Oscillatory brain mechanisms of the hypnotically-induced out-of-body experience.
One of the most challenging questions regarding the nature and neural basis of consciousness is the embodied dimension of the phenomenon, that is, feeling located within the body and viewing the world from that spatial perspective. Current theories in neurophysiology highlight the active role of multisensory and sensorimotor integration in supporting self-location and self-perspective, and propose the right temporal-parietal-junction (rTPJ) as a key area for such function. These theories are based mainly on findings from two experimental paradigms: manipulation of bottom-up multisensory information integration regarding one's body location (full-body illusion), or direct and invasive manipulation disrupting brain activity at the rTPJ. In this study we take a different approach by using hypnotic suggestion - a non-invasive top-down technique - to manipulate the subjective experience of self-location. The brain activity of 18 right-handed participants was recorded using magnetoencephalography (MEG) while their subjective experience of self-location was hypnotically manipulated. Spectral analyses were conducted on the spontaneous MEG data before and during an induction of an out-of-body experience (OBE) by a trained psychiatrist. The results indicate high correlations between power at alpha and high-gamma frequency-bands and the degree of perceived change in self-location. Regions exhibiting such correlations include temporal-occipital regions, the rTPJ, as well as frontal and midline regions. These findings are in line with an oscillatory-based predictive coding framework.


Residual behaviors and metabolic pathway of ethylparaben in Drosophila melanogaster.
Parabens are commonly used as preservatives in foodstuffs, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products. The widespread use of parabens has led to their leaking into the environment. Concerns about the safety of parabens have recently increased due to their potential endocrine-disrupting effects as an emerging contaminant. Thus, it is necessary to study the metabolism of parabens in vivo. In this study, Drosophila melanogaster in males and females were exposed to ethylparaben (EP) concentration group (300 mg/L, 700 mg/L, and 1000 mg/L), and control group (0 mg/L) by the capillary feeding assay (CAFE). We quantified the activity of the detoxification-related carboxylesterase (CarE). The contents of EP metabolites in D. melanogaster, including p-hydroxybenzoic acid (PHBA), methylparaben (MP), and intact EP were carried out by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The regression model between EP metabolites (PHBA and MP) and CarE was developed using the Fourier series fitting method. The general level of EP metabolites (PHBA, MP, and intact EP) accumulation was accounted for 5.6-11.5% in D. melanogaster. As EP accumulated, the activity of CarE increased, and the activity of CarE in females was higher than males, which is inconsistent with the result of EP intake dose. Additionally, there were significant differences in the proportion of EP metabolites between female and male flies, and the results of sex comparison were different depending on the EP treated groups and EP metabolites. In general, PHBA of EP hydrolytic product and MP of EP transesterification product in D. melanogaster were 41.4-63.9% and 10.4-24.6%, respectively. In terms of the rest of the EP existed in intact form and ranged from 22.4% to 34.0%. Moreover, the EP metabolites in the conjugated form were higher than those in the free form. The regression model between EP metabolites and CarE was established, showing that the CarE activity can be used to estimate the content of PHBA and MP. The result indicates that the EP can accumulate in the body through food. Hydrolysis is the main metabolic pathway of EP in D. melanogaster, and transesterification is another metabolic pathway of EP. Additionally, the EP metabolites in flies mainly exist in conjugated form. Furthermore, the Fourier series fitting method model between EP metabolites and CarE, providing theoretical support to study the dose-effect relationship between metabolites of parabens and CarE. This study not only provides a mathematical basis for the safety evaluation of parabens, but also provides support for the further study of the toxicological effects of parabens.


Functional imaging of auditory scene analysis.
Our auditory system is constantly faced with the task of decomposing the complex mixture of sound arriving at the ears into perceptually independent streams constituting accurate representations of individual sound sources. This decomposition, termed auditory scene analysis, is critical for both survival and communication, and is thought to underlie both speech and music perception. The neural underpinnings of auditory scene analysis have been studied utilizing invasive experiments with animal models as well as non-invasive (MEG, EEG, and fMRI) and invasive (intracranial EEG) studies conducted with human listeners. The present article reviews human neurophysiological research investigating the neural basis of auditory scene analysis, with emphasis on two classical paradigms termed streaming and informational masking. Other paradigms - such as the continuity illusion, mistuned harmonics, and multi-speaker environments - are briefly addressed thereafter. We conclude by discussing the emerging evidence for the role of auditory cortex in remapping incoming acoustic signals into a perceptual representation of auditory streams, which are then available for selective attention and further conscious processing. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Human Auditory Neuroimaging.


A one-to-one Mg2+:Mn2+ exchange in rat erythrocytes.
Mg2+ efflux in rat erythrocytes was stimulated by increases in external Na+ concentration following a Michaelian-like function with an apparent dissociation constant (KNa) of 11 +/- 3 mM (mean +/- S.D. of three experiments) and a variable maximal rate ranging from 150 to 1200 mumol (liter (1) cells X h)-1. Na+-stimulated Mg2+ efflux was inhibited by quinidine and by ATP depletion. In the absence of external Na+, Mg2+ efflux was stimulated by increases in external Mn2+ concentration following a Michaelian-like function with an apparent dissociation constant (KMn) of 35 +/- 15 microM (mean +/- S.D. of four experiments) and a variable maximal rate ranging from 350 to 1400 mumol (1 cells X h)-1. Mn2+-stimulated Mg2+ efflux was inhibited by quinidine, by ATP depletion, and by increasing the external Na+ concentration. Quinidine-sensitive (or ATP-dependent) Mg2+ efflux exhibited very similar values when compared with quinidine-sensitive (or ATP-dependent) Mn2+ influx. Mn2+ efflux in rat erythrocytes (loaded with total internal Mn2+ contents of 230-450 mumol/l cells) was stimulated by increases in external Na+ concentration and inhibited by quinidine. In the absence of external Na+, Mn2+ efflux was stimulated by increases in external Mg2+ concentration following a Michaelian-like function with an apparent dissociation constant (KMg) of about 35 +/- 5 microM (mean +/- range of two experiments) and a maximal rate of about 60-100 mumol (1 cells X h)-1. In conclusion, the Na+-stimulated Mg2+ carrier of rat erythrocytes may catalyze a one-to-one and reversible Mn2+:Mg2+ exchange in the absence of external Na+.


Nasogastric tube, temperature probe, and bougie stapling during bariatric surgery: a multicenter survey.
An adverse event in laparoscopic bariatric surgery that has not received much scrutiny involves tube/probe stapling or suturing during gastrectomy or gastroenterostomy. A retrospective analysis was performed using a questionnaire sent to all bariatric surgeons (n = 43) in Israel. Eight surgeons reported on 17 cases in which intraoperative nasogastric/orogastric tube (n = 8), temperature probe (n = 6), or bougie stapling (n = 3) was identified. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy was performed in 14 patients and laparoscopic gastric bypass in 3 patients. The patient demographics, operative details, and postoperative results are reported. Tube/probe complications can occur during laparoscopic bariatric surgery but are seldom reported. However, they can be associated with significant morbidity. The treatment options are dependent on the situation. More importantly, prevention strategies must include constant communication with the anesthesiologist and removal or relocation of a tube before stapling or suturing.


Comparison of automated video tracking systems in the open field test: ANY-Maze versus EthoVision XT.
ANY-Maze and EthoVision XT are two commonly used automated animal tracking systems employed to produce reliable and consistent results in behavioural paradigms. Data obtained with both tracking systems have presented differences, particularly when varying laboratory lighting conditions and contrasts of mice coat colour against the arena background in both water maze and tunnel maze. In this study, two fluorescent lighting conditions (58 and 295 lux), local to our laboratory, and different coat-coloured mouse lines (C57BL/6 J - black; CD1 - agouti; C3H/HeN - white) were used to compare reproducibility in measures of tracking systems (ANY-Maze versus EthoVision) in the open field test. Differences between systems were reliant on the contrasts between coat and background colours. Surprisingly, black animals presented the greatest differences in read-outs between tracking systems, regardless of lighting conditions. Data from both video observation tools differed mainly in exploration-related parameters (distance travelled), but less in more static proxies (time in thigmotaxis zone). Overall, EthoVision XT returned higher values for most parameters analysed relative to ANY-Maze. More inconsistencies in recording and analysis can be expected from other video recording systems. Data analysis software provides an additional source of variation in need of consideration when reproducibility in behavioural neuroscience is required.


Challenges and countermeasures of China's research on "sports promoting adolescent socialization"-data mining based on Weibo and CNKI.
Understand the public demand for Adolescent socialization, and compare the hot spots in the researches of "sports promoting Adolescent socialization," so as to clarify the high-quality development direction of sports promoting Adolescent socialization in the new era. Collected the Weibo texts about "Adolescent socialization" from April 13, 2017 to June 1, 2022 through python, and used LDA to understand the relevant hot spots. Used City space to collect CNKI studies related to "sports promote Adolescent socialization," and used keyword co-occurrence network to understand hot spots. A total of 77,900 original Weibo texts were captured. The theme model identified five potential themes: "School and Family Education," "Social Participation," "Community Education," "Ideological and Political Education" and "Media." The semantic network showed that the public concerns of each theme include "Adolescent socialization education content," "relevant policies and regulations," "Adolescent socialization environment," "traditional culture" and "publicity ways and examples"0.52 studies were finally retrieved. The keyword co-occurrence network showed that keywords such as "Adolescent," "Socialization," "Sports Games," "School Sports" and "Family Sports" appeared more frequently and had higher intermediary centrality. Researches focused on Socialization, Internet Addiction, Coupling, School Sports, Sports Socialization Media. The public's attention to "Adolescent socialization" has three characteristics: subject linkage, object susceptibility, and media diversity. The researches on "Sports Promoting the socialization of Adolescents" has some problems, such as the imbalance of subject supply and demand, the inconsistent way of object supply and demand, and the different content of media supply and demand. The reason is that there is an information island between people and scholars. Existing research results can not meet the demands of the public.


