptionResNetV2 showed the best results with an accuracy of 96 %, precision, recall and F1-score of 93 %, and a specificity of 98 %. Overall, most misclassifications occurred between normal and abnormal trabecular bone patterns. CNNs offer reliable potentials for automatic classification of abnormalities in the mandibular trabecular bone pattern in panoramic radiographs of antiresorptive treated patients. A novel method that supports clinical decision making by identifying sites at high risk for ONJ.


Central stentoplasty: technique for unipedicular single midline vertebral body stent implantation.
Vertebral body stenting, or stentoplasty, is a novel percutaneous option in spinal cement augmentation. Conventional stentoplasty requires insertion of two paramedian stents per vertebral body through a bipedicular approach. We developed an unipedicular approach in which we implant a single stent into the midline of the vertebral body using cone-beam CT guidance and hereby describe the technical details and feasibility, in this technique that we termed "central stentoplasty."


Effects of dietary restriction on gut microbiota and CNS autoimmunity.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common central nervous system (CNS) autoimmune disease. It is due to the interplay of genetic and environmental factors. Current opinion is that diet could play a pathogenic role in disease onset and development. Dietary restriction (DR) without malnutrition markedly improves health and increases lifespan in multiple model organisms. DR regimens that utilize continuous or intermittent food restriction can induce anti-inflammatory, immuno-modulatory and neuroendocrine adaptations promoting health. These adaptations exert neuroprotective effects in the main MS animal model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). This review summarizes the current knowledge on DR-induced changes in gut microbial composition and metabolite production and its impact on underlying functional mechanisms. Studies demonstrating the protective effects of DR regimens on EAE and people with MS are also presented. This is a rapidly developing research field with important clinical implications for personalized dietary interventions in MS prevention and treatment.


A nontoxic additive to introduce x-ray contrast into poly(lactic acid). Implications for transient medical implants such as bioresorbable coronary vascular scaffolds.
Bioresorbable coronary vascular scaffolds are about to revolutionize the landscape of interventional cardiology. These scaffolds, consisting of a poly(L-lactic acid) interior and a poly(D,L-lactic acid) surface coating, offer a genuine alternative for metallic coronary stents. Perhaps the only remaining drawback is that monitoring during implantation is limited to two X-ray contrast points. Here, a new approach to make the biodegradable scaffolds entirely radiopaque is explored. A new contrast agent is designed and synthesized. This compound is miscible with poly(D,L-lactic acid) matrix, and nontoxic to multiple cell types. Blends of poly(D,L-lactic acid) and the contrast agent are found to be hemocompatible, noncytotoxic, and radiopaque. The data show that it is possible to manufacture fully radiopaque bioresorbable coronary vascular scaffolds. Whole-stent X-ray visibility helps interventionalists ensure that the scaffold deploys completely. This important advantage may translate into improved safety, accuracy, and clinical performance of cardiac stents.


A systematic review and meta-analysis of the attachments used in implant-supported overdentures.
To evaluate the survival rate, tissue response, and patient satisfaction of different attachments used in implant overdenture. Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Electronic search of peer-review articles published between 2001 and 2019 assessing the attachments used for implant-supported overdentures was done according to PRISMA Guidelies. The review evaluated sixteen articles related to survival of the attachments, the reaction of the soft and hard tissues along with repair and maintenance of the attachments, and overall performance of the overdenture attachments. There is statistically significant heterogeneity (Q =374.7403, df = 15, and P < 0.0001). The statistics of fixed-effect model reported an MD of - 0.0880 (95% CI = -0.1536; 0.0225). The review evaluated the 16 articles that met with the inclusion and search criteria. The studies were the combination of bar and ball attachments and their subtypes, magnetic and bar attachments, and locator in combination with other attachments. The meta-analysis of combined 16 studies reported acceptable heterogeneity among 16 studies (I 2 = 96%) and reported to be statistically significant (P < 0.01). The survival rate of attachments was in the range of 95.8%-97.5% for bar, 96.2%-100% for ball, 90%-92% for magnet and locator attachments were in the range of 97% after a mean follow-up period of 3 years. The bar attachments reported moderate tissue reaction in the form of mucosal changes, gingival inflammation, and bone resorption. The locator attachments require higher maintenance and repair. The magnetic attachments produce higher bone resorption and readily displace under functional force. Patient satisfaction and compliance was higher for ball, locator, and bar attachments as well as low for magnetic attachment. Thus, the ball and locator attachments excellently perform in terms of survival rate, tissue response, and patient satisfaction.


Diphtheria antitoxin levels in the 14-30-year age group in Italy.
In order to verify diphtheria immunity a seroepidemiological survey was performed in 1996-1997. Serum samples were obtained from 501 subjects 14 years old, recruited at 8 schools in Rome, and from 490 subjects 20-30 years old recruited from 15 Italian regions. Serum diphtheria antitoxin was titrated using the Vero cell assay. The minimum protection level of antitoxin was set at 0.01 IU ml-1. The results show that the younger population have a good immunity to diphtheria while a large proportion of young adults is devoid of protective levels of diphtheria antitoxin. Out of the 501 subjects 14 years old, 495 (98.8%) had a diphtheria antitoxin titre > or = 0.01 IU ml(-1). Only 6 (1.2%) teenagers were susceptible. Out of the 490 subjects 20-30 years old, 109 (22.2%) were susceptible, 381 (77.8%) had a diphtheria antitoxin titre > or = 0.01 IU ml(-1). The data stress for booster immunization at the end of junior high school.


Pregnancy rate and ovarian hyperstimulation after luteal human chorionic gonadotropin in in vitro fertilization stimulated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog and menotropins.
The value of luteal phase supplementation with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) was assessed after a combined protocol of ovarian stimulation, using a long acting gonadotropin releasing hormone analog (GnRH-a) and human menopausal gonadotropins (hMG), in a randomized prospective study of 36 consecutive cycles in an in vitro fertilization (IVF) program. The patients were allocated on the transfer day to either luteal phase supplementation with hCG (Group A, n = 18) or none (Group B, n = 18). Nine patients of Group A conceived as compared with 3 in Group B. Five patients, all in Group A, developed ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) (3 moderate and 2 severe forms). Analysis of the hormonal profiles disclosed similar progesterone (P), estradiol (E2), and E2/P ratio up to the 6th post ovum pick-up day. Then, E2 and mainly P levels decreased only in Group B resulting in a rising E2/P ratio. These findings stress the importance of luteal support in IVF cycles treated with GnRH-a. In light of the increased risk of OHSS among hCG treated patients, further studies are needed to assess the optimal preparation needed.


Convexity of scoliosis related to handedness in identical twin boys with Duchenne's muscular dystrophy: a case report.
The interplay between hand dominance and directionality of scoliosis in boys with Duchenne's muscular dystrophy (DMD) is not clearly defined. We describe an extremely rare presentation of monozygotic twin boys with DMD and opposing hand dominance who developed major spine curvature with opposite convexities. The unique clinical presentation of progressive neuromuscular disease and scoliosis in monozygotic twins should allow for a unique evaluation of some of the contributory factors associated with the development of neuromuscular scoliosis in DMD. In this case report, we explore the pathophysiology involved in neuromuscular scoliosis, examine the role of conservative, surgical, and medical treatments, and discuss potential future avenues of research.


Oxcarbazepine is effective and safe in the treatment of neuropathic pain: pooled analysis of seven clinical studies.
The results of 7 open-label clinical studies on oxcarbazepine (OXC) in different neuropathic pain conditions, sharing the same protocols, were pooled together in order to evaluate whether the results obtained in the individual trials were confirmed in the pooled analysis of this larger sample, providing more evidence for efficacy and tolerability of OXC in these conditions. Eligible patients (>18 years old) with a diagnosis of neuropathic pain were enrolled in seven open-label trials, consisting of a one-week prospective Screening Phase followed by an eight-week Treatment Phase. Treatment with OXC was initiated at 150 mg/day, and the daily dose was increased by 150 mg/day on a 2-3 day basis to the maximum tolerated dose over four weeks, up to 1800 mg/day. The primary outcome measure was the change in the actual pain rating assessed on the visual analogue scale (VAS) between the end of the Screening Phase and the end of the Treatment Phase. One hundred and thirty-six patients were enrolled in the trials. The mean VAS score dropped from 77.13 at the end of the Screening Phase to 38.41 at the end of the trial for a mean reduction of 50.2%. The percentage of responders (mean VAS score reduction > or = 50%) was 49.2%. OXC was well tolerated, with the most common adverse events consisting of vertigo, tremor, somnolence, hypotension and nausea. The results of this analysis suggest that OXC administered as monotherapy is an efficacious and safe option for the symptomatic treatment of pain associated with neuropathies.


