Brain CT registration using hybrid supervised convolutional neural network.
Image registration is an essential step in the automated interpretation of the brain computed tomography (CT) images of patients with acute cerebrovascular disease (ACVD). However, performing brain CT registration accurately and rapidly remains greatly challenging due to the large intersubject anatomical variations, low resolution of soft tissues, and heavy computation costs. To this end, the HSCN-Net, a hybrid supervised convolutional neural network, was developed for precise and fast brain CT registration. HSCN-Net generated synthetic deformation fields using a simulator as one supervision for one reference-moving image pair to address the problem of lack of gold standards. Furthermore, the simulator was designed to generate multiscale affine and elastic deformation fields to overcome the registration challenge posed by large intersubject anatomical deformation. Finally, HSCN-Net adopted a hybrid loss function constituted by deformation field and image similarity to improve registration accuracy and generalization capability. In this work, 101 CT images of patients were collected for model construction (57), evaluation (14), and testing (30). HSCN-Net was compared with the classical Demons and VoxelMorph models. Qualitative analysis through the visual evaluation of critical brain tissues and quantitative analysis by determining the endpoint error (EPE) between the predicted sparse deformation vectors and gold-standard sparse deformation vectors, image normalized mutual information (NMI), and the Dice coefficient of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) blood supply area were carried out to assess model performance comprehensively. HSCN-Net and Demons had a better visual spatial matching performance than VoxelMorph, and HSCN-Net was more competent for smooth and large intersubject deformations than Demons. The mean EPE of HSCN-Net (3.29 mm) was less than that of Demons (3.47 mm) and VoxelMorph (5.12 mm); the mean Dice of HSCN-Net was 0.96, which was higher than that of Demons (0.90) and VoxelMorph (0.87); and the mean NMI of HSCN-Net (0.83) was slightly lower than that of Demons (0.84), but higher than that of VoxelMorph (0.81). Moreover, the mean registration time of HSCN-Net (17.86 s) was shorter than that of VoxelMorph (18.53 s) and Demons (147.21 s). The proposed HSCN-Net could achieve accurate and rapid intersubject brain CT registration.


Dynamic Proteomics: In Vivo Proteome-Wide Measurement of Protein Kinetics Using Metabolic Labeling.
Control of biosynthetic and catabolic rates of polymers, including proteins, stands at the center of phenotype, physiologic adaptation, and disease pathogenesis. Advances in stable isotope-labeling concepts and mass spectrometric instrumentation now allow accurate in vivo measurement of protein synthesis and turnover rates, both for targeted proteins and for unbiased screening across the proteome. We describe here the underlying principles and operational protocols for measuring protein dynamics, focusing on metabolic labeling with (2)H2O (heavy water) combined with tandem mass spectrometric analysis of mass isotopomer abundances in trypsin-generated peptides. The core principles of combinatorial analysis (mass isotopomer distribution analysis or MIDA) are reviewed in detail, including practical advantages, limitations, and technical procedures to ensure optimal kinetic results. Technical factors include heavy water labeling protocols, optimal duration of labeling, clean up and simplification of sample matrices, accurate quantitation of mass isotopomer abundances in peptides, criteria for adequacy of mass spectrometric abundance measurements, and calculation algorithms. Some applications are described, including the noninvasive "virtual biopsy" strategy for measuring molecular flux rates in tissues through measurements in body fluids. In addition, application of heavy water labeling to measure flux lipidomics is noted. In summary, the combination of stable isotope labeling, particularly from (2)H2O, with tandem mass spectrometric analysis of mass isotopomer abundances in peptides, provides a powerful approach for characterizing the dynamics of proteins across the global proteome. Many applications in research and clinical medicine have been achieved and many others can be envisioned.


Cardioprotective effect of Aralia elata polysaccharide on myocardial ischemic reperfusion (IR) injury in rats.
Based on the previous studies revealing antioxidant activities of a water-soluble polysaccharide (AEP-w1) from the root bark of Aralia elata, the present study was designed to determine if chronic administration of AEP-w1 could reduce ischemic reperfusion (IR) induced myocardial injury. Wistar rats were given three different doses of AEP-w1 (50, 100 and 200mg/kg/day) or vehicle for 30 days, after which myocardial IR injury was induced by the occlusion of left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery for 45min followed by 60min of reperfusion. Pretreatment with AEP-w1 not only enhanced the serum levels of total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH), but also decreased the serum malondialdehyde (MDA) level in rats suffering IR injury. Consistent with this observation, AEP-w1 treatment also restored the myocardial antioxidant status evidenced by increased SOD, catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) and decreased thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) as compared to the IR model group. Furthermore, the elevated level of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α and IL-6, and decreased level of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in vehicle-treated IR rats was reversed by pretreatment with AEP-w1. In addition, AEP-w1 prevented myocardial cell from apoptosis in mice subjected to IR injury. These findings revealed that cardioprotective effect of AEP-w1 was achieved likely through improving endogenous antioxidants, regulating the inflammation response and suppressing myocardial cell apoptosis.


Breast infection due to dirofilariasis.
We describe a case of dirofilariasis of the breast in a woman presenting with a breast lump. The mammogram and ultrasound appearances are described with histopathological correlation. The suspicion of a parasitic infection was raised by the presence of rod-like structures within a hypoechoic nodule on sonography, appearances that have not been previously described. The case illustrates an unusual diagnostic problem since it presented in a non-endemic area.


A fatal fungus.
We report the case of a 66-year-old man who presented with a prodromal type illness and pre-sternal swelling after having coronary artery bypass grafts 4 years earlier. Computed tomography showed that the mass had a retrosternal extension, to join a collection anterior to the right ventricle. Candida famata was isolated from operative specimens and he was treated with aggressive antifungal therapy. We believe that this is the first reported case of mediastinal Candida famata.


BMD accuracy errors specific to phantomless calibration of CT scans of the lumbar spine.
Opportunistic screening using existing CT images may be a new strategy to identify subjects at increased risk for osteoporotic fracture. Low bone mineral density (BMD) is a key parameter but routine clinical CT scans do not include a calibration phantom to calculate BMD from the measured CT values. An alternative is internal or phantomless calibration, which is based on the CT values of air and of internal tissues of the subject such as blood, muscle or adipose tissue. However, the composition and as a consequence the CT values of these so-called internal calibration materials vary among subjects, which introduces additional BMD accuracy errors compared to phantom based calibration. The objective of this study was to quantify these accuracy errors and to identify optimum combinations of internal calibration materials (IM) for BMD assessments in opportunistic screening. Based on the base material decomposition theory we demonstrate how BMD can be derived from the CT values of the internal calibration materials. 121 CT datasets of the lumbar spine form postmenopausal women were used to determine the population variance of blood assessed in the aorta or the inferior vena cava, skeletal muscle of the erector spinae or psoas, subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and air. The corresponding standard deviations were used for error propagation to determine phantomless calibration related BMD accuracy errors. Using a CT value of 150 HU, a typical value of trabecular bone, simulated BMD accuracy errors for most IM combinations containing air as one of the two base materials were below 5% or 6 mg/cm3. The lowest errors were determined for the combination of blood and air (<2 mg/cm3). The combination of blood and skeletal muscle resulted in higher errors (>10.5% or >12 mg/cm3) and is not recommended. Due to possible age-related differences in tissue composition, the selection of IMs is suggested to be adapted according to the measured subject. In younger subjects without significant aortic calcifications, air and blood of the aorta may be the best combination whereas in elderly subjects, air and SAT (error of 4%) may be preferable. The use of skeletal muscle as one of the two IMs is discouraged, in particular in elderly subjects because of varying fatty infiltration. A practical implementation of the internal calibration with different IM pairs confirmed the theoretical results. In summary, compared to a phantom based calibration the phantomless approach used for opportunistic screening creates additional BMD accuracy errors of 2% or more, dependent on the used internal reference tissues. The impact on fracture prediction still must be evaluated.


Monocytes are the main source of STING-mediated IFN-α production.
Type I interferon (IFN-I) production by plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) occurs during viral infection, in response to Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) stimulation and is more vigorous in females than in males. Whether this sex bias persists in ageing people is currently unknown. In this study, we investigated the effect of sex and aging on IFN-α production induced by PRR agonist ligands. In a large cohort of individuals from 19 to 97 years old, we measured the production of IFN-α and inflammatory cytokines in whole-blood upon stimulation with either R-848, ODN M362 CpG-C, or cGAMP, which activate the TLR7/8, TLR9 or STING pathways, respectively. We further characterized the cellular sources of IFN-α. We observed a female predominance in IFN-α production by pDCs in response to TLR7 or TLR9 ligands. The higher TLR7-driven IFN-α production in females was robustly maintained across ages, including the elderly. The sex-bias in TLR9-driven interferon production was lost after age 60, which correlated with the decline in circulating pDCs. By contrast, STING-driven IFN-α production was similar in both sexes, preserved with aging, and correlated with circulating monocyte numbers. Indeed, monocytes were the primary cellular source of IFN-α in response to cGAMP. We show that the sex bias in the TLR7-induced IFN-I production is strongly maintained through ages, and identify monocytes as the main source of IFN-I production via STING pathway. This work was supported by grants from Région Occitanie/Pyrénées-Méditerranée (#12052910, Inspire Program #1901175), University Paul Sabatier, and the European Regional Development Fund (MP0022856).


Numerical chromosomal aberrations in prostate cancer: correlation with morphology and cell kinetics.
Eleven routinely processed radical prostatectomy specimens were studied for the presence of numerical chromosomal aberrations by means of in situ hybridization with nucleic acid probes specific for chromosomes 7, 10, 17, X, and Y. Cytogenetic information was correlated with morphology, tumour stage and volume as well as with cell kinetics, the latter being assessed by immunohistochemistry with antibodies raised against the proliferative cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and against a formalin-resistant epitope of the Ki-67 antigen, MIB 1. In 5 of 11 cases, numerical aberrations of at least one chromosome were found. The cases with normal chromosome numbers were those with the smallest volumes of Gleason grade 4 and/or 5 tumour (mean 0.5 cm3) and represented tumours restricted to the prostate. Tumours with aberrations in the number of detected chromosomes showed advanced stages and large volumes of high-grade tumour (mean 12.5 cm3). All 4 tumours with positive surgical margins were recruited from a group with marked local heterogeneity in chromosome numbers. Immunostaining with MIB 1 and PCNA was most intense in areas of high-grade tumour and was positively correlated with the emergence of chromosomal aberrations. The data suggest that the appearance of numerical chromosomal aberrations in prostate cancer coincides with aggressive tumour behaviour and could be used as an additional prognostic marker.


