Reported Outcomes and Outcome Measures in Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review.
Purpose: There is a lack of scientific consensus on the best arthroplasty implant option for proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) arthritis, due to diversity in outcome reporting and measurement methods. The development of a standardized core outcome set (COS) and standard outcome measures could mitigate this issue. This study catalogs the reported outcomes and outcome measures found in PIPJ arthroplasty studies, which can be used in the first step of developing a COS. Methods: A database search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science (January 1, 2010, to March 10, 2021) was performed to retrieve studies that reported outcomes of the 3 most common primary PIPJ arthroplasty implants: silicone, pyrocarbon, and metal-polyethylene. The primary objectives of this study include reported outcomes and outcome measures. Secondary objectives include clinimetric properties of outcome measures, study design, and implant types. Results: Fifty articles met inclusion criteria. Of the included studies, 41 (82%) were case series, 8 (16%) were cohort studies, and 1 (2%) was a randomized control trial. Thirty-three unique outcomes were identified. Fifteen (46%) outcomes were clinician-reported and 26 (79%) were patient-reported. Eighteen unique outcome measures were identified. Of the outcome measures, 15 (83%) were patient-reported, 1 (6%) was clinician-reported, and 2 (11%) were reported by both patients and clinicians. Conclusions: Substantial heterogeneity was found in reported outcomes and outcome measures across studies evaluating PIPJ arthroplasty, impeding knowledge translation. The development of a COS for PIPJ arthroplasty is necessary to help compare and pool data across studies, and advance scientific knowledge.


Penicillium glabrum cork-colonising isolates - preliminary analysis of their genomic similarity.
The cork stopper manufacturing process includes an operation, known as stabilisation, by which humid cork slabs are extensively colonised by fungi. The effects of fungal growth on cork are not completely understood although they are considered to be involved in the so-called "cork taint" of wine. It is essential to (a) identify environmental constraints which define the appearance of the colonising fungal species and (b) trace their origin to the forest and/or the manufacturing space. The present article correlates two sets of data, from consecutive years and the same season, of systematic sampling of two manufacturing units, located in the North and South of Portugal. Chrysonilia sitophila dominance was confirmed, followed by a high diversity of Penicillium species. Penicillium glabrum, which was found in all samples, was the most frequently isolated species. P. glabrum intra-species variability was investigated using DNA fingerprinting techniques revealing highly discriminative polymorphic markers in the genome. Cluster analysis of P. glabrum data was discussed in relation to the geographical location of strains, and results suggest that P. glabrum arise from predominantly the manufacturing space, although cork specific fungi can contribute.


Effects of ovarian drilling in middle Black Sea region Turkish women with polycystic ovary syndrome having normal and high body mass indices.
To assess the effectiveness of laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with normal and high body mass indices (BMIs). We investigated the effects of LOD process on two different groups of Turkish women with normal (n = 13) and high (n = 12) body mass indices. Three-puncture laparoscopy was performed under general anesthesia. Luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEAS) and total testosterone (total T) levels were measured one menstrual cycle before the operation (in early follicular phase defined as day 3 of the menstrual cycle) and one menstrual cycle after the operation (in early follicular phase defined as day 3 of the menstrual cycle). Ovarian drilling had a positive effect on FSH increase and DHEAS, total testosterone and LH/FSH ratio decrease; but BMI levels had no effect on these hormonal changes, respectively (F = 0.343, P = 0564) (F = 0.790, P = 0383) (F = 0.083, P = 0776) and (F = 0.816, P = 0376). Ovarian drilling had a positive effect on LH decrease and BMIs were effective on this change (F = 6.946, P < 0.05). LH decrease in the group with normal BMI was significantly higher than the obese group with high BMI. Ten of 13 women with normal BMI (76.9%) and eight of 12 women with high BMI (66.6%) started to see regular menses 2 to 3 months after the procedure. Ovarian drilling is an effective procedure on PCOS. Women with lower BMI may benefit more from the procedure.


Association Between Self-Reported Health and Education with Past-year Dental Visits among Older Mexican Adults: Results of the Mexican Health and Aging Study 2018.
To explore the relationship between of self-reported health (SRH) and educational attainment with pastyear dental visits in older adults in México. For this cross-sectional study, data were derived from the Mexican Health and Aging Study 2018 (MHAS-2018), which used a nationally-representative sample of older adults (50 years or older) in Mexico (n = 14,085). Variables taken from the MHAS questionnaire included residence (rural/urban), years of education, SRH, multimorbidity, pain severity, and past-year dental visits. A logistic regression model was used to identify the association between the variables and past-year dental visits. While the percentage of past-year dental visits reported was 39.8%, this number declined with age [OR=0.76, p < 0.001], with older adults living in rural areas 34% less likely to report past-year dental visits than older adults living in urban areas. Older adults with no formal education were 73% less likely (OR=0.27; p < 0.001) to report past-year dental visits than older adults ≥10 years education. Older adults with poor SRH were 32% less likely (OR=0.68; p < 0.001) to report past-year dental visits than older adults with good/very good/excellent SRH. Sex, degree of multimorbidity, and pain level ([OR=1.37; p < 0.001] [OR=1.37; p < 0.001] and [OR=1.17; p < 0.001]) were all found to be positively associated with past-year dental visits in the study population. The present study highlights the association between poor SRH, a low level of educational attainment, and less frequent past-year dental visits, as well as the finding that past-year dental visits declined with age in the older adults sampled.


Development of heterotopic ossifications, blood markers and outcome after radiation therapy in spinal cord injured patients.
Retrospective study. This study was implemented to detect risk factors for the developing of heterotopic ossifications (HOs) in spinal cord injury (SCI) patients. This study was conducted in Murnau, Germany. All patients from 2008-2012 with acute SCI were routinely examined by ultrasound of the hips every 2 weeks. The sub group of SCI patients suffering of HO of the hips were extracted and the incidence of developing an HO was calculated. Parameters like age, level of injury, ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS), duration time of accident until diagnosis of HO, Brooker stage, localization of HO (magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)) and symptoms like thrombosis, emboli, decrease of range of motion (ROM), dermal symptoms, swelling, increase in D-Dimere level, were evaluated. Also accompanying injuries of the brain, lung and extremities were recorded. From January 2008 until January 2012, 575 patients with an acute and traumatic SCI were treated in our Department. During this period 32 HOs were detected in the muscles surrounding the hip. In 10 cases a single side and in 22 cases both sides were affected. A total of 26 patients were detected showing up a Brooker 0, two patients Brooker 1, and five patients a Brooker stage >2. The adductor muscles showed an edema in 19 cases and the quadriceps muscles were affected in 15 cases. 26% of all SCI patients showed AIS A status, but in patients who developed HO, 64% have had an AIS A status. 19% of patients with a HO were AIS B and 9.5% showed an AIS C and D. Regarding the level of injury the distribution of patients suffering of HO was comparable to the distribution of SCI patients without HO. In mean HO were detected 9 weeks after SCI and no new HO were found after the 22nd (n=1) week of injury. Clinical symptoms such as swelling, pain, redness or decrease in ROM or increase in D-Dimere levels were seen in 24 cases. Accompanying injuries like brain injury and lung contusions were found in 83% of patients developing HO. The incidence of thrombosis was comparable to SCI patients without HO. One patient with no accompanying injuries or clinical symptoms was detected by routinely performed ultrasound. The risk of developing HO in patients with traumatic SCI is 5.5% but increases when accompanying injuries of the brain and lung occur. Patients with a neurological status of AIS A must also be quoted as risk patients. When considering the described risk factors and clinical symptoms, 96% of all HO can be detected.


Lack of nasal carriage of novel corona virus (HCoV-EMC) in French Hajj pilgrims returning from the Hajj 2012, despite a high rate of respiratory symptoms.
A cohort of 154 French Hajj pilgrims participating in the 2012 Hajj were systematically sampled with nasal swabs prior to returning to France, and screened for the novel HCoV-EMC coronavirus by two real-time RT-PCR assays. Despite a high rate of respiratory symptoms (83.4%), including 41.0% influenza-like illness, no case of HCoV-EMC infection was detected. Despite the fact that zoonotic transmission was suspected in the first few cases, a recent family cluster in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia suggests that the virus might show at least limited spread from person to person, which justifies continuing epidemiological surveillance.


How culture is assessed in the DSM-5.
Reports regarding the proposed changes in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) indicate there will be expanded and more clearly defined mental health assessment information regarding culture and diversity. This change is in response to the concerns of educators, practitioners, and researchers regarding how culture was prioritized, defined, and assessed within the fourth edition, text revision (DSM-IV-TR) of the manual. The purposes of this article are to discuss (a) how culture was assessed in the DSM-IV-TR; (b) what new assessment cultural factors are proposed for inclusion in the DSM-5; and (c) implications for psychiatric-mental health nursing education, practice, and research based on the inclusion of the proposed cultural assessment changes.


Conventional MRI findings for predicting submandibular pleomorphic adenoma.
Although pleomorphic adenomas account for over 90% of all benign submandibular gland tumors, the imaging features of submandibular pleomorphic adenomas have not been reported in a large number of cases. To assess the conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings for predicting the submandibular pleomorphic adenoma. MR studies of 42 pleomorphic adenomas and 28 other types of tumor were reviewed. MR images were assessed for the presence of hyperintense areas on T2-weighted images (first sign), a well-defined margin (second sign), and presence of crescent-shaped compression of the ipsilateral normal submandibular gland (third sign). For identifying submandibular pleomorphic adenoma, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy were 97.6%, 50.0%, 74.5%, 93.3%, and 78.6% for the first sign, 95.2%, 46.4% 72.7%, 86.7%, and 75.7% for the second sign, and 23.8%, 100%, 86.7%, 46.7%, and 54.3% for the third sign, respectively. Combining the first and second findings achieved to 85.7% specificity and 90.9% accuracy. Although non-specific, submandibular pleomorphic adenomas usually have hyperintense areas on T2-weighted images and well-defined margins. In addition, crescent-shaped compression of the ipsilateral normal gland seems to represent a highly specific sign.


