Nonrespiratory Complications and Obesity in Patients Dying with COVID-19 in Italy.
This study aimed to assess the impact of obesity on nonrespiratory complications in patients dying with coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Medical charts of 3,694 of patients dying with COVID-19 in Italy were reviewed to extract information on demographics, preexisting comorbidities, and in-hospital complications leading to death. Multivariate logistic regressions were performed to assess the association of obesity with nonrespiratory complications. These analyses were adjusted for age, gender, and number of preexisting comorbidities. Obesity was present in 411/3,694 (11.1%) patients dying with COVID-19. Obesity was significantly associated with increased probability of experiencing acute renal failure (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.33; 95% CI: 1.04-1.71) and shock (adjusted OR, 1.54; 95% CI: 1.19-1.99). The associations of obesity with acute renal failure and shock were stronger in patients aged < 60 years (adjusted OR, 2.00; 95% CI: 1.09-3.67 and OR, 2.37; 95% CI 1.29-4.36) than in those aged 60 years or older (adjusted OR, 1.20; 95% CI: 0.90-1.60 and OR, 1.22; 95% CI: 0.91-1.65). In patients dying with COVID-19 in Italy, obesity is associated with an increased probability of nonrespiratory complications, particularly shock and acute renal failure. These associations seem stronger in younger than in older adults. Strategies should be put in place in patients with COVID-19 with obesity to prevent these complications.


[Three forms of Dionysus: recreational, medical and religious use of ayahuasca].
Ayahuasca is a psychoactive tea that is rapidly gaining in popularity. Its effects are, however, widely different in various sets and settings, leading to various imaginings.
 AIM: To distinguish between the recreational, medical and religious use of ayahuasca, and further investigate its religious use.
 METHOD: Nietzsche's three forms of the Greek God Dionysus are used in order to describe and analyze the three contexts for ayahuasca use.
 RESULTS: The religious use of ayahuasca, for example in the Santo Daime church, can be understood as a contemporary form of Gnosticism.
 CONCLUSION: Research needs to take the various sets and settings of ayahuasca use into account. More research into the religious use of ayahuasca is needed.


Phosphoproteomic basis of neuroplasticity in the antennal lobes influences the olfactory differences between A. mellifera and A. cerana honeybees.
The honeybee species A. mellifera and A. cerana have evolved substantial differences in olfactory-driven behaviors and in peripheral olfactory systems. Knowledge of the central nervous system regulating these olfaction differences is limited, however. We compared the phosphoproteome of the antennal lobes (ALs, the primary olfactory neuropil) of A. mellifera and A. cerana, and identified a total of 2812 phosphopeptides carrying 2971 phosphosites from 1265 phosphoproteins. Of these, 76% of the phosphoproteins were shared by both species, which were mainly presynapse and cytoskeleton components, and were involved in signal transduction and neurotransmitter secretion. This finding indicates the fundamental role of protein phosphorylation in regulating signal transduction in the ALs. The mTOR signaling pathway, the phagosome pathway, and the autophagy pathway, which are important in protein metabolism, were enriched, suggesting glomeruli plasticity and olfactory processing are intensively modulated by phosphorylation via these pathways. Compared with A. mellifera, 107 phosphoproteins associated with protein metabolism and transport were uniquely expressed in A. cerana, indicating the protein synthesis-dependent synaptic plasticity is enhanced in A. cerana to facilitate the processing of more complex floral odor clues in mountain foraging areas. This finding is further supported by the significantly upregulated key phosphoproteins of the mTOR signaling pathway in A. cerana ALs. These results provide insights into the phosphoproteomic basis of neuroplasticity that is coupled with the divergent evolution of bees in different environments. SIGNIFICANCE: To adapt to their own ecological niche, the two major honeybee species, A. mellifera and A. cerana, have developed significant difference in olfactory-driven behaviors, but our understanding of the underlying regulation of the central nervous system is still limitate. Here we performed the first comprehensive phosphoproteomic comparison of antennal lobes (Als) between A. mellifera and A. cerena. A large proportion of the identified phosphosites and phosphoproteins were shared between the two species to serve as a core network in the regulation of signal transduction and glomeruli plasticity of ALs. However, compared with A. mellifera, 107 phosphoproteins associated with protein metabolism and transport were uniquely identified in A. cerana ALs, and also several key phosphoproteins in mTOR signaling pathway were found upregulated in A. cerana. These findings indicate protein phosphorylation enhanced the protein synthesis-dependent synaptic plasticity in A. cerana to facilitate the processing of more complex floral odor clues in mountain foraging areas. Our data provide a valuable insight into phosphoproteome-driven cerebral regulation of honeybee olfactory behaviors, which is potentially useful for further neurobiological investigation in both honeybees and other insects.


Antimelanoma Potential of Cladonia mitis Acetone Extracts - Comparative in Vitro Studies in Relation to Usnic Acid Content.
In this study, the cytotoxic activity of acetone extracts of Cladonia mitis was assessed with respect to the content of usnic acid, a secondary metabolite commonly present in this species. Following quantitative HPLC analysis of the extracts, usnic acid was isolated by preparative chromatography. The study of cytotoxic activity was performed using the MTT test on three melanoma cell lines - HTB140, A375 and WM793. The selectivity of action was also assessed by comparing the effect towards normal human keratinocytes HaCaT. The results showed a dose-dependent cytotoxic activity of the extracts tested and usnic acid itself, but no relationship was found between the content of usnic acid and the activity of the extracts. Furthermore, the extracts showed varied, but rather low anti-tyrosinase activity. Other in vitro and in vivo studies are necessary to demonstrate that C. mitis extracts may be useful in the adjuvant external treatment of skin melanoma.


Continuous wave MRI of heterogeneous materials.
A prototype continuous wave MRI system operating at 7T has been used successfully to study a variety of heterogeneous materials exhibiting T2 relaxation values ranging from 10 micros to 50 ms. Two-dimensional images of a poly(methly methacrylate) (PMMA) resolution phantom (T2=38 micros) exhibited a spatial resolution of approximately 1mm at a magnetic field gradient strength of 200 mT/m. The technique was used to study the hydration, drying, and subsequent water penetration properties of cement samples made from ordinary Portland cement, and revealed inhomogeneities arising from the cure conditions. Sandstone samples from an oil reservoir in the North Sea were also studied; structure within these materials, arising from the sedimentary bed layering in the reservoir, was found to have an effect on their water transport properties. A section from a confectionery bar (T2* approximately 50-60 ms) was also imaged, and its internal structure could be clearly discerned.


Editorial Commentary: Classic Arthroscopic Anterolateral Acromioplasty Does Not Translate to Clinically Meaningful Differences in Lateral Acromial Overcoverage.
Despite its time-honored tradition, the classic Neer acromioplasty has come under increased scrutiny in the recent literature, particularly when performed in the absence of rotator cuff repair. The American Medical Association Current Procedural Terminology Committee has transitioned the acromioplasty procedure, and definition of the related Current Procedural Terminology code 29827, to a procedure that is "added-on" to shoulder arthroscopy. Several authors have sought to investigate the true value of arthroscopic subacromial decompression for extrinsic sources of impingement. Common indications for acromioplasty include bursal-sided tears, prominent type III hooked acromial morphology, calcified coracoacromial ligament, and severe rotator cuff tendinopathy. However, the classic arthroscopic acromioplasty may not meaningfully address lateral outlet impingement and acromial overcoverage, as measured by an elevated critical shoulder angle or acromial index, thereby leading to persistent abduction impingement and mechanical abrasion. In these cases, lateral acromial resection of up 5 to 10 mm may be preferentially considered to decrease the pathologic critical shoulder angle (>35°) and reduce the risk of primary or secondary rotator cuff tendon failure.


Social cognition and real-life functioning in patient samples with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome with or without psychosis, compared to a large sample of patients with schizophrenia only and healthy controls.
Patients with the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (DS) show an increased risk of developing a psychotic illness lifetime. 22q11.2DS may represent a reliable model for studying the neurobiological underpinnings of schizophrenia. The study of social inference abilities in a genetic condition at high risk for psychosis, like 22q11.2DS, may shed light on the relationships between neurocognitive processes and patients' daily general functioning. The study sample consisted of 1736 participants, divided into four groups: 22q11.2DS patients with diagnosis of psychotic disorder (DEL SCZ, N = 20); 22q11.2DS subjects with no diagnosis of psychosis (DEL, N = 43); patients diagnosed with schizophrenia without 22q11.2DS (SCZ, N = 893); and healthy controls (HC, N = 780). Social cognition was assessed through The Awareness of Social Inference Test (TASIT) and general functioning through the Specific Levels of Functioning (SLoF) scale. We analysed data through regression analysis. The SCZ and DEL groups had similar levels of global functioning; they both had significantly lower SLoF Total scores than HC (p < .001); the DEL SCZ group showed significantly lower scores compared to the other groups (SCZ, p = .004; DEL, p = .003; HC, p < .001). A significant deficit in social cognition was observed in the three clinical groups. In the DEL SCZ and SCZ groups, TASIT scores significantly predicted global functioning (p < .05). Our findings of social cognition deficit in psychosis-prone patients point to the possible future adoption of rehabilitation programmes, like Social Skills Training and Cognitive Remediation, during premorbid stages of psychosis.


Infections caused by Fusobacterium in children: a 14-year single-center experience.
This study aimed at reviewing our experience with infections caused by Fusobacterium in children. A retrospective analysis of medical records of children admitted to Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center from 2000 to 2013, in whom Fusobacterium spp. was identified in any specimen. A total of 22 patients (males = 12) at a mean ± SE age of 5 ± 1 (range 1-17) years, were identified. The most common complication was abscess formation (n = 11, 50 %). Eight children (36.4 %) had intracranial complications, including brain abscess (n = 4), meningitis (n = 4) and cerebral sinus vein thrombosis (CSVT, n = 5). Seventeen children (77 %) had bacteremia. Primary site of infection was otogenic (n = 9), oropharyngeal (n = 7), respiratory (n = 2), sinuses (n = 2), intra-abdominal (n = 1) and mucositis (n = 1). Fourteen cases were caused by Fusobacterium necrophorum, including four cases with CSVT, 7/8 cases of mastoiditis, four of them with subperiosteal abscess formation; all four cases with meningitis and two brain abscesses. Fifteen (68 %) patients required surgical intervention and 3 (14 %) received anti-coagulation therapy. Excluding one patient with overwhelming sepsis with fatal outcome, all patients recovered. Fusobacterium infections in children can cause a diverse spectrum of disease and is associated with high rates of abscess formation and intracranial complications. Although Fusobacterium nucleatum is abundant in the oral cavity, F. necrophorum is the main pathogen that causes severe infections in healthy children.