Effect of toothpaste containing arginine on dental plaque-A randomized controlled in situ study.
To evaluate the effects of 8% arginine-containing toothpaste on the dental plaque of no caries (NC) and high caries (HC) individuals in situ. 6 no caries (DMFT=0) and 6 high caries (DMFT≥6) individuals wearing a self-developed in situ dental plaque acquisition device were involved in a randomized double-blinded crossover study for 6 weeks: including lead-in (1 week), arginine-free (2 weeks), washout (1 week) and arginine-active (2 weeks) stages. The in situ plaque samples were collected at the endpoint of arginine-free and arginine-active stages and subjected to lactic acid production, metabolic activity, live/dead bacteria ratio and total biofilm biomass detections. The arginine-containing dentifrice reduced lactic acid production significantly in both the NC and HC groups, while the inhibitory abilities in the HC group were stronger than that in the NC group. In addition, the arginine-containing dentifrice didn't significantly decrease the metabolic activity, live/dead bacteria ratio and total biofilm biomass in either the NC or the HC group. Arginine-containing toothpaste can significantly reduce the lactic acid production from the in situ plaques to a low level without changing the metabolic activity, live/dead bacteria ratio and total biofilm biomass through a critical clinical randomized double-blinded crossover study. Arginine is a potential ecological prevention and control agent for dental caries. Meanwhile, the in situ model is an easy and pragmatic way to evaluate oral hygiene products (clinical trial registration: ChiCTR-INR-16010226).


Sevoflurane-induced loss of consciousness is paralleled by a prominent modification of neural activity during cortical down-states.
Networks of neocortical neurons display a bistable activity pattern characterised by phases of high frequency action potential firing, so called up-states, and episodes of low discharge activity (down-states). We hypothesised that during down-states neocortical neurons are vulnerable to anaesthetic agents. To tackle this issue, it is necessary to identify analytical methods, which are sufficiently sensitive for resolving anaesthetic effects during phases of scarce neuronal activity. The local field potential was recorded in organotypic cultures (OTC) from rat neocortex under control conditions and in the presence of increasing concentrations of sevoflurane by extracellular electrodes. Epochs from down-states were cut from the local field potential and analysed using power spectrum density as well as non-linear parameters approximate entropy (ApEn) and order recurrence rate (ORR). ApEn and ORR proved to be suitable tools for analysing the actions of volatile anaesthetics on cortical down-states. During these phases of low neuronal activity, sevoflurane caused prominent changes in the local field potential. Time series analysis using ApEn showed a reduction of signal predictability in the presence of sevoflurane. Furthermore, the ORR displayed an abrupt decrease at sevoflurane concentrations corresponding to loss of consciousness in vivo, indicating a drug-induced decrease in the signal to noise ratio. The actions of volatile anaesthetics on cortical down-states have been neglected so far, perhaps due to the lack of suitable analysis tools. In the current in vitro study the non-linear parameters ApEn and ORR are introduced to characterise volatile anaesthetics actions. Sevoflurane alters cortical down-states as indicated by non-linear parameter analysis of local field potential recording from cultured neuronal networks. ORR even displays an abrupt change, i.e., a step-like behaviour indicating an increased signal complexity at concentrations of sevoflurane corresponding to loss of consciousness in humans.


Computer use in a school of nursing.
Scepticism over the use of computers in nursing still abounds. In this article, Nicola Eaton describes how the initial interest of one lecturer in a university based school of nursing led eventually to the development of a sophisticated computer network within an expanding department. The resultant benefits to staff and students are described, with the suggestion that familiarity with systems can promote improvements in nurses' attitudes towards computer technology.


Transferrin receptor expression by human bladder transitional cell carcinomas.
The expression of transferrin receptors (TFR) by normal and neoplastic urothelial cells was studied in "control" patients and in patients with transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. These tumours were graded independently and consisted of 19 grade I, 30 grade II and 19 grade III lesions. TFRs were identified using a monoclonal antibody specific for TFR (OKT9) in an immunofluorescent or avidin/biotin-immunoperoxidase technique on fresh frozen sections. TFRs were not detected on normal urothelium. However, positive staining was found to increase with increasing pathological grade and stage of the tumours, ranging from 31.6% of grade I to 78.9% of grade III tumours and 51.2% of pTa (mucosa only lesions) to 87.5% of pT2/pT2+ (muscle invasion +/- deeper) primary urothelial malignancies.


An oral cancer biobank initiative: a platform for multidisciplinary research in a developing country.
Identification of diagnostic markers for early detection and development of novel and therapeutic agents for effective patient management are the main motivation for cancer research. Biological specimens from large cohort and case-control studies which are crucial in providing successful research outcomes are often the limiting factor that hinders research efforts, especially in developing countries. Therefore, the Malaysian Oral Cancer Database and Tissue Bank System (MOCDTBS) were established to systematically collect large number of samples with comprehensive sociodemographic, clinicopathological, management strategies, quality of life and associated patient follow-up data to facilitate oral cancer research in Malaysia. The MOCDTBS also promotes sharing among researchers and the development of a multidisciplinary research team. The following article aims to describe the process of setting-up and managing the MOCDTBS.


The role of integrin-linked kinase (ILK) in cancer progression.
Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) is an intracellular protein, which interacts with the cytoplasmic domains of integrin beta and beta3 subunits. ILK is a 59 kDa protein containing a phosphoinositide phospholipid-binding domain flanked by an N-terminal ankyrin repeat domain and a C-terminal serine/threonine protein kinase domain. Genetic and biochemical evidence have established an essential role of ILK in connecting integrins to the actin cytoskeleton. Apart from integrins, ILK interacts with several adaptor and signaling proteins resulting in its activation and localization to focal adhesion plaques. The kinase activity of ILK is stimulated upon integrin engagement, as well as by growth factors and chemokines in a PI-3Kinase-dependent manner. ILK can mediate the phosphorylation of a variety of intracellular substrates, most notable of which are: protein kinase B (PKB/Akt), glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) and myosin light chain. Gain and loss of function strategies have shown that overexpression, and/or constitutive activation of ILK results in oncogenic transformation and progression to invasive and metastatic phenotypes. In addition ILK expression and activity are upregulated in several types of cancers. In this review, we summarize the adaptor and signaling properties ofILK, and also progress in the identification of therapeutic strategies for inhibition of ILK activity.


NMR studies of myelin basic protein. IX. Complete assignments of the tyrosine residues by proton NMR of proteins from six species.
All the proton resonances from the tyrosine residues are assigned in 400 MHz NMR spectra in aqueous solution of myelin basic proteins from human, cow, pig, rabbit, rat (small protein) and chicken. Assignments are based on species comparisons, spectra of enzymatic cleavage products of the basic protein, pH titrations, broadening effects of Gd(III), and nuclear Overhauser effects. The mobile extended polypeptide chain structure of the protein facilitates the detection of interactions between nearest neighbors. Evidence is found for reverse turns in the structure in regions of encephalitogenic determinants.


Cheap and scalable synthesis of α-Fe2O3 multi-shelled hollow spheres as high-performance anode materials for lithium ion batteries.
Delicate α-Fe2O3 multi-shelled hollow spheres have been prepared by a simple and scalable spray drying method followed by annealing in air. The resulting material shows high specific capacity, good cycling stability, and excellent rate performance in lithium ion battery applications.


The mucosa-associated microflora of the rat intestine: a study of normal distribution and magnesium sulphate induced diarrhoea.
Specimens of intestinal mucosa of rats were examined closely to determine the distribution of the mucosa-associated microbial flora. Six distinct zones were found along the length of the intestinal tract. The first zone, in the small intestine 50 cm or more from the ileocaecal junction, had no associated flora: however, each of the five other zones had different populations of microorganisms associated with the mucosa. Some of these organisms have not been reposted previously. Treatment of rats with oral doses of the purgative magnesium sulphate resulted in dramatic changes in the distribution of these mucosa-associated microorganisms. The normal flora of ileal and caecal crypts disappeared, while the organisms in colonic crypts were unchanged. Large numbers of mucosa-associated bacteria appeared in the stools of treated animals.


One-pot synthesis and biological evaluation of aspergillamides and analogues.
A one-pot total synthesis of aspergillamide and analogues by a solution phase Ugi multi component reaction (MCR) is described. The reaction is easily performed in 96-well plates and offers a facile access to diverse aspergillamide analogue compound libraries. The antibiotic and cytotoxic activity of these compounds is measured. Several of them are more potent than the natural product.


Two cases of diabetic ketoacidosis in HNF1A-MODY linked to severe dehydration: is it time to change the diagnostic criteria for MODY?
Hepatocyte nuclear factor-1A maturity-onset diabetes of the young (HNF1A-MODY) is a monogenic form of diabetes caused by heterozygous mutations in HNF1A. Currently, a history of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is an exclusion criterion for genetic testing for MODY. In this article, we describe two unrelated patients aged 17 and 24 years with severe DKA developed several years after the diagnosis of HNF1A-MODY. Both patients were treated with insulin, but their metabolic control was poor (HbA1c 15%, 140 mmol/mol and 13%, 119 mmol/mol, respectively) due to noncompliance and missed insulin injections. In both patients, DKA followed a course of recurrent vomiting with dehydration and prerenal acute kidney injury. Their glycemia, blood pH, and base excess at admission were 97 mmol/L [1,748 mg/dL], 6.80, and -33 mmol/L (patient 1) and 34 mmol/L [613 mg/dL], 7.03, and -14 mmol/L (patient 2). This anecdotal observation supports the notion that a history of DKA does not exclude MODY.


