Functional bioengineered tissue models of neurodegenerative diseases.
Aging-associated neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases remain poorly understood and no disease-modifying treatments exist despite decades of investigation. Predominant in vitro (e.g., 2D cell culture, organoids) and in vivo (e.g., mouse) models of these diseases are insufficient mimics of human brain tissue structure and function and of human neurodegenerative pathobiology, and have thus contributed to this collective translational failure. This has been a longstanding challenge in the field, and new strategies are required to address both fundamental and translational needs. Bioengineered tissue culture models constitute a class of promising alternatives, as they can overcome the low cell density, poor nutrient exchange, and long term culturability limitations of existing in vitro models. Further, they can reconstruct the structural, mechanical, and biochemical cues of native brain tissue, providing a better mimic of human brain tissues for in vitro pathobiological investigation and drug development. We discuss bioengineering techniques for the generation of these neurodegenerative tissue models, including biomaterials-, organoid-, and microfluidics-based approaches, and design considerations for their construction. To aid the development of the next generation of functional neurodegenerative disease models, we discuss approaches to incorporate greater cellular diversity and simulate aging processes within bioengineered brain tissues.


Paraneoplastic syndromes review: The great forgotten ones.
Paraneoplastic syndromes (PNS) are a group of disorders that can affect the oncologic patient, and which are not directly attributable to tumour invasion, tumour compression or metastasis. In fact, they are due to tumour secretion of functional hormones or peptides or are related to immune cross-reactivity with the host tissue. These syndromes are called paraneoplastic because the components that cause them do not derive from the organ or tissue of origin, but from the neoplasm suffered by the patient. It is estimated that 10-15% of people with cancer suffer from a PNS (Coleman, 2018). PNS is the second direct cause of death (27% of cases) in cancer patients, after cancer itself. Consequently, it is of remarkable importance to recognize and treat SPNs specifically (Serraj et al., 2020). In view of the above, the aim of this article is to review the state of the art in neurological, haematological, endocrine, and dermatological paraneoplastic syndromes. It is a review in which the most relevant PNS and their symptomatology are described, inquiring into their diagnosis and treatment.


Sister chromatid exchange-related characteristics of excision repair-proficient xeroderma pigmentosum cells.
A high incidence of skin cancer characterizes patients with xeroderma pigmentosum (XP). XP patients have hereditary defects in repair mechanisms of ultraviolet light (UV)-induced damage to DNA. Progress in elucidating the pathogenesis of cutaneous cancers can be expected by analysis of the biologic defects of cultured cells from XP patients. Such information may also contribute, at least in part, to an understanding of carcinogenesis in general.


Cloning and Characterization of an Enantioselective l-Menthyl Benzoate Hydrolase from Acinetobacter sp. ECU2040.
A new esterase gene abmbh, encoding a benzoate hydrolase which can enantioselectively hydrolyze l-menthyl benzoate to l-menthol, was recently identified from the genomic library of a soil isolate Acinetobacter sp. ECU2040. The abmbh gene contains a 1080-bp open reading frame encoding a protein of 360 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 40.7 kDa. The corresponding enzyme AbMBH was functionally expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3), purified, and characterized. The AbMBH displayed the maximum activity towards p-nitrophenyl butyrate at 50 °C, and an optimum pH of 8.5. A K M of 2.6 mM and a k cat of 0.26 s(-1) were observed towards dl-menthyl benzoate. The AbMBH exhibited a moderate enantioselectivity (E = 27.5) towards dl-menthyl benzoate. It can also catalyze the enantioselective hydrolysis of a variety of racemic menthyl esters, including dl-menthyl acetate, dl-menthyl chloroacetate, and dl-menthyl butyrate.


The influence of wet-to-dry season shifts on the microbial community stability and nitrogen cycle in the Poyang Lake sediment.
In lake environments, seasonal changes can cause exposure of the lake sediment, leading to soil formation. Although previous studies have explored how environmental changes influence microbial functioning in the water-level-fluctuating zone, few studies have investigated how wholescale habitat changes affect microbial composition, community stability and ecological functions in lake environments. To address this issue, our study investigated the effects of sediment-to-soil conversion on microbial composition, community stability and subsequent ecological functioning in Poyang Lake, China. Our results revealed that, during sediment-to-soil conversion, the number of total and unique operational taxonomic units (OTUs) decreased by 40 % and 55 %, respectively. Moreover, sediment-to-soil conversion decreased the microbial community connectivity and complexity while significantly increasing its stability, as evidenced by increased absolute values of negative/positive cohesion. In sediment and soil, the abundance of dominant bacteria, and bacterial diversity strongly affected microbial community stability, although this phenomenon was not true in water. Furthermore, the specific microbial phyla and genes involved in the nitrogen cycle changed significantly following sediment-to-soil conversion, with the major nitrogen cycling processes altering from denitrification and dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium to nitrification and assimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonia. Moreover, a compensation mechanism was observed in the functional genes related to the nitrogen cycle, such that all the processes in the nitrogen cycle were maintained following sediment-to-soil conversion. The oxidation-reduction potential strongly affected network complexity, microbial stability, and nitrogen cycling in the sediment and soil. These results aid in the understanding of responses of microorganisms to climate change and extreme drought. Our findings have considerable implications for predicting the ecological consequences of habitat conversion and for ecosystem management.


Cardiac assistance from skeletal muscle: a reappraisal.
Cardiac assistance from skeletal muscle offers an attractive surgical solution to the problem of end-stage heart failure, yet it is widely regarded as a failed approach. I argue here that this is an outdated assessment. Systematic progress has been made over the last 25 years in understanding the relevant basic science. In the light of these advances we should be reconsidering the place of skeletal muscle assist in the surgical armamentarium.


Nanobody-Enhanced Targeting of AAV Gene Therapy Vectors.
A limiting factor for the use of adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) as vectors in gene therapy is the broad tropism of AAV serotypes, i.e., the parallel infection of several cell types. Nanobodies are single immunoglobulin variable domains from heavy chain antibodies that naturally occur in camelids. Their small size and high solubility allow easy reformatting into fusion proteins. Herein we show that a membrane protein-specific nanobody can be inserted into a surface loop of the VP1 capsid protein of AAV2. Using three structurally distinct membrane proteins-a multispan ion channel, a single-span transmembrane protein, and a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored ectoenzyme-we show that this strategy can dramatically enhance the transduction of specific target cells by recombinant AAV2. Moreover, we show that the nanobody-VP1 fusion of AAV2 can be incorporated into the capsids of AAV1, AAV8, and AAV9 and thereby effectively redirect the target specificity of other AAV serotypes. Nanobody-mediated targeting provides a highly efficient AAV targeting strategy that is likely to open up new avenues for genetic engineering of cells.


The bidirectional relationship between chronic joint pain and frailty: data from the Investigating Musculoskeletal Health and Wellbeing cohort.
Pain and frailty are associated, but this relationship is insufficiently understood. We aimed to test whether there is a unidirectional or bidirectional relationship between joint pain and frailty. Data were from Investigating Musculoskeletal Health and Wellbeing, a UK-based cohort. Average joint pain severity over the previous month was assessed using an 11-point numerical rating scale (NRS). Frailty was classified as present/absent using the FRAIL questionnaire. Multivariable regression assessed the association between joint pain and frailty, adjusted for age, sex, and BMI class. Two-wave cross-lagged path modelling permitted simultaneous exploration of plausible causal pathways between pain intensity and frailty at baseline and 1-year. Transitions were assessed using t-tests. One thousand one hundred seventy-nine participants were studied, 53% female, with a median age of 73 (range 60 to 95) years. FRAIL classified 176 (15%) participants as frail at baseline. Mean (SD) baseline pain score was 5.2 (2.5). Pain NRS ≥ 4 was observed in 172 (99%) of frail participants. Pain severity was associated with frailty at baseline (aOR 1.72 (95%CI 1.56 to 1.92)). In cross-lagged path analysis, higher baseline pain predicted 1-year frailty [β = 0.25, (95%CI 0.14 to 0.36), p < 0.001] and baseline frailty predicted higher 1-year pain [β = 0.06, (95%CI 0.003 to 0.11), p = 0.040]. Participants transitioning to frailty over one year had higher mean pain scores (6.4 (95%CI 5.8 to 7.1)) at baseline than those who remained non-frail (4.7 (95%CI 4.5 to 4.8)), p < 0.001. The bidirectional relationship between pain and frailty could lead to a vicious cycle in which each accelerates the other's progression. This justifies attempts to prevent frailty by addressing pain and to include pain measures as an outcome in frailty studies.


In silico identification of potential inhibitors against shikimate dehydrogenase through virtual screening and toxicity studies for the treatment of tuberculosis.
The present study attempts to identify the novel inhibitors of shikimate dehydrogenase (SD), the enzyme that catalyzes the fourth reaction in the shikimate pathway, through virtual screening and toxicity studies. Crystal structure of SD was obtained from Protein Data Bank (PDB ID 4P4G, 1.7 Å) and subjected to energy minimization and structure optimization. A total of 13,803 compounds retrieved from two public databases and used for the virtual screening based on physicochemical properties (Lipinski rule of five) and molecular docking analyses. A total of 26 compounds with good AutoDock binding energies values ranging between - 12.03 and - 8.33 kcal/mol was selected and further filtered for absorption distribution metabolism excretion and toxicity analyses (ADMET). In this, eight compounds were selected, which satisfied all the ADME and toxicity analysis properties. Three compounds with better AutoDock binding energies values (ZINC12135132, - 12.03 kcal/mol; ZINC08951370, - 10.04 kcal/mol; and ZINC14733847, 9.82 kcal/mol) were considered for molecular dynamic (MD) simulation and molecular generalized born surface area (MM-GBSA) analyses. The results of the analyses revealed that the two ligands (ZINC12135132 and ZINC08951370) had better inhibitory activities within their complexes, after the 50-ns MD simulation, which suggested that the complexes formed stable conformation. It is noteworthy that compounds identified by docking, MD simulation, and MM-GBSA methods could be a drug for tuberculosis which required further experimental validation.


