Anomalous universal conductance as a hallmark of non-locality in a Majorana-hosted superconducting island.
The non-local feature of topological states of matter is the key for the topological protection of quantum information and enables robust non-local manipulation in quantum information. Here we propose to manifest the non-local feature of a Majorana-hosted superconducting island by measuring the temperature dependence of Coulomb blockade peak conductance in different regimes. In the low-temperature regime, we discover a coherent double Majorana-assisted teleportation (MT) process, where any independent tunneling process always involves two coherent non-local MTs; and we also find an anomalous universal scaling behavior, i.e., a crossover from a [Formula: see text] power-law to a [Formula: see text] power-law conductance behavior when energy scale increases - in stark contrast to the usual exponential suppression due to certain local transport. In the high-temperature regime, the conductance is instead proportional to the temperature inverse, indicating a non-monotonic temperature-dependence of the conductance. Both the anomalous power law and non-monotonic temperature-dependence of the conductance can be distinguished from the conductance peak in the traditional Coulomb block, and therefore, together serve as a hallmark for the non-local feature in the Majorana-hosted superconducting island.


Distinct endothelial pathways underlie sexual dimorphism in vascular auto-regulation.
Pre-menopausal females have a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease compared with age-matched males, implying differences in the mechanisms and pathways regulating vasoactivity. In small arteries, myogenic tone (constriction in response to raised intraluminal pressure) is a major determinant of vascular resistance. Endothelium-derived dilators, particularly NO, tonically moderate myogenic tone and, because the endothelium is an important target for female sex hormones, we investigated whether NO-mediated moderation of myogenic tone differed between the sexes. Pressure-diameter or relaxation concentration-response curves to the NO donor spermine-NO or soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulation (BAY41-2272) were constructed before and following drug intervention in murine mesenteric resistance arteries. Hypotensive responses to activators of the NO-sGC pathway were determined. Quantitative PCR and Western blotting were used for expression analysis. NO synthase inhibition enhanced myogenic tone of arteries of both sexes while block of endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) enhanced responses in arteries of females only. Spermine-NO concentration-dependently relaxed mesenteric arteries isolated from either sex. However, while inhibition of sGC activity attenuated responses of arteries from male mice only, endothelial denudation attenuated responses of arteries from females only. BAY41-2272 and spermine-NO-induced vasodilatation and hypotension were greater in males than in females. NO moderated myogenic tone in arteries of male mice by a sGC-dependent pathway while EDHF was the predominant endothelial regulator in arteries of females. This is a potentially important sexual dimorphism in NO-mediated reactivity and further implicates EDHF as the predominant endothelial vasodilator in female resistance arteries.


The peripheral endocannabinoid system and its association with biomarkers of inflammation in untreated patients with multiple sclerosis.
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has been found altered in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, whether the ECS alteration is present in the early stage of MS remains unknown. First, we aimed to compare the ECS profile between newly diagnosed MS patients and healthy controls (HCs). Next, we explored the association of the ECS, biomarkers of inflammation, and clinical parameters in newly diagnosed MS patients. Whole blood gene expression of ECS components and levels of endocannabinoids in plasma were measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, respectively, in 66 untreated MS patients and 46 HCs. No differences were found in the gene expression or plasma levels of the selected ECS components between newly diagnosed MS patients and HCs. Interferon-γ, encoded by the gene IFNG, correlated positively (ρ = 0.60) with the expression of G protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR55), and interleukin1β (IL1B) correlated negatively (ρ = -0.50) with cannabinoid receptor 2 (CNR2) in HCs. We found no alteration in the peripheral ECS between untreated patients with MS and HC. Furthermore, our results indicate that the ECS has a minor overall involvement in the early stage of MS on inflammatory markers and clinical parameters when compared with HCs.


Development and applications of enzymatic modified starch with high water solubility providing a continuous supply of glucose.
Amylopectin clusters (APCs) are produced by cyclodextrin glucanotransferase (EC 126.96.36.199). Their solubility rate in aqueous solution was found to be 16.7 %. The weight-average molecular weight of APCs is ∼105 Da, as determined by multiangle laser light scattering analysis. Side chain length analysis indicated that the relative proportions of side chains with a degree of polymerization in the ranges of 2-8 and 25-50 decreased and increased, respectively, during preparation of APCs. In the exercise experiment, the blood glucose level of rats was higher in the APC-treated group than in the groups treated with commercial carbohydrate supplement (CCD) and glucose. In the forced swimming test, the swimming time in the APC and CCD groups increased by 22.6 % and 31.1 %, respectively, compared with the glucose administration group. The insulin levels were also similar between the APC and CCD groups. However, the glycogen levels in the liver and muscles of mice were significantly higher in the APC group than control group. These results suggest that APCs could potentially enhance endurance when added to sports drinks.


The circulating levels of TRAIL are extremely low after delivery but rapidly recover in both mothers and newborns.
TNF-related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL) plasma levels was measured in plasma samples obtained 1h (time 1) and 2-3 days (time 2) after delivery in a group of healthy women (n=17) who underwent cesarean delivery, and showed a significantly increase from time 1 (39.3 pg/ml median; 41.2 ± 15.9 mean ± SD) to time 2 (71.6 pg/ml median; 73.8 ± 27.8 mean ± SD). Similarly, circulating TRAIL levels were extremely low in the plasma of newborns (n=41) within the first 24h after partum (time 1; 27.5 pg/ml, median; 31.5 ± 15.8 means ± SD), showing a significant increase 2-3 days after partum (time 2; 68.4 pg/ml, median; 75.1 ± 36.7 mean ± SD). It is also noteworthy that the highest levels of plasma TRAIL were observed in newborns with the following characteristics: (i) born at later gestational age, (ii) Apgar score >9, (iii) higher birth weight, (iv) born through vaginal partum. In conclusion, we have demonstrated for the first time that the levels of circulating TRAIL are markedly low in both mothers and children after delivery, rapidly rising thereafter. Moreover, the highest levels of TRAIL are observed in newborns with the best clinical parameters.


Blood-brain-barrier and intrathecal immunoglobulin changes in tuberculous meningitis and demyelinating disorders: a preliminary report from a south Indian hospital.
Sixty-three paired serum and CSF samples (15 controls and 48 patients) were studied for CSF albumin quotient, IgG index and synthesis rate. Control values for albumin quotient and IgG index were less than 10.0 and less than 0.6 respectively. IgG synthesis rate/day was calculated according to the Tourtellotte formula and a value of greater than 3.0 mg/day is considered high. Our findings in patients with central demyelinations, subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, Guillain Barré Syndrome and cerebrovascular accidents are comparable to earlier studies. Fifteen tuberculous meningitis patients were studied and could be separated into 2 groups, 9 with elevated albumin quotients and 6 with normal albumin quotients. Three patients with elevated albumin quotients and 4 with normal albumin quotients showed increased intrathecal IgG synthesis.


Time-course changes of ECL cell markers in acetic acid-induced gastric ulcers in rats.
Enterochromaffin-like (ECL) cells are the major source of histamine for the regulation of gastric acid secretion, and also contain histidine decarboxylase (HDC), vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2), and chromogranin A (CgA). Although gastric acid secretion is suppressed during ulcer healing, the role of ECL cells in that process is not yet fully understood. In the present study, we investigated the changes in ECL cell number during healing of experimental ulcers in rats. Seven-week-old male Wistar rats were used. Acetic acid-induced ulcers were caused by an application of 100% acetic acid to the serosal surface of the rat stomachs. At different time points following the induction (12 h-15 days), time-course changes of HDC, VMAT2, and CgA mRNA expression were investigated by Northern blot analysis. The expressions of HDC, VMAT2, and CgA were immunostained on gastric mucosal sections with ulcers. HDC, VMAT2, and CgA mRNA in gastric mucosa each showed an initial marked transient decrease, followed by an increase on day 10 back to the initial value. HDC, VMAT2, and CgA-immunoreactive cells at the ulcer margin were reduced in number on day 3, compared with those in distant areas. On day 10, however, they returned to levels similar to those in distant areas. The present study revealed a local down-regulation of HDC, VMAT2, and CgA in ECL cells at the ulcer margin. As a result, we concluded that a suppression of ECL cell activity during ulcer healing may be involved in suppressed gastric acid secretion.


DNA repair gene ERCC2 polymorphisms and associations with breast and ovarian cancer risk.
Breast and ovarian cancers increased in the last decades. Except rare cases with a genetic predisposition and high penetrance, these pathologies are viewed as a polygenic disease. In this concept, association studies look for genetic variations such as polymorphisms in low penetrance genes, i.e. genes in interaction with environmental factors. DNA repair systems that protect the genome from deleterious endogenous and exogenous damages have been shown to have significantly reduced. In particular, enzymes of the nucleotide excision repair pathway are suspected to be implicated in cancer. In this study, 2 functional polymorphisms in a DNA repair gene ERCC2 were analyzed. The population included 911 breast cancer cases, 51 ovarian cancer cases and 1000 controls. The genotyping of 2 SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism) was carried out on the population with the MGB (Minor Groove Binder) probe technique which consists of the use of the allelic discrimination with the Taqman method. This study enabled us to show an increase in risk of breast cancer with no oral contraceptive users and with women exhibiting a waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) > 0.85 for Asn homozygous for ERCC2 312.


Adhesion paradox: Why adhesion is usually not observed for macroscopic solids.
The adhesion paradox refers to the observation that for most solid objects no adhesion can be detected when they are separated from a state of molecular contact. The adhesion paradox results from surface roughness, and we present experimental and theoretical results that show that adhesion in most cases is "killed" by the longest-wavelength roughness. In addition, adhesion experiments between a human finger and a clean glass plate were carried out, and for a dry finger no macroscopic adhesion occurred. We suggest that the observed decrease in the contact area with increasing shear force results from nonadhesive finger-glass contact mechanics, involving large deformations of complex layered material.


Rat Blood Leukocytes after Intravenous Injection of Magnetoliposomes on the Basis of Nanomagnetite.
The structure of blood neutrophils, eosinophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes and differential white blood count in adult rats were studied over 120 days after a single intravenous injection of magnetoliposomes based on nanomagnetite. Magnetoliposomes had no effect on the structure of neutrophils, eosinophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes. At the same time, injection of a suspension of magnetoliposomes based on magnetite nanoparticles led to a decrease in lymphocyte count and an increase in the count of monocytes and band and segmented neutrophils in the blood. These changes were transient and the parameters returned to normal by day 40-60 after injection.


