Discrimination of liquids by a focal construct X-ray diffraction geometry.
A novel technique for the discrimination of liquids based upon X-ray diffraction and focal construct technology (FCT) is presented. FCT is a new, high efficiency coherent scatter harvesting technique. In this work, the competence of FCT to discriminate liquids was explored. A variety of liquids relevant to security inspection was analysed by FCT for application to liquid security inspection. Discrimination of potential threat liquids was successfully and reliably achieved even for limited data sets.


Increasing nitrogen and organic matter removal from swine manure digestate by including pre-denitrification and recirculation in single-stage partial nitritation/anammox.
A novel two-stage process comprising pre-denitrification and single-stage partial nitritation/anammox was developed to treat swine manure digestate with a constant nitrogen loading rate of 1.0 gN/L/d. As the influent NH4+-N concentration increased from 500 to 1500 mg/L, a nitrogen removal efficiency of 88 %-96 % and 5-day biochemical oxygen demand removal efficiency of 93 %-97 % were achieved. Owing to the high influent chemical oxygen demand (COD)/nitrates and nitrites (NOX) ratio of 8.2-9.2 and high COD utilization of denitrifying bacteria (DB), the NO2--N and NO3--N removal efficiencies in the denitrification reactor reached 96 %-99 % and 97 %-99 %, respectively. The contribution of anammox bacteria to nitrogen removal was 70.9 %-84.3 %, whereas that of DB was 11.7 %-18.3 %. The contributions of DB and ordinary heterotrophic organisms to COD removal were 19.5 %-49.3 % and 17.9 %-39 %, respectively. This study will help guide the anammox process in swine wastewater treatment.


Human placental lactogen, pregnancy-specific beta-1-glycoprotein and alpha-fetoprotein in serum in threatened abortion.
The predictive value of HPL, SP1 and AFP in serum were determined in 109 women admitted to hospital because of vaginal bleeding in the 6th to 19th gestational week. The prediction of abortion based on the initial analysis from the day of admission was found to be 91.7%, 75.9% and 81.8% for HPL, SP1 and AFP, respectively. The corresponding values for prediction of successful outcome were 68.7%, 73.6% and 65.4%. The HPL and AFP determinations were, however, found to be valid only after the 9th and 12th gestational week, respectively. A highly significant positive correlation (r = 0.84, P less than 0.001) was demonstrated between HPL and SP1 suggesting that SP1 measurements might replace HPL in the evaluation of the prognosis in threatened abortion.


Is the 9+2 pattern of flagellar and ciliary axonemes an efficient arrangement for generating planar bending?
A circlet of 9 interacting microtubular doublets generates less bending moment at low bending rates, but allows bending moment to be generated at higher bending rates, and has an energy efficiency at least 92% as great as an arrangement with all the interactions between microtubular doublets in a plane parallel to the bending plane. The axonemal arrangement has no significant effect on the shape of the normalized relationship between active shear moment and shear rate.


Effect of a blocker of nitric oxide production on albumin excretion by rat kidney.
Experiments on Wistar rats showed that single intraperitoneal injection nonselective NO-synthase inhibitor L-NAME in a dose of 50 mg/kg was followed by transient proteinuria and albuminuria. This effect was not reproduced by injection of ODQ, an inhibitor of intracellular effects of NO, and arginine, but D-NAME, an optical isomer of L-NAME not blocking NO-synthase, produced similar, though less pronounced effect. The degree of proteinuria and albuminuria increased in combined treatment with nitroarginine methyl esters and 1-deamino-arginine vasotocin or arginine vasopressin. Proteinuria during treatment with arginine derivatives attests to not only their effect on the charge of the filtration membrane, but also the participation of NO-dependent processes in the regulation of ultrafiltration in renal glomeruli.


Antioxidant status and lipid peroxidation in type II diabetes mellitus.
Diabetes Mellitus (DM), a state of chronic hyperglycaemia, is a common disease affecting over 124 million individuals worldwide. In this study, erythrocyte glutathione levels, lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase and some extracellular antioxidant protein levels of patients with type II diabetes mellitus and healthy controls were investigated. Thirty-eight patients (21 males; with age of mean +/- SD, 53.1+/-9.7 years) and 18 clinically healthy subjects (10 males; with age of mean +/- SD, 49.3+/-15.2 years) were included in the study. Levels of erythrocyte lipid peroxidation, serum ceruloplasmin and glucose levels, HbA1C levels, and erythrocyte catalase activity were significantly increased, whereas serum albumin and transferrin levels, erythrocyte glutathione levels, and glutathione peroxidase activity were significantly decreased compared to those of controls. There was no significant difference in superoxide dismutase activity compared to controls. The results suggest that the antioxidant deficiency and excessive peroxide-mediated damage may appear in non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus.


Observation of New Ξ_{c}^{0} Baryons Decaying to Λ_{c}^{+}K^{-}.
The Λ_{c}^{+}K^{-} mass spectrum is studied with a data sample of pp collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5.6 fb^{-1} collected by the LHCb experiment. Three Ξ_{c}^{0} states are observed with a large significance and their masses and natural widths are measured to be m[Ξ_{c}(2923)^{0}]=2923.04±0.25±0.20±0.14 MeV, Γ[Ξ_{c}(2923)^{0}]=7.1±0.8±1.8 MeV, m[Ξ_{c}(2939)^{0}]=2938.55±0.21±0.17±0.14 MeV, Γ[Ξ_{c}(2939)^{0}]=10.2±0.8±1.1 MeV, m[Ξ_{c}(2965)^{0}]=2964.88±0.26±0.14±0.14 MeV, Γ[Ξ_{c}(2965)^{0}]=14.1±0.9±1.3 MeV, where the uncertainties are statistical, systematic, and due to the limited knowledge of the Λ_{c}^{+} mass. The Ξ_{c}(2923)^{0} and Ξ_{c}(2939)^{0} baryons are new states. The Ξ_{c}(2965)^{0} state is in the vicinity of the known Ξ_{c}(2970)^{0} baryon; however, their masses and natural widths differ significantly.


Curcumin attenuates IL-17A mediated pulmonary SMAD dependent and non-dependent mechanism during acute lung injury in vivo.
Acute lung injury (ALI) is a pathologic condition responsible for incurable human chronic respiratory diseases. Recent studies have shown the involvement of the glycoprotein, IL17A secreted by IL-17 producing cells in chronic inflammation. The current investigation was carried out to study the IL-17A mediated activation of SMAD and non- SMAD signaling in alveolar epithelial cells and to assess the putative modulatory role of curcumin. C57BL/6 mice were exposed to IL-17A and curcumin was administered as an intervention to modulate the IL-17A-induced alveolar damage. Techniques like Immunofluorescence and real-time PCR were used. We found elevated expression of IL-17A and IL-17A-associated signaling pathways to be activated in mice lung tissues. Curcumin intervention in vivo promoted the resolution of IL-17A-induced ALI and attenuated pulmonary damage. Increase phosphorylation of non- SMAD proteins like P-EGFR, P-STAT-1, STAT-3, P-JAK-1/2, P-JNK, and also SMAD proteins like P- SMAD 2/3 and TGF-β1 was encountered upon IL-17A exposure, while curcumin intervention reversed the protein expression levels. Curcumin was found to block mRNA expressions of non- SMAD genes EGFR, JNK-1, JAK1, JAK2, STAT-1, STAT-3, MAPK14, also of TGF-β1 and SMAD genes like SMAD 2, SMAD 3. However, mRNA expressions of SMAD 6 and SMAD 7 were increased upon curcumin intervention. Our study indicates that IL-17A participates in the development of ALI in both SMAD dependent and independent manner and the IL-17A signaling components were effectively controlled by curcumin, suggesting probable anti-inflammatory use of curcumin during ALI.


Levels of soluble endothelium-derived adhesion molecules in patients with sickle cell disease are associated with pulmonary hypertension, organ dysfunction, and mortality.
Endothelial cell adhesion molecules orchestrate the recruitment and binding of inflammatory cells to vascular endothelium. With endothelial dysfunction and vascular injury, the levels of endothelial bound and soluble adhesion molecules increase. Such expression is modulated by nitric oxide (NO), and in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), these levels are inversely associated with measures of NO bioavailability. To further evaluate the role of endothelial dysfunction in a population study of SCD, we have measured the levels of soluble endothelium-derived adhesion molecules in the plasma specimens of 160 adult patients with SCD during steady state. Consistent with a link between endothelial dysfunction and end-organ disease, we found that higher levels of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) were associated with markers indicating renal dysfunction and hepatic impairment. Analysis of soluble intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), sE-selectin and sP-selectin levels indicated partially overlapping associations with sVCAM-1, with an additional association with inflammatory stress and triglyceride levels. Importantly, increased soluble adhesion molecule expression correlated with severity of pulmonary hypertension, a clinical manifestation of endothelial dysfunction. Soluble VCAM-1, ICAM-1, and E-selectin were independently associated with the risk of mortality in this cohort. Our data are consistent with steady state levels of soluble adhesion molecules as markers of pulmonary hypertension and risk of death.


Right to left shunt, with severe hypoxemia, at the atrial level in a patient with hemodynamically important right ventricular infarction.
This report describes a patient with a massive right ventricular infarction, complicated by severe hypoxemia. Contrast echocardiography demonstrated a right to left shunt through a previously asymptomatic atrial septal defect. This phenomenon should be considered as a possible cause of hypoxemia in the presence of right ventricular infarction.


Pharmacological evidence for antidementia effect of Choto-san (Gouteng-san), a traditional Kampo medicine.
To clarify the clinical efficacy of one of the traditional medicines in the treatment of patients with vascular dementia, we investigated the pharmacological activities of Choto-san in animal models. Pretreatment with Choto-san (0.75-6.0 g/kg po), a component herb, Chotoko (75-600 mg/kg po), and indole alkaloids and phenolic fractions of Chotoko prevented ischemia-induced impairment of spatial learning behaviour in water maze performance of mice. A single administration of Choto-san (0.5 to 6.0 g/kg po) or Chotoko (Uncaria genus) produced a dose-dependent antihypertensive effect in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and partly inhibited the induction of the apoplexy in stroke-prone SHR (SHR-SP). Choto-san, Chotoko, and its phenolic constituents, (-)epicatechin and caffeic acid, significantly protected NG108-15 cells from injury induced by H(2)O(2) exposure in vitro and also inhibited lipid peroxidation in the brain homogenate. Indole alkaloids, rhynchophylline and isorhynchophylline (1-100 microM), reversibly reduced N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-induced current concentration dependently in NMDA receptor-expressed Xenopus oocytes. These results suggest that antidementia effects of Choto-san are due to antihypertensive, free radical scavenging and antiexcitotoxic effects, which are attributed at least partly to phenolic compounds and indole alkaloids contained in Chotoko.


