Geographic Ecological Momentary Assessment (GEMA) of environmental noise annoyance: the influence of activity context and the daily acoustic environment.
Noise annoyance is considered to be the most widespread and recognized health effect of environmental noise. Previous research is mostly based on the static study of residential environmental noise, but few studies have focused on the effects of noise exposure in different activity contexts on real-time annoyance. The two deficiency are that they neglect the influence of activity context besides residence and fail to reflect the difference of time-scale effect of noise influence. Using portable noise and air sensors, GPS-equipped mobile phones, questionnaire survey, and geographic ecological momentary assessment (GEMA), this paper measured the environmental noise and real-time noise annoyance of participants at different activity places. Hierarchical logistic regression models were used to examine the effects of environmental noise on people's real-time annoyance. The paper further considered the influence of the geographic context of the activity places and daily acoustic environment on participants' real-time annoyance. Further, a nonlinear regression model was constructed using Random Forest to further examine the nonlinear relationship between environmental noise and real-time annoyance. The results showed that: (1) the average cumulative equivalent sound level during was 55 dB (A) when the participants responded to the EMA surveys; (2) Only the temperature of activity places had an influence on momentary annoyance and the higher the temperature, the more likely participants were annoyed; (3) Participants with higher perception of noise pollution in residential communities were more likely to be annoyed. However, participants with higher daily exposure to noise were less likely to feel annoyed; (4) The threshold value of the effect of noise on real-time annoyance was 58 dB (A) to 78 dB (A). These findings can guide the development of urban planning and environmental noise standards and also provide a reference for noise barrier requirements for different activity places.


New advances in pharmacoresistant epilepsy towards precise management-from prognosis to treatments.
Epilepsy, one of the most severe neurological diseases, is characterized by abrupt recurrent seizures. Despite great progress in the development of antiseizure drugs (ASDs) based on diverse molecular targets, more than one third of epilepsy patients still show resistance to ASDs, a condition termed pharmacoresistant epilepsy. The management of pharmacoresistant epilepsy involves serious challenges. In the past decade, promising advances have been made in the use of interdisciplinary techniques involving biophysics, bioinformatics, biomaterials and biochemistry, which allow more precise prognosis and development of drug target for pharmacoresistant epilepsy. Notably, novel experimental tools such as viral vector gene delivery, optogenetics and chemogenetics have provided a framework for promising approaches to the precise treatment of pharmacoresistant epilepsy. In this review, historical achievements especially recent advances of the past decade in the prognosis and treatment of pharmacoresistant epilepsy from both clinical and laboratory settings are presented and summarized. We propose that the further development of novel experimental tools at cellular or molecular levels with both temporal and spatial precision are necessary to make improve the management and drug development for pharmacoresistant epilepsy in the clinical arena.


Periplocin inhibits the growth of pancreatic cancer by inducing apoptosis via AMPK-mTOR signaling.
Periplocin is a monomeric compound that exhibits anti-tumor activities. It is extracted from Cortex Periplocae. This study aimed at determining the effect of periplocin treatment on the apoptosis and proliferation of human pancreatic cancer cells, and to elucidate on its mechanisms of action. PANC1 and cfpac1 cells were treated with periplocin. Cell proliferation was detected by RTCA, Ki67 immunofluorescence, and a clonogenic assay. The transwell assay was used to examine cell migration and invasion functions. The expression of apoptosis-associated proteins was detected by flow cytometry and western blotting. Total RNA was extracted from the treated and untreated group of PANC1 cells for RNA-seq detection and analysis. Differentially expressed genes were screened for GO biological process and KEGG pathway analysis. Finally, CFPAC1 cells were subcutaneously inoculated into BALB / c nude mice to assess tumor growth. Periplocin inhibited the proliferation of PANC1 and CFPAC1 cells and induced their apoptosis by activating the AMPK/mTOR pathway and inhibiting p70 S6K. It also attenuated the cell migration, invasion, and inhibited the growth of cfpac1 xenografts in nude mice. Periplocin inhibits human pancreatic cancer cell proliferation and induces their apoptosis by activating the AMPK / mTOR pathway.


Changes in daily life experience associated with clinical improvement in depression.
Changes in depressed outpatients' experience of daily activities after 6 weeks of antidepressant treatment were assessed with the experience sampling method (ESM). On the sickness impact profile, treatment responders (HAM-D < or = 7, n = 12) improved more than nonresponders (n = 9) in the domains of household chores, leisure and social activities. On ESM measures completed 10 x each day for 6 days pre- and posttreatment, responders showed greater increases in time spent in chores and greater decreases in passive leisure time than nonresponders. Responders showed greater increases in positive affect and greater decreases in negative affect during all activities. Thus, ESM provides quantitative evidence of changes in real life time use and subjective experience accompanying clinical improvement.


Bifunctional Bi12O17Cl2/MIL-100(Fe) composites toward photocatalytic Cr(VI) sequestration and activation of persulfate for bisphenol A degradation.
Bifunctional Bi12O17Cl2/MIL-100(Fe) composite (BMx) was firstly constructed via facile ball-milling method. The optimal BM200 was highly efficient for Cr(VI) sequestration and activation of persulfate (PS) for bisphenol A (BPA) decomposition under white light illumination, which was much more remarkable than the pristine MIL-100(Fe) and Bi12O17Cl2, respectively. Furthermore, the photocatalytic reduction efficiency can be significantly improved via the addition of some green small organic acids (SOAs). As well, the BPA degradation can be achieved over an extensive initial pH range of 3.0-11.0. When the PS concentration increased to more than 2.0 mM, the BPA degradation efficiency decreased due to the SO4-• self-scavenging effect. It was also found that the co-existence of inorganic anions like H2PO4-, HCO3-, SO42-, Cl- and NO3- could decelerate the BPA degradation. The excellent photocatalytic Cr(VI) reduction and persulfate activation performances originated from both MIL-100(Fe) with excellent PS activation ability and Bi12O17Cl2 with a favorable band position, which not only enabled the efficient separation of charges but also accelerated the formation of SO4-• radicals. The BM200 displayed prominent stability and recyclability. More importantly, the credible degradation pathway was proposed based on UHPLC-MS analysis and DFT calculation. This research revealed that the Fe-based MOFs/bismuth-rich bismuth oxyhalides (BixOyXz, X = Cl, Br and I) composites possessed great potential in wastewater remediation.


Evaluating the effect of antioxidant agents on shear bond strength of tooth-colored restorative materials after bleaching: A systematic review.
The main objective of the present study was to make a systematic review of how antioxidant agents affect shear bond strength of tooth-colored restorative materials after bleaching. Electronic search was used to extract the related articles on the targeted key words such as "antioxidant", "dental bleaching" and "shear bond strength" (SBS) from MeSH, PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane electronic data bases. These articles were all published before 2016. Inclusion criteria were restricted to English journal articles concerning humans, clinical trials, cohorts and case-control studies. Therefore, systematic reviews, case reports, letters to editors, editorials and congress abstracts were excluded from the analysis. Most studies conducted on the issue have produced experimental data which are rather controversial, and there is no general agreement about the reported outcomes. As an illustration, most studies have not considered the relationship between the type of antioxidant materials and the shear bond strength. In point of fact, some researchers (e.g Kimyai et al.) have concluded that antioxidants like gel and solution leave similar effects on SBS. Alternatively, certain studies (e.g., Kunt et al.) have produced inconclusive data regarding the impact of one week postponement of the restorative process on SBS after the bleaching process. The results of the studies evaluating the role of various adhesive systems used after bleaching have demonstrated that regardless of the type of adhesive system used, applying antioxidants before restorative procedures can adversely affect the bleaching agents utilized for SBS. It has also been suggested that the type of the adhesive system used might be correlated with the magnitude of SBS. The results obtained from the systematic review of the articles under investigation reflected that the use of antioxidant agents, regardless of their type, form, concentration and duration of application, can improve SBS after bleaching.


Details of technique and results of staging laparotomy in the diagnosis of Hodgkin's disease.
The operative procedure for staging laparotomy in Hodgkin's disease is described in detail. Of 18 patients undergoing this procedure, staging laparotomy changed the stage of disease and subsequent therapy in 38%. Complications of the operation were minor, occurring in only two patients. Abnormal lymphangiography and splenomegaly proved unreliable clinical diagnostic findings. Most disturbing was the 100% incidence of amenorrhea in the women receiving pelvic irradiation following oophoropexy.


Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of familial hypercholesterolemia in French adult and pediatric populations.
Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is the most common genetic disorder associated with a high risk for premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease attributable to increased levels of LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) from birth. FH is both underdiagnosed and undertreated. We describe the clinical, biological, and genetic characteristics of 147 patients in France with clinical FH (including a group of 26 subjects aged < 20 years); we explore how best to detect patients with monogenic FH. We retrospectively reviewed all available data on patients undergoing genetic tests for FH from 2009 to 2019. FH diagnoses were based on the Dutch Lipid Clinics Network (DLCN) scores of adults, and elevated LDL-C levels in subjects < 20 years of age. We evaluated LDLR, APOB, and PCSK9 status. The mutations of adults (in 25.6% of all adults) were associated with DLCN scores indicating "possible FH," "probable FH, and "definitive FH" at rates of 4%, 16%, and 53%, respectively. The areas under the ROC curves of the DLCN score and the maximum LDL-C level did not differ (p = 0.32). We found that the pediatric group evidenced more monogenic etiologies (77%, increasing to 91% when an elevated LDL-C level was combined with a family history of hypercholesterolemia and/or premature coronary artery disease). Diagnosis of monogenic FH may be optimized by screening children in terms of their LDL-C levels, associated with reverse-cascade screening of relatives when the children serve as index cases.


Encoding of sound envelope transients in the auditory cortex of juvenile rats and adult rats.
Accurate neural processing of time-varying sound amplitude and spectral information is vital for species-specific communication. During postnatal development, cortical processing of sound frequency undergoes progressive refinement; however, it is not clear whether cortical processing of sound envelope transients also undergoes age-related changes. We determined the dependence of neural response strength and first-spike latency on sound rise-fall time across sound levels in the primary auditory cortex (A1) of juvenile (P20-P30) rats and adult (8-10 weeks) rats. A1 neurons were categorized as "all-pass", "short-pass", or "mixed" ("all-pass" at high sound levels to "short-pass" at lower sound levels) based on the normalized response strength vs. rise-fall time functions across sound levels. The proportions of A1 neurons within each of the three categories in juvenile rats were similar to that in adult rats. In general, with increasing rise-fall time, the average response strength decreased and the average first-spike latency increased in A1 neurons of both groups. At a given sound level and rise-fall time, the average normalized neural response strength did not differ significantly between the two age groups. However, the A1 neurons in juvenile rats showed greater absolute response strength, longer first-spike latency compared to those in adult rats. In addition, at a constant sound level, the average first-spike latency of juvenile A1 neurons was more sensitive to changes in rise-fall time. Our results demonstrate the dependence of the responses of rat A1 neurons on sound rise-fall time, and suggest that the response latency exhibit some age-related changes in cortical representation of sound envelope rise time.


