Ribo-On and Ribo-Off tools using a self-cleaving ribozyme allow manipulation of endogenous gene expression in C. elegans.
Investigating gene function relies on the efficient manipulation of endogenous gene expression. Currently, a limited number of tools are available to robustly manipulate endogenous gene expression between "on" and "off" states. In this study, we insert a 63 bp coding sequence of T3H38 ribozyme into the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of C. elegans endogenous genes using the CRISPR/Cas9 technology, which reduces the endogenous gene expression to a nearly undetectable level and generated loss-of-function phenotypes similar to that of the genetic null animals. To achieve conditional knockout, a cassette of loxP-flanked transcriptional termination signal and ribozyme is inserted into the 3' UTR of endogenous genes, which eliminates gene expression spatially or temporally via the controllable expression of the Cre recombinase. Conditional endogenous gene turn-on can be achieved by either injecting morpholino, which blocks the ribozyme self-cleavage activity or using the Cre recombinase to remove the loxP-flanked ribozyme. Together, our results demonstrate that these ribozyme-based tools can efficiently manipulate endogenous gene expression both in space and time and expand the toolkit for studying the functions of endogenous genes.


Culture of dissociated sensory neurons from dorsal root ganglia of postnatal and adult rats.
The development of new therapeutics for management of pain is likely to become much more mechanism based, and therefore, we need a more thorough understanding of the different pain development pathways. The afferent fibers of sensory neurons, with their cell bodies in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG), are thought to be key in pain mechanisms. DRG neurons can be prepared from embryonic, postnatal, or adult tissue. Embryonic preparations have the advantage of higher cell yields and greater proportion of neurons, but they are dependent on neurotrophins for the first week of culture. In contrast, dissociated postnatal and adult DRG sensory neurons offer the possibility to study mature neurons that may better resemble the in vivo characteristics of these cells. Here, we describe the dissociation of DRG sensory neurons from postnatal and adult rats. DRG are dissected and dissociated using a prolonged trypsin/collagenase treatment, followed by mechanical separation of the neurons. We have routinely prepared them for electrophysiological studies by the methods outlined in this chapter and describe some of the pitfalls that we have encountered, with hints of how to overcome them.


Recycling waste dolomite powder in cement paste: Early hydration process, microscale characteristics, and life-cycle assessment.
Waste dolomite powder (WDP) is a byproduct obtained from dolomite quarries during the preparation of dolomite products. To study the re-utilisation of WDP, an eco-friendly cement-based material was prepared using WDP as a micro-aggregate. The effects of WDP on the early hydration process, microscale characteristics, and life-cycle assessment of cement paste are discussed in this study. The isothermal calorimetry results showed that the incorporating WDP in cement paste accelerated the early hydration process of cement according to the degree of reaction. In this case, the setting time of the cement pastes with WDP was shortened, and the early compressive strength was significantly improved. The results of X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy analysis at early curing ages (1 and 3 d) showed changes in the peak intensity of ettringite and portlandite and a denser microstructure. Mercury intrusion porosimetry tests showed that the middle and large capillary pores were refined by the nucleation and filling effects of WDP. Based on environmental and economic evaluations, the utilisation of WDP reduced energy consumption, CO2 emissions, and economic costs. Compared to the sample without WDP, the energy consumption, CO2 emissions, and economic cost indices were 42 %, 42.69 %, and 39.4 % lower, respectively. Our results may provide valuable references for the re-utilisation of WDP in low-carbonation cement-based materials.


Exploration of charge transfer analysis and photovoltaics properties of A-D-A type non-fullerene phenazine based molecules to enhance the organic solar cell properties.
To intensify the photovoltaic properties of organic solar cells, density functional theory (DFT) based computational techniques were implemented on six non-fullerene A-D-A type small molecules (N1-N6) modified from reference molecule (R) which consists of phenazine fused with 1,4- Dimethyl-4H-3,7-dithia-4-aza- cyclopenta [α] pentalene on both sides with one of its phenyl rings acting as the central donor unit, further attached with 2-(5,6-Difluoro-2-methylene-3-oxo-indan-1-ylidene)-malononitrile acceptor groups at terminal sites. All proposed compounds have a phenazine base modified with a variety of substituents at the terminals. Transition density matrix, density of states, frontier molecular orbitals, intramolecular charge transfer abilities and optoelectronic properties of these compounds were investigated using B3LYP/6-31G (d, p) and B3LYP/6-31G++ (d,p) level of theory. All six designed compounds exhibited a bathochromic sift in their λmax as compared to the R molecule. All designed molecules also have reduced band gap and smaller excitation energy than R. Among all, N6 exhibited highest λmax and lowest bandgap as compared to reference molecule indicating its promising photovoltaic properties. Decreased hole and electron reorganization energy in several of the suggested compounds is indicative of greater charge mobility in them. PTB7-Th donor was employed to calculate open circuit voltage of all investigated molecules. N1-N5 molecules had improved optoelectronic properties, significant probable power conversion efficiency as evident from their absorption aspects, high values of Voc, and fill factor, compared to R molecule. Designed A-D-A type NF based molecules make OSCs ideal for use in wearable devices, building-integrated photovoltaics and smart fabrics.


Transfer of space technologies past and present: the Russian case.
Since the end of the 1980's transfer of government sponsored high technology space goods and services to other sectors, industry, and eventually non-government use has been a growing concern of the Russian policy makers. Today the real and functional transformation of this field is on the agenda. The paper is organized as follows. The first section analyzes the evolution of the common approach to technology transfer, looks at the main obstacles to this processes as a whole, and in the space sector in particular. The second section examines the Russian space R&D sector from the point of view of its role and place in the Russian scientific and technological base. New mechanisms of technology transfer are then considered. Here, problems of conversion, commercialization, dual-use, and internationalization are examined in the context of space technology transfer. Furthermore, issues of innovation in technology transfer are discussed. The new networks that are forming through which technologies diffuse is considered. The paper then turns to legislative and regulatory problems, including the discussion of the main principles of the Russian space transfer code, which is now being drafted. It is necessary to underline, that in the Russian case, official statistics still do not help analyze the question of technology transfer.


Motivation for improving academic achievement in cosmetological education.
Before and after the fandom, the pattern of education has difficulty in accepting the requirements of the MZ generation with very intense changes. Individual differences between students and different educational environments have more difficulties with the addition of practical subjects than general students. In this study of the purpose, after coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19), the change in demand was described for the factors that influence the motivation necessary in current beauty education for diversity in education methods of MZ generation. These thesis studies are literature reviews, and for this purpose, a narrative review approach was used. A total of 200-300 references were selected and reviewed, and a total of papers were finally selected as of 2010-2022 using the PRISMA flow diagram. With the emergence of diversity in education, online education is showing its power. In beauty education, the need for education of practical subjects has emerged and is the basis for providing more skilled skills in the field. This review paper conducted a comprehensive study on the motivational factors that will be the basis for the improved academic achievement of the MZ generation on the changes in education after COVID-19. This literature review revealed the needs of the subjects of K-education to be seen after the post-COVID era and the factors of learning motivation required in the beauty distance education of the MZ generation. In addition, the global status of K-beauty workers has confirmed that new changes with beauty and intelligence are being born as well as simple technical, and it is expected to be used as an important material for beauty distance education.


Effect of glucagon on growth hormone secretion in rats.
Gentled rats injected subcutaneously with glucagon (20 microgram/100 g body weight) showed a significant decrease in plasma growth hormone (GH) at 15 min after glucagon injection. A subcutaneous injection of 50% glucose did not cause the early suppression as shown at 15 min after glucagon injection, but at 30 min after glucose injection a tendency to decrease in plasma GH was observed. In urethane anesthetized rats, a subcutaneous administration of glucagon (1 microgram or 10 microgram/100 g body weight) failed to elicit an increase in plasma GH. In vitro incubation of anterior pituitary fragments with glucagon failed to decrease the release of GH, suggesting that glucagon does not act directly on the anterior pituitary.


A rapid unfavorable outcome of Wegener's granulomatosis in early childhood.
Wegener's Granulomatosis was suspected in a 27-month-old female with a nodular, necrotizing lesion of the nose, diffuse subcutaneous nodules, and erythematous desquamation of the entire body. From 20 months of age on she had a purulent nasal discharge, recurrent infections of the upper and lower respiratory tract, a Coombs positive anemia, and enlargement of the spleen and liver. Treatment with azathioprine and corticosteroids produced transient improvement but three months later a dramatic relapse occurred. Cyclophosphamide was substituted for azathioprine but 10 days later the patient died and the autopsy confirmed the diagnosis of Wegener's Granulomatosis. The early age of onset of the disease may explain the unfavorable outcome, despite treatment with cytotoxic agents.


Synthesis and structure-activity relationship of 4-amino-2-phenylpyrimidine derivatives as a series of novel GPR119 agonists.
Through preparation and examination of a series of novel 4-amino-2-phenylpyrimidine derivatives as agonists for GPR119, we identified 2-(4-bromophenyl)-6-methyl-N-[2-(1-oxidopyridin-3-yl)ethyl]pyrimidin-4-amine (9t). Compound 9t improved glucose tolerance in mice following oral administration and showed good pharmacokinetic profiles in rats.


Identification of Surgical Uterine Prolapse in Premenopausal Patients With Clinical or Ultrasound Criteria? A Multicenter Comparative Study.
It is unknown whether diagnosing uterine prolapse (UP) via ultrasound or surgical criteria is superior. Our objective is to determine whether the diagnostic capacity of ultrasound with surgical criteria differs from that of surgical criteria only. This was a multicenter prospective observational study with 54 premenopausal patients with surgical criteria for a dysfunctional pelvic floor pathology who were consecutively recruited for 1 year. Clinical UP with surgical criteria was defined when UP stage II-IV was identified (during pelvic floor consultation), and UP diagnosed by ultrasound with surgical criteria was established when a difference ≥15 mm was found between rest and Valsalva applied to the pubis-uterine fundus. The sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values were determined to evaluate clinical and ultrasound methodologies as diagnostic tests. UP diagnosed by ultrasound with surgical criteria presented better sensitivity (78.57 vs 35.71%), specificity (92.11 vs 81.58%), positive predictive value (61.83 vs 23.99%), and negative predictive value (96.35 vs 11.37%) than UP diagnosed by surgical criteria only. Ultrasound with surgical criteria is superior to surgical criteria alone when diagnosing UP.


