Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease: the importance of autopsy of suspected cases and genetic counselling.
Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) is a common inheritable cystic renal disease that has a profound effect on the growing fetus and on subsequent pregnancies, being fatal in 30% to 50% cases in the neonatal period. Prenatal imaging studies are only suggestive of the disorder and it is evident only from the second trimester onwards. Prenatal molecular linkage analysis can identify the disorder, but have a prerequisite of previous DNA analysis of parents and one sibling. ARPKD can be accurately diagnosed on characteristic histopathological features if an autopsy is performed in cases of infant death where the prenatal imaging studies and clinical findings are suggestive of the disease. A case of the characteristic histopathological findings of ARPKD on autopsy of a live-born neonate who died shortly after birth, with prenatal ultrasonographic findings suggestive of renal cystic disease, is presented.


The effect of occupational exposure to lead on the non-enzymatic antioxidant system.
The role of non-enzymatic antioxidants, such as uric acid, albumin, bilirubin, and α-tocopherol, in lead poisoning remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of the study was to explore the association between occupational exposure to lead and non-enzymatic antioxidant concentrations in serum and plasma. The study population consisted of 278 healthy male employees of lead-zinc plants, with 129 workers classified as having low lead exposure (blood lead level - PbB = 20-39.9 µg/dl) and 149 workers classified as having high lead exposure (PbB = 40-59.8 µg/dl). The control group was composed of 73 healthy male administrative workers. No one from this group had blood lead level or zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) level greater than normal levels, being 10 µ/dl and 2.5 µg/g of hemoglobin, respectively. In addition to the levels of PbB and ZPP, serum levels of uric acid (UA), albumin, thiol groups of albumin, and bilirubin were determined. The ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) and the plasma level of α-tocopherol were also evaluated. Lead exposure indices were significantly elevated in the examined subgroups as compared with the controls. Serum uric acid levels were significantly elevated in both subgroups, particularly in the group with high exposure. Serum bilirubin concentration was significantly elevated in the group with high exposure compared with the control group, while in the group with low exposure, it showed only a non-significant trend towards an increase. In contrast, ferric-reducing ability of plasma was not significantly greater in the examined subgroups as compared with the control group. Nevertheless, levels of albumin, thiol groups of albumin, and α-tocopherol levels were significantly decreased in the exposed subgroups compared with the control group. Occupational exposure to lead interferes with the blood non-enzymatic antioxidant system.


Cation activation of the basolateral sodium-potassium pump in turtle colon.
The current generated by electrogenic sodium-potassium exchange at the basolateral membrane of the turtle colon can be measured directly in tissues that have been treated with serosal barium (to block the basolateral potassium conductance) and mucosal amphotericin B (to reduce the cation selectivity of the apical membrane). We studied the activation of this pump current by mucosal sodium and serosal potassium, rubidium, cesium, and ammonium. The kinetics of sodium activation were consistent with binding to three independent sites on the cytoplasmic side of the pump. The pump was not activated by cellular lithium ions. The kinetics of serosal cation activation were consistent with binding to two independent sites with the selectivity Rb > K > Cs > NH4. The properties and kinetics of the basolateral Na/K pump in the turtle colon are at least qualitatively similar to those ofthe well-characterized Na/K-ATPase of the human red blood cell .


[Effect of oxygen deprivation on the development of osteodystrophy caused by the load deficit].
The subject of the study was influence of gas mixture (GGS) with low Po2 on biomechanical properties of femoral and tibial bones in rats after hind-limb unloading. Experiments were performed in two different age groups (three month and six month) rats. It is shown that biomechanical properties of bone tissue in young rats, inhaling atmosferic air, under the influence of 28 days hind-limb unloading deteriorate essentially in comparison with adult rats. The biomechanical indexes of femoral and tibial bones in three month age rats close to control value after periodical inhaling of GGS. In six month age rats normalizing action of low Po2 not so essential. Thus bone tissue of young rats is more sensitive to different pathogenetic action than in adult rats. Such difference may be connected with retard of remodelation of bone tissue in adult rats.


[Perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis at the Clinic of Reconstructive Surgery of the Zurich University Hospital].
With the goal of ensuring maximal safety, surgeons tend to apply antibiotic prophylaxis generously to patients undergoing selective operative procedures. However, the indiscriminate or inappropriate use of prophylactic antibiotics i) leads to the selection of resistant microbial organisms and ii) results in an increase in general medical treatment costs. Given this controversy, the clinic of reconstructive surgery implemented in 1999 a set of guidelines for the proper use of antibiotics. Antibiotic prophylaxis was defined as a pre- or perioperative application of antibiotics as a single to maximum triple-shot dose. It was recommended only for operations involving special risk factors or the implantation of alloplastic material. The recommended medication of choice was the widely-accepted standard first-generation cephalosporin product Cefazolin. We have carried out a quality control trial to analyse prospectively our own experience with the implementation of these guidelines and to compare results with a retrospective group of patients. A total of 792 patients (441 in the retrospective group, 351 in the prospective group) were enrolled in the study. About one third of all patients received an antibiotic prophylaxis. Of these, about 3/4 received the antibiotic prophylaxis without having one of the above-mentioned indications. We observed that 35% of all prophylaxis were given for breast surgery, followed by surgery for scar revisions and lipodystrophy. The most commonly used antibiotic was Cefuroxim rather than Cefazolin. There was no significant reduction in the general application of antibiotic prophylaxis yet apparent in the prospective group. However, there was a clear increase in the use of Cefazolin from 0.2% to 13.2%. We conclude that guidelines can be created to reduce the incidence of uninformed and inappropriate decisions, but their implementation requires time, motivation, and thorough and repeated information campaigns.


Importance of the kidney in the correction of chloride-depletion alkalosis in the rat.
Correction of chloride-depletion alkalosis (CDA) may involve renal as well as extrarenal mechanisms. To determine the relative contribution of these mechanisms in a rat model of CDA produced by peritoneal dialysis (PD), we studied six groups of anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats after PD. Groups II-IV and IIa were subjected to functional bilateral nephrectomy, and groups I and Ia were sham-operated. Groups I, Ia, II, and IIa were infused with isotonic fluid containing 70 mM Cl- and 40 mM HCO3-; the infusate in group III was 140 mM Cl- and in group IV, 70 mM neutral PO4 was substituted for Cl-. Groups I and Ia were infused at 0.5 ml . h-1 X 100 g body wt-1 and groups II, IIa, III, and IV at 0.25 ml . h-1 X 100 g-1. After 3 h of infusion, early partial correction with reciprocal changes in plasma Cl (+6.1 +/- 1.9 mmHg) and total CO2 (-6.0 +/- 0.8 meq/liter) occurred (P less than 0.01) only in group I. Hypokalemia (3.1 +/- 0.1 meq/liter) also occurred only in group I. The responses of groups Ia and IIa studied at 5 h were similar to those of groups I and II. These data suggest that the kidney, and not extrarenal mechanisms, is primarily responsible for the correction of CDA during infusion of chloride.


Validation of the Finnish Health Improvement Profile (HIP) with patients with severe mental illness.
Physical health among people with severe mental illness (SMI) is a global concern. However, many people with SMI do not receive regular comprehensive health checks. There is currently no validated physical health check instrument systematically used in Finnish mental health services. Therefore, this study aims to validate and establish the potential clinical utility of the translated Health Improvement Profile (HIP) tool for Finnish patients with SMI and compare differences in physical health risk items across genders. The content validity of the two-way translated Finnish HIP (HIP-F) was evaluated by five nurses and four patients with SMI using cognitive debriefing (to assess the clarity and relevance of each item and the recommended actions of the HIP tool). The potential clinical utility was assessed using a pilot test involving 47 patients. The prevalence of red-flagged (risk) items in the whole sample, across female and male participants, and the frequencies of any type of missing item response were calculated and analysed using descriptive statistics. A chi-square test was used to determine differences in frequencies of red-flagged items across genders. Based on the cognitive debriefing, the HIP-F was found to have moderate content validity regarding the clarity and relevance of the items and recommended actions (the average scale level content validity index, S-CVI/Ave, 0.74). In the pilot test, some missing item responses were identified, but in the sample, nurses identified 399 areas of health and health behaviour risks (mean 8.6 per patient) using the HIP-F. The most frequently red-flagged items were body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (83.0%), smoking status (48.9%) and lipid levels (46.8%). Female patients had a higher frequency of red-flagged items than males in BMI (92.6% vs. 70.0%, p = 0.04) and waist circumference (96.3% vs. 65.0%, p = 0.01). The results demonstrate that the Finnish HIP has moderate content validity and preliminary clinical utility for evaluating the physical health and health behaviours of people with SMI. The HIP-F findings help to sign-post evidence-based interventions for identified areas of concern. Additional nurse training may be necessary to realise the potential clinical utility of the tool in Finland.


An intracellular signal transduction pathway between the chloroplast and nucleus is involved in de-etiolation.
Chloroplast development requires the coordinated expression of nuclear and chloroplastic genes. A hypothesized signal from the chloroplast couples the transcription of certain nuclear genes encoding photosynthetic proteins with chloroplast function. We have previously described an Arabidopsis thaliana mutant, gun1, which has a defect in the signal transduction pathway coupling such nuclear and plastidic gene expression. Here we show that gun1 seedlings are also defective in establishing photoautotrophic growth. gun1 seedlings develop normally in the dark, but, based on morphological criteria and the kinetics of chlorophyll accumulation, photosynthetic mRNA accumulation, and the differentiation of etioplasts to chloroplasts, are retarded in their ability to de-etiolate. Therefore, we propose that the GUN1 gene plays an important role in the transition from heterotrophic to photoautotrophic growth, suggesting an important physiological role for the plastid-nucleus signaling pathway during chloroplast biogenesis.


