Comparison of health behaviors of adult women in Korea before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: secondary analysis of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2019-2020.
This study investigated the changes in the health-related behaviors of adult women in Korea during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Data from the eighth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2019- 2020) were analyzed. The participants were 4,848 women aged 19 to 64 years in 2019 and 2020. Data analysis using the complex sampling design was performed using SPSS 20.1. Positive changes during the pandemic compared to before the pandemic in Korean adult women were found for improved subjective oral health perceptions (odds ratio [OR], 1.77; p<.001), increased moderate-intensity exercise in work and leisure activities (OR, 1.75; p<.001 and OR; 1.29, p=.004), and a decrease in secondhand smoke exposure at the workplace and in public places (OR, 0.64; p=.004 and OR, 0.60; p<.001). However, the following negative health behavior changes were found: decreased frequency of walking 5 days a week (OR, 0.81; p=.011) and an increase in unhealthy daytime sleep durations (OR, 1.40; p=006). Compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic, Korean adult women perceived their subjective dental health more positively during the COVID-19 pandemic, decreased their exposure to secondhand smoke at work and in public places, decreased walking, and increased sleep duration during the week. Since this study only compared data between 1 year before and after the start of the pandemic, it is necessary to investigate a longer period of time in the future. A future study should attempt to identify the factors related to changes in health behaviors caused by the pandemic.


Insights of metal 8-hydroxylquinolinol complexes as the potential anticancer drugs.
8-Hydroxyquinoline and its derivatives, which belong to a well-known class of quinoline based drugs with varied biological activities, have been extensively explored for the treatments of cancer, Alzheimer's disease, neurodegenerative diseases and other life-threatening diseases. In virtue of the existence of bicyclic heterocyclic scaffold, their bidentate chelators can further bind to metal ions via O- and N-donors from 8-hydroxylquinolinol skeletons to yield a variety of metal 8-hydroxylquinolinol complexes appealing as the anticancer drugs with low toxicity, due to their better biological effects and higher anticancer activities than free 8-hydroxylquinolinol ligands and cis-diammine-dichloro-platinum. The present review summarizes the recent developments in the syntheses, crystal structures, and anticancer activities of metal 8-hydroxylquinolinol complexes, attempting to discover a correlation between their structures and anticancer activities, and to provide an evidence for their potential application perspectives. It means to offer the helpful and meaningful guidance for the researchers in the future syntheses of new and highly efficient anticancer metal 8-hydroxylquinolinol complexes based drugs.


[Recovery of lung function after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: the role of postoperative pain].
Lung function has been shown to deteriorate after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). The present study evaluated 1) the rate of recovery after LC, and 2) the pathogenic role of postoperative pain in functional deterioration. Lung function was measured 24 hours before LC, upon hospital discharge (48-72 h after LC), and 10 days later. All patients received metamizol after LC until discharge (2 g every 6 h i.v.). Half the patients (analgesia group) received tramadol (150 mg i.m.) 30 minutes before lung function testing on the day of hospital discharge. The remaining patients constituted the control group. Twenty healthy subjects (53 4 years old) undergoing LC for gall bladder removal. All signed informed consent forms. Measures and outcomes: Patient characteristics and preoperative lung function results were similar in both groups. LC duration and postoperative course were also similar in both groups. All were discharged without complications within 72 hours after LC. Lung function upon discharge (FVC, FEV1, TLC, PaO2 and AaPO2) had deteriorated in both groups (p<0.001). Deterioration was less marked in the analgesia group (p < 0.05). Ten days later, lung function had normalized for all subjects. These results indicate that after LC, 1) lung function is still abnormal when the patient is discharged from hospital, 2) lung function has fully recovered within 10 days, and 3) postoperative pain contributes significantly to temporary deterioration in lung function.


Effects of biochar and chemical fertilizer amendment on diazotrophic abundance and community structure in rhizosphere and bulk soils.
Diazotrophs carry out biological nitrogen (N) fixation process that replenishes available soil N; it is unclear how soil diazotrophic communities respond to biochar and chemical fertilizer amendment in agricultural ecosystem. Herein, we studied the impacts of biochar and chemical fertilizer amendment on diazotrophic communities in rhizosphere and bulk soils using nifH gene. The field experiment included four treatments: control (CK), biochar (B), chemical NPK fertilizer (CF), and biochar + chemical fertilizer (B + CF). nifH gene abundance in rhizosphere soils ranged from 9.00 × 107 to 2.57 × 108 copies g-1 dry soil among the different treatments, which was 1.42-2.68 times higher compared with the bulk soils ranging from 5.83 × 107 to 1.19 × 108 copies g-1 dry soil. Single application of biochar increased the abundance of nifH gene, whereas chemical fertilizer addition significantly decreased it in the bulk and rhizosphere soils. Single biochar addition affected diazotrophic community composition in rhizosphere soil, but not in the bulk soil. However, both CF and B + CF treatments obviously changed the community structure of diazotrophs in both soils. Moreover, rhizosphere effect enhanced nifH gene abundance and significantly altered the diazotrophic community structure compared to bulk soil. Phylogenetic analysis showed that all nifH sequences were affiliated to the cyanobacteria, α-, β-, γ-, and δ- subclasses of the proteobacteria group. Soil nutrient availability rather than pH had significant impacts on diazotrophic community structure based on mantel test and redundancy analysis. Overall, biochar improves the diazotrophic abundance, while chemical fertilization negatively affects it by altering nutrient availability, and combined application of biochar and chemical fertilizer does not counteract the adverse influences of chemical fertilizer on nitrogen-fixing microorganisms.


Evaluation of the tissue repair process and immunomodulatory action of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) in the treatment of abdominal stretch marks.
The aims of this study were to characterize and to compare the structural alterations of collagen and elastic fibers in the abdominal stretch marks of patients submitted to intralesional and per quadrant (region close to stretch marks) Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) treatment, as well as, to establish the possible mechanisms of action of this treatment involving toll-like receptors (TLRs) signaling pathways and growth factors. Incisional biopsies were collected from abdominal stretch marks with a 2 mm diameter punch in female patients, at the beginning of treatment, after 6 and 12 weeks of treatment, and submitted to morphological analyzes of elastic and collagen fibers, and immunohistochemistry for TLRs signaling pathways and growth factors. Our results demonstrated PRP per quadrant treatment was most effective in reducing the area of the abdominal stretch marks, with consequent stimulation of the synthesis and remodeling of collagen and elastic fibers. Also, PRP per quadrant treatment promoted an increase in TLR2 and TLR4 immunoreactivities, with consequent increase in TNF-α, VEGF and IGF-1. Based on the current findings, PRP constitutes a promising therapeutic approach in patients with stretch marks, since it promoted modulation of inflammatory cytokines and growth factors, with consequent remodeling of extracellular matrix, culminating with tissue improvement.


Quality of life and psychological aspects in children with overactive bladder treated with parasacral transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation - A prospective multicenter study.
To assess the impact of parasacral transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (parasacral TENS) on quality of life (QoL) and psychological aspects in children treated for overactive bladder (OAB). This international, multicenter, prospective cohort study involved individuals of 6-16 years of age under TENS treatment for OAB. The study was conducted between June 2016 and December 2019 in four participating centers: two in Australia, one in Germany and one in Brazil. Patients with anatomical and/or neurological abnormalities of the urinary tract were excluded. Questionnaires were applied before and after parasacral TENS treatment: the Dysfunctional Voiding Symptom Score (DVSS), used in Brazil, or the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Pediatric Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (ICIQ-CLUTS), used in Germany and Australia, to analyze urinary symptoms; the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) to assess emotional and behavioral aspects; and the Pediatric Incontinence Questionnaire (PinQ) for bladder-specific Qol. Fifty-three patients (28 girls and 25 boys) with a mean age of 8.64 ± 2.63 years were included. Median DVSS was 11 (range 6-13.5) and 3 (range 0-7), (p < 0.001), and median ICIQ-CLUTS was 12 (range 9-14) and 9 (range 5.7-12), (p < 0.001), before and after treatment, respectively. Median PinQ score decreased from 47.8 (range 38.9-59.7) to 39 (range 29-53.15) following treatment (p = 0.04). Median total SDQ score before and after treatment was 17 (range 13.5-21) and 15 (range 12-21), respectively (p = 0.939). Parasacral TENS was associated with a significant improvement in urinary symptoms and QoL; however, there was no change in psychological symptoms, as measured using the SDQ.


Multi-frequency localization of aberrant brain activity in autism spectrum disorder.
The abnormality of intrinsic brain activity in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) is still inconclusive. Contradictory results have been found pointing towards hyper-activity or hypo-activity in various brain regions. The present research aims to investigate the spatial and spectral signatures of aberrant brain activity in an unprecedented frequency range of 1-2884 Hz at source levels in ASD using newly developed methods. Seven ASD subjects and age- and gender-matched controls were studied using a high-sampling rate magnetoencephalography (MEG) system. Brain activity in delta (1-4 Hz), theta (4-8 Hz), alpha (8-12 Hz), beta (12-30 Hz), low gamma (30-55 Hz), high gamma (65-90 Hz), ripples (90-200 Hz), high-frequency oscillations (HFOs, 200-1000 Hz), and very high-frequency oscillations (VHFOs, 1000-2884 Hz) was volumetrically localized and measured using wavelet and beamforming. In comparison to controls, ASD subjects had significantly higher odds of alpha activity (8-12 Hz) in the sensorimotor cortex (mu rhythm), and generally high-frequency activity (90-2884 Hz) in the frontal cortex. The source power of HFOs (200-1000 Hz) in the frontal cortex in ASD was significantly elevated as compared with controls. The results suggest that ASD has significantly altered intrinsic brain activity in both low- and high-frequency ranges. Increased intrinsic high-frequency activity in the frontal cortex may play a key role in ASD.