Central nervous system regeneration. Can scientists implement functional regrowth?
Basic concepts in neurobiology are reviewed with emphasis on axonal transport and the nerve growth factor. Our current understanding of the regenerative capacity of the mammalian central nervous system, and research designed to minimize neuronal damage following trauma are discussed.


Iodine-catalyzed condensation of isatin with indoles: a facile synthesis of di(indolyl)indolin-2-ones and evaluation of their cytotoxicity.
Isatin reacts smoothly with indoles in the presence of a catalytic amount of molecular iodine under mild conditions to afford a novel class of di(indolyl)indolin-2-one derivatives in good yields. These molecules are found to possess a promising cytotoxicity against cancer cells only but not on normal cells.


Rickets.
Nutritional (vitamin D deficiency) rickets is now a rarity in the industrial world because of food fortification. Most cases result from hereditary inborn errors of vitamin D metabolism or end-organ unresponsiveness as is exemplified in this case of hypophosphatemic rickets.


Density of Trematocranus placodon (Pisces: Cichlidae): a predictor of density of the schistosome intermediate host, Bulinus nyassanus (Gastropoda: Planorbidae), in Lake Malaŵi.
From the mid-1980s, we recorded a significant increase in urinary schistosomiasis infection rate and transmission among inhabitants of lakeshore communities in the southern part of Lake Malaŵi, particularly on Nankumba peninsula in Mangochi District. We suggested that the increase was due to over-fishing, which reduced the density of snail-eating fishes, thereby allowing schistosome intermediate host snails to increase to higher densities. In this article, we collected data to test this hypothesis. The density of both Bulinus nyassanus, the intermediate host of Schistosoma haematobium, and Melanoides spp. was negatively related to density of Trematocranus placodon, the most common of the snail-eating fishes in the shallow water of Lake Malaŵi. Both these snails are consumed by T. placodon. Transmission of S. haematobium through B. nyassanus only occurs in the southern part of the lake and only at villages where high density of the intermediate host is found relatively close to the shore. Thus, we believe that implementation of an effective fish ban up to 100-m offshore along these specific shorelines in front of villages would allow populations of T. placodon to increase in density and this would lead to reduced density of B. nyassanus and possibly schistosome transmission. To reduce dependence on natural fish populations in the lake and still maintain a source of high quality food, culture of indigenous fishes may be a viable alternative.


A Direct Comparison of IV and ICV Delivery Methods for Gene Replacement Therapy in a Mouse Model of SMARD1.
Spinal muscular atrophy with respiratory distress type 1 (SMARD1) is an infantile autosomal recessive disease caused by the loss of the ubiquitously expressed IGHMBP2 gene. SMARD1 causes degeneration of alpha-motor neurons, resulting in distal muscle weakness, diaphragm paralysis, and respiratory malfunction. We have reported that delivery of a low dose of AAV9-IGHMBP2 to the CNS results in a significant rescue of the SMARD1 mouse model (nmd). To examine how a delivery route can impact efficacy, a direct comparison of intravenous (IV) and intracerebroventricular (ICV) delivery of AAV9-IGHMBP2 was performed. Using a low-dose, both IV and ICV delivery routes led to a significant extension in survival and increased body weight. Conversely, only ICV-treated animals demonstrated improvements in the hindlimb muscle, neuromuscular junction, and motor function. The hindlimb phenotype of IV-treated mice resembled the untreated nmd mice. We investigated whether the increased survival of IV-treated nmd mice was the result of a positive impact on the cardiac function. Our results revealed that cardiac function and pathology were similarly improved in IV- and ICV-treated mice. We concluded that while IV delivery of a low dose does not improve the hindlimb phenotype and motor function, partial restoration of cardiac performance is sufficient to significantly extend survival.


The role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the management of patients with advanced stage ovarian cancer: Survey results from members of the society of gynecologic oncologists, a 5-year follow-up.
•NACT use among SGO members for ovarian cancer is explored given recent trials.•Fewer SGO members feel they can't predict optimal cytoreduction pre-operatively.•Laparoscopy use has increased both for diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer.•Very high optimal cytoreduction rates are reported from SGO members.•Despite recent studies, SGO members don't regularly treat patients with NACT/ID.


Transgenic rat hearts overexpressing SERCA2a show improved contractility under baseline conditions and pressure overload.
The activity of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA) is reduced in the failing myocardium. Therefore, transfer of SERCA2a cDNA is considered as a therapeutical approach. The aim of this study was analysis of the long-term effect of SERCA2a overexpression in normal as well as pressure overload challenged myocardium of transgenic rats. Independent transgenic rat lines were established expressing the rat SERCA2a cDNA specifically in the myocardium resulting in increased SERCA2a protein levels by 30-70%. Simultaneous measurements of isometric contraction and calcium transients were carried out in right ventricular papillary muscle preparations. Hemodynamic parameters were measured in hearts of unchallenged rats as well as 10 weeks after pressure overload induced by abdominal aortic banding. Analysis of calcium handling and contractile parameters in isolated right ventricular papillary muscles revealed significant shortening of intracellular calcium transients and half maximal relaxation times (RT(50)). Assessing myocardial contractility in working heart preparations, both transgenic rat lines revealed elevated left ventricular pressure, improved systolic and diastolic parameters, attenuated negative force-frequency relation, and a dose-dependent beta-adrenergic effect. Aortic banding resulted in reduction of left ventricular pressure and worsening of contraction and relaxation parameters with no differences in mortality in both transgenic (+dP/dt 3084+/-96 vs. 3938+/-250 mmHg/s; RT(50) 47.0+/-1.2 vs. 36.7+/-1.4 ms) and wild-type rats (+dP/dt 2695+/-86 vs. 3297+/-122 mmHg/s; RT(50) 53.0+/-1.6 vs. 44.1+/-1.4). SERCA2a overexpressing hearts revealed improved hemodynamic parameters compared to wild-type controls. Acceleration of isovolumetric relaxation characterized by the index Tau was directly correlated to SERCA2a protein concentrations. Overexpression of SERCA2a protein results in a positive inotropic effect under baseline conditions remaining preserved under pressure overload without affecting mortality. Therefore therapeutic transfer of SERCA2a may become a potential approach for gene therapy of congestive heart failure. Moreover, transgenic SERCA2a rats will be useful for studies of long-term SERCA2a overexpression in further cardiovascular disease models.


Perineal use of talc and risk of ovarian cancer.
Ovarian cancer is one of the most common gynaecological neoplasms, especially in industrialised countries. The aetiology of the disease is not well understood, except that inherited mutations in the breast cancer genes BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 account for up to 10% of all cases, and child-bearing, oral contraceptive use and breast-feeding reduce the risk. Some environmental exposures, notably talc and asbestos, have been suspected as ovarian carcinogens.


The effect of controlled drinking in alcoholic cardiomyopathy.
Cardiomyopathy is a potentially fatal complication of alcohol abuse. In alcoholic persons who develop cardiac dysfunction, abstinence is thought to be essential to halt further deterioration of cardiac contractility. Some evidence indicates that reducing alcohol intake may also be beneficial. To evaluate the effect of moderate "controlled" drinking on cardiac function in patients with alcoholic cardiomyopathy. 4-year prospective cohort study. A university hospital in Barcelona, Spain. 55 alcoholic men with cardiomyopathy who had been drinking a minimum of 100 g of ethanol per day for at least 10 years. Evaluation of ethanol intake and nutrition, clinical assessment of cardiac status, and sequential echocardiography and radionuclide cardiac angiography. After the first year of evaluation, all patients with cardiomyopathy who abstained from alcoholic beverages demonstrated significant improvement in left ventricular function (average increase in left ventricular ejection fraction, 0.131 [95% CI, 0.069 to 0.193]). Patients who drank 20 to 60 g of ethanol per day showed a comparable mean improvement of 0.125 (CI, 0.082 to 0.168). In contrast, left ventricular ejection fraction deteriorated further in most patients who continued to abuse alcohol (>80 g/d). After 4 years, left ventricular ejection fraction had continued to improve in both abstinent patients and those who controlled their drinking. Ten patients who had continued to consume more than 80 g of ethanol per day died during the study. In patients with alcoholic cardiomyopathy, both abstinence and controlled drinking of up to 60 g of ethanol per day (four standard drinks) were comparably effective in promoting improvement in cardiac function.


Ca2+ release in cultured rat epididymal cells during hypoosmotic swelling.
Microfluorimetric studies were carried out to investigate the effects of hypoosmotic swelling on intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in single rat epididymal cells. In Ca(2+)-free solution containing 50 mumols/l ethylenebis(oxonitrilo)tetraacetate (EGTA) hypoosmotic swelling (-160 mosmol/l) induced a transient rise in [Ca2+]i which was either monophasic, biphasic or oscillatory. The [Ca2+]i responses to repeated hypoosmotic stimulations followed a decremental pattern. However, if 2.5 mmol/l Ca2+ was admitted during the recovery period between successive stimulations, the second and the third [Ca2+]i responses were slightly greater than the first. Increasing the change in osmolarity from -14 +/- 1.0 to -154 +/- 1.5 mosmol/l increased the rise in [Ca2+]i but reduced the [Ca2+]i response to subsequent ionomycin stimulation (4 mumols/l). The swelling- and the ionomycin-induced rises in [Ca2+]i followed a reciprocal pattern. It was suggested that intracellular Ca2+ release in response to cell swelling in the epididymal epithelium might play a role in cell volume regulation and the control of epididymal fluid osmolarity.


New species of Lathrolestes Förster (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) from Côte d'Ivoire.
Lathrolestesivoriensis sp. n. is described from Côte d'Ivoire. This is the second record of the genus from the Afrotropical region and the first record of the genus and the subfamily for the country. Illustrated re-description of Lathrolestesruwenzoricus (Benoit, 1955) is also provided.


