Datasets on chemical composition and anaerobic digestion of organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW), digested sewage sludge (inoculum) and ashes from incineration or gasification.
This article contains data on the chemical composition and anaerobic digestion of different residue streams including OFMSW, digested sewage sludge, low-carbon (LC) ashes from incineration subdivided into LC coarse and LC fly ash as well as high-carbon (HC) ashes from gasification subdivided into HC reactor and HC fly ash. All materials were collected in accordance to standard procedures in southern Germany. The data presented in this article include (1) dry matter (2) organic dry matter (3) elemental analysis (4) trace elements and (5) cumulative biogas and CH4 yields. Researchers and waste management companies on lab-/pilot-/industrial-scale can rely on the presented data for classification and comparison of biogenic waste streams. For further discussion, please refer to the scientific article entitled "Optimizing anaerobic digestion of organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) by using biomass ashes as additives" [ 1 ].


TLR4 signaling modulation of PGC1-α mediated mitochondrial biogenesis in the LPS-Chronic mild stress model: Effect of fluoxetine and pentoxiyfylline.
The addition of repeated lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to chronic mild stress was recently proposed in our lab as an alternative model of depression, highlighting the possible interaction between stress and immune-inflammatory pathways in predisposing depression. Given that CMS-induced depressive behavior was previously related to impaired hippocampal energy metabolism and mitochondrial dysfunction, our current study aimed to investigate the interplay between toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivators-1-alpha (PGC1-α) as a physiological regulator of energy metabolism and mitochondrial biogenesis in the combined LPS/CMS model. Male Wistar rats were exposed to either LPS (50 μg/kg i.p.) over 2 weeks, CMS protocol for 4 weeks or LPS over 2 weeks followed by 4 weeks of CMS (LPS/CMS). Three additional groups of rats were exposed to LPS/CMS protocol and treated with either pentoxifylline (PTX), fluoxetine (FLX) or a combination of both. Rats were examined for behavioral, neurochemical, gene expression and mitochondrial ultra-structural changes. LPS/CMS increased the expression of TLR4 and its downstream players; MyD88, NFκB and TNF-α along with an escalation in hippocampal-energy metabolism and p-AMPK. Simultaneously LPS/CMS attenuated the expression of PGC1-α/NRF1/Tfam and mt-DNA. The antidepressant (AD) 'FLX', the TNF-α inhibitor 'PTX' and their combination ameliorated the LPS/CMS-induced changes. Interestingly, all the aforementioned changes induced by the LPS/CMS combined model were significantly less than those induced by CMS alone. Blocking the TLR4/NFκB signaling enhanced the activation of the PGC1-α/NRF1/Tfam and mt-DNA content independent on the activation of the energy-sensing kinase AMPK.


Prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal abnormalities from chorionic biopsy samples: improved success rate using a modified direct method.
Several methods for fetal chromosome analysis using chorionic biopsy samples were compared. A modified direct method for culturing villi was considered to be the method of choice and details are presented of 186 pregnancies tested prenatally. The success rate in obtaining a fetal karyotype with the direct method was 93 per cent. The fetal loss rate in the prenatal series was 4.3 per cent and congenital abnormalities in the babies already born did not differ from the expected incidence.


Effective prevention and therapy of experimental allergic asthma using a GATA-3-specific DNAzyme.
Allergic bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways. The transcription factor GATA-3 was shown to play an important role in TH2 cell activation, but also in the regulation of other cell types involved in bronchial asthma including mast cells, eosinophils, and epithelial cells. DNAzymes represent a new class of antisense molecules that combines the specificity of DNA base pairing with an inherent RNA-cleaving enzymatic activity. To develop a GATA-3 mRNA-specific DNAzyme and analyze its allergy-preventing activity in murine models of experimental allergic asthma. The most active DNAzyme (termed gd21) was selected by in vitro cleavage assays. Allergic airway inflammation was assessed by inflammatory cell and cytokine analysis within bronchoalveolar lavage. Lung histology, including goblet cell hyperplasia and lung function, was analyzed using head-out body-plethysmography. Intranasal administration of gd21 prevented airway inflammation and mucus production and inhibited development of airway hyperresponsiveness to methacholine in models of acute allergic airway inflammation. Similar effects were also detected in a model of chronic experimental asthma. Interestingly, gd21 was at least as effective as other antisense molecules, and off-target effects were not detected. Further experiments indicated that pulmonary surfactant may facilitate the cellular uptake of gd21 by acting as an endogenous transfectant. These results indicate that topical application of the GATA-3-specific DNAzyme is a promising novel approach for the treatment of allergic bronchial asthma.


Cytologic evaluation of the endometrium in women with postmenopausal bleeding.
The records of 143 patients who had postmenopausal bleeding and underwent diagnostic curettage were reviewed. Of these patients 69% had benign endometrial tissue and in 8% there was insufficient tissue for histologic interpretation; 23% of the patients had endometrial carcinoma. In order to ascertain if endometrial cytology could predict which patients which patients may be harboring endometrial carcinoma, a prospective study was carried out on 69 patients complaining of postmenopausal bleeding. Prior to curettage, an endometrial cell sample was obtained with a disposable endometrial cell sampler. The preliminary data indicate good correlation between endometrial cytology and histology. There was one false-negative cytology report and one false positive report. Such a technique could eliminate an endometrial curettage in those patients in whom there is no clinical suspicion of endometrial carcinoma and the cytology is negative.


Measuring the success of canine and feline preventative healthcare consultations: A systematic review.
Preventative healthcare consultations account for a large proportion of the veterinary caseload. This novel study is the first to methodically review all literature on canine and feline preventative healthcare consultations. Previous research has found these consultations to be different from health problem consultations in terms of communication style and content. Identifying relevant evidence and previously validated methods of measuring the success of these consultations will be useful when implementing strategies for optimisation. The aim of this study was to identify and assess the quality of existing literature which describes and/or measures the success of preventative healthcare consultations. Database searches of CAB Abstracts and Medline were conducted to identify published literature. Google searches were then conducted to identify any additional published or grey literature. Results were systematically screened to determine whether the returned sources were about cats and/or dogs, whether they related to preventative healthcare, and whether they described and/or measured the success of preventative healthcare consultations. For primary research citations which only described preventative healthcare consultations, data were extracted on the aspects of the consultations described. For citations which additionally measured the success of the consultations, the measures used, sampling technique, key results and key weaknesses were also extracted. Of 17,538 citations identified in total during the database searches, a total of seven relevant primary research citations were identified. All of these citations described aspects of the preventative healthcare consultation, such as consultation length, health problems discussed, actions taken and communication style. Only one primary research citation measured success of the consultation, using veterinarian satisfaction to determine success. In addition, 30 narrative citations, including expert opinion pieces, textbooks, guidelines without transparent methodology and conference presentations were identified. Google searches identified 224 relevant narrative citations, and five of the seven primary research citations identified by the database searches, but did not identify any additional relevant primary research citations. The results suggest that, despite accounting for around a third of all consultations, there is relatively little evidence describing preventative healthcare consultations and only one measure of success has been described for these consultations. This presents potential challenges when implementing strategies to optimise these consultations, as measures which are useful and relevant to veterinary practice should first be identified. Identifying useful measures of success will allow future strategies designed to maximise the benefits of these consultations to be meaningfully assessed for efficacy.


Effects of post-processing methods on chitosan-genipin hydrogel properties.
Biopolymer based hydrogel materials are attractive options for a variety of medical applications, including drug delivery and tissue regeneration because of their innate biomimetic material properties. While biopolymers are typically selected for a specific application based off of their chemical properties; the overall material structure of the resulting hydrogel ultimately relates to its ability to function for its intended application. In view of this, it is imperative that the impact of commonly used drying procedures on hydrogel physical properties is well understood. Herein, the effects of post-synthesis drying techniques: air-drying and lyophilization, on genipin crosslinked chitosan hydrogel physical structure were studied. Chitosan-genipin hydrogels synthesized out of either 15 kDa MW or 50-190 kDa MW chitosan were either air-dried (AD), flash-frozen (FF) and then lyophilized, or step-down frozen (SD) and then lyophilized. Environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) was employed to evaluate the resulting hydrogels physical structure as a function of chitosan molecular weight and drying condition. ESEM images revealed the presence of larger microscale pores within the SD samples compared to FF samples, but both treatments yielded the induction of micropore with sizes ranging between 9-400 μm in diameter into the hydrogels. Traditional hydrogel swelling studies were performed to assess the resulting hydrogels swelling profile as a function of chitosan molecular weight and drying treatment. Lyophilized hydrogels showed a five-fold increase in swelling ratio compared to AD hydrogels indicating a change in morphology due to the drying process. The results demonstrate that regardless of polymer molecular weight, post-processing technique had a strong correlation with hydrogel porosity.


[Acute pulmonary schistosomiasis: correlation between the high-resolution CT and pathological findings].
A 35 years old rural worker presented with a 15 days history of progressive dyspnea, associated with dry cough, myalgia and fever. Few days before the symptoms, he had swim in a river. The chest radio- graphs demonstrated bilateral reticule-nodular infiltrates. The high-resolution CT showed patchy areas of ground-glass attenuation, irregular inter- lobular septal thickening, intralobular interstitial thickening, and small nodules, which are confluent in some regions. All the laboratory investigations were negative. The open lung biopsy shows parenchymal granulomatous inflammation, and numerous schistosome ova.


