Dietary fat in relation to erythrocyte fatty acid composition in men.
Erythrocyte membrane fatty acid (EMFA) composition is used in the validation of food frequency questionnaires (FFQ) and the evaluation of dietary fat quality. In this cross-sectional study we aimed to investigate associations of diet with EMFA. Altogether, 1,033 randomly selected Finnish men, aged from 47 to 75 years filled in a FFQ and their EMFA composition was analyzed. Marine polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) intake correlated positively with erythrocyte eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids (r(s) = 0.415 and r(s) = 0.340, respectively, P < 0.001) and inversely with all n-6 PUFA analyzed (P < 0.001). PUFA intake from spreads and cooking fats correlated positively with alpha-linolenic (ALA), linoleic (LNA) and nervonic acids (r(s) = 0.229, r(s) = 0.160 and r(s) = 0.143, respectively, P < 0.001). Milk fat intake was associated with myristic and behenic acids (r(s) = 0.186 and r(s) = 0.132, respectively P < 0.001). Butter users had lower ALA and LNA proportions (mol%) than non-users (0.16 ± 0.04 vs. 0.19 ± 0.05, P < 0.001 and 7.77 ± 1.02 vs. 8.12 ± 1.11, P = 0.001). Higher PUFA intake from meat was related to decreased long-chain n-3 (P < 0.001) and increased n-6 PUFA (P < 0.001) proportions. In conclusion, EMFA composition reflects particularly well the intakes of n-3 PUFA, whereas other associations remained lower. Yet, all main sources of dietary fat were related with EMFA. The dietary effect on the nervonic acid proportion was confirmed.


Codiffusion of propylene glycol and dimethyl isosorbide in hairless mouse skin.
The in vitro percutaneous fluxes of propylene glycol (PG), cis-oleic acid (OA) and dimethyl isosorbide (DI) were determined and their effect on nifedipine (N) flux and lag time evaluated. PG, OA and DI flux through hairless mouse (HM) skin was measured in vitro by beta-scintigraphy and N permeation was measured by HPLC under finite and infinite dose conditions. Evaluation of each of the solvents separately showed that pure DI possessed the inherent ability to traverse the skin (12% in 24 h). For the tested formulation after 24 h, 57% of the PG and 40% of the DI had permeated across the skin with nearly linear permeation between 4 and 18 h and the relative order of permeation was PG > DI > N. DI permeation was further aided in the presence of PG and OA. N flux was dependent on concomitant solvent permeation. Over a 24-h test period a dose dependent response was observed for N, with 4.9-15.6 mg of N delivered from the lowest and highest doses, respectively, and the highest dose yielding zero-order flux of 146 (g/h per cm2).


Receptor systems participating in nicotine-specific effects.
It is generally accepted that self-administration of drugs is prompted primarily by a reward system driven by an increase in extracellular dopamine in the nucleus accumbens. Recent findings that dopamine increase in the accumbens can be caused by many other factors, among them stress, suggest a more complex mechanism, and possibly differences in the reward system for different compounds. In the present paper we compare the effects of receptor-specific antagonists on the increase of dopamine induced by nicotine with that induced by cocaine in the nucleus accumbens in conscious rats. The compounds alone or together were injected intravenously, and dopamine level changes were measured via microdialysis. When administered together the effect of nicotine and cocaine on the level of dopamine in the accumbens was additive. Apparently there is some interaction between the two compounds, since nicotine had no effect after combined nicotine and cocaine administration. Perhaps the available dopamine pool was exhausted by the prior administration. The nicotinic antagonist mecamylamine, the muscarinic antagonist atropine, and the NMDA glutamate receptor antagonist MK-801 each blocked nicotine-induced dopamine release in the accumbens, indicating the participation of more than a single receptor system in the nicotine-induced effect. These three antagonists did not inhibit cocaine-induced dopamine increase in the accumbens, indicating the lack of a role of these receptors in the cocaine effect under our experimental conditions. SCH-23390, a dopamine D1 receptor antagonist, blocked both nicotine- and cocaine-induced effects, indicating the possible role of this receptor in these reward effects. The results indicate that there are differences in some of the receptors mediating the central effects of the two compounds examined, nicotine and cocaine, although each influences dopamine levels, and that the two compounds interact.


A rare case of desmoid tumor of thigh.
Extraabdominal desmoid tumor is a locally aggressive tumor despite being histologically benign. To avoid local recurrence, it is important to preoperatively detect the exact localization and extension of the infiltrating or disseminating lesion in this tumor. We report a case of recurrent extraabdominal desmoid tumor, which arose in the posterior thigh region. A 68 yrs old male presented with thigh swelling since past 22 years over posterior aspect of thigh increasing in size over the past 2years. The swelling was extending over the medial and anterior aspect of thigh. On investigation he was found to be case of desmoid tumor of thigh.


May Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (NGAL) Level Predict Mortality in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)?
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks fifth among the common cancers worldwide. Hepatocarcinogenesis is a multiple-phases process, which involves changes in cellular genomes including high cell proliferation.In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship of NGAL level at the time of diagnosis with mortality in patients diagnosed with HCC. A total of 35 patients who developed HCC on the ground of HBV(+) and 30 healthy subjects were included in the study. Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC), Okuda staging system, and Milan criteria were used for staging of the patients with HCC. The mean age of all patients was 59.54 ± 11.57 years. Seventeen (48.6%) HCC patients died during 1-year follow-up. Survival of the patients who met the Milan criteria was longer (log-rank (Mantel-Cox) test, χ2 = 5.353, p = 0.021). Kaplan-Meier curve was drawn for NGAL cut-off value, mortality was found to be higher in patients with a NGAL level higher than 217.50 (log-rank (Mantel-Cox) test, χ2 = 15.540, p < 0.001). In this study, we found that high levels of NGAL at the time of diagnosis were associated with poor prognosis in HCC patients.


Correction to: Perspectives of adults with Klinefelter syndrome, unaffected adolescent males, and parents of affected children toward diagnosis disclosure: a Thai experience.
The article "Perspectives of adults with Klinefelter syndrome, unaffected adolescent males, and parents of affected children toward diagnosis disclosure: a Thai experience", written by Sukrit Suwannachat, Duangrurdee Wattanasirichaigoon, Jiraporn Arunakul, Vilawan Chirdkiatgumchai and Thipwimol Tim-Aroon, was originally published electronically on the publisher's internet portal (currently SpringerLink) on September 2019 without open access.


Section showing minimal intra-individual variations in masticatory movement.
To clarify the section showing minimal intraindividual variations in the movement of the mandibular incisal point during mastication of softened chewing gum. Twenty healthy subjects were asked to chew softened chewing gum on the habitual side for 20 seconds. The change in the spatial parameters (gape and masticatory width) and temporal parameter (cycle time) were investigated for 20 cycles from the first cycle. The coefficients of variation of these parameters were investigated for each of 10 consecutive cycles (first to eleventh series). The spatial and temporal parameters were maximal at the first cycle, decreased progressively until the fourth or fifth cycle, and then remained almost unchanged thereafter. The coefficients of variation of the parameters were maximal during the first series, decreased progressively until the fourth to sixth series, and then tended to increase gradually thereafter. Minimal coefficients of variation were observed during the fifth and sixth series for the gape, during the fifth series for the width, and during the fourth series for the cycle time. These results suggest that the ten cycles after the fourth to the sixth cycle was the section showing minimal intra-individual variations in the masticatory movement during the chewing of softened chewing gum.


The choice of thoracic radiographic procedures for clinical problems.
With the recent advances in radiographic medical technology, confusion about the appropriate use of this technology has developed. The major clinical benefits of these advances are reviewed.


Characteristics of a novel temperate bacteriophage against Staphylococcus arlettae (vB_SarS_BM31).
Staphylococcus arlettae is a rarely reported coagulase-negative staphylococcus (CoNS) isolated from infected humans and livestock. Observing phage-bacteria interaction could improve the understanding of bacterial pathogenetic mechanisms, providing foundational evidence for phage therapy or phage detection. Herein, we aimed to characterise and annotate a novel bacteriophage, vB_SarS_BM31 (BM31), specific to S. arlettae. This bacteriophage was isolated from a milk sample associated with bovine mastitis and collected in the Sichuan Province, China. The BM31 genome comprised a linear double-stranded DNA of 42,271 base pair in length with a G + C content of 34.59%. A total of 65 open reading frames (ORFs) were assembled from phage DNA, of which 29 were functionally annotated. These functional genes were divided into four modules: the structural, DNA packing and replication, lysis, and lysogeny modules. Holin (ORF25), lysin (ORF26), and integrase (ORF28) were located closely in the entire BM31 genome and were important for lyse or lysogeny cycle of BM31. The phage was identified as a temperate phage according to whole genome analysis and life cycle assay, with basic biological characteristics such as small burst size, short latency period, and narrow host range, consistent with the characteristics of the family Siphoviridae, subcluster B14 of the Staphylococcus bacteriophage. The present isolation and characterisation of BM31 contributes to the Staphylococcus bacteriophage database and provides a theoretical foundation for its potential applications. To the best of our knowledge, BM31 is the only shared and completely reported phage against S. arlettae in the entire public database.


[Influence of underlying disease and immunosuppression on the immunocompetence in inflammatory rheumatic diseases].
Patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases have a higher risk of infections in comparison to the general population. For this patient group, in addition to cardiovascular diseases, infections play an important role with respect to morbidity and mortality. Even if it is difficult to make concrete statements with respect to individual diseases, it can be assumed that there is a lower risk of infections in inflammatory joint diseases in comparison to connective tissue diseases and vasculitides. The increased risk of infections is determined by multiple factors, whereby the underlying factors are classified into three main categories: patient-related factors (age, comorbidities, lifestyle), disease-related factors (immunological dysfunction as part of the disease pathophysiology) and drug-related factors (type and dosage of the immunosuppression and/or immunomodulation). An improved understanding of the complexity of these associations enables the optimization of treatment and disease control taking the individual risk factors into account, with the aim of a significant reduction in the risk of infections.


