Transformation of Covalent Organic Frameworks from N-Acylhydrazone to Oxadiazole Linkages for Smooth Electron Transfer in Photocatalysis.
Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are regarded as new platforms for solar-to-chemical energy conversion due to their tailor-made functions and pre-designable structures. Their intrinsic reversibility and the high polarization of organic linkages inevitably result in poor chemical stability and weak optoelectronic properties. Herein, one N-acylhydrazone-linked COF (H-COF) was converted into a stable and π-conjugated oxadiazole-linked COF via post-oxidative cyclization. Both chemical stability and π-electron delocalization throughout the reticular framework are significantly improved, leading to a high hydrogen evolution rate of 2615 μmol g-1 h-1 upon visible light irradiation, which is over four times higher than that of H-COF. This work provides a facile protocol for the fabrication of π-conjugated COFs and the modulation of photophysical properties for photocatalytic application.


Effect of Dry Needling on the Masseter Muscle in the Tinnitus Perception of Patients with Temporomandibular Disorder.
To evaluate the effect of dry needling on the masseter muscle in the perception of tinnitus in patients with temporomandibular disorder. Twenty-five patients with tinnitus and muscular temporomandibular disorders were randomly assigned to groups study (n = 13) and control (n = 12). Three sessions of dry needling (study) and sham (control) were performed. Follow-up was performed 30, 60 and 90 days after the end of treatment. The Analog Visual Scale and Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) were used to evaluate the treatment. In study group, 76.9% presented a reduction in the intensity and tinnitus discomfort and total THI. In control group, 66.7% presented a decrease in tinnitus intensity and total THI, and 58.3% reported a decrease in tinnitus discomfort. After 90 days, in the study group, 84.6% maintained improvement in pain intensity and reduction in THI score and 69.2% reported improvement in both intensity and discomfort caused by tinnitus. In control group, 75% achieved improvement in pain intensity, 33.2% maintained improvement in tinnitus intensity, and 41.7% maintained improvement in discomfort caused by tinnitus and total THI. In the total THI score, the study group presented improvement (p = 0.041). Dry needling combined with counseling was associated with improvement in pain intensity and tinnitus, decrease in tinnitus discomfort and reduction in total THI score.


The relationship between major intrinsic protein genes and cataract.
Genetic factors play an essential role in the development of cataracts, and the major intrinsic protein (MIP) gene is a type of causative genes. Our study aims to discuss the current research progress of MIP genes responsible for cataractogenesis in DNA and protein levels, which is essential in achieving a response to the molecular deficiencies and pathophysiologic features of cataract. We developed a search strategy using a combination of the words "Cataract", "Mutation", "MIP gene", and "AQP0" to identify all articles from PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar up to December 2019. To find more articles and to ensure that databases were thoroughly searched, the reference lists of selected items were also reviewed. A total of 29 MIP gene mutations causing congenital cataract were obtained by searching these databases and analyzing the results of genetic mutation pathogenicity prediction software tools; most of them caused amino acid codon changes in the H4, H5, H6, C-TIDs, and loop C in the structure of the MIP protein. However, there was no clear causality between lens morphology, phenotypes, and genotypes. The genotype TC in polymorphism c.-4T > C and haplotype CCG of rs2269348, c.-4T > C, and rs74641138 in MIP may attach an additional genetic risk factor for age-related cataract. These single-base mutations and single nucleotide polymorphisms might be importantly involved in the pathogenesis of congenital cataract and age-related cataract, respectively. This review provides a significant reference for clinical trials and theoretical studies.


HDAC inhibitor attenuates rat traumatic brain injury induced neurological impairments.
Oxidative stress plays an important role in the secondary neuronal damage after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Inhibition of histone deacetylases (HDACs) has been shown to reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and NADPH oxidases (Nox) transcription. Vorinostat is an HDAC inhibitor. This study investigated the influence of vorinostat on neurological impairments in a rat model of TBI induced by lateral fluid percussion injury (LFPI). Different concentrations of vorinostat (5, 25, and 50 mg/kg) were administered via intraperitoneal injection. Neurological deficits were evaluated by modified neurological severity scoring (mNSS). Evans blue extravasation was performed to assess blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability. Morris water maze assay was performed to evaluate cognitive impairments. Protein levels were evaluated through ELISA and Western blot. Vorinostat was found to attenuate TBI induced brain edema and BBB permeability in rats. Vorinostat also alleviated TBI-induced neurological impairments and anxiety-like behavior in rats. Vorinostat attenuated TBI induced apoptosis and oxidative stresses in ipsilateral injury cortical tissue. Vorinostat inhibited HDAC1, HDAC3, and Nox4 while activated AMPK signaling in ipsilateral injury cortical tissue. In conclusion, administration of vorinostat alleviates the secondary damage of TBI in rat model. The oxidative stress in the ipsilateral injury cortical tissues is decreased by the inhibition of Nox4 expression and the activation of AMPK.


Educational models of infant and young child feeding among prenatal and postnatal women during the COVID-19 pandemic (January 2020-January 2023): A scoping review.
Infant and young children feeding (IYCF) practices, particularly for infants and young children <2 y old, became increasingly challenging during the COVID-19 pandemic. Several studies have discussed various educational models in the pre-pandemic period, most of which were conducted in person. The last reviews on IYCF interventions were conducted in 2020 and were relevant to pre-pandemic contexts. Thus, there is a need to review IYCF interventions to inform educational models adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to describe the IYCF educational models proposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. For this relevant literature, we searched PubMed, SCOPUS, EBSCO, ProQuest, Sage Journals, and Wiley Online Library. Thirty-five literature sources were screened, and 7 data sources were included for data extraction and analysis. Many studies on the IYCF educational models focused on exclusive breastfeeding and early initiation of breastfeeding; there was only one study on complementary feeding, and no research was found on continued breastfeeding. Four studies found no significant differences in the intervention given. Three studies had a significant effect, one had in-person meetings, and two consisted of WhatsApp discussions. Most IYCF educational models from the pandemic context comprised online education, whereas WhatsApp was the most popular media used. Future researchers may develop these findings to design research on a larger scale and for a longer period, especially on complementary feeding and continued breastfeeding based on IYCF indicators.


Determination of haemoglobin in birds by a modified alkaline haematin (D-575) method.
A recently published method for measuring human haemoglobin based on alkaline haematin (Zander et al., Clin. chem. Acta 136, 83-93, 1984) has been adopted for bird samples. The new method yields comparable haemoglobin values with that of a previously used alkaline haematin method. Levels of haemoglobin estimated using alkaline haematin were higher than for cyanhaemiglobin, the reference method for human haemoglobin. This difference is due to the loss of haemoglobin in the cyanhaemiglobin procedure due to insolubility. The values for haemoglobin found by the alkaline haematin method did not vary significantly between a range of bird species. The method overcomes some important deficiencies of the cyanhaemiglobin method, in particular, problems of turbidity and quality control assessment.


Molecular Characterization of Glucose-6-phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency in Families from the Republic of Macedonia and Genotype-phenotype Correlation.
Glucose-6-phospahte dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD) is one of the most common inherited disorders affecting around 400 million people worldwide. Molecular analysis of the G6PD gene identified more than 140 distinct mutations, the majority being single base missense mutations. G6PD Mediterranean is the most common variant found in populations of the Mediterranean area. The aim of our study was to perform molecular characterization of G6PD deficiency in families from the Republic of Macedonia and correlate the findings to disease phenotype. Six patients and seven other family members were selected for genetic characterization, the selection procedure involved clinical evaluation and G6PD quantitative testing. All patients were first screened for the Mediterranean mutation, and subsequently for the Seattle mutation. Mutations were detected using PCR amplification and appropriate restriction endonuclease cleavage. Four hemizygote and 3 heterozygous carriers for G6PD Mediterranean were detected. All G6PD deficient patients from this group showed clinical picture of hemolysis, and in 66.6% neonatal jaundice was confirmed based on history data. To our knowledge, this is the first study concerned with molecular aspects of the G6PD deficiency in R. Macedonia. This study represents a step towards a more comprehensive genetic evaluation in our population and better understanding of the health issues involved.


Fine-needle aspirates of adenocarcinoma/metastatic carcinoma that resemble hepatocellular carcinoma: correlating cytologic features and performance in the College of American Pathologists Nongynecologic Cytology Program.
The cytologic features of adenocarcinoma/ metastatic carcinoma in liver fine-needle aspirates are well described. We review the cytologic findings from 16 aspirates of adenocarcinoma/metastatic carcinoma that were frequently misclassified as hepatocellular carcinomas and compare them with 17 cases that were rarely misclassified. To compare the cytologic features of adenocarcinoma/metastatic carcinoma in fine-needle aspiration specimens of the liver that were frequently misclassified as hepatocellular carcinoma with those of aspirates that were rarely misclassified. We reviewed a total of 1712 interpretations from 33 different cases of adenocarcinoma/metastatic carcinoma tumor in liver fine-needle aspiration specimens in the College of American Pathologists Nongynecologic Cytology Program and correlated the cytologic features with performance in the program. Overall, cases that were frequently misclassified as hepatocellular carcinoma were misclassified on average 26% of the time (range, 13%-54%), while infrequently misclassified cases were interpreted as hepatocellular carcinoma on average 0.7% of the time (range, 0%-3%). The difference was statistically significant (P < .001). On review, cases that were frequently misclassified most often had moderate amounts of granular cytoplasm (16/16 cases) and round nuclei with even chromatin (13/16 cases). Trabeculae (3/16 cases), bare nuclei (2/16 cases), and endothelial wrapping (1/16 cases) were also occasionally present. In contrast, cases that were rarely misclassified were more likely to have areas with cells showing scant cytoplasm that were crowded and overlapped or molded (13/17 cases) and contained dark hyperchromatic chromatin (13/17 cases) compared to cases that were frequently misclassified (P < .001 and P = .002, respectively). Trabeculae (2/17) and bare nuclei (2/17 cases) were also rarely present. Cases of adenocarcinoma/metastatic carcinoma with moderate amounts of granular cytoplasm and round nuclei with even chromatin are frequently misclassified as hepatocellular carcinoma. Recognition of this problem, attention to cytologic criteria, and frequent use of immunohistochemical studies and core biopsy may help avoid this pitfall.


