Monosaccharides and monosaccharide derivatives in human seminal plasma.
Gas chromatography--mass spectrometry with an on-line data system was used to identify monosaccharides and monosaccharide derivatives in human seminal plasma. The carbohydrates were converted into the methoxime-trimethylsilyl derivatives before separation in open tubular glass capillary columns coated with SE-30. Twenty-one different compounds were detected in the seminal fluid, of which twelve have not been recognized before. Seventeen of the monosaccharides have previously been identified in urine. Similar patterns of sugars were found both in fertile and infertile individuals, including one with azoospermia. The compounds identified are, with the possible exception of D-ribose, present as free monosaccharides at the time of ejaculation, and they do not seem to be preformed by spermatozoa.


In vitro pediculicidal activity of herbal shampoo base on Thai local plants against head louse (Pediculus humanus capitis De Geer).
Head lice infestation, a worldwide head infestation caused Pediculus humanus capitis De Geer, is an important public health problem in Thailand. Several chemical pediculicides have lost in efficacy due to increasing resistance of lice against insecticide. Therefore, non-toxic alternative products, such as natural products from plants, e.g. plant extract pediculicides, are needed for head lice control. The aims of this study were to evaluate the potential of pediculicidal activity of herbal shampoo base on three species of Thai local plants (Accacia concinna (Willd.) DC, Averrhoa bilimbi Linn. and Tamarindus indica Linn.) against head lice and to compare them with carbaryl shampoo (Hafif shampoo®; 0.6% w/v carbaryl) and non-treatment control in order to assess their in vitro. Doses of 0.12 and 0.25 ml/cm2 of each herbal shampoo were applied to filter paper, and ten head lice were place on the filter paper. The mortalities of head lice on the filter paper were recorded at 1, 5, 10, 30 and 60 min by sterio-microscope. All herbal shampoos at 0.25 ml/cm2 were more effective pediculicide than carbaryl shampoo with 100% mortality at 5 min. The median lethal time (LT50) of all herbal shampoos at 0.25 ml/cm2 showed no significant differences over at 0.12 ml/cm2 (P<0.01). The most effective pediculicide was T. indica extract shampoo, followed by Av. bilimbi extract shampoo and Ac. concinna extract shampoo, with LT50 values<1.0 min. Our data showed that all herbal shampoos have high potential of pediculicide to head lice treatments for schoolchildren.


Trace metals in vegetables and fruits cultivated around the surroundings of Tummalapalle uranium mining site, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Vegetables (Tomato - Solanum lycopersicum, green chilli - Capsicum annum and bitter gourd - Momordica charantia) and fruits (Banana - Musa acuminata colla, papaya - Carica papaya and mosambi - Citrus limetta) from the cultivated areas around the Tummalapalle uranium mining site were analyzed for trace metals (Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb, Be, V, Co, Cd and U) using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). As per the estimated data, the concentrations of trace metals in vegetables and fruits are found in the range of 47.5-7.8 mg/kg for Al, 9.7-1.0 mg/kg for Cr, 3.8-1.0 mg/kg for Mn, 75.5-13.9 mg/kg for Fe, 1.4-0.2 mg/kg for Ni, 2.3-0.8 mg/kg for Cu, 9.2-3.1 mg/kg for Zn, 0.2-1.4 mg/kg for Pb, 19.2-1.9 μg/kg for Be, 96.1-15.8 μg/kg for V, 48.2-12.9 μg/kg for Co, 46.5-2.3 μg/kg for Cd and 16.4-2.7 μg/kg for U. The trace metals observed are compared to the literature reported values. Trace elemental data were subjected to statistical analysis to examine the interrelationship between the investigated trace elements and possible source identification of the trace metal contamination in vegetable and fruits. Daily intake of trace metals through ingestion of vegetables and fruits are also calculated.


Increasing breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening among rural women: Baseline characteristics of a randomized control trial.
Rural women suffer disproportionately from breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer mortality compared to those in urban areas. Screening behaviors for these three cancers share many similar beliefs and barriers. Unfortunately, published interventions have not attempted to simultaneously bring women up to date with screening for three cancers (breast, cervical, and colorectal) even though multiple behavior change interventions are effective. The aim of this randomized controlled study was to compare the effectiveness of a mailed interactive and tailored DVD vs. DVD plus telephonic patient navigation (DVD + PN) vs. Usual Care (UC) to increase the percentage of rural women (aged 50-74) up to date for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening. Nine hundred eighty-three participants needing one, two, or three cancer screening tests were consented and randomized to one of three groups. Prior to randomization, women were assessed for baseline characteristics including sociodemographics, health status, and cancer screening test beliefs. Screening status was assessed by medical record review. At baseline, the average age of participants was 58.6 years. Nineteen percent of the sample was not up to date with screenings for all three cancers. Colorectal cancer had the highest percentage of women (69%) who were not up to date with screening followed by cervical (57%) and then breast cancer (41%). Sixty percent of women reported receiving a reminder for mammography; 30%, for cervical cancer screening; 15% for colonoscopy; and 6% for FOBT/FIT. Increasing adherence to colorectal cancer screening may be the most urgent need among all screening tests. This clinical trial is registered at clinicaltrials.gov with identifier NCT02795104.


Sex-dimorphic Rostro-caudal Patterns of 5'-AMP-activated Protein Kinase Activation and Glucoregulatory Transmitter Marker Protein Expression in the Ventrolateral Ventromedial Hypothalamic Nucleus (VMNvl) in Hypoglycemic Male and Female Rats: Impact of Estradiol.
The ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus-ventrolateral part (VMNvl) is an estradiol-sensitive structure that controls sex-specific behavior. Electrical reactivity of VMNvl neurons to hypoglycemia infers that cellular energy stability is monitored there. Current research investigated the hypothesis that estradiol elicits sex-dimorphic patterns of VMNvl metabolic sensor activation and gluco-regulatory neurotransmission during hypoglycemia. Rostral-, middle-, and caudal-VMNvl tissue was separately micropunch-dissected from letrozole (Lz)- or vehicle-injected male and estradiol- or vehicle-implanted ovariectomized (OVX) female rats for Western blot analysis of total and phosphorylated 5'-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) protein expression and gluco-stimulatory [neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS); steroidogenic factor-1 (SF1) or -inhibitory (glutamate decarboxylase65/67 (GAD)] transmitter marker proteins after sc insulin (INS) or vehicle injection. In both sexes, hypoglycemic up-regulation of phosphoAMPK was estradiol-dependent in rostral and middle, but not caudal VMNvl. AMPK activity remained elevated after recovery from hypoglycemia over the rostro-caudal VMNvl in female, but only in the rostral segment in male. In each sex, hypoglycemia correspondingly augmented or suppressed nNOS profiles in rostral and middle versus caudal VMNvl; these segmental responses persisted longer in female. Rostral and middle segment SF1 protein was inhibited by estradiol-independent mechanisms in hypoglycemic males, but increased by estradiol-reliant mechanisms in female. After INS injection, GAD expression was inhibited in the male rostral VMNvl without estradiol involvement, but this hormone was required for broader suppression of this profile in the female. Neuroanatomical variability of VMNvl metabolic transmitter reactivity to hypoglycemia underscores the existence of functionally different subgroups in that structure. The regional distribution and estradiol sensitivity of hypoglycemia-sensitive VMNvl neurons of each neurochemical phenotype evidently vary between sexes.


Quantification of estrogen- and progesterone receptors from cryostat sectioned human tumor tissue: comparison of ligand binding and immunocytochemical assays.
We have recently described an assay procedure to measure estrogen and progesterone receptors in extracts from frozen sections by a ligand binding assay. With this methodological approach it is now possible to perform comparative experiments not only to DCC/Scatchard analyses from different tissue blocks, but also to immunocytochemical determinations in identical tissue blocks: (1) When receptor quantities measured by the two biochemical methods were compared, a high correlation of estrogen receptor content was found between determinations in supernatants from frozen sections and DCC/Scatchard analyses. A slightly poorer correlation in the comparison of the ligand binding assays was obtained for the progesterone receptor. (2) The percentage of tumor cells stainable by immunocytochemistry for estrogen and progesterone receptors could hardly be correlated to the receptor concentrations (fmol/mg) measured quantitatively by the two ligand binding assays. (3) As the final result tumor specimen could be grouped into classes of receptor status according to the presence or absence of a nuclear stain in immunocytochemical assays or according to receptor concentrations above or below distinct threshold which were fixed at 20 fmol/mg for Scatchard analyses of both receptor species, 20 fmol/mg for estrogen- and 40 fmol/mg for progestin receptors for the assay with sections. In this diagnostical consideration the concordance of both biochemical methods to the immunocytochemical assessment was high for estrogen and less pronounced for progesterone receptors. (4) In some breast cancer specimen analyzed biochemically an unspecific progestin binding component could be detected superimposed on the progesterone receptor peak after isoelectric focusing.


p16(INK4a) as a complementary marker of high-grade intraepithelial lesions of the uterine cervix. I: Experience with squamous lesions in 189 consecutive cervical biopsies.
To test the usefulness of p16(INK4a) immunostaining for improving the diagnostic accuracy of cervical punch biopsies referred to a routine laboratory setting during the investigation of women with abnormal Papanicolaou smears. A total of 188 consecutive and unselected colposcopically directed cervical biopsies and a single contemporaneous cervical polyp were accessioned prospectively over a 3-month period, step-serially sectioned and examined by H&E and immunostained for p16(INK4a). The clinical context, results of concurrent Papanicolaou smears/ThinPrep slides and Digene hybrid capture tests for high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) subtypes, as well as follow-up cervical smears/ThinPrep, biopsies and loop excisions of transformation zones or cone biopsies were all correlated with the morphological and immunohistochemical findings. Seventy-seven biopsies (40.7%) displayed a high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HGSIL; cervical intraepithelial neoplasia [CIN] 2-3), 27 (14.3%) showed a low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HPV +/- CIN1) and 85 (45%) showed a range of non-dysplastic (inflammatory or reactive) changes. Diffuse strong parabasal immunostaining for p16(INK4a), suggestive of integrated high-risk HPV DNA into the host genome, was observed in 81 biopsies (42.9%, including the cervical polyp) and correlated (>90%) with HGSIL in the H&E sections. Only one case revealed irreconcilable discordance between the histological features and this strong parabasal immunostaining pattern. Focal and weaker midzonal or superficial p16(INK4a) immunostaining, suggestive of episomal HPV infection, was noted in 19 biopsies (10%) and these biopsies exhibited a range of histological changes but predominantly low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LGSIL). No staining of the squamous epithelium was seen in 89 biopsies (47.1%). Again, only one case revealed irreconcilable discordance between the histological features and this negative immunostaining pattern. On review of all cases where discordant results were noted between the H&E appearances and expected p16(INK4a) immunostaining, we found 26 cases (13.7%) in which this discordance prompted justifiable modification of the original diagnosis. Thus, within a routine diagnostic laboratory, p16(INK4a) immunostaining appears to be a very useful adjunctive test in the examination of colposcopically directed cervical biopsies, in the diagnostic cascade of women investigated for abnormal Papanicolaou smears. It is possible, as further data accumulate concerning the importance of integration of high-risk HPV DNA into the host cell genome and the reliability with which this can be identified by p16(INK4a) immunostaining, that this will become the diagnostic 'lesion of interest', replacing the subjective histological grading of cervical dysplasia, in the management of such patients; i.e., the discriminatory watershed between continued surveillance and active intervention.


