Comparison of laser and mercury-arc lamp for the detection of body fluids on different substrates.
The performance of two detection techniques for body fluids, the Spectra-Physics(R) Revealtrade mark portable forensic laser system and the mercury-arc lamp Lumatec Superlite 400, was evaluated with various biological stains on different substrates. Serial dilutions of neat, 1/10, 1/100 and 1/1,000 using fluid semen, saliva, urine and blood were applied on glazed tiles, glass, PVC, wood, metal, stone, formica, carpet and cotton. Apart from the fact that blood traces were not detectable with the laser, both light sources showed comparable results regarding their detection capability. Clear advantages of the Lumatec Superlite 400, however, are its lower size, weight, purchase costs and the possibility to operate this light source by battery.


Laparoscopic abdominoperineal excision of the rectum.
In laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection of the rectum (LAP-AP) an abdominal incision is completely avoided as the tumor is delivered through the perineal incision. It is our belief that the view provided in the pelvis by laparoscopy is significantly better than at laparotomy and allows excellent anatomical definition and meticulous dissection. In this study we compared the adequacy of excision of the first 12 patients undergoing LAP-AP to the last 16 patients undergoing open abdominoperineal resection (OP-AP). In all patients the procedure was carried with curative intent for adenocarcinoma and the Dukes staging and Jass score's were similar in both groups. [table: see text] The data demonstrate similar nodal harvest in both groups as well as extent of radial excision. However, two patients in the open group had microscopic radial margin involvement despite being microscopically clear at surgery. We conclude that although long-term follow-up is required to address the issue of local cancer recurrence, laparoscopic rectal dissection appears as good as open surgery and may allow a more precise assessment of excision margins.


[Emergent cholecystectomy after acute cholecystitis with no improvement from i.v. antibiotics].
The complete rotation of the gall bladder followed by acute inflammation is a very rare and dangerous event. Volvulus of the gall bladder almost seems to be caused by an abnormal motility of this organ. Because of the rarity of this disease, the preoperative diagnosis frequently is correct. With this report of three cases who had laparoscopic or conventional surgery within a period of 7 years at our department, the peculiarity of this disease is demonstrated.


Reconstruction of passive open-path FTIR ambient spectra using meteorological measurements and its application for detection of aerosol cloud drift.
Remote sensing of atmospheric aerosols is of great importance to public and environmental health. This research promotes a simple way of detecting an aerosol cloud using a passive Open Path FTIR (OP-FTIR) system, without utilizing radiative transfer models and without relying on an artificial light source. Meteorological measurements (temperature, relative humidity and solar irradiance), and chemometric methods (multiple linear regression and artificial neural networks) together with previous cloud-free OP-FTIR measurements were used to estimate the ambient spectrum in real time. The cloud detection process included a statistical comparison between the estimated cloud-free signal and the measured OP-FTIR signal. During the study we were able to successfully detect several aerosol clouds (water spray) in controlled conditions as well as during agricultural pesticide spraying in an orchard.


Production site transfer: successful approaches to overcoming technical, regulatory and compliance challenges. 22-23 August 2000, San Francisco, CA, USA.
The conference brought together a number of process professionals, who discussed their insights on the challenges presented in transferring a process from one production site to another. It was emphasized that this transfer could occur either within a company (ie, pilot plant to full-scale manufacturing) or between companies (ie, to a contract manufacturer). The transfer process requires not only the transfer of production, but also the transfer of analytical methods. While the primary focus of the presenters was on biologics transfer, the subject matter was equally applicable to chemical processes.


Fibromyalgia syndrome in an Amish community: a controlled study to determine disease and symptom prevalence.
To estimate the point prevalence of fibromyalgia syndrome (FM) in Amish adults and to compare the prevalence of chronic pain, chronic widespread pain, FM, chronic fatigue, and debilitating fatigue in the Amish versus non-Amish rural and urban controls. The a priori assumption was that, if litigation and/or compensation availability have major effects on FM prevalence, then FM prevalence in the Amish should approach zero. We surveyed 242 Amish adults in a small rural community southeast of London, Ontario, Canada. Individuals were screened using a validated screening instrument. Those reporting chronic, widespread pain were examined for FM using published classification criteria. Amish results were compared to results collected in a random telephone survey of 492 non-Amish adults living in rural Southwestern Ontario and 3395 non-Amish adults previously surveyed in London. Pain lasting at least one week in the preceding 3 months was reported by 34.3% of the Amish; pain in the upper extremities by 25.4%, in the lower extremities by 22.5%, and in the trunk by 28.1%. Twenty-six (15 women, 11 men) reported chronic, widespread pain. Eleven FM cases were confirmed among women (age adjusted point prevalence, p = 10.4%) and 2 among men (p = 3.7%) for an overall age and sex adjusted prevalence of 7.3% (95% CI 5.3, 9.7); this was both statistically greater than zero (p < 0.0001) and greater than in either control population (both p < 0.05). FM is relatively common among the Amish.


Proactive coping and spirituality among patients who left or remained in antiretroviral treatment in St Petersburg, Russian Federation.
Positive Psychology, the study of "positive" factors or strengths and evidence-based interventions to increase them, is a rapidly developing field that is beginning to be applied to HIV care. Proactive coping and spirituality are two positive characteristics that have been examined in multiple chronic serious health conditions. In the present study, lost-to-care (LTCs; did not attend treatment for ≥12 months; n = 120) and engaged-in-care HIV clinic patients (EICs; attended treatment for ≥12 months and adherent with antiretrovirals; n = 120) in Leningrad Oblast, Russian Federation were compared on the Proactive Coping Inventory and View of God Scale. EICs had higher scores in proactive coping [t(229) = 3.69; p = .001] and instrumental [t(232) = 2.17; p = .03] and emotional [t(233) = 2.33; p = .02] support, indicating that they engage in autonomous goal setting and self-regulate their thoughts and behaviors; obtain advice and support from their social network; and cope with emotional distress by turning to others. LTCs had higher scores in avoidance coping [t(236) = -2.31; p = .02]. More EICs were spiritual, religious, or both [ χ(2)(1, N = 239) = 7.49, p = .006]. EICs were more likely to believe in God/Higher Power [χ(2)(1, N = 239 = 8.89, p = .002] and an afterlife [ χ(2)(1, N = 236) = 5.11, p = .024]; have a relationship with God/Higher Power [ χ(2)(1, N = 237) = 12.76, p = .000]; and call on God/Higher Power for help, healing, or protection [ χ(2)(1, N = 239) = 9.61]. EICs had more positive [t(238) = 2.78; p = .006] and less negative [t(236) = -2.38; p = .002] views of God. Similar proportions, but slightly more EICs than LTCs were members of a faith community; members of a12-step group; or attended religious or spiritual services, meetings, or activities. More EICs than LTCs engaged in private spiritual or religious activities, such as prayer or meditation [ χ(2)(1, N = 239) = 9.226, p = .002].


Protection from post-conditioning depends on the number of short ischemic insults in anesthetized pigs.
Post-conditioning in the early reperfusion period confers protection to the heart after a potentially lethal episode of prolonged ischemia. Protection from this novel intervention has been documented in rat, rabbit and canine hearts, but one group has reported that it is ineffective in pigs, a large-animal species that should be most relevant to humans. We hypothesized that this negative result was related to an inappropriate post-conditioning protocol rather than the species. The present study, therefore, tested whether an effective post-conditioning protocol could be identified that limits infarct size in anesthetized pigs. Domestic Landrace pigs weighing 25-29 kg were anesthetized, and after a mid-sternal thoracotomy and pericardiotomy the left anterior descending coronary artery was ligated for 60 min followed by 3 h of reperfusion. Three groups were studied: control group (n = 5) with no other intervention, 4-30 PostC group (n = 5) with 4 cycles of 30-s reperfusion/30-s ischemia, and 8-30 PostC group (n = 6) with 8 cycles of 30-s reperfusion/30-s ischemia. The two post-conditioning protocols started immediately after termination of the 60-min coronary occlusion. Region at risk and infarct size were delineated with the aid of pre-mortem monastral blue injection and postmortem staining with triphenyltetrazolium chloride, respectively. In control hearts 33.5 +/- 7.6% of the risk zone infarcted and 36.7 +/- 3.7% in the 4-30 PostC group (P = NS). But there was only 10.5 +/- 0.5% infarction in the 8-30 PostC group (P < 0.01 vs. the other two groups). Post-conditioning confers protection in pigs but requires more than 4 ischemia/reperfusion cycles. Post-conditioning may protect by inhibiting mitochondrial permeability transition pore formation by keeping the heart acidotic as it is reoxygenated. If true, then it would be difficult to employ too many occlusion cycles.


Sublethal effect of a weak intermittent magnetic field on the development of Xenopus laevis (Daudin) tadpoles.
In three repeated experiments with three different litters of Xenopus laevis (Daudin) tadpoles, three cohorts were reared in an aquarium under the "saw-tooth" magnetic field produced by a television set. Their maturation times are compared with those of three corresponding control cohorts grown in an unexposed aquarium. In the exposed aquarium, the magnetic field amplitude was less than 25 microT and the frequency in the extremely-low-frequency and very-low-frequency wavebands. Neither the exposed nor the unexposed cohorts suffered significant mortality and malformations. However, the exposed tadpoles took about 5 days more than the unexposed ones to reach metamorphosis. The differences in mean maturation times between the exposed and control cohorts were extremely significant (P < 0.001). The results show that a biological population can suffer a sublethal effect when exposed to the magnetic field of a TV set for a long time in the course of juvenile life stages, and that this effect can consist of a delay in reaching the adult stage.


