Effect of luminal perfusion rate on duodenal alkalinization in the rat in vivo and in vitro.
This study investigates the effects of luminal perfusion rate on the observed rate of alkalinization of an unbuffered saline by anesthetized rat distal duodenum. Increases in perfusion rate (range 0.3-22 ml/min) increased both alkalinization (3-15 mumol/cm hr) and intraluminal pressure (6-22 mm Hg). Increases in pressure (6-30 mm Hg) at constant perfusion rate (3 ml/min) did not change alkalinization. The effect of perfusion rate on alkalinization was rapid, reversible, and could be repeated several times. It was unaffected by indomethacin (10 mg/kg subcutaneously) or tetrodotoxin (1 mg/ml in perfusate). A limited in vitro study at two flow rates (0.3 and 22 ml/min) showed a similar enhancement of alkalinization. It is concluded that the rate of alkalinization is increased by raising the perfusion rate of the lumen both in vivo and in vitro. The mechanism remains to be established but may involve the reduction of a diffusion barrier between the mucosa and luminal bulk fluid. These results may have implications for the movement of other substances across intestinal segments.


Use of urinary collection devices in skilled nursing facilities in five states.
To assess use of urinary collection devices (external, intermittent, and indwelling catheters; pads or briefs) and examine predictors of indwelling catheters in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). Retrospective cohort study. SNFs in California, Florida, Michigan, New York, and Texas. All patients admitted to SNFs in 2003 who remained there for 1 year (N=57,302). Characteristics of patients who used different collection strategies (indwelling, intermittent, and external catheterization; pads or briefs) and predictors of indwelling urinary catheterization from the Nursing Home Minimum Data Set using multinomial logistic regression. The prevalence of indwelling catheterization was 12.6% at admission and 4.5% at the annual assessment (P<.001). Intermittent and external catheterization were infrequently used (<1% at admission and annual assessment). Paraplegia, quadriplegia, multiple sclerosis, and comatose state were strongly associated with indwelling catheterization. Male residents were more likely to use an indwelling catheter at every assessment, as were obese patients; individuals with diabetes mellitus, renal failure, skin conditions, deep vein thrombosis, aphasia, or end-stage disease; and those who were taking more medications. Coinciding with federal regulations, urinary catheterization was lower than has been reported previously and declined over time. Further reduction should be targeted at the evaluation of skin problems, appropriateness of multiple medications, and alternative measures in patients with diabetes mellitus, obesity, deep vein thrombosis, and communication problems.


Obstructive uropathy and nephrogenic diabetes insipidus in infants.
The syndrome of acute post-obstructive nephrogenic diabetes insipidus is a rare phenomenon. The lesion is acquired during the pre-diuretic phase, owing to antidiuretic hormone resistance of the distal tubule as well as a severe concentrating defect. The diuretic phase after relief of obstruction can result in a massive, sustained and life-threatening diuresis. Sodium restriction and thiazide diuretics produce a mild volume contracted state, enhancing sodium and water reabsorption, primarily in the proximal tubule and possibly in the distal tubule owing to aldosterone. The recognition and differentiation of this unique pyloric syndrome from other more common post-obstructive diuretic states are important for all urologists who are responsible for the care of children.


Capsule endoscopy and imaging tests in the elective investigation of small bowel disease.
Capsule endoscopy enables high-resolution depiction of small bowel mucosa and has been shown, by several studies, to have a high diagnostic yield in a variety of small bowel diseases. In this review, we critically assess the contributions of capsule endoscopy and imaging tests in common small bowel disorders. Radiological tests that only assess the small bowel mucosa will be less useful in the era of capsule endoscopy.


Novel aspects of endothelium-dependent regulation of vascular tone.
The vascular endothelium plays a crucial role in the regulation of vascular homeostasis and in preventing the initiation and progress of cardiovascular disease by controlling mechanical functions of the underlying vascular smooth muscle. Three vasodilators: nitric oxide (NO), prostacyclin, and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor, produced by the endothelium, underlie this activity. These substances act in a co-ordinated interactive manner to maintain normal endothelial function and operate as support mechanisms when one pathway malfunctions. In this review, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of how gender influences the interaction of these factors resulting in the vascular protective effects seen in pre-menopausal women. We also discuss how endothelial NO synthase (NOS) can act in both a pro- and anti-inflammatory action and therefore is likely to be pivotal in the initiation and time course of an inflammatory response, particularly with respect to inflammatory cardiovascular disorders. Finally, we review recent evidence demonstrating that it is not solely NOS-derived NO that mediates many of the beneficial effects of the endothelium, in particular, nitrite acts as a store of NO released during pathological episodes associated with NOS inactivity (ischemia/hypoxia). Each of these more recent findings has emphasized new pathways involved in endothelial biology, and following further research and understanding of the significance and mechanisms of these systems, it is likely that new and improved treatments for cardiovascular disease will result.


A metabolic aspect of transient bilateral external ophthalmoplegia.
A case of symmetric external Ophthalmoplegia following hyponatremia and its rapid correction is described. A possible Central midbrain Myelinolysis is proposed. A correlation with Central Pontine Myelinolysis is discussed.


Do Inflammatory Bowel Disease patients with anxiety and depressive symptoms receive the care they need?
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) patients with anxiety and/or depressive symptoms may not receive the care they need. Provision of care requires insight into the factors affecting these psychiatric symptoms. The study was designed to examine the extent to which: (1) IBD patients with anxiety and/or depressive symptoms receive mental treatment and (2) clinical and socio-demographic variables are associated with these symptoms. 231 adult IBD patients (79% response rate), attending a tertiary care center, completed standardized measures on anxiety and depressive symptoms (HADS), quality of life (SF-12) and mental health care use (TIC-P). Diagnosis and disease activity were determined by the gastroenterologist. 43% had high levels of anxiety and/or depressive symptoms, indicative of a psychiatric disorder (HADS ≥ 8), of whom 18% received psychological treatment and 21% used psychotropic medication. In multivariate analysis, high disease activity was associated with anxiety (OR=2.72 | p<0.03) and depression (OR=3.36 | p<0.01), while Crohn's disease was associated with anxiety (OR=2.60 | p<0.03). Despite high levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms and poor quality of life, psychiatric complaints in IBD patients were undertreated. Screening for and treatment of psychiatric symptoms should become an integral part of IBD medical care.


[Relevance of the gene variant PTPN22 620W for rheumatology].
PTPN22 620W is regarded as the second most important risk factor for type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. Here we describe aspects of the molecular biology of the enzyme and its function, the geographical distribution of the 620W variant, as well as its importance in less frequent rheumatic diseases.


Development of more focused questionnaires improves results.
The need to elicit parental experiences and perspectives on a child's end of life care is a fundamental element of measuring quality of care but, additionally, is crucial for care improvement and development.


Relative cerebral ischemia in SHR due to hypotensive hemorrhage: cerebral function, blood flow and extracellular levels of lactate and purine catabolites.
Cerebral blood flow (CBF, by laser Doppler flowmetry) and extracellular cortical concentrations (by microdialysis) of adenosine, inosine, xanthine, hypoxanthine, and lactate were measured together with somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP) in chloralose-anaesthetized spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) during relative cerebral ischemia induced by hypotensive hemorrhage. Reduction of mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) to 40-50 mm Hg, which decreased SEP to about 50% of prebleeding control level, decreased CBF only to about 75% of control due to cerebrovascular "autoregulation." A secondary, marked rise in cerebrovascular resistance (CVR) occurred after about 15 min in parallel with a striking increase in heart rate (after initial bradycardia). This late rise in heart rate is probably elicited by relative ischemia in medullary centers. The increase in CVR might indicate increased sympathetic nerve activity to the circle of Willis and large cerebral arteries. Cortical lactate increased initially but started to decline after about 30 min, and after 2 h it was not significantly higher than control. Cortical adenosine, inosine, hypoxanthine, and xanthine increased slowly and were significantly elevated after 50 min of hemorrhage. After 80 min, adenosine and inosine had returned to initial levels, while hypoxanthine and xanthine were further elevated. Despite the apparent partial recovery of metabolic disturbances during late hemorrhage, and with a blood flow maintained at 75% of resting control, SEP did not improve. It is suggested that the depression of SEP is not primarily caused by circulatory-metabolic derangements, but instead by activation of specific inhibitory systems.


Adrenergic modulation of growth hormone secretion in acromegaly: alpha- and beta-adrenergic blockade produce qualitatively normal responses but no effect on L-dopa suppresion.
The serum GH response to oral L-Dopa during the separate infusions of saline, phentolamine and propranolol was exmined in 12 acromegalic patients. In six L-Dopa responsive patients, serum GH concentrations rose during propranolol infusions (and fell during phentolamine infusions as previously reported). There was no effect of propranolol or phentolamine on the fall in serum GH following oral L-Dopa in this group of patients. Thus, beta-adrenergic, as well as alpha-adrenergic, mechanisms are involved to the regulation of GH secretion in a qualitatively normal fashion in some acromegalic patients. However, the qualitatively abnormal suppressive effect of L-Dopa on GH secretion seen in some acromegalic patients does not appear to be mediated through either alpha-adrenergic or beta-adrenergic mechanisms.


[Effect of various methods of preparation of chromatin on the distribution of Mn2+-dependent poly-A-polymerase activity in subnuclear fractions of rat liver].
The distribution of Mn2+-dependent poly(A) polymerase activity between chromatin and nucleoplasmic fractions in rat liver nuclei strongly depends on the method followed for the chromatin preparation. Currently used methods containing high salt cause a loss in bound activity not accompanied by a correspondent increase in the "free" one.


Selective Michael-aldol reaction by use of sterically hindered aluminum aryloxides as Lewis acids: an easy approach to cyclobutane amino acids.
A formal [2 + 2] cycloaddition of 2-amidoacrylates with monosubstituted donor olefins, including its asymmetric version, is described. The stereoselectivity of this reaction can be modulated by the use of sterically hindered aluminum aryloxides or methylaluminoxane as Lewis acids. The reaction was applied to the synthesis of both stereoisomers of 2-benzyloxycyclobutane-alpha-amino acid, which are protected serine analogues c(4)Ser(OBn).


