Auxin protects Arabidopsis thaliana cell suspension cultures from programmed cell death induced by the cellulose biosynthesis inhibitors thaxtomin A and isoxaben.
Thaxtomin A (TA) is a natural cellulose biosynthesis inhibitor (CBI) synthesized by the potato common scab-causing pathogen Streptomyces scabies. Inhibition of cellulose synthesis by TA compromises cell wall organization and integrity, leading to the induction of an atypical program of cell death (PCD). These processes may facilitate S. scabies entry into plant tissues. To study the mechanisms that regulate the induction of cell death in response to inhibition of cellulose synthesis, we used Arabidopsis thaliana cell suspension cultures treated with two structurally different CBIs, TA and the herbicide isoxaben (IXB). The induction of cell death by TA and IXB was abrogated following pretreatment with the synthetic auxin 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and the natural auxin indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). The addition of auxin efflux inhibitors also inhibited the CBI-mediated induction of PCD. This effect may be due to intracellular accumulation of auxin. Auxin has a wide range of effects in plant cells, including a role in the control of cell wall composition and rigidity to facilitate cell elongation. Using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)-based force spectroscopy, we found that inhibition of cellulose synthesis by TA and IXB in suspension-cultured cells decreased cell wall stiffness to a level slightly different than that caused by auxin. However, the cell wall stiffness in cells pretreated with auxin prior to CBI treatment was equivalent to that of cells treated with auxin only. Addition of auxin to Arabidopsis cell suspension cultures prevented the TA- and IXB-mediated induction of cell death. Cell survival was also stimulated by inhibition of polar auxin transport during CBI-treatment. Inhibition of cellulose synthesis perturbed cell wall mechanical properties of Arabidopsis cells. Auxin treatment alone or with CBI also decreased cell wall stiffness, showing that the mechanical properties of the cell wall perturbed by CBIs were not restored by auxin. However, since auxin's effects on the cell wall stiffness apparently overrode those induced by CBIs, we suggest that auxin may limit the impact of CBIs by restoring its own transport and/or by stabilizing the plasma membrane - cell wall - cytoskeleton continuum.


Parainfluenza-3 virus: difference in capacity of neuraminidase-weak and strong strains to infect young calves and to elicit cellular immune response.
Calves less than four weeks old could not be infected with a neuraminidase-weak strain of parainfluenza-3 virus (Pi3) but were successfully infected with either of two neuraminidase-strong strains. The criteria for infection were virus excretion, cell-mediated and antibody-mediated immune responses. In the lymphocyte stimulation test, calves infected with the neuraminidase-strong Pi3 strain Tüb-E6 responded more strongly to antigen prepared from this strain than to antigen from the heterologous Pi3 strain Um-23. The non-immunoglobulin haemagglutination inhibition activity of the liquid phase of nasal secretions of newborn calves decreased after treatment with Vibrio cholerae neuraminidase. For virus-bound neuraminidase the liquid phase from newborn calves was a richer substrate than the liquid phase from older animals.


Evidence that PGI2-generation in human dental cysts is stimulated by leucotrienes C4 and D4.
Various prostaglandins, particularly PGE2 and PGI2, appear to play a major role in osteolytic processes. The bone-destructive action of dental squamous cell cysts is thought to be caused or at least mediated by prostaglandins. Both leucotrienes and prostaglandins are synthesized from a common precursor substance, i.e. arachidonic acid, in a series of reactions. There is a special relation between leucotrienes and PGI2 in that PGI2 synthesis in endothelial cells can be enhanced by LTC4 and LTD4. R-TLC showed conversion of the arachidonic acid added into PGI2 in 8 out of 12 cases, as reflected by the stable degradation product 6-oxo-PGF1 alpha. In 8 cases bioassay showed PGI2 synthesis without addition of LTC4 and LTD4. Incremental LTC4 and LTD4 additions were found to cause a highly significant increase of PGI2 synthesis rates. In summary, LTC4 and LTD4 stimulate PGI2 synthesis in chronic inflammatory processes in vivo and may thus elicit or accelerate osteolysis.


Sentinel node metastasectomy in thin <or=1-mm melanoma.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has been widely accepted as a precise tool to stage melanoma. In thin T1 melanomas (<or=1 mm), the indication of SLNB is controversial since the risk of nodal metastasis is low. The aim of this study was to assess if SLNB detects occult nodal metastases among patients with thin melanomas. SLNB was performed prospectively in 135 patients with invasive melanoma in any depth category, including 56 T1 melanomas. Nodal metastases were detected in 18% by SLNB, and there were three sentinel-positive thin melanomas, constituting 5% of the T1 cases. Histopathologically, there were no factors of the primary tumors that would have predicted these metastases. SLNB is a precise method to detect clinically silent nodal metastases in thin invasive melanoma. Certain histopathologic features of a thin primary lesion may correlate with the predictive probability of the sentinel node status. We were unable to identify these predictors, but the conclusions from this study are limited by the small sample size. Advanced melanoma is a lethal disease, and accurate staging is essential also in the T1 group. For stage III patients with occult nodal metastases, metastasectomy is a better option for cure than observation.


Computational studies on prion proteins: effect of Ala(117)-->Val mutation.
Molecular dynamics calculations demonstrated the conformational change in the prion protein due to Ala(117)-->Val mutation, which is related to Gerstmann-Sträussler-Sheinker disease, one of the familial prion diseases. Three kinds of model structures of human and mouse prion proteins were examined: (model 1) nuclear magnetic resonance structures of human prion protein HuPrP (125-228) and mouse prion protein MoPrP (124-224), each having a globular domain consisting of three alpha-helices and an antiparallel beta-sheet; (model 2) extra peptides including Ala(117) (109-124 in HuPrP and 109-123 in MoPrP) plus the nuclear magnetic resonance structures of model 1; and (model 3) extra peptides including Val(117) (109-124 in HuPrP and 109-123 in MoPrP) plus the nuclear magnetic resonance structures of model 1. The results of molecular dynamics calculations indicated that the globular domains of models 1 and 2 were stable and that the extra peptide in model 2 tended to form a new alpha-helix. On the other hand, the globular domain of model 3 was unstable, and the beta-sheet region increased especially in HuPrP.


The acetylcholinesterase genes of C. elegans: identification of a third gene (ace-3) and mosaic mapping of a synthetic lethal phenotype.
In C. elegans, the newly identified ace-3 is the third gene affecting acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. ace-3 II specifically affects class C AChE and is unlinked to ace-1 X or ace-2 I, which affect the other two AChE classes (A and B, respectively). Strains homozygous for an ace-3 mutation have no apparent behavioral or developmental defect; ace-1 ace-3 and ace-2 ace-3 double mutants are also nearly wild type. In contrast, ace-1 ace-2 ace-3 triple mutant animals are paralyzed and developmentally arrested; their embryonic development is relatively unimpaired, but they are unable to grow beyond the hatching stage. Based on the analysis of genetic mosaics, we conclude that in the absence of ace-2 and ace-3 function, the expression of ace-1(+) in muscle cells, but not in neurons, is essential for postembryonic viability.


Propoxyphene-associated deaths: methods, post-mortem levels in blood and liver.
Gas chromatographic methodology for the determination of d-propoxyphene in blood and liver samples is given. The method results in a clean extract and sharp response peaks. Quantitation is based on peak height ratios of propoxyphene and pyrroliphene. Post-mortem levels in blood range from 0.1-0.7 mg/dl; in liver from 1.1-18.9 mg/100 gm. The highest blood level has the lowest blood-liver ratio, the rest being widely variable. The incidence of propoxyphene in accidental and suicidal deaths appears to be increasing steadily.


Screening for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is more accurate when performed by healthcare professionals compared to untrained parents: a diagnostic accuracy study.
Many countries ended their professional scoliosis screening due to ongoing controversies. Discontinuation resulted in a shift of screening responsibility from trained healthcare professionals to untrained parents. To compare the diagnostic accuracy of picture-based scoliosis screening between parents and healthcare professionals. In this cross-sectional diagnostic accuracy study, parents and healthcare professionals assessed pictures of 28 children (20 AIS & 8 non-scoliosis). Each child had two photographs (standing position & full-flexion during forward-bending test) that were presented simultaneously. Lumbar and thoracic curves were represented with a range in severity (10 to > 40°). The assessors had to answer whether they detected an abnormality that ought to be referred to a specialist. Measures of accuracy were calculated for both groups and various curve severities. All pictures were assessed by 101 parents and 122 healthcare professionals. The sensitivity for detecting scoliosis was significantly lower in untrained parents (63.8%, [95% CI: 61.7-65.9%]) compared to healthcare professionals (73.4%, [95% CI: 71.6-75.2%]; p < 0.001), while the specificity was not significantly different (63.6%, [95% CI: 60.2-66.9%] vs. 65.3%, [95% CI: 62.2-68.3%]; p = 0.49). Healthcare professionals consistently recognized the gibbus as a warning sign when referring patients, while untrained parents highlighted various regions, including the spine, gibbus and scapula regions. The sensitivity of screening for scoliosis was significantly lower when it was performed by parents, while the false-positive rate was similar to healthcare professionals. The window of opportunity for conservative treatment may be missed when parents rather than professionals are responsible for screening.


Patient experience of pregnancy-related venous thrombosis: A phenomenological study.
This study used a descriptive phenomenological approach to explore the lived experience of women diagnosed with VTE in pregnancy and the perinatal period. The study setting was a London, university affiliated hospital. The sample consisted of nine women with deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism in pregnancy or up to six weeks post-partum, diagnosed in the last two years. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken using an interview guide. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using phenomenological descriptive analysis. Clustered invariant constituents that represented the lived experience of subjects emerged. The study revealed that the experience of pregnancy-related venous thrombosis is an overwhelmingly negative one with the journey through diagnosis and treatment being fraught with challenges, uncertainty and anxiety. Four main themes that contributed to the women's lived experience were identified: 1. Challenges in establishing a diagnosis; 2. Dealing with diagnosis; 3. Coping with treatment; and 4. Fears for the future. This is the first study to explore the experience of pregnancy-related venous thrombosis and offers valuable insight into the phenomenon. There is opportunity for clinicians to enhance the experience of pregnancy-related venous thromboembolism (PRVTE) by improving communication and information given to patients, clarifying diagnostic and treatment pathways and improving awareness of the condition.


