Review of the applications of x-ray refraction and the x-ray waveguide phenomenon to estimation of film structures.
Based on our previous work, I review the applications of x-ray refraction and the x-ray waveguide phenomenon to organic and inorganic thin films in the present paper. Under grazing incidence conditions, observations of refracted x-rays and guided x-rays due to the x-ray waveguide phenomenon provide information about thin film structures, and thus have potential as alternative methods to x-ray reflectivity. To date, we have measured the spectra of the refracted x-rays and guided x-rays from end faces of thin films using white incident x-ray beams, and utilized them for the determination of film density and thickness. Some of this work is summarized in the present paper. At the end of this paper, I describe our recent achievement in this field, namely the in situ measurement of guided x-rays during the film degradation process due to strong synchrotron radiation damage. Moreover, I discuss the perspective of the present technique from the viewpoint of micro-characterization and real-time estimation of thin films.


RELEASE OF INTROGENOUS SUBSTANCES BY BREWER'S YEAST. 3. SHOCK EXCRETION OF AMINO ACIDS.
Lewis, M. J. (University of California, Davis), and H. J. Phaff. Release of nitrogenous substances by brewers' yeast. III. Shock excretion of amino acids. J. Bacteriol. 87:1389-1396. 1964.-When Saccharomyces carlsbergensis (two strains) and S. cerevisiae (one strain) were grown in static culture and the harvested, washed cells were suspended in a solution of glucose, amino acids were suddenly released and then rapidly reabsorbed in a space of about 2 hr. The phenomenon of amino acid release, which was termed shock excretion, varied in intensity with the strain of yeast and was shown to be dependent on the size of the pool of free amino acids within the cells. Shock excretion was independent of osmotic pressure of the suspending medium, but required the presence of a fermentable sugar. d-Galactose and maltose caused shock excretion only when yeast was previously adapted to these sugars. Limiting glucose concentrations prevented reabsorption of amino acids, and a further decrease in glucose concentration also limited excretion. Shock excretion was strikingly reduced when the temperature of the suspending medium was lowered.


Treatment of congenital fibrinogen disorders.
The goal of the coagulation pathway is the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin and formation of an insoluble clot. Although relatively rare, congenital fibrinogen disorders are interesting and pose several challenges that can serve as paradigms for many diseases. An impressive body of knowledge has accumulated recently, particularly thanks to international collaborative clinical and genetic studies allowing the molecular characterization of these disorders. However, apart from the possibility of developing safer fibrinogen concentrates and the availability of prenatal diagnosis, the basic therapeutic approach has changed little. We need to better understand the clinical phenotype of patients in order to administer fibrinogen preparations or other treatments more appropriately. We discuss current therapeutic options and others that could be available in the near future. Patients with congenital fibrinogen deficiencies require better predictive tests for clinical complications and more efficient and available fibrinogen concentrates. Global hemostasis tests in combination with routine assays could help to individually tailor therapeutic protocols.


Ocean-Bottom Topography: The Divide between the Sohm and Hatteras Abyssal Plains.
A compilation of precision echo soundings has delineated the complex topography between the Sohm and Hatteras abyssal plains off the Atlantic coast of the United States. At present the divide between the two plains is a broad, flat area about 4950 meters deep; however, the configuration of channels and depressions suggests spillage of turbidity currents from the Sohm Plain into the Hatteras Plain and a shifting of the divide toward the northeast. Hudson Canyon terminates in the divide area and has probably fed sediment into both plains.


Use of the internet and an online personal health record system by US veterans: comparison of Veterans Affairs mental health service users and other veterans nationally.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) operates one of the largest nationwide healthcare systems and is increasing use of internet technology, including development of an online personal health record system called My HealtheVet. This study examined internet use among veterans in general and particularly use of online health information among VA patients and specifically mental health service users. A nationally representative sample of 7215 veterans from the 2010 National Survey of Veterans was used. Logistic regression was employed to examine background characteristics associated with internet use and My HealtheVet. 71% of veterans reported using the internet and about a fifth reported using My HealtheVet. Veterans who were younger, more educated, white, married, and had higher incomes were more likely to use the internet. There was no association between background characteristics and use of My HealtheVet. Mental health service users were no less likely to use the internet or My HealtheVet than other veterans. Most veterans are willing to access VA information online, although many VA service users do not use My HealtheVet, suggesting more education and research is needed to reduce barriers to its use. Although adoption of My HealtheVet has been slow, the majority of veterans, including mental health service users, use the internet and indicate a willingness to receive and interact with health information online.


Cure of an established nonimmunogenic tumor, SCC VII, with a novel interleukin 12-based immunotherapy regimen in C3H mice.
To develop a murine model of effective treatment with immunotherapy for established head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Prospective animal study. Subjects Female C3H mice, 8 to 12 weeks old. A subcutaneous inoculation of 2 x 10(5) SCC VII cells in C3H mice was established for 7 to 12 days. Tests for concomitant immunity were performed, with and without interleukin 12 modification. Tumors were also tested for responsiveness to interleukin 12 (5 mice) and to cyclophosphamide followed by interleukin 12 (5 mice). SCC VII tumors in 24 mice were treated with interleukin 12 followed by cyclophosphamide and interleukin 12. Five mice with tumors treated with isotonic sodium chloride solution served as controls. Tumors were measured 3 to 4 times weekly, and cure was defined as complete regression of the tumor for at least 60 days. Cured mice were rechallenged with 2 x 10(5) SCC VII cells to verify antitumor immunity. Immunohistochemistry of regressing tumors was performed for CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Tumor-bearing mice easily developed second tumors when challenged with 2 x 10(5) tumor cells in the opposite flank. However, interleukin 12 treatment provided immunity to second tumors in 8 (100%) of 8 mice when started at day 4 and in 2 (40%) of 5 when treated from day 7. SCC VII did not respond to standard interleukin 12 or cyclophosphamide plus interleukin 12 therapy. Seventy-five percent of animals (18/24) treated with interleukin 12 followed by cyclophosphamide plus interleukin 12 were successfully cured, and all cured mice resisted subsequent challenge with SCC VII. Immunohistochemistry of regressed tumors showed an intense CD4+ and CD8+ infiltrate that was absent in the untreated and nonresponding tumors. Nonimmunogenic SCC VII is a nonimmunogenic tumor that can be converted into an immunogenic tumor with interleukin 12 treatment. Additional treatment with cyclophosphamide plus interleukin 12 leads to complete regression in 75% of mice.


Healthful eating: perceptions, motivations, barriers, and promoters in low-income Minnesota communities.
Self-administered surveys of low-income subjects (n=796)recruited at food programs, grocery stores, and other public places in four Minnesota study communities were designed to examine definitions of healthful food and to identify motivations, barriers, and promoters of healthful eating. Fruits and vegetables were most often given as definitions of healthful eating, regardless of income, race, or sex. Subjects said they eat healthfully primarily for health, weight, and family concerns. Almost half of subjects indicated that time was a barrier to healthful eating, and more than one-third cited money concerns. Half of the top promoters of healthful eating included federal or local food assistance programs. Family was the most common promoter. Identification of perceptions, barriers, and promoters of healthful eating for low-income and minority populations may be useful for tailored intervention planning. Specifically, family-based interventions and food assistance programs may be more successful in promoting healthful eating for selected segments of the population.


[Diagnostic value of a new serum marker of human digestive cancer: the carbohydrate antigen 19.9; comparison with the carcinoembryonic antigen].
In order to evaluate its diagnostic value for digestive cancers, the carbohydrate antigen 19.9 (CA 19.9) was quantitated by radioimmunoassay in the serum of 102 patients suffering from malignant or non-malignant diseases of the digestive or pulmonary tract and of 20 healthy subjects. The carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was quantitated by enzyme-immunoassay in the same sera. No correlation was found between the CA 19.9 and the CEA levels. The sensitivity of the CA 19.9 test for the detection of digestive cancers (0.51) was not significantly higher than neither that of the CEA assay (0.46), nor that of the combined tests (0.59). Numerous false positive results were encountered in the CA 19.9 assay in pulmonary diseases and in non-cancerous liver diseases, especially cirrhosis. Its specificity (0.84) did not prove to be superior to that of CEA (0.90). Thus, in our experience, the clinical interest of serum CA 19.9 determination for the diagnosis of digestive cancers seems doubtful.


Prognostic significance of ischaemic electrocardiographic changes during stress testing in patients with normal nuclear myocardial perfusion imaging.
To evaluate cardiovascular outcomes in patients with normal nuclear myocardial perfusion imaging, but ischaemic electrocardiogram changes during pharmacological or exercise stress tests. The retrospective study was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, and comprised data of patients who underwent either pharmacological or exercise stress myocardial perfusion scan and had a normal scan with ischaemic electrocardiogram changes between January 2013 and December 2014. All cardiac events, including angina, myocardial infarction, heart failure, coronary revascularisation and cardiac death, as well as non-cardiac deaths were noted. Data was analysed using STATA 14.2. Of the 2770 patients whose data was initially checked, 296(10.6%) developed ischaemic electrocardiogram changes during the stress test but had normal myocardial perfusion scan. Of them, 181(61%) patients were male, and the overall mean age was 62±15 years. Follow-up data was available for 280(94.5%) of these patients, with a mean follow-up of 48±7 months. Of these patients, 8(2.8%) died, and 1(0.3%) of them died due to inferior wall myocardial infarction. Myocardial infarction was found in 2(0.7%) patients, and 1(0.3%) patient was hospitalised with heart failure. Also, 12(4.3%) patients underwent revascularization for stable angina, 9(3.2%) underwent percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, and 3(1.07%) needed coronary artery bypass grafting. Ischaemic electrocardiographic changes during stress testing in patients with normal myocardial perfusion scan were not associated with adverse outcomes, and the risk of cardiovascular events was relatively low for an intermediate follow-up period.