Adenosine receptor interactions and anxiolytics.
[3H]-N6-cyclohexyladenosine and [3H]-1,3-diethyl-8-phenylxanthine label the A1 subtype of adenosine receptor in brain membranes. The affinities of methylxanthines in competing for A1 adenosine receptors parallel their potencies as locomotor stimulants. The adenosine agonist N6-(phenylisopropyl) adenosine is a potent locomotor depressant. Both diazepam and N6-(L-phenylisopropyl)adenosine cause locomotor stimulation in a narrow range of subdepressant doses. Combined stimulant doses of the two agents depress motor activity, as do larger doses of either one, given separately. Evidence supporting and against the hypothesis that some of the actions of benzodiazepines are mediated via the adenosine system is reviewed. A number of compounds interact with both systems, probably because of physico-chemical similarities between adenosine and diazepam. It is concluded that of the four classic actions of benzodiazepines, the sedative and muscle relaxant (but not anxiolytic or anticonvulsant) actions could possibly be mediated by adenosine.


Complement-mediated antiinflammatory effect of bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid fangchinoline.
Complement-mediated mode of action of bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid fangchinoline was investigated in vivo and in vitro. The application of fangchinoline intraperitoneally (i.p.) to complement normal mice, strain ICR, inhibited the complement activity in serum and peritoneal exudate. The substance activated serum complement of C5-deficient DBA/2 mice. Fangchinoline was able to provoke local inflammatory reaction in both strains after subcutaneous (s.c.) injection. The alkaloid suppressed paw swelling induced by live Candida albicans in ICR and DBA/2 mice. Its effect depended on the dose and time of injection prior to inflammatory reaction. The in vitro experiments proved the interference of fangchinoline action with post-C5 reactions. The substance augmented C5-convertase formation and functional activity. These results are in correspondence with our previous investigations, proving the complement-mediated action of fangchinoline. The antiinflammatory effect could be a consequence of the caused complement exhaustion.


Use of chemically-bonded cyclodextrin stationary phase for high performance liquid chromatographic determination of feldene capsules.
A novel high performance liquid chromatographic method (HPLC) is presented for the quantitative determination of piroxicam in capsule formulation (Feldene capsule). Samples are separated on a chemically bonded beta-cyclodextrin column (Cyclobond I) with a mobile phase of 75% 0.05M phosphate buffer (pH 7.0) and 25% methanol. The effluent is monitored by a spectrophotometric detector with a 254-nm filter. The method is rapid, accurate, and precise.


Motivational interviewing quality assurance: A systematic review of assessment tools across research contexts.
The need for sustained skill development and quality assurance when executing behavioral interventions is best demonstrated in the empirical evolution of Motivational Interviewing (MI). As a brief behavioral intervention that identifies the therapeutic process as an active treatment ingredient, it is critical for researchers, trainers, and administrators to use psychometrically sound and theoretically congruent tools to evaluate provider skills and fidelity when executing MI. Yet, no prior work has evaluated the breadth of MI tools employed across research contexts. Therefore, this review identified MI fidelity and skill development tools across measurement, training and efficacy/effectiveness studies and evaluated their psychometric strength and fit with current MI theory. We identified 199 empirical studies that employed an MI fidelity/skill tool and we found 21 tools with varying degrees of empirical support and theoretical congruence. Specifically, we identified five observer-, two trainee- and one client-rated tool with strong empirical support, and nine observer- and two client-rated tools with preliminary empirical support. We detailed the empirical strength, including the extent to which tools were linked to trainee/client outcomes across research contexts and offer recommendations on which MI tools to use in training, efficacy, and effectiveness trials.


The scholar's best friend: research trends in dog cognitive and behavioral studies.
In recent decades, cognitive and behavioral knowledge in dogs seems to have developed considerably, as deduced from the published peer-reviewed articles. However, to date, the worldwide trend of scientific research on dog cognition and behavior has never been explored using a bibliometric approach, while the evaluation of scientific research has increasingly become important in recent years. In this review, we compared the publication trend of the articles in the last 34 years on dogs' cognitive and behavioral science with those in the general category "Behavioral Science". We found that, after 2005, there has been a sharp increase in scientific publications on dogs. Therefore, the year 2005 has been used as "starting point" to perform an in-depth bibliometric analysis of the scientific activity in dog cognitive and behavioral studies. The period between 2006 and 2018 is taken as the study period, and a backward analysis was also carried out. The data analysis was performed using "bibliometrix", a new R-tool used for comprehensive science mapping analysis. We analyzed all information related to sources, countries, affiliations, co-occurrence network, thematic maps, collaboration network, and world map. The results scientifically support the common perception that dogs are attracting the interest of scholars much more now than before and more than the general trend in cognitive and behavioral studies. Both, the changes in research themes and new research themes, contributed to the increase in the scientific production on the cognitive and behavioral aspects of dogs. Our investigation may benefit the researchers interested in the field of cognitive and behavioral science in dogs, thus favoring future research work and promoting interdisciplinary collaborations.


Plant catalases: peroxisomal redox guardians.
While genomics and post-genomics studies have revealed that plant cell redox state is controlled by a complex genetic network, available data mean that catalase must continue to be counted among the most important of antioxidative enzymes. Plants species analyzed to date contain three catalase genes, and comparison of expression patterns and information from studies on mutants suggests that the encoded proteins have relatively specific roles in determining accumulation of H(2)O(2) produced through various metabolic pathways. This review provides an update on the different catalases and discusses their established or likely physiological functions. Particular attention is paid to regulation of catalase expression and activity, intracellular trafficking of the protein from cytosol to peroxisome, and the integration of catalase function into the peroxisomal antioxidative network. We discuss how plants deficient in catalase are not only key tools to identify catalase functions, but are also generating new insight into H(2)O(2) signalling in plants and the potential importance of peroxisomal and other intracellular processes in this signalling.


Experimental infection of pigs with the porcine respiratory coronavirus (PRCV): measure of viral excretion.
Twelve pigs were experimentally infected with a porcine respiratory coronavirus (PRCV) by the oronasal route. Viral excretion was measured daily by two means-deep nasal swabs and air samples obtained in a cyclone sampler. Clinical signs were very slight on infected pigs. Airborne virus could be recovered from day 1 to day 6 post-infection in the cyclone sampler as well as in petri dishes placed in the same loose-box. Viral titres obtained from nasal swabs were significantly correlated with those obtained from air samples. Different collection media were compared. The most efficient media for the collection of infectious viral particles contained a protective agent such as foetal calf serum.


Use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a bridge to primary lung transplant: 3 consecutive, successful cases and a review of the literature.
Many transplant centers have considered extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to be a contraindication to lung transplantation, due to historically poor outcomes. However, recent advances in the technical aspects of ECMO have enabled patients to be supported with relative safety for several weeks until a donor lung becomes available. We present 3 young patients with acute (in 1 case, acute on chronic), severe respiratory failure that was refractory to conventional ventilation, who were placed on venovenous ECMO. In each case, a clinical decision was made that the patient's respiratory failure was irreversible and they were successfully managed with urgent lung transplantation.


Optimization of nanoparticle drug microcarrier on the pharmacokinetics of drug release: a preliminary study.
Ideal drug delivery process would exhibits zero-order kinetics. However, in practical, most drug delivery process is first-order kinetics. This study is aimed to mathematically model, analyze and determine the optimal polymer shape of the drug micro-carrier that achieves a near zero-order release. We also extend study in deriving and optimizing theoretically the optimal distance between the two optimal micro-carrier shapes. A mathematical model that derived from Carslaw and Jaeger equation of conduction of heat is used to model the relationship between the geometry shape of the carrier and the drug concentration. An optimization objective function is formulated from the mathematical model and MATLAB Optimization Toolbox is used to perform the numerical analysis. The results suggest that reducing the k value (ratio of volume of the fluid to that of the sphere) gives a near zero-order kinetics drug delivery response for all the microcarrier geometry shapes (with equivalent surface area/volume ratio to a sphere with radius R(s)) investigated. Our preliminary results showed that tetrahedron microcarrier exhibits the best response and the worst response is for tablet (with R = R(s)/2).


Treatment with flow diverter stent during pregnancy.
Intracranial aneurysms are rarely diagnosed during pregnancy. If treatment is necessary, surgery was traditionally preferred over embolization in case of ongoing pregnancy, due to concerns regarding foetal radiation exposure. We present a case of 21 mm unruptured carotid-ophthalmic aneurysm diagnosed during pregnancy and treated with flow diversion. Foetal radiation dose was estimated between 1 and 5 mGy, well below recommended limits. Double antiplatelet therapy with prasugrel and aspirin was administered between week 17 and week 37, followed by uneventful vaginal delivery at 39 weeks. The new-born infant did not present any clinical abnormalities. Post-natal angiography showed complete aneurysm occlusion. To our knowledge, this is the first report of flow diverter stent placement during ongoing pregnancy. Although a good outcome was observed in this case, this result should be interpreted with caution. Further studies are needed in order to better define the safety profiles of intracranial stents and double antiplatelet therapies during pregnancy.


Selective Microbial Conversion of DHEA into 7α-OH-DHEA.
7α-Hydroxy dehydroepiandrosterone (7α-OH-prasterone, 7α-OH-DHEA) is a key steroid intermediate in the synthesis of valuable pharmaceuticals widely used in the treatment of autoimmune illness, rheumatoid arthritis, colitis, and other severe diseases. The steroid can be produced using a filamentous fungus, which is capable of regio- and stereospecific hydroxylation of the steroid 3β-alcohol (DHEA) in the allylic position C7. Here, we describe a method for highly selective microbial production of 7α-OH-DHEA from DHEA using the zygomycete Backusella lamprospora VKM F-944. The method ensures high yield of 7α-OH-DHEA (up to 89%, mol/mol) even at high concentration of the substrate DHEA (15 g/L).


