First Record of the Entomopathogenic Nematode Steinernema litorale (Filipjev) (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) and Its Symbiotic Bacterium from Turkey, and Its Efficacy Capability.
The entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema litorale was isolated from Çamkoru Nature Park located in Ankara, Turkey, in September 2018. Steinernema litorale was recovered in 1 of 67 soil samples from a natural forest area; the soil was characterised as sandy loam. The isolated nematode S. litorale was identified based on morphological and molecular parameters. The symbiotic bacterium of S. litorale was determined as Xenorhabdus bovienii. Steinernema litorale was found for the first time in Turkey and the Middle East. The virulence of the isolate was tested on Galleria mellonella larvae. Different concentrations of the nematode (10, 25, 50, 75, and 100 infective juveniles (IJs/larvae) were used. While the LC50 values at 48 h, 72 h, and 96 h were 153.419, 51.005, and 15.439 IJs, respectively, and the LT50 values at 75 IJs and 100 IJs showed that this isolate is capable to control insect larvae within 50.083 and 36.266 h, respectively.


Syntaxin 1 interacts with the L(D) subtype of voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels in pancreatic beta cells.
Interaction of syntaxin 1 with the alpha(1D) subunit of the voltage-gated L type Ca(2+) channel was investigated in the pancreatic beta cell. Coexpression of the enhanced green fluorescent protein-linked alpha(1D) subunit with the enhanced blue fluorescent protein-linked syntaxin 1 and Western blot analysis together with subcellular fractionation demonstrated that the alpha(1D) subunit and syntaxin 1 were colocalized in the plasma membrane. Furthermore, the alpha(1D) subunit was coimmunoprecipitated efficiently by a polyclonal antibody against syntaxin 1. Syntaxin 1 also played a central role in the modulation of L type Ca(2+) channel activity because there was a faster Ca(2+) current run-down in cells incubated with antisyntaxin 1 compared with controls. In parallel, antisyntaxin 1 markedly reduced insulin release in both intact and permeabilized cells, subsequent to depolarization with K(+) or exposure to high Ca(2+). Exchanging Ca(2+) for Ba(2+) abolished the effect of antisyntaxin 1 on both Ca(2+) channel activity and insulin exocytosis. Moreover, antisyntaxin 1 had no significant effects on Ca(2+)-independent insulin release trigged by hypertonic stimulation. This suggests that there is a structure-function relationship between the alpha(1D) subunit of the L type Ca(2+) channel and the exocytotic machinery in the pancreatic beta cell.


[Accuracy of right and left ventricular heart volume and left ventricular muscle mass determination with cine MRI in breath holding technique].
To assess the accuracy of right- (RV) and left-ventricular (LV) heart volume and muscle mass determinations by cine MR imaging. Ten subjects were examined twice by a segmented, ECG-triggered cine sequence in the short axis plane and breath-hold technique by two independent operators and again 4 weeks later by one of the operators. The contours were evaluated manually by two independent examiners and again four weeks later by one of the examiners. LV and RV end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes, stroke volume, cardiac output, ejection fraction (EF), and left-ventricular muscle mass were compared. The RV evaluation variations (RV-EF: 6.46%) were higher than the LV (LV-EF: 4.46%). The intra-examiner variations were smaller than the inter-examiner variations. The generally operators did not cause a significantly increased variation (LV-EF: 5.77%). In contrast, the repeat examinations at different times did lead to a significant increase in the variation (LV-EF: 10.15%). The rapid ECG-triggered cine MRI in breath-hold technique allows the simultaneous RV and LV, artefact-free determination of heart volumes and LV muscle mass. The LV volumes can be determined more accurately than the RV. The examiner has a distinct influence on the accuracy, the operator has a lesser effect. Physiological fluctuations of cardiac activity significantly influence the follow-up.


The involvement of endoplasmic reticulum stress in the suppression of colorectal tumorigenesis by tolfenamic acid.
The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug tolfenamic acid has been shown to suppress cancer cell growth and tumorigenesis in different cancer models. However, the underlying mechanism by which tolfenamic acid exerts its antitumorigenic effect remains unclear. Previous data from our group and others indicate that tolfenamic acid alters expression of apoptosis- and cell-cycle arrest-related genes in colorectal cancer cells. Here, we show that tolfenamic acid markedly reduced the number of polyps and tumor load in APC(min)(/+) mice, accompanied with cyclin D1 downregulation in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, tolfenamic acid promotes endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, resulting in activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) signaling pathway, of which PERK-mediated phosphorylation of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α (eIF2α) induces the repression of cyclin D1 translation. Moreover, the PERK-eIF2α-ATF4 branch of the UPR pathway plays a role in tolfenamic acid-induced apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells, as silencing ATF4 attenuates tolfenamic acid-induced apoptosis. Taken together, these results suggest ER stress is involved in tolfenamic acid-induced inhibition of colorectal cancer cell growth, which could contribute to antitumorigenesis in a mouse model.


Theaflavins attenuate ethanol‑induced oxidative stress and cell apoptosis in gastric mucosa epithelial cells via downregulation of the mitogen‑activated protein kinase pathway.
Ethanol‑induced diseases of the gastric mucosa are the most common and refractory diseases of gastrointestinal system in clinic, and are mediated by oxidative stress and apoptosis pathways. Theaflavins (TFs) are considered to be antioxidants. The present study aimed to determine the molecular mechanism underlying the ability of TFs to attenuate ethanol‑induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in GES‑1 gastric mucosa epithelial cells. A Cell Counting Kit‑8 (CCK‑8) assay was performed to investigate the cell viability of GES‑1 cells following administration of ethanol (0.5 mol/l) and subsequent treatment with TFs (20, 40 and 80 µg/ml) for specific time intervals. A carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester assay was used to measure proliferation and further investigate the results of the CCK‑8 assay. Flow cytometry was performed to measure reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and the apoptosis rates of GES‑1 cells. Furthermore, levels of oxidative stress‑associated factors, including malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase and glutathione, were investigated using commercial kits. Reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot assays were performed to determine the expression levels of apoptosis‑associated factors, as well as the phosphorylation levels of extracellular signal‑regulated kinase (ERK), c‑Jun N‑terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 kinase (p38). The results of the present study demonstrated that treatment with ethanol inhibited GES‑1 cell proliferation, and enhanced ROS levels and apoptosis rates, potentially via downregulation of B‑cell lymphoma‑2 (Bcl‑2) expression and upregulation of Bcl‑2‑associated X and caspase‑3 expression levels, as well as enhancing the phosphorylation levels of ERK, JNK and p38. However, treatment with TFs was revealed to attenuate the effects of ethanol administration on GES‑1 cells in a dose‑dependent manner. In conclusion, TFs may attenuate ethanol‑induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in gastric mucosa epithelial cells via downregulation of various mitogen‑activated protein kinase pathways.


Common laparoscopic procedures in swine: a review.
Swine serve as excellent models for many laparoscopic procedures. As more operations are being performed laparoscopically, it is essential for the surgeon to have a good understanding of laparoscopic techniques. This manuscript reviews some commonly performed laparoscopic operations with an emphasis on models in swine. Porcine anatomy is generally similar to human anatomy with some minor differences. Practice on porcine models can help refine techniques and increase efficiency and skill.


Identifying Strategies for Effective Telemedicine Use in Intensive Care Units: The ConnECCT Study Protocol.
Telemedicine, the use of audiovisual technology to provide health care from a remote location, is increasingly used in intensive care units (ICUs). However, studies evaluating the impact of ICU telemedicine show mixed results, with some studies demonstrating improved patient outcomes, while others show limited benefit or even harm. Little is known about the mechanisms that influence variation in ICU telemedicine effectiveness, leaving providers without guidance on how to best use this potentially transformative technology. The Contributors to Effective Critical Care Telemedicine (ConnECCT) study aims to fill this knowledge gap by identifying the clinical and organizational factors associated with variation in ICU telemedicine effectiveness, as well as exploring the clinical contexts and provider perceptions of ICU telemedicine use and its impact on patient outcomes, using a range of qualitative methods. In this report, we describe the study protocol, data collection methods, and planned future analyses of the ConnECCT study. Over the course of 1 year, the study team visited purposefully sampled health systems across the United States that have adopted telemedicine. Data collection methods included direct observations, interviews, focus groups, and artifact collection. Data were collected at the ICUs that provide in-person critical care as well as at the supporting telemedicine units. Iterative thematic content analysis will be used to identify and define key constructs related to telemedicine effectiveness and describe the relationship between them. Ultimately, the study results will provide a framework for more effective implementation of ICU telemedicine, leading to improved clinical outcomes for critically ill patients.


Reverse Genetics of Dengue Virus.
Dengue virus (DENV) is one of the most important and widespread arthropod-borne viruses, causing millions of infections over the years. Considering its epidemiological importance, efforts have been directed towards understanding various aspects of DENV biology, which have been facilitated by the development of different molecular strategies for engineering viral genomes, such as reverse genetics approaches. Reverse genetic systems are a powerful tool for investigating virus-host interaction, for vaccine development, and for high-throughput screening of antiviral compounds. However, stable manipulation of DENV genomes is a major molecular challenge, especially when using conventional cloning systems. To circumvent this issue, we describe a simple and efficient yeast-based reverse genetics system to recover infectious DENV clones.


Strong fungal specificity and selectivity for algal symbionts in Florida scrub Cladonia lichens.
Symbiosis is a major theme in the history of life and can be an important force driving evolution. However, across symbioses, it is difficult to tease apart the mechanisms that structure the interactions among potential partners. We used genetic similarity and frequency-based methods to qualitatively and quantitatively examine the patterns of association among several co-occurring Cladonia lichen fungi and their algal photobionts in six disjunct Florida scrub sites. The patterns of association were described by the degree of specificity, i.e. the phylogenetic range of associated partners, and of selectivity, i.e. the frequency of association among partners. Six fungal species associated with only one algal internal transcribed spacer clade, with the remaining two fungi being associated with two algal clades. In all cases, the fungi associated in unequal frequencies with the observed algal photobiont genotypes within those clades--suggesting that both specificity and selectivity were higher than expected. Fungal species can be grouped into three significantly different specificity classes: photobiont specialists, intermediates and generalists. In contrast to the pronounced specificity for photobionts among fungal species, the different Florida scrub sites do not harbour distinct photobiont pools, and differential photobiont availability cannot explain the patterning of lichen associations at this spatial scale. Therefore, we conclude that fungal specificity and selectivity for algal photobionts are major factors in determining the local composition of symbiotic partnerships.


