[Risk factors for the oral use of antibiotics and animal treatment incidence of weaners in Switzerland].
In the present study, risk factors for the use of oral antibiotics in weaned piglets were collected on 112 pig farms by a personal questionaire. The most common indication for an antibiotic group therapy was diarrhoea, and the most frequently used antibiotic was Colistin. On average, 27.33 daily doses in the control farms and 387.21 daily doses in the problem farms per 1000 weaners were administered on a given day. The significant risk factors in the multivariate model were poor hygiene in the water supply of suckling piglets, less than two doses ofprestarter feed daily, lack of an all-in-and-all-out production system in weaners, no herd book performance data analysis, and less than two of the legally prescribed veterinary visits per year. Furthermore, the treatment incidence of weaners for oral antibiotics was calculated on the basis of the drug inventory. This study provides evidence that the use of oral antibiotics in weaners can be reduced by interventions in hygiene and management.


Understanding gold-thiolate cluster emission from self-assembled monolayers upon kiloelectronvolt ion bombardment.
This article focuses on the emission of organometallic clusters upon kiloelectronvolt ion bombardment of self-assembled monolayers. It is particularly relevant for the elucidation of the physical processes underlying secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). The experimental system, an overlayer of octanethiols on gold, was modeled by classical molecular dynamics, using a hydrocarbon potential involving bonding and nonbonding interactions (AIREBO). To validate the model, the calculated mass and energy distributions of sputtered atoms and molecules were compared to experimental data. Our key finding concerns the emission mechanism of large clusters of the form MxAuy up to M6Au5 (where M is the thiolate molecule), which were not observed under sub-kiloelectronvolt projectile bombardment. Statistically, they are predominantly formed in high-yield events, where many atoms, fragments, and (supra)molecular species are desorbed from the surface. From the microscopic viewpoint, these high-yield events mostly stem from the confinement of the projectile and recoil atom energies in a finite microvolume of the sample surface. As a result of the high local energy density, molecular aggregates desorb from an overheated liquidlike region surrounding the impact point of the projectile.


A comparative study of two devices used for cervical cell sampling raises some doubts about liquid-based cytology.
The objective of this study was to compare the quality of smears obtained by a newly designed cervical cell sampler (the implement) to those obtained with the cervex brush, using liquid-based cytology (LBC). A prospective randomized controlled trial with the approval of the local ethics committees after informing the Medical Devices Agency in the UK was used in this study. The study was carried out in colposcopy clinics in two district general NHS Trust Hospitals in London. A total of 200 women were recruited (100 from each hospital). The women were randomized into two groups, each of them having two smears at the same time. One hundred (50%) of the women had their first smear with the new implement, and the other 100 (50%) had their first smear with the cervex brush. The main outcome of this study is good-quality smears, assessed by evidence of effective sampling of the transformation zone, including immature metaplastic cells and also endocervical cells. Eighty-five percent of the smears taken by the new implement showed good-quality smears compared to 91% of those taken by the cervex brush, a statistically marginally nonsignificant result, with P value = 0.052 (McNemar exact test). A larger number of good-quality smears, judged by evidence of sampling of transformation zone, were obtained with the cervex brush, though the difference was statistically marginally nonsignificant, using the British society for clinical cytology criteria. Surprisingly, despite the use of LBC, there was a higher rate of inadequate smears obtained with both the devices (8% with each) compared to our previous study using the conventional slide test (1.3% with the new implement and 1.8% with the Jordan's spatula).


The in vivo detection and measurement of the unfolded protein response in recombinant cellulase producing Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains.
The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae possesses industrially desirable traits for ethanol production and has been engineered for consolidated bioprocessing (CBP) of lignocellulosic biomass through heterologous cellulase expression. However, S. cerevisiae produces low titers of cellulases and one suspected reason for this is that heterologous proteins induce the unfolded protein response (UPR). Current methods of measuring the UPR are RNA based and can be inconsistent and cumbersome. We developed vector-based biosensors that will detect and quantify UPR activation. The vector consisted of either the Trichoderma reesei xylanase 2 or codon optimized green fluorescent protein (eGFP) reporter genes under the control of the S. cerevisiae PHAC1 or PKAR2 promoters. The eGFP reporter under control of PKAR2 was identified as the preferred combination due to its superior dynamic range and its greater sensitivity when measuring UPR induction in cellulase producing strains. To our knowledge, we show for the first time that significant UPR activation differences could consistently be observed for different cellulase candidate genes unlike previous RNA-based tests, which were unable to detect these differences. The ability to quantify UPR induction will assist in identifying candidate cellulase genes that do not greatly induce the UPR, making them favorable for use in CBP yeasts.


Thyroid gland diseases in Kano.
Goiter is endemic in some parts of Nigeria. Kano is populated by people from various geographical areas. There has not been any report of thyroid gland diseases pattern in Kano, hence the need for this study. A retrospective review of 75 cases of thyroid gland diseases seen and managed at Aminu Kano Teaching hospital, Kano over a 5-year period forms the basis for this study. Of the 75 patients with goiters 69(92% ) were females. Simple non-toxic goiter was the most common histologic type accounting for 51 (68.0% ) of cases. There were 10 cases (13.3% ) of thyrotoxicosis, 4 (5.4% )with follicular adenoma, and 10 (13.3% ) other patients had proven carcinoma. Well-differentiated follicular carcinoma was the most common malignant type, 7 of which were not recognised as such preoperatively. All cases were treated by surgery with minimal morbidity and mortality. Thyroid surgery constitutes a significant proportion of surgical practice in Nigeria. While increase in dietary iodine will reduce the incidence of goiter everywhere, the impact of iodinisation of salt is yet to be determined. A population based survey of the prevalence of thyroid gland disease in Kano northwest, Nigeria is strongly indicated.


Plasmon single- and multi-quantum excitation in free metal clusters as seen by photoelectron spectroscopy.
Plasmons are investigated in free nanoscale Na, Mg, and K metal clusters using synchrotron radiation-based x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The core levels for which the response from bulk and surface atoms can be resolved are probed over an extended binding energy range to include the plasmon loss features. In all species the features due to fundamental plasmons are identified, and in Na and K also those due to either the first order plasmon overtones or sequential plasmon excitation are observed. These features are discussed in view of earlier results for planar macroscopic samples and free clusters of the same materials.


A randomized controlled (intervention) trial of ischemic compression therapy for chronic carpal tunnel syndrome.
Randomized clinical trial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ischemic compression therapy in the treatment of chronic carpal tunnel syndrome. Fifty-five patients suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome were randomized to two groups. Thirty-seven patients received 15 experimental treatments which consisted of ischemic compressions at trigger points located in the axilla of the shoulder, the length of the biceps muscle, at the bicipital aponeurosis and at the pronator teres muscle in the hollow of the elbow. Eighteen patients received the control treatment involving ischemic compression on trigger points located in the deltoid muscle, supraspinatus muscle and infraspinatus muscle. Of the 18 patients forming the control group, 13 agreed to receive the experimental treatments after the 15 control treatments. Outcome measures included a validated 18-question questionnaire to assess the severity of symptoms and functional status in carpal tunnel syndrome, and a quantification of the patients' perceived improvement, using a scale from 0% to 100%. Outcome measures evaluations were completed at baseline, after 15 treatments, 30 days following the last treatment, and 6 months later. For the disability questionnaire, a significant reduction of symptoms was noted only in the experimental group. In the experimental group the outcome at baseline was 33.5 (SD, 10.3); after 15 treatments it was 18.6 (SD, 7.0). The control group outcome at baseline was 36.3 (SD, 15.2); after 15 treatments it was 26.4 (SD, 9.9) and after the crossover (15 control treatments plus 15 experimental treatments) 20.2 (SD, 12.2). A significant between group difference (P < 0.021) was noted in the patients' perceived improvement after 15 treatments: 67 (SD, 26) percent and 50 (SD, 25) percent respectively for the experimental and control groups. This practice-based clinical trial suggests that myofascial therapy using ischemic compression the length of the biceps, at the bicipital aponeurosis, at the pronator teres and at the subscapularis muscles could be a useful approach to reduce symptoms associated with the carpal tunnel syndrome. Patients' perceived improvement in functional capacities persisted over a 6-month period.


Leptospirosis in Western Australia, 1983-1984.
The diagnosis of leptospirosis is often difficult to make because of vague and mild symptoms. Patients who present with a "flu-like" illness and who have had either direct or indirect contact with infected animals should be investigated by serological examination. In Western Australia during 1983 and 1984, the sera of 937 patients were tested for the presence of leptospiral antibodies. Of these, 131 gave positive results; in 45, these were consistent with recently acquired infection. Apart from one veterinary worker, all the cases that were diagnosed serologically occurred in farmers and meatworkers. Farmers were most often infected with serovar hardjo. Meatworkers demonstrated a high degree of cross-reactivity among serovars pomona, hardjo, and to a lesser extent, icterohaemorrhagiae. However, in cases in which the infecting serovar was identifiable serologically, serovar pomona predominated.


SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 in older adults: what we may expect regarding pathogenesis, immune responses, and outcomes.
SARS-CoV-2 virus, the causative agent of the coronavirus infectious disease-19 (COVID-19), is taking the globe by storm, approaching 500,000 confirmed cases and over 21,000 deaths as of March 25, 2020. While under control in some affected Asian countries (Taiwan, Singapore, Vietnam), the virus demonstrated an exponential phase of infectivity in several large countries (China in late January and February and many European countries and the USA in March), with cases exploding by 30-50,000/day in the third and fourth weeks of March, 2020. SARS-CoV-2 has proven to be particularly deadly to older adults and those with certain underlying medical conditions, many of whom are of advanced age. Here, we briefly review the virus, its structure and evolution, epidemiology and pathogenesis, immunogenicity and immune, and clinical response in older adults, using available knowledge on SARS-CoV-2 and its highly pathogenic relatives MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-1. We conclude by discussing clinical and basic science approaches to protect older adults against this disease.