[Conservative treatment of subcapsular hematoma in preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome: a case report].
Liver hematoma is a rare and serious complication of pregnancy associated with preeclampsia-eclampsia and HELLP syndrome. 27 years old patient with two pregnancies, first pregnancy with eclampsia, admitted with 36.5 weeks of gestation, blood pressure of 140-100 mmHg, epigastric pain, shoulder pain without peritoneal irritation and increased tendon reflexes. The requested preeclamptic profile supports the diagnosis of severe preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome. It was decided to terminate the pregnancy by abdominal route. Male product was obtained alive, 2,060 g, Apgar 8/9, gestational age of 38.2 weeks Capurro. A review did not report liver parenchymal. The evolution during mediate puerperium was torpid, the patient presented epigastric pain and shoulder pain, and there was a rise in transaminases (AST 687 U/L, ALT 813 U/L), progressive thrombocytopenia (113, 103/ pL), decreased hemoglobin, proteinuria and hypovolemic shock. Abdominal CT scan was requested, and it confirmed a heterogeneous liver image (117 x 85 x 104 mm) with a volume of 694 cc, suggesting hepatic hematoma. Serialized control of abdominal CT indicated liver hematoma resorption after 25 days of hospitalization. Seven days after discharge transaminase levels were normal. To consider in the diagnosis of preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome the likelihood of liver hematoma as an acute complication; early treatment improves the prognosis.


Surgical outcomes analysis in patients with uncomplicated acute type A aortic dissection: a 13-year institutional experience.
This retrospective study aimed to clarify the short-term and mid-term outcomes of and prognostic factors for patients who underwent surgical repair for uncomplicated acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD). Between January 2007 and June 2019, 603 consecutive patients underwent ATAAD repair at our institution. According to patients' preoperative presentations and imaging studies, uncomplicated ATAAD was found in 276 (45.8%) patients by excluding preoperative complicated factors. Patients with uncomplicated ATAAD were classified into the survivor (n = 243) and non-survivor (n = 33) groups. Clinical features, surgical information, and postoperative complications were compared. Three-year survival and freedom from reoperation rates for survivors were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier actuarial method. The in-hospital surgical mortality rate of uncomplicated ATAAD patients was 11.9%. The non-survivor group had a higher rate of postoperative malperfusion-related complications, and a multivariate analysis revealed that repeat surgery, retrograde cerebral perfusion, and intraoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support were predictors of in-hospital mortality. In the survivor group, 3-year cumulative survival and freedom from aortic reoperation rates were 89.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 84.8-92.9%) and 83.1% (95% CI 76.8-87.7%), respectively. In conclusion, uncomplicated and complicated ATAAD rates were similar; the short-term and mid-term surgical outcomes in patients with uncomplicated ATAAD were generally acceptable.


Posttraumatic stress disorder.
Posttraumatic stress disorder is an affective disorder resulting from external stress that is beyond what is usual and tolerable for most people. Symptomatology includes particularly intrusive thoughts or dreams and a conscious avoidance of feelings, ideas, or situations related to stressful event. Some psychological reactions seen in the intensive care units can meet the diagnostic criteria for posttraumatic stress.


Clinical complications during treatment with a modified Herbst appliance in combination with a lingual appliance.
To assess the types and frequencies of clinical complications experienced when using a modified lingual Herbst appliance and to compare these with those associated with conventional Herbst appliances reported in the literature. Treatment records for 35 consecutive subjects treated during the observation period from October 2013 to August 2014 who received a combination of a lingual appliance and a modified Herbst appliance (WIN, DW LingualSystems) were assessed for complications linked to Herbst treatment phase. Complications were analyzed descriptively, and complication-free intervals were calculated using Kaplan-Meier plots. To enable a comparison with data reported in the literature, the cumulative treatment time for all subjects was divided by the total number of complications. 71.4% of Herbst treatments were free from complications (n = 25). Complications were seen on 13 occasions (8 instances of Herbst attachment loosening, 5 L-Pin fractures). Most of these complications could be fixed chair side utilizing simple clinical measures. Considering all complications as identical statistical events, the percentage of treatments free from complications would be 88% for 100 days, 70% for 200 days and 56.8% for 300 days. For severe complications, the averaged complication-free treatment interval was found to be 27.8 months. In terms of clinical sturdiness, and taking into consideration the step-wise mode of activation used here as well as the differences in the design of the various Herbst appliances, the WIN-Herbst appliance was found to be superior to comparable vestibular Herbst appliances, as well as the banded Herbst appliance belonging to the preceding generation of customized lingual systems. Success in treatment of non-compliant Angle Class II correction is considered to have better predictability using the modified anchorage strategy of the WIN-Herbst appliance.


[Effect of glazing techniques on color of porcelain-fused-to-titanium restorations].
To study the effect of various glazing techniques on color of porcelain-fused-to-titanium restorations and their surface texture. Standard samples of Dentsply Tibond porcelain fused-to-metal restorations were made. Selfglazing and over-glazing techniques were used. Color parameters were tested by cs-5 spectrophotometer with CIE1976LAB color system before and after glazing. Statistical analysis was done and the color differences were calculated. The samples' surface structure was observed under the same background. No statistical significance existed in all of the color parameters between two groups before and after glazing. The values of color difference were all smaller than 1.5. The samples had the same surface structure after treated by different glazing techniques. Glazing techniques had no effect on final color of porcelain-fused-to-titanium restoration. No matter what kind of glazing techniques were used, the same surface structure and color would be obtained as long as the same polish way was used before glazing.


mTOR inhibitors in cancer therapy.
The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) plays a key role in regulation of cellular metabolism, growth, and proliferation. The frequent hyperactivation of mTOR signaling makes it an attractive target for therapeutic intervention and has driven the development of a number of mTOR inhibitors. Encouraging data from preclinical studies have resulted in initiation of multiple clinical trials. Furthermore, combinational strategies are being studied in an effort to overcome resistance and enhance efficacy. Although additional studies are required to determine their specific role in the clinical setting, mTOR inhibitors remain a promising therapeutic option for the treatment of cancer.


Qualitative and quantitative analyses of hoarding in medial frontal cortex rats using a new behavioral paradigm.
The study demonstrates novel features of rat hoarding, patterns of recovery from medial frontal cortex damage that are behaviorally dependent, and new methodology for studying hoarding. Rats were placed in a covered cage connected to an alley at the end of which were food pellets varying in size between 20 and 500 mg. Food pellet size directed movements: small food pellets were swallowed immediately, medium sized pellets were held in the paws and eaten, and large pellets were carried back to the cage. After bilateral ablations of the medial frontal cortex, hoarding ceased immediately postoperatively and then partially recovered. Thereafter, food pellets were treated as being smaller than they actually were. The medial frontal cortex rats also hoarded fewer multiple pellets, had slower hoarding speeds, and showed reduced hoarding in 24-h hoarding tests. They were more responsive to illumination changes: as illumination was reduced and finally reversed between the hoarding alley and home cage, they, unlike control rats, reduced and then ceased hoarding. Equivalent change was not produced by eye patches. Damage to medial frontal cortex may change an animal's sensitivity to the many cues provided by the food, the environment, and previous experience in such a way that hoarding responses become increasingly controlled by the immediate, simple, stimulus features of the environment.


Post-infection functional gastrointestinal disorders following coronavirus disease-19: a prospective follow-up cohort study.
Acute gastrointestinal infections can lead to post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (PI-IBS). Moreover, coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is related to long-term gastrointestinal sequelae. In this study, the frequency, disease spectrum, and risk factors for post-infection functional gastrointestinal disease (PI-FGID) in COVID-19 patients and healthy controls were prospectively examined. Validated Rome III and Rome IV questionnaires and limited objective assessment were used to assess the incidence of PI-FGID in 190 COVID-19 patients, and 160 healthy controls prospectively followed for 1, 3, and 6 months. Six(3.2%), 1(0.5%), 3(1.6%), 5(2.6%), 6(3.2%)COVID-19 patients had diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, dyspepsia and their overlap at 1 month, respectively, while 4(2.1%), 1(0.5%), 4(2.1%), 4(2.1%), and 6(3.2%)COVID-19 patients had diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, dyspepsia and their overlap at three months, respectively. Furthermore, 2(1.3%), 4(2.5%), and 3(1.9%)healthy controls developed constipation, dyspepsia, and their overlap at one month, respectively (P = 0.193), while 2(1.3%), 4(2.5%), and 2(1.3%)healthy controls developed constipation, dyspepsia and their overlap at three months, respectively (P = 0.286). FGIDs incidence was higher among COVID-19 patients(8.9%) than in healthy controls(3.1%) at 6-month follow-up (P = 0.025). Moreover, 7 (3.7%), 5 (2.6%), 3 (1.6%), and 2 (1.1%) COVID-19 patients developed IBS, functional dyspepsia(FD), functional diarrhea(FDr), functional constipation(FC)at six months, respectively, while only 2 (1.3%) and 3 (1.9%) healthy controls developed IBS and FD at six months, respectively. Notably, gastrointestinal(GI)symptoms at onset were the independent risk factors for post-COVID-19 FGIDs at six months. COVID-19 increases new-onset PI-FGID at six months compared with healthy controls. GI symptom at the onset of COVID-19 is an independent risk factor for post-COVID-19 FGIDs.


Circulating and Endometrial Tissue microRNA Markers Associated with Endometrial Cancer Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Response to Treatment.
In developed countries, endometrial cancer (EC) is one of the most common neoplasms of the female reproductive system. MicroRNAs (miRs) are a class of single-stranded noncoding RNA molecules with lengths of 19-25 nucleotides that bind to target messenger RNA (mRNA) to regulate post-transcriptional gene expression. Although there is a large amount of research focused on identifying miRs with a diagnostic, prognostic, or response to treatment capacity in EC, these studies differ in terms of experimental methodology, types of samples used, selection criteria, and results obtained. Hence, there is a large amount of heterogeneous information that makes it difficult to identify potential miR biomarkers. We aimed to summarize the current knowledge on miRs that have been shown to be the most suitable potential markers for EC. We searched PubMed and Google Scholar without date restrictions or filters. We described 138 miRs with potential diagnostic, prognostic, or treatment response potential in EC. Seven diagnostic panels showed higher sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of EC than individual miRs. We further identified miRs up- or downregulated depending on the FIGO stage, precursor lesions, and staging after surgery, which provides insight into which miRs are expressed chronologically depending on the disease stage and/or that are modulated depending on the tumor grade based on histopathological evaluation.