Nicotine-modified postinfarction left ventricular remodeling.
Cigarette smoking has been noted to impair wound healing in tissues such as skin, bone, and gut. This study was designed to examine whether nicotine adversely affects postinfarction cardiac wound healing and remodeling in an experimental model of myocardial infarction. For this purpose, two groups of rats were studied. The control group received a simple bandage, and the nicotine group had a section (1.75 mg/day) of a nicotine patch attached on their backs. After a 7-day treatment period, an anterior wall infarction was induced. A bandage-free 7-day healing period followed, after which hearts were isolated for mechanical tests. Nicotine-treated rats developed significantly enlarged left ventricles with thin, infarcted walls and a rightward shift in the passive pressure-volume relationship. Pressure-strain analysis also indicated possible changes in the material properties of the wound for nicotine-treated rats. In conclusion, nicotine has significant adverse effects on postinfarction healing and left ventricular remodeling. These observations have important clinical implications because of the enhanced risk for development of heart failure.


A procedure for highly specific, sensitive, and unbiased whole-genome amplification.
Highly specific amplification of complex DNA pools without bias or template-independent products (TIPs) remains a challenge. We have developed a method using phi29 DNA polymerase and trehalose and optimized control of amplification to create micrograms of specific amplicons without TIPs from down to subfemtograms of DNA. With an input of as little as 0.5-2.5 ng of human gDNA or a few cells, the product could be close to native DNA in locus representation. The amplicons from 5 and 0.5 ng of DNA faithfully demonstrated all previously known heterozygous segmental duplications and deletions (3 Mb to 18 kb) located on chromosome 22 and even a homozygous deletion smaller than 1 kb with high-resolution chromosome-wide comparative genomic hybridization. With 550k Infinium BeadChip SNP typing, the >99.7% accuracy was compared favorably with results on unamplified DNA. Importantly, underrepresentation of chromosome termini that occurred with GenomiPhi v2 was greatly rescued with the present procedure, and the call rate and accuracy of SNP typing were also improved for the amplicons with a 0.5-ng, partially degraded DNA input. In addition, the amplification proceeded logarithmically in terms of total yield before saturation; the intact cells was amplified >50 times more efficiently than an equivalent amount of extracted DNA; and the locus imbalance for amplicons with 0.1 ng or lower input of DNA was variable, whereas for higher input it was largely reproducible. This procedure facilitates genomic analysis with single cells or other traces of DNA, and generates products suitable for analysis by massively parallel sequencing as well as microarray hybridization.


Disease spread across multiple scales in a spatial hierarchy: effect of host spatial structure and of inoculum quantity and distribution.
Spatial patterns of both the host and the disease influence disease spread and crop losses. Therefore, the manipulation of these patterns might help improve control strategies. Considering disease spread across multiple scales in a spatial hierarchy allows one to capture important features of epidemics developing in space without using explicitly spatialized variables. Thus, if the system under study is composed of roots, plants, and planting hills, the effect of host spatial pattern can be studied by varying the number of plants per planting hill. A simulation model based on hierarchy theory was used to simulate the effects of large versus small planting hills, low versus high level of initial infections, and aggregated versus uniform distribution of initial infections. The results showed that aggregating the initially infected plants always resulted in slower epidemics than spreading out the initial infections uniformly. Simulation results also showed that, in most cases, disease epidemics were slower in the case of large host aggregates (100 plants/hill) than with smaller aggregates (25 plants/hill), except when the initially infected plants were both numerous and spread out uniformly. The optimal strategy for disease control depends on several factors, including initial conditions. More importantly, the model offers a framework to account for the interplay between the spatial characteristics of the system, rates of infection, and aggregation of the disease.


[Ontogenetic characteristics of the participation of the vagus nerves in regulation of the emotional state of dogs].
Bilateral supradiaphragmal section of the vagus nerves in 21 puppies and 12 adult dogs abolished adverse responses to selfstimulation of the lateral hypothalamus. The vagotomy led to facilitation (lowering of threshold, increase in the rate of leverpressing) of the self-stimulation of the posterior-lateral hypothalamic area which was most obvious and stable in the 8-12 week old puppies and adult dogs. When placing the electrodes in the anterior hypothalamic areas and related emotiogenic cerebral structures, the self-stimulation threshold increased. Therefore, the afferent effects on the vagus nerves can both inhibit and facilitate activity of the cerebral areas related to positive reinforcement and connected mainly with the posterior of anterior hypothalamic areas.


Exploration of the Mechanism of Kaempferol in the Treatment of Cervical Cancer-based on Metabolomics and Network Pharmacology.
Cervical cancer is a prevalent malignancy among women globally. We aimed to uncover the mechanism of action of kaempferol in the treatment of cervical cancer using an integrated approach that combines metabolomics with network pharmacology. Initially, we investigated the specific metabolites and potential pathways influenced by kaempferol in the pathological progression of cervical cancer, employing UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap MS metabolomics. In addition, network pharmacology analysis was performed to ascertain the pivotal targets of kaempferol in the context of CC therapy. Metabolomics analysis indicated that the therapeutic effect of kaempferol on cervical cancer is primarily associated with 11 differential metabolites and 7 metabolite pathways. These pathways include arginine and proline metabolism, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis, fatty acid biosynthesis, glycerophospholipid metabolism, pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis, and tyrosine metabolism. Additionally, kaempferol was found to regulate 3 differential metabolites, namely palmitic acid, citric acid, and L-tyrosine, by directly targeting 7 specific proteins, including AKR1B1, CS, EGFR, PLA2G1B, PPARG, SLCO2B1, and SRC. Furthermore, molecular docking demonstrated strong binding affinities between kaempferol and 7 crucial targets. This study elucidates the intricate mechanisms by which kaempferol acts against cervical cancer. Furthermore, this research offers a novel approach to investigating the potential pharmacological mechanisms of action exhibited by natural compounds.


Rosin Soap Exhibits Virucidal Activity.
Chemical methods of virus inactivation are used routinely to prevent viral transmission in both a personal hygiene capacity but also in at-risk environments like hospitals. Several virucidal products exist, including hand soaps, gels, and surface disinfectants. Resin acids, which can be derived from tall oil, produced from trees, have been shown to exhibit antibacterial activity. However, whether these products or their derivatives have virucidal activity is unknown. Here, we assessed the capacity of rosin soap to inactivate a panel of pathogenic mammalian viruses in vitro. We show that rosin soap can inactivate human enveloped viruses: influenza A virus (IAV), respiratory syncytial virus, and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). For IAV, rosin soap could provide a 100,000-fold reduction in infectivity. However, rosin soap failed to affect the nonenveloped encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV). The inhibitory effect of rosin soap against IAV infectivity was dependent on its concentration but not on the incubation time or temperature. In all, we demonstrate a novel chemical inactivation method against enveloped viruses, which could be of use for preventing virus infections in certain settings. IMPORTANCE Viruses remain a significant cause of human disease and death, most notably illustrated through the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Control of virus infection continues to pose a significant global health challenge to the human population. Viruses can spread through multiple routes, including via environmental and surface contamination, where viruses can remain infectious for days. Methods for inactivating viruses on such surfaces may help mitigate infection. Here, we present evidence identifying a novel virucidal product, rosin soap, which is produced from tall oil from coniferous trees. Rosin soap was able to rapidly and potently inactivate influenza virus and other enveloped viruses.


A GYS1 gene mutation is highly associated with polysaccharide storage myopathy in Cob Normand draught horses.
Glycogen storage diseases or glycogenoses are inherited diseases caused by abnormalities of enzymes that regulate the synthesis or degradation of glycogen. Deleterious mutations in many genes of the glyco(geno)lytic or the glycogenesis pathways can potentially cause a glycogenosis, and currently mutations in fourteen different genes are known to cause animal or human glycogenoses, resulting in myopathies and/or hepatic disorders. The genetic bases of two forms of glycogenosis are currently known in horses. A fatal neonatal polysystemic type IV glycogenosis, inherited recessively in affected Quarter Horse foals, is due to a mutation in the glycogen branching enzyme gene (GBE1). A second type of glycogenosis, termed polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM), is observed in adult Quarter Horses and other breeds. A severe form of PSSM also occurs in draught horses. A mutation in the skeletal muscle glycogen synthase gene (GYS1) was recently reported to be highly associated with PSSM in Quarter Horses and Belgian draught horses. This GYS1 point mutation appears to cause a gain-of-function of the enzyme and to result in the accumulation of a glycogen-like, less-branched polysaccharide in skeletal muscle. It is inherited as a dominant trait. The aim of this work was to test for possible associations between genetic polymorphisms in four candidate genes of the glycogen pathway or the GYS1 mutation in Cob Normand draught horses diagnosed with PSSM by muscle biopsy.


Upper and lower body anaerobic performance of semi-elite Rugby League players.
The aim of this study was to measure the upper and lower body anaerobic performance of semi-elite Rugby League (RL) players. Twenty-two semi-professional RL players and 24 physically active but untrained men completed two Wingate anaerobic tests (WAnT) on an electronic arm ergometer and a cycle ergometer separated by three days. Percent body fat was used determined from the sum of six skinfolds and upper and lower muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) was calculated from anthropometric data. Upper and lower body absolute peak (P=0.035, P=0.002) and mean (P=0.005, P=0.031) power were higher in the RL group compared to the control group. Upper and lower body relative peak power was higher (P=0.022, P=0.047) in the control group compared to the RL group. Peak and mean power (relative and absolute) were higher (P≤0.05) in the lower body compared to the upper body. Peak and mean power relative to upper and lower muscle CSA was higher (P≤0.001) in the upper body compared to the lower body for both groups. Semi-elite Rugby League players have well developed absolute anaerobic power, but relative to body weight upper and lower body anaerobic power is not well developed. The upper body is able to generate more power relative to body weight and muscle CSA compared to the lower body during the WAnT. Future studies should examine the upper body anaerobic performance of elite RL players and other sports that have similar upper body demands.


