European Turtle Dove Population Trend in Greece Using Hunting Statistics of the Past 16-Year Period as Indices.
The European turtle dove is an important game bird for the hunters in Greece, which is one of a few European countries where its hunting is allowed. The sustainability of the species' hunting in Europe is discussed during the last several years due to declines in its population, which forced IUCN to classify it as vulnerable. In Greece, its harvest takes place from 20 August and lasts as long as the presence of the species in the country (mid-October). The ARTEMIS project is a Greek statistical database of hunting characteristics, as revealed by questionnaires distributed to hunters. Statistical indicators such as hunting opportunity and hunting harvest are considered in the literature as reliable to show the population trend of a game species. Therefore, in the present research, hunting statistics are used to determine the population trend of the European turtle dove in Greece. State-space modeling was the main procedure used, a method which allows us to deal with errors that exist from hunting bag data or hunting opportunity data assuming that on average the under and overestimations will be equal. The results of the modeling analysis show a stable trend of the variables used, i.e., hunting opportunity, hunting harvest, and juveniles to adult's ratio. Additionally, the hunting sustainability index showed that the sustainability of the species is improved annually, as a slight positive trend is revealed. This is in favor of the species, if it is considered that the actual percentage of the turtle dove population harvested is lower, since not all doves are encountered by hunters. It is concluded that for the period 2004/05-2019/20, as indicated by the hunting statistics, the population trend of the European turtle dove in Greece was stable and its harvest sustainable.


Eloquent silence: developmental functions of Class I histone deacetylases.
Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are essential catalytic components of the transcription silencing machinery and they play important roles in the programming of multicellular development. HDACs are present within multisubunit protein complexes, other components of which govern HDAC target gene specificity by controlling interactions with sequence-specific DNA-binding proteins. Here, I review the different developmental roles of the Sin3, NuRD, CoREST and NCoR/SMRT Class I HDAC complexes. With their distinct subunit composition, these versatile molecular devices function in many different settings, to promote axis specification and tissue patterning, to maintain stem cell pluripotency, facilitate self-renewal, guide lineage commitment and drive cell differentiation.


Diagnosis of ligamentous and meniscal pathologies in patients with anterior cruciate ligament injury: comparison of magnetic resonance imaging and arthroscopic findings.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is routinely used to diagnose or support clinical diagnoses for meniscal or ligamentous injuries prior to offering patients arthroscopic treatment. However, the sensitivity of MRI for the detection of meniscal injury is not yet 100%. Sportsmen have occasionally returned to play with undiagnosed meniscal lesions on the basis of a normal MRI examination. This study was designed to assess the diagnostic parameters of MRI in patients with acute anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. MRI and arthroscopic findings of 320 patients with acute ACL injury were included in this retrospective review. Patients belonged to a single surgeon from a high volume tertiary healthcare institution. All patients had either a MRI or an arthroscopic diagnosis of an acute ACL injury of one knee or both. All patients underwent therapeutic arthroscopy by the senior author routinely as part of arthroscopy-aided ACL reconstruction. Arthroscopic findings were the diagnostic reference based on which the positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), sensitivity, specificity and concordance strength of association of MRI were calculated for ACL, posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), medial meniscus (MM) and lateral meniscus (LM) injuries. MRI was most accurate in diagnosing cruciate ligament injuries with a PPV approaching 100%. The PPV of MRI in diagnosing meniscal injuries was approximately 60%. MRI was almost 100% sensitive and specific in diagnosing ACL injuries and 82% sensitive and 100% specific in diagnosing PCL injuries. Conversely, MRI was 77% sensitive and 90% specific in diagnosing MM injuries; and 57% sensitive and 95% specific in diagnosing LM injuries. MRI remains the gold standard for diagnosing soft tissue injuries of the knee. However, there is a false positive rate ranging from 6% to 11% for meniscal tears.


Progressive neurogenic muscle atrophy with fasciculation in mice treated with IDPN.
Spontaneous discharges recorded on the EMG appeared in experimental mice given repeated doses of IDPN according to a time schedule. Spontaneous discharges showing a polyphasic pattern and duration of over 10 ms were considered to be fasciculations. One group of mice, treated with IDPN for 4 weeks became active with an increase in muscle volume 2 months after initiation of experiment; spontaneous discharges were recorded in this group at 3-4 weeks after first IDPN injection and disappeared at 4 months. Histologically, neurogenic muscle atrophy, in terms of group atrophy of muscles, was seen in muscles of mice exhibiting spontaneous discharge patterns. Peripheral nerves showed marked atrophy with degeneration. Dissociation of neurofilaments and other organelles was observed. Axonal swellings, filled with numerous maloriented neurofilaments, were confirmed in the lumbar cord. IDPN given repeatedly to mice at a certain dose causes degeneration of the peripheral nerves and results in neurogenic muscle atrophy.


Influence of cytochrome P450 2C19 gene variations on pharmacokinetic parameters of thalidomide in Japanese patients.
Cytochrome P450 (CYP)2C19 polymorphisms may partly explain the variability of thalidomide concentration and adverse drug effects by altering its metabolism. To compare the genetic and clinical factors responsible for the adverse effects and efficacy of thalidomide treatment, we investigated CYP2C19 genetic polymorphisms in Japanese subjects. Variations in the CYP2C19 gene in 6 patients treated with thalidomide were analyzed. The dosage of thalidomide, concentrations of (R)- and (S)-thalidomide in whole blood, and clinical laboratory test results were used as pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic indices. Using genomic DNA, CYP2C19*2 and *3 allele frequencies were determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assays. The frequencies of CYP2C19 PM and hetero EM (hetEM) genotypes in Japanese patients taking thalidomide were 2 (33.3%) and 4 (66.7%), respectively. The areas under the curve (AUC) of (R)-thalidomide were 3.42 and 5.33 μg·h/L, and those of (S)-thalidomide were 1.64 and 2.46 μg·h/L for hetEM and PM, respectively. This study provided new insights regarding the contribution of CYP2C19 gene variations to adverse responses to thalidomide. Genotyping of CYP2C19*2 and *3 can be considerably simplified by using KOD FX as a polymerase for prediction of adverse effects to thalidomide by the PCR-RFLP method. CYP2C19 PM patients tend to have high serum thalidomide concentrations.


Observations on the pathology of non-alimentary lymphomas in the horse.
A retrospective study was carried out on post-mortem and biopsy tissue samples from 26 horses with non-alimentary lymphoma. On the basis of their histopathology and cytology, the cases were grouped into several categories: (1) Lymphoblastic lymphomas (6 cases) and primary lymphoblastic leukaemia (2 cases). (2) Histiolymphocytic lymphomas involving the skin (6 cases) or lymph nodes (3 cases). (3) Lymphomas showing follicular development (4 cases). (4) Plasmacytic lymphomas (4 cases). (5) Lymphocytic lymphoma (1 case). Most affected horses were middle-aged or old but lymphoblastic neoplasms tended to affect younger horses than other forms. The course of the disease was highly variable. The most rapidly progressive forms were of lymphoblastic cytology, whereas some cases with histiolymphocytic skin nodules appeared to be only slowly progressive. Further information is needed on the pathology and clinical behaviour of some types of lymphoma, particularly those manifesting in the skin. Elucidation of the histogenetic relationships of the different cytological types of lymphoma will involve the development of immunohistochemical and other techniques which are specifically applicable to the horse.


[The prevalence of suicide ideation and suicide attempts in Manisa City Centre].
Suicide attempts are a major public health problem. This study aimed to investigate the lifetime prevalence of suicide ideation and suicide attempts in Manisa city centre. Risk factors related to suicide ideations and attempts were also studied. This study was carried out in Manisa city centre. Using cluster and systematic samples, data were collected from 1086 persons 15-65 years old. Separate questions were asked about the lifetime occurrence of suicide ideation (''Have you ever seriously thought about committing suicide?''), and suicide attempts (''Have you ever attempted suicide?''). A form for suicide attempters was used to determine the characteristics of the attempts. The lifetime prevalences of suicide ideation and suicide attempts were 6.6% (n=72) and 2.3% (n=25), respectively. Marital problems were the most common stressor in suicide attempts (44%, n=11). Approximately two thirds of the suicide attempters used a drug overdose for suicide. Of all the suicide attempters, 24% (n=6) had made previous attempts. The essential risk factors for suicide ideation were being female (p=0.012), smoking (p=0.001), consuming alcohol (p=0.028), having a previous psychiatric disorder (p<0.0001), and a family history of psychiatric disorders (p=0.021). The essential risk factors for suicide attempts were smoking (p=0.005), having a previous psychiatric disorder (p<0.0001), and a family history of psychiatric disorders (p=0.029). The results of the present study suggest that suicide attempts must be carefully evaluated in subjects with previous psychiatric disorders, previous suicide attempts and a family history of psychiatric disorders. It is necessary to know the clinical and demographic features related to suicide attempts.


A molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor with dual functional monomers for selective determination of gatifloxacin.
A molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor was designed for the selective determination of gatifloxacin (GTX) based on dual functional monomers. Multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) enhanced the current intensity and zeolitic imidazolate framework 8 (ZIF8) provided a large surface area to produce more imprinted cavities. In the electropolymerization of molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP), p-aminobenzoic acid (p-ABA) and nicotinamide (NA) were used as dual functional monomers, and GTX was the template molecule. Taking [Fe(CN)6]3-/4- as an electrochemical probe, an oxidation peak on the glassy carbon electrode was located at about 0.16 V (vs. saturated calomel electrode). Due to the diverse interactions among p-ABA, NA, and GTX, the MIP-dual sensor exhibited higher specificity towards GTX than MIP-p-ABA and MIP-NA sensors. The sensor had a wide linear range from 1.00 × 10-14 to 1.00 × 10-7 M with a low detection limit of 2.61 × 10-15 M. Satisfactory recovery between 96.5 and 105% with relative standard deviation from 2.4 to 3.7% in real water samples evidenced the potential of the method in antibiotic contaminant determination.