Surface viscosity of surfactant films from human lungs.
The surface shear viscosity of films of human lung surfactant was measured using a rotary traction viscometer. At low shear rates dilute surfactant films (surface coverage 2.5--10 cm2/microgram lung extract) exhibited a low viscosity. Increasing the film concentration initially produced only a small increase in viscosity but, after a certain concentration, the film viscosity increased very markedly. The viscosity range for the most disperse (coverage 10 cm2/microgram extract) to the most concentrated film (0.6 cm2/microgram extract) was about 2.0 X 10(-4) g . sec-1 to 2.2 X 10(-2) g . sec-1. Surfactant film viscosity was also found to depend on the temperature of the subphase, higher viscosities being achieved when the subphase temperature was lowered. At low surface concentrations, surfactant films behaved in a strictly Newtonian manner. In contrast, at concentrations above 5.5 cm2/microgram extract they showed mildly non-Newtonian behaviour in that the magnitude of their surface viscosity was dependent on the rate of shear. The results suggest that films of human lung surfactant probably consist of both lipids and protein, and that the protein fraction plays a major part in determining the rheological properties of the films.


Massive subsurface ice formed by refreezing of ice-shelf melt ponds.
Surface melt ponds form intermittently on several Antarctic ice shelves. Although implicated in ice-shelf break up, the consequences of such ponding for ice formation and ice-shelf structure have not been evaluated. Here we report the discovery of a massive subsurface ice layer, at least 16 km across, several kilometres long and tens of metres deep, located in an area of intense melting and intermittent ponding on Larsen C Ice Shelf, Antarctica. We combine borehole optical televiewer logging and radar measurements with remote sensing and firn modelling to investigate the layer, found to be ∼10 °C warmer and ∼170 kg m(-3) denser than anticipated in the absence of ponding and hitherto used in models of ice-shelf fracture and flow. Surface ponding and ice layers such as the one we report are likely to form on a wider range of Antarctic ice shelves in response to climatic warming in forthcoming decades.


Reflection contrast microscopy. Visualization of (peroxidase-generated) diaminobenzidine polymer products and its underlying optical phenomena.
Reflection contrast microscopy (RCM) has proven to be a useful tool for the study of living cells (Ploem 1975). Due to the effective suppression of aspecific reflected light by polarization optics combined with a quarter lambda plate at the front lens of the objective, low intensity reflection signals originating from minor amounts of precipitated diaminobenzidine (DABox) in immunocytochemically stained specimens, can be made visible. RCM has been successfully applied in demonstrating single copy nucleic acid sequences using in situ hybridization procedures (Landegent et al. 1984). We have systematically studied the aspects of image formation of DABox by RCM by using a model system consisting of glass slides coated with peroxidase containing protein layers to determine the conditions for optimal sensitivity of this detection method. Moreover, investigations were performed to study the relationship between the amount of reflected light and DABox depending on the thickness of the object. Both theoretical and practical evidence is obtained to show that DABox detection by RCM is based on interference phenomena occurring in the layer of DABox, and less on selective reflection. This restricts the type of specimen which can be used for sensitive detection of DABox by RCM. Consequently, in ultrathin (40 nm) sections osmificated DABox was visualized in peroxidatic positive cell organelles with high contrast and resolution. Similar results were obtained with immunoperoxidase stained material embedded in Lowicryl under conditions that did not allow visualization of the staining product by bright field microscopy.


Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry profiling of steroids in urine of patients with acute intermittent porphyria.
Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) is an autosomal dominant disease that results from a deficiency of hydroxymethylbilane synthase, the third enzyme of the heme biosynthetic pathway. AIP carriers may present acute neurovisceral attacks with hepatic overproduction of heme-precursors. In some patients, remission of the acute symptoms leads to long-term hepatic metabolic abnormalities. In this study, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was used to investigate urinary steroid metabolome of AIP patients. Steroid profiling in urine was performed in a group of AIP patients with biochemically active disease (n=22) and healthy controls (n = 20). Five asymptomatic AIP family carriers were also studied. Commonly used ratios for the evaluation of disturbances in the steroid metabolism were calculated. We found that etiocholanolone/androsterone and tetrahydrocortisol/5α-tetrahydrocortisol (THF/5α-THF) metabolic ratios were significantly increased in the urine of AIP patients compared to controls (2.3 ± 0.3 vs 0.8 ± 0.1; p < 0.001 and 2.9 ± 0.7 vs 0.9 ± 0.1; p < 0.01). The (THF+5α-THF)/tetrahydrocortisone ratio was reduced among the AIP patients (p < 0.01). Quantification of the steroid absolute concentrations showed that these variations were due to a decrease of the 5α metabolites. Other ratios, like cortisol/cortisone and 6β-hydroxycortisol/cortisol in the free steroid fraction did not show differences between patients and controls. All ratios were normal among the family carriers. A significant number of AIP patients present a basal decrease of steroid 5α-reductase activity in the liver. The deficiency may be related to malnutrition and hepatic energy misbalance associated with active AIP. Urinary steroid profiling by GC/MS may be a valuable tool to assess hepatic metabolome in AIP.


A synthetic stigmastane displays antiadenoviral activity and reduces the inflammatory response to viral infection.
Although human adenovirus (ADV) infections are mild and self-limited in immunocompetent individuals, they can be severe and life-threatening in immunocompromised patients. Despite their significant clinical impact, there are not currently approved antiviral therapies for ADV infections. On the other hand, in some cases, the immune response induced by ADV infection can cause tissue damage. Even more, in the case of adenovirus vectors used in gene therapy, host immunity generally antagonize viral efficacy. Therefore, the need for searching an effective and safe therapy is increasing. In this work, we describe the antiadenoviral activity of the synthetic stigmastane (22S, 23S)-22,23-dihydroxystigmast-4-en-3-one (Compound 1) with already reported antiviral and antiinflammatory activities against other viruses of clinical importance. Compound 1 displayed no virucidal activity and did not affect ADV entry to the cells. The compound inhibited viral replication and it also reduced cytokine secretion in epithelial and inflammatory infected cells. Thus, Compound 1 would be a promissory drug potentially useful against adenoviral infections as well as an adjuvant of adenoviral vectors in gene therapy.


Current knowledge of and willingness to perform Hands-Only CPR in laypersons.
Recent simplified guidelines recommend Hands-Only CPR for laypersons and efforts to educate the public of these changes have been made. We determined current knowledge of and willingness to perform Hands-Only CPR. Design-prospective anonymous survey. Setting-academic suburban emergency department. Subjects-adult patients and visitors in a suburban ED. Survey instrument-33 item closed question format based on prior studies that included baseline demographics and knowledge and experience of CPR. Main outcome-knowledge of and willingness to perform Hands-Only CPR. Data analysis-descriptive statistics. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the association between predictor variables and knowledge of and willingness to perform Hands-Only CPR. We surveyed 532 subjects; mean age was 44±16; 53.2% were female, 75.6% were white. 45.5% were college graduates, and 44.4% had an annual income of greater than $50,000. 41.9% had received prior CPR training; only 10.3% had performed CPR. Of all subjects 124 (23.3%) had knowledge of Hands-Only CPR, yet 414 (77.8%) would be willing to perform Hands-Only CPR on a stranger. Age (P=0.003) and income (P=0.014) predicted knowledge of Hands-Only CPR. A history of a cardiac related event in the family (P=0.003) and previous CPR training (P=0.01) were associated with likelihood to perform Hands-Only CPR. Less than one fifth of surveyed laypersons knew of Hands-Only CPR yet three quarters would be willing to perform Hands-Only CPR even on a stranger. Efforts to increase layperson education are required to enhance CPR performance.


Species Determination: The Role and Use of the Cytochrome b Gene.
The illegal trade in ivory and rhino horn has led to a catastrophic decline in elephant and rhino populations worldwide. These iconic high profile species are one part of the illegal trade in wildlife products that threatens these species and the ecological balance in the habitats in which they live. Identification of the species present is required to determine that the trade is illegal and contrary to national legislation. This chapter details a robust DNA technique using part of the cytochrome b gene on the mitochondrial genome that will work on poor quality samples such as powdered horn or ivory products including statues and carvings. An appropriate DNA extraction technique is required to obtain at least 1 ng of DNA from which the amplification of part of the cytochrome b gene using universal primers is performed. This produces a fragment of 486 bp in size which can be sequenced using standard technologies. The resulting sequences are then aligned to voucher specimens or sequences on reliable databases. Analyses of the data should lead to confident species identification.


Is opioidergic activity responsible for the circadian variation observed in the gonadotrophin responsiveness of early follicular phase women?
In women, the gonadotrophin response to gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) displays a circadian rhythm during the early follicular phase (EFP), with GnRH-stimulated luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) release found to be markedly decreased at night. Since the opioidergic inhibition of gonadotrophin secretion is selectively enhanced at night, we reasoned that the circadian changes in the gonadotrophin responsiveness to GnRH might be related to a nocturnal increase of opioidergic activity. Eleven women with normal menstrual cycles were studied in the EFP on four different occasions in random order. Studies were conducted either during the day (0900-1300 h) or at night (2100-0100 h). During these times, GnRH (25 micrograms i.v.) was administered in conjunction with either saline (as control) or naloxone (4 mg i.v.). Frequent blood samples were obtained before and after GnRH stimulation for determination of basal sex steroid and gonadotrophin concentrations by immunoradiometric assays. While oestradiol levels were comparable (P > 0.3) at all times, progesterone concentrations were significantly (P < 0.01) higher during day than during night hours, with no difference between control and naloxone conditions. Gonadotropin responses to GnRH stimulation were not significantly different between day and night times, nor did they vary between control and naloxone conditions. Opioidergic blockade imposed by naloxone did not noticeably change GnRH-stimulated gonadotrophin release at any of the study times. We therefore infer that mechanisms other than a nocturnal increase of opioidergic inhibition may account for eventual circadian changes in the gonadotrophin responsiveness of early follicular phase women.