Identification of universal stress proteins in wheat and functional characterization during abiotic stress.
TaUSPs are localized in Endoplasmic reticulum and form homo and hetero dimers within themselves. They play significant role in multiple abiotic stress responses in yeast heterologous system and in plants. Universal Stress Proteins are stress responsive proteins present in a variety of life forms ranging from bacteria to multicellular plants and animals. In this study we have identified 85 TaUSP genes in the wheat genome and have characterised their abiotic stress responsive members in yeast under different stress conditions. Localization and Y2H studies suggest that wheat, USP proteins are localized in the ER complex, and extensively crosstalk amongst themselves through forming hetero and homodimers. Expression analysis of these TaUSP genes suggests their role in adaptation to multiple abiotic stresses. TaUSP_5D-1 was found to have some DNA binding activity in yeast. Certain abiotic stress responsive TaUSP genes are found to impart tolerance to temperature stress, oxidative stress, ER stress (DTT treatment) and LiCl2 stress in the yeast heterologous system. TaUSP_5D-1 overexpression in A. thaliana imparts drought tolerance via better lateral root network in transgenic lines. The TaUSP represents an important repertoire of genes for engineering abiotic stress responsiveness in crop plants.


Harvesting zero waste from co-digested fruit and vegetable peels via integrated fermentation and pyrolysis processes.
The aim of this study is to assess an innovative economic approach for the production of both fermentative hydrogen and biochar from fruit and vegetable peels (FVPs) via fermentation/pyrolysis process. Firstly, in fermentation batches, multi-fermentation of FVPs positively affected the harvested hydrogen yield and COD reduction efficiency, which reached their maximal values of 3.9 ± 0.6 mmol/gCOD and 56.2 ± 4.6% at batch of 25% pea + 25% tomato + 25% banana + 25% orange (M4). Secondly, digestates produced from all batches were pyrolyzed at 500 °C for investigating the potential for biochar production. Based on the characteristics of the pyrolyzed digestate, biochar produced from S1 (spinach) exhibited the highest specific surface area, density, pore volume, biochar production yield, and pyrolysis profit of 28.43 ± 3.95 m2/g, 1.93 ± 0.18 g/cm3, 0.59 ± 0.08 cm3/g, 59.04 ± 2.36%, and 3.66 $/kgfeedstock, respectively. However, the maximum overall profit from both fermentation and pyrolysis processes was 5.21 $/kgfeedstock and was denoted for M4.


Low immune cell ARA and high plasma 12-HETE and 17-HDHA in iron-deficient South African school children with allergy.
Allergy has been associated with altered fatty acid and inflammatory status. In this cross-sectional study of 321 rural iron deficient (ID) South African children (aged 6-11 years), a subsample (n=111) of children with parent-reported allergy data were divided into an allergic (n=30) and non-allergic (n=81) group and compared. PBMC arachidonic acid (ARA; P=0.010) and the PBMC ARA to dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA) ratio (P=0.035) were lower in the allergic children. Plasma 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid and 17-hydroxydocosahexaenoic acid (17-HDHA) were higher (P=0.040 and 0.020, respectively) in the allergic group. Thus, a fatty acid composition and lipid mediator levels indicative of increased release of ARA from PBMC membranes, increased inflammation as well as the resolving thereof, were associated with parent-reported allergy symptoms. This study used baseline data of an intervention study which was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01092377.


Venous Thromboembolism after Abdominal Wall Reconstruction: A Prospective Analysis and Review of the Literature.
Ventral hernias are a common problem after exploratory laparotomy, and plastic surgeons often become involved for hernia repair in complex situations. Plastic surgeons can achieve fascial closure through primary repair, an external oblique aponeurosis release, or a transversus abdominis release. Currently, there is scant literature evaluating venous thromboembolism rates after these procedures. The authors sought to evaluate their own experience with complex abdominal wall reconstruction and venous thromboembolism events. The authors retrospectively reviewed their prospectively collected database of all patients who have undergone complex abdominal wall reconstruction performed by a single surgeon at their institution from September of 2013 to February of 2018. Demographic data, anticoagulant use, Caprini score, operative time, and postoperative venous thromboembolism events were recorded. A literature search was also performed, identifying all published articles evaluating venous thromboembolism events after abdominal wall reconstruction. The authors identified 175 patients for analysis. Four patients were found to have postoperative venous thromboembolism events, for a total venous thromboembolism rate of 2.3 percent. The average Caprini score for these patients was 8.5, compared to 5.26 for those without a venous thromboembolism event, and no deaths were reported from these complications. On literature review, three articles were identified in the literature discussing venous thromboembolism after abdominal wall reconstruction, all based on the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Patients undergoing complex abdominal wall reconstruction are at high risk for venous thromboembolism events. There is scant literature published on this topic, but surgeons should be aware of the risk for venous thromboembolism after complex abdominal wall reconstruction and work to minimize this risk as much as possible. Therapeutic, IV.


[Idiopathic facial paralysis: long-term catamnestic study of prognosis and the significance of electrodiagnostic findings].
550 patients suffering from Bell's palsy and examined by electromyography (EMG) as well as electroneurography (ENG) were interviewed in respect of treatment and remission. In more than 80% of the cases it was possible to register volitional activity by EMG as well as to elicit an electroneurographic response. We found a high correlation between electrodiagnostical deficit and degree of recovery. EMG and ENG were equally suitable to assess the severity of damage. The overall prognosis of Bell's palsy was favorable in cases of incomplete lesions. The recovery was probably improved by administration of steroids in the examined group, especially in cases with temporary loss of electroneurographic response.


Anti-nociceptive activity of aqueous fraction from the MeOH extracts of Paederia scandens in mice.
We examined the effects of the aqueous fraction (AF) on nociception models mice induced by the chemical and the thermal stimuli so as to elucidate the analgesic activity and provide scientific basis for the clinical use of Paederia scandens. The AF of MeOH extract from P. scandens was evaluated on anti-nociceptive activity in mice using chemical and thermal models of nociception. Given orally, the aqueous fraction at doses of 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg produced significant inhibitions on chemical nociception induced by intraperitoneal acetic acid and subplantar formalin injections and on thermal nociception in the tail-flick test and in the hot plate test. More significant inhibition of nociception was observed at dose of 800 mg/kg of this fraction. In the pentobarbital sodium -induced sleeping time test and the open-field test, the aqueous fraction neither significantly enhanced the pentobarbital sodium -induced sleeping time nor impaired the motor performance, indicating that the observed anti-nociception was unlikely due to sedation or motor abnormality. These results suggested that the aqueous fraction produced anti-nociception possibly related to the iridoid glycosides and polysaccharides in this fraction.


Tubular myelin figures in the lung with Wilson-mikity syndrome.
An electron microscopic examination of the lung from a patient with Wilson-Mikity syndrome revealed abundant tubular myelin in the atelectatic areas. The tubular myelin was seen free and adjacent to secreted lamellar bodies in the alveolar spaces as well as within macrophages, but never in type II cells. The transverse dimension of the tubular units ranged from 24 to 30 nm, and the distance between two tubules was 5-6 nm. Occasionally the center of a tubule contained a single electron dense particle. The structure of the tubular myelin presented here differs to some degree from that in rat lungs. To our knowledge, the presence of tubular myelin figures has not been reported in cases of Wilson-Mikity syndrome. Their relation to the etiology of the disease is totally unknown; however, our findings that they were present only in the area of atelectasis but not in emphysematous areas may be significant. An accumulation of similar cases with ultrastructural study and combined biochemical and physiological studies is awaited to permit some interpretation.


[Use of blast transformation test with different tuberculin dilutions to evaluate functional activity and directivity vector of T-cell activation in patients with tuberculosis during chemotherapy].
The lymphocyte blast transformation test (LBTT) with three tuberculin dilutions was used to examine 190 patients with varying pulmonary tuberculosis activity, of them 63 patients received chemotherapy. According to the blast formation in the patients' cultured peripheral blood cells by three tuberculin dilutions, a correlation was found between the clinical manifestations of the process and the functional activity of T lymphocytes. Thus, the greatest percentage (500 TU) of blasts in LBTT per mean PPD dose was detectable in patients with low LBTT results by three tuberculin dilutions with positive dynamics during chemotherapy. With further positive dynamics, the proportion of blasts in the cultured peripheral blood cells was highest per high PPD doses (5000 TU). On the contrary, patients with progressive tuberculosis displayed a oppositely directed phasic pattern.


[Ultrasonic follow-up of ovarian follicles in sterile women].
The authors examined 39 women with sterility varying in time. Their ovaries were follow-up during 68 menstrual cycles. Linear growth of the follicle, which detached the egg cell, was established. The size of the follicle varied between 15.4-21.4 mm during the separation of the egg cell. The follicles remained static in anovulation, after which they became regressive or formed follicular cyst with various measures.


Endothelial-derived extracellular vesicles associated with electronic cigarette use impair cerebral microvascular cell function.
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of circulating endothelial cell-derived microvesicles (EMVs) isolated from e-cigarette users on human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (hCMECs) nitric oxide (NO) and endothelin (ET)-1 production and tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) release. Circulating EMVs (CD144-PE) were isolated (flow cytometry) from 27 young adults (19-25 yr): 10 nonsmokers (6 M/4 F), 10 e-cigarette users (6 M/4 F), and 7 tobacco cigarette smokers (4 M/3 F). hCMECs were cultured and treated with isolated EMVs for 24 h. EMVs from e-cigarette users and cigarette smokers induced significantly higher expression of p-eNOS (Thr495; 28.4 ± 4.6 vs. 29.1 ± 2.8 vs. 22.9 ± 3.8 AU), Big ET-1 (138.8 ± 19.0 vs. 141.7 ± 19.1 vs. 90.3 ± 18.8 AU) and endothelin converting enzyme (107.6 ± 10.1 and 113.5 ± 11.8 vs. 86.5 ± 13.2 AU), and significantly lower expression of p-eNOS (Ser1177; 7.4 ± 1.7 vs. 6.5 ± 0.5 vs. 9.7 ± 1.6 AU) in hCMECs than EMVs from nonsmokers. NO production was significantly lower and ET-1 production was significantly higher in hCMECs treated with EMVs from e-cigarette (5.7 ± 0.8 µmol/L; 33.1 ± 2.9 pg/mL) and cigarette smokers (6.3 ± 0.7 µmol/L; 32.1 ± 3.9 pg/mL) than EMVs from nonsmokers (7.6 ± 1.2 µmol/L; 27.9 ± 3.1 pg/mL). t-PA release in response to thrombin was significantly lower in hCMECs treated with EMVs from e-cigarette users (from 38.8 ± 6.3 to 37.4 ± 8.3 pg/mL) and cigarette smokers (31.5 ± 5.5 to 34.6 ± 8.4 pg/mL) than EMVs from nonsmokers (38.9 ± 4.3 to 48.4 ± 7.9 pg/mL). There were no significant differences in NO, ET-1, or t-PA protein expression or production in hCMECs treated with EMVs from e-cigarette users and smokers. Circulating EMVs associated with e-cigarette use adversely affects brain microvascular endothelial cells and may contribute to reported cerebrovascular dysfunction with e-cigarette use.NEW & NOTEWORTHY In the present study, we determined the effect of circulating endothelial cell-derived microvesicles (EMVs) isolated from e-cigarette users on human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (hCMECs) nitric oxide (NO) and endothelin (ET)-1 production and tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) release. EMVs from e-cigarette users reduced brain microvascular endothelial cell NO production, enhanced ET-1 production, and impaired endothelial t-PA release. EMVs are a potential mediating factor in the increased risk of stroke associated with e-cigarette use.