The inclusion of Duroc breed in maternal line affects pork quality and fatty acid profile.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of including different percentages of Duroc (D) breed in maternal line [Landrace (LR) × Large White (LW); LR × (LW × D); LR × D] and gender on meat quality and intramuscular (IMF) and subcutaneous (SCF) fatty acid composition. No significant differences were found among dam lines in ultimate pH, L* values and drip and cooking losses. There were higher percentages of saturated fatty acids in LR × D and LR × (LW × D) lines and higher percentages of polyunsaturated fatty acids in LR × LW line in IMF and SCF. Also, LR × D line produced pork with a lower Warner-Bratzler shear force values and higher IMF content and potential of lipid oxidation. Furthermore, the L*, a* and b* values and drip loss were greater in pork from entire males than females. The IMF and SCF of females were more monounsaturated and less polyunsaturated than those from entire males.


Different morphological and gene expression profile in placentas of the same sickle cell anemia patient in pregnancies of opposite outcomes.
Environmentally induced changes in placental morphological and molecular phenotypes may provide relevant insight towards pathophysiology of diseases. The rare opportunity to evaluate the same patient, with sickle cell anemia (SCA), in two different pregnancies, of opposite outcomes (one early onset severe preeclampsia (PE) and the other mostly non-complicated) can prove such concept. In addition, the comparison to other conditions of known placental and vascular/inflammatory involvement strengthens such findings. Our results suggest that the clinical association between SCA and PE can be supported by common pathophysiological mechanisms, but that pathways involving response to copper and triglyceride metabolism may be important drivers of the pathophysiology of PE. Future studies using in a larger number of samples should confirm these findings and explore pathways involved in the pathophysiology of PE and its relationship with SCA.


Peroxisome protein import: some answers, more questions.
Recent advances in the study of plant peroxisomes are shedding new light on the importance of these organelles for plant development, and are revealing similarities and differences in peroxisome protein import pathways between plants, animals and fungi. For example, the import of matrix proteins that carry the PTS1 and PTS2 targeting signals is coupled in plants as it is in mammals, whereas these import pathways are separate in fungi. The expression of a human peroxisomal ATPase partially rescues the equivalent Arabidopsis mutant. Ubiquitination might play a role in receptor recycling in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and exciting progress is being made through studies of the targeting of membrane proteins.


The role of the forensic pathologist in the investigation of fatal traffic accidents--the Finnish system.
In Finland about one-half of the fatal traffic accidents are investigated by special Boards of Inquiry. The cumulating data serves multidisciplinary sciences, juridical and insurance purposes and legislation. The participating physicians benefit from the systematic work of the Boards in many ways. As an example of the results a list of causes of accidents is shown.


Health Care Usage and Suicide Risk Screening within 1 Year of Suicide Death.
Research indicates patients often seek medical care within 1 year of suicide. Health care encounters are a crucial opportunity for health professionals to identify patients at highest risk and provide preventative services. Study aims were to determine the characteristics of persons seeking health care within 12 months of suicide death and evaluate suicide risk screening (SRS) frequency in the emergency department (ED) vs. clinic settings. Medical examiner and hospital data of patients who died by suicide from 2007 to 2013 were evaluated. Descriptive analyses included demographics and frequency of ED vs. clinic visits. We also compared SRS before and after implementation of The Joint Commission's recommendation to assess suicide risk. The 224 deceased patients were primarily single white males (mean age 67 years). Mental health issues, substance abuse, and prior suicide attempts were present alone or in combination in 74%. Visits were primarily behavioral health or substance abuse problems in the ED, and medical issues in the clinic. After implementation of universal SRS in the ED, screening increased from 39% to 92%. Among patients screened in the ED, 73% (37 of 51) screened negative for suicide risk. Universal SRS increased the number of people screened in the ED. However, negative SRS may not equate to reduced risk for future suicide within 1 year. Future studies might investigate targeted screening of individuals with known suicide risk factors, as well as alternatives to patient self-report of intent to self-harm for patients with mental health or substance abuse problems.


Density gradient centrifugation of tumor cells from needle biopsies and their respective source tumors: a comparison of density distributions.
A needle biopsy technique was applied to a murine fibrosarcoma (FSa) tumor system. FSa tumors of 8 mm diameter in size were biopsied and then made into single cell suspensions. Resulting density profiles of cells from both sources were compared following centrifugation in Renografin gradients. In all cases, there was excellent agreement between the density profiles of the material from each of the biopsies and the corresponding solid tumors.


Analysis of silicon levels in capsules of gel and saline breast implants and of penile prostheses.
Although a potential link between silicone-gel breast implants and autoimmune connective tissue disease has been suggested, none has been proven. The potential role of silicone as an immune adjuvant remains very controversial. Currently available techniques do not allow precise measurements of silicone in tissues. However, all compounds containing silicon (including silicone) can be measured accurately. The present study was designed to measure silicon levels in the fibrous capsules of patients with silicone-gel breast implants, saline breast implants, and silicone inflatable penile prostheses. Baseline control silicon levels were obtained from the breast tissue of patients undergoing breast reduction, who had no exposure to breast implants. All silicon measurements were carried out using atomic absorption spectrometry with a graphite furnace. Silicon was measured in a normal heptane extract of silicone from dried tissue. The mean silicon levels in 16 breast tissue control samples from 8 patients undergoing breast reduction varied from 0.025 to 0.742 micrograms/gm with the median mean being 0.0927. The median silicon level in capsules from six patients with saline implants was 7.7 micrograms/gm (range, 1.9-36.6 micrograms/gm). The median silicon level in capsules from five patients with silicone inflatable penile prostheses was 19.5 micrograms/gm (range, 1.9-34.8 micrograms/gm). Although the levels of silicon in capsules of patients with saline breast prostheses and penile implants were higher than in control samples, they were much lower than those from the capsules of the 58 gel implants (median, 9,979 micrograms/gm; range, 371-152,000 micrograms/gm).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


Exogenous progesterone during in vitro fertilization improves developmental competence of partially cumulus-denuded bovine oocytes.
The progesterone (P4) secreted by cumulus cells has gained attention for its role as a possible physiological inducer of sperm acrosome exocytosis. In mammals, it is generally accepted that fertilization rates of oocytes without cumulus are markedly low. This study assessed the integrity of capacitated bovine sperm acrosome when exposed to increasing concentrations of P4, and evaluated whether exogenous P4 during in vitro fertilization (IVF) increases the developmental competence of partially cumulus-denuded oocytes in serum-free conditions. After a 4-h capacitation induction, sperm were incubated with increasing concentrations of P4 (0, 0.1, 10 and 100 μM) and evaluated for viability, caspase activation and acrosome status at three different times (4, 5, and 22 h), including the capacitation induction period. Progesterone induced sperm acrosomal exocytosis without compromising sperm viability or activating sperm caspases. Sperm undergoing acrosome reaction exhibited three differential Concanavalin A patterns, corresponding to early, intermediate and late acrosomal exocytosis. The percentage of these patterns significantly increased over time, regardless of P4 concentration, except for those spermatozoa with late acrosomal exocytosis, which only showed an increase at 22 h of incubation. After incubation for 1 h with 100 μM P4, spermatozoa showing intermediate acrosomal exocytosis significantly increased. At 22 h of incubation, the pattern corresponding to early acrosomal exocytosis evidenced a dose-dependent increase. However, prematurely high levels of acrosome reaction induced by 100 μM P4 led to inefficient IVF outcomes (P < 0.05). Therefore, IVF trials with partially cumulus-denuded oocytes were carried out with lower P4 concentrations (0, 0.1, 1, 5, 10 μM). Cleavage rate significantly increased at 1 μM P4, which translated to increased total embryo production after 7 days of in vitro culture (P < 0.05). Significantly higher percentages of expanded blastocysts were observed at both 1 μM and 10 μM P4 as compared to the other experimental conditions. In conclusion, the different patterns of acrosomal exocytosis identified over time by incubation of live sperm with a fluorescent lectin revealed the existence of sperm subpopulations heterogeneous in their physiological states. Moreover, exogenous P4 at 1 μM during IVF improved the developmental competence of partially cumulus-denuded oocytes in serum-free conditions.


Cellulases and beyond: the first 70 years of the enzyme producer Trichoderma reesei.
More than 70 years ago, the filamentous ascomycete Trichoderma reesei was isolated on the Solomon Islands due to its ability to degrade and thrive on cellulose containing fabrics. This trait that relies on its secreted cellulases is nowadays exploited by several industries. Most prominently in biorefineries which use T. reesei enzymes to saccharify lignocellulose from renewable plant biomass in order to produce biobased fuels and chemicals. In this review we summarize important milestones of the development of T. reesei as the leading production host for biorefinery enzymes, and discuss emerging trends in strain engineering. Trichoderma reesei has very recently also been proposed as a consolidated bioprocessing organism capable of direct conversion of biopolymeric substrates to desired products. We therefore cover this topic by reviewing novel approaches in metabolic engineering of T. reesei.


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A rapid determination of fumonisins FB1, FB2 and hydrolyzed fumonisins HFB1, HFB2 in maize products is possible by application of high-performance liquid chromatography in combination with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS). Without any additional clean up or purification of the sample extract a quantitation limit of 20 μg/kg sample with a signal to noise ratio of 10∶1 was observed.


