Foxo1 Attenuates NaF-Induced Apoptosis of LS8 Cells through the JNK and Mitochondrial Pathways.
Fluoride-induced ameloblast apoptosis is a key event in dental fluorosis development. Forkhead box o1 (Foxo1) is a transcription factor involved in cell apoptosis. The present study aims to investigate the effect of Foxo1 on ameloblast apoptosis induced by fluoride in vitro and to explore its possible mechanism. Ameloblast-like cells (LS8 cells) were exposed to various concentrations of NaF for up to 48 h. Foxo1 activation was modulated using lentiviral vectors, and cell apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry. The expression levels of Foxo1, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and some well-known regulators of the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis (cytoplasmic cytochrome c, cleaved caspase-9, cleaved caspase-3, Bcl-2, and Bax) were detected by quantitative real-time PCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence assay. The results showed significantly decreased expression and increased phosphorylation of Foxo1 in NaF-treated LS8 cells. Further investigation revealed that forced Foxo1 activation with lentiviral vectors attenuated NaF-induced apoptosis of LS8 cells, markedly decreasing protein levels of cytoplasmic cytochrome c, cleaved caspase-9, and cleaved caspase-3 while increasing the Bcl-2/Bax ratio and JNK expression level. These findings suggest that Foxo1 attenuated NaF-induced apoptosis of LS8 cells via inhibiting the mitochondrial pathway and activating JNK.


Digital radiography: utilization of a nuclear medicine computer system.
A standard nuclear medicine computer system was modified to accept video input and utilized to perform digital intravenous and intra-arterial angiography, substration of CT images and enhance ultrasound images as well as to read video and magnetic tape. This system provides greater versatility and adaptability than presently conceptualized and produced digital systems and deserves further evaluation as a multipurpose imaging device.


RBE of the MIT epithermal neutron beam for crypt cell regeneration in mice.
The RBE of the new MIT fission converter epithermal neutron capture therapy (NCT) beam has been determined using intestinal crypt regeneration in mice as the reference biological system. Female BALB/c mice were positioned separately at depths of 2.5 and 9.7 cm in a Lucite phantom where the measured total absorbed dose rates were 0.45 and 0.17 Gy/ min, respectively, and irradiated to the whole body with no boron present. The gamma-ray (low-LET) contributions to the total absorbed dose (low- + high-LET dose components) were 77% (2.5 cm) and 90% (9.7 cm), respectively. Control irradiations were performed with the same batch of animals using 6 MV photons at a dose rate of 0.83 Gy/min as the reference radiation. The data were consistent with there being a single RBE for each NCT beam relative to the reference 6 MV photon beam. Fitting the data according to the LQ model, the RBEs of the NCT beams were estimated as 1.50 +/- 0.04 and 1.03 +/- 0.03 at depths of 2.5 and 9.7 cm, respectively. An alternative parameterization of the LQ model considering the proportion of the high- and low-LET dose components yielded RBE values at a survival level corresponding to 20 crypts (16.7%) of 5.2 +/- 0.6 and 4.0 +/- 0.7 for the high-LET component (neutrons) at 2.5 and 9.7 cm, respectively. The two estimates are significantly different (P = 0.016). There was also some evidence to suggest that the shapes of the curves do differ somewhat for the different radiation sources. These discrepancies could be ascribed to differences in the mechanism of action, to dose-rate effects, or, more likely, to differential sampling of a more complex dose-response relationship.


[Obstetrician's approach to deep phlebitides during pregnancy].
The attitude of the obstetrician faced with deep phlebitis in the course of pregnancy.


Advances in infection control: ventilator-associated pneumonia.
Mechanically ventilated patients are 6-21 times more likely to develop nosocomial pneumonia. It is estimated that between 6% and 52% of ventilated patients develop ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) with attributable mortality of 27-51%. Certain high risk organisms carry higher mortality (e.g., Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter spp.). Aspiration of colonized orodigestive secretions is the commonly recognized route of infection, whereas inhalation of contaminated aerosol hematogenous spread and direct infection are less common. Gram-negative pathogens are responsible for 40-60% of VAP, whereas gram-positive pathogens cause 15-20%, and it is commonly polymicrobial. Diagnosis remains difficult, and studies showed that early appropriate treatment can improve patient outcome. Better understanding of the pathogenesis and risk factors is important for implementing more effective infection control measures. Clinical trials evaluating outcome will help in assessing current and future preventive and therapeutic measures.


No significant difference between 1940 and 1470 nm in endovenous laser ablation using an in vitro porcine liver model.
Current endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) practice favours 1470 nm, as water is a major chromophore for this wavelength. Water has a greater affinity for 1940 nm, leading to claims that lower powers or linear endovenous energy densities (LEEDs) are needed. We compared the thermal spread and carbonisation of EVLA using these two wavelengths, in the porcine liver model. Using the previously validated porcine liver model, we performed 5 treatments, at each power: 2 W, 4 W, 6 W, 8 W and 10 W using a standard pullback of 8 s/cm. This gave LEEDs for each wavelength of 16, 32, 48, 64 and 80 J/cm. Digital images were given random codes and analysed by two blinded observers. Thermal spread was measured using "SketchandCalc" online software and graded carbonisation from 0 (none) to 3 (black carbon tract). There was no significant difference in thermal spread between the two wavelengths at 6 W, 8 W and 10 W. At 2 W, the 1470-nm laser had a significantly increased thermal spread over the 1940 nm. Significantly more carbonisation was found with the 1940-nm laser compared to 1470 nm. In this model, there was no significant difference in thermal spread at powers of 6 W and more. At 2 W and potentially 4 W, 1470 nm showed spread than 1940 nm, due to increased absorption at the device/tissue interface. At powers and LEEDs used for saphenous ablation, we found no evidence to support reduced power or LEED when using 1940 nm. However, 1940 nm may be more advantageous than 1470 nm when ablating small thin-walled veins, near to the skin.


Metabolism of extracellular inositol hexaphosphate (phytate) by Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Iron and zinc deficiencies are global problems, frequently leading to severe illness in vulnerable human populations. Addition of phytases can improve the bioavailability of iron and zinc in food. Saccharomyces cerevisiae would be an ideal candidate as a bioavailability improving food additive if it demonstrates significant phytase activity. The purpose of the paper was to study yeast phytase activity to obtain information required to improve strains. All yeasts tested readily degraded extracellular inositol hexaphosphate (phytate; IP6) in media with IP6 as the sole phosphorous source. Phosphate (Pi) addition yielded repression consistent with the PHO system. However, repression of IP6-degrading enzymes was not only dependent on level of Pi, but also on pH and medium composition. In complex medium, containing Pi at a concentration previously suggested to yield full repression of the secretory acid phosphatases (SAPs; e.g., [Mol. Biol. Cell 11 (2000) 4309]), and at relatively high pH, repression of phytate-degrading enzymes was weak. The capacity to degrade phytate, irrespective of Pi addition or not, was highest at the pH most distant from the pH optimum of the SAPs [Microbiol. Res. 151 (1996) 291], suggesting that expression rather than enzyme activity was affected by pH. In synthetic medium, repression was strong and pH-independent (no IP6 degradation within the range tested). The distinct difference between media shows that, in addition to known regulatory role of Pi for the PHO system, additional factors may be involved. Using a deletion strain, we further demonstrate that the main secretory acid phosphatase Pho5p is not essential for intact phytate-degrading capacity and growth without Pi, neither is Pho3p. However, when constitutively overexpressing PHO5 an increased net phytase activity was obtained, in repressing and non-repressing conditions. This proves that, although redundant in a wild type, Pho5p can catalyze hydrolysis of IP6 and that at least one more enzyme is capable of effective hydrolysis of IP6 (sufficient to provide the cell with phosphorous at a rate yielding maximum growth). Finally, a bread dough experiment showed that the typical concentrations of Pi during leavening exceed levels shown to repress phytate degradation by a wild-type S. cerevisiae.


Development of substance use and psychiatric comorbidity in an epidemiologic study of white and American Indian young adolescents the Great Smoky Mountains Study.
The progression of substance use and the patterns of comorbidity of substance use and psychiatric disorders are explored prospectively in young adolescents enrolled in the Great Smoky Mountains Study. This study is an epidemiologic study of white and American Indian youths living in rural Southern Appalachia. Results from this study indicate that alcohol use without permission predicts subsequent use of illicit drugs and regular tobacco use. Use of tobacco was not associated with either later alcohol or drug use. Patterns of comorbidity showed strong cross-sectional relationships between substance use and behavioral disorders, but not emotional disorders. Use of alcohol was also associated with psychiatric diagnosis at a later interview. There were some differences between white and American Indian youths in the pattern of comorbidity of tobacco use and psychiatric disorder and the relationship between prior psychiatric disorder and later alcohol use. These findings suggest that alcohol use without permission may be an important marker for youths who are at risk for illicit drug use and/or psychiatric diagnoses.


Last exit before the brink: Conservation genomics of the Cambodian population of the critically endangered southern river terrapin.
The southern river terrapin, Batagur affinis is one of the world's 25 most endangered freshwater turtle species. The major portion of the global population is currently found in peninsular Malaysia, with the only remnant Indochinese population in southern Cambodia. For more than a decade, wild nests in this remnant Cambodian population have been fenced and hatchlings reared in captivity. Here we amplified 10 microsatellite markers from all 136 captive individuals, obtained 2,658 presumably unlinked and neutral single nucleotide polymorphisms from 72 samples with ddRAD-seq, and amplified 784 bp of mtDNA from 50 samples. Our results reveal that the last Indochinese population comprised only four kinship groups as of 2012, with all offspring sired from <10 individuals in the wild. We demonstrate an obvious decrease in genetic contributions of breeders in the wild from 2006-2012 and identify high-value breeders instrumental for ex-situ management of the contemporary genetic stock of the species.


