Astronomical pacing of methane release in the Early Jurassic period.
A pronounced negative carbon-isotope (delta13C) excursion of approximately 5-7 per thousand (refs 1-7) indicates the occurrence of a significant perturbation to the global carbon cycle during the Early Jurassic period (early Toarcian age, approximately 183 million years ago). The rapid release of 12C-enriched biogenic methane as a result of continental-shelf methane hydrate dissociation has been put forward as a possible explanation for this observation. Here we report high-resolution organic carbon-isotope data from well-preserved mudrocks in Yorkshire, UK, which demonstrate that the carbon-isotope excursion occurred in three abrupt stages, each showing a shift of -2 per thousand to -3 per thousand. Spectral analysis of these carbon-isotope measurements and of high-resolution carbonate abundance data reveals a regular cyclicity. We interpret these results as providing strong evidence that methane release proceeded in three rapid pulses and that these pulses were controlled by astronomically forced changes in climate, superimposed upon longer-term global warming. We also find that the first two pulses of methane release each coincided with the extinction of a large proportion of marine species.


Laser Carbon Peel: New Armamentarium for Inflammatory Acne.
There is an increasing interest in procedures to improve skin quality in acne patients with a short downtime. Off late, carbon peel laser technique which uses topical carbon suspension combined with Q-switched Nd:YAG laser treatment has gained popularity. The main advantages of this procedure are easy to perform and it requires less than 30 minutes.


Indented synapses in Aplysia.
A new type of synaptic contact has been found in Aplysia californica, in which a post-synaptic spine extensively invaginates the pre-synaptic element. The post-synaptic spine, usually less than 0.25 micrometer in diameter, may protrude up to 2 micrometer into the pre-synaptic element. In some instances a larger post-synaptic element indents and forms multiple thin projections into the pre-synaptic varicosity. Along or at the end of these projections a zone occurs at which the surface membranes of the two apposed synaptic elements are rigidly parallel, and the extracellular gap is approximately 60% greater than normal and contains a small amount of electron-dense material. Synaptic vesicles are concentrated against the pre-synaptic membrane in these regions. There are twice as many vesicles per unit area positioned against the membrane at these zones than at similar active zones occurring in the alternative type of synapse, which has a flat, rather than indented, geometry. Single pre-synaptic varicosities have been found to form both flat and indented synapses. These findings raise the possibility that these two forms of synapse may be dynamic transformations of each other, having differing synaptic effectiveness.


Implications of kinetically-hindered metals in ecotoxicological studies: Effect of platinum spike aging on its toxicity to Dunaliella salina.
Platinum (Pt) is considered an emerging environmental micro-contaminant due to its increasing use in anthropogenic activities during the past decades. However, there are still important gaps in the understanding of its biogeochemical behavior in the aquatic environment - e.g. its speciation, reactivity and fate - mainly as a result of the analytical challenge of the determination of its typical ultra-trace environmental concentrations. Also, Pt is a kinetically-hindered metal displaying slow reaction kinetics, which has important implications regarding eco-toxicological studies. That is, investigation of its toxicity under laboratory-controlled conditions may therefore require ensuring that equilibrium speciation conditions are reached before starting the experiments. In order to shed further light on this issue, in this study we have monitored the speciation changes during aging of the Pt(IV) spikes in controlled media (seawater) using an UV-Vis spectrophotometry. Platinum toxicity to the green microalgae Dunaliella salina was then compared, using standardized tests, with fresh and aged Pt(IV) spikes at the mg L-1 concentration range. Following 96-hour exposure, ecotoxicological assays consisting in spectrometric measurements of chlorophyll-a concentrations and Effective Concentrations (EC) of Pt resulting in the inhibition of 10% and 50% of algae growth rate were calculated (EC10 and EC50, respectively). Daily monitoring of Pt speciation reflected the transition from PtCl62- (spike) to hydrolyzed species, probably in the form [PtCl3-n(OH)3+n]2-, n = 0-3. Exposure experiments showed that after a short period of aging (10 days), Pt(IV) toxicity increased one order of magnitude compared to freshly spiked media. These results confirm the relevance of considering spike aging to ensure that speciation equilibrium conditions are attained in order to produce environmental realistic eco-toxicological data.


Different normalizations for body size and population attributable risk of left ventricular hypertrophy: the MAVI study.
Different methods of normalizing left ventricular (LV) mass for body size identify generally similar relative risks of adverse cardiovascular outcome but with variable prevalences of LV hypertrophy (H). Preliminary results from a population with high prevalence of obesity suggest that the population attributable-risk percent (PAR%) of LVH is substantially higher when LV mass is normalized for allometric power of height. We calculated the PAR% of LVH by different definitions in the cohort of the MAssa Ventricolare sinistra nell' Ipertensione (MAVI) study (n = 1019, 62% women), a population with low prevalence of obesity (22%, with only 3% and 0.1% in class II and class III obesity, respectively). Composite fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events occurred in 53 participants (5.2%). Prevalence of LVH was between 28% and 56%, with slight greater values for height-based normalization. Age- and sex-adjusted hazard ratios were comprised between 1.37 and 1.44 for different measures of LV mass index. The PAR% was not meaningfully different among the different methods of normalization (between 47% and 56%), and height-based methods showed in general a performance similar to body surface area-based normalizations. In a large clinical population of hypertensive subjects with low prevalence of obesity, population risk attributable to LV hypertrophy was not meaningfully different in relation to the type of normalization of LV mass for body size. Height-based methods perform as well as body surface area-based ones. We suggest that the prevalence of obesity in hypertensive populations might substantially influence differences in population risk attributable to LVH identified by different methods of normalizing LV mass.


Plasma amino acid concentration changes during total parental nutrition in critically ill patients.
In 16 critically ill patients with full-blown stress reaction and without severe organ failure, we studied the kinetics of the arterial plasma amino acid (aa) profile during the first 48 h of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) in order to assess the time necessary to reach the steady-state condition during infusion. Each patient was treated with one of three different amino acid solutions giving, with the same nitrogen load, different intakes of individual amino acids. We found four different responses to the administered amino acids. Some amino acids showed a different trend depending on the dose given. At lower doses a steady state was achieved sooner. Plasma levels of amino acids not supplied in the TPN were unaffected or decreased, achieving a steady state at various times during the study period. We conclude that, in critically ill patients, stable arterial plasma amino acid concentrations are obtained within 24 h of starting TPN. In such patients, valid studies of the effect of amino acid solutions may therefore be carried out over short periods of time, thereby minimizing errors due to a fluctuating and unstable clinical state.


Molecular events and signalling pathways of male germ cell differentiation in mouse.
Germ cells, the precursors of gametes, represent a unique cell lineage that is able to differentiate into spermatozoa or oocytes depending on the chromosomal sex of the organism. In the mammalian embryonic gonad, commitment to oogenesis involves pre-meiotic DNA replication and entry into the first meiotic division; whereas, commitment to spermatogenesis involves inhibition of meiotic initiation, suppression of pluripotency, mitotic arrest and expression of specific markers that will control the development of the male germ cells. The crucial decision made by the germ line to commit to either a male or a female fate has been partially explained by genetic and ex vivo studies in mice which have implicated a complex network of regulatory genes, numerous factors and pathways. Besides the reproductive failure that may follow a deregulation of this complex network, the germ cells may, in view of their proliferative and pluripotent nature, act as precursors of potential malignant transformation and as putative targets for exogenous environmental compounds. Our review summarizes and discusses recent developments that have improved our understanding on how germ cell precursors are committed to a male or a female cell fate in the mouse gonad.


Functional Analysis of Chloroplast Iron Uptake and Homeostasis.
Iron has a crucial role in plastid biology. Iron is a required cofactor for the operation of the photosynthetic functions and other metabolic pathways. Despite the importance of the iron homeostasis in chloroplasts, the functional analysis of the plastidial iron uptake and homeostasis still lack a consensus methodology. Here, we describe a sequence of subsequent techniques that can be applied in functional characterization of proteins involved in iron uptake and incorporation into chloroplasts as well as of the non-transport protein members of the chloroplast iron homeostasis. Since the ferrous iron ligation of bathophenantroline disulfonate is specific and not disrupted by the presence of other transition metals, it offers a simple way for iron quantification both in solubilized chloroplast samples as well as in ferric chelate reductase activity measurements.


Discrete single-cell microRNA analysis for phenotyping the heterogeneity of acute myeloid leukemia.
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a highly heterogenous cancer in hematopoiesis, and its subtype specification is greatly important in the clinical practice for AML diagnosis and prognosis. Increasing evidence has shown the association between microRNA (miRNA) phenotype and AML therapeutic outcomes, emphasizing the need for novel techniques for convenient, sensitive, and efficient miRNA profiling in clinical practices. Here, we describe a nanoneedle-based discrete single-cell microRNA profiling technique for multiplexed phenotyping of AML heterogeneity without the requirement of sequencing or polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In virtue of a biochip-based and non-destructive nature of the assay, the expression of nine miRNAs in large number of living AML cells can be simultaneously analyzed with discrete single-cell level information, thus providing a proof-of-concept demonstration of an AML subtype classifier based on the multidimensional miRNA data. We showed successful analysis of subtype-specific cellular composition with over 90% accuracy and identified drug-responsive leukemia subpopulations among a mixed suspension of cells modeling different AML subtypes. The adoption of machine learning algorithms for processing the large-scale nanoneedle-based miRNA data shows the potential for powerful prediction capability in clinical applications to assist therapeutic decisions. We believe that this platform provides an efficient and cost-effective solution to move forward the translational prognostic usage of miRNAs in AML treatment and can be readily and advantageously applied in analyzing rare patient-derived clinical samples.