Efficacy and safety of Kumpe access catheter for pre-percutaneous nephrolithotomy renal access in modified supine percutaneous nephrolithotomy.
Traditionally, a pigtail catheter (PCN) is placed for preoperative renal access before performing percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). However, PCN can hamper the passage of the guidewire to the ureter, due to which, access tract can be lost. Therefore, Kumpe Access Catheter (KMP) has been proposed for preoperative renal access before PCNL. In this study, we analyzed the efficacy and safety of KMP for surgical outcomes in modified supine PCNL compared to those in PCN. From July 2017 to December 2020, 232 patients underwent modified supine PCNL at a single tertiary center, of which 151 patients were enrolled in this study after excluding patients who underwent bilateral surgery, multiple punctures, or combined operations. Enrolled patients were divided into two groups according to the type of pre-PCNL nephrostomy catheter used: PCN versus KMP. A pre-PCNL nephrostomy catheter was selected based on the radiologist's preference. A single surgeon performed all PCNL procedures. Patient characteristics and surgical outcomes, including stone-free rate, operation time, radiation exposure time (RET), and complications, were compared between the two groups. Of the 151 patients, 53 underwent PCN placement, and 98 underwent KMP placement for pre-PCNL nephrostomy. Patient baseline characteristics were comparable between the two groups, except for the renal stone type and multiplicity. The operation time, stone-free rate, and complication rate were not significantly different between the two groups; however, RET was significantly shorter in the KMP group. The surgical outcomes of KMP placement were comparable to those of PCN and showed shorter RET during modified supine PCNL. Based on our results, we recommend KMP placement for pre-PCNL nephrostomy, particularly for reducing RET during supine PCNL.


Viral protein nanoparticles (Part 1): Pharmaceutical characteristics.
Viral protein nanoparticles fill the gap between viruses and synthetic nanoparticles. Combining advantageous properties of both systems, they have revolutionized pharmaceutical research. Virus-like particles are characterized by a structure identical to viruses but lacking genetic material. Another type of viral protein nanoparticles, virosomes, are similar to liposomes but include viral spike proteins. Both systems are effective and safe vaccine candidates capable of overcoming the disadvantages of both traditional and subunit vaccines. Besides, their particulate structure, biocompatibility, and biodegradability make them good candidates as vectors for drug and gene delivery, and for diagnostic applications. In this review, we analyze viral protein nanoparticles from a pharmaceutical perspective and examine current research focused on their development process, from production to administration. Advances in synthesis, modification and formulation of viral protein nanoparticles are critical so that large-scale production of viral protein nanoparticle products becomes viable and affordable, which ultimately will increase their market penetration in the future. We will discuss their expression systems, modification strategies, formulation, biopharmaceutical properties, and biocompatibility.


KiSS-1 and GPR54 at the pituitary level: overview and recent insights.
Since the stimulatory effect of kisspeptin on gonadotropin secretion is blocked by a GnRH antagonist, it has been suggested that the effect of kisspeptin is manifest exclusively at the level of hypothalamic GnRH secretion. However, kisspeptins are present in ovine hypophysial portal blood suggesting that the pituitary gland may be a target of kisspeptin. Dual fluorescence labeling with a specific mouse monoclonal antibody against LHbeta demonstrates that KiSS-1 and GPR54 are expressed by the gonadotrophs. Different paradigms were designed in animals and in humans in vivo to elucidate its role. However, in vitro studies assessing the direct stimulatory effects of kisspeptins on gonadotropin secretion in the pituitary have given conflicting results, depending on the hormonal (GnRH and/or estradiol) environment of the cells. Kisspeptins alone seem unable to induce the LH surge. It is therefore likely that kisspeptin has a synergic effect with GnRH and estradiol, at both hypothalamic and pituitary levels. However, kisspeptin may also play another role, distinct from that restricted to the reproductive axis. In this paper, we shall also review data on the potential role of kisspeptin in the control of other pituitary functions, e.g. somatotroph and lactotroph. Finally, kisspeptins could act as endocrine/autocrine/paracrine signals in modulating hormonal secretions of the anterior pituitary.


Structure analysis of aromatic medicines containing nitrogen using near-infrared spectroscopy and generalized two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy.
Four aromatic medicines (acetaminophen; niacinamide; p-aminophenol; nicotinic acid) containing nitrogen were investigated by FT-NIR (Fourier transform near-infrared) spectroscopy and generalized two-dimensional (2D) correlation spectroscopy. The FT-NIR spectra were measured over a temperature range of 30-130 degrees C. By combining near-infrared spectroscopy, generalized 2D correlation spectroscopy and references, the molecular structures (especially the hydrogen bond related with nitrogen) were analyzed and the NIR band assignments were performed. The results will be helpful to the understanding of aromatic medicines containing nitrogen and the utility of these substances.


Catalysis of Cascade and Multicomponent Reactions of Carbonyl Compounds and CH Acids by Electricity.
This review is concerned with modern trends in the use of electrochemically induced chain reactions in cascade and multicomponent electroorganic synthesis. The review summarizes the data on the use of electrochemically induced chain reactions in cascade and multicomponent organic synthesis, which were published mainly in the last decade.


The hypocholesterolemic action of TA-7552 and its effects on cholesterol metabolism in the rat.
The hypocholesterolemic property of 1-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-2,3- bis(methoxycarbonyl)-4-hydroxy-6,7,8-trimethoxynaphthalene (TA-7552) and its effects on cholesterol metabolism were investigated in the rat. TA-7552 incorporated into a hypercholesterolemic diet at a concentration of 0.2% and administered for 7 days reduced serum cholesterol by 72% and liver cholesterol by 90%, and its minimal effective dose was 0.01% in the diet. Its hypocholesterolemic effect was associated with an elevation of serum HDL-cholesterol. Inclusion of 0.1% TA-7552 in the normal laboratory chow accelerated fecal excretion of 14C derived from orally administered 4-[14C]cholesterol or carbonyl-[14C]taurocholate. The net amounts of fecal neutral sterols and bile acids were markedly increased by the same treatment. Hepatic bile acid production and hepatic and intestinal cholesterol biosynthesis as measured by cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase activity and 1-[14C]acetate incorporation into tissue cholesterol, respectively, were both stimulated by the drug treatment. All these data indicate that this hypocholesterolemic agent inhibits intestinal absorption of both cholesterol and bile acids and compensatorily stimulates hepatic production of bile acids and cholesterol.


Lung dendritic cells induce migration of protective T cells to the gastrointestinal tract.
Developing efficacious vaccines against enteric diseases is a global challenge that requires a better understanding of cellular recruitment dynamics at the mucosal surfaces. The current paradigm of T cell homing to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract involves the induction of α4β7 and CCR9 by Peyer's patch and mesenteric lymph node (MLN) dendritic cells (DCs) in a retinoic acid-dependent manner. This paradigm, however, cannot be reconciled with reports of GI T cell responses after intranasal (i.n.) delivery of antigens that do not directly target the GI lymphoid tissue. To explore alternative pathways of cellular migration, we have investigated the ability of DCs from mucosal and nonmucosal tissues to recruit lymphocytes to the GI tract. Unexpectedly, we found that lung DCs, like CD103(+) MLN DCs, up-regulate the gut-homing integrin α4β7 in vitro and in vivo, and induce T cell migration to the GI tract in vivo. Consistent with a role for this pathway in generating mucosal immune responses, lung DC targeting by i.n. immunization induced protective immunity against enteric challenge with a highly pathogenic strain of Salmonella. The present report demonstrates novel functional evidence of mucosal cross talk mediated by DCs, which has the potential to inform the design of novel vaccines against mucosal pathogens.


A population-based study of prostatectomy: outcomes associated with differing surgical approaches.
Data from the universal health insurance system in Manitoba, Canada were used to describe the short-term (2 years) and long-term (8 years) outcomes associated with prostatectomy for nonmalignant conditions (all 2,699 procedures were performed from 1974 to 1976). In a system with high quality urological care (more than 90 per cent of the procedures were performed by urologists) no superior operative results for transurethral procedures were found. Postoperative mortality rates following transurethral prostatectomy were similar to or higher than rates for open procedures, and the rate of repeat prostatectomy, was considerably higher following transurethral resection. Dilation for urethral stricture was most common after suprapubic prostatectomy and least common after retropubic prostatectomy. Patients were followed for 8 years and those who underwent transurethral prostatectomy required an additional prostatic operation at a constant rate (2 per cent per year). By the end of the followup period 16.8 per cent of the transurethral prostatectomy patients had undergone a second prostatectomy compared to 7 per cent or less of those who initially underwent an open procedure.


Management of general medical patients with symptoms of depression.
This article describes the management of depressive symptoms in a group of ambulatory patients in general medical care during a 1-year period. It also examines patient outcomes by types of management and aggressiveness of treatment. Subjects are 112 male patients longitudinally enrolled in a V.A. General Medical Clinic who screened positively on both the Zung Self-rating Depression Scale and the DSM-III criteria. Medical records were abstracted to obtain information on mental health management. During the follow-up year, 48% of the moderately depressed patients received some form of mental health management compared to 92% of the severely depressed patients. Of the treatment modes, only patients who had a mental health clinic visit and/or psychiatric consultation were significantly more improved than those not so treated--but only at 6 months (p = 0.09) and 9 months (p = 0.02). Actual treatment experience was then classified into three levels based on intensity, duration, and combinations of treatments. Of the three levels, only those patients in the moderately aggressively treated condition were significantly more improved at 3 months (p = 0.02) and at 6 months (p = 0.04) than those in the no-treatment condition.


Significance of Cardiometabolic Index in Predicting Acute Exacerbation of Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease for Clinical Nursing.
To evaluate the level of cardiometabolic index (CMI) to predict the risk of acute exacerbation in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and to provide a basis for early identification and intervention of high-risk patients in clinical nursing work. Patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who were admitted to the outpatient department of respiratory medicine in a tertiary hospital or followed up after discharge from January to December 2021 were retrospectively selected. CMI was measured and statistical analysis was performed to determine the optimal threshold for predicting acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A total of 63 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were enrolled. The median number of episodes in the previous year was 1.00; 44 patients had ≥1 acute exacerbation. The CMI was positively correlated with the frequency of acute exacerbations and the British Medical Research Council (mMRC) score in the previous year, and negatively correlated with the percentage of forced expiratory volume in 1 second to the predicted value (FEV1% PRED). The cut-off point of CMI for predicting acute exacerbations in stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients was 2.05, with a sensitivity of 0.864% and specificity of 0.842%. It is a risk factor for acute exacerbation in COPD patients. CMI can be used as a biological index to predict acute exacerbation in stable COPD patients. Clinical nursing needs to evaluate patients' CMI and provide personalized nursing intervention for patients with CMI≥2.05.


