An immunohistochemical study of epithelial cells in the posterior lobe and pars tuberalis of the human adult pituitary gland.
Pituitary glands were examined using reference staining (hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid-Schiff and alcian blue) and the peroxidase-labeled antibody method, for 1) "invading" anterior cells in the posterior lobe, 2) intermediate colloid forming follicles, and 3) pars tuberalis cells. The results showed: 1) that the majority of cases possessed "invading" anterior cells of various amount. Most of these cells were positive for ACTH1-18, ACTH17-39 and betaMSH. However, on a few occasions, scattered GH, PRL, FSHalpha, FSHbeta, LHbeta and even TSHbeta cells were also present. 2) Colloid forming follicular cells were mostly ACTH cells, but also contained occasional other hormone-secreting cells. Hormone negative cells were correlated with salivary type epithelium. Well established acinic type salivary glands and ciliated epithelium were negative for any hormones immunohistochemically. 3) Pars tuberalis cells were predominantly gonadotrophs but also included TSHbeta and ACTH cells. Some cells appeared to contain both FSHbeta and LHbeta. When these cells underwent squamous metaplasia, they seemed to lose their hormone secreting activity.


Diagnostic outcomes of robotic-assisted bronchoscopy for pulmonary lesions in a real-world multicenter community setting.
Robot-assisted bronchoscopy (RAB) is among the newest bronchoscopic technologies, allowing improved visualization and access for small and hard-to-reach nodules. RAB studies have primarily been conducted at academic centers, limiting the generalizability of results to the broader real-world setting, while variability in diagnostic yield definitions has impaired the validity of cross-study comparisons. The objective of this study was to determine the diagnostic yield and sensitivity for malignancy of RAB in patients with pulmonary lesions in a community setting and explore the impact of different definitions on diagnostic yield estimates. Data were collected retrospectively from medical records of patients ≥ 21 years who underwent bronchoscopy with the Monarch® Platform (Auris Health, Inc., Redwood City, CA) for biopsy of pulmonary lesions at three US community hospitals between January 2019 and March 2020. Diagnostic yield was calculated at the index RAB and using 12-month follow-up data. At index, all malignant and benign (specific and non-specific) diagnoses were considered diagnostic. After 12 months, benign non-specific cases were considered diagnostic only when follow-up data corroborated the benign result. An alternative definition at index classified benign non-specific results as non-diagnostic, while an alternative 12-month definition categorized index non-diagnostic cases as diagnostic if no malignancy was diagnosed during follow-up. The study included 264 patients. Median lesion size was 19.3 mm, 58.9% were peripherally located, and 30.1% had a bronchus sign. Samples were obtained via Monarch in 99.6% of patients. Pathology led to a malignant diagnosis in 115 patients (43.6%), a benign diagnosis in 110 (41.7%), and 39 (14.8%) non-diagnostic cases. Index diagnostic yield was 85.2% (95% CI: [80.9%, 89.5%]) and the 12-month diagnostic yield was 79.4% (95% CI: [74.4%, 84.3%]). Alternative definitions resulted in diagnostic yield estimates of 58.7% (95% CI: [52.8%, 64.7%]) at index and 89.0% (95% CI: [85.1%, 92.8%]) at 12 months. Sensitivity for malignancy was 79.3% (95% CI: [72.7%, 85.9%]) and cancer prevalence was 58.0% after 12 months. RAB demonstrated a high diagnostic yield in the largest study to date, despite representing a real-world community population with a relatively low prevalence of cancer. Alternative definitions had a considerable impact on diagnostic yield estimates.


A 4-week wait 'fast-track' sleep service is effective at establishing vocational drivers on continuous positive airway pressure.
We sought to establish whether an expedited or 'fast-track' NHS service to diagnose obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and establish vocational drivers on continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) within 4 weeks of referral was possible. This model is recommended by the OSA Partnership Group. In total, 55 vocational drivers were referred to two sleep services. Assessment showed 73% had moderate or severe OSA on sleep study. Of those commenced on CPAP, review was a mean of 15 days after initiation (range 3-62 days). Median time from referral (or first clinic visit) to review on CPAP was 32 days, showing a 'fast-track' pathway is deliverable.


Whole transcriptome data analysis of zebrafish mutants affecting muscle development.
Formation of the contractile myofibril of the skeletal muscle is a complex process which when perturbed leads to muscular dystrophy. Herein, we provide a mRNAseq dataset on three different zebrafish mutants affecting muscle organization during embryogenesis. These comprise the myosin folding chaperone unc45b (unc45b-/-), heat shock protein 90aa1.1 (hsp90aa1.1-/-) and the acetylcholine esterase (ache-/-) gene. The transcriptome analysis was performed in duplicate experiments at 72 h post-fertilization (hpf) for all three mutants, with two additional times of development (24 hpf and 48 hpf) for unc45b-/-. A total of 20 samples were analyzed by hierarchical clustering for differential gene expression. The data from this study support the observation made in Etard et al. (2015) [1] (http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s13059-015-0825-8) that a failure to fold myosin activates a unique transcriptional program in the skeletal muscles that is different from that induced in stressed muscle cells.


Acute hemorrhagic edema of young children: a prospective case series.
Acute hemorrhagic edema of young children is a rare leukocytoclastic vasculitis that has been reported exclusively in small retrospective cases series, case reports, or quizzes. Considering that retrospective experience deserves confirmation in at least one observational prospective study, we present our experience with 16 children (12 boys and 4 girls, 5-28 months of age) affected by acute hemorrhagic edema. The patients were in good general conditions and with a low-grade or even absent fever. They presented with non-itching red to purpuric targetoid lesions not changing location within hours, with non-pitting and sometimes tender indurative swelling, and without mucous membrane involvement or scratch marks. Signs for articular, abdominal, or kidney involvement were absent. Antinuclear or antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies were never detected. The cases were managed symptomatically as outpatients and fully resolved within 4 weeks or less. No recurrence or familiarity was noted. This is the first prospective evaluation of hemorrhagic edema. Our findings emphasize its distinctive tetrad: a well-appearing child; targetoid lesions that do not change location within hours; non-pitting, sometimes tender edema; complete resolution without recurrence. What is known • Acute hemorrhagic edema of young children is considered a benign vasculitis. • There have been ≈100 cases reported in small retrospective case series. What is new • The first prospective evaluation of this condition emphasizes its features: febrile prodrome; well-appearing child; targetoid lesions not changing location within hours; non-pitting, sometimes tender indurative edema; absent extracutaneous involvement; resolution within 3 weeks. • Antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies do not play a pathogenic role.


Failure modes of current total ankle replacement systems.
Methodology for evaluation of total ankle replacements is described. Fusion and its problems are discussed as are those of total ankle joint replacement. Fusion is an imperfect solution because it reduces ankle functionality and has significant complications. Early fixed-bearing total ankles were long-term failures and abandoned. Currently available fixed-bearing ankles have proved inferior to fusion or are equivalent to earlier devices. Only mobile-bearing devices have been shown reasonably safe and effective. One such device, the STAR, has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration after a rigorous controlled clinical trial and is available for use in the United States.


The efficacy of Lactobacillus acidophilus and rhamnosus in the reduction of bacterial load of Helicobacter pylori and modification of gut microbiota-a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial.
Probiotics may alter the gut microbiota and may reduce antibiotic-related dysbiosis after H. pylori eradication. However, whether probiotics are effective in reducing the bacterial load of H. pylori and modifying the gut microbiota remains unknown. We aimed to assess the efficacy of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus rhamnosus in reducing the bacterial load of H. pylori and modifying the gut microbiota. In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, we recruited 40 adult subjects with moderate to high bacterial loads of H. pylori, defined as a mean delta over baseline (DOB) value of the 13 C-urea breath test (13 C-UBT) of 10 or greater every 4 days 6 times. Eligible subjects were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either probiotics containing Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus rhamnosus or placebo twice daily for 4 weeks. 13 C-UBT was measured weekly from the beginning of treatment to 2 weeks after treatment. Amplification of the V3 and V4 hypervariable regions of the 16S rRNA was performed for fecal microbiota. A total of 40 subjects were randomized to receive probiotics or placebo. The DOB value was significantly lower in the probiotic group than in the placebo group after 4 weeks of treatment (26.0 vs. 18.5, p = .045). The DOB value was significantly reduced compared to that at baseline in the probiotic group (18.5 vs. 26.7, p = .001) but not in the placebo group (26.0 vs. 25.0, p = .648). However, the eradication rate for H. pylori was 0% in both groups. There was no significant difference in the DOB values between the two groups 1 and 2 weeks after discontinuation of the probiotics. There were also no significant changes observed in the α-diversity and β-diversity at week 4 compared to baseline in the probiotic group (p = .77 and 0.91) and the placebo group (p = .26 and 0.67). Although the use of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus rhamnosus may reduce the bacterial load of H. pylori, there were no significant changes in the composition of gut microbiota. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02725138.


CircSOD2 induced epigenetic alteration drives hepatocellular carcinoma progression through activating JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.
Emerging evidence suggests that circular RNAs play critical roles in disease development especially in cancers. Previous genome-wide RNA-seq studies found that a circular RNA derived from SOD2 gene was highly upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), however, the role of circSOD2 in HCC remains largely unknown. The expression profiling of circSOD2 and microRNA in HCC patients were assessed by Real-Time Quantitative Reverse Transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). SiRNA or CRISPR-CAS9 were used to silence gene expression. The biological function of circSOD2 in HCC was investigated using in vitro and in vivo studies including, trans-well cell migration, cell apoptosis, cell cycle, CCK8, siRNA interference, western blots, and xenograft mouse model. The underlying molecular mechanism was determined by Chromatin Immunoprecipitation quantitative real time PCR (ChIP-qPCR), bioinformatic analysis, biotin-pull down, RNA immunoprecipitation, 5-mc DNA pulldown and luciferase assays. In accordance with previous sequencing results, here, we demonstrated that circSOD2 was highly expressed in HCC tumor tissues compared with normal liver tissues. Mechanically, we showed that histone writer EP300 and WDR5 bind to circSOD2 promoter and trigger its promoter H3K27ac and H3K4me3 modification, respectively, which further activates circSOD2 expression. SiRNA mediated circSOD2 suppression impaired liver cancer cell growth, cell migration, prohibited cell cycle progression and in vivo tumor growth. By acting as a sponge, circSOD2 inhibits miR-502-5p expression and rescues miR-502-5p target gene DNMT3a expression. As a DNA methyltransferase, upregulated DNMA3a suppresses SOCS3 expression by increasing SOCS3 promoter DNA methylation. This event further accelerates SOCS3 downstream JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway activation. In addition, we also found that activated STAT3 regulates circSOD2 expression in a feedback way. The novel signaling axis circSOD2/miR-502-5p/DNMT3a/JAK2/STAT3/circSOD2 provides a better understanding of HCC tumorigenesis. The molecular mechanism underlying this signaling axis offers new prevention and treatment of HCC.