Bacteriology of the marine environment: implications for clinical therapy.
Ocean water and tissue samples were obtained from a variety of sources with phylogenetic and geographic diversity. Purified bacterial colonies were isolated and identification procedures were performed. A total of 67 isolates were recovered. Thirty-eight isolates belonged to the genus Vibrio and included six species. Twenty-four non-fermentative bacteria and four Gram-positive isolates were recovered. Antibiotic susceptibility testing showed that while the non-fermentative marine bacteria generally were susceptible to the antibiotics tested, marine Vibrio species were relatively resistant to a wide variety of antimicrobials. Antibiotics effective against all species included imipenem, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, and chloramphenicol. Further recommendations for treatment are based on sensitivity in culture. Some isolates failed to grow in the medium used for susceptibility testing. Because commercial test kits may not yield accurate identifications of bacteria, the acquisition of antimicrobial susceptibility data gains added importance.


Evaluation of the developmental toxicity of ethylene glycol monohexyl ether vapor in Fischer 344 rats and New Zealand white rabbits.
Timed pregnant Fischer 344 rats and New Zealand White rabbits were exposed to vapor from ethylene glycol monohexyl ether (EGHE, CAS No. 112-25-4) for 6 hr/day on gestational days (gd) 6 through gd 15 (rats) or gd 6 through gd 18 (rabbits) at analytically measured concentrations (as means +/- SD) of 20.8 +/- 0.90, 41.1 +/- 1.77, or 79.2 +/- 10.8 ppm; control animals were exposed to air alone. Monitors for maternal toxicity were body weight, food and water consumption, clinical signs, and hematology. At sacrifice (gd 21 rats, gd 29 rabbits) maternal weight, liver weight, and gravid uterine weight were measured. Gestational parameters monitored were numbers of corpora lutea, preimplantation losses, viable implants, early and late resorptions, and dead fetuses. Live fetuses were sexed, weighed, and examined for external, visceral, and skeletal malformations and variations. Rabbit maternal toxicity occurred at 79.2 ppm as transient weight gain reduction during the exposure period. For maternal rats at 79.2 ppm, there were transient decrease in body weight and body weight gain during exposure, reduced food consumption, increased water consumption, and excess lacrimation. At 41.1 ppm, maternal body weight gain was reduced during the exposure period only. There were no treatment-related effects with respect to hematology, necropsy, or gestational parameters and no significant change in the incidence of malformations or variations (expressed as total, individual, external, visceral, or skeletal). Thus, exposure of rats and rabbits to EGHE vapor during the period of organogenesis produced maternal toxicity at near-saturation vapor concentrations (79.2 ppm), but no evidence for developmental toxicity or teratogenicity. The no-effect vapor concentrations for maternal toxicity were 41.1 ppm for rabbits and 20.8 ppm for rats.


Normal CT characteristics of the thymus in adults.
The thymus changes with age. Its shape and the proportion of solid tissue and fat vary between individuals, yet there is no comprehensive work describing the size and morphology of the normal thymus on CT. As a result, many adults with some preserved soft tissue in the thymus may undergo extensive work-up to exclude mediastinal tumor. Our aim was to quantify CT characteristics of the normal thymus in an adult population. CT chest scans of 194 trauma patients aged 14-78 years (mean 52.6 years), were retrospectively reviewed. The density, volume, shape and predominant side of the thymus were recorded for 56 patients in whom some solid tissue was preserved. Statistical analysis of these characteristics according to the patient age and gender was performed. Thymic density and volume decreased progressively with age. No solid tissue component was seen in the thymus in patients older than 54 years. In the majority of patients, the thymus had an arrowhead shape, with middle position. However, great variability in thymic shape and border were noted. There was a highly significant relationship between density and patient age (p<0.0001). We hope that our work will help in the definition of normal thymic CT parameters in adults, help to prevent unnecessary and expensive imaging procedures, and reduce patient exposure to ionizing radiation.


Obesity.
Excess bodyweight is the sixth most important risk factor contributing to the overall burden of disease worldwide. 1.1 billion adults and 10% of children are now classified as overweight or obese. Average life expectancy is already diminished; the main adverse consequences are cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and several cancers. The complex pathological processes reflect environmental and genetic interactions, and individuals from disadvantaged communities seem to have greater risks than more affluent individuals partly because of fetal and postnatal imprinting. Obesity, with its array of comorbidities, necessitates careful clinical assessment to identify underlying factors and to allow coherent management. The epidemic reflects progressive secular and age-related decreases in physical activity, together with substantial dietary changes with passive over-consumption of energy despite the neurobiological processes controlling food intake. Effective long-term weight loss depends on permanent changes in dietary quality, energy intake, and activity. Neither the medical management nor the societal preventive challenges are currently being met.


Relationship between the degeneration of the cruciate ligaments and calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition: anatomic, radiologic study with histologic correlation.
To investigate the association of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) crystal deposition and cruciate ligament (CL) degeneration, 10 cadaveric knees were studied with 1.5-T magnetic resonance imaging and sectioned in three planes. The slices were evaluated with high-resolution Faxitron radiography. The images and specimens were evaluated by two radiologists. Histologic sections were obtained from eight that contained calcifications and from two without calcifications. Radiographs and histologic analysis demonstrated CPPD crystal deposition in 80% of specimens and 75% of CLs in these eight specimens. Degenerative changes were observed in 75% of them. Such analysis demonstrated no evidence of CPPD crystals or degeneration in the control specimens.


A preliminary study of apparent diffusion coefficient in chemotherapy-induced liver damage.
To investigate changes in the hepatic apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in patients undergoing chemotherapy. We enrolled 54 patients (25 women; mean age 57.0±13.1 years, range 29-89 years) undergoing chemotherapy for tumor and 10 controls (7 women; mean age 55.1±17.5 years, range 23-81 years). The patients were tested for serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity (abnormal, normal) and fatty liver. Hepatic ADC values were compared among controls, patients and subgroups. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to assess the correlation between ADC and ALT activity. Hepatic ADC0,850 (×10(-3) mm2/s) was lower for patients than controls (1.14±0.18 vs. 1.28±0.12, P=0.02) and was lower for patients with than without fatty liver and controls (1.01±0.06 vs. 1.18±0.18 and 1.28±0.12, respectively, all P<0.01), with no significant difference between patients without fatty liver and controls (P=0.07). ADC0,850 was lower for patients with abnormal ALT than normal ALT activity and controls (0.99±0.06 vs. 1.17±0.18 and 1.28±0.12, respectively, all P<0.05), with a significant difference also being seen between patients with normal ALT activity and controls (P=0.04). Hepatic ADC0,850 was not correlated with ALT activity in patients (r=-0.24, P=0.08). Although ADC did not correlate with ALT values, it did distinguish patient likely to have chemotherapy-induced liver damage as indicated by abnormal ALT values or fatty liver. These mechanisms need to be disentangled.


Perineal approach for rectourethral fistulae after radical laparoscopic prostatectomy.
To describe our experience with the perineal approach to treat rectourethral fistulae (RUF) after radical laparoscopic prostatectomy. We performed a retrospective study from 2012 to 2015 presenting 5 cases of RUF after radical laparoscopic prostatectomy. All cases required major abdominal surgery between the radical laparoscopic prostatectomy and the RUF treatment due to various complications. In no case was radiation therapy indicated prior to or after the repair. A perineal approach was performed in the 5 cases as the first option. One case required a second operation with a combined approach (abdominal and perineal) due to persistent fistulae. After a minimum of 12 months of follow-up, 5 cases had resolved the RUF. Two patients presented urinary incontinence, and one patient had an anastomotic stricture that required internal urethrotomy. The other patients had no long-term complications. The perineal approach provides a healthy surgical field in patients who undergo multiple operations, achieving high rates of resolution of the fistulae.


Possible functions of the interhemispheric connexions between visual cortical areas in the cat.
The functions of interhemispheric axons linking the borders between cortical areas 17 and 18 on the two sides of the brain were investigated by two techniques. A well-matched sample of neurones was recorded in the 17/18 border region before and after an extensive lesion was made in the corresponding part of the other hemisphere. The proportion of binocularly driven cells fell from 96% to 67%, confirming the results of Dreher & Cottee (1975). Orientation-and direction-selectivity, as well as the responsiveness of the population of neurones, seemed unaltered. The reduction in binocularity was much less convincing for cells in the body of area 17, even very close to the callosal-recipient zone. Reversible cooling of the 17/18 border had no effect on the few cells recorded outside the callosal zone in the other hemisphere nor on eighteen of the thirty-five cells recorded in the callosal zone. However, in ten cells the receptive field disappeared completely in one eye; in five cells there was a general reduction in responsiveness; two cells lost a portion of the receptive field, on the ipsilateral side, in both eyes. The receptive fields that were apparently transmitted via the corpus callosum lay around the vertical meridian of the visual field and were not restricted to the visual hemifield ipsilateral to the receiving hemisphere: their distribution overlapped that provided by the direct geniculo-cortical input. The principal function of the callosal projection between the 17/18 borders may be to contribute to binocular convergence on cortical cells and perhaps to play a part in stereoscopic vision.


Psychological Distress in Parents and School-Functioning of Adolescents: Results from the World Trade Center Registry.
Poor school-functioning can be indicative of parent and adolescent mental health and adolescent behavior problems. This study examined 472 adolescents enrolled in the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Registry, with a two-step path analysis, using regression-based models, to unravel the relationships between parent and adolescent mental health, adolescent behavior problems, and adolescent unmet healthcare need (UHCN) on the outcome school-functioning. WTC exposure was associated with UHCN and parental mental health was a significant mediator. There was no evidence that family WTC exposure was associated with UHCN independent of its effect on parental mental health. For the second path, after accounting for the effects of adolescent mental health, behavioral problems, and UHCN, there remained a significant association between parental mental health and school-functioning. Interventions for poor school-functioning should have multiple components which address UHCN, mental health, and behavioral problems, as efforts to address any of these alone may not be sufficient.


