iHear: Canadian medical student based hearing assessment program for grade school children using a tablet audiometer.
To evaluate the progress and challenges of a hearing screening program as well as review the incidence of pediatric hearing loss in grade school children participating in this program. Medical students from the University of Ottawa established iHear, a grade school hearing assessment program that uses novel tablet audiometry. Over 3 years, children in grades 1 and 2 were assessed and those found to have abnormal results on iHear assessment were then referred to audiology for formal testing, and to otolaryngology if needed. From 2014 to 2017, 753 children aged 5-9 years old were assessed for hearing loss. Mean age of participants was 6.7 years, 51.9% of whom were female. Of the children assessed, 86 (11.4%) had abnormal results and 6 (0.8%) had inconsistent results, necessitating 92 referrals for assessment by a professional audiologist. Of the 65 participants who completed secondary audiologic assessment, 54 (83.1%) were normal and 11 (16.9%) had a definitive hearing loss or abnormal tympanometry. A total of 32 children were lost to follow-up. A total of 118 medical students were involved in the iHear program. Hearing loss in grade school populations continues to go undetected across Canada. Programs such as iHear demonstrate that gaps in the provision of hearing assessment can be filled effectively by medical students equipped with tablet audiometry. Medical student exposure to audiology and otolaryngology increased through the iHear program.


Maternal IgG Anti-A and Anti-B Titer Levels Screening in Predicting ABO Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn: A Meta-Analysis.
Maternal IgG anti-A/B titers have been considered as a susceptible factor to the risk of ABO hemolytic disease in newborn (ABO-HDN). However, the results remain controversial. This meta-analysis aimed to estimate the association between maternal IgG anti-A/B titers and the risk of ABO-HDN. Trials on the relationship between maternal IgG anti-A/B titers and the risk of ABO-HDN were collected by searching Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) electronic databases. The inclusion criteria were maternal IgG anti-A/B titers screening and the evaluation of clinical outcomes in relation to ABO-HDN. Stata 12.0 was used to analyze the data. A total of 23 trials were eligible for inclusion, of which four trials with 5,246 participants were suitable for this meta-analysis. Meta-analysis results suggested that maternal IgG anti-A/B titers were significantly associated with the risk of ABO-HDN [OR = 2.86, 95% CI = 2.50-3.28; OR = 4.67, 95% CI = 3.92-5.55; OR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.36-1.91 in titers (128 to 256) vs. titers (64 or lower), titers (512 or higher) vs. titers (64 or lower), and titers (512 or higher) vs. titers (128-256), respectively]. Our meta-analysis suggests that maternal IgG anti-A/B titers are significantly associated with the risk of ABO-HDN. They contribute to the prediction of risk of ABO-HDN, in addition to the need for invasive treatment for antibody titers ≥512.


What explains high life satisfaction in men living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy? A preliminary study to inform psychological intervention.
There are increasing numbers of men with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (mDMD). For those who struggle to live with the condition, psychological interventions may be helpful. However, it is unclear how these should be tailored for mDMD. To inform intervention, this study assessed whether 2 well-validated psychological models (Leventhal's Self-Regulatory Model; Psychological Flexibility Model) could explain variation in life satisfaction (LS). Sixteen mDMD, aged 18-43 years, completed an online survey comprised of questionnaire measures of LS, mood, and both psychological models: Illness Perceptions (Leventhal's Self-Regulatory Model); engagement in meaningful activity, and acceptance/awareness of difficult thoughts and feelings (Psychological Flexibility Model). A median split enabled comparison of high and low LS groups. Those with higher LS were characterized by the ability to undertake personally meaningful activity in acceptance of difficult thoughts and feelings. Results supported the Psychological Flexibility Model. However, methodological limitations mean that these findings should be considered preliminary. Muscle Nerve 56: 163-166, 2017.


Abnormal distribution of AQP5 in labial salivary glands is associated with poor saliva secretion in patients with Sjögren's syndrome including neuromyelitis optica complicated patients.
To investigate whether aquaporins (AQPs) are involved in salivary gland dysfunction in patients with neuromyelitis optica (NMO) complicated with Sjögren's syndrome (SS). Eight primary SS (pSS) patients, four NMO spectrum disorder (NMOsd) patients complicated with SS (NMOsd-SS), and three control subjects were enrolled. Immunohistochemistry of labial salivary glands (LSGs) was performed to determine the expressions of AQP4, AQP5, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). In vitro expression of AQP5 was examined by Western blotting in cultured primary salivary gland epithelial cells (SGECs). No expression of AQP4 was shown in all LSGs. AQP5 was clearly expressed in the all acini, but the predominant localization of AQP5 in the apical side was diminished in the patients with pSS or NMOsd-SS compared with the controls and tended to be even lower in NMOsd-SS than pSS. The abnormal localization of AQP5 was associated with poor saliva secretion. No difference was found in TNF-α expression in the LSGs between patients with pSS and NMOsd-SS. AQP5 expression of SGECs in vitro was not changed by TNF-α or interleukin-10. Our results suggest that AQP5 but not AQP4 contributes to salivary secretion in patients with SS including those with NMO complicated with SS.


The Effectiveness of the DeskCycle in Reducing Sedentary Behavior Among Female Office Workers.
To evaluate the effectiveness of the DeskCycle in reducing sedentary behavior among female office workers at an educational institution. This was a randomized control trial with a crossover design (N = 80). The intervention was conducted in two 8-week phases and included the DeskCycle and an informational handout with benefits and suggestions about the frequency of use. The primary outcome was weekly average nonsedentary time. Secondary outcomes included weight and mood. DeskCycle users reported significantly higher weekly average nonsedentary time compared with nonusers (phase I: 402.3 ± 72.4 vs 169.3 ± 17.5, P < 0.00; phase II: 282 ± 45 vs 216 ± 23, P = 0.00). There were no significant differences in weight or mood. The DeskCycle is effective in reducing sedentary behavior, suggesting workers in sedentary office occupations could integrate it into their workday, where possible, to prevent negative health outcomes.


Invasion of an annual grassland in Northern California by Baccharis pilularis ssp. consanguinea.
We studied the invasion of a California annual grassland by the shrub, Baccharis pilularis ssp. consanguinea (DC) C.B. Wolf. A series of aerial photographs indicated that the shrub had been present at the study site for 35-45 years but spread very little until the early 1970's. A period of slow expansion was followed by rapid outward spread of the shrub population and large increases in shrub density. Detailed demographic studies showed a period of rapid population increase from 1978 to 1983, with the highest stablishment rates in 1982-83. Establishment was strongly correlated with annual and spring rainfall amounts. An iniiall period of slow outward spread is thought to have profided foci for rapid spread during years of high rainfall.


Stress proteins induced by exposure to sublethal levels of heavy metals in sea bream (Sparus sarba) blood cells.
Blood cells freshly collected from silver sea bream (Sparus sarba) were exposed in vitro to different sublethal concentrations of cadmium(II), lead(II) or chromium(VI). HSP70 stress proteins were significantly overexpressed after exposure to metal concentration as low as 0.1 microM. Under our experimental conditions, no overexpression of metallothioneins in blood cells was evidenced. Our results show that fish blood cells may constitute an interesting biological model for experimental and applied toxicology, especially in the case of environmental pollution.


Change of coupling system of receptor-adenylate cyclase induced by epinephrine and GTP in plasma membranes of rat liver.
1. The binding of [3H]epinephrine to plasma membranes was affected (temporary release of bound epinephrine and characteristic retardation of epinephrine binding) not only by GTP but also by dGTP and guanylylimidodiphosphate, whereas the binding of [3H]dihydroalprenolol was not affected by GTP. GTP affected the binding of [3H]epinephrine in the presence of alpha-antagonists, but not in the presence of beta-antagonists, suggesting that the GTP effects are specific to beta-agonists and beta-receptors. 2. The half-maximal release of bound [3H]epinephrine was found at 8.8 . 10(-6) M GTP in the absence of ATP, whereas it was found at 1.6 . 10(-6) M GTP in the presence of 0.3 mM ATP in coincidence with the half-maximal activation of adenylate cyclase by GTP in the presence of 0.3 mM ATP (as measured at 30 s of incubation). 3. In the presence of 4 . 10(-5) M GTP, adenylate cyclase activity as measured at 30 s of incubation (State I) tended to increase with epinephrine concentration, showing no saturation tendency even at 1 . 10(-4) M epinephrine. The activity of State II, which is established at 4 min of incubation, was much lower than that of State I but was found to reach a plateau as the epinephrine concentration increased, showing half-maximal activation at an epinephrine concentration between 2 . 10(-6) and 2 . 10(-7) M. 4. Apparent kinetic parameters (Km and V) for State I as assayed at 30 s of incubation suggested that GTP alone may increase V slightly, whereas epinephrine plus GTP may increase the V to a further extent and simultaneously decrease the Km. 5. Adenylate cyclase of plasma membranes pretreated with epinephrine plus GTP was stimulated by GTP alone similarly to untreated membranes, but it was no longer responsive to the synergistic activation by epinephrine plus GTP. Accordingly, the binding of [3H]epinephrine to the pretreated plasma membranes was no longer affected by GTP. 6. The results of the present study seem to support the idea that the most active and coherently coupling state (State I) of the beta-receptor-adenylate cyclase system generated in the presence of epinephrine plus GTP is very labile and degenerates before reaching equilibrium. In turn, State II, in which the coherently coupling mechanism is largely impaired, seems to be established in due time. The characteristic biphasic kinetics of [3H]epinephrine binding in the presence of GTP seem to be related to the above change occurring in the beta-receptor-adenylate cyclase system.


