The surgical management of monostotic fibrous dysplasia of the inferior turbinate.
Fibrous dysplasia is a non-neoplastic, sporadic, slowly progressing disease of the bone in which normal bone is replaced by abnormally overgrowing lesions. There are three different types of fibrous dysplasia: monostotic (affecting a single bone), poliostotic (affecting multiple bones) and syndromic, when it is associated with other diseases (such as McCune Albright syndrome). Fibrous dysplasia affects cranio-facial bones in 10% of the cases. However, its occurrence in the inferior turbinate is extremely rare. To the best of our knowledge, only four cases of monostotic form have been reported so far. Hereafter we describe a case of monostotic FD of the inferior turbinate surgically treated with a trans-nasal endoscopic partial maxillectomy type II.


Arginine interactions with anatase TiO2 (100) surface and the perturbation of 49Ti NMR chemical shifts--a DFT investigation: relevance to Renu-Seeram bio solar cell.
Density functional theoretical calculations have been utilized to investigate the interaction of the amino acid arginine with the (100) surface of anatase and the reproduction of experimentally measured (49)Ti NMR chemical shifts of anatase. Significant binding of arginine through electrostatic interaction and hydrogen bonds of the arginine guanidinium protons to the TiO(2) surface oxygen atoms is observed, allowing attachment of proteins to titania surfaces in the construction of bio-sensitized solar cells. GIAO-B3LYP/6-31G(d) NMR calculation of a three-layer model based on the experimental structure of this TiO(2) modification gives an excellent reproduction of the experimental value (-927 ppm) within +/- 7 ppm, however, the change in relative chemical shifts, EFGs and CSA suggest that the effect of the electrostatic arginine binding might be too small for experimental detection.


Survey of genes encoding staphylococcal enterotoxins, toxic shock syndrome toxin 1, and exfoliative toxins in members of the Staphylococcus sciuri group.
Genes encoding staphylococcal enterotoxins (sea to see, seg, and seh), toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 (tst), and exfoliative toxins (eta and etb) were not detected in a large panel of 48 Staphylococcus sciuri group isolates tested. This strongly suggests that production of the staphylococcal exotoxins by these bacteria is highly unlikely.


Behavioral evidence for mu-opioid and 5-HT2A receptor interactions.
Electrophysiological studies have demonstrated a physiological interaction between 5-HT2A and mu-opioid receptors in the medial prefrontal cortex. Furthermore, behavioral studies have found that phenethylamine hallucinogens induce head shakes when directly administered into the medial prefrontal cortex. The receptor(s) by which morphine suppresses head shakes induced by serotonin agonists have not been characterized. We administered mu-opioid receptor agonists and antagonists to adult male Sprague-Dawley rats prior to treatment with the phenethylamine hallucinogen 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI), which is known to induce head shakes via 5-HT2A receptors. The suppressant action of the moderately selective mu-opioid receptor agonist, buprenorphine (ID50 approximately 0.005 mg/kg, i.p.; a mu-opioid receptor partial agonist and kappa-opioid receptor antagonist) was blocked by naloxone and pretreatment with the irreversible mu-opioid receptor antagonist clocinnamox. Another mu-opioid receptor agonist fentanyl also suppressed DOI-induced head shakes. In contrast, a delta-opioid receptor agonist was without effect on DOI-induced head shakes. Thus, activation of mu-opioid receptors can suppress head shakes induced by hallucinogenic drugs.


Primary Cutaneous Mucinous Carcinoma: A Review of the Literature.
Primary cutaneous mucinous carcinoma (PCMC) is an exceedingly rare, low-grade tumor that histologically resembles mucinous carcinoma from other primary sites, such as the breast, gastrointestinal tract, and lungs. The purpose of this article was to review the current literature on PCMC as it relates to epidemiology, clinical presentation, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, treatment, and prognosis. An extensive literature review was conducted using PubMed and Ovid MEDLINE to identify articles related to PCMC. Several hundred cases have been reported in the medical literature, and surgical resection, whenever feasible, is the standard of care. The diagnosis of primary cutaneous mucinous carcinoma is one of exclusion, requiring a metastatic work-up to rule out distant primary. Mohs micrographic surgery is a tissue sparing technique that allows complete margin control of these rare neoplasia.


Preparation of green and gelatin-free nanocrystalline cellulose capsules.
The ambiguous source and uncontrolled solubility of gelatin make it crucial to develop gelatin capsule substitutes. Nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) of excellent mechanical performance, good biocompatibility and green origin has drawn many attentions as a new class of biomaterials. In this work, NCC capsule was prepared by dipping method with PEG and glycerol as plasticizer. The effect of PEG and glycerol on the rheological property of NCC gel and the surface morphology of NCC capsule was evaluated. The disintegration time of NCC capsule meet the criteria in United States Pharmacopoeia (USP32-701).There is no significant difference in the release of sulfuric acid between gelatin capsule and NCC capsule. NCC capsule thus has the potential as a green platform for biomedical applications in drug delivery.


Splenic gonadal fusion.
Splenic gonadal fusion is a rare anomaly that is frequently associated with skeletal abnormalities. Although rare, this entity should be considered in the differential diagnosis of scrotal masses in children. Routine frozen section prevents unnecessary orchiectomy. We describe a child with limb anomalies in whom splenic gonadal fusion presented as an incarcerated inguinal hernia.


Factorial invariance of the WHOQOL-BREF among disease groups.
To compare health-related quality of life (QOL) across groups, researchers have to assure that items of a QOL measure represent the same constructs across groups. This study investigated factorial invariance of the WHOQOL-BREF between a healthy population and populations with diseases using the data from the 2001 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) in Taiwan. The NHIS was conducted by stratified multistage systematic sampling resulting in responses from 13,010 participants aged 20 approximately 65 who completed the WHOQOL-BREF. The analysis was limited to 5 diseases where at least 200 individuals had that specific single condition; these were pulmonary disease, hypertension, peptic ulcer, sinusitis and liver disease. In this study, confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) on a four-factor model were conducted. Two-group analyses with unconstrained/constrained parameters were conducted to confirm the comparability of CFA factor structures between groups. Generally, the xi(2) discrepancy tests showed that different disease groups and their matched healthy groups shared the same first- and second-order factor loadings. Moreover, different disease groups shared the same first- and second-order factor loadings as well. In other words, after controlling age and gender, same perceptions on the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire were found between disease and matched healthy groups and across disease groups.


Structural and functional analysis of the HSP90AA1 gene: distribution of polymorphisms among sheep with different responses to scrapie.
Scrapie is a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy in sheep and goats. Susceptibility to this neurodegenerative disease is mainly controlled by point mutations at the PRNP locus. Other genes, apart from PRNP, have been reported to modulate resistance/susceptibility to scrapie. On the basis of several studies in Alzheimer and different transmissible spongiform encephalopathy models, HSP90AA1 was chosen as a putative positional and functional candidate gene that might be involved in the polygenic variance mentioned above. In the present work, the ovine HSP90AA1 gene including the promoter and other regulatory regions has been isolated and characterized. Several sequence polymorphisms have also been identified. FISH-mapping localized the HSP90AA1 gene on ovine chromosome OAR19q24dist, which was confirmed by linkage analysis. This chromosome region has been shown to include a quantitative trait loci (QTL) for scrapie incubation period in sheep. Expression analyses were carried out in spleen and cerebellum samples. No differences in the expression of the HSP90AA1 gene were found in any of these tissues (p > 0.05) between control and infected animal samples. Nevertheless, association analyses revealed that several polymorphisms in the 5' and 3' regions of the HSP90AA1 gene were differentially distributed among animals with different responses to scrapie infection. Thus, results presented here support the hypothesis that HSP90AA1 could be a positional and functional candidate gene modulating the response to scrapie in sheep.


Changes of microstructure characteristics and intermolecular interactions of preserved egg white gel during pickling.
Changes in gel microstructure characteristics and in intermolecular interactions of preserved egg whites during pickling were investigated. Spin-spin relaxation times of preserved egg whites significantly decreased in the first 8 days and remained unchanged after the 16th day. SEM images revealed a three-dimensional gel network, interwoven with a loose linear fibrous mesh structure. The protein gel mesh structure became more regular, smaller, and compacted with pickling time. Free sulfhydryl contents in the egg whites increased significantly, while total sulfhydryl contents dramatically decreased during pickling. The primary intermolecular forces in the preserved egg white gels were ionic and disulfide bonds. Secondary forces included hydrophobic interaction and relatively few hydrogen bonds. During the first 8 days, the proportion of ionic bonds sharply decreased, and that of disulfide bonds increased over the first 24 days.


Key Immune Checkpoint PD-1/PD-L1 Signaling Pathway Components in the Blood Serum from Patients with Bone Tumors.
The levels of sPD-1 and sPD-L1 were analyzed in blood serum of 132 patients (age 14-70 years) with primary bone tumors: osteosarcoma (N=39), chondrosarcoma (N=42), Ewing sarcoma (N=9), chordoma (N=12), giant-cell bone tumor (GCBT) (N=16), benign neoplasms (N=14) and in and practically healthy subjects (age 19-58 years; N=27). sPD-L1 levels in all studied bone neoplasms were significantly higher than in the control. Serum sPD-1 level in GCBT patients was significantly higher than in the control, benign neoplasms, chondrosarcoma, and chordoma patients, but did not differ from osteosarcoma group. sPD-1 concentration in Ewing sarcoma was significantly higher than in chordoma and chondrosarcoma, but did not differ from the control. sPD-1 level in chondrosarcoma patients was also lower than in osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, and in the control. Both sPD-1 and sPD-L1 concentrations were not significantly associated with the type of affected bone, process localization, disease stage, tumor histological grade, patients' age and sex. These results suggest the possibility of using these biological markers for preliminary assessment of the character of the process in the bone.


Socioeconomic Status and Individual Personal Responsibility Beliefs Towards Food Access.
Despite worldwide attention given to food access, very little progress has been made under the current model. Recognizing that individual engagement is likely based on individual experiences and perceptions, this research study investigated whether or not a correlation exists between one's socioeconomic status (SES) and perceived personal responsibility for food access. Discussion of results and implications provide fresh insight into the ongoing global debate surrounding food access. Outcomes also provide insight into willing and able participants and point to least-cost solutions which may be better suited to implement and initiate change. Results indicate that the issue of food access is more complex than simply lobbying for better decision-making among individuals and populations, highlighting the importance of unit of analysis considerations.