Differences in forebrain activation in two strains of rat at rest and after spinal cord injury.
Forebrain activation patterns in normal and spinal-injured Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were determined by measuring regional cerebral blood flow as an indicator of neuronal activity. Data are compared to our previously published findings from normal and spinal-injured Long-Evans (LE) rats and reveal a striking degree of overlap, as well as differences, between strains in the basal (unstimulated) forebrain activation in normal animals. Specifically, 81% of the structures sampled showed similar activation in both strains, suggesting a consistent and identifiable pattern of basal cerebral activation in the rat. LE controls showed significantly greater basal activation in the remaining structures compared to SD control group, including the anterior dorsal thalamus, basolateral amygdala, SII cortex, and the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus. In contrast, spinal cord injury (SCI) resulted in strain-specific changes in forebrain activation categorized by structures that showed significant increases in: (1) only LE SCI rats (posterior, ventrolateral, and ventroposterolateral thalamic nuclei); (2) only SD SCI rats (anterior-dorsal and medial thalamus, basolateral amygdala, cingulate and retrosplenial cortex, habenula, interpeduncular nucleus, hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus, periaqueductal gray); or (3) both strains (arcuate nucleus, ventroposteromedial thalamus, SI and SII somatosensory cortex). These results provide information related to the remote, i.e. supraspinal, effects of spinal cord injury and suggest that genetic differences play an important part in the forebrain response to such injury. Brain activation studies therefore provide a useful tool in understanding the full extent of secondary consequences following spinal injury and for identifying potential central mechanism responsible for the development of pain.


Performance of Confirmatory Tests for Diagnosing Primary Aldosteronism: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Confirmatory tests are recommended for diagnosing primary aldosteronism, but the supporting evidence is unclear. We searched Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Studies evaluating any guideline-recommended confirmatory test (ie, saline infusion test, salt loading test, fludrocortisone suppression test, and captopril challenge test), compared with a reference standard were included. The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool was used to assess the risk of bias. Meta-analyses were conducted using hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic models. Fifty-five studies were included, comprising 26 studies (3654 participants) for the recumbent saline infusion test, 4 studies (633 participants) for the seated saline infusion test, 2 studies (99 participants) for the salt loading test, 7 studies (386 participants) for the fludrocortisone suppression test, and 25 studies (2585 participants) for the captopril challenge test. Risk of bias was high, affecting more than half of studies, and across all domains. Studies with case-control sampling overestimated accuracy by 7-fold (relative diagnostic odds ratio, 7.26 [95% CI, 2.46-21.43]) and partial verification or use of inconsistent reference standards overestimated accuracy by 5-fold (5.12 [95% CI, 1.48-17.77]). There were large variations in how confirmatory tests were conducted, interpreted, and verified. Under most scenarios, confirmatory testing resulted in an excess of missed cases. The certainty of evidence underlying each test (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations) was very low. Recommendations for confirmatory testing in patients with abnormal screening tests and high probability features of primary aldosteronism are based on very low-quality evidence and their routine use should be reconsidered.


How NNA international departments work--Part II.
How an international department is organized and its scope of activities vary according to the association and to the region. Below, three more examples of how NNAs handle their international responsibilities. In January-February the spotlight was on the UK's Royal College of Nursing and the Canadian Nurses Association.


Risk and dose-response relationship of diabetes mellitus for endophthalmitis after cataract surgery in a nationwide cohort study in Taiwan.
To investigate the risk of endophthalmitis after cataract surgery in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and evaluate the dose-response relationship. This retrospective cohort study enrolled patients who underwent bilateral cataract surgeries from 2000 to 2017 in Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. The endophthalmitis rates within 3 months after cataract surgery were compared between DM and non-DM cohorts using a generalised estimating equation. The diabetes complications severity index (DSCI) score was adopted to assess the dose-response effect on the endophthalmitis rate. A total of 883 398 patients (1 766 796 eyes) were included. Patients with DM had an increased risk of endophthalmitis after cataract surgery than patients without DM (0.261% vs. 0.242%, adjusted odds ratio = 1.09, 95% confidence interval = 1.03-1.16). The higher endophthalmitis rate in the DM group than in the non-DM group remains after excluding those with prior vitrectomy or intravitreal injection (IVI), and took IVI between the cataract surgery and endophthalmitis (p = 0.0156, 0.0048, and 0.0139). There was a significant dose-response relationship on the likelihood of endophthalmitis in DM patients when DCSI score >10. The endophthalmitis rate is highest among DM complications in patients with metabolic disorders (0.342%). DM was a risk factor for endophthalmitis after cataract surgery after adjusting for age, sex, common systemic disorders, and excluding those with prior vitrectomy or IVI and having IVI between cataract surgery and endophthalmitis. A dose-response relationship was noted in DM patients with a DCSI score >10.


Nickel nanowires induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis by generation of reactive oxygen species in HeLa cells.
Nickel nanowires (Ni NWs) have great potential to be used as a living cell manipulation tool and developed into an anticancer agent. However, their candidacy as biomedical appliances need detailed human cell studies, such as study of the interaction between Ni NWs and tumor cells. The present study investigated the cytotoxicity of Ni NWs in HeLa cells. A dose-dependent inhibition of cell growth was observed by using the MTT assay. We demonstrated that Ni NWs induced oxidative stress by generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Apoptosis induction was evidenced by flow cytometry, annexin V binding assay and DAPI staining. DNA flow cytometric analysis indicated that Ni NWs significantly increased the percentages of cells in S phase compared with control cells. This process was accompanied by the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. These results revealed that Ni NWs induced apoptosis in HeLa cells via ROS generation and cell cycle arrest.


Spontaneous renal disease resembling hyperoxaluria in young lambs.
Five out of 60 purebred Suffolk lambs died when four to six weeks old with a nephrosis characterised by heavy deposits of crystals resembling calcium oxalate in the tubules. The source of oxalate was not clearly identified but may have resulted from oxalate-forming mould contamination of concentrates fed to both ewes and lambs.


Parental Perceptions of Their Children's Access to Household Firearms.
To provide a nationally representative estimate of the proportion of gun owners who report a child has independent access to one of their guns, and to describe characteristics of these gun owners relative to other gun-owning parents. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of online survey data collected in 2019 from a nationally representative sample of US adults in households with firearms (n = 4030, response 65%). The sample comprised gun-owning respondents living in homes with children (n = 689) who were asked questions about their firearms, including how they were stored, and about who other than themselves had access to their guns: "If you were not there, who in your household could get one of your guns (and load it if it is not loaded already) if they needed to?" Twelve percent of US gun owners in homes with children report that a child has independent access to one of their guns (about one-fifth of those having children under age 12 years only). Gun owners who reported child access were more likely than those who reported no child access to store guns unlocked and loaded, but still one-fifth of those reporting access stored all guns locked and unloaded. We find that more than 10% of gun owners with children report that a child can independently access one of their guns, including parents who store all guns locked and unloaded suggesting that guidance to parents should focus on access in addition to firearm storage.


[Comparison of different deafening strategies based on ototoxic drugs on mouse animals model].
To compare safety, reliability and usefulness of two deafening protocols on animal mouse model, based on aminoglycosides exposure Adults mice, Bulb/C, deafened with kanamycine 14 days treatment (group I), single kanamycin injection followed by etacrinic acid administration (group II) and control group. Hearing evaluation performed with ABR recordings on 6th day after drug exposure Both protocols were not able to guarantee complete ablation of the inner ear in tested animals. Although short deafening strategy was more effective (83.33% deaf mice) it was combined with high rate of mortality during general anesthesia for hearing evaluation. Variable outcomes in deafening mouse animal model implies the necessity of hearing evaluation every time prior to the pathophysiological as well as molecular studies. Mice exposed to severe oto- and nephrotoxic insult do not recover after anesthetic drug administration, thus harvesting inner ear tissues especially as the source of RNA should be performed immediately after ABR recordings.


Study of laboratory staff' knowledge of biobanking in Côte d'Ivoire.
A biobank is a structure which collects and manages biological samples and their associated data. The collected samples will then be made available for various uses. The sharing of those samples raised ethical questions which have been answered through specific rules. Thus, a Biobank functioning under tight ethical rules would be immensely valuable from a scientific and an economic view point. In 2009, Côte d'Ivoire established a biobank, which has been chosen to house the regional biobank of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) countries in 2018. To ensure optimal and efficient use of this biobank, the scientific community must be aware of its existence and its role. It was therefore necessary to evaluate the knowledge of laboratories staff on the role and activities of a biobank. This descriptive study was done by questioning staff from laboratories working on human's health, animals or plants. The laboratories were located in southern Côte d'Ivoire. A total of 205 people completed the questionnaire. Of these 205 people, 34.63% were biologists, 7.32% engineers, 48.78% technicians and 9.27% PhD students. The average length of work experience was 10.11 ± 7.83 years. In this study, 43.41% of the participants had never heard of biobanking. Only 48.78% of participants had a good understanding of the role of a biobank. Technicians and PhD students were less educated on the notion of biobank (p < 0.000001). Although biologists were more educated on this issue, 21.13% of them had a misconception of biobank. Good knowledge of the role of a biobank was not significantly related to the work experience's length (p > 0.88). The level of knowledge of laboratory staff about biobanking needs to be improved. Training on the role, activities and interests of the biobank is important.


Anomalous nanostructured titanium dioxide.
Titanium dioxide nanoparticles prepared in water-in-oil microemulsion droplets by controlled hydrolysis of TiCl(4)-generated crystalline nanoparticles of sizes from 115 nm down to 6 nm diameter depending on the size of the aqueous core of the micellar droplets. Powder X-ray diffraction of the vacuum-dried product (without sintering) indicated the presence of an unusual type of orthorhombic crystal structure nearly similar to titanium dioxide crystals prepared at high pressure. On gradual heating up to 900 degrees C these metastable crystals are converted into relatively more stable nanorods perhaps through making and breaking of the Ti-O-Ti bonds. It has been concluded that chemical pressure generated within the constrained volume of aqueous core of the reverse micellar droplets is responsible for the unusual crystal structure of TiO(2) nanoparticles.


