MRI of THA Correlates With Implant Wear and Tissue Reactions: A Cross-sectional Study.
MRI is predictive of adverse local tissue reactions (ALTRs) after THA but how MRI directly relates to implant surface wear, fretting, and trunnion corrosion at different articulations between implant components remains unclear. MRI generates high-contrast images to display soft tissues around arthroplasty and may provide a surgeon the means to distinguish and differentiate host-related synovial patterns as a response to either polyethylene wear or metal wear and corrosion products. The purposes of this study were (1) to correlate findings from MRI in patients who have undergone THA with direct assessment of implant wear, corrosion, and fretting from retrieved components; and (2) to distinguish the unique synovial responses on MRI in patients who have undergone THA based on bearing materials. In this prospective study, patients undergoing THA (181 patients, 187 hips) with metal-on-metal (MoM), hip resurfacing (HRA), metal-on-polyethylene (MoP), ceramic-on-polyethylene, ceramic-on-ceramic, or modular neck designs having revision surgery (between October 2013 and June 2017) underwent preoperative MRI. A single reader blinded to the bearing surface made an assessment of the synovial response (Gwet's AC1, 0.65-0.97); these data were compared with semiquantitative histology of tissue samples by a single reader (Gwet's AC1, 0.92) and semiquantitative wear, corrosion, and fretting analysis of retrieved components using Goldberg scoring (Gwet's AC1, 0.60-0.79). Direct noncontact measurements of implant wear were also made. Correlations and analyses of variance were used to assess associations between metrics and differences by implant type, respectively. Correlations were found between MRI synovial thickness with severity of fretting and corrosion damage of the female head-neck trunnion of femoral stems in modular designs (ρ = 0.26 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 0.12-0.39]; p = 0.015, n = 185) and ALTR grade and volumetric wear in MoM bearings (ρ = 0.93 [95% CI, 0.72-0.98]; p < 0.001, n = 10). MRI synovial thickness was highest in patients identified with aseptic lymphocyte-dominated vasculitis-associated lesions and diffuse tissue necrosis. On MRI, MoP hips demonstrated a distinct polymeric synovial response, whereas HRA, MoM, and modular hips more commonly demonstrated ALTR. Hips classified as having a polymeric synovial response on MRI had a greater number of particles present in tissue samples. In this study, we demonstrated that MRI of THA can distinguish synovial responses that reflect the bearing type of the implanted THA and correlate to direct measurements of implant wear, corrosion, and fretting and histologic assessment of wear particles in periprosthetic tissues. MRI provides a means of direct, noninvasive visualization of the host-generated synovial response. Patients presenting with painful arthroplasties may be evaluated for the cause of their discomfort, specifically highlighting any concerning synovial reactions that would warrant more prompt surgical intervention. Future studies would benefit from a prospective evaluation of different implants to assess the natural longitudinal history of arthroplasty complications, including the development and prevalence of ALTR across bearing constructs. Level III, diagnostic study.


Priming Gestures with Sounds.
We report a series of experiments about a little-studied type of compatibility effect between a stimulus and a response: the priming of manual gestures via sounds associated with these gestures. The goal was to investigate the plasticity of the gesture-sound associations mediating this type of priming. Five experiments used a primed choice-reaction task. Participants were cued by a stimulus to perform response gestures that produced response sounds; those sounds were also used as primes before the response cues. We compared arbitrary associations between gestures and sounds (key lifts and pure tones) created during the experiment (i.e. no pre-existing knowledge) with ecological associations corresponding to the structure of the world (tapping gestures and sounds, scraping gestures and sounds) learned through the entire life of the participant (thus existing prior to the experiment). Two results were found. First, the priming effect exists for ecological as well as arbitrary associations between gestures and sounds. Second, the priming effect is greatly reduced for ecologically existing associations and is eliminated for arbitrary associations when the response gesture stops producing the associated sounds. These results provide evidence that auditory-motor priming is mainly created by rapid learning of the association between sounds and the gestures that produce them. Auditory-motor priming is therefore mediated by short-term associations between gestures and sounds that can be readily reconfigured regardless of prior knowledge.


Guidelines and best practice recommendations on reproductive health services provision amid COVID-19 pandemic: scoping review.
Policymakers and health professionals prefer to use summarized evidence of practice recommendations. The aim of this scoping review is therefore to identify available guidelines, consensus statements, the standard of practice, and practice recommendations on reproductive health service provision during the COVID-19 pandemics. We searched guideline databases and websites of professional associations and international organizations working on sexual and reproductive health. We looked for practice recommendations on sexual reproductive health services (SRH) during COVID-19 pandemics. Additionally, we searched: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Google Scholar. Data extraction was done by two independent reviewers using a customized tool that was developed to record the key information of the source that's relevant to the review question. The difference between the two authors on data extraction was resolved by discussion. A total of 21 records were included in the review. Identified recommendations were classified into thematic areas. The records addressed approaches to antenatal care, labour and delivery, postnatal care, safe abortion, contraception, gender-based violence, and artificial reproduction. There were consistent consensus statements and recommendations that there should be access to sexual and reproductive health services like antenatal care (ANC), postnatal care (PNC), contraception service, safe abortion care, and clinical management of rape survivors during the COVID-19 pandemics with the concerted effort of service re-organization. The practice recommendations focus on innovative ways of service provision to minimize patient and staff exposure to COVID-19 as well as alleviate the burden on the health care system. These include utilizing telemedicine and community/home-based care or self-care.


Targeting NLRP3 Inflammasome Reduces Age-Related Experimental Alveolar Bone Loss.
The cause of chronic inflammatory periodontitis, which leads to the destruction of periodontal ligament and alveolar bone, is multifactorial. An increasing number of studies have shown the clinical significance of NLRP3-mediated low-grade inflammation in degenerative disorders, but its causal linkage to age-related periodontitis has not yet been elucidated. In this study, we investigated the involvement of the NLRP3 inflammasome and the therapeutic potential of NLRP3 inhibition in age-related alveolar bone loss by using in vivo and in vitro models. The poor quality of alveolar bones in aged mice was correlated with caspase-1 activation by macrophages and elevated levels of IL-1β, which are mainly regulated by the NLRP3 inflammasome, in periodontal ligament and serum, respectively. Aged mice lacking Nlrp3 showed better bone mass than age-matched wild-type mice via a way that affects bone resorption rather than bone formation. In line with this finding, treatment with MCC950, a potent inhibitor of the NLRP3 inflammasome, significantly suppressed alveolar bone loss with reduced caspase-1 activation in aged mice but not in young mice. In addition, our in vitro studies showed that the addition of IL-1β encourages RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis from bone marrow-derived macrophages and that treatment with MCC950 significantly suppresses osteoclastic differentiation directly, irrelevant to the inhibition of IL-1β production. Our results suggest that the NLRP3 inflammasome is a critical mediator in age-related alveolar bone loss and that targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome could be a novel option for controlling periodontal degenerative changes with age.


Non-Smad signaling pathways.
Transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) is a key regulator of cell fate during embryogenesis and has also emerged as a potent driver of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition during tumor progression. TGFβ signals are transduced by transmembrane type I and type II serine/threonine kinase receptors (TβRI and TβRII, respectively). The activated TβR complex phosphorylates Smad2 and Smad3, converting them into transcriptional regulators that complex with Smad4. TGFβ also uses non-Smad signaling pathways such as the p38 and Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways to convey its signals. Ubiquitin ligase tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) and TGFβ-associated kinase 1 (TAK1) have recently been shown to be crucial for the activation of the p38 and JNK MAPK pathways. Other TGFβ-induced non-Smad signaling pathways include the phosphoinositide 3-kinase-Akt-mTOR pathway, the small GTPases Rho, Rac, and Cdc42, and the Ras-Erk-MAPK pathway. Signals induced by TGFβ are tightly regulated and specified by post-translational modifications of the signaling components, since they dictate the subcellular localization, activity, and duration of the signal. In this review, we discuss recent findings in the field of TGFβ-induced responses by non-Smad signaling pathways.


Effect of Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol on nocturnal sleep and early-morning behavior in young adults.
The effects of cannabis extracts on nocturnal sleep, early-morning performance, memory, and sleepiness were studied in 8 healthy volunteers (4 males, 4 females; 21 to 34 years). The study was double-blind and placebo-controlled with a 4-way crossover design. The 4 treatments were placebo, 15 mg Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), 5 mg THC combined with 5 mg cannabidiol (CBD), and 15 mg THC combined with 15 mg CBD. These were formulated in 50:50 ethanol to propylene glycol and administered using an oromucosal spray during a 30-minute period from 10 pm. The electroencephalogram was recorded during the sleep period (11 pm to 7 am). Performance, sleep latency, and subjective assessments of sleepiness and mood were measured from 8:30 am (10 hours after drug administration). There were no effects of 15 mg THC on nocturnal sleep. With the concomitant administration of the drugs (5 mg THC and 5 mg CBD to 15 mg THC and 15 mg CBD), there was a decrease in stage 3 sleep, and with the higher dose combination, wakefulness was increased. The next day, with 15 mg THC, memory was impaired, sleep latency was reduced, and the subjects reported increased sleepiness and changes in mood. With the lower dose combination, reaction time was faster on the digit recall task, and with the higher dose combination, subjects reported increased sleepiness and changes in mood. Fifteen milligrams THC would appear to be sedative, while 15 mg CBD appears to have alerting properties as it increased awake activity during sleep and counteracted the residual sedative activity of 15 mg THC.