Microcapsules with slow-release characteristics prepared by soluble small molecular starch fractions through the spray drying method.
The utilization of starch in the food and medical industry can be facilitated by using new non-chemical methods to make starch the only wall material to encapsulate microcapsules. In this study, soluble small molecular fraction obtained from corn starch by gelatinization and centrifugation methods and commercial soluble starch were used independently to encapsulate oil under the condition that wall material and core material were 2:1. Molecular weight of these starch fractions was measured firstly. The peak molecular weight of the soluble small molecular fraction of corn starch and commercial soluble starch was 3.537 × 105 Da and 2.720 × 104 Da, respectively. Basic physicochemical characteristics and application characteristics of the microcapsules were then characterized and compared. The soluble small molecular fraction of corn starch encapsulated microcapsule and the commercial soluble starch encapsulated microcapsule had high encapsulation efficiency (higher than 88%), high boiling water solubility (higher than 74%), high rehydration stability (higher than 2 h). Most importantly, the encapsulated oil of these microcapsules could be slowly released under the action of α-amylase and amyloglucosidase. Overall, both the soluble small molecular fraction of corn starch and commercial soluble starch could be used as microcapsule wall materials and might have great application potential in food and medicine.


Synthetic peptides against Trichophyton mentagrophytes and T. rubrum: Mechanisms of action and efficiency compared to griseofulvin and itraconazole.
According to the WHO, 20-25% of people worldwide are affected by skin infections caused by dermatophytes, such as those of the Trichophyton genus. Additionally, several dermatophytes have developed resistance to drugs such as griseofulvin and itraconazole. This study tested 2S albumins-derived antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as alternative antidermatophytic molecules. Membrane pore formation assays, tests to detect overproduction of ROS, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and fluorescence microscopy (FM) were carried out to provide insight into the mechanisms of antidermatophytic action. All AMPs (at 50 μg mL-1) tested reduced the mycelial growth of T. mentagrophytes and T. rubrum by up to 95%. In contrast, using a concentration 20-fold higher, griseofulvin only inhibited T. mentagrophytes by 35%, while itraconazole was not active against both dermatophytes. Scanning electron and fluorescence microscopies revealed that the six AMPs caused severe damage to hyphal morphology by inducing cell wall rupture, hyphal content leakage, and death. Peptides also induced membrane pore formation and oxidative stress by overproduction of ROS. Based on the stronger activity of peptides than the commercial drugs and the mechanism of action, all six peptides have the potential to be either employed as models to develop new antidermatophytic drugs or as adjuvants to existing ones. The synthetic peptides are more efficient than conventional drug to treat infection caused by dermatophytes being potential molecules to develop new drugs.


Localization of triphosphoinositide in the cochlea. An electronmicroscopic immunocytochemical study.
Triphosphoinositide (TPI) has been demonstrated to be a receptor for aminoglycosides in the cochlea and may regulate ionic permeability by its binding with Ca++. This phospholipid was localized by a protein A-gold technique in the cochlea at the electronmicroscopic level. TPI was prepared by a neomycin column and antibodies to it were raised in rabbits. The antibody used in this study reacted virtually only to TPI among the tested lipids. TPI was localized mainly at stereocilia, cuticular plates, head plates of Deiters' cells, plasma membrane, and mitochondria of various cells in the organ of Corti. In the vascular stria, TPI was found mainly at the plasma membrane of basal infoldings of the marginal cells. Possible physiological and pathophysiological roles of TPI in the cochlea are briefly discussed.


A comparison of Australian and Canadian calibration coefficients for air kerma and absorbed dose to water for 60Co gamma radiation.
Australian and Canadian calibration coefficients for air kerma and absorbed dose to water for 60Co gamma radiation have been compared using transfer standard ionization chambers of types NE 2561 and NE 2611A. Whilst the primary standards of air kerma are similar, both being thick-walled graphite cavity chambers but employing different methods to evaluate the Awall correction, the primary standards of absorbed dose to water are quite different. The Australian standard is based on measurements made with a graphite calorimeter, whereas the Canadian standard uses a sealed water calorimeter. The comparison result, expressed as a ratio of calibration coefficients R=N(ARPANSA)/N(NRC), is 1.0006 with a combined standard uncertainty of 0.35% for the air kerma standards and 1.0052 with a combined standard uncertainty of 0.47% for the absorbed dose to water standards. This demonstrates the agreement of the Australian and Canadian radiation dosimetry standards. The results are also consistent with independent comparisons of each laboratory with the BIPM reference standards. A 'trilateral' analysis confirms the present determination of the relationship between the standards, within the 0.09% random component of the combined standard uncertainty for the three comparisons.


Sodium butyrate improves antioxidant stability in sub-acute ruminal acidosis in dairy goats.
Currently, little is known about the effect of sodium butyrate (NaB) on oxidative stress following grain-induced sub-acute ruminal acidosis in dairy goats. In the present study, 18 lactating dairy goats implanted with a ruminal cannula and permanent indwelling catheters in the portal and hepatic veins were randomly allocated into 3 treatment groups over 20 weeks: low grain (LG, 40% grain; n = 6), high grain (HG, 60% grain; n = 6) and high grain with sodium butyrate (HG + NaB, 60% grain + NaB; n = 6). When added to the HG diet, NaB increased the mean ruminal pH and reduced the levels of ruminal, portal and hepatic LPS; Additionally, we observed an increase in SOD1, SOD2, SOD3, GPX1 and CAT mRNA expression, increased levels of TSOD and CAT enzyme activity as well as increased total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) in both the liver and plasma, while GPx activity increased in the liver of goats fed the HG + NaB diet. The mRNA expression of UGT1A1, NQO1, MGST3, and Nrf2, as well as total Nrf2 protein levels were increased in goats fed the HG + NaB diet. Our study indicates that sodium butyrate could improve the oxidative status in sub-acute ruminal acidosis through the partial activation of Nrf2-dependent genes.


Mycobacterial inactivation protein extraction protocol for matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight characterization of clinical isolates.
Rapid identification of mycobacteria has been made possible with matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) in recent years. Working with high concentrations of mycobacteria in a PC-3 containment facility makes MALDI-TOF cumbersome and costly. Therefore removing the inactivated isolate's protein extract from the PC-3 facility is needed for efficient identification in a routine PC-2 laboratory. This work describes a novel chemical and mechanical disruption protein extraction method, which provides reliable MALDI-TOF results from solid and liquid media, while ensuring laboratory safety. When compared to sequencing results, 93.9% of the clinical isolates were identified in LJ media and 89% of the clinical isolates were identified in MGIT media. The MIPE protocol produces a high quality protein extract with improved isolate identification without compromising result turn-around-times or laboratory safety.


Impedance planimetry (EndoFLIP) assisted laparoscopic esophagomyotomy in pediatric population.
Functional lumen imaging probe (EndoFLIP) is a diagnostic technology that assesses esophageal cross-sectional area via impedance planimetry during controlled volumetric distention. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the utility of EndoFLIP intraoperatively during laparoscopic esophagomyotomy. We performed a retrospective cohort study reviewing all patients undergoing EndoFLIP assisted laparoscopic esophagomyotomy for achalasia between January and December 2021 (n = 10). Twenty-two patients with achalasia that underwent traditional laparoscopic esophagomyotomy between July 2014 and September 2019 served as a comparison. Primary outcome evaluated was resolution of symptoms at discharge. Secondary outcomes included change in distensibility index (DI), operative time, length of stay, time to regular diet, and reinterventions. All patients managed with EndoFLIP assistance had resolution of dysphagia and postprandial vomiting following intervention. Mean change in DI was 5.32 mm2/mmHg with a myotomy length of 3.6 cm. Operative time was shorter in the EndoFLIP cohort (97 min versus 185 min, p = <0.001). Study patients did not undergo an antireflux operation. There was no difference in length of stay or time to soft diet between groups. All patients were discharged on postoperative day 1 tolerating a mechanical soft diet. No acid suppressive medications were prescribed during the observation period. One patient required dilation for recurrent symptoms and one required reoperation for mucosal leak. EndoFLIP assisted laparoscopic esophagomyotomy results in similar short-term outcomes to traditional surgical technique. EndoFLIP allows for focused myotomy length and a shorter operative time. III.


Acupuncture for management of pain.
Acupuncture is the technique of inserting needles into specific areas of the body to elicit a physiologic response. Although acupuncture is based on the paradigms of traditional Chinese medicine, there are numerous physiologic and clinical studies that document and validate its use. Control of pain is a major indication for the use of acupuncture. It can be used in conjunction with analgesic drugs or alone to make patients more comfortable.


Killer Immunoglobulin-Like Receptor-Ligand Interactions Predict Clinical Outcomes following Unrelated Donor Transplantations.
Killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) and KIR ligand (KIRL) interactions play an important role in natural killer (NK) cell-mediated graft-versus-leukemia effect following hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). However, there is considerable heterogeneity in the KIR gene and KIRL content in individuals, making it difficult to estimate the full clinical impact of NK cell reconstitution following HCT. Here we present a novel adaptive mathematical model designed to quantify these interactions to better assess the influence of NK cell-mediated alloreactivity on transplant outcomes. Ninety-eight HLA- matched unrelated donor (URD) HCT recipients were studied retrospectively. The KIR-KIRL interactions were quantified using a system of matrix equations. Unit values were ascribed to each KIR-KIRL interaction, and the directionality of interactions was denoted by either a positive (activating) or negative (inhibition) symbol; these interactions were then summed. The absolute values of both the missing KIRL and inhibitory KIR-KIRL interactions were significantly associated with overall survival and relapse. These score components were initially used to develop a weighted score (w-KIR score) and subsequently a simplified, nonweighted KIR-KIRL interaction score (IM-KIR score). Increased w-KIR score and IM-KIR score were predictive of all-cause mortality and relapse (w-KIR score: hazard ratio [HR], .37 [P = .001] and .44 [P = .044], respectively; IM-KIR score: HR, .5 [P = .049] and .44 [P = .002], respectively). IM-KIR score was also associated with NK cell reconstitution post-HCT. KIR-KIRL interactions as reflected by the w-KIR and IM-KIR scores influence both relapse risk and survival in recipients of HLA-matched URD HCT with hematologic malignancies.


Pain and disability in families of chronic noncancer pain patients.
The authors conducted a cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence of chronic noncancer pain or disability in first-degree relatives of patients who had sustained a physically traumatic injury with resultant chronic pain. A control group of general internal medicine patients was also interviewed about existence in their family of chronic pain or of disability, either pain-related or related to nonpainful chronic illness. None of the control patients were themselves experiencing acute or chronic pain. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in the prevalence of chronic pain or disability in family members. The study's findings suggest that chronic noncancer pain patients should not be viewed as a uniform group with regard to learned behaviors and/or familial aggregation.