[Chemical attachment of p-aminophenylgalactoside to acid alpha-glucosidase from human liver].
Chemical modification of the COOH-groups of acid alpha-glucosidase from human liver by 1-ethyl-3 (3'-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide. HCl in the presence of rho-aminophenyl-beta-D-galactopyranoside was carried out. The presence of covalently bound galactose derivative in the enzyme was followed by changes in the absorption spectra and electrophoretic mobility during polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and by the ability of modified alpha-glucosidase to interact specifically with castor-bean lectin (RCA II). The modified enzyme retained its catalytic activity towards maltose and did not differ from native alpha-glucosidase in terms of its affinity for this substrate, the Km values for maltose during 5 and 6 mM, respectively. The in vitro changes in the marker specificity of acid alpha-glucosidase against the unchanged catalytic properties of the enzyme are discussed.


Risks and Benefits of Surgical Excision of Orbital Cavernous Venous Malformations (So-Called Cavernous Hemangioma): Factors Influencing the Outcome.
To assess risks and benefits associated with surgical excision of orbital cavernous venous malformation and analyze factors influencing the outcome. Design: cohort study. Participants: 164 consecutive patients undergoing surgical removal of orbital cavernous venous malformation. Intervention: lateral or anterior orbitotomy. Outcome measures: visual acuity, visual field, pupillary function, ocular motility, and fundus examination. Influence of the mass volume and tumor location on the outcome was evaluated. The threshold value and risk group for the volume were evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic analysis; 8 orbital different quadrants, extraconal/intraconal position, and orbital apex extension were considered as variables to evaluate the location. Postoperatively overall visual acuity (p = 0.0084), visual field (p < 0.0001), diplopia (p < 0.0001), proptosis (p < 0.0001), ocular motility (p = 0.02), ptosis (p = 0.033), choroidal fold (p < 0.0001), disk edema (p = 0.0004) were significantly improved. The commonest location was the lateral quadrant (28%). Choroidal folds were associated with tumor greater than 1100 mm3 (p = 0.001). Visual loss occurred in 2 patients (1.2%) and tonic pupil in 5 (3%,) Visual deterioration was associated with the apical extension (p = 0.001). Pupil efferent defect was associated with lateral quadrant location (p = 0.011) and apical extension (p = 0.05). Surgical removal of orbital cavernous venous malformation is a useful treatment modality, particularly for large size tumors. Removal of cavernous venous malformations located at the lateral aspect of the orbit carries an increased risk of permanent tonic pupil. Postoperative blindness is rarely seen and is often associated with the apical extension. Tailoring the surgical approach, depending on the relative position to the optic nerve, may have an important bearing on outcome.


Pimples reduce and dimples enhance flat dielectric surface image repulsion.
In solid-liquid, or liquid-liquid, interfaces with dielectric contrast, charged particles interact with the induced polarization charge of the interface. These interactions contribute to an effective self-energy of the bulk ions and mediate ion-ion interactions. For flat interfaces, the self-energy and the mediated interactions are neatly constructed by the image charge method. For other geometries, explicit results are scarce and the problem must be treated via approximations or direct computation. The case of interfaces with roughness is of great practical importance. This article provides analytical results, valid to first-order in perturbation theory, for the self-energy of particles near rough substrates. Explicit formulas are provided for the case of a sinusoidal deformation of a flat surface. Generic deformations can be treated by superposition. In addition to results for the self-energy, the surface polarization charge is presented as a quadrature. The interaction between an ion and the deformed surface is modified by the change in relative distance as well as by the local curvature of the surface. Solid walls, with a lower dielectric constant than the liquid, repel all ions. We show that the repulsion is reduced by local convexity and enhanced by concavity; dimples are more repulsive than pimples.


Social Agency as a continuum.
Sense of Agency, the phenomenology associated with causing one's own actions and corresponding effects, is a cornerstone of human experience. Social Agency can be defined as the Sense of Agency experienced in any situation in which the effects of our actions are related to a conspecific. This can be implemented as the other's reactions being caused by our action, joint action modulating our Sense of Agency, or the other's mere social presence influencing our Sense of Agency. It is currently an open question how such Social Agency can be conceptualized and how it relates to its nonsocial variant. This is because, compared with nonsocial Sense of Agency, the concept of Social Agency has remained oversimplified and underresearched, with disparate empirical paradigms yielding divergent results. Reviewing the empirical evidence and the commonalities and differences between different instantiations of Social Agency, we propose that Social Agency can be conceptualized as a continuum, in which the degree of cooperation is the key dimension that determines our Sense of Agency, and how it relates to nonsocial Sense of Agency. Taking this perspective, we review how the different factors that typically influence Sense of Agency affect Social Agency, and in the process highlight outstanding empirical questions within the field. Finally, concepts from wider research areas are discussed in relation to the ecological validity of Social Agency paradigms, and we provide recommendations for future methodology.


Dip pen nanolithography functionalized electrical gaps for multiplexed DNA detection.
Nanoparticle-based, silver-enhanced DNA electrical detection shows great promise for point-of-care diagnostics. In this paper, we demonstrate that the dip pen nanolithography (DPN) method can be used to precisely functionalize multiple electrical gaps for multiplexed DNA detection. With the use of the DPN technique, capture ssDNAs are written inside 5 microm x 10 microm electrical gaps on substrates. The DPN functionalized electrical gaps can specifically hybridize to target ssDNAs in solution. Successful hybridization of the capture-target DNA complex is detected by the use of gold nanoparticles carrying ssDNA, which also hybridize to the target ssDNA, followed by silver enhancement. The drop of resistance across the gaps due to the formation of metal nanoparticle-DNA complexes is measured over time and compared against characteristics of control gaps, which are either left unfunctionalized or functionalized with noncomplementary capture ssDNA. This technique has potential for high-density multiplexed DNA assay chips. Multiplex detection of two different target ssDNAs in solution using DPN functionalized electrical gaps on the same chip is demonstrated. The lowest detection limit is 10 pM.


Positional Differences in Pre-Season Scrimmage Performance of Division I Collegiate Football Players.
This study aimed to describe the physical demands of American football players using novel performance analysis techniques. Heart rate (HR) and accelerometer-based activity levels were observed across two pre-season scrimmages in 23 Division I collegiate football players (age: 19 ± 1 y, height: 1.90 ± 0.06 m, weight: 116.2 ± 19.4 kg). Data were analyzed using a MATLAB program and inter-rater reproducibility assessed using inter-class correlations (ICC). Players were analyzed by side (offense/defense) and position (skill/non-skill). Performance variables assessed in bursts of activity included burst duration, HRmean and HRmax (bpm), and mean activity (vector magnitude units [vmu]). Exercise intensity was categorized as time spent in % HRmax in 5% increments. The burst duration (8.1±3.9 min, ICC = 0.72), HRmean (157 ± 12 bpm, ICC = 0.96) and mean activity (0.30 ± 0.05 vmu, ICC = 0.86) were reproducible. HRmean (p = 0.05) and HRmax (p = 0.001) were greater on defense. Offense spent more time at 65-70% HRmax (p = 0.01), 70-75% HRmax (p = 0.02) while defense spent more time 90-95% HRmax and ≥95% HRmax (p = 0.03). HRmean (p = 0.70) and HRpeak (p = 0.80) were not different between positions across both sides. Skilled players demonstrated greater mean activity (p = 0.02). The sport-specific analysis described HR and activity level in a reproducible manner. Automated methods of assessing HR may be useful in training and game time performance but ultimately provides support to coaching decision making.


Germination and outgrowth of single spores of Saccharomyces cerevisiae viewed by scanning electron and phase-contrast microscopy.
Single spores of Saccharomyces cerevisiae were examined during germination and outgrowth by scanning electron and phase-contrast microscopy. Also determined were changes in cell weight and light absorbance, trehalose utilization, and synthesis of protein and KOH-soluble carbohydrates. These studies reveal that development of the vegetative cell from a spore follows a definite sequence of events involving dramatic physical and chemical modifications. These changes are: initial rapid loss in cellular absorbance followed later by an abrupt gain in absorbance; reduction in cell weight and a subsequent progressive increase; modification of the spore surface with concomitant diminution in refractility; elongation of the cell and augmentation of surface irregularities; rapid decline in trehalose content of the cell accompanied by extensive formation of KOH-soluble carbohydrates; and bud formation.


PAL2NAL: robust conversion of protein sequence alignments into the corresponding codon alignments.
PAL2NAL is a web server that constructs a multiple codon alignment from the corresponding aligned protein sequences. Such codon alignments can be used to evaluate the type and rate of nucleotide substitutions in coding DNA for a wide range of evolutionary analyses, such as the identification of levels of selective constraint acting on genes, or to perform DNA-based phylogenetic studies. The server takes a protein sequence alignment and the corresponding DNA sequences as input. In contrast to other existing applications, this server is able to construct codon alignments even if the input DNA sequence has mismatches with the input protein sequence, or contains untranslated regions and polyA tails. The server can also deal with frame shifts and inframe stop codons in the input models, and is thus suitable for the analysis of pseudogenes. Another distinct feature is that the user can specify a subregion of the input alignment in order to specifically analyze functional domains or exons of interest. The PAL2NAL server is available at http://www.bork.embl.de/pal2nal.


Batten disease in the west of Scotland 1974-1995 including five cases of the juvenile form with granular osmiophilic deposits.
We report on 12 children with neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL) diagnosed between 1974-1995 in the West of Scotland. Diagnosis was made on the basis of clinical, electrophysiological, radiological and pathological examination including electron microscopy (EM) in all cases. Incidence was calculated on the basis of the year of diagnosis and the live birth rate. Six cases were infantile and 6 juvenile NCL derived from a total of 10 families. No cases of late infantile or early juvenile NCL were identified. All cases were typical in clinical description. Cumulative incidence was 1.61/100,000 live births (0.87 and 0.73/100,000 live births for juvenile and infantile NCL respectively). There was significant delay in diagnosis of the juvenile form of NCL. EM findings were unusual in the juvenile group in that 5 of 6 cases exhibited granular osmiophilic deposits (GROD) rather than typical fingerprint inclusion bodies. Four of these 5 cases also failed to show vacuolation of lymphocytes. Thus, in the West of Scotland, the distribution of NCL cases by type and by EM findings is unusual, and suggests a distinct genetic variant of juvenile NCL, possibly allelic to infantile NCL.


