Quantifying response to intracranial pressure normalization in idiopathic intracranial hypertension via dynamic neuroimaging.
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is characterized by elevated intracranial pressure without a clear cause. To investigate dynamic imaging findings in IIH and their relation to mechanisms underlying intracranial pressure normalization. Prospective. Eighteen IIH patients and 30 healthy controls. T1 -weighted, venography, fluid attenuation inversion recovery, and apparent diffusion coefficients were acquired on 1.5T scanner. The dural sinus was measured before and after lumbar puncture (LP). The degree of sinus occlusion was evaluated, based on 95% confidence intervals of controls. We studied a number of neuroimaging biomarkers associated with IIH (sinus occlusion; optic nerve; distribution of cerebrospinal fluid into the subarachnoid space, sulci and lateral ventricles (LVs); Meckel's caves; arachnoid granulation; pituitary and choroid plexus), before and after LP, using a set of specially developed quantification techniques. Relationships among various biomarkers were investigated (Pearson correlation coefficient) and linked to long-term disease outcomes (logistic regression). The t-test and the Wilcoxon rank test were used to compare between controls and before and after LP data. As a result of LP, the following were found to be in good accordance with the opening pressure: relative compression of cerebrospinal fluid (R = -0.857, P < 0.001) and brain volumes (R = -0.576, P = 0.012), LV expansion (R = 0.772, P < 0.001) and venous volume (R = 0.696, P = 0.001), enlargement of the pituitary (R = 0.640, P = 0.023), and shrinkage of subarachnoid space (R = -0.887, P < 0.001). The only parameter that had an impact on long-term prognosis was cross-sectional size of supplemental drainage veins after LP (sensitivity of 92%, specificity of 20%, and area under the curve of 0.845, P < 0.001). We present an approach for quantitative characterization of the intracranial venous system and its implementation as a diagnostic assistance tool. We conclude that formation of supplementary drainage veins might serve as a long-lasting compensatory mechanism. 2 Technical Efficacy: Stage 3 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:913-927.


Pre-diagnostic allostatic load and health-related quality of life in a cohort of Black breast cancer survivors.
To determine the association of pre-diagnostic allostatic load (AL) with health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among Black women with breast cancer. In a sample of 409 Black women with non-metastatic breast cancer enrolled in the Women's Circle of Health Follow-Up Study (WCHFS), two pre-diagnostic AL measures were estimated using medical records data from up to 12 months prior to breast cancer diagnosis: AL-lipid/metabolic profile-based measure and AL-inflammatory profile-based measure. HRQOL was assessed approximately 24 months post diagnosis, using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast Cancer (FACT-B) instrument, including 5 subscale scores [presented by physical well-being (PWB), social & family well-being (SFWB), emotional well-being (EWB), functional well-being (FWB), and breast cancer-specific scale (BCS)] and 3 derived total scores [presented by trial outcome index (TOI), Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G) and FACT-B]. We used multivariable logistic regression models, using dichotomized AL scores (lower AL: 0-3 points, higher AL: 4-8 points), to assess the associations between the two pre-diagnostic AL measures and HRQOL. Higher pre-diagnostic AL was associated with poorer FWB and lower FACT-G, but these associations were statistically significant for the AL-inflammatory profile-based measure (FWB: OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.04, 2.56; FACT-G: OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.04, 2.54), but not the AL-lipid/metabolic profile-based measure (FWB: OR 1.45, 95% CI 0.81, 2.59; FACT-G: OR 1.33, 95% CI 0.75, 2.37). These findings suggest that higher AL, particularly when measured using the inflammatory profile-based measure, was associated with poorer HRQOL, namely FWB and FACT-G, among Black breast cancer survivors.


GWAS for Interleukin-1β levels in gingival crevicular fluid identifies IL37 variants in periodontal inflammation.
There is no agnostic GWAS evidence for the genetic control of IL-1β expression in periodontal disease. Here we report a GWAS for "high" gingival crevicular fluid IL-1β expression among 4910 European-American adults and identify association signals in the IL37 locus. rs3811046 at this locus (p = 3.3 × 10-22) is associated with severe chronic periodontitis (OR = 1.50; 95% CI = 1.12-2.00), 10-year incident tooth loss (≥3 teeth: RR = 1.33; 95% CI = 1.09-1.62) and aggressive periodontitis (OR = 1.12; 95% CI = 1.01-1.26) in an independent sample of 4927 German/Dutch adults. The minor allele at rs3811046 is associated with increased expression of IL-1β in periodontal tissue. In RAW macrophages, PBMCs and transgenic mice, the IL37 variant increases expression of IL-1β and IL-6, inducing more severe periodontal disease, while IL-37 protein production is impaired and shows reduced cleavage by caspase-1. A second variant in the IL37 locus (rs2708943, p = 4.2 × 10-7) associates with attenuated IL37 mRNA expression. Overall, we demonstrate that IL37 variants modulate the inflammatory cascade in periodontal disease.


Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels: the neurobiology of anorexia nervosa.
Individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN) engage in relentless restrictive eating and often become severely emaciated. Because there are no proven treatments, AN has high rates of relapse, chronicity, and death. Those with AN tend to have childhood temperament and personality traits, such as anxiety, obsessions, and perfectionism, which may reflect neurobiological risk factors for developing AN. Restricted eating may be a means of reducing negative mood caused by skewed interactions between serotonin aversive or inhibitory and dopamine reward systems. Brain imaging studies suggest that altered eating is a consequence of dysregulated reward and/or awareness of homeostatic needs, perhaps related to enhanced executive ability to inhibit incentive motivational drives. An understanding of the neurobiology of this disorder is likely to be important for developing more effective treatments.


"It will not be easy to accept": Parents conflicting attitudes towards pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention amongst adolescent girls and young women.
Pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, is a pill that has been hailed as a 'game changer' for HIV prevention, based on the belief it provides adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) with a level of user-control. However, engagement with PrEP is often dependent on societal factors, such as social attitudes towards gender, sexuality, and PrEP. As parents' communication on sexual and reproductive health issues with AGYW are central to HIV prevention, it is critical to explore how parents talk and think about PrEP. To examine parental attitudes towards PrEP for HIV prevention amongst adolescent girls and young women in eastern Zimbabwe. A qualitative interview study with 14 parents from two districts in Manicaland, eastern Zimbabwe. Interviews were transcribed, translated, and subjected to thematic network analysis. The concept of 'attitudes' steered the analytical work. Parents' attitudes towards PrEP are conflictual, multi-layered, and contingent on the context in which they reflect and talk about PrEP. While parents aspired to be supportive of innovative HIV prevention methods and wanted to see girl-children protected from HIV, they struggled to reconcile this positive and accepting attitude towards PrEP with traditional 'good girl' notions, which stigmatize pre-marital sex. Although a few parents articulated an acceptance of PrEP use amongst their daughters, for many this was simply not possible. Many parents thus co-produce public gender orders that prevent adolescent girls and young women from engaging with PrEP. While parents' conflicting attitudes towards PrEP may provide spaces and opportunities for change, harmful gender norms and negative attitudes towards PrEP must be addressed at a community and cultural level. Only then can parents and their children have productive conversations about sexual health.


Resilience and positive coping style affect the relationship between maladaptive perfectionism and academic procrastination among Chinese undergraduate nursing students.
Previous studies have not investigated the role of resilience and coping style on the association between maladaptive perfectionism and academic procrastination among nursing undergraduates. However, how to mobilize the learning enthusiasm of nursing students and reduce the incidence of academic procrastination is an important factor to reduce nursing loss and improve nursing quality. To investigate the influence of maladaptive perfectionism, resilience and coping style on academic procrastination among Chinese undergraduate nursing students. A cross-sectional study was conducted. A convenience sampling method was used to select 665 nursing undergraduates from March to May 2022 in China. Maladaptive perfectionism, coping style, resilience, and academic procrastination were measured using questionnaires. The descriptive analysis, Pearson's correlation analysis and the Hayes' PROCESS Macro in SPSS 25.0 were used to test the model. The results showed that nursing undergraduates' maladaptive perfectionism, resilience, positive coping style and academic procrastination were significantly correlated between every two variables, with coefficients ranging between -0.290 and 0.584. In addition, resilience played a partial mediating role in maladaptive perfectionism and academic procrastination, accounting for 15.70% of the total effect; in the meantime, this process was moderated by positive coping style. Maladaptive perfectionism positively predicted nursing undergraduates' academic procrastination; as a mediating mechanism with moderating, resilience and positive coping style further explained how maladaptive perfectionism promoted the academic procrastination of nursing undergraduates. Understanding this mechanism is of great significance for nursing educators to reduce the risk of academic procrastination in nursing undergraduates.


A selection procedure for obtaining conditional gametogenic mutants using a photosynthetically incompetent strain of Chlamydomonas reinhardi.
A new selection procedure has beed developed for the isolation of temperature sensitive gametogenic mutants in Chlamydomonas reinhardi. This technique makes use of pet-10-1, a mutant strain incapable of photosynthetic electron transport, and the redox dye, methyl viologen. Two mutants found by this method are discussed. The first, gam-4, does not agglutinate at 35 degrees, whereas the second, gam-5, is capable of sexual agglutination, but not of zygote formation at the restrictive temperature. Both mutants appear to be inherited in a Mendelian fashion and are expressed in mating type (+) and mating type (-).


Extraction, modification, and characterization of native litchi seed (Litchi chinesis Sonn.) starch.
Litchi seeds, because of their high starch content, have the potential to serve as a valuable non-conventional source of starch with various applications. This study aimed to optimize the extraction of native litchi seed and its modification using citric acid. Response surface methodology was used to determine the optimal combination of the independent variables extraction temperature (30-60 °C), and extraction time (4-20 h), to obtain the maximum starch yield (%). Starch was then modified chemically with citric acid concentrations of 20% and 40% to investigate its effect on physicochemical, morphological, and functional properties. The second-order polynomial model effectively described the experimental data, demonstrating a satisfactory fit for the observed results. The optimized condition with the highest starch recovery (212.4 g kg-1 ) was found to have an extraction temperature of 30 °C and an extraction time of 11 h. It was observed that an increase in concentration of citric acid resulted in a decrease in amylose content, swelling power, and solubility, and the water absorption capacity of modified starch increased. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs showed that citric acid modification resulted in surface irregularities, whereas the shape and size of granules remained unaffected. Not much difference was observed in the X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of modified starch except for the decrease in the intensities of peaks. An effect on the thermal properties of modified starch was also observed. The results of the study reveal that extraction temperature and extraction time are critical factors, exerting a significant effect on the extraction yield of starch. Furthermore, modified starches with improved functional properties can serve as novel and versatile sources of starch in various food and non-food sectors. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.