Genome and transcriptome-based characterization of high energy carbon-ion beam irradiation induced delayed flower senescence mutant in Lotus japonicus.
Flower longevity is closely related to pollen dispersal and reproductive success in all plants, as well as the commercial value of ornamental plants. Mutants that display variation in flower longevity are useful tools for understanding the mechanisms underlying this trait. Heavy-ion beam irradiation has great potential to improve flower shapes and colors; however, few studies are available on the mutation of flower senescence in leguminous plants. A mutant (C416) exhibiting blossom duration eight times longer than that of the wild type (WT) was isolated in Lotus japonicus derived from carbon ion beam irradiation. Genetic assays supported that the delayed flower senescence of C416 was a dominant trait controlled by a single gene, which was located between 4,616,611 Mb and 5,331,876 Mb on chromosome III. By using a sorting strategy of multi-sample parallel genome sequencing, candidate genes were narrowed to the gene CUFF.40834, which exhibited high identity to ethylene receptor 1 in other model plants. A physiological assay demonstrated that C416 was insensitive to ethylene precursor. Furthermore, the dynamic changes of phytohormone regulatory network in petals at different developmental stages was compared by using RNA-seq. In brief, the ethylene, jasmonic acid (JA), and salicylic acid (SA) signaling pathways were negatively regulated in C416, whereas the brassinosteroid (BR) and cytokinin signaling pathways were positively regulated, and auxin exhibited dual effects on flower senescence in Lotus japonicus. The abscisic acid (ABA) signaling pathway is positively regulated in C416. So far, C416 might be the first reported mutant carrying a mutation in an endogenous ethylene-related gene in Lotus japonicus, rather than through the introduction of exogenous genes by transgenic techniques. A schematic of the flower senescence of Lotus japonicus from the perspective of the phytohormone regulatory network was provided based on transcriptome profiling of petals at different developmental stages. This study is informative for elucidating the molecular mechanism of delayed flower senescence in C416, and lays a foundation for candidate flower senescence gene identification in Lotus japonicus. It also provides another perspective for the improvement of flower longevity in legume plants by heavy-ion beam.


Cannon Street rail disaster--lessons to be learned.
We studied the types and mechanisms of injury suffered by passengers involved in the Cannon Street rail crash, by a telephone and postal survey of all passengers attending St Bartholomew's Hospital for treatment of their injuries, and retrospective examination of their hospital records. There were 104 patients of whom 91 had complete data sets. Of the 91 patients included in the study, 63 (69 per cent) had suffered craniofacial trauma. Of the 63 patients with this type of injury, 50 had been standing at the time of impact and 48 of these were able to say exactly how they had sustained their injuries. Of these 48 passengers, 34 said that they had collided with the luggage racks (71 per cent). Of the 32 passengers who had been seated at the time of impact, only 13 sustained craniofacial injuries and none had hit the luggage racks (P = 0.0001). Craniofacial trauma was the commonest type of injury. Those patients who suffered these injuries were most likely to have been standing at the time of impact and to have sustained their injuries following collision with a luggage rack. The type of luggage racks on this train were particularly dangerous and we recommend that the internal design of new British Rail rolling stock addresses this problem. This specific recommendation is in support of the more general measures discussed in the recently published official report of the incident. In the meantime, we consider that passengers should be advised to remain seated until trains have come to a halt.


Rationale and clinical applications of 4D flow cardiovascular magnetic resonance in assessment of valvular heart disease: a comprehensive review.
Accurate evaluation of valvular pathology is crucial in the timing of surgical intervention. Whilst transthoracic echocardiography is widely available and routinely used in the assessment of valvular heart disease, it is bound by several limitations. Although cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging can overcome many of the challenges encountered by echocardiography, it also has a number of limitations. 4D Flow CMR is a novel technique, which allows time-resolved, 3-dimensional imaging. It enables visualisation and direct quantification of flow and peak velocities of all valves simultaneously in one simple acquisition, without any geometric assumptions. It also has the unique ability to measure advanced haemodynamic parameters such as turbulent kinetic energy, viscous energy loss rate and wall shear stress, which may add further diagnostic and prognostic information. Although 4D Flow CMR acquisition can take 5-10 min, emerging acceleration techniques can significantly reduce scan times, making 4D Flow CMR applicable in contemporary clinical practice. 4D Flow CMR is an emerging CMR technique, which has the potential to become the new reference-standard method for the evaluation of valvular lesions. In this review, we describe the clinical applications, advantages and disadvantages of 4D Flow CMR in the assessment of valvular heart disease.


Causes and consequences of harsh parental punishment. An empirical investigation in a representative sample of 570 German families.
This article examines a multifactorial model of causes and consequences of harsh parental punishment. The social-psychological model as developed by Gelles was extended to also include the antecedent conditions leading to rigid assertion of parental power relating to the child. Furthermore, personality problems of the child observable as consequences of harsh parental punishment were included in our model. The conditions which predict harsh parental punishment are--in the rank order of their importance: a child perceived as difficult to handle, i.e., a "problem child"; parental anger-proneness; the rigid assertion of parental power; and intra-familial problems and conflicts. As consequences of harsh parental punishment and rejection as perceived by the child, two types of personality problems were observed: a syndrome named "Conduct Disorder" and a syndrome including personality problems such as anxiety and helplessness.


[Hemodynamic features of the response to stimulation of the subcortical nuclei of the striopallidal system].
In cats, stimulation of caudate nuclei, putamen, and globus pallidus revealed a weak reactivity and excitability, low lability, inconstancy, and small alterations of the arterial pressure and heart rate as compared with the hypothalamic effects under similar conditions. These data and juxtaposition of hemodynamics and complex behavior singled out the striopallidar nuclei as a separate and relatively independent level of the centra regulation of circulation.


Rounding up the annual ryegrass genome: High-quality reference genome of Lolium rigidum.
The genome of the major agricultural weed species, annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum) was assembled, annotated and analysed. Annual ryegrass is a major weed in grain cropping, and has the remarkable capacity to evolve resistance to herbicides with various modes of action. The chromosome-level assembly was achieved using short- and long-read sequencing in combination with Hi-C mapping. The assembly size is 2.44 Gb with N50 = 361.79 Mb across 1,764 scaffolds where the seven longest sequences correspond to the seven chromosomes. Genome completeness assessed through BUSCO returned a 99.8% score for complete (unique and duplicated) and fragmented genes using the Viridiplantae set. We found evidence for the expansion of herbicide resistance-related gene families including detoxification genes. The reference genome of L. rigidum is a critical asset for leveraging genetic information for the management of this highly problematic weed species.


Evaluation of the predictive power of calculation procedure for molecular hydrophobicity of some estradiol derivates.
Several calculation procedures for log P values based on the fragmental and atomic contributions are compared with experimental reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RPLC) retention of estradiol derivates. The RPLC experiments were performed on HPTLC and HPLC commercially available stationary phases. Binary solvent mixtures of methanol-water and acetonitrile-water were used as mobile phases. The correlation between log P and various chromatographically obtained hydrophobicity parameters (R(M)0, log k(w) and phi0) are quantified. The R(M)0, i.e., log k(w) were obtained by linear extrapolation of retention to 0% organic modifier. Phi0 values were obtained from the slopes and intercepts of such linear relationship. The mutual relationship between phi(0,MeOH) and phi(0,ACN) values of the compounds were discussed. The obtained statistical results can be summarized in the following order of reliabilities for different log P calculation methods: Broto>ACD/logP>Crippen>Rekker>Viswanadhan.


Nelfinavir, an HIV protease inhibitor, induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in human cervical cancer cells via the ROS-dependent mitochondrial pathway.
HIV protease inhibitors (HIV-PIs) are a class of antiretroviral drugs designed to target the viral protease. Strikingly, these drugs have also been reported to possess antitumor effect. In this study, we evaluated the activity of one HIV-PI, Nelfinavir, against human cervical cancer cells. We found that Nelfinavir inhibited the growth of cervical cancer cell lines at the lowest micromolar concentrations clinically attainable. Nelfinavir promoted apoptosis and arrested the cell cycle at G1 phase. Apoptosis is attributed to the promotion of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, which results in the translocation of mitochondrial apoptosis inducing factor (AIF) to the nucleus. We further showed that Nelfinavir increased mitochondrial ROS production by decreasing manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) protein levels. Taken together, our results suggest that Nelfinavir can be repositioned as a cervical cancer therapeutic.


Management of first-line palliative chemotherapy for post-treatment metastasis after gemcitabine plus cisplatin induction chemotherapy: Gemcitabine plus cisplatin and non-gemcitabine plus cisplatin chemotherapy.
To evaluate whether patients with post-treatment metastasis are suitable for GP first-line palliative chemotherapy (PCT) after undergoing GP IC. Seven hundred and forty-six patients with post-treatment metastasis after undergoing GP IC were eligible. Survival outcomes were compared. Significant differences in survival rates were observed between patients treated with GP and non-GP chemotherapy (2-year progression-free survival [PFS]: 0.7% vs. 9.7%). We investigated survival outcomes of patients treated with GP PCT within 2 years after undergoing GP IC, treated with GP PCT 2 years after undergoing GP IC, and those of non-GP PCT patients (2-year PFS: 0.0%, 2.3%, 9.7%). However, there was no difference in the 2-year PFS between the patients that received GP PCT 2 years after undergoing GP IC and the non-GP PCT treated patients. GP is not recommended for patients that have received GP IC within 2 years. Two years after undergoing GP IC, GP can be considered.


T-cell receptor transgenic mice in the study of autoimmune diseases.
T cell receptor transgenic mice have been a valuable tool in the study of the immune system, from development to selection to tolerance or pathogenesis. In this manuscript we review the T cell receptor transgenic mouse lines with specificity for self antigens that have been reported before August 2003. Many such lines have been generated, which have been instrumental in our understanding of, among other aspects, the role regulatory T cells in preventing autoimmunity, the role of microbes in modifying its outcome, the influence of the genetic background, the importance of regional differences in self-antigen concentration, and the importance of differences in antigen deposition between different tissues.


The Short and the Long of It: Transitioning to a Blended Longitudinal Curriculum in Radiology.
The aim of this study was to demonstrate that the transition from a stand-alone radiology clerkship block to a longitudinally integrated radiology curriculum leverages newer teaching tools favored by today's learners. In 2013 and 2014, medical students attended a dedicated 1-week radiology clerkship course. In 2015, the block clerkship model for radiology transitioned to a vertically integrated curriculum. By 2019, radiology content was integrated into many of the health illness and disease course blocks. Pre- and postcourse multiple-choice question tests as well as anonymous surveys were administered for both clerkship and integrated curriculum blocks. The student survey questions assessed perceptions regarding interpretation skills, imaging modality knowledge, and radiologists' roles. Among 197 total students in the clerkship block, surveys were completed by 170 respondents, yielding a response rate of 86.3%. Among 106 students in the longitudinal course, surveys were completed by 71 respondents, yielding a response rate of 67%. For both clerkship and longitudinally integrated courses, the average number of correct responses after completion of the courses was significantly greater than the average number of correct precourse responses. Compared with students in the clerkship block curriculum, students in the longitudinal curriculum demonstrated a significantly greater frequency of agreement in response to survey questions regarding significant exposure to radiology, feeling comfortable interpreting CT images, and being familiar with how to use the ACR Appropriateness Criteria. Transitioning from a single clerkship block to a more integrated format allows a more effective patient-centered clinical approach to medical imaging.