Disclosure of Sexual Orientation and Uptake of HIV Testing and Hepatitis Vaccination for Rural Men Who Have Sex With Men.
The decision and ability of primary care clinician to make recommendations for routine human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing and hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccines are shaped by knowledge of their patient's risk behaviors. For men who have sex with men, such knowledge requires disclosure of same-sex sexual behavior or sexual identity. Data were analyzed from a national survey of rural men who have sex with men (N = 319) to understand whether the disclosure of sexual identity to clinicians was associated with increased uptake of HIV testing and hepatitis vaccinations. We found that disclosure of sexual identity to clinicians was significantly associated (OR = 1.26; 95% CI, 1.08-1.47) with uptake of routine HIV testing and HAV/HBV vaccination. Our finding reinforces the need for safe, nonjudgmental settings for patients to discuss their sexual identities freely with their clinicians.


Behaviour of blood pressure in dilated cardiomyopathy patients suspected significantly hypertensive at echocardiography.
Eleven DCM patients who were found to have significant background hypertension from an echocardiographic assessment of the role of hypertension in DCM form the subject of this follow-up study. This was to test the reliability or otherwise of this investigative method which is supposed to identify DCM patients who would be expected to manifest hypertension with traditional anti-heart failure treatment. Results suggest a sensitivity of about 73% and specificity of 36%. It has a false positive potential in young females with the "Zaria-type" peripartum cardiomyopathy where fluid overload and not intrinsic myocardial failure is responsible.


Changes in Deceased Donor Kidney Transplantation One Year After KAS Implementation.
After over a decade of discussion, analysis, and consensus-building, a new kidney allocation system (KAS) was implemented on December 4, 2014. Key goals included improving longevity matching between donor kidneys and recipients and broadening access for historically disadvantaged subpopulations, in particular highly sensitized patients and those with an extended duration on dialysis but delayed referral for transplantation. To evaluate the early impact of KAS, we compared Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network data 1 year before versus after implementation. The distribution of transplants across many recipient characteristics has changed markedly and suggests that in many ways the new policy is achieving its goals. Transplants in which the donor and recipient age differed by more than 30 years declined by 23%. Initial, sharp increases in transplants were observed for Calculated Panel-Reactive Antibody 99-100% recipients and recipients with at least 10 years on dialysis, with a subsequent tapering of transplants to these groups suggesting bolus effects. Although KAS has arguably increased fairness in allocation, the potential costs of broadening access must be considered. Kidneys are more often being shipped over long distances, leading to increased cold ischemic times. Delayed graft function rates have increased, but 6-month graft survival rates have not changed significantly.


Colour vision abnormalities in multiple sclerosis.
A battery of colour vision tests was employed to evaluate visual function in patients with multiple sclerosis (M.S.). Colour deficits were found in 45% of patients tested with the Ishihara plates and 42.5% of patients tested with the FM 100-Hue test. 65% of M.S. patients failed at least one of the tests. The colour vision deficits were not restricted to patients with optic neuritis or with visual evoked potential (VEP) abnormalities and there was no significant correlation between an abnormal VEP latency and a colour vision deficit. Colour vision testing may be a useful option to consider in the investigation of M.S. patients, even if there is no other evidence of visual system involvement.


A patch-clamp study of the ionic selectivity of the large conductance, Ca-activated chloride channel in muscle vesicles prepared from Ascaris suum.
Plasma membrane vesicles prepared from the bag region of the somatic muscle cell of the parasite Ascaris suum contain a large conductance, voltage-sensitive, calcium-activated chloride channel. The ability of this channel to conduct a variety of anions has been investigated using the patch-clamp technique on isolated inside-out patches of muscle membrane. Symmetrical Cl solutions (140 mM) produced single-channel I/V plots with reversal potentials of 0 mV, substitution of bath Cl by 140 mM NO3, Br and I caused depolarizing shifts in the reversal potentials. Replacement of the internal Cl by F (140 mM) caused a large hyperpolarizing shift in the reversal potential. The channel displayed a permeability sequence of I > Br = NO3 > Cl > F which differed from the corresponding conductance sequence Cl > NO3 = Br = I > F. The ionic environment within the channel pore has been investigated using Reuter and Stevens (1980) plots to describe the selectivity and "fluidity" of the channel pore. In addition, the approach of Wright and Diamond (1977) was employed to estimate the number of cationic binding sites within the channel pore. The channel is relatively fluid but the number of cationic binding sites varies inversely with the ionic radius of the anion from 2.15 for F to 0.89 for the large planar anion NO3.


[Ophidian envenomation in the region Souss-Massa-Drâa in Morocco].
The present study aims to determine the main characteristics of ophidian envenomation in the Souss-Massa-Drâa region in Morocco. It consisted of a descriptive retrospective analysis of all snakebite cases recorded by the Moroccan Poison Control and Pharmacovigilance Center, from 1980 to 2008. According to reported data, this region is the most affected in Morocco with 479 cases, that is 27.6% (17 cases/year). The average age of victims was 26.07 ± 18.28 years. The patients developed clinical signs (55%) dominated by disorders of the digestive system (35.5%), cardiovascular diseases (21.4%), and heart rhythm disorders (16.8%). The lethality and sequelae rates were 12% and 1.9%, respectively.


Hydroxyurea induces vasopressin release and cytokine gene expression in the rat hypothalamus.
We previously showed that the cytostatic drug hydroxyurea (HU) activates the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in intact rats, whereas it is lethal in rats with impaired HPA function. In these animals, HU toxicity is mediated by increased circulating levels of proinflammatory cytokines, whose secretion cannot be counteracted by glucocorticoids, suggesting that HPA activation blunts HU toxicity. Here we investigated the mechanisms through which HU activates the HPA axis, looking at the direct effects of the drug on the isolated hypothalamus. We found that HU significantly increases the release of arginine vasopressin but not that of corticotrophin-releasing hormone in short-term incubation experiments. The levels of arginine vasopressin are also increased in the hypothalamus and systemic circulation 2 h after the in vivo administration of the drug. Furthermore, HU increased significantly the expression of interleukin-6 and, to a lesser extent, interleukin-1beta in the hypothalamus. Interestingly, experiments with HU on primary cultures of rat microglia and astrocytes suggested that the increase in cytokine gene expression observed in hypothalamic explants is not accounted for by glial cells. Since both vasopressin and cytokines can activate the HPA axis, our present findings provide a reasonable explanation of the HPA activation elicited by HU in vivo in the rat.


Prevalence of and factors associated with receipt of provider recommendation for influenza vaccination and uptake of influenza vaccination during pregnancy: cross-sectional study.
Seasonal influenza vaccination has been recommended for pregnant women in Germany since 2010. The aim of this study was to examine prevalence and determinants of receipt of provider recommendation for influenza vaccination as well as influenza vaccination uptake during pregnancy. We analysed data from the "KUNO Kids Health Study", a prospective birth cohort. During the study period (5th July 2015 to 27th June 2018) data were collected from participating mothers by interview and questionnaire. According to Andersen's behavioural model of health services use potential influencing factors describing the circumstances and characteristics of the mothers and their pregnancies which are potentially affecting whether women receive a recommendation for a vaccination or whether they utilize influenza vaccination were classified into three domains: 'predisposing characteristics', 'enabling resources' and 'need'. Using multivariable logistic regression models odds ratios (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated. As a combined result across three flu seasons, 368 of 1814 (20.3%) women received an influenza vaccination recommendation during pregnancy. Having had a high-risk pregnancy increased the odds of receiving a vaccination recommendation (OR = 1.3; 95% CI = 1.0-1.6; p = 0.045). In contrast, pregnancy onset in summer (OR = 0.7; 95% CI = 0.5-1.0; p = 0.027), autumn (OR = 0.4; 95% CI = 0.3-0.5; p < =0.001) or winter (OR = 0.5; 95% CI = 0.3-0.6; p < =0.001) (compared to spring) as well as mother's birthplace outside Germany (OR = 0.6; 95% CI = 0.4-0.9; p = 0.023) reduced the chance of getting a vaccination recommendation. Two hundred forty-two of one thousand eight hundred sixty-five (13%) women were vaccinated against influenza during pregnancy. Having received a vaccination recommendation was strongly associated with vaccination uptake (OR = 37.8; 95% CI = 25.5-55.9; p < =0.001). Higher health literacy status was also associated with a higher chance of vaccination uptake (OR = 1.7; 95% CI = 1.2-2.6; p = 0.008), whereas pregnancy onset in autumn (compared to spring) reduced the chance (OR = 0.5; 95% CI = 0.3-0.8; p = 0.008). At 13% the uptake rate of influenza vaccination is low. Having received a recommendation to vaccinate was strongly associated with uptake but only one fifth of all mothers report such a recommendation. Raising awareness in physicians regarding vaccinating during pregnancy seems to be of essential importance to increase vaccine uptake and to prevent influenza-related complications in pregnant women.


Micromolar substance P reduces spinal receptor binding for thyrotropin-releasing hormone--possible relevance to neuropeptide coexistence?
Receptors for thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) on membranes of rat spinal cord (SC) were labeled with [3H](3-Me-His2)TRH ([3H]MeTRH) (dissociation constant = 3.6 +/- 0.8 (6) nM). Substance P (SP) caused a concentration-dependent inhibition of TRH receptor binding in the micromolar range (43 +/- 4 (6)% at 50 microM). Scatchard analyses of competition data revealed that 50 microM SP reduced TRH receptor number (40-66%, P less than 0.05) with little or no effect on affinity. SP appeared more potent in reducing [3H]MeTRH binding to ventral cord membranes than those of dorsal or whole SC. A number of SP analogs also reduced TRH receptor binding in a dose-related manner but with different potencies. In contrast, various amino acids and serotonin (250 microM) produced little or no inhibition of [3H]MeTRH binding, and cholecystokinin, Leu- and Met-enkephalins, angiotensin II, LH-RH, bombesin and somatostatin were also markedly less potent than SP. Although it is unclear whether spinal TRH receptors are ever exposed to micromolar concentrations of SP in vivo, the reported colocalization of these neuropeptides in raphe efferents to the SC suggests that our findings may be of physiological relevance.