Electrocardiographic T wave alterations and prediction of hyperkalemia in patients with acute kidney injury.
Electrocardiographic (ECG) alterations are common in hyperkalemic patients. While the presence of peaked T waves is the most frequent ECG alteration, reported findings on ECG sensitivity in detecting hyperkalemia are conflicting. Moreover, no studies have been conducted specifically in patients with acute kidney injury (AKI). We used the best subset selection and cross-validation methods [via linear and logistic regression and leave-one-out cross-validation (LOOCV)] to assess the ability of T waves to predict serum potassium levels or hyperkalemia (defined as serum potassium ≥ 5.5 mEq/L). We included the following clinical variables as a candidate for the predictive models: peaked T waves, T wave maximum amplitude, T wave/R wave maximum amplitude ratio, age, and indicator variates for oliguria, use of ACE-inhibitors, sartans, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, and loop diuretics. Peaked T waves poorly predicted the serum potassium levels in both full and test sample (R2 = 0.03 and R2 = 0.01, respectively), and also poorly predicted hyperkalemia. The selection algorithm based on Bayesian information criterion identified T wave amplitude and use of loop diuretics as the best subset of variables predicting serum potassium. Nonetheless, the model accuracy was poor in both full and test sample [root mean square error (RMSE) = 0.96 mEq/L and adjR2 = 0.08 and RMSE = 0.97 mEq/L, adjR2 = 0.06, respectively]. T wave amplitude and the use of loop diuretics had also poor accuracy in predicting hyperkalemia in both full and test sample [area-under-curve (AUC) at receiver-operator curve (ROC) analysis 0.74 and AUC 0.72, respectively]. Our findings show that, in patients with AKI, electrocardiographic changes in T waves are poor predictors of serum potassium levels and of the presence of hyperkalemia.


Pregnant women's perception on the health effects of household air pollution in Rural Butajira, Ethiopia: a phenomenological qualitative study.
Household air pollution is the major public health problem in developing countries. Pregnant women spent the majority of their time at home and are the most affected population by household air pollution. Exploring the perception of pregnant women on adverse health effects is important to enhance the mitigation strategies. Therefore, this study aim to explore the pregnant women's perceptions about health effects of household air pollution in rural Butajira, Ethiopia. A phenomenological qualitative study design was conducted among 15 selected pregnant women. All interviews were carried out at the participants´ house and audio-recorded while housing and cooking conditions were observed and appropriate notes were taken for each. The collected data were transcribed verbatim and translated into the English language. Then, the data were imported into Open code software to manage the overall data coding processes and analyzed thematically. Study participants perceived that respiratory problems such as coughing, sneezing and asthma and eye problem were the major health problem caused by household air pollution among pregnant women. Study participants also mentioned asphyxiated, abortion, reduces weight, and hydrocephalus was caused by household air pollution on the foetus. Study participants perceived that financial inability, spouse negligence, autonomy and knowledge level of the women were the barriers to tackling household air pollution. Study participant also suggested that opening the door and window; using improved cookstove and reduce workload were the perceived solution for household air pollution. This study explores pregnant women's perceptions on health effects of household air pollution. The finding of this study was important to deliver suitable intervention strategies to mitigate household air pollution. Therefore, educating the women on way of mitigating household air pollution, improving existing structure of the house and minimize the time to stay in the kitchen is important to mitigate household air pollution exposure.


Regional and directional variations in the layer-specific resistance to tear propagation in ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms.
Aortic dissection often initiates a few centimeters distal to the coronary ostia in the right lateral wall, with an intimal-medial tear that tends to be transversely directed and occupy half of the aortic circumference, sometimes less, but seldom the entire circumference. To elucidate these clinical observations, tear tests were presently used to determine the layer-specific resistance to tear propagation in ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms, assessing variations over the four circumferential quadrants and two directions. Aneurysmal tissue strips of standardized dimensions from sixteen patients were anatomically separated into layers (seven hundred and twelve) and an incision made along one-third of their length. They underwent tear testing via uniaxial loading and then unloading before crack propagation had proceeded along their complete length. The average tear tension and tear energy per reference area generated were many-fold greater in outer- (adventitial) compared to inner- (intimal with small medial portion) and middle-layer (medial) strips, explaining why the tear is restricted to the inner wall. They were greater in inner- compared to middle-layer strips of the anterior and left lateral quadrants, suggesting that the tear will propagate to the less-resistant media even if initiated in the intima. In most longitudinally-cut middle- and inner-layer strips, the cracks deviated toward the circumferential direction and tore out through the side, justifying the circumferential course of the tear. Both fracture parameters were significantly higher in the right than the left lateral quadrant in outer-layer strips and the anterior quadrant in middle-layer strips, potentially affecting the circumferential extent of the tear.


Sensitivity and specificity of the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale-Revised to detect dysarthria in individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Given the widespread use of the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R) to measure disease progression in ALS and recent reports demonstrating its poor sensitivity, we aimed to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the ALSFRS-R bulbar subscale and speech item to detect validated clinical ratings of dysarthria in individuals with ALS. Paired ALSFRS-R and validated Speech Intelligibility Test (SIT) data from individuals with ALS were analyzed. Trained raters completed duplicate, independent, and blinded ratings of audio recordings to obtain speech intelligibility (%) and speaking rate (words per minute, WPM). Binary dysarthria profiles were derived (dysarthria ≤96% intelligible and/or <150 WPM). Data were obtained using the Kruskal-Wallis test, receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve, area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity and specificity percentages, and positive/negative predictive values (PPV/NPV). A total of 250 paired SIT and ALSFRS-R data points were analyzed. Dysarthria was confirmed in 72.4% (n = 181). Dysarthric speakers demonstrated lower ALSFRS-R bulbar subscale (8.9 vs. 11.2) and speech item (2.7 vs. 3.7) scores (P < .0001). The ALSFRS-R bulbar subscale score had an AUC of 0.81 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.75 to 0.86). A subscale score of ≤11 yielded a sensitivity of 86%, specificity of 57%, PPV of 84%, and NPV of 60% to correctly identify dysarthria status. The ALSFRS-R speech item score demonstrated an AUC of 0.81 to detect dysarthria (95% CI 0.76 to 0.85), with sensitivity of 79%, specificity of 75%, PPV of 89%, and NPV of 58% for a speech item cutpoint of ≤3. The ALSFRS-R bulbar and speech item subscale scores may be useful, inexpensive, and quick tools for monitoring dysarthria status in ALS.


Opioid use disorders and hospital palliative care among patients with gastrointestinal cancers: Ten-year trend and associated factors in the U.S. from 2005 to 2014.
This study aimed to analyze the trends of opioid use disorders, cannabis use disorders, and palliative care among hospitalized patients with gastrointestinal cancer and to identify their associated factors.We analyzed the National Inpatient Sample data from 2005 to 2014 and included hospitalized patients with gastrointestinal cancers. The trends of hospital palliative care and opioid or cannabis use disorders were analyzed using the compound annual growth rates (CAGR) with Rao-Scott correction for χ tests. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the associated factors.From 2005 to 2014, among 4,364,416 hospitalizations of patients with gastrointestinal cancer, the average annual rates of opioid and cannabis use disorders were 0.4% (n = 19,520), and 0.3% (n = 13,009), respectively. The utilization rate of hospital palliative care was 6.2% (n = 268,742). They all sharply increased for 10 years (CAGR = 9.61%, 22.2%, and 21.51%, respectively). The patients with a cannabis use disorder were over 4 times more likely to have an opioid use disorder (Odds ratios, OR = 4.029; P < .001). Hospital palliative care was associated with higher opioid use disorder rates, higher in-hospital mortality, shorter length of hospital stay, and lower hospital charges. (OR = 1.527, 9.980, B = -0.054 and -0.386; each of P < .001)The temporal trends of opioid use disorders and hospital palliative care use among patients with gastrointestinal cancer increased from 2005 to 2014, which is mostly attributed to patients with a higher risk of in-hospital mortality. Cannabis use disorders were associated with opioid use disorders. Palliative care was associated with both reduced lengths of stay and hospital charge.


Pattern and determinants of poisoning in a teaching hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The Drug and Poison Information Center (DPIC) at King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was founded in 1983. Since then it has responded adequately to queries from medical and non-medical callers from all over the Kingdom. Queries ranged from simple material identification to poisoning cases. To assess the pattern and circumstances of poisoning in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through reviewing data from DPIC in King Khalid University hospitals. This is a retrospective study of referred cases and calls received by DPIC. All records and documentation forms during the study period were investigated. This study included 1161 cases. There were 7.9% infants, 52.9% under 5 years old, 7.2% between 6-12 years old and 32.0% more than 12 years old. Number of males with toxic exposure was almost equal to that of females. More than 92% of cases were toxic exposure through oral route. Causes of poisoning include drugs among 76.7% of cases followed by household chemicals (6.8%). Suicidal intention was reported among 25.6% of cases. Using multivariate regression analysis, significant predictors of suicidal attempts are more than 12 years old, patients who were exposed to more than one toxin and patient who came to the hospital within 1-3 h since poisoning. Establishing and operating DPIC centers throughout the kingdom, in addition to implementing of legislations to ban over the counter selling of medications and to sell potentially dangerous chemicals in childproof containers.


[Coronary embolism: a not so rare cause of myocardial infarction? Review of the literature about five suspected cases of patients in atrial fibrillation].
Five cases of myocardial infarction suspected to be due to coronary embolism are presented. All five patients had atrial fibrillation (AF), four of them with nonvalvular AF. The literature regarding coronary embolism is reviewed; the clinical manifestations and the place of AF are discussed.


A single-cell atlas of the mouse and human prostate reveals heterogeneity and conservation of epithelial progenitors.
Understanding the cellular constituents of the prostate is essential for identifying the cell of origin for prostate adenocarcinoma. Here, we describe a comprehensive single-cell atlas of the adult mouse prostate epithelium, which displays extensive heterogeneity. We observe distal lobe-specific luminal epithelial populations (LumA, LumD, LumL, and LumV), a proximally enriched luminal population (LumP) that is not lobe-specific, and a periurethral population (PrU) that shares both basal and luminal features. Functional analyses suggest that LumP and PrU cells have multipotent progenitor activity in organoid formation and tissue reconstitution assays. Furthermore, we show that mouse distal and proximal luminal cells are most similar to human acinar and ductal populations, that a PrU-like population is conserved between species, and that the mouse lateral prostate is most similar to the human peripheral zone. Our findings elucidate new prostate epithelial progenitors, and help resolve long-standing questions about anatomical relationships between the mouse and human prostate.