The KBTBD6/7-DRD2 axis regulates pituitary adenoma sensitivity to dopamine agonist treatment.
Pituitary adenoma (PA) is one of the most common intracranial tumors, and approximately 40% of all PAs are prolactinomas. Dopamine agonists (DAs), such as cabergoline (CAB), have been successfully used in the treatment of prolactinomas. The expression of dopamine type 2 receptor (DRD2) determines the therapeutic effect of DAs, but the molecular mechanisms of DRD2 regulation are not fully understood. In this study, we first demonstrated that DRD2 underwent proteasome-mediated degradation. We further employed the yeast two-hybrid system and identified kelch repeat and BTB (POZ) domain containing 7 (KBTBD7), a substrate adaptor for the CUL3-RING ubiquitin (Ub) ligase complex, as a DRD2-interacting protein. KBTBD6/7 directly interacted with, and ubiquitinated DRD2 at five ubiquitination sites (K221, K226, K241, K251, and K258). CAB, a high-affinity DRD2 agonist, induced DRD2 internalization, and cytoplasmic DRD2 was degraded via ubiquitination under the control of KBTBD6/7, the activity of which attenuated CAB-mediated inhibition of the AKT/mTOR pathway. KBTBD7 knockout (KO) mice were generated using the CRISPR-Cas9 technique, in which the static level of DRD2 protein was elevated in the pituitary gland, thalamus, and heart, compared to that of WT mice. Consistently, the expression of KBTBD6/7 was negatively correlated with that of DRD2 in human pituitary tumors. Moreover, KBTBD7 was highly expressed in dopamine-resistant prolactinomas, but at low levels in dopamine-sensitive prolactinomas. Knockdown of KBTBD6/7 sensitized MMQ cells and primary pituitary tumor cells to CAB treatment. Conversely, KBTBD7 overexpression increased CAB resistance of estrogen-induced in situ rat prolactinoma model. Together, our findings have uncovered the novel mechanism of DRD2 protein degradation and shown that the KBTBD6/7-DRD2 axis regulates PA sensitivity to DA treatment. KBTBD6/7 may thus become a promising therapeutic target for pituitary tumors.


Links between maternal breast-feeding duration and Québec infants' health: a population-based study. Are the effects different for poor children?
To determine whether the relationship between breastfeeding duration and the health status of 5-month-old Quebec infants differs by poverty status. Cross-sectional study of Quebec Longitudinal Study of Child Development data of a sample of 2223 infants who were 5 months old. Two infant health indicators were considered: presence of chronic diseases and hospitalization for at least one night since birth. Differences in the associations between infant health and breastfeeding duration according to poverty status were explored using a logistic regression model and controlling for children's and mothers' characteristics. Infants of low-income mothers were breastfed less often and for shorter periods of time. At five months, they had poorer health compared with children from families with adequate income. However, a positive association between breastfeeding duration and these health indicators was observed and was independent of poverty level. There was no interaction between poverty level and breastfeeding duration for the two health indicators studied. The associations between maternal breastfeeding for 4 months or more and both hospitalizations before 5 months of age and chronic diseases are independent of family income level. However, low-income mothers breastfeed less often and for shorter periods of time. Interventions intended to promote and support breastfeeding should especially target mothers living in poverty conditions.


Quantifying the demineralisation of enamel using a hyperspectral camera measuring fluorescence loss.
The gold standard for quantifying mineral loss of enamel is transverse microradiography (TMR) and is complimented by the non-destructive quantitative light induced fluorescence (QLF) which measures changes in autofluorescence. Fluorescence loss has been shown to correlate with mineral loss. Building upon the established method, the use of hyperspectral fluorescence imaging (HI) allows the capture of a broader range of wavelengths to quantify fluorescence changes more accurately. Bovine Enamel was demineralised within the dual constant depth film fermenter over 14 days and analysed using TMR, QLF and HI. The mineral change values were compared using Pearson's Correlation Coefficient. The analysis showed a statistically significant correlation that was equal between TMR and HI (r = 0.844) and TMR and QLF (r = 0.844), but weaker between QLF and HI (r = 0.811). The correlations indicate that HI is a promising valid non-destructive method for quantifying mineral loss from bovine enamel that is as accurate as QLF and complements TMR.


Performance of prenatal cfDNA screening for sex chromosomes.
The aim of this study was to assess the performance of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) screening to detect sex chromosome aneuploidies (SCAs) in an unselected obstetrical population with genetic confirmation. This was a planned secondary analysis of the multicenter, prospective SNP-based Microdeletion and Aneuploidy RegisTry (SMART) study. Patients receiving cfDNA results for autosomal aneuploidies and who had confirmatory genetic results for the relevant sex chromosomal aneuploidies were included. Screening performance for SCAs, including monosomy X (MX) and the sex chromosome trisomies (SCT: 47,XXX; 47,XXY; 47,XYY) was determined. Fetal sex concordance between cfDNA and genetic screening was also evaluated in euploid pregnancies. A total of 17,538 cases met inclusion criteria. Performance of cfDNA for MX, SCTs, and fetal sex was determined in 17,297, 10,333, and 14,486 pregnancies, respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value (PPV) of cfDNA were 83.3%, 99.9%, and 22.7% for MX and 70.4%, 99.9%, and 82.6%, respectively, for the combined SCTs. The accuracy of fetal sex prediction by cfDNA was 100%. Screening performance of cfDNA for SCAs is comparable to that reported in other studies. The PPV for the SCTs was similar to the autosomal trisomies, whereas the PPV for MX was substantially lower. No discordance in fetal sex was observed between cfDNA and postnatal genetic screening in euploid pregnancies. These data will assist interpretation and counseling for cfDNA results for sex chromosomes.


Iron deficiency in infancy is associated with altered neural correlates of recognition memory at 10 years.
To determine the long-term effects of iron deficiency on the neural correlates of recognition memory. Non-anemic control participants (n=93) and 116 otherwise healthy formerly iron-deficient anemic Chilean children were selected from a larger longitudinal study. Participants were identified at 6, 12, or 18 months as iron-deficient anemic or non-anemic and subsequently received oral iron treatment. This follow-up was conducted when participants were 10 years old. Behavioral measures and event-related potentials from 28 scalp electrodes were measured during an new/old word recognition memory task. The new/old effect of the FN400 amplitude, in which new words are associated with greater amplitude than old words, was present within the control group only. The control group also showed faster FN400 latency than the formerly iron-deficient anemic group and larger mean amplitude for the P300 component. Although overall behavioral accuracy is comparable in groups, the results show that group differences in cognitive function have not been resolved 10 years after iron treatment. Long-lasting changes in myelination and energy metabolism, perhaps especially in the hippocampus, may account for these long-term effects on an important aspect of human cognitive development.


Renal injury in sick newborn infants: a prospective evaluation using urinary beta 2-microglobulin concentrations.
Urinary concentrations of beta 2-microglobulin and creatinine were measured serially in 140 sick infants, of whom 109 were asphyxiated, and in 35 healthy preterm and term infants. First voided urines and samples from days 3 and 7 postpartum were studied. Urinary beta 2-microglobulin concentrations in healthy infants averaged 1.34 +/- 1.34 mg/L (mean +/- SD) in first voided specimens and 1.32 +/- 0.98 mg/L in day 3 samples; the calculated upper limit of normal (95% confidence limit) was 4.00 mg/L. Elevated values (those exceeding the 95% confidence limit) occurred most often in the sick asphyxiated patients (56%); the first voided sample value in these patients was 10.0 +/- 10.4 mg/L. The equivalent value in the sick nonasphyxiated infants was 8.32 +/- 7.27 mg/L. Values were significantly and persistently elevated in the sick infants on days 3 and 7. Factoring beta 2-microglobulin levels by urinary creatinine concentration did not affect the significance of the findings. The increased urinary beta 2-microglobulin levels were not (1) related to gestational age; low beta 2-microglobulin values occurred at all gestational ages for both healthy and sick infants; (2) a consequence of urine flow rate; urinary beta 2-microglobulin did not correlate with urinary creatinine concentration or with urine to plasma creatinine ratio; and (3) a consequence of increased production of beta 2-microglobulin; urinary and serum beta 2-microglobulin values did not correlate (r = .03). Thus, we propose that the elevated levels of urinary beta 2-microglobulin in the sick infants were the consequence of tubular injury. This was associated with hematuria but not with a high incidence of azotemia or oliguria.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


Laboratory-scale production of lignin-degrading enzymes by free and entrapped cells ofPhanerochoete chrysosporium in a tubular air-lift bioreactor.
The production of lignin-degrading enzymes by free and entrapped cells ofPhanerochoete chrysosporium in a tubular air-lift bioreactor was studied. Under optimized cultural conditions the production of lignin peroxidase by free cells, calcium-alginate-entrapped cells and scouring-mesh-entrapped cells was in a ratio of 520ratio720ratio950 mU/mL, while the production of manganese peroxidase was in a ratio of 350ratio480ratio620 mU/mL. The stability of the entrapped cells by fed-batch systems was highest after 3 feeding experiments which is similarly demonstrated in the repeated use of the preparations in batch system.


Flashbulb memories: special, but not so special.
This study deals with flashbulb memories associated with the assassination of the Swedish prime minister Olof Palme. A major goal of this research was to explore the consistency of such memories through comparison of the subjects' recollections on two different occasions, one year apart. The results obtained indicated that flashbulb events are accurately recalled in terms of a narrative conception of the concomitant circumstances of the event, but that the event descriptions are not consistent with respect to the specific details of these circumstances. It was concluded that the loss of information during one year contradicts the notion that flashbulb memories persist in absolute accuracy over time, as has been claimed in previous studies. Rather, these memories appear to be reconstructions based on residuals of the circumstances concomitant with the specific event (i.e., that of first hearing of the shocking news), and these memories follow the same pattern of recollection as does recollection of other autobiographical and laboratory-induced emotional events.


