Severe tick-borne encephalitis in a patient recovered from COVID 19.
North-eastern Poland is an endemic region for tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). The COVID-19 pandemic overlapped with the activity period of ticks that are the main vectors for TBE. As we know from short observation worldwide, SARS-CoV-2 virus affects significantly the immune system and can lead to serious complications of other infections even in previously healthy patients. A 24-year-old female patient, who lived close to the forest, was admitted to the Department of Neurology at Medical University of Bialystok with fever, dizziness, and progressive left-sided hemiparesis for three days. She had no medical history of chronic disease and was not vaccinated against TBE. The patient had SARS-CoV-2 infection three weeks prior to admission to the hospital (positive IgG against SARS-CoV-2). During COVID-19 infection she had fever, myalgia, a mild dyspnoea without indications for oxygen therapy and recovered after one week. During hospitalisation in the Department of Neurology the patient presented neck stiffness, progressing tetraparesis, dysarthria and weakness of the neck muscles. The magnetic resonance of the head revealed numerous lesions, mainly in both thalamus, longitudinal lesion was found in the cervical spinal cord. The cerebrospinal fluid analysis indicated lymphocytic inflammation. A high level of TBE antibodies in both serum and CSF was found. After immunoglobulin and symptomatic treatment her condition gradually improved. The recovery after SARS-CoV-2 infection overlapping with TBE might have influenced the course of tick-borne disease in a bad manner. The correct diagnosis can be a challenge as COVID-19 can lead to further complications, also neurological. The co-incidence we observed is very rare, however during the pandemic it is pivotal to remember about possible occurrence of other infections and their atypical course.


First Report of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients with Implanted InterStim Twin (model 7427T) Sacral Nerve Stimulator.
To detect possible effects of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans on the function of an InterStim Twin sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) device and on patient's health. There is no authorization for MRI scans in InterStim Twin SNS at all. 10 patients with Interstim Twin sacral nerve stimulator implants underwent a singular MRI scan. Before the MRI was performed, the SNS device function was evaluated and the device was deactivated be the implanting urologist. A continuous monitoring took place during MRI procedure. Micturition-time chart pre- and post MRI procedures were conducted. After the MRI session was completed, the implanted device was examined once more and reactivated, function then was evaluated. A total of 10 patients required MRI examinations in 8 different body regions. No patient reported pain or discomfort during and after the MRI scan. After reactivation of the InterStim Twin device following the MRI, impedances and stimulation amplitude, micturition frequency, urgency, and incontinence episodes remained stable. No significant differences between pre- and post MRI were found (p>0.05). This is the first report of patients successfully undergoing a MRI scan despite a previously implanted Interstim Twin sacral nerve stimulator. No negative effect of SNS function or negative side effects for the patients were observed.


Solitary oropharyngeal neurofibroma: MR appearance with pathologic correlation and review of the literature.
Although neurofibroma is a common soft tissue tumor of the head and neck, neurofibroma of the oropharynx is extremely rare. Here, we report a case of neurofibroma of the palatine tonsil. Magnetic resonance imaging was useful in demonstrating the location of the tumor as well as its well-defined appearance. The present case showed a target sign; the tumor exhibited peripheral hyperintensity and central hypointensity on T2-weighted images, reflecting its characteristic zonal anatomy.


On urea formation in marine mammals.
Ornithine carbamoyltransferase (EC 18.104.22.168) has been determined in homogenates of liver of the sei whale (Balaenoptera borealis), the bottle-nose dolphin (porpoise) (Tursiops truncatus) and California sea lion (Zalophus californianus). These marine mammals show levels of this ornithine-urea cycle enzyme which are typical of terrestrial mammals.


To explore the effectiveness of atorvastatin in the postoperative formation of collateral blood vessels after encephaloduroarteriosynangiosis in patients with moyamoya disease: a prospective double-blind randomized controlled study.
The aim of this large, prospective, double-blind randomized controlled trial is to investigate the effect of atorvastatin on the formation of collateral blood vessels in patients after encephaloduroarteriosynangiosis (EDAS) and to provide a theoretical basis for clinical drug intervention. Specifically, we will determine whether atorvastatin has an effect on the development of collateral vascularization and on cerebral blood perfusion after revasculoplasty in patients with moyamoya disease (MMD). Overall, 180 patients with moyamoya disease will be recruited and randomly assigned to the atorvastatin treatment group or the placebo control group in a 1:1 ratio. Before revascularization surgery, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning and digital subangiography (DSA) examination will be routinely performed on the enrolled patients. All patients will receive intervention via EDAS. According to the randomization results, patients in the experimental group will be treated with atorvastatin (20 mg/day, once a day, for 8 weeks) and patients in the control group will be treated with placebo (20 mg/day, once a day, for 8 weeks). All participants will return to the hospital for MRI scan and DSA examination 6 months after EDAS surgery. The primary outcome of this trial will be the difference in the formation of collateral blood vessels revealed by DSA examination at 6 months after EDAS surgery between the two groups. The secondary outcome will be an improvement in the dynamic susceptibility contrast sequence cerebral perfusion on MRI at 6 months after EDAS, compared to the preoperative baseline. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the First Medical Center of the PLA General Hospital. All participates will voluntary provide written informed consent before participating in the trial. ClinicalTrials.gov, ChiCTR2200064976.


Digital communication use before and during COVID among residential older adults.
Many older adults living in residential care facilities do not use digital communication technologies. The study was a retrospective pre-post study testing the impact of a digital communication program instituted at two Continuing Care Retirement Communities. We distributed a survey between March 2021 and April 2021 to examine study objectives. Data analyses were performed using JMP Pro 16.1 and SAS 9.4. One hundred twenty-six people started the survey, with 120 completing the survey and included in the analysis. The mean age was 84 years, 67.5% were female, 95.8% were White, 64.2% were widowed, and 35.3% reported at least a bachelor's degree level of education. There were minimal increases in digital communication behavior and communication frequency. Older adults most notably reported privacy concerns and have mixed responses about the utility of digital communication for social engagement. We apply the results to the Stage of Change model and provide recommendations to promote behavior change.


Inhibition of hepatic uptake of bile acids by rifamycins.
The effect of rifamycin SV and rifampicin on hepatic acid uptake was studied using isolated rat hepatocytes in presence and in absence of albumin. The drugs inhibited cholate uptake more than taurocholate uptake and the inhibition was of non-competitive type. In presence of 3% albumin the inhibitory effect of the drugs was more for cholate and less for taurocholate uptake than in absence of albumin. Neither the binding of bile acids nor that of the drugs to albumin was altered by one another. Thus the effect in presence of albumin cannot be explained by the binding of the drugs and bile acids to albumin alone. It is suggested that albumin interacts with hepatic bile acid uptake process and this interaction with cholate uptake is different from that with taurocholate uptake. This additional and different effect of albumin may explain the effect of the drugs in presence of albumin. The results may be of clinical significance in rifamycins treatments.


Meningioma of the third ventricle.
Meningiomas of the anterior third ventricle are extremely rare; the authors present a case of a fibroblastic meningioma that obstructed the foramen of Monro and was associated with a hypertrophic calcified choroid plexus.


Interspinous implants to treat spinal stenosis.
Lumbar spinal stenosis has historically been treated with open decompressive surgery which is associated with significant morbidity and may give rise to various complications. Interspinous spacers (ISS) have been developed as a less invasive strategy which may serve to avoid many of these risks. The two current spacers that are FDA approved and commercially available are the Coflex and Superion devices. The goal is to review these two implants, their indications, and patient selection. The Coflex device has been shown to be analogous to decompression and fusion when treating moderate spinal stenosis. It provides dynamic stability after a decompression is performed, without the rigidity of pedicle-screw instrumentation. Recent results show improved outcomes in Coflex patients at 3 years of follow-up, as compared to decompression and fusion. The Superion implant is placed percutaneously in the interspinous space with minimal disruption of spinal anatomy. When compared to the X-Stop device (which is no longer available), the Superion implant shows improved outcomes at 3 years of follow-up. ISS are lesser invasive options as compared to formal decompression and fusion for the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis.


Growth in bone and body size among Asian and white girls in the Female Adolescent Maturation (FAM) study.
This study intends to identify differences in growth of Asian and White girls. Asian girls gained bone at similar rates to White girls. Physical activity was important to bone growth. Ethnic differences remained after adjusting for physical activity, demographics, and diet. Physical activity can improve bone gain. The purpose of this study is to examine differences in body size and bone growth of Asian, White, and Asian-White Mixed girls. Three prospective examinations of 99 Asian, 73 White, and 63 Mixed Asian and White girls, with a mean age of 11.0 years at enrollment were performed. Calcaneal bone mass, skeletal breadths, and body fat were measured. Physical activity, diet, and birth size were reported. The analyses examined the extent that body dimensions and bone size changed over time by demographic, diet, physical activity, body, and bone size parameters. White children were the most physically active yet had lower calcaneal ultrasound values for speed of sound (SOS). Based on regression models, bone mass, and subscapular skinfold thickness were greater in Asian girls compared to White and Asian-White Mixed girls at age 10 years. Asian-White Mixed girls had greater BMI compared to Asian or White girls. Asian girls gained body size more slowly than White girls, but changes in bone parameters did not differ significantly; Asian-White Mixed girls gained abdomen, hip, and weight more slowly than White girls. Among all girls, SOS and broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) increased significantly by level of physical activity before 12 years, but not after. Asian girls had more upper body (subscapular) fat at age 10 years and gained height and hip and abdomen circumferences more slowly than Asian-White and White girls. Asian girls had greater bone SOS and BUA at age 10 years but gained bone at similar rates to White girls. Physical activity was especially important to bone growth before age 12 years. However, ethnic differences remained after adjusting for physical activity, demographic, and dietary factors.


