Immune response and immunologic memory in medical personnel vaccinated with hepatitis B vaccine.
The occupation-related nature of Hepatitis B viral infection in medical personnel has been well documented in a lot of studies. The only reliable way of prevention of this infection is immunisation with hepatitis B vaccine. To follow-up the primary immune response after immunisation with recombinant vaccine and its duration in adult immunocompetent subjects. One hundred sixty-five health-care workers working at St. George University Hospital, Plovdiv in 2009/2010 were included in the study and allocated to two groups. Group 1 (N1 = 70) was followed up for the primary immune response after immunization; group 2 (N2 = 95) was with documented immunization in 1998/1999 (n = 81) and in 1994/1995 (n = 14). Tests based on ELISA for quantitative determination of anti-HBs in mIU/ml were used. The measurement were performed at the National Reference Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis at the NCIPD, Sofia. Descriptive statistics, non-parametric and parametric tests, qualitative correlation were used to analyse data. Group 1 mean age was 40.3 +/- 2.6 years; anti-HBs concentration of > or = 10 mIU/ ml was found in 92.8%. No association between the immune response and the commonly involved factors such as gender, age, overweight, smoking, etc., was found. In group 2, anti-HBs concentration of > or = 10 mIU/ml was found in 77.9%: it was in 75.3% in those immunized 10 years before, and in 92.9% in those immunized 15 years before (t = 0.24, p > 0.05). A booster dose of the vaccine was received by 15/21 subjects from group 2 (those immunized 10 years before that) with anti-HBs < 10 mIU/ml. After the booster, 9/15 produced anti-HBs in protective concentrations (anamnestic immune response). The actual level of seroprotection among the immunized more than 10 years ago was 92%. This study and the documentation of the primary postvaccinal immunity in high-risk medical personnel will help specify if additional hepatitis B vaccine shots are needed.


Comparative transcriptome analyses of deltamethrin-susceptible and -resistant Culex pipiens pallens by RNA-seq.
The widespread and improper use of pyrethroid insecticides, such as deltamethrin, has resulted in the evolution of resistance in many mosquito species, including Culex pipiens pallens. With the development of high-throughput sequencing, it is possible to massively screen pyrethroid resistance-associated gene. In this study, we used Illumina-Solexa transcriptome sequencing to identify genes that are expressed differently in deltamethrin-susceptible and -resistant strains of Culex pipiens pallens as a critical knowledge base for further studies. A total of 4,961,197,620 base pairs and 55,124,418 reads were sequenced, mapped to the Culex quinquefasciatus genome and assembled into 17,679 known genes. We recorded 1826 significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Among them, 1078 genes were up-regulated and 748 genes were down-regulated in the deltamethrin-resistant strain compared to -susceptible strain. These DEGs contained cytochrome P450 s, cuticle proteins, UDP-glucuronosyltransferases, lipases, serine proteases, heat shock proteins, esterases and others. Among the 1826 DEGs, we found that the transcriptional levels of CYP6AA9 in the laboratory populations was elevated as the levels of deltamethrin resistance increased. Moreover, the expression levels of the CYP6AA9 were significantly higher in the resistant strains than the susceptible strains in three different field populations. We further confirmed the association between the CYP6AA9 gene and deltamethrin resistance in mosquitoes by RNA interfering (RNAi). Altogether, we explored massive potential pyrethroid resistance-associated genes and demonstrated that CYP6AA9 participated in the pyrethroid resistance in mosquitoes.


Complications after therapeutic trauma laparotomy.
Therapeutic trauma laparotomy (TTL) is a common emergency procedure after traumatic abdominal injury, but it can lead to complications and even death. We explored the role of the time from emergency department (ED) arrival to surgical intervention as a predictor of complications and mortality from TTL. This is a retrospective study of 175 patients receiving TTL between July 1997 and October 2003 in a Level I teaching hospital serving a primarily rural population. Mortality after TTL and complications, both general and abdominal, were the main outcomes. Time from ED arrival to operation was the primary exposure. Confounders, including time from injury to ED arrival, age, gender, injury severity, and patient status, were controlled in logistic models. Of the 175 TTL patients, 23 (13.1%) died, 102 (58.3%) had abdominal complications, and 119 (68.0%) had general complications. Controlling for confounders, patients whose operation began more than 1 hour after ED arrival were 11.3 (95% CI=2.2 to 58.8) times more likely to die and 3.1 (95% CI=1.44 to 6.60) times more likely to have complications. The traumatologist has little control over patient treatment and transfer before ED arrival. After arrival the traumatologist can reduce negative outcomes by reducing the time for patient assessment and start of TTL, when warranted.


Display of phytase on the cell surface of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to degrade phytate phosphorus and improve bioethanol production.
Currently, development of biofuels as an alternative fuel has gained much attention due to resource and environmental challenges. Bioethanol is one of most important and dominant biofuels, and production using corn or cassava as raw materials has become a prominent technology. However, phytate contained in the raw material not only decreases the efficiency of ethanol production, but also leads to an increase in the discharge of phosphorus, thus impacting on the environment. In this study, to decrease phytate and its phosphorus content in an ethanol fermentation process, Saccharomyces cerevisiae was engineered through a surface-displaying system utilizing the C-terminal half of the yeast α-agglutinin protein. The recombinant yeast strain, PHY, was constructed by successfully displaying phytase on the surface of cells, and enzyme activity reached 6.4 U/g wet biomass weight. Ethanol productions using various strains were compared, and the results demonstrated that the specific growth rate and average fermentation rate of the PHY strain were higher 20 and 18 %, respectively, compared to the control strain S. cerevisiae CICIMY0086, in a 5-L bioreactor process by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation. More importantly, the phytate phosphorus concentration decreased by 89.8 % and free phosphorus concentration increased by 142.9 % in dry vinasse compared to the control in a 5-L bioreactor. In summary, we constructed a recombinant S. cerevisiae strain displaying phytase on the cell surface, which could improve ethanol production performance and effectively reduce the discharge of phosphorus. The strain reported here represents a useful novel engineering platform for developing an environment-friendly system for bioethanol production from a corn substrate.


Photothermal Catalytic CO2 Hydrogenation with High Activity and Tailored Selectivity Over Monodispersed Pd-Ni Nanoalloys.
Bimetallic nanomaterials exhibit excellent catalytic performance in photothermal CO2 hydrogenation due to the synergistic effect between the two metal components. However, the component-performance relationship remains unclear, which hinders the design of efficient bimetallic catalysts and the investigation of catalytic reaction mechanism. Here we illustrate the influence of the composition of binary alloy on their performance of photothermal catalytic CO2 hydrogenation by using monodispersed Pd-Ni nanocrystal as an example. Our study reveals that Ni and Pd play a significantly different role in the catalytic processes. Higher Ni component in the catalysts could lead to stronger light absorption, higher activity, and lower CO selectivity. The optimized Pd4 Ni1 -SiO2 catalyst exhibited a near-unity and stable CO production rate of 230 mmol ⋅ g-1 ⋅ h-1 under 25-sun illumination. This study paves the way for the usage of bimetal in photothermal CO2 catalysis towards more efficient solar-to-chemical energy conversions, and sheds light on some general design principles of bimetallic catalysts to balance the intrinsic properties of individual components.


Integrated transcriptome and physiological analysis revealed core transcription factors that promote flavonoid biosynthesis in apricot in response to pathogenic fungal infection.
Integrated transcriptome and physiological analysis of apricot leaves after Fusarium solani treatment. In addition, we identified core transcription factors and flavonoid-related synthase genes which may function in apricot disease resistance. Apricot (Prunus armeniaca) is an important economic fruit species, whose yield and quality of fruit are limited owing to its susceptibility to diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the response of P. armeniaca to diseases is still unknown. In this study, we used physiology and transcriptome analysis to characterize responses of P. armeniaca subjected to Fusarium solani. The results showed increasing malondialdehyde (MDA) content, enhanced peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) activity during F. solani infestation. A large number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which included 4281 upregulated DEGs and 3305 downregulated DEGs, were detected in P. armeniaca leaves exposed to F. solani infestation. Changes in expression of transcription factors (TFs), including bHLH, AP2/ERF, and WRKY indicated their role in triggering pathogen-responsive genes in P. armeniaca. During the P. armeniaca response to F. solani infestation, the content of total flavonoid was changed, and we identified enzyme genes associated with flavonoid biosynthesis. Ectopic overexpression of PabHLH15 and PabHLH102 in Nicotiana benthamiana conferred elevated resistance to Fspa_1. Moreover, PabHLH15 and PabHLH102 positively interact with the promoter of flavonoid biosynthesis-related genes. A regulatory network of TFs regulating enzyme genes related to flavonoid synthesis affecting apricot disease resistance was constructed. These results reveal the potential underlying mechanisms of the F. solani response of P. armeniaca, which would help improve the disease resistance of P. armeniaca and may cultivate high-quality disease-resistant varieties in the future.


Excitotoxic spinal cord injury induced dysesthesias are associated with enhanced intrinsic growth of sensory neurons.
Sensory dysesthesias and pain are common sequelae following spinal cord injury (SCI). While efforts to understand the mechanisms involved in SCI pain syndromes have focused on spinal and supraspinal regions, recent evidence suggests that SCI induces pathological responses in primary afferent neurons that may contribute to the development of sensory abnormalities. The purpose of this study was to investigate if excitotoxic spinal lesions lead to abnormal growth responses of cultured dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons, and to examine if the degree of neurite growth correlated with the presence of dysesthesias. Long-Evans rats underwent excitotoxic spinal cord lesions by injection of quisqualic acid at spinal level T12. Animals were examined daily for overgrooming behavior. Fourteen days after injury, DRG neurons were removed from at and below the level of injury, cultured and analyzed for soma size and neurite length. Grooming animals showed robust neurite growth in small, medium, and large neurons compared to nongrooming and control animals. Enhanced neuronal growth responses also occurred several segments caudal to the level of injury. This study provides the first evidence that excitotoxic spinal lesions result in DRG neurite outgrowth that correlated with the presence of sensory dysesthesias, providing support for the role of maladaptive peripheral afferent responses contributing to SCI pain syndromes.