Children's outcomes at 2-year follow-up after 4 years of structured multi-professional medical-ethical decision-making in a neonatal intensive care unit.
We reviewed our decisions about continuation/withdrawal of life-sustaining treatments in a group of critically ill newborns who were discussed in structured medical ethical decision-making meetings, and provide the surviving children's outcomes at 2-year follow-up. In an explorative observational study, 61 cases were evaluated. The children involved had been discussed in such a structured way from 2009 to 2012 in a level III-D neonatal intensive care unit. Decisions made were: full treatment (n=6), earlier restriction cancelled (n=3), treatment restriction (n=30) and palliative care (n=22). Parents of six children disagreed with the decision proposed. Thirteen (54%) of the 24 children who survived (39%) had moderate to severe neurological problems; 8 (33%) had additional sequelae; only one 2-year-old child was healthy. Decisions made varied to a large extent. The poor outcomes should be disseminated among decision makers. Future studies must explore new ways to improve outcome prediction, extend follow-up periods and consider what living with severe handicaps really means for both child and family.


Wireless Electrochemical Gel Actuators.
Soft actuators generate motion in response to external stimuli and are indispensable for soft robots, particularly future miniature robots with complex structure and motion. Similarly to conventional hard robots, electricity is suitable for the stimulation. However, previous electrochemical soft actuators require a tethered connection to a power supply, limiting their size, structure, and motion. Here, wireless electrochemical soft actuators composed of hydrogels and driven by bipolar electrochemistry are reported. Viologen, which dimerizes by one-electron reduction and dissociates by one-electron oxidation, is incorporated in the side chains of the gel networks and works as a reversible cross-link. Wireless and reversible electrochemical actuation of the hydrogels, i.e., muscle-like shrinking and swelling, is demonstrated at microscopic and even macroscopic scales.


Production of Bone Broth Powder with Spray Drying Using Three Different Carrier Agents.
The aim of this study is to determine the some physicochemical (proximate composition, pH and aw values) and reconstitution (wettability, dispersibility and solubility index (SI)) properties of spray-dried bone broth powder (BBP) along with the effects of the addition of different carrier agents. Subsequently, the powdered products were stored to determine the storage stability (pH, lipid oxidation, color, browning index) for 3 mon at -18℃. For this purpose, firstly marrow-containing bones (Os femur and Os humerus) have been boiled to get the bone broth. Three different emulsions were respectively prepared (1) 20% maltodextrin (MD) added BBP, (2) 20% whey powder isolate (WPI) added BBP and (3) 10% MD and 10% WPI added BBP and the emulsions were dried using a spray-dryer with 185℃ inlet and 95℃ outlet temperature. The proximate composition and reconstitution properties of BBP were found statistically different (p<0.05) depending on the use of different carrier agents. MD added BBP showed uniform and smooth morphology. The color, browning index, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and pH values of BBP significantly changed (p<0.05) during storage. In conclusion, both the results of physicochemical and storage period analyses showed that the most suitable encapsulation material in the production of the bone broth powder is MD.


Autophosphorylation of nucleoside diphosphate kinase on non-histidine residues.
Recently, several reports appeared which described auto-phosphorylation of NDP kinase on residues different from the active-site histidine. Based on these findings conclusions were drawn with respect to a regulation of enzyme activity and to a possible role as a metastasis suppressor. In this paper we show that although non-histidine autophosphorylation occurs on NDP kinases from mammals, lower eukaryotes and bacteria, less than 0.2% of the subunits are phosphorylated. Using site-directed mutagenesis, we show that the active site histidine is essential for non-histidine autophosphorylation. The low stoichiometry of phosphate incorporation excludes a role of autophosphorylation in regulating overall enzyme activity.


Snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus): potential distribution and its implication for conservation.
Many threatened species have undergone range retraction, and are confined to small fragmented populations. To increase their survival prospects, it is necessary to find suitable habitat outside their current range, to increase and interconnect populations. Species distribution models may be used to this purpose and can be an important part of the conservation strategies. One pitfall is that such mapping will typically assume that the current distribution represents the optimal habitat, which may not be the case for threatened species. Here, we use maximum entropy modelling (Maxent) and rectilinear bioclimatic envelope modelling with current and historical distribution data, together with the location of protected areas, and environmental and anthropogenic variables, to answer three key questions for the conservation of Rhinopithecus, a highly endangered genus of primates consisting of five species of which three are endemic to China, one is endemic to China and Myanmar and one is endemic to Vietnam; Which environmental variables best predict the distribution? To what extent is Rhinopithecus living in an anthropogenically truncated niche space? What is the genus' potential distribution in the region? Mean temperature of coldest and warmest quarter together with annual precipitation and precipitation during the driest quarter were the variables that best explained Rhinopithecus' distribution. The historical records were generally in warmer and wetter areas and in lower elevation than the current distribution, strongly suggesting that Rhinopithecus today survives in an anthropogenic truncated niche space. There is 305,800-319,325 km2 of climatic suitable area within protected areas in China, of which 96,525-100,275 km2 and 17,175-17,550 km2 have tree cover above 50 and 75%, respectively. The models also show that the area predicted as climatic suitable using Maxent was 72-89% larger when historical records were included. Our results emphasise the importance of considering historical records when assessing restoration potential and show that there is high potential for restoring Rhinopithecus to parts of its former range.


Pathophysiologic study on methylmalonic aciduria: decrease in liver high-energy phosphate after propionate loading in rats.
Methylmalonate or propionate was i.v. infused into B12-deprived and control rats. In the B12-deprived rats, the plasma and liver concentrations of B12 decreased to 8 and 13%, respectively, of those of the control rats. The propionate loading produced a disproportionate increase in liver propionate levels; the mean ratio of methylmalonate to propionate in the liver was approximately 1.0 after methylmalonate loading, whereas it was 0.1 to 0.2 after propionate loading. The liver propionate and methylmalonate levels in the B12-deprived rats were twice as high as those in the control rats. The mean ratio of beta-ATP to inorganic phosphate in the liver, measured with 31P-magnetic resonance spectroscopy, decreased from 0.60 to 0.48 in the B12-deprived rats and from 0.78 to 0.63 in the control rats after methylmalonate loading; the ratio decreased from 0.57 to 0.37 in the B12-deprived rats and from 0.76 to 0.56 in the controls after propionate loading. Statistical analysis showed that propionate loading caused a more marked decrease in ATP than did methylmalonate loading (F = 26.33, degree of freedom 1 and 15; p less than 0.001), while B12-deprivation caused a more marked decrease in ATP than did the control diet (F = 92.26, df 1 and 15; p less than 0.001). The concentrations of tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates and related organic acids in the livers of the rats suggested that propionate inhibited NAD(+)-dependent enzymes in the cycle.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


Relatives with opposite chromosome constitutions, rec(10)dup(10p)inv(10)(p15.1q26.12) and rec(10)dup(10q)inv(10)(p15.1q26.12), due to a familial pericentric inversion.
Large pericentric inversions in chromosome 10 are rare chromosomal aberrations with only few cases of familial inheritance. Such chromosomal rearrangements may lead to production of unbalanced gametes. As a result of a recombination event in the inversion loop, 2 recombinants with duplicated and deficient chromosome segments, including the regions distal to the inversion, may be produced. We report on 2 relatives in a family with opposite terminal chromosomal rearrangements of chromosome 10, i.e. rec(10)dup(10p)inv(10) and rec(10)dup(10q)inv(10), due to familial pericentric inversion inv(10)(p15.1q26.12). Based on array-CGH results, we characterized the exact genomic regions involved and compared the clinical features of both patients with previous reports on similar pericentric inversions and regional differences within 10p and 10q. The fact that both products of recombination are viable indicates a potentially high recurrence risk of unbalanced offspring. This report of unbalanced rearrangements in chromosome 10 in 2 generations confirms the importance of screening for terminal imbalances in patients with idiopathic intellectual disability by molecular cytogenetic techniques such as FISH, MLPA or microarrays. It also underlines the necessity for FISH to define structural characteristics of such cryptic intrachromosomal rearrangements and the underlying cytogenetic mechanisms.


An ultra-high-entropy rare earth orthoferrite (UHE REO): solution combustion synthesis, structural features and ferrimagnetic behavior.
A novel ultra-high-entropy rare earth orthoferrite (UHE REO) of Sc1/16Y1/16La1/16Ce1/16Pr1/16Nd1/16Sm1/16Eu1/16Gd1/16Tb1/16Dy1/16Ho1/16Er1/16Tm1/16Yb1/16Lu1/16FeO3 nominal composition was successfully synthesized for the first time through a simple and efficient solution combustion approach. PXRD, Raman, and 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy confirmed the high chemical and phase purity of the synthesized UHE REO (hereafter denoted as ΣREFeO3), which belonged to the Pnma space group, typical of the perovskite-like rare earth orthoferrites. Despite the fact that the main X-ray reflections, vibration modes, and spectral Mössbauer components unambiguously indicate the single-phase nature of the sample, the results of SEM and TEM make it possible to establish the presence of a main (about 50 nm) and a minor ultrafine (about 10 nm) fraction of ΣREFeO3 nanoparticles. The bimodal size distribution of nanoparticles was also reflected in the magnetic behavior of this substance: the presence of several sextet components in the Mössbauer spectra, the hard single-domain magnetic nature of the main fraction of 50 nm UHE REO nanoparticles, and the superparamagnetic state of the minor fraction of 10 nm UHE REO nanoparticles. Thus, the unusual features of nanostructured ΣREFeO3 can potentially be used for the creation of new generations of transformers, magnetic memory systems, magnetic screens, radio devices, etc.


