Predictive Modeling for Perinatal Mortality in Resource-Limited Settings.
The overwhelming majority of fetal and neonatal deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. Fetal and neonatal risk assessment tools may be useful to predict the risk of death. To develop risk prediction models for intrapartum stillbirth and neonatal death. This cohort study used data from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Global Network for Women's and Children's Health Research population-based vital registry, including clinical sites in South Asia (India and Pakistan), Africa (Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, and Kenya), and Latin America (Guatemala). A total of 502 648 pregnancies were prospectively enrolled in the registry. Risk factors were added sequentially into the data set in 4 scenarios: (1) prenatal, (2) predelivery, (3) delivery and day 1, and (4) postdelivery through day 2. Data sets were randomly divided into 10 groups of 3 analysis data sets including training (60%), test (20%), and validation (20%). Conventional and advanced machine learning modeling techniques were applied to assess predictive abilities using area under the curve (AUC) for intrapartum stillbirth and neonatal mortality. All prenatal and predelivery models had predictive accuracy for both intrapartum stillbirth and neonatal mortality with AUC values 0.71 or less. Five of 6 models for neonatal mortality based on delivery/day 1 and postdelivery/day 2 had increased predictive accuracy with AUC values greater than 0.80. Birth weight was the most important predictor for neonatal death in both postdelivery scenarios with independent predictive ability with AUC values of 0.78 and 0.76, respectively. The addition of 4 other top predictors increased AUC to 0.83 and 0.87 for the postdelivery scenarios, respectively. Models based on prenatal or predelivery data had predictive accuracy for intrapartum stillbirths and neonatal mortality of AUC values 0.71 or less. Models that incorporated delivery data had good predictive accuracy for risk of neonatal mortality. Birth weight was the most important predictor for neonatal mortality.


Regulation of murine B cell growth and differentiation by CD30 ligand.
A ligand for CD30 has been recently cloned, and has been shown to have sequence homology with the tumor necrosis factor family of cytokines. CD30 ligand (CD30L) was found to be induced on helper T cell clones, and its receptor was expressed on freshly isolated and activated murine B cells. Recombinant murine CD30L was found to share many functional properties with CD40 ligand (CD40L) in the regulation of murine B cell growth and differentiation in vitro. CD30L stimulated B cell proliferation, antigen-specific antibody production, and polyclonal immunoglobulin secretion in a cytokine-dependent manner. In particular, the stimulation of B cell proliferation by CD30L required interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-5, induction of anti-sheep red blood cell antibody-secreting B cells by CD30L required IL-2 and IL-5, and optimal induction of polyclonal immunoglobulin secretion required IL-4 and IL-5. Under these conditions, the polyclonal secretion of IgG1, IgA, IgG3 and IgE was induced. The induction of immunoglobulin secretion by CD30L was independent of CD40L, as B cells from CD40L deficient-mice responded normally to CD30L treatment. We conclude that CD30L is a potent mediator of B cell growth and differentiation in vitro and may play a role in cognate T cell-B cell interactions.


Pathologic fractures of the mandible following invasive oral carcinomas.
Invasive and metastatic oral carcinomas can and often do result in pathologic fractures of the facial bones. Three cases of invasive oral carcinomas resulting in fractures of the mandible have been reported. It was only after multiple-view radiographs that pathologic fractures could be identified. It is mandatory that dental practitioners avail themselves of the radiographic views which assist in establishing a diagnosis. In addition, the role of the dental profession in diagnosing primary and secondary oral carcinomas cannot be overemphasized.


Osteoclast-expanded super-charged NK-cells preferentially select and expand CD8+ T cells.
Osteoclasts (OCs) and much less dendritic cells (DCs) induce significant expansion and functional activation of NK cells, and furthermore, the OC-expanded NK cells preferentially increase the expansion and activation of CD8+ T cells by targeting CD4+ T cells. When autologous OCs were used to expand patient NK cells much lower percentages of expanded CD8+ T cells, decreased numbers of expanded NK cells and decreased functions of NK cells could be observed, and the addition of allogeneic healthy OCs increased the patients' NK function. Mechanistically, OC-expanded NK cells were found to lyse CD4+ T cells but not CD8+ T cells suggesting potential selection of CD8+ T cells before their expansion by OC activated NK cells. In agreement, Increased IFN-γ secretion, and NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity and higher percentages of CD8+ T cells, in various tissue compartments of oral tumor-bearing hu-BLT mice in response to immunotherapy by OC-expanded NK cells were observed. Thus, our results indicate an important relationship between NK and CD8+ T cells.


Interaction between live avian pneumovirus and Newcastle disease virus vaccines in specific pathogen free chickens.
One-day-old specific pathogen free White Leghorn chicks were vaccinated with live avian pneumovirus (APV) vaccine, live Newcastle disease virus (NDV) vaccine or both. At intervals up to 28 days after vaccination, distribution of the virus in the tissues was studied, together with humoral and mucosal antibody responses in lachrymal fluid and tracheal washes. APV vaccine was detected for almost twice as long in the dual vaccinates as in the single vaccinates. Higher numbers of isolations of ND virus vaccine were obtained from the dual rather than the single vaccinates at 7 days post-vaccination but the reverse occurred at 14 days. APV serum antibodies were significantly lower in the dual rather than the single vaccinates. However, there were similar levels of local APV-specific IgA in the lachrymal fluids of both single and dual APV vaccinates. NDV serum antibody titres in the dual vaccinates were significantly higher than in the singly NDV-vaccinated chickens. It appears that simultaneous vaccination of chicks with live APV and NDV vaccines causes temporary suppression of APV vaccine proliferation and reduces humoral antibody responses to it, although the antibody response to NDV is enhanced.


Gender differences in self-assessed performance and stress level during training of basic interventional radiology maneuvers.
Gender differences have been reported to influence medical training. We investigated gender differences encountered during training in interventional radiology maneuvers. Catheter handling was analyzed under standardized conditions in 64 participants naïve to endovascular procedures (26 women, 38 men). Objective (e.g., catheter pathway, catheter movements, required time) and subjective parameters (stress level) were recorded. The NASA-Task Load Index (NASA-TLX; 1-20 points) was used to assess participants' stress levels and perceived workload. In the easier tasks, no significant differences between male and female participants regarding catheter handling were observed. In the most complex task, female participants took themselves more time (688 ± 363 vs. 501 ± 230 s; p = 0.02), asked for help more frequently (n = 19 vs. n = 8) and earlier than men (203 ± 94 vs. 305 ± 142 s; p = 0.049), whereas men stood out by more agitated catheter handling (6.0 ± 1.8 vs. 4.8 ± 1.6 movements/s; p = 0.005). Overall, female participants perceived tasks to be more difficult (11.5 ± 4.2 vs. 9.6 ± 3.3; p = 0.016), perceived higher stress levels (8.9 ± 4.9 vs. 6.3 ± 4.4; p = 0.037), and rated their own performance lower (9.12 ± 3.3 vs. 11.3 ± 3.3; p = 0.009). However, female participants were able to correlate self-assessed with objective parameters correctly (r between -0.555 and -0.469; p = 0.004-0.018), whereas male participants failed to correctly rate their performance (p between 0.34 and 0.73). Stress levels correlated with objective parameters in males (r between 0.4 and 0.587; p < 0.005), but not in female participants. Perceived stress levels, self-evaluation skills, and catheter handling differ greatly between untrained male and female participants trying to solve interventional radiological tasks. These gender-specific differences should be considered in interventional radiology training. As psychological aspects may influence individual working strategies gender-specific differences in self-perception while learning interventional radiology maneuvers could be essential regarding success in teaching and treatment outcomes. • After performing standardized training, 38 male and 26 female volunteers showed significant differences regarding objective and self-assessed performance, as well as in perceived workload while performing simulated endovascular catheter maneuvers. • After solving simulated endovascular radiological tasks, female participants were able to self-assess their objective performance much more accurately than male participants. • Women took more time to solve simulated endovascular tasks and asked earlier and more frequently for help than men.


Philadelphia-positive T-acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
A case of typical T-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is reported in which, at diagnosis, 100% of bone marrow metaphases showed a Philadelphia (Ph) translocation, t(9;22). These cells completely disappeared following chemotherapy. The significance of the Ph chromosome in T and B leukemic cells is discussed.


Advanced Interfere Treatment of Diabetic Cardiomyopathy Rats by aFGF-Loaded Heparin-Modified Microbubbles and UTMD Technique.
This study aims to investigate the preclinical performance and mechanism of a novel strategy of aFGF-loaded heparin-modified microbubbles (aFGF-HMB) combined with ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) technique for diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) prevention. Type 1 diabetic rats were induced by streptozotocin. Twelve weeks after intervention, indexes from transthoracic echocardiography and cardiac catheterization showed that the left ventricular function in the aFGF-HMB/UTMD group was significantly improved compared with diabetes control (DM). From Picrosirius Red staining and TUNEL staining, the aFGF-HMB/UTMD group showed significant difference from the other groups. The cardiac collagen volume fraction (CVF) and myocardial cell apoptosis index (AI) in aFGF-HMB/UTMD group decreased to 7.2 % and 7.11 % respectively, compared with the DM group (CVF = 24.5 % and AI =20.3 % respectively). The results of myocardial microvascular density (MCD) also proved the strongest inhibition of aFGF-HMB/UTMD group on DCM progress. CD31 staining of aFGF-HMB/UTMD group reached 22 n/hrp, much higher than that of DM group (9 n/hrp). These results confirmed that the abnormalities including left ventricular dysfunction, myocardial fibrosis, cardiomyocytes apoptosis and microvascular rarefaction could be suppressed by twice weekly aFGF treatments for 12 consecutive weeks (free aFGF or aFGF-HMB+/-UTMD), with the strongest improvements observed in the aFGF-HMB/UTMD group (P < 0.05 vs free aFGF or aFGF-HMB). Western blot analyses of heart tissue further revealed the highest aFGF, anti-apoptosis protein (Bcl-2), VEGF-C, pAkt, pFoxo-3a levels and strongest reduction in pro-apoptosis proteins (Bax) level in aFGF-HMB/UTMD group. Overall, aFGF-HMB combined with UTMD technique might be developed as an effective strategy to prevent DCM in future clinical therapy.