Adiponectin as a biomarker of systemic inflammatory response in smoker patients with stable and exacerbation phases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Adiponectin is an adipose tissue-derived specific protein that has a role in energy homeostasis, that has a protective role against the development of insulin resistance and atherosclerosis and that exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. We investigated serum adiponectin as a biomarker of systemic inflammatory response and its relation with leptin, C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and nitric oxide (NO) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. We studied 36 male patients with COPD (15 stable and 21 exacerbated) and 17 age and sex-matched healthy subjects. The adiponectin and leptin levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum CRP levels were measured using the nephelometric method. ESR was determined using the Westergren method and NO by the cadmium reduction method. Adiponectin levels in COPD patients were significantly higher than those in control subjects (p<0.001), whereas there were no differences in leptin or NO levels. Serum levels of CRP, ESR and adiponectin were significantly higher in the exacerbated COPD patients compared to the stable group (p<0.001, p = 0.033 and p = 0.024, respectively), whereas the differences in leptin and NO levels were not significant. Serum levels of adiponectin were not correlated with FEV(1), FEV(1)/FVC, dyspnoea score, BMI or other inflammatory parameters in the stable COPD group. CRP and ESR correlated negatively with FEV(1) in the stable COPD group. Adiponectin may be a marker of low-grade systemic inflammatory response in COPD. A further rise in serum adiponectin in the exacerbation period denotes that this may also be a biomarker of the exacerbation phase as well as CRP and ESR.


A novel approach to the uniform distribution of liquid in multi-channel (electrochemical) flow-through cells.
Four-channel flow-through electrochemical cell working in thin-layer regime was designed, fabricated and characterized experimentally and in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. The new principle of operation allows reproducible splitting of a stream of liquid into multiple flow channels. Systems comprising of 2-, 3-, 4- and 8-channels were tested. The proper function of the cell is given by the ratio of the cross-sections of the fluidic element collecting chamber and the particular flow paths among which the liquid is distributed. Suitable flow rates providing uniform liquid distribution were evaluated and the results were compared to CFD modeling. The flow-through cells designed according to the proposed principle can be simply incorporated in automated routine analysis as only one inlet and one common outlet are required.


Development of an innovative partnership between a health-system department of pharmacy and external community pharmacies.
Our organization implemented a health-system pharmacy/community pharmacy transitions of care (TOC) program, developing a scalable model to improve care transitions from the health system to the community setting for shared patients. In this report, we describe our organization's experiences in taking a purposeful approach to building and pilot testing a partnership between our department of pharmacy and 14 community pharmacies within a larger statewide network to improve TOC across care settings. We have been successful in partnering with our electronic health record (EHR) vendor to enhance access capabilities to allow for documentation by community pharmacists (external to the organization) to be included in the patient record as a note. The goal of the partnership with community pharmacies is to elevate TOC for patients, identify and resolve medication therapy problems that may occur post discharge and lead to poor outcomes, and improve continuity of care across practice settings. Our department of pharmacy has led a successful initiative to promote collaboration with local external community pharmacies. This program has led to innovative advancements in EHR capabilities, promoting transparency in the documentation of pharmacy services and making this documentation visible to all care team members.


Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay based on a monoclonal antibody for the detection of the insecticide triazophos: assay optimization and application to environmental samples.
A direct competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for triazophos was developed, which was based on the THHe monoclonal antibody (McAb) and a heterologous enzyme tracer (THBu-HRP). The influence of several physicochemical factors (temperature, time, pH, salt, detergent, and solvent) on the immunoassay was studied. For the standard curve, an I50 of 0.21 microg/L and a limit of detection (I20) of 0.02 microg/L was obtained in a high salt concentration buffer (0.05 M PBS, pH 6.0) with 0.05% BSA, which means an almost 3-fold improvement in the assay sensitivity in comparison with the nonoptimized conditions. The optimized ELISA has been used to quantify triazophos in water and soil samples spiked at different amounts. The excellent recoveries achieved confirmed the potential of the immunoassay for environmental monitoring of triazophos in waters and soils without purification steps.


Polyamidoamine with a hyper-branched structure grafted on modified magnetic graphene oxide for the trace separation of diclofenac and acetaminophen followed by high-performance liquid chromatography determination.
Different generations of polyamidoamine dendrimers were synthesized on a focal core of magnetic graphene oxide modified with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane. After the characterization of synthesized dendrimers, its second generation was employed as a suitable sorbent for simultaneous separation/preconcentration of diclofenac and acetaminophen by a dispersive magnetic solid phase microextraction. The extracted analytes were then quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. Under optimized conditions, the limits of detection were 0.3 µg/L for diclofenac and 0.1 µg/L for acetaminophen. The intra-day relative standard deviations at 50 μg L-1 levels were 1.8% for diclofenac and 2.1% for acetaminophen, while the inter-day relative standard deviations were 3.6% and 4.5% for diclofenac and acetaminophen, respectively. The calibration graphs were linear in ranges of 1.0-500.0 µg/L and 0.5-600.0 µg/L for diclofenac and acetaminophen, respectively, with good coefficients of determination (r2 > 0.998). The method was successfully applied to the determination of diclofenac and acetaminophen in water, milk, and biological samples.


The eradicating Helicobacter pylori infection in duodenal ulcer patients by three short-term triple therapies in China: a multicenter clinical comparative study.
This study aimed to compare the 7d triple therapy with 3d and 5d triple therapies, to observe the effect of eradicating Helicobacter pylori (Hp) on treating duodenal ulcers. One hundred and sixteen patients who were confirmed duodenal ulcer active period and Hp positive were enrolled in the study. All the patients were divided into three groups: 3d group (n=39), 5d group (n=37) and 7d control group (n=40). All three groups were provided triple therapy first: rabeprazole, 10mg + furazolidone, 100mg + clarithromycin 250mg, twice a day for three days, five days and seven days, respectively. Then rabeprazole 10mg was provided once a day. Following the treatment, 13C urea breath test was performed to observe the Hp eradication rate. The symptoms of patients such as epigastralgia, burning pain and acidity were evaluated. The Hp eradication rate was: 3d group 76% (28/37), 5d 89% (31/35) and 7d 91% (32/35). There was no significant difference between 5d and 7d group (p>0.05). But the rate of groups 5d and 7d was significantly higher than group 3d (p<0.05). All the three groups showed an improvement in symptoms such as epigastralgia, burning pain and acidity. All three therapy schemes could alleviate symptoms of duodenal ulcer patients efficiently. But as far as eradicating Hp concerned, 5d and 7d therapies were better than 3d.


Changes in nasal septum morphology after rapid maxillary expansion: a Cone-Beam Computed Tomography study in pre-pubertal patient.
Nasal septum deviation (NSD) is the most common structural cause of nasal obstruction, affecting around 65-80% of the adult population. Rapid maxillary expansion (RME) is currently used for treatment of maxillary transverse deficiency, but can also influence nasal cavity geometry. The present study aimed at evaluating the changes in NSD by using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scans in pre-pubertal patients treated with RME. This retrospective exploratory study evaluated 20 pre-pubertal patients (mean age 10 ± 2 years) who were treated for transverse maxillary constriction with RME and presented mild/moderate NSD as an incidental finding. The outcome measures were NSD tortuosity and area. These measures were obtained from transverse and coronal views of records taken before and after RME treatment. Intra-rater reliability was also assessed with intraclass correlation coefficient. NSD was mild in thirteen patients (65%) and moderate in seven (35%). NSD tortuosity index did not significantly change over time (mean difference 0.002 mm/year, 95% CI; p = 0.58). NSD area did not significantly change over time (mean difference 2.103 mm2/year, 95% CI; p = 0.38). Intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.73 (95% CI) for NSD tortuosity and 0.84 (95% CI) for NSD area. NSD tortuosity and area suggested potential changes in NSD with small clinical relevance in pre-pubertal patients who were treated with RME. Additional studies using CBCT scans in larger samples are required to clarify the role of RME in NSD treatment.


Computerized tomography in the assessment of diseases of the thorax: a critical review.
Many diseases of the chest wall, heart, mediastinum, pleura, and lungs can be successfully imaged by CT. Radiotherapy ports can be calculated and transcutaneous biopsies can be monitored. In future, it is conceivable that by studying the numerical data within these areas of diseased and healthy lung it may be possible to more closely correlate pulmonary function with radiographic images. It is hoped that lung volumes extravascular lung water, blood flow patterns, and many more physiological parameters may become open to elucidation by CT.


BH3 profiling in whole cells by fluorimeter or FACS.
Rapid analysis of a cell's propensity to undergo apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway is hindered by the complex network of interactions between more than fifteen known members of the BCL2 family that govern the decision to undergo mitochondrial apoptosis, and measurement of protein levels alone fails to account for critical interactions between the proteins. To address this issue, we have developed two functional assays for same-day analysis of cell lines or primary tissue samples. Using defined inputs in the form of peptides derived primarily from the BH3 domains of pro-apoptotic members of the BCL2 family, we invoke a response in the mitochondria in the form of mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization measured indirectly using potential sensitive dyes. BH3 profiling can be applied to any viable single cell suspension and provides a response from the sum total of all known and unknown interactions within the BCL2 family for each stimulus, and the pattern of response can provide both a cell's propensity towards mitochondrial apoptosis, or 'priming', as well as indicate dependencies on specific anti-apoptotic proteins. Described here are optimized conditions for both plate-based and FACS-based BH3 profiling for homogeneous and heterogeneous samples.


Filipin prevents and reverses insulin stimulation of rat adipocyte phosphodiesterase.
A membrane fraction prepared from isolated rat adipocytes contained an insulin-sensitive cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (EC 184.108.40.206) which catalyzed the hydrolysis of both adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) and guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cGMP). The rate of hydrolysis of cGMP was about one-third that of cAMP. The hydrolysis of the two nucleotides appeared to be assoicated with one catalytic site: one nucleotide interfered with the hydrolysis of the other, in a manner predictable from the kinetic constants in that the Km of one nucleotide as a substrate was comparable to its Ki as an inhibitor of the hydrolysis of the other nucleotide. Incubation of the adipocytes with insulin increased the Vmax of phosphodiesterase without affecting the Km values for either substrate. After adipocytes had been treated with filipin, a membrane perturbant, at a concentration that did not cause cell lysis, the response of phosphodiesterase to insulin was obliterated. Further, the insulin-stimulated phosphodiesterase activity was reversed when hormone-treated cells were subsequently incubated with this agent. These results suggest that the response of membrane phosphodiesterase to insulin is impaired once adipocytes have been exposed to filipin, either preceding or following the incubation with insulin.