Laser-assisted cataract surgery: soft lens assisted interface (SoftFit) versus direct contact interface.
To determine the safety of the Laser SoftFit™ patient interface by comparing intraoperative results with the contact interface of the LenSx® femtosecond laser platform (FSL). In this nonrandomized, consecutive case series, 50 eyes underwent femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) using the LenSx® laser platform (group 1); FLACS was performed in another 50 eyes, using the Laser SoftFit™ patient interface (group 2). Intraoperative complications (corneal folds) and surgical results (incomplete and free capsulotomies, incomplete phacofragmentation, and unopened incisions) were compared. Corneal folds and incomplete capsulotomies were less common (p = 0.0001 for both) and free-floating capsulotomies were more frequent (p = 0.0001) with the Laser SoftFit™ patient interface. Incomplete phacofragmentation and unopened incision exhibited similar rates in both groups (p = 0.436 and 0.204, respectively). Using the Laser SoftFit™ patient interface decreased the incidence of corneal folds, resulting in better capsulotomy outcomes during FLACS.


Thumb Reconstruction Using Foucher's Flap.
Extensive pulp defects of the thumb, with the exposure of tendon or bone, are challenging reconstructive problems. Surgical treatment includes the use of local, regional, and free flaps. This paper is focused in Foucher's neuro vascular flap. First DMCA or Foucher's pedicle flap is a successful thumb reconstruction method, especially in patients not disturbed by its cosmetic appearance. The first dorsal metacarpal artery (FDMCA) arises from the radial artery in the first intermetacarpal space, just distal to the tendon of the extensor pollicis longus. Pulp area of the thumb is the area where Foucher's flap is more utilizable. This technique has other applications such as first web reconstruction, thumb lengthening, and following resection of tumors on the dorsum of the hand. We have in study 7 cases with work related trauma in two years period of time, between 2012 and 2014. We had only one partial flap survival and all the other flaps survived entirely. We have also taken in consideration subjective satisfaction with a range score from 4 to 10, cold intolerance, flap area and donor site sensibility with a range score from low to medium to normal. Careful pedicle discovery, secured elevation, pedicle strangulation prevention are very important for flap survival.


Induction of Cyp450 enzymes by 4-thiazolidinone-based derivatives in 3T3-L1 cells in vitro.
4-Thiazolidinones and related derivatives are regarded as privileged structures in medicinal chemistry and a source of new drug-like compounds. To date it is known that thiazolidinones are able to induce CYP1A1 activity in 3T3-L1 cells. Therefore, to extend the knowledge of the mechanism of thiazolidinones in the cell, four chemically synthesized heterocycles were tested on 3T3-L1 cells. The 3T3-L1 cells were exposed to Les-2194, Les-3640, Les-5935, and Les-6166. Our study showed that 1 μM βNF, Les-2194, and Les-6166 decreased the expression of Ahr mRNA. In turn, βNF, Les-2194, and Les-3640 increased the Cyp1a1 mRNA expression at the same time interval. On the other hand, Les-5935 was found to decrease the Cyp1a1 mRNA expression. Interestingly, the expression of Cyp1a2 mRNA was activated only by βNF and Les-2194. The expression of Cyp1b1 mRNA in the 3T3 cell line increased after the βNF and Les-2194 treatment but declined after the exposure to Les-5935 and Les-6166. Moreover, the Les-2194 and Les-5935 compounds were shown to increase the activity of EROD, MROD, and PROD. Les-3640 increased the activity of EROD and decreased the activity of PROD. In turn, the treatment with Les-6166 resulted in an increase in the activity of EROD and a decrease in the activity of MROD and PROD in the 3T3-L1 cells.


Mapping a hidden terrane boundary in the mantle lithosphere with lamprophyres.
Lamprophyres represent hydrous alkaline mantle melts that are a unique source of information about the composition of continental lithosphere. Throughout southwest Britain, post-Variscan lamprophyres are (ultra)potassic with strong incompatible element enrichments. Here we show that they form two distinct groups in terms of their Sr and Nd isotopic compositions, occurring on either side of a postulated, hitherto unrecognized terrane boundary. Lamprophyres emplaced north of the boundary fall on the mantle array with εNd -1 to +1.6. Those south of the boundary are enriched in radiogenic Sr, have initial εNd values of -0.3 to -3.5, and are isotopically indistinguishable from similar-aged lamprophyres in Armorican massifs in Europe. We conclude that an Armorican terrane was juxtaposed against Avalonia well before the closure of the Variscan oceans and the formation of Pangea. The giant Cornubian Tin-Tungsten Ore Province and associated batholith can be accounted for by the fertility of Armorican lower crust and mantle lithosphere.


Purine metabolism in Friedreich's ataxia.
In a detailed investigation of nucleotide synthesis, interconversion and degradation, no difference was found between subjects with Friedreich's Ataxia and normal controls. It appears improbable that this disorder is related to a primary defect in purine metabolism.


Study of Fgf15 gene expression in developing mouse brain.
Fibroblast growth factor 15 (Fgf15) is a gene regulated by the expression of Otx2 in developing mouse brain (Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 97 (2000) 14388). Otx2 gene codes for a transcription factor and is fundamental for the regionalisation and development of the anterior neural plate and cephalic region of the vertebrate embryo (Development 124 (1997) 3639). In addition, the thalamic expression of Fgf15 has been recently reported under the control of Shh signalling gene, expressed in the diencephalic basal plate (Development 129 (2002) 4807). In the present work, we have analysed Fgf15 expression pattern during mouse neural development. Fgf15 appeared early in the developing neural epithelium, in domains where Fgf8 gene is also expressed and, at later stages, in specific groups of neural cells. Fgf8 is an important signalling protein with demonstrated morphogenetic activity in several embryonic regions. Fgf15 expression is localized, like Fgf8, in secondary neural tube organizers: the isthmic organizer (IsO) and the anterior neural ridge (ANR).


The Effect of Lavender on Anxiety and Hemodynamic Status Before Septorhinoplasy and Rhinoplasty.
Anxiety is one of the most common problems before surgery and surgery of the nose is one of the most concerning and challenging surgeries among the plastic surgeries. The aim of this research is to consider the impact of lavender fragrance on anxiety and hemodynamics status before the septorhinoplasty and rhinoplasty. Parallel randomized control trial. This research was done by testing thirty-four candidates who were about to have the surgery in two groups of lavender (intervention) and control. The anxiety before and after surgery was examined by the Speilberger State Anxiety Inventory questionnaire and the hemodynamics status. For the analysis, the T- Test, Mann Whitney Test and the χ2 Test were used. The demographic features of the two groups were similar. Anxiety after the experiment was meaningful. The obvious anxiety in the lavender category was 25.8% and the controlled group had that decreased to 1.8%. The latent anxiety was reduced by 24.3% in the lavender group and increased by 8% in the controlled group. The systolic, diastolic and the heart rate after the intervention was less in the lavender group. Due to the ease of the inhalation of lavender and the lack of any report for the existence of any kind of side-effects for the prevention of anxiety during nose surgeries, it can be suggested that this approach can be effective for the controlling of the consistency of the patients' hemodynamics.


Enhanced Electrochemical Catalytic Efficiencies of Electrochemically Deposited Platinum Nanocubes as a Counter Electrode for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells.
Platinum nanocubes (PtNCs) were deposited onto a fluorine-doped tin oxide glass by electrochemical deposition (ECD) method and utilized as a counter electrode (CE) for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). In this study, we controlled the growth of the crystalline plane to synthesize the single-crystal PtNCs at room temperature. The morphologies and crystalline nanostructure of the ECD PtNCs were examined by field emission scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The surface roughness of the ECD PtNCs was examined by atomic force microscopy. The electrochemical properties of the ECD PtNCs were analyzed by cyclic voltammetry, Tafel polarization, and electrochemical impedance spectra. The Pt loading was examined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The DSSCs were assembled via an N719 dye-sensitized titanium dioxide working electrode, an iodine-based electrolyte, and a CE. The photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) of the DSSCs with the ECD PtNC CE was examined under the illumination of AM 1.5 (100 mWcm(-2)). The PtNCs in this study presented a single-crystal nanostructure that can raise the electron mobility to let up the charge-transfer impedance and promote the charge-transfer rate. In this work, the electrocatalytic mass activity (MA) of the Pt film and PtNCs was 1.508 and 4.088 mAmg(-1), respectively, and the MA of PtNCs was 2.71 times than that of the Pt film. The DSSCs with the pulse-ECD PtNC CE showed a PCE of 6.48 %, which is higher than the cell using the conventional Pt film CE (a PCE of 6.18 %). In contrast to the conventional Pt film CE which is fabricated by electron beam evaporation method, our pulse-ECD PtNCs maximized the Pt catalytic properties as a CE in DSSCs. The results demonstrated that the PtNCs played a good catalyst for iodide/triiodide redox couple reactions in the DSSCs and provided a potential strategy for electrochemical catalytic applications.


Protective effects of seaweed supplemented diet on antioxidant and immune responses in European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) subjected to bacterial infection.
European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) production is often hampered by bacterial infections such as photobacteriosis caused by Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida (Phdp). Since diet can impact fish immunity, this work investigated the effect of dietary supplementation of 5% Gracilaria sp. aqueous extract (GRA) on seabass antioxidant capacity and resistance against Phdp. After infection, mortality was delayed in fish fed GRA, which also revealed increased lysozyme activity levels, as well as decreased lipid peroxidation, suggesting higher antioxidant capacity than in fish fed a control diet. Dietary GRA induced a down-regulation of hepatic stress-responsive heat shock proteins (grp-78, grp-170, grp-94, grp-75), while bacterial infection caused a down-regulation in antioxidant genes (prdx4 and mn-sod). Diet and infection interaction down-regulated the transcription levels of genes associated with oxidative stress response (prdx5 and gpx4) in liver. In head-kidney, GRA led to an up-regulation of genes associated with inflammation (il34, ccr9, cd33) and a down-regulation of genes related to cytokine signalling (mif, il1b, defb, a2m, myd88). Additionally, bacterial infection up-regulated immunoglobulins production (IgMs) and down-regulated the transcription of the antimicrobial peptide leap2 in head kidney. Overall, we found that GRA supplementation modulated seabass resistance to Phdp infection.