A genomic approach identifies sRAGE as a putatively causal protein for asthma.
Asthma is a complex respiratory condition caused by environmental and genetic factors. Although lower concentrations of the anti-inflammatory protein soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE) have been associated with asthma in humans and mouse models, it is uncertain whether sRAGE plays a causal role in asthma. We designed a 2-stage study of sRAGE in relation to asthma with association analysis in FHS participants as well as causal inference testing using Mendelian randomization (MR). We measured plasma levels of sRAGE and performed cross-sectional analysis to examine the association between plasma sRAGE concentration and asthma status in 6546 FHS participants. We then used sRAGE protein advanced glycation end products (pQTLs) derived from a genome-wide association study of plasma sRAGE levels in ∼7000 FHS participants with UK Biobank asthma genome-wide association study in MR to consider sRAGE as a putatively causal protein for asthma. We also performed replication MR using an externally derived sRAGE pQTL from the INTERVAL study. Last, we conducted colocalization using cis-pQTL variants at the advanced glycosylation end-product specific receptor (AGER) locus with variants from the UK Biobank asthma genome-wide association study. Association analysis revealed that each 1 SD increment in sRAGE concentration was associated with a 14% lower odds of asthma in FHS participants (95% CI 0.76-0.96). MR identified sRAGE as putatively causal for and protective against asthma on the basis of self-reported (odds ratio [per 1 SE increment in inverse-rank-normalized sRAGE] = 0.97, 95% CI 0.95-0.99; P = .005) and doctor-diagnosed asthma (odds ratio = 0.97, 95% CI 0.95-0.99; P = .011). Through this genomic approach, we identified sRAGE as a putatively causal, biologically important, and protective protein in relation to asthma. Functional studies in cell/animal models are needed to confirm our findings.


Identification and expression of cellobiohydrolase (CBHI) gene from an endophytic fungus, Fusicoccum sp. (BCC4124) in Pichia pastoris.
A gene encoding a cellobiohydrolase (CBHI) was isolated from Fusicoccum sp. (BCC4124), an endophytic fungus belongs in phylum Ascomycota, using 5' and 3' rapid amplification of cDNA end (RACE) technique. This CBHI gene contains 1395 nucleotides and encodes a 465-amino acid protein with a molecular weight of approximately 50 kDa. The deduced amino acid sequence showed significant similarity to those of other fungal CBHI belonging to family 7 of glycosyl hydrolase. Interestingly, the result from the amino acid alignment revealed that this CBHI does not contain the cellulose binding domain nor the linker region. The CBHI gene was successfully expressed in Pichia pastoris KM71. The purified recombinant CBHI has ability to hydrolyze Avicel, filter paper and 4-methylumbelliferyl beta-d-cellobioside (MUC) but not carboxymethylcellulose (CMC). It showed an optimal working condition at 40 degrees C, pH 5 with K(m) and V(max) toward MUC of 0.57 mM and 3.086 nmol/min/mg protein, respectively. The purified enzyme was stable at pH range of 3-11. The enzyme retained approximately 50% of its maximal activity after incubating at 70-90 degrees C for 30 min. Due to its stability through wide range of pH, and moderately stable at high temperature, this enzyme has potential in various biotechnology applications.


Immunogenicity and efficacy in mice of an adenovirus-based bicistronic rotavirus vaccine expressing NSP4 and VP7.
NSP4 and VP7 are important functional proteins of rotavirus. Proper combination of viral gene expression is favorable to improving the protection effect of subunit vaccine. In the present study, We evaluated the immunogenicity and efficacy of the bicistronic recombinant adenovirus (rAd-NSP4-VP7) and two single-gene expressing adenoviruses (rAd-NSP4, rAd-VP7). The three adenovirus vaccines were used to immunize mice by intramuscular or intranasal administration. The data showed significant increases in serum antibodies, T lymphocyte subpopulations proliferation, and cytokine secretions of splenocyte in all immunized groups. However, the serum IgA and neutralizing antibody levels of the rAd-NSP4-VP7 or rAd-VP7 groups were significantly higher than those of the rAd-NSP4, while the splenocyte numbers of IFN-γ secretion in the rAd-NSP4-VP7 or rAd-NSP4 groups was greater than that of the rAd-VP7. Furthermore, the efficacy evaluation in a suckling mice model indicated that only rAd-NSP4-VP7 conferred significant protection against rotavirus shedding challenge. These results suggest that the co-expression of NSP4 and VP7 in an adenovirus vector induce both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses efficiently, and provide potential efficacy for protection against rotavirus disease. It is possible to represent an efficacious subunits vaccine strategy for control of rotavirus infection and transmission.


Free peritoneal tumor cells detection in gastric and colorectal cancer patients.
Free peritoneal tumor cells (FPTC) derive from the detachment of primary cancer and may result in peritoneal carcinomatosis. Since peritoneal lavage cytology has low sensitivity in detecting FPTC, our aim was to estimate the clinical relevance of FPTC detected using an approach based on multiple molecular techniques. Samples of peritoneal lavage were collected from 27 gastric and 48 colorectal cancer patients. FPTC recovery and detection from peritoneal washes was performed by cytological examination and immunomagnetic enrichment for epithelial cells followed by immunofluorescence analysis for epithelial marker EpCAM/CD326 and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). CEA and CK20 mRNA levels were quantified using a real-time qRT-PCR system. For gastric carcinoma the FPTC positivity rate acquired by cytology, immunofluorescence and qRT-PCR was 14.8%, 14.8%, and 78% and for colorectal carcinoma was 0%, 17%, and 42%, respectively. qRT-PCR positivity was correlated with a poor cancer-specific survival and time-to-recurrence rates in both gastric and colorectal carcinoma. Epithelial immunoenrichment and immunofluorescence analysis allows unequivocal identification of the FPTC. The real time qRT-PCR showed higher sensitivity for the detection of CEA and CK20 mRNA levels and confirmed its prognostic value in gastrointestinal cancers.


Peroxiredoxins and tropomyosins as plasma biomarkers for lung cancer and asbestos exposure.
The prognosis of lung cancer is poor due to late diagnosis, the lack of established screening programs, and the paucity of early biomarkers for high-risk populations. Plasma proteome analysis was used to identify novel biomarkers for diagnosing lung cancer, and to unravel the mechanisms of underlying pathogenesis. Plasma proteins obtained from asbestos-exposed lung cancer cases detected by CT screening, asbestos-exposed subjects, clinical lung cancer patients, and healthy tobacco smokers, 5-6 cases in each group, were separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, and identified with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Nine proteins were selected for immunological confirmation in a test or validation set of plasma samples from an additional 49 clinical lung cancer cases, 66 asbestos-exposed patients, and 107 healthy tobacco smokers. Twenty-eight unique proteins were differentially expressed between the four study groups (p<0.05). Peroxiredoxin 1 (PRX1) was detected as a novel plasma marker for lung cancer (p=0.001). We also confirmed the previously found association of serum amyloid A with lung cancer (p<0.001). High plasma levels of tropomyosin 4 (TPM4: p<0.001) and peroxiredoxins 1 and 2 (PRX2: p<0.001) correlated with asbestos exposure or a diagnosis of asbestosis. PRX1 and PRX2 exhibited an inverse correlation with tobacco smoking (p<0.001). Plasma peroxiredoxins 1 and 2, and tropomyosin 4 were shown to associate with asbestos-exposure, and peroxiredoxin 1 with lung cancer. High plasma levels of peroxiredoxin 1 may result from genetic damage caused by reactive oxygen species. This study has identified several biomarkers worthy of further investigation in lung cancer and asbestos-related diseases.


Validation of respiratory signal derived from suprasternal notch acceleration for sleep apnea detection.
This study evaluates the respiration signal derived from an accelerometer mounted on the suprasternal notch in three body positions and three respiration types simulating normal sleep conditions. The Acceleration Derived Respiratory signal (ADR) is compared with single strain gauge belt and a standard spirometry signal taken as reference. The results demonstrate the potential of ADR as a simple, low cost and unintrusive method of screening breath disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea.


Exposure and sensitization to cat dander: asthma and asthma-like symptoms among adults.
Several pets, such as cats, dogs, and rodents, are known to produce allergens. Despite the clinical and laboratory evidence that exposure to pets can cause bronchoconstriction in sensitized subjects, the results of population studies have been contradictory. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between cat ownership and the prevalence of asthma, asthma-like symptoms, and bronchitic symptoms among subjects 20 to 44 years of age in Vancouver, Canada and to determine whether sensitization is responsible for such an association. Two thousand nine hundred ninety-nine (88%) randomly selected subjects responded to a mail questionnaire. Of these, 504 participated in laboratory examination, including allergy skin testing. One thousand nineteen study responders (34%) were pet owners at the time of the study (current owners). Current pet owners were found to have a higher prevalence of current asthma, asthma-like symptoms, and bronchitic symptoms compared with those without pets. Cat owners had significantly higher risk of having current asthma and asthma-like symptoms. In the subset who had allergic skin tests, we found that those who were allergic to cat dander had a significantly higher risk of current asthma than those not allergic to cat dander and not owning a cat. This study provides evidence that sensitization to cat dander is a more important risk factor for current asthma and asthma-like symptoms than cat ownership itself.


Positive Impact of Education Class for Parents with Adverse Childhood Experiences on Child Behavior.
There is a need for community-based parent education programs that strengthen the parent-child relationship and mitigate the negative impact of parental adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on child social-emotional development. To examine whether a community-based parent education program can improve children's social-emotional development. This was a prospective observational study of a series of community education parenting classes in Rochester, Minnesota. Group classes were delivered weekly for three months. Classes used Dr. Becky Bailey's Conscious Discipline Program. Parents of children ages 2 to 5 years and identified as at risk of poor social-emotional outcomes based on the Ages and Stages Questionnaire: Social-Emotional 2 (ASQ:SE2) score were eligible to participate. There were 39 child-parent dyads who enrolled. Parental ACEs scores ranged from 0 to 6 with a median of 1.5 (interquartile range, 0-3, N = 34). In the 33 children with both before and after ASQ:SE2 tests available, there was a significant decrease in the post-ASQ:SE2 score compared with the pre-ASQ:SE2 score (mean difference, -30.3; 95% confidence interval, CI -42.2 to -18.4; p < 0.001) where lower scores are associated with less social-emotional impairment. There was no significant association in the change of pre-post ASQ:SE2 scores as parents' ACEs scores increased (estimated slope, 3.1; 95% CI -3.7 to 9.9; p = 0.36). Community-based, parent education interventions can improve child social-emotional development. This program using Dr. Becky Bailey's Conscious Discipline Program improved ASQ-SE scores, regardless of parental ACEs exposure.