Preoperative Toxoplasma gondii serostatus does not affect long-term survival of cardiac transplant recipients. Analysis of the Spanish Heart Transplantation Registry.
It's unclear whether pre-transplant T. gondii seropositivity is associated with impaired survival in heart transplant recipients. To test the above-mentioned hypothesis in the Spanish Heart Transplantation Registry. Post-transplant outcomes of 4048 patients aged >16years who underwent first, single-organ heart transplantation in 17 Spanish institutions from 1984 to 2014 were studied. Long-term post-transplant survival and survival free of cardiac death or retransplantation of 2434 (60%) T. gondii seropositive recipients and 1614 (40%) T. gondii seronegative recipients were compared. T. gondii seropositive recipients were older, had higher body mass index, and presented higher prevalence of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, COPD and Cytomegalovirus seropositivity than T. gondii seronegative recipients. In univariable analysis, pre-transplant T. gondii seropositivity was associated with increased post-transplant all-cause mortality (non-adjusted HR 1.15; 95% CI 1.04-1.26). However, this effect was no longer statistically significant after multivariable adjustment by recipient's age and sex (adjusted HR 1.01, 95% CI 0.92-1.11). Extended multivariable adjustment by other potential confounders showed similar results (adjusted HR 0.99, 95% CI 0.89-1.11). T. gondii seropositivity had no significant effect on the composite outcome cardiac death or retransplantation (non-adjusted HR 1.08, 95% CI 0.95-1.24, p=0.235). The distribution of the causes of death was comparable in T. gondii seropositive and T. gondii seronegative recipients. No statistically significant impact of donor's T. gondii serostatus or donor-recipient T. gondii serostatus matching on post-transplant survival was observed. Our analysis did not show a significant independent effect of preoperative T. gondii serostatus on long-term outcomes after heart transplantation.


DQ microsatellite association studies in three ethnic groups.
Polymorphism at the level of three microsatellite markers (DQCAR, DQCARII, G51152) located in the HLA-DQ region was characterized in 78 10th International Histocompatibility Workshop B-cell lines, 718 random Japanese Asians, 99 Norwegian Caucasians and 95 New Guinean Aborigines with established HLA-DRB1, -DQA1 and -DQB1 typing. DQCAR, DQCARII, and G51152 result in 13, 13, and 11 alleles respectively. All three markers were in tight linkage disequilibrium with HLA-DRB1, -DQA1 and -DQB1. DRB1, DQA1, DQCARII, DQCAR, DQB1, and G51152 haplotypes could be defined for all subjects. In fact, DQ microsatellite typing data could predict DQA1 and DQB1 genotypes with high accuracy and may be used as a simple first pass HLA-DQ typing method. The haplotype data was also used to determine recombination in the DRB1-DQA1 (about 80 kb), DQA1-DQCARII (about 4.5 kb), DQCARII-DQCAR (about 7.5 kb), DQCAR-DQB1 (about 1-1.5 kb) and DQB1-G51152 (about 20-25 kb) genomic segments and the relative rate of slippage microsatellite mutations for DQCAR, DQCARII, and G51152. This led us to conclude that recombination is more frequent in the DRB1-DQA1 and DQCAR-DQCARII segments, thus suggesting cross-overs within small genomic segments are not proportional to genetic distance. We also observed that DQCAR had a higher mutation rate than DQCARII or G51152 and that 1 or 2 CA slippage mutations were arising more frequently from large size microsatellite alleles.


PPAR Gamma: Coordinating Metabolic and Immune Contributions to Female Fertility.
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG) regulates cellular functions such as adipogenesis and immune cell activation. However, new information has indicated additional roles of PPARG directing the cyclic changes that occur within ovarian tissue of female mammals, including those that facilitate the release of oocytes each estrous cycle. In addition to ovarian PPARG expression and function, many PPARG actions within adipocytes and macrophages have additional direct and indirect implications for ovarian function and female fertility. This encompasses the regulation of lipid uptake and transport, insulin sensitivity, glucose metabolism, and the regulation of inflammatory mediator synthesis and release. This review discusses the developing links between PPARG activity and female reproductive function, and highlights several mechanisms that may facilitate such a relationship.


Health risk assessment of uranium intake from private residential drinking groundwater facilities based on geological characteristics across the Republic of Korea.
Groundwater contributes to an average of 8 % of the total water source capacity in the Republic of Korea. Hence, private residential households in rural areas in Korea are still using groundwater for drinking without any regular water quality inspection. This can increase the risk of exposure to natural radionuclides like uranium through drinking groundwater. This study investigated the uranium level in drinking groundwater all over the country by analyzing 11,451 samples from private residential drinking groundwater facilities and compared the exposure amount and its associated carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk based on the geological characteristics of the aquifer. Results yield that although the average hazard quotient (HQ) and excess cancer risk (ECR) of exposure to natural uranium through drinking groundwater were respectively below 1 and 1 × 10-6 and do not indicate a potential health hazard, significantly high HQ and ECR up to respectively 70 and 4 × 10-4 in samples where the aquifer is the Jurassic granite observed. Accordingly, regular water quality investigation and onsite treatment methods are required to provide healthy drinking water in such areas.


Time domain simulation of electromagnetic cloaking structures with TLM method.
The increasing interest in invisible cloaks has been prompted in part by the availability of powerful computational resources which permit numerical studies of such a phenomenon. These are usually carried out with commercial software. We report here a full time domain simulation of cloaking structures with the Transmission Line Modeling (TLM) method. We first develop a new condensed TLM node to model metamaterials in two dimensional situations; various results are then presented, with special emphasis on what is not easily achievable using commercial software.


Molecular and physical characteristics of squid (Todarodes pacificus) skin collagens and biological properties of their enzymatic hydrolysates.
The physicochemical properties of squid skin collagens and biological activity of their enzymatic hydrolysates were determined to produce more value-added materials. The amino acid compositions of the inner and outer squid skin collagens were similar, but distinct from that of bovine tendon collagen in respect to the higher levels of aspartic acid, arginine, threonine, and serine, and of the lower levels of alanine, proline, and hydroxyproline. SDS-PAGE patterns suggested that squid skin collagen consisted of at least 2 different polypeptides (alpha1 and alpha2 chains) and their cross-linked chains. The molecular weights of alpha1 and alpha2 chains of bovine tendon collagens were higher than those of the corresponding alpha1 and alpha2 chains of squid skin collagens. The denaturation temperatures of inner and outer skin collagens were 27.1 and 27.3 degrees C, respectively, which were about 9 degrees C lower than that of bovine tendon collagen. Water holding capacities of inner and outer squid skin collagens were relatively similar, but were significantly greater than that of bovine tendon collagen. The maximum hydrolysis of squid skin collagens was obtained as follows: for outer skin collagen, enzyme concentration, 3.5%; hydrolysis time, 83 min; pH 7.0; hydrolysis temperature, 60 degrees C, whereas for inner skin collagen, enzyme concentration, 3.2%; hydrolysis time, 83 min; pH 7.0; hydrolysis temperature, 60 degrees C. The enzymatic hydrolysates of outer and inner skin collagens were separated by Sephacryl S-100 column, resulting in the production of 3 fractions (F1, F2, and F3). F3 fraction exhibited higher antioxidant, tyrosinase inhibitory, and antielastase activities than the other fractions.


Ornithinimicrobium humiphilum gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel soil actinomycete with L-ornithine in the peptidoglycan.
A Gram-positive bacterium originating from garden soil was taxonomically studied. Cells are non-motile, non-sporulating, irregular rods and cocci. The cell wall peptidoglycan contains L-ornithine as diagnostic diamino acid and an interpeptide bridge consisting of L-Orn<--L-Ala<--Gly<--D-Asp. The major menaquinone is MK-8(H4). 13-Methyl tetradecanoic acid and 14-methyl pentadecanoic acid are the predominant fatty acids. The polar lipids are phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, three unknown glycolipids and three unknown phospholipids. Mycolic acids are absent. The DNA G+C composition is 70 mol%. The acyl type of the glycan chain of peptidoglycan is acetyl. Glucose is the dominating whole cell sugar; arabinose, rhamnose and xylose are present in traces. Results of 16S rDNA sequence comparisons revealed that strain HKI 0124T represents a novel lineage within the suborder Micrococcineae of the order Actinomycetales adjacent to the recently described genus Ornithinicoccus. On the basis of the clearly pronounced morphological, physiological, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic differences between strain HKI 0124T and all members of the suborder Micrococcineae, it is proposed to assign strain HKI 0124T to a new genus and species, Ornithinimicrobium humiphilum gen. nov., sp. nov. The type and only strain is HKI 0124T (= DSM 12362T = CIP 106634T).


Activation of Stimulator of Interferon Genes in Hepatocytes Suppresses the Replication of Hepatitis B Virus.
Induction of interferon and proinflammatory cytokines is a hallmark of the infection of many different viruses. However, hepatitis B virus (HBV) does not elicit a detectable cytokine response in infected hepatocytes. In order to investigate the molecular mechanism underlying the innate immune evasion, a functional cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP) synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway was reconstituted in a human hepatoma cell line supporting tetracycline-inducible HBV replication. It was demonstrated that induction of HBV replication neither activated nor inhibited this cytosolic DNA sensing pathway. However, human hepatoma cells, as well as immortalized mouse hepatocytes, express low levels of STING, which upon activation by cGAMP, the natural ligand of STING, led to induction of a proinflammatory cytokine response. Treatment of immortalized mouse hepatocytes supporting HBV replication with either cGAMP or a small molecule pharmacologic STING agonist significantly reduced viral DNA in a STING- and Janus kinase 1-dependent manner. Moreover, cGAMP treatment was able to induce inflammatory cytokine gene expression and inhibit the transcription of covalently closed circular DNA in HBV-infected human hepatoma cells expressing sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide, an essential receptor for HBV infection of hepatocytes. The studies reported here and previously (F. Guo et al., Antimicrob Agents Chemother 59:1273-1281, 2015, https://doi.org/10.1128/AAC.04321-14) thus support the notion that pharmacological activation of STING in macrophages and hepatocytes induces host innate responses that can efficiently control HBV replication. Hence, despite not playing a significant role in host innate immune response to HBV infection of hepatocytes, STING is potentially a valuable target for immunotherapy of chronic hepatitis B.