Development, calibration and validation of a comprehensive customizable lumbar spine FE model for simulating fusion constructs.
Instrumentation alters the biomechanics of the spine, and therefore prediction of all output quantities that have critical influence post-surgically is significant for engineering models to aid in clinical predictions. Geometrical morphological finite element models can bring down the development time and cost of custom intact and instrumented models and thus aids in the better inference of biomechanics of surgical instrumentation on patient-specific diseased spine segments. A comprehensive hexahedral morphological lumbosacral finite element model is developed in this work to predict the range of motions, disc pressures, and facet contact forces of the intact and instrumented spine. Facet contact forces are needed to predict the impact of fusion surgeries on adjacent facet contacts in bending, axial rotation, and extension motions. Extensive validation in major physiological loading regimes of the pure moment, pure compression, and combined loading is undertaken. In vitro, experimental corridor results from six different studies reported in the literature are compared and the generated model had statistically significant comparable values with these studies. Flexion, extension and bending moment rotation curves of all segments of the developed model were favourable and within two separately established experimental corridor windows as well as recent simulation results. Axial torque moment rotation curves were comparable to in vitro results for four out of five lumbar functional units. The facet contact force results also agreed with in vitro experimental results. The current model is also computationally efficient with respect to contemporary models since it uses significantly smaller number of elements without losing the accuracy in terms of response prediction. This model can further be used for predicting the impact of different instrumentation techniques on the lumbar vertebral column.


Quality of CPR with three different ventilation:compression ratios.
Current adult basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) guidelines recommend a 2:15 ventilation:compression ratio, while the optimal ratio is unknown. This study was designed to compare arterial and mixed venous blood gas changes and cerebral circulation and oxygen delivery with ventilation:compression ratios of 2:15, 2:50 and 5:50 in a model of basic CPR. Ventricular fibrillation (VF) was induced in 12 anaesthetised pigs, and satisfactory recordings were obtained from 9 of them. A non-intervention interval of 3 min was followed by CPR with pauses in compressions for ventilation with 17% oxygen and 4% carbon dioxide in a randomised, cross-over design with each method being used for 5 min. Pulmonary gas exchange was clearly superior with a ventilation:compression ratio of 2:15. While the arterial oxygen saturation stayed above 80% throughout CPR for 2:15, it dropped below 40% during part of the ventilation:compression cycle for both the other two ratios. On the other hand, the ratio 2:50 produced 30% more chest compressions per minute than either of the two other methods. This resulted in a mean carotid flow that was significantly higher with the ratio of 2:50 than with 5:50 while 2:15 was not significantly different from either. The mean cerebrocortical microcirculation was approximately 37% of pre-VF levels during compression cycles alone with no significant differences between the methods. The oxygen delivery to the brain was higher for the ratio of 2:15 than for either 5:50 or 2:50. In parallel the central venous oxygenation, which gives some indication of tissue oxygenation, was higher for the ratio of 2:15 than for both 5:50 and 2:50. As the compressions were done with a mechanical device with only 2-3 s pauses per ventilation, the data cannot be extrapolated to laypersons who have great variations in quality of CPR. However, it might seem reasonable to suggest that basic CPR by professionals should continue with ratio of 2:15 at present if it can be shown that similar brief pauses for ventilation can be achieved in clinical practice.


Myelomeningocele: long-term neurosurgical treatment and follow-up in 202 patients.
In this paper the authors focus on the long-term management of myelomeningocele (MMC) and its associated conditions. During a 25-year period, 220 consecutive patients with MMC underwent surgical repair. There were 203 cases (92%) of enlarged ventricles, but only 171 cases (78%) of hydrocephalus. Seven infants (3%) presented with early brainstem dysfunction; two improved after ventricular drainage, whereas five required craniocervical decompression. Overall, five neonates (2%) died; 215 patients (98%) were eventually discharged from the hospital and of these, 202 (94%) remained in the authors' outpatient program. During the follow-up (range 1-25 years, mean 9.3 years), 96 patients required shunt revision (63% of shunts); 16 patients (8%) experienced late brainstem dysfunction that was treated by shunt placement in eight and by craniocervical decompression in the other eight; 137 patients (68%) harbored hydrosyringomyelia, but only six required surgical treatment; 40 patients (20%) presented symptoms of tethered cord, but surgical detethering was indicated in just 22 patients (11%). There were five deaths (2%), and severe adjunctive neurological morbidity was reported in 18 patients (9%) (owing to various causes). "Social" results have been evaluated by extrapolating 38 patients older than 15 years of age whose initial lesions were below L-2: 37 (97%) of these patients were fully independent, had "social urinary continence," and attended normal schools. Currently, many patients with MMC reach adulthood and social continence; self-care may be expected in a large percentage of cases. Nevertheless, there are many associated neurological conditions that have to be faced, and a coordinated network of care remains necessary throughout the patient's life. Moreover, these patients often present with so many peculiarities that indications for treatment, choice of proper techniques, and results are not always clear and evident.


Highly selective aromatization and isomerization of n-alkanes from bimetallic Pt-Zn nanoparticles supported on a uniform aluminosilicate.
A bimetallic-support interaction through Pt-Zn nanoparticles and uniform compact cylindrical ZSM-5 particles shows selectivity over 90% towards BTX and i-octane at controlled 60% conversion with negligible coke formation when reforming n-octane. This is a significant improvement compared to alternative Pt-Zn on conventional ZSM-5, with a selectivity of less than 40%.


Structural studies of transition metal complexes with 4,5-bis(2-pyridylmethylsulfanyl)-4',5'-ethylenedithiotetrathiafulvalene: probing their potential for the construction of multifunctional molecular assemblies.
Three divalent transition metal complexes of 4,5-bis(2-pyridylmethylsulfanyl)-4',5'-ethylenedithiotetrathiafulvalene have been prepared and crystallographically characterized. The isostructural Co(II) and the Ni(II) complexes show octahedral geometries around the metal ions with the coordination sites occupied by the pyridyl nitrogen atoms and the thioether sulfur atoms of the ligand and cis coordination of the halide ions. Cyclic voltammetry reveals that the complexation leads to a small anodic shift in the first oxidation potential of the TTF system.


To What Extent Implanting Single vs Pairs of Magnets Per Muscle Affect the Localization Accuracy of the Myokinetic Control Interface? Evidence From a Simulated Environment.
We recently proposed a new concept of human-machine interface to control hand prostheses which we dubbed the myokinetic control interface. Such interface detects muscle displacement during contraction by localizing permanent magnets implanted in the residual muscles. So far, we evaluated the feasibility of implanting one magnet per muscle and monitoring its displacement relative to its initial position. However, multiple magnets could actually be implanted in each muscle, as using their relative distance as a measure of muscle contraction could improve the system robustness against environmental disturbances. Here, we simulated the implant of pairs of magnets in each muscle and we compared the localization accuracy of such system with the one magnet per muscle approach, considering first a planar and then an anatomically appropriate configuration. Such comparison was also performed when simulating different grades of mechanical disturbances applied to the system (i.e., shift of the sensor grid). We found that implanting one magnet per muscle always led to lower localization errors under ideal conditions (i.e., no external disturbances). Differently, when mechanical disturbances were applied, magnet pairs outperformed the single magnet approach, confirming that differential measurements are able to reject common mode disturbances. We identified important factors affecting the choice of the number of magnets to implant in a muscle. Our results provide important guidelines for the design of disturbance rejection strategies and for the development of the myokinetic control interface, as well as for a whole range of biomedical applications involving magnetic tracking.


Digital Education in General Thoracic Surgery: A Narrative Review.
Since advanced technologies were introduced into surgical education, a variety of new programs have been developed. However, a comprehensive review of digital education in general thoracic surgery has not been performed. This narrative review was conducted was to identify the current applications of digital education in general thoracic surgery. A literature search was performed using keywords related to general thoracic surgery and digital education, including e-learning and virtual simulation, up to September 2021. Studies published in English investigating the effect of digital education in general thoracic surgery were included. Thirteen studies met the criteria. The settings were in undergraduate (n = 6) and postgraduate education (residency) (n = 5) and mixed audience with other disciplines (n = 2). Theoretical knowledge (n = 5), technical skills (n = 4), and both knowledge and technical skills (n = 4) were the stated educational objectives for the studies. The didactic materials were transferred to hardware, software, or online platforms and delivered with multimedia materials. Technical skills training for bronchoscopy and chest tube insertion (n = 5) were offered using virtual reality and computer-based simulations. Subjective evaluation was done in 10 studies. Although after the digital education training there was observed improvement in knowledge or skills in 8 studies, studies were not designed to test for superiority compared with controls through randomized controlled studies. This review summarizes the current applications of digital education in general thoracic surgery and helps establish the needs for future studies in this field.


Pre- and post-treatment experiences of fear, anxiety, and pain among chronic periodontitis patients treated by scaling and root planing per quadrant versus one-stage full-mouth disinfection: a 6-month randomized controlled clinical trial.
To relate the clinical effects of two different forms of non-surgical periodontal therapy - scaling and root planing per quadrant (SRP-Q) and one-stage full-mouth disinfection (FMD) - to patient-based outcomes such as fear, anxiety, and pain of moderate chronic periodontitis patients. Dental Fear Survey (DFS) and Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS) questionnaires and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were applied to 78 patients randomized into two groups: SRP-Q (n = 37) and FMD (n = 41). Periodontal clinical parameters: probing pocket depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), plaque index (PI), and gingival index (GI) were monitored at baseline and 6 months after treatment. Data were statistically analysed by chi-square, Fisher's exact, Mann-Whitney, Wilcoxon tests, Pearson's correlation, and Cluster analysis. All periodontal clinical parameters improved from baseline to 6 months. Patients with higher fear and anxiety showed a worse clinical periodontal status before and after treatment (mean CAL, PI, and GI). After both types of treatment, fear and anxiety decreased (FMD: p = 0.019; SRP-Q: p = 0.043) with no differences between the groups. Pain did not differ between groups (FMD: 20.6 ± 19.0 and SRP: 20.7 ± 20.0; p = 0.930). In moderate chronic periodontitis patients, SRP-Q and FMD provided periodontal clinical improvements and similar experiences of fear, anxiety, and pain.