Associations of circulating adiponectin with estradiol and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 in postmenopausal women.
The aim of the present study was to clarify the association of serum adiponectin concentrations with serum 17beta-estradiol concentrations in pre-, peri-, and postmenopausal women. In addition, the associations of serum adiponectin with serum concentrations of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines were examined in women during the menopausal transition. A total of 197 women were enrolled in this study: 33 premenopausal women, 80 perimenopausal women, and 84 postmenopausal women. Serum adiponectin concentration was measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum concentrations of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha, anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, and the chemokines IL-8, macrophage inflammatory protein-1beta and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 were measured by using a multiplexed human cytokine assay. Serum adiponectin concentration showed a significant negative correlation with serum estradiol concentration (r= -0.400, P=0.001) in postmenopausal women but not in pre- and perimenopausal women, and this correlation was significant after adjustment for age and body mass index. Serum adiponectin concentration also showed a significant negative correlation with serum monocyte chemotactic protein-1 concentration (r= -0.244, P=0.05) in postmenopausal women. An increase in adiponectin level due to a decrease in estradiol results in a reduction in monocyte chemotactic protein-1 level in postmenopausal women, suggesting that adiponectin may be associated with a protective role against insulin resistance and atherosclerosis, which occur in the postmenopausal stage.


Morphometric comparison of mitochondria and myofibrils of cardiomyocytes between hypertrophic and dilated cardiomyopathies.
We performed an ultrastructural, morphometric comparison of mitochondria and myofibrils of cardiomyocytes using endomyocardial biopsy specimens in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Biopsies came from the right ventricular side of the interventricular septum in nine patients with HCM, nine with DCM, and nine controls with arrhythmia and/or ST depression. Morphometric analysis was carried out using electron microscopic photographs and an image analyser. Mitochondria were significantly greater in number and smaller in size in HCM than in the control group. In DCM, the size of mitochondria was also significantly smaller than in the control group, although their number was similar to that of the control group. No statistically significant difference was found regarding the size of mitochondria between HCM and DCM. The percentages of both mitochondrial and myofibrillar areas in cytoplasm were smaller in the DCM than the HCM and control groups, though no difference was seen between the latter two. The ratio of mitochondrial area to myofibrillar area was almost the same in each group. These results suggest increased mitochondrial function to match hypertrophic cardiomyocytes in HCM, and decreased mitochondrial function and cardiomyocytic contractility in DCM.


Effect of chest ultrasound on diagnostic workup in elderly patients with acute respiratory failure in the emergency department: a prospective study.
We carried out a prospective study performed in our ED, included patients older than 75 years presenting with acute respiratory failure. Noninclusion criteria were documented palliative care or the need for immediate intensive care. After informed consent approval and routine diagnostic procedure (clinical, radiological and laboratory tests), the ED physician established the first diagnosis. Chest ultrasound was then performed, and a second diagnosis was established. An adjudication committee also established a diagnosis. The unweighted Cohen's kappa (κ) coefficient was used to measure the strength of agreement between routine diagnostic approach, chest ultrasound and adjudication committee diagnosis. A total of 89 patients were included, mean age 86 ± 5 years old. Concordance was very good (κ = 0.82) between chest ultrasound and adjudication committee diagnostic and moderate (κ = 0.52) between routine diagnostic approach and adjudication committee diagnostic. Cardiogenic pulmonary edema and community-acquired pneumonia were the most frequent diagnoses (48.5 and 27%, respectively). Chest ultrasound had higher sensitivity and specificity for both diagnoses. In our study, chest ultrasound add-on investigation to standard approach improved diagnosis performance in elderly patients presenting to the ED with acute respiratory failure. Further multicenter randomized trials are warranted to confirm this finding.


Patient complexity and risk factor control among multimorbid patients with type 2 diabetes: results from the R2D2C2 study.
Among patients with type 2 diabetes, it is not known whether risk factor control is better or worse for those who also have heart disease, depression, multiple other comorbidities, and associated management challenges. To examine the relationship between this complex constellation of multimorbidities, adherence to treatment and risk factor control among patients with type 2 diabetes, independent of regimen intensity. Observational cross-sectional study. A total of 1314 patients with diabetes from the Reducing Racial Disparities in Diabetes Coached Care (R2D2C2) Study. A composite cardiometabolic risk factor profile was the dependent variable. Independent variables included a composite measure of patient complexity, patient-reported adherence to treatment, history of coronary heart disease (CHD), and intensity of medication regimen. A higher proportion of the most complex patient-reported problems with adherence compared with the least complex patients (83.5% vs. 43.3%, P<0.001). Compared with those without a history of CHD, fewer patients with CHD-reported problems with medication adherence (59.3% vs. 69.3%, P<0.01) and had better risk factor control, independent of complexity and regimen intensity. Better risk factor control was independently associated with less patient complexity (P=0.003) and to history of CHD (P=0.01). The presence of a complex illness profile was associated with poorer control of risk factors. Those with CHD were more adherent to treatment and had better risk factor control. The occurrence of CHD may present an opportunity for physicians to emphasize risk factor management. Diabetes patients with a complex illness profile may be at highest risk for cardiovascular events and in greatest need of prevention of cardiac disease. Clinicaltrial.gov identifier: NCT01123239.


orthodenticle/otx ortholog expression in the anterior brain and eyes of Sepia officinalis (Mollusca, Cephalopoda).
The origin of cerebral structures is a major issue in both developmental and evolutionary biology. Among Lophotrochozoans, cephalopods present both a derived nervous system and an original body plan, therefore they constitute a key model to study the evolution of nervous system and molecular processes that control the neural organization. We characterized a partial sequence of an ortholog of otx2 in Sepia officinalis embryos, a gene specific to the anterior nervous system and eye development. By in situ hybridization, we assessed the expression pattern of otx2 during S. officinalis organogenesis and we showed that otx is expressed (1) in the eyes, from early to late developmental stages as observed in other species (2) in the nervous system during late developmental stages. The otx ortholog does not appear to be required for the precocious emergence of the nervous ganglia in cephalopods and is later expressed only in the most anterior ganglia of the future brain. Finally, otx expression becomes restricted to localized part of the brain, where it could be involved in the functional specification of the central nervous system of S. officinalis. These results suggest a conserved involvement of otx in eye maturation and development of the anterior neural structures in S. officinalis.


Combined model based on enhanced CT texture features in liver metastasis prediction of high-risk gastrointestinal stromal tumors.
To investigate the use of the combined model based on clinical and enhanced CT texture features for predicting the liver metastasis of high-risk gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). This retrospective study was conducted including 204 patients with pathologically confirmed high-risk GISTs from the Zhejiang Cancer Hospital from January 2015 to June 2021, and 76 cases of them were diagnosed with simultaneous liver metastasis. We randomly divided the cohort into a training cohort (n = 142) and a validation cohort (n = 62) with a ratio of 7:3. All volumes of interest (VOIs) of the high-risk GISTs were manually segmented on the portal venous phase CT images using the ITK-SNAP software. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) algorithm was performed to determine the most valuable features from a total of 110 texture features extracted by the A-K software to reflect the texture information of the given VOIs. Texture-based predictive model was built from the selected texture features. Independent clinical risk factors were identified through univariate logistic analysis. Then, the texture-based model incorporated the clinical predictors to develop a combined model by multivariate logistic regression. Receiver operating characteristic curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis were utilized to analyze the discrimination capacity and clinical application value of the predictive models. The nine optimal texture features were remained after the reduction of dimension using Lasso method. Another four clinical parameters (BMI, location, gastrointestinal bleeding, and CA125 level) were included in the clinical-based predictive model. Finally, with the combination of remaining texture and clinical features, a multivariate logistic regression classifier was built to predict the liver metastasis potential of high-risk GISTs. The remarkable classification performance of the combined model for the prediction of liver metastasis in the subjects with high-risk GISTs was obtained with area under curve (AUC) = 0.919, sensitivity = 83.9%, specificity = 89.7%, and accuracy = 84.9% in our validation group. The texture-based radiomic signature derived from the portal venous phase CT images could predict liver metastasis of high-risk GISTs in a non-invasive way. Integrating additional clinical variables into the model further leads to an improvement of liver metastasis risk prediction.


Thyroid indices and treatment outcome in bulimia nervosa.
This study examined the thyroxine (T4) and free T4 (FT4) status of women with bulimia nervosa and its value as a predictor of outcome. A total of 135 women with bulimia nervosa underwent 12-weeks cognitive behavioral therapy treatment. Prior to and at 3-year follow-up patients completed psychiatric assessments and serumT4 and FT4 were measured. At 3-year follow-up, 71% had no eating disorder and 29% met criteria for any eating disorder diagnosis. Mean T4 and FT4 concentrations were within normal ranges. Pre-treatment T4 and FT4 concentrations were inversely associated with food restriction and purging frequency, respectively. Compared with women with no eating disorder, those with any eating disorder at follow-up had lower pretreatment T4 concentrations. When pre-treatment food restriction, oral contraceptive use and binge frequency where controlled for, low T4 concentration was the only predictor of eating disorder diagnosis at follow-up. Low T4 concentrations at pretreatment may be a predictor of poor outcome in bulimia nervosa.


Statistical analysis of one-compartment pharmacokinetic models with drug adherence.
Pharmacokinetics is a scientific branch of pharmacology that describes the time course of drug concentration within a living organism and helps the scientific decision-making of potential drug candidates. However, the classical pharmacokinetic models with the eliminations of zero-order, first-order and saturated Michaelis-Menten processes, assume that patients perfectly follow drug regimens during drug treatment, and the significant factor of patients' drug adherence is not taken into account. In this study, therefore, considering the random change of dosage at the fixed dosing time interval, we reformulate the classical deterministic one-compartment pharmacokinetic models to the framework of stochastic, and analyze their qualitative properties including the expectation and variance of the drug concentration, existence of limit drug distribution, and the stochastic properties such as transience and recurrence. In addition, we carry out sensitivity analysis of drug adherence-related parameters to the key values like expectation and variance, especially for the impact on the lowest and highest steady state drug concentrations (i.e. the therapeutic window). Our findings can provide an important theoretical guidance for the variability of drug concentration and help the optimal design of medication regimens. Moreover, The developed models in this paper can support for the potential study of the impact of drug adherence on long-term treatment for chronic diseases like HIV, by integrating disease models and the stochastic PK models.