Hypohydration reduces vertical ground reaction impulse but not jump height.
This study examined vertical jump performance using a force platform and weighted vest to determine why hypohydration (approximately 4% body mass) does not improve jump height. Measures of functional performance from a force platform were determined for 15 healthy and active males when euhydrated (EUH), hypohydrated (HYP) and hypohydrated while wearing a weighted vest (HYP(v)) adjusted to precisely match water mass losses. HYP produced a significant loss of body mass [-3.2 +/- 0.5 kg (-3.8 +/- 0.6%); P < 0.05], but body mass in HYP(v) was not different from EUH. There were no differences in absolute or relative peak force or power among trials. Jump height was not different between EUH (0.380 +/- 0.048 m) and HYP (0.384 +/- 0.050 m), but was 4% lower (P < 0.05) in HYP(v) (0.365 +/- 0.52 m) than EUH due to a lower jump velocity between HYP(v) and EUH only (P < 0.05). However, vertical ground reaction impulse (VGRI) was reduced in both HYP and HYP(v) (2-3%) compared with EUH (P < 0.05). In conclusion, this study demonstrates the failure to improve jump height when HYP can be explained by offsetting reductions in both VGRI and body mass.


Artificial Intelligence Meets Flexible Sensors: Emerging Smart Flexible Sensing Systems Driven by Machine Learning and Artificial Synapses.
The recent wave of the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution has aroused unprecedented interest in the intelligentialize of human society. As an essential component that bridges the physical world and digital signals, flexible sensors are evolving from a single sensing element to a smarter system, which is capable of highly efficient acquisition, analysis, and even perception of vast, multifaceted data. While challenging from a manual perspective, the development of intelligent flexible sensing has been remarkably facilitated owing to the rapid advances of brain-inspired AI innovations from both the algorithm (machine learning) and the framework (artificial synapses) level. This review presents the recent progress of the emerging AI-driven, intelligent flexible sensing systems. The basic concept of machine learning and artificial synapses are introduced. The new enabling features induced by the fusion of AI and flexible sensing are comprehensively reviewed, which significantly advances the applications such as flexible sensory systems, soft/humanoid robotics, and human activity monitoring. As two of the most profound innovations in the twenty-first century, the deep incorporation of flexible sensing and AI technology holds tremendous potential for creating a smarter world for human beings.


The cuffed endotracheal tube in emergency cardiopulmonary bypass operations.
A new use of the cuffed endotracheal tube as a right atrial venous return cannula in emergency cardiopulmonary bypass operations is described. The ready availability, low cost, and design of the cuffed endotracheal tube make it ideal in this situation. We have used it successfully on three occasions.


Lipid accumulation impairs adiponectin-mediated induction of activin A by increasing TGFbeta in primary human hepatocytes.
Fatty liver is commonly detected in obesity and has been identified as a risk factor for the progression of hepatic fibrosis in a wide range of liver diseases. Transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) and activin A, both members of the TGFβ superfamiliy, are central regulators in liver fibrosis and regeneration, and the effect of hepatocyte lipid accumulation on the release of these proteins was studied. Primary human hepatocytes (PHH) were incubated with palmitic acid or oleic acid to increase lipid storage. Whereas activin A and its natural inhibitor follistatin were not affected, TGFβ was 2-fold increased. The hepatoprotective adipokine adiponectin dose-dependently induced activin A while lowering follistatin but did not alter TGFβ. Activin A was markedly reduced in hepatocyte cell lines compared to PHH and was not induced upon adiponectin incubation demonstrating significant differences of primary and transformed cells. In free fatty acid (FFA)-incubated PHH adiponectin-mediated induction of activin A was impaired. Inhibition of TGFβ receptors ALK4/5 and blockage of SMAD3 phosphorylation rescued activin A synthesis in FFA and in TGFβ incubated cells suggesting that FFA inhibit adiponectin activity by inducing TGFβ. To evaluate whether serum levels of activin A and its antagonist are altered in patients with hepatic steatosis, both proteins were measured in the serum of patients with sonographically diagnosed fatty liver and age- and BMI-matched controls. Systemic adiponectin was significantly reduced in patients with fatty liver but activin A and follistatin were not altered. In summary the current data demonstrate that lipid accumulation in hepatocytes induces TGFβ which impairs adiponectin bioactivity, and thereby may contribute to liver injury.


Self-expanding covered metallic stent treatment of esophagojejunostomy fistulas.
The purpose of this study is to analyze the outcomes of the self-expanding covered metallic stent (SECMS) therapy in the management of the postoperative anastomotic leaks that seen after total gastrectomy-esophagojejunostomy (EJ) operations. Contrast radiography and endoscopy revealed EJ fistulas in 14 patients. SECMSs were implanted both fluoroscopically and endoscopically to seal fistulas. Postoperative fistula diagnosis times, postoperative covered stent implantation times, primary success rates, clinical success rates, postinterventional oral feeding beginning times, reduction of the drainage from the surgical drains, procedure-related mortality-morbidity, and mortality related with factors other than the procedure were noted. Technical success rate was 100 %. Clinical success rate was 79 %. Reduction of the fluid from surgical drains was observed in all patients. There were no procedure-related mortality. Recurrent fistula was observed in two patients (14 %) at the third and fifth day after the intervention. In one patient (7 %), stent dislocation was observed at the 10th day after the intervention. Non procedure-related mortality was 21 %. No anastomotic stricture, no in-stent stenosis was observed during the follow up period(11.09 ± 3.21 months). From the above results we concluded that SECMS treatment for EJ fistulas is a safe, effective and technically easy procedure.


Cellulose Isolated From Waste Rubber Wood and Its Application in PLA Based Composite Films.
Waste rubber wood (RW) is the castoff of rubber plantation with abundant reservation but without high-value utilization. In this study, cellulose with high purity has been efficiently isolated from waste RW and further processed into cellulose nanocrystals. By means of acetylation, more hydrophobic cellulose-based products, namely acetylated rubber wood cellulose (Ac-RWC) and acetylated rubber wood cellulose nanocrystals (Ac-RW-CNC) had been attempted as reinforcing fillers for fabricating two series of PLA-based composite films via spin coating instead of currently prevailing melt compounding technique. To ensure a uniformed dispersion of fillers in PLA matrix, the addition of reinforcing filler should be equal to or less than 5% based on the film dry weight. Compared with pure PLA film, the Ac-RWC reinforced PLA composite films are more thermally stable, while the Ac-RW-CNC reinforced PLA composite films on the other hand exhibit more enhanced performance in mechanical properties and the degree of crystallinity. The highest tensile strength (55.0 MPa) and Young's modulus (3.9 GPa) were achieved for 5%Ac-RW-CNC/PLA composite film.


Measurement of plasma levels of tricylic psychoactive drugs and their metabolites by UV reflectance photometry of thin layer chromatograms.
A method has been developed for the determination of perazine, clozapine, imipramine and amitriptyline and their demethylated metabolites in plasma. Other metabolites measured were perazine sulfoxide and the N-oxides of clozapine and perazine, the latter two following their reduction to the parent drugs with ascorbic acid. 10-Hydroxynortriptyline was identified as an amitriptyline metabolite in plasma. The general procedure included extraction of alkalinized plasma samples (3 - 6 g) with benzene or toluene and thin layer chromatography of the extracts, followed by reflectance photometry of the plates at appropriate wave lengths in ultraviolet light. Spots of questionable identity were further characterized by two-dimensional chromatography and by colour reactions. Therecoveries of compounds added in therapeutic concentrations were between 70 and 98 %. The limits of detectability were 5 - 10 ng/g plasma.


Improved biomarker discovery through a plot twist in transcriptomic data analysis.
Transcriptomic analysis is crucial for understanding the functional elements of the genome, with the classic method consisting of screening transcriptomics datasets for differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Additionally, since 2005, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) has emerged as a powerful method to explore relationships between genes. However, an approach combining both methods, i.e., filtering the transcriptome dataset by DEGs or other criteria, followed by WGCNA (DEGs + WGCNA), has become common. This is of concern because such approach can affect the resulting underlying architecture of the network under analysis and lead to wrong conclusions. Here, we explore a plot twist to transcriptome data analysis: applying WGCNA to exploit entire datasets without affecting the topology of the network, followed with the strength and relative simplicity of DEG analysis (WGCNA + DEGs). We tested WGCNA + DEGs against DEGs + WGCNA to publicly available transcriptomics data in one of the most transcriptomically complex tissues and delicate processes: vertebrate gonads undergoing sex differentiation. We further validate the general applicability of our approach through analysis of datasets from three distinct model systems: European sea bass, mouse, and human. In all cases, WGCNA + DEGs clearly outperformed DEGs + WGCNA. First, the network model fit and node connectivity measures and other network statistics improved. The gene lists filtered by each method were different, the number of modules associated with the trait of interest and key genes retained increased, and GO terms of biological processes provided a more nuanced representation of the biological question under consideration. Lastly, WGCNA + DEGs facilitated biomarker discovery. We propose that building a co-expression network from an entire dataset, and only thereafter filtering by DEGs, should be the method to use in transcriptomic studies, regardless of biological system, species, or question being considered.


Renal function in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass operations.
We evaluate short- and long-term effects on renal functional reserve of cardiopulmonary bypass in 11 patients. A selected group (persistence of renal functional reserve before operation) of 11 adult patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass for aorta-coronary bypass were studied. Renal functional reserve tests were performed in all patients before the operation, at postoperative day 9, and at 6 months after operation. Basal glomerular filtration rate did not show significant changes at 9 days and at 6 months after operation. On the contrary, renal functional reserve was absent at 9 days, but it was restored to preoperative levels at 6 months after operation. In conclusion, our data indicate that cardiopulmonary bypass probably causes renal damage that is not sufficient to influence routine renal function parameters.


Characterisation of imidazoline I2 binding sites in pig brain.
The imidazoline I2 binding sites in the central nervous system have previously been described in several different species including rat, mouse, rabbit and frog. The present study has investigated the imidazoline I2 binding site, and its relationship to the monoamine oxidase isoforms, in pig whole brain and compared the results obtained with data from other species. Results from saturation binding studies revealed that the imidazoline I2-selective ligand, [3H]2BFI (2-(2-benzofuranyl)-2-imidazoline) labelled a single saturable population of sites with a KD=6.6 nM and Bmax=771.7 fmol/mg protein. The pharmacological characterisation of the sites was similar to that previously reported with a rank order of potency for the imidazoline I2 ligands of 2BFI>BU224>Idazoxan>BU226. Displacement by the imidazoline I1 ligands was low affinity and the monoamine oxidase inhibitors displaced with micromolar affinity. The majority of compounds displaced the binding in a monophasic manner, however, displacement by the putative endogenous ligand, harmane was biphasic. The relative populations of the two monoamine oxidase isoforms revealed a 10 fold greater expression of monoamine oxidase B relative to monoamine oxidase A. These data confirm the presence of imidazoline I2 binding sites in pig brain and show that their pharmacology is characteristic of that seen in other species. The proportion of monoamine oxidase A and B expressed in the pig brain is similar to that seen in the human brain therefore, given the association between imidazoline I2 binding sites and monoamine oxidase, the pig may provide a more useful model for human imidazoline I2 binding sites than other species such as the rat.