Persistent foramen of Huschke: possible risk factor for otologic complications after arthroscopy of the temporomandibular joint.
Several cases of otologic injury after arthroscopy of the TMJ have been reported. This study describes the persistent foramen of Huschke, an area of incomplete ossification of the tympanic plate of the temporal bone present in some persons. The presence of this foramen may render middle and inner ear structures vulnerable to injury during arthroscopy of the TMJ.


Nutritional Supplements to Improve Outcomes in Preterm Neonates.
Preterm infants are at higher risk of mortality and morbidity compared with those born at term. Nutrition-related morbidities include poor growth, immune deficiency, nutritional deficiencies, and adverse long-term neurodevelopment. In addition to macronutrients, many nutritional supplements have been used to enhance growth and development, and decrease infections. Nutrients can enhance preterm infants' immune status, optimize the microbiome, improve growth and development, and influence the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis, sepsis, and other outcomes.


The predictive value of three pregnancy-associated proteins in the detection of the light-for-dates baby.
Three pregnancy-associated proteins, human placental lactogen, pregnancy-specific beta 1-glycoprotein and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A have been measured in two groups of pregnant women. One group subsequently gave birth to children of normal birthweight, the other group were all delivered of a child with a birthweight less than the 10th centile. From the results obtained the values of the tests in predicting intrauterine growth retardation have been calculated. Human placental lactogen proved to be the most useful of the tests compared in predicting intrauterine growth retardation in the individual patient.


Embryonic neural chimaeras in the study of brain development.
The quail-chick cell-marking technique consists of constructing chimaeras in ovo by grafting quail embryonic rudiments into chick embryos or vice versa. Quail and chick cells can be recognized at any time in the chimeras owing to the structures of their interphase nuclei that can be visualized after cytological staining of the DNA. Recently, antibodies that recognize species-specific determinants carried by either neuronal cell bodies or neurites of one or other of the species have greatly enhanced the analytic capacities of this technique, particularly for studying brain development. This article describes the application of the quail-chick chimaera technique to the study of the development of the cerebellum and the optic tectum in the avian embryo. The use of the interspecific chimaeras for behavioural studies is also illustrated by experiments in which certain genetic characteristics of the quail song pattern have been transferred to the chick by neural transplants.


Prevalence of periodontitis and alveolar bone loss in a patient population at Harvard School of Dental Medicine.
Although several studies assessed the prevalence of alveolar bone loss, the association with several risk factors has not been fully investigated. The aim of this article is to measure the prevalence of periodontitis by calculating the mean alveolar bone loss/level of posterior teeth using bitewing radiographs among the patients enrolled in the clinics at Harvard School of Dental Medicine and address risk factors associated with the disease. One thousand one hundred thirty-one patients were selected for radiographic analysis to calculate the mean alveolar bone loss/level by measuring the distance between the cementoenamel junction and the alveolar bone crest on the mesial and distal surfaces of posterior teeth. Linear regression with Multi-level mixed-effect model was used for statistical analysis adjusting for age, sex, race, median household income, and other variables. Mean alveolar bone level of the whole sample was 1.30 mm (±0.006). Overall periodontitis prevalence for the sample was 55.5% (±1.4%). Moderate periodontitis prevalence was 20.7% (±1.2%), while 2.8% (±0.5%) of the whole sample had severe periodontitis. Adjusted mean alveolar bone loss was higher in older age groups, males, Asian race group, ever smokers, and patients with low median household income. The effect of high household income on the amount of bone loss can be powerful to the degree that high household income can influence outcomes even for individuals who had higher risks of developing the disease. Public health professionals and clinicians need to collaborate with policy makers to achieve and sustain high quality of healthcare for everyone.


Factors influencing lesbian gynecologic care: a preliminary study.
One hundred seventeen homosexual women were surveyed to determine their health care utilization patterns, their gynecologic and obstetric problems, and their attitudes toward physicians. It was found that these women actively utilized the health care system, although many chose less traditional sources. The gamut of both obstetric and gynecologic problems were seen, but venereal disease and cervical dysplasia were uncommon. No medical problems specific to homosexual women were identified. Many of these lesbians expressed concern about the effect on their health care of physicians' negative attitude toward homosexuals.


Constructed wetlands for rural domestic wastewater treatment: A coupling of tidal strategy, in-situ bio-regeneration of zeolite and Fe(Ⅱ)-oxygen denitrification.
Constructed wetlands (CWs) offer a promising method to treat domestic wastewater in rural areas, but CWs usually limiting in nitrogen removal and large area. In this study, zeolite and pyrite were used to construct tidal wetlands to address the problems of insufficient oxygen supply and carbon source. The results show that the fully drained wetland achieved the highest ammonia removal load of 34.67 ± 1.72 g/(m2·d) with 8.57 ± 1.13 mg/L of effluent. Pyrite was found to compensate for the lack of carbon source in the denitrification process in half-drained wetland, which achieved a 78.36 ± 5.3% TN removal rate with 7.09 ± 1.85 mg/L effluent concentration. Pyrite released Fe(II) to promote nitrate reduction for denitrification in the subsequent flooded period. Microbial community analysis indicates that the tidal flow constructed wetlands simultaneously achieved nitrification and denitrification by the coupling of in-situ zeolite regeneration and Fe(II) oxidation denitrification.


Clinical Application of Brain Plasticity in Neurosurgery.
Brain plasticity is an ongoing process of reorganization not only on the macroscopic level but also from underlying changes at the cellular and molecular levels of neurons. This evolution has not yet been fully understood. The objective of this paper is to review and understand neuroplasticity through the review of literature, imaging, and intraoperative evidence.


Effect of Ca2+ on thermotropic properties of saturated phosphatidylcholine liposomes.
The effect of various concentrations of calcium ion (Ca2+) on dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC), distearoylphosphatidylcholine (DSPC) and mixed DPPC/DSPC (1:1) liposomes was studied by differential scanning calorimetry. Ca2+ concentrations of 10 mM and above split the main transition peak of DPPC into two distinguishable components, and, at 30 mM and above, also resulted in the disappearance of a pre-transition peak. The effect of Ca2+ on DSPC liposomes was even more dramatic in that it induced a more definitive split in the main transition peak and caused the loss of the pretransition peak at only 10 mM concentration. The thermograms of the DPPC/DSPC mixed liposomes were unaltered in the presence of Ca2+, even at a concentration of 50 mM. Whether or not Ca2+ is able to alter thermograms of phosphatidylcholine liposomes appears to be dependent on the degree of molecular order of the bilayer prior to interaction with Ca2+.


Effector cell heterogeneity in immediate hypersensitivity reactions.
Histologic heterogeneity in the basophil and mast cell populations has been apparent for many years. The advent of tissue culture and cell separation procedures has now made it possible to explore distinct populations of basophils and mast cells, as should be evident from this review. In fact, the logical extension of such technology is the requirement that cell preparations used in exploring basophil and mast cell function be carefully defined to permit comparison of data from one laboratory to another. While this is a practical application of the knowledge of the characteristics of heterogeneity, the implications for future developments in the understanding of basophil and mast cell function are more theoretical. While both basophils and mast cells respond to degranulating stimuli and antiallergic compounds in a similar fashion, as a rule, this review has noted several exceptions including the failure of disodium cromoglycate to prevent rat mucosal mast cell degranulation induced by immunologic stimuli. Such observations suggest that the ability of given drugs to inhibit allergic responses in one target organ and not in another may be due in part to differing mast cell responses. This hypothesis can be extended to variation in response among infants, children, and adults to such drugs as antihistamines. Furthermore, the variety of symptoms seen in individuals may be a reflection of differing responses of those individuals' mast cells from organ to organ. For instance, one subject with ragweed sensitivity might express this sensitivity as asthma, and a second subject with ragweed sensitivity might express this sensitivity as rhinitis. This would depend upon the ability of their pulmonary and upper airway mast cells to bind ragweed-specific IgE, degranulate to IgE-mediated stimuli, or to be regulated by intrinsic control mechanisms. Of a yet more speculative nature is the attempt to discern the basis for basophil, and particularly mast cell, heterogeneity. The function of the mast cell is unknown, but theories include the rejection of parasites; regulation and repair of connective tissue; regulation of the microvasculature; regulation of gastric acid secretion; limitation of delayed hypersensitivity reactions; and detoxification of surrounding tissues. Any or all of these theories may be correct, however, such a diversity of possible biologic roles for the mast cell suggests that mast cell subpopulations may have highly specialized functions reflected in stimuli that lead to their proliferation, their response to degranulating stimuli, and their mediator content.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)


Characterization of the radiation-sensitive stage in the development of the compound eye of Drosophila.
The development of the compound eye of Drosophila is particularly sensitive to irradiation during the third larval instar. Moreover, the anterioposterior location of the eye-pattern defects produced by irradiation during the third instar is correlated with the age of the larvae at the time of irradiation, as first shown by H.J. Becker. The development of the fly eye proceeds from posterior to anterior, and so these results suggest that there may be a radiation-sensitive stage in the development of the precursor cells in the eye imaginal disc of Drosophila. We show here that irradiation of third-instar Drosophila larvae with 23-30 Gy of 60Co gamma-rays produces confluent pattern disruptions in a dorsoventral stripe of eye tissue with an average width of about 8 facets along the anterioposterior axis. By measuring the time interval from irradiation to pupariation in individual larvae, we were able to determine that the posterior boundary of the radiation-sensitive region is located 0-1 columns anterior to the morphogenetic furrow in the developing eye imaginal disc. Therefore the anterior boundary of the radiation-sensitive region lies about 8-9 columns anterior to the morphogenetic furrow. These boundaries demarcate the region of the eye imaginal disc within which a specific subset of precursor cells (those that will develop into the R1, R6 and R7 photoreceptor cells, as well as the pigment and cone cells) are preparing for their final round of mitosis. Irradiation of these precursor cells would cause the death or delayed mitosis of their daughter cells within the morphogenetic furrow, while they are initiating the cellular interactions that determine cell fate in the developing eye. Irradiation of more anterior cells (i.e., at earlier stages) results in few pattern defects, presumably because the resulting cell death and delayed mitosis can be completed before the morphogenetic furrow passes.