Cemento-ossifying fibromas in the jaws of Hong Kong Chinese.
To determine the clinical and radiological features of cemento-ossifying fibroma (COF) in a Chinese population. Twenty cases of COF found in Chinese patients for whom the clinical notes, radiographs and histopathology reports were available, were reviewed to determine their clinical and radiological features. Overall size was measured digitally from the radiographs. All COFs occurred in females and most frequently in the third and fourth decades. Seventeen COFs were in the mandible and three in the maxilla. Eighteen COFs had well-defined margins and were round or avoid in shape. Four were radiolucent and 15 mixed density. COFs tended to be smaller in women in their early to middle-40s and larger in older women. The clinical and radiological features of this Chinese series were broadly consistent with those of non-Chinese populations reported previously. The principal difference was that all 20 patients were female.


Effects of GH on lipid peroxidation and neutrophil superoxide anion-generating capacity in hypopituitary adults with GH deficiency.
Untreated growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is implicated in the increased cardiovascular risk associated with adult hypopituitarism. Oxidative stress, predisposing to lipid peroxidation, may be an important mediator of endothelial dysfunction, a pro-atherogenic state associated with adult GHD. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study we investigated the effects of GH replacement on low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation and neutrophil superoxide (O(-)(2)) generating capacity in 32 GHD adults (19 males, 13 females; age range 19-64 years) over 3 months. Thirty age- and sex-matched healthy controls were also studied. Lipid hydroperoxides (HPOs) in plasma were measured using the ferrous oxidation with xylenol orange (FOX) assay. The susceptibility of LDL to oxidation was assessed by the copper-catalysed lag phase of LDL oxidation. Neutrophil O(-)(2)- generating capacity was assessed by a lucigenin-based chemiluminescent assay of NADPH oxidase activity. Body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Compared to controls, GHD subjects had higher LDL cholesterol (4.0 +/- 0.8 vs. 3.5 +/- 0.9 mmol/l, P < 0.01) and higher triglyceride concentrations (2.3 +/- 1.5 vs. 1.1 +/- 0.7 mmol/l, P < 0.001) but lower HDL cholesterol (1.1 +/- 0.3 mmol/l vs. 1.4 +/- 0.4 mmol/l, P < 0.01), lower levels of HPOs (0.72 +/- 0.35 vs. 0.92 +/- 0.20 microm, P < 0.01) and lower basal (2.5 +/- 1.5 vs. 4.5 +/- 2.3 mV/5 x 10(5) neutrophils, P < 0.01) and peak post-activation levels (23.2 +/- 11.1 vs. 34.4 +/- 15.6 mV/5 x 10(5) neutrophils, P < 0.01) of neutrophil O(-)(2)- generation. GH replacement resulted in an increase in HPOs from 0.70 +/- 0.39 to 0.86 +/- 0.19 microm (P < 0.05), although there was no change in the lag time of LDL oxidation. Neutrophil O(-)(2)- generating capacity was enhanced with a rise in basal O(-)(2)- generation from 2.8 +/- 1.4 to 5.4 +/- 4.6 mV/5 x 10(5) neutrophils (P < 0.05) and in peak post-activation O(-)(2)- generation from 21.9 +/- 9.5 to 35.8 +/- 21.7 mV/5 x 10(5) neutrophils (P < 0.05). LDL cholesterol was reduced from 4.1 +/- 0.8 mmol/l to 3.5 +/- 0.8 mmol/l (P < 0.01). No significant changes in measured parameters occurred in the placebo group. Adult GHD is associated with reduced lipid peroxidation and impaired neutrophil O(-)(2)- generating capacity, both of which are reversible with GH replacement. Our data suggest that: (i) that oxidative stress is not a major feature of the pro-atherogenic state in hypopituitary adults with GHD and (ii) a role for GH in modulating neutrophil function and leucocyte-lipoprotein interactions.


Pathologic Classification of Neuroendocrine Neoplasms.
The pathologic classification of neuroendocrine neoplasms has evolved over the past decades, as new understanding of the biological behavior, histologic characteristics, and genetic features have emerged. Nonetheless, many aspects of the classification systems remain confusing or controversial. Despite these difficulties, much progress has been made in determining the features predicting behavior. Genetic findings have helped establish relationships among different types of neuroendocrine neoplasms and revealed potential therapeutic targets. This review summarizes the current approach to the diagnosis, classification, grading, and therapeutic stratification of neuroendocrine neoplasms, with a focus on those arising in the lung and thymus, pancreas, and intestines.


Analysis of enzyme-responsive peptide surfaces by Raman spectroscopy.
We report on the use of Raman spectroscopy as a tool to characterise model peptide functionalised surfaces. By taking advantage of Raman reporters built into the peptide sequence, the enzymatic hydrolysis of these peptides could be determined.


Concentration of norfloxacin in human gallbladder tissue and bile after single-dose oral administration.
Concomitant concentrations of norfloxacin in serum and in gallbladder tissue and bile were determined in 10 patients after a single oral dose of 400 mg given before cholecystectomy. Concentrations in gallbladder bile ranged from 0.6 to 15.6 micrograms/ml, with a mean bile/serum ratio of 7.0. The mean concentration in gallbladder tissue was 1.8 +/- 0.8 (standard error) micrograms/g.


An exceptional case of atrial fibrillation arrhythmia induced by etoposide.
Arrhythmia induced by etoposide is exceedingly rare. There are only a very few individual case histories of arrhythmias during etoposide infusion, including atrial fibrillation. Through this uncommon case, we propose to study the pathophysiology, the diagnosis and the management of this entity. We report a case of a 57-year-old man, without cardiac history, followed for endocrine tumor of the pancreas with liver metastases who had presented atrial fibrillation (AF) after etoposide infusion. It is important to consider cardiac monitoring during etoposide infusion in patients with known cardiac disease or at high risk of cardiac complications.


Early regeneration of axons following peripheral nerve injury is enhanced if p75NTR is eliminated from the surrounding pathway.
The common neurotrophin receptor, p75NTR , has been proposed to be an inhibitor of axon regeneration after peripheral nerve injury, but whether this effect is on the regenerating axons, immune cells migrating into the injury site, or cells in the pathway surrounding the axons is not clear. Cut nerves in mice expressing fluorescent proteins in axons were repaired with grafts from non-fluorescent hosts to study axon elongation when p75NTR was eliminated separately from axons and immune cells in the proximal stump of cut nerves, from cells in the regeneration pathway, or both. Two weeks later, axons from wild type mice regenerating into grafts devoid of p75NTR had elongated more than twice as far as axons in grafts from wild type mice. No enhancement of regeneration of axons in p75NTR knockout mice was observed, whether nerves were repaired with grafts from wild type mice or from p75NTR knockout mice. To evaluate whether inhibition of p75NTR could be used to improve regeneration, nerves in wild type mice repaired without grafts were exposed to a specific inhibitor of the p75NTR receptor, LM11A-31, at the time of nerve repair. This local blockade of p75NTR resulted in successful regeneration of axons of nearly three times as many motoneurons and reinnervation of twice as many muscle fibers by regenerating motor axons as untreated controls. Expression of p75NTR surrounding regenerating axons contributes to poor regeneration during the first 2 weeks after peripheral nerve injury. Inhibition of p75NTR might be a therapeutic target for treatments of peripheral nerve injuries.


The HNPCC associated MSH2*1906G-->C founder mutation probably originated between 1440 CE and 1715 CE in the Ashkenazi Jewish population.
The MSH2*1906G-->C mutation was recently shown to be a rare yet highly penetrant mutation leading to colorectal cancer. The mutation was only found among Ashkenazi Jewish individuals and lies on an extended haplotype that is common in that population. This study determined that the mutation probably arose between 11 and 22 generations ago, during the time when the Ashkenazim were living in eastern Europe.


[Diurnal rythm of locomotor activity in Admetus pumilio C. Koch (Arach., Amblypygi) from the neotropical rain forest. II].
The locomotor activity of the exclusively dark-active species Admetus pumilio shows a bigeminal type of diurnal rhythm, modified by an interposed third peak of activity. In accordance with Aschoff's rule, the period length depends on light intensity and is shortened in DD. The phase-angle difference must be determined separately for each form of activity. The first movements at the resting place ("awakening") and departure from it are the most readily identifiable forms of activity. Awakening takes place earlier and earlier with decreasing light intensity, thus diverging from departure more and more.Differing degrees of activity in LL and LD of different intensities show that light stimulates or inhibits depending on its intensity. The turning point between the two effects lies between 10-2 and 10-3 lx. Below this limit differences in light intensity are not discerned, although LL is well discerned from LD.Diurnal temperature cycles with amplitudes up to 8° C are unable to synchronize the circadian rhythm of Admetus, but may have a strongly masking effect. Different levels of constant temperatures influence the phase-angle differences, which become increasingly positive with rising temperature. Activity also increases with temperature, but decreases in the extra-optimal range above approximately 30° C. The L-phase/D-phase ratio of activity shows a maximum at about 26° C.In Admetus the dependence of activity parameters upon light intensity is unidirectional and shows no optima. In contrast to the findings by Erkert (1967) is discussed that optima are only realized in dusk active animals and are lacking in day-active and night-active species.


Epidemiology of mixed Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma haematobium infections in northern Senegal.
Due to the large overlap of Schistosoma mansoni- and Schistosoma haematobium-endemic regions in Africa, many people are at risk of co-infection, with potential adverse effects on schistosomiasis morbidity and control. Nonetheless, studies on the distribution and determinants of mixed Schistosoma infections have to date been rare. We conducted a cross-sectional survey in two communities in northern Senegal (n=857) to obtain further insight into the epidemiology of mixed infections and ectopic egg elimination. Overall prevalences of S. mansoni and S. haematobium infection were 61% and 50%, respectively, in these communities. Among infected subjects, 53% had mixed infections and 8% demonstrated ectopic egg elimination. Risk factors for mixed infection - i.e. gender, community of residence and age - were not different from what is generally seen in Schistosoma-endemic areas. Similar to overall S. mansoni and S. haematobium infections, age-related patterns of mixed infections showed the characteristic convex-shaped curve for schistosomiasis, with a rapid increase in children, a peak in adolescents and a decline in adults. Looking at the data in more detail however, the decline in overall S. haematobium infection prevalences and intensities appeared to be steeper than for S. mansoni, resulting in a decrease in mixed infections and a relative increase in single S. mansoni infections with age. Moreover, individuals with mixed infections had higher infection intensities of both S. mansoni and S. haematobium than those with single infections, especially those with ectopic egg elimination (P<0.05). High infection intensities in mixed infections, as well as age-related differences in infection patterns between S. mansoni and S. haematobium, may influence disease epidemiology and control considerably, and merit further studies into the underlying mechanisms of Schistosoma infections in co-endemic areas.