Serum interferon levels in patients having radiotherapy for cervical carcinoma.
The well-known stimulation of interferon (IFN) both by non-specific and immune-specific stimulants, the effect of IFN on tumor therapy and against radiation damage gave us reason to examine cervical cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy for the presence of IFN. IFN was found in several serum samples of only two out of 47 patients.


The social grounds of self-tracking in insurance: A mixed-method approach to adoption and use.
Scholars have explored the role of self-tracking in mediating people's values, perceptions, and practices. But little is known about its institutionalised forms, although it is becoming a routine component of health policies and insurance programs. Furthermore, the role of structural elements such as sociodemographic variables, socialisations, and trajectories has been neglected. Using both quantitative (n = 818) and qualitative (n = 44) data gathered from users and non-users of an insurance program's self-tracking intervention, and drawing from Bourdieu's theoretical framework, we highlight the impact of users' social background on the adoption and use of the technology. We show that older, poorer, and less educated individual are less likely to adopt the technology, and describe four prototypical categories of users, the meritocrats, the litigants, the scrutinisers and the good-intentioned. Each category displays different reasons and ways to use the technology that are grounded in users' socialisations and life trajectories. Results suggest that too much emphasis may have been put on self-tracking's transformative powers and not enough on its reproductive inertia, with important consequences for both scholars, designers, and public health stakeholders.


Effects of exogenous interferon on L cells persistently infected with Sendai virus.
A carrier culture of L cells persistently infected with Sendai virus (steady state) designated as L-Sendaits cells was established with a temperature-sensitive strain of the virus. When interferon was added to culture fluids from the start of the cultures at permissive (35 degrees C) or non-permissive temperature (38 degrees C), cell-associated infectivity was unaffected at 35 degrees C, while it was unexpectedly enhanced at 38 degrees C, although the cell-associated infectivity was titrated after further incubation at 32 degrees C for 2 days. The titer of cell-associated infectivity was increased by subculturing in the continuous presence of interferon at 38 degrees C. The effect of interferon on the paradoxical enhancement of cell-associated infectivity was shown to be dose dependent. When L-Sendaits cells were successively subcultured 6 times at 38 degrees C in the continuous presence or absence of interferon, more than 95 per cent of the cells contained a detectable amount of nucleocapsid (NP) antigen in the presence of interferon, whereas the antigen could be detected in only 30-40 per cent of the cells subcultured in the absence of interferon. Only when the cells subcultured at 38 degrees C in the presence of interferon were transferred to permissive temperature, could the distinct hemadsorbing and cell-associated hemagglutinating activities and the release of virus particles, as measured by hemagglutinating activity in the culture fluids, be detected. Cells subcultured in the presence of interferon accumulated more virus polypeptides than in the absence of interferon. Accumulation of virus specific RNA in the cells subcultured in the presence of interferon was about twice as much as that in the absence of interferon. Larger sized RNA (probably 50S) was the major species and two smaller RNAs could be detected in both the treated and untreated cells. When L-Sendaits cells were cultured at 38 degrees C in the presence of interferon, their multiplication was clearly inhibited. However, the cells which were subcultured twice at 38 degrees C in the continuous presence of interferon acquired resistance to the anti-cell proliferative action of interferon. Interestingly, the conversion of the sensitive state to resistant state of the cells was reversible.


Isothermal titration calorimetry and surface plasmon resonance allow quantifying substrate binding to different binding sites of Bacillus subtilis xylanase.
Isothermal titration calorimetry and surface plasmon resonance were tested for their ability to study substrate binding to the active site (AS) and to the secondary binding site (SBS) of Bacillus subtilis xylanase A separately. To this end, three enzyme variants were compared. The first was a catalytically incompetent enzyme that allows substrate binding to both the AS and SBS. In the second enzyme, binding to the SBS was impaired by site-directed mutagenesis, whereas in the third enzyme, the AS was blocked using a covalent inhibitor. Both techniques were able to show that AS and SBS have a similar binding affinity.


[The capsaicin receptor. "TRPing" transduction for painful stimuli].
The capsaicin receptor TRPV1, once discovered as a receptor for pungent spices, is a polymodal sensor molecule for painful chemical and thermal stimuli. However, TRPV1 plays an important role not only for the integration of acute painful stimuli but also in the genesis of inflammatory processes. The persistent functional sensitization of TRPV1 as well as an up-regulation of its expression may contribute to the development and maintenance of chronic pain states. Thus, TRPV1 is an excellent target for a rational pharmacological treatment of pain. Several additional physiological and pathophysiological functions of TRPV1 are assumed beyond nociception and pain. Activation of TRPV1 seems to contribute to the etiology and pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases concerning, e.g., the gastrointestinal tract, the bladder, and the respiratory system. Therefore, the therapeutic potential of a pharmacological manipulation of TRPV1 may not be restricted to a symptomatic therapy of pain.


Intraventricular Injection of Noncellular Cerebrospinal Fluid from Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Patient into Rat Ventricles Leads to Ventricular Enlargement and Periventricular Injury.
Early brain injury and hydrocephalus (HCP) are important mediators of poor outcome in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) patients. We aim to understand the development of HCP and subependymal cellular injury after intraventricular injection of noncellular human SAH cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) into rat ventricles. Two-hundred microliters of noncellular CSF from SAH patients or normal controls were injected into the right lateral ventricle of seven adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. Propidium iodide (PI) was simultaneously injected to detect necrotic cellular death. Rats were then sacrificed 24 h after surgery and the brain specimens were cut and stained for heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), an oxidative stress marker. We found that the ventricular area at the bregma level in the CSF injection group was significantly larger than that in the control group (p < 0.05). The periventricular tissue in the CSF injection group had significantly more necrotic cell death as well as HO-1 expression as compared with the control group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, injection of SAH patients' CSF into the rat ventricle leads to HCP as well as subependymal injury compared with injection of control CSF.


Transparent irrigation cannula for bimanual lens cortex removal.
A transparent irrigation cannula was developed to facilitate bimanual removal of subincisional lens cortex after phacoemulsification. The cannula allows visualization of the proximal cortex and provides ample inflow to maintain an inflated anterior chamber even at a high aspiration pressure.


[Genotyping and linkage disequilibrium analysis of 67 SNP loci on X chromosome].
To screen a panel of SNP loci on X chromosome (X-SNP loci) that is informative in Chinese Han population and evaluate its potential value in forensic identification. Sixty-seven candidate X-SNP loci were selected according to the information on dbSNP and HapMap. Genomic DNA extracted from blood samples of 428 unrelated Chinese Han individuals were analyzed through multiplex amplification followed by matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, and allele frequencies of the 67 X-SNP loci were calculated. In view of the population data and situation of linkage disequilibrium, X-SNP markers promising in forensic identification were sorted out. Population data of the 67 X-SNP loci were obtained. Except rs12849634, no deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium could be found. Of the rest 66 X-SNP loci, two loci (rs1229078 and rs1544545) were found to be low informative (minor allele frequency < 0.3). Closely linked alleles were observed at six pairs of X-SNP loci and slightly linked alleles were observed at two pairs of X-SNP loci. Fifty-two X-SNP loci showing independent inheritance and high polymorphisms were finally selected. The markers were promising in forensic identification. CPE in trio and duo cases were 0.999 999 999 96 and 0.999 999 5, respectively. CDP in female and male populations were 0.999 999 999 999 999 999 999 84 and 0.999 999 999 999 999 31, respectively. A panel of 52 informative X-SNP loci showing independent inheritance is selected. These markers meet the needs of individual identification and relationship testing in judicially disputed cases.


Assessment of the morphology and morphometry of the caudate lobe of the liver using computed tomography.
The caudate lobe differs from the rest of the liver. This study was planned to evaluate the caudate lobe's morphology, morphometry, and vascular structures using computed tomography (CT). Three hundred eighty-eight cases were evaluated retrospectively in terms of caudate lobe morphology, morphometry, and vascular anatomy from patients undergoing contrast-enhanced abdominal CT for any reason between September 2018 and December 2019. After the application of exclusion criteria, 196 patients were eventually included in the study. One hundred seventeen (59.7%) of the 196 patients were men. The patients' mean age was 57.88 years (ranging from 18 to 82). Morphologically, the caudate lobe was classified as rectangular, piriform, or irregular-shaped, with 117 cases being evaluated as piriform (59.7%), 51 as irregular-shaped (26%), and 28 as rectangular (14.3%). The caudate process was visible in most cases (92.9%). No papillary process was observed in the great majority of patients (87.2%). Caudate lobe evaluation criteria can be obtained using CT in vivo based on morphological and morphometric values for the caudate lobes yielded by cadaver studies.


Concentration and chemical characteristics of PM2.5 in Beijing, China: 2001-2002.
Weekly PM2.5 samples were simultaneously collected at a semi-residential (Tsinghua University) and a downtown (Chegongzhuang) site in Beijing from August 2001 through September 2002. The ambient mass concentration and chemical composition of PM2.5 were determined. Analyses including elemental composition, water-soluble ions, and organic and elemental carbon were performed. The annual average concentrations of PM2.5 were 96.5 microg m(-3) and 106.9 microg m(-3) at CGZ and HU site, respectively. More than 80% of the PM2.5 mass concentrations were explained by carbonaceous species, secondary particles, crustal matters and trace elements at the two sites. Carbonaceous species were the most abundant components, constituting about 45% and 48% of the total PM2.5 mass concentrations at CGZ and THU site, respectively. SO4(2-), NO3- and NH4+ were three major ions, accounting for 37%, 23% and 20%, respectively, of the total mass of inorganic water-soluble ions.


