Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms: 15 years of continued experience in a southern West Virginia community.
Factors affecting survival and mortality rate of patients who present with ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) at our community hospital were established in the late 1980s. During the intervening years, there have been many improvements in medical care. This study was conducted to re-examine factors affecting survival to ascertain whether improvements in care processes have led to corresponding improvements in survival. Outcomes of 73 patients who presented with ruptured AAA from 1983 to 1987 were previously reported. A retrospective chart review was conducted of 84 similar patients from 15 subsequent years. Demographic data, preoperative assessments, treatment timings, intraoperative findings, and subsequent postoperative complications were collected, analyzed, and compared to this institution's previous reported experience. Of 84 patients reviewed, 80% were male. The mean age was 72 years. Overall mortality significantly decreased from past experience (62% compared to 44%, p = 0.03). The mortality rate specifically associated with a free intraperitoneal rupture significantly decreased (97% to 63%, p < 0.001) from our previous report, while mortality for those with retroperitoneal rupture was relatively unchanged. Patients at increased risk in the present series were those aged >70 years and had preoperative hemoglobin of <10, preoperative hematocrit of <28, and an initial emergency department systolic blood pressure of <120 in contrast to patients aged >80 and with hemoglobin of <8 in the previously reported series. Syncope, delays in beginning surgical treatment, and amount of blood loss were not significantly associated with death as had been reported previously. Type of rupture and preoperative hemoglobin were the two factors most significantly associated with death (p < 0.05 by logistic regression). Despite the improvements in patient care and knowledge of the problem, many patients (44%) still die from ruptured AAAs, and 70% of this mortality occurs during the first 24 hr. Type of rupture continues to be an important predictor of mortality, and a large amount of improvement in mortality can be attributed to improvements in treating free intraperitoneal ruptures. Treating physicians have not gained much control over factors significantly affecting mortality, but a refinement of the known factors affecting survival may help target interventions and tailor patient care. Improved prerupture treatments of aneurysms by elective operations are still essential for reducing fatal outcomes.


The effect of non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801 on neuronal activity in rodent prefrontal cortex: an animal model for cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia.
Schizophrenia affects about 1% of the world population and is a major socio-economical problem in ours societies. Cognitive symptoms are particularly resistant to current treatments and are believed to be closely related to an altered function of prefrontal cortex (PFC). Particularly, abnormalities in the plasticity processes in the PFC are a candidate mechanism underlying cognitive symptoms, and the recent evidences in patients are in line with this hypothesis. Animal pharmacological models of cognitive symptoms, notably with non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonists such as MK-801, are commonly used to investigate the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of schizophrenia. However, it is still unknown whether in these animal models, impairments in plasticity of PFC neurons are present. In this article, we briefly summarize the current knowledge on the effect of non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801 on medial PFC (mPFC) neuronal activity and then introduce a form of plasticity found after acute exposure to MK-801, which was accompanied by cognitive deficits. These observations suggest a potential correlation between cognitive deficits and the aberrant plasticity in the mPFC in the animal model of schizophrenia.


Male factor infertility, low fertilisation rate following ICSI and low number of high-quality embryos are associated with high order recurrent implantation failure in young IVF patients.
The aim of this study was to characterise the clinical and laboratory parameters in young in vitro fertilisation(IVF) patients with high order recurrent implantation failure (RIF). The first 3 cycles (n = 141 cycles) of 47 consecutive (age <35 years) couples with RIF (> or =6 IVF cycles) were compared with 252 consecutive cycles of 152 couples,treated during the same period, who conceived within the first 3 IVF cycles. The incidence of male factor infertility or of combined male and female factors was significantly higher in the study group than the control group (male factor: 78.7 versus 42.5%, p= 0.002, OR = 3.2 (95% CI: 1.56.8)). Lower fertilisation rates were noted for the intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)-treated oocytes of the study group compared with the control group. The availability of high quality embryos for transfer was significantly lower in the RIF group. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, the significantly different variables between the groups were cause of infertility (male factor or combined male and female factors) (p = 0.03),fertilisation rate (p = 0.038), and semen concentration (p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS; Young IVF patients with high order RIF are characterised by male factor infertility, lower fertilisation rate with ICSI, and fewer high quality embryos available for transfer.


Urinary albumin excretion in diabetic pregnancy.
We have analysed the results of urinary albumin excretion in timed overnight urine samples once every two weeks during pregnancy and post-natally in 25 non-diabetic women and 14 women with Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes who were Albustix negative and had urinary albumin excretion less than 15 micrograms.min-1 at conception. Urinary albumin excretion did not vary significantly in the first two trimesters in either group and at 28 weeks was 2.73 micrograms.min-1 (0.32-251.68) (median and range) in the diabetic women and 2.53 micrograms.min-1 (0.90-13.37) in control patients (not significant). During the third trimester urinary albumin excretion increased, and levels were significantly higher in diabetic patients from 36 weeks (9.37 (0.9-31.78) vs 3.52 (0.19-33.74) micrograms.min-1, p less than 0.01) until delivery. In both groups, urinary albumin excretion reached a peak within the week following delivery - diabetic 17.42 micrograms.min-1 (2.03-46.64), control subjects 16.29 micrograms.min-1 (1.53-35.56), but six weeks after delivery, levels were similar to those in early pregnancy. The effect of pregnancy on urinary albumin excretion in these diabetic women would appear to be an exaggeration of the normal pattern, with levels returning to normal post-delivery. It is not possible to know if this has significance for future renal function, but it would be important to investigate this phenomenon in patients who already have raised urinary albumin excretion at conception.


A facile process for the preparation of organic gel-assisted silica microsphere material for multi-mode liquid chromatography.
Organic gel (OG) has excellent characteristics, including a large surface area, adjustable pore/channel size, and good chemical stability, and has attracted great attention in the field of materials. However, the OG packed column is difficult to pack due to the weak mechanical strength and poor monodispersity. Herein, 1-allyl-3-methyl imidazolium hexafluorophosphate-co-1-dodecanethiol ([AMIm]PF6-co-TDDM) was prepared on the silica microsphere for chromatographic packing available in multimode liquid chromatography (LC) mode with the good mechanical properties of silica microspheres through a simple OG synthesis method. [AMIm]PF6-co-TDDM@SiO2 hybrid microspheres with uniform particles and narrow particle size distribution are used as stationary phases of LC. These microspheres are used in anion-exchange (IEC), reversed-phase (RP), and hydrophilic interaction (HILIC) mode for the separation of different analytes. Such microspheres can also be used for the preliminary qualitative analysis of active ingredients in actual samples in addition to organic acids, alkylbenzenes, and nucleoside bases. The [AMIm]PF6-co-TDDM@SiO2 chromatography packing also has good reproducibility and stability. The adhesive properties of organogels and the adsorption properties of silica gel simplify the synthesis of stationary phase materials. This simple and effective strategy for preparing [AMIm]PF6-co-TDDM@SiO2 composite microspheres by one-pot method can expand the application of OG as a functional additive on silica microspheres in LC.


The effect of iron overload on the mitochondrial porphyrin level in the hexachlorobenzene induced experimental porphyria.
Liver mitochondria isolated from rats treated with hexachlorobenzene plus iron, present a lower content of total porphyrin in respect to that of mitochondria from rats fed hexachlorobenzene alone. The in vitro mitochondrial porphyrin accumulation processes have been studied in mitochondria from iron loaded rats. It has been found that under these conditions the active porphyrin uptake process, which is driven by the K+ transmembrane gradient, is maximally inhibited in the presence of pentachlorophenol at a concentration similar to that found in vivo in the hexachlorobenzene experimental porphyria. By contrast the same degree of inhibition is presented by control mitochondria only in the presence of pentachlorophenol plus valinomycin, a condition which collapses the transmembrane K+ gradient. A strict correlation between porphyrin uptake and K+ concentration has been found in control as well as in iron treated mitochondria. A possible involvement of peroxidative reactions in the mitochondrial membranes has been proposed as a cause of the changes in the permeability properties of the mitochondrial membranes in the experimental chronic hepatic porphyria under conditions of iron overload.


The role of allometry and posture in the evolution of the hominin subaxial cervical spine.
Cervical vertebrae not only protect the spinal cord but also are the insertion and origin points for muscles related to the movement of the head, upper limb, and trunk, among others, and are thus important elements in primate evolution. While previous work has been undertaken on the first two cervical vertebrae, there is a dearth of studies on the subaxial cervical spine in hominines. In this paper, we provide detailed morphological information on two important aspects of the subaxial cervical vertebrae (C3 - C7): mid-sagittal morphology and superior facet orientation. We studied large samples of African apes including modern humans and the most complete fossil hominin subaxial cervical vertebrae using both traditional and geometric morphometrics. There are significant differences between extant hominoids related to the relative length and orientation of the spinous process as well as to the orientation of the articular facets, which are related to size, locomotion, and neck posture. In fact, fossil hominins do not completely conform to any of the extant groups. Our assessment of mid-sagittal morphology and superior articular facet orientation shows that australopiths have more Homo-like upper subaxial cervical vertebrae coupled with more "primitive" lower cervical vertebrae. Based on these results, we hypothesize that those changes, maybe related to postural changes derived from bipedalism, did not affect the entire subaxial cervical spine at once. From a methodological point of view, the combination of traditional and geometric morphometric data provides a more integrative perspective of morphological change and evolution, which is certainly useful in human evolutionary studies.


COVID-19 vaccines inequity and hesitancy among African Americans.
COVID-19 is a threat to health systems worldwide, with a tremendous impact in many areas of human endeavors. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States is far-reaching and the minority groups are disproportionately affected. The longstanding injustice and inequity fueled by systemic racial inequalities have been exacerbated by the pandemic in the United States especially among the minorities, including African Americans. It is clear that without high coverage of the COVID-19 vaccination among all groups, curbing the pandemic is a mirage. In this article, I commented on COVID-19 vaccine and hesitancy among African Americans and its implications for the pandemic response.


The German evidence-based guidelines for Hodgkin's lymphoma. Aspects for radiation oncologists.
This report reviews aspects of the German evidence-based guidelines for Hodgkin's lymphoma relevant to radiation oncologists. Stage-adapted treatment is discussed with the focus on radiotherapy. Up-to-date literature citations provide an overview of current recommendations.