Off the Staff: An Experiment in Visualizing Notes from Music Scores.
An introduction to the work of web designer and artist Nick Rougeux, who created the cover art for this edition of Patterns. Here he explains his method for visualizing music scores and highlights the importance of exploring data through imagery to create new ways for his audience to engage with the stories told by the numbers.


Potential Population Consequences of Active Sonar Disturbance in Atlantic Herring: Estimating the Maximum Risk.
Effects of noise on fish populations may be predicted by the population consequence of acoustic disturbance (PCAD) model. We have predicted the potential risk of population disturbance when the highest sound exposure level (SEL) at which adult herring do not respond to naval sonar (SEL(0)) is exceeded. When the population density is low (feeding), the risk is low even at high sonar source levels and long-duration exercises (>24 h). With densely packed populations (overwintering), a sonar exercise might expose the entire population to levels >SEL(0) within a 24-h exercise period. However, the disturbance will be short and the response threshold used here is highly conservative. It is therefore unlikely that naval sonar will significantly impact the herring population.


Complexation of iron hexacyanides by cytochrome c. Evidence for electron exchange at the exposed heme edge.
Electrostatic binding of at least two anionic iron hexacyanides to cationic horse heart cytochrome c was demonstrated by equilibrium dialysis measurements. No binding was detected following trifluoroacetylation of all of the 19 lysine residues. Replacement of the natural heme iron ligand methionine 80 by the alternative intrinsic ligand lysine 79 but not the extrinsic ligand imidazole resulted in the loss of one hexacyanide binding site. It is proposed that this site is located at the exposed heme edge and is functional in electron exchange.


Influence of a melatonin implant on the free radical load in avian thyroid and its relation with thyroid hormonogenesis.
The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of melatonin on the oxiradical load in avian thyroid. The superoxide free radicals have been spin trapped by EPR spectroscopy in the thyroid gland of Indian rock pigeon Columbia livia following melatonin implantation for two weeks. Melatonin implantation resulted in augmentation in the levels of superoxide radical in the thyroid gland of pigeons with a concomitant decrease in the levels of the total superoxide dismutase activity. This was also associated with increased lipid peroxidation. Melatonin implantation caused a significant increase in plasma levels of glucose. Plasma levels of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) were lower in the melatonin-treated pigeons. However, the T3/T4 ratio was higher following melatonin implantation. Since iodination of tyrosine is an H2O2-dependent phenomenon, the inhibition in the activity of SOD could lead to impaired thyroid hormone synthesis.


Examining the factor structure of the DSM-5 Level 1 cross-cutting symptom measure.
The DSM-5 Level 1 Cross-Cutting Symptom Measure (DSM-XC) was developed by the American Psychiatric Association as a transdiagnostic mental health symptom survey. Despite its promise as a screening tool, few studies have assessed its latent dimensionality or provided guidance on interpreting responses. We examined the factor structure of the DSM-XC in a convenience sample of participants with varying degrees of psychopathology. Participants (n = 3533) were enrolled in an online study on the mental health impact of COVID-19 (NCT04339790). We used a factor analytic framework with exploratory and confirmatory analyses to evaluate candidate factor solutions. Convergent validity analysis with concurrent study measures was also performed. Six-factor and bifactor candidate solutions both had good fit and full measurement invariance across age, sex, and enrollment date. The six-factor solution resulted in constructs labeled as: mood, worry, activation, somatic, thought, and substance use. A general psychopathology factor and two residual factors (mood and anxiety constructs) explained the variance of the bifactor solution. Our analysis supports that the DSM-XC is a multidimensional instrument spanning many mental health symptoms. We provide scoring solutions for two factor structures that capture broader constructs of psychopathology. Use of a convenience sample may limit generalizability of findings.


Dental age assessment: scoring systems and models from the past until the present-how is it presented in the court?
The aim of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of the methods from the past and present, such as Demirjian, Cameriere, and AlQahtani, as well as to determine the most reliable method for human age estimation under the request from the courts according to the effect size from each method in age estimation. Four hundred eighty-three orthopantomographic images were selected from 318 patients from Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte aged between 6 and 15 years old. Several measurements of widths and lengths and classification of tooth development stages were performed, according to each age estimation method. The listing of patients and orthopantomographic images were consulted through SECTRA®. All data was entered and analysed using SPSS version 28. Observations' validity was verified through inter- and intraobserver validation. The correlation coefficients between age and age estimates by the three methods on both sides were close to 90%. Regarding the estimation error correlation coefficient, Demirjian and AlQahtani values were low, whereas Cameriere's was significantly negative; i.e., underestimation increases as age increases. Between left and right, any significant difference in age estimation in AlQahtani and Cameriere methods was not observed, but there were great variability and large effect for the Demirjian method. Comparing females and males, the statistical analysis showed no significant differences and quite small effects in the precision of the estimates for any of the methods. Finally, although significant differences were detected when comparing estimated values and age, small effects were revealed except for the Demirjian method which attained a medium effect and, therefore, less consistency of estimation. Since it was not possible to determine the most reliable method for age estimation, a combined application of different age estimation methodologies is recommended to be use in the courts with relevant statistical data such as effect size.


Changes in insurance status and access to care in an integrated safety net healthcare system.
This paper focuses on a cohort of uninsured patients that have accessed outpatient healthcare services in an urban safety net, evaluating the degree to which they switch insurance status and the impact this switching has on access to care. The results indicate that in an integrated safety net system, there is a high frequency of insurance status switching by the uninsured. Uninsured patients who switch to insured status were found to be more likely to visit specialty points of care and less likely to visit urgent points of care than the continuously uninsured. It is well documented that insurance coverage and continuity of care influence health status. Continuity of insurance coverage also has an impact on access to care for those receiving services within a safety net healthcare system.


A case report of simultaneous robot-assisted nephroureterectomy and robot-assisted total laparoscopic hysterectomy.
Robot-assisted surgery is spreading across surgical specialities as a less invasive alternative to conventional laparoscopic and open surgery. In this report, robot-assisted total laparoscopic hysterectomy and robot-assisted nephroureterectomy were performed simultaneously for a 69-year-old Japanese female with giant cervical polyp and ureteral cancer. All specimens could be removed from the vagina. The operative time was 379 min, the estimated intraoperative blood loss was 29 mL, and the patient was discharged on the sixth postoperative day without complications. We reported our experience with simultaneous robot-assisted nephroureterectomy and robot-assisted total laparoscopic hysterectomy. To our knowledge, this is the first report of simultaneous robot-assisted nephroureterectomy and robot-assisted total laparoscopic hysterectomy surgery.


Cerebral Venous Stenting for Pulsatile Tinnitus After Unsuccessful Jugular Ligation: Case Report and Literature Review.
Pulsatile tinnitus constitutes up to 10% of all tinnitus cases. Cerebral venous stenosis is a known etiology of pulsatile tinnitus. Treatment of pulsatile tinnitus secondary to venous stenosis with venous stenting has been reported in the literature but is not performed routinely. We would like to report a case of chronic pulsatile tinnitus treated with venous stent in a patient who previously underwent jugular vein ligation.


Questioning the validity of an advanced decision to refuse treatment.
Richard Griffith, Senior Lecturer in Health Law at Swansea University, considers an NHS Foundation Trust's challenge to the validity of a woman's advance decision to refuse treatment in the Court of Protection.


Scanning isoelectric focusing in small density-gradient columns. IV. The use of deuterium oxide for preparing the density gradient and its effects on isoelectric points of proteins.
The use of deuterium oxide as a substitute for sucrose in preparing density gradients for small isoelectrofocusing columns has been investigated. A density gradient was created directly in a 1.5-ml column by free inter-diffusion of three deuterium oxide solutions for 3 min. The resulting deuterium oxide concentration course (as shown by measurement of the refractive-index gradient) had a very high degree of linearity. Test runs with beta-lactoglobulin and sperm-whale myoglobin showed that the strength and stability of the deuterium oxide density gradient should normally be sufficient for stabilization of protein zones against convection during isoelectric focusing. The isoelectric points of beta-lactoglobulins A and B were found to increase as the concentration ratio of deuterium oxide to water at focusing level increased. Within the limits of experimental error, the pI shift corresponding to a given change in solvent composition was equal for both components. These findings are accounted for in terms of the deuterium isotope effect on the dissociation constants of protolytic groups and the shift in the asymmetry potential of the glass electrode in deuterium oxide as compared with water. The spontaneous reduction of sperm-whale metmyoglobin to ferrous myoglobin, which occurs on prolonged isoelectric focusing, is discussed, as are the benefits and drawbacks of deuterium oxide as a density-gradient solute.


The distribution of blood group antigens in rodent epithelia.
The pattern of distribution of antigens cross-reacting with antibodies to human blood group antigens A and B and two precursor molecules was examined by immunofluorescence in the epidermis, oral mucosa and forestomach of rats and mice. Staining for blood group antigen A was negative. In all epithelia examined, blood group antigen B was present at the surface of basal and parabasal cells, and the H antigen at the surface of spinous cells. N-acetyllactosamine was present on the cell membranes in the upper spinous and granular cell layers of epidermis and forestomach epithelium and was not expressed in the oral epithelia except for a limited area in the dorsal tongue epithelium. Thus, the expression of antigen varies both regionally and, as earlier shown in human epithelium, with the stage of maturation of cells within a given epithelium. The observed sequence of expression of these antigens during maturation differs from that of human epithelia, but the present study provides a basis for further experimental studies of the role of cell surface antigens in epithelial homeostasis and maturation.