Sex-Specific Impact of Body Weight on Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Incidence in Individuals With and Without Ideal Cardiovascular Health.
Background The impact of an elevated body mass index (BMI) on atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk in individuals who are metabolically healthy is debated. We investigated the respective contributions of BMI as well as lifestyle and cardiometabolic risk factors combined to ASCVD incidence in 319 866 UK Biobank participants. Methods and Results We developed a cardiovascular health score (CVHS) based on 4 lifestyle and 6 cardiometabolic parameters. The impact of the CVHS on incident ASCVD (15 699 events) alone and in BMI and waist-to-hip ratio categories was assessed using Cox proportional hazards in women and men separately. In participants with a high CVHS (8-10), those with a BMI ≥35.0 kg/m2 had a nonsignificantly higher ASCVD risk (hazard ratio [HR], 1.20 [95% CI, 0.84-1.70]; P=0.32) compared with those with a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 kg/m2. In participants with a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 kg/m2, those with a lower CVHS (0-2) had a higher ASCVD risk (HR, 4.06 [95% CI, 3.23-5.10]; P<0.001) compared with those with a higher CVHS (8-10). When we used the waist-to-hip ratio instead of the BMI, a dose-response relationship between the waist-to-hip ratio and ASCVD risk was obtained in healthier participants. Results were similar in women compared with men. Conclusions In women and men in the UK Biobank, the relationship between the BMI and ASCVD incidence in healthy individuals was inconsistent, whereas cardiovascular risk factors strongly predicted ASCVD incidence in all BMI categories. Assessing lifestyle and cardiometabolic risk factors as well as body fat distribution indices may help identify individuals at high ASCVD risk, regardless of body weight.


Oxytocin enhances the encoding of positive social memories in humans.
In nonhuman mammals, oxytocin has a critical role in social recognition and the development of long-term bonds. There has been limited research evaluating effects of oxytocin on the encoding and recognition of faces in humans. In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, between-subject design, we administered oxytocin (24 IU) or a placebo to 69 healthy human male volunteers and then presented 36 happy, angry, or neutral human faces. Participants returned the following day to make "remember," "know," or "new" judgments for a mix of 72 new and previously seen faces. Oxytocin-administered participants were more likely to make remember and know judgments for previously seen happy faces compared with angry and neutral human faces. In contrast, oxytocin did not influence judgments for faces that had not been presented previously. This study shows that the administration of oxytocin to male humans enhances the encoding of positive social information to make it more memorable. Results suggest that oxytocin could enhance social approach, intimacy, and bonding in male humans by strengthening encoding to make the recall of positive social information more likely.


Application of a titanium-based metal-organic framework to protein kinase activity detection and inhibitor screening.
In this work, we used a titanium-based metal-organic framework (MOF, Ti-MIL125-NH2) as a novel enrichment platform to detect protein kinase A (PKA) activity and to screen relevant kinase inhibitors. This method took advantage of the highly specific recognition of phosphate groups by the Ti-MIL125-NH2 nanoparticle. In the presence of PKA and adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP), the fluorophore-labeled peptide substrate was phosphorylated, and the generated phosphopeptide could then specifically bind to the titanium sites of Ti-MIL125-NH2. This resulted in fluorescence enrichment, which could be efficiently detected by the system. Under optimal conditions, the method presented a linear relationship in the experimental range of 0.00005-0.01 U μL-1, and the limit of detection was 0.00003 U μL-1 (3σ, n = 11). Furthermore, protein kinase Akt1 was tested to verify the universality of this method. The method was also successfully applied in cell lysates for kinase activity analysis and inhibitor screening. Thus, the new, highly sensitive fluorescence method based on MOF for detecting PKA activity is an excellent tool that has potential applications in kinase-related disease and basic research.


Globus pallidus degeneration and clinicopathological features of Huntington disease.
Numerous studies have focused on striatal neurodegeneration in Huntington disease (HD). In comparison, the globus pallidus (GP), a main striatal output nucleus, has received less focus in HD research. This study characterizes the pattern of neurodegeneration in 3 subdivisions of the human GP, and its relation to clinical symptomatology. Stereology was used to measure regional atrophy, neuronal loss, and soma neuronal atrophy in 3 components of the GP-the external segment (GPe), internal segment (GPi), and ventral pallidum (VP)-in 8 HD cases compared with 7 matched control cases. The findings in the HD patients were compared with HD striatal neuropathological grade, and symptom scores of motor impairment, chorea, cognition, and mood. Relative to controls, in the HD patients the GPe showed a 54% overall volume decline, 60% neuron loss, and 34% reduced soma volume. Similarly, the VP was reduced in volume by 31%, with 48% neuron loss and 64% reduced soma volume. In contrast, the GPi was less affected, with a 38% reduction in overall volume only. The extent of GP neurodegeneration correlated with increasing striatal neuropathological grade. Decreasing GPe and VP volumes were associated with poorer cognition and increasing motor impairments, but not chorea. In contrast, decreasing GPi volumes were associated with decreasing levels of irritability. The HD gene mutation produces variable degrees of GP segment degeneration, highlighting the differential vulnerability of striato-GP target projections. The relationship established between clinical symptom scores and pallidal degeneration provides a novel contribution to understanding the clinicopathological associations in HD. Ann Neurol 2016;80:185-201.


Surveillance systems evaluation: a systematic review of the existing approaches.
Regular and relevant evaluations of surveillance systems are essential to improve their performance and cost-effectiveness. With this in mind several organizations have developed evaluation approaches to facilitate the design and implementation of these evaluations. In order to identify and to compare the advantages and limitations of these approaches, we implemented a systematic review using the PRISMA guidelines (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses). After applying exclusion criteria and identifying other additional documents via citations, 15 documents were retained. These were analysed to assess the field (public or animal health) and the type of surveillance systems targeted; the development process; the objectives; the evaluation process and its outputs; and the attributes covered. Most of the approaches identified were general and provided broad recommendations for evaluation. Several common steps in the evaluation process were identified: (i) defining the surveillance system under evaluation, (ii) designing the evaluation process, (iii) implementing the evaluation, and (iv) drawing conclusions and recommendations. A lack of information regarding the identification and selection of methods and tools to assess the evaluation attributes was highlighted; as well as a lack of consideration of economic attributes and sociological aspects.


Functional role of glycosaminoglycans in decellularized lung extracellular matrix.
Despite progress in use of decellularized lung scaffolds in ex vivo lung bioengineering schemes, including use of gels and other materials derived from the scaffolds, the detailed composition and functional role of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteoglycans (PGs) and their glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains remaining in decellularized lungs, is poorly understood. Using a commonly utilized detergent-based decellularization approach in human autopsy lungs resulted in disproportionate losses of GAGs with depletion of chondroitin sulfate/dermatan sulfate (CS/DS) > heparan sulfate (HS) > hyaluronic acid (HA). Specific changes in disaccharide composition of remaining GAGs were observed with disproportionate loss of NS and NS2S for HS groups and of 4S for CS/DS groups. No significant influence of smoking history, sex, time to autopsy, or age was observed in native vs. decellularized lungs. Notably, surface plasmon resonance demonstrated that GAGs remaining in decellularized lungs were unable to bind key matrix-associated growth factors FGF2, HGF, and TGFβ1. Growth of lung epithelial, pulmonary vascular, and stromal cells cultured on the surface of or embedded within gels derived from decellularized human lungs was differentially and combinatorially enhanced by replenishing specific GAGs and FGF2, HGF, and TGFβ1. In summary, lung decellularization results in loss and/or dysfunction of specific GAGs or side chains significantly affecting matrix-associated growth factor binding and lung cell metabolism. GAG and matrix-associated growth factor replenishment thus needs to be incorporated into schemes for investigations utilizing gels and other materials produced from decellularized human lungs. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Despite progress in use of decellularized lung scaffolds in ex vivo lung bioengineering schemes, including use of gels and other materials derived from the scaffolds, the detailed composition and functional role of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteoglycans (PGs) and their glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains remaining in decellularized lungs, is poorly understood. In the current studies, we demonstrate that glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are significantly depleted during decellularization and those that remain are dysfunctional and unable to bind matrix-associated growth factors critical for cell growth and differentiation. Systematically repleting GAGs and matrix-associated growth factors to gels derived from decellularized human lung significantly and differentially affects cell growth. These studies highlight the importance of considering GAGs in decellularized lungs and their derivatives.


Temperature-Food interaction in herbivorous insects.
Constant low temperature and poorly digestible food hinder growth of herbivorous insects. This may be one of the reasons which exclude poikilothermic herbivores from the high arctic tundra (in contrast to high alpine ecosystems).


Contrasting effects of low-severity fire on stemflow production between coexisting pine and oak trees.
As climate change intensifies, fires events are predicted to increase in forest ecosystems. Fire alters the ecosystem structure and consequently, the hydrological cycle. However, little is known about the impacts of forest fire on stemflow. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the short-term response of stemflow production to low-severity fire in a coniferous and broadleaved mixed forest. Results demonstrated low-severity fire changed stemflow yield and had insignificant effect on the correlation between stemflow efficiency and rainfall or plant morphological variables. In unburned site Quercus acutissima and Pinus massoniana and in burned site Q. acutissima and P. massoniana, stemflow percentage averaged 3.86, 0.37, 1.20, and 0.47 %, whereas funneling ratio averaged 38.8, 4.2, 11.4, and 5.1, respectively. Fire substantially decreased the stemflow percentage and funneling ratio of Q. acutissima (P < 0.05) and slightly enhanced P. massoniana (P > 0.05). The responses of stemflow production to fire differed significantly between oak and pine trees. Fire made Q. acutissima become less effective in funneling rain to the forest ground, which is attributed to that the scaly bark was burned to highly furrowed bark that delivers less water to tree base. Burned P. massoniana was more productive in draining stemflow relative to unburned trees and is attributed to the bark which was still flaky regardless of. Additionally, the higher canopy openness allows more rain to funnel to the trunk. Stemflow efficiency was reduced in response to fire and limited the transfer of water and nutrients from canopy to soil and can reduce the competitiveness of Q. acutissima after fire disturbance.


Use of casein, tyrosine, and hypoxanthine in the identification of nonfermentative gram-negative bacilli.
Four hundred and five (405) strains of nonfermentative gram-negative bacilli (NFB) were identified using conventional tests. The NFB studied include 323 originating from clinical specimens, 37 from environmental samples, and 45 authentic strains from other workers and from our culture collections. All these strains were studied for their ability to degradate casein, tyrosine, and hypoxanthine. It was found that these tests are useful in identifying NFB within 24 to 48 h when used with other tests.


