Estimated long-term fish and shellfish intake--national health and nutrition examination survey.
Usual intake estimates describe long-term average intake of food and nutrients and food contaminants. The frequencies of fish and shellfish intake over a 30-day period from National Health and Examination Survey (NHANES 1999-2006) were combined with 24-h dietary recall data from NHANES 2003-2004 using a Monte Carlo procedure to estimate the usual intake of fish and shellfish in this study. Usual intakes were estimated for the US population including children 1 to <11 years, males/females 11 to <16 years, 16 to <21 years, and adults 21+ years. Estimated mean fish intake (consumers only) was highest among children 1 to <2 years and 2 to <3 years, at 0.37 g/kg-day for both age groups, and lowest for females 11 to <16 years, at 0.13 g/kg-day. In all age groups, daily intake estimates were highest for breaded fish, salmon, and mackerel. Among children and teenage consumers, tuna, salmon, and breaded fish were the most frequently consumed fish; shrimp, scallops, and crabs were the most frequently consumed shellfish. The intake estimates from this study better reflect long-term average intake rates and are preferred to assess long-term intake of nutrients and possible exposure to environmental contaminants from fish and shellfish sources than 2-day average estimates.


DNA hypomethylation in ethionine-induced rat preneoplastic hepatocyte nodules.
DNA from hepatocyte nodules induced in rats with dietary DL-ethionine and from the surrounding non-nodular liver contained less 5-methyldeoxycytidine per deoxycytidine when compared with that from normal adult liver. The degree of apparent hypomethylation, 37% in nodules and 20% in the surrounding liver, decreased somewhat (29% and 16% respectively) at 2 weeks after terminating the exposure to ethionine. Nodules and surrounding liver, like normal liver, responded to partial hepatectomy with a decrease in the 5-methyldeoxycytidine level at 24 hrs and a return to the level at the time of partial hepatectomy by 38 hrs. These findings indicate the need for careful control of cell proliferation in comparing the levels of a post-replicative DNA modification, methylation, in proliferating and non-proliferating cell populations. These findings also suggest that a portion of the hypomethylation in preneoplastic nodules may be due to a bona fide decrease in the level of cytosine methylation in the parental strand of DNA. This hypomethylation could be one basis for the altered gene expression in hepatocyte nodules, possible precursors for liver cancer.


Microinjection Molded Biopolymeric Airway Stent with Antibacterial and Anti-Hyperplastic Properties.
Central airway stenosis is a condition that the diameter of the trachea or main bronchus shrinkage is caused by external compression or internal tissue hyperplasia, which can cause difficulty breathing, asphyxia, and even death. Airway stenting is an easy way to restore the patency of the central airway, but airway stents commonly used in clinical practice can lead to complications such as mucus plugging, bacterial infection, and granulation tissue hyperplasia. Moreover, the non-degradable characteristic makes it requires a second operation to remove, which has the potential to cause tissue damage. In this study, a biodegradable airway stent is fabricated by microinjection molding using the bioelastomer of poly (L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) as the matrix material. The airway stent has excellent mechanical properties and an appropriate degradation rate. The hydrophilic surface of the airway stent can inhibit mucus plugging. The loading of silver nanoparticles and cisplatin endows the stent with antibacterial and anti-hyperplastic functions. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrate that this study provides an antibacterial and anti-hyperplastic biodegradable airway stent with elastic properties to avoid secondary removal operation and reduce complications associated with mucus plugging, bacterial infection, and granulation tissue hyperplasia.


Review of immobilized antimicrobial agents and methods for testing.
Antimicrobial surfaces for food and medical applications have historically involved antimicrobial coatings that elute biocides for effective kill in solution or at surfaces. However, recent efforts have focused on immobilized antimicrobial agents in order to avoid toxicity and the compatibility and reservoir limitations common to elutable agents. This review critically examines the assorted antimicrobial agents reported to have been immobilized, with an emphasis on the interpretation of antimicrobial testing as it pertains to discriminating between eluting and immobilized agents. Immobilization techniques and modes of antimicrobial action are also discussed.


Effects of androgenization on the white matter microstructure of female-to-male transsexuals. A diffusion tensor imaging study.
Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) can sensitively detect white matter sex differences and the effects of pharmacological treatments. Before cross-sex hormone treatment, the white matter microstructure of several brain bundles in female-to-male transsexuals (FtMs) differs from those in females but not from that in males. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether cross-sex hormone treatment (androgenization) affects the brain white matter microstructure. Using a Siemens 3 T Trio Tim Magneton, DTI was performed twice, before and during cross-sex hormonal treatment with testosterone in 15 FtMs scanned. Fractional anisotropy (FA) was analyzed on white matter of the whole brain, and the latter was spatially analyzed using Tract-Based Spatial Statistics. Before each scan the subjects were assessed for serum testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin level (SHBG), and their free testosterone index. After at least seven months of cross-gender hormonal treatment, FA values increased in the right superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF) and the right corticospinal tract (CST) in FtMs compared to their pre-treatment values. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that the increments in the FA values in the SLF and CST are predicted by the free testosterone index before hormonal treatment. All these observations suggest that testosterone treatment changes white matter microstructure in FtMs.


Kinetic and thermodynamic analysis on preparation of belite-calcium sulphoaluminate cement using electrolytic manganese residue and barium slag by TGA.
Electrolytic manganese residue (EMR) is a solid filter residue obtained from manganese carbonate ore during the production of metal manganese. A potential avenue towards large-scale utilisation of EMR is its use in cement preparation. However, the preparation of cement materials using EMR requires high-temperature calcination. In this study, the thermal properties and pyrolysis kinetics of belite-calcium sulfoaluminate cement raw meal were systematically studied using a multiple-heating-rate method based on thermogravimetric analysis and a kinetic model. The kinetic and thermodynamic parameters was studied using non-isothermal Flynn-Wall-Ozawa (FWO), Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose (KAS), Friedman and Kissinger methods. The results showed that from 30 to 1300°C, the pyrolysis reaction of cement raw meal was mainly divided into four steps: the crystalline water removal from calcium sulphate dihydrate and bauxite, the ammonia nitrogen removal from ammonium salts and the calcium sulphate crystal transformation; the decomposition of calcium carbonate and carbon-containing organic matter; the sulphate and carbonate substance decomposition and the clinker mineral phase formation. The average activation energies calculated when using the non-isothermal FWO, KAS, Friedman and Kissinger methods were 244.49, 240.7, 239.24 and 380.60 kJ/mol and the average pre-exponential factors were 1.75 × 1020, 3.65 × 1020, 7.11 × 1021 and 1.55 × 1013 s-1, respectively. Herein, the pyrolysis kinetics of the cement raw meal was divided into two main stages: In stage 1 (α: 0.15-0.8, 524°C-754°C), the mechanism of P2/3 accelerated nucleation in the Mampel Power rule, and the reaction mechanism function was G(α)=α3/2. In stage 2 (α: 0.80-0.95, 754°C-1165°C), during the local conversion of α = 0.2-0.8, when α was <0.5, the chemical reaction mechanism of the R3 phase boundary was noted and the mechanism function was G(α) = 1 - (1-α)1/3; however, when α was >0.5, a random nucleation and subsequent growth mechanism of A6 was noted and the mechanism function was G(α) = [-ln(1 - α)]2/3.


In vitro anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects of Cinnamomum camphora extracts.
Cinnamomum camphora Sieb (Lauraceae) has long been prescribed in traditional medicine for the treatment of inflammation-related diseases such as rheumatism, sprains, bronchitis and muscle pains. In this study, therefore, we aimed to investigate the inhibitory effects of Cinnamomum camphora on various inflammatory phenomena to explore its potential anti-inflammatory mechanisms under non-cytotoxic (less than 100 microg/ml) conditions. The total crude extract (100 microg/ml) prepared with 80% methanol (MeOH extract) and its fractions (100 microg/ml) obtained by solvent partition with hexane and ethyl acetate (EtOAc) significantly blocked the production of interleukin (IL)-1 beta, IL-6 and the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha from RAW264.7 cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) up to 20-70%. The hexane and EtOAc extracts (100 microg/ml) also inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production in LPS/interferon (IFN)-gamma-activated macrophages by 65%. The MeOH extract (100 microg/ml) as well as two fractions (100 microg/ml) prepared by solvent partition with n-butanol (BuOH) and EtOAc strongly suppressed the prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) production in LPS/IFN-gamma-activated macrophages up to 70%. It is interesting to note that hexane, BuOH and EtOAc extracts (100 microg/ml) also inhibited the functional activation of beta1-integrins (CD29) assessed by U937 homotypic aggregation up to 70-80%. Furthermore, EtOAc and BuOH extracts displayed strong anti-oxidative activity with IC(50) values of 14 and 15 microM, respectively, when tested by the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and xanthine oxide (XO) assays. Taken together, these data suggest that the anti-inflammatory actions of Cinnamomum camphora may be due to the modulation of cytokine, NO and PGE(2) production and oxidative stress, and of the subfractions tested, the EtOAc extract may be further studied to isolate the active anti-inflammatory principles.


Cancer-associated loss of TARSH gene expression in human primary lung cancer.
We have previously identified mouse Tarsh as one of the cellular senescence-related genes and showed the loss of expression of TARSH mRNA in four human lung cancer cell lines. TARSH is a presumptive signal transduction molecule interacting with NESH, which is implicated to have some roles in lung cancer metastasis. The amplification of complete ORF-encoding TARSH cDNA was done with reverse transcription-PCR. Northern blotting was carried out using TARSH cDNA probes. To clarify the relationship between TARSH and lung cancer, we quantified TARSH mRNA expression in 15 human lung cancer cell lines and 32 primary non-small cell lung cancers. We first determined the complete ORF-encoding cDNA sequence which is expressed in the human lung. On the Northern hybridization analysis, TARSH was strongly expressed in the human lung. The expression of TARSH mRNA is remarkably downregulated in all the lung cancer cell lines examined. Furthermore, TARSH expression was significantly low in all of the tumor specimens when compared to the expression in corresponding non-neoplastic lung tissue specimens. The cancer-associated transcriptional inactivation of TARSH suggests that TARSH could be used as a biomarker for lung cancer development as well as a molecular adjunct for lung carcinogenesis in human.