Comparing the effect of intravenous dexamethasone, intravenous ondansetron, and their combination on nausea and vomiting in cesarean section with spinal anesthesia.
Nausea and vomiting are frequently seen in patients undergoing cesarean section (CS) under regional anesthesia. We aimed to compare the antiemetic efficacy of ondansetron and dexamethasone combination with that of the use of each agent alone to decrease the incidence of postdelivery intra- and post-operative nausea and vomiting during CS under spinal anesthesia. A randomized, prospective, double-blind study was performed on 90 patients undergoing planned CS under spinal anesthesia. The patients received 4 mg ondansetron in Group O, 8 mg dexamethasone in Group D, and 4 mg ondansetron +8 mg dexamethasone in Group OD intravenously within 1-2 min after the umbilical cord was clamped. Frequency of postdelivery intra- and post-operative nausea and vomiting episodes was recorded. A total of 90 eligible patients were included in the study. There were 30 patients in Group O, 30 patients in Group D, and 30 patients in Group OD. Intraoperative nausea in Group D was more than the other two groups. Postoperative nausea in group OD was lesser than the other two groups. Intraoperative vomiting in Group OD was lesser than the other two groups. There was no statistically significant difference among the groups in postoperative vomiting (P > 0.05). Combined use of dexamethasone and ondansetron for the same indication seems to increase the antiemetic efficacy.


Spontaneous reporting of adverse reactions related to proton pump inhibitors.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely prescribed in all age groups, and their use is increasing. However, their safety profile has been frequently questioned. The aim of this study was to analyze the characteristics of PPI-related adverse drug reactions (ADRs) reported to the Italian spontaneous reporting system (SRS) database and relative to an Italian region (Sicily). A 20-year observational, retrospective study was conducted, evaluating PPI-related ADR reports from Sicily between January 1st, 2001, and June 30th, 2021. The factors associated with ADR seriousness were investigated. A total of 148 spontaneous reports of ADRs related to PPIs were analyzed. Lansoprazole was the drug with the highest number of associated reports (30.87%). The most frequently reported ADRs were cutaneous (24.56%) and/or gastrointestinal manifestations (18.10%), the latter especially in the case of lansoprazole-related ADRs (p<0.006). The great majority of ADR reports were relative to on-label prescriptions. Serious ADRs were 39 (26.35%). Serious ADRs were more common in reports including omeprazole than in reports containing other PPIs (p<0.008) and in reports presenting PPIs combined with other drugs than in reports with PPI single therapies (p<0.001). Most PPI-related ADRs are non-serious. Omeprazole and combination therapy seem to be associated with ADR seriousness.


Defensive antibacterial coating in revision total hip arthroplasty: new concept and early experience.
Infections remains the most feared complication in total hip arthroplasty (THA). New strategies of PJI prevention includes coating of conventional implants. Defensive Antibacterial Coating (DAC), an antibacterial hydrogel coating made of hyaluronan, poly-D and L-lactide can protect biomaterials as an effective barrier at the time of implantation. In addition, it can be used with topical antibiotics to prevent early colonisation of the implant. This manuscript describes the detailed function of the DAC in general as well as an analysis of its use in revision THA in a series of 28 patients in a short-term follow-up.Its use in patients undergoing cementless re-implantation after 2-staged procedures in THA is described in detail within the manuscript. DAC found to be effective in terms of infection control and safety in our patient cohort and has been expanded for cementless 1-staged revisions in PJI of the hip in our institution.


Transposition of the great arteries: a comparison of results of the mustard procedure versus the arterial switch.
Sixty infants with transposition of the great arteries and intact ventricular septum underwent primary surgical correction in the first 3 months of life. Twenty-three patients had a Mustard procedure (group 1) and 37 patients, an arterial switch operation (group 2). The mean age at the time of repair was 42 +/- 31 days for group 1 and 8 +/- 6 days for group 2 (p less than 0.001). The mean weight at the time of repair was 3.6 +/- 0.7 kg for group 1 and 3.4 +/- 0.5 kg for group 2 (p = not significant). Operative mortality was 8.7% (2/23) in group 1 and 8.1% (3/37) in group 2 (p = not significant). The incidence of arrhythmias in the early postoperative period was 39% (9/23) in group 1 and 11% (4/37) in group 2 (p less than 0.01). All patients were followed a mean of 4.8 +/- 2.4 years in group 1 and 2.6 +/- 1.4 years in group 2 (p less than 0.001). Postoperative catheterization has been performed in 86% (18/21) of group 1 operative survivors and 50% (17/34) of group 2 operative survivors. Ejection fraction of the systemic ventricle was 79% +/- 15% of predicted normal in group 1 and 98% +/- 6% in group 2 (p less than 0.005). The incidence of late arrhythmias was 57% (12/21) in group 1 and 3% (1/34) in group 2 (p less than 0.001). There have been 2 late deaths in group 1 and 1 late death in group 2 (p = not significant).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


Stability and in vitro release profile of enalapril maleate from different commercially available tablets: possible therapeutic implications.
Stability of enalapril maleate formulations can be affected when the product is exposed to higher temperature and humidity, with the formation of two main degradation products: enalaprilat and a diketopiperazine derivative. In this work, stability and drug release profiles of 20 mg enalapril maleate tablets (reference, generic and similar products) were evaluated. After 180 days of the accelerated stability testing, most products did not exhibit the specified amount of drug. Additionally, drug release profiles were markedly different from that of the reference product, mainly due to drug degradation. Changes in drug concentration and drug release profile of enalapril formulations are strong indicators of a compromised bioavailability, with possible interferences on the therapeutic response for this drug.


Nutrition, metabolic profiles and puberty in Brahman (Bos indicus) beef heifers.
The aim of the present study was to gain an improved understanding of the relationships between body weight (BW), body condition (BCS), and metabolic homeostasis, and the attainment of puberty in Brahman heifers in a subtropical environment. Brahman heifers (200±3kg BW; 2.00±0.0 BCS) were assigned to a moderate nutrition (MN, n=11) or improved nutrition (IN, n=11) treatment from 11 to 23 months-of-age. The heifers were monitored at regular intervals for circulating concentrations of GH, IGF-1, insulin, glucose and leptin, and ovarian follicular activity was recorded until the first ovulation. From approximately 16 months of age, heifers on IN had a greater (P<0.01) BW and greater (P<0.01) BCS than heifers on MN. Heifers on IN also had a generally improved metabolic homeostasis than heifers on MN which was reflected in greater circulating concentrations of insulin, leptin, IGF-1 and glucose in the former heifers. Heifers on IN attained puberty between 21 and 23 months of age and only one heifer on MN had reached puberty by 23 months. This study has shown that Brahman heifers on IN had a metabolic homeostasis that was supportive of reproductive maturation and puberty.


PLAAT1 deficiency alleviates high-fat diet-induced hepatic lipid accumulation in mice.
The phospholipase A and acyltransferase (PLAAT) family is composed of three isoforms in mice (PLAAT1, 3, and 5), all of which function as phospholipid-metabolizing enzymes exhibiting phospholipase A1 /A2 and acyltransferase activities. Plaat3-deficient (Plaat3-/- ) mice were previously reported to show lean phenotype and remarkable hepatic fat accumulation under high-fat diet (HFD) feeding, while Plaat1-/- mice have not been analyzed. In the present study, we generated Plaat1-/- mice and investigated the effects of PLAAT1 deficiency on HFD-induced obesity, hepatic lipid accumulation, and insulin resistance. After HFD treatment, PLAAT1 deficiency caused a lower body weight gain compared to wild-type mice. Plaat1-/- mice also showed reduced liver weight with negligible hepatic lipid accumulation. In accordance with these findings, PLAAT1 deficiency improved HFD-induced hepatic dysfunction and lipid metabolism disorders. Lipidomics analysis in the liver revealed that in Plaat1-/- mice, the levels of various glycerophospholipids tended to increase, while all classes of lysophospholipids examined tended to decrease, suggesting that PLAAT1 functions as phospholipase A1 /A2 in the liver. Interestingly, the HFD treatment of wild-type mice significantly increased the mRNA level of PLAAT1 in the liver. Furthermore, the deficiency did not appear to elevate the risk of insulin resistance in contrast to PLAAT3 deficiency. These results suggested that the suppression of PLAAT1 improves HFD-induced overweight and concomitant hepatic lipid accumulation.


Growth requirements of ferret tracheal epithelial cells in primary culture.
In mass cell culture conditions, protease dissociated ferret tracheal epithelial cells (FTE) proliferated in growth factor-supplemented F12 medium to high cell densities (0.5 X 10(5) cells/cm2) with an average population doubling time of 24 hr. The growth factor constituents of the F12 medium included epidermal growth factor (25 ng/ml), insulin (1 microgram/ml), transferrin (10 micrograms/ml), hydrocortisone (18 ng/ml), hypothalamus extract (30-100 micrograms/ml), and conditioned medium from mouse 3T3 fibroblasts. Growth of these cells under clonal conditions was achieved by the partial replacement of F12 medium with M199 medium which was attributed, in part, to the presence of vitamin A in M199 medium. Serum did not stimulate the growth of FTE cells. The epithelial cell nature of these cells in culture was confirmed by ultrastructural features and by immunofluorescent staining for fibronectin.


Breaking the Q-cycle: finding new ways to study Qo through thermodynamic manipulations.
Thirty years ago, Peter Mitchell won the Nobel Prize for proposing how electrical and proton gradients across bioenergetic membranes were the energy coupling intermediate between photosynthetic and respiratory electron transfer and cellular activities that include ATP production. A high point of his thinking was the development of the Q-cycle model that advanced our understanding of cytochrome bc (1). While the principle tenets of his Q-cycle still hold true today, Mitchell did not explain the specific mechanism that allows the Qo site to perform this Q-cycle efficiently without undue energy loss. Though much speculation on Qo site mode of molecular action and regulation has been introduced over the 30 years after Mitchell collected his Prize, no single mechanism has been universally accepted. The mystery behind the Qo site mechanism remains unsolved due to elusive kinetic intermediates during Qo site electron transfer that have not been detected spectroscopically. Therefore, to reveal the Qo mechanism, we must look beyond traditional steady-state experimental approaches by changing cytochrome bc (1) thermodynamics and promoting otherwise transient Qo site redox states.