Correlation of percutaneous liver biopsy fragmentation with the degree of fibrosis.
Although fragmentation of a liver biopsy specimen has been considered to be suggestive of cirrhosis, the evidence for this is difficult to find in the published literature. To determine whether fragmentation of percutaneous liver biopsy specimens correlates with the degree of fibrosis. One hundred and eighty-six patients underwent percutaneous liver biopsy prospectively. The specimens were measured for the length and number of fragments. The extent of fibrosis was scored by a pathologist blind to the clinical data. Length and fragmentation data were compared between the different stages. The overall median fragment length was 1.85 cm and the median fragment number was four. Specimens with advanced fibrosis (stages III-IV) had more fragments than those with no or mild fibrosis (stages 0-II) (P < 0.0001). The aggregate fragment length decreased with increasing stage of fibrosis (P < 0.0001). Specimens with greater than 12 fragments were seen only with advanced fibrosis. Fragmentation of percutaneous liver biopsy specimens is common and increases with progression from early to advanced fibrosis. Fibrotic specimens fragment more often and more extensively.


Methylboronic acid MIDA ester (ADM) as an effective additive in electrolyte to improve cathode electrolyte interlayer performance of LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 electrode.
We investigated the effectiveness of using methylboronic acid MIDA ester (ADM) as an additive in an electrolyte to enhance the overall electrochemical and material properties of an LNCAO (LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2) cathode. The cyclic stability of the cathode material measured at 40 °C (@ 0.2 C) showed an enhanced capacity of 144.28 mAh g-1 (@ 100 cycles), a capacity retention of 80%, and a high coulombic efficiency (99.5%), in contrast to these same properties without the electrolyte additive (37.5 mAh g-1, ~ 20%, and 90.4%), thus confirming the effectiveness of the additive. A Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis distinctly showed that the ADM additive suppressed the EC-Li+ ion coordination (1197 cm-1 and 728 cm-1) in the electrolyte, thereby improving the cyclic performance of the LNCAO cathode. The cathode after 100 charge/discharge cycles revealed that the ADM-containing system exhibited better surface stability of the grains in the LNCAO cathode, whereas distinct cracks were observed in the system without the ADM in the electrolyte. A transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis revealed the presence of a thin, uniform and dense cathode electrolyte interface (CEI) film on the surface of LNCAO cathode. An operando synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD) test identified the high structural reversibility of the LNCAO cathode with a CEI layer formed by the ADM, which effectively maintained the structural stability of the layered material. The additive effectively inhibited the decomposition of electrolyte compositions, as confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).


Patient experiences of codesigned rehabilitation interventions in hospitals: a rapid review.
Codesign strengthens partnerships between healthcare workers and patients. It also facilitates collaborations supporting the development, design and delivery of healthcare services. Prior rehabilitation reviews have focused mainly on the clinical and organisational outcomes of codesign with less focus on the lived experience of rehabilitation patients. To explore patient experiences of codesigned hospital rehabilitation interventions. Rapid review and evidence synthesis of the literature. CINAHL, MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane were searched from 1 January 2000 to 25 April 2022. Studies reporting patient experiences of codesigned rehabilitation interventions in hospitals. 4156 studies were screened, and 38 full-text studies were assessed for eligibility. Seven studies were included in the final rapid review. Five out of the seven studies involved neurological rehabilitation. All eligible studies used qualitative research methods. The main barriers to codesign were related to staffing and dedicated time allocated to face-to-face patient-therapist interactions. High-quality relationships between patients and their therapists were a facilitator of codesign. Thematic synthesis revealed that codesigned rehabilitation interventions can enable a meaningful experience for patients and facilitate tailoring of treatments to align with individual needs. Personalised rehabilitation increases patient involvement in rehabilitation planning, delivery and decision-making. It also promotes positive feelings of empowerment and hope. This rapid review supports the implementation of codesigned rehabilitation interventions to improve patient experiences in hospitals. CRD42021264547.


In vitro assessment of the neurotoxic and neuroprotective effects of N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) on the rat sciatic nerve fibers.
N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), at a concentration of 1-60mM, has been previously used extensively for protection in a variety of cell cultures against the deleterious effects of various compounds. The results of this in vitro study show that NAC has certain unusual effects on the evoked compound action potential (CAP) of the rat sciatic nerve fibers. Firstly, at concentrations of 5.0, 3.5 and 2.5mM, concentrations used by others as a protectant for cell cultures, NAC inhibits the action potentials of the sciatic nerve fibers completely in a concentration-dependent manner within a few minutes or hours (2.5mM). Secondly, the acute inhibitory action of NAC on the CAP of the nerve fibers was not spontaneously reversible, but as soon as NAC was replaced with saline there was a partial (approximately 75%) recovery in the function of the nerve fibers. Thirdly, the no observed effect concentration for NAC was estimated to be 1mM. The paradox is that NAC at 1 mM not only had no effect on the nerve fibers, but it became an excellent neuroprotective compound, giving almost 100% neuroprotection against cadmium-induced neurotoxicity. The results show a possible effect of NAC on voltage-gated sodium and potassium channels. The observed neuroprotective-neurotoxic properties of NAC require careful reconsideration of its use in either in vitro studies or in vivo pharmaceutical applications.


Utility and Costs During the Initial Year of 3D Printing in an Academic Hospital.
There is a paucity of utility and cost data regarding the launch of 3D printing in a hospital. The objective of this project is to benchmark utility and costs for radiology-based in-hospital 3D printing of anatomic models in a single, adult academic hospital. All consecutive patients for whom 3D printed anatomic models were requested during the first year of operation were included. All 3D printing activities were documented by the 3D printing faculty and referring specialists. For patients who underwent a procedure informed by 3D printing, clinical utility was determined by the specialist who requested the model. A new metric for utility termed Anatomic Model Utility Points with range 0 (lowest utility) to 500 (highest utility) was derived from the specialist answers to Likert statements. Costs expressed in United States dollars were tallied from all 3D printing human resources and overhead. Total costs, focused costs, and outsourced costs were estimated. The specialist estimated the procedure room time saved from the 3D printed model. The time saved was converted to dollars using hospital procedure room costs. The 78 patients referred for 3D printed anatomic models included 11 clinical indications. For the 68 patients who had a procedure, the anatomic model utility points had an overall mean (SD) of 312 (57) per patient (range, 200-450 points). The total operation cost was $213,450. The total cost, focused costs, and outsourced costs were $2,737, $2,180, and $2,467 per model, respectively. Estimated procedure time saved had a mean (SD) of 29.9 (12.1) min (range, 0-60 min). The hospital procedure room cost per minute was $97 (theoretical $2,900 per patient saved with model). Utility and cost benchmarks for anatomic models 3D printed in a hospital can inform health care budgets. Realizing pecuniary benefit from the procedure time saved requires future research.


The pharmacokinetics of ibuprofen suspension, chewable tablets, and tablets in children with cystic fibrosis.
The objectives of this study were to compare the pharmacokinetic parameters of ibuprofen administered as a suspension, chewable tablet, or tablet in children with cystic fibrosis and to determine the optimal blood sampling times for measuring ibuprofen peak concentrations. A single oral 20 mg/kg dose of ibuprofen was administered, and blood samples were obtained at 15, 30, 45, 60, 120, 240, and 360 minutes after the dose was administered. Peak plasma concentration (Cmax ), time to peak concentration (Tmax ), and other pharmacokinetic parameters were determined and compared (analysis of variance and analysis of covariance). Thirty-eight children were included (22, 4, and 12 in the suspension, chewable tablet, and tablet groups, respectively). Tmax was the only parameter for which statistical differences were noted (suspension vs tablet, P </=.02). After age and sex were removed as potential confounding variables, Tmax remained statistically different (P </=.001). A 20 mg/kg dose of ibuprofen suspension is recommended, with blood samples for pharmacokinetic analysis obtained 30, 45, and 60 minutes after the dose is administered. Obtaining the first blood sample 1 hour after dose administration will miss approximately 90% of peak concentrations, increasing the likelihood of overdosing.


Levels and temporal trends of PCDD/PCDFs and non-ortho PCBs in ringed seals from East Greenland.
The levels and temporal trend of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and non-ortho substituted PCBs (c-PCBs, i.e. CB77, CB126 and CB169) were determined in ringed seal blubber from central East Greenland collected in 1986, 1994, 1999 and 2003, respectively. Since 1986 the concentrations of PCDDs, PCDFs and c-PCBs all show a decreasing trend. The annual decreases were estimated to 5.2% and 5.3% for pg/g WHO-TEQ ww of PCDD/Fs and c-PCB, respectively. The annual median concentrations of PCDDs ranged from 5.4 to 24.4 pg/g WHO-TEQ ww and those of PCDFs from 2.5 to 5.1 pg/g WHO-TEQ ww. Compared to PCDD/Fs concentrations in ringed seals from other Arctic areas the levels of PCDD/Fs found in 1986 were the highest recorded. The annual median concentrations of c-PCBs decreased 24.2 to 9.1 pg/g WHO-TEQ ww. The levels of c-PCBs observed in 1986 are similar to levels found in ringed seals from Svalbard in 1990 and from eastern Hudson Bay in 1989-1992. The dominant and most TEQ-contributing PCDD congener was 1,2,3,7,8-PeCDD. CB126 was the dominating and most TEQ-contributing c-PCB congener. The concentrations of PCDDs, PCDFs and c-PCBs were highly significantly inter-correlated. Principal component analysis of the PCDD/PCDF congeners and c-PCBs was performed to analyse the pattern of compounds during time.


Jejunectomy can reduce excessively elevated portal pressure after major hepatectomy in beagle dogs.
A number of factors can lead to the life-threatening liver dysfunction in the aftermath of an extended hepatectomy. Prominent among them is the high portal pressure induced by the concentrated flow of the entire stream of portal blood toward the small remnant liver. Twelve beagle dogs were randomly divided into group A (n=6, 70% hepatectomy) and group B (n=6, 70% hepatectomy after jejunectomy). Three dogs in each group were euthanized at 1 or 4 weeks after the operation and examined to evaluate hemodynamic changes, liver functions, and liver histology. One hour after the hepatectomy, the animals in group B exhibited a significantly lower portal pressure (P=0.002) and significantly higher hepatic arterial flow (P=0.004) than the animals in group A. As more time passed, the total hepatic flow and hepatic tissue flow both rose up to levels significantly higher than those in group A (P=0.037 and P=0.025, respectively). The alkaline phosphatase, total protein, albumin, and anti-thrombin III were all significantly better in group B than in group A on the 1st post-operative day. Liver specimens biopsied at 1 h after the hepatectomy showed significantly more swelling of the hepatocytes in group A than in group B. In addition, an immunohistochemical study using the TUNEL method for liver biopsy on the seventh post-operative day revealed numerous positive cells in group A but few in group B. Our results suggest that the portal pressure control by the enterectomy can forestall dysfunction of the remnant liver after extended hepatectomy, especially during the early post-operative period.