CD34+ cell responsiveness to stromal cell-derived factor-1alpha underlies rate of engraftment after peripheral blood stem cell transplantation.
Stromal cell-derived factor (SDF)-1, a chemokine produced in the bone marrow (BM), is essential for the homing of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) to the BM after transplantation. This study examines whether there is a correlation between the in vitro chemotaxis of CD34+ HSPC toward an SDF-1 gradient and in vivo hematopoietic engraftment. Thirty-five patients underwent granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor HSPC collection and autologous transplant with a median dose of 7.7 (range, 3.9-41.5) x 10(6) CD34+ cells per kg body weight. The chemotactic index (CI) of CD34+ cells isolated from leukapheresis products collected from these patients was calculated as the ratio of the percentages of cells migrating toward an SDF-1 gradient to cells migrating to media alone. Expression of the SDF-1 receptor CXCR4 on CD34+ cells was measured by flow cytometry. Spontaneous cell migration (range, 3.1 +/- 0.6 to 26.5 +/- 7.7%) and SDF-1-directed chemotaxis (11.1 +/- 0.7 to 54.9 +/- 8.3%) of CD34+ cells did not correlate with time to neutrophil engraftment, which occurred at a median of 10 days (range, 8-16 days). Nonparametric tests showed a negative correlation (r = -0.434) between CI and CD34+ cell dose such that neutrophil recovery occurred within the same period in patients transplanted with a lower dose of CD34+ cells but having a high CI as in those transplanted with a higher dose of CD34+ cells but having a low CI. Moreover, CI correlated (r = 0.8) with surface CXCR4 expression on CD34+ cells. In patients transplanted with a relatively lower CD34+ cell dose who achieved fast engraftment, a higher responsiveness to SDF-1 and high CI could have compensated for the lower cell dose. However, to apply the CI as a prognostic factor of the rate of engraftment requires validation in a larger number of patients.


Variability of gB and gH genes of human herpesvirus-6 among clinical specimens.
The isolates of human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6), a betaherpesvirus closely related to human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), are classified as either variants A (HHV-6A) or B (HHV-6B) but their intravariant variability has not been studied extensively so far. The full-length genes of envelope glycoproteins gB and gH from 40 distinct HHV-6-DNA-positive specimens and 11 laboratory strains were amplified using PCR, and their nucleotide sequence determined. Nucleotide divergences were observed at 156 (6.2%) and 98 (4.7%) positions in the case of gB and gH genes respectively. Phylogenetic analysis, including reference strain sequences, confirmed the unambiguous distinction between HHV-6A and HHV-6B for both genes. In the case of HHV-6B isolates, two subgroups of gB gene (designated as gB-B1 and gB-B2) and two subgroups of gH gene (gH-B1 and gH-B2) were identified but the phylogenetic trees of both genes were not fully congruent with each other. The analysis of gB and gH protein sequences showed that 26 and 39 critical amino acid changes respectively permitted the unambiguous distinction between HHV-6A and HHV-6B. Among HHV-6B isolates, gB and gH gene subgroups were characterized by specific amino acid signatures made of six, and two residues respectively. The linkage unbalance between amino acid signatures as well as the distribution of crucial nucleotide changes strongly suggested the occurrence of intravariant recombination within gB gene among HHV-6B isolates. These results indicate that, as in the case of HCMV, homologous recombination may contribute to the genetic variability of HHV-6.


Visual inspection of MR relative cerebral blood volume maps has limited value for distinguishing progression from pseudoprogression in glioblastoma multiforme patients.
We examined whether visual interpretation of relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) color maps made with dynamic susceptibility-weighted perfusion MRI can reliably distinguish progressive disease (PD) from pseudoprogression (PsPD) in glioblastoma patients during treatment with temozolomide chemoradiation. Magnetic resonance (MR) perfusion-weighted images were evaluated based on visual inspection of rCBV maps. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated to assess if rCBV can reliably differentiate between PD and PsPD, during standard chemoradiation therapy. Evaluation of dynamic susceptibility-weighted contrast-enhanced perfusion MRI by visual interpretation of rCBV maps did not differentiate PD from PsPD (sensitivity = 72%; specificity = 23%). Furthermore, the interpretation of the rCBV maps had no prognostic value regarding survival. Qualitative rCBV-based dynamic susceptibility-weighted contrast-enhanced perfusion MRI does not reliably differentiate PD from PsPD, and is not prognostic for survival in glioblastoma multiforme patients during treatment with temozolomide chemoradiation.


Raising the orphan foal.
Orphan foals are best reared by fostering them onto a brood mare of appropriate size. If no foster mother is available, they can be reared on 2 per cent fat skimmed cow's milk fortified with dextrose at the rate of 20 gm per L. This should be slowly increased from 10 per cent of body weight at 1 day of age to 25 per cent of body weight at 10 days of age. The amount should then be held constant until weaning. Alternatively, foals can be reared on milk replacers. Manufacturers' feeding instructions rarely mimic the milk intake obtained by a foal nursing her dam, and problems have been observed in milk replacer fed foals. It may be better to feed milk replacers at 1- to 2-hour intervals as a 12.5 per cent solution. The volume fed can be slowly increased from 5 per cent of body weight at day 1 to 20 per cent of body weight at day 10. Fresh water, hay, and good-quality creep feed with at least an 18 per cent crude protein should be offered from 2 weeks of age. Foals can be weaned at 8 to 12 weeks of age.


Improvement of metabolism among obese breast cancer survivors in differing weight loss regimens.
To compare the efficacy of different weight loss regimens on body weight loss and metabolic improvement in breast cancer survivors. Forty-eight obese breast cancer survivors were randomly divided into four groups and were followed for 1 year: 1) the Control group (subjects did not receive specific nutrition counseling); 2) the Weight Watchers group (subjects were given free coupons to attend weekly Weight Watchers meetings); 3) the Individualized group (a registered dietitian provided one-on-one nutritional counseling); and 4) the Comprehensive group (subjects received individualized dietary counseling and free coupons for the weekly Weight Watchers meetings). At baseline and 3-, 6-, and 12-month data collection visits, a fasting blood sample was obtained for assays. A three-day dietary record was kept during the week before these visits and dietary intake was analyzed. Subjects in the three intervention groups lost weight (Control: 1.1 +/- 1.7 kg; Weight Watchers: -2.7 +/- 2.1 kg; Individualized: -8.0 +/- 1.9 kg; Comprehensive: -9.5 +/- 2.7 kg) and percentage body fat, but only the Individualized and Comprehensive groups had significant losses. Subjects in the Comprehensive group showed the most improvement in cholesterol levels and had reductions in blood leptin levels. Because insulin resistance and high blood leptin levels are associated with breast cancer, losing weight to improve these parameters may reduce the risk of recurrence. Only subjects in the Comprehensive group showed significant reductions in body weight and fat, energy intake, and leptin levels. For breast cancer survivors, different weight loss strategies should be considered to assist them in losing weight.


Metastatic melanoma treated by immunotherapy: discovering prognostic markers from radiomics analysis of pretreatment CT with feature selection and classification.
Immunotherapy has dramatically improved the prognosis of patients with metastatic melanoma (MM). Yet, there is a lack of biomarkers to predict whether a patient will benefit from immunotherapy. Our aim was to create radiomics models on pretreatment computed tomography (CT) to predict overall survival (OS) and treatment response in patients with MM treated with anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. We performed a monocentric retrospective analysis of 503 metastatic lesions in 71 patients with 46 radiomics features extracted following lesion segmentation. Predictive accuracies for OS < 1 year versus > 1 year and treatment response versus no response was compared for five feature selection methods (sequential forward selection, recursive, Boruta, relief, random forest) and four classifiers (support vector machine (SVM), random forest, K-nearest neighbor, logistic regression (LR)) used with or without SMOTE data augmentation. A fivefold cross-validation was performed at the patient level, with a tumour-based classification. The highest accuracy level for OS predictions was obtained with 3D lesions (0.91) without clinical data integration when combining Boruta feature selection and the LR classifier, The highest accuracy for treatment response prediction was obtained with 3D lesions (0.88) without clinical data integration when combining Boruta feature selection, the LR classifier and SMOTE data augmentation. The accuracy was significantly higher concerning OS prediction with 3D segmentation (0.91 vs 0.86) while clinical data integration led to improved accuracy notably in 2D lesions (0.76 vs 0.87) regarding treatment response prediction. Skewness was the only feature found to be an independent predictor of OS (HR (CI 95%) 1.34, p-value 0.001). This is the first study to investigate CT texture parameter selection and classification methods for predicting MM prognosis with treatment by immunotherapy. Combining pretreatment CT radiomics features from a single tumor with data selection and classifiers may accurately predict OS and treatment response in MM treated with anti-PD-1.


CRISPR-Cas9 based knockout of S100A8 in mammary epithelial cells enhances cell proliferation and triggers oncogenic transformation via the PI3K-Akt pathway: Insights from a deep proteomic analysis.
S100A8 is a calcium-binding protein with multiple functions, including being a chemoattractant for phagocytes and playing a key role in the inflammatory response. Its expression has been shown to influence epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis in colorectal cancer. However, the role of S100A8 in cell proliferation and differentiation remains unknown. In this study, we used the CRISPR-Cas9 system to knock out S100A8 in healthy mammary epithelial cells and investigated the resulting changes in proteome profiling and signaling pathways. Our results showed that S100A8 knockout led to an increase in cell proliferation and migration, reduced cell-cell adhesion, and increased apoptosis compared to wildtype cells. Proteomics data indicated that S100A8 significantly affects cell cycle progression, cell proliferation, and cell survival through the PI3K-Akt pathway. Furthermore, our findings suggest that S100A8 function is associated with Pten expression, a negative regulator of the PI3K-Akt pathway. These results indicate that S100A8 dysregulation in healthy cells can lead to altered cellular physiology and higher proliferation, similar to cancerous growth. Therefore, maintaining S100A8 expression is critical for preserving healthy cell physiology. This study provides novel insights into the role of S100A8 in cell proliferation and differentiation and its potential relevance to cancer biology. SIGNIFICANCE: The study suggests that maintaining S100A8 expression is critical for preserving healthy cell physiology, and dysregulation of S100A8 in healthy cells can lead to altered cellular physiology and higher proliferation, similar to cancerous growth. Therefore, targeting the PI3K-Akt pathway or regulating Pten expression, a negative regulator of the PI3K-Akt pathway, may be potential strategies for cancer treatment by controlling S100A8 dysregulation. Additionally, S100A8 and S100A9 have been shown to promote metastasis of breast carcinoma by forming a metastatic milieu. However, the differential expression of S100A8 in tumors and its dual effects of antitumor and protumor make the relationship between S100A8 and tumors complicated. Currently, most research focuses on the function of S100A8 as a secretory protein in the microenvironment of tumors, and its function inside healthy cells without forming dimers remains unclear. Furthermore, the study provides insight into the role of S100A8 in cell proliferation and differentiation, which may have implications for other diseases beyond cancer. The functional role of S100A8 in normal mammary epithelial cells remains completely uncertain. Therefore, the objective of this study is to investigate the function of S100A8 on proliferation in mammary epithelial cells after its deletion and to elucidate the underlying proteins involved in downstream signaling. Our findings indicate that the deletion of S100A8 leads to excessive proliferation in normal mammary epithelial cells, reduces apoptosis, and affects cell-cell adhesion molecules required for cellular communication, resulting in a cancer-like phenotype.