A footwear marks database in Western Switzerland: A forensic intelligence success.
Footwear marks database has been the subject of numerous research projects over the past decades with a strong focus on the automation of the process of retrieving candidates for comparison. However, to date, there is still no tool able to perform a fully automate treatment of unknown crime scene marks. Making the assumption that a fully automated tool would not be available before a long time and not necessarily required, a project has emerged in Western Switzerland with the aim to commonly exploit footwear marks across several states. As this type of evidence is mainly collected in the context of volume crime, the exploitation of the footwear marks is mainly focused on the detection of links between cases in order to create forensic intelligence. Nevertheless, the search for associations between unknown marks and seized shoes is also carried out. This project resulted in a database developed in-house and now in operation. Through this tool, several forensic services are able to share their footwear marks, compare them and detect series. The links detected through this database are also shared with criminal analysis and intelligence systems. This project does not exploit any particular technological advance but have led to an operational database. This paper will highlight some of the factors that have led to the development and implementation of a successful footwear marks database connecting several police services.


Landscape Analysis of Generic Availability for Oncologic Drugs.
Improving generic drug development in oncology is a key long-term goal in providing safe, effective, and affordable care to patients with a diagnosis of cancer in the United States. There are multiple drug and non-drug related variables that may influence generic drug development. To illustrate pertinent associations relevant to generic drug competition in oncology, our study assessed variables that have potentially led to difference in generic competition as compared to drug products in other therapeutic areas, i.e., cardiovascular disease in this case. Using a combination of FDA and publicly available data, we categorized individual drug approvals from 1950 to 2021 with either an oncology or cardiovascular indication. Descriptive statistics highlighted the timeline of approval as stratified by indications. Machine learning methodology was used to assess variables associated with abbreviated new drug application (ANDA) availabilities (i.e., generic drug availabilities). Kaplan-Meier analysis with log-rank test compared the difference in the time to approval of first ANDA among products that were off-patent at the time of analysis. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards model with forward selection was used to identify variables (e.g., regulatory recommendation issued, dosage form) that were associated with ANDA availability among products that were off-patent. 434 separate reference listed drugs (RLDs) with varying strengths were identified, 212 (49%) for oncology and 222 (51%) for cardiovascular indications. Compared with cardiovascular products, a greater proportion of RLDs with an oncology indication were approved after 2000 (61% vs. 34%). Also, a smaller proportion of oncologic products had generics (49% vs. 80%). Machine learning methodology revealed RLD age, patent status, product complexity, sales/prescriptions, and regulatory recommendations as variables that were associated with generic availability. Among products off-patent at the time of analysis, the median time from RLD approval to the first ANDA approval was longer for oncologic products compared to cardiovascular products (15.4 years (95% CI 13.8, 17.9) versus 12.3 years (95% CI 10.7, 13.5), p = 0.008). Cox regression analyses identified the variables of product dosage form and regulatory recommendation of requiring patient enrollment for bioequivalence (BE) establishment as being associated with reduced likelihood of ANDA approval for oncologic drugs. Oncology indications were found to have a longer time from RLD approval to first ANDA approval compared with cardiovascular drugs. Our work has identified variables that may influence time to ANDA availability, with the requirement of patient enrollment for BE assessment as one important opportunity for future stakeholder engagement and regulatory considerations.


Synthesis of Rapidly Surface Eroding Polyorthoesters and Polyacetals Using Thiol-ene Click Chemistry.
Polyorthoesters are generally considered to be highly biocompatible, surface-eroding materials. However, sensitive intermediates and poor mechanical performance have largely prevented their widespread application to date. Herein, a simple and versatile method to synthesize orthoester- and acetal-based polymers is presented. Using 2-methylene-1,3-dioxe-5-pene as a stable bifunctional monomer, sequential highly selective "click" reactions led initially to the formation of orthoesters (OE) in a Markovnikov alcohol addition or acetals via anti-Markovnikov thiol-ene addition. Subsequent photoinitiated thiol addition onto the remaining endocyclic and backbone alkene functionalities lead to thioether formation to produce a class of poly(orthoester-thioether)s or poly(acetal-thioether)s via a step-growth polymerization. While all obtained polymers were found to possess a weight-average molecular weight of above 10 kg·mol-1, the application of an OE monomer with additional double bond functionality led to a cross-linked polymer network which displayed surface-erosion behavior.


Short-chain hydroxyacyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency presenting as unexpected infant death: A family study.
We describe a case of liver-specific short-chain hydroxyacyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency. Enzymatic confirmation of heterozygosity was shown in family members, illustrating the recessive nature of this new disorder. Heterozygous carriers did not present with biochemical abnormalities when challenged by fasting.


Reduction of serotonergic neurons in the dorsal raphe due to chronic prenatal administration of a tryptophan-free diet.
Serotonin (5-HT) is a widely studied neurotransmitter which plays an important role in the development and proper functioning of the organism throughout life. The appearance of 5-HT system early in ontogeny suggests the hypothesis that 5-HT plays a regulatory role in neurodevelopment. This study investigated the effect of administration of a tryptophan deficient diet during prenatal development on the morphology and cell population of the dorsal raphe. The experimental diet, containing balanced amounts of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins, was provided to a time-mated group of rats from gestational day 5 until delivery. Control groups were fed with (i) the experimental diet formulation with 0.2% tryptophan added to the mixture, or (ii) a regular chow diet. At delivery, five pups per dam were euthanized. Body and brain weight was measured and brain sections were processed for immunohistochemistry for tryptophan hydroxylase (TrpH) and whole brain 5-HT analysis. Sections containing dorsal raphe were photographed with a light microscope and TrpH positive neurons quantified. Brain weights in the tryptophan deprived group showed no difference as compared with controls while body weights were reduced by 25%. Total numbers of serotonergic neurons at the dorsal raphe in the prenatal tryptophan deficient pups were reduced by 35%. A regional analysis of the dorsal raphe indicated a marked cellular reduction in the medial and caudal sections of the nucleus, which contains the majority of serotonergic neurons, in the tryptophan deprived condition. Quantitative 5-HT analysis showed that the brain concentration was similar among conditions. In conclusion, gestational tryptophan deprivation exerts adverse effects on the development of the 5-HT system, particularly in the dorsal raphe, manifested by decreased numbers of serotonergic neurons as well as altered topography in this important nucleus.


Optimization of fermentation conditions for the biosynthesis of L-threonine by Escherichia coli.
In this study, the fed-batch fermentation technique was applied to improve the yield of L-threonine produced by Escherichia coli TRFC. Various fermentation substrates and conditions were investigated to identify the optimal carbon source, its concentration and C/N ratio in the production of L-threonine. Sucrose was found to be the optimal initial carbon source and its optimal concentration was determined to be 70 g/L based on the results of fermentations conducted in a 5-L jar fermentor using a series of fed-batch cultures of E. coli TRFC. The effects of glucose concentration and three different feeding methods on the production of L-threonine were also investigated in this work. Our results showed that the production of L-threonine by E. coli was enhanced when glucose concentration varied between 5 and 20 g/L with DO-control pulse fed-batch method. Furthermore, the C/N ratio was a more predominant factor than nitrogen concentration for L-threonine overproduction and the optimal ratio of ammonium sulfate to sucrose (g/g) was 30. Under the optimal conditions, a final L-threonine concentration of 118 g/L was achieved after 38 h with the productivity of 3.1 g/L/h (46% conversion ratio from glucose to threonine).


Effects of clonal variation of the host plant, interspecific competition, and climate on the population size of a folivorous thrips.
The effects of clonal variation, interspecific competition, and climate upon the population size of Apterothrips secticornis was assessed by a series of observations and experimental manipulations. Three clones of the host plant, Erigeron glaucus, consistently supported different numbers of thrips during monthly censuses. When rosettes of the three clones were transplanted to a common garden, relative numbers of thrips on the clones remained the same as those observed where the clones grew in situ. The presence or absence of other hervivores had no effect on thrips numbers in the common garden. Plume moth caterpillars and thrips were observed to co-occur less often than expected in the field but this was caused by differences in habitat selection by these two species rather than being the result of interspecific competition. Populations of thrips were affected by climate, but analyses suggest that the host clone was a more important factor.


Increased phosphorylation of neurogranin in the brain of hypoxic preconditioned mice.
Neurogranin/RC3 (Ng/rodent cortex-enriched mRNA clone #3), a postsynaptic neuronal protein kinase C (PKC) substrate, binds calmodulin (CaM) at low Ca(2+) levels. Neurotransmitters triggering influx calcium induce neurogranin phosphorylation by PKC in physiological or pathophysiological conditions. Phosphorylated Ng reduces the affinity of Ng to bind CaM, which may affect the activities of calmodulin-dependent downstream enzymes, such as nitric oxide synthase (NOS), CaM-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) and adenylate cyclase (AC). These protein enzymes have been reported to play key roles in the development of ischemic/hypoxic preconditioning (I/HPC). We previously demonstrated that activation of cPKCbetaII and gamma isoforms may be involved in the early phase of cerebral hypoxic preconditioning. However, as a substrate of PKC, the role of Ng in the onset of cerebral hypoxic preconditioning is unknown. In this study, we examined the effects of repetitive hypoxic exposure on the status of Ng phosphorylation in the cortex and hippocampus of mice. Using Western blot analysis, we found that the levels of Ng phosphorylation in the cortex and hippocampus of the hypoxic group of mice increased significantly from that of the normoxic group (p<0.05). These results suggest that neurogranin protein may be involved in the development of cerebral hypoxic preconditioning.


Management of a wild boar wound: a case report.
Injuries caused by wild boar attacks are rare. A 34-year-old male shepherd sustained injuries caused by a wild boar attack, and was brought to our emergency department. The patient had 2 skin and deep tissue lacerations on the posterior aspect of his thigh. Herein, we discuss the clinical management of a wild boar bite wound with a review of the literature.