Sources or sinks? The responses of tropical forests to current and future climate and atmospheric composition.
How tropical rainforests are responding to the ongoing global changes in atmospheric composition and climate is little studied and poorly understood. Although rising atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) could enhance forest productivity, increased temperatures and drought are likely to diminish it. The limited field data have produced conflicting views of the net impacts of these changes so far. One set of studies has seemed to point to enhanced carbon uptake; however, questions have arisen about these findings, and recent experiments with tropical forest trees indicate carbon saturation of canopy leaves and no biomass increase under enhanced CO2. Other field observations indicate decreased forest productivity and increased tree mortality in recent years of peak temperatures and drought (strong El Niño episodes). To determine current climatic responses of forests around the world tropics will require careful annual monitoring of ecosystem performance in representative forests. To develop the necessary process-level understanding of these responses will require intensified experimentation at the whole-tree and stand levels. Finally, a more complete understanding of tropical rainforest carbon cycling is needed for determining whether these ecosystems are carbon sinks or sources now, and how this status might change during the next century.


[Embryogenesis and early postnatal development of rats following transplacental sex hormone administration].
A study was made of the effect of different doses of testosterone propionate, sinestrol, diethylstilbestrol and sigetin administered to rats during the last three days of pregnancy on the embryogenesis and postnatal development of the progeny. It was established that sex hormones (except sigetin) often disturb pregnancy, labor and lactation. They also exert a musculinizing and sterilizing effect on the progeny. Sigetin produces no action on embryogenesis or postnatal development of rats.


Fusion of a novel gene, BTL, to ETV6 in acute myeloid leukemias with a t(4;12)(q11-q12;p13).
The ETV6 gene (also known as TEL) is the main target of chromosomal translocations affecting chromosome band 12p13. The rearrangements fuse ETV6 to a wide variety of partner genes in both myeloid and lymphoid malignancies. We report here 4 new cases of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with very immature myeloblasts (French-American-British [FAB]-M0) and with a t(4;12)(q11-q12;p13). In all cases, ETV6 was found recombined to a new gene, homologous to the mouse Brx gene. The gene was named BTL (Brx-like Translocated in Leukemia). Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) experiments indicate that the expression of the BTL-ETV6 transcript, but not of the reciprocal ETV6-BTL transcript, is a common finding in these leukemias. In contrast to the majority of other ETV6 fusions, both the complete helix-loop-helix (HLH) and ETS DNA binding domains of ETV6 are present in the predicted BTL-ETV6 fusion protein, and the chimeric gene is transcribed from the BTL promoter.


Comparison of the PREMIER cryptococcal antigen enzyme immunoassay and the latex agglutination assay for detection of cryptococcal antigens.
A new enzyme immunoassay (EIA), PREMIER Cryptococcal Antigen, was compared with latex agglutination (LA) for the detection and quantitation of circulating capsular polysaccharide antigen from Cryptococcus neoformans. The clinical evaluation of PREMIER EIA as a screening assay, including 475 specimens with 120 LA and EIA positives, resulted in 99% sensitivity and 97% specificity. The clinical specimens included sera and cerebrospinal fluids as well as 10 rheumatoid factor-positive and 20 anti-nuclear antibody-positive serum samples. This monoclonal antibody-based assay detects serotypes A to D at 0.63, 0.63, 7.8, and 62 ng/ml, respectively. With three different known positive specimens, the assay was found to yield coefficients of variation of 2 to 12% for intra- and interassay comparisons of precision and reproducibility. The primary use for semiquantitative values derived with the LA or EIA is to follow the course of disease and monitor drug therapies. The present data suggest that the PREMIER EIA will be a valuable method for this purpose. We conclude that the PREMIER Cryptococcal Antigen EIA provides a rapid, convenient, and reliable antigen detection method for screening and semiquantitative determination of antigen levels.


Inadvertent Complication of a Pipeline Embolization Device for Treatment with Vertebral Artery Dissecting Aneurysm : Distal Tip Fracture of Delivery Wire.
Use of the Pipeline embolization device (PED) has increased based on studies about its safety and effectiveness, and new reports that describe peri- or postprocedural complications are now emerging. We report a rare periprocedural device-related complication that occurred during endovascular treatment with the pipeline embolization device for a dissecting aneurysm on the vertebral artery. A 55-year old woman was admitted due to left medullary infarction, and angiography showed a fusiform dilatation in the left vertebral artery that was suspicious for dissecting aneurysm. Endovascular treatment with PED was planned. Under general anesthesia, the procedure was performed without significant problems and a PED was deployed in an appropriate position. However, in the final step of the procedure, the distal tip of the PED delivery wire became engaged within a small branch of the posterior cerebral artery and fractured. Fortunately, imaging studies after the procedure revealed neither hemorrhagic nor ischemic stroke, and the patient recovered without neurological morbidities except initial symptoms.


Synthesis, characterization and docking studies of benzenesulfonamide derivatives containing 1,2,3-triazole as potential ınhibitor of carbonic anhydrase I-II enzymes.
Carbonic Anhydrases (CAs) are an important family of metalloenzymes that contain zinc (Zn2+) ions in their active site and catalyze the conversion of carbon dioxide to bicarbonate and proton and found in all living organisms. Sulfonamides are well-known inhibitors of CAs isoenzymes. In this study, a series of benzenesulfonamide derivatives (9a-h) containing 1,2,3-triazole-moiety were designed, synthesized and their structures were characterized by spectroscopic methods. In addition, molecular structures of compounds 5a, 5 b, 9e and 9f were elucidated by X-ray diffraction technique. To investigate drug similarity of 9a-h compounds, Lipinski's five rules (ADMET: absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity) were carried out by in silico studies. According to results, the compounds showed drug-like properties. Docking studies were applied to determine the scores, interactions and binding modes of compounds 9a-h against hCA I and hCA II enzymes. Compound 9c (-5.13 kcal/mol docking score) against hCA I enzyme and 9 h (-5.32 kcal/mol docking score) against hCA II enzyme showed potent inhibitory properties. The binding interactions of the compounds with the carbonic anhydrases were examined by docking studies.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.


Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of large multilobated cell type. A clinicopathologic study of ten cases.
Recently, the authors described a distinct variant of T-cell lymphoma characterized morphologically by large multilobated nuclei, and clinically by a predilection for extranodal sites and a favorable prognosis. In a retrospective study of 75 cases of "histiocytic" lymphomas observed during a 13-year period, ten additional cases of this unusual variant of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma were identified. Features similar to those of the initial group of cases included a predominant extranodal distribution, particularly involving skin, subcutaneous tissue, and bone, and a favorable response to therapy. However, the retrospective cases differed in that systemic symptoms were infrequent and gonadal involvement was not observed. Recognition of this morphologically distinct subtype of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is of diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic significance.


An exploration of the relationship between adverse events on the farm and suicidal ideation in farmers.
The risk of suicide for agricultural workers in parts of the United Kingdom (UK) is almost twice the national average. Existing literature has suggested that adverse farming events, where failure is determined by uncontrollable and unpredictable forces, may be to blame. Yet, the impact of such events on farmer suicidality has not been explicitly explored. The present paper therefore aimed to investigate the relationship between adverse farming events and suicidal ideation in farmers. A cross-sectional questionnaire battery was disseminated between July 2018 and February 2019, and completed by 170 adult farmers. Over a 12-month period, 88.8% reported that they had experienced an adverse farming event and 32.9% said that they had experienced suicidal thoughts. Correlational analysis revealed a relationship between these variables. The high prevalence of suicidal ideation within farmers demonstrates a critical need for intervention. Likewise, the prevalence of adverse farming events suggests that interventions need to be appropriately tailored, with greater understanding about the impact of such events on the mental wellbeing of farmers.


Meiotic regulation of TPX2 protein levels governs cell cycle progression in mouse oocytes.
Formation of female gametes requires acentriolar spindle assembly during meiosis. Mitotic spindles organize from centrosomes and via local activation of the RanGTPase on chromosomes. Vertebrate oocytes present a RanGTP gradient centred on chromatin at all stages of meiotic maturation. However, this gradient is dispensable for assembly of the first meiotic spindle. To understand this meiosis I peculiarity, we studied TPX2, a Ran target, in mouse oocytes. Strikingly, TPX2 activity is controlled at the protein level through its accumulation from meiosis I to II. By RNAi depletion and live imaging, we show that TPX2 is required for spindle assembly via two distinct functions. It controls microtubule assembly and spindle pole integrity via the phosphorylation of TACC3, a regulator of MTOCs activity. We show that meiotic spindle formation in vivo depends on the regulation of at least a target of Ran, TPX2, rather than on the regulation of the RanGTP gradient itself.


[Hypernephroma at the isthmus of a horseshoe kidney].
Presentation of a case of neoplasia associated to horseshoe kidney (HK). There is a tendency to suffer neoplasia in HK, hypernephroma being the most commonly seen, followed by renal pelvis tumours and Wilms' tumour with a frequency up to 8 times higher than in normal kidneys. This observation suggests that it should be compulsory to carry out cytogenetic studies in order to detect the 11p13 deletion as a possible marker in all children with HK.


The development of coping.
Research on coping during childhood and adolescence is distinguished by its focus on how children deal with actual stressors in real-life contexts. Despite burgeoning literatures within age groups, studies on developmental differences and changes have proven difficult to integrate. Two recent advances promise progress toward a developmental framework. First, dual-process models that conceptualize coping as "regulation under stress" establish links to the development of emotional, attentional, and behavioral self-regulation and suggest constitutional underpinnings and social factors that shape coping development. Second, analyses of the functions of higher-order coping families allow identification of corresponding lower-order ways of coping that, despite their differences, are developmentally graded members of the same family. This emerging framework was used to integrate 44 studies reporting age differences or changes in coping from infancy through adolescence. Together, these advances outline a systems perspective in which, as regulatory subsystems are integrated, general mechanisms of coping accumulate developmentally, suggesting multiple directions for future research.