Health related quality of life in children with sickle cell disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
This review had three aims: 1) describe the measures used to assess health-related quality of life (HRQL) in pediatric patients diagnosed with sickle cell disease (SCD); 2) document the biopsychosocial factors related to HRQL in pediatric patients diagnosed with SCD; and 3) complete a meta-analysis comparing HRQL in pediatric patients diagnosed with SCD to healthy controls. Included studies were published in English, quantitatively assessed HRQL as a primary aim, in both SCD and controls, and included participants between 0 and 21 years of age. The final review included 66 articles, with a total of 8642 participants with SCD, 4 months-21 years of age, and 62,458 controls, 5-27 years of age. HRQL was predominately measured using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Generic Core and Sickle Cell Disease Module. Meta-analyses revealed children with SCD had significantly worse HRQL compared to healthy controls (standardized mean difference = -0.93, 95% CI = -1.25, -0.61, p < 0.00001). Worse HRQL was associated with more severe SCD, female sex, and pain. The findings indicate that children with SCD are at risk for worse HRQL compared to their healthy peers and their HRQL may be impacted by several biopsychosocial factors. Future research is needed to examine how sociocultural factors uniquely impact this population and their overall quality of life.


Microbial status and rumen enzyme profile of crossbred calves fed on different microbial feed additives.
To test various microbial cultures as cattle feed additives. Four groups of newly born crossbred calves (average body weight 23.5 kg) were reared on green berseem and calf starter which was devoid of cereal grains. Milk was fed up to 8 weeks of age, starting with one tenths and gradually reducing to one twentieths of the body weight. One hundred millilitres of microbial feed additive or 100 g fermented feed was fed to the animals of group 2 (curd containing lactic acid bacteria at 10(8) cfu x ml(-1)), group 3 (Saccharomyces cerevisiae NCDC-49 at 10(6) cfu x ml(-1)) and group 4 (Lactobacillus acidophilus-15 at 10(8) cfu x ml(-1)). Group 1 served as control. The incidence and duration of diarrhoea was lower in the animals of probiotic fed groups as compared to control group. Out of three microbial feed additives, yeast feeding showed maximum suppression of diarrhoea followed by Lactobacillus and curd. There was no effect of probiotic feeding on the log number of cells of lactic acid bacteria, yeast and coliform bacteria in the faeces and rumen liquor at any age. The activities of carboxymethylcellulase, xylanase, beta-glucosidase, alpha-glucosidase, alpha-amylase, protease, urease and pH of the rumen liquor remained unaffected by probiotic feeding at all ages tested in this experiment.


Analysis of Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 isolates by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis.
At a hospital in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, three strains of Legionella pneumophila were detectable based on plasmid content, while the isolates collected at another hospital in Halifax had no plasmids. Genomic DNA was digested with BssHII, SalI, and SpeI and subjected to pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). We found no relationship between plasmid profile and PFGE pattern.


Disclosure of genetic risk to dating partners among young adults with von Hippel-Lindau disease.
Individuals with genetic disease face unique challenges related to navigating dating relationships. While previous studies have explored the impact of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome on dating, research investigating psychosocial implications for young adults with early-onset multi-organ tumor predisposition syndromes such as von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL) is scarce. This study assessed young adults' attitudes towards dating and decisions related to disclosing a diagnosis of VHL to a dating partner. Twenty-six young adults with VHL participated in semi-structured interviews exploring this issue, using a guide informed by the literature in consultation with providers and an individual with VHL. Interviews were coded with a primarily deductive approach using codes derived from the literature, with inductive coding employed for perspectives unique to VHL. Our results support previous findings that genetic disease contributes to fear of rejection due to decreased desirability. However, participants report that partners' reactions to VHL uniquely exacerbate this concern due to unfamiliarity with VHL and a perception that it is exceptionally serious, leading to different strategies in disclosure. While many cited negative reactions from partners, participants also described how disclosure can strengthen relationships by deepening trust. Participants discussed a desire for healthcare providers to offer support in this context and described the benefit of speaking with peers about their dating experiences and approaches to disclosure. Our findings provide insight into the diverse needs of young adults with VHL as they approach romantic relationships and decision-making regarding disclosure and highlight the importance of patient-centered support from providers and patient organizations.


Test-retest reliability of the virtual reality sickness evaluation using electroencephalography (EEG).
No reliable quantitative and objective measurement method for virtual reality (VR) sickness has been firmly established to date. Electroencephalography (EEG) may be a strong candidate to evaluate VR sickness objectively. However, no test-retest evaluation has been made for VR sickness using EEG. To recruit VR sickness-sensitive participants, we tested 858 participants (age = 20's-50's) using the Motion Sickness Susceptibility Questionnaire (MSSQ). Among them, we recruited 21 males (average age = 25.0) who obtained the 75th percentile of scores on the MSSQ (32.9 ± 5.7). VR sickness was evaluated twice (one week apart) using EEG with VR video content designed to cause VR sickness. A Simulation Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) was also used to evaluate VR sickness. In terms of the reliability of EEG, ICC and Cronbach's alpha analyses showed that three waves (delta, theta, and alpha) were consistent in two areas (frontal and central). A significant difference in EEG was also found repeatedly between the baseline and VR sickness (delta, theta, and alpha) in two areas (frontal and central). We evaluated EEG for its reliability and found specific waves and areas that showed good consistency and significant changes associated with VR sickness. These findings may support further research of VR sickness evaluation.


Primary culture of chondrocytes after collagenase IA or II treatment of articular cartilage from elderly patients undergoing arthroplasty.
Joint replacement surgery provides articular cartilage samples for chondrocyte isolation. To our knowledge, the effect of the collagenase type on releasing of chondrocytes from the extracellular matrix of cartilage is not reported. To determine whether cartilage digested with collagenase IA yielded more chondrocytes than that digested with collagenase II and determine whether chondrocytes isolated with collagenase IA could be cultured in vitro. Cartilage slices collected from 18 elderly patients who received joint replacement surgery (16 hips, 2 knees) were digested sequentially with 0.4% pronase E and 0.02% collagenase IA, or with 0.15% collagenase II alone, or sequentially with 0.4% pronase E and 0.02% collagenase II. We compared cell yield from each method. Cell viability by the most effective method was calculated and plotted. The morphology of cultured monolayer chondrocytes was recorded with a light microscope. Sequential digestion with pronase E and collagenase IA yielded 2566 ± 873 chondrocytes per mg wet cartilage, which was more effective than the other isolation methods (P = 0.018). The average chondrocyte viability could reach 84% ± 8% (n = 11). Light microscopic images showed typical chondrocyte morphology in monolayer cultures. Sequential digestion of human articular cartilage with pronase E and collagenase IA was more effective than collagenase II alone or collagenase II combined with pronase E for releasing chondrocytes from extracellular matrix of cartilage. Chondrocytes isolated with this method could be maintained in monolayer cultures for at least 2 passages with unaltered morphology.


Steele-Richardson-Olszewski-syndrome: the relation of dopamine D2 receptor binding and subcortical lesions in MRI.
We compared (123)I-iodobenzamide single photon emission computed tomography (IBZM-SPECT) for imaging of striatal dopamine D(2) receptors in vivo, and MRI in 32 patients with the clinical diagnosis of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). We found a significant inter-dependence of reduction of specific striatal IBZM binding indicative of striatal degeneration and of the absence of multiple signal hyperintensities in MRI; age had no influence neither on IBZM binding nor on signal hyperintensities. We conclude that the presence of multiple signal hyperintensities should raise doubt on the correct clinical diagnosis.


[Intrauterine ultrasound diagnosis in a case of urethral agenesis].
A rare case of obstruction of the lower urinary tract due to urethral agenesia, diagnosed echographically in utero, is presented. This case illustrates that ultrasound, in addition to its importance as a diagnostic tool in pregnancy, can also lead to meaningful therapeutic consequences.


Telmisartan combined with probucol effectively reduces urinary protein in patients with type 2 diabetes: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled multicenter clinical study.
Persistent proteinuria is an important factor contributing to the progression of diabetic nephropathy. The present randomized double-blind placebo-controlled multicenter clinical study evaluated the efficacy and safety of telmisartan combined with the antioxidant probucol in reducing urinary protein levels in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Patients with T2D and 24-h proteinuria 0.5-3 g were enrolled in the study and randomly assigned to one of two groups: a telmisartan or a probucol + telmisartan group. Both groups were given telmisartan 80 mg q.d. for 48 weeks. The probucol + telmisartan group was given probucol 500 mg b.i.d. for the first 24 weeks, with the dosage then reduced to 250 mg b.i.d. for the remaining 24 weeks. The telmisartan group was given probucol placebo. In all, 160 patients were enrolled in the present study. The 24-h proteinuria levels were significantly reduced in the probucol + telmisartan compared with telmisartan group. For patients with baseline 24-h proteinuria levels <1.0 g, both treatments resulted in significant reductions in 24-h proteinuria levels after 48 weeks treatment. However, in patients with baseline 24-h proteinuria levels ≥1.0 g, 24-h proteinuria levels after 48 weeks treatment were only reduced in the probucol + telmisartan group. There was no significant difference between the two groups for either adverse cardiovascular or other events. In patients with diabetic nephropathy, probucol combined with telmisartan more effectively reduces urinary protein levels than telmisartan alone.