Changes in human heart rate during sleep following daily physical exercise.
Four fit, healthy young men (aged 20) volunteered for the experiment. After a 5 day control period, they marched for 6 consecutive days (from 09:00 h to 17:00 h) for 34 km/day at a speed of 6 km/h, with an energy expenditure of 35% of individual VO2 max. A recovery period of 5 consecutive days began immediately after the exercise period. Sleep records and electrocardiograms were taken every night during the three periods from 22:00 h to 06:00 h. During the exercise period the night time heart rates increased by about 10%, compared to the previous control condition, and returned to normal during the recovery period. The relation between heart rate changes and sleep stages remained identical throughout the three experimental periods. Three subjects showed an increase in heart rate during paradoxical sleep, compared to the preceding slow wave sleep, while one subject experienced the reverse. The tonic increases in heart rate are discussed in relation to changes in body temperature, sleep patterns, blood composition and hormonal status induced by the physical exercise performed.


Quantitative chemical proteomics approach to identify post-translational modification-mediated protein-protein interactions.
Post-translational modifications (PTMs) (e.g., acetylation, methylation, and phosphorylation) play crucial roles in regulating the diverse protein-protein interactions involved in essentially every cellular process. While significant progress has been made to detect PTMs, profiling protein-protein interactions mediated by these PTMs remains a challenge. Here, we report a method that combines a photo-cross-linking strategy with stable isotope labeling in cell culture (SILAC)-based quantitative mass spectrometry to identify PTM-dependent protein-protein interactions. To develop and apply this approach, we focused on trimethylated lysine-4 at the histone H3 N-terminus (H3K4Me(3)), a PTM linked to actively transcribed gene promoters. Our approach identified proteins previously known to recognize this modification and MORC3 as a new protein that binds H3M4Me(3). This study indicates that our cross-linking-assisted and SILAC-based protein identification (CLASPI) approach can be used to profile protein-protein interactions mediated by PTMs, such as lysine methylation.


Graded intracellular acidosis produces extensive and reversible reductions in the effective free energy change of ATP hydrolysis in a molluscan muscle.
Phosphorus nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to evaluate the impact of experimental reductions of intracellular pH on in vitro preparations of the radula protractor muscle of the marine gastropod, Busycon canaliculatum. The intracellular pH of radula refractor muscle bundles superfused with buffered artificial sea water (pH = 7.8) was 7.29. It was possible to clamp muscle intracellular pH at various acidotic states by changing the superfusate to 5, 10, and 15 mmol.l-1 5,5-dimethyl-oxazolidine-2,4-dione in buffered artificial sea water (pH = 6.5). Consistent and temporally stable reductions of intracellular pH were achieved (intracellular pH = 6.98, 6.79, and 6.62, respectively). During the acidotic transitions, arginine phosphate concentrations decreased and inorganic phosphate concentrations increased in a reciprocal manner and remained essentially constant after the intracellular pH stabilized. The extent of changes in arginine phosphate and inorganic phosphate was directly proportional to the magnitude of the imposed acidosis. Total adenosine triphosphate concentrations remained unchanged in all treatments. However, the magnesium adenosine triphosphate to total adenosine triphosphate ratio declined in direct relation to the extent of the acidosis. Intracellular free Mg2+ fell incrementally with reduced intracellular pH. All of the above effects were rapidly reversed when the 5,5-dimethyl-oxazolidine-2,4-dione was washed out by changing the superfusate to buffered artificial sea water (pH = 7.8). Mg-adenosine diphosphate concentrations were calculated in all treatments using equilibrium constants for the arginine kinase reaction corrected for pH and intracellular free [Mg2+]. The metabolite, intracellular pH, and [Mg2+] data were used to estimate the effective free energy of hydrolysis of adenosine triphosphate (dG/d xi ATP) under most experimental conditions. Experimental acidosis resulted in dramatic reductions in dG/d xi ATP which were fully reversible upon wash-out of 5,5-dimethyl-dioxazolidine-2,4-dione and recovery to normal intracellular pH conditions. Acidosis resulted in net hydrolysis of arginine phosphate, likely via a complex mechanism involving enhancement of rate of adenosine triphosphate hydrolysis and/or inhibition of adenosine triphosphate synthesis.


Taking Snapshots of Ciliary Signaling.
Although the primary cilium critically influences signaling in development and disease, the organelle's small size and the dynamic nature of signaling events have posed obstacles to dissecting critical mechanisms. Reporting in Developmental Cell, Mick and colleagues (2015) describe cilia-APEX as an approach to provide dynamic "snapshots" of the ciliary proteome.


Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy and Efficiency of Categories 4 and 5 of the Second Edition of the BI-RADS Ultrasound Lexicon in Diagnosing Breast Lesions.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and efficiency of categories 4 and 5 of the second edition of the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) ultrasound (US) lexicon in diagnosing breast lesions. In our retrospective study, 579 lesions in 544 patients were assessed by US as the preliminary diagnosis and classified in subcategories 4a-4c and category 5 based on the second edition of the BI-RADS US lexicon with some obvious changes, such as the redefined margin, new calcification type, associated features and some special cases. Inter-observer agreement was determined. Ultrasound results were compared with the pathologic results for confirmation. Positive predictive values (PPVs) of subcategories 4a-4c were compared with theoretical values using the χ(2) test; the binomial test was used for category 5 lesions. Of the 579 lesions, 212 were confirmed as benign (36.61%), and the remaining 367 lesions were confirmed as borderline/malignant (63.39%). Inter-observer agreement was moderate for subcategories 4a-4c (κ = 0.52), moderate for subcategories 4a-4c and category 5 (κ = 0.56) and substantial for categories 4 and 5 (κ = 0.67). The PPVs for subcategories 4a-4c were 23.74%, 70.67% and 81.25%, respectively. In addition, the total PPV for category 4 was 46.92% (183/390), and the total PPV for category 5 was 97.35% (184/189). Statistical results revealed that the PPVs of subcategories 4a and 4b differed significantly from the theoretical values (p < 0.05); the PPVs of subcategory 4c and category 5 were significantly correlated with the theoretical PPVs (p > 0.05). In conclusion, subcategories 4a and 4b have lower diagnostic efficiency than subcategory 4c and category 5. Inter-observer agreement for subcategories 4a-4c remains to be improved. The most common features of subcategories 4a-4c differ, but overlap. It is recommended that inexperienced doctors in primary hospitals not classify lesions into subcategories in clinical practice.


Association of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction with elevated NT-proBNP in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with preserved ejection fraction: the supplemantary role of tissue doppler imaging parameters and NT-proBNP levels.
Early diagnosis of cardiovascular disease in diabetic patients may be important to introduce treatment early. Echocardiography is a method used to show the ventricular functions. A ventricular hormone, BNP is used to identify the changes in the ventricular function in early period. NT-proBNP which is a more stable compound with a longer half-life is used in measurement of BNP. Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) was detected and NT-proBNP levels were measured in forty-four asymptomatic patients with ages of 30-70 and type 2 DM and control group consisted of 40 healthy individuals from the same age group. NT-proBNP levels were found as 566.7 ± 738.5 pg/ml in the diabetics with LVDD detected, 166.3 ± 137.1 pg/ml in the diabetics without LVDD and 134.5 ± 77.2 pg/ml in the control group. Levels of NT-proBNP were significantly higher in the group with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (p<0.05). However, when the levels of NT-proBNP in the diabetic patients without LVDD were compared with the controls, the difference was not significant (p>0.05). NT-proBNP levels were found significantly higher in LVDD group compared to the controls without a difference between the ejection fractions (p<0.05). High levels of NT-proBNP was correlated tissue Doppler echocardiography findings in type 2 DM patients with preserved ejection fraction.


Identification and characterization of Clostridium perfringens using single target DNA microarray chip.
A DNA microarray method was developed to identify the presence of toxin genes: encoding beta toxin (cpb), epsilon toxin (etx), enterotoxin (cpe), alpha toxin (cpa), and iota toxin (iA) in Clostridium perfringens. To build the DNA chip, each gene sequence was represented by one approximately 22-bp amino-modified oligonucleotide printed twice on aldehyde-coated slides. Multiplex PCR with Cy3 and Cy5-dCTP derivatized fluorescent nucleotides was used to label five genes and fluorescent probes were prepared. The PCR probes were denatured and single-strand-labeled DNAs were separated and purified using magnetic beads. The presence of toxin genes in C. perfringens was detected by hybridization of amplified ssDNA probes to oligonucleotides on the chip representing one target sequence of each toxin gene. The DNA chip was able to identify eight strains of C. perfringens.


Physical and cognitive correlates, inflammatory levels, and treatment response in post-COVID-19 first-onset vs. recurrent depressive episodes.
Psychiatric symptoms have been frequently reported in patients affected by COVID-19, both as new occurring and recurrences of pre-existing diseases. Depressive symptoms are estimated to affect at least 30% of patients following infection, with specific physical and cognitive features and relevant immune-inflammatory alterations. This study aimed to retrospectively characterize post-COVID-19 first-onset and recurrent major depressive episodes (MDE) and to evaluate the effects of antidepressants on physical and cognitive correlates of depression, in addition to mood, anxiety, and underlying inflammatory status. We evaluated 116 patients (44.8% males, 51.1 ± 17 years) with post-COVID-19 first-onset (38.8%) and recurrent (61.2%) MDE at baseline and after one- and three-month treatment with antidepressants (31% SSRIs, 25.9% SNRIs, 43.1% others). We assessed sociodemographic and clinical features and psychopathological dimensions through: Hamilton Depression and Anxiety Rating Scales; Short Form-36 Health Survey Questionnaire; Perceived Deficits Questionnaire-Depression 5-items. The systemic immune-inflammatory index was calculated to measure inflammation levels. Alongside the reduction of depression and anxiety (p < 0.001), physical and cognitive symptoms improved (p < 0.001) and inflammatory levels decreased (p < 0.001) throughout treatment in both groups. Post-COVID-19 recurrent MDE showed a significantly more severe course of physical and cognitive symptoms and persistently higher levels of inflammation than first-onset episodes. Antidepressants proved to be effective in both post-COVID-19 first-onset and recurrent MDE. However, a sustained inflammatory status might blunt treatment response in patients with recurrent depression in terms of physical correlates and cognition. Therefore, personalized approaches, possibly involving combinations with anti-inflammatory compounds, could promote better outcomes in this clinical population.