Intraocular lens resolution in air and water.
The resolution of 96 polymethylmethacrylate intraocular lenses with convexo-plano optics, ranging in power from 13 to 27 diopters, was measured in air and water. The resolution of each lens was expressed in linear units of resolving power, which is the maximum number of line-pairs that can be resolved per millimeter, as described in the current ANSI Standard Z80.7-1984. There was no clearly defined relationship between linear resolving power measured in air and that measured in water. Measurements on high power lenses (greater than 20 diopters) indicate that it is possible for an intraocular lens to meet the current 100 line-pair per millimeter standard for resolution and still be a limiting factor in a patient's best attainable visual acuity. An alternative method for evaluating lens resolution is to determine the resolution efficiency (the relative percentage performance of a lens compared to a diffraction-limited lens of the same dioptric power). Using these units, a consistent and predictable relationship from air to water was demonstrated. Our findings confirm that if a minimum standard of 30% resolution efficiency in air is established, in contrast to linear resolving power, the lens will perform near its diffraction limit when implanted in the eye. For intraocular lenses of materials other than polymethylmethacrylate, a minimum resolution efficiency in air other than 30% may be required.


[Inappropriate use of a titanium penile ring. An interdisciplinary challenge for urologists, jewelers, and locksmiths].
Constricting devices placed on the penis to improve sexual performance present a challenge to urologists. Various metallic and nonmetallic objects have been described -- plumbing cuffs, bull rings, wedding rings, plastic or rubber rings -- which usually could be removed by the combination of medical and operative treatment (decompression of the penis and glandular puncture) and craftsmen's techniques. We describe the case of a titanium thumb ring of 2 mm thickness which only could be removed by using an electric cutting tool.


(-)-CGP 12177-induced increase of human atrial contraction through a putative third beta-adrenoceptor.
1. The inotropic effects of (-)-4-(3-t-butylamino-2-hydroxypropoxy)benzimidazol-2-one ((-)-CGP 12177), an antagonist for beta 1- and beta 2-adrenoceptors as well as an agonist for beta 3-adrenoceptors, were investigated on paced preparations of isolated right atrial appendages obtained from patients without advanced heart failure undergoing open heart surgery. 2. In the presence of (-)-propranolol (200 nM), (-)-CGP 12177 increased contractile force with a -log EC50, M, of 7.3. The maximum effects of (-)-CGP 12177 amounted to 15% and 11% of the effects of (-)-isoprenaline (400 microM) and of CaCl2 (6.75 mM) respectively. 3. (-)-Bupranolol 1 microM, an antagonist with a pKB of approximately 7.5 for beta 3-adrenoceptors, antagonized surmountably the positive inotropic effects of (-)-CGP 12177 (in the presence of 200 nM (-)-propranolol) with an apparent pKB of 7.3. 4. The potent positive inotropic effects of (-)-CGP 12177 and their resistance to blockade by (-)-propranolol but antagonism by (-)-bupranolol are consistent with the existence in human atrial myocardium of a minor third beta-adrenoceptor population, possibly related to beta 3-adrenoceptors.


Management of tracheoesophageal fistula as a complication of esophageal dilatations in caustic esophageal burns.
The authors report on eight patients with caustic esophageal burns in whom tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) developed during dilatation programs. This study covered a period of 17 years between 1975 and 1992. The age of the patients ranged from 1.5 to 8 years (mean age, 3.4 years). TEF developed after 5 to 43 months after injury (mean, 20.05 months). In each case, after documentation of the fistula by esophagography, esophagoscopy, and/or bronchoscopy, the fistula was blocked by an intraluminal esophageal stent, a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tube with a large lumen (10-mm diameter maximum). In this period, patients were fed via a jejunostomy tube and by total parenteral nutrition (TPN) if indicated, while the existing pneumonia was being treated. In one patient, fistula closed spontaneously during the stent application program, which ended with a patent esophagus. In two patients primary closure of TEF was attempted. In one of them fistula recurred and in the other it was technically impossible to separate the esophagus from trachea safely because of the very tight adhesions. In five patients a two-stage coloesophagoplasty was performed to bypass the fistulated esophagus. In the first stage, retrosternal pull-through of the colon and coloesophagogastric anastomosis was performed. In the second stage, closure of the distal esophagus and cervical coloesophagostomy was carried out. The patient with the primary closure attempt and one patient with stage 1 coloesophagoplasty died 3 and 4 months, respectively, after the operations. The cause of death was uncontrollable pneumonia in both cases. Follow-up of the four patients showed no complications. Another fistula patient is currently on stent treatment program with pneumonia under control.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


Conservative treatment of lower pole breast cancers by bilateral mammoplasty and radiotherapy.
This series analyses the results of conservative surgery for large lower pole breast cancers by lumpectomy associated with a bilateral remodelling mammoplasty, in order to avoid residual deformities. This retrospective study concerns 50 patients with a lower pole breast cancer treated between 1986 and 1996 by lumpectomy, mammoplasty and irradiation. The contralateral breast was immediately made symmetrical in all cases. The mean tumour size was 32.5 mm. The mean weight of the lumpectomy specimen was 270 g. Resection margins were tumour-free in 90% of cases. The main complication observed was delayed healing, thus postponing post-operative treatment in 6.5% of cases. The median follow-up was 48 months. The 5-year actuarial ipsilateral local recurrence rate was 7% and 5-year actuarial metastasis-free and overall survival rates were 81 and 97%, respectively. Cosmesis was satisfactory in 85% of patients. We observed better results when radiotherapy was performed after rather than prior to surgery (92 vs. 67%: NS). Performing a bilateral mammoplasty at the time of initial surgery for large breast cancers situated in the lower quadrants of the breast facilitates larger lumpectomies with good cosmetic results.


Purification and properties of DNA topoisomerase I from broccoli.
We have purified a topoisomerase activity from broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) to near homogeneity. The enzyme is an 80 kDa monomer as judged by gel filtration chromatography and SDS gel electrophoresis, though it may represent a proteolytic fragment of a larger protein. The enzyme is capable of removing both negative and positive supercoils in steps of one, does not absolutely require Mg2+, is only very weakly stimulated by NaCl, is inhibited by camptothecin, and cross-reacts with an antibody directed against human DNA topoisomerase I. These properties identify the enzyme as a eukaryotic type I topoisomerase.


Health resource utilization varies by comorbidities in children with epilepsy.
Comorbidities in adults with epilepsy have been shown to significantly increase health resource utilization (HRU). The current study aimed to determine whether a similar association exists among children with epilepsy in a universal health insurance system. Health administrative databases in Ontario, Canada were used to evaluate the frequency of neurologist visits, emergency department (ED) visits, and hospitalizations. We evaluated the association between HRU and comorbidities, including depression, anxiety, learning disability, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), adjusting for age, sex, residence, and socio-economic status. The frequency of neurology visits was increased by comorbid depression, ASD, and learning disability (adjusted relative risk [aRR]=1.29-2.07; p<.01). The frequency of ED visits was increased by all comorbidities (aRR=1.26-2.83; p<.0001). The frequency of hospitalizations was increased by comorbid depression, anxiety, ASD, and learning disability (aRR=1.77-7.20; p<.0001). Learning disability had the largest impact on HRU. For each additional comorbidity, the frequency of neurology visits, ED visits, and hospitalizations increased by 1.64 to 3.16 times (p<.0001). Among children with epilepsy, mental health and developmental comorbidities were associated with increased HRU, and different comorbidities influenced different types of HRU. In addition, we highlight the importance of identifying and managing these comorbidities, as they increased the risks of costly HRU such as ED visits and hospitalizations.


Incidental lung findings in a COVID-19 patient on 18F-FDG PET/CT done for preoperative evaluation of Marjolin's ulcer-first report from Chhattisgarh.
The aim of this case is to illustrate the18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography-computed tomography findings of a patient who was admitted in AIIMS, Raipur, for the preoperative evaluation of Marjolin ulcer and was later diagnosed with COVID-19 infection. Apart from the primary lesion in the right foot and pelvic lymph nodes, the scan revealed mild FDG-avid basal ground-glass opacities in bilateral lung fields with mediastinal and hilar lymph nodal involvement, in an otherwise asymptomatic patient.


Cadmium-induced heme oxygenase-1 gene expression is associated with the depletion of glutathione in the roots of Medicago sativa.
Following previous findings that cadmium (Cd) induces heme oxygenase-1 (HO1) gene expression in alfalfa seedling roots, we now show that the decreased glutathione (GSH) and ascorbic acid (AsA) contents, induction of HO-1 gene expression and its protein level by Cd was mimicked by a GSH depletor diethylmaleate (DEM). Meanwhile, above Cd- or DEM-induced decreased GSH content followed by HO-1 up-regulation could be strengthened or reversed differentially by the application of a selective inhibitor of GSH biosynthesis L: -buthionine-sulfoximine (BSO), or exogenous GSH and AsA, respectively. The antioxidative behavior of HO-1 induction was further confirmed by histochemical staining for the detection of loss of membrane integrity in a short period of treatment time. Additionally, the induction of HO-1 transcript was inhibited by the transcriptional inhibitor actinomycin D (ActD) or protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide (CX, especially). In contrast, the level of HO-2 transcript did not change upon various treatments. Together, above results suggested that Cd-induced up-regulation of HO-1 gene expression is associated with GSH depletion, which is at least existing transcriptional regulation level, thus leading to enhanced antioxidative capability transiently.


Development and validation of the 40-item Glaucoma Visual Functioning Questionnaire.
To evaluate the psychometric properties of a newly designed questionnaire, the 40-item Glaucoma Visual Functioning Questionnaire (GVFQ-40), in a Chinese sample to capture the visual ability of patients with glaucomatous vision impairment in five domains. Eighty-four glaucoma suspects (controls) and 270 glaucoma patients were recruited from the Glaucoma Clinic at Zhongshan Ophthalmic Centre in this cross-sectional, observational study. All subjects completed two questionnaires during routine clinical visits: the GVFQ-40 and the validated National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire-25 (NEI VFQ-25). The discriminant, criterion-related and construct validity of the GVFQ-40 were assessed. A subset of subjects completed the GVFQ-40 twice, with an interval of 7-21 days, to determine test-retest reliability. Domain-specific and total GVFQ-40 scores were significantly higher (worse visual ability) in glaucoma patients than in controls (all p<0.001). All pairwise subgroup comparisons were statistically significant except for the 'mobility' domain comparison between the mild visual field loss and control groups (p=0.189). Significant differences between these two groups were observed in only 2 of the 12 dimensions on the NEI VFQ-25. The GVFQ-40 results demonstrated strong correlations with better-eye mean deviation and Visual Field Index (glaucoma severity measures). Exploratory factor analysis tended to confirm a three-domain structure. Test-retest intraclass correlation coefficients were higher than 0.927 for domain-specific and total GVFQ-40 scores. The GVFQ-40 possesses good validity and reliability. It can be used to evaluate the impact of glaucomatous damage on visual ability and has potential in the evaluation of intervention efficacy. NCT04722861.


