Low intake of calcium and vitamin D, but not zinc, iron or vitamin A, is associated with stunting in 2- to 5-year-old children.
This cross-sectional study examined the nutritional factors associated with the high levels of stunting in 2- to 5-y-old children in an impoverished South African setting where liver is frequently eaten and vitamin A deficiency known to be absent. Children's dietary intake was assessed by a single 24-h recall. Heights and weights were measured and information was obtained on breast-feeding history, the child's habitual milk intake, as well as substance use by the mother during pregnancy (n = 150). The overall prevalence of stunting was 36.9% (CI 29.2, 44.6) and increased with age, being 49% in the 4- to 5-y-old age category. Birth weight correlated significantly with height-for-age z-scores (HAZ; r = 0.250, P = 0.003), and was lower in children whose mothers smoked and used alcohol during pregnancy than in children whose mothers abstained (P < 0.0001). Median intake of energy, carbohydrate and protein was adequate. Median intake for all micronutrients was at least 90% of the estimated average requirement, except for calcium, vitamin D and vitamin E, which was 21%, 15%, and 32%, respectively. Intake of fat, calcium, phosphorous, vitamin D, riboflavin, and vitamin B12 (nutrients that typically occur in milk) was significantly lower in stunted than in non-stunted children (P < 0.05). When excluding children with low birth weight, intake of calcium, vitamin D, and riboflavin were still significantly lower (P < 0.05). HAZ was higher in children who habitually drank milk compared to those who did not (P = 0.003). Inadequate calcium and vitamin D intake, presumably because of low intake of milk after weaning, may have contributed to stunting in this population.


[The place of radiotherapy in the treatment of lymph node metastases in the neck from upper respiratory and digestive tract neoplasms].
The management of lymphnode disease is a common denominator in the treatment of all head and neck cancers. Only in a few clinical situations does irradiation or surgery alone yield a satisfactory control rate. The rationale for combination of both disciplines is based on two facts: a) Irradiations (5000 rads in 5 weeks) can eradicate the microscopic disease that a radical surgical procedure cannot remove; b) high doses of irradiation fail to control large cancer volumes (6500 rads in 6-7 weeks to a lymphnode greater than or equal to 3 cm: about 20% recurrence rate). The therapy sequence must be flexible and depend on clinical factors. The radicalism of both disciplines should be reduced in order to diminish the complication rate.


Impact of frozen storage on fatty acid profile in goose meat.
The objective of this study was to investigate the changes of the fatty acid in breast (BM) and leg (LM) muscles from 17-wk-old female White Kołuda geese packaged in a vacuum and stored in freezing conditions at -20°C. During 17 weeks, the geese were fed ad libitum on the same complete feed. The samples (18 LM and 18 BM) from the right part of the carcasses were stored for 30, 90, 80, 270, and 365 d. The changes in the fatty acid profile were established by gas chromatography. In this work, there were also calculated lipid profile indicators such as Σ PUFA n-6/Σ PUFA n-3, Σ UFA/Σ SFA, and Σ PUFA/Σ SFA. Time of frozen storage affected the decrease in Σ SFA, Σ MUFA, and Σ PUFA of BM and LM. The statistical analysis of the obtained data shows that the type of muscle also generally affected the fatty acid profile. The BM are characterized higher proportion of Σ SFA, and the LM are defined as containing more Σ MUFA and Σ PUFA. Extending frozen storage time caused only the deterioration of Σ PUFA n-6/Σ PUFA n-3. The Σ PUFA n-6/Σ PUFA n-3 were the highest in BM and LM on the 365th day of storage. Although the Σ PUFA n-6/Σ PUFA n-3 ratio in muscles stored for 180, 270, and 365 d was higher than the recommended values. The lipid profile indicators (Σ UFA/Σ SFA, and Σ PUFA/Σ SFA) were similar in raw meat and in all frozen storage samples. It means that frozen storage didn't affect this index and the BM and LM have the same quality from the dietary point of view. Leg muscles during frozen storage are characterized by higher Σ UFA/Σ SFA and Σ PUFA/Σ SFA than the breast muscles.


Bovine campylobacteriosis in heifer: pathogenesis study and insights in the conventional and molecular diagnosis in an experimental bovine model and field cases.
Campylobacter fetus spp. is a bacterium associated to reproductive losses in cattle worldwide. It is a venereal infectious disease known as bovine campilobacteriosis, with high impact mainly in countries with extensive production systems. Here, we show pathogenesis and diagnostic methods for Campylobacter fetus detection in cervico-vaginal mucus (CVM) samples from heifers experimentally infected and field cases from herds with low reproductive performance by campylobacteriosis infection. Bacterial culture, direct immunofluorescence test and qPCR were used as diagnostic methods to evaluate detection of C. fetus. In the experimental model 30 Aberdeen Angus and crossbred heifers and 4 Aberdeen Angus bulls for natural mating were assigned to 3 groups experimentally challenged with C. fetus subsp. fetus (Cff), C. fetus subsps venerealis (Cfv) and C. fetus subsp venerealis biovar intermedius (Cfvi), respectively, and a negative control group, all followed for 9 months. Also, field samples of CVM and aborted fetuses were recollected from seven beef cattle farms. Bacteriological culture had the higher C. fetus detection rate in CVM being the most appropriate, followed by qPCR (with commercial extraction DNA kit), direct immunofluorescence test and qPCR (with in-house extraction DNA method), in both, experimental model and field cases. From experimental model after natural mating, 62.5% and 25% heifers got pregnant from Cff and Cfvi groups, respectively, while from Cfv no pregnancy was detected. The strain more frequently detected was Cfvi, followed by Cff and Cfv. Colonization of Cff in female genital tract with high number of carriers and presence in aborted fetuses was evidenced, suggesting a high risk to bovine reproductive health. Bacteriemia was not detected after genital infection. Given the low detection rate of either test, we suggest the use of both, PCR based methods and bacterial culture could result in higher detection rate in farms with endemic campylobacteriosis.


Outer retinal tubulation in diabetic macular edema following anti-VEGF treatment.
To address the presence and features of outer retinal tubulation (ORT) found in diabetic macular edema (DME) treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) and to differentiate between ORT and cystoid DME, which have different plans of management. This was a retrospective review of a total of 514 patients investigated with spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) in patients with diabetic macular edema treated with anti-VEGF. ORT was seen in 12 eyes of 11 patients. The morphologic characteristics of ORT and its progress over time were examined using OCT data. The retinal images were obtained by horizontal and vertical scans to analyze the possible presence of ORT and to explore their morphologic features and location in the retinal layers. ORT was seen in DME treated with anti-VEGF. ORT was shown as round or ovoid hyporeflective spaces with hyperreflective borders on the B-scans, measuring 30 to 120 μm high and 30 to 1775 μm wide. The tubules generally remained stable over time. In a retinal practice specializing in advanced diabetic retinopathy clinic, this ORT was seen in 12 eyes of 11 patients during a 12-month period. ORT presented either after receiving 0.05 mL open-label intravitreal injections of 0.5 mg ranibizumab or 1.25 mg bevacizumab. ORT is found in DME treated with anti-VEGF that may show damage to the outer retina secondary to the severity and chronicity of the DME. ORT may be a result of underlying chronic and severe diabetic macular edema that may occur later possibly secondary to retinal layers rearrangement after several anti-VEGF injections. It is important to differentiate between ORT and cystoids DME. The presence of the ORT entity alone without the presence of DME does not require further anti-VEGF re-injections.


An Item Response analysis of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale using shared data from two pharmaceutical companies.
Although the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) remains the most widely used outcome measure in clinical trials of Major Depressive Disorder, the psychometric properties of the individual HAMD items have not been extensively studied. In the present paper, data from four separate clinical trials conducted independently by two pharmaceutical companies were analyzed to determine the relationship between scores on the individual HAMD items and overall depressive severity in an outpatient population. Option characteristic curves (the probability of scoring a particular option in relation to overall HAMD scores) were generated in order to illustrate the relationship between scoring patterns for each item and the range of total HAMD scores. Results showed that Items 1 (Depressed Mood) and 7 (Work and Activities), and to a lesser degree, Items 2 (Guilt), 10 (Anxiety/Psychic), 11 (Anxiety/Somatic), and 13 (Somatic/General) demonstrated a good relationship between item responses and overall depressive severity. However, other items (e.g. Insight, Hypochondriasis) appeared to be more problematic with regard to their ability to discriminate over the full range of depression severity. The present results illustrate that co-operative data sharing between pharmaceutical companies can be a useful tool for improving clinical methods.


The use of tricyclic antidepressants in children and adolescents.
For children and adolescents, TCAs have proven efficacy in the treatment of enuresis, OCD, and ADHD, with less compelling evidence in anxiety and tic disorders and as-yet unproven efficacy in major depression. The TCAs continue to be a valuable second-line treatment in the previously mentioned conditions. Given the possible adverse effects caused by these medications and the individual variability in plasma levels, effective, responsible use of these medications includes careful monitoring by the prescribing clinician.


Uptake of mannose-terminal glucocerebrosidase in cultured human cholinergic and dopaminergic neuron cell lines.
Enzyme replacement therapy has been shown to be particularly effective for patients with type 1 (non-neuronopathic) Gaucher disease. However, intravenously administered glucocerebrosidase does not reverse or halt the progression of brain damage in patients with type 2 (acute neuronopathic) Gaucher disease. A previous investigation revealed that intracerebral infusion of mannose-terminal glucocerebrosidase was safe in experimental animals. The enzyme had a comparatively long half-life in the brain. It was transported by convection from the site of infusion along white matter fiber tracts to the cerebral cortex where it was endocytosed by neurons. In anticipation of intracerebral administration of mannose-terminal glucocerebrosidase to patients with type 2 Gaucher disease, it was important to learn the mechanism involved in its cellular uptake. We therefore compared the endocytosis of this enzyme by J774 macrophage cells with that in two human neuronal cell lines and a human astrocyte cell line. Mannose-terminal glucocerebrosidase was taken up by cholinergic LA-N-2 cells, but to a much lower extent than by macrophages. Considerably less of the enzyme was endocytosed by dopaminergic SH-SY5Y cells. It was not taken up by NHA astrocytes. The findings provide encouragement for an exploration of intracerebral administration of glucocerebrosidase in patients with type 2 Gaucher disease.