The effect of different krill meals fed to laboratory rats on their blood indices.
1. In 102 laboratory rats fed with (a) the krill standardized meal, (b) the krill meal with low chitin content, (c) the casein diet with D,L-methionine, (d) the casein diet with D,L-methionine supplemented with the krill carapace meal, (e) the casein diet with D,L-methionine supplemented with ash from the krill standardized meal and (f) the control diet--"Murigran" standard pelleted feed; the different blood indices were investigated. 2. The mean values of following indices: the number of erythrocytes and leucocytes, the percentage of leucocytes, the corpuscular haemoglobin concentration and red blood cell diameter were similar in all experimental and control groups. 3. The mean values of haematocrit and haemoglobin levels, the mean corpuscular thickness and volume were lower in rats fed with the casein diet with D,L-methionine supplemented with the krill carapace meal than in other groups. 4. All kinds of investigated indices were similar in rats fed with krill meal with low chitin contents, whose parents received the standardized krill meal and no sex differences have been shown here.


Synthesis and antiaggregatory activity of RGD-peptidomimetics based on 4-oxo-4-(piperazine-1-yl)butyric acid as Arg-mimetic.
A scheme of synthesis of previously obtained RGDF-peptidomimetic-4-oxo-4-(piperazine-1-yl)butyrylglycyl-D,L-beta-phenyl-beta-alanine (I), was simplified. The novel RGDF-peptidomimetic -4-oxo-4-piperazine-1-yl)butyryl-glycyl-L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine (II) was synthesized with the use of 4-oxo-4-(piperazine-1-yl)butyric acid as arginyl mimetic. The obtained pseudopeptides were able to inhibit both platelet aggregation in human blood and binding of fibrinogen to its receptor.


Assessment of environmental impact on essential and toxic elements composition in natural honeys by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.
The quality of natural honey depends upon many factors with significant contribution of environmental factors. In this study, environmental impact on the quality of honey was assessed by determining concentrations of 11 essential and 17 toxic elements in 24 different honey samples of northern and southern regions of Pakistan and Turkey using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Statistical analysis showed higher variance in the concentrations of Cu, P, and Mo (essential), and Ga, Rb, Cs, Ba, and Pb (toxic) among all the honey samples (coefficient of variance > 100). Multivariate comparison based on botanical flora, honey bee species, and geographic regions revealed that the honeys of different botanical flora exhibited statistically nonsignificant difference in elemental composition, whereas, species wise, honeys of Apis dorsata contained significantly higher concentration of P than honeys of Apis mellifera and Apis flora (p < 0.01). Geographical regions wise, the honeys showed statistically significant difference in concentrations of six essential elements (K (p < 0.01), Mn (p < 0.001), Fe (p < 0.001), Cu (p < 0.05), P (p < 0.001), and Mo (p < 0.01)), and two toxic elements (V (p < 0.01) and As (p < 0.05)). Principal component analysis (PCA) using the essential elements contents clustered uni-floral honeys together separating out 3 multi-floral honeys including the artificial one, whereas PCA using concentrations of toxic elements showed mixed clustering of all honey samples, representing their independence of floral type. Taken together, our analyses show that the environmental factors of the geographical regions, apart from the honeybee species and the botanical flora, have profound impact on the elemental composition in the natural honeys affecting their quality. Although the concentrations of the toxic elements in the honey samples were not exceeding the permissible limit of FAO/WHO, yet we suggest regular surveillance on toxic elements in the honeys to avoid their harmful effects on human health.


Photoperiodic control of singing behavior and reproductive physiology in male Fife fancy canaries.
Temperate-zone birds display marked seasonal changes in reproductive behaviors and the underlying hormonal and neural mechanisms. These changes were extensively studied in canaries (Serinus canaria) but differ between strains. Fife fancy male canaries change their reproductive physiology in response to variations in day length but it remains unclear whether they become photorefractory (PR) when exposed to long days and what the consequences are for gonadal activity, singing behavior and the associated neural plasticity. Photosensitive (PS) male birds that had become reproductively competent (high song output, large testes) after being maintained on short days (SD, 8 L:16D) for 6 months were divided into two groups: control birds remained on SD (SD-PS group) and experimental birds were switched to long days (16 L:8D) and progressively developed photorefractoriness (LD-PR group). During the following 12 weeks, singing behavior (quantitatively analyzed for 3 × 2 hours every week) and gonadal size (repeatedly measured by CT X-ray scans) remained similar in both groups but there was an increase in plasma testosterone and trill numbers in the LD-PR group. Day length was then decreased back to 8 L:16D for LD-PR birds, which immediately induced a cessation of song, a decrease in plasma testosterone concentration, in the volume of song control nuclei (HVC, RA and Area X), in HVC neurogenesis and in aromatase expression in the medial preoptic area. These data demonstrate that Fife fancy canaries readily respond to changes in photoperiod and display a pattern of photorefractoriness following exposure to long days that is associated with marked changes in brain and behavior.


Mass photometry reveals SARS-CoV-2 spike stabilisation to impede ACE2 binding through altered conformational dynamics.
Here we show using mass photometry how proline substitutions, commonly used for SARS-CoV-2 spike stabilisation in vaccine design, directly affects ACE2 receptor interactions via dynamics of open and closed states. Conformational changes and ACE2 binding were influenced by spike variant and temperature, but independent of site-specific N-glycosylation.


Outcomes of squamous cell cancer of the oral tongue managed at the Princess Margaret Hospital.
The purpose of this study was to analyze the outcomes and treatment in patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the oral tongue, as well as validate previously reported predictors of survival. We retrospectively reviewed 259 patients treated with curative intent between 1994 and 2004. Kaplan-Meier estimates, log-rank test, and Cox regression models were used for statistical analysis. Two hundred fifty-nine patients were managed with surgery; 67 patients (25%) received adjuvant radiotherapy. Mean follow-up was 60 months. The 5-year local and regional control rates were 78% and 69.4%, respectively. The 5-year overall, disease-specific, and recurrence-free survival rates were 69%, 70.9%, and 53%, respectively. The only significant predictor of both overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) on multivariable analysis was pathologic N classification. Treatment of early tongue SCC effectively achieves local control and DFS. Nodal disease remains to be 1 of the most important prognostic factors in terms of recurrence and survival.


Deliberate hypotension induced by labetalol with halothane, enflurane or isoflurane for middle-ear surgery.
The feasibility of using labetalol, an alpha- and beta-adrenergic blocking agent, as a hypotensive agent in combination with inhalation anaesthetics (halothane, enflurane or isoflurane) was studied in 23 adult patients undergoing middle-ear surgery. The mean arterial pressure was decreased from 86 +/- 5 (s.e. mean) mmHg to 52 +/- 1 mmHg (11.5 +/- 0.7 to 6.9 +/- 0.1 kPa) for 98 +/- 10 min in the halothane (H) group, from 79 +/- 5 to 53 +/- 1 mmHg (10.5 +/- 0.7 to 7.1 +/- 0.1 kPa) for 129 +/- 11 min in the enflurane (E) group, and from 80 +/- 4 to 49 +/- 1 mmHg (10.7 +/- 0.5 to 6.5 +/- 0.1 kPa) for 135 +/- 15 min in the isoflurane (I) group. The mean H concentration during hypotension in the inspiratory gas was 0.7 +/- 0.1 vol%, the mean E concentration 1.6 +/- 0.2 vol%, and the mean I concentration 1.0 +/- 0.1 vol%. In addition, the patients received fentanyl and d-tubocurarine. The initial dose of labetalol for lowering blood pressure was similar, 0.52-0.59 mg/kg, in all the groups. During hypotension, the heart rate was stable without tachy- or bradycardia. The operating conditions regarding bleeding were estimated in a double-blind manner, and did not differ significantly between the groups. During hypotension, the serum creatinine concentration rose significantly in all groups from the values before hypotension and returned postoperatively to the initial level in the other groups, except the isoflurane group. After hypotension there was no rebound phenomenon in either blood pressure or heart rate. These results indicate that labetalol induces easily adjustable hypotension without compensatory tachycardia and rebound hypertension.


The parasitoidOoencyrtus nezarae (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) prefers hosts parasitized by conspecifics over unparasitized hosts.
Two laboratory experiments were conducted to examine the ovipositional preferences of the egg parasitoidOoencyrtus nezarae Ishii (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) for parasitized and unparasitizedMegacopta punctatissimum Montandon (Hemiptera: Plataspidae). Females that had never oviposited or that had not oviposite for 3 days preferred recently parasitized hosts more than unparasitized hosts. The preference for recently parasitized hosts appeared to be mediated by the punctures in already parasitized hosts made by the ovipositor of the first female. Survival of the parasitoid progeny was lower in recently parasitized hosts than in unparasitized hosts. However, handling time of parasitized hosts was extremely short relative to that of unparasitized hosts, because the superparasitizing female could use the punctures made by the previous females. It is concluded that the females preferred the parasitized hosts over unparasitized hosts because the benefit of saving time and energy for drilling was more than the cost of progeny survival.


Ultrafast Synthesis of Graphene-Embedded Cyclodextrin-Metal-Organic Framework for Supramolecular Selective Absorbency and Supercapacitor Performance.
Limited by preparation time and ligand solubility, synthetic protocols for cyclodextrin-based metal-organic framework (CD-MOF), as well as subsequent derived materials with improved stability and properties, still remains a challenge. Herein, an ultrafast, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective microwave method is proposed, which is induced by graphene oxide (GO) to design CD-MOF/GOs. This applicable technique can control the crystal size of CD-MOFs from macro- to nanocrystals. CD-MOF/GOs are investigated as a new type of supramolecular adsorbent. It can selectively adsorb the dye molecule methylene green (MG) owing to the synergistic effect between the hydrophobic nanocavity of CDs, and the abundant O-containing functional groups of GO in the composites. Following high temperature calcination, the resulting N, S co-doped porous carbons derived from CD-MOF/GOs exhibit a high capacitance of 501 F g-1 at 0.5 A g-1 , as well as stable cycling stability with 90.1% capacity retention after 5000 cycles. The porous carbon exhibits good electrochemical performance due to its porous surface containing numerous electrochemically active sites after dye adsorption and carbonization. The design strategy by supramolecular incorporating a variety of active molecules into CD-MOFs optimizes the properties of their derived materials, furthering development toward the fabrication of zeitgeisty and high-performance energy storage devices.