Vascular responses to anaesthetic agents.
Data have been presented showing that certain general anaesthetic agents such as halothane decrease the spontaneous activity of the rabbit anterior mesenteric portal vein and decrease the response of venous and aortic strips to exogenous noradrenaline. If these observations can be extrapolated to the intact animal they may indicate that the hypotension occurring with use of such agents may be due not only to cardiac effects but also to peripheral vasodilatation and muting of reflex sympathetic vasoconstriction. Although the response to noradrenaline is antagonized, this appears to be nonspecific effect and no evidence was found for interference with noradrenaline release nor for direct actions on beta-adrenegic receptors. While the thiobarbiturates increased spontaneous activity and tone of the rabbit anterior portal vein no evidence was obtained that this occurred through release of noradrenaline from tissue stores.


Rapid reduction in coronary risk for those who quit cigarette smoking.
The objective of this study was to determine the rate of the decline in risk of a major coronary event after quitting cigarette smoking. It was a population-based case-control study of men and women aged 35 to 69 years in Newcastle, Australia, and men and women aged 35 to 64 years in Auckland, New Zealand, between 1986 and 1994. Cases were 5,572 people identified in population registers of coronary events and controls were 6,268 participants in independent community-based risk factor prevalence surveys from the same study populations. There was a rapid reduction in risk after quitting cigarette smoking. The risk of suffering a major coronary event for men who were current cigarette smokers was 3.5 (95% CI 3.0-4.0) times higher than the risk for never smokers but this fell to 1.5 (95% CI 1.1-1.9) for men who had quit for 1-3 years. Women who were current cigarette smokers were 4.8 (95% CI 4.0-5.9) times more likely to suffer a major coronary event than never smokers and this fell to 1.6 (95% CI 1.0-2.5) for women who had quit for 1-3 years. Those who had quit cigarette smoking for 4-6 years or more had a similar risk to never smokers. These results reinforce the importance of smoking cessation. The public health message is that the benefit of giving up smoking occurs rapidly.


Urinary inositol phosphoglycan-P type: near patient test to detect preeclampsia prior to clinical onset of the disease. A study on 416 pregnant Mauritian women.
Preeclampsia and eclampsia account for major pregnancy complications in Mauritius, an emerging country (maternal mortality rate of 60 per 100,000 deliveries). This prospective longitudinal study was carried out in the main regional hospital in the north of the island, to measure inositol phosphoglycan-P type (IPG-P) in the urine of pregnant women (using an ELISA-based assay). Women had approximately 10 prenatal visits per pregnancy and a complete follow-up in this same referral centre after the first trimester of pregnancy. Urine samples were collected every 1-4 weeks in all women. In a cohort of 416 patients, preeclampsia (PE) was diagnosed in 34 women. In established PE (hypertension and proteinuria), the assay as a diagnostic test showed a positive likelihood ratio of 18.73, a negligible negative likelihood ratio with area under the curve (AUC) of 0.99, sensitivity of 96.7%, specificity of 94.8% and remained negative in control women (n=312), women with gestational hypertension (without proteinuria (n=56), and gestational diabetic mothers (n=14). Moreover, as a predictive screening test two weeks before the diagnosis of PE, the assay showed sensitivity of 84.2% and specificity of 83.6%. Detection of urinary inositol phosphoglycan-P type in pregnant women can be a useful confirmatory marker of PE, as well as a predictive marker, two weeks before the onset of the disease.


Co-chairman's remarks: protein designs for the specific recognition of DNA.
The selective expression of a gene is achieved through the interaction of protein transcription factors with characteristic nucleotide sequences located in the regulatory region of the gene, which is usually distinct from the coding region. These proteins contain domains which bind specifically to the DNA sites (or response elements). Some general principles in the design of these DNA-binding domains are described, followed by examples of the different structural classes discovered so far and how they recognise their binding sites.


Regulation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis cell envelope composition and virulence by intramembrane proteolysis.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection is a continuing global health crisis that kills 2 million people each year. Although the structurally diverse lipids of the M. tuberculosis cell envelope each have non-redundant roles in virulence or persistence, the molecular mechanisms regulating cell envelope composition in M. tuberculosis are undefined. In higher eukaryotes, membrane composition is controlled by site two protease (S2P)-mediated cleavage of sterol regulatory element binding proteins, membrane-bound transcription factors that control lipid biosynthesis. S2P is the founding member of a widely distributed family of membrane metalloproteases that cleave substrate proteins within transmembrane segments. Here we show that a previously uncharacterized M. tuberculosis S2P homologue (Rv2869c) regulates M. tuberculosis cell envelope composition, growth in vivo and persistence in vivo. These results establish that regulated intramembrane proteolysis is a conserved mechanism controlling membrane composition in prokaryotes and show that this proteolysis is a proximal regulator of cell envelope virulence determinants in M. tuberculosis.


Calculation of sequence divergence from the thermal stability of DNA heteroduplexes.
Measurements are reported of the thermal stability of DNA heteroduplexes between clones of the eta-globin pseudogene from a variety of primates. The known sequences of this 7.1-kb region differ from each over a range from 1.6% for human versus chimp to nearly 12% for human versus spider monkey. Thermal stability was determined by standard hydroxyapatite thermal elution, and the results show a precisely linear decrease in thermal stability with divergence. The slope of the regression line is 1.18% sequence divergence per degree centigrade reduction in thermal stability.


Metabolism and mode of selective inhibition of human immunodeficiency virus replication by 3'-azido-2',3'-dideoxy-5-iodouridine and 3'-azido-2',3'-dideoxy-5-bromouridine.
3'-Azido-2',3'-dideoxy-5-iodouridine (AzIdUrd) and 3'-azido-2',3'-dideoxy-5-bromouridine (AzBdUrd), previously shown to be potent and selective inhibitors of human immunodeficiency virus replication in vitro were minimally toxic to the uninfected human lymphoid cell line H9 (IC50 = 197 and 590 microM, respectively). Both compounds strongly inhibited the incorporation of [3H]thymidine but not [3H]deoxyadenosine into DNA, and we observed no significant inhibition of [3H]uridine incorporation into RNA or [3H]amino acid incorporation into protein. Exposure of H9 cells to AzIdUrd or AzBdUrd (100 microM, 24 hr) and pulse-labeling with [3H]thymidine resulted in approximately 80% reduction in levels of tritiated dTMP, dTDP, and dTTP relative to control. [125I]AzIdUrd was phosphorylated rapidly in H9 cells with the monophosphate accounting for over 90% of total soluble radioactivity. A relatively low but stable level of AzIdUTP was maintained over a 12-hr period. [125I]AzIdUrd was phosphorylated by a cell free extract of H9 cells at a rate approximately three times that of thymidine and its phosphorylation was inhibited by excess thymidine. AzIdUrd was found to be a competitive inhibitor of cytosolic thymidine kinase with a Ki of 2.63 microM and AzIdUMP a weak competitive inhibitor of thymidylate kinase with a Ki of 55.3 microM. Both AzIdUTP and AzBdUTP were potent competitive inhibitors of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (Ki = 0.028 and 0.043 microM, respectively) and relatively poor inhibitors of H9 cell DNA polymerase alpha (Ki = 42.0 and 42.7 microM, respectively). Thus, the high therapeutic index of these compounds is due to the sensitivity of the viral reverse transcriptase, coupled with the relative insensitivity of the host cell DNA polymerase alpha.


Culture of the terminally differentiated ventricular cardiac muscle cell. Characterization of exogenous substrate oxidation and the adenylate cyclase system.
Oxidation of several exogenous substrates by cultured adult rat ventricular cardiac muscle cells has been assessed. Unlike freshly isolated cardiac muscle cells which oxidize glucose preferentially, the cultured cells more closely resemble metabolically the in situ heart and the isolated perfused heart, in that their preference for exogenous substrates is in the order of fatty acid greater than glucose. This switch in metabolic preference from glucose to fatty acid is complete within 12 h after placing freshly isolated cells in culture. Glucose oxidation is stimulated by insulin and isoproterenol and inhibited by beta-hydroxybutyrate and octanoate. The adenylate cyclase system has also been examined in these cultured cells. Isoproterenol, norepinephrine and epinephrine stimulate the accumulation of cyclic adenosine 3':5'-monophosphate (cyclic AMP) in a concentration-dependent manner. The order of potency is isoproterenol greater than norepinephrine approximately equal to epinephrine. This stimulation is potentiated by 1-isobutyl-3-methylxanthine and inhibited by 1-propranolol.


Sensitive measures of the nutritional status of children with cancer in hospital and in the field.
Sensitive measures of nutritional status exist. Initial assessment must include some measure that is independent of tumour mass, particularly in children with large solid tumours. Arm anthropometry, including triceps and biceps skinfold thickness (SFT), and mid-upper-arm circumference (MUAC) are ideal in this situation, but MUAC is probably the simplest measure to use. In the clinical setting, a direct measure of fat-free body mass (FFBM) does not exist, but bio-electrical impedance (BIA) measures FFBM indirectly, and has many advantages, in particular its ease of use and immediate results. The BIA analyzer is portable and hence can be used in the field as well as by the bedside. Serum proteins and insulin-like growth factors are insufficiently sensitive as nutritional indices and have only a minor role in nutritional assessment.


Anti-inflammatory potency of novel ecto-5'-nucleotidase/CD73 inhibitors in astrocyte culture model of neuroinflammation.
Three novel cytosine-derived α,β-methylene diphosphonates designated MRS4598, MRS4552, and MRS4602 were tested in the range of 1 × 10-9 to 1 × 10-3 M for their efficacy and potency in inhibiting membrane-bound ecto-5'-nucleotidase/CD73 activity in primary astrocytes in vitro. The compounds were also tested for their ability to attenuate the reactive astrocyte phenotype induced by proinflammatory cytokines. The main findings are as follows: A) The tested compounds induced concentration-dependent inhibition of CD73 activity, with maximal inhibition achieved at ∼1 × 10-3M; B) All compounds showed high inhibitory potency, as reflected by IC50 values in the submicromolar range; C) All compounds showed high binding capacity, as reflected by Ki values in the low nanomolar range; D) Among the tested compounds, MRS4598 showed the highest inhibitory efficacy and potency, as reflected by IC50 and Ki values of 0.11 μM and 18.2 nM; E) Neither compound affected astrocyte proliferation and cell metabolic activity at concentrations near to IC50; E) MRS4598 was able to inhibit CD73 activity in reactive astrocytes stimulated with TNF-α and to induce concentration-dependent inhibition of CD73 in reactive astrocytes stimulated with IL-1β, with an order of magnitude higher IC50 value; F) MRS4598 was the only compound tested that was able to induce shedding of the CD73 from astrocyte membranes and to enhance astrocyte migration in the scratch wound migration assay, albeit at concentration well above its IC50 value. Given the role of CD73 in neurodegenerative diseases, MRS4598, MRS4552, and MRS4602 are promising pharmacological tools for the treatment of neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation.