Structural conservation in the glutathione binding in Sphingomonas sp. glutaredoxin Grx3 and variations for cold adaptation.
Glutaredoxin 3 (Grx3), a redox protein with a thioredoxin-fold structure, maintains structural integrity and glutathione (GSH) binding capabilities across varying habitat temperatures. The cis-Pro loop, essential for GSH binding, relies on the Arg-Asp salt bridge (α2-α3) and Gln-His hydrogen bond (β3-β4) for its conformation. In some psychrophilic Grx3 variants, Arg in α2 is replaced with Tyr, and His in β4 is replaced with Phe. This study examines the roles of these bonds in Grx3's structure, function, and cold adaptation, using SpGrx3 from the Arctic bacterium Sphingomonas sp. Despite its cold habitat, SpGrx3 maintains the Arg51-Asp69 salt bridge and Gln56-His63 hydrogen bond. The R51Y substitution disrupts the α2-α3 salt bridge, while the H63F and H63Y substitutions hinder the salt bridge through cation-π interactions with Arg51, involving Phe63/Tyr63, thereby enhancing flexibility. Conversely, mutations that disrupt the hydrogen bond (Q56A, H63A, and H63F) reduce thermal stability. In the psychrophilic Grx3 configuration A48T/R51Y/H63F, a Thr48-Gln56 hydrogen bond stabilizes the cis-Pro loop, enhancing flexibility by disrupting both bonds. Furthermore, all mutants exhibit reduced α-helical content and catalytic efficiency. In summary, the highly conserved Arg51-Asp69 salt bridge and Gln56-His63 hydrogen bond are crucial for stabilizing the cis-Pro loop and catalytic activity in SpGrx3. His63 is favored as it avoids cation-π interactions with Arg51, unlike Phe63/Tyr63. Psychrophilic Grx3 variants have adapted to cold environments by reducing GSH binding and increasing structural flexibility. These findings deepen our understanding of the structural conservation in Grx3 for GSH binding and the critical alterations required for cold adaptation.


The Role of Self-Esteem in Suicides Among Young Men.
This study explores self-esteem in suicide among young males with no earlier history of suicide attempt(s) or treatment in mental health services. The data come from an ongoing psychological autopsy study; 10 cases of young men aged 18 to 30, were selected to generate a phenomenologically based understanding of the psychological mechanisms and processes involved in the suicidal process. The analyses are based on in-depth interviews with 61 closely connected individuals, as well as suicide notes. We used Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. For these young men, the transition to young adulthood, a period of major life challenges, seemed to be associated with personal defeats. According to their significant others, the deceased seemed to have experienced intolerable discrepancies between their actual performances and their ideal self standards. Four themes emerged from the analysis: (a) striving to find a viable path to life as an adult man; (b) experiencing a sense of failure according to own standards; (c) emotional self-restriction in relationships; and (d) strong feelings of loneliness and rejection of self. Improved understanding of suicides outside the mental illness paradigm may have important implications for preventive strategies.


The TFIID subunit TAF4 regulates keratinocyte proliferation and has cell-autonomous and non-cell-autonomous tumour suppressor activity in mouse epidermis.
The TAF4 subunit of transcription factor TFIID was inactivated in the basal keratinocytes of foetal and adult mouse epidermis. Loss of TAF4 in the foetal epidermis results in reduced expression of the genes required for skin barrier function, leading to early neonatal death. By contrast, TAF4 inactivation in adult epidermis leads to extensive fur loss and an aberrant hair cycle characterised by a defective anagen phase. Although the mutant epidermis contains few normal anagen-phase hair follicles, many genes expressed at this stage are strongly upregulated indicating desynchronized and inappropriate gene expression. The TAF4 mutant adult epidermis also displays interfollicular hyperplasia associated with a potent upregulation of several members of the EGF family of mitogens. Moreover, loss of TAF4 leads to malignant transformation of chemically induced papillomas and the appearance of invasive melanocytic tumours. Together, our results show that TAF4 is an important regulator of keratinocyte proliferation and has cell-autonomous and non-cell-autonomous tumour suppressor activity.


Machine learning analysis of non-marital sexual violence in India.
Machine learning techniques can explore low prevalence data to offer insight into identification of factors associated with non-marital sexual violence (NMSV). NMSV in India is a health and human rights concern that disproportionately affects adolescents, is under-reported, and not well understood or addressed in the country. We applied machine learning methods to retrospective cross-sectional data from India's nationally-representative National Family Health Survey 4, a demographic and health study conducted in 2015-16, which offers 4000+ variables as potential independent variables. We used Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (lasso) or L-1 regularized logistic regression models as well as L-2 regularized logistic regression or ridge models; we conducted an iterative thematic analysis (ITA) of variables generated from a series of regularized models. Thematic analysis of regularized models highlight that past exposure to violence was most predictive of NMSV, followed by geography, sexual behavior, and poor sexual and reproductive health knowledge. After these, indicators largely related to resources and autonomy (e.g., access to health services, and income generating) were associated with NMSV. Exploratory analysis with the subsample of never married adolescents 15-19 years old, a population with higher representation of recent NMSV, further emphasized the role of wealth and mobility as key correlates of NMSV, along with poor HIV knowledge, tobacco use, higher fertility preferences, and attitudes accepting of marital violence. Findings indicate the validity of machine learning with iterative theme analysis (ITA) to identify factors associated with violence. Findings were consistent with prior work demonstrating associations between NMSV and other violence experiences, but also showed novel correlates such as lower SRH knowledge and service utilization and, for girls, norms and preferences suggesting more restrictive gender norms. Sexual and reproductive health, gender equity and safety focused interventions are important for addressing NMSV in India, particularly for adolescents.


Identification of Key Modules and Hub Genes of Keloids with Weighted Gene Coexpression Network Analysis.
Keloid scarring impairs patients' quality of life, and although many therapeutic strategies have been developed, most remain unsatisfactory because of limited understanding of the mechanisms underlying keloid development. A microarray gene expression data set from keloid tissue was acquired from the Gene Expression Omnibus. Differentially expressed genes in fibroblasts and keratinocytes underwent functional annotation and pathway analysis. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis was applied to identify the gene targets of keloid scars within differentially expressed genes. Modules and hub genes for keloids were identified. Enrichment analysis was undertaken to verify the modules' and hub genes' relationship with keloids. Enrichment analysis and pathway analysis showed gene ontology terms and pathways related to keloids. Each cell type generated three modules in weighted gene coexpression network analysis, with one module most related to keloids. Enrichment analysis showed that the modules concerned are enriched with terms related to keloids. Three hub genes were selected for fibroblasts and keratinocytes, and their relationship to keloids was verified. Immunohistochemical staining verified expression change of some hub genes. This is the first study to describe the gene networks underlying keloids. Modules and hub genes generated in the present study are highly related to keloids and may identify novel therapeutic targets for treatment of keloids. Therapeutic, V.


Small bakeries--a cross-sectional study of respiratory symptoms, sensitization and dust exposure.
This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and sensitization to dust components in 224 individuals in 18 small bakeries in Scotland. Each work practice in the bakeries was characterized by an assessment of dust exposure and assigned to a category with either a direct exposure to flour dust of an indirect exposure to flour dust. We found that work-related respiratory symptoms were significantly associated with specific IgE to wheat flour and amylase but not to exposure category (except for nasal/eye symptoms). However, specific IgE to wheat flour was significantly associated with exposure category. There was a higher prevalence of immunological sensitization, reporting of work-related respiratory symptoms and exposure to dust than in other studies and of the 144 personal dust sample results taken, 21 (14.6%) of the total exceeded 10 mg/m3, the substantial dust concentration as outlined by the COSHH Regulations. Follow-up of those with work-related asthma symptoms (questionnaire response) was inconclusive of the work-relatedness of their symptoms, although it did confirm respiratory morbidity.


Latent subtypes of depression in a community sample of older adults: can depression clusters predict future depression trajectories?
Identifying sources of heterogeneity in late life depression remains an important focus of psychiatric investigation. Community samples are particularly informative since many older adults have clinically significant depressive symptoms but fail to meet criteria for major depression and older adults generally do not seek treatment for their depressive symptoms. The primary data used for these analyses were those collected in a community-based survey of over 3000 adults age 65 or older followed for up to ten years. Depressive symptoms were measured by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression scale (CES-D). Latent class analysis was used to identify clusters of participants based on their symptom profiles at baseline. Mixed models were used to examine trajectories of CES-D scores based on cluster assignment. A model with three unique clusters best fit the data. Cluster 1 (59%) had a low probability of any symptom endorsement. Cluster 2 (31%) endorsed as a group some negative affect and somatic symptoms but their endorsement of low positive affect did not differ from Cluster 1. Participants in Cluster 3 (10%) had a higher probability of endorsement of all symptoms compared to Clusters 1 and 2. The results did not appreciably differ when symptom severity was included. Cluster assignment was a significant predictor of change in CES-D score over the ten-year follow-up period, and the effects over time differed by sex. Depressive symptom profiles predict the longitudinal course of depression in a community sample of older adults, findings that are important especially in primary care settings.


[Inactivating effect of o-methylhydroxylamine on phage lambda and its mutants].
The kinetics of inactivation of lambda+, lambda C160, lambda Nsus7, lambda Gsus9, lambda Tsus6 phages under the effect of O-methylhydroxylamine was studied. Inactivation curves of all the phages under study were found to be of a complex character and early in the reaction (up to 4 hours) to deviate from exponential dependence of the inactivation rate upon the time of incubation with the mutagen. All the phages under study showed differences in the inactivation rates early in the reaction. Constants of the inactivation rate in the linear part of the curve vary from 30 hours-1 for lambda+ to 0.14 hours-1 for lambda C160. The possible causes of the complicated pattern of inactivation courves of lambda phage and its mutants are discussed.