Intracellular accumulation and DNA damage persistence as determinants of human squamous cell carcinoma hypersensitivity to the novel camptothecin ST1968.
ST1968, a novel hydrophilic camptothecin analogue of the 7-oxyiminomethyl series, is characterised by the formation of stable DNA-topoisomerase I cleavable complex and by a promising profile of antitumour activity. The present study was designed to extend preclinical evaluation of the novel camptothecin in human squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) models. ST1968 exhibited an impressive activity with a high cure rate in SCC models. ST1968 produced 100% of complete response without evidence of regrowth in tumours characterised by susceptibility to drug-induced apoptosis (FaDu, A431 and A2780). In contrast to irinotecan, ST1968 still showed an excellent, persisting activity in models less susceptible to apoptosis induction (KB, Caski and SiHa), in which drug treatment elicited a persistent DNA damage response, as documented by phosphorylation of p53, RPA-2 and histone H2AX, resulting in delayed apoptosis and senescence. This behaviour was associated with a marked cellular/tumour drug accumulation. In conclusion, ST1968 exhibited an outstanding antitumour activity superior to that of irinotecan against SCC. A high intracellular accumulation, resulting in fast apoptosis or DNA damage persistence, appeared to be a critical determinant of SCC sensitivity to ST1968.


Selective synthesis of 3-hydroxy acids from Meldrum's acids using SmI2-H2O.
The single-step synthesis of 3-hydroxy carboxylic acids from readily available Meldrum's acids involves a selective monoreduction using a SmI(2)-H(2)O complex to give products in high crude purity, and it represents a considerable advancement over other methods for the synthesis of 3-hydroxy acids. The protocol includes a detailed guide to the preparation of a single electron-reducing SmI(2)-H(2)O complex and describes two representative examples of the methodology: monoreduction of a fully saturated Meldrum's acid (5-(4-bromobenzyl)-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxane-4,6-dione) and tandem conjugate reduction-selective monoreduction of α,β-unsaturated Meldrum's acid (5-(4-methoxybenzylidene)-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxane-4,6-dione). The protocol for selective monoreduction of Meldrum's acids takes ∼6 h to complete.


Data demonstrating the effects of build orientation and heat treatment on fatigue behavior of selective laser melted 17-4 PH stainless steel.
Axial fully-reversed strain-controlled ([Formula: see text]) fatigue experiments were performed to obtain data demonstrating the effects of building orientation (i.e. vertical versus horizontal) and heat treatment on the fatigue behavior of 17-4 PH stainless steel (SS) fabricated via Selective Laser Melting (SLM) (Yadollahi et al., submitted for publication [1]). This data article provides detailed experimental data including cyclic stress-strain responses, variations of peak stresses during cyclic deformation, and fractography of post-mortem specimens for SLM 17-4 PH SS.


Development of severe string sign in internal thoracic arterial graft during first month.
In the present case, development of the string sign in an internal thoracic arterial graft was observed using transthoracic Doppler echocardiography. Following surgery, the diameter of the internal thoracic graft decreased; however, the diameter of the left anterior descending coronary artery did not change from 1.9 mm. Further, the flow velocity in the internal thoracic artery during the systolic phase became greater than that in the early phase and then decreased on postoperative day 19, and it was not detected on postoperative day 31. Coronary arteriography performed on postoperative day 31 revealed a severely stringed internal thoracic artery.


The effect of tobacco control policies on smoking prevalence and smoking-attributable deaths. Findings from the Netherlands SimSmoke Tobacco Control Policy Simulation Model.
To develop a simulation model projecting the effect of tobacco control policies in the Netherlands on smoking prevalence and smoking-attributable deaths. Netherlands SimSmoke-an adapted version of the SimSmoke simulation model of tobacco control policy-uses population, smoking rates and tobacco control policy data for the Netherlands to predict the effect of seven types of policies: taxes, smoke-free legislation, mass media, advertising bans, health warnings, cessation treatment and youth access policies. Outcome measures were smoking prevalence and smoking-attributable deaths. With a comprehensive set of policies, as recommended by MPOWER, smoking prevalence can be decreased by as much as 21% in the first year, increasing to a 35% reduction in the next 20 years and almost 40% by 30 years. By 2040, 7706 deaths can be averted in that year alone with the stronger set of policies. Without effective tobacco control policies, almost a million lives will be lost to tobacco-related diseases between 2011 and 2040. Of those, 145,000 can be saved with a comprehensive tobacco control package. Smoking prevalence and smoking-attributable deaths in the Netherlands can be reduced substantially through tax increases, smoke-free legislation, high-intensity media campaigns, stronger advertising bans and health warnings, comprehensive cessation treatment and youth access laws. The implementation of these FCTC/MPOWER recommended policies could be expected to show similar or even larger relative reductions in smoking prevalence in other countries which currently have weak policies.


Stressful life events and children's socioemotional difficulties: Conditional indirect effects of resilience and executive function.
Although the association between life stress and children's socioemotional difficulties has been widely documented, few studies have adopted a cognitive-based resilience framework studying preadolescent psychosocial adjustment. This study examined whether the stress-difficulties associations are mediated by resilience and moderated by executive function (EF). A sample of 144 typically developing Chinese children (aged 10-12 years) completed measures assessing stressful life events, socioemotional difficulties, resilience, and computer-based EF (including working memory [WM] capacity and WM updating, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility). The results showed that stressful life events were positively associated with socioemotional difficulties through the mediating effect of diminished resilience. The direct and indirect effects of stressful life events on socioemotional difficulties varied across individual differences in EF. Specifically, compared with low to medium levels, high-level WM capacity and WM updating moderated the association between stressful life events and socioemotional difficulties. Cognitive flexibility moderated both direct and indirect effects, showing that for children with low to medium levels of cognitive flexibility, life stress was positively associated with socioemotional difficulties via the role of lower resilience; however, for those with high levels of cognitive flexibility, the direct and indirect effects were not significant. Inhibitory control showed significant direct associations with resilience and socioemotional difficulties but failed to be a moderator. The characteristics of the low-stress sample might limit the generalizability of this study. Nevertheless, our findings provide a rationale for integrating a cognitive-based resilience process and the multifaceted structure of EF to understand and promote preadolescents' positive adaptation.


[Cost analysis of sterilization facilities in the Rizzoli Hospital (Bologna, Italy): a study of different organizational models].
Preventing healthcare-associated infections requires a number of actions, including adequate disinfection and sterilization of medical devices. A cost analysis of hospital sterilization processes is fundamental to increase quality and safety, reduce costs and to make a decision about outsourcing. The aim of this analysis was to determine the cost of sterilization and the average cost of surgical procedures at the Rizzoli hospital in Bologna (Italy), a largesurgical hospital that performs more than 11,000 surgical procedures per year.


In situ non-radioactive detection of nuclear factors in paraffin sections by Southwestern histochemistry.
Transcriptional activities of genes require intermediary regulators (nuclear factors) that bind to specific segments of nuclear DNA. A method to localize in situ the distribution of these factors using nonradioactive oligonucleotides in paraffin wax-embedded tissues is described. The distribution of two nuclear factors, activated protein-1 (AP-1) and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB), was studied in two experimental models of immune complex glomerulonephritis in rats and atherosclerosis in rabbits. Sections were fixed with 0.2% paraformaldehyde and were digested with pepsin A. Oligonucleotides containing the consensus sequence of NF-kappaB and AP-1 were 3'-labeled with digoxigenin. The preparations were incubated with the labeled probes (4 degreesC, overnight). After washing, the sections were incubated with an antidigoxigenin antibody conjugated with alkaline phosphatase, and the color reaction was developed. In addition, this method was combined with standard immunohistochemistry to identify the cell-type-specific localization of these DNA-binding factors. Kidney sections from rats with immune complex nephritis showed positive nuclear staining for AP-1 in the nuclei of several glomerular and tubulointerstitial cells. Arteries from rabbits with focal atherosclerosis presented nuclear staining for NF-kappaB in the neointima and media. The nuclear staining was highly specific, as assessed by several negative controls. In addition, Southwestern histochemistry in rabbits, followed by immunohistochemistry, demonstrated that the NF-kappaB activity was present in the area occupied by macrophages and smooth muscle cells. These results show a novel method of in situ transcription factors detection using nonradioactive probes in paraffin wax-embedded tissues, which allows a simultaneous visualization of the cell-type-specific localization of these nuclear factors.


Cholesterol balance during pregnancy.
The possibility was examined that the hyperlipidaemia of pregnancy may reflect abnormal cholesterol metabolism, as occurs in some other hyperlipidaemic states. Seven women were studied during the three trimesters of pregnancy and the increase in their plasma lipid concentrations was compared with their sterol balance, measured over 8-day periods in each trimester. Dietary intake of cholesterol was identical during the three study periods. Faecal bile acid excretion peaked during the second trimester and this coincided with the initial rise in plasma triglyceride levels. However, the rise in bile acid output was counter-balanced by a fall in neutral steroid excretion, so that the net cholesterol balance throughout pregnancy was not dissimilar to that reported in healthy non-pregnant women. The hyperlipidaemia of pregnancy is therefore not associated with an increase in cholesterol synthesis, although the altered ratio of bile acids to neutral steroids resembles that reported in other hypertriglycerdaemic states.


Patients with low body mass index are more likely to develop shoulder pain after laparoscopy.
Shoulder pain is one of the most common complications after laparoscopy. Previous studies have found a number of methods to reduce shoulder pain after laparoscopic surgery, but these methods have not been targeted to specific populations. The purpose of this study was to identify people who are more likely to develop shoulder pain. A total of 203 patients underwent laparoscopy for benign gynecological diseases between July 2020 and February 2021. Patients were divided into two groups according to the Chinese overweight standard, body mass index less than 24 kg/m2 group and 24 kg/m2 or more group. The baseline characteristics and intraoperative data between the two groups were compared. The intensity of the shoulder pain was quantified using a visual analog scale (VAS). The incidence and the VAS scores of shoulder pain were significantly higher in the less than 24 kg/m2 group (63.64% vs 38.03%, p < 0.001 in incidence; median 5 (interquartile range [IQR] 3-7) vs 3 (IQR 2-5), p < 0.001 in VAS scores), and the chance of shoulder pain within 24 hours after laparoscopy was higher in the less than 24 kg/m2 group (89.29% vs 66.67%, p = 0.013). In univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis, BMI less than 24 kg/m2 was an independent risk factor of shoulder pain after laparoscopic surgery (p = 0.001, p = 0.031, respectively). Shoulder pain scores were inversely correlated with BMI (r = -0.300, p = 0.001). Patients with low body mass index are more likely to develop shoulder pain after laparoscopy, with earlier onset and higher pain scores.


