Murein segregation in Escherichia coli.
Peptidoglycan (murein) segregation has been studied by means of a new labeling method. The method relies on the ability of Escherichia coli cells to incorporate D-Cys into macromolecular murein. The incorporation depends on a periplasmic amino acid exchange reaction. At low concentrations, D-Cys is innocuous to the cell. The distribution of modified murein in purified sacculi can be traced and visualized by immunodetection of the -SH groups by fluorescence and electron microscopy techniques. Analysis of murein segregation in wild-type and cell division mutant strains revealed that murein in polar caps is metabolically inert and is segregated in a conservative fashion. Elongation of the sacculus apparently occurs by diffuse insertion of precursors over the cylindrical part of the cell surface. At the initiation of cell division, there is a FtsZ-dependent localized activation of murein synthesis at the potential division sites. Penicillin-binding protein 3 and the products of the division genes ftsA and ftsQ are dispensable for the activation of division sites. As a consequence, under restrictive conditions ftsA,ftsI,or ftsQ mutants generate filamentous sacculi with rings of all-new murein at the positions where septa would otherwise develop.


The ULT1 and ULT2 trxG genes play overlapping roles in Arabidopsis development and gene regulation.
The epigenetic regulation of gene expression is critical for ensuring the proper deployment and stability of defined genome transcription programs at specific developmental stages. The cellular memory of stable gene expression states during animal and plant development is mediated by the opposing activities of Polycomb group (PcG) factors and trithorax group (trxG) factors. Yet, despite their importance, only a few trxG factors have been characterized in plants and their roles in regulating plant development are poorly defined. In this work, we report that the closely related Arabidopsis trxG genes ULTRAPETALA1 (ULT1) and ULT2 have overlapping functions in regulating shoot and floral stem cell accumulation, with ULT1 playing a major role but ULT2 also making a minor contribution. The two genes also have a novel, redundant activity in establishing the apical–basal polarity axis of the gynoecium, indicating that they function in differentiating tissues. Like ULT1 proteins, ULT2 proteins have a dual nuclear and cytoplasmic localization, and the two proteins physically associate in planta. Finally, we demonstrate that ULT1 and ULT2 have very similar overexpression phenotypes and regulate a common set of key development target genes, including floral MADS-box genes and class I KNOX genes. Our results reveal that chromatin remodeling mediated by the ULT1 and ULT2 proteins is necessary to control the development of meristems and reproductive organs. They also suggest that, like their animal counterparts, plant trxG proteins may function in multi-protein complexes to up-regulate the expression of key stage- and tissue-specific developmental regulatory genes.


Sildenafil citrate improves erectile function: a randomised double-blind trial with open-label extension.
To evaluate once-daily 100-mg sildenafil for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in men with ED and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This was a 12-week, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled (DBPC) trial, with an 8-week open-label (OL) extension, in men > or = 45 years of age who scored < or = 25 on the erectile function (EF) domain of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and > or = 12 on the International Prostate Symptom Score. At DBPC end of treatment (EOT), the sildenafil group (n = 189, vs. placebo, n = 180) had improved EF (IIEF), improved emotional well-being [Self-Esteem And Relationship questionnaire (SEAR)], and greater treatment satisfaction (Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction) (p < 0.0001). At OL EOT, IIEF and SEAR scores improved slightly in the group previously randomised to sildenafil (n = 168), but much more in the group previously randomised to placebo (N = 155), such that total improvement over the 20-week trial was comparable between the groups. Erections at baseline were hard enough for penetration on approximately half of occasions and lasted long enough for successful intercourse on less than one quarter of occasions, increasing at sildenafil DBPC and OL EOT to approximately 90% (penetration) and 80% (intercourse success) vs. 61% (penetration) and 39% (intercourse success) for DBPC placebo. At sildenafil DBPC and OL EOT, > or = 90% of men were taking sildenafil 100 mg. Sildenafil was generally well tolerated. In this trial of men with ED and BPH-associated LUTS, sildenafil treatment for ED was efficacious, effective and generally well tolerated.