Development of a tooth germ within an autogenous clavicular graft.
The left side of the mandible distal to the second primary molar of a 3 years old Southern Chinese boy was resected as a result of osteomyelitis. A diaphyseal clavicular graft pedicled on the sternomastoid muscle was selected for the reconstruction of the mandible. By the age of 6 years, the mandible although stunted in size did exhibit appropriate remodelling. In addition a tooth germ in the region of the second permanent molar was found developing in the autogenous bone graft of the mandible.


Telestroke strategies to enhance acute stroke management in rural settings: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
The potential of telestroke implementation in resource-limited areas has yet to be systematically evaluated. This study aims to investigate the implementation of telestroke on acute stroke care in rural areas. Eligible studies published up to November 2019 were included in this study. Randomized trials were further evaluated for risk of bias with Cochrane RoB 2, while nonrandomized studies with ROBINS-I tool. Random effects model was utilized to estimate effect sizes, and the certainty of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) tool. The search yielded 19 studies involving a total of 28,496 subjects, comprising of prehospital and in-hospital telestroke interventions in the form of mobile stroke units and hub-and-spoke hospitals network, respectively. Telestroke successfully increased the proportion of patients treated ≤3 hr (OR 2.15; 95% CI 1.37-3.40; I2 = 0%) and better three-month functional outcome (OR 1.29; 95% CI 1.01-1.63; I2 = 44%) without increasing symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage rate (OR 1.27; 0.65-2.49; I2 = 0%). Furthermore, telestroke was also associated with shorter onset-to-treatment time (mean difference -27.97 min; 95% CI -35.51, -20.42; I2 = 63%) and lower in-hospital mortality rate (OR 0.67; 95% CI 0.52-0.87; I2 = 0%). GRADE assessments yielded low-to-moderate certainty of body evidences. Telestroke implementation in rural areas was associated with better clinical outcomes as compared to usual care. Its integration in both prehospital and in-hospital settings could help optimize emergency stroke approach. Further studies with higher-level evidence are needed to confirm these findings.


Relationship between the antitrichinellous effect of seven derivates of benzimidazolecarbamates and their chemical structure.
The efficacy of seven more recently developed anthelmintics of the benzimidazolecarbamate group, i. e., parbendazole, mebendazole, fenbendazole, oxibendazole, cambendazole, oxfendazole and albendazole, has been tested in a series of experiments on white mice artifically infected with Trichinella spiralis. Our results disclosed a relationship between their anthelmintic effect and their chemical structure. This finding might be of importance in a targeted synthesis of new, effective, derivates of benzimidazole, e. g., in the therapy of trichinellosis and in the choice of the most effective drug.


Genetic and physical mapping of Pi36(t), a novel rice blast resistance gene located on rice chromosome 8.
Blast resistance in the indica cultivar (cv.) Q61 was inherited as a single dominant gene in two F2 populations, F2-1 and F2-2, derived from crosses between the donor cv. and two susceptible japonica cvs. Aichi Asahi and Lijiangxintuanheigu (LTH), respectively. To rapidly determine the chromosomal location of the resistance (R) gene detected in Q61, random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis was performed in the F2-1 population using bulked-segregant analysis (BSA) in combination with recessive-class analysis (RCA). One of the three linked markers identified, BA1126(550), was cloned and sequenced. The R gene locus was roughly mapped on rice chromosome 8 by comparison of the BA1126(550) sequence with rice sequences in the databases (chromosome landing). To confirm this finding, seven known markers, including four sequence-tagged-site (STS) markers and three simple-sequence repeat (SSR) markers flanking BA1126(550) on chromosome 8, were subjected to linkage analysis in the two F2 populations. The locus was mapped to a 5.8 cM interval bounded by RM5647 and RM8018 on the short arm of chromosome 8. This novel R gene is therefore tentatively designated as Pi36(t). For fine mapping of the Pi36(t) locus, five additional markers including one STS marker and four candidate resistance gene (CRG) markers were developed in the target region, based on the genomic sequence of the corresponding region of the reference japonica cv. Nipponbare. The Pi36(t) locus was finally localized to an interval of about 0.6 cM flanked by the markers RM5647 and CRG2, and co-segregated with the markers CRG3 and CRG4. To physically map this locus, the Pi36(t)-linked markers were mapped by electronic hybridization to bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) or P1 artificial chromosome (PAC) clones of Nipponbare, and a contig map was constructed in silico through Pairwise BLAST analysis. The Pi36(t) locus was physically delimited to an interval of about 17.0 kb, based on the genomic sequence of Nipponbare.


Transcriptome analysis of the Chinese white wax scale Ericerus pela with focus on genes involved in wax biosynthesis.
The Chinese white wax scale, Ericerus pela Chavannes is economically significant for its role in wax production. This insect has been bred in China for over a thousand years. The wax secreted by the male scale insect during the second-instar larval stage has been widespread used in wax candle production, wax printing, engraving, Chinese medicine, and more recently in the chemical, pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetics industries. However, little is known about the mechanisms responsible for white wax biosynthesis. The characterization of its larval transcriptome may promote better understanding of wax biosynthesis. In this study, characterization of the transcriptome of E. pela during peak wax secretion was performed using Illumina sequencing technology. Illumina sequencing produced 41,839 unigenes. These unigenes were annotated by blastx alignment against the NCBI Non-Redundant (NR), Swiss-Prot, KEGG, and COG databases. A total of 104 unigenes related to white wax biosynthesis were identified, and 15 of them were selected for quantitative real-time PCR analysis. We evaluated the variations in gene expression across different development stages, including egg, first/second instar larvae, male pupae, and male and female adults. Then we identified five genes involved in white wax biosynthesis. These genes were expressed most strongly during the second-instar larval stage of male E. pela. The transcriptome analysis of E. pela during peak wax secretion provided an overview of gene expression information at the transcriptional level and a resource for gene mining. Five genes related to white wax biosynthesis were identified.


DNA condensation by cobalt hexaammine (III) in alcohol-water mixtures: dielectric constant and other solvent effects.
DNA molecules condense into compact structures in the presence of a critical concentration of multivalent cations. To probe the contribution of electrostatic forces to condensation, we used mixtures of water with methanol (MeOH), ethanol (EtOH), and isopropanol (iPrOH) to vary the dielectric constant epsilon from 80 to 50. The condensation of pUC18 plasmids by hexaammine cobalt (III), Co(NH3)(3+)6, was monitored by total intensity and dynamic light scattering, electron microscopy, and CD. The total scattering intensity increased as epsilon went from 80 to 70, and the decreased as epsilon decreased further. Ultraviolet spectrophotometry confirmed that the loss of intensity at low epsilon was not due to the particles' settling out of solution. The rate as well as the extent of condensation increased as epsilon was lowered from 80 to 70, and also depended on the species of alcohol (MeOH < EtOH < iPrOH). The hydrodynamic radii RH of the particles, however, remained roughly the same at 300-350 A and was independent of the species of alcohol. RH increased below epsilon = 70. The critical concentration of Co(NH3)6(3+) required to induce DNA condensation decreased from 21 microM to about 16 microM as the dielectric constant decreased from 80 to 70, and decreased moderately with the nonpolarity of the alcohol. The fraction of DNA charge neutralized at the onset of DNA condensation was calculated by a modification of Manning's two-variable counterion condensation theory to be 0.90 +/- 0.01, independent of epsilon. By electron microscopy we observed that the condensed particles changed from about 93% toroids at epsilon = 80 to 89% rods at epsilon = 70 and 98% rods at epsilon = 65. At epsilon lower than 65, DNA collapsed into a network of multistranded fibers. The morphology of condensed DNA particles, whether toroids, rods, or fibers, was independent of the alcohol species. CD spectra in ethanol-water mixtures indicated that both closed circular and linearized plasmids were in the B conformation when condensed with Co(NH3)6(3+) at epsilon > or = 70, although the closed circular molecules exhibited a weak psi-DNA spectrum. A transition from the B to A form took place between epsilon = 70 and 60, well above the normal dielectric constant of epsilon = 40 for this transition, indicating that ethanol and Co(NH3)6(3+) synergistically promote the B-A transition. We interpret these results to mean that alcohols have both electrostatic and structural effects on DNA, leading to three regimes of condensation. At the lowest alcohol concentrations the B conformation is stable and condensation is relatively slow, allowing time for the packing adjustments necessary to form toroids.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)


Environmental heat stress offsets adaptation associated with carbohydrate periodization in trained male triathletes.
Carbohydrate (CHO) intake periodization via the sleep low train low (SL-TL) diet-exercise model increases fat oxidation during exercise and may enhance endurance-training adaptation and performance. Conversely, training under environmental heat stress increases CHO oxidation, but the potential of combined SL-TL and heat stress to enhance metabolic and performance outcomes is unknown. Twenty-three endurance-trained males were randomly assigned to either control (n = 7, CON), SL-TL (n = 8, SLTemp ) or SL-TL + heat stress (n = 8, SLHeat ) groups and prescribed identical 2-week cycling training interventions. CON and SLTemp completed all sessions at 20°C, but SLHeat at 35°C. All groups consumed matched CHO intake (6 g·kg-1 ·day-1 ) but timed differently to promote low CHO availability overnight and during morning exercise in both SL groups. Submaximal substrate utilization was assessed (at 20°C), and 30-min performance tests (at 20 and 35°C) were performed Pre-, Post-, and 1-week post-intervention (Post+1). SLTemp improved fat oxidation rates at 60% MAP (~66% VO2peak ) at Post+1 compared with CON (p < 0.01). Compared with SLTemp , fat oxidation rates were significantly lower in SLHeat at Post (p = 0.02) and Post+1 (p < 0.05). Compared with CON, performance was improved at Post in SLTemp in temperate conditions. Performance was not different between any groups or time points in hot conditions. SL-TL enhanced metabolic adaptation and performance compared with CON and combined SL-TL and heat stress. Additional environmental heat stress may impair positive adaptations associated with SL-TL.