Cadaver procurement for anatomy teaching: legislative challenges in a transition-related environment.
Human gross anatomy is one of the cornerstones of a medical curriculum and cannot be performed without adequate cadaver procurement, which is a particular challenge for medical schools with a large student enrolment. The authors present the situation in a country with a low public awareness for willed body donor programmes and the prior absence of adequate legislation. Against this background, a comprehensive proposition of a whole-body procurement procedure was elaborated in the health-care law. RESOLVING THE PROBLEM: The main goals of the proposition were: (a) identification of options for cadaver procurement (body bequeathal programme, unclaimed bodies and body donated with the permission of the next-of-kin); (b) defining the chain of order and responsibility of institutions in informing the medical school of the possible candidate for body procurement; (c) body storage and related procedures; (e) confidentiality of the deceased's personal data; (f) burial procedure of the deceased's remains. The authors are convinced that the willed programme for whole-body donation is a definite aim of such a legislation. However, we suggest that the acquisition of unclaimed bodies is maintained as a temporary solution, until a satisfactory level of public awareness of the problem has been reached.


The repressive role of Arabidopsis H2A.Z in transcriptional regulation depends on AtBMI1 activity.
H2A.Z variant has emerged as a critical player in regulating plant responses to environment; however, the mechanism by which H2A.Z mediates this regulation remains unclear. In Arabidopsis, H2A.Z has been proposed to have opposite effects on transcription depending on its localization within the gene. These opposite roles have been assigned by correlating gene expression and H2A.Z enrichment analyses but without considering the impact of possible H2A.Z post-translational modifications. Here, we show that H2A.Z can be monoubiquitinated by the PRC1 components AtBMI1A/B/C. The incorporation of this modification is required for H2A.Z-mediated transcriptional repression through a mechanism that does not require PRC2 activity. Our data suggest that the dual role of H2A.Z in regulating gene expression depends on the modification that it carries, while the levels of H2A.Z within genes depend on the transcriptional activity.


Complement factor H Val62Ile variant and risk of age-related macular degeneration: a meta-analysis.
To evaluate the precise association of complement factor H (CFH) Val62Ile polymorphism with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) susceptibility. We performed a meta-analysis using databases including PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science to find relevant studies. Summary odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using fixed-effect and random-effects models. The inconsistency index (I(2)) was used to assess heterogeneity. Funnel plots and Egger's test were used to evaluate publication bias. Sensitivity analysis was also performed. Fourteen studies including 4,438 patients with AMD and 6,099 controls based on the search criteria were involved in the meta-analysis. In overall populations, the pooled OR(1) for genotype GA+GG versus homozygous genotype AA was 2.28 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.48-3.52), the OR(2) of heterozygous genotype GA versus AA was 1.58 (95% CI: 1.13-2.19), the OR(3) of homozygous genotype GG versus AA was 2.90 (95% CI: 1.95-4.30), and the OR(4) of allele G versus A was 1.77 (95% CI: 1.43-2.21). In Asian populations, our results provided substantial evidence that the Val62Ile variant was significantly associated with AMD (OR(4) = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.63-2.09). However, in Caucasian populations, no significant association of Val62Ile with AMD was established in all circumstances. Our analysis provides substantial evidence that the Val62Ile variant is significantly associated with AMD in Asian populations. However, our results have demonstrated no link between the Val62Ile polymorphism and AMD in Caucasian populations.


Developing a base-editing system to expand the carbon source utilization spectra of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 for enhanced pollutant degradation.
Shewanella oneidensis MR-1, a model strain of exoelectrogenic bacteria (EEB), plays a key role in environmental bioremediation and bioelectrochemical systems because of its unique respiration capacity. However, only a narrow range of substrates can be utilized by S. oneidensis MR-1 as carbon sources, resulting in its limited applications. In this study, a rapid, highly efficient, and easily manipulated base-editing system pCBEso was developed by fusing a Cas9 nickase (Cas9n (D10A)) with the cytidine deaminase rAPOBEC1 in S. oneidensis MR-1. The C-to-T conversion of suitable C within the base-editing window could be readily and efficiently achieved by the pCBEso system without requiring double-strand break or repair templates. Moreover, double-locus simultaneous editing was successfully accomplished with an efficiency of 87.5%. With this tool, the key genes involving in N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) or glucose metabolism in S. oneidensis MR-1 were identified. Furthermore, an engineered strain with expanded carbon source utilization spectra was constructed and exhibited a higher degradation rate for multiple organic pollutants (i.e., azo dyes and organoarsenic compounds) than the wild-type when glucose or GlcNAc was used as the sole carbon source. Such a base-editing system could be readily applied to other EEB. This study not only enhances the substrate utilization and pollutant degradation capacities of S. oneidensis MR-1 but also accelerates the robust construction of engineered strains for environmental bioremediation.


Ways of knowing the health of livestock populations: the age of surveys, 1928-65.
This article advances historical understandings of health, veterinary medicine and livestock agriculture by examining how, in mid-twentieth-century Britain, the diseases of livestock were made collectively knowable. During this period, the state extended its gaze beyond a few, highly impactful notifiable diseases to a host of other threats to livestock health. The prime mechanism through which this was achieved was the disease survey. Paralleling wider developments in survey practices, it grew from small interwar beginnings into a hugely expensive, wide-ranging state veterinary project that created a new conception of the nation's livestock as a geographical aggregation of animals in varying states of health. This article traces the disease survey's entanglements with dairy cows, farming practices, veterinary professional politics and government agendas. It shows that far from a neutral reflection of reality, surveys both represented and perpetuated specific versions of dairy cow health, varieties of farming practice and visions of the veterinary professional role. At first, their findings proved influential, but over time they found it harder to discipline their increasingly complex human, animal and disease subjects, resulting in unconvincing representations of reality that led ultimately to their marginalization.


Effect of moisture content during dry-heating on selected physicochemical and functional properties of dried egg white.
This article addresses the effect of moisture content (0.8-9.9%) during dry-heating (80 degrees C) on selected physicochemical (solubility, turbidity, residual denaturation enthalpy, aggregation, surface hydrophobicity, and sulfhydryl content) and functional (foaming ability, foam density, and stability) properties of freeze-dried egg white (FDEW). Moisture content during dry-heating proved to be a parameter determining the functionality of the resulting egg white powder. The degree of conformational changes induced in the egg white proteins by dry-heating was strongly dependent on the amount of water present. Preferentially, dry-heating at 80 degrees C should be performed on egg white powder with a moisture content below 6.8%, as the loss of protein solubility above this value is extensive. In addition to insoluble aggregates, soluble, strongly stabilized aggregates were also formed, especially at higher moisture contents. The decrease in denaturation enthalpy, increase in surface hydrophobicity, and exposure of SH groups previously hidden in the protein core and their subsequent oxidation were more pronounced at prolonged dry-heating times and at higher moisture contents. These conformational changes resulted in improved foaming ability and foams with lower density. No effect of dry-heating on the foam stability was observed.


Transit time analysis of forced expiration in workers exposed to dust: a cross-sectional study.
Maximal expiratory flow at 25% forced vital capacity (V25), V25 divided by height (V25/HT), and mean transit time (MTT) were calculated from the same forced expiratory maneuver performed in welding workers. The values were compared to determine variations between individuals and changes with age and chest X-ray findings. The results showed that MTT may be a less variable and equally sensitive measurement of the function of peripheral airways as compared with V25 and V25/HT. Its usefulness in the detection of the early changes of pneumoconiosis, however, must be further investigated in a prospective cohort study on workers exposed to various kinds of dust.


Deletion of the A137R Gene from the Pandemic Strain of African Swine Fever Virus Attenuates the Strain and Offers Protection against the Virulent Pandemic Virus.
African swine fever virus (ASFV) is causing a devastating pandemic in domestic and wild swine within an extended geographical area from Central Europe to East Asia, resulting in economic losses for the regional swine industry. There are no commercial vaccines; therefore, disease control relies on identification and culling of infected animals. We report here that the deletion of the ASFV gene A137R from the highly virulent ASFV-Georgia2010 (ASFV-G) isolate induces a significant attenuation of virus virulence in swine. A recombinant virus lacking the A137R gene, ASFV-G-ΔA137R, was developed to assess the role of this gene in ASFV virulence in domestic swine. Animals inoculated intramuscularly with 102 50% hemadsorption doses (HAD50) of ASFV-G-ΔA137R remained clinically healthy during the 28-day observational period. All animals inoculated with ASFV-G-ΔA137R had medium to high viremia titers and developed a strong virus-specific antibody response. Importantly, all ASFV-G-ΔA137R-inoculated animals were protected when challenged with the virulent parental strain ASFV-G. No evidence of replication of challenge virus was observed in the ASFV-G-ΔA137R-inoculated animals. Therefore, ASFV-G-ΔA137R is a novel potential live attenuated vaccine candidate and one of the few experimental vaccine strains reported to induce protection against the highly virulent ASFV Georgia virus that is the cause of the current Eurasian pandemic. IMPORTANCE No commercial vaccine is available to prevent African swine fever. The ASF pandemic caused by ASFV Georgia2007 strain (ASFV-G) is seriously affecting pork production in a contiguous area from Central Europe to East Asia. Here we report the rational development of a potential live attenuated vaccine strain by deleting a virus-specific gene, A137R, from the genome of ASFV-G. The resulting virus presented a completely attenuated phenotype and, importantly, animals infected with this genetically modified virus were protected from developing ASF after challenge with the virulent parental virus. ASFV-G-ΔA137R confers protection even at low doses (102 HAD50), demonstrating its potential as a vaccine candidate. Therefore, ASFV-G-ΔA137R is a novel experimental ASF vaccine protecting pigs from the epidemiologically relevant ASFV Georgia isolate.


Migration and reproduction are associated with similar degrees of phenotypic flexibility in an insectivorous bat.
As organisms face variation in energetic challenges and physiological demands, they often respond with reversible changes in behavior, physiology, and morphology, described as phenotypic flexibility. From the magnitude of phenotypic change, we can infer the energetic challenges of different life stages. We studied phenotypic flexibility in a population of reproductive and pre-migratory female insectivorous bats (Tadarida brasiliensis). While female reproductive demands are well described in insectivorous bats, there are questions regarding the demands of migration. Our objective was to measure phenotypic flexibility to assess the cost of autumn migration compared to reproduction in an insectivorous bat. We measured plasma triglycerides to quantify foraging rate, and body composition (body mass and individual organ mass) of T. brasiliensis throughout the summer season (from arrival in spring through pre-migration/migration departure in autumn) according to the female reproductive cycle. We found phenotypic changes during pre-migration/migration similar to periods of high-energy demand during reproduction (e.g., late pregnancy and lactation). Most notably, bats weighed as much during peak pregnancy, as they did during migration, and the rapid mass gain from post-lactation through the migratory period was due to a combination of hyperphagia and hypertrophy of digestive organs. Our results indicate that energetic demands incurred during migration are similar to those during reproduction and emphasize the energetic challenges of migration.