Interobserver variability of seizure semiology between two neurologist and caregivers.
We aimed to compare the extent of inter-observer variability in the description of seizure semiology between both neurologists and caregivers. We prospectively investigated 93 consecutive patients monitored over the past 5 years in our video-EEG unit. The videotaped seizures of the patients were reviewed independently by two neurologists who were blind to the clinical data. The questionnaires were completed by neurologists and caregivers. Interobserver rate of agreement between neurologists and caregivers was analyzed by using the kappa analysis and intraclass correlation coefficients. There was excellent agreement for questions regarding whether the patient's eyes remained open, laterality of head deviation, arm movements, and ictal period. On the other hand, interobserver rate of agreement was fair to moderate for the laterality of hand automatisms, the presence of nose-wiping, and oral clonic jerks. Besides variability in interobserver agreement among clinicians, the variability or concordance between physicians and caregivers are also of great importance, especially in case of epilepsy, where the accurate description of the attacks is the major determinant of an accurate diagnosis.


Clinical prevalence and outcome impact of pituitary dysfunction after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a systematic review with meta-analysis.
Pituitary dysfunction is reported to be a common complication following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). The aim of this meta-analysis is to analyze the literature on clinical prevalence, risk factors and outcome impact of pituitary dysfunction after aSAH, and to assess the possible need for pituitary screening in aSAH patients. We performed a systematic review with meta-analysis based on a comprehensive search of four databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, ISI/Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar). A total of 20 papers met criteria for inclusion. The prevalence of pituitary dysfunction in the acute phase (within the first 6 months after aSAH) was 49.30 % (95 % CI 41.6-56.9), decreasing in the chronic phase (after 6 months from aSAH) to 25.6 % (95 % CI 18.0-35.1). Abnormalities in basal hormonal levels were more frequent when compared to induction tests, and the prevalence of a single pituitary hormone dysregulation was more frequent than multiple pituitary hormone dysregulation. Increasing age was associated with a lower prevalence of endocrine dysfunction in the acute phase, and surgical treatment of the aneurysm (clipping) was related to a higher prevalence of single hormone dysfunction. The prevalence of pituitary dysfunction did not correlate with the outcome of the patient. Neuroendocrine dysfunction is common after aSAH, but these abnormalities have not been shown to consistently impact outcome in the data available. There is a need for well-designed prospective studies to more precisely assess the incidence, clinical course, and outcome impact of pituitary dysfunction after aSAH.


Sources of sampling variation in saliva cortisol in dogs.
The main advantage of collecting saliva cortisol as opposed to plasma cortisol is that it is non-invasive and therefore it is now widely used in stress measurement studies on farm animals and dogs. Although a plasma cortisol response to handling associated with blood collection generally occurs at 3 min from the commencement of handling, there is no information in the literature on the time course of the response of salivary cortisol concentration to handling. The aims of these experiments were to (1). determine if there is a response to up to 4 min handling that affects cortisol concentration in saliva and (2). determine the main causes of variation in saliva cortisol in dogs over time. In experiment 1, saliva was collected from six Kelpies at 0 min then 2, 3 or 4 min after the commencement of restraint. There was no handling effect found in up to 4 min sampling time. In experiment 2, saliva was collected from six Labrador Retrievers five times in 2 h (14:00-16:00), three days a week for four weeks. Some of the sources of variation in saliva cortisol over time included between dog variation that varied over a period of days and variation between occasions that affected the group of dogs as a whole.


Aerosol therapy in AIDS.
Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) is the most common presenting symptom in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Clinical trials have shown that inhaled pentamidine, delivered by nebulizer, is an effective prophylaxis for PCP in high-risk patients, and can be used to treat mild to moderate episodes. Side effects are minor, in marked contrast to the parenteral route of administration. The choice of nebulizer system will determine both alveolar delivery of pentamidine and the incidence of cough related to deposition of droplets on large conducting airways. Radioaerosol studies have suggested that optimum nebulizer systems for inhaled pentamidine deliver the majority of the aerosol mass in droplets smaller than 2 microns diameter, ideal for alveolar penetration.


IgM and IgG responses during chronic relapsing experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (r-EAE).
During chronic relapsing experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (r-EAE) in guinea pigs, serum IgM and IgG concentrations increased markedly early in disease. Serum IgM and IgG increased similarly in control animals immunized with Freund's incomplete adjuvant (FIA) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MT). In the chronic phase of r-EAE but not in control animals, elevated IgM was also found in central nervous system (CNS) extracts, suggesting intrathecal IgM synthesis. IgG antibodies against myelin and myelin basic protein (MBP) were regularly detected in r-EAE sera from day 21 post inoculation (p.i.), reaching maximum levels in the early chronic phase. IgG antibodies against galactocerebroside (GC) and galactose appeared in some r-EAE sera. Oligoclonal IgG bands were demonstrated in all r-EAE guinea pig sera 21-26 days p.i. The bands in serum decreased in number and strength in the chronic phase. They could be traced to antibodies against MT in 4 of 10 animals, but not to antibodies against myelin, MBP, GC or galactose. Oligoclonal IgG bands were also regularly visualized in r-EAE CNS 124 days p.i., suggesting persistent intrathecal IgG synthesis. They varied in number and migration between different regions of individual CNS. Oligoclonal CNS IgG was related to antibodies against MT in only one of 7 animals, and in no case to antibodies against myelin.


Chromosomal, gestational, and neonatal outcomes of embryos classified as a mosaic by preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy.
To understand the clinical risks associated with the transfer of embryos classified as a mosaic using preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy. Analysis of data collected between 2017 and 2023. Multicenter. Patients of infertility treatment. Comparison of pregnancies resulting from embryos classified as euploid or mosaic using the 20%-80% interval in chromosomal intermediate copy numbers to define a mosaic result. Rates of spontaneous abortion, birth weight, length of gestation, incidence of birth defects, and chromosomal status during gestation. Implanted euploid embryos had a significantly lower risk of spontaneous abortion compared with mosaic embryos (8.9% [n = 8,672; 95% confidence interval {CI95} 8.3, 9.5] vs. 22.2% [n = 914; CI95 19.6, 25.0]). Embryos with mosaicism affecting whole chromosomes (not segmental) had the highest risk of spontaneous abortion (27.6% [n = 395; CI95 23.2, 32.3]). Infants born from euploid, mosaic, and whole chromosome mosaic embryos had average birth weights and lengths of gestation that were not statistically different (3,118 g and 267 days [n = 488; CI95 3,067, 3,169, and 266, 268], 3052 g and 265 days [n = 488; CI95 2,993, 3,112, and 264,267], 3,159 g and 268 days [n = 194; CI95 3,070, 3,249, and 266,270], respectively). Out of 488 infants from mosaic embryo transfers (ETs), one had overt gross abnormalities as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most prenatal tests performed on pregnancies from mosaic ETs had normal results, and only three pregnancies produced prenatal test results reflecting the mosaicism detected at the embryonic stage (3 out of 250, 1.2%; CI95 0.25, 3.5). Although embryos classified as mosaic experience higher rates of miscarriage than euploid embryos (with a particularly high frequency shortly after implantation), infants born of mosaic ETs are similar to infants of euploid ETs. Prenatal testing indicates that mosaicism resolves during most pregnancies, although this process is not perfectly efficient. In a small percentage of cases, the mosaicism persists through gestation. These findings can serve as risk-benefit considerations for mosaic ETs in the fertility clinic.


The SARS-CoV-2 Infection Among Students in the University of Porto: A Cross-Sectional Study.
Objective: We aimed to quantify SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies' seroprevalence among university students in Porto. Methods: A rapid point of care testing for SARS-CoV-2 specific immunoglobulin (Ig) M and IgG antibodies was performed, and a questionnaire was applied to 6512 voluntary students from September to December 2020. We computed the apparent IgM, IgG, and IgM or IgG prevalence, and the true prevalence and 95% credible intervals (95% CI) using Bayesian inference. Results: We found an apparent prevalence (IgM or IgG) of 9.7%, the true prevalence being 7.9% (95% CI 4.9-11.1). Prevalence was significantly higher among males (10.9% vs. 9.2%), international students (18.1% vs. 10.4% local vs. 8.8% nationally displaced), and increased with age. Those with a known risk contact, that experienced quarantine, had symptoms, or a previous negative molecular test had a higher seroprevalence. Of the 91 (1.4%) students who reported a molecular diagnosis, 86.8% were reactive for IgM or IgG. Conclusion: Based on immunological evidence infection was 5.6-fold the reported molecular diagnosis. The higher seroprevalence among male, older, and international students emphasizes the importance of identifying particular groups.


Effects of angiotensin II and C-type natriuretic peptide on the in situ perfused trunk preparation of the dogfish, Scyliorhinus canicula.
The renal roles of physiologically relevant doses of angiotensin II (Ang II) and C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) were investigated in the dogfish, Scyliorhinus canicula, using an in situ perfused trunk preparation. Perfusion with 10(-9) M Ang II resulted in a glomerular antidiuresis and decreases in perfusate flow rate, transport maxima for glucose and the proportion of filtering glomeruli. In addition, the renal clearances and excretion of urea, sodium, and chloride were significantly reduced, whereas the relative clearances of these parameters remained unchanged. In contrast, perfusion of 10(-9) M CNP caused a glomerular diuresis, an increase in transport maxima for glucose, but no significant change in the proportion of filtering glomeruli. In addition, the renal clearances of urea, sodium, and chloride were significantly increased but there was no effect on the relative clearances of urea, sodium, or chloride. Perfusion with 10(-10) M Ang II or CNP had no significant renal effects. Our results suggest that these hormones act at the level of the glomeruli rather than at a tubular level.


Primary ultrasonic detection of a double carcinoma of the colon.
Abdominal sonic scanning revealed two irregular, circular masses with light central reflexes followed by an acoustic shadowing effect. The diagnosis of two colonic tumors was subsequently confirmed by barium enema examination and surgery. Ultrasonic examination is capable of detecting colonic tumors above a certain unspecified size.