[Relationship between patient's subjective stress perception and the course of inflammatory bowel disease].
Studies examining the relationship between stress secondary to adverse life events (ALE) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have produced controversial data. The aim of this study was to explore the subjective perception of this relationship in IBD patients. Seventy consecutive patients suffering from IBD (40 Crohn's disease, 30 ulcerative colitis) were assessed using a self-rating questionnaire related to demographic variables, clinical characteristics, subjective perception of the influence of ALE on the course of IBD, psychiatric background, and the HAD scale. The results of this scale were compared with a group of 25 relatives. Forty-two patients (60%) perceived that there was relationship between ALE and the onset of their disease, forty-nine (70%) between ALE and the increasing IBD symptoms severity, and fifty-one patients (72.9%) with disease activity. Sixteen of the patients (22.9%) had been visited by a psychiatrist during relapses of IBD. Twenty-five patients (42.4%) reached a score of 11 or higher on the depression or anxiety subscales of the HAD, indicating a probable psychological disorder. IBD patients perceive a strong relationship between ALE and the course of IBD. We have found a high prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms in these patients. If this observation is confirmed with objective measurements, it will be important to consider psychiatric intervention for these patients.


The effect of the growth environment on the lag phase of Listeria monocytogenes.
The duration of lag in Listeria monocytogenes was examined in relation to the physico-chemical properties of the growth environment. It was supposed that lag would be determined by two hypothetical quantities, the amount of work that a cell has to perform to adapt to new conditions and the rate at which it can perform that work. If the rate at which the cell can perform the necessary work is a function of the maximum specific growth rate in the new environment, the hypothesis predicts that lag time should be related in some way to growth rate, provided cells are initially in approximately the same physiological state. Literature data suggest this is true for many organisms when temperature is the sole growth limiting factor. However, lag times of L. monocytogenes displayed an unusual response to temperature in which lag times of cells precultured at 37 degrees C were shorter at 15 degrees C than at 20 degrees C or 25 degrees C. Analysis of data from the Food Micromodel in which growth of L. monocytogenes was controlled by combinations of pH, NaCl concentration and temperature, showed that there was a linear relationship between lag time and mean generation time although there was much scatter in the data. When the effects of pH, solute type and concentration were investigated individually in this work the correlation between lag time and mean generation time was often poor. It would thus appear that the relationship between growth environment and lag time is more complex than the corresponding relationship between growth environment and maximum specific growth rate.


Perioperative Practices Concerning Sleeve Gastrectomy - a Survey of 863 Surgeons with a Cumulative Experience of 520,230 Procedures.
Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG) is the most commonly performed bariatric procedure worldwide. There is currently no scientific study aimed at understanding variations in practices concerning this procedure. The aim of this study was to study the global variations in perioperative practices concerning SG. A 37-item questionnaire-based survey was conducted to capture the perioperative practices of the global community of bariatric surgeons. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Response of 863 bariatric surgeons from 67 countries with a cumulative experience of 520,230 SGs were recorded. A total of 689 (80%) and 764 (89%) surgeons listed 13 absolute and relative contraindications, respectively. 65% (n = 559) surgeons perform routine preoperative endoscopy and 97% (n = 835) routinely use intraoperative orogastric tube for sizing the resection. A wide variation is observed in the diameter of the tube used. 73% (n = 627) surgeons start dividing the stomach at a distance of 3-5 cm from the pylorus, and 54% (n = 467) routinely use staple line reinforcement. Majority (65%, n = 565) of surgeons perform routine intraoperative leak test at the end of the procedure, while 25% (n = 218) surgeons perform a routine contrast study in the early postoperative period. Lifelong multivitamin/mineral, iron, vitamin D, calcium, and vitamin B12 supplementation is advocated by 66%, 29%, 40%, 38% and 44% surgeons, respectively. There is a considerable variation in the perioperative practices concerning SG. Data can help in identifying areas for future consensus building and more focussed studies.


Chlamydial endocarditis.
Echocardiographic diagnosis of a case of endocarditis, subsequently proven to be due to a chlamydial organism, is described. Early echocardiographic diagnosis guided initial medical management and directed urgent surgical intervention when the patient deteriorated. Reported cases of chlamydial endocarditis are reviewed.


Hepatic artery aneurysm in a patient with Behçetś disease and segmental pancreatitis developing after its embolization.
Segmental pancreatitis is an unusual form of acute pancreatitis mostly seen in the head of pancreas. We present the CT findings of a segmental pancreatitis in the body and tail of the pancreas developed following endovascular embolization of a giant hepatic artery aneurysm and arterioportal fistula in a patient with Behçet's disease.


An approach to ventricular efficiency by use of carbon 11-labeled acetate and positron emission tomography.
Positron emission tomography-derived 11C-labeled acetate kinetics have been shown to reflect myocardial oxidative metabolism. The objective of the study was to use this metabolic imaging technique in combination with an evaluation of left ventricular work as an index of ventricular mechanical efficiency. The effects of ventricular ejection fraction and loading on this index were studied quantitatively in a canine experimental model. There was a curvilinear relationship between efficiency and the end-diastolic volume per unit mass (r = 0.84), which appeared to integrate the main determinants of left ventricular mechanical performance successfully and allowed the detection of a decreased ventricular efficiency in acute experimental heart failure. This approach appears to have the potential to assess the energetic working point of the ventricle in clinical heart disease and follow the effects of therapy. The data demonstrate the feasibility of an estimate of ventricular efficiency that relies on noninvasive data-acquisition techniques.


[Cutaneous malignancies in occupationally-induced scars].
The occurrence of neoplasms in injury scars--as consequence of occupational accidents--may lead to compensation according to the statutory accident insurance regulations. According to newer regulatory attempts in occupational dermatology, certain criteria have to be met before the diagnosis of a neoplasm induced by a scar is accepted and compensation is due. Based on a retrospective analysis of 217 dermatological claim files between 2007 and 2009 of the IPA (including 22 follow-ups), medical opinions on neoplasms developing in possible occupational scars were re-evaluated using criteria of the German social accident insurance and the Bamberg medical bulletin, part II (Bamberger Merkblatt, BM II) to see how well they qualified for recognition as an occupational or accident-related disorder. Three cases were identified where a neoplasm was suspected of having developed in an occupationally-related scar. One of the insured events entitled for compensation. Following the guidelines of the BM II, this case was approved as an occupational disease secondary to injuries with resultant reduction in earning capacity, whereas the others did not meet the requirements. Two problems in evaluating malignant tumors in occupational scars are the long latency period and the documentation of a scar. The tumor excision specimen should be histologically re-examined to document the presence of an associated scar.


Psychosocial liaison-consultation for the children who have undergone repair of imperforate anus and Hirschsprung disease.
The aim of this study was to investigate the psychological status of Japanese children with congenital anorectal malformation and their mothers to develop appropriate psychiatric interventions. The subjects comprised 50 children with congenital anorectal malformation aged 0 to 16 years and their mothers. The psychology of children aged 7 to 16 years was investigated by Kovacs' Children's Depression Inventory (CDI). The psychology of their mothers was assessed by Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Index (STAI) and Zung's Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS). Depression was more marked in the children aged 12 to 16 years than in those aged 7 to 11 years according to the CDI. The mothers of preschool children showed higher levels of anxiety and depression than those of school-aged children, according to the STAI and SDS. Significant correlations between the CDI score of the children and the STAI or SDS score of the mothers were observed only among children aged 7 to 11 years. The frequency of depression and anxiety among children with congenital anorectal malformation and that among their mothers was associated with the age of the child. Long-term postoperative psychosocial support for the children and their mothers may be required, taking into account the age of the child.


Effects of sex steroids, sex, and sexual maturity on cortisol production: an in vitro comparison of chinook salmon and rainbow trout interrenals.
Sex steroids appear to be responsible for hyperactivation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-interrenal (HPI) axis that occurs in mature semelparous Pacific salmon as a prelude to post-spawning (programmed) death. This study was undertaken to examine the direct effects of sex steroids on interrenal activity of semelparous (chinook salmon) and iteroparous (rainbow trout) salmonids using an in vitro incubation system. In addition, phenotypic sex differences in cortisol production by interrenals of sexually mature (spawning) rainbow trout and chinook salmon were investigated. Interrenal tissue from juvenile and sexually mature chinook salmon and rainbow trout was incubated for 48 h in culture medium containing either no steroid (controls), 1 microM estradiol (E2) or 1 microM 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT). This tissue was then challenged for 3h with either pregnenolone, dibutyryladenosine 3('):5(')-cyclic monophosphate (dbcAMP) or forskolin, or synthetic human adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH(1-24)). Sex differences in in vitro interrenal cortisol production were assessed using separate tissue pools challenged with the same agents. Cortisol in media was measured by radioimmunoassay. E2 suppressed the ability of juvenile chinook salmon interrenals to utilize pregnenolone as substrate for cortisol synthesis. In mature female chinook salmon the suppressive effect of E2 was less pronounced, but was observed as a reduced response of interrenals to both pregnenolone and dbcAMP. E2 did not affect ACTH(1-24) stimulated cortisol production. Immature and mature rainbow trout interrenals were both relatively insensitive to E2. 11-KT did not affect cortisol production by juvenile chinook salmon and juvenile or mature rainbow trout, and had only minor effects in male and female spawning chinook salmon. In mature chinook salmon and rainbow trout, the interrenals of females were more responsive to ACTH stimulation and showed a greater utilization of pregnenolone as a substrate than interrenals of males. Mature female rainbow trout were also more responsive to dbcAMP stimulation than males. The results of this study suggest that the onset of sexual maturation and gonadal steroid production may contribute to sexually dimorphic cortisol responses in vitro.