Pharmacodynamic analysis of intravenous bolus remimazolam for loss of consciousness in patients undergoing general anaesthesia: a randomised, prospective, double-blind study.
Remimazolam is a new rapid offset benzodiazepine used for procedural sedation and general anaesthesia. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of i.v. bolus remimazolam during induction of anaesthesia. A total of 120 patients undergoing general anaesthesia were randomly allocated into six dose groups (n=20) of i.v. bolus remimazolam (0.02-0.27 mg kg-1). Loss of consciousness, respiratory depression, patient state index (PSI), and haemodynamic variables were evaluated during anaesthetic induction. Parametric time-to-event models were used to identify the 50% effective dose (ED50)/95% effective dose (ED95) associated with loss of consciousness and respiratory depression. Non-linear mixed-effect models analysed the PSI and haemodynamic changes after i.v. bolus remimazolam. Loss of consciousness and respiratory depression onset showed steep dose-responses with ED50/ED95 of 0.11/0.19 and 0.14/0.27 mg kg-1 and Hill coefficients of 5.3 and 4.6, respectively. Older age was significantly associated with lower ED50/ED95 for both endpoints. ED50/ED95 and the Hill coefficient of PSI decline were 0.12/0.68 mg kg-1 and 1.7, respectively. We propose optimal doses of 0.25-0.33, 0.19-0.25, and 0.14-0.19 mg kg-1 in patients aged <40, 60-80, and >80 yr, respectively, based on the ED95 estimates for the corresponding age groups. The maximum percentage reduction of MAP was 27.8% and the ED50/ED95 were 0.14/2.60 mg kg-1. The effect of remimazolam on heart rate was insignificant. The ED50/ED95s of i.v. bolus remimazolam were successfully estimated from the time to loss of consciousness and respiratory depression. No serious adverse events occurred within the range of tested doses. NCT04901871.


Hyperthermic responses to central injections of some peptide and non-peptide opioids in the guinea-pig.
Intracerebroventricular administration of prototype non-peptide opioid receptor (mu, kappa, sigma) agonists, morphine, ketocyclazocine and N-allyl normetazocine (SKF 10,047) and an agonist at both kappa and sigma receptors, pentazocine, induced hyperthermia in guinea-pigs. Similar administration of peptide opioids like beta-endorphin (BE), methionine enkephalin (Met-E), leucine enkephalin (Leu-E) and their synthetic analogues D-ala2-methionine-enkephalinamide (D-ala2-Met-E) and D-ala2-leucine-enkephalinamide (D-ala2-Leu-E) also caused hyperthermia. Of the three anion transport systems (iodide, hippurate and liver-like) present in the choroid plexus, only the liver-like transport system seems to be important to central inactivation of beta-endorphin, D-ala2-Met-enkephalin and D-ala2-Leu-enkephalin since iodipamide (an inhibitor of the liver-like transport system) augmented the hyperthermia. Prostaglandins (PG) and norepinephrine (NE) were not involved in peptide- and non-peptide opioid-induced hyperthermia because a prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor, indomethacin, and an alpha-adrenergic receptor blocker, phenoxybenzamine, had no thermolytic effect. Likewise cAMP was not required since a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, theophylline, did not accentuate the hyperthermia due to administration of peptide and non-peptide opioids. Naloxone-sensitive receptors were involved in the induction of hyperthermia by morphine and beta-endorphin since naloxone attenuated the effect. In contrast, the hyperthermic responses to ketocyclazocine, SKF 10,047, pentazocine, Met-enkephalin, Leu-enkephalin, D-ala2-Met-enkephalin and D-ala2-Leu-enkephalin were not antagonized by naloxone. Lack of antagonism of naloxone on pyrogen, arachidonic acid, PGE2, dibutyryl cAMP and NE-induced hyperthermia indicates that endogenous opioid peptides are not likely to be central mediators of the hyperthermia induced by these agents.


Revisiting Human Cholesterol Synthesis and Absorption: The Reciprocity Paradigm and its Key Regulators.
Hypercholesterolemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Cholesterol homeostasis in the body is governed by the interplay between absorption, synthesis, and excretion or conversion of cholesterol into bile acids. A reciprocal relationship between cholesterol synthesis and absorption is known to regulate circulating cholesterol in response to dietary or therapeutic interventions. However, the degree to which these factors affect synthesis and absorption and the extent to which one vector shifts in response to the other are not thoroughly understood. Also, huge inter-individual variability exists in the manner in which the two systems act in response to any cholesterol-lowering treatment. Various factors are known to account for this variability and in light of recent experimental advances new players such as gene-gene interactions, gene-environmental effects, and gut microbiome hold immense potential in offering an explanation to the complex traits of inter-individual variability in human cholesterol metabolism. In this context, the objective of the present review is to provide an overview on cholesterol metabolism and discuss the role of potential factors such as genetics, epigenetics, epistasis, and gut microbiome, as well as other regulators in modulating cholesterol metabolism, especially emphasizing the reciprocal relationship between cholesterol synthesis and absorption. Furthermore, an evaluation of the implications of this push-pull mechanism on cholesterol-lowering strategies is presented.


Mobile messenger-initiated reminders improve longitudinal adherence in a community-based, opportunistic colorectal cancer screening program: A single-blind, crossover randomized controlled study.
The fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is a cost-effective colorectal cancer (CRC) screening tool. However, longitudinal adherence, a factor that is critical to the success to any FIT-based screening program, often is poor. The authors hypothesized that reminders sent via mobile messengers, such as WhatsApp, improve such adherence. In the current single-blind, randomized study, subjects from an opportunistic FIT screening program who had a negative FIT result the year prior were randomly allocated (1:1) to receive either a 1-off reminder via the WhatsApp messenger (WR) 1 month prior to the due appointments or no reminder (NR). All subjects were blinded to study participation and group allocation. At 24 months after randomization, a crossover of intervention was performed among those individuals who remained in the FIT program. The primary outcome was FIT adherence, defined as the pick-up and on-time return of the FIT. The secondary outcome was FIT adherence after the crossover. A total of 500 subjects were randomized to receive WR (250 subjects) or NR (250 subjects). Three individuals were excluded from analysis (1 died and 2 underwent colonoscopy). Both the FIT pick-up rate (80.3% vs 59.3%; P < .001) and return rate (79.9% vs 57.3%; P < .001) were significantly higher in the WR group compared with the NR group. After crossover of intervention (452 subjects), the WR group again was found to have a higher FIT pick-up rate (79.1% vs 52.9%; P < .001) and return rate (78.2% vs 52.4%; P < .001). Text reminders sent via mobile messenger appear to improve the longitudinal adherence to FIT-based opportunistic CRC screening programs. The routine use of this technology in CRC screening should be considered.


Inhibition of FAK signaling activated by urokinase receptor induces dormancy in human carcinoma cells in vivo.
Activation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), overexpressed in several human cancers, induces survival, proliferation and motility of cells in culture, but its functional importance in human tumor growth in vivo has not been elucidated. I explored the role of FAK in regulating tumorigenicity of human carcinoma cells, HEp3. These cells overexpress urokinase receptor (uPAR) which, by activating alpha5beta1 integrin, initiates an intracellular signal through FAK and Src leading to ERK activation and tumorigenicity in vivo. Down regulation of uPAR in these cells led to an approximately 3-5-fold reduction in FAK phosphorylation and association with Src and dormancy in vivo. Both FAK phosphorylation and ability to grow in vivo were restored by re-expression of uPAR. The FAK signaling pathway in T-HEp3 cells, measured by FAK phosphorylation, GTP-loaded Ras and ERK activation, was inhibited by transient or stable transfection of FAK related non-kinase (FRNK), known to have a dominant negative function, but not by a FRNK mutant version (S1034-FRNK). Most importantly, while vector- and mutant-S1034-FRNK transfected cells inoculated onto chicken embryo CAMs formed progressively growing tumors, the HA-FRNK-expressing T-HEp3 cells did not proliferate in vivo and remained dormant for at least 6 weeks. Both cell types had similar rate of apoptosis in vivo and the p38(SAPK) or PI3K-Akt signaling pathways were unaffected by FRNK. FRNK induced dormancy could be reverted by expression of an active-R4F-Mek1 mutant. These results show that active FAK is an important mediator of uPAR-regulated tumorigenicity of HEp3 cells and that interruption of FAK mitogenic signaling either through down-regulation of uPAR or by expression of FRNK can force human carcinoma cells into dormancy.


Experimental investigation and modelling the effect of humic acid on coagulation efficiency for sludge blanket clarifier.
The physicochemical process of coagulation has largely been used for turbidity removal for water treatment. However, lately, the intrusion of NOM (Natural organic matter) in the surface water sources due to climate change has impeded the dosing approaches and has presented a requirement to evaluate the effect of NOM on turbidity removal efficiency and the performance of coagulation reactors in general. In this work, a previously developed performance model for hydraulic flocculators was modified and tested for a sludge blanket clarifier (SBC) which is a type of hydraulic flocculator. The experimental runs were conducted by preparing synthetic sample waters by using humic acid (for NOM) and kaolin clay (for turbidity). PACl (Poly aluminium chloride) was used as a coagulant. The expression of attachment efficiency has been modified to include the interactions of humic acid (HA) and kaolin, which were not previously accounted for in the model. The coverage functions were used to calculate the attachment efficiency of HA-PACl and PACl-Clay. The standalone coverage function ГPACl-HA efficiently predicted the doses where the removal efficiency was maximum. However, the coverage function ГClay-PACl was impacted by the hydrodynamic conditions in SBC and over-speculated the Clay-PACl interactions. The RMSE value was low for the modified equation indicating that in SBC the interactions between the organic and inorganic impurities are significant. The HA-Kaolin interactions were found to be significant in the modified model in case of a low HA range of 4 and 8 mg/L of HA.


Histological and histometrical changes of liver damage in rats after treatment with ethanol and carbon tetrachloride.
A pretreatment of 30 to 52 weeks with a 10% (v/v) solution of ethanol did not bring about any distinct changes but increased the damaging effects on liver caused by an acute dose of carbon tetrachloride in rats. This was shown by the semiquantitative assessment of histological changes and by the measurement of hepatocyte nuclei. The results of both investigations are complementary to each other and show a correlation.


Neuropathic agents and pain. New strategies.
At present, the opioids, anti-epileptic, membrane stabilising and anti-depressant drugs are the mainstay of treatment for alleviating neuropathic pain. This article summarises data on some new medications of these classes and also other groups of medications in development. Recent data on the use of combination medications and its implications will also be discussed.