[History, effects and mechanisms of action of ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine): review of the literature].
This review focuses on 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, an illegal drug known as "ecstasy." Ecstasy was introduced in Brazil in 1994. Data are lacking on the epidemiology and usage pattern of the drug in Brazil. However, there is evidence that until now the use of ecstasy has been limited to middle-class or upper-middle-class youth, so that most people, including health care professionals, are unfamiliar with the drug. However, ecstasy may be becoming more popular in Brazil, following a pattern seen in North America and Europe. Possible contributing to the drug's popularity is the fact that ecstasy is sold as a pill and is thus extremely easy to use. Ecstasy has a reputation for not being physically dangerous; however, there are many reports of adverse reactions associated with the drug. In addition, it is known that not all pills sold as ecstasy actually contain methylenedioxymethamphetamine. Since there is no quality control for the pills' contents, users never know exactly what they are taking. Thus, although users may perceive the effects of the drug as mostly positive, ecstasy is potentially dangerous. Primary and secondary interventions are needed to prevent the use of ecstasy and the occurrence of adverse reactions. To be effective, these measures must take into consideration the characteristics of the user population and the usage patterns. It is also essential to prepare health professionals for emergency medical interventions in cases of intoxication and complications resulting from the use of ecstasy.


The role of B-mode ultrasonography in the detection of urolithiasis in patients with acute renal colic.
This study was conducted to assess the diagnostic yield of B-Mode Ultrasonography compared to unenhanced helical CT scan in detecting urinary stones in patients with acute renal colic. This retrospective study comprised of 156 patients who underwent unenhanced urinary tract CT scan and ultrasonography for suspicion of urolithiasis. Both techniques were used to determine the presence or absence, site, size, and number of urinary stones, as well as presence of any other intra-abdominal pathology. For statistical analysis, the sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography were measured considering unenhanced CT scan as a gold standard. Unpaired two-tailed student's t-test was used for comparison between mean size of true positive, false positive, and false negative stones. There were 68 patients having 115 urinary stones. Ultrasound identified 54 stones, missed 43, and falsely diagnosed 18 stones. The mean size of true positive, false positive, and false negative stones were 4.8 +/- 3.3 mm, 6 +/- 1.8 mm and 4.18 +/- 3 mm, respectively. There were 23 patients with other intra-abdominal pathologies, equally detected by both techniques. Ultrasound helped in identifying the cause of acute flank pain in 62% of cases. The overall sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of renal stone disease were 58%, 91%, 79%, 78%, and 78%, respectively. Our study suggests that, despite its limited value in detecting urinary stones, ultrasonography should be performed as an initial assessment in patients with acute flank pain. Unenhanced helical CT should be reserved for patients in whom ultrasonography is inconclusive.


Awake stereotactic biopsy of brain stem lesions: technique and results.
Brain stem lesions are a heterogenous pathological group. In adults, pre-operative radiological diagnoses prove to be wrong in 10 to 20% of cases. It is therefore imperative to have a tissue diagnosis for appropriate therapeutic measures. Unless these lesions have a sizeable exophytic component, open biopsy and/or resection is marred by low diagnostic yield and prohibitive mortality/morbidity rates. We describe our experience with awake stereotactic biopsy of brain stem lesions. Keeping the patient awake and monitoring clinically during the procedure allows us to make necessary changes in the trajectory of the biopsy probe to minimize the morbidity. A series of 13 brain stem lesions were stereotactically biopsied using CT guidance. Seven had midbrain lesions; four had pontine and two had Ponto-medullary lesions. A frontal, pre-coronal, transcortical trajectory was used in all patients. Histological diagnosis was established in all but one patient. There was no procedural mortality, and morbidity was minimal and temporary, occurring in three patients. Awake stereotactic biopsy is a safe technique when combined with clinical monitoring.


Mixed exposure to bacterial lipopolysaccharide and seafood proteases augments inflammatory signalling in an airway epithelial cell model (A549).
Seafood industry workers exhibit increased prevalence of respiratory symptoms due to exposure to bioaerosols containing a mixture of bioactive agents. In this study, a human pulmonary epithelial cell model (A549) was exposed to mixtures of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2) agonists H-Ser-Leu-Ile-Gly-Lys-Val-NH2 (SLIGKV-NH2), purified salmon ( Salmo salar) trypsin or purified king crab ( Paralithodes camtschaticus) trypsin. The inflammatory response was measured based on nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation of transcription in a luciferase reporter gene assay and interleukin 8 (IL-8) secretion in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We observed that mixtures of SLIGKV-NH2 or trypsins with LPS augmented the activation of NF-κB and secretion of IL-8. The effect on IL-8 secretion was synergistic when both trypsins and LPS were used in the lower concentration range. The results demonstrate that exposure to mixtures of agents that are relevant to seafood industry workplaces may lead to increased inflammatory signalling compared with exposure to the individual agents alone. Furthermore, the results indicate that synergism may occur with the combined exposure to seafood trypsins and LPS and is most likely to occur when exposure to either agent is low.


Oestrogen receptor gene (ESR1) amplification is frequent in endometrial carcinoma and its precursor lesions.
Oestrogen receptor alpha (ER) plays a critical, diverse and not fully understood role in endometrial carcinoma. Most endometrial carcinomas express ER and some of these tumours respond favourably to anti-oestrogen therapy. On the other hand, tamoxifen therapy constitutes a major risk factor for endometrial carcinoma development. Amplification of the ESR1 gene encoding ER was recently shown to constitute a mechanism for ER over-expression in breast carcinoma. This study was designed to determine the potential role of ESR1 amplifications in endometrial carcinoma. Tissue microarrays of 368 endometrial carcinomas and large sections of 43 cases of endometrial hyperplasia were analysed for ESR1 gene amplification and ER protein expression by means of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and immunohistochemistry. FISH revealed ESR1 amplification in 40/176 (23%) cancers, 6/19 (32%) atypical complex hyperplasias, 3/10 (30%) complex hyperplasias without atypia and 2/14 (14%) simple hyperplasias without atypia. Strong ER protein expression was significantly linked to ESR1 amplification in endometrial carcinoma (p = 0.0036). These data indicate that ESR1 amplification might be one mechanism for ER over-expression in endometrial carcinoma, and suggest an early role for ESR1 amplification in the development of a significant fraction of endometrial carcinoma. Given the predictive role of ESR1 amplification for tamoxifen response in breast carcinoma, it will be interesting to investigate the response of ESR1-amplified endometrial cancers to anti-oestrogenic drugs.


Nonhematopoietic cells selected for resistance to tumor necrosis factor produce tumor necrosis factor.
TNF-resistant lines of L cells can be derived from TNF-sensitive populations by repeated exposure to TNF, and these resistant L cells, in contrast to sensitive L cells and other types of cells, lack demonstrable cell surface receptors for TNF. We have now found that TNF-resistant L cells produce a factor that is cytotoxic for L cells and has the following distinguishing characteristics of mouse TNF: it is a protein of 43 kD, composed of 16 kD subunits, that competes with TNF for receptor binding, induces hemorrhagic necrosis of the TNF-sensitive mouse sarcoma Meth A, has synergistic cytotoxic action with interferon, and its activity is neutralized by antibody to TNF. The two conclusions of this study are that cells selected for TNF resistance spontaneously produce a molecule resembling macrophage TNF, and that cells of nonhematopoietic origin are capable of producing TNF.


Elucidating interactions and conductivity of newly synthesised low bandgap polymer with protic and aprotic ionic liquids.
In this paper, we have examined the conductivity and interaction studies of ammonium and imidazolium based ionic liquids (ILs) with the newly synthesised low bandgap polymer (Poly(2-heptadecyl-4-vinylthieno[3,4-d]thiazole) (PHVTT)). Use of low bandgap polymers is the most suitable way to harvest a broader spectrum of solar radiations for solar cells. But, still there is lack of most efficient low bandgap polymer. In order to solve this problem, we have synthesised a new low bandgap polymer and investigated its interaction with the ILs to enhance its conductivity. ILs may undergo almost unlimited structural variations; these structural variations have attracted extensive attention in polymer studies. The aim of present work is to illustrate the state of art progress of implementing the interaction of ILs (protic and aprotic ILs) with newly synthesised low bandgap polymer. In addition to this, our UV-Vis spectroscopy, confocal Raman spectroscopy and FT-IR spectroscopy results have revealed that all studied ILs (tributylmethylammonium methyl sulfate ([N1444][MeSO4] from ammonium family) and 1-methylimidazolium chloride ([Mim]Cl, and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Bmim]Cl from imidazolium family) have potential to interact with polymer. Our semi empirical calculation with help of Hyperchem 7 shows that protic IL ([Mim]Cl) interacts strongly with the low bandgap polymer through the H-bonding. Further, protic ILs shows enhanced conductivity than aprotic ILs in association with low bandgap polymer. This study provides the combined effect of low bandgap polymer and ILs that may generate many theoretical and experimental opportunities.


Thermodynamically Stable Synthesis of Large-Scale and Highly Crystalline Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Monolayers and their Unipolar n-n Heterojunction Devices.
Transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) monolayers are considered to be potential materials for atomically thin electronics due to their unique electronic and optical properties. However, large-area and uniform growth of TMDC monolayers with large grain sizes is still a considerable challenge. This report presents a simple but effective approach for large-scale and highly crystalline molybdenum disulfide monolayers using a solution-processed precursor deposition. The low supersaturation level, triggered by the evaporation of an extremely thin precursor layer, reduces the nucleation density dramatically under a thermodynamically stable environment, yielding uniform and clean monolayer films and large crystal sizes up to 500 µm. As a result, the photoluminescence exhibits only a small full-width-half-maximum of 48 meV, comparable to that of exfoliated and suspended monolayer crystals. It is confirmed that this growth procedure can be extended to the synthesis of other TMDC monolayers, and robust MoS2 /WS2 heterojunction devices are easily prepared using this synthetic procedure due to the large-sized crystals. The heterojunction device shows a fast response time (≈45 ms) and a significantly high photoresponsivity (≈40 AW-1 ) because of the built-in potential and the majority-carrier transport at the n-n junction. These findings indicate an efficient pathway for the fabrication of high-performance 2D optoelectronic devices.


genenames.org: the HGNC resources in 2011.
The HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC) aims to assign a unique gene symbol and name to every human gene. The HGNC database currently contains almost 30,000 approved gene symbols, over 19,000 of which represent protein-coding genes. The public website, www.genenames.org, displays all approved nomenclature within Symbol Reports that contain data curated by HGNC editors and links to related genomic, phenotypic and proteomic information. Here we describe improvements to our resources, including a new Quick Gene Search, a new List Search, an integrated HGNC BioMart and a new Statistics and Downloads facility.