Immunity, viral pathology and assessment of immune dysfunction in virology and toxicology.
General patterns of tissue injury are recognized as characteristic for certain groups of viruses and certain types of host/virus interactions. Acute viral infections, limited in time and space, tend to be accompanied by florid but brief virus replication cycles in tissues and lesions or signs of disease are largely attributable to the cytolytic effects of the virus on host cells. Chronic or persistent viral diseases tend to have low (or difficult to detect) levels of infectious virus on tissues and the lesions tend to be dominated by inflammation, antiviral immune responses and/or host tissue proliferation. At the cellular level, 3 general categories of response to viral infection are recognized: acute cellular swelling with eventual cytolysis, persistent infection, and transformation (neoplastic) infection. Acute cellular swelling may be accompanied by syncytial giant cell formation and/or viral inclusion bodies. Cells persistently infected with viruses though morphologically normal, are increasingly recognized as functionally deficient and may eventually display degenerative change. Transformation to neoplastic growth can be both benign or malignant in cellular expression. In vivo, the initial neutrophilic inflammatory response to virus-induced cellular necrosis is transient and is rapidly superseded by virus-specific inflammation mediated by both humoral and cellular factors and supplemented by the numerous inflammation amplification pathways. Vasculitis, a common but frequently unappreciated event, may produce nonspecific tissue damage via hemorrhage and ischemia in addition to providing a mechanism for egress of inflammatory factors into the areas of virus-induced cellular damage. During the healing phase, repair by substitution (e.g., fibrosis and scarring) or by proliferation of uninfected replacement cells may dominate sites of viral infection.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


Heteroacid phosphatidylcholines with different amounts of unsaturation respond differently to cholesterol.
The effectiveness of cholesterol in removing the gel to liquid crystal phase transition of dispersions of pure molecular species of phosphatidylcholines (PC) that is detectable by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) has been explored. The effect of cholesterol on 16:0-18:0 PC, 16:0-18:1 PC, 16:0-18:2 PC, 16:0-20:4 PC and 16:0-22:6 PC has been determined. Cholesterol caused a concentration-dependent removal of the detectable phase transitions in all cases. It required very little cholesterol to remove the phase transition 16:0-18:2 PC (< 17 mol% of cholesterol in PC). It required > or = 35 mol% cholesterol to remove delta H for 16:0-18:0 PC and 16:0-22:6 PC. About 20-25 mol% cholesterol caused disappearance of the transitional endotherm of 16:0-18:1 PC and 16:0-20:4 PC. The findings indicate that the magnitude of the influence of cholesterol on phospholipid is dependent on the degree of unsaturation in the lipid.


Olfactory groove meningiomas: a retrospective study on 59 surgical cases.
We report here a retrospective study of 59 consecutive patients with olfactory groove meningiomas admitted and operated on between 1991 and 2008. Our goal was to characterize clinical features, treatment strategies, and outcome of these lesions. The surgical resection grade, the histological type and the presence of recurrences in the follow-up period were analyzed. Maximum tumor diameter determined by preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations was between 2 and 11 cm. In 38 surgical procedures (64.4%), the tumor was removed through a bilateral subfrontal approach, in 12 (20.3%) a unilateral subfrontal approach was used, and in nine procedures (15.3%) a pterional approach was performed. The average age at presentation was 52 years (age: 20-76 years) and the sex ratio was 1.45:1 (females/males). According to Simpson's grading system, the degree of tumor removal was: grade I in 14 cases (23.8%), grade II in 38 cases (64.4%), grade III in four cases (6.8%) and grade IV in three cases (5%). Fifty-six patients had benign meningiomas (94.9%) and three patients had atypical meningiomas (5.1%). Two patients (3.4%) died from pulmonary embolism and bronchopneumonia. There were recurrences in six patients (10.1%), between 9 months and 12 years (mean 7.2 years) after surgery. The olfactory groove is a relatively frequent location for intracranial meningiomas, accounting for 9.1% of all intracranial meningiomas in our experience. Olfactory groove meningiomas tend to be clinically silent tumors until they are very large when symptoms or other abnormalities become evident. A surgical procedure adapted to the size and the extension of the tumor combined with microsurgical techniques allows total meningioma removal with good neurological outcome.


Preservation of nitrogen and sulfur and passivation of heavy metals during sewage sludge composting with KH2PO4 and FeSO4.
Composting is an effective method for treating sewage sludge. The aim of this work was to study preservation of nitrogen and sulfur and passivation of heavy metals during sewage sludge composting with KH2PO4 and FeSO4. The results show the loss rate of N decreased by 27.5% while that of S was increased by 32.1% compared with the control treatment during composting when KH2PO4 and FeSO4 were added. X-ray absorption near-edge structure spectra show that S was converted to a highly oxidizable state during sewage sludge composting with added KH2PO4. The mobility factors of Cu, Zn, and Pb after composting were found to decrease by 13.6%, 21.6%, and 3.8%, respectively, compared with those before composting when KH2PO4 was added. Adding these two materials to Cu and Zn inhibits Zn3(PO4)2(H2O)4 and Cu5(PO4)2(OH)4 from transforming into more mobile forms, while adding these materials to Pb promotes Pb3(PO4)2 formation.


Anaerobic co-digestion of aircraft deicing fluid and municipal wastewater sludge.
At many airports, aircraft deicing fluid and precipitation mix, becoming aircraft deicing runoff having a 5-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) of 10(2) to 10(6) mg/L. Publicly owned treatment works can be used for aerobic biological treatment; however, it may be more economical to use anaerobic digesters to codigest a mixture of aircraft deicing fluid and sludge. The objectives of this investigation were to determine benefits and appropriate propylene glycol aircraft deicing fluid loadings to anaerobic codigesters. Results demonstrate aircraft deicing fluid can be successfully codigested to produce methane; supernatant BOD5 and Kjeldahl nitrogen concentration were not higher in codigesters compared to a conventional digester. Aircraft deicing fluid loadings as high as 1.6 g chemical oxygen demand (COD)/L x d were sustainable in codigesters, whereas system fed only aircraft deicing fluid with nutrients and alkalinity achieved a loading of 0.65 g COD/L x d. The sludge used increased digester alkalinity and provided nitrogen, iron, nickel, cobalt, and biomass required for methanogenesis. The deicer provides organics for increased methane production.


Historical overview of hairy cell leukemia.
Since its discovery in 1923 and further characterization in 1958, hairy cell leukemia (HCL) has undergone enormous advances in the understanding of the biology and treatment of the disease. Initially a uniformly fatal disease, new therapies in rapid succession transformed HCL into a chronic disease with a normal life expectancy in many cases. More recently, the identification of BRAFV600E mutations in the majority of patients with classic HCL have enabled targeted therapies as a therapeutic option. Additional discoveries into the biology of the disease have identified new subtypes of HCL. Modern approaches to the evaluation and treatment of HCL include detailed molecular analysis which informs therapeutic options, which may consist of traditional therapies such as purine nucleoside analogs, or targeted therapies with antibodies, BTK inhibitors, or BRAF inhibitors, or combination therapy. Because HCL is a rare disease, continued progress depends on patients being enrolled on clinical trials whenever possible.


Short-course antituberculous chemotherapy for pulmonary and pleural disease: 5 years' experience in clinical practice.
One hundred and twenty-four patients have been treated with 6-month regimens for pulmonary and pleural tuberculosis over 5 years; 118 patients have completed treatment as planned. No patient has relapsed of the 109 followed up for 15 months from the end of chemotherapy, or in the remaining nine patients still under observation. Significant drug side effects requiring alteration of treatment occurred in only three patients. Six-month regimens in routine practice are well tolerated and are highly effective.


Carotid baroreceptor stimulation improves cardiac performance and reverses ventricular remodelling in canines with pacing-induced heart failure.
Carotid baroreceptor stimulation (CBS) has potential protective effects on chronic heart failure (CHF). The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of CBS on more detailed aspects of ventricular remodelling and the underlying mechanisms in a CHF canine model. Twenty-four beagles were randomised into Con (n = 8), CHF (n = 8), and CHF-CBS (n = 8) groups. The CHF and CHF-CBS groups underwent 6 weeks of rapid ventricular pacing (RVP) at 250 beats per minute to establish a CHF model. Concomitant CBS was delivered together with RVP in the CHF-CBS group. RVP for 6 weeks caused typical heart failure in the CHF group. CBS significantly reversed the decrease in the high-frequency heart rate variability component and increase in low-frequency/high-frequency ratio induced by RVP. CBS significantly reduced cardiac dilation, improved left ventricle ejection fraction, and inhibited the increase in natriuretic peptide mRNA expression of LV tissue. CBS alleviated collagen volume fraction and reduced protein expression of transforming growth factor β1, matrix metallopeptidase 2, and matrix metallopeptidase 9, as well as decreased the percentage of TUNEL-positive nuclei and protein expression of Caspase-3 in LV tissue. The intracellular PKA signalling pathway and cardiac inflammation of LV tissue were upregulated in the CHF group, and markedly inhibited by CBS. Our study found that CBS improved cardiac performance and reversed ventricular remodelling in CHF canines by rebalancing the autonomic nervous system; the suppression of the intracellular PKA signalling pathway and cardiac inflammation might underly the mechanisms.


Synthesis, Characterization and Properties of Novel Coumarin Derivatives and Their Europium Complexes.
Seven novel coumarin derivatives derived from salicylaldehyde and phenol were synthesized and characterized by (1)H NMR and (13)C NMR spectra, mass spectra, infrared spectra and elemental analysis. Their corresponding Eu(III) complexes having general formula EuL(1-7)(NO3)3[Symbol: see text]2H2O were successfully prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, EDTA titrimetric, molar conductivity, UV-Vis, FT-IR and thermal performance studies. The luminescence properties, fluorescence quantum yields and the electrochemical properties of the title complexes were investigated. The results showed that the title complexes exhibited characteristic emissions of europium ions and possessed relatively good fluorescence quantum yields. The luminescence intensity of the complex with bromine-substituted group is the strongest among all the title complexes. The introduction of electron-withdrawing groups can increase the luminescence properties and fluorescence quantum yields, decrease the HOMO and LUMO energy levels of the title europium complexes, but electron-withdrawing group conversely. And these title complexes may possibly be useful for studying in luminescent materials field. Graphical Abstract Synthesis route of the ligands L (1-7).