Analysis of randomized and nonrandomized patients in clinical trials using the comprehensive cohort follow-up study design.
In clinical research, randomized trials are widely accepted as the definitive method of evaluating the efficacy of therapies. The random assignment of patients to their treatment ensures the internal validity of the comparison of new treatments with controls. An assessment of the external validity of trial results can best be achieved by comparing the study population to the population of patients who met the eligibility criteria but did not consent to randomization. A part of the data of the Coronary Artery Surgery Study (CASS), in which coronary artery bypass surgery is compared to conventional medical therapy in patients with coronary artery disease, is used to illustrate a strategy of multivariate analysis of randomized and nonrandomized patients which allows an investigation of both internal and external validity. The method used Cox's proportional hazards regression model with inclusion of covariates for randomization status and corresponding interactions in addition to the usual covariates for treatment and the important prognostic factors.


Renal lesions in young rats induced by Salmonella enteritidis endotoxin.
Sepsis in newborns and infants is a major pediatric problem often associated with renal dysfunction. The present report deals with changes in renal tissue induced by Salmonella enteritidis endotoxin in 10- and 28-day-old Sprague-Dawley rats. Our studies revealed a 90% lethality within 24 h of 0.1 mg/kg and 35 mg/kg S. enteritidis endotoxin injection in 10- and 28-day-old rats, respectively. The 10- and 28-day-old animals received a single intraperitoneal injection of the 90% lethality dose and were sacrificed at different intervals for histopathological evaluation of kidneys by light and electron microscopy. The glomeruli showed visceral epithelial and endothelial cell swelling and polymorphonuclear leukocyte and platelet accumulation in the capillary lumina. Cortical and medullary tubules showed edematous separation, mild focal epithelial cell damage and focal intertubular hemorrhage. Renal sections of 28-day-old experimental rats showed increased numbers of polymorphs in the glomerulus and enlarged mesangial matrix. These sections also showed an increase in the number of hemorrhagic foci in 10 x field compared with the 10-day-old experimental rats. Endothelial cells of renal vasculature showed cytoplasmic swelling, vacuolization, autophagic vesicle formation and presence of secondary lysosomes. Changes in the endothelial cells of peritubular microvasculature were extensive, resulting in focal degeneration and partial loss of endothelial lining. These studies show that infant rats are extremely sensitive to S. enteritidis endotoxin requiring 1/350 the dose given to young adults to induce histopathological changes in kidney; the endothelial cells of microvasculature appear to be the primary targets of endotoxic injury irrespective of age.


Degradation of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans in real-field soil by an integrated visible-light photocatalysis and solvent migration system with p-n heterojunction BiVO4/Bi2O3.
Degradation of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) in real-field soil was conducted using an integrated photocatalysis-solvent migration system of BiVO4/Bi2O3 and n-hexane. The photocatalyst BiVO4/Bi2O3 was synthesized, and its performance was found to be affected by the BiVO4 content, with 20wt% BiVO4 showing the best performance owing to its p-n heterojunction being well formed. Migration was affected by the amount of n-hexane, with 15% n-hexane giving the most effective transportation of PCDD/Fs. 37.2% of 17 PCDD/Fs was removed in 60h by the integrated photocatalysis-solvent migration system, although the reaction zone covered 8.5% of the volume of the soil. The result showed that migration via n-hexane fulfilled the aim of carrying contaminants from inside of the soil to the surface. Electron-scavenging experiments with BiVO4/Bi2O3 showed an 18.4% of performance in removal compared to no-scavenging condition, which showed that the main reactions driving BiVO4/Bi2O3 visible-light photocatalysis for aryl-chloride were found to be reduction-based. Owing to the hindering effect of Cl atoms, degradation by hydroxyl radical could proceed after initial dechlorination. This study establishes the applicability of integrated photocatalysis-solvent migration systems in real-field settings, and is the first report of a visible-light photocatalyst, BiVO4/Bi2O3, for the degradation of PCDD/Fs in soil.


Misinterpretation of parahippocampal herniation for a posterior fossa tumor: imaging and intraoperative findings.
Tumors of the hippocampal and parahippocampal gyrus are not uncommon, nor are lesions of the cerebellopontine and ambient cisterns. Lesions in these areas include astrocytomas, meningiomas, gangliogliomas, hamartomas, neurilemomas, epidermoids, and dermoids. Preoperative imaging is an important tool that can help distinguish lesions, making surgical therapy more targeted and appropriate. The authors report a case of a 41-year-old man with right-sided atypical trigeminal neuralgia and a left ambient cistern abnormality that was radiologically interpreted as a mesial temporal lobe or extramedullary ambient cistern mass lesion. Surgical exploration for biopsy revealed an abnormal posterior fossa anatomy and a parahippocampal herniation into the perimesencephalic cistern. Biopsy confirmed the finding of normal brain.


HPLC study of the impurities present in different ursodeoxycholic acid preparations: comparative evaluation of four detectors.
The use of HPLC with different detectors has been investigated for the analysis of bile acid impurities present in four different commercially available ursodeoxycholic acid preparations. The bile acids were efficiently separated by C18 reversed-phase HPLC using methanol-water (3:2, v/v) as the mobile phase. The detectors used for bile acid detection were: UV at 200 nm refractive index (RI) and an evaporative light scattering mass detector (ELSD II). A prederivatization method with the formation of a fluorescent naphthacyl ester has also been used. GC-MS analysis of Me-TMS bile acid derivatives was included as a reference method. The four ursodeoxycholic acid samples were 98-99% pure. The main impurities present in the samples were chenodeoxycholic acid and to a lesser extent lithocholic acid. Only one sample was found to be almost 100% pure using all the detectors. Significant agreement of the data was found between RI, ELSD II detectors and the fluorescent method; the UV detector was unsuitable for use in this method. The analytical performances of the four detectors for bile acid analysis are reported and discussed. When the four-detector data were compared with the GC-MS method, reasonable agreement resulted. Discordant results were found in the quantitation of trace impurities like lithocholic acid and/or other minor bile acids present in amounts less than 0.1%.


Facile Synthesis Of Composition-Controllable PtPdAuTe Nanowires As Superior Electrocatalysts For Direct Methanol Fuel Cells.
Multicomponent Pt-based nanowires (NWs) have attracted widespread attention as eletrocatalysts toward direct alcohol fuel cells because of their unique one-dimensional structure and high reaction dynamics. Quaternary PtPdAuTe NWs are designed via a facile template method, and NWs with a different composition are obtained by adjusting the feed ratio of metal precursors. The direct displacement reaction of metal precursors with Te NWs and the partial oxidation of Te lead to the formation of quaternary NWs. The rough surface and abundant reactive sites deriving from the rearrangement of metal atoms on the Te NWs surface endow the PtPdAuTe NWs with a superior electrocatalytic property and durability for methanol oxidation. The Pt20 Pd20 Au10 Te50 NWs display the largest mass activity and best stability among all catalysts. The preparation of PtPdAuTe NWs could provide a viable strategy for the preparation of other multicomponent NWs.


Identification of miRNA Signature Associated With Erectile Dysfunction in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus by Support Vector Machine-Recursive Feature Elimination.
Diabetic mellitus erectile dysfunction (DMED) is one of the most common complications of diabetes mellitus (DM), which seriously affects the self-esteem and quality of life of diabetics. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous non-coding RNAs whose expression levels can affect multiple cellular processes. Many pieces of studies have demonstrated that miRNA plays a role in the occurrence and development of DMED. However, the exact mechanism of this process is unclear. Hence, we apply miRNA sequencing from blood samples of 10 DMED patients and 10 DM controls to study the mechanisms of miRNA interactions in DMED patients. Firstly, we found four characteristic miRNAs as signature by the SVM-RFE method (hsa-let-7E-5p, hsa-miR-30 days-5p, hsa-miR-199b-5p, and hsa-miR-342-3p), called DMEDSig-4. Subsequently, we correlated DMEDSig-4 with clinical factors and further verified the ability of these miRNAs to classify samples. Finally, we functionally verified the relationship between DMEDSig-4 and DMED by pathway enrichment analysis of miRNA and its target genes. In brief, our study found four key miRNAs, which may be the key influencing factors of DMED. Meanwhile, the DMEDSig-4 could help in the development of new therapies for DMED.


Applications of spectroscopic techniques to the study of monomer-dimer equilibria for methylene blue in aqueous solutions containing ionic liquid: Probing the structural interactions involving water and ionic liquids.
An understanding of the nature of interaction and bonding in dye aggregation process is important for such diverse problems and applications such as stacking interactions in biomolecules, staining properties, photodynamic therapy for cancer, energy transfer in lasing technology and energy transfer and electron transfer processes. In present communication we report visible absorption spectrums and their analysis for the dye methylene blue (MB) in concentration range of 1∙10-6 - 1∙10-4 M in aqueous solutions containing ionic liquids namely, 1-ethyl-3-methyl-imidazolium bromide, 1-butyl-3-methyl-imidazolium bromide and 1-hexyl-3-methyl-imidazolium bromide at 298 ± 1. In this concentration range of MB only Monomer ⇌ Dimer equilibria for the dye exist and hence the spectral characteristics in the visible range of 550-700 nm have been examined. The spectrums obtained are compared with those obtained in aqueous solutions of NaCl. Using suitable developed method of estimating molar absorption extinction coefficient values, the equilibrium constant values are obtained at various ionic strengths of imidazolium ions. It has been found that monomer and dimer absorption maximum occur at 665 and ≈605/610 nm, respectively, do not get much altered on addition of imidazolium ions. The extent of interaction between the MB and imidazolium cations varies with the concentration of imidazolium cations as well as the nature of imidazolium cations, that is, the chain length of the substituents. The dimer dissociation constant values extrapolated to zero ionic strength of ionic liquids exhibit systematic alteration with respect to alteration of chain length in imidazolium cations. The different interactional phenomena such as the formation of ion-pairs, ion-pair complexes, dimer dissociation, solubilization of monomers and binding of MB with imidazolium cations have been examined. The transfer standard free energy changes have been calculated for the transfer of dimers from aqueous solutions to aqueous solutions containing ionic liquids. The changes in dimer geometry from sandwich type and end-on-end types also have been studied. It is observed that the contribution to the interaction energy is mainly from van der Waals type and dispersion forces, in addition to short range forces involving multipoles. The binding of monomers with imidazolium cations is also examined in terms of formation of micellar type aggregates in solution phase. It is proposed that the water structural interaction and hydrophobic interactions are the major factors in the formation and dissociation of aggregates.