[Aneurysm of the ampulla of Galen. Therapeutic results of a national multicenter study].
A national survey was conducted to assess modalities and results of therapy for aneurysm of Galen's ampulla. Analysis of date showed variations as a function of age at diagnosis. Prognosis appears to improve with increasing age of diagnosis of the lesion, but remains poor generally despite improvement in treatment methods.


Effects of exogenous big endothelin-1 on regional blood flow in fetal lambs.
Endothelin-1, a 21 amino acid polypeptide produced by vascular endothelial cells, has potent vasoactive properties. The purpose of this study was to estimate the effects of exogenous big endothelin-1 on fetal lamb circulation. Regional blood flow was measured by the colored microsphere technique during continuous infusion (60 minutes) of big endothelin-1, or saline (control), in 12 chronically instrumented sheep fetuses. After 60 minutes of big endothelin-1 administration, the fetal plasma endothelin-1 concentration increased significantly from 24.0 +/- 6.7 to 49.7 +/- 31.4 pg/mL (P = .018) without significant changes in fetal arterial blood gases. Continuous infusion of big endothelin-1 decreased blood flow in most organs except the brain and the heart. After the big endothelin-1 infusion, the blood flow to the brain significantly increased from 158 +/- 51 to 174 +/- 71 mL/min/100 g (P = .002); the blood flow to the heart also increased significantly from 171 +/- 95 to 200 +/- 112 mL/min/100 g (P = .001), respectively. Continuous infusion of endothelin-1 decreases blood flow in most of organs except the brain and the heart. It is likely that endothelin-1 plays an important role in fetal redistribution of blood flow.


The arthroscopic treatment of subacromial impingement.
In order to effectively employ arthroscopic techniques for a subacromial decompression, a thorough understanding of the impingement syndrome and its clinical manifestations is necessary. The authors' preliminary experience with the arthroscopic subacromial decompression suggests excellent results with early return to competitive athletics.


Effect of obesity treatment interventions in preschool children aged 2-6 years: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
(1) To summarise the literature on the impact of paediatric weight management interventions on health outcomes in preschool age children with overweight or obesity and (2) to evaluate the completeness of intervention description and real-world applicability using validated tools. Systematic review and meta-analysis. MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library and PsychInfo were searched between 10 March 2015 and 21 November 2021. Randomised controlled trials addressing weight management in preschool children (2-6 years) with overweight or obesity. Two reviewers independently extracted key information from each study and assessed risk of bias. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed where there was evidence for homogeneous effects. The certainty of evidence was assessed by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation. Of the 16 908 studies retrieved, 9 trials (1687 participants) met the inclusion criteria. These interventions used motivational interviewing (MI) or multicomponent educational interventions related to health behaviour approaches and were 6-12 months in duration. All studies contained some risk of bias. A difference was found in the intervention groups compared with controls for body mass index (BMI) z score (mean difference -0.10, 95% CI -0.12 to -0.09; eight trials, 1491 participants; p<0.001; I2 68%), though there was substantial heterogeneity. There were no subgroup effects between studies using MI compared with studies using multicomponent interventions. The certainty of the evidence was considered low. The trials were reported in sufficient detail and were considered pragmatic. Paediatric weight management interventions delivered to the parents of young children with obesity result in small declines in BMI z score. The results should be interpreted cautiously as they were inconsistent and the quality of the evidence was low. CRD42020166843.


Stem cells from birth to death: The history and the future.
The concept that adult stem cells, despite their impressive proliferative potential, are immortal has been challenged by experimental studies of hematopoietic stem cells. In this review, we discuss the properties that characterize a stem cell, the growing list of tissues in which stem cells are found, how they can be identified and isolated, how stem cells may transdifferentiate, and the findings that illustrate how age affects the hematopoietic stem cell population. We propose that an aging stem cell population affects tissue and organ homeostasis, particularly in response to environmental stresses, and we hypothesize that through this mechanism the functional status of stem cells affects the longevity of the organism.


Patient safety culture in primary and home care services.
Safety culture is still a poorly studied subject in primary care and home care, although these settings are considered gateways to access to healthcare. This study aims to evaluate safety culture in primary and home care settings. An observational cross-sectional study was carried out with 147 professionals from nine districts covered by one home care program and six primary healthcare centres. The Safety Attitudes Questionnaire (SAQ) was used to evaluate the safety culture, in which scores ≥75 are indicative of a positive safety culture. A total of 56 (86,1%) questionnaires returned from the home care professionals and 91 (86,6%) from the primary care professionals. The Job satisfaction domain was the best evaluated, achieving a score of 88.8 in home care and 75.1 in primary care. The achievement of high scores on Safety Climate, Job Satisfaction, Teamwork Climate, and Total SAQ was related to male gender, and time of professional experience of three to 4 years. Perception of management and Working conditions had the lowest scores, and this result was related with long time of experience. It is concluded that professionals working in home care gave higher scores for safety culture in their workplace than the primary care workers.


Thickness of the cerebral cortex shows positive association with blood levels of triacylglycerols carrying 18-carbon fatty acids.
Perturbations in fatty acid (FA) metabolism as well as thinning of the cerebral cortex have been associated with cognitive decline in the elderly. Predominant FAs in the brain are docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA). Approximately 2-8% of esterified DHA and 3-5% of esterified ARA in the brain are replaced daily. DHA and ARA are derivatives of 18-carbon essential FAs, α-linolenic acid and linoleic acid, that must be imported into the brain from the circulation. In blood, FAs are primarily transported in triacylglycerols (TAGs) from which they can be released at the blood-brain-barrier and transported inside the brain. We show that circulating levels of TAGs carrying 18-carbon FAs are positively associated with cortical thickness in middle-aged adults. These associations are stronger in cortical regions with higher expression of genes regulating long-chain FA metabolism and cellular membranes, and cortical thickness in the same regions may be related to cognitive performance.


Adult Isthmic Spondylolisthesis: A Radiographic and Outcomes Analysis Comparing Circumferential Fusions Versus TLIF Procedures.
This was a retrospective cohort study. The objective of this study was to compare radiographic and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) between circumferential fusions and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) for adult isthmic spondylolisthesis (IS). Definitive management of adult IS typically requires decompression and fusion. Multiple fusion techniques have been described, but literature is sparse in identifying the optimal technique. Patients with IS undergoing single-level or 2-level circumferential fusion or TLIF with a minimum 1-year follow-up were included. Patient demographics, surgical characteristics, and PROMs were extracted from patients' electronic medical records. Descriptive statistics and multivariate regression analysis compared outcomes with significance set at P -value <0.05. A total of 78 circumferential fusions (48 open decompression and fusions and 30 circumferential fusions utilizing posterior percutaneous instrumentation) and 50 TLIF procedures were included. Length of stay was significantly longer when comparing circumferential procedures (3.56±0.96 d) versus TLIFs (2.88±1.14 d) ( P =0.002). The circumferential fusion group resulted in greater postoperative improvement in segmental lordosis [anterior/posterior (A/P): 6.45, TLIF: -1.99, P <0.001], posterior disk height (A/P: 12.6 mm, TLIF: 8.9 mm, P <0.001), and ∆disk height (A/P: 7.7 mm, TLIF: 3.6 mm, P <0.001). Both groups significantly improved in all PROMs ( P <0.001). While the circumferential fusion group had a significantly higher rate of perioperative surgical complications (12.82% vs. 2.00%, P =0.049), there was no difference in the rate of 30-day readmissions ( P =0.520) or revision surgeries between techniques ( P =0.057). Circumferential fusions are associated with improvements in radiographic outcomes compared with TLIFs, but this is at the expense of longer hospital length of stay and increased risk for perioperative complications. The surgical technique did not result in superior postoperative PROMs or differences in readmissions or revisions.