Characteristics and outcome in nonagenarians admitted in general internal medicine and other specialties.
To describe the characteristics of nonagenarians admitted to the surgical and medical divisions at a tertiary hospital and compare them with nonagenarians admitted to other hospital care services. A retrospective study of all hospital discharge episodes via the registry of the Basic Minimum Data Set at the Hospital General Universitario de Alicante from January 2007 until December 2011. Of the 165,870 hospitalizations, 2461 (1.5%) were nonagenarians. The highest number of admitted nonagenarians was in the Division of General Internal Medicine (DGIM) (n=751), followed by the short stay unit (SSU) (n=633). The rate of nonagenarians per 100 admissions to the DGIM was 10.2, significantly higher than that of those admitted to the SSU (6.2) (p<0.001), the service of orthopedic and trauma surgery (2.2) (p<0.001), and other specialties. Females comprised 64.8% of the nonagenarians. Mortality was 17% for the nonagenarians admitted, while for those admitted to the DGIM it was 27.7%. Those hospitalized in the SSU had a lower risk of death during hospitalization (8.1%) (odds ratio [OR] 0.23, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.16-0.32) and a greater risk of being admitted for diseases and disorders of the circulatory system (OR: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.22-2.05), particularly for heart failure and shock (OR: 1.82, 95% CI: 1.30-2.53), and being discharged with home hospitalization (OR: 8.05, 95% CI: 5.5-11.8). Nonagenarian patients represent a tenth of those admitted to the DGIM. The profile of nonagenarians admitted to the DGIM is different from other hospital services. Hospital mortality for nonagenarians admitted to the DGIM is high and superior to other hospital services.


Prinzmetal angina or coronary spasm related to anaphylactoid reaction?
Prinzmetal's angina is a challenging diagnostic of spontaneous brief episodes of chest pain. Anaphylactoid reactions to radiocontrast media are immediate hypersensitivity responses that can mediate coronary artery spasm. Herein, we report the case of a 61-year-old man who underwent a coronary angiography for angina. The right coronary artery (RCA) was first visualized as normal, but during the left coronary system injections, he developed ST segment elevation and cardiogenic shock. No iatrogenic dissection of the left coronary system, which was initially normal, was displayed, but surprisingly, a retrograde supply to the RCA was visualized. Thus, we re-catheterized the RCA, which indicated a total occlusion of its second segment. Nitrate injections completely relieved the spasm and the clinical condition of the patient normalized. The possible related mechanisms are also discussed.


[Acute adrenal insufficiency caused by bilateral adrenal hemorrhage as first manifestation of antiphospholipid syndrome. Report of a case and review].
Although adrenal hemorrhage is an unusual feature of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), it can be its first clinical manifestation. The pathogenetic substratum is the thrombosis of the adrenal veins leading to hemorrhagic infarction. Recurrences are frequent in patients with APS-related thrombosis, thus long-term anticoagulation is advocated by most authors.


Mutational Status of CDKN2A and TP53 Genes in Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.
Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is the second most common tumour of the head and neck. It is characterized by frequent aberrations in two cell-cycle regulators--CDKN2A and TP53. However, LSCC has been often studied as a part of the group of head and neck cancers and not as an individual entity. In the current study we aimed to examine mutation status of CDKN2A and TP53 genes in 108 LSCC patients. DNA was extracted from fresh-frozen tumour tissues; exons 1-3 of CDKN2A and exons 5-8 of TP53 were screened for mutations by direct sequencing. Genetic aberrations in CDKN2A were found in 16 (14.2%) and those in TP53--in 56/108 (51.9%) tumours. Seven mutations (two insertions, three deletions, one missense and one silent) detected in CDKN2A were not described previously. Also, we found seven novel deletions and a novel indel in TP53. No significant associations with clinical features were found. However, TP53 mutations were predominantly observed in smokers with advanced stage tumours. Screening for genetic aberrations in a defined group of LSCC contributes to the knowledge about laryngeal carcinogenesis. Further investigations are required to confirm the observed trends in associations with clinical features.


Epidemiological features of chronic low-back pain.
Although the literature is filled with information about the prevalence and incidence of back pain in general, there is less information about chronic back pain, partly because of a lack of agreement about definition. Chronic back pain is sometimes defined as back pain that lasts for longer than 7-12 weeks. Others define it as pain that lasts beyond the expected period of healing, and acknowledge that chronic pain may not have well-defined underlying pathological causes. Others classify frequently recurring back pain as chronic pain since it intermittently affects an individual over a long period. Most national insurance and industrial sources of data include only those individuals in whom symptoms result in loss of days at work or other disability. Thus, even less is known about the epidemiology of chronic low-back pain with no associated work disability or compensation. Chronic low-back pain has also become a diagnosis of convenience for many people who are actually disabled for socioeconomic, work-related, or psychological reasons. In fact, some people argue that chronic disability in back pain is primarily related to a psychosocial dysfunction. Because the validity and reliability of some of the existing data are uncertain, caution is needed in an assessment of the information on this type of pain.


Systematic Genome-Wide Study and Expression Analysis of SWEET Gene Family: Sugar Transporter Family Contributes to Biotic and Abiotic Stimuli in Watermelon.
The SWEET (Sugars Will Eventually be Exported Transporter) proteins are a novel family of sugar transporters that play key roles in sugar efflux, signal transduction, plant growth and development, plant-pathogen interactions, and stress tolerance. In this study, 22 ClaSWEET genes were identified in Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) through homology searches and classified into four groups by phylogenetic analysis. The genes with similar structures, conserved domains, and motifs were clustered into the same groups. Further analysis of the gene promoter regions uncovered various growth, development, and biotic and abiotic stress responsive cis-regulatory elements. Tissue-specific analysis showed most of the genes were highly expressed in male flowers and the roots of cultivated varieties and wild cultivars. In addition, qRT-PCR results further imply that ClaSWEET proteins might be involved in resistance to Fusarium oxysporum infection. Moreover, a significantly higher expression level of these genes under various abiotic stresses suggests its multifaceted role in mediating plant responses to drought, salt, and low-temperature stress. The genome-wide characterization and phylogenetic analysis of ClaSWEET genes, together with the expression patterns in different tissues and stimuli, lays a solid foundation for future research into their molecular function in watermelon developmental processes and responses to biotic and abiotic stresses.


Effects of caffeine and aspirin on light resistance training performance, perceived exertion, and pain perception.
This study compared independent effects of caffeine and aspirin on muscular endurance (repetitions), heart rate (HR), perceived exertion (RPE), and perceived pain index (PPI) during light resistance training bouts performed to volitional failure. It was hypothesized that the hypoalgesic properties of these ergogenic aids would decrease pain perception and potentially result in enhanced performance. College-aged men (n = 15) participated in a within-subjects, double-blind study with three independent, counterbalanced sessions wherein aspirin (10 mg x kg(-1)), caffeine (6 mg x kg(-1)), or matched placebo were ingested 1 hour before exercise, and RPE, HR, PPI, and repetitions (per set and total per exercise) were recorded at 100% of individual, predetermined, 12-repetition maximum for leg extensions (LE) and seated arm curls (AC). Repeated-measures analyses of variance were used for between-trial comparisons. Caffeine resulted in significantly greater (p < 0.05) HR (LE and AC), total repetitions (LE), and repetitions in set 1 (LE and AC) compared with aspirin and placebo. Aspirin resulted in significantly higher PPI in set 1 (LE). In LE, 47% of participants' performance exceeded the predetermined effect size (>or= 5 repetitions) for total repetitions, with 53% exceeding the effect size (>or= 2 repetitions) for repetitions in set 1 with caffeine (vs. placebo). In AC, 53% (total repetitions) and 47% (set 1 repetitions) of participants exceeded effect sizes with caffeine (vs. placebo), with only 13% experiencing decrements in performance (total repetitions). Aspirin also produced a higher PPI and RPE overall and in set 1 (vs. placebo). This study demonstrates that caffeine significantly enhanced resistance training performance in LE and AC, whereas aspirin did not. Athletes may improve their resistance training performance by acute ingestion of caffeine. As with most ergogenic aids, our analyses indicate that individual responses vary greatly.


A compensatory base change in human U2 snRNA can suppress a branch site mutation.
We have developed an assay to test whether U2 snRNA can base-pair with the branch site during mammalian mRNA splicing. The beta 110 point mutation (GG----AG) within the first intron of human beta-globin generates a new 3' splice site that is preferentially used. We show here that use of the normal 3' splice site can be restored either by improving the match of a cryptic branch site to the branch site consensus or by introducing mutant U2 snRNAs with greater complementarity to the cryptic branch site. These data indicate that human U2 snRNA can form base pairs with the mRNA precursor; however, base pairing appears to be optional because some mammalian branch sites do not match the consensus.


Expression, purification and characterization of a mouse-human chimeric antibody and chimeric Fab' fragment.
B72.3 is a mouse monoclonal antibody against a tumour-associated antigen, TAG72, which recognizes breast, ovarian and colorectal tumour tissue. A mouse-human chimeric version of B72.3 has been expressed in Chinese-hamster ovary cells. This molecule has the binding specificity of B72.3 and constant regions from human IgG4. The chimeric B72.3 assembles to intact IgG and recognizes TAG72 as well as B72.3 in competitive binding assays. A proportion of the chimeric B72.3 (approx. 10%) does not form inter-heavy-chain disulphide bonds but still assembles into the IgG tetramer. This appears to be a general property of human IgG4 molecules. Co-expression of the chimeric light chain with a chimeric Fd' gene resulted in the expression of functional Fab'. Very little F(ab')2 is produced, although the Fab' can be oxidized to the dimeric F(ab')2 in vitro. The production of Fab' and F(ab')2 by this method is an attractive alternative to proteolytic digestion of IgG. The ability to produce these molecules in large quantities will allow the production and testing of a range of anti-tumour antibody and antibody fragment conjugates.


Reduced cortisol latency in depressive illness.
Depressed patients commonly have disturbances in their sleep and cortisol secretory patterns. When the sleep-related changes in plasma cortisol concentration were measured in 14 patients with a primary major depressive illness, they differed significantly from the changes measured in 14 age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects. The nadir of the nocturnal plasma cortisol concentration was significantly greater in the group of depressed patients, and the nocturnal increase in the plasma cortisol concentration occurred significantly closer to sleep onset in these patients. The circadian activity within the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis of these depressed patients showed a subtle but significantly disturbed temporal relationship to sleep onset. This reduced time between sleep onset and the nocturnal increase in cortisol secretion suggests a possible biologic correlate of a depressive illness that might be useful as an illness marker in depressed patients.