Mitral valve repair provides improved outcome over replacement in active infective endocarditis.
Mitral repair in active infective endocarditis still remains controversial. Several studies demonstrate the feasibility of mitral repair in infective endocarditis; however, superiority of repair has never been shown. The aim of the investigation was to compare valve repair and valve replacement in respect to the extent of destruction and to analyze survival, recurrent endocarditis, and reoperation (event-free survival). Sixty-eight consecutive patients underwent surgical intervention for mitral endocarditis. Thirty-four (50%) patients had valve repair, and 34 (50%) patients had valve replacement. Leaflet destruction involving at least one mitral leaflet was present in 15 (44.1%) patients of the repair group and 11 (32.4%) patients of the replacement group. Repair of the mitral annulus with pericardium was performed in 4 (11.8%) patients in the repair group and 3 (8.8%) patients in the replacement group. Patients in both groups were similar concerning the progression of valvular destructions and comorbidities. Hospital mortality was 11.8% (8 patients). No significant differences were found in all baseline parameters, with the exception of a higher incidence of previous septic embolism and sepsis in the repair group. Actuarial event-free survival at 1 year was 88.2% in the repair group compared with 67.7% in the replacement group, and 5-year event-free survival was 80.4% in the repair group and 54.6% in the replacement group (P = .015). Mitral valve repair remained the superior treatment regarding event-free survival in the multivariate analysis (hazard ratio, 0.33; 95% confidence interval, 0.12-0.93; P = .02). Mitral valve repair offers excellent early and late results and is the preferable treatment option in the surgical therapy of native infective endocarditis.


Alterations of cortical excitability and central motor conduction time in Wilson's disease.
Wilson's disease (WD) leads to widespread structural alterations of central nervous system and our objectives were to determine the cortical excitability changes in WD by using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Thirteen patients with WD, diagnosed by the presence of Kayser-Fleischer ring and biochemical tests, were studied. TMS was performed using a figure-of-eight coil attached to Magstim 200 stimulator. Motor evoked potentials (MEP) were recorded from right first dorsal interosseous at rest. Resting motor threshold (RMT) was determined using standard techniques and central motor conduction time (CMCT) by 'F' wave method. Comparison was made with control data of our laboratory. Dysarthria was the presenting symptom in 5 patients (38.5%) and chorea, tremors, dystonia and abnormal gait in 2 patients each (15.4%). RMT was recordable in 10 patients and not recordable in 3. Compared to controls, patients in whom RMT was recordable, had significantly higher mean RMT (80.9 ± 14.8 vs. 41.1 ± 7, p<0.0001) and CMCT (6.7 ± 0.5 ms vs. 4.8 ± 0.6 ms; p<0.0001). In 2 of the 3 patients with non-recordable RMT, MEP could be obtained with active contraction. CMCT in these 2 patients was also prolonged. Patients with WD have reduced cortical excitability and prolonged CMCT which may be due to the intracortical presynaptic motor dysfunction.


Neurobiology of suicidal behavior. An integration of biological and clinical findings.
Suicide is among the top ten leading causes of death in individuals of all ages. An explanatory model for suicidal behavior that links clinical and psychological risk factors or endophenotypes, to the underlying neurobiological abnormalities associated with suicidal behavior may enhance prediction, help identify treatment options and have heuristic value. Our explanatory model proposes that developmental factors that are biological (genetics) and psychological or clinical (early childhood adversity) may have causal relevance to the disturbances found in subjects with suicidal behavior. In this way, our model integrates findings from several perspectives in suicidology and attempts to explain the relationship between various neurobiological, genetic, and clinical observations in suicide research, offering a comprehensive hypothesis to facilitate understanding of this complex outcome.


Correction of intrinsic penile chordee with a ventral penile graft of fascia lata.
Chordee is an abnormal curvature of the penis detected on erection. Congenital or primary curvature of the penis without hypospadias is, however, rare. There are two kinds of primary curvatures; those associated with a normal corpus spongiosum and those with a hypoplastic spongiosum. Secondary curvatures associated with Peyronie's disease or periurethral fibrosis associated with urethral stricture are more common in adults. Four nonhuman primates had successful correction of artificially induced chordee with a graft of fascia lata.


Cardioprotective effect of Hrudroga Chintamani Rasa in isoproterenol induced cardiotoxicity in male Sprague Dawley rats.
Ayurvedic system, a traditional medicinal system has mentioned a preparation Bruhat Vata Chintamani Rasa (Suvarnayukta) for management of heart diseases. Hrudroga Chintamani Rasa (HCR) is a formulation containing Bruhat Vata Chintamani Rasa and a few additional ingredients having beneficial effects in heart diseases. The present study was designed to investigate the cardioprotective activity of the Hrudroga Chintamani Rasa in isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial infarction in rats. Male Sprague Dawley rats were treated with HCR at a dose of 56.16 and 112.32 mg/kg for 30 days. Animals received ISO (85 mg/kg. s.c.) on 28th and 29th day at an interval of 24 h. Disease control animals treated with HCR at a dose of 56.16 mg/kg and 112.32 mg/kg to rats showed a significant reduction in elevated levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and creatine phosphokinase MB (CK-MB), and prevented loss of depleted antioxidant enzymes from the cardiac tissue. ISO-altered electrocardiogram pattern and haemodynamic parameters were also brought about to normal by treatment with HCR. HCR treatment also improved the levels of 5' adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and Silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) which have potent role in antioxidant defence mechanism. Histopathological findings also showed HCR treatment prevented cardiac tissue from damage. HCR treatment showed a significant cardioprotective effect in ISO-induced cardiotoxicity in rats probably because of the potent antioxidant activity. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40200-022-01012-4.


Same-Day Discharge Total Knee Arthroplasty in Octogenarians.
One of the most important aspects of the transition to outpatient (OP) arthroplasty is patient selection, with guidance traditionally recommending that OP total knee arthroplasty (TKA) be reserved for patients <80 years old. However, there are limited data as to whether older age should really be considered a contraindication to OP-TKA. The purpose of this study is to assess the risk of complications and readmissions following OP-TKA in patients ≥80 years old. This is a retrospective, propensity-matched cohort study of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from 2011 to 2019. Patients ≥80 years undergoing OP (same-day discharge) TKA were propensity matched to patients ≥80 years undergoing inpatient (IP) TKA based on age, gender, race, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, functional status, smoking status, anesthetic type, and medical comorbidities. There were 1,418 patients (709 IPs and 709 OPs) included. All baseline factors were successfully matched between IP-TKA versus OP-TKA (P ≥ .18 for all). Thirty-day complications, readmissions, reoperations, and mortality were subsequently analyzed. Thirty-day readmission rates were identical between patients undergoing IP-TKA and OP-TKA (3.5% versus 3.5%, P = 1.0). Similarly, there was no significant difference in the incidence of major complications (2.7% versus 2.0%, P = .38), reoperations (1.3% versus 0.8%, P = .44), or mortalities (0.3% versus 0.3%, P = 1.0) within 30 days. Octogenarians undergoing OP-TKA had comparable complication rates to similar patients undergoing IP-TKA. OP-TKA can be performed safely in select octogenarians and age ≥80 years likely does not need to be a uniform contraindication to OP-TKA.


The role of age in intracerebral hemorrhages.
We aimed to identify the role of age in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), as well as characterize the most commonly used age cut off points in the literature, with the hope of understanding and guiding treatment. Strokes are one of the leading causes of death in the USA, and ICH is the deadliest type. Age is a strong risk factor, but it also affects the body in numerous ways, including changes to the cardiovascular and central nervous systems that interplay with the multiple risk factors for ICH. Understanding the role of age in risk and outcomes of ICH can guide treatment and future clinical trials. A current review of the literature suggests that the age cut offs for increased rates of mortality and morbidity vary from 60-80 years of age, with the most common age cut offs being at 65 or 70 years of age. In addition to age as a determinant of ICH outcomes, age has its own effects on the maturing body in terms of changes in physiology, while also increasing the risk of multiple chronic health conditions and comorbidities, including hypertension, diabetes, and anticoagulant treatment for atrial fibrillation, all of which contribute to the pathology of ICH. The interaction of these chronic conditions, changes in physiology, age, and ICH is evident. However, the exact mechanism and extent of the impacts remains unclear. The ambiguity of these connections may be further obscured by individual patient preferences, and there are limitations in the literature which guides the current recommendations for aging patients.


Iridoids from Kigelia pinnata DC. fruits.
From the fruits of Kigelia pinnata DC., a new furanone derivative formulated as 3-(2'-hydroxyethyl)-5-(2"-hydroxypropyl)-dihydrofuran-2(3H)-one (1), and four new iridoids named; 7-hydroxy viteoid II (2), 7-hydroxy eucommic acid (3), 7-hydroxy-10-deoxyeucommiol (4) and 10-deoxyeucommiol (5) have been isolated together with seven known iridoids, jiofuran (6), jioglutolide (7), 1-dehydroxy-3,4-dihydroaucubigenin (8), des-p-hydroxybenzoyl kisasagenol B (9), ajugol (10), verminoside (11) and 6-trans-caffeoyl ajugol (12). The structures of the isolated compounds were characterized by different spectroscopic methods.


Clinical, pathologic, and immunopathologic manifestations of the toxic oil syndrome. Analysis of fourteen cases.
The clinical, pathologic, and immunopathologic findings of 14 patients with the toxic oil syndrome are presented. The toxic oil syndrome occurred in Madrid, Spain, as a consequence of ingestion of an industrial oil sold as olive oil. The syndrome occurred in two phases. In the acute phase patients developed an interstitial pneumonitis, fever, and exanthem, and some died of respiratory insufficiency. Of those who survived, some developed a chronic phase with a neuromyopathic and scleroderma-like illness that had many features of a collagen vascular disease. Histologic examination of lung in the acute phase showed an endovasculitis and features of adult respiratory distress syndrome. In the chronic phase the skin showed various degrees of sclerodermoid changes and vessel injury. Immunofluorescence with antiprocollagen and antifibronectin antibodies revealed abundant perivascular fluorescence suggestive of vascular injury. Electron microscopy corroborated this by the presence of endothelial swelling and basal lamina reduplication. Similar findings have been described in systemic sclerosis, and this provides an important model for study of connective tissue disease, including scleroderma.