Stable dimeric magnesium(I) compounds: from chemical landmarks to versatile reagents.
The chemistry of the s-block metals is dominated by the +1 oxidation state for the Alkali metals (group 1) and the +2 oxidation state for the Alkaline Earth metals (group 2). In recent years, a series of stable dimeric magnesium(I) compounds has been prepared and their chemistry has started to develop. These complexes feature "deformable" Mg-Mg single bonds and are stabilised by sterically demanding and chelating anionic N-ligands that prevent their disproportionation. They have rapidly proven useful in organic and organometallic/inorganic reduction reactions as hydrocarbon soluble, stoichiometric, selective and safe reducing agents. The scope of this perspective focuses on stable molecular compounds of the general type LMgMgL and describes their synthesis, structures, theoretical and spectroscopic studies as well as their further chemistry. Also, comparisons are drawn with related complexes including magnesium(II) hydrides and dimeric zinc(I) compounds.


Effect of feedback expectancy on NEO-Five Factor Inventory scores.
Although Costa and McCrae have indicated that respondents can strategically self-present on the NEO-Five Factor Inventory when instructed to do so, little research has examined the situational factors related to the motivation to self-present. This study examined feedback expectancy concerning test performance as one variable that might have relevance to strategic self-presentation on the NEO-Five Factor Inventory. Participants (N = 108) completed the inventory under one of three feedback expectancy conditions: public feedback, private feedback, or a control condition. Multiple analyses of variance indicated no significant differences on the inventory's domain scores among conditions, suggesting that feedback expectancy was not related to performance.


Pixon-based image segmentation with Markov random fields.
Image segmentation is an essential processing step for many image analysis applications. We propose a novel pixon-based adaptive scale method for image segmentation. The key idea of our approach is that a pixon-based image model is combined with a Markov random field (MRF) model under a Bayesian framework. We introduce a new pixon scheme that is more suitable for image segmentation than the "fuzzy" pixon scheme. The anisotropic diffusion equation is successfully used to form the pixons in our new pixon scheme. Experimental results demonstrate that our algorithm performs fairly well and computational costs decrease dramatically compared with the pixel-based MRF algorithm.


Clinical outcome of fetal uropathy.
Thirty seven infants (27 boys and 10 girls) whose uropathy had been diagnosed antenatally were reviewed at a mean age of 24.4 months. Antenatal ultrasonography was found to be an accurate detector of renal disease, as uropathy was subsequently confirmed in 33 of the 37 infants (89%). A smaller proportion of patients required operations than in other series reported. Shortly after birth the kidney undergoes physiological adjustments and investigation may be carried out too soon. It should be delayed, especially if the infant is well. The timing of postnatal ultrasonography is important and the advice of a paediatric urologist should be sought before investigations are carried out.


Efficient green phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes depending on concentration of lithium quinolate in electron transport layer.
Systematic studies on carrier injection and transport are very important for achieving high efficiency in OLEDs. We demonstrate excellent green phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes (OLED) with lithium quinolate (Liq) doped in 1,3,5-tris(N-phenylbenzimidazole-2-yl) benzene (TPBi) as the electron transport layer (ETL). The doping concentration of Liq was varied from 0% to 10%. The optimized green phosphorescent OLED with 5% Liq in the ETL showed the best efficiencies, which were maximum luminous efficiency, power efficiency, and quantum efficiency of 65.76 cd/A, 57.39 Im/W, and 20.03%, respectively. Moreover, high triplet energy states of TCTA and TPBi as a triplet exciton-blocking layer (TEBL) played a role in efficient exciton confinement.


Clinical Protocol to Prevent Thrombogenic Effect of Liver-Derived Mesenchymal Cells for Cell-Based Therapies.
The efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell infusion is currently tested in numerous clinical trials. However, therapy-induced thrombotic consequences have been reported in several patients. The aim of this study was to optimize protocols for heterologous human adult liver-derived progenitor cell (HHALPC) infusion, in order to eliminate acute thrombogenesis in liver-based metabolic or acute decompensated cirrhotic (ADC) patients. In rats, thrombotic effects were absent when HHALPCs were infused at low cell dose (5 × 106 cells/kg), or at high cell dose (5 × 107 cells/kg) when combined with anticoagulants. When HHALPCs were exposed to human blood in a whole blood perfusion assay, blocking of the tissue factor (TF) coagulation pathway suppressed fibrin generation and platelet activation. In a Chandler tubing loop model, HHALPCs induced less explosive activation of coagulation with blood from ADC patients, when compared to blood from healthy controls, without alterations in coagulation factor levels other than fibrinogen. These studies confirm a link between TF and thrombogenesis, when TF-expressing cells are exposed to human blood. This phenomenon however, could be controlled using either a low, or a high cell dose combined with anticoagulants. In clinical practice, this points to the suitability of a low HHALPC dose infusion to cirrhotic patients, provided that platelet and fibrinogen levels are monitored.


The Drosophila bipectinata species complex: phylogenetic relationship among different members based on chromosomal variations.
Making interspecific hybridizations, where possible remains an unparalleled option for studying the intricacies of speciation. In the Drosophila bipectinata species complex comprising of four species, namely D. bipectinata, D. parabipectinata, D. malerkotliana and D. pseudoananassae, interspecific hybrids can be obtained in the laboratory, thus bequeathing an ideal opportunity for studying speciation and phylogeny. With the view of investigating the degree of divergence between each species pair, we planned to study the polytene chromosomes of the F1 hybrids, as it would mirror the level of compatibility between the genomes of the parental species. Two sets of crosses were made, one involving homozygous strains of all four species from India and the other including homozygous strains from different places across the globe. Polytene chromosomes of F1 larvae from both sets of crosses had similar configurations. In F1 larvae from crosses involving D. bipectinata, D. parabipectinata and D. malerkotliana, complex configurations (depicting overlapping inversions) could be detected in different arms. However, they were fairly synapsed, indicating that the differences are only at the level of gene arrangements. The polytene chromosomes of larvae obtained by crossing D. pseudoananassae with the other three species were very thin with gross asynapsis in all the arms, demonstrating that the genome of D. pseudoananassae is widely diverged from rest of the species. The overlapping inversions (reflected in complex configuration), are inferred in the light of earlier chromosomal studies performed in this complex.


Visualization of orbital flow by means of phase contrast MRI.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a high resolution medical imaging technique to image internal anatomical structures. Phase contrast MRI (pcMRI) technique is an add-on specification of MRI devices in order to quantify flow. Although different attempts have been introduced to measure orbital flows, a relationship between different ophthalmic physiological structures including superior ophthalmic vein, ophthalmic artery and optic nerve sheath (containing cerebrospinal fluid) using phase contrast MRI has not been established. In this study we investigate orbital flow in 5 normal subjects using a 3 tesla MRI device. pcMRI technique has been applied to extract flow in the superior ophthalmic vein and optic nerve sheath. Electrocardiogram of each subject was monitored and gated to the MRI in order to extract flow waveforms. Results show multiple peaks when assessing orbital flow waveforms, suggesting possible reflection of flow from back of the eye. These peaks have been characterized and a possible explanation to this phenomenon has been provided. This study enhances understanding of interaction between physiological structures at the retrolaminar portion of the eye which may be responsible for different ophthalmic abnormalities.


Increased left ventricular muscle mass after long-term altitude training in athletes.
The effects of long-term altitude training on altitude and sea-level physiological characteristics in elite endurance athletes were investigated. Seven Swedish elite cross-country skiers (five men, two women; mean age 27 years) spent 1 month training at 1900 m above sea level in Italy. Rollerski treadmill tests were performed before and 5 and 11 days after the altitude sojourn; three tests were also performed at altitude. Before and 1, 11 and 35 days after the altitude camp, echocardiographic and blood volume measurements were performed. The heart rates at both maximal (P < 0.05) and submaximal (P < 0.01) work loads were decreased by 5-9 beats min-1 at altitude. The haemoglobin concentration and haematocrit increased quickly at altitude with a corresponding decrease on return to sea level. The blood volume (7%) and total haemoglobin (3%) tended to be higher day 11 post-altitude (NS). There were no significant changes in diastolic internal diameter or wall thickness of the left ventricle, but the calculated cardiac left ventricular muscle mass was increased post-altitude (9-10%, P < 0.01). The maximal oxygen uptake increased in six of the seven skiers after the altitude training (day 11, mean 3%, NS). In conclusion, training at moderate altitude may cause a reduction in heart rates during exercise. Moreover, after long-term training at altitude, there may be an increase in the cardiac left ventricular muscle mass.


4-Amino-2-(substituted methyl)-2-butenoic acids: substrates and potent inhibitors of gamma-aminobutyric acid aminotransferase.
4-Amino-2-(substituted methyl)-2-butenoic acids, where X (the substituted group) = F, Cl, OH, are synthesized from Cbz-protected tert-butyl 4-aminobutanoate. Successive substitutions at the alpha-carbon by phenylseleno and hydroxymethyl groups, followed by elimination of the selenoxide and halide substitution at the hydroxymethyl group, afford the compounds in good yields. An unexpected degree of stereoselectivity is observed in the selenoxide elimination step, which yields the desired E isomer as the sole product. These compounds complement two previously reported series of compounds (Silverman, R. B.; Levy, M. A. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 1980, 95, 250-255; J. Biol. Chem. 1981, 256, 11 565-11 568) and are used in an approach to map a section of the active site of gamma-aminobutyric acid aminotransferase (GABA-T). None of these compounds is a time-dependent inactivator of GABA-T, but all are potent competitive reversible inhibitors; the hydroxy compound has a Ki value of 5 microM. That these compounds are not inactivators suggests that either elimination of X does not occur or that there is no active site nucleophile in the appropriate position for reaction following elimination. With use of the fluoro analogue, enzyme-catalyzed fluoride ion release is demonstrated, indicating that elimination does occur. Unlike the previous two series of compounds (op. cit.) in which exclusive elimination occurs when the substituent is a halogen but exclusive transamination prevails for the hydroxyl-substituted analogues, in the series described here, the fluoro analogue gives a 4:1 ratio of elimination to transamination. This suggests that the 2,3-double bond stabilizes the product of azallylic isomerization of the Schiff base between the fluoro compound and pyridoxal phosphate. The results described here indicate that the design of a mechanism-based inactivator for GABA-T should not be based on electrophile generation near the 2-position of enzyme-bound GABA. Furthermore, substitution of an inhibitor with a 2-hydroxymethyl group (or other hydrogen-bonding substituent) and a 2,3-double bond may lend auspicious binding properties to the molecule for GABA-T.