In-Situ growing tungsten Sulfide/Carbon nanosheets on sodium titanate nanorods to stabilize Surface-Structure for enhanced Sodium-ion storage.
Sodium-ions hybrid capacitors (SIHCs) have been recognized as one of the most potential energy storage devices, which can deliver high power and energy densities simultaneously. However, the sluggish kinetics of electrode materials severely restricts the performance of SIHCs. Herein, N, P-codoped carbon and WS2 nanosheets coating on sodium titanate nanorods (NTO@WS2/N, PC) were first designed by in-situ growing process and sulfuration treatment for boosting sodium-ion storage. Specifically, NTO@WS2/N, PC electrodes displayed a satisfactory specific capacity of 274.7 mAh g-1 at 3.0 A g-1 after 1200 cycles. Furthermore, as-assembled SIHCs delivered high-energy density of 112.1 Wh kg-1 and high-power density of 4334.4 W kg-1. Besides, long-term cycling test revealed that a remarkable capacity retention rate of 89.7% was obtained at 8.0 A g-1 after 2000 cycles. The excellent cycling stability and rate property could be ascribed to following aspects. On the one hand, N, P-codoped carbon could enhance the electrical conductivity and strengthen the structural integrality of the composites. On the other hand, ultrathin WS2 nanosheets and one-dimensional (1D) NTO nanorods structure were conducive to the rapid diffusion of Na+. This work provides a convenient technique to stabilize the structure of electrode materials, which can promote the practical application of SIHCs.


Draft Genome Sequence of Halomonas titanicae Strain TAT1, a Hydrocarbon-Oxidizing Halophilic Bacterium Isolated from a Petroleum Reservoir in Russia.
The draft genome sequence of a moderately halophilic bacterium, Halomonas titanicae strain TAT1, isolated from production water of the Romashkinskoe oilfield (Russia) is presented. The genome is annotated for elucidation of the metabolic pathways involved in hydrocarbon degradation and nitrate reduction in petroleum-contaminated hypersaline environments.


Cinacalcet for hypercalcemia caused by pulmonary squamous cell carcinoma producing parathyroid hormone-related Peptide.
Current treatments for hypercalcemia caused by lung cell carcinomas producing parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTH-rp) have limited efficacy, probably because of their lack of effect on PTH-rp secretion. In this case study we explored the efficacy of the calcimimetic cinacalcet as suppressor of PTH-rp production. A 57-year-old male with severe and recurrent hypercalcemia induced by a PTH-rp-producing squamous cell lung carcinoma, stage cT4N3M1b, poorly responding to standard treatments. Serum PTH-rp levels were not affected by saline, calcitonin or zoledronate. PTH-rp decreased during chemotherapy and cinacalcet monotherapy. The combination of chemotherapy plus cinacalcet was most effective in rapidly reducing serum calcium and PTH-rp. This case study is the first to suggest that cinacalcet may be of value in some cases of PTH-rp-dependent hypercalcemia. Corroborative evidence is needed.


Effects of ouabain on carotid body chemoreceptor activity in the cat.
The effects of infusions of ouabain on chemoreceptor activity recorded from the peripheral end of a sectioned carotid sinus nerve were studied in cats anaesthetized with pentobarbitone. Ouabain caused a marked increase in chemoreceptor discharge followed by a decline in discharge to frequencies near or below the pre-ouabain level; during the latter period further administration of ouabain had no effect. Infusion of ouabain during hypoxia further increased the chemoreceptor discharge, but this effect was short-lasting. On intracarotid administration ouabain was less effective in cats with the ganglioglomerular (sympathetic) nerves cut, whereas on intravenous administration no significant difference was observed. Following intravenous administration of ouabain the chemoreceptor peak discharge occurred with dose levels similar to those needed to cause cardiac arrhythmias, but following intracarotid administration the chemoreceptor discharge peaked at doses about 40% of those causing arrhythmias. During ouabain-induced excitation the stimulatory action of NaCN, CO2-equilibrated Locke solution and acetylcholine was potentiated, as was the chemo-inhibition induced by dopamine. During the post-excitatory period the responses evoked by these substances were reduced or abolished. Neither mecamylamine, a nicotinic antagonist, nor physostigmine, an anti-cholinesterase, affected the response of the carotid chemoreceptors to ouabain. The major finding of this study was that ouabain initially 'sensitizes' the carotid body chemoreceptors and then 'desensitizes' them. The most likely mechanism responsible for these effects is the well established Na+--K+-ATPase-inhibiting property of ouabain.


Characterization of vaginal Lactobacillus species as a predictor of fertility among Iranian women with unexplained recurrent miscarriage and fertile women without miscarriage history using machine learning modeling.
Lactobacillus spp. are the predominant bacteria of the vaginal tract, the alteration of which has been previously linked to miscarriage. Here, we investigated differences between selected vaginal Lactobacillus species of women with a history of recurrent miscarriages and fertile women without a history of miscarriage in Iran. Vaginal swabs were taken from 29 fertile and 24 infertile women and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay was used to determine a selection of vaginal Lactobacillus species in both groups. The logistic regression (LR) model, Naive Bayes (NB) model, support vector machine model (SVM), and neural network model (NN) were developed to predict disease outcome by selected variables. LR analysis was used to construct a nomogram indicating predictions of the risk of miscarriage. The most abundant species among the patients were L. rhamnosus, L. ruminis, and L. acidophilus, while L. gasseri, L. vaginalis, L. fermentum, and L. iners were more abundant in healthy subjects. The distribution of L. ruminis, L. iners, and L. rhamnosus was higher in patients, while L. acidophilus, L. gasseri, and L. fermentum were highly distributed among healthy subjects. Higher AUC in predicting the disease outcome was observed for L. gasseri, L. rhamnosus, L. fermentum, and L. plantarum. Our findings provide experimental evidence of vaginal Lactobacillus imbalance in infertile women and a suitable predictor for miscarriage based on the AUC algorithms. Further studies with larger sample size and using high-throughput technologies are needed to boost our understanding of the role of lactobacilli in miscarriage.


Epidemiology of U.S. high school sports-related ligamentous ankle injuries, 2005/06-2010/11.
Describe ankle injury epidemiology among US high school athletes in 20 sports. Descriptive prospective epidemiology study. Sports injury data for the 2005/06 to 2010/11 academic years were collected using an Internet-based injury surveillance system, Reporting Information Online. A nationwide convenience sample of US high schools. Injuries sustained as a function of sport and gender. Ankle sprain rates and patterns, outcomes, and mechanisms. From 2005/06 to 2010/11, certified athletic trainers reported 5373 ankle sprains in 17,172,376 athlete exposures (AEs), for a rate of 3.13 ankle sprains per 10,000 AEs. Rates were higher for girls than for boys (rate ratio [RR], 1.25; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.17-1.34) in gender-comparable sports and higher in competition than practice for boys (RR, 3.42; 95% CI, 3.20-3.66) and girls (RR, 2.71; 95% CI, 2.48-2.95). The anterior talofibular ligament was most commonly injured (involved in 85.3% of sprains). Overall, 49.7% of sprains resulted in loss of participation from 1 to 6 days. Although 0.5% of all ankle sprains required surgery, 6.6% of those involving the deltoid ligament also required surgery. The athletes were wearing ankle braces in 10.6% of all the sprains. The most common injury mechanism was contact with another person (42.4% of all ankle sprains). Ankle sprains are a serious problem in high school sports, with high rates of recurrent injury and loss of participation from sport.


Hexachlorobenzene impairs glucose metabolism in a rat model of porphyria cutanea tarda: a mechanistic approach.
Hexachlobenzene (HCB), one of the most persistent environmental pollutants, induces porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT). The aim of this work was to analyze the effect of HCB on some aspects of glucose metabolism, particularly those related to its neosynthesis in vivo. For this purpose, a time-course study on gluconeogenic enzymes, pyruvate carboxylase (PC), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), glucose-6-phosphatase (G-6-Pase) and on pyruvate kinase (PK), a glycolytic enzyme, was carried out. Plasma glucose and insulin levels, hepatic glycogen, tryptophan contents, and the pancreatic insulin secretion pattern stimulated by glucose were investigated. Oxidative stress and heme pathway parameters were also evaluated. HCB treatment decreased PC, PEPCK, and G-6-Pase activities. The effect was observed at an early time point and grew as the treatment progressed. Loss of 60, 56, and 37%, respectively, was noted at the end of the treatment when a considerable amount of porphyrins had accumulated in the liver as a result of drastic blockage of uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase (URO-D) (95% inhibition). The plasma glucose level was reduced (one-third loss), while storage of hepatic glucose was stimulated in a time-dependent way by HCB treatment. A decay in the normal plasma insulin level was observed as fungicide intoxication progressed (twice to four times lower). However, normal insulin secretion of perifused pancreatic Langerhans islets stimulated by glucose during the 3rd and 6th weeks of treatment did not prove to be significantly affected. HCB promoted a time-dependent increase in urinary chemiluminiscence (fourfold) and hepatic malondialdehide (MDA) content (fivefold), while the liver tryptophan level was only raised at the longest intoxication times. These results would suggest that HCB treatment does not cause a primary alteration in the mechanism of pancreatic insulin secretion and that the changes induced by the fungicide on insulin levels would be an adaptative response of the organism to stimulate gluconeogenesis. They showed for the first time that HCB causes impairment of the gluconeogenic pathway. Therefore, the reduced levels of glucose would thus be the consequence of decreased gluconeogenesis, enhanced glucose storage, and unaffected glycolysis. The impairment of gluconeogenesis (especially for PEPCK) and the related variation in glucose levels caused by HCB treatment could be a consequence of the oxidative stress produced by the fungicide. Tryptophan adds its effect to this decrease in the higher phases of HCB intoxication, where its levels overcome the control values possibly owing to the drastic decline of URO-D. This derangement of carbohydrates leads porphyric hepatocytes to have lower levels of free glucose. These results contribute to our understanding of the protective and modulatory effect that diets rich in carbohydrates have in hepatic porphyria disease.