Targeting chromatin to improve radiation response.
Chromatin, the structure formed by the wrapping of approximately 146 base pairs of DNA around an octamer of histones, has a profound impact on numerous DNA-based processes. Chromatin modifications and chromatin remodellers have recently been implicated in important aspects of the DNA damage response including facilitating the initial sensing of the damage as well as subsequent recruitment of repair factors. Radiation is an effective cancer therapy for a large number of tumours, and there is considerable interest in finding approaches that might further increase the efficacy of radiotherapy. The use of radiation leads to the generation of DNA damage and, therefore, agents that can affect the sensing and repair of DNA damage may have an impact on overall radiation efficacy. The chromatin modifications as well as chromatin modifiers that have been associated with the DNA damage response will be summarized in this review. An emphasis will be placed on those processes that can be pharmacologically manipulated with currently available inhibitors. The rationale for the use of these inhibitors in combination with radiation will also be described.


Degradability of hexachlorocyclohexanes in water using ferrate (VI).
Regarding environmental pollution, the greatest public and scientific concern is aimed at the pollutants listed under the Stockholm Convention. These pollutants are not only persistent but also highly toxic with a high bioaccumulation potential. One of these pollutants, γ-hexachlorocyclohexane (γ-HCH), has been widely used in agriculture, which has resulted in wide dispersion in the environment. Remediation of this persistent and hazardous pollutant is difficult and remains unresolved. Of the many different approaches tested, to date, none has used ferrates. This is unexpected as ferrates are generally believed to be an ideal chemical reagent for water treatment due to their strong oxidation potential and the absence of harmful by-products. In this paper, the degradation/transformation of HCHs by ferrates under laboratory conditions was studied. HCH was degraded during this reaction, producing trichlorobenzenes and pentachlorocyclohexenes as by-products. A detailed investigation of pH conditions during Fe(VI) application identified pH as the main factor affecting degradation. We conclude that ferrate itself is unreactive with HCH and that high pH values, produced by K₂O impurity and the reaction of ferrate with water, are responsible for HCH transformation. Finally, a comparison of Fe(VI) with Fe(0) is provided in order to suggest their environmental applicability for HCH degradation.


Hand Sanitizer in a Pandemic: Wrong Formulations in the Wrong Hands.
Households are increasingly stockpiling and producing hand sanitizer amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which can pose an increased risk for unintentional toxicity among children. Despite guidelines for hand sanitizer production published by the World Health Organization, many turn to streaming media for instruction. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate hand sanitizer formulations and safety precautions discussed in popular do-it-yourself (DIY) YouTube videos, and to assess the frequency of calls to poison control centers for pediatric hand sanitizer exposure before and after the arrival of COVID-19 in the United States. The first 100 videos on YouTube with the most views using the search term "DIY hand sanitizer" were evaluated for accuracy compared with the World Health Organization local hand sanitizer production guidelines. The incidence of pediatric hand sanitizer exposure reported to participating U.S. poison control centers from January 2018 through May 2020 was reviewed from the American Association of Poison Control Centers National Poison Data System. The average number of calls between January 2020 and May 2020 was compared, and the average number of calls in March 2020 was compared with March 2019 and March 2018. Of the YouTube videos that met inclusion criteria, 27% discussed the use of at least 96% ethanol or 99.8% isopropyl alcohol, 4.1% incorporated 3% hydrogen peroxide, 82% used glycerol or an alternative humectant, and 4.1% specified the need for distilled or previously boiled water. Most of the videos failed to describe labeling storage containers, 69% of videos encouraged the use of oils or perfumes to enhance hand sanitizer scent, and 2% of videos promoted the use of coloring agents to be more attractive for use among children specifically. There was a significantly increased average number of daily calls to poison control centers regarding unsafe pediatric hand sanitizer exposure since the first confirmed COVID-19 patient in the United States. There was a significantly increased average number of daily calls in March 2020 compared with the previous 2 years. YouTube may not be an accurate source for effective hand sanitizer concoction. Health care providers and parents should be aware of the increased surge in hand sanitizer exposure among children and should take proper precautionary measures.


Effectiveness of a monovalent rotavirus vaccine in infants in Malawi after programmatic roll-out: an observational and case-control study.
Rotavirus is the main cause of severe acute gastroenteritis in children in Africa. Monovalent human rotavirus vaccine (RV1) was added into Malawi's infant immunisation schedule on Oct 29, 2012. We aimed to assess the impact and effectiveness of RV1 on rotavirus gastroenteritis in the 2 years after introduction. From Jan 1, 2012, to June 30, 2014, we recruited children younger than 5 years who were admitted into Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi, with acute gastroenteritis. We assessed stool samples from these children for presence of rotavirus with use of ELISA and we genotyped rotaviruses with use of RT-PCR. We compared rotavirus detection rates in stool samples and incidence of hospital admittance for rotavirus in children from Jan 1 to June 30, in the year before vaccination (2012) with the same months in the 2 years after vaccination was introduced (2013 and 2014). In the case-control portion of our study, we recruited eligible rotavirus-positive children from the surveillance platform and calculated vaccine effectiveness (one minus the odds ratio of vaccination) by comparing infants with rotavirus gastroenteritis with infants who tested negative for rotavirus, and with community age-matched and neighbourhood-matched controls. We enrolled 1431 children, from whom we obtained 1417 stool samples (99%). We detected rotavirus in 79 of 157 infants (50%) before the vaccine, compared with 57 of 219 (40%) and 52 of 170 (31%) in successive calendar years after vaccine introduction (p=0·0002). In the first half of 2012, incidence of rotavirus hospital admission was 269 per 100,000 infants compared with 284 in the same months of 2013 (rise of 5·8%, 95% CI -23·1 to 45·4; p=0·73) and 153 in these months in 2014 (a reduction from the prevaccine period of 43·2%, 18·0-60·7; p=0·003). We recruited 118 vaccine-eligible rotavirus cases (median age 8·9 months; IQR 6·6-11·1), 317 rotavirus-test-negative controls (9·4 months; 6·9-11·9), and 380 community controls (8·8 months; 6·5-11·1). Vaccine effectiveness for two doses of RV1 in rotavirus-negative individuals was 64% (95% CI 24-83) and community controls was 63% (23-83). The point estimate of effectiveness was higher against genotype G1 than against G2 and G12. Routine use of RV1 reduced hospital admissions for several genotypes of rotavirus in children younger than 5 years, especially in infants younger than 1 year. Our data support introduction of rotavirus vaccination at the WHO recommended schedule, with continuing surveillance in high-mortality countries. Wellcome Trust, GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals.


Nano- and micromotors for cleaning polluted waters: focused review on pollutant removal mechanisms.
Nano- and micromotors are machines designed to self-propel and-in the process of propelling themselves-perform specialized tasks like cleaning polluted waters. These motors offer distinct advantages over conventionally static decontamination methods, owing to their ability to move around and self-mix-which heightens the interaction between their active sites and target pollutants-thus improving their speed and efficiency, which could potentially decrease treatment times and costs. In the last decade, considerable research efforts have been expended on exploring various mechanisms by which these motors can self-propel and remove pollutants, proving that the removal of oil droplets, heavy metals, and organic compounds using these synthetic motors is possible. This review highlights recent progress in the design of these nano- and micromotors for cleaning polluted waters, and gives an overview of their structure, fabrication, and propulsion methods, with a special focus on the mechanisms by which they remove pollutants-namely, either by adsorption or by degradation. A fundamental understanding of these removal mechanisms, with their attendant advantages and disadvantages, can help researchers fine-tune motor design in the future so that technical issues can be resolved before they are scaled-up for a wide variety of environmental applications.


Impact of trait impulsivity and state aggression on divalproex versus placebo response in borderline personality disorder.
The authors' goal was to determine whether specific pretreatment clinical characteristics differentially predict favorable treatment response to divalproex versus placebo for impulsive aggression in patients with borderline personality disorder. Fifty-two outpatients with DSM-IV borderline personality disorder were randomly assigned to receive divalproex (N=20) or placebo (N=32), double-blind, for 12 weeks. Trait impulsivity symptoms were determined by using the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, and state aggression symptoms were determined by using the Overt Aggression Scale modified for outpatients. Affective stability was determined by using the Young Mania Rating Scale and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. Analyses were performed to identify possible baseline symptom domains that predict treatment response. Divalproex was superior to placebo in reducing impulsive aggression in patients with borderline personality disorder. Divalproex-treated patients responded better than placebo-treated patients among those with higher baseline trait impulsivity symptoms and state aggression symptoms. The effects of baseline trait impulsivity and state aggression appear to be independent of one another. However, baseline affective instability did not influence differential treatment response. Both pretreatment trait impulsivity symptoms and state aggression symptoms predict a favorable response to divalproex relative to placebo for impulsive aggression in patients with borderline personality disorder.