Gestational and neonatal characteristics of children with cystic fibrosis: a cohort study.
To examine whether the birth weight (BW) and the risks of being pre-term, low birth weight (LBW), and small for gestational age (SGA) of children with cystic fibrosis (CF) are different from nonaffected children. Retrospective cohort study. We examined all the children with CF born in Tuscany, Italy, from 1991 to 2002 (n = 70) comparing them to the entire population of non-CF-affected children born in the same period (n = 290,059). The mean BW of newborns with CF was 246.2 g lower than the mean BW of the non-CF neonatal population (P = .0003). Children with CF had a higher risk of being born pre-term (RR 2.62, P = .001), LBW (RR 2.66, P = .0009), and SGA (RR = 1.74, P = .04) than the non-CF-affected children. The mean BW of term newborns with CF was 205.7 g lower than that of term non-CF-affected babies (P = .0002). Our data show an association between CF and reduced BW and show a greater risk of being pre-term for babies with CF.


Effects of Longitudinal Coaching on Relationships and Feedback Processes in Pediatric Subspecialty Fellowships-An Interpretive Description Study.
Coaching in graduate medical education provides a facilitative approach to feedback as well as opportunities for residents and fellows to engage with feedback and develop individualized improvement goals. To explore the roles and actions of successful coaches in longitudinal coaching relationships and how they enable feedback processes. Using interpretive description methodology, we performed semi-structured interviews with pediatrics fellows (n=11), faculty coaches (n=9), and program directors (n=2) from 2 pediatric subspecialty fellowship training programs at Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago. Both training programs had previously implemented longitudinal clinical coaching programs. Interview questions aimed to explore the roles and impacts of coaches within a longitudinal coaching program. Interviews took place in 2019 and 2020. We identified 4 major actions to the coaching role in longitudinal coaching relationships: (1) establish the coach-fellow relationship; (2) prepare for the coaching conversation; (3) facilitate feedback dialogue; and (4) serve as the go-to person to raise uncomfortable issues. Additionally, nearly all participants expressed support for a longitudinal coaching program to support fellows' growth and development of personalized learning goals. By fulfilling these 4 key aspects to the coaching role, coaches in longitudinal relationships with coachees enable feedback processes.


One-pot synthesis of four-coordinate boron(III) complexes by the ligand-promoted organic group migration between boronic acids.
Multidisciplinary applications of four-coordinate boron(III) complexes make them very attractive and challenging research field in chemistry, biology and material sciences. The dual role played by boron atom in stabilising the chelate ligand and enhancing the π-conjugation makes them very useful as luminescent materials for organic electronics and photonics, and sensing and imaging probes for biomedical purposes. The conventional methods involve the use of diarylborinic acids or anhydrides and triaryl boranes, which are made from organometallic reagents. The strong nucleophilicity of these reagents limits the peripheral modifications onto the boron cores. Here, we report a metal-free one-pot synthesis of four-coordinate organoborons using boronic acids, which represents the first instance of ligand assisted organic group migration between boronic acids. A tetrahedral boron 'ate' complex capable of transferring an organic group to the adjacent sp2 boron within a boronic anhydride intermediate is proposed and preliminary mechanistic studies by MALDI-TOF and 11B NMR support this proposal. The products are available from a series of N,O-, N,N- and O,O-bidentate ligands upon a wide array of boronic acids. We anticipate that this reaction will impact the way of producing the four-coordinate organoborons, and propel a new discovery of such materials for optoelectronic and biomedical applications.


The potential utility of anterior upper lobe honeycomb-like lesion in interstitial lung disease associated with connective tissue disease.
Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is associated with high morbidity and mortality in patients with connective tissue disease (CTD). Because some patients with CTD overlap present with ILD first, with CTD diagnosed later, specific radiologic signs are needed to help differentiate each CTD or CTD-ILD from idiopathic ILD. To determine whether specific CT findings can help differentiate CTD as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic sclerosis (SSc), or polymyositis/dermatomyositis (PM/DM). We analyzed 143 consecutive ILD patients with RA, SSc, or PM/DM. We assessed diagnostic accuracy of CT findings of CTD-ILD, CT pattern, and signs including "anterior upper lobe honeycomb-like lesion" and "low attenuation area (LAA) within an interstitial abnormality" for each CTD-ILD. Prognostic predictors were determined using Cox regression models. Subjects were 78 patients with RA-ILD, 38 with SSc-ILD, 24 with PM/DM-ILD, and 3 with overlapping CTD-ILD. High frequency of anterior upper lobe honeycomb-like lesion suggests that CTD-ILD is due to RA-ILD (22%) rather than SSc-ILD (8%) or PM/DM-ILD (8%), whereas LAA within an interstitial abnormality suggests that CTD-ILD is due to SSc-ILD (26%) rather than RA-ILD (4%) or PM/DM-ILD (0%). Multivariate analysis showed that while not associated with survival, current or ex-smoker, honeycombing, and acute exacerbation were negative prognostic factors of mortality. The tendency is high for RA-ILD, in which anterior upper lobe honeycomb-like lesion is a specific feature, to show UIP or NSIP/UIP pattern, combined emphysema, and honeycombing; SSc-ILD to show NSIP pattern and LAA within an interstitial abnormality; and PM/DM-ILD to show NSIP pattern and non-honeycombing.


Cytolytic activity of T lymphocytes isolated from ovarian carcinoma ascitic fluid. Analysis at the population and clonal level.
T lymphocytes were isolated from ascitic fluid of three patients with ovarian carcinoma at III-IV stage. Surface markers analysis of such purified T cells revealed that T8+ cells were well represented among ascitic T lymphocytes (from 35 to 56%). Low percentages of activated T cells, as indicated by HLA-DR and TAC (interleukin-2 receptor) positivity, were also present. However, fresh ascitic T lymphocytes failed to lyse autologous tumor target cells in a 4-h 51Cr release assay. Furthermore, by applying a limiting dilution microculture system that allows optimal conditions for cloning of human T lymphocytes, we derived clones from these populations. From 41 to 63% of clones so obtained had cytolytic activity in a lectin-dependent assay allowing detection of cytolytic T cells of any specificity. More importantly, in all three patients several clones were found to lyse autologous tumor target cells as well. Some of these clones have been studied in more detail: 9 out of 10 expressed the T8+/T4- phenotype, whereas only one was T8-/T4+; 6 out of 9 clones had a definite NK-like activity, while none of them lysed autologous PHA-lymphoblasts.


Effect of pilates performed during pregnancy on postpartum stress urinary incontinence in primipara women.
Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) constitutes the majority of urinary incontinence (UI) cases that occur due to anatomical and physiological changes during pregnancy and postpartum period. The objcetive of this study was to evaluate the effect of pilates in preventing the occurrence of SUI in the postpartum period. A retrospective case-control study was conducted in a private hospital. Participants consisted of patients who gave birth vaginally at the hospital and were admitted to the hospital for routine control at the postpartum 12th week. The women did pilates for two days a week from the 12th week of pregnancy until the birth were included in the case group. The women did not do pilates in the control group. Data was collected using the "Michigan Incontinence Symptom Index". To detect the presence of SUI, researchers asked women "Do you have urinary incontinence problems in your daily life?". STROBE research check-list was used for reporting the study. The study was completed with a total of 142 women consisting of 71 women in each group. Of the women, postpartum SUI occurred in 39.4%. The severity score of women who did pilates were found to be statistically significantly lower than those who did not do pilates. During pregnancy, women should be encouraged to do pilates about the prenatal period by health professionals.


Social media and mental health in students: a cross-sectional study during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Social media causes increased use and problems due to their attractions. Hence, it can affect mental health, especially in students. The present study was conducted with the aim of determining the relationship between the use of social media and the mental health of students. The current cross-sectional study was conducted in 2021 on 781 university students in Lorestan province, who were selected by the Convenience Sampling method. The data was collected using a questionnaire on demographic characteristics, social media, problematic use of social media, and mental health (DASS-21). Data were analyzed in SPSS-26 software. Shows that marital status, major, and household income are significantly associated with lower DASS21 scores (a lower DASS21 score means better mental health status). Also, problematic use of social media (β = 3.54, 95% CI: (3.23, 3.85)) was significantly associated with higher mental health scores (a higher DASS21 score means worse mental health status). Income and social media use (β = 1.02, 95% CI: 0.78, 1.25) were significantly associated with higher DASS21 scores (a higher DASS21 score means worse mental health status). Major was significantly associated with lower DASS21 scores (a lower DASS21 score means better mental health status). This study indicated that social media had a direct relationship with mental health. Despite the large amount of evidence suggesting that social media harms mental health, more research is still necessary to determine the cause and how social media can be used without harmful effects.


Lipoteichoic acid from Staphylococcus aureus increases matrix metalloproteinase 9 expression in RAW 264.7 macrophages: modulation by A2A and A2B adenosine receptors.
Peptidoglycan (PEG) and lipoteichoic acid (LTA) are the main constituents of Gram-positive bacteria cell wall and are described to modulate immune functions. Increased levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) were described in endotoxemia, suggesting that they participate to tecidual damage, multiple organs failure and vascular disfunction. Staphylococcus aureus PEG is described to increase MMPs 2 and 9 levels in plasma from rat and MMP 9 secretion by human neutrophils, however, the effect of LTA on MMPs is unknown. In this work, was evaluated the modulation of MMPs 2 and 9 expression and secretion in RAW 264.7 macrophages by LTA from S. aureus. The role of A2A and A2B adenosine receptors was also investigated. LTA increased MMP 9 expression and secretion at 12h of treatment. The modulation of MMP 9 secretion was dose dependent, with maximal effect above 1microg/ml. The inhibitor of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway (U0126, 10microM) prevented LTA stimulation of MMP 9 secretion; however, the inhibitors of p38 (SB203580, 10microM) and Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK; SP600125, 10microM) presented any effect. A2A and A2B adenosine receptors pharmacological blockade or gene knockdown resulted in exacerbated MMP 9 secretion, while an adenosine receptors agonist inhibited LTA-stimulated MMP 9 secretion. These results suggest that LTA increased MMP 9 secretion in macrophages could be involved in complications associated to S. aureus infections. Moreover, LTA modulation of MMP 9 is dependent on MEK/ERK pathway and is regulated by A2A and A2B adenosine receptors.