Alkaloids from Senecio aquaticus.
Erucifoline (1) and 9-angeloylhastanecine (2) were isolated from the aerial parts of Senecio aquaticus. Five other pyrrolizidine alkaloids were tentatively identified by GC/MS analysis: jacobine; seneciphylline; spartioidine; jacozine; and senecionine.


Bombesin derivative radiolabeled with technetium-99m as agent for tumor identification.
A bombesin derivative was successfully radiolabeled in high labeling yield. Biodistribution studies and scintigraphic images in Ehrlich tumor-bearing mice were performed. This compound showed high accumulation in tumor tissue with high tumor-to-muscle and tumor-to-blood ratios. Thus, (99m)Tc-HYNIC-Bombesin((7-14)) could be used as an agent for tumor diagnosis.


Flexible fiberoptic sigmoidoscopy training for primary care physicians: results of a 5-year experience.
The first 5 years of a flexible fiberoptic sigmoidoscopy (FFS) training program for primary care physicians was analyzed in an attempt to assess clinical competence and develop a procedure learning curve. A total of 47 primary care physicians (26 third-year family practice residents, 15 family practitioners, and 6 internists) were successfully trained in 60-cm FFS by five gastroenterologists. Didactic teaching methods included 5 hours of videotapes, slides, endoscopic models, and the use of a photo atlas. Following a patient demonstration, each trainee completed 25 examinations supervised with a teaching attachment. Criteria used to assess trainee competence included unassisted length of scope insertion and examination duration. Mean depth of scope insertion was 35.9 cm for the first five examinations, increasing to a mean of 51.7 cm for the final five examinations. Average examination duration decreased from 19.1 min for examinations 1 through 5 to 17.0 min for examinations 21 through 25. Out of 1236 examinations, one or more polyps were found in 222 patients (18.0%). Carcinoma was found in 15 of 1236 examinations (1.4%). In summary, experienced endoscopists can teach primary care physicians to perform 60-cm FFS. Completion of 25 supervised cases appears to be adequate for achieving technical competence in flexible fiberoptic sigmoidoscopy.


Adenomatoid tumor of the adrenal gland: case report with immunohistochemical study.
Adrenal adenomatoid tumor (AT) is a recently recognized disease with marked male predominance. Herein is presented a case of adrenal AT incidentally found in a 30-year-old man and results of immunohistochemical examination of the tumor. The left adrenal gland, weighing 17 g, contained a mass measuring 3 x 2.5 x 2.5 cm in the cortical tissue. Cut surface showed a relatively well-circumscribed firm tumor with a white solid appearance. Histologically, the tumor had the typical appearance of AT described in the genital tract. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were positive for calretinin, D2-40, WT1, mesothelial cell antigen, CA125, thrombomodulin, vimentin and cytokeratins (stained by AE1 + AE3, OV-TL 12/30, CAM5.2 and MNF116), and negative for endothelial markers (CD31, CD34 and factor VIII-related antigen) and CD56. CD56-positive adrenocortical cells were diffusely scattered in the tumor, especially in its periphery. Immunohistochemistry of estrogen, progesterone and androgen receptors was negative. These findings confirm mesothelial origin of the tumor and suggest that this tumor has little relation to sex hormone despite male predominance.


Vaginal breech delivery or cesarean section.
In 579 singleton breech deliveries the total perinatal mortality rate was 10.4% and the corrected perinatal mortality rate was 0.67%. There were 452 babies delivered vaginally (78.1%) and 127 delivered by cesarean section (21.9%). The perinatal mortality rate was very high in the premature breech delivery and in the low-birth-weight infant. Cesarean section should be used to avoid a traumatic vaginal delivery and it should be used more liberally in the mature breech, but it is unlikely that cesarean section rates in excess of 50% will significantly reduce the perinatal mortality mortality rate. More information is required as to whether extending the indications for cesarean section in the low-birth-weight infant will further reduce the perinatal mortality rate.


Intestinal cytokines in children with pervasive developmental disorders.
A relationship between autism and gastrointestinal (GI) immune dysregulation has been postulated based on incidence of GI complaints as well as macroscopically observed lymphonodular hyperplasia and microscopically determined enterocolitis in pediatric patients with autism. To evaluate GI immunity, we quantitatively assessed levels of proinflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and IL-1beta, produced by intestinal biopsies of children with pervasive developmental disorders. Fifteen patients, six with pervasive developmental disorders and nine age-matched controls, presenting for diagnostic colonoscopy were enrolled. Endoscopic biopsies were organ cultured, supernatants were harvested, and IL-6, IL-8, and IL-1beta levels were quantified by ELISA. Tissue histology was evaluated by blinded pathologists. Concentrations of IL-6 from intestinal organ culture supernatants of patients with pervasive developmental disorders (median 318.5 pg/ml, interquartile range 282.0-393.0 pg/ml) when compared with controls (median 436.9 pg/ml, interquartile range 312.6-602.5 pg/ml) were not significantly different (p = 0.0987). Concentrations of IL-8 (median 84,000 pg/ml, interquartile range 16,000-143,000 pg/ml) when compared with controls (median 177,000 pg/ml, interquartile range 114,000-244,000 pg/ml) were not significantly different (p = 0.0707). Concentrations of IL-1beta (median 0.0 pg/ml, interquartile range 0.0-94.7 pg/ml) when compared with controls (median 0.0 pg/ml, interquartile range 0.0-60.2 pg/ml) were not significantly different (p = 0.8826). Tissue histology was nonpathological for all patients. We have demonstrated no significant difference in production of IL-6, IL-8, and IL-1beta between patients with pervasive developmental disorders and age-matched controls. In general, intestinal levels of IL-6 and IL-8 were lower in patients with pervasive developmental disorders than in age-matched controls. These data fail to support an association between autism and GI inflammation.


Gender disparities in dietary status and its risk factors in underserved populations.
To examine dietary status and its risk factors among adults aged 40-74 years at high risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) in an economically and medically underserved population. Cross-sectional survey in 2007. A survey was conducted among a random sample (n = 1844) nested in a screening cohort of a rural population in Jiashan County, China. Information about diet, family history of CRC and other factors was collected by questionnaire. The primary outcome was dietary status, assessed by consumption (servings/week) of plant-based food and unhealthy food. Linear or multinomial logistic regressions were used to determine risk factors for dietary status. On average, individuals with a family history of CRC ate 2.25 fewer servings of plant-based food each week compared with individuals without a family history of CRC. Individuals who smoked and drank alcohol ate less plant-based food. After stratification by gender, there were multiple determinants for consumption of plant-based food for men, including family history of CRC, smoking, alcohol consumption and income. For women, the only association was found for income. Consumption of unhealthy food was positively associated with high income and high body mass index. Determinants for an unhealthy diet were the same in both genders. There are gender disparities in the consumption of plant-based food and the risk factors for CRC in medically and economically underserved populations. Men's insufficient consumption of plant-based food and unhealthy lifestyle behaviours, such as smoking and drinking, may explain, in part, why men have a higher risk of CRC than women.


Relationship between densitometric peak area and concentration of lipid in the quantitative analysis of a lipid mixture separated by thin-layer chromatography.
A mixture of the neutral lipids squalene, cetyl stearate, triolein, oleic acid and cholesterol was separated by thin-layer chromatography and the components were measured quantitatively by photodensitometry. Several empirical expressions relating densitometric peak area (A) and lipid concentration (C) were subjected to statistical analysis, and the relationship A=k-C-B is linear in the logarithmic form log A=B-log c -0g k within 95% confidence limits on the observed results. Exponent B, representing the proportionality factor in the expression relating the relative differential changes in peak area and concentration, is constant for lipids studied on the same chromatoplate, whereas the constant k is lipid dependent. All standard measurements per plate are therefore utilized for estimating a common B value, which gives greater accuracy than in the individual cases. The plate capacity for measurements of unknown lipid concentrations may consequently be increased, as a common B value, based on a reduced number of standard measurements, may be estimated with the same accuracy as an individual B value, based upon the non-reduced number of standard measurements. Equations are given for the calculation of B and k and for the determination of unknown concentrations with appropriate confidence intervals.


Surgery for adult spondylolisthesis: a systematic review of the evidence.
Surgery for isthmic and degenerative spondylolisthesis (SL) in adults is carried out very frequently in everyday practice. However, it is still unclear whether the results of surgery are better than those of conservative treatment and whether decompression alone or instrumented fusion with decompression should be recommended. In addition, the role of reduction is unclear. Four clinically relevant key questions were addressed in this study: (1) Is surgery more successful than conservative treatment in relation to pain and function in adult patients with isthmic SL? (2) Is surgery more successful than conservative treatment in relation to pain and function in adult patients with degenerative SL? (3) Is instrumented fusion with decompression more successful in relation to pain and function than decompression alone in adult patients with degenerative SL and spinal canal stenosis? (4) Is instrumented fusion with reduction more successful in relation to pain and function than instrumented fusion without reduction in adult patients with isthmic or degenerative SL? A systematic PubMed search was carried out to identify randomized and nonrandomized controlled trials on these topics. Papers were analyzed systematically in a search for the best evidence. A total of 18 studies was identified and analyzed: two for question 1, eight for question 2, four for question 3, and four for question 4. Surgery appears to be better than conservative treatment in adults with isthmic SL (poor evidence) and also in adults with degenerative SL (good evidence). Instrumented fusion with decompression appears to be more successful than decompression alone in adults with degenerative SL and spinal stenosis (poor evidence). Reduction and instrumented fusion does not appear to be more successful than instrumented fusion without reduction in adults with isthmic or degenerative SL (moderate evidence).