Measuring the impacts of maternal child marriage and maternal intimate partner violence and the moderating effects of proximity to conflict on stunting among children under 5 in post-conflict Sri Lanka.
This study aimed to understand whether maternal child marriage and past year intimate partner violence (IPV) impact stunting among Sri Lankan children under 5 years old, and, secondarily, whether proximity to conflict is associated with stunting. Additionally, we assessed whether proximity to conflict moderates the relationships between maternal child marriage and past year IPV (sexual, physical, and emotional). We tested these questions using logistic regression analyses of the 2016 Sri Lankan Demographic and Health Survey (n = 4941 mother-child dyads). In country-wide adjusted analyses, we did not find associations between maternal child marriage or IPV and stunting (p > 0.05). Children in districts proximal and central to conflict were significantly less likely to be stunted compared to children in districts distal to conflict (proximal adjusted odds ratio/aOR: 0.43, 95% confidence interval/CI: 0.22-0.82; central aOR: 0.53, CI: 0.29-0.98). We found significant interaction effects on stunting between proximity to conflict and both sexual and emotional IPV, which we further explored in stratified analyses. In districts distal to conflict, maternal sexual IPV was significantly associated with increased odds of stunting (aOR: 2.71, CI: 1.16-6.35), and in districts central to conflict, maternal emotional IPV was significantly associated with increased odds of stunting (aOR: 1.80, CI: 1.13-2.89). Maternal emotional IPV was significantly associated with decreased odds of stunting in districts proximal to conflict (aOR: 0.42, CI: 0.18-0.96). Maternal child marriage and physical IPV were not associated with stunting in Sri Lanka. Variations in associations between maternal IPV and stunting across Sri Lanka may reflect the lasting and differential impact of conflict, as well as differential humanitarian responses which may have improved child nutrition practices and resources in districts central and proximal to conflict. Policies and programs addressing stunting in Sri Lanka should consider the role of maternal IPV as well as community-level variations based on proximity to conflict.


Behavioural outcome of school-age children after prenatal exposure to coumarins.
In utero exposure to coumarin derivatives may affect the development of the central nervous system of the child, irrespective of the period of exposure in pregnancy. Little is known about effects on development in the long term. The aim of the present study was to determine whether prenatal exposure to coumarins affects behavioural outcome in children at school age. Behavioural outcome was assessed in a cohort of 305 exposed children, aged 7-15 years. Findings were compared with those in a cohort of 263 non-exposed controls, matched for sex, age, and demographic region. Behaviour was rated by parents and teachers using standardized questionnaires: the Groningen Behaviour Checklist Family situation (GBF) and the Groningen Behaviour Checklist School situation (GBS), respectively. The findings of the GBF were supported by the results of the GBS, filled in by teachers who were blind for the exposure status of the child. In comparison to the non-exposed children, the coumarin-exposed children scored lower on the cluster 'positive task orientation' (GBF P<0.05, GBS P<0.01), they scored higher on 'emotional instability' (GBF P<0.001, GBS P<0.05), and they had more problems on the social clusters (P<0.01). Based on the results of both questionnaires, we conclude that behavioural development may be negatively influenced in school-age children after in utero exposure to coumarins, leading to less favourable task-oriented and social-emotional behaviour. However, the frequency of clinically relevant 'problem behaviour' (GBF) was not increased in relation to coumarin exposure, the odds ratio was 1.2 (CI(95) 0.7-1.8).


Tibial Apophyseal Percutaneous Pinning in Skeletally Immature Dogs: 25 Cases (2016-2019).
The aim of this study was to report the clinical experience with fluoroscopically guided tibial apophyseal percutaneous pinning (TAPP) for tibial tuberosity avulsion fractures (TTAF). This is a retrospective case series. Medical records of skeletally immature dogs (n = 25) were reviewed. The association of pin design [smooth (SP); negatively threaded (NTP)], pin insertion angles, TTAF-type, age and breed with various outcome variables was statistically evaluated. Long-term follow-up was assessed via direct examination, radiographs, questionnaires and videos. Mean age, weight and surgery times were 6.2 months, 9.6 kg and 21 minutes respectively. No major complications occurred among the 19 SP and 6 NTP; no pin broke. Seromas and patellar desmitis rates were higher with SP (11/19; 16/19) versus NTP (0/6; 2/6) (p = 0.02; 0.03). The median horizontal pin cross angles for cases without and with desmitis were 40 and 26 degrees respectively (p = 0.047). Explantation was needed in 5/19 SP and 0/6 NTP cases. The mean tibial plateau angle (TPA) changed significantly between initial (25.6 degrees) and follow-up (18.8 degrees) radiographs (p = 0.0002). Long-term outcome, obtained at a mean of 19.9 months, was excellent in all cases. Tibial apophyseal percutaneous pinning can be considered to treat TTAF. Divergent pin placement and using NTP might reduce complications. Tibial plateau angle should be monitored until skeletal maturity has been reached. Long-term outcome post TAPP can be expected to be excellent.


The Fenem CO2 detector device. An apparatus to prevent unnoticed oesophageal intubation.
A new oesophageal intubation detector device, the Fenem CO2 detector, was used in 100 patients intubated during anaesthesia for elective surgery. This new device was 100% accurate in the differentiation between tracheal and oesophageal placement of a tube.


Biomicroscopy of surface deposits resembling foreign-body giant cells on implanted intraocular lenses.
Deposits resembling foreign-body giant cells, which can be seen on specular reflex slit-lamp examination, were studied in vivo with a wide-field specular microscope using a low-power dipping cone lens in three cases of posterior chamber lens implantation. The deposits seen as iris pigment on routine examination showed two types of cell-like figures: round, bipolar or ameboid small figures with long branching processes and round, oval, or bizarre large figures. The large cell type had the pigment particles at the central or paracentral area and vacuole-like structures adjacent to the pigment particles. The specular photomicrographic characteristics were similar to those of fibroblast-like cells and foreign-body giant cells, which had been shown on the surfaces of extracted implanted intraocular lenses by the lens implant cytology technique.


Young Children's Mathematical Learning From Intelligent Characters.
Children's math learning (N = 217; Mage = 4.87 years; 63% European American, 96% college-educated families) from an intelligent character game was examined via social meaningfulness (parasocial relationships [PSRs]) and social contingency (parasocial interactions, e.g., math talk). In three studies (data collected in the DC area: 12/2015-10/2017), children's parasocial relationships and math talk with the intelligent character predicted quicker, more accurate math responses during virtual game play. Children performed better on a math transfer task with physical objects when exposed to an embodied character (Study 2), and when the character used socially contingent replies, which was mediated by math talk (Study 3). Results suggest that children's parasocial relationships and parasocial interactions with intelligent characters provide new frontiers for 21st century learning.


Self-standing Li1.2Mn0.6Ni0.2O2/graphene membrane as a binder-free cathode for Li-ion batteries.
Lithium-rich transition-metal layered oxides (LROs), such as Li1.2Mn0.6Ni0.2O2, are promising cathode materials for application in Li-ion batteries, but the low initial coulombic efficiency, severe voltage fade and poor rate performance of the LROs restrict their commercial application. Herein, a self-standing Li1.2Mn0.6Ni0.2O2/graphene membrane was synthesized as a binder-free cathode for Li-ion batteries. Integrating the graphene membrane with Li1.2Mn0.6Ni0.2O2 forming a Li1.2Mn0.6Ni0.2O2/graphene structure significantly increases the surface areas and pore volumes of the cathode, as well as the reversibility of oxygen redox during the charge-discharge process. The initial discharge capacity of the Li1.2Mn0.6Ni0.2O2/graphene membrane is ∼270 mA h g-1 (∼240 mA h g-1 for Li1.2Mn0.6Ni0.2O2) and its initial coulombic efficiency is 90% (72% for Li1.2Mn0.6Ni0.2O2) at a current density of 40 mA g-1. The capacity retention of the Li1.2Mn0.6Ni0.2O2/graphene membrane remains at 88% at 40 mA g-1 after 80 cycles, and the rate performance is largely improved compared with that of the pristine Li1.2Mn0.6Ni0.2O2. The improved performance of the Li1.2Mn0.6Ni0.2O2/graphene membrane is ascribed to the lower charge-transfer resistance and solid electrolyte interphase resistance of the Li1.2Mn0.6Ni0.2O2/graphene membrane compared to that of Li1.2Mn0.6Ni0.2O2. Moreover, the lithium ion diffusion of the Li1.2Mn0.6Ni0.2O2/graphene membrane is enhanced by three orders of magnitude compared to that of Li1.2Mn0.6Ni0.2O2. This work may provide a new avenue to improve the electrochemical performance of LROs through tuning the oxygen redox progress during cycling.


Evidence for masculinization of adipokine gene expression in visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue of obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Sex hormones, particularly androgens, may influence not only adipose tissue distribution but also its functions. We explored the possibility of sexual dimorphism in adipose tissue and skeletal muscle function. This was a case-control study. The setting was an academic hospital. Participants were severely obese men (n = 7), control women (n = 7), and hyperandrogenic women presenting with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) (n = 7) submitting to bariatric surgery and an independent series of 40 patients with PCOS and 40 control women matched for age and body mass index. Samples of subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and skeletal muscle were obtained during bariatric surgery in severely obese subjects. Gene expression of chemerin, lipocalin-2, and omentin-1 in tissue samples was measured. We analyzed the effects of PCOS and obesity on serum concentrations of these adipokines in the larger series of women with PCOS and in control women. Expression of chemerin and lipocalin-2 was higher in VAT than in SAT in men and women with PCOS; the opposite was observed in control women. Omentin-1 expression was higher in VAT than in SAT in the three groups. No differences were observed in the skeletal muscle expression of these adipokines. Obesity increased serum chemerin and lipocalin-2 levels and tended to decrease omentin-1, irrespective of PCOS. The present results suggest that there is sexual dimorphism in some adipose tissue functions and that this dimorphism may be related to differences in androgen concentrations because women with PCOS show a masculinized pattern of expression of some adipokines.


Waiting time and pain during office hysteroscopy.
To find a correlation between the waiting time between counseling about and performance of office hysteroscopy and the perception of pain. Observational study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). Academic environment. Two hundred eighty-four women undergoing hysteroscopy. Diagnostic hysteroscopy with endometrial biopsy. Before examination, patients were asked to complete 2 forms, the STAI-S (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, State) and STAI-T (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Trait) anxiety scales, for evaluation of their usual anxiety state and their state of anxiety during the examination. Patients were asked to quantify on a visual analog scale the pain felt during the examination. A statistically significant positive correlation, even if weak, was demonstrated between pain and waiting time (r = 0.45; p < .01) but not with the values for the anxiety state (r = 0.06; p = .56) and anxiety trait (r = -0.05; p = .66). Pain (≥4) was significantly associated with waiting time (≥60 minutes) (odds ratio [OR], 5.21; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.29-35.50), age (OR, 1.57; 95% CI, 0.40-5.87) and menopause (OR, 2.81; 95% CI, 1.10-7.40) but not with STAI-S level (≥34) (OR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.26-3.12) or STAI-T level (≥34) (OR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.19-2.32). Office hysteroscopy is associated with a level of anxiety that can affect patient tolerability of the procedure. However, factors such as reducing waiting time may have a positive effect on patient compliance, making hysteroscopy easier and thereby increasing its diagnostic and therapeutic potential.