Interactive eBooks in educating patients and their families about head injury regardless of age.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a common and debilitating injury that is particularly prevalent in patients over 60. Given the influence of head injury on dementia (and vice versa), and the increased likelihood of ground-level falls, elderly patients are vulnerable to TBI. Educational interventions can increase knowledge and influence preventative activity to decrease the likelihood of further TBI. We sought to determine the efficacy of interactive tablet-based educational interventions in elderly patients on self-reported knowledge. Patients and family members, ages 20-90, presenting to a NeuroTrauma clinic completed a pre-survey to assess baseline TBI or concussion knowledge, depending on their diagnosis. Participants then received an interactive electronic book (eBook), or a text-based pamphlet with identical information, and completed a post-survey to test interim knowledge improvement. All participants (n=180), regardless of age, had significantly higher post-survey scores (p<0.01, 95% CI). Elderly participants who received the eBook (n=39) scored lower than their younger counterparts despite higher pre-survey scores (p<0.01, 95% CI). All participants who received the eBook (n=20, 90) significantly improved on the post-survey (p<0.01, 95% CI) when compared to participants who received the paper pamphlets (n=10, 31). All participants significantly preferred the eBook (p<0.01, 95% CI). We demonstrated that interactive educational interventions are effective in the elderly TBI population. Enhanced educational awareness in the elderly population, especially patients at risk or with prior TBI, may prevent further head injury by educating patients on the importance of avoiding further head injury and taking precautionary measures to decrease the likelihood of further injury.


Morphometric analysis of the mandible in subjects with Class III malocclusion.
This study evaluated the deformations that contribute to Class III mandibular configuration, employing geometric morphometric analysis. Lateral cephalograms of male and female groups of 100 young adults and 70 children with Class III malocclusion were compared to those of counterparts with normal occlusion. The sample included an equal number of both genders. The cephalographs were traced, and 12 homologous landmarks were identified and digitized. Average mandibular geometries were generated by means of Procrustes analysis. Thin-plate spline analysis was then applied to mandibular configurations to determine local form differences in male and female groups of adults and children with normal occlusion and Class III mal-occlusion. The mandibular morphology was significantly different between these two groups of male and female adults, and children (p < 0.0001). This spline analysis revealed an anteroposterior elongation of the mandible along the condylion-gnathion axis, showing an extension in the regions of the mandibular condyle and ramus, and of the anteroinferior portion of the mandibular symphysis in Class III groups. More extension was evident in Class III adults. The deformations in subjects with Class III malocclusion may represent a developmental elongation of the mandible anteroposteriorly, which leads to the appearance of a prognathic mandibular profile.


Single versus double flap approach in periodontal regenerative treatment.
to compare the outcomes of a regenerative strategy based on recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor-BB (rhPDGF-BB, 0.3 mg/ml) and β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) in the treatment of intraosseous defects accessed with the Single Flap Approach (SFA) versus Double Flap Approach based on papilla preservation techniques (DFA). Fifteen and 13 defects, randomly assigned to SFA or DFA, respectively, were grafted with rhPDGF-BB + β-TCP. Probing parameters were assessed before and 6 months after surgery. Pain (VAS(pain)) was self-reported using a visual analogue scale. Twelve SFA sites and DFA 6 sites showed complete flap closure at 2 weeks post-surgery. No significant differences in 6-month changes in probing parameters and radiographic defect fill were found between groups. Significantly lower VAS(pain) was observed in SFA group compared to DFA group at day +1, +2 and +6. A significantly greater number of analgesics were consumed in the DFA group compared to the SFA group at day +1. When combined with rhPDGF-BB and β-TCP, the SFA may result in similar clinical outcomes, better quality of early wound healing, and lower pain and consumption of analgesics during the first postoperative days compared to the DFA.


A longitudinal study of changes in Diffusion Tensor Value and their association with cognitive sequelae among patients with mild head injury.
Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is an advanced and sensitive technique that detects sub-threshold pathology in normal imaging brain injury patients. Currently, there are no longitudinal DTI studies to look for time-based changes. The present study has investigated longitudinal imaging and its association with cognitive deficits. Twenty-one patients were available for MRI and neuropsychological test (NPT) assessment for all the 3 time points. Initially (<36 hours), all patients presented with GCS 15 and normal scan findings. The DTI (P<0.0001) and NPT scores (P<0.05) were analyzed using repeated-measure of analysis. The tensor values were correlated with specific time-point NPT scores using partial correlation (0.05). Right cerebral-hemisphere showed significant alterations in both anisotropy and diffusivity values overtime. Cingulate gyrus and occipital lobe showed prominent changes in anisotropy value. Significant improvement in thalamo-cortical anisotropy value after 3-4 months after injury was seen. The changes in diffusivity values were mainly seen in frontal, parietal lobe, right inferior fronto-occipital and superior longitudinal fasciculus, and posterior supramarginal gyrus. Time-related changes of tensor values of thalamus, frontal and temporal lobe had persistent and significant association with attention and learning/memory aspects. The findings of this study suggest that DTI detects and observes natural-recovery of brain regions affected by sub-threshold force.


Maxillary sinus volume and facial asymmetry after unilateral zygomaticomaxillary complex fracture reduction with 2, 3, and 4 fixation points: CBCT-based investigation.
This study aimed to assess the maxillary sinus volume (MSV), Chronic Sinusitis incidence, and asymmetry of the zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) following ZMC fracture surgery with various numbers of fixation points. In a prospective non-randomized cohort, 50 adults with unilateral ZMC fractures who treated by open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) between November 2019 and October 2021 were assigned to accomplish this study. They distributed into three groups as per fixation points (2, 3, or 4 Points). Preoperative (T1), Immediate postoperative (T2), and follow-up (T3) cone beam computed topography were analyzed using the Mimics software. The main measures were MSV and asymmetry indexes (ASI) of six paired bilateral anatomical landmarks (Orbital, Suprajugal, Jugale, Zygon, Maxillozygion 1, and Maxillozygion 2). MSV decreased significantly on the affected sides postoperatively in 2P and 3P groups, both in T2 and T3. Further, the T2-T3 comparisons showed a significant MSV change (p = 0.001). ASI reduced considerably to clinically tolerated levels (<3 mm) on landmarks near the fixation sites postoperatively. The ASI on the Zygon and Maxillozygion 1 landmarks showed significant changes among the three groups in both T2 and T3. Interestingly, only five cases had reported postoperative sinusitis symptoms. Although the MSV was changed among the different fixation point groups, the incidence of chronic sinusitis was uncommon. Bilateral asymmetry affected by number and position of the fixation points, fixation with 4 points provide more symmetry.


Can vitamin E and selenium alleviate the immunologic impact of aluminium on pregnant rats' spleens?
This study aimed to assess if simultaneous administration of vitamin E, selenium and aluminium could alleviate the latter's immunologic impact on the spleen. Twenty eight virgin albino Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into two main groups: control (n=12) and experimental (n=18). These groups were divided into two subgroups each. The first control group received distiled water and the second one vitamin E and selenium for 3months through intragastric tubes. Of the two experimental subgroups, the first received oral aluminium chloride (AlCl3) at a dose 150mg/kg of body weight/day, and the second received AlCl3 plus vitamin E and selenium for 3months. Sixteen (out of eighteen) subject rats became pregnant. At day 20 of gestation, dams were sacrificed, and spleens were dissected and processed for histologic examination with routine and immunohistologic staining and semi-quantitative assessment. Aluminium administration induced a significant decrease in the number and density of T-lymphocytes and macrophages in the spleen as well as splenic fibrosis during pregnancy. Vitamin E and selenium reduced but did not completely prevent these changes.


Buccal Fat Pad a Forgotten Option of Reconstruction in Oral Cancer.
The buccal fat pad (BFP) originally described as an anatomic structure without any obvious function. For long period it was considered to be surgical nuisance. However during the last four decades buccal fat is successively used tool for maxillofacial surgery for reconstruction of small to medium sized acquired or congenital soft tissue and bony defect in oral cavity. The aim of present article is to review the database available regarding BFP including its anatomy, clinical usage in oral malignancy as tool of reconstruction after ablative procedures it's success and its adoptability with other loco-regional flap for oral reconstruction in different scenario and our experience with it in tertiary cancer centre in India.


Epidemiology of postoperative endophthalmitis in an Asian population: 11-year incidence and effect of intracameral antibiotic agents.
To describe the incidence of postoperative endophthalmitis after cataract surgery in a multiethnic Asian population over an 11-year period, compare the endophthalmitis rates before and after the use of intracameral antibiotic agents, and identify potential risk factors for endophthalmitis. Department of Ophthalmology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore. Cohort study. The incidence and risk factors for postoperative endophthalmitis in patients who had cataract surgery over 11 years were reviewed. Subconjunctival antibiotic agents only were administered over 7 years; in the subsequent 4 years, intracameral cefazolin (1.0 mg/0.1 mL) was used. The overall incidence of postoperative endophthalmitis in 50,177 was 0.042%. Over the 7 years without intracameral antibiotics, the endophthalmitis rate was 0.064% (19/29,539). With the use of intracameral cefazolin, the incidence decreased to 0.01% (2/20,638) (multivariate odds ratio [OR], 13.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.15-58.58; P<.001). The independent risk factors for endophthalmitis were age (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.01-1.09; P=.025) and male sex (0.06% versus 0.02%; OR, 2.96; 95% CI; 1.15-7.65; P=.025). There was a significant reduction in the rate of postoperative endophthalmitis in a multiethnic Asian population with the use of intracameral cefazolin. Men and older patients were at a higher risk for endophthalmitis. No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.