Successful oral rabies vaccination of raccoons with raccoon poxvirus recombinants expressing rabies virus glycoprotein.
Two infectious raccoon poxvirus (RCN) recombinants for expressing rabies virus surface spike glycoprotein (G) were produced by homologous recombination between raccoon poxvirus DNA and chimeric plasmids previously used for production of vaccinia virus recombinants. Expression of G protein was controlled by vaccinia virus promoter P7.5 (early/late class) or by P11 (late class). Immunoprecipitation of infected cell extracts indicated that both of the RCN recombinants directed faithful expression of G protein. Raccoons that were fed polyurethane baits loaded with either recombinant quickly developed high levels of rabies virus neutralizing antibodies and were protected when challenged with lethal raccoon rabies street virus.


Neuronal ceroid-lipofuscinosis. Studies of granulocyte enzyme activities.
Neuronal ceroid-lipofuscinosis is characterized by pigmentary degeneration of the retina, psychomotor degeneration, epilepsy and intracellular deposition of ceroidlipofuscin. Recent reports have suggested that deficiency of peroxidase is the basic genetic defect. However, deficiency of myeloperoxidase could be demonstrated in some but not all patients; this deficiency was noted only when p-phenylenediamine (PPD) was used as hydrogen donor and could not be confirmed with guaiacol. We found that horseradish peroxidase (HR-P) oxidized PPD in the absence of added H2O2. The oxidative product of PPD showed the same absorption spectrum as the peroxidative product. The oxidation of PPD by HR-P was not inhibited by catalase or superoxide dismutase. In addition, catalase oxidized PPD in the presence of H2O2. Soluble and granular fractions obtained from human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) also oxidized PPD in the absence of H2O2. Addition of H2O2 inhibited the oxidation of PPD in some cell fractions. This inhibition could be partially eliminated by dialysis of the cell fractions. Thus, PPD is not a suitable hydrogen donor for the study of peroxidase. This may explain the variable results obtained by the previous investigators. In contrast, guaiacol did not show these undesirable characteristics. The PMN peroxidase (measured with guaiacol), catalase, beta-glucuronidase, acid and alkaline phosphatases were studied in individuals from three families with juvenile neuronal ceroid-lipofuscinosis. Family 1: an affected boy and healthy parents; all showed normal enzyme activities in both soluble and granular fractions. Family 2: two affected sisters, one healthy sib and mother, and Family 3: one affected boy; all showed reduced peroxidase activities in the granular fractions. Other enzymes were normal. The role of peroxidase deficiency in the pathogenesis of neuronal ceroid-lipofuscinosis is not clear. The basic defect of this syndrome remains uncertain.


Biochemical and biophysical comparison of two mucins from human submandibular-sublingual saliva.
A high-molecular-weight mucin-glycoprotein (MG1) was isolated from human submandibular-sublingual saliva and was comprised of 14.9% protein, 29.0% N-acetylglucosamine, 9.4% N-acetylgalactosamine, 10.5% fucose, 24.2% galactose, 0.9% mannose, 4.0% N-acetylneuraminic acid, and 7.0% sulfate. Carbohydrate units were O-glycosidically linked and ranged in size from 4 to 16 residues. The biophysical properties of MG1 were compared to those of a smaller mucin (MG2) also isolated from submandibular-sublingual saliva. Fluorescence spectroscopy demonstrated that MG1 bound both 1-anilino-8-naphthalenesulfonate (ANS) and N-phenyl-1-naphthylamine (NPNA) in stable hydrophobic binding sites (melting temperature, 47 +/- 2 degrees C), whereas MG2 did not bind these hydrophobic probes. These hydrophobic domains occurred on nonglycosylated or naked portions of MG1 since Pronase treatment eliminated ANS binding. Reduction of disulfide bridges in MG1 increased the number of available hydrophobic binding sites. High ionic strength (0 to 2 M NaCl) had no effect on ligand binding, whereas lowering pH (9 to 2) increased ANS binding without affecting NPNA complexation. Circular dichroism (CD) data suggested that MG1's carbohydrate chains dominated its spectrum. In contrast, the peptide backbone dominated the CD spectrum of MG2. Collectively, the results of this study indicate that human submandibular-sublingual saliva contains two structurally distinct mucins.


Characteristics of health care interventions in affordable senior housing: A scoping review.
Older adults in affordable senior housing often experience chronic illness and unmet health care needs. This review describes studies reporting the characteristics and primary outcomes of health care interventions for older adults living in affordable senior housing. A scoping review METHODS: After a systematic search in three databases, a team of investigators screened 1,284 titles and abstracts and selected 31 records with reports on 28 studies for review. Narrative synthesis was used to describe studies of interventions in senior housing and primary outcomes. Studies typically used observational designs and added clinical staff, such as nurses and social workers, to provide health care interventions in groups (n = 15) or with individuals (n = 13). Outcomes were classified in four groups: wellness, symptom management, health care use, and physical function. A subset of 23 studies (82.1%) reported effective interventions. Findings identify innovative interventions to promote health in affordable senior housing.


A Cautionary Note on Predicting Social Judgments from Faces with Deep Neural Networks.
People spontaneously infer other people's psychology from faces, encompassing inferences of their affective states, cognitive states, and stable traits such as personality. These judgments are known to be often invalid, but nonetheless bias many social decisions. Their importance and ubiquity have made them popular targets for automated prediction using deep convolutional neural networks (DCNNs). Here, we investigated the applicability of this approach: how well does it generalize, and what biases does it introduce? We compared three distinct sets of features (from a face identification DCNN, an object recognition DCNN, and using facial geometry), and tested their prediction across multiple out-of-sample datasets. Across judgments and datasets, features from both pre-trained DCNNs provided better predictions than did facial geometry. However, predictions using object recognition DCNN features were not robust to superficial cues (e.g., color and hair style). Importantly, predictions using face identification DCNN features were not specific: models trained to predict one social judgment (e.g., trustworthiness) also significantly predicted other social judgments (e.g., femininity and criminal), and at an even higher accuracy in some cases than predicting the judgment of interest (e.g., trustworthiness). Models trained to predict affective states (e.g., happy) also significantly predicted judgments of stable traits (e.g., sociable), and vice versa. Our analysis pipeline not only provides a flexible and efficient framework for predicting affective and social judgments from faces but also highlights the dangers of such automated predictions: correlated but unintended judgments can drive the predictions of the intended judgments. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42761-021-00075-5.


Activation of muscarinic cholinergic receptors stimulates inositol phosphates synthesis in the developing avian cochlear duct.
We previously reported that the inositol phosphates (IPs) synthesis is induced by muscarinic agonists in the rat cochlea and that this stimulation is maximal at postnatal day 12. This peak response is concomitant with the onset of the efferent synaptogenesis at the outer hair cell level. Whether the correlation between this neuronal plasticity and the enhanced IPs formation is unique to the rat or a general feature of the developing vertebrate cochlea is not known. To examine this question, we measured, in the presence of LiCl, the accumulation of (3H)-IPs induced by carbachol, in the developing chick cochlear duct during a period ranging from embryonic day (E) 8 to post-hatching day (P) 20. Carbachol (1 mM) causes a significant increase of IPs formation relative to basal values at all ages. This IPs accumulation is maximal at E8 (1854% of the basal level), then, rapidly decreases until P13 when it reaches a steady-state level of 294% of the basal level. Strikingly, this gradual decline in IPs formation is interrupted between E15 and E19, by a transient increase in IPs synthesis. This rise peaks at E16 with a stimulation value of 757% of the control level. This maximal stimulation is inhibited by atropine in a dose-dependent manner, as is the case at E9, suggesting the involvement of muscarinic receptors. Interestingly, the occurrence of the peak response is concomitant with the plastic events associated with the maturation of the efferent innervation of the cochlear duct. Thus, these results suggest that there may be a correlation between cochlear plasticity and enhanced IPs synthesis, which is not species-specific.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


Long-term comparison of everolimus- and sirolimus-eluting stents in patients with acute coronary syndromes.
The goal of this study was to compare the long-term clinical outcome between everolimus-eluting stent (EES) and sirolimus-eluting stent (SES) in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). EES have not been directly compared with SES in ACS patients to date. Between 2004 and 2009, 1,746 consecutive ACS patients (ST-segment elevation ACS [STE-ACS]: 33.5%; non-ST-segment elevation ACS [NSTE-ACS]: 66.5%) were treated with EES (n=903) or SES (n=843). Using propensity score matching, clinical outcome was compared among 705 matched pairs of ACS patients treated with EES and SES. Through 3 years, the primary endpoint-the composite of death, myocardial infarction (MI), and target vessel revascularization (TVR)-occurred in 13.8% of EES- and 17.7% of SES-treated ACS patients (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.72, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.54 to 0.95, p=0.02). The difference in favor of EES was driven by a lower risk of TVR (5.7% vs. 8.8%, HR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.43 to 0.98, p=0.04) and a trend toward a lower risk of MI (2.1% vs. 3.3%, HR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.29 to 1.12, p=0.10). The risk of death (7.2% vs. 8.8%, HR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.50 to 1.10, p=0.14) showed no difference between EES and SES. The treatment effect in favor of EES for the primary endpoint was similar for patients with STE-ACS (16.4% vs. 18.5%, HR: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.50 to 1.27) and NSTE-ACS (12.4% vs. 17.3%; HR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.47 to 0.96; pfor interaction=0.56) and across major subgroups. Definite (0.4% vs. 1.8%, p=0.03), and definite or probable stent thrombosis (3.4% vs. 6.1%, p=0.02) were less frequent among EES- than SES-treated ACS patients. Among patients with ACS, the unrestricted use of EES is associated with improved clinical outcome compared with SES during long-term follow-up to 3 years. Notably, the risk of stent thrombosis was lower among EES-treated ACS patients.