Transcriptional response to mitochondrial NADH kinase deficiency in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Yeast cells lacking the mitochondrial NADH kinase encoded by POS5 display increased sensitivity to hydrogen peroxide, a slow-growth phenotype, reduced mitochondrial function and increased levels of mitochondrial protein oxidation and mtDNA mutations. Here we examined gene expression in pos5Delta cells, comparing these data to those from cells containing deletions of superoxide dismutase-encoding genes SOD1 or SOD2. Surprisingly, stress-response genes were down-regulated in pos5Delta, sod1Delta and sod2Delta cells, implying that cells infer stress levels from mitochondrial activity rather than sensing reactive oxygen species directly. Additionally, pos5Delta, but not sod1 or sod2, cells displayed an anaerobic expression profile, indicating a defect in oxygen sensing that is specific to pos5, and is not a general stress-response. Finally, the pos5Delta expression profile is quite similar to the hap1Delta expression profile previously reported, which may indicate a shared mechanism.


Ucp2-dependent microglia-neuronal coupling controls ventral hippocampal circuit function and anxiety-like behavior.
Microglia have been implicated in synapse remodeling by phagocytosis of synaptic elements in the adult brain, but the mechanisms involved in the regulation of this process are ill-defined. By examining microglia-neuronal interaction in the ventral hippocampus, we found a significant reduction in spine synapse number during the light phase of the light/dark cycle accompanied by increased microglia-synapse contacts and an elevated amount of microglial phagocytic inclusions. This was followed by a transient rise in microglial production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and a concurrent increase in expression of uncoupling protein 2 (Ucp2), a regulator of mitochondrial ROS generation. Conditional ablation of Ucp2 from microglia hindered phasic elimination of spine synapses with consequent accumulations of ROS and lysosome-lipid droplet complexes, which resulted in hippocampal neuronal circuit dysfunctions assessed by electrophysiology, and altered anxiety-like behavior. These observations unmasked a novel and chronotypical interaction between microglia and neurons involved in the control of brain functions.


Disturbed secretion of mutant adiponectin associated with the metabolic syndrome.
Adiponectin, an adipocyte-derived protein, consists of collagen-like fibrous and complement C1q-like globular domains, and circulates in human plasma in a multimeric form. The protein exhibits anti-diabetic and anti-atherogenic activities. However, adiponectin plasma concentrations are low in obese subjects, and hypoadiponectinemia is associated with the metabolic syndrome, which is a cluster of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. We have recently reported a missense mutation in the adiponectin gene, in which isoleucine at position 164 in the globular domain is substituted with threonine (I164T). Subjects with this mutation showed markedly low level of plasma adiponectin and clinical features of the metabolic syndrome. Here, we examined the molecular characteristics of the mutant protein associated with a genetic cause of hypoadiponectinemia. The current study revealed (1) the mutant protein showed an oligomerization state similar to the wild-type as determined by gel filtration chromatography and, (2) the mutant protein exhibited normal insulin-sensitizing activity, but (3) pulse-chase study showed abnormal secretion of the mutant protein from adipose tissues. Our results suggest that I164T mutation is associated with hypoadiponectinemia through disturbed secretion into plasma, which may contribute to the development of the metabolic syndrome.


WITHDRAWN: Utilizing comparative models in biomedical research.
The Publisher regrets that this article is an accidental duplication of an article that has already been published in Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part B: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Volume 255, 2021, 110593, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbpb.2021.110593. The duplicate article has therefore been withdrawn. The full Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at https://www.elsevier.com/about/our-business/policies/article-withdrawal.


Identifying protective antigens of Staphylococcus aureus, a pathogen that suppresses host immune responses.
Staphylococcus aureus infections result in abscesses as well as septicemia. Even with therapy, abscesses can persist or even reoccur, as staphylococcal infections fail to induce protective immune responses. Here, we show that prior infection with certain attenuated strains may elicit protective immunity. A closer examination reveals that protection correlates with antibody responses elicited on exposure to particular attenuated variants. Linear regression analysis was used to compare reduction in staphylococcal disease and antibody responses to infection with wild-type and attenuated variants. This analysis identified protective antigens that, when tested as vaccines in mice, elicited disease protection. Protection afforded by attenuated strains correlates in part with the ability of Staphylococcus aureus to modulate B cell responses via protein A (spa encoded). We designate this approach "genetic vaccinology," since it exploits genetic variants to draw a correlation between disease protection and humoral immune responses for the deduction of vaccine antigens. Genetic vaccinology is particularly useful for microbes that do not elicit natural protective immunity during infection.


Changes in the pattern of cytokine production from peripheral blood mononuclear cells in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with infliximab and their relation to plasma arginase activity.
The aim of this study was to quantify the production of T-cell cytokines from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of RA patients before and after treatment with anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α infliximab (IFX). We stimulated the PBMCs of RA patients (n = 24) in vitro and quantified the cytokines in the culture supernatant using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Unexpectedly, the cytokines tested, interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-17, were all found to have increased, rather than decreased, after the treatment. When the patients were divided into two groups according to the plasma activity of arginase, which is implicated in the immune-suppressive function of myeloid-derived suppressor cells, the substantial increase in the cytokine production ex vivo was only detected in the group in which the arginase activity was decreased after the treatment with IFX. In fact, although the ex vivo production of IL-21 increased along with the other cytokines, the plasma concentration of IL-21 decreased significantly after IFX treatment. It is important to exercise caution in interpreting ex vivo cytokine production data, in that they can be negatively influenced by the immune-suppressive mechanisms that prevent excessive inflammation. Thus, to analyze the T-cell response accurately, T-cell markers that are detectable in the serum or plasma need to be discovered. The concentrations of IFN-γ, IL-4 and IL-17 were all below detection limits, but that of IL-21 was detectable in the plasma and inversely correlated with the production of IL-21 ex vivo. This may indicate the involvement of Th17 response in the pathogenesis of RA.


Growth mechanism of soap-free polymerization of styrene investigated by AFM.
To clarify the growth mechanism of polystyrene (PSL) particles in the soap-free polymerization, characteristics of not only particles but also polymeric materials floating in the bulk were investigated on the molecular scale by using atomic force microscope (AFM), where a cationic initiator V-50 is used to make the formed polymeric materials transfer on the mica plate in sampling. Our main attention here is to know the reason why the particle size increases with increasing initiator concentration in the production of PSL particles. The following are found. (1) As far as the initiators and monomers remain in the bulk solution, the polymeric materials are born in the bulk continuously, because of the slow decomposition rate of initiators. (2) The growth of particles at the early stage of t(r) > or = 0.75 h is considered to be attributable mainly to the particle swelling by absorbing monomers from the bulk. The rapid growth at the intermediate stage is due to the deposition of polymeric materials in the bulk on the particle surface and their simultaneous swelling by monomers in the bulk. (3) The reason why the particle size increases with increasing concentration of initiator is that the growth process is controlled by the deposition rate of polymeric materials in the bulk whose amount increases with the initiator concentration. (4) The particle size and the smoothness of particle surface depend on the relative concentration of initiators and monomers remained.


Changes in multiunit activity and EEG induced by the administration of natural progestins to flaxedil immobilized cats.
The effects of progesterone (P) and 7 of its metabolites on the EEG and multiunit activity (MUA) of various limbic structures were studied in flaxedil immobilized cats. Most progestins inhibited the MUA of the mesencephalic reticular formation, hippocampus and hypothalamus and induced cortical EEG synchronization. MUA changes in the mesencephalic reticular formation frequently preceded EEG synchronization. Progestins reduced in the 5 beta postition (pregnanolone, epipregnanolone and pregnanedion) inhibited neuronal discharge and synchronized EEG activity with shorter latencies and in lower doses than those reduced in the 5 alpha position (allopregnanolone and allopregnanedion). Progestins having the delta 4,3-keto structure (P, 20 alpha-hydroxy pregnenone, 20 beta-hydroxy pregnenone) induced electrophysiological changes with prolonged latencies and in doses significantly higher than ring A reduced progestins. Administration of epipregnanolone to "cerveau isole" preparations depressed neuronal firing in those structures located rostral to the level of the brain stem transection (hypothalamus, hippocampus), but failed to increase the already synchronized cortical activity. These results suggest that: a, ring A reduction increases the capacity of P and other delta 4,3-keto progestins to inhibit neuronal discharge in certain brain areas and b, changes in neuronal firing induced by progestins are not necessarily mediated through the cat brain stem reticular formation.


Estimation error of Leydig cell numbers in atrophied rat testes due to the assumption of spherical nuclei.
In this study, Leydig cell numbers in control and atrophied testes (induced via subcutaneous implants of testosterone plus 17 beta estradiol for 16 weeks; TE-implanted) of rats, estimated via the fractionator method (independent of any assumptions) were compared to those estimated via the disector (unbiased, but dependent on shrinkage) and Floderus (assumes spherical particles, dependent on shrinkage) methods. Estimates of Leydig cell numbers in control rats produced by all three stereological methods were similar. In rats with atrophied testes, both the fractionator and the disector methods produced significantly lower (P < 0.01; 47% and 41% with fractionator and disector, respectively) Leydig cell number estimates per testis than in the controls. By contrast, the estimates of Leydig cell number in atrophied testes derived via the Floderus equation were not significantly different from those of controls, but larger than those obtained via the fractionator and the disector methods. These results suggested that the assumptions of the Floderus method were violated in the atrophied rat testes. Why was the Floderus method of estimating Leydig cell number applicable to control rats but not to the TE-implanted rats? In an attempt to answer this question the diameter measurement together with its correction factor used in the Floderus equation (i.e. D+t - 2H) was also derived from the data collected for the disector method. The values for D+t - 2H used in the Floderus method and also calculated via the disector method were found to be identical in controls, but for the TE-implanted rats a 32% lower value was obtained with the Floderus equation when compared to the disector. These findings suggested that this estimation error caused an overestimation of Leydig cell numbers in the TE-implanted rat testes.