Conventional microsurgical endarterectomy.
In the 1990's, carotid endarterectomy (CEA) has matured to a widely performed, standard intervention with well defined successive steps. The key feature of microsurgical CEA is the use of the operating microscope for magnification of the surgical field and microsuture of the arteriotomy. Further measures contributing to the success of microsurgical CEA include intraoperative monitoring of cerebral blood flow, selective shunt placement and neuroprotection during arterial cross-clamping. In experienced hands, the operation is not difficult and goes without complication in the great majority of patients. An overall complication rate of 6-8% combining mortality, major morbidity and minor morbidity is acceptable in view of the often multimorbid patients undergoing the operation. However, a rate of major morbidity/mortality not exceeding 1-2% is a realistic goal for microsurgical CEA. On the long-term, the rate of restenosis needing treatment should not exceed 1-2%. To preserve objectivity and quality control of CEA, the clinical results should be assessed independently of the surgeon by a neutral observer, ideally a neurologist.


Differential brainstem atrophy patterns in multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) are central nervous system (CNS) inflammatory demyelinating disorders. It is clinically important to distinguish MS from NMOSD, as treatment and prognosis differ. Brainstem involvement is common in both disorders. To investigate whether the patterns of brainstem atrophy on volumetric analysis in MS and NMOSD were different and correlated with clinical disability. Case-control cross-sectional study. In all, 17 MS, 13 NMOSD, and 18 healthy control (HC) subjects were studied. T1 -weighted and T2 w spin-echo images were acquired with a 3T scanner. Semiautomated segmentation and volumetric measurement of brainstem regions were performed. Anatomical information was obtained from whole brain T1 w images using a 3D magnetization-prepared rapid gradient-echo (MPRAGE) imaging sequence (TR/TE/T: 7.0/3.2/800 msec, voxel size: 1 × 1 × 1 mm3 , scan time: 10 min 41 sec). Independent samples t-test, Mann-Whitney U-test, partial correlation, and multiple regression analysis. Baseline characteristics were similar across the three groups, without significant difference in disease duration (P = 0.354) and EDSS score (P = 0.159) between MS and NMOSD subjects. Compared to HC, MS subjects had significantly smaller normalized whole brainstem (-5.2%, P = 0.027), midbrain (-8.3%, P = 0.0001), and pons volumes (-5.9%, P = 0.048), while only the normalized medulla volume was significantly smaller in NMOSD subjects compared to HC (-8.5% vs. HC, P = 0.024). Normalized midbrain volume was significantly smaller in MS compared to NMOSD subjects (-5.0%, P = 0.014), whereas normalized medulla volume was significantly smaller in NMOSD compared to MS subjects (-8.1%, P = 0.032). Partial correlations and multiple regression analysis revealed that smaller normalized whole brainstem, pons, and medulla oblongata volumes were associated with greater disability on the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), Functional System Score (FSS)-brainstem and FSS-cerebellar in NMOSD subjects. Differential patterns of brainstem atrophy were observed, with the midbrain being most severely affected followed by pons in MS, whereas only the medulla oblongata was affected in NMOSD. 2 Technical Efficacy: Stage 3 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:1601-1609.


Effect of triamcinolone on renal and hepatic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase in the newborn rat. Changes in the rate of synthesis of the enzyme and in the activity of its translatable messenger RNA.
The effects of triamcinolone on renal and hepatic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase activity in the developing rat were investigated. The hormone induced increases in pre-existing enzyme activity of both tissues in fetal and neonatal rats, yet did not cause the primary appearance of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase activity in utero. Neonatal hepatic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase activity was increased 2--3 fold by triamcinolone form the 3rd to the 15th postnatal day. This was shown to be additive to the effect of Bt2cAMP on enzyme activity. The increases in phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase activity were demonstrated to be due to increased synthesis of the enzyme, which was accompanied by a proportionate increase in the amount of functional phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase mRNA, as measured by the polyribosomal and poly(A)-containing RNA directed cell-free synthesis of the enzyme. The demonstration of a triamcinolone effect on kidney and liver phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase activity in fetal and neonatal rats provides support for a possible role of glucocorticoids in the regulation of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase activity during development.


Alterations in pyridoxal 5'-phosphate inhibition of human erythrocyte anion transport associated with osmotic hemolysis and resealing.
When pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP) is covalently bound to band 3 protein in intact red blood cells and those cells are subjected to the osmotic hemolysis and resealing process, a significant reduction in the original PLP anion transport inhibitory potency occurs. We show that partial deinhibition is not due to the development of a second anion transport pathway in resealed ghosts. Rather, partial deinhibition arises from a hemolysis-induced conformational change in CH17 (17-kDa integral chymotryptic domain of band 3). This change causes the extracellular exposure of new transport inhibitory sites. Exposure of the new sites leads to a 2-fold increase in PLP labeling of CH17 in resealed ghosts compared with CH17 in intact red cells. The hemolysis and resealing process has no effect on the labeling of CH35 (35-kDa integral chymotryptic fragment of band 3). Double-labeling studies show restoration of transport inhibitory potency to near red cell levels when the newly exposed CH17 sites are labeled with PLP in resealed ghosts. The results support the view that CH17 contains PLP transport inhibitory sites. They show that a major conformational change occurs in band 3 with hemolysis.


Changes in hemostatic and fibrinolytic proteins in patients receiving L-asparaginase therapy.
Hemostatic changes were evaluated in ten patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and lymphoma who received chemotherapy with L-asparaginase, vincristine, and prednisolone for 1 week. Following treatment, prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time were significantly prolonged, while a marked decrease in fibrinogen levels was observed. The values for cross-linked fibrin degradation products, however, remained within normal limits during treatment, which excluded the possibility of disseminated intravascular coagulation. The concentrations of coagulation inhibitors (antithrombin III, protein C, and protein S), plasminogen, and alpha 2 antiplasmin also significantly decreased; however, levels of both tissue-type plasminogen activator and plasminogen activator inhibitor, which are synthesized in endothelial cells, increased during the treatment. Although a decrease was observed in concentrations of many coagulation factors, including subunits A and B of factor XIII, the activity and antigenicity of factor VII significantly increased following the treatment. From this study, we concluded that these hemostatic abnormalities caused by the administration of L-asparaginase produced a labile condition that easily inclines to bleeding or thrombosis.


Serum cytokine/chemokine profiles in acute exacerbation of chronic hepatitis B: clinical and mechanistic implications.
Acute exacerbation (AE) of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is common and negatively impacts the clinical outcome. Although upsurge of viral load always precedes or coincides with AE, the underlying immunological mechanisms remain unclear and were investigated. We prospectively followed the serum cytokine/chemokine profiles, viral load, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels in 250 patients and identified 44 consecutive patients (male: 72.7%; age: 40.4 ± 9.7 years; hepatitis B e antigen [HBeAg] positivity: 63.6%; genotype B/C: 75%/25%) who developed AE during the follow-up in a medical center. The impact of clinical characteristics (age, gender, HBeAg, ALT, HBV genotype), cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interferon gamma, interleukin [IL]-2, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10), and chemokines (CXCL10/interferon gamma-induced protein [IP]-10, CCL2/MCP-1, CXCL9/MIG, CCL5/RANTES, and CXCL8/IL-8) on the serum HBV DNA dynamics at different time points (baseline, peak of serum HBV DNA level, peak of serum ALT level, and after AE) were analyzed. Of 44 patients, serum HBV DNA level surged before the peak of serum ALT level in 23 (52.3%), and coincided with the peak of ALT in 21 (47.7%). The upsurge of serum viral load significantly correlated with the increase of IL-10 (P = 0.0037) and CXCL10/IP-10 (P = 0.0044). Upsurge of serum viral load was preceded by an increase in serum IL-4 (P < 0.05), IL-6 (P < 0.05), and IL-10 (P < 0.05). Combination of HBV genotype, IL-6 level at baseline, and ALT level at the peak of serum HBV DNA reliably predicted subsequent AE pattern (P = 0.0116). Enhanced Th2 activity is likely involved in the surge of HBV DNA level before hepatitis exacerbation.


Integrated ion imprinted polymers-paper composites for selective and sensitive detection of Cd(II) ions.
Paper-based sensor is a new alternative technology to develop a portable, low-cost, and rapid analysis system in environmental chemistry. In this study, ion imprinted polymers (IIPs) using cadmium ions as the template were directly grafted on the surface of low-cost print paper based on the reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization. It can be applied as a recognition element to selectively capture the target ions in the complex samples. The maximum adsorption capacity of IIPs composites was 155.2mgg-1 and the imprinted factor was more than 3.0. Then, IIPs-paper platform could be also applied as a detection element for highly selective and sensitive detection of Cd(II) ions without complex sample pretreatment and expensive instrument, due to the selective recognition, formation of dithizone-cadmium complexes and light transmission ability. Under the optimized condition, the linear range was changed from 1 to 100ngmL-1 and the limit of detection was 0.4ngmL-1. The results were in good agreement with the classic ICP-MS method. Furthermore, the proposed method can also be developed for detection of other heavy metals by designing of new IIPs.


Oncolytic virotherapy with intratumoral injection of vaccinia virus TG6002 and 5-fluorocytosine administration in dogs with malignant tumors.
TG6002 is an oncolytic vaccinia virus expressing FCU1 protein, which converts 5-fluorocytosine into 5-fluorouracil. The study objectives were to assess tolerance, viral replication, 5-fluorouracil synthesis, and tumor microenvironment modifications to treatment in dogs with spontaneous malignant tumors. Thirteen dogs received one to three weekly intratumoral injections of TG6002 and 5-fluorocytosine. The viral genome was assessed in blood and tumor biopsies by qPCR. 5-Fluorouracil concentrations were measured in serum and tumor biopsies by liquid chromatography or high-resolution mass spectrometry. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses were performed. The viral genome was detected in blood (7/13) and tumor biopsies (4/11). Viral replication was suspected in 6/13 dogs. The median intratumoral concentration of 5-fluorouracil was 314 pg/mg. 5-Fluorouracil was not detected in the blood. An increase in necrosis (6/9) and a downregulation of intratumoral regulatory T lymphocytes (6/6) were observed. Viral replication, 5-fluorouracil synthesis, and tumor microenvironment changes were more frequently observed with higher TG6002 doses. This study confirmed the replicative properties, targeted chemotherapy synthesis, and reversion of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment in dogs with spontaneous malignant tumors treated with TG6002 and 5-fluorocytosine.