Fractionation and characterization of lignin from waste rice straw: Biomass surface chemical composition analysis.
Waste rice straw (RS) was fractionated to extract the lignin using alkaline (sodium hydroxide) treatment (SHT) and organic acid (Formic acid/Acetic acid) treatment (OAT) process. Rice straw fractionation by the acetic OAT and alkaline SHT methods resulted in the recovery of OAT-lignin and SHT-lignin respectively. The structural characterization of the extracted lignin fractions was done by UV-vis spectroscopy, FTIR and 1H NMR technique. Total phenolic content (TPC) present in SHT-lignin and OAT-lignin were determined to be 28.87 mg GAE/g and 24.75 mg GAE/g respectively. The DPPH radical scavenging activity 59.50% was observed in SHT-lignin and 45.74% in OAT-lignin using the DPPH test for 30 min of incubation. Surface characterization of untreated rice straw (UT-RS) and treated rice straw (SHT-RS and OAT-RS) were carried out by XRD, FTIR and SEM. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) survey, C1s, and O1s spectra were used to determined the surface carbon and oxygen composition changes in RS after SHT and OAT. These structural characterizations of lignin and biomass are beneficial for further processing in bio-refinery industry.


Tissue prolapse and stresses in stented coronary arteries: A computer model for multi-layer atherosclerotic plaque.
Among the many factors influencing the effectiveness of cardiovascular stents, tissue prolapse indicates the potential of a stent to cause restenosis. The deflection of the arterial wall between the struts of the stent and the tissue is known as a prolapse or draping. The prolapse is associated with injury and damage to the vessel wall due to the high stresses generated around the stent when it expands. The current study investigates the impact of stenosis severity and plaque morphology on prolapse in stented coronary arteries. A finite element method is applied for the stent, plaque, and artery set to quantify the tissue prolapse and the corresponding stresses in stenosed coronary arteries. The variable size of atherosclerotic plaques is considered. A plaque is modelled as a multi-layered medium with different thicknesses attached to the single layer of an arterial wall. The results reveal that the tissue prolapse is influenced by the degree of stenosis severity and the thickness of the plaque layers. Stresses are observed to be significantly different between the plaque layers and the arterial wall tissue. Higher stresses are concentrated in fibrosis layer of the plaque (the harder core), while lower stresses are observed in necrotic core (the softer core) and the arterial wall layer. Moreover, the morphology of the plaque regulates the magnitude and distribution of the stress. The fibrous cap between the necrotic core and the endothelium constitutes the most influential layer to alter the stresses. In addition, the thickness of the necrotic core and the stenosis severity affect the stresses. This study reveals that the morphology of atherosclerotic plaques needs to be considered a key parameter in designing coronary stents.


Retracted: Quality Evaluation of Ideological and Political Education in Universities Based on BP Neural Network.
[This retracts the article DOI: 10.1155/2022/8336895.].


Role of vena cava filters for the management of cancer-related venous thromboembolism: Systematic review and meta-analysis.
Results from cohort studies evaluating the benefit in prevention of recurrent Venous Thromboembolism in cancer population are heterogeneous and controversial. To determine the effectiveness and harms of vena cava filters alone or combined with anticoagulation to prevent the risk of recurrent venous thromboembolism in patients with cancer-related venous thromboembolism. A search strategy was conducted in the MEDLINE, CENTRAL, EMBASE and LILACS databases. Searches were also conducted in other databases and unpublished literature. Clinical trials were included without language restrictions. The risk of bias was evaluated with the Cochrane Collaboration's tool and a modified version for cohort studies. An analysis of fixed effects was conducted. The primary outcome was recurrent venous thromboembolism. The secondary outcomes were overall survival and adverse effects. The measure of the effect was the risk ratio with a 95% confidence interval. Seven studies were included in the qualitative and quantitative analysis. 35,333 patients were found among the seven studies. A low risk of bias was shown for most of the study items. The overall risk ratio (RR) for recurrent venous thromboembolism was 2.53 95%CI (1.35-4.75) favoring anticoagulation compared with vena cava filter. Vena cava filter did not show benefits for recurrent venous thromboembolism prevention in the cancer-patients population.


Comparative evaluation of shear bond strength of calcium silicate-based liners to resin-modified glass ionomer cement in resin composite restorations - a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Purpose The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the difference in shear bond strength between calcium silicate-based liners to resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) in resin composite restorations.Materials and methods The protocol was registered in PROSPERO following which primary research was carried out on Medline, Scopus and Cochrane library. To assess the risk of bias, a customised tool was used. Among the 194 records retrieved from the databases, only ten articles qualified for qualitative and quantitative synthesis after meeting all the requirements of the eligibility criteria. Covidence software was used to record the decisions. Studies published until 31 March 2021 were taken up for the review. The articles showed a low-to-moderate risk of bias. I2 test was used to check the percentage variation due to heterogeneity.Results RMGIC showed a higher shear bond strength value compared to the three calcium silicate liners MTA, Biodentine and TheraCal LC. However, TheraCal LC and MTA showed better bond strength than Biodentine. Cohesive failure was seen predominantly in liners followed by adhesive failure. RMGIC shows mixed mode of failure in some studies.Conclusions RMGIC is preferred over calcium silicate-based materials as the liner to be used under resin composite restorations. Among calcium silicate-based materials, TheraCal LC showed a better bond strength value. The mode of failure was predominantly cohesive in all the liner groups in majority.


Synthesis and biological evaluation of functionalized coumarins as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors.
Three series of functionalized coumarin compounds were designed and prepared as cholinesterase (AChE and BuChE) inhibitors. The biological profile against AChE and BuChE of the prepared compounds was determined. Compound 7b exhibited a mixed-type of AChE inhibitor with IC50 value for the AChE inhibition of 0.19+/-0.01 microM and a high selectivity for AChE/BuChE, and compound 6b acted as non-competitive AChE inhibitor with IC50 value of 0.43+/-0.02 microM. Structure-activity relationships (SARs) of prepared compounds were discussed.


Retraction Note: HMGB1: a novel protein that induced platelets active and aggregation via Toll-like receptor-4, NF-κB and cGMP dependent mechanisms.
This article [1] is retracted at request of the Editor.


Impact of Successful Chronic Coronary Total Occlusion Recanalization on Recurrence of Ventricular Arrhythmias in Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Recipients for Ischemic Cardiomyopathy (VACTO PCI Study).
Coronary chronic total occlusion lesions (CTOs) confer an increased risk of arrhythmic events among patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) carriers, however the impact of CTO recanalization in this population remains unassessed. Evaluate the impact of CTOs percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) on arrhythmic events. Patients with ICM and ICD from the VACTO I-II registries: patients with medically treated CTO (CTO-OMT group) and without CTO (no-CTO group) were compared after inverse-probability-weighting adjustment (IPWT) with a similar population of consecutive patients undergoing CTO-PCI. The primary endpoint was appropriate ICD therapy. The secondary endpoint was all-cause mortality. The total of 622 patients (mean age 67 ± 10 years, mean left ventricular ejection fraction 36 ± 11%) included in the analysis was composed by: CTO-PCI patients n = 113, CTO-OMT patients n = 286, no-CTO patients n = 223. In the CTO-PCI group, compared to the CTO-OMT group, 5-year Kaplan Meier estimates for appropriate ICD therapy (20.4% vs. 56.4%, IPW-adjusted HR: 0.45, 95% CI 0.29-0.71) and mortality (8.8% vs. 23%, IPW-adjusted HR: 0.43, 95% CI 0.22-0.85) were lower, driven by infarct related artery CTO (IRA-CTO) PCI, while similar to those occurring in the no-CTO group. In this large population, those with CTO receiving PCI had lower arrhythmic event rates and lower mortality compared to the CTO-OMT group, while showing an event rate similar to no-CTO patients. Sensitivity analyses suggest that the beneficial effect on the arrhythmic outcome was driven by IRA-CTO revascularization. Chronic total occlusion.


Individual and social risk factors related to overt victimization in a sample of Spanish adolescents.
This study analyzes the role of adolescents' self-esteem, loneliness, sociometric status, and perceptions of family and classroom environment on overt vicitimization by peers in a sample of 1319 Spanish adolescents (48% boys and 52% girls), ages 11 to 16 years (M=13.7, SD=1.5). The findings from structural equation modeling suggest that adolescents' self-esteem, loneliness, and sociometric status had a significant direct effect on overt victimization by peers, and adolescents' perceptions of family and classroom environment had a significant indirect effect on peer overt victimization mediated by self-esteem, loneliness, and sociometric status. The findings are discussed with the consideration of these variables as individual and social risk factors for overt victimization by peers.


Management of haemorrhagic complications associated with oral anticoagulant treatment.
The frequency of anticoagulant-related bleeding has been reported to range 1-7% per year, depending on the indication for anticoagulant therapy and the classification of bleeding. Although most bleeding is not life threatening, it does cause short-term morbidity and inconvenience to patients, as well as possibly diminishing their quality of life to some degree. Assessing the risk of anticoagulant-related bleeding is integral to optimising the management of anticoagulant therapy. Furthermore, early recognition and treatment of anticoagulant-related bleeding can reduce the associated morbidity. This article reviews the definitions of major and minor bleeding, the assessment of risk and preventive strategies and the management of anticoagulant-related bleeding.


Fluorination Triggers Fluoroalkylation: Nucleophilic Perfluoro-tert-butylation with 1,1-Dibromo-2,2-bis(trifluoromethyl)ethylene (DBBF) and CsF.
Perfluoro-tert-butylation reaction has long remained a challenging task. We now report the use of 1,1-dibromo-2,2-bis(trifluoromethyl)ethylene (DBBF) as a practical reagent for perfluoro-tert-butylation reactions for the first time. Through a consecutive triple-fluorination process with DBBF and CsF, the (CF3 )3 C- species can be liberated and observed, which is able to serve as a robust nucleophilic perfluoro-tert-butylating agent for various electrophiles. The power of this synthetic protocol is evidenced by the efficient synthesis of structurally diverse perfluoro-tert-butylated molecules. Multiple applications demonstrate the practicability of this method, as well as the superiority of perfluoro-tert-butylated compounds as sensitive probes. The perfluoro-tert-butylated product was successfully applied in 1 H- and 19 F-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) experiment with an ultra-low field (ULF) MRI system.