A molecular mechanism on the antiapoptotic effects of zingerone in isoproterenol induced myocardial infarcted rats.
Myocardial infarction continues to be a major public health problem, not only in western countries but also increasingly in developing countries and makes significant contribution to the mortality statistics. Reduction in mortality and prevention of myocardial infarction are of utmost importance. Recently, there has been an increased interest globally to identify natural compounds that are pharmacologically potent and have low or no adverse effects for use in preventive medicine. Oxidative stress and cardiomyocyte apoptosis play a significant role in the progression of myocardial infarction. The molecular mechanism on the antiapoptotic effects of zingerone in isoproterenol induced myocardial infarcted rats was evaluated. Rats were pretreated with zingerone (6mg/kg body weight) daily for 14 days and were then induced myocardial infarction with isoproterenol (100mg/kg body weight) on 15th and 16th day. Isoproterenol induced myocardial infarcted rats showed significantly (P < 0.05) increased heart oxidative stress markers and significantly (P < 0.05) decreased heart antioxidant systems. Reverse transcription - polymerase chain reaction study revealed altered myocardial expressions of B-cell lymphoma gene-2, B-cell lymphoma - extra large, B-cell lymphoma-2 associated-x, Bcl - 2 associated death promoter, Fas-receptor and caspases-8,-9 and- 3 genes in myocardial infarcted rats. Zingerone pretreatment revealed significant (P<0.05) preventive effects on all the above mentioned biochemical and molecular parameters evaluated in myocardial infarcted rats. Thus, zingerone prevented cardiomyocyte apoptosis, by virtue of its antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties.


Author Correction: Microbiota modulate sympathetic neurons via a gut-brain circuit.
An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.


Pelvic abscess in association with intrauterine contraceptive device.
Serious pelvic infection associated with the use of IUDs is of increasing concern to obstetricians and gynecologists. This review of the literature is accompanied by analysis of 5 years' experience at the Arizona Health Sciences Center. Of 169 patients with acute infections, 34% had an IUD in place at the onset of infection. In addition, 24 of the patients were less than 20 years of age and 35% were nulliparous. Of the nulliparous patients, 11 were rendered sterile following surgical extirpative therapy. Sixty-six patients developed pelvic and tubo-ovarian abscesses; 38% of those were related to IUD usage. Six of the pelvic abscesses and eight of the unilateral tubo-ovarian abscesses came to pelvic cleanout. Evidence presented documents the serious infection potential that IUD usage entails, the antibiotic and surgical management, the infertility that results, and the mechanism assumed responsible. In addition, the high-risk patient has been identified (young, nulliparous, sexually active, and, especially, of the lower socioeconomic strata).


The current state of robotic retromuscular repairs-a qualitative review of the literature.
The management of ventral incisional hernias (VIH) has undergone many iterations over the last 5 years due to evolution in surgical techniques and advancement in robotic surgery. Four general principles have emerged: mesh usage, retromuscular mesh placement, primary fascial closure, and usage of minimally invasive techniques when possible. The application of robotic retromuscular repairs in VIH allow these principles to be applied simultaneously. This qualitative review attempts to answer what robotic retromuscular repairs are described, which patients are selected for these techniques, and what are current outcomes. Using the key words: "robotic retromuscular repair", "robotic Rives Stoppa", and "robotic transversus abdominis release", a PubMed search of articles written up to December 2019 was critically reviewed. 44 articles were encountered, 9 high-quality articles were analyzed for this manuscript. Level of evidence ranged from 2B to 2C. Robotic TAR patients had BMI of 33 kg/m2, defect sizes ranging from 7-14 cm wide to 12-19 cm long, longer OR times, no difference in surgical site events, and shorter length of stay (LOS). The techniques to perform robotic Rives Stoppa (RS) were heterogeneous; however, extended totally extraperitoneal (ETEP) approach is most described. Defect width for RS repairs ranged 4-7 cm and LOS was less than 1 day. Complication rates were low, there is no long-term data on hernia recurrence, and information on cost is limited. In short-term follow-up, robotic retromuscular repairs show promise that VIH can be repaired with intramuscular mesh, few complications, and shorter LOS. Data on hernia recurrence, long-term complications, and rigorous cost analysis are needed to demonstrate generalizability.


Homology modeling, molecular docking and molecular dynamics studies of the catalytic domain of chitin deacetylase from Cryptococcus laurentii strain RY1.
This study provides structural insights into chitin deacetylase, over-expressing under nitrogen limiting condition in Cryptococcus laurentii strain RY1. The enzyme converts chitin, the second most abundant natural biopolymer, to chitosan, which offers tremendous applications in diverse fields. To elucidate the structure-function relationship of this biologically and industrially important enzyme, a homology model of the catalytic domain was constructed. The stability of the structure was assessed by molecular dynamics simulation studies. Tryptophan 151 of the domain was identified to form hydrogen bond and stacking interaction with chitin upon docking. In Silico substitution of Tryptophan (W) to Alanine (A), Phenylalanine (F) and Aspartate (D) corroborated the importance of the Tryptophan residue in interaction with the substrate. This is the first report of unravelling the structural characteristics of chitin deacetylase from Cryptococcus and understanding the approach of the enzyme towards its substrate. Our results would be helpful to perform experimental validations and apply quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics techniques to determine the detailed catalytic mechanism and enhance the industrial potency of the enzyme.


A Toolbox of Bone Consolidation for the Interventional Radiologist.
Bone consolidation is increasingly used in the treatment of both benign and malignant bone conditions. Percutaneous vertebroplasty, for example, has been shown to be useful in vertebral compression fractures in the VAPOUR trial which showed its superiority to placebo for pain reduction in the treatment of acute vertebral compressive fractures. Further tools have since been developed, such as kyphoplasty, spinal implants, and even developments in bone cements itself in attempt to improve outcome, such as chemotherapy-loaded cement or cement replacements such as radio-opaque silicon polymer. More importantly, bone fixation and its combination with cement have been increasingly performed to improve outcome. Interventional radiologists must first know the tools available, before they can best plan for their patients. This review article will focus on the tool box available for the modern interventional radiologist.


BIT: Biosignal Igniter Toolkit.
The study of biosignals has had a transforming role in multiple aspects of our society, which go well beyond the health sciences domains to which they were traditionally associated with. While biomedical engineering is a classical discipline where the topic is amply covered, today biosignals are a matter of interest for students, researchers and hobbyists in areas including computer science, informatics, electrical engineering, among others. Regardless of the context, the use of biosignals in experimental activities and practical projects is heavily bounded by the cost, and limited access to adequate support materials. In this paper we present an accessible, albeit versatile toolkit, composed of low-cost hardware and software, which was created to reinforce the engagement of different people in the field of biosignals. The hardware consists of a modular wireless biosignal acquisition system that can be used to support classroom activities, interface with other devices, or perform rapid prototyping of end-user applications. The software comprehends a set of programming APIs, a biosignal processing toolbox, and a framework for real time data acquisition and postprocessing.


Effects of toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium tamarense on the energy budgets and growth of two marine bivalves.
Harmful algal blooms (HAB) may impose a serious threat to aquatic lives and human health. We determined the effects of a toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium tamarense (clone ATCIO1, isolated from Hong Kong coastal waters) on the energy budget, quantified as scope for growth (SFG), and the growth rate of the manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum and the green-lipped mussel Perna viridis. To quantify the SFG, clams and mussels were dosed with different amounts of toxic A. tamarense for 6 days, resulting in different toxin burdens in the tissues. Clearance rate, absorption efficiency, and respiration rate were subsequently measured in these toxin containing bivalves. Clearance rate significantly declined at the highest toxin burden in the clams only, while there was no significant difference in the clearance rate among different treatments for the mussels. The respiration rate of either bivalve was not significantly affected by toxin accumulation in the tissues. In contrast, the absorption efficiency of both clams and mussels decreased, in a concentration-dependent manner for mussels but not for clams, when the tissue accumulated the toxins. With an increase in paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) toxin burden, SFG in both clams and mussels was significantly reduced, primarily because of the decrease of absorption efficiency. The growth rate of juvenile clam R. philippinarum, measured as an increment in tissue dry weight over a 15 d exposure period, was significantly lower during their feeding on toxic dinoflagellate than the growth rate of clams feeding on the diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana. The juvenile mussel P. viridis, however, exhibited similar growth rates after feeding on the toxic dinoflagellates and the nontoxic diatom. This study showed that SFG can provide a sensitive and integrated measure of the effect of HAB on the physiology of bivalves. Clam R. philippinarum may be more sensitive, in terms of their energy budget, to PSP toxin accumulation than the mussel P. viridis.


Multidrug resistance and mutagenesis.
Multidrug resistance, the phenomenon whereby the development of resistance to one drug is sometimes accompanied by the simultaneous development of resistance to a variety of other, often structurally unrelated, drugs, is frequently associated with the presence of an energy-dependent membrane-transport system which reduces the concentration of a drug or other chemical in the cytoplasm. The latter process (termed here MDR) occurs naturally in a number of normal mammalian tissues, including colon, jejunum, liver, kidney and bone marrow, as well as in other species including bacteria. The presence of MDR can reduce the mutagenic potential of a variety of compounds in mammalian and microbiological assays. MDR can be reversed by a diverse collection of compounds, many of which are hydrophobic cations with other physiological effects. An important consequence of these considerations is that MDR-reversing agents are potentially dangerous because, while having no intrinsic mutagenicity, they may significantly increase the mutagenicity of other compounds by poisoning protective MDR mechanisms in the body.


Biochemical characterization of human epidermal retinol dehydrogenase 2.
The mRNA encoding a putative human enzyme named Epidermal Retinol Dehydrogenase 2 (RDH-E2) was found to be significantly elevated in psoriatic skin [Y. Matsuzaka, K. Okamoto, H. Tsuji, T. Mabuchi, A. Ozawa, G. Tamiya, H. Inoko, Identification of the hRDH-E2 gene, a novel member of the SDR family, and its increased expression in psoriatic lesion, Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 297 (2002) 1171-1180]. This finding led the authors to propose that RDH-E2 may be involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis through its potential role in retinoic acid biosynthesis and stimulation of keratinocyte proliferation. However, enzymatic activity for RDH-E2 has never been demonstrated. RDH-E2 is a member of the short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase (SDR) superfamily of proteins, and is most closely related to the group of SDRs comprised of both NAD(+)- and NADP(+)-dependent enzymes with activities toward retinoid and steroid substrates. In this study, we began the characterization of RDH-E2 protein in order to determine whether it might play a role in retinoic acid biosynthesis. The results of this study show that, similarly to other SDR-type retinol dehydrogenases, RDH-E2 appears to be associated with the membranes of endoplasmic reticulum. Furthermore, RDH-E2 expressed in Sf9 insect cells as a fusion to the C-terminal His(6)-tag and purified using Ni(2+)-affinity chromatography recognizes all-trans-retinol and all-trans-retinaldehyde as substrates and exhibits a strong preference for NAD(+)/NADH as cofactors. Specific activity of RDH-E2 toward all-trans-retinoids is much lower than that of other retinoid-active SDRs, such as human RoDH4 or RDH10. The preference for NAD(+) suggests that RDH-E2 is likely to function in the oxidative direction in vivo, further supporting its potential role in the oxidation of retinol to retinaldehyde for retinoic acid biosynthesis in human keratinocytes.