DNA Methylation Landscape Reflects the Spatial Organization of Chromatin in Different Cells.
The relationship between DNA methylation and chromatin structure is still largely unknown. By analyzing a large set of published sequencing data, we observed a long-range power law correlation of DNA methylation with cell class-specific scaling exponents in the range of tens of kilobases. We showed that such cell class-specific scaling exponents are caused by different patchiness of DNA methylation in different cells. By modeling the chromatin structure using high-resolution chromosome conformation capture data and mapping the methylation level onto the modeled structure, we demonstrated that the patchiness of DNA methylation is related to chromatin structure. The scaling exponents of the power law correlation are thus a display of the spatial organization of chromatin. Besides the long-range correlation, we also showed that the local correlation of DNA methylation is associated with nucleosome positioning. The local correlation of partially methylated domains is different from that of nonpartially methylated domains, suggesting that their chromatin structures differ at the scale of several hundred base pairs (covering a few nucleosomes). Our study provides a novel, to our knowledge, view of the spatial organization of chromatin structure from a perspective of DNA methylation, in which both long-range and local correlations of DNA methylation along the genome reflect the spatial organization of chromatin.


Esophageal function following Livaditis repair of long gap esophageal atresia.
Proximal pouch esophagomyotomy (Livaditis) allows for repair of long gap esophageal atresia (EA). Postoperative esophageal functional studies in these patients are lacking. Six such infants were followed for up to 42 months. Esophageal function was assessed clinically and by barium swallow, manometry, 24 hr pH monitoring, esophagoscopy, and biopsy. Operative complications included two minor anastomotic leaks and two asymptomatic diverticula at the myotomy site. All patients had dysmotility on barium swallow. Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) was seen in four. Manometry showed a variable aperistaltic segment in each infant but lower esophageal sphincter pressures and relaxation were retained. Twenty-four hour pH monitoring showed an increase in frequency and duration of GER. All four patients biopsied had esophagitis. Five of the six patients showed normal growth velocity. Livaditis modified repair of EA was not associated with significant surgical complications. Esophageal motility showed abnormalities similar to those reported after the standard repair of EA. Myotomy did not adversely affect the esophageal function.


Challenges of Pre- and Post-Test Counseling for Orthodox Jewish Individuals in the Premarital Phase.
The Jewish community has traditionally taken ownership of its health, and has taken great strides to raise awareness about genetic issues that affect the community, such as Tay-Sachs disease and Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer syndrome. Thanks in part to these heightened awareness efforts, many Orthodox Jewish individuals are now using genetics services as they begin to plan their families. Due to unique cultural and religious beliefs and perceptions, the Orthodox Jewish patients who seek genetic counseling face many barriers to a successful counseling session, and often seek the guidance of programs such as the Program for Jewish Genetic Health (PJGH). In this article, we present clinical vignettes from the PJGH's clinical affiliate, the Reproductive Genetics practice at the Montefiore Medical Center. These cases highlight unique features of contemporary premarital counseling and screening within the Orthodox Jewish Community, including concerns surrounding stigma, disclosure, "marriageability," the use of reproductive technologies, and the desire to include a third party in decision making. Our vignettes demonstrate the importance of culturally-sensitive counseling. We provide strategies and points to consider when addressing the challenges of pre- and post-test counseling as it relates to genetic testing in this population.


Parents who refuse to vaccinate their infants: paediatricians' feelings and treatment intentions.
The aim of this study was to evaluate paediatricians' attitudes and emotions towards parents who refuse to vaccinate their infants and to assess their reactions, suggestions and practices. The study group consisted of 376 paediatricians in Israel, who completed the emailed research questionnaire anonymously. Although the vast majority of paediatricians agreed that vaccination was in the baby's best interest (92.2%), only a small percentage (3.5%) felt that there should be some scientific justification behind a parent's refusal. The majority (70.7%) of those surveyed expressed negative feelings towards refusing parents. Despite this, more than a third (36.9%) agreed that parents have the right to decide (28.9% disagreed) and a third (36.8%) agreed that vaccinations should be officially enforced (35.8% disagreed). Only a very small percentage of the paediatricians (1.8%) said they would object to treating infants who had not been vaccinated. Paediatricians face a conflict between two opposing values: the importance of immunization versus the parents' rights to decide what is best for their own child. Therefore, they are in favour of gentle persuasion or official enforcement. We believe that experts in modern communication could help paediatricians to convey the positive benefits of vaccination to parents.


Behind every smile there's teeth: Cathepsin B's function in health and disease with a kidney view.
Cathepsin B (CatB) is a very abundant lysosomal protease with endo- and carboxydipeptidase activities and even ligase features. In this review, we will provide a general characterization of CatB and describe structure, structure-derived properties and location-dependent proteolytic actions. We depict CatB action within lysosome and its important roles in lysosomal biogenesis, lysosomal homeostasis and autophagy rendering this protease a key player in orchestrating lysosomal functions. Lysosomal leakage and subsequent escape of CatB into the cytosol lead to harmful actions, e.g. the role in activating the NLPR3 inflammasome, affecting immune responses and cell death. The second focus of this review addresses CatB functions in the kidney, i.e. the glomerulus, the proximal tubule and collecting duct with strong emphasis of its role in pathology of the respective segment. Finally, observations regarding CatB functions that need to be considered in cell culture will be discussed. In conclusion, CatB a physiologically important molecule may, upon aberrant expression in different cellular context, become a harmful player effectively showing its teeth behind its smile.


In Vivo Tumor Angiogenesis Imaging Using Peptide-Based Near-Infrared Fluorescent Probes.
Near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging is an emerging imaging technique for studying diseases at the molecular level. Optical imaging with a near-infrared emitting fluorophore for targeting tumor angiogenesis offers a noninvasive method for early tumor detection and efficient monitoring of tumor response to anti-angiogenesis therapy. CD13 receptor, a zinc-dependent membrane-bound ectopeptidase, plays important roles in regulating tumor angiogenesis and the growth of new blood vessels. In this chapter, we use CD13 receptor as an example to demonstrate how to construct CD13-specific NGR-containing peptides via bioorthogonal click chemistry for visualizing and quantifying the CD13 receptor expression in vivo by means of NIRF optical imaging.


Increased metabolite concentration in migraine rat model by proton MR spectroscopy in vivo and ex vivo.
To investigate brain metabolite change in rat migraine model by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) in vivo and ex vivo. 18 Adult SD rats were enrolled in the study. After nitroglycerin administration, the migraine rat model was established according to ethology evaluation. 1H-MRS was performed at 3T MR scanner in vivo and 14.7T Bruker MR spectrometer ex vivo. Area of peak for different metabolite material was obtained and compared by using independent-T test. The significance level was set at p<0.05. In thalami of experimental group, areas of peak for Cho, Cr and Glu both in vivo and ex vivo were higher than in control group(p<0.05). In contrast, there was no statistical difference in cerebellum. The elevated Cho and Cr spectral pattern were found in rat migraine model. Neuron activity in thalamus is significantly changeable during attacks.


In vitro and in vivo canine mononuclear cell production of tumor necrosis factor induced by muramyl peptides and lipopolysaccharide.
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a potent mediator of tumor cell killing by activated monocytes and macrophages. We measured TNF activity induced by muramyl peptides and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in normal dogs. Canine adherent mononuclear cells were isolated and cultured in either medium alone or medium containing muramyl dipeptide (MDP) or MDP plus LPS. After 18 h, culture supernatants were collected and assayed for TNF activity. Sera from dogs injected with liposome-encapsulated muramyl tripeptide-phosphatidylethanolamine (L-MTP-PE) were also evaluated for TNF activity. TNF activity both in supernatants and in sera was detected in a 18 h WEHI-164 cell cytotoxicity assay and was confirmed by a monoclonal antibody directed against recombinant human TNF-alpha. Results showed a significant increase in TNF activity from mononuclear cells exposed to MDP or MDP plus LPS of 20% and 88%, respectively; P < 0.0005. Serum TNF activity rapidly increased within 2-3 h post L-MTP-PE injection and subsequently declined to pretreatment level at 4 h post administration. This study demonstrates that MDP +/- LPS can stimulate canine adherent mononuclear cells to release TNF and intravenous injection of L-MTP-PE is capable of rendering the in vivo release of TNF in normal dogs.


Statin-associated muscle symptoms-A review: Individualizing the approach to optimize care.
The 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, also known as "statins" are considered first-line pharmacologic therapy for reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). They have been demonstrated efficacy in a variety of patients populations to reduce atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk. Like any pharmacologic therapy, however, they are not without possible adverse effects that can lead to discontinuation, thus leading to a loss of benefit. The most common side effect related to statin therapy impacting compliance is musculoskeletal related, commonly referred to as statin-associated muscle systems (SAMS). While the overall incidence is relatively low, the consequences of nonadherence to statin therapy can have a negative impact on patient care. Therefore, it is important for healthcare providers to understand risk factors, how to diagnose, and how to manage this unfortunate adverse effect in order to optimize care.


Comparison of QT dispersion in patients with ST elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) before and after treatment by streptokinase versus primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
QT dispersion (QTD) represents inhomogeneous ventricular repolarization such that an increased QTD may predispose the heart to malignant ventricular arrhythmias (VAs). This study was conducted to compare QTD in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) before and after treatment by streptokinase (SK) versus primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The present case-control study was conducted on 185 STEMI patients who received SK (115 cases) or underwent primary PCI (70 cases). QTD and QT corrected dispersion before and 24 h after treatment. Likewise, they were also found to correct fatal arrhythmias (VT and VF) during the first 24 h after admission, and ejection fraction (EF) 24 h after treatment was evaluated. QTD decreased in the primary PCI group, though no significant difference was seen between the two studied groups (P > 0.05). A significant increase was detected in the EF mean values for the primary PCI-treated patients (P = 0.022). Moreover, there was a significant reduction in QTD of patients with fatal arrhythmias in the primary PCI group (P = 0.022). An overall QTD reduction in the primary PCI group and a significant decrease in QTD of patients with fatal arrhythmias in the primary PCI group show that this treatment strategy is more efficient than thrombolytic therapy. As an important indicator of proper myocardial function, EF can independently predict improved myocardial function in the primary PCI group.