Exposure to alcohol outlets and risk of suicidal behavior in a Swedish cohort of young adults.
Greater alcohol accessibility, for example in the form of a high density of alcohol outlets or low alcohol taxation rates, may be associated with increased risk of suicidal behavior. However, most studies have been conducted at the aggregate level, and some have not accounted for potential confounders such as socioeconomic position or neighborhood quality. In a Swedish cohort of young adults aged 18 to 25, we used logistic regressions to evaluate whether living in a neighborhood that included bars, nightclubs, and/or government alcohol outlets was associated with risk of suicide attempt (SA) or suicide death (SD) during four separate 2-year observation periods. Neighborhoods were defined using pre-established nationwide designations. We conducted combined-sex and sex-stratified analyses, and included as covariates indicators of socioeconomic position, neighborhood deprivation, and aggregate genetic liability to suicidal behavior. Risk of SA was increased in some subsamples of individuals living in a neighborhood with a bar or government alcohol outlet (odds ratios [ORs] = 1.05 to 1.15). Risk of SD was also higher among certain subsamples living in a neighborhood with a government outlet (ORs = 1.47 to 1.56), but lower for those living near a bar (ORs = 0.89 to 0.91). Significant results were driven by, but not exclusive to, the male subsample. Individuals with higher aggregate genetic risk for SA were more sensitive to the effects of a neighborhood government alcohol outlet, pooled across observation periods, in analyses of the sexes combined (relative excess risk due to interaction [RERI] = 0.05; 95% confidence intervals [CI] 0.01; 0.09) and in the male subsample (RERI = 0.06; 95% CI 0.001; 0.12). Although effect sizes are small, living in a neighborhood with bars and/or government alcohol outlets may increase suicidal behavior among young adults. Individuals with higher genetic liability for SA are slightly more susceptible to these exposures.


Estimating odds ratios adjusting for misclassification in Alzheimer's disease risk factor assessment.
Epidemiological studies of Alzheimer's disease and dementia are often two-phase studies including a screening phase and a clinical assessment phase. It is common to interview a relative of the subject at each of these phases to obtain information about the subject's exposure to risk factors. This can result in a misclassification error when assessing risk factors, as the two responses of the relative often differ. This is especially a problem for risk factors involving life-style and family history which cannot be confirmed using the subject's medical records. A naive analysis using data from each phase separately would give two different estimates of the odds ratio; both estimates could be biased. In this paper, we extend the estimation methods adjusting for misclassification developed by Liu and Liang to data collected through two-phase sampling. We first use a latent class analysis and the EM algorithm to estimate the misclassification parameters. We then derive the maximum pseudo-likelihood estimators, conditional on the misclassification parameters, to estimate the odds ratios accounting for the complex sampling study design. We propose to use the jack-knife estimator for estimation of the variances. We apply the above method to data collected in the Indianapolis-Ibadan Dementia Study to estimate the odds ratio for smoking adjusting for misclassification error.


Light-Induced Spin State Switching and Relaxation in Spin Pairs of Copper(II)-Nitroxide Based Molecular Magnets.
Similar to spin-crossover (SCO) compounds, spin states of copper(II)-nitroxide based molecular magnets can be switched by various external stimuli including temperature and light. Although photoswitching and reverse relaxation of nitroxide-copper(II)-nitroxide triads were investigated in some detail, similar study for copper(II)-nitroxide spin pairs was still missing. In this work we address photoswitching and relaxation phenomena in exchange-coupled spin pairs of this family of molecular magnets. Using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy with photoexcitation, we demonstrate that compared to triad-containing compounds the photoinduced weakly coupled spin (WS) states of copper(II)-nitroxide pairs are remarkably more stable at cryogenic temperatures and relax to the ground strongly coupled spin (SS) states on the scale of days. The structural changes between SS and WS states, e.g., differences in Cu-Onitroxide distances, are much more pronounced for spin pairs than for spin triads in most of the studied copper(II)-nitroxide based molecular magnets. This results in higher energy barrier between WS and SS states of spin pairs and governs higher stability of their photoinduced WS states. Therefore, the longer-lived photoinduced states in copper(II)-nitroxide molecular magnets should be searched within the compounds experiencing largest structural changes upon thermal spin transition. This advancement in understanding of LIESST-like phenomena in copper(II)-nitroxide molecular magnets allows us to propose them as interesting playgrounds for benchmarking the basic factors governing the stability of photoinduced states in other SCO and SCO-like photoswitchable systems.


Thermal- and oxidative stress causes enhanced release of NKG2D ligand-bearing immunosuppressive exosomes in leukemia/lymphoma T and B cells.
Immune evasion from NK surveillance related to inadequate NK-cell function has been suggested as an explanation of the high incidence of relapse and fatal outcome of many blood malignancies. In this report we have used Jurkat and Raji cell lines as a model for studies of the NKG2D receptor-ligand system in T-and B cell leukemia/lymphoma. Using real-time quantitative RT-PCR and immunoflow cytometry we show that Jurkat and Raji cells constitutively express mRNA and protein for the stress-inducible NKG2D ligands MICA/B and ULBP1 and 2, and up-regulate the expression in a cell-line specific and stress-specific manner. Furthermore, we revealed by electron microscopy, immunoflow cytometry and western blot that these ligands were expressed and secreted on exosomes, nanometer-sized microvesicles of endosomal origin. Acting as a decoy, the NKG2D ligand-bearing exosomes downregulate the in vitro NKG2D receptor-mediated cytotoxicity and thus impair NK-cell function. Interestingly, thermal and oxidative stress enhanced the exosome secretion generating more soluble NKG2D ligands that aggravated the impairment of the cytotoxic response. Taken together, our results might partly explain the clinically observed NK-cell dysfunction in patients suffering from leukemia/lymphoma. The adverse effect of thermal and oxidative stress, enhancing the release of immunosuppressive exosomes, should be considered when cytostatic and hyperthermal anti-cancer therapies are designed.


Preliminary evaluation of psychometric properties of the Finnish Borderline Personality Disorder Severity Index: Oulu-BPD-Study.
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a severe disorder decreasing the functional ability of the patient and places an extensive burden on the healthcare system. There is a need for a reliable and valid instrument with which unstable recent BPD symptoms can be assessed in a short-term perspective, and which is applicable for clinical evaluations and treatment-outcome research. We evaluated the psychometric properties of the Borderline Personality Disorder Severity Index IV (BPDSI-IV) interview in a sample of Finnish BPD patients. Our study is a part of the randomized, monocentre Oulu-BPD trial, which compares the effectiveness of treatment by experts with treatment as usual. Patients (n = 71) were enrolled in a 2-year randomized controlled trial. The BPDSI-IV was used to assess recent manifestations of BPD. The internal consistency of the BPDSI-IV in the Finnish patient sample was analysed with Cronbach's alpha coefficient and mean item-total correlation. Discriminant validity was examined by comparing the Finnish BPD patient sample with the Dutch BPD patient and non-patient samples. The Cronbach's alphas ranged from 0.58 to 0.79 being highest in Dissociation and lowest in Relationships. A total of five subscales out of nine exceeded the acceptable limit (≥ 0.70). With respect to mean item-total correlation, seven out of nine subscales had an acceptable correlation ≥ 0.30. The BPDSI-IV interview was applied for the first time in a Finnish sample of BPD patients. It appears to be a useful instrument for measuring and following the severity and the change of symptoms of patients with BPD.


The influence of exercise tolerance on quality of life among patients with heart failure.
The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of exercise tolerance on quality of life (QOL) among patients with heart failure (HF). A descriptive correlational design was used to guide the study. Forty-nine participants who met the selection criteria were enrolled at a medical center in Taipei. Data were collected by using the Short-Form 36 and treadmill tests including an exercise intensity-increasing test and duration-increasing test. The results revealed the mean scores of QOL in terms of physical functioning and mental functioning were 66.99 and 68.82, respectively. The average peak VO2 (exercise intensity tolerance) was 4.65 mets. The average exercise duration tolerances were 768.55, 1717.04 and 1923.48 s for reaching 50% heart rate reserve (HRR), 90% HRR, and completing the whole test, respectively. Patients whose exercise intensity tolerance was > or = 5 mets or whose exercise duration tolerance was > or = 1800 s had better physical functioning, but a significant difference in mental functioning was not observed between the two groups. The findings of the study support the view that exercise testing is safe, feasible, and effective in evaluating exercise tolerance, and that both exercise duration and exercise intensity tolerance were important factors in determining QOL, particularly in physical functioning, for HF patients.


Atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome with underlying glomerulopathies. A case series and a review of the literature.
Primary or secondary glomerulonephritis has been anecdotally reported in association with atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome (aHUS). We here report a series of six patients who developed aHUS and glomerulopathy, and review the literature on aHUS and glomerulonephritis. Out of all patients diagnosed at our unit with biopsy-proven glomerular diseases between March 2007 and October 2011, selected cases developing aHUS during the follow-up are presented. The following tests were performed in all six patients: serum C3 and C4 levels, ADAMTS13 activity, CFH levels and anti-CFH autoantibodies and genetic screening for CFH, MCP, CFI, C3 and CFHR1-3 mutations and risk haplotypes associated with aHUS. Two hundred and forty-eight patients received a biopsy-proven diagnosis of glomerulopathy and were followed for a median of 31 months (range 2-58). Of these, six developed aHUS, within a median of 15 months (range 1-36) of their initial diagnosis of glomerulopathy. One of these patients had focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), two membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) type I, one C3 glomerulonephritis and two systemic small vessel vasculitis [one granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's), one Henoch-Schoenlein purpura]. Five patients (one of them heterozygous for a CFH mutation) carried, in homo- or heterozygosity, the risk haplotype CFH-H3 (CFH tgtgt), previously described to be associated with aHUS, while another one patient was homozygous for the MCPggaac risk haplotype predisposing to aHUS when present on both alleles. Different types of glomerulopathies can be complicated by aHUS. Several mechanisms can contribute to this association, such as nephrotic-range proteinuria, mutations or aHUS-risk haplotypes involving genes encoding alternative complement regulatory proteins in some patients and inflammatory triggers associated with systemic immune-mediated diseases.