Implantation of an elastic ring at equator of the left ventricle influences cardiac mechanics in experimental acute ventricular dysfunction.
We hypothesize that the implantation of an endoventricular elastic ring at the left ventricle (LV) equatorial site will positively affect the cardiac mechanics in an experimental model of acute LV dysfunction. Changes in the elastic properties of LV occur in the dilated and failing heart, contributing to overall cardiac mechanical dysfunction. No interventions are as yet specifically designed to improve LV elasticity in failing hearts. Acute LV enlargement and dysfunction was induced in 13 healthy sheep via the insertion of a large Dacron patch into the lateral wall. In 6 of these sheep, a customized elastic ring was implanted at the inner surface of the LV equator (ring group), and the remaining 7 served as control subjects (dysfunction group). Systolic and diastolic function was evaluated using echocardiography and pressure-volume (P-V) analysis. In the ring group, both the maximum rate of pressure increase and the slope of end-systolic P-V relationship were significantly different from those without ring (1,718 +/- 726 vs. 1,049 +/- 269 and 1.25 +/- 0.30 vs. 0.88 +/- 0.19; both p < 0.05). Preload recruitable stroke work changed even more prominently (33 +/- 11 vs. 17 +/- 5; p = 0.005), along with stroke volume, ejection fraction, and stroke work. Although ring implantation had no effect on end-diastolic P-V relationship, it positively affected the active component of diastole: the maximum rate of pressure decrease declined significantly (p = 0.037). The time constant of relaxation tended to decrease (37 +/- 8 vs. 44 +/- 6; p = 0.088). Improving the elastic component of the LV at its equatorial site substantially augments contractility and early relaxation in acute systodiastolic LV dysfunction.


[Vascular reconstruction for limb preservation during sarcoma surgery: a case series and a management algorithm].
To evaluate the results of vascular reconstruction in soft tissue sarcoma surgery and establish an algorithm based on current evidence. We studied patients undergoing soft-tissue sarcoma in a tertiary hospital. A retrospective review of 8 cases was carried out, analysing the demographics, surgical planning, complications, disease-free survival and bypass patency. Successful limb preservation was observed in all patients, and the bypass remained patent in all cases. The mean follow-up was 38.4 months average, with 87.5% survival and no recurrences. The involvement of major vascular structures in soft tissue sarcomas of the limbs does not necessarily exclude resectability. In selected cases, resection is possible with vascular reconstruction and limb preservation. However, multidisciplinary planning is needed.


Lessons learned during the sliding gantry CT implementation in a trauma suite.
Early detection of bleeding is important for managing trauma cases in the emergency department (ED). Several trauma suites are equipped with computed tomography (CT) scanners to reduce the time to CT. In the last decade, sliding gantry CT has been implemented in trauma suites, highlighting conventional techniques' advantages. We investigated the change in the time to CT and the challenges faced during the implementation. Trauma suite treatments with a conventional CT scanner between January and December 2016 formed the control group. From January to April 2017, trauma suites were modified, and treatment was outsourced to an interim trauma suite. By May 2017, trauma suites were equipped with a sliding gantry CT scanner. Treatments from May to July 2017 formed the transition group, and those from August to December 2017 formed the routine use group. We evaluated the time to CT in all groups and considered the reasons for the delays in the transition and routine use groups. On sliding gantry CT implementation, although time to CT remained unaffected in the transition group, it significantly reduced in the routine use group, independent of injury severity score. The incidence of cable management problems was significantly higher in the latter group. We have demonstrated a decrease in the time to CT with the implementation of a sliding gantry CT. However, due to a higher number of cable management problems in the routine use group, we recommend regular refresher team training with routine use.


Correlation between the antibacterial activity and the composition of extracts derived from various Spanish Cistus species.
Cistaceae is a large family of shrubs commonly distributed in the Mediterranean ecosystem. The aim of this study was to explore the potential antimicrobial properties against Escherichia coli and/or Staphylococcus aureus of different extracts obtained from four Cistaceae species that are especially abundant in Spanish semi-arid regions. MIC50 values of the extracts of C. salviifolius exhibited potent bacteriostatic effects against S. aureus compared with the other Cistus species tested. Spray-drying had less impact on the antimicrobial activities and polyphenolic contents than did evaporation followed by freeze-drying. When C. salviifolius extract was concentrated and the polar fraction was removed, its bacteriostatic and bactericidal activities against both strains were significantly enhanced. Seasonal influences on the composition have also been found. Up to 48 compounds were found in the aqueous extract of C. salviifolius using RRLC-ESI-TOF-MS. The analysis of the composition of the extracts revealed that the inhibitory activity against E. coli may be related to the presence of galloylated flavanols and specific flavonols, whereas the inhibitory capacity against S. aureus may be related primarily to polar compounds and to other flavonols. Potential synergistic effects among polyphenols may deserve further studies. These extracts may serve as an alternative source of antimicrobial ingredients focused on medical devices or cosmetics.


On a pseudo-rebreathing technique to assess the ventilatory sensitivity to carbon dioxide in man.
1. The ventilatory sensitivity to carbon dioxide obtained from a step-ramp CO2 challenge was compared to the CO2 sensitivity from the steady-state method. 2. Experiments were performed in nine healthy male subjects against a background of hyperoxia and in two subjects against a background of normoxia. 3. In each subject experiments were performed in which the stepwise increase in end-tidal PCO2 above its resting value (A) was varied (range 0-2 kPa) and the subsequent rate of rise of end-tidal PCO2 in time (R) kept constant at 0.6 or 0.8 kPa min-1. 4. The results of the hyperoxic experiments show that the slope of the non-steady-state ventilatory response to CO2 (Sn) is greatly influenced by the magnitude of A. An increase of A of 1 kPa results in a 54% increase of the ratio non-steady-state ventilatory CO2 sensitivity to steady-state ventilatory CO2 sensitivity (Ss). The magnitude of R plays a minor role in determining Sn. The normoxic experiments gave similar results. 5. In experiments performed during hyperoxia Sn approximates Ss when the magnitude of A is 0.5 kPa. 6. The results are discussed and related to a physiological model. Simulations with representative values for the model parameters are in fair agreement with experimental values.


Accuracy of breath tests using low doses of 13C-urea to diagnose Helicobacter pylori infection: a randomised controlled trial.
The 13C-urea breath test (UBT) for detecting Helicobacter pylori infection is a non-invasive method based on the organism's urease activity. Since its first description, the method has been extensively modified. However, only the dose of 13C-urea and the measurement equipment are directly related to the cost of the test. (1) To assess the diagnostic accuracy before eradication therapy of three UBTs using 25, 15, and 10 mg of 13C-urea, respectively; and (2) to determine diagnostic performance in the post-eradication setting showing the highest values for sensitivity and specificity with the lowest dose of 13C-urea. Three hundred consecutive patients were randomised to be tested with one of the three UBTs. All patients underwent upper endoscopy with biopsies. A total of 222 more patients were enrolled to evaluate the second aim. Infected patients were offered treatment and asked to return 4-6 weeks after the end of therapy to perform endoscopic follow up and to carry out 13C-UBT. In the pretreatment setting, 13C-UBT 25 mg had a sensitivity of 100% (95% confidence interval (CI) 91.8-100) and a specificity of 100% (95% CI 93.7-100); 13C-UBT 15 mg had a sensitivity of 96.1% (95% CI 86.8-98.9) and a specificity of 100% (95% CI 92.6-100); and 13C-UBT 10 mg had a sensitivity of 89.1% (95% CI 77-95.3) and a specificity of 100% (95% CI 93.3-100). As the test with the best performance and the lowest dose of 13C-urea was 13C-UBT 15 mg, it was evaluated after treatment, reporting a sensitivity of 100% (95% CI 79.6-100) and a specificity of 98.9% (95% CI 94.3-99.8). UBTs using 25 and 15 mg of 13C-urea were both accurate in the diagnosis of H pylori infection in untreated patients. 13C-UBT 15 mg was also accurate for follow up of patients after treatment.


Activation of mast cells by immunoglobulin E-receptor cross-linkage, but not through adenosine receptors, induces A1 expression and promotes survival.
Mast cells are a potent source of mediators that regulate the inflammatory response in allergy and asthma. Mast cells can be activated through different receptors, for example, via cross-linkage of the high-affinity IgE receptor (Fc epsilon RI) and by adenosine acting on specific receptors. We have recently described mast cell survival of an IgE receptor activation by up-regulation of the anti-apoptotic gene A1. To compare mast cell survival and expression of A1 after activation through the Fc epsilon RI and by an adenosine agonist. Bone marrow-derived, cultured mouse mast cells (BMCMC) were activated either with IgE+antigen or with the adenosine receptor agonist 5'-N-ethylcarboxamido adenosine (NECA). Release of beta-hexosaminidase, cell viability, phosphorylation of Akt and IkB-alpha, and expression of pro-survival and pro-apoptotic genes were measured after activation. Activation of BMCMC with NECA caused the release of beta-hexosaminidase, although to a lesser extent than after Fc epsilon RI activation (33% and 98%, respectively). Activation by both NECA and Fc epsilon RI stimulated phosphorylation of Akt (Ser473 and Thr308) and IkB-alpha (Ser32), both of which are implicated in the regulation of cell survival. However, only cells that were activated through Fc epsilon RI, but not by NECA, expressed A1 and exhibited an increased survival rate compared to the control. These results show that adenosine receptor activation of BMCMC does not induce the same survival programme in mast cells as does activation through Fc epsilon RI. These findings may be important for understanding the role that mast cells play in asthma provoked by different stimuli.


Comparison of self-report and administrative data sources to capture health care resource use in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease following pulmonary rehabilitation.
The optimal method to collect accurate healthcare utilisation data in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is not well established. The aim of this study was to determine feasibility and compare self-report and administrative data sources to capture health care resource use in people with COPD for 12 months following pulmonary rehabilitation. This is a secondary analysis of a randomised controlled equivalence trial comparing centre-based and home-based pulmonary rehabilitation. Healthcare utilisation data were collected for 12 months following pulmonary rehabilitation from self-report (monthly telephone questionnaires and diaries) and administrative sources (Medicare Benefits Schedule, medical records). Feasibility was assessed by the proportion of self-reports completed and accuracy was established using month-by-month and per participant comparison of self-reports with administrative data. Data were available for 145/163 eligible study participants (89%, mean age 69 (SD 9) years, mean forced expiratory volume in 1 s 51 (SD 19) % predicted; n = 83 male). For 1725 months where data collection was possible, 1160 (67%) telephone questionnaires and 331 (19%) diaries were completed. Accuracy of recall varied according to type of health care encounter and self-report method, being higher for telephone questionnaire report of emergency department presentation (Kappa 0.656, p < 0.001; specificity 99%, sensitivity 59%) and hospital admission (Kappa 0.669, p < 0.001; specificity 97%, sensitivity 68%) and lower for general practitioner (Kappa 0.400, p < 0.001; specificity 62%, sensitivity 78%) and medical specialist appointments (Kappa 0.458, p < 0.001; specificity 88%, sensitivity 58%). A wide variety of non-medical encounters were reported (allied health and nursing) which were not captured in administrative data. For self-reported methods of healthcare utilisation in people with COPD following pulmonary rehabilitation, monthly telephone questionnaires were more frequently completed and more accurate than diaries. Compared to administrative records, self-reports of emergency department presentations and inpatient admissions were more accurate than for general practitioner and medical specialist appointments. NCT01423227 at clinicaltrials.gov.