CYP2B6 genotype is a strong predictor of systemic exposure to efavirenz in HIV-infected Zimbabweans.
Efavirenz, an antiretroviral medicine, is extensively metabolized by cytochrome P450 2B6 (CYP2B6), UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 2B7 (UGT2B7), and CYP2A6. In this study, we investigated the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in these genes with plasma efavirenz levels in Zimbabwean human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients treated with efavirenz. The exon regions of the CYP2B6, CYP2A6, and UGT2B7 genes were re-sequenced in 49 HIV-infected Zimbabwean patients treated with a combination therapy including efavirenz. Associations of SNPs in these three genes with efavirenz plasma concentrations 11-16 h after the administration of treatment were evaluated. Eight patients carrying CYP2B6*6/*18 showed the highest plasma efavirenz levels, with a fourfold higher concentration than patients who carried CYP2B6*1/*1. Patients with CYP2B6*6/*6 also showed higher efavirenz plasma concentrations than those with CYP2B6*1/*1. Among the 17 and 12 SNPs identified in CYP2A6 and UGT2B7, respectively, no SNP showed a significant association with the plasma efavirenz concentration. Although based on only a limited number of subjects, our results suggest that the CYP2B6*6 and CYP2B6*18 alleles should affect hepatic metabolic activity and elevate the systemic circulation level of efavirenz, which may lead to toxicity in Zimbabwean HIV patients.


Clinical characteristics and outcome of hemodialysis patients with COVID-19: a large cohort study in a single Chinese center.
Novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is spreading rapidly, which poses great challenges to patients on maintenance hemodialysis. Here we report the clinical features of 66 hemodialysis patients with laboratory confirmed COVID-19 infection. Retrospective, single-center case series of the 66 hemodialysis patients with confirmed COVID-19 from 1 January to 5 March 2020; the final date of follow-up was 25 March 2020. The clinical data were collected from 66 hemodialysis patients with confirmed COVID-19. The incidence of COVID-19 in our center was 11.0% (66/602), of which 18 patients died. According to different prognosis, hemodialysis patients with COVID-19 were divided into the survival and death group. A higher incidence of fever and dyspnea was found in the death group compared with the survival group. Meanwhile, patients in the death group were often accompanied by higher white blood cell count, prolonged PT time, increased D-dimer (p < .05). More patients in the death group showed hepatocytes and cardiomyocytes damage. Furthermore, logistic regression analysis suggested that fever, dyspnea, and elevated D-dimer were independent risk factors for death in hemodialysis patients with COVID-19 (OR, 1.077; 95% CI, 1.014 to 1.439; p = .044; OR, 1.146; 95% CI, 1.026 to 1.875; p = .034, OR, 4.974; 95% CI, 3.315 to 6.263; p = .007, respectively). The potential risk factors of fever, dyspnea, and elevated D-dimer could help clinicians to identify hemodialysis patients with poor prognosis at an early stage of COVID-19 infection.


The ecology and genetics of fitness in Chlamydomonas. IX. The rate of accumulation of variation of fitness under selection.
Populations of Chlamydomonas founded by single cells were cultured in chemostats for 50 days, representing about 125 generations. The mean and variance of division rate was measured daily by withdrawing cells from the effluent and culturing them for 24 h on filtered effluent medium solidified with agar. Mean fitness did not change during the period of culture, and the behavior of neutral markers indicated that no substitutions of novel beneficial mutations occurred. However, the variance of fitness increased markedly at about the same rate in two replicate populations. The standardized rate, or mutational heritability, was Vm/VE = 4-5 x 10(-3) per generation. This is substantially greater than most other estimates for characters closely correlated with fitness. Moreover, it seems difficult to reconcile with the absence of any change in mean fitness. We investigated the possibility that frequency-dependent selection was created by spatial heterogeneity within the culture vessel by testing cell populations with different phenotypes from the top, bottom, and surface of the chemostats. However, the differentiation of these populations seemed to be attributable to phenotypic plasticity, with no evidence that their characteristics were heritable. Finally, we report an experiment in which lines were selected for about 100 generations on solid or liquid medium. These lines became specifically adapted to the medium on which they were cultured, showing that liquid and solid media, even when chemically identical, provide different conditions of growth for Chlamydomonas. The genetic variance appearing in the cultures was therefore attributed to conditionally neutral mutations that were not expressed in the chemostat. This implies that rates of accumulation of mutational variance measured in the culture environment itself (where this can be done) may greatly underestimate the variation available for a response through selection to environmental change. Moreover, it suggests that chemostat populations may be more dynamic and more diverse than is usually thought.


Aberrant driving behaviors by tourists: a study of drivers in China.
The motivation of this research is to understand tourists' aberrant driving behaviors while traveling by car and explore the factors related to these behaviors. A questionnaire that measures driving behaviors, driving attitudes, driving skills, and personal attributes was implemented via the Internet. Through factor analysis, a four-factor structure of tourists' aberrant driving behaviors was obtained. The result indicates that tourists' unsafe driving behaviors have different characteristics from unsafe driving behaviors in daily travel, with a higher frequency of behaviors related to environment, carelessness and fatigue driving. The main cause of these behaviors is drivers' attitude rather than skill and personal attribute. When drivers reported themselves good at staying focused, behaviors subject to "Carelessness" were found to increase as there is a more approving attitude towards careless driving among those drivers.


Organ changes in pigs after longterm parenteral nutrition.
When nutritional substrates used in clinical parenteral nutrition are given to rats a number of organ changes have been reported. These could be a species-related effect without significance outside the experimental laboratory. The reproduction of such organ changes in a large unrelated species would increase their importance. Longterm complete parenteral nutrition (CPN) was given to piglets. Nutritional substrates accepted in human parenteral nutrition were used, and the animals were parenterally fed for 6 and 12 weeks. Autopsy demonstrated an increased splenic weight. Epithelioid cell infiltration was found in the liver, spleen and lung. Osmiophilic fat droplets and vascular inflammation were seen in the pulmonary arteries. No signs of infections were found.


Virtual Rotations During COVID-19: An Opportunity for Enhancing Diversity.
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unique challenges to medical education. With the lack of in-person away rotations for the 2020-2021 residency application cycle, virtual rotations have surfaced as an alternative. The virtual rotations that the authors participated in allowed for active participation in various resident educational activities such as journal club, grand rounds, and morning conferences. One critical aspect of virtual rotations was the one-on-one meetings with the program leadership. In addition to a virtual tour of the hospital and campus, many programs offered virtual social hours with the residents to converse about the program, the city, and the match process. A few programs even allowed applicants to attend virtually live-streamed surgeries. These rotations offer students, especially those without a corresponding home program, an invaluable opportunity to express their interest in a particular program and gain foundational knowledge about the specialty. Virtual rotations also provide underrepresented minorities and international medical graduates with clinical exposure, mentorship, and networking opportunities, mitigating some of the challenges presented by COVID-19.


Nerve conduction studies in relation to residual fatigue in Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Many Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) patients recover well, but suffer from excessive fatigue, which may persist for years and reduce the quality of life considerably. In order to determine whether residual subclinical peripheral nerve dysfunction is a possible underlying mechanism of fatigue, we performed standardized nerve conduction (NC) studies in 16 fatigued patients, mean 6.5 years after diagnosis. Thirteen were relatively well recovered from GBS and 3 had stable CIDP. In contrast to CIDP, most NC values in GBS patients were remarkably restored and within normal values. No correlations were found between the electrophysiological findings and the fatigue scores,muscle strength, or functional scores. This study demonstrates that fatigue in GBS is not explained by residual nerve dysfunction, using conventional NC measurements.


Hyperthermia and multiorgan failure after abuse of "bath salts" containing 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone.
"Bath salts" are being increasingly used as drugs of abuse. These products have been found to contain a variety of compounds, including 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV). We present a case of a 25-year-old man who injected bath salts and acutely developed severe agitation, hyperthermia, and tachycardia. Despite aggressive early medical management, including dialysis, he progressed to multiorgan system failure, although he ultimately recovered after a prolonged hospital course. The only chemical substance detected on comprehensive toxicologic testing was MDPV, a synthetic cathinone analogue. According to our case, MDPV abuse may result in adverse multisystem organ effects, including rhabdomyolysis, cardiac injury, hepatic injury, and renal failure. It is unknown whether these end-organ effects were due to direct cellular toxicity induced by MDPV or a result of the patient's marked agitation and hyperthermia. Acute management should focus on the rapid identification of organ injury and appropriate supportive care.


miR-29a-3p suppresses hepatic fibrosis pathogenesis by modulating hepatic stellate cell proliferation via targeting PIK3R3 gene expression.
Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) activation and proliferation mediated the pathogenic development of hepatic fibrosis (HF). However, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to investigate the miR-29a-3p and its effects on PIK3R3 expression in HF pathogenesis. LX-2 cells treated with TGF-β1 was used as the in vitro HF model. The expression of microRNAs and proteins in LX-2 cells were detected by quantitative RT-PCR and western blotting. Then, miR-29a-3p expression in LX-2 cells were altered via transfection with specific mimics or inhibitors, followed by cell proliferation measured through CCK-8, Edu staining and colony formation. The dual luciferase reporter assay was done to assess binding of miR-29a-3p with PIK3R3 gene sequences. Moreover, PIK3R3 gene overexpression in LX-2 cell was realized through transfection with recombinant pcDNA3.0-PIK3R3 plasmids. Successful establishment of cellular HF model was validated through the increased Col-I and a-SMA expression in TGF-β1-treated LX-2 cells shown by qRT-PCR and Western blot. In such model, miR-29a-3p expression in LX-2 cells showed the greatest decrease among four candidate microRNAs in response to TGF-β1 treatment. Also, miR-29a-3p directly binds with the 3' UTR region of the PIK3R3 gene to suppress its expression in LX-2 cells. Furthermore, PIK3R3 gene overexpression effectively abrogated the changes of LX-2 cell proliferation, AKT phosphorylation and Col-I and a-SMA expression caused by miR-29a-3p mimics. MiR-29a-3p regulates hepatic stellate cell proliferation and hepatic fibrosis pathogenesis by targeting PIK3R3 expression and modulating the PI-3K/AKT signaling.