Near-infrared spectroscopy monitoring of the spinal cord during type B aortic dissection surgery.
Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a noninvasive continuous monitoring method for measuring the oxyhemoglobin saturation of the brain tissue. NIRS monitoring can suggest neuronal hypoxia in the frontal-brain before irreversible impairment of cellular metabolism. We report two cases of Type B aortic dissection surgery in which spinal regional perfusion monitoring was performed by placing two NIRS sensors on the back-skin through T6-T8 and T9-T11 vertebraes.


Novel supramolecular elastomer films based on linear carboxyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane oligomers: preparation, characterization, biocompatibility, and application in wound dressings.
A novel supramolecular elastomer (SESi) based on multiple hydrogen bond associations between low-molecular-weight polydimethylsiloxane chains was obtained through a two-step reaction of linear carboxyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane oligomers with diethylenetriamine and urea, and the reaction mechanism was characterized. The results of differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction analyses indicated that the supramolecular network structure is completely amorphous, endowing SESi with rubber-like elastic behavior at room temperature. The transparent SESi film prepared by hot pressing displayed nice viscoelasticity, benign water absorption, water vapor transition rates, and ideal biocompatibility; and did not show cytotoxicity or skin irritation. These properties allow the elastomer to function as an occlusive wound dressing. To demonstrate its potential in wound dressings, a detailed comparison of commercial 3M Tegaderm(™) film and the SESi film was conducted. The SESi film exhibited similar effects in wound healing, and the wound bed was covered by the SESi film without the occurrence of significant adverse reactions.


Selective effects of subarachnoid hemorrhage on cerebral vascular responses to 4-aminopyridine in rats.
We postulated that some abnormalities in cerebrovascular function after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) may involve underlying alterations in K(+) channel function. Thus, using pharmacological inhibitors, we assessed the influence of SAH on function of 2 types of K(+) channel in regulation of basilar artery diameter in vivo and membrane potential (E(m)) in vitro. Rats were injected with saline (control) or autologous blood (SAH) into the cisterna magna. Two days later, effects of vasoactive drugs on the basilar artery were examined with a cranial window preparation. Vascular responses to 4-aminopyridine (4-AP), 3-aminopyridine (3-AP), tetraethylammonium (TEA), serotonin, acetylcholine, and adenosine were compared in control and SAH rats. Additional studies using intracellular microelectrodes evaluated the effects of 4-AP and serotonin on E(m) of basilar arteries isolated from control and SAH rats. Baseline artery diameter was 236+/-5 micrometer in control rats and 220+/-7 micrometer in SAH rats (P:<0. 05). 4-AP, but not 3-AP, constricted the basilar artery in control rats, and responses to 4-AP were reduced in SAH rats. Constrictor responses to TEA or serotonin were unaffected by SAH. Vasodilator responses to acetylcholine were impaired in SAH rats, whereas responses to adenosine were not different. Resting E(m) was -81+/-3 mV in control arteries and -79+/-3 mV in SAH arteries. Both 4-AP and serotonin depolarized the basilar artery, but only 4-AP-induced depolarization was impaired in SAH arteries. These data suggest that 4-AP induces cerebral vasoconstriction in vivo through smooth muscle depolarization due to inhibition of voltage-dependent K(+) channels. Furthermore, function of these K(+) channels may be selectively reduced in the basilar artery after SAH and thus could contribute to cerebral vascular dysfunction.


Smoking by adolescents: three years later, there's even larger revenue but little for prevention.
This research aimed to determine whether, between 1990 and 1993, there were any changes in the government revenue gained from sale of cigarettes to minors and the proportion of this revenue spent on attempting to prevent the uptake of this habit by adolescents. The methodology is consistent with the 1990 study, although some revisions have been necessary. From our analysis, it is estimated that state revenue from under-age smoking increased 97% from $9.37 million in 1990 to $18.45 million in 1993. State expenditure on anti-smoking campaigns (for the entire population) increased 24% from $9.47 million in 1990 to an estimated $11.75 million in 1993. When this expenditure is converted to a relative amount, relative state expenditure per under-age smoker fell an estimated 10%, from $4.40 in 1990 to $3.98 in 1993. This is equivalent to approximately 7.7% and 5.1%, in 1990 and 1993 respectively, of state revenue from cigarette smoking by those under the legal purchase age being spent on discouraging adolescents from taking up this habit. These results suggest a growing inequity in the expenditure on anti-smoking activities compared to revenues received from sales to minors.


Effect of multileaf collimator-defined segment size on S(c).
Tertiary multileaf collimators (MLCs) in certain linear accelerators have been found to influence the factor S(c). This effect on S(c) is often ignored at the time of commissioning and beam data collection since the scatter/output factors are usually measured with the MLCs retracted. This may be a negligible effect for majority of conventional radiotherapy portals since the jaws are set to conform with MLCs as closely as possible. In the case of IMRT treatments, however, the jaw is often set at a fixed size, and the MLCs form the segments, or control points, of each beam, thus the difference between MLC and jaw settings may be significant. The authors quantified the magnitude of this scatter difference for various field sizes defined by MLCs and jaws and characterized the variation in this scatter with MLC and jaw settings. They measured S(c) and S(c,p) factors for square fields (apertures) of different sizes for jaw settings from 10 x 10 to 36 x 36 cm2. The data indicate that the larger the difference between MLC-defined aperture and jaw settings, the more significant the difference between the output factors. The authors fitted curves to the MLC output factors for any given jaw size in order to parametrize this aperture effect as a function of jaw and MLC setting. The quantification of the change in the output factor due to MLCs may be important for better modeling of dose in IMRT deliveries and other applications such as in vivo dosimetry.


[Cutaneous forms of Lyme borreliosis in children].
Thirty-seven children with skin manifestations of Lyme borreliosis (31 with erythema chronicum migrans and six with lymphadenosis benigna cutis) were treated and followed up prospectivelly for 1-24 months (mean 7.58 months). The diagnosis was confirmed serologically by the finding of increased levels of antiborrelial antibodies assessed by the ELISA method, using antigen from Borrelia recurrentis, in a total of 87% patients with erythema chronicum migrans and in all patients with lymphadenosis benigna cutis. In nine patients the dermatoses were associated with general non-characteristic symptoms, after antibiotic treatment in five patients temporary fatigue, arthralgia and gastrointestinal complaints were observed. No extradermal organ complications were present. The authors discuss the clinical pictures of erythema chronicum migrans and lymphadenosis benigna cutis in children, mention diagnostic criteria and the recommended pattern of treatment.


Expression and Preparation of a G-Protein-Coupled Cannabinoid Receptor CB2 for NMR Structural Studies.
Cannabinoid receptor type II, or CB2 , is an integral membrane protein that belongs to a large class of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR)s. CB2 is a part of the endocannabinoid system, which plays an important role in the regulation of immune response, inflammation, and pain. Information about the structure and function of CB2 is essential for the development of specific ligands targeting this receptor. We present here a methodology for recombinant expression of CB2 and its stable isotope labeling, purification, and reconstitution into liposomes, in preparation for its characterization by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Correctly folded, functional CB2 labeled with [13 C,15 N]tryptophan or uniformly labeled with 13 C and 15 N is expressed in a medium of defined composition, under controlled aeration, pH, and temperature conditions. The receptor is purified by affinity chromatography and reconstituted into lipid bilayers in the form of proteoliposomes suitable for analysis by NMR spectroscopy. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.


The long-term outcomes of atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome: a national surveillance study.
Atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome (aHUS) accounts for ∼10% of all cases of HUS and is often due to complement dysregulation. The short-term outcomes for this disease are established, but there are limited long-term data. The long-term outcomes of a comprehensive nationwide cohort of children with aHUS are presented here. The Australian Paediatric Surveillance Unit prospectively collected data on all cases of HUS in children seen by paediatricians between 1994 and 2001. Patients with aHUS were followed-up with a written questionnaire to the treating clinician at 1 year and again before transition to adult services or at last known follow-up. There were 146 reported cases of HUS, of which 14 were aHUS. Ten children required dialysis at first presentation, including two who died and three who did not recover renal function. The disease was relapsing in all but one who survived the presenting episode, with most relapses occurring in the first 12 months. At 1 year, one child was lost to follow-up. Nine of the remaining 11 patients were dialysis dependent. Thirteen kidneys were transplanted into eight children. There was disease recurrence in eight kidneys, which resulted in graft loss in seven. There were three further deaths 1.7, 6.7 and 16.1 years after the initial presentation. Five children developed neurological complications and two had cardiac complications, largely at the time of onset of the disease. aHUS is a rare but devastating disease with very high mortality and morbidity that extends beyond the initial presentation period.


Repair technique for fractured implant-supported metal-ceramic restorations: a clinical report.
The fracture of porcelain structures have been related in either natural dentition or implant-supported restorations. Techniques using a composite resin or indirect methods can be used. This article presents a porcelain fracture on implant-supported metal-ceramic restoration. IPS Empress e.max laminate veneer restoration was used to repair the fracture. With this technique, it was possible to restore aesthetics and function, combined with low cost and patient satisfaction.


On conductance-based neural field models.
This technical note introduces a conductance-based neural field model that combines biologically realistic synaptic dynamics-based on transmembrane currents-with neural field equations, describing the propagation of spikes over the cortical surface. This model allows for fairly realistic inter-and intra-laminar intrinsic connections that underlie spatiotemporal neuronal dynamics. We focus on the response functions of expected neuronal states (such as depolarization) that generate observed electrophysiological signals (like LFP recordings and EEG). These response functions characterize the model's transfer functions and implicit spectral responses to (uncorrelated) input. Our main finding is that both the evoked responses (impulse response functions) and induced responses (transfer functions) show qualitative differences depending upon whether one uses a neural mass or field model. Furthermore, there are differences between the equivalent convolution and conductance models. Overall, all models reproduce a characteristic increase in frequency, when inhibition was increased by increasing the rate constants of inhibitory populations. However, convolution and conductance-based models showed qualitatively different changes in power, with convolution models showing decreases with increasing inhibition, while conductance models show the opposite effect. These differences suggest that conductance based field models may be important in empirical studies of cortical gain control or pharmacological manipulations.