Optimizing metrics for the assessment of bioequivalence between topical drug products.
Stratum corneum tape stripping post-application of a drug product followed by analysis of the active agent in this tissue layer is an approach being seriously considered for the comparative assessment of topical bioavailability. Key issues revolve around how best to perform this experiment and interpret the data. Using previously published results from a comparative study of three 0.025% tretinoin gel products, alternative data analysis approaches are presented that may render the technique more accessible to the evaluation of new and generic topical dosage forms. For the tretinoin gel study, the conclusions for bioequivalence from measurements of drug levels at only one uptake and one clearance time were the same as those from the original study, which required measurements at eight different treatment times. Furthermore, comparisons of drug levels at one uptake and one clearance time discriminated differences in bioequivalence for clearance and uptake, which had previously been missed. Half-life estimates, derived from time course data of drug clearance, can be related to lag time for drug penetration through the SC. This new data analysis demonstrates that comparative bioequivalence might be assessed more easily.


Hydrogen sulfide regulates the redox state of soluble guanylate cyclase in CSE-/- mice corpus cavernosum microcirculation.
The corpus cavernosum (CC) is a highly vascularized tissue and represents an excellent example of microcirculation. Indeed, erectile dysfunction is considered an early index of cardiovascular disease. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) at the vascular level is endogenously produced from L-cysteine mainly by the action of cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE) and plays a role in CC vascular homeostasis. Here we have evaluated the involvement of the endogenous H2S in the regulation of the soluble guanylate cyclase (sCG) redox state. The lack of CSE-derived endogenous H2S, in CSE-/- mice, disrupted the eNOS/NO/sGC/PDE pathway. Indeed, the absence of CSE-derived endogenous H2S caused a significant reduction of the relaxant response to riociguat, an sGC redox-dependent stimulator. Conversely, the response to cinaciguat, an sGC redox-independent activator, was not modified. The relevance of the role played at the redox level of the endogenous H2S was confirmed by the findings that in CC harvested from CSE-/- mice there was a significant reduction of GCβ1 expression coupled with a decrease in CYP5R3, a reductase involved in the regulation of the redox state of sGC. These molecular changes driven by the lack of endogenous H2S translate into a significant reduction in cGMP levels. The replenishment of the lack of H2S with an H2S donor rescued the relaxant response to riociguat in CC of CSE-/- mice. In conclusion, the endogenous CSE-derived H2S plays a physiological key role in the regulation of the redox state of sGC in CC microcirculation.


Influence of ligand structure on the stability and oxidation of copper nanoparticles.
The stability and oxidation of copper nanoparticles stabilized with various ligands have been studied. Lauric acid-capped copper nanoparticles were prepared by a modified Brust-Schiffrin method. Then, ligand exchange with an excess of different capping agents was performed. Oxidation and stability were studied by UV-vis, XRD, and TEM. Alkanethiols and oleic acid were found to improve air stability. The oxidation resistance of thiol-capped copper nanoparticles was found to increase with the chain length of the thiol. However, excess thiol caused etching of the particles under nitrogen. With oleic acid no etching was observed under nitrogen. After oxidation, no traces of the ligand-exchanged particles were found, suggesting their dissolution due to excess ligand. Oleic acid protected the particles against oxidation better than the tested thiols at large excess (ligand-copper ratio 20:1).


A novel technique of exposure during radical retropubic prostatectomy.
We describe a novel technique of enhanced exposure during radical retropubic prostatectomy in cases with significant cartilage overgrowth at the junction of the symphysis pubis. At our institution 74 radical retropubic prostatectomies were performed between July 1, 1998 and June 30, 1999. In 9 cases (12%) exposure was limited by overgrowth of cartilage at the posterior aspect of the pubic symphysis. Electrovaporization of this cartilaginous outgrowth was performed using an extended Bovie tip on cut settings of approximately 250 W. using the Bard System 5000, Birtcher 5000 and 6400 series (Valley Lab, Boulder, Colorado). The cartilage was vaporized until flush with the pubic bone. This technique provided optimal exposure for direct visualization during the most critical part of the procedure. Added operative time was only 1 to 3 minutes. No intraoperative or postoperative complications were associated with this technique. We recommend this technique of vaporization when surgical exposure is limited by overhanging pubic symphysis cartilage. This technique enables better visualization during apical dissection, control of the dorsal vein complex and division of the urethra without additional operative time or surgical complications.


Identification of the CysB-regulated gene, hslJ, related to the Escherichia coli novobiocin resistance phenotype.
The cysB gene product is a LysR-type regulatory protein required for expression of the cys regulon. cysB mutants of Escherichia coli and Salmonella, along with being auxotrophs for the cysteine, exhibit increased resistance to the antibiotics novobiocin (Nov) and mecillinam. In this work, by using lambdaplacMu9 insertions creating random lacZ fusions, we identify a gene, hslJ, whose expression appeared to be increased in cysB mutants and needed for Nov resistance. Measurements of the HSLJ::lacZ gene fusion expression demonstrated that the hslJ gene is negatively regulated by CysB. In addition we observe the negative autogenous control of HslJ. When the control imposed by CysB is lifted in the cysB mutant, the elevation of Nov resistance can be achieved only in the presence of wild-type hslJ allele. A double cysB hslJ mutant restores the sensitivity to Nov. Overexpression of the wild-type HslJ protein either in a cysB(+) or a cysB(-) background increases the level of Nov resistance indicating that hslJ product is indeed involved in accomplishing this phenotype. The HSLJ::OmegaKan allele encodes the C-terminaly truncated mutant protein HslJ Q121Ter which is not functional in achieving the Nov resistance but when overexpressed induces the psp operon. Finally, we found that inactivation of hslJ does not affect the increased resistance to mecillinam in cysB mutants.


Formulation of a mathematical model to predict solar water disinfection.
A mathematical model was formulated that will facilitate the prediction of solar disinfection by analyzing the effect of sunlight exposure (x(1)) and the load of bacterial contamination (x(2)), as predictor variables, on the efficiency of solar disinfection (y). Aliquots of 0.1 ml containing average numbers of E. coli, ranging between 1 and 5 x 10(3)cells/ml raw water, were introduced into each of the 96 wells of polystyrene microtitre plates. Plates, with the lid on, were exposed to sunlight for varying exposures ranging between 1.04 x 10(3) and 8.40 x 10(3)kJ m(-2). Double strength nutrient broth was then added. After 48 h incubation wells containing visible contamination were considered as containing one cell or more that survived the exposure. Data showed that disinfection is dependent both on the load of bacterial contamination and sunlight exposure. This relationship is characterized by curves having shoulders followed by a steep decline and then tailing off in an asymptotic fashion. The shoulder size increased with the increase of the contamination load, however, the slope remains the same. Statistical analysis indicates a positive correlation among the variables (R(2) = 0.893); the mathematical model, y=1-(1-e(-kx(1)))(x(2)), represents the relationship, with k being the solar inactivation constant. The exposure required to produce a given decontamination level can be predicted using the equation: x(1)=-1/kln[1-(1-y)(-1/x(2))]e(-micro/rho.m/A), where micro is the linear attenuation coefficient (m(-1)), rho is the density, m is the mass and A is the area of the exposed part of the sample. The predictor variables (x(1), x(2)) strongly influence the efficiency of solar disinfection, which can be predicted using the suggested mathematical model. The present data provides a means to predict the efficiency of solar disinfection as an approach to improve the quality of drinking water mainly in developing countries with adequate sunshine all year-round.


Radioimmunoassay of main urinary metabolite of prostaglandin F2alpha in normal subjects.
Radioimmunoassay of 5alpha, 7alpha-dihydroxy-11-keto-tetranor-prosta-1,16-dioic acid, main urinary metabolite of prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha-MUM), was performed in normal subjects. Twenty-four hours secretion of PGF2alpha-MUM were 29.04 +/- 9.73 microgram in males and 18.22 +/- 5.88 microgram in females on an average. And an oral administration of aspirin resulted in the remarkable decrease of PGF2alpha-MUM in both sexes.


The transferrin cycle and iron uptake in rabbit reticulocytes. Pulse studies using 59Fe, 125I-labeled transferrin.
Rabbit reticulocytes were pulsed for 10 s with diferric 59Fe, 125I-labeled transferrin followed without further manipulation by a chase with unlabeled diferric transferrin. The 125I-transferrin and 59Fe were measured in different cell compartments as a function of time thereafter. Immediately after binding, transferrin entered a phase that lasted 60 s, characterized by a slow dissociation of transferrin into the extracellular medium. During this period, most of the iron originally present in transferrin is donated to the cell. The half-time of 59Fe release from transferrin was 43 s. After the initial 60 s, transferrin, now devoid of iron, is released into the medium. The whole transferrin cycle lasted about 4 min. The iron released from transferrin could be transiently found in the cell plasma membrane, the cytosol, and the mitochondria. All these compartments behaved like intermediates in the iron uptake process as their 59Fe content rose, reached a plateau, and gradually fell. Finally, the iron was incorporated into heme with a half-time of incorporation of 173 s. We conclude that the release of iron from transferrin is one of the fastest events occurring after the initial binding of transferrin. The limiting step in the entire process of iron delivery is the dissociation of apotransferrin from its receptor, a step which will enable the latter to undergo another cycle of transferrin binding.


Mechanism and mapping of atrial arrhythmia in the modified Fontan circulation.
The Fontan circulation has been a major success in the management of patients with functionally single-ventricle cardiac lesions, although arrhythmia remains one of the major complications in the long term and historically has been difficult to treat. The electrophysiologic substrate within the right atrium is complex, with areas of scarring and/or anatomic structures acting as central barriers to conduction in reentrant circuits, which may be mechanistically and anatomically different from typical atrial flutter. Developments in three-dimensional mapping have improved our understanding of different arrhythmia mechanisms, which is fundamental to developing a better strategy for arrhythmia ablation using percutaneous techniques.


