[State of the nervous system in psoriasis patients].
In order to clarify the role of the nervous system in the development of psoriasis the authors conducted a manifold dermato-neurological, biochemical and electrophysiological (EEG, REG) study of 130 patients. In 76.4% there were different neurological disorders: vegetative-vascular disturbances, functional diseases of the nervous system. Psoriasis was also seen in combination with segulae of brain injuries, neuroinfections, hypothalamic syndrome, vascular brain lesions, epilepsy. Clinico-electrophysiological studies detected a dysfunction on all levels of the brain, mainly in the limbico-reticular complex and mesodiencephalic formation. Quite possibly the above-mentioned changes are of significance for the development of psoriasis, making the use of drugs influencing these brain structure necessary. Taking into consideration the REG data it is also necessary to use preparations influencing the vascular tone of the brain and physiotherapeutical procedures normalizing the cerebral hemodynamics.


Specific high-affinity binding of high density lipoproteins to cultured human skin fibroblasts and arterial smooth muscle cells.
Binding of human high density lipoproteins (HDL, d = 1.063-1.21) to cultured human fibroblasts and human arterial smooth muscle cells was studied using HDL subjected to heparin-agarose affinity chromatography to remove apoprotein (apo) E and B. Saturation curves for binding of apo E-free 125I-HDL showed at least two components: low-affinity nonsaturable binding and high-affinity binding that saturated at approximately 20 micrograms HDL protein/ml. Scatchard analysis of high-affinity binding of apo E-free 125I-HDL to normal fibroblasts yielded plots that were significantly linear, indicative of a single class of binding sites. Saturation curves for binding of both 125I-HDL3 (d = 1.125-1.21) and apo E-free 125I-HDL to low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor-negative fibroblasts also showed high-affinity binding that yielded linear Scatchard plots. On a total protein basis, HDL2 (d = 1.063-1.10), HDL3 and very high density lipoproteins (VHDL, d = 1.21-1.25) competed as effectively as apo E-free HDL for binding of apo E-free 125I-HDL to normal fibroblasts. Also, HDL2, HDL3, and VHDL competed similarly for binding of 125I-HDL3 to LDL receptor-negative fibroblasts. In contrast, LDL was a weak competitor for HDL binding. These results indicate that both human fibroblasts and arterial smooth muscle cells possess specific high affinity HDL binding sites. As indicated by enhanced LDL binding and degradation and increased sterol synthesis, apo E-free HDL3 promoted cholesterol efflux from fibroblasts. These effects also saturated at HDL3 concentrations of 20 micrograms/ml, suggesting that promotion of cholesterol efflux by HDL is mediated by binding to the high-affinity cell surface sites.


The use and characteristics of elderspeak in Swedish geriatric institutions.
The aim of this study is to investigate the occurrence of elderspeak in a Swedish context and to describe its characteristics. Elderspeak refers to adjustments made in communication with elderly people; adjustments similar to those made in interaction with infants. Previous findings show that adjustments of communication are made within several linguistic domains, and are a part of the communicative environment of elderly people. Five people working in different forms of geriatric institutions participated in this study, and data consist of recordings of interactions between caregivers and residents (without dementia) and interactions between caregivers and colleagues. The recordings were transcribed and analyzed by means of perceptual, semantic and acoustic analyses. The findings demonstrate that caregivers, to a varying extent, adjusted their communication within several linguistic domains. The adjustments were mainly made within the prosodic domain, but there were also adjustments made within other language domains.


Platinum compounds as radiosensitizers in strontium-89 metabolic radiotherapy.
Strontium-89 is currently used for the treatment of painful bone metastases. This study reports on two preliminary experiences with low-dose platinum compounds, carboplatin and cisplatin, as radiosensitizers in 89Sr therapy. 30 patients entered the carboplatin study: 15 patients (Group A) were treated with 148 MBq 89Sr followed by carboplatin (100 mg/m2 at 7 and 21 days) and 15 patients (Group B) were treated with 89Sr alone. 12 patients entered the cisplatin study: six patients (Arm 1) received 148 Mq 89Sr plus cisplatin (50 mg/m2) in two administrations (immediately before and 10 days after 89Sr injection) and six patients (Arm 2) received 89Sr plus two placebo administrations. Pain response was assessed 8 weeks after the therapy on the Wisconsin score modifications. No clinically significant adverse effects or myelosuppression by platinum compounds were observed. In carboplatin study a pain response was observed in 20 of 27 (74%) evaluable patients, 13/15 in group A and 7/12 in group B. The pain response in the patients treated with 89Sr and carboplatin was clearly superior to that seen in the patients treated with 89Sr alone (P = 0.025), whereas survival was only marginally better in the combined treatment group (8.1 vs 5.7 months, P = 0.19). In cisplatin study a pain response was observed in 10 of 12 (83%) evaluable patients, 5/6 in Arm 1 and 4/6 in Arm 2. Low-dose platinum compounds seem to enhance the effects of 89Sr radioisotope therapy on pain from bone metastases without relevant hematological toxicity.


Clinical significance of telomerase activity in multiple myeloma.
The clinical course of patients with multiple myeloma varies, and therefore it is important to evaluate the disease state. We studied the telomerase activity of myeloma cells as a possible prognostic factor in such patients. Twenty five samples from patients with multiple myeloma were studied. We purified myeloma cells in bone marrow samples according to the expression of surface antigens, CD38 and CD45. CD38+/CD45- or dim cells had morphologic characteristics of myeloma cells, with a purity exceeding 95%. The telomerase activity of myeloma cells was determined by a polymerase chain reaction-based telomeric repeat amplification protocol assay. Ki-67 positivity of the purified cells was determined by flow cytometry using anti-Ki-67 antibody. The relationship between telomerase activity and prognostic factors was also examined. A significantly high degree of telomerase activity was detected in subjects with a serum beta2-microglobulin level > or = 6 mg/dL or at Stage III (P = 0.002). The serum C-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase, and creatinine levels did not correlate with the telomerase activity, but this activity did significantly correlate with Ki-67 positivity and the percentage of plasma cells in the bone marrow (r = 0.561, P = 0.004, and r = 0.397, P = 0.049, respectively). The patients with high levels of telomerase activity were thus found to have a significantly short survival time after sampling (P = 0.035). The measurement of the telomerase activity in myeloma cells was found to be a reliable marker for the proliferating capacity and tumor mass in myeloma patients. The telomerase activity of myeloma cells may therefore be useful as a prognostic factor.


CO2 Adsorption and Activation on the (110) Chalcopyrite Surfaces: A Dispersion-Corrected DFT + U Study.
We have used the density functional theory within the plane-wave framework to understand the reconstruction of most stable (110) chalcopyrite surfaces. Reconstructions of the polar surfaces are proposed, and three different possible nonpolar terminations for the (110) surface, namely, I, II, and III, are investigated. A detailed discussion on stabilities of all three surface terminations is carried out. It is generally observed that the (110) chalcopyrite surfaces encounter significant reconstruction in which the metal Fe and Cu cations in the first atomic layer considerably move downward to the surface, while the surface S anions migrate slightly outward toward the surface. We also investigated the adsorption of the CO2 molecule on the three terminations for the (110) surface by exploring various adsorption sites and configurations using density functional theory calculations, in which long-range dispersion interactions are taken into consideration. We show that the CO2 molecule is adsorbed and activated, while spontaneous dissociation of the CO2 molecule is also observed on the (110) surfaces. Structural change from a neutral linear molecule to a negatively charged (CO2 -δ) slightly or considerably bent species with stretched C-O bond distances are highlighted for description of the activation of the CO2 molecule. The results address the potential catalytic activity of the (110) chalcopyrite toward the reduction and conversion of CO2 to the organic molecule, which is appropriate to the production of liquid fuels.


Could the extent of lymphadenectomy be modified by neoadjuvant chemotherapy in cervical cancer? A large-scale retrospective study.
The effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) on topographical distribution patterns of lymph node metastasis in cervical cancer was unknown. Patients with FIGO stage IB1-IIB who underwent radical surgery with or without NACT were enrolled (3527 patients). A matched-case comparison design was used to compare the effects of NACT on lymph node metastasis. We analyzed groups of 167 and 140 patients who were diagnosed with lymph node metastasis in the matched primary surgery group and NACT group, respectively, and no significant difference was observed (p = 0.081). The incidence of lymph node metastasis was significantly decreased in the NACT-responsive group compared to the non-responsive group (18.4% vs. 38.6%, P<0.001). The metastatic rates for every lymph node group also declined in the NACT-responsive group except for the deep inguinal and the para-aortic lymph node groups. Clinical response, deep stromal, parametrial and lymph vascular invasions were independent risk factors for lymph node metastasis in the NACT group. Furthermore, deep stromal invasion and lymph vascular invasion, but not the response to NACT, were independently associated with upper LNM. The number of lymph nodes involved, response to NACT, tumor histology and a positive vaginal margin were independent prognostic factors affecting DFS or OS rates in node-positive patients treated with NACT plus radical surgery. The frequency and topographic distribution of LNM are not modified by NACT, and clinical non-responders showed more involved LNs. A systemic and extensive lymphadenectomy should be performed in patients treated with NACT plus surgery regardless of the response to NACT.


Pectoralis major pedicle bone grafting vs. tricortical iliac grafting for Neer 4-part proximal humerus fractures: a randomized controlled trial.
The risk of avascular necrosis, nonunion, or malunion is high in osteoporosis-related 4-part fractures. We evaluated the results of patients who underwent plate osteosynthesis with a vascularized pectoralis major graft compared with tricortical iliac grafting to treat 4-part proximal humerus fractures. Thirty-four patients aged 50-75 years with Neer 4-part proximal humerus fractures were studied. Group A (n = 17) underwent osteotomy of a 2.5 ± 1 cm pectoralis major pedicle bone graft and plate application, whereas group B (n = 17) underwent plate osteosynthesis using iliac autogenous grafts. Final follow-up assessments included evaluation using Constant and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scoring systems, humeral neck-shaft angle (HNSA), humeral head height, and humeral head avascular necrosis. Reduction loss was observed in 3 patients (17.6%) in group A, whereas it was observed in 10 patients (58.8%) in group B (P = .013). Humeral head avascular necrosis was found in 1 patient (5.8%) in group A, whereas it was found in 5 patients (29.4%) in the other group (P = .071). The HNSA was normal in 12 (70.5%) of group A patients, whereas it was normal in 6 (35.2%) of group B patients. The HNSA was weak or bad (<1200) in 29.4% of group A patients, whereas this rate was 64.7% in group B patients. Humeral head height was 2.64 ± 1.45 mm in group A and 3.66 ± 1.65 mm in group B. There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups in terms of Constant and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scoring systems. Pectoralis major bone pedicle graft in Neer 4-part proximal humerus fractures reduces the risk of avascular necrosis and nonunion rates. Our technique yielded excellent clinical and radiological results. We achieved recovery without creating additional donor site morbidity.