Patterns of isotype commitment in human B cells: limiting dilution analysis of Epstein Barr virus-infected cells.
The frequency of Epstein Barr virus- (EBV) inducible IgM, IgG, and IgA-secreting cells in human peripheral blood and tonsil was determined by performing limiting dilution experiments in suspension culture. We devised a method of propagating small numbers of EBV-infected B cells with irradiated umbilical cord blood cells as a feeder layer. Precursor cell frequencies can be derived from these experiments; we have shown by statistical analysis that they conform to the single hit model of the Poisson distribution. By using this technique, a significant percentage of surface immunoglobulin-bearing lymphocytes are activated to secrete immunoglobulin in vitro. On the average, 8 to 38% of B cells in peripheral blood and tonsil can be propagated and the secreted immunoglobulin from the clonal progeny can be analyzed. Neither the EBV immune status of the donor nor the source of the umbilical cord blood feeder layer could account for the variations in cloning efficiency observed among donors. A surprisingly high frequency of B cells secreted IgA in vitro and we have shown that a small proportion of B cell clones in tonsil and peripheral blood secrete both IgM and IgA during the 4-wk culture period. Other B cells, including all those that produce IgG, appear to be committed to the secretion of a single isotype. Thus, these studies establish methodology for the analysis of the secreted products of human B cells at the single cell level and demonstrate that the progeny of at least some clones can secrete more than one isotype in vitro.


Photolysis of pure solid O3 and O2 films at 193 nm.
We studied quantitatively the photochemistry of solid O(3) and O(2) films at 193 nm and 22 K with infrared spectroscopy and microgravimetry. Photolysis of pure ozone destroyed O(3), but a small amount of ozone remained in the film at high fluence. Photolysis of pure O(2) produced O(3) in an amount that increased with photon fluence to a stationary level. For both O(2) and O(3) films, the O(3):O(2) ratio at large fluences is ∼0.07, about two orders of magnitude larger than those obtained in gas phase photolysis. This enhancement is attributed to the increased photodissociation of O(2) due to photoabsorption by O(2) dimers, a process significant at solid-state densities. We obtain initial quantum yield for ozone synthesis from solid oxygen, Φ(O(3)) = 0.24 ± 0.06, and quantum yields for destruction of O(3) and O(2) in their parent solids, Φ(-O(3)) = 1.0 ± 0.2 and Φ(-O(2)) = 0.36 ± 0.1. Combined with known photoabsorption cross sections, we estimate probabilities for geminate recombination of 0.5 ± 0.1 for O(3) fragments and 0.88 ± 0.03 for oxygen atoms from O(2) dissociation. Using a single parameter kinetic model, we deduce the ratio of reaction cross sections for an O atom with O(2) vs. O(3) to be 0.1-0.2. The general good agreement of the model with the data suggests the validity of the central assumption of efficient energy and spin relaxation of photofragments in the solid prior to their reactions with other species.


Genetic variation in the spread of Drosophila subobscura from a nonequilibrium population.
Drosophila subobscura was first identified in North America in the early 1980s, and a newer D. subobscura population in Utah appears to have been established more than 10 years later. In this study, we use nuclear microsatellite allele frequencies, mitochondrial restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) allele frequencies, and computer simulations to investigate possible scenarios of how this species has spread across North America. Our method develops a 95% confidence interval for the maximum and minimum number of founders that could have colonized the new population given various scenarios for spread. Unlike many other methods, it may be applied to nonequilibrium source populations given certain conditions. We find that observed allele frequency differences between newer and older D. subobscura populations are consistent with very few inseminated females being transported east from the coast in a single step or with larger numbers of colonizers invading after several intermediate steps. They are not consistent with a large, panmictic population of D. subobscura colonizing Utah in a single step.


Interactions between rickettsiae and Dermacentor variabilis ticks: analysis of gene expression.
Tick-borne spotted fever group rickettsiae are maintained in nature primarily through transstadial and transovarial transmission in their vector. In the tick, Dermacentor variabilis, the infection of, and persistence within, the ovaries are critical steps in the transmission cycle of rickettsiae from one generation to the next. Although ixodid ticks can experimentally maintain several species of rickettsiae, often only a single species is maintained transovarially. The molecular mechanisms underlying exclusion processes are unknown. In this study, an attempt to identify the molecules that may be involved in rickettsial adhesion to tick cells was carried out. Monoclonal antibodies to mammalian alpha and beta subunits of integrins were used to screen a lambda phage library, constructed from uninfected tick ovarian tissues. Positive plaques for both alpha and beta integrins were identified. For one integrin, beta(3), the plaque was isolated and the insert sequenced. The role of these molecules, identified by library screening, in rickettsial infection and survival are discussed.


Polylactic acid implants (New-Fill) to correct facial lipoatrophy in HIV-infected patients: results of the open-label study VEGA.
In the absence of currently available therapy to manage facial lipoatrophy, strategies used to compensate for facial fat loss warrant clinical evaluation. The goal of this open-label, single-arm, pilot study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of facial injections of poly-L-lactic acid (PLA) (New-Fill) in HIV-infected patients with severe facial lipoatrophy. Patients received four sets of injection at day 0 and then every 2 weeks for 6 weeks. Patients were evaluated by clinical examination, facial ultrasonography, and photography at screening and at weeks 6, 24, 48, 72, and 96. Fifty patients were enrolled. At entry, the median facial fat thickness was equal to zero (range, 0.0-2.1 mm). The median total cutaneous thickness (TCT) increased significantly from baseline : +5.1 mm (range, 2.2-8.6 mm) at week 6, +6.4 mm (range, 3.1-9.1 mm) at week 24, +7.2 mm (range, 4.2-9.6 mm) at week 48, +7.2 mm (range, 3.5-9.6 mm) at week 72 and +6.8 mm (range, 3.9-10.1 mm) at week 96 (P < 0.001). The proportion of patients with TCT > 10 mm was observed in 19% at week 6, 41% at week 24, 61% at week 48, 52% at week 72 and 43% at week 96. In 22 (44%) patients, palpable but non-visible subcutaneous micronodules were observed with a spontaneous resolution in six patients at week 96. The benefit of PLA for the correction of the facial lipoatrophy in HIV-infected patients was clearly demonstrated, with an evident aesthetic and quality of life improvement. The efficacy, safety profile, and the simplicity of the injection schedule of PLA make this filling material a potentially attractive treatment.


Pregnancy-associated injury hospitalizations in Pennsylvania, 1995.
To estimate the frequency of pregnancy-associated injury hospitalization and compare rates between pregnant women and all women of reproductive age by age, race, injury mechanism, intent, and other variables. Using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision-Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) selection criteria applied to Pennsylvania's 1995 acute hospital discharge data, all resident women ages 15 to 44 with coexistent pregnancy and injury-related diagnoses were identified for descriptive and comparative rate calculations. Seven hundred sixty-one (4. 6%) of the discharges to injured women of reproductive age were associated with pregnancy. The leading injury causes among pregnant women were transportation-related (234 [33.6%]), falls (192 [26.4%]), poisonings (116 [16.0%]), and "struck by" (83 [11.4%]). Among all women 15 to 44 years, poisoning was the leading cause (32.6%) of injury, followed by transportation-related injuries (25.7%). The hospitalized injury incidence was 868 per 100,000 person-years for pregnant women versus 641 for all women ages 15 to 44 (rate ratio 1. 35, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.25 to 1.45). Pregnant women were younger (median age 24.9 years versus 30.0 years), their mean length of stay was shorter (2.5 days versus 3.7 days), the mean injury severity score was less (3.2 versus 4.8), and the median charge per stay was lower ($4,164 versus $6,051). Rate ratios (pregnant versus all women in same age group) were significantly higher for younger women 15 to 19 years (rate ratio 2.69, 95% CI 2.49 to 3.14). Rate ratios were significantly higher for assaults (rate ratio 3.04, 95% CI 2.45 to 3.78), falls (rate ratio 2.33, 95% CI 2.01 to 2.70), motor vehicle occupant (rate ratio 2.0, 95% CI 1.73 to 2.31), and struck by (rate ratio 3.73, 95% CI 2.97 to 4.69). Rate ratios were lower for poisonings (rate ratio 0.71, 95% CI 0.59 to 0.86) and self-inflicted injuries (rate ratio 0.62, 95% CI 0.50 to 0.77). Pregnant women were more likely than all women 15 to 44 years to be hospitalized for injury and more likely to be hospitalized for assaults, falls, transportation-related, and less severe injuries, but less likely for poisonings and self-inflicted injuries. Much of the increased risk appears to be concentrated in young women. Further work is needed to establish to what extent the observed increases are the result of increased injury rates or increased hospitalization rates.


The use of medial axis transformation to examine evolutionary changes in mandibular shape.
Traditional osteometric studies serve to combine both size and shape together, so whether contrasts in mandibular form during recent times reflect predominantly size, or shape, changes remains controversial. In order to examine specific changes in morphological shape, mandibular outline form was subjected to medial axis transformation. This technique was performed on museum mandibles derived from Romano-British, Anglo-saxon and modern (19th century) samples. The lengths of the derived component medial axes, and angles subtended by pairs of medial axes, were subsequently subjected to univariate and multivariate statistical analysis. The data indicated that there were contrasts in mandibular shape between the 3 samples, predominantly reflecting a more vertical ramus, closer approximation between both coronoid and condylar processes with a more prominent mental region in the modern compared with the two older samples. Although the causes of such mandibular changes remain obscure, this study provided objective data on mandibular shape differences in recent times.


Endoscopic injection therapy for nonvariceal bleeding lesions of the upper gastrointestinal tract.
A number of techniques have been developed to control active upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding. These include thermal devices such as the laser, heater probe, and bipolar circumactive probe (BICAP). Although these devices have proved effective, they vary in cost and at times are cumbersome to use. A simple, inexpensive, readily available means of treating active bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract is injection of the lesion with a sclerosing substance. This method has proved helpful in stopping variceal hemorrhage, and the simplicity of the equipment and procedure makes it an outstanding candidate therapy for treating other causes of hemorrhage. Although the method is not well known in the United States, it has been applied in Japan and Europe. Most studies so far have been uncontrolled, but in over 700 patients reported in the world literature, effective initial hemostasis has been achieved in about 90% of patients overall. Success rates have been somewhat dependent on the site and rate of bleeding. No deaths have been reported from the procedure. We review the current status, techniques, and types of sclerosing agents and provide a detailed analysis of results of injection sclerotherapy. We propose that although the technique is simple, the effectiveness and routine application to the patient with upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage await careful controlled studies and comparison with other available hemostatic methods.