Prostaglandin stimulation of ornithine decarboxylase activity in mammary gland explants from mid-pregnant mice.
The effects of various prostaglandins on ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity in mammary gland explants from mid-pregnant mice have been tested. PGE1, E2 and I2 elicit a concentration-dependent stimulation of ODC activity. The minimally effective concentrations are 0.5 ug/ml for PGE1 and E2, and 50 ug/ml for PGF2 alpha and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha. The PGE1 effect had a time course identical to that of prolactin. The prolactin action on ODC activity was attenuated by indomethacin, an inhibitor of prostaglandin biosynthesis. Arachidonic acid stimulated ODC activity and its effect was abolished by indomethacin. The phosphodiesterase inhibitor, 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, potentiated the PGE1 effect on ODC activity. The results suggest that the prostaglandins may modulate prolactin's action on ODC activity via a cAMP dependent mechanism.


Induction of the unfolded protein response (UPR) suppresses porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) replication.
Replication of most RNA viruses is closely associated with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) within permissive cells. As such, viruses often induce tremendous amounts of stress on cells during viral replication. To cope with the stress, cells initiate the unfolded protein response (UPR) to promote cellular survival. Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), an economically important swine pathogen, was previously shown to induce cellular stress at late stages post-infection resulting in the formation of stress granules (SGs). Here in this study, we demonstrate that PRRSV also induces additional cellular response pathways, including the UPR. Confocal microscopy analysis demonstrated significant morphological changes in the ER of PRRSV-infected cells, indicative of pronounced ER stress. Further investigation revealed induction of all three branches of the UPR, including eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2-alpha kinase 3 (PERK), serine-threonine protein kinase/endoribonuclease (IRE1), and cyclic AMP-dependent transcription factor (ATF6). Activation of these sensors resulted in significant transcriptional upregulation of downstream UPR effectors. Additionally, UPR activation was shown to be detrimental to PRRSV replication, as treatment of cells with chemical ER stress inducers potently suppressed viral replication and RNA synthesis. Further investigation into the molecular mechanisms of UPR suppression of PRRSV replication revealed that PERK exacerbates the PRRSV-induced cytokine response. Collectively, these results demonstrate that PRRSV infection induces UPR activation through all three branches, and that UPR signaling may play a role in PRRSV pathogenesis. The results of this study further our understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms of PRRSV replication and host-pathogen interactions.


Assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on nurse practitioners' professional quality of life.
The COVID-19 global pandemic has put health care professionals under immense pressure and hindered their ability to provide quality services. This study aimed to examine the professional quality of life (ProQOL) among Georgia nurse practitioners during the COVID-19 global pandemic. The ProQOL survey was distributed to nurse practitioners in Georgia by the professional organization's listserv. Multiple analysis of variance (ANOVA) analyses were performed to assess differences between employment settings, geographic location, and other relevant demographic qualifiers and levels of compassion satisfaction, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress. Hundred nurse practitioners (NPs) (n = 100) responded to the survey. Ninety-one percent were female and ages 25-35 years. Male NPs showed higher rates of compassion fatigue and secondary traumatic stress. A ProQOL survey demonstrated increased burnout and secondary traumatic stress among frontline practitioners in Georgia due to increased workloads, feelings of inadequacy, fear of being infected by the virus, and prolonged exposure to deaths. Ensuring effective communication, team collaboration, emotional, adequate staffing, and psychological support can help reduce compassion fatigue among NPs.


Association between serum uric acid and female infertility: a cross-sectional study of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013-2018.
Female infertility is a major problem for women of reproductive-age worldwide. Oxidative stress and inflammation are involved in processes related to female infertility. Serum uric acid levels, an indicator of oxidative stress and inflammation, have rarely been reported to be associated with female infertility. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum uric acid levels and female infertility. This cross-sectional study included women aged 18-44 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2013 and 2018. All data were extracted from NHANES questionnaires and laboratory measurements. Weighted univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were utilized to explore the relationship between serum uric acid and female infertility. Stratified analyses were performed based on body mass index (BMI, < 25 kg/m2 and ≥ 25 kg/m2) and age (≤ 30 years and > 30 years). The odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to report associations. A total of 2,884 women were included, of which 352 (13.30%) had infertility. Women with high serum uric acid concentrations were related to higher odds of infertility (OR = 1.20, 95%CI: 1.03-1.39) after adjusting for confounders. Compared with serum uric acid concentrations ≤ 3.72 mg/dL, women with uric acid concentrations of 4.43-5.13 mg/dL (OR = 1.65, 95%CI: 1.02-2.67) and > 5.13 mg/dL (OR = 1.86, 95%CI: 1.10-3.13) were related to higher odds of infertility. Stratified analyses showed that high serum uric acid concentrations were associated with higher odds of infertility in women with a BMI < 25 kg/m2 (OR = 1.41, 95%CI: 1.04-1.93), but not in women with a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 (P = 0.056). In addition, high serum uric acid concentrations were associated with higher odds of infertility in women aged > 30 years (OR = 1.23, 95%CI: 1.04-1.45), but not in women aged ≤ 30 years (P = 0.556). Women with high serum uric acid concentrations were associated with higher odds of infertility, and this association may vary by BMI and age.


Temporal analysis of the Listeria monocytogenes population structure in floor drains during reconstruction and expansion of a meat processing plant.
Due to a higher probability for violation of hygiene measures, reconstruction work is a substantial food safety challenge for food business operators (FBOs). Here, we monitored a Listeria monocytogenes contamination scenario during a timely enduring reconstruction period that aimed at an expansion of the main building of a leading meat processing facility. Reconstruction took place while food production was ongoing. We used a longitudinal sampling scheme targeting 40 floor water drains distributed over the food processing environment (FPE) over a five year period. The population structure of L. monocytogenes was determined by PCR-serogrouping, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multi-locus sequence typing (MLST). While the first sampling deciphered a baseline of contamination (45%), intensified sanitation measures decreased L. monocytogenes prevalence before commencement of work (5%). The reconstruction activities increased the prevalence of L. monocytogenes in the FPE (20.5%) and changed the population structure to a higher proportion of disease-associated genotypes (61%). During the first sampling ST121 was prevalent throughout the FPE, even in the packaging area. After the second and third sampling, following increased application of hypochlorite during sanitation, ST121 was only present in the raw material preparation area. A resilient flora was detected during three sampling events (ST8, ST9 and ST37) which might have not been exposed to daily cleaning in the floor drains. After the accomplishment of reconstruction work, the L. monocytogenes population structure shifted to the condition initially found (45% and 20.5% during the first and sixth sampling event). This paper indicates that reconstruction phases are high risk episodes for food safety in FPEs. Special precautions must be taken to avoid cross-contamination of products since reconstruction is usually ongoing for extended periods of time.


Fecal occult blood testing in a general medical clinic: comparison between guaiac-based and immunochemical-based tests.
Guaiac-based fecal occult blood tests are limited by poor patient compliance, and low sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value. Newer immunochemical-based tests are designed to improve accuracy and patient compliance. We compared patient compliance and the test characteristics of these two types of tests. The laboratory outcomes associated with use of different fecal occult blood tests were examined in a Veterans Affairs-based general medicine clinic that was divided into two firms with similar patient and provider characteristics. Tests were ordered for colorectal cancer screening or for symptom evaluation. Patients were given one of the two tests depending on their firm. The completion and positivity rates, time to test completion, completion of diagnostic follow-up, and positive predictive values were compared. The percentage of returned test cards was similar between the two groups (47% [1369/2964] for guaiac-based tests vs. 48% [1410/2965] for immunochemical-based tests) as was the positivity rate (9.0% [122/1396] and [128/1410] for both groups). In patients with positive tests who underwent further colon evaluation, the proportion with adenomas was similar between groups (59% [38/64] vs. 58% [40/69]). However, 17% (12/69) with a positive immunochemical-based test had an adenoma >1 cm or a colorectal malignancy, versus 30% (19/64) for guaiac-based tests (P = 0.09). Overall, immunochemical-based and guaiac-based fecal occult blood tests had comparable performance. However, although immunochemical-based testing is reported to be easier for patients than guaiac-based testing, we found that patients were no more likely to return cards for analysis. The similar positive predictive value and additional cost of immunochemical-based tests call into question their utility in general practice.


The characteristics and natural history of Japanese patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
The aim of our study was to elucidate the characteristics and natural history of Japanese nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Two hundred and forty-seven patients were diagnosed as having biopsy-proven NAFLD at Tokyo Women's Medical University or an affiliated hospital from 1990 to June 2004. Biopsies were scored for the severity of steatosis, necro-inflammation, and fibrosis according to modified Brunt criteria. We assessed the clinicopathological features and natural history of NAFLD in patients stratified by the stage of their fibrosis. Univariate and multivariate logistic analyses were performed, and the diagnostic ability was assessed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. Clinicopathological features: The median age of the patients was 53 years, with a range from 10 to 89 years. There were 130 males and 117 females. Histologically, 46 patients were classified as F3 (bridging fibrosis), and 43 patients had F4 (cirrhosis). Females and older patients were more common in the F3-4 patients. Most of the F3-4 patients showed mild elevation of transaminases with significant deterioration of liver function tests compared with F0-2 patients. Ten patients were simultaneously diagnosed as having cirrhotic NASH and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Natural history: During follow-up (median 44 months) of the F3-4 patients, 10 patients developed liver-related morbidity and five patients developed HCC. In the F3-4 patients, the 5-year cumulative incidence of HCC was 20%. Eight patients died (two of liver failure, four of HCC and two of other carcinomas). Serum markers for detecting F3-4: Serum hyaluronic acid levels can accurately evaluate NAFLD patients with F3-4. The most important consequence of NAFLD patients with advanced fibrosis was HCC. Regular screening for this complication is extremely important.