Novel electrospun gelatin/oxycellulose nanofibers as a suitable platform for lung disease modeling.
Novel hydrolytically stable gelatin nanofibers modified with sodium or calcium salt of oxycellulose were prepared by electrospinning method. The unique inhibitory effect of these nanofibers against Escherichia coli bacteria was examined by luminometric method. Biocompatibility of these gelatin/oxycellulose nanofibers with eukaryotic cells was tested using human lung adenocarcinoma cell line NCI-H441. Cells firmly adhered to nanofiber surface, as determined by scanning electron microscopy, and no signs of cell dying were detected by fluorescent live/dead assay. We propose that the newly developed gelatin/oxycellulose nanofibers could be used as promising scaffold for lung disease modeling and anti-cancer drug testing.


Satellite DNA (II) from sea urchin (Lytechinus variegatus) sperm.
When DNA isolated from freshly collected sperm of sea urchin (Lytechinus variegatus) is centrifuged to equilibrium in CsCl, 2 heavy satellite bands appear beside the main band DNA. Satellite DNA (II) appears in between the main band DNA (rho = 1.695 g/cm3) and the rDNA satellite (rho = 1.722 g/cm3). Satellite DNA (II) has a buoyant density 1.710 g/cm3, corresponding to 50% GC content. It is speculated that the satellite DNA (II), which appears to be of high mol. wt, might contain the sequences complementary to histone mRNA.


On the origin of the genetic code: signatures of its primordial complementarity in tRNAs and aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases.
If the table of the genetic code is rearranged to put complementary codons face-to-face, it becomes apparent that the code displays latent mirror symmetry with respect to two sterically different modes of tRNA recognition. These modes involve distinct classes of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRSs I and II) with recognition from the minor or major groove sides of the acceptor stem, respectively. We analyze the anticodon pairs complementary to the face-to-face codon couplets. Taking into account the invariant nucleotides on either side (5' and 3'), we consider the risk of anticodon confusion and subsequent erroneous aminoacylation in the ancestral coding system. This logic leads to the conclusion that ribozymic precursors of tRNA synthetases had the same two complementary modes of tRNA aminoacylation. This surprising case of molecular mimicry (1) shows a key potential selective advantage arising from the partitioning of aaRSs into two classes, (2) is consistent with the hypothesis that the two aaRS classes were originally encoded by the complementary strands of the same primordial gene and (3) provides a 'missing link' between the classic genetic code, embodied in the anticodon, and the second, or RNA operational, code that is embodied mostly in the acceptor stem and is directly responsible for proper tRNA aminoacylation.


Populations of acanthocephalus anguillaePomphorhynchus laevis in rivers with different pollution levels
The distribution of two acanthocephalan species (Pomphorhynchus laevisAcanthocephalus anguillae) in the chub (Leuciscus cephalus) was studied in four river reaches characterized by different levels of pollution: the River Ticino near Abbiategrasso (unpolluted), the Naviglio Grande Canal, in Milano (slightly polluted), the River Lambro near Merone village (polluted) and the River Lambro near Monza (severely polluted).Pomphorhynchus laevis was restricted to the unpolluted and the slightly polluted sites, while the intensity of A. anguillae increased proportionally to water pollution. These differences were partially explained by the variation in abundance of their intermediate hosts (Echinogammarus stammeri for P. laevisAsellus aquaticus for A. anguillae). Data on the occurrence of P. laevis and A. anguillae showed a significant negative binomial frequency distribution, suggesting their tendency to be aggregated within the host populations of L. cephalus.


Elevated radon level in drinking water of Ajodhya Hill Area of West Bengal, India: probable health impact on lung and stomach.
A screening survey has been carried out to measure the radon concentration in drinking water at various locations of Ajodhya hill and surrounding areas in Purulia district of West Bengal, India, using AlphaGUARD radon monitor. The obtained 222Rn concentration in ground water varies from 5.71 ± 0.29 to 579.47 ± 23.18 Bq/l with an average of 110.00 ± 6.61 Bq/l. Comparison between our results with the internationally recommended reference levels reveals that drinking of water from the majority of these tube-wells can pose significant health risks to the local people. Correlation study indicates that tube-well depth has significant influence on the radon level in water samples. Using 60 l/yr and 1642.50 l/yr water consumption estimated annual effective radon doses for most of the samples (almost 70% and 96%, respectively) are high compared to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Union (EU) Commission prescribed reference dose limit of 100 μSv/yr. Also, the evaluated Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk (ELCR) values associated with the tube-wells are showing serious threat to the health of the locals.The primary goal of this work is to develop a radon profile map of this area and to find out the possible reasons behind the elevated radon level in ground water. This type of work may play a very crucial role to aware the locals in perspective of human exposure to radon. The local health officials and the water quality regulators of India are requested to take necessary steps for protecting the local people from water radon hazard.


Effects of fat level, feeding period, and source of fat on lipid fluidity and physical state of rabbit plasma lipoproteins.
Elevating fat content from 5 to 20% of diet by weight or extending the feeding period from 6 months to more than 1 year did not substantially alter the fluidity of rabbit plasma lipoprotein lipid domains. Dietary fatty acid saturation was not adequate as a predictor of lipoprotein fluidity. Rabbits fed corn oil, high in polyunsaturated fatty acid content, did not have more fluid lipoproteins than rabbits fed cocoa butter which contains a high level of saturated long chain fatty acids. Order parameters calculated from fluorescence depolarization measurements with diphenylhexatriene (DPH) showed that very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) lipids were in highly fluid or 'liquid' states at or below body temperature. Order parameter data showed transitions from ordered phase to isotropic liquid in low density lipoproteins (LDL) that were heretofore unnoted with DPH fluorescence depolarization measurements. The transition temperature was inversely related to the LDL triglyceride content, indicating probe intercalation between the fatty acyl chains of the core triacylglycerols in VLDL and LDL.


Diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder and criminal responsibility.
The present study empirically investigates whether personality disorders and psychopathic traits in criminal suspects are reasons for diminished criminal responsibility or enforced treatment in high security hospitals. Recently, the tenability of the claim that individuals with personality disorders and psychopathy can be held fully responsible for crimes has been questioned on theoretical bases. According to some interpretations, these disorders are due to cognitive, biological and developmental deficits that diminish the individual's accountability. The current article presents two studies among suspects of serious crimes under forensic evaluation in a Dutch forensic psychiatric observation clinic. The first study examined how experts weigh personality disorders in their conclusions as far as the degree of criminal responsibility and the need for enforced forensic psychiatric treatment are concerned (n=843). The second study investigated associations between PCL-R scores and experts' responsibility and treatment advisements (n=108). The results suggest that in Dutch forensic practice, the presence of a personality disorder decreased responsibility and led to an advice for enforced forensic treatment. Experts also take characteristics of psychopathy concerning impulsivity and (ir)responsibility into consideration when judging criminal accountability. Furthermore, they deem affective deficiencies sufficiently important to indicate suspects' threat to society or dangerousness and warrant a need for forensic treatment.


Drinking behavior in thyroidectomized rats: effects of central cholinergic stimulation and of water deprivation.
Normally hydrated thyroidectomized (TX) rats stimulated intracerebroventricularly with carbachol and dehydrated TX rats drank significantly smaller volumes of water than their respective controls. This suggests lower central sensitivity to thirst and to drinking behavior induced by both cholinergic activation and extracellular fluid depletion. Dehydrated TX rats excreted a significantly larger urinary volume than the controls, suggesting the existence of changes in the renal mechanisms of water retention. Such changes could be related to a reduction in vasopressin binding sites.


Using a theory to understand triage decision making.
The purpose of this discussion is to present triage decision making research within the context of the Revised Cognitive Continuum Theory. Triage is an essential clinical skill in emergency nursing. Understanding the best way to facilitate this skill is vital when educating new nurses or providing continuing education to practicing nurses. Delineating research evidence within a theory allows clinical educators to understand practices that foster successful triage skills and permits the grounding of educational strategies within a theoretical framework.


Pleural transudate: pathophysiology during superior vena cava syndrome.
Pleural transudative effusion arises from imbalances between the hydrostatic and/or oncotic pressures. Temperature drop following talc poudrage through a spray may accentuate the pressure changes induced by superior vena cava syndrome. http://ow.ly/EpZm30nwVZj.


Contribution to the knowledge of the mayfly genus Teloganella Ulmer, 1939 (Ephemeroptera: Ephemerelloidea).
We consider the genus Janohyphella Selvakumar, Sivaramakrishnan & Jacobus, 2014 (Ephemeroptera:Teloganodidae) to be a new junior synonym of Teloganella Ulmer, 1939 [=Janohyphella, syn. n.] based on comparative examination of new and previously studied materials from Malaysia and India. Thus, we propose the following new combination, Teloganella indica, comb. n., and provide new or modified diagnoses for this species, T. umbrata Ulmer, 1939 and the genus Teloganella Ulmer, 1939.


Detection of DNA double-strand breaks using gammaH2AX after MRI exposure at 3 Tesla: an in vitro study.
To evaluate the effects of the static magnetic field and typical imaging sequences of a high-field magnetic resonance scanner (3 Tesla) on the induction of double-strand breaks (DSBs) in two different human cell lines. Human promyelocytic leukemia cells (HL-60) and human acute myeloid leukemia cells (KG-1a) were exposed to the static magnetic field alone and to turbo spin-echo (TSE) and gradient-echo (GE) sequences. Flow cytometry was used to quantify gammaH2AX (serine 139 phosphorylated form of histone H2AX) expression of antibody-stained cells as a marker for deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) DSBs one hour and 24 hours after magnetic field exposure. X-ray-treated cells were used as positive control. Neither exposure to the static magnetic field alone nor to the applied imaging sequences showed significant differences in gammaH2AX expression between exposed and sham-exposed cells. X-ray-treated cells as positive control showed a significant increase in gammaH2AX expression. The static magnetic field alone and MRI sequences at 3 Tesla have no effect on the induction of DSBs in HL-60 and KG-1a cells.