Evolving teledermatology policy and reimbursement landscape in the United States.
Policymakers and payers are reevaluating the temporary telehealth flexibilities granted during the COVID-19 public health emergency, which will shape future teledermatology utilization. To summarize the recently expanded telehealth flexibilities in the United States, projected changes, and corresponding implications for dermatologists. Narrative review of the literature, United States policies and regulations, and white paper reports. Key telehealth flexibilities included expansion of payment parity, relaxation of originating site requirements, loosening of state licensure requirements, and HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996) enforcement discretion. These changes enabled widespread accessibility and adoption of teledermatology, which enhanced high-quality and cost-effective dermatologic care. Most waivers will end 151 days following the end of the public health emergency declaration. Notably, asynchronous telehealth was not included in the reimbursement expansion. Only policies and regulations through December 2022 are included. It will be important for the field of dermatology to stay abreast of the upcoming changes in telemedicine policies and reimbursement, to demonstrate teledermatology's value through evidence-based studies and to advocate for enduring policies that will promote the accessibility of teledermatology for patients.


Reproducibility of isometric shoulder protraction and retraction strength measurements in normal subjects and individuals with winged scapula.
The strength of the shoulder protractors and retractors may be compromised in individuals with winged scapula (IwWS). However, no standard approach to measuring the strength of these muscles has been described. The aim of this study was to study the intra-rater and inter-rater reproducibility of a fixed-base isometric dynamometer and to describe cutoff scores for clinically meaningful change for protraction and retraction isometric strength. Twice during a week, 20 normal subjects and 20 IwWS were tested by 2 independent raters. IwWS were significantly weaker (P < .001) than control subjects in their protraction and retraction isometric strength. Excellent intra-rater and inter-rater correlations were obtained in most combinations, leading to low cutoff scores for meaningful change expressed in terms of the smallest real difference. When it is properly used, the technique described in this paper is recommended as an effective clinical tool for the quantitative assessment of protraction and retraction isometric strength, both for status determination and for monitoring of change in IwWS during and after rehabilitation.


A study of the human immune response to Lolium perenne (rye) pollen and its components, Lol p I and Lol p II (Rye I and Rye II). II. Longitudinal variation of antibody levels in relation to symptomatology and pollen exposure and correction of seasonally elevated antibody levels to basal values.
This study used a standardized, dialyzed, Lolium perenne (ryegrass) pollen extract and two of its well-characterized components, Lol p I (Rye I) and Lol p II (Rye II), to characterize the longitudinal variation of both IgE and IgG antibody (Ab) levels, as well as total serum IgE levels, in 20 grass-allergic subjects followed for 13 months. Ab levels declined toward a basal level just before, and increased just after, the grass-pollination season, returning to the same basal level just before the next grass-pollination season. The least complex allergen, Lol II, demonstrated the most uniform pattern of variation in both IgE and IgG Ab levels. Total serum IgE levels demonstrated the least regular pattern of variation. Grass-pollen counts were strongly correlated with symptom-medication scores for these subjects (rs = 0.87). Initial values were correlated with the rise in total IgE and IgE Ab to Lol II across the grass-pollen season. Skin test results were correlated with initial IgE Ab levels for L. perenne pollen extract and Lol II. Finally, a procedure for correcting IgE Ab levels to basal values was proposed and tested. The correction procedure, for each IgE Ab, was based on the average rise during the grass-pollination season (or average decline after the grass-pollination season) observed for all subjects with that IgE Ab.


Population structure and recruitment of the ectoparasite Argulus coregoni Thorell (Crustacea: Branchiura) on a fish farm.
The population structure and recruitment of Argulus coregoni was monitored at a Finnish fish farm during the open water periods of 1999 and 2001 by weekly sampling of attached argulids. In 2001 the numbers of rainbow trout examined increased in the autumn when the A. coregoni population was declining. When the water temperature exceeded 10 degrees C, at the end of May, A. coregoni egg hatching commenced. A mean number of 98 (S.D. +/- 5.4) juvenile A. coregoni was recorded on each fish, before the start of female egg laying in July 1999. The abundance of lice was lower in 2001. The main recruitment of A. coregoni juveniles occurred in early summer, but the hatching of eggs continued until September. However, no pulses of hatching were recorded later in the summer and the numbers of lice on fish substantially decreased after mid-July in both years. On average, only 0.6 (S.D. +/- 0.72) parasites/fish were found between August and late October 2001 and none in November. We suggest that there is 1 main A. coregoni generation annually in Central Finland. Environmental conditions, especially temperature, affects the population cycle of A. coregoni: we found a more synchronous and intense population cycle during the summer 1999, when the early summer was warmer than in 2001. The overall sex ratio (female:male) of A. coregoni was nearly 1:1 in June 1999, but was male biased (1:1.4) in June 2001. It was also shown that from July onwards, many females detached from the fish host in order to lay their eggs on the bottom of the pond. Large males were often bigger than the largest females between mid-July and early September 2001, when as many as 3.7 (s.r. +/- 1.48) times more males than females were present in the lice samples.


The sensory function of the uninjured nerve in patients after median and ulnar nerve injury.
A retrospective cohort study. Some patients after median or ulnar nerve injury report a diminished sensibility in the fingers that are supplied by the uninjured nerve. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the function of the uninjured nerve in patients after peripheral nerve injury to assess the presence and degree of its functional impairment. There were 28 patients with median and 29 patients with ulnar nerve injury examined for sensory disturbances in the injured and uninjured nerves, using several tests assessing touch, temperature, and vibration sensibility. In 16 patients after ulnar and 13 patients after median nerve injury, some disturbances in the uninjured nerve were found, mostly in individual tests. Only 8 patients had 3 or more different tests abnormal. The injured nerve function in patients with functional disturbances in the uninjured nerve was worse than in patients with normal test results. Posttraumatic changes in central nervous system are the possible reasons. Level III study.


Rate dependent of strength in metallic glasses at different temperatures.
The correlation between the strength at the macroscale and the elastic deformation as well as shear cracking behavior at the microscale of bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) is investigated. The temperatures of 298 K and 77 K as well as the strain rate ranging from 10(-6) s(-1) to 10(-2) s(-1) are applied to the BMGs, in which the mechanical responses of the BMGs are profiled through the compression tests. The yield strength is associated with the activation of the elementary deformation unit, which is insensitive to the strain rate. The maximum compressive strength is linked to the crack propagation during shear fracture process, which is influenced by the strain rate. The cryogenic temperature of 77 K significantly improves the yield strength and the maximum compressive strength of the BMGs.


Early-term birth (37-38 weeks) and mortality in young adulthood.
Early-term birth (gestational age, 37-38 weeks) has been associated with increased infant mortality relative to later-term birth, but mortality beyond infancy has not been studied. We examined the association between early-term birth and mortality through young adulthood. We conducted a national cohort study of 679,981 singleton births in Sweden in 1973-1979, followed up for all-cause and cause-specific mortality through 2008 (ages 29-36 years). There were 10,656 deaths in 21.5 million person-years of follow-up. Among those still alive at the beginning of each age range, early-term birth relative to those born at 39-42 weeks was associated with increased mortality in the neonatal period (0-27 days: adjusted hazard ratio = 2.18 [95% confidence interval = 1.89-2.51]), postneonatal period (28-364 days: 1.66 [1.44-1.92]), early childhood (1-5 years: 1.29 [1.10-1.51]), and young adulthood (18-36 years: 1.14 [1.05-1.24]), but not in late childhood/adolescence (6-17 years: 0.97 [0.84-1.12]). In young adulthood, early-term birth was strongly associated with death from congenital anomalies and endocrine disorders, especially diabetes (2.89 [1.54-5.43]). In this large national cohort study, early-term birth was independently associated with increased mortality in infancy, early childhood, and young adulthood. Lowest short-term and long-term mortality was among those born at 39-42 weeks.


An assessment of growth, floral morphology, and metabolites of a medicinal plant Sida cordifolia L. under the influence of elevated ozone.
Tropospheric ozone (O3) is a major secondary air pollutant and greenhouse gas, and its impact on growth, yield, and its quality is well established in the case of crop plants. However, the effects of tropospheric O3 have not been comprehensively studied on medicinal plants. Therefore, a field study was planned on a medicinally important Sida cordifolia L. plant (commonly known as country mallow or Bala) to assess the expected changes on the morphology, growth, and leaf injury under elevated O3 (ambient + 20 ppb) by using open-top chambers (OTCs) at 30, 60, and 90 days after treatment (DAT), while leaf and root metabolites were observed at 60 DAT. At all the growth stages, significant leaf damage was recorded as foliar injury symptoms. Most of the growth parameters also showed significant reductions at all the growth stages. Plants under elevated O3 showed a significant negative impact on most of the reproductive parts of the plant. Leaf weight ratio (LWR) showed significant increment at early stages while reduced at 90 DAT; however, root shoot ratio (RSR) showed a significant reduction at 60 DAT. The majority of the steroid metabolites showed an increase in root and leaves under elevated O3, while terpenes showed variable response. Due to O3 stress, most of the major metabolites showed an increase possibly due to their role in defense and other metabolic activities. Based on the outcomes, it is concluded that the future increase in the levels of tropospheric O3 will impact a significant effect on important metabolites of medicinal plants growing in tropical countries like India.


Are you real? Visual simulation of social housing by mirror image stimulation in single housed mice.
Individual housing of social species is a common phenomenon in laboratory animal facilities. Single housing, however, is known to inflict social deprivation with a number of detrimental consequences. Aiming to improve housing conditions of single housed rodents, we investigated the simulation of social housing by mirrors in a series of behavioural experiments and biochemical parameters in mice. We found that chronic mirror-image stimulation increased exploratory behaviours in the holeboard and novel cage tests, but did not alter anxiety, locomotor, or depression-like behaviours. Moreover, no influence on visual recognition memory was observed. Hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, a biomarker for enrichment effects, were unaltered. In line, mirror-image stimulation did not alter home cage behaviour in mice housed with and without mirrors when left undisturbed. Thus, though we found subtle behavioural effects after long-term mirror exposure, we conclude that the simulation of social housing by mirrors is not sufficient to gain the presumably beneficial outcomes induced by social housing.