Near-infrared chemical imaging used for in-line analysis of inside adhesive layers in textile laminates.
This paper demonstrates for the first time that near-infrared (NIR) chemical imaging can be used for in-line analysis of textile lamination processes. In particular, it was applied for the quantitative determination of the applied coating weight and for monitoring of the spatial distribution of hot melt adhesive layers using chemometric approaches for spectra evaluation. Layers with coating weights between about 25 and 130 g m(-2) were used for the lamination of polyester fabrics and nonwovens as well as for polyurethane foam. It was shown that quantitative data with adequate precision can be actually obtained for layers applied to materials with significantly heterogeneous surface structure such as foam or for hidden layers inside fabric laminates. Even the coating weight and the homogeneity of adhesive layers in composites consisting of black textiles only could be quantitatively analyzed. The prediction errors (RMSEP) determined in an external validation of each calibration model were found to range from about 2 g m(-2) to 6 g m(-2) depending on the specific system under investigation. All calibration models were applied for chemical imaging in order to prove their performance for monitoring the thickness and the homogeneity of adhesive layers in the various textile systems. Moreover, they were used for the detection of irregularities and coating defects. Investigations were carried out with a large hyperspectral camera mounted above a conveyor. Therefore, this method allows large-area monitoring of the properties of laminar materials. Consequently, it is potentially suited for process and quality control during the lamination of fabrics, foams and other materials in field-scale.


Modification of low-salt myofibrillar protein using combined ultrasound pre-treatment and konjac glucomannan for improving gelling properties: Intermolecular interaction and filling effect.
The quality deterioration of low-salt meat products has been gained ongoing focus of researchers. In this study, konjac glucomannan (KGM) was used to alleviate the finiteness of ultrasound treatment on the quality improvement of low-salt myofibrillar protein (MP), and the modification sequence was also investigated. The results revealed that the single and double sequential modification by utilizing KGM and ultrasound significantly influenced the gelation behavior of low-salt MPs. The uniform MP-KGM mixture formed by a single ultrasound treatment had limited protein unfolding, resulting in relatively weak intermolecular forces in the composite gel. Importantly, ultrasound pre-treatment combined with KGM modification promoted the unfolding and moderate thermal aggregation of proteins and remarkably improved the rheological behaviors and gel strength of the composite gel. This result could also be corroborated by the highest percentage of trans-gauche-trans conformation of SS bridges and maximum β-sheet proportion. Furthermore, molecular dynamic simulation and molecular docking elucidated that the hydrogen bond length between protein and KGM was shortened after ultrasound pre-treatment, which was the molecular basis for the enhanced intermolecular interactions. Therefore, ultrasound pre-treatment combined with KGM can effectively improve the gelling properties of low-salt MPs, providing a practical method for the processing of low-salt meat products.


Research on the construction of a collaborative ability evaluation system for the joint graduation design of new engineering specialty groups based on digital technology.
Conducting research on the construction of a collaborative ability evaluation system for the joint graduation design of new engineering specialty groups based on digital technology holds great practical relevance. In this paper, which is based on a comprehensive analysis and research of the current situation pertaining to the joint graduation design of college graduates in China and elsewhere and on the construction of a collaborative ability evaluation system, combined with the talent training program of the joint graduation design, the Delphi method and the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) are adopted to establish a hierarchical structure model of the collaborative ability evaluation system for joint graduation design. In this system, collaborative abilities in the areas of cognition, behavior and emergency management are used as the criteria level evaluation indices. Additionally, collaborative ability in regard to targets, to knowledge, to relationships, to software, to the workflow, to organization, to culture, to learning and to conflict are used as evaluation indices. The comparison judgment matrix of the evaluation indices is constructed at the collaborative ability criterion level and at the index level. By calculating the maximum eigenvalue and corresponding eigenvector of the judgment matrix, the weight assignment of the evaluation indices is obtained, and the evaluation indices are sorted. Finally, the related research content is evaluated. The research results show that the key evaluation indicators for the collaborative ability evaluation system of joint graduation design that need to be considered are easy to determine, and these indicators provide a theoretical reference for the reform of graduation design teaching of new engineering specialty groups.


Biodegradation of hydrophobic pesticides by microalgae: Transformation products and impact on algae biochemical methane potential.
Intensive and extensive use of pesticides has contributed to their wide distribution in soil, air, and water. Due to their detrimental effects on non-target organisms, different technologies have been considered for their removal. In this work, three hydrophobic pesticide active compounds, namely, chlorpyrifos, cypermethrin, and oxadiazon, were selected to study the potential for their removal from aqueous media by a microalgae consortium. An abiotic and a killed control (thermally inactivated dead microalgae biomass) were employed to clarify their removal pathways, and pesticide content was quantified in liquid and biomass phases for 7 days. At the final time, total degradation (biodegradation plus photodegradation) contributed to the removal of 55% of oxadiazon, 35% of chlorpyrifos, and 14% of cypermethrin. Furthermore, more than 60% of chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin were removed by sorption onto microalgae biomass. Overall, the three pesticides showed high removal from the liquid phase. O,O-diethyl thiophosphate was identified in the liquid phase as a transformation product of chlorpyrifos formed by microalgae degradation. Phycoremediation was coupled with anaerobic degradation of the microalgae biomass containing the retained pesticides by sorption through biochemical methane potential tests. Anaerobic digestion was not inhibited by the pesticides as verified by methane production yields. The removal efficiency of the pesticides in the digestate was as follows: chlorpyrifos > cypermethrin > oxadiazon. These results highlight the potential of low-cost algal-based systems for the treatment of wastewater or effluents from agrochemical industries. The integration of wastewater treatment with biogas production through anaerobic digestion is a biorefinery approach that facilitates the economic feasibility of the process.


DHT inhibits REDOX damage and neuroinflammation to reduce PND occurrence in aged mice via mmu_circ_0001442/miR-125a-3p/NUFIP2 axis.
Perioperative neurocognitive disorder (PND) is the main cause of poor postoperative recovery in elderly patients with age-related reductions in androgen levels. However, the underlying mechanisms have not been completely elucidated. A mouse model of PND was constructed using abdominal surgery. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), as the primary androgen, can improve the cognitive function of mice with PNDs by reducing REDOX damage. To clarify the role of circular RNA (circRNA) in DHT in improving cognitive function in mice with PND, circRNA sequencing was performed to analyze the expression of circRNA in the hippocampus of mice. We confirmed that mmu_circ_0001442 is the primary circRNA responsive to DHT stimulation in mice with PND. The mmu_circ_0001442/miR-125a-3p/NUFIP2 axis was predicted and constructed according to the analysis of databases, including pita, miRanda, TargetScan, miRDB, micro-CDS, PolymiRTS, and TarBase v.8. Subsequently, the axis was verified by qPCR and double-luciferase reporter gene assays. In vitro, we found that DHT rarely had an effect on the growth of BV2 cells using the CCK-8 assay, but it attenuated the cytotoxic effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on BV2 cells. In addition, we found that LPS stimulation promoted the release of proinflammatory cytokines, including IL-6 and TNF-α, in BV2 cells, whereas mmu_circ_0001442 knockdown and NUFIP2 knockdown partially abrogated this effect. Taken together, DHT inhibited REDOX damage and neuroinflammation in the hippocampus to alleviate cognitive disorders in mice with PNDs via activation of the mmu_circ_0001442/miR-125a-3p/NUFIP2 axis. This study provides a novel rationale for developing DHT as a potential therapeutic agent for PND prevention.


A simplified psychologic questionnaire as a treatment planning aid for patients with temporomandibular joint disorders.
Psychologic factors are often believed to have a significant role in the etiology and maintenance of temporomandibular joint disorders. Anxiety and depression have received the greatest focus. Approximately 132 patients with temporomandibular joint disorders completed seven self-administered depression questionnaires and four anxiety questionnaires. Correlation among all 11 questionnaires was significant. Factor analysis was interpreted as indicating the 11 questionnaires were measuring a single factor. For preliminary screening diagnosis, two questions were suggested to be a good approximation of the total battery of questionnaires.


Effect of renal impairment on the pharmacokinetics of cibenzoline.
Sixteen subjects completed an open-label study designed to assess the effect of renal impairment on the disposition of cibenzoline. The study included 10 patients with mild or moderate renal impairment creatinine clearance less than 60 ml/min/70 kg) and six healthy subjects in the same age range, each of whom received a single 130 mg oral dose of cibenzoline. The pharmacokinetic parameters observed in the healthy volunteers were similar to those reported previously. Maximum plasma concentration, time of maximum concentration, and apparent volume of distribution after single doses in patients with renal impairment were in the same range as those observed in healthy volunteers. The elimination half-life increased with decreasing renal function from a mean value of approximately 8 hours in healthy volunteers to more than 20 hours in patients with moderate renal impairment. Renal clearance and the fraction of the dose excreted unchanged in the urine decreased with decreasing creatinine clearance. The results of this study suggest that the dosage of cibenzoline should be reduced or the dosage interval increased in patients with reduced renal function to avoid excessive drug accumulation.


Sternal neoangiogenesis following internal mammary artery devascularization: an experimental model.
The use of bilateral internal thoracic arteries (BIMA) for coronary artery revascularization is associated with better long-term survival and longer freedom from reoperation. Concerns of deep sternal wound infections and mediastinitis have constantly emerged with the utilization of BIMA grafts on a routine basis, especially in diabetic patients. We performed a quantitative evaluation of sternal bone healing and angiogenesis after left (LIMA) or bilateral internal mammary artery (BIMA) ligation two and four weeks after sternotomy in normal and diabetic Sprague-Dawley rats. The BIMA group showed a significant increase in neoangiogenesis two weeks after surgery compared to LIMA and control groups (control: 38.3 ± 5.1 vessels/mm², LIMA: 31.4 ± 3.6 vessels/mm², BIMA: 81.6 ± 7.7 vessels/mm²; P=0.047 and P=0.04, respectively). Four weeks after the procedure, bilateral devascularization was associated with lower microvessel formation when compared to LIMA or control groups (control: 50.4 ± 5.2 vessels/mm², LIMA: 64.6 ± 4.9 vessels/mm²; BIMA: 31.5 ± 4.4 vessels/mm²; P=0.006 and P=0.02, respectively). Diabetic animals showed similar results with lower four weeks microvessel formation. However, there were no significant differences when animals with induced diabetes were compared to the normal euglycemic groups for each procedure performed. BIMA ligation promotes an early increase in neoangiogenesis. Progressive sternal consolidation is associated with a significant lower level of capillaries and arterioles in the BIMA group four weeks after ligation. Diabetes did not influence the extent of neoangiogenesis between groups with similar procedures. More important clinical determinants could explain the increase incidence of sternal infection in this specific population.