Fatality risk and issues of inequity among vulnerable road users in South Africa.
Contextual effects from the physical and social environment contribute to inequitable protection for a large proportion of road users, especially in low- and middle-income countries like South Africa where distorted urban planning and socio-spatial disparities from the apartheid era prevail. This paper examines the differentiated risk of road traffic crashes and injuries to vulnerable road users in South Africa, including pedestrians, females and users of some modes of public transport, in relation to characteristics of the crashes that proxy a range of contextual influences such as rurality and socio-economic deprivation. The study is based on a descriptive analysis of 33 659 fatal crashes that occurred in South Africa over a three-year period from 2016-2018. Measures of simple proportion, population-based fatality rate, "impact factor" and crash severity are compared between disaggregated groups using Chi-Square analysis, with the Cramer's V statistic used to assess effect size. Key findings show a higher pedestrian risk in relation to public transport vehicles and area-level influences such as the nature of roads or extent of urbanity; higher passenger risk in relation to public transport vehicles and rurality; and higher risk for female road users in relation to public transport vehicles. The findings have implications for prioritising a range of deprivation-related structural effects. In addition, we present a "User-System-Context" conceptual framework that allows for a holistic approach to addressing vulnerability in the transport system. The findings provide an important avenue for addressing the persistently large burden of road traffic crashes and injuries in the country.


Prostaglandin E2 production by renal inner medullary tissue slices: effect of metabolic inhibitors.
Increasing oxygen from 5 to 95% has previously been shown to increase prostaglandin (PG) production in renal inner medullary slices. The possible role of oxidative phosphorylation in this process was investigated. The oxidative phosphorylation inhibitors, dinitrophenol (DNP), oligomycin, and cyanide were evaluted for their effects on PGE2 production and ATP levels. None of the inhibitors affected PGE2 synthesis, although they lowered ATP levels at the concentrations tested. In contrast, incubation of inner medullary tissue slices with 0% oxygen resulted in decreases both in PGE2 and ATP levels. This suggests that the effect of oxygen on prostaglandin synthesis may be due to substrate limiting effects rather than an effect on oxidative phosphorylation. When 22 mM 2-deoxyglucose was added to the incubation medium or when glucose was omitted, PGE2 levels increased. Sodium fluoride, presumably acting as a glycolytic inhibitor, increased PGE2 levels, with a maximal effect at 10 mM. ATP levels were 37% of control values with 20 mM NaF. This indicates that glucose may inhibit prostaglandin synthesis. These results indicate that oxygen (substrate) availability can limit inner medullary PGE2 production. In view of the low pO2 in the inner medulla, especially during antidiuresis, oxygen can potentially regulate prostaglandin production in this tissue.


Dual effects of rabeprazole on solid-phase gastric emptying assessed by the 13C-octanoate breath test.
Knowledge is limited regarding the effects of rabeprazole on gastric emptying. This randomized, open, crossover study was undertaken to investigate the effects. In 24 healthy volunteers (13 men and 11 women, aged 22-53 years), solid emptying was assessed twice using the 13C-octanoate breath test. On one occasion, the subjects received 20 mg rabeprazole for the preceding 2 days and 1 h before the test. On another occasion, they underwent no pretreatment. The time course of cumulative recovery of 13CO2 in breath was fitted to z(t)=m(1-e-kt)beta-1, and regression constants of k and beta were determined. The half 13CO2 excretion time (t(1/2)b)) and the time of maximal excretion (tmax) were calculated. Under the crossover protocol, k and beta can describe the emptying features more precisely; a larger (smaller) beta indicates a slower (faster) emptying in the early phase, and a larger (smaller) k indicates a faster (slower) emptying in the later phase. Between the two occasions, k, beta, t(1/2)b, and tmax were compared. Rabeprazole significantly decreased k and beta, significantly prolonged t(1/2)b, but tmax remained unchanged. Rabeprazole has dual effects on solid emptying: an initial acceleration with a subsequent deceleration, resulting in an overall delay.


Development of the Cook-EdTM Matrix to Guide Food and Cooking Skill Selection in Culinary Education Programs That Target Diet Quality and Health.
Culinary education programs are generally designed to improve participants' food and cooking skills, with or without consideration to influencing diet quality or health. No published methods exist to guide food and cooking skills' content priorities within culinary education programs that target improved diet quality and health. To address this gap, an international team of cooking and nutrition education experts developed the Cooking Education (Cook-EdTM) matrix. International food-based dietary guidelines were reviewed to determine common food groups. A six-section matrix was drafted including skill focus points for: (1) Kitchen safety, (2) Food safety, (3) General food skills, (4) Food group specific food skills, (5) General cooking skills, (6) Food group specific cooking skills. A modified e-Delphi method with three consultation rounds was used to reach consensus on the Cook-EdTM matrix structure, skill focus points included, and their order. The final Cook-EdTM matrix includes 117 skill focus points. The matrix guides program providers in selecting the most suitable skills to consider for their programs to improve dietary and health outcomes, while considering available resources, participant needs, and sustainable nutrition principles. Users can adapt the Cook-EdTM matrix to regional food-based dietary guidelines and food cultures.


Evaluation of methods of analysis for dietary fibre using real foods and model foods.
There are several rational and empirical methods for the measurement of dietary fibre and its components. A selection of these methods were evaluated by investigation of a range of real foods and model foods with added resistant starch (RS), non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) and resistant oligosaccharide (RO) ingredients. A range of rational methods were applied in determining specific carbohydrate constituents: RS, NSP and RO, including fructans. For comparison, empirical methods AOAC 991.43 (2001.03) and AOAC 2009.01 were applied, based on determination of gravimetric residues for high molecular weight and size-exclusion HPLC analysis of the ethanol filtrate for low molecular weight components. In general there was agreement between different rational methods for the analysis of RS and fructans, though there were notable exceptions for some product types. Comparison of methods for total RS and those that only measure the RS3 fraction, from retrograded starch, indicated that RS3 was the only type present for most processed products. This also explains the similar results obtained by AOAC 991.43 (2001.03) and AOAC 2009.01, though the latter is intended to recover other RS types as well. For many products there was agreement between results obtained by rational and empirical methods, though there were exceptions and the reasons for these are discussed. Rational and empirical methods can both be used to determine dietary fibre in most situations. The information provided by rational methods is useful in identifying the specific carbohydrate constituents present in foods and can assist in determining whether added extracted and synthesised ingredients are ones that conform to the Codex and EU dietary fibre definition.


Enhancing NK cell cytotoxicity by miR-182 in hepatocellular carcinoma.
NK-cells are the principle defense line against different malignancies. Their activation status is determined by the balance between activating and inhibitory receptors such as NKG2D and NKG2A, respectively. MicroRNAs are crucial post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression, playing key roles in modulating NK-cell development and function. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of miRNAs in regulating the activation and cytotoxic function of NK-cells in HCC. In silico analysis was performed to predict a potential miRNA that might target NKG2D and NKG2A mRNAs. NK-cells were isolated from HCC patients and healthy controls, after which miRNA and mRNA were quantified. Manipulating miRNA expression was performed followed by investigating downstream targets and the cytotoxic activity of NK-cells against Huh-7 cell lines. NK-cells of HCC patients showed miR-182 overexpression compared to controls. NKG2D and NKG2A were upregulated and downregulated, respectively, in HCC NK-cells. Upon forcing miR-182 expression in the HCC NK-cells, upregulation of both receptors was observed. Finally, miR-182 was reported to induce NK-cell cytotoxicity represented in Perforin-1 upregulation and increase in cytolytic killing of co-cultured Huh-7 cells. Our findings suggest that miR-182 may augment NK-cell cytotoxicity against liver cancer via modulating NKG2D and NKG2A expressions.


Biofeedback in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders.
A wide range of secretory (salivation, gastric acid and bile secretion) and motor functions (rumination, esophageal and anal sphincter contraction, gastric and colonic motility) have been successfully modified using operant conditioning procedures or biofeedback training. The clinical syndromes to which these studies have been addressed include rumination, reflux esophagitis, hypersecretion of acid associated with peptic ulcer, irritable bowel syndrome, and fecal incontinence. The available evidence strongly suggests that biofeedback is effective and is the treatment of choice for some types of fecal incontinence, and the evidence supports the effectiveness of operant conditioning for the treatment of intractable rumination in infants or retarded individuals. There is suggestive evidence that a nonspecific biofeedback technique, EMG biofeedback for skeletal muscle relaxation, may contribute to the healing of peptic ulcers, but the data are so far inconclusive. Biofeedback approaches to the treatment of other clinical syndromes are at the investigational stage only, and no predictions can be made regarding their efficacy.


Identifying a gold nanoparticle as a proactive carrier for transport of a doxorubicin-peptide complex.
Efficient drug delivery to malignant cells in the human organism requires the application of drug-delivery systems (DDS) that consist of several building blocks, such as a biomolecule to bind the drug as well as a carrier for transport. In the present study, we investigate a potential DDS component for the cytostatic doxorubicin (DOX) that consists of a gold nanoparticle (Au-NP) and a short drug-binding peptide sequence. Combining molecular dynamics simulations with density functional theory calculations allows resolving the adsorption configurations of DOX at simulated physiological conditions as well as the interaction energies between the building blocks of the DDS. Interestingly, it turns out that the task of the Au-NP is not limited to being a passive carrier. The nanoparticle is directly involved in the stabilization of the drug by intercalating DOX together with a tryptophan residue from the peptide. Another favored adsorption configuration corresponds to an intercalation complex of DOX with two tryptophan residues, reminiscent of the intercalation of DOX between DNA bases. The insights gained in the present study allow deriving general conclusions about the surface chemistry of DOX: its tendency to intercalate seems not to depend on its π-stacking partners (organic or inorganic), as long as they can be properly arranged around the drug. Hence, DOX may be stabilized sufficiently during its delivery if intercalation within the carrier moieties is possible. This finding may assist the construction of a more complex DDS for DOX in the future, for which the investigated drug-peptide-nanoparticle conjugate may serve as a prototype.