Modified 3D scapular kinematic patterns for activities of daily living in painful shoulders with restricted mobility: a comparison with contralateral unaffected shoulders.
There is a lack of studies of 3D scapular kinematic patterns for patients with shoulder conditions comparing affected and contralateral nonaffected shoulders during self-care activities of daily living (ADL). In this study, we compared 48 patients - 11 with glenohumeral osteoarthritis (GHOA), 20 with frozen shoulder (FS) and 17 with rotator cuff tendinopathies (RCT) - as they performed two ADL: hair combing and back washing. 3D scapular rotations and humerothoracic elevation (HTE) of the affected and contralateral nonaffected shoulders were recorded with use of a 6 degrees-of-freedom electromagnetic device. The HTE of affected and nonaffected shoulders were compared for each pathology group at rest and at the HTE used to perform the ADL: 30°, 45° and 60° of HTE for hair combing, and 30° of HT elevation for back washing. For hair combing, mean peak HTE was significantly lower for affected than nonaffected shoulders. Mean scapular lateral rotation was significantly greater at each HTE degree for GHOA and RCT groups, and mean scapular posterior tilt was significantly lower at 30° of HTE for the FS group. For back washing, mean peak HTE was lower for affected than nonaffected shoulders for the FS group only. Mean scapular medial rotation was significantly lower at 30° of HTE for the RCT group. 3D scapular kinematics appear to be specific to the shoulder pathology and to the task studied. Specific scapular kinematic patterns must be considered for appropriate therapeutic management.


Luxation of the globe in Engelmann's disease.
A 35-year-old woman with Engelmann's disease and systemic lupus erythematosus developed spontaneous luxation of the globe and glaucoma. Radiological studies demonstrated increased sclerosis of the orbital bones and decreased orbital volumes, the probable cause of the luxation and the glaucoma. The glaucoma was controlled with pilocarpine eyedrops and the luxation spontaneously reduced. The systemic administration of corticosteroids for the control of Engelmann's disease and systemic lupus erythematosus may have been a contributory factor in the etiology and management of glaucoma.


Effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition on vascular remodeling of resistance vessels in hypertensive patients.
Essential hypertension is known to be associated with a decrease in the lumen diameter and an increase in the wall thickness to lumen diameter ratio of the resistance vessels. Recently, it has been clarified that this alteration does not necessarily involve vascular growth, but could be due to a rearrangement of the same amount of material, a phenomenon now termed "eutrophic remodeling." These changes are found both in human essential hypertension and in animal models of genetic hypertension. Antihypertensive treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors causes a dose-dependent regression of the media to lumen ratio in rats. Clinical studies have now confirmed these findings, showing that when previously untreated essential hypertensive patients are treated with the ACE inhibitor perindopril (PE), the abnormal structure of resistance vessels regresses toward normal values; in contrast, treatment with a beta-blocker does not affect the abnormal vascular structure. The available evidence thus indicates that ACE inhibitors are able to normalize the abnormal resistance vessel structure in essential hypertension, and suggest that this effect may not only be dependent on their ability to reduce blood pressure. This review summarizes these findings, and discusses the extent to which this is desirable.


Laboratory Production of Equine Embryos.
Assisted reproduction technologies (ART) are well developed in humans and cattle and are gaining momentum also in the equine industry because of the fact that the mare does not respond to superovulation but can donate large numbers of oocytes through ovum pick up (OPU). After collection, the oocytes can be fertilized by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) using a variety of stallion semen samples, even of poor quality, and the resulting embryos can establish high pregnancy rates after cryopreservation and transfer. The discoveries that equine oocytes can be held at room temperature without loss of viability and that an increase in vitro maturation time can double the number of embryos produced are fueling the uptake of the OPU technique by several clinics that are shipping oocytes of their client's mares to specialized ICSI laboratories for embryo production and freezing. In this article, we present a retrospective analysis of 10 years of work at Avantea with a special focus on the last 3 years. Based on our data, an average production of 1.7 to 2 embryos per OPU-ICSI procedure can be obtained from warmblood donor mares with a pregnancy rate of 70% and a foaling rate in excess of 50%. OPU-ICSI offers the added value of freezing embryos that allows the development of embryo commercialization worldwide to the benefit of top horse breeders who are endorsing this technology as never before.


New and emerging pharmacologic therapies for type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and obesity.
Type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and obesity continue to be common disorders that many clinicians and patients struggle to control. There are likely numerous reasons for poor control of these diseases, including medication efficacy and adverse effects, access to medications and health care, poor adherence, and lack of lifestyle changes by patients. Several new and emerging medications may help resolve these issues. The goal of this article is to review new and emerging medications for type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and obesity. The Food and Drug Administration drug approval list for 2011 and 2012 was searched to identify newly approved drugs for type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and obesity. New drug entities or existing drug entities with a new indication were included. To identify emerging therapies, we performed targeted searches on clinicaltrials.gov using the listed disease states and Phase III studies. PubMed was searched with these drug names to identify clinical trials for inclusion in this review. Preclinical trials and non-English-language publications were excluded, as were trials not evaluating the efficacy of these agents. The websites goodRx.com and rxpriceverify.com were used to identify pricing. For type 2 diabetes, exenatide extended-release causes fewer adverse effects and better efficacy than the daily exenatide formulation. The new sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor drug class has a unique mechanism of action, hemoglobin A(1c) reductions near 1%, and seemingly few adverse effects. With respect to dyslipidemia, icosapent ethyl effectively lowers triglyceride levels by ∼20% to 45% (depending on baseline triglyceride level), with little effect on LDL-C. For treatment of obesity, lorcaserin is a novel anorexic agent that results in an ∼5.5-kg mean weight loss, and phentermine-topiramate controlled-release reduces weight by ~12.2 kg. Although these agents certainly add to our armamentarium, none appear to offer significant advantages over currently available options. High costs will likely prevent these novel agents from being used as first-line agents in most patients. Further studies will help to more clearly define their roles in therapy.


Precise Tuning of the Nanostructured Surface leading to the Luminescence Enhancement in SrAl2O4 Based Core/Shell Structure.
Intensive research has been focused on the synthesis of long-lasting SrAl2O4:EuDy in luminescent materials field. Traditionally, SrAl2O4:EuDy is synthesized in bulk form by solid state. However, their development remains restrained due to this technique is not compatible with large-scale production, sustainability and nanometer-scale requirements. Despite nano-range particles have been obtained by chemical routes, photoluminescence response decreases and application became unpractical. It remains a challenge to synthesize nonrare-earth (RE) phosphors with high photoluminescence. One major challenge for the luminescent materials community is to devise methods to deliver innovative, sustainable and cost effective solutions for the reduction of RE because of the lack of RE availability. Here, we suggest a solution based on molten salts, obtaining nanosheets or micro/nanostructured SrAl2O4:Eu, Dy particles with core-shell structure, employing only 50% of standard amounts of RE. Core-size and shell thickness and crystallinity can be tuned by post-thermal treatment, through which can be modulated the Eu+2 fraction. We find that our methodology leads the functional features of the analogous micron counterpart. These results can be considered a great achievement to scale-up the process. Besides, the harmful collateral effect of nanotechnology must be addressed by using new safe by design core-shell nanostructures.


Management of Locoregionally Advanced Melanoma.
Melanoma has a unique propensity for locoregional metastasis secondary to intralymphatic transit not seen in other cutaneous or soft tissue malignancies. Novel intralesional therapies using oncolytic immunotherapy exhibit increasing response rates with observed bystander effect. Intralesional modalities in combination with systemic immunotherapy are the subject of ongoing clinical trials. Regional therapy is used in isolated limb locoregional metastasis whereby chemotherapy is delivered to an isolated limb avoiding systemic side effects. Multimodal treatment strategy is imperative in the treatment of locoregionally advanced melanoma. One must be versed on these quickly evolving therapeutic options.


OGG1 methylation mediated the effects of cell cycle and oxidative DNA damage related to PAHs exposure in Chinese coke oven workers.
Previous publications have indicated that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) exposures are associated with increased DNA damage and abnormal cell cycle arrest; however, the details of mechanisms remain largely unknown. This study aimed to quantify the associations of 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase (OGG1) methylation with urinary PAHs metabolites, DNA damage and cell cycle arrest, and further to assess the role of OGG1 methylation in mediating the association of urinary PAHs metabolites with DNA damage and cell cycle arrest. Urinary biomarkers of PAHs exposure and a marker of oxidative DNA damage (8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosin, 8-OHdG) were measured by high performance liquid chromatography. Cell cycle of lymphocyte was analysed with flow cytometry and OGG1 methylation in venous blood was measured by pyrosequencing. After adjusting for covariates, urinary 1-OHP levels were positively associated with lymphocyte S phase arrest and oxidative DNA damage, while were negatively associated with G0/G1 phase arrest. OGG1 methylation was not only positively correlated with urinary 1-OHP in a dose-responsive manner (P trend = 0.008) but was also associated with G0/G1 phase arrest (OR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.41-0.97), S phase arrest (OR: 1.55, 95% CI: 1.01-2.40) and oxidative DNA damage (OR: 1.71, 95% CI: 1.02-2.86). Mediation analysis estimated that OGG1 methylation mediated about 20% of associations between urinary 1-OHP levels and cell cycle arrest and oxidative DNA damage, respectively (all P < 0.05). Our findings suggested that urinary 1-OHP concentrations were associated with cell cycle arrest and oxidative DNA damage by a mechanism partly involving OGG1 methylation.


Thermoplastic starch plasticized with alginate-glycerol mixtures: Melt-processing evaluation and film properties.
Corn starch melt-processing in the presence of a commonly used plasticizer mixture (water/glycerol) and a non-conventional alternative (alginate/glycerol) was evaluated. All assayed formulations were successfully processed by melt-mixing and injected in circular probes. It was determined that all samples presented a typical viscoelastic behavior, observing a decrease in storage and loss modulus with water and alginate concentration, which facilitated samples processability. Concerning to thermal stability, it was not affected neither for water nor alginate presence. From injected probes, flexible films were obtained by thermo-compression. Films with the highest assayed water content presented a sticky appearance, whereas those containing alginate were non-tacky. Plasticizing action of water and alginate was evidenced by the occurrence of homogeneous fracture surfaces, without the presence of unmelted starch granules. Besides, the shift of glass transition temperature to lower values also corroborated the plasticizing effect of both additives. In conclusion, obtained results demonstrated the well-plasticizing action of sodium alginate on starch matrix, turning this additive into a promissory alternative to replace water during melt-processing of thermoplastic corn-starch.