Is one benign fine needle aspiration enough?
Fine needle aspiration (FNA) is used to diagnose thyroid nodules, but the follow-up of benign FNA is unclear. We sought to determine whether routine repeat FNAs after initial benign FNA reduces false negatives. We identified 265 patients who had at least one benign FNA that either progressed to surgery or had at least one repeat FNA. We reviewed their ultrasonography, FNA cytology, and surgical pathology. Of 127 patients with initial benign FNA that had surgery, 13 had a malignancy, yielding a 10.2% false-negative rate. Of 22 patients who had surgery after at least two benign FNAs, one had a malignancy, yielding a 4.5% false-negative rate. Initially benign cytology (Bethesda II) was upgraded to a cytology requiring surgical intervention (Bethesda IV-VI) in 7 of 129 (5.4%) patients after two FNAs. Suspicious features on ultrasound, including size >4 cm, calcifications, or increased vascularity were found in 90% of patients with a false-negative FNA. The overall false-negative rate of thyroid FNAs is 10.2%, which is reduced to 4.5% with a second benign FNA. Ninety percent of patients with a false-negative FNA had suspicious sonographic features. Reaspiration should be considered in patients with sonographically suspicious nodules.


Arsenic adsorbent derived from the ferromanganese slag.
Arsenic-contaminated groundwater has a severe negative impact on the health of living beings. Groundwater majorly contains arsenite (As(III)) as well as arsenate (As(V)). Among these two, the arsenite species are more carcinogenic, mobile, and lethal. Hence, it is more difficult to remove by conventional water treatment methods. Ferromanganese slag, waste generated from steel industries, has been utilized in this study for the development of arsenic adsorbent. A chemical treatment method is applied to the ferromanganese slag to prepare efficient arsenic adsorbent, and it is easy to scale up. An adsorbent with the capacity for simultaneous oxidation of As(III) and adsorption of total arsenic species can be efficient for arsenic decontamination. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray absorption near edge spectra techniques prove the As(III) oxidation capability of the developed material is about 70 ± 5% based on initial As(III) concentration. The adsorbent not only oxidizes the As(III) species but also adsorbs both the arsenic species. The Langmuir isotherm model estimates the maximum adsorption capacities at the equilibrium concentration of 10 μg/L are 1.010 ± 0.004 mg/g and 1.614 ± 0.006 mg/g for As(III) and As(V), respectively. The rate of adsorption of As(III) was higher compared to the As(V), which was confirmed by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Therefore, the treated water quality meets the World Health Organization and Indian drinking water standards.


Development of an intelligent full-field polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography for breast cancer classification.
Biopsy is the gold standard for cancer detection, however the surge in breast cancer cases has made manual haematoxylin and eosin stained histopathological image examination difficult. Automatic cancer diagnosis is vital for a healthy life. It allows fast diagnosis without specific skills. This research proposes an intelligent full-field polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (FF-PS-OCT) system for ex-vivo breast classification using ensemble model corroborated by technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS). 220 samples image were scanned using the FF-PS-OCT to extract the phase information. The multilevel ensemble classifier has 94.8% precision, 92.5% recall, 93.7% F-score and 82.3% Mathews correlation coefficient on the testing dataset. The developed ensemble model corroborated by TOPSIS, outperforms the single model in terms of performance metrics. The initial results indicate that the rapid, non-contact and label-free FF-PS-OCT imaging modality using birefringent information is beneficial for making interventional decisions by clinicians.


Chk1 inhibits E2F6 repressor function in response to replication stress to maintain cell-cycle transcription.
In eukaryotic cells, detection of replication stress results in the activation of the DNA replication checkpoint, a signaling cascade whose central players are the kinases ATR and Chk1. The checkpoint response prevents the accumulation of DNA damage and ensures cell viability by delaying progression into mitosis. However, the role and mechanism of the replication checkpoint transcriptional response in human cells, which is p53 independent, is largely unknown. We show that, in response to DNA replication stress, the regular E2F-dependent cell-cycle transcriptional program is maintained at high levels, and we establish the mechanisms governing such transcriptional upregulation. E2F6, a repressor of E2F-dependent G1/S transcription, replaces the activating E2Fs at promoters to repress transcription in cells progressing into S phase in unperturbed conditions. After replication stress, the checkpoint kinase Chk1 phosphorylates E2F6, leading to its dissociation from promoters. This promotes E2F-dependent transcription, which mediates cell survival by preventing DNA damage and cell death. This work reveals, for the first time, that the regular cell-cycle transcriptional program is part of the DNA replication checkpoint response in human cells and establishes the molecular mechanism involved. We show that maintaining high levels of G1/S cell-cycle transcription in response to replication stress contributes to two key functions of the DNA replication checkpoint response, namely, preventing genomic instability and cell death. Given the critical role of replication stress in oncogene transformation, a detailed understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the checkpoint response will contribute to a better insight into cancer development.


Fungal biomass associated with decaying leaf litter in a stream.
Fungal biomass, measured as ergosterol content, was determined on alder leaf litter incubated during autumn in a softwater Pyrenean stream. The ergosterol content of the leaf litter increased rapidly to a maximum of 462 μg/g detrital dry mass. Ergosterol contents of aquatic Hyphomycetes grown in shake culture were typically ≤5 mg/g mycelial dry mass. Using the corresponding ergosterol-to-biomass conversion factor of 200, peak fungal mass accounted for 9.2% of total system mass, or 10.2% of leaf dry mass. For the period of highest activity (incubation days 7-28), net fungal production on leaf litter was estimated as 2.3 mg d-1 g-1 leaf mass. A conservative estimate of the growth efficiency for the same period was 105 mg mycelial mass per gram leaf mass degraded, assuming that non-leaf organic matter did not constitute an important carbon source supporting fungal production.


Trinucleate cells and the ultrastructural localisation of bovine placental lactogen.
Bovine placental lactogen activity is shown by immunogold electron microscopy to be restricted to the granules and the Golgi body from which they form in the bovine fetal trophectodermal binucleate cell, and granules of similar size and staining reaction in trinucleate "giant" cells found in the maternal uterine epithelium throughout pregnancy. These results support the hypothesis that a fetal binucleate cell forms a maternal giant cell by migration to and fusion with a uterine epithelial cell.


Two iron-regulated transporter (IRT) genes showed differential expression in poplar trees under iron or zinc deficiency.
Two iron-regulated transporter (IRT) genes were cloned from the iron chlorosis resistant (PtG) and susceptible (PtY) Populus tremula 'Erecta' lines. Nucleotide sequence analysis showed no significant difference between PtG and PtY. The predicted proteins contain a conserved ZIP domain with 8 transmembrane (TM) regions. A ZIP signature sequence was found in the fourth TM domain. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that PtIRT1 was clustered with tomato and tobacco IRT genes that are highly responsible to iron deficiency. The PtIRT3 gene was clustered with the AtIRT3 gene that was related to zinc and iron transport in plants. Tissue specific expression indicated that PtIRT1 only expressed in the root, while PtIRT3 constitutively expressed in all tested tissues. Under iron deficiency, the expression of PtIRT1 was dramatically increased and a significantly higher transcript level was detected in PtG than in PtY. Iron deficiency also enhanced the expression of PtIRT3 in PtG. On the other hand, zinc deficiency down-regulated the expression of PtIRT1 and PtIRT3 in both PtG and PtY. Zinc accumulated significantly under iron-deficient conditions, whereas the zinc deficiency showed no significant effect on iron accumulation. A yeast complementation test revealed that the PtIRT1 and PtIRT3 genes could restore the iron uptake ability under the iron uptake-deficiency condition. The results will help understand the mechanisms of iron deficiency response in poplar trees and other woody species.


Tachykinin-like central activity of neuromedin K in mice.
Neuromedin K, a decapeptide isolated from porcine spinal cord and suggested to have tachykinin-like activity in vitro, produced reciprocal hind-limb scratching when injected intrathecally to mice. Neuromedin K was 20-60 times less potent in producing scratching (on a molar basis) than substance P, kassinin, eledoisin or physalaemin. The activity of neuromedin K was blocked by the substance P antagonist [D-Pro2D-Trp7.9]substance P at doses of antagonist which effectively blocked the activity of the other tachykinins. These data provide the first evidence for tachykinin-like activity of neuromedin K in the central nervous system.


Cholesterol levels in normal Irish adults: the Mater Hospital Cholesterol Screening Survey.
Serum samples from 954 Irish adults (604 males, 350 females) aged 18 to 65 years were analyzed within 24 hours of receipt for non-fasting total serum cholesterol levels. The subjects were volunteer blood donors (Blood Transfusion Service Board, Pelican House, Dublin) presenting from June 1990 to February 1991. Serum cholesterol increased significantly with age in both males and females. Mean serum cholesterol in males increased from 4.5 (+/- 0.9) mmol/l in those < 25 years, to 5.7 (+/- 1.0) mmol/l at age 55-64 years. In females, mean serum cholesterol increased from 4.3 (+/- 0.9) mmol/l less than 25 years to 6.2 (+/- 0.8) mmol/l at age 55-64 years. Options for reporting cholesterol ranges are discussed. The overall mean cholesterol concentration of 5.1 mmol/l seen in this study is lower than that reported for comparable studies of U.K. and American subjects, but higher than observed in Japanese individuals. Almost 48% of the studied population had a serum cholesterol value less than 5 mmol/l and over 56% had levels less than 5.2 mmol/l.


National Dementia BioBank: A Strategy for the Diagnosis and Study of Neurodegenerative Diseases in México.
We recently developed the National Dementia Biobank in México (BioBanco Nacional de Demencias, BND) as a unit for diagnosis, research, and tissue transfer for research purposes. BND is associated with the Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico (UNAM), Mexico. The donation of fluids, brain, and other organs of deceased donors is crucial for understanding the underlying mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases and for the development of successful treatment. Our laboratory research focuses on 1) analysis of the molecular processing of the proteins involved in those neurodegenerative diseases termed tauopathies and 2) the search for biomarkers for the non-invasive and early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.