Computer-simulated neural networks: an appropriate model for motor development?
The idea of an artificial neural network is introduced in a historical context, and the essential aspect of it, viz., the modifiable synapse, is compared to the aspect of plasticity in the natural nervous system. Based on such an artificial neural network, a model is presented for the way in which (the path along which) the connectivity in the spinal cord is modified during the period that a newborn 'learns' to control the movement of his forearm. In this way an automatic calibration of the receptors and the antagonists' recruitment of motor units is represented. The learning process is described in non-mathematical terminology. The model is then shown to be able after learning to reach target angles outside the training set of angles, and to be able to relearn when an important receptor has been made inoperative. In this way it is shown that the model is able to generalize, and that it is robust against at least some damage.


Atomically controlled electrochemical nucleation at superionic solid electrolyte surfaces.
Electrochemical equilibrium and the transfer of mass and charge through interfaces at the atomic scale are of fundamental importance for the microscopic understanding of elementary physicochemical processes. Approaching atomic dimensions, phase instabilities and instrumentation limits restrict the resolution. Here we show an ultimate lateral, mass and charge resolution during electrochemical Ag phase formation at the surface of RbAg(4)I(5) superionic conductor thin films. We found that a small amount of electron donors in the solid electrolyte enables scanning tunnelling microscope measurements and atomically resolved imaging. We demonstrate that Ag critical nucleus formation is rate limiting. The Gibbs energy of this process takes discrete values and the number of atoms of the critical nucleus remains constant over a large range of applied potentials. Our approach is crucial to elucidate the mechanism of atomic switches and highlights the possibility of extending this method to a variety of other electrochemical systems.


Asymmetric arginine dimethylation of cytosolic RNA and DNA sensors by PRMT3 attenuates antiviral innate immunity.
The cytosolic RNA and DNA sensors initiate type I interferon signaling when binding to RNA or DNA. To effectively protect the host against virus infection and concomitantly avoid excessive interferonopathy at resting states, these sensors must be tightly regulated. However, the key molecular mechanisms regulating these sensors' activation remain elusive. Here, we identify PRMT3, a type I protein arginine methyltransferase, as a negative regulator of cytosolic RNA and DNA sensors. PRMT3 interacts with RIG-I, MDA5, and cGAS and catalyzes asymmetric dimethylation of R730 on RIG-I, R822 on MDA5, and R111 on cGAS. These modifications reduce RNA-binding ability of RIG-I and MDA5 as well as DNA-binding ability and oligomerization of cGAS, leading to the inhibition of downstream type I interferon production. Furthermore, mice with loss of one copy of Prmt3 or in vivo treatment of the PRMT3 inhibitor, SGC707, are more resistant to RNA and DNA virus infection. Our findings reveal an essential role of PRMT3 in the regulation of antiviral innate immunity and give insights into the molecular regulation of cytosolic RNA and DNA sensors' activation.


Effect of two preservation methods on the viability and enzyme production of a recombinant Komagataella phaffii (Pichia pastoris) strain.
The methylotrophic yeast Komagataella phaffii, previously known as Pichia pastoris, has been reported as a host for producing human recombinant lysosomal enzymes intended for enzyme replacement therapy. K. phaffii has advantages such as easy genetic handling, rapid growth, cost-effective mediums, and the ability to develop mammalian-like post-translational modifications. To maintain cell viability and enzyme activity over time, it is important to consider the bioprocess optimization and the proper selection and preservation of clones. In this study, we evaluated the effect of glycerol and skim milk in cryopreservation at -80 °C, as well as the use of skim milk or its combination with NaCl, disaccharides or sorbitol in freeze-drying on the cell viability and activity of a recombinant lysosomal enzyme (i.e., human β-hexosaminidase-A) produced in K. phaffii GS115 strain. The results showed that cryopreservation with glycerol and skim milk, as well as freeze-drying using disaccharides and sorbitol with skim milk, maintained the viability above 80%. Although variations in enzyme activity among treatments were found, the use of disaccharides had a positive effect on the enzymatic activity levels. This is the first report of the evaluation of two suitable methods to preserve a recombinant K. phaffii strain, preventing the loss of viability and maintaining the activity of the recombinant protein.


Chronic glomerular microangiopathy and metastatic carcinoma.
Two patients with metastatic colonic adenocarcinoma developed deterioration of renal function six and nine months after the diagnosis of malignant disease. A renal biopsy specimen in one case and both postmortem specimens revealed thickening of glomerular capillary loops with focal reduplication of basement membrane-like material. Ultrastructural examination of all three specimens demonstrated a lucent subendothelial zone and no evidence of electron dense deposits. Antifibrinogen staining outlined most capillary loops in one case. It appears that chronic intravascular coagulation induced by the neoplasm was the major pathogenetic process involved in the production of the glomerular lesion in each case.


RNA binding protein DAZAP1 promotes HCC progression and regulates ferroptosis by interacting with SLC7A11 mRNA.
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) closely regulate the whole lifecycle of most RNA molecules, from the very early stage of transcription to RNA decay. Dysregulation of RBPs significantly affects the fate of cancer-related transcripts. Therefore, it is imperative to fully understand the complicated RBP-RNA regulatory networks in malignant diseases and to explore novel therapeutic targets. The RBP DAZAP1 (deleted in azoospermia-associated protein 1), originally identified as an important protein in spermatogenesis, had rarely been studied in the context of carcinogenesis. The role of DAZAP1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was unveiled in this study. The relative expression of DAZAP1 was significantly upregulated in HCC and was positively associated with several key malignant characteristics and poor postoperative survival in patients. DAZAP1 knockdown by small interfering RNA markedly inhibited HCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Furthermore, DAZAP1 significantly reduced cellular sensitivity to sorafenib (SF), which had been proven to be an inducer of ferroptosis by targeting the system Xc- (composed of a light chain, xCT/SLC7A11, and a heavy chain, 4F2 heavy chain). At the mechanistic level, DAZAP1 was identified as a potent inhibitor of ferroptosis and an efficient binding partner of SLC7A11 mRNA. Further study revealed that DAZAP1 interacted with the 3'UTR (untranslated region) of SLC7A11 mRNA and positively regulated its stability. In our work, we clarified novel functions of DAZAP1 and preliminarily revealed its underlying mechanism in ferroptosis, which may be conducive to the exploration of biomarkers and therapeutic targets in HCC patients.


Angiogenic role of adrenomedullin through activation of Akt, mitogen-activated protein kinase, and focal adhesion kinase in endothelial cells.
Adrenomedullin (AM) is a multifunctional peptide in human pheochromocytoma. To evaluate whether AM could be an angiogenic factor, we examined its effect on kinases and angiogenic processes. AM induced tyrosine phosphorylation of Akt and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2) by using distinct signaling pathways in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). AM also phosphorylated focal adhesion kinase, and phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase inhibitor inhibited AM-induced focal adhesion kinase phosphorylation. Pretreatment with high concentrations of AM22-52, a putative AM receptor antagonist, partially suppressed AM-induced phosphorylation of Akt, ERK1/2, and focal adhesion kinase. AM and vascular endothelial growth factor produced increases in DNA synthesis and migration in HUVECs. AM induced tube formation in HUVECs, and its effect was inhibited by pretreatment with phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase inhibitor or ERK1/2 inhibitor. AM induced sprouting in porcine pulmonary arterial endothelial cells and promoted neovessel formation in a mouse Matrigel plug assay. Inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase and ERK1/2 inhibited AM-induced endothelial sprouting in vitro and angiogenesis in vivo. AM exerts angiogenic activity through activation of Akt, MAPK, and focal adhesion kinase in endothelial cells.


Relationship of sleep quality with coping and life styles in female Moroccan immigrants in Germany.
Epidemiologic studies conducted in Western societies show poorer sleep quality in women compared with men. Socioeconomic and stress-related psychological variables have been shown to influence sleep, but not much is known about sociological and psychological influences on the sleep of women in general and non-Western women in particular. The present study reports on sociodemographic and coping variables in relation to sleep quality in female Moroccan immigrants living in Germany. Participants took part in a structured personal interview on Pittsburg Sleep Quality Inventory (PSQI) sleep quality, coping style preferences, and information related to the degree of identification with Western life style. Sleep quality was poor (PSQI > 6) in 39% of women. Surprisingly, women who had identified with a more Western lifestyle had poorer sleep quality than women who had retained their traditional Moroccan life style. An unusually large proportion of women preferred monitoring (i.e., information-seeking coping style) and adaptive coping (48% and 19%, respectively), regardless of sleep quality. Monitoring was more frequent in women who were less integrated into German culture. Results on sleep quality suggest that for Moroccan immigrant women in Germany, adopting a Western life style may be more stressful than retaining their native life style. The high preference for an information seeking approach in coping may reflect the desire for information rather than actual coping behavior.


Thermomyces lanuginosus lipase in the liquid-crystalline phases of aqueous phytantriol: X-ray diffraction and vibrational spectroscopic studies.
The influence of Thermomyces lanuginosus lipase (TLL) on the phase behaviour of liquid-crystalline phases of aqueous phytantriol as well as conformational changes of TLL entrapped in the cubic Q230 phase have been studied by small angle X-ray diffraction (SAXD), FT-Raman, and FT-IR techniques. It was found that the lipidic Q230 phase is able to accommodate up to 10 wt.% of TLL, and the temperature of phase transition to the inverted hexagonal phase H(II) increases indicating stabilizing effect of the protein. FT-Raman analysis of Trp amino acid marker band W3 revealed that the average rotation angle around the C3-Cbeta bond of four Trp residues of TLL in the Q230 phase increases. Reasoning from available TLL crystallographic data, this result is explained by structural transition of entrapped protein to so-called "open" and more related to the enzymatically-active conformation. TLL secondary structure analysis by amide I and amide III vibrational bands showed that content of alpha-helixes does not change, while a part of beta-sheet structures transforms to less ordered elements upon incorporation of protein into the Q230 phase of aqueous phytantriol.


Repair of platinum-DNA lesions in E. coli by a pathway which does not recognize DNA damage caused by MNNG or UV light.
The adaptive response is an inducible DNA-repair system which diminishes the mutagenic and toxic effects of alkylating agents. A mutant of E. coli constitutive for adaptative repair, BS21, has been isolated. A spontaneous revertant of this strain, BS23, lacks the adaptive response. When compared to its wild-type parent, mutant BS21 showed an increased resistance to the killing and mutagenic effects of a compound which is not a classical alkylating agent, the antitumor drug cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) (cis-DDP). However, this resistance to cis-DDP was also found in strain BS23 which lacks the adaptive response. cis-DDP bound to the DNA of all 3 strains with the same efficiency. In addition, we have investigated the effect of UV radiation and we failed to observe a significant difference in the survival and mutagenesis of these strains. This evidence suggests that the resistance of BS21 and BS23 strains to cis-DDP is not a consequence of the adaptive response or increased excision repair.