Microbial Toxicity of a Type of Carbon Dots to Escherichia coli.
Carbon dots (Cdots), as a class of novel photoluminescence nanoprobes, has attracted tremendous interest for its broad application in recent years. Thus, the toxicity and behavior of Cdots in biological systems become important fundamental problems that require significant attention. In this study, Cdots with diameters of 5 nm are produced using mixed-acid treatment. The Cdots exhibit strong yellow fluorescence under UV irradiation and shifted emission peaks as the excitation wavelength is changed. Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli) are applied as testing model to study the biological effect of Cdots on the cell growth by microcalorimetric, spectroscopic, and microscopic investigation. The introducing of Cdots caused a gradual increase of the maximum heat power (P peak) and the total heat produced (Q total) at low concentrations (0.0-5.00 mg/L). The metabolism rate constant (k) and half inhibitory concentration (IC50) were calculated from the microcalorimetric data. The results indicated that Cdots had a concentration-dependent effect on the growth of E. coli. For confirmation, the growth curves and colony-forming units at different concentration of Cdots were studied. The morphology of E. coli in the absence and presence of Cdots was determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results of these studies were in agreement well with the analysis explored from microcalorimetry.


Union carbide polymerization catalysts: from uncovering active site structures to designing molecularly-defined analogs.
The Union Carbide (UC) ethylene polymerization catalysts, based on chromocene dispersed on silica, show distinct features from the Phillips catalysts, but share the same heated debate regarding the structure of their active sites. Based on a combination of IR, EPR spectroscopies, labeling experiments, and DFT modeling, we identified monomeric surface-supported Cr(iii) hydrides, ([triple bond, length as m-dash]SiO)Cr(Cp)-H, as the active sites of the UC catalyst. These sites are formed in the presence of grafted and adsorbed chromocene as well as residual surface OH groups, only possible at high Cr loading, and involve a C-H activation of the Cp ring. These Cr-hydrides initiate polymerization, yielding Cr(iii) alkyl species that insert ethylene through a Cossee-Arlman-type mechanism, as evidenced by spectroscopic studies. These insights inspired the design of a well-defined analog, CpCr(CH(SiMe3)2)2 grafted on partially dehydroxylated silica, that shows similar spectroscopic and polymer structure to the UC catalyst, further supporting the proposed active site structure.


Mercury (II) removal from aqueous solutions by iron nanoparticles synthesized from extract of Eucalyptus grandis.
Artisanal mining is the main source of mercury emissions in South America, which generates a serious environmental impact due to this toxic metal, recent research is directed to minimize the impact, therefore this study focuses on the green synthesis of nanoparticles for the absorption of mercury in water. For the synthesis of iron nanoparticles, an extract of Eucalyptus grandis was used with iron chloride salts using water as solvent. The synthesized nanoparticles showed a specific surface area of 131.90 m2/g, determined by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller isotherm (BET). Nanoparticles were characterized by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and transmission electron microscopy (MET). The behavior of nanoparticles synthesized during Hg (II) retention was evaluated measuring pH, temperature, nanoparticle dosing, presence of other ions and comparing with other adsorbents. All analyses measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy by the cold vapor technique (CVAAS), presenting a retention percentage for Hg (II) between 75.05 and 79.59% with pH between 4 and 7. The adsorption isothermal was adjusted to the Freundlich model and the percentage of retention of Hg by the synthesized nanoparticle was 79.26%. This work shows a method for obtaining an environmentally friendly mercury adsorbent from iron and E. grandis with a mercury retention capacity comparable to commercial adsorbents.


Abnormal first-trimester fetal nuchal translucency and amniotic band syndrome.
We report a case of amniotic band syndrome diagnosed prenatally by serial sonographic examinations. Our initial sonographic image showed a large fetal nuchal translucency (NT) at 12 weeks' gestation. Repeated fetal ultrasound images revealed an amniotic band and right upper limb anomaly. Fetal MRI at 19 weeks' gestation revealed right forearm hypoplasia and pseudosyndactyly. The fetus was prenatally diagnosed with amniotic band syndrome and was suspected of having severe functional impairment of the deformed limb. The parents decided to terminate the pregnancy at 21 weeks' gestation. In fetuses with aneuploidy and various structural and genetic abnormalities, the NT thickness is increased in the first trimester. As far as we are aware, this is the first case report of increased NT and limb anomaly associated with amniotic band syndrome. In chromosomally normal fetuses with increased NT, intensive sonographic follow-up should provide grounds for a precise antenatal diagnosis.


Enhancing the Catalytic Deamination Activity of APOBEC3C Is Insufficient to Inhibit Vif-Deficient HIV-1.
The retroviral restriction factors of the APOBEC3 (A3) cytidine deaminase family catalyze the deamination of cytidines in single-stranded viral DNA. APOBEC3C (A3C) is a strong antiviral factor against viral infectivity factor (vif)-deficient simian immunodeficiency virus Δvif, which is, however, a weak inhibitor against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 for reasons unknown. The precise link between the antiretroviral effect of A3C and its catalytic activity is incompletely understood. Here, we show that the S61P mutation in human A3C (A3C.S61P) boosted hypermutation in the viral genomes of simian immunodeficiency virus Δvif and murine leukemia virus but not in human immunodeficiency virus HIV-1Δvif. The enhanced antiviral activity of A3C.S61P correlated with enhanced in vitro cytidine deamination. Furthermore, the S61P mutation did not change the substrate specificity of A3C, ribonucleoprotein complex formation, self-association, Zinc coordination, or viral incorporation features. We propose that local structural changes induced by the serine-to-proline substitution are responsible for the gain of catalytic activity of A3C.S61P. Our results are a first step toward an understanding of A3C's DNA binding capacity, deamination-dependent editing, and antiviral functions at the molecular level. We conclude that the enhanced enzymatic activity of A3C is insufficient to restrict HIV-1, indicating an unknown escape mechanism of HIV-1.


Broad clinical high-risk mental state (CHARMS): Methodology of a cohort study validating criteria for pluripotent risk.
The development of the ultra-high risk (UHR) criteria for psychosis created a new paradigm for the prevention research in psychiatry. Since (1) prevention research faces the challenge of achieving adequate statistical power when focusing on single low-incidence syndromes and (2) early clinical phenotypes are overlapping and non-specific, this study broadens the UHR state beyond psychosis as an outcome. The CHARMS (clinical high at-risk mental state) study aims to prospectively validate a set of trans-diagnostic criteria to identify help-seeking young people at risk of developing a range of serious mental illnesses. This paper describes the methodology of the CHARMS study, which involves applying the CHARMS criteria to a cohort of help-seeking young people aged 12 to 25 attending youth mental health services in Melbourne. New referrals meeting the CHARMS criteria are allocated to the CHARMS+ group; referrals not meeting CHARMS threshold are allocated to CHARMS- group (control group); referrals meeting criteria for a full-threshold disorder are excluded. Transition status and clinical and functional outcomes are re-assessed at 6 and 12 months. This study will be the first to introduce and validate clinical criteria to identify a broader at-risk patient population, which may facilitate young people's access to clinical services and early treatment by reducing the reliance on "caseness" defined according to current diagnostic categories being required for service entry. These criteria may introduce a new, trans-diagnostic approach for understanding risk factors and pathogenic mechanisms that drive the onset of severe mental illness and the next generation of preventive intervention trials.


Association of delivery risk phenotype with early-onset sepsis in preterm infants.
To determine delivery risk phenotype-specific incidence of early-onset sepsis (EOS) among preterm infants. Retrospective cohort study of infants born <35 weeks' gestation at four perinatal centers during 2017-2021. Infants were classified into one of six delivery risk phenotypes incorporating delivery mode, presence of labor, and duration of rupture of membranes (ROM). The primary outcome was EOS incidence within the overall cohort and each risk phenotype. Among 2937 preterm infants, 21 had EOS (0.7%, or 7.1 cases/1000 preterm infants). The majority of EOS cases (13/21, 62%) occurred in the setting of prolonged ROM ≥ 18 h, with a phenotype incidence of 23.8 cases/1000 preterm infants. There were no EOS cases among infants born by cesarean section without ROM (with or without labor), nor via cesarean section with ROM < 18 h without labor. Delivery risk phenotyping may inform EOS risk stratification in preterm infants.


Nutritional value of Sesamum indicum L. was improved by Azospirillum and Azotobacter under low input of NP fertilizers.
Sesame (Sesame indicum L.) is well-known as a versatile industrial crop having various usages and contains 50-55% oil, 20% protein, 14-20% carbohydrate and 2-3% fiber. Several environmental factors are known to adversely affect yield and productivity of sesame. Our overall aim was to improve the growth, yield and quality of sesame cv. TS-3 using plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and saving the nitrogen and phosphate fertilizers (NP) by 50%. Field experiment (randomized complete block design) was conducted during the months of July to October of two consecutive years 2012-2013. Azospirillum (AL) and Azotobacter (AV) were applied as seed inoculation alone as well as along with half of the recommended dose of nitrogen (N) and phosphate (P) fertilizers (urea and diammonium phosphate) at the rate of 25 kg/ha and 30 kg/ha respectively. Here we report that A. lipoferum along with half dose of NP fertilizers (ALCF) were highly effective in increasing the agronomic and yield traits of sesame as compared to the control. A. vinelandii plus NP fertilizers (AVCF) exhibited higher seed oil content. Minimum acid value, optimum specific gravity and modified fatty acid composition were observed in ALCF treatment. Increase in oleic acid by ALCF is directly linked with improved oil quality for health benefits as oleic acid is the fatty acid which creates a balance between saturation and unsaturation of oil and for the hypotensive (blood pressure reducing) effects. It is inferred that ALCF treatment improved plant growth, seed yield and oil quality of sesame pertaining to good quality edible oil production.


Malignant giant cell tumor of bone. Fine structure and localization of acid phosphatase.
The fine structure of the different cell types constituting a primary malignant giant cell tumor of bone has been studied and the localization of acid phosphatase in relation to the subcellular organelles been demonstrated. Three distinct cell types with characteristic ultrastructural features were observed: giant cells, fibroblast-like cells, and cells with abundant lipid inclusions and mitochondria. Certain differences were noted between these three cell types and their counterparts in benign giant cell tumors of bone (described in a separate report). The enzyme histochemical and morphological data suggested that the giant cells in the malignant tumor might possess a more active and expansive lysosomal apparatus than corresponding cells in the benign variant.