Examining differences in retention on medication for opioid use disorder: An analysis of Ohio Medicaid data.
Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUDs), including methadone, buprenorphine and naltrexone, are associated with lower death rates and improved quality of life for people in recovery from opioid use disorder (OUD). Less is known about each MOUD modality's association with treatment retention and the contribution of behavioral health therapy (BHT). The objectives of the current study were to estimate the association between MOUD type and treatment retention and determine whether BHT was associated with length of time retained. We investigated the time from initiation to discontinuation from MOUD by medication type and exposure to BHT using statewide Medicaid Claims data (N = 81,752). We estimated covariate adjusted hazard ratios (AHR) using a Cox proportional hazards model. Compared to methadone, buprenorphine was associated with a higher risk of discontinuation at the time of initiation (AHR = 2.41, 95% CI = 2.28-2.55), however that difference decreased over one year of maintained retention (AHR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.37-1.50). Compared to methadone and buprenorphine, naltrexone was associated with a higher risk of discontinuation at the time of initiation (naltrexone vs. methadone AHR = 2.49, 95% CI = 2.30-2.65; naltrexone vs. buprenorphine AHR 1.03, 95% CI = 1.00-1.07), and that relative risk increased over the course of one year of retention (naltrexone vs. methadone AHR = 3.85, 95% CI = 3.63-4.09; naltrexone vs. buprenorphine AHR = 2.67, 95% CI = 2.54-2.81). In general, independent of MOUD type, exposure to BHT during MOUD treatment was associated with a lower risk of discontinuation (AHR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.92-0.96). However, BHT during the treatment episode was not associated with retention in the adolescent/young adult and pregnant women subpopulations. From the standpoint of early success, methadone was associated with the lowest risk of treatment discontinuation. While buprenorphine and naltrexone were associated with similar risks at the beginning of treatment, the relative discontinuation risk for buprenorphine was less than half that of naltrexone at one year of retention. In general, BHT with MOUD was associated with a lower risk of treatment discontinuation.


Use of hepatobiliary phase images in Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI of breast cancer hepatic metastasis to predict response to chemotherapy.
To determine the prognostic value of Gd-EOB-DTPA MRI findings of liver metastasis from breast cancer. 29 metastatic lesions from 12 breast cancer patients who received chemotherapy were retrospectively reviewed. We evaluated hepatobiliary phase of the lesions and classified them as a "target" or "non-target" appearance. The relationship of appearance or SI ratio with tumor response was analyzed. A non-target appearance was more frequent in disease control group than in non-control group [14/18 (77.8%) vs. 4/18 (22.2%)], and it was associated with a better response [p=0.048]. HBP analysis may be useful to predict the response to chemotherapy and survival.


Development of a complex orientation program for multidisciplinary training.
Providing complex orientation and multidisciplinary training for perioperative personnel of a newly constructed health care facility with new surgical suites proved both challenging and valuable to nurse leaders. Despite the need for such training, a program to teach groups across all disciplines regarding technological advances specific to the OR and to orient them to a new facility did not exist previously. To address this, we developed a multiphase educational initiative that involved orientation, technology training, and multidisciplinary simulation. The project required extensive planning, high-level collaboration, and use of the hospital's information technology systems, all while staff members continued to provide care for patients undergoing surgically complex procedures. The successful implementation of this program ensured that staff members were proficient in new OR technology and oriented to the new facility before occupancy began.


Expression and localization of aquaporin 7 in normal skeletal myofiber.
We examined whether AQP7 molecules are expressed in the normal skeletal muscle at mRNA and protein levels. Gel electrophoresis of the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) product of total RNA samples of normal human or mouse muscles by using oligonucleotide primers for human or mouse AQP7 showed a band of 328 or 369 basepairs, which corresponded to the basepair length between two primers of AQP7. The nucleotide sequence of these RT-PCR products coincided with those of human and mouse AQP7. Immunoblot, immunohistochemical and immunoelectron-microscopic studies of the protein were done by using the rabbit antibody against the synthetic peptide of the N-terminal cytoplasmic domain of the human AQP7 molecule. Immunoblot analysis showed that the rabbit antibody against human AQP7 reacted with a protein of approximately 30 kDa molecular weight in extracts of normal human and mouse skeletal muscles, and normal mouse liver. Immunohistochemistry with our anti-AQP7 antibody showed an immunoreaction at the myofiber surface of type 1 and type 2 fibers in human muscles and of type 2 fibers in mouse muscles.


The role of dietary potassium in hypertension and diabetes.
Potassium is an essential mineral which plays major roles for the resting membrane potential and the intracellular osmolarity. In addition, for several years, it has been known that potassium also affects endothelial and vascular smooth muscle functions and it has been repeatedly shown that an increase in potassium intake shifts blood pressure to a more preferable level. Meanwhile, the blood pressure lowering effects of potassium were presented in several intervention trials and summarized in a handful of meta-analyses. Furthermore, accumulating epidemiological evidence from, especially, the last decade relates low dietary potassium intake or serum potassium levels to an increased risk for insulin resistance or diabetes. However, intervention trials are required to confirm this association. So, in addition to reduction of sodium intake, increasing dietary potassium intake may positively affect blood pressure and possibly also glucose metabolism in many populations. This concise review not only summarizes the studies linking potassium to blood pressure and diabetes but also discusses potential mechanisms involved, like vascular smooth muscle relaxation and endothelium-dependent vasodilation or stimulation of insulin secretion in pancreatic β-cells, respectively.


Reduced dietary Ca, Cu, Zn, Mn, and Mg bioavailability but increased Fe bioavailability with polyethylene microplastic ingestion in a mouse model: Changes in intestinal permeability and gut metabolites.
Microplastics emerge as a new environmental and human health crisis. Minimal research exists on effects of microplastic ingestion on the oral bioavailability of minerals (Fe, Ca, Cu, Zn, Mn, and Mg) in the gastrointestinal tract via impacting intestinal permeability, mineral transcellular transporters, and gut metabolites. Here, mice were exposed to polyethylene spheres of 30 and 200 μm (PE-30 and PE-200) in diet (2, 20, and 200 μg PE g-1) for 35 d to determine the microplastic effects on mineral oral bioavailability. Results showed that for mice fed diet amended with PE-30 and PE-200 at 2-200 μg g-1, Ca, Cu, Zn, Mn, and Mg concentrations in the small intestine tissue were 43.3-68.8 %, 28.6-52.4 %, 19.3-27.1 %, 12.9-29.9 %, and 10.2-22.4 % lower compared to control mice, suggesting hampered bioavailability of these minerals. In addition, Ca and Mg concentrations in mouse femur were 10.6 % and 11.0 % lower with PE-200 at 200 μg g-1. In contrast, Fe bioavailability was elevated, as suggested by significantly (p < 0.05) higher Fe concentration in the intestine tissue of mice exposed to PE-200 than control mice (157-180 vs. 115 ± 7.58 μg Fe g-1) and significantly (p < 0.05) higher Fe concentrations in liver and kidney with PE-30 and PE-200 at 200 μg g-1. Following PE-200 exposure at 200 μg g-1, genes coding for duodenal expression of tight junction proteins (e.g., claudin 4, occludin, zona occludins 1, and cingulin) were significantly up-regulated, possibility weakening intestinal permeability to Ca, Cu, Zn, Mn, and Mg ions. The elevated Fe bioavailability was possibly related to microplastic-induced greater abundances of small peptides in the intestinal tract, which inhibited Fe precipitation and elevated Fe solubility. Results showed that microplastic ingestion may cause Ca, Cu, Zn, Mn, and Mg deficiency but Fe overload via altering intestinal permeability and gut metabolites, posing a threat to human nutrition health.


Specific bypass conditions determine safe minimum flow rate.
The purpose of this study is to define a safe minimum flow rate for specific bypass conditions using continuous monitoring with near-infrared spectroscopy and direct observation of the cerebral microcirculation. Two series of experiments (n = 72 in each) were conducted in which piglets were cooled to a temperature of 15 degrees, 25 degrees, or 34 degrees C on cardiopulmonary bypass with hematocrit 20% or 30%, pH-stat management in all, followed by 1 or 2 hours of reduced flow (10, 25, or 50 mL.kg(-1).min(-1)). Animals in series one had a cranial window placed over the parietal cortex to evaluate the microcirculation with intravital microscopy. Plasma was labeled with fluorescein-isothiocyanate-dextran for assessment of functional capillary density (FCD) and microvascular diameter. In series two, near-infrared spectroscopy was utilized to detect tissue oxygenation index (TOI). Outcome measures included histologic and neurologic injury scores. The TOI during low flow and FCD during rewarming and after weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass were associated with neurologic injury. Failure of FCD to return to baseline during rewarming predicted worse functional and histologic outcome (p < 0.001). Regression analysis indicated that temperature and low-flow rate were multivariable predictors of TOI and FCD during rewarming (p < 0.001). Tissue oxygen index derived from near-infrared spectroscopy is a useful real-time monitor for detecting inadequate cerebral perfusion during cardiopulmonary bypass. Minimal safe pump flow rate varies according to the conditions of bypass: using pH stat management and with an hematocrit of either 20% or 30%, a flow rate as low as 10 mL.kg(-1).min(-1) is safe for as long as 2 hours at a temperature of 15 degrees C. However, under the same conditions at 34 degrees C, a flow rate of 10 mL.kg(-1).min(-1) is very likely to be associated with neurologic injury.


Construction of a conjugation method for the transformation of Cobetia sp. IU180733JP01 (5-11-6-3) that accumulates poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) from seaweeds.
Cobetia bacteria are considered useful hosts for industrial applications owing to their fast growth, high cell density, and halophilicity. Here, we constructed an efficient conjugation method to obtain Cobetia sp. IU180733JP01 (5-11-6-3) transformants, which can produce bioplastics from alginate or seaweed waste. Lysogeny Broth medium containing 2% NaCl was used to co-cultivate the 5-11-6-3 strain (plasmid recipient) with Escherichia coli S17-1 (plasmid donor). Transformants with the highest conjugation efficiency [(2.92 ± 1.37) × 10-3] were obtained at a donor:recipient cell number ratio of 5:1. This is the first study reporting the creation of recombinant strains in the genus Cobetia. This method will contribute to creating a platform strain for the production of bioplastics and other useful materials from marine biomass.