Electrolyte imbalances in dogs with chronic inflammatory enteropathies.
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) in humans are associated with electrolyte shifts and diarrhea. Chronic inflammatory enteropathies (CIE) in dogs produce inflammatory lesions usually located more diffusely throughout the gastrointestinal tract. The prevalence of electrolyte imbalances in canine CIE is unknown. We retrospectively evaluated serum electrolyte (Na+, Cl-, corrected Cl-, and K+) concentrations in 37 dogs with CIE. Hypokalemia was the most frequent electrolyte abnormality, affecting 7 (19%) CIE dogs and with no difference between food-responsive and immunosuppressant-responsive (IRE) cases. Hyponatremia was less common (14%) and predominantly seen with IRE; serum Na+ concentration correlated with the severity of diarrhea and duodenal histologic lesions. Hypo- (5%) and hyperchloridemia (11%) were also detected. Electrolyte imbalances occur with equal frequency in canine CIE and human IBD. Increased K+ secretion might exceed compromised Na+/Cl- absorption or K+ shifts might be more pronounced in canine CIE. Therefore, the mechanisms underlying CIE-associated diarrhea warrant further research.


Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo in Parkinson's disease.
Dizziness is a frequent complaint of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), and orthostatic hypotension (OH) is often thought to be the cause. We studied whether benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) could also be an explanation. To assess the prevalence of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo in patients with Parkinson's disease, with and without dizziness. 305 consecutive outpatients with PD completed the Movement Disorders Society-sponsored revision of the Unified Parkinsons' Disease Rating Scale-motor score, the Dizziness Handicap Inventory, the Dix-Hallpike maneuver and a test for orthostatic hypotension. When positive for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, a repositioning maneuver was performed. Patients were followed for three months to determine the clinical response. 305 patients responded (186 men (61%), mean age 70.5 years (Standard Deviation 9.5 years)), of whom 151 (49%) complained of dizziness. 57 (38%) of the dizzy patients appeared to have orthostatic hypotension; 12 patients (8%) had a classical but previously unrecognized benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. A further four patients (3%) had a more atypical presentation of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Three months after treatment, 11 (92%) of patients with classical benign paroxysmal positional vertigo were almost or completely without complaints. We found no 'hidden' benign paroxysmal positional vertigo among patients without dizziness. The prevalence of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo among all patients with PD was 5.3%. Among Parkinson patients with symptoms of dizziness, up to 11% may have benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, which can be treated easily and successfully.


Extraperitoneal Versus Intraperitoneal Radical Cystectomy for Bladder Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
This study aimed to compare perioperative and oncologic outcomes of extraperitoneal radical cystectomy (EPRC) and transperitoneal radical cystectomy (TPRC). A systematical search of multiple scientific databases was performed in September 2022. The systematic review and cumulative meta-analysis of the primary outcomes of interest were performed according to the PRISMA and AMSTAR guidelines and registered in the PROSPERO database (PROSPERO [CRD42022359322]). The review and analysis included eight studies with 989 participants. No significant differences were found between EPRC and TPRC in terms of operation time, estimated blood loss (EBL), hospital length of stay (LOS), or transfusion. A shorter exhaust time (standardized mean difference [SMD] - 0.59; 95 % confidence interval [CI] - 0.97 to 0.21; p = 0.002) and time to liquid intake (SMD, - 0.56; 95 % CI - 1.07 to 0.04; p = 0.03) were associated with EPRC. No clinically meaningful difference was observed in terms of postoperative infection, wound complications, postoperative genitourinary complications, late postoperative complications, early major complications, or late major complications. However, EPRC was related to lower incidences of early postoperative complications (odds ratio [OR], 0.66; 95 % CI 0.51-0.86; p = 0.002), gastrointestinal complications (OR 0.28; 95 % CI 0 0.17-0.46; p < 0.00001), and postoperative ileus (OR 0.38; 95 % CI 0.25-0.59; p < 0.0001). A higher incidence of postoperative lymphocele was associated with EPRC (OR 3.05; 95 % CI 1.13-8.25; p = 0.03). No clinically meaningful difference was found in terms of positive surgical margin (PSM), local recurrence, distant metastasis, or OS. Although EPRC had a higher incidence of lymphoceles than TPRC, it was found to have similar oncologic outcomes and fewer early complications, particularly in terms of postoperative gastrointestinal complications and ileus. These results suggest that EPRC is a safe option both functionally and oncologically.


Results using medium supplemented with either fresh or frozen stored serum in human in vitro fertilization.
This study retrospectively compared the success of in vitro fertilization (IVF) among patients whose gametes had been incubated either in medium supplemented with freshly prepared pooled serum (331 cases) or in pooled serum which had been stored at -20 degrees C prior to use (728 cases). Frozen stored serum was as effective as fresh serum with regard to the proportion of oocytes which fertilized and embryos which implanted and was not associated with any increased incidence of fetal loss during postimplantation development.


lncRNA ANRIL accelerates wound healing in diabetic foot ulcers via modulating HIF1A/VEGFA signaling through interacting with FUS.
Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a frequently diagnosed complication of diabetes, and remains a heathcare burden worldwide. However, the pathogenesis of DFU is still largely unclear. The objective of this study is to delineate the function and underlying mechanism of lncRNA antisense non coding RNA in the INK4 locus (ANRIL) in endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and DFU mice. The DFU mouse model was established, and EPCs were subjected to high glucose (HG) treatment to mimic diabetes. qRT-PCR or western blot was employed to detected the expression of ANRIL, HIF1A, FUS and VEGFA. CCK-8 and Annexin V/PI staining were used to monitor cell proliferation and apoptosis. Wound healing, Transwell invasion and tube formation assays were conducted to assess cell migration, invasion and angiogenesis, respectively. The association between ANRIL and FUS was verified by RNA pull-down and RIP assays. Luciferase and ChIP assays were employed to investigate HIF1A-mediated transcriptional regulation of VEGFA and ANRIL. The histological alterations of DFU wound healing were observed by H&E and Masson staining. ANRIL was downregulated in peripheral blood samples of DFU patients, DFU mice and HG-treated EPCs. Mechanistically, ANRIL regulated HIFA mRNA stability via recruiting FUS. VEGFA and ANRIL were transcriptionally regulated by HIF1A. Functional experiments revealed that HG suppressed EPC proliferation, migration, invasion and tube formation, but promoted apoptosis via ANRIL/HIF1A axis. ANRIL accelerated DFU wound healing via modulating HIF1A expression in vivo. ANRIL accelerated wound healing in DFU via modulating HIF1A/VEGFA signaling in a FUS-dependent manner.


[Probable flora: an expression mean of ecological gradients in France].
The application of the criterion of fidelity of plants to plants over four millions botanical observations in France is considered to characterize the ecology of 215,000 phytosociological surveys. Among those discriminant plants, some are missing of the surveys, but they can have a certain probability of occurrence: these plants are called "probable plants" and they represent the "probable flora" of a territory. The study of their geographical distribution shows ecological gradients of flora across France in a better way than only considering the botanical observations. In fact, this method mitigates the discontinuities of taxa observations whose absence may be due to historical and/or anthropogenic factors.


Interactive breast mass segmentation using a convex active contour model with optimal threshold values.
A convex active contour model requires a predefined threshold value to determine the global solution for the best contour to use when doing mass segmentation. Fixed thresholds or manual tuning of threshold values for optimum mass boundary delineation are impracticable. A proposed method is presented to determine an optimized mass-specific threshold value for the convex active contour derived from the probability matrix of the mass with the particle swarm optimization method. We compared our results with the Chan-Vese segmentation and a published global segmentation model on masses detected on direct digital mammograms. The regional term of the convex active contour model maximizes the posterior partitioning probability for binary segmentation. Suppose the probability matrix is binary thresholded using the particle swarm optimization to obtain a value T1, we define the optimal threshold value for the global minimizer of the convex active contour as the mean intensity of all pixels whose probabilities are greater than T1. The mean Jaccard similarity indices were 0.89±0.07 for the proposed/Chan-Vese method and 0.88±0.06 for the proposed/published segmentation model. The mean Euclidean distance between Fourier descriptors of the segmented areas was 0.05±0.03 for the proposed/Chan-Vese method and 0.06±0.04 for the proposed/published segmentation model. This efficient method avoids problems of initial level set contour placement and contour re-initialization. Moreover, optimum segmentation results are realized for all masses improving on the fixed threshold value of 0.5 proposed elsewhere.


Quinoline-derivative coordination compounds as potential applications to antibacterial and antineoplasic drugs.
Quinoline-derivative coordination compounds were synthesized with Zn(II), Al(III), Cu(II), Ru(II) producing 1-4 compounds using 5-nitro-8-hydroxyquinoline and 5-8 compounds using 5-chloro-8-hydroxyquinoline. These coordination compounds were characterized by elemental analysis and 1H NMR, IR, UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopies, representing the coherent data matched all compounds. Myelotoxicity data, as well as the biochemical data, depicted the compounds have low cytotoxicity towards the blood cells. All coordination compounds displayed slight antimicrobial activity against E. coli, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa and E. faecalis; [RuCl(NO)(5-chloro-8-oxyquinoline)2] compound (8) represent the best result to inhibitions of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Antineoplasic action depicted the [Ru(NO)(5-nitro-8-oxyquinoline)2Cl] compound (4) as a potential chemotherapeutic agent against MCF-7 (a breast cancer cell line), compared to cisplatin (Platistine® CS) and cyclophosphamide (Genuxal®) drugs.


Vascular responsiveness to brachial artery infusions of phenylephrine during isoflurane and desflurane anesthesia.
Compared with equi-minimum alveolar anesthetic concentration (MAC) isoflurane, desflurane is associated with greater levels of sympathetic nerve activity in humans but similar reductions in blood pressure. To explore these divergent effects, we evaluated vascular alpha(1)-adrenoceptor responses in the human forearm during isoflurane and desflurane anesthesia to determine if alpha(1)-adrenoceptor responses were more substantially attenuated during desflurane administration. Bilateral forearm venous occlusion plethysmography was used to examine arterial blood flow and to determine changes in forearm vascular resistance during brachial artery infusions of saline and phenylephrine (0.2, 0.4, 0.8, and 1.6 microg/min) in 22 conscious subjects and during anesthesia with 0.65 and 1.3 MAC isoflurane or desflurane. Infusion of phenylephrine into the brachial artery increased the forearm vascular resistance in a dose-dependent manner. The arterial response to phenylephrine was significantly attenuated by 0.65 and 1.3 MAC desflurane and similarly attenuated during 1.3 MAC isoflurane (P < 0.05). Impaired arterial alpha(1)-adrenoceptor responsiveness occurred during desflurane. However, this effect was statistically similar (P > 0.05) to the impaired responses during isoflurane. Blood pressure decreases during volatile anesthesia may be, in part, caused by decreased alpha(1)-adrenoceptor responsiveness. alpha-receptors on blood vessels regulate constriction and dilation and therefore modulate blood pressure. This research indicates that vasoconstriction via the alpha(1)-receptor vascular response is impaired during isoflurane and desflurane anesthesia.