Computational modeling of the catalytic reaction in triosephosphate isomerase.
We present a comprehensive analysis of the catalytic cycle of the enzyme triosephosphate isomerase (TIM), including both the reactive chemistry and the catalytic loop and side-chain motions. Combining accurate mixed quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) and protein structure prediction methods, we have modeled both the structural and chemical aspects of the reversible isomerization of dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP) to d-glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate (GAP), for which there is a wealth of experimental data. The conjunction of this novel computational approach with the use of the recent near-atomic resolution TIM-DHAP Michaelis complex PDB structure, 1NEY.pdb, has enabled us to obtain robust qualitative and, where available, quantitative agreement with a wide range of experimental data. Among the principal conclusions that we are able to draw are the importance of the monoanionic (as opposed to dianioic) form of the substrate phosphate group in the catalytic cycle, detailed positioning and energetics of the key catalytic residues in the active-site, the flexible nature of Glu165, which favors its direct involvement in the formation of the enediol intermediate, energetics of the open and closed form of the catalytic loop region in the presence and absence of substrate, and quantitative reproduction of various experimentally measured reaction rates, typically to within approximately 1 kcal/mol. Our results are consistent with the available experimental data, and provide an initial picture as to why loop opening when GAP is the product has a higher barrier than when DHAP is the product.


T cell protein tyrosine phosphatase deficiency results in spontaneous synovitis and subchondral bone resorption in mice.
T cell protein tyrosine phosphatase (TC-PTP) is an important regulator of hematopoiesis and cytokine signaling. Recently, several genome-wide association studies have identified single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the locus of TC-PTP that are associated with rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis, among other autoimmune diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of TC-PTP deficiency on the bone and joint environment using a knockout mouse model. Radiographic and micro-computed tomography analyses were performed on femurs of 3-week-old mice. In addition, the femorotibial joints were assessed by histology, flow cytometry, and cytokine detection. Deficiency of TC-PTP resulted in decreased bone volume as well as an increase in osteoclast density within the mouse femurs. In addition, synovitis, characterized by infiltration of mixed inflammatory cell types and proinflammatory cytokines, developed in the knee joints of TC-PTP(-/-) mice. These findings demonstrate that loss of TC-PTP expression results in synovitis with several hallmarks of inflammatory arthritis. The inflammatory environment observed in the knee joints of TC-PTP(-/-) mice differs from the systemic inflammation previously described in these mice and merits further research into the role of TC-PTP in the synovium. Furthermore, the results support recently described associations between SNPs in the TC-PTP locus and arthritis incidence.


A growth factor different from IL-6 promotes the growth of Epstein-Barr virus-transformed cells at low cell density.
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) was recently described to support the growth of Epstein-Barr (EBV) transformed lymphocytes. However no effect was reported on cloning of EBV transformed lymphocytes under limiting dilution conditions. In this paper we demonstrate that the Supernatant of Human Endothelial Cells (HECS) contains a factor(s) different from IL-6 which induces high cloning efficiency of EBV transformed cell lines, cultured under limiting dilution conditions. Furthermore HECS is superior to IL-6 in all the passages of EBV lymphocytes transformation.


Vaccination against cestode parasites.
Cestodes are tapeworm parasites. Infection in the intermediate host with larval (metacestode) parasites causes medically and economically important diseases known as hydatidosis and cysticercosis. Immunization against experimental infection with metacestode parasites has been highly successful, in marked contrast with the relative ineffectiveness of vaccines against infection with most parasitic organisms. High levels of immunity against a challenge infection with taeniid cestode eggs can be stimulated by immunization with extracts of the parasites, particularly with extracts of the oncosphere life-cycle stage. This led to the production of a recombinant antigen vaccine against infection in sheep with the parasite Taenia ovis, the first highly effective, non-living vaccine against a parasitic infection in animals or humans. This paper reviews immunity to the adult and metacestode life-cycle stages of cestode parasites, development and application of the T. ovis vaccine, and prospects for vaccines against other cestode infections.


Extended right surgical margin in distal pancreatectomy with celiac axis resection for pancreatic body cancer under the presence of replaced right hepatic artery; A case report.
While distal pancreatectomy with celiac axis resection (DP-CAR) contributes to R0 resection for pancreatic body cancer, arterial blood flow to the liver from gastroduodenal artery is essential. However, in the presence of replaced right hepatic artery (r-RHA), extended DP-CAR (Ex-DP-CAR) in which the right edge of pancreatic resection includes the confluence of gastroduodenal artery (GDA) and proper hepatic artery (PHA) may be feasible. Herein, we report a patient with r-RHA and perform Ex-DP-CAR without reconstruction of PHA. A 39-year-old man with pancreatic cancer, cT4N0M0 (UICC 8th), underwent DP-CAR after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). After laparotomy, unlike the evaluation in preoperative imaging, the tumor was found to invade the confluence of GDA and PHA. After confirmation of arterial blood flow to the liver, GDA and PHA was ligated and Ex-DP-CAR was completed with R0 margin status. The postoperative course was uneventful, with no recurrence 18 months after the surgery. We performed Ex-DP-CAR with resection of the confluence of GDA and PHA in the presence of r-RHA, which has a potential role in expanding the surgical indications for R0 resection by reducing the risk of ischemic complications without reconstruction of arterial blood supply to the liver.


Multiplexed detection of lung cancer biomarkers based on quantum dots and microbeads.
We have developed a multiplexed fluoroimmunoassay of three lung cancer biomarkers based on multicolor quantum dots (QDs) as detection elements and micro-magnetic beads as immune carriers. QDs have the ability to simplify multiplexed analysis. In our method, the fluorescent signals derived from three cross-talk-free QD conjugated probes with emission maxima at 525, 585 and 625nm could be analyzed to determine the concentrations of the target proteins. With this system, fragments of cytokeratin 19 (CYRFA 21-1), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and neuron-specific enolase (NSE), were simultaneously detected in a single sample with a low detection limit down to the 1.0ng/mL level (364pg/mL for CYRFA 21-1, 38pg/mL for CEA, 370pg/mL for NSE in a single detection). Additional advantages of the presented method include ease of operation, low cost, and a very low sample volume (20µL).


Dependence of pulpal blood-flow responses on baseline blood-flow in the cat.
It has been shown earlier that electrical stimulation of the distal cut end of the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) in the cat evokes three different patterns of pulpal blood-flow (PBF) response in the ipsilateral mandibular canine tooth (a decrease, a biphasic response, or an increase). The response to a given stimulus sometimes changed to another pattern even in one and the same experimental animal during the course of the experiment. It is known that the evoked decrease is due to activation of the sympathetics and that the increase is due to antidromic activation of sensory fibres; but, it is unknown why the response varies so much. It is hypothesised that the baseline blood-flow (BBF) modulates vasomotor responses in the dental pulp. To test this hypothesis, the effects of BBF on PBF responses elicited by the IAN stimulation mentioned above were investigated. Dynamic changes in PBF in cat mandibular canine teeth were elicited by electrical stimulation of the distal cut end of the IAN, at various BBF, with blood-flow monitored by laser Doppler flowmetry. The amplitude of the PBF vasodilator response increased as BBF was adjusted downwards (by cooling the tooth). In contrast, the amplitude of the PBF vasoconstrictor response increased as the BBF rose. Vasodilator responses could be transformed into vasoconstrictor responses, and vice versa, by alterations in the BBF. No systemic blood-pressure changes were elicited throughout the experiment. These results indicate that a consideration of baseline vascular tone is important, whenever the size of PBF responses to various stimuli is discussed or calculated.


Ruptured chordae tendineae. Its association with systemic lupus erythematosus.
A case of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was complicated by ruptured chordae tendineae. The mechanisms responsible for severe cardiac dysfunction in SLE are discussed.


Suicidal behavior among patients in Bavarian mental hospitals.
The present research is a retrospective study to establish whether the number of suicides and attempted suicides has varied over two decades and which factors - size of the hospitals, patient admissions, physician and nursing personnel relationship with the patients, and forced admissions - are connected with such change. The analysis covers the decades 1950-1959 and 1967-1976. It was possible to establish a significant increase in attempted suicide and suicide during the second decade relative to the first one. The increase in suicide rate was observed in only three of the 10 investigated hospitals, while the attempted suicide rate increased in four hospitals. A relationship between number of beds and attempted suicide was observed only during the second decade and for suicide only in the first decade. In both decades forced admission had a significant influence on attempted suicide in contrast to suicide.


Survival of patients with End Stage Kidney Disease
On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the REIN (French Renal Epidemiology and Information Network), a summary work on the contributions of the national French ESKD register was carried out. On the issue of survival of ESKD patients, the following key messages were retained. The annual mortality rates of ESKD patients are relatively stable even though patients are ageing and increasingly have diabetes or obesity. These changes are probably linked to improved practices. Cardiovascular diseases and infections are the main causes of death. The year 2020 was marked by an increase in mortality due to the SARS-CoV-19 infection that was particularly severe in these patients.


Diallyl Trisulfide Suppresses Angiotensin II-Induced Vascular Remodeling Via Inhibition of Mitochondrial Fission.
We have shown previously that diallyl trisulfide (DATS) ameliorates mitochondrial fission and oxidative stress in a hyperglycemia-induced endothelial apoptosis and diabetic mouse model. The aim of this study was to investigate whether DATS mitigates Ang II-induced vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) phenotypic switching and vascular remodeling, and if so, to determine the underlying molecular events. Male C57BL/6 mice were used to establish a vascular remodeling model by continuous 2-week Ang II infusion using a subcutaneous osmotic pump. Animals were intraperitoneally injected with DATS or vehicle. Physiological parameters, vascular morphology, and molecular markers were assessed. For in vitro studies, VSMCs were pretreated with or without DATS for 1 h, then were stimulated with Ang II, and mitochondrial morphology and phenotypic switching of VSMCs were also measured. In primary mouse VSMCs, we found that Drp1-dependent mitochondrial fission regulated mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) generation, which eventually promoted Ang II-induced VSMC proliferation, migration, and phenotypic switching. Moreover, Ang II was found to up-regulate the Rho-associated coiled coil-containing protein kinase 1 (ROCK1), which regulated mitochondrial fission and VSMC phenotypic switching by phosphorylating Drp1. However, the biological effect of Ang II was abrogated by DATS. Consistent with the effects in VSMCs, we found that DATS markedly alleviated mitochondrial fission, VSMC differentiation, and vessel wall thickening in an animal model of Ang II-induced vascular remodeling, which was regulated by the ROCK1/Drp1 signal. Our findings showed that DATS mitigated Ang II-induced vascular remodeling by suppressing Drp1-mediated mitochondrial fission in an ROCK1-dependent manner.