Safety and effectiveness of the sodium-glucose cotransporter inhibitor bexagliflozin in cats newly diagnosed with diabetes mellitus.
Bexagliflozin is a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor. A pilot study has shown that bexagliflozin can decrease dependence on exogenous insulin in cats with diabetes mellitus (DM). To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of bexagliflozin as a monotherapy for DM in previously untreated cats. Eighty-four client-owned cats. Historically controlled prospective open-label clinical trial. Cats were dosed PO with 15 mg bexagliflozin once daily for 56 days, with a 124-day extension to evaluate safety and treatment effect durability. The primary endpoint was the proportion of cats experiencing a decrease in hyperglycemia and improvement in clinical signs of hyperglycemia from baseline on day 56. Of 84 enrolled cats, 81 were evaluable on day 56, and 68 (84.0%) were treatment successes. Decreases in mean serum glucose, fructosamine, and β-hydroxybutyrate (β-OHB) concentrations were observed, and investigator assessments of cat neurological status, musculature, and hair coat quality improved. Owner evaluations of both cat and owner quality of life were favorable. The fructosamine half-life in diabetic cats was found to be 6.8 days. Commonly observed adverse events included emesis, diarrhea, anorexia, lethargy, and dehydration. Eight cats experienced serious adverse events, 3 of which led to death or euthanasia. The most important adverse event was euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis, diagnosed in 3 cats and presumed present in a fourth. Bexagliflozin decreased hyperglycemia and observed clinical signs in cats newly diagnosed with DM. As a once-daily PO medication, bexagliflozin may simplify management of DM in cats.


Genetic testing in interstitial lung disease: An international survey.
Genetic analysis is emerging for interstitial lung diseases (ILDs); however, ILD practices are not yet standardized. We surveyed patients', relatives' and pulmonologists' experiences and needs on genetic testing in ILD to evaluate the current situation and identify future needs. A clinical epidemiologist (MT) together with members of the ERS taskforce and representatives of the European Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and related disorders Federation (EU-IPFF) patient organisation developed a survey for patients, relatives and pulmonologists. Online surveys consisted of questions on five main topics: awareness of hereditary ILD, the provision of information, genetic testing, screening of asymptomatic relatives and clinical impact of genetic analysis in ILD. Survey respondents consisted of 458 patients with ILD, 181 patients' relatives and 352 pulmonologists. Most respondents think genetic testing can be useful, particularly for explaining the cause of disease, predicting its course, determining risk for developing disease and the need to test relatives. Informing patients and relatives on genetic analysis is primarily performed by the pulmonologist, but 88% (218) of pulmonologists identify a need for more information and 96% (240) ask for guidelines on genetic testing in ILD. A third of the pulmonologists who would offer genetic testing currently do not offer a genetic test, primarily because they have limited access to genetic tests. Following genetic testing, 72% (171) of pulmonologists may change the diagnostic work-up and 57% (137) may change the therapeutic approach. This survey shows that there is wide support for implementation of genetic testing in ILD and a high need for information, guidelines and access to testing among patients, their relatives and pulmonologists.


Kinetic studies of D-glucose transport in renal brush-border membrane vesicles of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.
Renal brush-border membrane vesicles prepared from streptozotocin-induced 4-day-diabetic rats possessed a Na+-dependent D-glucose transport system that exhibited apparent Kt and Vmax values about 2-fold greater than normal. Apparently, hyperglycemia and probably other stimuli cause the induction and membrane incorporation of a low-affinity transporter in these membranes; this increased sugar-transport capacity is retained for at least 4 weeks so long as the animals maintained or increased their body weight. Membranes prepared from 28-day-diabetic, severely ill ketoacidotic animals lose this enhanced transport ability and the decrease in Vmax was found to correlate directly with the weight loss. Furthermore, the transporter in brush-border membranes prepared from these cachectic animals had an even lower affinity for glucose than those from the acute hyperglycemic animals. That these changes in the diabetic animals represent major alterations in renal brush-border membrane construction is further supported by our observation that the specific activity of the marker enzymes, alkaline phosphatase and neutral alpha-glucosidase, are profoundly increased and decreased, respectively, in this condition.


Effect of prolonged venom immunotherapy on serum venom-specific IgE and IgG.
Serum venom-specific IgE and IgG were monitored in twenty-three patients receiving venom immunotherapy for more than 3 years. Two response patterns of IgE antibody were found. Following initiation of therapy, seven patients had a rise in serum venom-specific IgE, peaking at one year, then decreasing. Sixteen patients had a persistent fall in IgE antibody titres following initiation of therapy. At the end of 3 years, levels of serum venom-specific IgE in both groups were comparable. The presence of atopy may have influenced the rising IgE antibody response. Serum venom-specific IgG either rose or remained elevated if the pretreatment titres were high. After several years of therapy, there was generally a decrease in serum venom-specific IgG.


Parvulescu Revisited: Small Tank Acoustics for Bioacousticians.
Researchers often perform hearing studies on fish in small tanks. The acoustic field in such a tank is considerably different from the acoustic field that occurs in the animal's natural environment. The significance of these differences is magnified by the nature of the fish's auditory system where either acoustic pressure (a scalar), acoustic particle velocity (a vector), or both may serve as the stimulus. It is essential for the underwater acoustician to understand the acoustics of small tanks to be able to carry out valid auditory research in the laboratory and to properly compare and interpret the results of others.


Evaluation of a treatment planning system developed for clinical boron neutron capture therapy and validation against an independent Monte Carlo dose calculation system.
Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) for the treatment of unresectable, locally advanced, and recurrent carcinoma of the head and neck cancer has been approved by the Japanese government for reimbursement under the national health insurance as of June 2020. A new treatment planning system for clinical BNCT has been developed by Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd. (Sumitomo), NeuCure® Dose Engine. To safely implement this system for clinical use, the simulated neutron flux and gamma ray dose rate inside a water phantom was compared against experimental measurements. Furthermore, to validate and verify the new planning system, the dose distribution inside an anthropomorphic head phantom was compared against a BNCT treatment planning system SERA and an in-house developed Monte Carlo dose calculation program. The simulated results closely matched the experimental results, within 5% for the thermal neutron flux and 10% for the gamma ray dose rate. The dose distribution inside the head phantom closely matched with SERA and the in-house developed dose calculation program, within 3% for the tumour and a difference of 0.3 Gyw for the brain.


Trends in access to health services and financial protection in China between 2003 and 2011: a cross-sectional study.
In the past decade, the Government of China initiated health-care reforms to achieve universal access to health care by 2020. We assessed trends in health-care access and financial protection between 2003, and 2011, nationwide. We used data from the 2003, 2008, and 2011 National Health Services Survey (NHSS), which used multistage stratified cluster sampling to select 94 of 2859 counties from China's 31 provinces and municipalities. The 2011 survey was done with a subset of the NHSS sampling frame to monitor key indicators after the national health-care reforms were announced in 2009. Three sets of indicators were chosen to measure trends in access to coverage, health-care activities, and financial protection. Data were disaggregated by urban or rural residence and by three geographical regions: east, central, and west, and by household income. We examined change in equity across and within regions. The number of households interviewed was 57,023 in 2003, 56,456 in 2008, and 18,822 in 2011. Response rates were 98·3%, 95·0%, and 95·5%, respectively. The number of individuals interviewed was 193,689 in 2003, 177,501 in 2008, and 59,835 in 2011. Between 2003 and 2011, insurance coverage increased from 29·7% (57,526 of 193,689) to 95·7% (57,262 of 59,835, p<0·0001). The average share of inpatient costs reimbursed from insurance increased from 14·4 (13·7-15·1) in 2003 to 46·9 (44·7-49·1) in 2011 (p<0·0001). Hospital delivery rates averaged 95·8% (1219 of 1272) in 2011. Hospital admissions increased 2·5 times to 8·8% (5288 of 59,835, p<0·0001) in 2011 from 3·6% (6981 of 193,689) in 2003. 12·9% of households (2425 of 18,800) had catastrophic health expenses in 2011. Caesarean section rates increased from 19·2% (736 of 3835) to 36·3% (443 of 1221, p<0·0001) between 2003 and 2011. Remarkable increases in insurance coverage and inpatient reimbursement were accompanied by increased use and coverage of health care. Important advances have been made in achieving equal access to services and insurance coverage across and within regions. However, these increases have not been accompanied by reductions in catastrophic health expenses. With the achievement of basic health-services coverage, future challenges include stronger risk protection, and greater efficiency and quality of care. None.


Using the Internet to teach consumers about quality care.
The Internet is an important source of health information for consumers. Patients can learn about their diagnoses, review treatments and medications, and locate other health information for themselves and their families. Information about quality care can also be found on the Internet. Few consumers, though, use these Web sites for learning about quality care. In 2000 the investigators searched the Internet and generated a list of approximately 90 relevant Internet documents under the broad heading of quality health care. They then pared the list to 34, by using the Health Information Technology Institute (HITI) criteria. In the second phase of the project, 5 of the 34 Internet documents were tested by a convenience sample of 32 consumers. Most of the participants had experience in using the Internet, although generally not in the area of quality care. They found the Web sites easy to use and indicated that the Internet resources would help them assess the quality of care they receive from physicians, nurses, and others. Web sites need to be evaluated to ensure that the information they provide is accurate and current, among other criteria. All patients should understand their health benefits and the importance of making informed decisions about their health care, as well as how quality care is measured, how to use quality reports, how to choose providers and hospitals, how to assess the quality of their own care and be more involved in it, and what they should do when faced with new diagnoses.


Accuracy of immunoassay and mass spectrometry urinary free cortisol in the diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome.
Urinary free cortisol (UFC) determination by highly specific methods as mass spectrometry instead of commercially available antibody-based immunoassays is increasingly recommended. However, clinical comparisons of both analytical approaches in the screening of Cushing's syndrome (CS) are not available. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of mass spectrometry versus immunoassay measurements of 24 h-UFC in the screening of CS. Cross-sectional study of 33 histologically confirmed CS patients: 25 Cushing's disease, 5 adrenal CS and 3 ectopic CS; 92 non-CS patients; and 35 healthy controls. UFC by immunoassay (UFCxIA) and mass spectrometry (UFCxMS), urinary free cortisone (UFCo) and UFC:UFCo ratio were measured, together with creatinine-corrected values. Sensitivity, specificity, AUC and Landis and Koch concordance index were determined. AUC for UFCxIA and UFCxMS were 0.77 (CI 0.68-0.87) and 0.77 (CI 0.67-0.87) respectively, with a kappa coefficient 0.60 and strong Landis and Koch concordance index. The best calculated cutoff values were 359 nmol/24 h for UFCxIA (78 % sensitivity, 62 % specificity) and 258.1 nmol/24 h for UCFxMS (53 % sensitivity, 86 % specificity). The upper limit of UFCxIA and UCFxMS reference ranges were 344.7 and 169.5 nmol/24 h respectively. Sensitivity and specificity for CS diagnosis at these cutpoints were 84 and 56 % for UFCxIA and 81 and 54 % for UFCxMS. According to our data, both methods present a very similar diagnostic value. However, results suggest that lower cutoff points for mass spectrometry may be necessary in order to improve clinical sensitivity.