The Service User Technology Acceptability Questionnaire: Psychometric Evaluation of the Norwegian Version.
When developing a mobile health app, users' perception of the technology should preferably be evaluated. However, few standardized and validated questionnaires measuring acceptability are available. The aim of this study was to assess the validity of the Norwegian version of the Service User Technology Acceptability Questionnaire (SUTAQ). Persons with type 2 diabetes randomized to the intervention groups of the RENEWING HEALTH study used a diabetes diary app. At the one-year follow-up, participants in the intervention groups (n=75) completed the self-reported instrument SUTAQ to measure the acceptability of the equipment. We conducted confirmatory factor analysis for evaluating the fit of the original five-factor structure of the SUTAQ. We confirmed only 2 of the original 5 factors of the SUTAQ, perceived benefit and care personnel concerns. The original five-factor structure of the SUTAQ was not confirmed in the Norwegian study, indicating that more research is needed to tailor the questionnaire to better reflect the Norwegian setting. However, a small sample size prevented us from drawing firm conclusions about the translated questionnaire.


Distinct mechanisms regulating mechanical force-induced Ca²⁺ signals at the plasma membrane and the ER in human MSCs.
It is unclear that how subcellular organelles respond to external mechanical stimuli. Here, we investigated the molecular mechanisms by which mechanical force regulates Ca(2+) signaling at endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in human mesenchymal stem cells. Without extracellular Ca(2+), ER Ca(2+) release is the source of intracellular Ca(2+) oscillations induced by laser-tweezer-traction at the plasma membrane, providing a model to study how mechanical stimuli can be transmitted deep inside the cell body. This ER Ca(2+) release upon mechanical stimulation is mediated not only by the mechanical support of cytoskeleton and actomyosin contractility, but also by mechanosensitive Ca(2+) permeable channels on the plasma membrane, specifically TRPM7. However, Ca(2+) influx at the plasma membrane via mechanosensitive Ca(2+) permeable channels is only mediated by the passive cytoskeletal structure but not active actomyosin contractility. Thus, active actomyosin contractility is essential for the response of ER to the external mechanical stimuli, distinct from the mechanical regulation at the plasma membrane.


Clinical Results of Transarterial Radioembolization (TARE) with Holmium-166 Microspheres in the Multidisciplinary Oncologic Treatment of Patients with Primary and Secondary Liver Cancer.
Holmium-166 microspheres are used for the transarterial radioembolization (TARE) treatment of primary and secondary liver cancers. In this study, its efficacy regarding local tumor control and integration into the oncological treatment sequence of the first 20 patients treated in our institution were examined. A total of twenty-nine 166Ho-TARE procedures were performed to treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC, fourteen patients), metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC, four patients), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC, one patient), and hemangioendothelioma of the liver (HE, one patient). In eight patients, 166Ho-TARE was the initial oncologic treatment. In patients with HCC, the median treated-liver progression-free survival (PFS), overall PFS, and overall survival after 166Ho-TARE were 10.3, 7.3, and 22.1 months; in patients with mCRC, these were 2.6, 2.9, and 20.6 months, respectively. Survival after 166Ho-TARE in the patients with ICC and HE were 5.2 and 0.8 months, respectively. Two patients with HCC were bridged to liver transplantation, and one patient with mCRC was downstaged to curative surgery. In patients with HCC, a median treatment-free interval of 7.3 months was achieved. In line with previous publications, 166Ho-TARE was a feasible treatment option in patients with liver tumors, with favorable clinical outcomes in the majority of cases. It was able to achieve treatment-free intervals, served as bridging-to-transplant, and did not prevent subsequent therapies.


Epstein-Barr virus-associated primary central nervous system lymphoma in a child with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. A case report and review of the literature.
A 34-month-old black boy who had contracted acquired immunodeficiency syndrome from his mother presented with fever, vomiting, and cough. He was cachectic, hypertonic, and developmentally delayed. A brain computed tomography scan revealed masses in the left frontal horn, subependymal, and periventricular regions; secondary edema; and hydrocephalus. The differential diagnosis was cerebral lymphoma versus toxoplasmosis. The patient had disseminated Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare infection, lymphoid interstitial pneumonitis, as well as Pseudomonas and Klebsiella pneumonia. He died of respiratory insufficiency 53 days after admission. The autopsy confirmed a primary cerebral B-cell lymphoma, large cell type, which was positive for Epstein-Barr virus, latent phase, by in situ hybridization. Primary central nervous system lymphomas are rare in children, in contrast to adults. To our knowledge, only five well-documented cases of primary cerebral lymphomas in infants and children with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome have been reported previously. The current study shows that these childhood lymphomas are associated with and presumably caused by Epstein-Barr virus and thus have a pathogenesis similar to that of primary central nervous system lymphomas in adults.


The crest phenotype in domestic chicken is caused by a 197 bp duplication in the intron of HOXC10.
The Crest mutation in chicken shows incomplete dominance and causes a spectacular phenotype in which the small feathers normally present on the head are replaced by much larger feathers normally present only in dorsal skin. Using whole-genome sequencing, we show that the crest phenotype is caused by a 197 bp duplication of an evolutionarily conserved sequence located in the intron of HOXC10 on chromosome 33. A diagnostic test showed that the duplication was present in all 54 crested chickens representing eight breeds and absent from all 433 non-crested chickens representing 214 populations. The mutation causes ectopic expression of at least five closely linked HOXC genes, including HOXC10, in cranial skin of crested chickens. The result is consistent with the interpretation that the crest feathers are caused by an altered body region identity. The upregulated HOXC gene expression is expanded to skull tissue of Polish chickens showing a large crest often associated with cerebral hernia, but not in Silkie chickens characterized by a small crest, both homozygous for the duplication. Thus, the 197 bp duplication is required for the development of a large crest and susceptibility to cerebral hernia because only crested chicken show this malformation. However, this mutation is not sufficient to cause herniation because this malformation is not present in breeds with a small crest, like Silkie chickens.


Silencing of survivin using YM155 induces apoptosis and chemosensitization in neuroblastomas cells.
Aggressive cell growth and chemoresistance are notorious obstacles in neuroblastoma therapy. Accumulating evidence suggests that survivin is preferentially expressed in cancer cells and plays a crucial role in cell division and apoptosis dysfunction. Thus, in the present study, we investigated whether silencing of survivin, using a novel small-molecule survivin suppressant, YM155 could suppress the proliferation and induce chemosensitization of neuroblastoma cells. SH-SY5Y human neuroblastomas cells were treated with YM155 (10 to 500 mM) and/or chemotherapeutic agent cisplatin for 72 hours, and cell viability, apoptosis, mRNA and protein expression level were then evaluated. Furthermore, the efficacy of YM155 combined with cisplatin was further examined in established xenograft models. YM155 suppressed expression of survivin, inhibited the proliferation and induced apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Reduced levels of survivin sensitized SH-SY5Y to the chemotherapeutic agent cisplatin. YM155 showed antiproliferative effects and induced tumor regression and apoptosis in established SH-SY5Y xenograft models. Cisplatin showed antitumor activity against SH-SY5Y cells, it did not induce survivin upregulation. Combination treatment of YM155 and cisplatin induced a greater rate of apoptosis than the sum of the single-treatment rates and promoted tumor regression without enhanced body weight loss in the SH-SY5Y xenograft models. The concomitant combination of YM155 with cisplatin induced more intense apoptosis compared with each single treatment in vivo and in vitro. YM155 in combination with cisplatin is well tolerated and shows greater efficacy than either agent alone in mouse xenograft models.


Studies of the structure and functional organization of foreign DNA integrated into the genome of Nicotiana tabacum.
In transgenic plants obtained either by Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation or by direct DNA transfer, the structure of integrated chimeric donor DNA remains stable during vegetative proliferation, during sexual transmission, and under various selection conditions. We correlate the level of expression of the introduced gene in independent transformants and their offspring with the particular arrangement and modification of their integrated DNAs. Genetic analysis of transgenic plants shows that the chimeric gene is transmitted in a Mendelian fashion to the F1 and F2 progeny as a single dominant trait. Deviations from the expected segregation pattern are discussed with respect to different levels of gene activity. We compare the gene activity in heterozygotes versus homozygotes, and show variation in activity between plants regenerated independently from the same transformed callus. Cotransformation studies with two physically unlinked and partly homologous plasmids carrying two different marker genes indicate that they are physically linked after integration into the host genome.


Phase variation mediated niche adaptation during prolonged experimental murine infection with Helicobacter pylori.
Changes in the repeats associated with the recently redefined repertoire of 31 phase-variable genes in Helicobacter pylori were investigated following murine gastric colonization for up to one year in three unrelated H. pylori strains. Between the beginning and end of the experimental period, changes were seen in ten genes (32 %), which would alter gene expression in one or more of the three strains studied. For those genes that showed repeat length changes at the longest time points, intermediate time points showed differences between the rates of change for different functional groups of genes. Genes most likely to be associated with immediate niche fitting changed most rapidly, including phospholipase A (pldA) and LPS biosynthetic genes. Other surface proteins, which may be under adaptive immune selection, changed more slowly. Restriction-modification genes showed no particular temporal pattern. The number of genes that phase varied during adaptation to the murine gastric environment correlated inversely with their relative fitness as previously determined in this murine model of colonization. This suggests a role for these genes in determining initial fitness for colonization as well as in subsequent niche adaptation. In addition, a coding tandem repeat within a phase-variable gene which does not control actual gene expression was also investigated. This repeat was found to vary in copy number during colonization. This suggests that changes in the structures encoded by tandem repeats may also play a role in altered protein functions and/or immune evasion during H. pylori colonization.