Genomic and transcriptomic profiles and in vitro resistance to mitoxantrone and idarubicin in pediatric acute leukemias.
A major problem in the treatment of leukemia is the development of drug resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. To determine the ex vivo drug resistance profile to anthracyclines, an 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazoliumbromide (MTT) cytotoxicity assay was performed on mononuclear cells obtained from 155 patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) or acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML). Gene expression profiles (for 51 patients with ALL and 16 with AML) were prepared on the basis of cRNA hybridization to oligonucleotide arrays of the human genome (Affymetrix). Hierarchical clustering, assignment location and biological function were investigated during the correlation analysis for identified probe sets. Comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) array profiles (34 patients with ALL and 12 with AML) were prepared on the basis of DNA hybridization to oligonucleotide arrays of the human genome (Agilent). The validation of the array results was performed by a quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. The collected expression and CGH microarray experiment results indicate that the ITGB2, SCL6A7, CASP1 and DUSP genes may comprise a resistance marker for acute leukemia cells correlated with anthracyclines. Moreover, there were also identified chromosome rearrangements associated with drug resistance, such as del5q32-35.3 and amp8p12-p11.21. Precise genes, as well as genome aberrations, might be classified as targets in therapy. In AML, the resistance of blasts to idarubicin and mitoxantrone may reflect an impaired integrin pathway. In ALL, the development of resistance is caused by the inhibition of B and T cell activation. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


Procedure-related complications of open vs endoscopic fetal surgery for treatment of spina bifida in an era of intrauterine myelomeningocele repair: systematic review and meta-analysis.
To assess and compare the rate of procedure-related complications after intrauterine treatment of spina bifida by endoscopic surgery and by open fetal surgery. Systematic literature searches in PubMed and SCOPUS databases were performed on 20 September 2015 to identify randomized controlled trials and observational studies on treatment of human spina bifida by endoscopic or open fetal surgery techniques. Only studies with ≥ 10 cases that were published in or after 2000 were included in the meta-analysis in order to reduce the risk of bias. Primary outcomes (complete dehiscence, focal dehiscence and/or markedly thin hysterotomy scar; preterm delivery < 34 weeks; mean gestational age at delivery) and secondary outcomes (oligohydramnios, prelabor rupture of membranes, placental abruption, chorioamnionitis and perinatal death) were assessed for both techniques. Precision of the estimated proportions was evaluated with 95% CIs. Inconsistency was assessed using the I(2) statistic. The search identified 1080 records that were examined based on title and abstract, of which 28 full-text articles were examined completely for eligibility. Nine records were excluded because cases were also described in other studies, leaving 19 records for analysis. When comparing endoscopic vs open fetal surgery, the rate of complete dehiscence, focal dehiscence and/or markedly thin hysterotomy scar was, respectively, 1% (95% CI, 0-4%) vs 26% (95% CI, 12-42%); preterm delivery < 34 weeks was 80% (95% CI, 41-100%) vs 45% (95% CI, 38-53%); oligohydramnios was 39% (95% CI, 9-75%) vs 14% (95% CI, 7-24%); prelabor rupture of membranes was 67% (95% CI, 12-100%) vs 38% (95% CI, 26-50%); and perinatal death was 14% (95% CI, 1-38%) vs 5% (95% CI, 3-8%). Open fetal surgery for spina bifida seems to show lower rates of procedure-related complications than does endoscopic surgery, but the rate of hysterotomy scar complications is high after open surgery. Because of the low quality of evidence, the conclusions should be interpreted with caution. Copyright © 2015 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.


Does a higher 'quality points' score mean better care in stroke? An audit of general practice medical records.
The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) have produced guidelines for stroke management in primary care; this guidance is taken to be the gold standard for the care of people with stroke. UK general practitioners now have a quality-based contract which includes a Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF). This consists of financially remunerated 'quality points' for specific disease areas, including stroke. Achievement of these quality points is measured by extracting a limited list of computer codes from practice computer systems. To investigate whether a high stroke quality score is associated with adherence to RCP guidelines. Examination of computer and written medical records of all patients with a diagnosis of stroke. Two general practices, one in southwest London, one in Surrey, with a combined practice population of over 20 000. Both practices had a similar age-sex profile and prevalence of stroke. One practice scored 93.5% (29/31) of the available stroke quality points. The other practice achieved 73.4% (22.75/31), and only did better in one stroke quality target. However, the practice scoring fewer quality points had much better adherence to RCP guidance: 96% of patients were assessed in secondary care compared with 79% (P=0.001); 64% of stroke patients were seen the same day, compared with 44%; 56% received rehabilitation compared with 37%. Higher quality points did not reflect better adherence to RCP guidance. This audit highlights a gap between relatively simplistic measures of quality in the QOF, dependent on the recording of a narrow range of computer codes, and the actual standard of care being delivered. Research is needed to see whether this finding is generalisable and how the Quality and Outcomes Framework might be better aligned with delivering best practice.


Characterization of cell lines enhancing IL-2 production by human phytohemagglutinin-stimulated lymphocytes.
Certain cell lines were found to significantly enhance IL-2 production by phytohemagglutinin-stimulated T lymphocytes, and the mechanisms involved in mediating such an enhancement have been studied. All B-lymphoblastoid cell lines (B-CL) tested had an enhancing capability, even lines which were immature, surface immunoglobulin negative, or negative for EBV-associated antigens or Fc receptors. Furthermore, a B-CL lacking HLA-A, B, and C, antigens as well as a HLA-DR-deficient mutant line enhanced IL-2 production. Autologous B-CL as well as allogeneic lines were able to augment IL-2 production. Cell lines from patients with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia did not stimulate, while more mature, DR-positive T-cell lines did. Although all HLA-DR positive cell lines, regardless of their derivation, provided enhancement, several lines of evidence, including blocking experiments with anti-DR antibodies, indicated that the reaction was not HLA-DR mediated. The enhancing determinant(s) appeared to be cell associated since CL supernatants were ineffective, and it may serve as an important additional signal to the preactivated IL-2-producer T-cell.


The role of external fixation and emergency fracture management in bovine orthopedics.
External fixation is a very useful method of treating selected fractures in cattle. The economics of therapy and the availability of the techniques to all veterinarians will continue to make external fixation the most frequently used method of fracture repair in cattle.


[Pathophysiologic mechanisms of functional disorders of the cardiorespiratory system in snoring].
Disturbances in the function of cardio-respiratory system due to nasal obstruction, accompanied by snoring, are described. Obstructions to other levels, oropharynx, pharynx and larynx, also inducing such disturbances are mentioned, with particular reference to snoring which may lead to the development of apnea during sleep. The need of a multidisciplinary approach to such patients is underlined, with a very specific role of the otorhinolaryngologist, especially when obstruction of the nose has caused such a disturbance. The act of snoring can be eliminated or diminished, and the development of obstructive apnea during sleep prevented or interrupted by accurate indications for and properly performed reconstructive surgery of the nose.


Higher expression of renal sulfoglycolipids in marine mammals.
Patterns and contents of major acidic glycosphingolipids in the kidney of three marine mammalian species, the Steller sea lion (Pinnipedia), the rough-toothed dolphin and the broad-beaked dolphin (Odontoceti), were examined, and compared with those of terrestrial mesic mammals. The profile of major acidic glycosphingolipids was not significantly different between the terrestrial and marine mammals: predominant gangliosides were GM3 and GD3, and major sulfoglycolipids were SM4s and SM3. On the other hand, the total concentration (nmol/g wet tissue) of sulfoglycolipids was considerably higher in the marine mammals (2.3-3.0 times) than that in the terrestrial mesic mammals with comparable body weights. In contrast, there was no significant difference in the level of renal glycolipids-bound sialic acid between the marine and the terrestrial mammals. These results suggest that higher expression of renal sulfoglycolipids in marine mammals may contribute to the maintenance of osmotic balance of their body fluid against sea water.


Improving the robustness of a partial least squares (PLS) model based on pure component selectivity analysis and range optimization: case study for the analysis of an etching solution containing hydrogen peroxide.
Pure component selectivity analysis (PCSA) was successfully utilized to enhance the robustness of a partial least squares (PLS) model by examining the selectivity of a given component to other components. The samples used in this study were composed of NH4OH, H2O2 and H2O, a popular etchant solution in the electronic industry. Corresponding near-infrared (NIR) spectra (9000-7500 cm(-1)) were used to build PLS models. The selective determination of H2O2 without influences from NH4OH and H2O was a key issue since its molecular structure is similar to that of H2O and NH4OH also has a hydroxyl functional group. The best spectral ranges for the determination of NH4OH and H2O2 were found with the use of moving window PLS (MW-PLS) and corresponding selectivity was examined by pure component selectivity analysis. The PLS calibration for NH4OH was free from interferences from the other components due to the presence of its unique NH absorption bands. Since the spectral variation from H2O2 was broadly overlapping and much less distinct than that from NH(4)OH, the selectivity and prediction performance for the H2O2 calibration were sensitively varied depending on the spectral ranges and number of factors used. PCSA, based on the comparison between regression vectors from PLS and the net analyte signal (NAS), was an effective method to prevent over-fitting of the H2O2 calibration. A robust H2O2 calibration model with minimal interferences from other components was developed. PCSA should be included as a standard method in PLS calibrations where prediction error only is the usual measure of performance.


Aberrant pattern of the cytokeratin 7/cytokeratin 20 immunophenotype in colorectal adenocarcinomas with BRAF mutations.
Cytokeratin 7 (CK7) and 20 (CK20) are used for the differential diagnosis of metastases from colorectal carcinomas (CRC), which are usually CK7-/CK20+, and other tumors. In our study, we performed immunohistochemical staining with CK7 and CK20 in 52 randomly selected cases of CRC and analyzed microsatellite instability status and BRAF mutations to identify those factors that may determine the changing pattern of CK7/CK20 immunophenotype in these tumors. CK7 was negative in all microsatellite stable tumors (MSS), but all carcinomas presenting microsatellite instability (MSI) and BRAF mutations were diffusely positive for this marker. CK20 was diffusely expressed in 79.06% of MSS tumors. Regarding MSI, in case with no BRAF mutations, a progressive decrease in CK20 expression was noted, and in BRAF-mutated adenocarcinomas, no expression of CK20 was observed. It seems that in case of MSI located on the proximal colon, which also presents BRAF mutations, CK20/CK7 may present a changing immunophenotype pattern, which may complicate the differential diagnosis of metastatic tumors. This is the first reported study of the relationship between CK20/CK7 immunophenotype, BRAF mutations and microsatellite status in CRC.