Bleomycin-induced cutaneous toxicity in the rat: analysis of histopathology and ultrastructure compared with progressive systemic sclerosis (scleroderma).
Rats injected with bleomycin over a 58-week period developed weight loss, alopecia, hyperpigmentation, skin thickening and skin tautness when compared with saline-injected control animals. The only significant abnormality in laboratory blood tests was an increased sedimentation rate in the bleomycin-treated rats compared with controls. Histological examination of dorsal skin showed atrophied sebaceous glands and increased collagen fibres, with diameters ranging from 37.5 to 75 nm as compared with 72.5 to 100 nm in control animals. Chronic bleomycin exposure produces clinical, histological and ultrastructural skin changes similar to those found in human progressive systemic sclerosis (scleroderma).


Impact of history of myomectomy on preterm birth risk in women with a leiomyomatous uterus: a propensity score analysis.
To evaluate if women with a history of myomectomy have a modified preterm birth risk compared to women with myomas during pregnancy. Retrospective cohort study including all women with a history of myomectomy (operated group) or uterine myomas during pregnancy (unoperated group) who delivered in a tertiary center between January, 2011 and December, 2017. The operated group included women who had a myomectomy history with or without myomas during the ongoing pregnancy. The unoperated group included women with uterine myoma(s) seen on at least one ultrasound during pregnancy without history of myomectomy. The primary outcome was preterm birth < 37 weeks, and the secondary outcome spontaneous preterm birth < 37 weeks. To control for confounding factors, a propensity score approach was used. Two sensitivity analysis were performed, one repeating the analysis using the propensity score after excluding operated women with persistent myomas and one using a classical multivariable logistic regression model. The cohort included 576 women: 283 operated women and 293 unoperated women. The rate of preterm birth was similar in the two groups: 12.6% in the unoperated group and 12.0% in the operated group (p = 0.82). No difference in preterm birth risk was shown between unoperated and operated women in the cohort matched on the propensity score: OR 0.86; 95%CI [0.47-1.59]. These results were consistent for spontaneous preterm birth (OR 1.61; 95%CI [0.61-4.23]) and for the sensitivity analyses. In women with a leiomyomatous uterus, a history of myomectomy is not associated with a reduced preterm birth risk.


Observing Tacting Increases Uninstructed Tacts in Children with Autism.
The effects of observing an adult emitting tacts on children's rate of uninstructed (i.e., "spontaneous") tacts were examined in three children diagnosed with autism. Each participant was exposed to two conditions in four settings each: in condition 1, participants received 20 trials of teacher-initiated interactions in which the child was asked to tact 20 objects during 5 min. Condition 2 was identical to condition 1 except that the teacher also tacted 20 objects interspersed with the 20 tact trials. The number of uninstructed tacts was recorded in both conditions. Children emitted between 1.58 and 2.68 times more uninstructed tacts in condition 2 than in condition 1. These results indicate that teachers' emission of tacts increases the emission of uninstructed tacts in children with autism.


Establishment of cell suspension culture in Marchantia linearis Lehm & Lindenb. for the optimum production of flavonoids.
Bryophytes are the second largest group in the plant kingdom, but studies conducted to better understand their chemical composition are limited and scattered. Axenically grown bryophytes expressed potential in biotechnological processes. The present study was designed to investigate the in vitro cell growth, culture parameters and their effect on flavonoid synthesis. Chlorophyll-containing callus cells of Marchantia linearis Lehm & Lindenb. is able to grow under low light in the presence of organic carbon source and retain the ability to produce flavonoids. Highest flavonoid production was achieved using 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid as growth hormone. Inoculum size, light intensity, organic carbon source and cations are the culture parameters affecting flavonoid productivity. Maximum flavonoid productivity is observed under low light intensity, with a photon flux density ca. 20 μmol/m2/s. Optimal inoculum size and glucose concentration for flavonoid production are 10-14 and 2-3 %, respectively. Cations like ferrous trigger flavonoid synthesis by increasing its intracellular concentrations. Flavonoid production in the cell culture is shown to be significantly growth related. Osmotic stress is ineffective in triggering flavonoid synthesis. Methyl jasmonate and 2-(2-fluoro-6-nitrobenzylsulfanyl) pyridine-4-carbothioamide elicitors showed positive effect on intracellular flavonoid content in cultured cells. Using the standard plot of quercetin (y = 0.0148x, R2 = 0.975), the flavonoid contents of in vitro samples were found ranging from 4.0 to 17.7 mg quercetin equivalent/g tissue. Flavonoids are fractionated by HPLC-PAD revealed the presence of quercetin (182.5 μg/g), luteolin (464.5 μg/g) and apigenin (297.5 μg/g). Further studies are warranted to analyze the therapeutic potentiality of the flavonoids in the liverwort.


Screening colonoscopy in the US: attitudes and practices of primary care physicians.
Rising colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates in the last decade are attributable almost entirely to increased colonoscopy use. Little is known about factors driving the increase, but primary care physicians (PCPs) play a central role in CRC screening delivery. Explore PCP attitudes toward screening colonoscopy and their associations with CRC screening practice patterns. Cross-sectional analysis of data from a nationally representative survey conducted in 2006-2007. 1,266 family physicians, general practitioners, general internists, and obstetrician-gynecologists. Physician-reported changes in the volume of screening tests ordered, performed or supervised in the past 3 years, attitudes toward colonoscopy, the influence of evidence and perceived norms on their recommendations, challenges to screening, and practice characteristics. The cooperation rate (excludes physicians without valid contact information) was 75%; 28% reported their volume of FOBT ordering had increased substantially or somewhat, and the majority (53%) reported their sigmoidoscopy volume decreased either substantially or somewhat. A majority (73%) reported that colonoscopy volume increased somewhat or substantially. The majority (86%) strongly agreed that colonoscopy was the best of the available CRC screening tests; 69% thought it was readily available for their patients; 59% strongly or somewhat agreed that they might be sued if they did not offer colonoscopy to their patients. All three attitudes were significantly related to substantial increases in colonoscopy ordering. PCPs report greatly increased colonoscopy recommendation relative to other screening tests, and highly favorable attitudes about colonoscopy. Greater emphasis is needed on informed decision-making with patients about preferences for test options.


Elevated leukotriene B4 and 8-isoprostane in exhaled breath condensate from preterm-born infants.
Inflammation and oxidative stress play a key role in the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), possibly contributing to persistent respiratory morbidity after preterm birth. We aimed to assess if inflammatory markers were elevated in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) of infants born very prematurely (< 32 weeks gestation) at 12-16 corrected months of age, and if increased levels were associated with BPD diagnosis and respiratory morbidity. EBC samples and respiratory questionnaires were collected from 15 term-born infants and 33 preterm-born infants, 12 with a neonatal BPD diagnosis. EBC samples were analysed for leukotriene B4 (inflammation) and 8-isoprostane (oxidative stress) concentrations using enzyme-linked immune-assays. Differences between groups were analysed by Kruskal-Wallis Test with post-hoc comparisons, independent samples t-test or Mann-Whitney U test depending on normality of the data. Leukotriene B4 and 8-isoprostane levels were elevated in exhaled breath condensate of preterm-born infants compared to those born at term (mean difference [95% CI]; 1.52 [0.45, 2.59], p = 0.02; 0.77 [0.52, 1.02], p < 0.001, respectively). Leukotriene B4 and 8-isoprostane levels were independent of BPD diagnosis and respiratory morbidity over the first year of life. Infants born very prematurely exhibit elevated markers of airway neutrophilic inflammation and oxidative stress beyond the first year of life, regardless of a neonatal diagnosis of chronic lung disease or respiratory morbidity during infancy. These findings may have implications for future lung health. N/A.


The Key Role of Intrinsic Lifetime Dynamics from Upconverting Nanosystems in Multiemission Particle Velocimetry.
Evaluation of particle dynamics at the nano- and microscale poses a challenge to the development of novel velocimetry techniques. Established optical methods implement external or internal calibrations of the emission profiles by varying the particle velocity and are limited to specific experimental conditions. The proposed multiemission particle velocimetry approach aims to introduce a new concept for a luminescent probe, which guarantees accurate velocity measurements at the microscale, independent of the particle concentration or experimental setup, and without need for calibration. The simplicity of these analyses relies on the intrinsic luminescence dynamics of core-shell upconverting nanoparticles. Upon excitation with a focused near-infrared pulsed laser, the nanoparticle emits photons at different wavelengths. The time interval between emissions from different excited states is independent of the local environment or particle velocity. The velocity of the particles is calculated by measuring the distance between the maxima of two different emissions and dividing it by the known difference in luminescence lifetimes. This method is demonstrated using simple digital imaging of nanoparticles flowing in 75-150 µm diameter capillaries. Using this novel approach typically results in a relative standard deviation of the experimental velocities of 5% or lower without any calibration.


Chemical synthesis of glycans up to a 128-mer relevant to the O-antigen of Bacteroides vulgatus.
Glycans are involved in various life processes and represent critical targets of biomedical developments. Nevertheless, the accessibility to long glycans with precise structures remains challenging. Here we report on the synthesis of glycans consisting of [→4)-α-Rha-(1 → 3)-β-Man-(1 → ] repeating unit, which are relevant to the O-antigen of Bacteroides vulgatus, a common component of gut microbiota. The optimal combination of assembly strategy, protecting group arrangement, and glycosylation reaction has enabled us to synthesize up to a 128-mer glycan. The synthetic glycans are accurately characterized by advanced NMR and MS approaches, the 3D structures are defined, and their potent binding activity with human DC-SIGN, a receptor associated with the gut lymphoid tissue, is disclosed.


Math anxiety and deficient executive control: does reappraisal modulate this link?
The literature suggests an interplay between executive control functions and emotion regulation processes, with each playing a key role in math anxiety. We examined the relation between the use of two different emotion regulation strategies (reappraisal and suppression) and the ability to reduce emotional interference in high-conflict situations (i.e., executive control of attention) in cases of math anxiety. A sample of 107 adults completed emotion regulation tendencies and math anxiety questionnaires and performed a flanker task following the priming of a math-related or negative word. The findings revealed: (1) highly math-anxious individuals had difficulty controlling emotional distractions induced by math information, even as simple as math-related words, in high-conflict conditions; and (2) the tendency to use reappraisal in everyday situations was associated with math-anxious individuals' ability to avoid heightened emotional reactions when encountering math-related (i.e., threatening) information. These findings point to the efficacy of reappraisal-focused intervention and suggest an innovative mechanism through which reappraisal reduces emotional reactions and improves performance among math-anxious individuals, indicating a new way to approach interventions for math anxiety.