Predicting the potential environmental suitability for Theileria orientalis transmission in New Zealand cattle using maximum entropy niche modelling.
The tick-borne haemoparasite Theileria orientalis is the most important infectious cause of anaemia in New Zealand cattle. Since 2012 a previously unrecorded type, T. orientalis type 2 (Ikeda), has been associated with disease outbreaks of anaemia, lethargy, jaundice and deaths on over 1000 New Zealand cattle farms, with most of the affected farms found in the upper North Island. The aim of this study was to model the relative environmental suitability for T. orientalis transmission throughout New Zealand, to predict the proportion of cattle farms potentially suitable for active T. orientalis infection by region, island and the whole of New Zealand and to estimate the average relative environmental suitability per farm by region, island and the whole of New Zealand. The relative environmental suitability for T. orientalis transmission was estimated using the Maxent (maximum entropy) modelling program. The Maxent model predicted that 99% of North Island cattle farms (n=36,257), 64% South Island cattle farms (n=15,542) and 89% of New Zealand cattle farms overall (n=51,799) could potentially be suitable for T. orientalis transmission. The average relative environmental suitability of T. orientalis transmission at the farm level was 0.34 in the North Island, 0.02 in the South Island and 0.24 overall. The study showed that the potential spatial distribution of T. orientalis environmental suitability was much greater than presumed in the early part of the Theileria associated bovine anaemia (TABA) epidemic. Maximum entropy offers a computer efficient method of modelling the probability of habitat suitability for an arthropod vectored disease. This model could help estimate the boundaries of the endemically stable and endemically unstable areas for T. orientalis transmission within New Zealand and be of considerable value in informing practitioner and farmer biosecurity decisions in these respective areas.


Pharmacokinetics of adriamycin in patients with breast cancer: correlation between pharmacokinetic parameters and clinical short-term response.
The pharmacokinetics of adriamycin was evaluated in the plasma of 12 patients with breast cancer after injection of an i.v. bolus. The patients were suffering from a locally advanced tumor, were free of metastases and had received no prior treatment. They received a chemotherapy consisting in adriamycin (50 mg/m2) on day 1, vincristine (1 mg/m2) on day 2 and methotrexate (6 mg/m2) on days 3, 4 and 5. The response to chemotherapy was assessed as the percentage of reduction of the palpable tumoral mass. Plasma samples were collected at various times after injection of the drug. Adriamycin and its metabolites were extracted using an original column purification technique and were evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorometric detection. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated with a computer program based upon an algorithm of non-linear function minimization. The three successive half-lives presented little individual variations and were 4.75 min, 0.822 hr and 18.9 hr. On the other hand, the A, B and C parameters were highly scattered. The total plasma clearance of the parent drug ranged from 28.3 to 98.7 1/hr. A highly significant correlation was observed between parameter A and the short-term clinical response. Moreover, a mild correlation exists between the half-life of the 1st phase and the short-term clinical response. We can therefore assume that the efficacy of the drug may be dependent upon its distribution in the organism. Such a relationship may allow the development of new protocols of chemotherapy in order to obtain an optimal distribution of the drug in every patient.


The roles of neutral sphingomyelinases in neurological pathologies.
The neutral sphingomyelinases (N-SMases) are a group of Mg²⁺-dependent enzymes with a pH optimum in the neutral range. N-SMases catalyze the conversion of sphingomyelin to ceramide and have been found particularly enriched in brain tissue. N-SMase activity has been implicated in many physiological and pathological processes affecting the brain and nervous system. In this review, we discuss the proposed functions of N-SMase with a particular emphasis on its role in neurological disorders, such as age-related neurodegeneration, Alzheimer's disease, HIV-associated dementia, atherosclerosis, ischemia-reperfusion injury, and cancer.


Research progress on the magnetite nanoparticles in the fields of water pollution control and detection.
Magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) have shown increasing application in the fields of water pollution control and detection due to their perfect combination of interfacial functionalities and physicochemical properties, such as surface interface adsorption, (synergistic) reduction, catalytic oxidation, and electrical chemistry. This review presents the research advances in the synthesis and modification methods of MNPs in recent years, systematically summarizes the performances of MNPs and their modified materials in terms of three technical systems, including single decontamination system, coupled reaction system, and electrochemical system. In addition, the progress of the key roles played by MNPs in adsorption, reduction, catalytic oxidative degradation and their coupling with zero-valent iron for the reduction of pollutants are described. Moreover, the application prospect of MNPs-based electrochemical working electrodes for detecting micro-pollutants in water were also discussed in detail. This review addresses that the construction of MNPs-based systems for water pollution control and detection should be adapted to the natures of the target pollutants in water. Finally, the following research directions of MNPs and their remaining challenges are outlooked. In general, this review will inspire MNPs researchers in different fields for effective control and detection of a variety of contaminants in water.


A three-year evaluation of hemostatic function in Singaporean Norplant acceptors.
In a longitudinal study involving 100 Singaporean women, results indicate that the acceptors persist in having a possibly increased predisposition to thrombosis, as evidenced by a significant increase in platelet count and aggregability. Furthermore, the shortened prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time, together with changes in vitamin K factors, still indicate the possible enhanced potential for hypercoagulation.


The effects of polyunsaturated:saturated fatty acids ratios and peroxidisability index values of dietary fats on serum lipid profiles and hepatic enzyme activities in rats.
Raising the dietary PUFA:saturated fatty acids (SFA) ratio has been recommended for the prevention of CVD. However, a high PUFA:SFA (P:S) ratio diet enhances oxidative stress because PUFA are highly susceptible to lipid peroxidation. Thus, we focused on the role of the dietary P:S ratio and peroxidisability index (PI) value on serum and liver tissue and investigated the effects of dietary P:S ratios (0.4, 1.0, and 4.8) with a fixed PI value (81) on serum lipid parameters and hepatic enzyme activities (experiment 1). To elucidate whether those phenomena were unique to the P:S ratio, we examined the effects of dietary PI values (36, 81, 126, and 217) with a constant P:S ratio (1.0) (experiment 2). Female Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 240-280 g were fed experimental diets for 4 weeks. When dietary PI value was maintained at 81, serum HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) increased with increasing dietary P:S ratio. When the P:S ratio was fixed at 1.0, HDL-C was the lowest with mid-low PI (MLPI) (PI value of 81). In both experiments, serum LDL-cholesterol:HDL-C ratio kept in the range of 0-2. The hepatic superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) concentrations were the highest in the lowest dietary P:S ratio group (experiment 1). GSH-Px, glutathione-S-transferase, and TBARS were the lowest in rats fed the MLPI diet (experiment 2). In conclusion, these results indicate that a P:S ratio of 1.0-1.5 and a PI value of 80-90 in the diet are within a favourable range to reduce the risk of CVD.


The ultrastructure of spermatozoa of two species of Aegla (A. parana and A. quilombola) (Crustacea, Decapoda) endemic to Brazil.
The previously published ultrastructure of Aegla spermatozoa contributed to the phylogenetics of this unique taxon. The present study describes the spermatozoa of two additional aeglids, Aegla parana and A. quilombola. The spermatozoa consist of two hemispheres of the approximate same size and a bilayered acrosomal vesicle; both characteristics of the genus Aegla. The similarity of spermatozoa ultrastructure observed between A. parana and A. quilombola and the endemic Australian anomuran, Lomis hirta (Lomidae) reflects a sister group relationship, even though both are from different regions of the world and different environments today. Aeglid spermatozoa share the same organization with Lomis including the two equal size hemispheres separated by a membrane also two layers in the acrosomal vesicle with the external layer being surrounded by another membrane. The number of spermatozoa microtubular arms is unclear in Aegla, however, they are present in both the nucleus and cytoplasm. This observation does not agree with the presence of spermatozoa arms only in the nucleus, as an exclusive character for Aegla, as proposed previously. The presence of lipid-droplets and peroxisomes was observed only in the spermatozoa of A. quilombola. The greatly reduced number of spermatozoa observed in all specimens analyzed raises concerns about the conservation of several threatened species. In addition, the absence of any spermatophores seems to be a characteristic of the Aeglidae to date.


[Creation of a diaclinic for paraclinical case presentation from the technical didactic viewpoint].
A diaclinic is a short lecture accompanied by many slides. It has the advantage that the patients have not to be represented personally. A protocolling procedure ensures that similar situations are recorded in the same way. Hints may be given how to take pictures, how to get good resolutions, and how to emphasize the important parts of the picture. Production of colored text slides and knowledge how to arrange graphic elements are also necessary to create a good diaclinic.


The effects of chronic administration of nandrolone decanoate on redox status in exercised rats.
For the past 40 years, anabolic-androgenic steroids have been used by a wide variety of athletes with the hope of improving their training, endurance, and performance. The aim of this study was to examine the chronic effects of nandrolone decanoate (20 mg/kg, s.c, Deca-Durabolin DECA(®)) on oxidative stress biomarkers in the hearts of sedentary and exercised rats. The male Wistar albino rats (n = 180, four groups with three subgroups, 15 per subgroup, age 10 weeks, body mass 200-220 g) were sacrificed, and in the collected samples of blood, the following markers of oxidative stress were measured spectrophotometrically: (1) index of lipid peroxidation (measured as TBARS-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances); (2) nitrites (NO2 (-)); (3) hydrogen peroxide (H2O2); (4) superoxide anion radical (O2 (-)), and superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione reductase. The results clearly show that the impact of ND alone, or in combination with physical training in general, is mildly pro-oxidative. The chronic physical training probably induces the protective antioxidant enzyme system , which may be of clinical interest when faced with overdosage of this drug.