Childhood immunization uptake determinants in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo: ordered regressions to assess timely infant vaccines administered at birth and 6-weeks.
Despite global efforts to reduce preventable childhood illness by distributing infant vaccines, immunization coverage in sub-Saharan African settings remains low. Further, timely administration of vaccines at birth-tuberculosis (Bacille Calmette-Guérin [BCG]) and polio (OPV0)-remains inconsistent. As countries such as Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) prepare to add yet another birth-dose vaccine to their immunization schedule, this study aims to improve current and future birth-dose immunization coverage by understanding the determinants of infants receiving vaccinations within the national timeframe. The study used two ordered regression models to assess barriers to timely BCG and first round of the hepatitis B (HepB3) immunization series across multiple time points using the Andersen Behavioral Model to conceptualize determinants at various levels. The assessment leveraged survey data collected during a continuous quality improvement study (NCT03048669) conducted in 105 maternity centers throughout Kinshasa Province, DRC. The final sample included 2398 (BCG analysis) and 2268 (HepB3 analysis) women-infant dyads living with HIV. Between 2016 and 2020, 1981 infants (82.6%) received the BCG vaccine, and 1551 (68.4%) received the first dose of HepB3 vaccine. Of those who received the BCG vaccine, 26.3%, 43.5%, and 12.8% received BCG within 24 h, between one and seven days, and between one and 14 weeks, respectively. Of infants who received the HepB3 vaccine, 22.4% received it within six weeks, and 46% between six and 14 weeks of life. Many factors were positively associated with BCG uptake, including higher maternal education, household wealth, higher facility general readiness score, and religious-affiliated facility ownership. The factors influencing HepB3 uptake included older maternal age, higher education level, household wealth, transport by taxi to a facility, higher facility general and immunization readiness scores, and religious-affiliated facility ownership. This study demonstrated that the study participants' uptake of vaccines was consistent with the country average, but not in a timely manner. Various factors were associated with timely uptake of BCG and HepB3 vaccines. These findings suggest that investment to strengthen the vaccine delivery system might improve timely vaccine uptake and equity in vaccine coverage.


Response of immunocompetent and immunosuppressed Spodoptera littoralis larvae to baculovirus infection.
The Mediterranean lepidopteran pest Spodoptera littoralis is highly resistant to infection with the Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) via the oral route, but highly sensitive to infection with budded virus (BV) via the intrahaemocoelic route. To study the fate of AcMNPV infection in S. littoralis, vHSGFP, an AcMNPV recombinant that expresses the reporter green fluorescent protein gene under the control of the Drosophila heat-shock promoter, and high-resolution fluorescence microscopy were utilized. S. littoralis fourth-instar larvae infected orally with vHSGFP showed melanization and encapsulation of virus-infected tracheoblast cells serving the midgut columnar cells. At 72 h post-infection, the viral foci were removed during the moult clearing the infection. Thus, oral infection was restricted by immune responses to the midgut and midgut-associated tracheal cells. By contrast, injection of BV into the haemocoel resulted in successful infection of tracheoblasts, followed by spread of the virus through the tracheal epidermis to other tissues. However, in contrast to fully permissive infections where tracheoblasts and haemocytes are equally susceptible to infection, a severe limitation to vHSGFP infection of haemocytes was observed. To investigate the resistance of S. littoralis haemocytes to BV infection with AcMNPV, the larval immune system was suppressed with the Chelonus inanitus polydnavirus or a putatively immunosuppressive polydnavirus gene, P-vank-1. Both treatments increased the susceptibility of S. littoralis larvae to AcMNPV. It is concluded that the resistance of S. littoralis to AcMNPV infection involves both humoral and cellular immune responses that act at the gut and haemocyte levels. The results also support the hypothesis that tracheolar cells mediate establishment of systemic baculovirus infections in lepidopteran larvae. The finding that polydnaviruses and their encoded genes synergize baculovirus infection also provides an approach to dissecting the responses of the lepidopteran immune system to viruses by using specific polydnavirus immunosuppressive genes.


Impact of a Novel Surgical Wound Protection Device on Observed versus Expected Surgical Site Infection Rates after Colectomy Using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Risk Calculator.
Surgical site infection (SSI) remains a persistent and morbid problem in colorectal surgery. A novel surgical device that combines barrier surgical wound protection and continuous surgical wound irrigation was evaluated in a cohort of elective colorectal surgery patients. A retrospective analysis was performed comparing rates of SSI observed in a prospective cohort study with the predicted rate of SSI using the American College of Surgeons (ACS) National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) Risk Calculator. A prospective multi-center study of colectomy patients was conducted using a study device for surgical site retraction and protection, as well as irrigation of the incision. Patients were followed for 30 days after the surgical procedure to assess for SSI. After completion of the study, patients' characteristics were inserted into the ACS-NSQIP Risk Calculator to determine the predicted rate of SSI for the given patient population and compared with the observed rate in the study. A total of 108 subjects were enrolled in the study. The observed rate of SSI in the prospective study using the novel device was 3.7% (4/108). The predicted rate of SSI in the same patient population utilizing the ACS-NSQIP Risk Calculator was estimated to be 9.5%. This demonstrated a 61% difference (3.7% vs. 9.5%, p = 0.04) in SSI from the NSQIP predicted rate with the use of the irrigating surgical wound protection and retraction device. These data suggest the use of a novel surgical wound protection device seems to reduce the rate of SSIs in colorectal surgery.


Effect of botanicals on inflammation and skin aging: analyzing the evidence.
The skin and its immune system manifest a decline in physiologic function as it undergoes aging. External insults such as ultraviolet light exposure cause inflammation, which may enhance skin aging even further leading to cancer and signs of photoaging. There is a potential role for botanicals as an adjunct modality in the prevention of skin aging. Numerous over-the-counter anti-aging products are commercially available, many of which boast unverified claims to reduce stress, inflammation and correct signs of aging. In this article we reviewed the scientific literature for data on frequently published "anti-inflammaging" additives such as vitamins A, C and E and green tea. We also analyzed the evidence available on five promising ingredients commonly found in anti-aging products, namely, argan oil, rosemary, pomegranate, Coenzyme Q10, and Coffeeberry. Though there may be an increasing amount of scientific data on a few of these novel botanicals, in general, there remains a lack of clinical data to support the anti-aging claims made.


Electroretinographic components of the canine visual evoked response.
Electroretinograms (ERG) and visual evoked responses (VER) were recorded from 2 anesthetized dogs before and after surgical manipulation. The ERG was recorded from a corneal contact lens, and the VET, from 9 different scalp sites. The recordings were made on a signal averager as done in clinical situations. Surgical manipulation consisted of an alcohol block of the stimulated eye and enucleation of the nonstimulated eye. The results indicated that under the conditions of making the recordings, the major and consistent waves of the VER from all scalp sites were a far-field ERG and were not of cortical origin.


[Cloning and structure-function analysis of the human S26 ribosomal protein gene].
Gene HRPS26 encoding the S26 human ribosomal protein has been sequenced. Gene HRPS26 consists of four exons and three introns. Its size is 2027 bp; the size of its mRNA is 438 nucleotides. As most of the genes of ribosomal proteins of vertebrates, the HRPS26 gene has a short first exon, which corresponds to the 5'-untranslated region of mRNA; the origin of transcription is located in the polypyrimidine tract. The functional activity of the cloned HRPS26 promoter region has been confirmed by transcription of hybrid plasmids in HeLa cells.


Second trimester abortion provision: breaking the silence and changing the discourse.
How do abortion providers determine how late in pregnancy they will provide abortion services? While law, training and socio-political factors likely play a part, this essay considers additional factors, including: personal and psychological aspects, visceral responses to the fetus and fetal parts at later gestations, feelings that second trimester abortion is violent, and ethical concerns with second trimester abortion. Providers may censor themselves with respect to these issues, fearing that honest acknowledgement of difficult aspects may be dangerous to the pro-choice movement; that is, such acknowledgements could appear to legitimise the anti-abortion stance that second trimester abortion is gruesome and morally unacceptable. I argue that this silence is harmful to providers, the pro-choice movement and the women who need abortion services. I make the case for pro-choice discourse that is honest about the nature of abortion procedures and uses this honesty to strengthen abortion care, including second trimester abortion.


Effect of nicotine on neuronal dysfunction induced by intracerebroventricular infusion of amyloid-β peptide in rats.
The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of nicotine on learning and memory deficits induced by intracerebroventricular infusion of amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) in rats. Neuronal dysfunction in rats was induced by an infusion of Aβ(1-42) (20 µg/body, over 3 days) into right ventricle. Nicotine was administered intraperitoneally to the rats at 0.2 mg/kg, once a day for 9 weeks beginning 3 weeks after the Aβ infusion. Learning and memory functions were examined by behavioral tests including Morris water maze task performed on days 87-90. As biochemical analyses, choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity and hemicholinium-3 (HC-3) binding were measured in brain tissues after the behavioral examination. The Aβ infusion induced significant learning and memory deficits in rats, judging from the behavioral tests. Treatment of the rats with nicotine significantly improved the Aβ-induced learning and memory deficits in water maze task. The Aβ infusion also decreased significantly not only the level of ChAT activity in posterior cortex and striatum, but the HC-3 binding in anterior cortex, posterior cortex, and hippocampus. The nicotine treatment did not reverse the level of ChAT but significantly inhibited the decrease in HC-3 binding, indicating improvement of cholinergic function without affecting the number of ACh terminals. Nicotine ameliorated learning and memory deficits in the Aβ(1-42)-induced animal model, which is mediated, at least in part, by enhancement of cholinergic neurotransmission. nAChR ligands including nicotine is thought to be useful as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease.


Buflomedil interference with the monoclonal EMIT d.a.u. amphetamine/methamphetamine immunoassay.
The interference of buflomedil with the monoclonal and polyclonal EMIT d.a.u. amphetamine immunoassays was investigated. Urine samples collected from 20 patients taking 600 mg of buflomedil daily gave false positive results with the monoclonal EMIT d.a.u. assay, as did urine specimens collected 2 hours after the first oral dose of buflomedil. Conversely, no false positive results occurred with the polyclonal EMIT d.a.u. amphetamine assay. Urine samples with buflomedil added at concentrations greater than 100 mg/l gave false positive results with the monoclonal immunoassay. Buflomedil concentrations found in the patient urines (56-400 mg/l) failed to correlate to EMIT assay responses: this result suggests that one or more buflomedil metabolites, besides the unchanged drug, probably interfere in the monoclonal EMIT d.a.u. assay.


Respiratory carbon dioxide response curve computer.
The respiratory computer described here makes it possible to obtain more accurate and precise alveolar ventilation-PCO(CO2) response curves than formerly and with fewer man-hours of labor. It is hoped that the ease of obtaining these response curves will lead to their more frequent use in evaluating respiratory phenomena. Clinical applications in evaluating the effects of changes in compliance and airway resistance on respiration are readily apparent. This technique is being used to study the degree of respiratory depression caused by narcotics and anesthetics and to study the effects of stimulating drugs. Respiratory stimulation and depression in a variety of disease states are also being pursued (13).