Immediate early genes and p21 regulation in liver of rats with acute hepatic failure.
It has been observed that liver regeneration in acute hepatic failure (AHF) is suppressed [Eguchi et al. Hepatology 1996;24(6):1452-9]. The molecular mechanism regulating this inhibition is not known. We previously reported that in AHF rats, hepatocyte proliferation was significantly impaired with elevation in serum IL-6, TGF-beta1, and HGF [Kamohara et al. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2000;273(1):129-35]. Following either 70% partial hepatectomy (PH) or liver injury, quiescent mature hepatocytes are "primed" to re-enter the cell cycle. The process of "priming" appears to be triggered by extracellular cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-alpha) and is characterized by expression of immediate early genes. Under the stimulation of growth factors such as HGF, "primed" hepatocytes exit the G1 phase of the cell cycle. G1-associated cyclins and their inhibitors play a pivotal role in G1/S cell cycle transition. Here, we demonstrate that immediate early gene (i.e. c-myc, c-fos) expression and AP-1 activity are preserved in AHF rat livers despite absence of hepatocyte proliferation. In contrast, p21 mRNA and protein are both over-expressed in AHF livers compared to livers from rats undergoing PH; this elevation leads to inhibition in Cdk2 activity, resulting in G1 cell cycle arrest and inhibition of regeneration.


Influence of ibuprofen and its biotransformation products on different biological sludge systems and ecosystem.
Ibuprofen (IBU) is one of the frequently detected non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and aquatic environment. However, little is known about the effect of IBU and its biotransformation products (TPs) on different biological sludge systems and aquatic environment. The effects and toxicity of IBU and TPs on three biological sludge systems (i.e., activated sludge (AS), sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB)-enriched sludge and anaerobic methanogenic (AnM) sludge systems) and aquatic environment were comprehensively evaluated through a long-term operation of three bioreactors and a series of batch experiments. Both of the SRB-enriched sludge and AnM sludge systems were not affected under a long-term exposure to IBU, based on removing organic carbon and sulfur and producing methane. This could be attributed to the high tolerance of functional microbes in the SRB-enriched sludge (e.g., genus Desulfobacter) and AnM sludge systems (e.g., genus Candidatus Methanomethylicus) for IBU. In contrast, IBU had some apparently inhibitory effects on the AS system, such as reduced organic removal efficiency and poor sludge settling. The analysis on microbial community revealed that IBU significantly inhibited the genera involved in organic degradation (e.g., genus Candidatus Competibacter) and also stimulated those genera (e.g., genus Brachymonas) to secret excess extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), which thus caused sludge bulking in the AS system. The toxicity of IBU and its TPs in the effluent of the AS system was also investigated with Vibrio fischeri bioluminescence inhibition tests and quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) analysis by ecological structure-activity relationship (ECOSAR) program. The results indicated that the AS system could effectively eliminate the acute toxicity of both IBU and TPs, but a potential chronic toxicity of IBU could still existed, which could be more harmful to aquatic organisms than that of its TPs. These findings provide an insight into the toxic effects of IBU and its TPs on biological sludge systems and ecosystem.


Correlations between physiological variables and performance in high level cross country off road cyclists.
To examine the relations between maximal and submaximal indices of aerobic fitness and off road cycling performance in a homogeneous group of high level mountain bikers. 12 internationally competitive mountain bikers completed the study. Maximum oxygen uptake (Vo(2max)), peak power output (PPO), power output (PO), and oxygen uptake (Vo(2)) at first (VT) and second (RCT) ventilatory thresholds were measured in the laboratory, and correlated with race time during a cross country circuit race. The only physiological indices of aerobic fitness correlated with off road cycling performance were PO and Vo(2) at RCT when normalised to body mass (r = -0.63 and r = -0.66, respectively; p<0.05). VT, Vo(2max), and PPO were not correlated to performance in this homogeneous group of high level mountain bikers. The results of this study suggest that submaximal indices of aerobic fitness such as PO and Vo(2) at RCT are more important determinants of off road cycling performance than maximal indices such as PPO and Vo(2max). This study confirms the importance of body mass for mountain biking performance. As aerobic fitness explained only 40% of the variance, other physiological and technical factors should be investigated, as they may be important determinants of cross country performance among elite mountain bikers.


Avirulence gene and insertion element-based RFLP as well as RAPD markers reveal high levels of genomic polymorphism in the rice pathogen Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae.
Genetic polymorphism within the genomes of bacterial pathogens determines their evolutionary potential during long-term interaction with their hosts. To investigate the level of genetic variation in Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), the causative agent of rice bacterial blight disease, three DNA marker systems, including (i) restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) of the avrBs3/PthA family genes (avrXa27), (ii) RFLP of insertion (IS) elements and (iii) random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers, were used to detect polymorphism among 32 Xoo strains that differed in their virulence patterns. All these strains contained multiple avrXa27 homologs that were variable in copy number and genomic location. RFLP of six IS elements revealed that these mobile sequences were abundant in Xoo genomes, with 150 of the total of 165 discernable markers being variable. Thirty-eight decamer primers of RAPD amplified a total of 691 bands, with 100% of them being variable. In addition, analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) of data from RFLP analysis of IS elements and from RAPD analysis showed that most of the genetic variation residues were within Xoo populations, rather than between populations. Although all three DNA marker systems supported that substantial variation was maintained in Xoo genomes, Mantel tests did not identify significant correlation between the similarity coefficients calculated from them. The results of the present study indicated that Xoo genomes contain a high level of genetic polymorphism, which greatly facilitates the evolution of this important pathogen during interaction with its host rice plant.


Prevalence of respiratory diseases in relation to smoking rate in adults living in four Chinese cities: a comparison between 2017-2018 and 1993-1996.
The sustained high prevalence of smoking in China has contributed substantially to the burden of chronic diseases, including respiratory diseases. This study compared the prevalence of smoking and respiratory diseases in Chinese adults between two time periods spanning over 25 years. Cross-sectional surveys were performed in four Chinese cities of Chongqing, Lanzhou, Wuhan, and Guangzhou in 1993-1996 (Period 1) and in 2017-2018 (Period 2). Participants completed questionnaires asking smoking status, the presence of asthma and chronic bronchitis, education attainment and household characteristics. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratios of disease prevalence with regard to active smoking status for men and passive smoking status for women. Prevalence of asthma, prevalence of chronic bronchitis, and smoking rate, all decreased from Period 1 to Period 2. We observed strong evidence that active smoking increased prevalence for both asthma and chronic bronchitis in men during Period 1, with spatial heterogeneity and modifying effect by college-level education. Home exposure to passive smoking was associated with increased odds of having chronic bronchitis among female participants in Chongqing during Period 2, although the association was not statistically significant. The prevalence for asthma and chronic bronchitis were lower in 2017-2018 compared to 25 years ago in the same four Chinese cities. Decreased smoking rate may have contribution to the improvement of these respiratory diseases. Male smokers, especially those without college-level education, showed higher prevalence of chronic bronchitis compared to nonsmokers during Period 1.


Unexpected FDG Uptake in the Cerebral Parenchyma in Subacute Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.
Changes in cerebral glucose metabolism after subarachnoid hemorrhage have been rarely described. We present a case with subacute subarachnoid hemorrhage showing unexpected elevated FDG uptake at adjacent cerebral parenchyma on FDG PET/CT. The density of the cerebral parenchyma was normal on CT. The patient received medical management without any neurological complication.


Laparoscopic surgical management and clinical characteristics of ovarian fibromas.
This study aims to analyze the clinical characteristics and diagnostic features of ovarian fibromas and to evaluate the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic surgery for ovarian fibromas. We reviewed the records of 47 consecutive women who underwent laparoscopic or laparotomic surgeries and whose final histopathological diagnoses were ovarian fibroma, cellular fibroma, or fibrothecoma from January 1999 to August 2010. During the study period, 49 tumors were removed from 47 women including 27 ovarian fibromas, 19 fibrothecomas, and 3 cellular fibromas. The preoperative diagnoses were ovarian fibroma in 25 women (53.2%) and uterine myoma in 16 women (34.0%). A high serum CA 125 level (>35U/mL) was observed in 15 women, and serum CA 125 level was significantly higher in women with ascites (P=<0.001). The tumors were removed surgically in all women, using the laparotomic approach in 16 women (34.0%) and the laparoscopic approach in 31 women (66.0%). The laparoscopic surgery had the advantages of shorter hospital stay and faster return of bowel activities compared to laparotomy. Ovarian fibromas are often misdiagnosed as uterine myomas, and sometimes mistaken for a malignant tumor of the ovary preoperatively. Laparoscopic surgery can be an effective and safe surgical approach for managing ovarian fibromas.


Carbocyclic frenolicin analogues: novel anticoccidial agents.
Carbocyclic analogues of the antibacterial natural product frenolicin B have been synthesised. These analogues were active against parasitic protozoa of the genus Eimeria and represent a new series of anticoccidial agents. The synthesis of simplified analogues helped to define a possible pharmacophore for frenolicin.


Composting and bioremediation process evaluation of wood waste materials generated from the construction and demolition industry.
The suitability of using bioremediation and composting techniques for diverting construction and demolition (C&D) waste from landfill has been validated in this study. Different timber products from C&D waste have been composted using various composting approaches. The present work demonstrates the quality of compost produced as a result of composting of mixed board product wood waste, which is frequently obtained from the construction and demolition industry. Three compost mixes were prepared by mixing shredded chip board, medium density fibre, hardboard and melamine. Poultry manure, Eco-Bio mixture and green waste were used as nutrient supplements. The results revealed that compost produced from mixtures of poultry manure and green waste used as nutrient supplements improved the performance in plant growth trials (phytotoxicity tests). Results obtained from the experimental study clearly indicate that the composts produced comply with the criterion suggested in BSI PAS 100 (A specification for compost materials) for use in different applications. Composting can also be demonstrated to be a very practical approach to material management including transport reduction to and from the site. The economic suitability of the process will be improved with the increase in landfill tax. In the current regulatory scenario, it is recommended that these materials should be composted at a centralised facility.