Quantitative calculation of gases generation during low-temperature oxidation of coal.
The gases evolution during the low-temperature oxidation of coal is an essential parameter used to assess the state of coal oxidation and to estimate the gaseous pollutants. However, the current semi-quantitative method, which employs gas concentration as the measurement standard, is flawed. This paper presents a quantitative calculation method for gas products during coal oxidation. N2 is used as the tracer gas in the experiment, because nitrogen is an inert gas that will not participate in the reaction, and the amount of matter will not change in the reaction. According to the formula [Formula: see text], the corresponding mass flow rates of each gases component were calculated, and the gas yields during the reaction period were determined by comprehensive calculation. To this end, experiments were conducted on the low-temperature oxidation of coal using a flow reactor. After undergoing quantitative calculations, the main gas products' mass flow rates, yields, and energies, including CO, CO2, CH4, C2H4, C2H6, C2H2, and C3H8 between 30 and 180 °C were obtained. The findings showed that CO2 > CO > CH was generated in all the coal samples. The amount of gases produced in the low-temperature oxidation of coal is proportional to the level of oxygen concentration. When the oxygen concentration ranges from 0 to 21%, the gaseous production of MTH coal ranges from 381.44 g/ton to 8562.80 g/ton. The results of gaseous energy calculations showed that the energy loss for low temperature oxidation of the four coal samples ranged from 4334.14~26,772.73 kJ/ton under air atmosphere. Energy loss is also significantly affected by the oxygen concentration, and the energy loss of MTH coal increases significantly from 520.52 kJ/ton at 0% oxygen concentration to 26,772.73 kJ/ton at 21% oxygen concentration, an increase of about 50 times. Significantly, this method not only reflects the real gas evolution during low-temperature oxidation of coal but also computes the gas emission and energy loss, which is crucial for studying the mechanism of coal spontaneous combustion and assessing gases pollutants.


Percutaneous cholecystostomy in acute cholecystitis and common duct obstruction.
Percutaneous cholecystostomy was performed in 36 patients, of whom 22 patients with acute cholecystitis had decompression of the gallbladder and 14 patients with common duct obstruction had biliary decompression through the gallbladder. In almost all cases of acute cholecystitis, percutaneous cholecystostomy quickly confirmed the diagnosis and brought relief. Bile leakage occurred in one patient when catheter placement was performed under ultrasonic guidance alone; subsequent procedures were performed in a single step using an "accordion" catheter under fluoroscopic control following ultrasound localization. This technique has proved to be useful as both a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure.


Identification of biomarkers of response to IFNg during endotoxin tolerance: application to septic shock.
The rapid development in septic patients of features of marked immunosuppression associated with increased risk of nosocomial infections and mortality represents the rational for the initiation of immune targeted treatments in sepsis. However, as there is no clinical sign of immune dysfunctions, the current challenge is to develop biomarkers that will help clinicians identify the patients that would benefit from immunotherapy and monitor its efficacy. Using an in vitro model of endotoxin tolerance (ET), a pivotal feature of sepsis-induced immunosuppression in monocytes, we identified using gene expression profiling by microarray a panel of transcripts associated with the development of ET which expression was restored after immunostimulation with interferon-gamma (IFN-γ). These results were confirmed by qRT-PCR. Importantly, this short-list of markers was further evaluated in patients. Of these transcripts, six (TNFAIP6, FCN1, CXCL10, GBP1, CXCL5 and PID1) were differentially expressed in septic patients' blood compared to healthy blood upon ex vivo LPS stimulation and were restored by IFN-γ. In this study, by combining a microarray approach in an in vitro model and a validation in clinical samples, we identified a panel of six new transcripts that could be used for the identification of septic patients eligible for IFNg therapy. Along with the previously identified markers TNFa, IL10 and HLA-DRA, the potential value of these markers should now be evaluated in a larger cohort of patients. Upon favorable results, they could serve as stratification tools prior to immunostimulatory treatment and to monitor drug efficacy.