Safety evaluation of multilane arterials in Florida.
Resurfacing is one of the more common construction activities on highways. While its effect on riding quality on any type of roadway is obviously positive; its impact on safety as measured in terms of crashes is far from obvious. This study examines the safety effects of the resurfacing projects on multilane arterials with partially limited access. Empirical Bayes method, which is one of the most accepted approaches for conducting before-after evaluations, has been used to assess the safety effects of the resurfacing projects. Safety effects are estimated not only in terms of all crashes but also rear-end as well as severe crashes (crashes involving incapacitating and fatal injuries). The safety performance functions (SPFs) used in this study are negative binomial crash frequency estimation models that use the information on ADT, length of the segments, speed limit and number of lanes. These SPFs are segregated by crash groups (all, rear-end, and severe), length of the segments being evaluated, and land use (urban, suburban, and rural). The results of the analysis show that the resulting changes in safety following resurfacing projects vary widely. Evaluating additional improvements carried out with resurfacing activities showed that all (other than sidewalk improvements for total crashes) of them consistently led to improvements in safety of multilane arterial sections. It leads to the inference that it may be a good idea to take up additional improvements if it is cost effective to do them along with resurfacing. It was also found that the addition of turning lanes (left and/or right) and paving shoulders were two improvements associated with a project's relative performance in terms of reduction in rear-end crashes.


PARP1 Upregulation in Recurrent Oral Cancer and Treatment Resistance.
First-line treatments for oral cancer typically include surgery, radiation, and in some cases, chemotherapy. Radiation and oral cancer chemotherapeutics confer cytotoxicity largely by inducing DNA damage, underscoring the importance of the cellular DNA damage repair and response pathways in cancer therapy. However, tumor recurrence and acquired resistance, following the initial response to treatment, remains as a major clinical challenge. By analyzing oral tumor cells derived from the primary and recurrent tumors of the same patient, our study revealed upregulated PARP1 expression in the recurrent tumor cells. Cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil treatment further augmented PARP1 expression in the recurrent, but not the primary, tumor cells. Post-treatment upregulation of PARP1 was dependent on the catalytic activities of PARP and CDK7. Consistent with the established function of PARP1 in DNA repair, we showed that overexpression of PARP1 rendered the primary tumor cells highly resistant to DNA damage treatment. Conversely, PARP inhibition partially reversed the treatment resistance in the recurrent tumor cells; combinatorial treatment using a PARP inhibitor and cisplatin/5-fluorouracil significantly sensitized the tumor response in vivo. Taken together, we reported here PARP1 upregulation as a clinically relevant mechanism involved in oral cancer recurrence, and suggested the clinical benefit of PARP inhibitors, currently approved for the treatment of several other types of cancer, in oral cancer.


Eukaryotic elongation factor 1A interacts with the upstream pseudoknot domain in the 3' untranslated region of tobacco mosaic virus RNA.
The genomic RNA of tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), like that of other positive-strand RNA viruses, acts as a template for both translation and replication. The highly structured 3' untranslated region (UTR) of TMV RNAs plays an important role in both processes; it is not polyadenylated but ends with a tRNA-like structure (TLS) preceded by a conserved upstream pseudoknot domain (UPD). The TLS of tobamoviral RNAs can be specifically aminoacylated and, in this state, can interact with eukaryotic elongation factor 1A (eEF1A)/GTP with high affinity. Using a UV cross-linking assay, we detected another specific binding site for eEF1A/GTP, within the UPDs of TMV and crucifer-infecting tobamovirus (crTMV), that does not require aminoacylation. A mutational analysis revealed that UPD pseudoknot conformation and some conserved primary sequence elements are required for this interaction. Its possible role in the regulation of tobamovirus gene expression and replication is discussed.


Preventive effect of embelin from embelia ribes on lipid metabolism and oxidative stress in high-fat diet-induced obesity in rats.
A high-fat diet (HFD) results in hyperlipidemia and an increase in oxidative stress. The purpose of this study was to investigate the preventive effect of embelin against hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress in HFD-induced obesity in rats. Male Wistar rats aged 12 weeks (150-200 g) were fed with an HFD for a period of 28 days to induce experimental obesity. HFD-induced obese rats were treated with embelin (50 mg/kg) or orlistat (10 mg/kg) for 21 days. A range of parameters were tested including body weight gain, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, visceral fat pad weights, serum levels of glucose, insulin, leptin, apolipoprotein B (ApoB), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), hepatic thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH). Twenty-one days of embelin (50 mg/kg) treatment produced effects similar to orlistat in reducing body weight gain, blood pressure, visceral fat pad weight, serum lipid levels, as well as coronary artery risk and atherogenic indices of HFD-fed rats. Embelin treatment also lowered the serum levels of glucose by 24.77 %, insulin by 35.03 %, and leptin by 43.39 %. Furthermore, embelin treatment significantly (p < 0.01) decreased the hepatic TBARS levels, while increasing the SOD, CAT, and GSH levels in obese rats. The present study indicated the preventive effect of embelin in HFD-induced obesity and its related complications. Embelin could be valuable in the development of new drug therapies to prevent obesity, hyperlipidemia, and oxidative stress.


Pharmacologic modulation of pulmonary vascular permeability during air embolism.
Pulmonary air embolism induces the generation of vasoactive and cytotoxic substances leading to lung injury. In the present study we investigated, in isolated and perfused rat lungs, the involvement of arachidonic acid metabolites in the alterations of vascular pressure, lung water content, and the filtration coefficient (Kf). We also tested the effects of a beta-agonist, a calcium channel blocker, and a cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor on the hemodynamic and the permeability changes following pulmonary air embolism. The artificially ventilated rat lungs were removed en bloc and suspended in a humidified chamber at 37 degrees C. The salt and buffered perfusate contained 4% Ficoll as albumin substitute for osmotic balance. We introduced air bubbles through the pulmonary artery. Air embolism increased pulmonary arterial resistance and caused pulmonary hypertension. Lungs receiving air infusion contained 88.6 +/- 0.6% water, which was significantly greater than the lung water content in the control groups (81.9 +/- 0.4%). Air embolism increased Kf by 145 +/- 19% from the baseline value. Pretreatment with indomethacin, isoproterenol, or nifedipine significantly reduced post-air-embolism lung water content to 85.8 +/- 0.5%, 84.1 +/- 0.4%, and 86.5 +/- 04%, respectively, and reduced the Kf increase to 17 +/- 8%, 1 +/- 9%, and 72 +/- 8%, respectively. These interventions did not alter the hemodynamic responses, except for the isoproterenol infusion, which shortened the half-time (T1/2) for pressure recovery after ending air infusion compared to the group with air embolism alone. Our results showed that indomethacin prevented vascular permeability increase and reduced pulmonary edema, suggesting that the cyclo-oxygenase products partially mediate the lung injury following air embolism. Furthermore, isoproterenol and nifedipine prevented or reduced the permeability increase, suggesting that alterations of the intracellular cAMP and cytosolic Ca2+ level play an important role in the pathophysiology of pulmonary air embolism.


Second-harmonic generation of a dual-frequency laser in a MgO:PPLN crystal.
A dual-frequency CW laser at a wavelength of 1.064 μm is frequency doubled in a MgO:PPLN nonlinear crystal. The fundamental dual-frequency laser has a tunable beat note from 125 MHz to 175 MHz. A laser-diode pumped fiber amplifier is used to amplify the dual-frequency fundamental output to a maximum power of 50 W before frequency doubling. The maximum output power of the green light is 1.75 W when the input fundamental power is 12 W, corresponding to a frequency doubling efficiency of 14.6%. After frequency doubling, green light with modulation frequencies in two bands from 125 MHz to 175 MHz and from 250 MHz to 350 MHz is achieved simultaneously. The relative intensities of the beat notes at the two bands can be adjusted by changing the relative intensities at different frequencies of the fundamental light. The spectral width and frequency stabilities of the beat notes in fundamental wave and green light are also measured, respectively. The modulated green light has potential applications in underwater ranging, communication, and imaging.


Ethylene response factor TERF1 enhances glucose sensitivity in tobacco through activating the expression of sugar-related genes.
Ethylene response factor (ERF) proteins are important plant-specific transcription factors. Increasing evidence shows that ERF proteins regulate plant pathogen resistance, abiotic stress response and plant development through interaction with different stress responsive pathways. Previously, we revealed that overexpression of TERF1 in tobacco activates a cluster gene expression through interacting with GCC box and dehydration responsive element (DRE), resulting in enhanced sensitivity to abscisic acid (ABA) and tolerance to drought, and dark green leaves of mature plants, indicating that TERF1 participates in the integration of ethylene and osmotic responses. Here we further report that overexpression of TERF1 confers sugar response in tobacco. Analysis of the novel isolated tomato TERF1 promoter provides information indicating that there are many cis-acting elements, including sugar responsive elements (SURE) and W box, suggesting that TERF1 might be sugar inducible. This prediction is confirmed by results of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction amplification, indicating that transcripts of TERF1 are accumulated in tomato seedlings after application of glucose. Further investigation indicates that the expression of TERF1 in tobacco enhances sensitivity to glucose during seed germination, root and seedling development, showing a decrease of the fresh weight and root elongation under glucose treatment. Detailed investigations provide evidence that TERF1 interacts with the sugar responsive cis-acting element SURE and activates the expression of sugar response genes, establishing the transcriptional regulation of TERF1 in sugar response. Therefore, our results deepen our understanding of the glucose response mediated by the ERF protein TERF1 in tobacco.