[Aortic stenosis in the elderly: surgery or TAVI. New European guidelines].
Ten years after the first-in-man case, TAVI is now considered as a valid treatment of aortic stenosis in European guidelines. The first step in patient evaluation is to confirm the severity of aortic stenosis and the presence of symptoms. It is of utmost importance to check the consistency between echocardiographic criteria and clinical findings. TAVI should be considered only when surgical aortic valve replacement is contraindicated or at high risk. The assessment of the operative risk relies on a multidisciplinary heart team, taking into account risk score but keeping in mind their limitations in high-risk patients. TAVI should not be considered in low- or intermediate-risk patients, except for inclusion in controlled clinical trials. The population of high-risk patients with aortic stenosis is already important and will increase in the future due to population ageing.


Ginseng extract inhibits protein degradation and stimulates protein synthesis in human fibroblasts.
Aqueous extracts of Panax ginseng inhibit intracellular protein degradation in confluent cultures of IMR-90 human diploid fibroblasts. The magnitude of the inhibition is similar to that observed with insulin and polypeptide growth factors. Furthermore, the inhibition of proteolysis by ginseng, like that produced by insulin and growth factors, is selective in that it applies to long-lived proteins but not to short-lived proteins. Ginseng also stimulates protein synthesis in human fibroblasts indicating that components of ginseng extract are capable of acting directly on human cells to promote protein accumulation.


Epidemic Diseases and Chinese Medicine: Example of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome and COVID-19.
Epidemic diseases, known and studied in China since antiquity, are one of the main chapters of the School of Exogenous Febrile Diseases (). Along with the legends about epidemic demons, China has developed over the centuries a medical approach based on the teachings of Huang Di Nei Jing (Internal Classic), Nan Jing (Classic of Difficulties), and Shang Han Lun (Treatise of Harmful Cold). However, it was in the 17th century, after the great break of the Song, Jin, and Yuan eras that an innovative spirit Wu Youxing () first foresaw the existence of microorganisms as we know them now. His Wen Yi Lun (Treatise on Pestilences) foreshadows an original approach to epidemic diseases, particularly emerging infectious diseases of the 21st century: severe acute respiratory syndrome 2003-2004 and the COVID-19 pandemic are perfect examples. In this first article, which will be followed by two others, we will examine the classical and modern Chinese definitions of these dreadful plagues.


Society for Neuroscience--30th Annual Meeting. Alzheimer's disease: Therapeutics, targets and screens.
In the early 1990s, genetic mapping of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) locus and the markers linking it to FAD were recent discoveries. Since then, Alzheimer's disease (AD) research has progressed from the identification of FAD-linked mutation to the generation of transgenic animals that express these mutant genes. Transgenic animals can represent models of aberrant beta-amyloid (Abeta) production either through the expression of mutant APP genes or mutant presenilin (PS)-1 genes, or both. Currently, this plethora of well-characterized animal models is being applied to test candidate therapeutic agents and strategies to reverse or prevent amyloid deposition into plaques. Treatments included specific inhibitors of the enzymes that produce Abeta, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory therapies (NSAIDs), Abeta-chelating agents and dietary supplements.


Low pre-treatment nutritional index is significantly related to poor outcomes in small cell lung cancer.
The importance of nutritional status and chronic inflammation has been emphasized in cancer. We investigated the impact of Onodera's prognostic nutritional index (OPNI) on clinical outcomes in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients. Data from 220 SCLC patients treated with first-line platinum-based chemotherapy from 2006 to 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. The OPNI was calculated as 10 × serum albumin level (g/dL) + 0.005 × absolute lymphocyte count (/mm3 ). Patients with an OPNI of > 45, 40-45, or < 40 were categorized in high, intermediate, or low OPNI groups, respectively. The proportion of non-responders to first-line therapy increased as the OPNI decreased (high, intermediate, low OPNI groups: 6.7%, 18.0%, and 30.8%, respectively; P < 0.001). Early discontinuation of first-line therapy because of treatment toxicity occurred more frequently in the lower OPNI groups (high, intermediate, low OPNI groups: 5.8%, 21.3%, and 25.6%, respectively; P < 0.001). The one-year progression-free and overall survival rates in the high, intermediate, and low OPNI groups were 29%, 19%, and 3%, and 61%, 46%, and 23%, respectively. In multivariate analyses, the low OPNI group was independently associated with poor progression-free (hazard ratio 1.592; 95% confidence interval 1.009-2.511; P = 0.046) and overall (hazard ratio 1.911; 95% confidence interval 1.208-3.024; P = 0.006) survival compared to the high OPNI group. SCLC patients with an OPNI < 40 showed a low tolerance to chemotherapy and a poor prognosis. Further evaluation is needed to validate these findings.


Common arterial trunk associated with absence of one atrioventricular connexion.
An unusual case of common arterial trunk is described. The right pulmonary artery is supplied by the ascending trunk and the left pulmonary artery arises via an arterial duct from the left brachiocephalic trunk. Although common arterial trunk can exist with any atrioventricular connexion, the absence of one atrioventricular connexion (tricuspid atresia) is the other rarity of this case.


Three-dimensional changes of a porcine collagen matrix and free gingival grafts for soft tissue augmentation to increase the width of keratinized tissue around dental implants: a randomized controlled clinical study.
Emerging clinical data points to the relevance of the presence of keratinized tissue (KT). Although apically positioned flap/vestibuloplasty along with free gingival graft (FGG) is considered as a standard intervention for augmenting KT, substitute materials appear to be a viable treatment alternative. So far, there is a lack of data investigating the dimensional changes at implant sites treated with soft-tissue substitutes or FGG. The present study aimed at comparing three-dimensional changes of a porcine derived collagen matrix (CM) and FGG for increasing KT at dental implants over a 6-month follow-up period. The study enrolled 32 patients exhibiting deficient KT width (i.e., < 2 mm) at the vestibular aspect who underwent soft tissue augmentation using either CM (15 patients/23 implants) or FGG (17 patients/31 implants). The primary outcome was defined as tissue thickness change (mm) at treated implant sites between 1- (S0), 3- (S1), and 6-months (S2). Secondary outcomes considered changes of KT width over a 6-month follow-up period, surgical treatment time, and patient-reported outcomes. Dimensional analyses from S0 to S1 and from S0 to S2 revealed a mean decrease in tissue thickness of - 0.14 ± 0.27 mm and - 0.04 ± 0.40 mm in the CM group, and - 0.08 ± 0.29 mm and - 0.13 ± 0.23 mm in the FGG group, with no significant differences noted between the groups (3 months: p = 0.542, 6 months: p = 0.659). Likewise, a comparable tissue thickness decrease was observed from S1 to S2 in both groups (CM: - 0.03 ± 0.22 mm, FGG: - 0.06 ± 0.14 mm; p = 0.467). The FGG group exhibited a significantly greater KT gain after 1, 3 and 6 months compared to the CM group (1 month: CM: 3.66 ± 1.67 mm, FGG: 5.90 ± 1.58 mm; p = 0.002; 3 months: CM: 2.22 ± 1.44; FGG: 4.91 ± 1.55; p = 0.0457; 6 months: CM: 1.45 ± 1.13 mm, FGG: 4.52 ± 1.40 mm; p < 0.1). Surgery time (CM: 23.33 ± 7.04 min.; FGG: 39.25 ± 10.64 min.; p = 0.001) and postoperative intake of analgesics were significantly lower in the CM group (CM: 1.2 ± 1.08 tablets; FGG: 5.64 ± 6.39 tablets; p = 0.001). CM and FGG were associated with comparable three-dimensional thickness changes between 1 and 6 months. While a wider KT band could be established with FGG, the use of CM significantly reduced surgical time and patients´ intake of analgesics.


Axial length shortening after orthokeratology and its relationship with myopic control.
To determine the pattern of axial variation in subjects with initial shortened axial length during the entire period of orthokeratology and to discuss the possibility of shortened AL after one month of orthokeratology becoming a predictor of myopia control. This study retrospectively included 106 children with myopia aged 8 to 14 wearing OK lenses. Fifty-four eyes with shortened axial length (AL) at the first-month visit were enrolled in the axial length shortening (ALS) group, and fifty-two eyes without shortened AL were enrolled in the no axial length shortening (NALS) group. Axial length and refractive error at baseline and within the entire period of orthokeratology (20 months), including fitting, washout period and re-wear, were measured. Eighty-five children who started wearing single vision spectacle were also included as a control group. In the ALS group, AL became longer after shortening and slowly exceeded baseline; afterward, AL experienced a rebound during the washout period and shortened again if OK lenses were re-worn. After washout period, significant difference in AL (ALS:0.28 ± 0.19 mm, NALS: 0.52 ± 0.17 mm) and spherical equivalent (ALS:-0.43 ± 0.44D, NALS:-0.91 ± 0.40D) between the two groups were found(P<0.05). The changes in AL and SE were both significantly correlated with the changes in AL at the first-month visit (P<0.05). After AL is shortened in the initial stage of orthokeratology, it will experience a rapid rebound during the washout period, and the shortening can reappear when re-wearing OK lenses. Hence, the evaluation of orthokeratology will be more objective and accurate after the wash-out period. In addition, the existence and degree of axial shortening can be used as a predictor of long-term myopia development.


Metabolic comorbidities and male sex influence steatosis in chronic hepatitis C after viral eradication by direct-acting antiviral therapy (DAAs): Evaluation by the controlled attenuation parameter (CAP).
Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is associated with hepatic steatosis, related to both a direct viral action and metabolic features. Vice-versa data on hepatic steatosis after viral eradication by direct-acting antiviral agents (DAA) are undefined although the presence of metabolic alterations could strongly influence the occurrence of steatosis as in NAFLD. The controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) (FibroscanⓇ) allows the qualitative and quantitative evaluation of fatty liver. to evaluate in patients with CHC whether hepatic steatosis diagnosed by CAP modifies after DAAs-induced sustained virologic response (SVR). Data were collected the day of DAAs therapy starting and six months after SVR. CAP ≥ 248 dB/m defined the presence of steatosis. 794 CHC SVR patients referring to 2 Italian Units were enrolled. Mean age was 64 ± 16 ys, 50% males, BMI 25.4 ± 4 kg/m2, genotype type-1 in 73%, type-3 in 8%. Prevalence of hepatic steatosis at baseline was 32% by US and 46% by CAP. De novo steatosis developed in 125 (29%), resolution in 122 (30%). At multivariate analysis de novo steatosis was independently associated with male sex (OR 1.7, CI 95% 1.09-2.67; p = 0.02) and baseline BMI (for unit increase OR 1.19, CI 95%1.11-1.29; p < 0.001). Baseline BMI (for unit increase OR 0.47, CI 95% 0.25-0.89; p = 0.02) and triglycerides (for unit increase OR 0.93, CI 95% 0.87-0.99; p = 0.03) prevented steatosis resolution after therapy. after SVR de novo steatosis and resolution of baseline steatosis are closely related to the presence of metabolic comorbidities.


Hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis is the key process in the obligately syntrophic consortium of the anaerobic ameba Pelomyxa schiedti.
Pelomyxa is a genus of anaerobic amoebae that live in consortia with multiple prokaryotic endosymbionts. Although the symbionts represent a large fraction of the cellular biomass, their metabolic roles have not been investigated. Using single-cell genomics and transcriptomics, we have characterized the prokaryotic community associated with P. schiedti, which is composed of two bacteria, Candidatus Syntrophus pelomyxae (class Deltaproteobacteria) and Candidatus Vesiculincola pelomyxae (class Clostridia), and a methanogen, Candidatus Methanoregula pelomyxae. Fluorescence in situ hybridization and electron microscopy showed that Ca. Vesiculincola pelomyxae is localized inside vesicles, whereas the other endosymbionts occur freely in the cytosol, with Ca. Methanoregula pelomyxae enriched around the nucleus. Genome and transcriptome-based reconstructions of the metabolism suggests that the cellulolytic activity of P. schiedti produces simple sugars that fuel its own metabolism and the metabolism of a Ca. Vesiculincola pelomyxae, while Ca. Syntrophus pelomyxae energy metabolism relies on degradation of butyrate and isovalerate from the environment. Both species of bacteria and the ameba use hydrogenases to transfer the electrons from reduced equivalents to hydrogen, a process that requires a low hydrogen partial pressure. This is achieved by the third endosymbiont, Ca. Methanoregula pelomyxae, which consumes H2 and formate for methanogenesis. While the bacterial symbionts can be successfully eliminated by vancomycin treatment without affecting the viability of the amoebae, treatment with 2-bromoethanesulfonate, a specific inhibitor of methanogenesis, killed the amoebae, indicating the essentiality of the methanogenesis for this consortium.


An experimental study of methods to produce intrascrotal testicular fixation.
Methods to produce fixation between the tunica albuginea (visceral tunica vaginalis) and surrounding structures were used in Sprague-Dawley rats as an experimental model of orchiopexy to prevent testicular torsion. Eversion of the parietal tunica vaginalis without suture, or with absorbable or nonabsorbable suture produced excellent scarification, as did the use of talc. Absorbable and nonabsorbable suture, when placed between the parietal tunica vaginalis and tunica albuginea (visceral tunica vaginalis), produced only minor degrees of inflammation. Tetracycline instillation similarly failed to produce a significant inflammatory response.


The description of Mediorhynchus africanus n. sp. (Acanthocephala: Gigantorhynchidae) from galliform birds in Africa.
Mediorhynchus africanus n. sp. is described from specimens collected from the helmeted guinea fowls, Numida meliagris Linn. 1758 in Kruger National Park and elsewhere in subSaharan Africa from the same and other galliform birds. These specimens were previously assigned to Mediorhynchus gallinarum Bhaleroa (Proc Zool Soc Lond Ser B Syst Morph 107:199-203, 1937) described from chickens, Gallus gallus L. in India and subsequently reported from other Asian countries. The identification of the African forms as M. gallinarum was based on similarities in the structure and measurements of the proboscis, proboscis armature and receptacle, lemnisci, and reproductive organs. A detailed study of specimens from South Africa and descriptions reported from elsewhere in Africa revealed marked differences that clearly distinguish the African material as new species. The African specimens are pseudo-segmented and flattened, the proboscis has two prominent apical pores, sensory pits are prevalent throughout the trunk, the posterior end of the female is broad with dorso-terminal dome-like extension opposite the subterminal gonopore, and the eggs are large. The Asian specimens from Indonesia and elsewhere are cylindrical and non-segmented, the proboscis lacks prominent apical pores, sensory pits are rare on the trunk, the posterior end of the female is pointed with a terminal gonopore, and the eggs are markedly smaller. We used DNA sequence from one mitochondrial gene (cytochrome oxidase subunit I) and one nuclear gene (18S ribosomal RNA) to infer the phylogenetic relationships of M. africanus and M. gallinarum and selected Acanthocephala. Medioryhnchus is monophyletic and M. africanus and M. gallinarum are allopatric sister species (9.7% sequence divergence). All findings indicate that M. africanus should be ranked as a separate species.


Synthesis and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity of polyhydroxylated sulfated steroids: structure/activity studies.
Disulfated and trisulfated steroids have been synthesized from cholesterol and their acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity has been evaluated. In our studies we have found that the activity was not only dependent on the location of the sulfate groups but on their configurations. 2β,3α,6α-trihydroxy-5α-cholestan-6-one trisulfate (18) was the most active steroid with an IC50 value of 15.48 μM comparable to that of 2β,3α-dihydroxy-5α-cholestan-6-one disulfate (1). Both compounds were found to be less active than the reference compound eserine. The butyrylcholinesterase activity of 1 and 18 was one magnitude lower than that against acetylcholinesterase revealing a selective inhibitor profile.


Protein O-GlcNAcylation is a novel cytoprotective signal in cardiac stem cells.
Clinical trials demonstrate the regenerative potential of cardiac stem cell (CSC) therapy in the postinfarcted heart. Despite these encouraging preliminary clinical findings, the basic biology of these cells remains largely unexplored. The principal requirement for cell transplantation is to effectively prime them for survival within the unfavorable environment of the infarcted myocardium. In the adult mammalian heart, the β-O-linkage of N-acetylglucosamine (i.e., O-GlcNAc) to proteins is a unique post-translational modification that confers cardioprotection from various otherwise lethal stressors. It is not known whether this signaling system exists in CSCs. In this study, we demonstrate that protein O-GlcNAcylation is an inducible stress response in adult murine Sca-1(+) /lin(-) CSCs and exerts an essential prosurvival role. Posthypoxic CSCs responded by time-dependently increasing protein O-GlcNAcylation upon reoxygenation. We used pharmacological interventions for loss- and gain-of-function, that is, enzymatic inhibition of O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) (adds the O-GlcNAc modification to proteins) by TT04, or inhibition of OGA (removes O-GlcNAc) by thiamet-G (ThG). Reduction in the O-GlcNAc signal (via TT04, or OGT gene deletion using Cre-mediated recombination) significantly sensitized CSCs to posthypoxic injury, whereas augmenting O-GlcNAc levels (via ThG) enhanced cell survival. Diminished O-GlcNAc levels render CSCs more susceptible to the onset of posthypoxic apoptotic processes via elevated poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage due to enhanced caspase-3/7 activation, whereas promoting O-GlcNAcylation can serve as a pre-emptive antiapoptotic signal regulating the survival of CSCs. Thus, we report the primary demonstration of protein O-GlcNAcylation as an important prosurvival signal in CSCs, which could enhance CSC survival prior to in vivo autologous transfer.


Demonstration of two distinct forms of released low-affinity type interleukin 2 receptors.
The release of interleukin 2 (IL2)-binding proteins, derived from the 55-kDa low-affinity IL2 receptor (IL2R; L chain), has been observed for virtually all L chain-bearing cells in either humans, the mouse or the rat. Based on the characterization of the released human L chain as a molecule 10 kDa smaller than the cell surface receptor, either proteolytic cleavage or differential splicing of the L chain-encoding mRNA have been suggested as mechanisms underlying the receptor release. Combining affinity labeling of the L chain with 125I-labeled IL2 and immunoprecipitation with L chain-specific monoclonal antibodies applied for the detection of soluble mouse IL2R revealed the existence of two classes of soluble receptors, one being of the same size as cell surface expressed L chain, the other of 45-kDa apparent molecular mass. These findings raise the possibility of mechanisms of receptor release other than those discussed for human L chain.


Post-gamma globulin. II. Radioimmunoassay determination of levels of post-gamma globulin and beta 2-microglobulin.
Post-gamma globulin previously isolated and partially sequenced in this laboratory was used for production of polyclonal and monoclonal (hybridoma) antibodies. A radioimmunoassay method was developed for quantitation of post-gamma globulin with either antibody. The titration curves obtained were treated statistically and found practically indistinguishable. The sensitivity of the method adopted for the quantitation of post-gamma globulin in a variety of biological fluids was 0.13 ng/ml and the upper limit of precision was 2.5 ng/ml. The following results were obtained (mean +/- 1 SD): normal sera, 0.96 +/- 0.20 microgram/ml; pregnancy sera, 1.08 +/- 0.28 micrograms/ml; cord blood 2.08 +/- 0.33 micrograms/ml; hospitalized patient's sera, 1.3 +/- 0.54 micrograms/ml; geriatric subjects' sera 2.26 +/- 1.10 micrograms/ml; cerebrospinal fluid, 5.37 +/- 3.36 micrograms/ml; saliva, 1.22 +/- 0.67 micrograms/ml; synovial fluid, 1.27 +/- 0.41 micrograms/ml and urine, 0.11 +/- 0.125 microgram/ml. To shed light on the catabolism of post-gamma globulin the levels of beta 2-microglobulin were also measured radiometrically. Correlative statistical analysis of all the data have shown that renal handling of post-gamma globulin and beta 2-microglobulin may be very similar but not necessarily identical.


Immunological castration by a totally synthetic vaccine: modification of biological properties of LH-RH after conjugation to adjuvant-active muramyl peptide.
Recently, we demonstrated that immunological castration of male mice can be obtained by immunization with Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone (LH-RH) directly coupled to NAcMur-L-Ala-D-isoGln-L-Lys (MDP-Lys) without carrier and Freund's Complete Adjuvant (FCA) but in the presence of Polyvinyl-Pyrrolidone (PVP). In the present report, we have observed that: (a) immunization by the conjugate, LH-RH-MDP-Lys, was very effective even in absence of PVP, and this conjugate was more active than other conjugates containing MDP coupled to LH-RH fragments; (b) a strong secondary response could be observed by the administration of free LH-RH suggesting that the endogenous secretion of LH-RH might elicit a boosting effect; (c) administration of MDP-Lys coupled to LH-RH decreased the pyrogenicity of the glycopeptide; (d) such a conjugation also decreased the hormonal activity of the antigen although it enhanced its immunogenicity. These results show that a conjugate (2000 dalton) of a decapeptide hormone with a synthetic adjuvant glycopeptide can induce immunological castration in mice after administration in saline. The immunopharmacological properties of the conjugate and its conditions of efficacy suggest that such an approach could find clinical application.


Electrochemically shape-controlled synthesis of great stellated dodecahedral Au nanocrystals with high-index facets for nitrogen reduction to ammonia.
Au great stellated dodecahedra (GSD), one of the Kepler-Poinsot solids, are synthesized by an electrochemical double-step potential method in a choline chloride-urea based deep eutectic solvent. The as-synthesized Au GSD are bound by high-index {331} facets and exhibit excellent electrocatalytic performance for the nitrogen reduction reaction with a high NH3 yield rate (49.96 μg h-1 cm-2) and faradaic efficiency (28.59%) under ambient conditions.