Differential processing of proenkephalin by prohormone convertases 1(3) and 2 and furin.
Recombinant vaccinia virus vectors were used to coexpress mouse prohormone convertase 1 (mPC1), mPC2, or human furin together with human proenkephalin in GH4C1 cells (rat pituitary somatomammotrophs) to examine the proteolytic processing of proenkephalin by these enzymes. Radioimmunoassays performed on high pressure gel permeation size-fractionated extracts obtained from GH4C1 cells and corresponding conditioned media revealed distinct profiles of immunoreactivity for products generated by each enzyme. PC1 produced intermediate sized processing products (3-10 kDa); the major immunoreactive enkephalin-containing species observed eluted at the positions of peptide B, the 5.3-kDa fragment, and free Leu5-enkephalin. PC2 exhibited a more complete processing profile. The major immunoreactive enkephalins produced were free Met5-enkephalin-Arg-Phe, free Met5-enkephalin-Arg-Gly-Leu, free Leu5-enkephalin, and free Met5-enkephalin. Thus PC2 appears to be more capable of generating active opioid units from proenkephalin than is PC1. Finally, furin cleaved proenkephalin to generate peptide B, an unidentified peak between the 18- and 5.3-kDa fragments, and a small amount of the 5.3-kDa fragment. Radiosequencing data verified that the production of the 5.3-kDa fragment by PC1 occurred as a result of a Lys-Lys cleavage. The ability of PC1 to cleave proenkephalin (but not proopiomelanocortin) at a Lys-Lys site implies that the structural context of the paired basic cleavage site may be more important in the determination of cleavage specificity than the particular pair of basic residues at the site.


Sensitivity of Crustaceans to Substrate-Borne Vibration.
There is increasing interest in the responsiveness of crustaceans to vibrations, especially in the context of marine developments where techniques such as pile driving create strong vibrations that are readily transmitted through the seabed. Experiments were undertaken under controlled conditions to investigate the sensitivity of unconditioned crustaceans to substrate-borne vibration. The subjects were exposed to a range of frequencies and amplitudes using the staircase method of presentation to determine the thresholds of response. Behavior varied according to the strength of the stimuli and included bursts of movement and rapid bouts of movement.


The production of contact sensitivity by the injection into the footpads of recipients of the lymph node cells from mice 1 day after painting the skin with contact sensitizing agent: requirement for matching at the major histocompatibility complex between donor and recipient mice.
Donor mice were painted on the skin of the abdomen with the contact sensitizing agent, oxazolone. One day later 2-5 x 10(6) cells from the regional lymph nodes were injected into the footpads of recipient mice. Contact sensitivity was detected 6 days later by challenging the ears of the recipients and measuring the increase of thickness at 24 h. Good contact sensitivity was obtained when CBA cells were injected into CBA mice and BALB/c cells injected into BALB/c mice; the injection of BALB/c (H-2d) cells into CBA (H-2k) mice and vice versa failed to give rise to contact sensitivity. Hybrid F1 cells gave intermediate responses. The contact sensitivity caused by the injection of small numbers of lymph node cells into the footpad is interpreted as a mode of active immunization and the present results show that this only occurs when there is genetic matching at the major histocompatibility complex between the donor and the recipient mouse.


Incidence of Lower-Extremity Fractures in US Nursing Homes.
Limited studies suggest lower-extremity (LE) fractures are morbid events for nursing home (NH) residents. Our objective was to conduct a nationwide study comparing the incidence and resident characteristics associated with hip (proximal femur) vs nonhip LE (femoral shaft and tibia-fibula) fractures in the NH. Retrospective cohort study. US NHs. We included all long-stay residents, aged 65 years or older, enrolled in Medicare from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2009 (N = 1 257 279). Residents were followed from long-stay qualification until the first event of LE fracture, death, or end of follow-up (2 years). Fractures were classified using Medicare diagnostic and procedural codes. Function, cognition, and medical status were obtained from the Minimum Data Set prior to long-stay qualification. Incidence rates (IRs) were calculated as the total number of fractures divided by person-years. During 42 800 person-years of follow-up, 52 177 residents had an LE fracture (43 695 hip, 6001 femoral shaft, 2481 tibia-fibula). The unadjusted IRs of LE fractures were 1.32/1000 person-years (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.27-1.38) for tibia-fibula, 3.20/1000 person-years (95% CI = 3.12-3.29) for femoral shaft, and 23.32/1000 person-years (95% CI = 23.11-23.54) for hip. As compared with hip fracture residents, non-hip LE fracture residents were more likely to be immobile (58.1% vs 18.4%), to be dependent in all activities of daily living (31.6% vs 10.8%), to be transferred mechanically (20.5% vs 4.4%), to be overweight (mean body mass index = 26.6 vs 24.0 kg/m2 ), and to have diabetes (34.8% vs 25.7%). Our findings that non-hip LE fractures often occur in severely functionally impaired residents suggest these fractures may have a different mechanism of injury than hip fractures. The resident differences in our study highlight the need for distinct prevention strategies for hip and non-hip LE fractures.


Transfer of carbonic anhydrase-positive particles from the follicle-associated epithelium to lymphocytes of Peyer's patches in foetal sheep and lambs.
Carbonic anhydrase cytochemistry of the ileal Peyer's patch in foetal and neonatal lambs has indicated secretion from the follicle-associated epithelium to the follicles. Reaction for carbonic anhydrase in the follicle-associated epithelium was found in the luminal plasma membrane, in cytoplasmic vesicles, and in vacuoles containing 50-nm membrane-bounded particles that seemed to be shed to the intercellular space. The lateral plasma membrane was negative for carbonic anhydrase, indicating that formation of carbonic anhydrase-positive particles was restricted to vacuoles. Administration of ferritin to ileal loops of sheep foetuses showed ferritin localized in vesicles and vacuoles of the follicle-associated epithelium followed by exocytosis, together with carbonic anhydrase-positive particles, into the indentations of the lateral cell border. The carbonic anhydrase-positive particles seemed to be transported to the centres of lymphoid follicles where many were attached to the plasma membrane of lymphocytes. Carbonic anhydrase-positive particles were also seen in vesicles and sometimes free in the cytoplasm of the lymphocytes or attached to their nuclear envelope. Light microscopically, carbonic anhydrase reactivity of the follicle-associated epithelium was associated with the early formation of the ileal Peyer's patch at about 100 days gestation. At this time the follicle-associated epithelium showed a strong luminal but at most a weak lateral staining. With further foetal development there was a progressive increase in the amount of carbonic anhydrase-positive reaction product in extracellular particles, both along the lateral cell borders of the follicle-associated epithelium and among the lymphocytes of the follicle centres.


Iron retention in iron-fortified rice and use of iron-fortified rice to treat women with iron deficiency: A pilot study.
1. Evaluate the effect of washing and cooking iron-fortified rice on iron retention and bioavailability. 2. Evaluate the effect of iron-fortified rice on women with iron deficiency anemia. 1. Iron-fortified rice (18 mg/100 g as FeSO4) was cooked in Baton Rouge, Louisiana (C), rinsed and cooked (RC), fried and cooked (FC), cooked with extra water (CW), or soaked and cooked with extra water (SCW), and iron retention was determined. 2. Rice samples were cooked in Kampala, Uganda in a lab (C-Uganda) and households using traditional cooking method (TC-Uganda) and iron retention were determined. 3. Seventeen women with iron deficiency (low iron and/or low ferritin) anemia were randomized to 100 g/d of rice (two cooked 0.75 cup servings) for two weeks containing 18 mg/d iron (supplemented) or 0.5 mg/d iron (un-supplemented). Hemoglobin and hematocrit were evaluated at baseline and 2 weeks with other measures of iron metabolism. 1. Iron retention, from highest to lowest, was (C), (RC), (FC), (C-Uganda), (CW), (SCW) and (TC-Uganda). 2. Seventeen women were randomized and 15 completed the study (hemoglobin 10.6 ± 1.6 g, hematocrit 33.7 ± 4.1%), 9 in the iron-fortified rice group and 6 in the un-fortified rice group. The iron-fortified group had a greater increase in hemoglobin (0.82 g, p = 0.0035) and Hematocrit (1.83%, p = 0.0248) with directional differences in other measures of iron metabolism favoring the iron-fortified group. Iron-fortified rice increased hemoglobin and hematocrit in women with iron-deficient anemia. Iron deficiency and anemia are widespread in Southeast Asia and Africa and undermine development in these regions.


[Immune status during the combined use of microwave hyperthermia and prospidin in animals with transplantable tumors].
Experiments were conducted to study the time course of changes of some immunological indices in animals after a combined use of local hyperthermia and course use of prospidin. Local microwave hyperthermia used at the beginning of a course of prospidin caused a decrease in some indices of immunity which was much lower than in case of the use of only prospidin or hyperthermia.


Expression and significance of VEGF and p53 in rat degenerated intervertebral disc tissues.
To discuss the expression and significance of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and p53 expression in rat degenerated intervertebral disc (IVD) tissues. A total of 78 even-aged Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats (observation group) were chosen to establish a rat IVD degeneration model with anterior limbs and tail-removing method. Three months after modeling, rats were executed and degenerated IVD tissues were obtained for pathological biopsy so as to observe VEGF and p53 expression thereof. Meanwhile, IVD tissues from 8 healthy rats were gained for comparison. Capillary infiltration was found in 62.8% of cases in observation group. Positive expression of VEGF and p53 was seen in 74.4% and 59.0% of cases respectively with a co-expression rate of 53.8%. VEGF and p53 expression in degenerated IVD tissues with capillary infiltration was higher than that in non-infiltration group (P<0.05). A coordinate expression of VEGF and p53 in rat degenerated IVD tissues is demonstrated, indicating that they are both involved in neovascularization and infiltration, which accelerates IVD degeneration.


Choroidal involvement in non-infectious posterior scleritis.
To provide a comprehensive overview of choroidal involvement in non-infectious posterior scleritis; including different imaging modalities and their clinical usefulness. Narrative review. Posterior scleritis is an uncommon yet potentially sight-threatening inflammation of the sclera. During the disease process, inflammation can spread to the adjacent choroid, causing different manifestations of choroidal involvement: (1) increased choroidal thickness, (2) choroidal vasculitis, (3) presentation as a choroidal or subretinal mass in nodular posterior scleritis, and (4) choroidal folds, choroidal effusion and exudative retinal detachment. Clinical characteristics and multimodal imaging can aid in diagnosing and monitoring disease progression and response to treatment in non-infectious posterior scleritis with choroidal involvement.