Template effect of hydrolysis of the catalyst precursor on growth of carbon nanotube arrays.
Iron catalyst films for the growth of carbon nanotube (CNT) arrays are prepared using sol-gel technique during different hydrolytic periods. It is shown that the extent of hydrolysis of the catalyst precursor has strong impacts on the size and density of iron catalyst particles, which distributed on surface of the film. The iron catalysts formed big clusters in the early stage of the hydrolysis, whereas the particle size decreased dramatically to approximate 20 nm when the hydrolytic duration is as long as 150 h. The reaction between the hydrolytic product of ethyl orthosilicate and the iron oxide particles effectively influence the structure of catalysts during the process of annealing precursor films and reducing the iron oxide particles into iron catalysts. We believe that the hydrolytic product limits the mobility of the catalyst particles, preventing them from aggregating into big clusters by Ostwald ripening. This catalyst film may be utilized to create a template to control the length and quality of CNTs.


Pregnancy restores altered sympathetic vasomotor modulation and parasympathetic cardiac modulation in hypertensive rats.
Hypertension is associated to impaired baroreflex sensitivity (BRS). In spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), pregnancy reduces blood pressure, and this effect has been associated to increase nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. Increased NO bioavailability has been linked to improve BRS in hypertensive animals. Therefore, we hypothesize that pregnancy improves the BRS in SHR. We performed experiments to evaluate the vasomotor and cardiac autonomic modulation, also to evaluate the BRS at baseline conditions (spontaneous) and after phenylephrine (PE) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) administrations in non-pregnant (NP) and pregnant (P) Wistar rats and SHR. Beat-to-beat time series with systolic arterial pressure values were generated and processed by Fast Fourier Transform (spectral analysis). Next, spectra were integrated into low-frequency (LF) band and had their power taken as an index of sympathetic modulation on arterial pressure. Reduced mean arterial pressure was observed in P-groups when compared to NP matched rats, although we did not observe alterations in heart rate (HR). In SHR-NP, spectral analysis revealed altered cardiovascular autonomic modulation when compared to the other groups. However, in SHR-P the autonomic parameters were similar to those observed in Wistar-NP, suggesting that pregnancy changed autonomic modulation. BRS assessed by means of the sequence method was found similar in P-groups. Pregnancy reduced the BRS during hypotension in Wistar. BRS assessed with PE and SNP administration was found lower in SHR-NP as compared to Wistar-NP, and it was not altered by pregnancy. In conclusion, pregnancy did not improve the BRS in SHR, but normalized altered sympathetic vasomotor modulation in SHR.


Diesel exhaust inhalation increases thrombus formation in man.
Although the mechanism is unclear, exposure to traffic-derived air pollution is a trigger for acute myocardial infarction (MI). The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of diesel exhaust inhalation on platelet activation and thrombus formation in men. In a double-blind randomized crossover study, 20 healthy volunteers were exposed to dilute diesel exhaust (350 microg/m(3)) and filtered air. Thrombus formation, coagulation, platelet activation, and inflammatory markers were measured at 2 and 6 h following exposure. Thrombus formation was measured using the Badimon ex vivo perfusion chamber. Platelet activation was assessed by flow cytometry. Compared with filtered air, diesel exhaust inhalation increased thrombus formation under low- and high-shear conditions by 24% [change in thrombus area 2229 microm(2), 95% confidence interval (CI) 1143-3315 microm(2), P = 0.0002] and 19% (change in thrombus area 2451 microm(2), 95% CI 1190-3712 microm(2), P = 0.0005), respectively. This increased thrombogenicity was seen at 2 and 6 h, using two different diesel engines and fuels. Diesel exhaust also increased platelet-neutrophil and platelet-monocyte aggregates by 52% (absolute change 6%, 95% CI 2-10%, P = 0.01) and 30% (absolute change 3%, 95% CI 0.2-7%, P = 0.03), respectively, at 2 h following exposure compared with filtered air. Inhalation of diesel exhaust increases ex vivo thrombus formation and causes in vivo platelet activation in man. These findings provide a potential mechanism linking exposure to combustion-derived air pollution with the triggering of acute MI.


Accessory parotid gland with ectopic fistulous duct - Surgical view: A case report and review of current literature.
Accessory parotid glands are a common clinical occurrence and usually drain into the main Stenson's duct by small ductules and thereby, into the buccal cavity. Presence of an accessory parotid gland with an ectopic fistulous duct is a rare occurrence. Clinical findings, imaging studies, biochemical tests, histopathological examination are needed for appropriate surgical management. It is extremely rare case with ectopic fistulous duct in an accessory parotid gland managed surgically by internalization of the duct to open into the buccal mucosa and excision of pre-aural appendages. Further to this, we give a comprehensive review of literature on accessory parotid gland and duct anomalies.


Pregnancy complications, obstetric risks, and neonatal outcome in singleton and twin pregnancies after GIFT and IVF.
In vitro fertilization (IVF) and to a lower extent gamete intra-fallopian transfer (GIFT) have become routine infertility treatments in industrialized countries. Our purpose is to compare the obstetric and neonatal characteristics of singleton and twin pregnancies after GIFT and IVF with those conceived spontaneously. This case-control study was conducted in a tertiary care medical center. The 322 singleton and 78 twin pregnancies after GIFT or IVF from 1991 through 1996 were evaluated and compared with each other, and with a control group that conceived spontaneously and matched for parity, maternal and gestational age. Statistical significance of differences was assessed by chi(2) test or two-tailed Fisher exact test. Continuous variables were compared by the paired t-test. Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) and vaginal bleeding were significantly more frequent maternal complications in the GIFT/IVF singleton groups compared to controls. In twin pregnancies the rate of cesarean sections, vaginal bleeding and preterm labor were more common after GIFT/IVF but did not reach statistical significance. Assisted reproduction was associated with low birth weight only in twin pregnancies when controlled for confounding variables, however perinatal outcome was comparable. There was no significant difference in the outcome measures between GIFT and IVF pregnancies. After controlling for parity, maternal and gestational age, singleton pregnancies conceived by GIFT/IVF are at increased obstetrical risk, however the perinatal outcome is comparable despite a lower average birth weight.


Making good use of online case study materials.
Web-based access to engaging instructional materials for SEE instruction represents an increasingly viable and attractive opportunity for educators. This paper will review research findings that demonstrate important differences in more experienced and novice ethical responses to engaging online materials, including authentic cases, codes, and commentaries. Results demonstrate that experienced ethical thinkers are more likely than novices to appeal to middle level principles that identify professional role-specific obligations (RSO); to make greater use of professional knowledge in order to recognize moral issues and relevant facts; and to employ more 'contextually sensitive' reasoning strategies when crafting resolutions to moral problems--e.g., identify alternative moral issues, assess the moral implications of actions, and provide alternative practical resolutions to conflicts. These findings suggest that when effectively integrated into SEE courses, authentic instructional materials have the potential to effectively challenge students and enhance student learning. However, there is evidence that the uses and benefits of these materials are not well understood. In the second part of this paper, five research-based instructional principles will be identified and discussed that can help SEE instructors better understand how to effectively integrate these materials into their courses.


Pentynyl dextran as a support matrix for immobilization of serine protease subtilisin Carlsberg and its use for transesterification of N-acetyl-L-phenylalanine ethyl ester in organic media.
In this study, serine protease (subtilisin Carlsberg) was immobilized on pentynyl dextran (PyD, O-alkynyl ether of dextran, 1) and used for the transesterification of N-acetyl-L-phenylalanine ethyl ester (2) with different aliphatic (1-propanol, 1-butanol, 1-pentanol, 1-hexanol) and aromatic (benzyl alcohol, 2-phenyl ethanol, 4-phenyl-1-butanol) alcohols in tetrahydrofuran (THF). The effect of carbon chain length in aliphatic and aromatic alcohols on initial and average transesterification rate, transesterification activity of immobilized enzyme and yield of the reaction under selected reaction conditions was investigated. The transesterification reactivity of the enzyme and yield of the reaction increased as the chain length of the alcohols decreased. Furthermore, almost no change in yield was observed when the immobilized enzyme was repeatedly used for selected alcohols over six cycles. Intrinsic fluorescence analysis showed that the catalytic activity of the immobilized enzyme in THF was maintained due to retention of the tertiary structure of the enzyme after immobilization on PyD (1).


Difference in the translucency of all-ceramics by the illuminant.
The objective of this study was to determine the differences in the translucency parameter (TP) of all-ceramic core, veneer and layered specimens relative to the CIE standard illuminant D(65), A and F2. The A2-corresponding shade of seven all-ceramic core materials and one sintering ceramic as a reference were prepared in clinically relevant thicknesses (n = 7). The A2- and A3-corresponding shades of each recommended veneer ceramics were fabricated so that the thickness of the layered specimen was 1.5mm. The color of core, veneer and layered specimens was measured over white and black backgrounds relative to the illuminant D(65), A and F2 with a reflection spectrophotometer. TP value was obtained by calculating the color difference between the specimen over the white and that over the black background. Differences of TP values by the illuminant (DeltaTP) were analyzed with three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), with the fixed factors of the type of ceramic, the brand/thickness of ceramic within each type and the combination of illuminants (alpha = 0.05). DeltaTP values were influenced by three factors based on three-way ANOVA. Higher translucent materials showed higher difference in TP value by the illuminants. TP(D(65)) was lower than TP(F2) and TP(A) values. Correlation coefficients between TP values relative to the different illuminants were higher than 0.994 (p<0.01). Translucency of all-ceramic materials under daylight condition was lower than those under incandescent or fluorescent lamps. Therefore, this difference should be considered when shade matching translucent shades of all-ceramics.