Effects of cytisine on hydroxyl radicals in vitro and MPTP-induced dopamine depletion in vivo.
The potential new iron-chelator cytisine and the radical scavenger N-tert-butyl-alpha-(2-sulfophenyl) nitrone (S-PBN) were incubated in a Fenton system and hydroxyl radical formation was measured with the salicylate trapping assay. Both cytisine and S-PBN reduced hydroxyl radical formation in a concentration-dependent manner. For in vivo studies, C57BL/6 mice were injected repeatedly with cytisine (0.5 mg/kg or 2.0 mg/kg s.c.) or saline seven days before and after a single 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) injection (30 mg/kg s.c.). Seven days after MPTP treatment alone dopamine levels were significantly reduced to 12% of the control values (p < 0.001), whereas MPTP + cytisine treatment (2 mg/kg) led to more than twofold higher dopamine levels (p < 0.01) compared with MPTP alone. We have shown for the first time that cytisine attenuates hydroxyl radical formation in vitro and reduces MPTP-induced dopamine depletion. Thus, cytisine may be useful for the treatment of Parkinson's Disease where the chelation of iron ions could prevent neuronal cell death.


Hypoallergenicity and effects on growth and tolerance of a new amino acid-based formula with DHA and ARA.
Nutramigen AA is an amino acid-based formula for infants with multiple food protein intolerance or severe cow's milk allergy. Similar growth, tolerance, and safety profiles were found in a study comparing Nutramigen AA with a control formula (Nutramigen LIPIL) in healthy, term, formula-fed infants in a randomised study. Moreover, no allergic reactions were observed in a double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenge in infants or children randomised to receive Nutramigen AA or placebo (Neocate). In conclusion, Nutramigen AA sustains growth and is well tolerated in babies with cow's milk allergy.


Modulation of mouse fibroblast adipocyte differentiation by X-rays and TPA.
The purpose of this study was to determine whether X-rays and the tumor promoter TPA which, in combination, are more effective at transforming cells in vitro than is either alone, may also be more effective at inhibiting differentiation in combination. Previous studies with 3T3 T proadipocytes have shown that both the tumor promoter 12-o-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) and a classical initiator, UV light, can inhibit differentiation. We have now extended these studies by examining the effects of X-rays and TPA administered singly and in combination on differentiation of 3T3 T proadipocytes caused by incubation in medium containing 25% human plasma and on 5-azacytidine induced differentiation of C3H/10T1/2 cells. X-rays alone caused a dose-dependent inhibition of differentiation of 3T3 proadipocytes from 1.0 to 9.0 Gy. Low doses of X-rays (1.0 Gy) also inhibited differentiation of C3H/10T1/2 cells treated with 5-azacytidine but high doses (6.0 Gy) actually caused differentiation in the absence of 5-azacytidine treatment. TPA also inhibited differentiation of both 3T3 T and 5-azacytidine-treated C3H/10T1/2 cells at a dose of 0.1 micrograms/ml. At the lower dose of 0.001 micrograms/ml TPA, 3T3 T differentiation was inhibited only 10%, while 2.5 Gy of X-rays inhibited differentiation approximately 20%. Combined treatment of cells with X-rays and TPA caused more than 60% inhibition of differentiation, i.e., approximately twice the inhibition that would be expected if the effects of these two agents were additive. This synergistic effect suggests that in some systems there may be a closer association between the multistage process of neoplastic transformation and the inhibition of processes involved in cell differentiation than previous experiments, performed with initiators or promoters administered separately, have indicated.


Recent Advances in Functional Carbon Quantum Dots for Antitumour.
Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are an emerging class of quasi-zero-dimensional photoluminescent nanomaterials with particle sizes less than 10 nm. Owing to their favourable water dispersion, strong chemical inertia, stable optical performance, and good biocompatibility, CQDs have become prominent in biomedical fields. CQDs can be fabricated by "top-down" and "bottom-up" methods, both of which involve oxidation, carbonization, pyrolysis and polymerization. The functions of CQDs include biological imaging, biosensing, drug delivery, gene carrying, antimicrobial performance, photothermal ablation and so on, which enable them to be utilized in antitumour applications. The purpose of this review is to summarize the research progress of CQDs in antitumour applications from preparation and characterization to application prospects. Furthermore, the challenges and opportunities of CQDs are discussed along with future perspectives for precise individual therapy of tumours.


Discriminatory Experiences Among Black Youth: How Encounters and Expectations Explain Emotional Well-Being.
Research suggests that encounters with racism are related to depression in Black youth. However, less is known about how experienced racial discrimination can influence other aspects of well-being among Black youth including their socio-emotional development and behavior. In addition, emerging literature highlights the critical ways anticipated racial discrimination may impact the emotional well-being of Black youth. To address these gaps, the current study assessed whether experienced discrimination was associated with higher levels of internalizing problems (anxiety/depression, suicidal thoughts) and lower levels of socio-emotional development (emotion regulation, prosocial behavior). We then tested whether expected discrimination contributed to similar patterns. Lastly, this study examined how age and gender moderated this relationship. Across eight schools in three communities, 1435 Black youth (56.57% female; 56.40% 10th grade) in 10th and 12th grades responded to the Youth Experience Survey. Using a series of hierarchical linear and hierarchical binary logistic regressions, results found that those who experienced racial discrimination and expected discrimination demonstrated higher internalizing problems and lower socio-emotional development; however, expected discrimination often accounted for more variance than experienced. These findings suggest the multifaceted influence both experienced and expected racial discrimination have on the well-being of Black youth and can provide important insights to community prevention systems.


Management of submacular hemorrhage secondary to neovascular age-related macular degeneration with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor monotherapy.
To report the visual and anatomic outcomes of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) monotherapy in the management of marked submacular hemorrhage secondary to neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Retrospective, interventional, consecutive case series. Nineteen eyes of 18 patients with neovascular AMD and fovea involving submacular hemorrhage comprising greater than 50% of the lesion area were treated with anti-VEGF monotherapy. Main outcome measures included mean visual acuity change from baseline, mean central lesion thickness change from baseline, mean number of injections at 6 months, and adverse events. Snellen visual acuity was converted to approximate ETDRS letter score for the purpose of statistical analysis. The mean change in approximate ETDRS letter score from baseline was +12 letters at 3 months (P = .003), +18 letters at 6 months (P = .001), and +17 letters at 12 months follow-up (P = .02). Seven eyes received ranibizumab, 6 eyes received bevacizumab, and 6 eyes received both at various time points. The mean number of injections at 6 months was 4.7. The mean OCT central lesion thickness decreased from 755 μm to 349 μm at 6 months follow-up (P = .0008). Management with anti-VEGF monotherapy may yield visual and anatomic improvements in eyes with marked submacular hemorrhage secondary to neovascular AMD.


Twelve-year experience with the long intestinal tube.
A number of surgical methods, including use of the long intestinal tube, have been designed to decrease the incidence of recurrent small bowel obstruction. The aim of the present study was to review the indications, morbidity, and long-term results of the long intestinal tube at the Mayo Clinic. During the 12-year period 1981-1992, 47 patients had such tubes placed. The patients formed a complex surgical group: 46 patients had previously undergone at least one laparotomy (median 4, range 1-10); 41 patients had been hospitalized at least once for small bowel obstruction (median 3, range 1-15); and all 41 of these patients had undergone at least one previous laparotomy for obstruction (median 2, range 1-7). Eleven patients had a history of inflammatory bowel disease, and eight had a history of irradiation. In addition to dense adhesions in 46 patients, operative findings included large bowel tumors in six patients, intraperitoneal carcinomatosis in four, intraabdominal abscess in four, and small bowel stricture in three. Twenty patients required either a small bowel or large bowel resection, and three had a stoma fashioned. Only one case of morbidity (tube retraction) was related to tube placement. Among the 36 patients with complete follow-up, nine patients developed episodes of recurrent adhesional small bowel obstruction after a mean follow-up of 48 months, although only one required laparotomy. Of the remaining 11 patients it is known that two developed small bowel obstruction, one of whom required laparotomy.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


Short high fat diet triggers reversible and region specific effects in DCX+ hippocampal immature neurons of adolescent male mice.
Adolescence represents a crucial period for maturation of brain structures involved in cognition. Early in life unhealthy dietary patterns are associated with inferior cognitive outcomes at later ages; conversely, healthy diet is associated with better cognitive results. In this study we analyzed the effects of a short period of hypercaloric diet on newborn hippocampal doublecortin+ (DCX) immature neurons in adolescent mice. Male mice received high fat diet (HFD) or control low fat diet (LFD) from the 5th week of age for 1 or 2 weeks, or 1 week HFD followed by 1 week LFD. After diet supply, mice were either perfused for immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis or their hippocampi were dissected for biochemical assays. Detailed morphometric analysis was performed in DCX+ cells that displayed features of immature neurons. We report that 1 week-HFD was sufficient to dramatically reduce dendritic tree complexity of DCX+ cells. This effect occurred specifically in dorsal and not ventral hippocampus and correlated with reduced BDNF expression levels in dorsal hippocampus. Both structural and biochemical changes were reversed by a return to LFD. Altogether these studies increase our current knowledge on potential consequences of hypercaloric diet on brain and in particular on dorsal hippocampal neuroplasticity.


Coronary atherosclerosis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus at autopsy.
Using a computed image analyser, coronary arteries from 50 autopsied patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were examined on the three vessels (RCA, LAD, LCX) and compared with those of age-matched controls. The intima of coronary artery was significantly thickened much more in the case of SLE than in the case of age-matched controls. This was statistically significant (p less than 0.01). Hypertension and glomerulonephritis did not but corticosteroid therapy had an influence on the development of intimal thickening ratio of the coronary arteries in SLE patients. The mean intimal thickening ratio of the coronary arteries in the patients with SLE and without corticosteroid therapy was larger than that of patients with corticosteroid therapy (p less than 0.1). It appears possible to conclude that inflammatory change of SLE itself is one of the promoting factors of coronary atherosclerosis.