Myelin associated glycoprotein (MAG) in Wallerian degeneration of the optic nerve.
The content of myelin associated glycoprotein (MAG) was studied in the rabbit optic nerves undergoing Wallerian degeneration after ophthalmectomy . MAG was estimated according to the method described by Matthieu and Quarles (1973). The results of the studies demonstrated only negligible changes in the content of MAG in the course of central Wallerian degeneration. These experiments do not support the assumption that the periaxionally localized MAG of the central myelin is as a rule seriously involved in subcellular mechanisms functioning in early stages of central demyelinating processes.


The Intervertebral Disc: Physiology and Pathology of a Brittle Joint.
Intervertebral disc (ID) degeneration represents the number one cause for outpatient clinic visits worldwide. Mechanisms are discussed but not yet clearly established. Consequently, back pain management is commonly limited to symptomatic treatment therapies. The aim of this review is to evaluate major progress and to unravel the biology and pathology of ID discogenic pain. The design of this study is a systematic review. A literature search was conducted using Medline, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases, with no time constraints to locate relevant literature. Significant articles (literature reviews, therapeutic essays, clinical-human-research studies, animal research, and laboratory research) on the intervertebral disc were identified and reviewed. The exclusion criteria were the following: case reports and clinical studies with <10 patients. Through a dense review of the literature, the ID is deciphered and described as a fragile anatomic entity. For this systematic review, 132 studies were identified and 79 were retained. The main deterioration and alteration mechanisms that lead to the programmed death of the ID are summarized. In addition, the large variety of biological therapies that override surgical treatment are determined. The degeneration mechanisms of the ID are well defined and decrypted. Although therapies have progressed, none has been effective. The regeneration of the ID remains highly challenging because of the complexity of its natural composition, microstructure, and mechanical properties.


Oxidized multiwalled carbon nanotubes for quantitative determination of cationic surfactants in water samples using atmospheric pressure matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry.
Oxidized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (O-MWCNT) are used as preconcentrating probes for the quantitative determination of cationic surfactants (CS(+)) in water samples using atmospheric pressure matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (AP-MALDI-MS). The method is based on the electrostatic interactions of positively charged CS(+) with the negatively charged O-MWCNT for the preconcentration and isolation of analytes from sample solutions. The O-MWCNT/AP-MALDI-MS is performed for the determination of CS(+) in river- and waste-water samples. The optimum extraction efficiency of CS(+) is observed for 7 min of contact time at 1.0 mg dosage of O-MWCNT at pH 7.0. The acceptable relative recovery percentage in water sample is obtained in the range 90.5-97.8% with relative standard deviation (R.S.D.)<14.5%. The results suggested that the newly proposed method is rapid, accurate and effective and could be successfully applied for the enrichment and quantitative determination of CS(+) in water samples.


Real-world efficacy of sofosbuvir plus velpatasvir therapy for patients with hepatitis C virus-related decompensated cirrhosis.
Combination therapy with sofosbuvir (SOF) plus velpatasvir (VEL) is approved for patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related decompensated cirrhosis. We analyzed the real-world efficacy of SOF/VEL therapy. Thirty-three patients with HCV-related decompensated cirrhosis (25 and eight patients with Child B and C, respectively) were treated with SOF/VEL for 12 weeks. The HCV non-structural protein (NS)5A and NS5B drug resistance-associated substitutions (RASs) were determined by direct sequencing. Thirty-two of 33 patients completed the treatment, but the remaining patient discontinued the therapy during third week of the treatment due to aggravation of hepatic encephalopathy. Serum HCV-RNA became negative during the treatment in all patients but relapsed after the end of therapy in five patients. In total, 28 out of 33 patients (85%) achieved sustained virological response 12 weeks following completion of treatment (SVR12). The SVR12 rate was 96% in patients with Child B, but significantly lower, at 50%, in patients with Child C (P < 0.05). In genotype 1b HCV-infected patients, all eight patients without baseline NS5A RASs, but only three of seven patients with RASs, achieved SVR12. Multivariate analysis identified Child B (odds ratio, 35.8 for Child C; P = 0.045) as an independent predictor of SVR12. Median serum albumin levels significantly increased only in patients who achieved SVR12. Child-Pugh scores improved in 16 of 28 patients (57%) following achievement of SVR12. The effect of SOF/VEL therapy is lower for patients with Child C. Improvement of hepatic function is expected after viral eradication with SOF/VEL therapy in patients with decompensated cirrhosis.


Can aquatic distribution of human pharmaceuticals be related to pharmacological data?
The recognition of pharmaceuticals as significant environmental contaminants has only been a recent phenomenon. Therefore there is a paucity of data relating to the fate and effects of pharmaceuticals once they enter an aquatic receiving system. The amount of work that needs to be done in terms of risk assessment for pharmaceuticals required by regulatory agencies is substantial. This paper has determined the environmental partitioning coefficient (K(d)) of 13 diverse human pharmaceuticals in three model systems of differing combinations of solid phases and solutions. The K(d) values were then compared with distribution values of the pharmaceuticals in the human body determined from pharmacological studies. This was done to assess the functional relationship between K(d) and distribution values in the human body (V(D)). K(d) values ranged from 3 to 2450 L kg(-1). Regression coefficients ranged from r(2)=0.62-0.72, indicating that V(D) values are a useful indicator for the K(d) values of the tested pharmaceuticals within the batch sorption systems. The relationship between K(d) and V(D) should therefore be further explored to determine whether this relationship can be applied to a broader range of pharmaceuticals in more diverse environmental systems. Exploiting available human pharmacological data in such a way would be of great benefit in prioritising human pharmaceuticals as environmental contaminants in the risk assessment process.


Clinical electroencephalographic study of nine pediatric patients with convulsion induced by the TV animation, Pocket Monster.
To determine the usefulness of a few types of photic stimulation in patients with photo-convulsive response. A clinical electroencephalographic study was conducted in nine children who developed convulsions and other symptoms while they watched the TV animation and were subsequently treated at the hospital. Photic stimulation was applied with their eyes open or closed. Another photic stimulation was applied with the video tape of the animation. A photoparoxysmal response (PPR) was never seen in the electroencephalographs (EEG) in any of these patients when photic stimulation was applied with their eyes closed, while PPR was seen in three of seven patients when photic stimulation was applied with their eyes open. Two patients (siblings) showed no specific abnormality when photic stimulation was applied with their eyes either open or closed. However, myoclonus and PPR appeared when the EEG was conducted while they watched the video tape of the animation under supervised conditions. In a society where people are exposed to abundant TV games, TV animation or videos, self-restraint or regulations of frequent use of flickering scenes is thought to be necessary. However, it is also thought to be necessary to conduct EEG by applying photic stimulation, not only with the eyes closed, but also with the eyes opened or by applying flickering red light stimulation, which is emitted from a strong light source, or a combination of two colors, such as red and blue or red and green, in patients with suspected photosensitivity.


Effects on linkage analyses of different Affymetrix expression measures as quantitative trait phenotypes.
We compared results from linkage analyses of different phenotype measurements from the same gene expression traits and found that the strongest signals were detected by all expression measures that we considered. On average, that meant that the same quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were detected across methods, but the magnitude of the LOD score of each particular QTL and the false-positive ratio of QTL detection varied between the methods.


The colon - the latest terrain for capsule endoscopy.
Colonoscopy is the gold standard for evaluating pathologies of the large bowel, including screening for colorectal cancer. The technological features of current colonoscopes have not progressed much in recent years except for improved image and video display. The technique requires intubation and insufflation of the colon which are operator-dependent and involve a learning curve. Colonoscopy is an invasive procedure whose overall risk of complications is approximately 0.3%, increasing to 2% when polypectomy is performed. The PillCam Colon capsule endoscope (Given Imaging Ltd., Yoqneam, Israel) was developed for use as a safe, minimally invasive, non-sedation requiring, patient-friendly modality to visualize the colon. Only the interpretation of findings requires expertise. PillCam capsule endoscopy could be an alternative approach to colonoscopy for screening large populations. We report the first clinical investigations of the safety, feasibility and performance of colon capsule endoscopy compared with standard colonoscopy.


Thymidine-phosphorothioate oligonucleotides induce activation and apoptosis of CLL cells independently of CpG motifs or BCL-2 gene interference.
We compared antisense phosphorothioate oligonucleotides (PS-ODN) that target BCL-2 such as Genasense (G3139-PS), with other PS-ODN or phosphodiester-ODN (PO-ODN) in their relative capacity to induce apoptosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) B cells in vitro. Surprisingly, we found that thymidine-containing PS-ODN, but not PO-ODN, induced activation and apoptosis of CLL cells independent of BCL-2 antisense sequence or CpG motifs. All tested thimidine-containing PS-ODN, irrespective of their primary sequences, reduced the expression of Bcl-2 protein and increased the levels of the proapoptotic molecules p53, Bid, Bax in CLL cells. Apoptosis induced by thymidine-containing PS-ODN was preceded by cellular activation, could be blocked by the tyrosine-kinase inhibitor imatinib mesylate (Gleevec), and was dependent on ABL kinase. We conclude that thymidine-containing PS-ODN can activate CLL cells and induce apoptosis via a mechanism that is independent of BCL-2 gene interference or CpG motifs.


State mental hospitals and the future.
There seems to be a general acceptance of the idea that at some future date mental hospitals will disappear to be replaced by community mental health services of various kinds. The author points out that remarkably little interest is focused on the possibility of a new model of residential care to replace the outmoded hospital. Some form of residential mental health care will probably always be needed, and should be complementary to the developing nonresidential services. A strategy for revitalizing mental hospitals is outlined.


Untangling genetic networks of panic, phobia, fear and anxiety.
As is the case for normal individual variation in anxiety levels, the conditions panic disorder, agoraphobia and other phobias have a significant genetic basis. Recent reports have started to untangle the genetic relationships between predispositions to anxiety and anxiety disorders.


Adsorption/desorption characteristics of low-concentration semi-volatile organic compounds in vapor phase on activated carbon.
The adsorption/desorption behaviors of semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs: 1,2,3,4-tetrachlorobenzene (TCB) and phenol) in vapor phase by activated carbon (AC) were investigated by the experiments and density functional theory calculation. Investigations showed that at 100-160 °C, the adsorption capacities of TCB and phenol on AC were in the range of 176.6-342.0 mg/g and 24.0-66.4 mg/g, respectively. Increasing the temperature inhibited the SVOCs adsorption. TCB tended to be adsorbed on AC surface by monolayer, whereas the phenol was multilayer adsorption. The stronger interaction between SVOCs and active sites resulted in a higher desorption temperature (TCB: 255-689 °C; phenol: 200-369 °C). The SVOCs adsorption on AC was fitted well by the pseudo-first-order kinetic model, their lower concentration and larger molecular structure influenced the AC external mass transfer and intraparticle diffusion. TCB and phenol were adsorbed on graphite layer by a parallel manner, their highest adsorption energies were -75.59 kJ/mol and -55.00 kJ/mol, respectively. Oxygen-containing groups altered the charge distribution of the atoms at the edge of the graphite layer, which improved the SVOCs adsorption through enhancement of electrostatic interactions and formation of hydrogen bonds. The carboxyl and lactone groups played a critical role in improving the TCB adsorption capacity, while the carboxyl was important for phenol adsorption.