Ordered Mesoporous Boron Carbon Nitrides with Tunable Mesopore Nanoarchitectonics for Energy Storage and CO2 Adsorption Properties.
Porous boron carbon nitride (BCN) is one of the exciting systems with unique electrochemical and adsorption properties. However, the synthesis of low-cost and porous BCN with tunable porosity is challenging, limiting its full potential in a variety of applications. Herein, the preparation of well-defined mesoporous boron carbon nitride (MBCN) with high specific surface area, tunable pores, and nitrogen contents is demonstrated through a simple integration of chemical polymerization of readily available sucrose and borane ammonia complex (BAC) through the nano-hard-templating approach. The bimodal pores are introduced in MBCN by controlling the self-organization of BAC and sucrose molecules within the nanochannels of the template. It is found that the optimized sample shows a high specific capacitance (296 F g-1 at 0.5 A g-1 ), large specific capacity for sodium-ion battery (349 mAg h-1 at 50 mAh g-1 ), and excellent CO2 adsorption capacity (27.14 mmol g-1 at 30 bar). Density functional theory calculations demonstrate that different adsorption sites (BC, BN, CN, and CC) and the large specific surface area strongly support the high adsorption capacity. This finding offers an innovative breakthrough in the design and development of MBCN nanostructures for energy storage and carbon capture applications.


[Value of breast MRI as supplement to mammography and sonography for high risk breast cancer patients].
The aim of this study is to give an overview on early detection of breast cancer in patients with an increased risk of breast cancer. Sensitivities and diagnostic accuracies of breast MRI, mammography and ultrasound were compared. A systematic literature search of the past 3 years was performed. Studies which compared breast imaging modalities and used image-guided biopsy results as standard of reference were included. Patients included had to have had an increased lifetime risk for breast cancer (>15%). Regarding sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy, breast MRI performed best in comparison to the other modalities within this collective of patients. Sensitivities ranged from 71-100%, 0-78%, and 13-65%, for MRI, mammography, and ultrasound, respectively Breast MRI is a well established tool for screening in patients at high risk for developing breast cancer and is a valuable supplement to mammography and ultrasound within this selected cohort of patients.


α-Crystallin protects human arginosuccinate lyase activity under freeze-thaw conditions.
Argininosuccinate lyase (ASL) catalyzes the conversion of argininosuccinate into arginine and fumarate, a key step in the biosynthesis of urea and arginine. ASL is a tetrameric enzyme but it dissociates into inactive dimers under low temperature conditions. This study investigates the inactivation process under low temperature conditions. Inactivation was caused by dissociation of tetrameric ASL into dimers, with increased exposure of hydrophobic areas without disturbance of the secondary structure or the microenvironment surrounding the key tryptophan residues. Most activity was retained when temperatures were changed at a rate of >1 °C/min, whilst freezing or thawing more slowly resulted in greater loss of activity. Inactivation was reduced by inclusion of α-crystallin, a structural protein found in ocular lenses and a member of the small heat-shock protein family, by stabilization of the ASL quaternary structure. In addition, α-crystallin was able to restore the function of ASL that had been inactivated by slow freezing and thawing. The effect of α-crystallin was similar to that of bovine serum albumin, suggesting that both proteins exerted their effects by hydrophobic interactions. α-Crystallin therefore acts as a cryo-preservative that protects ASL activity during freezing and thawing.


Evaluation and management of "low" anorectal malformation in male children: an observational study.
ARM with perineal fistula has been traditionally defined as low ARM (LARM). This study was conducted to evaluate LARM in male patients with an emphasis on the role of various factors on the outcome and follow-up of them. It was a retrospective cohort study. The clinical presentation, associated anomalies, and complications were assessed. The operative procedures included cutback anoplasty and others. The patients were followed in the outpatient department. The complications were assessed and managed accordingly. During the study period of 8 years, 301 patients were admitted. The complaints included absent or abnormal anal opening, abdominal distension, constipation, and peritonitis. Most of the children (n = 214) presented in the neonatal period. The most common clinical presentation was the perineal fistula. The most common associated anomaly was urologic. Fourteen patients were referred from other centers after complications. The most common problem in follow-up was constipation. LARM in male patients may have a diverse presentation. The associated anomalies need proper assessment. Awareness may avoid delayed presentation and unwanted complications. When managed by an expert, the condition can be effectively managed. Regular follow-up is important.


Sharing control: user involvement in general practice based methadone maintenance.
This study assessed patients' views of a methadone programme in a Dublin general practice including the degree to which the patients were 'involved in decisions about their treatment'. All patients receiving methadone were asked to participate. A face to face questionnaire, with open and closed questions, was administered. Interviews lasted approximately 30 minutes. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and qualitative data were analysed using a thematic approach. Forty one (87%) of the 47 patients attending the general practice methadone service were interviewed. Of the 39 patients who had used heroin on admission, 69% had stopped and 31% reduced heroin use since starting methadone treatment. A total of 71% reported that the doctor either always involved (59%) or sometimes involved (12%) them in decisions about their treatment. Involvement was interpreted as 'being listened to' or 'having a say' in deciding methadone dose. Surprisingly those who reported that they were not involved in treatment decisions were more likely to have stopped heroin use (10/11). A significant majority of patients (81%) expressed the desire to stop taking methadone. Most patients receiving methadone in general practice were listened to and had a say in deciding their methadone dose but did not have an opportunity to engage in more structured or contractual forms of involvement in treatment such as written care plans. In line with a patient centred approach, treatment providers should set their sights beyond the safe delivery of methadone, to provide a service which is centred on patient goals, expectations and choice.


Psychological factors in the choice of treatment for breast cancer.
For several years women with an early diagnosis of breast cancer have been able to choose between two equally effective treatments: modified radical mastectomy and the breast-conserving treatment of lumpectomy plus radiation therapy. This study investigated the psychological factors that become involved when a woman chooses between treatments. Many more anticipatory concerns about body image, disfigurement, femininity, and the ability (or inability) to handle emotionally a mastectomy were expressed by lumpectomy/radiation therapy patients than by mastectomy patients. Those lumpectomy-radiation therapy patients who chose the treatment against medical advice were also found to be more concerned than the others about treatment effects on sexuality.


Hot carrier multiplication on graphene/TiO2 Schottky nanodiodes.
Carrier multiplication (i.e. generation of multiple electron-hole pairs from a single high-energy electron, CM) in graphene has been extensively studied both theoretically and experimentally, but direct application of hot carrier multiplication in graphene has not been reported. Here, taking advantage of efficient CM in graphene, we fabricated graphene/TiO2 Schottky nanodiodes and found CM-driven enhancement of quantum efficiency. The unusual photocurrent behavior was observed and directly compared with Fowler's law for photoemission on metals. The Fowler's law exponent for the graphene-based nanodiode is almost twice that of a thin gold film based diode; the graphene-based nanodiode also has a weak dependence on light intensity-both are significant evidence for CM in graphene. Furthermore, doping in graphene significantly modifies the quantum efficiency by changing the Schottky barrier. The CM phenomenon observed on the graphene/TiO2 nanodiodes can lead to intriguing applications of viable graphene-based light harvesting.


Effect of voriconazole on the pharmacokinetics of cyclosporine in renal transplant patients.
Voriconazole is a broad-spectrum triazole antifungal agent under investigation for opportunistic infections that often target immunosuppressed patients. This study investigated the effect of voriconazole on the pharmacokinetics of cyclosporine (INN, ciclosporin). This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study in kidney transplant recipients with stable renal function who were receiving cyclosporine (150-375 mg/d). During the first study period (7.5 days), subjects in group A received concomitant voriconazole (200 mg every 12 hours); group B received a matched placebo. After a washout period (>or=4 days), subjects were crossed over to the other treatment regimen. In the 7 subjects who completed both regimens, concomitant administration with voriconazole resulted in a 1.7-fold increase in mean cyclosporine area under the plasma concentration-time curve within a dosage interval (AUC(tau); 90% confidence interval, 1.47 to 1.96). Cyclosporine maximum observed plasma concentration (C(max)) and the time to the first occurrence of C(max) (t(max)) were not affected in a clinically significant manner, but plasma trough concentration (C(min)) was higher in the presence of voriconazole than with placebo. The mean increase in cyclosporine C(min) in subjects who ceased to participate in the study was 2.48-fold (range, 1.88 to 3.03). There were 7 subjects who stopped participating in the study during voriconazole administration. Six of these subjects discontinued the study for reasons that were considered to be drug related, and the majority were attributable to increased cyclosporine levels. Although not serious, all causality-related adverse events were more frequent during voriconazole administration than during placebo administration. Mean cyclosporine AUC(tau) increased 1.7-fold in the presence of voriconazole. Therefore, when voriconazole is initiated in patients already receiving cyclosporine, it is recommended that the cyclosporine dose be halved and that blood cyclosporine concentrations be carefully monitored. When voriconazole is discontinued, blood cyclosporine concentrations should be monitored and the cyclosporine dose increased, if necessary.


Serial block face scanning electron microscopy in cell biology: Applications and technology.
Three-dimensional electron microscopy (3DEM) is an imaging field containing several powerful modalities such as serial section transmission electron microscopy and electron tomography. However, large-scale 3D studies of biological ultrastructure on a cellular scale have historically been hampered by the difficulty of available techniques. Serial block face scanning electron microscopy (SBFSEM) is a 3DEM technique, developed in 2004, which has greatly increased the reliability, availability and throughput of 3DEM. SBFSEM allows for 3D imaging at resolutions high enough to resolve membranes and small vesicles whilst having the capability to collect data with a large field of view. Since its introduction it has become a major tool for ultrastructural investigation and has been applied in the study of many biological fields, such as connectomics, cellular and matrix biology. In this review, we will discuss biological SBFSEM from a technical standpoint, with a focus on cellular applications and also subsequent image analysis techniques.


Comparative molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo study of statistical properties for coarse-grained heteropolymers.
Employing a simple hydrophobic-polar heteropolymer model, we compare thermodynamic quantities obtained from Andersen and Nosé-Hoover molecular dynamics as well as replica-exchange Monte Carlo methods. We find qualitative correspondence in the results, but serious quantitative differences using the Nosé-Hoover chain thermostat. For analyzing the deviations, we study different parameterizations of the Nosé-Hoover chain thermostat. Autocorrelations from molecular dynamics and Metropolis Monte Carlo runs are also investigated.