"Someone's got to do it" - Primary care providers (PCPs) describe caring for rural women with mental health problems.
Little is known about how primary care providers (PCPs) approach mental health care for low-income rural women. We developed a qualitative research study to explore the attitudes and practices of PCPs regarding the care of mood and anxiety disorders in rural women. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 19 family physicians, internists, and obstetrician-gynecologists (OBGYNs) in office-based practices in rural central Pennsylvania. Using thematic analysis, investigators developed a coding scheme. Questions focused on 1) screening and diagnosis of mental health conditions, 2) barriers to treatment among rural women, 3) management of mental illnesses in rural women, and 4) ideas to improve care for this population. PCP responses reflected these themes: 1) PCPs identify mental illnesses through several mechanisms including routine screening, indicator-based assessment, and self-identification by the patient; 2) Rural culture and social ecology are significant barriers to women in need of mental healthcare; 3) Mental healthcare resource limitations in rural communities lead PCPs to seek creative solutions to care for rural women with mental illnesses; 4) To improve mental healthcare in rural communities, both social norms and resource limitations must be addressed. Our findings can inform future interventions to improve women's mental healthcare in rural communities. Ideas include promoting generalist education in mental healthcare, and expanding access to consultative networks. In addition, community programs to reduce the stigma of mental illnesses in rural communities may promote healthcare seeking and receptiveness to treatment.


Phase I study of samalizumab in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and multiple myeloma: blockade of the immune checkpoint CD200.
Samalizumab is a novel recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody that targets CD200, an immunoregulatory cell surface member of the immunoglobulin superfamily that dampens excessive immune responses and maintains self-tolerance. This first-in-human study investigated the therapeutic use of samalizumab as a CD200 immune checkpoint inhibitor in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and multiple myeloma (MM). Twenty-three patients with advanced CLL and 3 patients with MM were enrolled in an open-label phase 1 study (NCT00648739). Patients were assigned sequentially to one of 7 dose level cohorts (50 to 600 mg/m2) in a 3 + 3 study design, receiving a single dose of samalizumab intravenously once every 28 days. Primary endpoints were safety, identification of the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), and pharmacokinetics. Secondary endpoints were samalizumab binding to CD200, pharmacodynamic effects on circulating tumor cells and leukocyte subsets, and clinical responses. Twenty-one patients received > 1 treatment cycle. Adverse events (AEs) were generally mild to moderate in severity. Samalizumab produced dose-dependent decreases in CD200 expression on CLL cells and decreased frequencies of circulating CD200 + CD4+ T cells that were sustained at higher doses. The MTD was not reached. Decreased tumor burden was observed in 14 CLL patients. One CLL patient achieved a durable partial response and 16 patients had stable disease. All MM patients had disease progression. Samalizumab had a good safety profile and treatment was associated with reduced tumor burden in a majority of patients with advanced CLL. These preliminary positive results support further development of samalizumab as an immune checkpoint inhibitor. ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00648739 registered April 1, 2008.


Progression of mycotoxin and nutrient concentrations in wheat after inoculation with Fusarium culmorum.
The objective of this study was to follow the mycotoxin formation and changes in nutrient composition of wheat (cv. Ritmo) artificially inoculated with Fusarium culmorum. From anthesis until harvest, samples were taken once a week from the inoculated and control plots. The investigations were focused on monitoring the progression of the contamination of the wheat kernels with deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZON). Both the uncontaminated control kernels and the contaminated kernels were examined also for the presence of zearalenone-4-beta-D-glucopyranoside and several trichothecenes at harvest. Furthermore, the impact of the Fusarium inoculation on some nutrients as starch, crude protein, amino acid composition, crude ash, non starch polysaccharides (NSP) as well as viscosity and thousand seed weight (TSW) was examined. Also proteolytic and amylolytic activity as well as the NSP-degrading enzyme activities of inoculated and control samples were analysed at the time of harvest. DON was detected in higher concentrations and in earlier stages, while ZON was found later and in smaller amounts. On average 7.79 mg/kg DM of DON and 100 microg/kg DM of ZON were found in the inoculated kernels at the time of harvest. Neither in the contaminated nor in the control samples glucose conjugates of ZON (Zearalenone-4-beta-D-glucopyranoside) were detected. Moreover, the infection with Fusarium culmorum had pronounced effects on some quality parameters. The crude protein content of the inoculated kernels showed significantly higher values over the whole period compared to the control kernels. The protein content of the inoculated kernels amounted 13.9% DM at harvest, while only a concentration of 12.5% DM was detected in the control samples. Similarly, in almost all stages of development the crude ash content of inoculated samples was higher than in control samples. These distinct differences in kernel composition resulted possibly from the changes of the thousand seed weight. In the present work the grain harvested from the control plots showed a significantly higher TSW (24.2 g) as compared to their inoculated counterparts (15.5 g). Despite lower extract viscosity of inoculated samples at time of harvest, the content of soluble NSP of inoculated plots was higher than in control samples at the same time. Moreover, inoculation resulted in markedly increased activities of protease, amylase and several NSP-degrading enzyme activities. This would suggest that the cell wall penetrating properties of the fungus itself and/or that the fungus induced alterations of the metabolic activity of the embryo or other constituents of the wheat kernel could be responsible.


Melatonin ameliorates ovarian dysfunction by regulating autophagy in PCOS via the PI3K-Akt pathway.
Emerging evidence has demonstrated that melatonin (MT) plays a crucial role in regulating mammalian reproductive functions. It has been reported that MT has a protective effect on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, the protective mechanisms of MT remain poorly understood. This study aims to explore the effect of MT on ovarian function in PCOS and to elucidate the relevant molecular mechanisms in vivo and in vitro. We first analysed MT expression levels in the follicular fluid of PCOS patients. A significant reduction in MT expression levels was noted in PCOS patients. Intriguingly, reduced MT levels correlated with serum testosterone and inflammatory cytokine levels in follicular fluid. Moreover, we confirmed the protective function of MT through regulating autophagy in a DHEA-induced PCOS rat model. Autophagy was activated in the ovarian tissue of the PCOS rat model, whereas additional MT inhibited autophagy by increasing PI3K--Akt pathway expression. In addition, serum-free testosterone, inflammatory and apoptosis indexes were reduced after MT supplementation. Furthermore, we also found that MT suppressed autophagy and apoptosis by activating the PI3K-Akt pathway in the DHEA-exposed human granulosa cell line KGN. Our study showed that MT ameliorated ovarian dysfunction by regulating autophagy in DHEA-induced PCOS via the PI3K-Akt pathway, revealing a potential therapeutic drug target for PCOS.


Viruses in asthma.
Current evidence suggests that the overall load of infectious agents, including respiratory viruses, encountered early in life is an important factor influencing maturation of the immune system from a type 2 bias at birth towards predominantly type 1 responses, thus avoiding atopic diseases. The 'hygiene hypothesis' proposes that the relatively sterile environment present in industrialised Western countries has contributed to the recent epidemic of asthma and atopy. Whether specific infections are of greater or lesser protective value is an important question if strategies are to be derived to mimic the beneficial effects of childhood infection whilst avoiding morbidity and potential mortality of the natural pathogens. Infection by respiratory viruses is a major trigger of wheezing in infants and of exacerbations of asthma in older children. Viruses are detected in up to 85% of such episodes. Rhinovirus is common in all age groups; respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is most important in infants and young children. Knowledge of the immunopathogenetic mechanisms of virus infection in the asthmatic airway will lead to the development of new treatments for virus-induced asthma.


Does regular garlic intake affect the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori in asymptomatic subjects?
The in vitro antibacterial activity of garlic against Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) is well documented and the potential for its use in vivo was suggested. Garlic intake, a traditional habit by the Taskopru population in Turkey for decades, was examined for its effect on the prevalence of H. pylori and compared with the non garlic consuming group. Eighty-one garlic consuming asymptomatic subjects in Kastamonu province in Turkey (68 males, 13 females) of 23-82 years of age (average 46) were selected on a very restricted bases in regards to the garlic intake (raw or cooked, or both), amount, duration and other criteria. Control group (non-garlic consuming) of 81 asymptomatic subjects (66 males, 15 females) of 23-90 years of age (average 43) were enrolled for comparison with the garlic consuming group. Serum samples were collected from both groups during the period from September 2001 through to April 2002 and examined by the enzyme linked immunoassay test for anti H.pylori antibodies. An overall H.pylori prevalence of 79% and 81% was detected in the garlic and non garlic consuming groups. A significantly lower average antibody titer was detected in the garlic consuming group than that of the control group and similarly in those who consumed mixture of raw plus cooked garlic as compared to those who consumed raw or cooked garlic alone. Garlic intake for long durations (years) did not appear to have an effect on the prevalence of H.pylori infection. Garlic consuming subjects had a significantly lower average antibody titer than non garlic consuming groups, which might suggest an indirect inhibitory effect on the reproduction of H.pylori and possibly progression to more serious peptic ulcer diseases.


Transcriptome visualization and data availability at the Saccharomyces Genome Database.
The Saccharomyces Genome Database (SGD; www.yeastgenome.org) maintains the official annotation of all genes in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae reference genome and aims to elucidate the function of these genes and their products by integrating manually curated experimental data. Technological advances have allowed researchers to profile RNA expression and identify transcripts at high resolution. These data can be configured in web-based genome browser applications for display to the general public. Accordingly, SGD has incorporated published transcript isoform data in our instance of JBrowse, a genome visualization platform. This resource will help clarify S. cerevisiae biological processes by furthering studies of transcriptional regulation, untranslated regions, genome engineering, and expression quantification in S. cerevisiae.