Early life experience alters behavior during social defeat: focus on serotonergic systems.
Early life experience can have prolonged effects on neuroendocrine, autonomic, and behavioral responses to stress. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of early life experience on behavior during social defeat, as well as on associated functional cellular responses in serotonergic and non-serotonergic neurons within the dorsal raphe nucleus, a structure which plays an important role in modulation of stress-related physiology and behavior. Male Long Evans rat pups were exposed to either normal animal facility rearing or 15 min or 180 min of maternal separation from postnatal days 2-14. As adults, these rats were exposed to a social defeat protocol. Differences in behavior were seen among the early life treatment groups during social defeat; rats exposed to 180 min of maternal separation from postnatal days 2-14 displayed more passive-submissive behaviors and less proactive coping behaviors. Analysis of the distribution of tryptophan hydroxylase and c-Fos-like immunoreactivity in control rats exposed to a novel cage and rats exposed to social defeat revealed that, independent of the early life experience, rats exposed to social defeat showed an increase in the number of c-Fos-like immunoreactive nuclei in serotonergic neurons in the middle and caudal parts of the dorsal dorsal raphe nucleus and caudal part of the ventral dorsal raphe nucleus, regions known to contain serotonergic neurons projecting to central autonomic and emotional motor control systems. This is the first study to show that the dorsomedial part of the mid-rostrocaudal dorsal raphe nucleus is engaged by a naturalistic stressor and supports the hypothesis that early life experience alters behavioral coping strategies during social conflict; furthermore, this study is consistent with the hypothesis that topographically organized subpopulations of serotonergic neurons principally within the mid-rostrocaudal and caudal part of the dorsal dorsal raphe nucleus modulate stress-related physiological and behavioral responses.


TFEB: a double-edged sword for tumor metastasis.
Transcription factor EB, a member of the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MiTF/TFE) family, is a master regulator of autophagy, lysosome biogenesis, and TAMs. Metastasis is one of the main reasons for the failure of tumor therapy. Studies on the relationship between TFEB and tumor metastasis are contradictory. On the positive side, TFEB mainly affects tumor cell metastasis via five aspects, including autophagy, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), lysosomal biogenesis, lipid metabolism, and oncogenic signaling pathways; on the negative side, TFEB mainly affects tumor cell metastasis in two aspects, including tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and EMT. In this review, we described the detailed mechanism of TFEB-mediated regulation of metastasis. In addition, we also described the activation and inactivation of TFEB in several aspects, including the mTORC1 and Rag GTPase systems, ERK2, and AKT. However, the exact process by which TFEB regulates tumor metastasis remains unclear in some pathways, which requires further studies.


Montmorillonite as an adsorbent for extraction and concentration of atrazine, propazine, deethylatrazine, deisopropylatrazine and hydroxyatrazine.
Adsorption properties of the clay mineral montmorillonite in the potassium homoionic form (KMT) was investigated to achieve the extraction and concentration of the herbicides atrazine (AT) and propazine (PROP), as well as the main degradation products of atrazine, namely deethylatrazine (DEA), deisopropylatrazine (DIA) and hydroxyatrazine (ATOH). A batch approach was proposed, with recovery percentages for AT, PROP and DIA higher than 90% at concentrations of 0.50 and 2.50 microg L(-1). For DEA and ATOH, however, low recoveries were obtained. For DEA, this fact can be explained by its low K(d) with KMT, contrary to ATOH, which interacts strongly with the mineral surface, hindering the complete desorption and hence, generating low recovery percentages. The influence of pH, ionic strength and humic acid was studied, and a comparison with the C(18) phase as SPE cartridges was carried out. Montmorillonite showed a similar performance to commercial cartridge for concentrations of AT, DEA and PROP, but better recoveries for DIA was obtained using the clay mineral. For ATOH the recovery was also higher on the clay mineral, although for this compound the most suitable SPE cartridge is constituted by cation exchange resin. After the concentration and elution steps, the 0.50 and 2.50 microg L(-1) gave chromatographic peak areas that could be easily quantified with an analytical curve obtained in the concentration range between 7.5 and 100 microg L(-1). The obtained concentration factors are suitable to allow the application of the method to the monitoring of triazine residues in drinking water.


Evolution of two distinct variable lymphocyte receptors in lampreys: VLRD and VLRE.
Jawless vertebrates possess an alternative adaptive immune system in which antigens are recognized by variable lymphocyte receptors (VLRs) generated by combinatorial assembly of leucine-rich repeat (LRR) cassettes. Three types of receptors, VLRA, VLRB, and VLRC, have been previously identified. VLRA- and VLRC-expressing cells are T cell-like, whereas VLRB-expressing cells are B cell-like. Here, we report two types of VLRs in lampreys, VLRD and VLRE, phylogenetically related to VLRA and VLRC. The germline VLRD and VLRE genes are flanked by 39 LRR cassettes used in the assembly of mature VLRD and VLRE, with cassettes from chromosomes containing the VLRA and VLRC genes also contributing to VLRD and VLRE assemblies. VLRD and VLRE transcription is highest in the triple-negative (VLRA-/VLRB-/VLRC-) population of lymphocytes, albeit also detectable in VLRA+ and VLRC+ populations. Tissue distribution studies suggest that lamprey VLRD+ and VLRE+ lymphocytes comprise T-like sublineages of cells.


Glioblastoma stem cell HISTArionics.
Glioblastomas are lethal malignancies that possess a rapidly evolving microenvironment containing necrotic/hypoxic areas, aberrant microvasculature, and glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) that promote tumor growth, recurrence, and treatment resistance. Chen et al. find that GSCs drive integrated epigenetic and metabolic control of angiogenesis via histamine and propose antihistamines as potential therapies.


Clinical strategies to enhance T cell reconstitution.
Strategies to enhance T cell recovery are of increasing clinical importance to overcome long lasting T cell deficiencies, which occur in association with infections, autoimmunity and chemo/radiotherapy as well as aging of the immune system. In this review we discuss those strategies that are close to or in the clinic. Interleukin-7, sex steroid modulation, keratinocyte growth factor, growth hormone and cellular therapies using ex vivo generated T-cell precursors are currently being tested in recipients of a hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and patients with malignancies or HIV/AIDS.


Sweet Substitute: a software tool for in silico fragmentation of peptide-linked N-glycans.
A software tool, Sweet Substitute, is described, which assists tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS)-based glycosylation characterization from within a tryptic digest. The algorithm creates a virtual nanoelectrospray-quadrupole time-of-flight style-MS/MS spectrum of any user-defined N-linked glycan structure. An empirical peak height modeling routine is implemented in the program. By comparing the theoretical MS/MS data with the deconvoluted and deisotoped experimental MS/MS data, the user is able to quickly assess whether a proposed candidate oligosaccharide structure is a plausible one.


The anti-herpes simplex virus activity of n-docosanol includes inhibition of the viral entry process.
n-Docosanol-treated cells resist infection by a variety of lipid-enveloped viruses including the herpesviruses. Previous studies of the mechanism of action demonstrated that n-docosanol inhibits an event prior to the expression of intermediate early gene products but subsequent to HSV attachment. The studies reported here indicate that n-docosanol inhibits fusion of the HSV envelope with the plasma membrane. Evidence suggests that antiviral activity requires a time-dependent metabolic conversion of the compound. Cellular resistance to infection declines after removal of the drug with a t1/2 of approximately 3 h. Reduced expression of viral genes in n-docosanol-treated cells was confirmed by a 70% reduction in expression of a reporter gene regulated by a constitutive promoter inserted into the viral genome. Inhibited release in treated cells of virion-associated regulatory proteins--an immediate post entry event--was indicated by a 75% reduction in the expression of beta-galactosidase in target cells carrying a stably transfected lacZ gene under control of an HSV immediate--early promoter. Finally, the fusion-dependent dequenching of a lipophilic fluorescent probe, octadecyl rhodamine B chloride, inserted into the HSV envelope was significantly inhibited in treated cells. Inhibition of fusion between the plasma membrane and the HSV envelope, and the subsequent lack of replicative events, may be the predominant mechanism for the anti-HSV activity of n-docosanol.


A structured review of placental morphology and histopathological lesions associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection.
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a novel coronavirus, was first identified after a cluster of cases in Wuhan, China in December 2019. Whether vertical transmission or placental pathology might occur following maternal infection during pregnancy remains unknown. This review aimed to summarise all studies that examined the placenta or neonates following infection with SARS-CoV-2, or closely related highly pathogenic coronavirus (SARS-CoV-1, or the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV)). Structured literature searches found 50 studies that met the inclusion criteria. Twenty studies reported placental histopathology findings in third trimester placentas following maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection. Using the Amsterdam Consensus criteria to categorise the histopathology results, evidence of both fetal vascular malperfusion (35.3% of cases; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 27.7-43.0%) and maternal vascular malperfusion (46% of cases; 95% CI 38.0-54.0%) were reported, along with evidence of inflammation in the placentas (villitis 8.7% cases, intervillositis 5.3% of cases, chorioamnionitis 6% of cases). The placental pathologies observed in SARS-CoV-2 were consistent with findings following maternal SARS-CoV-1 infection. Of those tested, a minority of neonates (2%) and placental samples tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection (21%). Limited conclusions can be drawn about the effect of maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection on placental pathology as most lack control groups and the majority of reports followed third trimester infection. Collaboration to maximise the number of samples examined will increase the reliability and generalisability of findings. A better understanding of the association between maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection and placental pathology will inform maternity care during the coronavirus pandemic.


Acetaminophen hepatotoxicity and sterile inflammation: The mechanism of protection of Chlorogenic acid.
Acetaminophen hepatotoxicity is characterized by extensive necrotic cell death and a sterile inflammatory response. A recent report suggested that a therapeutic intervention with chlorogenic acid, a dietary polyphenolic compound, protects against acetaminophen-induced liver injury by inhibiting the inflammatory injury. The purpose of this letter is to discuss a number of reasons why the protective mechanism of chlorogenic acid against acetaminophen hepatotoxicity does not involve an anti-inflammatory effect and provides an alternative explanation for the observed protection.