Thiazide Diuretics in the Management of Young Children with Central Diabetes Insipidus.
To report our experience in treating infants and toddlers with central diabetes insipidus (DI) with thiazide diuretics. A retrospective chart review of all infants and toddlers who were treated with thiazide diuretics for central DI at the Mayo Clinic between 1996 and 2014. Our cohort consisted of 13 patients. The median age at the start of therapy was 6 months (IQR, 1-14 months). Eight patients were given chlorothiazide at a starting dose of 5-10 mg/kg/day, and 5 patients were treated with hydrochlorothiazide at a starting dose of 1-2 mg/kg/day. The median age at the cessation of thiazide therapy was 18 months (IQR, 11.5-39 months). The main reason for stopping was the lack of continued response, in addition to hypernatremia. There was no hospitalization secondary to hyponatremia and only 1 hospitalization secondary to hypernatremia while receiving thiazide therapy. Calcium was checked periodically in 7 of the 13 patients, and 2 of these 7 patients had persistent hypercalcemia. Thiazide diuretics appear to be safe and effective in treating infants with central DI. They can be continued after the introduction of solid food, and until a lack of response is observed.


The utility of drug challenge testing in Brugada syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Brugada syndrome (BrS) is associated with ventricular arrhythmia leading to sudden cardiac death. Risk stratification is challenging, as major arrhythmic events (MAEs) are rare. We assessed the utility of drug challenge testing in BrS by a systematic review and meta-analysis. We comprehensively searched the databases of MEDLINE and EMBASE from inception to May 2019. Included studies compared the incidence of MAE between spontaneous and drug challenge-induced Type 1. Mixed-effects Poisson regression was used to calculate the incidence rate ratio (IRR). Eighteen studies from 2006 to 2018 were included (4099 patients, mean follow-up: 4.5 years). Pooled annual incidences of MAE in spontaneous, drug challenge induced (regardless of symptoms), asymptomatic drug challenge induced, and symptomatic drug challenge-induced Type 1 were 23.8 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 19.8-27.8), 6.5 (95% CI: 3.9-9.1), 2.1 (95% CI: -0.3 to 4.4), and 19.6 (95% CI: 9.9-29.3) per 1000 person-years, respectively. The incidence of MAE between symptomatic drug challenge induced and asymptomatic spontaneous Type 1 was not statistically different (IRR = 1.0; 95% CI: 0.6-1.7). The incidence of MAE in drug challenge-induced Type 1 in asymptomatic patients is low. The incidence of MAE between symptomatic drug challenge induced and asymptomatic spontaneous Type 1 was similar.


Combretastatin linked 1,3,4-oxadiazole conjugates as a Potent Tubulin Polymerization inhibitors.
A new class of combretastatin linked 1,3,4-oxadiazoles were designed, synthesized and screened for their cytotoxic activity against five human cancer cell lines such as HeLa, DU-145, A549, MDA-MB-231 and B16. These compounds showed significant cytotoxicity with IC50 values in the range 0.118-54.32μM. Conjugate 5m displayed potent antiproliferative activity against DU-145 cell line. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that these compounds arrested the cell cycle in G2/M phase. Moreover, the tubulin polymerization assay and immunofluorescence analysis indicate that 5m exhibits potent inhibitory effect on the tubulin assembly. Further, DNA fragmentation and Hoecst staining assays confirm that 5m induces apoptosis. Molecular docking studies and competitive binding assay indicated that 5m effectively bind at the colchicine binding site of the tubulin.


Predictive risk factors of steroid dependent nephrotic syndrome in children.
Development of steroid dependency is one of the difficult problems in the management of children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome, leading to increased morbidity, complications and cost of treatment. Thus, predicting early in the disease course will be useful in counseling parents and may improve treatment strategy. To determine the clinical characteristics that can predict the development of steroid dependency early in the initial episodes of steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS). The study included 52 children with SSNS. Their ages ranged from 3 to 16 years. Patients were divided into two groups. Group A consisted of 24 patients with steroid dependency or frequent relapses nephrotic syndrome and group B consisted of 28 patients with complete remission or recurrent nephrotic syndrome. Data obtained retrospectively from patients' files. Children who require a cumulative steroid dose equal or more than 140 mg/kg to maintain remission during the first 6 months of the disease are at high risk to require steroid sparing agents (SSA) for disease control, and who did not achieve remission by day 20 of the initial prednisone course became steroid dependent with 96% specificity but with low sensitivity (50%). All steroid dependent children in this study showed relapses associated significantly with upper respiratory tract infections. Cumulative steroid dose in the first 6 months of treatment and the need of more than 20 days to achieve initial remission can predict steroid dependency in children with nephrotic syndrome.


Evidence of apoptosis in some cell types due to pentachlorophenol (PCP) in Heteropneustes fossilis.
The study aimed to clarify the role of apoptosis in pentachlorophenol (PCP) induced testicular, ovarian and renal cell genotoxicity of Heteropneustes fossilis. It was further intended to find the target germ cell type and assess the cellular and nuclear damage. Treatment of PCP was used for multiduration on the germinal tissues and they were processed to detect structural changes by light and electron microscopic evaluation and kidney cells for subsequent detection of DNA fragmentation by agarose gel electrophoresis. Findings suggest functional and morphological changes in the tissues are due to apoptosis, as evidenced by some biochemical and cytological signs. Histological observation on germinal epithelium reveals cell suicidal symptoms such as vacuolization, liquefied regions in the cytoplasm of oocytes, margination of nuclei, clumping of chromatin, and compaction of cytoplasmic organelle. Biochemical manifestation concurrent to this, is; cleavage of kidney cell DNA into low molecular weight fragments confirming apoptosis. Subsequently, it is further cleaved into nucleosome size fragments or its multiples. Ultra-structural histopathology and DNA studies conclusively lead to the PCP induced apoptosis in the exposed cell types. Results further support the usefulness of this assay in the related studies and its feasibility in generating a base line data.


First attack of acute urticaria in pediatric emergency department.
Management of a first attack of acute urticaria in children is dependent on the etiology of the disease. Knowledge of the various etiologies of urticaria will help primary physicians to perform appropriate clinical assessments. In this study, we analyzed the etiologies and their prevalence in first-attack acute urticaria in infants, children and adolescents in central Taiwan. This was a retrospective study of 953 children who were admitted to the emergency department (ED) with a first attack of acute urticaria from January 2000 to December 2006. All patients were followed in the ED or outpatient department until their symptoms subsided. Patient demographics and detailed etiologies of the first attack of acute urticaria were analyzed. Furthermore, the prevalence of various etiologies in different age groups, as well as the etiologic trends of acute urticaria in children during the previous 7 years, was determined. The most common etiologies of a first attack of acute urticaria in children were various infections (48.4%), foods (23.5%), idiopathic causes (13.2%), and medications (11.5%). Among the three major etiologies above, upper respiratory tract infections (nasopharyngitis), seafood (shrimp) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen) were the most frequent causes. Moreover, the etiologies differed significantly with patient age (p < 0.001). Overall, infections were the major cause in infants (56.5%), whereas food (36.6%) and medications (26.8%) were the most common etiologies in adolescents. The prevalence of various infections dropped as the age of the children increased (56.5% in infants, 51.2% in preschool-aged children, 42.1% in school-aged children and 17.1% in adolescents). The etiologies of foods and medications were more prevalent in adolescents than in younger children. Detailed etiologies of first-attack urticaria in children in central Taiwan were analyzed. Most importantly, we found that there was a decrease in the prevalence of various infections as causative factors as the age of the children increased. The etiologies of foods and medications were more prevalent in adolescents than in younger children.


Photocatalytic performance of novel samarium-doped spherical-like ZnO hierarchical nanostructures under visible light irradiation for 2,4-dichlorophenol degradation.
A novel samarium-doped spherical-like ZnO hierarchical nanostructure (Sm/ZnO) was synthesized via a facile and surfactant-free chemical solution route. The as-synthesized products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy together with an energy dispersion X-ray spectrum analysis, transmission electron microscopy, UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The results revealed that Sm ion was successfully doped into ZnO. It was also observed that the Sm doping increased the visible light absorption ability of Sm/ZnO and a red shift for Sm/ZnO appeared when compared to pure ZnO. The photocatalytic studies revealed that the Sm/ZnO exhibited excellent photocatalytic degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) compared with the pure ZnO and commercial TiO2 under visible light irradiation. The photocatalytic enhancement of Sm/ZnO products was attributed to their high charge separation efficiency and ·OH generation ability as evidenced by the photoluminescence spectra. The photocatalytic investigation also showed that various parameters exerted their individual influence on the degradation rate of 2,4-DCP. By using a certain of radical scavengers, ·OH was determined to play a pivotal role for the 2,4-DCP degradation. Moreover, the Sm/ZnO could be easily separated and reused, indicating great potential for practical applications in environmental cleanup.


FGFR-targeted gene delivery mediated by supramolecular assembly between β-cyclodextrin-crosslinked PEI and redox-sensitive PEG.
A new redox-sensitive poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based gene vector specially designed to target fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) was developed by host-guest supramolecular complexation. The new vector was designed as follows: 1) A host segment was consisted of β-cyclodextrin-crosslinked low molecular polyethylenimine (PEI) conjugated with MC11 peptide (MQLPLATGGGC) that can target FGFRs, being termed as MC11-PEI-β-cyclodextrin (MPC); 2) A guest segment is consisted of PEG and adamantyl group linked by a disulfide bond, the adamantyl-SS-PEG (Ad-SS-PEG); and 3) PEGylation of MPC by supramolecular complexation between MPC and Ad-SS-PEG to generate MPC/Ad-SS-PEG polycation, where the PEG chains can stabilize the DNA polyplexes extracellularly but can be readily cleavable intracellularly. It was found that the MPC/Ad-SS-PEG complexes could efficiently condense pDNA into nanoparticles around 100-200 nm, and were able to effectively stabilize polyplexes against salt- or BSA-induced aggregation. The MPC/Ad-SS-PEG polyplexes were more readily to dissociate with the aid of heparin in the presence of 5 mm DTT. In vitro gene transfection and cytotoxicity experiments in different carcinoma cell lines expressing FGFRs showed that MPC/Ad-SS-PEG could mediate significantly higher transfection efficiency than MPC complexed with adamantyl-PEG (MPC/Ad-PEG), which has no disulfide linkage and is non-PEG-detachable. Furthermore, confocal laser scanning microscopy study indicated that MPC/Ad-SS-PEG polyplexes could mediate much more efficient endosomal escape than stably shield MPC/Ad-PEG polyplexes at 12 h post-transfection. Importantly, MPC/Ad-SS-PEG was also able to efficiently mediate tumor-targeted gene delivery in the tumor-bearing mouse model after systemic injection in vivo. These results suggest that the MPC/Ad-SS-PEG systems could be a safe and efficient non-viral vector for FGFR-mediated targeted gene delivery for cancer gene therapy.