Enantioselective biodegradation and enantiomerization of dichlorprop in soils.
The dissipation of racemic, R-, and S- dichlorprop (DCPP) in four soils were studied in the laboratory. The half-lives of racemic DCPP were from 10.5 to 19.8 days. Preferential degradation of R- or S-DCPP was detected in all soils, even in one soil that the apparent enantiomeric fraction remained constant during incubation. The enantiomerization of DCPP was found to proceed in both directions, except in forest soil that no enantiomerization of S- to R-DCPP was observed. The isomerization equilibrium constant (K = kRS/kSR) in two vegetable soils were 0.54 and 0.53, respectively, favoring herbicidally active R enantiomer, while in paddy soil K was 1.60, favoring an inversion of R into S enantiomer. Real-time PCR showed that the rdpA gene was not detected in all indigenous and DCPP amended microcosms probably because of relative short incubation time and low amendment concentrations. In contrast, the sdpA gene was present in indigenous soils and significantly elevated after DCPP addition with the highest relative abundance around day 10 in all microcosms. Illumina sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene showed that the relative abundance of Proteobacteria significantly increased in all DCPP treated soils. DCPP-degrading related families, Sphingomonadaceae and Comamonadaceae, enhanced in all soils, while Burkholderiaceae elevated only in paddy soil with preferential degradation of S-DCPP and Pseudomonadaceae only in forest soil with R-enantiomer preference. The sdpA gene sequencing revealed that about 92%-99% of bacteria harboring sdpA genes in studied soils belong to Alphaproteobacteria.


[Value of electrophysiology in ophthalmologic monitoring of patients with endocrine orbitopathy].
Patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy may suffer from optic nerve involvement. Different ophthalmological examinations reveal the stage of this disease. In a retrospective study 27 patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy were examined. Best corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, visual field, motility and thickness of ocular muscle were determined. Registration of visual evoked cortical potentials (P-VEP) and pattern electroretinograms (P-ERG) were performed regularly. In our study group severe damage of the optic nerve could be avoided by short examination intervals and early treatment. Regular controls of P-VEP reveal optic nerve involvement at an early stage, at which visual acuity might not be altered. Therefore, this electrophysiological examination should be used in controlling patients suffering from Graves' ophthalmopathy.


Biventricular stress-induced (Tako-tsubo) cardiomyopathy complicated by right ventricular thrombus.
Tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy is a syndrome characterised by transient ventricular dysfunction most commonly involving the left ventricle. Complications include congestive heart failure, hypotension and intracardiac thrombus formation predisposing to thromboembolic events. Right ventricular involvement may also occur but is usually less marked, with complications of right ventricular dysfunction not commonly seen.


Complement Coercion in Mandarin Chinese: Evidence from a Self-paced Reading Study.
The study aims to explore the processing pattern of Mandarin Chinese sentences with complement coercion. Complement coercion is a known linguistic phenomenon in which some verbs, semantically requiring an event-denoting complement, are combined with an entity-denoting complement, as in Mary began the book. The combination (i.e., event-selecting verb + entity-denoting noun) has been reported to involve type mismatch, and thus elicits processing difficulty. While the phenomenon has been extensively studied in Indo-European languages, such as English and German, it is debatable if the phenomenon exists in a typologically distinct language from English (e.g., in structural complexity of words), such as Mandarin. To provide empirical evidence, the study conducted a self-paced reading experiment to compare the processing patterns of coercion sentences and non-coercion controls in Mandarin. The results showed longer reading times for the coercion sentences than the non-coercion counterparts, which supported previous findings about the processing difficulty of complement coercion.


Seasonal fluctuations of vegetative growth in roots and shoots of central Chilean shrubs.
Seasonal growth dynamics of the root and shoot systems of dominant shrubs of the Chilean matorral were studied. In some species root and shoot activity were synchronous, while in others production of fine roots was observed prior to bud burst and shoot elongation. Biomass production of new roots was significantly higher in spring than in autumn. Maximum biomass of dead roots was concomitant with the maximum amounts of litter under the canopy.


In Vitro Analysis of the Immunomodulating Effects of Allium Hookeri on Lymphocytes, Macrophages, and Tumour Cells.
The present study investigated the effects of ethanol extracts of Allium hookeri (leaf, root, and fermented root) on parameters of innate immunity, tumour cell viability and antioxidant effect in vitro. Innate immunity was measured by spleen lymphocyte proliferation, nitric oxide production by chicken macrophage HD11 cells and suppressive effect on tumour cell viability was assessed using chicken RP9 cells. Free radical scavenging capacity as a measure of antioxidant capacity was determined by 0.15 mM of DPPH solution. In vitro culture of chicken spleen lymphocytes with ethanol extract of Allium hookeri (62.5-500 µg/mL) significantly induced higher proliferation compared with media control. Stimulation of macrophages with ethanol extract of Allium hookeri (62.5-500 µg/mL) showed increased Nitric oxide production. Tumor cells growth was significantly inhibited by extracts of Allium hookeri at 15.6-125 µg/mL compared with medium control and all extracts exhibited greater than 80% scavenging activity at 1000 µg/mL compared with ethanol vehicle control. Above all, fermented root extracts showed strongest effects on antioxidant activity compared to leaf and root extracts.


Actionable health app evaluation: translating expert frameworks into objective metrics.
As use and availability of mobile health apps have increased, so too has the need for a thorough, accessible framework for app evaluation. The American Psychiatric Association's app evaluation model has emerged as a way to critically assess an app by considering accessibility, privacy and security, clinical foundation, engagement, and interoperability; however, there is no centralized database where users can view how various health apps perform when assessed via the APA model. In this perspective, we propose and outline our effort to translate the APA's model for the evaluation of health apps into a set of objective metrics that can be published online, making the framework actionable and accessible to a broad audience. The questions from the APA model were operationalized into 105 objective questions that are either binary or numeric. These questions serve as the foundation of an online database, where app evaluation consists of answering these 105 questions and can be crowdsourced. While the database has yet to be published and crowdsourced, initial internal testing demonstrated excellent interrater reliability. The database proposed here introduces a public and interactive approach to data collection that is guided by the APA model. The published product enables users to sort through the many mobile health apps and filter them according to individual preferences and priorities, making the ever-growing health app market more navigable.


The preventive effects of G115 on balloon injury-induced neointima formation in rats.
After percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), 30-50% of the patients may present with restenosis within 6 months. The aim of this study was to search for a preventive remedy against the balloon injury-induced neointima formation. Ginseng, with its wide indications on immune and cardiovascular functions, has prompted us to explore its role in neointima formation. In the present study, we aimed to explore if a standardized Panax Ginseng extract G115 was able to inhibit neointimal formation. With BrdU luminencence assay, maximal proliferation of rat smooth muscle cells was reduced to 24% of control values by G115. Norepinephrine-induced vasocontraction was antagonized in 21% and 44% by 1.44mg/ml and 2.88mg/ml of G115, respectively. Neointima-to-lumen area ratio of balloon-injured rat carotid arteries was reduced 77.3% by G115 as compared to the sham control. These results demonstrate the preventive effects of ginsenosides on angioplasty-mediated neointima formation.


Emotional Faces Facilitate Statistical Learning.
Detecting regularities and extracting patterns is a vital skill to organize complex information in our environments. Statistical learning, a process where we detect regularities by attending to relationships between cues in our environment, contributes to knowledge acquisition across myriad domains. However, less is known about how emotional cues-specifically facial configurations of emotion-influence statistical learning. Here, we tested two pre-registered aims to advance knowledge about emotional signals and statistical learning: (1) we examined statistical learning in the context of emotional compared to non-emotional information, and (2) we assessed how emotional congruency (i.e., whether facial stimuli conveyed the same, or different emotions) influenced regularity extraction. We demonstrated statistical learning in the context of emotional signals. Further, we showed that statistical learning occurs more efficiently in the context of emotional faces. We also established that congruent cues benefited an online measure of statistical learning, but had varied effects when statistical learning was assessed via post-exposure recognition test. The results shed light on how affective signals influence well-studied cognitive skills and address a knowledge gap about how cue congruency impacts statistical learning, including how emotional cues might guide predictions in our social world. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42761-022-00130-9.


[Increased troponin I level in a Duchenne muscular dystrophy patient with normal coronarography].
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a neuromuscular disease characterized by a progressive skeletal muscular weakness. As the respiratory care of such patients has been dramatically improved during the past few years, the DMD associated cardiomyopathy is becoming a new concern. We report a clinical case of a Troponin I level increase with normal coronarography occurring after an acute episode of respiratory failure. This report suggests the sensitivity of cardiomyocytes to hypoxemia in DMD patients.


[Treatment with bisphosphonates as a possible cause of bilateral spontaneous atypical femoral fracture].
In recent years, case reports have suggested an association between long-term bisphosphonate treatment and spontaneous atypical femoral fractures. We present a case with a 67 year-old female who was treated with bisphosphonate for eight years and within one year sustained bilateral spontaneous atypical femoral fractures preceded by uncharacteristic hip/thigh pain. X-ray of proximal femur is indicated in patients with long-term bisphosphonate use and non-traumatic hip/thigh pain.