Fenvalerate modifies T-type Ca2+ channels in mouse spermatogenic cells.
Prior to fertilization sperm must undergo the acrosome reaction that is initiated by opening of T-type Ca(2+) channel. Hence, T-type Ca(2+) channels could be a potential target for agents affecting the acrosome reaction. Our previous data have suggested that fenvalerate, a type II pyrethroid, inhibited the acrosome reaction in mice. To elucidate its potential mechanism we investigated fenvalerate's effect on T-type Ca(2+) channels in mouse pachytene spermatocytes using a whole-cell patch clamp technique. Fenvalerate significantly inhibited T-type Ca(2+) currents in a concentration-dependent manner. The maximal inhibitory concentration was 1 microM. The inhibitory effect of fenvalerate was slow and irreversible after washout of the drug. The curves of activation and inactivation simultaneously shifted to hyperpolarization, about 14 mV, suggesting the open time of Ca(2+) channel was unchanged. Voltage-dependent gating of Ca(2+) channel indicated a change in permeability to ions that contributed to fenvalerate's inhibition on Ca(2+) current. Taken together with our previous findings, these data suggest that the changes of T-type Ca(2+) currents contribute to the suppression of acrosome reaction and fertilizing ability caused by fenvalerate.


Endovascular treatment of multiple HIV-related aneurysms using multilayer stents.
Complex peripheral aneurysm anatomy with major artery branches in the immediate vicinity and mycotic aneurysm often impede endovascular management using covered stent grafts. The Cardiatis Multilayer Stent (Cardiatis, Isnes, Belgium) is a recently approved innovative stent system for peripheral aneurysm management. Its multilayer design aims at decreasing mean velocity and vorticity within the aneurysm sac to cause thrombus formation while maintaining patency of branching vessels due to laminar flow. We present a case of bilateral subclavian artery aneurysms and perivisceral aortic aneurysms in an AIDS patient successfully treated with the Cardiatis Multilayer Stent at 18 months' follow-up.


Generation of lymphokine activated killer cells in a new high density dialyzing culture apparatus.
In order to establish an efficient culture system for the generation of lymphokine activated killer (LAK) cells, we have developed a new device which is essentially based on a continuous dialyzing culture vessel. LAK cells grown in such a system showed higher cytotoxicity than those grown under conventional culture conditions. By using this new apparatus with continuous regulation of infused interleukin 2, nutritional medium, and pO(2) and pCO(2), yields of 2×10(7) cells/ml were achieved and maintained for more than 21 days. These cells also showed a significant increase of LAK activity on a per cell basis.


A high-resolution dialysis technique for rapid determination of dissolved reactive phosphate and ferrous iron in pore water of sediments.
Characterization of pore water chemistry necessitates measurements of the chemical components at a high spatial resolution due to the heterogeneous nature of sediments. In this study, a novel high-resolution dialysis technique was developed for rapid sampling of dissolved reactive phosphate (DRP) and ferrous iron (Fe) in pore water at a vertical resolution of 2mm. This technique employed a mini dialysis device (peeper) with a deployment time of 2 days in sediments for equilibration. Operational procedures following retrieval of the peeper include in situ freezing of the pore water samples through spraying commercial carbon dioxide snow, frozen storage of the pore water samples, and quick analysis of chemicals in pore water samples using 384-well microplate photometric methods. The sample consumption for each parameter can be minimized to 6μL, which allowed simultaneous determination of DRP and ferrous iron in a peeper device. Laboratory tests showed that the technique was robust enough for the in situ measurements. Field deployment was subsequently performed in three sites of a shallow, eutrophic bay in Lake Taihu of China. Simultaneous determination of DRP and ferrous Fe in all the sites demonstrated a similar behavior of both chemicals in the pore water profiles, verifying the control of P mobilization by Fe in sediments.


Multiplex Immunofluorescence for Detection of Spatial Distributions of Infiltrating T Cells Within Different Regions of Hepatic Lobules During Liver Transplantation Rejection.
It remains unclear as to whether there are differences that exist in the types and functional status of immune cells within different areas of the liver lobules after rejection of liver transplantation. The composition of infiltrating T cells in liver allografts during liver transplantation rejection is indistinct and difficult to visualize within the same biopsy slide. In an attempt to rectify this problem, we applied multiplex immunofluorescent assays to assess the spatial distribution of various types of infiltrating T cells in different areas of the liver lobules after liver transplantation. In identical areas of the hepatic lobules, the percentage of CD4+ T, CD8+ T, and regulatory T (Treg) cells in the rejection group was greater than that observed in the non-rejection and normal groups. Within all three groups, the percentage of CD4+ T, CD8+ T, and Treg cells from the periportal to perivenous zones initially increased and then decreased. In the rejection group, the percentage of CD8+ T cells gradually increased from the periportal to perivenous zones, with maximal levels in the perivenous as compared with that in the transitional and periportal zones. In conclusion, levels of CD8+ T cells within different regions of liver lobules are closely related to levels of rejection after liver transplantation. Liver transplantation rejection may be linked with increases in CD8+ T cells within the perivenous zone. Although the regional percent of increase in CD4+ T cells may not reflect level of the rejection, the overall numbers of both of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells within different regions were closely related to rejection levels.


Natural occurrence of the mycotoxin penitrem A in moldy cream cheese.
The occurrence of the mycotoxin penitrem A in refrigerated cream cheese that was involved in the intoxication of two dogs is described. Penitrem A and the fungus Penicillium crustosum were isolated from the cream cheese and identified. This is believed to be the first definitive case of the natural occurrence of penitrem A.


The molecular descriptor logSumAA and its alternatives in QSRR models to predict the retention of peptides.
The use of the experimental molecular descriptor logSum(AA) and some possible alternatives were evaluated in the QSRR analysis of peptides. To quantitatively characterize the structure of analytes in a previously proposed QSRR the following three structural descriptors were applied: the logarithm of the sum of gradient retention times of the amino acids composing the individual peptide, logSum(AA); the logarithm of the peptide's van der Waals volume, logVDW(Vol); and the logarithm of its theoretically calculated n-octanol-water partition coefficient, clogP. Taking into consideration that most amino acids were hardly retained in the different RP-HPLC systems on which the peptides retention was measured, the contribution of most amino acids to the logSum(AA) descriptor is rather constant. Therefore, to enlarge the variability of the descriptor and the amino acids contributions for a given series of peptides, in a first instance, it was evaluated whether, by changing the chromatographic conditions, the retention differences between the amino acids could be increased, while maintaining their mutual selectivity. It was not evident to find such conditions. Secondly, it was also investigated whether the experimental descriptor logSum(AA) can be replaced by a theoretical, either based on a simple or on a weighted counting of the amino acids composing the peptide. The weighting factor for the retained amino acids was determined by their experimental gradient retention times measured on different systems. The predictive abilities of the new QSRR models (applying the alternative descriptors) were assessed using the leave-one-out cross-validation procedure and compared to that of the initial model. Finally, a descriptor was defined for which the retention measurement of only a limited number of amino acids is required. It resulted in QSRR models with similar predictive properties as those with logSum(AA), but with a reduced workload.


Exploring the role of detoxification genes in the resistance of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus to different exogenous nematicidal substances using transcriptomic analyses.
Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Pine wood nematode, PWN) has become a worldwide forest disease due to its rapid infection ability, high lethality and difficulty in control. The main means of countering B. xylophilus is currently chemical control, but nematicides can present problems such as environmental pollution and drug resistance. The development of novel environmentally-friendly nematicides has thus become a focus of recent research. In this study, BxUGT3 and BxUGT34, which might be related to detoxification, were investigated by comparing transcriptomic and WGCNA approaches. Three other genes with a similar expression pattern, BxUGT13, BxUGT14, and BxUGT16, were found by gene family analysis. Further bioassays and qPCR assays confirmed that these five genes showed significant changes in transcript levels upon exposure to α-pinene and carvone, demonstrating that they respond to exogenous nematicidal substances. Finally, RNAi and bioassays showed that B. xylophilus with silenced BxUGT16 had increased mortality in the face of α-pinene and carvone stress, suggesting that BxUGT16 plays an important role in detoxification. Taken together, this study used novel molecular research methods, explored the detoxification mechanism of B. xylophilus at a transcriptomic level, and revealed a molecular target for the development of novel biopesticides.


Isolation of human platelet glycoproteins.
Human platelet glycoproteins were isolated from whole platelets by two methods. The first method, that of affinity chromatography on wheat germ agglutinin, is based on the known affinity of lectins for cell surface glycoproteins. When solubilized whole platelets are used as starting material for this procedure, elution with N-acetylglucosamine yields primarily a glycoprotein of Mr approximately 150 000 as estimated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-acrylamide gel electrophoresis. The second method is based on the ability of the chaotropic salt lithium diiodosalicylate to extract glycoprotein from particulate cell fractions in water-soluble form. This method yields three major glycopeptides with apparent molecular weights after sulfhydryl reduction of 145 000, 125 000, and 95 000 as estimated on 5.6% sodium dodecyl sulfate-acrylamide gels. Carboxymethylation of these preparations in the presence of sulfhydryl-reducing agent further resolves a glycoprotein of Mr approximately 165 000. Treatment of whole platelets by periodate oxidation and sodium[3H]-borohydride reduction labels the three major glycoproteins extracted by lithium diiodosalicylate and the glycoprotein of Mr approximately 150 000 isolated on wheat germ agglutinin confirming their surface orientation. However, glycoprotein with Mr approximately 165 000 resolved by carboxymethylation of the lithium diiodosalicylate extracted glycoprotein mixture was not labelled by this method, suggesting that it represents the granule protein with similar electrophoretic characteristics described by others. Phosphorylation of intact platelets with 32Pi also results in labelling of glycoproteins isolated by both methods, suggesting that these molecules traverse the bilipid layer of the platelet membrane, bearing reactive groups on both outer and cytoplasmic surfaces.