Acceptability and face validity of two mental health screening tools for use in the routine surgical setting.
Preoperative assessment of mental health rarely occurs within routine surgery. Any screening tool selected to form part of this process must be deemed practical, acceptable and valid by clinicians and consumers alike. This study aims to assess the acceptability and face validity of two existing mental health screening tools to select one for further development and use in the routine surgical setting. A survey of clinicians and consumers was conducted from October 2020 to March 2021 at a tertiary hospital in Sydney, Australia. Using a Likert scale (1-5, lowest to highest rating), the clinicians evaluated four domains for acceptability and two for validity (six overall) and the consumers four domains for acceptability and one for validity (five overall) on the preoperative use of the amended Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) and the Somatic and Psychological Health Report-12 (SPHERE-12). Consensus was achieved through a rating of 4 or 5 being given by 70% or more of participants with domains able to remain unchanged. Free text responses were analysed into themes. A total of 73 participants (51 clinicians; 22 consumers) were included. The K10 received consensus scores (≥ 70%) in four out of six domains for clinicians (4/4 acceptability; 0/2 validity), and all five domains for consumers (4/4 acceptability; 1/1 validity). The SPHERE-12 received consensus scores (≥ 70%) in three domains for clinicians (3/4 acceptability; 0/2 validity), and three domains for consumers (3/4 acceptability; 0/1 validity). Six qualitative themes were described including (1) amendments to tool structure and language; (2) scale response options; (3) difficulty with somatic questions; (4) practicality and familiarity with K10; (5) challenges for specific patient cohorts and (6) timing considerations for patients. Adequate acceptability was established for the K10. However further development is required to strengthen its validity for this specific surgical cohort and purpose. Future research to determine the feasibility and acceptability of implementing and using the K10 in the routine surgical setting is now needed.


Cyanosis after Kawashima-Fontan: hybrid approach to mixing and matching flows.
Surgical approaches to a single ventricle with absent infrahepatic segment of the inferior vena cava include a bidirectional Glenn and separate hepatic venous connection to the pulmonary arteries. If sites of insertion into the pulmonary arteries are widely separated, hepatic flow is directed to only one lung. Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations may form in the contralateral lung and result in severe cyanosis. We report a case of resolution of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations after successful rerouting of hepatic venous flow to the hemi-azygous vein in a 16-year-old patient. A dilatable pulmonary artery band reduced cyanosis by limiting flow to the affected lung until resolution of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations.


Dacryocystorhinostomy: History, evolution and future directions.
Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is a procedure of choice for nasolacrimal duct obstruction and chronic dacryostenosis in the setting of patent canaliculi and a functional lacrimal pump. Two major approaches are utilized: external, via a transcutaneous incision and endonasal endoscopically guided. The surgery has a high success rate via both approaches. We review the history, evolution, current techniques, complications and future directions of DCR.


In vitro inhibition of human cytochrome P450 by cudratricusxanthone A.
Cudratricusxanthone A (CTXA) isolated from the roots of Cudrania tricuspidata Bureau (Moraceae) has several biological activities, including hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, monoamine oxidase inhibitory, and antithrombotic activities. In this study, we investigated the potential herb-drug interaction of CTXA and nine cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoforms in pooled human liver microsomes (HLMs) using a cocktail probe assay. CTXA reversibly inhibited the CYP1A2-catalyzed phenacetin O-deethylation, CYP2C8-catalyzed paclitaxel 6-hydroxylation, and CYP2C9-catalyzed diclofenac 4'-hydroxylation with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 3.9, 4.7, and 2.9 µM, respectively. The IC50 values did not change under different preincubation conditions. CTXA showed marked dose-dependent, but not time-dependent, inhibition of CYP1A2 and 2C9 activities in HLMs. Dixon plots showed typical competitive inhibition of CYP1A2 and CYP2C9 with Ki values of 1.3 and 1.5 µM, respectively. Further, CTXA inhibited CYP2C8 in a non-competitive manner with a Ki value of 2.2 µM. Our results showed that CTXA reversibly inhibits CYP1A2, 2C8, and 2C9.


Identification of basement membrane-related prognostic signature for predicting prognosis, immune response and potential drug prediction in papillary renal cell carcinoma.
Papillary renal cell carcinoma (PRCC) is a malignant neoplasm of the kidney and is highly interesting due to its increasing incidence. Many studies have shown that the basement membrane (BM) plays an important role in the development of cancer, and structural and functional changes in the BM can be observed in most renal lesions. However, the role of BM in the malignant progression of PRCC and its impact on prognosis has not been fully studied. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the functional and prognostic value of basement membrane-associated genes (BMs) in PRCC patients. We identified differentially expressed BMs between PRCC tumor samples and normal tissue and systematically explored the relevance of BMs to immune infiltration. Moreover, we constructed a risk signature based on these differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using Lasso regression analysis and demonstrated their independence using Cox regression analysis. Finally, we predicted 9 small molecule drugs with the potential to treat PRCC and compared the differences in sensitivity to commonly used chemotherapeutic agents between high and low-risk groups to better target patients for more precise treatment planning. Taken together, our study suggested that BMs might play a crucial role in the development of PRCC, and these results might provide new insights into the treatment of PRCC.


Osteoporosis and Covid-19: Detected similarities in bone lacunar-level alterations via combined AI and advanced synchrotron testing.
While advanced imaging strategies have improved the diagnosis of bone-related pathologies, early signs of bone alterations remain difficult to detect. The Covid-19 pandemic has brought attention to the need for a better understanding of bone micro-scale toughening and weakening phenomena. This study used an artificial intelligence-based tool to automatically investigate and validate four clinical hypotheses by examining osteocyte lacunae on a large scale with synchrotron image-guided failure assessment. The findings indicate that trabecular bone features exhibit intrinsic variability related to external loading, micro-scale bone characteristics affect fracture initiation and propagation, osteoporosis signs can be detected at the micro-scale through changes in osteocyte lacunar features, and Covid-19 worsens micro-scale porosities in a statistically significant manner similar to the osteoporotic condition. Incorporating these findings with existing clinical and diagnostic tools could prevent micro-scale damages from progressing into critical fractures.


Health related quality of life in the domain of physical activity predicts confirmed disability progression in people with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis.
The diagnosis of the progression phase of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is still retrospective and based on the objectivation of clinical disability accumulation. To assess whether the Patient Reported Outcomes Measures (PROMs) scores predict the occurrence of disease progression within three years of follow-up. Observational prospective multicenter study. Stable Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS) patients were enrolled. At enrollment, patients completed the following PROMs: Beck Depression Inventory- II, The Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medications, Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36- Item (SF36), Fatigue Severity Scale. EDSS was assessed at enrollment and three years later. The outcome measure was defined as the occurrence of confirmed disability progression (CDP) within three years of follow-up. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were performed to study the association between the final score of each test and the outcome. SF36-Physical Functioning (SF36-PF) was the only independent variable associated with the outcome. The ROC curve analysis determined a score of 77.5 at SF36-PF as the cut-off point identifying patients experiencing CDP within three years of follow-up [AUC: 0.66 (95% CI: 0.56-0.75)]. RRMS patients scoring higher (>77.5) at SF36-PF subscale have a higher likelihood to experience CDP within the next three years.


A randomized controlled trial of a multi-modal palliative care intervention to promote advance care planning and psychological well-being among adults with advanced cancer: study protocol.
Up to half of adults with advanced cancer report anxiety or depression symptoms, which can cause avoidance of future planning. We present a study protocol for an innovative, remotely-delivered, acceptance-based, multi-modal palliative care intervention that addresses advance care planning (ACP) and unmet psychological needs commonly experienced by adults with metastatic cancer. A two-armed, prospective randomized controlled trial (RCT) randomizes 240 adults with Stage IV (and select Stage III) solid tumor cancer who report moderate to high anxiety or depression symptoms to either the multi-modal intervention or usual care. The intervention comprises five weekly two-hour group sessions (plus a booster session one month later) delivered via video conferencing, with online self-paced modules and check-ins completed between the group sessions. Intervention content is based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), an acceptance, mindfulness, and values-based model. Participants are recruited from a network of community cancer care clinics, with group sessions led by the network's oncology clinical social workers. Participants are assessed at baseline, mid-intervention, post-intervention, and 2-month follow-up. The primary outcome is ACP completion; secondary outcomes include anxiety and depression symptoms, fear of dying, and sense of life meaning. Relationships between anxiety/depression symptoms and ACP will be evaluated cross-sectionally and longitudinally and theory-based putative mediators will be examined. Among adults with advanced cancer in community oncology settings, this RCT will provide evidence regarding the efficacy of the group ACT intervention on ACP and psychosocial outcomes as well as examine the relationship between ACP and anxiety/ depression symptoms. This trial aims to advance palliative care science and inform clinical practice. Clinicaltrials.gov NCT04773639 on February 26, 2021.


Stone former urine proteome demonstrates a cationic shift in protein distribution compared to normal.
Many urine proteins are found in calcium oxalate stones, yet decades of research have failed to define the role of urine proteins in stone formation. This urine proteomic study compares the relative amounts of abundant urine proteins between idiopathic calcium oxalate stone forming and non-stone forming (normal) cohorts to identify differences that might correlate with disease. Random mid-morning urine samples were collected following informed consent from 25 stone formers and 14 normal individuals. Proteins were isolated from urine using ultrafiltration. Urine proteomes for each sample were characterized using label-free spectral counting mass spectrometry, so that urine protein relative abundances could be compared between the two populations. A total of 407 unique proteins were identified with the 38 predominant proteins accounting for >82% of all sample spectral counts. The most highly abundant proteins were equivalent in stone formers and normals, though significant differences were observed in a few moderate abundance proteins (immunoglobulins, transferrin, and epidermal growth factor), accounting for 13 and 10% of the spectral counts, respectively. These proteins contributed to a cationic shift in protein distribution in stone formers compared to normals (22% vs. 18%, p = 0.04). Our data showing only small differences in moderate abundance proteins suggest that no single protein controls stone formation. Observed increases in immunoglobulins and transferrin suggest increased inflammatory activity in stone formers, but cannot distinguish cause from effect in stone formation. The observed cationic shift in protein distribution would diminish protein charge stabilization, which could lead to protein aggregation and increased risk for crystal aggregation.