Management of large incisional hernias with loss of domain: A prospective series of patients prepared by progressive preoperative pneumoperitoneum.
The surgical treatment of giant incisional hernias with loss of domain is challenging due to the possibility of intra-abdominal hypertension after the herniated content is returned to the peritoneal cavity. Progressive preoperative pneumoperitoneum has been described before repair of the hernia, although its efficacy has not been demonstrated clearly. Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy of preoperative progressive pneumoperitoneum in expanding the volume of the peritoneal cavity and the outcomes after surgical treatment of incisional hernias with loss of domain. All consecutive patients with incisional hernias with loss of domain undergoing preoperative progressive pneumoperitoneum and operative repair were included in a prospective observational study. All patients had pre- and postoperative progressive pneumoperitoneum computed tomography of the abdomen. Open incisional hernias with loss of domain repair consisted of anatomic reconstruction of the abdominal wall by complete closure of the defect and reinforcement with a sublay synthetic mesh, whenever possible. The cohort was composed of 45 patients (mean age, 60.5 years). Before the preoperative progressive pneumoperitoneum, the mean volume of the herniated content was 38% of the total peritoneal volume. The mean abdominal volume increased by 53% after the preoperative progressive pneumoperitoneum. One patient died during preoperative progressive pneumoperitoneum, but the postoperative mortality was zero, giving a mortality rate of 2% to the treatment using preoperative progressive pneumoperitoneum. Complete reduction of the herniated content intraperitoneally with primary closure of the fascia was achieved in 42 out of 45 patients (94%). Reinforcement by a synthetic mesh was possible in 37 patients (84%). Overall, surgical complications related directly to the operative procedure occured in 48% of cases. The rates of overall and severe morbidity were 75 and 34%, respectively. At a mean follow-up of 18.6 months, the recurrence rate was 8% (3 out of 37 patients) with non-absorbable meshes and 57% (4 out of 7 patients) with absorbable mesh. Preoperative progressive pneumoperitoneum increased the volume of the abdominal cavity in patients with incisional hernias with loss of domain, allowing complete reduction of the herniated content and primary fascial closure in 94% of patients, with acceptable overall morbidity.


In situ fiber optic method for long-term in vitro release testing of microspheres.
The objective of this study was to develop an in vitro release method for relatively unstable drugs in long-term modified release (MR) formulations, such as microspheres. Drug stability in the release medium can complicate in vitro release testing of such delivery systems. To overcome this problem, a method has been developed where the model drug, cefazolin, and its degradation products are monitored simultaneously, using UV fiber optic probes, to account for cumulative drug release from poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) microspheres. United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Apparatus 2 and 4 were used to evaluate cefazolin release throughout the 30-day study period. Cefazolin exhibits an isosbestic point (wavelength where the drug and the degradation products have the same absorbance). Cumulative drug release was compared at the isosbestic (288 nm) point and at the UV max (270 nm). Monitoring at the isosbestic point allowed determination of total drug release with approximately 100% release by day 25. Whereas, at the UV max approximately 61% release was detected by day 25 as a result of drug degradation. Problems were encountered using USP Apparatus 2 with the in situ UV fiber optic probes as a result of microsphere accumulation at and interference with the probe detection window.


Bowhead whales use two foraging strategies in response to fine-scale differences in zooplankton vertical distribution.
As zooplanktivorous predators, bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) must routinely locate patches of prey that are energy-rich enough to meet their metabolic needs. However, little is known about how the quality and quantity of prey might influence their feeding behaviours. We addressed this question using a new approach that included: (1) multi-scale biologging and unmanned aerial system observations of bowhead whales in Cumberland Sound, Nunavut (Canada), and (2) an optical plankton counter (OPC) and net collections to identify and enumerate copepod prey species through the water column. The OPC data revealed two prey layers comprised almost exclusively of lipid-rich calanoid copepods. The deep layer contained fewer, but larger, particles (10% greater overall biomass) than the shallow prey layer. Dive data indicated that the whales conducted long deep Square-shaped dives (80% of dives; averaging depth of 260.4 m) and short shallow Square-shaped dives (16%; averaging depth of 22.5 m) to feed. The whales tended to dive proportionally more to the greater biomass of zooplankton that occurred at depth. Combining behavioural recordings with prey sampling showed a more complex feeding ecology than previously understood, and provides a means to evaluate the energetic balance of individuals under current environmental conditions.


Angiotensin II augments medullary hypoxia and predisposes to acute renal failure.
The effects of angiotensin II (AII) upon medullary hypoxic injury and kidney function were investigated in vitro and in vivo. Synthetic AII added to perfusate of isolated rat kidneys reduced perfusion flow from 48 +/- 2 ml min-1 (+/- SE) to 19 +/- 1 (P less than 0.001) without altering glomerular filtration rate (GFR), raising filtration fraction from 1% to 3% (P less than 0.001). AII-extended hypoxic injury to medullary thick ascending limbs (mTAL) from 66 +/- 4% of tubules to 79 +/- 3 (P less than 0.05) in correlation with filtration fraction (r = 0.8, P less than 0.001). Addition of indomethacin (10(-4) mol l-1) further extended medullary hypoxic damage to 89 +/- 2% of mTAL (P less than 0.001). Uninephrectomized rats kept in metabolic cages were given AII by continuous infusion (0.1-0.8 microgram min-1) and indomethacin (10 mg kg-1 day-1) for 24 h. Creatinine clearance declined from 1.3 +/- 0.1 ml min-1 to 0.6 +/- 0.06 (P less than 0.001). Morphological examination revealed either selective necrosis of mTAL (in 12 +/- 4% of tubules) or luminal collapse (in 63 +/- 8%). Both necrosis and collapse correlated inversely with creatinine clearance and with each other (r = -0.5, P less than 0.001), the latter correlation suggesting protection from hypoxic injury by cessation of solute delivery. By increasing filtration fraction and decreasing blood flow, AII decreases renal oxygen supply while maintaining oxygen consumption for solute reabsorption. AII may predispose to acute renal failure by augmenting medullary hypoxia.


Congenital absence of the vagina--results of conservative treatment.
To assess the efficacy of a combination of Frank's mold therapy with intercourse as a treatment for congenital vaginal aplasia. From 1973-1993, thirty-three patients with congenital aplasia of vagina and uterus were seen by one gynecologist. Patients with a partner were instructed how to create a functional vagina by a modified form of coitus ('interfemoral intercourse'). Mold therapy (using modified molds) was used as a primary treatment when patients had no partner (n = 9) or added to the treatment of nine patients in whom interfemoral intercourse alone had failed. In case of failure of conservative treatment, the surgical creation of a neovagina (McIndoe procedure) was offered. Conservative therapy in patients with a stable sexual relationship (n = 24) gave significantly better (p = 0.0104) results than when patients were single. In the former, a vaginal depth of > 8 cm was reached within six months at most with intercourse alone and four months if combined with mold therapy. With molds alone, 3 out of 9 obtained a satisfactory vagina. Treatment failures occurred (with one exception) only in patients who had no or unstable sexual relationships. Intercourse as a treatment of vaginal atresia can be very successful, especially if practised together with modified mold therapy. A stable sexual relationship--implying a healthy self-concept--appears to be an important determinant of treatment outcome.


The microphotometric determination of the variability of oxygen saturation of erythrocytes lying within rouleaux.
It was found that by using nonlinear multicomponent analysis with the spectra of oxygenated and deoxygenated haemoglobin as basic spectra the mean O2 saturation of 2 to 3 red cells lying in a rouleau could be determined with an accuracy of 0.5 - 1.0%. At the same PO2 and PCO2 distinct differences in O2 saturation were found in different red cells; for 50% of the saturation values the differences were in the range +/- 1.5%, for 30% of the values, the differences were in the range of +/- 3% and 15% lay in the range of +/- 4.5%. Only 5% of saturation differences were larger than 4.6%. These differences are so large that they have to be considered in calculations of the PO2 from O2 saturation measurements.


Biological function of metallothionein-IV. Biosynthesis and degradation of liver and kidney metallothionein in rats fed diets containing zinc or cadmium.
The half-lives of liver and kidney metallothionein of rats fed diets containing either 2,000 ppm Zn or 100 ppm Cd were determined by a single injection of 14C-cystine. This protein was purified by Sephadex G-75 and DEAE cellulose column chromatography. Half-lives of liver metallothionein in rats fed the basal (18 ppm Zn), high Zn (2,000 ppm Zn), high Zn then basal, and high Cd (100 ppm) diet were, respectively, 3.4, 2.7 1.3, and 3.3 days, and that of kidney metallothionein were, respectively, 2.0, 2.2, 1.4, and 3.6 days. Thus, Cd-thionein has a longer half-life than Zn-thionein in both liver and kidney. The major species of metallothionein, which were separated on DEAE cellulose, had similar half-lives. Metallothionein, a protein having high content of metals and relatively short half-life, is possibly involved in cellular regulatory function.