Ozonation kinetics for the degradation of phthalate esters in water and the reduction of toxicity in the process of O3/H2O2.
The oxidation kinetics of four phthalate esters (PAEs) with ozone alone and hydroxyl radical (OH) were investigated. The toxicity reduction in the process of O(3)/H(2)O(2) was evaluated. The second order rate constants for the reaction of four PAEs with ozone and OH were determined by direct oxidation method and competition kinetics method in bench-scale experiment, and found to be 0.06-0.1M(-1)s(-1) and (3-5) × 10(9)M(-1)s(-1), respectively. The oxidation kinetic rate constant of the selected PAEs (diethyl phthalate, DEP) was confirmed using Song Hua-jiang river water as the background. The results indicated that DEP degradation in this river water was close to the simulated value based on the determined rate constants. The toxicity test performed with bioluminescence test, showed that the toxicity expressed as the inhibition rate changed from 36% to below detection limit in the process of O(3)/H(2)O(2), which means that catalytic ozonation is an efficient way for DEP degradation and toxicity reduction, but an ineffective method for DEP minimization on the basis of the total organic carbon determination.


[Study of Vibrio cholerae fractions. III. The gel chromatographic and immunochemical characteristics of vibrionin].
Three fractions differing by molecular weight (fraction 1--greater than 14 x 10(4)--less than 2 x 10(6) dalton, fraction 11--greater than 7 x 10(4)--less than 14 x 10(4) dalton, fraction III--greater than l0(4) less 35 x 10(3) dalton) were isolated from vibrionin, a preparation of cholera allergen, by gel chromatography on Sephadex G-150. These fractions possessed a different immunochemical activity and were capable of detecting the state of increased sensitivity to cholera vibrio.


Cellular heterogeneity and drug resistance in two ovarian adenocarcinoma cell lines derived from a single patient.
Two ovarian cell lines were derived from the ascites of a patient before and after the onset of resistance to chemotherapy involving cis-platinum, chlorambucil and 5-fluorouracil. Characterization of these lines shows them to have various features in common and some significant differences. Cytologically the lines cannot be distinguished and they both contain high concentrations of oestrogen receptor. However, they do differ with respect to their growth characteristics, karyotype, glutathione content and sensitivity to cis-platinum. The karyotypes of the 2 lines show several marker chromosomes in common but the resistant line contained a chromosome 8 and a 17 which were absent from the earlier sensitive line. This suggests a clonal origin with subsequent divergence to a heterogeneous population.


Racial/Ethnic Disparities Associated With Initial Hemodialysis Access.
Superior outcomes have been established with the use of an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) at first hemodialysis. However, considering the influence of comorbidities, medical insurance, and specialist care, racial/ethnic differences in the patterns of utilization of AVFs are unknown and deserve evaluation. To assess national trends in initial hemodialysis access with respect to race/ethnicity stratified by comorbid disease, nephrology care, and medical insurance status within the US Renal Data System. A retrospective analysis of all patients with end-stage renal disease in the US Renal Data System who initiated hemodialysis between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2010. Univariable statistics (χ² test and analysis of variance) and logistic regression were used to compare racial/ethnic groups (white vs black vs Hispanic). Multivariable logistic regression and propensity score-matching techniques were used to evaluate hemodialysis access rates between patients of different races/ethnicities with comparable characteristics. Utilization rates of AVF, arteriovenous graft, and intravascular hemodialysis catheter. In this cohort of 396,075 patients, more white patients initiated hemodialysis with an AVF than black patients or Hispanic patients (18.3% vs 15.5% and 14.6%, respectively; P < .001). Black patients and Hispanic patients initiated hemodialysis with an AVF less frequently despite being younger and having less coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cancer than white patients with an AVF. When stratified by medical insurance status, black patients (odds ratios, 0.90 [95% CI, 0.82-0.98] for uninsured and 0.85 [95% CI, 0.84-0.87] for insured) and Hispanic patients (odds ratios, 0.72 [95% CI, 0.65-0.81] for uninsured and 0.81 [95% CI, 0.79-0.84] for insured) persistently initiated hemodialysis with an AVF less frequently than white patients (P < .05 for all). Arteriovenous fistula utilization at initial hemodialysis was lower among black patients (odds ratio, 0.81 [95% CI, 0.78-0.84]) and Hispanic patients (odds ratio, 0.86 [95% CI, 0.82-0.90]) compared with white patients within the category of patients who had nephrology care for longer than 1 year (P < .001 for all). Black patients and Hispanic patients tend to initiate hemodialysis with an AVF less frequently than white patients despite being younger and having fewer comorbidities. These disparities persisted independent of factors that drive health access for fistula placement, such as medical insurance status and nephrology care. The sociocultural underpinnings of these disparities deserve investigation and redress to maximize the benefits of initiating hemodialysis via fistula in patients with end-stage renal disease irrespective of race/ethnicity.


Diapocynin prevents early Parkinson's disease symptoms in the leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2R¹⁴⁴¹G) transgenic mouse.
The most prominent mechanism proposed for death of dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson's disease (PD) is elevated generation of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS). Recent studies suggest that ROS produced during PD pathogenesis may contribute to cytotoxicity in cell culture models of PD. We hypothesized that inhibition of ROS production would prevent PD symptoms in the LRRK2(R1441G) transgenic (tg) mouse model of PD. These mice overexpress a mutant form of leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) and are reported to develop PD-like symptoms at approximately 10 months of age. Despite similar expression of the transgene, our colony did not recapitulate the same type of motor dysfunction originally reported. However, tests of motor coordination (pole test, Rotor-Rod) revealed a significant defect in LRRK2(R1441G) mice by 16 months of age. LRRK2(R1441G) tg mice, or wild type littermates, were given diapocynin (200mg/kg, a proposed NADPH oxidase inhibitor) three times per week by oral gavage starting at 12 weeks of age. Decreased performance on the pole test and Rotor-Rod in the LRRK2(R1441G) mice was prevented with diapocynin treatment. No loss in open field movement or rearing was found. As expected, tyrosine hydroxylase staining was similar in both the substantia nigra and striatum in all treatment groups. Together these data demonstrate that diapocynin is a viable agent for protection of neurobehavioral function.


Effects of adaptation to high altitude hypoxia on the contractile function and adrenoreactivity of the heart.
Effects of adaptation to mountain altitude of 3200 m on the contractile function and adrenoreactivity of the heart in rats have been investigated. It was shown that adaptation to altitude increased the contractile force and contraction and relaxation velocities of the left ventricle as compared to the controls. Simultaneously, a significant increase in cardiac response to noradrenaline developed in the course of adaptation. The increased response was accompanied by its more rapid disappearance. These changes may be explained by the increase in the activity of myocardial adenylate cyclase and phosphodiesterase. It was also shown that the decrease in cardiac function produced by cardiac denervation was less pronounced in adapted rats. This fact may be explained by increased effectiveness of cardiac autoregulatory mechanism. The comparison of these results with the data of other investigators suggests that in well adapted animals the strength of interaction between the levels of the regulatory hierarchy of the whole organism changes, i.e., the capacity of autoregulatory cell mechanisms and their reactivity to neurohumoral stimuli increase. As a result, control of the organism's reactions by higher levels of the regulatory system is more economical in adapted animals.


The pollination biology of a pavement plain: pollinator visitation patterns.
The pollination biology of the 20 plant species of a treeless, pavement plain in the San Bernardino Mountains of southern California was studied throughout one flowering season.Several patterns of pollinator activity recorded during the season underline the necessity for noting the activity of all insect pollinators whether specialized, non-specialized, regular, or occasional: 1) Occasional insect visitors were a feature of the visitation to nine of the twelve entomophilous plant species and were the sole pollinators for three of these twelve species. 2) The eight entomophilous plant species which had open, generalized flower morphologies received the heaviest pollinator visitation, while three of the four entomophilous species with specialized flower morphologies received little visitation. 3) Most regular flower visitors, whether bees, flies, or wasps, appeared to be similar with respect to number of plant species visited regularly, purity of pollen load, length of residence and localization of activity on the site. The question is raised as to whether such similarity of behavior as pollen vectors is a function of the low plant diversity or a feature commonly found when the pollen loads and behavior of different pollinator types are actually monitored.


E-commerce Policy Environment, Digital Platform, and Internationalization of Chinese New Ventures: The Moderating Effects of Covid-19 Pandemic.
Drawing on institutional theory, this study investigates how institutional pressure can affect digital platform risk. Specifically, it examines whether two types of institutional pressure - domestic market e-commerce policy uncertainty and foreign market e-commerce policy uncertainty - affect the perceived digital platform risk for international new ventures (INVs) and its relationship with their scope of internationalization. The recent crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic has further impacted this new phenomenon, thus we examine its effects on the relationships between/among domestic and foreign market e-commerce policy uncertainties, digital platform risk, and the internationalization scope of INVs. We conduct four waves of a survey to test the Covid-19 effects as well as to minimize common method bias, analyzing the final sample of 394 responses from 260 Chinese INVs using structural equation modeling. The results show that domestic and foreign market e-commerce policy uncertainties positively affect the digital platform risk for INVs, with foreign market e-commerce policy uncertainty having a stronger positive impact. Moreover, we find that the Covid-19 pandemic interacts asymmetrically with the relationship between domestic vs. foreign market e-commerce policy uncertainty and the digital platform risk for INVs. In addition, the pandemic strengthens the negative relationship between digital platform risk and the internationalization scope of INVs. This research broadens and strengthens our understanding of e-commerce policy and international business in the context of INVs' internationalization.


Tobacco mosaic virus protein induces fusion of liposome membranes.
The fusogenic properties of tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) coat protein were investigated. Tobacco mosaic virus protein induces membrane fusion of a population of L-alpha-dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) and DL-alpha-dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) vesicles giving rise to larger particles as seen by a drastic absorbance increase of the liposomal solution. Differential scanning calorimetry spectra demonstrate complete mixing of the acyl chains of the lipids during fusion. Electron micrographs indicate that the fused entities are multilamellar.


Dominance of Giardia assemblage B in León, Nicaragua.
Giardiasis is a major problem in León, Nicaragua, yet despite this no data are available regarding the prevalence of different Giardia genotypes in this area. To address this question, a molecular analysis of Giardia isolates from humans and dogs living in the same area in León, Nicaragua was performed. Giardia isolates from 119 Nicaraguan patients and 8 dogs were successfully genotyped using single and/or nested beta-giardin PCR with subsequent restriction length fragment polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. The analyses of human samples yielded 94 (79%) assemblage B isolates and 25 (21%) assemblage A isolates. Only the non-human-associated assemblages C and D were found in the dog samples. Sixteen isolates with assemblage A pattern, 26 isolates with assemblage B pattern and all dog isolates were further characterized by sequencing the nested beta-giardin PCR product and by molecular analyses of the glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh) gene. Within the study area the assemblage A isolates were highly genetically homogenous, showing only sub-genotypes A2 (n=3) or A3 (n=13) at the beta-giardin locus and AII only at the gdh locus while assemblage B showed a high genetic polymorphism at both loci. Seven different sub-genotypes were identified within 13 of the sequenced assemblage B beta-giardin isolates. The remaining 13 sequenced assemblage B-isolates appeared to contain several different variants of the beta-giardin gene since the chromatograms displayed one to seven double peaks. The gdh sequences showed an even higher polymorphism since only 2 of 26 assemblage B isolates were without double peaks. Two mixed infections between assemblage A and B were found when the gdh gene was analyzed. Polymorphisms were also observed in the dog-associated assemblages C and D, but to a lesser extent than in assemblage B.