[Change of surgeons' opinion against anesthesiologists after introduction of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols: questionnaire survey among surgeons who participated ERAS care].
Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols aim to improve patient care, reducing complication rates, and shortening hospital stay following colorectal surgery in Europe. In cooperation of colorectal surgeons and anesthesiologists, ERAS protocols were initially introduced in our hospital to the patients who underwent open colorectal resection in July 2010. Using a questionnaire, we surveyed the change of surgeons' opinion against anesthesiologists after introduction of ERAS among 15 surgeons at Metropolitan Bokutoh hospital. Surgeons realized that introduction of ERAS made strong communication between surgeons and anesthesiologists. And they also thought it is not surgeons themselves nor anesthesiologists themselves but 'team care' which could produce positive outcome of ERAS. Introduction of ERAS as collaboration of surgeons and anesthesiologists resulted in facilitating communication of surgeons and anesthesiologists.


Trends of arbekacin-resistant MRSA strains in Japanese hospitals (1979 to 2000).
A total of 472 clinical strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolated in Japan between 1979 and 2000 were investigated for resistance to 8 aminoglycosides, 4 aminoglycoside-modifying enzyme gene profiles, and AluI-restriction fragment length polymorphism of the coagulase gene determined by polymerase chain reaction assay. The majority of MRSA strains tested belonged to 4 groups based on coa-RFLP: L21, L22, L31, and M22. About 90% of recent isolates belonged to type L21, indicating the spread of a specific type of MRSA in Japan. Of the type L21 strains, 41.9% included the aac(6')/aph(2") gene, which was one of the risk factors of arbekacin (ABK) resistance, but only 5.5% were resistant to ABK. In contrast, all of the type M22 strains carried aac(6')/aph(2") and 70.1% showed ABK resistance. Among the other types, less than 20% of strains showed ABK resistance. These results suggested that ABK has maintained potent activity. If the predominance of type L21 continues, there will be no progression to ABK resistance in MRSA. However, it may be necessary to monitor the trends in type M22 continuously.


Oligonucleotide array CGH studies in myeloproliferative neoplasms: comparison with JAK2V617F mutational status and conventional chromosome analysis.
Comparative genomic hybridization (CGH), using oligo arrays with either 44,000 or 105,000 oligonucleotides, was performed on granulocyte-derived DNA from 71 patients with BCR-ABL-negative classic myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs): 32 primary myelofibrosis (PMF), 26 polycythemia vera (PV) and 13 essential thrombocythemia (ET). Copy number changes (CNCs) were detected in 44%, 35%, and 15% of the cases with PMF, PV and ET, respectively. In ET and PMF, CNCs were more frequently detected in the presence of JAK2V617F (50% vs. 19%; p=0.05). Conventional chromosome analysis was obtained in 57 patients either at diagnosis or within 1 year of the array CGH study; all 21 patients with PV and 11 with ET displayed normal cytogenetic findings despite the presence of CNCs in 29% and 18%, respectively. In PMF, the respective rates of CNCs and abnormal karyotype were 48% and 36%; karyotypic abnormalities, including unbalanced translocations, were often detected by array CGH as chromosomal gains or losses. This preliminary report suggests a potential value for array CGH in terms of both clinical diagnostics and genomic research in MPNs.


Association of Adverse Experiences and Exposure to Violence in Childhood and Adolescence With Inflammatory Burden in Young People.
Childhood stress exposure is associated with inflammation as measured by C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin 6 (IL-6). However, findings are inconsistent and effect sizes are small. The addition of soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR), a new biomarker of chronic inflammation, may improve measurement of stress-related inflammatory burden. To assess whether exposure to adverse experiences, stress, and violence is associated with an increase in suPAR levels in young people and to test the hypothesis that measuring suPAR in addition to CRP or IL-6 levels improves the assessment of the inflammatory burden associated with early-life stress. This cohort study included 1391 participants from a 1994 to 1995 birth cohort of twins from the nationally representative Environmental Risk Longitudinal Twin Study in the United Kingdom. Participants were followed up until 18 years of age (93% retention). Plasma samples were analyzed in July 2018, and statistical analysis was performed from October 1, 2018, to May 31, 2019. Adverse childhood experiences and childhood and adolescent experience of stress and violence exposure. Plasma CRP, IL-6, and suPAR levels at 18 years of age. Among 1391 young people (mean [SD] age, 18.4 [0.36] years; 733 [52.7%] female), those who had been exposed to stressful experiences had elevated suPAR levels by 18 years of age after controlling for sex, body mass index, and smoking: 0.03-ng/mL (95% CI, 0.01-0.05 ng/mL) increase in suPAR per each additional adverse childhood experience, 0.09-ng/mL (95% CI, 0.01-0.17 ng/mL) increase in suPAR per each additional severe childhood experience of stress or violence, and 0.04-ng/mL (95% CI, -0.02 to 0.10 ng/mL) increase in suPAR per each additional severe adolescent experience of stress or violence. Individuals exposed to multiple types of violence in both childhood and adolescence had 0.26-ng/mL (95% CI, 0.07-0.45 ng/mL) higher suPAR levels compared with children who did not experience stress or violence. These stress-exposed young people were significantly more likely to have elevated suPAR levels at 18 years of age even if they did not have elevated CRP or IL-6 levels. Measuring suPAR in addition to CRP or IL-6 increased the association between stress exposure and inflammatory burden. For example, after adjusting for CRP and IL-6 levels, each additional adverse childhood experience was associated with a 0.05-mL (95% CI, 0.03-0.07 ng/mL) increase in suPAR, each additional severe childhood experience of stress or violence was associated with a 0.14-ng/mL (95% CI, 0.06-0.22 ng/mL) increase in suPAR, and each additional severe adolescent experience of stress or violence was associated with a 0.10-ng/mL (95% CI, 0.04-0.16 ng/mL) increase in suPAR. The results suggest that adult inflammation is associated with childhood exposure to stress. Adding information about suPAR to traditional biomarkers of inflammation may improve the measurement of inflammatory burden associated with exposure to stress and violence.


Localization of zein genes in maize.
The band patterns of zein polypeptides were determined for many commercial inbred corn lines and maize stocks using isofocusing in agarose gels and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-urea gels. Each inbred line or homozygous maize strain genotype has a distinct zein profile which has been catalogued according to the distance of charge migration and molecular weight (kilodaltons). Several zein polypeptides were mapped to chromosomes 4 and 10 with the use of reciprocal translocations. The mapping of at least two polypeptides on distal 4L and 10L had not been previously reported. The general methods used in the present research will permit the mapping of all the zein polypeptides to chromosomal sites.


A long-lasting cholinesterase inhibitor affecting neural and behavioral processes.
A series of analogues of physostigmine were prepared with the aim of investigating their inhibitory effects on acetylcholinesterase in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. One of the isomers prepared was evaluated for its anticholinesterase activity in vivo, acute toxicity, and some behavioral effects. This compound was a competitive inhibitor of the enzyme and was found to antagonize the stimulating effect produced by scopolamine on locomotor activity and to facilitate memory consolidation.


Comparison of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and surgical revision after intraoperative dilatation with biliary tract probes for arteriovenous fistula stenosis at juxta-anastomosis.
Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) is widely used for stenosis of vascular access (VA) for hemodialysis. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of both PTA and surgical revision after intraoperative dilatation with biliary tract probes for juxta-anastomotic stenosis in autogenous radiocephalic arteriovenous fistulas (RCAVFs). We performed a retrospective analysis of PTA and surgical revision after intraoperative dilatation with biliary tract probes; these were the first interventions after RCAVF establishment in 112 patients with juxta-anastomotic stenosis. Anatomical (number of stenoses) and clinical variables (age and gender of the patient, time of hemodialysis, AVF age, presence of diabetes mellitus, and cause of end-stage renal disease) were reviewed. Technical success, clinical success, and post-intervention primary patency were evaluated. Our study enrolled 35 patients in the PTA group and 77 patients in the surgical revision group. Clinical and technical success rates of both groups were 100%. There were no complications, such as bleeding or hematomas. Using the Kaplan-Meier method, the post-intervention primary patency rates at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months in the PTA group were 100%, 94.28%, 77.1%, 60%, 54.29%, and 45.71%, respectively, and those in the surgical revision group were 100%, 94.81%, 92.2%, 90.91%, 81.82%, and 76.62%, respectively. The post-intervention primary patency rates at 9-24 months in the surgical revision group were significantly higher than those in the PTA group (χ2 = 19.04, p < 0.0001). The post-intervention long-term primary patency rate of surgical revision after intraoperative dilatation with biliary tract probes is higher than that of PTA for the first intervention of patients with juxta-anastomotic stenosis in RCAVFs. The surgical revision method is safe and effective, especially in hospitals that have not yet carried out PTA.


Interaction of SNP in the CRP gene and plasma fatty acid profile in inflammatory pattern: A cross-sectional population-based study.
To assess the interaction of three single nucleotide polymorphisms in the C-reactive protein (CRP) gene and plasma fatty acid (FA) levels in modulating inflammatory profile. A total of 262 subjects, aged >19 y and <60 y, participated in a cross-sectional, population-based study performed in Brazil. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs1205, rs1417938, and rs2808630) spanning the CRP gene were genotyped. Eleven plasma inflammatory biomarkers and plasma FA profile were determined. Cluster analysis was performed to stratify individuals based on eleven inflammatory biomarkers into two groups: an inflammatory (INF) and a noninflammatory group. The INF cluster had higher age, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure; higher levels of triacylglycerol, high-sensitivity CRP, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-8, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-12, IL-10, soluble monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1, C16:0, polyunsaturated fatty acid, and omega (n)-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid; and greater C20:4n-6, C18:1/18:0, and C20:4/20:3 ratios than the noninflammatory group. Statistically significant gene-plasma C16:1n-7 interaction was detected for rs1417938 (P = 0.047). Those with a dominant homozygous rs2808630 had a lower risk of belonging to the INF group with the upper 50th percentile of C20:4n-6, n-3 highly unsaturated FA, and C20:4/20:3 ratio. Regarding rs1205, A allele carriers had lower risk of being in the INF group when C20:5n-3 and n-3 highly unsaturated FA levels were greater than the median. The INF group exhibited changes in metabolic parameters that predispose this group to chronic disease, where polymorphisms in the CRP gene modulated the risk of being in the INF group depending on individual plasma fatty acid and lipid profile.