Particular aspects in patients with coronary heart disease and vascular cognitive impairment.
Among the patients with cognitive vascular impairment, a particular group is represented by those who have concomitant cerebrovascular and coronary heart disease (CHD). The clinical evolution of some of these patients is dominated apparently by the progressive cognitive impairment and sometimes psychotic episodes and not by evident clinical stroke and/or symptoms of their heart disease, so that they receive the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or of a psychiatric disease. Most of these patients have a severe evolution, particularly if their cardiovascular disease is not recognized and die unexpectedly. In the author's clinical experience, the systematic cardiovascular examination in all patients hospitalized with the diagnosis of dementia or cognitive impairment, even if they did not have previously been diagnosed with cerebrovascular and/or coronary heart disease, disclosed in many instances the presence of severe but apparently silent cardiovascular disorders characterized always by concomitant severe CHD and significant large vessel disease of the brain. It is important to emphasize the particular situation in which the progressive cognitive impairment associated or not with psychiatric manifestations could mask severe cardio- and cerebrovascular disorders, which could further be worsened by symptomatic psychiatric treatment, and which evolution is to "unexpected" cardiovascular death.


Guideline Implementation: Radiation Safety.
Because radiologic technology is used in a variety of perioperative procedures and settings, it is essential for perioperative RNs to be knowledgeable of the risks related to radiation and the ways to adequately protect patients and health care providers from unintended radiation exposure. The updated AORN "Guideline for radiation safety" provides guidance on preventing injury from ionizing radiation exposure during therapeutic, diagnostic, and interventional procedures. This article focuses on key points of the guideline to help perioperative personnel practice radiation safety. The key points address the requirements for an organization's radiation safety program, measures used to keep radiation exposure as low as reasonably achievable, proper handling and testing of radiation protection devices, and considerations for protecting employees and patients who are pregnant and who will be exposed to radiation. Perioperative RNs should review the complete guideline for additional information and for guidance when writing and updating policies and procedures.


A model of direction-selective "simple" cells in the visual cortex based on inhibition asymmetry.
Direction selectivity is a prominent feature of single units in the central visual pathway of cat and monkey. Various mechanisms have been proposed for the generation of this property. Experimental evidence suggests that intracortical inhibition is a major factor contributing to direction selectivity. We have developed a one-dimensional computer model for direction selective simple cells in the visual cortex under two basic assumptions: 1) Inhibition is exerted upon a cortical cell by neighboring cells from either side within a retinotopic array, 2) The relative strength of inhibition from both neighbors can be varied, interneurons always having larger time constants than the simple cells. Summation in the model is linear, but is followed by an essential non-linearity. ON- and/or OFF-center cells of the sustained type (X-cells) are used as an input to the simple cells. The computer simulation demonstrates that various subtypes of direction-selective simple cells in area 17, as described by Schiller et al. (1976), can be generated by different amounts of inhibition asymmetry, different delays and by different spatial arrangements of the input. Only one type of input (ON or OFF) is required to generate direction selectivity, but a greater variety of cell subtypes is created by combining both. Length-summation, contributing to orientation selectivity, was not considered in this one-dimensional model.


From the Journals.
THE EFFECT OF PSYCHOLOGICAL STRESS ON WOUND HEALING GRADING LEG ULCERS AGEING AND DISABILITY IN SPINAL CORD INJURY NURSE PRESCRIBING MRSA IN THE COMMUNITY.


Highly aminated iron oxide nanoworms for simultaneous manufacturing and labeling of chimeric antigen receptor T cells.
Cell based therapies including chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells are promising for treating leukemias and solid cancers. At the same time, there is interest in enhancing the functionality of these cells via surface decoration with nanoparticles (backpacking). Magnetic nanoparticle cell labeling is of particular interest due to opportunities for magnetic separation, in vivo manipulation, drug delivery and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). While modification of T cells with magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) was explored before, we questioned whether MNPs are compatible with CAR-T cells when introduced during the manufacturing process. We chose highly aminated 120 nm crosslinked iron oxide nanoworms (CLIO NWs, ~36,000 amines per NW) that could efficiently label different adherent cell lines and we used CD123 CAR-T cells as the labeling model. The CD123 CAR-T cells were produced in the presence of CLIO NWs, CLIO NWs plus protamine sulfate (PS), or PS only. The transduction efficiency of lentiviral CD123 CAR with only NWs was ~23% lower than NW+PS and PS groups (~33% and 35%, respectively). The cell viability from these three transduction conditions was not reduced within CAR-T cell groups, though lower compared to non-transduced T cells (mock T). Use of CLIO NWs instead of, or together with cationic protamine sulfate for enhancement of lentiviral transduction resulted in comparable levels of CAR expression and viability but decreased the proportion of CD8+ cells and increased the proportion of CD4+ cells. CD123 CAR-T transduced in the presence of CLIO NWs, CLIO NWs plus PS, or PS only, showed similar level of cytotoxicity against leukemic cell lines. Furthermore, fluorescence microscopy imaging demonstrated that CD123 CAR-T cells labeled with CLIO NW formed rosettes with CD123+ leukemic cells as the non-labeled CAR-T cells, indicating that the CAR-T targeting to tumor cells has maintained after CLIO NW labeling. The in vivo trafficking of the NW labeled CAR-T cells showed the accumulation of CAR-T labeled with NWs primarily in the bone marrow and spleen. CAR-T cells can be magnetically labeled during their production while maintaining functionality using the positively charged iron oxide NWs, which enable the in vivo biodistribution and tracking of CAR-T cells.


Influence of the interaction between long noncoding RNAs and hypoxia on tumorigenesis.
The interaction between cancer and its microenvironment is crucial for survival and development of cancerous cells. Tumor microenvironment is usually under hypoxia, which promotes tumor aggressiveness like growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis. How cancer cells respond to hypoxia and the resultant impact on tumorigenesis are not yet fully explored. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been attracting more and more attention since their functions in regulating gene expression at chromatic, transcriptional, and posttranscriptional levels were found. lncRNAs are dysregulated in cancer and act as oncogenes or tumor suppressors. Moreover, emerging evidence has been provided that the expression of lncRNAs changes with the stimulus of hypoxia and they in turn produce a significant influence on the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF), the most common transcription regulator in response to hypoxia. In this review, we discuss the recent findings of hypoxia-responsive lncRNAs and summarize their interaction with hypoxia to further understand their roles in cancer growth, metabolism, angiogenesis, and metastasis and their potential for cancer diagnosis and treatment.


Long-term results of stenting versus coronary artery bypass surgery for left main coronary artery disease-A single-center experience.
Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has emerged as an alternative treatment to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for unprotected left main (LM) coronary artery disease, but the results of both treatments are less clear in real-world practice. We aimed to assess the long-term outcomes of unprotected LM disease treated with CABG or PCI with stenting in high-risk population from a single center. We collected 478 consecutive patients with unprotected LM disease (PCI/CABG: 208/270; mean age: 70 ± 11 years; 85% male), and 252 patients were considered to be at high risk (European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation ≥6). The median follow-up was 4.3 years (interquartile range: 2.7-6.5 years). All-cause death (PCI/CABG: 27.4%/31.5%; p = 0.36) and all-cause death/myocardial infarction (MI)/stroke (PCI/CABG: 30.8%/35.9%; p = 0.49) were comparable between the two groups, whereas the repeat revascularization rate was significantly higher in the PCI group (PCI/CABG: 22.6%/11.0%; p < 0.01). These results remained similar after adjustment with the propensity score. Notably, CABG tended to be associated with higher periprocedural mortality (adjusted p = 0.08) and long-term stroke (adjusted p = 0.05), while PCI was associated with higher long-term MI (adjusted p = 0.09). Analyses of the diabetic subgroup (PCI/CABG: 98/124) yielded similar results. PCI was a comparable alternative to CABG for high-risk patients with unprotected LM disease in terms of long-term risks of all-cause death/MI/stroke, but with a significantly higher repeat revascularization rate.


Origin and Acceleration of Insoluble Li2 S2 -Li2 S Reduction Catalysis in Ferromagnetic Atoms-based Lithium-Sulfur Battery Cathodes.
Accelerating insoluble Li2 S2 -Li2 S reduction catalysis to mitigate the shuttle effect has emerged as an innovative paradigm for high-efficient lithium-sulfur battery cathodes, such as single-atom catalysts by offering high-density active sites to realize in situ reaction with solid Li2 S2 . However, the profound origin of diverse single-atom species on solid-solid sulfur reduction catalysis and modulation principles remains ambiguous. Here we disclose the fundamental origin of Li2 S2 -Li2 S reduction catalysis in ferromagnetic elements-based single-atom materials to be from their spin density and magnetic moments. The experimental and theoretical studies disclose that the Fe-N4 -based cathodes exhibit the fastest deposition kinetics of Li2 S (226 mAh g-1 ) and the lowest thermodynamic energy barriers (0.56 eV). We believe that the accelerated Li2 S2 -Li2 S reduction catalysis enabled via spin polarization of ferromagnetic atoms provides practical opportunities towards long-life batteries.


Problem solvers or medical dictionaries: what are we teaching for?
This paper describes an analysis of videotaped segments of a medical school clerkship. The purpose was to quantify variables critical to clinical teaching such as the ratio of instructor to student talk and the nature of their verbal interactions.