Enhanced oil removal from oily sand by injecting micro-macrobubbles in swirl elution.
Environmental contamination by petroleum hydrocarbons was exacerbated by oil pipeline breaks, marine oil spills and discharges from industrial production. To further improve the removal performance of petroleum hydrocarbons in solid particles, the deoiling experiments of swirl elution with micro-macrobubbles on oily sands were carried out in this paper. Experiment results indicated that when particles fell from the center of the bubble, the collision efficiency was 99.3%. The instantaneous contact angle (ICA) between the macrobubbles and the oil layer was improved in the presence of microbubbles. Furthermore, the maximum ICA of bubbles attaching to the oil layer was found to occur at pH 9 in the system of oily sand mixtures ranging from pH 5 to pH 14. This finding indicated that the slightly alkaline solution was more advantageous for bubbles to attach to the oil layer than the highly alkaline solution. The optimum condition for the elution of oily sand in the mixture of pH 7-14 was pH 12, and the oil removal efficiency was 85.4% for 10 min. The oil removal efficiency of swirl elution (SE) with bubbles on oily sand at pH 12 for 10 min was superior to either SE without bubbles or air flotation (AF). The results show that the swirl elution with bubbles can effectively enhance the oil removal efficiency of oily sands and provide guidance for controlling the environmental petroleum hydrocarbon contamination and reducing the usage of surfactants.


Current and future roles of laparoscopic surgery in urology.
There is little doubt that laparoscopy will gain an increasing role in urologic surgery. Pelvic node dissection, varicocelectomy, and evaluation of nonpalpable undescended testes are already widely performed. As improved instrumentation is developed expressly designed for urologic applications, there will be even greater interest and wider applicability of laparoscopic techniques. However, as this occurs, it is essential that each new procedure be critically evaluated to be certain that it offers significant benefit without added morbidity as compared with standard techniques.


A non-invasive fluorescent staining procedure allows Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy based imaging of Mycobacterium in multispecies biofilms colonizing and degrading polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
To study the micro scale interactions of Mycobacterium with bacteria belonging to other genera by means of Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM), a procedure was developed to non-invasively and fluorescently stain Mycobacterium without compromising the signal produced by commonly used fluorescent reporter genes. The procedure makes use of the commercial non-specific nucleic acid stain Syto62 and was optimized to efficiently stain Mycobacterium cells in suspensions and biofilms. The staining procedure was found non-invasive towards overall cell viability, biofilm architecture and fluorescence signals emitted by other organisms expressing the fluorescent reporter genes gfp and dsRed. The procedure was successfully applied to visualize the comportment of the PAH-degrading Mycobacterium sp. VM552 in triple species biofilms containing, in addition to strain VM552, the GFP labeled PAH-degrading Sphingomonas sp. LH128-GFP and DsRed-labeled Pseudomonas putida OUS82(RF), and colonizing a glass substrate coated with phenanthrene crystals in flow chambers. CLSM imaging and subsequent appropriate image processing of the biofilms show that the comportment of strain Mycobacterium sp. VM552 was largely affected by the presence of the other organisms. The data support the value of the staining procedure to study ecological questions about micro scale behavior and niche occupation of Mycobacterium in multi-species systems.


Depression, emotional and social aspects in the abortion context: a comparison between two Brazilian capitals.
To assess emotional and social aspects in the experience of abortion and the diagnosis of major depression, comparing women from two Brazilian cities (São Paulo--SP, Natal--RN). A transversal study was carried out from January 2009 to May 2010, through semi-directed interviews with women undergoing an abortion (up to 22 weeks gestation) treated at university hospitals in São Paulo--SP (n = 166) and Natal--RN (n = 150). The Portuguese version of the Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders (PRIME-MD) instrument was applied for the diagnosis of depression. There was no significant difference (p = 0.223) in the proportion of induced abortions when comparing the two capital cities: Natal (7.3%) and São Paulo (12.0%). The diagnosis of depression was high among women undergoing an abortion and was significantly higher in Natal than in São Paulo (50.7% vs. 32.5%, p < 0.01). Regarding emotional aspects, there was no difference in the occurrence of guilt feelings (Natal 27.7%; São Paulo 23.3%; p = 0.447). The partner's involvement was considered satisfactory by women in similar proportions in the two capitals (Natal 62.0%; São Paulo 59.0%, p = 0.576). No difference was found in the proportion of women who reported violence, related or not to the abortion (Natal 22.9%; São Paulo 16.6%; p = 0.378). Although there was no difference between the emotional and social aspects in the comparison between the two capitals, there was a high proportion of women with major depression, more frequent in the city of Natal than in São Paulo, which demonstrates the importance of psychosocial support in the women's healthcare system.


Packaging and delivering enzymes by amorphous metal-organic frameworks.
Enzymatic catalysis in living cells enables the in-situ detection of cellular metabolites in single cells, which could contribute to early diagnosis of diseases. In this study, enzyme is packaged in amorphous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) via a one-pot co-precipitation process under ambient conditions, exhibiting 5-20 times higher apparent activity than when the enzyme is encapsulated in corresponding crystalline MOFs. Molecular simulation and cryo-electron tomography (Cryo-ET) combined with other techniques demonstrate that the mesopores generated in this disordered and fuzzy structure endow the packaged enzyme with high enzyme activity. The highly active glucose oxidase delivered by the amorphous MOF nanoparticles allows the noninvasive and facile measurement of glucose in single living cells, which can be used to distinguish between cancerous and normal cells.


Antitubercular activity of pentacyclic triterpenoids from plants of Argentina and Chile.
Screening of plants from South America for antitubercular activity and subsequent assay-guided fractionation resulted in the isolation and characterization of several pentacyclic triterpenoids. The MIC values of 22 triterpenoids were determined using the radiorespiratory BACTEC assay and range from 8 microM to above 128 microM. The structure-activity relationships are discussed.


Differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells into cells with spermatogonia-like morphology with chemical intervention-dependent increased gene expression of LIM homeobox 1 (Lhx1).
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) originate from gonocytes that differentiate from primordial germ cells (PGCs). In the developing mouse testis, expression of the gene LIM homeobox 1 (Lhx1) marks the most undifferentiated SSCs, which has not yet been reported for spermatogonia-like cells generated in vitro. Previously, it was shown that a chemical intervention in male mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells in serum culture, including Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) inhibitor Ex-527, DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitor RG-108 and electrophilic redox cycling compound tert-butylhydroquinone (tBHQ), was associated with molecular markers of PGC to gonocyte differentiation. Here, we report the in vitro differentiation of male mouse ES cells, cultured under dual chemical inhibition of GSK3β and MEK (2i) with leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) (2iL) and serum, into cells with spermatogonia-like morphology (CSMs) and population-averaged expression of spermatogonia-specific genes by removal of 2iL and a specific schedule of twice daily partial medium replacement. Combination of this new protocol with the previously reported chemical intervention increased population-averaged gene expression of Lhx1 in the resulting CSMs. Furthermore, we detected single CSMs with strong nuclear LHX1/5 protein signal only in the chemical intervention group. We propose that further investigation of CSMs may provide new insights into male germline development.


Double strand breaks may be a missing link between entropy and aging.
It has been previously suggested that an increase in entropy production leads to aging. However, the mechanisms linking increased entropy production in living mass to aging are currently unclear. Even though entropy cannot be easily associated with any specific molecular damage, the increase of entropy in structural mass may be connected with heat stress, which is known to generate double strand breaks. Double strand breaks, which are in turn known to play an important role in process of aging, are thus connected to both aging and an increase of entropy. In view of these associations, we propose a new model where the increase of entropy leads to the formation of double strand breaks, resulting in an aging phenotype. This not only offers a new perspective on aging research and facilitates experimental validation, but could also serve as a useful explanatory tool.


Regulation and seasonal dynamics of extracellular enzyme activities in the sediments of a large lowland river.
We tested whether seasonal changes in the sources of organic substances for microbial metabolism were reflected changes in the activities of five extracellular enzymes in the eighth order lowland River Elbe, Germany. Leucine aminopeptidase showed the highest activities in the water column and the sediments, followed by phosphatase > beta-glucosidase > alpha-glucosidase > exo-1,4-beta-glucanase. Individual enzymes exhibited characteristic seasonal dynamics, as indicated by their relative contribution to cumulative enzyme activity. Leucine aminopeptidase was significantly more active in spring and summer. In contrast, the carbohydrate-degrading enzymes peaked in autumn, and beta-glucosidase activity peaked once again in winter. Thus, in sediments, the ratio of leucine aminopeptidase/beta-glucosidase reached significant higher medians in spring and summer (5-cm depth: ratio 7.7; 20-cm depth: ratio 10.1) than in autumn and winter (5-cm depth: ratio 3.7, 20-cm depth: ratio 6.3). The relative activity of phosphatase in the sediments was seasonally related to both the biomass of planktonic algae as well as to the high content of total particulate phosphorus in autumn and winter. Due to temporal shifts in organic matter supply and changes in the storage capacity of sediments, the seasonal peaks of enzyme activities in sediments exhibited a time lag of 2-3 months compared to that in the water column, along with a significant extension of peak width. Hence, our data show that the seasonal pattern of extracellular enzyme activities provides a sensitive approach to infer seasonal or temporary availability of organic matter in rivers from autochthonous and allochthonous sources. From the dynamics of individual enzyme activities, a consistent synoptic pattern of heterotrophic functioning in the studied river ecosystem could be derived. Our data support the revised riverine productivity model predicting that the metabolism of organic matter in high-order rivers is mainly fuelled by autochthonous production occurring in these reaches and riparian inputs.