Global burden of human mycetoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Mycetoma is a chronic infectious disease of the subcutaneous tissue with a high morbidity. This disease has been reported from countries between 30°N and 15°S since 1840 but the exact burden of disease is not known. It is currently unknown what the incidence, prevalence and the number of reported cases per year per country is. In order to estimate what the global burden of mycetoma is, a meta-analysis was performed. In total 50 studies were included, which resulted in a total of 8763 mycetoma cases. Most cases were found in men between 11 and 40 years of age. The foot was most commonly affected. Most cases were reported from Mexico, Sudan and India. Madurella mycetomatis was the most prevalent causative agent world-wide, followed by Actinomadura madurae, Streptomyces somaliensis, Actinomadura pelletieri, Nocardia brasiliensis and Nocardia asteroides. Although this study represents a first indication of the global burden on mycetoma, the actual burden is probably much higher. In this study only cases reported to literature could be used and most of these cases were found by searching archives from a single hospital in a single city of that country. By erecting (inter)national surveillance programs a more accurate estimation of the global burden on mycetoma can be obtained.


Evolution of chromatin-remodeling complexes: comparative genomics reveals the ancient origin of "novel" compensasome genes.
Dosage compensation in Drosophila is mediated by a complex, called compensasome, composed of at least five proteins and two noncoding RNAs. Genes encoding compensasome proteins have been collectively named male-specific lethals or msls. Recent work showed that three of the Drosophila msls (msl-3, mof, and mle) have an ancient origin. In this study, I describe likely orthologues of the two remaining msls, msl-1 and msl-2, in several invertebrates and vertebrates. The MSL-2 protein is the only one found in Drosophila and vertebrate genomes that contains both a RING finger and a peculiar type of CXC domain, related to the one present in Enhancer of Zeste proteins. MSL-1 also contains two evolutionarily conserved domains: a leucine zipper and a second characteristic region, described here for the first time, which I have called the PEHE domain. These two domains are present in the likely orthologues of MSL-1 as well as in other genes in several invertebrate and vertebrate species. Although it cannot be excluded that the compensasome complex is a recent evolutionary novelty, these results shows that all msls are found in mammals, suggesting that protein complexes related to the compensasome may be present in mammalian species. Metazoans that lack several of the msls, such as Caenorhabditis elegans, cannot contain compensasomes. The evolutionary relationships of the compensasome and the NuA4 complex, another chromatin-remodeling complex that contains related subunits, are discussed.


CRISPR loss of function screening to identify genes involved in human primordial germ cell-like cell development.
Despite our increasing knowledge of molecular mechanisms guiding various aspects of human reproduction, those underlying human primordial germ cell (PGC) development remain largely unknown. Here, we conducted custom CRISPR screening in an in vitro system of hPGC-like cells (hPGCLCs) to identify genes required for acquisition and maintenance of PGC fate in humans. Amongst our candidates, we identified TCL1A, an AKT coactivator. Functional assessment in our in vitro hPGCLCs system revealed that TCL1A played a critical role in later stages of hPGCLC development. Moreover, we found that TCL1A loss reduced AKT-mTOR signaling, downregulated expression of genes related to translational control, and subsequently led to a reduction in global protein synthesis and proliferation. Together, our study highlights the utility of CRISPR screening for human in vitro-derived germ cells and identifies novel translational regulators critical for hPGCLC development.


Relationships between DNA incorporation, mutant frequency, and loss of heterozygosity at the TK locus in human lymphoblastoid cells exposed to 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine.
3'-Azido-3'-deoxythymidine (AZT), a thymidine analogue widely used in the treatment of AIDS patients and for prevention of the onset of AIDS in HIV-seropositive individuals, causes tumors in mice exposed as adults or in utero. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential mechanisms of AZT mutagenicity and carcinogenicity by quantifying the incorporation of AZT into cellular DNA, measuring AZT-induced thymidine kinase (TK) mutant frequencies (Mfs), and determining the percentage of loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in spontaneous or AZT-induced TK mutants in the human lymphoblastoid cell line, TK6. Cells were exposed to 300 microM AZT for 0, 1, 3, or 6 days, or to 0, 33, 100, 300, or 900 microM AZT for 3 days (n = 5 flasks/group). The effects of exposure concentration on incorporation of AZT into cellular DNA were evaluated by an AZT radioimmunoassay, and the effects of duration and concentration of AZT exposure on the TK Mfs were assessed by a cell-cloning assay. AZT was incorporated into DNA in a dose-related manner at concentrations up to 300 microM, above which no further increase was observed. TK Mf increased with the extended duration and with incremental concentrations of AZT exposure. There was a positive correlation (P = 0.036, coefficient = 0.903) between AZT-DNA incorporation and AZT-induced TK Mfs, suggesting that AZT incorporation into cellular DNA has a direct role in the genotoxicity of AZT. Southern blot analyses indicated that 84% (6.2 x 10(-6)/7.4 x 10(-6)) of AZT-induced mutants were attributable to LOH, consistent with the known mechanism of AZT as a DNA chain terminator. Considering the importance of LOH in human carcinogenesis, AZT-induced LOH warrants further study.


Endonasal CNS Delivery System for Blood-Brain Barrier Impermeant Therapeutic Oligonucleotides Using Heterotopic Mucosal Engrafting.
The most significant obstacle in the treatment of neurological disorders is the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which prevents 98% of all potential neuropharmaceuticals from reaching the central nervous system (CNS). Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is one of the most intensely studied targets in Parkinson's disease (PD) as it can reverse disease progression. BDNF AntagoNAT's (ATs) are synthetic oligonucleotide-like compounds capable of upregulating endogenous BDNF expression. Despite the significant promise of BDNF AT therapies for PD, they cannot cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Our group has developed an innovative endonasal heterotopic mucosal grafting technique to provide a permanent method of permeabilizing the BBB. This method is based on established endoscopic surgical procedures currently used in routine clinical practice. Our overall goal for the study was to investigate the distribution and efficacy of BDNF AT's using an extra-cranial graft model in naïve rats using the innovative heterotopic mucosal engrafting technique. BDNF AT cationic liposomes (ideal size range 200-250 nm) were developed and characterized to enhance the delivery to rat brain. Uptake, distribution and transfection efficiency of BDNF AntagoNAT's in saline and liposomes were evaluated qualitatively (microscopy) and quantitatively (ELISA and AT hybridization assays) in RT4-D6P2T rat schwannoma cells and in naïve rats. In vivo therapeutic efficacy of BDNF AT's encapsulated in liposomes was evaluated in a 6-OHDA toxin model of PD using western blot and tyrosine hydroxylase immunohistochemistry. Using complimentary in vitro and in vivo techniques, our results demonstrate that grafts are capable of delivering therapeutic levels of BDNF ATs in liposomes and saline formulation throughout the brain resulting in significant BDNF upregulation in key end target regions relevant to PD. BDNF AT liposomes resulted in a better distribution in rat brain as compared to saline control. The delivered BDNF AT's encapsulated in liposomes also conferred a neuroprotective effect in a rat 6-OHDA model of PD. As a platform technique, these results further suggest that this approach may be utilized to deliver other BBB impermeant oligonucleotide-based therapeutics thereby opening the door to additional treatment options for CNS disease.


Prehospital management of acute myocardial infarction: Electrocardiogram acquisition and interpretation, and thrombolysis by prehospital care providers.
To review prehospital management of patients with suspected ST elevation acute myocardial infarction (AMI) based on the acquisition and interpretation of electrocardiograms (ECGs), and the effects of thrombolytic therapy initiated by prehospital care providers. MEDLINE was searched by combining the search phrases 'thrombolysis,' 'paramedics' and 'myocardial infarction' to identify all pertinent articles. The bibliographies were reviewed to search for other relevant articles. The earlier that treatment is initiated in AMI, the better the prognosis. Multiple randomized and nonrandomized trials indicate that prehospital care providers (including paramedics, nurses and doctors) are able to acquire prehospital ECGs with negligible increases in on-scene time, ranging from 30 s to 7 mins. With minimal training, they are capable of accurately interpreting ECGs and diagnosing ST elevation AMI, with results comparable with control ECGs obtained by physicians. Numerous studies have investigated the role of specially trained prehospital personnel in initiating thrombolysis. Trials outside of North America have predominantly used physicians, whereas North American studies employed paramedics. Thrombolysis has been shown to be safe and effective when started outside the hospital by physicians or paramedics, with a reduction in time to treatment and no increase in complications. The further a patient with ST elevation AMI is from hospital, the greater the potential benefit of prehospital thrombolysis. The European Myocardial Infarction Project (EMIP), the largest randomized trial of prehospital thrombolysis, demonstrated a trend towards reduced mortality but was underpowered to detect significant mortality differences. The Grampian Region Early Anistreplase Trial (GREAT), a rural study, is the only randomized trial to demonstrate a statistically significant mortality difference in patients receiving prehospital thrombolysis. Despite trends in favour of prehospital diagnosis and treatment of AMI, no urban study has been sufficiently powered to demonstrate mortality benefits. Prehospital treatment of patients with chest pain using ECGs and thrombolysis is safe. Though rural patients have significant reductions in total mortality when treated with thrombolysis in a prehospital setting, this has not been documented with an urban population. Prehospital identification of thrombolysis-eligible patients with ST elevation AMI via acquisition and interpretation of ECGs followed by triage to a hospital 'lytic team' has the potential to improve patient outcome and requires further investigation. A prehospital paramedic program for identifying and treating thrombolysis-eligible patients requires intensive planning, retrospective feasibility work, implementation and monitoring to establish effectiveness.


[Lung cancer screening -- state of the art].
Besides smoking as the main risk factor for lung cancer several occupational risk factors like exposure to asbestos, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, uranium and dust containing nickel or silica have to be considered. Due to lack of effort in smoking prevention and cessation, lung cancer screening is an important issue. A number of pitfalls has to be considered when evaluating the efficacy of screening procedures. In this paper, we summarize the results of the major studies including chest X-ray, sputum cytology and low dose computed tomography. Randomized controlled studies involving low dose CT in about 100 000 subjects are on the way. Around the year 2010 we will be able to define whether or not lung cancer screening including new techniques and standardized algorithms yields a decrease in mortality. If diagnostic algorithms are used which have been applied in published feasibility studies, the mean percentage of invasive diagnostic measures revealing benign lesions is about 34 % and thus below those obtained in, e. g., breast cancer screening trials.