Combinatory estrogenic effects of bisphenol A in mixtures with alternariol and zearalenone in human endometrial cells.
Humans are typically exposed to mixtures of substances, whereby their bioactivity can be significantly altered by co-occurring compounds. Thus, over the last years, research on combinatory effects has gained increasing attention. In particular, several xenoestrogens have been recently reported to interact synergistically, among them alternariol (AOH) and zearalenone (ZEN), two toxins produced by molds which contaminate crops or food commodities. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a potential food contaminant arising from its use in plastics and represents a well-known xenoestrogen, acting as an endocrine disruptor. However, little research was yet conducted on its impact on the bioactivity of other xenoestrogens, and vice versa. Thus, in this study, we focused on combinatory estrogenic effects of BPA with AOH and ZEN in Ishikawa cells, which represent a well-established, estrogen-sensitive human cell model. Estrogenic stimuli of the single compounds and binary combinations in constant concentration ratios were measured by assessing the activity of alkaline phosphatase, a natural reporter gene for estrogen receptor activation. In parallel, cytotoxicity was monitored by neutral red assay. For statistical analysis of combinatory effects the "combination index" model was applied. In combination with ZEN, BPA was found to cause additive estrogenic effects. Mixtures of BPA with AOH expressed moderately antagonistic to nearly additive combinatory effects, depending on the concentration ratio. Although no synergistic effects were measured in the applied chemical mixtures, additive estrogenic stimuli were observed, underlining the importance to consider the cumulative impact of endocrine active factors out of different sources and structural classes.


Comparative efficacy of three doses of the genetically engineered Aujeszky's disease virus vaccine strain 783 in pigs with maternal antibodies.
Pigs with low levels of maternally derived antibodies were vaccinated twice intramuscularly with 10(5), 10(5.5), or 10(6) plaque forming units (p.f.u.) of the genetically engineered Aujeszky's disease virus (ADV) vaccine strain 783. Strain 783 has deletions in genes encoding glycoprotein gI and thymidine kinase. All vaccinated pigs showed a high level of protection against clinical disease after challenge infection with virulent ADV. Vaccination also reduced virus excretion. The daily mean virus excretion and the mean number of days with virus excretion, fever, mild clinical signs, and growth retardation were higher in pigs vaccinated with 10(5) than in pigs vaccinated with 10(5.5) or 10(6) p.f.u. of strain 783.


Effect of parasympathetic denervation on acetylcholine levels in the rat parotid gland. Is there an extraneuronal pool of acetylcholine?
Parasympathetic denervation of the rat parotid gland by avulsion of the auriculotemporal nerve caused a marked and lasting decrease in gland weight. Parasympathectomy did not change the levels of choline in the gland but decreased by 60% the levels of acetylcholine (ACh) ten days after surgery and 65% at 28 days. It is puzzling that relatively high levels of ACh remained after parasympathetic denervation. The presence of additional cholinergic nerves that innervate the gland, or pass through it en route to other structures may account for some of the remaining ACh. Also, Schwann cells from denervated nerves might have contributed to some of the ACh. The existence of an extraneuronal source of ACh is considered.


MCAM is associated with metastasis and poor prognosis in osteosarcoma by modulating tumor cell migration.
Although there are standard treatment options for osteosarcoma (OS), the prognoses of patients with OS remain varied. Therefore, it is important to profile OS patients at a high risk of mortality to develop focused interventions. Although tumor biomarkers are closely associated with clinical outcomes, data on prognostic biomarkers for OS remain scarce. We collected RNA expression profiles and clinical data of 90 OS patients from the GEO database (dataset GSE21257 and GSE39055) and 96 patients in the TARGET program. The data were analyzed using univariate Kaplan-Meier survival analysis to screen candidate gene sets that might be associated with OS survival. Our analysis demonstrated that melanoma cell adhesion molecule (MCAM) was associated with overall survival of patients with OS in the three cohorts. The data showed that MCAM was upregulated in OS patients who had metastases within 5 years compared to those without metastases. GO analysis revealed that genes correlated with MCAM were mainly involved in cell migration and wound healing processes. In addition, wound healing assays and gene set enrichment analysis results from RNA sequencing data of small interfering (si)-MCAM-transfected OS cells demonstrated that MCAM modulated tumor cell migration. Our data demonstrate that MCAM may be a novel prognostic biomarker for OS. MCAM is associated with increased cell migration ability and risk of metastasis, thus leading to poor prognoses in OS patients.


Cortical Reorganization After Optical Alignment in Strabismic Patients Outside of Critical Period.
To measure visual crowding, an essential bottleneck on object recognition and reliable psychophysical index of cortex organization, in older children and adults with horizontal concomitant strabismus before and after strabismus surgery. Using real-time eye tracking to ensure gaze-contingent display, we examined the peripheral visual crowding effects in older children and adults with horizontal concomitant strabismus but without amblyopia before and after strabismus surgery. Patients were asked to discriminate the orientation of the central tumbling E target letter with flankers arranged along the radial or tangential axis in the nasal or temporal hemifield at different eccentricities (5° or 10°). The critical spacing value, which is the minimum space between the target and the flankers required for correct discrimination, was obtained for comparisons before and after strabismus surgery. Twelve individuals with exotropia (6 males, 21.75 ± 7.29 years, mean ± SD) and 15 individuals with esotropia (6 males, 24.13 ± 5.96 years) participated in this study. We found that strabismic individuals showed significantly larger critical spacing with nasotemporal asymmetry along the radial axis that related to the strabismus pattern, with exotropes exhibiting stronger temporal field crowding and esotropes exhibiting stronger nasal field crowding before surgical alignment. After surgery, the critical spacing was reduced and rebalanced between the nasal and temporal hemifields. Furthermore, the postoperative recovery of stereopsis was associated with the extent of nasotemporal balance of critical spacing. We find that optical realignment (i.e., strabismus surgery) can normalize the enlarged visual crowding effects, a reliable psychophysical index of cortical organization, in the peripheral visual field of older children and adults with strabismus and rebalance the nasotemporal asymmetry of crowding, promoting the recovery of postoperative stereopsis. Our results indicated a potential of experience-dependent cortical organization after axial alignment even for individuals who are out of the critical period of visual development, illuminating the capacity and limitations of optics on sensory plasticity and emphasizing the importance of ocular correction for clinical practice.


Validation of a point-of-need diagnostic tool for rapid diagnosis of norovirus gastroenteritis.
The genogroups GI and GII of norovirus (NoV) ribonucleic acid (RNA) genetic variants are the most prevalent cause of acute gastroenteritis outbreaks, especially in children, worldwide. A fast, accurate and convenient tool for diagnosis of NoV may be preferable to the more complicated performance of real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In this study, we developed and evaluated a tool using insulated isothermal PCR (iiPCR)-mediated POCKIT Central NoV GI and NoV GII assay systems for diagnosis of NoV infection in pediatric patients suspected with gastroenteritis. Performance of POCKIT Central Norovirus GI and GII assays using RT-iiPCR, compared to regular real-time RT-PCR showed the same diagnosis rate to NoV GI (100% of total percent agreement and 1.0 of Cohen's kappa value) and a similar detection rate to norovirus GII (96.3% of total percent agreement and 0.92 of Cohen's kappa value). In exclusivity tests, the POCKIT Central NoV GI and GII assays showed negative results to other viruses, indicating that the assays may be a NoV-specific detection tool. POCKIT Central NoV GI and GII Assay systems can provide a simple, rapid, sensitive, and specific point-of-need diagnostic tool for the detection of NoV GI and GII RNAs in clinical specimens from children with acute gastroenteritis.


Risk factors for predicting postoperative complications after open infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm repair: results from a single vascular center in China.
To identify the risk factors of, and develop a prediction model for, postoperative complications of patients undergoing infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (IAAA) repair. Retrospective analysis. Vascular surgery center of a university hospital. The clinical data of 316 IAAA cases were collected from January 2004 to October 2010 at a single vascular center in China. Postoperative complications were observed within 30 days after surgery. Patient-specific and operation-specific characteristics were analyzed in relation to postoperative complications using multiple logistic regression analysis. Overall incidence of postoperative complications and overall 30-day mortality of IAAA repair patients were 48.4% (153/316) and 8.8% (28/316), respectively. Postoperative complications involved pulmonary (18.9%), cardiac (14.2%), renal (7.3%), gastrointestinal (5.4%), neurologic (1.3%), and hepatic (0.9%) systems, and acute arterial embolism of the lower limb occurred in 1.3% of cases. Risk factors were age [> 65 yrs; odds ratio (OR) 1.6], aortic occlusion time (> 90 min; OR 2.4), history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; OR 4.4), emergency operation (OR 6.1), and history of cardiac dysfunction (OR 2.1). A combination of age, COPD, emergency operation, history of cardiac dysfunction and aortic occlusion time has significant impact on postoperative complications after open IAAA repair.


Corrigendum to "Energy analysis of gait in patients with down syndrome" [Heliyon 8 (11) (November 2022) Article e11702].
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11702.].


Radiotherapy for carcinoma-in-situ of the glottic larynx.
To describe the long-term results of radiotherapy as treatment for carcinoma-in-situ of the glottic larynx. Twenty-nine patients with a histologic diagnosis of carcinoma-in-situ (CIS) of the true vocal cord were treated in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Stanford University Medical Center over a 32-year period from 1958-1990. Twenty patients were treated at the time of initial diagnosis following biopsy only (12) or vocal cord stripping (8) and the remainder were referred for treatment of recurrent CIS following one or more prior surgical procedures. Treatment was delivered with megavoltage equipment to a total dose of 53-66.5 Gy (mean 62 Gy) in 180-250 cGy fractions. The mean follow-up time is 10 years, with a range of 2-27 years. Two patients relapsed locally. One patient had recurrent CIS 5 months after radiotherapy and was salvaged with vocal cord stripping. The other developed microinvasive squamous cell carcinoma and underwent total laryngectomy. The actuarial freedom from local relapse and overall survival at 10 years are 92% and 64%, respectively. No local failures occurred more than 5 years after treatment. Late complications from radiotherapy were rare, and voice quality was good-to-excellent in 90% of patients. The actuarial risk of a second aerodigestive tract malignancy is 11% at 10 years. Radiation therapy is an effective and safe treatment modality for carcinoma-in-situ of the glottic larynx. Long-term local control is achieved in approximately 90% of patients with 75% having normal voice.