Purification and characterization of UDP-GlcNAc:Gal beta 1-4Glc(NAc) beta-1,3-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase (poly-N-acetyllactosamine extension enzyme) from calf serum.
UDP-GlcNAc:Gal beta 1-4Glc(NAc) beta-1,3-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase is involved in the initiation and the extension of poly-N-acetyllactosamine biosynthesis. This enzyme has been purified to about 125,000-fold with a 0.2% yield from calf serum. The purification was achieved by ammonium sulfate precipitation and chromatography on concanavalin A-Sepharose, DEAE-Toyopearl, SP-Toyopearl, Sephacryl S-200, AF-Blue-Toyopearl, and Mono Q columns. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed a single band corresponding to an apparent M(r) of 70,000. This component was specifically photoaffinity-labeled with 4-thiouridine diphosphate. Exoglycosidase digestion and methylation analysis of the reaction products demonstrated that the enzyme catalyzed the transfer of one N-acetylglucosamine to position C-3 of the terminal galactosyl residue of lactose or N-acetyllactosamine in the beta linkage. The enzyme required Mn2+ ions for its activity and showed a broad pH optimum around 7.0. Apparent Km values for lactose, N-acetyllactosamine, and UDP-GlcNAc were 18.2, 19.6, and 0.129 mM, respectively. Acceptor specificity was tested using several oligosaccharides. The results indicated that terminal Gal beta 1-4Glc(NAc) sequences (type II chains) were preferred substrates for the enzyme. Terminal Gal beta 1-3GlcNAc sequences (type I chains), Lewis X trisaccharides (Gal beta 1-4(Fuc alpha 1-3)GlcNAc), and monosaccharides (galactose) did not serve as substrates.


Pedometer-determined ambulatory activity in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
This cross-sectional study presents the first normative data on pedometer-determined ambulatory activity, defined as steps/day, in 160 (98 males, 62 females; age=52.4 +/- 5.3 years; BMI=32.3 +/- 5.7) free-living individuals with type 2 diabetes. Participants took 6662 +/- 3077 steps per day, less than that reported in nondiabetic samples and more than that reported for samples living with more restrictive chronic conditions including claudication, joint replacement, chronic obstructive lung disease, and chronic heart failure. Steps/day and BMI were inversely and significantly correlated (r=-0.27, P<0.01). Further, there was a significant difference between BMI categories (from normal weight to obesity class III) with regard to steps/day (F=2.96, P<0.05). The difference was most apparent between the highest obesity classes (II and III) and normal weight categories. This data is useful for sample comparison purposes. In addition the standard deviation or variance estimates can be used to calculate samples sizes for intervention efforts. Objective quantification of ambulatory activity via simple and inexpensive pedometers permits researchers and practitioners to easily screen for level of activity along a continuum. This study opens the door for future research and clinical applications including identifying threshold values related to important health outcomes and evaluating incremental change due to various interventions in this population.


Reproduction of Erythronium umbilicatum (Liliaceae): pollination success and pollinator effectiveness.
Erythronium umbilicatum (Liliaceae) is a common vernal herb of deciduous forests in the southeastern United States whose seed set depends on outcrossing by insects. Although only 40-60% of the ovules mature into seeds, hand-pollination experiments conducted in several populations over four years provided little evidence that reproductive success in this species was limited by pollination. Both honeybeess (Apis mellifera) and two small species of native andrenid bees effectively pollinate E. umbilicatum, as determined by measurements of seed set and counts of pollen tubes in the styles of flowers kept under cages and allowed a single visit. Full pollination of E. umbilicatum is promoted by: (1) large amounts of nectar and pollen that attract a variety of potential pollinators, (2) the small (2-3) number of visits required to fertilize all of a flower's ovules, (3) extended perianth persistence of unpollinated flowers. The latter two traits are also characteristic of other spring wildflowers and may contribute to fitness in a habitat where both physical factors and competition between plants for floral visitors can make pollinator service unpredictable. Causes of the observed deficiency in seed set in E. umbilicatum are complex and probably involve cold weather, low light levels or other unidentified physical factors, genotypes of pollen parents (i.e. quality of pollination), and diversion of resources from current year's seed set to future reproduction.


Capturing the Diversity of Dermatology-What's in a Name?
As research related to skin of color (SOC) in dermatology continues to grow, it is increasingly important to precisely define terminology. The terms 'SOC', 'race', and 'ethnicity' are frequently used to analyze differences in dermatologic disease onset, severity, and outcomes. These terms are used interchangeably, are ill-defined across research studies, and frequently conflate biologic and socially constructed categories. SOC has been thought to represent differing degrees of pigment or melanin in the skin, however skin pigment is quite variable among races and ethnicities. Furthermore, certain individuals with less skin pigment may socially consider themselves to be SOC, while the inverse is also true. Fitzpatrick skin phototype classifications in SOC dermatology, while commonly used as an objective measure of diversity, also present with numerous limitations and inaccuracies. We seek to highlight strengths and weaknesses of the current terminology used in SOC dermatology and recommend a more holistic understanding of reported differences, including a framework reflective of upstream socioeconomic, environmental, and historical factors that may be most relevant to reported associations.


Role of viruses in the development of squamous cell cancer and melanoma.
In this chapter, the evidence for the role of human papilloma virus (HPV) in the pathogenesis of squamous cell cancer of the skin will be reviewed. Considerable dispute exists questioning the etiological role of HPV. This is due to the low copy number ofHPV DNA in skin cancers and additional cofactors such as UV exposure, immunosuppression, light skin color and hyperproliferative skin disease as well as the genetic background of the host. These additional cofactors are probably required because of the weak transforming activity of cutaneous HPV types in contrast to high-risk genital HPV strains. On a different note, the involvement of viruses in the etiology of melanoma has only recently been suggested. Melanoma-associated retrovirus (MelARV) has been detected in mice and men and was shown to subvert immunosurveillance besides insertional mutagenesis. The state of the art of viral participation in melanomagenesis will be discussed.


Nanotechnology and its relationship to interventional radiology. Part I: imaging.
Nanotechnology refers to the design, creation, and manipulation of structures on the nanometer scale. Interventional radiology stands to benefit greatly from advances in nanotechnology because much of the ongoing research is focused toward novel methods of imaging and delivery of therapy through minimally invasive means. Through the development of new techniques and therapies, nanotechnology has the potential to broaden the horizon of interventional radiology and ensure its continued success. This two-part review is intended to acquaint the interventionalist with the field of nanotechnology, and provide an overview of potential applications, while highlighting advances relevant to interventional radiology. Part I of the article deals with an introduction to some of the basic concepts of nanotechnology and outlines some of the potential imaging applications, concentrating mainly on advances in oncological and vascular imaging.


A novel dual feedwater circuit for a parabolic trough solar power plant.
The validated dynamic model of a parabolic trough power plant (PTPP) is improved by the combination of a new feedwater circuit (feedwater/HTF circuit) and a reference feedwater circuit (feedwater/steam circuit) as well as the development of the steam turbine model. Such design represents the first effort of research to utilize a dual feedwater circuit inside the PTPP to increase the power output in the daylight from 50 to 68 MWel and raise night operating hours at a lower cost. The purpose of increasing the operating night hours at a power (48 MWel) as in the reference PTPP is to get rid of the fossil fuel backup system and rely only on the absorbed solar energy and the stored energy in the molten salt. During daylight hours, the feedwater circuit is operated using Feedwater/HTF. In the transient period, the feedwater/HTF circuit will gradually be closed due to a decrease in solar radiation. Furthermore, the rest of the nominal feedwater mass flow rate (49 kg/s) is gradually replenished from the feedwater/steam circuit. After sunset, the entirety of the feedwater is heated based on the steam extracted from the turbine. The purpose of this improvement is to raise the number of nightly operational hours by reducing the nominal load from 61.93 to 48 MWel as a result of low energy demand during the evening hours. Therefore, a comparison study between the reference model and this optimization (optimization 2) is conducted for clear days (26th-27th/June and 13th-14th/July 2010) in order to understand the influence of dual feedwater circuit. The comparison indicates that the operational hours of the power block (PB) will be obviously increased. Moreover, this improvement reduces based on the fossil fuel system at night. As the last step, an economic analysis was performed on the costs of the referenced and the optimized PTPP as a function of the levelized energy cost (LEC). The results illustrate that the specific energy cost of a PTPP with 7.5 h of storage capacity is lowered by about 14.5% by increasing the output of the PTPP from 50 to 68 MWel.


Pilomatricoma of the breast in an adolescent girl: sonographic findings.
I report a case of pilomatricoma of the breast in an adolescent girl. Sonograms showed a solitary circumscribed, oval, heterogeneously hyperechoic mass in the skin. This is the first description of sonographic findings for this rare tumor in an adolescent breast.


Elucidation of cytomegalovirus disease recurrence in an HIV-1-positive patient.
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is responsible for the most common opportunistic viral infection in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The colon is a common site for CMV infection in patients positive for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The clinical diagnosis of CMV infection is based on the characteristic endoscopic appearance of extensive ulceration of the gastric mucosa. A 54-year-old HIV-positive man visited our hospital because of high fever. The patient presented with diarrhea, and colonoscopy was performed. Ganciclovir was administered, with a good clinical response. However, the patient complained of the same symptoms again 6 months later. Nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed on all the patient's samples to detect CMV, followed by sequencing of the UL97 gene for CMV resistance detection. The PCR tests for Legionella, Chlamydia pneumoniae, Pneumocystis carinii, and Aspergillus were negative. DNA preparations from biopsy specimens of areas of colon ulceration were positive for CMV. Six months after treating the colon ulcerations, the PCR for CMV was positive, and the possible emergence of CMV mutants conferring ganciclovir resistance was examined. Direct sequencing of the PCR products revealed the known V594 mutation in the UL97 gene predisposing for ganciclovir resistance as well as the polymorphisms (579, GGC-->GGT) and (598, GGT-->GGC) in all samples tested. In summary, molecular biology methods can be used for early detection of CMV in characteristic colonic lesions in HIV-1-positive patients. Furthermore, detection of mutant strains resistant to antiviral drugs as well as polymorphisms elucidate the natural history of the infection.


Lysozyme sensitivity of pantothenate-deficient Lactobacillus plantarum grown with exogenous fatty acids.
A pantothenic acid deficiency in Lactobacillus plantarum reduces lipid synthesis, prevents normal uptake and retention of extracellular amino acids and markedly increases sensitivity of these cells to lysozyme induced lysis. Pantothenate-deficient cells provided with exogenous fatty acids synthesize additional lipids and express nearly normal solute transport activities. The present study has shown that such cells retain a heightened sensitivity to lysozyme induced lysis. These observations indicate that the lysozyme sensitivity of pantothenate-deficient cells is not produced as in indirect effect of membrane lipid depletion, but represents an independent consequence of pantothenate insufficiency.