Comparison of verapamil and captopril in elderly hypertensive subjects: results of a randomized, double-blind, crossover study.
The effectiveness and tolerability of captopril and verapamil SR were compared in a double-blind, crossover study in 23 elderly hypertensives [15 males and 8 females, aged (mean +/- SEM) 68 +/- 1 years]. After 2 weeks of placebo run-in, patients were randomized to a starting dose of captopril, 12.5 mg b.i.d. or verapamil SR, 120 mg q.d. plus matched placebo of the opposite drug. Medication was titrated up over 6 weeks to a maximum dose of 75 mg of captopril or 360 mg of verapamil SR to achieve a sitting diastolic blood pressure of < 90 mm Hg. After 2 weeks of placebo washout, captopril and verapamil were crossed over. In the 20 patients who completed the study, the dose at the end of the respective treatment periods averaged 63 +/- 4 mg of captopril and 270 +/- 21 mg of verapamil SR. Blood pressure at the end of the run-in and washout placebo periods were comparable: 164 +/- 4/97 +/- 1 and 163 +/- 4/98 +/- 2 mm Hg, respectively. However, the blood pressure was significantly lower after verapamil, i.e., 147 +/- 4/86 +/- 2 mm Hg, than after captopril, i.e., 155 +/- 4/90 +/- 1 mm Hg (p < 0.05, ANOVA). There was no significant change in heart rate and laboratory parameters and no orthostatic hypotension. Captopril-treated patients reported a positive change in well being compared with placebo, although there was no overall difference between the drugs in any of the ten quality of life measurements. Three patients discontinued treatment, two because of constipation (verapamil) and one due to lack of efficacy (captopril).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


Selective alterations of high affinity [3H]forskolin binding sites in Alzheimer's disease: a quantitative autoradiographic study.
Quantitative autoradiographic analysis of high affinity [3H]forskolin binding sites was carried out in postmortem brains from normal controls and patients dying with Alzheimer's disease. Choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity and senile plaque formation were also quantified. [3H]Forskolin binding was markedly reduced in all layers of middle frontal gyrus in the Alzheimer brains and the deficit correlated with the deficit in ChAT activity in this area. In the hippocampal region [3H]forskolin binding was no different in the Alzheimer brains compared to controls, although ChAT activity was significantly reduced. There was an inconsistent reduction in [3H]forskolin binding in all layers of middle temporal gyrus which did not correlate with the cholinergic deficit. Significant senile plaque formation was observed in all 3 brain regions examined and [3H]forskolin binding did not correlate with plaque formation in any brain region. Thus, while all 3 brain regions were affected by the pathological correlates of Alzheimer's disease, [3H]forskolin binding was consistently reduced only in frontal cortex.


Effects of cognitive-behavioural therapy on psychological, physical and social outcomes of children with cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
This systematic review aimed to summarise the effects of cognitive-behavioural therapy on psychological, physical and social outcomes of children with cancer without limitations on publication date. Thirteen English and seven Chinese electronic databases were searched from April to June 2021. Randomised control trials, quasi-experimental studies, pre-test post-test studies with a control group, factorial or cross-over designs that included children ≤18 years old and during various stages of the cancer trajectory, who have received cognitive-behavioural therapy, and reported (anxiety, depression, stress, quality of life, self-efficacy, fatigue, pain, behavioural distress, anger, and/or academic performance) were included. Eight studies with quality of evidence ranging from low to high risk of bias were included. The results show cognitive-behavioural therapy has favourable effects on anxiety, depression, pain and behavioural distress. The meta-analysis also show that it reduces anxiety (SMD = -0.89, 95% CI (-1.45, -0.32), p < 0.002), depression (SMD = -0.90, 95% CI (-1.40, -0.39), p < 0.0005), and pain (SMD = -0.56, 95% CI (-1.04, -0.08), p < 0.002). It also has a favourable effect on stress, anger and self-efficacy, though the results are drawn from a single study. Cognitive-behavioural therapy has the potential to reduce anxiety, depression and pain for children with cancer. It also shows promise in reducing behavioural distress. Although effects on stress, anger, and self-efficacy have been found to be significant, there have been limited studies on these aspects of functioning and more research is needed. The findings are drawn from heterogeneous participants and interventions, thus emphasising the need to conduct well-designed intervention studies, including cancer survivors.


Unusual pleural involvement after exposure to amorphous silicates (Liparitosis): report of two cases.
Liparitosis is a rare pneumoconiosis determined by inhalation of pumice, an amorphous complex silicate extracted in the quarries of Lipari (Aeolian Archipelago, Italy). We describe two cases of subjects occupationally exposed to pumice dust in which high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) revealed the presence of pleural lesions without parenchymal involvement.


Trichomonas vaginalis adhesion protein 65 (TvAP65) modulates parasite pathogenicity by interacting with host cell proteins.
Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis) is a widespread and important sexually transmitted pathogen. Adherence to the surface of the host cell is the precondition forthis parasite's parasitism and pathogenicity. Adhesion protein 65 (TvAP65) plays a key role in the process of adhesion. However, how TvAP65 mediates the adhesion and pathogenicity of T. vaginalis to host cellsis unclear. In this study, we knocked down the expression of TvAP65 in trophozoites by small RNA interference. The number of T. vaginalis trophozoites adhering to VK2/E6E7 cells was decreased significantly, and the inhibition of VK2/E6E7 cells proliferation and VK2/E6E7 cells apoptosis and death induced by T. vaginalis were reduced, after the expression of TvAP65 was knocked down. Animal challenge experiments showed that the pathogenicity of trophozoites was decreased by passive immunization with anti-rTvAP65 PcAbs or blocking the TvAP65 protein. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that TvAP65 could bind to VK2/E6E7 cells. In order to screen the molecules interacting with TvAP65 on the host cells, we successfully constructed the cDNA library of VK2/E6E7 cells, and thirteen protein molecules interacting with TvAP65 were screened by yeast two-hybrid system. The interaction between TvAP65 and BNIP3 was further confirmed by coimmunoprecipitation and colocalization. When both TvAP65 and BNIP3 were knocked down by small RNA interference, the number of T. vaginalis adhering to VK2/E6E7 cells and the inhibition of VK2/E6E7 cells proliferation were significantly lower than those of the group with knockdown of TvAP65 or BNIP3 alone. Therefore, the interaction of TvAP65 and BNIP3 in the pathogenesis of T. vaginalis infecting host cells is not unique and involves other molecules. Our study elucidated that the interaction between TvAP65 and BNIP3 mediated the adhesion and pathogenicity of T. vaginalis to host cells, provided a basis for searching for the drug targets of anti-T. vaginalis, and afforded new ideas for the prevention and treatment of trichomoniasis.


[Onset of polycythemia in idiopathic myelofibrosis. Description of a clinical case and review of the literature].
The case of a patient with myelofibrosis who developed polycythaemia vera after corticosteroid therapy, splenectomy and Busulphan therapy is reported. The possible pathogenetic role of each of these agents is discussed.


Respiratory care in neuromuscular disorders.
In neuromuscular disorders beginning in childhood, the involvement of respiratory muscles is common. Deterioration of respiratory function occurs insidiously, contributes to significant morbidity, and is often responsible for mortality. Since symptoms of respiratory involvement are not obvious, especially in the presence of maintained ambulation, respiratory failure must be systematically searched for in order to allow early care. The key to care of respiratory problems in neuromuscular disorders is a preventive approach. Careful monitoring of symptoms, regular assessment of pulmonary function, appropriate presurgical management, and aggressive treatment of respiratory infections must be considered a standard of care.


Retracted: Evaluation of Traditional Culture Teaching Efficiency by Course Ideological and Political Integration Lightweight Deep Learning.
[This retracts the article DOI: 10.1155/2022/3917618.].


Nonlinear regression methods in design of experiments and mathematical modelling. Applications to the analysis of the steady-state kinetics of glutathione reductase.
A branching reaction pathway involving a ping pong and a sequential loop has been proposed for glutathione reductase (Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 53 (1973) 1151). In the present investigation nonlinear regression methods have been applied in the fitting of rate equations to experimental data to test the validity of the model proposed and to discriminate between alternative mathematical models (cf. FEBS Lett. 26 (1972) 252). In the best rate law, some of the parameters were numerically redundant. Therefore, a feature-wise analysis of the rate equation was carried out by varying one substrate concentration at a time. The overall strategy used was a cyclic procedure involving: experimentation - analysis of data - modelling - design of experiments - new experimentation etc. Consideration was given to the experimental error structure and to the importance of weighting in the regression analysis. In the design of experiments for discrimination between rival models, a previously defined discrimination function was used. The results of the analysis support the branching reaction scheme proposed for glutathione reductase.


Various surgical techniques for improving body contour.
Body contouring surgery is the most frequently performed aesthetic surgical procedure. Multiple and varied options exist for obtaining an adequate body contour, and most surgeries address the thoracoabdominal region. Because the success of a surgery depends greatly on the selection of the proper surgical procedure, this article presents an approach for selecting the best surgical option based on the characteristics of each patient. Considering this, surgeons approach a contour problem with two options: to modify the content or to modify the container. These options include five basic surgical procedures: pexia, dermolipectomy, liposuction, fat infiltration, and implant placement. Each patient requires a different technique and many need several procedures during the same surgical session to obtain the best results. Likewise, each procedure should be undertaken according to precise indications, depending on the aesthetic problem of the patient and the individual characteristics of the treated area. It is for this reason that the most important factors to be considered should be analyzed to determine the best surgical procedure and the combination of surgical procedures that will improve the thoracoabdominal contour for the same patient.


Morphological aspects of particle translocation in vivo following ingestion of the yeast Saccharomyces boulardii.
Particle translocation in vivo was studied in mice using the non-pathogenic yeast Saccharomyces boulardii (SB). Seven day old BALB/c mice were given either saline (control) or 1.5 g/Kg SB (every six hours, up to 48 hours), by intubation, and killed by decapitation 48 hours post-treatment. Light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) examination of specimens prepared from the middle intestine revealed the presence of yeast inclusions localised in the cytoplasm of enterocytes.


Chronic psychosocial stress causes delayed extinction and exacerbates reinstatement of ethanol-induced conditioned place preference in mice.
We have shown previously, using an animal model of voluntary ethanol intake and ethanol-conditioned place preference (EtOH-CPP), that exposure to chronic psychosocial stress induces increased ethanol intake and EtOH-CPP acquisition in mice. Here, we examined the impact of chronic subordinate colony (CSC) exposure on EtOH-CPP extinction, as well as ethanol-induced reinstatement of CPP. Mice were conditioned with saline or 1.5 g/kg ethanol and were tested in the EtOH-CPP model. In the first experiment, the mice were subjected to 19 days of chronic stress, and EtOH-CPP extinction was assessed during seven daily trials without ethanol injection. In the second experiment and after the EtOH-CPP test, the mice were subjected to 7 days of extinction trials before the 19 days of chronic stress. Drug-induced EtOH-CPP reinstatement was induced by a priming injection of 0.5 g/kg ethanol. Compared to the single-housed colony mice, CSC mice exhibited increased anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus maze (EPM) and the open field tests. Interestingly, the CSC mice showed delayed EtOH-CPP extinction. More importantly, CSC mice showed increased alcohol-induced reinstatement of the EtOH-CPP behavior. Taken together, this study indicates that chronic psychosocial stress can have long-term effects on EtOH-CPP extinction as well as drug-induced reinstatement behavior and may provide a suitable model to study the latent effects of chronic psychosocial stress on extinction and relapse to drug abuse.