Eversion versus conventional carotid endarterectomy: a meta-analysis of randomised and non-randomised studies.
To compare eversion (ECEA) and conventional (CCEA) carotid endarterectomy from randomised and non-randomised studies. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) and numbers needed to treat (NNTs) were appropriately calculated. A sub-analysis was performed on studies directly comparing ECEA vs. patch CEA (PCEA). Meta-regression analysis was performed to examine the effect of potentially meaningful patient-related, procedure-related and definition-related modifiers. Power calculations were also conducted. A total of 21 studies were deemed eligible (8530 ECEA and 7721 CCEA procedures), seven of which were randomised and 14 non-randomised. ECEA was associated with significant reduction in perioperative stroke (OR = 0.46, 95%CI: 0.35-0.62, NNT = 68, 95%CI: 56-96), death (OR = 0.49, 95%CI: 0.34-0.69, NNT = 100, 95%CI: 85-185) and stroke-related death (OR = 0.40, 95%CI: 0.23-0.67, NNT = 147, 95%CI: 115-270); the results were replicated at the sub-analysis on PCEA. Concerning long-term outcomes, ECEA presented with a significant reduction in late carotid artery occlusion (OR = 0.48, 95%CI: 0.25-0.90, NNT = 143, 95%CI: 100-769) and late mortality (OR = 0.76, 95%CI: 0.61-0.94, NNT = 40, 95%CI: 25-167); the sub-analysis on PCEA replicated only the finding on late mortality. Meta-regression analysis did not point to significant effects mediated by the examined modifiers. Power calculations suggested adequate statistical power. ECEA compared to CCEA may be associated with a lower incidence in both short-term and long-term outcomes, which does not seem to be hampered by potentially meaningful modifiers.


Aquatic habitats of the malaria vector Anopheles funestus in rural south-eastern Tanzania.
In rural south-eastern Tanzania, Anopheles funestus is a major malaria vector, and has been implicated in nearly 90% of all infective bites. Unfortunately, little is known about the natural ecological requirements and survival strategies of this mosquito species. Potential mosquito aquatic habitats were systematically searched along 1000 m transects from the centres of six villages in south-eastern Tanzania. All water bodies were geo-referenced, characterized and examined for presence of Anopheles larvae using standard 350 mLs dippers or 10 L buckets. Larvae were collected for rearing, and the emergent adults identified to confirm habitats containing An. funestus. One hundred and eleven habitats were identified and assessed from the first five villages (all < 300 m altitude). Of these, 36 (32.4%) had An. funestus co-occurring with other mosquito species. Another 47 (42.3%) had other Anopheles species and/or culicines, but not An. funestus, and 28 (25.2%) had no mosquitoes. There were three main habitat types occupied by An. funestus, namely: (a) small spring-fed pools with well-defined perimeters (36.1%), (b) medium-sized natural ponds retaining water most of the year (16.7%), and (c) slow-moving waters along river tributaries (47.2%). The habitats generally had clear waters with emergent surface vegetation, depths > 0.5 m and distances < 100 m from human dwellings. They were permanent or semi-permanent, retaining water most of the year. Water temperatures ranged from 25.2 to 28.8 °C, pH from 6.5 to 6.7, turbidity from 26.6 to 54.8 NTU and total dissolved solids from 60.5 to 80.3 mg/L. In the sixth village (altitude > 400 m), very high densities of An. funestus were found along rivers with slow-moving clear waters and emergent vegetation. This study has documented the diversity and key characteristics of aquatic habitats of An. funestus across villages in south-eastern Tanzania, and will form an important basis for further studies to improve malaria control. The observations suggest that An. funestus habitats in the area can indeed be described as fixed, few and findable based on their unique characteristics. Future studies should investigate the potential of targeting these habitats with larviciding or larval source management to complement malaria control efforts in areas dominated by this vector species.


Facilitating serum determination of neuron specific enolase at clinically relevant levels by coupling on-line molecularly imprinted solid-phase extraction to LC-MS/MS.
The identification and quantification of biomarkers is essential for the diagnosis, treatment, and long-term monitoring of many human diseases. In the present work, macromolecular synthetic receptors with pre-determined affinity and selectivity for the signature peptide of a prognostically significant small cell lung cancer (SCLC) biomarker - neuron-specific enolase (NSE) - were prepared in a porous polymer microsphere format using a template-directed synthesis strategy performed under precipitation polymerization conditions. The polymer microspheres were packed into short trap columns and then exploited as molecularly selective sorbents in a fully automated, on-line molecularly imprinted solid-phase extraction (MISPE) protocol. The on-line MISPE protocol was optimised with respect to the composition of the loading mobile phase, the flow rate, and the extraction time. The molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) showed high affinity and useful selectivity for the peptide target - the hexapeptide ELPLYR - compared to non-imprinted control polymers. The MIPs were able to retain the biomarker on-column for extraction times of up to 20 min, and the on-line MISPE method enabled complete recovery of the biomarker over the linear range 10-100 ng mL-1 when the biomarker was present in spiked ammonium bicarbonate solution (R2 = 0.994). For extractions of ELPLYR from very complex biological matrices, the recoveries of ELPLYR from reversed-phase SPE (RP-SPE)-treated and untreated digested human serum were 100.8 ± 6.2% and 61.6 ± 1.9%, respectively. Extractions of ELPLYR from spiked untreated digested serum were linear in the range of 7.5-375 ng mL-1 (R2 = 0.99). The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) for the biomarker in digested serum were estimated to be 1.8 ng mL-1 and 6.0 ng mL-1, respectively, which is below the median reference level of NSE in humans (8.6 ng mL-1). This work sets in place the basis for a new diagnostic tool for SCLC that is sensitive, robust, automated, and antibody-free, and which works very well with complex human plasma samples.


Isolation, characterization, and pharmacological actions of peptide histidine valine 42, a novel prepro-vasoactive intestinal peptide-derived peptide.
The primary structure and biological activity of a novel prepro-vasoactive intestinal peptide (prepro-VIP)-derived peptide has been determined from an adrenal pheochromocytoma. The peptide was purified sufficiently for characterization by fast atom bombardment mapping after cation-exchange and reverse-phase fast protein liquid chromatography. The sequence of this novel peptide corresponds exactly to prepro-VIP-81-122 and has been designated peptide histidine valine 42 (PHV-42). Synthetic PHV-42 reduced both the force and frequency of spontaneous contractions of isolated rat uterus and was at least 12 times more potent than peptide histidine methionine (prepro-VIP-81-107), and over a hundred times more potent than noradrenaline. PHV-42 was also more potent than peptide histidine methionine in relaxing smooth muscle preparations of rat stomach and guinea pig trachea, but was approximately 4-fold less potent in reducing blood pressure than VIP. PHV-42 thus forms a separate subsystem in the VIP family of peptides and may be the most biologically active product of prepro-VIP in certain tissues such as the uterus and trachea.


Adsorption and diffusion of magnesium on nitrogen-doped Mo2C monolayer.
The Mg adsorption and diffusion behaviors on nitrogen-doped (N-doped) Mo2C monolayer have been investigated by the first principles based on density functional theory (DFT). To investigate the effect of nitrogen concentration on adsorption energies, Mo2C1-xNx (x=0.0625, 0.125, 0.1875, and 0.25) with four different nitrogen doping concentrations have been considered in the present work. The results show that N-doped Mo2C is benefit for Mg adsorption. In particular, when the doping concentration reaches to 14.29%, the adsorption energies of Mg on Mo2C0.875N0.125 are in the region between -1.639 and -1.517 eV, e.g., the adsorption energies of Mg on TC1 and H2 sites are -1.639 eV and -1.625 eV, which are decreased by 16.49% and 18.43% as compared with the pristine Mo2C. The calculations on diffusion behaviors show that the Mg diffusing between two adjacent favored sites via a high-symmetry site along H3-B-H4 and H1-B-H1 paths possesses the barriers of 0.021 eV and 0.028 eV. Additionally, the partial density of states (PDOS) reveals the interaction between Mg and Mo2C0.875N0.125, and indicates that nitrogen doping causes the PDOS peaks transfer to a lower energy level, which is benefit for the bonding between Mg and Mo2C0.875N0.125. These results suggest that the adsorption and diffusion behaviors of Mg have been enhanced by nitrogen doping.


Rapid assessment of sexually transmitted diseases in a sentinel population in Thailand: prevalence of chlamydial infection, gonorrhoea, and syphilis among pregnant women--1996.
To determine the prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among pregnant women in Thailand, where case reporting suggests a marked decrease in STDs following a campaign promoting condom use during commercial sex. Cross sectional study of women at their first visit to the study hospitals' antenatal clinics in Chiang Rai (n = 500) and Bangkok (n = 521). First catch urine specimens were tested for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae using the Amplicor CT/NG polymerase chain reaction assay. Syphilis and HIV serological testing were performed in the study hospitals' laboratories. The prevalence of chlamydial infection was 5.7%, gonorrhoea 0.2%, and syphilis 0.5% (all VDRL or RPR titres were < or = 1:4). The prevalence of HIV infection was 7.1% in Chiang Rai and 2.9% in Bangkok. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, chlamydial infection was associated with younger age and with higher gestational age at first antenatal clinic visit, but was not associated with marital status, gravidity, city of enrollment, or HIV infection status. There was a low prevalence of gonorrhoea and syphilis among these pregnant women in Thailand. Chlamydial infection was detected at a higher prevalence, especially among younger women and women registering later for antenatal care. Testing of pregnant women using easily collected urine specimens and a sensitive nucleic acid amplification assay is a feasible method of rapidly assessing chlamydial and gonococcal prevalence.


Studies on the role of sex-hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) in benign prostatic hypertrophy in men. I. Clinical research.
The effect of testosterone concentration and the sex-hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) binding capacity were studied in the blood of young men (19-35 years), older men (54-74 years) and in patients with hypertrophy of the prostate gland. In addition, the behaviour of these parameters after removal of the hypertrophic prostate gland was determined in the early postoperative period. It was found that the serum testosterone concentration falls with age. The lowest concentration was noted in patients with prostatic hypertrophy. It was also found that the SHBG testosterone binding capacity was greater in the sera of older men and of prostatic hypertrophy patients. Testosterone concentration did not change significantly after removal of the hypertrophic prostate; there was, however, a decrease in the SHBG binding capacity. The authors put forward the hypothesis that increased SHBG binding capacity may be a defense mechanism of the organism in cases of prostatic hypertrophy. By restricting the passage of testosterone into the cell, SHBG lowers the metabolism of this androgen in the target tissue and so prevents its further growth.