Interdisciplinary research and education at the biology-engineering-computer science interface: a perspective.
Progress in the life sciences, including genome sequencing and high-throughput experimentation, offers an opportunity for understanding biology and medicine from a systems perspective. This 'new view', which complements the more traditional component-based approach, involves the integration of biological research with approaches from engineering disciplines and computer science. The result is more than a new set of technologies. Rather, it promises a fundamental reconceptualization of the life sciences based on the development of quantitative and predictive models to describe crucial processes. To achieve this change, learning communities are being formed at the interface of the life sciences, engineering and computer science. Through these communities, research and education will be integrated across disciplines and the challenges associated with multidisciplinary team-based science will be addressed.


Cardiovascular indicators of disgust.
A bradycardia and an increasing parasympathetic activity are often recommended as characteristic physiological disgust reactions. However, findings concerning the influence of disgust on heart rate and autonomic control are heterogenous. Apart from this, only a few studies examined cardiovascular reactions to disgust, besides heart rate. The aim of this study is a differentiated description of cardiovascular reactions going along with disgust using impedance cardiography. Moreover, it will be surveyed if different cardiovascular responses are associated with content-specific disgust-inductions. One-hundred subjects watched three films: A neutral film (screensaver), a filmclip showing an amputation of the upper extremity and a filmclip displaying a person who is vomiting. The latter films are regarded as disease- and food-related disgust stimuli respectively, representing two superior disgust domains. Subjective, electrodermal and cardiovascular reactions to these films were compared using Repeated Measures ANOVAs. Strong subjective, electrodermal and cardiovascular reactions towards the filmclips with disgusting content were observed. The cardiovascular reactions of the disease- and food-related disgust stimuli differed in subjective and physiological parameters. Thus, a decrease in heart rate could only be observed as a response to disease-related disgust-induction. The observed differences are discussed as an endorsement for a domain-specific organisation of disgust reactions.


Eosinophilic infiltrates in carcinoma of the urinary bladder unassociated with schistosomiasis.
Two hundred and twenty-four biopsies from 151 patients with urinary bladder neoplasms have been studied in order to investigate the incidence of and possible causes for the infiltration of eosinophils. Cases of schistosomiasis were excluded from this study. Of these biopsies, 16 showed a heavy infiltrate 26 a moderate, 61 minimal and 121 no eosinophilic infiltrate. No correlation could be found between the degree of infiltrate and age, sex or tumour type. There was some statistically significant correlation between the eosinophilic infiltrate and stromal invasion and/or tumour necrosis. There was a strong statistical correlation between this infiltrate and previous trauma (biopsy) which was supported by the study of bladder biopsies from patients without neoplasms.


Efficient developmental screening instrument for 6- and 18-month-old children in the Taiwan Birth Cohort Pilot Study.
To develop an efficient developmental screening instrument for interview purposes. Using random sampling, two groups of babies were selected: The pilot group of 1747 babies was selected for testing of reliability and validity. Another group of 100 babies was selected for testing of the concurrent validity with the second edition of the Bayley Scale of Infant Development. The Taiwan Birth Cohort Study scales include four developmental dimensions: gross motor, fine motor, language/communication (language) and social/self-care ability (social). In testing the concurrent validity, the structural equation model showed that Taiwan Birth Cohort Study dimensions correlated with the Bayley Scale of Infant Development dimensions. In testing the predictive validity of the Taiwan Birth Cohort Study, the correlation between the 6- and 18-month results of the motor index was 0.29, and the language social index was 0.31. The Taiwan Birth Cohort Study 6- and 18-month scales fulfill the criteria of developmental norm, predictive validity, validity and identification of relative risk for screening instruments. As a self-report checklist, it is economical and efficient, thus, it can be utilized in clinical and community settings.


STAT3 activation in microglia increases pericyte apoptosis in diabetic retinas through TNF-ɑ/AKT/p70S6 kinase signaling.
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the vascular complications associated with diabetes mellitus. Pericyte loss is an early characteristic phenomenon in DR. However, the mechanism by which pericyte apoptosis occurs in DR is not fully understood. We have focused on the increased STAT3 activation in diabetic retinas because STAT3 activation is associated with inflammation, and persistent chronic inflammation is closely related to retinal lesions. In this study, we demonstrated that STAT3 was activated by IFN-γ and IL-6 that highly expressed in diabetic retinas. We identified TNF-α as a potent inducer of pericyte apoptosis in diabetic retinas from the gene expression analysis and found that STAT3 activation in microglia increased TNF-α expression in the diabetic retinas. We also demonstrated that increased TNF-α expression in microglia caused pericyte apoptosis through downregulating AKT/p70S6 kinase signaling. Moreover, we took advantage of mice lacking STAT3 in microglia and demonstrated that STAT3 ablation in microglia reduced the pericyte apoptosis and TNF-α expression in the diabetic retinas. These results suggest that STAT3 activation in microglia plays an important role in pericyte apoptosis in the diabetic retinas through increased TNF-α expression and provide STAT3 activation in microglia as a potential therapeutic target for preventing pericyte loss in DR.


Expression and bioactivity of allatostatin-like neuropeptides in helminths.
Allatostatins are the largest family of known arthropod neuropeptides. To date more than 150 different arthropod type-A allatostatins have been identified and are characterized by the C-terminal signature, (Y/F)XFG(L/I)amide. Using specific allatostatin antisera, positive immunoreactivity has been identified within the central and peripheral nervous systems of the flatworm (platyhelminth) Procerodes littoralis and the roundworm (nematode) Panagrellus redivivus. Comparative analyses of the allatostatin-like immunoreactivity and that of other known helminth neuropeptides (FMRFamide-like peptides [FLPs]) indicate differences in the distribution of these peptide families. Specific differences in neuropeptide distribution have been noted within the pharyngeal innervation of flatworms and in the cephalic papillary neurons of nematodes. In arthropods, type-A allatostatins have functions that include potent myoactivity. In this study, seven members of the allatostatin superfamily induced concentration-dependent contractions of flatworm muscle fibres. Pharmacological studies indicate that these peptides do not interact with muscle-based FLP receptors. The type-A allatostatins, therefore, represent the second family of neuropeptides that induce muscle contraction in flatworms. Although the majority of arthropod type-A allatostatins examined did not affect the somatic body wall muscle or the ovijector of the pig nematode, Ascaris suum, two type-A allatostatins (GDGRLYAFGLamide and DRLYSFGLamide) exhibited significant inhibitory effects on the A. suum ovijector at 10 microM. These data suggest that allatostatin-like peptides and receptors occur in helminths. Further, although arthropod type-A allatostatins display inter-phyla activities, their receptors are less compelling as potential targets for broad-spectrum parasiticides (endectocides) than FLP receptors.


Implementation and impact of a fourth-year student pharmacist wellness series pilot on perceived stress and support.
A wellness program was piloted for student pharmacists in their advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE) year. The purpose is to describe the program implementation and its impact on APPE students' perceived stress and perception of support by school personnel. A three-session virtual wellness program was designed for APPE students. Attendance was optional for the pilot year. An online survey assessing demographics, perceived stress (measured by the validated Perceived Stress Scale [PSS]), factors contributing to stress, and perceived support before the first session and after the third session was sent to all APPE students. Twenty (37%), 13 (24%), and 10 (18.5%) students attended the first, second, and third session, respectively. A total of 49 students completed the post-program survey. Of these, ten (20.4%) attended one session, ten (20.4%) attended two sessions, and two (4.1%) attended three sessions. Students reported moderate stress. Female students endorsed higher PSS scores and career-related stress. PSS scores were lower among students who attended at least one session vs. those who did not attend any sessions and were negatively correlated with total sessions attended. Attendees were likelier to feel supported by staff and preceptors and perceived that concerns were heard by administration and preceptors. An APPE wellness program was successfully developed. Students who attended at least one session reported less stress and greater support from school personnel vs. those who did not attend any sessions. These findings are promising as wellness efforts are integrated into pharmacy training.


Biological Interactions and Environmental Influences Shift Microeukaryotes in Permafrost Active Layer Soil Across the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.
Permafrost active layer soils are harsh environments with thaw/freeze cycles and sub-zero temperatures, harboring diverse microorganisms. However, the distribution patterns, assembly mechanism, and driving forces of soil microeukaryotes in permafrost remain largely unknown. In this study, we investigated microeukaryotes in permafrost active layer across the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) using 18S rRNA gene sequencing. The results showed that the microbial eukaryotic communities were dominated by Nematozoa, Ciliophora, Ascomycota, Cercozoa, Arthropoda, and Basidiomycota in terms of relative abundance and operational taxonomic unit (OTU) richness. Nematozoa had the highest relative abundance, while Ciliophora had the highest OTU richness. These phyla had strong interactions between each other. Their alpha diversity and community structure were differently influenced by the factors associated to location, climate, and soil properties, particularly the soil properties. Significant but weak distance-decay relationships with different slopes were established for the communities of these dominant phyla, except for Basidiomycota. According to the null model, community assemblies of Nematozoa and Cercozoa were dominated by heterogeneous selection, Ciliophora and Ascomycota were dominated by dispersal limitation, while Arthropoda and Basidiomycota were highly dominated by non-dominant processes. The assembly mechanisms can be jointly explained by biotic interactions, organism treats, and environmental influences. Modules in the co-occurrence network of the microeukaryotes were composed by members from different taxonomic groups. These modules also had interactions and responded to different environmental factors, within which, soil properties had strong influences on these modules. The results suggested the importance of biological interactions and soil properties in structuring microbial eukaryotic communities in permafrost active layer soil across the QTP.


Plating treatment for tibial plateau fractures: a biomechanical comparison of buttress and tension band positions.
The load tolerance of conventional plate treatment for bicondylar tibial plateau fractures with the buttress and the tension band positions was compared from biomechanical viewpoints. Fourteen left synthetic tibiae divided into two groups were tested. T-plates in the buttress group were placed on the medial tibial subcondyle and T-plates in the tension band group were placed on the lateral tibial subcondyle. All specimens were evaluated with a Material Testing System (MTS) machine. A linear variance displacement transducer gauge was placed on the medial tibial subcondyle. The anatomic axis of the synthetic femur and the tibia was maintained at 6 degrees varus in the frontal plane. The MTS actuator was set to increase displacement at 3 mm/min. All specimens were evaluated to failure. The relative motion and the ultimate failure load (UFL) between both groups were compared. The buttress group had significantly less displacement than the tension band group following the incrementally increased loading (p < 0.001). At failure, the buttress group also had a higher UFL (p < 0.001) and less displacement (p = 0.009) than the tension band group. All medial tibial condylar fragments achieved improved stabilization from the medial aspect of the proximal tibia by conventional plates. When conventional plates cannot be placed medially due to skin ailments, lateral placement of conventional plates may have the insufficient stability. Protected weight bearing should be followed strictly.