Gauging knowledge of developmental milestones among Albertan adults: a cross-sectional survey.
Parental knowledge of child development has been associated with more effective parenting strategies and better child outcomes. However, little is known about what adults who interact with children under the age of 14 years know about child development. Between September 2007 and March 2008, computer assisted telephone interviews were completed with 1443 randomly selected adults. Adults were eligible if they had interacted with a child less than 14 years of age in the past six months and lived in Alberta, Canada. Sixty three percent of respondents answered two (or more) out of four questions on physical development correctly. Fifteen percent of respondents answered two (or more) out of three questions on cognitive development correctly. Seven percent of respondents answered three (or more) out of five questions on social development correctly. Two percent of respondents answered three (or more) out of five questions on emotional development correctly. Parents and females were better able to identify physical developmental milestones compared to non-parents and males. 81% of adults correctly responded that a child's experience in the first year of life has an important impact on later school performance, 70% correctly responded that a child's ability to learn is not set from birth, 50% of adults correctly responded that children learn more from hearing someone speak than from television, and 45% recognized that parents' emotional closeness with a baby influences later achievement. Parents were most likely to use doctors/paediatricians, books, and nurses as resources. Among parents, there was no relationship between knowledge and parenting morale. The majority of adults were unable to correctly answer questions related to when children under six years of age typically achieve developmental milestones. Knowledge of physical development exceeded knowledge about cognitive, emotional and social development. Adults were aware of the importance of positive experiences in influencing children's development. Strategies to improve awareness of developmental milestones combined with information on how to support optimal development may improve child development outcomes. Given that parents seek information about child development from health care providers there is an opportunity to ensure that providers are well informed about child development.


Inpatient Virtual Vision Clinic Improves Access to Vision Rehabilitation Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
To describe and evaluate a secure video call system combined with a suite of iPad vision testing apps to improve access to vision rehabilitation assessment for inpatients. Retrospective. Two acute care inpatient rehabilitation hospitals and 1 long-term acute care (LTAC) hospital. Records of inpatients seen by the vision service. Records from a 1-year telemedicine pilot performed at acute rehabilitation (AR) hospital 1 and then expanded to AR hospital 2 and LTAC hospital during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were reviewed. In the virtual visits, an occupational therapist measured the patients' vision with the iPad applications and forwarded results to the off-site Doctor of Optometry (OD) for review prior to a video visit. The OD provided diagnosis and education, press-on prism application supervision, strategies and modifications, and follow-up recommendations. Providers completed the telehealth usability questionnaire (10-point scale). Vision examinations per month at AR hospital 1 before and with telemedicine. With telemedicine at AR hospital 1, mean visits per month significantly increased from 10.7±5 to 14.9±5 (P=.002). Prism was trialed in 40% of cases of which 83% were successful, similar to previously reported in-person success rates. COVID-19 caused only a marginal decrease in visits per month (P=.08) at AR1, whereas the site without an established program (AR hospital 2) had a 3-4 week gap in care while the program was initiated. Cases at the LTAC hospital tended to be more complex and difficult to manage virtually. The telehealth usability questionnaire median category scores were 7 for Ease of Use, 8 for Interface Quality, 6 for Reliability, and 9 for Satisfaction and Future Use. The virtual vision clinic process improved inpatient access to eye and visual neurorehabilitation assessment before and during the COVID-19 quarantine and was well accepted by providers and patients.


Diabetes mellitus and outcomes of lower extremity revascularization for peripheral artery disease.
The impact of diabetes mellitus (DM) on outcomes of lower extremity revascularization (LER) for peripheral artery disease (PAD) is uncertain. We characterized associations between DM and post-procedural outcomes in PAD patients undergoing LER. Adults undergoing surgical or endovascular LER were identified from the 2014 Nationwide Readmissions Database. DM was defined by ICD-9 diagnosis codes and sub-classified based on the presence or absence of complications (poor glycaemic control or end-organ damage). Major adverse cardiovascular and limb events (MACLEs) were defined as the composite of death, myocardial infarction, ischaemic stroke, or major limb amputation during the index hospitalization for LER. For survivors, all-cause 6-month hospital readmission was determined. Among 39 441 patients with PAD hospitalized for LER, 50.8% had DM. The composite of MACLE after LER was not different in patients with and without DM after covariate adjustment, but patients with DM were more likely to require major limb amputation [5.5% vs. 3.2%, P < 0.001; adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.22, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03-1.44] and hospital readmission (59.2% vs. 41.3%, P < 0.001; aOR 1.44, 95% CI 1.34-1.55). Of 20 039 patients with DM hospitalized for LER, 55.7% had DM with complications. These patients were more likely to have MACLE after LER (11.1% vs. 5.2%, P < 0.001; aOR 1.56 95% CI 1.28-1.89) and require hospital readmission (61.1% vs. 47.2%, P < 0.001; aOR 1.41 95% CI 1.27-1.57) than patients with uncomplicated DM. DM is present in ≈50% of patients undergoing LER for PAD and is an independent risk factor for major limb amputation and 6-month hospital readmission.


[Chemical modification of nucleic acids and the mutagenicity of modified bases, with special reference to permanganate- and bisulfite-mediated modifications].
Methods for modifying nucleic acids and their components with permanganate and with bisulfite are reviewed, with emphasis on work developed by the author's group of investigators. N(4)Aminocytidine, a nucleoside analog obtainable on bisulfite-hydrazine modification of cytidine, is a potent mutagen, and the mechanism of its action in the mutagenesis is discussed.


Involvement of microtubules and mitochondria in the antagonism of arsenic trioxide on paclitaxel-induced apoptosis.
Arsenic trioxide (As(2)O(3)) at low concentrations (1-10 microM) is effective in the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) and lymphoma and is in clinical trials for treatment of solid tumors. Paclitaxel, an antimicrotubule agent, is highly efficacious in the treatment of adult tumors and is in clinical evaluation in childhood tumors. This study is the first to investigate the combination of arsenic and paclitaxel in the range of clinically achievable concentrations. We found that the simultaneous combination was antagonistic on proliferation of the neuroblastoma SK-N-SH cell line by using the combination index (CI) method. Moreover, a 40+/-5% decrease in paclitaxel-induced apoptosis in cells co-treated with As(2)O(3) confirmed the antagonism. The mechanism of antagonism was studied at the cellular level with 200 nM paclitaxel, twice the IC(50) value, and with 1 microM As(2)O(3) which administered singly did not affect cell survival or the microtubule network. As(2)O(3) antagonized the effects of paclitaxel on tubulin and microtubules. Paclitaxel-induced mitotic block was decreased by 20+/-2% and bundles induced by 200 nM paclitaxel were less condensed in the presence of 1 microM As(2)O(3). As(2)O(3) (10-200 microM) induced a concentration-dependent inhibition of tubulin polymerization in vitro which was maintained in presence of paclitaxel. Spectrophotometric and spectrofluorometric measurements indicated an interaction of As(2)O(3) with tubulin SH groups, without modification of the stoichiometry of paclitaxel binding to tubulin. Moreover, 4 microM As(2)O(3) inhibited the release of cytochrome c from isolated mitochondria by 78+/-10%. Our results show that As(2)O(3) and paclitaxel act antagonistically on mitochondria and microtubules and illustrate the need for careful evaluation of drug combinations.


Protective role of sirtuin3 against oxidative stress and NLRP3 inflammasome in cholesterol accumulation and foam cell formation of macrophages with ox-LDL-stimulation.
Sirtuin3 (SIRT3) is involved in reactive oxygen species (ROS), cell metabolism, apoptosis and inflammation. However, the exact role of SIRT3 in macrophages during pathophysiological process of atherosclerosis remains unclear. The present study was to investigate the possible effects and mechanisms of SIRT3 on lipid uptake and foam cells transforming in oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-stimulated macrophages. Compared with wild-type (WT) mice, SIRT3 deficiency further increased foam cell formation and cellular cholesterol accumulation, exacerbated oxidative stress, impaired mitochondrial permeability potential, decreased optic atrophy 1 (OPA1) but enhanced dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1) expression, and promoted NLR family pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) activation in ox-LDL-stimulated macrophages from SIRT3 knockout (KO) mice. Dihydromyricetin (DMY), a potential compound to enhance SIRT3 expression, significantly inhibited cellular cholesterol accumulation, suppressed foam cell formation, improved mitochondrial function, attenuated oxidative stress, and alleviated NLRP3 activation in ox-LDL-stimulated macrophages. Moreover, above protective effects of DMY was unavailable in macrophages from SIRT3 KO mice. Collectively, the study demonstrated the protective role of SIRT3 against oxidative stress and NLRP3 inflammasome in cholesterol accumulation and foam cell formation of macrophages with ox-LDL-stimulation, which is beneficial to provide novel strategy for atherosclerosis prevention and treatment.


Simo decoction promotes contraction of antral circular smooth muscle mainly via muscarinic M3 receptor.
Simo Decoction (SMD), a traditional Chinese medicine, included four elements, such as Fructus aurantii, Radix aucklandiae, Semen arecae and Radix linderae. It has been used to improve gastrointestinal dysmotility in clinical practice for a long history in China. However, the explicit mechanisms are unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of SMD on contractions of antral circular smooth muscle strips of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats and its underlying mechanism. The antral circular strips were prepared in the organ bath under baseline or to be incubated with muscarinic receptor antagonist atropine (10(-6)M), muscarinic M3 receptor antagonist 4-diphenylacetoxy-N-methylpiperidine methiodide (4-DAMP) (0.4×10(-6)M), muscarinic M2 receptor antagonist gallamine (10(-6)M), adrenergic receptor agonist adrenaline (10(-7)M), exogenous nitric oxide (NO) donor l-arginine (10(-4)M), nicotinic receptor antagonist hexamethonium chloride (10(-4)M) and Ca(2+) channel antagonist nifedipine (30nM), and consecutive concentrations of SMD were added to the bath to observe the strip responses. As a control, the responses of strips after administration with the same volume of Krebs solution as SMD were also noted. The strip responses to acetylcholine (10(-7)-10(-3)M) were also noted in organ bath to compare with SMD-induced contraction. SMD dose-dependently evoked hypercontractility of antral circular strips, and the maximal contractile effect of circular smooth muscle induced by SMD was significantly higher than that induced by acetylcholine (10(-3)M). The responses of antral circular strips to SMD were completely antagonized by atropine, 4-DAMP or 4-DAMP+gallamine, but partly inhibited by gallamine and partly suppressed by adrenaline, l-arginine, hexamethonium chloride and nifedipine. SMD promotes contractions of antral circular strips in rats mainly via activation of muscarinic M3 receptor, but partly via activation of muscarinic M2 receptor, Ca(2+) channel and nicotinic receptor, inhibition of adrenergic receptor and releasing of NO.