CD117, BAP1, MTAP, and TdT Is a Useful Immunohistochemical Panel to Distinguish Thymoma from Thymic Carcinoma.
The morphologic distinction between thymic carcinomas and thymomas, specifically types B3, A, and occasionally micronodular thymomas with lymphoid stroma (MNTLS) can be challenging, as has also been shown in interobserver reproducibility studies. Since thymic carcinomas have a worse prognosis than thymomas, the diagnosis is important for patient management and treatment. This study aimed to identify a panel of immunohistochemical (IHC) markers that aid in the distinction between thymomas and thymic carcinomas in routine practice. Thymic carcinomas, type A and B3 thymomas, and MNTLS were identified in an institutional database of thymic epithelial tumors (TET) (1963-2021). IHC was performed using antibodies against TdT, Glut-1, CD5, CD117, BAP1, and mTAP. Percent tumor cell staining was recorded (Glut-1, CD5, CD117); loss of expression (BAP1, mTAP) was considered if essentially all tumor cells were negative; TdT was recorded as thymocytes present or absent (including rare thymocytes). 81 specimens included 44 thymomas (25 type A, 11 type B3, 8 MNTLS) and 37 thymic carcinomas (including 24 squamous cell carcinomas). Using BAP1, mTAP, CD117 (cut-off, 10%), and TdT, 88.9% of thymic carcinomas (95.7% of squamous cell carcinomas) and 77.8% of thymomas could be predicted. Glut-1 expression was not found to be useful in that distinction. All tumors that expressed CD5 in ≥50% of tumor cells also expressed CD117 in ≥10% of tumor cells. In four carcinomas with homozygous deletion of CDKN2A, mTAP expression was lost in two squamous cell carcinomas and in a subset of tumor cells of an adenocarcinoma and was preserved in a lymphoepithelial carcinoma. A panel of immunostains including BAP1, mTAP, CD117 (using a cut-off of 10% tumor cell expression), and TdT can be useful in the distinction between thymomas and thymic carcinomas, with only a minority of cases being inconclusive.


Impact of arsenic-polluted groundwater on soil and produce quality: a food chain study.
The experiment was conducted to assess the impact of arsenic (As)-contaminated groundwater irrigation on soil health and crop quality. Geo-referenced groundwater, soil, and crop produce samples were collected from the middle Gangetic plains of Maner block of Patna and were analyzed for As content. The result showed that long-term application of As-contaminated groundwater (0.017 to 0.677 mg L-1) buildup significant amount of As in the soil (0.41 to 8.66 mg kg-1). A significant correlation (r2 = 0.922) was also observed between As content in groundwater and the soil. The content of As in groundwater also affected crop quality and accumulated metal content in different crop parts. Total As content in crop samples ranged from 0.010 to 0.963 μg g-1 of dry weight. The average As content in crop followed order: oilseeds > cereals > vegetables > pulses. Therefore, produce quality should be monitored frequently for As uptake as there is a great chance of As accumulation in food crops. Hence, these approaches are useful for the formulation of policy guidelines for the management of As-containing groundwater and routine risk assessment of As-contaminated soils.


Cloning, sequencing, and expression of a chitinase-encoding gene from Bacillus circulans No. 4.1.
A chitinase encoding gene from Bacillus circulans No. 4.1 was cloned in Escherichia coli by using pBluescript II SK. The recombinant plasmid containing the 2.6-kb chitinase gene was designated as pCHIB43. The nucleotide sequence revealed a single open reading frame containing 1794 bp and encoding 598 amino acids with a molecular mass of 65.78 kDa. The gene was sequentially deleted; the deletion clones were designated as pC66, pC6S, pSS6, and pEVS. The clones pC6S, pSS6, and pEVS hydrolyzed soluble chitin, but the ability to hydrolyze colloidal chitin was lost. The deduced amino acid sequence was investigated and found to be a chitin-binding domain and a catalytic domain containing 40 and 57 amino acid residues, respectively. A HindIII-SacI fragment of pSS6 was subcloned into pBluescript SK to reverse the orientation of the gene, and the resulting plasmid pSK43 did produce chitinase. Thus, the cloned gene was expressed under the control of a self-promoter.


Assessing the drivers shaping global patterns of urban vegetation landscape structure.
Vegetation is one of the main resources involve in ecosystem functioning and providing ecosystem services in urban areas. Little is known on the landscape structure patterns of vegetation existing in urban areas at the global scale and the drivers of these patterns. We studied the landscape structure of one hundred cities around the globe, and their relation to demography (population), socioeconomic factors (GDP, Gini Index), climate factors (temperature and rain) and topographic characteristics (altitude, variation in altitude). The data revealed that the best descriptors of landscape structure were amount, fragmentation and spatial distribution of vegetation. Populated cities tend to have less, more fragmented, less connected vegetation with a centre of the city with low vegetation cover. Results also provided insights on the influence of socioeconomics at a global scale, as landscape structure was more fragmented in areas that are economically unequal and coming from emergent economies. This study shows the effects of the social system and climate on urban landscape patterns that gives useful insights for the distribution in the provision of ecosystem services in urban areas and therefore the maintenance of human well-being. This information can support local and global policy and planning which is committing our cities to provide accessible and inclusive green space for all urban inhabitants.


Amnesic syndrome with a unilateral thalamic lesion: a case report.
A 40-year-old man suffered an attack of transient global amnesia. The anterograde amnesia receded after 2 days, but a deficit remained in the retrieval stage of memory, which impaired the recall of names and of the information necessary to give details of particular events. Computed tomography revealed ischaemic infarction in the left anterolateral thalamus.


The mitochondrial biogenesis regulatory program in cardiac adaptation to ischemia--a putative target for therapeutic intervention.
The resurgence of mitochondrial biology research stems from the realization that the distinct regulation of mitochondria to meet diverse homeostatic demands is driven by exquisite biochemical and molecular control mechanisms. This program termed mitochondrial biogenesis is integral to orchestrating mitochondrial function and appears to exhibit adaptive remodeling following biomechanical and oxidative stress. The major bioenergetic function of mitochondria partitions the final utilization of oxygen between oxidative phosphorylation and reactive oxygen species. As disruption in oxidative phosphorylation and excessive reactive oxygen species contribute to cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury, we hypothesize that the mitochondrial biogenesis regulatory program is an explicit target for cardiac therapeutic interventions. The objectives of this review are to (a) define the advances in understanding the mitochondrial biogenesis regulatory program integrated to its control of mitochondrial bioenergetics and oxygen utilization, (b) reveal how this program is modulated by chronic hypoxia and ischemic preconditioning, and (c) examine the therapeutic potential of modulating the regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis as a strategy to attenuate ischemia-reperfusion injury.


Nursing process for a patient with needle phobia: a case study.
to report a clinical case of needle phobia which culminated in cardiac arrest and describe the outcome of a care plan based on fear and anxiety diagnoses, using the Roy adaptation model as the framework. case study conducted in a chemotherapy outpatient unit in Rio de Janeiro. Care was guided by the nursing process and the use of instruments to assess the venous network, anxiety and fear. the Roy adaptation model enabled proposing nursing interventions that allowed the study subject to adapt to the external and internal stimuli triggered by vasovagal syndrome. The instruments indicated the choice of an adequate semi-implanted venous access device and led to improved levels of anxiety and fear. after carrying out the nursing activities, anxiety was reduced, and the patient achieved greater control over fear.


CRISPR/Cas9-mediated LMP1 knockout inhibits Epstein-Barr virus infection and nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell growth.
A strong association between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has been widely recognized in recent decades. The aim of the present study was to investigate latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) regulation of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) CNE-2 cell growth and then examine the effects of LMP1-knockout with CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats)/Cas9on Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and CNE-2 cell growth. Human NPC CNE-2 cells were infected with the recombinant LMP1- and LMP2A-carrying lentivirus, and then examined for cell growth with the colony forming assay as well as for the activation of transcription of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) with reverse-transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of LMP1 or LMP2A was performed with a single-guide RNA (sgRNA) targeting sequences within LMP1 or LMP2A. The knockout effect and the EBV proliferation were examined with RT-qPCR, western blot and cell growth assay. LMP1 overexpression promoted CNE-2 cell growth, compared to LMP2A overexpression. Loss-of-function experiments confirmed that eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) upregulation mediated this effect. LMP1 knockout significantly inhibited EBV proliferation in CNE-2 cells and markedly inhibited LMP1-mediated promotion of cell growth. The knockout of either LMP1 or LMP2A blocked the eIF4E activation, which is induced either by the EBV infection or by the overexpression of LMP1 or LMP2A. We confirmed the LMP1-mediated promotion of NPC cell growth. Such promotion can be effectively blocked by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated LMP1 knockout. Precise LMP1 knockout might be a promising method for targeted inhibition of EBV infection and NPC cell growth.


Ring Expansion and 1,2-Migration Cascade of Benzisoxazoles with Ynamides: Experimental and Theoretical Studies.
Demonstrated herein is an AuI -catalyzed annulation of sulfonyl-protected ynamides with substituted 1,2-benzisoxazoles for the synthesis of E-benzo[e][1,3]oxazine derivatives. The transformation involves the addition of benzisoxazole to the gold-activated ynamide, ring expansion of the benzisoxazole fragment to provide an α-imino vinylic gold intermediate, and 1,2-migration of the sulfonamide motif to the masked carbene center to deliver the respective ring-expanded benzo[e][1,3]oxazine of predominant E configuration. A trapping experiment justifies the participation of the α-imino masked gold carbene. DFT computations also support the hypothesized mechanism and rationalize the product stereoselectivity.


Ambulatory blood pressure and cardiovascular risk in chronic kidney disease.
Diagnosis of hypertension is critically dependent on accurate blood pressure (BP) measurement, especially in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), in whom early antihypertensive treatment is imperative to prevent cardiovascular events. Ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) has successfully identified hypertensive patients at increased risk, but its role in management of CKD patients is not well defined. Loss of the nocturnal decline in BP, which is common in CKD, is associated with adverse cardiovascular events. Increased BP variability has been documented as related to worse outcome, and patients on dialysis are subject to marked BP swings. Traditional measurement in the office fails to provide a thorough picture of the 24-hour BP pattern in CKD patients. Thus, ABPM appears mandatory to better define the hypertensive status in these subjects because it provides information on diurnal BP rhythm and variability and allows identification of subjects with white-coat and masked hypertension.