Design, Synthesis, Antiproliferative Evaluation, and Molecular Docking Studies of N-(3-Hydroxyindole)-Appended β-Carbolines/Tetrahydro-β-Carbolines Targeting Triple-Negative and Non-Triple-Negative Breast Cancer.
The present manuscript pertains to the design and synthesis of a series of 3-hydroxyindole-substituted β-carbolines/tetrahydro-β-carbolines with an aim to explore their antiproliferative structure-activity relationship against breast cancer. The conjugate with an optimum combination of a flexible tetrahydro-β-carboline core, a tertiary alcoholic group along with a chloro substituent on the indole ring, proved to be the most active compound. It displayed IC50 values of 13.61 and 22.76 μM against MCF-7 (ER+) and MDA-MB-231 (ER-) cells, respectively. The docking studies were found to be consistent with experimental results owing to the stronger binding affinity of the synthesized conjugates via hydrophobic and H-bonding interactions.


Technology review: the use of electrical impedance scanning in the detection of breast cancer.
The present paper focuses on electrical impedance scanning. The basic science behind the new modality, measurements of breast tissue impedance in vivo and in vitro, and the studies performed with a newly available commercial machine are discussed. Electrical impedance scanning has been generating interest for several reasons, including comfort to the patient, the relatively low cost, and studies suggest that it may be effective in detecting disease in mammographically dense breasts.


A partially histocompatible family of Xenopus borealis.
Reciprocal skin allografts were made between siblings of three successive generations in a family of Xenopus borealis and mutually tolerant animals were mated. In the F3 generation of one subfamily, 92% of the siblings were histocompatible.


A single healthcare experience with Impella RP.
To understand the predictors of survival and indications for Impella RP in a single healthcare experience. The Impella RP can be used to temporarily support patients with right ventricular (RV) dysfunction after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) placement or myocardial infarction (MI). However, recent postmarket approval data have raised concerns of higher than expected mortality with this device. A retrospective chart review and analysis of all patients that underwent Impella RP placement in the Emory Healthcare system between January 2016 and December 2018 were performed. Patients were classified according to the indication. A total of 39 patients underwent Impella RP placement. Six patients were post-LVAD, 9 were implanted for massive pulmonary embolism with persistent shock, 8 for postcardiac surgery RV failure (non-LVAD), 11 for RV failure post-MI, and 5 for new or worsening nonischemic cardiomyopathy. The worst survival was noted in MI-related cardiogenic shock group and in patients who presented with cardiac arrest (3/12). All observed deaths were due to persistent refractory shock. There was no device related death. Survival improved during the last year of experience compared to the first 2 years. This study supports the selective use of the Impella RP, with a higher than national reported survival rate (49% vs. 28.6%). Indication appears to be an important factor determining survival.


Elevated circulatory MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels and activities in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are suggested to play important roles in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study is to examine the MMPs expressions and activities in Taiwanese RA and SLE patients. Levels and activities of plasma MMP-2 and MMP-9 were investigated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and zymography, respectively. MMP-2 levels in control subjects, RA and SLE patients were 146.1+/-34.2, 194.0+/-24.2 and 208.9+/-75.9 ng/mL respectively, and for MMP-9 were 51.4+/-57.1, 567.7+/-313.1 and 208.7+/-105.5 ng/mL respectively. Both MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels and activities from all patients were significantly higher than that from control subjects. MMP-2 levels in both patients groups were approximately 1.3-1.4 folds higher than that in control subjects, notably, MMP-9 levels were 11- and 4-folds significantly higher, respectively, in RA and SLE patients. The results which MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels and activities are significantly elevated support the involvement of MMPs proteins in these autoimmune disorders.


[Determination of ephedrine, pseudoephedrine and strychnine in jiufen san by HPLC].
An HPLC method was established to separate and determine ephedrine (I), pseudoephedrine (II) and strychnine (III) in Chinese traditional medicine, Jiufen San, on a mu-Bondapak C18 column (10 microns, 3.9 mm x 30 cm) by using 0.01 mol/L KH2PO4-methanol as mobile phase. The programmed gradient elution was carried out and recoveries were determined as 98.94 +/- 2.2% for I, 97.37 +/- 1.9% for II and 100.7 +/- 1.9% for III respectively. An extracting and pretreatment method was designed and the result showed that the extracting efficiency of this method was 1.33 times (I) and 1.29 times (II) higher than those of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia method.


Management of acute appendicitis during the COVID-19 pandemic: a retrospective cohort study.
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic profoundly impacted delivery of health care. South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD) experienced some of the highest cases, admissions and deaths during the Delta and Omicron waves in New South Wales. This study aims to determine the impact of the pandemic on emergency surgery services for adults presenting with acute appendicitis. A retrospective review of patient records was performed of adults presenting with acute appendicitis between 1st March 2021 and 31st March 2022, which was compared to a pre-COVID control period of the same dates in 2019-2020. Patients managed operatively or conservatively were included. 1556 patients were included in the operative arm; 723 and 833 respectively in the study and control groups, which were comparable at baseline. 1.66% were COVID positive. During the pandemic, patients were significantly more likely to be investigated with computered tomography (CT) scan (p ≤ 0.001), present with complicated appendicitis (p = 0.03), and require caecectomy (p = 0.005). They had higher American Society of Anaesthesiology (ASA) scores (p = 0.001) and significantly lower negative appendectomy rates (p = 0.001). Fifty-two patients were included in the conservative arm; 29 and 23 respectively in the pandemic and control groups. Patients were comparable at baseline. There were two COVID positive patients. During the pandemic, there was a significant reduction in complications (p = 0.033), readmissions (0.044) and interval appendicectomy (p = 0.0044). We identified higher rates of complicated appendicitis, caecectomies and greater reliance on CT imaging preoperatively during the pandemic in SWSLHD.


[Molecular-genetic detection of a nonpathogenic genotype of Spironucleus barkhanus (Diplomonadida: Hexamitidae) in the black Baikal grayling (Thymallus arcticus baicalensis Dybowski, 1874)].
A nonpathogenic genotype of Spironucleus barkhanus (Diplomonadida: Hexamitidae) has been revealed for the first time in the Baikal grayling (Salmoniformes: Thymallidae) by molecular-genetic methods. Sequences corresponding to a fragment of the gene encoding the small ribosomal subunit RNA (SSU rRNA) have been obtained. The genotype of S. barkhanus from Baikal fish is identical to that characteristic of the parasite found in freshwater salmonid fishes.


Heterogeneous RNA of the Prague strain of Rous sarcoma virus caused by undiluted passages.
The size of genomic RNA in PR-RSV A passaged in chick embryo fibroblasts (CEF) or quail embryo fibroblasts (QEF) was determined by gel electrophoresis. The results showed that 3 undiluted passages resulted in heterogeneity of RNA. The heterogeneity of the smaller incomplete RNAs in the virus stock was decreased by diluted passage or cloning, but RNA of the b subunit size and a subunit RNA of complete genome size were relatively stable. These heterogeneous RNAs were characterized by hybridization analysis. The RNAs from 4 peaks hybridized with both cDNAtotal and cDNAsrc to appreciable extents, indicating that they were derived from viral RNA and that at least some of them contained the src sequence. This finding and the failure to isolate a td mutant from the undiluted-passaged virus stock or from some subclones that had a and b subunits of RNA indicate that the td virus was only a minor constituent of the incomplete virus population caused by undiluted passages. Some viruses with incomplete RNA in the virus stock could produce foci with the aid of td B77 or RAV-60. The emergence of rd viruses by undiluted passages was indicated.


Synthesis of Ag/AgCl modified anhydrous basic bismuth nitrate from BiOCl and the antibacterial activity.
Novel nanocomposite of Ag/AgCl and a single phase of anhydrous basic bismuth nitrate (ABBN)-Bi6O4.46(OH)3.54(NO3)5.54 with efficient antibacterial activity was prepared from BiOCl. Microstructure was characterized as AgCl nanotubes and Ag nanoparticles mixed with Bi6O4.46(OH)3.54(NO3)5.54 nanosheets in nanometer scale. Antibacterial activity of the composite was tested by agar disc diffusion and agar dilution methods using Escherichia coli as target bacteria. The diameter of inhibition zone of Ag/AgCl/ABBN is 17.0 mm while that of bulk BBN is 8.1 mm. The MIC value of Ag/AgCl/ABBN is ascertained as 35 μg mL-1. Results prove that Ag/AgCl/ABBN nanocomposite has much higher antibacterial activity in comparison with bulk basic bismuth nitrate.


Documentation of the Development of Various Visuomotor Responses in Typically Reared Kittens and Those Reared With Early Selected Visual Exposure by Use of a New Procedure.
A new procedure was used to study the development of gaze (responses to moving targets or laser spots in normal kittens, those that had been reared in total darkness to 6 weeks of age, and others that received a period of monocular deprivation (MD). Gaze responses were observed to all stimuli in normal kittens at between 25-30 days of age and striking responses occurred on the same day or the next. Despite slow acquisition of spatial vision in the dark reared kittens over 3 months, they were able to follow and even strike at moving visual stimuli within a day of their initial exposure to light. By contrast, for a week following a period of MD, kittens showed no gaze or striking responses to moving stimuli when using their previously deprived eye. The very different profiles of acquisition of visuomotor skills and spatial vision in visually deprived kittens point to a dissociation between the neuronal populations that support these functions.