Relation between glutamine, branched-chain amino acids, and protein metabolism.
The branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs; valine, isoleucine, and leucine) are the major nitrogen source for glutamine and alanine synthesis in muscle. Synthesis of glutamine, alanine, and BCAA use is activated in critical illnesses such as in sepsis, cancer, and trauma. The use of glutamine often exceeds its synthesis, resulting in the lack of glutamine in plasma and tissues. In critical illness, resynthesis of BCAA from branched-chain keto acids is activated, particularly in hepatic tissue. The BCAA released to circulation may be used for protein synthesis or synthesis of alanine and glutamine. Glutamine and/or alanine infusion has an inhibitory effect on the breakdown of body proteins and decreases BCAA catabolism in postabsorptive control, endotoxemic, and irradiated rats. Decreased protein breakdown also was observed when glutamine synthesis was activated by ammonia infusion. In conclusion some favorable effects of BCAA supply can be explained by its role in the synthesis of glutamine and some positive effects of glutamine exogenous supply can be explained by its effect on metabolism of BCAA.


Serum enzyme changes associated with carbon disulfide hepatotoxicity in experimental animals.
Investigations were performed to evaluate the activities of serum glutamic oxalacetic and glutamic pyruvic transaminases, alkaline phosphatase and lactate-dehydrogenase enzymes in rats intoxicated by different doses of carbon disulfide. Serum GOT and GPT activities were elevated which may be due to CS2 effect on cell membrane permeability. Serum-alkaline-phosphatase activity showed also increment, which was again attributed to the liver affection. A significant rise in serum-lactate-dehydrogenase activity which was referred to be as a result of muscle-lactate dehydrogenase release into the blood circulation.


Difficulties in obtaining representative samples for compliance with the Ballast Water Management Convention.
As implementation of the Ballast Water Convention draws nearer a major challenge is the development of protocols which accurately assess compliance with the D-2 Standard. Many factors affect the accuracy of assessment: e.g. large volume of ballast water, the shape, size and number of ballast tanks and the heterogeneous distribution of organisms within tanks. These factors hinder efforts to obtain samples that truly represent the total ballast water onboard a vessel. A known cell density of Tetraselmis suecica was added to a storage tank and sampled at discharge. The factors holding period, initial cell density and sampling interval affected representativeness. Most samples underestimated cell density, and some tanks with an initial cell density of 100 cells ml(-1) showed <10 cells ml(-1) at discharge, i.e. met the D-2 standard. This highlights difficulties in achieving sample representativeness and when applied to a real ballast tank this will be much harder to achieve.


Effects of environmental enrichment in aged mice on anxiety-like behaviors and neuronal nitric oxide synthase expression in the brain.
Previous studies have shown that an enriched environment (EE) has an important effect on brain function via the neuronal nitric oxide synthase/nitric oxide (nNOS/NO) pathway in young and aged animals. However, whether EE induces its effect by altering nNOS expression levels and whether it lowers anxiety-like behaviors in aged mice remains unclear. Here, we show that nNOS expression levels increased with age in the hippocampus and cerebellum in aged mice, but not in the cortex. Moreover, EE reduced anxiety-like behaviors in aged mice and reduced nNOS expression levels in the cerebellum, but not in the cortex. The present study suggests that EE improves anxiety-like behaviors in aged mice by altering nNOS expression levels in the hippocampus or cerebellum.


[Independent risk factors for severity and mortality in lower gastrointestinal bleeding].
In lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB), it is very important to stratify the risk of LGIB for a proper management. Identity the independent risk factors to mortality and severity (require critical care, prolonged hospitalization, reebleding, re hospitalization, politrasfusion, surgery for bleeding control) in LGIB. It is an analytic prospective cohort study, performed between June 2016 and April 2018 in a tertiary care hospital. Independent factors were determined using binomial logistic regression. A total of 98 patients were included, of which 13 patients (13,3%) died, and 56 (57,1%) met severity criteria. The independent risk factor for mortality was Glasgow scale under 15, and for severe bleeding were: Systolic blood pressure under 100 mm Hg, albumin lower than 2,8 g/dL. The frequency of mortality and severe LGIB is high in our population, the principal risk factors were systolic blood pressure under than 100 mm Hg, Glasgow score lower than 15, albumin lower than 2,8 g/dL. Identifying these associated factors would improve the management of LGB in the emergency room.


The coexistence of stunting and overweight or obesity in Ethiopian children: prevalence, trends and associated factors.
Double burden of childhood malnutrition is a condition where undernutrition (stunting) along with overweight and obesity coexist within individuals, households, and populations. It reflects a new layer of malnutrition and an understudied phenomenon in many low-income settings. To date, the prevalence and factors that are associated with concurrent stunting and overweight or obesity (overweight/obesity) (CSO) in the same children have not been well researched in Ethiopia. Hence, this study aimed to assess the prevalence, trends, and factors associated with the coexistence of stunting and overweight or obesity among children aged 0-59 months in Ethiopia. Pooled data from 2005, 2011 and 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) were used. A total of 23,756 (weighted sample) children aged 0-59 months were included in the study. Height-for-age z-scores (HAZ) less than - 2 SD and weight-for-height z-scores (WHZ) above 2 SD were calculated, and children were classified as stunted and overweight/obese, respectively. A child who is simultaneously stunted and overweight/obese was considered as having HAZ below - 2 SD and WHZ above 2 SD computed into a variable named CSO, and reported as a binary outcome (yes or no). Multilevel logistic regression analysis that adjusts for sampling weights and clustering was used to identify factors associated with CSO. The prevalence of stunting, overweight or obesity, and CSO among under-five children was 43.12% [95% CI: (42.50, 43.75%)], 2.62% [95% CI: (2.42, 2.83%)], and 1.33% [95% CI: (1.18, 1.48%)], respectively. The percentage of CSO children was reported to have declined from 2.36% [95% CI: (1.94-2.85)] in 2005 to 0.87% [95%CI: (0.07-1.07)] in 2011, and the same appeared to have increased slightly to 1.34% [95%CI: (1.13-1.59)] in 2016. Children who were currently breastfeeding [AOR: 1.64, 95%CI: (1.01-2.72)], born to an overweight mother [AOR: 2.65, 95%CI: (1.19-5.88)], and lived in families with 1-4 household members [AOR: 1.52, 95%CI: (1.02-2.26)] were significantly associated with CSO. At the community level the odds of having CSO were higher among children included from EDHS-2005 [AOR: 4.38, 95%CI: (2.42-7.95)]. The study revealed that less than 2% of children had CSO in Ethiopia. CSO was linked to factors at both the individual (i.e. breastfeeding status, maternal overweight, and household size) and community-levels. Overall, the study findings indicated the necessity of focused interventions to simultaneously address double burden of childhood malnutrition in Ethiopia. To further combat the double burden of malnutrition, early identification of at-risk children, including those born to overweight women and children living with multiple household members, is indispensable.


Hybrid tumours of the salivary glands. A report of two cases involving the palate and a review of the literature.
Hybrid tumours are very rare salivary gland lesions composed of two or more different tumoural entities in a single neoplasm that arise within a definite topographical region. In most cases adenoid cystic carcinoma has been the predominant component in these lesions. In this study we describe two patients with hybrid tumours located in the palate, one in a 49-year-old woman and one in a 71-year-old man. The first case involved adenoid cystic carcinoma and mucoepidermoid carcinoma, and the patient in the second case exhibited adenoid cystic carcinoma and epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma. Both patients were treated with surgery and radiotherapy, and there has been no evidence of recurrence after 13 and 36 months of follow-up, respectively. The recognition of the histologic component with the higher grade of malignancy in every case of hybrid tumour of the salivary glands is a necessary step to determine the biological behaviour and, consequently, to determine the proper therapeutic approach.


Development of water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) embryos from in vitro matured oocytes reconstructed with fetal skin fibroblast cells as donor nuclei.
The present study was carried out to explore the feasibility of using buffalo fetal skin fibroblasts as donor nuclei and to find out the developmental competence of embryos following transfer of these nuclei to in vitro matured enucleated buffalo oocytes. Skin cells were isolated from 1 to 2-month-old fetuses obtained from slaughterhouse, by enzymatic digestion (0.5% w/v trypsin +0.05% w/v collagenase in Dulbecco's PBS) for 15-20 min. The cells were washed 4 times with Dulbecco's PBS and then once with RPMI-1640+10% FBS by centrifugation at 600 x g. The cells were then cultured in the same medium in a CO2 incubator (5% CO2 in air) at 38.5 degrees C for 2-3 days. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) collected from slaughterhouse buffalo ovaries were subjected to IVM in the IVM medium (TCM-199 + 5 microg/ml FSH-P + 10 microg/ml LH+10% FBS) for 20-22 h in a CO2 incubator (5% CO2 in air) at 38.5 degrees C. Oocytes were denuded with 0.1% trypsin followed by repeated pipetting and then enucleated by aspirating the first polar body with 10-15% of nearby cytoplasm with a micromanipulator. Two different types of donor cells (growing cells and those arrested with cytochalasin-B) were used for reconstruction of oocytes. The reconstructs were electro fused and incubated in the activation medium (TCM-199 + 8 microg/ml cytochalasin-B+10% FBS) for 4 h. These were then cultured in IVC medium (TCM-199+10% FBS) in a CO2 incubator (5% CO2 in air) at 38.5 degrees C for 48 h. The cleaved embryos were then co-cultured with buffalo oviduct cells in embryo development media (EDM). Out of 119 denuded matured oocytes which were enucleated and reconstructed with growing cells, 78 (65.5%) were electro fused, activated and cultured, out of which 4 (5.1%) reconstructs cleaved and developed to 2-cell stage, 3 (3.8%) reached to 4-cell stage and 3 (3.8%) reached to 8-cell stage. In the synchronized group, out of 62 denuded matured oocytes which were reconstructed with cytochalasin-B blocked cells, 40 (65%) were electrofused, activated and cultured, out of which 4 (10%) developed to 2-cell stage, 3 (7.50%) to 4-cell stage, 2 (5.0%) to early morula stage and 1 (2.50%) to blastocysts stage. These results suggest that buffalo fetal skin fibroblasts could be used as donor nuclei for the production of buffalo embryos after nuclear transfer to enucleated in vitro matured buffalo oocytes.