Operation of the "Small" BioAMS Spectrometers at CAMS: Past and Future Prospects.
A summary of results from the solid samples run on our compact 1 MV AMS system over its 13.5 years of operation is presented. On average 7065 samples per year were measured with that average dropping to 3278 samples per year following the deployment of our liquid sample capability. Although the dynamic range of our spectrometer is 4.5 orders in magnitude, most of the measured graphitic samples had 14C/C concentrations between 0.1 and 1 modern. The measurements of our ANU sucrose standard followed a Gaussian distribution with an average of 1.5082 ± 0.0134 modern. The LLNL biomedical AMS program supported many different types of experiments, however, the large majority of samples measured were derived from animal model systems. We have transitioned all of our biomedical AMS measurements to the recently installed 250 kV SSAMS instrument with good agreement compared in measured 14C/C isotopic ratios between sample splits. Finally, we present results from replacement of argon stripping gas with helium in the SSAMS with a 22% improvement in ion transmission through the accelerator and high-energy analyzing magnet.


Dextran-doxorubicin prodrug nanoparticles conjugated with CD147 monoclonal antibody for targeted drug delivery in hepatoma therapy.
Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are a class of tumor cell-targeting drugs that have developed rapidly in recent years. From the perspective of further improving ADC targeting and developing natural macromolecules as drug carriers, it is still challenging and necessary to try new targeted drug delivery modalities. In this study, we have developed an antibody-modified prodrug nanoparticle based on biomacromolecule dextran (DEX) to delivery antitumour drug doxorubicin (DOX). Firstly, oxidized dextran (ODEX) and DOX were bonded to yield ODEX-DOX via Schiff base reaction, which can self-assemble into nanoparticles (NPs) carrying some aldehyde groups. Subsequently, the amino groups of CD147 monoclonal antibody were bound to the aldehyde groups on the surface of ODEX-DOX NPs, resulting in acid-responsive and antibody-modified CD147-ODEX-DOX NPs with relatively small particle size and high DOX loading. FT-IR, UV-Vis, HPLC, and 1H NMR were used to demonstrate the successful synthesis of polymer prodrug ODEX-DOX NPs and antibody-modified nanomedicine CD147-ODEX-DOX NPs. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) was used to evaluate the stability and the pH responsiveness of ODEX-DOX NPs in different media and tumour microenvironment. The in vitro total release content of DOX reached approximately 70% in PB 5.0 buffer solution after 103 h. Furthermore, the in vivo antitumour efficacy and biodistribution experiments confirmed that CD147-ODEX-DOX NPs could significantly inhibit the growth of HepG2 tumour. All of the results indicate that this acid-sensitive nanomedicine has higher safety and targeting effects. It promises to be an ideal strategy for future targeted drug delivery systems and anticancer therapies.


[Dementia - a relevant subject in psychiatric research?].
Demographic change calls for increased efforts in dementia research. A systematic analysis of a German-speaking psychiatric journal was performed. 18.2 % of all papers published in were related to dementia and cognition. Dementia is a main issue; only papers regarding schizophrenia were more common. Health service research is largely lacking.


One day of estradiol treatment enhances platelet aggregation at the site of microvascular injury without altering aggregation ex vivo.
Mice were implanted subcutaneously with a pellet containing 0.5 mg estradiol placebo. On the day following implantation platelet aggregation was produced in arterioles on the brain surface (pial arterioles) by injuring their endothelium in vivo with a noxious light/dye stimulus. The time between the onset of the noxious stimulus and the appearance of platelet aggregates was significantly shortened (p less than .01) in the estradiol treated mice. In contrast to this enhancement of aggregation, when platelets were tested ex vivo in platelet rich plasma (PRP), aggregation to sodium arachidonate or to ADP was not altered in estradiol treated mice. Thus the enhanced aggregation observed in injured pial arterioles of estradiol treated mice may not reflect direct effects of estradiol on the platelet itself. Rather enhanced aggregation may reflect an effect of estradiol on endothelium or adjacent tissue. This effect was produced within 24 hours of achieving pregnancy levels of estradiol. The rapidity of the effect is of interest in light of earlier studies showing a similar in vivo action following 7-14 days of high estradiol levels. The rapid effect suggests that an action on megakaryocytes is an unlikely explanation for the results.


Adsorption of organic contaminants by graphene nanosheets: A review.
Graphene nanosheets (GNS) such as graphenes and graphene oxides (GOs) have been widely investigated as next-generation adsorbents in both water and wastewater treatment processes due to their unique physicochemical properties and their affinity towards different classes of organic contaminants (OCs). In the last five years, more than 40 articles investigating adsorption of different classes of OCs by graphene and GO were published in peer-reviewed journals. Adsorption mechanisms were controlled by molecular properties of OCs (e.g., aromatic vs aliphatic, molecular size and hydrophobicity), characteristics of adsorbents (e.g., surface area, pore size distribution, and surface functional groups), and background solution properties (e.g., pH, ionic strength, surfactants, NOM, and temperature). This literature survey includes: (i) a summary of adsorption of OCs by GNS, (ii) a comprehensive discussion of the mechanisms and factors controlling the adsorption of OCs by GNS and a comparison of their adsorption behaviors with those of CNT. This literature survey also identifies future research needs and challenges on the adsorption of OCs by GNS.


Comparative virome analysis of individual shedding routes of Miniopterus phillipsi bats inhabiting the Wavul Galge cave, Sri Lanka.
Bats are described as the natural reservoir host for a wide range of viruses. Although an increasing number of bat-associated, potentially human pathogenic viruses were discovered in the past, the full picture of the bat viromes is not explored yet. In this study, the virome composition of Miniopterus phillipsi bats (formerly known as Miniopterus fuliginosus bats in Sri Lanka) inhabiting the Wavul Galge cave, Sri Lanka, was analyzed. To assess different possible excretion routes, oral swabs, feces and urine were collected and analyzed individually by using metagenomic NGS. The data obtained was further evaluated by using phylogenetic reconstructions, whereby a special focus was set on RNA viruses that are typically associated with bats. Two different alphacoronavirus strains were detected in feces and urine samples. Furthermore, a paramyxovirus was detected in urine samples. Sequences related to Picornaviridae, Iflaviridae, unclassified Riboviria and Astroviridae were identified in feces samples and further sequences related to Astroviridae in urine samples. No viruses were detected in oral swab samples. The comparative virome analysis in this study revealed a diversity in the virome composition between the collected sample types which also represent different potential shedding routes for the detected viruses. At the same time, several novel viruses represent first reports of these pathogens from bats in Sri Lanka. The detection of two different coronaviruses in the samples indicates the potential general persistence of this virus species in M. phillipsi bats. Based on phylogenetics, the identified viruses are closely related to bat-associated viruses with comparably low estimation of human pathogenic potential. In further studies, the seasonal variation of the virome will be analyzed to identify possible shedding patterns for particular viruses.


A histological atlas of the macaque (Macaca mulatta) substantia nigra in ventricular coordinates.
An atlas of the macaque substantia nigra was established in ventricular coordinates. Having verified that nigral contours are stable in both Macaca mulatta and Macaca speciosa, the antero-posterior sequence of four subdivisions was described on eight vertico-transverse levels after a comparison between histological and histochemical data. The pars reticulata constitutes the anterior pole containing pale, small cell-bodies scattered among the numerous endings of the striato-pallido-nigral fibres. Anteriorly, the pars compacta forms the dorsal border of the substantia nigra, but more posteriorly, it leaves the dorsal border and develops ventral fringes. Its large cell-bodies, most often pigmented, rich in Nissl bodies and in acetylcholinesterase, are closely spaced among a few axonal fascicles. The pars lateralis contains a low density of cell-bodies and corresponds to the hilum of entrance of the striato-pallido-nigral fibres and gives rise to a nigro-tectal projection. The pars mixta, dorsally located, contains a low density of neurons varying considerably in size. It represents the hilum of exit of nigral axons which project to various targets.


Social Vulnerability and Medical Complexity Among Medicare Beneficiaries Receiving Home Health Without Prior Hospitalization.
Recent Medicare home health payment changes reduce reimbursement for care provided to patients without a preceding hospitalization. Beneficiaries may enter home health without a preceding hospitalization via referral from a community provider or through incurring multiple episodes of home health care. We assess potential implications of this change by examining the characteristics of patients accessing Medicare home health through each of these pathways. Nationally representative retrospective cohort study of 1,224 (weighted n = 5,913,080) older adults who participated in the National Health and Aging Trends Study between 2011 and 2015 and received Medicare-funded home health within 1 year of interview. Patient characteristics before home health were drawn from the National Health and Aging Trends Study, while characteristics during home health, referral source, and number of episodes incurred were drawn from linked Outcomes and Assessment Information Set and Medicare claims. We tested for differences in characteristics by referral source and number of episodes using weighted chi-square tests and t tests. Patients referred to home health from the community were more than twice as likely to be Medicaid-enrolled (24.0% vs 12.5%, p < .001), have dementia (29.5% vs 12.4%, p < .001), and have received 80 or more hours/month of family caregiver assistance (20.7% vs 10.1%, p < .001) prior to home health entry compared to those referred from a hospital or skilled nursing facility. Patients who incurred multiple episodes in a spell of home health care were more likely to have high clinical severity during home health (48.3% vs 28.1%, p < .001), compared to those with a single episode. Greater social vulnerability and care needs before home health were associated with community referral, while greater clinical severity during home health was associated with incurring multiple episodes of care. Findings suggest that recent payment changes may threaten home health access among beneficiaries with greater social vulnerability and/or medical complexity.


Health technology assessments as a mechanism for increased value for money: recommendations to the Global Fund.
The Global Fund is experiencing increased pressure to optimize results and improve its impact per dollar spent. It is also in transition from a provider of emergency funding, to a long-term, sustainable financing mechanism. This paper assesses the efficacy of current Global Fund investment and examines how health technology assessments (HTAs) can be used to provide guidance on the relative priority of health interventions currently subsidized by the Global Fund. In addition, this paper identifies areas where the application of HTAs can exert the greatest impact and proposes ways in which this tool could be incorporated, as a routine component, into application, decision, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation processes. Finally, it addresses the challenges facing the Global Fund in realizing the full potential of HTAs.