Passive dorsiflexion flexibility after cast immobilization for ankle fracture.
Ankle fracture is frequently managed with cast immobilization, but immobilization may produce ankle contracture (loss of flexibility). We aimed to quantify recovery of ankle dorsiflexion flexibility in people treated with cast immobilization after ankle fracture, and to determine if initial orthopaedic management was associated with recovery. Ankle flexibility was measured in 150 people with plantarflexion contracture who had been referred for outpatient physical therapy following cast immobilization for ankle fracture. We obtained measurements using an instrumented footplate within 5 days of cast removal and then 4 weeks and 3 months later. Data were compared with published normative data. Both stiffness and the torque corresponding to the peak dorsiflexion angle at baseline decreased during the 3 month recovery period, but recovery was still incomplete 3 months after cast removal. Surgical fixation was associated with higher stiffness, preload and torque values. Passive ankle flexibility does not return to normal values within 3 months of cast removal after ankle fracture. Recovery of normal ankle dorsiflexion flexibility typically takes longer than the initial period of immobilization.


Noninvasive functional brain mapping by change-distribution analysis of averaged PET images of H215O tissue activity.
Change-distribution analysis and intersubject averaging of subtracted positron emission tomography (PET) images are new techniques for detecting, localizing, and quantifying state-dependent focal transients in neuronal activity. We previously described their application to cerebral blood flow images (intravenous bolus H215O, Kety autoradiographic model). We now describe their application to images of H215O regional tissue activity without conversion to units of blood flow. The sensitivity and specificity of response detection and the accuracy of response localization were virtually identical for the two types of images. Response magnitude expressed in percent change from rest was slightly, but consistently smaller in tissue-activity images. Response magnitude expressed in z-score was the same for the two-image types. Most research and clinical applications of functional brain mapping can employ images of H215O tissue activity (intravenous bolus, 40-sec nondynamic scan) without conversion to units of blood flow. This eliminates arterial blood sampling, thereby simplifying and minimizing the invasivity of the PET procedure.


Effect of Atomized Black Maca (Lepidium meyenii) Supplementation in the Cryopreservation of Alpaca (Vicugna pacos) Epididymal Spermatozoa.
Artificial insemination is an important assisted reproductive technology that has been applied in several mammalian species. However, successful cryopreservation of semen of South American camelids has been limited, hindering the commercial application of artificial insemination in alpaca species. In this scenario, the addition of antioxidants to semen extenders provides a strategy to improve the freezability of mammalian sperm. Bioactive metabolites from natural extracts of black maca have shown valuable antioxidant properties. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of atomized black maca in the freezing medium of epididymal spermatozoa of alpacas. Fifteen pairs of epididymis were collected from a local slaughterhouse. Each sample was divided into six groups: (1) fresh, (2) yolk medium (YM), (3) 10 mg/mL maca, (4) 20 mg/mL maca, (5) 30 mg/mL maca, and (6) resveratrol (as an antioxidant control). Sperm cryopreservation was performed through the slow freezing method. Markers associated with functionality, such as motility, viability, and plasma membrane integrity, as well as markers associated with oxidative damage, such as DNA integrity, total ROS production, and mitochondrial function, were analyzed. The results show that the supplementation with black maca (20 mg/mL) improved the sperm motility, viability, plasma membrane integrity, and mitochondrial function evaluated according to an index of formazan deposits. Similarly, the ROS production decreased with maca at 20 mg/mL, although the DNA integrity did not show any differences among the groups. These results suggest that maca at 20 mg/mL has cytoprotective effects during freezing/thawing of epididymal sperm of alpaca species. Further research will be focused on assessing the effects of maca supplementation on semen extenders by using biomolecular markers (proAKAP4) associated with fertility.


[Psychopharmacotherapy of mood disorders during pregnancy and lactation].
The aim of the second part of our work associated with psychopharmacotherapy during pregnancy and lactation is to present current guidelines of expert-groups concerning the rules of treating affective disorders and actual data about the spreading of these disorders pre- and perinatal effects of drugs used, the classification of antidepressants and mood stabilizers according to FDA and the safety of these medications for the breast fed newborn.


Beyond 2D: effects of photobiomodulation in 3D tissue-like systems.
Currently, various scaffolds with immobilized cells are widely used in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. However, the physiological activity and cell viability in such constructs might be impaired due to a lack of oxygen and nutrients. Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a promising method of preconditioning cells to increase their metabolic activity and to activate proliferation or differentiation. Investigation of the potential of PBM for stimulation of cell activities in hydrogels. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) isolated from human gingival mucosa were encapsulated in modified fibrin hydrogels with different thicknesses and concentrations. Constructs with cells were subjected to a single-time exposure to red (630 nm) and near-infrared (IR) (840 nm) low-intensity irradiation. After 3 days of cultivation, the viability and physiological activity of the cells were analyzed using confocal microscopy and a set of classical tests for cytotoxicity. The cell viability in fibrin hydrogels depended both on the thickness of the hydrogels and the concentration of gel-forming proteins. The PBM was able to improve cell viability in hydrogels. The most pronounced effect was achieved with near-IR irradiation at the 840-nm wavelength. PBM using near-IR light can be applied for stimulation of MSCs metabolism and proliferation in hydrogel-based constructs with thicknesses up to 3 mm.


Keep numbers in view: red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans) learn to discriminate relative quantities.
The ability to discriminate relative quantities, one of the numerical competences, is considered an adaptive trait in uncertain environments. Besides humans, previous studies have reported this capacity in several non-human primates and birds. Here, we test whether red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans) can discriminate different relative quantities. Subjects were first trained to distinguish different stimuli with food reward. Then, they were tested with novel stimulus pairs to demonstrate how they distinguished the stimuli. The results show that most subjects can complete the initial training and use relative quantity rather than absolute quantity to make choices during the testing phase. This study provides behavioural evidence of relative quantity discrimination in a reptile species and suggests that such capacity may be widespread among vertebrates.


Prevalence and risk factors for complications in adult patients with short bowel syndrome receiving long-term home parenteral nutrition.
Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is a complicated and challenging disease where home parenteral nutrition (HPN) is widely used. The complications of long-term HPN-dependent in adult patients with SBS are poorly documented. This study was mainly aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of HPNassociated complications in adult patients with SBS, especially the catheter-related sepsis and HPN-associated liver/biliary disorders. 47 non-malignant adult patients with SBS who received HPN for more than 2 years in our clinical nutrition center were included. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether HPN-associated complications were present or not. Student's t-test and χ2 test were applied to compare the differences between the two groups. The mean frequency of catheter-related sepsis was 0.31±0.05 per catheter year of HPN. An higher incidence of catheter-related infections (p<0.001) and shorter delay between HPN onset and first infection (p<0.001) were identified as risk factors for catheter-related sepsis. A total of 25 patients (53.2%) developed HPN-associated liver/biliary diseases. The identified risk factors for HPNassociated liver/biliary disorders were higher rate of catheter-related infections (p=0.009), shorter delay between HPN onset and first infection (p=0.017), higher energy content of HPN (p=0.014), higher glucose rate of HPN (p=0.009), and lower lipid rate of HPN (p=0.022). Our study revealed that adult patients with SBS receiving long-term HPN treatment developed a low prevalence of catheter-related sepsis but a rather high prevalence of HPN-associated liver/biliary disorders. We also identified several risk factors for HPN-associated complications which should be taken notice of in clinical practice.


Diarrhea in Critically Ill Patients: The Role of Enteral Feeding.
This tutorial presents a systematic approach to the management of diarrhea in the critical care setting. Diarrhea is a common and prevalent problem in critically ill patients. Despite the high prevalence, its management is far from simple. Professionals are confronted with a myriad of definitions based on frequency, consistency, and volume. The causes are complex and multifactorial, yet enteral tube feeding formula is believed to be the perpetrator. Potential causes for diarrhea are discussed, and 3 case reports provide context to examine the treatment from a nutrition perspective. Each scenario is comprehensively addressed discussing potential causes and providing specific clinical strategies contributing to improved bowel function in this patient group. The approach used for diarrhea management is based on a complete understanding of enteral tube formula, their composition, and their impact in the presence of gut dysfunction. Choosing the right feeding formula may positively influence bowel function and contribute to improved nutrition.


Efficacy of carvacrol against resistant rapidly growing mycobacteria in the planktonic and biofilm growth mode.
Rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM) are environmental bacteria found worldwide with a propensity to produce skin and soft-tissue infections. Among them, the most clinically relevant species is Mycobacterium abscessus. Multiple resistance to antibiotics and the ability to form biofilm contributes considerably to the treatment failure. The search of novel anti-mycobacterial agents for the control of biofilm growth mode is crucial. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the activity of carvacrol (CAR) against planktonic and biofilm cells of resistant RGM strains. The susceptibility of RGM strains (n = 11) to antibiotics and CAR was assessed by MIC/MBC evaluation. The CAR activity was estimated by also vapour contact assay. The effect on biofilm formation and preformed biofilm was measured by evaluation of bacterial growth, biofilm biomass and biofilm metabolic activity. MIC values were equal to 64 μg/mL for most of RGM isolates (32-512 μg/mL), MBCs were 2-4 times higher than MICs, and MICs of vapours were lower (16 μg/mL for most RGM isolates) than MICs in liquid phase. Regarding the biofilm, CAR at concentrations of 1/2 × MIC and 1/4 × MIC showed a strong inhibition of biofilm formation (61-77%) and at concentration above the MIC (2-8 × MIC) produced significant inhibition of 4- and 8-day preformed biofilms. In conclusion, CAR could have a potential use, also in vapour phase, for the control of RGM.