Perceptions of social support for weight loss among patients in primary care.
This study examined primary care patients' experiences with support for weight loss efforts. Adult patients (N = 106) were recruited through primary care clinics and completed an electronic survey pertaining to their weight loss efforts. The majority (76%) received support from their existing social network (e.g., family members, professionals); 59% had used apps and <20% had used social media for support. Findings reveal differences in satisfaction with support between men and women and between support sources, which will be useful for informing weight loss interventions in primary care.


Potentially inappropriate medications at admission among elderly patients transported to a tertiary emergency medical institution in Japan.
Potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) have been reported to be associated with lower adherence, higher rates of adverse events, and higher health-care costs in elderly patients with high comorbidity. However, inappropriate prescribing has not been adequately reported in studies of patients transported to tertiary care hospitals. In this study, we investigated PIMs at the time of admission, on the basis of the prescription status of elderly patients admitted to a tertiary emergency room (ER). We included 316 patients (168 men and 148 women, aged 75-97 years) who were admitted to our ER from September 2018 to August 2019, whose prescriptions were available on admission. Drugs that met the Screening Tool of Older Persons' Potentially Inappropriate Prescriptions (STOPP) criteria version 2 were defined as PIMs. The primary outcome was the proportion of older adults taking at least one PIM at admission. The proportion of patients taking PIMs at admission was 57% (n = 179). The most common PIMs were benzodiazepines, proton pump inhibitors, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The total number of medications prescribed at admission, prescriptions from multiple institutions, and prescriptions from clinics were the risk factors for PIMs at admission (P < 0.01, P < 0.001, and P < 0.001, respectively). We must be careful to avoid inappropriate prescribing for patients transported to tertiary care hospitals who have numerous prescriptions at the time of admission, patients who receive prescriptions from multiple medical institutions, and patients who receive prescriptions from clinics.


Modeling of Magnetite Nanoparticles Behavior under Conditions of Microcirculation and Analysis of In Vivo Toxicity.
The behavior of magnetite nanoparticles was studied in the cell chip microcapillaries. No aggregation of magnetite nanoparticles under conditions of long-term circulation was noted. Biodistribution and toxicity of magnetite nanoparticles (14 nm) and aminated magnetite after their intragastric administration to mice were studied in vivo. According to mass spectrometry and microscopy data, accumulation of nanoparticles occurred mainly in the liver cells.


Levels of organochlorine pesticides in human milk from central Taiwan.
The present study determined the residues of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in human milk collected in central Taiwan between December 2000 and November 2001. The OCPs were analyzed by GC/MS for 36 human milk samples from healthy women ranging between 20 and 36 years of age. The predominant OCPs were p,p'-DDE, p,p'-DDT, alpha-CHL, heptachlor epoxide, heptachlor, beta-HCH, and gamma-HCH, with median levels of 228, 19, 7.4, 4.0, 2.3, 1.2, and 0.8 ng/g lipid, respectively. The residues of OCPs in human milk from central Taiwan were comparable to those described in results from Sweden, the United Kingdom, and Japan, and were significantly lower than those from investigations in Asian countries, including China, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Low DDE/DDT ratio (mean=13.6, SD=6.54) indicated that residual OCPs in human milk mainly originate from past exposure. A notable decrease in DDT levels ( sigma DDT=333 ng/g lipid) in human milk was found in this study compared to results from the previous two decades ( sigma DDT=3,595 ng/g lipid). Hypothetically, the level of alpha-CHL was significantly associated with total TEQ levels in Taiwanese human milk because of the sources of food contaminant, i.e. animal fat. Based on low OCP levels in Taiwanese human milk and low estimated median daily intake of total DDTs for a breastfed infant (1,358 ng/kg/day) with the assumption of an infant weighting 4 kg and consuming 699 g milk per day in the first month after birth, the Taiwanese policy of breast-feeding promotion was supported.


Forest edge effects on the mycorrhizal communities of the dual-mycorrhizal tree species Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn.
Forest conversion into agricultural land has resulted in a continuous decline in forest cover and in a reduced size and increased edge-to-core ratio of the remaining fragments. Forest edges are more directly exposed to sunlight, wind and pollutants and the resulting changes in habitat quality might have a large impact on plant and animal communities. Few studies, however, have focused on forest edge effects on mycorrhizal fungus communities. Here, we used high-throughput sequencing to study how communities of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AMF) and ectomycorrhizal fungi (EcMF), present in both the roots of the dual mycorrhizal tree Alnus glutinosa and in the soil, changed with increasing distance from the forest edge within fragmented forests embedded in an intensively managed agricultural matrix. Overall, we found 158 AMF OTUs and 275 EcMF OTUs. Soil moisture content increased with increasing distance from the forest edge, whereas soil nitrate concentration increased with increasing distance in south-facing and decreased in north-facing edges. Distance to the forest edge had a significant effect on EcMF community composition that largely overlapped with the observed changes in soil variables, especially soil moisture content. Apart from this distance effect, there were also clear effects of edge orientation on mycorrhizal diversity and community composition. While AMF OTU richness was higher at south- than at north-facing edges, the opposite pattern was found for EcMF. Community composition of both mycorrhiza types also differed significantly between south- and north-facing edges. We conclude that altered environmental conditions at forest edges cause significant changes in mycorrhizal communities, which could subsequently affect ecosystem functioning.


Poor documentation prevents adequate assessment of quality metrics in colorectal cancer.
To standardize oncology clinical practice and improve patient outcomes, multiple organizations have developed cancer-specific metrics on the basis of a systematic background review, expert guidance, and fundamental elements of cancer care-staging and treatment.


Reverse Phase Protein Arrays.
Reverse phase protein arrays (RPPA) are used to quantify proteins and protein posttranslational modifications in cellular lysates and body fluids. RPPA technology is suitable for biomarker discovery, protein pathway profiling, functional phenotype analysis, and drug discovery mechanism of action. The principles of RPPA technology are (a) immobilizing protein-containing specimens on a coated slide in discrete spots, (b) antibody recognition of proteins, (c) amplification chemistries to detect the protein-antibody complex, and (d) quantifying spot intensity. Construction of a RPPA begins with the robotic liquid transfer of protein-containing specimens from microtiter plates onto nitrocellulose-coated slides. The robotic arrayer deposits each sample as discrete spots in an array format. Specimens, controls, and calibrators are printed on each array, thus providing a complete calibrated assay on a single slide. Each RPPA slide is subsequently probed with catalyzed signal amplification chemistries and a single primary antibody, a secondary antibody, and either fluorescent or colorimetric dyes. The focus of this chapter is to describe RPPA detection and imaging using a colorimetric (diaminobenzidine (DAB)) detection strategy.


Determination of amitriptyline and nortriptyline in human plasma by quantitative thin-layer chromatography.
A thin-layer chromatographic method for simultaneous determination of amitriptyline (AT) and nortriptyline (NT) in human plasma is described. Both substances are extracted from biological material by means of a single extraction. The extract is evaporated until dry and the residue quantitatively applied to a silica gel thin-layer plate. AT and NT are separated from interfering plasma components by chromatography. The spots are visualized by nitration, reduction and coupling with N-(1-naphtyl)ethylenediamine on the plate. The intensity of the azo-dyes formed can be measured densitometrically. Using 1 ml of plasma, the sensitivity limit was 0.5 ng/ml for both substances. About 10--15 plasma samples can be analysed per day. The method is applicable to pharmacokinetic studies after a single oral dose of 25 mg AT as hydrochloride in man.


Techniques for field application of lingual ultrasound imaging.
Techniques are discussed for using ultrasound for lingual imaging in field-related applications. The greatest challenges we have faced distinguishing the field setting from the laboratory setting are the lack of controlled head/transducer movement, and the related issue of tissue compression. Two experiments are reported. First, a pilot study identifies important factors in controlling head/transducer movement in field settings. Second, an Optotrak/ultrasound study reports the range of head movement in an optimal field-like setting within and across varying phonetic contexts, as well as the effect of tongue tissue compression on tongue image data. Results suggest that with a simple arrangement involving a head rest or surface, a fixed transducer, and careful design and presentation of stimuli, reliable lingual ultrasound data can be collected in the field.


The formation and stability of junctions in single-wall carbon nanotubes.
The structure and stability of molecular junctions, which connect two single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) of different diameters and chiral angles, (n 1, m 1)-(n 2, m 2), are systematically investigated by density functional tight binding calculations. More than 100 junctions, which connect well-aligned SWCNTs, were constructed and calculated. For a highly stable junction between two chiral (n 1, m 1) and (n 2, m 2) SWCNTs with opposite handedness, the number of pentagon-heptagon (5/7) pairs required to build the junction can be denoted as ∣∣n 2 - n 1∣ - ∣m 2 - m 1∣∣+min{∣n 2 - n 1∣, ∣m 2 - m 1∣} with (n 2, m 2) rotating π/3 angle or not. While for a junction connected by two zigzag, armchair or two chiral SWCNTs with the same handedness, the number of 5/7 pairs is equal to ∣n 1 - n 2∣ + ∣m 1 - m 2∣. Similar to the formation energies of grain boundaries in graphene, the curve of the formation energies vs. chiral angle difference present an 'M' shape indicating the preference of ∼30 degree junctions. Moreover, the formation energies of the zigzag-type and armchair-type junctions with zero misorientation angles are largely sensitive to the diameter difference of two sub-SWCNTs.


Cradle-to-grave environmental impact assessment of silver enabled t-shirts: Do nano-specific impacts exceed non nano-specific emissions?
Consumption of silver nanoparticles (nAg) is increasing due to their use in various industries. A comprehensive analysis is needed to elucidate the potential environmental and human health benefits and costs of the silver-enabled consumer products. For this purpose, four commercially available silver/nanosilver enabled polyester textiles with different initial silver/nanosilver loadings (1.07-4030 μg Ag/g textile) are included in the current research and cradle-to-grave life cycle assessments (LCA) are conducted to identify hotspots associated with production and use of these products throughout their lifetimes (100 cycles). Both non nano-specific and nano-specific impacts are calculated using nano-specific ecotoxicity characterization factors for nAg, instead of the commonly utilized ionic silver (Ag+) surrogate. Additionally, four different laundering scenarios were modeled to analyze the impacts resulting from using conventional and high efficiency machines. In the majority of environmental impact categories, either polyester textile manufacturing (regardless of Ag/nAg enabling) or laundering were identified as hotspots. Non nano-specific ecotoxicity impacts ranged from 1.58 × 101-2.91 × 101 CTUe/textile (CTUe: comparative toxic units for ecosystems) and nano-specific ecotoxicity impacts ranged from 2.01 × 10-4-3.10 × 10-3 CTUe/textile for the lowest and the highest Ag/nAg containing textiles, respectively. It is also found that unless the initial silver loading per textile is significantly high (in this case 4030 μg Ag/g textile comparing to the lowest load of 1.07 μg Ag/g textile), ecotoxicity and human health impacts of released silver species would be lower than ecotoxicity and human health impacts resulting from raw materials acquisition and manufacturing of the antibacterial textiles.