Tolerance to the Intestinal Microbiota Mediated by ROR(γt)(+) Cells.
Harmless microbes colonizing the gut require the establishment of a well-equilibrated symbiosis between this microbiota and its host. However, the immune system is primed to recognize both conserved microbial patterns and foreign antigens, and therefore developed strong tolerance mechanisms to prevent potential fatal immune reactivity to symbiotic microbes. The transcription factor RAR-related orphan-like γt [ROR(γt); encoded by Rorc] plays a key role in the gut for lymphoid tissue organogenesis, development of innate lymphoid cells type 3 (ILC3s) and proinflammatory type 17 T helper (Th17) cells. Surprisingly, recent research has revealed a contribution of ROR(γt)-expressing cells in a variety of tolerance mechanisms in both the innate and adaptive immune system.


Preparation and in-situ Raman characterization of binder-free u-GF@CFC cathode for rechargeable aluminum-ion battery.
We provide a method for preparation of binder-free cathode for rechargeable aluminum-ion batteries (AIBs). Ultrasonicated natural graphite (u-NG) flakes in N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP) is drop-casted to a carbon fiber cloth (CFC) to obtain binder-free u-GF@CFC cathode for AIBs. We also provide an in-situ Raman spectral technology and the corresponding in-situ Raman cell to determine the mechanism of intercalation/deintercalation reactions of the chloroaluminate ions at cathode of AIBs. The in-situ Raman spectra are recorded using a Raman spectrometer combined with a potentiostat/galvanostat model electrochemical workstation. •A simple preparation method of a binder-free u-GF@CFC cathode is suggested.•The u-GF@CFC cathode is obtained by drop-casting ultrasonicated graphite flakes on the surface and internal gaps of the carbon fiber cloth.•The method includes the in-situ Raman spectral technology and the corresponding in-situ Raman cell.


Tetracycline in the treatment of malignant effusions: evidence for a cytostatic action of the decomposed drug.
During the in vitro growth of human carcinoma cell lines an inhibition of cell growth in media containing tetracycline was observed at a concentration which was about 1000 times below the one reached in the pleural fluid of malignant effusions after tetracycline instillation. During short time drug-cell contact only previously heated tetracycline showed growth inhibition like doxorubicin, a substance of similar structure and origin. Freshly prepared tetracycline inhibited cell growth only after several minutes of drug cell contact. Our observations in vitro suggest that decomposed tetracycline plays an important role in the control of malignant effusions.


Effectiveness of the Fast Track Surgery Program for Patients with Planned Cholecystectomy.
This study analyzed the effectiveness of minimizing surgical trauma, reducing the severity of the stress reaction, and restoring the normal functioning of the body after planned gallbladder operations under an enhanced recovery program. This prospective comparison study included 30 patients from the surgical department of Irkutsk Clinical Hospital No. 1 who had been diagnosed with cholelithiasis in 2019-2020. All 30 patients completed the study and were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the FTS group (group I, n = 15) and the standard group (group II, n = 15). The comparison groups were statistically homogeneous in terms of preoperative parameters. All patients underwent prescribed surgeries. In the early and late postoperative period, there were no cases of mortality or significant complications. A comparison of the groups with respect to the effectiveness of treatment according to established criteria showed good treatment results for 13 (86.6%) patients in group I and 2 (13.3%) patients in group II (p = 0.016). The FTS treatment protocol was a significant predictor of treatment success (OR 3.1; 95% CI 0.2; 6.0; p = 0.033). The fast track surgery protocol gave superior results for surgical treatment in comparison with the standard protocol in patients with cholelithiasis.


Abstracts of the 79th Annual Meeting of the German Society for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology. March 5-7, 2013. Halle, Germany.
This supplement was not sponsored by outside commercial interests. It was funded entirely by the publisher.


Distribution of type A and type B EBV in normal individuals and patients with head and neck carcinomas in Taiwan.
The subtypes of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) according to the EBNA 2 gene were investigated in Taiwan by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and by Southern blot hybridization. The materials included 53 nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) biopsies, 49 other head and neck cancers and 32 throat washings of normal individuals. EBV DNA was found in all NPC biopsies, 27 of 49 other head and neck carcinomas and 81% of normal individuals. Type A EBV was the predominant type of EBV in both normal individuals and patients with head and neck carcinomas in Taiwan. Type B EBV or coexistence of the A and B types comprised a small number of samples in this study.


[A clinical study of changes in retina and visual field in patients with early Parkinson's disease].
To characterize the changes of retinal structure and visual field mean defects (MD) in early Parkinson's disease (PD) and the related factors. Twenty-five patients with early stage PD and 33 normal controls were enrolled in this study. PD patients were evaluated by unified Parkinson's disease rating scale (UPDRS) and Hoehn-Yahr (H-Y) stage in "off" period. All subjects undertook retina of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and macular examinations by optical coherence tomography (OCT), and MD by automatic visual field analyzer. (1) The average thicknesses of RNFL and C11 quadrant RNFL were thinner in PD group [(96.2 ± 7.6)µm and (124.4 ± 18.4)µm] than in healthy controls [(102.6 ± 5.0)µm and (135.4 ± 21.8)µm, respectively, P=0.000 and P=0.047]. Moreover, PD patients had a thinner average thickness of macular [(277.2 ± 9.6) µm vs (285.8 ± 12.6) µm, P=0.006], and smaller macular volume compared with controls [(10.0 ± 0.3) mm³ vs (10.3 ± 0.4) mm³, P=0.006]. However, there was no significant difference in MD between PD and control subjects [(0.43 ± 2.75)dB vs (-0.18 ± 1.41) dB, P=0.322]. (2) Pearson's correlation analysis showed that H-Y stage was negative correlated with the average RNFL thickness (r=-0.569), average macular thickness and volume (r=-0.501 and r=-0.417) in PD patients (all P<0.05). PD patients have thinner average thicknesses of RNFL, C11 quadrant RNFL and macular, smaller macular volume than those in normal controls. There were no significant differences in MD between two groups.There were negative relationships between H-Y stage, and retinal thickness and volume of PD patients.


Appropriate expression of imprinted genes on mouse chromosome 12 extends development of bi-maternal embryos to term.
Recently, we reported that the restored regulation of imprinted gene expression from two regions -H19 differentially methylated region (H19-DMR) and intergenic germline-derived DMR (IG-DMR) - is sufficient for accomplishing full-term development in mice. In the present study, we determined the developmental ability of the bi-maternal embryos (BMEs) containing the non-growing oocyte genome with the IG-DMR deletion (ng(Deltach12)) and fully-grown (fg) oocyte genome. Foetuses derived from ng(Deltach12)/fg BMEs were alive at E19.5 but could not survive further. Comparison with BMEs derived from Igf2+/- ng/fg genomes suggests that bi-allelic H19 expression might be involved in foetal development.


A green slurry electrolysis to recover valuable metals from waste printed circuit board (WPCB) in recyclable pH-neutral ethylene glycol.
The continuous growth of e-waste necessitates an efficient method to recover their metal contents to improve their recycling rate. The successful recovery of the metallic component from Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) can generate great economic benefits to incentivize the industrial recycling effort. In this study, we report the use of slurry electrolysis (SE) in pH-neutral ethylene glycol (EG) electrolyte to extract and recover the metallic component from waste printed circuit broad (WPCB) powder. The system operates at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, and the electrolyte can be recycled multiple times with no signs of chemical degradation. The EG electrolyte system can oxidize the metallic component without triggering anodic gas evolution, which allowed us to incorporate a reticulated vitreous carbon (RVC) foam anode to maximize the capture and oxidation of the metal content. The system demonstrated up to 99.1% Faraday efficiency for the cathodic metal deposition and could recover Cu from the WPCB powder in a selective manner of 59.7% in the presence of 12 other metals. The SE reaction system was also scalable and displayed no compromises on the Cu recovery selectivity. With the ability to leach and recover metallic content from WPCB in a mild and chemically benign condition, the SE system displayed much promise to be adapted for industrial-scale metal recovery from WPCB.


Non-invasive metabolomic profiling of embryo culture media and morphology grading to predict implantation outcome in frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles.
Assessment of embryo viability is a crucial component of in vitro fertilization and currently relies largely on embryo morphology and cleavage rate. Because morphological assessment remains highly subjective, it can be unreliable in predicting embryo viability. This study investigated the metabolomic profiling of embryo culture media using near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy for predicting the implantation potential of human embryos in frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles. Spent embryo culture media was collected on day 4 after thawed embryo transfer (n = 621) and analysed using NIR spectroscopy. Viability scores were calculated using a predictive multivariate algorithm of fresh embryos with known pregnancy outcomes. The mean viability indices of embryos resulting in clinical pregnancy following FET were significantly higher than those of non-implanted embryos and differed between the 0, 50, and 100 % implantation groups. Notably, the 0 % group index was significantly lower than the 100 % implantation group index (-0.787 ± 0.382 vs. 1.064 ± 0.331, P < 0.01). To predict implantation outcomes, we examined the area under the ROC curve (AUCROC), which was significantly higher for the viability than for the morphology score (0.94 vs. 0.55; P < 0.01); however, the AUCROCs for the composite and viability scores did not differ significantly (0.92 vs. 0.94; P > 0.05). NIR metabolomic profiling of thawed embryo culture media is independent of morphology and correlates with embryo implantation potential in FET cycles. The viability score alone or in conjunction with morphologic grading is a more objective marker for implantation outcome in FET cycles than morphology alone.


Effects of a ketogenic diet on auditory gating in DBA/2 mice: A proof-of-concept study.
Although the ketogenic diet has shown promise in a pilot study and case report in schizophrenia, its effects in animal models of hypothesized disease mechanisms are unknown. This study examined effects of treatment with the ketogenic diet on hippocampal P20/N40 gating in DBA/2 mice, a translational endophenotype that mirrors inhibitory deficits in P50 sensory gating in schizophrenia patients. As expected, the diet increased blood ketone levels. Animals with the highest ketone levels showed the lowest P20/N40 gating ratios. These preliminary results suggest that the ketogenic diet may effectively target sensory gating deficits and is a promising area for additional research in schizophrenia.