XX sex reversal, palmoplantar keratoderma, and predisposition to squamous cell carcinoma: genetic analysis in one family.
We describe a large inbred Sicilian family that includes four 46, XX (SRY-) brothers. Palmoplantar hyperkeratosis (PPK) and an associated predisposition to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the skin, segregates as a recessive trait within the family. Interestingly, all the PPK-affected members of the family are phenotypic males (46,XY or 46,XX) while seven XX sibs are healthy phenotypic females with no signs of PPK. We propose that homozygosity for a single mutational event, possibly including contiguous genes, may cause PPK/SCC in both XY or XX individuals and sex reversal in XX individuals. The family is informative for linkage analysis for the PPK trait and allows linkage exclusion for the sex reversal trait. Here we show that 15 loci involved in PPK etiology, skin differentiation, function or malignancy, and nine loci involved in sex determination/differentiation are not implicated in the phenotype of this family.


Characterization of phospholipase C-mediated phosphatidylinositol degradation in rat heart ventricle.
Phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) activity was investigated in the rat heart ventricle. Incubation of ventricle homogenate or 100,000g supernatant fraction with [3H]myoinositol or [3H]arachidonate-labeled phosphatidylinositol in the presence of Ca2+ resulted in a decrease in phosphatidylinositol with a concomitant increase in water-soluble [3H]inositol phosphate or [3H]diglyceride, respectively. Total overt homogenate PI-PLC activity could be accounted for in the supernatant fraction. Neutral, zwitterionic, cationic, or anionic detergents did not unmask membrane-associated activity. While cytosolic phospholipase C was active against a pure phosphatidylinositol substrate in the presence of Ca2+, no hydrolytic activity was detected when phosphatidylinositol was presented as a component (4-5%) of a mixture of phospholipids. However, addition of deoxycholate to the incubation mixture (pH 6.5, Ca2+ 10(-3) M) containing mixed phospholipids resulted in the exclusive hydrolysis of inositol phospholipids. Ventricular supernatant phospholipase C-mediated phosphatidylinositol degradation has a sharp pH optimum at 5.5 and a specific requirement for Ca2+. Activity is maximal at 1 to 2 X 10(-3) M Ca2+, with inhibition occurring at higher levels. Under optimized conditions phosphatidylinositol is hydrolyzed at a rate of 20-25 nmol/min/mg protein. Multivalent cations inhibit Ca2+-dependent PI-PLC activity while monovalent cations and anions have no effect. There is no apparent selectivity for specific fatty acid moieties on phosphatidylinositol. Soluble PI-PLC is inhibited by sulfhydryl reagents, neomycin, mepacrine, trifluoperazine, and propranolol. Chlorpromazine, dibucaine, and tetracaine exert a biphasic influence, stimulating at lower and inhibiting at higher concentrations.


Laparoscopic obliteration of the nephrosplenic space using polypropylene mesh in five horses.
To report a laparoscopic technique for insertion of polypropylene mesh in the nephrosplenic space in horses and evaluate outcome. Descriptive experimental study. Five healthy mature horses. One laparoscope and 2 instrument portals were made on the left side of the horse. The nephrosplenic space was measured and appropriately sized polypropylene mesh was inserted and attached to the dorsolateral splenic capsule and perirenal fascia using helical titanium coils. All horses had repeat laparoscopy 4 weeks later and were necropsied at intervals 4-14 weeks after mesh placement. Mean time for laparoscopic mesh placement was 104 minutes. None of the horses had signs of colic and at 4 weeks all mesh implants were covered by fibrous tissue. One horse had a descending colon mesenteric adhesion to the mesh. At necropsy, the fibrous tissue covering the mesh had adhered to itself and pulled the splenic capsule and perirenal fascia into close apposition. Each mesh implant was firmly adhered to the spleen, nephrosplenic ligament, and perirenal fascia. Laparoscopic mesh placement was easily performed, well tolerated, and provided excellent fibrous obliteration of the nephrosplenic space. The single important complication observed was a mesenteric adhesion of the descending colon to the mesh in 1 horse. Laparoscopic placement of polypropylene mesh leads to obliteration of the nephrosplenic space within 4 weeks and should prevent entrapment of viscera in the nephrosplenic space.


Results of reconstructive mastoidectomy with homograft knee cartilage.
The technique of reconstructing the posterior canal wall with homograft knee cartilage originally described in 1972 is reviewed and refinements are presented along with additional cases. The homograft knee cartilage is used in conjunction with the homograft tympanic membrane and ossicles to rebuild the middle ear and mastoid as near as possible to anatomical configuration and function. Anatomical follow-up of one year or more is reported on 63 ears. Satisfactory results were obtained in 36 of these ears or 57% of the total. Hearing results are reported overall and in relation to different types of reconstruction. One year or more follow-up demonstrates satisfactory hearing with an air-bone gap of 20 db or less in 77% of the postoperative ears.


Pregnancies associated with sperm concentrations below 10 million/ml in clinical studies of a potential male contraceptive method, monthly depot medroxyprogesterone acetate and testosterone esters.
A potential male contraceptive approach was evaluated in clinical trials involving monthly injections of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate and either subdermal implants of testosterone propionate or monthly injections of testosterone enanthate. Pregnancies occurred in partners of 9 men with recent sperm counts of 10 million/ml or below. In 5 of the 9 instances, the sperm counts were less than 1 million/ml. It appears that male contraceptive methods involving spermatogenic suppression may require attainment and maintenance of azoospermia. The pregnancy rate cannot be calculated, because the extent of other contraceptive use is uncertain. There were no spontaneous abortions. 6 pregnancies were carried to term, and all progeny were normal, based on physical examination at birth or 3 months after birth.


Interaction of Polymorphisms of Resistin Gene Promoter -420C/G, Glutathione Peroxidase -1 Gene Pro198Leu and Cigarette Smoking in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.
Many studies have suggested that cigarette smoking and polymorphisms of resistin and glutathione peroxidase-1 (GPx-1) genes are closely correlated with the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, few reports have investigated these associations with respect to NAFLD susceptibility. We, therefore, examined the distribution of polymorphisms in GPx-1 and resistin genes in NAFLD patients and healthy controls and analyzed the relationship between these polymorphisms and smoking status. Nine hundred NAFLD patients and 900 healthy controls were selected, and the genetic polymorphisms of resistin gene promoter-420C/G and GPx-1 gene Pro198Leu were analyzed by polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in DNA extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes. Interactions between the two mutants and the gene-environment interaction with cigarette smoking were also analyzed. Genotype frequencies of -420C/G (GG) and Pro198Leu (LL) were significantly higher in NAFLD cases (49.56% and 50.11%, respectively) compared with healthy controls (23.67% and 24.22%, respectively) (P = 0.0069; P = 0.0072). Moreover, the risk of NAFLD with -420C/G (GG) was significantly higher than in controls (odds ratio [OR] =3.1685, 95% confidence interval (CI) =1.9366-5.2073). Individuals carrying Pro198Leu (LL) had a high risk of NAFLD (OR = 3.1424, 95% CI = 1.7951-5.2367). Combined analysis of the polymorphisms showed that the -420C/G (GG)/Pro198Leu (LL) genotype was significantly more common in the NAFLD group than in the control group (39.44% vs. 12.78%, respectively, P = 0.0054), while individuals with -420C/G (GG)/Pro198Leu (LL) had a high risk of NAFLD (OR = 5.0357, 95% CI = 3.1852-7.8106). Moreover, the cigarette smoking rate in the NAFLD group was significantly higher than in the control group (OR = 1.8990, P = 0.0083 in the smoking index (SI) ≤400 subgroup; OR = 5.0937, P = 0.0051 in the SI >400 subgroup), and statistical analysis suggested a positive interaction between cigarette smoking and -420C/G (GG) (γ = 5.6018 in the SI ≤400 subgroup; γ = 4.4770 in the SI >400 subgroup) and Pro198Leu (LL) (γ = 5.7715 in the SI ≤400 subgroup; γ = 4.5985 in the SI >400 subgroup) in increasing the risk of NAFLD. NAFLD risk factors include -420C/G (GG), Pro198Leu (LL) and cigarette smoking, and these three factors have a significant additive effect on NAFLD risk.


Alveolar bone growth in response to endosteal implants in two patients with ectodermal dysplasia.
The occurrence of alveolar bone growth after placement of endosteal mandibular implants in two edentulous children is reported. The fact that alveolar bone growth occurred in the absence of natural teeth suggests that its growth and preservation is dependent upon biomechanical factors rather than the presence of teeth, as is traditionally thought.


Principal component analysis of dissolution data with missing elements.
The use of principal component analysis (PCA) for incomplete dissolution data sets is examined. The PC space is constructed using a reference set and the test set is projected in that space. Several cases such as a reference set with missing data, an incomplete test set and both sets measured at different time points, are discussed using two examples: one simulation and one obtained from the pharmaceutical practice. From the many possibilities to deal with missing data, the expectation-maximization algorithm in combination with PCA was chosen. The influence on the similarity or f2 factor is examined too. The sampling with replacement or bootstrap technique, which can be used to obtain confidence limits, can also be used when missing data are present in one of the data sets.


Potential of algal metabolites for the development of broad-spectrum antiviral therapeutics: Possible implications in COVID-19 therapy.
Covid-19 pandemic severely affected human health worldwide. Till October 19, 2020, total confirmed patients of COVID-19 are 39,944,882, whereas 1,111,998 people died across the globe. Till to date, we do not have any specific medicine and/or vaccine to treat COVID-19; however, research is still going on at war footing. So far vaccine development is concerned, here it is noteworthy that till now three major variants (named A, B, and C) of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus2 (SARS-CoV-2) have been recognized. Increased mutational rate and formation of new viral variants may increase the attrition rate of vaccines and/or candidate chemotherapies. Herbal remedies are chemical cocktails, thus open another avenue for effective antiviral therapeutics development. In fact, India is a large country, which is densely populated, but the overall severity of COVID-19 per million populations is lesser than any other country of the world. One of the major reasons for the aforesaid difference is the use of herbal remedies by the Government of India as a preventive measure for COVID-19. Therefore, the present review focuses on the epidemiology and molecular pathogenesis of COVID-19 and explores algal metabolites for their antiviral properties.