Contribution of high body mass index and alcohol use to liver cancer-related mortality: A study based on 195 countries or territories.
High body mass index (BMI) and alcohol use are well-defined risk factors for liver cancer. We aim to describe the contribution of high BMI and alcohol use to liver-cancer-related death at the global and national levels. The data of liver cancer-related mortality attributable to all known risk factors, high BMI, and alcohol use were collected from the Global Burden of Disease database. The estimated average percentage change was used to quantify the liver cancer age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) trends. Globally, approximately 819,435 liver cancer-related deaths occurred in 2017, among which 415,867, 98,552, and 129,287 deaths could be ascribed to all 9 known risk factors, high BMI, and alcohol use, respectively. The overall ASMR increased from 4.42 per 100,000 to 5.17 per 100,000 in the study period. The liver cancer ASMR attributable to high BMI consistently increased at the global level and in most countries. The alcohol use-related liver cancer mortality decreased by 0.17% per year during the study period. However, a significant increase was found after 2008. The increase in high BMI-related liver cancer mortality suggests scarce attention to overweight and highlights its priority in future prevention schedules for liver cancer. Effective prevention measures are still needed to mitigate the adverse impact of alcohol consumption.


Regulating effect of CBF on memory in cognitively normal older adults with different ApoE genotype: the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI).
Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) ε4 allele and cerebral blood flow (CBF) changes are related to the increased risk of cognitive impairment independently. However, whether there are interactions between ApoE ε4 and CBF on memory performance in older adults with normal cognition remains unknown. This study determined whether the association between CBF and memory performance could be moderated by ApoE ε4 within a sample of cognitively normal older adults from the ADNI. 62 participants, including 23 with ApoE ε4 (ApoE ε4+) and 39 without ApoE ε4 (ApoE ε4-), underwent resting CBF measurement and memory testing. CBF was measured by arterial spin labeling MRI and memory performance was evaluated by the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test. By using linear regression models, CBF was negatively associated with memory function in ApoE ε4+ group, whereas positively in ApoE ε4- group by contrast. This study suggests that different CBF-memory relationships can be detected in cognitively normal ApoE ε4 carriers compared to ApoE ε4 non-carriers. Associations between hyperperfusion and worse memory performance in ApoE ε4 carriers may reflect vascular and/or cellular dysfunction.


Major Postoperative Complications in Esophageal Cancer After Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy Compared With Open Esophagectomy: An Updated Meta-analysis.
To evaluate the existing literature comparing cardiopulmonary complications after minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) with open esophagectomy (OE) and conduct a meta-analysis based on the relevant studies. A systematic search for articles was performed in Medline, Embase, Wiley Online Library, and the Cochrane Library. The relative risks or odds ratios (ORs) were calculated by using fixed or random-effects models. The I2 and X2 tests were used to test for statistical heterogeneity. We performed a metaregression for the pulmonary complications with the adenocarcinoma proportion and tumor stage. Publication bias and small-study effects were assessed using Egger's test and Begg's funnel plot. A total of 30,850 participants were enrolled in the 63 studies evaluated in the meta-analysis. Arrhythmia, pulmonary embolism, pulmonary complications, gastric tip necrosis, anastomotic leakage, and vocal cord palsy were chosen as outcomes. The occurrence rate of arrhythmia was significantly lower in patients receiving MIE than in patients receiving OE (OR = 0.69; 95% CI = 0.53-0.89), with heterogeneity (I2 = 30.7%, P = 0.067). The incidence of pulmonary complications was significantly lower in patients receiving MIE (OR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.45-0.63) but heterogeneity remained (I2 = 72.1%, P = 0.000). The risk of gastric tip necrosis (OR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.07-2.05) after OE was lower than that after MIE. Anastomotic leakage, pulmonary embolism, and vocal cord palsy showed no significant differences between the two groups. MIE has advantages over OE, especially in reducing the incidence of arrhythmia and pulmonary complications. Thus, MIE can be recommended as the preferred alternative surgery method for resectable esophageal cancer.


Effect of bFGF on fibroblasts derived from the golden snub-nosed monkey.
Golden snub-nosed monkeys are endangered animals in China, and their cells have been demonstrated to be important as genetic resources and in applications for advancing biological research. Moreover, in primary research, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is used to promote the proliferation of fibroblasts to create abundant cells for cryopreservation. To further investigate the effect of bFGF on the efficiency of preservation of fibroblasts obtained from an endangered species, a fibroblast cell line was isolated from a dead golden snub-nosed monkey. Cell viability and mitochondrial membrane potential were assessed using CCK8 and JC-1 assay kits. The karyotype was analyzed by chromosomal microarray analysis, while RNA sequencing and gene expression analyses were performed to assess molecular changes in response to bFGF. Flow cytometry was used to characterize changes in cell surface markers in response to bFGF treatment. The results showed that cells maintained typical fibroblast morphology, while cell viability and mitochondrial membrane potential were not significantly affected between three and eight passages (p > 0.05). We also observed that the addition of bFGF promoted fibroblast proliferation and increased mitochondrial membrane potential. In addition, the bFGF treatment did not alter the normal karyotype of cells, downregulating fibroblast-associated genes and upregulating those associated with cell regulation, including those of the WNT, PI3K and MAPK pathways. The addition of bFGF also increased CD29, CD90, CD105, CD34 and CD44 expression while decreasing that of CD14 and HLA-DR at the protein level. Taken together, these results demonstrate that bFGF may upregulate the WNT, PI3K and MAPK pathways to promote cell proliferation while also increasing the expression of genes and surface markers associated with mesenchymal and hematopoietic cell linages.


Surgical restoration of drop-hand syndrome with tendon transfer in patients injured in the Syrian civil war.
The radial nerve is one of the most common war-related injury sites due to penetrating cutting tool injuries or gunshot wounds, resulting in drop-hand syndrome. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of tendon transfer in patients with drop-hand syndrome who had been injured in the Syrian Civil War. This level-II, prospective, comparative study included 13 civilians injured in the Syrian Civil War 2015 and 2017. The palmaris longus tendon was used for transfer to the extensor pollicis longus for thumb extension. The pronator teres was transferred to the extensor carpi radialis brevis for wrist extension. The flexor carpi radialis was transferred to the extensor digiti communis for 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th finger extension. All outcomes of thumb abduction and extension, wrist extension, wrist flexion, and finger extension were assessed. There was a high level of radial nerve injury in all patients included in the study. The time from injury to treatment ranged from 1.5 months to 9 months. The mechanism of injury most commonly observed was a gunshot wound, which was observed in 8 patients (61.5%), followed by a penetrating cutting tool injury (n = 3; 23.1%) and humerus fracture (n = 2; 15.4%). In radial nerve injuries, successful results can be achieved with tendon transfer. All patients regained thumb abduction of up to approximately 60°. All the patients were able to bend the wrist, grip, and extend the fingers while in wrist flexion, neutral wrist and wrist extension positions. Although the reason for the radial injury varied, the postoperative outcomes were good for all patients, and the rehabilitation period progressed successfully in patients who underwent tendon transfer repair within 90 days of injury.


Effect of light quality on the accumulation of photosynthetic pigments, proteins and mycosporine-like amino acids in the red alga Porphyra leucosticta (Bangiales, Rhodophyta).
The effect of different light qualities (white, blue, green, yellow and red light) on photosynthesis, measured as chlorophyll fluorescence, and the accumulation of photosynthetic pigments, proteins and the UV-absorbing mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) was studied in the red alga Porphyra leucosticta. Blue light promoted the highest accumulation of nitrogen metabolism derived compounds i.e., MAAs, phycoerythrin and proteins in previously N-starved algae after seven days culture in ammonium enriched medium. Similar results were observed in the culture under white light. In contrast, the lowest photosynthetic capacity i.e., lowest electron transport rate and lowest photosynthetic efficiency as well as the growth rate were found under blue light, while higher values were found in red and white lights. Blue light favored the accumulation of the MAAs porphyra-334, palythine and asterina-330 in P. leucosticta. However, white, green, yellow and red lights favored the accumulation of shinorine. The increase of porphyra-334, palythine and asterina-330 occurred in blue light simultaneous to a decrease in shinorine. The accumulation of MAAs and other nitrogenous compounds in P. leucosticta under blue light could not be attributed to photosynthesis and the action of a non-photosynthetic blue light photoreceptor is suggested. A non-photosynthetic photoreceptor could be also involved in the MAAs interconversion pathways in P. leucosticta.


Immunohistochemical evidence for species-specific coexistence of catecholamines, serotonin, acetylcholine and nitric oxide in glomus cells of rat and guinea pig aortic bodies.
The aortic bodies are small paraganglia distributed along the vagus nerve and its branches in the vicinity of the aortic arch which, like the carotid bodies, act as arterial chemoreceptors. In the rat carotid body, corelease of ATP and acetylcholine (ACh) from glomus cells is considered to be the main mechanism mediating fast hypoxic chemotransmission while dopamine, serotonin, and nitric oxide (NO) exert modulating effects. The present study was aimed at determination of the endogenous sources of serotonin, ACh and NO within rat and guinea pig aortic bodies by immunohistochemical double- and triple-labeling approaches, utilizing antibodies to serotonin, the NO and ACh synthesizing enzymes neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), respectively, as well as to the vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT). Additional marker antibodies were directed against the rate-limiting enzyme of catecholamine synthesis, i.e. tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), and the vesicular protein, synaptophysin (SYN). In both species, all aortic body glomus cells were immunoreactive to serotonin and cholinergic markers. In the rat, all glomus cells were additionally catecholaminergic, as indicated by TH-immunoreactivity, whereas this applied only to a subgroup of guinea pig glomus cells. On the other hand, all guinea pig glomus cells were nNOS-immunoreactive, whereas only nerve fibers but not glomus cells exhibited nNOS-immunoreactivity in the rat. These data support the concept that the chemoexcitatory transmitters ACh and serotonin are involved in hypoxic excitation of aortic chemoreceptor terminals in both species. The production of the inhibitory modulators, dopamine and NO, however, appears to be species-specifically regulated.


New-onset headache after percutaneous atrial septal defect closure.
Percutaneous closure of atrial septal defect (ASD) is a well-established procedure both in children and adults with very good long-term outcomes. Migraine headache (MHA) can be precipitated after ASD device closure and the mechanism is not fully understood. We reviewed medical records of all patients undergoing ASD device closure from January 2015 to January 2021 for new onset headache after the procedure. Diagnosis of migraine was established by guidelines of the International Headache Society. Out of 325 patients undergoing ASD device closure, five patients (1.5%) of various age groups (range 3.5-35 years) complained of severe migraine-like headaches within 2 weeks of the procedure. MHA was reported exclusively by females. All the patients were treated with oral paracetamol for the management of headaches. Three of 5 (60%) patients had a positive family history of migraine. Three patients reported complete disappearance of symptoms within 4-6 months. While two others (40%) had ongoing symptoms at 6 months follow-up. MHA can be precipitated after ASD device closure. The risk is specifically high in females with a family history of migraine. Dual antiplatelet drugs for the first 3 months after device closure may prevent such episodes. Prospective studies are needed to establish the universal role of dual antiplatelet drugs after ASD device closure.