Konzo prevention in six villages in the DRC and the dependence of konzo prevalence on cyanide intake and malnutrition.
Six villages in Boko Health Zone, Bandundu Province, DRC, were studied with 4588 people, 144 konzo cases and konzo prevalences of 2.0-5.2%. Konzo incidence is increasing rapidly in this area. Food consumption scores were obtained from the households with konzo and the mean % malnutrition calculated for each village. Urine samples were obtained from 50 school children from each village and % high urinary thiocyanate content (>350 μmol/L) determined. The experimental data relating % konzo prevalence (%K) to % children with high urinary thiocyanate content (%T) and % malnutrition (%M) for the six villages were fitted to an equation %K = 0.06%T + 0.035%M. This confirms that konzo is due to a combination of high cyanide intake and malnutrition. The village women used the wetting method to remove cyanogens from cassava flour. During the 9-month intervention there were no new cases of konzo; cyanide in flour had reduced to WHO safe levels and mean urinary thiocyanate levels were greatly reduced. To prevent konzo at least 60-70% of women should use the wetting method regularly. The wetting method is now accepted by the World Bank, FAO and WHO as a sensitive intervention. Four successful konzo interventions have involved nearly 10,000 people in 13 villages, the cost is now $16 per person and the methodology is well established.


Psychiatric opinion and antipsychotic selection in the management of schizophrenia.
This study examined psychiatrists' opinions regarding the use of second-generation antipsychotics for treatment-resistant schizophrenia. It then sought to identify factors associated with these opinions. A national survey was conducted (September 2003-January 2004) of psychiatrists engaged in the management of patients with schizophrenia. Among survey respondents (N=431), most psychiatrists (88%) believed that one or more of the five currently available second-generation antipsychotics could improve treatment-resistant positive symptoms after a failed trial of optimal oral haloperidol treatment. Psychiatrists who reported familiarity with schizophrenia practice guidelines were more likely to have high levels of optimism that these medications improve positive symptoms (odds ratio [OR]=3.6, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.4-9.3, p=.009). Psychiatrists who met with a pharmaceutical representative at least once a week were also more likely to have high levels of optimism toward second-generation antipsychotics (OR=2.3, CI=1.4-3.9, p=.001). Reported familiarity with treatment guidelines and frequent contact with pharmaceutical representatives appear to be associated with optimism toward second-generation antipsychotics.


Effects of miR-21 downregulation and silibinin treatment in breast cancer cell lines.
Silibinin is a natural polyphenol with high antioxidant and anticancer properties, which causes cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in most cancer cell types including breast cancer, but the in-line mechanisms, are still unknown. Silibinin significantly downregulated oncomiR miR-21 expression in breast cancer cells. Here the effect of anti-miR-21 on cell viability, apoptotic induction, cell cycle distribution, and the expression levels of downstream targets of miR-21 were investigated in MCF-7 and T47D cells. MiR-21 mimic transfection was also applied in silibinin treated samples to evaluate functional role of miR-21downregulation on silibinin effects. It was found that after anti-miR-21 transfection, no significant changes were detected in cell viability, apoptosis (except early apoptosis), and cell cycle in MCF-7 and T47D cells. Compared to silibinin, miR-21 mimic transfection in combination with silibinin caused a slight modulation in some of the examined silibinin effects including apoptosis, Bcl2 mRNA and PTEN mRNA and protein levels. Silibinin slightly changed luciferase activity from reporters containing the miR-21 recognition elements from PTEN-3'UTR and Bcl2-3'UTR in both cell lines. Together these data demonstrated negligible cancer-progression impact of miR-21 and limited roles of miR-21 downregulation in examined silibinin effects, and strengthened the anti-cancer pathways of silibinin other than miR-21downregulation in MCF-7 and T47D cells.


Comparison of gene expression patterns and migration capability at quiescent and proliferating vascular smooth muscle cells stimulated by cytokines.
The changes of the gene expression patterns and the migration capability of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) at the quiescent and proliferating states were investigated after VSMC was stimulated by cytokines. VSMC migration was measured using a model of wounding injury of confluent cultured cells and a Boyden chamber assay. The migration distance of the quiescent VSMC induced by cytokines bFGF, IL-1beta and TNF-alpha was 5.8, 4.7, and 4.2 times as long as that of the control group, respectively. However, the migration distance of the proliferating VSMC was only one-fourth of the quiescent cells under the same effects. The results of Boyden chamber assay indicated that VSMC was capable of degrading collagen and traversed the pores of membrane barriers in response to bFGF as a chemoattractant, and VSMC number across the membrane was markedly increased as concentration gradient of bFGF ascended. Northern blot and nuclear run-off assay showed that bFGF not only stimulated the expression of migration-related matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) but also enhanced the transcription of proliferation-related osteopontin (OPN) and c-jun genes in the quiescent VSMC. bFGF could moderately increase the expression of OPN and c-jun, but had no significant effect on the expression of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 in the proliferating cells under the same conditions. These findings suggest that VSMC migration capability and the expression activity of migration- and proliferation-related genes were significantly distinct for the quiescent and proliferating VSMC. The cellular migration capability and the expression activity of migration-related genes in the quiescent VSMC were much higher than those in the proliferating cells in response to cytokines.


Mechanisms and efficacy of traditional Chinese herb monomers in diabetic kidney disease.
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a serious complication of diabetes and is the primary cause of end-stage renal disease. Current treatment strategies primarily focus on the inhibition of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and the attainment of blood glucose control. Although current medical therapies for DKD have been shown to delay disease progression and improve long-term outcomes, their efficacy is limited and they may be restricted in certain cases, particularly when hyperkalemia is present. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment has emerged as a significant complementary approach for DKD. TCM monomers, derived from various Chinese herbs, have been found to modulate multiple therapeutic targets and exhibit a broad range of therapeutic effects in patients with DKD. This review aims to summarize the mechanisms of action of TCM monomers in the treatment of DKD, based on findings from clinical trials, as well as cell and animal studies. The results of these investigations demonstrate the potential effective use of TCM monomers in treating or preventing DKD, offering a promising new direction for future research in the field. By providing a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms and efficacy of TCM monomers in DKD, this review highlights the potential of these natural compounds as alternative therapeutic options for improving outcomes in patients with DKD.


Combination of DN604 with gemcitabine led to cell apoptosis and cell motility inhibition via p38 MAPK signaling pathway in NSCLC.
Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common cancer in the world, which is still treated with Pt(II) agents as first-line drugs. As a traditional anticancer agent, gemcitabine is usually used in the combination treatment of various solid tumors with other drugs. Here, we investigate the combinatory application of gemcitabine with a Pt(II) agent (DN604, reported previously in our former research) in the treatment of NSCLC. In vitro biological assays suggested that DN604-gemcitabine treatment can effectively induce cell apoptosis and suppress cell motility, showing better anti-tumor effect than the single drug treatment or the combined treatment of cisplatin and gemcitabine. More importantly, investigation on the mechanism of the combined treatment proved that such combined treatment can suppress cell autophagy to inhibit cell motility via the activation of p38 MAPK signaling pathway. In vivo studies indicated that combination of DN604 with gemcitabine significantly inhibited the growth of tumor with nearly no influence on the normal organs and weight of mice. Our study widened the application scope of Pt(II) agents combined with gemcitabine for NSCLC treatment.


Derivation and propagation of embryonic stem cells in serum- and feeder-free culture.
The availability of murine embryonic stem (ES) cells has revolutionized the study of mammalian development and disease. We recently developed a culture medium that has enabled us to identify the essential signaling pathways required for maintenance of pluripotency in vitro. Addition of leukemia inhibitory factor and bone morphogenetic protein4 to this medium is sufficient to activate the signal transducer and activator of transcription3 and mammalian homolog of Drosophila mothers against decapentaplegic pathways, respectively. We have successfully derived and propagated ES cells in the absence of feeder cells and serum. This chapter describes a simple protocol for efficient derivation and maintenance of ES cells from embryos of the 129 and C57B1/6 strains of mice.


Neuroticism, stress, and rumination in anxiety and depression of people with Vitiligo: An explanatory model.
Psychological impacts of Vitiligo have been demonstrated, and associations of the skin disease with anxiety and depression disorders have already been shown. However, it is still unclear the role of individuals' personality factors, such as neuroticism, stress, and rumination, as well as sociodemographic characteristics of people with Vitiligo in such disorders. We conducted a study in a community sample of individuals with Vitiligo (N = 324) aiming to test the hypothesis that neuroticism, stress, and rumination are subjacent to these individuals' anxiety and depression symptomatology. We also explored whether individuals' gender might favor the onset or worsening of the psychological consequences of such disorders. Results showed that the relationship between neuroticism, anxiety and depression was mediated by stress and rumination (brooding), being this effect moderated by the participants' gender. Specifically, women's reflection and stress seemed to be important mechanisms to predict their anxiety and depression symptoms, whereas brooding predicts such disorders' symptomatology in men with Vitiligo. These findings may guide future research and clinical interventions for this population, for which it is necessary to consider the psychological consequences of the disease and not just its physiological aspects.


Effect of diazepam and sex hormones on EEG of gonadectomized male and female rats.
Waking EEG was recorded from left and right parietals in 60 adult Wistar rats gonadectomized after puberty during 5 days, 1 as baseline, 1 with vehicle and 1 with 10 mg/kg i.m. of diazepam with hormonal treatment (either testosterone propionate, 5-alpha-dihydrotestosterone or vehicle in males and progesterone, estradiol benzoate or vehicle in females). Quantitative EEG analysis showed that: diazepam in gonadectomized males increased absolute power of alpha, beta 1 and beta 2, increased interparietal correlation of delta and decreased interparietal correlation of slow theta, fast theta and beta 1, whereas in gonadectomized females, diazepam additionally decreased slow and fast theta absolute power. EEG effects were not modified by testosterone propionate or 5-alpha-dihydrotestosterone treatment in males. Diazepam plus estradiol rendered the female EEG response similar to the gonadectomized or testosterone-treated males response; diazepam plus progesterone induced the same response in females as in gonadectomized females and additionally induced interparietal asymmetry and decreased interparietal correlation of all EEG bands. Present results and information on the effects of diazepam on interparietal coupling of EEG and demonstrate that the EEG response to diazepam in adult rats is sexually dimorphic and depends on sex as well as on activational effects of gonadal steroids.