Electrostatic separation for multi-size granule of crushed printed circuit board waste using two-roll separator.
The electrostatic separation is an effective method for recycle of crushed waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). However, the robustness of the classical roll-type separator is vulnerable because of its sensitivity to variation of granule size. A new "two-roll type corona-electrostatic separator" was built to overcome the limitation of the classical one considering the actual situation of the industrial application which always contains granule with different size. Multi-size granule of crushed printed circuit board (PCB) wastes was used for investigation and the results showed that the efficiency of the separation process was improved by using the new separator. Compared with the process (lower voltage) performed on the old separator, the metal products increased 34% while the middling products reduced 73%, respectively. Compared with the process (higher voltage) performed on the old separator, the metal products increased 22% while the middling products reduced 59%, respectively. In addition, the metal component of the middling products using new machine notably decreased, 33% (new machine) compared with 58% (lower voltage) and 66% (higher voltage). The efficiency of the separation process is enhanced compared with the classical one.


RB1 gene mutations in retinoblastoma and its clinical correlation.
To find correlation between the type of mutations observed and the severity of the disease using multiple techniques like polymerase chain reactions (PCR), quantitative multiplex PCR, sequencing and RNA analysis. Prospective, observational study. Patients who had been screened for mutations in the RB1 gene were included in the study. Patient details including demographic data; age and sex, laterality, international classification of intraocular retinoblastoma (ICIOR) staging, modality of management, histopathology high risk factors if the eyes were enucleated and metastasis rate were assessed. Seventy four patients were studied. Fifty three patients had bilateral and 21 unilateral disease. Complete genetic data was analyzed for 74 patients and complete clinical correlation was established for all the 49 patients with mutations. Of the total mutations identified, 11/49 (22.4%) of patients had large deletions, 12/49 (24.5%) had small deletions or insertions, 14/49 (28.6%) had nonsense mutations, 7/49 (14.3%) had splice mutations and 5/49 (10.2%) of patients had missense mutations. Four cases were familial. Group E ICIOR stage at presentation was noted in 40% of patients with large deletions, 33% with small deletions whereas 38.5% with splice mutations and 44.4% of patients with missense mutations presented with Group B ICIOR. Twenty five percentages of eyes with large deletions had high risk features on histopathology and one patient among these developed metastasis. Current laboratory testing of RB1 mutations may be feasible in determining the severity of the disease and patient counseling. The study provides a starting point for looking at correlations.


Choice Architectures in the Digital Economy: Towards a New Understanding of Digital Vulnerability.
In the digital economy, consumer vulnerability is not simply a vantage point from which to assess some consumers' lack of ability to activate their awareness of persuasion. Instead, digital vulnerability describes a universal state of defencelessness and susceptibility to (the exploitation of) power imbalances that are the result of the increasing automation of commerce, datafied consumer-seller relations, and the very architecture of digital marketplaces. Digital vulnerability, we argue, is architectural, relational, and data-driven. Based on our concept of digital vulnerability, we demonstrate how and why using digital technology to render consumers vulnerable is the epitome of an unfair digital commercial practice.


Arthroscopic Bankart repair and subscapularis augmentation: an alternative technique treating anterior shoulder instability with bone loss.
This study presents the preliminary results of a new arthroscopic technique consisting of the association of 2 procedures, capsulolabral repair and subscapularis augmentation tenodesis, in the treatment of traumatic anterior shoulder instability with both glenoid bone loss and a Hill-Sachs lesion. Eighty-nine patients engaged in sports were enrolled in this retrospective case-series study with 2 to 5 years' follow-up. All patients underwent a computed tomography scan to assess the percentage of glenoid bone loss by the Pico method. A prior stabilization procedure had failed in 20 patients, who were then segregated into a different group. Visual analog scale (VAS), Rowe, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores were used to assess the results. Only 3 of 89 patients had a post-traumatic redislocation. The mean length of follow-up was 31.5 months (range, 25-60 months). The VAS, Rowe, and ASES scores showed significant improvements: The VAS score decreased from a mean of 3.1 to 0.5 (P = .0157), the Rowe score increased from 58.9 to 94.1 (P = .0215), and the ASES score increased from 68.5 to 95.5 (P = .0197). The mean deficit of external rotation was 6° with the arm at the side of the trunk, and the mean deficit was 3° with the arm in 90° of abduction. The described procedure is a reproducible and effective technique used to restore joint stability in patients engaged in sports who have incurred anterior recurrent shoulder dislocation associated with glenoid bone loss (<25%) and a Hill-Sachs lesion.


QUEST--a package for processing questionnaire text and data.
An easy-to-use interactive program (QUEST) has been developed which facilitates the input, updating and checking of patient records from completed questionnaires possibly destined for statistical analysis by SPSS. Using the information about the data available in the SPSS control file, blank questionnaires can be generated, and up to date completed questionnaires printed. Selected cases can be printed out. QUEST is currently being used in four medical studies and one legal study. The program is written in standard Fortran-77 and makes full use of the new features of the language.


MicroRNA-425: A Pivotal Regulator Participating in Tumorigenesis of Human Cancers.
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small single-stranded regulatory RNAs that are shown to be dysregulated in a wide array of human cancers. MiRNAs play critical roles in cancer progression and function as either oncogenes or tumor suppressors through modulating various target genes. Therefore, they possess great potential as diagnostic and therapeutic targets for cancer detection and treatment. In particular, recent studies have illustrated that miR-425 is also dysregulated in various human malignancies and plays a fundamental role in cancer initiation and progression. miR-425 has been reported to function as a dual-role miRNA participating in the regulation of cellular processes, including metastasis, invasion, and cell proliferation by modulating multiple signaling pathways, such as TGF-β, Wnt, and P13K/AKT pathways. Therefore, regarding recent researches showing the high therapeutic potential of miR-425, in this review, we have noted the impact of its dysregulation on signaling pathways and various aspects of tumorigenesis in a variety of human cancers.


The WHO FCTC and global governance: effects and implications for future global public health instruments.
This article analyses experience with the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) in the context of global governance. It examines ways in which the WHO FCTC has been addressed by international institutions, particularly within the UN system at the international and national levels. It seeks to understand the extent to which the WHO FCTC as an international legal obligation has contributed to its integration in the strategies, policies and programmes of UN system organisations. The article examines documentation reflecting global governance responses to tobacco control since the Convention's entry into force in 2005. It also considers discussions with officials involved in the design and management of various UN initiatives. Finally, it draws on the findings of the Expert Group on the Impact Assessment of the WHO FCTC. The influence of the WHO FCTC in global governance can be at least partially attributed to its status as an international legal obligation. While tobacco control would have likely been a priority in international public health even in the absence of the WHO FCTC, the importance of tobacco control has been relatively greater as a result of the treaty. In assessing the potential utility of any future global public health instrument, it is important to consider the need to mobilise action by other global governance institutions and ensure that the chosen instrument will be capable of stimulating such action.


Making medication communication visible in community pharmacies-pharmacists' experience using a question prompt list in the patient meeting.
Even though patient engagement in the pharmacy encounter is low, few studies focus on activating patients. A Question Prompt List (QPL) has been used successfully in other parts of healthcare to encourage patients to raise their questions and concerns. For a QPL to be useful in a pharmacy setting, it first must be considered valuable and be accepted by pharmacists. To investigate the experience of community pharmacists using a QPL in counseling patients about prescribed medications. An explorative, qualitative study was conducted in 2020. A QPL, for use in pharmacy counseling, was developed based on previous literature. Semi-structured interviews were held with pharmacists. A thematic analysis approach was conducted, and the analytical framework Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) was used. Data were collected in 7 Swedish community pharmacies in interviews with 29 purposefully selected pharmacists. Three themes were identified: Perceived usefulness: the impact of the QPL on patient activation in the encounter, Perceived ease of use of the QPL in pharmacies, and Increasing the perceived usefulness and ease of use of the QPL. The pharmacists perceived patients as more active in the meeting when using the QPL. The list focused the conversation on medications, which the pharmacists appreciated from a professional point of view. They described the QPL as a useful tool that could easily be integrated into the dispensing process and required little training; however, challenges described were, for example, time constraints and stress. Pharmacists reported that using a QPL improved patient participation in the encounter. Encouraging counseling on medications was seen as beneficial from a professional point of view. In the early adoption phase, the QPL was easy to implement and did not increase the pharmacists' workload. A QPL appears to be a promising tool for pharmacists to improve the quality of the consultation experience.


Strongly Coupled NiCo2O4 Nanocrystal/MXene Hybrid through In Situ Ni/Co-F Bonds for Efficient Wearable Zn-Air Batteries.
Recently, owing to the high energy density and excellent security, wearable Zn-air batteries (ZABs) have been known as one of the most prominent wearable energy storage devices. However, sluggish oxygen reaction kinetics of oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in the air-breathe cathode seriously has limited further practical applications. In this work, we synthesize a NiCo2O4 nanocrystal/MXene hybrid with strong Ni/Co-F bonds. The prepared MXene-based hybrid composites show remarkable ORR and OER electrocatalytic activity, which results in the fabricated solid-state ZAB device to achieve an open-circuit voltage of 1.40 V, peak power density of 55.1 mW cm-2, and energy efficiency of 66.1% at 1.0 mA cm-2; to the best of our knowledge, this is the record performance among all reported flexible ZABs with MXene-based air cathodes and comparable with some noble metal catalysts. Moreover, even after cutting and suturing, our flexible solid-state ZAB devices are tailorable with high rate of performance.


Longitudinal mediation analysis of time-to-event endpoints in the presence of competing risks.
This proposal is motivated by an analysis of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), which aims to investigate the role of loneliness in explaining the negative impact of hearing loss on dementia. The methodological challenges that complicate this mediation analysis include the use of a time-to-event endpoint subject to competing risks, as well as the presence of feedback relationships between the mediator and confounders that are both repeatedly measured over time. To account for these challenges, we introduce path-specific effect proportional (cause-specific) hazard models. These extend marginal structural proportional (cause-specific) hazard models to enable effect decomposition on either the cause-specific hazard ratio scale or the cumulative incidence function scale. We show that under certain ignorability assumptions, the path-specific direct and indirect effects indexing this model are identifiable from the observed data. We next propose an inverse probability weighting approach to estimate these effects. On the ELSA data, this approach reveals little evidence that the total effect of hearing loss on dementia is mediated through the feeling of loneliness, with a non-statistically significant indirect effect equal to 1.01 (hazard ratio (HR) scale; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.99 to 1.05).