Punicalagin inhibited proliferation, invasion and angiogenesis of osteosarcoma through suppression of NF‑κB signaling.
Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignant bone tumor among children and young people and is associated with poor prognosis. Punicalagin is an antioxidant ellagitannin found in pomegranate juice with known antiproliferation and anti‑angiogenesis properties. However, the antitumor effect of punicalagin on osteosarcoma requires further investigation. In the present study, the inhibitory effect of punicalagin on proliferation and invasion was evaluated in one human osteoblast cell line (hFOB1.19) and three human osteosarcoma cell lines (U2OS, MG63 and SaOS2). The cancer cell apoptosis ratio was determined using flow cytometry. NF‑κB signaling in these cells was also evaluated using western blotting analysis. A subcutaneous tumor xenograft model was initiated to study the efficacy of punicalagin on osteosarcoma development and angiogenesis in vivo. Punicalagin treatment significantly decreased osteosarcoma cell proliferation and increased apoptosis. In addition, the invasion potential of these cells in a transwell assay was also dramatically suppressed in osteosarcoma cells. Punicalagin not only induced the degradation of IκBα but also the nuclear translocation of p65, suggesting the attenuation of NF‑κB signaling pathway following treatment. Moreover, punicalagin markedly downregulated interleukin (IL)‑6 and IL‑8 levels, which was consistent with the inhibition of NF‑κB signaling. An NF‑κB activator could reverse these effects. Using a tumor xenograft mouse model, it was demonstrated that punicalagin exposure inhibited osteosarcoma growth and angiogenesis in vivo. These observations confirmed the suppressive effect of punicalagin against osteosarcoma malignancies. The underlying molecular mechanisms may include inhibition of the NF‑κB signaling pathway.


Vedolizumab versus Adalimumab for Moderate-to-Severe Ulcerative Colitis.
Biologic therapies are widely used in patients with ulcerative colitis. Head-to-head trials of these therapies in patients with inflammatory bowel disease are lacking. In a phase 3b, double-blind, double-dummy, randomized trial conducted at 245 centers in 34 countries, we compared vedolizumab with adalimumab in adults with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis to determine whether vedolizumab was superior. Previous exposure to a tumor necrosis factor inhibitor other than adalimumab was allowed in up to 25% of patients. The patients were assigned to receive infusions of 300 mg of vedolizumab on day 1 and at weeks 2, 6, 14, 22, 30, 38, and 46 (plus injections of placebo) or subcutaneous injections of 40 mg of adalimumab, with a total dose of 160 mg at week 1, 80 mg at week 2, and 40 mg every 2 weeks thereafter until week 50 (plus infusions of placebo). Dose escalation was not permitted in either group. The primary outcome was clinical remission at week 52 (defined as a total score of ≤2 on the Mayo scale [range, 0 to 12, with higher scores indicating more severe disease] and no subscore >1 [range, 0 to 3] on any of the four Mayo scale components). To control for type I error, efficacy outcomes were analyzed with a hierarchical testing procedure, with the variables in the following order: clinical remission, endoscopic improvement (subscore of 0 to 1 on the Mayo endoscopic component), and corticosteroid-free remission at week 52. A total of 769 patients underwent randomization and received at least one dose of vedolizumab (383 patients) or adalimumab (386 patients). At week 52, clinical remission was observed in a higher percentage of patients in the vedolizumab group than in the adalimumab group (31.3% vs. 22.5%; difference, 8.8 percentage points; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.5 to 15.0; P = 0.006), as was endoscopic improvement (39.7% vs. 27.7%; difference, 11.9 percentage points; 95% CI, 5.3 to 18.5; P<0.001). Corticosteroid-free clinical remission occurred in 12.6% of the patients in the vedolizumab group and in 21.8% in the adalimumab group (difference, -9.3 percentage points; 95% CI, -18.9 to 0.4). Exposure-adjusted incidence rates of infection were 23.4 and 34.6 events per 100 patient-years with vedolizumab and adalimumab, respectively, and the corresponding rates for serious infection were 1.6 and 2.2 events per 100 patient-years. In this trial involving patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis, vedolizumab was superior to adalimumab with respect to achievement of clinical remission and endoscopic improvement, but not corticosteroid-free clinical remission. (Funded by Takeda; VARSITY ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02497469; EudraCT number, 2015-000939-33.).


Jungle honey enhances immune function and antitumor activity.
Jungle honey (JH) is collected from timber and blossom by wild honey bees that live in the tropical forest of Nigeria. JH is used as a traditional medicine for colds, skin inflammation and burn wounds as well as general health care. However, the effects of JH on immune functions are not clearly known. Therefore, we investigated the effects of JH on immune functions and antitumor activity in mice. Female C57BL/6 mice were injected with JH (1 mg/mouse/day, seven times intra-peritoneal). After seven injections, peritoneal cells (PC) were obtained. Antitumor activity was assessed by growth of Lewis Lung Carcinoma/2 (LL/2) cells. PC numbers were increased in JH-injected mice compared to control mice. In Dot Plot analysis by FACS, a new cell population appeared in JH-injected mice. The percent of Gr-1 surface antigen and the intensity of Gr-1 antigen expression of PC were increased in JH-injected mice. The new cell population was neutrophils. JH possessed chemotactic activity for neutrophils. Tumor incidence and weight were decreased in JH-injected mice. The ratio of reactive oxygen species (ROS) producing cells was increased in JH-injected mice. The effective component in JH was fractionized by gel filtration using HPLC and had an approximate molecular weight (MW) of 261. These results suggest that neutrophils induced by JH possess potent antitumor activity mediated by ROS and the effective immune component of JH is substrate of MW 261.


In Situ Transmission Electron Microscopy Analysis of Copper-Germanium Nanowire Solid-State Reaction.
A promising approach of making high quality contacts on semiconductors is a silicidation (for silicon) or germanidation (for germanium) annealing process, where the metal enters the semiconductor and creates a low resistance intermetallic phase. In a nanowire, this process allows one to fabricate axial heterostructures with dimensions depending only on the control and understanding of the thermally induced solid-state reaction. In this work, we present the first observation of both germanium and copper diffusion in opposite directions during the solid-state reaction of Cu contacts on Ge nanowires using in situ Joule heating in a transmission electron microscope. The in situ observations allow us to follow the reaction in real time with nanometer spatial resolution. We follow the advancement of the reaction interface over time, which gives precious information on the kinetics of this reaction. We combine the kinetic study with ex situ characterization using model-based energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) indicating that both Ge and Cu diffuse at the surface of the created Cu3Ge segment and the reaction rate is limited by Ge surface diffusion at temperatures between 360 and 600 °C. During the reaction, germanide crystals typically protrude from the reacted NW part. However, their formation can be avoided using a shell around the initial Ge NW. Ha direct Joule heating experiments show slower reaction speeds indicating that the reaction can be initiated at lower temperatures. Moreover, they allow combining electrical measurements and heating in a single contacting scheme, rendering the Cu-Ge NW system promising for applications where very abrupt contacts and a perfectly controlled size of the semiconducting region is required. Clearly, in situ TEM is a powerful technique to better understand the reaction kinetics and mechanism of metal-semiconductor phase formation.


Estimating pediatric primary care provider visits in a capitated environment: encounter vs. claims databases.
To evaluate the accuracy of insurance claims data indicating underutilization of primary care visits by children with special health care needs (CSHCN). The study was a retrospective comparison of primary care provider (PCP) utilization by 1,131 CSHCN, using secondary data from electronic claims-and-encounters databases in a Medicaid health maintenance organization (HMO) and a commercial HMO. The study was conducted at the Children's Clinics for Rehabilitative Services (Children's Clinics) in Tucson, Ariz., a provider of specialty care to CSHCN. All the children in the study were eligible for specialty services under Arizona's statewide program for CSHCN and were simultaneously enrolled, from Oct. 1, 1995 through Sept. 30, 1996, in either one or both of the managed care plans for their primary care. Identical PCP-visit information for the same 1-year period was collected from the plans' claims-and-encounters databases, and the number of primary care visits as computed from both databases was compared. Health plan claims data show that only 14 percent of the patients visited a PCP during the course of a year. The encounter data indicate that 59 percent of the same cohort had PCP visits. Encounter databases capture more information about PCP visits than insurance claims databases in capitated environments.


Cognitive genomics: Linking genes to behavior in the human brain.
Correlations of genetic variation in DNA with functional brain activity have already provided a starting point for delving into human cognitive mechanisms. However, these analyses do not provide the specific genes driving the associations, which are complicated by intergenic localization as well as tissue-specific epigenetics and expression. The use of brain-derived expression datasets could build upon the foundation of these initial genetic insights and yield genes and molecular pathways for testing new hypotheses regarding the molecular bases of human brain development, cognition, and disease. Thus, coupling these human brain gene expression data with measurements of brain activity may provide genes with critical roles in brain function. However, these brain gene expression datasets have their own set of caveats, most notably a reliance on postmortem tissue. In this perspective, I summarize and examine the progress that has been made in this realm to date, and discuss the various frontiers remaining, such as the inclusion of cell-type-specific information, additional physiological measurements, and genomic data from patient cohorts.


A computer simulation model of Wolbachia invasion for disease vector population modification.
Wolbachia invasion has been proved to be a promising alternative for controlling vector-borne diseases, particularly Dengue fever. Creating computer models that can provide insight into how vector population modification can be achieved under different conditions would be most valuable for assessing the efficacy of control strategies for this disease. In this paper, we present a computer model that simulates the behavior of native mosquito populations after the introduction of mosquitoes infected with the Wolbachia bacteria. We studied how different factors such as fecundity, fitness cost of infection, migration rates, number of populations, population size, and number of introduced infected mosquitoes affect the spread of the Wolbachia bacteria among native mosquito populations. Two main scenarios of the island model are presented in this paper, with infected mosquitoes introduced into the largest source population and peripheral populations. Overall, the results are promising; Wolbachia infection spreads among native populations and the computer model is capable of reproducing the results obtained by mathematical models and field experiments. Computer models can be very useful for gaining insight into how Wolbachia invasion works and are a promising alternative for complementing experimental and mathematical approaches for vector-borne disease control.