Solubilized and cleaved VP7, the outer glycoprotein of rotavirus, induces permeabilization of cell membrane vesicles.
It has been previously shown that rotavirus triple-layered particles induce permeabilization of liposomes and membrane vesicles. These effects were mediated by one or both of the solubilized outer-capsid proteins, VP4 and VP7. Permeabilization was dependent on trypsin treatment of the viral particles, suggesting that VP4 was involved. To analyse the respective roles of the outer-capsid proteins in this permeabilization process, we have used membrane vesicles loaded with carboxyfluorescein and virus-like particles derived from insect cells co-expressing various sets of capsid proteins. Virus-like particles containing VP2, VP6 and VP7 (VLP2/6/7) are as efficient in permeabilizing vesicles as triple-layered particles. As with double-layered particles, virus-like particles made of VP2 and VP6 had no effect on vesicle permeabilization. Permeabilization of membrane vesicles required trypsinization of the VP7 solubilized from VLP2/6/7. These results show that solubilized and trypsinized VP7 is able to induce membrane permeabilization, independently of the presence of VP4.


Responses to colour and host odour cues in three cereal pest species, in the context of ecology and control.
Many insects show a greater attraction to multimodal cues, e.g. odour and colour combined, than to either cue alone. Despite the potential to apply the knowledge to improve control strategies, studies of multiple stimuli have not been undertaken for stored product pest insects. We tested orientation towards a food odour (crushed white maize) in combination with a colour cue (coloured paper with different surface spectral reflectance properties) in three storage pest beetle species, using motion tracking to monitor their behaviour. While the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais (Motsch.), showed attraction to both odour and colour stimuli, particularly to both cues in combination, this was not observed in the bostrichid pests Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) (lesser grain borer) or Prostephanus truncatus (Horn) (larger grain borer). The yellow stimulus was particularly attractive to S. zeamais, and control experiments showed that this was neither a result of the insects moving towards darker-coloured areas of the arena, nor their being repelled by optical brighteners in white paper. Visual stimuli may play a role in location of host material by S. zeamais, and can be used to inform trap design for the control or monitoring of maize weevils. The lack of visual responses by the two grain borers is likely to relate to their different host-seeking behaviours and ecological background, which should be taken into account when devising control methods.


A novel biotinylated lipid raft reporter for electron microscopic imaging of plasma membrane microdomains.
The submicroscopic spatial organization of cell surface receptors and plasma membrane signaling molecules is readily characterized by electron microscopy (EM) via immunogold labeling of plasma membrane sheets. Although various signaling molecules have been seen to segregate within plasma membrane microdomains, the biochemical identity of these microdomains and the factors affecting their formation are largely unknown. Lipid rafts are envisioned as submicron membrane subdomains of liquid ordered structure with differing lipid and protein constituents that define their specific varieties. To facilitate EM investigation of inner leaflet lipid rafts and the localization of membrane proteins therein, a unique genetically encoded reporter with the dually acylated raft-targeting motif of the Lck kinase was developed. This reporter, designated Lck-BAP-GFP, incorporates green fluorescent protein (GFP) and biotin acceptor peptide (BAP) modules, with the latter allowing its single-step labeling with streptavidin-gold. Lck-BAP-GFP was metabolically biotinylated in mammalian cells, distributed into low-density detergent-resistant membrane fractions, and was readily detected with avidin-based reagents. In EM images of plasma membrane sheets, the streptavidin-gold-labeled reporter was clustered in 20-50 nm microdomains, presumably representative of inner leaflet lipid rafts. The utility of the reporter was demonstrated in an investigation of the potential lipid raft localization of the epidermal growth factor receptor.


Different adenosine A2A receptor expression in peripheral cells from elderly patients with vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
The line between vascular dementia (VaD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) is often blurred. In this study we investigated whether adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) expression can be used to differentiate between VaD and AD. We evaluated the expression of this receptor in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with VaD, mild cognitive impairment, AD, and controls. We found statistically significant lower levels of A2AR mRNA in VaD compared to AD subjects. These data suggest that A2AR expression may help in the differential diagnosis between VaD and AD.


Tectonics and volcanism of eastern aphrodite terra, venus: no subduction, no spreading.
Eastern Aphrodite Terra, a deformed region with high topographic relief on Venus, has been interpreted as analogous to a terrestrial extensional or convergent plate boundary. However, analysis of geological and structural relations indicates that the tectonics of eastern Aphrodite Terra is dominated by blistering of the crust by magma diapirs. The findings imply that, within this region, vertical tectonism dominates over horizontal tectonism and, consequently, that this region is neither a divergent nor a convergent plate boundary.


Lif, the lysostaphin immunity factor, complements FemB in staphylococcal peptidoglycan interpeptide bridge formation.
The formation of the Staphylococcus aureus peptidoglycan pentaglycine interpeptide chain needs FemA and FemB for the incorporation of glycines Gly2-Gly3, and Gly4-Gly5, respectively. The lysostaphin immunity factor Lif was able to complement FemB, as could be shown by serine incorporation and by an increase in lysostaphin resistance in the wild-type as well as in a femB mutant. However, Lif could not substitute for FemA in femA or in femAB-null mutants. Methicillin resistance, which is dependent on functional FemA and FemB, was not complemented by Lif, suggesting that serine-substituted side chains are a lesser substrate for penicillin-binding protein PBP2' in methicillin resistance.


Potentials of radial partially coherent beams in free-space optical communication: a numerical investigation.
Nonuniformly correlated partially coherent beams (PCBs) have extraordinary propagation properties, making it possible to further improve the performance of free-space optical communications. In this paper, a series of PCBs with varying degrees of coherence in the radial direction, academically called radial partially coherent beams (RPCBs), are considered. RPCBs with arbitrary coherence distributions can be created by adjusting the amplitude profile of a spatial modulation function imposed on a uniformly correlated phase screen. Since RPCBs cannot be well characterized by the coherence length, a modulation depth factor is introduced as an indicator of the overall distribution of coherence. By wave optics simulation, free-space and atmospheric propagation properties of RPCBs with (inverse) Gaussian and super-Gaussian coherence distributions are examined in comparison with conventional Gaussian Schell-model beams. Furthermore, the impacts of varying central coherent areas are studied. Simulation results reveal that under comparable overall coherence, beams with a highly coherent core and a less coherent margin exhibit a smaller beam spread and greater on-axis intensity, which is mainly due to the self-focusing phenomenon right after the beam exits the transmitter. Particularly, those RPCBs with super-Gaussian coherence distributions will repeatedly focus during propagation, resulting in even greater intensities. Additionally, RPCBs also have a considerable ability to reduce scintillation. And it is demonstrated that those properties have made RPCBs very effective in improving the mean signal-to-noise ratio of small optical receivers, especially in relatively short, weakly fluctuating links.


NAD-Glycohydrolase Depletes Intracellular NAD+ and Inhibits Acidification of Autophagosomes to Enhance Multiplication of Group A Streptococcus in Endothelial Cells.
Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a human pathogen causing a wide spectrum of diseases, from mild pharyngitis to life-threatening necrotizing fasciitis. GAS has been shown to evade host immune killing by invading host cells. However, how GAS resists intracellular killing by endothelial cells is still unclear. In this study, we found that strains NZ131 and A20 have higher activities of NADase and intracellular multiplication than strain SF370 in human endothelial cells (HMEC-1). Moreover, nga mutants of NZ131 (SW957 and SW976) were generated to demonstrate that NADase activity is required for the intracellular growth of GAS in endothelial cells. We also found that intracellular levels of NAD+ and the NAD+/NADH ratio of NZ131-infected HMEC-1 cells were both lower than in cells infected by the nga mutant. Although both NZ131 and its nga mutant were trapped by LC3-positive vacuoles, only nga mutant vacuoles were highly co-localized with acidified lysosomes. On the other hand, intracellular multiplication of the nga mutant was increased by bafilomycin A1 treatment. These results indicate that NADase causes intracellular NAD+ imbalance and impairs acidification of autophagosomes to escape autophagocytic killing and enhance multiplication of GAS in endothelial cells.


[Expressions of Cx26, Cx32 and Cx43 in prostate cancer and their implications].
To investigate the expressions of Cx26, Cx32 and Cx43 in prostate cancer (PCa) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and their roles in the development and progression of PCa in order to provide some novel evidence for the diagnosis and treatment of PCa. We determined the expressions of Cx26, Cx32 and Cx43 in the paraffin samples from 31 cases of PCa and 23 cases of BPH by SABC immunohistochemical staining, and analyzed the relationship of their expressions with the clinical and pathological parameters of PCa and BPH using the semiquantitative method. The positive expressions of Cx26 in BPH and PCa were 82.6% and 74.2%, respectively (chi2 = 0.541, P > 0.05), those of Cx32 were 78.3% and 61.3% (chi2 = 1.763, P > 0.05), and those of Cx43 were 87.0% and 38.7% (chi2 = 12.730, P < 0.01). The staining intensities of Cx26 and Cx43 were negatively correlated with the malignant phenotype of PCa (rCx26 = -0.476, P < 0.01; rCx43 = -0.484, P < 0.01), but not the expression of Cx32 (r = -0.242, P > 0.05). The three Cxs exhibited no correlation with the age and serum PSA level of the patients (P > 0.05), nor among their expressions (P > 0.05). Cx26, Cx32 and Cx43 are expressed in different degrees in BPH and PCa tissues. Cx43 plays a role in the occurrence and progression of PCa, and may serve as a new marker of PCa besides PSA as well as a new target in the biotherapy of PCa. Cx26 may be partially involved in the progression of PCa, but its mechanisms need to be further studied.