Two Schiff base iodide compounds as iodide ion conductors showing high conductivity.
Here, we reported the crystal structures, dielectric and conducting properties of two Schiff base iodide compounds [m-BrBz-1-APy]I3 (1) and [o-FBz-1-APy]I3 (2). The Schiff base cations build irregular channel frameworks, and the polyiodide anions are located in the channel. The impedance spectra demonstrated that the two compounds show intrinsic iodide ion conductance with higher conductivity of 1.03(4) × 10-4 S cm-1 at 343 K for 1 and 4.94(3) × 10-3 S cm-1 at 353 K for 2. The dielectric modulus analysis further confirmed that the conductance contributed to the migration of iodide ions.


Energy cost and body centre of mass' 3D intracycle velocity variation in swimming.
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the energy cost (C) and the 3D intracycle velocity variation (IVV; swimming direction--x, vertical--y and lateral--z axes) throughout the 200 m front crawl event. Ten international level swimmers performed a maximal 200 m front crawl swim followed by 50, 100 and 150 m bouts at the same pace as in the 200 m splits. Oxygen consumption was measured during the bouts and blood samples were collected before and after each one. The C was calculated for each 50 m lap as the ratio of the total energy expenditure (three energy pathways) to the distance. A respiratory snorkel and valve system with low hydrodynamic resistance was used to measure pulmonary ventilation and to collect breathing air samples. Two above water and four underwater cameras videotaped the swim bouts and thereafter APAS was used to assess the centre of mass IVV (x, y and z components). The increase in the C was significantly associated with the increase in the IVV in x for the first 50 m lap (R = -0.83, P < 0.01). It is concluded that the IVV relationship with C in a competitive event does not present the direct relationship found in the literature, revealing a great specificity, which suggests that the relation between these two parameters could not be used as a performance predictor in competitive events.


Selective supercritical fluid extraction to identify aged sediment-bound PCBs available for uptake by eel.
A naturally contaminated sediment was partially extracted with selective supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) to remove a fraction of supposedly bioavailable PCBs from the matrix. Eels (Anguilla anguilla) were cultured in systems with untreated and pre-extracted sediment, respectively, and it was shown that the SFE treatment selectively removed bioavailable PCBs from the sediment, since relative biota-to-sediment accumulation factors (BSAFs) for the eight studied PCB congeners were much lower in the pre-extracted than in the untreated system at the end of the study. Relative BSAF values decreased with about the same relative amount for all eight congeners, independent of the degree of chlorination and the initial concentration in the sediment. The results demonstrate the ability of SFE to selectively remove sediment-bound PCBs that are available for uptake by the eels, thus demonstrating the feasibility of using selective SFE to estimate bioavailability of PCBs in sediments.


Can transvaginal ultrasonographic evaluation of the endocervical glandular area predict preterm labor among patients who received tocolytic therapy for threatened labor: a cross-sectional study.
Increased neonatal morbidity and mortality rates resulting from preterm delivery (PTD) remain as a problem despite increasing evidence about the physiology of uterine contractility process. More predictive signs of preterm labor detected on prenatal ultrasonography like the presence of cervical gland area (CGA) on transvaginal ultrasonography can be a reassuring finding among patients with threatened labor risk. In this prospective study, 85 pregnant patients at 24-34 weeks of gestation who attended to our high risk pregnancy clinic for threatened labor between March 2011 and March 2012 have been examined by transvaginal ultrasonography to evaluate CGA located around the endocervical canal. Following discharge, the gestational week at birth, birth weight and birth route of patients have been recorded. Among patients with a cervical length (CL) <30 mm and ≥30 mm measured by transvaginal ultrasonography on admission, 82.4% of the patients with a short cervix exhibiting echolucent endocervical glandular area and 42.3% of the patients with short cervix exhibiting echogen endocervical glandular area on sonography delivered at term (p = 0.013). The presence of CGA detected on transvaginal ultrasonography especially when combined with the evaluation of CL during the management of patients with threatened labor can be a reassuring sign for actual probability of PTD.


Forces and moments delivered by PET-G aligners to an upper central incisor for labial and palatal translation.
Aligners made of polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PET-G) were tested in an experimental study for labial and palatal translation of an upper central incisor to quantify the forces and moments thus delivered and to biomechanically evaluate the capability of bodily movement. Using a resin model of the upper dentition, tooth 21 was separated and connected to a 3D force/moment (F/M) sensor to record the forces and moments delivered by aligners for labial and palatal displacement. An impression was taken with tooth 21 in its neutral position to obtain casts for standardized thermoplastic fabrication of aligners varying in make and foil thickness (Duran® 0.5/0.625/0.75 mm; Erkodur® 0.5/0.6/0.8 mm; Track-A® 0.5/0.63/0.8 mm). Upon placing each aligner over the teeth of the resin model, the separated tooth was subjected to 0.01 mm increments of labial and palatal translation by 0.25 mm in either direction. The mean forces delivered by the thinnest (0.5 mm) aligners for 0.25 mm of palatal displacement of tooth 21 were 3.01 ± 0.07 N (Duran®), 5.31 ± 0.89 N (Erkodur®), and 3.69 ± 0.81 N (Track-A®). The thickest (0.75 or 0.8 mm) aligners delivered 4.49 ± 0.16 N (Duran®), 7.22 ± 0.45 N (Erkodur®), and 5.20 ± 0.68 N (Track-A®). The mean forces for palatal as compared to labial displacement were higher by a mean of 48% with the Erkodur® and by 23% with the Track-A® aligners but were smaller by 37% with the Duran® aligners. The moment-to-force (M/F) ratios, calculated in relation to the center of resistance of the separated measurement tooth, ranged from -9.91 to -12.22 mm, thus, approaching the value of -8.80 mm for uncontrolled tipping of this tooth. Manufacturers of PET-G aligners have recommended setup increments of 0.5-1 mm, which appears excessive based on our results. PET-G aligners not featuring modifications (e.g., reinforcing ribs or composite attachments bonded to the teeth) are unsuitable for bodily movement of upper central incisors in labial or palatal directions.


Waning of maternal antibody against measles virus in Shufu, China.
As measles vaccination coverage has increased, measles infection has shifted to the population of infants. We conducted a follow-up seroepidemiological study among mothers and their infants to evaluate measles seroprevalence and the persistence of maternal measles antibody in Shufu, Kashgar from 2018 to 2020. Maternal venous blood and cord blood was obtained among mothers and their infants at 0, 3, 5, 8, 9, and 12 months of age. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used for quantitative measurement of measles antibodies. We analyzed the correlation between maternal and neonatal measles antibodies, and antibodies persistence after infants were born. The overall neonatal maternal ratio was 2.38 (95%CI: 2.05-2.71). The measles antibodies for mothers and newborns were 438.93 IU/mL (95%CI: 409.47-470.51 IU/mL) and 440.10 IU/mL (95%CI: 410.82-471.48 IU/mL), respectively. Neonatal measles antibodies were dropping after birth and then beginning to increase starting at 8 months of age. Infant measles antibody levels progressively declined after birth regardless of maternal measles antibody levels. Efforts should be carried out to eliminate measles.


Familial absorptive hypercalciuria and renal tubular acidosis.
Hypercalciuria was considered as a secondary condition when associated with familial renal tubular acidosis. Later studies suggested that hypercalciuria could lead to renal tubular acidosis and nephrocalcinosis. Selected members of a family spanning five generations were studied. Renal tubular acidosis was present in eight subjects in three consecutive generations. Increased 24-hour urinary calcium excretion was present in nine subjects in three consecutive generations, alone in the younger generation, and in combination with renal tubular acidosis and nephrocalcinosis in the older generation. Calcium loading tests showed the absorptive nature of hypercalciuria in nine of 18 subjects studied. This report suggests that in this family the absorptive hypercalciuria is an autosomal dominant genetic defect with complete penetrance and variable expressivity which leads to renal tubular acidosis and nephrocalcinosis.


Automatically purification of aqueous CdTe nanocrystals in water-ethanol co-environment.
Purification is a separated post-treatment step after the synthesis of nanocrystals (NCs) in order to exclude excess ligands and monomers in NC solution. The common purification process involves many manipulations, such as concentrating, addition of anti-solvents and centrifugation, which are troublesome and time consuming. In this work, we originally integrate NC synthesis and NC purification in one-pot via selecting water-ethanol co-environment for NC synthesis and NC purification. Our research shows that NCs can grow in water-ethanol mixture. When growing into critical size, NCs will automatically precipitate from the solution. Element analysis demonstrates that precipitates fraction fits well with stoichiometric of ligand-capped NCs. Excess monomers are left in supernatant, and thus achieving automatically purification of NCs in the water-ethanol co-environment. By adjusting the volume ratios of water and ethanol in bi-solvent system, different-sized purified NCs can be controlled. Besides, this water-ethanol co-environment can be used in both thermal-promoted and hydrazine-promoted growth.


Quality trait improvement in horticultural crops: OMICS and modern biotechnological approaches.
Horticultural crops are an essential part of food and nutritional security. Moreover, these form an integral part of the agricultural economy and have enormous economic potential. They are a rich source of nutrients that are beneficial to human health. Plant breeding of horticultural crops has focussed primarily on increasing the productivity and related traits of these crops. However, fruit and vegetable quality is paramount to their perishability, marketability, and consumer acceptance. The improved nutritional value is beneficial to underprivileged and undernourished communities. Due to a declining genetic base, conventional plant breeding does not contribute much to quality improvement as the existing natural allelic variations and crossing barriers between cultivated and wild species limit it. Over the past two decades, 'omics' and modern biotechnological approaches have made it possible to decode the complex genomes of crop plants, assign functions to the otherwise many unknown genes, and develop genome-wide DNA markers. Genetic engineering has enabled the validation of these genes and the introduction of crucial agronomic traits influencing various quality parameters directly or indirectly. This review discusses the significant advances in the quality improvement of horticultural crops, including shelf life, aroma, browning, nutritional value, colour, and many other related traits.


[Oral health-related quality of life in patients with oral lichen planus].
To investigate the oral health-related quality of life in patients with oral lichen planus (OLP) using the Chinese version of the oral health impact profile (OHIP)-14. 51 patients with OLP were included and completed the questionnaire of OHIP-14 subsequently the REU scoring system was utilized to record the local condition and a visual analogue scale (VAS) to rate the pain they experienced. The reliability and validity were analyzed by SPSS 16.0 software. The score of OHIP-14 was 21.67 +/- 9.45, Cronbach's alpha of the translated scale was 0.901. The items were divided into 5 domains by factor analysis. There was certain logical relation between the items in the same domain. There was highly significant association between the OHIP-14 score and REU score as well as VAS score (r=0.608, 0.807, P<0.000). OHIP-14 performs well in patients with OLP, and have good validity and reliability.