[Use and misuse of hormones in female reproductive disorders].
The correct use of hormones in genesiological cases is discussed with indications for their use, dosage levels and duration of treatment under the following groups, viz. hypothalamic hormones, hypophyseal hormones, other gonadotrophins, steroids, combinations of the foregoing and prostaglandins. The more important dangers associated with hormone therapy are then briefly discussed with a few examples of the more common and hazardous abuses.


When shorter delays lead to worse memories: Task disruption makes visual working memory temporarily vulnerable to test interference.
Evidence shows that visual working memory (VWM) is strongly served by attentional mechanisms, whereas other evidence shows that VWM representations readily survive when attention is being taken away. To reconcile these findings, we tested the hypothesis that directing attention away makes a memory representation vulnerable to interference from the test pattern, but only temporarily so. When given sufficient time, the robustness of VWM can be restored so that it is protected against test interference. In 5 experiments, participants remembered a single grating for a later memory test. In the crucial conditions, participants also performed a letter change detection task in between, during the delay period. Experiments 1-3 demonstrate and replicate the predicted effect: The intervening task had an adverse effect on memory performance, but only when the test display appeared immediately after the secondary task. At longer delays of 3.5 s, memory performance was on a par with conditions in which there was no intervening task. By varying the similarity of the test pattern to the memorized pattern, Experiments 4 and 5 further showed that performance suffered at early test intervals, unless the test item was dissimilar to the memory item. The results provide positive evidence for test interference, and demonstrates that the susceptibility to interference only occurs temporarily, as memory is restored when attention is allowed to return to the memorandum. (PsycINFO Database Record


Elucidating the genetic architecture of Adams-Oliver syndrome in a large European cohort.
Adams-Oliver syndrome (AOS) is a rare developmental disorder, characterized by scalp aplasia cutis congenita (ACC) and transverse terminal limb defects (TTLD). Autosomal dominant forms of AOS are linked to mutations in ARHGAP31, DLL4, NOTCH1 or RBPJ, while DOCK6 and EOGT underlie autosomal recessive inheritance. Data on the frequency and distribution of mutations in large cohorts are currently limited. The purpose of this study was therefore to comprehensively examine the genetic architecture of AOS in an extensive cohort. Molecular diagnostic screening of 194 AOS/ACC/TTLD probands/families was conducted using next-generation and/or capillary sequencing analyses. In total, we identified 63 (likely) pathogenic mutations, comprising 56 distinct and 22 novel mutations, providing a molecular diagnosis in 30% of patients. Taken together with previous reports, these findings bring the total number of reported disease variants to 63, with a diagnostic yield of 36% in familial cases. NOTCH1 is the major contributor, underlying 10% of AOS/ACC/TTLD cases, with DLL4 (6%), DOCK6 (6%), ARHGAP31 (3%), EOGT (3%), and RBPJ (2%) representing additional causality in this cohort. We confirm the relevance of genetic screening across the AOS/ACC/TTLD spectrum, highlighting preliminary but important genotype-phenotype correlations. This cohort offers potential for further gene identification to address missing heritability.


Tales of the unexpected: angiocarpous representatives of the Russulaceae in tropical South East Asia.
Six new sequestrate Lactarius species are described from tropical forests in South East Asia. Extensive macro- and microscopical descriptions and illustrations of the main anatomical features are provided. Similarities with other sequestrate Russulales and their phylogenetic relationships are discussed. The placement of the species within Lactarius and its subgenera is confirmed by a molecular phylogeny based on ITS, LSU and rpb2 markers. A species key of the new taxa, including five other known angiocarpous species from South East Asia reported to exude milk, is given. The diversity of angiocarpous fungi in tropical areas is considered underestimated and driving evolutionary forces towards gasteromycetization are probably more diverse than generally assumed. The discovery of a large diversity of angiocarpous milkcaps on a rather local tropical scale was unexpected, and especially the fact that in Sri Lanka more angiocarpous than agaricoid Lactarius species are known now.


Reassessment of H-reflex recovery curve using the double stimulation procedure.
We conducted two types of experiments to assess the validity of the H-reflex recovery test, using double stimulation to test soleus motoneuron pool excitability in healthy and spastic subjects. One type dealt with the mechanical effect of the conditioning H reflex on the ankle joint; the other type with the effect of change in reflex size. The mechanical effect was tested both with the ankle joint fixed (FX) and free to move (FR). Differences between FX and FR conditions commenced with relaxation of soleus muscle contraction by the conditioning H reflex. In the FR condition, abrupt facilitation occurred, and changed to marked depression. We conclude that specific facilitation and inhibition in the FR condition were secondary effects of group Ia inflows caused by the ankle extensor muscle stretching on relaxation. In some spastic patients as well as in controls, facilitation due to the mechanical effect in the FR condition was observed despite the FX condition. The effects of systematic changes on soleus H-reflex size were investigated at conditioning-test intervals of 80 ms, so as to avoid mechanical effects. When conditioning and test reflexes were the same size, the amount of recovery increased as the H-reflex size increased. Comparison of the relation between amount of recovery and H-reflex size, expressed as a percentage of Mmax, showed no significant difference between the two groups. We speculate that the stronger recovery of spasticity mentioned in previous literature may have resulted from the fact that relatively greater H reflexes were tested in those studies. In conclusion, the present study indicates that double stimulation is not appropriate for assessing spinal motoneuron pool "excitability increase" in spasticity.


In vitro evaluation of aortic insufficiency with a rotary left ventricular assist device.
Aortic insufficiency (AI) is usually repaired prior to rotary blood pump (RBP) implantation but can develop during support due, in part, to the sustained RBP-induced high pressure gradient across the aortic valve. Repair of the aortic valve before or during RBP support predisposes these critically ill patients to even higher risks. This study used an in vitro mock circulation loop to identify the severity of AI and/or left heart failure (LHF) that might benefit from valve repair while investigating RBP operating strategies to reduce the hemodynamic influence of AI. Reproduction of AI with RBP-supported LHF reduced device efficiency, particularly in the more severe cases of AI and LHF. The requirement for repair or closure of the aortic valve was demonstrated in all conditions other than those with only mild AI. When a sinusoidal RBP speed pulse was induced, small changes in systemic flow rate and regurgitant volume were observed with all degrees of AI. Variation of the pulse phase delay only resulted in minor changes to systemic flow rate, with a maximum difference of 0.17 L/min. Although the clinical implications of these small changes may be insignificant, changes in systemic flow rate and transvalvular pressure were shown when the sinusoidal RBP speed pulse was applied with no AI. In these cases, transvalvular pressure was reduced by up to 8% through sinusoidal copulsation of the RBP, which may prevent or delay the onset of AI. This in vitro study suggests that surgical intervention is required with moderate or worse AI and that RBP operating strategies should be further explored to delay the onset and reduce the harmful effects of AI.


Cloning and sequence analysis of cDNAs encoding precursors of urotensin II-alpha and -gamma.
The primary structures of the precursors of urotensin II (UII)-alpha and -gamma, neuropeptide hormones of the caudal neurosecretory system of the carp, Cyprinus carpio, have been determined by analyzing the nucleotide sequences of cloned DNAs complementary to the mRNAs encoding them. A cDNA library, constructed with poly(A)+RNA in the preterminal spinal cord, was screened using 32P-labeled synthetic oligonucleotides representing all possible cDNA sequences corresponding to the pentapeptide common to all forms of carp UII (UII-alpha, -beta, and -gamma). Twenty out of 39 positive clones were analyzed with the restriction endonucleases, HindIII and PvuII, and classified into 4 groups. Nucleotide sequence analysis of 4 clones representing each group revealed that 2 clones encode the precursor of UII-alpha and the other 2 that of UII-gamma. Both precursors consist of 125 amino acid residues, and UII-alpha and -gamma exist at the carboxyl-termini preceded by Arg-Lys-Arg. The homology in both nucleotide and amino acid sequences between the precursors of UII-alpha and -gamma is more than 90%, suggesting that the genes were generated from a common ancestral gene by duplication. There is no sequence homology between the precursors of UII and urotensin I, another peptide hormone of the caudal neurosecretory system, nor between the precursors of UII and somatostatin-14. RNA transfer blot analysis indicated that mRNAs encoding the precursors of UII-alpha and -gamma are present in the spinal cord but not in the brain, intestine, liver, or kidney of the carp.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


Minimally invasive orthodontics: elastodontic therapy in a growing patient affected by Dentinogenesis Imperfecta.
The aim of the study was to report the use of an elastodontic therapy in a growing patient affected by Dentinogenesis Imperfecta, second class malocclusion, deep bite and lower arch crowding from the deciduous dentition to permanent one. At first, the 5-year-old patient was treated with an elastodontic device known as "Nite-Guide". When the patient was 7 years old, during her first permanent molars and incisors eruption and after optimal house-practices, an Occlus-o-Guide Series G was placed at night and on daylight (two hours a day) performing exercises aimed to activate facial muscles and facilitate the deep bite reopening. At 9 years of age, with totally deep bite resolution, she used the Occluso-Guide only at night to hold down previous results and follow patient's dental growth. At 11 years of age, after successful teeth switching, we prescribed an Occlus-o-Guide Series N, which is functional for permanent dentition and guaranteed an eruptive guide for last dental elements. This clinic case could be considered an example of approach for all those patients with systemic and/or dental diseases that do not allow adequate dental retention, which is necessary for most orthodontic appliances; elastodontic devices do not require adequate dental retention and define a minimum intervention on the surfaces of the teeth.