Bilateral thoracic paravertebral block for abdominoplasty.
Thoracic bilateral paravertebral block is a technique commonly used in the ambulatory setting for numerous plastic surgery procedures. Paravertebral block has not been reported with abdominoplasty surgery. This case series explores this anesthetic technique in the inpatient and day patient setting.


Cold Atmospheric Plasma-Activated Water Irrigation Induces Defense Hormone and Gene expression in Tomato seedlings.
Plants are very vulnerable to pathogen attacks and environmental stress as they are exposed to harsh environments in natural conditions. However, they have evolved a self-defense system whereby reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) act as double-edged swords by imposing (at higher concentration) and mitigating (at lower concentration) environmental stress. Cold plasma is emerging as a feasible option to produce a variety of RONS in a controlled manner when amalgamate with water. Cold plasma activated/treated water (PAW) contains a variety of RONS at concentrations, which may help to activate the plant's defense system components. In the present study, we examine the effect of cold atmospheric-air jet plasma exposure (15 min, 30 min, and 60 min) on the water's RONS level, as well as the impact of PAW irrigation, (assigned as 15PAW, 30PAW, and 60PAW) on tomato seedlings growth and defense response. We found that PAW irrigation (priming) upregulate seedlings growth, endogenous RONS, defense hormone (salicylic acid and jasmonic acid), and expression of key pathogenesis related (PR) gene. 30 min PAW contains RONS at concentrations which can induce non-toxic signaling. The present study suggests that PAW irrigation can be beneficial for agriculture as it modulates plant growth as well as immune response components.


Manoeuvring Across Academia in National Socialist Germany: The Life and Work of Devendra Nath Bannerjea.
The article investigates the possibilities and limits for the academic Devendra Nath Bannerjea to find employment in National Socialist Germany by producing-what he imagined to be-useful knowledge for the state. Bannerjea, who came from the Punjab in northwestern India via London, Geneva and Rome to Berlin, defies neat categorization. He was neither a National Socialist scholar, nor can he be solely understood as an Indian anticolonial nationalist. In the more than four decades he spent in Europe, Bannerjea appeared in many different roles-as an anticolonial rebel, false diplomat, researcher, and endeavouring professor. Despite his employment in different educational institutions, his publications, and his political and academic networks, he remained a second row intellectual and political activist. His activities led to repeated conflicts, first with British and later Nazi authorities, because of his radical ideas and claims to intellectual egalitarianism on the one hand, and, even more often, because of his 'creative' efforts to improve his precarious living conditions on the other.The article explores the relationship between knowledge production and National Socialist state politics through the lens of Bannerjea's life, focussing on the exchange of resources between Bannerjea and the National Socialist apparatus. Against the backdrop of the social circumstances of his livelihood, it investigates the knowledge produced by Bannerjea and the rewards he received from the National Socialist regime in return.


The role of financialization in stimulating environmental innovation implementation in the European region.
This paper empirically examines the influences of financial development on environmental innovation implementation. Our research is based on four measures designed to assess the effectiveness of environmental innovations in 24 European countries, including the percentage of enterprises implementing environmental innovation investment (% of surveyed firms); the percentage of enterprises implementing environmental innovation activities (e.g., implementation of resource efficiency actions, sustainable products, or ISO 14001 certificates) measured, a number of enterprises having new ISO 14001 registration and a number of environmental innovation-related patents. Based on our analysis and estimates, we reveal that the better quality of the financial system improved the environmental innovation performance in the European region during the 2011-2019 period. To shed light on the link between financialization and environmental innovations, we dig deeper into financial markets and financial institutions' depth, access, and efficiency. Our results highlight financial institutions and financial markets' depth and efficiency in enhancing EI activities. However, EI-related patents do not show any significant improvements under the changes in the financial system.


Synthesis of Value-Added Chemicals via Oxidative Coupling of Methanes over Na2WO4-TiO2-MnO x /SiO2 Catalysts with Alkali or Alkali Earth Oxide Additives.
Na2WO4-TiO2-MnO x /SiO2 (SM) catalysts with alkali (Li, K, Rb, Cs) or alkali earth (Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba) oxide additives, which were prepared using incipient wetness impregnation, were investigated for oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) to value-added hydrocarbons (C2+). A screening test that was performed on the catalysts revealed that SM with Sr (SM-Sr) had the highest yield of C2+. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses indicated that the catalysts with a relatively low binding energy of W 4f7/2 facilitated a high CH4 conversion. A combination of crystalline MnTiO3, Mn2O3, α-cristobalite, Na2WO4, and TiO2 phases was identified as an essential component for a remarkable improvement in the activity of the catalysts in the OCM reaction. In attempts to optimize the C2+ yield, 0.25 wt % Sr onto SM-Sr achieved the highest C2+ yield at 22.9% with a 62.5% C2+ selectivity and a 36.6% CH4 conversion. A stability test of the optimal catalyst showed that after 24 h of testing, its activity decreased by 18.7%.


Improved analysis of foveal avascular zone area with optical coherence tomography angiography.
To investigate the relationship between the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) and the inner nuclear layer (INL)-free zone in the center of the fovea in order to provide an improved approach to evaluation of the FAZ area with optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Thirty-six healthy individuals (36 eyes) and 15 age-matched patients (15 eyes) with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (nPDR) were included in this study. The FAZ, as well as INL-free zone, was measured on OCTA images. The FAZ area, INL-free zone area, and the ratio of the INL-free zone area to the FAZ area were compared between healthy subjects and nPDR patients. The mean FAZ area in healthy subjects and nPDR patients was 0.33 ± 0.1 mm2 and 0.41 ± 0.19 mm2 (p < 0.05), respectively. The mean INL-free zone area in healthy subjects and nPDR patients was 0.33 ± 0.07 mm2 and 0.25 ± 0.09 mm2 (p > 0.05), respectively. The INL-free zone area to the FAZ area ratio in healthy subjects and nPDR patients was 1.08 ± 0.25 and 0.56 ± 0.18 (p < 0.001), respectively. Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that the INL-free zone area to the FAZ area ratio had a higher area under curve (0.94; 80.0% sensitivity and 97.2% specificity) compared to the FAZ area (0.61; 40.0% sensitivity and 94.4% specificity) for differentiating nPDR from healthy eyes. This study showed that analysis of the FAZ based on the ratio of the INL-free zone area to the FAZ area has better accuracy compared to the conventional FAZ area measurement in differentiating eyes with mild to moderate nPDR without any structural abnormalities in the fovea from healthy eyes.


Automated regenerable microarray-based immunoassay for rapid parallel quantification of mycotoxins in cereals.
An automated flow-through multi-mycotoxin immunoassay using the stand-alone Munich Chip Reader 3 platform and reusable biochips was developed and evaluated. This technology combines a unique microarray, prepared by covalent immobilization of target analytes or derivatives on diamino-poly(ethylene glycol) functionalized glass slides, with a dedicated chemiluminescence readout by a CCD camera. In a first stage, we aimed for the parallel detection of aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, deoxynivalenol, and fumonisins in cereal samples in a competitive indirect immunoassay format. The method combines sample extraction with methanol/water (80:20, v/v), extract filtration and dilution, and immunodetection using horseradish peroxidase-labeled anti-mouse IgG antibodies. The total analysis time, including extraction, extract dilution, measurement, and surface regeneration, was 19 min. The prepared microarray chip was reusable for at least 50 times. Oat extract revealed itself as a representative sample matrix for preparation of mycotoxin standards and determination of different types of cereals such as oat, wheat, rye, and maize polenta at relevant concentrations according to the European Commission regulation. The recovery rates of fortified samples in different matrices, with 55-80 and 58-79%, were lower for the better water-soluble fumonisin B1 and deoxynivalenol and with 127-132 and 82-120% higher for the more unpolar aflatoxins and ochratoxin A, respectively. Finally, the results of wheat samples which were naturally contaminated with deoxynivalenol were critically compared in an interlaboratory comparison with data obtained from microtiter plate ELISA, aokinmycontrol® method, and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and found to be in good agreement.


Polydatin Induces Apoptosis and Inhibits Growth of Acute Monocytic Leukemia Cells.
Polydatin (PD), a component isolated from Polygonum cuspidatum, has various activities such as inhibiting platelet aggregation, lowering level of blood lipid, reducing lipid peroxidation, and so on. However, the antitumor activity of PD has been poorly reported. In the present study, effect of PD on cell proliferation was evaluated by Cell Counting Kit-8, and cell cycle and apoptosis were investigated by flow cytometry. Meanwhile, the protein expression level of Bc1-2, Bax, cyclin A, cyclin B, and cyclin D1, which associated with apoptosis and cell cycle were analyzed by Western blotting. Results show that PD could effectively inhibit the growth, arrest cells in S phase, and induce apoptosis of acute monocytic leukemia cell line THP-1; meanwhile, expression of cyclin D1 and Bc1-2 decreased significantly, and expression of Bax and cyclin A increased notably. All results suggest that PD maybe a potential therapeutic strategy for acute monocytic leukemia.


Utilizing hierarchical redundancy for accurate throwing movement.
Understanding how athletes reduce motor variability in redundant tasks contributes to improving sports performance and elucidating human motor control mechanisms. This study aimed to clarify how experienced basketball players use two hierarchical redundancies, ball-level and body-level, for accurate free-throw shooting as no study has simultaneously examined how these hierarchical redundancies are used. Experienced basketball players (intermediate-level and top-level) participated in a free-throw shooting experiment using a motion capture system under two conditions: with feedback (FB) and no-feedback (NF) conditions. To quantify the coordination, the solution manifold and tolerance, noise, and covariation analysis were used for the ball-level redundancy, while uncontrolled manifold analysis and the covariation by randomization method were used for the body-level redundancy. The ball-level analysis revealed that the covariation and noise components were related to the performance, and that the noise component showed a larger contribution to performance than the covariation component, indicating that the reproducibility of the release parameters has a larger room for improvement than coordination. The coordination of release parameters was not significantly different between the FB and NF conditions, indicating that the effect of performance feedback on coordination is unclear. The body-level analysis revealed that interjoint coordination reduced the variability of the longitudinal positions of the hand and fingertip, showing that interjoint coordination improves the reproducibility of the ball-release position, especially in the direction that strongly affects the motor performance. In conclusion, interjoint coordination improved the reproducibility of ball-release parameters, which enhanced motor performance in basketball free-throw shooting.