Use of crack cocaine increases tooth loss.
To evaluate the occurrence of tooth loss among crack cocaine users. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 106 crack cocaine users and 106 controls matched for age, gender, and tobacco use. Data were collected on socio-demographic characteristics, drug use, use of dental services, dental caries, periodontal disease, and the outcome (tooth loss). Crack cocaine users had a greater frequency of tooth loss (55.7% vs. 36.8%), severity of dental caries and periodontal disease and less use of dental services than the controls (P< 0.05). After adjustments, tooth loss was 46% more frequent among crack cocaine users (PR= 1.46; 95%, CI: 1.10-1.93) as well as significantly more frequent among non-whites, those older than 24 years of age and those with high dental caries severity. Occurrence of tooth loss was significantly higher among crack cocaine users. These findings can contribute to the planning and implementation of prevention strategies and oral health care for individuals with a chemical dependence. The use of crack cocaine had a negative impact on the oral health of its users, leading to tooth loss and a greater severity of dental caries. These findings should be considered when planning prevention strategies to improve oral health in individuals addicted to crack cocaine.


Accuracy of Passive Leg Raising Test in Prediction of Fluid Responsiveness in Children.
To assess the accuracy of the passive leg raising (PLR) test to anticipate fluid responsiveness in critically ill children under age of 5 years. A prospective observational study was conducted, in a university hospital pediatric intensive care unit from June 1, 2017, to January 30, 2018. Hemodynamic parameters including stroke volume using bedside transthoracic echocardiography were assessed at baseline I (45° semi-recumbent position), after PLR, at baseline II, and following fluid challenge. Changes in the stroke volume (delta SV) and in the cardiac index (CI) were recorded after PLR and fluid challenge. Delta SV of 10% after PLR was an excellent discriminator of the fluid responsiveness with an area under ROC (AUC) of 0.81 (95% CI 0.68-0.9) with a sensitivity of 65.38% and a specificity of 100%. The change in CI of 8.7% after PLR was a significant discriminator of fluid responsiveness with an AUC of 0.7 (95% CI 0.56-0.81) with 57.78% sensitivity and 91.67% specificity. Passive leg raising can identify nonresponders among seriously ill children under the age of 5 years but it cannot identify all responders with certainty. Passive leg raising is reliable test in under 5 year-old-children if performed appropriately using bedside echocardiography for the measurement of its transient effect. El-Nawawy AA, Farghaly PM, Hassouna HM, Accuracy of Passive Leg Raising Test in Prediction of Fluid Responsiveness in Children. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2020;24(5):344-349.


Reducing harm from injecting pharmaceutical tablet or capsule material by injecting drug users.
It has long been known that drug users may use a variety of pharmaceutical preparations by injection, many of which are not intended for intravenous administration (e.g. buprenorphine, methylphenidate, oxycodone). The introduction of tablet fillers such as talc or starch, in the blood circulation may cause, besides local injection site complications, pulmonary emboli. To reduce the harmful consequences of injecting such solutions, drug users have been encouraged to use filters. This research studied the effectiveness of an injection drug user syringe filter (IDUSF) in eliminating these particles. Generic buprenorphine and methylphenidate (Ritaline®), both containing talc, are frequently diverted for use by injection in France. The aim of our laboratory-based study was to compare the effectiveness of an IDUSF (Sterifilt®, filter pore size = 10 µm) versus no filtration, at reducing the number of particles in solutions of dissolved generic buprenorphine and Ritaline®. Compared with a non-filtered solution drawn up through a 30G needle, filtering of the generic buprenorphine solution eliminated approximately 85% of all particles between 1 and 5 µm in diameter and 97% of particles between 5 and 18 µm. In the Ritaline® solution, these values were two-thirds and 95%, respectively. Preliminary results indicate that IDUSF are effective in significantly filtering out large particles, which are responsible for major harms like pulmonary emboli. One strategy for alleviating these consequences is to promote the implementation of IDUSF in harm reduction programs, accompanied by training of social workers, peers and drug users.


Assessment of myocardial function before aortic surgery by radionuclide angiocardiography.
A consecutive series of 41 patients undergoing elective aortic surgery had pre-operative assessment of cardiac function by radionuclide angiocardiography. Their subsequent progress was monitored. There were 4 patients whose pre-operative left ventricular ejection fraction was less than 30 per cent and 3 of these patients died of cardiac failure postoperatively. There was only 1 death from cardiac failure amongst the 37 patients whose pre-operative left ventricular ejection fraction was less than 30 per cent. Radionuclide angiocardiography is an accurate indicator of myocardial function of patients before major aortic surgery.


Vegetation detection using vegetation indices algorithm supported by statistical machine learning.
In precision agriculture (PA), the usage of image processing, artificial intelligence, data analysis, and internet of things provides an increase in efficiency, energy, and time saving. In image processing-based applications, vegetation detection, in other words, segmentation that allows monitoring of plant growth and health as well as identification of weeds has a great importance. Vegetation indices (VIs) are widely used algorithms for segmentation. Their advantages include low computational cost and easy implementation and handling compared to the other algorithms. Nevertheless, they require a manual threshold detection that customizes the process and prevents generalization. In this study, a novel automatic segmentation method, which does not require a manual threshold detection by combining VIs with a classification algorithm, is proposed. It deals with the segmentation process as a two class classification problem (vegetation and background). As the classification algorithm, Discriminative Common Vector Approach (DCVA) that has a high discrimination power is used. Each image pixel is represented with a 3 × 1 dimensional vector whose elements correspond to Excess Green (ExG), Green minus Blue (GB), and Color Index of Vegetation (CIVE); VI values are obtained. Then, on the sample space accepting this pixel vector as a sample, DCVA is applied and a discriminative common vector for each class which is unique and describes that class in the best way possible is obtained and it is used for classification. Proposed segmentation method's performance is compared with Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) and Random Forest (RF) algorithm. The proposed segmentation algorithm outperformed both CNN's and RF's performance.


Perioperative acute internal carotid thrombosis after general surgery.
The average incidence of perioperative stroke during major non-cardiac surgery is less than 1%, suggesting that it is rarely a major problem for the vast majority of patients. In our paper we present a 46-year-old patient undergoing acute right hemicolectomy who developed right-sided hemiparesis in the perioperative setting. Immediate CTAg examination showed an ischemic stroke in the left hemisphere as a result of left internal carotid thrombosis. A surgical procedure to recanalize the left carotid artery was performed 14 hours from the onset of neurological symptomatology and the neurological deficit gradually recovered fully. Our case report supports studies showing that a thorough diagnostic assessment allows the selection of patients who may benefit from urgent revascularization of acute internal carotid occlusion during the phase of acute brain ischemia.


Impact of acceptance and commitment therapy on physical and psychological symptoms in advanced gastrointestinal cancer patients and caregivers: Secondary results of a pilot randomized trial.
Patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancer often experience high symptom burden, which is associated with heightened distress in both patients and their family caregivers. Few interventions have been tested to jointly address patient and caregiver symptoms in advanced gastrointestinal cancer. In a randomized pilot trial, telephone-based, dyadic acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) was found to be feasible in this population. The present secondary analyses examined the impact of this intervention on patient and caregiver physical and psychological symptoms. Patients and caregivers (N = 40 dyads) were recruited from clinics in Indianapolis, Indiana and randomized to either six weeks of telephone-based ACT or education/support, an attention control condition. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and at 2 weeks and 3 months post-intervention. Study group differences in outcomes were not statistically significant. However, when examining within-group change, only ACT patients experienced moderate reductions in pain severity and interference at 2 weeks post-intervention (effect size [ES]=-0.47; -0.51) as well as moderate reductions in depressive symptoms at 2 weeks (ES=-0.42) and 3 months (ES=-0.41) post-intervention. ACT caregivers experienced moderate reductions in sleep disturbance (ES=-0.56; -0.49) and cognitive concerns (ES=-0.61; -0.85) across follow-ups. Additionally, caregivers in both conditions experienced moderate reductions in fatigue (ES=-0.38 to -0.70) and anxiety (ES=-0.40 to -0.49) across follow-ups. Findings suggest that ACT may improve certain symptoms in dyads coping with advanced gastrointestinal cancer and warrant replication in a larger trial.


Comparative studies on the primary structure of acetylcholinesterases from bovine caudate nucleus and bovine erythrocytes.
1. Comparison of partial amino acid sequences of G2-acetylcholinesterase (AChE) from bovine erythrocytes and G4-AChE from bovine caudate nucleus revealed no differences in primary structure between the two enzymes. The first 33 residues of the N-terminal sequences were identical. 2. In addition, the amino acid sequences of four peptides generated by tryptic and cyanogen bromide cleavage were identical for bovine erythrocyte and brain AChE, suggesting one identical major coding exon for the adult bovine AChE forms. Comparison of these sequences with that of fetal bovine serum AChE (Doctor et al., 1988), showed differences in residues 16, 181, 212, and 216. 3. Deglycosylation studies of the two adult enzyme forms revealed that the core protein of erythrocyte AChE has an approximately 4 kDa lower molecular mass than brain AChE. This most probably reflects differences in the C-terminal sequences of the two enzymes.


Method of Failure Diagnostics to Linear Rolling Guides in Handling Machines.
Linear rolling guides, used in production machines for the realisation of linear motion, demand in industrial practice early damage identification to prevent production outages and losses. Therefore, the article aims for early damage diagnostics that use the principle of a load-free diagnostic part integrated into the carriage of the linear rolling guide. This principle was employed for developing an innovative method of damage identification to a guiding profile or rolling elements. The proposed innovative method is based on analysing vibration acceleration measured on the diagnostic part in the context of carriage position. In addition, a unique connection of an acceleration sensor to the diagnostic part through a mechanical component with defined parameters of stiffness and mass was designed. The innovative method was verified by laboratory testing on a designed functional sample of the diagnostic system. The computed reliability of the proposed diagnostic method reached 98%.