Short Communication: Metformin Reduces CD4 T Cell Exhaustion in HIV-Infected Adults on Suppressive Antiretroviral Therapy.
Increased negative immune checkpoint receptors (NCR) on T cells are linked to T cell exhaustion, dysfunctional effector responses, and HIV viral persistence. Metformin, an oral hypoglycemic agent used for diabetes, may have previously unrecognized beneficial immunologic effects. Using cryopreserved blood from a 24-week pilot study involving 12 virally suppressed HIV-infected individuals randomized 1:1 to metformin versus observation (OBS), we assessed change in the frequencies of T cell activation (CD38+HLA-DR+) and NCR [programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1), T cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domains (TIGIT), and T cell mucin-domain containing-3 (TIM3)]. No differences in 24-week change were seen between arms in CD4 or CD8 T cells, in the CD4/CD8 ratio, or in activated (CD38+HLA-DR+) CD4 or CD8 T cells. However, metformin over 24 weeks led to decreases compared with OBS in single PD1+ (percent decrease: -9.6% vs. 7.5%, p = .015), in dual PD1+TIGIT+ (-15.0% vs. 10.4%, p = .002), and in triple PD1+TIGIT+TIM3+ (-24.0% vs. 8.1%, p = .041) CD4 T cells. Metformin led to no changes in CD8 T cell NCR frequencies. Metformin decreases the frequency of PD1+, PD1+TIGIT+, and PD1+TIGIT+TIM3+ expressing CD4 T cells. This may have relevance to HIV cure strategies and to efforts to mitigate the risk of chronic complications of HIV.


Retrospective investigation of 9 years of data on needlestick and sharps injuries: Effect of a hospital infection control committee.
The risk of occupational transmission of bloodborne pathogens to health care workers is primarily associated with needlestick and sharps injuries (NSIs). However, most NSIs are not reported, and most health care workers are not aware of postexposure procedures. Data for NSIs reported in our hospital between 2008 and 2016 were reviewed retrospectively. A total of 546 staff members reported NSIs. Of these, 376 (68.9%) were women. NSIs were more commonly reported by trainee nurses (243 [44.5%]), followed by nurses (121 [22.2%]), cleaning staff (108 [19.8%]), and doctors (49 [9%]). The rate of postexposure interventions was 13% in 2008 and 92.6% in 2016 (P < .0001; χ2 = 82.866). NSI rates also show that the number of applications with NSIs increased over the years. When occupational blood exposure was examined, the number of bloodborne pathogens was 50 (9.3%) cases of hepatitis B virus, 30 (5.6%) cases of hepatitis C virus, 3 cases of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, 1 case of HIV, and 2 cases of hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus coinfection. Over the years, the increase in both the appropriate intervention rate and the number of reports to the hospital infection control committee after NSIs shows that regular training regarding NSIs is effective. Hospital infection control committees may play a more active role in raising awareness in this regard and thus reducing the rate of unreported NSIs.


[Possible mechanisms of the activation of the lipid peroxidation reaction in the vitreous body in hemorrhage].
It has been established that one of the mechanisms of lipid peroxidation intensification is mediated by metals of variable valency, hemin compounds and phospholipids carried into the vitreous body by blood.


Size-Tunable Natural Mineral-Molybdenite for Lithium-Ion Batteries Toward: Enhanced Storage Capacity and Quicken Ions Transferring.
Restricted by the dissatisfied capacity of traditional materials, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) still suffer from the low energy-density. The pursuing of natural electrode resources with high lithium-storage capability has triggered a plenty of activities. Through the hydro-refining process of raw molybdenite ore, containing crushing-grinding, flotation, exfoliation, and gradient centrifugation, 2D molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) with high purity is massively obtained. The effective tailoring process further induce various sizes (5, 2, 1 and 90 nm) of sheets, accompanying with the increasing of active sites and defects. Utilized as LIB anodes, size-tuning could serve crucial roles on the electrochemical properties. Among them, MoS2-1 μm delivers an initial charge capacity of 904 mAh g-1, reaching up to 1,337 mAh g-1 over 125 loops at 0.1 A g-1. Even at 5.0 A g-1, a considerable capacity of 682 mAh g-1 is remained. Detailedly analyzing kinetic origins reveals that size-controlling would bring about lowered charge transfer resistance and quicken ions diffusion. The work is anticipated to shed light on the effect of different MoS2 sheet sizes on Li-capacity ability and provides a promising strategy for the commercial-scale production of natural mineral as high-capacity anodes.


Effectiveness of Chlorhexidine vaginal cleansing in reducing post-caesarean endometritis at two tertiary hospitals in Enugu, Nigeria: A randomized controlled trial.
Despite the use of prophylactic antibiotics during Caesarean delivery, post-Caesarean surgical site infection (SSI) and endometritis still often complicate the puerperal period. We speculated that the use of vaginal cleansing with chlorhexidine solution would serve as an adjunct to prophylactic antibiotics in reducing the menace of post-caesarean endometritis and indeed found a significant reduction.


Contrast discrimination under task-induced mental load.
Task-induced mental load can potentially degrade visual performance, which could be important during tasks such as driving. In the natural world, most objects have visual contrasts that are supra-threshold, and so the ability to reliably distinguish the borders between these objects is related to contrast discrimination, rather than absolute contrast detection performance. This study investigated the effects of auditory task-induced mental load on contrast discrimination threshold across several spatial frequencies. Binocular contrast discrimination thresholds were measured in 14 participants at spatial frequencies of 0.25, 1, 4, 8, 14 cpd across pedestal contrast levels of 10, 16, 24, 38 and 60%. The task was repeated with an auditory 0-back task and 2-back task to impose a mental load, the magnitude of which was measured through subjective ratings and heart rate recording. A concurrent 2-back task significantly increased contrast discrimination thresholds across all spatial frequencies when compared to both the baseline and 0-back conditions. There was no significant effect of mental load on the slope of the Threshold vs Contrast function once potential ceiling effects in our staircase procedure were removed. We conclude that mental load induced by concurrent cognitive tasks can increase contrast discrimination thresholds. When evaluating an individuals' performance under natural-world condition such as driving, the effects of task-induced mental load on contrast discrimination thresholds should be considered.


Identifying opportunities for harmonized microplastics and mesoplastics monitoring for Caribbean Small Island Developing States using a spatiotemporal assessment of beaches in South Eleuthera, The Bahamas.
Increasing quantities of microplastics and mesoplastics in the marine environment underscore the need for marine microplastics to be included in the global Plastics Treaty to end plastic pollution. Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS) lack harmonized microplastics monitoring protocols, leaving them data deficient at the science-policy interface required for treaty negotiations. This baseline study assessed spatial and seasonal abundance and distribution of microplastic (1-5 mm) and mesoplastic (5-25 mm) on 16 beaches with three coastal exposures (Atlantic Ocean, Exuma Sound, Bahama Bank) in South Eleuthera, The Bahamas and its implications for Caribbean SIDS. Microplastics were the dominant debris type sampled (74 %) across all beaches, with significant spatial (p = 0.0005) and seasonal (p = 0.0363) differences in abundance and distribution across study sites. This baseline study identifies opportunities required for developing harmonized microplastics and mesoplastics monitoring by Caribbean SIDS to collect data to help support global plastics treaty negotiations.


Knitted double-velour Dacron prostheses in aortobifemoral position--long-term performance of different coating materials.
The purpose of this prospectively randomized study was to evaluate intraoperative as well as long-term performance of different coating materials for knitted Dacron aortobifemoral prostheses. Between 1989 and 1992 a total of 150 consecutive patients who underwent aortobifemoral bypass were randomized for three different coating materials: gelatine (Unigraft; n = 49), collagen (Hemashield; n = 50) and human albumin (USCI; n = 51). Intra- and perioperative data such as duration of operation, clamping time, blood loss, and early complications were obtained as well as yearly follow-up examinations up to five years. Frequency of late complications, graft patency, and patient survival were observed. No statistically significant difference of intraoperative data could be obtained. In every group 6% of patients presented with anastomotic aneurysm in the groin. Primary patency rates were Unigraft 92%, Hemashield 91%, USCI 92% (no significant difference, n.s.), secondary patency rates after 5 years were Unigraft 98%, Hemashield 95%, USCI 94% (n.s.). Overall superiority of one particular type of prosthesis could not be stated. In order to prevent sudden graft failure associated with progressive arteriosclerotic disease or from late anastomotic aneurysm regular follow-up examinations should follow aorto-bifemoral bypass.


C-Banding of Plant Chromosomes.
C-banding visualizes regions of chromosomes containing constitutive heterochromatin. It creates distinct patterns along the chromosome length and allows precise chromosome identification if C-bands are present in sufficient numbers. It is performed on chromosome spreads generated from fixed material, usually root tips or anthers. While there are numerous lab-specific modifications, all methods share the same steps: acidic hydrolysis, DNA denaturation in strong bases (usually saturated aqueous solution of barium hydroxide), washes in saline solution, and staining in Giemsa-type stain in a phosphate buffer. The method can be used for a wide range of cytogenetic tasks, from karyotyping, meiotic chromosome pairing analyses, to large-scale screening and selection of specific chromosome constructs.


2-D electrophoresis distribution of stable 14C-glycation products from pig lens crystallins in relation to diabetic cataract formation.
We incubated pig lens crystallins with 14C-glucose and eliminated the unstable glycation products with posterior dialysis. All five soluble protein classes separable by Sepharose CL-6B column chromatography were radioactive, but the alpha-H fraction was five times more so than any of the others (14.2 vs. 3.1, 3.2, 1.6, and 2.3 x 10(3) cpm/mg protein, for alpha-H, alpha-L, beta-H, beta-L, and gamma proteins, respectively). However, the autoradiographs of our two-dimensional electrophoresis patterns revealed glycosyl adducts in all the soluble protein subunits except for gamma-a, and showed no evidence of preferential glycation of the alpha-H fraction subunits. We conclude that stable glycation products find their way into the alpha-H fraction but that the components of this fraction do not undergo unusually extensive glycation. This is consistent with the theory that senile diabetic cataracts arise from the hyperaggregation of proteins due to glycation.


How Canadian seniors make decision about insolvency?
This paper analyzes the growing insolvency phenomenon among Canadian seniors. It aims at situating the rise of insolvencies among seniors in the context of the demographic transition to understand the cause of their indebtedness. Furthermore, it feeds the scientific voice in the current debate to explain the rise of insolvencies among seniors. Our study is based on data of 1,285,000 insolvent debtors collected by the Canadian Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy (OSB) from 2008 to 2018. We observed that the rise in the share of insolvencies filed by seniors is consistent with the progression of their share in the total population. Therefore, the relative increase observe in seniors' insolvencies is attributable to their growing share in the total population, and not necessarily to an increase in seniors' insolvencies. Given the aging of the Canadian population and its impact on the labour market, policy makers should adjust the insolvency system to be more responsive to seniors' needs and align with other public policies.