Genomic signatures of pancreatic adenosquamous carcinoma (PASC).
In pancreatic cancer, pancreatic adenosquamous carcinoma (PASC) containing both ductal adenocarcinoma and squamous carcinoma in the same tumour represents ∼4% of the total incidence. To date, the genomic features of this mixed tumour are still unknown. We analysed the genomes of 17 PASCs and 34 pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDACs), and showed that PASC carried highly enriched TP53 mutations and 3p loss as compared with PDAC. We also showed that adenomatous and squamous components of PASC harboured comparable genomic alterations, suggesting that the two cellular components develop from the same progenitor cancer cells. Our study has updated genomic knowledge to help with understanding mixed cancers of the pancreas. Copyright © 2017 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


HERITABLE VARIATION IN ETHANOL TOLERANCE AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH BIOCHEMICAL TRAITS IN DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER.
To help elucidate mechanisms of larval ethanol tolerance seven isochromosomal lines of Drosophila melanogaster with different second chromosomes were fed a growth-limiting concentration of ethanol (4.5% v/v) and examined for associations between growth traits and biochemical characteristics that had previously been implicated in the determination of tolerance variation. Repeated measures of survival and development time over four generations verified the inherited nature of these traits. Significant variation among the lines were evident for flux from ethanol into lipid, for activity levels of alcohol dehydrogenase and glycerol-3-phosphate oxidase (GPO), and for levels of long chain and unsaturated fatty acids. A high degree of positive association occurred among the variables. A partial correlation analysis controlling for performance of the lines on ethanol-free medium revealed a strong association between the degree of long chain fatty acid content and line survival when ethanol was fed. The correlation between GPO activity and survival in an ethanol environment appeared to depend on the association of GPO activity with long chain fatty acid content. The positive correlations of flux from ethanol into lipid with many of the other variables suggested that the ADH pathway influenced the level of ethanol tolerance. These associations are all consistent with the hypothesis that the lipid content of body tissues, especially the levels of long chain and unsaturated fatty acids in cell membranes, may have an important influence on both spatial and interspecific variation in the ethanol tolerance of larvae.


Prevalence of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Girls With Central Precocious Puberty.
The purpose of the current study was to examine the prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in girls with central precocious puberty. Girls with central precocious puberty were prospectively recruited from the pediatric clinic. Screening was done with ADHD Rating Scale (ADHD-RS) and Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Those who screened positive on ADHD-RS were referred for the diagnostic evaluation which included a Computerized Performance Test (CPT) and a clinical interview conducted by a child adolescent psychiatrist. Among the 81 girls (mean age = 8.97 ± 0.91) who completed the study, 11 girls (13.58%) were diagnosed with ADHD: 5 of them were inattentive type and 6 of them were combined type. The present exploratory study showed that the prevalence of ADHD in girls with central precocious was higher than the known worldwide prevalence of ADHD in children.


Hormonal management of the sick menopausal woman.
HRT is likely to benefit menopausal women with concurrent conditions. In particular, women with atherosclerosis and its sequelae who use HRT may live longer. Our knowledge concerning the differential pharmacologic, biologic, and clinical effects of various estrogen preparations and routes is rudimentary, particularly in the sick climacteric woman. What data do exist, however, suggest that estrogen use is likely to improve the morbidity or mortality of women with coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, diabetes mellitus, stroke, and thromboembolic disorders. Whether there are any advantages to oral versus nonoral administration in these clinical circumstances has not been concretely determined. In order to minimize hepatic impact, it may be prudent to administer by a nonoral route estrogens that naturally occur in women to those with dyslipidemias, coagulopathies, liver disease, and cholelithiasis. Women who smoke are unlikely to accrue the full benefits of HRT. Although prospective, randomized clinical trials are expensive and tedious to execute, they are needed to determine the impact in sick menopausal women of estrogens and progestins in general and the different preparations, routes, and regimens in particular.


Biosorption of Baftkar textile effluent.
Decolourization of wastewater from a textile plant by a marine Aspergillus niger was studied. The fungus was previously isolated from Gorgan Bay in the Caspian Sea. The kinetics of decolourization was studied by varying energy sources. The best decolourization was achieved when sucrose was used as source of carbon and energy. NH4+ ion was demonstrated to be the best nitrogen source. Color reduction was found to increase from 80-97% as inoculum concentration increased from 0.04-1.0 g/L. A minimum inoculum of 0.2 g/L is necessary to achieve decolourization. The optimal temperature for the growth of A. niger on Baftkar wastewater is found to be 30 degrees C. 90-96% colour reduction is achieved in 19-20 hr of contact of mycelium cell with the wastewater. Colour reduction in a continuous column reactor of 70% was obtained using treated mycelium (NaOH, 90 degrees C) after 1 hr.