Application of xanthan gum as coagulant-aid for decolorization of synthetic Congo red wastewater.
In recent years, utilization of polysaccharides as natural coagulant and coagulant-aid has become a topic of interest, due to the nature of biopolymers that are renewable, biodegradable, and non-toxic. In this study, Congo red, as a model dye substance, was treated using polyaluminium chloride (PAC) as the main coagulant and xanthan gum as the coagulant aid. For this purpose, the effect of pH (3-9), xanthan gum dose (0.5-4 mg/L), and the initial concentration of Congo red dye (50-100 mg/L) to the dye removal and sludge volume were investigated. The outcome of this investigation indicates that the best pH for Congo red coagulation occurred at pH 3, due to the charge neutralization mechanism. The addition of coagulant-aid dose increases the %-removal and sludge volume until reaching the best coagulant-aid dose of 2 mg/L that results in a %-removal value of 93.81% and a sludge volume of 23.5 mL/L. Further addition of xanthan gum reduced the %-removal and sludge volume due to the inter-polymer force causing more difficult floc formation. The best initial concentration of dye occurred at a Congo red concentration of 50 mg/L, with a %-removal value of 93.81% with PAC (15 mg/L) and xanthan gum (2 mg/L) coagulants. This value is considerably higher than PAC and xanthan gum only which amounts to 81.16 and 7.18%, respectively. Based on these results, it is apparent that xanthan gum can positively contribute to dye coagulation while reducing the use of harmful inorganic coagulant.


Treatment of relapse of small cell lung cancer in selected patients with the initial combination chemotherapy carboplatin, etoposide, and epirubicin.
Relapse of small cell lung cancer is not usually treated with further chemotherapy as results are considered to be disappointing. Six patients with relapse of small cell lung cancer after a complete initial response and remission of more than one year responded to repeat treatment with the initial chemotherapy comprising carboplatin, etoposide, and epirubicin. The second remission ranged from six months to more than 15 months. In patients with a relapse of small cell lung cancer after a complete initial response and prolonged remission retreatment with the initial combination chemotherapy cannot be dismissed and requires further study.


Dynamic approaches of mixed species biofilm formation using modern technologies.
Bacteria and diatoms exist in sessile communities and develop as biofilm on all surfaces in aqueous environments. The interaction between these microorganisms in biofilm was investigated with a bacterial genus Pseudoalteromonas sp. (strain 3J6) and two benthic diatoms Amphora coffeaeformis and Cylindrotheca closterium. Each biofilm was grown for 22 days. Images from the confocal microscopy show a difference of adhesion between Pseudoalteromonas 3J6 and diatoms. Indeed, a stronger adhesion is found with C. closterium suggesting cohabitation between Pseudoalteromonas 3J6 and C. closterium compared at an adaptation for bacteria and A. coffeaeformis. The cellular attachment and the growth evolution in biofilm formation depend on each species of diatoms in the biofilm. Behaviour of microalgae in presence of bacteria demonstrates the complexity of the marine biofilm.


Remark to Response of A. V. Lichtenstein.
The arguments against the "bad luck" hypothesis suggested by C. Tomasetti and B. Vogelstein ((2015) Science, 347, 78-81) are significant in any case, and new experimental studies are necessary.


A sensory memory processing system with multi-wavelength synaptic-polychromatic light emission for multi-modal information recognition.
Realizing multi-modal information recognition tasks which can process external information efficiently and comprehensively is an urgent requirement in the field of artificial intelligence. However, it remains a challenge to achieve simple structure and high-performance multi-modal recognition demonstrations owing to the complex execution module and separation of memory processing based on the traditional complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) architecture. Here, we propose an efficient sensory memory processing system (SMPS), which can process sensory information and generate synapse-like and multi-wavelength light-emitting output, realizing diversified utilization of light in information processing and multi-modal information recognition. The SMPS exhibits strong robustness in information encoding/transmission and the capability of visible information display through the multi-level color responses, which can implement the multi-level pain warning process of organisms intuitively. Furthermore, different from the conventional multi-modal information processing system that requires independent and complex circuit modules, the proposed SMPS with unique optical multi-information parallel output can realize efficient multi-modal information recognition of dynamic step frequency and spatial positioning simultaneously with the accuracy of 99.5% and 98.2%, respectively. Therefore, the SMPS proposed in this work with simple component, flexible operation, strong robustness, and highly efficiency is promising for future sensory-neuromorphic photonic systems and interactive artificial intelligence.


Effects of hysterectomy and semi-starvation on amino-acid gradients across liver, muscle and gut in rats.
To study the effects of surgical stress and insufficient food intake on amino-acid exchange of liver, gut, and muscle, blood was sampled in random sequence from the aorta, the inferior caval vein, the portal vein, and the hepatic veins in 3 groups of 20 rats each. Control rats were fed ad libitum, hysterectomised rats were studied on the first and third post-operative day, and semi-starved rats were pair-fed to hysterectomised rats to an intake of 13% of control on the first day. Both groups lost 5-8% of body weight. Surgery increased the concentration gradient (release) of urea across liver by 60%, the glucose gradient (release) by 35%, and doubled the concentration gradients (uptake) across liver of alanine, arginine, glycine, lysine, proline, serine, and threonine, and decreased their plasma concentrations. There was no major change in hepatic amino-acid gradients in semi-starved animals, and there was no appreciable change in gradients of single amino-acids across gut or muscle in animals subjected to surgery or semi-starvation. Post-surgical increases in urea synthesis and hepatic uptake of uragenic and gluconeogenic amino-acids are due to the surgical stress and not to the post-operative semi-starvation.


Relationship between iron status markers and insulin resistance: an exploratory study in subjects with excess body weight.
Controversy exists on the relationship between iron metabolism and cardiometabolic risk. The aim of this study was to determine if there is a link between dysmetabolic iron and cardiometabolic markers in subjects with excess body weight. Cross-sectional study with fifty participants presenting overweight or obesity and at least another metabolic syndrome factor. Determinations: anthropometry, body composition, blood pressure, lipids, glucose, insulin, leptin, areas under the curve (AUC) for glucose and insulin after an oral glucose tolerance test, hs-C reactive protein (hs-CRP), blood count, ferritin, transferrin, transferrin saturation (TSAT), soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR). Gender-adjusted linear correlations and two independent samples t tests were used. Ferritin was positively correlated with insulin-AUC (r = 0.547, p = 0.008) and TSAT was negatively correlated with waist-hip ratio (r = - 0.385, p = 0.008), insulin (r = - 0.551, p < 0.001), and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR, r = - 0.586, p < 0.001). Subjects with TSAT ≤ 20% had higher insulin (p = 0.012) and HOMA-IR (p = 0.003) compared to those with TSAT > 20%. In conclusion, the observed results suggest that iron transport and storage are altered in subjects with overweight/obesity, at the same time that they exhibit the characteristic features of insulin resistance. Nevertheless, this occurs without iron overload or deficiency. These results should be validated in wider cohorts since they suggest that iron transport and storage should be assessed when performing the clinical evaluation of subjects with excess body weight.


[Adjustable interatrial communication in management of severe congenital heart disease].
To assess the use of adjustable interatrial communication in patient with severe congenital heart disease undergoing open heart surgery. From February 1998 to June 1999, 13 patients with severe and complex congenital heart disease underwent open heart surgery. Seven patients underwent total cavopulmonary connection, five patients repair of Ebstein's anomaly, and one patient right atrial-pulmonary connection. Adjustable interatrial communication was made in all patients. Four patients had the communication closed at the time of operation, 4 patients had the communication opened at the time of operation, and 5 patients had the communication adjusted and closed postoperatively. All patients had a smooth postoperative process. There were no postoperative death and no severe postoperative complications. Adjustable interatrial communication for the patients undergoing modified Fontan procedure or correction of Ebstein's anomaly may be advantageous.


Gitelman syndrome: report of three cases and literature review.
Gitelman syndrome (GS) is a rare autosomal recessive, inherited renal tubular disorder. Herein, we report three cases of GS, one sporadic case and two siblings. They have typical laboratory findings, including hypokalemia, metabolic alkalosis, hypomagnesemia, and hypocalciuria. All of them were treated with oral potassium and magnesium supplements. They received regular pediatric clinic follow-up to check electrolytes and monitor development. These three cases reminded us that doctors should be alert to unexplained hypokalemia, which is usually the initial presentation of GS.


The effects of intra-articular levobupivacain versus levobupivacain plus magnesium sulfate on postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing arthroscopic meniscectomy: A prospective randomized controlled study.
The aim of this study was to compared the effectiveness of intraarticular levobupivacain with levobupivacain and magnesium sulfate. In this prospective randomized double blinded study, 96 patients (67 male, 29 female; age range: 18-65 years) with ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologist) score I and II, who had undergone arthroscopic meniscectomy operation, were divided to 3 groups that had postoperative analgesia with intra-articular saline injection (control group), levobupivacain injection (L group) or levobupivacain and magnesium sulfate injection (LM group). Patients were compared with postoperative VAS (Visual Analog Score) score during rest and activity, opioid analgesic need, non-opioid analgesic need and other medication needs. Postoperative VAS scores during rest and activation at early postoperative period were significantly lower at LM group when compared with L group and lower than control group at all time periods. Opioid analgesic need, non-opioid analgesic need and other medication needs for non-pain symptoms were lower at LM group when compared with L and control groups at all time periods. Intraarticular magnesium sulfate plus Levobupivacain injection is a safe and effective method for post operative pain management after arthroscopic meniscectomy.