[Quality of life at dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome: population-based studies].
The aims of the study were to examine the prevalence of dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in the unselected population and to assess the quality of life (QOL) in these syndromes and their combination. The study involved 1,040 people, representing a random sample of adults aged 45-70 years (492 men, 548 women). To identify gastrointestinal symptoms using validated questionnaire, dyspepsia and IBS were diagnosed by Rome I criteria. QOL was assessed using a questionnaire SF-36. Dyspepsia was reported by 37.5% (30.1% men and 44.2% women, p < 0.001). The prevalence of IBS was 18.8% (12.0% men and 25,0% in women, p < 0.001). The combination of dyspepsia and IBS was noted in 12.0% (6.5% in men and 17.0% in women). Both dyspepsia and IBS cause significant decrease in QOL on most scales of the questionnaire SF-36 compared with those without these disorders. Their combination reduced QOL even more in comparison with isolated dyspepsia or IBS. Finally, high prevalence of dyspepsia and IBS was stated among the population, both conditions more frequently observed in women. QOL is significantly reduced in subjects with dyspepsia and IBS, especially if these syndromes combine.


Identification of the rat Rex mutation as a 7-bp deletion at splicing acceptor site of the Krt71 gene.
The rat autosomal dominant Rex (Re) mutation on chromosome 7 causes curly hair in Re/+ and hair loss in Re/Re rats. Histopathologically, the Re/+ rat showed dilatation of the hair follicle and hairs with irregularly-coated cuticles, and the Re/Re rat showed more severe effects. We identified Re as a 7-bp deletion at the splicing acceptor site of intron 1 of the keratin 71 (Krt71) gene, which is located within the Re critical chromosomal region and plays an important role in hair formation. The deletion provoked a 6-amino acid in-frame deletion (p.Val149_Gln154del) in the alpha-helical rod domain of KRT71 protein. Identification of the Re mutation (Krt71(Re)) enables us to further understand the biological function of KRT71.


Combination of Anlotinib and Celecoxib for the Treatment of Abdominal Desmoid Tumor: A Case Report and Literature Review.
Desmoid tumor is a rare disease, which is histologically characterized by local invasion, monoclonality, and fibroblast proliferation; and clinically characterized by a variable and often unpredictable course. The treatment of desmoid tumor is mainly surgical resection, but the recurrence rate is high. In recent years, a variety of treatment methods, including endocrine therapy, surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, targeted drugs, interferon and more, have been used and achieved certain curative effects. In addition, in view of the inertia characteristics of desmoid tumor, observation is also a first-line scheme recommended by multiple guidelines. In the past, the research progress of targeted therapy for desmoid tumor is relatively slow and the curative effect is limited. Thus, targeted therapy is usually used as a remedial treatment after the failure of other conventional treatment methods. However, in recent years, with the rapid progress in the basic research of targeted therapy, some new targeted drugs are increasingly used for the clinical treatment of desmoid tumor and have achieved good results. Herein, we described a patient with aggressive fibromatosis in the abdominal cavity. Following a combined treatment using anlotinib and celecoxib, the patient achieved a partial response with mild toxicity. Simultaneously, the patient's pain symptoms completely disappeared. This case indicates that the combination of anlotinib and NSAIDs could be an effective treatment for desmoid tumor.


Proteomics and biomarkers for ovarian cancer diagnosis.
Ovarian cancer remains a leading cause of death from gynecological malignancy. Early diagnosis is the most important determinant of survival. Current diagnostic tools have had very limited success in early detection. In recent years, the advancing techniques for proteomics have accelerated the discovery of ovarian cancer biomarkers. Numerous proteomics-based molecular biomarkers/panels have been identified and hold great potential for diagnostic applications, but they need further development and validation. This article reviews recently published data on the diagnosis of ovarian cancer with proteomics, including the major proteomics technologies and promising strategies for biomarker discovery and development.


Anticoagulant rodenticides in urban bobcats: exposure, risk factors and potential effects based on a 16-year study.
Anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) are increasingly recognized as a threat to nontarget wildlife. High exposure to ARs has been documented globally in nontarget predatory species and linked to the high prevalence of an ectoparasitic disease, notoedric mange. In southern California, mange associated with AR exposure has been the proximate cause of a bobcat (Lynx rufus) population decline. We measured AR exposure in bobcats from two areas in southern California, examining seasonal, demographic and spatial risk factors across landscapes including natural and urbanized areas. The long-term study included bobcats sampled over a 16-year period (1997-2012) and a wide geographic area. We sampled blood (N = 206) and liver (N = 172) to examine exposure ante- and post-mortem. We detected high exposure prevalence (89 %, liver; 39 %, blood) and for individuals with paired liver and blood data (N = 64), 92 % were exposed. Moreover, the animals with the most complete sampling were exposed most frequently to three or more compounds. Toxicant exposure was associated with commercial, residential, and agricultural development. Bobcats of both sexes and age classes were found to be at high risk of exposure, and we documented fetal transfer of multiple ARs. We found a strong association between certain levels of exposure (ppm), and between multiple AR exposure events, and notoedric mange. AR exposure was prevalent throughout both regions sampled and throughout the 16-year time period in the long-term study. ARs pose a substantial threat to bobcats, and likely other mammalian and avian predators, living at the urban-wildland interface.


A Case of Hypopituitarism Complicated by Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis and Severe Pulmonary Hypertension.
BACKGROUND Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), which is caused by increased pulmonary artery pressure, results in right-heart failure and presents with shortness of breath, chest pain, and syncope. PAH has idiopathic, heritable, and drug/toxin causes and is accompanied by other conditions, including connective tissue disease, congenital heart disease, and portal hypertension. Rarely, portal hypertension causes a type of PAH called portopulmonary hypertension (POPH). Portal hypertension can be triggered by liver cirrhosis, which can result from non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a metabolic syndrome caused by hypopituitarism. Although an association between hypopituitarism and POPH has been suggested, few reports have described this relationship. CASE REPORT A 43-year-old woman with hypopituitarism received hormone replacement therapy after partial hypothalamic resection at age 4 years. At age 32 years, she developed liver cirrhosis from NASH due to adult growth hormone (GH) deficiency. Despite restarting GH replacement therapy, she refused the required GH doses for economic reasons. She was hospitalized with abdominal pain and dyspnea and was found to have severe POPH. She received PAH-specific therapies, including endothelin receptor antagonist and prostacyclin analog. Pulmonary hypertension improved on day 3 of hospitalization while the cardiac index increased gradually. On day 12, her respiratory status rapidly worsened and percutaneous cardiopulmonary support was applied. On day 18, she died of multiple organ failure and disseminated intravascular coagulation despite intensive care management. CONCLUSIONS Severe PAH, particularly POPH, remains incurable despite the use of PAH-specific therapies and intensive care management. For hypopituitarism patients, careful observation, including of the cardiopulmonary system, can improve the prognosis after completing hormone replacement therapy.


Flap repair in congenital diaphragmatic hernia leads to lower rates of recurrence.
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) repair is technically challenging with different approaches for repair. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes between patch and flap repair. CDH repairs performed at a quaternary care children's hospital between 2008 and 2018 were reviewed. Seventy CDH repairs were analyzed after primary repairs were excluded (n = 52). Analysis included proportions or median with interquartile range and chi-square or Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Comparing patch and flap repairs, demographic characteristics and hernia parameters were similar. Examining outcomes, length of stay, 30-day mortality, and 1-year mortality were all similar between groups, but total/symptomatic recurrence was higher in the patch group (10%/7% vs. 3%/0%), and the median time to recurrence was 3 months. A sub-analysis comparing those who recurred to those who did not demonstrated no significant difference between the two groups. Patients who undergo flap repair have a lower risk of recurrence compared to those who undergo patch repair, and this may be due to the ability of the flap to grow over time with the child. Treatment Study. III.


The flaFIX gene product of Salmonella typhimurium is a flagellar basal body component with a signal peptide for export.
flaFIX, the structural gene for the periplasmic P ring of the flagellar basal body of Salmonella typhimurium, was cloned. Two gene products with apparent molecular weights of 38,000 and 40,000 were identified by minicell analysis. Data from pulse-chase and membrane fractionation experiments and data on the inhibitory effect of the proton ionophore carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone all indicated that the 40-kilodalton protein was a precursor form which, after export across the cytoplasmic membrane accompanied by cleavage of a signal peptide, gave rise to the mature protein in the periplasm. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of the FlaFIX protein, predicted from the DNA sequence, conformed well to known signal peptide sequences. The results indicate that the P-ring protein of the basal body (unlike flagellin and possible some other external flagellar components) crosses the cytoplasmic membrane in a conventional signal peptide-dependent manner.


Ecological and mechanistic insights into the direct and indirect antimicrobial properties of Bacillus subtilis lipopeptides on plant pathogens.
Members of the genus Bacillus produce a wide variety of antimicrobial compounds. Cyclic lipopeptides (CLP) produced by Bacillus subtilis strains have been shown to protect host plants from a numbers of pathogens. The representative families of these CLP (surfactins, fengycins, and iturins) share a polypeptide ring linked to a lipid tail of varying length. CLP provide plant protection through a variety of unique mechanisms. Members of the surfactin and fengycin families elicit induced systemic resistance in certain host plants, and they also function by directly affecting the biological membranes of bacterial and fungal pathogens, mainly resulting in membrane pore formation. Specific pore forming mechanisms differ between CLP families, causing differential activities. CLP also may aid in enhanced B. subtilis colonization of the plant environment in addition to potentially preventing the adhesion of competitive microorganisms. Several recent studies have highlighted the control of plant pathogens by CLP-producing B. subtilis strains. Strong ecological advantages through multifaceted activities of CLP provide these strains with immense promise in controlling pathogens in a variety of plant ecosystems.