Thermosensitive tribrachia star-shaped s-P(NIPAM-co-DMAM) random copolymer micelle aggregates: Preparation, characterization, and drug release applications.
Tribrachia star-shaped random copolymers with tunable thermosensitive phase transition temperature were designed and synthesized via a simple one-pot ammonolysis reaction approach with trimesic acid as cores. The self-assembly micellization behavior of the copolymers in aqueous solution was examined by surface tension, UV-vis transmittance, transmission electron microscope, and dynamic light scattering measurements, etc. The results indicated that the resultant copolymers formed thermosensitive micelle aggregates through hydrophobic interactions among the isopropyl groups of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) PNIPAM chains and inter-star association at a polymer concentration above critical aggregation concentrations from 4.06 to 6.55 mg L(-1), with a cloud point range from 36.6℃ to 52.1℃, and homogeneously distributed micelle size below 200 nm. The arm length and the compositional ratios of the two comonomers had effect on physicochemical properties of the polymer micelle aggregates. Particularly, the cloud point values were enhanced as the (N,N-dimethylacrylamide) DMAM monomer was introduced and reached to 36.6℃ and 41.0℃-44.7℃ when the mass ratio of NIPAM to DMAM was 90:10 and 80:20, respectively. The thermo-triggered drug release and cytotoxicity were evaluated to confirm the applicability of the random copolymer micelle aggregates as novel drug targeted release carriers.


Cross-boundary transport and source apportionment for PM2.5 in a typical industrial city in the Hebei Province, China: A modeling study.
Cross-boundary transport of air pollution is a difficult issue in pollution control for the North China Plain. In this study, an industrial district (Shahe City) with a large glass manufacturing sector was investigated to clarify the relative contribution of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) to the city's high levels of pollution. The Nest Air Quality Prediction Model System (NAQPMS), paired with Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF), was adopted and applied with a spatial resolution of 5 km. During the study period, the mean mass concentrations of PM2.5, SO2, and NO2 were observed to be 132.0, 76.1, and 55.5 μg/m3, respectively. The model reproduced the variations in pollutant concentrations in Shahe at an acceptable level. The simulation of online source-tagging revealed that pollutants emitted within a 50-km radius of downtown Shahe contributed 63.4% of the city's total PM2.5 concentration. This contribution increased to 73.9±21.2% when unfavorable meteorological conditions (high relative humidity, weak wind, and low planetary boundary layer height) were present; such conditions are more frequently associated with severe pollution (PM2.5 ≥ 250 μg/m3). The contribution from Shahe was 52.3±21.6%. The source apportionment results showed that industry (47%), transportation (10%), power (17%), and residential (26%) sectors were the most important sources of PM2.5 in Shahe. The glass factories (where chimney stack heights were normally < 70 m) in Shahe contributed 32.1% of the total PM2.5 concentration in Shahe. With an increase in PM2.5 concentration, the emissions from glass factories accumulated vertically and narrowed horizontally. At times when pollution levels were severe, the horizontally influenced area mainly covered Shahe. Furthermore, sensitivity tests indicated that reducing emissions by 20%, 40%, and 60% could lead to a decrease in the mass concentration of PM2.5 of of 12.0%, 23.8%, and 35.5%, respectively.


Membrane topology of the L-rhamnose-H+ transport protein (RhaT) from enterobacteria.
The L-rhamnose-H+ symporter (RhaT) is a 344-amino acid integral membrane protein, found in many Enterobacteria, which couples the uptake of the sugar L-rhamnose with the inward movement of protons. Based on its hydropathy profile and the application of von Heijne's "positive inside" rule (von Heijne, G. (1992) J. Mol. Biol. 225, 487-494), a model of the L-rhamnose-H+ symport protein (RhaT) is proposed containing 10 transmembrane helices with the NH2 and COOH termini in the periplasm. This model was tested by the creation of random beta-lactamase (Bla) fusions. The data from 33 unique, randomly generated, RhaT-Bla fusions and from 5 site-specific fusions supported the proposed topology between transmembrane helices 2-10. However, the localization of the putative first hydrophilic loop and the NH2 terminus was not possible because the beta-lactamase fusions in this region were shown to be unreliable indicators of the topology of RhaT.


The number of patent tibial vessels does not influence primary patency after nitinol stenting of the femoral and popliteal arteries.
Initial TransAtlantic Inter-Society consensus (TASC) II classification has been shown to influence the patency of stented femoral and popliteal arteries. Although several studies have shown the effect of the number of runoff vessels on the durability of infrainguinal angioplasty without stenting, the influence of tibial vessel runoff on the patency of primarily stented femoral and popliteal arteries has not been as well defined. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the number of patent tibial vessels affects primary patency after primary stenting of the femoral and popliteal arteries. The records of all patients undergoing angioplasty and primary nitinol stenting of the femoral and popliteal arteries, by or under the supervision of one vascular surgeon, were reviewed. Results were analyzed by both the number of patent tibial vessels documented on periprocedural angiography and by using a modified Society for Vascular Surgery runoff score. TASC II classification was also recorded. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were plotted and differences between groups tested by log-rank method. Fisher exact and χ(2) tests were used to compare categoric factors. During a 7-year period, 289 limbs in 236 patients underwent primary stenting of the femoral and popliteal arteries. Overall primary patency was 70.3% at 12 months, 52.4% at 24 months, and 39.1% at 36 months. Limbs classified as TASC A or B had significantly better patency rates than those classified as TASC C or D (P < .001). While the number of runoff vessels decreased with worsening of the TASC classification (P = .024), overall (P = .355), and within individual TASC classes (P ≥ .092 for each), there was no difference in the primary patency of stented segments with good runoff and those with compromised runoff. Limbs with poor runoff (one or no vessels) were no more likely to fail with occlusion than their counterparts with two or three patent tibial vessels (P = .383). The number of patent tibial vessels at the time of initial stenting did not impact ultimate limb salvage (P = .063). The number of patent tibial vessels does not influence the primary patency of primarily stented femoral and popliteal arteries. TASC II classification appears to be significantly more predictive of initial failure after angioplasty and stenting of these vessels.


Comparison of expression of inflammatory cytokines in the spinal cord between young adult and aged beagle dogs.
Aging is an inevitable process that occurs in the whole body system accompanying with many functional and morphological changes. Inflammation is known as one of age-related factors, and inflammatory changes could enhance mortality risk. In this study, we compared immunoreactivities of inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-2 (a pro-inflammatory cytokine), its receptor (IL-2R), IL-4 (an anti-inflammatory cytokine), and its receptor (IL-4R) in the cervical and lumbar spinal cord of young adult (2-3 years old) and aged (10-12 years old) beagle dogs using immunohistochemistry and western blotting. IL-2 and IL-2R-immunoreactive nerve cells were found throughout the gray matter of the cervical and lumbar spinal cord of young adult and aged dogs. In the spinal cord neurons of the aged dog, immunoreactivity and protein levels were apparently increased compared with those in the young adult dog. Change patterns of IL-4- and IL-4R-immunoreactive cells and their protein levels were also similar to those in IL-2 and IL-2R; however, IL-4 and IL-4R immunoreactivity in the periphery of the neuronal cytoplasm in the aged dog was much stronger than that in the young adult dog. These results indicate that the increase of inflammatory cytokines and their receptors in the aged spinal cord might be related to maintaining a balance of inflammatory reaction in the spinal cord during normal aging.


[Death certificates for suicides: quality investigation based on police records].
Death certificates are the basis for German mortality statistics, including suicide statistics. To examine death certificates that are issued in the context of suicide with special focus on the quality of doctors' entries, especially indications of suicide and the stated association between underlying illness and cause of death. Data from the Allgäu Suicide Study were used. Police records (N = 626) containing the results of suicide investigations as well as death certificates were analysed. There is great heterogeneity as to how physicians issue death certificates in the context of suicide. Clear indications of suicide are often missing and underlying illnesses are seldom mentioned. Nevertheless, there are only minor differences between the number of suicides recorded by the police compared to official statistics. To improve the quality of death certificates in the context of suicide, physicians should give clearer indications of suicide and put more focus on logically explaining the causes of death. The mortality of mental illnesses might be underestimated when mental illnesses are not regularly mentioned as a potential cause for suicide.


Discriminant function analysis of clinical laboratory data. Use in alcohol research.
There has been a growing interest in the use of discriminant function analysis of routinely collected laboratory data to differentiate between alcoholic and nonalcoholic individuals. However, no consensus has been reached concerning the validity and reliability of this form of analysis regarding the diagnosis of, or screening for, alcoholism. In addition, this technique may provide important information concerning the multivariate nature of the pathophysiological effects of alcohol. However, this issue is seldom discussed. Because of differences in methodology across studies and the growing confusion regarding conceptual issues associated with this statistical technique, there have been few critical reviews. This chapter is directed at critically evaluating the current literature, particularly with respect to the methodological and conceptual issues associated with the use of discriminant function analysis in alcohol research. As part of this approach we suggest guidelines for future research in this area.


Post-surgical thyroid ablation with low or high radioiodine activities results in similar outcomes in intermediate risk differentiated thyroid cancer patients.
In differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) patients at intermediate risk of recurrences, no evidences are provided regarding the optimal radioactive iodine (RAI) activity to be administered for post-surgical thyroid ablation. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of RAI activities on the outcome of 225 DTC patients classified as intermediate risk, treated with low (1110-1850 MBq) or high RAI activities (≥3700 MBq). Six to 18 months after ablation, remission was observed in 60.0% of patients treated with low and in 60.0% of those treated with high RAI activities, biochemical disease was found in 18.8% of patients treated with low and in 14.3% of patients treated with high RAI activities, metastatic disease was found in 21.2% of patients treated with low and in 25.7% of patients treated with high RAI activities (P=0.56). At the last follow-up (low activities, median 4.2 years; high activities, median 6.9 years), remission was observed in 76.5% of patients treated with low and in 72.1% of patients treated with high RAI activities, persistent disease was observed in 18.8% of patients treated with low and in 23.5% of patients treated with high RAI activities, recurrent disease was 2.4% in patients treated with low and 2.1% in patients treated with high RAI activities, deaths occurred in 2.4% of patients treated with low and in 2.1% of patients treated with high RAI activities (P=0.87). Our study provides the first evidence that in DTC patients at intermediate risk, high RAI activities at ablation have no major advantage over low activities.