Rapid Method for the Determination of Thiamine and Pantothenic Acid in Infant Formula and Milk-Based Nutritional Products by Liquid Chromatography‒Tandem Mass Spectrometry.
Thiamine and pantothenic acid play a critical role in numerous metabolic reactions and are typically supplemented in infant and adult nutritional formulas as thiamine chloride hydrochloride and calcium pantothenate salts. A rapid compliance method for the analysis of thiamine and pantothenic acid applicable to infant formula and milk-based nutritional products is described. Proteins are removed by centrifugal ultrafiltration, followed by analysis by reversed-phase liquid chromatography‒tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), with quantitation accomplished by internal standard technique. The method was shown to be accurate, with acceptable recovery (thiamine, 99.3-101.1%; pantothenic acid, 99.2-108.6%). A certified reference material (NIST 1849a), showed no statistical bias (α = 0.05) for thiamine (P = 0.64); although a statistically significant bias (P < 0.01) for pantothenic acid was found, the nominal bias was only 4.7% (mean = 7.1 mg/hg; certified value = 6.8 mg/hg). A comparison of results by LC-MS/MS and current methods showed negligible bias (mean bias: thiamine, 0.01 mg/hg; pantothenic acid, 0.17 mg/hg) and no statistical significance (α = 0.05; thiamine, P = 0.399; pantothenic acid, P = 0.058). Acceptable precision was demonstrated with a repeatability of 7.2% repeatability relative standard deviation (RSDr) (HorRat: 0.6) and an intermediate precision of 7.0% RSD for thiamine, and a repeatability of 5.7% RSDr (HorRat: 0.5) and an intermediate precision of 6.1% RSD for pantothenic acid. This rapid method is intended for use in high-throughput laboratories as part of routine product compliance release testing of thiamine and pantothenic acid in manufactured infant and milk-based nutritional products.


Corticosteroid injections for painful shoulders.
The painful shoulder is a common clinical entity with a broad array of possible causes. A caregiver for an affected patient needs to determine the aetiology for the pain, often relying primarily on the history and physical examination and supplemented with laboratory testing and imaging when needed. However, initial treatment decisions are often made before ordering these tests in situations not involving trauma. Most conditions affecting the shoulder are treated with conservative measures such as rest, physical therapy and analgesics. When such measures fail, local corticosteroid injections can be a valuable tool to help achieve symptom relief for a wide range of the most common conditions affecting the shoulder joint. This review aims to help the clinician distinguish among the commonly encountered causes of shoulder pain and guide therapy when the use of local corticosteroid injections is considered.


Potential for using native plant species in stormwater wetlands.
Spartina pectinata (prairie cordgrass) was grown under five hydroperiods (wet-dry cycles) to determine its potential for use in stormwater wetlands, particularly as an alternative to the highly invasive Phalaris arundinacea (an exotic grass). Rhizomes planted in outdoor microcosms grew vigorously in all treatments, namely, weekly flooding in early summer, weekly flooding in late summer, flooding every three weeks throughout the summer, weekly flooding throughout the summer, and no flooding. Neither the timing nor frequency of 24-hour floods (10-20 cm deep) affected total stem length (grand mean 1003 +/- 188.8 cm per pot, n = 140) or above-ground biomass (46.5 +/- 8.3 g per pot, equivalent to approximately 360 g/m2). However, by late summer, fewer new tillers were found in unflooded microcosms, indicating that vegetative expansion is drought-sensitive. The growth of Spartina plants was further assessed with and without Glyceria striata (a native grass) and Phalaris arundinacea. Glyceria growth was not affected by hydrologic treatment. Glyceria reduced Spartina growth by approximately 11%, suggesting potential as a cover crop that might reduce establishment and growth of Phalaris seedlings. Seeds of Phalaris did not germinate, but branch fragments established where soil was moist from flooding, regardless of the presence of Glyceria. The ability of Spartina to establish vegetatively and grow well under variable water levels leads us to recommend further testing in stormwater wetlands, along with early planting of Glyceria to reduce weed invasions.


Cutaneous sensory block area of the ultrasound-guided subcostal transversus abdominis plane block: an observational study.
The transversus abdominis plane block (TAP) can be applied using different approaches, resulting in varying cutaneous analgesic distributions. This study aimed to assess the cutaneous sensory block area (CSBA) after ultrasound-guided TAP (US-TAP) using the subcostal approach. Thirty patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy received a subcostal US-TAP with 20 mL 2.5 mg/mL ropivacaine bilaterally. Measurements were performed 150 min after block application. The CSBA was mapped using cold sensation and a sterile marker, photodocumented, and transferred to a transparency. The area of the CSBA was calculated from the transparencies. The median CSBA of the subcostal US-TAP was 174 cm2 (IQR 119-219 cm2; range 52-398 cm2). In all patients, the CSBA had a periumbilical distribution. In 42 of the 60 (70%) unilateral blocks, the CSBA had both an epigastric and infraumbilical component; in 12 of the 60 (20%) unilateral blocks, it covered only the epigastrium; and in 4 of the 60 (7%) unilateral blocks, it had only an infraumbilical distribution. No CSBA was found in 2 of the 60 (3%) unilateral blocks. In none of the patients did the CSBA cover the abdominal wall lateral to a vertical line through the anterior superior iliac spine. The subcostal US-TAP results in a heterogeneous non-dermatomal CSBA with varying size and distribution across the medial abdominal wall.


Children with chronic arthritis: the management of transition to adulthood.
Idiopathic juvenile arthritis occurs throughout childhood; the young child needs a major paediatric input while the adolescent, at whatever age the disease started, will need help in achieving a satisfactory transfer to adulthood, perhaps using the 'young adult team'. Throughout, an appropriate team of paediatrician, rheumatologist, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and social workers is important in dealing with such young people and their families. They not only treat the disease but give information to parents and children that will aid the day-to-day management of the condition, and help maintain normal education (progressing to further and higher education) and training leading, hopefully, to an acceptable adult lifestyle.


RHAU Peptides Specific for Parallel G-Quadruplexes: Potential Applications in Chemical Biology.
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are non-canonical nucleic acid structures formed by guanine (G)-rich sequences, which are ubiquitously found in the human genome and transcriptome. Targeting G4s by specific ligands provides a powerful tool to monitor and regulate G4s-associated biological processes. RHAU peptides, derived from the G4-binding motif of "RNA Helicase associated with AU-rich element" (RHAU), have emerged as extraordinary ligands for specific recognition of parallel G4s. This review highlights the significances of recent studies investigating potential applications of the engineered RHAU peptides incorporated to different functional moieties.


Incubation and hatching conditions of laying hen chicks explain a large part of the stress effects from commercial large-scale hatcheries.
In commercial egg production, laying hen chicks are exposed to several stressful events during incubation, hatching, and their first hours in life. We have previously shown that hatching and processing are associated with increased corticosterone concentration and further affect behavior and stress sensitivity in a short- as well as long-term perspective. However, it is not known whether these long-term stress effects are caused by the hatchery processing (sex sorting, vaccination, conveying, and loading for transport) or if they are mainly caused by potentially stressful events before processing, during incubation and hatching. In the present study, the aim was to assess the effects of incubation and hatching only, compared to stress effects from the entire hatchery processing. We compared Lohmann LSL chicks incubated, hatched, and processed in a commercial hatchery with chicks incubated and hatched at the same time but not further processed. We studied behavior in a novel arena and during tonic immobility, as well as weight development and corticosterone reaction during a stress challenge. Processed chicks had poorer weight development and were more active in the novel arena test. However, there were no significant differences between the groups in corticosterone reactivity or tonic immobility. When comparing with previous data, both groups had elevated corticosterone concentrations compared to what we had previously reported from chicks hatched under calm and non-stressful conditions. In conclusion, incubation and hatching alone caused long-term stress effects in chickens, but further processing exacerbated these effects to some extent.


COVID-19-related Conjunctivitis Review: Clinical Features and Management.
The ongoing coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has greatly impacted theworld. In this review article, we discuss the conjunctival and nasolacrimal mucosa as a potential route for the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission, its ocular manifestations, and management. Literature review was conducted in the PubMed, Google Scholar and EMBASE databases using keywords such as "coronavirus", COVID-19", "SARS-CoV-2", "conjunctivitis", "ocular surface", "eye" and "ophthalmology". The ocular surface may serve as an entry point and reservoir for the virus. Frequency of hand-eye contact was an independent risk factor for COVID-19-related conjunctivitis. Therefore, appropriate protective eyewear or face shields are recommended, especially for health-care workers. Bilateral conjunctival sampling within 9 days of symptom onset provides a higher positive yield rate. Pooled analysis shows an incidence of 11.4% (95%CI = 6.4-17.2%) of ocular manifestations in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, including hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients. Conjunctivitis was the most common ocular manifestation, of which ocular redness or congestion, ocular pain, and follicular conjunctivitis were the most common presentation.COVID-19-related conjunctivitis has a self-limiting disease course, and treatment should be mainly supportive.


Are circadian oscillators structurally unstable?
The common belief is that all biological oscillations are of limit cycle type. It is shown in this article that the phase response curves simulated on a two-species Lotka-Volterra linear (i.e. non-limit cycle type) oscillator, do look similar to those obtained by experimental methods by different workers. The form of the phase response curves, the existence of singularities and the mirror-image symmetry of opposite perturbations are modelled on the Lotka-Volterra system. The study, which is strongly indicative of the possibility that the underlying oscillator (or oscillators) is (are) not structurally stable, also indicates the necessity of designing critical experiments, capable of distinguishing between limit cycle and non-limit cycle oscillators, since the single-pulse phase resetting does nothing to distinguish between them.


From biochemistry to morphogenesis in myxobacteria.
Many aspects of metazoan morphogenesis find parallels in the communal behavior of microorganisms. The cellular slime mold D. discoideum has long provided a metaphor for multicellular embryogenesis. However, the spatial patterns in D.d. colonies are generated by an intercellular communication system based on diffusible morphogens, whereas the interactions between embryonic cells are more often mediated by direct cell contact. For this reason, the myxobacteria have emerged as a contending system in which to study spatial pattern formation, for their colony strutures rival those of D.d. in complexity, yet communication between cells in a colony is carried out by direct cell contacts. Here I sketch some of the progress my laboratory has made in modeling the life cycle of these organisms.