Impact of pulmonary African trypanosomes on the immunology and function of the lung.
Approximately 20% of sleeping sickness patients exhibit respiratory complications, however, with a largely unknown role of the parasite. Here we show that tsetse fly-transmitted Trypanosoma brucei parasites rapidly and permanently colonize the lungs and occupy the extravascular spaces surrounding the blood vessels of the alveoli and bronchi. They are present as nests of multiplying parasites exhibiting close interactions with collagen and active secretion of extracellular vesicles. The local immune response shows a substantial increase of monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells and γδ and activated αβ T cells and a later influx of neutrophils. Interestingly, parasite presence results in a significant reduction of B cells, eosinophils and natural killer cells. T. brucei infected mice show no infection-associated pulmonary dysfunction, mirroring the limited pulmonary clinical complications during sleeping sickness. However, the substantial reduction of the various immune cells may render individuals more susceptible to opportunistic infections, as evident by a co-infection experiment with respiratory syncytial virus. Collectively, these observations provide insights into a largely overlooked target organ, and may trigger new diagnostic and supportive therapeutic approaches for sleeping sickness.


ACYP2 polymorphisms are associated with the risk of liver cancer in a Han Chinese population.
We explored the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ACYP2 and liver cancer risk. Thirteen SNPs were genotyped in 473 cases and 564 controls. Genetic model, linkage disequilibrium, and haplotype analyses were performed to evaluate the association between ACPY2 SNPs and liver cancer risk. We found that rs6713088 (G allele: odds ratio [OR] = 1.27, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07-1.52, P = 0.007; GG vs. CC: OR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.02-2.1, P = 0.038), rs843711 (T allele: OR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.09-1.54, P = 0.004; TT vs. CC: OR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.13-2.31, P = 0.008), rs843706 (A allele: OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.09-1.55, P = 0.003; AA vs. CC: OR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.13-2.31, P = 0.008), and rs843645 (GG vs. AG: OR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.07-1.82, P = 0.014) were associated with an increased risk of liver cancer. In contrast, rs1682111 (A allele: OR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.640-0.94, P = 0.007; AT vs. TT: OR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.53-0.91, P = 0.007), rs843720 (additive model: OR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.68-1.00, P = 0.049), ATATCGCC and CG haplotypes (OR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.62-0.92, P = 0.006; OR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.65-0.93, P = 0.006, respectively) were significantly decreased liver cancer risk. Our results confirmed that rs6713088, rs843645, rs843711 and rs843706 were significantly increased liver cancer risk, but rs1682111, rs843720 and haplotypes (ATATCGCC and CG) were significantly decreased liver cancer risk in a Han Chinese population.


Unusual etiology of epigastric pain.
Epigastric pain is a common presenting complaint encountered in urgent care settings. Although peptic, biliary, and pancreatic pathologies are the most frequent findings, other rare diagnoses also can be found. We report an unusual case of acute epigastric pain in which abdominal ultrasound was of great support in revealing the diagnosis. A 64-year-old man presented to the Emergency Department after rapid onset of acute epigastric pain. Abdominal ultrasound showed a multi-cystic heterogeneous mass between the stomach and the liver. Abdominal computed tomography scan confirmed the gastric origin of the mass and showed torsion signs. Urgent laparotomy was performed with tumor excision. The diagnosis of pedunculated exophytic gastric stromal tumor was made and long-term follow-up was arranged. Acute presentation revealed the presence of the tumor, which was excised surgically.


Bereavement and loss in childhood.
This article examines the process of bereavement, its clinical presentation, and developmental influences. Family bereavement issues are outlined, pathologic and traumatic bereavement are described, and treatment strategies are suggested.


Internalizing and externalizing behaviors and their association with the treatment of adolescents with substance use disorder.
Whereas the treatment outcome research literature for adolescent alcohol and other drug abuse has shown recent advances (R. J. Williams, S. Y. Chang, & Addiction Centre Adolescent Research Group, 2000), significant knowledge gaps remain. A. E. Kazdin (2001) recently observed that one of the key questions for the field is to identify if client characteristics meaningfully mediate or moderate treatment outcome. There is support from the adolescent clinical literature that internalizing and externalizing personality subtypes are related to the onset and course of youth substance use disorders (D. B. Clark & O. G. Bukstein, 1998). The study extends this literature by examining the association of drug use behaviors outcome and subtyped adolescents (internalizers and externalizers; n = 141) who sought treatment at a 12-Step program. The analysis also includes a community-based control group (n = 94). Specifically, we examined the association of subtype and treatment retention and short-term (Year 1) and long-term (Year 4 and Year 5.5) drug involvement outcomes. Externalizers consistently showed poorer outcomes, including poorer treatment retention and greater drug use and drug disorder symptoms at each follow-up point. The treatment implications of the study are discussed.


Guided bone regeneration to repair an alveolar bone defect in a girl whose cleft lip and palate had been repaired.
We report the case of a girl aged 10 years whose alveolar bony defect was closed with a polytetrafluoroethylene membrane, which was incorporated in bone after 4 months. We suggest that the principle of guided bone regeneration can be used to repair cleft defects provided that the mucoperiosteal flaps are handled carefully and that good anti-infective measures are taken to prevent early exposure and microbial contamination of the membrane barrier.


Parainfluenza virus type 3: isolation from CSF of a patient with Guillain-Barré syndrome.
We report the isolation of parainfluenza virus type 3 from the CSF of a 19-year-old man with Guillain-Barré syndrome. Although parainfluenza viruses are usually associated with respiratory tract illnesses, some strains show a neurotropism not previously appreciated. Thus, parainfluenza viruses may be responsible for a portion of cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome.


Improved fluorometric high-performance liquid chromatographic assay for (-)-carbovir in rat blood and urine.
Carbovir is a carbocyclic guanosine analogue with potent in vitro activity against the human immunodeficiency virus. All of the activity resides in the (-)-enantiomer. An ion-paired liquid chromatographic assay for (-)-carbovir was developed on a Spherisorb C8 column with fluorescence detection (275 nm excitation, 345 nm emission). Guanosine nucleosides are fluorescent at a pH less than 2.5, and fluorescence detection resulted in a four-fold improvement in the limit of quantitation (0.039 microgram/ml) compared to the previously developed assay with ultraviolet detection. Standard curves were processed with an internal standard at (-)-carbovir concentrations of 0.039-40 micrograms/ml in whole rat blood with a solid-phase extraction technique. Total variability was less than 16% at all concentrations and less than 10% at concentrations greater than 0.3 microgram/ml. Within-day variability was less than 7.5% at concentrations greater than 0.3 microgram/ml. Urine was analyzed directly after dilution and an diethyl ether wash to remove impurities. The total coefficients of variation were less than 10% from 0.5-20 micrograms/ml in urine. The concentrations of (-)-carbovir in rat blood were detectable for as long as 8 h after intravenous and oral doses of 20 and 60 mg/kg, respectively.


Comparison of the third-generation streamlined liner of the pharynx airway (SLIPA-3G) with the laryngeal mask airway supreme for laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a randomized prospective study.
The third-generation streamlined liner of the pharynx airway (SLIPA-3G) is a new-generation supraglottic airway device (SAD) that is non-cuffed and disposable, with a sealing pressure that varies dynamically with the airway pressure. This study compared the SLIPA-3G with the laryngeal mask airway supreme (LMAS) in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Two hundred and twenty patients scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomly allocated to either the SLIPA-3G group or the LMAS group. Data were collected on the patients' hemodynamic parameters at different time points, ease of insertion, fiberoptic view, oropharyngeal leak pressure (OLP) at different time points and SAD-related complications. The mean OLP immediately after device placement in the LMAS group was significantly higher than that of the SLIPA-3G group (31.34 ± 6.99 cmH2O vs.28.94 ± 6.01 cmH2O, P = 0.008, 95% CI 0.62-4.17). The OLPs of the two groups were not significantly different after the induction of a pneumoperitoneum until the end of surgery. The OLP increased gradually through the course of the operation in the SLIPA-3G group (P value = 0.035) but not in the LMAS group (P value = 0.945). There was no significant difference between the two groups in hemodynamic parameters, insertion time and success rate, fiberoptic view and complication rate. The SLIPA-3G and LMAS were associated with comparable OLPs, hemodynamic parameters, ease of insertion, fiberoptic views and complication rates when used during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The SLIPA-3G can be used as an effective alternative to the LMAS in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgeries.


[Measuring disease activity for rheumatoid arthritis].
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common systemic inflammatory joint disease. It can be treated effectively with disease modifying antirheumatic drugs, and the currently propagated treatment strategy is to treat RA consequently, and revise the therapeutic approach frequently on the basis of proper disease activity evaluation. In the current review, we focus on the instruments and measures used in the assessment of RA disease activity. We will first consider the so-called core set measures of activity, prividing comprehensive overviews on joint count scales, global scales, pain scales, biomarkers, and functional assessment instruments. The second part of the review focuses on the value of composite measures of disease activity; a term under which we subsume activity indices using various formulae, self-assessment tools of disease activity, and response criteria. Among the inflammatory rheumatic diseases, RA is the one for which the most intensive research is done, and usually instruments that work for RA are further tested for other joint diseases. However, there is still a research agenda for the assessment of disease activity, even for RA. One important aspect is to assess the reliability and utility of all available instruments, including the very low end of disease activity, since remission has become an achievable goal. Another focus of disease activity assessment is to derive measures that work in clinical trials and in daily practice, but are also well understood by patients and physicians. This will further improve our ability to care for patients with RA consequently.