Synthesis, in vitro biological activity, hydrolytic stability and docking of new analogs of BIM-23052 containing halogenated amino acids.
One of the potent somatostatin analogs, BIM-23052 (DC-23-99) D-Phe-Phe-Phe-D-Trp-Lys-Thr-Phe-Thr-NH2, has established in vitro growth hormone inhibitory activity in nM concentrations. It is also characterized by high affinity to some somatostatin receptors which are largely distributed in the cell membranes of many tumor cells. Herein, we report the synthesis of a series of analogs of BIM-23052 containing halogenated Phe residues using standard solid-phase peptide method Fmoc/OtBu-strategy. The cytotoxic effects of the compounds were tested in vitro against two human tumor cell lines-breast cancer cell line and hepatocellular cancer cell line, as well as on human non-tumorigenic epithelial cell line. Analogs containing fluoro-phenylalanines are cytotoxic in μM range, as the analog containing Phe (2-F) showed better selectivity against human hepatocellular cancer cell line. The presented study also reveals that accumulation of halogenated Phe residues does not increase the cytotoxicity according to tested cell lines. The calculated selective index reveals different mechanisms of antitumor activity of the parent compound BIM-23052 and target halogenated analogs for examined breast tumor cell lines. All peptides tested have high antitumor activity against the HepG2 cell line (IC50 ≈ 100 μM and SI > 5) compared to breast cells. This is probably due to the high permeability of the cell membrane and the higher metabolic activity of hepatocytes. In silico docking studies confirmed that all obtained analogs bind well with the somatostatin receptors with preference to ssrt3 and ssrt5. All target compounds showed high hydrolytic stability at acid and neutral pH, which mimic physiological condition in stomach and human plasma.


Anxiolytic effect of motilin and reversal with GM-109, a motilin antagonist, in mice.
There have been few reports on the effects of the brain-gut peptide motilin on the central nervous system (CNS). We administered motilin intracerebroventricularly to mice and investigated the effect of motilin on anxiety using an elevated plus-maze. Motilin produced a significant decrease in anxiety with an inverted U-shaped dose response. To determine whether the anxiolytic effect of motilin was mediated via motilin receptors in the brain, the effect of GM-109, a novel motilin receptor antagonist, was investigated. GM-109 showed a significant and dose-dependent antagonism on the motilin-induced anxiolytic effect. GM-109 administered alone had no effect on anxiety. These results suggest that motilin receptors are present in the brain and may have a role in anxiety and emotion.


Three-dimensional in vivo difference between native acetabular version and acetabular component version influences iliopsoas impingement after total hip arthroplasty.
The potential influence of acetabular component orientation on iliopsoas impingement in total hip arthroplasty (THA) has not been previously quantified. The aim of the present study was to utilize pre- and post-operative CT-based 3D models to quantify iliopsoas impingement on acetabular components, and to identify any potential factors associated with iliopsoas impingement. Iliopsoas muscle was modelled from pre-operative CT scans and transferred to the post-operative 3D models in 19 THAs. The volume and the area of the overlap between iliopsoas muscle and acetabular cup (iliopsoas volume & area) was measured on axial and sagittal images. Most protruded lengths of cup uncovered by acetabular bone were measured on axial sagittal scan of CT scans. Version of acetabulum, acetabular cup, and the difference between the two (version difference) were also measured with cup inclination and size. Linear regression analysis was performed to identify any factor influencing iliopsoas impingement. Iliopsoas impingement volume and area were 100.6 ± 226.1 (range, 0.0-663.9) mm³ and 52.6 ± 102.0 (0.0-342.3) mm³, respectively. The protruded lengths on axial and sagittal view were 6.9 ± 5.3 (0.0-16.0) and 2.1 ± 2.7 (0.0-8.0). Linear regression model showed that version difference was significantly related to the iliopsoas impingement volume and area (beta = -0.709, p = 0.041 for volume, and beta = -0.684, p = 0.047 for area). The results of this study demonstrate that iliopsoas impingement on acetabular components was influenced by the version difference between pre-operative acetabular bone and acetabular component rather than the magnitude of post-operative cup version alone.


Enhanced production of 2-hydroxyphenazine in Pseudomonas chlororaphis GP72.
Pseudomonas chlororaphis GP72 is a root-colonizing biocontrol strain isolated from the green pepper rhizosphere that synthesizes two phenazine derivatives: phenazine-1-carboxylic acid (PCA) and 2-hydroxyphenazine (2-OH-PHZ). The 2-OH-PHZ derivative shows somewhat stronger broad-spectrum antifungal activity than PCA, but its conversion mechanism has not yet been clearly revealed. The aim of this study was to clone and analyze the phenazine biosynthesis gene cluster in this newly found strain and to improve the production of 2-OH-PHZ by gene disruption and precursor addition. The conserved phenazine biosynthesis core operon in GP72 was cloned by PCR, and the unknown sequences located upstream and downstream of the core operon were detected by random PCR gene walking. This led to a complete isolation of the phenazine biosynthesis gene cluster phzIRABCDEFG and phzO in GP72. Gene rpeA and phzO were insertionally mutated to construct GP72AN and GP72ON, respectively, and GP72ANON collectively. The inactivation of rpeA resulted in a fivefold increase in the production of PCA, as well as 2-OH-PHZ. The addition of exogenous precursor PCA to the broth culture, to determine the conversion efficiency of PCA to 2-OH-PHZ under current culture conditions, revealed that PCA had a positive feedback effect on its own accumulation, leading to enhanced synthesis of both PCA and 2-OH-PHZ. The production of 2-OH-PHZ by GP72AN increased to about 170 μg ml(-1), compared with just 5 μg ml(-1) for the wild type. The hypothesis of biosynthetic pathway for 2-OH-PHZ from PCA was confirmed by identification of 2-hydroxyphenazine-1-carboxylic acid as an intermediate in the culture medium of the high-phenazine producing GP72AN mutant.


A novel c-type lysozyme from Litopenaeus vannamei exhibits potent antimicrobial activity.
Lysozyme is relevant to the innate immune system as a vital protein for crustaceans. In the present study, we cloned and characterized a novel c-type lysozyme gene (LvLYZ) from the Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). The obtained full-length cDNA of LvLYZ was 990 bp and contained an open reading frame of 693 bp. Its deduced amino acid sequence consisted of 230 amino acids (aa) with a 17 aa signal peptide at the N-terminal and 130 aa functional domains. The multiple sequence alignment (MSA) indicated that the typical active sites in LvLYZ were similarly conserved as c-type lysozymes from other species. The transcription of LvLYZ appeared in all detected tissues and had relatively higher expression levels in hemocytes, hepatopancreas, gill and intestine. The mRNA expression profiles of LvLYZ were up-regulated in hemocyte and hepatopancreas post the stimulation of Vibrio parahaemolyticus or white spot syndrome virus (WSSV), respectively. The recombinant protein of LvLYZ (rLvLYZ) exhibited antibacterial activities against various microbes, including Escherichia coli, Vibrio splendidus, Micrococcaus luteus, Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Staphylococcus aureus. These results indicated that LvLYZ could cope with bacteria in L. vannamei and may play a significant role in immune response against invading pathogens.


Withdrawal as pregnancy prevention and associated risk factors among US high school students: findings from the 2011 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey.
Withdrawal is less effective for preventing pregnancy than other contraceptive methods and offers no protection against sexually transmitted infections including HIV. Little is known from a national perspective about adolescents who primarily use withdrawal. This study describes the prevalence of withdrawal as their primary method of pregnancy prevention at last sexual intercourse among sexually active US high school students and associations with sexual risk and substance use. Data from the 2011 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey were used to estimate sexually active students' most recent contraceptive method. Logistic regressions examined sexual behaviors and substance use, comparing students who used withdrawal to those who used no method, a condom and a highly effective method. Among 4793 currently sexually active students, 10.2% used withdrawal only, 12.4% used no method, 53.6% used a condom and 23.8% used a more effective method as their primary form of pregnancy prevention during last sexual intercourse. Students who used withdrawal were less likely than those who used no method to have had sexual intercourse before age 13 years (Adjusted Prevalence Ratio (APR) =.56) and currently use cocaine (APR=.36). Among females, students who used withdrawal were more likely to engage in risky behaviors than those who used a condom and those who used a highly effective method of pregnancy prevention in a number of ways (e.g., having multiple sex partners during the past 3 months, current alcohol use, binge drinking, current marijuana use, drank alcohol or used drugs before last sexual intercourse). Approximately 1 in 10 sexually active students used withdrawal only, about the same percentage as those who used no method. Health care providers and others who serve adolescents may want to discuss its pros and cons with their clients and help ensure that they have information about and access to other contraceptive methods that are more effective at preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Health care professionals should not consider young people who use withdrawal similar in risk to those that use no method.


Analysis of angiographic characteristics and intervention of vitamin D in type 2 diabetes mellitus complicated with lower extremity arterial disease.
Previous studies have suggested that type 2 diabetes mellitus with lower extremity arterial disease is related to 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency. The purpose of this study is to explore the relation between vitamin D supplementation and the characteristics of type 2 diabetes mellitus complicated with lower extremity arterial disease. The clinical data of 514 patients and 148 healthy subjects treated in the First Hospital of Lanzhou University from January 2012 to June 2019 were collected, including the clinical data, ankle-brachial index, and medical records of lower limb artery angiography. We divided the patients into control group (NC group), type 2 diabetes mellitus group (DM group), lower extremity artery disease in type 2 diabetes mellitus without vitamin D supplement group (DM1 group) and lower extremity artery disease in type 2 diabetes mellitus with vitamin D supplement group (DM2 group). The level of serum 25(OH)D was analyzed and the characteristics of arterial lesions of lower extremities were compared by DSA arteriography in DM1 and DM2 group, respectively. Compared with the NC group, serum 25(OH)D level decreased in DM group (25.39 ± 4.94 ng/mL vs 19.43 ± 5.98 ng/mL) and significantly decreased in DM1 and DM2 group (14.22 ± 5.64 ng/mL vs 17.36 ± 6.25 ng/mL). However, the level of serum 25(OH)D in the DM2 group was higher than that in the DM1 group. Compared with the DM1 group, the disease rate of the inferior knee artery (65% vs 39.3%) and occlusion rate (11.5% vs 3.7%)were decreased in the DM2 group (P < 0.05). Logistic stepwise regression analysis showed that serum 25(OH)D level was a risk factor for lower extremity arterial disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (OR = 0.898,95%CI = 0.856-0.942). The serum level of 25(OH)D in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus complicated with lower extremity arterial disease is decreased, and level of 25 (OH) D is related to stenosis and occlusion rate, especially in inferior genicular artery in T2DM complicated with LEAD. A high level of 25(OH)D may be a protective factor in type 2 diabetes with lower extremity arterial disease.