Test-retest reliability and responsiveness of isokinetic dynamometry to assess wrist flexor muscle spasticity in subacute post-stroke hemiparesis.
To overcome the limitations of clinical scales, objective measurement methods are becoming prominent in spasticity assessment. The aim of this study was to assess the test-retest reliability and responsiveness of isokinetic dynamometry to evaluate wrist flexor spasticity in patients with subacute stroke. Twenty six patients with hemiparetic stroke (13 men, 13 women, mean age 51.38 ± 12.64 years) volunteered to take part in this study. Resistive torque in the wrist flexor muscles was measured twice, 1 day apart, with an isokinetic dynamometer. Wrist extension was tested at four speeds (5, 60, 120 and 180°/s). Torque response at the lowest speed (5°/s) was attributed to the non-neural component of the wrist flexor muscles, and was subtracted from the torque response at the higher speeds to calculate reflex torque (spasticity). The reliability of reflex torque measurements at 60, 120 and 180°/s was evaluated with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC2,1) and standard error of measurement (SEM and SEM%), which reflect reproducibility and measurement error, respectively. Responsiveness was calculated as the smallest real difference (SRD and SRD%). Reproducibility was excellent at different movement speeds (ICC2, 1 0.76-0.85). SEM% ranged from 11% to 21%, and SRD% ranged from 30% to 58%. ICC values increased, and SEM% and SRD% decreased, as test speed increased. Our results support the reliability and responsiveness of isokinetic dynamometry to quantify spasticity in wrist flexor muscles in patients with subacute stroke. Reliability and responsiveness increased as the speed of wrist movement increased.


Role of microRNA‑218‑5p in sevoflurane‑induced protective effects in hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury mice by regulating GAB2/PI3K/AKT pathway.
Hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury (HIRI) often occurs following tissue resection, hemorrhagic shock or transplantation surgery. Previous investigations showed that sevoflurane (Sevo), an inhalation anesthetic, had protective properties against different organ damage in animal models including HIRI. This study is aimed to investigate the underlying mechanisms involved in the protective effects of Sevo on HIRI. The present study results showed that treatment with Sevo improved histologic damage, inflammatory response, oxidative stress and apoptosis after hepatic I/R, indicating the protective role of Sevo against liver I/R injury. Importantly, in order to determine the molecular mechanism of Sevo in HIRI, the focus of the study was on microRNA (miR) regulation. By retrieving the microarray data in the Gene Expression Omnibus dataset (GSE72315), miR‑218‑5p was found to be significantly downregulated by Sevo. Moreover, miR‑218‑5p overexpression using agomiR‑218‑5p reversed the protective roles of Sevo against HIRI. Furthermore, GAB2, a positive regulator of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, was found as a target gene of miR‑218‑5p. It was also found that the Sevo‑mediated protective effects may be dependent on the activation of GAB2/PI3K/AKT. Collectively, these data revealed that Sevo alleviated HIRI in mice by restraining apoptosis, relieving oxidative stress and inflammatory response through the miR‑218‑5p/GAB2/PI3K/AKT pathway, which helps in understanding the novel mechanism of the hepatic‑protection of Sevo.


Air pollution outcomes, land misallocation, and the transmission through urban sprawl.
Air pollution is an inevitable negative environmental externality in the process of industrialization and urbanization in countries around the world. Land misallocation in the process of urbanization and industrialization and the resulting urban sprawl exacerbates the above problems. As a major country in the stage of rapid urbanization and industrialization, China also faces severe air pollution problems. Therefore, this paper will systematically study the impact of land misallocation and urban sprawl on air pollution. We first set up the utility maximization problem of each economic entity in the process of land misallocation in the mathematical model, and form a general equilibrium theory model to analyze the relationship between land misallocation, urban sprawl and air pollution, and then put forward the research hypotheses. We further use the big data of land market transactions of China Land Market Network and LandScan global population data to build the land misallocation index and urban sprawl index respectively, and use an extended mediating effect model to empirically test the hypotheses. The results suggest that the effect of land misallocation on air pollution is significantly positive, and the impact of land misallocation on urban sprawl largely depends on the return rate of land relative to labor (RRIRL). When the RRIRL is relatively low, the impact is weak, or even has a negative effect to some extent. At this time, low transportation costs are conducive to reducing air pollution. On the contrary, when the RRIRL is relatively high, land misallocation has a significant role in promoting urban sprawl. At this time, high traffic costs are conducive to reducing air pollution. In addition, we also find that there is an inverted U-shaped relationship between urban sprawl and air pollution. When the urban sprawl level is low, its impact on air pollution increases with the increase of its level, but once it exceeds a specific node, the impact will decrease. Based on the characteristics of the relationship among land misallocation, urban sprawl and air pollution under different RRIRL, we summarize four environmentally friendly urban development paths. We bring the land bid rent theory and environmental pollution research into a same theoretical model framework, which provides a modeling idea and research perspective with a micro-foundation for subsequent research on land misallocation. We integrate the research conclusions of existing literature and unify them under the research frameworks concerning different RRIRL in the empirical results, which greatly improving their applicability. The four urban development paths summarized in this paper will also provide inspiration for future researchers and policy makers.


Quantitative lung morphology in newborn mammals.
We have examined the lungs of eleven species of newborn mammals by quantitative morphometric techniques and related the findings to body weight (BW) and O(2) consumption (Vo2 is found to be proportional to BW(0.88); this exponent is significantly greater than the value of about 0.73, repeatedly found for adult mammals. Lung volume (LV) is essentially proportional to BW, and neonatal alveolar size - as indicated by mean chord length - is nearly constant among species and independent of BW. Thus the respiratory surface area (SA) is not proportional to Vo2, as in adult mammals, but to Vo2(1.23). Neonates of small species have lower SA/Vo2 ratios than adult mammals, possibly owing to constraints of surface forces on alveolar size. Newborn members of larger species have SA/Vo2 values in excess of the adult range. Published data on human newborn lung dimensions suggest that the human infant may have an unexpectedly low SA/Vo2 value in relation to BW. Whether this is a valid finding, or whether it derives from methodological differences between studies cannot be ascertained from the available data.


[Experimental study of the effect of Hpudiod cream on random flap survival in rats].
To explore the effect of Hpudiod cream on blood circulation of flap. 80 rats were casually divided into two groups: the experiment and the control group. A random flap was created on the back of the animal. Flap survival and necrosis were observed in the two groups. The flaps were examined histologically and the capillaries were counted. On the 5th and 7th day after operation, the distant ends of the flaps necrosed in both groups. On the 5th day there was no significant difference between the two groups in the number of the capillary in the middle of the flap (P > 0.05). On the 7th day, the capillary in the middle of the flap increased in the treatment group(P < 0.05). Hpudiod cream can improve the blood circulation of the random flap evidently.


Influence of thickness, color, and polishing process of ethylene-vinyl-acetate sheets on surface roughness and microorganism adhesion.
The surface roughness of dental materials can make cleaning difficult, thus facilitating retention of food debris and accumulation of microorganisms. The aim of this study was to assess whether thickness, color, and the polishing process influence the surface roughness of ethylene-vinyl-acetate (EVA) sheets and the amount of microorganisms that adhere to them. A total of 180 samples of EVA (5 × 5 mm) were divided into 9 groups according to thickness (G1 = 2 mm; G2 = 3 mm; and G3 = 4 mm), color (G4 = black and G5 = white), and type of polishing (G6 = Scheu™; G7 = Scheu™ associated with hot-air burner; G8 = Erkodent™ and G9 = Erkodent™ associated with hot-air burner). Mean value of 3 roughness parameters was assessed: Ra, Rq, and Rz (one-way ANOVA test and Tukey's test, P < .05). Seven samples of each group (n = 63) were inoculated with saliva for 2 hours to promote microbial adhesion and count the number of colony-forming units (CFUs) (one-way ANOVA test, P < .05). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of microbial adhesion and the effects of the polishing process on the surface was assessed. Only the polishing parameter presented less roughness (G2, G7 and G9; P < .05) as also observed on SEM. SEM characterized microbial adhesion but the CFU count was not statistically significant, independent of the assessed parameters. The polishing systems, Scheu™ and Erkodent™ in association with a hot-air burner, were effective in decreasing the surface roughness without influencing the amount of adhered microorganisms.


Towards an understanding of the relationship of functional literacy and numeracy to geographical health inequalities.
The relative contributions of functional literacy and functional numeracy to health disparities remain poorly understood in developed world contexts. We seek to unpack their distinctive contributions and to examine how these contributions are framed by place-based deprivation and rurality. We present a multilevel logistic analysis of the 2011 Skills for Life Survey (SfLS), a representative governmental survey of adults aged 16-65 in England. Outcome measures were self-assessed health status and the presence of self-reported long-term health conditions. Exposure variables were functional literacy (FL) and functional numeracy (FN). Age, sex, individual socio-economic status, ethnicity, whether English was a first language, non-UK birthplaces, housing tenure and geography were included as potential confounders and mediators. Geography was measured as area-based deprivation and urban/rural status. FL and FN were both independently associated with self-assessed health status, though the association attenuated after taking account of confounders and mediators. For long-term conditions, the association with FN remained significant following inclusion of confounders and mediators whilst FL attenuated to non-significance. Rurality did not influence these associations. Area deprivation was a significant factor in attenuating the association between FL and self-assessed health status. Policy makers and health professionals will need to be aware of the distinctive impact of FN as well as FL when combating health inequalities, promoting health and managing long-term conditions.