Adsorbent for resorcinol removal based on cellulose functionalized with magnetic poly(dopamine).
A simple chemical bonding method to synthesize magnetic cellulose-poly(dopamine) (Fe3O4@CMC@PDA) was reported. The adsorption behaviors of resorcinol in aqueous solution on Fe3O4@CMC@PDA were systematically investigated. As the results shown that, with the advantage of high surface area, abundant hydroxyl and amino groups of Fe3O4@CMC@PDA, and the magnetic property of Fe3O4, the resorcinol can be easily and rapidly extracted from the water by magnetic attraction under investigation. The adsorption equilibrium of Fe3O4@CMC@PDA for resorcinol corresponded with Freundlich isotherm, and the novel adsorbent exhibited better resorcinol removal efficiency in solutions with low pH. It was found that the resorcinol adsorption performance of Fe3O4@CMC@PDA strongly depends on their surface charge concentration and specific surface area. These results provide evidences for estimating and optimizing the removal of phenols from the wastewater by using of Fe3O4@CMC@PDA composites in the future.


Perioperative atrial fibrillation: a systematic review of evolving therapeutic options in pharmacologic and procedural management.
Given the high incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in the surgical population and the associated morbidity, physicians managing these complicated patients in the perioperative period need to be aware of the new and emerging trends in its therapy. The cornerstones of AF management have always been rate/rhythm control as well as anticoagulation. Restoration of sinus rhythm remains the fundamental philosophy as it maintains the atrial contribution to cardiac output and improves ventricular function. The recent years have seen a dramatic increase in the number of randomized AF trials that have made significant advances to our understanding of both pharmacologic and procedural management, from the introduction of the new generation of oral anticoagulants (NOAC's) to catheter approaches for AF ablation. This paper will summarize the newest data that will affect the perioperative management of these patients.


Active microrheology of smectic membranes.
Thin fluid membranes embedded in a bulk fluid of different viscosity are of fundamental interest as experimental realizations of quasi-two-dimensional fluids and as models of biological membranes. We have probed the hydrodynamics of thin fluid membranes by active microrheology using small tracer particles to observe the highly anisotropic flow fields generated around a rigid oscillating post inserted into a freely suspended smectic liquid crystal film that is surrounded by air. In general, at distances more than a few Saffman lengths from the meniscus around the post, the measured velocities are larger than the flow computed by modeling a moving disklike inclusion of finite extent by superposing Levine-MacKintosh response functions for pointlike inclusions in a viscous membrane. The observed discrepancy is attributed to additional coupling of the film with the air below the film that is displaced directly by the shaft of the moving post.


Creation of Cardiac Tissue Exhibiting Mechanical Integration of Spheroids Using 3D Bioprinting.
This protocol describes 3D bioprinting of cardiac tissue without the use of biomaterials, using only cells. Cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells and fibroblasts are first isolated, counted and mixed at desired cell ratios. They are co-cultured in individual wells in ultra-low attachment 96-well plates. Within 3 days, beating spheroids form. These spheroids are then picked up by a nozzle using vacuum suction and assembled on a needle array using a 3D bioprinter. The spheroids are then allowed to fuse on the needle array. Three days after 3D bioprinting, the spheroids are removed as an intact patch, which is already spontaneously beating. 3D bioprinted cardiac patches exhibit mechanical integration of component spheroids and are highly promising in cardiac tissue regeneration and as 3D models of heart disease.


The Associations Between Army National Guard Versus Active Duty Soldier Status and Perceived Burdensomeness, Thwarted Belongingness, and Acquired Capability.
This study aimed to examine if levels of thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, and acquired capability significantly differed between guardsmen and active duty soldiers. Multivariate analysis of covariance was used to test for differences between active duty Army (n = 1,393) and Army National Guard (n = 623) groups, before and after controlling for the effects of age, gender, race, marital status, level of education, and deployment history. Guardsmen reported significantly higher mean levels of thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness than did active duty soldiers, even after adjusting for demographic differences. Guardsmen also reported slightly lower levels of acquired capability, though this effect was accounted for by demographic differences. These findings support the notion that National Guard and active duty soldiers differ on perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness. Additional research investigating sources of perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness among guardsmen is needed.


Long-term outcomes after aortic coarctation repair in Maltese patients: A population-based study.
To investigate survival and freedom from reintervention after aortic coarctation repair in Maltese patients and to compare cardiovascular mortality in coarctation repair survivors with that in the general population. All 72 aortic coarctation patients with any type of repair, born by end-1997 and logged in the local database were included. Trends in timing and type of repair were determined by comparing patients born before and after 1985. Kaplan-Meier analyses of survival and reintervention-free survival were performed on the 59 repair survivors with complete follow-up data (mean follow-up 26.13 ± 9.62 (range 1.05-44.55 years). Cardiovascular mortality in repair survivors was compared with that in 438 age- and sex-matched general Maltese controls. Patients born after 1985 underwent repair at a younger age (median age 0.18 vs 13.96 years; P < .001), with less patch aortoplasties in favor of end-to-end anastomosis or transcatheter stenting. Among the 59 long-term follow-up patients, there were 7 cardiovascular deaths and 10 patients needed reintervention. Estimated mean survival was 40.33 years (95% CI 37.71, 42.95) with a survival rate of 67.5% at 40 years from repair. Estimated mean reintervention-free survival was 38.13 years (95% CI 34.52, 41.75) with freedom from reintervention rate of 77% at 30 years. Patients repaired aged <10 years required earlier reintervention (estimated mean reintervention-free survival 35.12 years (95% CI 29.54, 40.71) vs 40.80 years (95% CI 37.16, 44.37); P = .04). There was an excess of cardiovascular deaths among repaired coarctation subjects compared to the general population (11.9% vs 1.4%; P < .001) and survival in coarctation patients was significantly lower (67.90 years (95% CI 60.28, 75.52) vs 85.78 years (95% CI 83.12, 88.44); P < .001). Despite earlier diagnosis and repair, contemporary coarctation repair survivors remain at increased risk of cardiovascular death. An important proportion require repair site reintervention. Specialist follow-up and aggressive cardiovascular risk factor management are mandatory to improve long-term outcomes.


Endocytosis of serum albumin in regenerating rat liver.
Lysosomes, isolated from rat liver after 70% partial hepatectomy (PHX), were found, by Western blotting, to contain a considerable amount of serum albumin. The level of intralysosomal serum albumin after PHX showed biphasic patterns: it increased immediately after PHX, peaked at 30 min, rapidly declined within a few hours, rose again with a peak at 15 hr, and gradually declined thereafter. At 15 hr after PHX, the content of lysosomal proteins in the liver increased to twice the level of unoperated control, and the electron-microscopic observation of the isolated lysosomes revealed numerous large membrane-delimited structures with ground substances of variable electron opacities. The increase in the intralysosomal serum albumin at 30 min and 15 hr was accompanied by changes in the buoyant densities of endosomes in Percoll density gradients. At both time points, the density profiles of endosomes isolated from hepatectomized rats shifted to the denser direction, suggesting that PHX activates fusion and/or maturation of endosomes. Formaldehyde-treated bovine serum albumin is known to be taken up by the liver by receptor-mediated endocytosis. The uptake of the modified heterologous albumin was shown to be activated as early as 30 min after PHX. Both the uptake of serum albumin into lysosomes and the shift of buoyant density profile of endosomes after PHX were inhibited by the administration of adrenergic receptor antagonists, particularly by the alpha r-antagonist prazosin. Further, the concentration of catecholamines in rat serum, particularly that of norepinephrine, was found to increase immediately after PHX, relative to that in serum from sham-operated rats. These results suggest that the elevation of serum norepinephrine levels after PHX activates endocytosis and facilitates delivery of endocytosed serum albumin to lysosomes, where albumin is digested to yield amino acids for possible use in protein synthesis during liver regeneration.


Ammonia and Nitrous Oxide Emissions from Broiler Houses with Downtime Windrowed Litter.
An emerging poultry manure management practice is in-house windrowing to disinfect the litter. However, this practice is likely to increase emissions of ammonia (NH) and nitrous oxide (NO) from the windrowed litter. The objective of this study was to quantitatively compare NH and NO emissions from broiler houses with and without in-house windrowing. Two broiler houses at a commercial farm were used to compare the NH and NO emissions. Gas emission measurements were conducted continuously and simultaneously for both the control house (without windrowing) and the house with windrowing during the same production periods. The house emission rates were calculated by multiplying the hourly mean gas concentrations and the ventilation rates. The windrowed litter temperature was significantly higher than that of the control litter. The impact of downtime (the time lapse between flocks, during which the bird house is empty) windrowing litter on pathogen reduction was inconclusive because of very low or no recovery of both and spp. from control or windrowed litter samples, respectively. The windrowing house NH emissions were 26.2 and 16.6 kg d house, whereas for the control house, they were 14.6 and 12.8 kg d house in 2012 and 2013, respectively. The NO emissions from the windrowing house were also higher than those from the control house. The total NH and NO emissions from broiler houses practicing windrowing litter management were estimated to be 35.0 and 4.43 g bird, respectively, compared with 31.9 and 3.89 g bird for the control house, respectively.


Association between traffic volume and health care use for asthma among residents at a U.S.-Canadian border crossing point.
Little information is available about health impacts of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) traffic-related pollution on residents near the major traffic corridors along the U.S.-Canadian border. Here we report on a 10 year (1991-2000) retrospective study of commercial traffic volumes across the Peace Bridge and health care use for asthma in a residential community, which serves as a conduit for traffic crossing between Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada, and Buffalo, New York. We hypothesized that commercial traffic pollution was impacting on residents in close proximity to the trade corridor. Commercial traffic volumes, hospital discharges for asthma, and outpatient visits to area hospitals and clinics were analyzed before and after implementation of NAFTA. Results showed a positive association between increased commercial traffic volume and increased health care use for asthma. Zip codes 14201 and 14213, which surround the Peace Bridge Plaza Complex (PBC), had the highest prevalence rates and health care use rates for asthma. Statistical analysis showed the findings to be significant (p < 0.05) in that residential proximity to the PBC was associated with greater hospital discharge rates for asthma. The findings were strongest (p < 0.000) in the zip codes where the PBC was located (14213) and the major highway I-190 passed through (14201). A yearly excess of 230.2 adult asthma hospital discharges was associated with an increase in traffic volume during the period from 1991 to 1996 in the study area. This is in contrast to an overall decrease in the national rate of hospitalizations for asthma by 7.5% in the same period. The results suggest that NAFTA-related commercial traffic has a negative health impact on asthmatics living in close proximity to the trade corridor. Health and social costs due to traffic pollution need to be included in cost estimates of transport decisions related to the NAFTA corridors. Similar health effects due to NAFTA traffic need to be studied at other U.S.-Canada border crossing points.


Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans of the chest and the shoulder: wide and deep excisions with immediate reconstruction.
Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans is a rare malignant tumor of the skin. The only satisfactory treatment is surgical and consists of a wide excision. In our department, we have established the limits of the excision required to be a margin of 5 cm on the surface, whereas in the depth, we excise the first healthy anatomical structure encountered. Latissimus dorsi flap reconstruction was used for the major tissue deficit for 15 patients with dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans of the chest and the shoulder. When compared to skin grafting, this technique results in an improved aesthetic appearance and a stable cover for the periosteumless clavicle. Fourteen patients were followed for an average of 37.6 months and all remained free of disease.


Emphysematous pyelonephritis: report of 4 cases.
Emphysematous pyelonephritis is a rare, life endangering suppurative infection of the renal parenchyma and perirenal spaces. The disease is encountered mainly in patients with diabetes mellitus and is characterized by the production of intrarenal and, occasionally, perirenal gas. We present 4 cases of emphysematous pyelonephritis encountered in our hospital with review of the literature.


Cdk5 phosphorylates dopamine D2 receptor and attenuates downstream signaling.
The dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) is a key receptor that mediates dopamine-associated brain functions such as mood, reward, and emotion. Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) is a proline-directed serine/threonine kinase whose function has been implicated in the brain reward circuit. In this study, we revealed that the serine 321 residue (S321) in the third intracellular loop of DRD2 (D2i3) is a novel regulatory site of Cdk5. Cdk5-dependent phosphorylation of S321 in the D2i3 was observed in in vitro and cell culture systems. We further observed that the phosphorylation of S321 impaired the agonist-stimulated surface expression of DRD2 and decreased G protein coupling to DRD2. Moreover, the downstream cAMP pathway was affected in the heterologous system and in primary neuronal cultures from p35 knockout embryos likely due to the reduced inhibitory activity of DRD2. These results indicate that Cdk5-mediated phosphorylation of S321 inhibits DRD2 function, providing a novel regulatory mechanism for dopamine signaling.


Comparison of analgesic consumption of hemophilic and non-hemophilic patients in knee arthroplasty.
Hemophilia is a rare hereditary bleeding disorder that develops as a result of factor VIII or IX deficiency. Long-term complications of hemophilia such as arthropathy, synovitis, and arthritis can lead to the development of recurrent chronic pain. Pain is therefore a critical aspect of hemophilia. The gold standard treatment for end-stage hemophilic knee arthropathy is total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The hypothesis of this study was that after knee replacement surgeries that cause severe post-operative pain, hemophilia patients with chronic analgesic consumption may experience higher levels of pain than non-hemophilic patients, and use more opioid and non-opioid drugs. This retrospective study included 82 patients who were hemophilic and non-hemophilic TKA patients operated under general anesthesia. Seventy-three patients were evaluated and divided into two groups according to the diagnosis of hemophilia: 36 patients were investigated in the hemophilic group and 37 patients in the non-hemophilic group. Post-operative tramadol consumption (p=0.002) and pethidine consumption (p=0.003) were significantly higher in the group hemophilia. The length of stay in the hospital was also significantly longer in the hemophilic group (p=0.0001). In the light of these informations, we think that acute post-operative pain management of hemophilia patients should be planned as personalized, multimodal preventive, and pre-emptive analgesia.


Electrophysiologic characteristics of large neurons in dorsal root ganglia during development and after hind paw incision in the rat.
Withdrawal thresholds in the paw are lower in younger animals, and incision further reduces these thresholds. The authors hypothesized that these differences result in part from changes in intrinsic electrophysiologic properties of large neurons. Using isolated whole dorsal root ganglion, current clamping was performed to determine the electrophysiologic properties of large neurons before and after incision in animals aged 1 and 4 weeks. Mechanical withdrawal thresholds were used to follow paw sensitivity. After paw incision, withdrawal thresholds decreased to a similar degree at both ages, but returned to control threshold at 72 h only in the 1-week-old animals. The resting membrane potential was less negative and the rheobase and the resistance of the membrane were lower at baseline in the 1-week-old animals (P < 0.05). After incision, the membrane potential became more depolarized and the rheobase was less in both ages. These changes remained 72 h after the incision in both ages. These findings suggest that lower mechanical thresholds in the younger animals may be partially attributed to the intrinsic electrophysiologic properties of the larger-diameter afferent neurons. The lack of resolution of the electrophysiologic changes in the young despite the resolution of the withdrawal response suggests that continued input from large fibers into the central nervous system may occur at this age despite the apparent resolution of behavioral changes. Further studies are needed to determine the etiology of these differences, their impact in the central nervous system, and whether theses changes can be prevented.


Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells co-expressing dihydropyridine and ryanodine receptors.
Combined patch-clamp and Fura-2 measurements were performed on chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells co-expressing two channel proteins involved in skeletal muscle excitation-contraction (E-C) coupling, the ryanodine receptor (RyR)-Ca2+ release channel (in the membrane of internal Ca2+ stores) and the dihydropyridine receptor (DHPR)-Ca2+ channel (in the plasma membrane). To ensure expression of functional L-type Ca+ channels, we expressed alpha2, beta, and gamma DHPR subunits and a chimeric DHPR alpha(i) subunit in which the putative cytoplasmic loop between repeats II and III is of skeletal origin and the remainder is cardiac. There was no clear indication of skeletal-type coupling between the DHPR and the RyR; depolarization failed to induce a Ca2+ transient (CaT) in the absence of extracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]o). However, in the presence of [Ca2+]o, depolarization evoked CaTs with a bell-shaped voltage dependence. About 30% of the cells tested exhibited two kinetic components: a fast transient increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) (the first component; reaching 95% of its peak <0.6 s after depolarization) followed by a second increase in [Ca2+]i which lasted for 5-10 s (the second component). Our results suggest that the first component primarily reflected Ca2+ influx through Ca2+ channels, whereas the second component resulted from Ca2+ release through the RyR expressed in the membrane of internal Ca2+ stores. However, the onset and the rate of Ca2+ release appeared to be much slower than in native cardiac myocytes, despite a similar activation rate of Ca2+ current. These results suggest that the skeletal muscle RyR isoform supports Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release but that the distance between the DHPRs and the RyRs is, on average, much larger in the cotransfected CHO cells than in cardiac myocytes. We conclude that morphological properties of T-tubules and/or proteins other than the DHPR and the RyR are required for functional "close coupling" like that observed in skeletal or cardiac muscle. Nevertheless, some of our results imply that these two channels are potentially able to directly interact with each other.


Application of ICG-enhanced thermocoagulation method and photodynamic therapy in circumscribed choroidal hemangioma.
The present study was designed to compare the effect of indocyanine green (ICG)-enhanced laser (810 nm) thermocoagulation method and photodynamic therapy (PDT) on circumscribed choroidal hemangioma (CCH). A total of 36 patients (36 pair of eyes) diagnosed with CCH in the Ocular Fundus Disease Center of The Affiliated Hospital of Medical College of Ningbo University from June 2010 to January 2016 were selected and randomly divided into two groups. ICG-enhanced thermocoagulation was used to treat 18 patients (18 pair of eyes), and PDT was used to treat the remaining 18 patients (18 pair of eyes). The best corrected visual acuity of the affected eyes was observed before and after treatment, and changes in the tumor were observed through ocular fundus photochromes under the ophthalmoscope. The changes in tumor size and height were examined through B-scan ultrasonography. The changes in serous retinal fluid were examined by optical coherence tomography (OCT). A total of 36 patients were followed-up for 3, 7, 11 and 24 weeks after laser therapy with an average of 18 weeks. It was seen that the subretinal serous exudation disappeared in 36 patients through the fundus examination after treatment, and B-scan ultrasonography showed that the tumor size was reduced. Among 18 patients undergoing ICG-enhanced thermocoagulation treatment, the visual acuity of 72.2% of them was improved, while that of the remaining 27.8% was stable, and there were no patients with decreased visual acuity; the fundus observation showed that when tumor atrophy occurred, the tumor turned white accompanied with mild pigment disorders, but retinal and choroidal normal vessels were not damaged. Among 18 patients undergoing PDT treatment, the visual acuity of 44.4% was increased, that of 50% was stable, and that of 5.6% of the patients was decreased; through fundus observation, tumor atrophy scars and alignment, a large number of hyperplasia or pigment loss and partial vascular occlusion could be seen. The results indicated that in the treatment of CCH, ICG-enhanced laser (810 nm) thermocoagulation and PDT can lead to tumor atrophy and promote the absorption of exudation. However, the damage of ICG-enhanced laser thermocoagulation to normal fundus tissues is significantly smaller than that of PDT, and the former has higher safety.


Effects of military training on plasma amino acid concentrations and their associations with overreaching.
The diagnosis of overtraining syndrome and overreaching poses a great challenge. Military training aims at improving the physical performance of the conscripts, but an excessive training load could also lead to overreaching. This study of Finnish conscripts provides new insights into the pathophysiology of overreaching and overtraining through amino acids concentrations. In addition to confirming the possible use of plasma glutamine/glutamate concentration to indicate and predict overreaching, we made a novel finding, i.e. low alanine and arginine concentrations might have a role in performance decrement and fatigue related to overreaching. Moreover, this study is the first to show the possible association between amino acids with putative neuronal properties and overreaching. Thus, the present findings might help to detect and prevent overreaching and offer a reliable diagnostic approach. In order to avoid overreaching, military training should be planned more periodically and individually, especially during the first four weeks of military service.