A formal decision analysis identifies an optimal treatment strategy in a resource-poor setting.
Decision analytic techniques use formal specifications of utility for the four fundamental decision events: true positives, false positives, true negatives, and false negatives. An optimal policy is the one with the lowest expected net cost. In this paper, decision analytic techniques for treatment selection based on patient characteristics are applied to a resource-poor setting. A cohort of 986 female sex workers in Antananarivo and Tamatave, Madagascar were tested for cervical infection at baseline and again 2 months later after presumptive treatment for gonorrhea and chlamydia. Three equivalent approaches to identify the optimal policy based on patient characteristic subgroups are demonstrated. Two of them require exhaustive searches of all possible alternatives. The third identifies the optimal policy as an analytic expression that compares a decision function with a threshold and leads to a closed-form solution. With this approach, the optimal policy can be expressed in four equivalent forms using basic epidemiological measures: likelihood ratio, predicted probability of disease, logistic regression parameters, and total risk score. These methods illustrate the application of a decision analysis to clinical epidemiology. Management of cervical infection for sex workers in Madagascar occurs under severe resource constraints, and therefore requires an algorithm for identifying optimal treatment regimens.


Contact dermatitis to PPD rubber in Maleki shoes.
The Persian cloth shoe (Maleki) which has been in use for more than 800 years has a strong cloth sole and a woven cotton upper. In the last 20 years, used car tires have become readily available in Iran and the soles of some shoes are now made from these. A man with the typical picture of rubber dermatitis on the soles of his feet is described. On patch testing he gave a 2+ positive to PPD rubber and this was thought to be due to the fact that he had worn Maleki shoes for several years.


Application of Geant4 Monte Carlo simulation in dose calculations for small radiosurgical fields.
The Geant4 toolkit was used to develop a Monte Carlo (MC)-based engine for accurate dose calculations in small radiation field sizes. The Geant4 toolkit (version 10.1.p02) was used to simulate 6-MV photon beam of a Varian2100C linear accelerator that is being used for stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) treatment with small radiation fields. Geometric models of 3 in-house designed radiosurgical divergent cones, with the diameters of their projections at the isocenter being 10, 20, and 30 mm, were simulated. The accuracy of the MC simulation technique was examined by reproducing several different simulated dosimetric parameters of the primary beams with the experimental data. The dose distributions are first checked for single beams for each cone, then standard multiple field (SMF) techniques are applied. A sample set of DICOM files from computed tomography (CT) scan imaging of a patient's head was converted to the Geant4 geometry format to implement MC-based engine for a clinical test. To validate the accuracy of the MC-based calculations for SMF arrangements, the isodose lines from MC simulation in water phantom were compared with the measured isodose lines using EBT3 Gafchromic film in Solid Water phantoms. Agreements between measured and simulated depth dose values and beam profiles for SRS cones were generally within 2%/2 mm. For output factors, the largest discrepancy was observed for 10 mm SRS cone, which was 1.7%. For SMF techniques, in SRS cones, the MC simulation and EBT3 Gafchromic film dosimetry were in acceptable agreement (5%/5 mm). Excellent agreement between the results of the MC-based and measured dose values for both single and SMF techniques in SRS cones indicates the ability of the Geant4 toolkit to be applied as the platform for treatment planning of advanced radiotherapy techniques.


Serum EGF and NGF levels of patients with brain injury and limb fracture.
To explore the expression and significance of human epidermal growth factor (EGF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) in patients with knee osteoarthritis. RT-PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to measure the serum EGF and NGF expression levels of patients with limb fracture and brain trauma injurry after 1 d, 3 d, 7 d, 14 d and the relationship between them was analyzed. The level was compared among the simple fracture group, traumatic brain injury group and the normal control group, with 40 cases in each group. The serum NGF levels were significantly different among three groups. Serum NGF, EGF mRNA and protein levels gradually decreased with the increasing injury time in the limb fracture combined with brain injury group, traumatic brain injury group, the simple fracture group and the health control group (P<0.05). The serum of NGF, EGF levels significantly increased when limb fracture combined with brain injury, so EGF and NGF may be involved in the process of fracture healing.


Ecology and taxonomy ofFusarium species in Poland.
The paper presents 21Fusarium species occurring in Poland on the field crops /mostly on cereals, maize, potato and Papilionaceae plants/, woody plants, grasses, vegetables and ornamentals as well as on kernels or seeds of these hosts and soils. Additionally the commonly observed symptoms on above-mentioned plants and the informations about regions of the highest disease occurrence are added.However the paper results mainly from authors' investigation on theFusarium species occurrence in Poland, it encloses also the available, post-war literature data on the fusariosis in Poland in the past.Majority ofFusarium species cited had been identified according to Nelson et al, taxonomic system. Comparative listing of the monographs / 1,11, 21/ is presented.


A new instrument for inserting intercostal catheters.
A new instrument is described which allows blunt dissection through the muscles of the chest wall to the pleural cavity followed by subsequent passage of a suitable catheter through the open jaws of the instrument.


Investigating free radical generation in HepG2 cells using immuno-spin trapping.
Oxidative stress can induce the generation of free radicals, which are believed to play an important role in both physiological and pathological processes and a number of diseases such as cancer. Therefore, it is important to identify chemicals which are capable of inducing oxidative stress. In this study, we evaluated the ability of four environmental chemicals, aniline, nitrosobenzene (NB), N,N-dimethylaniline (DMA) and N,N-dimethyl-4-nitrosoaniline (DMNA), to induce free radicals and cellular damage in the hepatoma cell line HepG2. Cytotoxicity was assessed using lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays and morphological changes were observed using phase contrast microscopy. Free radicals were detected by immuno-spin trapping (IST) in in-cell western experiments or in confocal microscopy experiments to determine the subcellular localization of free radical generation. DMNA induced free radical generation, LDH release and morphological changes in HepG2 cells whereas aniline, NB and DMA did not. Confocal microscopy showed that DMNA induced free radical generation mainly in the cytosol. Preincubation of HepG2 cells with N-acetylcysteine and 2,2'-dipyridyl significantly prevented free radical generation upon subsequent incubation with DMNA, whereas preincubation with apocynin and dimethyl sulfoxide did not. These results suggest that DMNA induces oxidative stress and that reactive oxygen species, metals and free radical generation play a critical role in DMNA-induced cytotoxicity.


Covid-19 shock: Development of strategic management framework for global energy.
Energy resources are vital for the economic development of any nation, and they are currently recognised as an essential commodity for human beings. Many countries are facing various levels up to severe energy crisis due to limited natural resources, coupled with the Covid-19 pandemic. This crisis can lead to the shutdown or restriction of many industrial units, limited energy access, exacerbating unemployment, simultaneous impacts on people's lives. The main reason for these problems is the increasing gap between energy supply and demand, logistics, financial issues, as well as ineffective strategic planning issues. Different countries have different visions, missions, and strategies for energy management. Integrated strategic management is requisite for managing global energy. This study aims to develop a strategic management framework that can be used as a methodology for policymakers to analyse, plan, implement, and evaluate the energy strategy globally. A conceptual research method that relies on examining the related literature is applied to develop the framework. The present study yielded two main observations: 1) The identification of key concepts to consider in designing the strategic management framework for global energy, and 2) A strategic management framework that integrates the scope, process, important components, and steps to manage global energy strategies. This framework would contribute to providing a standard procedure to manage energy strategies for policymakers at the global, regional, national, state, city, district, and sector levels.


Oxidation of D-glucose in the presence of 2,2'-bipyridine by CrVI in aqueous micellar media: a kinetic study.
The kinetics of Cr(VI) oxidation of D-glucose to the corresponding lactone in the presence and absence of 2,2'-bipyridine (bipy) has been carried out under the conditions, [D-glucose](T) >> [Cr(VI)](T) at different temperatures in aqueous micellar media. The monomeric Cr(VI) species has been found to be kinetically active in the absence of bipy whereas in the bipy-catalysed path, the Cr(VI)-bipy complex has been found to be the active oxidant. In the bipy-catalysed path, the Cr(VI)-bipy complex undergoes nucleophilic attack by the substrate to form a ternary complex. The ternary complex spontaneously experiences a redox decomposition (through two-electron transfer) in the rate-determining step leading to the product lactone and Cr(IV)-bipy complex. The Cr(IV)-bipy complex then takes part in faster steps in the further oxidation of D-glucose and is ultimately converted into a Cr(III)-bipy complex. In the uncatalysed path, the Cr(VI)-substrate ester experiences acid catalysed redox decomposition (two-electron transfer) in the rate-determining step. The uncatalysed path shows a second order dependence on [H(+)] and a first order dependence on each of the reactants [D-glucose](T) and [Cr(VI)](T). In contrast, the bipy-catalysed path shows a first order dependence on each of the reactants [H(+)], [D-glucose](T) and [Cr(VI)](T). The bipy-catalysed path is first order in [bipy](T). These observations remain unaltered in the presence of externally added surfactants. The effect of the cationic surfactant, N-cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) and anionic surfactant, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) on both the uncatalysed and bipy-catalysed path has been studied. CPC inhibits both the uncatalysed and bipy-catalysed path, while SDS catalyses these reactions. The observed micellar effects have been explained by considering hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions between the surfactants and reactants.


Practices Regarding Rape-related Pregnancy in U.S. Abortion Care Settings.
We aimed to explore current practices regarding screening for rape and response to disclosure of rape-related pregnancy in the abortion care setting. We performed a cross-sectional, nonprobability survey of U.S. abortion providers. Individuals were recruited in person and via emailed invitations to professional organization member lists. Questions in this web-based survey pertained to providers' practice setting, how they identify rape-related pregnancy, the availability of support services, and their experiences with law enforcement. Providers were asked their perceptions of barriers to care for women who report rape-related pregnancy. Surveys were completed by 279 providers (21% response rate). Most respondents were female (93.1%), and the majority were physicians in a clinical role (69.4%). One-half (49.8%) reported their practice screens for pregnancy resulting from rape, although fewer (34.8%) reported that screening is the method through which most patients with this history are identified. Most (80.6%) refer women with rape-related pregnancy to support services such as rape crisis centers. Relatively few (19.7%) have a specific protocol for care of women who report rape-related pregnancy. Clinics that screen were 79% more likely to have a protocol for care than centers that do not screen. Although the majority (67.4%) reported barriers to identification of women with rape-related pregnancy, fewer (33.3%) reported barriers to connecting them to support services. Practices for identifying and providing care to women with rape-related pregnancy in the abortion care setting are variable. Further research should address barriers to care provision, as well as identifying protocols for care.