Frequency and risk factors associated with atherosclerotic plaques in patients with a zero coronary artery calcium score.
Analysis of the coronary artery calcium levels usually provides important information that can be used in patient prognosis and stratification of treatment when coronary artery disease is suspected. However, plaques, with or without significant stenosis, have been reported in patients without coronary artery calcium. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and risk factors of the development of coronary artery plaques in individuals with a zero calcium score. Analysis of coronary artery calcium levels and coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) were performed using 64-slice computed tomography (CT). The demographic data, clinical risk factors, and imaging features of 519 consecutive patients (54 ± 10 years, male:female ratio of 56:44) were retrospectively analyzed. The presence of plaques and the degree of the resulting stenosis were recorded. Descriptive, univariate, and multivariate analyses were carried out to identify the frequency and risk factors associated with the presence of coronary artery plaques. Among 66 patients, 82 coronary arteries were found to have plaques, and six coronary arteries showed significant stenosis. Univariate analysis showed that an age greater than 55 years, male gender, a body mass index (BMI) of more than 27, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus are significant factors associated with the development of coronary artery plaques. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that an age over 55 years (p = 0.012, OR = 2.13, 95% C.I. = 1.18-3.84) and BMI greater than 27 (p = 0.026, OR = 2.01, 95% C.I. = 1.09-3.72) are independent factors associated with the presence of plaques in patients with a zero calcium score. The results of this study show that plaques are present in a significant proportion of individuals with a zero coronary artery calcium score. In addition, advanced age and obesity are risk factors associated with the development of plaques.


The uterine natural killer cell, cytotoxic T lymphocyte, and granulysin levels are elevated in the endometrium of women with nonstructural abnormal uterine bleeding.
To examine the expression of uterine natural killer (uNK) cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) in endometrial biopsies from reproductive-age women with and without nonstructural abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) and evaluate the expression of granulysin within these cell populations and potential modulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression. Experimental study, retrospective design. Academic research laboratory. Patients with nonstructural AUB with no other gynecological pathologies and control patients without AUB. None. Immunohistochemical analysis of granulysin, CD56 (uNK cell marker), and CD8 (CTL marker) expression as well as granulysin messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression levels in endometrial biopsy samples. Assessment of granulysin regulation of human endometrial stromal cell MMP-1 and MMP-3 mRNA expression. The numbers of uNK cells and CTLs were significantly greater in endometrial biopsy tissue from women with AUB than those from controls. In accord with the increased expression of uNK cells and CTLs, granulysin expression was significantly greater in endometrial biopsies from patients with AUB than in from controls and colocalized to both cell types but not endometrial stromal or epithelial cells. The increased granulysin protein expression was associated with the increased granulysin mRNA expression in adjacent serial sections from these same samples. The treatment of the human endometrial stromal cell line t-HESC with granulysin resulted in a significant increase in MMP-1 and MMP-3 mRNA expression. In the current study, immunohistochemistry showed an increased expression of uNK cells, CTLs, and granulysin among subjects with AUB compared with that of subjects without AUB, leading to conclusions that disturbances in the balance of immune cells and an increase in granulysin expression may have implications in the pathophysiology of AUB and include enhanced MMP-1 and MMP-3 expression.


In-vivo Tumor detection using diffusion reflection measurements of targeted gold nanorods - a quantitative study.
The ability to quantitatively and non-invasively detect nanoparticles has important implications on their development as an in-vivo cancer diagnostic tool. The Diffusion Reflection (DR) method is a simple, non-invasive imaging technique which has been proven useful for the investigation of tissue's optical parameters. In this study, Monte Carlo (MC) simulations, tissue-like phantom experiments and in-vivo measurements of the reflected light intensity from tumor bearing mice are presented. Following intravenous injection of antibody conjugated poly (ethylene glycol)-coated (PEGylated) gold nanorods (GNR) to tumor-bearing mice, accumulation of GNR in the tumor was clearly detected by the DR profile of the tumor. The ability of DR measurements to quantitate in-vivo the concentration of the GNR in the tumor was demonstrated and validated with Flame Atomic Absorption spectroscopy results. With GNR as absorbing contrast agents, DR has important potential applications in the image guided therapy of superficial tumors such as head and neck cancer, breast cancer and melanoma.


Neurosurgery in feline epilepsy, including clinicopathology of feline epilepsy syndromes.
Feline epilepsy is treated with antiseizure medications, which achieves fair to good seizure control. However, a small subset of feline patients with drug-resistant epilepsy requires alternative therapies. Furthermore, approximately 50 % of cats with epileptic seizures are diagnosed with structural epilepsy with or without hippocampal abnormality and may respond to surgical intervention. The presence of hippocampal pathology and intracranial tumors is a key point to consider for surgical treatment. This review describes feline epilepsy syndrome and epilepsy-related pathology, and discusses the indications for and availability of neurosurgery, including lesionectomy, temporal lobectomy with hippocampectomy, and corpus callosotomy, for cats with different epilepsy types.


Density-dependent limitation of growth and the regulation of cell replication by changes in the triggering level of the cell cycle switch.
If the initiation/suppression of cell replication results from the operation of an intracellular switch, then proliferation control can be expected to occur through the modulation of its threshold setting or sensitivity. Assuming the existence of a threshold and the uptake of regulators by an equilibrium process, one can explain various types of dependency of the maximum cell density on the initial level of the regulator (e.g., serum) in the medium. Moreover it becomes theoretically possible to distinguish whether an altered threshold or equilibrium constant is responsible for modified proliferation characteristics. It is pointed out that some published data on transformed cells are more consistent with an altered threshold than the permeability change invoked. Other data suggests that transformation has produced more complex effects. The arguments presented indicate that while some cells may be more susceptible to control via changes in the relevant equilibrium constant, others may respond more markedly to threshold modulation. If control occurs through inhibition of replication, it is possible for the system to exhibit a critical "mass": if this is exceeded (in ways discussed) proliferation could continue indefinitely provided adequate nutrients are available. An oscillator concept of the cell cycle accounts for the existence of a threshold and also permits a general understanding of its modulation by multiple agents. It is concluded that at least some forms of cancer are the result of altered thresholds.


Reflection on two Ambio papers by P. J. Crutzen on ozone in the upper atmosphere : This article belongs to Ambio's 50th Anniversary Collection. Theme: Ozone Layer.
We here reflect on two important articles on stratospheric ozone depletion written by P. J. Crutzen (1974) and P. J. Crutzen and D. H. Ehhalt (1977) in the early 1970s. These articles provide a clear description of the stratosphere and the most important chemical reactions involved in stratospheric ozone depletion. They present modeling results and provide recommendations for future research on stratospheric ozone depletion caused by chloro-fluoro-carbons, supersonic transport, nitrous oxide, and nuclear explosions. These two articles represent the beginning of a scientific era, which led to discovery of the Antarctic ozone hole and political action in the form of the Montreal Protocol and its amendments.


FDG PET/CT Findings of Melanoma in a Renal Allograft.
Renal melanoma is rare. We present a case with FDG-avid melanoma arising from renal allograft. This case indicates that melanoma can occur in the allograft, and it should be considered as a differential diagnosis of focal abnormal FDG uptake in the renal allograft.


Phosphate efflux as a test of plasma membrane leakage in Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells.
Plasma membrane integrity is a key to cell viability. Currently, the main approach to assessing plasma membrane integrity is the detection of penetration of special dyes, such as trypan blue and propidium iodide, into the cells. However, this method needs expensive equipment: a fluorescent microscope or a flow cytometer. Besides, staining with propidium iodide occasionally gives false-positive results. Here, we suggest the phosphate (Pi) leakage assay as an approach to assess the increase in permeability of the plasma membrane of yeast cells. We studied the dependence of phosphate efflux and uptake into Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells on the composition of the incubation medium, time, and ambient pH. The difference in optimal conditions for these processes suggests that Pi efflux is not conducted by the Pi uptake system. The Pi efflux in water correlated with the proportion of cells stained with propidium iodide. This indicated that Pi efflux is associated with cytoplasmic membrane disruption in a portion of the yeast cell population. The assay of Pi efflux was used to evaluate membrane disruption in S. cerevisiae cells treated with some heavy metal ions and detergents.


Marine animal tracking with classical and emerging localization algorithms.
Localization algorithms applied to acoustic tags for tracking marine animals can also be used to localize marine robots.


Studies on the synthesis of amidoximes from nitroalkanes.
The reaction of primary nitroalkanes with magnesium or lithium amides provides a convenient, one-step synthesis of substituted amidoximes.


MAPK and AP-1 proteins are increased in term pre-labour fetal membranes overlying the cervix: regulation of enzymes involved in the degradation of fetal membranes.
Fetal membranes overlying the cervix (i.e. supracervical site, SCS) are characterised by increased extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation. In non-gestational tissues, the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) and activator protein (AP)-1 family are involved in the regulation of the ECM degrading enzyme metalloproteinase (MMP)-9. The aims of this study were (i) to compare the expression of AP-1 proteins in fetal membranes from the SCS and a distal site (DS), and (ii) determine if the MAPK/AP-1 pathway is involved in the regulation of MMP-9. Fetal membranes overlying the cervix were identified in situ in women undergoing term elective Caesarean section. Immunohistochemistry (n = 6) was used to localise the expression of the MAPK proteins ERK (total and phosphorylated), JNK (total and phosphorylated) and p38 MAPK (total and phosphorylated), and the AP-1 proteins JunB, cJun (total and phosphorylated), JunD, cFos and FosD. There was no difference in JNK, p38 MAPK, FosB, cJun and JunD protein expression between SC and distal fetal membranes. However, when compared to DS, the intensity and/or extent of staining of ERK, p-ERK, p-JNK, p-p38 MAPK, cFos, JunB and p-cJun were greater in amnion and chorion obtained from the SCS. In order to elucidate a role for these proteins in ECM degradation, pharmacological inhibitors of MAPK protein activation were utilised in primary amnion cells. The ERK inhibitor U0126, JNK inhibitor SP600125 and p38 MAPK inhibitor SB202190 all significantly decreased IL-β-induced MMP-9 gene expression and pro MMP-9 in human primary amnion cells. In summary, at term, non laboured SC fetal membranes are characterised by increased expression of MAPK and AP-1 proteins. MMP-9 expression and production was significantly suppressed by inhibitors of three key enzymes in the signalling cascades leading to AP-1 formation, ERK 1/2, JNK and p38 MAPK. Thus, the MAPK/AP-1 pathway may play a role in the degradation of the ECM at the SCS making it more susceptible to membrane rupture.