A diagnostic dilema in benign lytic lesions of clavicle - our experience of 37 patients.
The studies on benign lytic lesion of clavicle are sparse. Asymptomatic nature of lesions, rare occurrence, the difficulty in interpretation of the X-rays because of the surrounding structures and striking similarities in various lesions further make the diagnosis of such atraumatic lytic lesions difficult. Prompted by the rarity of lesion and scarcity of data regarding presentation and management, we performed a prospective study of benign lytic lesions of clavicle. The results of the lesions are categorised in infective, metabolic and neoplastic conditions. Infective lesions were most common cause of symptomatic painful benign lytic lesions. Metabolic lesions, like rickets, were the most common cause of painless swelling in clavicle. Neoplastic conditions although rare were an important differential. It is important to differentiate and diagnose lytic lesions of clavicle. Early MRI and Biopsy of the lesion helps in preventing an undue delay in diagnosis. Most lesions when diagnosed in time have excellent results.


Immunological and genetic factors influencing development and susceptibility to cancer.
The results of a variety of studies on the genetic and immunological aspects of reproduction can be integrated into a hypothesis about the factors that regulate implantation and development and that may also cause an increased susceptibility to cancer. The primary condition for successful reproduction is genetic compatibility between the mating partners: there must be no recessive lethal genes that could act alone or epistatically to cause embryonic or fetal death. Such recessive lethal genes have been identified in the mouse (t-haplotypes) and in the rat (grc), and there is some evidence that they also exist in humans. Immunological factors may modulate the implantation of the fertilized ovum under some circumstances after the genetic condition has been met. The same genetic factors that affect development may also affect susceptibility to cancer. This part of the hypothesis is supported by a number of clinical correlations between congenital defects and a higher incidence of cancer and by the demonstration of an increased susceptibility to the effects of chemical carcinogens in rats carrying the grc.


Antidiabetic activity of Terminalia catappa Linn fruits.
In view of alleged antidiabetic potential, effect of the petroleum ether, methanol, and aqueous extracts of Terminalia catappa Linn (combretaceae) fruit, on fasting blood sugar levels and serum biochemical analysis in alloxan-induced diabetic rats were investigated. All the three extracts of Terminalia catappa produced a significant antidiabetic activity at dose levels 1/5 of their lethal doses. Concurrent histological studies of the pancreas of these animals showed comparable regeneration by methanolic and aqueous extracts which were earlier, necrosed by alloxan.


Radiographic assessment and psychologic variables as predictors of pain and functional impairment in osteoarthritis of the knee or hip.
Sixty-five outpatients with osteoarthritis of the knee and/or hip were assessed using radiographic ratings of disease severity, measures of psychologic coping, and multidimensional clinical outcomes of degree of pain and functional impairment. Disease severity accounted for little of the individual variability in clinical outcomes. Even after controlling for disease severity, psychologic variables remained strong predictors of individual differences in functional impairment and pain. Psychologic processes deserve greater clinical and research attention as potential mediators between disease severity and clinical outcome.


Impact of Potentially Malignant Incidental Findings by Computed Tomographic Angiography on Long-Term Survival After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation.
Computed tomography angiography (CTA) in workup for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) frequently reveals potentially malignant incidental findings. Most incidental findings provoke discussions on their influence. We aimed to analyze if these findings were a predictor of long-term survival after TAVI. In a single-center retrospective analysis, all consecutive patients with pre-TAVI CTA were included (years 2009 to 2014). Patients were divided by presence or absence of incidental findings. We analyzed up to 5 years of all-cause, non-cardiovascular and cardiovascular mortality for all 553 patients who underwent TAVI; 113 had a potentially malignant incidental finding (20.4%). At 5 years, all-cause mortality risk was 64.5% in patients with versus 49.1% in patients without a finding (hazard ratio [HR] 1.70, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.25 to 2.31). After adjustment, the findings remained an independent predictor of all-cause (adjusted HR 1.46, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.99) and non-cardiovascular mortality (adjusted subdistribution HR 1.84, 95% CI 1.06 to 3.20), but not of cardiovascular mortality. In conclusion, the presence of potentially malignant incidental findings on CTA is an independent predictor of long-term all-cause and noncardiovascular mortality but not of cardiovascular mortality.


A question of balance: Explaining differences between parental and grandparental perspectives on preschoolers' feeding and physical activity.
Although one quarter of US and UK families rely on grandparents as the main providers of informal childcare, grandparental perspectives on the feeding and physical activity of young children remain understudied. The study's aim was to elucidate parents' and grandparents' perspectives on young children's feeding and physical activity, and identify how they negotiate potential differences between these perspectives. We interviewed 22 parents and 27 grandparents from 16 families of children aged 3-5 years in the Pacific Northwest, US. Using familial homeostasis as a novel theoretical framework, the interviews were analyzed to assess differences between parental and grandparental perspectives on feeding and physical activity. The analysis yielded six thematic categories: (1) disagreements about feeding stem from parents' and grandparents' differing definitions of healthy feeding; (2) differences between parents' and grandparents' feeding practices reflect differences in perceived caretaking roles; (3) parents and grandparents negotiate differences in feeding practices through grandparental compliance and parental compromise; (4) differences in preschoolers' physical activity are influenced by parents' and grandparents' own access to and engagement in physical activity; (5) parents and grandparents express few disagreements about preschoolers' screen-time; (6) parents and grandparents rarely discuss preschoolers' physical activity. The findings suggest that parental and grandparental decision-making about feeding and exercise is informed by ideas of what constitutes familial balance and a balanced lifestyle for a preschool aged child, rather than by the child's weight status. Parents and grandparents appear to engage in practices designed to preserve familial homeostasis, which may provide a compelling explanation for the persistent difficulties in implementing family-based childhood obesity interventions.


Orthognathic surgical norms for a sample of Saudi adults: Hard tissue measurements.
The aim of the study is to establish hard tissue cephalometric norms for orthognathic surgery for a sample of Saudi adults. Sixty-two lateral cephalometric radiographs for 31 females and 31 males, age range of 22-24 years, were analysed. The mean values of the hard and dental measurements were compared with those of European-American adults using Burstone analysis, as well as comparison between Saudi males and females. Saudi males had an increased cranial base length, the mandible lied more posterior to maxilla, increased mandibular plane angle and backward rotation of the mandible with less prominent chin, shorter maxillary length, and also less proclination of lower incisors compared to those of European Americans. Saudi females had similar cranial base length and shorter maxillary length than European Americans. In both gender; lower anterior and posterior dental heights were smaller when compared with the European-Americans' values. A significant difference between Saudi males and females was found. Saudi males showed longer cranial base length, larger vertical skeletal proportion, increased dental values, longer maxillary and mandibular length than the female group. This study may be useful in providing racially specific cephalometric norms for diagnosis and treatment planning for orthognathic surgery for a sample of Saudi adults.


Design and rationale of the inferior vena CAVA and Lung UltraSound-guided therapy in Acute Heart Failure (CAVAL US-AHF Study): a randomised controlled trial.
Between 25% and 30% of patients hospitalised for acute heart failure (AHF) are readmitted within 90 days after discharge, mostly due to persistent congestion on discharge. However, as the optimal evaluation of decongestion is not clearly defined, it is necessary to implement new tools to identify subclinical congestion to guide treatment. To evaluate if inferior vena cava (IVC) and lung ultrasound (CAVAL US)-guided therapy for AHF patients reduces subclinical congestion at discharge. CAVAL US-AHF is a single-centre, single-blind randomised controlled trial designed to evaluate if an IVC and lung ultrasound-guided healthcare strategy is superior to standard care to reduce subclinical congestion at discharge. Fifty-eight patients with AHF will be randomised using a block randomisation programme that will assign to either lung and IVC ultrasound-guided decongestion therapy ('intervention group') or clinical-guided decongestion therapy ('control group'), using a quantitative protocol and will be classified in three groups according to the level of congestion observed: none or mild, moderate or severe. The treating physicians will know the result of the test and the subsequent adjustment of treatment in response to those findings guided by a customised therapeutic algorithm. The primary endpoint is the presence of more than five B-lines and/or an increase in the diameter of the IVC, with and without collapsibility. The secondary endpoints are the composite of readmission for HF, unplanned visit for worsening HF or death at 90 days, variation of pro-B-type natriuretic peptide at discharge, length of hospital stay and diuretic dose at 90 days. Analyses will be conducted as between-group by intention to treat. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board and registered in the PRIISA.BA platform of the Ministry of Health of the City of Buenos Aires. NCT04549701.


[Value of computed tomography in tumors of the pharyngolarynx].
A study was conducted of 27 case-reports to assess the value of computed tomography for investigation of pharyngolaryngeal cancer spread. Analysis was by comparison of clinical, endoscopic, conventional radiologic, computed tomography, and definitive operative specimen histologic findings. Certain laryngeal structures were studied more particularly: the anterior commissure, the pre-epiglottic spaces, the subglottic region, and the thyroid cartilage. Findings demonstrated that the CT Scan is of no value for the study of the anterior commissure and the pre-epiglottic spaces, but is of major interest for detection of subclinical lesions of the subglottic region and thyroid cartilage.


IL-1 β gene (+3954 C/T, exon 5, rs1143634) and NOS2 (exon 22) polymorphisms associate with early aseptic loosening of arthroplasties.
Aseptic prosthetic loosening (APL) and prosthetic joint infections (PJI) are frequent complications of hip and knee implants. Polymorphisms of cytokines and nitric oxide (NO), key inflammatory molecules in APL and PJI pathogenesis, could explain individual susceptibility to these complications. Three cytokines (IL-1-a, IL-1-β, TNF-α) and two nitric oxide synthase (NOS2, NOS3) genes polymorphisms were genotyped in 77 APL and 117 PJI patients and 145 controls with aseptic hip or knee implants that were implanted for > 16 years. Plasma cytokines and nitrate-nitrite (NOx) levels also were measured. The TT genotype and T allele of (+3954 C/T, exon 5, rs1143634) IL-1β polymorphism were more frequent in APL patients compared to controls (P = 0.03 and P = 0.02, respectively). No genotypic associations in PJI patients were observed. Plasma IL-6, TNF-α and NOx were significantly different between APL and controls (P < 0.0001). Plasma IL-1β and IL-6 were significantly higher in APL T allele carriers vs. non-carriers (P < 0.03). Knee implant (HR 2.488, 95% CI 1.307-4.739, P = 0.005), male gender (HR 2.252, 95% CI 1.121-4.525, P = 0.023), carriages of the TT genotype of the (+3954 C/T) IL-1β polymorphism (HR 3.704, 95% CI 1.274-10.753, P = 0.016) and AA genotype of the (exon 22) NOS2 polymorphism (HR 3.509, 95% CI 1.266-9.709, P = 0.016) were independently associated with a shorter implant survival by Cox regression. No genotypic associations in PJI patients were observed. Genotyping of IL-1β (+3954 C/T, exon 5, rs1143634) and NOS2 (exon 22) polymorphisms could be useful as predictors of early hip or knee APL.