Biodegradation of malachite green by Ochrobactrum sp.
This study presents the biodegradation of malachite green (MG), a triphenylmethane dye, using a novel microorganism isolated from textile effluent contaminated environment. The organism responsible for degradation was identified as Ochrobactrum sp JN214485 by 16S rRNA analysis. The effect of operating parameters such as temperature, pH, immobilized bead loading, and initial dye concentration on % degradation was studied, and their optimal values were found to be 30 °C, 6, 20 g/L and 100 mg/L, respectively. The analysis showed that the extracellular enzymes were responsible for the degradation. The biodegradation of MG was confirmed by UV-visible spectroscopic and FTIR analysis. The phytotoxicity test concluded that the degradation products were less toxic compared to MG. The kinetics of biodegradation was studied and the activation energy was found to be 10.65 kcal/mol.


Conserved Ser/Arg-rich motif in PPZ orthologs from fungi is important for its role in cation tolerance.
PPZ1 orthologs, novel members of a phosphoprotein phosphatase family of phosphatases, are found only in fungi. They regulate diverse physiological processes in fungi e.g. ion homeostasis, cell size, cell integrity, etc. Although they are an important determinant of salt tolerance in fungi, their physiological role remained unexplored in any halotolerant species. In this context we report here molecular and functional characterization of DhPPZ1 from Debaryomyces hansenii, which is one of the most halotolerant and osmotolerant species of yeast. Our results showed that DhPPZ1 knock-out strain displayed higher tolerance to toxic cations, and unlike in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Na(+)/H(+) antiporter appeared to have an important role in this process. Besides salt tolerance, DhPPZ1 also had role in cell wall integrity and growth in D. hansenii. We have also identified a short, serine-arginine-rich sequence motif in DhPpz1p that is essential for its role in salt tolerance but not in other physiological processes. Taken together, these results underscore a distinct role of DhPpz1p in D. hansenii and illustrate an example of how organisms utilize the same molecular tool box differently to garner adaptive fitness for their respective ecological niches.


Conodiparines A-D, new bisindoles from Tabernaemontana. Reversal of vincristine-resistance with cultured cells.
Four new bisindoles of the vobasine-iboga type, conodiparines A-D were obtained from Tabernaemontana corymbosa which showed appreciable activity in reversing resistance in vincristine-resistant KB cells.


Clinical choroidal thrombosis, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus: an electron microscopic study.
Changes in the choroidal artery were examined at autopsy in 16 Japanese patients with hypertension and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. These changes could be divided into 1) arteriosclerotic ones consisting of intimal thickening due to migration of smooth muscle cells, 2) hyaline deposits in the subendothelium, 3) extensive degeneration (moth-eaten atrophy and necrosis) of medial smooth muscle cells, and 4) changes resulting from fibrinoplatelet thrombi and their organization (recanalization and obstruction). The intimal thickening and medial damage correlated with aging, were accelerated by hypertension, and were remarkable in arterioles less than 60 micron in diameter. Diabetes mellitus apparently did not enhance these vascular changes. Thrombotic occlusion or narrowing of the choroidal artery was frequently observed in the arterioles of patients with hypertension and diabetes mellitus who had chronic azotemia or renal insufficiency. Subendothelial hyaline deposits were increased in patients with diabetes. The narrowing or obstructive changes in the choroidal artery were extensive in the intraocular blood vessels. These changes may be secondary and induce damage to other intraocular blood vessels and tissues, including the retina.


The clinical utility of tuberculin skin tests: a single-center experience.
Tuberculin skin test (TST) has played an essential in the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) for nearly a century. This study aimed to investigate the general characteristics of patients tested with TST in a tertiary hospital within two years. All patients who were evaluated to screen for tuberculosis and received a TST were included. The Mantoux method was used for TST administration. A total of 661 patients, 345 (52.2%) men and 316 (47.8%) women, with a mean age of 43.0 ±15.9 years, were included in the study. Accordingly, TST was performed prior to anti-TNF biological agent therapy for 50% (331) of the participants, for LTBI screening before solid organ and/or hematological stem cell transplantation for 20.4% (135), for screening following contact with tuberculosis for 25.1% (166), for screening of healthcare professionals for 1.1% (7), and medical report for 3.3% (22). 2.7% of the patients who took TST were diagnosed with active tuberculosis (14 with pulmonary tuberculosis and 4 with extrapulmonary tuberculosis). QuantiFERON-TB Gold (QFT) test was performed in 332 (50.2%) patients with anergic TST results. According to TST and QFT test results, 28.3% (187) of the patients were started on tuberculosis prophylaxis. While TST is most performed for LTBI screening prior to biological agent therapy, almost one-fourth of patients taking TST require tuberculosis prophylaxis. On the other hand, about half of the patients require an additional QFT test.


The complete genome sequence and emendation of the hyperthermophilic, obligate iron-reducing archaeon "Geoglobus ahangari" strain 234(T).
"Geoglobus ahangari" strain 234(T) is an obligate Fe(III)-reducing member of the Archaeoglobales, within the archaeal phylum Euryarchaeota, isolated from the Guaymas Basin hydrothermal system. It grows optimally at 88 °C by coupling the reduction of Fe(III) oxides to the oxidation of a wide range of compounds, including long-chain fatty acids, and also grows autotrophically with hydrogen and Fe(III). It is the first archaeon reported to use a direct contact mechanism for Fe(III) oxide reduction, relying on a single archaellum for locomotion, numerous curled extracellular appendages for attachment, and outer-surface heme-containing proteins for electron transfer to the insoluble Fe(III) oxides. Here we describe the annotation of the genome of "G. ahangari" strain 234(T) and identify components critical to its versatility in electron donor utilization and obligate Fe(III) respiratory metabolism at high temperatures. The genome comprises a single, circular chromosome of 1,770,093 base pairs containing 2034 protein-coding genes and 52 RNA genes. In addition, emended descriptions of the genus "Geoglobus" and species "G. ahangari" are described.


Effect of calcium in patients with pulseless electrical activity and electrocardiographic characteristics potentially associated with hyperkalemia and ischemia-sub-study of the Calcium for Out-of-hospital Cardiac Arrest (COCA) trial.
The Calcium for Out-of-hospital Cardiac Arrest (COCA) trial was recently conducted and published. This pre-planned sub-study evaluated the effect of calcium in patients with pulseless electrical activity (PEA) including subgroup analyses based on electrocardiographic characteristics potentially associated with hyperkalemia and ischemia. Patients aged ≥ 18 years were included if they had a non-traumatic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and received adrenaline. The trial drug consisted of calcium chloride (5 mmol) or saline placebo given after the first, and again after the second, dose of adrenaline for a maximum of two doses. This sub-study analyzed patients with PEA as their last known rhythm prior to receiving the trial drug. Outcomes were return of spontaneous circulation and survival at 30 days. 104 patients were analyzed. In the calcium group, 9 patients (20 %) achieved return of spontaneous circulation vs 23 patients (39 %) in the placebo group (risk ratio 0.51; 95 %CI 0.26, 1.00). Subgroup analyses based on electrocardiographic characteristics potentially associated with hyperkalemia and ischemia showed similar results. At 30 days, 1 patient (2.2 %) was alive in the calcium group while 8 patients (13.6 %) were alive in the placebo group (risk ratio 0.16; 95 %CI 0.02, 1.26). In adults with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest presenting with PEA, effect estimates suggested harm of calcium administration as compared to placebo but with wide confidence intervals. Results were consistent for patients with electrocardiographic characteristics potentially associated with hyperkalemia and ischemia. The results do not support calcium administration based strictly on electrocardiographic findings seen during out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.


[The efficacy of enhancing murine zona pellucid 3 DNA vaccine immunized through intranasal vaccination by IL-15].
To observe the efficacy of enhancing murine zona pellucid 3(mZP3) DNA vaccine immunized through intranasal vaccination by IL-15 as adjuvant and chitosan as delivery vactor. C57BL/6 mice were delivered with chitosan-loaded mZP3 DNA vaccine or IL-15+pcD-mZP3 vaccine by intranasal route, and to detect specific IgG in serum and sIgA in vaginal fluid by indirect ELISA, and to perform fertility experiment that all female C57BL/6 mice were mated(one male for each female) with normal males of similar age. To do histology analysis of immunized mice ovary and lungs for morphology of ovary. The results of ELISA showed IL-15 can promote IgG antibody level of immunized mice, and the fertility rate was decreased to some degrees. IL-15 and chitosan can enhance the antibody levels induced by mZP3 DNA vaccine, and reduce murine fertility rate to a certain extent.


Adsorption and selection of rhizobia with ion-exchange papers.
Ion exchange papers were used to study the adsorption of 32P-labelled rhizobia on defined surfaces. Two strains of Rhizobium japonicum and one each of R. leguminosarum and R. lupini were compared with Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. The ratio of adsorption to strong and to weak acid papers/strong and weak basic papers was consistantly higher for all rhizobial strains compared to the other bacteria. The process of desorption by increasing the ion-concentration causes about 35% desorption between 0.02 and 0.1 M MgCl2, however, an increase to 1 M does not desorb more labelled Rhizobium japonicum or E. coli cells. The ratio of adsorbed cpm to colony formers, desorbed by 0.1 M NaCl was similar with Rhizobium japonicum for all six ion exchange papers. For E. coli this ratio varied widely for the different papers. The selection of Rhizobium against a more closely related bacterium by this adsorption/desorption procedure was demonstrated with mixed cultures of Rhizobium japonicum and Chromobacterium violaceum giving a more than 80 fold enrichment of the former. Rhizobium japonicum cells, ad/desorbed from all ion exchange papers kept their infectivity and formed nodules on Glycine max with an activity of 20-40 nM C2H4-hr(-1)-mg nodule(-1). A desorption of Rhizobium japonicum from soybean roots also occurred by increasing the ion concentration. 2-3 times as many cells were removed in this way compared to washing with water.