The influence of follicular fluid on progesterone secretion by porcine granulosa cells in vitro.
Porcine follicular fluid contains at least two factors which can modify porcine granulosa cell function in vitro. One factor, found primarily in fluid from 1--2 mm follicles inhibits LH stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation, basal and LH stimulated progesterone secretion, and morphological luteinization of granulosa cells from medium sized (3--5 mm) and large (6--12 mm) follicles. Following inhibition by the follicular fluid luteinization inhibitor, incubation with both OH and a phosphodiesterase inhibitor partially restores cyclic AMP accumulation and fully restores progesterone secretion. This suggests that the defect induced by the luteinization inhibitor is primarily an alteration of cyclic nucleotide metabolism. Another factor found primarily in fluid from large preovulatory follicles stimulates basal and gonadotrophin stimulated progesterone secretion by granulosa cells from small antral follicles. We hypothesize that it may be necessary for the fluid within an individual follicle to shift from being inhibitory of luteinization to being permissive or stimulatory for the granulosa cells to mature rather than become atretic.


Cellular cardiomyoplasty: a preliminary clinical report.
Cellular cardiomyoplasty is the method of transplanting myogenic cells into injured myocardium to restore the lost heart muscle cells and to improve ventricular function. Three patients, all with a history of coronary heart disease, underwent coronary artery bypass grafting and implantation of autologous satellite cells. A muscle biopsy of 2-4 g from the right vastus lateralis muscle was obtained for satellite cell (myogenic stem cell from skeletal muscle) isolation and proliferation before implanted into the donor's heart. The cells were suspended in serum-free medium and injected into 30-40 sites at and around the ischemic areas just before reversing the hypothermic cardioplegia to eliminate arrhythmia and to improve retention. After recovery, each patient was maintained at the intensive care unit for 3-4 days with ECG monitoring before transferring to the patient floor. All patients survived the procedure with an uneventful recovery and were discharged from the hospital. At 3-4 months follow-up examination, increased left ventricular ejection fraction of 11% (35-46%), 5.4% (40-45.4%) and 1% (40-41%) and decreased left ventricular diastolic diameter of 4, 2 and 9 mm were observed for the patients, respectively. Arrhythmia was not detected during the follow-up evaluation by ECG. Improved perfusion (99mTC-MIBI) and increased metabolic activity (18F-deoxyglucose) were found at the sites of satellite cell implantation. Significant increase of wall thickness and movement at the areas of cell injection was also observed using 2D-echo. Cellular cardiomyoplasty using autologous satellite cells is a safe procedure with encouraging beneficial outcomes in patients.


The 'not so short-bowel syndrome': potential health problems in patients with an ileostomy.
The study aimed to determine whether an ileostomy compromises nutritional, hydration and electrolyte status and bone mineral density. Body weight, body mass index (BMI) and fat and lean body mass (LBM) were measured in 60 patients with an ileostomy [14 small-bowel resection (SBR); 46 non-small-bowel resection (NSBR)] and in 60 age- and sex-matched normal controls. Measurement of plasma sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, urea and creatinine and 24-h urinary output of water, Na, K, Ca and Mg was made in 45 NSBR and 14 SBR ileostomists and in all the controls. Forty-six NSBR and 13 SBR ileostomists had bone mineral density (BMD) measurements of lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck (FN). The body weight of ileostomists was less than controls [median 67.8 (36.4-115.1) vs 77.7 (48.0-103.3) kg; P < 0.05]. BMI was also less [25.0 (14.3-43.0) vs 27.3 (20.2-32.2) kg/m(2) ; P < 0.05] with a lower LBM [47.8 (19.3-73.0) vs 52.9 (34.0-73.8) kg; P < 0.05]. The 24-h urinary output of the ileostomists was lower than for controls [1380 (430-4690) vs 2000 (840-4440) ml/24 h; P < 0.05] suggesting some degree of dehydration. In 62.7% of ileostomists 24-h urinary Na excretion was < 100 mmol/day vs 16.7% of controls, and ileostomists with lower urinary Na were more likely than ileostomists with normal Na excretion to have a low BMI [23.9 (14.3-33.0) vs 28.4 (16.6-43.0) kg/m(2) ; P < 0.001] and LBM [44.1 (19.3-73.0) vs 59.5 (36.6-67.9) kg; P < 0.001]. The respective 24-h output of Ca was [2.2 (0-6.1) vs 4.7 (0-13) mmol; P < 0.001] and Mg was [2.0 (0-13.7) vs 3.9 (1.2-5.4) mmol; P < 0.001], and BMD Z-score LS was -0.15 (-2.0 to 5.2) vs 0.3 (-2.5 to 2.1), Z-score FN -0.5 (-1.9 to 3.1) vs 0.2 (-1.2 to 1.4), both P < 0.05. Patients with an ileostomy tend to have low body weight, BMI, LBM and BMD. They also tend to have low urine volumes, and some are depleted of Na, Ca and Mg. Abnormalities are greater in those with a lower urinary Na and measuring this will identify ileostomists at risk of Na depletion who will be benefitted by Na supplements.


Investigation of epidemiological characteristics and development of a nomogram to predict survival in primary ocular adnexal lymphoma.
Studies on the epidemiology and prognosis of primary ocular adnexal lymphoma (POAL) are scarce for its low occurrence. The goal of our research was to assess the epidemiologic characteristics, prognostic variables and survival of POAL patients. The Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database was used to collect data on patients identified with POAL from 1975 to 2011 and the incidence rate of POAL from 1975 to 2017. To discover independent predictive markers for overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS), multivariable Cox regression analysis was utilised. The independent prognostic factors found by multivariate Cox regression analysis were used to generate a nomogram. A total of 2839 patients were diagnosed with POAL, with an average age of 64.1 years. The total incidence of POAL was 2.51/1000000 (according to the overall adjustment of the 2000 American standard) from 1975 to 2017, and the annual percentage change (APC) was 2.47 (95% confidence interval 1.64-3.32, p < 0.05), showing a sharp upward trend. After multivariate Cox regression analysis, age, gender, year of diagnosis, marital status, primary site, laterality, pathological type and treatment strategy were evaluated as independent prognostic factors of OS or DSS (p < 0.05). A nomogram was constructed to forecast the DSS of 1, 3, 5 and 10 years. The concordance index (C-index) and the calibration plots demonstrated the robustness and accuracy of the nomogram. Although POAL is sporadic, the incidence has generally increased in the past 36 years. In recent years, survival rates have risen, and radiotherapy can render better OS and DSS. The nomogram specially made for POAL is robust and precise in predicting the DSS of 1, 3, 5 and 10 years.


Concurrent and adjuvant docetaxel with three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy plus androgen deprivation for high-risk prostate cancer: preliminary results of a multicentre phase II trial.
We evaluate the feasibility of concomitant and adjuvant docetaxel combined with three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) and androgen deprivation in high-risk prostate carcinomas. Fifty men with high-risk localized prostate cancer (16), locally advanced (28) or very high-risk prostate cancer (6) were included. Seventy Gy were delivered on prostate and seminal vesicles in 35 fractions, concurrently with weekly docetaxel (20mg/m(2)). Three weeks after the completion of 3D-CRT, docetaxel was given for 3 cycles (60mg/m(2)), every 3 weeks. Patients had to receive LHRH agonist during 3 years. The intent to treat analysis shows that four patients out of 15 stopped prematurely the chemotherapy due to grade 3-4 acute toxicity. In the per protocol analysis, 46 patients completed a full-dose chemoradiation regimen representing 413 cycles: five patients experienced a grade 3 toxicity, and 15 patients experienced a grade 2 toxicity. With a median follow-up of 54 months, the 5-year clinical disease-free survival was 66.72% and the 5-year survival was 92.15%. 3D-CRT with androgen deprivation and concurrent weekly docetaxel, followed by three cycles of adjuvant docetaxel may be considered as feasible in high-risk prostate cancer and deserved to be evaluated in a phase III randomized trial.


Depressive Symptoms, the Impact on ART Continuation, and Factors Associated with Symptom Improvement Among a Cohort of People Living with HIV in British Columbia, Canada.
Depressive symptoms among people living with HIV (PLWH) are associated with poorer overall health outcomes. We characterized depressive symptoms and improvements in symptomology among PLWH (≥ 19 years old) in British Columbia (BC), Canada. We also examined associations between depressive symptomology and antiretroviral therapy (ART) treatment interruptions. Depressive symptoms were measured using the 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D-10), within a longitudinal cohort study with three surveys administered 18-months apart. We used multivariable logistic regression to model factors associated with improvements in depressive symptoms (CES-D-10 scores from ≥ 10 to < 10). Of the 566 participants eligible for analysis 273 (48.2%) had CES-D scores indicating significant depressive symptoms (score ≥ 10) at enrollment. Improvements in symptoms at first follow-up were associated with greater HIV self-care on the Continuity of Care Scale (adjusted odds ratio: 1.17; 95% CI 1.03-1.32), and not having a previously reported mental health disorder diagnosis (aOR 2.86; 95% CI 1.01-8.13). Those reporting current cocaine use (aOR 0.33; 95% CI 0.12-0.91) and having a high school education, vs. less than, (aOR 0.25; 95% CI 0.08-0.82) had lower odds of improvement in depressive symptomatology. CES-D scores ≥ 10 were not significantly associated with ART treatment interruptions during follow-up (aOR: 1.08; 95% CI:0.65-1.8). Supporting greater self-care and consideration of mental health management strategies in relation to HIV may be useful in promoting the wellbeing of PLWH who experience depressive symptoms.


Determination of native and denatured milk proteins by high-performance size exclusion chromatography.
High-performance size exclusion chromatography on a TSK 3000 SW column was used to separate and quantify the individual milk proteins in their native and/or denatured state. Quantitation of the individual native whey proteins within +/- 10% was achieved. The denatured proteins were dissociated into their monomer units by using sodium dodecyl sulphate and beta-mercaptoethanol. A good separation of the whey protein monomers was achieved and the quantitation of the individual whey proteins within +/- 10% was possible. Under these conditions, alpha s1- and beta-casein were eluted as one peak, whereas kappa-casein and gamma-casein were eluted in the same position as beta-lactoglobulin and alpha-lactalbumin respectively. A method for calculating the areas and hence the concentration of the individual proteins in a mixture of casein and whey proteins is described.