Ectoenzymatic Activity and Uptake of Monomers in Marine Bacterioplankton Described by a Biphasic Kinetic Model.
Abstract The kinetics of bacterial hydrolytic ectoenzymatic activity and the uptake of monomeric compounds were investigated in the Northwestern Mediterranean Sea. Aminopeptidase and alpha- and beta-glucosidase activities were analyzed by using fluorogenic substrates at 15-22 concentrations ranging from 1 nM to 500 µM. Radiolabeled glucose and a mixture of amino acids were chosen as representatives of monomeric compounds, and the bacterial uptake rates (assimilation plus respiration) were determined over a wide range of substrate concentrations (from 0.2 nM to 3 µM). We found biphasic kinetics both for hydrolytic enzymes and uptake systems: high affinity enzymes at low concentrations of substrates (Km values ranged from 48 nM to 2.7 µM for ectoenzymes and from 1.4 nM to 42 nM for uptake systems), and low affinity enzymes at high concentrations of substrates (Km values ranged from 18 µM to 142 µM for ectoenzymes and from 0.1 µM to 1.3 µM for uptake systems). Transition between high and low affinity enzymes was observed at 10 µM for aminopeptidase and from 1 µM to 25 µM for glucosidases, and it was more variable and less pronounced for the uptake of glucose (40 nM-0.28 µM) and amino acids (10 nM-0.16 µM). Results showed that the potential rates of hydrolysis and uptake are tightly coupled only if the high affinity hydrolytic ectoenzymes and the low affinity uptake systems are operating simultaneously.


Let's hear it for loans.
Nursing bursaries. If we always do what we've always done, we'll always get what we've always got.


Artificial intelligence in scientific writing: a friend or a foe?
The generative pre-trained transformer, ChatGPT, is a chatbot that could serve as a powerful tool in scientific writing. ChatGPT is a so-called large language model (LLM) that is trained to mimic the statistical patterns of language in an enormous database of human-generated text combined from text in books, articles and websites across a wide range of domains. ChatGPT can assist scientists with material organization, draft creation and proofreading, making it a valuable tool in research and publishing. This paper discusses the use of this artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot in academic writing by presenting one simplified example. Specifically, it reflects our experience of using ChatGPT to draft a scientific article for Reproductive BioMedicine Online and highlights the pros, cons and concerns associated with using LLM-based AI for generating a manuscript.


Interleukin 2 production in whole blood culture: a rapid test of immunity to Francisella tularensis.
The measurement of interleukin 2 from antigen-stimulated whole blood culture supernatants was used to detect cell-mediated immunity in subjects sensitized against Francisella tularensis. The amount of interleukin 2 produced differentiated a positive immune reaction sensitively and reliably in a 24-h culture. Whole blood culturing is an easy method for producing interleukin 2.


Synthesis and evaluation of thiazole carboxamides as vanilloid receptor 1 (TRPV1) antagonists.
A thiazole derivative, 2-(2,6-dichlorobenzyl)-N-(4-isopropylphenyl) thiazole-4-carboxamide (1), was identified as a TRPV1 antagonist. We synthesized various thiazole analogs and evaluated them for their ability to block capsaicin- or acid-induced calcium influx in TRPV1-expressing CHO cells. The IC(50) values of the most potent antagonists were ca. 0.050microM in these assays.


Irreversible metamagnetic transition and magnetic memory in small-bandwidth manganite Pr(1-x)Ca(x)MnO3 (x = 0.0-0.5).
The present paper reports detailed structural and magnetic characterization of the low-bandwidth manganite Pr(1-x)Ca(x)MnO(3) (with x = 0.0-0.5) (PCMO) polycrystalline samples. With increasing Ca content, reduction of the unit cell volume and improvement in perovskite structure symmetry was observed at room temperature. Magnetic characterization shows the signature of coexisting AFM-FM ordering and spin-glass phase at the low doping range (x = 0.0-0.2) while increased hole doping (x = 0.3-0.5) leads to charge ordering, training effect and an irreversible metamagnetic phenomenon. The large irreversible metamagnetism in the CO phase of PCMO and the corresponding spin memory effect is a direct consequence of hysteretic first-order phase transition arising from the weakening of the CO state under the external magnetic field and trapping of the spins due to a strong pinning potential in the material.


Dual regulation of osteopontin production by TLR stimulation in dendritic cells.
OPN, a cytokine produced, among others, by DCs, is involved in inflammation and defense against pathogens. Here, we report that the activation of the MyD88 pathway by TLR2, TLR5, and TLR7/8 agonists or IL-1β induces high levels of OPN in human DCs. Conversely, LPS and Poly I:C, two TLR3 and TLR4 agonists that engage the TRIF pathway, were ineffective. TLR2 agonists were the strongest OPN inducers, and OPN production was highly stimulated by TLR2-triggering bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) but not by TLR4-triggering Escherichia coli. Costimulation experiments revealed that TLR3 and TLR4 agonists, beyond being inactive by themselves, sharply limited TLR2-dependent OPN production by activating a TRIF-dependent inhibition of the MyD88-dependent OPN production. MyD88 silencing impaired TLR2-dependent OPN induction, whereas TRIF pathway blockage by chloroquine, dynasore, or TRIF knockdown prevented the TLR3/4 agonist-mediated inhibition, which was independent from the endogenous production of type I IFN, IL-29, IL-10, or TGF-β. LPS and Poly I:C inhibitory activity was associated with the release of a >10-kDa protein factor(s). We also demonstrated that the higher OPN levels produced by S. aureus-treated DCs compared with E. coli-treated DCs were responsible for a markedly increased production of IL-17 by CD4⁺ T cells. These results highlight the biological relevance of the differential OPN induction by TLR2 and TLR4 agonists and emphasize the importance of TLR cross-talk in OPN induction. This implies that OPN regulation by TLR signaling is critical in shaping inflammatory responses and may modulate IL-17 production in response to pathogens.


Human muscle glutathione S-transferase (GST-4) shows close homology to human liver GST-1.
Human muscle specific glutathione S-transferase (RX: glutathione R-transferase, EC 18.104.22.168) (GST-4) and liver GST-1 have been purified and subjected to N-terminal sequence analysis. These two isozymes show close homology and only differ in 3 residues within the first 24. The N-terminal sequences of GST-1 and GST-4 differ significantly from those of GST-2 and GST-3. Although antiserum raised against native GST-1 did not cross-react with GST-4, cross-reactivity was obtained with antiserum raised against denatured GST-1. The homology between GST-1 and GST-4 indicates that they are both members of the mu evolutionary class.


Cord blood iodothyronine and thyrotropin concentrations in newborns of mothers exposed to povidone iodine in the last trimester.
In the present study, we have evaluated thyroid function in neonates at delivery and in their mothers who used vaginal povidone-iodine (PVP-I) during the last trimester of pregnancy. Newborns and their mothers without a history of iodine exposure, admitted to the same department and residing in the same geographical area served as controls. Maternal serum thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), reverse triiodothyronine (rT3) and thyrotropin (TSH) concentrations at delivery were not significantly different between the two groups of pregnant women. Cord blood thyroid hormone concentrations in the newborns of iodine exposed mothers were not significantly different from those in control newborns. In contrast, cord blood TSH concentrations in the neonates of mothers exposed to PVP-I during the last trimester of pregnancy were significantly higher than values in control neonates (p less than 0.05). These data confirm that the fetal thyroid gland, even in the last trimester of pregnancy, does not adapt completely to the inhibitory action of iodine on thyroid hormone synthesis and/or release.


Spatial definition of the human progesterone receptor-B transcriptional complex.
We report the quaternary structure of core transcriptional complex for the full-length human progesterone receptor-B (PR-B) homodimer with primary coactivator steroid receptor coactivator-2 (SRC-2) and the secondary coactivator p300/CREB-binding protein (CBP). The PR-B homodimer engages one SRC-2 mainly through its activation function 1 (AF1) in N-terminus. SRC-2 is positioned between PR-B and p300 leaving space for direct interaction between PR-B and p300 through PR-B's C-terminal AF2 and its unique AF3. Direct AF3/p300 interaction provides long-desired structural insights into the known functional differences between PR-B and the PR-A isoform lacking AF3. We reveal the contributions of each AF and demonstrate their structural basis in forming the PR-B dimer interface and PR-B/coactivator complex. Comparison of the PR-B/coactivator complex with other steroid receptor (estrogen receptor and androgen receptor) complexes also shows that each receptor has its unique mechanism for recruiting coactivators due to the highly variable N-termini among receptors.