Chalcone synthase mRNA and activity are reduced in yellow soybean seed coats with dominant I alleles.
The seed of all wild Glycine accessions have black or brown pigments because of the homozygous recessive i allele in combination with alleles at the R and T loci. In contrast, nearly all commercial soybean (Glycine max) varieties are yellow due to the presence of a dominant allele of the I locus (either I or i) that inhibits pigmentation in the seed coats. Spontaneous mutations to the recessive i allele occur in these varieties and result in pigmented seed coats. We have isolated a clone for a soybean dihydroflavonol reductase (DFR) gene using polymerase chain reaction. We examined expression of DFR and two other genes of the flavonoid pathway during soybean seed coat development in a series of near-isogenic isolines that vary in pigmentation as specified by combinations of alleles of the I, R, and T loci. The expression of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and DFR mRNAs was similar in all of the gene combinations at each stage of seed coat development. In contrast, chalcone synthase (CHS) mRNA was barely detectable at all stages of development in seed coats that carry the dominant I allele that results in yellow seed coats. CHS activity in yellow seed coats (I) was also 7- to 10-fold less than in the pigmented seed coats that have the homozygous recessive i allele. It appears that the dominant I allele results in reduction of CHS mRNA, leading to reduction of CHS activity as the basis for inhibition of anthocyanin and proanthocyanin synthesis in soybean seed coats. A further connection between CHS and the I locus is indicated by the occurrence of multiple restriction site polymorphisms in genomic DNA blots of the CHS gene family in near-isogenic lines containing alleles of the I locus.


A graph theoretical approach for analysis of protein flexibility change at protein complex formation.
Hitherto analyses of protein complexes are frequently confined to the changes in the interface of the protein subunits undergoing interaction, while the holistic picture of the protein monomers' structure transformation, or the pervasive rigidity adopted by the newly formed complex are most often than not improperly evaluated in spite of the multiple and deep insights that they can yield about the interaction process itself at the molecular level, or at the higher level of genomic functional analyses for which relevant systems biological information can be obtained. To address this aspect of protein-protein interaction we propose in this work a newly developed algorithm that is based on graph theoretical instances and makes possible the evaluation of the changes in the flexibility of the interacting molecules and the rigidity adopted at complex formation. Since one can also figure out the opposite process, i.e. that in which the complex decomposes into its constituent subunits, each of which may accomplish another vital role in the organism, the methodology proposed here is also able to address such problem. The algorithm we propose performs a rigidity and/or flexibility evaluation of every node (atom) on the network constituted by the entire set of intra and inter-molecular inter-atomic interactions. Comparison of flexible or rigid molecular regions or domains within the complex with those in the respective isolated monomers leads to quantification of the loss (or gain) in the number of degrees of freedom at complex formation and their effects on protein complex formation mechanisms. This index is also valuable in the identification of collective motions within the protein that may play a critical role in the process of complex formation, and the influences they may have in the behavior and function of the complex (as well as the subunits constituting it) within the organism. Furthermore, the methodology, embedded in protein docking algorithms allows the development of a framework for categorizing and ranking decoys output by broadly used grid scoring type algorithms, one of which is the system for protein-protein interaction system MIAX that has been under continuous development in recent years.


A dual-mode human computer interface combining speech and tongue motion for people with severe disabilities.
We are presenting a new wireless and wearable human computer interface called the dual-mode Tongue Drive System (dTDS), which is designed to allow people with severe disabilities to use computers more effectively with increased speed, flexibility, usability, and independence through their tongue motion and speech. The dTDS detects users' tongue motion using a magnetic tracer and an array of magnetic sensors embedded in a compact and ergonomic wireless headset. It also captures the users' voice wirelessly using a small microphone embedded in the same headset. Preliminary evaluation results based on 14 able-bodied subjects and three individuals with high level spinal cord injuries at level C3-C5 indicated that the dTDS headset, combined with a commercially available speech recognition (SR) software, can provide end users with significantly higher performance than either unimodal forms based on the tongue motion or speech alone, particularly in completing tasks that require both pointing and text entry.


[Relationship between expectations regarding aging and physical activity among middle aged adults in urban areas: based on the Pender's Health Promotion Model].
The purpose of this study was to measure the level of expectations regarding aging (ERA) and identify relationship between ERA and physical activity of middle aged adults. Participants were middle aged adults who resided in the community in three cities in Korea. Data were collected using questionnaires that contained items on individual characteristic, International Physical Activity Questionnaires (IPAQ), and behavior-specific cognitive factors including ERA-12. Hierarchical multiple regression was conducted to examine whether ERA would predict physical activity by controlling other factors. The mean age of the participants was 51.1±6.9 years. The mean score for ERA (possible range=0 to 100) was 40.04±14.31. More than half of the participants (62.6%) were not engaged in health promoting physical activity. Gender, employment status and exercise confidence were associated with level of physical activity (F=7.14, p<.001, R²=.36). After controlling for individual factors and behavior-specific cognitive factors, ERA was independently related to physical activity (F=7.19, p<.001, R²=.38). The results demonstrate that individuals' belief about aging has effects on physical activity in Korean middle aged adults. Thus, nursing interventions which focused on ERA could help enhance physical activity in middle aged adults.


Molecular networking based dereplication of AChE inhibitory compounds from the medicinal plant Vincetoxicum funebre (Boiss. & Kotschy).
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease affecting 47 million people worldwide. While acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors such as donepezil and galantamine are leading drugs in the symptomatic treatment of AD, new AChE inhibitors continue to be explored for improved potency and selectivity. Herein, a molecular networking approach using high resolution (HR-MS) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS2) has been used for rapid chemical profiling of an extract of the medicinal plant Vincetoxicum funebre Boiss. & Kotschy (Apocynaceae family) that was active against AChE. A total of 44 compounds were identified by combining the MN with traditional natural product methods, including the isolation and identification of five known compounds (13, 41-44) and a novel C13-norisoprenoid (40). In addition, the potential inhibitory activity of all 44 compounds was evaluated against the AChE enzyme via molecular docking to provide further support to the proposed structures. The glycosylated flavonoid querciturone (31) exhibited the highest affinity with a docking score value of -13.43 kJ/mol. Another five compounds showed stronger docking scores against AChE than the clinically used donepezil including the most active isolated compound daucosterol (44), with a binding affinity of -10.11 kJ/mol towards AChE. These findings broaden our understanding of Vincetoxicum metabolites and highlight the potential of glycosylated flavonoids as AChE inhibitors.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.


No Survival Benefit in Octogenarians and Nonagenarians with Extended Hemodialysis Treatment Time.
The population of elderly end-stage renal disease patients initiating dialysis is rapidly growing. Although longer treatment is supposed to benefit for hemodialysis (HD) patients through more solute clearance and slower fluid removal, it is not yet clear how treatment session length affects mortality risk in octogenarians and nonagenarians. In a cohort of 112,026 incident HD patients between 2007 and 2011, we examined the association of treatment session length with all-cause mortality, adjusting for demographics and comorbid conditions. We also used restricted spline functions for age to evaluate continuous changes in the association of short (< 210 min) and extended (≥240 min) HD treatment (vs. 210 to < 240 min) with all-cause mortality over continuous age. During the first 91 days of dialysis, patients aged ≥80 years tended to have the lowest treatment session length (median [interquartile range] 211 [193-230] min, r > 0.5). Longer treatment was associated with better survival in patients < 65 and 65 to < 80 years but not in octogenarians/nonagenarians. The association of extended treatment (≥240 min) with better survival was attenuated across age and not significant among patients aged ≥80 years with a hazard ratio of 1.10 (95% CI 0.99-1.20). Shorter treatment sessions (< 210 min) was associated with higher mortality across all age groups. Extended HD was not associated with lower mortality among octogenarians and nonagenarians, while it was associated with better survival among younger patients. Further studies are needed to determine the optimal treatment session length in elderly incident HD patients.


Whole-genome duplication in teleost fishes and its evolutionary consequences.
Whole-genome duplication (WGD) events have shaped the history of many evolutionary lineages. One such duplication has been implicated in the evolution of teleost fishes, by far the most species-rich vertebrate clade. After initial controversy, there is now solid evidence that such event took place in the common ancestor of all extant teleosts. It is termed teleost-specific (TS) WGD. After WGD, duplicate genes have different fates. The most likely outcome is non-functionalization of one duplicate gene due to the lack of selective constraint on preserving both. Mechanisms that act on preservation of duplicates are subfunctionalization (partitioning of ancestral gene functions on the duplicates), neofunctionalization (assigning a novel function to one of the duplicates) and dosage selection (preserving genes to maintain dosage balance between interconnected components). Since the frequency of these mechanisms is influenced by the genes' properties, there are over-retained classes of genes, such as highly expressed ones and genes involved in neural function. The consequences of the TS-WGD, especially its impact on the massive radiation of teleosts, have been matter of controversial debate. It is evident that gene duplications are crucial for generating complexity and that WGDs provide large amounts of raw material for evolutionary adaptation and innovation. However, it is less clear whether the TS-WGD is directly linked to the evolutionary success of teleosts and their radiation. Recent studies let us conclude that TS-WGD has been important in generating teleost complexity, but that more recent ecological adaptations only marginally related to TS-WGD might have even contributed more to diversification. It is likely, however, that TS-WGD provided teleosts with diversification potential that can become effective much later, such as during phases of environmental change.


Altered deactivation in individuals with genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease.
Regions that show task-induced deactivations may be part of a default-mode network related to processes that are more engaged during passive than active task conditions. Alteration of task-induced deactivations with age and dementia is indicated by atypical engagement of default-mode network regions. Genetic studies show a relation between the apolipoprotein E4 (APOE4) allele and the common form of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and altered functional brain activation has been observed in non-demented APOE4 carriers compared to non-carriers. Here we investigate the hypothesis of altered default-mode network brain responses in individuals with genetic risk for AD. Functional MRI was used to assess task-induced deactivation in 60 subjects of which 30 carried at least one copy of the APOE4 allele, and 30 non-carriers. Subjects were scanned while performing a semantic categorization task shown to promote episodic memory encoding. The results show patterns of deactivation consistent with the default-mode network. We also found reduced deactivation in non-demented APOE4 carriers compared to non-carriers, suggesting alterations in the default-mode network in the absence of dementia. These results implicate possibilities for investigating altered properties of task-induced deactivations in individuals with genetic risk for AD, and may prove useful for pre-clinical identification of individuals susceptible to memory problems and AD.