Cutaneous sporotrichosis in Thailand: first reported case.
A case of cutaneous sporotrichosis is reported for the first time in Thailand. The infection occurred in a 33-year-old Thai female who has been in good health and had no history of previous trauma or contact with any animals. Histopathology revealed pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia of the epidermis and a combination of granulomatous and pyogenic reactions in the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. Typical asteroid bodies (Splendore-Hoeppli phenomenon) with central yeast cells were seen. Sporothrix schenckii was recovered from skin biopsy specimens. The patient responded well to the treatment with saturated solutions of potassium iodide within three months. No recurrence was seen after more than six months follow-up.


Light microscopic observations on the morphology of sympathetic preganglionic neurons in the pigeon, Columba livia.
Experiments were performed in anesthetized, immobilized, artificially respirated pigeons (Columba livia). Extracellular recordings from 56 antidromically activated and collided sympathetic preganglionic neurons were obtained. Eleven cells were intracellularly labeled with horseradish peroxidase and reconstructed at the light microscopic level. Electrophysiologically there were no statistical differences between labeled and unlabeled neurons. Four different somatic shapes were observed: fusiform, pyriform, multipolar and stellate. Nine of 11 cells were located within the principal preganglionic cell column (column of Terni), the other two were within nucleus intercalatus spinalis. Principal column neurons exhibited planar, horizontally aligned dendritic arbors with major extensions directed rostrocaudally. Unexpectedly, the majority of these cells also had dendritic branch projections which spanned the entire width of the ipsilateral zona intermedia. Contralateral dendritic terminal arborizations were evident in seven neurons. Intercalatus neurons were multipolar-shaped and exhibited a notably different dendritic arrangement from principal column preganglionic cells. The dendrites of intercalated cells coursed obliquely within the transverse spinal cord axis, giving rise to major dendritic extensions into the base of the dorsal horn, the dorsolateral funiculus, and the dorsal aspects of the ventral horn. Irrespective of somatic subnuclear location, the morphology of preganglionic dendrites was similar: (1) Largely primary, secondary, and tertiary processes were smooth. (2) Fine caliber proximal and distal elements appeared beaded or "varicose." (3) Distal processes gave rise to thin-stalked, spine-like appendages. The axons of preganglionic neurons arose from cell bodies as well as primary and secondary dendrites. The axons of two cells branched intraspinally. The present findings provide detailed descriptions of the somatic structures and accompanying dendritic trees of preganglionic neurons within nucleus intercalatus. The observations also include anatomical evidence showing the intraspinal collateralization of sympathetic preganglionic axons. In general, avian sympathetic preganglionic neurons located within the principal cell column appear to be structurally homologous to their mammalian counterparts within the intermediolateral cell column of thoracic spinal cord.


Diagnostic utility of eight-channel EEG for detecting generalized or hemispheric seizures and rhythmic periodic patterns.
To compare the diagnostic utility of electroencephalography (EEG) using reduced, 8-channel montage (rm-EEG) to full, 18-channel montage (fm-EEG) for detection of generalized or hemispheric seizures and rhythmic periodic patterns (RPPs) by neurologists with extensive EEG training, neurology residents with minimal EEG exposure, and medical students without EEG experience. We presented EEG samples in both fm-EEG (bipolar montage) and rm-EEG (lateral leads of bipolar montage) to 20 neurologists, 20 residents, and 42 medical students. Unanimous agreement of three senior epileptologists defined samples as seizures (n = 7), RPPs (n = 10), and normal or slowing (n = 20). Differences in median accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were assessed using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Full and reduced EEG demonstrated similar accuracy when read by neurologists (fm-EEG: 95%, rm-EEG: 95%, p = 0.29), residents (fm-EEG: 80%, rm-EEG: 80%, p = 0.05), and students (fm-EEG: 60%, rm-EEG: 51%, p = 0.68). Moreover, neurologists' sensitivity for detecting seizure activity was comparable between fm-EEG (100%) and rm-EEG (98%) (p = 0.17). Furthermore, the specificity of rm-EEG for seizures and RPP (neurologists: 100%, residents: 90%, students: 86%) was significantly greater than that of fm-EEG (neurologists: 93%, p = 0.03; residents: 80%, p = 0.01; students: 69%, p < 0.001). The reduction of the number of EEG channels from 18 to 8 does not compromise neurologists' sensitivity for detecting seizures that are often a core reason for performing urgent EEG. It may also increase their specificity for detecting rhythmic and periodic patterns, and thereby providing important diagnostic information to guide patient's management. Our study is the first to document the utility of a reduced channel EEG above the hairline compared to full montage EEG in aiding medical staff with varying degrees of EEG training to detect generalized or hemispheric seizures.


Socioeconomic differences in animal food consumption: Education rather than income makes a difference.
Evidence points toward more sustainable and health-conscious dietary behaviors among individuals with higher socioeconomic status. However, these differences vary considerably depending on which indicator of socioeconomic status is examined. Here, we present a systematic parallel investigation of multiple indicators of socioeconomic status as predictors of animal food consumption frequency and selected food-related behaviors in Germany. Data from the German subsample of two large representative European consumer studies (Study 1 n = 1,954; Study 2 n = 2,045) was used. We assessed the associations between the socioeconomic indicators income, current occupation as well as education and consumption frequency of animal foods and selected food-related behaviors in separate ordinal logistic regressions. Individuals with higher educational attainment engaged in more sustainable and health-conscious dietary behaviors, indicated by significant associations between educational attainment and the consumption frequency of animal foods. Low- and middle-income participants consumed processed meat more frequently (Study 1 only; medium income: OR 1.5, CI 1.09-2.05, p = 0.012; low income: OR 1.43, CI 1.01-2.05, p = 0.047) and fish less frequently (Study 2 only; medium income: OR 0.76, CI 0.59-0.97, p = 0.026; low income: OR 0.061, CI 0.46-0.82, p < 0.001) than participants with high income. Current occupation did not predict the consumption of animal foods or food-related behaviors. Intake frequency of animal-based foods indicates that most participants exceeded national dietary recommendations for meat and processed meat and remained below recommendations for fish and dairy/eggs intake. Educational attainment appears to be the strongest and most consistent socioeconomic indicator of sustainable dietary choices in Germany based on current large, representative studies. Future efforts should be directed toward education interventions about nutrition and interpretation of food labels to compensate for differences in dietary behavior among groups with different levels of education.


Timing of parenteral nutrition initiation in critically ill children: a randomized clinical trial.
The optimal timing of parenteral nutrition (PN) initiation in critically ill children remains controversial. To identify the optimal timing of PN initiation in critically ill children. This randomized clinical trial was conducted in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of Menoufia University Hospital. A total of 140 patients were randomized to receive early or late PN. The early PN group consisted of 71 well-nourished and malnourished patients who received PN on the first day of PICU admission. Malnourished (42%) and well-nourished children randomized to the late PN group (42%) started PN on the fourth versus seventh day after admission, respectively. Mechanical ventilation (MV) was the primary outcome, while PICU length of stay and mortality were secondary outcomes. Patients who received early PN started enteral feeding significantly earlier (median, 6 days; interquartile range, 2-20 days) than those not provided early PN (median, 12 days; interquartile range, 3-30 days; P<0.001) and had a significantly lower risk of feeding intolerance (5.6% vs.18.8%, P=0.035). The median time required to obtain full calories enterally was shorter in the early versus late PN group (P=0.004). Furthermore, patients in the early versus late PN group had a significantly shorter median PICU stay (P<0.001) and were less likely to require MV (P=0.018). Patients who received early PN had a lower MV need and duration than those who received later PN and had more favorable clinical outcomes in terms of morbidity.


A fast method to detect the occurrence of nonhomogeneous distribution of stomatal aperture in heterobaric plant leaves : Experiments with Arbutus unedo L. during the diurnal course.
Pressure infiltration of water into a leaf via the stomatal pores can be used to quickly determine whether all stomata are open, or as recently described for several mesophytic and xerophytic species, whether there is a non-homogeneous distribution of stomatal opening (stomatal patchiness) on the leaf surface. Information about this phenomenon is important since the commonly used algorithms for calculation of leaf conductance from water vapor exchange measurements imply homogeneously open stomata, which in the occurrence of stomatal patchiness will lead to erroneous results. Infiltration experiments in a growth chamber with leaves of the Mediterranean evergreen shrub Arbutus unedo, carried out under simulated Mediterranean summer day conditions, where the species typically exhibits a strong midday stomatal closure, revealed a temporary occurrence of stomatal patchiness during the phase of stomatal closure in the late morning and during the stomatal reopening in the afternoon. Leaves were, however, found to be fully (i.e. homogeneously) infiltratable in the morning and in the evening. At midday during maximum stomatal closure, leaves were almost non-infiltratable. During the day, the infiltrated amount of water was found to be linearly correlated with porometer measurements of leaf conductance of the same leaves, carried out with the attached leaves immediately before infiltration.


Binding of 3-hydroxybenzo[a]pyrene to bovine hemoglobin and albumin.
Previous studies examined the bioavailability and first-pass biotransformation of 3-hydroxy[(3)H]benzo[a]pyrene ([(3)H]-3-OHBaP) in an isolated perfused catfish intestinal model. This work showed that 3-OHBaP, or a metabolite formed in intestine, bound covalently to blood protein. In this study, the blood adducts were characterized in vitro by incubating bovine ferric hemoglobin or albumin with [(3)H]-3OHBaP under various conditions. Incubation of 2 microM [(3)H]-3-OHBaP with hemoglobin for 1 h resulted in 7.49 pmol bound/mg protein, while albumin binding was 1.37 pmol/mg protein. Mild acid hydrolysis released only 5% of the radioactivity from 3-OHBaP-hemoglobin adducts. After gel filtration, the 3-OHBaP-hemoglobin adducts were examined by HPLC analysis. A single peak of radioactivity was detected at the same retention time as the heme component of hemoglobin. Unbound 3-OHBaP was oxidized to BaP-3,6-dione during incubation with ferric hemoglobin. Treatment of hemoglobin with ascorbic acid decreased the formation of hemoglobin adducts by 33%, while hydrogen peroxide treatment increased adduct formation by 44%. Incubation of [(3)H]-BaP-3-beta-D-glucuronide (BaP-3G) with hemoglobin and beta-glucuronidase resulted in greater binding to hemoglobin than incubation with [(3)H]-3-OHBaP alone. The hemoglobin adduct obtained from [(3)H]-BaP-3G also co-migrated with heme. These results indicate that an oxidative process is involved in formation of the heme adduct and that 3-OHBaP or BaP-3G might be a precursor of the bound metabolite.