Cardiocerebral resuscitation vs cardiopulmonary resuscitation for cardiac arrest: a systematic review.
The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of cardiocerebral resuscitation (CCR) vs cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). We conducted a systematic review of controlled trials and observational studies. We searched Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials; MEDLINE; Embase; and Chinese databases such as VIP, CNKI, WANFANG, and CBM from their inception to September 2010. Data from original studies were extracted and assessed with predefined criteria. Thirteen studies comprising 3 randomized controlled trials and 10 observational studies were included. Pooled analysis of 4 observational studies suggested that neurologically intact survival of patients with OHCA was improved in CCR group (odds ratio [OR], 1.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07-1.97). Survival to hospital discharge in the CCR group was superior or at least equal to that in CPR group (randomized controlled trial OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.01-1.55; cohort studies OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.72-1.82; case-control studies OR 0.85; 95% CI, 0.65-1.12). In the subgroup analysis of patients with a shockable rhythm as an initial rhythm, survival to hospital discharge was significantly improved in the CCR group (cohort studies OR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.44-2.86). However, when only noncardiac origin cardiac arrest was taken into consideration, survival rate was better in the CPR group (cohort studies OR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.77-0.98). Cardiocerebral resuscitation might be equivalent or superior to CPR in patients with OHCA in both survival rate and neurologic benefits. Further work is needed to assess the efficacy of CCR for victims who had OHCA of noncardiac causes.


Personality characteristics of hospice volunteers as measured by Myers-Briggs Type Indicator.
A sample of hospice volunteers (n = 99) was administered the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (Myers & McCaulley, 1985). Frequencies of types observed were compared to population sample (n = 1,105) frequencies. Results indicated that, as a whole, hospice volunteers preferred extraversion over introversion, intuition over sensing, and feeling over thinking. Analysis of four-and two-letter preference combinations also yielded statistically significant differences. Most notably, the sensing-intuitive function appeared pivotal in determining of hospice volunteering. Suggestions are offered as to why the sensing-intuition function appeared central to hospice volunteering. Results appeared consistent with Jungian personality theory.


A comparison of a Bayesian vs. a frequentist method for profiling hospital performance.
The objective of this study was to compare the classification of hospitals as outcomes outliers using a commonly implemented frequentist statistical approach vs. an implementation of Bayesian hierarchical statistical models, using 30-day hospital-level mortality rates for a cohort of acute myocardial infarction patients as a test case. For the frequentist approach, a logistic regression model was constructed to predict mortality. For each hospital, a risk-adj usted mortality rate was computed. Those hospitals whose 95% confidence interval, around the risk-adjusted mortality rate, excludes the mean mortality rate were classified as outliers. With the Bayesian hierarchical models, three factors could vary: the profile of the typical patient (low, medium or high risk), the extent to which the mortality rate for the typical patient departed from average, and the probability that the mortality rate was indeed different by the specified amount. The agreement between the two methods was compared for different patient profiles, threshold differences from the average and probabilities. Only marginal agreement was shown between the Bayesian and frequentist approaches. In only five of the 27 comparisons was the kappa statistic at least 0.40. The remaining 22 comparisons demonstrated only marginal agreement between the two methods. Within the Bayesian framework, hospital classification clearly depended on patient profile, threshold and probability of exceeding the threshold. These inconsistencies raise questions about the validity of current methods for classifying hospital performance, and suggest a need for urgent research into which methods are most meaningful to clinicians, managers and the general public.


[Are emergency admissions to medical departments dependent on weather?].
It is widely believed that patients are more frequently admitted to hospital in bad weather. We evaluated all 15,060 emergency admissions to the Medical Department of Rogaland Central Hospital during a 17-month period and compared this material with meteorological data. We found no correlation between the number of admissions and "good weather" (as defined by the amount of cloud cover), but we found a significant difference of about two more patients (6.6%) being admitted on days with rain and snow. There was no correlation between the amount of precipitation and the number of admitted patients, but a small, significant inverse relation between temperature and admissions. We have also demonstrated a considerable difference in the number of admissions on the different weekdays, with the highest number on Mondays and the lowest on Saturdays. Both the incidence of disease and doctor availability may partially explain the influence of weather and the daily variation in emergency admissions to hospital.


Apertureless near-field/far-field CW two-photon microscope for biological and material imaging and spectroscopic applications.
We present the development of a versatile spectroscopic imaging tool to allow for imaging with single-molecule sensitivity and high spatial resolution. The microscope allows for near-field and subdiffraction-limited far-field imaging by integrating a shear-force microscope on top of a custom inverted microscope design. The instrument has the ability to image in ambient conditions with optical resolutions on the order of tens of nanometers in the near field. A single low-cost computer controls the microscope with a field programmable gate array data acquisition card. High spatial resolution imaging is achieved with an inexpensive CW multiphoton excitation source, using an apertureless probe and simplified optical pathways. The high-resolution, combined with high collection efficiency and single-molecule sensitive optical capabilities of the microscope, are demonstrated with a low-cost CW laser source as well as a mode-locked laser source.


Spinal Deformity, Surgery at the Cervicothoracic Junction, and American Society of Anesthesiologists Class Increase the Risk of Post-surgical Intensive Care Unit Treatment after Dorsal Spine Surgery: A Single-Center Multivariate Analysis of 962 Patients.
This was a retrospective multivariate analysis of preoperative risk factors leading to intensive care unit (ICU) admissions in patients undergoing elective or acute dorsal spine surgery. Numerous studies have predicted a substantial increase in spine surgeries within the next decades, potentially overwhelming hospitals' resources, including ICU occupancy. Accurate estimates of whether patients need postsurgical ICU treatment are pivotal for both resource allocation and patient safety. Risk factors leading to ICU admissions after dorsal spine surgery have been extensively examined for lumbar elective surgery. Studies including other anatomical segments of the spine and nonelective surgery regarding postsurgical ICU treatment probability are lacking. This study was designed to be a single-center multivariate analysis of data retrospectively collected from a tertiary care university hospital. Patients undergoing dorsal spine surgery from 2009 to 2019 were included in this study. The patients' demographic data were analyzed to determine potential preoperative risk factors for ICU admission after surgery using multiple logistic regression. In our cohort, 962 patients with a mean age of 71.1±0.55 years were included. Surgeries involved 3.24±0.08 spinal levels on average. The incidence of ICU treatment after surgery was 30.4% (n=292). Multivariate logistic regression showed a markedly increased odds ratio (OR) for patients undergoing surgery of the cervicothoracic junction (OR, 8.86) and those undergoing surgery for spinal deformity treatment (OR, 7.7). Additionally, cervical procedures (OR, 3.29), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class 3-4 (OR, 2.74), spondylodiscitis (OR, 2.47), fusion of ≥3 levels (OR, 1.94), and age >75 years (OR, 1.33) were associated with an increased risk of postsurgical ICU admission. The findings highlight the relevance of anatomical location, preoperative diagnosis, ASA class, and length of surgery regarding the predictability of postoperative ICU admission. Our data allowed for more sophisticated estimates regarding the need for ICU treatment after dorsal spine surgery, guiding the surgeon through patient selection, communication, and ICU admission predictability.


[Depression: longer-lasting episode not an automatic indication for referral].
During episodes of depression, patients exhibit a low mood and a number of other emotional and/or physical symptoms for a certain period of time. Regarding depression as just the defined episode when patients meet the criteria for diagnosis, ignores the fluctuating character of the illness and the role of the patient. The patient is, after all, the one who decides if and when the symptoms experienced are important enough to seek medical assistance. How a patient with depression should be treated, and whether or not and to whom the patient should be referred, depends on more than just the severity of the depression. This is because severity involves more than just the number of symptoms when the depression was first diagnosed. Ineffective coping behaviour and lack of social support both negatively influence the course of depression and if the initial treatment is not effective enough, the episode will be prolonged. The interest and skills of the general practitioners as well as the expectations and former experiences of the patient play a major role in deciding whether to refer a patient to secondary care.


The WHO quality of life (WHOQOL) questionnaire: Spanish development and validation studies.
In the 1990s, the World Health Organization (WHO) undertook a project to develop an instrument (the WHOQOL) for measuring quality of life (QoL). The WHOQOL was developed in the framework of a collaborative project involving numerous centers in different cultural settings. This paper describes the psychometric properties of the Spanish WHOQOL during its development. One thousand and eighty-two patients with physical health conditions, persons without any health condition, patients with schizophrenia, and family caregivers of patients with schizophrenia participated on the WHOQOL-100 and WHOQOL-BREF field trials. QoL self-assessment was completed, together with sociodemographic and health status questions. Analysis was performed using classical psychometric methods. Both versions of the WHOQOL showed satisfactory psychometric properties as follows: acceptability, internal consistency, and evidence of convergent and discriminant validity. The WHOQOL-100 and WHOQOL-BREF are suitable to use in patients with different health conditions, including schizophrenia, and in different populations, including caregivers. Spanish field trials are the first to report on use of the WHOQOL in persons with schizophrenia and caregivers. These results indicate that both versions are useful tools in assessing these groups, as the WHOQOL includes important dimensions commonly omitted from other generic QoL measures.


Salt restriction inhibits renal growth and stabilizes injury in rats with established renal disease.
Salt restriction inhibits renal growth and stabilizes injury in rats with established renal disease. Male Munich-Wistar rats that underwent right nephrectomy and segmental infarction of two thirds of the left kidney were fed standard chow for 4 wk and then randomly assigned to ingest standard or low-salt chow for an additional 4 wk. Four wk after ablation, rats had systemic hypertension, proteinuria, and glomerular sclerosis. The prevalence of sclerosis, protein excretion rate, and glomerular volume increased between the fourth and eighth week in rats that were fed standard chow, however, in rats that were fed low-salt chow, the increase in glomerular volume and development of further glomerular sclerosis was prevented whereas the protein excretion rate actually declined. Micropuncture studies performed 8 wk after ablation revealed that the glomerular hydraulic pressure was elevated in remnant kidneys and was not affected by salt restriction. This study demonstrates that dietary salt restriction can prevent further glomerular injury and reduce proteinuria even when instituted in rats with established renal disease. These findings are also consistent with the hypothesis that glomerular hypertrophy promotes injury in this model of hypertension and progressive renal disease.