The diet and health knowledge survey: development of a short interview format.
The primary aim of this study was to create a condensed short-form version of the structured interview named the Diet and Health Knowledge Survey (DHKS 1994-1996) via factor analysis. Data from 5765 participants of the 1994-1996 Diet and Health Knowledge Survey were used in the factor analysis. Appropriate sampling weights were used in the multivariate analyses (n=5233) that compared subgroups (i.e., ethnic group, sex, etc.) on the subscales of the DHKS. A 50-item, 12-factor condensed version of the 149-item original DHKS was derived from the analyses. Multivariate analyses, using age and education as covariates, indicated significant differences in dietary beliefs, practices, and behaviors for individuals of different ethnic groups, sex, dieting status, and BMI. Based on our analyses, the condensed short-form version of the Diet and Health Knowledge Survey appears to be a convenient and efficient tool, used in sections or in its entirety, for examining various dietary practices and beliefs of adults. The results from analysis of the short-form DHKS indicate that although a very large proportion of adults in the U.S. are overweight or obese, only a small proportion report current dieting. Examination of the DHKS indicates that although adults varied in their dietary beliefs and practices, dieters tended to report healthier dietary practices and attitudes than non-dieters. BMI level was positively related to self-reported amount of fat, cholesterol, and calories consumed.


Comparison of the retrosplenial cortex size between the degu (Octodon degus) and the Wistar rat (Rattus norvegicus).
The degu (Octodon degus) is a rodent that normally constructs burrows for nesting and rearing. To navigate inside these burrows, degus may use idiothetic and/or sensory cues more than visual information, which is less effective in burrows. Spatial information for navigation is processed in several key brain regions including the retrosplenial cortex (RS). However, the structural characteristics of the degu RS have not been previously reported. The present study measured the sizes of the RS and constituent areas 29 and 30 in the degu, and compared these to those found in the rat, which is a terrestrial rodent. The proportion of the rostrocaudal length of the entire RS relative to that of the entire cortex was significantly larger in degus versus rats. The proportion of the rostrocaudal length of the RS at levels rostral to the splenium of the corpus callosum relative to that of the entire cortex was also significantly larger in degus versus rats. Furthermore, the ratio of the estimated volume of area 29 relative to that of area 30 was significantly larger in degus versus rats. These results show that the degu has a rostrocaudally longer rostral RS with a larger area 29 compared to the rat, which suggests that these structural features may be relevant to differences in spatial information processing between the fossorial degu and terrestrial rat.


Immunophenotype and functions of fetal baboon bone-marrow derived dendritic cells.
Dendritic cells (DCs) are unique antigen-presenting cells that can take up pathogens, pathogens-derived and stress-antigens and stimulate antigen-specific immune response. Here we investigated the immunobiology of fetal DCs and compared their phenotype and activation status against infectious stimuli with those of young and adult baboons. The DCs were obtained from femoral bone-marrow (BMDCs) of fetus (140 and 175 days of gestation), young (4-5 years old) and mature adult (10-35 years old) baboons. The cells were cultured in the presence of GM-CSF and IL-4. To study phagocytic ability of BMDCs, the cells were harvested on 6th day and incubated with fluorescent-labeled Escherichia coli bioparticles. The BMDCs were also treated with E. coli O111:B4 lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 24h and changes in expression of cell-surface markers and IL-12 were studied using distinct immunoassays. We found that the phenotype and morphology of BMDCs from fetal, young and adult baboons were similar and showed increased expression of HLA-DP, DQ, DR and T cell co-stimulatory molecules upon LPS treatment. However, significant differences were observed in phagocytic activity and IL-12 secretion among BMDCs from these sources. The ability of fetal baboon BMDCs to phagocytose E. coli bioparticles was significantly lower and they secreted lower level of LPS-stimulated IL-12 as compared to the BMDCs from adult baboon. These results suggest that compared to adult BMDCs, fetal baboon BMDCs are less efficient in mounting immune response against Gram-negative bacterial stimuli.


EMG discharge patterns during human grip movement are task-dependent and not modulated by muscle contraction modes: a transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) study.
Our previous study revealed that, during tonic muscle contraction, remarkable functional differences among intrinsic and extrinsic muscles were observed during two different grip movements, i.e., precision and power grips. To verify whether this evidence is true even under the phasic muscle contraction, magnetic stimulation was delivered over the left scalp while a normal human subject performed phasic precision or power grip responses of the right-hand fingers in a simple reaction time (SRT) paradigm. Magnetic stimulation delivered during the latent period revealed different cortico-motoneuronal excitations between the two grip responses. In particular, the contributions of extensor carpi radialis (ECR) muscle were definitely different between the two grip responses, although motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) of first dorsal interosseous (FDI) prior to, and after EMG onset of movement initiation, were not different. These results were similar to previous results obtained during tonic muscle contraction. Thus, we have concluded that the task-dependent EMG discharge pattern in finger manipulation could not be modulated by muscle contraction modes.


Negotiating weight and body image in the UAE: strategies among young Emirati women.
The goal of this study was to evaluate weight, nutritional status, and attitudes toward weight and health among a cohort of young women drawn from local populations in the United Arab Emirates. This sample was composed of 103 female Emiratis, aged 18-30. Eighty of the women were students at Zayed University (ZU) in Dubai and 23 were students at UAE University (UAEU) in Al Ain. Research was divided into two phases. Methods included the collection of weight and height measurements (to analyze BMIs) and body fat percentages; 24-h food and activity recalls; semistructured, structured, and unstructured interviews; and participant observation. The distribution of BMIs in this sample was skewed toward underweight and normal weight in the ZU sample and split evenly between underweight-to-normal and overweight-to-obese in the UAEU sample, a finding that stands in contrast to the high rates of overweight and obesity reported in other age cohorts in local populations. This lower distribution of BMIs was correlated with widely expressed concern over body image, whereas reported interest in nutrition was much lower. Dietary patterns reflected attempts to manage weight. There was a marked trend toward nutritionally poor diets and sedentary living. Obesity and overweight among young women in the Emirati population do not appear to be as significant a problem as they are in older populations. However, several other health-related causes for concern emerged in this study, including extreme dieting strategies, insufficient micronutrient and protein intake, and widespread inactivity.


Beneficial native bacteria improve survival and mycorrhization of desert truffle mycorrhizal plants in nursery conditions.
Sixty-four native bacterial colonies were isolated from mycorrhizal roots of Helianthemum almeriense colonized by Terfezia claveryi, mycorrhizosphere soil, and peridium of T. claveryi to evaluate their effect on mycorrhizal plant production. Based on the phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rDNA partial sequence, 45 different strains from 17 genera were gathered. The largest genera were Pseudomonas (40.8 % of the isolated strains), Bacillus (12.2 % of isolated strains), and Varivorax (8.2 % of isolated strains). All the bacteria were characterized phenotypically and by their plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) traits (auxin and siderophore production, phosphate solubilization, and ACC deaminase activity). Only bacterial combinations with several PGPR traits or Pseudomonas sp. strain 5, which presents three different PGPR traits, had a positive effect on plant survival and growth. Particularly relevant were the bacterial treatments involving auxin release, which significantly increased the root-shoot ratio and mycorrhizal colonization. Moreover, Pseudomonas mandelii strain 29 was able to considerably increase mycorrhizal colonization but not plant growth, and could be considered as mycorrhiza-helper bacteria. Therefore, the mycorrhizal roots, mycorrhizosphere soil, and peridium of desert truffles are environments enriched in bacteria which may be used to increase the survival and mycorrhization in the desert truffle plant production system at a semi-industrial scale.


ERK phosphorylation is required for retention of trace fear memory.
The extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) has been previously associated with long-term memory formation. Earlier studies have demonstrated a role for phospho-ERK in delay fear conditioning and it has been shown to disrupt trace fear memory when inhibited after training. cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) is a key transcription factor that has been implicated in long-term memory formation across different species. It has also been shown to be modulated by ERK. In our study, we used the drug SL327 to prevent ERK phosphorylation. Two groups of Fischer 344 male rats (2-4 months) were injected intraperitoneally with 100% DMSO (2 ml/kg) or SL327 (100 mg/kg/2 ml dissolved in DMSO) 45 min before 10 trials of trace fear conditioning. Each trial consisted of a tone paired with a footshock with a 30-s interval separating the stimuli. Twenty-four hours later, rats were tested for fear to the tone. Our results showed that SL327-treated rats displayed memory deficits 24 h after training. Western blot analyses of total hippocampal protein revealed a significant increase in phosphorylated ERK immediately after training. There were also decreases in phosphorylated ERK at 45 and 90 min post-injection of SL327-treated rats as compared to DMSO-treated rats, but levels of phosphorylated CREB remained the same. These findings indicate that ERK phosphorylation is increased immediately after trace fear conditioning and inhibiting this increase is correlated with memory deficits in trace fear conditioning 24 h later. These findings support a role for ERK phosphorylation in the formation of trace fear memories.


A new case of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase deficiency.
We present the clinical and biochemical features of a boy with dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase deficiency, which seem to underline a disease entity of developmental retardation, epilepsy and muscular hypertonia.


Electrical and optical properties of C, Ge-doped armchair silicene nanoribbons applied in optoelectronics.
With the continuous development of nanotechnology, the search for new material structures plays a crucial role. Silicene nanoribbons (SiNRs) are one-dimensional materials that hold promise for numerous potential applications in the future. The electric and optical properties of C, Ge-doped armchair SiNRs are investigated in this study using density functional theory. All the doped configurations are stable and maintain the honeycomb hexagonal structure after optimization. Doping with C yields flatter structures, while doping with Ge yields larger buckling heights. The C 1-1 doping configuration is highlighted because its band gap is extended up to 2.35 eV, making it an ideal candidate for potential optoelectronic applications. The charge distribution, charge density difference, and hybridization of multiple orbitals are also systematically studied. The optical properties reveal the differences between C and Ge doping, with a clear anisotropy observed. Strong absorption occurs at high electromagnetic wave energies, while the absorption coefficient rapidly decreases in the long-wavelength range. The study of electron-hole density shows good agreement with the energy band structure, where electron-hole pairs only exist when the excitation energy is greater than the bandgap width, and not all excitation energy values give rise to electron-hole pairs. This study contributes a small part to creating potential applications in nanotechnology.