In vivo microscopic imaging of the bronchial mucosa using an endo-cytoscopy system.
We investigated the capabilities of an endo-cytoscopy system (ECS) that enables microscopic imaging of the tracheobronchial tree during bronchoscopy, including normal bronchial epithelium, dysplastic mucosa and squamous cell carcinoma. The newly developed ECS has a 3.2 mm diameter that can be passed through the 4.2 mm working channel of a mother endoscope for insertion of the ECS. It has a high magnification of 570× on a 17 in. video monitor. Twenty-two patients (7 squamous cell carcinoma, 11 squamous dysplasia and 4 after PDT therapies) were underwent white light, NBI light and AFI bronchoscopy. Both abnormal areas of interest and normal bronchial mucosa were stained with 0.5% methylene blue and examined with ECS at high magnification (570×). Histological examinations using haematoxylin and eosin staining were made of biopsied specimens. Analyzed ECS images were compared with the corresponding histological examinations. In normal bronchial mucosa, ciliated columnar epithelial cells were visible. In bronchial squamous dysplasia, superficial cells with abundant cytoplasm were arranged regularly. In squamous cell carcinoma, large, polymorphic tumor cells showed increased cellular densities with irregular stratified patterns. These ECS images corresponded well with the light-microscopic examination of conventional histology. ECS was useful for the discrimination between normal bronchial epithelial cells and dysplastic cells or malignant cells during bronchoscopy in real time. This novel technology has an excellent potential to provide in vivo diagnosis during bronchoscopic examinations.


Autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis plus peripheral blood concentrate (AMIC+PBC) in chondral defects of the first metatarsophalangeal joint.
Chondral restoration in chondral defects of the 1st metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP1) using autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis plus peripheral blood concentrate (AMIC+PBC). Chondral defects MTP1. Acute infection. Thigh tourniquet. Medial approach. Tenolysis of all tendons, arthrolysis, synovectomy. Bursectomy in case of bursitis. Resection osteophytes, optional cheilectomy. Debridement of chondral defects until surrounding cartilage stable. Microfracturing with 1.6 mm K‑wire. 15 cc peripheral venous blood harvested with double lumina syringe. Centrifugation (10 min, 1500 RPM). Aspiration of supernatant including the entire fluid layer directly above the erythrocyte layer (peripheral blood concentrate [PBC]). Chondro-Gide matrix was cut to size and impregnated in PBC 3 min (impregnation). Fixation of the matrix into the chondral defect with fibrin glue (AMIC+PBC). Joint motion to ensure stable fixation. Insertion drainage and wound infiltration catheter. Layer wise closure. Full weightbearing in a dressing shoe. Joint motion exercise starting at the day of surgery. The aim of the study was to compare matrix-associated stem cell transplantation (MAST) with AMIC+PBC. Patients who were treated with MAST from October 1, 2011 to July 15, 2016 (n = 623) or with AMIC+PBC from July 17, 2016 to March 19, 2018 (n = 230) were included. In all, 480 (89%)/176 (89%) patients (MAST/AMIC+PBC) completed 2‑year follow-up. The average degree of osteoarthritis was 2.1/2.2. The chondral defect size was 0.9/1.0 cm2 on average. Visual Analogue Scale Foot and Ankle (VAS FA) and European Foot and Ankle Society score (EFAS score) improved to 72.4/74.1//16.8/17.1 (MAST//AMIC+PBC) at follow-up, respectively. No parameter significantly differed between the MAST and AMIC+PBC cohorts.


Formation of Coelenteramine from 2-Peroxycoelenterazine in the Ca2+ -Binding Photoprotein Aequorin.
Aequorin consists of apoprotein (apoAequorin) and (S)-2-peroxycoelenterazine (CTZ-OOH) and is considered to be a transient-state complex of an enzyme (apoAequorin) and a substrate (coelenterazine and molecular oxygen) in the enzymatic reaction. The degradation process of CTZ-OOH in aequorin was characterized under various conditions of protein denaturation. By acid treatment, the major product from CTZ-OOH was coelenteramine (CTM), but not coelenteramide (CTMD), and no significant luminescence was observed. The counterparts of CTM from CTZ-OOH were identified as 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvic acid (4HPPA) and 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (4HPAA) by liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-TOF-MS). In the luminescence reaction of aequorin with Ca2+ , similar amounts of 4HPPA and 4HPAA were detected, indicating that CTM is formed by two pathways from CTZ-OOH through dioxetanone anion and not by hydrolysis from CTMD.


Replacement of a prosthetic valve after the Bentall procedure.
Patients undergoing a composite graft replacement of the aortic root with reimplantation of the coronary ostia (Bentall procedure) are at risk for late prosthetic heart valve dysfunction: approximately 10% of the patients are expected to experience this complication at 10 years. Therefore, replacement of the prosthetic valve is indicated. This procedure involves technical problems related to the manipulation and the reconstruction of the composite graft without distortion of the coronary arteries. We describe a simple surgical approach to treat these particular patients.


[Evidence-based renal replacement therapy--intermittent versus CRRT].
Continuous and intermittent renal replacement procedures are equally adequate therapies for acute kidney injury. The choice of modality should be made individually and on the basis of the specific clinical situation which may include switching between modalities during the course of treatment. In patients with haemodynamic instability or at risk of disequilibrium and cerebral edema CRRT or prolonged intermittent treatment may offer advantages whilst IHD should be preferred for the acute treatment of life-threatening electrolyte abnormalities or metabolic acidosis. Overall, the different modalities should be viewed as complementary.


The dynamic changes of zinc transporter 8 autoantibodies in Czech children from the onset of Type 1 diabetes mellitus.
The prevalence of autoantibodies to zinc transporter 8 (ZnT8) in Czech children at the onset of Type 1 diabetes mellitus and dynamic changes in ZnT8 autoantibody levels during disease progression were studied. The value of ZnT8 autoantibody measurements in diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes was assessed. Serum samples from 227 children with newly diagnosed Type 1 diabetes and from 101 control children without diabetes were analysed in a retrospective cross-sectional study. One hundred and seventy-one samples from 116 of the patients with diabetes were analysed in a follow-up study at (median) intervals of 1, 3, 5 and 10 years after onset of Type 1 diabetes. ZnT8 autoantibodies were measured using a bridging enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, while antibodies to glutamic acid decarboxylase, insulinoma antigen 2 and insulin were measured by radioimmunoassays. ZnT8 autoantibodies were detected in 163/227 (72%) of children at Type 1 diabetes onset and in 1/101 (1%) of the control subjects. Sixteen out of 227 (7%) patients with Type 1 diabetes were antibody negative based on three antibodies (glutamic acid decarboxylase, insulinoma antigen 2 and insulin). This false-negative rate was reduced to 10/227 (4.4%) (P < 0.05) after inclusion of ZnT8 autoantibody measurements. Of the children, 142/227 (63%) were positive for at least three antibodies and the most common combination was insulinoma antigen 2, glutamic acid decarboxylase and ZnT8. ZnT8 autoantibody levels decreased over time after Type 1 diabetes onset and the presence and level of ZnT8 autoantibodies correlated with IA-2 autoantibodies. A ZnT8 autoantibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed 72% disease sensitivity and 99% specificity at Type 1 diabetes onset. Measurements of ZnT8 autoantibodies are important for Type 1 diabetes diagnosis and should be included in the panel of autoantibodies tested at the onset of Type 1 diabetes.


Trends in Representation of Female Applicants and Matriculants in Canadian Residency Programs Across Specialties, 1995 to 2019.
Disparities in representation between sexes have been shown at multiple career stages in medicine despite increasing representation in the overall physician workforce. To assess sex representation of applicants to the Canadian R-1 entry match for postgraduate training programs from 1995 to 2019, comparing distribution between different specialties as well as applied vs matched applicants. This cross-sectional analysis of aggregate data provided by the Canadian Resident Matching Service between 1995 and 2019 analyzed aggregate data for the Canadian R-1 residency match from 1995 through 2019. Applicant sex as reported in the Canadian Resident Matching Service database. The sex representation of applicants was compared and the longitudinal trends in sex representation were analyzed by specialty between 1995 and 2019. The sex representation of overall applicants to the Canadian R-1 entry match were compared with matched applicants, and both were stratified by specialty. A total of 48 424 applicants were identified (26 407 [54.5%] female applicants), of which 41 037 were matched applicants. Using specialty groupings, female applicants were most highly represented in obstetrics and gynecology (1776 of 2090 [85.0%]) and least represented in radiology (658 of 2055 [32.0%]). Within individual subspecialties, female applicants had the lowest representation in neurosurgery (90 of 394 [22.8%]). While female applicants represented an increasing proportion of the overall applicant population between 1995 and 2019 (z = 2.71; P = .007), significant increases were seen in some, but not all, individual specialties. Differences by sex were found among Canadian medical graduate match rates to their top-ranked specialty: female applicants had a lower likelihood of being rejected for family medicine (rejection of male applicants: OR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.39-0.54; P < .001) and psychiatry (OR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.46-0.76; P < .001) and were more likely to be rejected for all-encompassing surgery (acceptance of male applicants: OR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.10-1.28; P < .001). Increasing representation of female residency applicants over time was seen in some, but not all, medical specialties in Canada, and sex-based differences in successful match rates were observed in some specialties. The reasons for these disparities require further investigation for corrective strategies to be identified.


Descending pathways from activated locus coeruleus/subcoeruleus following unilateral hindpaw inflammation in the rat.
We have previously shown that the descending pathways from the locus coeruleus (LC)/subcoeruleus (SC) to the spinal cord are activated during peripheral inflammation, and that activation of this coeruleospinal system decreases development of hyperalgesia. Anatomical evidence suggests that the descending modulation system from the LC/SC should be active bilaterally during inflammation when the LC/SC either ipsilateral or contralateral to the site of inflammation is activated. In the present study, the development of hyperalgesia following the induction of unilateral hindpaw inflammation was compared between rats with either bilateral or unilateral lesions of the LC/SC and rats with a sham operation. Four hours after carrageenan injection, in the inflamed paw, paw withdrawal latencies (PWLs) to thermal stimuli of the bilateral LC/SC-lesioned rats were significantly shorter than those of the unilateral LC/SC-lesioned and the sham-operated rats, whereas the decreased PWLs of the unilateral LC/SC-lesioned rats were equivalent to those of the sham-operated rats. A difference in PWL between the bilateral and the unilateral LC/SC-lesioned rats was not observed in the contralateral non-inflamed paw. The result suggests that in the LC/SC both ipsilateral and contralateral to the inflamed paw, only neurons which project to the dorsal horn ipsilateral to the inflamed paw were activated following peripheral inflammation.


Blunt injury rupture of tricuspid valve and right coronary artery.
Successful surgical repair of an unusual case of blunt trauma to the chest and abdomen is presented. The injury resulted in rupture of the pericardium, avulsion and rupture of the right coronary artery into the right atrium, complete disruption of the tricuspid valve, and acute right heart failure with complete heart block.