Long term stability of rat sleep quantified by microcomputer analysis.
An inexpensive microcomputer system is described for the direct recording of electrographic data from animals. Using this system, electrographic data can be recorded continuously on a polygraph and simultaneously quantitated by the computer, for days or weeks. Our system quantifies the amounts of delta waves, spindle bursts, hippocampal RSA activity and movement spikes for 15 sec epochs. These electrographic data are stored by the computer and subsequently can be used to score sleep stages. We find that the computer reliably counts waves; using these data, it can then score sleep stages off-line with about 90% accuracy. With this system, we find that the minutes/hour of both SWS and REM are remarkably stable from day to day. The absolute number of delta waves, spindle bursts, trains of RSA and movement counts/hour also remain stable from day to day. This type of system should find significant application in situations where quantitation of longterm effects of drugs, diets and other environmental inputs on sleep states or EEG wave bands are of interest.


Effect of climate on surgical site infections and anticipated increases in the United States.
Surgical site infections (SSI) are one of the most common and costly hospital-acquired infections in the United States. Meteorological variables such as temperature, humidity, and precipitation may represent a neglected group of risk factors for SSI. Using a national private insurance database, we collected admission and follow-up records for National Healthcare Safety Network-monitored surgical procedures and associated climate conditions from 2007 to 2014. We found that every 10 cm increase of maximum daily precipitation resulted in a 1.09 odds increase in SSI after discharge, while every g/kg unit increase in specific humidity resulted in a 1.03 odds increase in SSI risk after discharge. We identified the Southeast region of the United States at highest risk of climate change-related SSI, with an estimated 3% increase in SSI by 2060 under high emission assumptions. Our results describe the effect of climate on SSI and the potential burden of climate-change related SSI in the United States.


Modulating macrophage activities to promote endogenous bone regeneration: Biological mechanisms and engineering approaches.
A coordinated interaction between osteogenesis and osteoimmune microenvironment is essential for successful bone healing. In particular, macrophages play a central regulatory role in all stages of bone repair. Depending on the signals they sense, these highly plastic cells can mediate the host immune response against the exterior signals of molecular stimuli and implanted scaffolds, to exert regenerative potency to a varying extent. In this article, we first encapsulate the immunomodulatory functions of macrophages during bone regeneration into three aspects, as sweeper, mediator and instructor. We introduce the phagocytic role of macrophages in different bone healing periods ('sweeper') and overview a variety of paracrine cytokines released by macrophages either mediating cell mobilisation, vascularisation and matrix remodelling ('mediator'), or directly driving the osteogenic differentiation of bone progenitors and bone repair ('instructor'). Then, we systematically classify and discuss the emerging engineering strategies to recruit, activate and modulate the phenotype transition of macrophages, to exploit the power of endogenous macrophages to enhance the performance of engineered bone tissue.


Mutant p53 exerts oncogenic effects through microRNAs and their target gene networks.
MicroRNAs are potent regulators of gene expression and modulate multiple cellular processes including proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. A number of microRNAs have been shown to be regulated by p53, the most frequently mutated gene in human cancer. It is has been demonstrated that some mutant p53 proteins not only lose tumor suppressor activity, but also acquire novel oncogenic functions that are independent of wild-type p53. In this review, we highlight recent evidences suggesting that some mutant p53 proteins regulate the expression of specific microRNAs to gain oncogenic functions and identify a gene network regulated by the microRNAs downstream of mutant p53.


Transient pseudohypoparathyroidism as a cause of late-onset hypocalcemia in neonates and infants.
Transient pseudohypoparathyroidism is a rare cause of late-onset hypocalcemia in neonates and infants. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical presentation and natural course of transient pseudohypoparathyroidism in neonates and infants. From 1995 to 2006, 21 patients under 3 months of age were admitted to our department because of late-onset neonatal hypocalcemia. Among these, five were noted to have transient hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia and elevated serum parathyroid hormone levels. Their clinical data, biochemical findings and natural course were thoroughly analyzed. All five patients were boys with increased neuromuscular irritability as their initial clinical manifestation. Initial biochemical data showed calcium 1.5 +/- 0.16 mmol/L, phosphorus 9.6 +/- 1.5 mg/dL, intact parathyroid hormone 182 +/- 93 pg/mL and tubular reabsorption of phosphorus 94.8 +/- 3.7%. Two of the patients had magnesium deficiency. After reduction of phosphorus intake and supplementation with calcium and/or magnesium as indicated, the biochemical derangements resolved in 28 +/- 3 days. Neuromuscular irritability is usually the initial clinical presentation of transient pseudohypoparathyroidism. Aside from delayed renal maturation, pseudohypoparathyroidism is also caused by magnesium deficiency. Such a disturbance usually resolves before 3 months of age.


[Diagnostic investigations for an unexplained developmental disability].
Developmental disability/mental retardation is a major public health problem and a common cause of consultation in pediatrics, neuropediatrics, and genetics. Etiologies of mental retardation are highly heterogeneous. Diagnostic strategies have been explored in a small number of consensus publications, essentially from English-speaking countries. In these publications, the utility of the conventional karyotype, fragile X screening, metabolic workup, and brain imaging were discussed. Recently, investigations in mental disabilities have been dramatically modified by molecular cytogenetics and the emergence of new metabolic pathologies. Based on the published experiments, the Reference centers for rare disease network "mental deficiencies with rare causes" elaborated an updated protocol for the investigation of nonsyndromal mental disability that takes into account recent innovations in genetics and genomics. Whenever local facilities make it possible, we recommend array CGH investigation as the first step or, when CGH is not available, a combination of classic karyotype with systematic screening of telomeric and interstitial rearrangements by MLPA, fragile X screening in both sexes, and a reorientation of metabolic screening toward certain diseases that have recently been described: congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG), thyroid hormone carrier deficiency, and creatine metabolism deficiency. We recommend MRI imaging only if head size is abnormal, if neurological examination is abnormal, or regression occurs if walking is not achieved by 2 years, or if development is severely delayed.


Further Investigation of Synaptic Vesicle Protein 2A (SV2A) Ligands Designed for Positron Emission Tomography and Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography Imaging: Synthesis and Structure-Activity Relationship of Substituted Pyridinylmethyl-4-(3,5-difluorophenyl)pyrrolidin-2-ones.
A series of synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A) ligands were synthesized to explore the structure-activity relationship and to help further investigate a hydrogen bonding pharmacophore hypothesis. Racemic SynVesT-1 was used as a lead compound to explore the replacement of the 3-methyl group on the pyridinyl moiety with halogens and hydrocarbons. Pyridinyl isomers of racemic SynVesT-1 were also investigated. Highly potent analogs were discovered including a 3-iodo pyridinyl ligand amenable to investigation as a PET or SPECT imaging agent.


Tau seeds occur before earliest Alzheimer's changes and are prevalent across neurodegenerative diseases.
Tau neurofibrillary tangles are a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease neuropathological change. However, it remains largely unclear how distinctive Alzheimer's disease tau seeds (i.e. 3R/4R) correlate with histological indicators of tau accumulation. Furthermore, AD tau co-pathology is thought to influence features and progression of other neurodegenerative diseases including Lewy body disease; yet measurements of different types of tau seeds in the setting of such diseases is an unmet need. Here, we use tau real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC) assays to selectively quantitate 3R/4R tau seeds in the frontal lobe which accumulates histologically identifiable tau pathology at late disease stages of AD neuropathologic change. Seed quantitation across a spectrum of neurodegenerative disease cases and controls indicated tau seeding activity can be detected well before accompanying histopathological indication of tau deposits, and even prior to the earliest evidence of Alzheimer's-related tau accumulation anywhere in the brain. In later stages of AD, 3R/4R tau RT-QuIC measures correlated with immunohistochemical tau burden. In addition, Alzheimer's tau seeds occur in the vast majority of cases evaluated here inclusive of primary synucleinopathies, frontotemporal lobar degeneration and even controls albeit at multi-log lower levels than Alzheimer's cases. α-synuclein seeding activity confirmed synucleinopathy cases and further indicated the co-occurrence of α-synuclein seeds in some Alzheimer's disease and primary tauopathy cases. Our analysis indicates that 3R/4R tau seeds in the mid-frontal lobe correlate with the overall Braak stage and Alzheimer's disease neuropathologic change, supporting the quantitative predictive value of tau RT-QuIC assays. Our data also indicate 3R/4R tau seeds are elevated in females compared to males at high (≥ IV) Braak stages. This study suggests 3R/4R tau seeds are widespread even prior to the earliest stages of Alzheimer's disease changes, including in normal, and even young individuals, with prevalence across multiple neurodegenerative diseases to further define disease subtypes.


Recovering local structure information from high-pressure total scattering experiments.
High pressure is a powerful thermodynamic tool for exploring the structure and the phase behaviour of the crystalline state, and is now widely used in conventional crystallographic measurements. High-pressure local structure measurements using neutron diffraction have, thus far, been limited by the presence of a strongly scattering, perdeuterated, pressure-transmitting medium (PTM), the signal from which contaminates the resulting pair distribution functions (PDFs). Here, a method is reported for subtracting the pairwise correlations of the commonly used 4:1 methanol:ethanol PTM from neutron PDFs obtained under hydro-static compression. The method applies a molecular-dynamics-informed empirical correction and a non-negative matrix factorization algorithm to recover the PDF of the pure sample. Proof of principle is demonstrated, producing corrected high-pressure PDFs of simple crystalline materials, Ni and MgO, and benchmarking these against simulated data from the average structure. Finally, the first local structure determination of α-quartz under hydro-static pressure is presented, extracting compression behaviour of the real-space structure.