Cap-assisted EMR for rectal neuroendocrine tumors: comparisons with conventional EMR and endoscopic submucosal dissection (with videos).
The incidence of rectal neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) is increasing, and most small rectal NETs can be treated endoscopically. Cap-assisted EMR (EMR-C) was suggested as an effective treatment for rectal NETs in a few studies. We aimed to compare the outcomes of conventional EMR, EMR-C, and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for the treatment of rectal NETs. A total of 138 rectal NETs were treated endoscopically by a single endoscopist at Asan Medical Center. We analyzed 122 rectal NETs that had been removed by using EMR (n = 56), EMR-C (n = 34), or ESD (n = 32). The histologic complete resection rate was higher in the EMR-C group than in the EMR group (94.1% vs 76.8%, P = .032). Intraprocedural bleeding tended to be more frequent in the EMR-C group than in the EMR group (8.8% vs 0%, P = .051). No differences in the rates of adverse events or histologic complete resections were observed between the EMR-C group and the ESD group for 6-mm to 8-mm NETs; however, the procedure time was significantly shorter in the EMR-C group (3.9 ± 1.1 minutes) than in the ESD group (19.0 ± 12.1 minutes) (P < .001). There was no recurrence in any of the 3 groups. EMR-C is the preferable technique for endoscopic resection of small rectal NETs.


Fast-response electrochemical biosensor based on a truncated aptamer and MXene heterolayer for West Nile virus detection in human serum.
West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that can cause West Nile fever, meningitis, encephalitis, and polio. Early detection of WNV is important to prevent infection spread on the field. To commercialize the electrochemical biosensor for WNV, rapid target detection with the cheap manufacture cost is essential. Here, we developed a fast-response electrochemical biosensor consisting of a truncated WNV aptamer/MXene (Ti3C2Tx) bilayer on round-type micro gap. To reduce the target binding time, the application of the alternating current electrothermal flow (ACEF) technology reduced the target detection time to within 10 min, providing a rapid biosensor platform. The MXene nanosheet improved electrochemical signal amplification, and the aptamer produced through systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment process eliminated unnecessary base sequences via truncation and lowered the manufacturing cost. Under optimized conditions, the WNV limit of detection (LOD) and selectivity were measured using electrochemical measurement methods, including cyclic voltammetry and square wave voltammetry. The LOD was 2.57 pM for WNV diluted in deionized water and 1.06 pM for WNV diluted in 10% human serum. The fabricated electrochemical biosensor has high selectivity and allows rapid detection, suggesting the possibility of future application in the diagnosis of flaviviridae virus.


Impact of ammunition and military explosives on human health and the environment.
To review the literature concerning the risks associated with the main xenobiotics contained in military ammunition and explosive residues and damage to human and environmental health. Using "ammunition", "military", "environmental", "health", "explosive", "metal", "TNT", "RDX", "pollution", and "contamination" as search terms, a large database, namely ISI Web of Knowledge and PubMed, was searched for studies on military ammunition and explosive residues from 1989 to 2010. Other sources used to conduct the search included the library of the Toxicology Laboratory of the Center for Workers' Health and Human Ecology (CESTEH) at the National School of Public Health. In total, 15 different combinations were used with the search words above and 708 papers were found. Among them, 76 papers concerned this review. More than 12 references of interest were discovered in the library of the CESTEH. The results were organized into metals, dinitrotoluene, trinitrotoluene (TNT), and royal demolition explosive (RDX), showing their main uses, occurrence in the environment, the current toxic effects to human and environmental health, and remediation possibilities. Because military activities can cause the acute and chronic exposure of human beings, the public administration must aim politics towards suitable environmental management.


Large-scale preparation of five polar polyphenols including three isomers from Phyllanthus emblica Linn. by preparative high-speed counter-current chromatography.
The separation of polar compounds is challenging work due to poor retention and insufficient selectivity. In the present study, an efficient strategy for large-scale preparation of five polar polyphenols including three isomers from Phyllanthus emblica Linn has been established by preparative high-speed counter-current chromatography. Macroporous resin column chromatography was used for the enrichment of the polar polyphenols. However, sugar and other ultra-polar impurities were co-washed out with the targets. Liquid-liquid extraction with ethyl acetate/water (1/1, v/v) solvent system was developed to remove the ultra-polar impurities with a clearance rate of 95%. Finally, the targets were introduced to preparative high-speed counter-current chromatography for separation using ethyl acetate/n-butanol/acetic acid/water (2/7/1/10, v/v/v/v) solvent system. As a result, 191 mg of Mucic acid 1,4-lactone 5-O-gallate, 370 mg of β-Glucogallin, 301 mg of Gallic acid, 195 mg of Mucic acid 1,4-lactone 3-O-gallate and 176 mg of Mucic acid 1,4-lactone 2-O-gallate with purity higher than 98% were obtained from 1.5 g of sample. Mucic acid 1,4-lactone 3-O-gallate, Mucic acid 1,4-lactone 3-O-gallate, and Mucic acid 1,4-lactone 2-O-gallate are isomers. The results showed that high-speed counter-current chromatography could be well developed for the separation of polar compounds from natural products.


Potassium conductance in straight proximal tubule cells of the mouse. Effect of barium, verapamil and quinidine.
The present study has been performed to test for the influence of verapamil and quinidine on the potential difference across the basolateral cell membrane (PDbl) and on the basolateral potassium conductance of isolated perfused segments of the mouse proximal tubule. PDbl was recorded continuously with conventional microelectrodes during rapid alterations of bath or luminal perfusate composition. The contribution of the basolateral potassium conductance to the conductance of both cell membranes (tk) was estimated from the effects of altered bath potassium concentration on PDbl. Under control conditions tk approaches 0.8, i.e. the basolateral cell membrane is mainly conductive to potassium. Neither quinidine nor verapamil affect PDbl at concentrations below 10 mumol/l. At higher concentrations both substances depolarize the basolateral cell membrane mimicking the effect of 1 mmol/l barium. In the presence of 0.1 mmol/l verapamil tk is virtually abolished at 5 to 10 mmol/l bath potassium concentration but is almost unaffected at bath potassium concentrations between 20 and 40 mmol/l. 1 mumol/l ionophore A-23187 does not change the depolarizing effect of 0.1 mmol/l verapamil on cell membrane potential. In the presence of 0.1 mmol/l quinidine, tk is reduced to some 50%, irrespective of the bath potassium concentration. It is concluded that the potassium conductance in straight proximal tubules is inhibited not only by barium but as well by high concentrations of verapamil and quinidine. The effect is probably direct and not related to alterations in the intracellular calcium activity.


Prevention of cisplatin nephrotoxicity: state of the art and recommendations from the European Society of Clinical Pharmacy Special Interest Group on Cancer Care.
Antineoplastic drugs used in the treatment of cancers present with variable renal tolerance profiles. Among drugs with a potential for renal toxicity, platinum salts, and especially cisplatin is a well-known agent that may induce acute and chronic renal failure. The mechanisms of its renal toxicity and the means of its prevention are presented in this article which represent the Clinical Recommendation from the Special Interest Group on Cancer Care of the European Society of Clinical Pharmacy (ESCP).


Percent free prostate specific antigen is not an independent predictor of organ confinement or prostate specific antigen recurrence in unscreened patients with localized prostate cancer treated with radical prostatectomy.
We studied the controversial relationship of percent free prostate specific antigen (PSA) with organ confined prostate cancer and PSA failure after radical prostatectomy. We tested the characteristics of the percent free PSA monoclonal Immulite DPC Immunoassay (Diagnostic Products Corp., Los Angeles, California) for predicting organ confinement in 698 consecutive unscreened men treated only with radical prostatectomy between 1995 and 2000. In addition, we assessed the ability of percent free PSA to predict post-radical prostatectomy PSA failure, defined as PSA 0.1 ng./ml. or greater, in a subset of 581 men in whom followup was available. All statistical analyses were repeated for stage T1c cancer with PSA between 2 and 10 ng./ml. On univariate analyses percent free PSA achieved significance for predicting organ confined disease at all clinical stages (p <0.001) and for stage T1c cancer with PSA between 2 and 10 ng./ml. (p = 0.012). However, significance dissipated after controlling for total PSA, biopsy Gleason sum and clinical stage (p = 0.135 and 0.851, respectively). In univariate Cox models percent free PSA failed to predict PSA failure across stages (p = 0.341), as well as in stage T1c cancer (p = 0.93). In multivariate analyses controlling for traditional PSA biopsy grade and clinical stage (p <0.001), percent free PSA failed to contribute to predicting PSA failure (p = 0.342). In the stage T1c subset biopsy Gleason sum (p <0.001) and PSA (p = 0.018) remained significant, in contrast to percent free PSA (p = 0.237). Percent free PSA has no independent, statistically significant association with organ confined status or posttreatment PSA outcome in unscreened patients who undergo radical prostatectomy for localized prostate cancer.


The Sda Synthase B4GALNT2 Reduces Malignancy and Stemness in Colon Cancer Cell Lines Independently of Sialyl Lewis X Inhibition.
The Sda antigen and its biosynthetic enzyme B4GALNT2 are highly expressed in healthy colon but undergo a variable down-regulation in colon cancer. The biosynthesis of the malignancy-associated sialyl Lewis x (sLex) antigen in normal and cancerous colon is mediated by fucosyltransferase 6 (FUT6) and is mutually exclusive from that of Sda. It is thought that the reduced malignancy associated with high B4GALNT2 was due to sLex inhibition. We transfected the cell lines SW480 and SW620, derived respectively from a primary tumor and a metastasis of the same patient, with the cDNAs of FUT6 or B4GALNT2, generating cell variants expressing either the sLex or the Sda antigens. Transfectants were analyzed for growth in poor adherence, wound healing, stemness and gene expression profile. B4GALNT2/Sda expression down-regulated all malignancy-associated phenotypes in SW620 but only those associated with stemness in SW480. FUT6/sLex enhanced some malignancy-associated phenotypes in SW620, but had little effect in SW480. The impact on the transcriptome was stronger for FUT6 than for B4GALNT2 and only partially overlapping between SW480 and SW620. B4GALNT2/Sda inhibits the stemness-associated malignant phenotype, independently of sLex inhibition. The impact of glycosyltransferases on the phenotype and the transcriptome is highly cell-line specific.