The effects of sexual and asexual reproduction on geographic variation in the sea anemone Actinia tenebrosa.
Allelic and genotypic frequencies were determined for samples from 35 widely distributed Australasian colonies of Actinia tenebrosa and 2 South African colonies of A. equina. These data provided no evidence of gene flow between Australisian and South African Actinia colonies and indicated that there may be some restriction of gene flow between widely separated Australasian colonies.Both species are viviparous, and brooded A. tenebrosa are known to be produced asexually. The present data indicate that, within both species, almost all genotypic diversity is generated by sexual reproduction with recombination. Sexually produced juveniles appear to be widely dispersed and panmixis may occur over thousands of kilometres. However, successful sexual recruitment must be episodic or rare. Colonies on stable shores displayed relatively low levels of genotypic diversity, as compared with expectations for sexually reproducing populations, indicating strong local effects of asexual recruitment. Clonal genotypes may be spread over hundreds of metres of shore, but are typically restricted to discrete colonies. Asexual recruitment is highly localised and asexual dispersal appears to be limited by lengths of shore (≤500 m) which are unsuitable for colonization. Colonies on unstable shores are significantly more diverse genotypically and show little evidence of clonal proliferation.


Recent trends in molecular epidemiology of Hepatitis C virus in Mardan, KPK Pakistan.
To determine the genotypic distribution of HCV, frequency of risk factors involved in its transmission, and correlation of genotype with viral load in Mardan population which is the second largest city of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan. Blood samples of 1140 were collected from different regions of Mardan and major proportion of recruited patients were internally displaced people (IDPs), refugees, and slum dwellers. Complete patient's history was analyzed to assess the possible risks involved in HCV transmission. Viral genotype was determined by PCR (polymerase chain reaction) whereas, HCV RNA was measured by qRT-PCR. Data was analyzed using SPSS statistical software. Our results indicate 3a as the most abundant subtype in Mardan population followed by 3b, 2a, 2b, 4a, untypeable, mixed, 1a, and 1b. In contrast to previous findings, genotype 1 was the least prevalent genotype and the overall prevalence of HCV in Mardan population was significantly higher in females (n = 687, 60.2%) than males (n = 453, 39.7%). Significant difference between-genotypes and gender was observed in genotype 1 (p < .034) and genotype 3 (p < .004). The mean age was 44 (SD ± 9.51). The most frequently found mixed genotype was 3a + 1b and mixed genotype was more prevalent in males. The proportion of middle-aged people (41-49 years) was higher whereas, older and younger people were least infected with HCV. This is the first study that showed substantial correlation of genotype 3 with low and intermediate viral load in Mardan population. Moreover, high and extremely high viral load was associated with other genotypes. Our findings showed that most of the patients who experienced high and extremely high viremia in their blood were males and belonged to Takhat Bhai and Mardaan regions. There were significant difference in the prevalence of HCV genotype 3a (p = .001) and genotype 3b (p = .005) in different regions of Mardan. Pre-treatment viral load is significantly high (p 0.001) in tehsil Mardan patients infected with HCV genotype 3 as compared to other genotypes. Unsafe medical practices such as medical and dental surgeries, intravenous drug use, and blood transfusions were the main risk factors for HCV transmission in Mardan, KPK Pakistan. This study gives clear insights into the epidemiological status of HCV in Mardan population. Genotype 3 is correlated with low and intermediate viral load whereas high viral loads were revealed among patients infected with genotypes other than genotype 3. In the absence of better data and robust epidemiological information, this detailed analysis of HCV genotypes with special reference to risk factors, pretreatment viral load, gender, and age will provide the baseline data for development of optimal HCV eradication and preventive strategies.


Awareness of Asbestos and Action Plans for Its Exposure can Help Lives Exposed to Asbestos.
Despite the fact that asbestos is a known carcinogen to humans, it is still used in industrialized countries, especially Asian countries. The global incidence of asbestos-related diseases (ARDs) due to the past use of asbestos, continues to increase, although many countries have adopted a total ban on asbestos use. The implementation of effective strategies to eliminate ARDs is therefore an important challenge in Asia, where asbestos is still mined and consumed. Collaborative efforts and strategies at the local and international levels are vital, in the pursuit toward the elimination of ARDs in this region.


[Machinable property of a novel dental mica glass-ceramic].
To investigate the machinability of a novel dental mica glass-ceramic and analyze the effect of heat-treatment on its ductile machinable behavior. The drilling and turning experiment were used to measure the machinabilities of the control group (feldspar ceramic: Vita Mark II) and 7 experiment groups treated with different crystallization techniques. The microstructures were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The average drilling depths in 30 s of the experimental groups ranged from (0.5 +/- 0.1) mm to (7.1 +/- 0.8) mm. There were significant differences between the control [(0.8 +/- 0.1) mm] and the experimental groups (P < 0.05) except the group crystallized at 740 degrees C for 60 min. When crystallized at 650 degrees C (60 min), continuous band chips could formed in machining at a high velocity and cut depth. The crystal portion of this group is only about 40%. This material has a satisfactory machinability. The mechanism could be attributed to a combination of the interlocked structure of mica crystals and the low viscosity of glassy phase.


Using global maps to predict the risk of dengue in Europe.
This article attempts to quantify the risk to Europe of dengue, following the arrival and spread there of one of dengue's vector species Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus. A global risk map for dengue is presented, based on a global database of the occurrence of this disease, derived from electronic literature searches. Remotely sensed satellite data (from NASA's MODIS series), interpolated meteorological data, predicted distribution maps of dengue's two main vector species, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, a digital elevation surface and human population density data were all used as potential predictor variables in a non-linear discriminant analysis modelling framework. One hundred bootstrap models were produced by randomly sub-sampling three different training sets for dengue fever, severe dengue (i.e. dengue haemorrhagic fever, DHF) and all-dengue, and output predictions were averaged to produce a single global risk map for each type of dengue. This paper concentrates on the all-dengue models. Key predictor variables were various thermal data layers, including both day- and night-time Land Surface Temperature, human population density, and a variety of rainfall variables. The relative importance of each may be shown visually using rainbow files and quantitatively using a ranking system. Vegetation Index variables (a common proxy for humidity or saturation deficit) were rarely chosen in the models. The kappa index of agreement indicated an excellent (dengue haemorrhagic fever, Cohen's kappa=0.79 ± 0.028, AUC=0.96 ± 0.007) or good fit of the top ten models in each series to the data (Cohen's kappa=0.73 ± 0.018, AUC=0.94 ± 0.007 for dengue fever and 0.74 ± 0.017, AUC=0.95 ± 0.005 for all dengue). The global risk map predicts widespread dengue risk in SE Asia and India, in Central America and parts of coastal South America, but in relatively few regions of Africa. In many cases these are less extensive predictions than those of other published dengue risk maps and arise because of the key importance of high human population density for the all-dengue risk maps produced here. Three published dengue risk maps are compared using the Fleiss kappa index, and are shown to have only fair agreement globally (Fleiss kappa=0.377). Regionally the maps show greater (but still only moderate) agreement in SE Asia (Fleiss kappa=0.566), fair agreement in the Americas (Fleiss kappa=0.325) and only slight agreement in Africa (Fleiss kappa=0.095). The global dengue risk maps show that very few areas of rural Europe are presently suitable for dengue, but several major cities appear to be at some degree of risk, probably due to a combination of thermal conditions and high human population density, the top two variables in many models. Mahalanobis distance images were produced of Europe and the southern United States showing the distance in environmental rather than geographical space of each site from any site where dengue currently occurs. Parts of Europe are quite similar in Mahalanobis distance terms to parts of the southern United States, where dengue occurred in the recent past and which remain environmentally suitable for it. High standards of living rather than a changed environmental suitability keep dengue out of the USA. The threat of dengue to Europe at present is considered to be low but sufficiently uncertain to warrant monitoring in those areas of greatest predicted environmental suitability, especially in northern Italy and parts of Austria, Slovenia and Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro, Albania, Greece, south-eastern France, Germany and Switzerland, and in smaller regions elsewhere.


Does directed exploration influence locomotor activity in a holeboard test?
The effects of three drugs, chosen for their differential effects on directed exploration and locomotion (ethanol, caffeine, and FG 7142), were examined on the locomotor activity of mice in a holeboard apparatus containing either a solid floor or one with four holes in it. The dose-related effect of all three drugs on locomotor activity was not changed by the presence of the holes, although activity was slightly higher when a solid floor was used. The results indicated that the two measures can vary independently and that the directed exploration component (head-dipping) of the holeboard test does not significantly influence the locomotor activity component.