Testing Multiple Psychological Processes for Common Neural Mechanisms Using EEG and Independent Component Analysis.
Temporal independent component analysis (ICA) is applied to an electrophysiological signal mixture (such as an EEG recording) to disentangle the independent neural source signals-independent components-underlying said signal mixture. When applied to scalp EEG, ICA is most commonly used either as a pre-processing step (e.g., to isolate physiological processes from non-physiological artifacts), or as a data-reduction step (i.e., to focus on one specific neural process with increased signal-to-noise ratio). However, ICA can be used in an even more powerful way that fundamentally expands the inferential utility of scalp EEG. The core assumption of EEG-ICA-namely, that individual independent components represent separable neural processes-can be leveraged to derive the following inferential logic: If a specific independent component shows activity related to multiple psychological processes within the same dataset (e.g., elicited by different experimental events), it follows that those psychological processes involve a common, non-separable neural mechanism. As such, this logic allows testing a class of hypotheses that is beyond the reach of regular EEG analyses techniques, thereby crucially increasing the inferential utility of the EEG. In the current article, this logic will be referred to as the 'common independent process identification' (CIPI) approach. This article aims to provide a tutorial into the application of this powerful approach, targeted at researchers that have a basic understanding of standard EEG analysis. Furthermore, the article aims to exemplify the usage of CIPI by outlining recent studies that successfully applied this approach to test neural theories of mental functions.


Antibacterial nanocomposites based on chitosan/Co-MCM as a selective and efficient adsorbent for organic dyes.
Chitosan/cobalt-silica (Co-MCM) nanocomposites were synthesized for the purification of effluent by adding 5, 15 and 25mL of Co-MCM solution to the aqueous chitosan solution for the formation of chitosan/Co-MCM-5, chitosan/Co-MCM-15 and chitosan/Co-MCM-25, respectively. These different nanocomposites were characterized by FESEM, EDS, X-ray crystallography and IR spectrophotometer and employed for the adsorption of various dyes (methyl orange, acridine orange, indigo carmine and congo red). The respective nanocomposites showed good adsorption toward methyl orange, indigo carmine and congo red while all nanocomposites were inactive for acridine orange dye. Among the nanocomposites, chitosan/Co-MCM-15 showed the highest adsorption performance which might be due to ideal dispersion of Co-MCM inside the chitosan polymer host. Chitosan/Co-MCM-15 exhibited high adsorption for methyl orange as compared to indigo carmine. We have further checked the biological potential of chitosan/Co-MCM nanocomposites against gram positive and negative bacteria as well as multi drug resistant bacteria. The results favor the strongest bioactivities of chitosan/Co-MCM-15 against various gram positive and gram negative bacteria as well as multi drug resistant bacteria, which further suggest the ideal dispersion of Co-MCM in chitosan polymer host and is responsible for the improvement of both adsorption as well as biological performance.


Building a care and research team.
The provision of high quality care for people with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is challenging. The physical and psychological health needs experienced in this progressively disabling disease necessitate input from many disciplines. In order to integrate the delivery of care, the preferred model for MND is a disease-specific team. Such teams can offer a coordinated range of skills, expertise and clinical experience in a setting of interprofessional support. Teams may adopt several formats; multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary. In multidisciplinary teams the different professions work to individually set goals and meet to discuss their progress. In interdisciplinary teams goals are first agreed by the team, whose members then coordinate their input to the common treatment plan. In transdisciplinary teams, not only goals but skills are shared. Teamwork allows the coordination of input and the sharing of skills and experience in solving complex clinical problems. Greater flexibility and integration of work make best use of resources. Disease-specific teams act as an educational resource and stimulate awareness of the condition. Teams should undertake clinical research, to strengthen their practice and demonstrate their effectiveness. Effective teamwork, whether in a clinical or research team, requires issues of responsibility, leadership, interprofessional rivalry and communication to be addressed.


COVID-19 and surgery: A thematic analysis of unintended consequences on performance, practice and surgical training.
The shift in the national focus and allocation of resources to the management of COVID19 has led to significant changes to surgical practice including the delay of elective surgery. The aim of this study was to explore the implications of such changes on surgeons. Using a qualitative study design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with general surgery consultants and non-consultant hospital doctors from a major tertiary hospital in the Dublin region between March-May 2020. Data collection proceeded iteratively using a thematic analysis approach with quality controls such as memoing and collaborative analysis. Fourteen surgeons (8 male, 6 female) were interviewed. The majority (n = 11, 78.6%) were NCHDs. Significant themes determined included 'impacts' on a variety of constructs such as performance, self-reported fatigue and wellbeing. Training themes elucidated included the effects of the cancellation of elective admissions on reduced operative exposure for trainees. Senior surgical staff were particularly focused on increased complexity in patient management. New policy requirements such as personal protective equipment use and novel rotas have had implications for aspects of work engagement. The pandemic and subsequent national restrictions imposed has afforded opportunities for improved well-being but also resulted in greater solitude in surgeons. Rhetoric surrounding fatigue management and virus control dominates the conversation on the relationship between COVID-19 and surgery. Tipping the balance back to parity of fatigue management with service delivery in surgery will be key for sustainability of the surgical workforce.


Three-dimensional analysis of root canal curvature and direction of maxillary lateral incisors by using cone-beam computed tomography.
Root canal curvature can affect the technical quality of endodontic treatment. Prior studies measured canal curvature mainly by 2-dimensional radiography. The aim of this study was to measure the 3-dimensional (3D) root canal curvature and canal direction of maxillary lateral incisors by using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and mathematical modeling. The CBCT images of 186 maxillary lateral incisors from 110 patients were used to measure 3D root canal curvature by using V-works and kappa software. In addition, the direction of each root canal was determined by measuring the orientation of the apical one-third with respect to the coronal two-thirds. All 186 maxillary lateral incisors were found to have canal curvature that was mainly oriented in the disto-palatal direction. The point of maximum curvature was located 0.5 mm from the root apex. Maxillary lateral incisors have 3D canal curvature that is maximal near the root apex, oriented in the disto-palatal direction. These CBCT analyses provide valuable information for root canal instrumentation of maxillary lateral incisors.


Symptom specificity in the acute treatment of Major Depressive Disorder: a re-analysis of the treatment of depression collaborative research program.
Antidepressant medications, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) are equally efficacious in the acute treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Nevertheless, remission rates remain unacceptably low. Examining the differential time course of remission of specific symptom clusters across treatments may provide a basis for assigning patients to treatments that have the highest chance of being effective. This study re-analyzed data from the NIMH Treatment of Depression Collaborative Research Project (TDCRP), which included 250 adult outpatients with MDD randomized to 16 weeks of CBT, IPT, imipramine+clinical management (IMI-CM), or pill placebo (PLA-CM). We derived four symptom factors from the 23-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, and three symptom factors from the Beck Depression Inventory. Within-subject hierarchical regression models were specified to examine the linear and quadratic patterns of symptom remission over five assessment points. IMI-CM produced a more rapid rate of remission than CBT or IPT for both the somatic/vegetative and cognitive-affective symptoms of MDD. There were no statistically significant differences in the rates of improvement of any of the symptom factors between the IMI-CM and PLA-CM groups. Some core symptoms of depression were excluded due to low factor loadings. Past research has argued that the CBT arm in the TDCRP may have been weak. We failed to find evidence that treatments act preferentially on specific symptom clusters. Therefore, the symptoms of MDD may be inter-dependent when it comes to their courses of remission in treatment.


Transposon waves at the water-to-land transition.
The major transitions in vertebrate evolution are associated with significant genomic reorganizations. In contrast to the evolutionary processes that occurred at the origin of vertebrates or prior to the radiation of teleost fishes, no whole-genome duplication events occurred during the water-to-land transition, and it remains an open question how did genome dynamics contribute to this prominent evolutionary event. Indeed, the recent sequencing of sarcopterygian and amphibian genomes has revealed that the extant lineages immediately preceding and succeeding this transition harbor an exceptional number of transposable elements and it is tempting to speculate that these sequences might have catalyzed the adaptations that enabled vertebrates to venture into land. Here, we review the genome dynamics associated with the major transitions in vertebrate evolution and discuss how the highly repetitive genomic landscapes revealed by recent efforts to characterize the genomes of amphibians and sarcopterygians argue for turbulent genome dynamics occurring before the water-to-land transition and possibly enabling it.


Recent trends in embryo disposition choices made by patients following in vitro fertilization.
To assess longitudinal trends in in vitro fertilization (IVF) patients' choices for disposing of cryopreserved embryos. This is a retrospective cohort study of embryo disposition forms submitted between January 2000 and February 2020 at a university-based fertility clinic. Primary outcome was disposition decision. Binary and multivariable logistic regression were performed to determine odds ratios (OR) for decisions according to female age, education, race, religion, state of residence, area deprivation index based on zip code, and IVF pregnancy history. We also assessed disposition year, storage duration, and number of stored embryos. Forms were reviewed from 615 patients; 50.6% chose to discard embryos, 45.4% donated to research, and 4.1% chose reproductive donation. In the regression model, two factors were significantly associated with donation to research: female listing "no preference" or declining to list religious preference (OR 2.56, 95%CI 1.44-4.54) and live birth of multiples after IVF (OR 1.58, 95%CI 1.05-2.36). Before 2012, females younger than age 30 at storage were equally likely to choose to donate embryos to research as discard them. However, between 2013 and 2020, females younger than 30 were significantly more likely to discard than donate embryos for research (OR 2.87, 95%CI 1.13-7.28). Since 2013, the majority of patients younger than 30 at storage have chosen to discard cryopreserved embryos. Before then, patients were more likely to donate embryos for research. To ensure sufficient embryos are available for research, young patients, who are most likely to have cryopreserved embryos, should be counseled about options for donation.


[Bilateral congenital fusion of the scaphoid and the trapezium. A case report].
Congenital synostosis has been described between nearly all of the carpal bones. It can occur in an isolated form or most commonly in relation between the lunatum and the triquetrum. It can also occur in a multiple form and be associated with other malformations. We report a rare case of scaphoid-trapezium fusion observed bilaterally in a nearly asymptomatic 63-year-old patient.