[Comparison between cytochemical and gelelectrophoretic demonstration of acid phosphatases from leukocytes (author's transl)].
The cytochemical and gelelectrophoretic demonstration of acid phosphatases with substrates alpha-naphthyl phosphate and naphthol AS-BI phosphate and with couplers fast garnet GBC and hexazotized pararosanilin is described. Cytochemically best results are achieved wit naphthol AS-BI phosphate and pararosanilin, electrophoretically however with alpha-naphthyl phosphate and pararosanilin. This discrepancy ist explained by a different substrate affinity and membrane penetration of substrates.


Toxicity of culturable cyanobacteria strains isolated from the Portuguese coast.
Cyanobacteria are common inhabitants of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. In the aquatic environments their success is particularly well documented in fresh and brackish waters. References related to the occurrence of these organisms in marine habitats and especially in what concerns to toxicology are scarce. Reports of cyanotoxins in marine habitats are restricted to the warmer temperate and tropical regions. In this study, cyanobacteria strains belonging to the genera Cyanobacterium, Oscillatoria, Synechocystis and Synechococcus were isolated from rocky beaches along the Portuguese coast and were cultured and screened for toxicological properties. The toxicity to mice was observed after intraperitoneal injection of centrifuged and non-centrifuged extracts. The results showed a wide range of responses with strains showing no signs of poisoning and strains producing protracted or slightly protracted toxic effects. Neurotoxic symptoms and effects in liver, kidney, small intestine and lungs are reported. The identity of the toxic compounds is thus far unknown but the implication drawn from the present data is that more than one toxic compound is produced. There was a clear discrepancy between the toxicity of centrifuged and non-centrifuged extracts. In most cases the pellet was toxic indicating that toxicity can be associated with compounds tightly bound to the cell walls.


PARENTS' AND TEACHERS' PERCEPTIONS OF FACTORS AFFECTING LEARNING IN KENYA.
Studies have shown that a child's learning in school is affected by several factors, some related to the school environment, others to the home and community while others are as a result of the individual characteristics of the child. This study sought to explore parents' and teachers' perceptions of factors that affect learning of children in primary schools in a rural County in Kenya. This was a qualitative study that adopted the phenomenological approach. It was conducted with parents and teachers of 7 primary schools in rural and semi-rural areas of Kiambu County in Kenya. Using a researcher developed guide, data was collected using focus group discussion with parents and teachers. The discussions were conducted as follows-four were conducted in English language, two in Kiswahili language, and three were conducted in the local language and all were audio taped. Research assistants also took notes during the discussions. Results were transcribed verbatim and those that needed to be translated into English were translated. In analysis, MA, MM and MT read the transcripts and coded the major themes. Four themes perceived by both parents and teachers to affect a child's learning emerged. These were; school environment, home, community and factors within the child. There is need for both teachers and parents to come together and discuss perceived factors that interfere with learning of the children. Those that form a consensus for both groups, means to address them be found for better academic success of the child.


Atypical Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome: Genetic Basis, Clinical Manifestations, and a Multidisciplinary Approach to Management.
Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) defined by the triad of hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute kidney injury. Microthrombi develop in the glomerular capillaries secondary to endothelial damage and exert shear stress on red blood cells, consume platelets, and contribute to renal dysfunction and failure. Per current understanding of pathophysiology, HUS is classified into infectious, secondary, and atypical disease. The most common etiology is infectious sequelae of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC); other causative organisms include shigella and salmonella. Secondary HUS arises from cancer, chemotherapy, solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant, pregnancy, or autoimmune disorders. Primary atypical hemolytic-uremic syndrome (aHUS) is associated with genetic mutations in complement and complement regulatory proteins. Under physiologic conditions, complement regulators keep the alternative complement system continuously active at low levels. In times of inflammation, mutations in complement-related proteins lead to uncontrolled complement activity. The hyperactive inflammatory state leads to glomerular endothelial damage, activation of the coagulation cascade, and TMA findings. Atypical hemolytic-uremic syndrome is a rare disorder with a prevalence of 2.21 to 9.4 per million people aged 20 years or younger; children between the ages of 0 and 4 are most affected. Multidisciplinary health care is necessary for timely management of its extra-renal manifestations. These include vascular disease of the heart, brain, and skin, pulmonary hypertension and hemorrhage, and pregnancy complications. Adequate screening is required to monitor for sequelae. First-line treatment is the monoclonal antibody eculizumab, but several organ systems may require specialized interventions and coordination of care with sub-specialists.


Role of different scattering mechanisms on the temperature dependence of transport in graphene.
Detailed experimental and theoretical studies of the temperature dependence of the effect of different scattering mechanisms on electrical transport properties of graphene devices are presented. We find that for high mobility devices the transport properties are mainly governed by completely screened short range impurity scattering. On the other hand, for the low mobility devices transport properties are determined by both types of scattering potentials - long range due to ionized impurities and short range due to completely screened charged impurities. The results could be explained in the framework of Boltzmann transport equations involving the two independent scattering mechanisms.


All-fiber sixth harmonic generation of deep UV: erratum.
This erratum corrects the mistyped pump repetition rate in Opt. Lett.42, 4671 (2017)OPLEDP0146-959210.1364/OL.42.004671.


Non-productive binding of cellobiohydrolase i investigated by surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy.
Future biorefineries are facing the challenge to separate and depolymerize biopolymers into their building blocks for the production of biofuels and basic molecules as chemical stock. Fungi have evolved lignocellulolytic enzymes to perform this task specifically and efficiently, but a detailed understanding of their heterogeneous reactions is a prerequisite for the optimization of large-scale enzymatic biomass degradation. Here, we investigate the binding of cellulolytic enzymes onto biopolymers by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy for the fast and precise characterization of enzyme adsorption processes. Using different sensor architectures, SPR probes modified with regenerated cellulose as well as with lignin films were prepared by spin-coating techniques. The modified SPR probes were analyzed by atomic force microscopy and static contact angle measurements to determine physical and surface molecular properties. SPR spectroscopy was used to study the activity and affinity of Trichoderma reesei cellobiohydrolase I (CBHI) glycoforms on the modified SPR probes. N-glycan removal led to no significant change in activity or cellulose binding, while a slightly higher tendency for non-productive binding to SPR probes modified with different lignin fractions was observed. The results suggest that the main role of the N-glycosylation in CBHI is not to prevent non-productive binding to lignin, but probably to increase its stability against proteolytic degradation. The work also demonstrates the suitability of SPR-based techniques for the characterization of the binding of lignocellulolytic enzymes to biomass-derived polymers. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10570-021-04002-6.


Correlation of fundus lesions and hematologic findings in leukemic retinopathy.
This prospective study evaluated the relationship between the fundus findings in leukemic retinopathy and hematologic parameters. Seventy-four newly diagnosed consecutive patients with acute leukemia were included, 49 with acute myelocytic leukemia (AML), and 25 acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). Blood parameters were based on data obtained before starting any therapeutic modalities. Leukemic retinopathy was detected in 32 patients (43%). Patients with ALL and retinal hemorrhages had significantly lower hemoglobin and hematocrit levels than those without hemorrhages (p = 0.004 and 0.018 respectively). AML patients with white-centered hemorrhages had a significantly higher leukocyte count than those without (p = 0.0002). ALL patients with cotton-wool spots had significantly lower hemoglobin levels and hematocrit than patients without such lesions (p = 0.044 and 0.05 respectively). AML patients with cotton wool spots had significantly lower leukocyte and platelet counts than those without (p = 0.019 and 0.003 respectively). Our results suggest that anemia is related to the findings of retinal hemorrhage and cotton-wool spots in ALL patients, that high leukocyte count is associated with white centered hemorrhage in AML patients, and that thrombocytopenia is not associated with retinal hemorrhage in this group of patients.


Increasing impacts of the relative contributions of regional transport on air pollution in Beijing: Observational evidence.
Benefiting from the pollution controls implemented by the Chinese government, the concentrations of PM2.5, SO2, NO2 and CO showed a significant decrease in Beijing during 2013-2017. In this study, an observation-based method was employed to estimate the relative contributions of regional transport (MaxRTC) and local emissions (MinLEC) to air pollutant levels during 2013-2017 in Beijing. The results showed that the MaxRTC to SO2 and PM2.5 increased significantly over the five years, while those to CO and NO2 changed little. Furthermore, the difference in the emissions control efficiency (ΔECE) between Beijing (receptor region) and Shijiazhuang (source region), which refers to the concentration changes corresponding to unit emission changes of a certain air pollutant between the two regions, was introduced to verify the estimated variation in MaxRTC and MinLEC over 2013-2017. The negative value of ΔECE found for PM2.5 and SO2 supports the conclusion of an increasing effect of regional transport. This implies that local emissions control alone is not adequate for mitigating Beijing's air pollution, especially with the demand for continuously improving air quality. Joint prevention and control with regard to air quality on a regional scale is more important and urgent in the next Five-Year Plan.


Surgical treatment of fractures of the mandibular condylar neck.
In this paper, the authors describe their surgical procedures, the clinical management, and radiological evaluation of condylar neck fractures. The condylar neck is the site of approximately two-thirds of all mandibular fractures. These are treated either conservatively or by open reduction. Indications for open reduction are discussed. Approximately 5-30% of all condylar neck fractures are treated surgically, depending on the circumstances of each case. The role of open reduction is realignment of segments, early function and decreased post-operative complaints. It has been our experience that surgical treatment of selected condylar neck fractures is successful.


Every days, more than one million people are infected with a sexually transmitted infection worlwide. In France, screening mainly rely on medical laboratories, private or public, with e prescription. Those tests face structural ans social barriers for LGBT people that could be partially lifted using at home self sampling. Using a narrative review, we will study how the needs of those populations are adressed in existing at home self sampling interventions. Describe the adaptation of home sampling system to MSM, WSW and transgender peoples. Nine interventions met our inclusion criteria, eight in English spoken countries. Studies did not systematically reported data on sexual orientation. Transgender people, when identified, were rarely a larger group enough to be the subject of sub-analysis. Infections tested were CT and NG for three intervention, HIV only for one, CT,NG and HIV for five, and one also add HCV. Standing as a complement to physical testing services, at home self-sampling intervention could benefit from an advertisement to WSW and from the integration of wider sexual health services.