Prevalence of rheumatic heart disease in school children of urban Lahore.
To determine the prevalence of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) among school children in urban and semiurban areas of Lahore, Pakistan. A cross-sectional survey of school children aged 5-15 years from 70 schools of urban and semiurban Lahore was carried out by a team of cardiologists. Children were screened by clinical examination and diagnosis confirmed by echocardiography. Sociodemographic data were also collected. Of 24 980 children screened, 986 (3.9%) had a confirmed cardiac lesion; 546 had RHD, 440 had congenital heart disease. The prevalence of RHD was 21.9/1000 children screened (95% CI 20.1 to 23.7). Their mean (SD) age was 10.7 (2.6) years and the female:male ratio was 1.6:1. Most (92.5%) were unaware of the diagnosis and less than 2% were taking rheumatic prophylaxis. All children belonged to a low socioeconomic group and 67% were undernourished. The prevalence of RHD in the urban school population of Lahore is among the highest in the world. The younger age of onset is a special feature and most are unaware of the diagnosis, and hence not receiving life-saving secondary prophylaxis.


Synthetic studies toward citrinadin A: construction of the pentacyclic core.
This manuscript describes the preparation of an advanced intermediate toward the total synthesis of citrinadin A, featuring a [3+2] cycloaddition employing in situ generation of the dipole.


Evaluation of promoters for use in tissue-specific gene delivery.
Vectors used in gene therapy require an expression cassette. The expression cassette consists of three important components: promoter, therapeutic gene and polyadenylation signal. The promoter is essential to control expression of the therapeutic gene. A tissue-specific promoter is a promoter that has activity in only certain cell types. Use of a tissue-specific promoter in the expression cassette can restrict unwanted transgene expression as well as facilitate persistent transgene expression. Therefore, choosing the correct promoter, especially a tissue-specific promoter, is a major step toward achieving successful therapeutic transgene expression. Ideally, the elements of the natural promoter region, necessary for obtaining the required level of the gene expression while retaining tissue-specificity, should be known. Also, it is important to understand whether interactions occur between the promoter region and the rest of the vector genome that could affect promoter activity and specificity. To assess this, it is helpful to select a suitable vector system that will be used in further gene therapy studies. Second, have one or several candidate tissue-specific promoters available for use. Third, ideally have an in vitro cell model suitable to evaluate tissue-specificity. Fourth, have a convenient in vivo animal model to use. Fifth, select a good reporter gene system. Next, using conventional recombinant DNA techniques create different promoter constructs with the selected vector system. Lastly, have a suitable transfection method to test the plasmid constructs in both the in vitro and the in vivo models.


Impact of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration on the management of pancreatic cystic lesions.
Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) are well-recognized techniques for the study of pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs). However, little evidence exists on their impact on clinical care. The aim of this study is to determine how often EUS and EUS-FNA alter the diagnosis and management of patients with PCLs. Eight physicians expert in pancreatic diseases were asked to report their diagnoses and management recommendations for 49 different PCLs. Clinical information was sequentially disclosed in a stepwise manner - progressively from clinical data plus computed tomography or MRI (level 1), to EUS (level 2) and EUS-FNA results including cytology, carcinoembryonic antigen, and amylase levels (level 3). EUS led to a change in the diagnosis and management in 30% [95% confidence interval (CI): 26-35%] and 19% (95% CI: 16-23%) of cases, respectively, usually to a more intensive approach (14%; 95% CI: 11-18%). EUS-FNA altered the diagnosis and management in an additional 39% (95% CI: 34-44%) and 21% (95% CI: 17-25%) of the evaluations, respectively. EUS-FNA also increased the consensus in the diagnosis among the specialists that ranged from fair with computed tomography/MRI (κ-index=0.32) to substantial with EUS-FNA (κ-index=0.43). EUS and EUS-FNA impact the diagnosis and management of patients with PCLs; therefore, both are necessary in the workup of these patients. EUS-FNA markedly improves the agreement between physicians in terms of diagnosis, but not management. This study highlights the need for more research and standardization in the field.


Electrochemical (bio) sensors go green.
Electrochemical (bio) sensors are now widely acknowledged as a sensitive detection tool for disease diagnosis as well as the detection of numerous species of pharmaceutical, clinical, industrial, food, and environmental origin. The term 'green' demonstrates the development of electrochemical (bio) sensing platforms utilizing biodegradable and sustainable materials. Development of green sensing platforms is one of the most active areas of research minimizing the use of toxic/hazardous reagents and solvent systems, thereby further reducing the production of chemical wastes in sensor fabrication. The present review includes green electrochemical (bio) sensors which are based on firstly, green sensors comprising natural and non-hazardous materials (e.g., paper/clay/zeolites/biowastes), secondly sensors based on nanomaterials synthesized by green methods and lastly sensors constituting green solvents (e.g., ionic liquids/deep eutectic solvents). Electrochemical performances of such green sensors and their benefits such as biodegradability, non-toxicity, sustainability, low-cost, sensitive surfaces, etc. Have been discussed for quantification of various target analytes. Associated challenges, possible solutions, and opportunities towards fabricating green electrochemical sensors and biosensors have been provided in the conclusion section.


New tick records from the state of Rondônia, western Amazon, Brazil.
From 2005 to 2012, ticks were collected from different hosts at different localities of the state of Rondônia. The following 16 ixodid tick species were identified: Ixodes fuscipes, Amblyomma auricularium, Amblyomma coelebs, Amblyomma dubitatum, Amblyomma geayi, Amblyomma humerale, Amblyomma latepunctatum, Amblyomma longirostre, Amblyomma naponense, Amblyomma nodosum, Amblyomma oblongoguttatum, Amblyomma ovale, Amblyomma romitii, Amblyomma rotundatum, Amblyomma scalpturatum, and Amblyomma varium. From these, A. auricularium, A. dubitatum, and A. geayi are reported for the first time in the state of Rondônia. We provide the following tick-host associations that have not been reported anywhere: A. longirostre on Pteroglossus bitorquatus, A. rotundatum on Hydrodynastes gigas, and A. latepunctatum and A. scalpturatum on Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris. An adult male specimen of A. rotundatum is reported on Boa constrictor, comprising only the fourth male specimen to be recorded for this obligate parthenogenetic tick species. We also report the presence of the argasid species Ornithodoros kohlsi for the first time in Brazil, based on larval specimens collected on bats Molossops (Neoplatymops) mattogrossensis in Monte Negro, Rondônia. The present study increases the Brazilian tick fauna to 65 species, from which 34 species (52 %) are now registered to Rondônia. Such high diversity of ticks in a relatively small state, associated with increasing environmental alteration due to deforestation and human occupation, makes Rondônia a potential source of tick-borne diseases.


Synaptic incorporation of AMPA receptors during LTP is controlled by a PKC phosphorylation site on GluR1.
Incorporation of GluR1-containing AMPA receptors into synapses is essential to several forms of neural plasticity, including long-term potentiation (LTP). Numerous signaling pathways that trigger this process have been identified, but the direct modifications of GluR1 that control its incorporation into synapses are unclear. Here, we show that phosphorylation of GluR1 by PKC at a highly conserved serine 818 residue is increased during LTP and critical for LTP expression. GluR1 is phosphorylated by PKC at this site in vitro and in vivo. In addition, acute phosphorylation at GluR1 S818 by PKC, as well as a phosphomimetic mutation, promotes GluR1 synaptic incorporation. Conversely, preventing GluR1 S818 phosphorylation reduces LTP and blocks PKC-driven synaptic incorporation of GluR1. We conclude that the phosphorylation of GluR1 S818 by PKC is a critical event in the plasticity-driven synaptic incorporation of AMPA receptors.


[Effect of complex compounds of heparin with fibrinogen on the processes of fibrin formation].
Data on dynamics of fibrin formation in blood plasma were obtained by multiple estimation of fibrinogene by Bidwell's method. Underestimated content of fibrinogene in blood plasma within 1 hr after the beginning of the experiment was apparently due to formation of complexes of heparin and fibrinogene. After destruction of the complexes the newly liberated fibrinogene caused gradual increase in the clot weight. Addition of heparin to blood plasma increased binding of fibrinogene in the clot.


Highly sensitive second antibody format enzymeimmunoassay for determination of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGF2alpha in blood plasma of mithun (Bos frontalis).
As an alternative to radioimmunoassays, a simple, highly sensitive and quick enzymeimmunoassay (EIA) for determination of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGF(2alpha) (PGFM) in blood plasma of mithun (Bos frontalis; bovine) on microtitreplates using second antibody coating technique and PGFM-horseradish peroxidase as a label has been developed. The wells of the microtitreplate were coated with affinity-purified goat IgG (antirabbit IgG) that binds the hormone specific antibody. The EIA was carried out directly in 20microl plasma. The PGFM standard curve, with doses ranging from 0.1 to 50pg/well was linear. The sensitivity of the assay was 5pg/ml. PGFM standard curve in buffer showed parallelism with serially diluted mithun plasma containing high endogenous PGFM. Plasma PGFM concentrations estimated by using the developed EIA and commercially available PGFM EIA kit in the same samples were significantly correlated (r=0.98) and showed linearity. Intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation were below 7%. Recovery of known concentrations of added PGFM in charcoal stripped plasma was linear (r=0.99). The developed EIA was further validated biologically by estimating PGFM in cyclic cows for the entire estrous cycle and in peri-parturient cows beginning day 7 prior to calving till day 30 post-calving; the concentrations were along with the expected lines as reported in bovine. In conclusion, the EIA developed in this study is simple, highly sensitive, valid and sufficiently reliable method for estimation of PGFM directly in bovine plasma.