The good and bad of therapeutic strategies that directly target α-synuclein.
Synucleinopathies are neurodegenerative diseases characterized by the accumulation of either neuronal/axonal or glial insoluble proteinaceous aggregates mainly composed of α-synuclein (α-syn). Among them, the most common disorders are Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, multiple system atrophy, and some forms of familial parkinsonism. Both α-syn fibrils and oligomers have been found to exert toxic effects on neurons or oligodendroglial cells, can activate neuroinflammatory responses, and mediate the spreading of α-syn pathology. This poses the question of which is the most toxic α-syn species. What is worst, α-syn appears as a very peculiar protein, exerting multiple physiological functions in neurons, especially at synapses, but without acquiring a stable tertiary structure. Its conformation is particularly plastic, and the protein can exist in a natively unfolded state (mainly in solution), partially α-helical folded state (when it interacts with biological membranes), or oligomeric state (tetramers or dimers with debated functional profile). The extent of α-syn expression impinges on the resilience of neuronal cells, as multiplications of its gene locus, or overexpression, can cause neurodegeneration and onset of motor phenotype. For these reasons, one of the main challenges in the field of synucleinopathies, which still nowadays can only be managed by symptomatic therapies, has been the development of strategies aimed at reducing α-syn levels, oligomer formation, fibrillation, or cell-to-cell transmission. This review resumes the therapeutic approaches that have been proposed or are under development to counteract α-syn pathology by direct targeting of this protein and discuss their pros and cons in relation to the current state-of-the-art α-syn biology.


Biochemical studies on Egyptian buffalo meat Part 1. Determination of phosphorus, calcium and magnesium.
The effect of age, sex, season and cut on the phosphorus, calcium and magnesium contents of buffalo meat was studied in 128 samples. Statistical analysis for the data showed significant difference to 0.01 level for phosphorus in relation to sex and in dry season in relation to sex. There is also significant difference for both calcium and magnesium in relation to season and also in case of both male and female in relation to season. At 0.05 level, phosphorus shows a significant difference in green season in relation to sex and at 0.1 level in relation to season.


Targeted protection of proximal tubular cells by nanoparticle-enhanced delivery of a TLR9-antagonist.
The kidney target site for injury that leads to acute kidney injury (AKI) is the proximal tubule. Nanoparticle-encapsulation enhanced delivery of a selective Toll-like receptor 9 antagonist to mouse proximal tubules and attenuated experimental ischemia-reperfusion injury in a mouse model of AKI.


Simulation vs. Understanding: A Tension, in Quantum Chemistry and Beyond. Part C. Toward Consilience.
In the last part of our Essay, we outline a future of consilience, with a role both for fact-seekers, and for searchers for understanding. We begin by looking at theory and simulation, surrounded as they are by and interacting with experiment, especially in Chemistry. Experimenters ask questions both conceptual and numerical, and so draw the communities together. Two case studies show what brings the theoretician authors joy in this playground, and two more detailed ones make it clear that computation/simulation is anyway deeply intertwined with theory-building in what we do, or for that matter, anywhere in the profession. From a definition of science we try to foresee how simulation and theory will interact in the AI-dominated future. We posit that Chemistry's streak of creation provides in that conjoined future a link to Art, and a passage to a renewed vision of the sacred in science.


Prevalence and types of genetic polymorphisms of CYP2C19 and their effects on platelet aggregation inhibition by clopidogrel.
The current study was conducted to determine the distribution of genetic polymorphisms in CYP2C19 in Iraqi patients and their role in inter-individual variability of clopidogrel efficacy. A prospective controlled study was done on 100 patients under high risk of cardiovascular diseases who started clopidogrel prophylactic therapy. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method was used to determine the existence of the CYP2C19 gene mutation. Vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) index baseline besides one-month post-therapy was analyzed by dual-color flow cytometry analysis. Eight gene mutations of CYP2C19 were found (*1/*1), (*1/*2), (*1/*3), (*1/*8), (*1/*17), (*2/*2), (*2/*4), and (*3/*3) with higher prevalent CYP2C19*1 gene. Homozygous CYP2C19*1 allele was shown to be the rapid metabolizer comparing to the heterozygous CYP2C19*1 allele, whereas, CYP2C19*2 and CYP2C19*3 were resistant alleles and were present in 28% of patients. The analysis of VASP phosphorylation produces accurate inter-individual response variability in platelets inhibition by antiplatelet drugs. In vitro gene analysis and VASP index improve the clinical outcome of a patient candidate to clopidogrel as prophylaxis in cardiovascular events.


Adolescents and androgens, receptors and rewards.
Adolescence is associated with increases in pleasure-seeking behaviors, which, in turn, are shaped by the pubertal activation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis. In animal models of naturally rewarding behaviors, such as sex, testicular androgens contribute to the development and expression of the behavior in males. To effect behavioral maturation, the brain undergoes significant remodeling during adolescence, and many of the changes are likewise sensitive to androgens, presumably acting through androgen receptors (AR). Given the delicate interaction of gonadal hormones and brain development, it is no surprise that disruption of hormone levels during this sensitive period significantly alters adolescent and adult behaviors. In male hamsters, exposure to testosterone during adolescence is required for normal expression of adult sexual behavior. Males deprived of androgens during puberty display sustained deficits in mating. Conversely, androgens alone are not sufficient to induce mating in prepubertal males, even though brain AR are present before puberty. In this context, wide-spread use of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) during adolescence is a significant concern. AAS abuse has the potential to alter both the timing and the levels of androgens in adolescent males. In hamsters, adolescent AAS exposure increases aggression, and causes lasting changes in neurotransmitter systems. In addition, AAS are themselves reinforcing, as demonstrated by self-administration of testosterone and other AAS. However, recent evidence suggests that the reinforcing effects of androgens may not require classical AR. Therefore, further examination of interactions between androgens and rewarding behaviors in the adolescent brain is required for a better understanding of AAS abuse.


Effect of sphingosine and other amphiphilic amines on the biosynthesis of phosphatidylethanolamine and other glycerolipids in isolated rat hepatocytes.
The importance of ethanolamine and sphingosine as precursors of phosphoethanolamine was investigated by incubating them with [3H]glycerol and isolated rat hepatocytes. Sphingosine (0.1--0.5 mM) stimulated the synthesis of phosphatidylethanolamine from [3H]glycerol, but the stimulation by ethanolamine was more pronounced. Furthermore, more phosphoethanolamine accumulated in the heptatocytes after incubation with ethanolamine than after incubation with sphingosine. It is concluded that ethanolamine is the most important phosphoethanolamine precursor in rat liver. Higher concentrations of sphingosine caused accumulation of [3H]phosphatidate and inhibition of total glycerolipid synthesis in isolated hepatocytes, when incubated in the presence of [3H]glycerol. These effects were very similar to those of fenfluramine and norfenfluramine described previously. Simpler cationic amphiphilic amines, like oleoylamine and octadecyltrimethylammonium bromide, also caused these effects. Variation of alkyl chain length and amphiphile charge showed that both a positive charge and a certain alkyl chain length were necessary for interference with phosphatidate metabolism. A much wider range of compounds inhibited total glycerolipid synthesis from [3H]glycerol.


Composition of a suppressor factor that inhibits the immune response to lactate dehydrogenase B.
Hybridomas obtained by fusion of lactate dehydrogenase B (LDHB)-activated suppressor T (Ts) cells with the BW5147 thymoma produce a suppressor factor (TsF) that inhibits the proliferation of LDHB-activated helper T (Th) cells. A similar factor (TsE) is contained in the extract of suppressor hybridomas. Both TsF and TsE are specifically retained by LDHB-immunoadsorbent columns. Both consist of two components, an antigen-binding component (ABC) and possibly a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) component. The latter reacts with certain monoclonal antibodies specific for MHC determinants. The two components are covalently associated in the TsF and noncovalently associated in TsE. Mixing of the two components reconstitutes the activity of the TsF or TsE. Disruption of the ABC's tertiary structure results in its inability to reconstitute suppressive activity on mixing with the MHC components. The ABC may contain an intrachain disulphide bond(s). Suppression is obtained when Th cells are incubated first with the ABC and then with the MHC component or vice versa, provided that the incubation period is at least 4 h. The MHC component is also produced by nonsuppressor hybridomas but not by mitogen-stimulated blasts or by the parental thymoma. The TsF is a glycoprotein with a molecular weight of about 120,000 to 160,000. The molecular weight of the ABC is about 76,000-86,000 and of the MHC component about 30,000-37,000.


Bilateral injections of a selective mu-receptor agonist (morphiceptin) into the medial preoptic nucleus produces a marked delay in the initiation of sexual behavior in the male rat.
We examined the putative functional role of the medial preoptic nucleus mu-receptor population in the expression of male copulatory behavior in sexually vigorous Long-Evans rats. In the first experiment, three doses of morphiceptin (10, 500, and 1000 ng) a selective mu-receptor agonist injected bilaterally into the medial preoptic nucleus, produced a marked delay in the initiation of male copulatory behavior compared to saline injected controls. These injections significantly lengthened intromission and mount latencies while having no appreciable effect on any other parameter of male copulatory behavior. In a separate experiment, the transient inhibition of the expression of male copulatory behavior was completely abolished following pretreatment of naloxone 20 minutes prior to bilateral injections of morphiceptin (1000 ng) into the medial preoptic nucleus. Collectively, these results suggest that the delay in the initiation of copulation that is commonly observed following peripheral or central injections of opioids is mediated at least in part by mu receptors located within the medial preoptic nucleus.


Serial analysis of gene expression: from gene discovery to target identification.
Serial Analysis of Gene Expression (SAGE) is a sequence-based genomics tool that features comprehensive gene discovery and quantitative gene expression capabilities. As an 'open' system, SAGE can reveal which genes are expressed and their level of expression rather than merely quantifying the expression level of a predetermined, and presently incomplete, set of genes as carried out by 'closed' system gene expression profiling platforms such as microarrays. These distinguishing attributes enable SAGE to be used as a primary discovery engine that can characterize human disease at the molecular level while illuminating potential targets and markers for therapeutic and diagnostic development, respectively.