Treatment of superficial basal cell carcinoma with 7.8% 5-aminolaevulinic acid nanoemulsion-based gel (BF-200 ALA) and photodynamic therapy: Results in clinical practice in a tertiary hospital.
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an effective treatment option for the treatment of superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC). Recent publications have demonstrated that PDT with 7.8% 5-aminolaevulinic acid nanoemulsion-based gel (BF-200 ALA-PDT) is an effective and safe alternative for the treatment of sBCC). To investigate the efficacy and safety of 7.8% 5-aminolaevulinic acid nanoemulsion-based gel (BF-200 ALA)-PDT for the treatment of sBCC. A non-controlled, open-label single centre study was conducted. Patients received one PDT cycle with two PDT sessions one-week apart. In case that clinical-dermoscopy evaluation of treatment outcome revealed remaining lesions, a second PDT cycle was performed. The clinical results at the dermoscopy and fluorescence diagnosis level were histologically confirmed in all patients. Treatment response was evaluated 3, 6, and 12 months after last PDT session. A total of 31 patients (12 men and 19 women), with a median age of 63.74 years were included in this study. 3-month after PDT-session, 23/31 patients were complete responders (74.19%) after two BF-200 ALA -PDT sessions. Esthetic outcome was considered good-to-excellent. 5 Aminolevulinic acid 7.8% nanoemulsion-based gel (BF-200 ALA) PDT is an effective therapy option for the treatment of sBCC. Complete clearance rates were higher in those patients who received only one PDT cycle. These results show a similar tendency as shown in other publications.


The significant role of carnitine and fatty acids during pregnancy, lactation and perinatal period. Nutritional support in specific groups of pregnant women.
Pregnancy is characterized by a complexity of metabolic processes that may impact fetal health and development. Women's nutrition during pregnancy and lactation is considered important for both mother and infant. This review aims to investigate the significant role of fatty acids and carnitine during pregnancy and lactation in specific groups of pregnant and lactating women. The literature was reviewed using relevant data bases (e.g. Pubmed, Scopus, Science Direct) and relevant articles were selected to provide information and data for the text and associated Tables. Dynamic features especially of plasma carnitine profile during pregnancy and lactation, indicate an extraordinarily active participation of carnitine in the intermediary metabolism both in pregnant woman and in neonate and may also have implications for health and disease later in life. Maternal diets rich in trans and saturated fatty acids can lead to impairments in the metabolism and development of the offspring, whereas the consumption of long chain-polyunsaturated fatty acids during pregnancy plays a beneficial physiologic and metabolic role in the health of offspring. Pregnant women who are underweight, overweight or obese, with gestational diabetes mellitus or diabetes mellitus and those who choose vegan/vegetarian diets or are coming from socially disadvantaged areas, should be nutritionally supported to achieve a higher quality diet during pregnancy and/or lactation.


Highly precise measurements of the relative gamma-ray intensities for 56Mn and 72Ga.
Precise relative gamma-ray intensities of 56Mn and 72Ga produced by neutron irradiation of natural Mn3O4 and enriched 71Ga2O3 (99.8%) were measured by an HPGe detector with highly-precisely calibrated detection efficiencies. As both nuclides exhibit no beta branch to the ground state, the absolute emission probabilities of the 846.8 keV gamma ray for 56Mn and 834.0 keV gamma ray for 72Ga were determined to be 0.9888+/-0.0014 and 0.9553+/-0.0005, respectively.


Central auditory processing. II. Effects of anterior temporal lobectomy.
Ear dominance for the pitch of dichotically presented tonal stimuli was measured in nine patients before and after a unilateral anterior temporal lobectomy. Four subjects had a left and five had a right lobectomy. Every patient exhibited a change of ear dominance consistent with the hypothesis that a unilateral lobectomy decreases the perceptual salience of the tone presented to the ear contralateral to the lesion. Depending on the direction and magnitude of the subject's preoperative ear dominance and the side of the lobectomy, the postoperative results either increased or decreased the strength of ear dominance in a predictable fashion. The results support the idea that within each temporal lobe lie physiological mechanisms which can enhance the perceptual salience of the acoustic signal emitted by one sound source when other, concurrent, spatially separated sound sources are present. It is also argued that the same mechanism operates on speech, melodic, and tonal signals.


Orthostatic tremor: report of two cases and an electrophysiological study.
Two patients with legs tremor present on standing, but none on walking or sitting, are reported. Tremor was not exclusive or orthostatism and was also evoked by strong tonic contraction of leg muscles. Synchronous EMG bursts were recorded in antagonistic muscle groups at 8-10 Hz in the first patient and at 16 Hz in the second. EMG activity was synchronous in corresponding muscles of both legs. The occurrence of EMG activity was not influenced by stimulation of nerve afferent fibers. We suggest that this movement disorder may be an exaggeration of physiological tremor due to synchronization of motor units by spontaneous oscillations in central structures.


Detection of venous air embolism. A clinical report using end-tidal carbon dioxide monitoring during neurosurgery.
A clinical report on the detection of venous air embolism during neurosurgery is presented. The use of end-tidal CO2 monitoring is described.


Trifluridine/Tipiracil in Combination with Bevacizumab in First-Line for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A Way Forward. A Point of View Based on Cost-Effectiveness.
The aim of this analysis is to assess the pharmacological costs of trifluridine/tipiracil as first-line treatment in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients who were not candidates for combination with cytotoxic chemotherapies. TASCO1 Trial was considered (153 patients). Differences in costs between the 2 arms (trifluridine/tipiracil plus bevacizumab vs. capecitabine plus bevacizumab) was 9113 € (10 264 USD), with a cost savings of 1982 € (2232 USD) per month of overall survival (OS)-gain. Trifluridine/tipiracil could be consider a cost-effective treatment also in first-line for mCRC patients who were not candidates for combination with cytotoxic chemotherapies.


Temporal trends in attention disengagement from social threat as a function of social anxiety.
Difficulty disengaging attention from threat has been observed in some anxious samples, but the evidence to date is mixed. The current study examines temporal trends in attention disengagement and compares this construct across multiple forms of social threat. Participants (85 adults with a principal diagnosis of social anxiety disorder) completed a spatial cueing task with four image categories (angry faces, disapproving faces, neutral faces, neutral objects). Attention disengagement was assessed via reaction time (RT) over 256 trials. Participants with greater social anxiety exhibited an initial delay in attention disengagement from disapproving faces that habituated over the course of the task. RTs to angry and neutral stimuli did not differ as a function of social anxiety. The current task only allowed for examining speed of attention disengagement, and thus we were unable to compare our results to trajectories of speed at which participants orient towards threat. Additionally, disapproving facial images were created for this paradigm and may benefit from further validation. Findings suggest that social anxiety is associated with an initial delay in attention disengagement from social threat that resolves over the course of repeated exposures to such stimuli. Treatment implications are discussed.


Formation, structure, and reactivity of amino-terminated organic films on silicon substrates.
Amino-functionalized organic films were prepared by self-assembling 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) on silicon wafers in either anhydrous toluene or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) for varied deposition times. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and ellipsometry have shown that the structure and thickness of APTES films are governed by the deposition time and reaction solution. Deposition from an anhydrous toluene solution produces APTES films ranging from 10 to 144 A in thickness, depending on the reaction time. FTIR spectra indicate that film growth initially proceeds by adsorption of APTES to the silicon surface followed by siloxane condensation, and after an extended period of time APTES molecules accumulate on the underlying APTES film by either covalent or noncovalent interactions. In contrast, spectroscopically indistinguishable APTES films in thickness ranging from 8 to 13 A were formed when deposition was conducted in aqueous solutions. Measured water contact angles indicate that APTES films deposited in aqueous solutions are more hydrophilic compared to those prepared in toluene solutions. Fluorescence measurements revealed that APTES films prepared in toluene solutions contain more reactive surface amino groups by ca. 3 to 10 times than those prepared in aqueous solutions for the identical reaction time.


Leucotomized schizophrenics lose neurons in the mediodorsal thalamic nucleus.
It has previously been shown that chronic schizophrenic patients have a 40-50% reduction in the total number of nerve and glia cells in the mediodorsal thalamic nucleus and the nucleus accumbens compared with controls, while the total neuron and glia number is the same in the two groups in the ventral pallidum. Using new stereological cell counting methods, neuron and glia cell numbers were estimated in the mediodorsal thalamic nucleus, the ventro-medial part of nucleus accumbens and the ventral pallidum in nine brains from leucotomized schizophrenics. This number was compared with counts from control cases and chronic schizophrenics without leucotomy. The results showed that the total number of nerve cells in the mediodorsal thalamic nucleus was statistically significantly reduced from 1.08 x 10(6) in chronic schizophrenics to 0.88 x 10(6) in leucotomized schizophrenics. Total neuron number was statistically significantly reduced in the ventro-medial part of the nucleus accumbens in schizophrenics without further reduction in leucotomized schizophrenics. The total neuron number in ventral pallidum was normal. With frontal leucotomy it is possible to investigate the consequences of disconnection of the prefrontal cortex to central regions in the human brain. The mediodorsal nucleus of thalamus represents a major efferent projection to the prefrontal cortex.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


UV-CD12: synchrotron radiation circular dichroism beamline at ANKA.
Synchrotron radiation circular dichroism (SRCD) is a rapidly growing technique for structure analysis of proteins and other chiral biomaterials. UV-CD12 is a high-flux SRCD beamline installed at the ANKA synchrotron, to which it had been transferred after the closure of the SRS Daresbury. The beamline covers an extended vacuum-UV to near-UV spectral range and has been open for users since October 2011. The current end-station allows for temperature-controlled steady-state SRCD spectroscopy, including routine automated thermal scans of microlitre volumes of water-soluble proteins down to 170 nm. It offers an excellent signal-to-noise ratio over the whole accessible spectral range. The technique of oriented circular dichroism (OCD) was recently implemented for determining the membrane alignment of α-helical peptides and proteins in macroscopically oriented lipid bilayers as mimics of cellular membranes. It offers improved spectral quality <200 nm compared with an OCD setup adapted to a bench-top instrument, and accelerated data collection by a factor of ∼3. In addition, it permits investigations of low hydrated protein films down to 130 nm using a rotatable sample cell that avoids linear dichroism artifacts.


How adolescents experience and cope with pain in daily life: a qualitative study on ways to cope and the use of over-the-counter analgesics.
The aim of this study was to describe how different adolescents experience and manage pain in their daily life, with a focus on their use of over-the-counter analgesics. More specifically, the aim was to explore different patterns among the adolescents in pain descriptions, in the management of pain, in relationships with others, and in their daily life. Qualitative semistructured interviews on experiences with pain, pain management and involvement of family and friends during pain. Pain and stress management strategies and attachment theory will be in focus for interpretations. 25 participants aged 15-16-years from six different junior high schools, both genders, with and without immigrant background were interviewed at their local schools in Norway. We identified 4 groups of adolescents with similarities in attitudes and management strategies to pain: 'pain is manageable', 'pain is communicable', 'pain is inevitable' and 'pain is all over'. The participants within each group differed in how they engaged their parents in pain; how they perceived, communicated and managed pain; and how they involved emotions and used over-the-counter analgesics. The adolescents' different involvement with the family during pain related to their pain perception and management. Knowledge of the different ways of approaching pain is important when supporting adolescents and may be a subject for further research on the use of over-the-counter analgesics in the family.