Genomic organization of mouse and human 65 kDa FK506-binding protein genes and evolution of the FKBP multigene family.
FK506-binding proteins (FKBPs) are peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerases PPIases) that bind the immunosuppressive drug FK506. Of the many eukaryotic FKBPs that have been identified, FKBP65 is an endoplasmic reticulum-localized protein that associates with tropoelastin in the secretory pathway. Unlike any other FKBP characterized so far, FKBP65 is developmentally regulated and may be intimately involved in organogenesis. Here, we report the isolation, sequencing, and genomic organization of the mouse FKBP65 gene (Fkbp10) and provide a comparison with the human ortholog. Mouse Fkbp10 contains 10 exons and 9 introns encompassing 8.5 kb. The exon-intron organization of Fkbp10 displays a pattern of repetition that reflects the coding sequence of the four PPIase, or FK506-binding, domains present in the mature protein. The exon organization of the PPIase domains differs from that of the other FKBP family members. The evolution of the FKBP65 gene and other members of the FKBP multigene family were therefore investigated from a taxonomically diverse array of prokaryotic and eukaryotic taxa. These analyses suggest that the FKBP multigene family emerged early in the evolutionary history of eukaryotes, and during that time some members, including the FKBP65 gene, have experienced gene elongation by means of PPIase domain duplication.


Modulation of hemorheological parameters by the erythrocyte redox thiol status.
There is growing knowledge about the association between hemorheological blood disorders and compromised microcirculation in erythrocyte abnormalities. Effects of the non-neuronal cholinergic elements, especially acetylcholinesterase, on the erythrocyte hemorheological parameters were characterized in the past. However, alterations of these parameters have not been studied under the influence of the cellular redox thiol status. Aliquots of venous blood from ten healthy male subjects were incubated in vitro with increasing concentrations of a thiol reducer agent (dithiothreitol 1, 10, 50 microM final concentrations) in the presence and absence of acetylcholinesterase substrate (acetylcholine) or inhibitor (velnacrine maleate). The following parameters were determined in all blood samples aliquots: erythrocyte aggregation, erythrocyte deformability and lipid membrane fluidity. Blood smears were performed. Dithiothreitol induces no significant changes on the hemorheological behaviour of human red cells. Upon intracellular thiol stimulation, the presence of AChE effectors (either acetylcholine or velnacrine) decreases erythrocyte aggregation and elongation indexes. The addition of DTT to blood samples aliquots, contributing to the redox thiol status, is not directly involved in the modulation of erythrocyte rheological properties. However, upon acetylcholinesterase modulation by its substrate or inhibitor, changes on the hemorheological parameters are triggered by DTT. Associated pharmacological interest is considerable to address the hemorheology-hemostasis-microcirculation triad disorders.


Symbiotic abilities of Sinorhizobium fredii with modified expression of purL.
Previous reports showed that a transposon-induced PurL- mutant of Sinorhizobium fredii induced pseudonodules on Glycine max and the addition of 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-riboside or adenine to the plant could not restore the mutant to establish effective symbiosis. To gain a better understanding of the impact of the purL gene on symbiosis formation, we measured the effect of modified expression of this gene on the symbiotic abilities of S. fredii on soybean (G. max). A 1.98-kb in-frame deletion mutant in the purL gene of S. fredii was constructed. Transcriptional modification of the purL gene was conducted using several promoters such as those of lac, nifH, nifQ, and fixN. It was found that reduced expression of purL gene or suitable symbiotic expression of purL (such as with the promoter nifH or nifQ) can efficiently establish symbiosis of S. fredii on G. max without the exogenous supplementation of any adenine or purine precursor; at least a minimal level of expression of purL is essential for effective symbiosis with soybean.