Biochemical Changes During the First Year of Feminizing Hormone Therapy in Transfeminine Individuals.
Persons with assigned male sex at birth (AMAB) might wish to obtain feminization and/or demasculinization according to the person's gender identity and are therefore treated with estradiol and/or antiandrogens. The aim was to evaluate biochemical changes and side effects in AMAB individuals treated with guideline-based feminizing hormone treatment (FHT). Medical charts of 99 AMAB individuals ≥ 18 years referred to the Center for Gender Identity; Aalborg University hospital, Denmark, between January 2017 and July 2019 were reviewed to identify adverse side effects. Furthermore, data from the laboratory information system (Labka II) were retrieved to obtain biochemical parameters. Biochemical plasma concentrations after initiation of FHT were compared to concentrations prior to FHT and to existing guidelines. After 11-19 months, 29% of the trans feminine individuals had plasma estradiol concentrations within the treatment target. The plasma concentration of estradiol varies greatly during FHT. Plasma levels of estrogen were within the treatment target after 11-19 months of treatment, whereas 100% had concentrations within the reference range for premenopausal cis-women. Furthermore, plasma concentrations of lipids and hematological parameters approached female reference ranges after 11 months of FHT. The target levels of plasma estradiol concentrations during FHT could be expanded, making the wanted physiological changes easier to obtain. This cohort study included 99 AMAB individuals and biochemical evaluation was possible in 67 individuals. Only one individual was lost during follow-up. However, the follow-up period was limited making evaluation of long-term side effects impossible. Plasma concentration of estradiol varies greatly during guideline based FHT, making plasma estradiol levels within the target level difficult to attain. JA Hojbjerg, AD Højgaard, A-M Hvas. Biochemical Changes During the First Year of Feminizing Hormone Therapy in Transfeminine Individuals. Sex Med 2021;10:100472.


Interference of acetoxyalkyl-nitrosamines with limb bud differentiation in organ culture.
alpha-acetoxynitrosamines have been used as model compounds to study biological activity of N-nitrosamines. After hydrolytic cleavage they yield an "active intermediate" (the hydroxynitrosamine) which presumably also arises as metabolite of N-nitrosamines. We tested eight N-nitrosamines mono-substituted at the alpha-carbon with an acetoxy group for their teratogenic potential in a mouse limb bud culture system. The following results were obtained: 1. The methyl compound (MOAc-MNA) - a derivative of dimethynitrosamine - proved to be the strongest teratogen in this group of chemicals. 2. The tertiary-butyl derivative - releasing a carbonium ion of low chemical reactivity - possessed the lowest activity in our test system. 3. The primary alpha-acetates with unbranched side chains (POAc-MNA or BOAc-MNA) were more active than the corresponding derivatives with branched side chains. 4. The secondary alpha-acetate (EOAc-ENA) was clearly less active than the primary alpha-acetate (EOAc-MNA). 5. A teratogenic potential could also be demonstrated in the organ culture system with the cyclic derivative: N-nitroso-alpha-acetoxy-pyrrolidine (NAPYR). 6. With the use of limb buds from 12-day-old mouse embryos the explants showed the highest susceptibility to the teratogens on the first day of culture. No effect could be produced if the substances were added to the culture medium at the third day of culture or later. 7. When initiating the culture with limb buds from 11-day-old mouse embryos the concentrations needed to induce typical effects were lower than those tested with 12-day-old explants. 8. Typical and pronounced impairment with morphogenetic differentiation could be induced by MOAc-MNA if the substance was present in the medium for less than 60 min - the shortest period tested was 15 min. 9. A different abnormality pattern could be induced with the various substances tested. This may partly be explained by a quite different stability of the compounds in the test system. 10. N-Nitrosamines must be expected to be highly teratogenic if they can be "activated" in embryonic tissues. Such an activation into potent electrophilic agents does not occur in rodents under normal conditions. It will be interesting to study if such activity can be "induced" in embryonic tissues of rodents or if it is already present in embryonic tissues of primates.


P57 and cyclin G1 express differentially in proliferative phase endometrium and early pregnancy decidua.
To compare the expression of P57 and Cyclin G1 in proliferation endometrium and early pregnancy decidua. Human endometrial samples were acquired from normal menstrual cycle women undergoing laparoscopy or hysterectomy for fallopian tubes problems. Decidua were acquired from women in early pregnancy who underwent artificial abortion without any endometrial problems. Twelve were in proliferative phase and 13 were deciduas. P57 and Cyclin G1 mRNA and protein were measured by real-time PCR and Western blot. The expression of P57 mRNA and protein were lower in proliferation phase compared with the early pregnancy decidua. Cyclin G1 mRNA and protein expression were slightly higher in decidua than proliferation endometrium but it had no significant difference. P57 and Cyclin G1 may play an important role in the endometrial change during the embryo implantation.


Sample storage-induced changes in the quantity and quality of soil labile organic carbon.
Effects of sample storage methods on the quantity and quality of labile soil organic carbon are not fully understood even though their effects on basic soil properties have been extensively studied. We studied the effects of air-drying and frozen storage on cold and hot water soluble organic carbon (WSOC). Cold- and hot-WSOC in air-dried and frozen-stored soils were linearly correlated with those in fresh soils, indicating that storage proportionally altered the extractability of soil organic carbon. Air-drying but not frozen storage increased the concentrations of cold-WSOC and carbohydrate in cold-WSOC, while both increased polyphenol concentrations. In contrast, only polyphenol concentration in hot-WSOC was increased by air-drying and frozen storage, suggesting that hot-WSOC was less affected by sample storage. The biodegradability of cold- but not hot-WSOC was increased by air-drying, while both air-drying and frozen storage increased humification index and changed specific UV absorbance of both cold- and hot-WSOC, indicating shifts in the quality of soil WSOC. Our results suggest that storage methods affect the quantity and quality of WSOC but not comparisons between samples, frozen storage is better than air-drying if samples have to be stored, and storage should be avoided whenever possible when studying the quantity and quality of both cold- and hot-WSOC.


Unexpected high testis-specific transcriptional activity of the cyclin T1 promoter in transgenic mice.
The ubiquitously expressed cyclin T1 gene encodes for a protein involved in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) transcription activation. The goat gene was recently shown to share an expression pattern similar to that of its endogenous counterpart when incorporated into mice using a BAC insert. To assess if its promoter could target ubiquitous expression of the bovine Prnp in transgenic mice, two constructs carrying either 1 or 30 kb of cyclin T1 5'-flanking sequences were built and microinjected. Both constructs resulted in the unexpected high male germ cell-specific expression of the prion protein. These data re-question the suspected location of the cyclin T1 gene regulatory elements.


Development of xanthan gum/hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose composite films incorporating tea polyphenol and its application on fresh-cut green bell peppers preservation.
The aim of this work was to develop an edible packaging material with good performance that can be used for fresh-cut vegetables preservation. The xanthan (XG)-hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)-tea polyphenols (TP) composite film (XHT) was prepared by adding TP to the composite film-forming solution of XG and HPMC. At optimum TP dosage of 6% (XHT6), the tensile strength and elongation at break were at the maximum. The antioxidant activity and antibacterial properties were also enhanced, demonstrated good inhibitory ability to Staphylococcus aureus. After 8 days, the amount of Vitamin C that was retained by XHT6 was 127.81% and 7.83% higher than unpackaged and XHT0, respectively. Additionally, the MDA content in green peppers were 39.16% and 78.87% higher than that of unpackaged and XHT0, respectively. Practical applications of XHT films in preserving fresh-cut bell peppers had also shown positive results, making it possible as potential food packaging.


Trends in HIV Prevention, Treatment, and Incidence in a Hyperendemic Area of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
In Africa, the persistently high HIV incidence rate among young women is the major obstacle to achieving the goal of epidemic control. To determine trends in coverage of HIV prevention and treatment programs and HIV incidence. This cohort study consisted of 2 sequential, community-based longitudinal studies performed in the Vulindlela and Greater Edendale area in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Participants enrolled from June 11, 2014, to June 22, 2015 (2014 survey), with a single follow-up visit from June 24, 2016, to April 3, 2017 (2016 cohort), or enrolled from July 8, 2015, to June 7, 2016 (2015 survey), with a single follow-up visit from November 7, 2016, to August 30, 2017 (2017 cohort). Men and women aged 15 to 49 years were enrolled in the 2014 and 2015 surveys, and HIV-seronegative participants aged 15 to 35 years were followed up in the 2016 and 2017 cohorts. Analysis was conducted from January 1 through December 31, 2018. HIV prevention and treatment programs in a real-world, nontrial setting. Trends in sex- and age-specific HIV incidence rates, condom use, voluntary medical male circumcision, knowledge of HIV-seropositive status, uptake of antiretroviral therapy, and viral suppression. A total of 9812 participants (6265 women [63.9%]; median age, 27 years [interquartile range, 20-36 years]) from 11 289 households were enrolled in the 2014 survey, and 10 236 participants (6341 women [61.9%]; median age, 27 years [interquartile range, 20-36 years]) from 12 247 households were enrolled in the 2015 survey. Of these, 3536 of 4539 (annual retention rate of 86.7%) completed follow-up in the 2016 cohort, and 3907 of 5307 (annual retention rate of 81.4%) completed follow-up in the 2017 cohort. From 2014 to 2015, condom use with last sex partner decreased by 10% from 24.0% (n = 644 of 3547) to 21.6% (n = 728 of 3895; P = .12) in men and by 17% from 19.6% (n = 1039 of 6265) to 16.2% (n = 871 of 6341; P = .002) in women. Voluntary medical male circumcision increased by 13% from 31.9% (1102 of 3547) to 36.1% (n = 1472 of 3895); P = .007) in men, and the proportion of women reporting that their partner was circumcised increased by 35% from 35.7% (n = 1695 of 4766) to 48.2% (n = 2519 of 5207; P < .001). Knowledge of HIV-seropositive status increased by 21% from 51.8% (n = 504 of 3547) to 62.9% (n = 570 of 3895; P < .001) in men and by 14% from 64.6% (n = 1833 of 6265) to 73.4% (n = 2182 of 6341; P < .001) in women. Use of antiretroviral therapy increased by 32% from 36.7% (n = 341 of 3547) to 48.6% (n = 432 of 3895; P < .001) in men and by 29% from 45.6% (n = 1251 of 6265) to 58.8% (n = 1743 of 6341; P < .001) in women; HIV viral suppression increased by 20% from 41.9% (n = 401 of 3547) to 50.3% (n = 456 of 3895; P = .005) in men and by 13% from 54.8% (n = 1547 of 6265) to 61.9% (n = 1828 of 6341; P < .001) in women. Incidence of HIV declined in women aged 15 to 19 years from 4.63 (95% CI, 3.29-6.52) to 2.74 (95% CI, 1.84-4.09) per 100 person-years (P = .04) but declined marginally or remained unchanged among men and women in other age groups. This study showed a significant decline in HIV incidence in young women; however, to further reduce HIV incidence, HIV prevention and treatment program coverage must be intensified and scaled up.