Systematic mining of analog series with related core structures in multi-target activity space.
We have aimed to systematically extract analog series with related core structures from multi-target activity space to explore target promiscuity of closely related analogous. Therefore, a previously introduced SAR matrix structure was adapted and further extended for large-scale data mining. These matrices organize analog series with related yet distinct core structures in a consistent manner. High-confidence compound activity data yielded more than 2,300 non-redundant matrices capturing 5,821 analog series that included 4,288 series with multi-target and 735 series with multi-family activities. Many matrices captured more than three analog series with activity against more than five targets. The matrices revealed a variety of promiscuity patterns. Compound series matrices also contain virtual compounds, which provide suggestions for compound design focusing on desired activity profiles.


The interaction of death, sorcery and coronial/forensic practices within traditional indigenous communities.
The investigation of death in traditional indigenous communities often involves 'men of high degree' performing rituals and procedures to ascertain whether sorcery has been involved. If this is the case then the perpetrator must be identified and suitable retribution or compensation sought. In Central Australia investigations into such deaths occur in 'sorry camps' which consist of temporary meeting camps distant from facilities and amenities. Delays in the issuing of autopsy reports may unnecessarily prolong the time that tribal members have to spend in these camps, and wording of standard autopsy reports may not assist tribal concerns over matters such as sorcery. An initiative in South Australia, following discussions with Aboriginal elders in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara tribal lands, has been to issue a one page provisional report as soon as possible after completion of the autopsy, listing the likely cause of death. This is sent to Aboriginal authorities through local health clinics. In addition, a statement that 'no sticks, stones, bones or other foreign objects were found within the body that would implicate another person in the death' is also included to inform tribal members that no physical evidence of magical interference with the body has been detected. Relatively minor alterations in standard forensic/coronial reporting practices may significantly assist certain groups whose cultural requirements may be under-appreciated and incompletely understood by investigating authorities.


Proteomic characterization of mucosal secretions in the eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica.
The soft body surface of marine invertebrates is covered by a layer of mucus, a slippery gel secreted by mucocytes lining epithelia. The functions of this gel are diverse including locomotion, cleansing, food particles processing and defense against physicochemical injuries and infectious agents. In oysters, mucus covering pallial organs has been demonstrated to have a major importance in the processing of food particles and in the interactions with waterborne pathogens. Given the limited information available on mucus in bivalves and the apparent wide spectra of activity of bioactive molecules present in this matrix, the characterization of these mucosal secretions has become a research priority. In this study, mucus was separately collected from the mantle, gills and labial palps of the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) and analyzed by liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. Results showed the presence of a wide variety of molecules involved in host-microbe interactions, including putative adhesion molecules (e.g. c-type lectins) confirming that transcripts previously identified in epithelial cells are translated into proteins secreted in mucus. Mucus composition was different among samples collected from different organs. These results generate a reference map for C. virginica pallial mucus to better characterize the various physiological functions of mucosal secretions.


A comparative clinical study to assess safety and reactogenicity of a DTwP-HepB+Hib vaccine.
Hepatitis B and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) infections are major public health problems in developing countries, including India. Hence, combination vaccines containing DTwP, recombinant hepatitis B and Hib conjugate vaccines have been developed. Here, we report a Phase IV study which assessed safety and reactogenicity of a new DTwP-HepB+Hib vaccine. Three doses of DTwP-HepB+Hib vaccine (Pentavac, Serum Institute of India Ltd) or Tritanrix-HB+Hib (GlaxoSmithKline Beecham) were administered to infants at 6, 10 and 14 weeks of age in 2:1 ratio. The subjects were followed till one month after the third dose for safety assessment. Adverse events were captured in structured diaries and physical examinations were performed on each visit. The study was conducted in 1510 infants. Both vaccines caused injection site local and systemic reactions and the incidence was similar in both the groups. The incidence of local solicited reactions was: tenderness 35.9 %-33.6 %; redness 18.1 %-17.2 %; swelling 23.7 %-22.4 %; induration 12.8 % -13.7 %. The percentage of systemic solicited reactions were: diarrhea 2.2 %-2.2 %; drowsiness 3.3 %-3.4 %; fever 14.0 %-11.2 %; irritability 28.1 %-25.4 %; loss of appetite 6.6 %-5.6 %; persistent crying 17.7 %-15.7 %; vomiting 3.5 %-3.0 %. No serious adverse event was caused by the vaccines. The new DTwP-HepB+Hib combination vaccine showed similar safety profile to that of an imported vaccine in Indian infants.


Carbon sequestration from refractory dissolved organic carbon produced by biodegradation of Saccharina japonica.
Using macroalgae cultures to sequester carbon has been proposed in recent years. Yet the key mechanism of carbon sequestration-how carbon in degrading biomass is converted into refractory dissolved organic carbon (RDOC) remains poorly understood. The process of producting RDOC via biomass degradation of Saccharina japonica, the most productive algae in China, was thus studied in the laboratory. Most of the carbon in the kelp biomass was converted to dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) by bacterial respiration. Only 7.8% of the carbon in the kelp biomass was converted into labile DOC, semi-labile or semi-refractory DOC, and refractory DOC in turn. The enrichment of DIC resulted in hypoxic conditions in the water. For the hypoxia in the experiment, the sulfur-degrading bacteria Campylobacteria and Bacteroidia became the dominant bacterial classes, which were the key drivers for the transformation of labile DOC to semi-labile or semi-refractory DOC. Then, semi-labile or semi-refractory DOC was converted to RDOC, driven by the sulfite-reducing bacteria Clostridia and Kapabacteria. Finally, 0.3% of the carbon content in kelp was transformed into RDOC. The resulting RDOC, which was rich in sulfur and nitrogen elements, increased the molecular diversity and average molecular weight in the water. An important finding was that the production of RDOC may be accompanied by the environmental risk of hypoxia.


Are there researcher allegiance effects in diagnostic validation studies of the PHQ-9? A systematic review and meta-analysis.
To investigate whether an authorship effect is found that leads to better performance in studies conducted by the original developers of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) (allegiant studies). Systematic review with random effects bivariate diagnostic meta-analysis. Search strategies included electronic databases, examination of reference lists and forward citation searches. Included studies provided sufficient data to calculate the diagnostic accuracy of the PHQ-9 against a gold standard diagnosis of major depression using the algorithm or the summed item scoring method at cut-off point 10. Descriptive information, methodological quality criteria and 2×2 contingency tables. Seven allegiant and 20 independent studies reported the diagnostic performance of the PHQ-9 using the algorithm scoring method. Pooled diagnostic OR (DOR) for the allegiant group was 64.40, and 15.05 for non-allegiant studies group. The allegiance status was a significant predictor of DOR variation (p<0.0001).Five allegiant studies and 26 non-allegiant studies reported the performance of the PHQ-9 at recommended cut-off point of 10. Pooled DOR for the allegiant group was 49.31, and 24.96 for the non-allegiant studies. The allegiance status was a significant predictor of DOR variation (p=0.015).Some potential alternative explanations for the observed authorship effect including differences in study characteristics and quality were found, although it is not clear how some of them account for the observed differences. Allegiant studies reported better performance of the PHQ-9. Allegiance status was predictive of variation in the DOR. Based on the observed differences between independent and non-independent studies, we were unable to conclude or exclude that allegiance effects are present in studies examining the diagnostic performance of the PHQ-9. This study highlights the need for future meta-analyses of diagnostic validation studies of psychological measures to evaluate the impact of researcher allegiance in the primary studies.


Replacement of receptor neurones after section of the vomeronasal nerves in the adult mouse.
Eight days after vomeronasal nerve section or removal of the accessory olfactory bulb, the majority of receptor cells of the vomeronasal neuroepithelium degenerate and disappear, leaving a regular framework consisting of supporting cells and their radial processes. The cell clusters at the boundaries of the epithelial sheet (which have been shown to be actively dividing in the normal, unoperated adult mouse) are also spared. The epithelium is subsequently repopulated by receptor cells appearing first in the basal part of the receptor cell layer and later occupying the full width of the receptor layer. These cells are anatomically fully differentiated receptor cells with normal sensory dendrites. Their axons form conspicuous intraepithelial neuromatous masses. Administration of [3H]thymidine on days 10-20 postoperatively labels some clusters of supporting cells and virtually all of the receptor cells, indicating that the repopulation of the epithelium is due to new formation of receptor cells.


Selective consumption and metabolic allocation of terrestrial and algal carbon determine allochthony in lake bacteria.
Here we explore strategies of resource utilization and allocation of algal versus terrestrially derived carbon (C) by lake bacterioplankton. We quantified the consumption of terrestrial and algal dissolved organic carbon, and the subsequent allocation of these pools to bacterial growth and respiration, based on the δ(13)C isotopic signatures of bacterial biomass and respiratory carbon dioxide (CO2). Our results confirm that bacterial communities preferentially remove algal C from the terrestrially dominated organic C pool of lakes, but contrary to current assumptions, selectively allocate this autochthonous substrate to respiration, whereas terrestrial C was preferentially allocated to biosynthesis. The results provide further evidence of a mechanism whereby inputs of labile, algal-derived organic C may stimulate the incorporation of a more recalcitrant, terrestrial C pool. This mechanism resulted in a counterintuitive pattern of high and relatively constant levels of allochthony (~76%) in bacterial biomass across lakes that otherwise differ greatly in productivity and external inputs.