Can pediatric sleep questions be incorporated into a risk model to predict respiratory complications following adenotonsillectomy?
Adenotonsillectomy, one of the most frequent surgical procedures in children, is usually performed for sleep-disordered breathing, a disease spectrum from primary snoring to obstructive sleep apnea. Children undergoing an adenotonsillectomy may be at risk for perioperative respiratory complications, necessitating intervention or escalation of care. However, there is no effective preoperative screening or risk-stratification model for perioperative respiratory complications that incorporates not only clinical history and physical examination but also sleep question responses for children as there is for adults. The aim of this prospective observational study was to develop a risk-stratification model for perioperative respiratory complications in children undergoing an adenotonsillectomy incorporating not only clinical history and physical examination but also sleep question responses. A 25-question sleep questionnaire was prospectively administered preoperatively for 1895 children undergoing an adenotonsillectomy from November 2015 to December 2017. The primary outcome measure was overall perioperative respiratory complications, collected prospectively and defined as having at least one major or minor complication intraoperatively or postoperatively. The incidence of overall perioperative respiratory complications was 20.4%. Preoperative factors associated with perioperative respiratory complications in the multiple regression model were age, race, preoperative tonsil size, the presence of a syndrome, and the presence of a pulmonary disease. None of the sleep questionnaire responses remained in the multivariable analysis. The area under the ROC curve for the risk stratification model incorporating sleep question responses was only 0.6114% (95% CI: 0.60, 0.67). Preoperative sleep question responses may be unable to predict overall perioperative respiratory complications in children undergoing an adenotonsillectomy. A robust risk stratification model incorporating sleep question responses with clinical history and physical examination was unable to discriminate or predict perioperative respiratory complications in our population undergoing an adenotonsillectomy.


cGMP modulation of Ca2+ sensitivity in airway smooth muscle.
A beta-escin-permeabilized canine tracheal smooth muscle preparation was used to test the hypothesis that cGMP decreases Ca2+ sensitivity in airway smooth muscle primarily by inhibiting the membrane receptor-coupled mechanisms that regulate Ca2+ sensitivity and not by inhibiting Ca2+/calmodulin activation of the contractile proteins. 8-Bromo-cGMP (100 microM) had no effect on the free Ca2+ concentration-response curves generated in the absence of muscarinic receptor stimulation. In the presence of 100 microM ACh plus 10 microM GTP, 8-bromo-cGMP (100 microM) caused a rightward shift of the free Ca2+ concentration-response curve, significantly increasing the EC50 for free Ca2+ from 0.35 +/- 0.03 to 0.75 +/- 0.06 microM; this effect of 8-bromo-cGMP was concentration dependent from 1 to 100 microM. 8-Bromo-cGMP (100 microM) decreased the level of regulatory myosin light chain (rMLC) phosphorylation for a given cytosolic Ca2+ concentration but had no effect on the amount of isometric force produced for a given level of rMLC phosphorylation. These findings suggest that cGMP decreases Ca2+ sensitivity in canine tracheal smooth muscle primarily by inhibiting the membrane receptor-coupled mechanisms that modulate the relationship between cytosolic Ca2+ concentration and rMLC phosphorylation.


Adult obesity prevalence in primary care users: An exploration using Canadian Primary Care Sentinel Surveillance Network (CPCSSN) data.
This research examines the feasibility of using electronic medical records within the Canadian Primary Care Sentinel Surveillance Network (CPCSSN) for obesity surveillance in Canada by assessing obesity trends over time and comparing BMI distribution estimates from CPCSSN to those obtained from nationally representative surveys. Data from 2003-2012 on patients 18 years and older (n = 216,075) were extracted from the CPCSSN database. Patient information included demographics (age and sex) and anthropometric measures (height, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio). Standard descriptive statistics were used to characterize the sample, including, as appropriate, means, proportions and medians. The BMI distribution of the CPCSSN population was compared to estimates from the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) and the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) for the years: 2004, 2007-2009 and 2009-2011. The estimated prevalence of obesity increased from 17.9% in 2003 to 30.8% in 2012. Obesity class I, II and III prevalence estimates from CPCSSN in 2009-2011 (18.0%, 95% CI: 17.8-18; 7.4%, 95% CI: 7.3-7.6; 4.2%, 95% CI: 4.1-4.3 respectively) were greater than those from the most recent (2009- 2011) cycle of the CHMS (16.2%, 95% CI: 14-18.7; 6.3%, 95% CI: 4.6-8.5; 3.7%, 95% CI: 2.8-4.8 respectively), however these differences were not statistically significant. The data from CPCSSN present a unique opportunity for longitudinal obesity surveillance among primary care users in Canada, and offer prevalence estimates similar to those obtained from nationally representative survey data.


Fragrances and other materials in deodorants: search for potentially sensitizing molecules using combined GC-MS and structure activity relationship (SAR) analysis.
Deodorants are one of the most frequently-used types of cosmetics and are a source of allergic contact dermatitis. Therefore, a gas chromatography - mass spectrometric analysis of 71 deodorants was performed for identification of fragrance and non-fragrance materials present in marketed deodorants. Futhermore, the sensitizing potential of these molecules was evaluated using structure activity relationships (SARs) analysis. This was based on the presence of 1 or more chemically reactive site(s), in the chemical structure, associated with sensitizing potential. Among the many different substances used to formulate cosmetic products (over 3500), 226 chemicals were identified in a sample of 71 deodorants. 84 molecules were found to contain at least 1 structural alert, and 70 to belong to, or be susceptible to being metabolized into, the chemical group of aldehydes, ketones and alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehydes, ketone or esters. The combination of GC-MS and SARs analysis could be helpful in the selection of substances for supplementary investigations regarding sensitizing properties. Thus, it may be a valuable tool in the management of contact allergy to deodorants and for producing new deodorants with decreased propensity to cause contact allergy.


Cardiogenic and aortogenic brain embolism.
Cardioaortic brain embolism is a potentially devastating condition that presents frequent diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. In this report, we review key aspects of the etiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of cardiogenic and aortogenic stroke. Emphasis is on advances in diagnostic imaging capabilities and on recent literature addressing secondary prevention for specific cardioembolic sources, upon which diagnosis and prognosis primarily depend. While early evaluation with modern neuroimaging techniques offers to enhance diagnostic accuracy, additional study is required to define optimal utilization. Appropriate imaging of the heart and aorta is paramount to identifying potential sources of embolism. Secondary prevention for high-risk embolic sources generally involves anticoagulation, but immediate initiation of anticoagulation is not routinely indicated. Medium-risk sources have more modest or undefined risks and little randomized comparative evidence to guide management, but antiplatelet therapy is generally favored. One possible exception is patent foramen ovale, for which high-risk features may warrant anticoagulation or mechanical closure. Definitive recommendations for this and other findings await completion of ongoing clinical trials.


Infantile hemangioma models: is the needle in a haystack?
Infantile hemangioma (IH) is the most prevalent benign vascular tumor in infants, with distinct disease stages and durations. Despite the fact that the majority of IHs can regress spontaneously, a small percentage can cause disfigurement or even be fatal. The mechanisms underlying the development of IH have not been fully elucidated. Establishing stable and reliable IH models provides a standardized experimental platform for elucidating its pathogenesis, thereby facilitating the development of new drugs and the identification of effective treatments. Common IH models include the cell suspension implantation model, the viral gene transfer model, the tissue block transplantation model, and the most recent three-dimensional (3D) microtumor model. This article summarizes the research progress and clinical utility of various IH models, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of each. Researchers should select distinct IH models based on their individual research objectives to achieve their anticipated experimental objectives, thereby increasing the clinical relevance of their findings.


Noxious chemical discrimination by Tribolium castaneum TRPA1 channel in the HEK293 cell expression system.
Nociception is the sensory perception of noxious chemical stimuli. Repellent behavior to avoid noxious stimuli is indispensable for survival, and this mechanism has been evolutionarily conserved across a wide range of species, from mammals to insects. The transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) channel is one of the most conserved noxious chemical sensors. Here, we describe the heterologous stable expression of Tribolium castaneum TRPA1 (TcTRPA1) in human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells. The intracellular Ca2+ influx was measured when two compounds, citronellal and l-menthol, derived from plant essential oils, were applied in vitro using a fluorescence assay. The analysis revealed that citronellal evoked Ca2+ influx dose-dependently for TcTRPA1, whereas l-menthol did not. In combination with our present and previous results of the avoidance-behavioral assay at the organism level, we suggest that TcTRPA1 discriminates between these two toxic compounds, and diversification in the chemical nociception selectivity has occurred in TRPA1 channel among insect taxa.


Far away or yesterday? Shifting perceptions of time for political ends.
Voters evaluate political candidates not only based on their recent record but their history, often faced with weighing the relevance of long-past misdeeds in current appraisal. How should a distant transgression be taken to reflect on the present? Across multiple years, political figures and incidents, we found that people's subjective perceptions of time concerning political candidate's histories can differ radically, regardless of objective fact; political bias shapes people's perception of the time of things past. Results showed that despite equidistant calendar time, people subjectively view a favored politician's successes and opposing politician's failures as much closer in time, while a favored politician's failures and opponent's success seem much further away. Studies 1-3 tested the proposed phenomena across distinct (real and hypothetical) political contexts, while Study 4 tested the causal effects of temporal distance framing. Study 5 provided a final preregistered test of the findings. Overall, we demonstrate that partisans can protect their candidates and attack opponents by shifting their perception of time.


Formulation development and optimization of sustained release matrix tablet of Itopride HCl by response surface methodology and its evaluation of release kinetics.
The objective of this present investigation was to develop and formulate sustained release (SR) matrix tablets of Itopride HCl, by using different polymer combinations and fillers, to optimize by Central Composite Design response surface methodology for different drug release variables and to evaluate drug release pattern of the optimized product. Sustained release matrix tablets of various combinations were prepared with cellulose-based polymers: hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) and polyvinyl pyrolidine (pvp) and lactose as fillers. Study of pre-compression and post-compression parameters facilitated the screening of a formulation with best characteristics that underwent here optimization study by response surface methodology (Central Composite Design). The optimized tablet was further subjected to scanning electron microscopy to reveal its release pattern. The in vitro study revealed that combining of HPMC K100M (24.65 MG) with pvp(20 mg)and use of LACTOSE as filler sustained the action more than 12 h. The developed sustained release matrix tablet of improved efficacy can perform therapeutically better than a conventional tablet.