Screening for amblyopia in preverbal children with photoscreening photographs: IV. Interobserver variability in photograph grading: origin and method of reduction.
Earlier detection of childhood vision disorders is a prominent goal of vision screening. The Medical Technology and Innovation (MTI) PhotoScreener addresses this objective. Use of this camera does not require verbal feedback and may be administered early in a child's development. Decreasing the variability in photograph grading results will boost the utility of any photoscreening system. This report aims to understand and to decrease intra- and inter-observer variability in grading photoscreening photographs. We dissected the photograph grading process and quantified the intra- and inter-observer agreement using intraclass plot correlation coefficients. We evaluated the outcome of a two grader verification system vs. adjudicated measurements with Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) curves. Data on 955 children under 5 years of age, normal except for refractive error, each with complete photoscreening and eye examination data, culled from two previous studies. Intra- and inter-observer agreement in measuring bright crescent dimensions and pupillary diameters. Sensitivity and specificity of detection of hyperopia. Measurements of bright crescents are associated with greater variability than are measurements of pupillary diameters. Recognition and omission of light "rim" measurements from photograph grading will result in superior inter-observer agreement. Photograph independent errors increase variability and may be corrected by remeasurement. A verification system in which the most discrepant 5% of measurements are redone results in ROC curves similar to adjudicated dimension. We conclude: 1) two novices grading photographs can do as well as one expert in most cases; 2) the proposed grading methodology has undergone statistical validation and can be used in other areas of ophthalmology and medicine; and 3) inter-observer variability, one of the limitations of photoscreening photograph grading, can be reduced. For 95% of the photographs, two novices achieve similar true positive and true negative values with or without adjudication.


[Significance of polymorphisms in variable number of tandem repeat region of interleukin-4 gene in recurrence of childhood steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome].
Recent studies suggest that T cell dysfunction, especially IL-4, may be involved in the pathogenesis of steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS). The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the polymorphisms in variable numbers of tandem repeat region (VTR) of IL-4 gene and childhood SSNS. The polymorphism in the IL-4 gene was identified by using the polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing methods in 55 Chinese children with SSNS, who were followed-up for at least 1 year, and 115 healthy Chinese adult blood donors as controls. A variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) region polymorphisms of IL-4 gene were detected, and alleles were designated as IL-4 B1 and B2, corresponding to 2 and 3 repeats, respectively. The serum IgE was also examined in 48 patients before the steroid treatment. (1) There were no significant differences in the genotype and allele frequencies between patients with SSNS and normal controls (P > 0.05). (2) The frequencies of B1B1 (96.4%) were significantly higher in SSNS children with frequent relapses (28 patients had more than 3 relapses during the first year of the disease) than in 27 patients without frequent relapses (P < 0.05). (3) Twenty-three patients with frequent relapses showed higher levels of serum IgE (1.98 +/- 0.23 g/L) than 25 patients (IgE: 1.05 +/- 0.19 g/L) without frequent relapses (P < 0.05), and the patients with B1B1 (38 patients) also had higher serum IgE levels than patients with B1B2 and B2B2 (10 patients) (P < 0.05). The results suggest that IL-4 VNTR B1B1 genotype might be a predictor for the frequent relapse in childhood SSNS in Chinese.


Catecholamine innervation of the basal forebrain. II. Amygdala, suprarhinal cortex and entorhinal cortex.
The catecholamine (CA) innervation of the posterior basal forebrain, the amygdala, suprarhinal cortex and entorhinal cortex, was studied in the rat using biochemical assay and fluorescence histochemistry. The assay studies demonstrate a moderate norepinephrine (NE) content in the amygdala and entorhinal cortex with a lower value for the suprarhinal cortex. Following destruction of the locus coeruleus, the decrease in NE content of these basal forebrain structures indicates that their principal NE innervation is from locus coeruleus. An additional small NE input arises from the medullary NE neuron groups. Ablation of dopamine (DA) cell groups (substantia nigra-ventral tegmental area, SN-VTA) indicates that the DA input to the amygdala arises from the lateral VTA and medial half of the SN. Fluorescence histochemical studies using the glyoxylic acid-Vibratome technique demonstrate the presence of four distinct types of CA neuron terminal plexus in the posterior basal forebrain. These include two different DA fiber types arising in SN-VTA, small NE fibers with small varicosities arising in locus coeruleus and NE fibers with larger varicosities arising in other brainstem NE cell groups. The large NE fibers appear to enter the amygdala via the ansa peduncularis-ventral amygdaloid bundle to innervate the central and basolateral nucleus and the anterior amygdaloid area. The locus coeruleus NE fibers appear to enter the posterior basal forebrain via both the stria terminalis and ansa peduncularis-ventral amygdaloid bundle system to form a moderately dense innervation of the central and basolateral nuclei of the amygdala and a less dense innervation of the other areas. The DA neuron axons are concentrated in the central and basal nuclei and intercalated cell groups. Other areas receive a more diffuse DA input, with the exception of the moderately dense innervation of the suprarhinal cortex and DA "islands" in the ventral-anterrior entorhinal cortex, The DA input to the posterior basal forebrain is complex and heterogeneous and the axonal morphology differs greatly among the terminal fields within the amygdala and adjacent cortical areas.


Micro-Raman studies of hydrous ferrous sulfates and jarosites.
Ferrous sulfates of various hydration states (FeSO(4) X xH(2)O; x=7, 4, 1) and jarosites (MFe(3)(SO(4))(2)(OH)(6); M=Na or K) were synthesized and studied by micro-Raman spectroscopy between 295 and 8K. Spectral analyses of the sulfate and water/hydroxyl vibrational modes are presented. Fingerprint regions attributed to the symmetric (nu(1)) and antisymmetric (nu(3)) stretching vibrations of the sulfate group are found to vary with the degree of hydration in hydrous ferrous sulfate. In jarosites, the Raman shift of the OH stretching mode is related to the type of alkali metal present between the tetrahedral and octahedral layers. The Raman technique can thus unambiguously identify ferrous sulfate of various hydration states and jarosites bearing different alkali metal ions.


Microwave-assisted extraction, characterization and immunomodulatory activity on RAW264.7 cells of polysaccharides from Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim seeds.
Microwave-assisted extraction of polysaccharides from Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim seeds (TKMSP) was optimized using Response surface methodology (RSM) base on Central composite design (CCD). The optimum extraction conditions are detailed as follows: liquid-solid ratio 42 mL/g, extraction temperature 80 °C, microwave power 570 W, extraction time 26 min. Under this conditions, the mean value of TKMSP yield 2.43 ± 0.45% (n = 3), which was consistent closely with the predicted value (2.44%). The five polysaccharides (TKMSP-1, TKMSP-2, TKMSP-3, TKMSP-4 and TKMSP-5) were isolated from TKMSP by DEAE-52. TKMSP-1, TKMSP-2 and TKMSP-4 were common in containing Man, Rib, Rha, GluA, GalA, Glu, Gal, Xyl, Arab and Fuc. However, there was no Fuc in TKMSP-3, while TKMSP-5 lacked GluA, GalA and Fuc. UV-vis and FT-IR analysis combined with molecular weight determination further indicated that the five fractions were polydisperse polysaccharides. A significant difference was achieved in the structural characterization of these five fractions. TKMSP exhibited immunosuppressive activity on RAW264.7 cells. It can be applied as a potential immunosuppressant agent in medicine.


Detecting depression in medically ill patients: Comparative accuracy of four screening questionnaires and physicians' diagnoses in Spanish population.
The purpose of this study is to compare the diagnostic accuracy of four depression screening tools commonly used in patients with medical disorders, relative to a reference diagnostic standard-a structured psychiatric interview. The Depression in the Medically Ill-18 (DMI-18) questionnaire was administered to 167 patients with medical disorders; of those, 53 completed the Beck Depression Inventory for Primary Care (BDI-PC), 67 the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and 46 the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). The entire sample was also interviewed with a structured psychiatric interview conducted by a mental health professional. Sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios (LRs), and area under the curve (AUC) were calculated and compared for the different measures. At their respective recommended cutoff points, sensitivities [95% confidence interval (CI)] were 86% (70-95), 82% (63-94), 93% (86-97), and 68% (47-85) for the HADS-D, BDI-PC, DMI-18, and PHQ-9, respectively, while specificities ranged from 72% (47-90) for BDI-PC to 89% (72-98) for PHQ-9. The sensitivities of DMI-18 were significantly higher compared to those of HADS-D (P=.045) and PHQ-9 (P=.01). The PHQ-9 questionnaire obtained the most favorable positive LR (6.35; 95% CI, 2.48-18.36). In contrast, the DMI-18 showed the best negative LR (0.09; 95% CI, 0.04-0.18). Areas under the curves (95% CI) ranged from 0.92 (0.83-1.02) to 0.84 (0.74-0.94). Statistically significant differences were found between the AUCs of the DMI-10 and the BDI-PC. Our results suggest that all evaluated scales have acceptable abilities and can be used as screening instruments for depression in patients with medical disorders. The DMI stands out for its sensitivity.


Gliomatosis peritonei: recurrence, treatment and surveillance.
Gliomatosis peritonei is the metastatic implantation of mature glial tissue within the peritoneal cavity of patients with ovarian teratomas. There is no clear guidance for how long these patients should be followed up. We report the follow-up imaging findings of a 33-year-old female with abdominal distension and abdominal pain and who was postoperatively diagnosed with immature ovarian teratoma with gliomatosis peritonei. Differentiation of peritoneal implants seems to be important for prognosis. Malignant transformations after several years cannot be excluded. Therefore, new studies will determine if it is necessary to create guidelines for the postsurgical monitoring of these patients.


[Angelo de Vincenti and the history of neurology].
Angelo De Vincenti was been considered are of the pioneers of neurology in Italy. He left few printed works and of testimonies of his clinical and managerial activity; this article deals in particular with De Vincenti's fundamental promoting the therapeutical role in value of Terme di Salice in the first years of xx XIX century.