Background exposure to PCDDs/PCDFs/PCBs and its potential health effects: a review of epidemiologic studies.
Here we review epidemiologic studies dealing with the dietary intake and the body burden of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs)/polychlorinated dibenzo-furans (PCDFs)/ polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the general population, and potential adverse health effects of these substances, especially on the risk of diabetes mellitus and endometriosis, and on thyroid function and the neurodevelopment of infants. The mean or median intake of dioxin-related compounds among the general populations of various countries is lower than the maximum tolerable daily intake (TDI) set by the WHO in 1998 (4pg TEQ/kg/day). However, there have been few reports on the distribution of intake and the proportion of subjects whose exposure levels exceed the maximum TDL. At present, it remains unclear whether background exposure to dioxin-related compounds is associated with increased risk of diabetes (because of lack of longitudinal studies), endometriosis (because of lack of studies with sufficient statistical power), or altered thyroid function (because of inconsistent results on humans). Consistent results have been reported for the association between exposure to background levels of PCBs/dioxins, especially trans-placental PCBs, and defective neurodevelopment of infants in the U.S. and Europe. Thus, efforts should be made to further decrease the body burden among women of reproductive age by reducing the release of PCDDs/PCDFs/PCBs into the environment.


Tamoxifen as chemoprevention in BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers with breast cancer: a pilot survey of physicians.
To assess physician recommendations about the use of tamoxifen in premenopausal BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers. We mailed surveys to a stratified random sample of 1,286 physicians selected from the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium mailing list. Eligible participants were physicians whose practice consisted of >/= 10% breast cancer patients. Participants were asked to complete a three-part, 10-minute questionnaire. Demographics and responses to hypothetical patient vignettes were analyzed. Of potentially eligible participants, 27% responded to the survey, and 260 participants were included in the final analysis. Physicians did not distinguish between BRCA1 and BRCA2 status in making recommendations about tamoxifen to breast cancer patients; however, in an unaffected woman, they were more likely to recommend tamoxifen to a BRCA2 mutation carrier than to a BRCA1 mutation carrier (73% v 57%; P <.0001). In newly diagnosed breast cancer patients, physicians were much more likely to recommend tamoxifen to an estrogen receptor (ER)-positive mutation carrier versus an ER-negative carrier (94% v 27%; P <.0001). When the mutation carrier was diagnosed 10 years ago, physicians were still much more likely to recommend tamoxifen if the tumor was ER-positive versus ER-negative (79% v 35%; P <.0001). Physicians' recommendations about tamoxifen use in mutation carriers with a history of breast cancer seem to be heavily dependent on ER status. This finding suggests that among mutation carriers, physicians are influenced by adjuvant treatment guidelines more so than the potential role that tamoxifen might play in the reduction of risk for contralateral breast cancer.


A comparison of RNA extraction and sequencing protocols for detection of small RNAs in plasma.
Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) are attractive non-invasive biomarkers for a variety of conditions due to their stability and altered pathophysiological expression levels. Reliable detection of global expression profiles is required to maximise miRNA biomarker discovery. Although developments in small RNA-Seq technology have improved detection of plasma-based miRNAs, the low RNA content and sequencing bias introduced during library preparation remain challenging. In this study we compare commercially available RNA extraction methods using MagnaZol (Bioo Scientific) or miRNeasy (QIAGEN) and three library preparation methods - CleanTag (TriLink), NEXTflex (Bioo Scientific) and QIAseq (QIAGEN) - which aim to address one or both of these issues. Different RNA extractions and library preparation protocols result in differential detection of miRNAs. A greater proportion of reads mapped to miRNAs in libraries prepared with MagnaZol RNA than with miRNeasy RNA. Libraries prepared using QIAseq demonstrated the greatest miRNA diversity with many more very low abundance miRNAs detected (~ 2-3 fold more with < 10 reads), whilst CleanTag detected the fewest individual miRNAs and considerably over-represented miR-486-5p. Libraries prepared with QIAseq had the strongest correlation with RT-qPCR quantification. Analysis of unique molecular indices (UMIs) incorporated in the QIAseq protocol indicate that little PCR bias is introduced during small RNA library preparation. Small RNAs were consistently detected using all RNA extraction and library preparation protocols tested, but with some miRNAs at significantly different levels. Choice of the most suitable protocol should be informed by the relative importance of minimising the total sequencing required, detection of rare miRNAs or absolute quantification.


The predictive value of intraoperative ST-segment monitoring as a marker of myocardial injury.
To evaluate the usefulness of dynamic intraoperative ST-monitoring in high-risk patients comparing it to preoperative clinical assessment and concurrent biochemical markers of cardiac injury. Twenty-three patients clinically assessed as being at high risk for perioperative cardiac complications were recruited into this prospective, observational study in a public hospital. All had serial ECGs, cardiac enzymes and troponin-T measurements. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of ST-segment changes in terms of predicting cardiac complications were calculated. We investigated the relationship between ST changes and biochemical markers of ischaemia and the predictive value of nonspecific (ASA) and specific (Goldman) clinical scores for cardiac complications. When correlated with cardiac complications, ST-segment monitoring had sensitivity 45.4%, specificity 100%, positive predictive value 100% and negative predictive value 66.7%. The correlation with CK-MB and troponin T was sensitivity 16.7% and 25%, specificity 73.3% and 75%, positive predictive value 20% and 20%, and negative predictive value 68.8% and 80%, respectively. The percentage of patients with cardiac complications increased with poor Goldman and ASA clinical scores; 25%, 40%, 62.5% and 100% in Goldman risk index groups of 0-5, 6-12, 13-25 and > 25, respectively; and 33.3% and 52.6% in ASA II and ASA III, respectively. This study demonstrates the importance of the anaesthesiologist preoperative assessment of cardiac risk. The probability that a patient with significant ST-depression will develop subsequent cardiac complications is 100%, which reflects its usefulness in this high-risk pre-selected sample. However, the test has a low sensitivity (45.4%).


[Diverticulum of the submandibular salivary gland ducts].
Examinations of 125 patients with sialolithiasis showed abnormality of the submandibular duct (diverticulum with a sialolith in it) in 3 (2.4%) patients. The authors suggest that diverticulum of the submandibular duct is in fact a variant of its ectasia and can be regarded as a diagnostic nosological entity.


CDK1-PLK1/SGOL2/ANLN pathway mediating abnormal cell division in cell cycle may be a critical process in hepatocellular carcinoma.
This study aims to investigate the potential mechanisms and identify core biomarkers of Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The profile GSE113850 was downloaded to analyze the differentially expressed genes. Gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and protein-protein interaction network analysis were used to reveal the main signal pathways of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and hub genes. The correlation between core gene expression and pathological stages, the disease-free survival analysis, the overall survival analysis were analyzed by Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis. Furthermore, we reidentified the expression level of core genes of carcinoma tissues and para-carcinoma tissues from 14 HCC patients with real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis (RT-PCR) and western blotting. After SK-Hep1 cell was treated with cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) siRNA for 72 h, we detected the expression of the core genes and fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis. A total of 378 DEGs were found. GO and KEGG analysis revealed that the DEGs were mainly enriched in the cell cycle. There were positive correlations among CDK1, polo-like kinase 1, shugoshin2 and anillin actin-binding protein. Moreover, the expression levels of four core genes were related to the HCC occurrence, pathological stages, and survivorship curve. The clinical HCC specimens verified the higher expression level of core genes by real-time RT-PCR. The transfection of siCDK1 in SK-Hep1 resulted in a disordered cell cycle. Furthermore, CDK1 knockdown suppressed the expression of PLK1, ANLN, and SGOL2. The CDK1-PLK1/SGOL2/ANLN pathway mediating abnormal cell division in the cell cycle might be a critical process in HCC.


Influence of the screen material on the fouling of spin filters.
Mouse-mouse hybridomas (15 microm mean diameter) were cultivated in a simulated perfusion reactor with spin filter and external recirculation of the medium. Proteins at high concentrations, such as 10% foetal calf serum (FCS), were found to be not responsible by themselves for fouling, even at high recirculation rates. Stainless steel (10 microm pores) in contrast to polyamide (11 microm proes) led to a great accumulation of dead cells and nucleic acids on the screen, finally leading to fouling, as shown by biochemical and microscopic examinations. It is suggested that the high surface charge density of metals compared to polyamide is responsible for attachment of various residues. Stainless steel should rather be replaced by a resistant and nontoxic synthetic material, such as polyamide 66 which was successfully used. FCS should be avoided, since it seems to increased the fouling phenomenon. Moreover, the pore size of the screen should be carefully defined according to the wide size distribution of living and dead cells of the line used (33% of variation of the mean size in our case) as well as fragments. The purpose of the screen being to get rid of fragments and small dead cells, and not to wash too many new small cells, a good retention was achieved here by a 10-microm opening.


Evolutionary history of the northern leopard frog: reconstruction of phylogeny, phylogeography, and historical changes in population demography from mitochondrial DNA.
This study uses a combined methodological approach including phylogenetic, phylogeographic, and demographic analyses to understand the evolutionary history of the northern leopard frog, Rana pipiens. We tested hypotheses concerning how (or if) known geological events and key features of the species biology influenced the contemporary geographic and genetic distribution of R. pipiens. We assayed mitochondrial DNA variation from 389 individuals within 35 populations located throughout the species range. Our a priori expectations for patterns and processes influencing the current genetic structure of R. pipiens were supported by the data. However, our analyses revealed specific aspects of R. pipiens evolutionary history that were unexpected. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that R. pipiens is split into populations containing discrete eastern or western haplotypes, with the Mississippi River and Great Lakes region dividing the geographic ranges. Nested clade analysis indicated that the biological process most often invoked to explain the pattern of haplotype position is restricted gene flow with isolation by distance. Demographic analyses showed evidence of both historical bottlenecks and population expansions. Surprisingly, the genetic evidence indicated that the western haplotypes had significantly reduced levels of genetic diversity relative to the eastern haplotypes and that major range expansions occurred in both regions well before the most recent glacial retreat. This study provides a detailed history of how a widespread terrestrial vertebrate responded to episodic Pleistocene glacial events in North America. Moreover, this study illustrates how complementary methods of data analysis can be used to disentangle recent and ancient effects on the genetic structure of a species.