Energy expenditure in lean and obese diabetic patients using the doubly labelled water method.
Obesity is a common problem among Type 2 diabetic patients. To investigate the role of energy expenditure in the maintenance of obesity in diabetic subjects, total energy output was measured during weight stability in 23 diabetic patients: 8 lean, 5 overweight, and 10 obese. Free living total energy expenditure was measured over 14 days using doubly labelled water method, resting metabolic rate by indirect calorimetry, and urinary energy losses were assessed. Total energy output was higher in the obese (13.66 +/- SD 3.18 MJ 24 h-1) than normal weight patients (10.84 +/- 2.02 MJ 24 h-1; p < 0.05); 11.96 +/- 2.51 MJ 24 h-1 in the overweight. None of the lean but four of the obese had total energy output > 16 MJ 24 h-1. Urinary energy losses accounted for only 0.6% of total energy output in lean, 2.8% in overweight, and 3.1% in obese. Resting metabolic rate was significantly higher in obese (7.47 +/- 1.69 MJ 24 h-1) compared to lean (5.87 +/- 1.07; p < 0.05) and resting metabolic rate correlated with lean body mass (r = 0.8, p < 0.001). Thermogenesis plus physical activity was substantial and not lower in the obese (5.77 versus lean 4.97 MJ 24 h-1). The mean ratio of total energy expenditure to resting metabolic rate was in the moderate exercise category and similar in lean (1.87) and obese (1.80). Resting metabolic rate, total energy expenditure, and thermogenesis and physical activity were similar in all three groups when corrected for differences in lean body mass.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


Eight unrecorded higher fungi identified at the Korea national arboretum.
A total of 560 higher fungal specimens were collected in the Gwangneung Forest from May to November of 2007. All of the collected specimens were identified; categorized into 8 classes, 19 orders, 69 families, 165 genera, and 296 species; and deposited in the herbarium of the Korea National Arboretum. Of the identified specimens, 8 were confirmed as being new to Korea and are as follows: Cudoniella acicularis (Korean name: Jeombakisotugubeoseos), Discina ancilis (Korean name: Jomwonbanbeoseos), Helvella costifera (Korean name: Galbidaeanjangbeoseos), Entoloma cephalotrichum (Korean name: Jomkkaltaejiweodaebeoseos), Mycena leptocephala (Korean name: Yalbeungatweojuleumbeoseos), Naematoloma gracile (Korean name: Ganeundaegaeambeoseos), Sistotrema octosporum (Korean name: Hweosekcheonbeoseos), and Hydnellum peckii (Korean name: Pijeopkkaltaegibeoseos).


Expressions and clinical significances of angiopoietin-1, -2 and Tie2 in human gastric cancer.
The roles of angiopoietins in gastric cancer progression are still not fully understood. In this study the expressions of angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1), -2 (Ang-2) were compared by immunohistochemistry in 53 gastric cancer and 23 normal gastric mucosa samples. Results revealed that Ang-2 expression was significantly increased in gastric cancer tissues (74%) and was correlated with higher TNM stage, lymph node metastasis as well as distance metastasis. The expression of Ang-1 was also elevated in cancerous tissues (66%) and significantly associated with differentiation degree. In addition, Ang-2 as well as its receptor Tie2 expressions were higher in 12 pairs of gastric cancer tissue samples than those in corresponding adjacent samples by Western blot, while Ang-1 expression showed great heterogeneity. Furthermore, the expressions of Ang-1 and Ang-2 were almost positive in eight gastric cancer cell lines. Among them, AGS expressed both Ang-2 and a relatively moderate amount of Ang-2(443), a novel splice form of Ang-2, while others showed only Ang-2 mRNA expression.


Control of the adult reproductive potential by preimaginal thermal conditions : A study in Drosophila melanogaster.
Drosophila melanogaster larvae were reared at various constant temperatures ranging from 12° C to 32° C and adults were transferred at the usual temperature of 25° after emergence. Daily egg production and egg hatchability were measured for the whole lifetime. The adults, of the same average genotype and kept in identical conditions, showed considerable variation in reproductive capacity. For adults grown at an optimum temperature (21° or 25°) the number of offspring produced was about 2500; this number dropped below 500 when development took place either at a lower or higher temperature. Several physiological changes explain these deleterious effects: male sterility at low or high temperature, variation in ovariole number, and in rates of oogenesis and senescence. Only the male sterility was cured by the return to 25°; all the other modifications were permanent. The significance of this epigenetic load in the life strategy of the species is discussed.


Regional differences of type II collagen synthesis in the human temporomandibular joint disc: immunolocalization study of carboxy-terminal type II procollagen peptide (chondrocalcin).
The purpose of this study was to determine the regional differences of distribution of the carboxy-terminal type II procollagen peptide (pCOL-II-C; chondrocalcin) as markers of cartilaginous expression in the human temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc. Twelve human TMJ discs without morphologic abnormalities were obtained from 12 fresh cadavers. All specimens were analysed for pCOL-II-C expression using polyclonal rabbit anti-human pCOL-II-C antibody in avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex staining. The results were demonstrated that the percentage of pCOL-II-C immunoreactive disc cells was significantly higher in the outer part (the articular surfaces) than in the inner part (the deep central areas) of the disc. These findings suggest that the tissue heterogeneity of cartilaginous expression reflects the functional demands of the remodelling process in the human TMJ disc.


Gait abnormalities, ADHD, and environmental exposure to nitrous oxide.
Papadopoulos et al. (2014) investigated gait profiles of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder-combined type (ADHD-CT) compared to typical developing (TD) controls. The authors reported differences in the gait profile of ADHD-CT in the self-selected fast speed category. Additionally, others have proposed a maturational delay hypothesis in gait, demonstrating that gait variability decreases with age in ADHD children. It has been previously suggested that the cognitive impairment seen in conditions like ADHD may result from chronic, environmental exposure to the air pollutant, nitrous oxide (N2O). Exposure to N2O is thought to exert its antinociceptive properties by stimulating release of dynorphin peptides in the central nervous system which act upon kappa opioid receptors (KOR). Opioid-mediated gait abnormalities in ADHD are supported with evidence that prodynorphin mutations in mice lead to cytotoxic levels of dynorphin A (DYN A) and contribute to abnormal gait profiles and gradual loss of motor coordination. Interestingly, constitutive activity of the KOR receptor in rat brain has been recently shown to undergo maturational alterations, suggesting that while altered gait profiles in ADHD may be a function of the enhanced opioidergic activity attributable to chronic exposure to the environmental air pollutant, N2O, age-attenuated constitutive activity of KOR in brain may explain the normalization of these altered gait profiles in older ADHD subjects.


Post-mortem examination and certification of death under G.D.R. law.
Post-mortem examination and certification of death in the G.D.R. are regulated by the Order on the Medical Post-mortem Examination (O.M.P.E.) issued in 1949 and confirmed in 1978. The tasks of the doctor certifying death are described as well as the co-operation between police, district attorney, and pathologist, and legal doctor, respectively, in all cases of death 'under suspicious circumstances.' Medical as well as judicial aspects of post-mortem examination are discussed.


Fungaemia due to Cryptococcus laurentii and a review of non-neoformans cryptococcaemia.
Cryptococcus laurentii is one of several non-neoformans cryptococci that have rarely been associated with human infection. The spectrum of clinical infection due to non-neoformans species ranges from skin lesions to fungaemia. Most cases of non-neoformans fungaemia have been nosocomially acquired and have been associated with indwelling intravascular catheters and neutropenia. Limited data on in vitro susceptibilities of non-neoformans cryptococci show these species to be more resistant to fluconazole and flucytosine than most Cr. neoformans. Two such cases are presented here.


Alteration of human erythrocyte plasma membranes by perfringolysin O as revealed by freeze-fracture electron microscopy. Studies on Clostridium perfringens exotoxins V.
When human erythrocyte membranes were treated with perfringolysin O (Clostridium perfringens theta-toxin) and examined by electron microscopy after freeze-fracture, two ultrastructural alterations were observed in fracture faces of membrane. (1) A random aggregation of intramembranous particles was seen in the fracture face of the protoplasmic half (PF face) of all membranes treated with the toxin, even if at a low concentration (40 hemolytic units/ml). On the other hand, the aggregation in the fracture face of the exoplasmic half (EF face) was observed only in membranes treated with a high concentration (3300 hemolytic units/ml) for 2 h. (2) Round protrusions and "cavities" with 30 nm in diameter were visible in EF and PF faces of membranes treated with a high concentration, respectively. These structures were always protruded toward cytoplasmic side, but did not appear to form holes through the membrane. Ring and arc shaped structures with a dark center of 26 nm and a distinct border of 5 nm in width were observed when the toxin alone was negatively stained at a very high concentration (170,000 hemolytic units/ml). These structures were also produced in the presence of cholesterol even if the toxin concentration was low.


[Comparative study of the anatomic and clinical effect of Weaver or subtotal subscapularis tendon section in Latarjet procedure].
The aim of this work was to compare the anatomic and functional effect on the subscapularis muscle of two ways of sectioning its tendon during Latarjet procedure: complete vertical section and Weaver section (partial section of the lower third preserving the upper part of the tendon). We compared two series (eight-year interval) of patients comparable for age, gender, form of instability, type and level of sports activity. Twenty-nine patients underwent complete vertical section (group 1) and 30 Weaver section (group 2). All were reviewed with minimum four year follow-up. The clinical analysis involved strength of internal rotation, the maximal hand-back distance, and the Constant and Duplay scores. The radiographic analysis was coupled with computed tomography in 46 patients (23 in each group). Loss of subscapularis muscle thickness compared with the non-operated side was noted as was the Bernageau fatty infiltration stage. No recurrent dislocation was noted in either group. There were six cases of nonynion in group 1 and seven in group 2. The Gerber was positive in five patients in group 1 and zero in group 2 (P=0.01). Loss of internal rotation strength between the operated and healthy side, expressed in percentage, was 48.4% for group 1 and 17.9% for group 2 (P<0.0006). In group 1, the fatty infiltration stage of the subscapularis muscle was: stage 0 (n=3), stage 1 (n=11), stage 2 (n=3), stages 3 and 4 (n=6). In group 2, these stages were: stage 0 (n=21), stage 1 (n=1), stage 1 (n=2) and zero stage 3 and 4 (P<0.0001). The Latarjet operation remains the reference procedure for anterior stabilization of the shoulder joint. The choice of the incision technique for the subscapularis muscle tendon remains a subject of debate. Recent studies have demonstrated the importance of subscapularis muscle trophicity to obtain a good mid- and long-term clinical outcome. We have ourselves demonstrated elsewhere that complete section of the subscapularis tendon leads to secondary tears and subsequent fatty degeneration. Our study demonstrates that Weaver section in the Latarjet procedure enables placing the bone block in conditions equivalent to those achieved with total section while preserving better trophicity of the subscapularis muscle.