Deletion in a recombinant retroviral vector resulting from a cryptic splice donor signal in the Moloney leukemia virus envelope gene.
Proviral DNA derived from a recombinant retroviral vector (LHMlPL), constructed to transduce the human purine nucleoside phosphorylase coding region along with the mouse metallothionein l promoter, was molecularly cloned in order to characterize a deletion previously observed in this provirus. Nucleotide sequence comparison with the original retroviral vector construct revealed two deletions in the cloned provirus. One of the deleted regions originated entirely from within the mouse metallothionein promoter. A second deletion eliminated portions of both viral and metallothionein promoter sequences. All four deletion junctions in the original construct included sequences which conform to those proposed as eukaryotic consensus splice donor and acceptor signals, including a previously unreported cryptic splice donor signal in the Moloney leukemia virus envelope gene. It is concluded that RNA splicing between inadvertently juxtaposed donor and acceptor signals was responsible for the observed deletions.


Effect of d-fenfluramine on the lymphocyte response of HIV+ humans.
The objective of this study was to analyse the effect of d-dexfenfluramine (d-FEN) on the human lymphocyte response, in vitro. Experiments were designed to determine whether d-FEN augments specific human immune parameters associated with protection from opportunistic microbial pathogens and particularly focuses on d-FEN as a means by which to augment the function of CD8+ and CD4+ lymphocytes. Lymphocytes were examined for three reasons: (1) for their ability to inhibit the growth of Candida albicans; (2) for their ability to proliferate in response to a mitogen; and, (3) their cytokine profile (vis., production of IL-2, IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were obtained from 20 HIV+ patients. The patients were diagnosed as HIV+ within the past 0.5-9 years. d-FEN was found to augment the capacity of CD8+ lymphocytes to inhibit the growth of the opportunistic microbial pathogen, C. albicans. d-FEN enhanced the capacity of CD4+ lymphocytes to proliferate in response to the mitogen, Concanavalin A, and to increase the amount of IL-2 produced by CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes from AIDS patients. d-FEN increased the number of CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes that produced IFN-gamma from either non-AIDS or AIDS patients and increased the number of AIDS patient's CD8+ lymphocytes that produce TNF-alpha. These in vitro data suggest that d-FEN may be effective in enhancing immune function in immunocompromised individuals.


Three correlations between extracellular calcium concentration and myocardial cell injury induced by drugs.
Primary cultures of newborn rat myocardial cells were treated in various extracellular calcium concentrations (0, 1.35, 2.7, 4.05, and 5.4 mM) with three different drugs; namely, ouabain, sulmazole, and chlorpromazine. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release was used as an indicator of damage. The results showed 10(-3) M ouabain caused apparent damage of the cells and the damage was increased by an increased extracellular calcium concentration. Sulmazole (10(-3)M) caused damage of the cells in the absence of calcium; but it did not cause damage of the cells in the presence of calcium; it protected the cells from damage caused by high calcium concentrations (4.05 and 5.4 mM). Chlorpromazine (1.6 X 10(-4)M) caused severe damage of the cells. The various calcium concentrations had no influence on the degree of the damage. Correlation coefficients showed that correlations between the calcium concentrations and the cell damage caused by ouabain, sulmazole and chlorpromazine were positive correlation, negative correlation, and no correlation, respectively. It is suggested that influx of extracellular calcium is not a final common pathway of drug-induced myocardial cell injury, although it plays an important role in cell injury.


Long Noncoding RNA LINC00839 Promotes the Malignant Progression of Osteosarcoma by Competitively Binding to MicroRNA-454-3p and Consequently Increasing c-Met Expression [Retraction].
[This retracts the article DOI: 10.2147/CMAR.S269774.].


Native blot and immunotransfer of human prostatic acid phosphatase isozymes.
Agarose gel isoelectrofocusing is used to separate the isozymes of human prostatic acid phosphatase with retention of enzyme activity. The native blotting of the isozymes onto a nitrocellulose membrane increases the sensitivity of the enzyme stain and is suitable for analysis of isozymes in prostate tissue, which contains little nonprostatic acid phosphatase. The specificity of the transfer is increased by treating the membrane with antibody to human prostatic acid phosphatase prior to the transfer. The specificity of the antibody is conferred to the membrane resulting in a transfer specific for prostatic acid phosphatase. The immunotransfer procedure is applicable to serum which contains appreciable amounts of nonprostatic acid phosphatase.


Factors affecting the assay of histone H1 and polylysine by binding of Coomassie blue G.
Although a mixture of calf thymus histones or the H2B and H4 fractions gave values in the Bradford assay that were similar to those for bovine serum albumin, low values were obtained with histone H1 and polylysine. The assay was found to be more sensitive for histone H1 and polylysine if the phosphoric acid concentration in the reagent was decreased or the polypeptide solutions contained low concentrations of nonionic detergents. Substitution of perchloric acid or hydrochloric acid for phosphoric acid and alcohol in the Coomassie blue G reagent provided an assay that was similar in sensitivity for histone H1 and a total histone mixture. It was suggested that the degree of metachromasia with Coomassie blue G may serve as a probe of conformational changes in histone H1.


The Familial Tasmanian Haematological Malignancies Study (FaTHMS): its origins, its history and the phenomenon of anticipation.
We began epidemiological studies of haematological malignancies (lymphomas, leukaemias and related diseases) in Tasmania, the island state of Australia, in 1972. Our work has identified a number of families each containing several cases. In contrast to reports from elsewhere, we recognised familial cases incorporating the range of haematological malignancies, that is, not confined to a single diagnosis. Furthermore the average number of cases per extended family tree has exceeded that of any prior report. An unexpected discovery from the detailed familial analysis was that of anticipation, the phenomenon whereby the symptoms of a disorder become apparent at an earlier age as it is passed on to the next generation. These findings strengthen the case for there being genetic anomalies underlying the development of haematological malignancies at least in some cases, and are the subject of ongoing research.


Differential regulation of somatodendritic serotonin 5-HT1A receptors by 2-week treatments with the selective agonists alnespirone (S-20499) and 8-hydroxy-2-(Di-n-propylamino)tetralin: microdialysis and autoradiographic studies in rat brain.
Single treatment with the serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) 5-HT1A receptor agonists 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) and alnespirone (S-20499) reduces the extracellular 5-HT concentration (5-HText) in the rat midbrain and forebrain. Given the therapeutic potential of selective 5-HT1A agonists in the treatment of affective disorders, we have examined the changes in 5-HT1A receptors induced by 2-week minipump administration of alnespirone (0.3 and 3 mg/kg/day) and 8-OH-DPAT (0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg/day). The treatment with alnespirone did not modify baseline 5-HText but significantly attenuated the ability of 0.3 mg/kg s.c. alnespirone to reduce 5-HText in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) and frontal cortex. In contrast, the ability of 8-OH-DPAT (0.025 and 0.1 mg/kg s.c.) to reduce 5-HText in both areas was unchanged by 8-OH-DPAT pretreatment. Autoradiographic analysis revealed a significant reduction of [3H]8-OH-DPAT and [3H]WAY-100635 [3H-labeled N-[2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]-N-(2-pyridyl)cyclohexa necarboxamide x 3HCl] binding to somatodendritic 5-HT1A receptors (but not to postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptors) of rats pretreated with alnespirone but not with 8-OH-DPAT. In situ hybridization analysis revealed no change of the density of the mRNA encoding the 5-HT1A receptors in the DRN after either treatment. These data indicate that continuous treatment for 2 weeks with alnespirone, but not with 8-OH-DPAT, causes a functional desensitization of somatodendritic 5-HT1A receptors controlling 5-HT release in the DRN and frontal cortex.


Video triage in calls concerning children with fever at an out-of-hours medical helpline: a prospective quality improvement study.
Parents often contact out-of-hours services due to worry concerning febrile children, despite the children rarely being severely ill. As telephone triage of children is challenging, many children are referred to hospital assessment. This study investigated if video triage resulted in more children staying at home. Secondary aims included safety, acceptability and feasibility of this new triage tool. In this prospective quality improvement study, nurse call-handlers enrolled febrile children aged 3 months-5 years to video or telephone triage (1:1), with follow-up within 48 h after call. The setting was an out-of-hours call-center for non-urgent illness in Copenhagen, Denmark, receiving over 1 million calls annually and predominately staffed by registered nurses. Main outcome measure was difference in number of children assessed at hospital within 8 h after call between video-and telephone triage group. Rates of feasibility, acceptability and safety (death, lasting means, transfer to intensive care unit) were compared between the triage groups. There was no difference in triage outcome (home care vs. hospital referral) or number of patients assessed at hospital between triage groups. However, more video triaged patients received in-hospital treatment, testing and hospitalization. Video triage was feasible to conduct, acceptable to parents and as safe as telephone triage. The study did not show that more children stayed at home after video triage, possibly because the allocation strategy was not upheld, as video triage sometimes was chosen in cases of complex and severe symptoms, and this likely has changed study outcome. Clinicaltrials.gov.: Id NCT04074239. Registered 2019-08-30. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/study/NCT04074239.


Neutron capture cross-section measurement for the 186W(n,gamma)187W reaction at 0.0536eV energy.
The thermal neutron-induced activation cross section for the (186)W(n,gamma)(187)W reaction was measured at 0.0536eV neutron energy using TRIGA Mark-II research reactor, Atomic Energy Research Establishment, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh. The (197)Au(n,gamma)(198)Au monitor reaction induced in a high-purity gold foil was used to determine the effective neutron beam intensity. The activities induced in sample and monitor foils were measured nondestructively by a high-resolution HPGe gamma-ray detector. The present experimental cross-section value is the first one at 0.0536eV. The obtained new cross section that amounts to 26.6+/-1.6b is 2% higher than the recently reported data in ENDF/B-VII and 5% lower than that of JENDL-3.3.


Homoarginine in the renal and cardiovascular systems.
Homoarginine (hArg) is an endogenous, nonproteinogenic amino acid which differs from arginine by an additional methylene (CH2) group in the backbone. In this brief narrative review, we summarize the current literature on hArg in the renal and cardiovascular systems. Epidemiological studies have identified low hArg levels as an independent risk marker for cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and renal diseases as well as for mortality. The relatively low correlation of hArg with established cardiovascular risk factors underlines its great potential as an emerging biomarker to improve risk prediction because plasma hArg concentrations might reflect previously unrecognized pathophysiological processes. hArg may be involved in the pathogenesis of various diseases due to its effects on nitric oxide (NO) and energy metabolism. In view of its structural similarities with arginine, it has been proposed that hArg impacts on arginine metabolism and subsequently also on NO synthesis. The key enzyme for hArg synthesis, arginine:glycine amidinotransferase (AGAT), is involved in the synthesis of energy metabolites including guanidinoacetate, the precursor of creatine. Therefore, the involvement of hArg in energy metabolism could partially explain the close association between hArg and cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure. Whether hArg supplementation or modification of key enzymes of hArg metabolism such as AGAT activity is effective for the treatment of chronic diseases remains to be elucidated.