Effects of sunlight exposure and vitamin D supplementation on vitamin D levels in postmenopausal women in rural Thailand: A randomized controlled trial.
Despite the abundant sunlight in Thailand, vitamin D deficiency is common in premenopausal and postmenopausal Thai women. Sunlight exposure is a natural way to increase one's intake of vitamin D. However, limited research has been conducted regarding natural exposure to sunlight as a strategy to improve vitamin D status in postmenopausal women. This study aimed to determine the effects of sunlight exposure compared with oral supplementation with vitamin D2 (weekly 20,000 IU) in combination with sunlight exposure on 25(OH)D levels. A 12-week randomized controlled trial was conducted in 52 postmenopausal women, age 50-70 years. The participants were randomized to either the sunlight exposure group or the sunlight exposure with vitamin D supplementation group. Serum 25(OH)D concentration and parathyroid hormone (PTH) were measured using standard assays at baseline and 12 weeks. After 12 weeks, mean serum 25(OH)D had decreased from 32.3 to 29.7 ng/ml in the sunlight exposure group, but significantly increased in the combination group (from 29.9 to 32.4 ng/ml). At the end of the study, 25(OH)D levels were significantly higher in the sunlight exposure with vitamin D supplementation group compared with the sunlight exposure group. However, this difference was not observed in women aged >60 years. Serum PTH had decreased in both groups, but not to a significant extent. A combination of weekly vitamin D2 supplementation at a dose of 20,000 IU with sunlight exposure is more effective than sunlight exposure alone in postmenopausal Thai women. Sunlight exposure alone is not sufficient to maintain 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in this setting.


Use of carbon fiber cages for treatment of cervical myeloradiculopathies.
Different types of intersomatic fixation systems are available for use in the treatment of cervical disc pathologies. In this paper, we report our experience using carbon fiber cages (Brantigan I/F cage, De Puy Acromed, Raynham, MA; Mikai distrib.) for acute and chronic cervical disc pathologies. Between 1997 and 2001, 97 patients underwent surgical treatment for cervical disc pathologies. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 60 months. In all cases a microdiscectomy according to Caspar was performed; anterior stabilization was performed in cases with evidence of instability and in post-traumatic disc herniations. A total number of 119 carbon fiber cages, ranging in height from 4 to 8 mm, were employed as well as 10 anterior plates with screws. The type of material used to fill the cages was homologous bone (50.5%), heterologous bone (22.3%), hydroxyapatite (21.1%), and autologous bone (6%). In all cases, follow-up radiograms performed after at least 6 months demonstrated bone fusion. None of the patients had either spontaneous displacement of the implant or symptoms from nerve compression. These preliminary results suggest that anterior cervical fusion with carbon fiber cages are valid to restore intervertebral disc height and to promote bone fusion with low complications rate.


Engaging clinicians early during the development of a graphical user display of an intelligent alerting system at the bedside.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly used to support bedside clinical decisions, but information must be presented in usable ways within workflow. Graphical User Interfaces (GUI) are front-facing presentations for communicating AI outputs, but clinicians are not routinely invited to participate in their design, hindering AI solution potential. To inform early user-engaged design of a GUI prototype aimed at predicting future Cardiorespiratory Insufficiency (CRI) by exploring clinician methods for identifying at-risk patients, previous experience with implementing new technologies into clinical workflow, and user perspectives on GUI screen changes. We conducted a qualitative focus group study to elicit iterative design feedback from clinical end-users on an early GUI prototype display. Five online focus group sessions were held, each moderated by an expert focus group methodologist. Iterative design changes were made sequentially, and the updated GUI display was presented to the next group of participants. 23 clinicians were recruited (14 nurses, 4 nurse practitioners, 5 physicians; median participant age ∼35 years; 60% female; median clinical experience 8 years). Five themes emerged from thematic content analysis: trend evolution, context (risk evolution relative to vital signs and interventions), evaluation/interpretation/explanation (sub theme: continuity of evaluation), clinician intuition, and clinical operations. Based on these themes, GUI display changes were made. For example, color and scale adjustments, integration of clinical information, and threshold personalization. Early user-engaged design was useful in adjusting GUI presentation of AI output. Next steps involve clinical testing and further design modification of the AI output to optimally facilitate clinician surveillance and decisions. Clinicians should be involved early and often in clinical decision support design to optimize efficacy of AI tools.


[Cost accounting for the expenditures in the examination of ophthalmology patients].
The system of estimating the cost of care of ophthalmologic patients improves out- and inpatient registration and helps assess the medical aid rendered to the patients; it permits an effective exploitation of the resources of therapeutic institutions and helps coordinate the activities of various departments.


Investigating Byssogenesis with Proteomic Analysis of Byssus, Foot, and Mantle in Mytilus Mussels by LC-MS/MS.
Mussel byssus represents a fascinating class of biological materials with a unique capacity to adhere onto virtually any solid surface. Proteins expressed in byssus, the byssal-producing organ (foot) as well as mantle tissue from Mytilus edulis or Mytilus californianus are analyzed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The mantle is used as a control tissue to pinpoint unique proteins from the foot samples potentially involved in byssogenesis. This work represents an important step towards identifying biologically important proteins expressed in foot, as well as extending knowledge on the byssus proteome. Considering the minimal proteomics data of the studied species, this data also contributes to a more complete description of M. edulis and M. californianus proteomes.


The genomic basis of host and vector specificity in non-pathogenic trypanosomatids.
Trypanosoma theileri, a non-pathogenic parasite of bovines, has a predicted surface protein architecture that likely aids survival in its mammalian host. Their surface proteins are encoded by genes which account for ∼10% of their genome. A non-pathogenic parasite of sheep, Trypanosoma melophagium, is transmitted by the sheep ked and is closely related to T. theileri. To explore host and vector specificity between these species, we sequenced the T. melophagium genome and transcriptome and an annotated draft genome was assembled. T. melophagium was compared to 43 kinetoplastid genomes, including T. theileri. T. melophagium and T. theileri have an AT biased genome, the greatest bias of publicly available trypanosomatids. This trend may result from selection acting to decrease the genomic nucleotide cost. The T. melophagium genome is 6.3Mb smaller than T. theileri and large families of proteins, characteristic of the predicted surface of T. theileri, were found to be absent or greatly reduced in T. melophagium. Instead, T. melophagium has modestly expanded protein families associated with the avoidance of complement-mediated lysis. We propose that the contrasting genomic features of these species is linked to their mode of transmission from their insect vector to their mammalian host. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.


Strongylovelia lillyae sp. nov. (Hemiptera: Gerromorpha: Veliidae) from Tamil Nadu, India: the first species of the genus described from the Indian subcontinent.
Strongylovelia lillyae sp. nov. is described from Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu, India and constitutes the first species of the genus from Indian subcontinent. The new species is closely related to Strongylovelia setosa Zettel & Tran and S. vasarhelyii Zettel & Tran from Vietnam. A distribution map and photographs of S. lillyae sp. nov. are presented here.


Identification and management of the woman at increased risk for breast cancer development.
Multiple factors which increase a women's breast cancer risk have been identified. These range from conditions such as lobular carcinoma in situ which increase risk to relatively high levels, to reproductive factors such as nulliparity which are associated with only a small increase in risk. When determining an individual's risk, all her potential breast cancer risk factors must be considered. In order for risk information to be meaningful to a woman, risk must be expressed as absolute risk over a defined time interval since there is no uniform agreement on what risk level is high enough to require intervention. At present, careful follow-up or prophylactic mastectomy are the management options available for the woman at increased risk. The efficacy of follow-up including breast self exam, physician exams, and screening mammography for early detection of cancer in a high risk population is unknown. Prophylactic mastectomy, while highly effective, does not provide complete protection from breast cancer and is more radical than the surgery done for established cancer in many cases. Which of these options is chosen by an individual woman is dependent on how much risk she is willing to assume.


Neural networks for tracking of unknown SISO discrete-time nonlinear dynamic systems.
This article presents a Lyapunov function based neural network tracking (LNT) strategy for single-input, single-output (SISO) discrete-time nonlinear dynamic systems. The proposed LNT architecture is composed of two feedforward neural networks operating as controller and estimator. A Lyapunov function based back propagation learning algorithm is used for online adjustment of the controller and estimator parameters. The controller and estimator error convergence and closed-loop system stability analysis is performed by Lyapunov stability theory. Moreover, two simulation examples and one real-time experiment are investigated as case studies. The achieved results successfully validate the controller performance.


Disruption of the ubiquitin ligase HERC4 causes defects in spermatozoon maturation and impaired fertility.
Spermatogenesis in mammals necessitates an extensive remodeling and loss of many cellular organelles and proteins as the spermatozoa undergo maturation. The removal of proteins and organelles depends on the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Here we show that the E3 ubiquitin ligase Herc4, though ubiquitously expressed in all tissues, is most highly expressed in the testis, specifically during spermiogenesis. Mice homozygous for a Herc4 mutation are overtly normal; however, overall the males produce litter sizes some 50% smaller whereas female homozygotes show normal fertility. The reduced fertility in males is associated with about 50% of mature spermatozoa having reduced motility. Many of the spermatozoa possess an angulated tail with a cytoplasmic droplet being retained at the angulation. Our results show that Herc4 ligase is required for proper maturation and removal of the cytoplasmic droplet for the spermatozoon to become fully functional.


Frontal lobe phosphorus metabolism and neuropsychological function in aging and in Alzheimer's disease.
31P Magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the frontal lobe was performed in 17 patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), 8 elderly controls (EC), and 17 young controls (YC). The phosphocreatine/inorganic phosphate (PCr/Pi) ratio in AD (2.32 +/- 0.26 SD) was significantly lower than in EC (2.65 +/- 0.41). In AD patients, a correlation was observed between the PCr/Pi ratio and the dementia rating scale (r = -0.50, p = 0.04). A significant positive correlation between PCr/Pi ratio and age was observed in both AD (r = 0.67, p = 0.003) and YC (r = 0.63, p = 0.006) groups, however, suggesting caution in interpretation of this ratio in AD. We did not find differences between AD, EC, or YC in any other spectroscopic measure. A significant sex difference in the phosphomonoester/phosphodiester ratio (PME/PDE) ratio was observed in AD brain. Females had a lower PME/PDE ratio than males.


Dispersing swimming microalgae in self-assembled nanocellulose suspension: Unveiling living colloid dynamics in cholesteric liquid crystals.
Active matter comprises individual energy-consuming components that convert locally stored energy into mechanical motion. Among these, liquid crystal dispersed self-propelled colloids have displayed fascinating dynamic effects and nonequilibrium behaviors. In this work, we introduce a new type of active soft matter based on swimming microalgae and lyotropic nanocellulose liquid crystal. Cellulose is a kind of biocompatible polysaccharide that nontoxic to living biological colloids. In contrast to microalgae locomotion in isotropic and low viscosity media, we demonstrate that the propulsion force of swimming microalgae can overcome the stabilizing elastic force in cholesteric nanocellulose liquid crystal, with the displacement dynamics (gait, direction, frequency, and speed) be altered by the surrounding medium. Simultaneously, the active stress and shear flow exerted by swimming microalgae can introduce local perturbation in surrounding liquid crystal orientation order. The latter effect yields hydrodynamic fluctuations in bulk phase as well as layer undulations, helicoidal axis splay deformation and director bending in the cholesteric assembly, which finally followed by a recovery according to the inherent viscoelasticity of liquid crystal matrix. Our results point to an unorthodox design concept to generate a new type of hybrid soft matter that combines nontoxic cholesteric liquid crystal and active particles, which are expected to open opportunities in biosensing and biomechanical applications.