Rebuilding health systems to improve health and promote statebuilding in post-conflict countries: a theoretical framework and research agenda.
Violent conflicts claim lives, disrupt livelihoods, and halt delivery of essential services, such as health care and education. Health systems are often devastated in conflicts as health professionals flee, infrastructure is destroyed, and the supply of drugs and supplies is halted. We propose that early reconstruction of a functioning, equitable health system in countries recovering from conflict is an investment with a range of benefits for post-conflict countries. Building on the growing literature about health systems as social and political institutions, we elaborate a logic model that outlines how health systems may contribute not only to improved health status but also potentially to broader statebuilding and enhanced prospects for peace. Specifically, we propose that careful design of the core elements of the health system by national governments and their development partners can promote reliable provision of essential health services while demonstrating a commitment to equity, strengthening government accountability to citizens, and building the capacity of government to manage core social programs. We review the conceptual basis and extant empirical evidence for these mechanisms, identify knowledge gaps, and suggest a research agenda.


Description of empirical movement data from Canadian swine herds with an application to a disease spread simulation model.
We report the methods and findings of a survey of Canadian swine producers summarizing farm-types at-risk of foreign animal disease (FAD) and the routine movement of animals, semen and workers among swine farms, as observed during a 42-day period. Of the 311 producers who returned completed questionnaires, 17% represented swine-herds with no swine or semen movement on or off the farm during the 42 days, 57% were sow herds or farrow-to-finish herds with limited movement onto the farm but movement off the farm, and 26% were swine-herds with movements on and off the farm. A substantial number of premises (>50% in some provinces) with swine also kept other animal species on the same premises. We applied the empirical movement data from the survey in a stochastic simulation model to estimate the number of herds infected and the basic regional distribution of infection that could be expected to occur if the FAD was not detected and routine movements were permitted to occur up to 42 days after infection with a FAD of a single randomly selected herd. Forty-five percent of the simulations did not involve spread beyond the index farm, whereas 34.8% involved spread among five or more farms after 42 days of routine movement.


Effects of dentin collagen removal on microleakage of bonded restorations.
To evaluate the effects of removing dentin collagen exposed by acid etching on the microleakage of bonded restorations with and without flowable composite application and submitted to thermocycling and long-term water storage. Standardized Class V cavities were prepared in 180 bovine incisors. They were randomly assigned to three groups according to the adhesive technique used. Conventional group (C): Single Bond was applied according to the manufacturer's instructions and Z250 composite was placed. Hypochlorite group (H): After acid etching a 10% NaOCl aqueous solution was applied for 1 min, then Single Bond and Z250 were applied. Hypochlorite and Flowable group (HF): Similar to group H, but following adhesive application, a thin layer of Natural Flow flowable composite was applied before the Z250. Each group was divided into three subgroups (0, 6, 12), which remained immersed in distilled water for 24 h or 6 or 12 months and underwent 500, 1500 or 2500 thermal cycles, respectively. At the end of each storage time, the specimes were stained with silver nitrate, decalcified, immersed in methyl salicylate for clearing and observed under a stereomicroscope to determine microleakage (scores 0 to 4). The data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis and the Multiple Comparison Tests (alpha = 0.05). After 12 months, every group showed significant increases in microleakage. There was no significant difference between Groups H and HF for the three different periods of time, but they showed statistically less microleakage than Group C. The removal of dentinal collagen reduced the marginal microleakage when compared to the conventional technique. The use of the flowable composite did not produce significant effects. No technique was completely effective in preventing microleakage.


Role of Berry Bioactive Compounds on Lipids and Lipoproteins in Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome.
Blood lipids are an important biomarker of cardiovascular health and disease. Among the lipid biomarkers that have been widely used to monitor and predict cardiovascular diseases (CVD), elevated LDL and low HDL cholesterol (C), as well as elevated triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, deserve special attention in their predictive abilities, and thus have been the targets of several therapeutic and dietary approaches to improving lipid profiles. Among natural foods and nutraceuticals, dietary berries are a rich source of nutrients, fiber, and various types of phytochemicals. Berries as whole fruits, juices, and purified extracts have been shown to lower total and LDL-C, and increase HDL-C in clinical studies in participants with elevated blood lipids, type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome. This short review aimed to further discuss the mechanisms and magnitude of the lipid-lowering effects of dietary berries, with emphasis on reported clinical studies. Based on the emerging evidence, colorful berry fruits may thus be included in a healthy diet for the prevention and management of CVD.


International Collaboration on Air Pollution and Pregnancy Outcomes (ICAPPO).
Reviews find a likely adverse effect of air pollution on perinatal outcomes, but variation of findings hinders the ability to incorporate the research into policy. The International Collaboration on Air Pollution and Pregnancy Outcomes (ICAPPO) was formed to better understand relationships between air pollution and adverse birth outcomes through standardized parallel analyses in datasets from different countries. A planning group with 10 members from 6 countries was formed to coordinate the project. Collaboration participants have datasets with air pollution values and birth outcomes. Eighteen research groups with data for approximately 20 locations in Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America are participating, with most participating in an initial pilot study. Datasets generally cover the 1990s. Number of births is generally in the hundreds of thousands, but ranges from around 1,000 to about one million. Almost all participants have some measure of particulate matter, and most have ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide. Strong enthusiasm for participating and a geographically-diverse range of participants should lead to understanding uncertainties about the role of air pollution in perinatal outcomes and provide decision-makers with better tools to account for pregnancy outcomes in air pollution policies.


A rare case of mixed type total anomalous pulmonary venous connection and its surgical treatment.
In the mixed types of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection, pulmonary veins frequently show an opening at the supracardiac and cardiac level. Rarely, some other combinations of mixed type cases have been reported in the literature. In the present case the right and left pulmonary veins formed two distinct venous chambers and showed supracardiac and infracardiac openings. Anastomosis of each of these common venous chambers was performed to the left atrium, separate from each other, by extracardiac approach. The patient had no hemodynamic problems in the postoperative period and showed no pulmonary venous obstruction in a control angiography performed after 9 months. He has not needed medication and has shown no limitation of activity during a follow-up of 5 years.


Antimalarial activity of a riboflavin analog against Plasmodium vinckei in vivo and Plasmodium falciparum in vitro.
The riboflavin analog 10-(4'-chlorophenyl)-3-methylflavin was found to have significant activity against Plasmodium vinckei vinckei when administered orally and parenterally; it was active against P. falciparum in culture. It inhibited mouse erythrocyte glutathione reductase in a dose-dependent manner. When administered orally, 5-deazariboflavin was not active in vivo although it has been shown to have activity against P. falciparum in vitro.


Quantized phase optimization of two-dimensional Fourier kinoforms by a genetic algorithm.
We have developed a phase optimization method of a quantized kinoform by a genetic algorithm. Because the genetic algorithm inherently deals with discrete values, the quantized phase of the kinoform can be easily estimated. The two-dimensional Fourier kinoform can utilize effectively the periodicity of the discrete Fourier transform in the genetic algorithm. This condition enables us to perform the crossover process that is one of the processes in genetic algorithm without a spatial bandwidth of the kinoform. The optimization has been performed successfully in computer simulation. The optically reconstructed image agrees well with the theoretical one.


[Pulmonary hypertension spectrum: 16 years of experience from a single center].
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is multidisciplinary disorder that should be diagnosed and treated by specialized centers. Progress in the field of PH diagnosis has led to new classifications of the disease. The aim of this study was to determine the etiological properties of PH diagnosed at one center. A retrospective search of the database of the right heart catheterization laboratory was conducted. All of the patients who underwent right heart catheterization (RHC) and were diagnosed with PH were included in the study and grouped according to etiology. A total of 379 patients with PH (23 female; 53.2±14.7 years) were included in the current research. There were 82 patients classified as having pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The leading cause among the PAH subgroups was congenital heart disease, and valve disease were found to be most the common reason for postcapillary PH. There was a statistically significant difference in the mean and systolic pulmonary artery pressure and left ventricular ejection fraction between the PH groups (p<0.001, p=0.003, p<0.001, respectively). The results of this study indicated that the leading causes of PAH and postcapillary PH were congenital heart disease and valve disease, respectively. Additional research of the etiological properties of PH should be performed by specialized centers in Turkey.


Takotsubo-like Myocardial Dysfunction in a Patient with Botulism.
Botulinum toxin A (BTXA) can disrupt the neuromuscular and autonomic functions. We herein report a case of autonomic system dysfunction that manifested as Takotsubo-like myocardial dysfunction in a patient with botulism. Takotsubo syndrome results in acute cardiac insufficiency, another fatal complication of botulism in addition to respiratory muscle paralysis, particularly in patients with cardiovascular disease.


Ultrastructure of a scent scale organ with pressure discharge in male Caligo eurilochus brasiliensis (Fldr.) (Lepidoptera/ Brassolidae).
The abdominal scent apparatus of male Caligo eurilochus was examined at different ages by light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The glandular epithelium is covered with specialized scales and forms a pad on each side of the 4th to 6th abdominal segments. The pads are surrounded by smooth, elastic cuticle and can protrude toward the opposite hind wing hair pencil. The scales have a poreless cuticle with a fibrillar texture. They are impregnated by an oily, slowly volatile substance. The scales are elongated toward the base, forming hoods over the long cone-shaped sockets. The scale pedicel is anchored tension-free by rootlets in the central socket base. The slightly asymmetric cuticular sockets are very elastic, due to their high water content. They are stabilized by internal epicuticular rods. The release of the secretions from the cell and a possibly active microvillar transport is discussed. Different secretions are found in the space between the microvillar surface of the gland cell and the socket floor. They are probably discharged from the supraglandular space into the scale lumen by means of pressure and bending of the sockets. A flowback might be prevented by capillary effect of a "ball" of vesicles, which lies exactly above the outlet of the scale pedicel.