Multimodality Imaging of Right Heart Function: JACC Scientific Statement.
Right ventricular (RV) size and function assessed by multimodality imaging are associated with outcomes in a variety of cardiovascular diseases. Understanding RV anatomy and physiology is essential in appreciating the strengths and weaknesses of current imaging methods and gives these measurements greater context. The adaptation of the right ventricle to different types and severity of stress, particularly over time, is specific to the cardiovascular disease process. Multimodality imaging parameters, which determine outcomes, reflect the ability to image the initial and longitudinal RV response to stress. This paper will review the standard and novel imaging methods for assessing RV function and the impact of these parameters on outcomes in specific disease states.


Pseudomonas aeruginosa adaptation and evolution in patients with cystic fibrosis.
Intense genome sequencing of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from cystic fibrosis (CF) airways has shown inefficient eradication of the infecting bacteria, as well as previously undocumented patient-to-patient transmission of adapted clones. However, genome sequencing has limited potential as a predictor of chronic infection and of the adaptive state during infection, and thus there is increasing interest in linking phenotypic traits to the genome sequences. Phenotypic information ranges from genome-wide transcriptomic analysis of patient samples to determination of more specific traits associated with metabolic changes, stress responses, antibiotic resistance and tolerance, biofilm formation and slow growth. Environmental conditions in the CF lung shape both genetic and phenotypic changes of P. aeruginosa during infection. In this Review, we discuss the adaptive and evolutionary trajectories that lead to early diversification and late convergence, which enable P. aeruginosa to succeed in this niche, and we point out how knowledge of these biological features may be used to guide diagnosis and therapy.


Profile of patients and physiotherapy patterns in intensive care units in public hospitals in Zimbabwe: a descriptive cross-sectional study.
Physiotherapy is integral to patient management in the Intensive Care Unit. The precise role that physiotherapists play in the critical care differs significantly worldwide. The aim of the study was to describe the profile of patients and the current patterns of physiotherapy services delivered for patients admitted in the five public hospital intensive care units in Zimbabwe. A prospective record review was performed and records of all consecutive patients admitted into the five units during a two months period were included in the analysis. The data was collected using a checklist and the following were recorded for each patient: 1) demographic information, 2) admission diagnoses, 3) surgery classification, 4) method and time of mechanical ventilation 5) physiotherapy techniques and frequency and 6) the length of stay. A total of 137 patients were admitted to five units during the study. The mean age of patients in the study was 36.0 years (SD = 16.6). A mortality rate of 17.5 % was observed with most of the patients being below the age of 45 years. The majority of the patients, 61(45 %) had undergone emergency surgery and were in the ICU for postoperative treatment, whilst only 19(14 %) were in the units for clinical treatment (non-surgical). On admission, 72(52.6 %) of the patients were on mechanical ventilation. The mean duration on mechanical ventilation for patients was 4.0 days (SD =2.7) and a length of stay in the unit of 4.5 days (SD = 3.0). Of the patients who were admitted into the ICU 120 (87.6 %) had at least one session of physiotherapy treatment during their stay. The mean number of days physiotherapy treatment was received was 3.71 (SD = 3.14) days. The most commonly used physiotherapy techniques were active assisted limb movements (66.4 %), deep breathing exercises (65.0 %) and forced expiratory techniques (65.0 %). A young population admitted in the ICU for post-surgical treatment was observed across all hospital ICUs. The techniques which were executed in Zimbabwean ICUs showed that the goal of the physiotherapy treatment was mainly to prevent and treat respiratory complications and a culture of promoting bed rest still existed. PACTR201408000829202.


The radiological features of Histoplasma pericarditis.
The radiographic features of pericarditis due to Histoplasma capsulatum are described in 5 children. This diagnosis is suggested when enlargement of the cardiac silhouette is associated with pneumonia, parenchymal nodules or adenopathy. These findings are particularly significant if the patient lives or has lived in an area which is endemic for histoplasmosis. While pleural effusion is rare in primary histoplasmosis, it is frequently present in patients with histoplasma pericarditis.


Inhibition of keratinocyte ferroptosis suppresses psoriatic inflammation.
Psoriasis is a common, chronic, and recurrent inflammatory disease. It is characterized by hyperproliferation and abnormal differentiation of keratinocytes. Keratinocyte death is also involved in many pathophysiological conditions and amplifies the inflammatory cascade. As a newly recognized form of cell death, ferroptosis is involved in several inflammatory diseases. In this study, we aimed to investigate a previously unrecognized role for ferroptosis in psoriasis. Ferroptosis is mediated by lipid peroxidation and iron overload. Compared with normal lesions, the mRNA expression of acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4), prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2), and transferrin receptor (TFRC) were highly expressed in psoriatic lesions, with decreased levels of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), ferritin light chain (FTL), and ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1). The protein levels of ACSL4 and GPX4 were consistent with their mRNA levels. A similar tendency of ferroptosis was also observed in erastin-treated human primary keratinocytes and the Imiquimod (IMQ)-induced model of psoriasis. To investigate the correlation between inflammation and peroxidation, we analyzed single-cell RNA-sequencing data and identified 15 cell types. There was a high correlation between the activity of the lipid oxidation and the Th22/Th17 response in keratinocytes at a single-cell level. Moreover, ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1), a potent inhibitor of lipid peroxidation, suppressed ferroptosis-related changes in erastin-treated keratinocytes and alleviated psoriasiform dermatitis of IMQ-induced models. Additionally, Fer-1 blocked inflammatory responses in vitro and in vivo, reducing the production of cytokines including TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-17, IL-22, and IL-23. This study revealed an expression pattern of ferroptosis in which specific molecules enhance inflammatory reactions in psoriasis.


Reproductive concerns and fear of cancer recurrence: a qualitative study of women's experiences of the perinatal period after cancer.
Young female cancer survivors are at a disproportionate risk of suffering significant psychological distress following treatment, particularly fears of cancer recurrence (FCR). While previous research has established the robust relationship between FCR and family matters (e.g., family planning and motherhood), there is a paucity of information about how a history of cancer affects women's psychological functioning throughout the perinatal period. The present investigation sought to better understand women's experiences of pregnancy and the postpartum period following cancer treatment through a qualitative analysis. Ten women participated in a semi-structured, one-on-one interview either over telephone or video conferencing (Zoom). Women were recruited from Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto, as well as through online cancer support platforms, and social media sites. Participants all had a past cancer diagnosis; no active disease; were 45-years of age or younger; currently in the perinatal period; and spoke English fluently. The study employed a grounded theory analysis by which verbatim interview data were analysed using a constant comparison method until data saturation was reached. The qualitative analysis yielded I'm So Happy, But Also Terrified, as the core category, indicative of the duality of emotional experience that characterized the perinatal period for these women. Additionally, four higher-order categories emerged revealing how women go through a process of grief related to potential fertility loss; conditional joy during and after pregnancy due to the lingering weight of cancer; frustration with a lack of resources regarding perinatal health after cancer; and hope as they enter into motherhood. These results suggest that women in the perinatal period with a history of cancer may be at an increased risk for psychological distress and require additional fertility and reproductive resources both during and after cancer treatment. This research is an important step in further understanding women's experiences of pregnancy after cancer and may help to inform future research and healthcare practices, in addition to improving perinatal care after cancer.


Spectral study on the unique enhanced fluorescence of guanosine triphosphate by zinc ions.
Binding effect of guanosine triphosphate (GTP) with metal ions is involved in many biologically important processes, and so its investigation has been one interesting research focus for many chemical and biochemical research groups. In this contribution, we presented the unique fluorescence recovery and enhancement of GTP induced by Zn(II) based on the spectrofluorometric method. When excited at 280 nm, GTP is hardly fluorescent at the alkaline condition. However, the presence of Zn(II) caused an obvious fluorescence emission of GTP at 346 nm, and the binding molar ratio between GTP and Zn(II) had been proved to be 1. The investigations of binding property of various nucleotides with metal ions demonstrated that this fluorescence recovery and enhancement of GTP with Zn(II) was highly specific, which could successfully discriminate GTP from other structurally similar nucleotides including GDP and GMP. Furthermore, similar fluorescence response of the bacterial alarmone ppGpp to Zn(II) had also been identified.


Polycistronic trypanosome mRNAs are a target for the exosome.
Eukaryotic cells have several mRNA quality control checkpoints to avoid the production of aberrant proteins. Intron-containing mRNAs are actively degraded by the nuclear exosome, prevented from nuclear exit and, if these systems fail, degraded by the cytoplasmic NMD machinery. Trypanosomes have only two introns. However, they process mRNAs from long polycistronic precursors by trans-splicing and polycistronic mRNA molecules frequently arise from any missed splice site. Here, we show that RNAi depletion of the trypanosome exosome, but not of the cytoplasmic 5'-3' exoribonuclease XRNA or the NMD helicase UPF1, causes accumulation of oligocistronic mRNAs. We have also revisited the localization of the trypanosome exosome by expressing eYFP-fusion proteins of the exosome subunits RRP44 and RRP6. Both proteins are significantly enriched in the nucleus. Together with published data, our data suggest a major nuclear function of the trypanosome exosome in rRNA, snoRNA and mRNA quality control.