Efficiency of a phone coaching program on adherence to continuous positive airway pressure in sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome: a randomized trial.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) remains the reference treatment for moderate to severe forms of the Sleep Apnea/Hypopnea Syndrome (SAHS). Compliance to the treatment appears to be a key factor to improving health status of these patients. We conducted a multicenter, prospective, randomized, controlled, parallel group trial of standard support completed or not within 3 months of coaching sessions for newly diagnosed SAHS patients starting CPAP therapy. This study has been recorded by AFSSAPS with the RCB number: 2009-A01127-50 and received favourably by the Human Studies Committee in France. The coaching session consisted of 5 sessions of telephone-based counselling by competent staff. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients using CPAP more than 3 h per night for 4 months; the secondary outcome was mean hours of CPAP usage in the 2 groups. Three hundred and seventy-nine patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were randomized. The percentage of patients using CPAP more than 3 h per night for 4 months was 65 % for the standard support group and 75 % for the coached group. This difference reached a statistical significance (χ2 = 3.97). The mean CPAP usage was increased in the coached group versus standard group. A difference of 26 min was observed (4 h34+/-2 h17 and 4 h08+/-2 h25 respectively, p = 0.04). This study shows that SAHS patients who benefit from phone coaching are statistically more compliant to CPAP than a standard support group is. A simple phone coaching procedure based on knowledge of the disease and reinforcement messages about treatment benefits helps to improve CPAP adherence in SAHS patients. NCT02435355.


[Effects of thermostress on the plasma membrane permeability of desert moss Tortula desertorum examined by in-situ micro-FTIR analysis].
A technique based on Fourier transform infrared microscope (FT-IRM) was developed to detect the corresponding changes in chemical composition associated with thermostress among aging tissues of the desert moss Tortula desertorum. The results indicated that wild leaves could accelerate the rate of carbohydrate synthesis and decrease the permeability of plasma membrane during heating at 45 degrees C for 1 h. Those biological responses can alleviate the damage of heat stress, so called thermotolerance. And the ability has a positive relation to the leaf age among various wild leaves. However, the secondary protonema and leaves, cultivated in artificial incubator, were unable to adapt the change of temperature immediately and the permeability of cellular membranes was increased.


The AMADEUS score is not a sufficient predictor for functional outcome after autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) of the knee: data from the German Cartilage Registry (KnorpelRegister DGOU).
The AMADEUS (Area Measurement And DEpth and Underlying Structures) score has advanced to a commonly used tool for MRI-based chondral defect severity grading prior to cartilage knee surgery. It was the intention of this study to assess the AMADEUS for a potential correlation with clinical data by patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). A total of 51 patients undergoing ACI (autologous chondrocyte implantation) between 2016 and 2022 were found eligible and retrospectively analyzed. All patients were registered in the German Cartilage Registry prior to surgery and follow-up data were collected using the Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome score (KOOS), the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Form and the numeric rating scale (NRS). Pre-operative MRI images were scored by three raters using the AMADEUS classification system, and an overall AMADEUS score was calculated which was subsequently correlated with pre- and post-operative PROMs. Mean patient age was 32.67 ± 8.37 years and mean defect size area 343.04 mm2 ± 139.45 mm2. No correlative capacity of the pre- and postoperative IKDC, KOOS or NRS scores was found with the AMADEUS final score or any of its subscores. From the pre- to postoperative visit, a significant improvement of the PROMs (IKDC: 45.53 ± 21.00 vs. 59.83 ± 17.93, p = 0.04; KOOS Pain: 58.00 ± 16.70 vs. 76.06 ± 19.20, p = 0.03; KOOS ADL: 64.17 ± 18.76 vs. 82.11 ± 16.68, p < 0.01; KOOS Sports: 26.11 ± 18.52 vs. 50.56 ± 23.94, p = 0.01; KOOS QOL: 25.50 ± 14.26 ± 45.28 ± 19.03, p = 0.00) was found. Intraclass correlation coefficients showed an overall good interrater agreement for the AMADEUS total score (ICC = 0.75). Study results suggest no correlative capacity of the AMADEUS with routinely used PROMs in patients undergoing ACI. Therefore, radiographically assessed cartilage defect characteristics poorly translate to pre- and postoperative patient-reported outcome data.


Indoor environmental exposures and obstructive lung disease phenotypes among children with asthma living in poor urban neighborhoods.
Air trapping is an obstructive phenotype that has been associated with more severe and unstable asthma in children. Air trapping has been defined using pre- and postbronchodilator spirometry. The causes of air trapping are not completely understood. It is possible that environmental exposures could be implicated in air trapping in children with asthma. We investigated the association between indoor exposures and air trapping in urban children with asthma. Children with asthma aged 5 to 17 years living in Baltimore and enrolled onto the Environmental Control as Add-on Therapy for Childhood Asthma study were evaluated for air trapping using spirometry. Aeroallergen sensitization was assessed at baseline, and spirometry was performed at 0, 3, and 6 months. Air trapping was defined as an FVC z score of less than -1.64 or a change in FVC with bronchodilation of ≥10% predicted. Logistic normal random effects models were used to evaluate associations of air trapping and indoor exposures. Airborne and bedroom floor mouse allergen concentrations were associated with air trapping but not airflow limitation (odds ratio 1.19, 95% confidence interval 1.02-1.37, P = .02 per 2-fold increase in airborne mouse allergen; odds ratio 1.23, 95% confidence interval 1.07-1.41, P = .003 per 2-fold increase in bedroom floor mouse allergen). Other indoor exposures (cockroach, cat, dog, dust mite, particulate matter, and nicotine) were not associated with air trapping or airflow limitation. Mouse allergen exposure, but not other indoor exposure, was associated with air trapping in urban children with asthma.


Patterns of use of medications used to treat urinary incontinence and potentially inappropriate prescriptions.
The pharmacological treatment of urinary incontinence (UI) may involve bladder antimuscarinics, which can generate risks in the elderly. The aim was to determine the treatment patterns of a group of patients with UI and possible potentially inappropriate prescriptions. This was a cross-sectional study that identified prescription patterns of medications for outpatient use in patients with UI between December 2020 and November 2021 based on a population database of members of the Colombian Health System. Patients were identified based on the codes of the international classification of diseases, version-10. Sociodemographic and pharmacological variables were considered. A total of 9855 patients with UI were identified, with a median age of 72 years, and 74.6% were women. Unspecified UI was the most frequent form (83.2%), followed by specified UI (7.9%), stress UI (6.7%), and UI associated with an overactive bladder (2.2%). A total of 37.2% received pharmacological treatment, mainly with bladder antimuscarinics (22.6%), mirabegron (15.6%), and topical estrogens (7.9%). Pharmacological management predominated in UI associated with overactive bladder, in women and in patients between 50 and 79 years of age. Of the patients who received bladder antimuscarinics, 54.5% were 65 years old or older, and 21.5% also had benign prostatic hyperplasia, sicca syndrome, glaucoma, constipation, or dementia. A total of 2.0% of women had been prescribed systemic estrogens and 1.7% had been prescribed peripheral α-adrenergic antagonists. Differences in the prescriptions were found according to the type of UI, sex, and age group. Potentially inappropriate or risky prescriptions were common.


Awareness affects motor planning for goal-oriented actions.
We studied pre-movement cortical activity related to praxic actions performed at self-paced rate and having ecological meanings and functions. Motor-related cortical potentials were recorded using 64-channels EEG in two experiments. Experiment 1 included 15 subjects performing in separate blocks two object-oriented actions: grasping a tea-cup and impossible grasping of a tea-cup (same goal but the grasp was mechanically hindered). Experiment 2 included a subset of 7 subjects from Exp. 1 and the action was reaching a tea-cup; this control condition had a different goal but was kinematically similar to impossible grasping. Different activity patterns in terms of onset, amplitude, duration and, at least in part, sources were recorded in the preparation phase (BP component) according to the specific action and to the possibility of accomplishing it. The main result is that parietal areas were involved in grasping preparation (called "posterior" BP) and not in reaching and impossible grasping preparation. The anterior frontal-central activity (called "anterior" BP) during preparation for grasping started earlier than the other two conditions. The cortical activity during preparation for reaching was similar to that for impossible grasping, except for a frontal activity only detected in the latter condition. It is concluded that the action preparation, even in its early phase, is affected by action meaning and by the awareness of being able to perform the requested action.


Interstitial deletion in the "critical region" of the long arm of the X chromosome in a mentally retarded boy and his normal mother.
A family in which an intestitial deletion of the X chromosome, del(X)(q13q21.3), is segregating was ascertained through a boy with cleft lip and palate, agenesis of the corpus callosum, and severe mental retardation. The possible causal relationship to his chromosome abnormality is discussed. Although the deletion occurred within the critical region, the mother showed no signs of gonadal dysgenesis. A phenotypically normal daughter was, as her mother, monosomic for this region of the X, and both showed random inactivation of the X chromosome.


The cerebellar control of the pupillary light reflex in the cat.
The effect of cerebellar lesions upon the pupillary light reflex was examined in anesthetized cats. The pupillary response elicited by a step and sinusoidally modulated light stimulus was used. In acute cerebellectomized cats, the high frequency cutoff of the frequency response of the pupillary reflex was moved to a lower level after cerebellar lesions. Selective lesions were made in the deep cerebellar nuclei and the frequency responses of the pupillary reflex were compared. The fastigial lesions produced the most prominent change in the frequency responses. Electrical stimulation of the deep cerebellar nuclei, especially the fastigial nuclei, induced pupillary dilatation. Thus the cerebellum appears to participate in the control of the pupillary light reflex by improving the frequency responses of the pupil so that it can follow changing light stimuli better, and this control is exerted via the bilateral fastigial nuclei.