A novel single-nucleotide substitution, Leu 467 Pro, in the interferon-gamma receptor 1 gene associated with allergic diseases.
We identified a novel heterozygous single-nucleotide substitution 1400 T right curved arrow C (Leu 467 Pro) in the seventh exon of the interferon-gamma receptor 1 (IFNGR1) gene. This substitution was detected in 6 of the 89 allergic patients but not in the 72 non-allergic subjects. There was a difference in the L467P frequency between the allergic patients and the non-allergic subjects (Fisher's exact test: p=0.033). The 6 patients with L467P have allergic diseases such as bronchial asthma and/or allergic rhinitis. Furthermore, a familial analysis for L467P revealed a linkage between allergic diseases and L467P. Serum IgE levels of the patients with L467P were higher than those of the non-allergic subjects (p=0.001). Our previous studies have been shown that interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) production by PBMCs in the allergic patients was lower than that in the non-allergic subjects. In this study, although IFN-gamma production in the allergic patients with L467P was equivalent to that in the non-allergic subjects, their serum IgE levels were high and they had allergic diseases. Our results suggest that some allergic patients have IFNGR dysfunction, and that L467P in the IFNGR1 gene is one of candidate susceptibility genes for allergic diseases.


Influence of surface peripheral electrical stimulation on nerve regeneration after digital nerve neurorrhaphy: study protocol for a randomized clinical trial.
We will study the influence of low intensity and frequency surface peripheral electrical stimulation (PES) on nerve regeneration of digital nerve injuries of the hand after its surgical repair in humans. Participants will be patients with acute traumatic peripheral nerve injury referred to the Hand Surgery Service of the General Hospital of the State of Bahia, a reference service in the state. These patients will undergo surgery followed by PES in the immediate postoperative period. After hospital discharge, they will be followed up on an outpatient basis by researchers, who will remotely supervise a physiotherapy program. Our hypothesis is that PES will positively influence the recovery of sensory function in patients undergoing neurorrhaphy of digital nerves of the hand. ReBEC registration: U1111-1259-1998 (12/18/2020).


VGAE-MCTS: A New Molecular Generative Model Combining the Variational Graph Auto-Encoder and Monte Carlo Tree Search.
Molecular generation is crucial for advancing drug discovery, materials science, and chemical exploration. It expedites the search for new drug candidates, facilitates tailored material creation, and enhances our understanding of molecular diversity. By employing artificial intelligence techniques such as molecular generative models based on molecular graphs, researchers have tackled the challenge of identifying efficient molecules with desired properties. Here, we propose a new molecular generative model combining a graph-based deep neural network and a reinforcement learning technique. We evaluated the validity, novelty, and optimized physicochemical properties of the generated molecules. Importantly, the model explored uncharted regions of chemical space, allowing for the efficient discovery and design of new molecules. This innovative approach has considerable potential to revolutionize drug discovery, materials science, and chemical research for accelerating scientific innovation. By leveraging advanced techniques and exploring previously unexplored chemical spaces, this study offers promising prospects for the efficient discovery and design of new molecules in the field of drug development.


[A PhD completed. Pre-surgical assessment of the mandibular body and canal using CBCT imaging.]
The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of the pre-surgical assessment of the mandible using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. For surgical procedures in the mandible, it is important to determine the position of the mandibular canal in order to avoid damage to the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN). The best method to investigate this nerve is with the help of panoramic reconstructed images combined with cross-sectional reconstructed images. To protect the IAN during treatment, this research indicates that a minimal safety zone of 1.13 mm is advisable. When distances were being measured, a larger exaggeration of reality was observed with small distances. It appears that (semi)automatic tracing methods of the mandibular canal still cannot be used in clinical practice. When a CBCT scan reveals a lingual position of the mandibular canal in combination with a narrowing of the mandibular canal at the contact point with the root of a third molar the risk of damaging the IAN increases. CBCT imaging should only be applied in specific cases.


Hypernoradrenergic innervation of the caudal artery of the spontaneously hypertensive rat: an influence upon neuroeffector mechanisms.
In the present studies we have established that the perfused caudal artery from spontaneously hypertensive (SH) rats responds to pharmacological and physiological stimuli in a manner similar to that described for other blood vessels from the SH rat. In addition, the responses of caudal arteries from SH rats to exogenous norepinephrine were similar to those of arteries removed from normotensive Kyoto Wistar rats. However, responses to sympathetic nerve stimulation at high, but not low, frequencies of stimulation were increased in arteries from the SH rat. In addition, impairment of neuronal uptake with cocaine unmasked a greater responsiveness of arteries from SH rats to sympathetic nerve stimulation. Consistent with the latter finding the neuronal uptake and neuronal deamination of norepinephrine was larger in caudal arteries from SH rats. A histofluorescent and electron microscopic analysis of the sympathetic innervation of caudal arteries from SH and Kyoto Wistar rats demonstrated that the vessels from SH animals had a greater number of nerve axon bundles and a greater area of adventitia occupied by nerve bundles. It is concluded that the ability of high rates of nerve stimulation and cocaine to unmask an enhanced responsiveness of caudal arteries from SH rats is related to an enhanced innervation of the artery. It is suggested that in the SH rat model of hypertension future research into the causes of the augmented blood pressure should be directed toward factors regulating the density of the sympathetic innervation of the vasculature.


Influence of Proton Conducting Cations on the Structure and Properties of 2D Anilate-Based Magnets.
The syntheses, structures, magnetic, and proton conductivity properties of a family of bimetallic anilate-based compounds with inserted alkylammonium cations are presented. The structures of (Me2NH2)[MnIICrIII(Br2An)3]·2H2O (1), (Et2NH2)[MnIICrIII(Br2An)3] (2), (Et3NH)[MnIICrIII(Cl2An)3] (3), and [(Et)(i-Pr)2NH][MnIICrIII(Br2An)3]·(CHCl3)0.5·(H2O) (4) contain a 2D anionic network formed by Mn(II) and Cr(III) ions linked through anilate ligands. In 1, 2, and 3, the hexagonal holes of this network are occupied by Me2NH2+, Et2NH2+, or Et3NH+ cations. Interestingly, the small increase of size of the templating cation in 4 ([(Et)(i-Pr)2NH]+ in the place of Me2NH2+, Et2NH2+ or Et3NH+), gives rise to a different structure with half of the cations placed within the layers and the other one in the space between the layers. This leads to bilayers with an interlayer separation similar to those of 1, 2, and 3 separated by larger interbilayer distances. Compounds 1, 2, and 3 show a ferrimagnetic ordering with a Tc of 8.0 K (1), 8.9 K (2), and 8.0 K (3). In 4, the presence of different interlayer distances leads to a metamagnetic behavior when the sample is measured in contact with the mother liquor. The behavior changes in the dry sample, which shows a ferrimagnetic ordering as that of 1, 2, and 3 due to collapse of the structure as confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction. Interestingly, the metamagnetic behavior is recovered after reimmersing the crystals in the mother liquor proving the reversibility of the process. All solids are Grotthuss-type proton conductors with conductivity values ranging between 2.3 × 10-6 S·cm-1 for 3 and 2.4 × 10-5 S·cm-1 for 1 measured at 70 °C and 95% relative humidity and activation energies of ∼0.2 eV.


Some new observations on the cytopathology of fin erosion disease in winter flounder Pseudopleuronectes americanus.
A light and electron microscopic study was conducted on dorsal fin tissues adjacent to acute fin erosion lesions in winter flounder from 2 polluted sites (New York Bight region and New Haven Harbor) on the northeast Atlantic Coast. The objective of this work was to evaluate these minimally affected, lesion-associated tissues which may precede the acute or severe stages of the disease. The following 4 types of pathological conditions were found in the epidermis of diseased fish from the 2 polluted sites: (1) epithelial cell hyperplasia; (2) mucous cell hyperplasia and hypertrophy; (3) spongiosis; and (4) focal necrosis. The latter 2 types of lesions have not been previously reported for fin erosion in this species. Changes in the dermis associated with these lesions included fibrosis, abnormal distribution of melanocytes, hyperemia and sclerosis of blood vessels, and hemorrhage. The possibility that hypoxia may play a role in the observed pathology is considered.


Anxiolytic-like effect of Illicium verum fruit oil, trans-anethole and related compounds in mice.
The fruit of Illicium verum Hook. f. (star anise) is used by many as a spice. The fragrance of I. verum fruit is characteristically anise-like. In this study, hexane-extracted I. verum fruit oil (IVO), trans-anethole as the main component, and related compounds (propiophenone, 4'-methoxy-propiophenone, trans-β-methylstyrene) were analyzed in order to clarify the emotional effect of inhaling the fragrance of I. verum fruit. As a result, although 4 μL/L air IVO did not exhibit an anxiolytic-like effect, 1 μL/L air trans-anethole exhibited a significant effect (p < 0.05). Moreover, the anxiolytic-like effect of 1 μL/L air trans-anethole was significantly greater than 1 μL/L air propiophenone and 1 μL/L air 4'-methoxy-propiophenone (p < 0.05). Thus, the anxiolytic-like effect of trans-anethole was confirmed, and it is proposed that the methoxyl group and 1-propenyl group in the para position of the benzene ring are necessary for the effect.