Aspirin and N-acetylcysteine co-administration markedly inhibit chronic ethanol intake and block relapse binge drinking: Role of neuroinflammation-oxidative stress self-perpetuation.
Chronic alcohol intake leads to neuroinflammation and cell injury, proposed to result in alterations that perpetuate alcohol intake and cued relapse. Studies show that brain oxidative stress is consistently associated with alcohol-induced neuroinflammation, and literature implies that oxidative stress and neuroinflammation perpetuate each other. In line with a self-perpetuating mechanism, it is hypothesized that inhibition of either oxidative stress or neuroinflammation could reduce chronic alcohol intake and relapse. The present study conducted on alcohol-preferring rats shows that chronic ethanol intake was inhibited by 50% to 55% by the oral administration of low doses of either the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (40 mg/kg/d) or the anti-inflammatory aspirin (ASA; 15 mg/kg/d), while the co-administration of both dugs led to a 70% to 75% (P < .001) inhibition of chronic alcohol intake. Following chronic alcohol intake, a prolonged alcohol deprivation, and subsequent alcohol re-access, relapse drinking resulted in blood alcohol levels of 95 to 100 mg/dL in 60 minutes, which were reduced by 60% by either N-acetylcysteine or aspirin and by 85% by the co-administration of both drugs (blood alcohol: 10 to 15 mg/dL; P < .001). Alcohol intake either on the chronic phase or following deprivation and re-access led to a 50% reduction of cortical glutamate transporter GLT-1 levels, while aspirin administration fully returned GLT-1 to normal levels. N-acetylcysteine administration did not alter GLT-1 levels, while N-acetylcysteine may activate the cystine/glutamate transport xCT, presynaptically inhibiting relapse. Overall, the study suggests that a neuroinflammation/oxidative stress self-perpetuation cycle maintains chronic alcohol intake and relapse drinking. The co-administration of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents may have translational value in alcohol-use disorders.


Chronic toxicity and bioaccumulation of 2,5,2',5'- and 3,4,3',4'-tetrachlorobiphenyl and Aroclor 1242 in the amphipod Hyalella azteca.
The addition of 100 micrograms/L of Aroclor 1242 (A1242) or 2,5,2',5'-tetrachlorobiphenyl (TeCB) during 10 week chronic toxicity tests with Hyalella azteca resulted in complete mortality. There were no effects on survival, growth, or reproduction after addition of 30 micrograms/L. Toxic effects were observed at tissue levels of between 30 and 180 micrograms/g on a wet weight basis, and tissue levels appear to be a better indicator of toxicity than levels in water. No toxic effects were observed after additions of up to 2,700 micrograms/L of the coplanar congener 3,4,3',4'-TeCB. H. azteca has the ability to avoid accumulating in excess of 140 micrograms/g 3,4,3',4'-TeCB. The amount taken up was proportional to the amount added in water up to 100 micrograms/L, but was constant at higher additions, possibly accounting for its relatively low toxicity. The low toxicity of the coplanar congener, as compared to the non-coplanar 2,5,2',5'-TeCB, is in direct contrast to the high toxicity of coplanar PCB congeners to mammals and may be associated with slower rates of aromatic hydrocarbon metabolism in amphipods. Polychlorinated biphenyl levels measured in amphipods from Lake Ontario are approximately 100-fold below levels associated with toxicity in H. azteca, but are above levels which, through biomagnification up the food chain, lead to salmonid residues in excess of 2 micrograms/g, a tolerance limit for human consumption.


Shear stress associated with cardiopulmonary bypass induces expression of inflammatory cytokines and necroptosis in monocytes.
Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is required during most cardiac surgeries. CBP drives systemic inflammation and multiorgan dysfunction that is especially severe in neonatal patients. Limited understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying CPB-associated inflammation presents a significant barrier to improve clinical outcomes. To better understand these clinical issues, we performed mRNA sequencing on total circulating leukocytes from neonatal patients undergoing CPB. Our data identify myeloid cells, particularly monocytes, as the major cell type driving transcriptional responses to CPB. Furthermore, IL-8 and TNF-α were inflammatory cytokines robustly upregulated in leukocytes from both patients and piglets exposed to CPB. To delineate the molecular mechanism, we exposed THP-1 human monocytic cells to CPB-like conditions, including artificial surfaces, high shear stress, and cooling/rewarming. Shear stress was found to drive cytokine upregulation via calcium-dependent signaling pathways. We also observed that a subpopulation of THP-1 cells died via TNF-α-mediated necroptosis, which we hypothesize contributes to post-CPB inflammation. Our study identifies a shear stress-modulated molecular mechanism that drives systemic inflammation in pediatric CPB patients. These are also the first data to our knowledge to demonstrate that shear stress causes necroptosis. Finally, we observe that calcium and TNF-α signaling are potentially novel targets to ameliorate post-CPB inflammation.


An Operational Definition of 'Abnormal Cognition' to Optimize the Prediction of Progression to Dementia: What Are Optimal Cut-Off Points for Univariate and Multivariate Normative Comparisons?
In neuropsychology and neurology, there is no consensus on the definition of abnormal cognition. To operationally define 'abnormal cognition' for optimally predicting progression to dementia in a memory clinic sample, and to test whether multivariate profile analysis of cognitive test results improves this prediction compared to standard clinical evaluation. We used longitudinal data from 835 non-demented patients of the Amsterdam Dementia Cohort. For 10 cognitive measures at baseline, we determined which number of abnormal tests and which magnitude of score deviations best predicted progression. Predictive ability for progression to dementia of one, two, and three abnormal test scores out of 10 is highly similar (Cox hazard ratios: 3.7-4.1) provided cut-off values are adapted appropriately. Cut-offs have to be less stringent if the number of abnormal tests required increases: the optimal cut-off is z < -1.45 when one deviating score is required, z < -1.15 when two abnormal tests are required, and z < -0.70 when three abnormal tests are required. The profile analysis has similar predictive ability at the cut-off of p < 0.22 (hazard ratio 3.8). A likelihood ratio test showed that this analysis improves prediction of progression to dementia when added to standard clinical evaluation (p < 0.001). Abnormal cognition may be defined as one, two, or three abnormal test scores out of 10 if the magnitude of score deviations is adapted accordingly. An abnormal score profile predicts decline to dementia equally well, and improves the prediction when used complimentary to standard clinical evaluation.


Subchronic cocaine treatment enhances cocaine-induced dopamine efflux, studied by in vivo intracerebral dialysis.
Repeated administration of cocaine in animals results in behavioral sensitization. In order to investigate the neurochemical mechanism underlying such behavioral sensitization, we designed the following two experiments. In both experiments, rats were pretreated with cocaine (20 mg/kg i.p.) or saline, once daily for 14 consecutive days. Exp. 1: 7 days after withdrawal from the drug, the stereotyped behavioral response to a challenge of cocaine (20 mg/kg i.p.) was measured. Exp. 2: 7 days after withdrawal from the drug, we measured extracellular dopamine (DA), 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA) after the challenge administration of cocaine using an in vivo intracerebral dialysis technique. The rats pretreated with cocaine (20 mg/kg i.p.) exhibited behavioral augmentation in response to a challenge of cocaine. The challenge administration of cocaine caused an increase in DA and a decrease in DOPAC. The DA level in the striatal perfusates of the cocaine-pretreated rats was significantly greater than that in the saline-pretreated rats. These results suggest that the increased extracellular DA concentration in the striatum plays an important role in the cocaine-induced behavioral sensitization.


Marinite Li2M(SO4)2 (M = Co, Fe, Mn) and Li1Fe(SO4)2: model compounds for super-super-exchange magnetic interactions.
New materials initially designed for battery electrodes are often of interest for magnetic study, because their chemical compositions include 3d transition metals. We report here on the magnetic properties of marinite phases Li2M(SO4)2 (M = Fe, Co, Mn) and Li1Fe(SO4)2, which all order antiferromagnetically at low temperature. From neutron powder diffraction, we propose a model for their ground-state magnetic structures. The magnetism of marinite Li2M(SO4)2 compounds unambiguously results from super-super-exchange interactions; therefore, these materials can be considered as a model case for which the Goodenough-Kanamori-Anderson rules can be tested.


[Mitral and aortic regurgitation: a rare association in ankylosing spondylitis (author's transl)].
The occurrence of mitral regurgitation in ankylitis is very unusual. The case reported herein is a remarkable one because the subaortic bump at the base of the anterior mitral leaflet, the mose characteristic aspect of the heart involvement in this disease, was visualized for the first time by echocardiography. Moreover, the prolapse of the mitral leaflets was documented; it allows for a new understanding as far as the mechanism of the regurgitation is concerned.


Programmable Wavefront Control in the Visible Spectrum Using Low-Loss Chalcogenide Phase-Change Metasurfaces.
All-dielectric metasurfaces provide unique solutions for advanced wavefront manipulation of light with complete control of amplitude and phase at sub-wavelength scales. One limitation, however, for most of these devices is the lack of any post-fabrication tunability of their response. To break this limit, a promising approach is employing phase-change materials (PCMs), which provide fast, low energy, and non-volatile means to endow metasurfaces with a switching mechanism. In this regard, great advancements have been done in the mid-infrared and near-infrared spectrum using different chalcogenides. In the visible spectral range, however, very few devices have demonstrated full phase manipulation, high efficiencies, and reversible optical modulation. In this work, a programmable all-dielectric Huygens' metasurface made of antimony sulfide (Sb2 S3 ) PCM is experimentally demonstrated, a low loss and high-index material in the visible spectral range with a large contrast (≈0.5) between its amorphous and crystalline states. ≈2π phase modulation is shown with high associated transmittance and it is used to create programmable beam-steering devices. These novel chalcogenide PCM metasurfaces have the potential to emerge as a platform for next-generation spatial light modulators and to impact application areas such as programmable and adaptive flat optics, light detection and ranging (LiDAR), and many more.


Retracted: Construction Method of Industrial College in Vocational Colleges Based on Cluster Analysis Algorithm.
[This retracts the article DOI: 10.1155/2022/3278395.].


What's Up Your Sleeve? A Scoping Review of White Coat Contamination and Horizontal Microbial Transmission.
White coats have been suggested to serve as fomites carrying and transmitting pathogenic organisms and potentially increasing the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). We aimed to examine the current evidence regarding white coat contamination and its role in horizontal transmission and HAIs risk. We also examined handling practices and policies associated with white coat contamination in the reviewed literature. We conducted a literature search through PubMed and Web of Science Core Collection/Cited Reference Search, and manually searched the bibliographies of the articles identified in electronic searches. Studies published up to March 3, 2021 that were accessible in English-language full-text format were included. Among 18 included studies, 15 (83%) had ≥100 participants, 16 (89%) were cross-sectional studies, and 13 (72%) originated outside of the United States. All of the studies showed evidence of microbial colonization. Colonization with Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was reported in 100% and 44% of the studies, respectively. Antibacterial-resistant strains, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and multidrug-resistant organisms were reported in 8 (44%) studies. There was a lack of studies assessing the link between white coat contamination and HAIs. The data regarding white coat handling and laundering practices showed inconsistencies between healthcare facilities and a lack of clear policies. There is robust evidence that white coats serve as fomites, carrying dangerous pathogens, including multidrug-resistant organisms. A knowledge gap exists, however, regarding the role of contaminated white coats in HAI risk that warrants further research to generate the evidence necessary to guide the current attire policies for healthcare workers.