A Mixed-Methods Study of Perceived Implementation Challenges for WIC Online Ordering and Transactions.
Federal food assistance programs are working towards online grocery shopping. Online ordering in Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is emerging following successful implementation in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). To identify anticipated challenges, potential solutions, and expected costs of WIC online ordering. Cross-sectional, mixed-methods, web-based, survey research. Data were collected from December 2020 to January 2021. Purposeful and snowball sampling included WIC stakeholders involved in developing processes and systems required for WIC online ordering. Respondents represented diverse geographic areas, levels of intraorganizational authority, and WIC benefit card types. The research team used a rapid analysis and lean coding approach to identify emergent themes from open-ended survey responses. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the distribution of responses across themes and stakeholder types. Respondents (n = 145) described 812 anticipated challenges within 20 themes grouped into five topic areas: rules and regulations; shopping experience; security, confidentiality, fraud, and WIC State agency processes; training, assistance, and education; and equitable access and buy-in. Addressing anticipated regulatory issues were among the few concrete potential solutions described. The two most frequent costs reported were increased staff time and start-up and ongoing technology costs. This study identified several, critical anticipated challenges and considerations that will help prepare WIC state agencies for opportunities to expand online ordering to WIC participants.


Suggestive evidence for a DA D3 receptor-mediated increase in the release of oxytocin in the male rat.
The dopamine (DA) D2/3 receptor agonists quinpirole (0.5-8.0 mg kg-1, s.c.) and 7-OH-DPAT (0.2-3.2 mg kg-1, s.c.), but not the preferential DA D2 receptor agonist bromocriptine (2.0-32.0 mg kg-1, s.c.), produced increased plasma oxytocin levels in the rat. In keeping with their affinity for the DA D2 receptor, all three compounds produced a marked suppression of plasma prolactin levels in their respective dose range. It is suggested that DA D3 receptors are involved in mechanisms regulating oxytocin secretion in the rat.


A practical guide to structure-based prediction of MHC-binding peptides.
The binding of bound peptide ligands to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules plays a key role in the activation of normal immune responses and is an intricate theoretical problem that remains unsolved. Geometric and energetic complementarities between an MHC molecule and its corresponding bound peptide ligand are critical in determining the stability of the complex. In this context, the introduction of structural information can greatly facilitate our understanding of how well a peptide ligand can associate with a particular MHC molecule. This chapter introduces the use of structural models as a predictive method to determine whether a peptide sequence can bind to a specific MHC allele.


Efficient synthesis and biological evaluation of two modafinil analogues.
Non classical bioisosters of modafinil featuring interesting biological profile have been easily produced through replacement of the sulfoxide function with a carbonyl group and modification of the carboxylic acid amide functionality.


Real-time device-scale imaging of conducting filament dynamics in resistive switching materials.
ReRAM is a compelling candidate for next-generation non-volatile memory owing to its various advantages. However, fluctuation of operation parameters are critical weakness occurring failures in 'reading' and 'writing' operations. To enhance the stability, it is important to understand the mechanism of the devices. Although numerous studies have been conducted using AFM or TEM, the understanding of the device operation is still limited due to the destructive nature and/or limited imaging range of the previous methods. Here, we propose a new hybrid device composed of ReRAM and LED enabling us to monitor the conducting filament (CF) configuration on the device scale during resistive switching. We directly observe the change in CF configuration across the whole device area through light emission from our hybrid device. In contrast to former studies, we found that minor CFs were formed earlier than major CF contributing to the resistive switching. Moreover, we investigated the substitution of a stressed major CF with a fresh minor CF when large fluctuation of operation voltage appeared after more than 50 times of resistive switching in atmospheric condition. Our results present an advancement in the understanding of ReRAM operation mechanism, and a step toward stabilizing the fluctuations in ReRAM switching parameters.


Syngeneic antiidiotypic monoclonal antibodies to the murine anti-HLA-DR,DP monoclonal antibody CR11-462.
Two out of 625 hybridomas constructed with splenocytes from a Balb/c mouse immunized with the murine anti-HLA-DR, DP monoclonal antibody CR11-462 secrete antiidiotypic antibodies. Binding assays with a panel of 12 anti-HLA class I, 14 anti-HLA class II, and 9 anti-human melanoma-associated antigen MoAbs showed that the idiotopes recognized by MoAb F3-C25 and F3-B6 are not expressed by any of the tested antibodies, even those which inhibit the binding of MoAb CR11-462 to cultured B lymphoid cells. Crossblocking experiments showed that the two idiotopes are distinct and spatially distant. Both idiotopes require the association of heavy and light chain of MoAb CR11-462 for their expression. The idiotope recognized by MoAb F3-B6 is an alpha idiotope, since it is located outside the antigen combining site of MoAb CR11-462. The idiotope recognized by MoAb F3-C25 is a gamma idiotope, since it is antigen inhibitable but does not possess an internal image of the antigen. Interestingly the MoAb F3-C25 displays a differential inhibitory effect on the binding of MoAb CR11-462 to lymphoid cells that express different HLA phenotypes or share the HLA-DRw6 allospecificity. These results suggest that antiidiotypic antibodies may sharpen our ability to dissect the heterogeneity of HLA class II antigens.


Relapse to opiate use provokes biphasic changes of blood pressure in heroin-withdrawn addicts treated with clonidine.
The effect of relapse to opiate use on blood pressure and heart rate has been studied in heroin-withdrawn addicts treated with clonidine in an outpatient detoxification procedure. The daily dose of clonidine was established according to body weight and amount of heroin usually consumed at the onset of treatment. Patients who returned to heroin use were detected by increased urinary levels of opiates. Clonidine elicited significant reductions of blood pressure and heart rate reaching a plateau in the second day of treatment. Heroin consumption was found to provoke a further decrease of both systolic and diastolic pressure when the time interval between the relapse and the cardiovascular determinations was about 3 h as estimated by the patients. At longer intervals (16 h) this effect was reversed and both the hypotensive and the bradycardiac actions of clonidine seemed to be impaired. The possible impact of endogenous opioids and alpha-2 receptor sensitivity on these biphasic alterations is discussed.


Ultrasound for Aesthetic Applications: A Review of Biophysical Mechanisms and Safety.
Aesthetic ultrasound is used for fat reduction and to improve skin appearance. In this review, the fundamental mechanisms by which ultrasound can alter tissue are outlined. The technologies that are commercially available or under development are discussed. Finally, recommendations are made for safe and effective use of aesthetic ultrasound.


Characteristics of developmentally early alcohol use disorder symptom reports: a prospective-longitudinal community study.
There is little prospective-epidemiological information on symptoms of DSM-IV-alcohol use disorder (alcohol abuse and dependence; AUD) that may be typical for early AUD stages or the developmental periods of adolescence and early adulthood. To investigate AUD symptoms (AUDS) cross-sectionally at three subsequent assessment waves regarding prevalence rates, symptom counts, associated drinking patterns, positive predictive values (PPV) for DSM-IV-alcohol dependence (AD), and AUDS stability over time. N=2039 community subjects (baseline age 14-24 years) participated in a baseline and two follow-up assessment(s) over up to ten years. DSM-IV-AUDS, DSM-IV-AUD and craving were assessed with the DSM-IV/M-CIDI. Over the assessment waves, tolerance and much time were most and role obligations and withdrawal least frequent. Most subjects with DSM-IV-AUDS reported only one symptom (47.2-55.1%). PPV for DSM-IV-AD only exceeded 70% for activities, problem, withdrawal, and desired control; PPV were lowest for tolerance and hazardous use. For most AUDS, AUDS report compared to non-report was associated with elevated drinking frequency and amounts. Stability of baseline AUDS at four-year and ten-year follow-up did not exceed 36.4% for any symptom. The overall pattern of most/least frequent AUDS reported in adolescence and early adulthood resembles findings in older adults and does not suggest a developmentally specific symptom pattern. Moderate AUDS-stability and considerable remission rates indicate that AUDS in this age group are transient for a considerable proportion of subjects. However, the associations with elevated consumption indicate that AUDS reports early in life need to be taken seriously in prevention and intervention.


Nocturnal tarsier retina has both short and long/medium-wavelength cones in an unusual topography.
The evolutionary position of tarsiers with respect to primates is still debated. The type of photoreceptors in the nocturnal Tarsius spectrum retina has been compared with the nocturnal New World monkey Aotus trivulgaris and the Old World monkey Macaca nemestrina by using immunocytochemical labeling for antisera known to be specific for primate cone and rod proteins. In all three species, antisera to long/medium (L/M) -wavelength specific cone opsin and cone-specific alpha-transducin detected a single row of cones. Only Macaca and tarsier retina contained cones labeled by antiserum to short (S) -wavelength specific cone opsin. Tarsier rod cell bodies were 6-12 deep, depending on retinal eccentricity. Tarsier central cones had 2-microm-wide outer (OS) and inner segments, which came straight off the cell body. Cone morphology differed little from rods except OS were shorter. Macaca cones labeled for 7G6 and calbindin, Aotus cones did not label for calbindin, and Tarsius cones did not label for 7G6 or calbindin. In tarsier retinal whole-mounts, peak cone density ranged from 11,600-14,200/cones mm(2). The 11- to 12-mm-wide peak region centered roughly on the optic disc, although foveal counts remain to be completed. Density decreased symmetrically to a far peripheral band of 4,200-7, 000/cones mm(2). In contrast, S cone density was very low in central retina (0-300/mm(2)), rose symmetrically with eccentricity, and peaked at 1,100-1,600/mm(2) in a 2- to 3-mm-wide zone in the far periphery. In this zone, S cones were 9-14% of all cones. L/M cones were regularly spaced, whereas S cones showed no regular distribution pattern. Although the functional characteristics of the tarsier S and L/M cone systems are yet to be determined, tarsier cone proteins and distribution have some similarities to both New and Old World monkey retinas.