Thiazolidinedione safety and efficacy in ambulatory patients receiving hemodialysis.
To determine whether thiazolidinediones cause significant changes in intravascular volume, anemia, or chronic heart failure; to determine which thiazolidinedione, rosiglitazone or pioglitazone, has a greater propensity to cause these adverse effects; and to evaluate thiazolidinedione efficacy in patients with diabetes mellitus and end-stage renal disease who require hemodialysis. Retrospective chart review. Ambulatory hemodialysis clinic. Forty ambulatory patients receiving hemodialysis. Of the 40 patients (26 men, 14 women, mean +/- SD age 64.8 +/- 11.5 yrs), diabetes mellitus was the cause of end-stage renal disease in 37 (92.5%). The men were older than the women (mean +/- SD age 67.65 +/- 11.43 yrs and 59.58 +/- 10.6 yrs, respectively, p=0.03). Additional demographic data collected were start date and cause of end-stage renal disease, comorbid conditions, drug profile, hospitalization dates, and reason for admission. Laboratory values were obtained for hematocrit, iron indexes (transferrin saturation and ferritin), mean corpuscular volume, and hemoglobin A1c (A1C); body weight before and after dialysis, and predialysis systolic and diastolic blood pressures were measured. All monitoring parameters were evaluated for 3 months before and after the start of therapy. Three patients were hospitalized for new or worsening chronic heart failure (two were receiving rosiglitazone therapy, one pioglitazone, p=0.555). Changes in A1C values were reviewed to determine thiazolidinedione efficacy; no statistical difference was observed between thiazolidinedione agents prescribed. Combined thiazolidinedione data yielded nonsignificant effects for all clinical and laboratory findings except A1C (-0.61%, p=0.05) and blood pressure (systolic -5.57 +/- 12.09 mm Hg, p=0.01; diastolic -3.24 +/- 6.17 mm Hg, p=0.002). Thiazolidinedione therapy is safe and effective for ambulatory patients receiving hemodialysis. However, as we found that these drugs reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure, further investigation into this drug effect is warranted.


The epidemiological enigma of heart failure with preserved systolic function.
Current epidemiological evidence suggests that the prevalence of preserved systolic function in patients with heart failure varies widely from 13 to 74%. This inconsistency suggests a lack of consensus as to what this condition really is and how it has been characterised for epidemiological studies. In this review, we summarise and discuss the current understanding of the epidemiology of heart failure with preserved systolic function and the challenges that this raises. Studies were identified from Medline and Embase Literature Database searches using the subject headings heart failure, diastolic heart failure, epidemiology, incidence, prevalence, diagnosis, prognosis and mortality. Sixty-one studies of congestive heart failure with preserved systolic function were reviewed. There is great diversity in the criteria used to determine whether heart failure is present, the patient population, the setting of the study and methods of evaluating left ventricular function. This makes epidemiological studies of prevalence, morbidity and mortality impossible to compare. The diagnosis of this syndrome might be better defined in terms of symptoms, elevated neuro hormones and impaired cardiac workload. This would allow accurate identification of cases so that further research could be conducted to measure outcome and assess therapeutic benefit.


Dose response relationship between breast cancer and somatotypes during childhood: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
This study aims to evaluate the relationship between breast cancer and somatotypes during early life by meta-analysis and give the corresponding advice. Observational studies till April 5, 2021, which explore women with/without breast cancer who used the Stunkard Figure Rating Scale/Sørensen Somatotypes to evaluate their somatotype before 18 years of age and distant breast cancer risk were included. Using random/fixed-effect models, the pooled relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated. Then a nonlinear dose-response meta-analysis was conducted using restricted cubic spline analysis. Six articles involving 15,211 breast cancer patients from 341,905 individuals were included for performing a meta-analysis of early somatotype and breast cancer risk. The pooled results showed that the protection became stronger with the increase of somatotype until it reached 6. The restricted cubic spline model indicated a linear relationship between somatotypes and breast cancer (P-nonlinearity = 0.533). Subgroup analysis of menopausal status showed that increasing somatotype during childhood was increasingly protective against postmenopausal breast cancer from somatotype 3 to somatotype 6, with a 0.887-fold (RR = 0.887, 95% CI: 0.842, 0.934) to 0.759-fold (RR = 0.759, 95% CI: 0.631, 0.913) decreased risk of breast cancer (P-nonlinearity = 0.880), but this association was not found in the population with premenopausal breast cancer (P-nonlinearity = 0.757). When stratified by age, among people younger than 10 years of age, an increase in somatotype was associated with a statistically significant reduction in breast cancer risk. From somatotype 3 to somatotype 6, the risk of breast cancer was reduced by 9.7-27.7% (P-nonlinearity = 0.175). With early-life adiposity, our data support an inverse association with breast cancer risk, especially age less than 10 years and in postmenopausal women. Since girls with overweight likely remain overweight or even develop obesity in adulthood. While adults with overweight and obese are at increased risk of breast cancer and other types of cancer and various chronic diseases. Hence, we recommend that children should maintain a normal or slightly fat somatotype throughout all periods of life.


Luminal flow patterns dictate arterial drug deposition in stent-based delivery.
Endovascular stents reside in a dynamic flow environment and yet the impact of flow on arterial drug deposition after stent-based delivery is only now emerging. We employed computational fluid dynamic modeling tools to investigate the influence of luminal flow patterns on arterial drug deposition and distribution. Flow imposes recirculation zones distal and proximal to the stent strut that extend the coverage of tissue absorption of eluted drug and induce asymmetry in tissue drug distribution. Our analysis now explains how the disparity in sizes of the two recirculation zones and the asymmetry in drug distribution are determined by a complex interplay of local flow and strut geometry. When temporal periodicity was introduced as a model of pulsatile flow, the net luminal flow served as an index of flow-mediated spatio-temporal tissue drug uptake. Dynamically changing luminal flow patterns are intrinsic to the coronary arterial tree. Coronary drug-eluting stents should be appropriately considered where luminal flow, strut design and pulsatility have direct effects on tissue drug uptake after local delivery.


Application of methyl parathion hydrolase (MPH) as a labeling enzyme.
Methyl parathion hydrolase (MPH) is an enzyme that catalyzes the degradation of methyl parathion, generating a yellow product with specific absorption at 405 nm. The application of MPH as a new labeling enzyme was illustrated in this study. The key advantages of using MPH as a labeling enzyme are as follows: (1) unlike alkaline phosphatase (AP), horseradish peroxidase (HRP), and glucose oxidase (GOD), MPH is rarely found in animal cells, and it therefore produces less background noise; (2) its active form in solution is the monomer, with a molecular weight of 37 kDa; (3) its turnover number is 114.70 +/- 13.19 s(-1), which is sufficiently high to yield a significant signal for sensitive detection; and (4) its 3D structure is known and its C-terminal that is exposed to the surface can be easily subjected to the construction of genetic engineering monocloning antibody-enzyme fusion for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). To demonstrate its utility, MPH was ligated to an single-chain variable fragment (scFv), known as A1E, against a white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) with the insertion of a [-(Gly-Ser)(5)-] linker peptide. The resulting fusion protein MPH-A1E possessed both the binding specificity of the scFv segment and the catalytic activity of the MPH segment. When MPH-A1E was used as an ELISA reagent, 25 ng purified WSSV was detected; this was similar to the detection sensitivity obtained using A1E scFv and the HRP/Anti-E Tag Conjugate protocol. The fusion protein also recognized the WSSV in 1 microL hemolymph from an infected shrimp and differentiated it from a healthy shrimp. [figure: see text]


A road less traveled by: exploring a decade of Ellman chemistry.
The Ellman group has been one of the most influential in the development and widespread adoption of combinatorial chemistry techniques for biomedical research. Their work has included substantial methodological development for library synthesis with a particular focus on new scaffolds rationally targeted to biomolecules of interest and biologically relevant natural products. Herein we analyze a representative set of libraries from this group with respect to their biological and biomedical relevance in comparison to existing drugs and probe compounds. This analysis reveals that the Ellman group has not only provided new methodologies to the community but also provided libraries with unique potential for further biological study.


Do Mound Height and Pitching Distance Affect Youth Baseball Pitching Biomechanics?
Pitching injuries continue to be a serious problem, with adolescents now representing the group with the most injuries. Some have proposed that lowering or eliminating the pitching mound in youth baseball may reduce joint stress and subsequent injuries. Another potential risk factor is advancing from youth to adult pitching distance without an intermediate distance. It was hypothesized that for a group of young pitchers, pitching kinetics and kinematics would change with mound height. It was also hypothesized that pitching kinetics and kinematics would change with pitching distance. Controlled laboratory study. Twenty-one young (12.6 ± 0.5 years) baseball pitchers pitched 5 full-effort fastballs each from 5 different conditions, in random order: 14.02-, 16.46-, and 18.44-m distances from a 25 cm-high mound, 16.46-m distance from a 15 cm-high mound, and 16.46-m distance from flat ground. Pitching biomechanical values were collected with a 12-camera automated motion capture system. Ball velocity and 31 other parameters were computed for each pitch. Data were compared between the 3 mound heights at 16.46 m by use of repeated-measures analysis of variance and paired post hoc t tests ( P < .05). Similarly, data were compared between the 3 distances from the 25-cm mound via repeated-measures analysis of variance and paired post hoc t tests ( P < .05). No differences were found in ball velocity, shoulder kinetics, or elbow kinetics associated with mound height. Ten kinematic parameters differed with mound height, including 8 parameters at lead foot contact. Maximum shoulder horizontal adduction torque and maximum shoulder anterior force increased with pitching distance. Only 3 kinematic parameters showed significant differences with pitching distance. The hypothesis that shoulder and elbow kinetics would change with mound height was not supported by the data. Several kinematic differences were found, but the majority were at lead foot contact before the rapid, dynamic phases of pitching. Change in pitching distance was associated with slight increase in shoulder kinetics as well as a few kinematic differences. Lowering or eliminating pitching mounds in youth baseball would not significantly decrease joint stress and injury risk to young pitchers. However, when available, transition from 14.02-m to 16.46-m to 18.44-m pitching distance may reduce stress on the young throwing shoulder.


Photo-mediated internalization of nanocomplex for effective gene delivery to adipose tissue-derived stem cells.
To deliver efficiently osteogenic, chondrogenic or adipogenic induction genes, such as Runx2, SOX9 and C/EBP-α, to adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs), a photo-mediated nanocomplex internalization gene delivery system was designed using chlorin e6 as a photosensitizer (PS) and polyethyleneimine (PEI) as a gene delivery carrier. In this system, gene delivery efficacy was significantly increased in ADSCs by photo irradiation. The gene transfection efficiency of Runx2, SOX9 and C/EBP-α was increased by 8.6-, 6.7- and 9.3-fold, respectively, by applying 0.7J/cm(2) of irradiation. Osteogenic, chondrogenic and adipogenic differentiation was confirmed by differentiation-related markers and histological analysis. ADSCs transfected with Runx2, SOX9 and C/EBP-α genes via photo irradiation indicated enhanced differentiation in comparison to the non-irradiated cells. These findings demonstrate that photo-mediated internalization is a promising system for efficient gene delivery and differentiation in ADSCs.