Nitric oxide synthase in the gill of Atlantic salmon: colocalization with and inhibition of Na+,K+-ATPase.
We investigated the relationship between nitric oxide (NO) and Na(+),K(+)-ATPase (NKA) in the gill of anadromous Atlantic salmon. Cells containing NO-producing enzymes were revealed by means of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) immunocytochemistry and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate diaphorase (NADPHd) histochemistry, which can be used as an indicator of NOS activity, i.e. NO production. Antibodies against the two constitutive NOS isoforms, neuronal and endothelial NOS, both produced immunoreactivity restricted to large cells at the base and along the secondary lamellae. NADPHd-positive cells showed a corresponding distribution. Antibodies against the inducible NOS isoform only labeled small cells located deep in the filament. Using in situ hybridization and NKA immunoreactivity, cells expressing Na(+),K(+)-ATPase alpha-subunit mRNA were found to have a similar distribution to the NOS cells. Double labeling for NOS immunoreactivity and NKA alpha-subunit mRNA revealed cellular colocalization of NKA alpha-subunit mRNA and nNOS protein in putative chloride cells at the base of the lamellae and interlamellar space. Along the lamellae, some NOS- or NKA-immunoreactive cells possessed a relatively lower expression of NKA alpha-subunit mRNA in smolts. A clear increase in NADPHd staining in the gill was demonstrated from parr to smolt. The regulatory role of NO on gill NKA activity was studied in vitro using sodium nitroprusside (SNP; 1 mmol l(-1)) and PAPA-NONOate (NOC-15; 0.5 mmol l(-1)) as NO donors. Both SNP and NOC-15 inhibited gill NKA activity by 30% when compared to controls. The study shows that NO systems are abundant in the gill of Atlantic salmon, that NO may be produced preferentially by a constitutive NOS isoform, and suggests that NO influence on gill functions is mediated via intracellular, possibly both auto/paracrine, inhibition of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity in chloride cells. Furthermore, the increase in NADPHd in the gill during smoltification suggests a regulatory role of NO in the attenuation of the smoltification-related increase in Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity prior to entering seawater.


Oncogenic ALK regulates EMT in non-small cell lung carcinoma through repression of the epithelial splicing regulatory protein 1.
A subset of Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma (NSCLC) carries chromosomal rearrangements involving the Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) gene. ALK-rearranged NSCLC are typically adenocarcinoma characterized by a solid signet-ring cell pattern that is frequently associated with a metastatic phenotype. Recent reports linked the presence of ALK rearrangement to an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype in NSCLC, but the extent and the mechanisms of an ALK-mediated EMT in ALK-rearranged NSCLC are largely unknown. We found that the ALK-rearranged H2228 and DFCI032, but not the H3122, cell lines displayed a mesenchymal phenotype. In these cell lines, oncogenic ALK activity dictated an EMT phenotype by directly suppressing E-cadherin and up-regulating vimentin expression, as well as expression of other genes involved in EMT. We found that the epithelial splicing regulatory protein 1 (ESRP1), a key regulator of the splicing switch during EMT, was repressed by EML4-ALK activity. The treatment of NSCLC cells with ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) led to up-regulation of ESRP1 and E-cadherin, thus reverting the phenotype from mesenchymal to epithelial (MET). Consistently, ESRP1 knock-down impaired E-cadherin up-regulation upon ALK inhibition, whereas enforced expression of ESRP1 was sufficient to increase E-cadherin expression. These findings demonstrate an ALK oncogenic activity in the regulation of an EMT phenotype in a subset of NSCLC with potential implications for the biology of ALK-rearranged NSCLC in terms of metastatic propensity and resistance to therapy.


[Dependence of microwave effect on the secondary structure of DNA on molecular weight of polynucleotide].
The effect of ultralow power pulse-modulated electromagnetic radiation (average power density 60 microW/cm2, carrying frequency 1.05; 2.12; or 2.39 GHz; modulating pulses with frequency 4 Hz) on the secondary structure of DNA was investigated. It was established that the exposure of beta-alanine and formaldehyde containing aqueous DNA solution to electromagnetic radiation had activated the process of DNA despiralization under the action of beta-alanine--formaldehyde reaction product. The effect of electromagnetic radiation on the secondary structure of DNA can be removed by lowering of molecular weight of DNA to 0.46 x 10(6) (at carrying frequency 1.05 GHz), or to 0.25 x 10(3) (at carrying frequency 2.39 GHz).


The role of transperineal ultrasound in the evaluation of stress urinary incontinence cases.
To evaluate the use of transperineal ultrasonography while diagnosing stress urinary incontinence (SUI) by comparing the urethral angle (α), posterior urethrovesical angle (β), and bladder neck descent (BND) during rest and Valsalva maneuver in continent women and women with SUI. This prospective observational study was conducted with 50 women with SUI and 50 continent women. Transperineal ultrasonography was performed at rest and during Valsalva maneuver. Q-tip test was performed. During the Valsalva maneuver, both α and β angles were significantly higher in women with SUI (p < 0.001). The difference between Valsalva and rest measurements of α and β angles (R α, R β) were also significantly higher in women with SUI (p < 0.001). The cut-off point determined for the R α in the diagnosis of stress incontinence was 16° (80% sensitivity, 98% specificity). A statistically significant strong correlation was found between Q-tip test angle and R α value (p=0.000; r=0.890). Q-tip VAS pain scores were significantly higher than ultrasonography VAS pain scores (p < 0.001). In relation to the bladder neck descent comparison between the two groups showed that BND was significantly higher in SUI group (p < 0.001). The cut-off point determined for BND in the diagnosis of SUI was >11mm (90% sensitivity, 98% specificity). Transperineal ultrasonography is a practical, reliable, non-invasive and comfortable method for evaluation of SUI. It has the advantage of dynamic evaluation during the Valsalva maneuver. Rotation angles and BND have high sensitivity and specificity for detection of SUI. The change in α angle with Valsalva (Rα) can be used as an alternative to Q-tip test.


[Comparsion with myocardial perfusion MRI and myocardial perfusion SPECT in the diagnostic performance of coronary artery disease: a meta-analysis].
We compared the diagnostic abilities of stress myocardial perfusion MRI (myocardial perfusion MRI) and myocardial perfusion SPECT, using a meta-analysis method. We investigated the diagnostic abilities of MRI and SPECT in similar subject groups in reports written in English or Japanese. The reports to be used for analysis were selected according to a "screening standard," which was established in advance. After consolidating the data from the selected reports, we compared (1) the integrated odds ratio, (2) the point estimation values of sensibility/specificity, and (3) the summary ROC curve. For the analysis, six reports were selected (subjects: 153, coronary-artery target sites: 447). Meta-analysis revealed that the diagnostic ability of myocardial perfusion MRI was superior to that of myocardial perfusion SPECT regarding each of the parameters (1)-(3). This is considered to be supportive evidence of the usefulness of myocardial perfusion MRI.


Reflective learning conversations model for simulation debriefing: a co-design process and development innovation.
Health practitioners must be equipped with effective clinical reasoning skills to make appropriate, safe clinical decisions and avoid practice errors. Under-developed clinical reasoning skills have the potential to threaten patient safety and delay care or treatment, particularly in critical and acute care settings. Simulation-based education which incorporates post-simulation reflective learning conversations as a debriefing method is used to develop clinical reasoning skills while patient safety is maintained. However, due to the multidimensional nature of clinical reasoning, the potential risk of cognitive overload, and the varying use of analytic (hypothetical-deductive) and non-analytic (intuitive) clinical reasoning processes amongst senior and junior simulation participants, it is important to consider experience, competence, flow and amount of information, and case complexity related factors to optimize clinical reasoning while attending group- based post-simulation reflective learning conversations as a debriefing method. We aim to describe the development of a post-simulation reflective learning conversations model in which a number of contributing factors to achieve clinical reasoning optimization were addressed. A Co-design working group (N = 18) of doctors, nurses, researchers, educators, and patients' representatives collaboratively worked through consecutive workshops to co-design a post-simulation reflective learning conversations model to be used for simulation debriefing. The co-design working group established the model through a theoretical and conceptual-driven process and multiphasic expert reviews. Concurrent integration of appreciative inquiry, plus/delta, and Bloom's Taxonomy methods were considered to optimize simulation participants' clinical reasoning while attending simulation activities. The face and content validity of the model were established using the Content Validity Index CVI and Content Validity Ratio CVR methods. A Post-simulation reflective learning conversations model was developed and piloted. The model was supported with worked examples and scripted guidance. The face and content validity of the model were evaluated and confirmed. The newly co-designed model was established in consideration to different simulation participants' seniority and competence, flow and amount of information, and simulation case complexity. These factors were considered to optimize clinical reasoning while attending group-based simulation activities.


Specific and nonspecific mediation of protective immunity to Toxoplasma gondii.
We studied the specificity of protection conferred by Toxoplasma gondii immune lymphocytes and their supernatants on infected hamster kidney cells, using Besnoitia jellisoni immune lymphocytes as a nonspecific control. The intracellular growth of the organisms was measured by [3H]uracil incorporation, and inhibition of multiplication was used as a measurement of immunity. Although the immune lymphocytes restricted principally the multiplication of homologous organisms, partial protection, expressed against the heterologous organism, was found. This was true for either parasite with intact lymphocytes or their supernatants. Exposure of immune lymphocytes to antigen for 18 to 24 h and treatment of kidney cells with supernatant fluids for 18 to 24 h were required for maximal protection. The specific protective mediator in supernatants of immune lymphocytes was characterized by dialysis as having a molecular weight between 3,000 and 12,000 and was found in the 3,000 to 5,000 peak after Sephadex G-50 chromatography. Nonspecific protective activity was greater than 12,000 by dialysis; it chromatographed in the excluded peak, measuring over 43,000, and was destroyed by exposure to pH 2. In vitro production of lymphokines from toxoplasma immune lymphocytes was first detected 7 to 10 days after vaccination of hamsters. At about the same time, hamsters began to resist challenge infection with the pathogenic RH strain of T. gondii and were able to prevent its multiplication in lungs, liver, spleen, and the subcutaneous infection site. The expression of tissue immunity and the production of toxoplasma-immune lymphokines appear to be time-related events.


What is wrong between ecological science and policy?
Ecological research is highlighting different kinds of issues concerning biodiversity conservation policies. Based on a historical study on protected areas, we suggest that these issues are not caused by a lack of knowledge or technical tools but rather by a misuse of ecological knowledge during the implementation of policy instruments in part driven by a lack of understanding of the mechanisms underlying the policymaking process. We believe that determining the conditions under which ecological science can enlighten policy decisions is now necessary to address current biodiversity conservation issues. This can only be achieved through the promotion of interdisciplinary research.