A critical feminist perspective of the health belief model: implications for nursing theory, research, practice, and education.
The health care system is in a state of crisis, and nursing is in a unique position to influence the decisions that are made regarding health care reform. However, without transforming our ways of knowing and being, the changes that are needed to meet the challenges of the future may not become a reality. Nursing theory, research, and practice reflect the historical, social, and political ideologies of western tradition. Consequently, the knowledge gained from the majority of nursing research has primarily developed from an empiricism or logical positivist philosophy. The underlying assumption of this school of thought is that only empirically quantifiable and measurable matters yield the truth, suggesting that there is only one reality. Because one cannot be socially critical as an empiricist, nurse educators have begun to question the adequacy of the empiricist philosophy and method of research for meeting changing societal demands. Social behavioral theories in general and the Health Belief Model in particular have frequently guided nursing research in an attempt to increase knowledge of health-related behaviors. Too often these theories have done little to increase our knowledge of women and people of color. For the most part, they have contributed to the oppression of individuals and groups. A critical feminist perspective can be useful in the understanding of health practices that are based on contextual knowledge. The purpose of this article is to increase awareness and understanding of the underlying assumptions, constraints, and contradictions that are embedded within social behavioral theories such as the Health Belief Model.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


Composition-ratio determination of Chrome Azurol S (CAS) with Cu(2+) and research on dynamic reaction process of CAS with EDTA.
The composition-ratio of Chrome Azurol S (CAS) with Cu(2+) and dynamic reaction process of CAS with EDTA were studied by spectrophotometry. The composition-ratio of Cu(2+) with CAS (2:1) was successfully determined using the method of lines and EDTA complexing substitution. The effects of temperature, time, pH, concentration of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTMAB), and concentration of Cu(2+) on the absorption spectrum were also discussed. By optimizing experimental conditions, the dynamic process of displacement of CAS, which forms the ternary compound Cu-CAS-CTMAB, by EDTA were determined. The test results indicated that EDTA can replace 99.6% of the CAS quickly when heated. The system reached equilibrium finally. This research method can be applied to the qualitative and quantitative analysis of related Cu complexes.


[Swallowing changes in cerebrovascular accidents: incidence, natural history, and repercussions on the nutritional status, morbidity, and mortality].
To determine the frequency of dysphagia in CVA, its natural history and value as a risk factor of respiratory infection, malnutrition and death. A prospective study was made of 187 consecutive patients with cerebrovascular accidents (CVA). A standardized test for dysphagia was done during the first two days of the illness and repeated three days a week. The levels of urea, total proteins and albumin were determined on admission and on discharge. The patients were questioned by phone after 6 months. There was dysphagia of liquids in 36.4% of the patients. The incidence of dysphagia for semisolids was of the same frequency but more severe. Coma was the cause of inability to swallow in 25.7% of the patients. During their stay in hospital one third of the patients with dysphagia died, one third became normal and one third still had dysphagia when they were discharged. After one week, one, three and six months respectively, the cure rate for dysphagia was 29.4%, 4.1%, 55.9% and 55.9%, and survival 83.8%, 67.6%, 61.8% and 60.3%. Thus after 6 months only 3 patients (4.4%) were alive and dysphagic. Half of the 'cures' occurred in the first week, and none occurred after more than 77 days. As compared to the non-dysphagic patients, the dysphagic patients had 10 times more risk of respiratory infection, 18 times higher risk of death, greater loss of albumin and less loss of urea. There is a high prevalence of dysphagia in CVA and although functional prognosis is not unfavorable, respiratory infections, malnutrition and death are frequent.


Microheterogeneity forms of alpha 1-acid glycoprotein as indicators of rheumatoid arthritis activity.
The microheterogeneity of alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) has been studied in the sera of 48 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and of 12 healthy individuals. For each rheumatoid patient the disease activity has been assessed and each patient has been assigned to one of four activity grades: I, inactive; II, mildly active; III, moderately active; and IV, severe. Concanavalin A-affinity electrophoresis revealed three microheterogeneity variants of AGP: non-reactive with Con A, weakly reactive with Con A and strongly reactive with Con A. The relative amounts of AGP-variants observed in the healthy donors were similar to those observed in the patients with activity grade I, but differed significantly from patients with grades II, III and IV. The differences between the AGP-patterns of patients with activity grades II, III and IV were also statistically significant.


CSF-1 and TPA stimulate independent pathways leading to lysosomal degradation or regulated intramembrane proteolysis of the CSF-1 receptor.
The CSF-1 receptor is a protein-tyrosine kinase that has been shown to undergo regulated intramembrane proteolysis, or RIPping. Here, we have compared receptor downregulation and RIPping in response to CSF-1 and TPA. Our studies show that CSF-1 is a relatively poor inducer of RIPping and that CSF-1-induced receptor downregulation is largely independent of RIPping. TPA is a strong inducer of RIPping and TPA-induced receptor downregulation is mediated by RIPping. We further found that RIPping is dependent on TACE or a TACE-like protease, that CSF-1 and TPA use independent pathways to initiate RIPping, and that the intracellular domain is targeted for degradation through ubiquitination.


Curcumae Longae Rhizoma and Saussureae Radix Inhibit Nitric Oxide Production and Cannabinoid Receptor 2 Down-regulation.
The cannabinoid 2 (CB2) receptor is an important regulator of immunoinflammatory responses. Crude drugs commonly used in Japanese traditional Kampo medicine have displayed anti-inflammatory effects; however, few studies have reported that these effects are mediated via CB2 receptor signaling. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate CB2 receptor-related anti-inflammatory regulation in crude drugs. The ethanol extracts of 34 crude drugs listed in the Japanese Pharmacopeia were tested, and the inhibitory effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production were evaluated in murine macrophage RAW 264 cells. The extracts of Curcumae Longae Rhizoma (dried rhizome of Curcuma longa) and Saussureae Radix (dried root of Saussurea lappa) significantly inhibited NO production and attenuated the LPS-induced decrease in CB2 receptor mRNA expression. Curcumae Longae Rhizoma and Saussureae Radix can modulate the CB2-receptor-related anti-inflammatory regulation in macrophages.


Primary mineralization in the interface between bone and methyl methacrylate implants in rat mandibles. A correlative light and scanning and transmission electron microscope study.
Self curing polymethylmethacrylate implants were administered into rat mandibular bone. Tissue reaction was studied after different periods with light microscopy and transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Formation of fibrous tissue in the interface between implant and bone was associated with initial bone resorption and followed by the occurrence of primary calcification in a collagen rich matrix after 4-8 weeks. The features of primary mineralization comprised appearance of hydroxyapatite crystals within matrix vesicles and formation of calcospheritic structures. The occurrence of calcifying fronts after the intraosseous administration of polymethylmethacrylate suggests a favourable relationship between bone and the implant material.


The hazards of defibrillation through nitroglycerin patches.
A case is presented in which defibrillation produced a small explosion in a nitroglycerin patch over which a paddle had been placed. Arcing of the electrical current from the aluminum backing on the patches was the likely cause, but arcing has also occurred with nitroglycerin ointment and electrode gel. All patches and ointments should be removed from the chest of patients about to undergo defibrillation.


Composite graft replacement after aortic valvuloplasty in Takayasu arteritis.
A 24-year-old woman had undergone valvuloplasty of the aortic valve and external reinforcement of an aneurysm of the ascending aorta during the active phase of Takayasu arteritis 1 year prior to admission to our hospital. On examination, she was diagnosed as having a large false aneurysm of the ascending aorta with annuloaortic ectasia and severe aortic regurgitation, bilateral common carotid artery aneurysms with a left internal carotid artery saccular aneurysm, and bilateral subclavian artery and right vertebral artery obstructions due to Takayasu arteritis. Because of the risk of rupture, surgical intervention was carried out in spite of the fact that aortitis was in the active phase.


Use and/or misuse of antibiotics in management of diarrhea among children in Enugu, Southeast Nigeria.
Diarrheal diseases are a leading cause of under-5 morbidity and mortality worldwide. To determine the use and/or misuse of antibiotics on children with diarrheal disease by caregivers. An observational prospective study involving 210 children and their caregivers seen at the pediatric outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital between January and May 2012 was undertaken. The mean age of the children was 18.07 ± 14.29 months. One hundred twenty-four (59%) were male, whereas 86 (41%) were female. Almost half of the children (46.7%) used unprescribed antibiotics during an episode of diarrhea. Antibiotics are being abused in children with diarrhea and caregivers need to be educated against this urgently.


Blockade of endogenous B7-H1 suppresses antibacterial protection after primary Listeria monocytogenes infection.
B7-H1 (also known as CD274 and PD-L1) is a cosignalling molecule regulating T-cell immunity positively or negatively in vivo. However, little is known about the role of endogenous B7-H1 in bacterial infection. We found that B7-H1 expression was up-regulated in various cell populations including CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, natural killer (NK) cells and macrophages following Listeria monocytogenes infection. Administration of the antagonistic B7-H1 monoclonal antibody resulted in a significant increase in mortality in mice infected with a lethal dose of L. monocytogenes compared with mice given the control immunoglobulin. In vivo blockade of B7-H1 greatly inhibited the production of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and nitric oxide, key effector molecules responsible for intracellular killing by macrophages. B7-H1 blockade also suppressed the expression of granzyme B and interferon (IFN)-gamma by NK cells. Interestingly, blocking of endogenous B7-H1 selectively inhibited CD8+ T cells rather than CD4+ T cells in response to L. monocytogenes infection, as evidenced by the reduction of IFN-gamma production and the expression of effector surface markers including CD62L(int/low) and CD44(high) in CD8+ T cells from mice given anti-B7-H1 monoclonal antibody. In addition, we found that the proliferation of listeriolysin-O (LLO)-specific and IFN-gamma-producing L. monocytogenes-reactive CD8+ T cells was significantly decreased not only in the effector phase but also in the memory phase in the presence of anti-B7-H1 antibody. Our findings thus suggest that endogenous B7-H1 can provide positive costimulatory signals for innate and adaptive immunity leading to protection against intracellular bacterial infection.