An increased incidence of apolipoprotein E2/E2 and E4/E4 in retinitis pigmentosa.
Previous studies from our laboratory have shown that retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a family of hereditary retinal degenerations, is often accompanied by abnormal levels of cholesterol or polyunsaturated fatty acids. The requirement of the retina for n-3 fatty acids is well known, and a defect in the supply of these lipids (e.g., by apolipoproteins) could affect the course of the disease. The present study confirms and extends a report on apolipoprotein E (apo E) isoforms in German RP patients [Jahn, Oette, Esser, Bergmann, and Leiss, (1987) Ophthalmic Res. 19, 285-288] which showed a tenfold increased frequency of the E2/E2 phenotype compared to the average German population. In our study, apo E phenotypes were determined in the probands of 100 Scottish RP families. The findings revealed a 4-fold increase in the incidence of E2/E2 and an 8-fold increase in E4/E4 compared to a Scottish control population. These increases were statistically significant at the P < 0.05 and P < 0.01 levels, respectively. To investigate the possibility that some of these apparent E2/E2 or E4/E4 phenotypes might actually be new apo E mutations, we examined the behavior of the apo E on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels (E2 migrates anomalously) and on isoelectric focusing gels following cysteamine modification of cysteines. These studies showed that two RP patients possibly had new apo E mutations, though amino-terminal sequence analysis revealed no changes in the sequence of the first 19 residues; further sequence analysis is obviously warranted.


Differential modulation of Na-HCO3 cotransport and Na-H exchange by pH in basolateral membrane vesicles of rat distal colon.
This study was designed to investigate the function of intravesicular proton on two pH gradient-dependent transport processes, a novel Na-HCO3 cotransport and a Na-H exchange, that are present in basolateral membrane vesicles of rat distal colon. Increasing intravesicular proton concentration saturated 22Na uptake via both Na-H exchange and Na-HCO3 cotransport; reduced the apparent Km for sodium for Na-H exchange from 94.9 to 35.6 mM, without alteration in the Vmax; but enhanced the Vmax for Na-HCO3 cotransport from 4.3 to 11.7 nmol/mg protein.6 s, while not changing the Km for sodium. The effect of a 10-fold proton concentration gradient at two different absolute proton concentrations on both systems was also determined. 22Na uptake via Na-HCO3 cotransport, but not via Na-H exchange, was enhanced at the higher proton concentration, indicating that the magnitude of the proton concentration gradient is primarily responsible for proton stimulation of Na-H exchange, whereas the absolute proton concentration is critical for proton enhancement of Na-HCO3 cotransport. These studies also demonstrate saturation of both transport systems as a function of intravesicular proton concentration without an exponential component. These results indicate that proton stimulated Na-H exchange and Na-HCO3 cotransport are regulated by distinct and separate mechanisms that may reflect their different cellular functions.


Data set on the antibacterial effects of the hydro-alcoholic extract of Ferula assafoetida plant on Listeria monocytogenes.
The aim of the collection of the present dataset is to show the antibacterial effects of the hydro-alcoholic extract of Ferula assafoetida plant on Listeria monocytogenes. Firstly, the Ferula assafoetida herb was collected from investigated hills in Gonabad, Khorasan province, Iran. After botanical and pharmocognosy investigation, the hydro-alcoholic extract of this herb was produced using percolation method. Then, its antimicrobial effects, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC), were investigated using Disc Diffusion Method and Macro Dilution Method vs. Listeria Monocytogenes, serotypes 4a and 4b, respectively. Also, Ampicillin (10 µg/disc) was used as a reference antimicrobial material. The data showed that MIC and MBC of the Ferula assafoetida extract on Listeria monocytogenes was 7.25 µg/ml and 12.50 µg/ml, respectively. Moreover, the average diameter of the inhibitory zone of extracted hydrolcoholic from Ferula Alliacea plant over Listeria monocytogenes 4a and 4b (30 g/ml) were 16.35 2.5 and 15.87 3.1 mm, respectively, and in order for ampicillin was 24.31 2.45 and 24.31 2.45 mm. The hydro-alcoholic extract produced from Ferula assafoetida can be used as the antibacterial for Listeria Monocytogenes.


Studies on phosphoribosylpyrophosphate synthetase from Giardia intestinalis.
A substantial degree of purification, up to 3200-fold, with recoveries of 8-11% of phosphoribosylpyrophosphate (P-Rib-PP) synthetase from Giardia intestinalis extracts was achieved by the high resolution techniques of anion exchange chromatography and chromatofocusing columns on a fast protein liquid chromatography system. A Mono P chromatofocusing column gave rise to an enzyme peak eluting from the column at pH 4.5, indicating that the enzyme has an isoelectric point (pI) at approximately this value. The molecular weight of the enzyme was found to be 150,000 from a Sephacryl S-200 column. Sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the purified enzyme gave a single protein band with a subunit molecular weight of 38,000, indicating that the enzyme existed as a tetramer. The properties of G. intestinalis P-Rib-PP synthetase in terms of pH optimum, isoelectric point, subunit structure, phosphate requirement, metal and nucleotide specificity, appear to be very similar to those of the enzyme from other sources.


Impact of pre-implant amiodarone exposure on outcomes in cardiac transplant recipients.
Amiodarone remains one of the preferred antiarrhythmic medications for patients with advanced heart failure awaiting cardiac transplant. However, the long half-life and rapid redistribution of this agent into donor myocardium expose heart transplant recipients to potential adverse outcomes. In reviewing the current body of literature, we found that pre-operative amiodarone exposure can increase the risk of bradycardia post-transplant; however, this is unlikely to require permanent pacemaker implant. Further, amiodarone has several serious drug-drug interactions with calcineurin inhibitors. Clinicians should therefore consider empiric reduction in initial dosing for tacrolimus or cyclosporine, and carefully monitor blood levels for at least 3 months post-transplant. Although the evidence is conflicting, amiodarone exposure pre-operatively may increase the risk of early graft failure and mortality. Amiodarone use should be minimized whenever possible; if amiodarone cannot practically be discontinued in the pre-transplant phase, judicious monitoring for QTc prolongation and ventricular arrhythmia should be implemented after transplant. As most of the studies included in this review suffered from small sample sizes and limited follow-up, additional research in this area is warranted.


Effect of aldose reductase inhibitors on the progression of retinopathy in galactose-fed dogs.
The onset and progression of diabetic-like retinopathy has been investigated in age-matched male beagle dogs fed a 30% galactose diet. Examination of the intact retinal vessels, isolated by gentle trypsin digestion, reveals that the destruction of pericytes to form pericyte ghosts is the earliest observable retinal vessel change. This results in an irregular distribution of endothelial cell nuclei near pericyte ghosts and the subsequent formation of acellular capillaries containing neither endothelial cells or pericytes. This was followed by the histological appearance of microaneurysms and later, by the funduscopic appearance of intraretinal hemorrhages. Studies in similar galactose-fed dogs treated with aldose reductase inhibitors indicate that all of these changes are linked to the initial aldose reductase associated destruction of pericytes.


Subtotal esophagectomy followed by subtotal gastric reconstruction for Boerhaave's syndrome: Case report with literature review.
Boerhaave's syndrome, or spontaneous esophageal rupture, is a potentially fatal disease requiring prompt diagnosis and effective treatment. We report Boerhaave's syndrome in a patient who underwent subtotal esophagectomy and temporary cervical esophagostomy for esophageal perforation to the right thoracic cavity, followed by subtotal gastric reconstruction as the second step. A 70-year-old man with diarrhea and vomiting as chief complaints had underlying disease of reflux esophagitis. He experienced frequent hematemesis. Computed tomography (CT) at another hospital revealed right pleural effusion and abnormal mediastinal air and fluid retention around the esophagus, and he was transferred to our hospital. From the CT findings, he was diagnosed as having Boerhaave's syndrome with esophageal perforation into the right thoracic cavity. He was in shock, and emergency right thoracotomy was performed, revealing a severely purulent thoracic cavity, ruptured parietal pleura, and 5-cm perforation in the right front middle esophageal wall that was surrounded by mucosal necrosis. Subtotal esophagectomy, temporal cervical esophagostomy, and enteral feeding tube insertion were performed. After hospital discharge, he underwent subtotal gastric reconstruction 43 days postoperatively. His course was good, and he was transferred to another hospital for rehabilitation 36 days after reconstruction. In Boerhaave's syndrome, depending on the size of the perforation and fragility of the esophageal wall, subtotal esophagectomy may be feasible. Two-step reconstruction following esophageal rupture is possible after sufficient local infection control, and anastomosis can be performed if the patient's general condition is good, but only under conditions that guarantee no anastomotic leakage.


Unrecognized endobronchial intubation of emergency patients.
Although intubation of emergency patients in the field is a routine measure, endotracheal tube misplacement remains a serious problem. Using radiologic criteria, the frequency of undetected endobronchial intubation by physicians was determined retrospectively in 100 (78 traumatized) field-intubated adult patients (72 men and 28 women; age, 18 to 90 years; mean age, 39.1 years) consecutively admitted to the University Hospital of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Federal Republic of Germany, between January 1987 and February 1988. Position of tube tip relative to carina was evaluated on anteroposterior chest radiographs made on admission. Inadvertent endobronchial intubation was not recognized by the physician and the admitting anesthesiologist in 7% of the reviewed cases, and endotracheal positioning of the tube tip near the carina (2 or less cm) occurred in another 13%. While unilateral intubation is not immediately catastrophic, the resulting systemic hypoxemia and hypercapnia are aggravated by potential accompanying injury (eg, lung contusion, hematothorax, pneumothorax, shock, or cerebrocranial trauma), which can lead to secondary damage (eg, acute respiratory insufficiency, ischemic brain damage). Evaluation of the depth of tube insertion with the aid of common clinical techniques is particularly unreliable in the case of thoracic trauma, aspiration, or previously existing pulmonary disease. Suggested measures for prevention of endobronchial intubation are improved and intensified training of emergency staff to increase awareness of and prevent the catastrophic effects of endobronchial malposition of the tube tip, tube shortening before intubation, assessment of insertion depth by checking length scale on the tube, and avoidance of patient head and neck movement.