Juvenile idiopathic arthritis activity and function ability: deleterious effects in periodontal disease?
The impact of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in periodontal diseases is controversial probably due to gender and age heterogeneity. We therefore evaluated a homogeneous female post-pubertal JIA population for these conditions. Thirty-five JIA patients and 35 gender/age comparable healthy controls were evaluated according to demographic data, complete periodontal evaluation, fasting lipoproteins, and anti-lipoprotein lipase antibodies. JIA scores, laboratorial tests, X-rays, and treatment were also assessed. Current age was similar in JIA patients and controls (11.90 ± 2.0 vs. 12.50 ± 3.0 years, p = 0.289). Complete periodontal assessments revealed that gingival index, dental plaque, gingival bleeding, and clinical dental attachment indices were alike in JIA patients and controls (p > 0.05), except for gingival enlargement in former group (p < 0.0001). Further analysis of patients with and without gingivitis revealed that cyclosporine use was more often observed in JIA patients with gingivitis (37 vs. 0%, p = 0.01), whereas no differences were evidenced in demographic, JIA scores, inflammatory markers, and lipid profile in both groups. Of note, two parameters of periodontal assessment were correlated with JIA scores [gingival index (GI) and Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) (r s = +0.402, p = 0.020)] and plaque index (PI) and visual analog scale (VAS) physician (r s = +0.430, p = 0.013). In addition, evaluation of dental assessment demonstrated that JIA activity scores had positive correlation with decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMF-T) and junvenile athritis disease activity score (JADAS) (r s = +0.364,p = 0.037), VAS physician (r s = +0.401,p = 0.021) and VAS patient (r s = +0.364,p = 0.037). We demonstrated, using rigorous criteria, that periodontal and dental condition in JIA is similar to controls. In spite of that, the finding of a correlation with disease parameters provides additional evidence that increased activity and reduced functional ability underlies the deleterious effect of JIA in oral health.


Early detection of pandemic (H1N1) 2009, Bangladesh.
To explore Bangladesh's ability to detect novel influenza, we examined a series of laboratory-confirmed pandemic (H1N1) 2009 cases. During June-July 2009, event-based surveillance identified 30 case-patients (57% travelers); starting July 29, sentinel sites identified 252 case-patients (1% travelers). Surveillance facilitated response weeks before the spread of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 infection to the general population.


In-Situ Generated CsPbBr3 Nanocrystals on O-Defective WO3 for Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction.
Metal halide perovskite (MHP) nanocrystals (NCs) have shown promising application in photocatalytic CO2 reduction, but their activities are still largely restrained by severe charge recombination and narrow solar spectrum response. Assembly of heterojunctions can be beneficial to the charge separation in MHPs while the assembly process usually brings native interfacial defects, impeding efficient charge separation between two materials. Herein, an in-situ generation strategy was developed to prepare CsPbBr3 /WO3 heterojunction, using WO3 nanosheets (NSs) as growing substrate for the growth of CsPbBr3 NCs. The developed CsPbBr3 /WO3 heterojunction exhibited a high-quality interface, greatly facilitating charge transfer between two semiconductors. The hybrid photocatalyst displayed an excellent activity toward CO2 reduction, which was about 7-fold higher than pristine CsPbBr3 NCs and 3.5-fold higher than their assembled counterparts. The experimental results and theoretical simulations revealed that a Z-scheme mechanism with a favorable internal electric field was responsible for the good performance of CsPbBr3 /WO3 heterojunction. By using O-defective WO3 NSs as a near-infrared (NIR) light absorber, the CsPbBr3 /WO3 heterojunction could harvest NIR light and showed an impressive activity toward CO2 reduction. This work demonstrates a new strategy to design MHP-based heterojunctions by synergistically considering the interface quality, charge transfer mode, interfacial electric field, and light response range between two semiconductors.


The action of chlorpromazine at an isolated cholinergic synapse.
The effects of chlorpromazine (CPZ) on cholinergic transmission were studied at the isolated neuromuscular synapse of the frog. It was found that 5 x 10(-6) M CPZ produces the following effects: (1) a reduction in end-plate potential amplitude, mainly through inhibition of transmitter release at presynaptic nerve terminals; (2) a reduction in amplitude of focally recorded end-plate current without detectable change in nerve terminal potential: (3) a decrease in amplitude of miniature end-plate potentials; and (4) an increase in the frequency of spontaneous liberation of transmitter both in normal and calcium-free Ringer's solution. It is concluded that CPZ inhibits cholinergic transmission by a complex action on presynaptic and postsynaptic elements. The relation of these findings to central cholinergic activities of CPZ is discussed.


Effects of the synthetic liver X receptor agonist T0901317 on the growth hormone and thyroid hormone axes in male rats.
Liver X receptors (LXRs), activated by oxysterols, play an important role in the regulation of lipid and glucose metabolism, which is also markedly dependent on thyroid hormone and growth hormone (GH) status. Here, we investigated how a 1-week exposure to the synthetic LXR agonist T0901317 affected GH secretion and thyroid hormone status in male rats. While the pulse frequency of GH secretion was marginally affected there was a highly significant decrease in the triiodo-L-thyronine/thyroxine (T3/T4) ratio in plasma. This effect was associated with decreased expression of deiodinase 1 (DIO1) and 2 (DIO2) mRNA in the liver and thyroid gland, respectively. Expression of sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), the hallmark of stimulated lipogenesis, was markedly increased in both thyroid and pituitary implying that protracted pharmacological LXR activation may promote lipid accumulation in these endocrine tissues. These findings suggest that attention must be given to pituitary hormone dependent axes when developing therapeutic strategies based on agonism of the LXRs, e.g. for treatment of atherosclerosis.


Value of a postvoid scan during adnexal sonography.
The position of the uterus and ovaries can be affected by the degree of bladder filling. A postvoid scan may bring into view ovarian pathologic conditions not previously discerned.


Pentamidine treatment of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Association with acute renal failure and myoglobinuria.
A 31-year-old man with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and biopsy-proved Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia developed acute renal failure, elevated creatinine kinase levels, and myoglobin in both serum and urine while being treated with pentamidine. The patient was receiving no other nephrotoxic medications at the time, and these unusual complications were directly related to the pentamidine.


When prolapse cannot be reduced: incarcerated procidentia due to pelvic mass.
Our objective is to demonstrate a surgical approach to the treatment of incarcerated procidentia with obstructed ureters due to a pelvic mass. A 61-year-old woman presented with constipation, vaginal swelling, and difficulty voiding. On examination she had complete procidentia, which could not be reduced with gentle pressure. On imaging the prolapse appeared to contain a large pelvic mass measuring 11.5 cm in its greatest diameter, with features consistent with a mature teratoma. She was also noted to have bilateral ureteral obstruction and prominent hydronephrosis. After unsuccessful prolapse reduction under anesthesia, Bovie electrocautery was used to perform a posterior colpotomy. The obstructing mass was dissected away from the uterus and its connecting pedicle transected. The prolapse could then be reduced and a robotic hysterectomy performed. Pathology showed multiple pelvic masses including an 8-cm necrotic cystic nodule most consistent with uterine fibroids and a 4.5-cm mature cystic teratoma with associated seromucinous cystadenoma of the left ovary. Bilateral nephrostomy tubes were placed postoperatively. Incarcerated procidentia is an uncommon occurrence, which in rare cases may be due to a pelvic mass. Surgical management may be required with colpotomy for removal of the pelvic mass in order to reduce the prolapse and resolve the case.


A study of correlates of speech production performance--an ecological approach.
The purpose of the present study was to identify and analyze predictors of speech production performance of hearing-impaired children. Teachers' ratings of 327 elementary school hearing-impaired students were studied in relation to demographic characteristics of the students, parental demographic characteristics, and educational treatment parameters. Better performance was found to be associated with better hearing, higher socioeconomic status of the family, consistent use of amplification, and later commencing of preschool training. These findings held when other variables were statistically controlled. The implications of these findings are discussed and suggestions for further research are made.


Purification and characterization of a heat- and acid-stable progestin binding protein of rat lung.
We report on the purification and characterization of a heat- and acid-stable progestin binding protein of rat lung cytosol, the binding behaviour and capacity of which have already been described by us. Using heat treatment, fractionated acetone precipitation, DEAE, HAP and Sephadex G-100 chromatography, the protein was pure when analyzed by SDS-gel electrophoresis. The molecular weight was found to be 12-13,000 by sucrose density and analytical ultracentrifugation and by SDS-gel electrophoresis whereas gel chromatography revealed an apparent molecular weight of 22,000 and a Stockes' radius of 21 A. Among several species tested, only mouse lung contained a similar binding protein, which was only slightly different with respect to binding specificity. The interaction of [3H]R-5020 occurred with the following constants k1 = 5.1 x 10(4) M-1 min-1, k-1 = 0.9-3.5 x 10(-2) min-1 giving an equilibrium dissociation constant of 1.8-6.7 x 10(-7) M compared to 3 x 10(-7) M obtained by Scatchard plot analysis.


[Perampanel as a therapy option in patients with epilepsy].
This article describes a monocentric retrospective analysis of clinical experience with the latest antiepileptic drug perampanel with non-competitive modulation of postsynaptic AMPA receptors. Evaluation of electronic medical charts of patients newly treated with perampanel between 2012 and 2014 at the epilepsy center of the University Hospital Freiburg regarding effectiveness and tolerability. A total of 85 patients (45 male, mean age 37.4 years, range 14-80 years) with therapy resistance to an average of 6 antiepileptic medications were newly treated with add-on perampanel. Of the patients 35 % experienced a relevant reduction in seizures. The most commonly reported side effects were tiredness (32.5 %), dizziness (24.5 %) and irritability (10.5 %). The dosages resulting in a significant reduction in seizures which varied between patients from 4 to 12 mg/day. Even multidrug-resistant patients who had not benefited from vagus nerve and deep brain stimulation, profited from add-on treatment with perampanel. In this cohort, even epilepsy patients who did not respond to multiple previous antiepileptic treatment profited from add-on therapy with the new mode of action of perampanel.


"Non-criteria" antiphospholipid syndrome: A nomenclature proposal.
The classification criteria for antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) generate discussion, with a growing impression that certain patients not fulfilling these criteria might be inadequately excluded from the classification. Nonetheless, these "non-criteria" patients are heterogeneously defined across different publications. We reviewed the "non-criteria" APS subgroups depicted in the literature and attempted to organize these subsets in a nomenclature proposal that could be used for research purposes. We established four potential patient profiles, grouped under the broad term "non-criteria APS": (A) "Seronegative APS": patients fulfilling clinical criteria, plus "non-criteria" manifestations, with persistently negative antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL); (B) "Clinical non-criteria APS": patients with "non-criteria" manifestations, plus aPL positivity fulfilling the classification criteria; (C) "Incomplete laboratory APS": patients fulfilling clinical criteria, plus positive aPL, but not fulfilling the classification criteria (low titer aPL); and (D) "Laboratory non-criteria APS": patients fulfilling clinical criteria, with negative or low titer criteria aPL, plus positive "non-criteria" aPL. This categorization could allow for a more homogeneous research approach to APS, enabling more sustained and universal conclusions.