Characterization of primary human keratinocytes transformed by human papillomavirus type 18.
Primary human epithelial cells were cotransfected with pHPV-18 and pSV2neo, and cell strains were generated by selecting in G418. One cell strain (FE-A), which exhibits an extended life span, is currently in its 30th passage. In comparison, control cultures can only be maintained up to the seventh passage. Southern blot analysis revealed the presence of at least one intact, integrated viral genome in these cells. FE-A cells showed altered growth properties, characterized by a change in morphology, and clonal density. Differentiation markers analyzed by Western blotting (immunoblotting), such as cytokeratins and involucrin, indicated that the cells resembled a partially differentiated epithelial population. Increased expression of the 40-kilodalton cytokeratin was observed in FE-A cells, similar to that observed in simian virus 40-immortalized human keratinocytes (M. Steinberg and V. Defendi, J. Cell Physiol. 123:117-125, 1985). FE-A cells were also found to be defective in their response to terminal differentiation stimuli. Calcium and 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate treatment induced normal epithelial cells to differentiate, whereas the human papillomavirus 18 (HPV-18)-containing keratinocytes were resistant to these signals, indicating their partially transformed nature. These cells were not able to induce tumors in nude mice over a period of up to 8 months. A second cell strain, FE-H18L, also generated by transfecting HPV-18, also exhibited an extended life span and similar alterations in morphology. Viral RNA transcribed from the early region of HPV-18 was detected in both cell strains by Northern (RNA) blot analysis. These cell strains should provide a useful model for determining the role of HPV in carcinogenesis.


A Novel Role for α-Importins and Akirin in Establishment of Meiotic Sister Chromatid Cohesion in Caenorhabditis elegans.
During meiotic prophase I, sister chromatid cohesion is established in a way that supports the assembly of the synaptonemal complex (SC). The SC connects homologous chromosomes, directing meiotic recombination to create crossovers. In this paper, we identify two proteins that cooperate to import and load meiotic cohesins, thus indirectly promoting SC assembly. AKIR-1 is a protein with a previously identified meiotic role in SC disassembly. akir-1 mutants have no obvious defects in sister chromatid cohesion. We identified ima-2, a gene encoding for an α-importin nuclear transport protein, as a gene interacting with akir-1 Analysis of akir-1;ima-2 double mutants reveals a decrease in the number of germline nuclei and the formation of polycomplexes (PCs) (an SC protein aggregate). These PCs contain proteins that are part of the two main substructures of the SC: the central region and the lateral element. Unlike typical PCs, they also contain sister chromatid cohesion proteins. In akir-1;ima-2 double mutants, PCs are located in both the nucleus and the cytoplasm. This suggests that the defects observed in the double mutants are both in nuclear import and in the assembly of sister chromatid cohesion. PC formation is also associated with recombination defects leading to reduced numbers of crossovers. Similarly to cohesion mutants, the pairing center protein HIM-8 is mislocalized in akir-1;ima-2 double mutants, forming multiple foci. We propose that AKIR-1 and IMA-2 operate in parallel pathways to import and load chromosomally associated cohesin complex proteins in meiotic nuclei, a novel finding for both of these conserved proteins.


First report of the order Mysida (Crustacea) in Antarctic marine ice caves, with description of a new species of Pseudomma and investigations on the taxonomy, morphology and life habits of Mysidetes species.
SCUBA diving explorations of three islands off Dumont d'Urville Station at the coast of Adélie Land, East Antarctica, enabled the observation of marine ice caves. Sampling in this unusual habitat yielded a total of three species of Mysidae, altogether previously poorly known or unknown to science. Pseudommakryotroglodytum sp. nov. is described, based on the structure of the antennal scale, telson and on cornea-like lateral portions set off against the main body of eyeplates. Mysidetesilligi is re-established at species level after almost a century in synonymy. Re-descriptions are provided for M.illigi and M.hanseni, based on types and ice cave materials. Keys to the Southern Ocean species of Pseudomma and to the world-wide species of Mysidetes are given. Phylogenetic trees are provided for the genera Pseudomma and Mysidetes. 18S rDNA sequences of P.kryotroglodytum differ from GenBank sequences of other Pseudomma species. First sequence data are given for species of the genus Mysidetes: 18S differs between the two examined species and COI is quite diverse between and within species. We found previously unknown, probably sensorial structures in these ice cave species: in P.kryotroglodytum, the basal segment of the antennula shows a pit-like depression with striated pad on the bottom and a median cyst, connected with the bottom of the eyeplate cleft. M.illigi shows a female homologue of the appendix masculina bearing a field of modified setae. Subsequent investigations demonstrated these structures also in species from other habitats. The feeding apparatus and stomach contents of the three ice cave species point to brushing of small particles (detritus, microalgae) from available surfaces, such as sediment, rock and the ice surface. Differences in the feeding apparatus are very subtle between the two Mysidetes species. The high content of fat bodies in M.hanseni could help it to survive periods of starvation. The large storage volume of the foregut in P.kryotroglodytum points to the collection of food with low nutritional quality and could help to balance strongly fluctuating food availability. Summer specimens of M.hanseni showed a bimodal frequency of developmental stages in the marsupium and bimodal size-frequency distribution of free-living stages. The females with younger brood (embryos) were, on average, larger and carried more marsupial young than those with older brood (nauplioid larvae). All examined incubating and spent females showed (almost) empty foreguts and empty ovarian tubes, suggesting possible semelparity and death following the release of young. The absence of juveniles and immature females from summer samples suggests that growth and accumulation of fat and yolk occur outside ice caves, while such caves could be used by fattened adults as shelter for brooding. A provisional interpretation proposes a biannual life cycle for M.hanseni, superimposed with shifted breeding schedules, the latter characterised by early breeding and late breeding females, probably in response to harsh physical and trophic conditions along the continental coast of Antarctica.


Oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and exercise-induced oxidative stress in trotters.
Strenuous exercise is a potent inducer of oxidative stress, which has been suggested to be associated with disturbances in muscle homeostasis, fatigue and injury. There is no comprehensive or uniform view of the antioxidant status in horses. We have previously shown that moderate exercise induces protein oxidation in trotters. The aim of this study was to measure the antioxidative capacity of the horse in relation to different antioxidant components and oxidative stress markers after a single bout of moderate exercise to elucidate the mechanisms of antioxidant protection in horses. Eight clinically normal and regularly trained standard-bred trotters were treadmill-exercised for 53 min at moderate intensity. Blood samples were collected prior to and immediately after exercise and at 4 and 24 h of recovery. Muscle biopsies from the middle gluteal muscle were taken before exercise and after 4 h of recovery. Acute induction of oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) did not prevent exercise-induced oxidative stress, which was demonstrated by increased lipid hydroperoxides (LPO). Pre-exercise ORAC levels were, however, a determinant of total glutathione content of the blood after 4 and 24 h of recovery. Furthermore, baseline ORAC level correlated negatively with 4-h recovery LPO levels. Our results imply that horses are susceptible to oxidative stress, but a stronger antioxidant capacity may improve coping with exercise-induced oxidative stress.


Problem Gambling Among Urban and Rural Gamblers in Limpopo Province, South Africa: Associations with Hazardous and Harmful Alcohol Use and Psychological Distress.
Little is known about the mental health correlates of problem gambling in low- and-middle-income countries such as South Africa and whether these correlates vary by urbanicity. To address this gap, we examined mental health factors associated with problem gambling among gamblers in Limpopo Province, South Africa disaggregated by rural, peri-urban and urban location. A survey of gambling behaviour and mental health was conducted among 900 gamblers. Overall, 28.3 % were at high risk and 38.1 % were at moderate risk for problem gambling. For the entire sample, hazardous/harmful alcohol use was associated with almost twofold increased chance of being at moderate risk (AOR 1.83; 95 % CI 1.08, 3.11) and almost sevenfold greater odds (AOR 6.93; 95 % CI 4.03-11.93) of being at high risk for problem gambling. Psychological distress was associated with being at high risk for problem gambling only (AOR 1.18; 95 % CI 1.14-1.22). After stratifying by urbanicity, hazardous/harmful alcohol use and psychological distress remained associated with high risk gambling across all locations. We found little knowledge of a free gambling helpline and other gambling services-particularly in less urbanised environments [χ(2) (2), 900 = 40.4; p < 0.001]. These findings highlight the need to increase awareness of free helpline services among gamblers and to ensure gambling services include screening and treatment for common mental disorders.


Metachromatic leucodystrophy in three families from Nova Scotia, Canada: a recurring mutation in the arylsulphatase A gene.
Metachromatic leucodystrophy (MLD) is a lysosomal storage disease resulting from a deficiency of arylsulphatase A. We have identified a child with infantile onset MLD who is homozygous for an A212V mutation, a mutation previously reported but not further characterised. We have introduced this mutation into an arylsulphatase A expression vector by site directed mutagenesis. Transient expression of this mutant plasmid in COS cells yields very low levels of arylsulphatase A activity consistent with the patient's phenotype. The arylsulphatase A pseudodeficiency also segregates in this family causing difficulty in interpreting enzyme levels in the absence of DNA data. Two other patients from the same province, also carrying the A212V allele, have juvenile and adult onset MLD and are heterozygous for P426L ("A" allele) and I179S alleles respectively, known late onset alleles.