Clinical efficacy of sucralfate in reflux esophagitis. Comparison with cimetidine.
Sucralfate has been evaluated in reflux esophagitis, based on its protective adherence to denuded surfaces, its bile salt-binding properties, and its cytoprotective properties. Histamine (H2)-receptor blockers are currently considered the standard therapy. The goal of this study was to compare the potential efficacy of sucralfate with that of cimetidine. A single-blind, randomized, multicenter study was performed in 42 patients with endoscopically documented reflux esophagitis. Patients were randomly given 1 g of sucralfate suspension four times daily or 400 mg of cimetidine four times daily for eight weeks. Forty patients were evaluated after eight weeks. Symptomatic improvement was good and comparable in both groups. In two patients given sucralfate and one given cimetidine, side effects were noted but did not necessitate withdrawal from the study. Endoscopy showed improvement in 53 percent of patients and healing of esophagitis in 31 percent after sucralfate treatment. With cimetidine, improvement was seen in 67 percent and healing occurred in 14 percent. In one patient receiving cimetidine, distal esophageal stenosis developed, requiring dilatation therapy. It is concluded that treatment with sucralfate improves the symptomatology and severity of reflux esophagitis. The results obtained with sucralfate appear comparable to those with cimetidine. Sucralfate may therefore be considered as a valid alternative to H2-receptor antagonist therapy in treating reflux esophagitis.


Abdominal aortic aneurysm causing duodenal obstruction.
Two cases of abdominal aortic aneurysm presenting with duodenal obstruction following truncal vagotomy and pyloroplasty are described. Barium examination revealed the site and cause of obstruction in both. In one case the aneurysm was successfully resected.


Tape stripping on a human nail: quantification of removal.
Tape stripping is commonly used to investigate the stratum corneum (SC). This study assesses if protein quantitative tape stripping method was suitable for human nails. We used a colorimetric method to quantify proteins removed by the tape. Water barrier functions as a result of tape stripping were also observed by changes in transonychial water loss (TOWL) from the baseline. Using tape stripping, we observed no difference between nails in the protein quantity removed by tape stripping (P=0.39). The mean TOWL before and after tape stripping were 6.9 and 9.3 g/m2/h, respectively; this was significantly increased in tape stripped nails (P<0.0001). Tape stripping seems to be an effective method to extract proteins from human nail plate and may aid the study of nail structure and function. Further studies are needed to extend our results in terms of age, gender, ethnicity and disease.


Parent/caregiver attitudes, motivations and behaviours in relation to alcohol use among offspring aged 13-18 years: a qualitative study.
Parental alcohol consumption and alcohol-related behaviour play a critical role in shaping adolescent alcohol use, but comparatively little is known about the perspectives of parents regarding adolescent alcohol use from qualitative studies in England. This study aimed to explore parental views and attitudes towards alcohol use during adolescence, among their offspring and among young people in general. Twenty-three parents (21 mothers, 2 fathers) of children aged 13-18 years were recruited via schools, workplaces and community settings, predominantly in the West of England (n = 19) between 2017 and 2018. Data were collected via in-depth one-to-one interviews and analysed thematically, using an inductive, constructionist approach. Five major themes were identified in the data: (1) the parental alcohol environment, (2) balance and acceptance, (3) influences of the parental approach, (4) boundaries and parental monitoring, and (5) wider influences shaping young people's behaviour. Overall, parents were aware of the risks and consequences of alcohol use and the wide range of influences shaping drinking behaviour, and expressed broad disapproval of alcohol use among young people. However, adolescent alcohol use was viewed as inevitable, and set within a context of a tolerant drinking culture. Many parents therefore chose a balanced and reluctantly accepting approach. This approach was determined by weighing disapproval of drinking against consistency with wider culture and parental behaviour, support for autonomy of the child, and avoidance of social sanctions. Parents' responses were also determined by a desire to protect the parent-child relationship, maintain an open, communicative and trusting relationship, and ultimately limit risk and minimise harm. Various boundaries and strategies were employed to this end, including care around role modelling, gradual introductions to alcohol, boundaried provision, clear risk reduction messaging and parental monitoring. Parents employ a range of mechanisms to reduce alcohol-related risk and to balance harms of alcohol use among their offspring against adolescent behavioural norms. A downward shift in community consumption and changing socio-cultural norms could alter the accepting context in which parents are required to navigate adolescent alcohol use.


IgE-mediated allergic reactions to fruit gums and investigation of cross-reactivity between gelatine and modified gelatine-containing products.
A 32-year-old female reacted with a contact urticaria syndrome after eating 'gummy bears' (fruit gums). The reaction began in the oral mucosa and led to treatment on an inpatient basis. RAST measurements with allergen discs produced with gelatine and gelatine-containing products (among them 'gummy bears') demonstrated the presence of IgE antibodies in the serum of this patient. Proteins with molecular weights in the range of 40-120 kD were identified as the allergens in gelatine by using Western blot analysis. RAST inhibition showed cross-reactivity between gelatine, gelatine-containing products and the modified gelatine used in some plasma substitutes. Allergic reactions towards coloured fruit candies and 'gummy bears' may result from an IgE-mediated hypersensitivity towards gelatine. The long-known anaphylactoid reactions towards gelatine-containing plasma substitutes may, at least in part, be of an allergic nature.


Quantum simulation. Two-dimensional superexchange-mediated magnetization dynamics in an optical lattice.
The interplay of magnetic exchange interactions and tunneling underlies many complex quantum phenomena observed in real materials. We study nonequilibrium magnetization dynamics in an extended two-dimensional (2D) system by loading effective spin-1/2 bosons into a spin-dependent optical lattice and use the lattice to separately control the resonance conditions for tunneling and superexchange. After preparing a nonequilibrium antiferromagnetically ordered state, we observe relaxation dynamics governed by two well-separated rates, which scale with the parameters associated with superexchange and tunneling. With tunneling off-resonantly suppressed, we observe superexchange-dominated dynamics over two orders of magnitude in magnetic coupling strength. Our experiment will serve as a benchmark for future theoretical work as the detailed dynamics of this 2D, strongly correlated, and far-from-equilibrium quantum system remain out of reach of current computational techniques.


Resuscitation and auto resuscitation by airway reflexes in animals.
Various diseases often result in decompensation requiring resuscitation. In infants moderate hypoxia evokes a compensatory augmented breath - sigh and more severe hypoxia results in a solitary gasp. Progressive asphyxia provokes gasping respiration saving the healthy infant - autoresuscitation by gasping. A neonate with sudden infant death syndrome, however, usually will not survive. Our systematic research in animals indicated that airway reflexes have similar resuscitation potential as gasping respiration. Nasopharyngeal stimulation in cats and most mammals evokes the aspiration reflex, characterized by spasmodic inspiration followed by passive expiration. On the contrary, expiration reflex from the larynx, or cough reflex from the pharynx and lower airways manifest by a forced expiration, which in cough is preceded by deep inspiration. These reflexes of distinct character activate the brainstem rhythm generators for inspiration and expiration strongly, but differently. They secondarily modulate the control mechanisms of various vital functions of the organism. During severe asphyxia the progressive respiratory insufficiency may induce a life-threatening cardio-respiratory failure. The sniff- and gasp-like aspiration reflex and similar spasmodic inspirations, accompanied by strong sympatho-adrenergic activation, can interrupt a severe asphyxia and reverse the developing dangerous cardiovascular and vasomotor dysfunctions, threatening with imminent loss of consciousness and death. During progressive asphyxia the reversal of gradually developing bradycardia and excessive hypotension by airway reflexes starts with reflex tachycardia and vasoconstriction, resulting in prompt hypertensive reaction, followed by renewal of cortical activity and gradual normalization of breathing. A combination of the aspiration reflex supporting venous return and the expiration or cough reflex increasing the cerebral perfusion by strong expirations, provides a powerful resuscitation and autoresuscitation potential, proved in animal experiments. They represent a simple but unique model tested in animal experiments.


Morphologically differentiated sex chromosomes in neotropical freshwater fish.
A general survey of the occurrence of morphologically differentiated sex chromosomes in the neotropical freshwater fishes is presented. The total number of 32 occurrences involving simple XX-XY and ZZ-ZW, and multiple X1X2Y, XY1Y2 and ZW1W2 sex chromosome systems is described, with comments on the aspects of sex chromosome evolution in this fish fauna. The occurrence of different sex chromosome systems in related species of the same genus, or in different populations of the same nominal species, involving male and sometimes female heterogamety, and differences in the molecular composition of sex-linked heterochromatin, are considered as indicative of the early stage of sex chromosomes evolution in fish.


Current situation and genomic characterization of fowlpox virus in lower Egypt during 2022.
A total of 45 samples of vaccinated and non-vaccinated layer chickens were collected from farms in the Egyptian governorates of Sharqia, Ismailia, Menofia, Gharbia, Kafr El Sheikh, Qalyubia, and Dakahlia in the year 2022. They exhibited nodular lesions on their combs, mouth corners, and eyelids, suggesting they were infected with pox disease, which was associated with a 3 to 5% mortality rate. The samples were grown on the chorioallantoic-membrane of embryonated chicken eggs to ensure their viability. In both vaccinated and non-vaccinated farms, 35 of 45 virus isolates were confirmed positive via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of fpv167 (P4b), based on the amplicon length of the fpv167 gene locus. The 6 strains from various Egyptian governorates were chosen for sequencing and genetic characterization. Phylogenetic investigation of the fpv167 (P4b) gene of sequenced strains clustered within sub clade A1 showed 100% correlation between FWPVD, TKPV13401 and fowlpox-AN2, fowlpox-AN3, and fowlpox-AN6, but only a 98.6% correlation between fowlpox-AN1, fowlpox-AN4, and fowlpox-AN5. Comparing the fowlpox-AN1, fowlpox-AN4, and fowlpox-AN5 strains with commercial vaccine strains (HP1-444-(FP9), vaccine-VSVRI), they had 98.6% identity, while other strains had 100% identity. The results of this study's mutation research showed that fowlpox-AN1, fowlpox-AN4, and fowlpox-AN5 had acquired novel mutations; fowlpox-AN1 had R201G and T204A; fowlpox-AN4 and fowlpox-AN5 had L141F and H157P. Further research is required to determine the effectiveness of the current vaccine in order to develop a new vaccine.