A bionic shuttle carrying multi-modular particles and holding tumor-tropic features.
The systemic delivery of composite nanoparticles remains an outstanding challenge in cancer nanomedicine, and the principal reason is a complex interplay of biological barriers. In this regard, adaptive cell transfer may represent an alternative solution to circumvent these barriers down to the tumor microenvironment. Here, tumor-tropic macrophages are proposed as a tool to draw and vehiculate modular nanoparticles integrating magnetic and plasmonic components. The end result is a bionic shuttle that exhibits a plasmonic band within the so-called therapeutic window arising from as much as 40 pg Au per cell, magnetization in the order of 150 pemu per cell, and more than 90% of the pristine viability and chemotactic activity of its biological component, until at least two days of preparation. Its synergistic combination of plasmonic, magnetic and tumor-tropic functions is assessed in vitro for applications as magnetic guidance or sorting, with a propulsion around 4 μm s-1 for a magnetic gradient of 0.8 T m-1, the optical hyperthermia of cancer, with stability of photothermal conversion to temperatures exceeding 50∘C, and the photoacoustic imaging of cancer under realistic conditions. These results collectively suggest that a bionic design may be a promising roadmap to reconcile the efforts for multifunctionality and targeted delivery, which are both key goals in nanomedicine.


Community participation in New York City: success or failure?
This paper describes the planning efforts of a community agency that was ultimately unsuccessful in converting two primary care centers from the traditional fee-for-service Medicaid reimbursement system to a per-capita prepaid Medicaid reimbursement system. We analyze how the community agency prepared its plan, the barriers it encountered in trying to implement a demonstration project, the ambiguous messages community organizations receive from policy-makers, and the role the Mount Sinai School of Medicine played in the conversion effort.


Immunohistochemical demonstration of peptides, serotonin and dopamine-beta-hydroxylase-like material in the nervous system of the leech Hirudo medicinalis.
The central ganglia of the leech, Hirudo medicinalis, were processed for the immunohistochemical localisation of bombesin-, substance P-, cholecystokinin-, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-, enkephalin-, serotonin- and dopamine-beta-hydroxylase-related substances. To varying extents all of the substances were localised in neuropile processes, and all, with the exception of substance P, were associated with specific perikarya. The most prominent neuropeptides, in terms of the number of immunoreactive neurones, were cholecystokinin and vasoactive intestinal peptide. The dopamine-beta-hydroxylase positive neurones are thought to be octopaminergic, and the serotonin monoclonal antibody revealed positive staining in the Retzius cells. We were unable to demonstrate the coexistence of pairs of substances in any neurones in the leech ganglia.


Experience of the Belgian Society of Medical Oncology with single-administration 5 g/m2 ifosfamide with mesna as second- or third-line therapy in advanced breast cancer.
In an ongoing phase II trial conducted in advanced breast cancer, we tested a therapy schedule consisting of continuous, 24-h infusion of 5 g/m2 ifosfamide (IFO) in 3 1 dextrose saline with mesna (MSN), repeated every 3 weeks until disease progression. Since September 1988, 16 heavily pretreated patients with advanced disease (11 with visceral lesions) considered refractory to standard chemotherapy (regimens always including cyclophosphamide) have been included. Objective partial remissions were observed in two cases (one in liver and one in soft-tissue and pleural lesions), and disease stabilization for at least 3 months occurred in four cases. No treatment-related death was recorded and tolerance was judged to be excellent (six cases) or acceptable in all instances. The haematological toxicity consisted mainly of transient leucopenia (nadirs evaluated by WHO scale as grade 3 in 43% and grade 4 in 29%), sometimes associated with thrombocytopenia (grade 3 in 7% and grade 4 in 7%). Other side effects included nausea and/or vomiting (grade 3-4 in 33%); worsening of preexisting alopecia (five cases); haemorrhagic cystitis (one case); mild, transient somnolence (two cases); and moderate fluid retention (two cases). We concluded that infusion of 5 g/m2 IFO over 24 h with MSN rescue might represent an acceptable second- or third-line salvage regimen. Close monitoring of haematological and renal function parameters is recommended. A larger number of patients will be treated in a continuation of this study to evaluate the true response rate within narrower confidence limits.


Accelerating control of pertussis in England and Wales.
Results of an accelerated pertussis vaccination schedule for infants introduced in 1990 in England and Wales were examined. Earlier scheduling and sustained high vaccine coverage resulted in fewer reported cases of pertussis among infants, reinforcing the World Health Organization drive for on-time completion of the infant vaccination schedule. As determined by using the screening method, the first dose of vaccine was 61.7% effective in infants <6 months of age, and effectiveness increased with subsequent doses. Three doses of a good whole-cell pertussis vaccine were 83.7% effective in children 10-16 years of age; a preschool booster vaccination further reduced pertussis incidence in children <10 years of age. As in other industrialized countries, surveillance data during 1998-2009 showed that pertussis in England and Wales mainly persists in young infants (i.e., <3 months of age), teenagers, and adults. Future vaccine program changes may be beneficial, but additional detail is required to inform such decisions.


Racial Disparities in Hospitalization Due to Ambulatory Care Sensitive Conditions Among U.S. Children with Autism.
This study was to investigate the factors associated with preventable hospitalization due to ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSCs) in children with autism. Using secondary data from the U.S. Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS), multivariable regression analyses were conducted to determine the potential effect of race and income level on the likelihood of inpatient stays for ACSCs among autistic children. Pediatric ACSCs included three acute conditions (dehydration, gastroenteritis, and urinary infection) and three chronic conditions (asthma, constipation, and diabetes short-term complications). In this analysis, there were 21,733 hospitalizations among children with autism; about 10% were hospitalized due to pediatric ACSCs. Overall, the odds of ACSCs hospitalization were greater among Hispanic and Black autistic children versus White autistic children. Both Hispanic and Black autistic children from the lowest income level had the highest odds to be hospitalized for chronic ACSCs. Inequities of access to health care among racial/ethnic minorities were most notable for autistic children with chronic ACSC conditions.


[Detection of disorders of the chemical senses-assessment of state of health by those affected].
Although hundreds of thousands of people seek medical help every year because of smell and taste disorders, the burden on patients is often underestimated by health care professionals. Numerous studies have demonstrated the impact of disorders of the chemical senses on quality of life. In clinical practice, the Questionnaire of Olfactory Disorders (QOD) has proven to be a good measure of the impact of olfactory loss on everyday life. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) should therefore be used more frequently for better recording and assessing the needs of patients. In addition to education and treatment by specialized clinics, the provision and optimization of information platforms, support groups, and organizations should be promoted in Germany.


Patient Access to Online Radiology Reports: Frequency and Sociodemographic Characteristics Associated with Use.
Our objective was to evaluate the frequency with which patients viewed their online radiology reports in relation to clinical and laboratory notes and identify sociodemographic factors associated with report viewing. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 129,419 patients who had online patient portal access in our large health system in 2014. We determined whether patients viewed their radiology reports, laboratory reports, and clinical notes. We also collected patient sociodemographic information including gender, age, primary spoken language, race/ethnicity, and insurance status. We performed multivariate analyses to determine significant associations between viewing of radiology reports and viewing of other types of clinical reports and patient characteristics. Of 61,131 patients with at least one radiology report available, 31,308 (51.2%) viewed them. Patients who also viewed laboratory reports or clinical notes were significantly more likely to view their radiology reports (P < 0.001). Women (56.2%), patients 25-39 years old (59.5%), and English speakers (53.6%) were most likely to view radiology reports. In multivariate analysis, Asian-Americans were more likely and African-Americans were less likely to view their radiology reports compared to whites (OR = 1.07 and OR = 0.39, respectively; P < 0.001 for both). Patients with Medicaid were less likely to view radiology reports compared to patients with commercial insurance (OR = 0.38, P < 0.001). More than half of patients with access to online radiology reports viewed them, with higher viewing rates associated with viewing other types of reports and lower rates associated with characteristics of traditionally underserved patient populations.


Subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis due to Aureobasidium pullulans infection in a dog
A case of subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis in a dog with an ulcerative lesion on the right limb during a post-operative period of castration was described for the first time. The macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of the fungal colonies growth on the Sabouraud‑dextrose agar were detailed. The fungus was identified as Aureobasidium pullulans on the basis of the phenotypic analysis, which was confirmed by sequencing of the internal transcribed spacers (ITS) region of rDNA. The patient might have acquired the infection through traumatic inoculation by environmental contact, along with the immunological condition during the stressful period of postoperative. The spontaneous remission of the lesion was observed in five weeks without antifungal treatment. This work highlights the importance of considering the pathogenic potential of this environmental fungus and the need of including it in the differential diagnosis of cutaneous lesions in dogs.


A-Mode Ultrasound Reliability in Fat and Muscle Thickness Measurement.
Ribeiro, G, de Aguiar, RA, Penteado, R, Lisbôa, FD, Raimundo, JAG, Loch, T, Meira, Â, Turnes, T, and Caputo, F. A-mode ultrasound reliability in fat and muscle thickness measurement. J Strength Cond Res 36(6): 1610-1617, 2022-This study aimed to verify the reliability of the BodyMetrix portable A-mode ultrasound in measuring fat and muscle tissue thickness. Thirty physically active men participated in daily body composition evaluations. The evaluations comprised 2 techniques: (a) graphic technique (GTBM), which measured the fat thickness at 9 body sites (abdomen, axillary, biceps brachii, calf, chest, subscapular, suprailiac, thigh, and triceps brachii), and (b) imaging technique (ITBM), which simultaneously measured the fat and muscle thickness of 6 body surfaces (abdomen, biceps brachii, chest, thigh, trapezius, and triceps brachii). Regarding GTBM, relative reliability was moderate to excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]: 0.81-0.98), whereas absolute reliability was acceptable for abdomen, calf, chest, subscapular, suprailiac, and triceps brachii (coefficient of variation [CV]: 6.9-8.8%) but high for axillary, biceps brachii, and thigh (CV: 12.0-17.4%) in measuring fat thicknesses. Concerning ITBM, relative reliability was good to excellent (ICC: 0.93-0.99 and 0.90-0.98), whereas absolute reliability was acceptable (CV: 3.0-9.2% and 3.5-5.9%) in measuring fat and muscle thickness, respectively. These findings suggest that the, GTBM was only reliable in measuring fat thickness of abdomen, calf, chest, subscapular, suprailiac, and triceps brachii, whereas ITBM was reliable in measuring both fat and muscle thickness in all regions, but showed better reliability values in measuring muscle than fat thickness.