Cyanogen chloride precursor analysis in chlorinated river water.
Amino acids have been cited as potential precursors of the disinfection byproduct cyanogen chloride in chlorinated drinking water. Screening experiments with 17 amino acids were performed in this study to comprehensively identify important CNCl precursors. Among this set, only glycine was found to yield detectable CNCl (i.e., > 0.6% yields). Additional experiments were conducted to estimate the relative significance of glycine as a CNCI precursor in water samples collected from the Huron River, Michigan, by concurrently characterizing the amino acid content and monitoring CNCI yields after chlorination. Chlorine was added at slightly less than the sample breakpoint dose to optimize CNCl formation and stability in the samples. On the basis of previous determinations that glycine-nitrogen is stoichiometrically converted to CNCI-N at pH > 6, it was estimated that glycine may account for 42-45% of the CNCI formed in the river water samples (pH 8.2). The kinetic profile of CNCl formation in the sample, with a half-life of about 20 min, indicated that both rapid and slower formation pathways were important. Glycine formation of CNCl, with a half-life of 4 min, is likely to contribute significantly to the rapidly formed CNCI, while unidentified precursors must accountfor the slower pathway. Non-glycine-derived CNCl precursors in this water source were further examined to determine if they were largely proteinaceous in character using a technique known as immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography (IMAC). These experiments demonstrated that copper-loaded IMAC resins were much more effective in removing glycine than other CNCI precursor compounds in the sample matrix. The unidentified CNCI precursor components, therefore, are not likely to be proteinaceous and are more likely to be associated with the fulvic/humic fraction of organic matter.


An isoform of kinesin light chain specific for the Golgi complex.
Conventional kinesin is a motor protein implicated in the transport of a variety of cytoplasmic organelles along microtubules. The kinesin molecule consists of two heavy chains with motor domains at their amino termini and two light chains, which, together with the carboxyl termini of the heavy chains, are proposed to mediate binding to cargoes. Since the light chains are represented by multiple isoforms diverging at their carboxyl termini they are presumed to specify kinesin targeting to organelles. Previously, we isolated five cDNAs, encoding hamster kinesin light chain isoforms, and found that one of them (B or C) preferentially associated with mitochondria. To obtain additional evidence proving the specific location of various kinesin light chain isoforms on organelles, we made an antibody against a 56 amino-acid sequence found at the carboxyl-terminal regions of the hamster D and E isoforms. By indirect immunofluorescence, this antibody specifically labeled the Golgi complex in cultured cells. In western blots of total cell homogenates, it recognized two close polypeptides, one of which co-purified with the Golgi membranes. Thus, the results of this and previous studies demonstrate that different kinesin light chains are associated with different organelles in cells.


Targeting white, brown and perivascular adipose tissue in atherosclerosis development.
Obesity is a well-established risk factor for atherosclerosis. However, the mechanistic link between accumulation of adipose tissue and development of atherosclerosis is not clear. Adipose tissue comprises various depots including white adipose tissue (WAT), brown adipose tissue (BAT) and thoracic and abdominal perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT). The phenotype of thoracic PVAT resembles BAT, whereas abdominal PVAT is more like WAT. Here, we review the distinct roles of the adipose tissue depots in the development of atherosclerosis with the ultimate aim to understand how these can be targeted to reduce atherosclerosis. In obesity, increased fatty acid release by WAT and decreased lipid combustion by BAT and thoracic PVAT lead to hyperlipidaemia, which contributes to atherosclerosis development. Besides, obese WAT and abdominal PVAT release pro-inflammatory factors that further promote atherosclerosis. To discourage atherosclerosis development, strategies that reduce the release of pro-inflammatory factors and fatty acids from WAT and abdominal PVAT, or increase combustion of fatty acids by activation of BAT and thoracic PVAT and beiging of WAT are probably most efficient. Possible therapies could include anti-inflammatory compounds such as adiponectin and salicylates to lower inflammation, and β3-adrenergic receptor activators to increase fatty acid combustion. Additional and more specific strategies to promote fatty acid combustion are currently subject of investigation. In conclusion, different adipose depots differentially affect atherosclerosis development, in which atherosclerosis is promoted by energy-storing adipose depots and attenuated by energy-combusting adipose tissue. In obesity, combining therapies that reduce inflammation and increase combustion of lipids are most conceivable to restrain atherogenesis.


Challenging the utility of 24-hour recall of exclusive breast feeding in Japan.
WHO recommends exclusive breast feeding from birth to 6 months. However, to monitor populations, it recommends using the proportion of infants under 6 months who were exclusively breastfed during the previous 24 hours. To assess the usefulness of 24-hour recall, we (1) compared the prevalence of exclusive breast feeding measured by since-birth recall to the prevalence measured by 24-hour recall and (2) quantified each indicator's association with WHO-recommended, well-established methods for in-hospital breastfeeding support. We conducted two online surveys of mothers in Japan (total n=4247) who had a healthy singleton delivery in the previous 25 months. They reported on their breast feeding (a) from birth to 5 months; or (b) during the previous 24 hours, for those with infants under 5 months; or (c) both, for those who participated in the initial survey and also in the follow-up survey. All mothers also reported on their in-hospital support. The strength of each indicator's association with provision of in-hospital support was quantified as the area under the curve (AUC). The prevalences of exclusive breast feeding by since-birth recall were 4.4% (first survey) and 2.5% (second survey). By 24-hour recall, the prevalence appeared to be 29.8%. More in-hospital support was moderately well associated with more exclusive breast feeding measured by since-birth recall: AUC 0.72 (95%CI 0.66 to 0.78). That association is consistent with the known benefits of in-hospital support. In contrast, when exclusive breast feeding was measured by 24-hour recall, its association with in-hospital support appeared to be extremely weak: AUC 0.59 (95% CI 0.54 to 0.65). Using 24-hour recall substantially overestimates the prevalence of exclusive breast feeding since birth, and it conceals the benefits of in-hospital breastfeeding support. To monitor population achievement of exclusive breast feeding for the first 6 months, or to evaluate breastfeeding interventions, 24-hour recall of exclusive breast feeding should not be used alone.


[Medical and/or surgical treatment of appendicular mass and appendicular abscess in children].
There is controversy about the immediate or delayed treatment of the cases of acute appendicitis which are diagnosed in the form of appendicular mass and/or apendicular abscess. At first, do we have to follow a medical or a surgical treatment? In those cases of conservative treatment, do we always have to carry out a delayed appendectomy? We have revised our experience to discuss the different options in order to try to define some implementation criteria. We have revised the cases of appendicitis from January 2003 to December 2005, choosing the cases of appendicular mass on this study. We have assessed the following parameters: age, sex, days of evolution, previous diagnostic, hemogram, PCR, ultrasound, computer tomography (TAC), medical treatment, initial surgical treatment, period of treatment and types of antibiotic, surgical treatment in a second term and pathological anatomy. From the 154 appendicular processes, 10 patients were diagnosed of appendicular mass, which means 6.49%. From the 154 appendicular processes, 10 patients were diagnosed of appendicular plastron, which means 6.49%. The age range is between 2 and 15 (average 6,9). There are no differences regarding sex, 50% each. The initial diagnosis in 60% of the cases was sharp gastroenteritis. The average of days of evolution until the definitive diagnosis was 5 days (between 1 and 10 days). In 90% of the cases the diagnosis was confirmed through ultrasound scan and two cases needed computerized tomography (CT). In two cases we had to carry out an initial surgical operation to drain the abscess. The appendectomy in a second term was carried out in 7 cases. Three cases still await operation. Unless there is intestinal occlusion, in those patients with tender mass or appendicular abscess, we must start a medical treatment based on antibiotics and, later on, carry out the appendectomy through laparoscopy. In the period between the sharp symptoms and the definitive operation, there have not been any further complications or pathology related to the appendicular mass, despite the fact that the operations have taken place 5.5 months later on average. A proper antibiotic treatment always solves the sharp symptoms. On few occasions, besides the initial medical treatment, we have to act surgically to drain an abscess, especially on Douglas.


Vitamin D and the cardiovascular system.
Vitamin D, a secosteroid hormone, affects multiple biological pathways via both genomic and nongenomic signalling. Several pathways have potential benefit to cardiovascular health, including effects on parathyroid hormone, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, vascular endothelial growth factor and cytokine production, as well as direct effects on endothelial cell function and myocyte calcium influx. Observational data supports a link between low vitamin D metabolite levels and cardiovascular health. Cross-sectional data shows associations between low 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and stroke, myocardial infarction, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and heart failure. Longitudinal data also suggests a relationship with incident hypertension and new cardiovascular events. However, these associations are potentially confounded by reverse causality and by the effects that other cardiovascular risk factors have on vitamin D metabolite levels. Intervention studies to date suggest a modest antihypertensive effect of vitamin D, no effect on serum lipids, a small positive effect on insulin resistance and fasting glucose, and equivocal actions on arterial stiffness and endothelial function. Analysis of cardiovascular event data collected from osteoporosis trials does not currently show a clear signal for reduced cardiovascular events with vitamin D supplementation, but results may be confounded by the coadministration of calcium, and by the secondary nature of the analyses. Despite mechanistic and observational data that suggest a protective role for vitamin D in cardiovascular disease, intervention studies to date are less promising. Large trials using cardiovascular events as a primary outcome are needed before vitamin D can be recommended as a therapy for cardiovascular disease.


Participation of the cholinergic system in the ethanol-induced suppression of paradoxical sleep in rats.
Sleep disturbance is among the many consequences of ethanol abuse in both humans and rodents. Ethanol consumption can reduce REM or paradoxical sleep (PS) in humans and rats, respectively. The first aim of this study was to develop an animal model of ethanol-induced PS suppression. This model administered intragastrically (by gavage) to male Wistar rats (3 months old, 200-250 g) 0.5 to 3.5 g/kg ethanol. The 3.5 g/kg dose of ethanol suppressed the PS stage compared with the vehicle group (distilled water) during the first 2-h interval (0-2 h; 1.3 vs 10.2; P < 0.001). The second aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms by which ethanol suppresses PS. We examined the effects of cholinergic drug pretreatment. The cholinergic system was chosen because of the involvement of cholinergic neurotransmitters in regulating the sleep-wake cycle. A second set of animals was pretreated with 2.5, 5.0, and 10 mg/kg pilocarpine (cholinergic agonist) or atropine (cholinergic antagonist). These drugs were administered 1 h prior to ethanol (3.5 g/kg) or vehicle. Treatment with atropine prior to vehicle or ethanol produced a statistically significant decrease in PS, whereas pilocarpine had no effect on minutes of PS. Although the mechanism by which ethanol induces PS suppression is not fully understood, these data suggest that the cholinergic system is not the only system involved in this interaction.