Probiotics: a Promising Generation of Heavy Metal Detoxification.
Different environmental toxins especially heavy metals exist in soil, water, and air recording toxic effect on human, animal, and plant. These toxicant elements are widespread in environment causing various disturbances in biological systems. Numerous strategies have been applied recently to alleviate heavy metal contamination; however, most of these strategies were costly and seemed unfriendly to our environment. Probiotics are living cell bacteria with beneficial characteristics for human health. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are the major probiotic groups; however, Pediococcus, Lactococcus, Bacillus, and yeasts are recorded as probiotic. The vital role of the probiotics on maintenance of body health was previously investigated. Probiotics were previously recorded to its powerful capacity to bind numerous targets and eliminate them with feces. These targets may be aluminum, cadmium, lead, or arsenic. The current review discusses the history of probiotics, detoxification role of probiotics caused by heavy metals, and mechanism of their action that modulate different signaling pathway disturbance associated with heavy metal accumulation in biological system.


Regulation of reversible binding of smg p25A, a ras p21-like GTP-binding protein, to synaptic plasma membranes and vesicles by its specific regulatory protein, GDP dissociation inhibitor.
We have previously purified from bovine brain cytosol a novel regulatory protein for smg p25A, a ras p21-like GTP-binding protein. This protein, named smg p25A GDP dissociation inhibitor (GDI), regulates the GDP/GTP exchange reaction of smg p25A by inhibiting the dissociation of GDP from and thereby the subsequent binding of GTP to it. We have also previously found that smg p25A is mainly localized in presynaptic plasma membranes and vesicles and moderately in presynaptic cytosol in rat brain synapses. In this paper, we have studied the possible involvement of smg p25A GDI in the localization of smg p25A in the cytosol, plasma membranes, and vesicles in rat brain synapses. Both the GDP- and GTP-bound forms of smg p25A bound to the synaptic membranes and vesicles. smg p25A GDI inhibited the binding of the GDP-bound form of smg p25A, but not that of the GTP-bound form, to the synaptic membranes and vesicles. Moreover, smg p25A GDI induced the dissociation of the GDP-bound form, but not that of the GTP-bound form, of both endogenous and exogenous smg p25As from the synaptic membranes and vesicles. smg p25A GDI made a complex with the GDP-bound form of smg p25A with a molar ratio of 1:1, but not with the GTP-bound or guanine nucleotide-free form. These results suggest that smg p25A reversibly binds to synaptic plasma membranes and vesicles and that this reversible binding is regulated by its specific GDI.


Assessment of Effect of Submucosal Injection of Dexmedetomidine on Postoperative Symptoms.
Embedded third molar surgery is the most frequent oral-maxillofacial surgical procedure performed. The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical effect of submucosal dexmedetomidine (dex) on decreasing postoperative edema, trismus, and pain after surgical molar extraction. We carried out a double-blind, randomized, prospective study including patients undergoing surgical bilateral embedded mandibular molar extraction. Patients were divided into 2 groups: those receiving saline solution and those receiving dex. The main outcome measures of pain, facial swelling, and trismus were assessed on days 2 and 7 after surgery. In addition, patients were requested to record the time rescue analgesics were taken, as well as the total number taken. The variables were analyzed using the Student t test and a repeated-measures general linear model. P < .05 was considered statistically significant. The study included 40 patients (9 women and 11 men per group; mean age, 23.40 years) undergoing surgical bilateral embedded mandibular molar extraction. On day 2, a statistically significant difference in edema was found between the groups (P = .004). On days 2 and 7, statistically significant differences in the severity of trismus were found between the groups (P = .001 and P < .001, respectively). In addition, statistically significant differences were found between the groups in visual analog scale pain scores at 1, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours (P = .161, P = .038, P = .110, P = .136, and P = .007, respectively) and in the number of analgesic tablets taken (P < .001). Preoperative submucosal dex is an efficient, safe, and beneficial therapeutic strategy to decrease edema, trismus, and pain after surgical molar extraction.


Electrochemical immunosensor for simultaneous detection of dual cardiac markers based on a poly(dimethylsiloxane)-gold nanoparticles composite microfluidic chip: a proof of principle.
The emergence of microfluidic immunosensors has provided a promising tool for improving clinical diagnoses. We developed an electrochemical immunoassay for the simultaneous detection of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and C-reactive protein (CRP), based on microfluidic chips. The quantitative methodology was based on ELISA in poly(dimethylsiloxane)-gold nanoparticle composite microreactors. CdTe and ZnSe quantum dots were bioconjugated with antibodies for sandwich immunoassay. After the CdTe and ZnSe quantum dots were dissolved, Cd(2+) and Zn(2+) were detected by square-wave anodic stripping voltammetry to enable the quantification of the 2 biomarkers. The 2 biomarkers were measured in 20 human serum samples by using the proposed method and commercially available methods. This immunosensor allowed simultaneous detection of serum cTnI and CRP. The linear range of this assay was between 0.01 and 50 μg/L and 0.5 and 200 μg/L, with the detection limits of approximately 5 amol and approximately 307 amol in 30-μL samples corresponding to cTnI and CRP, respectively. Slopes close to 1 and the correlation coefficient over 0.99 were obtained for both analytes. This strategy demonstrates a proof of principle for the successful integration of microfluidics with electrochemistry that can potentially provide an alternative to protein detection in the clinical laboratory.


The case of Ms. Nancy Cruzan and the care of the elderly.
The case of Ms. Nancy Cruzan is the first so-called "right to die" case to be heard by the US Supreme Court. The Missouri Supreme Court had ruled that Ms. Cruzan's parents, who are also her court-appointed guardians, cannot authorize the withdrawal of artificial hydration and nutrition from their daughter. Ms. Cruzan has been in a persistent vegetative state since an auto accident more than six years ago. Even though Ms. Cruzan is only 32 years old, the decision in her case will have serious implications for care of the elderly. Key features of the Missouri Supreme Court decision include their claims that (1) the authority for surrogate decision-making flows from the parens patriae power of the State rather than from the authority of the incompetent person, (2) the State has an unqualified interest in the preservation of life, and (3) the medical provision of nutrition and hydration ought to be considered differently than other forms of medical treatment. Such claims are at considerable variance from accepted standards of ethically defensible decision-making that focus on the well-being of the patient understood according to the patient's own values and life goals. If the US Supreme Court restricts decisions to forgo life-sustaining treatment according to patient prognosis, capacity for decision-making, type of treatment, or state of residence, then a patient-centered standard of medical decision-making will be impossible to sustain and the maximization of life extension will be required without regard to the suffering thereby imposed.


Obesity control in Latin American and U.S. Latinos: a systematic review.
Latinos are the largest and fastest-growing ethnically diverse group in the U.S.; they are also the most overweight. Mexico is now second to the U.S. in experiencing the worst epidemic of obesity in the world. Objectives of this study were to (1) conduct a systematic review of obesity-related interventions targeting Latinos living in the U.S. and Latin America and (2) develop evidence-based recommendations to inform culturally relevant strategies targeting obesity. Obesity-related interventions, published between 1965 and 2010, were identified through searches of major electronic databases in 2010-2011. Selection criteria included evaluation of obesity-related measures; intervention conducted in a community setting; and at least 50.0% Latino/Latin American participants, or with stratified results by race/ethnicity. Body of evidence was based on the number of available studies, study design, execution, and effect size. Of 19,758 articles, 105 interventions met final inclusion criteria. Interventions promoting physical activity and/or healthy eating had strong or sufficient evidence for recommending (1) school-based interventions in the U.S. and Latin America; (2) interventions for overweight or obese children in the healthcare context in Latin America; (3) individual-based interventions for overweight or obese adults in the U.S.; (4) individual-based interventions for adults in Latin America; and (5) healthcare-based interventions for overweight or obese adults in Latin America. Most intervention approaches combined physical activity and healthy eating to address both sides of the energy-balance equation. Results can help guide comprehensive evidence-based efforts to tackle the obesity epidemic in the U.S. and Latin America.


Effects of in utero exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls and related contaminants on cognitive functioning in young children.
Because prenatal exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and related contaminants has been associated with reduced birth weight, neonatal behavioral anomalies, and poorer recognition memory in infants born to women who have consumed Lake Michigan sports fish, 236 children, previously evaluated for PCB-related deficits in infancy, were assessed at 4 years of age. Prenatal exposure (indicated by umbilical cord serum PCB level) predicted poorer short-term memory function on both verbal and quantitative tests in a dose-dependent fashion. These effects cannot be attributed to a broad range of potential confounding variables, the impact of which was evaluated statistically. Although much larger quantities of PCBs are transferred postnatally via lactation than prenatally across the placenta, exposure from nursing was unrelated to cognitive performance. The data demonstrate the continuation of a toxic impact received in utero and observed initially during infancy on a dimension of cognitive functioning fundamental to learning.


[Rheumatologic treatment in the G-DRG system].
On June 27 2000, the German Self-Administration and lately the German Ministry of Health set the general conditions for a new reimbursement system for the inpatient hospital sector which is based nearly exclusively on lump-sum payments. The Association of Acute Rheumatology Hospitals (VRA) and the DRG-Research-Group, Münster University Hospital, conducted a multi-center trial which included 7266 cases from 22 different hospitals. The data were used to analyze how well the not yet German healthcare adjusted G-DRG system (version 1.0) accounts for rheumatologic diagnostics and treatment as well as problems of specialized hospitals. 7 Adjacent-DRGs covered 91% of all cases, 68% of all cases were grouped into only two different Adjacent-DRGs (169 Bone Diseases and Specific Arthropathies and 166 Other Connective Tissue Disorders). Groups with different complexity which are not appropriately covered by the existing G-DRG system could be identified. The data further revealed a systematically longer length of stay in rheumatology clinics opposed to the average length of stay in the data used for calculating the G-DRGs, due to different structures and procedures of the complex rheumatologic treatment. The results strongly supported the assumption that an accurate reimbursement of rheumatologic cases in the current G-DRG system 1.0 would not have been possible. Adaptations made in the new G-DRG Version 2004 can only partly solve these problems, despite an improved construction of the DRGs. In order to guarantee an appropriate reimbursement of rheumatology clinics from 2005 on, the G-DRG system must be adapted to specific rheumatological pathways and/or alternative or additional reimbursement systems have to be found.