Partners' ratings of combat veterans' anger.
Spouse reports may serve as an important source of collateral information in the assessment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and associated behavioral problems. This study examined the concordance of anger reports among 94 combat veterans and their partners. Veterans' scores on subscales of the Multidimensional Anger Inventory were compared with scores on a parallel version completed by partners to assess veterans' anger symptomatology. The study examined whether the concordance between veteran and partner-reported anger is moderated by whether the veteran suffers from PTSD. There was moderate agreement between veterans and their partners on reports of anger and little evidence to suggest that PTSD diagnosis affected the convergence between partner and veteran scores.


A polymerase chain reaction for detection of Brucella canis in vaginal swabs of naturally infected bitches.
A PCR assay for the detection of Brucella canis in canine vaginal swab samples was evaluated, comparing its performance with that of bacterial isolation, serological tests, and a blood PCR assay. One hundred and forty-four female dogs were clinically examined to detect reproductive problems and they were tested by the rapid slide agglutination test, with and without 2-mercaptoethanol (2ME-RSAT and RSAT, respectively). In addition, microbiological culture and PCR were performed on blood and vaginal swab samples. The results of the vaginal swab PCR were compared to those of the other tests using the Kappa coefficient and McNemar test. Of the 144 females that were examined, 66 (45.8%) were RSAT positive, 23 (15.9%) were 2ME-RSAT positive, 49 (34.02%) were blood culture positive, 6 (4.1%) were vaginal swab culture positive, 54 (37.5%) were blood PCR positive, 52 (36.2%) were vaginal swab PCR positive, and 50.69% (73/144) were positive by the combined PCR. The PCR was able to detect as few as 3.8 fg of B. canis DNA experimentally diluted in 54 ng of canine DNA, extracted from vaginal swab samples of non-infected bitches. In addition, the PCR assay amplified B. canis genetic sequences from vaginal swab samples containing 1.0 x 10(0) cfu/mL. In conclusion, vaginal swab PCR was a good candidate as a confirmatory test for brucellosis diagnosis in bitches suspected to be infected, especially those negative on blood culture or blood PCR; these animals may be important reservoirs of infection and could complicate attempts to eradicate the disease in confined populations.


Recent Progress in Enolonium Chemistry under Metal-Free Conditions.
Umpolung approach through inversion of the polarity of conventional enolates, has opened up an unprecedented opportunity in the cross-coupling via alkylation. The enolonium equivalents can be accessed either by hypervalent iodine reagents, activation/oxidation of amides, or the oxidation of alkynes. Under umpolung conditions, highly basic conditions required for classical enolate chemistry can be avoided, and they can couple with unmodified nucleophiles such as heteroatom donors and electron-rich arenes.


Endo-ultrasonography for preoperative staging of rectal cancer.
Twenty-five intrarectal ultrasound (US) scannings were performed preoperatively for assessing the depth of infiltration of rectal neoplasms. One tumour located in the distal rectum could not be visualized on the ultrasonogram. US could correctly identify extraintestinal infiltration in 13 out of 14 cases with proved extrarectal involvement on histopathological examination. The overall accuracy of US in demonstrating tumour growth outside the rectal wall was 88%, sensitivity 93% and specificity 80%. Intrarectal US is a useful additional method in the preoperative evaluation of rectal neoplasms and provides more information about the depth of tumor infiltration compared with conventional methods thus helping decide the most appropriate therapy for the patient.


Foreign-body tumorigenesis: in vitro isolation and expansion of preneoplastic clonal cell populations.
Foreign-body reactions were induced in coisogenic CBA/H and CBA/H-T6 mice by sc implantation of 15 times 22 times 0.2-mm unplasticized vinyl chloride vinyl acetate copolymer films. At 6 months' post implantation, implants and unopened tissue capsules were transferred to recipient animals of the T6-different partner strain. After another 3 months, part of the film/capsule complex was transferred to (C57BL/10ScSn times CBA/H-T6)F1 mice for tumor development. Capsule-derived and film-attached cells of the other part were separately cultured. Cultures consisting initially of euploid cells were often gradually replaced by different cells with specific aneuploid karyotypes which were identical with, or closely related to, those of the corresponding tumors. The cultured cells implanted in hybrid recipients at different passage numbers frequently gave rise to homologous tumors. Hence, it was possible to prepare in vitro cells with prefixed specific tumor determinants at different stages of preneoplastic maturation.