Improvement of the electro-transformation efficiency of facultatively alkaliphilic Bacillus pseudofirmus OF4 by high osmolarity and glycine treatment.
An electro-transformation method was established for facultatively alkaliphilic Bacillus pseudofirmus OF4. A high osmolarity electroporation medium with a high electric field strength was effective. Transformation efficiency improved 110-fold in glycine-treated cells compared to non-glycine-treated cells. Under optimum conditions, the transformation efficiency was 1.69 x 10(6) transformants per microg of pUB110.


CBL mutation-related patterns of phosphorylation and sensitivity to tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
Recurrent homozygous CBL-inactivating mutations in myeloid malignancies decrease ubiquitin ligase activity that inactivates SRC family kinases (SFK) and receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK). However, the most important SFK and RTK affected by these mutations, and hence, the most important therapeutic targets, have not been clearly characterized. We compared SFK and RTK pathway activity and inhibitors in acute myeloid leukemia cell lines containing homozygous R420Q mutation (GDM-1), heterozygous deletion (MOLM13) and wild-type (WT) CBL (THP1, U937). As expected with CBL loss, GDM-1 displayed high KIT expression and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) hypersensitivity. Ectopic expression of WT CBL decreased GDM-1 proliferation but not cell lines with WT CBL. GDM-1, but not the other cell lines, was highly sensitive to growth inhibition by dasatinib (dual SFK and RTK inhibitor, LD50 50 nM); there was less or no selective inhibition of GDM-1 growth by sunitinib (RTK inhibitor), imatinib (ABL, KIT inhibitor), or PP2 (SFK inhibitor). Phosphoprotein analysis identified phosphorylation targets uniquely inhibited by dasatinib treatment of GDM-1, including a number of proteins in the KIT and GM-CSF receptor pathways (for example, KIT Tyr721, STAT3 Tyr705). In conclusion, the promiscuous effects of CBL loss on SFK and RTK signaling appear to be best targeted by dual SFK and RTK inhibition.


Novel adenoviruses from captive psittacine birds in Slovenia.
To assess the prevalence of adenoviruses in psittacine birds kept in Slovenia, 258 cloacal swabs were collected from different psittacine species and screened by a nested PCR with degenerate, consensus primers targeting the adenoviral DNA polymerase gene. Forty-two samples were found to be positive. By sequencing, 28 samples from 10 different parrot species were identified as the formerly described siadenovirus, psittacine adenovirus 2 (PsAdV-2). A second siadenovirus, a variant of PsAdV-5 (described earlier from Pacific parrotlet, sun parakeet, cockatiel and budgerigar) was found in seven budgerigars, two cockatiels and an amazon parrot species. A variant of Meyer's parrot adenovirus (aviadenovirus, proposed PsAdV-8) was identified in an African grey parrot and a cockatiel. Two novel atadenoviruses were revealed in cockatiel (PsAdV-9) and rose-ringed parakeet (PsAdV-10). These results support the earlier finding that many PsAdVs can cross the species barrier among psittacines, especially effectively in the case of PsAdV-2.


Half-life data--a critical review of TECDOC-619 update.
An accurate knowledge of selected nuclear decay data is critical to a wide range of processes involving radionuclides. An IAEA publication in 1991 was dedicated to the evaluation of half-lives and specific gamma-ray emission probabilities for 39 selected radionuclides considered to be important for detector efficiency calibrations. A new exercise was initiated in December 1998 to update this previous evaluation and to include a number of new radionuclides of interest; 62 radionuclides were considered along with specific parent-daughter combinations (to give a total of 64 radionuclides). That work is now being completed and a new set of recommended data is being prepared for publication. A critical comparison of the 1991 and 2003 half-life data suggests that there has not been any significant improvement in the accuracy of the recommended data. The possible reasons for this situation are discussed together with the evaluation procedure and the quality of the available data. Proposals are made for concerted actions that could lead to a significant improvement in these recommended half-life data.


[Ecological and hygienic approaches to assessing the risk of nutritional factors to human health].
The paper deals with ecological and hygienic approaches to assessing the risk of nutritional factors to human health.


Influence of adalimumab treatment on anastomotic strength, degree of inflammation, and collagen formation: an experimental study on the small intestine of rabbits.
Adalimumab is a TNF-α inhibitor, which has gained wide use in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases. The potential detrimental effect of TNF-α inhibitors on postoperative complications such as anastomotic leakage is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a single therapeutic dose of adalimumab on anastomotic strength inflammation and collagen formation. Twenty-eight female rabbits (1.8-2.2 kg) were allocated to subcutaneous injection with either adalimumab (1.5 mg/kg) (n=14) or placebo (n=14). One week after medication two separate end-to-end anastomoses were performed in the jejunum. The rabbits were killed on the third postoperative day. The anastomosis were subjected to tensile strength analysis and histopathological examination. No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups regarding maximum tensile strength, inflammation parameters and collagen formation in the anastomosis area. Multiple regression analysis showed no association between maximum tensile strength histological changes, time under anaesthesia, duration of surgery, weight gain, weight loss and number of sutures in either group. We found no statistically significant effect of a single therapeutic dose of adalimumab on anastomotic strength, histological parameters or collagen formation in rabbits.


3-dimensional analysis of nasal soft tissue alterations following maxillary Lefort I advancement with and without impaction using 3D photogrammetry scanner.
This study was designed to investigate the changes in nasal soft tissue following maxillary Lefort I advancement with and without impaction in subjects presenting a skeletal class III malocclusion, using a 3D photogrammetry scanner. Patients with class III malocclusion undergoing Lefort I advancement with and without impaction and bilateral sagittal split osteotomy with the standard technique were included in this study. Patients were divided into two groups: maxillary Lefort I advancement alone (group 1) and combined with impaction (group 2). Facial soft tissue landmarks of the nose including nasal height (NH), nasal length (NL), nasal tip projection (NTP), alar width (AW), alar base width (ABW), subalar width (Sbal), nasolabial angle (NLA), nasofrontal angle (NFA), and columella inclination (CI) before and at least 4 months after surgery were obtained by a 3D scanner. Twenty-one patients were included in this study (Group 1: 11 and Group 2: 10). NH, NTP, and NL decreased significantly in both groups following surgery. In addition, Sbal decreased only in group 2. On the other hand, NLA and CI increased significantly in group 2. The inter-group comparison revealed a statistically significant difference in the alterations in NH, NL, and CI between the two groups. Changes in the nose soft tissue occurred after both surgeries, but their type and extent were different. Actions taken to reduce unwanted changes need to be further investigated. To evaluate the changes, 3D photogrammetry scan is a feasible imaging technique that can be used, providing numerous benefits.


Percutaneous Lower Blepharoplasty: A Novel Technique in Lower Eyelid Aesthetics.
More preservative approaches are being adopted in periorbital surgery each day. To avoid the possible complications of transcutaneous and transconjunctival blepharoplasty, the author has developed the safe and simple "Percutaneous Lower Blepharoplasty" technique, which he has been performing since 2008. The technique consists of the removal and transfer of lower orbital fat pads through 4-mm skin incisions with minimal dissection. The study is designed as a retrospective analysis of the operations done by the author from 2008 to 2018. The author performed 297 percutaneous lower blepharoplasty operations alone or in combination with tear-trough deformity correction, pinch skin excision, and/or carbon dioxide laser application. The video of the technique is demonstrated in the supplemental digital content. The patients were followed for an average of 58.8 months. All the patients were satisfied with the result. There were no retractions or scleral show seen. The only complication was chemosis in 1 patient that subsided with steroid ointment. Percutaneous lower blepharoplasty is a novel technique that has the following advantages: Simple and fast, low complication rates, good cosmetic outcomes, tear trough deformity correction, better estimation of fat amount to be removed, and minimal dissection and avoidance of violation of lamellar structures. It can be performed safely alone or in combination with pinch excision and/or fractional laser resurfacing.


Transient hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism in males with acute toxoplasmosis: suppressive effect of interleukin-1 beta on the secretion of GnRH.
In September 2002, an outbreak of toxoplasmosis was noted in a male boarding high school on the Aegean coast of Turkey. We have focused our efforts to investigate the sex hormones in this population. Blood samples were collected from 40 male patients, 17-18 years old, who also had positive titres of antibody to Toxoplasma gondii. Serum FSH, LH, free testosterone (FT), total testosterone (TT), interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and macrophage-inflammatory protein-1alpha (MIP-1alpha) concentrations were measured in all patients and 20 control subjects. Initially, the patients were divided on the basis of the levels of sex hormones into the following groups: patients who had normal sex hormone levels (n = 31) as group A and patients with low sex hormone levels (n = 9) as group B. IL-1beta levels were found to be higher in group B patients than group A. The levels of IL-1beta correlated significantly in a negative manner with FSH, LH, FT and TT in all patients with acute toxoplasmosis (n = 40). Acute toxoplasma infection may cause temporary hypogonadotrophic gonadal insufficiency regardless of the course of the disease.


Identification of a low-copy-number mutation within the pUB110 replicon and its effect on plasmid stability in Bacillus subtilis.
A mutation (cop1) within the minimal replicon of plasmid pUB110, reducing its copy number from 48 +/- 2 to 11 +/- 2 in a Bacillus subtilis host, was isolated. This mutation is a G----T transversion within the translation control region of the replication initiation gene (repU). The cop1 mutation, when present in the recombinant plasmid, increases both its structural and segregational stability.


Construction of a stress-induced system in Escherichia coli for efficient polyhydroxyalkanoates production.
In the application of engineered Escherichia coli in industrial polyhydroxybutyrate production process, one of the major concerns is the induction of the metabolic pathway. In this study, we developed a stress-induced system by which the PHB biosynthesis pathways can be induced under stress conditions. Fermentation results showed that recombinant E. coli DH5alpha (pQKZ103) harboring this system was able to accumulate polyhydroxybutyrate up to 85.8% of cell dry weight in minimal glucose medium without adding any inducer. Growth experiment with GFP as a reporter indicated that the induction of this system happened at the late exponential phase and was sensitive to stressed environment. This system can also be applied in many other biotechnological processes.