Two adjacent epitopes on a synthetic dodecapeptide induce lactate dehydrogenase B-specific helper and suppressor T cells.
The outcome of an immune response to the enzyme lactate dehydrogenase B (LDH-B) is determined by the interplay between two types of regulatory T lymphocytes, T helper (Th) and T suppressor (Ts) cells. Most mouse strains are capable of generating Th but not Ts cells, and are therefore high responders to LDH-B in terms of both antibody production and antigen-specific T-cell proliferation. However, in strains expressing the b or k allele at the E beta locus of the major histocompatibility complex (Mhc), Ts cells are induced that partly or totally abrogate the proliferative response of Th cells to LDH-B. As a result, these strains are phenotypically medium (E beta b expressors) or low (E beta k expressors) responders. Because the suppression in the LDH-B system is antigen-specific (i.e. it only affects LDH-B-specific Th cells), it is conceivable that the Th and Ts cells use the antigen itself to communicate with each other. To investigate this possibility, we set out to determine which epitopes of the LDH-B molecule are recognized by Th and Ts cells. On the basis of previous studies, a loop structure extending from residue 211 to residue 224 of pig LDH-B appeared to be preferentially recognized by most Th-type (class II Mhc-restricted, proliferating) clones. By using a synthetic peptide, we demonstrate here that both Th and Ts cells are induced by the 211-222 stretch of LDH-B sequence. The use of two further dodecapeptides, each with a single amino-acid substitution in comparison with the pig 211-222 sequence, has revealed that Th and Ts cells have different fine specificities. Thus the loop appears to have two closely linked, if not overlapping, epitopes, one recognized by Th and the other by Ts cells. This finding is consistent with two possible mechanisms of suppression, namely bridging of Th and Ts cells by antigen and subsequent transmission of a suppressive signal, and competition for antigen between Th and Ts cells.


Perceptual-Cognitive Integration for Goal-Directed Action in Naturalistic Environments.
Real-world actions require one to simultaneously perceive, think, and act on the surrounding world, requiring the integration of (bottom-up) sensory information and (top-down) cognitive and motor signals. Studying these processes involves the intellectual challenge of cutting across traditional neuroscience silos, and the technical challenge of recording data in uncontrolled natural environments. However, recent advances in techniques, such as neuroimaging, virtual reality, and motion tracking, allow one to address these issues in naturalistic environments for both healthy participants and clinical populations. In this review, we survey six topics in which naturalistic approaches have advanced both our fundamental understanding of brain function and how neurologic deficits influence goal-directed, coordinated action in naturalistic environments. The first part conveys fundamental neuroscience mechanisms related to visuospatial coding for action, adaptive eye-hand coordination, and visuomotor integration for manual interception. The second part discusses applications of such knowledge to neurologic deficits, specifically, steering in the presence of cortical blindness, impact of stroke on visual-proprioceptive integration, and impact of visual search and working memory deficits. This translational approach-extending knowledge from lab to rehab-provides new insights into the complex interplay between perceptual, motor, and cognitive control in naturalistic tasks that are relevant for both basic and clinical research.


nuvA, an Aspergillus nidulans gene involved in DNA repair and recombination, is a homologue of Saccharomyces cerevisiae RAD18 and Neurospora crassa uvs-2.
A 40 kb genomic clone and 2.3 kb EcoRI subclone that rescued the DNA repair and recombination defects of the Aspergillus nidulans nuvA11 mutant were isolated and the subclone sequenced. The subclone hybridized to a cosmid in a chromosome-specific library confirming the assignment of nuvA to linkage group IV and indicating its closeness to bimD. Amplification by PCR clarified the relative positions of nuvA and bimD. A region identified within the subclone, encoding a C3HC4 zinc finger motif, was used as a probe to retrieve a cDNA clone. Sequencing of this clone showed that the nuvA gene has an ORF of 1329 bp with two introns of 51 bp and 60 bp. Expression of nuvA appears to be extremely low. The putative NUVA polypeptide has two zinc finger motifs, a molecular mass of 48906 Da and has 39% identity with the Neurospora crassa uvs-2 and 25% identity with the Saccharomyces cerevisiae RAD18 translation products. Although mutations in nuvA, uvs-2 and RAD18 produce similar phenotypes, only the nuvA11 mutation affects meiotic recombination. A role for nuvA in both DNA repair and genetic recombination is proposed.


Endoscopic hemostasis for hemorrhage from an ileal diverticulum.
Hemorrhage from a non-Meckelian jejunoileal diverticulum is rare, and it is generally difficult to diagnose the source of the bleeding. Here, we report the case of a 59-year-old male with hemorrhage from an ileal diverticulum. Contrast computed tomography scans demonstrated the ileal diverticulum and extravasation of the contrast medium around it. The diagnosis was then made by computed tomography scans, and endoscopic mechanical hemostasis was performed under colonoscopy with three metal clips. The management of hemorrhage from jejunoileal diverticula is discussed.


Conjunctival AL amyloidosis associated with a low-grade B-cell lymphoma.
A rare case of localized amyloidosis associated with a low-grade B-cell lymphoma involving the conjunctiva is described. Although infiltrating small lymphocytes and plasma cells showed little cytological atypia, molecular genetic examination revealed a prominent B-cell clonal immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) gene rearrangement in the tumor tissue. Immunoelectronmicroscopic examination showed immunoglobulin lambda light chain specificity in the amyloid deposit and Russell bodies in the surrounding plasma cells. We concluded that the immunoglobulin lambda light chain, produced by the tumor's differentiated plasma cells, is the precursor protein of the localized amyloidosis found in this case.


The Effect of DynaCleft® on Cleft Width in Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Patients.
The specific aim of this retrospective cross-sectional study was to assess the efficacy of DynaCleft® as a method of presurgical orthopedics with infants with a unilateral cleft lip and cleft palate who used an oral obturator. Data was collected from 25 infants all of comparable age diagnosed with a unilateral complete cleft lip and palate. Eight patients used DynaCleft ® and an obturator (Group Alpha) and seventeen patients only had an obturator (Group Beta). Maxillary impression casts were obtained from each patient at the initial clinic visit and at the time of cleft lip repair. Differences in alveolar cleft width were compared between the two groups. Casts were measured twice by one observer using a digital caliper. Group Alpha began treatment on an average age of 24.25 days and Group Beta an average of 15.35 days of age. The average cleft width of Group Alpha was 8.13 mm and after treatment it was 4.59 mm. The average cleft width of Group Beta was 8.09 mm and 6.92 mm after treatment. Results of paired t-tests and two-sample t-test showed that cleft width changes between the two groups were significant (P = .03). DynaCleft ® significantly decreased the size of the alveolar cleft width compared to infants who did not use it. Providers should consider using DynaCleft® for patients who may not have access to infant maxillary orthopedics.


[Effect of a ginseng tissue culture preparation on morphofunctional changes in motor neurons upon activation].
Irritation for 10 min of the posterior spinal root in the frog Rana temporaria (electrical stimulation 50 imp/sec, threshold power 4) results in decreasing size of the motoneurons and their nuclei and in appearing pycnomorphous type of neurons. Simultaneously, peculiar changes in cellular ultrastructure connected with inhibition of protein synthesis are observed. When the ginseng preparation is administered to intact animals, an increased excitability of the spinal centers, as well as increasing volume of the motoneuronal nuclei and certain ultrastructural shifts demonstrating activation of protein synthesis and cellular energy are observed. When the ginseng preparation is preliminary administered to the frogs, before a high-frequency synaptic activation of the motoneurons, it protects the cells from pathological changes and pycnotic shrinkage.


Generating Bone Marrow Chimeric Mouse Using GPR120 Deficient Mouse for the Study of DHA Inhibitory Effect on Osteoclast Formation and Bone Resorption.
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3 fatty acid that exerts physiological effects via G protein-coupled receptor 120 (GPR120). In our previous studies, we figured out the inhibitory effects of DHA on TNF-α (Tumor necrosis factor-α)-induced osteoclastogenesis via GPR120 in vivo. Moreover, DHA directly suppressed RANKL expression in osteoblasts via GPR120 in vitro. In this study, we generated bone marrow chimeric mice using GPR120 deficient mice (GPR120-KO) to study the inhibitory effects of DHA on bone resorption and osteoclast formation. Bone marrow cells of wild-type (WT) or GPR120-KO mice were transplanted into irradiated recipient mice, which were WT or GPR120 deficient mice. The resulting chimeric mice contained stromal cells from the recipient and bone marrow cells, including osteoclast precursors, from the donor. These chimeric mice were used to perform a series of histological and microfocus computed tomography (micro-CT) analyses after TNF-α injection for induction of osteoclast formation with or without DHA. Osteoclast number and bone resorption were found to be significantly increased in chimeric mice, which did not express GPR120 in stromal cells, compared to chimeric mice, which expressed GPR120 in stromal cells. DHA was also found to suppress specific signaling pathways. We summarized that DHA suppressed TNF-α-induced stromal-dependent osteoclast formation and bone resorption via GPR120.


Discrete Takagi-Sugeno's fuzzy models: reduction of the number of LMI in fuzzy control techniques.
Conditions about the stabilization of Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy models can systematically be derived and solved usually using linear matrix inequality problems. Current research tries to lower any pessimism. However, often it leads to an important increase in the number of decision variables, and problems become unsolvable. In this correspondence, we choose to reduce the number of decision variables while not raising the conservatism in comparison with previous results. This correspondence deals with the discrete case, which is harder to solve. We supply results about the stabilization, the regulator problem, and also H( infinity) control.