Immunochemical studies of tobacco mosaic virus--V. Localization of four epitopes in the protein subunit by inhibition tests with synthetic peptides and cleavage peptides from three strains.
Two antigenic determinants have been located in the vicinity of residues 1-10 and 34-39 of the coat protein of tobacco mosaic virus by means of ELISA and complement fixation inhibition experiments with synthetic peptides. The determinant present in residues 1-10 is also expressed at the outer surface of the subunits when they are assembled into virions. Two other determinants expressed in the dissociated protein subunit have been located in the vicinity of residues 55-61 and 80-90 by means of inhibition tests with tryptic peptides. These results bring to seven the number of antigenic determinants of the protein subunit that have been located.


From scarcity problem diagnosis to recycled water acceptance: A perceptive-axiological model (PAM) of low and high contact uses.
Water scarcity is a major problem that affects a greater number of countries every year. A possible solution is using recycled water systems. However, to implement the use of recycled water, public acceptance is needed. In this study, we propose a perceptive-axiological model (PAM) to understand the reasons for public acceptance or rejection of recycled water. This is the first model to jointly consider three conceptual dimensions: the diagnosis of the environmental situation, the axiological influence and the public perceptions regarding recycled water. The sample in this study consisted of 726 randomly selected participants who completed an online questionnaire. A key factor considered was the type of water use (low- or high-contact). Additionally, the model's ability to predict acceptance in regions of high and low water stress was tested. The model showed good fit and predictive capacity for both low (R2 = .272) and high (R2 = .501) contact uses and partial equivalence between regions. Threat perception was the most distal variable in the model which, together with identity, affected the attribution of responsibility. These variables, along with trust in scientists, affected the three direct predictors of acceptance: perceived health risks, moral obligation, and cost-benefit analysis. Perceived health risk was the most important predictor in both types of contact (β = -.642 in high-contact, β = -.388 in low-contact uses). Moral obligation had a greater impact in high-contact (β = .170) than in low-contact (β = .099) uses; the opposite outcome occurred with respect to costs-benefit analysis (β = .067 in high-contact, β = .219 in low-contact uses). The PAM offers a general framework that identifies the importance of the three dimensions and how they interact with each other, which facilitates the development of strategies to increase acceptance. On the one hand, the PAM works as a tool to assess the profile of a specific population and, on the other hand, it highlights the specific factors which are the best suited for interventions to increase public acceptance.


The dynamics of DNA damage repair and transcription.
Recent advances have led to several systems to study transcription from defined loci in living cells. It has now become possible to address long-standing questions regarding the interplay between the processes of DNA damage repair and transcription-two disparate processes that can occur on the same stretch of chromatin and which both lead to extensive chromatin change. Here we describe the development of a system to create enzymatically induced DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) at a site of inducible transcription and methods to study the interplay between these processes.


Effectiveness of a self-management intervention with personalised genetic and lifestyle-related risk information on coronary heart disease and diabetes-related risk in type 2 diabetes (CoRDia): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.
Many patients with type 2 diabetes fail to achieve good glycaemic control. Poor control is associated with complications including coronary heart disease (CHD). Effective self-management and engagement in health behaviours can reduce risks of complications. However, patients often struggle to adopt and maintain these behaviours. Self-management interventions have been found to be effective in improving glycaemic control. Recent developments in the field of genetics mean that patients can be given personalised information about genetic- and lifestyle-associated risk of developing CHD. Such information may increase patients' motivation to engage in self-management. The Coronary Risk in Diabetes (CoRDia) trial will compare the effectiveness of a self-management intervention, with and without provision of personalised genetic- and lifestyle-associated risk information, with usual care, on clinical and behavioural outcomes, the cognitive predictors of behaviour, and psychological wellbeing. Participants will be adults aged 25-74 years registered with general practices in the East of England, diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, with no history of heart disease, and with a glycated haemoglobin level of ≥6.45% (47 mmol/mol). Consenting participants will be randomised to one of three arms: usual care control, group self-management only, group self-management plus personalised genetic- and lifestyle-associated risk information. The self-management groups will receive four weekly 2-hour group sessions, focusing on knowledge and information sharing, problem solving, goal setting and action planning to promote medication adherence, healthy eating, and physical activity. Primary outcomes are glycaemic control and CHD risk. Clinical data will be collected from GP records, including HbA1c, weight, body mass index, blood pressure, and HDL and total cholesterol. Self-reported health behaviours, including medication adherence, healthy eating and physical activity, and cognitive outcomes will be assessed by questionnaire. Measures will be taken at baseline, 3 months (questionnaire only), 6 months and 12 months post-baseline. This study will determine whether the addition of personalised genetic- and lifestyle-associated CHD risk information to a group self-management intervention improves diabetes control and CHD risk compared with group self-management and usual care. Effectiveness of the combined intervention on health behaviours cognitions theorised to predict them, and psychological outcomes will also be investigated. This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov; registration identifier NCT01891786 , registered 28 June 2013.


Short implants compared to implants in vertically augmented bone: a systematic review.
To assess relevant data comparing short implants or implants associated with vertical ridge augmentation derived from RCT's and CCT's. A PubMed and hand search was performed to identify all RCT's and CCT's published in English language comparing short implants to implants associated with vertical ridge augmentation. The initial search resulted in 3387 articles. A total of 17 articles were eligible for full-text analysis and four were finally included. This review tends to demonstrate similar implant survival rates between implants placed in vertically augmented bone and short implants (95.09% vs. 96.24%, respectively) with a follow-up ranging from 1 to 5 years. In terms of prosthetic survival rates, there were no differences between the treatments. More surgical complications were reported when using implants placed in vertically augmented bone compared to short implants (56 patients with surgical complications compared to 18 patients, respectively). This evidence should, however, be interpreted with caution as it is derived from four RCT's with limited sample size (ranging from 15 to 30 per group), limited follow-up and performed by the same research group.


iTRAQ-based proteomic analysis of Deinococcus radiodurans in response to 12C6+ heavy ion irradiation.
Deinococcus radiodurans (D. radiodurans) is best known for its extreme resistance to diverse environmental stress factors, including ionizing radiation (IR), ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, oxidative stress, and high temperatures. Robust DNA repair system and antioxidant system have been demonstrated to contribute to extreme resistance in D. radiodurans. However, practically all studies on the mechanism underlying D. radiodurans's extraordinary resistance relied on the treated strain during the post-treatment recovery lag phase to identify the key elements involved. The direct gene or protein changes of D. radiodurans after stress have not yet been characterized. In this study, we performed a proteomics profiling on D. radiodurans right after the heavy ion irradiation treatment, to discover the altered proteins that were quickly responsive to IR in D. radiodurans. Our study found that D. radiodurans shown exceptional resistance to 12C6+ heavy ion irradiation, in contrast to Escherichia coli (E.coli) strains. By using iTRAQ (Isobaric Tags for Relative and Absolute Quantitation)-based quantitative mass spectrometry analysis, the kinetics of proteome changes induced by various dosages of 12C6+ heavy ion irradiation were mapped. The results revealed that 452 proteins were differentially expressed under heavy ion irradiation, with the majority of proteins being upregulated, indicating the upregulation of functional categories of translation, TCA cycle (Tricarboxylic Acid cycle), and antioxidation regulation under heavy ion irradiation. This study shows how D. radiodurans reacts to exposure to 12C6+ heavy ion irradiation in terms of its overall protein expression profile. Most importantly, comparing the proteome profiling of D. radiodurans directly after heavy ion irradiation with research on the post-irradiation recovery phase would potentially provide a better understanding of mechanisms underlying the extreme radioresistance in D. radiodurans.


Pregnancy outcome following in utero exposure to hydroxychloroquine: a prospective comparative observational study.
To evaluate pregnancy safety of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) for rheumatologic diseases. Prospective comparative observational study done at the Israeli teratology information service between 1998 and 2006. 114 HCQ-exposed pregnancies (98.2% in the first trimester, T1) were followed-up and compared with 455 pregnancies of women counseled for non-teratogenic exposure. The difference in the rate of congenital anomalies was not statistically significant [7/97 (7.2%) vs. 15/440 (3.4%), p=0.094]. The analysis was repeated among those exposed in T1 excluding genetic or cytogenetic anomalies or congenital infections [5/95 (5.3%) vs. 14/440 (3.2%), p=0.355]. There were no cases of neonatal lupus erythematosus. The gestational age at delivery was earlier, rate of preterm delivery higher, and birth weight lower, in the HCQ group. The present study suggests that HCQ treatment in pregnancy is not a major human teratogen. The earlier gestational age and lower birth weight might be associated with maternal disease.


Central ossifying fibroma: a clinicopathologic study of 28 cases.
Central ossifying fibroma (COF) is the most common benign fibro-osseous lesion of the jaw. This retrospective study evaluated the clinical and histopathologic features of 28 COFs in Taiwanese patients. Twenty-eight consecutive cases of COF were collected from 1988 to 2006. The clinical data and microscopic features of these cases were reviewed and analyzed. The mean age of patients at the time of diagnosis was 34 years. There were six male and 22 female patients. Twenty-six (93%) cases were found in the mandible and two (7%) in the maxilla. The most common sites for COFs were the molar region (17 cases, 61%), followed by the premolar (8 cases, 28%), and incisor/canine (3 cases, 11%) regions. Bone swelling or expansion (96%, 26/27) was the most frequent clinical presentation. Six (21%) COFs presented as a radiolucent lesion, 17 (61%) as a mixed lesion, and five (18%) as a radio-opaque lesion. No recurrence of the lesion was found after surgical excision in this series. Microscopically, COFs showed trabeculae of woven bone (25 cases) and/or lamellar bone (5 cases) and/or spherules of cementoid (19 cases) in a cellular fibrous connective tissue stroma. The stromal component was highly cellular in 21 cases, moderately cellular in seven cases, prominently vascular in 11, and collagenous in six. COFs occur more frequently in female patients and in those in the second to fourth decades of life. The most commonly affected site is the mandible, especially the molar region. The majority of COF lesions present as a well-defined, mixed lesion radiographically. Most COFs can be treated by conservative surgical excision without subsequent recurrence.