DNA Printing Integrated Multiplexer Driver Microelectronic Mechanical System Head (IDMH) and Microfluidic Flow Estimation.
The system designed in this study involves a three-dimensional (3D) microelectronic mechanical system chip structure using DNA printing technology. We employed diverse diameters and cavity thickness for the heater. DNA beads were placed in this rapid array, and the spray flow rate was assessed. Because DNA cannot be obtained easily, rapidly deploying DNA while estimating the total amount of DNA being sprayed is imperative. DNA printings were collected in a multiplexer driver microelectronic mechanical system head, and microflow estimation was conducted. Flow-3D was used to simulate the internal flow field and flow distribution of the 3D spray room. The simulation was used to calculate the time and pressure required to generate heat bubbles as well as the corresponding mean outlet speed of the fluid. The "outlet speed status" function in Flow-3D was used as a power source for simulating the ejection of fluid by the chip nozzle. The actual chip generation process was measured, and the starting voltage curve was analyzed. Finally, experiments on flow rate were conducted, and the results were discussed. The density of the injection nozzle was 50, the size of the heater was 105 μm × 105 μm, and the size of the injection nozzle hole was 80 μm. The maximum flow rate was limited to approximately 3.5 cc. The maximum flow rate per minute required a power between 3.5 W and 4.5 W. The number of injection nozzles was multiplied by 100. On chips with enlarged injection nozzle density, experiments were conducted under a fixed driving voltage of 25 V. The flow curve obtained from various pulse widths and operating frequencies was observed. The operating frequency was 2 KHz, and the pulse width was 4 μs. At a pulse width of 5 μs and within the power range of 4.3-5.7 W, the monomer was injected at a flow rate of 5.5 cc/min. The results of this study may be applied to estimate the flow rate and the total amount of the ejection liquid of a DNA liquid.


Side illumination fluorescence emission characteristics from a dye doped polymer optical fiber under two-photon excitation.
Two-photon excited (TPE) side illumination fluorescence studies in a Rh6G-RhB dye mixture doped polymer optical fiber (POF) and the effect of energy transfer on the attenuation coefficient is reported. The dye doped POF is pumped sideways using 800 nm, 70 fs laser pulses from a Ti:sapphire laser, and the TPE fluorescence emission is collected from the end of the fiber for different propagation distances. The fluorescence intensity of RhB doped POF is enhanced in the presence of Rh6G as a result of energy transfer from Rh6G to RhB. Because of the reabsorption and reemission process in dye molecules, an effective energy transfer is observed from the shorter wavelength part of the fluorescence spectrum to the longer wavelength part as the propagation distance is increased in dye doped POF. An energy transfer coefficient is found to be higher at shorter propagation distances compared to longer distances. A TPE fluorescence signal is used to characterize the optical attenuation coefficient in dye doped POF. The attenuation coefficient decreases at longer propagation distances due to the reabsorption and reemission process taking place within the dye doped fiber as the propagation distance is increased.


Stent thrombosis with biodegradable polymer drug-eluting stents versus durable polymer sirolimus-eluting stents: an update meta-analysis.
Durable polymer sirolimus-eluting stents (DP-SES) are associated with a low risk of stent thrombosis; biodegradable polymer drug-eluting stents (BP-DES) were designed to reduce these risks. However, their benefits are still variable. We undertook a meta-analysis of randomized trials identified by systematic searches of Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Database. Eleven studies (9,676 patients) with a mean follow-up of 22.6 months were included. Overall, compared with DP-SES, BP-DES significantly lowered the rate of definite or probable stent thrombosis (RR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.55-0.97; p = 0.03; I(2) = 0.0%) due to a decreased risk of very late stent thrombosis (RR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.11-0.63; p = 0.00; I(2) = 0.0%). However, BP-DES were associated with a comparable rate of early and late stent thrombosis. Meanwhile, BP-DES were associated with a broadly equivalent risk of target vessel revascularization (RR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.78-1.03; p = 0.13; I(2) = 0.0%), cardiac death (RR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.72-1.09; p = 0.24; I(2) = 0.0%), myocardial infarction (RR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.84-1.26; p = 0.79; I(2) = 0.0%), and major adverse cardiac events (MACE; RR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.83-1.0; p = 0.08; I(2) = 0.0%). Furthermore, angiographic data showed that in-stent and in-segment late luminal loss were similar between the two groups. Compared with DP-SES, BP-DES were associated with a lower rate of very late stent thrombosis and an equivalent risk of MACE. Larger randomized studies are needed to confirm this finding.


Microalgae and Phototrophic Purple Bacteria for Nutrient Recovery From Agri-Industrial Effluents: Influences on Plant Growth, Rhizosphere Bacteria, and Putative Carbon- and Nitrogen-Cycling Genes.
Microalgae (MA) and purple phototrophic bacteria (PPB) have the ability to remove and recover nutrients from digestate (anaerobic digestion effluent) and pre-settled pig manure that can be Utilized as bio-fertilizer and organic fertilizer. The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of MA and PPB as organic fertilizers and soil conditioners in relation to plant growth and the soil biological processes involved in nitrogen (N) and carbon (C) cycling. To this end, a glasshouse experiment was conducted using MA and PPB as bio-fertilizers to grow a common pasture ryegrass (Lolium rigidum Gaudin) with two destructive harvests (45 and 60 days after emergence). To evaluate the rhizosphere bacterial community, we used barcoded PCR-amplified bacterial 16S rRNA genes for paired-end sequencing on the Illumina Mi-Seq. Additionally, we used phylogenetic investigation of communities by reconstruction of unobserved states (PICRUSt) analysis for the detection of putative functional genes associated with N and soil-C cycling. There was a significant increase in plant growth when the soil was amended with PPB, which almost performed as well as the chemical fertilizers. Analysis of the rhizosphere bacteria after the second harvest revealed a greater abundance of Firmicutes than in the first harvest. Members of this phylum have been identified as a biostimulant for plant growth. In contrast, the MA released nutrients more slowly and had a profound effect on N cycling by modulating N mineralization and N retention pathways. Thus, MA could be developed as a slow-release fertilizer with better N retention, which could improve crop performance and soil function, despite nutrient losses from leaching, runoff, and atmospheric emissions. These data indicate that biologically recovered nutrients from waste resources can be effective as a fertilizer, resulting in enhanced C- and N-cycling capacities in the rhizosphere.


Females experience a more severe disease course in Batten disease.
Juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (JNCL; CLN3 disease; Batten disease) is an autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disease of childhood. Symptoms typically present at school age with vision loss followed by progressive cognitive decline, motor dysfunction, seizures, and behavior problems. Studies on sex differences in JNCL have yielded mixed results, but parent anecdotes suggest that females experience a more precipitous disease course. Therefore, we sought to determine if sex-based differences exist in JNCL. We used data from the Unified Batten Disease Rating Scale (UBDRS), the Batten Disease Support and Research Association (BDSRA) database, and the PedsQL quality of life (QoL) survey to evaluate sex-based differences in functional independence and time from symptom onset to death. On average, females had JNCL symptom onset one year later and death one year earlier than did males. Despite a later age at onset, females had lower functional capability, earlier loss of independent function, and lower physical QoL. Future research in sex differences in JNCL may help to further understand the biological mechanisms underpinning the disease course and may point to targeted therapies.


Paraoxonase 1 gene polymorphisms contribute to coronary artery disease risk among north Indians.
Polymorphisms in paraoxonase 1 (PON1) coding for PON1 enzyme have been studied as genetic markers of coronary artery disease (CAD). PON1 Q192R and PON1 L55M polymorphisms have been analyzed extensively, but data on association and role of these polymorphisms in the etiology of CAD are conflicting. In this study, we tested the genetic association between PON1 Q192R and PON1 L55M polymorphisms and CAD among north Indians. Two hundred eighty-five angiographically proven patients with coronary artery disease and 200 sex-matched and ethnically matched controls were genotyped for 2 PON1 polymorphisms by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique. Genotype/ allele frequencies were compared in patients and controls using the chi-square test. At PON1-192 locus, there were significant differences between patients and controls (P< 0.05), leading to significant odds ratios for RR genotype (OR= 1.92, CI: 1.19-3.10) and *R allele (OR= 1.30, CI: 1.00-1.70). These odds ratios were higher in the sub-sample of smokers (2.84 and 1.45, respectively). Binary logistic regression analysis also confirmed that *R allele carriers (QR and RR) have a higher risk of CAD (OR= 3.54, CI: 1.67-5.53). PON1-55 locus did not show significant differences between patients and controls, but LL genotype and *L allele were significant risk factors in the nonsmoker group. RL haplotype was also significantly associated with CAD risk (OR= 1.44, CI: 1.08-1.93). PON1-192R allele and RR genotype are significantly associated with CAD patients from the north Indian population (Uttar Pradesh). This association was stronger in smokers, supporting the conclusion that an interaction between PON1 activity and smoking augments CAD risk. Further studies with larger sample size are warranted to confirm these associations in different Indian populations.


Parallel adaptive evolution cultures of Escherichia coli lead to convergent growth phenotypes with different gene expression states.
Laboratory evolution can be used to address fundamental questions about adaptation to selection pressures and, ultimately, the process of evolution. In this study, we investigated the reproducibility of growth phenotypes and global gene expression states during adaptive evolution. The results from parallel, replicate adaptive evolution experiments of Escherichia coli K-12 MG1655 grown on either lactate or glycerol minimal media showed that (1) growth phenotypes at the endpoint of evolution are convergent and reproducible; (2) endpoints of evolution have different underlying gene expression states; and (3) the evolutionary gene expression response involves a large number of compensatory expression changes and a smaller number of adaptively beneficial expression changes common across evolution strains. Gene expression changes initially showed a large number of differentially expressed genes in response to an environmental change followed by a return of most genes to a baseline expression level, leaving a relatively small set of differentially expressed genes at the endpoint that varied between evolved populations.