Success of chronic defibrillation and the role of antiarrhythmic drugs with the automatic implantable cardioverter/defibrillator.
Because the automatic internal cardioverter defibrillator's long-term ability to reduce arrhythmic mortality in patients with ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation is unknown, it is important to determine whether the threshold for defibrillation changes over time. Serial defibrillation thresholds were measured in 23 patients over a mean replacement time of 24.8 +/- 7.5 months. In all cases the lead system was a superior vena cava coil to a left ventricular epicardial patch. The defibrillation threshold for the entire group increased from 12.3 +/- 4.7 J to 16.9 +/- 5.9 J (p less than 0.05). Striking increases in the defibrillation threshold were seen in the subgroup of patients taking amiodarone (from 10.9 +/- 4.3 J at implantation to 20.0 +/- 4.7 J at replacement, p less than 0.05). Defibrillation threshold decreased in patients taking no antiarrhythmic drugs or taking class I agents. Thus, the increase in mean defibrillation threshold was the result of an increase in the patients taking amiodarone. These data suggest that at initial implantation lead systems associated with the lowest defibrillation threshold should be used and the defibrillation threshold should be measured at generator change to guarantee an adequate margin of safety.


[Regenerative activity of muscle tissue and thymus status in young and old mdx mice with muscle injury and wound xenoplasty].
Responses of the skeletal muscle tissue and thymus to muscle injury (complete transection) and wound xenoplasty with the minced muscle tissue of newborn rats (tissue therapy) were studied in mdx mice aged 12-16 and 40-48 weeks. The muscle tissue of mdx mice has genetic defects causing chronic dystrophic processes in it. The muscle tissue of young mdx mice proved to retain a relatively high capacity for regeneration. Under conditions of tissue therapy of the wound, the formation of muscle fibers from muscle cells of the graft and active regeneration of muscle fibers in the recipient mice were observed, and no structural defects were detected in the thymus. The capacity of posttraumatic regeneration in old mdx mice was lower. The xenogenic graft was undergoing resorption, thereby suppressing regeneration of muscle fibers and causing further tissue destruction in the injured muscle. The thymus parenchyma was subject to degenerative changes such as the formation of gaps, hemorrhagic foci, and increased numbers of macrophages and mast cells.


On-demand assembly of polymeric nanoparticles for longer-blood-circulation and disassembly in tumor for boosting sonodynamic therapy.
Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) is one of the promising strategies for tumor therapy, but its application is usually hindered by fast clearance in blood-circulation, abnormal tumor microenvironment, and inefficient generation of reactive oxygen species. To solve these problems, we proposed an on-demand assembly-disassembly strategy, where the assembly is favorable for longer-blood-circulation and then the disassembly in tumor is favorable for boosting SDT. Hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether (HMME) as the model of organic sonosensitizers were conjugated with hyaluronic acid (HA). Then HA-HMME was mixed with catalase (CAT) and assembled into polymeric nanoparticles (CAT@HA-HMME NPs) with size of ∼80 nm. CAT@HA-HMME NPs exhibit good biocompatibility and a longer blood half-time (t1/2 = 4.17 h) which is obviously longer than that (∼0.82 h) of HMME molecules. After HA receptor-mediated endocytosis of cancer cells, CAT@HA-HMME NPs can be cleaved by endogenous hyaluronidase, resulting in the on-demand disassembly in tumor to release HA-HMME molecules and CAT. The CAT catalyzes the endogenous H2O2 into O2 to relieve the hypoxic microenvironment, and the released HA-HMME exhibits a higher ROS generation ability, greatly boosting SDT for the inhibition of tumor growth. Therefore, the on-demand assembly-disassembly strategy may provide some insight in the design and development of nanoagents for tumor therapy.


Metabolic fate of black raspberry polyphenols in association with gut microbiota of different origins in vitro.
Polyphenols, ubiquitous in plant-originated foods, exhibit multifarious health benefits but are notorious for their low bioavailability. As the majority of polyphenols enter the colon where they are metabolized into the more bioavailable metabolites with multifarious bioactivities, gut microbiota composition is critical for realizing the health benefits of polyphenols. Black raspberries (BRB) are highly abundant in health-promoting but poorly absorbable polyphenols, primarily ellagitannins and anthocyanins. This study aimed to dissect the bilateral interactions between polyphenols and gut microbiotas of diverse origins. Using an optimized extraction procedure, BRB polyphenols were first comprehensively characterized by UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS. Next, in vitro anaerobic fermentations with microbiota from human adults, infants, rats, and mice were conducted for comparison of phenolic profile (by metabolomics) and microbiota composition (by 16S rDNA sequencing) before and after fermentation. Bioinformatics analysis further revealed unique polyphenol-microbiota interactions and identified several bacterial species that could potentially produce bioactive and bioavailable phenolic metabolites following BRB consumption.


CT scanogram for limb length discrepancy in comminuted femoral shaft fractures following IM nailing.
Leg length discrepancy (LLD) following intramedullary nailing of femoral fractures is not uncommon. We designed a prospective study to evaluate the efficacy of routine postoperative computed tomography (CT) scanograms for evaluation of limb length discrepancy in patients with comminuted Winquist III or IV femoral shaft fractures treated with intramedullary nailing. The study consisted of 15 patients with Winquist III and 13 with a Winquist IV femoral shaft fracture pattern with an average age of 37 years. The mechanisms of injury were motor vehicle collision (13), gunshot wound (12) and falls (three). All patients were treated with a statically locked intramedullary femoral nail (18 antegrade and 10 retrograde). A CT scanogram evaluated limb length in all patients. A discrepancy of greater than 20mm was considered for correction during the same admission. An LLD of 15-20mm was discussed with the patient extensively for correction. In the 28 patients included in our study, the average limb length discrepancy was 9.1mm with a range of -43.5mm short to 10.3mm long. The LLD was less than 10mm in 18 patients (64%), 10-15mm in four patients (14%), 15-20mm in three patients (11%) and more than 20mm in three patients (11%). Measurement of discrepancy as small as 0.5mm showed that 18 patients were fixed with shortening and in 10 patients the operated femur was longer. Tibia lengths were also evaluated separately. Though none of the tibiae had a previous fracture, only three patients (10%) had tibiae of equal length. In 13 patients, an unequal tibia partially corrected the LLD whilst in 12 it added to the discrepancy. Five patients with LLD of greater than 15mm underwent correction. A postoperative scanogram in patients with comminuted femoral shaft fractures treated with intramedullary nailing is useful to evaluate LLD and allows for early intervention. The ideal length where correction is necessary remains unclear.


[What is the value of the whole body spiral CT in the primary radiological imaging of severely injured children?].
Whole body spiral CT scans have become a routine method in the radiological imaging of severely injured patients in emergency rooms of an increasing number of hospitals. The routine use of CT scans is, however, still discussed controversially, especially with regard to its use in children. This is mainly due to the reportedly higher level of exposure to radiation of CT scans as compared to plain radiographs. The aim of the present study was to compare the dose of exposure to radiation of a whole body CT scan to that of a plain radiograph protocol in an animal model for severely injured children. We chose 3 female pigs of different weights to serve as a model for children at different ages. 4 film radiation dosimeters (positioned on the eye, under the breast, paravertebrally on the thoracic spine and in the small pelvis, respectively) were implanted into every pig for each examination. Plain radiographs of the chest and the pelvis in one plane and of the skull and the complete spine in two planes were performed. The CT scan included skull, cervical spine and the whole body from the thorax to pelvis. The radiation dose of CT scans was 7 times higher as compared to the X-ray protocol, but the performance of CT scans was faster (8 vs. 18 min). The radiation dose of the whole body CT scan was at about 15 mSv. Based on our data and a review of the literature we will use whole body spiral CT scans as the preferred method in the primary radiological imaging of severely injured patients. In our opinion, the evident benefit of a reduced time of imaging in combination with superior image information outweighs the higher level of exposure to radiation.


Defects in the rice aconitase-encoding OsACO1 gene alter iron homeostasis.
Rice aconitase gene OsACO1 is involved in the iron deficiency-signaling pathway for the expression of iron deficiency-inducible genes, either thorough enzyme activity or possible specific RNA binding for post-transcriptional regulation. Iron (Fe) is an essential element for virtually all living organisms. When plants are deficient in Fe, Fe acquisition systems are activated to maintain Fe homeostasis, and this regulation is mainly executed at the gene transcription level. Many molecules responsible for Fe uptake, translocation, and storage in plants have been identified and characterized. However, how plants sense Fe status within cells and then induce a transcriptional response is still unclear. In the present study, we found that knockdown of the OsACO1 gene, which encodes an aconitase in rice, leads to the down-regulation of selected Fe deficiency-inducible genes involved in Fe uptake and translocation in roots, and a decrease in Fe concentration in leaves, even when grown under Fe-sufficient conditions. OsACO1 knockdown plants showed a delayed transcriptional response to Fe deficiency compared to wild-type plants. In contrast, overexpression of OsACO1 resulted in the opposite effects. These results suggest that OsACO1 is situated upstream of the Fe deficiency-signaling pathway. Furthermore, we found that the OsACO1 protein potentially has RNA-binding activity. In vitro screening of RNA interactions with OsACO1 revealed that RNA potentially forms a unique stem-loop structure that interacts with OsACO1 via a conserved GGUGG motif within the loop structure. These results suggest that OsACO1 regulate Fe deficiency response either thorough enzyme activity catalyzing isomerization of citrate, or specific RNA binding for post-transcriptional regulation.


Rhabdomyoma of the heart with intrapericardial expansion.
A rare case of a rhabdomyoma originating from the surface of the right atrium in a 20-year-old female is reported. The tumor showed electrical activity and caused both outflow obstruction and tamponade symptoms. It was successfully removed by a right-sided thoracotomy. The clinical course, diagnostic investigations, and the therapeutical approach of this rare lesion are discussed.


Cycle of Perpetual Vulnerability for Women Facing Homelessness near an Urban Library in a Major U.S. Metropolitan Area.
Homelessness among women and the multiple vulnerabilities they endure (sexual exploitation/human trafficking, violence, and mental health issues) is a perpetually unresolved issue in the U.S. and globally. This study is based on qualitative in-depth interviews accompanied by brief socio-demographic surveys conducted among 32 total participants, consisting of cisgender females (n = 17) and cisgender males (n = 15) experiencing homelessness at a large public library. Of the women, 35% were White, 35% Latina, 18% African American/Black, and 18% LGBT. Half of all participants said in qualitative interviews that they witnessed violence against women, and/or experienced unwanted harassment/sexual exploitation; one in three described suspected human trafficking. Of the women interviewed, half struggled with mental health symptoms, feelings of hopelessness, and nearly all reported isolation; approximately one-third had substance use issues. Many described an inadequate number of emergency and long-term shelters Available for women facing homelessness; many had to wait or saw other women waiting to get into shelters and faced abuse on the streets in the meantime. The emergent themes showed that women face a "cycle of perpetual vulnerability" with three relational pathways: iterated trauma from chronic abuse/violence inflicted on them, a state of paralysis due to inadequate availability of supportive services, shelters, and mental health resources to cover all women living on the streets, leaving women susceptible to being a target phenotype for predators.