Substance P evokes slow and fast responses in cultured myenteric neurons of the guinea pig.
Intracelluar electrical recordings were made from myenteric neurons in tissue culture. Most of the neurons were found to be very sensitive to substance P (SP), which was applied by pressure from micropipettes. SP evoked two different responses: slow depolarizations with latencies of 1-5 s and durations of 1-2 min, and fast depolarizations with latencies of 30-50 ms and durations of 1-10 s. These may represent two distinct response mechanisms to SP.


Institutional and Cultural Perspectives on Home Birth in Israel.
This study exposes doctors' and midwives' perceptions and misperceptions regarding home birth by examining their views on childbirth in general and on risk associated with home births in particular. It relies on an approach of risk communication and an anthropological framework. In a qualitative-constructive study, 19 in-depth interviews were conducted with hospital doctors, hospital midwives, home-birth midwives, and a home-birth obstetrician. Our findings reveal that hospital midwives and doctors suffer from lack of exposure to home births, leading to disagreement regarding norms and risk; it also revealed sexist or patriarchal worldviews. Recommendations include improving communication between home-birth midwives and hospital counterparts; increased exposure of hospital doctors to home birth, creating new protocols in collaboration with home-birth midwives; and establishing a national database of home births.


Cystic echinococcosis in South America: systematic review of species and genotypes of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato in humans and natural domestic hosts.
To systematically review publications on Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato species/genotypes reported in domestic intermediate and definitive hosts in South America and in human cases worldwide, taking into account those articles where DNA sequencing was performed; and to analyse the density of each type of livestock that can act as intermediate host, and features of medical importance such as cyst organ location. Literature search in numerous databases. We included only articles where samples were genotyped by sequencing since to date it is the most accurate method to unambiguously identify all E. granulosus s. l. genotypes. Also, we report new E. granulosus s. l. samples from Argentina and Uruguay analysed by sequencing of cox1 gene. In South America, five countries have cystic echinococcosis cases for which sequencing data are available: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru and Uruguay, adding up 1534 cases. E. granulosus s. s. (G1) accounts for most of the global burden of human and livestock cases. Also, E. canadensis (G6) plays a significant role in human cystic echinococcosis. Likewise, worldwide analysis of human cases showed that 72.9% are caused by E. granulosus s. s. (G1) and 12.2% and 9.6% by E. canadensis G6 and G7, respectively. E. granulosus s. s. (G1) accounts for most of the global burden followed by E. canadensis (G6 and G7) in South America and worldwide. This information should be taken into account to suit local cystic echinococcosis control and prevention programmes according to each molecular epidemiological situation.


TRIM39 negatively regulates the NFκB-mediated signaling pathway through stabilization of Cactin.
NFκB is one of the central regulators of cell survival, immunity, inflammation, carcinogenesis and organogenesis. The activation of NFκB is strictly regulated by several posttranslational modifications including phosphorylation, neddylation and ubiquitination. Several types of ubiquitination play important roles in multi-step regulations of the NFκB pathway. Some of the tripartite motif-containing (TRIM) proteins functioning as E3 ubiquitin ligases are known to regulate various biological processes such as inflammatory signaling pathways. One of the TRIM family proteins, TRIM39, for which the gene has single nucleotide polymorphisms, has been identified as one of the genetic factors in Behcet's disease. However, the role of TRIM39 in inflammatory signaling had not been fully elucidated. In this study, to elucidate the function of TRIM39 in inflammatory signaling, we performed yeast two-hybrid screening using TRIM39 as a bait and identified Cactin, which has been reported to inhibit NFκB- and TLR-mediated transcriptions. We show that TRIM39 stabilizes Cactin protein and that Cactin is upregulated after TNFα stimulation. TRIM39 knockdown also causes activation of the NFκB signal. These findings suggest that TRIM39 negatively regulates the NFκB signal in collaboration with Cactin induced by inflammatory stimulants such as TNFα.


Effects of phosphorylation on the structure of the G-protein receptor rhodopsin.
Upon activation by light, rhodopsin is subject to phosphorylation by rhodopsin kinase at serine and threonine residues in the carboxyl terminal region of the protein. A 19 amino acid peptide that corresponds to the carboxyl terminal end of rhodopsin (residues 330-348) and contains these phosphorylation sites was synthesized. The structure of this peptide was determined using two-dimensional proton NMR. The structure of this peptide was similar to that determined for this region in peptides corresponding to the carboxyl 33 and 43 amino acids of rhodopsin. The effect of phosphorylation on the structure of the carboxyl terminal domain of rhodopsin was determined by solving the solution structures of the peptide containing residues 330-348 with phosphorylation at one (residue 343), three (residues 343, 338, and 334) and seven residues (residues 334, 335, 336, 338, 340, 342, 343). These data indicate that the major structural change occurs upon phosphorylation of the first residue, and that an additional structural change occurs with seven phosphates.


Validation of Bevacizumab Therapy Effect on Colon Cancer Subtypes by Using Whole Body Imaging in Mice.
Preclinical imaging offers a useful tool for monitoring cancer biological behavior and therapy in vivo without the necessity of animal surgery. The following paper describes our examination of tumor progress and anti-angiogenic therapy with Bevacizumab on colon cancer subtypes (SW480 and SW620) by using different non-invasive real-time in vivo imaging techniques. Color Doppler ultrasound imaging (CDUI) was used to observe the formation of new blood vessels; a homemade fluorescence reflectance imaging (FRI) apparatus was mainly used to test the difference in VEGFR2 expression between the tumor subtypes. Briefly, 15 Balb/c nude mice bearing subcutaneous SW480 and SW620 xenografts were randomly divided into Control and Drug groups. Bevacizumab treatment lasted for 3 weeks. All images were captured pre- and post-treatment. At the end of experiment, all mice were euthanized, and tumor tissue was collected and analyzed by immunohistochemical staining. Expression of VEGFR2 was found to be slightly (10 %) but significantly higher for the SW620 cells than for SW480 cells. In addition, SW620 has shown to be more vascularized than SW480 subtype. After 3-week Bevacizumab therapy, no blood vessels were found within 83 % of SW620, while it was 67 % in SW480; the increase of SW620 tumor volume post-treatment was only 3.17-fold compared with the tumor volume pre-treatment, and 4.51-fold higher in SW480. Our data suggest that SW480 and SW620 cell lines respond differently to Bevacizumab therapy in vivo. Because of higher vascularization, and subsequently higher reduction by drug of new blood vessels and tumor growth rate, xenografts derived from the metastatic SW620 cell line have a better chance of being successfully treated with Bevacizumab compared with those derived from the primary tumor SW480 cell line.


Disease Control, Survival, and Toxicity Outcome After Intensified Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: A Single-Institution Experience.
To report the long-term follow-up data and determine the toxicity rate concerning patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) treated with an intensified neoadjuvant treatment regimen. Patients with histologically proven stage II to III adenocarcinoma of the rectum were included and treated with a trimodal approach. Intensified neoadjuvant treatment (chemoradiotherapy [CRT]) consisted of radiotherapy (total dose 50.4/54 Gy) and concomitant oxaliplatin (50 mg/m(2)/week) and 5-fluorouracil (200 mg/m(2)/5 daily continuous infusion). Surgery was planned 7 to 9 weeks after the end of CRT. Adjuvant chemotherapy was recommended in those patients with lymph node metastasis at diagnosis. One hundred patients (median age, 64 years) were eligible. Overall, the 5-year overall survival and disease-free survival (DFS) were 76.4% and 74.5%, respectively. CRT was well tolerated, with only 17% grade 3/4 acute toxicity. Twenty-four patients (24%) had a pathologic complete response (pCR), and only 1 patient had perioperative metastasis. The 5-year DFS were 95.7% and 66.7% for pCR and no-pCR tumor histology, respectively (P = .0275). Although oxaliplatin is not considered to be a standard treatment, the high 5-year rate of overall survival and DFS, the low severe toxicity rates, and the effective benefit on pCR and perioperative metastasis support an intensified treatment regimen for LARC.


Environmental Tobacco Smoke Exposure Estimated Using the SHSES Scale and Epicardial Adipose Tissue Thickness in Hypertensive Patients.
The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between environmental tobacco smoke exposure (ETS) and epicardial adipose tissue thickness (EATT) in hypertensive patients. A total of 96 patients with essential hypertension were recruited for this study. The group consisted of 48 females and 48 males with the mean age of 69.32 ± 9.54 years. ETS was assessed with The Secondhand Smoke Exposure Scale (SHSES). EATT was assessed in 128-slice dual source coronary computed tomography angiography. In accordance to SHSES scale patients were divided into subgroups: subgroup A-no ETS exposure (SHSES = 0 points, n = 48), subgroup B-low ETS exposure (SHSES = 1-3 points, n = 11), subgroup C-medium ETS exposure (SHSES = 4-7 points, n = 20) and subgroup D-high ETS exposure (SHSES = 8-11 points, n = 17). Within the study group the mean EATT was 5.75 ± 1.85 mm and the mean SHSES score was 3.05 ± 3.74. EATT was statistically significantly higher in subgroup D than in subgroups A and B (A: 5.28 ± 1.64 mm, B: 5.04 ± 2.64 mm, D: 7.04 ± 2.64 mm, pA-D and pB-D < 0.05). There was a positive linear correlation between the exposure to ETS expressed by the SHSES scale and EATT (r = 0.44, p < 0.05). Regression analysis showed that higher SHSES score, higher BMI, and higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure are independent risk factors for higher EATT values. Contrary, the use of ACE inhibitors and β-blockers appeared to be independent protecting factor against higher EATT values. There is an unfavorable positive relationship between ETS exposure estimated using the SHSES scale and EATT in hypertensive patients.