Uptake of uranium by aquatic plants growing in fresh water ecosystem around uranium mill tailings pond at Jaduguda, India.
Concentration of uranium was determined in aquatic plants and substrate (sediment or water) of fresh water ecosystem on and around uranium mill tailings pond at Jaduguda, India. Aquatic plant/substrate concentration ratios (CRs) of uranium were estimated for different sites on and around the uranium mill tailings disposal area. These sites include upstream and downstream side of surface water sources carrying the treated tailings effluent, a small pond inside tailings disposal area and residual water of this area. Three types of plant groups were investigated namely algae (filamentous and non-filamentous), other free floating & water submerged and sediment rooted plants. Wide variability in concentration ratio was observed for different groups of plants studied. The filamentous algae uranium concentration was significantly correlated with that of water (r=0.86, p<0.003). For sediment rooted plants significant correlation was found between uranium concentration in plant and the substrate (r=0.88, p<0.001). Both for other free floating species and sediment rooted plants, uranium concentration was significantly correlated with Mn, Fe, and Ni concentration of plants (p<0.01). Filamentous algae, Jussiaea and Pistia owing to their high bioproductivity, biomass, uranium accumulation and concentration ratio can be useful for prospecting phytoremediation of stream carrying treated or untreated uranium mill tailings effluent.


To Be or Not to Be: Circular RNAs or mRNAs From Circular DNAs?
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in circular RNAs (circRNAs) since they are involved in a wide spectrum of cellular functions that might have a large impact on phenotype and disease. CircRNAs are mainly recorded by RNA-Seq and computational methods focused on the detection of back-splicing junction sequences considered the diagnostic feature of circRNAs. While some protocols remove linear RNA prior to sequencing, many have characterized circRNAs by sorting through total RNA sequencing data without excluding the possibility that some linear RNA can provide the same signal as a circRNA. Recent studies have revealed that circular DNAs of chromosomal origin are common in eukaryotic genomes and that they can be transcribed. Transcription events across the junction of circular DNAs would result in a transcript with a junction similar to those present in circRNAs. Therefore, in this report, we want to draw attention to transcripts from such circular DNAs both as an interesting new player in the transcriptome and also as a confounding factor that must be taken into account when studying circRNAs.


The effect of caproic acid, handling technique and storage times on the fertility of fowl spermatozoa.
The effects of three levels of caproic acid in glycine-citrate extender on preservation of fertilizing capacity of fowl spermatozoa were tested. Extended semen stored for 6 and 28 hours was used for insemination in diluted or reconcentrated forms. The results indicated that semen stored in the extender with the highest concentration of caproic acid provided superior fertility and showed the importance of proper handling of hens during insemination.


Metabolic profile provides prognostic value better than galectin-3 in patients with heart failure.
Metabolic profiles have been shown to provide prognostic information in patients with heart failure (HF). Galectin-3 (Gal-3), indicating cardiac fibrosis, is a documented biomarker of prognosis in HF. It is unknown whether metabolic profiles provide prognostic value better than Gal-3. This study analyzed 212 hospitalized HF patients, measuring metabolic score (composed by butyrylcarnitine, dimethylarginine/arginine ratio, spermidine, and total essential amino acids) and Gal-3. Endpoints were composite events (death/HF-related re-hospitalization). The median of metabolic scores and Gal-3 levels were 3.1 (1.3-5.2) and 17.8ng/mL (4.7-100ng/mL), respectively. Patients with higher metabolic scores had worse functional classes, higher atrial fibrillation incidences, levels of Gal-3 and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), but lower albumin levels and glomerular filtration rate. Correlations of metabolic score to Gal-3 and BNP were significant, but weak (r=0.34 and 0.41, respectively, both p<0.001). During a follow-up period of 4.2±1.4 years, there were 91 (42.9%) composite events. In univariate analysis, significant predictors of composite events were age, functional class, atrial fibrillation, levels of hemoglobin, log (Gal-3), log (BNP) and metabolic score. In multivariable analysis, adjusted for above variables, metabolic score remained a strong predictor of combined endpoints (hazard ratio=2.596, 95% confidence interval=1.649-4.087, p<0.001). C-statistics for the prediction of composite events significantly increased when metabolic score was incorporated into the model with established risk factors, BNP and Gal-3 [0.76 (0.70-0.83) vs. 0.66 (0.58-0.74), p=0.032]. Metabolic profile provides prognostic value for HF patients better than Gal-3.


Effects of amiodarone on barium-induced automatic activity in guinea pig ventricular muscle.
1. The electrophysiological effects of a potent antiarrhythmic agent, amiodarone, on BaCl2-induced automaticity of guinea pig ventricular papillary muscle were studied by means of conventional microelectrode techniques. 2. BaCl2 (5 x 10(-4) M) depolarized the maximum diastolic potential of muscle preparation to about -62 mV and induced the spontaneous activity at rate of about 62 beats/min. 3. The application of amiodarone (4.4 x 10(-5) M to 1.1 x 10(-3) M) to the BaCl2-induced automatic muscle fibers decreased the spontaneous rate and slope of slow diastolic depolarization in a dose-dependent manner, associated with insignificant changes in action potential duration. 4. Amiodarone may exert the inhibitory effects of BaCl2-induced automaticity by decreasing steady-state conductance for the Na+ and Ca2+, probably thereby permitting the manifestation of antiarrhythmic properties in combination of its other actions.


Risk management, public policy and informed consent: a case study.
The present guidelines on the use of hepatitis B vaccine in mental handicap hospitals dictate the need for an a priori identification of occupational risk, but fail to clarify how this risk should be defined. The ethical requirement of a respect for autonomy however demands that in offering vaccine as a means of protection, the choice of options must be "informed'. The determinants of institutional transmission have not been clearly defined and it is therefore difficult to inform client groups as to the degree or nature of their occupational risk. It is questionable whether the literature can support the recommendations in their present form, and supposedly "cost-effective' solutions to the problem, pay scant regard to the fact that in risk management, the relative desirability of options is conditional on the alternatives considered, how they are framed, what evidence is consulted and how consequences are weighed. In informing the policy making process, it is imperative that the values of those whose voice is seldom heard, are considered.


Potential anti-diabetic properties of Merlot grape pomace extract: An in vitro, in silico and in vivo study of α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition.
A practical approach to control glycemia in diabetes is to use plant natural products that delay hydrolysis of complex sugars and promote the diminution of the release of glucosyl units into the blood plasma. Polyphenolics have been described as being effective in inhibiting amylases and α-glucosidases. Grape pomace is an important sub product of the wine industry, still rich in many compounds such as polyphenolics. In this context, the purpose of this study was to search for possible effects of a grape pomace extract on salivary and pancreatic α-amylases and α-glucosidase, as well as on intestinal glucose absorption. The Merlot grape pomace extract (MGPE) was prepared using a hydroalcoholic mixture (40% ethanol + 60% water). In vitro inhibition was quantified using potato starch (for amylases) and maltose (for α-glucosidase) as substrates. In vivo inhibition was evaluated by running starch and maltose tolerance tests in rats with or without administration of MGPE. Ranking of the extract compounds for its affinity to the α-amylases was accomplished by computer simulations using three different programs. Both α-amylases, pancreatic and salivary, were inhibited by the MGPE. No inhibition on α-glucosidase, however, was detected. The IC50 values were 90 ± 10 μg/mL and 143 ± 15 μg/mL for salivary and pancreatic amylases, respectively. Kinetically this inhibition showed a complex pattern, with multiple binding of the extract constituents to the enzymes. Furthermore, the in silico docking simulations indicated that several phenolic substances, e.g., peonidin-3-O-acetylglucoside, quercetin-3-O-glucuronide and isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside, besides catechin, were the most likely polyphenols responsible for the α-amylase inhibition caused by MGPE. The hyperglycemic burst, an usual phenomenon that follows starch administration, was substantially inhibited by the MGPE. Our results suggest that the MGPE can be adequate for maintaining normal blood levels after food ingestion.


Ultrastructural and histological study of 11 bronchial carcinoids. Evidence for different types.
Seven of eleven bronchial carcinoids investigated showed cells with small granules resembling P cells which have already been described in human fetal and adult lung; two of these P cell tumours showed distinctive paraganglioid features. One tumour showed peculiar ultrastructural findings resembling closely those previously reported by Black (1969) in a so called "pulmonary oncocytoma". Three remaining cases showed large secretory granules resembling those of type 3 cells already described by Hage (1973b) in bronchial carcinoids; one of these tumours produced large amounts of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5HT). It is concluded that, on cytological grounds, at least two types of tumours can be distinguished among bronchial carcinoids, i.e. P cell and type 3 cell tumours. Moreover, two varieties of P cell carcinoids have been recognized, showing either the less frequent and more distinctive paraganglioid structure or the more common trabecular structure.


The role of cortistatin in the human immune system.
Cortistatin (CST) is a recently described neuropeptide that shares high homology with somatostatin (somatotropin release-inhibiting factor, SRIF) and binds with high affinity to all somatostatin (sst) receptor subtypes. CST is currently known to have a widespread distribution in many human organs including the immune system. The activities specific to CST may be partially attributable to its binding to the growth hormone secretagogue (GHS)-receptor (GHS-R) and the orphan G-protein-coupled receptor MrgX2. Human immune cells produce CST, whereas macrophage lineage and activated endothelium express sst2, and human lymphocytes express sst3. The human thymus expresses sst1, 2, 3, MrgX2 and almost all immune cells express GHS-R. Moreover, at this very moment promising research with CST in experimental animal models is being performed. On the basis of these promising results, studies aiming to further evaluate the possibilities of CST as a therapeutic agent in human immune-mediated inflammatory diseases are warranted.