Short-active photoperiod gestation induces psychiatry-relevant behavior in healthy mice but a resiliency to such effects are seen in mice with reduced dopamine transporter expression.
A higher incidence of multiple psychiatric disorders occurs in people born in late winter/early spring. Reduced light exposure/activity level impacts adult rodent behavior and neural mechanisms, yet few studies have investigated such light exposure on gestating fetuses. A dysfunctional dopamine system is implicated in most psychiatric disorders, and genetic polymorphisms reducing expression of the dopamine transporter (DAT) are associated with some conditions. Furthermore, adult mice with reduced DAT expression (DAT-HT) were hypersensitive to short active (SA; 19:5 L:D) photoperiod exposure versus their wildtype (WT) littermates. Effects of SA photoperiod exposure during gestation in these mice have not been examined. We confirmed adult females exhibit a heightened corticosterone response when in SA photoperiod. We then tested DAT-HT mice and WT littermates in psychiatry-relevant behavioral tests after SA or normal active (NA; 12:12 L:D) photoperiod exposure during gestation and early life. SA-born WT mice exhibited sensorimotor gating deficits (males), increased reward preference, less immobility, open arm avoidance (females), less motivation to obtain a reward, and reversal learning deficits, vs. NA-born WT mice. DAT-HT mice were largely resilient to these effects, however. Future studies will determine the mechanism(s) by which SA photoperiod exposure influences brain development to predispose toward emergence of psychiatry-relevant behaviors.


Are these data real? Statistical methods for the detection of data fabrication in clinical trials.
To test the application of statistical methods to detect data fabrication in a clinical trial. Data from two clinical trials: a trial of a dietary intervention for cardiovascular disease and a trial of a drug intervention for the same problem. Baseline comparisons of means and variances of cardiovascular risk factors; digit preference overall and its pattern by group. In the dietary intervention trial, variances for 16 of the 22 variables available at baseline were significantly different, and 10 significant differences were seen in means for these variables. Some of these P values were extraordinarily small. Distributions of the final recorded digit were significantly different between the intervention and the control group at baseline for 14/22 variables in the dietary trial. In the drug trial, only five variables were available, and no significant differences between the groups for baseline values in means or variances or digit preference were seen. Several statistical features of the data from the dietary trial are so strongly suggestive of data fabrication that no other explanation is likely.


Examining body dissatisfaction in young men within a biopsychosocial framework.
This study examined biopsychosocial factors related to body dissatisfaction in young men within multivariate and moderator contexts. A female sample was included as a gender comparison. Male (n=111) and female (n=236) undergraduates filled out self-report questionnaires assessing body mass index (BMI), media influence, a history of weight-related teasing, and socially prescribed perfectionism, along with various indices of body dissatisfaction. Perceived pressure from the media was consistently related to body dissatisfaction in men whereas multiple biopsychosocial variables accounted for body dissatisfaction in women. Socially prescribed perfectionism and a history of weight teasing each moderated the relationship between BMI and male body dissatisfaction, identifying men low in body dissatisfaction. Findings indicate that applying a biopsychosocial framework to the study of body dissatisfaction in men is useful and suggest the need for including other factors, such as male peers and sports involvement, in understanding contributors to male body image.


Trace metal and metalloid levels in surface water of Marcal River before and after the Ajka red mud spill, Hungary.
The aim of this study was to compare and assess the dissolved concentrations of trace elements (As, Zn, Hg, Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb and Cu) in surface water of Marcal River before and after the red mud spill that occurred in Ajka, western Hungary, in October 2010. The caustic sludge flooded the surrounding settlements and polluted the nearby Torna Creek, which flows through the Marcal and Raba rivers into the Danube. A total of 92 surface water samples were collected from the Marcal River in the period of 2007-2012 and analysed for dissolved trace metal(loid)s by atomic absorption spectroscopy method. After the spill, the water management authority initially focused on acid dosing of surface waters to lower pH and was effective in lowering both pH and metal(loid) concentrations. Among the dissolved trace metal(loid)s, arsenic and nickel levels were moderately higher in the Marcal River 2 years since the spill compared to that observed in the pre-disaster period. The concentrations of dissolved trace metal(loid)s did not exceed the European water quality standards and the US Environmental Protection Agency aquatic life criteria values (excluding one sample for cadmium).


Bacterial toxins as mucosal adjuvants.
The use of mucosally administered killed bacteria or viruses as vaccines has a number of attractive features over the use of viable attenuated organisms, including safety, cost, storage and ease of delivery. Unfortunately, mucosally administered killed organisms are not usually effective as vaccines. The use of LT(R192G), a genetically detoxified derivative of LT, as a mucosal adjuvant enables the use of killed bacteria or viruses as vaccines by enhancing the overall humoral and cellular host immune response to these organisms, especially the Th1 arm of the immune response. With this adjuvant, protective responses equivalent to those elicited by live attenuated organisms can be achieved with killed organisms without the potential side effects. These findings have significant implications for vaccine development and further support the potential of LT(R192G) to function as a safe, effective adjuvant for mucosally administered vaccines. There are a number of unresolved issues regarding the use of LT and CT mutants as mucosal adjuvants. Both active-site and protease-site mutants of LT and CT have been constructed and adjuvanticity reported for these molecules in various animal models and with different antigens. There needs to be a side-by-side comparison of CT, LT, active-site mutants, protease-site mutants and recombinant B subunits regarding the ability to induce specific, targeted immunological outcomes as a function of route of immunization and nature of the co-administered antigen. Those side-by-side comparisons have not been carried out and there is a substantial body of evidence indicating that the outcomes may very well be different. With that information, vaccine strategies could be designed employing the optimum adjuvant/antigen formulation and route of administration for a variety of bacterial and viral pathogens. Also lacking is an understanding of the underlying cellular and intracellular signaling pathways activated by these different molecules and an understanding of the mechanisms of adjuvanticity at the cellular level. These are important issues because they take us beyond the phenomenological observations of "enhanced immunity" to a more clear understanding of the mechanisms of adjuvant activity.


Unmet needs of older people with asthma: cross-sectional survey.
Asthma in older people is a major cause of disease burden in Australia and is projected to increase over the next two decades. Current guidelines for asthma care rely predominantly on studies from younger populations. We undertook a cross-sectional survey of older people with asthma to identify their concerns and their perceived asthma symptom burden. One hundred and ninety-nine people over 55 years of age with asthma were recruited from community pharmacies, in the states of Victoria and NSW, Australia. One-hundred and twenty (62%) participants reported "perfectly" or "very well controlled" asthma over the past month, and 78% claimed adherence to asthma treatment. Despite this, 105 (55%) reported experiencing moderate to severe symptoms and 58 (30%) moderate to extreme restrictions on their lifestyle in the past month. Exacerbations were also common with over one-third of participants seeking emergency asthma care or requiring oral corticosteroids in the past 12 months. In spite of 80% of participants reporting confidence of how to manage their asthma properly, only 10% said they would call an ambulance or visit an Emergency Department if their asthma was "out of control." Further asthma self-management education was considered desirable by two-thirds. However, those over 65 years preferred less autonomy in decision-making compared to those under 65 years. CONCLUSION. Older people with asthma experience a high symptom burden. A simplified version of our questionnaire could assist GPs, specialists, and asthma educators to identify the individual needs of older patients and to tailor their delivery of asthma care accordingly.


Renal effects of low-dose aminophylline and enprofylline in newborn rabbits.
Renal function was studied in 15 newborn New Zealand rabbits administered either 0.6 mg/kg enprofylline intravenously. Each animal acted as its own control. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and renal blood flow (RBF) were assessed by the clearances of inulin and para-aminohippuric acid, respectively. Enprofylline, a xanthine with low adenosine antagonistic properties, did not modify urine flow rate, GFR, RBF, renal vascular resistance, filtration fraction, sodium and potassium urinary excretion, whereas administration of theophylline, a potent adenosine antagonist, was associated with a significant increase in diuresis, renal vascular resistance and filtration fraction. The differences observed in the renal effects of theophylline and enprofylline strongly support the view that 1) the renal actions of micromolar concentrations of theophylline are mediated by an antagonism with endogenous renal adenosine; 2) renal adenosine could play a physiological role in the regulation of renal hemodynamics.


A first-principles study of pristine and Al-doped activated carbon interacting with 5-Fluorouracil anticancer drug.
The adsorption of the 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) molecule on the pristine and Al-doped activated carbon (AC) was investigated by using the Vienna Ab-initio Simulation Package. It is found that the 5-FU molecule is only weakly adsorbed on the pristine AC with high adsorption energy and large surface distance. The adsorption of the 5-FU molecule on pristine AC is highly disfavored. In contrast, the molecule shows strong interactions with the Al-doped AC confirmed by the lesser adsorption energy, the charge transfers on the Al-modified zone and the significant changes in the DOS at the Fermi level. The results of our study suggest that the Al dopant increases the adsorption capacity of AC enhancing its interactions with polar atoms of the adsorbate, hence improving its adsorption properties.


[Therapeutic possibilities of shoulder arthroscopy at the orthopedic clinic of the Charité and the surgical clinic Berlin-Weissensee].
We report on arthroscopic procedures of 279 shoulder joints which were done in two hospitals of East-Berlin. We stress out the intention to arthroscopic diagnostic and simultaneous surgery. Arthroscopic surgery was mainly performed as resections and exstirpations. In cases of luxation and severe rotator cuff tears the open revision was necessary to perform.


Helical CT assessment in hilar cholangiocarcinoma: correlation with surgical and pathologic findings.
Our goal was to assess the usefulness of helical CT in the presurgical evaluation of hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Helical CT aids in tumor localization and in assessment of parenchymal, biliary intrahepatic, and portal involvement in hilar cholangiocarcinoma. However, helical CT is not effective in the assessment of biliary extrahepatic, arterial, and lymph node involvement.