Arthroscopic treatment for posterior tibial tendon lesions with a posterior approach.
To evaluate clinical results of arthroscopic treatment for posterior tibial tendon (PTT) lesions using a posterior approach. Sixteen patients with PTT lesions underwent arthroscopic treatment using a posterior approach. After routine posterior arthroscopy to expose the posterior tibiotalar compartment, the posterior subtalar compartment, and the flexor hallucis longus tendon, the shaver was then moved through the flexor hallucis longus tendon to detect and treat the PTT lesion, including synovectomy, debridement, and repair of the PTT. American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot (AOFAS) scale and visual analog scale (VAS) for subjective satisfaction were used to evaluate pre- and post-operative clinical results. Fifteen patients (94 %) (15 ankles) were followed for a mean of 26 ± 10 months. No patients experienced vascular or nerve complications during or after the operation. Mean AOFAS score improved from 49 ± 12 points preoperatively to 84 ± 8.5 points post-operatively (p = 0.000). Mean VAS improved from 6.2 ± 1.7 preoperatively to 2.4 ± 1.3 post-operatively (p = 0.000). There were three patients (20 %) with excellent outcomes, eight patients (53 %) with good outcomes, three patients (20 %) with fair outcomes, and one patient (7 %) with a poor outcome at follow-up. A posterior arthroscopic approach can provide a safe, reliable technique for detecting and treating PTT lesions and a satisfactory surgical outcome. The technique is an alternative to PTT tendoscopy.


Protein structure: proton-pumping oxidases.
The crystal structures of two cytochrome c oxidases, one bacterial and one mammalian, offer insights into their roles in oxygen chemistry and as proton pumps.


Impact of copy number variation on human neurocognitive deficits and congenital heart defects: A systematic review.
Copy number variant (CNV) syndromes are often associated with both neurocognitive deficits (NCDs) and congenital heart defects (CHDs). Children and adults with cardiac developmental defects likely to have NCDs leading to increased risk of hospitalisation and reduced level of independence. To date, the association between these two phenotypes have not been explored in relation to CNV syndromes. In order to address this question, we systematically reviewed the prevalence of CHDs in a range of CNV syndromes associated with NCDs. A meta-analysis showed a relationship with the size of CNV and its association with both NCDs and CHDs, and also inheritance pattern. To our knowledge, this is the first review to establish association between NCD and CHDs in CNV patients, specifically in relation to the severity of NCD. Importantly, we also found specific types of CHDs were associated with severe neurocognitive deficits. Finally, we discuss the implications of these results for patients in the clinical setting which warrants further exploration of this association in order to lead an improvement in the quality of patient's life.


Stk38 Modulates Rbm24 Protein Stability to Regulate Sarcomere Assembly in Cardiomyocytes.
RNA-binding protein Rbm24 is a key regulator of heart development and required for sarcomere assembly and heart contractility. Yet, its underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, we link serine/threonine kinase 38 (Stk38) signaling to the regulation of Rbm24 by showing that Rbm24 phosphorylation and its function could be modulated by Stk38. Using co-immunoprecipitation coupled with mass spectrometry technique, we identified Stk38 as an endogenous binding partner of Rbm24. Stk38 knockdown resulted in decreased Rbm24 protein level in cardiomyocytes. Further studies using Stk38 kinase inhibitor or activator showed that Rbm24 protein stability was regulated in a kinase activity-dependent manner. Deficiency of Stk38 caused reduction of sarcomere proteins and disarrangement of sarcomere, suggesting that Stk38 is essential for Rbm24 to regulate sarcomere assembly. Our results revealed that Stk38 kinase catalyzes the phosphorylation of Rbm24 during sarcomerogensis and this orchestrates accurate sarcomere alignment. This furthers our understanding of the regulatory mechanism of cardiac sarcomere assembly in both physiologic and pathologic contexts, and uncovers a potential novel pathway to cardiomyopathy through modulating the Stk38/Rbm24 protein activity.


Effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on depression in poststroke patients-A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
To evaluate the effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) on depressive symptoms in people with stroke. The PubMed, CINAL, Web of Science, Embase, The Cochrane Library, CNKI, and Wangfang databases were searched for relevant articles from inception to September 1st, 2022. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the effect of MBSR and MBCT on depressive symptoms in poststroke patients were included. Data extraction and critical appraisal were conducted independently by two investigators. Seven trials with 502 participants were included. Using standardized mean differences, the meta-analysis showed evidence of a significant effect in depression (SMD = -0.93, 95% CI (-1.34 to -0.53), Z = 4.48, p < 0.001). MBSR and MBCT both affected depressive emotions in poststroke participants with depression (SMD = -1.27, 95% CI (-1.71 to -0.84), p < 0.001) and poststroke participants without clinically defined depression (SMD = -0.46, 95% CI (-0.75 to -0.17), p = 0.002). Although populations with stroke seem to potentially improve moods from MBSR/MBCT intervention, the impact on the physiological parameters of the disease has not been determined. Further studies with long-term follow-up and higher qualities are warranted for such interventions to determine the full effectiveness.


Osteomyelitis of the mandible associated with autosomal dominant osteopetrosis: a case report.
Osteopetrosis is a rare hereditary bone disorder presenting with variable clinical features and is characterized by an increase in bone density. The main clinical findings of the benign-type of osteopetrosis (autosomal dominant) are fractures and osteomyelitis of the mandible, leading to the detection of the disease. We report a case of autosomal dominant osteopetrosis with secondary mandibular osteomyelitis. Clinical and radiological patterns and treatment evaluation were assessed. The patient was referred for evaluation and treatment of an acute abscess in the left side of the face and osteomyelitis of the mandible. Several imaging studies were performed to assess the lesion and the adjacent bone and soft tissue structures. Treatment consisted of intravenous antibiotic therapy, debridement of the necrotic bone and sequestrum, and extra-oral drainage of the abscess, with submandibular access. Healing was uneventful.


Relevance of herniography for accurate diagnosis of patent processus vaginalis in cryptorchidism.
To clarify the role of peritoneography in assessing the patency of processus vaginalis (PV) in pediatric patients diagnosed with cryptorchidism. We designed a prospective clinical trial to evaluate the patency of PV in boys presenting cryptorchidism. Herniography was performed in 310 prepubertal boys. Data about the morphology of PV was compared with operative findings in those surgically treated patients. Retractile and ectopic testes were excluded from the study. Of the 376 undescended testes (310 patients), 281 cases were associated with an obliterated PV. Herniography revealed 95 cases of open PV in cryptorchid boys. The 244 normally descended testes had associated patent processus vaginalis in only 31 cases. Herniography is the most relevant procedure for accurate diagnosis of persistent PV. The persistence of PV was significantly more frequent when the position of the testes is more cranial. The incidence of an open PV decreases with age.


New Views of Old Proteins: Clarifying the Enigmatic Proteome.
All human diseases involve proteins, yet our current tools to characterize and quantify them are limited. To better elucidate proteins across space, time, and molecular composition, we provide a >10 years of projection for technologies to meet the challenges that protein biology presents. With a broad perspective, we discuss grand opportunities to transition the science of proteomics into a more propulsive enterprise. Extrapolating recent trends, we describe a next generation of approaches to define, quantify, and visualize the multiple dimensions of the proteome, thereby transforming our understanding and interactions with human disease in the coming decade.


Fluconazole sensitivities of Candida species isolated from the mouths of terminally ill cancer patients.
Oral candidosis is common in advanced cancer and is often treated with the systemic triazole antifungal drug fluconazole. This study examined the species of yeast present in the mouths of 30 patients with advanced cancer and determined their sensitivity to fluconazole. Thirty-five yeast isolates were collected from a total of 25 (83 percent) of the patients sampled. The two most common species were Candida albicans (15 isolates) and C. glabrata (11 isolates)--with smaller numbers of C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis, C. guilliermondii, C. inconspicua, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of fluconazole for the strains of C. albicans were generally low (median 0.19 microgram/ml) but were considerably higher for C. glabrata (median 2 micrograms/ml). The remaining species demonstrated MICs similar to those for C. albicans, with the exceptions of C. inconspicua and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which were relatively insensitive. In conclusion, non-albicans yeasts are common in the mouths of patients with advanced cancer and these may have reduced sensitivity to fluconazole. Mycological diagnosis is a valuable aid to management.


Individual differences in amygdala volumes predict changes in functional connectivity between subcortical and cognitive control networks throughout adolescence.
Adolescence is a critical period of structural and functional neural maturation among regions serving the cognitive control of emotion. Evidence suggests that this process is guided by developmental changes in amygdala and striatum structure and shifts in functional connectivity between subcortical (SC) and cognitive control (CC) networks. Herein, we investigate the extent to which such developmental shifts in structure and function reciprocally predict one another over time. 179 youth (9-15 years-old) completed annual MRI scans for three years. Amygdala and striatum volumes and connectivity within and between SC and CC resting state networks were measured for each year. We tested for reciprocal predictability of within-person and between-person changes in structure and function using random-intercept cross-lagged panel models. Within-person shifts in amygdala volumes in a given year significantly and specifically predicted deviations in SC-CC connectivity in the following year, such that an increase in volume was associated with decreased SC-CC connectivity the following year. Deviations in connectivity did not predict changes in amygdala volumes over time. Conversely, broader group-level shifts in SC-CC connectivity were predictive of subsequent deviations in striatal volumes. We did not see any cross-predictability among amygdala or striatum volumes and within-network connectivity measures. Within-person shifts in amygdala structure year-to-year robustly predicted weaker SC-CC connectivity in subsequent years, whereas broader increases in SC-CC connectivity predicted smaller striatal volumes over time. These specific structure function relationships may contribute to the development of emotional control across adolescence.


Twenty years later, the evolution of origami DNA.
Twenty years ago Trends in Biochemical Sciences published an innovative origami template for modeling the DNA double helix. Presented here are adaptations of this, including a chemical structure designed for transparent acetate, plus hybrid DNA/RNA, RNA hairpin, and single-stranded models. These models are useful teaching tools for understanding the 3D structure of DNA.


Implementation matters: a review of research on the influence of implementation on program outcomes and the factors affecting implementation.
The first purpose of this review was to assess the impact of implementation on program outcomes, and the second purpose was to identify factors affecting the implementation process. Results from over quantitative 500 studies offered strong empirical support to the conclusion that the level of implementation affects the outcomes obtained in promotion and prevention programs. Findings from 81 additional reports indicate there are at least 23 contextual factors that influence implementation. The implementation process is affected by variables related to communities, providers and innovations, and aspects of the prevention delivery system (i.e., organizational functioning) and the prevention support system (i.e., training and technical assistance). The collection of implementation data is an essential feature of program evaluations, and more information is needed on which and how various factors influence implementation in different community settings.