Beyond Borders: A Global Microsurgery Training and Case Exposure Survey.
Microsurgery is essential in modern reconstructive surgery and plastic surgery training. Surgeon's proficiency and experience are crucial for effective microsurgical interventions. Despite anecdotal evidence of varying quality of microsurgery training globally, no empirical studies have investigated this. We conducted a global survey to investigate microsurgical training and clinical case exposure among plastic surgery trainees worldwide. An online survey was conducted using a secure platform to gather information on microsurgical case exposure and training among plastic surgery trainees between August 2020 and April 2021. Participants provided consent and completed a 37-question survey across four themes: clinical caseload, surgical exposure to microsurgery, microsurgical simulation training exposure, and barriers and opportunities. A total of 202 responses were received, with most respondents in formal training programs (86.7%). The data highlighted regional variation in microsurgery case indications and flap types, with North America and Europe exhibiting the highest activity levels in microsurgery. Trainees in Asia have the highest cumulative practical exposure in microsurgery, followed by Australia and Oceania, and North America. Only 39.6% of respondents reported formal microsurgical simulation training, and almost one-third (29.7%) received no simulation training. Trainee access to practical experience is limited by several factors, including insufficient time and procedure complexity. Notably, practical experience was most commonly denied without reason being given. Our study highlights significant disparities in microsurgical training and exposure among plastic surgery trainees globally. Further research is needed to identify strategies for addressing these issues, given the growing demand for complex reconstructive microsurgery and its impact on health care inequalities.


Evaluation of an antigen-test-based strategy to reduce duration of transmission-based precautions for severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in hospitalized patients.
An academic hospital implemented a severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antigen-test-based strategy to facilitate discontinuation of precautions for patients admitted with a positive SARS-CoV-2 test. Of 171 patients that underwent antigen testing, 68% had an initial negative test performed a median of 5 days after admission. Antigen testing reduced isolation time by 144 hours.


Encapsulation of lipopeptides within liposomes: effect of number of lipid chains, chain length and method of liposome preparation.
The purpose of this study was to systematically investigate the effect of lipid chain length and number of lipid chains present on lipopeptides on their ability to be incorporated within liposomes. The peptide KAVYNFATM was synthesized and conjugated to lipoamino acids having acyl chain lengths of C8, C12 and C16. The C12 construct was also prepared in the monomeric, dimeric and trimeric form. Liposomes were prepared by two techniques: hydration of dried lipid films (Bangham method) and hydration of freeze-dried monophase systems. Encapsulation of lipopeptide within liposomes prepared by hydration of dried lipid films was incomplete in all cases ranging from an entrapment efficiency of 70% for monomeric lipoamino acids at a 5% (w/w) loading to less than 20% for di- and trimeric forms at loadings of 20% (w/w). The incomplete entrapment of lipopeptides within liposomes appeared to be a result of the different solubilities of the lipopeptide and the phospholipids in the solvent used for the preparation of the lipid film. In contrast, encapsulation of lipopeptide within liposomes prepared by hydration of freeze-dried monophase systems was high, even up to a loading of 20% (w/w) and was much less affected by the acyl chain length and number than when liposomes were prepared by hydration of dried lipid films. Freeze drying of monophase systems is better at maintaining a molecular dispersion of the lipopeptide within the solid phospholipid matrix compared to preparation of lipid film by evaporation, particularly if the solubility of the lipopeptide in solvents is markedly different from that of the polar lipids used for liposome preparation. Consequently, upon hydration, the lipopeptide is more efficiently intercalated within the phospholipid bilayers.


Conserved tegument protein complexes: Essential components in the assembly of herpesviruses.
One of the structural components of herpesviruses is a protein layer called the tegument. Several of the tegument proteins are highly conserved across the herpesvirus family and serve as a logical focus for defining critical interactions required for viral assembly. A number of studies have helped to elucidate a role for conserved tegument proteins in the process of secondary envelopment during the course of herpesviral assembly. This review highlights how these tegument proteins directly contribute to bridging the nucleocapsid and envelope of virions during secondary envelopment.


Piggyback Stacking and Booster Clipping Technique: A Technical Note.
In certain cases, the closing force of a single vascular clip is not sufficient for complete aneurysmal occlusion, and the use of multiple clips, or clip stacking, is required. Many stacking techniques have been described in the literature, such as in tandem stacking and overstacking. However, these may not be feasible during procedures with limited exposure or narrow corridors. Clip reinforcement with a second high-pressure booster clip, also known as the piggyback technique, is an alternative for these cases along with anatomically complex aneurysms or aneurysms demonstrating atypical morphological features. Although this technique has been cited as a potential resource for certain aneurysms, descriptions of its characteristics and advantages are scarce. The purpose of this technical note was to discuss our experience with the piggyback clipping technique and use of a booster clip for a partially embolized and recanalized saccular posterior communicating artery aneurysm in a 50 year-old patient.


Rebreathing and ventilatory response to different fresh gas flows in the Bain and Lack systems. A clinical study.
Thirty-four adults were studied during halothane anaesthesia with spontaneous breathing, while undergoing orthopaedic surgery. They were randomly divided into two groups according to whether the Bain (n = 18) or the Lack (n = 16) system was used. Respiratory flows were recorded and arterial blood gases drawn at different fresh gas flows (VF). The values obtained were compared with those recorded under non-rebreathing conditions (NRC). In the Bain system the proportion of rebreathers was 0.22, 0.25, 0.55 and 0.83 when the VF was 175, 150, 125 and 100 ml X min-1 X kg-1 body weight (b.w.), respectively. In the Lack system these proportions were 0.43, 0.55 and 0.92 at VF of 85, 70 and 55 ml X min-1 kg-1 b.w., respectively. The ventilatory response to rebreathing was an increase in minute ventilation (VE), keeping the partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PACO2) almost unaltered. In the Bain system the VE X kg-1 X b.w. thus increased by 18% and 38% at VF of 125 and 100 ml X min-1 X kg-1 b.w., respectively, when compared to NRC (P less than 0.05). The corresponding increases in the Lack system were 15% and 37% at VF of 70 and 55 ml X min-1 X kg-1 b.w., respectively (P less than 0.01). In the Lack group also the PACO2 increased by 6% when a VF of 55 ml X min-1 X kg-1 b.w. was used compared to the value obtained under NRC (P less than 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


Assessment of total immunoreactive lactoferrin in hematopoietic cells using flow cytometry.
Cell-associated lactoferrin (Lf) was analyzed using a new method involving cell permeabilization, indirect immunofluorescence staining, and flow cytometry. Statistical techniques to evaluate the results for percentage of positive cells, relative fluorescence and homogeneity of Lf distribution were also devised. Most normal adult neutrophils (97.1 +/- 0.3% (SEM), range 92.7-99.6%, n = 41) had brilliant fluorescence homogeneously distributed among the cells. There was significantly greater homogeneity of neutrophil Lf distribution in post-menopausal than pre-menopausal females. In chronic myelogenous leukemia (n = 13) and cord blood (n = 7), fractions of Lf-positive neutrophils were decreased (77.3 +/- 7.5%, range 13.3-96.3%; 71.4 +/- 9.3, range 32.0-95.6%, respectively). Normal monocyte-rich isolates had moderate fluorescence (28.7 +/- 3.6%, range 9.3-76.8%, n = 22). Among blood lymphocyte-rich preparations, 13.1 +/- 1.3% of cells had weak positivity (range 4.9-26.6%, n = 19); monoclonal B and T lymphocytes had similar parameters. No other cells had detectable Lf. Our results were significantly correlated with those obtained manually (r = 0.98, P less than 0.001), and are consistent with Lf quantity and distribution determined using other methods.


Solid-phase synthesis and applications of N-(S-acetylmercaptoacetyl) peptides.
The reagent pentafluorophenyl S-acetylmercaptoacetate was used to modify the N-terminus of resin-bound side-chain-protected peptides. The modification was carried out in an automated cycle in the final stage of fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc)/polyamide-mediated solid-phase synthesis. Side-chain deprotection and cleavage from the resin with aqueous trifluoroacetic acid gave the N-(S-acetylmercaptoacetyl) peptides. The S-acetylmercaptoacetyl peptides were transformed into reactive thiol-containing peptides by incubation with hydroxylamine at neutral pH. The S-deacetylation was performed in the presence of a sulfhydryl-reactive compound (or intramolecular group) to enable immediate capture of the sensitive thiol. Three applications were investigated. An S-acetylmercaptoacetyl peptide, containing a sequence of a meningococcal membrane protein, was incubated with hydroxylamine in the presence of 5-(iodoacetamido)fluorescein to give the corresponding fluorescein-labeled peptide in 62% yield. The same peptide was also S-deacetylated in the presence of bromoacetylated poly-L-lysine to afford a peptide/polylysine conjugate. Finally, a peptide corresponding to a sequence of herpes simplex virus glycoprotein D was prepared. This peptide, containing an N-terminal-S-acetylmercaptoacetyl group and an additional C-terminal S-(3-nitro-2-pyridinesulfenyl)cysteine residue, was converted into a cyclic disulfide peptide (20%).


Facilitation of ventricular tachycardia induction with abrupt changes in ventricular cycle length.
The effect of abrupt short-to-long changes in cycle length (CL) on the postulated reentrant circuit of ventricular tachycardia (VT) was evaluated. This was performed using single and double ventricular extrastimuli in a group of 21 patients clinically suspected of having VT in whom VT could not be induced at comparable or shorter constant CLs. A second group of 10 patients without suspected VT was similarly studied. Compared with constant CLs of equal or shorter duration preceding the single or double ventricular extrastimuli, abrupt short-to-long CL changes resulted in (1) initiation of sustained VT in 13 of 21 patients in whom VT could not be induced at constant CLs despite the use of shorter S1S3 by 66 +/- 17 ms; (2) increased incidence of initiation of sustained VT after the V3 phenomenon resulting from macroreentry within the His-Purkinje system (Re-HPS); (3) a small but higher incidence of sustained VT due to sustained Re-HPS; and (4) no induction of sustained or nonsustained VT with either method in the second group of patients. These results provide additional support for reentry as the basis for sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Abrupt short-to-long CL changes may be effective for initiating sustained VT in patients at risk for these arrhythmias.