Measurement of pS2 protein in pancreatic cyst fluids. Evidence for a potential role of pS2 protein in the pathogenesis of mucinous cystic tumors.
Elevated levels of the growth factor pS2 protein in the cyst fluids of mucinous cystic tumors correlate with earlier observations using immunohistochemical techniques showing that pS2 protein is expressed by these tumors. The markedly elevated levels of pS2 protein compared to normal plasma values suggest that this growth factor may be important in the pathogenesis of pancreatic mucinous cystic tumors. Cystic lesions of the pancreas include inflammatory pseudocysts, serous cystadenomas, and mucinous cystic tumors, some of which are malignant. Previous studies using immunohistochemical techniques have shown that virtually all pancreatic mucinous tumors express pS2 protein. pS2 protein is a growth factor that is believed to be important in the normal process of inflammation and repair. We measured pS2 protein and other growth factors in pancreatic cyst fluids to assess their potential pathophysiologic and diagnostic significance. Levels of pS2 protein were measured in 54 pancreatic cyst fluids by radioimmunoassay. The growth factors, epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha), and insulin-like growth factors I and II (IGF-I, IGF-II) were measured in 22 cyst fluids using commercial immunoassays. Mucinous cysts exhibited significantly higher levels of cyst fluid pS2 protein than nonmucinous lesions, including pseudocysts and serous cystadenomas (median: 78,303 pg/mL; range: 218-361,176 pg/mL vs median: 886 pg/mL; range: 0-14,206 pg/mL; p = 0.0001). The level of pS2 in mucinous tumors was markedly higher than plasma values (median: 392 pg/mL). Levels of pS2 protein in malignant mucinous lesions tended to be higher than those in benign mucinous cysts, but this difference was not statistically significant (median: 88,817 vs 64,350 pg/mL; p = 0.159). Levels of other growth factors, including EGF, TGF-alpha, IGF-I, and IGF-II, did not discriminate among the different cyst types, and the values were within normal plasma ranges.


Pancreatic involvement in primary amyloidosis: radiologic findings.
Amyloidosis is a rare disease that can involve a great variety of organs. As a consequence, clinical and radiological manifestations are very different as well. We report on a patient with primary amyloidosis who presented with diffuse pancreatic involvement detected by ultrasound, helical CT, and MRI. There are very few imaging descriptions about this glandular involvement in amyloidosis in the literature. Despite the apparent uncommon radiological appearance, we believe that this entity should be taken into account in the differential diagnosis of diffuse infiltrative pancreatic lesions in the appropriate clinical and analytical setting.


Determination of sisomicin in eluate from dried blood spot on filter paper disc for monitoring of blood level in rat, by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography after pre-column fluorimetric derivatization.
About 20 microliters of whole blood obtained by venipuncture from rat tail vein was spotted onto a filter paper and the blood spot was punched out (5 mm diameter). Sisomicin (SISO) in the dried blood spot (DBS) was extracted effectively into 0.5 M Na2HPO4 solution by ultrasonication and determined by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with pre-column derivatization using o-phthalaldehyde and beta-mercaptopropionic acid. This method could be used for the pre-clinical study of SISO blood levels of a number of mice or rats without killing. The results were identical with those for SISO in serum, if corrected for hematocrit values, and were used for the calculation of pharmacokinetic parameters for individual rats. The detection limit of SISO in DBS (10.1 microliters of whole blood) was 1.0 microgram per ml of whole blood.


Imaging of sodium in the brain: a brief review.
Sodium-based MRI plays a vital role in the study of metabolism and can unveil valuable information about emerging and existing pathology--in particular in the human brain. Sodium is the second most abundant MR active nucleus in living tissue and, due to its quadrupolar nature, has magnetic properties not common to conventional proton MRI, which can reveal further insights, such as information on the compartmental distribution of intra- and extracellular sodium. Nevertheless, the use of sodium nuclei for imaging comes at the expense of a lower sensitivity and significantly reduced relaxation times, making in vivo sodium studies feasible only at high magnetic field strength and by the use of dedicated pulse sequences. Hybrid imaging combining sodium MRI and positron emission tomography (PET) simultaneously is a novel and promising approach to access information on dynamic metabolism with much increased, PET-derived specificity. Application of this new methodology is demonstrated herein using examples from tumour imaging.


Human non-malignant and malignant brain tumor derived cell cultures: proliferation and sensitivity to natural human fibroblast (beta) interferon.
Twenty-one human brain tumor biopsies were processed by mechanical and enzymatic methods to produce mixed cell suspensions. Cultures were prepared in small plastic flasks, and primary outgrowth occurred in 16/21 cultures. The period required for primary outgrowth ranged from 3 days to 14 days. We established serial propagation with 15/16 of the primary cultures. Sensitivity to HuIFN-beta was determined between passages 3 to 12, using a microassay based on cell viability (uptake of a supravital stain, neutral red). Extracted dye was quantified in acidic-methanol using the MR580 Microelisa Autoreader (Dynatech). We observed a broad range of responsiveness to the drug among the 12 cell-strains tested. Thus, 4 cell strains were relatively sensitive; 4 were resistant to 10(4) IRU/ml of purified HuIFN-beta. Four cell strains exhibited a level of responsiveness that was intermediate to that of these two groups. During propagation of these biopsies, cytopathology suggestive of paramyxovirus-infection appeared in 4 of the cell-strains. This characteristic was not uniformly associated with high sensitivity to human beta interferon which is a very potent, naturally occurring antiviral substance. Our results support the concept that information concerning sensitivity to HuIFN-beta and other cytostatic agents may be rapidly obtained using microcultures of brain tumor cultures in conjunction with supravital stain uptake studies. Additionally, these results suggest that further clinical studies with beta interferon should be undertaken to define the parameters which determine successful in vivo application.


Chemopreventive role of probiotics against cancer: a comprehensive mechanistic review.
Probiotics use different mechanisms such as intestinal barrier improvement, bacterial translocation and maintaining gut microbiota homeostasis to treat cancer. Probiotics' ability to induce apoptosis against tumor cells makes them more effective to treat cancer. Moreover, probiotics stimulate immune function through an immunomodulation mechanism that induces an anti-tumor effect. There are different strains of probiotics, but the most important ones are lactic acid bacteria (LAB) having antagonistic and anti-mutagenic activities. Live and dead probiotics have anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, anti-oxidant and anti-metastatic properties which are useful to fight against different diseases, especially cancer. The main focus of this article is to review the anti-cancerous properties of probiotics and their role in the reduction of different types of cancer. However, further investigations are in progress to improve the efficiency of probiotics in cancer treatment.


The crystal structure of an Eph receptor SAM domain reveals a mechanism for modular dimerization.
The sterile alpha motif (SAM) domain is a novel protein module of approximately 70 amino acids that is found in a variety of signaling molecules including tyrosine and serine/threonine protein kinases, cytoplasmic scaffolding and adaptor proteins, regulators of lipid metabolism, and GTPases as well as members of the ETS family of transcription factors. The SAM domain can potentially function as a protein interaction module through the ability to homo- and hetero-oligomerize with other SAM domains. This functional property elicits the oncogenic activation of chimeric proteins arising from translocation of the SAM domain of TEL to coding regions of the betaPDGF receptor, Abl, JAK2 protein kinase and the AML1 transcription factor. Here we describe the 2.0 A X-ray crystal structure of a SAM domain homodimer from the intracellular region of the EphA4 receptor tyrosine kinase. The structure reveals a mode of dimerization that we predict is shared amongst the SAM domains of the Eph receptor tyrosine kinases and possibly other SAM domain containing proteins. These data indicate a mechanism through which an independently folding protein module can form homophilic complexes that regulate signaling events at the membrane and in the nucleus.


Spinal sonography and central neuraxial blocks.
Central neuraxial blocks (CNBs), which include spinal, epidural, and combined spinal epidural injections, are indispensable techniques in the anesthesiologist's armamentarium. Indeed, in scenarios such as when dealing with the obstetric population, patients with obesity, or patients having respiratory compromise (e.g., lung disease or scoliosis), CNBs are the mainstay for anesthesia and/or analgesia. Traditionally, CNBs are performed using anatomical landmarks, which are simple, easy to master, and exceptionally successful in most cases. Nevertheless, there are notable limitations with this approach, especially in scenarios where CNBs are considered mandatory and vital. Any limitation of an anatomic landmark-based approach is an opportunity for an ultrasound-guided (USG) technique. This has become particularly true for CNBs, where recent advances in ultrasound technology and research data have addressed many of the shortcomings of the traditional anatomic landmark-based approaches. This article reviews the ultrasound imaging of the lumbosacral spine and its application for CNBs.


New fields of application of the sentinel lymph node biopsy in the pathologic staging of solid neoplasms: review of literature and surgical perspectives.
Sentinel lymph node (sN) biopsy has gained special attention among surgical and medical oncologists as it represents an accepted technique for detecting occult nodal disease in regional lymph nodes of patients with melanoma and breast cancer. The histopathologic examination of the sN may well predict regional lymph node status in order to define the most suitable loco-regional and systemic treatment. Recently, this technique has also been applied to other solid tumor types such as gynecologic and urologic malignancies, squamous head and neck cancer, thyroid cancer, non-small-cell lung cancer, Merkel cell carcinoma, and gastric cancer. The aim of this literature review is to define the rationale of sN biopsy in these tumor sites, the most effective procedure for sN detection, and the accuracy of the sN in predicting regional nodal status, as well as the surgical perspectives of sN biopsy application.