[Eccrine adenocarcinoma in a patient with familial breast carcinoma].
A 67-year-old patient developed a subcutaneous, non-tender nodule in her left groin over a period of about seven years. The patient underwent surgery and 4 procedures were required to obtain complete excision. The histopathologic findings showed eccrine adenocarcinoma, a member of the heterogeneous group of sweat gland tumors which occur primarily in adults with a peak of 50-60 years of age. Sweat gland carcinomas are extremely rare neoplasms of the skin and exhibit a slow growth rate with a rather high local recurrence rate. The tumor has a disposition to metastasize and shows a poor response rate to adjuvant therapy regimens. Therefore wide, deep surgical excision with an excision margin of 2-3 cm is the treatment of choice. Nevertheless there are some case reports on successful therapy of a metastasized sweat gland carcinoma with 5-fluorouracil and tamoxifen. Here further studies are needed to achieve a better survival rate for patients with metastatic disease.


Further characterization of human erythrocyte superoxide dismutase.
1. A simplified procedure for the preparation of highly purified human superoxide dismutase from erythrocytes was developed which avoided extremes of pH and ionic strength and the use of organic solvents; the properties of human and bovine proteins, prepared by the method, were compared. 2. Using the two dimensional electrophoretic procedure of O'Farrell, the human superoxide dismutase was found to consist of a single type of polypeptide. 3. The human protein was found to have a total of eight half-cystine residues per mole of protein, compared to six such residues for the bovine protein. The human protein has two sulfhydryl groups which are reactive toward mercurials when dissolved in 1M guanidine-hydrochloride and approximately 3 reactive sulfhydrls when the protein is dissolved in 6 M guanidine hydrochloride. The distribution of the eight sulfur atoms appears to consist of four involved in disulfide linkages, two deeply buried within the molecule and unreactive except under strongly denaturing conditions, and two which are reactive under mildly denaturing conditions. No zero-valent sulfur was found. 4. The visible optical absorption, the visible circular dichroism, and the electron paramagnetic resonance spectra are essentially identical with those of the bovine protein. No unusual absorbance was found at 330 nm. The near ultraviolet spectrum is different from that of the bovine protein, and this appears to be due to differing amino acid compositions. 5. Two fractions of superoxide dismutase activity were observed during chromatography of partially purified solutions on diethylaminoethyl-cellulose. The minor, less mobile form, was found to revert to the less mobile species on aging; the reverse process was not observed to occur. The minor component was found to contain equimolar amounts of Zn and Cu and to have a specific dismutase activity somewhat higher than that of the purified major fraction.


Selective enhancement of synthesis of interleukin-2 in lymphocytes in the presence of ciprofloxacin.
A study was performed to verify the effect of ciprofloxacin on the production of interleukin-2 and other cytokines in cultures of human peripheral lymphocytes. In the presence of ciprofloxacin, lymphocytes demonstrated increased synthesis of interleukin-2 (100-fold, 7-fold and 1.5-fold increase at ciprofloxacin concentrations of 80, 20 and 5 micrograms/ml respectively), as measured by radioimmunoassay. Synthesis of other cytokines from T lymphocytes, gamma-interferon, lymphotoxin and granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor as well as interleukin-1 and tumour necrosis factor from monocytes was not increased, but inhibited at a ciprofloxacin concentration of 80 micrograms/ml. Thus the effect of ciprofloxacin resulting in enhanced synthesis of interleukin-2 seems to be specific.


[Effect of ionizing radiation on the functional state of Helix pomatia neurons. Glucose metabolism and ATP levels].
The ATP level in nerve ganglia of Helix pomatia was shown to decrease 15 and 30 min, and 1 and 3 h following irradiation (5.16 C/kg). The decrease was maximum in 60 min. The absorption and utilization of glucose via a pentose-phosphate route and in the Krebs cycle did not substantially change. It is concluded that the energy supply of nerve cells under study is not responsible for the decrease in the ATP level.


Novel genetic association of Wegener's granulomatosis with the interleukin 10 gene.
Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) is a necrotizing vasculitis characterized by clonal expansions of T cells and production of antibodies against proteinase 3. The disease is associated with expanded dinucleotide repeats in the cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) gene, suggesting that genetic variation(s) in T cell related gene(s) could contribute to the T cell hyperactivity in WG. We investigated the polymorphisms in the genes of 2 cytokines, interleukin 4 (IL-4) and IL-10, which are essential for the polarization of T cells towards Th2 development and for the Ig production by B cells. Polymorphisms in the genes coding for IL-10 and IL-4 were analyzed in 32-36 Swedish Caucasian patients and 109 ethnically matched healthy individuals. There was no association with the IL-4 gene. A CA repeat polymorphism in IL-10 gene, IL-10.G, was associated with the disease. This polymorphism has earlier been associated with high autoantibody production. Our results indicate that the IL-10 gene may influence the disease, perhaps by influencing the production of autoantibodies.


Utility of the CO2 laser in the microsurgical resection of cavernous malformations.
The CO2 laser has a long record of use in neurosurgery. However, its utility has been limited by its bulky design and the challenge of using it with the operating microscope. With the development of the OmniGuide fiber, a technology that delivers the beam through flexible hollow-core photonic bandgap mirrors, the laser can now be held and used with greater ease and accuracy. We retrospectively analyzed a prospectively maintained database to assess the utility of the laser in 23 consecutive patients (10 male, 13 female; mean age, 40.8 years; range, 9-64 years) with a cavernous malformation treated by the senior author (R.F.S.). Four lesions were located in noneloquent areas, 13 were in the brain stem, four were in the spinal cord, and two were in the thalamus. The usefulness of the laser was rated on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 defined as "extremely helpful." The mean utility score was 3.5 ± 0.94 (range, 2-5). The laser was judged most useful in creating cortisectomies in eloquent areas and in "shrinking" cavernous malformations away from adjacent hemosiderin-stained tissue. The laser was ineffective against calcification and in obtaining hemostasis. The CO2 laser is a useful addition to the neurosurgical armamentarium for treating lesions in the brainstem, thalamus, and spinal cord. Its primary utility lies in its ability to create focused cortisectomies safely and to shrink cavernous malformations away from eloquent hemosiderin-stained brain.


Characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome of Ixodes granulatus (Ixodidae) and its phylogenetic implications.
Ticks are deemed to be second only to mosquitoes as the most common vector of human infectious diseases worldwide that give rise to human and animal diseases and economic losses to livestock production. Our understanding of the phylogenetic analysis between tick lineages has been restricted by the phylogenetic markers of individual genes. Genomic data research could help advance our understanding of phylogenetic analysis and molecular evolution. Mitochondrial genomic DNA facilitated the phylogenetic analysis of eukaryotes containing ticks. In this study, we sequenced and assembled the circular complete mitogenome information of Ixodes granulatus. The 14,540-bp mitogenome consists of 37 genes, including 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), two genes for ribosomal RNA (rRNAs), and 22 genes for transfer RNA (tRNAs), and the origin of the L-strand replication region. The directions of the coding strand and component genes in the non-Australasian Ixodes mitochondrial genome were similar to those found in most other Australasian Ixodes, except for the loss of a lengthy control region. The phylogenetic tree based on maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) computational algorithms showed that I. granulatus exhibits a close relationship with I. hexagonus and I. ricinus. To our knowledge, this is the first study exploring the complete mitogenome for the species I. granulatus. Our results provide new insights for further research on the evolution, population genetics, systematics, and molecular ecology of ticks.


Optimization of enzymatic analytical method for poultry meat.
Chilling and freezing are essential for poultry meat preservation. Fresh poultry, visually indistinguishable from frozen-thawed poultry, presents an attractive target for adulteration. Activity levels of the mitochondrial enzyme β-hydroxyacyl-CoA-dehydrogenase (HADH) can indicate previous freezing. This study aims to optimize the analysis method and determine a more sensitive cut-off limit distinguishing fresh from frozen poultry. 125 chicken breasts were sampled from the Lebanese market. Two sets of chilled breasts were analyzed before and after freezing at -22 °C for 5 days, with/without defrosting at 4 °C for 24 h. Frozen breasts samples were studied before and after refreezing at -22 °C. HADH activity was measured by spectrophotometry and found to be significantly higher for frozen samples. Using a cut off limit of 0.3, resulted in the correct identification of all frozen poultry samples instead of 93%. Greater control over incorrectly labelled poultry meat and increased consumer protection can be achieved using the modified thermal identification method.


The Gaia lettersWriting Gaia Bruce Clarke and Sébastien Dutreuil, Eds. Cambridge University Press, 2022. 510 pp.
Contextualized correspondence traces the emergence of a provocative hypothesis.


Effect of formate on Mössbauer parameters of the non-heme iron of PS II particles of cyanobacteria.
Mössbauer spectra were measured for PSII particles having an active water-splitting system. The particles were isolated from the thermophilic cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus enriched in 57Fe. The Mössbauer resonance absorption spectrum is a superposition of 3 doublets with the following quadrupole splitting and chemical shift: 1, delta = 0.40, delta = 0.85; II, delta = 1.35, delta = 2.35; III, delta = 0.25, delta = 1.65. The delta and delta values of doublets I, II, III are characteristic of proteins with iron-sulphur center, non-heme iron of the reaction center of higher plants and of the oxidized cytochrome b-559. Treatment with sodium formate to remove bicarbonate affects only the doublet of non-heme iron, causing its quadrupole splitting to reduce to 1.75 and the chemical shift to reduce to 0.90. After washing out the formate, the Mössbauer spectrum of non-heme iron is restored. The data suggest that bicarbonate is a ligand for the non-heme iron of the reaction center of cyanobacteria.