Aminolaevulinic acid-induced photodynamic therapy: cellular responses to glucose starvation.
Photodynamic therapy is a cancer treatment based on the interaction of light, oxygen and a photosensitiser. Protoporphyrin. IX is an endogenous photosensitiser derived from the pro-drug aminolaevulinic acid. Tumours contain areas of hypoxia and hypoglycaemia. Tumour cells adapt to these conditions by stress protein induction which may induce resistance to cancer therapies. The effect of chronic hypoglycaemia on sensitivity to aminolaevulinic acid-induced photodynamic therapy in vitro was studied in MCF-7, human breast cancer cells. Following chronic exposure to 0, 1 or 25 mM, glucose, cells were treated with aminolaevulinic acid and the generation of intracellular protoporphyrin. IX measured by spectrofluorimetry. Aminolaevulinic acid-induced photodynamic therapy sensitivity was compared between cells following chronic exposure to 0, 1 or 25 mM glucose. Percentage cell survival was determined by clonogenic assay. Cells cultured in low glucose generated higher levels of protoporphyrin IX compared to standard glucose medium (0 mM glucose: 0.88 x 10(-5) ng cell(-1), 1 mM: 0.86 x 10(-5) ng cell(-1), 25 mM: 0.60 5x 10(-5) ng cell(-1), P<0.05). However, photodynamic therapy sensitivity was reduced in glucose deprived cells (0 mM glucose: 61% survival, 1 mM: 80.5% and 25 mM: 39.6%, P<0.05). Chronic exposure to low glucose induces photodynamic therapy resistance despite increased intracellular concentrations of protoporphyrin IX and may reflect cellular adaptation to chronic glucose deprivation.


Cidea is an essential transcriptional coactivator regulating mammary gland secretion of milk lipids.
Adequate lipid secretion by mammary glands during lactation is essential for the survival of mammalian offspring. However, the mechanism governing this process is poorly understood. Here we show that Cidea is expressed at high levels in lactating mammary glands and its deficiency leads to premature pup death as a result of severely reduced milk lipids. Furthermore, the expression of xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR), an essential factor for milk lipid secretion, is markedly lower in Cidea-deficient mammary glands. Conversely, ectopic Cidea expression induces the expression of XOR and enhances lipid secretion in vivo. Unexpectedly, as Cidea has heretofore been thought of as a cytoplasmic protein, we detected it in the nucleus and found it to physically interact with transcription factor CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein β (C/EBPβ) in mammary epithelial cells. We also observed that Cidea induces XOR expression by promoting the association of C/EBPβ onto, and the dissociation of HDAC1 from, the promoter of the Xdh gene encoding XOR. Finally, we found that Fsp27, another CIDE family protein, is detected in the nucleus and interacts with C/EBPβ to regulate expression of a subset of C/EBPβ downstream genes in adipocytes. Thus, Cidea acts as a previously unknown transcriptional coactivator of C/EBPβ in mammary glands to control lipid secretion and pup survival.


Neuronal nicotinic receptor antagonist reduces anxiety-like behavior in mice.
Brain cholinergic neurotransmission has been implicated in the modulation of anxiety in humans and evidence suggests that drugs targeting neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) could have potential for the treatment of anxiety. The objective of present study was to examine anxiolytic effects of lobeline (0.04 or 0.1 mg/kg), a nAChR antagonist, in C57BL/6J mice using elevated plus-maze (EPM) and marble-burying test. Lobeline (0.04 mg/kg) significantly increased open arm time on EPM and reduced number of marbles buried. Similarly, mecamylamine (0.3 mg/kg) produced anxiolytic effects, while peripherally acting hexamethonium (0.3 mg/kg) failed to produce any response. These results provide evidence that lobeline has anxiolytic potential and nAChR antagonists may represent a new class of anxiolytics in humans.


Configuration and molecular structure of 5-chloro-N-(4-sulfamoylbenzyl) salicylamide derivatives.
A systematic study on sulfonamide derivatives with salicylamide core is presented for possible use in pharmaceutical applications. The molecular structure of eight different compounds has been investigated by FTIR in the frequency range 4000-400 cm-1 to recognize the possible geometrical shape of the molecules needed to uniquely identify the activity of molecule in cancer cell. The electronic charge distribution of these different compounds is further illustrated by UV-Vis spectroscopy in the frequency range 190-1100 nm. The theoretical results obtained from molecular modeling calculations showed that the hydrogen bonds between the OH, CO, NH, and/or CH groups vary from one compound to the other regarding their number and bond length. This confirms the experimental FTIR results regarding the position and broadening of the OH and NH groups due to free rotation of the amide group because of changing the compounds structure by adding different groups to the last phenyl ring. The hydrogen bonds take different directions and values from one compound to the other, which seems to be the most important factor regarding the activity of these different compounds in cancer cell. Both theoretical molecular modeling calculations and FTIR experimental results have strongly evaluated the relation between the chemical structure of 5-chloro-N (4-sulfamoylbenzyl) salicylamide derivatives and their biological activities.


Phenotype Algorithms for the Identification and Characterization of Vaccine-Induced Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia in Real World Data: A Multinational Network Cohort Study.
Vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) has been identified as a rare but serious adverse event associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines. In this study, we explored the pre-pandemic co-occurrence of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia (TWT) using 17 observational health data sources across the world. We applied multiple TWT definitions, estimated the background rate of TWT, characterized TWT patients, and explored the makeup of thrombosis types among TWT patients. We conducted an international network retrospective cohort study using electronic health records and insurance claims data, estimating background rates of TWT amongst persons observed from 2017 to 2019. Following the principles of existing VITT clinical definitions, TWT was defined as patients with a diagnosis of embolic or thrombotic arterial or venous events and a diagnosis or measurement of thrombocytopenia within 7 days. Six TWT phenotypes were considered, which varied in the approach taken in defining thrombosis and thrombocytopenia in real world data. Overall TWT incidence rates ranged from 1.62 to 150.65 per 100,000 person-years. Substantial heterogeneity exists across data sources and by age, sex, and alternative TWT phenotypes. TWT patients were likely to be men of older age with various comorbidities. Among the thrombosis types, arterial thrombotic events were the most common. Our findings suggest that identifying VITT in observational data presents a substantial challenge, as implementing VITT case definitions based on the co-occurrence of TWT results in large and heterogeneous incidence rate and in a cohort of patints with baseline characteristics that are inconsistent with the VITT cases reported to date.


The usefulness of the percentage of immature granulocytes in predicting in-hospital mortality in patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is an important health problem with a potentially life threatening course. Measurement of immature granulocytes percentage (IG %), reflecting the fraction of circulating immature granulocyte (IG), is associated with increased mortality in patients with systemic inflammation, or distress. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the IG% is an effective predictive marker for estimating the in-hospital mortality for patients with UGIB admitting to the emergency department (ED). This retrospective study included patients with UGIB who admitted to the ED, between 01.01.2019 and 31.12.2019. The patients were divided into two groups as discharged and dead. The IG% and other parameters were recorded. The primary end point of the study was in-hospital mortality. Logistic regression model was used to determine the factors affecting mortality. This study included 149 patients, 94 of whom were men. The mean age of the patients was 64.5 ± 14.2. Twenty patients died during hospitalization and 129 were discharged. IG% was significantly higher in patients who died compared with patients who discharged. In the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves analysis to determine the in-hospital mortality, the cut-off value (>1%) for IG% level was found specificity (93.8%), sensitivity (100%), positive predictive value (PPV = 71.43%), negative predictive value (NPV = 100.00%) and area under curve (AUC = 0.98). Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that IG% was predicting in-hospital mortality (odds ratio, OR = 65.6, confidence interval, CI = 2.00-2152.6). CONCLUSıONS: High IG% levels may be used as a predictor of in-hospital mortality in patients with UGIB.


Malignant fibrous histiocytoma: Database review suggests a favorable prognosis in the head and neck.
The malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) is the most common soft tissue sarcoma of the head and neck. Currently, most of the data on this tumor relies on small retrospective studies. The objective of this study is to use the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database to compare characteristics of this tumor based on location to better understand its prognosis in the head and neck region. This article represents the largest study analyzing prognosis of this tumor in the head and neck to date. Retrospective analysis of SEER database. Using the SEER database, 395 patients with MFH of the head and neck were compared with 3,968 patients with MFH of the trunk and extremities. Disease-specific survival was carried out comparing these two cohorts, as well as univariate and multivariate analysis to determine hazard ratios. Head and neck MFH had a significantly higher disease-specific survival compared with trunk and extremity disease. However, head and neck tumors were more frequently a smaller size (P < .0001) and lower grade (P < .0001). Larger tumors and grade III and IV tumors conferred a worse prognosis (P < .0001). Head and neck malignant fibrous histiocytoma presents at a smaller size and lower grade, likely due to earlier presentation in this region. Because of this, head and neck malignant fibrous histiocytoma represents a more favorable survival prognosis compared with trunk and extremity disease. 4. Laryngoscope, 128:885-888, 2018.


"I've had enough!" Mental health as a mechanism in the relationship between sexual harassment and organizational commitment.
Research on workplace sexual harassment has focused largely on its direct antecedents and consequences. In contrast, few studies unravel mechanisms through which sexual harassment is related to organizational outcomes. Following affective events theory, the purpose of this paper is to investigate mental health as a mechanism in the relationship between sexual harassment and organizational commitment. Quantitative data were collected using a survey design for which 249 employees responded. Structural equation modeling showed that the mediation model was partially supported for the overall sample because mental health was a partial and not full mediator. However, post-hoc analysis revealed that the mediation model was suited to men, but not women. This study contributes to sexual harassment research by (a) investigating a novel mechanism in the sexual harassment to organizational commitment relationship and (b) highlighting the importance of gender differences when attempting to unravel the sexual harassment causal chain. Implications for organizations regarding the development of sexual harassment policies, complaint procedures, and training are explained.