Recent progress in nanomaterial-based bioelectronic devices for biocomputing system.
Bioelectronic devices have received the massive attention because of their huge potential to develop the core electronic components for biocomputing system. Up to now, numerous bioelectronic devices have been reported such as biomemory and biologic gate by employment of biomolecules including metalloproteins and nucleic acids. However, the intrinsic limitations of biomolecules such as instability and low signal production hinder the development of novel bioelectronic devices capable of performing various novel computing functions. As a way to overcome these limitations, nanomaterials have the great potential and wide applicability to grant and extend the electronic functions, and improve the inherent properties from biomolecules. Accordingly, lots of nanomaterials including the conductive metal, graphene, and transition metal dichalcogenide nanomaterials are being used to develop the remarkable functional bioelectronic devices like the multi-bit biomemory and resistive random-access biomemory. This review discusses the nanomaterial-based superb bioelectronic devices including the biomemory, biologic gates, and bioprocessors. In conclusion, this review will provide the interdisciplinary information about utilization of various novel nanomaterials applicable for biocomputing system.


Characterization of ribosomal RNA from insect eqqs (Euscelis plebejus, Cicadina; Smittia spec., Chironomidae, Diptera).
The molecular weights of ribosomal RNAs from eggs of 2 different insect species and of their mitochondrial rRNA were determined. By denaturating conditions, the 28 S rRNA from both insect eggs is converted to 18 S products.


Efficacy and safety of sublingual immunotherapy with grass monomeric allergoid: comparison between two different treatment regimens.
Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) with monomeric carbamylated allergoid proved to be well tolerated, safe and effective in patients with respiratory allergy. Standard administration regimens are expected to require a long time before clinical benefit can be appreciated. We investigated whether pre-seasonal and perennial regimens differently affect the clinical efficacy of grass pollen SLIT. Adult patients with allergic rhino-conjunctivitis with/without mild intermittent asthma due to grass pollen were included into this open prospective study and randomised to receive SLIT with a continuous regimen (Group 1: 1,000 AU/week for the entire study period) or a pre-seasonal regimen (Group 2: 5,000 AU/week for 10 weeks/year for 2 years), or on demand drug therapy alone (Group 3) for two years. At entry (November 2005), at the end of the first and second pollen season, a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used to assess patients' well-being. Symptom score and drug consumption were evaluated during the seasons. Methacholine challenge was performed at study entry and conclusion. Adverse events were recorded along the whole study duration. Thirty-two patients were divided into Group 1 (n = 10), Group 2 (n = 11) and Group 3 (n = 11). A significant VAS improvement was observed in both SLIT groups, after the first and second pollen season, compared to baseline and to Group 3 (p < 0.05). Less symptoms and need for medications resulted during the second season (p < 0.05). No relevant variations in bronchial hyper-reactivity have been observed between the three groups. Only 2 patients experienced local or mild reactions in SLIT groups. Both pre-seasonal and continuous regimen of SLIT with monomeric allergoid turned out effective and safe, suggesting that a pre-seasonal course with 5,000 AU/week for 10 weeks may represent a convenient option in patients with grass pollen allergic rhinitis with/without mild intermittent asthma. Further research is urgently needed to consolidate these preliminary evidences.


Substrate stiffness differentially impacts autophagy of endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells.
Stiffening of blood vessels is one of the most important characteristics in the process of many cardiovascular pathologies such as atherosclerosis, angiosteosis, and vascular aging. Increased stiffness of the vascular extracellular matrix drives artery pathology and alters phenotypes of vascular cell. Understanding how substrate stiffness impacts vascular cell behaviors is of great importance to the biomaterial design in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and medical devices. Here we report that changing substrate stiffness has a significant impact on the autophagy of vascular endothelial cells (VECs) and smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Interestingly, our findings demonstrate that, with the increase of substrate stiffness, the autophagy level of VECs and VSMCs showed differential changes: endothelial autophagy levels reduced, leading to the reductions in a range of gene expression associated with endothelial function; while, autophagy levels of VSMCs increased, showing a transition from contractile to the synthetic phenotype. We further demonstrate that, by inhibiting cell autophagy, the expressions of endothelial functional gene were further reduced and the expression of VSMC calponin increased, suggesting an important role of autophagy in response of the cells to the challenge of microenvironment stiffness changing. Although the underlying mechanism requires further study, this work highlights the relationship of substrate stiffness, autophagy, and vascular cell behaviors, and enlightening the design principles of surface stiffness of biomaterials in cardiovascular practical applications.


ZnO-Layered Double Hydroxide@Graphitic Carbon Nitride Composite for Consecutive Adsorption and Photodegradation of Dyes under UV and Visible Lights.
In this work, a ZnO-layered double hydroxide@graphitic carbon nitride composite (ZnO-LDH@C₃N₄) was synthesized via co-precipitation method with solvothermal treatment. The structure and morphology of ZnO-LDH@C₃N₄ composite were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopes/transmission electron microscopes (SEM/TEM), N₂ adsorption/desorption, ultraviolet visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-Vis-DRS), photoluminescence spectrometer (PL) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The adsorption and photocatalytic properties of ZnO-LDH@C₃N₄ composite towards the organic dyes: Orange II sodium salt (OrgII, an anionic azo dye) and methylene blue (MB, a cationic azo dye) were investigated. Compared to ZnO-LDH and g-C₃N₄, the ZnO-LDH@C₃N₄ composite displayed an excellent performance in both adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of the organic dyes. Moreover, a combination of ZnO-LDH and g-C₃N₄ significantly improved the photocatalytic performance of ZnO-LDH and g-C₃N₄ under visible-light irradiation. The adsorption and photocatalytic mechanism were also investigated.


Ex-vivo expanded human blood-derived CD133+ cells promote repair of injured spinal cord.
Human blood-derived CD133(+) cell populations, which are believed to represent a hematopoietic/endothelial progenitor fraction, have the ability to promote the repair of injured spinal cord in animal models. However, the mechanisms by which CD133(+) cell transplantation promotes spinal cord regeneration remain to be clarified. Another possible hurdle on the way to clinical applicability of these cells is their scarce representation in the overall population of mononuclear cells. We therefore analyzed and compared ex-vivo expanded human cord blood derived CD133(+) cells with freshly isolated CD133(+) cells as well as corresponding CD133(-) control mononuclear cells in respect to their ability to promote spinal cord repair using in vitro assays and cell transplantation into a mouse spinal cord injury model. In vitro, expanded cells as well as fresh CD133(+) cells formed endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) colonies, whereas CD133(-) cells formed no EPC colonies. In vivo, the administration of fresh CD133(+) and expanded cells enhanced angiogenesis, astrogliosis, axon growth and functional recovery after injury. In contrast, the administration of CD133(-) cells failed to promote axon growth and functional recovery, but moderately enhanced angiogenesis and astrogliosis. In addition, high-dose administration of expanded cells was highly effective in the induction of regenerative processes at the injured spinal cord.


Sonochemical preparation of folic acid-decorated reductive-responsive ε-poly-L-lysine-based microcapsules for targeted drug delivery and reductive-triggered release.
In this work, a versatile folic acid (FA) decorated reductive-responsive ε-poly-l-Lysine (ε-PL)-based microcapsules (FA-ε-PLMCs) were designed and facilely assembled by using sonochemical technique. Cellular uptake experiment of FA-ε-PLMCs loaded with Coumarin 6 (C6) as a model of hydrophobic drugs implied that hydrophobic drugs encapsulated inside FA-ε-PLMCs could be delivered selectively into Hela cells via folate-receptor (FR)-mediated endocytosis due to FA decorated on microcapsules. Furthermore, the shells of FA-ε-PLMCs cross-linked by disulfide bonds were derived from sulfhydryl groups (-SH) under ultrasonication. Under reductive environment, the hydrophobic drugs loaded in FA-ε-PLMCs would be easily released due to the cleavage of disulfide bonds. Benefiting from their suitable particle size, good loading capacity for hydrophobic drugs, remarkable targetability and reductive-triggered release, the obtained FA-ε-PLMCs could be a promising hydrophobic drugs carrier for the cancer treatment.


Bactericidal effects of photoactivated porphyrins--an alternative approach to antimicrobial drugs.
Photoactivated porphyrins display a potent cytotoxic activity towards a variety of Gram positive bacteria, mycoplasma and yeasts, but not Gram negative cells. The prerequisite for photosensitization of a microbial cell is the binding of porphyrin to the cytoplasmic membrane in a pH-dependent manner. On illumination, the membrane bound, and possibly, cytoplasmic porphyrin molecules generate singlet oxygen and radicals which sensitize biomolecules and lead to cell death. The immediate inhibition of cell growth on photodynamic treatment is accompanied by alterations in cell wall and membrane synthesis, leading to the formation of large mesosomes adjacent to the unaccomplished septa. Hemin bound to microbial cells exerts cytotoxic activity by peroxidative and oxidative reactions independent of light. Future research in the field may enhance the possibility of using porphyrin photosensitization for treatment of microbial infections. Such clinical use will be unrelated to the antibiotic resistance of the pathogen. Resistance of Gram negative bacteria to porphyrin photosensitization is the main impediment to its use as a broad spectrum antibacterial method.


A Risk Score for Childhood Obesity in an Urban Latino Cohort.
To assess whether individual obesity risk factors, present during gestation, and the first 6 months of life, can be combined into a simple prognostic model that has the ability to accurately predict childhood obesity at age 5 years in a high-risk cohort. A total of 201 Latina women were recruited during pregnancy, and their infants followed longitudinally. Ten risk factors for childhood obesity were included in an initial logistic model; a second reduced model was created via stepwise deletion (confirmed with nonparametric conditional random forest classifier), after which 5 risk factors remained. From each model, an obesity risk equation was derived, and an obesity risk score was generated for each patient. Derived algorithms were assessed using discrimination, calibration, and via predictive statistics. Of the 166 children followed through age 5 years, 56 (32%) met criteria for childhood obesity. Discrimination accuracy for both derivation models was excellent, and after optimism-corrected bootstrapping, both models showed meaningful clinical performance. Both models were adequately calibrated, showed strong sensitivity and negative predictive value at conservatively set obesity risk thresholds, and displayed excellent specificity among those classified as highest risk. Birth weight z-score and change in weight-for-age z-score between birth and 6 months were the risk factors with the strongest contribution to the obesity risk score. Obesity risk algorithms are reliable in their prediction of childhood obesity and have the potential to be integrated into the electronic medical record. These models could provide a filter for directing early prevention resources to children with high obesity risk but should be evaluated in a larger external dataset.