Relations of postural change in blood pressure with hypertension-mediated organ damage in middle-aged adults of the Framingham heart study: A cross-sectional study.
Dysregulation of compensatory mechanisms to regulate blood pressure (BP) upon postural change is a phenotype of BP variability and an emerging risk factor for cardiovascular outcomes. We assessed postural change in BP (starting 2 min after standing from a supine position), carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), and markers of hypertension-mediated organ damage (HMOD) in the heart, kidney, and brain in Framingham Third Generation, Omni-2, and New Offspring Spouse Cohort participants. We related vascular measures (postural change in BP measures and cfPWV) with HMOD in 3,495 participants (mean age 47 years, 53% women) using multivariable logistic and linear regression models. In multivariable-adjusted models, we did not observe significant associations of vascular measures with presence of left ventricular hypertrophy, albuminuria, covert brain infarcts, or white matter hyperintensities (Bonferroni-adjusted P-values > 0.05/20 > 0.0025). In multivariable models, greater cfPWV (est. β = 0.11 ± 0.03; P < 0.001), but not postural change in BP measures (Bonferroni-adjusted P-values > 0.05/20 > 0.0025), was associated with higher white matter free water using brain magnetic resonance imaging. In multivariable models, greater postural change in pulse pressure was associated with higher urinary albumin-creatinine ratio (est. β = 0.07 ± 0.02; P < 0.001). No other postural change in BP measure was associated with urinary albumin-creatinine ratio (Bonferroni-adjusted P-values > 0.05/20 > 0.0025). In sex-specific analyses, higher cfPWV was associated with higher urinary albumin-creatinine ratio in men (est. β: 0.11 ± 0.04; P = 0.002) but not in women (est. β: 0.03 ± 0.03; P = 0.44). We also observed marginal to strong effect modification by above vs. at/below median postural change in BP for the association of cfPWV with urinary albumin-creatinine ratio (Bonferroni-adjusted interaction P < 0.001-0.01). Vascular measures were not related to left ventricular mass index or fractional anisotropy (Bonferroni-adjusted P-values > 0.05/20 > 0.0025). Baroreflex dysfunction is associated with greater subclinical kidney damage. Additionally, relations of higher aortic stiffness with greater kidney damage may be modified by associated baroreflex dysregulation.


Acute plasma calcium regulation in rats: effect of vitamin D deficiency.
Vitamin D-replete (+D) and vitamin D-deficient (-D) rats received large doses of calcium (2-18 mg) by intraperitoneal injection and their responses to the calcium load was analysed in terms of the instantaneous and time-dependent responses of the plasma calcium concentration, [Cas]. Following an initial expansion, [Cas] returned to the preinjection value in a strictly exponential manner, with t1/2 = 22.5 +/- 2.0 (SE) min in +D and 51 +/- 5.2 min in -D animals. In both groups of animals, these rates were independent of the calcium load. Extraprolation of [Cas] to t = 0, i.e., the time just after administration of the calcium, revealed that the amount of calcium circulating at that moment was only about one-fifth of the amount that would have been found if all of the injected calcium had remained in the plasma. Calculations suggest that in all animals about four-fifths of the injected calcium load became distributed virtually instantaneously in the extracellular water. In both +D and -D groups the fraction of the injected load that left the plasma instantaneously was independent of the calcium load, of [Cas] at t = 0 or of the animals' plasma volume. The ability of rats to disperse some 80% of the load to outside the plasma would seem to constitute a major mechanism of acute plasma calcium regulation. Dilution was insufficient, however, totally to reduce [Cas] to the preinjection level. That occurred exponentially, with most of the calcium presumed to enter the skeleton. This exponential rate was markedly and significantly slower in the vitamin D-deficient animals than in their controls.


PACAP application improves functional outcome of chronic retinal ischemic injury in rats-evidence from electroretinographic measurements.
Retinoprotective effects of pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) are well-known and have been demonstrated in various pathological conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy, excitotoxic retinal injury, UV light-induced degeneration, and ischemic retinal lesion. The neuronal degeneration observed in the different retinal layers under the above pathological conditions can be successfully decreased by PACAP; however, whether this morphological improvement is also reflected in functional amelioration remains unknown. Therefore, our purpose was to investigate the protective effect of PACAP on the rat retina after bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) with electroretinography (ERG) to parallel the functional data with the previous morphological and neurochemical observations. Control eyes received saline treatment while PACAP was injected into the vitreous space of the other eye immediately after the induction of ischemia. Retinal damage and protective effects of PACAP were quantified by the changes in the wave forms and amplitudes. On postoperative days 2 and 14, several parameters were assessed with special attention to the changes of b wave. The results confirm that the previously described morphological protection induced by PACAP treatment is reflected in functional improvement in ischemic retinal lesions.


Nesfatin-130-59 Injected Intracerebroventricularly Differentially Affects Food Intake Microstructure in Rats Under Normal Weight and Diet-Induced Obese Conditions.
Nesfatin-1 is well-established to induce an anorexigenic effect. Recently, nesfatin-130-59, was identified as active core of full length nesfatin-11-82 in mice, while its role in rats remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated the effects of nesfatin-130-59 injected intracerebroventricularly (icv) on the food intake microstructure in rats. To assess whether the effect was also mediated peripherally we injected nesfatin-130-59 intraperitoneally (ip). Since obesity affects the signaling of various food intake-regulatory peptides we investigated the effects of nesfatin-130-59 under conditions of diet-induced obesity (DIO). Male Sprague-Dawley rats fed ad libitum with standard diet were icv cannulated and injected with vehicle (5 μl ddH2O) or nesfatin-130-59 at 0.37, 1.1, and 3.3 μg (0.1, 0.3, 0.9 nmol/rat) and the food intake microstructure assessed using a food intake monitoring system. Next, naïve rats were injected ip with vehicle (300 μl saline) or nesfatin-130-59 (8.1, 24.3, 72.9 nmol/kg). Lastly, rats were fed a high fat diet for 10 weeks and those developing DIO were icv cannulated. Nesfatin-1 (0.9 nmol/rat) or vehicle (5 μl ddH2O) was injected icv and the food intake microstructure assessed. In rats fed standard diet, nesfatin-130-59 caused a dose-dependent reduction of dark phase food intake reaching significance at 0.9 nmol/rat in the period of 4-8 h post injection (-29%) with the strongest reduction during the fifth hour (-75%), an effect detectable for 24 h (-12%, p < 0.05 vs. vehicle). The anorexigenic effect of nesfatin-130-59 was due to a reduction in meal size (-44%, p < 0.05), while meal frequency was not altered compared to vehicle. In contrast to icv injection, nesfatin-130-59 injected ip in up to 30-fold higher doses did not alter food intake. In DIO rats fed high fat diet, nesfatin-130-59 injected icv reduced food intake in the third hour post injection (-71%), an effect due to a reduced meal frequency (-27%, p < 0.05), while meal size was not altered. Taken together, nesfatin-130-59 is the active core of nesfatin-11-82 and acts centrally to reduce food intake in rats. The anorexigenic effect depends on the metabolic condition with increased satiation (reduction in meal size) under normal weight conditions, while in DIO rats satiety (reduction in meal frequency) is induced.


Quantitative dynamics and increased variability of segmentation gene expression in the Drosophila Krüppel and knirps mutants.
Here we characterize the response of the Drosophila segmentation system to mutations in two gap genes, Kr and kni, in the form of single or double homozygotes and single heterozygotes. Segmentation gene expression in these genotypes was quantitatively monitored with cellular resolution in space and 6.5 to 13min resolution in time. As is the case with wild type, we found that gene expression domains in the posterior portion of the embryo shift to the anterior over time. In certain cases, such as the gt posterior domain in Kr mutants, the shifts are significantly larger than is seen in wild type embryos. We also investigated the effects of Kr and kni on the variability of gene expression. Mutations often produce variable phenotypes, and it is well known that the cuticular phenotype of Kr mutants is variable. We sought to understand the molecular basis of this effect. We find that throughout cycle 14A the relative levels of eve and ftz expression in stripes 2 and 3 are variable among individual embryos. Moreover, in Kr and kni mutants, unlike wild type, the variability in positioning of the posterior Hb domain and eve stripe 7 is not decreased or filtered with time. The posterior Gt domain in Kr mutants is highly variable at early times, but this variability decreases when this domain shifts in the anterior direction to the position of the neighboring Kni domain. In contrast to these findings, positional variability throughout the embryo does not decrease over time in double Kr;kni mutants. In heterozygotes the early expression patterns of segmentation genes resemble patterns seen in homozygous mutants but by the onset of gastrulation they become similar to the wild type patterns. Finally, we note that gene expression levels are reduced in Kr and kni mutant embryos and have a tendency to decrease over time. This is a surprising result in view of the role that mutual repression is thought to play in the gap gene system.


Analysis of mitochondrial structure and function in the Drosophila larval musculature.
Mitochondria are dynamic organelles that change their architecture in normal physiological conditions. Mutations in genes that control mitochondrial fission or fusion, such as dynamin-related protein (Drp1), Mitofusins 1 (Mfn1) and 2 (Mfn2), and Optic atrophy 1 (Opa1), result in neuropathies or neurodegenerative diseases. It is increasingly clear that altered mitochondrial dynamics also underlie the pathology of other degenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease (PD). Thus, understanding mitochondrial distribution, shape, and dynamics in all cell types is a prerequisite for developing and defining treatment regimens that may differentially affect tissues. The majority of Drosophila genes implicated in mitochondrial dynamics have been studied in the adult indirect flight muscle (IFM). Here, we discuss the utility of Drosophila third instar larvae (L3) as an alternative model to analyze and quantify mitochondrial behaviors. Advantages include large muscle cell size, a stereotyped arrangement of mitochondria that is conserved in mammalian muscles, and the ability to analyze muscle-specific gene function in mutants that are lethal prior to adult stages. In particular, we highlight methods for sample preparation and analysis of mitochondrial morphological features.