Analysis of job satisfaction, burnout, and intent of respiratory care practitioners to leave the field or the job.
Increased stress, burnout, and lack of job satisfaction may contribute to a decline in work performance, absenteeism, and intent to leave one's job or field. We undertook to determine organizational, job-specific, and personal predictors of level of burnout among respiratory care practitioners (RCPs). We also examined the relationships among burnout, job satisfaction (JS), absenteeism, and RCPs' intent to leave their job or the field. A pilot-tested assessment instrument was mailed to all active NBRC-credentialed RCPs in Georgia (n = 788). There were 458 usable returns (58% response rate). A random sample of 10% of the nonrespondents (n = 33) was then surveyed by telephone, and the results were compared to those of the mail respondents. Variables were compared to burnout and JS scores by correlational analysis, which was followed by stepwise multiple regression analyses to determine the ability of the independent variables to predict burnout and JS scores when used in combination. There were no significant differences between respondents and sampled nonrespondents in burnout scores (p = 0.56) or JS (p = 0.24). Prediction of burnout: The coefficient of multiple correlation, R2, indicated that in combination the independent variables accounted for 61% of the variance in burnout scores. The strongest predictor of burnout was job stress. Other job-related predictors of burnout were size of department, satisfaction with work, satisfaction with co-workers and co-worker support, job independence and job control, recognition by nursing, and role clarity. Personal-variable predictors were age, number of previous jobs held, social support, and intent to leave the field of respiratory care. Prediction of job satisfaction: R2 indicated that, in combination, the independent variables accounted for 63% of the variance observed in satisfaction with work, 36% of the variance observed in satisfaction with pay, 36% of the variance in satisfaction with promotions, 62% of the variance in satisfaction with supervision, and 48% of the variance in satisfaction with co-workers. Predictors of work-satisfaction level were recognition by physicians and nursing, age, burn-out level, absenteeism, and intent to leave the field. Predictors of level of satisfaction with pay were actual salary, job independence, organizational climate, ease of obtaining time off, job stress, absenteeism, intent to leave the field, and number of dependent children. Predictors of level of satisfaction with promotions were recognition by nursing, participation in decision making, job stress, intent to leave the field, past turnover rates, and absenteeism. Predictors of level of satisfaction with supervision included supervisor support, role clarity, independence, and ease of obtaining time off. The strongest predictor of level of satisfaction with co-workers was co-worker support. As overall level of JS increased, level of burnout decreased significantly (r = -0.59, p less than 0.001). As burnout level increased, increases occurred in absenteeism (r = 0.22, p less than 0.001), intent to leave the job (r = 0.48, p less than 0.001), and intent to leave the field (r = 0.51, p less than 0.001). Reduced job stress, increased job independence and job control, improved role clarity, and higher levels of JS were all associated with lower levels of burnout. Managerial attention to these factors may improve patient care and reduce absenteeism and turnover among RCPs.


Reasons for possible failure of inoculation to enhance biodegradation.
Pseudomonas strains capable of mineralizing 2,4-dichlorophenol (DCP) and p-nitrophenol (PNP) in culture media were isolated from soil. One DCP-metabolizing strain mineralized 1.0 and 10 micrograms of DCP but not 2.0 to 300 ng/ml in culture. When added to lake water containing 10 micrograms of DCP per ml, the bacterium did not mineralize the compound, and only after 6 days did it cause the degradation of 1.0 microgram of DCP per ml. The organism did not grow or metabolize DCP when inoculated into sterile lake water, but it multiplied in sterile lake water amended with glucose or with DCP and supplemental nutrients. Its population density declined and DCP was not mineralized when the pseudomonad was added to nonsterile sewage, but the bacterium grew in sterile DCP-amended sewage, although not causing appreciable mineralization of the test compound. Addition of the bacterium to nonsterile soil did not result in the mineralization of 10 micrograms of DCP per g, although mineralization was evident if the inoculum was added to sterile soil. A second DCP-utilizing pseudomonad failed to mineralize DCP when added to the surface of sterile soil, although activity was evident if the inoculum was mixed with the soil. A pseudomonad able to mineralize 5.0 micrograms of PNP per ml in culture did not mineralize the compound in sterile or nonsterile lake water. The bacterium destroyed PNP in sterile sewage and enhanced PNP mineralization in nonsterile sewage. When added to the surface of sterile soil, the bacterium mineralized little of the PNP present at 5.0 micrograms/g, but it was active if mixed well with the sterile soil.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


Nanophthalmos and situs inversus totalis.
Nanophthalmos is characterized by short axial length, high hypermetropia, thick sclera and a normal-sized crystalline lens. Situs inversus totalis is the mirror image of the normal morphology of the thoracic and abdominal viscera. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report of a nanophthalmic patient with situs inversus totalis. Therefore, we would like to invite the attention of our colleagues to our case and underline the importance of the systemic examination of the nanophthalmic patients to detect systemic malformations and visceral transpositions.


Impact of patients nutritional status on major surgery outcome.
Surgery is a major stress factor that activates several inflammatory and catabolic pathways in man. An appropriate nutritional status allows the body to react properly to this stressor and recover in a faster and more efficient manner. On the other hand, malnutrition is related to a worse surgery outcome and to a higher prevalence of comorbidities and mortality. The aims of this study were to evaluate the nutritional status of patients undergoing major surgery and investigate the potential correlation between malnutrition and surgical outcomes. Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) and global clinical examination (including biochemical parameters and comorbidities existence) were undertaken in 50 consecutive patients undergoing major surgery. Patients' clinical conditions were re-evaluated at 3 and 6 days after surgery, recording biochemical parameters and systemic and/or wound-related complications. A compromised nutritional status was present in more than half (54%) of patients (malnutrition in 10% and risk of malnutrition in 44% of patients, respectively). Females were slightly more at risk of malnutrition (48% vs. 41%, p=NS, females vs. males) and clearly malnourished (14% vs. 7%, p<0.05, females vs. males). Age was an independent risk factor for malnutrition and within the elders' group (> 80 years old) 16.70% of patients was diagnosed with malnutrition and 58.3% was at risk of malnutrition. Systemic complications were registered in all patients both at 3 and 6 days after surgery. However, well-nourished and at-risk of malnutrition patients had earlier complications that only partially resolved within six days after the operation. Malnourished patients showed fewer complications at the 3rd post-surgery follow-up day but had a worse outcome six days after surgery. Older age and but not female sex are independent risk factors for malnutrition development in patients undergoing major surgery. More interestingly, more than half of patients with an impaired nutritional status presented a less appropriated stress response to surgery. These data suggest that nutritional status assessment may be important to recognize patients at potential risk of surgical complications and that early nutritional interventions must be promptly arranged.


Temporal contrast sensitivity in amblyopia.
Temporal contrast sensitivity functions were determined for the normal (20/20) and amblyopic eyes of five strabismic and/or anisometropic amblyopes and for both eyes of two nonamblyopes. In deep amblyopia (20/100+), contrast sensitivity was reduced at all temporal frequencies in the amblyopic eye, whereas no deficit was observed for subjects whose acuity was 20/40 or better. This result indicates that reduced temporal sensitivity is a significant component of strabismic and anisometropic amblyopia.


Visual cognition: a new look at the two-visual systems model.
In this paper, we argue that no valid comparison between visual representations can arise unless provision is made for three critical properties: their direction of fit, their direction of causation and the level of their conceptual content. The conceptual content in turn is a function of the level of processing. Representations arising from earlier stages of processing of visual input have very little or no conceptual content. Higher order representations get their conceptual content from the connections between visual cognition and other parts of the human cognitive system. The two other critical properties of visual representations are their mind/world direction of fit and their mind/world direction of causation. The output of the semantic processing of visual input has a full mind-to-world direction of fit and a full world-to-mind direction of causation: it visually registers the way the world is and is caused by what it represents. The output of the pragmatic processing yields information for the benefit of intentions, which clearly have a world-to-mind direction of fit and a mind-to-world direction of causation. An intention is both the representation of a goal and a cause of the transformation of a goal into a fact. These properties segregate representations specialized for perception from those specialized for action. Perception implies comparison between simultaneously represented and analyzed objects: hence, object perception presupposes the representation of spatial relationships among objects in a coordinate system independent from the perceiver. Spatial relationships carry cues for attributing meaning to an object, so that their processing is actually part of semantic processing of visual information. These considerations lead to a re-evaluation of the role of the two classical pathways of the human visual system: the ventral and the dorsal cortical pathways. The parietal lobe, which has been identified with the dorsal pathway, cannot be considered as a unitary entity with a single function. The superior parietal lobule carries visuomotor processing, a non-lateralized process. The right inferior parietal lobule contributes to the perception of spatial relationships, a process with a mind-to-world direction of fit and a world-to-mind direction of causation. Finally, the left inferior parietal lobule contributes to still another type of representation, related to visually goal-directed action, i.e., with both a world-to-mind direction of fit and a mind-to-world direction of causation.


The production of smooth endoplasmic reticulum and formation of an abnormal amorphous material by the immature 5-day-old chick hepatocytes in culture under the influence of phenobarbital.
The experiment was performed to see if the 5-day-old chick hepatocytes which normally do not produce smooth endoplasmic reticulum in culture, would do so under the influence of phenobarbital. The results indicated that under the influence of phenobarbital, the 5-day hepatocyte produces a small amount of smooth endoplasmic reticulum. However, a more significant observation is that the 5-day-old hepatocytes in the presence of phenobarbital also produce a large amount of amorphous material which is deposited in circumscribed areas of the cytoplasm. It appears that the amorphous material is initially deposited into the cisternal space of the rough endoplasmic reticulum which dilates and the membrane fragments to release the amorphous substance into the cytoplasm. The 5-day-old chick hepatocytes produce a lot more amorphous material than the 11-day-old cells, which formed so little. If, as suggested by many authors (Banjo & Nemeth, 1976; Ernster & Orrenius, 1965; Orrenius, 1965; Orrenius, Ericsson & Ernster, 1965, some of the enzymes produced as a result of the stimulation of the cells by phenobarbital are inseparably located on the membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum (RER and SER), i.e. the enzymes are only stable when attached to the membrane, it may be that the large amount of enzymes produced by the hypertrophied rough and endoplasmic reticulum (Banjo & Nemeth, 1976) in the 5-day-old hepatocytes in culture under the influence of phenobarbital could not find enough smooth endoplasmic reticulum membrane for attachment in the same 5-day-old cells whose capacity for producing smooth endoplasmic reticulum is very limited. Therefore, this large amount of enzyme and the few membranes are not organized and are therefore liberated, as the amorphous material, into the cytoplasm. The 11-day-old hepatocytes, on the other hand, formed very little amorphous material, and this may be due to its high capacity to make smooth endoplasmic reticulum membranes. It is suggested that the large amount of amorphous material liberated in the 5-day-old cells represents the unorganized enzymes and membranes.


Narrative exposure therapy for 7- to 16-year-olds: a randomized controlled trial with traumatized refugee children.
The authors examined the effectiveness of narrative exposure therapy for children (KIDNET) in treating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in refugee children living in exile. Twenty-six children traumatized by organized violence were randomly assigned to KIDNET or to a waiting list. Significant treatment by time interactions on all PTSD-relevant variables indicated that the KIDNET group, but not the controls, showed a clinically significant improvement in symptoms and functioning. Success of the KIDNET group remained stable at 12-month follow-up. This study confirms previous findings that, if left untreated, PTSD in children may persist for an extended period. However, it also shows that it is possible to effectively treat chronic PTSD and restore functioning in traumatized refugee children in only 8 treatment sessions.