Mineralization of cellulose in the presence of chitin and assemblages of microflora and fauna in soil.
Nitrogen content is an important factor controlling decomposition of resistant substrates. We examined the decomposition of purified cellulose in the presence of a structurally similar, resistant organic N compound, chitin. Carbon-14-labelled cellulose was added to sterile ari-dried sandy loam soil in flasks, half of which were also amended with purified chitin. Grassland soil organisms-a fungus (Fusarium oxysporum) or a bacterium (Flavobacterium sp.) with or without their respective nematode grazers (Aphelenchus avenae or Pelodera sp.) were added to the substrateamended soils, and decomposition was monitored by carbon dioxide evolution and NH 4+ -N mineralization. More 14CO2 was evolved and at a higher rate from the fungal treatment than from the bacterial treatment. Grazing enhanced 14CO2 and total CO2 evolution and NH 4+ -N mineralization in the bacterial treatments and NH 4+ -N mineralization in the fungal treatments. Nitrogen was mineralized both from native organic sources and from chitin. The addition of chitin did not enhance and, in most cases, decreased cellulose decomposition.


Autoimmune disease development based on possible mislocalization of intracellular and extracellular proteins.
T helper cells can differentiate into several subsets of T lymphocytes, including Th1, Th2, and regulatory T (Treg) cells. As a result of this ability to differentiate, the corresponding T cell receptor (TCR) spectra display considerable cellular plasticity and interchangeability. In contrast, T lymphocyte differentiation and separation into CD4+ and/or CD8+ T cell lines creates stable populations over a person's lifetime, which abrogates the plasticity and interchange between these cell types and their corresponding TCR spectra but results in considerable stability regarding the corresponding TCR sequences and spectra. This separation of TCR spectra agrees with the well-known concept of major histocompatibility complex class (MHC) restriction. Therefore, CD4+ and CD8+ T cell populations possess different (but stable) TCR spectra, which present differences in antigens between intra- and extracellular space. Thus, mislocalization can lead to autoimmunization and the development of autoimmune disease. To test this hypothesis, human intra- and extracellular proteins and intra- and extracellular extracts were incubated overnight with whole-blood samples from the same subject, and the following day, a cell proliferation assay based on bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation was performed. The BrdU assay showed that the addition of intracellular proteins and extracts to the mixture resulted in significantly greater cell proliferation after overnight incubation, whereas significantly less proliferation was obtained with addition of extracellular proteins and extracts (plasma). These results support the proposed hypothesis and show that hidden antigens are present in and released with intracellular proteins. Furthermore, both albumin and insulin activated CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes in a concentration-dependent manner. At low concentrations (<0.1μg/ml), both proteins showed the ability to inhibit CD4+ and CD8+, whereas at high concentrations (>1000μg/ml), both proteins activated CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes.


Aquatic Ferrous Solutions of Prebiotic Mineral Salts as Strong UV Protectants and Possible Loci of Life Origin.
Liposomes are lipid-bilayer vesicles that spontaneously self-assemble from fatty acids (or other amphiphiles) in water by encapsulating surrounding aqueous media. After British scientist Alec Bangham described this phenomenon in the early 1960s, they became a prominent participant in the hypotheses on life origin, particularly in the Lipid World model. A novel scenario of self-sustained Darwinian liposome evolution is based on ever-present natural phenomena of cyclic day/night solar UV radiation and gravitational submersion of liposomes in the Archean aqueous media. One of the assumptions of the hypothesis is the UV-shielding ability of the Archean waters that could protect the submerged liposomes from the damaging solar UV radiation. To corroborate the idea, we measured UV absorption in aquatic solutions of several ferrous mineral salts assumed to be present in Archean pools. Single-agent solutions of simple salts such as FeCl2-iron dichloride, FeCl3-iron trichoride, Fe(NO3)3-ferric nitride, NH4Fe(SO4)2-ferric ammonium sulfate, and (NH4)5[Fe(C6H4O7)2]-ferric ammonium citrate were tested. These direct measurements of UV light absorption supplement and reinforce the proposed hypothesis.


The YDA-MKK4/MKK5-MPK3/MPK6 Cascade Functions Downstream of the RGF1-RGI Ligand-Receptor Pair in Regulating Mitotic Activity in Root Apical Meristem.
The mitotic activity of root apical meristem (RAM) is critical to primary root growth and development. Previous studies have identified the roles of ROOT GROWTH FACTOR 1 (RGF1), a peptide ligand, and its receptors, RGF1 INSENSITIVEs (RGIs), a clade of five leucine-rich-repeat receptor-like kinases, in promoting cell division in the RAM, which determines the primary root length. However, the downstream signaling components remain elusive. In this study, we identify a complete mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK or MPK) cascade, composed of YDA, MKK4/MKK5, and MPK3/MPK6, that functions downstream of the RGF1-RGI ligand-receptor pair. Similar to the rgi1/2/3/4/5 quintuple mutant, loss-of-function mutants of MPK3 and MPK6, MKK4 and MKK5, or YDA show a short-root phenotype, which is associated with reduced mitotic activity and lower expression of PLETHORA 1 (PLT1)/PLT2 in the RAM. Furthermore, MPK3/MPK6 activation in response to exogenous RGF1 treatment is impaired in the rgi1/2/3/4/5 quintuple, yda single, and mkk4 mkk5 double mutants. Epistatic analyses demonstrated that the expression of constitutively active MKK4, MKK5, or YDA driven by the RGI2 promoter can rescue the short-root phenotype of the rgi1/2/3/4/5 mutant. Taken together, these results suggest that the YDA-MKK4/MKK5-MPK3/MPK6 cascade functions downstream of the RGF1-RGI ligand-receptor pair and upstream of PLT1/PLT2 to modulate the stem cell population and primary root growth in Arabidopsis.


Protective Impact of Edaravone Against ZnO NPs-induced Oxidative Stress in the Human Neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y Cell Line.
Extensive applications of ZnO NPs (zinc oxide nanoparticles) in daily life have created concern about their biotoxicity. Zinc oxide nanoparticles induce oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in neurons. Edaravone applies antioxidant agent and anti-inflammatory impacts in the different cells, as evaluated in both in vitro and in vivo experimental models. This study is designed to explore, how edaravone would avert mitochondrial impairment in human neuronal cells against ZnO NPs-induced toxicity. Accordingly, we analyzed here whether a pretreatment (for 24 h) with edaravone (10-100 μM) would enhance mitochondrial protection in the human neuroblastoma cells SH-SY5Y against ZnO NPs-induced toxicity. We found that edaravone at 25 μM averted the ZnO NPs-induced decrease in the amounts of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), just as on the activity of the complexes I and V. Also, edaravone induced an antioxidant activity by diminishing the levels of lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, and protein nitration in the mitochondrial membranes. Edaravone blocked the ZnO NPs-induced transcription factor nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) upregulation. The inhibition of the heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) enzyme by zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPP IX, 10 μM) smothered the preventive impacts brought about by edaravone with respect to mitochondrial function and inflammation. After this examination, it can be concluded that edaravone caused cytoprotective impacts in an HO-1-dependent manner in SH-SY5Y cells against ZnO NPs-induced toxicity.


Meniscus Radial Tears: Current Concepts on Management and Repair Techniques.
This review provides a historical perspective on the approach to radial tears and collates the currently available evidence on repair techniques, rehabilitation, and outcomes following the treatment of meniscus radial tears. Recent literature shows that the repair of meniscus radial tears reports improved patient-reported outcome scores with high return to function and activity. However, no single technique nor construct was proven better than the other. Various methods of repairing radial tears can be employed, with biomechanical research supporting all-inside double vertical sutures, the addition of vertical "rip-stop" mattress sutures, and transtibial pullout augmentation. To ensure proper healing before undergoing physical therapy, it is crucial to abstain from weight-bearing and deep knee flexion for the first 6 weeks after surgery. Despite considerable heterogeneity in surgical techniques and rehabilitation protocols found in the current literature, studies reporting on radial repairs report positive results, with high healing rates and improved patient-reported outcomes.


Immunohistochemical analysis of cytokeratin and human milk fat globulin expression in mucinous carcinoma of the skin.
Mucinous carcinoma of the skin (MCS) is a rare epithelial tumor which arises primarily in the skin. Metastatic MC from extracutaneous sites, especially breast or colon, mimics MCS and cannot be differentiated from MCS by routine histology alone. Nine cases of MCS were analyzed immunohistochemically using monoclonal antibodies against cytokeratins (CKs) and human milk fat globulin 1 (HMFG) in order to clarify their nature and compare the immunophenotypes with those of other MCs studied in the literature. Expression of simple epithelial CKs in most of the tumor cells of all cases studied and co-expression of simple and stratified epithelial CKs in some tumor cells of two cases were recognized. CK 20 expression could not detected in any tumor cells. Focal HMFG expression in the luminal or outer surface of the nests was observed in three cases. From CKs expression, MCS was speculated to differentiated mainly toward the secretory cells of the sweat glands, and some tumor cells toward the transient portion between the dermal duct and the secretory portion. Focal HMFG expression suggested either a consequence of malignant transformation or apocrine differentiation. No expression of CK 20 in MCS suggests that we may exclude the diagnosis of metastatic colorectal MC which expressed CK 20.


Chlamydia Infection Between Men and Women: A Cross-Sectional Study of Heterosexual Partnerships.
Studies of sexual partnerships can further our understanding of the sexual transmission of chlamydia, which is important for informing public health interventions and clinical management. The aim of this study was to ascertain among heterosexual dyads the proportion concordantly infected with chlamydia and factors associated with infection between partners. This study was conducted at the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre between January 2006 and March 2015. Heterosexual partners attending the clinic on the same day were identified prospectively. Dyads where 1 or both individuals were diagnosed with chlamydia by a test performed on the day of joint attendance or within the prior 30 days were included. Testing was by strand displacement assay. Men and women with genital symptoms underwent clinical examination. Of 233 females with chlamydia, 76% (n = 178) of their male partners tested positive. Of the chlamydia-positive females with cervicitis, 91% of males were chlamydia positive. Male infection was less likely if their partner had taken azithromycin or doxycycline within 30 days (7% vs 25%; P = .039). Of 235 males with chlamydia, 77% (n = 178) of their female partners tested positive. No associations were found between male symptoms, signs, or recent antibiotic use and a positive chlamydia result in female partners. Sixty-one percent of the dyads were concordantly infected with chlamydia. These results underscore the high likelihood of heterosexual partners of men and women with chlamydia being infected and the importance that partners are tested and managed appropriately for chlamydia.


Is It Feasible to Reduce Academic Stress in Net-Zero Energy Buildings? Reaction from ChatGPT.
We may lessen the detrimental effects of global warming on human thought processes by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, encouraging sustainability, and giving adaption measures top priority. The purpose of the letter is to draw attention to the necessity of net-zero energy buildings (NZEB) in academic institutions in order to reduce academic stress, promote well-being, and improve cognitive functions. While some levels of stress might be advantageous, excessive and mismanaged stress can be detrimental to students' well-being. To foster a healthy academic atmosphere, it is essential to offer resources, support networks, and stress-reduction techniques. As human authors, we thoroughly edited ChatGPT's responses to create this letter.