Variability in motor learning: relocating, channeling and reducing noise.
Variability in motor performance decreases with practice but is never entirely eliminated, due in part to inherent motor noise. The present study develops a method that quantifies how performers can shape their performance to minimize the effects of motor noise on the result of the movement. Adopting a statistical approach on sets of data, the method quantifies three components of variability (tolerance, noise, and covariation) as costs with respect to optimal performance. T-Cost quantifies how much the result could be improved if the location of the data were optimal, N-Cost compares actual results to results with optimal dispersion at the same location, and C-Cost represents how much improvement stands to be gained if the data covaried optimally. The TNC-Cost analysis is applied to examine the learning of a throwing task that participants practiced for 6 or 15 days. Using a virtual set-up, 15 participants threw a pendular projectile in a simulated concentric force field to hit a target. Two variables, angle and velocity at release, fully determined the projectile's trajectory and thereby the accuracy of the throw. The task is redundant and the successful solutions define a nonlinear manifold. Analysis of experimental results indicated that all three components were present and that all three decreased across practice. Changes in T-Cost were considerable at the beginning of practice; C-Cost and N-Cost diminished more slowly, with N-Cost remaining the highest. These results showed that performance variability can be reduced by three routes: by tuning tolerance, covariation and noise in execution. We speculate that by exploiting T-Cost and C-Cost, participants minimize the effects of inevitable intrinsic noise.


Hepatic gene expression and prediction of therapy response in chronic hepatitis C patients.
Chronic hepatitis C (HCV) infection remains a major health problem worldwide. The current standard of care is a combination of pegylated interferon-alpha and ribavirin. Considering the length of antiviral therapy, as well as its side effects and costs, accurate prediction of treatment response prior to initiation of treatment is critical. In addition to viral, demographic and environmental factors, host genetic diversity is believed to contribute to the spectrum of clinical outcomes of chronic HCV. The development of high-throughput technologies provides opportunities to define patterns of gene expression that are associated with certain disease outcomes and/or response to therapy. This article reviews genomics-based predictors of pre-treatment response to antiviral therapy.


Complete Genome Sequence of Terriglobus albidus Strain ORNL, an Acidobacterium Isolated from the Populus deltoides Rhizosphere.
Terriglobus albidus strain ORNL is a heterotrophic soil acidobacterium isolated from the rhizosphere of an Eastern cottonwood tree (Populus deltoides) in Tennessee. Its 6.4-Mb chromosome was completely sequenced using PacBio long reads, and it encodes 5,010 proteins and 53 RNAs.


Identification of 1,2,3-triazolium salt-based inhibitors of Leishmania infantum trypanothione disulfide reductase with enhanced antileishmanial potency in cellulo and increased selectivity.
N-methylation of the triazole moiety present in our recently described triazole-phenyl-thiazole dimerization disruptors of Leishmania infantum trypanothione disulfide reductase (LiTryR) led to a new class of potent inhibitors that target different binding sites on this enzyme. Subtle structural changes among representative library members modified their mechanism of action, switching from models of classical competitive inhibition to time-dependent mixed noncompetitive inhibition. X-ray crystallography and molecular modeling results provided a rationale for this distinct behavior. The remarkable potency and selectivity improvements, particularly against intracellular amastigotes, of the LiTryR dimerization disruptors 4c and 4d reveal that they could be exploited as leishmanicidal agents. Of note, L. infantum promastigotes treated with 4c significantly reduced their low-molecular-weight thiol content, thus providing additional evidence that LiTryR is the main target of this novel compound.


Methotrexate-induced erythema multiforme.
The folic acid antagonist, methotrexate, has many applications in the treatment of neoplastic disease. While methotrexate produces several well-recognized toxic effects, cutaneous reactions are rare. A patient who developed classical erythema multiforme while receiving low-dose methotrexate as treatment of nonmetastatic gestational trophoblastic neoplasia is presented. Erythema multiforme has been associated with a variety of pharmacologic agents. It typically presents as a pruritic papular dermatitis of the extensor surfaces of the extremities and may require multiple skin biopsies to establish the diagnosis. Spontaneous reversal usually occurs with discontinuation of therapy. Patients developing erythema multiforme related to antineoplastic agents should be switched to an alternate regimen.


Endoscopic needle biopsy: a comparative study of forceps biopsy, two different types of needles, and salvage cytology in gastrointestinal cancer.
One of the goals of gastrointestinal endoscopy is to diagnose whether a lesion is malignant. The desire to improve the sensitivity of biopsy-sampling techniques prompted us to compare prospectively the reliability and accuracy of obtaining tissue by forceps biopsy, needle biopsy (21 gauge 13-mm long metal needles versus 18 gauge 20-mm long plastic needles), and salvage cytology in patients with endoscopically suspected malignancy. Samples were obtained in the order of needle biopsy (the order of metal and plastic needle biopsy was randomized), forceps biopsy, followed by salvage cytology. Needle biopsies were obtained by puncturing the lesion under direct vision while aspirating with a syringe. Twenty-three patients with gastrointestinal malignancy were studied (7 esophageal, 4 gastric, and 12 colonic). Forceps biopsies were positive in 18 of 23 (78%), missing 1 gastric and 4 colon malignancies. Metal needle biopsy was positive in 16 of 19 (84%), plastic needle biopsy in 17 of 22 (77%), and salvage cytology in 20 of 22 (91%). Accuracy was increased by a combination of techniques. Endoscopic needle biopsy is a simple and rapid method to evaluate lesions seen at endoscopy and is especially useful in evaluation of submucosal lesions.


Sleep, chronotype, and behavior in adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
Sleep problems are highly prevalent in patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Although chronotype has been linked to behavioral problems, its specific contribution to ADHD symptoms remains unclear. We assessed the association between chronotype and sleep and behavioral problems in adolescents with ADHD between 12 and 18 years of age using questionnaires (Morningness-Eveningness Scale for Children [MESC], Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire [SDQ], and Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire [PSQ]). Overall, 84 families (parents and adolescents) were enrolled. The intermediate chronotype was the most common in the study sample. No sex differences were detected in the proportion of morning, intermediate, and evening types. No correlation was found between MESC score and body mass index nor total PSQ score. Regarding SDQ, a significant negative correlation was found between the MESC score and hyperactivity/inattention score. We conclude that adolescents with ADHD tend to have an intermediate chronotype and eveningness is related to hyperactivity/inattention problems.


Hysterectomy and women satisfaction: total versus subtotal technique.
The impact of different surgical procedures on women's satisfaction after hysterectomy is a topical issue. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of sub-total and total hysterectomy on women's satisfaction, evaluated with questionnaire assessment of sexual activity, body image, and health status. A prospective, randomized, non-blind study was conducted. In the study period of 3 years, 105 women were enrolled and completed the questionnaires [EuroQol (EQ-5D), body image scale (BIS), sexual activity questionnaire] 2 weeks before and 1 year after surgery. Both total and sub-total hysterectomy resulted with improvements in the women's sexual satisfaction (1 year after surgery), but no statistically significant differences were reached between the two groups. A highly significant difference (P < 0.001) in the perception of the body image between total and sub-total hysterectomy, at 1 year after surgery, was underlined. The health-related quality of life resulted significantly better in the "sub-total hysterectomy" group 1 year after surgery (P < 0.05). Considering these results, why should a total hysterectomy be performed, if the women's satisfaction seems to be higher using the sub-total technique? In our opinion, the woman undergoing hysterectomy for benign conditions must be counseled regarding the differences between the two techniques and, when possible, a choice must be offered to the woman.


WITHDRAWN: Toxic effects of gestational arsenic trioxide on the neuroendocrine axis of developing rats.
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Dominant contribution of malignant endothelial cells to endotheliopoiesis in chronic myeloid leukemia.
Although it has been well-established that hemangioblasts are present in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and contribute to both malignant hematopoiesis and endotheliopoiesis, the real contribution of CML-derived endothelial cells to endotheliopoiesis in CML patients has never been evaluated. The current study sought to determine CML-derived endotheliopoiesis in patients with CML. Endothelial cells were isolated from the bone marrow or peripheral blood of six newly diagnosed CML patients using an immunomagnetic approach. The resulting endothelial cells were immediately subjected to fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis to determine BCR-ABL-positive endothelial cells. The purity of isolated endothelial cells was 94.47% +/- 2.37%. In bone marrow, the BCR-ABL-positive endothelial cells accounted for 70.8% +/- 10.7% of total freshly isolated endothelial cells. In peripheral blood, however, the BCR-ABL-positive endothelial cells accounted for only 20.8% +/- 9.8% of isolated endothelial cells. The present data demonstrate a dominant contribution of CML-derived endothelial cells to endotheliopoiesis in newly diagnosed CML, and provide the rationale for targeting hemangioblasts and angiogenesis in management of CML.


Adherence inhibition of Streptococcus mutans on dental enamel surface using silver nanoparticles.
The aim of this ex vivo study was to evaluate the adherence capacity of Streptococcus mutans after being exposed to three different sizes of silver nanoparticles on healthy human dental enamel. Three different sizes of silver nanoparticles (9.3, 21.3 and 98 nm) were prepared, characterized and an adherence testing was performed to evaluate their anti-adherence activity on a reference strain of S. mutans on healthy dental enamel surfaces. Colony-Forming Unit count was made for adherence test and light microscopy, atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to compare qualitative characteristics of S. mutans. 9.3 nm and 21.3 nm groups did not show differences between them but statistical differences were found when 9.3 nm and 21.3 nm groups were compared with 98 nm and negative control groups (p<0.05). Microscopy analysis shows a better inhibition of S. mutans adherence in 9.3 nm and 21.3 nm groups than the 98 nm group when compared with control group. Silver nanoparticles showed an adherence inhibition on S. mutans and the anti-adherence capacity was better when silver nanoparticles were smaller.


Acute myelogenous leukemia with tetrasomy 8 is a disease with a poor prognosis.
Tetrasomy 8 is an extremely rare chromosome abnormality, one that has been reported in only a few cases with myeloid malignancies. The majority of reported cases consist of acute myelogenous leukemias (AML) of monocytic lineage. In slightly more than half of the patients, tetrasomy 8 was the single cytogenetic abnormality. Fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed tetrasomy 8 and trisomy 8 concurrently in all but one of the bone marrow samples. The clonal relationship between trisomy 8 and tetrasomy 8 in these cases remains to be clarified. Patients with tetrasomy 8 have a poor prognosis, and only 1 out of 33 patients was free of disease 3 years after autologous bone marrow transplantation. Here, we report the case of a 25-year-old female patient with monocytic leukemia and tetrasomy 8.