Palladium-catalyzed C-H bond carboxylation of acetanilides: an efficient usage of N,N-dimethyloxamic acid as the carboxylate source.
N,N-Dimethyloxamic acid can be successfully employed as a carboxylate precursor in the palladium-catalyzed direct C-H carboxylation of acetanilides. The reaction proceeds smoothly under mild conditions over a broad range of substrates with high functional group tolerance, affording substituted N-acyl anthranilic acids in moderate to high yields.


Households willingness to pay for long-lasting insecticide treated nets in three urban communities of Assosa Zone, western Ethiopia.
Achieving the target coverage of insecticide treated nets (ITNs) has to be preceded by understanding their demands, willingness to pay (WTP) and determinants of WTP for those who could not get free of charge. To assess WTP for long lasting ITN using contingent valuation method and determinants of maximum WTP for long lasting ITN among households in Assosa Zone, Western Ethiopia. The contingent valuation method was used to assess WTP for long-lasting ITN among households selected from the three urban communities. univariate and multivariate regression analyses were carried out. The adjusted effect (beta), F-ratios, adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% CI were used to interpret results. The criterion for statistical significance was set at 0.05. Ninety six percent of the respondents reported that long-lasting ITN are important for their family fbr prevention of malaria and demanded for long lasting ITN. Sixty seven percent of the respondents were willing to pay for long-lasting ITN at the starting bid amount of 25 Birr. The mean, maximum WTP amount was 27.84 Birr. The mean WTP amount varied with the respondents' wealth status, which was 19.09 and 35.26 Birr foir poorest and well-off wealth quintiles respectively. Wealth status and knowledge of the respondents about its preventive effects against boring insects were significantly associated with their WTP (adjusted beta = +3.76, 95% CI: 2.3, 4.6 and adjusted beta = 10.15, 95% CI: 2.7, 17.6 respectively). The poor have shown their WTP for reduced cost of ITN, thus the regional health bureau should develop a price discrimination mechanism for those economically vulnerable groups.


Principles and pitfalls of diagnostic test development: implications for spectroscopic tissue diagnosis.
Diagnostic spectroscopy has the potential to supplant the time-honored "gold standard" of light microscopy and herald an era of in vivo tissue diagnosis. However, the lessons in disease diagnosis learned by pathologists over the years should not be forgotten. This discussion will focus on the basis principles and pitfalls of diagnostic test development, and how they apply to optical spectroscopy tissue diagnosis.


Resonance Rayleigh scattering spectral method for the determination of raloxifene using gold nanoparticle as a probe.
When gold nanoparticles were being prepared by sodium citrate reduction method, citrate anions self-assembled on the surface of gold nanoparticles to form supermolecular complex anions with negative charges, and protonated raloxifene (Ralo) was positively charged and could bind with the complex anions to form larger aggregates through electrostatic force and hydrophobic effects, which could result in the remarkable enhancement of the resonance Rayleigh scattering intensity (RRS), and the appearance of new RRS spectra. At the same time, the second-order scattering (SOS) and frequency-doubling scattering (FDS) intensities were also enhanced. The maximum wavelengths were located near 370 nm for RRS, 520 nm for SOS, and 350 nm for FDS, respectively. Among them, the RRS method had the highest sensitivity and the detection limit was 5.60 ng mL(-1) for Ralo, and its linear range was 0.05-2.37 microg mL(-1). A new RRS method for the determination of trace Ralo using gold nanoparticles probe was developed. The optimum conditions of the reaction and influencing factors were investigated. In addition, the reaction mechanism and the reasons for the enhancement of RRS were discussed.


Uncoupled release of protein and lipid in a protein-secreting bacterium, Bacillus brevis 47.
Bacillus brevis 47 was found to release approx. 10% of the total cellular lipids into the medium, and the protein secretion process in B. brevis 47 was studied to determine whether any relationship exists with lipid synthesis or alteration in the lipid composition. B. brevis 47 contained the usual phospholipids such as phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and cardiolipin as well as diglycerides as major neutral lipids. The extracellular lipid consisted of the same constituents as the cellular lipid but with a significantly altered composition. Divalent cations such as Ca2+, which specifically inhibit protein secretion, had no effect on the lipid release. A nonprotein-secreting mutant released lipid to the same extent as wild-type cells. Based on these results, we conclude that protein secretion occurs independently of lipid release.


Bio-electrochemical remediation of real field petroleum sludge as an electron donor with simultaneous power generation facilitates biotransformation of PAH: effect of substrate concentration.
Remediation of real-field petroleum sludge was studied under self-induced electrogenic microenvironment with the function of variable organic loads (OLs) in bio-electrochemical treatment (BET) systems. Operation under various OLs documented marked influence on both electrogenic activity and remediation efficiency. Both total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) and its aromatic fraction documented higher removal with OL4 operation followed by OL3, OL2, OL1 and control. Self-induced biopotential and associated multiple bio-electrocatalytic reactions during BET operation facilitated biotransformation of higher ring aromatics (5-6) to lower ring aromatic (2-3) compounds. Asphaltenes and NSO fractions showed negligible removal during BET operation. Higher electrogenic activity was recorded at OL1 (343mV; 53.11mW/m(2), 100Ω) compared to other three OLs operation. Bioaugmentation to anodic microflora with anaerobic culture documented enhanced electrogenic activity at OL4 operation. Voltammetric profiles, Tafel analysis and VFA generation were in agreement with the observed power generation and degradation efficiency.


"As soon as I start trusting human beings, they disappoint me, and now I am going to get on an app that someone could hack. I really do not want to take that chance": barriers and facilitators to digital peer support implementation into community mental health centers.
Certified peer support specialists often use technologies such as smartphone applications to deliver digital peer support in community mental health centers. Certified peer support specialists are individuals with a mental health diagnosis, trained and accredited by their state to provide mental health support services. Digital peer support has shown promising evidence of promoting recovery, hope, social support, and medical and psychiatric self-management among patients with a diagnosis of a serious mental illness. Interest in digital peer support as part of the patient experience has grown. Understanding barriers and facilitators to the implementation process of digital peer support into community mental health centers is a critical next step to facilitate uptake. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 27 patient participants (N = 17 persons with serious mental illness; N = 10 certified peer support specialists) from an urban community mental health center. Participants responded to open-ended questions on the barriers and facilitators of engaging with digital peer support technologies within community mental health centers. The interview guide and the responses were categorized according to the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Science Research (CFIR) constructs. Nine barriers and two facilitators were identified for the implementation of digital peer support in community mental health centers. The overarching domains for the identified barriers included (1) intervention characteristics (i.e., adaptability, complexity, and cost), (2) inner settings (i.e., implementation climate, readiness for implementation, and access to knowledge and information), and (3) characteristics of individuals (i.e., knowledge and beliefs about the intervention and other personal attributes). The two facilitators identified included (1) intervention characteristics (i.e., relative advantage) and (2) outer setting (i.e., patient needs and resources). The identified barriers and facilitators represent a starting point for developing or modifying digital peer support technology requirements to ease implementation in community mental health centers. Building technology requirements and implementation processes based on these findings may facilitate uptake of digital peer support technologies by people with serious mental illness and certified peer support specialists in community mental health centers.


Measuring the reliability of proxy respondents in behavioural assessments: an open question.
In behavioural assessment, information can be gathered from internally referenced self-reports or from proxy informants. This study aimed to fine-tune a brief but reliable method for evaluating the proxy accuracy in cases where responses obtained from adult and older adults' patient cannot be considered reliable. We generated a set of items reflecting both overt and covert behaviours related to the basic instrumental activities of daily living. The psychometric properties of the content, factorial, and criterium validity of these items were then checked. The Proxy Reliability Questionnaire-ProRe was created. We tested the frequency of "I don't know" responses as a measure of proxy reliability in a sample of healthy older adults and their proxies, and in a second sample of proxy respondents who answered questions about their parents. As expected, response precision was lower for items characterizing covert behaviours; items about covert compared to overt behaviours generated more "I don't know" answers. Proxies provided less "I don't know" responses when evaluating the parent, they claimed they knew better. Moreover, we tried to validate our approach using response confidence. Encouragingly, these results also showed differences in the expected direction in confidence between overt and covert behaviours. The present study encourages clinicians/researchers to how well the proxy the patient know each other, the tendency of proxies to exhibit, for example, response bias when responding to questions about patients' covert behaviours, and more importantly, the reliability of informants in providing a clinical assessment of neurocognitive diseases associated with aging.


Reconstructing Ear Defects Using the Revolving Door Island Flap: A Case Series.
Defects of the anterior region of the pinna pose a reconstruction challenge owing to the complex topography and difficult access. We report our experience using the revolving door island flap (RDIF) to reconstruct pinna defects and present the surgical results. Retrospective descriptive study of patients undergoing ear reconstruction using RDIF at different sites of the anterior region after resection of malignant tumors. Seventeen patients underwent surgery between 2011 and 2019 for squamous cell carcinoma (n=7) and basal cell carcinoma (n=10). Conventional histology showed disease-free surgical margins in all the resected tissue specimens. The mean follow-up period was 40 months. One local recurrence of squamous cell carcinoma was observed, which responded well to radiation therapy; all patients were free of disease at the end of follow-up. Only 3 patients presented minor complications (depression of the flap surface in 1 case and retraction of the ear toward the mastoid process in 2 cases). Subjective rating scales were used to evaluate cosmetic and functional outcomes as assessed by both the dermatologist and the patient. The normal contour of the pinna was conserved in all patients and no patients required additional corrective surgery. Reconstruction of the pinna using RDIF allowed for satisfactory repair following complete resection of the tumors, while conserving structure and functionality. RDIF has been reported to be a very good option for reconstruction of the pinna. It is a simple technique that makes it possible to repair large defects with minimal risk of necrosis. In our series, the cosmetic results were excellent and recurrence rates were very low. RDIF provided optimal results in repairing lesions in the concha and in other regions, such as the antihelix, triangular fossa, and scapha.