Facilitation of tunnel maze performance by systemic injection of the neurokinin substance P.
The effect of peripheral injections of substance P (SP) on performance in two different configurations of an automated tunnel maze was examined in three experiments. In two experiments, the effect of pretrial SP injections (10-1000 micrograms/kg) on performance in the hexagonal and radial maze configuration of an automated tunnel maze was investigated. In the hexagonal maze, which measures activity, exploratory efficiency, habituation, and perimeter walking, injection of SP affected perimeter walking only. In the radial maze, SP produced a facilitation of measures of efficiency and long-term and short-term memory without affecting activity. In the third experiment, the effect of pre- and posttrial injections of SP (50 or 500 micrograms/kg) on performance in the radial maze configuration was tested. Again, pretrial injections of 500 micrograms of SP facilitated performance with respect to measures of efficiency and short- and long-term memory; 50 micrograms produced a weaker effect. Virtually no effect was seen with posttrial injections.


A physiological approach to the evaluation of lumbosacral spinal stenosis.
It has been demonstrated that MR imaging of the lumbosacral spine may frequently show stenosis in an asymptomatic individual. This article discusses the value of a physiologic test--dermatomal somatosensory evoked potentials--to assist in the diagnosis of true neurogenic spinal stenosis in patients with back and leg complaints and to aid in the separation of these patients from those whose symptoms are caused by degenerative spine disease with referred pain.


Safety of nurse-administered propofol sedation using PCA pump for outpatient colonoscopy in Chinese patients: a pilot study.
To determine the safety and effectiveness of nurse-administered propofol sedation using patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump in outpatient colonoscopy in a Chinese population. From April to June 2005, 50 consecutive ASA class I or II patients aged 18-65 undergoing outpatient colonoscopy in an endoscopy centre of a regional hospital were prospectively recruited in this study. After a loading dose of 40-60 mg intravenous propofol, a mixture containing 14.3 mg propofol and 35 microg alfentanil were delivered via a patient-controlled syringe pump as bolus dose by an endoscopy nurse under the supervision of an endoscopist during the procedure. Lockout time was set to be zero. We aimed to achieve conscious sedation, with an Observers Scale for Sedation and Alertness (OSSA) score of 3. The primary outcome measure was complications from sedation, which included hypotension, bradycardia and desaturation. Other outcome measures included onset time, patients pain score, endoscopists and nurses satisfaction on the level of sedation, patients satisfaction regarding the procedure (measured by 10 cm visual analogue scale), and their willingness to repeat the procedure. The mean lowest systolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were 103.2 +/- 12.4 mmHg and 78.3 +/- 11.0 mmHg, respectively. The mean percentage drop in MAP was 15.7 +/- 11.9%. Six patients (12.2%) developed transient hypotension. Three patients (6.1%) had bradycardia. There was no episode of desaturation. The median onset time to reach OSSA score of 3 was 1 minute (range, 0.5-20.5). The OSSA score of 3 could be maintained throughout the procedure. The mean loading dose of propofol was 48.9 +/- 6.7 mg. The mean total dosages of propofol and alfentanil given were 124.2 +/- 38.1 mg and 184.3 +/- 93.7 mug, respectively. Endoscopists, endoscopy nurses and patients were highly satisfied with the sedation. The median pain score was 1 (range, 0-10; 0 = no pain, 10 = very painful), and the mean recovery time was 2.8 +/- 2.8 minutes. Most patients (93.9%) were willing to repeat the procedure. Nurse-administered propofol sedation using PCA pump is safe and effective in sedation and pain control in outpatient colonoscopy in a healthy Chinese population.


Pediatric Oncology Group experience with modified LSA2-L2 therapy in 107 children with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (Burkitt's lymphoma excluded).
From September 1976 to August 1979 the Pediatric Oncology Group accessed 145 children to study the effectiveness of modified LSA2-L2 therapy for the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Burkitt's lymphoma patients were ineligible; E-rosette-positive patients with greater than or equal to 25% blasts in the marrow entered after February 1977 were reported separately. Radiotherapy could be used to treat patients with compressive mediastinal disease at diagnosis and was prescribed for those with residual abdominal disease as demonstrated by second-look surgery on completion of induction chemotherapy. Confirmation of diagnosis by the Pathology Panel and Repository Center for Lymphoma Clinical Trials was mandatory. Diagnostic tissues of 131 patients were reviewed. Among 107 evaluable patients, 91 (85%) achieved complete remission. Differences in response rates among the three major histologic groups (lymphoblastic, undifferentiated, and large cell) were of statistical significance, with response being poorest for diffuse undifferentiated lymphoma (P = 0.03). Failure-free survival did not differ significantly for the three major histologic diagnoses. While response rate was lowest for Murphy Stage III patients (79%), the differences among the stages were not significant. Stage was not a significant prognostic factor for failure-free survival (P = 0.08). The number of patients still at risk and the Kaplan-Meier estimate of percentage of patients remaining at risk after 3 years is: Stage I, 8 (100%); Stage II, 10 (67%); Stage III, 28 (57%); Stage IV, 6 (39%); and greater than 25% blasts, 1 (13%). Stage III failure curves for lymphoblastic disease show continuing stepwise failure through 3 years. Among patients with diffuse large cell and undifferentiated disease, most failures occurred by 8 months. M1 and M2 levels of marrow involvement were not prognostic among children with lymphoblastic disease. The presence of a mediastinal mass was a significant factor contributing to failure in children with lymphoblastic disease without marrow involvement. Leucocytosis greater than 10,000/1, was a significant (P = less than 0.001) factor predicting failure-free survival for patients with large cell lymphoma. The delivery of radiotherapy was not a significant factor in achieving remission. No consistent benefit resulted from using radiotherapy to treat postinduction residual disease demonstrated on second-look exploration. The LSA2-L2 regimen was associated with considerable toxicity, severe or worse in 77% and life-threatening to 40% of these patients. Four died of toxicity. However, therapy was given more easily and safely as investigator experience increased.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)


Virus growth and antibody responses following respiratory tract infection of ferrets and mice with WT and P/V mutants of the paramyxovirus Simian Virus 5.
P/V gene substitutions convert the non-cytopathic paramyxovirus Simian Virus 5 (SV5), which is a poor inducer of host cell responses in human tissue culture cells, into a mutant (P/V-CPI-) that induces high levels of apoptosis, interferon (IFN)-beta, and proinflammatory cytokines. However, the effect of SV5-P/V gene mutations on virus growth and adaptive immune responses in animals has not been determined. Here, we used two distinct animal model systems to test the hypothesis that SV5-P/V mutants which are more potent activators of innate responses in tissue culture will also elicit higher antiviral antibody responses. In mouse cells, in vitro studies identified a panel of SV5-P/V mutants that ranged in their ability to limit IFN responses. Intranasal infection of mice with these WT and P/V mutant viruses elicited equivalent anti-SV5 IgG responses at all doses tested, and viral titers recovered from the respiratory tract were indistinguishable. In primary cultures of ferret lung fibroblasts, WT rSV5 and P/V-CPI- viruses had phenotypes similar to those established in human cell lines, including differential induction of IFN secretion, IFN signaling and apoptosis. Intranasal infection of ferrets with a low dose of WT rSV5 elicited approximately 500 fold higher anti-SV5 serum IgG responses compared to the P/V-CPI- mutant, and this correlated with overall higher viral titers for the WT virus in tracheal tissues. There was a dose-dependent increase in antibody response to infection of ferrets with P/V-CPI-, but not with WT rSV5. Together our data indicate that WT rSV5 and P/V mutants can elicit distinct innate and adaptive immunity phenotypes in the ferret animal model system, but not in the mouse system. We present a model for the effect of P/V gene substitutions on SV5 growth and immune responses in vivo.


Association between polymorphisms of Myf5, MSTN and CAST genes and fattening performance in Brown Swiss and Holstein cattle breeds.
This study determined the association between Myf5, CAST and MSTN genes and fattening performance traits in 228 (Holstein = 103 and Brown = 125) cattle breeds. Classification and regression tree (CART) was used to determine association between genes and fattening performance. The allele frequencies of Holstein cattle in terms of Myf5, CAST and MSTN genes were A:0.30, B:0.70; A:0.43, G:0.56; A:0.97, B:0.03, respectively, whereas in the Brown Swiss cattle were A:0.36, B:0.64; A:0.65, G:0.34; A:0.88, B:0.12 respectively. The Myf5, CAST, and MSTN genes were found to be in the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (p > 0.05) in both of the cattle breeds. As a result, the association between Myf5, CAST and MSTN genes and fattening performance traits were found to be significant according to CART analysis.


Anti-infective characteristics of a new Carbothane ventricular assist device driveline.
Driveline infections are a major complication of ventricular assist device (VAD) therapy. A newly introduced Carbothane driveline has preliminarily demonstrated anti-infective potential against driveline infections. This study aimed to comprehensively assess the anti-biofilm capability of the Carbothane driveline and explore its physicochemical characteristics. We assessed the Carbothane driveline against biofilm formation of leading microorganisms causing VAD driveline infections, including Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans, using novel in vitro biofilm assays mimicking different infection micro-environments. The importance of physicochemical properties of the Carbothane driveline in microorganism-device interactions were analyzed, particularly focusing on the surface chemistry. The role of micro-gaps in driveline tunnels on biofilm migration was also examined. All organisms were able to attach to the smooth and velour sections of the Carbothane driveline. Early microbial adherence, at least for S. aureus and S. epidermidis, did not proceed to the formation of mature biofilms in a drip-flow biofilm reactor mimicking the driveline exit site environment. The presence of a driveline tunnel however, promoted staphylococcal biofilm formation on the Carbothane driveline. Physicochemical analysis of the Carbothane driveline revealed surface characteristics that may have contributed to its anti-biofilm activity, such as the aliphatic nature of its surface. The presence of micro-gaps in the tunnel facilitated biofilm migration of the studied bacterial species. This study provides experimental evidence to support the anti-biofilm activity of the Carbothane driveline and uncovered specific physicochemical features that may explain its ability to inhibit biofilm formation.