Favorable results of thymectomy combined with prednisolone alternate-day administration in myasthenia gravis.
Administration of anti-cholinesterase before operation and high doses of prednisolone after the operation are commonly prescribed in cases of thymectomy for the treatment of myasthenia gravis. Our policy is to carry out an extended thymectomy combined with pre- and post-operative administration of prednisolone on alternate days. Our method was used in the treatment of 50 patients with generalized myasthenia gravis, from January 1979 to December 1984. The results were examined in conjunction with the necessity for preoperative administration of an anti-cholinesterase preparation and also with factors influencing the follow-up result and postoperative process. This method made it feasible to perform surgery under conditions of stabilization of clinical symptoms and satisfactory postoperative management. A postoperative period of unstable symptoms could thus be avoided. The palliation rate at one year after the operation was 96 per cent, while the remission rate at 5 years after the operation was 70 per cent. The preoperative supplement of anti-cholinesterase and preoperative per cent forced vital capacity were considered to be predictive factors concerning the necessity of artificial respiration.


Mechanisms to improve teamworking in neurosurgery.
Team-working has been seen as an important essential in the delivery of modern medical care and quality. It should increase the range of skills and knowledge in dealing with clinical problems and needs to make better use of scarce professional resources. In addition many see the team as reducing the risk of the harmful consequences of idiosyncratic practice. Team-working requires a named consultant to be responsible for individual patients with corporate responsibility for the practice. Doctors and managers will need to work together. The structure of teams will by necessity change but the requirements are constant. These are to provide a basis for continuing professional development, the monitoring of standards of performance and capacity, and above all, to improve patient care and outcome. An essential prerequisite is the provision of resources to provide a supportive environment if clinical excellence is to be the norm.


An ergonomic comfort workspace analysis of master manipulator for robotic laparoscopic surgery with motion scaled teleoperation system.
In robotic surgery, a surgeon controls a surgical robot through a master manipulator in motion scaled teleoperation environment. However, there are no clear criteria for the master's workspace. From the user experiment, we proposed an Ergonomic Comfort Workspace considering ergonomics and performed a verification experiment using the actual surgeons' dataset. From the user experiment, with comfortable posture, there was no significant difference (p-value < 0.05) between the master workspace when the task space is increased, and the workspace is defined as an ergonomic comfort workspace. Using the JIGSAWS dataset, elementary surgical tasks using surgical robots, verify the effectiveness of the ergonomic comfort workspace (ECW). It was confirmed that more than 95% of surgical task data were almost included in the ECW. The proposed ECW of the master for robotic laparoscopic surgery enables surgeons to perform surgery with high comfort and precision.


Acidic fluids in the Earth's lower crust.
Fluid flux through Earth's surface and its interior causes geochemical cycling of elements in the Earth. Quantification of such process needs accurate knowledge about the composition and properties of the fluids. Knowledge about the fluids in Earth's interior is scarce due to limitations in both experimental methods and thermodynamic modeling in high/ultrahigh pressure-temperature conditions. In this study, we present halogen (Cl, F) measurements in apatite grains from the mafic (metagabbro), and felsic (two-pyroxene granulite, charnockite, hornblende-biotite gneiss) rocks preserved in the Nilgiri Block, southern India. Previous experiments show that it is difficult to incorporate Cl in apatite compared to F at high pressure and temperature conditions. Based on regional trends in Cl and F content in apatite (with highest Cl content 2.95 wt%), we suggest the presence of acidic C-O-H fluids in the lower crust (~20-40 km deep) during the high-grade metamorphism of these rocks. These fluids are capable of causing extreme chemical alterations of minerals, especially refractory ones. They also have significant potential for mass transfer, causing extensive geochemical variations on a regional scale and altering the chemical and isotope records of rocks formed in the early Earth. Our findings have important relevance in understanding speciation triggered by acidic fluids in the lower crust, as well as the role of fluids in deep Earth processes.


Discriminant analysis: methods and program.
Because of the disparity in the results obtained using different methods of discriminant analysis, we have written and used a unique program to test them. These methods can be divided into two groups corresponding to a classical probabilistic approach (i.e., Bayesian methods) or a topological approach (i.e., Sebestyen method).


Activation of 5-HT1A receptors in the rat basolateral amygdala induces both anxiolytic and antipanic-like effects.
The relevance of 5-HT1A and 5-HT2C receptors of the basolateral nucleus of the amygdala (BLA) in the mediation of anxiety-related defensive responses has long been acknowledged. Whereas strong evidence supports that activation of the latter receptors provokes anxiety, conflicting findings have been reported on the role played by the former binding site. In this study we further investigated the involvement of 5-HT1A receptors (5-HT1A-Rs) in the regulation of anxiety- and panic-related defensive behaviors. The results showed that intra-BLA injection of the 5-HT1A-R agonist 8-OH-DPAT (0.4-16nmol) in male Wistar rats impaired the acquisition of inhibitory avoidance in the elevated T-maze, increased the percentage of time spent in the lit compartment of the light-dark transition model and enhanced the number of punished drinking events in the Vogel conflict test, all changes compatible with an anxiolytic effect. This agonist also impaired escape expression in the elevated T-maze, suggestive of a panicolytic-like effect. 8-OH-DPAT-induced changes in the elevated T-maze and light-dark tests were blocked by previous local administration of the 5-HT1A-R antagonist WAY-100635 (0.37nmol) and were also observed after intra-BLA microinjection of the benzodiazepine receptor agonist midazolam (10-40nmol). Thus, stimulation of 5-HT1A-Rs in the BLA causes both anxiolytic- and panicolytic-like effects, what may have implications for the pathophysiology and treatment of generalized anxiety and panic disorders.


Methylotrophic bacteria with cobalamin-dependent mutases in primary metabolism as potential strains for vitamin B12 production.
Several bacterial species are known for their ability to synthesize vitamin B12 but biotechnological vitamin B12 production today is restricted to Pseudomonas denitrificans and Propionibacterium freudenreichii. Nevertheless, the rising popularity of veganism leads to a growing demand for vitamin B12 and thereby interest in alternative strains which can be used as efficient vitamin B12 sources. In this work, we demonstrate that methylotrophic microorganisms which utilize the ethylmalonyl-CoA pathway containing B12-dependent enzymes are capable of active vitamin B12 production. Several bacteria with an essential function of the pathway were tested for vitamin B12 synthesis. Among the identified strains, Hyphomicrobium sp. DSM3646 demonstrated the highest vitamin B12 levels reaching up to 17.9 ± 5.05 µg per g dry cell weight. These relatively high vitamin B12 concentrations achieved in simple cultivation experiments were performed in a mineral methanol medium, which makes Hyphomicrobium sp. DSM3646 a new promising cobalamin-producing strain.


Virion glycosylation influences mycobacteriophage immune recognition.
Glycosylation of eukaryotic virus particles is common and influences their uptake, trafficking, and immune recognition. In contrast, glycosylation of bacteriophage particles has not been reported; phage virions typically do not enter the cytoplasm upon infection, and they do not generally inhabit eukaryotic systems. We show here that several genomically distinct phages of Mycobacteria are modified with glycans attached to the C terminus of capsid and tail tube protein subunits. These O-linked glycans influence antibody production and recognition, shielding viral particles from antibody binding and reducing production of neutralizing antibodies. Glycosylation is mediated by phage-encoded glycosyltransferases, and genomic analysis suggests that they are relatively common among mycobacteriophages. Putative glycosyltransferases are also encoded by some Gordonia and Streptomyces phages, but there is little evidence of glycosylation among the broader phage population. The immune response to glycosylated phage virions in mice suggests that glycosylation may be an advantageous property for phage therapy of Mycobacterium infections.


An investigation of the construct validity of the 20-Item Toronto Alexithymia Scale through the use of a verbalization task.
The construct validity of the 20-Item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) was examined through a verbalization task requiring participants to discuss a past distressing event. Verbalizations were transcribed and coded for the frequency and number of different negative and positive emotion words used. Relationships between the TAS-20 and these variables were examined. Controlling for negative affect (NA), the difficulty identifying feelings (DIF) subscale was positively associated with the frequency of negative emotion words used and negatively associated with the frequency and number of different positive emotion words used during the verbalization task. High, compared with low, scoring TAS-20 participants used a lower frequency of and fewer different positive emotion words. The TAS-20 may be measuring negative emotional expressivity separate from negative affectivity, as well as a reduced capacity to access and elaborate upon positive emotion. Findings are discussed in regard to improving the conceptualization and measurement of emotional deficits in alexithymia.


An extensive analysis of disease-gene associations using network integration and fast kernel-based gene prioritization methods.
In the context of "network medicine", gene prioritization methods represent one of the main tools to discover candidate disease genes by exploiting the large amount of data covering different types of functional relationships between genes. Several works proposed to integrate multiple sources of data to improve disease gene prioritization, but to our knowledge no systematic studies focused on the quantitative evaluation of the impact of network integration on gene prioritization. In this paper, we aim at providing an extensive analysis of gene-disease associations not limited to genetic disorders, and a systematic comparison of different network integration methods for gene prioritization. We collected nine different functional networks representing different functional relationships between genes, and we combined them through both unweighted and weighted network integration methods. We then prioritized genes with respect to each of the considered 708 medical subject headings (MeSH) diseases by applying classical guilt-by-association, random walk and random walk with restart algorithms, and the recently proposed kernelized score functions. The results obtained with classical random walk algorithms and the best single network achieved an average area under the curve (AUC) across the 708 MeSH diseases of about 0.82, while kernelized score functions and network integration boosted the average AUC to about 0.89. Weighted integration, by exploiting the different "informativeness" embedded in different functional networks, outperforms unweighted integration at 0.01 significance level, according to the Wilcoxon signed rank sum test. For each MeSH disease we provide the top-ranked unannotated candidate genes, available for further bio-medical investigation. Network integration is necessary to boost the performances of gene prioritization methods. Moreover the methods based on kernelized score functions can further enhance disease gene ranking results, by adopting both local and global learning strategies, able to exploit the overall topology of the network.