Permissive Conformations of a Transmembrane Helix Allow Intramembrane Proteolysis by γ-Secretase.
The intramembrane protease γ-secretase activates important signaling molecules, such as Notch receptors. It is still unclear, however, how different elements within the primary structure of substrate transmembrane domains (TMDs) contribute to their cleavability. Using a newly developed yeast-based cleavage assay, we identified three crucial regions within the TMDs of the paralogs Notch1 and Notch3 by mutational and gain-of-function approaches. The AAAA or AGAV motifs within the N-terminal half of the TMDs were found to confer strong conformational flexibility to these TMD helices, as determined by mutagenesis coupled to deuterium/hydrogen exchange. Crucial amino acids within the C-terminal half may support substrate docking into the catalytic cleft of presenilin, the enzymatic subunit of γ-secretase. Further, residues close to the C-termini of the TMDs may stabilize a tripartite β-sheet in the substrate/enzyme complex. NMR structures reveal different extents of helix bending as well as an ability to adopt widely differing conformational substates, depending on the sequence of the N-terminal half. The difference in cleavability between Notch1 and Notch3 TMDs is jointly determined by the conformational repertoires of the TMD helices and the sequences of the C-terminal half, as suggested by mutagenesis and building molecular models. In sum, cleavability of a γ-secretase substrate is enabled by different functions of cooperating TMD regions, which deepens our mechanistic understanding of substrate/non-substrate discrimination in intramembrane proteolysis.


Multi-omic responses of fish exposed to complex chemical mixtures in the Shenandoah River watershed.
To evaluate relationships between different anthropogenic impacts, contaminant occurrence, and fish health, we conducted in situ fish exposures across the Shenandoah River watershed at five sites with different land use. Exposure water was analyzed for over 500 chemical constituents, and organismal, metabolomic, and transcriptomic endpoints were measured in fathead minnows. Adverse reproductive outcomes were observed in fish exposed in the upper watershed at both wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluent- and agriculture-impacted sites, including decreased gonadosomatic index and altered secondary sex characteristics. This was accompanied with increased mortality at the site most impacted by agricultural activities. Molecular biomarkers of estrogen exposure were unchanged and consistent with low or non-detectable concentrations of common estrogens, indicating that alternative mechanisms were involved in organismal adverse outcomes. Hepatic metabolomic and transcriptomic profiles were altered in a site-specific manner, consistent with variation in land use and contaminant profiles. Integrated biomarker response data were useful for evaluating mechanistic linkages between contaminants and adverse outcomes, suggesting that reproductive endocrine disruption, altered lipid processes, and immunosuppression may have been involved in these organismal impacts. This study demonstrated linkages between human-impact, contaminant occurrence, and exposure effects in the Shenandoah River watershed and showed increased risk of adverse outcomes in fathead minnows exposed to complex mixtures at sites impacted by municipal wastewater discharges and agricultural practices.


Aggressive angiomyxoma of pelvis: A case report and literature review.
Aggressive angiomyxoma (AAM) is a rare mesenchymal tumor primarily involving the lower genital tract of reproductive females. It often shares pathologic morphology with other mesenchymal lesions, which result in diagnostic difficulties for pathologists. We described the case of a 32-year-old female presenting with a pelvic mass. Imaging examination showed a "swirling sign" within the mass. The mass was 10.2 × 10 × 7.7 cm, located in the right front of the uterus, with unclear demarcation from the surrounding organs and tissues. The gross appearance was grayish brown with a solid section and a myxedematous cut surface. Microscopically, it was a mesenchymal tumor with a presence of perivascular smooth muscle fibers radiating from the blood vessel and an infiltrative growth pattern. The pelvic AAM was diagnosed based on clinicopathologic and imaging features. A surgery with local excision of the mass was performed. The patient experienced 1 relapse during 2-year follow-up and underwent the radiation therapy. When the pathological morphology of AAM overlaps with other mesenchymal lesions, the comprehensive understanding of tumor clinicopathological characteristics combined with imaging features is important for the accurate diagnosis of AAM.


How transcription factors drive choice of the T cell fate.
Recent evidence has elucidated how multipotent blood progenitors transform their identities in the thymus and undergo commitment to become T cells. Together with environmental signals, a core group of transcription factors have essential roles in this process by directly activating and repressing specific genes. Many of these transcription factors also function in later T cell development, but control different genes. Here, we review how these transcription factors work to change the activities of specific genomic loci during early intrathymic development to establish T cell lineage identity. We introduce the key regulators and highlight newly emergent insights into the rules that govern their actions. Whole-genome deep sequencing-based analysis has revealed unexpectedly rich relationships between inherited epigenetic states, transcription factor-DNA binding affinity thresholds and influences of given transcription factors on the activities of other factors in the same cells. Together, these mechanisms determine T cell identity and make the lineage choice irreversible.


Experience with Alemtuzumab (Campath-1H) as induction agent in renal transplantation followed by steroid-free immunosuppression.
The purpose of this study was to describe the initial experience with alemtuzumab as induction followed by steroid-free immunosuppression in kidney transplantation. One hundred patients who received renal transplants from living and deceased donors were followed for a median period of 12 months (range = 1 to 12). A 30-mg intravenous dose of Alemtuzumab was administered on the transplant day, preceded by a 500-mg methylprednisolone dose. Maintenance immunosuppression consisted in the use of a calcineurin inhibitor in association with mycophenolic acid. Maintenance C2 levels of cyclosporine were between 400 and 600 ng/dL; or of tacrolimus, between 4 and 7 ng/dL. Prophylaxis included valgancyclovir, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxasole, and nystatin. All patients were evaluated for acute rejection episodes, adverse events, or death. The cumulative incidences of acute rejection at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months were 0%, 4% (n = 4), 5% (n = 5), and 8% (n = 8), respectively. Most episodes were Banff 1 a or b (88%). The infectious complication rate was 23%. There was no case of cytomegalovirus infection or posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease. Three patients died: one due to tuberculosis; one, sepsis; and one, an acute coronary event. No patient was lost to follow-up. This study suggested the safety and efficacy of Campath-1H as an induction agent in renal transplant recipients.


[Presence of family members while performing invasive procedures. A prospective study].
Family members of child patients have traditionally not been allowed to be present during invasive procedures. To evaluate the level of satisfaction of family members, healthcare professionals, and the patients themselves, when family members are present during invasive procedures carried out in the pediatric emergency department. A prospective observational study was carried out, which included a questionnaire containing demographic information, the details of the procedure, and the level of satisfaction of the patient, their family members, and the healthcare professionals present. Data was obtained from 75 procedures. In 5 of these, family members chose not to be present during the procedure. The most frequent procedures were lumbar punctures (44%), laceration repairs (22,7%) and venopunctures (17,3%). All (100%) the children who were asked wanted their family members to be present. 90% of family members and 57% of healthcare professionals were of the opinion that the presence of family members facilitated the procedure. Furthermore, 90% of family members and 76% of healthcare professionals thought that family presence was beneficial to the patient. 95% of family members and 71% of healthcare professionals thought that the option to be present during invasive procedures should be given to family members. 73% of healthcare professionals were satisfied with the presence of family members. On a scale of one to ten, overall satisfaction of family members was 9.5. In our experience, family presence during invasive procedures is possible, and we have found this to be beneficial to the child. We also found that both family members and healthcare professionals were accepting and also satisfied with this new practice policy.


Correction to: Intra-cluster correlation coefficients in primary care patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertension.
An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.


Dutch Consensus Paper: A Consensus View on the Place of Neurostimulation Within the Treatment Arsenal of Five Reimbursed Indications for Neurostimulation in The Netherlands.
After an interpretation trajectory, the Dutch Quality of Healthcare Institute recommended that for five indications, spinal cord stimulation, dorsal root ganglion stimulation, or occipital nerve stimulation, together referred to as neurostimulation, can be considered effective and be reimbursed in the Netherlands. These five indications are the well and largely studied, accepted neurostimulation indications in scientific literature. As an extension of this, all the scientific societies involved in the Netherlands were required to reach a consensus about the diagnosis and treatment of these five formulated indications to describe the place of neurostimulation within the treatment algorithm. This article describes the development process and content of the consensus paper. A scientific committee, consisting of three anesthesiologists/pain physicians (one of whom acted as the working group's chair), a neurosurgeon, a neurologist, a rehabilitation physician, and three nurse practitioners, participated. A quality advisor of the Knowledge Institute of the Dutch Federation of Medical Specialists supported the committee. The committee participated on behalf of their various scientific and professional societies. Three sessions were organized during which the place of neurostimulation in the treatment algorithm of the five relevant indications was discussed extensively. A narrative literature review and experts' opinions formed the basis of decision-making in the process. For all five diagnoses, general and diagnosis-specific treatment requirements, conservative treatments, and minimally invasive treatments are listed. These treatments should be considered in the chronic pain management algorithm before eventually proceeding to neurostimulation. The content of this consensus view was discussed and compared with other literature on cost-effectiveness and the place in the algorithm of treating chronic pain. This Dutch consensus paper could ultimately contribute to the maintenance or expansion of neurostimulation and the reimbursement.


Mannose-binding lectin-2 genotypes and recurrent late pregnancy losses.
Low levels of mannose-binding lectin (MBL) predispose to various infectious and inflammatory disorders and have been reported to be associated with recurrent early miscarriages. Recurrent late pregnancy losses (RLPL) in the second trimester is a rare but devastating syndrome where maternal rather than fetal causes are likely to play a stronger role than in early recurrent miscarriage. We identified 75 patients with at least two late losses of pregnancies with apparently normal fetuses between gestational week 14 and 30 among patients with recurrent pregnancy losses referred to our clinic. Polymorphisms in the MBL2 gene associated with plasma MBL levels were investigated in all patients and in 104 women with two or more children and no miscarriages. The patients were divided into three groups: one with clinical signs of cervical insufficiency, one positive for the lupus anticoagulant (LAC) and an idiopathic group. Among all patients with RLPL, 26.7% had MBL2 genotypes associated with MBL deficiency compared with 12.5% in controls [odds ratio (OR) 2.55; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.17-5.52; P < 0.02]. Among patients with clinical signs of cervical insufficiency or the LAC, the frequency of genotypes associated with MBL deficiency was not significantly increased. However, among 38 patients with idiopathic RLPL, 36.8% carried low-producing MBL2 genotypes, which was significantly more than in controls (OR 4.08, 95% CI 1.70-9.83, P = 0.001). MBL deficiency is strongly associated with idiopathic RLPL. This may point towards a role for excessive inflammatory disturbances as a cause of the syndrome.