Neurological manifestations of an emerging zoonosis-Human monkeypox virus: A systematic review.
The last few decades have witnessed an appalling rise in several emerging and re-emerging viral and zoonotic outbreaks. Amongst those emerging zoonosis, one of the diseases which is gaining popularity these days and has been declared as public health emergency of international concern by the world health organization, is human monkeypox virus (HMPX). Proper understanding of the clinical spectrum of the disease is of paramount importance for early diagnosis and treatment. In this review, we aimed to study and quantify the neurological manifestations of HMPX virus infection. Any study, released prior to April 13, 2023, that reported neurological manifestations in patients infected by HMPX virus were reviewed systematically on PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analysis) statement. Our systematic review included data from 22 eligible studies: 10 cohort studies, 3 cross sectional studies, one retrospective study, 5 case series, and 2 case reports. The most commonly reported neurological manifestations of HMPX were headache (48.84%), myalgia (27.50%), fatigue (17.73%), and photophobia (4.43%). Uncommonly, HMPX can also present with visual deficit (0.57%), seizure (0.34%), encephalitis (0.8%), dizziness (0.34%), encephalomyelitis (0.23%), coma (0.11%), and transverse myelitis (0.11%). Monkeypox virus usually presents with self-limiting painful rash, lymphadenitis, and fever, complications like secondary skin infection, eye problems and pneumonia can be life threatening, carrying a case fatality rate of 1% to 10%. Neurological manifestations are not uncommon and can further add-on to morbidity and mortality.


Association of aryl hydrocarbon receptor gene polymorphism with the neurobehavioral function and autonomic nervous system function changes induced by benzo[a]pyrene exposure in coke oven workers.
To analyze the association of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) gene polymorphism and the neurotoxicity induced by benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) in coke oven workers. Subjects, 214 coke oven workers and 81 controls, were detected for neurobehavioral function and autonomic nervous system (ANS) function. Airborne B[a]P concentration, urinary 1-hydroxypyrene level, and AhR gene polymorphisms were determined and analyzed for their association with B[a]P neurotoxicity. Neurobehavioral function and ANS function were significantly decreased and dependent on B[a]P dose. The AhR GG, GA, and AA genotypes in G1661A fitted the Hardy-Weinberg equation, whereas C1549T and G1708A gene mutants were not detected. Indices indicating neurotoxicity showed no significant difference among individuals with AA, GG, or GA genotype except for the confusion-bewilderment (P > 0.05). The AhR gene polymorphism is not thought to correlate with B[a]P neurotoxicity among coke oven workers.


Gallbladder Agenesis in 17 Dogs: 2006-2016.
Gallbladder agenesis (GBA) is extremely rare in dogs. To describe the history, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of dogs with GBA. Seventeen client-owned dogs with GBA. Medical records from 2006 through 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Dogs were included when GBA was suspected on abdominal ultrasonography and confirmed by gross evaluation. Signalment, clinical signs, clinicopathological data, diagnostic imaging, histopathology, treatment, and outcome were recorded. Dogs were of 6 different breeds, and Chihuahuas (10 of 17) were most common. Median age at presentation was 1.9 (range, 0.7-7.4) years. Clinical signs included vomiting (5 of 17), anorexia (2 of 17), ascites (2 of 17), diarrhea (1 of 17), lethargy (1 of 17), and seizures (1 of 17). All dogs had increased serum activity of at least 1 liver enzyme, most commonly alanine aminotransferase (15 of 17). Fifteen dogs underwent computed tomography (CT) cholangiography; common bile duct (CBD) dilatation was confirmed in 12, without evidence of bile duct obstruction. Gross evaluation confirmed malformation of the liver lobes in 14 of 17 dogs and acquired portosystemic collaterals in 5 of 17. Ductal plate malformation was confirmed histologically in 16 of 17 dogs. During follow-up (range, 4-3,379 days), 16 of 17 dogs remained alive. Dogs with GBA exhibit clinicopathological signs of hepatobiliary injury and hepatic histopathological changes consistent with a ductal plate abnormality. Computed tomography cholangiography was superior to ultrasound examination in identifying accompanying nonobstructive CBD distention. Computed tomography cholangiography combined with laparoscopic liver biopsy is the preferable approach to characterize the full disease spectrum accompanying GBA in dogs.


Febrile transfusion reaction caused by AB0-incompatible platelet transfusion.
A febrile transfusion reaction caused by strong isoagglutinins in the patients serum is reported. The reaction resulted from a transfusion of group A platelets in a group 0 patient; the recipients' serum contained high titered isohemagglutinin (Anti-A 1:8192) capable of lysing bloodgroup A1 red cells up to a titer of 1:8. Moreover, the serum showed a strong positive thrombocytotoxic reaction with the platelets of the donor and some other group A individuals, but remained negative with group 0, and turned to negative reaction with group A samples after neutralization with bloodgroup substance. We conclude that pretransfusion testing of group 0 donors and recipients for isohemolysins combined with platelet crossmatching may prevent febrile reactions.


Relationship Between Freshmen's Psychological Health and Family Economic Status in Chinese Universities: A Latent Profile Analysis.
With the rapid social changes, psychological health problems among freshmen in universities have become increasingly serious. Many researchers have studied the psychological health status of college freshmen using quantitative methods. However, most researchers have studied the psychological health of college freshmen by treating variables as the central concept and analysis unit, which has limitations on the variable-centered research method. Therefore, this study aims to explore the impact of family economic status and demographic variables on the psychological health of college freshmen, as well as the potential types of psychological health among college freshmen. Based on the SCL-90 and the self-evaluation of the family economic status of college freshmen, latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to analyze the psychological health of 1497 college freshmen selected through a whole-group sampling method. Freshmen completed the questionnaire from October 18 to October 20, 2022. Then, multinomial logistic regression analysis and variance analysis were conducted using SPSS 25.0 to analyze the impact of family economic status and demographic variables on different psychological health subtypes of college freshmen from a university in Eastern China. There is obvious heterogeneity in the psychological health of college freshmen, which can be divided into three groups: psychological health group (69.54%), psychological distress group (24.65%), and psychological risk group (5.81%). The latent categories of psychological health among college freshmen differ by gender and family economic status. The psychological health status of female students is significantly better than that of male students. In addition, the lower the self-evaluation of family economic status of college freshmen, the lower their psychological health level. Three categories of mental health exist for college freshmen, with significant group heterogeneity. Gender and family economic status significantly influenced mental health outcomes with female students faring better. The study's significance lies in providing useful recommendations for educational administrators and developing targeted interventions for college freshmen. Given the practical realities of mental health education efforts, personalized strategies that utilize peer support, counseling, and psychological services can be adopted to assist freshmen in acclimating to university life and maintaining mental wellness. The findings suggest considering the role of family economic status and gender in promoting mental health and the need for further research to develop comprehensive and effective interventions.


On-Surface Bottom-Up Construction of COF Nanoshells towards Photocatalytic H2 Production.
The rational design of an outer shell is of great significance to promote the photocatalytic efficiency of core-shell structured photocatalysts. Herein, a covalent organic framework (COF) nanoshell was designed and deposited on the cadmium sulfide (CdS) core surface. A typical COF material, TPPA, featuring exceptional stability, was synthesized through interfacial polymerization using 1, 3, 5-triformylphloroglucinol (TP) and p-phenylenediamine (PA) as monomers. The nanoshell endows the CdS@TPPA nanosphere with ordered channels for unimpeded light-harvesting and fast diffusion of reactants/products and well-defined modular building blocks for spatially charge separation. Moreover, the heterojunction formed between CdS and TPPA can further facilitate the effective charge separation at the interface via lower exciton binding energy compared with that of pristine TPPA. By modulating the thickness of TPPA nanoshell, the CdS@TPPA nanosphere photocatalyst with the nanoshell thickness of about 8 ± 1 nm exhibits the highest photocatalytic H2 evolution of 194.1 μmol h-1 (24.3 mmol g-1 h-1, 8 mg), which is superior to most of the reported COF-based photocatalysts. The framework nanoshell in this work may stimulate the thinking about how to design advanced shell architecture in the core-shell structured photocatalysts to achieve coordinated charge and molecule transport.


Ventricular septal rupture: successful delayed repair.
Ventricular septal rupture (VSR) occurs in approximately 1% of the patients who experience an acute myocardial infarction. The operative mortality of VSR repair decreases if surgery can be delayed until the infarct has healed and tissue strength improved. Because of heart failure or impending cardiogenic shock, surgical treatment can often not be delayed. We present a case in which a delayed repair of a VSR was possible. The patient was initially stabilized with an intra-aortic balloon pump. She was discharged and readmitted 5 weeks later for definitive repair. Repair was performed, according to the Daggett technique, using a bovine pericardial patch and a mitral annuloplasty was carried out to correct for the regurgitation. Recovery was uneventful. Cardiac ultrasound examination at discharge showed no residual defect.


[M protein gene (emm) typing of Streptococcus pyogenes].
T-agglutination typing and M protein gene (emm) typing were determined on the isolates of Streptococcus pyogenes taken from patients in Osaka and neighboring districts during 1996-2000. A total of 701 isolates were classified to 15 kinds of T types and type untypable. In all isolates, T 12 was revealed as the most dominant serotype, followed by T1, T4 and T2. The isolation rates of T 12 strains were high through these five years, and these of T1 or T4 strains formed epidemic waves showing the peak to be from 1997 to 1999 and 1998 to 2000, respectively. These of T2 strains were high in 1996 and 1997 and decreased rapidly. In 2000 T2 strain has not been detected. A total of 304 isolates were examined for emm typing. We are able to determine the emm type of all isolates including T-untypable (UT) isolates and to classify 21 kinds of emm types. T1, T2, T4, T6, T9, T11, T12, T22, T25 strains exhibited one T-type and emm type pattern association respectively such as T1/emm1, T2/emm2, T4/emm4, T6/emm6, T9/emm9, T11/emm11, T12/emm12, T22/emm22, T25/emm75. Whereas T13 strains had varied T/emm pattern associations such as T13/emm73, T13/emm77, T13/emm101. Similarly, T28, TB3264, UT had varied T/emm pattern associations. emm28 and emm87 were seen in T28, emm89 and emm94 in TB3264, emm2, emm12, emm22, emm58, emm75, emm77 and emm112 in UT. The emm typing method did not require many kinds of M typing antisera, and were successful by using the two highly conserved primers to amplify the emm gene and direct sequencing. Therefore, this method was a useful tool for typing Streptococcus pyogenes isolates.