Factors influencing oncology nurses' use of hazardous drug safe-handling precautions.
To examine relationships among factors affecting nurses' use of hazardous drug (HD) safe-handling precautions, identify factors that promote or interfere with HD precaution use, and determine managers' perspectives on the use of HD safe-handling precautions. Cross-sectional, mixed methods; mailed survey to nurses who handle chemotherapy and telephone interviews with managers. Mailed invitation to oncology centers across the United States. 165 nurses who reported handling chemotherapy and 20 managers of nurses handling chemotherapy. Instruments measured the use of HD precautions and individual and organizational factors believed to influence precaution use. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and hierarchical regression. Manager interview data were analyzed using content analysis. Chemotherapy exposure knowledge, self-efficacy, perceived barriers, perceived risk, interpersonal influences, and workplace safety climate. Nurses were well educated, experienced, and certified in oncology nursing. The majority worked in outpatient settings and administered chemotherapy to an average of 6.8 patients per day. Exposure knowledge, self-efficacy for using personal protective equipment, and perceived risk of harm from HD exposure were high; total precaution use was low. Nurse characteristics did not predict HD precaution use. Fewer barriers, better workplace safety climate, and fewer patients per day were independent predictors of higher HD precaution use. HD handling policies were present, but many did not reflect current recommendations. Few managers formally monitored nurses' HD precaution use. Circumstances in the workplace interfere with nurses' use of HD precautions. Interventions should include fostering a positive workplace safety climate, reducing barriers, and providing appropriate nurse-patient ratios.


The use of a bacteria detection system to evaluate bacterial contamination in PLT concentrates.
Random-donor PLTs (RDPs) are functional at 7 days. Nevertheless, since the mid-1980s, concern for bacterial contamination has caused the storage period to be reduced to 5 days. The ability of a bacteria detection system (BDS, Pall) to determine bacterial contamination and permit extension of the PLT shelf life to 7 days was assessed. Blood was collected into CP2D and leukoreduced RDPs were prepared. Upon arrival at the hospital, a 2- to 3-mL aliquot was removed from each RDP and introduced into the Pall BDS pouch with a sterile docking device. The pouch was incubated at 37 degrees C for 24 hours and then the oxygen content was measured to determine bacterial contamination. Additionally, the RDPs were pooled and an aliquot was removed for culture with standard manual techniques. CCIs were calculated 1 hour after infusion. A total of 12,062 individual RDPs were tested. The Pall BDS detected bacteria in 5 units. All of these were positive on repeat sampling. Propionibacterium acnes, coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, and Bacillus species were confirmed by manual technique in 3 units, one could not be identified, and one was negative. Aliquots from PLT pools were positive in 80 of 2201 pools when tested by manual methods. Of these, 79 were false-positives and 1 unit contained coagulase-negative Staphylococcus. The Pall BDS was easy to use and required less than 5 minutes for all manipulations. After 7 days of storage, the PLTs gave an average CCI of 16 x 10(11)+/- 3.39 x 10(11) 1 hour after transfusion (n = 9). The Pall BDS permits evaluation of RDPs for bacterial contamination. Culture-negative PLTs were successfully transfused in our institution up to and including 7 days after storage with good CCIs.


Evaluation of the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of brucine following transdermal administration.
Before the design of brucine-containing transdermal formulations, the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of brucine following transdermal administration should be evaluated. In this study, the effect of addition of ethanol on solubility of bruicne was investigated and 20% ethanol was added into PBS to obtain 10mg/mL brucine solution. Then three transdermal doses (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg) were administered to mice to evaluate pharmacological activity. It had been demonstrated that brucine possessed analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity in a dose-dependent manner. Cytotoxicities of brucine against various tumor cells including skin tumor cell were also compared in vitro. Brucine was found to possess antitumor activity in a concentration and time-dependent manner and gastrointestinal tumor cells seemed to be more sensitive to brucine. Then in vitro skin permeation behavior and in vivo pharmacokinetics following transdermal administration were further investigated. The cumulative amounts of brucine across mouse skin in vitro were found to be higher than 90%. The absolute bioavailability of brucine was determined to be 40.83%. And compared with intravenous administration, MRT and T1/2 values were increased about 8~12-fold by transdermal route. Moreover, fluctuations of drug levels were found to be significantly decreased in tissues, especially in brain. Finally, no dermal toxicity of brucine was observed. The results of this study indicated that transdermal administration might be beneficial for the sustained efficacy and reduced toxicity of brucine.


Photodynamic therapy for juxtafoveal choroidal neovascularization in myopic eyes.
To report the results of photodynamic therapy in myopic patients with juxtafoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Interventional case series. Three consecutive myopic patients with juxtafoveal CNV were treated by photodynamic therapy with the same protocol as the one used to treat subfoveal CNV. Visual acuity was measured on Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) charts by an independent observer. Fluorescein angiography was performed 6 and 12 weeks after photodynamic therapy and then every 12 weeks. In all three patients, one treatment of photodynamic therapy using verteporfin resulted in the involution of the CNV and improvement in best-corrected visual acuity from 20/50 or 20/40 to 20/25 or more. No retreatment was required during follow-up, which lasted for 12 to 24 months (mean = 17 months). Photodynamic therapy may be an effective treatment for juxtafoveal CNV in myopic eyes.


A co-design study to develop supportive interventions to improve psychological and social adaptation among adults with new-onset type 1 diabetes in Denmark and the UK.
To develop supportive interventions for adults with new-onset type 1 diabetes (T1D) to facilitate positive adaptive strategies during their transition into a life with diabetes. The study used a co-design approach informed by Design Thinking to stimulate participants' reflections on their experiences of current care and generate ideas for new supportive interventions. Visual illustrations were used to depict support needs and challenges. Initial discussions of these needs and challenges were facilitated by researchers and people with diabetes in workshops. Data comprising transcribed audio recordings of the workshop discussions and materials generated during the workshops were analysed thematically. Specialised diabetes centres in Denmark and the United Kingdom. Adults with new-onset T1D (n=24) and healthcare professionals (HCPs) (n=56) participated in six parallel workshops followed by four joint workshops with adults (n=29) and HCPs (n=24) together. The common solution prioritised by both adults with new-onset T1D and HCP participants was the development of an integrated model of care addressing the psychological and social elements of the diagnosis, alongside information on diabetes self-management. Participants also indicated a need to develop the organisation, provision and content of care, along with the skills HCPs need to optimally deliver that care. The co-designed interventions included three visual conversation tools that could be used flexibly in the care of adults with new-onset T1D to support physical, psychological and social adaptation to T1D. This co-design study has identified the care priorities for adults who develop T1D, along with some practical conversational tools that may help guide HCPs in attending to the disruptive experience of the diagnosis and support adults in adjusting into a life with diabetes.


The usefulness of cube copying for evaluating treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Cube copying measures visuospatial ability, which is often impaired in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Cube copying was examined as an evaluation of cholinesterase inhibitor (ChEI) treatment in AD. Eighty-five ChEI-treated AD patients were included. Cube drawings made at prebaseline, baseline, 6 months, and 12 months were assessed. Cube drawings from 56 healthy individuals were also examined. The healthy individuals remained stable in cube copying, whereas untreated AD patients deteriorated during a median period of 6 months. When treatment was given, the deterioration was interrupted. After 12 months, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) had deteriorated compared with baseline whereas cube copying was unchanged. The results indicate that cube copying can be used to evaluate ChEI treatment. It might also show a more long-lasting response to treatment than MMSE. Cube copying only measures a narrow cognitive function and can preferably be used with MMSE, which evaluates visuospatial ability poorly.


Visual outcomes and choroidal thickness associated with human leukocyte antigen DRB1*04 in unclassifiable uveitis in Japanese patients.
Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) and immunity are related. Uveitis is also closely related to immunity. For example, the common presence of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DRB1*04 in the immune response is well known. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between visual prognosis and various HLA alleles before and after therapy in patients with unclassifiable uveitis, excluding those with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease. This retrospective case series included 42 eyes from 22 consecutive patients with unclassifiable uveitis, excluding those with VKH disease. Visual acuity (VA), sex, refractive error, central retinal thickness (CRT), central choroidal thickness (CCT), and duration from onset to treatment were measured at initial and 6-month visits. Mean values of parameters were compared at each visit. Genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction amplification with sequence-specific primers. DRB1*04 showed a dominant change. No significant difference was observed in the other alleles. In DRB1*04, The mean differences in initial CCT, 6-month CCT, and 6-month VA showed statistically significant difference was found in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) between DRB1*04+ and DRB1*04- at the first visit. BCVA values at baseline and at the final visit were 0.13 ± 0.29 and 0.20 ± 0.36 in the DRB1*04+ and 0.00045 ± 0.20 and - 0.058 ± 0.11 in the DRB1*04- groups(p = 0.00465). Central Choroidal Thickness (CCT) values pretreatment and at the final visit after treatment were (pretreatment:361.00 ± 361.0 μm,after treatment: 286.00 ± 106.53 μm, p = 0.0174) in the DRB1*04+ group, and (pretreatment:281.3 ± 139.68 μm,after treatment:223.85 ± 99.034 μm, p = 0.0426) in the DRB1*04- group, respectively, indicating changes between baseline and the final visit. CCT was significantly greater in the DRB1*04+ group at both the initial visit and at 6 months. Multivariate analysis showed a significant difference between the presence or absence of DRB1*04 and sex. HLA-DRB1*04 allele may affect visual prognosis and CCT in unclassifiable uveitis.