Contour junctions underlie neural representations of scene categories in high-level human visual cortex.
Humans efficiently grasp complex visual environments, making highly consistent judgments of entry-level category despite their high variability in visual appearance. How does the human brain arrive at the invariant neural representations underlying categorization of real-world environments? We here show that the neural representation of visual environments in scene-selective human visual cortex relies on statistics of contour junctions, which provide cues for the three-dimensional arrangement of surfaces in a scene. We manipulated line drawings of real-world environments such that statistics of contour orientations or junctions were disrupted. Manipulated and intact line drawings were presented to participants in an fMRI experiment. Scene categories were decoded from neural activity patterns in the parahippocampal place area (PPA), the occipital place area (OPA) and other visual brain regions. Disruption of junctions but not orientations led to a drastic decrease in decoding accuracy in the PPA and OPA, indicating the reliance of these areas on intact junction statistics. Accuracy of decoding from early visual cortex, on the other hand, was unaffected by either image manipulation. We further show that the correlation of error patterns between decoding from the scene-selective brain areas and behavioral experiments is contingent on intact contour junctions. Finally, a searchlight analysis exposes the reliance of visually active brain regions on different sets of contour properties. Statistics of contour length and curvature dominate neural representations of scene categories in early visual areas and contour junctions in high-level scene-selective brain regions.


Tau exon 6 is regulated by an intricate interplay of trans factors and cis elements, including multiple branch points.
Tau is a microtubule-associated protein whose transcript undergoes complex regulated splicing in the mammalian nervous system. Exon 6 of the gene is an alternatively spliced cassette whose expression profile differs from that of the other tau regulated exons, implying the involvement of distinct regulatory factors. Previous work had established the existence and use of two additional 3' splice sites within exon 6 and the influence of splicing factors polypyrimidine binding protein (PTB) and U2AF on its splicing. The present work shows that exon 6 isoforms exist in distinct ratios in different compartments of the nervous system and that splicing of exon 6 is governed by multiple branch points, exonic cis elements and additional trans factors. Recent results show that tau exon 6 is specifically suppressed in the brains of people who suffer from myotonic dystrophy type 1. The understanding of how tau exon 6 splicing is regulated may give us insights into the disease.


Computational replication of the abnormal secondary kinetic isotope effects in a hydride transfer reaction in solution with a motion assisted H-tunneling model.
We recently reported abnormal secondary deuterium kinetic isotope effects (2° KIEs) for hydride transfer reactions from alcohols to carbocations in acetonitrile (Chem. Comm. 2012, 48, 11337). Experimental 2° KIE values were found to be inflated on the 9-C position in the xanthylium cation but deflated on the β-C position in 2-propanol with respect to the values predicted by the semi-classical transition-state theory. No primary (1°) isotope effect on 2° KIEs was observed. Herein, the KIEs were replicated by the Marcus-like H-tunneling model that requires a longer donor-acceptor distance (DAD) in a lighter isotope transfer process. The 2° KIEs for a range of potential tunneling-ready-states (TRSs) of different DADs were calculated and fitted to the experiments to find the TRS structure. The observed no effect of 1° isotope on 2° KIEs is explained in terms of the less sterically hindered TRS structure so that the change in DAD due to the change in 1° isotope does not significantly affect the reorganization of the 2° isotope and hence the 2° KIE. The effect of 1° isotope on 2° KIEs may be expected to be more pronounced and thus observable in reactions occurring in restrictive environments such as the crowded and relatively rigid active site of enzymes.


A dissolving CO2 headspace combined with organic acids prolongs the shelf-life of fresh pork.
The aim of this paper was to evaluate the effect of a novel CO(2) packaging method in combination with organic acids on the microbial growth in fresh pork meat. Fresh pork fillet was packed with a small amount of 100% CO(2) (initial gas/product ratio 0.2/1.0) and a brine solution containing citric acid (3% w/w, pH 5), acetic acid (1% w/w, pH 5) or a combination of both. Microbial counts and composition in the product were determined. CO(2), citric acid and acetic acid each reduced total growth after four weeks of storage and delayed the onset of microbial growth. Combinations of treatments increased the effects and microbial growth in samples packed with a combination of CO(2) and both acids was negligible even after 35days. However, the addition of citric acid to the packages led to significant precipitation in the brine. Analysis of the bacterial flora showed that lactic-acid bacteria dominated the flora in samples packed with CO(2) while vacuum-packed samples contained high numbers of Pseudomonas sp. and yeast. As all CO(2) dissolved in the product within hours after packaging, the outer appearance of the package was that of a vacuum-package. As a result, this novel packaging method combined the advantages of modified atmosphere packaging (antimicrobial effect of CO(2)) and vacuum packaging (low space requirement).


A review of measurement practice in studies of clinical decision support systems 1998-2017.
To assess measurement practice in clinical decision support evaluation studies. We identified empirical studies evaluating clinical decision support systems published from 1998 to 2017. We reviewed titles, abstracts, and full paper contents for evidence of attention to measurement validity, reliability, or reuse. We used Friedman and Wyatt's typology to categorize the studies. There were 391 studies that met the inclusion criteria. Study types in this cohort were primarily field user effect studies (n = 210) or problem impact studies (n = 150). Of those, 280 studies (72%) had no evidence of attention to measurement methodology, and 111 (28%) had some evidence with 33 (8%) offering validity evidence; 45 (12%) offering reliability evidence; and 61 (16%) reporting measurement artefact reuse. Only 5 studies offered validity assessment within the study. Valid measures were predominantly observed in problem impact studies with the majority of measures being clinical or patient reported outcomes with validity measured elsewhere. Measurement methodology is frequently ignored in empirical studies of clinical decision support systems and particularly so in field user effect studies. Authors may in fact be attending to measurement considerations and not reporting this or employing methods of unknown validity and reliability in their studies. In the latter case, reported study results may be biased and effect sizes misleading. We argue that replication studies to strengthen the evidence base require greater attention to measurement practice in health informatics research.


Influence of conversion material morphology on electrochemistry studied with operando X-ray tomography and diffraction.
X-ray diffraction and X-ray tomography are performed on intermetallic particles undergoing lithiation in a porous electrode. Differences between ensemble phase evolution and that at a single-particle level are explored. It is found that all particles evidence core-shell lithiation; however, particles with internal porosity are more mechanically robust and exhibit less fracture.


Assembly-controlled regulation of chloroplast gene translation.
Studies of the biogenesis of the photosynthetic protein complexes in the unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii have pointed to the importance of the concerted expression of nuclear and chloroplast genomes. The accumulation of chloroplast- and nuclear-encoded subunits is concerted, most often as a result of the rapid proteolytic disposal of unassembled subunits, but the rate of synthesis of some chloroplast-encoded subunits from photosynthetic protein complexes, designed as CES proteins (Controlled by Epistasy of Synthesis), is regulated by the availability of their assembly partners from the same complex. Cytochrome f, a major subunit of the cytochrome b(6)f complex is a model protein for the study of the CES process. In the absence of subunit IV, another subunit of the cytochrome b(6)f complex, its synthesis is decreased by 90%. This results from a negative autoregulation of cytochrome f translation initiation, mediated by a regulatory motif carried by the C-terminal domain of the unassembled protein [Choquet, Stern, Wostrikoff, Kuras, Girard-Bascou and Wollman (1998) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 95, 4380-4385]. Using site-directed mutagenesis, we have characterized this regulatory motif. We discuss the possible implications regarding the mechanism of the CES process for cytochrome f expression. We have studied the possible generalization of this mechanism to other CES proteins.


Immediate Psychological Responses and Associated Factors during the Initial Stage of the 2019 Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Epidemic among the General Population in China.
Background: The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) epidemic is a public health emergency of international concern and poses a challenge to psychological resilience. Research data are needed to develop evidence-driven strategies to reduce adverse psychological impacts and psychiatric symptoms during the epidemic. The aim of this study was to survey the general public in China to better understand their levels of psychological impact, anxiety, depression, and stress during the initial stage of the COVID-19 outbreak. The data will be used for future reference. Methods: From 31 January to 2 February 2020, we conducted an online survey using snowball sampling techniques. The online survey collected information on demographic data, physical symptoms in the past 14 days, contact history with COVID-19, knowledge and concerns about COVID-19, precautionary measures against COVID-19, and additional information required with respect to COVID-19. Psychological impact was assessed by the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), and mental health status was assessed by the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Results: This study included 1210 respondents from 194 cities in China. In total, 53.8% of respondents rated the psychological impact of the outbreak as moderate or severe; 16.5% reported moderate to severe depressive symptoms; 28.8% reported moderate to severe anxiety symptoms; and 8.1% reported moderate to severe stress levels. Most respondents spent 20-24 h per day at home (84.7%); were worried about their family members contracting COVID-19 (75.2%); and were satisfied with the amount of health information available (75.1%). Female gender, student status, specific physical symptoms (e.g., myalgia, dizziness, coryza), and poor self-rated health status were significantly associated with a greater psychological impact of the outbreak and higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression (p < 0.05). Specific up-to-date and accurate health information (e.g., treatment, local outbreak situation) and particular precautionary measures (e.g., hand hygiene, wearing a mask) were associated with a lower psychological impact of the outbreak and lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression (p < 0.05). Conclusions: During the initial phase of the COVID-19 outbreak in China, more than half of the respondents rated the psychological impact as moderate-to-severe, and about one-third reported moderate-to-severe anxiety. Our findings identify factors associated with a lower level of psychological impact and better mental health status that can be used to formulate psychological interventions to improve the mental health of vulnerable groups during the COVID-19 epidemic.


Imaging through a scattering medium with an interferential spectrometer by selection of an amplitude modulation correlator.
Low-coherence interferometric systems provide three-dimensional imaging through scattering media by measurement of the object's temporal response. An optical correlator is presented that allows direct recording of the signal issued from the object under reflection. The filtering technique enhances the image visibility and allows one to obtain an image with a good signal-to-noise ratio. The performance of two particular imaging systems, point-to-point and vertical-slice imaging, is discussed with an object comprising two cover plates that are attached.