Prevalence of Giardia and Cryptosporidium spp in calves from a region in New Zealand experiencing intensification of dairying.
To investigate the prevalence of Giardia and Cryptosporidium spp in calves born during two spring-calving seasons in a rapidly intensifying dairying region in the South Island; to evaluate potential correlations between the prevalence of the organism and age, characteristics of faeces, and animal-housing practices; and to compare the results with those from established dairying regions in the North Island. A longitudinal study was conducted in 2005 and 2006 on 10 dairy farms located in the Otago region, South Island, New Zealand. A total of 1,190 faecal samples were collected from calves 1-7 weeks old. Direct immunofluorescent microscopy was used to screen the faecal samples for Giardia cysts and Cryptosporidium oocysts. The prevalence of Giardia and Cryptosporidium spp detected in calves in Otago was compared with that previously measured in calves from dairying regions in the Waikato and Manawatu, in the North Island . On average, Giardia and Cryptosporidium spp were detected in 31% and 2.6% of all samples, respectively. The prevalence of Giardia spp cysts in faeces was higher in calves >or=3 weeks of age in 2005 (p<or=0.02) and in calves >or=2 weeks of age in 2006 (p=0.07) than in younger calves. No age-related pattern was observed for Cryptosporidium spp in either year. No correlations were evident between characteristics of faeces or animal housing practices and the prevalence of either organism, which did not differ between the two dairy farming regions. Prevalence rates of Giardia and Cryptosporidium spp in calves 1-7 weeks old did not differ between the two geographical regions, nor did the regions' distinct climate conditions appear to influence the prevalence of either pathogen. Considering data from both years together, the presence of Giardia spp cysts in faeces appeared to increase in the first week or two after birth, so that, on average, 30-40% of animals from 3-6 weeks of age were affected. This is the first study to report the prevalence of Giardia and Cryptosporidium spp in dairy calves in the South Island of New Zealand.


Author Correction: Aquaponics using a fish farm effluent shifts bacterial communities profile in halophytes rhizosphere and endosphere.
An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.


Low incidence of arrhythmic syncope and pacemaker implantation in older patients with bifascicular block and implantable cardiac monitor.
In patients with unexplained syncope, bifascicular block (BFB) is considered associated with syncope due to either heart block or sinus arrest. Immediate or delayed pacemaker (PM) implantation after ECG documentation of syncopal recurrence by means of implantable cardiac monitors (ICM) is still debated. We aimed to assess the incidence of recurrent syncope and guideline-based PM implantation in patients with syncope and BFB implanted with ICM. Consecutive patients with syncope and BFB followed at two tertiary care syncope units and implanted with ICM from 2012 to 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Only patients with ≥2 clinical visits and ≥ 18 years of age were included. Incidence of a Class I indication for PM implantation was the primary outcome. Of 635 syncope patients implanted with an ICM, 55 (8.7%) had a BFB and were included. Median age at implantation was 75 [interquartile range, IQR:64-81] years, and 28(49.1%) were women. At 26 [IQR:12-41] months follow-up, 20 (36.3%,16.3%/year) patients experienced syncope: in 6(10.9%) patients syncope was classified 'arrhythmic' with a higher prevalence in older individuals (p = 0.048). PM implantation (N = 14,25.5%) was more frequent in patients ≥75 years (p = 0.024). At survival analysis, patients ≥75 years were at highest risk of arrhythmic syncope and guideline directed PM implantation (Hazard Ratio: 4.5, 95% Confidence Intervals 1.5-13.3). Most older patients with syncope who received an ICM did not have events during follow-up. One-in-three experienced syncope, and an even smaller number had an arrhythmic syncope with indication for PM implantation. Older age was strongly associated with PM implantation.


The Role of Textiles in Dermatitis: An Update.
Dermatitis has important implications for individuals who are affected. It can significantly impair function and quality of life. Dermatitis is multi-factorial and often includes elements of atopic dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, and irritant contact dermatitis in a co-existent manner. Textiles are in contact with the human skin for extended periods of time and as a result, they are an important part of the cutaneous environment. Thus, it is not surprising that textiles play a major role in both the etiology and the treatment of various types of dermatitis. This review discusses the role of textiles in dermatitis with an emphasis on interesting and recent advances, trends, perspectives, gaps, and conflicts in the field. In addition, we mention other disease processes to be aware of as they can often mimic textile pattern dermatitis. Lastly, we provide a diagnostic approach for patients presenting with textile pattern dermatitis.


Expression of immune markers of white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) during Veronaea botryosa infection at different temperatures.
Systemic phaeohyphomycosis caused by Veronaea botryosa is one of the most important emergent diseases to affect sturgeon aquaculture in North America. White sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) cultured at temperatures above 15 °C are at higher risk of severe disseminated disease and higher mortalities. Despite this, little is known regarding disease pathogenesis and the immune response to infection. The objective of this study was to investigate the acute (2 days post-challenge [dpc]) and chronic (32 dpc) response of white sturgeon at 13 °C and 18 °C challenged with V. botryosa via intramuscular injection, using gene expression analysis of a diverse array of soluble immune and inflammatory mediators. Significantly greater amounts of irf8 (p < 0.05) and tfg-β (p < 0.05) genes were detected in gills of exposed fish at 18 °C when compared to those at 13 °C 32 dpc. Transcript levels of haptoglobin, serotransferrin, serum amyloid, cathelicidin, tnf-α, and il-17 were significantly increased in splenic tissues of challenged fish maintained at 18 °C late in infection (p < 0.05). However, only haptoglobin and serotransferrin transcript abundance were significantly greater in exposed fish when compared to controls 32dpc. Moreover, haptoglobin transcripts at this time point were significantly greater in exposed fish at 18 °C when compared to those challenged at 13 °C. Fewer differences were detected in fish kept at 13 °C. In agreement with transcript quantification, western blot assessment of haptoglobin showed increased levels in the challenged fish maintained at 18 °C.


Adsorption of Carvone and Limonene from Caraway essential oil onto Tunisian montmorillonite clay for pharmaceutical application.
To explore a novel kind of green composite material having excellent antibacterial, antifungal ability and specific-targeting capability for pharmaceutical uses, a novel kind of bio-composite was prepared using sodium purified clay as carrier of Caraway essential oil (CEO). Gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) analyses of CEO reveals that Carvone (68.30%) and Limonene (22.54%) are the two major components with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value equal to 125 mg/mL against Staphylococcus (S) aureus bacteria and Candida albicans fungi. Clay from Zaghouan was purified and characterized by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and N2 adsorption-desorption (BET method). Results obtained by chromatograph equipped with a flame ionization detector (GC-FID) show that the concentration of 130 mg/mL of essential oil and 5 h of contact with the purified clay are the optimal conditions for the bio-hybrid formation. The pseudo-second-order model can describe the kinetic study of the adsorption of Carvone and Limonene on sodium montmorillonite, and the adsorption isotherms have been established to the Langmuir type. Limonene registers a maximum adsorption value equal to 3.05 mg/g of clay however Carvone register the higher amount of adsorption (19.98 mg/g) according to its polarity and the abundance of this compound in the crude CEO. X-ray diffraction, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, elemental analyses (CHN) and X-ray fluorescence characterization valid the success adsorption of CEO in sodium montmorillonite surface. The purified clay/CEO hybrid (purified clay/CEO) combined the advantages of both the clay and the essential oil used in exerting the antibacterial and antifungal activity, and thus, the composite has a double antibacterial and antifungal activity compared to the separately uses of inactive clay and CEO, suggesting the great potential application in pharmaceutical treatments.


Integration of single-cell transcriptome and chromatin accessibility of early gonads development among goats, pigs, macaques, and humans.
The early gonads of mammals contain primordial germ cells (PGCs) and somatic cell precursors that are essential for sex determination and gametogenesis. Although it is extensively documented in mice, the development of early gonads in non-rodents remains to be delineated. Because molecular differences between mouse and human gonadal cells have been reported, it warrants the study of the key markers and regulatory features that are conserved or divergent between non-rodent species and human. Here, we integrate single-cell transcriptome and chromatin accessibility analysis to identify regulatory signatures of PGCs and somatic cells in the early gonads of goats, pigs, macaques, and humans. We identify the evolutionarily conserved and species-specific events, including genes expression, signaling pathways, and cell-cell interactions. We also uncover potential cis-regulatory elements and key transcription factors in PGCs and somatic cells. Our datasets provide important resources for better understanding the evolutionary programs of PGCs and gonadal somatic cell development in mammals.


Distribution and diffusion of alamethicin in a lecithin/water model membrane system.
Attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy has been used to determine the equilibrium distribution of the peptide antibiotic alamethicin RF30 between dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine bilayers and the aqueous environment. The distribution coefficient K = cWeq/cMeq turned out to be concentration dependent, pointing to alamethicin association in the membrane with increasing concentration in the aqueous phase (cWeq). This concentration was varied within 28 and 310 nM, i.e., in a range typical for black film experiments. Furthermore. diffusion coefficients of alamethicin in the hydrophobic phase of the membrane (DM) and across the membrane/water interface (DI) have been estimated from the time course of the equilibration process. It was found that the diffusion rate of the uncharged analogue RF50 is about 10 times higher than that of the RF30 component, exhibiting one negative charge at the C-terminus. The time constants for transmembrane diffusion of alamethicin RF30 varied between 2.2hr at low concentration and 3.2 hr at higher concentration. The corresponding low concentration value of the RF50 component was found to be 0.25 hr.