Superior colliculus lesions impair threat responsiveness in infant capuchin monkeys.
The ability to react fast and efficiently in threatening situations is paramount for the survival of organisms and has been decisive in our evolutionary history. Defense mechanisms in primates rely on the fast recognition of potential predators and facial expressions of conspecifics. The neural circuitry responsible for the detection of threat is generally thought to be centered on the amygdala. Although it is a pivotal structure in the processing of emotional stimuli, the amygdala does not seem necessary for the early stages of this process. Here we show that bilateral neurotoxic lesions of the superior colliculus in infant capuchins monkeys impaired the recognition of a rubber-snake in a threat-reward conflict task. Lesioned monkeys were uninhibited by a snake in a food-reward retrieval task. Lack of inhibition in the task was observed over the course of 15 weeks. The long lasting recognition impairment of a natural predator observed here is similar to the tameness aspects of Kluver-Bucy syndrome, indicating an important role of this structure in threat recognition.


Genomic studies of the additive and dominant genetic control on production traits of Euterpe edulis fruits.
In forest genetic improvement programs for non-domesticated species, limited knowledge of kinship can compromise or make the estimation of variance components and genetic parameters of traits of interest unfeasible. We used mixed models and genomics (in the latter, considering additive and non-additive effects) to evaluate the genetic architecture of 12 traits in juçaizeiro for fruit production. A population of 275 genotypes without genetic relationship knowledge was phenotyped over three years and genotyped by whole genome SNP markers. We have verified superiority in the quality of the fits, the prediction accuracy for unbalanced data, and the possibility of unfolding the genetic effects into their additive and non-additive terms in the genomic models. Estimates of the variance components and genetic parameters obtained by the additive models may be overestimated since, when considering the dominance effect in the model, there are substantial reductions in them. The number of bunches, fresh fruit mass of bunch, rachis length, fresh mass of 25 fruits, and amount of pulp were strongly influenced by the dominance effect, showing that genomic models with such effect should be considered for these traits, which may result in selective improvements by being able to return more accurate genomic breeding values. The present study reveals the additive and non-additive genetic control of the evaluated traits and highlights the importance of genomic information-based approaches for populations without knowledge of kinship and experimental design. Our findings underscore the critical role of genomic data in elucidating the genetic control architecture of quantitative traits, thereby providing crucial insights for driving species' genetic improvement.


Influence of knee flexion and femoral cross-pin insertion angle on posterolateral structures of the knee and lateral fixation lengths during ACL reconstruction.
Some studies have investigated knee flexion angle on the sagittal plane and insertion angle of the cross-pin on the coronal plane to evaluate proper femoral fixation. They evaluated the possibilities of injury to the posterolateral (PL) and neurovascular structures using several methods. The purposes of this study were to evaluate (1) the influence of knee flexion and femoral cross-pin insertion angles on knee PL structures and (2) the lateral fixation length of the cross-pin. Ten fresh cadaveric knees with no previous surgeries around the knee were used. Transtibial femoral tunnels (1:30 or 10:30 o'clock position) were made at three different knee flexion angles (70°, 90°, and 110°). Two cross-pin guidewires (superior and inferior pins) were drilled at three different insertion angles [downward 30°, 0° (parallel to floor line), and upward 30°] for each knee flexion position. The distances from the insertion point of the two cross-pins to the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) and popliteus tendon (PT), and the distance from the lateral wall of the femoral tunnel to the lateral cortex of the femoral condyle were measured. No significant differences were observed in the superior and inferior pin depths (p = 0.56 and 0.39). The distances from the superior pin to the LCL and from the inferior pin to the LCL were significantly shorter in all knee flexions with 0° and an upward 30° insertion angle than with 70° and 90° knee flexion with a downward 30° insertion angle, respectively (superior pin: p = 0.02 and 0.03; inferior pin: p = 0.03 and 0.03). No significant difference was observed in the distance between the superior pin and inferior pins and the PT (p = 0.25). The cross-pin was inserted close to the LCL and PT, and a downward 30° angle was the safest insertion angle. Lateral fixation length was sufficient for the cross-pin fixation in the 10:30- or 1:30-positioned femoral tunnel.


The "Zulu" tissue expansion in construction of the helix and ear lobe.
A traditional custom has been employed in a design of a new technique to expand a rudimentary auricle. The technique involves a full thickness incision of the blob of tissue and positioning of a spacer which is gradually expanded by means of a conical obturator. The technique provides a large amount of local tissue that can be used in helix and ear lobe reconstruction. An illustrative case is reported.


Altered risky decision making in patients with early non-affective psychosis.
Abnormal risky decision making may represent an important factor contributing to functional impairment in psychotic disorders. Previous research revealed impaired decision making under risk in patients with chronic schizophrenia. However, risky decision making is under-studied in the early course of illness. We examined risky decision making in 33 patients with early non-affective psychosis and 32 demographically matched controls, using two well-validated experimental paradigms, balloon analogue risk task (BART) and Risky-Gains task (RGT), which modeled and assessed actual risk-taking behaviors in deliberative and time-pressured decision-making situations, respectively. Our results showed that patients exhibited suboptimal decision making on the BART and were more risk averse than controls by having fewer average balloon pumps in non-burst trials, lower explosion rate and lower total points gained. On the RGT, patients also behaved more conservatively than controls, with lower overall rate in choosing the risky option. Intriguingly, patients performed comparably to controls in adjusting risk-taking pattern following punished trials, suggesting relatively preserved sensitivity to punishment in early psychosis. Risk-taking measures showed no significant correlations with any symptom dimensions, impulsivity traits, cognitive functions or antipsychotic treatment after correcting for multiple comparisons. This study is the first to investigate risk-taking propensity in early psychosis based on BART/RGT performance, and consistently indicate that patients with early psychosis displayed altered risky decision making with increased risk aversion relative to healthy participants. Further investigation is warranted to clarify the longitudinal course of aberrant risky decision making and its relationship with functional outcome in early psychosis.


Extraction and recovery of chromium from electroplating sludge.
This work reports a study of the extraction and recovery of chromium from the wastes (class I dangerous) generated by a galvanic manufacturer. Commercial HCl at room temperature was employed, and the conditions of the extraction process were optimized according to a sequential experimental design, which also included the acid concentration and contact time as variables. The best extraction conditions (80% v/v; 30 min; 97.6% Cr) for the chromic sludge were chosen in order to make the recovery process economically feasible. After each extraction, the residue was submitted to leaching essays, to assess environmental risks. It was found that sludge could be characterized as no longer dangerous. In the recovery study, a simple and low-cost technique was evaluated for selectivity based on an oxidation step with hydrogen peroxide. A 2(3) factorial design to assess the influence of oxidation time (min), temperature ( degrees C) and peroxide amount (mol/L) was employed. The best conditions, yielding a chromium recovery of about 92%, were a time of 60 min, a temperature of 60 degrees C and 2.1 mol/L peroxide. Additional essays revealed that the same result could be obtained with more economic conditions (40 min, 1.4 mol/L peroxide and 60 degrees C). This technique proved not only effective in comparison with existing alternatives, but also low costing.


Adherence to Topical Therapies for the Treatment of Psoriasis: Surveys of Physicians and Patients.
There have been few studies of treatment adherence in Asian patients with psoriasis and understanding of the factors is important to improve outcomes. To provide an overview of treatment adherence among Korean patients with psoriasis and to understand how the perceptions of patients and physicians affect topical treatment adherence. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted to determine the views and opinions of dermatologists and psoriasis patients on topical treatment adherence. The survey items were developed in collaboration with psoriasis experts. Twenty-six dermatologists and fifty patients completed their questionnaire. In the physician survey, more than half of dermatologists only inquired about adherence up to 20% of the time. Most dermatologists generally thought that their patients had high expectations of treatment. Nearly 40% of dermatologists reported that more than 60% of their patients adhered to the prescribed topical treatment. In the patient survey, more than 15% of patients reported that they did not receive enough information about the drug. Around one-fifth of the patients also complained about the physical properties of the products. The majority of patients were confident with the current topical treatments and expected fast improvement, within a couple of weeks. The most common reason for low adherence was forgetfulness. Inconvenience and concerns about side effects were common reasons for topical treatment discontinuation. Because adherence to topical treatment is a complex, multifactorial issue with factors varying between patients, dermatologists should focus on determining each patient's individual adherence barriers to achieve good treatment outcomes.


Pneumonectomy: calculable or non-tolerable risk factor in trimodal therapy for Stage III non-small-cell lung cancer?
Lung cancer is the leading cause of death in cancer statistics throughout developed countries. While single surgical approach provides best results in early stages, multimodality approaches have been employed in advanced disease and demonstrated superior results in selected patients. With either full-dose chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, patients usually have a poor general condition when entering surgical therapy and therefore neoadjuvant therapy can lead to a higher morbidity and mortality. Especially in the case of pneumonectomy as the completing procedure, mortality rate can exceed over 40%. Therefore, chest physicians often shy away from recommending pneumonectomy as final step in trimodal protocols. We analysed our experience with pneumonectomy after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with a focus on feasibility, outcome and survival. Retrospective, single-centre study of 146 patients with trimodal neoadjuvant therapy for NSCLC Stage III over 17 years time span. Follow-up was taken from our own outpatient files and with survival check of central registry office in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. A total of 118 men and 28 women received 62 lobectomies, 6 bi-lobectomies and 78 pneumonectomies after two different neoadjuvant protocols for Stage III NSCLC. Overall morbidity rate was 53 and 56% after pneumonectomy. Overall hospital mortality rate was 4.8 and 6.4% after pneumonectomy. Overall median survival rate was 31 months with a 5-year survival rate of 38% (Kaplan-Meier). Pneumonectomy, right-sited pneumonectomy and initial T- and N-stages were no risk factors for survival (log-rank test). Significant factors for survival were ypT-stage, ypN-stage, yUICC-stage in univariate testing (log-rank test) and ypUICC-stage in multivariate testing (Cox's regression). Pneumonectomy in neoadjuvant trimodal approach for Stage III NSCLC can be done safe with acceptable mortality rate. Patients should not withhold from operation because of necessitating pneumonectomy. Not the procedure but the selection, response rate and R0-resection are crucial for survival after trimodal therapy in experienced centres.