Hemostasis in Tonsillectomy.
Tonsillectomy is a commonly performed procedure with an accepted risk of posttonsillectomy hemorrhage (PTH) approaching 5%, but catastrophic effects of hemorrhage are exceedingly rare. A variety of surgical techniques and hemostatic agents have been used to reduce the rate of hemorrhage, although none eliminate the risk. Numerous patient, surgical, and postoperative care factors have been studied for an association with PTH. The most consistent risk factors for PTH seem to be patient age and coagulopathies. Surgeon skill and surgical technique are most consistently associated with primary PTH.


GMEB1, a novel endogenous caspase inhibitor, prevents hypoxia- and oxidative stress-induced neuronal apoptosis.
The interaction of glucocorticoid modulatory element-binding protein 1 (GMEB1) with procaspase-2, -8, or -9 prevents caspase oligomerization and maturation. In the present study, we examined the effect of GMEB1 on neuronal apoptosis induced by hypoxia and oxidative stress. GMEB1 effectively attenuated caspase activation and apoptosis caused by these stresses in human neuroblastoma SK-N-MC cells, indicating that it functions as a potent inhibitor of caspase activation and apoptosis in response to oxidative stress. We propose that GMEB1 blocks pro-apoptosis signals induced by a variety of stresses.


Molecular studies of cellulose synthase supercomplex from cotton fiber reveal its unique biochemical properties.
Cotton fiber is a highly elongated and thickened single cell that produces large quantities of cellulose, which is synthesized and assembled into cell wall microfibrils by the cellulose synthase complex (CSC). In this study, we report that in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) fibers harvested during secondary cell wall (SCW) synthesis, GhCesA 4, 7, and 8 assembled into heteromers in a previously uncharacterized 36-mer-like cellulose synthase supercomplex (CSS). This super CSC was observed in samples prepared using cotton fiber cells harvested during the SCW synthesis period but not from cotton stem tissue or any samples obtained from Arabidopsis. Knock-out of any of GhCesA 4, 7, and 8 resulted in the disappearance of the CSS and the production of fiber cells with no SCW thickening. Cotton fiber CSS showed significantly higher enzyme activity than samples prepared from knock-out cotton lines. We found that the microfibrils from the SCW of wild-type cotton fibers may contain 72 glucan chains in a bundle, unlike other plant materials studied. GhCesA4, 7, and 8 restored both the dwarf and reduced vascular bundle phenotypes of their orthologous Arabidopsis mutants, potentially by reforming the CSC hexamers. Genetic complementation was not observed when non-orthologous CesA genes were used, indicating that each of the three subunits is indispensable for CSC formation and for full cellulose synthase function. Characterization of cotton CSS will increase our understanding of the regulation of SCW biosynthesis.


The effect of remifentanil or fentanyl on postoperative vomiting and pain in children undergoing strabismus surgery.
Postoperative vomiting (POV) after strabismus surgery in children results in discomfort and prolonged hospital stays. Opioids increase the incidence of POV. Remifentanil has a context-sensitive half-life of 3 to 4 min, and how this short half-life influences POV in those patients is unknown. We conducted a prospective, double-blinded study in 81 ASA status I or II children from 2 to 12 yr of age undergoing elective strabismus surgery under general anesthesia. Patients were randomized to receive either remifentanil (bolus 1 microg/kg; infusion 0.1-0.2 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1)) or fentanyl (2 microg/kg, and 1 microg/kg every 45 min). POV episodes were recorded for 25 h. Pain scores were obtained by using an objective pain scale for 60 min during recovery. The number of patients who experienced POV did not differ significantly between groups (49% vs 48%). However, in the Remifentanil group, POV episodes were significantly less frequent (0.95 vs 2.2 episodes). In contrast, fentanyl was associated with lower pain scores during the first 30 min of recovery. We conclude that children undergoing strabismus surgery under balanced anesthesia with remifentanil, compared with fentanyl, showed less frequent POV. However, early postoperative analgesia was better with fentanyl. Opioids increase the incidence of postoperative vomiting (POV). Remifentanil is characterized by the shortest half-life of all opioids used in anesthetic practice. Therefore, we studied the effect of remifentanil on POV compared with the longer-acting opioid fentanyl in children undergoing strabismus surgery.


Thirty-day outcomes in the operative management of intestinal-cutaneous fistulas: A NSQIP analysis.
Intestinal-cutaneous fistulas (ICFs) constitute a major surgical challenge. Definitive surgical treatment of ICFs continues to be associated with significant morbidity. The purpose of this study was to utilize a nationwide database to define the morbidity associated with current treatment strategies in the surgical management of ICFs. The 2006-2017 American College of Surgeon National Surgical Quality Improvement datasets (ACS-NSQIP) were used to assess 30-day morbidity and mortality after surgical repair of ICFs. Outcomes for emergent repair were compared to elective repair of ICFs. Overall, 4197 patients undergoing ICF-repair were identified. Mean age was 55.9 (SD 15.3). Patients were generally comorbid (62.9% were in ASA class III). The observed in-hospital mortality was 2.3%. However, the observed morbidity rate was 47.3%. Of the observed morbidity, 35.6% was due to post-operative infectious complications (superficial surgical site infections (SSI), deep SSI, organ/space SSI, wound disruption, pneumonia, urinary tract infection (UTI) sepsis or septic shock). The most common infectious complication was sepsis (13.1%). 30-day readmission rate was 15.3% and the 30-day reoperation rate was 11.0%. Emergent repair was associated with a sevenfold increase in mortality (11.9% vs 1.8%, P < 0.001) CONCLUSION: The management of patients with ICFs is complex and is associated with significant morbidity. Half of patients undergoing surgical management of ICFs developed in-hospital complications.


One-to-one teleapprenticeship as a means for nurses teaching and learning Parse's theory of human becoming.
This research investigated one-to-one teleapprenticeship as a means of teaching and learning Parse's theory of human becoming. Teleapprenticeship is defined as a one-to-one learning relationship, conducted entirely by E-mail, in which a mentor-teacher guides a learner in the construction of knowledge about a domain. Seventeen nurses (6 teachers and 11 learners) engaged in dialogue journaling about the theory relative to the learners' nursing practice. The teleapprenticeship experience was found to be useful for supporting a nurse in the study of theoretical aspects but may be insufficient for helping to develop proficiency in the practice methodology of the theory.


A painful unknown: sacroiliac joint diagnosis and treatment.
The sacroiliac joint (SIJ) is a complex anatomical structure located near the centre of gravity of the body.Micro-traumatic SIJ disorders are very difficult to diagnose and require a complete clinical and radiological examination.To diagnose micro-trauma SIJ pain it is recommended to have at least three positive provocative specific manoeuvres and then a radiologically controlled infiltration test.Conservative treatment combining physiotherapy and steroid injections is the most common therapy but has a low level of efficiency. SIJ thermolysis is the most efficient non-invasive therapy.SIJ fusion using a percutaneous technique is a solution that has yet to be confirmed on a large cohort of patients resistant to other therapies. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2020;5:691-698. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.5.190081.


Concomitant continuous infusion chemotherapy and radiation.
Attempts to duplicate the cytotoxic effect of oxygen on radioresistant tissues spurred a search by radiation oncologists for other radiosensitizing techniques. This led to large-scale investigations using neutrons and other heavy particle radiations, hyperthermia, altered fractionation schedules, and the systemic use of the halogenated pyrimidines and the electron-affinic compounds. Unfortunately, the promise that the nitroimidazole compounds would selectively sensitize the radioresistant tumor cells and prove to be an effective systemic agent has not been borne out in clinical trials thus far. Existing pharmokinetic and cytokinetic studies have suggested that continuous infusion chemotherapy given concomitantly (CCIC) with irradiation (RT) acts synergistically, resulting in a significant increase in tumor cell killing. These observations have been supported by clinical research studies treating certain epithelial cancers that have resulted in considerably higher locoregional control rates and improved survival. Although initially used in treatment of only advanced or inoperable epithelial carcinomas, CCIC and RT are now being employed in the treatment of lower staged cancers as an organ-sparing procedure. Carcinoma of the anus treated by anteroposterior (AP) resection alone have reported 5-year survival rates of 30% to 60%. CCIC and RT using 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and mitomycin C have achieved a local control rate of 90% to 100% and a 5-year survival rate of 80% to 86% with sphincter preservation in 90% of these cases. The 5-year survival rate in advanced urinary bladder carcinoma is 25% to 30% for either radiation or surgery and 42% when combined in a preoperative radiation schedule. Using 5-FU CCIC and RT, the local control rate of transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder has been 71% to 86% with a 5-year survival of 62%. 5-FU CCIC and cisplatin and RT used in the treatment of Stages III and IV carcinoma of the cervix yields a locoregional control of 74% compared with the radiation alone local control of 63% for Stage III and 30% for Stage IV disease. Advanced head and neck and paranasal sinus carcinomas treated by cisplatin CCIC and RT show improved tumor clearance even in the presence of bone destruction. A complete response rate of 87% has been reported with the use of cisplatin CCIC and hyperfractionated radiation. Hyperfractionated radiation also appears to improve the local control of advanced head and neck cancers over patients treated with single fractions of radiation with 66% surviving at 22 months.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)


When a patient can write but not copy: report of a single case.
A dissociation between spared spontaneous and impaired writing on copy is described in a patient with severe limb and constructional apraxia. Visual-perceptual abilities were normal as well as oral language and reading. The findings are discussed in the light of an information processing model of writing.


Epitranscriptomics in the Heart: a Focus on m6A.
Post-transcriptional modifications are key regulators of gene expression that allow the cell to respond to environmental stimuli. The most abundant internal mRNA modification is N6-methyladenosine (m6A), which has been shown to be involved in the regulation of RNA splicing, localization, translation, and decay. It has also been implicated in a wide range of diseases, and here, we review recent evidence of m6A's involvement in cardiac pathologies and processes. Studies have primarily relied on gain and loss of function models for the enzymes responsible for adding and removing the m6A modification. Results have revealed a multifaceted role for m6A in the heart's response to myocardial infarction, pressure overload, and ischemia/reperfusion injuries. Genome-wide analyses of mRNAs that are differentially methylated during cardiac stress have highlighted the importance of m6A in regulating the translation of specific categories of transcripts implicated in pathways such as calcium handling, cell growth, autophagy, and adrenergic signaling in cardiomyocytes. Regulation of gene expression by m6A is critical for cardiomyocyte homeostasis and stress responses, suggesting a key role for this modification in cardiac pathophysiology.