Effect of inhibition of protein synthesis on cholestasis induced by taurolithocholate, lithocholate, and a manganese-bilirubin combination in the rat.
Taurolithocholate, lithocholate, and a manganese-bilirubin combination produced a rapid reduction in bile flow after i.v. injection in the rat. The effect was diminished or blocked completely by pretreating the animals with cycloheximide or ethionine, known inhibitors of protein synthesis. The injection sequence and time period between administration of the inhibitor of protein synthesis and the cholestatic agent influenced the degree to which they modulated the cholestatic effect. The results indicate that uninterrupted protein synthesis is required for the expression of maximal reduction of bile flow by taurolithocholate, lithocholate, and a manganese-bilirubin combination.


Cardiorespiratory function in nerve agent poisoned and oxime + atropine treated guinea-pigs: effect of pyridostigmine pretreatment.
The effect of pyridostigmine pretreatment on the efficacy of oxime + atropine treatment in sarin and VX poisoning was investigated in a guinea-pig model with on-line monitoring of respiratory and circulatory parameters. The carotid artery, jugular vein and trachea were cannulated in female urethane-anesthetized Pirbright-white guinea-pigs. After baseline measurements the animals received pyridostigmine (PYR, 0.05 mumol/kg, i.v.), 30 min later sarin (100 or 200 micrograms/kg = 5 or 10 x LD50, i.v.) or VX (45 or 90 micrograms/kg = 10 or 20 x LD50, i.v.), followed 2 min later by atropine (10 mg/kg, i.v.) plus HI 6 or HLö 7 (30 mumol/kg each, i.v.). Sixty-minute survival time and rate and respiratory and circulatory parameters were recorded. Diaphragm acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was determined spectrophotometrically. Identical groups without PYR were included for comparison. With regard to survival time and rate, PYR pretreatment slightly improved the efficacy of HI 6 plus atropine in sarin 5 x LD50 poisoned animals, reduced the efficacy of oxime + atropine treatment in the other sarin groups and had no effect in VX poisoning. Compared to non-pretreated oxime + atropine groups, PYR slightly improved respiratory function in sarin and in VX poisoning (only HI 6). PYR did not affect circulatory function in VX poisoning but reduced circulatory parameters in sarin poisoning to varying extent's. The oxime efficacy in reactivating diaphragm AChE decreased in the order sarin > VX without significant differences between pretreated and non-pretreated groups. The data suggest that pyridostigmine pretreatment does not enhance the efficacy of oxime + atropine in sarin or VX poisoning.


Casuarinicolaaustralis Taylor, 2010 (Hemiptera: Triozidae), newly recorded from New Zealand.
The presence in New Zealand of the triozid Casuarinicolaaustralis Taylor, 2010 is reported for the first time, based on new material from Auckland. This is also the first record of the genus from New Zealand.


"We're always an afterthought"- Designing tobacco control campaigns for dissemination with and to LGBTQ +-serving community organizations: a thematic analysis.
Evidence-based health communication campaigns can support tobacco control and address tobacco-related inequities among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ +) populations. Community organizations focused on LGBTQ + health (e.g., nonprofits, community centers, and community health centers) can be prime channels for delivering evidence-based health communication campaigns. However, it is unclear how to balance the goals of a) designing campaigns to support broad adoption/uptake and b) adaptation addressing the needs of diverse communities and contexts. As part of an effort to support "designing for dissemination," we explored the key challenges and opportunities staff and leaders of LGBTQ + -serving community organizations encounter when adopting or adapting evidence-based health communication campaigns. A team of researchers and advisory committee members conducted this study, many of whom have lived, research, and/or practice experience with LGBTQ + health. We interviewed 22 staff members and leaders of community organizations serving LGBTQ + populations in the US in early 2021. We used a team-based, reflexive thematic analysis approach. The findings highlight the challenges of attempting to use health communication campaigns misaligned with the assets and needs of organizations and community members. The three major themes identified were as follows: (1) available evidence-based health communication campaigns typically do not sufficiently center LGBTQ + communities, (2) negotiation regarding campaign utilization places additional burden on practitioners who have to act as "gatekeepers," and (3) processes of using health communication campaigns often conflict with organizational efforts to engage community members in adoption and adaptation activities. We offer a set of considerations to support collaborative design and dissemination of health communication campaigns to organizations serving LGBTQ + communities: (1) develop campaigns with and for LGBTQ + populations, (2) attend to the broader structural forces impacting campaign recipients, (3) support in-house testing and adaptations, and (4) increase access to granular data for community organizations.


Preparation and characterization of uniform nanosized cephradine by combination of reactive precipitation and liquid anti-solvent precipitation under high gravity environment.
In this work, a novel direct method, which was combined with reactive precipitation and liquid anti-solvent precipitation under high gravity environment, had been developed to prepare nanosized cephradine with narrow particle size distribution. Compared with commercial crude cephradine, the prepared cephradine showed a significant decrease in particle size, a significant increase in the specific surface area and shorter dissolving time when used for injection. The characteristic particle size was between 200-400 nm. The specific surface area increased from 2.95 to 10.87 m2/g after micronization. When the amount of L-arginin decreased from 0.25 to 0.18 g, the mixture of nanosized cephradine and L-arginine could still dissolve in 1 min. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis indicated that the physical characteristics and molecular states remained unchanged after the recrystallization process. This method had potential application in industrial fields because of its low cost, efficient processing and the ease of scaling-up.


Characteristics and symptomatology of patients diagnosed with unipolar depression at risk for undiagnosed bipolar disorder: a bipolar survey.
To identify characteristics of patients diagnosed with unipolar depression who may have undiagnosed bipolar disorder. Patients diagnosed with unipolar depression by a healthcare provider were identified through the Consumer Health Sciences National Health and Wellness Survey. Manic symptoms, comorbid conditions, psychiatric symptomatology, use of healthcare resources, and patient demographics were identified through Internet-based questionnaires. A self-report adapted version of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition-Text Revision criteria identified symptoms consistent with a manic episode. Psychological well-being was measured by the Psychological General Well-Being Index. Of the 1,602 respondents who met inclusion criteria, 219 (14% or approximately 1 out of 7) reported symptoms consistent with a manic episode and were considered at risk for undiagnosed bipolar disorder. These respondents were younger and had a lower socioeconomic status. At-risk patients rated their depression as more severe and experienced greater impairment of psychological well-being. More than 70% of those at risk reported speaking with a healthcare provider about their mania symptoms. Comorbid mental disorders, especially anxiety-related conditions, were common in these patients. These findings underscore the importance of evaluating unipolar patients for bipolar disorder and may help clinicians identify symptoms and comorbidities associated with patients with unipolar depression at risk for undiagnosed bipolar disorder.


The parasitic castration and gigantism of Lymnaea truncatula infected with the larval stages of Fasciola hepatica.
The shells of Lymnaea truncatula infected with the larval stages of Fasciola hepatica were significantly longer than those of comparable uninfected controls. The dry mass (tissue, shell + parasite) of the same infected snails, 56 days after infection, was approximately twice that of the controls (tissue + shell). The increased mass of infected snails was not due to a disproportionate increase in shell weight relative to tissues. Infected snails maintained at 20 degrees C had virtually ceased egg production by 21 days post-infection whereas control snails continued to lay eggs steadily for the duration of the experiment. The dry mass of snail tissue plus the cumulative dry weight of eggs produced was taken as an indication of the ability of control snails to generate biomass. Similarly the tissue mass plus cumulative egg weight and parasite weight was taken as an indication of the ability of the infected snails to generate biomass. The control and infected snails were not significantly different in this respect indicating that the gigantism of infected snails could be the result of a switch in nutrient supply from reproduction to somatic tissue growth and parasite growth. Castration was brought about 17-21 days after infection as a result of the direct consumption of the ovotestis by a proportion of the redial population. In a separate experiment it was demonstrated that a population of infected snails maintained at 20 degrees C survived as long as a similar group of control snails. The findings with this host-parasite system are discussed in relation to possible mechanisms causing castration and gigantism in other digene-snail interactions, and in relation to parasitic castration in other groups. It is concluded that the observed gigantism of infected snails is more likely to have a nutritional rather than endocrine origin.


Assessing hazardous risks of indoor airborne polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the kitchen and its association with lung functions and urinary PAH metabolites in kitchen workers.
Indoor air pollution is associated with decreased pulmonary function but the relative impact of pollution from kitchen sources on health risks in kitchen workers is not well-known or studied. A study was conducted to measure the kitchen indoor air quality including PAHs estimation and risk assessment based on reported PAHs in indoor air in a central kitchen at North India. A cross sectional study was undertaken to assess the lung function status using spirometer and urinary PAH metabolite measurements using GC-MS/MS among 94 male kitchen workers and their corresponding controls. Assessment of the indoor air quality levels was evaluated using standard methods. All the indoor air pollutants were within the recommended guidelines except CO, TVOC and PAH emission in the kitchen. Incremental life time cancer risk (ICLR) based on indoor air PAH measurements indicates potential for carcinogenic risk. Significant lung function decline was observed among kitchen workers as compared to controls after adjusting for smoking habits. Urinary PAH metabolites were detected in kitchen workers and measured concentrations were comparatively higher than control subjects. The decline in lung functions after adjustment for confounders and detection of urinary PAH metabolites in kitchen workers can be associated with higher concentrations of PAHs, CO and TVOCs in kitchen indoor air.


The health effects of swimming at Sydney beaches. The Sydney Beach Users Study Advisory Group.
The purpose of the study was to determine the health risks of swimming at ocean beaches in Sydney, Australia. From people attending 12 Sydney beaches in the period from December 5, 1989 to February 26, 1990, we recruited a cohort of 8413 adults who agreed to participate in this study. Of these, 4424 were excluded either because they had been swimming in the previous 5 days or because they reported a current illness. Of the remainder, 2839 successfully completed a follow-up telephone interview conducted within 10 days after recruitment. We recorded reported respiratory, gastrointestinal, eye, and ear symptoms and fever that occurred within the 10 days between initial interview on the beach and the follow-up interview. A total of 683 participants (24.0%) reported experiencing symptoms in the 10 days following initial interview. Of these, 435 (63.7%) reported respiratory symptoms. Swimmers were almost twice as likely as nonswimmers to report symptoms. There was a linear relationship between water pollution and all reported symptoms with the exception of gastrointestinal complaints. Swimmers at Sydney ocean beaches are more likely to report respiratory, ear, and eye symptoms than beachgoers who do not swim. The incidence of these symptoms increases slightly with increasing levels of pollution.