Electrophysiological exploration of the sacral conus.
Evoked urethral and anal responses are produced by electrical stimulation of penis, bladder neck and anus. Latency and duration of the responses after bladder neck and anal stimulation are greatly dependent on stimulus parameters, suggesting a polysynaptic reflex; penile stimulation probably involves an oligosynaptic pathway. In pathological conditions the responses are delayed and their duration reduced.


Neurogenomics: An opportunity to integrate neuroscience, genomics and bioinformatics research in Africa.
Modern genomic approaches have made enormous contributions to improving our understanding of the function, development and evolution of the nervous system, and the diversity within and between species. However, most of these research advances have been recorded in countries with advanced scientific resources and funding support systems. On the contrary, little is known about, for example, the possible interplay between different genes, non-coding elements and environmental factors in modulating neurological diseases among populations in low-income countries, including many African countries. The unique ancestry of African populations suggests that improved inclusion of these populations in neuroscience-related genomic studies would significantly help to identify novel factors that might shape the future of neuroscience research and neurological healthcare. This perspective is strongly supported by the recent identification that diseased individuals and their kindred from specific sub-Saharan African populations lack common neurological disease-associated genetic mutations. This indicates that there may be population-specific causes of neurological diseases, necessitating further investigations into the contribution of additional, presently-unknown genomic factors. Here, we discuss how the development of neurogenomics research in Africa would help to elucidate disease-related genomic variants, and also provide a good basis to develop more effective therapies. Furthermore, neurogenomics would harness African scientists' expertise in neuroscience, genomics and bioinformatics to extend our understanding of the neural basis of behaviour, development and evolution.


Ouabain binding and coupled sodium, potassium, and chloride transport in isolated transverse tubules of skeletal muscle.
The affinity and number of binding sites of [3H]ouabain to isolated transverse (T) tubules were determined in the absence and presence of deoxycholate. In both conditions the KD was approximately 53 nM while deoxycholate increased the number of binding sites from 3.5 to 37 pmol/mg protein. We concluded that the ouabain binding sites were located primarily on the inside of the isolated vesicle and that the vesicles were impermeable to ouabain. ATP induced a highly active Na+ accumulation by the T tubules which increased Na+ in the T tubular lumen by almost 200 nmol/mg protein. The accumulation had an initial fast phase lasting 2-3 min and a subsequent slow phase which continued for at least 40 min. The rate of the initial fast phase indicated a turnover number of 20 Na+/s. The Na+ accumulation was prevented by monensin but was unaffected by valinomycin. Ouabain did not influence Na+ uptake, but digitoxin inhibited it. At low K+ the accumulation of Na+ was reduced 3.7-fold below the value at 50 mM K+. 86Rb, employed as a tracer to detect K+, showed a first phase of K+ release while Na+ was accumulated. After 2-3 min, K+ was reaccumulated while Na+ continued to increase in the lumen. T tubules accumulated Cl- on addition of ATP. This suggested that ATP initiated an exchange of Na+ for K+ followed by uptake of Na+ and K+ accompanied by Cl-.


Corticosteroid toxicity in neuro-oncology patients.
Hospital charts from 59 patients with intracranial malignancy or epidural spinal cord compression were reviewed to establish the frequency of clinically important corticosteroid toxicities and to determine treatment or patient characteristics which were predictive for toxicity. Thirty patients (51%) developed at least one steroid toxicity and eleven (19%) required hospital admission for diagnosis and/or management of steroid-related complications. In this retrospective analysis the duration of steroid therapy and the total administered dose predicted for toxicity. Patients with toxicity also had a significant fall in the serum albumin level. Important corticosteroid toxicity occurs frequently in neuro-oncology patients. Further research should be directed at developing non-toxic alternatives to corticosteroids.


Association between tumour necrosis-α gene polymorphisms and acne vulgaris in a Pakistani population.
The cytokine tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α is a well-studied potent candidate mediator that is systemically involved in a variety of inflammatory diseases. Several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the TNF-α gene have been studied with regard the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris, but the results have been inconclusive. This case-control study investigated the association of the TNF -308 G>A and -238 G>A SNPs with acne vulgaris in a high-risk Pakistani population. In total, 160 healthy controls and 140 patients with acne were enrolled in this study. Polymorphisms were determined by PCR and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Our data showed that the TNF -308 G>A and TNF -238 G>A SNPs were present at a significantly higher rate in cases than in controls (P < 0.01 and P < 0.02; respectively). There was a significant difference between the G and A alleles from patients with acne and controls for -308 G>A (OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.07-2.19, P < 0.02) and -238 G>A (OR=1.6, 95% CI = 1.06-2.44, P = 0.02) genotype. Moreover, the severity of acne was significantly associated with TNF genotype (TNF -308 G>A: χ² = 34.6, P < 0.001; TNF -238 G>AL χ² = 12.9, P < 0.01). Our data suggest that the TNF -308 G>A and TNF -238 G>A SNPs may contribute to the pathogenesis of acne in the study population. Furthermore, patients with severe acne showed an increased frequency of mutant TNF genotypes at -308 and -238 compared with patients with less severe acne.


Combining sentiment analysis classifiers to explore multilingual news articles covering London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympics.
This study aims to present an approach for the challenges of working with Sentiment Analysis (SA) applied to news articles in a multilingual corpus. It looks at the use and combination of multiple algorithms to explore news articles published in English and Portuguese. It presents a methodology that starts by evaluating and combining four SA algorithms (SenticNet, SentiStrength, Vader and BERT, being BERT trained in two datasets) to improve the quality of outputs. A thorough review of the algorithms' limitations is conducted using SHAP, an explainable AI tool, resulting in a list of issues that researchers must consider before using SA to interpret texts. We propose a combination of the three best classifiers (Vader, Amazon BERT and Sent140 BERT) to identify contradictory results, improving the quality of the positive, neutral and negative labels assigned to the texts. Challenges with translation are addressed, indicating possible solutions for non-English corpora. As a case study, the method is applied to the study of the media coverage of London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympic legacies. The combination of different classifiers has proved to be efficient, revealing the unbalance between the media coverage of London 2012, much more positive, and Rio 2016, more negative.


Validation of analytical HPLC with post-column injection as a method for rapid and precise quantification of radiochemical yields.
Accurate assessment of isolated radiochemical yields (RCYs) is a prerequisite for efficient and reliable optimization of labeling reactions. In practice, radiochemical conversions (RCCs) determined by HPLC analysis of crude reaction mixtures are often used to estimate RCYs. However, incomplete recovery of radioactivity from the stationary phase can lead to significant inaccuracies if RCCs are calculated based on the activity eluted from the column (i.e. the summed integrals of all peaks). Here, we validate a simple and practical method that overcomes problems associated with retention of activity on the column by determination of the total activity in the sample using post-column injection. Post-column injections were carried out using an additional injection valve, which was placed between the outlet of the HPLC column and the inlet of the detectors. 2-[18F]Fluoropyridine ([18F]FPy) and 8-cyclopentyl-3-(3-[18F]fluoropropyl)-1-propylxanthine ([18F]CPFPX) were prepared with radiochemical purities of > 99.8% and mixed with [18F]fluoride at a ratio of 1:1 to simulate reaction mixtures obtained by radiolabeling reactions with an RCC of 50%. The samples were analyzed on three different C18 HPLC columns using neutral and acidic mobile phases. RCCs determined using the summed area of all peaks in the chromatograms were compared with those determined using post-column injection. Additionally, RCCs determined by post-column injection were corrected for activity losses before, during and after radiosyntheses to afford analytical RCYs, which were compared with isolated RCYs. Determination of RCCs based on the summed area of all peaks gave correct results under certain chromatographic conditions, but led to overestimation of the actual RCCs by up to 50% in other cases. In contrast, determination of RCCs using post-column injection provided precise results in all cases, and often significantly reduced analysis time. Moreover, analytical RCYs calculated from RCCs determined by post-column injection showed excellent agreement with isolated RCYs (<3% deviation). In conclusion, HPLC analysis using post-column injection enables reliable determination of RCCs independent of the chromatographic conditions and, together with a simple activity balance, rapid and accurate prediction of isolated RCYs.


Waist Circumference is not Superior to Body Mass Index in Predicting Groin Hernia Repair in Either Men or Women.
A high body mass index (BMI) is considered a risk factor for ventral abdominal wall hernias but protective for the development of groin hernias. The reason for this is unclear. The surrounding abdominal fat in obesity might "protect" and limit the passage through the inguinal canal. The aim was to compare two different methods used for obesity registration in groin hernia patients and to investigate the hypothesis of high BMI/low groin hernia risk phenomenon. This was a population-based observational study comparing BMI to waist circumference (WC) as well as their correlations to the quantity of groin hernia repair performed in either sex. Two national registers were crosslinked to a large regional register including information on WC. A larger WC and a higher BMI were associated with a lower risk of having groin hernia repair in both sexes. There was no difference using either WC or BMI as a risk factor for groin hernia repair in either sex. There was no advantage to using body composition based on WC rather than BMI for surgery indication. Overweight patients, both men and women, have a lower risk of undergoing groin hernia repair regardless of fat distribution. BMI is a well-established method for obesity registration and is recommended in the evaluation of hernia patients.


Overview of DNA damage and double-strand breaks.
DNA is under a variety of assaults. As a result, different damages accumulate on DNA. These include base changes, single-strand breaks and double-strand breaks. In this volume and also briefly in the following volume, we discuss DNA damage and double-strand breaks. In particular, we focus on double-strand breaks. We discuss types of double-strand breaks as well as methods to detect them. We also discuss how DNA breaks are formed.


Indirect immunofluorescence staining of cultured neural cells.
Immunofluorescence is a technique allowing the visualization of a specific protein or antigen in cells or tissue sections by binding a specific antibody chemically conjugated with a fluorescent dye such as fluorescein isothiocyanate. There are two major types of immunofluorescence staining methods: (1) direct immunofluorescence staining in which the primary antibody is labeled with fluorescence dye and (2) indirect immunofluorescence staining in which a secondary antibody labeled with fluorochrome is used to recognize a primary antibody. This chapter describes procedures for the application of indirect immunofluorescence staining to neural cells in culture.