Father Involvement and Young, Rural African American Men's Engagement in Substance Misuse and Multiple Sexual Partnerships.
This study was designed to examine the associations of biological father and social father involvement during childhood with African American young men's development and engagement in risk behaviors. With a sample of 505 young men living in the rural South of the United States, a dual mediation model was tested in which retrospective reports of involvement from biological fathers and social fathers were linked to young men's substance misuse and multiple sexual partnerships through men's relational schemas and future expectations. Results from structural equation modeling indicated that levels of involvement from biological fathers and social fathers predicted young men's relational schemas; only biological fathers' involvement predicted future expectations. In turn, future expectations predicted levels of substance misuse, and negative relational schemas predicted multiple sexual partnerships. Biological fathers' involvement evinced significant indirect associations with young men's substance misuse and multiple sexual partnerships through both schemas and expectations; social fathers' involvement exhibited an indirect association with multiple sexual partnerships through relational schemas. Findings highlight the unique influences of biological fathers and social fathers on multiple domains of African American young men's psychosocial development that subsequently render young men more or less likely to engage in risk behaviors.


Sexual dysfunction in women with epilepsy: role of antiepileptic drugs and psychotropic medications.
Sexual dysfunction is a frequently encountered comorbid disorder in patients with neurological and psychiatric disorders. Importantly, sexual dysfunction can also occur as a treatment emergent adverse effect of a number of commonly used psychotropic and antiepileptic medications, and can include decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, disordered arousal, delayed orgasm, and anorgasmia. These effects can occur in both men and women, and can be seen across age groups. Understanding the neurobiology of normal sexual response, as well as the pharmacologic mechanisms of these commonly used medications can enable the clinician to predict how medication use may impact different phases of sexual response. Discussion of the current treatment strategies for female sexual dysfunction is also elucidated in this chapter.


Single and competitive adsorption studies of two cationic dyes from aqueous mediums onto cellulose-based modified citrus peels/calcium alginate composite.
Acetic acid-modified powdered and encapsulated cellulose-based modified citrus peels CPAA and CPAA-A were easily prepared and characterized using FTIR, DRX, BET, SEM, pHPZC and Boehm analysis, to investigate the single and binary adsorption of MB and CV dyes. Many parameters that affect adsorption phenomena were investigated: pH (3-11) of initial dyes solution, contact time, and initial dyes concentration (25-300 mg·L-1). Kinetics modeling shows that the adsorption of MB and CV onto adsorbents was well described by pseudo-first-order. CV and MB adsorption capacities on CPAA-A were respectively 881.36 and 923.07 mg·g-1 found by Langmuir model showing homogeneous and monolayer adsorption of MB and CV. The removal of dyes in the binary system shows that adsorption was slightly or nether affected by the simultaneous presence of the dyes in solution. CPAA-A and CPAA show very high adsorption capacities proving to be very useful in the field of water treatment in single or binary systems.


Using ANOVA-PCA for discriminant analysis: application to the study of mid-infrared spectra of carrageenan gels as a function of concentration and temperature.
In this work the ANOVA-PCA method is applied to a MIR spectroscopy dataset of carrageenan in order to evaluate which of the factors within its fixed effects experimental design are significant in relation to the residual error. The factors defined in the experimental design are concentration (1% and 2%), temperature (30, 40, 45, 50, and 60 degrees C), day (1 and 2) and sample (20 samples, 3 repetitions). The two factors, concentration and temperature, were considered as significant and the main features related with its physico-chemical properties were identified. It is also of interest to acquire a better understanding of the interaction between concentration and temperature and its effect on the adhesion of gels onto the surface of contact. In fact, no significant interaction was found between the two factors, but it was shown that the factor temperature behaves in a non-linear way. As classification using the ANOVA-PCA procedure has not been developed until now, a new method is proposed for the classification of new samples in respect to the levels of each significant factor.


The associations between unilateral leg strength, asymmetry and injury in sub-elite Rugby League players.
The aim of this study was to analyse the relationship between unilateral leg strength, associated asymmetries and the injuries suffered by sub-elite Rugby League (RL) players in one competitive season. A prospective cohort design was used. Unilateral leg strength was measured using the rear foot elevated split squat five repetition maximum test. Injuries were recorded using the Orchard classification system and were used to quantify relative risk (RR), mean severity, burden, player availability and survival time. No measures of leg strength were related to RR, relative leg strength was found to have a significant, but not meaningful correlation with total time lost to lower body injury, lower body injury burden and lower body injury survival time. The data from the current study indicates a possible positive effect of increasing relative leg strength for injury outcomes in sub-elite RL players. This supports a heuristic that multi-joint lower body strength training for RL players has a potential dual effect of enhancing physical performance and reducing injury time loss, with minimal risk of harm.


Serological expression after sequential double transfection with purified HLA-A11 gene of mouse fibroblasts carrying human beta-2 microglobulin.
A genomic cosmid library constructed from DNA from a genotyped individual (JF = HLA-A11, Cw-, B38/A26, Cw7, B51) was screened for clones containing class I histocompatibility genes. Among these clones, one was found to carry a 4.8 kb Hind III fragment which is highly correlated with HLA-A11. This clone was used to transfect LMTK+ cultured mouse fibroblast transformants expressing human beta-2 microglobulin. The human beta-2 microglobulin heavy chain-associated determinant was positively detected by the M18 monoclonal antibody. HLA-A11 expression on these doubly transformed cells was specifically demonstrated by complement-dependent cytotoxicity with HLA-A11 + A3-specific but not with HLA-A3-specific monoclonal antibodies. Absorption studies with human alloantisera confirmed the presence on these cells of HLA-A11 determinants and of cross-reacting determinants which absorbed anti-HLA-A1 and -A3 alloantisera. The JF5-J27 transfected cell expressed both heavy and light chains of human class I histocompatibility genes.


Characteristics of vascular smooth muscle in the maternal resistance circulation during pregnancy in the rat.
Our purpose was to determine if pregnancy results in a decrease in arterial sensitivity to receptor-independent stimuli and a change in vascular smooth muscle membrane potential. Mesenteric resistance arteries from late pregnant (n = 19) and age-matched virgin control (n = 20) Sprague-Dawley rats were studied in a pressurized arteriograph system or isometric myograph. Arteries from pregnant rats were less sensitive to membrane depolarization by K+ than were those from nonpregnant rats (mean effective concentration that produced a 50% response 49 vs 39 mmol/L, pregnant vs nonpregnant, p < 0.05). Arterial basal tone and the myogenic response to increasing pressure steps were also reduced in arteries from pregnant rats compared with nonpregnant controls. The vascular smooth muscle membrane of the arteries from the pregnant rats was hyperpolarized compared with that from the control rats (-64 mV from pregnant rats vs -57 mV from nonpregnant rats, p < 0.01). This was associated with a reduction in vasomotion in the arteries from the pregnant rats (10% for pregnant rats vs 45% from nonpregnant rats, p < 0.01). Pregnancy results in alterations of the vascular smooth muscle, including changes in the regulation of membrane potential and a reduced sensitivity to receptor-independent stimuli.


Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy of the motor cortex reveals long term GABA change following anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation.
Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the primary motor cortex (M1) has been reported to increase the firing rates of neurons and to modulate the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) concentration. To date, knowledge about the nature and duration of these tDCS induced effects is incomplete. We aimed to investigate long-term effects of anodal tDCS over M1 on GABA dynamics in humans. Repeated magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) was employed to measure relative GABA concentration in M1 for approximately 64 minutes after stimulation. The study was performed on 32 healthy subjects. Either anodal or sham tDCS were applied for 10 minutes with the active electrode over the left M1 and the reference electrode over the right supra-orbital region. Pre and post-tDCS MRS scans were performed to acquire GABA-edited spectra using 3 T Prisma Siemens scanner. GABA signals showed no change over time in the sham tDCS group, whereas anodal tDCS resulted in a significant early decrease within 25 minutes after tDCS and then significant late decrease after 66 minutes which continued until the last test measurements. The late changes in GABA concentration might be related to long-term plasticity mechanism. These results contribute to a better understanding of the neurochemical mechanism underlying long-term cortical plasticity following anodal tDCS.


Obstructing polyps of the posterior urethra in boys: embryology and management.
Solitary fibrous polyps are in uncommon but important cause of obstructive uropathy, infection and hematuria in boys. The clinical presentation and management in 5 boys are discussed and the literature is reviewed. Emphasis is placed on the pitfalls in diagnosis and recent endoscopic techniques of treatment.


Whole-Genome Sequence of an Epidemic Strain of Burkholderia pseudomallei vgh07 in Taiwan.
Here, we report the complete genome sequence of B. pseudomallei vgh07. This is an epidemic strain that was isolated from a melioidosis patient with arthro-osteomyelitis in Taiwan.


Sonography of partial-thickness tears of the distal triceps brachii tendon.
The purpose of this study was to retrospectively characterize the sonographic appearance of partial-thickness distal triceps brachii tendon tears. After Institutional Review Board approval, sonographic records were searched for patients who had an unequivocal partial-thickness triceps tendon tear at surgery or magnetic resonance imaging. Sonograms were retrospectively characterized for tendon discontinuity of the superficial or deep layers, tendon retraction, osseous fracture fragments, and joint effusion. Imaging findings were then compared with clinical, imaging, and surgical results. Five patients had a partial-thickness distal triceps brachii tendon tear at surgery (n = 4) or magnetic resonance imaging (n = 1). All cases only involved the superficial tendon layer (combined long and lateral heads) with retraction of a fractured olecranon enthesophyte fragment. The deep tendon layer (medial head) was intact in all cases with no joint effusion. Partial-thickness distal triceps brachii tendon tears have a characteristic appearance with selective superficial tendon retraction and olecranon enthesophyte avulsion fracture.