Optimally choosing PWM motif databases and sequence scanning approaches based on ChIP-seq data.
For many years now, binding preferences of Transcription Factors have been described by so called motifs, usually mathematically defined by position weight matrices or similar models, for the purpose of predicting potential binding sites. However, despite the availability of thousands of motif models in public and commercial databases, a researcher who wants to use them is left with many competing methods of identifying potential binding sites in a genome of interest and there is little published information regarding the optimality of different choices. Thanks to the availability of large number of different motif models as well as a number of experimental datasets describing actual binding of TFs in hundreds of TF-ChIP-seq pairs, we set out to perform a comprehensive analysis of this matter. We focus on the task of identifying potential transcription factor binding sites in the human genome. Firstly, we provide a comprehensive comparison of the coverage and quality of models available in different databases, showing that the public databases have comparable TFs coverage and better motif performance than commercial databases. Secondly, we compare different motif scanners showing that, regardless of the database used, the tools developed by the scientific community outperform the commercial tools. Thirdly, we calculate for each motif a detection threshold optimizing the accuracy of prediction. Finally, we provide an in-depth comparison of different methods of choosing thresholds for all motifs a priori. Surprisingly, we show that selecting a common false-positive rate gives results that are the least biased by the information content of the motif and therefore most uniformly accurate. We provide a guide for researchers working with transcription factor motifs. It is supplemented with detailed results of the analysis and the benchmark datasets at http://bioputer.mimuw.edu.pl/papers/motifs/ .


Expression of interleukin-4 receptor alpha in human pleural mesothelioma is associated with poor survival and promotion of tumor inflammation.
The origin and pathogenesis of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) are closely aligned with inflammation. MPM tumors express interleukin-4 receptor α (IL-4Rα), the principal subunit of the IL-4 receptor. We set out to determine the biologic function and clinical relevance of IL-4Rα in human MPM. Expression of IL-4Rα by human MPM tumors was determined by quantitative real-time PCR (n = 37) and immunohistochemistry (n = 52). Intracellular cytokine analysis of T-cell-derived IL-4 was carried out on matched tumor and blood samples from eight patients with MPM. Four human MPM cell lines were used to determine the direct effects of IL-4 on MPM tumor cells. High tumor mRNA expression of IL-4Rα was an independent predictor of poor survival in patients with epithelial MPM [HR, 3.13, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.68-7.15; P = <0.0001]. Ninety-seven percent of epithelial MPM tumors and 95% of nonepithelial MPM tumors expressed IL-4Rα protein by immunohistochemistry, and strong IL-4Rα staining correlated with worse survival in patients with epithelial histology (P = 0.04). A greater percentage of tumor-infiltrating T cells produced IL-4 compared with matched blood T cells (21% ± 7% vs. 4% ± 2%, P = 0.0002). In response to IL-4, human MPM cells showed increased STAT-6 phosphorylation and increased production of IL-6, IL-8, and VEGF, without effect on proliferation or apoptosis. Tumor expression of IL-4Rα is inversely correlated with survival in patients undergoing surgical resection for epithelial MPM. Tumor-infiltrating T cells in MPMs are polarized to produce IL-4 and may provide endogenous activation signals to MPM tumor cells in situ. The IL-4/IL-4 receptor axis is a potential therapeutic target in human MPM.


Are students with disabilities suspended more frequently than otherwise similar students without disabilities?
Students with disabilities (SWD) have been reported to be disproportionately suspended from U.S. schools and so more likely to experience the "school-to-prison pipeline" through suspension's associations with lower academic achievement, dropout, juvenile delinquency, and adult criminality. Yet few studies have estimated SWD's risk of more frequent suspension while simultaneously controlling for potential confounds. Negative binomial regression modeling of suspension count data from a nationally representative and longitudinal sample (N = 6,740) indicated that males, those from lower resourced families, and students attending more economically segregated schools were more frequently suspended. On average, students who are Black received about 1.6 times as many suspensions by the end of 8th grade as otherwise similar White students. In contrast, having a disability by 1st grade was not a risk factor for more frequent suspension by the end of 8th grade while simultaneously accounting for other risk factors (e.g., gender, race/ethnicity, family SES, prior history of externalizing problem behaviors, being from a English-speaking household, school-level economic composition). Students with specific disability conditions (e.g., emotional disturbances, speech or language impairments) were not at increased risk for more frequent suspension. Students with disabilities who are Black, Hispanic, or of other race/ethnicity were not more frequently suspended than SWD who are White.


Anodic stripping voltammetric determination of mercury using multi-walled carbon nanotubes film coated glassy carbon electrode.
An electrochemical method for the determination of trace levels of mercury based on a multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNT) film coated glassy carbon electrode (GCE) is described. In 0.1 mol L(-1) HCl solution containing 0.02 mol L(-1) KI, Hg(2+) was firstly preconcentrated at the MWNT film and then reduced at -0.60 V. During the anodic potential sweep, reduced mercury was oxidized, and then a sensitive and well-defined stripping peak at about -0.20 V appeared. Under identical conditions, a MWNT film coated GCE greatly enhances the stripping peak current of mercury in contrast to a bare GCE. Low concentrations of I(-) remarkably improve the determining sensitivity, since this increases the accumulation efficiency of Hg(2+) at the MWNT film coated GCE. The stripping peak current is proportional to the concentration of Hg(2+) over the range 8 x 10(-10)-5 x 10(-7) mol L(-1). The lowest detectable concentration of Hg(2+) is 2 x 10(-10) mol L(-1) at 5 min accumulation. The relative standard deviation (RSD) at 1 x 10(-8) mol L(-1) Hg(2+) was about 6% ( n=10). By using this proposed method, Hg(2+) in some water samples was determined, and the results were compared with those obtained by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). The two results are similar, suggesting that the MWNT-film coated GCE has great potential in practical analysis.


[Construction and analysis of subtractive cDNA library of Phellodendron amurense under drought stress].
With cDNA from Phellodendron amurense seedlings treated with drought stress as tester and cDNA from this plant in normal growth as driver, we construct cDNA subtracted library using suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH). In the library, the rate of recombination was 95%, the size of inserts was 300-800 bp. Two hundred and sixty-five new genes were obtained by DNA sequencing 816 positive clones picked randomly, and partitioned to 16 classes after nucleotide Blast and BlastX homological analysis against NT, NR, SWISSPROT, KEGG database. Forty-four drought stress associated genes, such as heat shock protein cognate 70, dehydration responsive protein 22, universal stress protein, metallothionein II, late embryogenesis abundant protein, were obtained, which made 16.6% of the overall genes. These genes included osmotic regulator, signal component regulatory protein and antioxidant enzyme. The research had established a basis for cloning stress resistance genes and further studying genes expression in P. amurense seedlings under drought stress.


Renal Dysfunction Criteria in Critically Ill Children: The PODIUM Consensus Conference.
Renal dysfunction is associated with poor outcomes in critically ill children. To evaluate the current evidence for criteria defining renal dysfunction in critically ill children and association with adverse outcomes. To develop contemporary consensus criteria for renal dysfunction in critically ill children. PubMed and Embase were searched from January 1992 to January 2020. Included studies evaluated critically ill children with renal dysfunction, performance characteristics of assessment tools for renal dysfunction, and outcomes related to mortality, functional status, or organ-specific or other patient-centered outcomes. Studies with adults or premature infants (≤36 weeks' gestational age), animal studies, reviews, case series, and studies not published in English with inability to determine eligibility criteria were excluded. Data were extracted from included studies into a standard data extraction form by task force members. The systematic review supported the following criteria for renal dysfunction: (1) urine output <0.5 mL/kg per hour for ≥6 hours and serum creatinine increase of 1.5 to 1.9 times baseline or ≥0.3 mg/dL, or (2) urine output <0.5 mL/kg per hour for ≥12 hours, or (3) serum creatinine increase ≥2 times baseline, or (4) estimated glomerular filtration rate <35 mL/minute/1.73 m2, or (5) initiation of renal replacement therapy, or (6) fluid overload ≥20%. Data also support criteria for persistent renal dysfunction and for high risk of renal dysfunction. All included studies were observational and many were retrospective. We present consensus criteria for renal dysfunction in critically ill children.


Elevated adenosine monophosphate deaminase activity in Alzheimer's disease brain.
Abnormal elevations in ammonia have been implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. However, the biochemical mechanism(s) leading to increased ammonia in Alzheimer's disease have not yet been identified. A potential source of increased ammonia production is adenosine monophosphate (AMP) deaminase, an important enzyme in the regulation of the purine nucleotide cycle and adenylate energy charge. AMP deaminase activity is expressed in human brain and converts AMP to inosine monophosphate with the release of ammonia. We have investigated AMP deaminase activity in postmortem brain tissue from Alzheimer's disease subjects and age-matched controls. Compared to control brain, Alzheimer's disease brain AMP deaminase activity is 1.6- to 2.4-fold greater in the regions examined--the cerebellum, occipital cortex, and temporal cortex. Similar increases in AMP deaminase protein and mRNA levels are observed in Alzheimer's disease brain. These results suggest that increased AMP deaminase activity may augment ammonia levels in the brain in Alzheimer's disease.


Isolation and purification of amastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi from cultured vero cells.
A method is described for the isolation and purification of the intracellular amastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi from cultured Vero cells. Host cells were infected with metacyclic forms obtained in Grace's medium. Six days after infection, the cells wer subjected to treatment with trypsin to obtain the intracellular forms. The parasites were collected and purified by Percoll discontinuous gradient centrifugation.


Transcriptome analysis of gene expression in the tomato leaf premature senescence mutant.
Premature senescence of leaves can critically influence tomato yield and quality. In this study, the leaf premature senescence mutant MT318 was a spontaneous mutant and was controlled by a single recessive nuclear gene. The maximum photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and chlorophyll content in the leaves of mutant MT318 gradually decreased, while malondialdehyde (MDA) content significantly increased. Under the level 2 category, Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis indicated that 45 terms were enriched, comprising 22 in biological process, 12 in cellular component, and 11 in molecular function. Genes are mainly involved in the metabolic processes (696 differentially expressed genes, DEGs), cellular processes (573 DEGs), single-organism processes (503 DEGs), and catalytic activity (675 DEGs). Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis demonstrated that the 4 pathways with the largest number of genes were biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, plant-pathogen interaction, plant hormone signal transduction, and MAPK signaling pathway-plant. The 'plant hormone signal transduction' pathway was the most significantly enriched at the T2 stage. Pearson correlation analysis showed that the auxin regulatory pathway and SA signal transduction pathway may play important roles. These results not only lay the foundation for the further cloning and functional analysis of the MT318 premature senescence gene but also provide a reference for the study of tomato leaf senescence. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-022-01223-2.