Neoadjuvant hormone therapy and external-beam radiation for localized high-risk prostate cancer: the importance of PSA nadir before radiation.
To examine the impact of various patient, disease, and treatment characteristics on outcome in patients treated with neoadjuvant hormone therapy (NAHT) and external-beam radiation therapy (EBRT) for clinically localized, high-risk prostate adenocarcinoma (initial prostate-specific antigen [PSA] level >20, Gleason score 8-10 or Stage > or = T3). A retrospective chart review was conducted on 407 patients treated between 1991 and 2001 with NAHT and EBRT for high-risk prostate cancer. The effect of tumor (PSA level, Gleason score, and T stage) and treatment (NAHT duration, total-hormone duration, preradiation PSA) characteristics on rates of biochemical disease-free survival (bDFS), prostate cancer-specific survival, and overall survival were examined. Median follow-up time was 78 months (range: 5-140 months). Actuarial bDFS at 5 years was 52% (95% confidence interval [CI], 46% to 57%) for the entire group. On multivariate analysis, initial PSA level (p = 0.004), Gleason score (p = 0.005), and preradiation PSA level (p < 0.001) were predictive of bDFS, whereas age, T stage, duration of NAHT, and duration of total hormone therapy were not predictive of outcomes. Gleason score and preradiation PSA level were also predictive of prostate cancer-specific survival rates. Improved bDFS in patients with high-risk prostate cancer was associated with lower initial PSA level, lower Gleason score, and lower preradiation PSA level. The duration of NAHT did not have an impact on outcomes, but the preradiation PSA was an important predictor of bDFS in high-risk patients.


Fontan's operation: is aspirin enough? Is coumadin too much?
Thromboembolism after Fontan's operation is attributed to low flow states, stasis in venous pathways, right to left shunts, blind cul-de-sacs, prosthetic materials, atrial arrhythmias, and hypercoagulable states. We assessed the efficacy of a strategy to reduce thromboembolic events including aspirin anticoagulation. From January 1996 through December 2000, 72 patients underwent Fontan procedures. Management included (1) avoidance of direct caval cannulation and central venous lines, (2) inotropic support for 48 to 72 hours to optimize cardiac output, (3) aortopulmonary anastomosis or suture closure of patent pulmonary valves, and (4) administration of aspirin (81 mg per day) beginning on postoperative day one. No other anticoagulation strategies were used. Surveillance included intraoperative and postoperative transesophageal echo, transthoracic echo at discharge, at first reevaluation, and at 6 month intervals, and catheterization 1 year after surgery. There were no early or late deaths. Follow-up was completed with 2,882 patient-months and a mean of 40 months. There were no documented thromboembolic events; however, all suspicious occurrences were investigated by echo and brain imaging. There were no hemorrhagic events or aspirin-related complications. Low dose aspirin can be used safely in young patients with Fontan connections. At intermediate follow-up, the strategies described appear effective in preventing thromboembolic complications. Routine use of more aggressive anticoagulation regimens seems unwarranted.


Creating the 'George N. Papanicolaou Medal' by the Academy of Athens: An interview with Professor of Sculpture Theodoros Papagiannis (Athens School of Fine Arts, Athens, Greece).
The 'George N. Papanicolaou Medal' is a brass medal commissioned by the Academy of Athens on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the birth of Dr George N. Papanicolaou in 1983. It was created by Professor Theodoros Papagiannis, Professor Emeritus of Sculpture at the Athens School of Fine Arts in Athens, Greece; the medal presents Dr George N. Papanicolaou with his microscope. According to Professor Papagiannis, the medal was requested by Professor Nikolaos Louros, Emeritus Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Athens School of Medicine and it was created according to the ancient Greek style. The medal was given to all honored participants of the special ceremony organized by the Academy of Athens in May 13th, 1983, in the context of the 100 years from the birth of Dr George N. Papanicolaou. The ceremony was performed at the Central Hall of the Academy of Athens in Athens under the auspices of the President of the Hellenic Democracy Constantinos Caramanlis. A copy of this medal is being exhibited at the 'Museum of Contemporary Sculpture Theodoros Papagiannis' in Elliniko at the Municipality of Katsanochoria close to Ioannina (Greece), as well as at the newly founded Institute of Paediatric Virology based on the island of Euboea, birth place of Dr George N. Papanicolaou.


HbA1c in relation to incident diabetes and diabetes-related complications in non-diabetic adults at baseline.
We compared the utility of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and oral glucose tolerance (oGTT) in non-diabetic patients for identifying incident diabetes; all-cause mortality; cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality; CVD, coronary heart disease (CHD), and ischemic stroke events; and diabetes microvascular complications. Data from a New Zealand community setting were prospectively linked to hospitalization, mortality, pharmaceutical and laboratory test results data. After applying exclusion criteria (prior laboratory diagnosis or history of drug treatment for diabetes or hospitalization for diabetes or CVD event), there were 31,148 adults who had an HbA1c and 2-h 75g oGTT. HbA1c was measured by ion-exchange high-performance liquid chromatography, and glucose using a commercial enzymatic method. We compared glycemic measures and outcomes using multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression. The median follow-up time was 4years (range 0 to 13). The mean age was 57·6years and 53·0% were male. After adjusting for other glycemic measures (fasting glucose, 2-h glucose and/or HbA1c where relevant) in addition to age, sex, ethnicity and smoking habit, the hazard ratios for incident diabetes and diabetes complications of retinopathy and nephropathy were highest for 2-h glucose levels, followed by HbA1c and lastly by fasting glucose. However, all-cause mortality and CHD were significantly associated with HbA1c concentrations only, and ischemic stroke and CVD events with 2-h glucose only. Circulatory complications showed a stronger association with HbA1c. Apart from neuropathy, HbA1c showed stronger associations with outcomes compared to fasting glucose and provides a convenient alternative to an oGTT.


alpha-Enolase binds to human plasminogen on the surface of Bacillus anthracis.
alpha-enolase of Bacillus anthracis has recently been classified as an immunodominant antigen and a potent virulence factor determinant. alpha-enolase (2-phospho-d-glycerate hydrolase (EC 18.104.22.168), a key glycolytic metalloenzyme catalyzes the dehydration of d-(+)-2-phosphoglyceric acid to phosphoenolpyruvate. Interaction of surface bound alpha-enolase with plasminogen has been incriminated in tissue invasion for pathogenesis. B. anthracis alpha-enolase was expressed in Escherichia coli and the recombinant enzyme was purified to homogeneity that exhibited a K(m) of 3.3 mM for phosphoenolpyruvate and a V(max) of 0.506 microM min(- 1) mg(-1). B. anthracis whole cells and membrane vesicles probed with anti-enolase antibodies confirmed the surface localization of alpha-enolase. The specific interaction of alpha-enolase with human plasminogen (but not plasmin) evident from ELISA and the retardation in the native gel reinforced its role in plasminogen binding. Putative plasminogen receptors in B. anthracis other than enolase were also observed. This binding was found to be carboxypeptidase sensitive implicating the role of C-terminal lysine residues. The recombinant enolase displayed in vitro laminin binding, an important mammalian extracellular matrix protein. Plasminogen interaction conferred B. anthracis with a potential to in vitro degrade fibronectin and exhibit fibrinolytic phenotype. Therefore, by virtue of its interaction to host plasminogen and extracellular matrix proteins, alpha-enolase may contribute in augmenting the invasive potential of B. anthracis.


Effect of Low-Temperature Storage on Diaeretiella rapae (McIntosh) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae).
We evaluated the effects of constant low-temperature storage on Diaeretiella rapae (McIntosh) (Braconidae, Aphidiinae). Diaeretiella rapae mummies were stored at 5 ± 1°C for 0-36 days. The percentage of D. rapae emergence varied (100-83%) after 0-32 days of storage. After 32 days, emergence reduced to 55%. According to our Probit analysis, 50% mortality (LT50) of the population of D. rapae was reached after 40 days of storage at 5°C. Storage for up to 32 days did not negatively affect emergence and survival. Cold exposure of D. rapae for 36 days did not influence morphological malformations, sex ratio, and emergence of the F1 generation. After 4-36 days of storage, D. rapae showed a gradual decrease in emergence, longevity, reproductive capacity, and F1 sex ratio. Diaeretiella rapae can be stored for up to 24 days at 5°C, at which time the percentage of parasitism and the F1 sex ratio remain above 38% and at 0.50, respectively.


Determination of Key Technical Parameters in the Study of New Pressure Sealing Technology for Coal Seam Gas Extraction.
Coal is affected by the concentrated stress disturbance of mining, the disturbance of drilling hole formation, and the concentrated stress of coal shrinkage and splitting of gas desorption from the hole wall; these result in a large number of secondary cracks that collect and leak gas. As a result, it is difficult for the coal seam sealing process to meet engineering quality sealing requirements, which results in problems such as low gas concentration during the extraction process. In this paper, based on the analysis of coal pore and fissure characteristics, and in view of the current situation of gas drainage and sealing in this coal seam, combined with the existing grouting and sealing technology, it is proposed to use pressure grouting and sealing to realize the sealing of deep coal bodies in the hole wall. According to the field conditions, the experimental pressure sealing parameter index is as follows: theoretical sealing length L1 = 9.69 m, the sealing length L2 = 13.98 m is verified, and the final sealing length is determined to be 15 m; the sealing radius is determined to be 0.6 m; the cement slurry was prepared on site with a water: cement ratio of 2:1; PG = 0.43 MPa was calculated; the range of the slurry diffusion radius R was 93.4-176.6 cm; the grouting pressure was determined to be 0.516 MPa. Field application practice has proved that: (1) Under the same drilling parameters and sealing parameters, the gas drainage effect of drilling with pressure sealing is 2.3 times higher than that without pressure sealing; (2) Using traditional sealing technology for drilling holes, the gas extraction concentration is far lower than the sealing operation effect of using the pressure sealing process; (3) Reasonably extending the length of the gas extraction drilling and sealing is a basic guarantee for realizing a substantial increase in the gas extraction concentration; (4) Sealing with pressure leads to a reliable and stable hole process.