Refining the head and neck cancer referral guidelines: a two-centre analysis of 4715 referrals.
To identify the set of referral criteria that will offer optimal diagnostic efficacy in patients suspected to have head and neck cancer (HNC) in the primary care setting. Statistical analysis of referral criteria and outcomes. Two tertiary care cancer centres in the United Kingdom. 4715 patients who were referred via the fast-track system with a suspected HNC between 2007 and 2010. Parameters of diagnostic efficacy, multivariate regression model to calculate estimated probability of HNC and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). The majority of referring symptoms had a positive predictive value higher than the 3% cut-off point stated to be significant for HNC detection in the 2015 NICE recommendations. Nevertheless, our multivariate analysis identified nine symptoms to be linked with HNC. Of these, only four are included in the latest NICE guidelines. The best fit predictive model for this data set included the following symptoms: hoarseness >3 weeks, dysphagia >3 weeks, odynophagia, unexplained neck mass, oral swelling >3 weeks, oral ulcer >3 weeks, prolonged otalgia with normal otoscopy, the presence of blood in mouth with concurrent sensation of lump in throat and the presence of otalgia with concurrent lump in throat sensation. Intermittent hoarseness and sensation of lump in throat were negatively associated with HNC. The AUROC demonstrated that our model had a higher predictive value (0.77) compared to those generated using the NICE 2005 (0.69) and 2015 (0.68) referral criteria (P < 0.0001). An online risk calculator based on this study is available at http://www.orlhealth.com/risk-calculator.html. This study presents a significantly refined version of referral guidelines which demonstrate greater diagnostic efficacy than the current NICE guidelines. We recommend that further iterative refinements of referral criteria be considered when referring patients with suspected HNC.


B cell-intrinsic toll-like receptor 7 is responsible for the enhanced anti-PEG IgM production following injection of siRNA-containing PEGylated lipoplex in mice.
Recently, we reported that immunostimulatory siRNA-containing PEGylated lipoplex (PEGylated siRNA-lipoplex) activates the immune system, resulting in the enhanced production of anti-PEG IgM. However, the enhancing mechanism upon anti-PEG IgM production has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we employed toll-like receptor 7 knock out (TLR7 KO) mice, and showed how PEGylated siRNA-lipoplex activates the innate immune system through TLR7 and consequently enhances anti-PEG IgM production. In addition, we showed that SCID mice reconstituted with TLR7-deficient B cells failed to enhance anti-PEG IgM production following the injection of PEGylated siRNA-lipoplex, but that SCID mice reconstituted with wild type B cells did enhance anti-PEG IgM production. These results suggest that immune activation via B cell-intrinsic TLR7, but not other TLR7-expressing cells, contributes predominantly to an enhanced anti-PEG IgM production in response to the intravenous injection of PEGylated siRNA-lipoplexes. A strategy to evade B cell-intrinsic TLR7 activation by siRNA, such as chemical modification, may overcome immunological barriers to PEGylated liposome-based siRNA therapeutics.


The stool antigen test for detection of Helicobacter pylori after eradication therapy.
Current noninvasive tests to confirm the eradication of Helicobacter pylori must be performed 4 weeks or more after eradication therapy is completed. To determine whether the stool antigen test, a relatively new noninvasive test for H. pylori, administered at various times after eradication therapy correctly identifies persons with persistent H. pylori infection. Prospective blinded study. Six clinical centers in the United States and Europe. 84 H. pylori --infected patients undergoing endoscopy for upper abdominal symptoms. At baseline and on day 35 after the completion of triple eradication therapy, all patients underwent endoscopy with histologic examination, rapid urease test and culture, urea breath test, and a stool antigen test. The stool antigen test was also performed on days 3, 7, 15, 21, 28, and 35 after completion of therapy. Compared with the gold-standard endoscopic tests on day 35 after antimicrobial therapy, the urea breath test had a sensitivity of 94% (95% CI, 71% to 100%) and a specificity of 100% (CI, 94% to 100%). The stool antigen test had a sensitivity of 94% (CI, 71% to 100%) and a specificity of 97% (CI, 89% to 100%). On day 7 after treatment, the stool antigen test was predictive of eradication (positive predictive value, 100% [CI, 69% to 100%]; negative predictive value, 91% [CI, 82% to 97%]). A positive result on the stool antigen test 7 days after completion of therapy identifies patients in whom eradication of H. pylori was unsuccessful.


Purification and molecular properties of the toxin coded by Ustilago maydis virus P4.
The toxin from the P4 strain of Ustilago maydis was purified and characterized using a series of gel-filtration and ion-exchange columns. The apparent molecular weight of the purified toxin was estimated from gel electrophoresis to be 11.3 kd in the presence of 2-mercaptoethanol and 10.3 kd in the absence of 2-mercaptoethanol. Amino acid analysis indicated 12% basic amino acids, 14% acidic amino acids and 16% glycine. The toxin was also stable to filtration and repeated freezing at -20 degrees C and thawing.


A methodology for estimating hospital bed need in Manitoba in 2020.
A team of health researchers of the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy at the University of Manitoba was asked to forecast the number of acute care hospital beds that will be required to meet the needs of residents of the province of Manitoba by the year 2020. Methodological considerations for this request included identification of factors expected to affect bed use in the future, and how to account for these factors. The objective of this paper is to describe these methodological considerations, how decisions were made, and steps taken in our approach to this problem. The actual projections and their implications are the subject of another contribution in this issue of the journal (Finlayson, Stewart, Tate, MacWilliam & Roos, 2005).


Deficiency of BAP1 inhibits neuroblastoma tumorigenesis through destabilization of MYCN.
The transcription factor MYCN is frequently amplified and overexpressed in a variety of cancers including high-risk neuroblastoma (NB) and promotes tumor cell proliferation, survival, and migration. Therefore, MYCN is being pursued as an attractive therapeutic target for selective inhibition of its upstream regulators because MYCN is considered a "undruggable" target. Thus, it is important to explore the upstream regulators for the transcription and post-translational modification of MYCN. Here, we report that BRCA1-associated protein-1 (BAP1) promotes deubiquitination and subsequent stabilization of MYCN by directly binding to MYCN protein. Furthermore, BAP1 knockdown inhibits NB tumor cells growth and migration in vitro and in vivo, which can be rescued partially by ectopic expression of MYCN. Importantly, depletion of BAP1 confers cellular resistance to bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) protein inhibitor JQ1 and Aurora A kinase inhibitor Alisertib. Furthermore, IHC results of NB tissue array confirmed the positive correlation between BAP1 and MYCN protein. Altogether, our work not only uncovers an oncogenic function of BAP1 by stabilizing MYCN, but also reveals a critical mechanism for the post-translational regulation of MYCN in NB. Our findings further indicate that BAP1 could be a potential therapeutic target for MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma.


Delayed-type skin hypersensitivity reaction (DTH) to Thomsen-Friedenreich (T) antigen as diagnostic test for human breast adenocarcinoma.
One intradermal (i.d.) injection of human erythrocyte T antigen in the upper outer arm contralateral to any breast lesion elicits a delayed tuberculin-type hypersensitivity reaction (DTH) in breast carcinoma patients. It is necessary to inject simultaneously but separately the same quantity of MN antigen (about 6--8 cm apart), from which the T Antigen has been prepared, since particularly patients with Stage I breast carcinoma (Internatl. nomenclature) and those with benign breast disease may significantly react to it. The extent of reaction to MN antigen must be subtracted from the reaction to T antigen before interpreting results. DTH response to T antigen was 85% accurate among 67 patients with ductal breast carcinoma of all Stages (including non-invasive), 95% accurate (5% so far falsely positive) among 95 patients with benign breast disease and it was 100% accurate (no false positives) among 36 "healthy" persons tested. Among 18 patients with the comparatively rare and less ominous lobular and tubular breast carcinomata, the DTH reaction was positive in 8 of 16 (50%) patients with lobular, and in none of 2 patients with tubular breast carcinoma.


Effects of forest environment (Shinrin-yoku/Forest bathing) on health promotion and disease prevention -the Establishment of "Forest Medicine".
Humans have enjoyed forest environments for ages because of the quiet atmosphere, beautiful scenery, mild climate, pleasant aromas, and fresh, clean air. In Japan, since 2004, serial studies have been conducted to investigate the effects of forest environments (Forest bathing/Shinrin-yoku) on human health. My research team has established a new medical science called Forest Medicine. The Forest Medicine is a new interdisciplinary science, belonging to the categories of alternative medicine, environmental medicine and preventive medicine, which studies the effects of forest environments (Forest bathing/Shinrin-yoku) on human health. It has been reported that Forest bathing/Shinrin-yoku has the following beneficial effects on human health:1 Shinrin-yoku increases human natural killer (NK) activity, the number of NK cells, and the intracellular levels of anti-cancer proteins, suggesting a preventive effect on cancers. 2 Shinrin-yoku reduces blood pressure and heart rate showing preventive effect on hypertension and heart diseases. 3 Shinrin-yoku reduces stress hormones, such as urinary adrenaline and noradrenaline and salivary/serum cortisol contributing to stress management. 4 Shinrin-yoku increases the activity of parasympathetic nerves and reduces the activity of sympathetic nerves to stabilize the balance of autonomic nervous system. 5 Shinrin-yoku improve sleep. 6 Shinrin-yoku increases the levels of serum adiponectin and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate. 7 In the Profile of Mood States (POMS) test, Shinrin-yoku reduces the scores for anxiety, depression, anger, fatigue, and confusion, and increases the score for vigor, showing preventive effects on depression. 8 Shinrin-yoku may apply to rehabilitation medicine 9 Shinrin-yoku in city parks also has benefits on human health. 10 Shinrin-yoku may have preventive effect on COVID-19 by boosting immune function and by reducing mental stress.Taken together, these findings suggest that Shinrin-yoku may have potential preventive effects on non-communicable diseases.