Optimal zinc level and uncertainty quantification in agricultural soils via visible near-infrared reflectance and soil chemical properties.
Zinc (Zn) is a vital element required by all living creatures for optimal health and ecosystem functioning. Therefore, several researchers have modeled and mapped its occurrence and distribution in soils. Nonetheless, leveraging model predictive performances while coupling information derived from visible near-infrared (Vis-NIR) and soils (i.e. chemical properties) to estimate potential toxic elements (PTEs) like Zn in agricultural soils is largely untapped. This study applies two methods to rapidly monitor Zn concentration in agricultural soil. Firstly, employing Vis-NIR and machine learning algorithms (MLAs) (Context 1) and secondly, applying Vis-NIR, soil chemical properties (SCP), and MLAs (Context 2). For the Vis-NIR information, single and combined pretreatment methods were applied. The following MLAs were used: conditional inference forest (CIF), partial least squares regression (PLSR), M5 tree model (M5), extreme gradient boosting (EGB), and support vector machine regression (SVMR) respectively. For context 1, the results indicated that M5-MSC (M5 tree model-multiplicative scatter correction) with coefficient of determination (R2) = 0.72, root mean square error (RMSE) = 21.08 (mg/kg), median absolute error (MdAE) = 13.69 and ratio of performance to interquartile range (RPIQ) = 1.63 was promising. Regarding context 2, CIF with spectral pretreatment and soil properties [CIF-DWTLOGMSC + SCP (conditional inference forest-discrete wavelet transformation-logarithmic transformation-multiplicative scatter correction-soil chemical properties)] yielded the best performance of R2 = 0.86, RMSE = 14.52 (mg/kg), MdAE = 6.25 and RPIQ = 1.78. Altogether, for contexts 1 and 2, the CIF-DWTLOGMSC + SCP approach (context 2) was the best Zn model outcome for the agricultural soil. The uncertainty map revealed a low to high error distribution in context 1, and a low to moderate distribution in context 2 for all models except CIF, which had some patches with high uncertainty. We conclude that a multiple optimization approach for modeling Zn levels in agricultural soils is invaluable and may provide fast and reliable information needed for area-specific decision-making.


Challenges for community-based forest management in the KoloAla site Manompana.
Following the IUCN 5th World Congress on Protected Areas in 2003, the then-President of Madagascar decided to increase the area of Madagascar's protected areas from 1.7 to 6 million ha. To combine the aims of protection and timber production, a new concept was developed through the establishment of community-based forest management (CBFM) sites, called KoloAla. However, experience shows that similar management transfers to communities in Madagascar have only been successful in a very few cases. We aimed to explore the success to be expected of this new approach in the particular case of the Manompana corridor at Madagascar's eastern coast. In a first step, the readiness of the corridor's resource users for CBFM has been analysed according to the seven resource users' attributes developed by Ostrom that predict an effective self-organized resource management. In a second step, we explored how KoloAla addresses known challenges of Madagascar's CBFM. Analyses lead in a rather sober conclusion. Although KoloAla attempts to address the goals of poverty alleviation, biodiversity conservation and timber production under a single umbrella, it does so in a rather non-innovative way. Challenges with regard to the state's environmental governance, agricultural inefficiency and thus deforestation remain unsolved.


[Benefits and limitations of vacuum therapy in wounds].
Establish the benefits and limitations of vacuum-assisted wound closure therapy (VWT) on the basis on "best evidence". The core of the review was an internet-based literature search based on the criteria of the Cochrane Collaboration, supplemented by an additional manual search. The identified literature was evaluated and selected following a specified algorithm. The therapeutic benefit was determined using the current benefit definitions of SGB V, GBA and IQWiG, with emphasis on the patient's perspective and on daily routine. The online search revealed n=674 publications on VWT. After the additional manual searching, a total of n=269 original papers filled the criteria for evaluation. The criteria and methods of evaluation for so varied in the clinical studies despite the same indications that no comparative meta-analyses of individual therapy goals could be carried out. Most studies also revealed methodological deficits. A majority of analyzed studies indicate an effectiveness and clinical benefit for VWT. VWT is a standard approach in Germany for treating problematic acute and chronic wounds. It is often an essential treatment option given it's effectiveness in many indications. VWT also has marked clinical benefits from the patient's perspective.


A Delphi Consensus on Patient Reported Outcomes for Registries and Trials Including Patients with Intermittent Claudication: Recommendations and Reporting Standard.
This study aimed to develop a core set of patient reported outcome quality indicators (QIs) for the treatment of patients with intermittent claudication (IC), that allow a broad international implementation across different vascular registries and within trials. A rigorous modified two stage Delphi technique was used to promote consensus building on patient reported outcome QIs among an expert panel consisting of international vascular specialists, patient representatives, and registry members of the VASCUNET and the International Consortium of Vascular Registries. Potential QIs identified through an extensive literature search or additionally proposed by the panel were validated by the experts in a preliminary survey and included for evaluation. Consensus was reached if ≥ 80% of participants agreed that an item was both clinically relevant and practical. Participation rates in two Delphi rounds were 66% (31 participants of 47 invited) and 90% (54 of 60), respectively. Initially, 145 patient reported outcome QIs were documented. Following the two Delphi rounds, 18 quality indicators remained, all of which reached consensus regarding clinical relevance. The VascuQoL questionnaire (VascuQoL-6), currently the most common patient reported outcome measurement (PROM) used within vascular registries, includes a total of six items. Five of these six items also matched with high rated indicators identified in the Delphi study. Consequently, the panel recommends the use of the VascuQoL-6 survey as a preferred core PROM QI set as well as an optional extension of 12 additional patient reported QIs that were also identified in this study. The current recommendation based on the Delphi consensus building approach, strengthens the international harmonisation of registry data collection in relation to patient reported outcome quality. Continuous and standardised quality assurance will ensure that registry data may be used for future quality benchmarking studies and, ultimately, positively impact the overall quality of care provided to patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease.


Metabolic Imaging in Cardio-oncology.
Tremendous progress in cancer detection and therapy has improved survival. However, cardiovascular complications are a major source of morbidity in cancer survivors. Cardiotoxicity is currently defined by structural myocardial changes and cardiac injury biomarkers. In many instances, such changes are late and irreversible. Therefore, diagnostic modalities that can identify early alterations in potentially reversible biochemical and molecular signaling processes are of interest. This review is focused on emerging translational metabolic imaging modalities. We present in context relevant mitochondrial biology aspects that ground the development and application of these technologies for detection of cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD). The application of these modalities may improve the assessment of cardiovascular risk when anticancer treatments with a defined cardiometabolic toxic mechanism are to be used. Also, they may serve as screening tools for cardiotoxicity when novel lines of cancer therapies are applied.


[Immune-mediated epilepsy and encephalopathy].
During the last decade new knowledge on immune-mediated disorders of the grey substance of the central nervous system (CNS) has been generated. These conditions are associated with seizures in approximately 80% of cases and often present as drug-resistant epilepsies. The discovery of autoantibodies against neural surface antigens was essential for the identification of these disorders. Immune-mediated epilepsies often respond poorly to antiepileptic drugs; however, they do respond in many cases to immunological therapy which offers a chance of overcoming resistance to antiepileptic drugs by immunological treatment.


Endoscopic basket extraction of a urethral foreign body.
The presence of a foreign body in the genitourinary tract represents a urologic challenge that often requires prompt intervention. We describe an endoscopic approach that was used for removal of a foreign body located in the prostatic urethra of a schizophrenic man. A nitinol stone basket was used as an effective means for extraction of a large metal screw from the urethra of this patient.


Parent-reported symptoms, impairment, helpfulness of treatment, and unmet service needs in a follow-up of outpatient children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
Limited information exists regarding the associations between impairment, symptoms, helpfulness of treatments, and service needs after initial treatment of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The aims of this study were to examine persistence rates and associations between parent-reported symptoms, impairment, helpfulness of treatments, and service needs in a retrospective follow-up study of children with ADHD. Parents of 214 children with a mean age of 12.6 years (SD = 2.1) who were diagnosed with ADHD at five child and adolescent mental health clinics (CAMHS) completed questionnaires 1-10 years (mean = 3.7 years, SD = 2.2) after baseline assessment. The response rate was 43.4%. A community comparison group (n = 110) was recruited from the same area. Approximately two-thirds (60.3%) of the sample fulfilled the DSM-IV symptom criteria of ADHD at follow-up, 84.3% were functionally impaired, and most children (84.7%) were on medication. Inattentive and emotional symptoms were the strongest predictors of impairment across impairment areas. Perceived helpfulness of different treatments varied from 71.8-88.7%, and no significant difference was found between the ADHD sub-groups regarding reported helpfulness. 'Adjustment of the school situation' was the most frequent service need, and approximately half of the parents reported needs for care co-ordination. Children fulfilling the symptom criteria of the ADHD Combined sub-group were most impaired and had most service needs. At follow-up, children were highly symptomatic and impaired, despite a high rate of persistent medication treatment. The findings underline the need for more tailored treatment and co-ordinated care over time.