Lower plasma levels of some gastrointestinal peptides in Raynaud's disease. Influence of transcutaneous nerve stimulation.
In a previous study it was shown that Raynaud patients during ischemic attacks displayed significantly lower levels of vasoactive intestinal polypeptides (VIP) in cubital vein plasma than did normal subjects in the same relatively cold environments. Low-frequency transcutaneous nerve stimulation (TNS), producing widespread cutaneous vasodilatation, was associated with a 30-35% increase in plasma VIP in both groups. In the present study parallel observations were made in some of the same subjects under the same experimental conditions with regard to six other gastrointestinal peptides: somatostatin, motilin, pancreatic polypeptide (PP), secretin, gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP), and cholecystokinin (CCK), determined radioimmunochemically. Except for CCK, the mean plasma levels of all these gut peptides were similarly lower in the Raynaud patients than in the normal subjects in cold environments. However, TNS did not induce significant increases in the plasma levels of any of these 6 peptides. These findings appear to place VIP in a different functional category than the other gut peptides.


Diagnosis of recurrence and assessment of post-recurrence survival in patients with extracranial non-small cell lung cancer evaluated by 18F-FDG PET/CT.
The accurate diagnosis of recurrence of non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is crucial for the appropriate management of patients with suspicion of recurrence (SOR). We evaluated prospectively in the clinical setting the contribution of FDG PET/CT in patients with SOR of NSCLC in terms of sensitivity, specificity, impact on therapy and on survival. Of the 55 patients included in the study, recurrence was confirmed in 37 but, follow up data for survival evaluation was available in 34. There were 59 SOR in the 55 patients and in 41 recurrence was confirmed. 53 of the 59 suspicions, had a contrast enhanced CT. All patients had a FDG PET/CT scan after iv injection of 8 MBq/kg of F18-FDG. Of the 59 SOR, FDG PET/CT was positive in all 41 in which recurrence was confirmed (100% sensitivity) and, it was negative in 15 of the 18 in which it was ruled out (specificity 83%). In 27 SOR with inconclusive CT, FDG PET/CT showed 100% sensitivity (18/18) and 78% specificity (7/9). FDG PET/CT had an impact on treatment in 42 of the 59 SOR. In all 34 patients, FDG PET/CT diagnosed recurrence and overall survival at 20 months and 5 years was 44% and 11%, respectively. When the extent of recurrence assessed by FDG PET/CT was considered, survival at 20 months and at 5 years of patients with loco-regional recurrence was 77% and 28% and in patients with distant recurrence 14% and 0% (p < 0.001). Despite the small number of patients, our study demonstrates that FDG PET/CT is highly accurate for the detection of NSCLC recurrence. Therefore it has a great impact on the therapy regimen and on survival depending on the extent of the recurrent disease, survival being better for patients with local recurrence. By differentiating local from distant recurrence, it allows the selection of patients who, could potentially benefit from new therapies. The results also suggest that there are grounds to include FDG PET/CT in the guidelines for surveillance for NSCLC.


Accelerating chemical replication steps of RNA involving activated ribonucleotides and downstream-binding elements.
Template-directed single nucleotide extension of an RNA primer with oxyazabenzotriazolides of ribonucleotides is shown to be fast and sequence-selective; downstream-binding RNA strands contribute to the acceleration of the reaction.


Tribocorrosion behaviour of pure titanium in bovine serum albumin solution: A multiscale study.
Tribocorrosion behaviour of pure titanium in phosphate buffer saline (PBS) solution has been investigated systematically as a function of surface chemistry and bovine serum albumin (BSA) content in the solution. A ball-on-disk tribometer coupled with an electrochemical cell was used to study the effect of electrochemical conditions (i.e. anodic and cathodic applied potentials, as well as at open circuit potential) on the tribocorrosion response of titanium. It was found that the main material loss is due to mechanical wear caused by plastic deformation. The mechanical wear was higher under anodic conditions than under cathodic, partially due to an increased presence of debris particles at the sliding interface that act as third bodies. The effect of BSA on the interaction between alumina and titanium, as well as the behaviour of third bodies during the mechanical wear, were investigated in the nanoscale level using atomic force microscopy based force spectroscopy. It was found that the presence of BSA affects tribocorrosion in various ways. Firstly, it increases the repassivation rate of the oxide film by inhibiting the cathodic reactions and accelerating the anodic reactions. Secondly, it increases the mechanical wear by increasing the adhesion of debris onto the sliding interface, while at anodic conditions it increases the rolling efficiency of the debris particles that further enhances the mechanical wear.


Molecular and structural characterization of expansins modulated by fungal endophytes in the Antarctic Colobanthus quitensis (Kunth) Bartl. Exposed to drought stress.
Expansins are proteins involved in cell wall metabolism that play an important role in plant growth, development, fruit ripening and abiotic stress tolerance. In the present study, we analyzed putative expansins that respond to drought stress. Five expansin genes were identified in cDNA libraries isolated from Colobanthus quitensis gown either with or without endophytic fungi under hydric stress. A differential transcript abundance was observed by qPCR analysis upon drought stress. To compare these expansin genes, and to suggest a possible mechanism of action at the molecular level, the structural model of the deduced proteins was obtained by comparative modeling methodology. The structures showed two domains and an open groove on the surface of the proteins was observed in the five structural models. The proteins were evaluated in terms of their protein-ligand interactions using four different ligands. The results suggested differences in their mode of protein-ligand interaction, in particular concerning the residues involved in the protein-ligand interaction. The presented evidence supports the participation of some members of the expansin multiprotein family in the response to drought stress in C. quitensis and suggest that the response is modulated by endophytic fungi.


Assessment of angiographic retinal capillary nonperfusion in central retinal vein occlusion.
We studied the reproducibility and accuracy of eight retinal specialists in assessing the extent of retinal capillary nonperfusion on fluorescein angiograms of 26 central retinal vein occlusions. Each specialist was asked to classify the retinal capillary perfusion status on every angiogram as nonischemic, minimally ischemic, moderately ischemic, markedly ischemic, or uncertain. Criteria for classification of each angiogram were specified in advance for each reviewer. Each examiner individually reviewed every angiogram on two separate occasions separated by at least one month. Intraexaminer and interexaminer reproducibility were both substantially better than the agreement predicted by chance alone (P less than .05); however, the proportion of agreement with the correct classification was less than 60% for all eight specialists.


Ecological bioavailability of permethrin and p,p'-DDT: toxicity depends on type of organic matter resource.
Hydrophobic organic contaminants readily partition from aqueous to organic phases in aquatic systems with past research largely focusing on sediment. However, within many aquatic systems, matrices such as leaf material and detritus are abundant and ecologically important, as they may represent a primary exposure route for aquatic invertebrates. The objectives of the present study were to examine partitioning and toxicity to Hyalella azteca among permethrin and p,p'-DDT contaminated sediment, leaf, and a sediment-leaf mixture. Log organic carbon-water partitioning coefficients ranged from 4.21 to 5.82 for both insecticides, and were greatest within sediment and lowest in coarse leaf material. H. azteca lethal concentrations for 50% of the population (LC50s) ranged from 0.5 to 111μgg(-1) organic carbon, and were dependent on the matrix composition. The variation in sorption and toxicity among matrices common within stream ecosystems suggests that the ecological niche of aquatic organisms may be important for estimating risk of hydrophobic pesticides.


Statin therapy improves response to interferon alfa and ribavirin in chronic hepatitis C: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
The treatment of interferon alfa (IFN-α) and ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection achieves limited sustained virological response (SVR). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the efficacy of adding statins to IFN-α and ribavirin therapy for chronic hepatitis C. Studies with data pertinent to the effect of statins on chronic hepatitis C were reviewed, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy of the addition of statins to IFN-α and ribavirin were included in meta-analysis. The primary outcome measure was SVR. Secondary outcome measures were rapid virological response (RVR) and early virological response (EVR). The literature was systematically searched through October 2012. After screening of the 1724 non-duplicated entries, 54 potentially relevant studies were fully reviewed. Of those, 18 studies were relevant and 5 RCTs met the inclusion criteria for meta-analysis. In comparison with IFN-α and ribavirin therapy, the addition of statins significantly increased SVR (OR=2.02, 95% CI: 1.38-2.94), RVR (OR=3.51, 95% CI: 1.08-11.42) and EVR (OR=1.89, 95% CI: 1.20-2.98). The SVR increase remained significant for HCV genotype 1 (OR=2.11, 95% CI: 1.40-3.18). There were no significant increases in adverse events and withdrawals with the addition of statins. In conclusion, the addition of statins to IFN-α and ribavirin improves SVR, RVR, and EVR without additional adverse events and thus may be considered as adjuvant to IFN-α and ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C. Statins might also be used for HCV genotypes other than genotype 1, or in patients in whom the use of protease inhibitors is contraindicated or not indicated.


Determination of Gaucher's disease phenotypes with monoclonal antibody.
Discrimination between the three clinical subtypes of Gaucher's disease based on the molecular forms of beta-glucocerebrosidase detected by monoclonal antibody is described. In normal fibroblast extracts, cross-reacting material (CRM) to human placental glucocerebrosidase is detected at Mr approximately equal to 63 000, 61 000 and 56 000. In Type 1 Gaucher's disease, the major fibroblast CRM has a Mr approximately equal to 56 000,, with less CRM seen at 61 000 and 56 000. Type 3 fibroblast extracts have a single CRM form at Mr approximately equal to 63 000. No CRM is found in Type 2 Gaucher's disease fibroblasts with monoclonal antiglucocerebrosidase antibody 8E4.


Editorial Commentary: Illuminating the Fragility of Nonsignificant Trials in Sports Medicine.
Orthopaedic clinical research findings can be prone to β error (false negative), owing to small sample sizes. Such trials show no difference between groups when, in fact, a difference may exist. The reverse fragility index is defined as the number of "events" that would cause an individual research study's findings to flip from nonsignificant to statistically significant, and this index can help determine the clinical relevance and validity of clinical trials reporting nonsignificant results. Orthopaedic surgeons should critically evaluate clinical research that shows no statistically significant difference between groups to rule out a β error, given that underpowered studies are particularly prone to fragility. If an orthopaedic trial reports statistically insignificant results, this does not mean the results are clinically insignificant.