[Urine Protein/Creatinine Ratio Measurement Is Useful to Continue Anti-Angiogenic Agent Treatment].
Aside effect of anti-angiogenic agent treatment is proteinuria. Evaluation of the severity of adverse effects and the decision to discontinue treatment is based on the qualitative analysis of urinary proteins. However, a qualitative analysis result may not be indicative of the actual amounts of protein excreted. In this study, we evaluated the possibility of using the urine protein/creatinine ratio(UPCR), instead of a qualitative urine analysis, to monitor patients treated with antiangiogenic agents. Urinalysis data of patients receiving anti-angiogenic agents-bevacizumab, ramucirumab, or aflibercept-were retrospectively analyzed from clinical records. Acorrelation between the urine protein content(qualitative and quantitative analyses)and continuity of anti-angiogenic agent treatment was evaluated. Atotal of 24 patients (age, 70.83±7.45 years)who received treatment for colorectal cancer(n=17), lung cancer(n=4), gastric cancer(n=2), and breast cancer(n=1)were included. One hundred and sixty-five urinalysis results were collected. Alinear correlation between the qualitative urinalysis results(1+to 3+)and UPCR(r=0.746, p<0.01)was obtained. In patients with a urine protein content of 2+(qualitative analysis), the UPCR was <2.0 for 25 patients and ≥2.0 but <3.5 for 4 patients. Similarly, in patients with a urine protein content of 3+, the UPCR was <2.0 for 3 patients and ≥2.0 but <3.5 for 1 patient. Seventeen patients with a urine protein content of 2+ and 3 patients with a urine protein content of 3+ discontinued treatment with anti-angiogenic agents before estimation of the UPCR could be performed. These figures were reduced to 4 patients and 2 patients, respectively, following UPCR assessment. Switching the estimation of proteinuria from a qualitative analysis to UPCR might lead to better safety monitoring and prevent unnecessary discontinuation of anti-angio- genic agent treatment.


DOX-loaded hydroxyapatite nanoclusters for colorectal cancer (CRC) chemotherapy: Evaluation based on the cancer cells and organoids.
It is meaningful to find suitable in vitro models for preclinical toxicology and efficacy evaluation of nanodrugs and nanocarriers or drug screening and promoting clinical transformation of nanocarriers. The emergence and development of organoids technology provide a great possibility to achieve this goal. Herein, we constructed an in vitro 3D organoid model to study the inhibitory effect of nanocarriers on colorectal cancer. And designed hydroxyapatite nanoclusters (c-HAP) mediated by polydopamine (PDA) formed under alkaline conditions (pH 9.0), then used c-HAP to load DOX (c-HAP/DOX) as nanocarrier for improved chemotherapy. In vitro, drug release experiments show that c-HAP/DOX has suitable responsive to pH, can be triggered to the facile release of DOX in a slightly acidic environment (pH 6.0), and maintain specific stability in a neutral pH value (7.4) environment. c-HAP/DOX showed an excellent antitumor effect in the two-dimensional (2D) cell model and three-dimensional (3D) patient-derived colon cancer organoids (PDCCOs) model. In addition, c-HAP/DOX can release a sufficient amount of DOX to produce cytotoxicity in a slightly acidic environment, entering efficiently into the colorectal cancer cells caused endocytosis and induced apoptosis. Therefore, organoids can serve as an effective in vitro model to present the structure and function of colorectal cancer tissues and be used to evaluate the efficacy of nanocarriers for tumors.


Oxidative Status in Epileptic Children Using Carbamazepine.
There is an increasing attention towards the relationship between oxidative stress and epilepsy. The effect of antiepileptic drugs on oxidant status is of major interest. Antiepileptic drugs can increase levels of free radicals, which consequently might lead to seizures. Carbamazepine (CBZ) is an antiepileptic drug commonly used in childhood and adolescence. Therefore we aimed to investigate the effects of CBZ on total antioxidant status, total oxidant stress, and oxidative stress index. The study included 40 epileptic patients and 31 healthy children between 4 and 12 years of age. Serum CBZ level, total antioxidant capacity and total oxidant status were measured. Oxidative stress index was also calculated both in controls and patients. In the epileptic group, decreased levels of total antioxidant capacity, increased total oxidative stress and oxidative stress index levels were found. Positive correlation between plasma CBZ levels and total oxidant status was observed. Antioxidant action could not be playing any role in antiepileptic effect of CBZ. Furthermore, increased oxidative stress induced by CBZ could be the cause of CBZ-induced seizures. Therefore combining CBZ with antioxidants could be beneficial.


Immunoadsorption therapy for paraneoplastic syndromes.
Paraneoplastic neurologic syndromes associated with systemic cancer are being increasingly recognized. Although these syndromes are thought to be immunologically mediated treatment with steroids, immunoglobulin and plasmapharesis has been disappointing. Based on our preliminary experience with the treatment of 6 cases of paraneoplastic neurologic syndromes with protein A immunoadsorption, an institutional, open-arm treatment protocol was established. Since our original report we have treated an additional 7 patients with this method. The 13 cases were accrued over a 2 year period and included 10 women and 3 men with an average age of 63. The paraneoplastic syndromes included 6 cases of cerebellar degeneration, 3 cases of opsoclonus/myoclonus, 3 cases of encephalomyelitis and 1 case of Lambert Eaton myasthenic syndrome. Primary cancers included 4 cases of small cell lung cancer, 2 cases of breast cancer, 2 cases of lymphoma and 1 each of acinic cell cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, Merkel cell cancer, pancreatic adenocarcinoma and rectal cancer. Anti-neuronal antibody status, cerebrospinal fluid and neuroimaging studies as well as cancer staging and treatment protocols were reviewed. Neurologic syndromes were clinically separated into component symptoms and signs for assessment of treatment effect. The treatment goal was a total of 6 sessions of protein A immunoadsorption given twice weekly. Twelve of 13 patients completed therapy and one patient developed cutaneous vasculitis during the second session with termination of treatment. Of the remaining patients 3/12 had a complete response of the primary clinical symptom/sign while 6/12 had a partial response for a total response rate of 9/12 (75%). Toxicity was limited to cutaneous vasculitis in 1 patient and an episode of hemisensory changes in another patient. Current treatment of paraneoplastic neurologic syndromes remains unsatisfactory. Despite the small number of patients in this report, protein A immunoadsorption is a promising therapy which deserves further study in a larger population of patients with paraneoplastic syndromes.


Hydrothermal synthesis of titanium dioxide nanoparticles: mosquitocidal potential and anticancer activity on human breast cancer cells (MCF-7).
Mosquito vectors (Diptera: Culicidae) are responsible for transmission of serious diseases worldwide. Mosquito control is being enhanced in many areas, but there are significant challenges, including increasing resistance to insecticides and lack of alternative, cost-effective, and eco-friendly products. To deal with these crucial issues, recent emphasis has been placed on plant materials with mosquitocidal properties. Furthermore, cancers figure among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with approximately 14 million new cases and 8.2 million cancer-related deaths in 2012. It is expected that annual cancer cases will rise from 14 million in 2012 to 22 million within the next two decades. Nanotechnology is a promising field of research and is expected to give major innovation impulses in a variety of industrial sectors. In this study, we synthesized titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles using the hydrothermal method. Nanoparticles were subjected to different analysis including UV-Vis spectrophotometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), zeta potential, and energy-dispersive spectrometric (EDX). The synthesized TiO2 nanoparticles exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity against human breast cancer cells (MCF-7) and normal breast epithelial cells (HBL-100). After 24-h incubation, the inhibitory concentrations (IC50) were found to be 60 and 80 μg/mL on MCF-7 and normal HBL-100 cells, respectively. Induction of apoptosis was evidenced by Acridine Orange (AO)/ethidium bromide (EtBr) and 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole dihydrochloride (DAPI) staining. In larvicidal and pupicidal experiments conducted against the primary dengue mosquito Aedes aegypti, LC50 values of nanoparticles were 4.02 ppm (larva I), 4.962 ppm (larva II), 5.671 ppm (larva III), 6.485 ppm (larva IV), and 7.527 ppm (pupa). Overall, our results suggested that TiO2 nanoparticles may be considered as a safe tool to build newer and safer mosquitocides and chemotherapeutic agents with little systemic toxicity.