Double jeopardy: thoracoabdominal injuries requiring surgical intervention in both chest and abdomen.
The critical decisions in patients with thoracoabdominal trauma are establishing the need to explore either or both cavities and determining appropriate sequencing. The causes and patterns of management difficulties were analyzed in 82 consecutive patients with penetrating thoracoabdominal injuries. Nine thoracotomies (11%) and 16 laparotomies (22%) were negative, with the major causes being misleading chest tube outputs, bullet trajectories, and abdominal tenderness. Inappropriate sequencing occurred in 19 patients (23%), and 15% required reoperation within 24 hours. Pitfalls and misjudgements in management of penetrating thoracoabdominal injuries occur in distinct patterns. The unreliability of chest tube output and abdominal examination must be kept in mind, and intraoperative clues of ongoing hemorrhage outside the operative field must be sought.


Anticardiolipin antibodies in a case of neuro-Behçet with superior vena caval occlusion.
The patient, a 55-year-old man with neuro-Behçet, developed superior vena caval occlusion. Antibodies to cardiolipin were detected in high titres in his serum and a decreased fibrinolysis was also found. It is suggested that anticardiolipin antibodies, perhaps decreasing fibrinolysis, may play an important pathogenic role in some patients with Behçet's disease.


An improved approximation algorithm for the reversal and transposition distance considering gene order and intergenic sizes.
In the comparative genomics field, one of the goals is to estimate a sequence of genetic changes capable of transforming a genome into another. Genome rearrangement events are mutations that can alter the genetic content or the arrangement of elements from the genome. Reversal and transposition are two of the most studied genome rearrangement events. A reversal inverts a segment of a genome while a transposition swaps two consecutive segments. Initial studies in the area considered only the order of the genes. Recent works have incorporated other genetic information in the model. In particular, the information regarding the size of intergenic regions, which are structures between each pair of genes and in the extremities of a linear genome. In this work, we investigate the SORTING BY INTERGENIC REVERSALS AND TRANSPOSITIONS problem on genomes sharing the same set of genes, considering the cases where the orientation of genes is known and unknown. Besides, we explored a variant of the problem, which generalizes the transposition event. As a result, we present an approximation algorithm that guarantees an approximation factor of 4 for both cases considering the reversal and transposition (classic definition) events, an improvement from the 4.5-approximation previously known for the scenario where the orientation of the genes is unknown. We also present a 3-approximation algorithm by incorporating the generalized transposition event, and we propose a greedy strategy to improve the performance of the algorithms. We performed practical tests adopting simulated data which indicated that the algorithms, in both cases, tend to perform better when compared with the best-known algorithms for the problem. Lastly, we conducted experiments using real genomes to demonstrate the applicability of the algorithms.


Donor characteristics can influence transplant activities and the access to transplant for some age groups.
In recent years Italy has experienced a remarkable increase in organ donation and transplant rates for kidney transplantation. The organ donation rate has placed Italy among the European leaders, but a careful comparative evaluation of Italian and international registries data demonstrates that renal transplantations have not shared the same significant growth. In a decisive way donor characteristics have influenced not only the number of renal transplantations, but also the access to transplant for some age groups. We investigated the probability of transplantation from different age groups using the Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test. The 7-year probability of transplant was 72% for the 15 to 45 age group, 85.7% for the 46 to 55 age group, and 88.5% for the over 55 years group (P = .0029). Ethical considerations suggest new approaches of innovative promotion of living donor transplants and a revision of organ allocation criteria.


Carbohydrate metabolites in the blood and CSF of patients with neuromuscular disorders.
The concentrations of glucose, pyruvate and lactate were determined in the blood and lumbar CSF of 63 patients with neuromuscular disorders and 40 controls. The glucose/lactate and lactate/pyruvate ratios were also calculated, in addition to the cytoplasmic NADH/NAD+ (nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide-H/nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide) ratio in the brain. Remarkable deviations from control values were found not only in blood but also in the CSF of patients with different neuromuscular diseases, particularly in Duchenne muscular dystrophy and peroneal muscular atrophy, indicative of disturbance of the carbohydrate metabolism in the central nervous system.


Perceived stress and eating behaviors in a community-based sample of African Americans.
Previous studies have reported that psychological stress is associated with greater food consumption, particularly consumption of high fat foods. We are unaware of any studies that have examined stress-induced eating among African Americans (AAs). The goals of the current study were to examine the relationship between perceived stress and high fat eating behaviors in a sample of AAs, to examine whether this relationship is stronger among overweight and obese participants, and to examine whether haphazard meal planning mediates the relationship between perceived stress and high fat eating behaviors. One hundred fifty-nine adults from a metropolitan area completed the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), the Eating Behaviors Pattern Questionnaire (EBPQ), a demographic questionnaire, and body mass was assessed with BMI. Perceived stress was associated with haphazard planning and emotional eating, but not related to other high fat eating domains in the overall sample. These findings held for overweight and obese participants with the addition of snacking on sweets. High fat eating behaviors were not mediated by haphazard meal planning. These findings are consistent with other studies which demonstrate a link between stress and eating. Long-term interventions for high fat consumption and obesity should include an examination of perceived stress among AAs.


Purification and partial characterization of rat ovarian lutropin receptor.
Lutropin (LH) receptor was solubilized from pseudopregnant rat ovaries and purified by two cycles of affinity chromatography on human choriogonadotropin (hCG)-Affi-Gel 10. The purified receptor preparation contained a single class of high-affinity 125I-hCG binding sites with an equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) of 5.1 X 10(-10) M (at 20 degrees C) and had a specific hormone binding capacity of 7920 pmol/mg of protein. The purified receptor migrated as a single 90-kDa band in sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under both nonreducing and reducing conditions. Affinity cross-linking of the purified receptor to 125I-hCG produced a 130-kDa complex. Hormone-binding ability of the purified 90-kDa polypeptide was demonstrated also by ligand blotting. The purified receptor was electroblotted onto nitrocellulose after sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under nonreducing conditions followed by incubation with 125I-hCG. Autoradiography revealed labeling of a 90-kDa band. This labeling was displaced by unlabeled hCG and human LH but not by human follitropin or rat prolactin. In addition, LH receptors of bovine corpora lutea and mouse Leydig tumor cells were shown by ligand blotting to contain a 90-kDa hormone binding unit, suggesting that LH receptor structure is well conserved among mammalian species. The purified rat ovarian LH receptor bound to immobilized wheat germ agglutinin, implying that the receptor is a glycoprotein. These results demonstrate that the hormone-binding unit of rat ovarian LH receptor is a 90-kDa membrane glycopolypeptide.


Global analysis of RNA-binding protein dynamics by comparative and enhanced RNA interactome capture.
Interactions between RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and RNAs are critical to cell biology. However, methods to comprehensively and quantitatively assess these interactions within cells were lacking. RNA interactome capture (RIC) uses in vivo UV crosslinking, oligo(dT) capture, and proteomics to identify RNA-binding proteomes. Recent advances have empowered RIC to quantify RBP responses to biological cues such as metabolic imbalance or virus infection. Enhanced RIC exploits the stronger binding of locked nucleic acid (LNA)-containing oligo(dT) probes to poly(A) tails to maximize RNA capture selectivity and efficiency, profoundly improving signal-to-noise ratios. The subsequent analytical use of SILAC and TMT proteomic approaches, together with high-sensitivity sample preparation and tailored statistical data analysis, substantially improves RIC's quantitative accuracy and reproducibility. This optimized approach is an extension of the original RIC protocol. It takes 3 d plus 2 weeks for proteomics and data analysis and will enable the study of RBP dynamics under different physiological and pathological conditions.


Aerodigestive foreign bodies.
Accidents with foreign bodies (FBs) are most common within the first two years of life. The airway FBs present a diagnostic dilemma as both the history and the investigations can be misleading. The persistent hypoxia presents a threat to life as does extraction. Moreover, the chemical pneumonitis induced by vegetative FB makes the situation even more worse. The FB of digestive tract are comparatively benign unless long standing. It is neither necessary for the airway FB to present with respiratory symptoms and signs nor for the FB of digestive tract to complain of dysphagia/throat pain. Oesophagoscopy may have to be done if an esophageal FB is causing only recurrent respiratory infections without dysphagia. The situation in dealing with FB varies from site to site in the aerodigestive tract. This article stresses the various dubious factors including the history, examination and investigation which can lead to misdiagnosis and also those problems which are encountered during planned extraction as well as post-operatively.


Age-dependent changes in magnetization transfer contrast of white matter in the pediatric brain.
It is unknown to what extent magnetization transfer contrast (MTC) in white matter of the brain changes during myelination. The goal of this study was to measure the age-dependent changes of MTC in different regions of the pediatric brain and to evaluate their relation to T2 relaxation times. Seventy children aged 1 week to 80 months without evidence of organic brain disease underwent MR imaging of the brain. A double-echo spin-echo (SE) sequence and an SE sequence with and without an off-resonance pulse were performed in the axial orientation. Using paired images, we calculated MTC ratios in 13 predefined regions of the brain and compared them with the T2 relaxation times measured in the same areas. Regression analysis was performed for both parameters to evaluate age dependency. MTC in white matter increased during myelination from a range of 13% to 19% to a range of 34% to 37%. At the same time, T2 relaxation times decreased from a range of 115 to 160 milliseconds to a range of 60 to 70 milliseconds after myelination. For both MTC and T2 relaxation times, age dependency could be expressed by a monoexponential function. A strong positive correlation exists between MTC ratios and the degree of myelination in the pediatric brain, and an inverse correlation exists between MTC and T2 relaxation times. Fast proton relaxation within macromolecules in the myelinated white matter and subsequent MT may be the most important reason for the decreasing T2 relaxation time of white matter during brain myelination.


Liver triacylglycerol lipases.
The hallmark of obesity and one of the key contributing factors to insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease is excess triacylglycerol (TG) storage. In hepatocytes, excessive accumulation of TG is the common denominator of a wide range of clinicopathological entities known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, which can eventually progress to cirrhosis and associated complications including hepatic failure, hepatocellular carcinoma and death. A tight regulation between TG synthesis, hydrolysis, secretion and fatty acid oxidation is required to prevent lipid accumulation as well as lipid depletion from hepatocytes. Therefore, understanding the pathways that regulate hepatic TG metabolism is crucial for development of therapies to ameliorate pathophysiological conditions associated with excessive hepatic TG accumulation, including dyslipidemias, viral infection and atherosclerosis. This review highlights the physiological roles of liver lipases that degrade TG in cytosolic lipid droplets, endoplasmic reticulum, late endosomes/lysosomes and along the secretory route. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Triglyceride Metabolism and Disease.