Two human brain systems micro-structurally associated with obesity.
The relationship between obesity and human brain structure is incompletely understood. Using diffusion-weighted MRI from ∼30,000 UK Biobank participants, we test the hypothesis that obesity (waist-to-hip ratio, WHR) is associated with regional differences in two micro-structural MRI metrics: isotropic volume fraction (ISOVF), an index of free water, and intra-cellular volume fraction (ICVF), an index of neurite density. We observed significant associations with obesity in two coupled but distinct brain systems: a prefrontal/temporal/striatal system associated with ISOVF and a medial temporal/occipital/striatal system associated with ICVF. The ISOVF~WHR system colocated with expression of genes enriched for innate immune functions, decreased glial density, and high mu opioid (MOR) and other neurotransmitter receptor density. Conversely, the ICVF~WHR system co-located with expression of genes enriched for G-protein coupled receptors and decreased density of MOR and other receptors. To test whether these distinct brain phenotypes might differ in terms of their underlying shared genetics or relationship to maps of the inflammatory marker C-reactive Protein (CRP), we estimated the genetic correlations between WHR and ISOVF (rg = 0.026, P = 0.36) and ICVF (rg = 0.112, P < 9×10-4) as well as comparing correlations between WHR maps and equivalent CRP maps for ISOVF and ICVF (P<0.05). These correlational results are consistent with a two-way mechanistic model whereby genetically determined differences in neurite density in the medial temporal system may contribute to obesity, whereas water content in the prefrontal system could reflect a consequence of obesity mediated by innate immune system activation.


Morphometric sex determination of Milky and Painted Storks in captivity.
Logistic regression was applied to develop a morphometric sexing method of two closely related stork species that were previously sexed through amplification of the CHD gene. Tarsus length (TL) and bill length (BL) measurements were recorded from captive populations of adult Milky Stork (Mycteria cinerea) (n = 60) and Painted Stork (Mycteria leucocephala) (n = 58) at Zoo Negara Malaysia. Despite having monomorphic plumages, both stork species exhibited normal sexual size dimorphism in which males were significantly larger than females in the tested variables. Based on logistic regression analysis, BL correctly classified the sex of sampled individuals from Painted and Milky stork with an overall predicted accuracy of 94.8 and 90.0%, respectively. However, TL measurements generated a lower predicted accuracy level of 86.2% and a same accuracy level of 90% on the sex classification of individuals from Painted and Milky stork, respectively. By comparing the measurements of both species, only the average BL measurements of the Milky storks were significantly lower than that of Painted storks (t-test, P80.001). The logistic regression equation in this study may serve as a simple and more practical option for sexing Milky and Painted storks for their breeding and conservation programmes.


Differences in Self-expression Reflect Formal Evaluation in a Fourth-year Emergency Medicine Clerkship.
Medical schools have begun to incorporate self-reflection exercises into their curricula, with the belief that these exercises help students master the material more deeply and perform better. Reflection may be a potential learning tool for emergency medicine (EM), but there are few data supporting this hypothesis. The authors evaluated the relationship between a linguistic marker of the degree of reflection after a student's shift in an emergency department and that student's clerkship performance. The authors conducted a retrospective case series by analyzing the performance and reflective statements of 116 students from a single medical school who participated in a required EM clerkship at one or two of four clinical sites from 2013-14. After each shift, an attending emergency physician evaluated the student according to the RIME (Reporter-Interpreter-Manager-Educator) scheme. The authors developed software to extract the text from those comments, remove uninformative words and standardize the remaining words. The authors determined the most common words and two-word phrases that students used to describe their shift. The correlation between students' final clerkship grades and the fraction of student comments with at least one content word was analyzed. Of the 145 possible students, 116 were included for analysis. The other 29 were excluded as they were visiting students who did not receive a final numeric grade. The correlation between final grade and the number of completed self-reflections was 0.32. The correlation between final grade and the average number of words in each self-reflection was 0.21. The first correlation is significantly greater than 0 (p=0.03, t-test), but the second correlation is not (p=0.16, t-test). The median final grade of those who wrote reflections on more than half of their shifts was significantly greater than those who wrote reflections half of the time, 83.675 versus 79.23 (p=0.05, 2-sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov test). Students who reflected more frequently received a higher grade in an EM clerkship for fourth-year medical students. The number of words in each reflection was not significantly correlated with grade performance. The most common words and phrases students wrote were associated with learning and managing patients.


Comparative genomics of Rhizophagus irregularis, R. cerebriforme, R. diaphanus and Gigaspora rosea highlights specific genetic features in Glomeromycotina.
Glomeromycotina is a lineage of early diverging fungi that establish arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis with land plants. Despite their major ecological role, the genetic basis of their obligate mutualism remains largely unknown, hindering our understanding of their evolution and biology. We compared the genomes of Glomerales (Rhizophagus irregularis, Rhizophagus diaphanus, Rhizophagus cerebriforme) and Diversisporales (Gigaspora rosea) species, together with those of saprotrophic Mucoromycota, to identify gene families and processes associated with these lineages and to understand the molecular underpinning of their symbiotic lifestyle. Genomic features in Glomeromycotina appear to be very similar with a very high content in transposons and protein-coding genes, extensive duplications of protein kinase genes, and loss of genes coding for lignocellulose degradation, thiamin biosynthesis and cytosolic fatty acid synthase. Most symbiosis-related genes in R. irregularis and G. rosea are specific to Glomeromycotina. We also confirmed that the present species have a homokaryotic genome organisation. The high interspecific diversity of Glomeromycotina gene repertoires, affecting all known protein domains, as well as symbiosis-related orphan genes, may explain the known adaptation of Glomeromycotina to a wide range of environmental settings. Our findings contribute to an increasingly detailed portrait of genomic features defining the biology of AM fungi.


Inflamed Meckel's diverticulum secondary to a giant faecalith: a rare presentation of acute abdominal pain in an adult.
Meckel's diverticulae can present with symptoms and signs mimicking acute appendicitis. We present the case of a healthy 35-year old male who was suspected of having acute appendicitis but at operation was found to have an inflamed Meckel's diverticulum containing a giant faecalith, which had caused ischaemic necrosis due to a pressure effect. Post-operatively the patient admitted to a year of recurrent bouts of severe colicky abdominal pain, when running.


The feasibility of age-specific travel restrictions during influenza pandemics.
Epidemiological studies have shown that imposing travel restrictions to prevent or delay an influenza pandemic may not be feasible. To delay an epidemic substantially, an extremely high proportion of trips (~99%) would have to be restricted in a homogeneously mixing population. Influenza is, however, strongly influenced by age-dependent transmission dynamics, and the effectiveness of age-specific travel restrictions, such as the selective restriction of travel by children, has yet to be examined. A simple stochastic model was developed to describe the importation of infectious cases into a population and to model local chains of transmission seeded by imported cases. The probability of a local epidemic, and the time period until a major epidemic takes off, were used as outcome measures, and travel restriction policies in which children or adults were preferentially restricted were compared to age-blind restriction policies using an age-dependent next generation matrix parameterized for influenza H1N1-2009. Restricting children from travelling would yield greater reductions to the short-term risk of the epidemic being established locally than other policy options considered, and potentially could delay an epidemic for a few weeks. However, given a scenario with a total of 500 imported cases over a period of a few months, a substantial reduction in the probability of an epidemic in this time period is possible only if the transmission potential were low and assortativity (i.e. the proportion of contacts within-group) were unrealistically high. In all other scenarios considered, age-structured travel restrictions would not prevent an epidemic and would not delay the epidemic for longer than a few weeks. Selectively restricting children from traveling overseas during a pandemic may potentially delay its arrival for a few weeks, depending on the characteristics of the pandemic strain, but could have less of an impact on the economy compared to restricting adult travelers. However, as long as adults have at least a moderate potential to trigger an epidemic, selectively restricting the higher risk group (children) may not be a practical option to delay the arrival of an epidemic substantially.


Enzymatically inactive p60c-src mutant with altered ATP-binding site is fully phosphorylated in its carboxy-terminal regulatory region.
Cellular src protein, p60c-src, is phosphorylated on tyrosine 527 in chicken embryo fibroblasts, and this phosphorylation is implicated in suppressing the protein-tyrosine kinase activity and transforming potential of p60c-src. To determine whether tyrosine 527 phosphorylation is dependent on p60c-src kinase activity, the ATP-binding site of chicken p60c-src was destroyed by substitution of lysine 295 with methionine. The resultant protein, p60c-src(M295), expressed either in chicken cells or in yeast, lacked detectable kinase activity. Nevertheless, tyrosine and serine phosphorylation of p60c-src(M295) overproduced in chicken cells were indistinguishable from that of authentic p60c-src. By contrast, p60c-src(M295) was not phosphorylated on tyrosine in yeast. These results suggest that a protein kinase present in chicken cells but not in yeast phosphorylates tyrosine 527 in trans, and are consistent with the possibility that this kinase is distinct from p60c-src.


Minor postoperative complications related to anesthesia in elective gynecological and orthopedic surgical patients at a teaching hospital in Kingston, Jamaica.
Minor postoperative anesthetic complications may increase patient discomfort and dissatisfaction and delay recovery. This paper sought to determine the frequency of minor complications in the first 48 hours postoperatively reported by elective gynecological and orthopedic surgical patients at the University Hospital of the West Indies, Jamaica. Overall satisfaction with anesthetic care and possible risk factors for developing complications were also assessed. A prospective, descriptive cohort study was undertaken with patient interviews 24 to 48 hours after anesthesia. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 12 and assessed using the χ(2)-square test and multiple logistic regression models. Five hundred and five (505) patients were included, with 374 females (74%). Most were ASA I (55%) or ASA II (38%) and had general anesthesia (80%). A total of 419 (83%) patients reported at least one complication postoperatively. The most frequently reported complications were sore throat (44%), nausea (30%), vomiting (24%), and thrombophlebitis (20%). The mode of the Verbal Numerical Rating Score (VNRS) for each complication ranged between 2 and 5, suggesting that most did not cause severe distress. Age less than 45 years (OR 2.22, 95% CI 1.34-3.69, p=0.002) and female gender (OR 3.64, 95% CI 2.14-6.20, p<0.001) were identified as significant independent variables. Most patients regarded their anesthetic experience as excellent (51%) or very good (22%). This study showed a comparatively high incidence of minor postoperative complications (83%), but low reported severity of symptoms and a high overall satisfaction rate. Special attention should be paid to reduce these minor complications through more meticulous anesthetic technique.