FTIR study of the binary effect of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nTiO2) and copper (Cu2+) on the biochemical constituents of liver tissues of catfish (Clarias gariepinus).
The increasing demand for nanomaterials and essential metals leads to their discharge into the aquatic ecosystems through water run-off and this is of great concern for the aquatic biodiversity. In the present study titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nTiO2) and copper (Cu2+) effects in binary mixture on the biochemical constituents of the liver of Clarias gariepinus by using Fourrier- transform infrared (FT-IR) techniques was examined. The FT-IR revealed significant differences in absorbance intensities between the control and exposed liver tissues demonstrating changes on the critical biochemical constituents such as proteins, lipids and carbohydrates. This result further reveals the binary mixture responsible for the absence of CH3 bending lipids in liver tissues due to their toxic effect. The observed synergistic decreasing ratio of integrated area (1545/3296) for binary mixture exposed liver tissues suggests that lipid degradation predominates over amide formation. In addition, binary mixture causes an alteration in protein secondary structures by decreasing the β turns of liver tissues. Histology in liver showed marked damages. The frequent alteration in the biochemical constituents in the liver tissues of C. gariepinus could be an indication of alteration of existing biochemical components or the expression of new components.


Data on the fluoride adsorption from aqueous solutions by metal-organic frameworks (ZIF-8 and Uio-66).
The variables examined were initial fluoride concentration, ZIF-8 and Uio-66 dosage, pH, and contact time. The residual concentration of fluoride was measured by a spectrophotometer. According to BET, the specific surface area of the ZIF-8 and Uio-66 was 1050 m2/g and 800 m2/g, respectively. Total pore volume and average pore diameter of the ZIF-8 and Uio-66 were 0.57 cm3/g, 0.45 cm3/g and 4.5 nm, 3.2 nm, respectively. The best pH for fluoride adsorption was neutral conditions. By increasing the ZIF-8 and Uio-66 dose, the fluoride uptake increased at first, but then decreased. Also, the maximum adsorption for ZIF-8 and Uio-66 was observed in adsorbent dose 0.2 and 0.6 g/L, respectively. The best model for describing kinetic and isotherms of fluoride adsorption were the pseudo-second-order model and Langmuir isotherm model, respectively. Based on the Langmuir model, the adsorption capacity of fluoride by ZIF-8 and Uio-66 was reported to be 25 mg/g and 20 mg/g, respectively.


Do Minimally Invasive Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Treatments Preserve Sexual Function? A Contemporary Review of the Literature.
The aim of this study is to compare the sexual function outcomes related to minimally invasive surgical therapies (MISTs) (UroLift®, Rezum™, Aquablation®, prostate artery embolization, and iTind®) for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Clinical trials and retrospective data evaluating MISTs for BPH have demonstrated improved or stable sexual function outcomes when compared to sham control or transurethral resection of the prostate. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and following treatments using patient-reported outcome measures. Rezum and Aquablation demonstrated preservation of overall ejaculatory function and erectile function at 36-month follow-up. Similar outcomes occurred with UroLift after a 60-month follow-up. Erectile function was preserved following prostate artery embolization and iTIND up to 12 months. MIST for the management of BPH has been demonstrated to be effective in improving urinary function and appears to minimize potential collateral damage on sexual function following treatment.


Syrian national growth references for children and adolescents aged 2-20 years.
During the past three decades, growth charts have become one of the principal tools for monitoring anthropometric development in individuals and populations as well. Growth references by the CDC and other countries have been widely used in our hospitals and healthcare units for clinical assessment of children's development. The apparent overestimation and underestimation of many children's anthropometrics indicated the need to construct our own references. The objective of this study is to establish the national growth references for the Syrian population 2-20-year-old. A multicenter cross-sectional sample of 13,548 subjects, aged 2-20 years, were recruited from various kindergartens, schools, and universities across the Syrian Arab Republic between February and May-2019. Response variables (stature, weight, and BMI) were fitted against age using P-splines and three empirical distributions: Box-Cox T, Box-Cox Power Exponential, and Box-Cox Cole and Green. Residuals diagnostic Q-tests and worm plots were used to check the validity of fitted models. Box-Cox T provided the best fit for stature-for-age, whereas Box-Cox Power Exponential provided the best fit for weight-for-age and BMI-for-age. Residuals diagnostics revealed adequate models fitting. BMI cutoffs revealed an increased prevalence of obesity (4.5% and 3.66%) and overweight (20.1% and 19.54%), for boys and girls respectively, in our population. Growth charts are available for use now in our hospitals and healthcare units. For 0-2-year-old children, we recommend using the World Health Organization's standards.


Atropa belladonna hairy roots: orchestration of concurrent oxidation and reduction reactions for biotransformation of carbonyl compounds.
The biotransformation potential of a selected Atropa belladonna hairy root clone (AB-09) had been evaluated with regard to three different aromatic carbonyl compounds, i.e., 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzaldehyde (1), 3,4,5-trimethoxyacetophenone (2), and 3,4,5-trimethoxy benzoic acid (3). The results demonstrated for the first time the untapped potentials of the selected hairy root clone to perform simultaneous oxidation (34.49%) and reduction (32.68%) of 3,4,5-trimethoxy benzaldehyde (1) into 3,4,5-trimethoxy benzoic acid (3), and 3,4,5-trimethoxy benzyl alcohol (4), respectively, without any intermediate separation or addition of reagents. The same hairy root clone also demonstrated reduction (<5%) of a 3,4,5-trimethoxyacetophenone (2) into a secondary alcohol, i.e., 1-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl) ethanol (5), while in the case of aromatic carboxylic acid substrate (3), no biotransformation could be obtained under the similar conditions. The current observations revealed oxidation and reduction of the formyl group of the aromatic ring, and only reduction of the carbonyl group of acetophenone through the specific hairy root clone. The concurrent oxidation and reduction reactions by the selected hairy root clone highlight the importance of this study, which, as per our observations, is the first of its kind relating the hairy root culture of A. belladonna.


Age-related changes in the human lens: a comparison of Scheimpflug photography and lens density index.
Two quantitative techniques, Scheimpflug photography and the lens density index (LDI), were used to measure lens density in 52 patients. In the Scheimpflug technique, a digitized slitlamp camera provides peak and average nuclear density based on a densitometric analysis of the lens nucleus. The LDI is a psychophysical measurement of the difference between retinal scotopic thresholds for two wave-lengths of light. Both the Scheimpflug technique and LDI revealed an age-related increase in lens density. Peak and average nuclear density were highly correlated with the LDI.


The influence of stimulating techniques on the masseteric and temporal M-responses in man.
The direct motor responses obtained in the masseter and temporalis muscles after electrical stimulation of their nerves were evaluated. In 10 individuals, earlier stimulation techniques used to evoke M-responses ('bipolar needle' and 'surface' techniques) were compared with a previously undescribed 'monopolar needle' technique. The monopolar needle technique proved to give more stable stimulating conditions than the earlier techniques. Selective stimulation of the masseteric nerve or simultaneous stimulation of the masseteric and deep temporal nerves were found, depending on the position of the stimulating electrode.


Western-style diet, sex steroids and metabolism.
The evolutionary transition from hunting to farming was associated with introduction of carbohydrate-rich diets. Today, the increased consumption of simple sugars and high-fat food brought about by Western-style diet and physical inactivity are leading causes of the growing obesity epidemic in the Western society. The extension of human lifespan far beyond reproductive age increased the burden of metabolic disorders associated with overnutrition and age-related hypogonadism. Sex steroids are essential regulators of both reproductive function and energy metabolism, whereas their imbalance causes infertility, obesity, glucose intolerance, dyslipidemia, and increased appetite. Clinical and translational studies suggest that dietary restriction and weight control can improve metabolic and reproductive outcomes of sex hormone-related pathologies, including testosterone deficiency in men and natural menopause and hyperandrogenemia in women. Minimizing metabolic and reproductive decline through rationally designed diet and exercise can help extend human reproductive age and promote healthy aging. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Quality in Diabetes/Obesity and Critical Illness Spectrum of Diseases - edited by P. Hemachandra Reddy.


Morphometric analysis of collagen fibrils in idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome: Part 2.
Morphometric parameters were evaluated in order to analyze the relation between number and covered area of collagen fibrils in normal and carpal tunnel syndrome tissue. This analysis revealed that in normal tissue twice as many collagen fibrils as in pathological tissue occupy an equal area. Taking these facts into account, some hypotheses are advanced.


The impact of nurses and mothers signing the discharge letter on maternal knowledge and satisfaction after discharge from a neonatal unit: a before and after study.
To assess the maternal recall of the neonatal discharge letter instructions with and without nurse and mother signing the document in addition to the physician signature. Maternal recall of the discharge letter instructions was assessed by telephone interviews conducted 2-3 weeks following discharge. One hundred and nine mothers who signed the discharge letter following a change of information delivery policy at discharge were compared with 110 mothers who gave birth when their signature was not yet required. The impact of the discharge form on maternal recall was evaluated by stepwise regression analysis adjusted for obstetric, perinatal and demographic variables. Recall of specific instructions verified by the discharge notes and satisfactory understanding of the discharge letter as graded by the mother were higher among 109 mothers who signed the discharge letter (82% and 88%, respectively) than among 110 mothers who did not add their signature (58% and 73%, respectively), the differences being statistically significant (p=0.002 and 0.022, respectively). The statistical difference was maintained also following adjustment with independent variables. Signing the neonatal discharge letter by both nurse and mother may improve maternal comprehension and recall of the delivered information. A prospective controlled study is necessary to validate this hypothesis.


Murphy's contributions to disability studies: an inquiry into ourselves.
Robert Murphy's career, culminating in the study of disability, gives evidence of deep commitment to understanding the human condition in adversity. His life-long interest in the psychological, sociological and cultural significance of behavior; his work on alienation, developed through fieldwork in small scale societies in South America and Africa; his fascination with the estrangement that arises from the conflict between our need to integrate and to be autonomous; and his own experience of a progressive debilitating disease provided him with rich insights for his interpretation of disability. This paper examines Murphy's contributions to our understanding of the meanings and implications of disability, for those who personally experience it, and for the 'others' in their lives.