Active TB case finding in a high burden setting; comparison of community and facility-based strategies in Lusaka, Zambia.
We conducted an implementation science study to increase TB case detection through a combination of interventions at health facility and community levels. We determined the impact of the study in terms of additional cases detected and notification rate and compared the yield of bacteriologically confirmed TB of facility based and community based case finding. Over a period of 18 months, similar case finding activities were conducted at George health facility in Lusaka Zambia and its catchment community, an informal peri-urban settlement. Activities included awareness and demand creation activities, TB screening with digital chest x-ray or symptom screening, sputum evaluation using geneXpert MTB/RIF, TB diagnosis and linkage to treatment. A total of 18,194 individuals were screened of which 9,846 (54.1%) were screened at the facility and 8,348 (45.9%) were screened in the community. The total number of TB cases diagnosed during the intervention period were 1,026, compared to 759 in the pre-intervention period; an additional 267 TB cases were diagnosed. Of the 563 bacteriologically confirmed TB cases diagnosed under the study, 515/563 (91.5%) and 48/563 (8.5%) were identified at the facility and in the community respectively (P<0.0001). The TB notification rate increased from 246 per 100,000 population pre-intervention to 395 per 100,000 population in the last year of the intervention. Facility active case finding was more effective in detecting TB cases than community active case finding. Strengthening health systems to appropriately identify and evaluate patients for TB needs to be optimised in high burden settings. At a minimum, provider initiated TB symptom screening with completion of the TB screening and diagnostic cascade should be provided at the health facility in high burden settings. Community screening needs to be systematic and targeted at high risk groups and communities with access barriers.


Influence of temperature and food availability on the ecological energetics of the giant scallop Placopecten magellanicus : IV. Reproductive effort, value and cost.
Gonad output, reproductive effort and residual reproductive value are greater in scallops (Placopecten magellanicus) from shallow water, where conditions are more favourable, than in scallops from deep water. Variation between years in these fitness correlates is also greater in shallow water scallops. High reproductive effort is associated with a greater reproductive cost, although in general reproduction in this species appears to be "restrained", and only in older individuals from shallow water is there evidence of "reckless" reproductive behaviour. Reproductive effort increases as the animal grows older, but residual reproductive value is a maximum at age 4 years, after which it decreases with age owing to greater mortality. Localities vary in their suitability for scallop growth and reproduction, and at one Newfoundland site conditions in shallow water (10 m) are better than those in deep water (31 m). Scallops from the former have a greater fitness than those from the latter. The energy costs of reproduction have implications for life history variability in P. magellanicus, although for a considerable part of its lifetime the scallop is able to maximise gamete production in response to environmental factors (especially the food supply) without trading off reproduction against growth or maintenance.


An evolutionary game study of cockroach control strategies in residential households.
Cockroach control in Beijing's residential households is supported by the local government previously but now it is paid by the residents themselves. Under the new residential household cockroach control strategy, the evolutionary game theory is applied in this study to construct an evolutionary game model for the choice behaviour of both PCO (Pest Control Operation) enterprises and the local governments under government regulation. The evolutionary stabilization strategies under different situations were suggested and the key factors for the evolutionary game behaviour were analyzed through Matlab simulation. It was found that the benefits and costs of the local governments' promotion for the cockroach eradication activities, the incremental benefits of PCO enterprises through government publicity and the subsidies for the activities, and the additional costs of PCO enterprises to participate in cockroach eradication activities are the key factors. The incremental benefits from the publicity of the activities and the government subsidies can be used to incent the PCO enterprises' activities, which may be failure without the government promotion. This study confirms the decisive role of the strategic choices of PCO enterprises and the government for effective cockroach eradication activities. Therefore, before the campaign is launched, it is necessary to take into account the economic benefits of PCO enterprises and the public interests of the governments so that the game system can evolve out of the "ineffective" and undesirable "locked" state and evolve towards the ideal state, while would be a basis for other anti- pest efforts.


Cutaneous manifestations of systemic diseases.
Many aspects of dermatologic diagnosis are either of importance or interest to the nondermatologist, and there are many excellent textbooks available for guidance. This article focuses on four categories of conditions that are the source of frequent queries from the primary care setting: (1) common skin diseases that frequently mimic systemic illness, (2) common skin diseases that have important systemic associations, (3) common systemic diseases that have prominent cutaneous findings, and (4) the seldom seen but frequently raised concerns regarding cutaneous signs of internal malignancy.


Divergent response to abiotic factor determines the decoupling of water and carbon fluxes over an artificial C4 shrub in desert.
Knowledge on relationship and determinants of water and carbon dioxide (CO2) exchange is crucial to land managers and policy makers especially for the desertified land restoration. However, there remains highly uncertain in terms of water use and carbon sequestration for artificial plantation in desert. Here, continuous water and carbon fluxes were measured using eddy covariance (EC) in conjunction with hydrometeorological measurements over an artificial C4 shrub, Haloxylon ammodendron (C. A. Mey.) Bunge, from July 2020 to 2021 in Tengger Desert, China. Throughout 2021, evapotranspiration (ET) was 189.5 mm, of which 85% (150 mm) occurred during growing season, that was comparable with the summation of precipitation (132.2 mm), dew (33.5 mm) and potential other sources (e.g. deep subsoil water). This ecosystem was a strong carbon sink with net ecosystem production (NEP) up to 446.4 g C m-2 yr-1, much higher than surrounding sites. Gross primary production (GPP, 598.7 g C m-2 yr-1) in this shrubland was comparable with that of other shrublands, whereas ecosystem respiration (Re, 152.3 g C m-2 yr-1) was lower. Random Forest showed that environmental factors can explain 71.56% and 80.07% variation of GPP and ET, respectively. Interestingly, environmental factors have divergent effect on water and carbon exchange, i.e., soil hydrothermic factors (soil moisture content and soil temperature) determine the magnitude and seasonal pattern of ET and Re, while aerodynamics factors (net radiation, atmospheric temperature and wind speed) determine GPP and NEP. As such, divergent response of abiotic factors resulted in the decoupling of water and carbon exchange. Our results suggest that H. ammodendron is a suitable species for large-scale afforestation in dryland given its low water use but high carbon sequestration. Therefore, we infer that artificial planting H. ammodendron in dryland could provide an opportunity for climate change mitigation, and the long-term time series data is needed to confirm its sustainable role of carbon sequestration in the future.


Interference with function of plasmatocytes of Heliothis virescens in vivo by calyx fluid of the parasitoid Campoletis sonorensis.
Immature stages of the ichneumonid parasitoid, Campoletis sonorensis, develop within the haemocoel of its noctuid host, Heliothis virescens. The host cannot encapsulate the parasitoid egg owing to the suppressive effect of the polydnavirus-laden calyx fluid injected by the female parasitoid during oviposition. We have examined the effects of injection of calyx fluid on the following haemocytic manifestations of the immune system of 5th-instar larvae of H. virescens: encapsulation, nodulation, phagocytosis, erythrocyte rosetting and coagulation. Of these phenomena, only those requiring the formation of a multicellular sheath of plasmatocytes were affected. In general, encapsulation was fully suppressed; all of the C. sonorensis eggs and most of the glass rods implanted as targets were devoid of attached haemocytes 3 days after implantation although a few of the latter were coated by a sparsely distributed layer of granulocytes. Plasmatocytes also appeared to be present in thicker depositions of haemocytes. In nodulation, only the second, encapsulation-like phase was inhibited. The resistant first stage, involving the entrapment of particles by haemocytes, only resulted in the formation of amorphous, disorganized nodules. Granulocyte-dependent aspects of the immune system (phagocytosis, rosetting and possibly coagulation and the first stage of encapsulation and nodulation) occurred normally. The data suggest that in 5th-instar hosts injection of calyx fluid acts specifically on plasmatocyte function.


Vessel tortuosity and brain tumor malignancy: a blinded study.
Malignancy provokes regional changes to vessel shape. Characteristic vessel tortuosity abnormalities appear early during tumor development, affect initially healthy vessels, spread beyond the confines of tumor margins, and do not simply mirror tissue perfusion. The ability to detect and quantify tortuosity abnormalities on high-resolution magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) images offers a new approach to the noninvasive diagnosis of malignancy. This report evaluates a computerized, statistical method of analyzing the shapes of vessels extracted from MRA in diagnosing cancer. The regional vasculature of 34 healthy subjects was compared with the tumor-associated vasculature of 30 brain tumors before surgical resection. The operator performing the analysis was blinded to the diagnosis. Vessels were segmented from an MRA of each subject, a region of interest was defined in each tumor patient and was mapped to all healthy controls, and a statistical analysis of vessel shape measures was then performed over the region of interest. Many difficult cases were included, such as pinpoint, hemorrhagic, and irradiated tumors, as were hypervascular benign tumors. Tumors were identified as benign or malignant on the basis of histological evaluation. A discriminant analysis performed at the study's conclusion successfully classified all but one of the 30 tumors as benign or malignant on the basis of vessel tortuosity. Quantitative, statistical measures of vessel shape offer a new approach to the diagnosis and staging of disease. Although the methods developed under the current report must be tested against a new series of cases, initial results are promising.


Diagnosis of one small bowel tumor: the role of conventional ultrasound and elastography.
Neuroendocrine tumors are the most common primary tumors of the small bowel, but diagnosis is usually delayed as the lesions are small and symptoms are mild or nonspecific. Diagnosis of this disease is currently based on radiologic or endoscopic findings. Ultrasound (US) is used as a first-line examination in patients with abdominal symptoms, as this technique permits an overall view of the gastrointestinal tract providing diagnosis of inflammatory and/or neoplastic disorders in a large proportion of patients. The aim of this case report is to describe the feasibility and diagnostic accuracy of elastography in the diagnosis of a tumor of the ileum. The patient underwent conventional gray-scale US and elastography before surgery and these examinations were repeated postoperatively on the surgical specimen confirming preoperative outcome.