High expression of Mfn1 promotes early development of bovine SCNT embryos: improvement of mitochondrial membrane potential and oxidative metabolism.
Mitofusin 1 (Mfn1) is the main mediator of mitochondrial fusion and homeostasis. To determine whether increased Mfn1 expression level could promote the fusion of heteroplasmic mitochondria and development of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryos. Embryos were constructed using bovine oocytes as recipient cytoplasm, and Holstein cow fetal fibroblasts with different expression levels of Mfn1 gene as donor nuclei. Mitochondrial membrane potential, ATP and H(2)O(2) generation, as well as the expression level of Mfn1 were detected in different development stages. The results showed that high level of Mfn1 expression significantly improved the embryo development rates by increasing ATP level and Δψm, while reducing H(2)O(2) generation. This study suggests that overexpression of Mfn1 could promote the early development of bovine SCNT embryos via improving oxidative phosphorylation.


A Rare Disease Presentation of Malignant Fungating Acral Melanoma of the Hand.
Malignant melanoma is relatively uncommon and accounts for 1%-3% of all malignant tumors. Malignant melanoma of the hand is exceptionally rare and highly malignant, with rapid progression if left untreated. Early clinical symptoms can be overlooked, and the tumor is often at a late stage when patients seek care, prompting amputation of the affected region. We present a case of a 48-year-old man who presented with a rapidly progressive, large, fungating mass of the distal aspect of the little finger diagnosed as malignant melanoma. We describe the presentation and treatment of this patient, who ultimately underwent partial amputation of the fifth metacarpal. Histologic analysis demonstrated nodular melanoma.


Predicting posttraumatic epilepsy with MRI: prospective longitudinal morphologic study in adults.
Evaluation of morphologic risk factors for posttraumatic epilepsy (PTE) by using brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in serial assessments <or=2 years after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Brain MRI hyperintense (gliosis) or hypointense (hemosiderin) areas or both were assessed in the images of 135 adult TBI inpatients who completed a 2-year clinical, EEG, and MRI study protocol. Overall clinical follow-up for the development of PTE was 5-10 years (median, 102 months). Morphologic risk factors for PTE were evaluated by using Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression analysis. In 20 patients, PTE developed. Kaplan-Meier curves showed that gliomesenchymal sequelae of focal brain lesions (subdural hematomas/contusions) that required surgical treatment (sSDH-C) were a PTE risk factor (p<0.001), as were sequelae of nonsurgical hemorrhagic contusions with gliosis wall incompletely surrounding hemosiderin dregs (IW) (p=0.039) and mainly those with time-related changes from incomplete to complete gliosis wall around hemosiderin (I/CW) (p=0.005); those with early hemosiderin completely surrounded by gliosis (CW) were not (p=0.821). Cox regression analysis showed that for patients with sequelae of sSDH-C, the PTE risk was 4.38 (p=0.023) times higher than for those who did not require surgical treatment or underwent surgery because of purely extradural hematoma; for those with IW and I/CW lesions, considered pooled, it was 6.61 times higher (p=0.014) than for those with CW lesions. MRI follow-up examination in the early chronic stage can differentiate among low-, intermediate-, and high-risk sequelae of TBI. These findings yield new evidence for, but do not resolve, the debate on posttraumatic epileptogenesis.


[Stabilization of diluted aqueous solutions of horseradish peroxidase].
Effects of pH, enzyme concentration, and various supplements on the catalytic activity, temperature stability, and secondary structure of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) were studied in diluted aqueous solutions. In 5.0 mM citrate-phosphate buffer (pH 4.2) at 55 degrees C and infinite dilution, HRP was inactivated with a rate constant of 2.86 x 10(-3) s-1. CaCl2, BSA, and glycerol caused protective effects, whereas KCl, LiCl, maltose, PEG-6000 (at a concentration above 3%), Triton X-100, ethanol, and Kathon CG had an opposite effect and altered the secondary structure of HRP. Two HRP-stabilizing media: the "glycerol-based" one containing 10% ethanol and 20% glycerol, or the "protein-based" one containing 0.1% Kathon CG and 0.2 g/l of BSA in 50.0 mM Tris-HCl buffer (pH 7.2) supplemented with 50 mM CaCl2 were developed, and the stability of HRP (0.36 nM) and its immunoglobulin, cortisol, and progesterone conjugates were compared in these two media. The protein-based medium displayed a greater stabilizing effect particularly on HRP-steroid conjugates.


Reaction of the dental pulp to hydroxyapatite.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the action of hydroxyapatite (HA) (Osteogen HA Resorb, GBD Marketing Group Inc., Valley Stream, N.Y.) on the dental pulp of rats. Four upper molar pulps in 45 rats were exposed and capped with synthetic HA (Osteogen) with a stereoscopic microscope. Pulps capped with calcium hydroxide (Dycal, L.D. Caulk Co., Milford, Del.) served as controls. The cavities were filled with amalgam, and the molars on each side of the maxilla were protected by the placement of a pedodontic steel crown. Pulp inflammation and dentin repair were compared by histologic observations and computer image analysis after 7, 14, and 28 days. After 7 days a partial acute pulpitis were observed in specimens treated with Osteogen or Dycal. Reparative dentin formation along the pulp walls was also seen. After 14 days the pulpitis was more extensive in the Osteogen-treated teeth than in the control teeth. Dentin formation as measured by morphometric analysis was more pronounced in Osteogen-treated teeth. Neo-odontoblasts were observed after the use of both materials. After 28 days an acute inflammatory reaction was still evident in the Osteogen-treated group. A complete dentinal bridge was observed more frequently with Dycal than with Osteogen. Despite the putative abilities of HA to be osteoconductive, osteogenic, and dentinogenic, the results of this study indicate that it should not be used as a pulp-capping agent because of its tendency to cause scattered dystrophic calcification in the dental pulp, which could interfere with future endodontic treatment.


A review of plant-based coagulants for turbidity and cyanobacteria blooms removal.
In recent years, the proliferation of Harmful Cyanobacterial Blooms (CyanoHABs) has increased with water eutrophication and climate change, impairing human health and the environment in relation to water supply. In drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs), the bio-coagulation based on natural coagulants has been studied as an eco-friendly alternative technology to conventional coagulants for both turbidity and CyanoHABs removal. Plant-based coagulants have demonstrated their coagulation efficiency in turbidity removal, as reported in several papers but its ability in cyanobacterial removal is still limited. This paper mainly reviewed the application of plant-based coagulants in DWTPs, with focus on turbidity removal, including cyanobacterial cells. The future potential uses of these green coagulants to reduce noxious effects of cyanobacterial proliferation are presented. Green coagulants advantages and limitations in DWTPs are reviewed and discussed summarizing more than 10 years of knowledge.


Characterization of organic precursors for chlorinous odor before and after ozonation by a fractionation technique.
To identify the primary fraction of dissolved organic matter (DOM) responsible for chlorinous odor, waters treated by the conventional treatment (i.e., coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation and rapid sand filtration (RSF)) and ozonation were characterized by a fractionation technique prior to chlorination. Furthermore, chlorinous odor strengths originated from organic fractions were compared with that resulted from trichloramine (NCl3). Odor strengths and trichloramine concentrations were determined by the triangle sensory test and head space-GC/MS, respectively. The major DOM fraction for outlet water of RSF was hydrophobic acid (HoA), whereas the hydrophilic acid (HiA) fraction was dominant in the ozonated water. For a fixed DOC level (1 mgC/L), the base (Bas) or hydrophilic base (HiB) fraction was found to be the major organic precursor of chlorinous odor for the effluent of RSF. Even the mass percentages of DOM fractions in RSF water were considered, Bas was the major DOM fractions responsible for chlorinous odor. For ozonated water, two major precursors of chlorinous odor were HiA and hydrophilic neutral (HiN) fractions. Furthermore, the influence of trichloramine on chlorinous odor intensity for ozonated water should not be negligible. Under variation of seasonal organic contents, changes in precursors of chlorinous odor were observed.


Multiple neuroprotective features of Scutellaria pinnatifida-derived small molecule.
Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorders with no precise etiology. Multiple lines of evidence support that environmental factors, either neurotoxins or neuroinflammation, can induce Parkinsonism. In this study, we purified an active compound, neobaicalein (Skullcapflavone II), from the roots of Scutellaria pinnatifida (S. pinnatifida). Neobaicalein not only had protective impacts on rotenone-induced neurotoxicity but in glial cultures, it dampened the inflammatory response when stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Neobaicalein had high antioxidant activity without any obvious toxicity. In addition, it could raise the cell viability, decrease early apoptosis, reduce the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and keep the neurite's length normal in the treated SH-SY5Y cells. Pathway enrichment analysis (PEA) and target prediction provided insights into the PD related genes, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, and the key proteins enriched in the signaling pathways. Furthermore, docking simulation (DS) on the proteins of the PD-PPI network revealed that neobaicalein might interact with the key proteins involved in PD pathology, including MAPK14, MAPK8, and CASP3. It also blocks the destructive processes, such as cell death, inflammation, and oxidative stress pathways. Our results demonstrate that neobaicalein alleviates pathological effects of factors related to PD, and may provide new insight into PD therapy.


Pain perception in major depression depends on pain modality.
One frequently described feature of depression is an increased vulnerability to pain complaints, and chronic pain is frequently accompanied by symptoms of depression. In contrast to this, a decreased sensitivity to experimental pain has been described in major depression. The physiological basis of this phenomenon is yet elusive. We investigated 30 patients suffering from a major depressive disorder and matched controls. Pain testing (threshold and tolerance) was performed on both sides of the body and included assessment of thermal, electrical and ischemic pain. While confirming hypoalgesia to heat and electrical pain in comparison to controls, we found hyperalgesia to ischemic muscle pain. Furthermore, thermal pain tolerance and electrical pain tolerance were significantly increased on the right hand side confirming previous results of a lateralized perception of pain in depression. Our main finding suggests that painful stimuli are processed differentially depending on the localization of pain induction in depression. This knowledge may enable us to understand and ultimately treat pain complaints more appropriately in depressed patients.