Sulfation of a polysaccharide produced by a marine filamentous fungus Phoma herbarum YS4108 alters its antioxidant properties in vitro.
Free radicals and other reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated by all aerobic cells and are widely believed to play a significant role in aging as well as a number of degenerative or pathological diseases. This study compared the free radical-scavenging properties and antioxidant activity of YCP, a polysaccharide from the mycelium of a marine filamentous fungus Phoma herbarum YS 4108 and its two chemically sulfated derivatives YCP-S1 and YCP-S2. Sulfation, which masks hydroxyl groups of YCP polysaccharide molecule, could introduce new antioxidant activity, such as superoxide and hydroxyl radicals scavenging activity, metal chelating action, lipid peroxidation and linoleic acid oxidation inhibition capability. Furthermore, sulfated YCP was more potent than YCP at protecting erythrocytes against oxidative damage hemolysis. The current data suggest for the first time that sulfation of polysaccharide significantly increases its antioxidant activity and the chemical modification of polysaccharides may allow the preparation of derivatives with new properties and a variety of applications.


Scanning-electron-microscopy-x-ray microanalysis and distribution of elements within the head of human spermatozoa.
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with x-ray analysis has been utilized to investigate the distribution of several elements within the head of human spermatozoon. Despite minor individual variations, a preferential localization of elements (Ca, K, S, P) has been found in the head portion of the cell that corresponds to the post-acrosomal cap and is involved in the fusion of gametes during fertilization.


Andean berry (Vaccinium meridionale Swartz) juice in combination with Aspirin modulated anti-inflammatory markers on LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages.
V. meridionale Swartz is an underutilized Andean Berry that has been linked to several health benefits potentially derived from its anti-inflammatory effects. This research aimed to evaluate the impact of Andean Berry Juice (ABJ) combined with Aspirin in the modulation of anti-inflammatory markers from LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. The chemical characterization of ABJ showed a high content of polyphenols, mainly gallic acid (659-75 μg/g) and cyanidin chloride (418.61 μg/mL). Compared to LPS-stimulated macrophages, ABJ, Aspirin, and its combination reduced NO and ROS production (3.26-42.55 and 17.59-65.68%, respectively). In comparison, the half inhibitory concentration of NO reduction (IC50) was found at 7.69% v/v (ABJ) and 24.48 mM (Aspirin). Compared to the pro-inflammatory control (LPS), ABJ reduced IL-1β, MCP-1, and GCSF; Aspirin decreased IL1R1, MCP-1, GMCSF, GCSF, and TNF-α; and the ABJ + Aspirin treatment reduced IL1R, GMCSF, and CXCL10. The in silico interaction of cytokines and the prediction of potential binding interactions suggested CCR1, CCR5, and NF-kB modulation. These results showed the anti-inflammatory potential of underutilized South American berries and their co-adjuvant effect with known drugs such as Aspirin in the resolution of inflammatory-derived conditions. This is the first report of the anti-inflammatory effects of V. meridionale Swartz juice in combination with Aspirin on LPS-challenged RAW 264.7 macrophages.


"Puffy hand syndrome".
Intravenous drug addiction is responsible for many complications, especially cutaneous and infectious. There is a syndrome, rarely observed in rheumatology, resulting in "puffy hands": the puffy hand syndrome. We report two cases of this condition from our rheumatologic consultation. Our two patients had intravenous drug addiction. They presented with an edema of the hands, bilateral, painless, no pitting, occurring in one of our patient during heroin intoxication, and in the other 2 years after stopping injections. In our two patients, additional investigations (biological, radiological, ultrasound) were unremarkable, which helped us, in the context, to put the diagnosis of puffy hand syndrome. The pathophysiology, still unclear, is based in part on a lymphatic toxicity of drugs and their excipients. There is no etiological treatment but elastic compression by night has improved edema of the hands in one of our patients.


Translation and evaluation of the HeartQoL in patients with coronary heart disease in Iceland.
Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) reflects an individual's own perception of their symptom burden, functional limitations, prognosis, overall health and changes associated with treatment. The HeartQoL is a validated heart disease-specific questionnaire with a physical and an emotional subscale that is used internationally to assess HRQoL in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). The aim of this study was to translate and evaluate the psychometric properties of the HeartQoL in patients with CHD in Iceland. Patients ≥ 18 years (n = 396; mean age 64.4 ± 8.8 years; 79.6% male) admitted with CHD were recruited from two hospitals in Iceland and completed the Icelandic versions of the HeartQoL, Short-Form 12v2 Health Survey (SF-12v2), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). A subsample of 47 patients completed the HeartQoL 14 days later. Confirmatory factor analysis for ordinal data was used to evaluate the measurement model with a physical and an emotional subscale. Convergent and divergent validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability were evaluated. Overall, the hypothesized two-factor structure of the Icelandic version of the HeartQoL was supported. However, problems with cross-loadings and correlated error variances were identified. Convergent and divergent validity were supported in correlational analyses between HeartQoL, SF-12v2, and HADS. Internal consistency reliability, measured by ordinal alpha, was good for the physical (α = 0.96) and emotional (α = 0.90) subscale. According to intraclass correlations (ICC), acceptable test-retest reliability was demonstrated (ICC = 0.79-0.86). With the two-factor structure confirmed, the Icelandic HeartQoL demonstrated satisfactory psychometric properties in the sample of patients with CHD. Users of the instrument can use the original scoring.


A thermodynamic study on the complexation between riboflavin and a diaminotriazine derivative mediated by triple hydrogen bonds at water/oil interfaces.
The changes in Gibbs free energy (DeltaG (int)), enthalpy (DeltaH (int)) and entropy (TDeltaS (int)) upon complexation between riboflavin (RF) and N,N-dioctadecyl-[1,3,5]triazine-2,4,6-triamine (DTT), mediated by triple hydrogen bonds at water/carbon tetrachloride, trichloroethylene and chloroform interfaces, were determined via temperature-controlled interfacial tension measurements. It was shown that hydrogen bonding interactions between RF and DTT were best characterized by large and negative DeltaH (int) values, unlike those predicted from either the polarity in each phase or the arithmetic average of the polarities in the two phases. Furthermore, the DeltaH (int) values became more positive as the dielectric constant of the oil phase was increased. These results strongly indicate that DeltaH (int) is governed by the dielectric properties of the oil phase. Adsorption of RF, DTT and the RF-DTT complex at the water/oil interface gave rise to restrictions on the translational and rotational motions of these species, as demonstrated by the DeltaS (int) values observed, which is another characteristic of interfacial complexation. The thermodynamic parameters evaluated in the present study revealed the characteristic complexation behavior that occurs at a water/oil interface, as mediated by hydrogen bonding.


Fluorescence-amplified nanocrystals in the second near-infrared window for in vivo real-time dynamic multiplexed imaging.
Optical imaging in the second near-infrared window (NIR-II, 1,000-1,700 nm) holds great promise for non-invasive in vivo detection. However, real-time dynamic multiplexed imaging remains challenging due to the lack of available fluorescence probes and multiplexing techniques in the ideal NIR-IIb (1,500-1,700 nm) 'deep-tissue-transparent' sub-window. Here we report on thulium-based cubic-phase downshifting nanoparticles (α-TmNPs) with 1,632 nm fluorescence amplification. This strategy was also validated for the fluorescence enhancement of nanoparticles doped with NIR-II Er3+ (α-ErNPs) or Ho3+ (α-HoNPs). In parallel, we developed a simultaneous dual-channel imaging system with high spatiotemporal synchronization and accuracy. The NIR-IIb α-TmNPs and α-ErNPs facilitated the non-invasive real-time dynamic multiplexed imaging of cerebrovascular vasomotion activity and the single-cell-level neutrophil behaviour in mouse subcutaneous tissue and ischaemic stroke model.


Case report: classic Kaposi's sarcoma.
Classic KS usually appears between ages 50 and 70 years and has a relatively benign, indolent course for 15 years or longer. Treatment usually controls the disease quite well.


The monomeric dUTPase from Epstein-Barr virus mimics trimeric dUTPases.
Deoxyuridine 5'-triphosphate pyrophosphatases (dUTPases) are ubiquitous enzymes cleaving dUTP into dUMP and pyrophosphate. They occur as monomeric, dimeric, or trimeric molecules. The trimeric and monomeric enzymes both contain the same five characteristic sequence motifs but in a different order, whereas the dimeric enzymes are not homologous. Monomeric dUTPases only occur in herpesviruses, such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Here, we describe the crystal structures of EBV dUTPase in complex with the product dUMP and a substrate analog alpha,beta-imino-dUTP. The molecule consists of three domains forming one active site that has a structure extremely similar to one of the three active sites of trimeric dUTPases. The three domains functionally correspond to the subunits of the trimeric form. Domains I and II have the dUTPase fold, but they differ considerably in the regions that are not involved in the formation of the unique active site, whereas domain III has only little secondary structure.


Who visits a national park and what do they get out of it?: a joint visitor cluster analysis and travel cost model for Yellowstone National Park.
Yellowstone National Park visitor data were obtained from a survey collected for the National Park Service by the Park Studies Unit at the University of Idaho. Travel cost models have been conducted for national parks in the United States; however, this study builds on these studies and investigates how benefits vary by types of visitors who participate in different activities while at the park. Visitor clusters were developed based on activities in which a visitor participated while at the park. The clusters were analyzed and then incorporated into a travel cost model to determine the economic value (consumer surplus) that the different visitor groups received from visiting the park. The model was estimated using a zero-truncated negative binomial regression corrected for endogenous stratification. The travel cost price variable was estimated using both 1/3 and 1/4 the wage rate to test for sensitivity to opportunity cost specification. The average benefit across all visitor cluster groups was estimated at between $235 and $276 per person per trip. However, per trip benefits varied substantially across clusters; from $90 to $103 for the "value picnickers," to $185-$263 for the "backcountry enthusiasts," $189-$278 for the "do it all adventurists," $204-$303 for the "windshield tourists," and $323-$714 for the "creature comfort" cluster group.