DNA topoisomerase IIalpha expression and the response toprimary chemotherapy in breast cancer.
The alpha isoform of Topoisomerase IIalpha (Topo IIalpha) is a proliferation marker as well as a target for several chemotherapeutic agents such as anthracyclines. In vitro studies have demonstrated the relationship between the Topo IIalpha expression level and chemosensitivity of target cancer cells. To verify this effect in vivo, we selected 125 patients presenting with T(2)>3 cm and T(3) N(0-1) M(0) breast tumours who were treated by six cycles of primary chemotherapy, including epirubicin before any surgery. Therapy response was assessed by clinical and X-ray mammogram measurements of tumour shrinkage. The pretherapeutic core biopsies were immunostained with a monoclonal antibody (Ki-S7) against Topo IIalpha. Ki-S7 positivity ranged from 0 to 50% (median, 15%). A high percentage of Ki-S7-positive cells (>15%) was associated with tumour regression under chemotherapy (OR=2.88, CI: 1.3-6.4, P=0.004). Ki-S7 further emerged as an independent predictor of tumour regression (OR=3.34, CI: 1.41-7.93, P=0.006), together with tumour size of less than 40 mm (OR=3.82, CI: 1.58-9.25, P=0.002) and negative oestrogen receptor (ER) status (OR=3.35, CI: 1.43-7.86, P=0.005), in a multivariate analysis including tumour size, SBR grade, ER and PR status, Ki-67, p53 and Her-2/neu. Our clinical results confirm in vitro data on the relationship between Topo IIalpha expression and tumour chemosensitivity and thus may have important practical implications.


Severe hypocalcemia after denosumab treatment leading to refractory ventricular tachycardia and veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support: a case report.
Severe hypocalcemia may lead to life-threatening arrhythmias. Denosumab is an effective treatment for osteoporosis that allows long intervals between doses. However, there is a risk of hypocalcemia in some patients. Due to the long half-life of denosumab, emergency physicians caring for patients presenting with symptoms of hypocalcemia may not be aware of the medication, and adverse effects may last longer. A 55-year-old woman with a history of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and anxiety disorder called for an ambulance for symptoms of hyperventilation and muscle cramps. After evaluation at the local hospital, she developed pulseless ventricular tachycardia and was resuscitated by defibrillation by the hospital staff. After conversion to sinus rhythm, she was transported to a tertiary center. Upon arrival, pulseless ventricular tachycardia occurred again, and veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and intra-aortic balloon pumping (IABP) were implemented. Laboratory results showed severe hypocalcemia (corrected calcium level of 5.3 mg/dL) whereupon intravenous calcium supplementation was started. She had received the first dose of denosumab (60 mg) by subcutaneous injection 24 days prior to hospitalization. She was eventually weaned from ECMO and IABP support. Cardiac arrest due to hypocalcemia is relatively rare but can be fatal. In the present case, hyperventilation may have acutely exacerbated pre-existing hypocalcemia, leading to ventricular tachycardia. The patient had a slightly decreased serum calcium level prior to denosumab. Close monitoring may be preferable after the primary dose of denosumab in selected patients. Emergency physicians caring for patients who may be suffering from symptoms/signs of hypocalcemia must be mindful of medications that have long half-lives and affect electrolyte balance when treating fatal arrhythmia due to hypocalcemia.


Dysmorphophobia--a long-term study.
This study examines the mental health of 187 patients who had a rhinoplasty fifteen years earlier. Of 101 who had the operation following disease or injury 9 are now severely neurotic and one schizophrenic; of 86 who had the operation for aesthetic reasons 32 are now severely neurotic and 6 schizophrenic. The differences between the two groups are significant, and show that dysmorphophobia is an ominous symptom.


Chemometric modeling of palate fullness in lager beers.
Palate fullness and mouthfeel of beer are key attributes of sensory beer quality. Non-volatile substances and molar mass fractions influence sensory perceptions of palate fullness and mouthfeel. However, systematic correlations between sensory attributes and native beer compounds have not been evaluated within the concentration range found in lager beer. This article reports a chemometric analysis of 41 lager beers by evaluating analytical data of beer compositions, palate fullness, and mouthfeel descriptors. AF4-MALS-dRI indicated high variability in the macromolecular compositions of classical lager beers. Screened beers were clustered into groups differing significantly in palate fullness intensity and macromolecular distribution. Significant correlations were found between palate fullness and macromolecular fractions and beer composition parameters: original gravity, viscosity, indices of macromolecular distribution, total nitrogen (p < 0.001), and β-glucan (p < 0.01). Thus, a model was built using partial least square regression (PLS) analysis to predict the palate fullness intensity in beers (R2C = 0.7993). This model can be used as a guideline by brewers to control palate fullness and mouthfeel.


Antiatherosclerotic Effects of 1-Methylnicotinamide in Apolipoprotein E/Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Deficient Mice: A Comparison with Nicotinic Acid.
1-Methylnicotinamide (MNA), the major endogenous metabolite of nicotinic acid (NicA), may partially contribute to the vasoprotective properties of NicA. Here we compared the antiatherosclerotic effects of MNA and NicA in apolipoprotein E (ApoE)/low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR)-deficient mice. ApoE/LDLR(-/-) mice were treated with MNA or NicA (100 mg/kg). Plaque size, macrophages, and cholesterol content in the brachiocephalic artery, endothelial function in the aorta, systemic inflammation, platelet activation, as well as the concentration of MNA and its metabolites in plasma and urine were measured. MNA and NicA reduced atherosclerotic plaque area, plaque inflammation, and cholesterol content in the brachiocephalic artery. The antiatherosclerotic actions of MNA and NicA were associated with improved endothelial function, as evidenced by a higher concentration of 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 α and nitrite/nitrate in the aortic ring effluent, inhibition of platelets (blunted thromboxane B2 generation), and inhibition of systemic inflammation (lower plasma concentration of serum amyloid P, haptoglobin). NicA treatment resulted in an approximately 2-fold higher concentration of MNA and its metabolites in urine and a 4-fold higher nicotinamide/MNA ratio in plasma, compared with MNA treatment. In summary; MNA displays pronounced antiatherosclerotic action in ApoE/LDLR(-/-) mice, an effect associated with an improvement in prostacyclin- and nitric oxide-dependent endothelial function, inhibition of platelet activation, inhibition of inflammatory burden in plaques, and diminished systemic inflammation. Despite substantially higher MNA availability after NicA treatment, compared with an equivalent dose of MNA, the antiatherosclerotic effect of NicA was not stronger. We suggest that detrimental effects of NicA or its metabolites other than MNA may limit beneficial effects of NicA-derived MNA.


Loss of membrane phospholipid asymmetry during activation of blood platelets and sickled red cells; mechanisms and physiological significance.
Membrane phospholipid asymmetry is considered to be a general property of biological membranes. Detailed information is presently available on the non-random orientation of phospholipids in red cell- and platelet membranes. The outer leaflet of the lipid bilayer membrane is rich in choline-phospholipids, whereas amino-phospholipids are abundant in the inner leaflet. Studies with blood platelets have shown that these asymmetries are not maintained when the cells are activated in various ways. Undoing the normal asymmetry of membrane phospholipids in activated blood cells is presumably mediated by increased transbilayer movement of phospholipids. This process, which leads to increased exposure of negatively charged phosphatidylserine at the outer surface, plays an important physiological role in local blood clotting reactions. A similar phenomenon occurs in sickled red cells. Phospholipid vesicles breaking off from reversibly sickled cells contribute similarly to intravascular clotting in the crisis phase of sickle cell disease. The loss of membrane phospholipid asymmetry in activated platelets seem to be strictly correlated with degradation of cytoskeletal proteins by endogenous calpain. It is remarkable that membrane phospholipid asymmetry can be (partly) restored when activated platelets are treated with reducing agents. This leads to disappearance of phosphatidylserine from the outer leaflet where it was previously exposed during cell activation. These observations will be discussed in relation to two mechanisms which have been recognized to play a role in the regulation of membrane phospholipid asymmetry; i.e. the interaction of amino-phospholipids to cytoskeletal proteins, and the involvement of a phospholpid-translocase catalyzing outward-inward transbilayer movement of amino-phospholipids.


Interaction between MdMYB63 and MdERF106 enhances salt tolerance in apple by mediating Na+/H+ transport.
Salt stress is an important environmental factor affecting the growth and production of agricultural crops and fruits worldwide, including apple (Malus × domestica). In this study, we demonstrate that a salt-responsive MYB transcription factor (TF), designated as MdMYB63, promotes survival under salt stress. Overexpression of MdMYB63 in apple calli significantly enhanced salt tolerance. Screening of the AP2/ERF family of TFs identified MdERF106 as an interaction partner of MdMYB63. Further analyses showed that the MdMYB63-MdERF106 complex significantly promotes the expression of downstream MdSOS1, thereby improving the Na+ expulsion and salt tolerance of apple. These functional analyses of MdMYB63 have provided valuable insights into the regulatory network of salt tolerance, and lay a theoretical foundation for the cultivation of new salt-tolerant apple varieties.


Tn antigens and their significance in oncology.
Tn and sialyl-Tn carbohydrate structures, first identified in glycophorins of persons with the rare Tn syndrome, were found to be present on the surface of most cancer cells. In this article, the studies on Tn and sialyl-Tn antigens as diagnostic and prognostic tumor markers and as immunogens in vaccines for cancer immunotherapy are shortly reviewed.


Assessing the potential value of Rosa Roxburghii Tratt in arsenic-induced liver damage based on elemental imbalance and oxidative damage.
Environmental exposure to arsenic is a major public health challenge worldwide. Growing evidence indicates that coal-burning arsenic can cause hepatic oxidative damage. However, the value of Rosa roxburghii Tratt (RRT) with antioxidant properties on arsenic-caused hepatic oxidative damage has never been elucidated yet. In this study, the animals were exposed to coal-burning arsenic (10 mg/kg bw) for 90 days and the result showed a loss of body weight, impaired liver function and liver diseases, increased hepatic oxidative damage and metabolic disorder of multiple elements including selenium, copper, zinc which were related to synthesis of antioxidant enzymes. Another finding is that RRT restored the abnormal liver function and alleviated the procedures of liver diseases of arsenic poisoning rats. In addition, it could also effectively reduce the degree of oxidative damage in serum and liver, and restore the activity of some antioxidant enzymes. Importantly, RRT reversed the content of most disordered elements caused by arsenic in liver and reduced the excretion of several essential elements in urine, including selenium, copper and zinc. Our study provides some limited evidence that RRT can alleviate coal-burning arsenic-induced liver damage induced by regulating elemental metabolic disorders and liver oxidation and antioxidant balance. The study provides a scientific basis for further studies of the causes of the arsenic-induced liver damage, and effective intervention strategies.