An examination of the prospective impact of bulimic symptoms and dietary restraint on life hassles and social support.
The stress generation hypothesis posits that individuals with psychopathology engage in maladaptive behaviors that create stress. Although extensively researched in the depression literature, few studies have investigated whether the stress generation hypothesis applies to eating disorders. This study examined whether bulimic symptoms and dietary restraint predict future life hassles and low social support among undergraduate students. Three hundred seventy-four undergraduate students participated in this two-part prospective study through a secure online system. They completed questionnaires assessing depressive symptoms, bulimic symptoms, dietary restraint, life hassles, and social support. Regression analyses revealed that baseline bulimic symptoms predicted greater life hassles but not lower social support one month later, after statistically controlling for baseline measures. Baseline dietary restraint did not predict future life hassles or social support. Limitations include use of self-report measures, suboptimal response rates at the follow-up assessment, and use of a non-clinical sample with primarily White participants. These results provide preliminary support for the stress generation hypothesis in relation to bulimic symptoms. Individuals with bulimic symptoms may generate stressors similar to those experiencing depressive symptoms. Our findings suggest that emphasizing stress management in the treatment of individuals with bulimic symptoms could potentially improve treatment outcomes.


Consolidation therapy: what should be the standard of care?
Adults 18-60 years old with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) should undergo some form of postremission therapy, however, how much and what kinds of postremission chemotherapy remain unclear. In contrast, for older patients more than one cycle of chemotherapy postremission does not appear justified except perhaps in those rare patients with favorable cytogenetics who are young enough to tolerate standard therapy and in whom there is still an option for cure. Routine postremission therapy is not justifiable for those with unfavorable cytogenetics. However, the median age of AML patients approaches 70 years; this is a group of patients who often reach minimal disease, but with a median disease-free survival of only 4 to 5 months, regardless of their cytogenetics, and are therefore an ideal patient group for clinical studies. Older patients have limited tolerance for intensive regimens, although relatively nontoxic agents exist that can be explored. The issue of maintenance remains open.


Sequence analysis, overexpression, and antisense inhibition of a beta-xylosidase gene, xylA, from Aspergillus oryzae KBN616.
beta-Xylosidase secreted by the shoyu koji mold, Aspergillus oryzae, is the key enzyme responsible for browning of soy sauce. To investigate the role of beta-xylosidase in the brown color formation, a major beta-xylosidase, XylA, and its encoding gene were characterized. beta-Xylosidase XylA was purified to homogeneity from culture filtrates of A. oryzae KBN616. The optimum pH and temperature of the enzyme were found to be 4.0 and 60 degrees C, respectively, and the molecular mass was estimated to be 110 kDa based on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The xylA gene comprises 2,397 bp with no introns and encodes a protein consisting of 798 amino acids (86,475 Da) with 14 potential N-glycosylation sites. The deduced amino acid sequence shows high similarity to Aspergillus nidulans XlnD (70%), Aspergillus niger XlnD (64%), and Trichoderma reesei BxII (63%). The xylA gene was overexpressed under control of the strong and constitutive A. oryzae TEF1 promoter. One of the A. oryzae transformants produced approximately 13 times more of the enzyme than did the host strain. The partial-length antisense xylA gene expressed under control of the A. oryzae TEF1 promoter decreased the beta-xylosidase level in A. oryzae to about 20% of that of the host strain.


Germline Abnormalities in DNA Methylation and Histone Modification and Associated Cancer Risk.
Somatic mutations in DNA methyltransferases and other DNA methylation associated genes have been found in a wide variety of cancers. Germline mutations in these genes have been associated with several rare hereditary disorders. Among the described germline/congenital disorders, neurological dysfunction and/or growth abnormalities appear to be a common phenotype. Here, we outline known germline abnormalities and examine the cancer risks associated with these mutations. The increased use and availability of sequencing techniques in the clinical setting has expanded the identification of germline abnormalities involving DNA methylation machinery. This has provided additional cases to study these rare hereditary disorders and their predisposition to cancer. Studying these syndromes may offer an opportunity to better understand the contribution of these genes in cancer development.


Increased soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) is associated with thrombosis and inhibition of plasmin generation in paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) patients.
Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is an acquired genetic disorder of the bone marrow that produces intravascular hemolysis, proclivity to venous thrombosis, and hematopoietic failure. Mutation in the PIG-A gene of a hematopoietic stem cell abrogates synthesis of glycosylphosphoinositol (GPI) anchors and expression of all GPI-anchored proteins on the surface of progeny erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets. Urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR), a GPI-linked protein expressed on neutrophils, mediates endogenous thrombolysis through a urokinase-dependent mechanism. Here we show that membrane GPI-anchored uPAR is decreased or absent on granulocytes and platelets of patients with PNH, while soluble uPAR (suPAR) levels are increased in patients' plasma. Serum suPAR concentrations correlated with the number of GPI-negative neutrophils and were highest in patients who later develop thrombosis. In vitro, suPAR is released from PNH hematopoietic cells and from platelets upon activation, suggesting that these cells are the probable source of plasma suPAR in the absence of GPI anchor synthesis and trafficking of uPAR to the cell membrane. In vitro, the addition of recombinant suPAR results in a dose-dependent decrease in the activity of single-chain urokinase. We hypothesized that suPAR, prevents the interaction of urokinase with membrane-anchored uPAR on residual normal cells.


Low incidence of primary infection with toxoplasma among women in Sheffield: a seroconversion study.
To determine the incidence of primary toxoplasma infection in women of childbearing age. A retrospective study of seroconversion on stored pairs of sera taken for routine antenatal testing. The antenatal clinics and general practices of Sheffield between July 1989 and October 1992. One thousand six hundred and twenty-one women on whom pairs of sera, separated by more than 500 days, had been received. Rate of primary infection determined by seroconversion as measured by the presence of antibody in the second serum and its absence in the first. Of 1621 women, 160 (9.9%) were initially seropositive. One seroconversion was detected in 2966 woman years of observation for susceptibles. The projected rate for primary infections was 0.23 (95% CI 0.0059-1.3) per 1000 pregnancies. The rate is much lower than for earlier estimates of incidence in the UK but agrees with a more recent estimate from Sheffield and suggests a falling incidence.


Fluorescent protein-based reporters reveal stress response of intracellular Salmonella enterica at level of single bacterial cells.
Intracellular bacteria such as Salmonella enterica are confronted with a broad array of defence mechanisms of their mammalian host cells. The ability to sense host cell-imposed damages, and to mount efficient stress responses are crucial for survival and proliferation of intracellular pathogens. The various combinations of host defence mechanisms acting on intracellular bacteria and their individual response also explain the occurrence of distinct subpopulations of intracellular S. enterica such as dormant or persisting, slowly or rapidly replicating cells. Here we describe a set of fluorescence protein (FP)-based reporter strains that were used to monitor the expression of cytoplasmic or periplasmic stress response systems of single bacterial cells. This is mediated by a fast-maturing FP as reporter for induction of stress response genes. We evaluated slower maturing FPs for a second function, that is, the analysis of the status of intracellular proliferation of pathogens. The combination of two FPs allows, at level of single bacterial cells, the interrogation of stress response and intracellular proliferation. Application of these reporters to S. enterica allowed us to detect and quantify distinct intracellular subpopulations with different levels of stress response and proliferation.


Fluctuation in measurements of pulmonary nodule under tidal volume ventilation on four-dimensional computed tomography: preliminary results.
The present study aimed to assess the feasibility of four-dimensional (4D) chest computed tomography (CT) under tidal volume ventilation and the impact of respiratory motion on quantitative analysis of CT measurements. Forty-four pulmonary nodules in patients with metastatic disease were evaluated. CT examinations were performed using a 256 multidetector-row CT (MDCT) unit. Volume data were obtained from the lower lung fields (128 mm) above the diaphragm during dynamic CT acquisition. The CT parameters used were 120 kV, 100 or 150 mA, 0.5 s(-1), and 0.5 mm collimation. Image data were reconstructed every 0.1 s during one respiratory cycle by a 180 degrees reconstruction algorithm for four independent fractions of the respiratory cycle. Pulmonary nodules were measured along their longest and shortest axes using electronic calipers. Automated volumetry was assessed using commercially available software. The diameters of long and short axes in each frame were 9.0-9.6 mm and 7.1-7.5 mm, respectively. There was fluctuation of the long axis diameters in the third fraction. The mean volume in each fraction ranged from 365 to 394 mm(3). Statistically significant fluctuation was also found in the third fraction. 4D-CT under tidal volume ventilation is feasible to determine diameter or volume of the pulmonary nodule.


Forearm muscle oxidative capacity index predicts sport rock-climbing performance.
Rock-climbing performance is largely dependent on the endurance of the forearm flexors. Recently, it was reported that forearm flexor endurance in elite climbers is independent of the ability to regulate conduit artery (brachial) blood flow, suggesting that endurance is not primarily dependent on the ability of the brachial artery to deliver oxygen, but rather the ability of the muscle to perfuse and use oxygen, i.e., skeletal muscle oxidative capacity. The aim of the study was to determine whether an index of oxidative capacity in the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) predicts the best sport climbing red-point grade within the last 6 months. Participants consisted of 46 sport climbers with a range of abilities. Using near-infrared spectroscopy, the oxidative capacity index of the FDP was assessed by calculating the half-time for tissue oxygen resaturation (O2HTR) following 3-5 min of ischemia. Linear regression, adjusted for age, sex, BMI, and training experience, revealed a 1-s decrease in O2HTR was associated with an increase in red-point grade by 0.65 (95 % CI 0.35-0.94, Adj R (2) = 0.53). Considering a grade of 0.4 separated the top four competitors in the 2015 International Federation Sport Climbing World Cup, this finding suggests that forearm flexor oxidative capacity index is an important determinant of rock-climbing performance.


Prospective Evaluation of Continence Following Radical Cystectomy and Orthotopic Urinary Diversion Using a Validated Questionnaire.
We evaluated continence outcomes in male patients undergoing orthotopic neobladder diversion after radical cystectomy using a validated questionnaire. Using our institutional review board approved bladder cancer database we identified 1,269 patients who underwent open radical cystectomy from 2002 to 2015. Orthotopic neobladder was constructed in 935 (74%) patients, of whom 798 (85%) were male. Beginning in 2012 the patients completed a validated pictorial pad use questionnaire at each followup visit. The questionnaire assessed pad number, size and wetness as well as catheter use. Continence was defined as use of no pads or pads that are almost dry. Questionnaires were stratified into distinct postoperative intervals for analysis. Female patients, or patients with artificial urinary sphincters or prior radiotherapy were excluded from the study. A total of 188 male patients with available questionnaires were followed from September 2012 to August 2015. Overall 447 questionnaires were collected, with 351 interval distinct questionnaires separated into intervals of less than 3, 3 to 6, more than 6 to 12, more than 12 to 18, more than 18 to 36 and more than 36 months after surgery (64, 61, 58, 49, 61 and 58 questionnaires, respectively). Daytime continence increased from 59% at less than 3 months postoperatively to 92% by more than 12 to 18 months. Nighttime continence increased from 28% at less than 3 months postoperatively to 51% by more than 18 to 36 months. Nearly 50% of patients reported daytime and nighttime continence by 18 to 36 months. After orthotopic neobladder diversion in male patients, continence improves significantly by 6 months and subsequently plateaus with 92% daytime continence by more than 12 to 18 months. Orthotopic neobladder represents an excellent functional option for urinary diversion.