Psychosocial Risk Factors Associated with Lifetime Amphetamine-Type Stimulants (ATS) Dependence in Drug Detention Centres: Perspectives from the Multiethnicity Study.
ATS dependence in Malaysia is growing tremendously across multiracial Malaysian groups, increasing concerns among public health experts and the community. This study highlighted the chronicity of ATS dependence and factors associated with ATS use. Interviewer-administered questionnaires were administered using ASSIST 3.0. A total of N = 327 multiracial people who use ATS were enrolled in this study. The study findings show that 190/327 (58.1%) respondents were ATS dependent. Malays reported the highest number of ATS-dependent (55.8%), followed by Bajau (21.6%) and Kadazan-Dusun (16.8%) ethnic. Across all races, three factors were significantly associated with the ATS dependence: respondents who had a lifetime history of needle sharing aOR = 0.023 (95% CI: 0.003, 0.183) and a lifetime history of heroin use aOR = 0.192 (95% CI: 0.093, 0.396) were at a reduced odd of ATS dependent. Meanwhile, being married reduced the likelihood of becoming dependent on ATS with aOR = 0.378 (95% CI: 0.206, 0.693) compared to being single or divorced. This study revealed that the use of ATS among multiracial Malaysians is alarmingly high, including those in detention centers. Comprehensive harm reduction strategies are urgently needed to prevent the spreading of infectious diseases and other negative health consequences associated with ATS use.


Blended courses: the best of online and traditional formats.
With the wide availability of educational technologies and the Internet, clinical laboratory educators are replacing some traditional face-to-face classes with online methods in their courses. This article summarizes current literature and practice for partly online "blended" courses. Blended courses can take advantage of the best of both online and traditional face-to-face instruction. The many advantages for educators and students include flexibility, convenience, and improved participation, however designing blended courses is challenging and time consuming. For optimal learning, educators should design a blended course by matching the appropriate methods with the objectives of the course. The pedagogy of blended learning is discussed and best practices are identified.


Comparative phenotypic profile of subpopulations of peripheral blood leukocytes in European (Bos taurus taurus) and Zebu cattle (Bos taurus indicus).
Differences in cellular and humoral immunity in Zebu (Bos taurus indicus) and European (B. taurus taurus) cattle breeds, which may be related to differences in resistance or susceptibility to infectious or parasitic diseases, are largely unknown. This study aimed to perform a comparative analysis of innate and adaptive immunity of European (including Holstein, Brown Swiss, and Hereford) and Zebu (including Gir, Nelore, and Guzera) breeds, by assessing their peripheral blood leukocyte profiles (i.e., monocytes, eosinophils, and lymphocytes, including CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells, and CD21(+) B cells). Higher frequencies of cells involved in innate immunity were observed in Zebu breeds, particularly monocytes and non-T and non-B cells (13.37 ± 0.9058 and 37.67 ± 1.55, respectively). This finding may contribute to the increased resistance of B. taurus indicus to certain infectious and parasitic diseases. Considering other leukocyte populations in the peripheral blood, among-breed variation was greater than differences between the two subspecies. This study will serve as a basis for further investigations regarding comparative immunology and resistance to infectious and parasitic diseases of cattle.


Down Syndrome: what do pregnant women know about their individual risk? A prospective trial.
Down Syndrome is the most common chromosomal abnormality causing intellectual disability in western countries. The incidence relates directly to maternal age. Mothers have to face two risks when prenatal diagnosis is concerned: the probability of a congenital aneuploidy in their fetus, on the one hand, and the procedure-related risk of an invasive prenatal intervention, on the other hand. Women need precise information to deal with these risks. The aim of the study was to evaluate women's knowledge about the individual risk of their fetus being affected by Down Syndrome. A structured questionnaire was distributed among all pregnant women who visited the prenatal care unit at Munich University Hospital, Campus Großhadern. Data evaluation was performed using Microsoft Excel 2003 and SPSS 12.0 for Windows. Statistical analysis was achieved by applying the Student t test, with statistical significance defined as p < 0.05. The data of 237 out of 246 women (96 %) were analyzed. The median gestational age of the study group was 20 (5/7) weeks of gestation [range 5 (1/7)-38 (4/7)]. The median maternal age was 32 years (range 20-41). The collective consisted of 52 % nulliparous, 34 % primiparous and 14 % multiparous women. Their educational history varied with 57 % women who attended high school and 43 % secondary school. Seventy-eight percent (185/237) of these mothers were aware of the fact that a risk of fetal aneuploidy exists, but 22 % (51/237) had never even considered this as an individual risk in their fetus. Most study participants (84 %, 155/185) realized the risk of fetal aneuploidy before conception or at least in early pregnancy. Only 5 % (10/185) of women within late pregnancy considered a chromosomal abnormality as a forthcoming risk for the first time as late as in the second or third trimester. Overall, the women estimated the risk of Down Syndrome being present in their fetus in a ratio of 1:33 (range 1-9,000:10,000); 67 % overestimated the risk and 23 % underrated their individual risk by at least a factor of 2. Only 10 % of the women had a realistic idea (within double standard deviation) of their age-dependent specific risk (p < 0.001). The patient's self-risk assessment was influenced by factors such as personal experience (69 %), counseling by health-care professionals (19 %) or information from different media (19 %). The mother's self-risk assessment was independent of maternal age, education parity or gestational age. Information transfer to patients concerning prenatal medicine is only successful to a certain extent, as pregnant women substantially overrate the risk of congenital handicaps in their fetuses. The need for a more comprehensive instruction of parents is not limited to particular subgroups. Health-care professionals and media are called upon to compensate for the apparent information deficits in parents and improve the public awareness of Down Syndrome.


Switching the electromagnetic properties of multicomponent porous carbon materials derived from bimetallic metal-organic frameworks: effect of composition.
Porous carbon materials have long been regarded as promising candidate for high-performance lightweight microwave absorption materials owing to their strong attenuation abilities, tunable dielectric properties and low density. Nevertheless, previous work mainly focused on binary composites (usually carbon and magnetic fillers), which show limited loss mechanisms. The effect (except temperature) on the interfacial polarization and electromagnetic properties has rarely been investigated. Thus, a series of bimetallic zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (BMZIFs) with designed compositions and highly porous structures were selected to be converted to porous carbon-wrapped semiconductors (ZnO, Co3ZnC) and magnetic metal (Co) composites. Strong dielectric loss capabilities could be provided by graphitic carbon and enhanced interfacial polarization induced by multiple components and unique microstructures. By changing the molar ratio of Zn/Co under a fixed carbonization temperature, the interface of this multicomponent system could be adjusted, which influenced the electromagnetic properties. When evaluated as microwave absorption material, a reflection loss of -32.4 dB could be achieved with a broad effective frequency bandwidth of 5.24 GHz at only 1.9 mm. This work may provide an effective method to modify the physical and chemical properties of porous carbon materials with a desired complex structure and excellent microwave absorption performance.


Discovery of the first human stereotactic instrument.
It has been uncovered that the first human stereotactic instrument was designed around 1918, but was never put to human use. It was designed after the Horsley-Clarke animal apparatus by an engineer, Aubrey Mussen. The history surrounding that historical event is revealed in a series of letters between the engineer and his son some years later.


Presence of cells of fetal origin in maternal circulation of pregnant women.
Fetal cells can be identified by using the polymerase chain reaction to test for the presence of human Y-chromosome-specific ZFY and SRY gene DNA sequences in maternal peripheral blood of women who bear a male fetus. Thirty-one pregnant women were studied in the first trimester to determine when fetal cells become detectable in the maternal circulation. Among the 19 women whose peripheral blood samples were positive for Y-chromosome-specific DNA sequences, the presence of fetal cells was quite case-variable from the 6th to 12th gestational weeks. Twenty-eight women who had given birth to their first male babies were studied postpartum to determine when fetal cells disappear from the maternal circulation. Fetal cells can still be detected in maternal blood 10 months postpartum in some cases. These results suggest that identification of fetal cells in the maternal circulation is possible. Nevertheless, interpretation of fetal cells in maternal circulation should be handled very carefully with respect to when these fetal cells first became detectable and potential interference from previous pregnancies.


Intravascular Ultrasound Imaging With Virtual Source Synthetic Aperture Focusing and Coherence Factor Weighting.
Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) has been frequently used for coronary artery imaging clinically. More importantly, IVUS is the fundamental image modality for most advanced multimodality intravascular imaging techniques, since it provides a more comprehensive picture of vessel anatomy on which other imaging data can be superimposed. However, image quality in the deeper region is poor because of the downgraded lateral resolution and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). In this paper, we report on the application of an ultrasound beamforming method that combines virtual source synthetic aperture (VSSA) focusing and coherence factor weighting (CFW) to improve the IVUS image quality. The natural focal point of conventional IVUS transducer was treated as a virtual source that emits spherical waves within a certain region. Mono-static synthetic aperture focusing was conducted to achieve higher resolution. Coherence factor was calculated using delayed RF signals and applied to the synthesized beam to increase the CNR and focusing quality. The proposed method was tested through simulations in Field II and imaging experiments in both linear and rotational scans. The lateral resolution for linear scan mode is improved from 165-524 to 126-143 μm ; resolution for rotational scan mode improves by up to 42%. CNR improvement by up to 1.5 was observed on the anechoic cysts of different sizes and at different locations. Herein, it is demonstrated that the beamforming method, which combines VSSA and CFW, can significantly improve the IVUS image quality. This approach can be readily integrated into the current IVUS imaging system for enhanced clinical diagnosis.