Assessment of safety and reproductive performance after vaccination with a modified live-virus PRRS genotype 1 vaccine in pregnant sows at various stages of gestation.
The objective of the present study was to assess safety and efficacy of a new modified live-virus porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) genotype 1 vaccine in pregnant sows at various stages of gestation under field conditions. A total of 505 sows and gilts were allocated to two treatment groups and maintained in separate facilities. Animals of group 1 were vaccinated with a commercial modified live genotype 1 PRRSV vaccine (control product, CP), while animals of group 2 were immunized with a new modified live genotype 1 PRRSV vaccine (investigational veterinary product, IVP) (ReproCyc® PRRS EU, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH). Injection site reactions were noted to be significantly less frequent in the IVP group compared to the CP group for pain (p=0.039), redness (p=0.030), heat (p=0.016) and swelling (p=0.002). The mean total number of piglets alive at weaning did not differ significantly between both study groups (10.6 vs. 11.0, p=0.375). However, pre-weaning mortality was significantly higher (p=0.005) in piglets from the CP group (14.1% vs. 10.9%). Analyses of reproductive performance data for both groups did not result in statistically significant differences between CP group and IVP group for number of piglets alive (12.7 and 12.6, respectively), healthy live (11.9 and 11.8), weak (0.7 and 0.5), stillborn (1.0 and 0.8) and mummified piglets (0.3 and 0.2) per litter. No differences were detected between both groups for piglet birth weights, while body weights at weaning (7.2kg vs. 6.6kg, p=0.026) and average daily gain (0.2445kg vs. 0.2211kg, p=0.037) were significantly higher in piglets from the IVP group. In conclusion, the administration of a single dose of ReproCyc® PRRS EU to sows and gilts at various stages of gestation confirmed non-inferiority to a commercial PRRS vaccine regarding safety and efficacy parameters under field conditions.


Immunoglobulin levels in various clinical groups of human Brugian filariasis in Malaysia.
Quantitation of serum immunoglobulin M, G, A, D and E levels was carried out in Malaysians with Brugia malayi infections. Results showed highly elevated levels of IgM and IgE as well as moderately elevated levels of IgG. These were most significant in patients with tropical pulmonary eosinophilia or elephantiasis. Serum IgE levels were extremely high in microfilaraemic patients (6,060 +/- 3,958 IU ml) probably due to a constant antigenic stimulation by dead and dying microfilariae.


Time burnt away: The impact of heat-induced changes on skeletal age-at-death diagnostic features.
This paper investigates the established notion that bone calcination has a major impact on age estimation while low-intensity burns have a mere negligible impact. Few systematic researches have been carried out so far about this topic so the true impact of heat-induced changes on diagnostic age features is mostly unknown. The agreement between pre-burning and post-burning observations of age features was investigated on 51 human skeletons (22 males and 29 females with ages-at-death ranging from 61 to 93 years old) subjected to experimental burns. These skeletons belong to the 21st Century Identified Skeletal Collection housed at the Laboratory of Forensic Anthropology of the Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Portugal. The Suchey-Brooks method based on the pubic symphysis and the method developed on the auricular surface by Buckberry and Chamberlain (2002) were scrutinized. The Suchey-Brooks method provided better agreement between pre- and post-burn observations than the method from Buckberry and Chamberlain (2002). However, it became clear that heat-induced changes affected both methods regardless of heat intensity since both calcined bones and bones burnt at lower intensities often showed less than perfect agreement. Therefore, this research demonstrates that the analysis of age-at-death can be impaired in burnt bones, even those not subjected to calcination, with clear impact for forensic and archaeological investigations.


Mycophenolate mofetil decreases antibody production after cardiac transplantation.
New immunosuppressive drugs are extensively being investigated for their effect on T-cell immunity, with far less being known about their effect on the humoral immune response. In view of the experimental and clinical evidence that humoral immunity contributes to acute and chronic rejection, we investigated post-transplant production of anti-vimentin and anti-HLA antibodies in 86 patients who were part of a worldwide clinical trial for mycophenolate mofetil in cardiac transplantation. The results demonstrate that patients taking MMF instead of azathioprine generated significantly fewer de novo anti-vimentin antibodies.


Can Low SHBG Serum Concentration Be A Good Early Marker Of Male Hypogonadism In Metabolic Syndrome?
In men suffering from metabolic syndrome, accompanying insulin resistance may result in a lowering of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) plasma levels and cause changes in their androgenic status. The objective of the research was to assess selected androgens and SHBG plasma levels in males meeting diagnostic criteria for MS compared to healthy males. The group consisted of 65 men aged between 40 and 70 years old fitting IDF metabolic syndrome criteria and 84 controls. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulphate (DHEA-S), total and free testosterone and SHBG serum levels were evaluated. Calculated free and bioavailable testosterone were estimated using an algorithm proposed by the International Society for the Study of the Aging Male. Men diagnosed with MS showed a statistically significant decrease in plasma levels of DHEA in comparison to healthy ones: 11.579 (8.39-15.56) vs 14.014 (9.611-17.125) ng/mL; p = 0.0350, SHBG: 47.46 (35.78-62.83) vs 71.965 (54.45-91.56) nM/L; p<0.0001 and total testosterone: 5.2 (3.8-6.5) vs 6.3 (5.4-8.25) ng/mL; p = 0.0001 (values presented as a median with Q1-Q3). The results suggest that SHBG is a good early marker for metabolic dysregulation in MS, considering its strength of association and significance is comparable to, or better than, those of MS criteria.


Antigenic regions within the hepatitis C virus envelope 1 and non-structural proteins: identification of an IgG3-restricted recognition site with the envelope 1 protein.
Antibody binding to antigenic regions of hepatitis C virus (HCV) envelope 1 (E1; residues 183-380, E2/non-structural (NS) 1 (residues 380-437), NS1 (residues 643-690), and NS4 (1684-1751) proteins were assayed for 50 sera with antibodies to HCV (anti-HCV) and for 46 sera without anti-HCV. Thirty-four peptides, 18 residues long with an eight-amino acid overlap within each HCV region, were synthesized and tested with all 96 sera. Within the E region 183-380, the major binding site was located to residues 203-220, and was recognized by eight sera. Within the E2/NS1 region 380-437, the peptide covering residues 410-427 was recognized by two sera, and within the NS1 region 643-690, peptides covering residues 663-690 were recognized by four sera. Within the NS4 region 1684-1751, 27 sera were reactive to one or more of the NS4 peptides, and 21 out of these were reactive with peptide 1694-1711. One part of the major binding site could be located to residues 1701-1704, with the sequence Leu-Tyr-Arg-Glu. The IgG1, IgG3 and IgG4 subclasses were reactive with the five antigenic regions of HCV core, residues 1-18, 11-28, 21-38, 51-68 and 101-118. Reactivity to the major envelope site consisted almost exclusively of IgG3, and reactivity to the major site of NS4 consisted only of IgG1. Thus, a non-restricted IgG response to linear HCV-encoded binding sites was found to the core protein, whereas IgG subclass-restricted linear binding sites were found within the E1 protein, and within the NS4 protein.


Outcome measures in the management of gluteal tendinopathy: a systematic review of their measurement properties.
Evaluate properties of outcome measures for gluteal tendinopathy. Multistage scoping/systematic review. Cochrane, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, PEDro, CINAHL, SPORTDISCUS were searched (December 2021) to identify measures used to evaluate gluteal tendinopathy. Measures were mapped to the core health domains for tendinopathy. Medline, CINAHL, Embase and PubMed were searched (December 2021) for studies evaluating measurement properties of gluteal tendinopathy outcome measures captured in the initial search. Both reviews included studies that evaluated a treatment in participants with gluteal tendinopathy, diagnosed by a professional. Consensus-based-Standards for the Selection of Health Instruments methodology were followed-including bias assessment and synthesis of findings. Six studies reported on the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Gluteal Tendinopathy (VISA-G). One study reported on the Hip Outcome Score (HOS)-activities of daily living (ADL) and Sport.The VISA-G had moderate-quality evidence of sufficient construct validity (known group) and responsiveness (pre-post intervention), low-quality evidence of sufficient reliability, measurement error, comprehensibility and insufficient construct validity (convergent), and very low-quality evidence of sufficient comprehensiveness, relevance and responsiveness (comparison with other outcome measures).Both the HOS(ADL) and HOS(Sport) had very low-quality evidence of sufficient reliability, relevance and insufficient construct validity and comprehensiveness. The HOS(ADL) had very low-quality evidence of sufficient comprehensibility and insufficient measurement error. The HOS(Sport) had very low quality evidence of inconsistent comprehensibility and sufficient measurement error. Rigorously validated outcome measures for gluteal tendinopathy are lacking. The VISA-G is the preferred available option to capture the disability associated with gluteal tendinopathy.


US demonstration of pyelitis and ureteritis in children.
The authors report a new ultrasonic sign of urinary tract infection in children: thickening of the renal pelvis and/or ureteral wall. This thickening as encountered in 10 children, (10 months to 12 years) all with urinary tract infection, appears to result from inflammatory changes and to correspond to a sonographic sign of pyelitis and ureteritis. These alterations of the walls are similar to striations and folds described in this pathology on intravenous pyelograms. The thickening was the only sign of abnormality of the urinary tract in two cases; it was observed without reflux in four cases. The demonstration of this pattern should lead to further uroradiological investigations and to appropriate treatment.


Assessment of rural soundscapes with high-speed train noise.
In the present study, rural soundscapes with high-speed train noise were assessed through laboratory experiments. A total of ten sites with varying landscape metrics were chosen for audio-visual recording. The acoustical characteristics of the high-speed train noise were analyzed using various noise level indices. Landscape metrics such as the percentage of natural features (NF) and Shannon's diversity index (SHDI) were adopted to evaluate the landscape features of the ten sites. Laboratory experiments were then performed with 20 well-trained listeners to investigate the perception of high-speed train noise in rural areas. The experiments consisted of three parts: 1) visual-only condition, 2) audio-only condition, and 3) combined audio-visual condition. The results showed that subjects' preference for visual images was significantly related to NF, the number of land types, and the A-weighted equivalent sound pressure level (LAeq). In addition, the visual images significantly influenced the noise annoyance, and LAeq and NF were the dominant factors affecting the annoyance from high-speed train noise in the combined audio-visual condition. In addition, Zwicker's loudness (N) was highly correlated with the annoyance from high-speed train noise in both the audio-only and audio-visual conditions.


Langerhans cell histiocytosis: A rare aetiology for fetal pleural effusion.
We present fetal pleural effusions associated with Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH). We report a case of fetal pleural effusion in late pregnancy. Due to developing rapidly over short period of time, the baby was delivered by caesarean section at 34 weeks gestation. Generalised oedema, sparse haemorrhagic papules, pulmonary involvement, mediastinal mass and liver dysfunction were identified postnatally. Structural malformations, maternal-fetal blood type incompatibility, chromosomal abnormalities and viral infection were excluded. Mediastinal mass biopsy and immunohistochemical examinations confirmed the diagnosis of Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH). The baby is currently in a stable condition and undergoing regular chemotherapy. Congenital LCH is a rare aetiology of fetal pleural effusions.