[Effectiveness and time to onset of pregabalin in patients with neuropathic pain].
The data from a previously published 12-week randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicentre study on the efficacy and safety of pregabalin were analyzed for time to onset of analgesic action with neuropathic pain. A total of 338 patients with postherpetic neuralgia or painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy were treated with flexible or fixed regimens of pregabalin at daily doses of up to 600 mg/day (n=141 and 132, respectively) or placebo (n=65). Under fixed dose treatment, a decrease of one full point on the 11-point numerical rating pain scale was reached on day 1, two full points on day 13, and three full points on day 23 (under flexible dose pregabalin: on days 6, 17 and 30). In both treatment arms, pain reduction was statistically significant (P=0.001, P=0.002 vs placebo, respectively). In patients with chronic neuropathic pain, the analgesic effect of both pregabalin treatment regimens was high and associated with a rapid time to onset.


Evaluation of scattered radiation from fluoroscopy using small OSL dosimeters.
Recently, there has been a significant amount of interest in studying the importance of radiation doses to the eye lens during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). A study that focused on measuring the scattered radiation using an ionization chamber survey meter reported that a lead curtain was useful in reducing the scattered radiation. The over-couch X-ray tube system tends to deliver higher doses to the head and neck of the staff involved in the procedure than the under-couch X-ray tube position. In this study, a small optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dosimeter called the nanoDot was used to evaluate and measure the amount of radiation; this dosimeter was developed by Landauer Ltd. and was specifically designed for point measurements. There are numerous studies that have reported the usefulness of personal OSL dosimeters other than the nanoDot to measure scattered radiation. Here, we evaluated the amount of scattered radiation, along with the degree of reduction achieved with the use of a protective curtain, while employing a personal OSL dosimeter and nanoDot. When the scattered radiation dose was measured using the nanoDot, the maximum recorded value without a protective curtain was 0.363 mGy and that with a protective curtain was 0.026 mGy, both at the height of 100 cm. The maximum reduction rate of scattered radiation while using a protective curtain was approximately 93% and 97% at 100 cm and 150 cm, respectively. The measured values recorded using both personal OSL dosimeters and nanoDot machine were strongly correlated.


"Well, what can I do?": An examination of the role supervisors, peers and scientific societies can play in the multicultural student experience.
International graduate students are a multi-cultural and diverse demographic of researchers that are integral to higher education globally. Although their contributions to research and innovation are acknowledged, the experiences of international students overseas are influenced by structural inequalities and challenges, some similar, and some unique to their domestic colleagues, that are often compounded by a "deficit narrative". This paper was defined by the inaugural 'Pressure Cooker' workshop held at the Australian and New Zealand Placental Association (ANZPRA) conference in 2022, and discusses some of the major institutional and social structures that can define an international student's graduate degree trajectory. Further, we provide examples of collaborative programs and methods for academics, scientific societies and domestic graduate peer groups to promote an equitable and accessible environment for all researchers.


The effects of desvenlafaxine on neurocognitive and work functioning in employed outpatients with major depressive disorder.
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with staggering personal and economic costs, a major proportion of which stem from impaired psychosocial and occupational functioning. Few studies have examined the impact of depression-related cognitive dysfunction on work functioning. We examined the association between neurocognitive and work functioning in employed patients with MDD. Employed adult outpatients (n=36) with MDD of at least moderate severity (≥23 on the Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale, MADRS) and subjective cognitive complaints completed neurocognitive tests (CNS Vital Signs computerized battery) and validated self-reports of their work functioning (LEAPS, HPQ) before and after 8 weeks of open-label treatment with flexibly-dosed desvenlafaxine 50-100mg/day. Relationships between neurocognitive tests and functional measures were examined using bivariate correlational and multiple regression analyses, as appropriate. An ANCOVA model examined whether significant change in neurocognitive performance, defined as improvement of ≥1SD in the Neurocognition Index (NCI) from baseline to post-treatment, was associated with improved outcomes. Patients showed significant improvements in depressive symptom, neurocognitive, and work functioning measures following treatment with desvenlafaxine (e.g., MADRS response=77% and MADRS remission=49%). There were no significant correlations between changes in NCI or cognitive domain subscales and changes in MADRS, LEAPS, or HPQ scores. However, patients demonstrating significant improvement in NCI scores (n=11, 29%) had significantly greater improvement in clinical and work functioning outcomes compared to those without NCI improvement. The limitations of this study include small sample size, lack of a placebo control group, and lack of a healthy comparison group. Our sample also had more years of education and higher premorbid intelligence than the general population. There were no significant correlations between changes in neurocognitive and work functioning measures in this study. However, meaningful improvement in neurocognitive functioning with desvenlafaxine was associated with greater improvement in both mood and occupational outcomes. This suggests that addressing cognitive dysfunction may improve clinical and occupational outcomes in employed patients with MDD. However, the relationship between neurocognitive and work functioning in MDD is complex and requires further study.


Controlled beat-wave Brillouin scattering in the ionosphere.
Stimulated Brillouin scattering experiments in the ionospheric plasma using a single electromagnetic pump wave have previously been observed to generate an electromagnetic sideband wave, emitted by the plasma, together with an ion- acoustic wave. Here we report results of a controlled, pump and probe beat-wave driven Brillouin scattering experiment, in which an ion-acoustic wave generated by the beating of electromagnetic pump and probe waves, results in electromagnetic sideband waves that are recorded on the ground. The experiment used the EISCAT facility in northern Norway, which has several high power electromagnetic wave transmitters and receivers in the radio frequency range. An electromagnetic pump consisting of large amplitude radio waves with ordinary (O) or extraordinary (X) mode polarization was injected into the overhead ionosphere, along with a less powerful probe wave, and radio sideband emissions observed on the ground clearly show stimulated Brillouin emissions at frequencies agreeing with, and changing with, the pump and probe frequencies. The experiment was simulated using a numerical full-scale model which clearly supports the interpretation of the experimental results. Such controlled beat-wave experiments demonstrate a way of remotely investigating the ionospheric plasma parameters.


[Contents and peculiarities of the activity of psychologists in psychiatry and neurology under the conditions of a university hospital of neurological psychistry].
The qualification of clinical psychologists and their theoretically possible and practically realized employments are discussed from the practical psychologist's viewpoint and with reference to the historical development of clinical psychology.


Temporality of ovarian steroids and LH/FSH pulse profiles encompassing selection of the dominant follicle in heifers†.
The tested hypotheses were (1) LH/FSH pulses and F2 diameter are diminished by P4 and, (2) E2 increases during the transition to deviation and alters LH/FSH pulses. On Day 5 (Day 0 = ovulation), heifers were randomized into an untreated group (HiP4, n = 11), and a prostaglandin analog treated group (NoP4, n = 10). On Day 6, a follicular wave was induced by follicle ablation. Ultrasound and blood collections were performed every 12 h from Days 7 to 11. Blood was collected every 15 min for 10 h on Day 9 (largest follicle expected to be ~7.5 mm). Estradiol was ~75% greater (0.36 ± 0.14 vs 0.63 ± 0.19 pg/mL) in heifers with F1 ≥ 7.2 mm than in heifers with F1 < 7.2 mm. The HiP4 had smaller second largest follicle (F2) diameter, lower estradiol (P = 0.06), LH pulse baseline and peak concentrations (P < 0.007), in addition to half the frequency of LH/FSH pulses (4.1 ± 0.3 vs 9.6 ± 0.7 in 10 h) than the NoP4. Within HiP4, heifers with F1 ≥ 7.2 mm had ~25% fewer (P = 0.03) LH pulses compared to heifers with F1 < 7.2 mm. In contrast, within the NoP4, heifers with F1 ≥ 7.2 mm had ~75% greater LH (P = 0.05) and FSH (P = 0.08) pulse amplitude. We propose that greater F2 diameter at deviation in low P4 is related to greater LH baseline and peak concentrations, and greater frequency of LH/FSH pulses. A greater increase in E2 after F1 reaches ~7.2 mm results in further stimulation of LH/FSH pulse amplitude. Elevated P4 not only diminished frequency of LH/FSH pulses but also converted an E2 increase into a negative feedback effect on LH/FSH pulse frequency leading to smaller F2 at deviation.


Prediction of the birch pollen season characteristics in Cracow, Poland using an 18-year data series.
The aim of the study was to construct the model forecasting the birch pollen season characteristics in Cracow on the basis of an 18-year data series. The study was performed using the volumetric method (Lanzoni/Burkard trap). The 98/95 % method was used to calculate the pollen season. The Spearman's correlation test was applied to find the relationship between the meteorological parameters and pollen season characteristics. To construct the predictive model, the backward stepwise multiple regression analysis was used including the multi-collinearity of variables. The predictive models best fitted the pollen season start and end, especially models containing two independent variables. The peak concentration value was predicted with the higher prediction error. Also the accuracy of the models predicting the pollen season characteristics in 2009 was higher in comparison with 2010. Both, the multi-variable model and one-variable model for the beginning of the pollen season included air temperature during the last 10 days of February, while the multi-variable model also included humidity at the beginning of April. The models forecasting the end of the pollen season were based on temperature in March-April, while the peak day was predicted using the temperature during the last 10 days of March.