DHCR7 genotypes of cousins with Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome.
Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS) is an autosomal recessive disorder of cholesterol biosynthesis caused by mutations of the 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase gene (DHCR7). We report on three cousins with SLOS, all of whom were found to be compound heterozygotes for the common splice site mutation IVS8-1G-->C and the missense mutation T289I. DNA analysis of one set of parents demonstrated that the father carried the missense mutation and the mother carried the IVS8-1G-->C mutation. By extension, the two unrelated mothers were both heterozygous for IVS8-1G-->C. This finding supports the notion of a high carrier frequency of the IVS8-1G-->C null mutation in Northern European Caucasians.


Indispensable role of endothelial nitric oxide synthase in caloric restriction-induced cardioprotection against ischemia-reperfusion injury.
Caloric restriction (CR) confers cardioprotection against ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). We previously found that treatment with N(G)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester completely abrogates CR-induced cardioprotection and increases nuclear sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) expression. However, it remains unclear whether endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase (eNOS) plays a role in CR-induced cardioprotection and Sirt1 activation. We subjected eNOS-deficient (eNOS(-/-)) mice to either 3-mo ad libitum (AL) feeding or CR (-40%). Isolated perfused hearts were subjected to 25-min global ischemia followed by 60-min reperfusion. The degree of myocardial IRI in AL-fed eNOS(-/-) mice was more severe than that in AL-fed wild-type mice. Furthermore, CR did not exert cardioprotection in eNOS(-/-) mice. eNOS(-/-) mice exhibited elevated blood pressure and left ventricular hypertrophy compared with wild-type mice, although they underwent CR. Although nuclear Sir1 content was increased, the increases in cardiac Sirt1 activity with CR was absent in eNOS(-/-) mice. In eNOS(-/-) mice treated with hydralazine, blood pressure and left ventricular weight became comparable with CR-treated wild-type mice. However, CR-induced cardioprotection was not observed. Resveratrol enhanced cardiac Sirt1 activity but failed to mimic CR-induced cardioprotection in eNOS(-/-) mice. Finally, combination therapy with resveratrol and hydralazine attenuated myocardial IRI and reduced infarct size in eNOS(-/-) mice, and their effects were comparable with those observed in CR-treated wild-type mice. These results demonstrate the essential roles of eNOS in the development of CR-induced cardioprotection and Sirt1 activation during CR. The combination of a relatively low dose of resveratrol with an adequate vasodilator therapy might be useful for managing patients with endothelial dysfunction associated with impaired NO bioavailability.


Recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of latent and active tuberculosis in inflammatory joint diseases for candidates for therapy with tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitors--March 2008 update.
The Portuguese Society of Rheumatology and the Portuguese Society of Pulmonology have updated the guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and active tuberculosis (ATB) in patients with inflammatory joint diseases (IJD) that are candidates to therapy with tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) antagonists. In order to reduce the risk of tuberculosis (TB) reactivation and the incidence of new infections, TB screening is recommended to be done as soon as possible, ideally at the moment of IJD diagnosis, and patient assessment repeated before starting anti-TNFalpha therapy. Treatment for ATB and LTBI must be done under the care of a TB specialist. When TB treatment is indicated, it should be completed prior to starting anti-TNFalpha therapy. If the IJD activity justifies the need for immediate treatment, anti-TNFalpha therapy can be started two months after antituberculous therapy has been initiated, in the case of ATB, and one month after in the case of LTBI; healed lesions require the exclusion of ATB. In cases of suspected active lesions, ATB should be excluded/confirmed and adequate therapy initiated. Tuberculin skin test, with two units of RT23, should be performed in all patients. If the duration is < 5 mm, the test should be repeated within 1 to 2 weeks, on the opposite forearm, and will be considered negative only if the result is again < 5 mm. Positive TST implicates LTBI treatment, unless previous proper treatment was provided. If TST is performed in immunossuppressed IJD patients, LTBI treatment should be offered to the patient before starting anti-TNFalpha therapy, even in the presence of a negative test, after risk/benefit assessment.


Theory of current source-density analysis and determination of conductivity tensor for anuran cerebellum.
The theoretical basis of current source-density (CSD) analysis in the central nervous system is described. Equations relating CSD, the current flow vector, and the extracellular field potential are given. It is shown that the CSD provides superior resolution of neuronal events when compared to conventional field-potential analysis. Expressions for the CSD in rectangular Cartesian coordinates are derived, including the general case of anisotropic, inhomogeneous conductive tissue, and a coordinate system rotated with respect to the principal axes (APPENDIX). The minimum number of spatial dimensions for accurate CSD analysis is discussed. The conductivity tensor was experimentally measured in frog and toad cerebella. All three principal components of the tensor were evaluated and their spatial gradients determined to be negligible. It was also shown that the conductivity was independent of potential. Thus the anuran cerebellum is anisotropic, homogeneous, and ohmic. On the basis of these results the appropriate mathematical expression for the CSD was selected.


Investigation of some biologic activities of Swertia longifolia Boiss.
Swertia species are widespread in Eastern and Southern Asian countries and used in traditional medicine as anti-pyretic, analgesic, gastro and liver tonic. Among different species, only Swertia longifolia grows in Iran. In this investigation, antioxidant, cytotoxic and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities of S. longifolia have been studied. Aerial parts and roots of the plant were collected, dried and extracted with methanol 80% (total extract). Different extracts of the plant were obtained using hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol, methanol:water (1:1) and water, respectively. Cytotoxic activity was determined by MTT assay on MDBK, HepG2, MCF7, HT29 and A549 cell lines. Antioxidant activity was measured by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) free radicals and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory (AChEI) effect was evaluated based on Ellman's method in 96-well microplates.The results showed no cytotoxicity of the plant extracts on MDBK, HepG2, MCF7, HT29 and A549 cell lines up to 100 μg/ml. All samples showed radical scavenging activity but methanol extract of aerial parts and ethyl acetate extract of the roots showed the highest effects.Total extract of the roots showed higher AChEI activity than the aerial parts. Among different extracts, chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts of the roots and chloroform and methanol:water extracts of the aerial parts were more potent in AChEI assay. It is concluded that aerial parts and roots of the plant are rich in antioxidant agents with no cytotoxicity on selected cell lines up to 100 μg/ml. Moreover, since antioxidant and AChEI activity of compounds play an important role in the treatment of Alzheimer's disorder, this plant might be a potential candidate for isolation of antioxidant and AChEI compounds which could be used as supportive treatment of Alzheimer's disease.


Validation of the Omron HEM 742 blood pressure monitoring device in adolescents.
Accurate blood pressure measurement is fundamental for scientific investigation or clinical decision-making. In this sense, it is important to verify the values provided by electronic devices. To validate the Omron HEM 742 blood pressure monitoring device in adolescents according to criteria suggested by the British Hypertension Society. A total of 150 adolescents aged between 10 and 16 years participated in the study. The automated Omron HEM 742 monitor was connected in Y to the mercury column auscultatory device, then three simultaneous measurements were taken, and the differences between the readings of the two devices were calculated. The intraclass correlation coefficient and Bland-Altman plot (agreement) were used to verify the relationship between both devices. Specificity and sensitivity of the device were determined by using the ROC curve. The comparison between the measurements showed an equal to or lower than 5mmHg difference in 67.3% of the systolic values, and 69.3% of the diastolic values; an equal to or lower than 10mmHg difference occurred in 87.3% and 90.6% of the systolic and diastolic values, respectively; an equal to or lower than 15mmHg difference was found in 96.6% of the systolic values and 97.3% of the diastolic values. These findings are consistent with a grade A according to the British Hypertension Society protocol. A marked consonance was observed between the values obtained by the automated monitor and this device was proven to be capable of identifying the presence or absence of high blood pressure. The Omron HEM 742 monitor was proved valid for blood pressure measurement in adolescents according to the criteria suggested by the British Hypertension Society.


Benzothiadiazole, a plant defense inducer, negatively regulates sheath blight resistance in Brachypodium distachyon.
Plant defense inducers that mimic functions of the plant immune hormone salicylic acid (SA) often affect plant growth. Although benzothiadiazole (BTH), a synthetic analog of SA, has been widely used to protect crops from diseases by inducing plant defense responses, we recently demonstrated that SA, but not BTH, confers resistance against Rhizoctonia solani, the causal agent of sheath blight disease, in Brachypodium distachyon. Here, we demonstrated that BTH compromised the resistance of Bd3-1 and Gaz4, the two sheath blight-resistant accessions of B. distachyon, which activate SA-dependent signaling following challenge by R. solani. Moreover, upon analyzing our published RNA-seq data from B. distachyon treated with SA or BTH, we found that BTH specifically induces expression of genes related to chloroplast function and jasmonic acid (JA) signaling, suggesting that BTH attenuates R. solani resistance by perturbing growth-defense trade-offs and/or by inducing a JA response that may increase susceptibility to R. solani. Our findings demonstrated that BTH does not work as a simple mimic of SA in B. distachyon, and consequently may presumably cause unfavorable side effects through the transcriptional alteration, particularly with respect to R. solani resistance.


Schistosomiasis control in the people's Republic of China.
Evidence exists that schitosomiasis japonica has been present in China for more than 2,200 years. The first parasitologically confirmed clinical case was reported in 1905. Fragmentary surveys before 1949 suggested that there were 5 million schistosomiasis patients distributed in 138 hsiens (counties); however, a more systematic survey after the founding of the People's Republic showed that these figures represented only 50% of patients and 40% of infected hsiens. Based on the epidemiological pattern and ecological characteristics of the snail intermediate host, endemic areas have been divided into three strata: plain region, mountainous and hill region, and marshland and lake region. Following comprehensive control measures, with stress on applied research and integrating technical work with involvement of the population, in 204 hsiens the snail control programs are now considered to be relatively consolidated and the number of patients needing treatment is relatively few. In the marshland and lake region and mountainous region eradication of schistosomiasis remains a difficult problem.