Lithium pollution of a white dwarf records the accretion of an extrasolar planetesimal.
Tidal disruption and subsequent accretion of planetesimals by white dwarfs can reveal the elemental abundances of rocky bodies in exoplanetary systems. Those abundances provide information on the composition of the nebula from which the systems formed, which is analogous to how meteorite abundances inform our understanding of the early Solar System. We report the detection of lithium, sodium, potassium, and calcium in the atmosphere of the white dwarf Gaia DR2 4353607450860305024, which we ascribe to the accretion of a planetesimal. Using model atmospheres, we determine abundance ratios of these elements, and, with the exception of lithium, they are consistent with meteoritic values in the Solar System. We compare the measured lithium abundance with measurements in old stars and with expectations from Big Bang nucleosynthesis.


Effect of alendronate or 8-prenylnaringenin applied as a single therapy or in combination with vibration on muscle structure and bone healing in ovariectomized rats.
Bisphosphonate alendronate (ALN), phytoestrogen 8-prenylnaringenin (8-PN) and the whole body vibration exert a favorable effect on osteoporotic bone. However, the impact of these treatments and the combination of pharmacological therapies with biomechanical stimulation on muscle and bone has not yet been explored in detail. The effect of ALN and 8-PN and their combination with the vibration (Vib) on skeletal muscle and bone healing was investigated in ovariectomized (Ovx) rats. Three-month old rats were Ovx (n = 78), or left intact (Non-Ovx; n = 12). Five weeks after Ovx, all rats were treated according to the group assignment (n = 12/13): 1) Non-Ovx; 2) Ovx; 3) Ovx + Vib; 4) Ovx + ALN; 5) Ovx + ALN + Vib; 6): Ovx + 8-PN; 7) Ovx + 8-PN + Vib. Treatments with ALN (0.58 mg/kg BW, in food), 8-PN (1.77 mg/kg BW, daily s.c. injections) and/or with vertical vibration (0.5 mm, 35 Hz, 1 g, 15 min, 2×/day, 5×/week) were conducted for ten weeks. Nine weeks after Ovx, all rats underwent bilateral tibia osteotomy with plate osteosynthesis and were sacrificed six weeks later. Vibration increased fiber size and capillary density in muscle, enlarged callus area and width, and decreased callus density in tibia, and elevated alkaline phosphatase in serum. ALN and ALN + Vib enhanced capillarization and lactate dehydrogenase activity in muscle. In tibia, ALN slowed bone healing, ALN + Vib increased callus width and density, enhanced callus formation rate and expression of osteogenic genes. 8-PN and 8-PN + Vib decreased fiber size and increased capillary density in muscle; callus density and cortical width were reduced in tibia. Vibration worsened 8-PN effect on bone healing decreasing the callus width and area. Our data suggest that Vib, ALN, 8-PN, or 8-PN + Vib do not appear to aid bone healing. ALN + Vib improved bone healing; however application is questionable since single treatments impaired bone healing. Muscle responds to the anti-osteoporosis treatments and should be included in the evaluation of the drugs.


[Characterization and determination of collagen antibodies by a solid-phase radioimmunologic technic].
The authors have developed a solid phase radioimmunoassay for the detection of antibodies to collagens. They give the technical data of this assay and some results mainly in rheumatic diseases.


[Effect of peripheral parenteral nutrition on the immediate postoperative period in surgery of the aortic sector].
There is not an extensive literature about nutritional value in Vascular Surgery. In this study, efficacy and cost/benefit relation in the application of Peripheric Parenteral Nutrition (PPN) in postoperative of aortic surgery, are investigated through two randomized groups, in patients with aortoiliac obstructive arteriopathy and who needed an aortobifemoral bypass.


An unusual cause of severe mitral regurgitation: aberrantly inserted chordae tendineae.
We present a case of aberrantly inserted chordae tendineae causing severe mitral regurgitation and requiring surgical correction. This is an extremely rare finding illustrating a distinct mechanism of mitral regurgitation.


Impact of genetic diversity on biological characteristics of Usutu virus strains in Africa.
Usutu virus (USUV) previously restricted to Africa where it caused mild infections, emerged in 2001 in Europe and caused more severe infections among birds and humans with neurological forms, suggesting an adaptation and increasing virulence. This evolution suggests the need to better understand USUV transmission patterns for assessing risks and to develop control strategies. Phylogenetic analysis conducted in Africa showed low genetic diversity of African USUV strains except for one human and the USUV subtype (USUVsub) strains, which exhibited a deletion in the 3'UTR and nucleotide substitutions throughout the genome. Here we analyzed their viral replication in vitro in mosquito and mammalian cells, and vector competence of Culex quinquefasciatus, compared to a reference strain. Growth kinetics of the different strains showed comparable replication rates however variations in replication and translation efficiency were observed. Vector competence analysis showed that all strains were able to infect Culex quinquefasciatus the main peridomestic Culex species in Africa, with detection of USUV viral genomes and infectious particles. Dissemination and transmission were observed only for USUVsub, but infectious particles were not detected in Culex quinquefasciatus saliva. Our findings suggest that genetic variability can affect USUV in vitro replication in a cell type-dependent manner and in vivo in mosquitoes. In addition, the results show that Culex quinquefasciatus is not competent for the USUV strains analyzed here and also suggest an aborted transmission process for the USUVsub, which requires further investigations.


Aurora kinases and DNA damage response.
It is well established that Aurora kinases perform critical functions during mitosis. It has become increasingly clear that the Aurora kinases also perform a myriad of non-mitotic functions including DNA damage response. The available evidence indicates that inhibition Aurora kinase A (AURKA) may contribute to the G2 DNA damage checkpoint through AURKA's functions in PLK1 and CDC25B activation. Both AURKA and Aurora kinase B (AURKB) are also essential in mitotic DNA damage response that guard against DNA damage-induced chromosome segregation errors, including the control of abscission checkpoint and prevention of micronuclei formation. Dysregulation of Aurora kinases can trigger DNA damage in mitosis that is sensed in the subsequent G1 by a p53-dependent postmitotic checkpoint. Aurora kinases are themselves linked to the G1 DNA damage checkpoint through p53 and p73 pathways. Finally, several lines of evidence provide a connection between Aurora kinases and DNA repair and apoptotic pathways. Although more studies are required to provide a comprehensive picture of how cells respond to DNA damage, these findings indicate that both AURKA and AURKB are inextricably linked to pathways guarding against DNA damage. They also provide a rationale to support more detailed studies on the synergism between small-molecule inhibitors against Aurora kinases and DNA-damaging agents in cancer therapies.


Avoidance of low doses of naphthalene by Collembola.
The introduction of behavioural aspects of soil animals in ecological risk assessment would allow us to better assess soil quality, all the more if a range of animal populations are considered. We compared the avoidance behaviour of several strains of springtails (Arthropoda: Collembola) obtained from different soils. Naphthalene, a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), widely represented in soils polluted with hydrocarbons, was tested in aqueous solutions on nine springtail species issuing from four sites. Fine quartz sand saturated with an aqueous solution of naphthalene was avoided by most of the tested species, avoidance being, however, detected down to a concentration of 0.030 mg L(-1). Folsomia candida (Isotomidae) was shown to be relatively tolerant to pollutants compared to other Collembola such as Mesaphorura macrochaeta, Mesaphorura yosii (Onychiuridae), Parisotoma notabilis (Isotomidae) and Arrhopalites caecus (Arrhopalitidae). Differences between strains could not be explained by properties of the original soils.


Spontaneous and 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide-induced G2 chromosome aberrations in lymphoblasts from familial melanoma patients.
Lymphoblastoid cell lines established from three unrelated kindreds with familial melanoma (FM) were cytogenetically analyzed for spontaneous and 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (4NQO)-induced chromosome aberrations. There were no significant differences between control, FM, or xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) cell lines for spontaneous aberrations. As a group, FM patients, as well as XP patients, had significantly higher 4NQO-induced aberrations than controls when metaphase cells were analyzed 2.5 hours after treatment during the G2 phase of the cell cycle. When selected cell lines were analyzed 18 hours after 4NQO treatment, the frequency of chromosome aberrations in FM cells returned to spontaneous levels, but XP cells retained significantly elevated aberration frequencies. The wide variability for chromosome aberrations within the control. FM relative, and FM patient groups during G2, however, indicated that analysis of total breakage rates alone would not be predictive of susceptibility to FM. Heterogeneity for carcinogen-induced chromosome breakage between some cancer-prone individuals and the possible significance of site-specific chromosome aberrations are discussed.


Transplantation of Ultra-Long Cross-Donor Conjoined Perforator Flaps with Multiple Blood Supply Sources for Wound Repair.
There are reports about the surgical method and clinical efficacy of using ultra-long cross-donor perforator skin flap transplantation with multiple blood supply sources to repair wounds. Between January 2013 and March 2019, 29 wounds were repaired using ultra-long skin flaps from the donor site of the chest, abdomen and anterolateral thigh. All patients were followed up on a regular basis with a view to the following: appearance of skin flap, function of recipient area and healing of donor area. After the operation, all 28 skin flaps were fine. On the fifth day after the operation, one case of a 47-cm anterolateral thigh flap had dark skin color in the distal-most area measuring about 5 cm×4 cm, and the incision showed slow bleeding. In 11 cases, linear scars with soft edges and no obvious contractures were left in the donor area of the chest and abdomen. Eighteen cases with lateral femoral donor sites healed successfully, with linear scars forming without contracture. Three cases with lateral femoral donor sites had wide linear scars that were slightly above skin level and exhibited no contracture. Transplantation of ultra-long conjoined cross-donor perforator flaps with multiple blood supply is beneficial to wound repair and worthy of clinical promotion.


Ajmalicine production in methyl jasmonate-induced Catharanthus roseus cell cultures depends on Ca2+ level.
Cytosolic Ca(2+) and jasmonate mediate signals that induce defense responses in plants. In this study, the interaction between Ca(2+) and methyl jasmonate (MJ) in modulating defense responses was investigated by monitoring ajmalicine production in Catharanthus roseus suspension cultures. C. roseus suspensions were treated with nine combinations of CaCl(2) (3, 23, and 43 mM) and MJ (0, 10, and 100 microM) on day 6 of growth. Increased Ca(2+) influx through the addition of extracellular CaCl(2) suppressed ajmalicine production in MJ-induced cultures. The highest ajmalicine production (4.75 mg/l) was observed when cells were treated with a low level of calcium (3 mM) combined with a high level of MJ (100 microM). In the presence of 3 mM CaCl(2) in the medium, the addition of Ca(2+) chelator EGTA (1, 2.5, and 5 mM) or Ca(2+) channel blocker verapamil (1, 10, and 50 muM) to MJ-induced (100 microM) cultures on day 6 also inhibited ajmalicine production at higher levels of the Ca(2+) inhibitors. Hence, ajmalicine production in MJ-induced C. roseus cultures depended on the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration and a low extracellular Ca(2+) concentration (3 mM) enhanced MJ-induced ajmalicine production.