Nondipping blood pressure patterns among individuals with essential hypertension: a review of the literature.
Researchers have discovered that blood pressure (BP) varies in a diurnal manner throughout a 24-hour period, being higher during the day and lower at night. Most people have a dipping BP pattern characterized by a nighttime BP that is 10-20% lower than their daytime BP. Individuals who experience a less than 10% reduction in nighttime BP are described as having a nondipping BP pattern. Although controversial, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting that a nondipping BP pattern is associated with a greater risk of target organ damage among individuals with essential hypertension. To review the literature on the most common factors associated with nondipping BP patterns among individuals with essential hypertension. CINAHL (1982-March 2006), PubMed (1950-March 2006) and Cochrane Library (1966-March 2006) databases were searched using the keywords: dipper, dipping, nondipper, nondipping, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, ABPM, hypertension, essential hypertension, high blood pressure, blood pressure, nocturnal blood pressure, nighttime blood pressure, diurnal blood pressure, and blood pressure patterns. Published studies, abstracts, dissertations as well as the reference lists of retrieved articles were reviewed. Studies were included if they involved subjects with only treated or untreated essential hypertension or those with samples of both nomotensive and treated or untreated essential hypertensive individuals. Additionally, studies needed to evaluate 24-hour, daytime and nighttime BP patterns. There is some evidence to suggest advanced age, African-American ethnicity, female sex, postmenopausal status, sodium sensitivity, sleep apnea, sleep quality, anger, hostility, depression, stress, social support, and socioeconomic status have an association with nondipping BP patterns. Knowledge of the potential factors associated with an altered nighttime BP pattern is of importance because it can help identify persons at risk for nondipping BP patterns and potential target organ damage. Furthermore, knowledge of these factors associated with a nondipping BP profile will lay the foundation for interventions to prevent/treat alterations in nighttime BP patterns.


The role of CPK isoenzymes in predicting extrauterine early pregnancy.
To evaluate the ability of Creatine phosphokinase (CPK) levels and CPK-MB proportion to differentiate between extra and intrauterine of very early gestations with unknown location. The study is case-control. CPK levels and CPK-MB proportion in 51 women with extrauterine pregnancies were compared to those in 28 women with early intrauterine pregnancies. No significant difference was found between women with extrauterine pregnancies and early intrauterine pregnancies in the levels of CPK (80.9 ± 62.1 vs. 74.9 ± 51.5; p = 0.66) and CPK-MB proportion (16.2 ± 10.1% vs. 15.1 ± 11.1%; p = 0.86). CPK and CPK-MB proportion determinations do not contribute to the clinical differentiation between early intra and extrauterine pregnancies.


Metabolism of eicosa-11,14-dienoic acid in rat testes. Evidence for delta8-desaturase activity.
The metabolism of [14C]eicosa-11,14-dienoic acid was investigated in rat testes in vivo and in vitro. Intratesticular injection of [1-14C]eicosa-11,14-dienoic acid resulted in the appearance of radioactivity (4-30% of 14C in total fatty acids) in 20-carbon trienoic fatty acids and a small amount (2-3.5%) in arachidonic acid. Analysis of the 20-carbon trienoic acid fraction by ozonolysis indicated that 15 to 34% of the 14C in this fraction was in an 8-carbon fragment originating from eicosa-8,11,14-trienoic acid. The rest (66 to 84%) was in a 5-carbon fragment, presumably originating from eicosa-5,11,14-trienoic acid. Incubation of testicular tissue minces or microsomes with [1-14C]eicosa-11,14-dienoic acid yielded labeled eicosa-8,11,14- and eicosa-5,11,14-trienoic acids in proportions similar to those obtained in vivo. Added unlabeled acetate had no effect on the formation of [14C]eicose-8,11,14-trienoic acid in vitro. Therefore, it is unlikely that the labeled eicosa-8,11,14-trienoic acid arose from elongation of octadeca-6,9,12-trienoic acid with labeled acetate derived from bio-oxidation of the labeled substrate. These results are compatible with a limited desaturation of eicosa-11,14-dienoic acid to eicosa-8,11,14-trienoic acid and provide evidence for delta8 desaturate activity in rat testis.


Impact of combined biological hydrolysis and anaerobic digestion temperatures on the characteristics of bacterial community and digestate quality in the treatment of wastewater sludge.
This work investigated the impact of temperature on the digestate water quality and bacterial community in the treatment of wastewater sludge using biological hydrolysis (BH)-anaerobic digestion (AD). The results showed that the BH 55 °C followed by AD 35 °C or 42 °C was the optimal temperature combination in terms of methane yield and digestate water quality. High-throughput sequencing revealed the key differences in bacterial communities for different BH-AD temperature combinations. Microbial source tracking showed only minor microbial migration from raw sludge and BH pre-treated sludge to the AD stage. Strong correlations between the residual sCOD, BH-AD temperature conditions, and dominant bacteria were identified. Clostridiales, Bacteroidales, Cloacimonadales, Thermotogales, and Anaerolineales were closely related to the digestate water quality and methane yield. Overall, the results showed that AD temperature exerted a dominant impact on methane yield, digestate water quality, and bacterial compositions in the BH-AD of wastewater sludge.


Molecular binding behaviors and thermodynamics of ferrocenyl dimethylaminium derivatives by anionic pillar[5]arene.
A novel anionic water-soluble pillar[5]arene (4C-WP5A) was synthesized via a convenient synthetic strategy of the direct cyclization of a functionalized hydroquinone monomer. The alkyl chain dependent affinities of ferrocenyl aminiums (FCn(+), n: carbon number) with 4C-WP5A are driven by hydrophobic interactions and desolvations with assisted C-H···π interactions and electrostatic interactions.


Inhibition of human serum RNase activity by aurine tricarboxylic acid polymer: effect on the antigen-antibody reaction.
The structural integrity of RNA as antigen in immunological reactions with serum as the source of antibody is endangered because of RNase activity. Aurine tricarboxylic acid (ATA) in its polymeric form has been used to overcome this problem by inhibiting serum RNase. At low concentrations, the polymer completely arrests the RNA degrading activity. An appreciable increase in antibody activity was observed with an anti-RNA serum pretreated with ATA polymer.


Isolation and characterization of an intracellular aminopeptidase from the extreme thermophilic archaebacterium Sulfolobus solfataricus.
An intracellular aminopeptidase (EC 3.4.11.-) was purified from the extreme thermophilic archaebacterium, Sulfolobus solfataricus. The molecular weight of the native enzyme was about 320,000, as calculated by gel-filtration studies, and a subunit Mr of 80,000 was estimated by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The temperature optimum of the enzyme was at 75 degrees C and the pH optimum was found to be 6.5. The aminopeptidase was highly active against the chromogenic substrates L-Leu-p-NA and L-Ala-p-NA. The enzyme was inhibited by EDTA, but the activity could be partially restored by removal of the EDTA and incubation with Co2+ or Mn2+. Bestatin, a typical inhibitor of aminopeptidase, fully inhibited the enzyme activity, but inhibitors of serine proteinases had no effect. Beside a high thermostability, the enzyme showed a remarkable stability against 6 M urea, organic solvents and acetonitrile.


Phase transitions of L-histidinium hydrogen oxalate crystal under high pressures investigated by Raman spectroscopy.
L-histidinium hydrogen oxalate (L-HisH)(HC2O4) crystal is formed from amino acid. L-histidine with oxalic acid whose vibrational high pressures behavior have not yet been investigated in the literature. Here we synthesized (L-HisH)(HC2O4) crystal by slow solvent evaporation method in a 1:1 ratio of L-histidine and oxalic acid. In addition, a vibrational study of (L-HisH)(HC2O4) crystal as a function of pressure was performed via Raman spectroscopy in the pressure range of 0.0-7.3 GPa. From analysis of the behavior of the bands within 1.5-2.8 GPa, characterized by the disappearance of lattice modes, the occurrence of a conformational phase transition was noted. A second phase transition, now from structural type, close to 5.1 GPa was observed due to the incidence of considerable changes in lattice and internal modes, mainly in vibrational modes related to imidazole ring motions.


Disinfectants to Fight Oral Candida Biofilms.
Oral biofilms, especially those caused by oral mycobiota, which include Candida species, are very difficult to eradicate, due to their complex structure and recalcitrance. Moreover, the mouth is prone to be colonized since it presents different types of surfaces, especially biomaterials and dental implants, often associated with a high rate of infections. Therefore, although disinfection of the oral cavity is of major importance, the number of commercially available disinfectants is not high. However, new solutions, as silver nanoparticles are being developed to help oral biofilms' eradication.


Predominance of rotavirus genotype G6P[11] in diarrhoeic lambs.
Out of 500 faecal samples from lambs with diarrhoea in Jammu and Kashmir, India, 66 (13.2%) were positive for group A rotavirus (GARV) by the latex agglutination test (LAT). Electropherotyping by RNA-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed the typical GARV 4-2-3-2 migration pattern in 49/66 (74.2%) samples. Fifty-two samples (10.4%) were positive by reverse transcription-PCR. G6 was the predominant G genotype (25/52; 48.07%), followed by G10 (19/52; 36.54%) whereas, the predominant P genotype was P[11] (46/52; 88.46%). G6P[11] is the prevalent strain of group A rotavirus in sheep in Jammu and Kashmir, India.


Altered intrinsic brain activity in patients with CSF1R-related leukoencephalopathy.
CSF1R-related leukoencephalopathy is an adult-onset white matter disease with high disability and mortality, while little is known about its pathogenesis. This study introduced amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) and regional homogeneity (ReHo) based on resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging(rsfMRI) to compare the spontaneous brain activities of patients and healthy controls, aiming to enhance our understanding of the disease. RsfMRI was performed on 16 patients and 23 healthy controls, and preprocessed for calculation of ALFF and ReHo. Permutation tests with threshold free cluster enhancement (TFCE) was applied for comparison (number of permutations = 5,000). The TFCE significance threshold was set at [Formula: see text] < 0.05. In addition, 10 was set as the minimum cluster size. Compared to healthy controls, the patient group showed decreased ALFF in right paracentral lobule, and increased ALFF in bilateral insula, hippocampus, thalamus, supramarginal and precentral gyrus, right inferior, middle and superior frontal gyrus, right superior and middle occipital gyrus, as well as left parahippocampal gyrus, fusiform, middle occipital gyrus and angular gyrus. ReHo was decreased in right supplementary motor area, paracentral lobule and precentral gyrus, while increased in right superior occipital gyrus and supramarginal gyrus, left parahippocampal gyrus, hippocampus, fusiform, middle occipital gyrus and angular gyrus, as well as bilateral middle occipital gyrus and midbrain. These results revealed altered spontaneous brain activities in CSF1R-related leukoencephalopathy, especially in limbic system and motor cortex, which may shed light on underlying mechanisms.