[Effect of cyclic nucleotides on the morphogenetic and ultrastructural characteristics of the primitive knot in the chick embryo in organotypic cultures].
The isolated Hensen's nodes of chick embryos (stage 4 after Hamburger and Hamilton) were cultivated in organotypic cultures after the treatment with 0.5 mM solutions of cAMP and cGMP. Both the control and treated explants were characterized by a wide variability of differentiation of various tissue rudiments. cGMP inhibited reliably the differentiation of notochord. At the ultrastructural level the control and cAMP-treated cultures were characterized by an increased autophagia whereas the treatment with cGMP inhibited the yolk utilization and resulted in the appearance of vast regions of partial necrosis.


Comparison of two substrate materials used as negative control in endothelialization studies: Glass versus polymeric tissue culture plate.
The endothelialization of synthetic surfaces applied as cardiovascular implant materials is an important issue to ensure the anti-thrombotic quality of a biomaterial. However, the rapid and constant development of a functionally-confluent endothelial cell monolayer is challenging. In order to investigate the compatibility of potential implant materials with endothelial cells several in vitro studies are performed. Here, glass and tissue culture plates (TCP) are often used as reference materials for in vitro pre-testing. However, a direct comparison of both substrates is lacking.Therefore, a comparison of study results is difficult, since results are often related to various reference materials. In this study, the endothelialization of glass and TCP was investigated in terms of adherence, morphology, integrity, viability and function using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC).On both substrates an almost functionally confluent HUVEC monolayer was developed after nine days of cell seeding with clearly visible cell rims, decreased stress fiber formation and a pronounced marginal filament band. The viability of HUVEC was comparable for both substrates nine days after cell seeding with only a few dead cells. According to that, the cell membrane integrity as well as the metabolic activity showed no differences between TCP and glass. However, a significant difference was observed for the secretion of IL-6 and IL-8. The concentration of both cytokines, which are associated with migratory activity, was increased in the supernatant of HUVEC seeded on TCP. This result matches well with the slightly increased number of adherent HUVEC on TCP.In conclusion, these findings indicate that both reference materials are almost comparable and can be used equivalently as control materials in in vitro endothelialization studies.


Predator personality structures prey communities and trophic cascades.
Intraspecific variation is central to our understanding of evolution and population ecology, yet its consequences for community ecology are poorly understood. Animal personality - consistent individual differences in suites of behaviours - may be particularly important for trophic dynamics, where predator personality can determine activity rates and patterns of attack. We used mesocosms with aquatic food webs in which the top predator (dragonfly nymphs) varied in activity and subsequent attack rates on zooplankton, and tested the effects of predator personality. We found support for four hypotheses: (1) active predators disproportionately reduce the abundance of prey, (2) active predators select for predator-resistant prey species, (3) active predators strengthen trophic cascades (increase phytoplankton abundance) and (4) active predators are more likely to cannibalise one another, weakening all other trends when at high densities. These results suggest that intraspecific variation in predator personality is an important determinant of prey abundance, community composition and trophic cascades.


Teasing, taunting, and the politics of politeness: high sociometric status is associated with expectation-consistent behavior.
Research examining face-to-face status hierarchies suggests that individuals attain respect and admiration by engaging in behavior that influences others' judgments of their value to the group. Building on this research, we expected that high-status individuals would be less likely to engage in behaviors that violate group norms and expectations, relative to low-status individuals. Adolescent participants took part in an interaction in which they teased an opposite-gender friend (Study 1) or an experiment in which taunting or cheering expectations were manipulated (Study 2). Consistent with the hypothesis, high-status boys and girls engaged in teasing behaviors consistent with their gender roles, relative to their low status counterparts (Study 1). In Study 2, high-status boys engaged in more direct provocation and off-record commentary while taunting, and more affiliative behavior while cheering on their partner, relative to low-status boys. Discussion focused on how expectation-consistent actions help individuals maintain elevated status.


Stretchable biocompatible electronics by embedding electrical circuitry in biocompatible elastomers.
Stretchable and curvilinear electronics has been used recently for the fabrication of micro systems interacting with the human body. The applications range from different kinds of implantable sensors inside the body to conformable electrodes and artificial skins. One of the key parameters in biocompatible stretchable electronics is the fabrication of reliable electrical interconnects. Although very recent literature has reported on the reliability of stretchable interconnects by cyclic loading, work still needs to be done on the integration of electrical circuitry composed of rigid components and stretchable interconnects in a biological environment. In this work, the feasibility of a developed technology to fabricate simple electrical circuits with meander shaped stretchable interconnects is presented. Stretchable interconnects are 200 nm thin Au layer supported with polyimide (PI). A stretchable array of light emitting diodes (LEDs) is embedded in biocompatible elastomer using this technology platform and it features a 50% total elongation.


Does bisphenol A (BPA) participates in the pathogenesis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?
PCOS is an endocrine disorder characterized by chronic anovulation, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovaries. Its etiology is uncertain. It is debated whether BPA would be a component of the environmental factor in the etiology of PCOS. Contamination by BPA can occur from food packaging (exposure during the diet) and through skin absorption and/or inhalation. It can be transferred to the fetus via the placenta or to the infant via breast milk, and it can be found in follicular fluid, fetal serum, and amniotic fluid. The phenolic structure of BPA allows it to interact with Estrogen Receptors (ERs) through genomic signaling, in which BPA binds to nuclear ERα or Erβ, or through nongenomic signaling by binding to membrane ERs, prompting a rapid and intense response. With daily and constant exposure, BPA's tendency to bioaccumulate and its ability to activate nongenomic signaling pathways can alter women's metabolic and reproductive function, leading to hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, obesity, atherogenic dyslipidemia, chronic inflammatory state, and anovulation and favoring PCOS. The harmful changes caused by BPA can be passed on to future generations without the need for additional exposure because of epigenetic modifications. Not only high BPA levels can produce harmful effects, but at low levels, BPA may be harmful when exposure occurs during the most vulnerable periods, such as the fetal and neonatal periods, as well as during the prepubertal age causing an early accumulation of BPA in the body. Learning how BPA participates in the pathogenesis of PCOS poses a challenge and further studies should be conducted.


Reinforcement as a mediator of the perception of humans by horses (Equus caballus).
A central question in the interspecific human/animal relationship is how domestic animals perceive humans as a significant element of their environment. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the use of positive or negative reinforcement in horse training may have consequences on the animals' perception of humans, as a positive, negative or neutral element. Two groups of ponies were trained to walk backwards in response to a vocal order using either positive or negative reinforcement. Heart rate monitors and behavioural observations were used to assess the animals' perception of humans on the short (just after training) and long (5 months later) terms. The results showed that the type of reinforcement had a major effect on the subsequent animals' perception of familiar and unfamiliar humans. Negative reinforcement was rapidly associated with an increased emotional state, as revealed by heart rate measurements and behavioural observations (head movements and ears laid back position). Its use led the ponies to seek less contact with humans. On the contrary, ponies trained with positive reinforcement showed an increased interest in humans and sought contact after training. This is especially remarkable as it was reached in a maximum of 5 sessions of 1 to 3 min (i.e. 5 to 15 min) and had lasting effects (visible after 5 months). Even learning was positively influenced by positive reinforcement. Overall, horses seem capable of associating humans to particular experiences and display extended long-term memory abilities.


Second-generation line probe assay for hepatitis C virus genotyping.
Because of the enormous variability of hepatitis C virus (HCV), the development of reliable genotyping assays is a formidable challenge. The optimal genotyping region appears to be the 5' untranslated region (UR) because of high conservation within, but considerable variability between, genotypes. In this study, 21 probes dispersed over seven variable 5' UR areas were applied to a line probe assay (LiPA) and used to analyze 506 HCV-infected sera from different geographical regions representing a multitude of subtypes. At least 31 different reactivity patterns emerged, with 404 (80%) of 506 distributed over 11 prototype patterns, in general corresponding to subtypes 1a, 1b, 2a/2c, 2b, 3a, 5a, and 6a and several type 4 subtypes. Subtyping specificity ranged from 97% in Hong Kong to 90% in Europe but was only 11% in West Africa, while typing specificity was always 100% when samples from Vietnam were excluded. In a second evaluation, the subtype prediction by LiPA of 448 GenBank 5' UR HCV sequences was scored. Of the 58 theoretically predicted patterns, 321 sequences (72%) were covered by the 11 prototype patterns. We concluded that (i) the selected probes detected the corresponding signature motifs in the seven variable regions with 100% reliability; (ii) these motifs allowed correct type interpretation of samples collected worldwide, with the exclusion of Vietnam, Thailand, or Vietnamese patients residing in European hospitals; and (iii) subtyping specificities vary according to geographical region, with 11 prototype subtyping patterns identifying the majority of samples from Europe and the Americas. These results indicate that the LiPA is a reliable assay applicable to routine typing and subtyping of HCV specimens.


Conservation in the first internal transcribed spacer region (ITS1) in Hematodinium species infecting crustacean hosts found in the UK and Newfoundland.
Parasitic dinoflagellates in the genus Hematodinium infect a number of decapod crustaceans in waters off the UK, including the Norway lobster Nephrops norvegicus and the edible crab Cancer pagurus. This study investigated sequence variability in the first internal transcribed spacer (ITS1) region of the ribosomal RNA complex of Hematodinium spp. infecting N. norvegicus, C. pagurus, and Pagurus bernhardus from 4 locations in the UK and from the Hematodinium sp. infecting Chionoecetes opilio from the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Phylogenetic analysis of the Hematodinium ITS1 sequences from N. norvegicus, C. pagurus, P. bernhardus and C. opilio suggest that these crustaceans are infected with the same species of Hematodinium. Length variability of the ITS1 region was observed (324 to 345 bp) and attributed to 4 variable microsatellite regions (CATG)n' (GCC)nTCCGC(TG)n' (TA)n' and (GAA)n(GGA)n within the sequenced ITS1 fragment. The observed variation may be due to co-infection of the host crustacean with several different strains of Hematodinium or differences among copies of ITS1 region within the genome of a single parasite cell. The Hematodinium ITS1 sequence from N. norvegicus, C. pagurus, P. bernhardus and C. opilio isolates was sufficiently conserved in primer binding regions targeted by previous molecular diagnostic assays; therefore, we suggest that this assay could be used to screen for Hematodinium infections in these crustacean hosts.