Ethnobotanical knowledge on botanical repellents employed in the African region against mosquito vectors - A review.
Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) represent a huge threat for millions of humans and animals worldwide, since they act as vectors for important parasites and pathogens, including malaria, filariasis and important arboviruses, such as dengue, West Nile and Zika virus. No vaccines or other specific treatments are available against the arboviruses transmitted by mosquitoes, and avoidance of mosquito bites remains the best strategy. African regions are usually hit most whose inhabitants are poor, and the use of repellent plants is the only efficient protection against vectors they have. Ethnobotanical knowledge of such plants and their use is usually passed on orally from one generation to another. However, it is also important to preserve this information in a written form, as well. Ethnobotanical research projects carried out in the regions of today's Ethiopia, South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, and Tanzania indicate that the native inhabitants of the African study regions traditionally use 64 plant species, belonging to 30 families. Aromatic plants (i.e., Citrus spp., Eucalyptus spp., Lantana camara, Ocimum spp. and Lippia javanica) the most commonly used in all the study regions. Native people know three major methods of using repellent plants: (i) production of repellent smoke from burning plants, (ii) hanging plants inside the house or sprinkling leaves on the floor, (iii) the use of plant oils, juices from crushed fresh parts of the plants, or various prepared extracts applied on uncovered body parts. Overall, this review covers studies conducted only in a limited part of the African continent, highlighting the importance to undertake further research efforts to preserve the unique knowledge and traditions of the native tribes.


Herbal active small molecule as an immunomodulator for potential application on resistance of common carp against SVCV infection.
Herbal immunomodulators are an important part of prevention and control on viral diseases in aquaculture because of their propensity to improve immunity in fish. The present study was conducted to evaluate the immunomodulatory effect and antiviral activity of a synthesized derivative (serial number: LML1022) against spring viremia of carp virus (SVCV) infection in vitro and in vivo. The antiviral data suggested that LML1022 at 100 μM significantly inhibited the virus replication in epithelioma papulosum cyprini (EPC) cells, and may completely inhibit the infectivity of SVCV virion particles to fish cells by affecting the viral internalization. The results in the related stability of water environments also demonstrated that LML1022 had an inhibitory half-life of 2.3 d at 15 °C, which would facilitate rapid degradation of LML1022 in aquaculture application. For in vivo study, the survival rate of SVCV-infected common carp was increased 30% at least under continuous oral injection of LML1022 at 2.0 mg/kg for 7 d treatment. Additionally, pretreatment of LML1022 on fish prior to SVCV infection also obviously reduced the viral loads in vivo as well as an improved survival rate, showing that LML1022 was potential as an immunomodulator. As an immune response, LML1022 significantly upregulated the immune-related gene expression including IFN-γ2b, IFN-I, ISG15 and Mx1, indicating that its dietary administration may improve the resistance of common carp against SVCV infection.


Specific in vivo binding of d-LSD in rat brain.
A reproducible in vivo d-LSD binding method in rat brain is described, with high affinity (Kd of 5 pmoles/g wet wt), stereospecificity (d- vs. 1-LSD) and regional selectivity. It may be a useful adjunct to in vitro methods for measuring changes in turnover at the synaptic level related to the intact receptor.


Muscarinic M(3) receptor-dependent regulation of airway smooth muscle contractile phenotype.
1. Airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells are known to switch from a contractile to a proliferative and synthetic phenotype in culture in response to serum and growth factors. Phenotype switching in response to contractile agonists, however, is poorly characterised, despite the possible relationship between ASM phenotype and airway remodelling in asthma. 2. To investigate the effects of muscarinic receptor stimulation on ASM phenotype, we used organ-cultured bovine tracheal smooth muscle (BTSM) strips, in which contractile responsiveness, contractile protein expression and proliferation were measured after pretreatment with methacholine. 3. Long-term methacholine pretreatment (8 days) decreased maximal contraction and sensitivity to methacholine as well as to histamine and KCl. This decrease was dose-dependent (pEC(50)=5.2+/-0.1). Pretreatment with the highest concentration of methacholine applied (100 microm) could suppress maximal histamine-induced contraction to 8+/-1% of control. In addition, contractile protein expression (myosin, actin) was downregulated two-fold. No concomitant increase in proliferative capacity was observed. 4. The M(3)/M(2) muscarinic receptor antagonist DAU 5884 (0.1 microm) completely inhibited the observed decrease in contractility. In contrast, the M(2)/M(3) muscarinic receptor antagonist gallamine (10 microm) was ineffective, demonstrating that M(2) receptors were not involved. 5. Pretreatment (8 days) with 60 mm KCl could mimick the strong decreases in contractility. This was completely prevented by pretreatment with verapamil (1 microm). 6. Regulation of contractility was not affected by protein kinase C inhibition, whereas inhibitors of phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase and p42/p44 mitogen activated protein kinase were partially effective. 7. These results show that long-term methacholine pretreatment (8 days) induces an M(3) receptor-dependent decrease in BTSM contractility without increased proliferative capacity.


Iron deposition after transient forebrain ischemia in rat brain.
In this study, we investigated the iron deposition in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus CA1 area and corpus striatum pars dorsolateralis in a rat model of cerebral ischemia. Forebrain ischemia was induced by four-vessel occlusion for 20 min. Using iron histochemistry, regional changes were examined from 1 to 8 weeks of postischemic recirculation. Neuronal death was demonstrated in pyramidal cells of the hippocampal CA1 area and in the dorsolateral part of the corpus striatum, which are known as areas most vulnerable to ischemia. Iron deposition in hippocampal CA1 area was coupled to delayed pyramidal cell death. Perl's reaction with DAB intensification revealed of the 1 week iron deposits in the CA1 area, which gradually increased and formed clusters by 8 weeks. In the corpus striatum, strong iron staining was observed in injured cellular layer pars dorsolateralis 1 week after recirculation. Granular iron was deposited in the cytoplasm of pyramidal cells in layers III and V of the frontal cortex after 2 weeks of recirculation. In contrast to the hippocampus and striatum, the cerebral cortex did not develop severe neuronal cell death and atrophy immediately after the ischemic insult, which suggest that the neuronal cell death in the cerebral cortex occurs extremely late.


[A preliminary study on the regulation mechanism of p38MAPK on MUC5AC in allergic rhinitis].
To detect the effect of p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) on the expression of mucin5AC (MUC5AC) in human nasal mucosa induced by histamine in vitro, and to investigate the pathogenesis of mucus hypersecretion in allergic rhinitis (AR). Western blot was performed to detect the protein expressions of p38MAPK, COX-2 and MUC5AC in nasal mucosa induced by histamine or blocked by selective inhibitors of p38MAPK and COX-2 of different concentration gradient. Weak expressions of p38MAPK. COX-2 and MUC5AC were detected in normal nasal mucosa in vitro. The protein expressions of p38MAPK. COX-2 and MUC5AC increased in nasal mucosa induced by histamine in a dose-dependent manner. The histamine induced protein expressions of COX-2 and MUC5AC were dose-dependently attenuated by selective inhibitor of COX-2, namely NS-398. No apparent influence of NS-398 on the expression of p38MAPK was observed. The histamine induced protein expressions of p38MAPK, C()X-2 and MUCbAC dose-dependently decreased after nasal mucosa was treated by selective inhibitor of p38MAPK, namely SB203580. And no significant change of MUC5AC protein expression induced by NS-398 or SB203580 was observed. Our findings indicated that the histamine-induced increased expression of MUC5AC by activated p38MAPK/COX-2 may be a possible pathogenesis of mucus hypersecretion in AR.


Bis(tetra-n-butyl-ammonium) bis-(5,6-dicyano-pyrazine-2,3-dithiol-ato-κS,S')palladium(II).
In the title complex, (C(16)H(36)N)(2)[Pd(C(6)N(4)S(2))(2)], the centrosymmetric dianion is planar, with an r.m.s. deviation of 0.034 (8) Å. The Pd(II) atom, lying on an inversion center, has a square-planar coordination geometry, with Pd-S bond lengths of 2.276 (3) and 2.294 (3) Å.


Plaque erosion delays vascular healing after drug eluting stent implantation in patients with acute coronary syndrome: An In Vivo Optical Coherence Tomography Study.
To compare vascular healing after drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation between plaque rupture (PR) and plaque erosion (PE). Vascular response after stent implantation in patients with PR has been extensively studied. Little is known about vascular healing after stent implantation in PE. Sixty-five ACS patients who received optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging of the culprit lesions both before and after stent implantation at baseline as well as at 6 months were included in this study. Patients were divided into two groups: PR (n = 19) and PE (n = 24). Prestent thrombus burden and poststent intrastent structure (ISS) volume were analyzed during the index procedure. The ratio of uncovered to total stent struts per cross-section score (RUTTS) and neointimal thickness and area were measured at follow-up. OCT imaging showed that compared with PR, PE showed a significantly lower prestent thrombus score (34.2 ± 19.2 vs. 68.6 ± 44.2, P = 0.009) at baseline and a smaller poststent ISS volume (0.7 ± 0.9 mm3 vs. 2.1 ± 1.9 mm3 , P = 0.019). At the 6-month follow-up, PE showed a higher incidence of RUTTS >0.3 (12.2 ± 14.4 vs. 2.0 ± 4.5%, P = 0.003), thinner neointimal thickness (0.05 ± 0.02 mm vs. 0.12 ± 0.08 mm, P = 0.002), and smaller neointimal area (0.5 ± 0.2 vs. 1.2 ± 0.9 mm2 , P = 0.004) compared with PR. In a multivariate logistic model, PE was identified as an independent predictor for RUTTS >0.3. PE was associated with less favorable healing following DES implantation when compared to PR at 6 months, indicating longer dual-antiplatelet therapy may be necessary for patients with PE. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.