Comparison of ordinary reverse transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) with a newly developed one-step single-tube nested real-time RT-PCR (OSN-qRT-PCR) for sensitive detection of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater.
Wastewater monitoring has proven to be an important approach to detecting and controlling the development of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Various tests based on reverse transcription real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) have been developed and used for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater samples. In this study, we attempted to increase the sensitivity of qRT-PCR by developing a one-step single-tube nested qRT-PCR assay (OSN-qRT-PCR). Two variants were developed, oriented to nucleocapsid phosphoprotein gene (N) and to spike protein gene (S), respectively. The performance of conventional qRT-PCR assays oriented to these genes with two novel OSN-qRT-PCR assays were firstly optimized using wastewater artificially contaminated with two encapsidated RNA mimic systems harboring a portion either N or S gene (ENRM and ESRM, respectively). The assays were coupled to a polyethylene glycol-based RNA precipitation/extraction method and applied to detect SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater samples from four cities in Slovakia. Both novel OSN-qRT-PCR assays demonstrated higher detection rates than the ordinary qRT-PCR counterparts. The virus levels in the analyzed wastewater samples had a high or very high relation with the numbers of clinical cases in the monitored regions. In fact, correlation with a 3-, 4-, or 5-day temporal offset was revealed. The OSN-qRT-PCR assays demonstrated robustness, mainly in samples with low viral loads.


Electrophysiological study of the antiluminal membrane in the proximal tubule of Necturus: effect of inorganic anions and SCN-.
1. A study has been made of the effects of anionic substitutions on the electrical potential difference (p.d.) and conductance characteristics of the antiluminal (peritubular) membrane of the proximal tubule of Necturus kidney. The tubular lumina were filled with oil in order to minimize potential and conductance contributions from luminal membrane and from paracellular shunt pathway.2. Isosmotic substitutions, [A](o) for [Cl](o), produced the following average changes in membrane p.d. (mV): F(-) +1.7, BrO(3) (-) +0.1, Br(-) -4.5, ClO(3) (-) -5.2, I(-) -7.9, NO(3) (-) -12.1, ClO(4) (-) -17.8, SCN(-) -25.3.3. The amplitude of the depolarization caused by increase in K concentration (K-depolarization) in the peritubular perfusate was found to increase during perfusion of the tissue with ClO(4) (-) (by 78%), SCN(-) (45%), I(-) (23%), NO(3) (-) (20%), Br(-) (16%); it decreased with F(-) (by 17%).4. Comparison of membrane p.d. at peak K-depolarization in the control state (during KCl perfusion) with that obtained in the experimental state (during KA perfusion) was found to be more reliable than determination of bi-ionic potentials as a qualitative estimate of the permeabilities of the various anions (P(A)) relative to that of chloride (P(Cl)).5. Study of both peak K-depolarization p.d. and bi-ionic potentials yielded the following sequence for halide anion permeabilities: P(F) > P(Cl) > P(Br) > P(I). The peritubular membrane was found to be substantially more permeable to NO(3) (-), ClO(4) (-) and SCN(-) than to Cl(-).6. The sequence of membrane conductances during anionic substitutions was Cl(-) approximately BrO(3) (-) < Br(-) </= ClO(3) (-) < I(-) approximately F(-) < NO(3) (-) < ClO(4) (-) < SCN(-).7. From the changes in p.d. induced by K-depolarization, the absolute values of p.d. at peak K-depolarization and from the changes in membrane conductance induced by anionic substitutions, it may be inferred that Br(-), I(-), NO(3) (-), ClO(4) (-) and SCN(-) all increase P(K); and that F(-) increases P(Na) (though a smaller increase in P(K) cannot be excluded).


Identification of a TRAF (TNF receptor-associated factor) gene in Caenorhabditis elegans.
Many members of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily and the interleukin-1 (IL-1) receptor engage intracellular signaling pathways including the nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB)-, c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)-, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathways by direct or indirect interaction with TNF receptor-associated factor (TRAF) molecules. To date, six mammalian members of the TRAF family have been identified. Searching public databases with a sequence pattern comprising 19 conserved amino acid residues derived from the carboxyl-terminal part of the TRAF homology domain, we found significant sequence homologies to a stretch of genomic DNA from Caenorhabditis elegans which encodes 1 of 12 exons of a putative protein. The sequence of this putative protein shows up to 29% sequence identity to the mammalian TRAFs and is therefore designated C. elegans TRAF (CeTRAF). The CeTRAF molecule has an amino-terminal RING finger motif followed by four zinc finger structures and a carboxyl-terminal TRAF domain, a composition which is also found in most of the mammalian TRAFs. Reverse transcription-PCR and sequencing analysis of the respective amplicon clearly demonstrates that CeTRAF is in fact transcribed in C. elegans. The existence of a member of the TRAF family in C. elegans provides strong evidence for evolutionary conserved pathways linking cell surface receptors to activation of JNK, ERK, and NF-kappaB.


[An improved method for the synthesis of flavanones].
An isomerization of 2'-hydroxychalcones into the corresponding flavanones in ethanol in the presence of triethylamine is described.


IL-12 inhibits the TGF-β-dependent T cell developmental programs and skews the TGF-β-induced differentiation into a Th1-like direction.
The development and differentiation of T helper (Th) cell subsets is a highly plastic process which is strictly regulated by cytokines. Here we show that the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)-dependent differentiation programs are negatively regulated by interleukin-12 (IL-12). The development of TGF-β-induced regulatory T cells (iTregs) or TGF-β/IL-6 activated Th17 cells from purified mouse CD4(+)CD25(-) T cells, stimulated with monoclonal antibody anti-CD3, was abrogated in the presence of IL-12 and a different developmental program was established. On the molecular level, IL-12 inhibited the expression of the lineage specific transcription factors Foxp3 and RORγt in developing Tregs and Th17 cells, respectively. Moreover, IL-12 was able to alter the development of iTregs and Th17 cells even when added to the differentiating cells after 48h of the culture. The cells activated in the presence of TGF-β and IL-12 had an increased expression of the Th1 transcription factor T-bet, produced Th1 cytokines interferon γ and IL-2 and expressed IL-18 receptor and C-C chemokine receptor type 5 which are the phenotypic markers characteristic for Th1 cells. Furthermore, the cells activated in the presence of both TGF-β and IL-12, and not of TGF-β only, stimulated macrophages to produce nitric oxide. Altogether, these results indicate that IL-12 is a superior cytokine that has the ability to skew the already ongoing TGF-β-dependent iTreg or Th17 developmental program into Th1-like direction.


The cellular basis of long-term marrow injury after irradiation.
Haemopoietic recovery from radiation injury can appear complete when measured by blood cell counts, but this can hide deficiencies in the precursor cell populations because of compensatory mechanisms of increased numbers of divisions in the maturing cell populations and increased cycling of the stem cells. These mechanisms can operate for quite long but finite periods, before they fail which then leads to hypoplasia. Also, while these mechanisms are operating, small further injuries could precipitate marrow failure. Persistent injury in the stem cell population can be induced by quite small doses, and in mice the threshold total dose is probably in the region of 1.5 Gy using fractionated whole-body irradiations. The sensitivity of the environment varies enormously, depending largely on the proliferative stress applied to the cell populations involved in the particular assay technique used. When similar tests of reproductive integrity are applied, stromal progenitor cells are more radioresistant than haemopoietic stem cells. The contribution of environmental injuries to haemopoietic defects is uncertain and difficult to assess.


Earlier appearance and higher incidence of the rectoanal relaxation reflex in patients with imperforate anus repaired with laparoscopically assisted anorectoplasty.
This study aimed to evaluate clinically and manometrically the anorectal function of patients with imperforate anus after repair with laparoscopically assisted anorectoplasty (LAR), as compared with the function of patients after undergoing the conventional method, posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP). The defecation status and anorectal manometry of patients with high or intermediate type imperforate anus repaired with LAR ( n = 9) and age-matched patients repaired with PSARP ( n = 13) were assessed and compared during the first year of postoperative follow-up evaluation. The defecation status was classified by the frequency of bowel openings (<1, 1-4, and >5 times per day). Manometric assessment was performed by an open-tip hydraulic capillary infusion system. The presence of the rectoanal relaxation reflex was determined, and the resting sphincteric pressure and resting rectal pressure were measured. Seven of nine LAR patients had an "acceptable" frequency of one to four bowel openings per day, in contrast to 7 of 13 PSARP patients. The difference in the presentation of daily stooling is not significant ( p > 0.05). A positive RAR was detected in 88.9% (8/9) of the LAR patients, and in only 30.8% (4/13) of the PSARP patients ( p < 0.01). The presence of a rectoanal relaxation reflex also significantly correlated with an acceptable frequency of bowel opening (1-4 times per day) in both LAR and PSARP patients ( p < 0.05). Moreover, a rectoanal relaxation reflex was detected significantly earlier in LAR than in PSARP patients (4.9 +/- 1.2 vs 10.1 +/- 2.5 months; postoperatively p < 0.0001). Both the LAR and PSARP patients had a similar resting sphincteric pressure (21.5 +/- 4.7 vs 25.4 +/- 6.2 cm H2O; p > 0.05). By contrast, the resting rectal pressure was significantly lower in LAR than in PSARP patients (7.7 +/- 1.5 vs 11.5 +/- 1.3 cmH(2)O; p < 0.05). In the early postoperative stage, patients repaired with LAR had more favorable findings in anorectal manometry than patients repaired with PSARP. Long-term follow-up studies to confirm a superior defecation continence achieved with LAR are warranted.


Angiography with Amipaque.
Amipaque (metrizamide) has proved considerably less uncomfortable than Urografin 310 M in 42 patients submitted to selective or subselective external carotid, subclavian, and spinal angiography. Two out of five patients undergoing selective spinal arteriography developed transient neurological complications during the injection of Urografin 310 M. On repeat examination with Amipaque no complications were encountered.


Musculoskeletal Function and Obesity: Implications for Physical Activity.
However quantified, obesity is a global health problem of significant magnitude. The condition is no longer limited to the developed world, with an increasing proportion of low-to-middle income countries burdened by obesity and its comorbidities. Specifically, obesity is a risk factor for a raft of psychosocial, physiological, cardiovascular, and metabolic problems. The carriage of excess body weight, including an unhealthy proportion of body fat, also has important implications for musculoskeletal health. To date, this important relationship has not received as much attention by the research community. Coincidentally, there has been a heightened interest in the role of physical activity and exercise across the lifespan in the prevention, treatment and management of obesity. This paper considers some of the more common musculoskeletal problems in children, adolescents and adults with implications for the overweight and obese and their meaningful engagement in physical activity.