Effects of combinations of a prostacyclin analogue (Cicaprost) with different antithrombotic agents in a rat microcirculatory thrombosis model.
The antithrombotic effects of the stable PGI2-analogue Cicaprost, acetylsalicylic acid (Aspisol), the low molecular weight heparin CY 216 (Fraxiparin) and Molsidomin (Corvaton) have been investigated alone and in combinations in a thrombosis model in rats in which mesenteric venules with a diameter of 20-30 microns were injured by defined argon laser lesions. In this animal thrombosis model all agents showed a significant and dose-dependent antithrombotic effect. A strong additive effect was observed when Cicaprost was infused together with an i.v. dose of 0.1 mg/kg Molsidomin. A similar additive effect was observed after infusion of minimal effective doses of Cicaprost together with Fraxiparin. The combination of Cicaprost and Aspisol did not have any additive effect. Our results suggest that combinations of antithrombotic agents which show additive effects in animal thrombosis model may lead to a more effective prophylaxis and treatment of human venous or arterial thrombosis.


Post-COVID steroid induced avascular necrosis of the jaw: Emerging challenge in India.
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve and spread with new variants of SARS-CoV-2 across the globe, as well as bring to clinical attention several post-COVID conditions. We report a post-COVID condition observed at our tertiary care center: spontaneous de novo development of steroid induced avascular necrosis in patients who have recently recovered from COVID-19 following high dose steroid usage in a short span of time. Pre-COVID published literature indicates that these lesions were seen very rarely in the jaws and were related to long-term usage of steroids and recent tooth extraction. They were considered under the broad spectrum of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws. Present authors believe that the post-COVID-19 steroid-induced avascular necrosis of the jaws is a distinct new entity. It is analogous to the avascular necrosis noticed in the femoral head of individuals recuperating from COVID-19, a condition conventionally known to be strongly associated with steroid therapy. Rapid progression, associated morbidity and mortality, and its possible differential diagnosis require pathologists to be vigilant regarding the chance encounter of such cases in jaws. Further reporting of such cases is required to gain additional insight into its features.


Ectopic Cervical Thymus in an Infant with Normal Orthotopic Thymus: Role of Imaging in Diagnosis and Management.
Ectopic cervical thymus (ECT) is a rare cause of solid cervical mass in the pediatric age group. The location of the mass along the path of thymic descent (thymopharyngeal duct), sonographic echo pattern and MR signal intensity identical to that of normal orthotopic thymus in the anterior mediastinum help us in making a confident diagnosis. To the best of our knowledge only nine cases have been reported in infants in the literature. We present a case of ECT presenting as a right upper neck mass in a 2 month old child.


Processivity errors of gene expression in Escherichia coli.
Not all ribosomes that initiate translation of an mRNA sequence will successfully complete it and produce a full-length protein product. By comparing the amounts of lacZ monomer and lacZ dimer protein expressed from a plasmid in a strictly controlled assay, we calculate a dimer to monomer ratio of 0.76. We interpret this to mean that ribosomes have a 76% chance of completing the synthesis of a beta-galactosidase polypeptide. The remaining 24% of the initiated chains end in processivity accidents. For the wild-type, premature RNA polymerase termination is found to account for roughly one-third of the processivity accidents. For the hyperaccurate SmP mutant, we observe a processivity of 0.28, but the presence of streptomycin improves this to 0.50. Thus, the hyperaccuracy with respect to missense substitutions for this mutant is accompanied by a reduced processivity. Addition of streptomycin increase the first error class and reduces the second one. This finding is relevant to the optimization of ribosome function and the growth performance of ribosome mutants.


New method for obtaining IgA-specific protease.
A simple method for obtaining an active preparation of IgA-specific protease from a bacterial source is presented. In this method Streptococcus sanguis was inoculated onto the surface of a dialysis membrane on nutrient agar. Following growth, the membrane was removed from the agar surface and washed in a small volume of buffer. A solution with protease activity against IgA1 monoclonal proteins was obtained by clarification of the wash and appeared to be similar to enzyme preparations obtained by other methods.


Cardiovascular effects of endogenous and exogenous sex hormones over a woman's lifetime.
Natural fluctuations in concentrations of physiologic sex hormones over the course of a woman's lifetime affect lipoprotein levels; such effects may be compared with those induced by exogenous hormone therapy. During the progesterone-dominated luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) concentrations do not fall, but low-density lipoprotein (LDL) concentrations usually decline. During pregnancy both estrogen and progesterone levels are extremely high; LDL concentration gradually increases to a maximum value at term of 50% above the nonpregnant level. Total HDL and HDL2 concentrations also increase, reaching a maximal 30% increase at 20 weeks' gestation. These physiological fluctuations have not been associated with increased arteriosclerosis. Oral contraceptives that combine C21 progestins and certain C19 progestin derivatives with estrogen have little or no effect on HDL2; however, those with a marked progestogenic or androgenic effect are more likely to lower HDL and HDL2. Increases in LDL concentration during oral contraceptive use are not consistently proportional to estrogen/progestin ratio and may reflect progestin androgenicity or a progestin-estrogen interaction. In postmenopausal women estrogen alone benefits lipoproteins, whereas cyclical administration of progestin with estrogen appears to lower HDL2-cholesterol proportionate to progestin dose. These exogenous hormone-induced changes are associated with the expected changes in arteriosclerosis risk when they have been looked for. In summary, estrogen-progestin regimens that do not affect LDL- and HDL2-cholesterol concentrations are most desirable in terms of long-term cardiovascular risk.


Efficacy of azilsartan on left ventricular diastolic dysfunction compared with candesartan: J-TASTE randomized controlled trial.
Characterized by ventricular and vascular stiffness, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) has led to high morbidity and mortality. As azilsartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker with the highest myocardial and vascular affinities, azilsartan may improve the left ventricular (LV) diastolic function in patients with hypertension and either HFpEF or HF with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF) more than candesartan. In this randomized, open-label trial, we randomly assigned 193 hypertensive patients with HF and LV ejection fraction ≥ 45% to 20 mg of azilsartan (n = 95) or 8 mg of candesartan (n = 98), once daily for 48 weeks. After the initiation of treatment, changes in the doses of the study drugs were permitted based on the patient's conditions, including blood pressure (median dose at 48 weeks: azilsartan 20.0 mg/day, candesartan 8.0 mg/day). The primary endpoint was the baseline-adjusted change in the ratio of peak early diastolic transmitral flow velocity (E) to early diastolic mitral annular velocity (e') (E/e'). Adjusted least-squares mean (LSM) change in E/e' was - 0.8 (95% confidence interval [CI] - 1.49 to - 0.04) in the azilsartan group and 0.2 (95% CI - 0.49 to 0.94) in the candesartan group, providing the LSM differences of - 1.0 (95% CI - 2.01 to 0.03, P = 0.057). The median change in left atrial volume index was - 2.7 mL/m2 with azilsartan vs 1.4 mL/m2 with candesartan (P = 0.091). The frequency of adverse events related to hypotension and hyperkalemia did not differ between the groups. The current study did not provide strong evidence that azilsartan improves LV diastolic dysfunction, and further confirmatory study is required.


Novel porous scaffolds of poly(lactic acid) produced by phase-separation using room temperature ionic liquid and the assessments of biocompatibility.
Here we prepared three-dimensional (3D) porous-structured biodegradable polymer scaffolds for tissue regeneration using room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) as a novel porogen, and addressed their biological properties, including in vitro cell growth and differentiation and in vivo tissue compatibility. RTIL based on 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium ([bmim]) bearing hydrophilic anion Cl was introduced within the polymer structure to provide a pore network. A mixture of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) with RTIL dissolved in an organic solvent formed a bi-continuous network during the drying process. Selective dissolution of the RTIL phase was facilitated in ethanol, which resulted in a porous network of the polymer phase with complete removal of the RTIL. The RTILs-assisted porous scaffolds showed a typical open-channeled network with pore sizes over 100 μm and porosities of about 86-94%. For the biocompatibility assessments of the scaffolds, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from rat bone marrow were seeded onto the PLA scaffold, and the cell proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation behaviors were examined. Results showed a typical on-going increase in the cell population with a level comparable to that observed on the tissue culture plastic control, indicating good cell compatibility. When cultured in an osteogenic medium, the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of the cells on the PLA scaffolds was stimulated to increase with time from 7 to 14 days, in a similar manner to that on the control. Moreover, the expression of genes related to osteoblasts, including collagen type I, osteocalcin and bone sialoprotein, was stimulated on the 3D PLA scaffold during culture for up to 14 days, with levels higher than those on the control, suggesting the developed scaffold provided a 3D matrix condition for osteogenesis. An in vivo pilot study conducted subcutaneously in rat for 4 weeks revealed good tissue compatibility of the scaffold, with the ingrowth of cells and formation of collageneous tissue around and deep within the pores of the scaffold and no significant inflammatory reaction. Taken together, this novel method of using RTILs as a pore generator is considered to be useful in the development of biocompatible porous polymer scaffolds for tissue regeneration.


Raman study of water deposited in solid argon matrix.
New Raman data are presented concerning H2O and D2O water aggregation in argon matrix having the ratio of number of argon atoms to water molecules close to 40:1. Experiments were conducted at temperatures from 8 K to 34 K allowing observation of OH and OD stretching vibrations of water monomers, dimers, trimers and higher multimers, as well as broad bands corresponding to solid amorphous water. Molecular dynamics simulations were performed for thirteen or sometimes fourteen water molecules dispersed among 500 argon atoms. Resulting final configurations included dimers, trimers, tetramers and pentamers, all in open chain configurations which upon optimization resulted in mostly cyclic conformations. Observed OH stretching vibrations were assigned by comparing calculated normal modes in harmonic approximation at the B3LYP/aug-cc-pVDZ and PBEPBE1/aug-cc-pVDZ level of theory with our data and previously observed bands from infrared matrix isolation studies and Raman jet cooled experiments. Raman bands assigned to water multimers in argon matrix are shifted 20 to 25 cm-1 towards lower wavenumbers with respect to the positions of OH stretching vibrations of almost free water clusters.


Encainide-induced encephalopathy in a patient with chronic renal failure.
A report of encainide-induced encephalopathy in a patient with chronic renal failure is presented. Drug encephalopathy has been previously reported with various agents, but not with encainide. The patient improved after withdrawal of encainide.