[Experiencing the educational process in nursing with high risk pregnant women and their companions].
The present study is a picture of the educational process lived by hospitalized high-risk pregnant women and also by their companions, conducted at the University Hospital of the Federal University of Santa Catarina. It has been developed as a joint process with the clients, through dynamic interaction, as a set of actions in an effort to socialize knowledge and experiences. The goal is to offer greater autonomy to the clients, allowing the high risk pregnancy to be a peaceful, safe and joyful experience, beyond the fact of contributing with the construction of new knowledge about the being-and-living process of these women.


Short-term effects of sevelamer-carbonate on fibroblast growth factor 23 and pulse wave velocity in patients with normophosphataemic chronic kidney disease Stage 3.
High concentrations of both phosphate and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) observed in chronic kidney disease (CKD) are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is a surrogate marker for cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality. It is not known whether a reduction of FGF23 or phosphate alters cardiovascular risk. Sevelamer has shown to have the ability to reduce both phosphate and FGF23 concentrations. Furthermore, reduction of PWV is reported with sevelamer use as well, but it is unclear if this is mediated by decline of phosphate or FGF23. We investigated if sevelamer induced a decline in PWV and if this was associated with a reduction in FGF23. In all, 24 normophosphataemic CKD Stage 3 patients started treatment with a fixed dose of sevelamer-carbonate (Renvela®) 2.4 g twice daily, with their usual diet for 8 weeks in a single-arm study. PWV was measured and blood samples were obtained before, during and after washout of treatment with sevelamer. Vascular calcification was quantified using the Kauppila Index (KI). The primary outcome was the change of PWV from baseline to 8 weeks of treatment and the secondary endpoint was the difference of FGF23 following treatment with sevelamer. One of the linear mixed models was used to analyse the association between treatment and outcome. Mediation analysis was performed as a sensitivity analysis. The study was registered in the Dutch trial register (http://www.trialregister.nl: NTR2383). A total of 18 patients completed 8 weeks of treatment with sevelamer and were analysed. Overall, treatment with sevelamer did not induce a significant reduction of PWV (β = -0.36, P = 0.12). However, in patients with less vascular calcification (lower KI score), there was a statistically significant reduction of PWV, adjusted for mean arterial pressure, after treatment (β = 0.63, P = 0.02). Addition of FGF23 to the model did not alter this association. Mediation analysis yielded similar results. FGF23 did not decrease during treatment with sevelamer. In this short-term pilot study in normophosphataemic CKD patients, treatment with sevelamer did not improve PWV. In subgroup analysis, however, PWV improved in patients with no or limited abdominal aorta calcifications. This was not associated with a decline of FGF23.


Lipoxygenase inhibitory activity of alkyl protocatechuates.
Alkyl 3,4-dihydroxybenzoates (protocatechuates) inhibited linoleic acid peroxidation catalyzed by soybean lipoxygenase-1 (EC 22.214.171.124, Type 1). Their inhibitory activities displayed a parabolic function of their lipophilicity and maximized with alkyl chain lengths of between C11 and C14. Tetradecanyl protocatechuate exhibited the most potent inhibition with an IC50 of 0.05 μM, followed by dodecyl (lauryl) protocatechuate with an IC50 of 0.06 μM. However, their parent compound, protocatechuic acid, did not show this inhibitory activity up to 200 μM, indicating that the alkyl chain length is significantly related to the inhibition activity. The allosteric (or cooperative) inhibition of soybean lipoxygenase-1 of longer alkyl protocatechuates is reversible but in combination with their iron binding ability to disrupt the active site competitively and to interact with the hydrophobic portion surrounding near the active site (sequential action). In the case of dodecyl protocatechuate, the enzyme quickly binds this protocatechuate and then its dodecyl group undergoes a slow interaction with the hydrophobic domain in close proximity to the active site in the enzyme. The inhibition kinetics analyzed by Lineweaver-Burk plots indicates that octyl protocatechuate is a competitive inhibitor and the inhibition constant (Ki) was obtained as 0.23 μM but dodecyl protocatechuate is a slow binding inhibitor.


Polylactic acid-based porous scaffolds doped with calcium silicate and dicalcium phosphate dihydrate designed for biomedical application.
Polylactic acid (PLA), dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD) and/or hydraulic calcium silicate (CaSi) have been used to prepare highly-porous scaffolds by thermally induced phase separation technique (TIPS). Three experimental mineral-doped formulations were prepared (PLA-10CaSi, PLA-5CaSi-5DCPD, PLA-10CaSi-10DCPD). Pure PLA scaffolds constituted the control group. Scaffolds were tested for their chemical-physical and biological properties, namely calcium release, alkalinizing activity, surface microchemistry and micromorphology by ESEM, apatite-forming ability by EDX, micro-Raman and IR spectroscopy, thermal properties by differential scanning calorimetry, mechanical properties by quasi-static parallel-plates compression testing, porosity by a standard water-absorption method and direct-contact cytotoxicity. All mineral-doped scaffolds released biologically relevant ions (biointeractive). A B-type carbonated apatite layer (thickness decreasing along the series PLA-10CaSi-10DCPD>PLA-10CaSi>PLA-5CaSi-5DCPD>PLA) was detected on the surface of all the 28d-aged scaffolds. Surface pores of fresh scaffolds ranged from 10 to 20μm in pure PLA to 10-100μm in PLA-10CaSi. An increase in porosity was detected in 28d-aged pure PLA scaffolds (approx. 30% of material loss with decrease of the PLA chain length); differently, in mineral-doped scaffolds, the PLA degradation was balanced by deposition/nucleation of apatite. All scaffolds showed absence of toxicity, in particular PLA-10CaSi-10DCPD. The designed scaffolds are biointeractive (release biologically relevant ions), nucleate apatite, possess high surface and internal open porosity and can be colonized by cells, appearing interesting materials for bone regeneration.


A transvaginal endoscopy-based technique for performing ovarian examinations in sows.
For examining pig ovaries, which have complex structures, laparoscopy is a useful technique, but requires general anesthesia; therefore, it cannot be performed repeatedly within a short period of time. We report a transvaginal endoscopy-based technique for conducting ovarian examinations without general anesthesia. Sows were sedated in pig stalls. Using a colonoscope, the vaginal wall was punctured with a trocar. To avoid the trocar being caught in the broad ligament of the uterus or the connective tissue around the vagina, the trocar was inserted close to the external uterine os and between the 2:00 and 3:00 or the 9:00 and 10:00 positions (in a clockwise direction). Then, a urethroscope was inserted into the abdomen, and an examination was carried out after the ovaries had been moved towards the urethroscope camera via rectal palpation. This less invasive procedure may allow repeated examinations and will increase our understanding of ovarian dynamics in pigs.


Isolation and characterization of steroids, phthalide and essential oil of the fruits of Kelussia odoratissima Mozaff., an endemic mountain celery.
Kelussia odoratissima Mozaff. is an Iranian endangered endemic edible plant with enormous use in the middle region of Iran as food and spice especially yogurt seasoning, and as medicinal herb for anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular purposes. Although antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antilipidemic effects of this plant have so far been studied, but chemical analyses of the non volatile constituents of the plant have not yet been reported. Therefore, identification of chemical constituents of different parts of plant was investigated in the present study. In this direction, two steroids including stigmasterol and β-sitosterol and one phthalide namely 3-butyliden-4,5-dihydrophthalide were isolated from the plant fruits. In addition, the essential oil composition of the fruits was studied. Thirty eight compounds were identified, of which the major components were found to be Z-ligustilide (29.2%), germacrene-B (15.9%) and germacrene-D (15.5%). According to the previous bioassays of the isolated compounds such as anti-inflammatory and anti-lipidemic effects of phthalides and steroids, a chemical-biological relation can be postulated.


DNA Methylation at the Novel CpG Sites in the Promoter of MED15/PCQAP Gene as a Biomarker for Head and Neck Cancers.
Head and neck cancers (HNCs) represent a significant and ever-growing burden to the modern society, mainly due to the lack of early diagnostic methods. A significant number of HNCs is often associated with drinking, smoking, chewing beetle nut, and human papilloma virus (HPV) infections. We have analyzed DNA methylation patterns in tumor and normal tissue samples collected from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients who were smokers. We have identified novel methylation sites in the promoter of the mediator complex subunit 15 (MED15/PCQAP) gene (encoing a co-factor important for regulation of transcription initiation for promoters of many genes), hypermethylated specifically in tumor cells. Two clusters of CpG dinucleotides methylated in tumors, but not in normal tissue from the same patients, were identified. These CpG methylation events in saliva samples were further validated in a separate cohort of HNSCC patients (who developed cancer due to smoking or HPV infections) and healthy controls using methylation-specific PCR (MSP). We used saliva as a biological medium because of its non-invasive nature, close proximity to the tumors, easiness and it is an economically viable option for large-scale screening studies. The methylation levels for the two identified CpG clusters were significantly different between the saliva samples collected from healthy controls and HNSCC individuals (Welch's t-test returning P < 0.05 and Mann-Whitney test P < 0.01 for both). The developed MSP assays also provided a good discriminative ability with AUC values of 0.70 (P < 0.01) and 0.63 (P < 0.05). The identified novel CpG methylation sites may serve as potential non-invasive biomarkers for detecting HNSCC.


Intergenerational Continuity in Child Maltreatment: Explicating Underlying Mechanisms.
The current study examined direct and indirect effects of a mother's history of childhood physical and sexual abuse on her child's officially reported victimization. This prospective, longitudinal study followed a community-based sample of 499 mothers and their children. Mothers (35% White/non-Latina, 34% Black/non-Latina, 23% Latina, and 7% other) were recruited and interviewed during pregnancy, and child protective services records were reviewed for the presence of the participants' target child between birth and age 3.5. Whereas both types of maternal maltreatment history doubled the child's risk of child protective services investigation, mothers' sexual abuse history conferred significantly greater risk. Pathways to child victimization varied by type of maternal maltreatment history. Mothers who had been physically abused later demonstrated interpersonal aggressive response biases, which mediated the path to child victimization. In contrast, the association between maternal history of sexual abuse and child victimization was mediated by mothers' substance use problems. Study implications center on targeting child maltreatment prevention efforts according to the mother's history and current problems.