Fusion of Bilateral Lower-Limb Neuromechanical Signals Improves Prediction of Locomotor Activities.
Wearable lower-limb assistive devices have the potential to dramatically improve the walking ability of millions of individuals with gait impairments. However, most control systems for these devices do not enable smooth transitions between locomotor activities because they cannot continuously predict the user's intended movements. Intent recognition is an alternative control strategy that uses patterns of signals detected before movement completion to predict future states. This strategy has already enabled amputees to walk and transition seamlessly and intuitively between activities (e.g., level ground, stairs, ramps) using control signals from mechanical sensors embedded in the prosthesis and muscles of their residual limb. Walking requires interlimb coordination because the leading and trailing legs have distinct biomechanical functions. For unilaterally-impaired individuals, these differences tend to be amplified because they develop asymmetric gait patterns; however, state-of-the-art intent recognition approaches have not been systematically applied to bilateral neuromechanical control signals. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of including contralateral side signals for control in an intent recognition framework. First, we conducted an offline analysis using signals from bilateral lower-limb electromyography (EMG) and joint and limb kinematics recorded from 10 able-bodied subjects as they freely transitioned between level ground, stairs, and ramps without an assistive device. We hypothesized that including information from the contralateral side would reduce classification errors. Compared to ipsilateral sensors only, bilateral sensor fusion significantly reduced error rates; moreover, only one additional sensor from the contralateral side was needed to achieve a significant reduction in error rates. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to systematically investigate using simultaneously recorded bilateral lower-limb neuromechanical signals for intent recognition. These results provide a device-agnostic benchmark for intent recognition with bilateral neuromechanical signals and suggest that bilateral sensor fusion can be a simple but effective modular strategy for enhancing the control of lower-limb assistive devices. Finally, we provide preliminary offline results from one above-knee amputee walking with a powered leg prosthesis as a proof-of-concept for the generalizability and benefit of using bilateral sensor fusion to control an assistive device for an impaired population.


The Impact of Integrated Evaluation of Hemodynamics on Management of Preterm Infants with Late-Onset Compromised Systemic Circulation.
Objectives To study the impact of integrated evaluation of hemodynamics (IEH), using targeted neonatal echocardiography (TNE), cerebral regional tissue oxygenation (crRTO), and fractional oxygen extraction (FOE), using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) on the management of infants with late-onset compromised systemic circulation (LCSC), and evaluation of the hemodynamic characteristics. Study Design Retrospective cohort study comparing infants with LCSC who underwent IEH (April 2014 to May 2016) with an earlier EPOCH who did not undergo IEH (January 2012 to March 2014). The primary outcome was the time to recovery. Results Total 43 infants were included; 18 infants underwent IEH with a median (IQR) 2 (1-3) assessments per infant. The time to recovery was shorter in IEH group with a median (IQR) 28 hours (15-62) compared with non-IEH group 96 hours (30-160). Autoregulation was compromised in 50%, and systemic vascular resistance (SVR) was low in 67%. Conclusion IEH was associated with shorter time to recovery in infants with LCSC.


Guiding antihypertensive treatment decisions using ambulatory blood pressure monitoring.
Compared with isolated clinic measurements, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) provides an insight into blood pressure (BP) changes in everyday life and an estimate of the overall BP load exerted on the cardiovascular system over 24 hours. Cross-sectional evidence suggests a direct and significant relationship between ambulatory BP and organ damage. There is also longitudinal evidence for a superior predictive value of 24-hour BP in relation to the risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality as opposed to clinic BP. The usefulness of ABPM in pharmacologic studies aimed at evaluating the 24-hour antihypertensive efficacy of different drugs and drug combinations is now acknowledged. Among the mathematical indices available to explore 24-hour BP coverage by treatment, the ABPM-derived smoothness index provides a superior measure of the homogeneity of BP control compared with trough:peak ratios. The main applications of clinical practice should be in identifying patients with isolated office hypertension and those who are nonresponders to treatment, in assessing coverage of the 24-hour BP profile in high-risk patients and in diagnosing suspected treatment-related hypotension.


Solvent effects on the decarboxylation of trichloroacetic acid: insights from ab initio molecular dynamics simulations.
The kinetics of trichloroacetic acid (TCA) decarboxylation strongly depends on the solvent in which it occurs, proceeding faster in polar aprotic solvents compared to protic solvents. In particular, the reaction is known to be fast in DMSO even at room temperature and is rather slow in water even at higher temperatures. In order to understand the role of the solvent in the kinetics of TCA decarboxylation, the present study investigates this reaction using both ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations in explicit solvents and static electronic structure calculations with the SMD polarizable continuum model, considering DMSO and water as solvents. Both methodologies yield activation free energies in good agreement with experimental data, however they differ with respect to the reaction profile for the process occurring in water. The simulations suggest that DMSO does not participate chemically in the reaction and that the high reaction rate in DMSO can be explained by differential solvation of the reactant and transition state. In water, a protonation step was observed along the simulation trajectory, indicating chemical participation of the solvent in this case. Moreover, the continuum model has shown to be useful to predict the reaction rates in other solvents, suggesting that reaction rates increase upon decreasing solvent polarity up to the point where the apolar solvents are not able to efficiently screen the strong electrostatic interactions to form the required isolated ionic species.


Quantification of liver and kidney phosphofructokinase by radioimmunoassay in fed, starved and alloxan-diabetic rats.
A newly developed specific radioimmunoassay was used to quantify phosphofructokinase protein directly and independently of assayable activity in liver and kidney cytosol of normal fed, starved and alloxan-diabetic rats. In the fed state, liver phosphofructokinase concentration was 0.096 microM and the kidney enzyme was 0.086 microM (mumol/kg of tissue). In the starved state (24h), liver and kidney phosphofructokinase concentrations decreased by 30%. Prolonged starvation up to 72h did not further decrease enzyme concentration. In liver, total enzyme content during starvation declined by more than 50%, secondary also to a decrease in liver weight. In the alloxan-diabetic rats, there was a 22% decrease in enzyme protein concentration in liver and kidney. Total enzyme content per liver actually decreased much more (46%), because diabetes also resulted in a decrease in liver size. In conjunction with assayable activity measurements, the results of the radioimmunoassay allowed us to calculate the apparent specific activity of the enzyme. The specific activity of the kidney enzyme was 2-3 times that of the liver. Little or no change in specific activity of the liver or kidney enzyme occurred as a result of starvation or chemically induced diabetes. Tissue enzyme concentrations of phosphofructokinase unequivocally reconcile the ultimate results of changing rates of synthesis and degradation and are useful data in the design of spectrophotometric, kinetic, aggregation-disaggregation and other studies.


Crystallization and X-ray diffraction analysis of insect-cell-derived IL-22.
Interleukin-22 is a potent mediator of cellular inflammatory responses. Crystals of interleukin-22 expressed in Drosophila melanogaster S2 cells (IL-22Dm) have been grown from polyethylene glycol solutions. To obtain crystals suitable for X-ray diffraction analysis required the separation of different IL-22Dm glycosylation variants and the inclusion of the detergent cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) in the crystallization experiments. The crystals belong to space group P2(1), with unit-cell parameters a = 64.88, b = 62.23, c = 139.524 A, beta = 91.35 degrees, and diffract X-rays to 2.6 A resolution. The crystallographic asymmetric unit contains six IL-22Dm molecules, corresponding to a solvent content of approximately 49%.


[Diagnosis of neurogenic dystrophies of the myocardium].
Basing on the analysis of case histories and of laboratory and instrumental investigations of over 400 patients it is suggested to divide neurogenic myocardial dystrophies into 2 groups: primary-cortical (neurotic) and primary-hypothalamic with due consideration of clinical manifestations (vegetative-vascular and neuro-endocrine forms), running a crisis" course (sympathico-adrenal, vago-inular and mixed crises). Clinico-laboratory criteria of diagnosis and of differential diagnosis of separate forms of neurogenic myocardial dystrophies will help their timely detection and rational treatment, will serve to restore capacity for work in young and mature persons who represent almost a quarter of all patients with diseases of the cardio-vascular system. Successful treatment of neurogenic myocardial dystrophies is in a way a prophylaxis of ischaemic heart disease and hypertension, which supervene commonly enough in untreated or wrongly treated neurogenic myocardial dystrophies.


The Influence of General Discrimination and Social Context on Young Urban Expecting Couples' Mental Health.
Young expecting parents face a great deal of challenges as they transition into parenthood. This paper sought to identify racial and gender differences in the relationship between general discrimination, neighborhood problems, neighborhood cohesion, and social support on the depressive and stress symptoms among young expecting couples. Results indicated perceived general discrimination and less social support was associated with increased stress and depression. More neighborhood problems were related to increased depression and more neighborhood cohesion was related to less stress. Moderator analyses showed that the influence of general discrimination and stress was stronger for women than men. In addition, neighborhood cohesion was protective on stress for Blacks and Whites but not for Hispanics. These results indicate the need to address the broader social context for young expectant couples.