Steroid allergy in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
Contact allergy to a steroid enema leading to worsening of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has recently been reported. This study was designed to look for evidence of steroid allergy in patients with IBD. To look for the presence of steroid allergy in general, and steroid enema allergy in particular, in a cohort of IBD patients prepared to attend for patch testing. Patients with IBD in two gastroenterology units at Dublin and Cork were asked to take part in the study. Those who agreed to take part were tested to the British Contact Dermatitis Society standard and steroid batteries. Patients with positive tests to steroids were subsequently asked to attend for intradermal testing with prednisolone, and patch testing to the two commercially available steroid enemas in Ireland and an extended battery of steroids. Reactions were read at days 2 and 4. In total, 44 patients from the two units were patch tested. Four patients had positive patch tests to one or more steroids in these batteries: budesonide (n = 2), triamcinolone acetonide (n = 1), tixocortol pivalate (n = 1) and prednisolone (n = 1). Of these, three underwent further testing. All three had positive reactions to intradermal prednisolone and one had a positive test to steroid enema. Four (9%) of our patients were found to have steroid allergy. This has important implications for the local and systemic treatment of their IBD.


Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) based COVID-19 health impact assessment: a systematic review.
The emergence of COVID-19 has resulted in health, socio-economic, and political crises. The overall health impact of this disease can be measured by disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) which is the sum of the life years lost due to disability (YLDs) and the years life lost due to premature death (YLLs). The overarching objective of this systematic review was to identify the health burdens of COVID-19 and summarise the literature that can aid health regulators to make evidence-based decisions on COVID-19 mitigation strategies. This systematic review was conducted using the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. DALYs-based primary studies were collected from databases, manual searches, and included studies' references. The primary studies published in English language, conducted since the emergence of COVID-19, and using DALYs or its subsets (years life lost due to disability and/or years life lost due to premature death) as health impact metrics, were the inclusion criteria. The combined disability and mortality health impact of COVID-19 was measured in DALYs. The risk of bias due to literature selection, identification, and reporting processes was assessed using the Joanna Bridges Institute critical appraisal tool for cross-sectional studies, and the certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE Pro tool. Of the 1459 identified studies, twelve of them were eligible for inclusion in the review. The years life lost due to COVID-19 related mortality was dominant over the years life lost due to COVID-19 related disability (disability times from the onset of COVID-19 to recovery, from diseases occurrence to mortality, and the long-term consequences of COVID-19) in all included studies. The long-term consequence disability time and the pre-death disability time were not assessed by most of the reviewed articles. The impact of COVID-19 on both the length and quality of life has been substantial and has been causing considerable health crises worldwide. The health burden of COVID-19 was greater than other infectious diseases. Further studies focussing on issues examining increasing preparedness for future pandemics, public sensitization, and multi-sectorial integration are recommended.


Vitamin A deficiency alters rat lung alveolar basement membrane: reversibility by retinoic acid.
Vitamin A is essential for lung development and pulmonary cell differentiation and its deficiency results in alterations of lung structure and function. Basement membranes (BMs) are also involved in those processes, and retinoic acid, the main biologically active form of vitamin A, influences the expression of extracellular matrix macromolecules. Therefore, we have analyzed the ultrastructure and collagen content of lung alveolar BM in growing rats deficient in vitamin A and the recovering effect of all-trans retinoic acid. Male weanling pups were fed a retinol-adequate or -deficient diet until they were 60 days old. A group of vitamin A-deficient pups were recovered by daily intraperitoneal injections of all-trans retinoic acid for 10 days. Alveolar BM in vitamin A-deficient rats doubled its thickness and contained irregularly scattered collagen fibrils. Immunocytochemistry revealed that these fibrils were composed of collagen I. Total content of both collagen I protein and its mRNA was greater in vitamin-deficient lungs. In agreement with the greater size of the BM the amount of collagen IV was also increased. Proinflammatory cytokines, IL-1alpha, IL-1beta and TNF-alpha, did not change, but myeloperoxidase and TGF-beta1 were increased. Treatment of vitamin A-deficient rats with retinoic acid reversed all the alterations, but the BM thickness recovered only partially. Retinoic acid recovering activity occurred in the presence of increasing oxidative stress. In conclusion, vitamin A deficiency results in alterations of the structure and composition of the alveolar BM which are probably mediated by TGF-beta1 and reverted by retinoic acid. These alterations could contribute to the impairment of lung function and predispose to pulmonary disease.


Hoxa11 and Hoxa13 facilitate slow-twitch muscle formation in C2C12 cells and indirectly affect the lipid deposition of 3T3-L1 cells.
Muscle-fiber type in livestock skeletal muscles influences meat quality, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We previously showed that Homeobox A11 (Hoxa11) and Homeobox A13 (Hoxa13) are differentially expressed in fast- and slow-twitch muscles, but their effects on the formation of muscle-fiber types and intramuscular fat deposition have not been investigated. Here, our results revealed that overexpression of Hoxa11 and Hoxa13 delayed cell-cycle progression in C2C12 myoblasts, reduced their proliferation, and promoted their differentiation into slow-twitch muscle fibers. Knockdown experiments produced the opposite results. The conditioned media of differentiated C2C12 cells with Hoxa11/Hoxa13 overexpression or knockdown were harvested. Staining results showed that adipogenesis of preadipocytes was significantly promoted by Hoxa13 knockdown C2C12 cell culture medium. Changes in lipid accumulation were due to a reduction in lipid decomposition and an increase in triglyceride synthesis; genes related to fatty-acid synthesis were decreased. In conclusion, our study showed that Hoxa11 and Hoxa13 promote slow-twitch muscle formation and indirectly regulate preadipocyte adipogenesis, which may facilitate meat-quality improvement in the future.


External features enriched model for biomedical question answering.
Biomedical question answering (QA) is a sub-task of natural language processing in a specific domain, which aims to answer a question in the biomedical field based on one or more related passages and can provide people with accurate healthcare-related information. Recently, a lot of approaches based on the neural network and large scale pre-trained language model have largely improved its performance. However, considering the lexical characteristics of biomedical corpus and its small scale dataset, there is still much improvement room for biomedical QA tasks. Inspired by the importance of syntactic and lexical features in the biomedical corpus, we proposed a new framework to extract external features, such as part-of-speech and named-entity recognition, and fused them with the original text representation encoded by pre-trained language model, to enhance the biomedical question answering performance. Our model achieves an overall improvement of all three metrics on BioASQ 6b, 7b, and 8b factoid question answering tasks. The experiments on BioASQ question answering dataset demonstrated the effectiveness of our external feature-enriched framework. It is proven by the experiments conducted that external lexical and syntactic features can improve Pre-trained Language Model's performance in biomedical domain question answering task.


Clonorchiasis--a historical review of contributions of Japanese parasitologists.
In the early stage of research on Clonorchis and clonorchiasis, Japanese parasitologists made a tremendous contribution on the elucidation of the life cycle of this parasite and on the epidemiology of the disease. Harujiro Kobayashi first identified cyprinoid fish as the second intermediate hosts for Clonorchis sinensis in 1912, Subsequently Parafossarulus snails were identified as the first intermediate host by Masatomo Muto in 1918. Kenso Ishisaka recorded the first human case of clonorchiasis in Japan in 1877, and two Japanese clinicians, Shigeru Matsumoto and Tsukasa Ohi, recorded the endemic nature of this disease in Korea and Taiwan respectively, in the same year, 1915.


Unusual catheter tip placement from attempted central venous catheterization.
Percutaneous catheterization of the subclavian and internal jugular veins is rapid and has overall complication rates from 0% to 11.2%. Noncentral placement of catheter tips has been reported in 1% to 16% of all cases. Two previously unreported locations for noncentral placement of catheter tips are described.


Arsenic exposure from drinking water and mortality from cardiovascular disease in Bangladesh: prospective cohort study.
To evaluate the association between arsenic exposure and mortality from cardiovascular disease and to assess whether cigarette smoking influences the association. Prospective cohort study with arsenic exposure measured in drinking water from wells and urine. General population in Araihazar, Bangladesh. 11,746 men and women who provided urine samples in 2000 and were followed up for an average of 6.6 years. Death from cardiovascular disease. 198 people died from diseases of circulatory system, accounting for 43% of total mortality in the population. The mortality rate for cardiovascular disease was 214.3 per 100,000 person years in people drinking water containing <12.0 µg/L arsenic, compared with 271.1 per 100,000 person years in people drinking water with ≥ 12.0 µg/L arsenic. There was a dose-response relation between exposure to arsenic in well water assessed at baseline and mortality from ischaemic heart disease and other heart disease; the hazard ratios in increasing quarters of arsenic concentration in well water (0.1-12.0, 12.1-62.0, 62.1-148.0, and 148.1-864.0 µg/L) were 1.00 (reference), 1.22 (0.65 to 2.32), 1.35 (0.71 to 2.57), and 1.92 (1.07 to 3.43) (P = 0.0019 for trend), respectively, after adjustment for potential confounders including age, sex, smoking status, educational attainment, body mass index (BMI), and changes in urinary arsenic concentration since baseline. Similar associations were observed when baseline total urinary arsenic was used as the exposure variable and for mortality from ischaemic heart disease specifically. The data indicate a significant synergistic interaction between arsenic exposure and cigarette smoking in mortality from ischaemic heart disease and other heart disease. In particular, the hazard ratio for the joint effect of a moderate level of arsenic exposure (middle third of well arsenic concentration 25.3-114.0 µg/L, mean 63.5 µg/L) and cigarette smoking on mortality from heart disease was greater than the sum of the hazard ratios associated with their individual effect (relative excess risk for interaction 1.56, 0.05 to 3.14; P = 0.010). Exposure to arsenic in drinking water is adversely associated with mortality from heart disease, especially among smokers.