Non-terminal respiratory unit type lung adenocarcinoma has three distinct subtypes and is associated with poor prognosis.
The characteristics of non-terminal respiratory unit (TRU) type lung adenocarcinoma are still unclear. The aim of the present study was to characterize non-TRU type lung adenocarcinoma. We analyzed the expression of mucins MUC5B and MUC5AC, as well as thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1), using a tissue microarray comprising lung adenocarcinoma specimens from 244 consecutive patients. The presence of mutations in EGFR and KRAS were also determined. TTF-1, MUC5B, and MUC5AC were detected in 219 (89.8%), 75 (30.7%), and 33 cases (13.5%), respectively. Cluster analysis of protein expression profiles and EGFR and KRAS mutations yielded five groups of tumors as follows: TRU1-type [TTF-1(+), MUC5B(-), MUC5AC(-), EGFR mutations(-)]; TRU2-type [TTF-1(+), MUC5B(-), MUC5AC(-), EGFR mutations(+)]; Combined-type [TTF-1(+), MUC5B(+), and/or MUC5AC(+)]; Bronchiolar-type [TTF-1(-), MUC5B(+) and/or MUC5AC(+)]; and Null-type [TTF-1(-), MUC5B(-), MUC5AC(-), EGFR mutations(-), KRAS mutations(-)]. TRU-type tumors, which include TRU1- and TRU2-type tumors, were significantly associated with TRU morphology, whereas Bronchiolar-type tumors were associated with non-TRU morphology. Combined-type cases exhibited intermediate morphologies between TRU-type and Bronchiolar-type cases. TRU-type was associated with significantly better prognosis, followed by Combined-type, Bronchiolar-type, and Null-type (disease-free survival [DFS] P = 0.017; overall survival [OS], P = 0.002). Multivariate analyses indicated that non-TRU type tumors, which include Bronchiolar-, Combined-, Null-type tumors, were significantly correlated with poorer prognoses for DFS (hazard ratio = 1.785; 95% CI, 1.041-3.063; P = 0.035) and OS (hazard ratio = 1.928; 95% CI, 1.084-3.421; P = 0.025). This study revealed three distinct subtypes of non-TRU type adenocarcinomas. Additionally, non-TRU type tumors were associated with worse prognoses than TRU type tumors. The results presented here may be useful for select patients should appropriate therapies become available.


Re-examination of the post-translational arginylated protein of 125-kD initially identified as N-STOP.
Post-translational modification of proteins is a complex mechanism by which cells regulate protein activities. One post-translational modification is the incorporation of arginine into the NH2-terminus of proteins. It has been hypothesized that in rat brain extracts, one of the proteins modified by this reaction is the microtubule-associated protein Neuronal Stable Tubule Only Polypeptide (N-STOP). This was inferred from its electrophoretic mobility (125 kD) and because it was immunoprecipitated with a monoclonal antibody against the N-STOP. However, this hypothesis is not supported by our recent results. Herein, we found that rat N-STOP interacts with Ca(2+)-calmodulin, whereas the 125-kD [14C]-arginylated protein does not. The 125-kD [14C]-arginylated protein from rat brain is separated from the N-STOP by two-dimensional electrophoresis, and it is not recognized by a STOP monoclonal antibody. Mouse brain contains N-STOP, which migrates as a protein of 116 kD and could not be labeled by the post-translational incorporation of [14C]-arginine. The 125-kD [14C]-arginylated protein appears in wild-type as well as in STOP knock out mice. Based on these results, we conclude that the 125-kD arginylated protein is different from N-STOP.


Relationships between food and diseases: What to know to ensure food safety.
In recent years, the concept of food has undergone a radical transformation to the point of attributing to foods, in addition to their nutritional and sensorial properties, an important role in maintaining health and psycho-physical well-being and in the prevention of certain diseases. However, foods can hide many pitfalls for human health. There are many critical points in food production processes and they can represent real risks of contamination or of unsafe food production for consumers. Proper conservation, physico-chemical and microbiological stability, cooking methods are fundamental control parameters to ensure the safety of food products. Generally, the development of a food-borne disease is due to specific conditions, such as the virulence of the microorganism present, the microbial load present in the food and the conditions of the host's immune system. Furthermore, the possible presence of other types of contaminants, in addition to microbial ones, can have implications for the health of consumers. Consequently, the rigorous compliance of personnel who work in contact with food during the phases of production, processing, transport and storage with hygienic rules is essential to guarantee food safety and prevent foodborne disease. So, in this review, major issues are addressed such as reviewing the major food-related causes of disease. From this point of view, the relevant microorganisms involved in food contamination (bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi and mycotoxins), are taken into account. In addition, potentially allergenic foods or foods most commonly associated with food intolerance, are also considered. Many adverse reactions of the body towards foods are caused by the treatments to which they are subjected in order to maintain unchanged organoleptic characteristics as long as possible over time. This is also a critical point for food contamination that is considered in this review. A section is reserved to food additives potentially capable of causing disorders to the human body. In addition to biological contamination, the important issues represented by chemical contamination caused by pesticides, heavy metals, contaminants produced involuntarily are also considered. In conclusion, this review highlights that to protect consumers from food-borne diseases, an integrated approach to food safety must be adopted which affects the entire food chain, from farm to fork.


The course of five-year survivors of cancer in childhood.
A follow-up study was made of two independent series of 1,807 and 425 children who were alive five years after diagnosis of a malignant neoplasm. Over the subsequent 20 years (5 to 24 years after initial diagnosis), actuarial survival rates for the cohorts were 83% and 79%, respectively, compared to 97% for matched control subjects in the general population (P less than 0.01). Cure was achieved in a large majority of the 5-year relapse-free survivors of cancer in this study.


Classification of glioma based on prognostic alternative splicing.
Previously developed classifications of glioma have provided enormous advantages for the diagnosis and treatment of glioma. Although the role of alternative splicing (AS) in cancer, especially in glioma, has been validated, a comprehensive analysis of AS in glioma has not yet been conducted. In this study, we aimed at classifying glioma based on prognostic AS. Using the TCGA glioblastoma (GBM) and low-grade glioma (LGG) datasets, we analyzed prognostic splicing events. Consensus clustering analysis was conducted to classified glioma samples and correlation analysis was conducted to characterize regulatory network of splicing factors and splicing events. We analyzed prognostic splicing events and proposed novel splicing classifications across pan-glioma samples (labeled pST1-7) and across GBM samples (labeled ST1-3). Distinct splicing profiles between GBM and LGG were observed, and the primary discriminator for the pan-glioma splicing classification was tumor grade. Subtype-specific splicing events were identified; one example is AS of zinc finger proteins, which is involved in glioma prognosis. Furthermore, correlation analysis of splicing factors and splicing events identified SNRPB and CELF2 as hub splicing factors that upregulated and downregulated oncogenic AS, respectively. A comprehensive analysis of AS in glioma was conducted in this study, shedding new light on glioma heterogeneity and providing new insights into glioma diagnosis and treatment.


Modulatory Effects of Nicotine on neuroHIV/neuroAIDS.
Nicotine, one of the key active ingredients in tobacco smoke, exerts its effects via binding to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). Although both negative and positive pharmacological effects of nicotine have been shown in numerous animals and human studies, its interaction with human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) have not been fully elucidated. Even though combined anti-retroviral therapy (cART) limits the progression of HIV-1 to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) remain prevalent. There is thus a compelling need to enhance our understanding of HAND-related neurologic dysfunction. Some biochemical pathways and physiological dysfunctions have been found to be shared by HAND and Alzheimer's (AD) or Parkinson's (PD) diseases, and nicotine may exert the same neuroprotection in HAND that has been observed in both AD and PD. In the past dozen years, various potential therapeutic effects of nicotine such as neuroprotection have been revealed in both in vivo and in vitro studies, including using HIV-1 transgenic (HIV-1Tg) rat model, which mimics HIV-infected patients receiving cART. In the current review, we describe recent progress in the prevalence of HIV/AIDS with and without cigarette smoking, some animal models for studying neural dysfunction associated with HIV-1 infection, elucidating the modulatory effects of cigarette smoking/nicotine on HIV/AIDS, the anti-inflammatory effects of nicotine, and the neuroprotective effects observed in HIV-1Tg rat model. Taken together, these findings suggest the following: although tobacco smoking does cause deleterious effects in both health and disease conditions such as HIV infection, nicotine, the significant component of tobacco smoke, has been shown to possess some neuroprotective effects in HIV patients, possible via its anti-inflammatory activities. It is therefore necessary to study nicotine's dual effects on neuroHIV/neuroAIDS in hope of better defining the potential medical uses of nicotine or its analogues, and to make them available in a purer and less dangerous form.


Clinical and hemodynamic evaluation of propranolol in combination with verapamil, nifedipine and diltiazem in exertional angina pectoris: a placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized, crossover study.
The clinical and hemodynamic effects of propranolol, propranolol-verapamil (P-V), propranolol-nifedipine (P-N) and propranolol-diltiazem (P-D) were studied in 19 patients with chronic exertional angina pectoris. A placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized, crossover study design was used in which patients took each treatment for a 4-week period. The 3 combinations equally reduced the incidence of angina attacks and decreased ST-segment depression. Left ventricular hypokinesia during exercise was lessened and end-systolic volume during exercise decreased with all combinations. Because of a corresponding reduction of normokinetic segmental function, global ejection fraction during exercise remained unchanged. Heart size increased (p less than 0.05) and the PR interval lengthened (p less than 0.001) with P-V and P-D compared to P-N. The largest number of adverse clinical reactions occurred with P-V, whereas the fewest occurred with P-D. Almost all patients preferred combined therapy over propranolol and many favored 1 combination over the others. In summary, when therapy with combined beta- and calcium channel-blocking drugs is planned, P-D should be considered the combination of first choice because of its low incidence of adverse clinical effects. In the presence of possible or definite abnormalities of atrioventricular nodal conduction or decreased left ventricular function, P-N should be considered. Although P-V is associated with frequent adverse reactions, a trial may be warranted if the other combinations are unsuccessful.