Tin oxide-polyaniline nanocomposite modified nickel foam for highly selective and sensitive detection of cholesterol in simulated blood serum samples.
Cholesterol (CH) is a vital diagnostic marker for a variety of diseases, making its detection crucial in biological applications including clinical practice. In this work, we report the synthesis of tin oxide-polyaniline nanocomposite-modified nickel foam (SnO2-PANI/NF) for non-enzymatic detection of CH in simulated human blood serum. SnO2was synthesized via the hydrothermal method, followed by the synthesis of SnO2-PANI nanocomposite throughin situchemical polymerization of aniline using ammonium persulfate as the oxidizing agent. Morphological studies display agglomerated SnO2-PANI, which possess diameters ranging from an average particle size of ∼50 to ∼500 nm, and the XRD analysis revealed the tetragonal structure of the SnO2-PANI nanocomposite. Optimization studies demonstrating the effect of pH and weight percentage are performed to improve the electrocatalytic performance of the sensor. The non-enzymatic SnO2-PANI/NF sensor exhibits a linear range of 1-100μM with a sensitivity of 300μAμM-1/cm-2towards CH sensing and a low limit of detection of 0.25μM (=3 S m-1). SnO2-PANI/NF facilitates the electrooxidation of CH to form cholestenone by accepting electrons generated during the reaction and transferring them to the nickel foam electrode via Fe (III)/Fe (IV) conversion, resulting in an increased electrochemical current response. The SnO2-PANI/NF sensor demonstrated excellent selectivity against interfering species such as Na+, Cl-, K+, glucose, ascorbic acid, and SO42-. The sensor successfully determined the concentration of CH in simulated blood serum samples, demonstrating SnO2-PANI as a potential platform for a variety of electrochemical-based bioanalytical applications.


Trigemino-cardiac reflex during transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas.
The trigemino-cardiac reflex (TCR) is a well-recognized phenomenon consisting of bradycardia, arterial hypotension, apnea, and gastric hypermotility. It occurs during ocular surgery or other manipulations around the orbit and can also be elicited by stimulation of the central part of the trigeminal nerve during surgery for processes of the cerebellopontine angle. The present retrospective study was conducted to determine if TCR occurs during transsphenoidal surgery in the same way. TCR was defined as a drop in mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) and the heart rate (HR) of more than 20% to the baseline values before the stimulus and coinciding with manipulation of the trigeminal nerve. Pre-, intra-, and postoperative HR and MABP were retrospectively reviewed in 117 patients who underwent resection of pituitary adenomas near the trigeminal nerve at the cavernous sinus in the supine position. Tumor invasiveness was classified according to the modified Hardy criteria. Of the 117 patients with immunohistochemically and/or electromicroscopically proven pituitary adenoma, 12 (10%) patients demonstrated intraoperative evidence of TCR according to the strict inclusion criteria. In these 12 patients, the HR and MABP decreased by a mean of 43 and 54%, respectively, from the preoperative mean levels during microsurgical manipulation near the cavernous sinus and returned to physiological levels within 10 min after cessation of this surgical maneuver. The percentage of invasive adenomas (grade III-IV) was significantly higher in the TCR subgroup than in the non-TCR subgroup (83% versus 22%). The present results give evidence for the first time that TCR may occur during transsphenoidal surgery in the supine position for resection of pituitary adenomas near the cavernous sinus, leading to a significant decrease in HR and MABP under a standardized anesthetic protocol.


Effectiveness of multilevel interventions based on socio-ecological model to decrease sedentary time in children: a systematic review of controlled studies.
Preventive actions of sedentary behavior (SB) based on the socio-ecological model are needed among children and young adolescents. The aim of this systematic review is to ascertain the effectiveness of multilevel interventions (i.e., involving consideration of at least two interventional levels) in reducing sedentary time (ST) in children aged 5-12 years. Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, a systematic literature search was conducted in three databases (PsyInfo, PubMed and ERIC) until July 2021. 30 trials met the eligibility criteria and were included. They showed acceptable (< 8, n = 18) and high (≥ 8, n = 12) methodological quality. Among studies targeting 2 (n = 2), 3 (n = 19) and 4 levels (n = 9), 1 (50%), 9 (47%) and 7 (78%) were effective and reported significant reduction of ST, respectively. Interventions tend to be more effective when they involve 4 levels, using both agentic and structural strategies (targeting intrinsic determinants, in the organizational environment of the child). Findings underline the relevance of multilevel strategies to reduce ST in children, but also raise issues about operationalization of the socio-ecological perspective. PROSPERO, identifier: CRD42020209653.


Fibrous dysplasia of the skull with acromegaly and sarcomatous transformation. Two cases with a review of the literature.
Two cases of fibrous dysplasia of the skull are reported. Both patients were young women with acromegaly and were treated with radiotherapy. Progressive pareses of cranial nerves, pain, and a malignant course of the disease were characteristic in both patients, and the diagnosis of osteogenous sarcoma proved in one of them by histological examination. The clinical picture of fibrous dysplasia of the skull and the role of radiotherapy with the risk of development of malignancy is discussed.


Synthesis of lupane-type saponins bearing mannosyl and 3,6-branched trimannosyl residues and their evaluation as anticancer agents.
The saponins modified with mono- or trimannosyl residues can provide a convenient means of delivering drugs to certain human cells via interactions with mannose receptors. In the study reported therein, we developed a convenient approach for the synthesis of 3-O-mannoside and branched trimannoside derivatives of the saponin lupeol and of C-28 acyl esters of 3-O-acetyl-betulinic acid bearing the same mannosyl entities. Lupeol and 3-O-acetyl-betulinic acid were mannosylated with tetra-O-benzoyl- or tetra-O-acetyl-alpha-D-mannopyranosyl trichloroacetimidates. De-esterification followed by regioselective dimannosylation of the unprotected monosaccharide derivatives with 2equiv of tetra-O-benzoyl-alpha-D-mannopyranosyl trichloroacetimidate selectively yielded O-3,O-6-linked trimannosides. The cytotoxic activity of selected lupane-type saponins (derivatives of lupeol, betulinic acid, and betulin) toward normal human fibroblasts and various cancer cell lines was also compared.


Development of a Finite-Difference Time Domain (FDTD) Model for Propagation of Transient Sounds in Very Shallow Water.
This finite-difference time domain (FDTD) model for sound propagation in very shallow water uses pressure and velocity grids with both 3-dimensional Cartesian and 2-dimensional cylindrical implementations. Parameters, including water and sediment properties, can vary in each dimension. Steady-state and transient signals from discrete and distributed sources, such as the surface of a vibrating pile, can be used. The cylindrical implementation uses less computation but requires axial symmetry. The Cartesian implementation allows asymmetry. FDTD calculations compare well with those of a split-step parabolic equation. Applications include modeling the propagation of individual fish sounds, fish aggregation sounds, and distributed sources.


Small bowel water content assessed by MRI in health and disease: a collation of single-centre studies.
New developments in MRI have allowed the non-invasive, accurate measurement of the small bowel water content (SBWC). To collate studies measuring SBWC following ingestion of a range of foods in both health and disease to provide data for adequately powering future studies in this area. This collation brings together 29 studies including 954 participants (530 healthy, 54 diverticulosis, 255 IBS, 53 functional constipation, 12 cystic fibrosis, 15 Crohn's disease, 20 coeliac disease, 15 scleroderma) which have been carried out in a single centre using comparable study designs. Fasting SBWC (mean 82 [SD 65] mL) shows high variability with a small decline with advancing age (healthy volunteers only; individual patient data). Fasting values are increased in untreated coeliac disease (202 [290] mL, P = 0.004). Post-prandial SBWC shows less intra-individual variability than fasting values in healthy volunteers. SBWC is increased by eating, most markedly by high fat meals but also by fibre, both viscous and particulate. Indigestible residue accumulates in late post-prandial period but empties soon after ingestion of a high calorie meal which produces a significant drop (by 50 [52] mL) in healthy volunteers. The associated fall in SBWC is abnormal in people with cystic fibrosis (SBWC reduced by 10 [121] mL, P = 0.002) and in people with irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhoea (SBWC reduced by 17 [43] mL, P = 0.007). SBWC as assessed by MRI is a valuable biomarker indicating the balance of secretion and absorption in health and disease and the impact of treatments.


The role of circulating IL-8 and VEGF protein in the progression of gastric cancer.
Both vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and interleukin 8 (IL-8) play an important role in the progression of gastric cancer (GC). In this study, we investigated whether circulating levels of VEGF or IL-8 in drainage veins of GC patients were correlated with any clinicopathological factors. Thirty-seven patients with primary GC who underwent gastrectomy at our department between 1999 and 2002 were analyzed. Blood samples were drawn from a peripheral vein just before surgery and from a drainage vein immediately after laparotomy. Plasma VEGF levels were significantly higher than those in 10 healthy controls. There was no correlation between VEGF levels in drainage veins and any clinicopathological variable, whereas there was a significant relationship in the case of VEGF levels in peripheral veins; the levels were higher in patients with venous invasion. We found a significant relationship between IL-8 levels in drainage veins and both tumor size and lymph node metastasis, whereas no significant relationship between IL-8 levels in peripheral veins and any variable was found. There was no correlation between VEGF and IL-8 levels in drainage veins. Large tumors, deeply invasive tumors, lymph node involvement, venous invasion and high IL-8 levels in drainage veins were all significantly associated with shorter disease-free survival, although multivariate analysis revealed that lymph node involvement was the only independent prognostic factor. In conclusion, the measurement of IL-8 levels in drainage veins of GC patients may reflect production mainly by the primary lesion and is valuable as an indicator of risk for recurrent disease.


Effect of resveratrol supplementation on biomarkers associated with atherosclerosis in humans.
Previous studies have suggested the beneficial effects of resveratrol against cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, there are inconsistent results on cardiovascular-related biomarkers mainly because of variable dosage, intervention time and baseline characteristics of the population. Thus, the exact effect of resveratrol remains unclear. We conducted a review to classify the studies that applied resveratrol to supplement humans according to the major biomarkers and identify which protocol characteristics would be associated with each result profile. Randomized clinical trials that assessed resveratrol effect on biomarkers related to atherosclerosis were searched in databases. Biochemical data were collected from 27 studies on the baseline and post-intervention time. We selected 12 biomarkers to compose the matrix, based on their clinical relevance and higher variation level. A total of 32 assays were obtained from these 27 studies. The net change (%) was calculated for each biomarker. Applying multivariate analysis, the assays were grouped into 3 clusters. Studies that composed Cluster II were characterized by a mean dose of 454.14 mg/day for 74.21 days and showed higher reduction of triglyceride concentration and blood pressure, while those composing Cluster III applied doses around 273.75 mg/day for about 175.33 days and showed the highest HDL increase. Thus, interventions with resveratrol could be customized according to the patient condition, in terms of "dose/time of intervention". This information can be applied to combine resveratrol with drugs to reduce blood pressure or improve lipid profile in further clinical studies.