Comparison of Outcome and Survival After Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty Between Navigation and Conventional Techniques With an Average 9-Year Follow-Up.
Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty(UKA) has become a treatment of choice for many patients with isolated unicomparmental arthritis due to its specific advantages over total knee arthroplasty, but few studies have compared conventional and navigational UKA with similar instrumentation on mid- to long-term results. We investigated whether the use of imageless navigation can improve implant positioning and clinical outcomes of UKA at a long-term follow-up compared to the conventional technique. We prospectively studied clinical and radiological results in 68 patients with an average age of 64.0 years (range, 50 to 81 years) who received UKA between January 2003 and December 2005 using the conventional or navigational technique. Clinical evaluations were performed preoperatively and the last follow-up included knee range of motion, Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) scores, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain score. For radiologic evaluation, the mechanical alignment of the lower limb was measured using mechanical femoro-tibial angle (mFTA) and Kennedy protocol. After an average 9-year follow-up (range, 7.4 to 10.8 years), the navigation group showed better coronal alignments of the components, fewer radiological outliers and better clinical scores, but similar estimated 10-year prosthesis survival rates. This study indicates that the use of navigation significantly contributes to the desired mechanical axis and improved component placement as compared to the conventional technique. Prospective comparative study, Level III.


Possible Kidney Complications after Application of Cell Technologies for the Repair of the Resected Liver.
The state of rat kidneys after injection of bone marrow multipotent stromal cells (MSC) labeled with Vybrant CM-Dil into intact or resected liver was studied by fluorescence microscopy. The main structural changes in the kidneys after MSC injection into intact and partially resected liver manifested as granular dystrophy and necrobiotic/necrotic changes in single epithelial cells of the distal tubules and collecting ducts, thrombosis of some vessels, progression of an ascending urinary tract infection (detection of dust-like fluorescent objects), which can be due to the immunomodulating or even immunosuppressive influence of MSC and their detritus. MSC injected into the intact or resected liver, as well as the products of their degradation were not detected in the kidneys at all terms of observation. After injection of MSC into partially resected liver, manifestations of bacterial contamination of the renal medulla appeared later. The injection of MSC into the liver can be complicated by thrombosis of the renal vessels, which should be taken into account when using this administration route in the cell therapy.


Providing patients with pharmacogenetic test results affects adherence to statin therapy: results of the Additional KIF6 Risk Offers Better Adherence to Statins (AKROBATS) trial.
Despite the clinical benefit of statin therapy and the numerous strategies used to improve adherence, no strategy has used direct communication of genetic test results to the patient as an adherence and persistence motivator. We investigated in a real-world setting the effect of a process of providing KIF6 test results and risk information directly to 647 tested patients on 6-month statin adherence (proportion of days covered (PDC)) and persistence compared with concurrent non-tested matched controls. Adjusted 6-month statin PDC was significantly greater in tested patients: 0.77 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.72-0.82) vs controls 0.68 (95% CI 0.63-0.73), P<0.0001. Significantly more tested patients were adherent (PDC⩾0.80) (63.4% (59.6-67.1%) vs 45.0% (41.1-48.8%), P<0.0001) and persisted on therapy (69.1% (65.4-72.5%) vs 53.3% (49.4-57.1%), P<0.0001). Similar results were observed in a secondary comparison with 779 unmatched patients who declined testing. The Additional KIF6 Risk Offers Better Adherence to Statins trial provides the first evidence that pharmacogenetic testing may modify patient adherence.


Stereoselective synthesis of Psi[CH(2)O] pseudodipeptides and conformational analysis of a PhePsi[CH(2)O]Ala containing analogue of the drug desmopressin.
A method for synthesis of XaaPsi[CH(2)O]Ala/Gly pseudodipeptides in good yields and excellent diastereoselectivity from azido alcohols and (R)-2-chloropropionic acid or tert-butyl bromoacetate has been developed. Insertion of one of the pseudodipeptide building blocks in the peptide drug desmopressin revealed that methylene ether isosteres may have only a minor influence on the secondary structure of peptides.


Monitoring the efficacy of mutated Allium sativum leaf lectin in transgenic rice against Rhizoctonia solani.
Rice sheath blight, caused by Rhizoctonia solani is one of the most devastating diseases of rice. It is associated with significant reduction in rice productivity worldwide. A mutant variant of mannose binding Allium sativum leaf agglutinin (mASAL) was previously reported to exhibit strong antifungal activity against R. solani. In this study, the mASAL gene has been evaluated for its in planta antifungal activity in rice plants. mASAL was cloned into pCAMBIA1301 binary vector under the control of CaMV35S promoter. It was expressed in an elite indica rice cv. IR64 by employing Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation. Molecular analyses of transgenic plants confirmed the presence and stable integration of mASAL gene. Immunohistofluorescence analysis of various tissue sections of plant parts clearly indicated the constitutive expression of mASAL. The segregation pattern of mASAL transgene was observed in T1 progenies in a 3:1 Mendelian ratio. The expression of mASAL was confirmed in T0 and T1 plants through western blot analysis followed by ELISA. In planta bioassay of transgenic lines against R. solani exhibited an average of 55 % reduction in sheath blight percentage disease index (PDI). The present study opens up the possibility of engineering rice plants with the antifungal gene mASAL, conferring resistance to sheath blight.


Prophylactic antibiotics may not be necessary for transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy.
With the recent advances in thyroid cancer surgery techniques and the increasing number of patients concerned about cosmetics, the use of transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy is increasing globally. The aim of this study was to determine whether transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy is truly a clean-contaminated surgery. From September 2016 to April 2018, 20 patients with thyroid cancer underwent transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy performed by a single surgeon at Gangnam Severance Hospital. Before and after surgery, the oral cavity was swabbed to obtain culture samples, and antibiotics were administered before and after surgery each once. Of the total 20 patients, no bacteria were identified before or after surgery in eight (40%) patients. Bacteria were identified both before and after surgery in seven patients (35%). In four patients (20%), bacteria were not identified before surgery, but bacteria were identified after surgery. Bacteria were identified before surgery but not after surgery in one patient (5%). No surgical site infection was observed. All the bacteria identified were normal flora of the oral cavity and skin. There was no difference between the preoperative culture and postoperative culture of the oral cavity in patients undergoing TOET, and there were no postoperative surgical site infection with prophylactic pre & post-operative antibiotics use. Considering the patient's position and surgical extent in TOET, it appears to be difficult for non-indigenous bacteria to invade the surgical site in oral cavity.


Internal carotid artery patency following common carotid artery occlusion: management of the asymptomatic patient.
Rarely, internal carotid artery (ICA) patency is maintained above a common carotid artery occlusion (CCAO) through collateral flow of the ipsilateral external carotid artery or an aberrant ICA branch. Several small series report excellent results of ICA revascularization in relieving cerebral ischemic symptoms in these patients. The natural history of CCAO with patent ICA in the asymptomatic patient, however, is unknown. The Greenville Memorial Hospital Vascular Teaching Service registry and all carotid duplex scans done in the Greenville Hospital System vascular laboratory from January 1994 through December 1997 were reviewed. Data collection included chart review, phone interviews, and the review of angiograms and duplex scans. This study suggests that carotid duplex is more sensitive for detecting ICA flow after CCAO than routine contrast angiography. It also suggests that while rare in presentation, asymptomatic patients with CCAO and a patent ICA appear to have a benign neurologic course and can probably be observed without a high risk of stroke.


Hydrological buffering during groundwater acidification in rapidly industrializing alluvial plains.
Shallow groundwater in alluvial plains is vulnerable to contamination due to infiltration of pollutants from anthropogenic activities. In the alluvial plain of the Yangtze River near Poyang Lake, a silicone monomer industrial park was found to discharge undisclosed amount of effluents containing high levels of hydrochloric acid and total dissolved solids into ponds and ditches that in turn, displayed characteristics of acidic water with high total dissolved solids. However, most shallow groundwater (n = 35, depth 5.5-22 m) collected from the alluvial aquifer downgradient of the industrial park contained low Cl- (< 59 mg/L). Only 4 groundwater samples showed high Cl- (59-790 mg/L) with two containing superlative levels (449 mg/L and 790 mg/L) located within a 50 m distance from the polluted ponds and ditches. In addition to hydrochemical data, modeling was used to explain why a highly vulnerable alluvial aquifer was not more contaminated when subjected to such intense point source pollution and to estimate the effluent discharge. Flow and solute transport modeling suggests that a hydrological buffering mechanism resulting from a topography driven groundwater outflow along the boundary between the Pleistocene (Qpw) and the Holocene (Qhl) aquifers where the polluted ponds and ditches are fortuitously located has restricted acid infiltration, with only a few percent of the estimated acid discharge in the amount of 1700-4200 tons per year entering the aquifer. Our model results show that pumping from the upland Qpw aquifer breaks this hydrological buffering much more easily than pumping from the downgradient Qhl aquifer, suggesting the vulnerability of this buffering mechanism thus compromising groundwater utilization in the future.


Changes in polysome profiles accompany trypanosome development.
Development of the protozoan pathogen Trypanosoma brucei involves regulated changes in parasite structure, biochemistry, and the cell cycle. The transition of slender blood forms into stumpy bloodforms includes cell cycle arrest and a decrease in protein synthesis. The next stage in the development cycle, the procyclic form, shows increased protein synthesis and proliferates. To address the mechanism of the cyclical changes in protein synthesis, we examined two parameters: polyadenylation of mRNA and ribosome loading. We developed a method for analytical polyribosome analysis in T. brucei which provided excellent results with regard to reproducibility, yield of mRNA densely loaded with ribosomes, and separation of mRNA associated with different numbers of polyribosomes. Use of this technique allowed us to determine that the polysome profiles of the different developmental stages are distinctly different, with higher ribosome loading in the proliferating stages. The lengths of the poly(A) tails on the total population of RNA from the different developmental stages showed no significant variation. These data indicate that changes in polysome loading of mRNAs accompany development, and that they do not reflect bulk changes in polyadenylation. We speculate that developmental changes in translation reflect reduced translational initiation.