Mouse oocytes suppress cAMP-induced expression of LH receptor mRNA by granulosa cells in vitro.
Mouse oocytes suppress follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)-induced luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression in cultured granulosa cells. The objective of this study was to assess the mechanism by which oocytes suppress FSH-induced LHR expression. The effect of cumulus cell-denuded, germinal-vesicle-stage oocytes, isolated from antral follicles, on FSH-induced cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) production by cultured granulosa cells was determined by radioimmunoassays. In addition, the effect of oocytes on 8Br-cAMP-induced LHR mRNA steady-state expression by granulosa cells was assessed by RNase protection assays. Oocytes had no detectable effect on FSH-induced cAMP production. However, oocytes dramatically suppressed 8Br-cAMP-induced LHR mRNA steady-state expression by granulosa cells. It was concluded that the mechanism by which oocytes suppress FSH-induced steady-state expression of LHR mRNA is not by inactivating FSH, preventing functional interactions of FSH with its granulosa cell receptors, or by interfering with the signal-transduction mechanisms required for FSH-dependent cAMP production. In addition, since oocytes suppressed the 8Br-cAMP-induced increase in steady-state expression of mRNA for LHR, oocyte-derived factors probably suppress expression by acting downstream of FSH-induced elevation of granulosa cell cAMP.


Asthma in Missouri: recent trends and sociodemographic risk factors.
This study describes recent trends in asthma morbidity and mortality rates across Missouri, and identifies several population-based risk factors that account for the geographic variation in asthma hospitalizations and emergency room visits among counties. The percentage of African-American residents was the best predictor of high asthma treatment rates, explaining 77% of the variation in hospitalizations and 57% of the variation in ER visits. All other sociodemographic predictors combined explained less than 10% of the statewide variation in rates.


[Structural characteristics of the small intestine mucosa of rats on diets with varying amounts of protein].
The small bowel mucosa of rats fed diets containing 4 and 35% of protein in terms of caloricity over 1 month demonstrated, as compared with control (18% of protein), alterations in the nuclei, in the degree of lymphoid infiltration, number of mitoses and gobiet cells in the epithelium, pointing to changes or impairment of maturation and differentiation of the cells of the epithelial layer. The degree of mucosa plasmatization was also discovered to be reduced as compared with control. The rearrangements in question attest to a decrease in the resistance of the mucosa. These rearrangements are more demonstrable in the intestine of rats which received low-protein diets, being far more pronounced in the distal parts.


Precontoured buttress plate vs reconstruction plate for acetabulum posterior wall fractures: A biomechanical study.
The purpose of open reduction and internal fixation of acetabulum posterior wall fractures is to restore anatomical structure and stability of the hip joint, in order to start weight bearing as soon as possible and prevent hip arthrosis; restoration of the anatomy should preserve function of the joint as well. Although "special shaped precontoured plates" have been developed in recent years for surgical treatment of this region, studies comparing the traditional plates with the newly designed precontoured plates are lacking. To evaluate the biomechanical properties of precontoured anatomic buttress and conventional curved reconstruction plates (CCRPs) for posterior wall acetabulum fracture treatment. Twelve pelvis models were created for testing plate treatment of fracture in the posterior wall of the acetabulum. These 12 pelvis models were used to create 24 hemipelvis models (experimental) by cutting from the sagittal plane and passing over the center of gravity, after which the posterior wall acetabular fractures (of similar type and size) were created. In these experimental models, the right acetabulum was fixed with a 5-hole CCRP, while the left was fixed with a precontoured anatomic buttress plate (PABP). Samples were placed through the test device and were subjected to static load testing, with a constant testing velocity of 2 mm/min until the load reached 2.3 kN or the acetabular fixation failed. Dynamic tests were also performed with sinusoidal wave load, with a maximal load of 2.3 kN and a load ratio of 0.1. The average stiffness values were 460.83 ± 95.47 N/mm for the PABP and 291.99 ± 118.58 N/mm for the 5-hole CCRP. The precontoured anatomic acetabulum buttress plates had significantly higher rigidity than the CCRPs (P = 0.022). There was a statistically significant difference between the unloaded and 2.3 kN-loaded values of AL (posterosuperior fracture line vertical to the ground surface) and CL (posteroinferior fracture line vertical to the ground surface) parameters for both the PABPs and the 5-hole CCRPs (P = 0.036 and P = 0.045, respectively). According to the static tests, the amount of total displacement was significantly less in the PABPs than in the CCRPs. Comparative analysis of the displacement in the BL (posterior wall fracture line horizontal to the ground) parameter yielded no statistically significant differences between the PABP and the 5-hole CCRPs (P = 0.261). PABP provides more stable fixation in acetabulum posterior wall fractures than 5-hole CCRP, allowing for proximal or distal fracture line screw application without reshaping.


Pathobiological determinants of atherosclerosis in youth (PDAY) cardiovascular specimen and data library.
In 1985, investigators organized a multi-center study, Pathobiological Determinants of Atherosclerosis in Youth (PDAY), to examine the relationships of cardiovascular risk factors to atherosclerosis involving more than 3,000 young persons 15 through 34 years of age who died of external causes. Reports from the PDAY group confirmed that atherosclerosis begins in the teens and showed that the progression of the lesions is strongly influenced by the same risk factors that predict risk of clinically manifest coronary disease in middle-aged adults. The results emphasize the need for early and aggressive control of all risk factors in young persons for long-range prevention of coronary heart disease and related diseases. Recent funding by the Louisiana Cancer and Lung Trust Fund (LCLTF) has assisted Pathology at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC) in the following objectives: (1) maintaining this national research resources; (2) making the unique specimens available to interested investigators; and (3) continuing support for studies at LSUHSC which investigate the effects of smoking on the development of atherosclerotic lesions.


Students with autism spectrum disorder in the university context: peer acceptance predicts intention to volunteer.
With growing numbers of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) entering post-secondary institutions, strategies are needed to facilitate the social integration of these students. The goal of this study was to examine the role of various factors in university students' acceptance of, and intention to volunteer with, a peer with ASD. Both contact quantity and quality emerged as significant predictors of acceptance; however, for those who had experienced direct contact with individuals with ASD, only perceived quality emerged as significant. Moreover, acceptance played a significant role in participants' likelihood of signing up to volunteer. These findings point to the central role that positive experiences play in attitude formation for this population.


[The interest of CSF examinations in the etiological diagnosis of intracranial hypertension (author's transl)].
The authors discuss the case of a 15-year-old girl suffering from intra-cranial hypertension. Neuroradiological examinations do not reveal any obstruction in the cerebral spinal fluid circulation. The CSF cylologic examination was the first to give etiological indications, showing the existence of malignant cells which the cerebral biopsy later enabled us to classify as glioblastoma. This case affords an opportunity to recall the three stages of the diagnosis: first, intra-cranial hypertension; secondly, chronic meningitis; thirdly, cytological difficulties in the examination of CSF in patients having undergone neuro-radiological examinations.


Hypoglycin A Concentrations in Maple Tree Species in the Netherlands and the Occurrence of Atypical Myopathy in Horses.
Atypical myopathy (AM) in horses is caused by the plant toxin hypoglycin A, which in Europe typically is found in the sycamore maple tree (Acer pseudoplatanus). Owners are concerned about whether their horses are in danger if they graze near maple trees. To measure hypoglycin A in the most common maple tree species in the Netherlands, and to determine whether concentration of toxin is a predictor of AM in horses. A total of 278 samples of maple tree leaves, sprouts, and seeds were classified by species. Mean concentrations of hypoglycin A were compared for the type of sample, the season and the occurrence of AM in the pasture (non-AM versus AM). Statistical analysis was performed using generalized a linear model (SPPS22). Almost all Acer pseudoplatanus samples contained hypoglycin A, with concentrations differing significantly among sources (P < .001). Concentrations were significantly higher in seeds from the AM group than in seeds from the non-AM group (856 ± 677 and 456 ± 358 mg/kg, respectively; P = .039). In sprouts and leaves this was not the case. Acer platanoides and Acer campestre samples did not contain detectable concentrations of hypoglycin A. Acer platanoides and campestre seem to be safe around paddocks and pastures, whereas almost all Acer pseudoplatanus samples contained hypoglycin A. In all AM cases, Acer pseudoplatanus was found. Despite significantly higher concentration of hypoglycin A in seeds of pastures where AM has occurred, individual prediction of AM cannot be made by measuring these concentrations because of the high standard deviation.


A Prospective Evaluation of a Pre-Specified Absorb BVS Implantation Strategy in ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction: The BVS STEMI STRATEGY-IT Study.
The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and clinical results following a pre-specified bioresorbable scaffold (Absorb BVS) implantation strategy in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Concerns were raised about the safety of Absorb because a non-negligible rate of thrombosis was reported within 30 days and at midterm follow-up after primary percutaneous coronary intervention. This was a prospective, multicenter study of patients with STEMI (<75 years of age with symptom onset <12 h) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention with Absorb following a dedicated implantation protocol. The primary endpoint was a device-oriented composite endpoint of cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction, and ischemia-driven target lesion revascularization within 30 days. During the study period, 505 patients with STEMI (16.9% of the overall STEMI population) were treated with the Absorb BVS. The mean age was 56.6 ± 9.4 years, and 487 patients (96.4%) were in Killip class I or II at admission. According to the study protocol, direct Absorb implantation was feasible in 47 patients (9.3%), whereas post-dilatation was performed in 468 cases (92.7%). Procedural success was attained in 94.8% of the cases. Dual antiplatelet therapy with ticagrelor or prasugrel was administered at discharge in 481 patients (95.1%). At 30-day follow-up, the hierarchical device-oriented composite endpoint rate was 0.6% (0.4% cardiac death, 0.2% target vessel myocardial infarction and ischemia-driven target lesion revascularization). One episode (0.2%) of probable scaffold thrombosis was reported. A pre-specified Absorb implantation strategy in real-world patients with STEMI undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention was feasible and associated with a low 30-day device-oriented composite endpoint rate. Mid- and long-term follow-up is strongly needed to eventually confirm these early results. (Use of BVS in ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction [STEMI]: The BVS STEMI STRATEGY-IT Prospective Registry [STRATEGY-IT]; NCT02601781).