A systematic review on 'Foveal Crowding' in visually impaired children and perceptual learning as a method to reduce Crowding.
This systematic review gives an overview of foveal crowding (the inability to recognize objects due to surrounding nearby contours in foveal vision) and possible interventions. Foveal crowding can have a major effect on reading rate and deciphering small pieces of information from busy visual scenes. Three specific groups experience more foveal crowding than adults with normal vision (NV): 1) children with NV, 2) visually impaired (VI) children and adults and 3) children with cerebral visual impairment (CVI). The extent and magnitude of foveal crowding as well as interventions aimed at reducing crowding were investigated in this review. The twofold goal of this review is : [A] to compare foveal crowding in children with NV, VI children and adults and CVI children and [B] to compare interventions to reduce crowding. Three electronic databases were used to conduct the literature search: PubMed, PsycINFO (Ovid), and Cochrane. Additional studies were identified by contacting experts. Search terms included visual perception, contour interaction, crowding, crowded, and contour interactions. Children with normal vision show an extent of contour interaction over an area 1.5-3× as large as that seen in adults NV. The magnitude of contour interaction normally ranges between 1-2 lines on an acuity chart and this magnitude is even larger when stimuli are arranged in a circular configuration. Adults with congenital nystagmus (CN) show interaction areas that are 2× larger than those seen adults with NV. The magnitude of the crowding effect is also 2× as large in individuals with CN as in individuals with NV. Finally, children with CVI experience a magnitude of the crowding effect that is 3× the size of that experienced by adults with NV. The methodological heterogeneity, the diversity in paradigms used to measure crowding, made it impossible to conduct a meta-analysis. This is the first systematic review to compare crowding ratios and it shows that charts with 50% interoptotype spacing were most sensitive to capture crowding effects. The groups that showed the largest crowding effects were individuals with CN, VI adults with central scotomas and children with CVI. Perceptual Learning seems to be a promising technique to reduce excessive foveal crowding effects.


Diagnosis of asbestos-related lung diseases.
The diagnosis of lung disease in asbestos-exposed individuals is a process that not only requires a detailed occupational and tobacco smoking history, but the correlation with physical signs, appropriate imaging, detailed lung function assessment and histology/cytology when required. Worldwide, the total quantity of asbestos mined is static, having decreased dramatically in developed countries but increased in countries where there is no restriction on mining: for example, Russia, China, Brazil, and Kazakhstan. The predominant diagnostic challenge in most cases of possible asbestos-related disease is the significant interval between exposure and development of the disease. Also challenging is the estimation of an individual's risk of disease, not least because asbestos-induced malignancy can be rapidly fatal, and, in the case of lung cancer, early detection can lead to treatment with curative intent. Areas covered: Discussion of quantitative asbestos exposure estimation and risk assessment, selection of the most appropriate imaging modality and frequency of imaging. Expert commentary: Consideration of the future for asbestos-related lung disease includes screening those at highest risk particularly in relation to ongoing mining operations and the management of in-situ asbestos. In the future, screening programs designed with estimation of risk of malignancy, based on quantitative estimates of asbestos exposure, and smoking history are indicated.


The Activation of Reward Versus Relief Gambling Outcome Expectancies in Regular Gamblers: Relations to Gambling Motives.
Gambling outcome expectancies refer to the anticipated outcomes that gamblers expect will occur from gambling (i.e., learned memory associations between gambling cues, behavior, and outcomes). Unlike previous approaches to gambling outcome expectancies that have predominantly focused on the valence of outcome expectancies (positive vs. negative), the present study investigated two specific types of positive gambling outcome expectancies: reward and relief gambling outcome expectancies. Specifically, the primary purpose of the current research was to examine whether gambling prime exposure activates different types of positive gambling outcome expectancies in enhancement- versus coping-motivated gamblers. Fifty adult, community-recruited regular gamblers performed a reaction time (RT) task and completed a self-report expectancy scale, both designed to assess reward and relief gambling outcome expectancies. They also completed the Gambling Motives Questionnaire (Stewart and Zack in Addiction 103:1110-1117 2008) to assess their levels of coping and enhancement motives for gambling. As hypothesized, reward gambling outcome expectancies were more strongly activated by gambling prime exposure than relief outcome expectancies on the RT task for gamblers with high enhancement motives. On the self-report expectancy measure, high enhancement-motivated gamblers endorsed stronger reward gambling outcome expectancies than low enhancement-motivated gamblers, and high coping-motivated gamblers endorsed stronger relief gambling outcome expectancies than low coping-motivated gamblers. Results suggest that automatic activation of reward gambling outcome expectancies is particularly strong for high enhancement-motivated gamblers. Possible reasons for the failure to observe an association between coping gambling motives and automatic relief gambling outcome expectancies are discussed.


Obesity: sex and sympathetics.
Obesity increases sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) in men, but not women. Here, we review current evidence suggesting that sexually dimorphic sympathoexcitatory responses to leptin and insulin may contribute. More specifically, while insulin increases SNA similarly in lean males and females, this response is markedly amplified in obese males, but is abolished in obese females. In lean female rats, leptin increases a subset of sympathetic nerves only during the high estrogen proestrus reproductive phase; thus, in obese females, because reproductive cycling can become impaired, the sporadic nature of leptin-induced sympathoexcitaton could minimize its action, despite elevated leptin levels. In contrast, in males, obesity preserves or enhances the central sympathoexcitatory response to leptin, and current evidence favors leptin's contribution to the well-established increases in SNA induced by obesity in men. Leptin and insulin increase SNA via receptor binding in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus and a neuropathway that includes arcuate neuropeptide Y (NPY) and proopiomelanocortin (POMC) projections to the paraventricular nucleus. These metabolic hormones normally suppress sympathoinhibitory NPY neurons and activate sympathoexcitatory POMC neurons. However, obesity appears to alter the ongoing activity and responsiveness of arcuate NPY and POMC neurons in a sexually dimorphic way, such that SNA increases in males but not females. We propose hypotheses to explain these sex differences and suggest areas of future research.


Evaluation of a gene information summarization system by users during the analysis process of microarray datasets.
Summarization of gene information in the literature has the potential to help genomics researchers translate basic research into clinical benefits. Gene expression microarrays have been used to study biomarkers for disease and discover novel types of therapeutics and the task of finding information in journal articles on sets of genes is common for translational researchers working with microarray data. However, manually searching and scanning the literature references returned from PubMed is a time-consuming task for scientists. We built and evaluated an automatic summarizer of information on genes studied in microarray experiments. The Gene Information Clustering and Summarization System (GICSS) is a system that integrates two related steps of the microarray data analysis process: functional gene clustering and gene information gathering. The system evaluation was conducted during the process of genomic researchers analyzing their own experimental microarray datasets. The clusters generated by GICSS were validated by scientists during their microarray analysis process. In addition, presenting sentences in the abstract provided significantly more important information to the users than just showing the title in the default PubMed format. The evaluation results suggest that GICSS can be useful for researchers in genomic area. In addition, the hybrid evaluation method, partway between intrinsic and extrinsic system evaluation, may enable researchers to gauge the true usefulness of the tool for the scientists in their natural analysis workflow and also elicit suggestions for future enhancements. GICSS can be accessed online at: http://ir.ohsu.edu/jianji/index.html.


[Test of the efficacy of low-molecular tetanus antitoxin].
Experiments on rabbits, white rats and mice with experimental tetanus intoxication were made to study and compare the efficacy of the tetanus antitoxin Diaferm-3 and its Fab'-fragments. Fab'-fragments were discovered to be more effective in the early stages of intoxication, when injected in fairly high doses and partially when administered intracarotidally. Intracisternal injection of the antitoxin Diaferm-3 appeared the most effective for the treatment of demonstrable intoxication.


Plasma total homocysteine and carotid intima-media thickness in type 1 diabetes: a prospective study.
Plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) has been positively associated with carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) in non-diabetic populations and in a few cross-sectional studies of diabetic patients. We investigated cross-sectional and prospective associations of a single measure of tHcy with common and internal carotid IMT over a 6-year period in type 1 diabetes. tHcy levels were measured once, in plasma obtained in 1997-1999 from patients (n = 599) in the Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications (EDIC) study, the observational follow-up of the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT). Common and internal carotid IMT were determined twice, in EDIC "Year 6" (1998-2000) and "Year 12" (2004-2006), using B-mode ultra-sonography. After adjustment, plasma tHcy [median (interquartile range): 6.2 (5.1, 7.5) μmol/L] was significantly correlated with age, diastolic blood pressure, renal dysfunction, and smoking (all p < 0.05). In an unadjusted model only, increasing quartiles of tHcy correlated with common and internal carotid IMT, again at both EDIC time-points (p < 0.01). However, multivariate logistic regression revealed no significant associations between increasing quartiles of tHcy and the 6-year change in common and internal carotid IMT (highest vs. lowest quintile) when adjusted for conventional risk factors. In a type 1 diabetes cohort from the EDIC study, plasma tHcy measured in samples drawn in 1997-1999 was associated with measures of common and internal carotid IMT measured both one and seven years later, but not with IMT progression between the two time-points. The data do not support routine measurement of tHcy in people with Type 1 diabetes.


Carotid duplex sonography in the follow-up of intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulae.
Studies to determine the value of noninvasive neurovascular studies for the effectiveness of treatment and long-term follow-up of dural arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) are of clinical importance. We determined whether the serial changes of carotid duplex sonography (CDS) were correlated with the evolution of dural AVF status after treatment or follow-up. Four parameters of CDS were studied in two groups of patients with dural AVF: resistance index, end diastolic velocity, peak systolic velocity, and flow volume of the external carotid artery (ECA). The first group included 13 patients who received endovascular therapy, the efficacy of which was determined by the results of postembolization angiography. In the second group, 16 patients received only clinical and CDS follow-up. Evolution of clinical symptoms was recorded and classified as deteriorating, stationary, or improving. Patients underwent CDS before and after treatment (group 1) or at long-term follow-up (group 2). In the first group, the resistance index of the ECA increased in patients with occluded or nearly occluded dural AVF after embolization (n = 7, P = .01), but it did not change significantly in patients with partial treatment (n = 6, P = .11). Of patients with occluded or nearly occluded dural AVF after embolization, the ECA resistance index increased in patients with noncavernous sinus dural AVF (n = 5, P = .003) but not in patients with cavernous sinus dural AVF (n = 2, P = .48). In the second group, CDS parameters-particularly the resistance index-were well correlated with clinical status during follow-up. The resistance index of the ECA is correlated with the effectiveness of treatment and clinical evolution of dural AVF.