Instructional assignments and the recent collective bargaining agreement: effect on nursing education.
Nursing teachers employed in the community college nursing programmes in Ontario were discontent with their workloads. Along with other teachers in the community college setting, they went on strike in the fall of 1984. Attention was focused on the workload formulae. In 1986, a new contract was ratified for all the teachers in the community colleges in Ontario. What issues emerged? Discussion will focus on contract changes with respect to instructional assignments, the effects upon the nursing instructors and students, and finally the implications for the programme.


[Correlation between birefringence and histopathologic figures of keratoconus and bullous keratopathy].
We studied macroscopic pictures with polarizing filter and microscopic pictures of the corneas in keratoconus and bullous keratopathy. Among penetrating keratoplasty specimens referred to the National Defense Medical College, we investigated 16 keratoconus and 189 bullous keratopathy specimens. Macrophotographs with polarizing filter and light microscopic photographs (hematoxylene-eosin staining) were investigated. The hyperbolic polarizing pattern, stromal thickness of corneal specimens and number of fibroblast-like cells in the stroma were analyzed. Hyperbolic polarizing patterns depended on the number of fibroblast-like cells in the stroma and the thickness of the stroma, but hyperbolic polarizing patterns had no relation with the epithelium or endothelium of the cornea.


Stable vesicle self-assembled from phospholipid and mannosylerythritol lipid and its application in encapsulating anthocyanins.
Stable vesicles were formulated based on the self-assembling of L-α-phosphatidylcholine (PC) and mannosylerythritol lipid-A (MEL-A) in a manner of weak or non-cooperative interactions. Their structural characterization, stability and encapsulation properties were evaluated. The results showed that the predominant average diameters varied ranging from 200 nm to 700 nm with MEL-A/PC ratio changed. In case of the ratio at 5:5, 6:4 or 7:3, the vesicles performed the smaller size or turbidity and larger entrapment efficiency for hydrophilic molecules. Anthocyanins were successfully encapsulated using these vesicles, which was confirmed by the formation of egg-shaped structures with the core size less than 500 nm and an encapsulation efficiency of 54.9 ± 1.6%. Compared with free anthocyanins, the encapsulated anthocyanins displayed higher retention rates when exposed to storage and simulated gastrointestinal fluid conditions, and their antioxidant capacity after simulated intestinal digestion was enhanced by 3-3.5 times because of protection of vesicle encapsulation and possible synergic effects.


Biosynthesis of nano cupric oxide on cotton using Seidlitzia rosmarinus ashes utilizing bio, photo, acid sensing and leaching properties.
In this research, a facile, rapid and eco-friendly method is introduced for synthesis and loading of cupric oxide on cellulosic chains of cotton fabric with functional properties. Seidlitzia rosmarinus ashes and copper acetate were employed as a natural source of alkaline and metal salt without further chemical materials. The treated samples indicated very good antibacterial activities toward both pathogen Staphylococcus aureus as Gram-positive and Escherichia coli as Gram-negative bacteria. Significant self-cleaning properties against degradation of methylene blue stain under UV irradiation were found. The sensing properties of high concentrated inorganic and organic acids such as sulfuric and formic acids based on colorimetric alterations of the treated fabrics were also confirmed showing acid leaching effects of the treated fabrics. Further, the treated samples showed coloring effects with an enhancement on the physio-mechanical properties including tensile strength, crease recovery angle and hydrophobocity.


Coexistence of IgG4-related disease and ANCA-associated vasculitis: case report and review of the literature.
IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a fibroinflammatory condition that is characterized by storiform fibrosis, infiltration of IgG4-positive lymphocytes, obliterative phlebitis, and high IgG4 levels. Since IgG4-RD affects a wide variety of organs, a differential diagnosis must include multiple conditions. IgG4-RD is also believed to coexist with certain diseases. In recent years, case reports and case series describing the co-occurrence of IgG4-RD and ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) have been published. We intended to evaluate patients with IgG4-RD and AAV overlap in the literature using a case similar to one that was diagnosed and monitored in our department. We searched the databases of Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar as well as PubMed with the keywords ANCA, IgG4, IgG4-RD, granulomatosis with polyangiitis, Wegener's granulomatosis, microscopic polyangiitis, Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis, and Churg-Strauss syndrome. Cases and Case series addressing the coexistence of IgG4-RD and AAV have been selected. Comprehensive diagnostic criteria are used to diagnose IgG4-RD. The Chapel Hill Consensus Conference nomenclature criteria were used for the inclusion of AAV. Out of a total of 910 publications, 20 articles, including 65 cases, were found to be eligible. Forty-seven cases with IgG4-RD were evaluated as definitive (71.2%), 10 cases as probable (15.1%), and 9 cases as possible IgG4-RD (13.6%). 26 patients were diagnosed with GPA, 1 patient with localized GPA, 23 patients with MPA, and 4 patients with EGPA. The aorta, lacrimal tissue, pancreas, and retroperitoneum are the sites of IgG4-RD rather than AAV. AAV and IgG4-RD might coexist in the same patient. IgG4-RD is mainly associated with GPA.


Involvement of 5-HT2A receptor and α2-adrenoceptor blockade in the asenapine-induced elevation of prefrontal cortical monoamine outflow.
The psychotropic drug asenapine is approved for the treatment of schizophrenia and manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder. Asenapine exhibits higher affinity for several 5-HT receptors and α(2)-adrenoceptors than for D(2) receptors. Noteworthy, blockage of both the 5-HT(2A) and α(2)-adrenergic receptors has been shown to enhance prefrontal dopamine release induced by D(2) receptor antagonists. Previous results show that asenapine, both systemically and locally, increases dopamine, noradrenaline, and serotonin release in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), and that the increased dopamine release largely depends on an intracortical action. Using reverse microdialysis in freely moving rats, we here assessed the potency of low concentrations of asenapine to cause a pharmacologically significant blockage in vivo of 5-HT(2A) receptors and α(2)-adrenoceptors within the mPFC, and thus its ability to affect cortical monoamine release by these receptors. Intracortical administration of 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane hydrochloride (DOI), a 5-HT(2A/2C) receptor agonist, increased cortical monoamine release, effects that were antagonized both by asenapine and the selective 5-HT(2A) antagonist M100907. Application of clonidine, an α(2)-adrenoceptor agonist, significantly reduced monoamine release in the mPFC. The selective α(2)-adrenoceptor antagonist idazoxan blocked, whereas asenapine partially blocked clonidine-induced cortical dopamine and noradrenaline decrease. The effects of asenapine and idazoxan on clonidine-induced serotonin decrease were less pronounced. Our results propose that low concentrations of asenapine in the mPFC exhibit a pharmacologically significant 5-HT(2A) and α(2) receptor antagonistic activity, which may contribute to enhance prefrontal monoamine release in vivo and, secondarily, its clinical effects in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.


Processing of auditory spatial cues in human cortex: an fMRI study.
The issue of where in the human cortex coding of sound location is represented still is a matter of debate. It is unclear whether there are cortical areas that are specifically activated depending on the location of sound. Are identical or distinct cortical areas in one hemisphere involved in processing of sounds from the left and right? Also, the possibility has not been investigated so far that distinct areas have a preference for processing of central and eccentric sound locations. The present study focussed on these issues by using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Activations evoked by left, right and central sounds were analysed separately, and contrasts were computed between these conditions. We did not find areas, which were involved in the processing of exclusively left, right or central sound positions. Large overlapping areas rather were observed for the three sound stimuli, located in the temporal, parietal and frontal cortices of both hemispheres. This result argues for the idea of a widely distributed bilateral network accessing an internal representation of the body to encode stimulus position in relation to the body median plane. However, two areas (right BA 40 and left BA 37) also were found to have preferences for sound position. In particular, BA 40 turned out to be significantly more activated by processing central positions, compared to eccentric stimuli. In line with previous findings on visual perception, the latter observation supports the assumption that the right inferior parietal cortex may be preferentially involved in the perception of central stimulus positions in relation to the body.


The location of non-specific esterase in human lung macrophages. An ultrastructural study.
The non-specific carboxyl (serine) esterase of the human pulmonary alveolar macrophage was localized ultrastructurally using alpha-naphthyl acetate and hexazotized pararosanilin. The reaction product principally outlined the outer side of the plasma membrane. Consequently, this esterase is an ectoenzyme which may function as mediator of cell response to injurious agents from the outside.


Neural Summation in the Hawkmoth Visual System Extends the Limits of Vision in Dim Light.
Most of the world's animals are active in dim light and depend on good vision for the tasks of daily life. Many have evolved visual adaptations that permit a performance superior to that of manmade imaging devices [1]. In insects, a major model visual system, nocturnal species show impressive visual abilities ranging from flight control [2, 3], to color discrimination [4, 5], to navigation using visual landmarks [6-8] or dim celestial compass cues [9, 10]. In addition to optical adaptations that improve their sensitivity in dim light [11], neural summation of light in space and time-which enhances the coarser and slower features of the scene at the expense of noisier finer and faster features-has been suggested to improve sensitivity in theoretical [12-14], anatomical [15-17], and behavioral [18-20] studies. How these summation strategies function neurally is, however, presently unknown. Here, we quantified spatial and temporal summation in the motion vision pathway of a nocturnal hawkmoth. We show that spatial and temporal summation combine supralinearly to substantially increase contrast sensitivity and visual information rate over four decades of light intensity, enabling hawkmoths to see at light levels 100 times dimmer than without summation. Our results reveal how visual motion is calculated neurally in dim light and how spatial and temporal summation improve sensitivity while simultaneously maximizing spatial and temporal resolution, thus extending models of insect motion vision derived predominantly from diurnal flies. Moreover, the summation strategies we have revealed may benefit manmade vision systems optimized for variable light levels [21].


Structure and assembly of Yersinia pestis F1 antigen.
Most Gram negative pathogens express surface located fibrillar organelles that are used for adhesion to host epithelia and/or for protection. The assembly of many such organelles is managed by a highly conserved periplasmic chaperone/usher assembly pathway. During the last few years, considerable progress has been made in understanding how periplasmic chaperones mediate folding, targeting, and assembly of F1 antigen subunits into the F1 capsular antigen. In particular, structures representing snapshots of several of the steps involved in assembly have allowed us to begin to draw a detailed molecular-level picture of F1 assembly specifically, and of chaperone/usher-mediated assembly in general. Here, a brief summary of these new results will be presented.