Mithramycin suppresses tumor growth by regulating CD47 and PD-L1 expression.
Mithramycin A (MIT) has reacquired extensive research attention due to its anti-solid tumor activity and improved pharmacological production. Mechanismly, MIT was broadly used as a c-Myc inhibitor, and c-Myc regulated CD47 and PD-L1 expression which has been demonstrated. However, how MIT affects immune check-point molecules remains unknown. In this study, we found CD47 expression was higher in melanoma of pan-tissue array. MIT inhibited CD47 expression both in mRNA and protein level in melanoma cells (SK-MEL-28 and B16). MIT inhibited c-Myc, Sp-1 and CD47 expression in a concentration-dependent way. MIT inhibited the surface CD47 expression and promoted the phagocytosis of SK-MEL-28 cells by THP-1 cells. We found MIT inhibited tumor growth in melanoma allograft mice and CD47 expression in tumor mass. We also found MIT upregulated PD-L1 expression in cancer cells possibly via inhibiting PD-L1 ubiquitination, increasing ROS and IFN-γ. Combination of MIT and anti-PD-1 antibody showed enhanced antitumor activity compared to MIT and anti-PD-1 antibody alone in MC38 allograft mice. Using immune checkpoint array we found MIT inhibited expression of FasL and Galectin3. These results suggest that MIT inhibits CD47 expression, while improves PD-L1 expression. Furthermore, the combination of MIT and anti-PD-1 antibody exerts potent antitumor effect.


Proof-of-Concept of Polymeric Sol-Gels in Multi-Drug Delivery and Intraoperative Image-Guided Surgery for Peritoneal Ovarian Cancer.
The purpose of this study is to investigate a sol-gel transition property and content release profiles for thermosensitive poly-(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide)-block-poly-(ethylene glycol)-block-poly-(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA-b-PEG-b-PLGA) hydrogels carrying paclitaxel, rapamycin, and LS301, and to present a proof-of-concept that PLGA-b-PEG-b-PLGA hydrogels carrying paclitaxel, rapamycin, and LS301, called TheranoGel, exhibit excellent theranostic activity in peritoneal ES-2-luc ovarian cancer xenograft mice. Thermosensitive PLGA-b-PEG-b-PLGA hydrogels carrying paclitaxel, rapamycin, and LS301, individually or in combination, were prepared via a lyophilization method, characterized with content release kinetics, and assessed with theranostic activity in ES-2-luc xenograft mice. A thermosensitive PLGA-b-PEG-b-PLGA sol-gel system was able to entrain 3 poorly water-soluble payloads, paclitaxel, rapamycin, and LS301 (TheranoGel). TheranoGel made a sol-to-gel transition at 37°C and slowly released 3 drugs at a simultaneous release rate in response to the physical dissociation of hydrogels in vitro. TheranoGel enabled loco-regional delivery of multi-drugs by forming a gel-depot in the peritoneal cavity of ES-2-luc xenograft mice. An intraperitoneal (IP) administration of TheranoGel resulted in excellent therapeutic and diagnostic activities, leading to the improved peritoneal surgery in ES-2-luc xenograft mice. TheranoGel prepared via a facile lyophiliation method enabled successful IP delivery of multi-drugs and exhibited excellent theranostic activity in vivo.


Evaluation of the carbon accumulation capability and carbon storage of different types of wetlands in the Nanhui tidal flat of the Yangtze River estuary.
Wetlands are carbon pools for terrestrial ecosystems and play an important role in the global carbon cycle. The Nanhui tidal flat is located at the Yangtze River estuary and has been disturbed by various human activities. However, the effect of human activities on the carbon accumulation capability and carbon storage of wetlands in the Nanhui tidal flat is poorly understood. In this study, the annual carbon accumulation capability and carbon storage of three types of Spartina alterniflora Loisel. wetlands in the Nanhui tidal flat, which were defined as a natural wetland, silt-promoting wetland, and artificial restored wetland, were evaluated by analyzing the plant carbon fixation capability, soil carbon emissions, and soil organic carbon (SOC) density. The results showed that the three wetlands all had a carbon sink effect and the natural wetland, artificial restored wetland, and silt-promoting wetland annually accumulated 7.94, 7.14, and 6.33 kg m-2 CO2, respectively. The existing SOC density in the subsurface soil (0-40 cm) in the natural wetland, silt-promoting wetland, and artificial restored wetland was 23.26, 17.95, and 12.21 kg m-2 CO2, respectively. The natural wetland, with no human disturbance, had a longer duration of waterlogging and greater tidal nutrition inputs than the other wetlands, resulting in a higher plant biomass and lower soil respiration (SR). It therefore had the strongest carbon accumulation capability and highest SOC storage.


Gamekeeper's thumb: a quantitative evaluation of acute surgical repair.
A consecutive series of patients who underwent operation for acute rupture of the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb during a 3 year period from 1985 to 1988 at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh were identified. In total 44 patients sustained this injury of whom 19 were available for clinical assessment. The minimum period of follow-up was 17 months (mean 32 months). All patients were satisfied although six had minor symptoms of discomfort. There were no failures of repair; all repaired ligaments were considered to be clinically taut. A quantitative evaluation demonstrated all had good restoration of pinch grip.


Maintenance of genome sequence integrity in long- and short-lived rodent species.
DNA mutations in somatic cells have been implicated in the causation of aging, with longer-lived species having a higher capacity to maintain genome sequence integrity than shorter-lived species. In an attempt to directly test this hypothesis, we used single-cell whole-genome sequencing to analyze spontaneous and bleomycin-induced somatic mutations in lung fibroblasts of four rodent species with distinct maximum life spans, including mouse, guinea pig, blind mole-rat, and naked mole-rat, as well as humans. As predicted, the mutagen-induced mutation frequencies inversely correlated with species-specific maximum life span, with the greatest difference observed between the mouse and all other species. These results suggest that long-lived species are capable of processing DNA damage in a more accurate way than short-lived species.


Intradural Spinal Tumors-Review of Postoperative Outcomes Comparing Intramedullary and Extramedullary Tumors from a Single Institution's Experience.
Intradural spinal tumors are rare and can be classified into extramedullary or intramedullary. They commonly present with symptoms such as intractable back pain or neurologic deficits. We retrospectively reviewed 91 cases of intradural spinal tumors that underwent surgery in our institution from 2011 to 2016 and assessed their clinical outcomes. The majority of intradural tumors were extramedullary (89%), and the most common pathology was schwannoma (38.5%) followed by meningioma (29.7%). Comparing extramedullary versus intramedullary tumors, both groups experienced similar improvement in neurologic status post surgery (92.6% vs. 90%, P = 0.77). We achieved gross total resection in the majority of patients with both extramedullary and intramedullary tumors (65.4% vs. 70%, P = 0.91). Patients younger than 65 years (odds ratio [OR] 4.40, confidence interval [CI] 0.72-26.9, P = 0.11) and those who had complete resection of tumor (OR 2.92, CI 0.61-14.0, P = 0.18) were associated with higher odds of improved clinical outcomes, but the results were not statistically significant. The use of intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring was not associated with improved neurologic outcomes compared with cases where it was not used (OR 0.56, CI 0.10-3.05, P = 0.50).


Establishment of Mini-pig Model of Ureteral Stricture by Electrocoagulation Under Ureteroscopy.
To establish a mini-pig model of ureteral stricture by using electrocoagulation under ureteroscopy. Twelve female mini-pigs were included. Their ureters on one side and contralateral side were randomly divided into electrocoagulation and control groups, respectively. In the electrocoagulation group, the middle ureter was circumferentially electrocoagulated by using a self-made electrocoagulation device with the ureteroscope under direct vision, while the control group underwent ureteroscopy only without electrocoagulation. At 30 and 90 days after electrocoagulation, the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), formation of ureteral stricture, and histomorphological changes of ureteral tissues of each group were detected. At 90 days after surgery, ureteroscopy and retrograde urography revealed ureteral stricture formation in the middle ureter in the electrocoagulation group. GFR was gradually decreased over time with prolonged washout half-time in the electrocoagulation group. A compensatory increase in GFR was observed in the control group. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and Masson's Trichrome staining revealed fibroblast infiltration and fibrous tissue hyperplasia in the superficial muscular layers, and the muscular layers were arranged disorderly in the electrocoagulation group. Immunohistochemical staining showed accumulation and disorganization of ureteric epithelium in the narrow segment. In the control group, the epithelium was arranged neatly with normal structure. A mini-pig model of ureteral stricture was successfully established using electrocoagulation under ureteroscopy. This method has the advantages of being simple to implement, having high accuracy and high success rate, which can provide an ideal animal model for studying ureteral stricture.


Strategies to reduce DON contamination of wheat with different soil tillage and variety systems.
With the focus on minimizingFusarium head blight and the deoxynivalenol (DON) contamination of wheat a three year crop rotation system starting with forage maize and followed by two years of winter wheat was combined with three soil tillage systems and selected plant varieties with varying susceptibility toFusarium infection.Higher DON concentrations were generally observed in wheat grain when the soil was mulched rather than ploughed, depending on the mass of maize residues remaining on the soil surface. Maize residues are the most important source ofFusarium inoculum. Infected maize residues had a main impact on the level of DON contamination in wheat grain particularly in the first year after maize cultivation. When the maize stubble was chopped before mulching, the decomposition of the residues was speeded up and the DON contamination of the wheat grain was lower. In the second year following the maize crop, the decomposition of the maize residues/Fusarium biomass was nearly complete and the infection risk was reduced considerably. An influence of the susceptibility of the maize variety against stem rot on the DON concentration of the succeeding winter wheat crop was not observed. The less susceptible wheat variety was suitable for controlling the higher infection risk deriving from the introduction of maize in wheat rotation and the use of mulching techniques.


Controllable Polarization of Lasing Emission From a Polymer Microfiber Laser.
Microlasers with controllable polarization of output emission are vital for on-chip optical communications, optical sensors and optical switches. In this work, we report a high quality (Q) factor, low-threshold polymer microfiber laser and the possibility of achieving laser emission with a desired polarization. The microfiber is fabricated by direct drawing from a dye-doped polymer solution and it can generate whispering gallery mode (WGM) lasing under optical pulse excitation. When the microfiber is pumped from the side with pumping direction perpendicular to the microfiber's axis, the polarization direction of the output laser is found to be the same as that of the pump laser. Lasing emission with either transverse electric (TE) or transverse magnetic (TM) modes can be obtained and these two polarization states can be switched over by tuning the pumping laser. Furthermore, emission with both TE and TM modes can also be observed by changing the orientation of the microfiber relatively to pumping direction. Our finding provides an effective approach for achieving microlasers that have high Q lasing modes with anticipated polarization.