Effects of Isometric Exercises versus Static Stretching in Warm-up Regimens for Running Sport Athletes: A Systematic Review.
The objective of this review was to identify studies that report the pre-exercise effects of isometric exercise versus static stretching on performance and injury rates of running athletes in comparison to their outcomes. Seven electronic databases were searched: Cochrane, PEDro, CINAHL, PubMed, MEDLINE, SportDiscus, and GoogleScholar. Data was collected using an established PICO question, and assembled logic grid. The included articles were required to (1) assess running performance or injury prevention and (2) include isometric exercises/muscle activation and/or static stretching. Articles published prior to the year 2000, non-English, and non-human studies were excluded. Quality was assessed using the PEDro quality appraisal tool for RCTs, and NIH-NHLBI appraisal tool for others. The Cochrane collaboration tool for risk of bias as well as the PRISMA 2020 statement were also used in this review. In the nine articles appraised in the study, variables assessed included running economy, injury rate, soreness levels, sprint times, and countermovement and drop jump height. Static stretching demonstrated a significant negative effect on sprint performance and countermovement/drop jump height. It also demonstrated a decrease in variables associated with injury over extended periods and no impact on running economy. Isometric holds demonstrated no significant effect on sprint performance or countermovement/drop jump height. It also demonstrated decreases in soreness levels and no impact on running economy. Isometric holds have positive effects/fewer negative results on running athletes when compared to static stretching for pre-exercise performance. Research with decreased risk of bias is needed to determine maximal benefits from timing/dosage of isometric hold in warm-up.


Concentration and pH dependence of skeletal muscle chloride channel ClC-1.
1. The influence of Cl- concentration and pH on gating of the skeletal muscle Cl- channel, ClC-1, has been assessed using the voltage-clamp technique and the Sf-9 insect cell and Xenopus oocyte expression systems. 2. Hyperpolarization induces deactivating inward currents comprising a steady-state component and two exponentially decaying components, of which the faster is weakly voltage dependent and the slower strongly voltage dependent. 3. Open probability (Po) and kinetics depend on external but not internal Cl- concentration. 4. A point mutation, K585E, in human ClC-1, equivalent to a previously described mutation in the Torpedo electroplaque chloride channel, ClC-0, alters the I-V relationship and kinetics, but retains external Cl- dependence. 5. When external pH is reduced, the deactivating inward currents of ClC-1 are diminished without change in time constants while the steady-state component is enhanced. 6. In contrast, reduced internal pH slows deactivating current kinetics as its most immediately obvious action and the Po curve is shifted in the hyperpolarizing direction. Addition of internal benzoate at low internal pH counteracts both these effects. 7. A current activated by hyperpolarization can be revealed at an external pH of 5.5 in ClC-1, which in some ways resembles currents due to the slow gates of ClC-0. 8. Gating appears to be controlled by a Cl(-)-binding site accessible only from the exterior and, possibly, by modification of this site by external protonation. Intracellular hydroxyl ions strongly affect gating either allosterically or by direct binding and blocking of the pore, an action mimicked by intracellular benzoate.


Broad-based nutritional supplementation in 3xTg mice corrects mitochondrial function and indicates sex-specificity in response to Alzheimer's disease intervention.
Nutrition has been highlighted as a potential factor in Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk and decline and has been investigated as a therapeutic target. Broad-based combination diet therapies have the potential to simultaneously effect numerous protective and corrective processes, both directly (e.g., neuroprotection) and indirectly (e.g., improved vascular health). Here we administered either normal mouse chow with a broad-based nutritional supplement or mouse chow alone to aged male and female 3xTg mice and wildtype (WT) controls. After approximately 4 months of feeding, mice were given a battery of cognitive tasks and then injected with a radiolabeled glucose analog. Brains were assessed for differences in regional glucose uptake and mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase activity, AD pathology, and inflammatory markers. Supplementation induced behavioral changes in the 3xTg, but not WT, mice, and the mode of these changes was influenced by sex. Subsequent analyses indicated that differential response to supplementation by male and female 3xTg mice highlighted brain regional strategies for the preservation of function. Several regions involved have been shown to mediate responses to steroid hormones, indicating a mechanism for sex-based vulnerability. Thus, these findings may have broad implications for the human response to future therapeutics.


Developing polymer composite materials: carbon nanotubes or graphene?
The formation of composite materials represents an efficient route to improve the performances of polymers and expand their application scopes. Due to the unique structure and remarkable mechanical, electrical, thermal, optical and catalytic properties, carbon nanotube and graphene have been mostly studied as a second phase to produce high performance polymer composites. Although carbon nanotube and graphene share some advantages in both structure and property, they are also different in many aspects including synthesis of composite material, control in composite structure and interaction with polymer molecule. The resulting composite materials are distinguished in property to meet different applications. This review article mainly describes the preparation, structure, property and application of the two families of composite materials with an emphasis on the difference between them. Some general and effective strategies are summarized for the development of polymer composite materials based on carbon nanotube and graphene.


Cold-acclimation limits low temperature induced photoinhibition by promoting a higher photochemical quantum yield and a more effective PSII restoration in darkness in the Antarctic rather than the Andean ecotype of Colobanthus quitensis Kunt Bartl (Cariophyllaceae).
Ecotypes of Colobanthus quitensis Kunt Bartl (Cariophyllaceae) from Andes Mountains and Maritime Antarctic grow under contrasting photoinhibitory conditions, reaching differential cold tolerance upon cold acclimation. Photoinhibition depends on the extent of photodamage and recovery capability. We propose that cold acclimation increases resistance to low-temperature-induced photoinhibition, limiting photodamage and promoting recovery under cold. Therefore, the Antarctic ecotype (cold hardiest) should be less photoinhibited and have better recovery from low-temperature-induced photoinhibition than the Andean ecotype. Both ecotypes were exposed to cold induced photoinhibitory treatment (PhT). Photoinhibition and recovery of photosystem II (PSII) was followed by fluorescence, CO2 exchange, and immunoblotting analyses. The same reduction (25%) in maximum PSII efficiency (Fv/Fm) was observed in both cold-acclimated (CA) and non-acclimated (NA) plants under PhT. A full recovery was observed in CA plants of both ecotypes under dark conditions, but CA Antarctic plants recover faster than the Andean ecotype.Under PhT, CA plants maintain their quantum yield of PSII, while NA plants reduced it strongly (50% and 73% for Andean and Antarctic plants respectively). Cold acclimation induced the maintenance of PsaA and Cyt b6/f and reduced a 41% the excitation pressure in Antarctic plants, exhibiting the lowest level under PhT. xCold acclimation decreased significantly NPQs in both ecotypes, and reduced chlorophylls and D1 degradation in Andean plants under PhT.NA and CA plants were able to fully restore their normal photosynthesis, while CA Antarctic plants reached 50% higher photosynthetic rates after recovery, which was associated to electron fluxes maintenance under photoinhibitory conditions. Cold acclimation has a greater importance on the recovery process than on limiting photodamage. Cold acclimation determined the kinetic and extent of recovery process under darkness in both C. quitensis ecotypes. The greater recovery of PSII at low temperature in the Antarctic ecotype was related with its ability to maintain PsaA, Cyt b6/f and D1 protein after photoinhibitory conditions. This is probably due to either a higher stability of these polypeptides or to the maintenance of their turnover upon cold acclimation. In both cases, it is associated to the maintenance of electron drainage from the intersystem pool, which maintains QA more oxidized and may allow the synthesis of ATP and NADPH necessaries for the regeneration of ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate in the Calvin Cycle. This could be a key factor for C. quitensis success under the harsh conditions and the short growing period in the Maritime Antarctic.


B-cell activating factor gene variants in multiple sclerosis: Possible associations with disease susceptibility among females.
Although B cells and B cell activating factor (BAFF) have been previously implicated in MS pathogenesis, data regarding the genetic influence of BAFF polymorphisms on MS susceptibility are limited. Here we aim to explore whether BAFF polymorphisms could contribute to MS susceptibility. 156 RRMS patients fulfilling the revised McDonald criteria for MS diagnosis and 220 HCs were enrolled. Clinical, laboratory, and imaging characteristics were recorded. BAFF rs9514827, rs1041569, and rs9514828 polymorphisms were assessed by RFLP-PCR in DNA samples extracted from whole peripheral blood. The BAFF rs1041569 TT genotype along with the CTT and TTC haplotypes were associated with significantly increased risk for MS development in female MS patients compared to healthy female counterparts. These findings were not confirmed in males. The rs1041569 BAFF variant together with the CTT and TTC BAFF haplotypes derived from the BAFF rs9514827, rs1041569, and rs9514828 polymorphisms may represent novel genetic contributors to the development of MS in females.


Osteopontin, a key component of the hematopoietic stem cell niche and regulator of primitive hematopoietic progenitor cells.
Although recent data suggests that osteoblasts play a key role within the hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) niche, the mechanisms underpinning this remain to be fully defined. The studies described herein examine the role in hematopoiesis of Osteopontin (Opn), a multidomain, phosphorylated glycoprotein, synthesized by osteoblasts, with well-described roles in cell adhesion, inflammatory responses, angiogenesis, and tumor metastasis. We demonstrate a previously unrecognized critical role for Opn in regulation of the physical location and proliferation of HSCs. Within marrow, Opn expression is restricted to the endosteal bone surface and contributes to HSC transmarrow migration toward the endosteal region, as demonstrated by the markedly aberrant distribution of HSCs in Opn-/- mice after transplantation. Primitive hematopoietic cells demonstrate specific adhesion to Opn in vitro via beta1 integrin. Furthermore, exogenous Opn potently suppresses the proliferation of primitive HPCs in vitro, the physiologic relevance of which is demonstrated by the markedly enhanced cycling of HSC in Opn-/- mice. These data therefore provide strong evidence that Opn is an important component of the HSC niche which participates in HSC location and as a physiologic-negative regulator of HSC proliferation.


The finite element method applied to the study of two-dimensional photonic crystals and resonant cavities.
A critical assessment of the finite element (FE) method for studying two-dimensional dielectric photonic crystals is made. Photonic band structures, transmission coefficients, and quality factors of various two-dimensional, periodic and aperiodic, dielectric photonic crystals are calculated by using the FE (real-space) method and the plane wave expansion or the finite difference time domain (FDTD) methods and a comparison is established between those results. It is found that, contrarily to popular belief, the FE method (FEM) not only reproduces extremely well the results obtained with the standard plane wave method with regards to the eigenvalue analysis (photonic band structure and density of states calculations) but it also allows to study very easily the time-harmonic propagation of electromagnetic fields in finite clusters of arbitrary complexity and, thus, to calculate their transmission coefficients in a simple way. Moreover, the advantages of using this real space method in the context of point defect cluster quality factor calculations are also stressed by comparing the results obtained with this method with those obtained with the FDTD one. As a result of this study, FEM comes out as an stable, robust, rigorous, and reliable tool to study light propagation and confinement in both periodic and aperiodic dielectric photonic crystals and clusters.