Composition, diagenetic transformation and alkalinity potential of oil shale ash sediments.
Oil shale is a primary fuel in the Estonian energy sector. After combustion 45-48% of the oil shale is left over as ash, producing about 5-7 Mt of ash, which is deposited on ash plateaus annually almost without any reuse. This study focuses on oil shale ash plateau sediment mineralogy, its hydration and diagenetic transformations, a study that has not been addressed. Oil shale ash wastes are considered as the biggest pollution sources in Estonia and thus determining the composition and properties of oil shale ash sediment are important to assess its environmental implications and also its possible reusability. A study of fresh ash and drillcore samples from ash plateau sediment was conducted by X-ray diffractometry and scanning electron microscopy. The oil shale is highly calcareous, and the ash that remains after combustion is derived from the decomposition of carbonate minerals. It is rich in lime and anhydrite that are unstable phases under hydrous conditions. These processes and the diagenetic alteration of other phases determine the composition of the plateau sediment. Dominant phases in the ash are hydration and associated transformation products: calcite, ettringite, portlandite and hydrocalumite. The prevailing mineral phases (portlandite, ettringite) cause highly alkaline leachates, pH 12-13. Neutralization of these leachates under natural conditions, by rainwater leaching/neutralization and slow transformation (e.g. carbonation) of the aforementioned unstable phases into more stable forms, takes, at best, hundreds or even hundreds of thousands of years.


IL-1β/NF-kb signaling promotes colorectal cancer cell growth through miR-181a/PTEN axis.
To date, the role of miRNA in tumorigenesis has been largely reported. It was found that miR-181a may be involved in the tumorigenesis of colon cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanism of miR-181a in colon cancer carcinogenesis. The expression levels of IL-1β, NF-κB (RelA), and miR-181a in colon cancer tissue were higher than that in normal control tissue when assessed by real-timePCR. In addition, it was found that IL-1β induced the expression of miR-181a. The expression of PTEN was regulated by IL-1β-stimulated miR-181a expression. In a PTEN reporter plasmid, miR-181a binding site mutations were introduced. By using a luciferase reporter assay, it was found that wild type reported activity was lower than that of the mutant registration system activity. Furthermore, a siRNA strategy was used to find that IL-1B regulates miR-181a expression via NF-κB and then regulates PTEN expression. Consequently, repression of PTEN by miR-181a promotes colon cancer cell proliferation. Taken together, our data support a critical role for NF-κB-dependent upregulation of miR-181a; this represents a new pathway for the repression of PTEN and the promotion of cell proliferation upon IL-1β induction.


Barriers to evidence-based practice.
This paper reports the findings of a study which aimed to identify the barriers to evidence-based practice in an acute National Health Service (NHS) trust. The study was carried out as part of an action research project designed to promote evidence-based practice. A rapid organizational appraisal design was used. This involved formal and informal interviews, focus groups, and observation of staff interactions at meetings and in clinical practice in an acute hospital NHS trust. Interviews were undertaken with key stakeholders within the organization and focus groups held with nurse managers, audit staff, staff nurses, and junior medical staff. Observation took place in meetings and in clinical areas. At an organizational level, the main issues identified were: (1) evidence-based practice was a low management priority, (2) problems with dissemination, (3) inadequate systems for personal and professional development, (4) difficulties in the management of innovations, (5) accessing evidence and resource constraints. At the individual practice level, the main issues were motivation, a lack of clarity about roles and practice, and a culture of practice which emphasizes 'routine' patient care. The results of this study demonstrate that structures and cultures within organizations can be important barriers to evidence-based practice. Factors which are external to individual trusts are also important. Existing hierarchical structures both in the NHS and within and between the different professional groups, are manifest in the existence of a largely deferential culture which emphasizes the routine in practice decision making. Given this reality, organizations will have to adopt multiple strategies to facilitate and promote the use of evidence in practice decision making.


Acromioclavicular Joint Reconstruction.
Our technique for acromioclavicular joint reconstruction provides a variation on coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction to also include acromioclavicular ligament reconstruction. An oblique acromial tunnel is drilled, and the medial limb of the gracilis graft, after being crossed and passed beneath the coracoid and through the clavicle, is passed through this acromial tunnel and sutured to the trapezoid graft limb after appropriate tensioning. Tenodesis screws are not placed in the bone tunnels to avoid graft fraying, and initial forces on the graft are offloaded with braided absorbable sutures passed around the clavicle.


In patients experiencing biochemical failure after radiotherapy, pretreatment risk group and PSA velocity predict differences in overall survival and biochemical failure-free interval.
To characterize the demographics and survival outcomes of localized prostate cancer patients who developed biochemical failure (BF) according to a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) nadir plus 2 ng/mL. We identified 375 prostate cancer patients who had undergone external beam radiotherapy without androgen deprivation therapy but with sufficient PSA data to study PSA kinetics. Of these patients, we identified 82 with BF. The pretreatment PSA velocity was calculated for each patient. For the BF cohort, 26% were low-risk and 74% were intermediate- or high-risk patients. Of the 82 BF patients, 16 (20%) were noted to have both low-risk disease and a pretreatment low PSA velocity of < or =2 ng/mL/y (termed "low-risk low-velocity" [LRLV]). The remaining BF patients had either intermediate- or high-risk features or a high PSA velocity >2 ng/mL/y (termed "higher risk" [HR]). For patients who had BF, the LRLV group had a delayed median time to BF of 55 months compared with 33 months for the HR patients (p = 0.04). With a median clinical follow-up of 112 months, the 5-year overall survival rate was 100% for the LRLV BF patients vs. 84% for the HR patients (p = 0.02). We observed that LRLV BF patients represent a sizeable proportion of all patients with treatment failure. However, when comparing LRLV BF with HR BF patients, the former had significantly better overall survival and a longer interval to BF. This suggests that not all BF events are equivalent and emphasizes the challenges associated with using BF alone as a surrogate for a survival endpoint.


Reconstitution of skin fibrosis development using a tissue engineering approach.
Skin fibrosis is involved in several pathologies as hypertrophic scar or scleroderma. The determination of the mechanisms at the origin of these problems is however difficult due to the low number of in vivo models. To bypass this absence of animal models, studies typically use human pathological cells cultured in a monolayer way on plastic. However, cell behavior is different according to the fact that cells are on plastic or embedded in matrix. Using a tissue engineering method, we have developed new in vitro models to study these pathologies of the skin. Human pathological cells are used to reconstitute a three dimensional fibrotic tissue comprising the dermal and the epidermal parts of the skin. This method is called the self-assembly approach and is based on the cell capacity to reconstitute in vitro their own environment as in vivo. In this chapter, protocols generating reconstructed pathological skin using this approach are detailed. The methods include extraction and culture of human skin keratinocytes and fibroblasts from very small cutaneous biopsies. In addition, a description of the protocols for the production of fibrotic dermal sheets can be found to obtain a model of fibrotic dermis that can be associated or not with a fully differentiated epidermis.


Imaging findings of some buccomasseteric masses.
The purpose of this study was to review and illustrate the appearances on diagnostic images of pathologic conditions of the buccomasseteric region. Computed tomographic, sonographic, and magnetic resonance images of the buccomasseteric masses were reviewed retrospectively. In our series of 66 cases, there were 60 benign lesions; of these, 21 were benign masses, 11 were inflammations, and 28 were myopathies. The most common pathologic condition of the buccomasseteric region was masseteric hypertrophy (n = 22). The most common lesion manifesting as a benign mass in this series was hemangioma (n = 10), which was followed by lipoma (n = 6). Six of the 66 patients had malignant tumors. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were useful in demonstrating the location and extent of the buccomasseteric masses. Sonography provided clear images of internal architectures of the mass in this region.


[Obesity and overweight in adult Xukuru of Ororubá Indians, Pernambuco State, Brazil: magnitude and associated socioeconomic and demographic factors].
This cross-sectional study focused on the epidemiology of overweight and obesity and the association with demographic and socioeconomic variables in a sample of 794 Xukuru of Ororubá adults 19-59 years of age, from an indigenous reserve in Pesqueira County, Pernambuco State, Brazil. Descriptive analyses and multivariate logistic regression were carried out, using cut-off points of BMI > 24.99kg/m2 for overweight and > 29.99kg/m2 for obesity. Prevalence rates of overweight and obesity were higher in women (52.2% and 21%, respectively) than in men (44.1% and 7.5%, respectively). Female sex and age (> 30 years) were associated with both outcomes in the multivariate regression. For obesity, the following variable showed statistically significant associations: socioeconomic status and the interaction between male gender and per capita income. As in other indigenous populations in Brazil, the study's findings suggest that the Xukuru are experiencing a rapid nutritional transition.


[Laparoscopic adrenalectomy with lateral approach--a comparison with the conventional dorsal technique].
Minimal invasive techniques are gaining more and more acceptance in adrenal gland surgery. In a matched case control study laparoscopic transabdominal adrenalectomy in the lateral position (LA) was compared to the conventional open dorsal technique (DA) with resection of the 11th or 12th rib. Between July 1998 and March 2000, 26 LA in 24 patients (two bilateral) were prospectively documented and compared to 25 DA in 23 matched patients (two bilateral), who had been operated on between January 1995 and June 1998. Indications for adrenalectomy in all patients were benign adrenal lesions < 6 cm. Age, gender, average tumor size (3.5 cm/3.6 cm) and tumor types (Conn adenoma: 10/7; Cushing: 8/7, including 2 bilateral in each group; pheochromocytoma: 3/6, incidentaloma: 2/2; others: 3/3) were distributed in both groups (LA/DA) without statistical differences. However, statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) were present (LA vs DA) comparing intraoperative blood loss (200 vs 360 ml), postoperative narcotic equivalents (1.1 vs 6.2), morbidity (8 vs 30%), and length of hospital stay (5.5 vs 9 days). Average operating time was significantly longer in LA (130 vs 105 min), but decreased during the last LA cases to the DA level. One LA had to be converted to open surgery due to diffuse bleeding. Following LA we observed two minor complications (small retroperitoneal hematoma, nerve irritation below the 12th rib); following DA there were 6 minor (2 dorsal subcutaneous hematomas, 2 nerve irritations, dystelectasis, pleural effusion) and one major complication (wound infection). LA represents a safe procedure with all the common advantages of minimal access surgery. Based on our experience and that of others, laparoscopic adrenalectomy has become the gold standard for adrenalectomy in most cases of benign adrenal disease. As adrenal surgery is rare, at present LA should be restricted to centers with a special interest in endocrine and laparoscopic surgery.