Purification of a dimeric arginine deiminase from Enterococcus faecium GR7 and study of its anti-cancerous activity.
The arginine deiminase (ADI, E.C 126.96.36.199) - a key enzyme of ADI pathway of Enterococcus faecium GR7 was purified to homogeneity. A sequential purification strategy involving ammonium sulfate fractionation, molecular sieve followed by Sephadex G-100 gel filtration was applied to the crude culture filtrate to obtain a pure enzyme preparation. The enzyme was purified with a fold of 16.92 and showed a final specific activity of 76.65IU/mg with a 49.17% yield. The dimeric ADI has a molecular mass of about 94,364.929Da, and comprises of hetrodimers of 49.1kDa and 46.5kDa as determined by MALDI-TOF and PAGE analysis. To assess anti-cancerous activity of ADI by MTT assay was carried out against cancer cell lines (MCF-7, Sp2/0-Ag14 and Hep-G2). Purified ADI exhibited the most profound antiproliferative activity against Hep-G2 cells; with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 1.95μg/ml. Purified ADI from E. faecium GR7 was observed to induce apoptosis in the Hep-G2 cells by DNA fragmentation assay. Our findings suggest the possibility of a future use of ADI from E. faecium GR7 as a potential anticancer drug.


Antioxidant and antimutagenic activity of Curcuma caesia Roxb. rhizome extracts.
The rhizomes of Curcuma caesia Roxb. (zingiberacea) are traditionally used in treatment of various ailments and metabolic disorders like leukoderma, asthma, tumours, piles, bronchitis, etc. in Indian system of medicine. Considering the importance of natural products in modern phytomedicine, the antioxidant and antimutagenic activities of C. caesia Roxb. rhizome extract and its fractions were evaluated. The ethanolic fraction showed highest antioxidant activity by DPPH assay (86.91%) comparable to ascorbic acid (94.77%) with IC50 value of 418 μg/ml for EECC followed by MECC (441.90 μg/ml) > EAECC(561 μg/ml) > AECC(591 μg/ml). Based on the antioxidant activity, three of the rhizome extracts were evaluated for their antimutagenic properties against indirect acting mutagen cyclophosphamide (CP) using Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98 and TA100. The antimutagenic activity of the extracts against indirect acting mutagen cyclophosphamide in the presence of mammalian metabolic activation system was found to be significant (p < 0.01, p < 0.05). All the extracts showed similar antimutagenicity in dose dependent manner. The total phenolic content as well as reducing ability of the extracts was also determined.


Evidence-based Practice. Findings from the Section on Education and Consumer Health Informatics.
To provide an overview of outstanding current research conducted in Education and Consumer Informatics. Synopsis of the articles on education and consumer health informatics published in 2012 and selected for the IMIA Yearbook of Medical Informatics 2013. Architecture of monitoring or telehealth information systems for patients with chronic disease must include wireless devices to aid in the collection of personal data. Data acquisition technologies have an impact on patients' willingness to participate in telehealth programmes. Patients are more likely to prefer mobile applications over web-based applications. Social media is widely used by clinicians. Especially younger clinicians use it for personal purposes and for reference materials retrieval. Questions remain on optimal training requirements and on the effects on clinician behavior and on patient outcomes. A high level of e-Health literacy by patients will promote increased adoption and utilization of personal health records. The selected articles highlight the need for training of clinicians to become aware of existing telehealth systems, in order to correctly inform and guide patients to take part in telehealth systems and adopt personal healthcare records (PHR).


Novel transcutaneous sensor combining optical tcPO2 and electrochemical tcPCO2 monitoring with reflectance pulse oximetry.
This study investigated the accuracy, drift, and clinical usefulness of a new optical transcutaneous oxygen tension (tcPO2) measuring technique, combined with a conventional electrochemical transcutaneous carbon dioxide (tcPCO2) measurement and reflectance pulse oximetry in the novel transcutaneous OxiVenT™ Sensor. In vitro gas studies were performed to measure accuracy and drift of tcPO2 and tcPCO2. Clinical usefulness for tcPO2 and tcPCO2 monitoring was assessed in neonates. In healthy adult volunteers, measured oxygen saturation values (SpO2) were compared with arterially sampled oxygen saturation values (SaO2) during controlled hypoxemia. In vitro correlation and agreement with gas mixtures of tcPO2 (r = 0.999, bias 3.0 mm Hg, limits of agreement - 6.6 to 4.9 mm Hg) and tcPCO2 (r = 0.999, bias 0.8 mm Hg, limits of agreement - 0.7 to 2.2 mm Hg) were excellent. In vitro drift was negligible for tcPO2 (0.30 (0.63 SD) mm Hg/24 h) and highly acceptable for tcPCO2 (- 2.53 (1.04 SD) mm Hg/12 h). Clinical use in neonates showed good usability and feasibility. SpO2-SaO2 correlation (r = 0.979) and agreement (bias 0.13%, limits of agreement - 3.95 to 4.21%) in healthy adult volunteers were excellent. The investigated combined tcPO2, tcPCO2, and SpO2 sensor with a new oxygen fluorescence quenching technique is clinically usable and provides good overall accuracy and negligible tcPO2 drift. Accurate and low-drift tcPO2 monitoring offers improved measurement validity for long-term monitoring of blood and tissue oxygenation. Graphical abstract.


Synthesis of Novel 2,5-Disubstituted-1,3,4-thiadiazoles Clubbed 1,2,4-Triazole, 1,3,4-Thiadiazole, 1,3,4-Oxadiazole and/or Schiff Base as Potential Antimicrobial and Antiproliferative Agents.
In the present study, a new series of 2,5-disubstituted-1,3,4-thiadiazole tethered 1,2,4-triazole, 1,3,4-thiadiazole, 1,3,4-oxadiazole and Schiff base derivatives were synthesized and characterized by IR, ¹H-NMR, (13)C-NMR, MS and elemental analyses. All compounds were screened for their antibacterial, antifungal and antiproliferative activity. Some of the synthesized derivatives have displayed promising biological activity.


Mixed T cell CHIMERISM in bone marrow at day+30 after allogeneic stem cell transplantation: Correlation with acute GVHD grades III-IV and no impact on relapse and overall survival.
Early chimerism analysis is important to assess engraftment in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantations. We retrospectively investigated the impact of T-cell chimerism at day 30 in bone marrow on acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD), relapse, and overall survival in 142 adult allo-transplanted patients. The majority of patients (89%) received myeloablative conditioning and 90% have undergone T-cell replete donor graft. At day 30, 103 patients showed T-complete chimerism with prevalence in haploidentical transplants, whereas 39 cases had CD3+ mixed chimerism, including 30 patients transplanted with HLA identical donors, and 21 with T-cell donors<90%. T-cell chimerism at day 30 was weakly inversely related to aGVHD grades II-IV (p = .078) with no cases of grades III-IV aGVHD in patients with CD3+ <95%. Mixed T-cell chimerism did not impact on relapse (p = .448) and five of the seven patients who relapsed had T-cell chimerism ≤90%. Older age and active disease at transplant had a statistically significant negative effect on overall survival (p = .01 and p = .0001, respectively), whereas mixed CD3+ chimerism did not. T lymphocyte chimerism analysis at day +30 in bone marrow could identify allo-transplanted patients at major risk of aGVHD grades III-IV (CD3+ donors >95%) mainly post-myeloablative conditioning regimen.


Lethal interactions among vertebrate top predators: a review of concepts, assumptions and terminology.
Lethal interactions among large vertebrate predators have long interested researchers because of ecological and conservation issues. Research focusing on lethal interactions among vertebrate top predators has used several terms with a broad sense, and also introduced new terminology. We analysed the published literature with reference to the main underlying concepts and the use of terminology and its ecological context. The most frequently used terms in the literature were 'predation', 'intraguild predation', 'interference competition', and 'interspecific killing'. Most studies presented evidence of the killing of the victim (77%), but information regarding its consumption was not given in 48% of cases. More than half of the analysed studies (56%) had no solid information on the degree of competition between interacting species. By reviewing definitions and their underlying assumptions, we demonstrate that lethal interactions among large vertebrate predators could be designated using four terms-'predation', 'intraguild predation', 'interspecific competitive killing', and 'superpredation'-without the need to employ additional terminology that may increase confusion and misuse. For a correct framework of these lethal interactions it is critical to assess if the kill is consumed, if the victim is indeed a competitor of the killer, and if the prey is a high-order predator. However, these elements of the framework are simultaneously the most common constraints to studies of lethal interactions, since they often require a great effort to obtain. The proper use of terms and concepts is fundamental to understanding the causes behind lethal interactions and, ultimately, what is actually happening in these complex interactions.


Correction: Wang et al. Current and Potential Future Global Distribution of the Raisin Moth Cadra figulilella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) under Two Different Climate Change Scenarios. Biology 2023, 12, 435.
In the original publication [...].


A special population: nursing diagnoses for the psychiatric client with mental retardation.
Adult psychiatric clients who are also mentally retarded represent a population with unique nursing care needs. Nursing diagnoses provide information about current functional and potential problems, thus aiding in diagnosis and treatment. Additional research is needed regarding nursing diagnoses for this population.


Self-Reported Adult ADHD Symptoms: Evidence Supporting Cautious Use in an Assessment-Seeking Sample.
Self-report symptom inventories are commonly used in adult ADHD assessment, and research indicates they should be interpreted with caution. This study investigated one self-report symptom inventory for adult ADHD in a clinical sample. Archival data were used to evaluate diagnostic utility of the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale-Self-Report: Long Version (CAARS-S:L) in a sample of 122 adults seeking ADHD assessment. Overall, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) estimates for the ADHD Index and other CAARS-S:L scales demonstrated weak accuracy. Anxiety and depression were the most common diagnoses present when a false positive on the ADHD Index was observed. PPV and specificity for the ADHD Index were higher in males compared to females. The CAARS-S:L may be useful for screening purposes in some cases, but should not be the main method used for diagnostic purposes. Clinical implications of findings are discussed.


Studies on vasodilatation in the hand on exposure to heat.
In five subjects whose hands were exposed to heat, no depletion in the plasma kininogen level was observed when vasodilatation occurred. This might be due to the admixture of arterial and venous blood following the opening of arterio-venous (A--V) anastomoses. The small rise obtained by warming was not significant (P greater than 0.1). Consequently, the drop in kinonogen concentration recorded when the hand was allowed to cool to an ambient temperature of 23 degrees C as compared with the basal level and that during the period of warming, was also found to be non-significant. In another nine subjects whose A--V kininogen values were determined when their hands were immersed in a water bath at 37 degrees C, a significant A--V difference of the kininogen content was obtained. From this work, it is concluded that no appreciable depletion of venous kininogen concentration was obtained on hand warming. It is possible that sweat glands, vasodilator nerve fibres and the release of kinins contribute in part to the dilatation that occurs. Possible patho-physiological mechanisms involved are discussed.