Statins are associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer disease regardless of lipophilicity. The Rotterdam Study.
Cross-sectional reports suggest that statin users are less likely to have Alzheimer disease (AD). Prospective studies have provided inconsistent evidence. Moreover, it is unclear whether the association differs for lipophilic statins, those that could more easily pass the blood-brain barrier and hydrophilic statins. To prospectively evaluate whether use of statins is associated with the risk of AD, and to determine whether associations differ for lipophilic and hydrophilic statins. 6992 participants of the prospective, population-based Rotterdam Study were followed, from baseline (1990-1993) until January 2005 for incident AD. Data on all filled prescriptions came from pharmacy records. For each date on which each event occurred, cholesterol-lowering drug use for the person who experienced the event and all remaining persons in the cohort was categorised as "any" or "never" use. A distinction was made between statin, lipophilic and hydrophilic statins, and non-statin cholesterol-lowering drugs. Data were analysed with the Cox regression analysis, adjusting for sex, age and potential confounders. During follow-up (mean 9 years), 582 persons developed AD. Compared with never use of cholesterol-lowering drugs, statin use was associated with a decreased risk of AD (HR 0.57; 95% CI 0.37 to 0.90), but non-statin cholesterol-lowering drug use was not (HR 1.05; 95% CI 0.45 to 2.44). HRs were equal for lipophilic (HR 0.54; 95% CI 0.32 to 0.89) and hydrophilic statins (HR 0.54; 95% CI 0.26 to 1.11). In the general population, the use of statins, but not of non-statin cholesterol-lowering drugs, was associated with a lower risk of AD compared with never use of cholesterol-lowering drugs. The protective effect was independent of the lipophilicity of statins.


The corneal endothelium following autokeratoplasty. A case report.
An autokeratoplasty was performed on the left eye of a 64-year-old female, with the graft transferred from the contralateral, blind eye. The endothelial morphology and thickness of the central cornea were studied pre-operatively and yearly for 6 years after surgery. The endothelial cell density decreased rapidly during the first 2 years post-operatively (55.5%), after which cell loss occurred at a considerably slower rate (about 2% of the pre-operative cell density per year). During the observation period, the coefficient of variation in cell size stayed relatively constant (approximately 0.3). When the corneal thickness returned to normal 2 months after surgery, the endothelium showed a significant decrease in the percentage of hexagonal cells (15.0%). Between 2 months and 2 years post-operatively, the percentage of hexagonal cells gradually returned to normal. These endothelial changes noted are remarkably similar to those previously seen in homografts, suggesting that cell damage due to immunologic reactions may not be a major factor in long-term endothelial changes after homografting.


Optimal allocation for land in an arid inland basin in northwest China: framework and application based on CLUE-S and MCR models.
Reasonable planning of the limited land resources can promote the coordinated development of social economic and ecological protection. It is very important to optimize the rational distribution of land resources in the arid inland river basin because of the scarce land. In this paper, the GIS technologies of spatial analysis, conversion of land use, and its effects at small regional extent (CLUE-S) and minimum cumulative resistance (MCR) model were used to optimize the land allocation. The ecological security pattern (ESP) was constructed through using MCR model, which included ecological source and resistance surface. The dynamics of land use and spatial optimizing allocation of Shiyang River Basin in 2025 and 2030 was simulated under three different optimization scenarios including farmland protection scenario (FPS), free development scenario (FDS), and ecological security pattern scenario (ESPS). It was found that under ESPS, farmland was reduced, but woodland, grassland, and water body were increased significantly. Under FPS, land for construction was controlled effectively, a large part of homestead was converted into farmland, and the potential of unused land was developed vigorously. Furthermore, the current FDS and macro policy guidance should be comprehensively considered. The ESPS was more suitable for the scientific development of Shiyang River Basin on a long view. The combination of CLUE-S and MCR can effectively improve the optimization methods under ecological process and ecological resistance of landscape elements.


Sequence-dependent antitumor activity of paclitaxel (taxol) and cisplatin in vivo.
The established antitumor efficacy of paclitaxel and cisplatin as single agents and their distinctly different mechanisms of action have prompted laboratory and clinical research into their use in combination. Our in vivo study was performed to investigate the importance of sequence of administration and inter-agent interval. C3Hf/Kam mice bearing OCa-I tumors received paclitaxel and cisplatin. The antitumor efficacy of the combination, measured as re-growth delay and expressed as the enhancement factor (EF), was determined for inter-agent intervals of 1, 9, 24, 48 and 72 hr. Morphometric analysis was used to determine the contribution of induced apoptosis. Our findings showed an additive effect when cisplatin preceded paclitaxel by 1 and 24 hr, producing EF of 1.1 and 1.0, respectively, and a greater than additive effect for 9 and 48 hr, producing EF of 1.3 and 1.8, respectively. This sequence, however, was associated with significant morbidity and mortality. When paclitaxel preceded cisplatin the effect was greater than additive with the EF for 1, 9 and 24 hr, being 1.2, 1.5 and 1.5, respectively, and increasing to a maximum of 1.9 at 48 hr. Thus, for this combination, the therapeutic ratio was improved when paclitaxel preceded cisplatin and was greatest when a 48 hr interval was allowed between drugs. We were unable to attribute the efficacy of the drug combination to increased induction of apoptosis and suggest other possible mechanisms.


Adsorption of halogenated aromatic pollutants by a protein released from Bacillus pumilus.
Previous studies of the biosorption of halogenated aromatic pollutants (HAPs) have focused on the sorption of these compounds by cell bodies. However, in this study we investigated the adsorption of HAPs by biocompounds released from a bacterium, Bacillus pumilus. When B. pumilus was exposed to high temperature, it released a protein and carbohydrates, exclusively. After determining experimental conditions using 1,2,3,4-tetrachlorinated dibenzofuran (1,2,3,4-TCDF), the adsorption characteristics of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), chlorinated benzenes, and chlorinated naphthalenes were investigated. These HAPs were adsorbed considerably not only by cells but also by the released protein. In general, highly chlorinated congeners were adsorbed to a greater extent on the protein than lowly chlorinated ones, and the amount adsorbed differed between isomers. The present results are consistent with adsorption occurring via a passive physico-chemical mechanism. Finally, the importance of biocompounds released or excreted from microorganisms for the removal of HAPs is discussed.


Phosphagen kinase of the giant tubeworm Riftia pachyptila. Cloning and expression of cytoplasmic and mitochondrial isoforms of taurocyamine kinase.
The giant tubeworm Riftia pachyptila lives at deep-sea hydrothermal vents along the East Pacific Rise and the Galapagos Rift. The large size and high growth rate of R. pachyptila is supported by an endosymbiotic relationship with a chemosynthetic bacterium. Elucidation of the regulation of energy metabolism of the giant tubeworm remains an interesting problem. The purpose of this study is to determine the cDNA sequence of phosphagen kinase, one of the most important enzymes in energy metabolism, and to characterize its function. Two phosphagen kinase cDNA sequences amplified from the cDNA library of R. pachyptila showed high derived amino acid sequence identity (74%) with those of cytoplasmic taurocyamine kinase (TK) and mitochondrial TK from an annelid Arenicola brasiliensis. The cytoplasmic form of the Riftia recombinant enzyme showed stronger activity for the substrates taurocyamine and also considerable activity for lombricine (21% that of taurocyamine). The mitochondrial form, which was structurally similar to mitochondrial creatine kinase, showed stronger activity for taurocyamine, and a broader activity for various guanidine compounds: glycocyamine (35% that of taurocyamine), lombricine (31%) and arginine (3%). Both forms showed no activity for creatine. The difference in substrate specificities between the cytoplasmic and mitochondrial forms might be attributable to the large difference in the amino acid sequence of the GS region and/or several key amino acid residues for establishing guanidine substrate specificity. Based on these results, we conclude that Riftia contains at least two forms of TK as phosphagen kinase. We also report the kinetic parameters, Km and kcat, of Arenicola and Riftia TKs for the first time. The Km values for taurocyamine of Arenicola and Riftia TKs ranged from 0.9 to 4.0 mM and appear to be comparable to those of other annelid-specific enzymes, lombricine kinase and glycocyamine kinase, but are significantly lower than those of Neanthes cytoplasmic and mitochondrial creatine kinases. Comparison of kcat/Km value in various annelid phosphagen kinases indicates that Arenicola mitochondrial TK has the highest catalytic efficiency (16.2 s-1 mM-1). In Arenicola TKs, the mitochondrial form has seven-fold higher efficiency than the cytoplasmic form.


Inhibition of K+-sensitive p-nitrophenylphosphatase activity on Rhesus-positive red cells after incubation with IgG-anti-Rhesus-D.
The incubation of ghosts derived from human Rhesus-positive red cells with IgG-anti-Rhesus-D inhibited the K+-sensitive p-nitrophenylphosphatase activity. This enzyme has a partial function in the (Na+ + K+)-ATPase system related to the phosphorylation step, which is important for active potassium transport through the red cell membrane. The specificity of the impairment by the antigen-antibody reaction in the Rhesus-D system was proved by the following controls. Ghosts obtained from Rhesus-negative red cells incubated by IgG-anti-Rhesus-D and those of Rhesus-positive red cells treated with non-immune serum did not show any reduction of the K+-p-nitrophenylphosphatase activity. The ghost preparation with lanthanum carried out after hypotonic hemolysis of the washed red cells in 2 mM LaCl3 at pH 6 was the most suitable procedure to explore this topic in comparison to other techniques for preparing ghosts of red cells.