Pharmacovigilance in Traditional Chinese Medicine safety surveillance.
To give an overview of the current status including problems and efforts about pharmacovigilance in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) safety surveillance. It is based on literature review and publicly available data in China. TCM led to several adverse drug reactions (ADRs) during the past few years and pharmacovigilance about TCM remained as a problem though great effort had been made to improve it. Pharmacovigilance in TCM is still facing many challenges in playing critical roles in China. More attention should be paid to pharmacovigilance in TCM safety surveillance.


[Chymotrypsin and trypsin inhibitor isolated from potato tubers].
Potato Kunitz-type chymotrypsin inhibitor (PKCI-23) was isolated from potato tubers (Solanum tuberosum L., Zhukov's Jubilee breed) and purified to a homogenous state. The protein was purified by gel-filtration chromatography and ion-exchange chromatography using Sephadex G-75 and CM-Sepharose CL-6B, respectively. PKCI-23 protein has been shown to inhibit both chymotrypsin and trypsin with equal efficacy, forming equimolar complexes with these enzymes. However, much weaker inhibitory effect of PKCI-23 has been observed for Carlsberg subtilisin. The N-terminal 20 amino acid sequence of PKCI-23 has been sequenced. PKCI-23 has been shown to suppress, with different efficacy, the growth and development of pathogenic microorganisms Fusarium culmorum (Wm. G. Sm.) Sacc. and Phytophtora infestans (Mont.) de Bary that infect potato.


Short-term effects of various sugars on antinatriuresis and blood pressure changes in normotensive young men.
This is a report of the effects of sugars on salt metabolism and on blood pressure. Twenty young men, none of whom had a personal or family history of hypertension, were orally hydrated after an overnight fast and required to lie recumbent for 6 h except for urinary voiding and blood pressure measurements which were performed at 1/2 h intervals. Venous blood samples were drawn at hourly intervals. The volunteers were kept constantly hydrated by giving them water to drink equivalent to the volumes of urine voided. Two hours from the start of the experiment each subject was given one of the following sugars: glucose, fructose, sucrose, galactose, lactose, or water alone. After oral hydration the subjects appeared to develop natriuresis and kaliuresis. This was quickly abolished by ingestion of either glucose, fructose, sucrose, or lactose, but not by galactose or water alone. Fructose was the most potent antinatriuretic agent. Both glucose and sucrose significantly elevated systolic blood pressure. This lasted for 2 h after glucose ingestion and 1 h after sucrose ingestion.


The prognostic value of bladder contractility in transurethral resection of the prostate.
The contractility of the bladder as quantified by a parameter of approximated power per bladder surface area based on the Hill equation (Wmax) was calculated for 29 patients before and 3 months after transurethral resection of the prostate. There was no significant change in this parameter as a result of the operation. Patients who still had a significant amount of residual urine postoperatively had decreased contractility before and after surgery so that the postoperative condition could have been predicted preoperatively. In many patients a fading contraction was observed, that is detrusor contractility decreased during voiding, which gave rise to a significantly increased volume of residual urine. In most patients this pattern was restored to normal after relief of the obstruction, indicating that it was not related to structural changes in the detrusor muscle. A preoperative fading contraction had no predictive value towards the outcome of the operation.


Ketamine effects on bupivacaine local anaesthetic activity and pharmacokinetics of bupivacaine in mice.
This study was designed to document possible changes in bupivacaine (B) local anaesthetic activity and pharmacokinetics in mice after a ketamine (K) injection. In the experiments, bupivacaine (8.25 mg.kg(-1)), was injected into the popliteal space of the right posterior limb: the local anaesthetic activity was assessed according to a sciatic nerve blockade method with three different doses (2, 10 and 40 mg/kg) of ketamine and the kinetics were studied after a 10 mg/kg dose. When ketamine was associated, the local anesthetic activity of bupivacaine was significantly enhanced as well as its elimination half-life. Significantly lower levels of the main metabolite, PPX, were observed, when ketamine was associated, suggesting a metabolic inhibition phenomenon. The ketamine-induced increase in the total anaesthetic effect of bupivacaine may thus be explained by kinetic modifications i.e. a possible inhibiting effect of ketamine on the metabolism of bupivacaine.


Calcium homeostasis and dichlorvos induced neurotoxicity in rat brain.
The present study was designed to investigate the possible effects of chronic dichlorvos exposure on the various aspects of calcium homeostasis in rat brain. Chronic dichlorvos administration caused significant rise in the intrasynaptosomal calcium levels. The activity of major calcium expelling enzyme i.e. Ca2+ATPase was found to be declined. Also, the depolarization induced calcium uptake via voltage operated calcium channels increased significantly. Concomitant to the increase in intrasynaptosomal calcium, calpain activity was found to be increased. The results presented herein, indicate that the toxic effects of dichlorvos could be mediated through modifications in the intracellular calcium homeostasis which may lead to impaired neuronal function.


Isolation and characterization of sialodacryoadenitis virus (coronavirus) from rats by established cell line LBC.
The outbreak of sialoadenitis occurred in a laboratory rat colony and the causative agent was isolated from the affected salivary glands of diseased rats using the established cell line LBC. The isolate readily multiplied, producing clear cytopathic effects with syncytium formation, and it was identified virologically and serologically as rat sialodacryoadenitis virus. In attempts to isolate the virus by primary rat kidney (PRK) cells and suckling mice as well as LBC cells, the LBC cells showed higher susceptibility for the virus growth as compared with PRK cells or the brain of suckling mice. The isolation rate of virus was 100% (5/5) in LBC, 40% (2/5) in PRK cells and 60% (3/5) in suckling mice. After four passages in the LBC cells, the virus did not produce disease in adult rats, while the mouse brain-passaged virus did.


Trace elements in migratory species arriving to Antarctica according to their migration range.
The levels of eighteen trace elements (TEs) were evaluated in association with stable isotopes (δ15N, δ34S, and δ13C) in feathers and eggs of five migratory species breeding on the Antarctic Peninsula to test the factors that influence their exposure to contaminants. The feathers of seabirds migrating to the Northern Hemisphere (South polar skua) have concentrations (mean ± SD, μg. g-1) of Li (1.71 ± 2.08) and Mg (1169.5 ± 366.8) one order of magnitude higher than southern migrants, such as Snowy sheathbill Li (0.01 ± 0.005) and Mg (499.6 ± 111.9). Feathers had significantly higher concentrations for 11 of a total of 18 metals measured compared to eggs. South polar skua have higher concentrations of all TEs in eggs compared to antarctic tern. Therefore, the present study showed that migration and trophic ecology (δ15N, δ13C, and δ34S) influence Fe, Mn, Cu, and Se concentrations in feathers of Antarctic seabirds. The concentrations of Cu, Mn, Rb, Zn, Pb, Cd, Cr are higher than previously reported, which may be due to increased local and global human activities.


Functional and cognitive capacity and health-related quality of life 2 years after day hospital rehabilitation for stroke: a prospective study.
This study prospectively evaluated long-term outcome 2 years after 6-8 weeks of day hospital rehabilitation (DHR) for stroke in younger patients. Assessment findings after discharge from DHR and at follow-up 2 years later using 3 instruments--the FIM (originally known as the Functional Independence Measure), SF-36, and EuroQol (now known as EQ-5D)--were compared. The study group comprised 50 consecutive patients age 18-60 years at the time of their initial stroke who had participated in a prospective study of the effects of DHR after stroke. Living conditions were assessed using the Riks-Stroke stroke care register. Patient handicaps were graded according to the Oxford Handicap Scale. The patients maintained functional and cognitive capacity, as well as self-rated health and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), 2 years after discharge. A significant improvement was also seen in cognitive capacity and in HRQoL as assessed by EuroQol, but in only 1 of the 8 SF-36 domains. The changes in functional capacity and HRQoL were significantly and inversely correlated with the scores at discharge from DHR. Follow-up scores for EuroQol were correlated with scores for physical and cognitive capacity. Women demonstrated less improvement in EuroQol scores than men. Our findings indicate that most stroke patients who sustained initial acute stroke at age 18-60 years and received 6-8 weeks of DHR poststroke maintained functional and cognitive capacity as well as HRQoL after 2 years. Some patients even may have improved their cognitive capacity and HRQoL.


Endophytic fungus Phomopsis liquidambaris B3 induces rice resistance to RSRD caused by Fusarium proliferatum and promotes plant growth.
Rice spikelet rot disease (RSRD) is an emerging disease that significantly reduces rice yield and quality. In this study, we evaluated the potential use of the broad-spectrum endophytic fungus Phomopsis liquidambaris B3 as a biocontrol agent against RSRD. We also compared the control effects of different treatments, including chemical fungicides and treatment with multiple strains and single strains in combination or individually, against RSRD. The objective of this study was to find an effective and environmentally friendly control strategy to reduce the occurrence of RSRD and improve the rice yield. In pot experiments, the effect of B3 alone was better than that of fungicide or combined measures. The results showed that root colonization by B3 significantly reduced the incidence and disease index of RSRD by 41.0% and 53.8%, respectively. This was related to enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity, and to significantly upregulated expression levels of OsAOX, OsLOX, OsPAL, and OsPR10 in rice. Moreover, B3 improved the diversity of the bacterial community rather than the fungal community in the rice rhizosphere. It also led to a decrease in Fusarium proliferatum colonization and fumonisin content in the grain. Finally, root development was markedly promoted after B3 inoculation, and the yield improved by 48.60%. The result of field experiments showed that the incidence of RSRD and the fumonisin content were observably reduced in rice receiving B3, by 24.41% and 37.87%, respectively. The endophytic fungus Phomopsis liquidambaris B3 may become an effective tool to relieve rice spikelet rot disease. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.


Dust from carbon fibre.
Carbon fibre, manufactured from a polyacrylonitrile fibre precursor, is used to reinforce plastic in the aircraft industry. When carbon fibre was fed into a hammer mill, only low concentrations of dust of respirable size could be produced and less than 1% of the respirable carbon particles were fibrous. The dust cloud contained a few transparent fibres, probably glass, of respirable size. When the dust was inhaled by guinea pigs nonfibrous particles were phagocytosed. The few carbon fibres found in the lung that were longer than 5 microns were still extracellular after 27 weeks and they were uncoated. No free transparent fibres were found in the lungs but fibre bodies with a ferruginous coating were probably derived from the transparent fibres. No pathological effects were observed.