Usp9X Is Required for Lymphocyte Activation and Homeostasis through Its Control of ZAP70 Ubiquitination and PKCβ Kinase Activity.
To achieve a durable adaptive immune response, lymphocytes must undergo clonal expansion and induce a survival program that enables the persistence of Ag-experienced cells and the development of memory. During the priming phase of this response, CD4(+)T lymphocytes either remain tolerized or undergo clonal expansion. In this article, we show that Usp9X functions as a positive regulatory switch during T lymphocyte priming through removal of inhibitory monoubiquitination from ZAP70. In the absence of Usp9X, an increased amount of ZAP70 localized to early endosomes consistent with the role of monoubiquitin in endocytic sorting. Usp9X becomes competent to deubiquitinate ZAP70 through TCR-dependent phosphorylation and enhancement of its catalytic activity and association with the LAT signalosome. In B lymphocytes, Usp9X is required for the induction of PKCβ kinase activity after BCR-dependent activation. Accordingly, inUsp9Xknockout B cells, there was a significant reduction in phospho-CARMA1 levels that resulted in reduced CARMA1/Bcl-10/MALT-1 complex formation and NF-κB-dependent cell survival. The pleiotropic effect of Usp9X during Ag-receptor signaling highlights its importance for the development of an effective and durable adaptive immune response.


Gastrointestinal manifestations in children with primary immune deficiencies: A case series.
Gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations are the second most common complications of primary immune deficiencies (PIDs) after pulmonary disease, affecting up to one-half of children with PIDs. Non-infectious GI manifestations such as allergic, autoimmune, and inflammatory disorders can be the predominant manifestations of PIDs. We present a series of five children who presented predominantly with these GI manifestations of PID, not attributable to infections. Very early age of onset (infancy), parental consanguinity, and failure to respond to hypoallergenic formula led to strong suspicion for underlying PIDs. Next-generation sequencing led to the underlying genetic diagnosis. Early diagnosis and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation could be life-saving in these children.


[Hematopoietic reconstitution and prognosis of different types of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for severe aplastic anemia].
To compare the differences between hematopoietic reconstitution and longterm prognosis of patients with severe aplastic anemia (SAA) after HLA- matched sibling donor hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(MSD-HSCT), Haploidentical HSCT(Haplo-HSCT), unrelated donor allogeneic HSCT(UD-HSCT)and umbilical cord blood HSCT(UCB-HSCT). In this retrospective study, 63 patients with SAA who received HSCT in the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University between May 2008 and December 2013 were enrolled. The subjects were divided into 4 groups according to the transplantation types. The hematopoietic reconstitution, the incidence of acute graft-versushost disease(aGVHD)and 5- year survival rate after transplantation were compared. All 53 subjects who received MSD-HSCT, Haplo-HSCT and UD-HSCT achieved hematopoietic reconstitution. Of them, the recovery of neutrophil and platelet were not significantly different(P<0.05). Patients receiving UCB-HSCT had delayed recovery of hematopoiesis, and a significantly reduced reconstruction rate, when compared with those in the other 3 groups (P<0.01). However, 4 patients undergoing UCB- HSCT presented with autologous hematopoiesis, a period of time after the failure of hematopoietic reconstitution. The expected 5- year survival rates after MSD- HSCT, Haplo- HSCT, UD- HSCT and UCB- HSCT were 70.0%, 81.0%, 88.9% and 77.8%, respectively(P>0.05). MSD-HSCT, Haplo-HSCT and UD-HSCT had no statistically significance in terms of hematopoietic reconstitution or prognosis. Although hematopoietic reconstitution of UCB-HSCT was lower than other transplantation types, but no significant difference in overall prognosis. So if HLA-matched sibling donor is not available, SAA patients can choose Haplo- HSCT, UD - HSCT or UCB- HSCT with comparable efficacy to MSD- HSCT, as an alternative therapy.


Syntactic and semantic errors in radiology reports associated with speech recognition software.
Speech recognition software can increase the frequency of errors in radiology reports, which may affect patient care. We retrieved 213,977 speech recognition software-generated reports from 147 different radiologists and proofread them for errors. Errors were classified as "material" if they were believed to alter interpretation of the report. "Immaterial" errors were subclassified as intrusion/omission or spelling errors. The proportion of errors and error type were compared among individual radiologists, imaging subspecialty, and time periods. In all, 20,759 reports (9.7%) contained errors, of which 3992 (1.9%) were material errors. Among immaterial errors, spelling errors were more common than intrusion/omission errors ( p < .001). Proportion of errors and fraction of material errors varied significantly among radiologists and between imaging subspecialties ( p < .001). Errors were more common in cross-sectional reports, reports reinterpreting results of outside examinations, and procedural studies (all p < .001). Error rate decreased over time ( p < .001), which suggests that a quality control program with regular feedback may reduce errors.


Interaction of starch and non-starch polysaccharides in raw potato flour and their effects on thickening stability.
The present study sought to explore the potential of raw potato flour prepared from two common potato varieties (Atlantic and Favorita) as a thickener and the underlying mechanisms of its thickening stability based on the chemical component content, chemical group, starch, pectin, cell wall integrity, and the cell wall strength of raw potato flour. The raw potato flour prepared from Favorita potato (FRPF) showed great potential as a thickener with a valley viscosity/peak viscosity of 97.24 %. Additionally, the viscosity of FRPF after heat treatment, acid treatment and shear treatment was maintained at 70.73 %, 65.99 % and 78.89 % of the original viscosity, respectively, which is better than that of ARPF (44.98 %, 47.03 % and 61.57 %, respectively). The results also revealed that high pectin content, cell wall integrity and strength contributed significantly to the thickening stability of potato meal, which was achieved by limiting the swelling and disintegration of starch. Finally, the correctness of the principle was verified using the raw potato flour prepared from four types of potatoes (Heijingang, Innovator, Qingshu No. 9, and Guinongshu No. 1). Overall, the development of thickener from raw potato flour has broadened the variety of clean label additives in the food industry.


Design and characterization of bio-elastomers containing biomaterials for tissue engineering application.
The purpose of this research is to fabricate a new type of bio-elastomer based on Poly(glycerol-sebacate)-co-Poly(hydroxybutyrate) (PGS-co-PHB) with varying amounts of bioglass 45S5 (BG) nanoparticles (1, 3 and 5 wt%) through the green polycondensation polymerization for tissue engineering applications. Fabricated composite films are characterized by FTIR, 1H NMR, SEM, EDX, contact angle, DMTA, biodegradability, and biocompatibility. The cell viability and morphology of L929 cells are investigated by indirect MTT assay and SEM analysis, and the antibacterial activity of composite film is determined by the disk diffusion method. Furthermore, the bioactivity of the composite film is measured by soaking in simulated body fluid (SBF), and XRD and SEM determined the formation of a hydroxyapatite (HA) layer. The hydrophilicity improved by adding BG nanoparticles, and the water contact angle was reduced to 63.46°. Furthermore, the average cell viability of composite film is about 94 %, and the SEM images show that L929 fibroblast cells are well spread on the surface of the composite film. BG has a significant influence on the antibacterial activity of composite film as PGS-co-PHB/5 %BG shows more antibacterial properties due to the higher amount of BG. SEM and XRD analyses confirmed the presence of crystalline HA on the surfaces of the composite film, indicating their potential for high bioactivity. The results indicate that the antibacterial composite films are excellent supports for cell growth and proliferation and could be promising candidates for tissue engineering applications.


A new approximate solution for chlorine concentration decay in pipes.
Biswas et al. (1993. A model for chlorine concentration decay in pipes. Water Res. 27(12), 1715-1724) presented an analytical solution of a two-dimensional (2-D) steady-state chlorine transport equation in a pipe under the turbulent condition and employed fractional error function and regression technique to develop an approximate solution. However, their approximate solution may not give a good result if the wall decay parameter is large. This paper provides a more accurate approximate solution of the 2-D steady-state chlorine transport equation under the turbulent condition. This new approximate solution has advantages of easy evaluation and good accuracy when compared with the approximate solution given by Biswas et al. (1993). In addition, this paper also develops a methodology that combines simulated annealing (SA) with this new approximate solution to determine the wall decay parameter. Two cases are chosen to demonstrate the application of the present approximate solution and methodology. The first case is to use this new approximate solution in simulating chlorine decay in pipes with the experiment-observed data given by Rossman (2006. The effect of advanced treatment on chlorine decay in metallic pipes. Water Res. 40(13), 2493-2502), while the second case presents the determination of the wall consumption at the end of the pipe network.


Efferent retinal projections visualized by immunohistochemical detection of the estrogen-related receptor beta in the postnatal and adult mouse brain.
Recently, a new nuclear receptor subfamily has been identified and referred to as estrogen-related receptors. This new group shares sequence similarity, target genes, co-regulatory proteins, and action sites with the estrogen receptors; however, natural estrogens are not estrogen-related receptors ligands. One of the receptors belonging to this group, estrogen-related receptor beta (ERRbeta), is essential for embryo development and is believed to be involved in estrogen-regulated pathways. In this study, we analyzed the presence of the ERRbeta protein in the mouse brain by means of immunohistochemistry, using a commercial polyclonal antibody against ERRbeta (Sigma, E0156). This study represents the first description dealing with the immunolocalization of ERRbeta in a mammalian brain. Our results revealed numerous ERRbeta immunoreactive fibers in the retinal efferent projections in the brain, which was in agreement with the presence of intense ERRbeta immunoreactivity in the cell bodies and axonal processes of the retinal ganglion cells. In both postnatal and adult brains, ERRbeta immunoreactive fibers were distributed in a pattern which perfectly matched the retinal efferent projections: optic tract, supraoptic commissure, hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus, ventral and dorsal geniculate nuclei, pretectal nuclei, and superior colliculus. Due to reliable, fine, and complete staining of the retinal axons obtained with the anti-ERRbeta antibody (E0156), we suggest that this antibody could be used as a valuable tool for labeling the full retinofugal projections in postnatal or adult brains.


Just ten percent of the global terrestrial protected area network is structurally connected via intact land.
Land free of direct anthropogenic disturbance is considered essential for achieving biodiversity conservation outcomes but is rapidly eroding. In response, many nations are increasing their protected area (PA) estates, but little consideration is given to the context of the surrounding landscape. This is despite the fact that structural connectivity between PAs is critical in a changing climate and mandated by international conservation targets. Using a high-resolution assessment of human pressure, we show that while ~40% of the terrestrial planet is intact, only 9.7% of Earth's terrestrial protected network can be considered structurally connected. On average, 11% of each country or territory's PA estate can be considered connected. As the global community commits to bolder action on abating biodiversity loss, placement of future PAs will be critical, as will an increased focus on landscape-scale habitat retention and restoration efforts to ensure those important areas set aside for conservation outcomes will remain (or become) connected.