The Muscularity-Oriented Eating Test, Drive for Muscularity Scale, and Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder Inventory among Chinese Men: Confirmatory Factor Analyses.
Research on eating disorders (EDs) and body image disturbances has focused mostly on females from Western countries, and little is known about EDs in male populations in China, which is partially due to the lack of validated assessment measures. The current work aims to translate the Muscularity-Oriented Eating Test (MOET), Drive for Muscularity Scale (DMS) and Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder Inventory (MDDI) into Chinese and examine their psychometric properties. The factor structures, reliability and validity of the translated scales were examined with two samples: male university students (n = 295, Mage = 18.92 years) and general adult men (n = 406, Mage = 28.53 years). With confirmatory factor analyses, the original factor structures are replicated for the MOET, DMS and MDDI. The results also support the adequate internal consistency for both samples. Strong evidence of convergent and incremental validity for the three measures is also found in both samples. Overall, the three measures prove to be good instruments for use among Chinese male university students and general adult men.


Pseudoprogression and pseudoresponse: imaging challenges in the assessment of posttreatment glioma.
The current standard of care for newly diagnosed cases of high-grade glioma is surgical resection followed by RT with concurrent chemotherapy. The most widely used criteria for assessing treatment response are based on a 2D measurement of the enhancing area on MR imaging known as the Macdonald Criteria. Recently, nontumoral increases (pseudoprogression) and decreases (pseudoresponse) in enhancement have been found, and these can confuse outcome evaluation. Here we review pseudoprogression and pseudoresponse and describe how better understanding of these phenomena can aid interpretation.


Element Mapping in Organic Samples Utilizing a Benchtop X-Ray Fluorescence Emission Tomography (XFET) System.
X-ray fluorescence computed tomography (XFCT) is an emerging imaging modality that maps the three-dimensional distribution of elements, generally metals, in ex vivo specimens and potentially in living animals and humans. Building on our previous synchrotron-based work, we experimentally explored the use of a benchtop X-ray fluorescence computed tomography system for mapping trace-metal ions in biological samples. This system utilizes a scanning pencil-beam to stimulate the object and then relies on a detection system, with single or multiple slit apertures placed in front of position-sensitive X-ray detectors, to collect the fluorescence X-rays and to form 3-D elemental map without the need for tomographic imaging reconstruction. The technique was used to generate images of the elemental distributions of a triple-tube phantom and an osmium-stained zebrafish.


Relationship of dehydroascorbic acid transport to cell lineage in lymphocytes from normal subjects and patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
Dehydroascorbic acid is the principal form for the cellular uptake by blood cells of vitamin C. Since previous studies from this laboratory had shown a higher content of ascorbic acid and dehydroascorbic acid (DHA) in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) lymphocytes when compared to their normal counterparts, DHA uptake was characterized using these cells. The affinities of CLL and normal lymphocytes for DHA uptake were similar, as demonstrated by the Km values of 3.7 and 3.5 mM, respectively. Differences were found in other kinetic constants of DHA uptake. The Vmax for normal lymphocytes, 634 mumol/liter cell H2O/min, was approximately twice that of CLL cells, 392 mumol/liter cell H2O/min. In addition, the initial velocity and the maximal DHA uptake by normal lymphocytes were greater than that of CLL lymphocytes. These differences were not simply a reflection of lymphocyte subsets since CLL B-cells demonstrated lower uptake rates than did normal B-cells whereas CLL T-cells were similar to their normal counterparts. The alterations appear to be specific for the leukemic B-cell since they were not shared by neoplastic cells from two patients with T-cell CLL. When analyzed in light of the 3-fold greater cellular DHA and ascorbic acid content in B-cell CLL as compared to normal lymphocytes, these kinetic parameters support the occurrence of a concentration-dependent transport system for DHA. We conclude that the DHA uptake properties of CLL lymphocytes of B-cell origin serves to distinguish this lineage from T-cell CLL or normal lymphocytes.


Obesogenic effects of endocrine disruptors, what do we know from animal and human studies?
Hormonal actions and activation of receptors involved in adipogenesis and brain development during the prenatal period may be affected by exposure to certain chemicals. Experimental studies have shown that amongst others polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)-153 and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) may have obesogenic effects in prenatally exposed mice. To provide an overview of five classes of chemicals which have frequently been indicated as potential obesogens, and to discuss the evidence available regarding early life exposure to these compounds and overweight later in life. Pubmed was systematically searched for publications which related early life exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) to growth parameters later in life. We included 19 studies, which were published from 1995 and onwards. Both positive and negative associations are observed between early life exposure and weight or height at various ages, including as early as 14 months, as well as until 20 years of age. In none of the included studies negative associations between perinatal exposure to EDCs and body mass index (BMI) were found and in several studies a positive association was observed. Dose-response relations appear to be non-monotonic. For certain EDCs, early life exposure may be associated with weight homeostasis later in life, however not necessarily in an obesogenic direction. More sensitive measures of adiposity as well as long-term follow-up are warranted for future studies.


The impact of fraud and abuse regulations.
Increased forays by hospitals and physicians into joint ventures make both parties subject to a complex network of laws and regulations and to scrutiny by many Federal agencies. In this article, the law of fraud and abuse under the Federal Medicare and Medicaid statutes is discussed.


Microbial community successional patterns in beach sands impacted by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
Although petroleum hydrocarbons discharged from the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) blowout were shown to have a pronounced impact on indigenous microbial communities in the Gulf of Mexico, effects on nearshore or coastal ecosystems remain understudied. This study investigated the successional patterns of functional and taxonomic diversity for over 1 year after the DWH oil was deposited on Pensacola Beach sands (FL, USA), using metagenomic and 16S rRNA gene amplicon techniques. Gamma- and Alphaproteobacteria were enriched in oiled sediments, in corroboration of previous studies. In contrast to previous studies, we observed an increase in the functional diversity of the community in response to oil contamination and a functional transition from generalist populations within 4 months after oil came ashore to specialists a year later, when oil was undetectable. At the latter time point, a typical beach community had reestablished that showed little to no evidence of oil hydrocarbon degradation potential, was enriched in archaeal taxa known to be sensitive to xenobiotics, but differed significantly from the community before the oil spill. Further, a clear succession pattern was observed, where early responders to oil contamination, likely degrading aliphatic hydrocarbons, were replaced after 3 months by populations capable of aromatic hydrocarbon decomposition. Collectively, our results advance the understanding of how natural benthic microbial communities respond to crude oil perturbation, supporting the specialization-disturbance hypothesis; that is, the expectation that disturbance favors generalists, while providing (microbial) indicator species and genes for the chemical evolution of oil hydrocarbons during degradation and weathering.


[The particular aspects of development of medical and health promoting tourism].
The expansion of types of medical care and the development of tourism activities in medical services market in Russia actively gains momentum. The certain successes were achieved in this sector of economy. Medical and health tourism is more than complex and complicated category as compared to classical types of tourism and requires additional investigation related to improving efficiency of market business activities of related services and implementation of optimal state policy related to regulation and support of development of this segment of tourism industry. The article analyzes current state of market of medical services provided to foreign citizens and considers trends of further development of market of medical and health tourism. The topic of development of medical and health tourism in context of need is to ensure sustainable development of national economy and integration cooperation in the field of recreation and tourism.


Autoradiography: technique for drastic reduction of exposure time to alpha particles.
High-speed, gross, alpha autoradiographs can be made if silver-activated zinc sulfide is used as an intensifier in conjunction with high-speed film. The intensifier is interposed between the sample and film. This technique requires about 1/1000 of the exposure time required with Kodak NTB plates. The gross autoradiographs have greater contrast but slightly less resolution than conventional plates.


Optimization of the neutron yield in fusion plasmas produced by Coulomb explosions of deuterium clusters irradiated by a petawatt laser.
The kinetic energy of hot (multi-keV) ions from the laser-driven Coulomb explosion of deuterium clusters and the resulting fusion yield in plasmas formed from these exploding clusters has been investigated under a variety of conditions using the Texas Petawatt laser. An optimum laser intensity was found for producing neutrons in these cluster fusion plasmas with corresponding average ion energies of 14 keV. The substantial volume (1-10 mm(3)) of the laser-cluster interaction produced by the petawatt peak power laser pulse led to a fusion yield of 1.6×10(7) neutrons in a single shot with a 120 J, 170 fs laser pulse. Possible effects of prepulses are discussed.


Exploring possible associations of the intestine bacterial microbiome with the pre-weaned weight gaining performance of piglets in intensive pig production.
The pre-weaned weight gain is an important performance trait of pigs in intensive pig production. The bacterial microbiome inside the host is vital to host health and growth performance. The purpose of this study was to explore the possible associations of the intestinal microbiome with the pre-weaned weight gain in intensive pig production. In this study, several anatomical sites (jejunum, ileum, cecum, and colon) were examined for bacterial microbiome structure using 16S rRNA V4-V5 region sequencing with Illumina Miseq. The results showed that the microbial richness (estimated by Chao1 index) in jejunum was positively correlated with the pre-weaned weight gain. This study also revealed that the Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes in colon were the weight gaining-related phyla; while the Selenomonas and Moraxella in ileum and the Lactobacillus in both cecum and colon were the weight gaining-related genera for the pre-weaned piglets in intensive pig prodution. Several intra-microbial interactions within commensal microbiome correlated with the pre-weaned weight gain were excavated, as well. Overall, this study provides an expanded view of the commensal bacterial community inside four anatomical intestinal sites of the commercial piglets and the associations of the intestinal microbiome with the pre-weaned weight gaining performance in intensive pig production.