Hepatic microvascular regulatory mechanisms. IV. Effect of lodoxamide tromethamine and arterenol-HCl on vascular responses evoked by compound 48/80.
Changes in the hepatic microvasculature and systemic arterial blood pressure were measured in anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats receiving an i.v. infusion or topical application of compound 48/80, lodoxamide, or arterenol. Histochemical determination of the number of Falck-Hillarp positive (serotonin containing) mast cells also was performed on sections of liver at the light microscopic level. The infusion of arterenol (0.1 mg/kg) or Ringer's solution (control) provoked a vasopressor response within 25 sec in rats rendered hypotensive 5 min previously with compound 48/80. The duration of this response was brief with arterial pressure returning to the pre-injection (hypotensive) state within 3 min following arterenol or Ringer's administration. The injection of lodoxamide (a purported inhibitor of histamine release) inhibited compound 48/80-induced hypotension at all doses except 1 mg/kg. In vivo microscopy revealed that topical administration (0.1 microgram) significantly antagonized the microvascular responses elicited by compound 48/80. However, higher doses of lodoxamide (1.0-10 micrograms) when applied topically were found to be vasoactive. Given these results and the histochemical demonstration of an inhibition of compound 48/80-induced release of serotonin, it is suggested that: lodoxamide antagonizes the action of compound 48/80 by blocking the release of mast cell constituents, and neither compound 48/80 nor the released constituents appear to modify vascular responsiveness to arterenol or hypervolemia following the initiation of hypotension.


Conventional Microscopy vs. Computer Imagery in Chiropractic Education.
As human tissue pathology slides become increasingly difficult to obtain, other methods of teaching microscopy in educational laboratories must be considered. The purpose of this study was to evaluate our students' satisfaction with newly implemented computer imagery based laboratory instruction and to obtain input from their perspective on the advantages and disadvantages of computerized vs. traditional microscope laboratories. This undertaking involved the creation of a new computer laboratory. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 7(th)ed, was chosen as the required text which gave students access to the Robbins Pathology website, including complete content of text, Interactive Case Study Companion, and Virtual Microscope. Students had experience with traditional microscopes in their histology and microbiology laboratory courses. Student satisfaction with computer based learning was assessed using a 28 question survey which was administered to three successive trimesters of pathology students (n=193) using the computer survey website Zoomerang. Answers were given on a scale of 1-5 and statistically analyzed using weighted averages. The survey data indicated that students were satisfied with computer based learning activities during pathology laboratory instruction. The most favorable aspect to computer imagery was 24-7 availability (weighted avg. 4.16), followed by clarification offered by accompanying text and captions (weighted avg. 4.08). Although advantages and disadvantages exist in using conventional microscopy and computer imagery, current pathology teaching environments warrant investigation of replacing traditional microscope exercises with computer applications. Chiropractic students supported the adoption of computer-assisted instruction in pathology laboratories.


Acute hemorrhagic cyst of the ligamentum flavum.
A case report and clinical discussion. To describe a rare complication of a cyst of the ligamentum flavum, which bled spontaneously, provoking an acute lower limb monoparesis and lumbar sciatic pain. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUNDS DATA: Cysts of the ligamentum flavum have been rarely reported. Intraspinal degenerative cysts described in literature are usually juxta-articular (synovial and ganglion) cysts and have a similar radiologic appearance. They are preferentially located in the lumbar spine, while the cervical localization is unusual. Hemorrhage into the cyst is an uncommon complication and an extremely rare cause of nerve root compression. A 59-year-old woman presented with sudden severe radicular lumbar deficit and pain secondary to acute hemorrhage into a ligamentum flavum cyst. Magnetic resonance imaging showed at L3-L4 level a lobulated slightly hyperintense mass with a ventral area of marked hyperintensity in T1 images, hypointense on T2 images. Signal within the lesion was suggestive of intralesional hemorrhage. Complete resection of the lesion was performed, resulting in immediate recovery. The cyst was quite rounded, brownish, and contained rest of both partially fresh and coagulated hematoma. Histologic examination revealed myxoid degeneration of the ligamentum flavum with an hemorrage in the cystic cavity without a synovial layer. This report identifies a rare case of radicular lumbar deficit and pain secondary to acute hemorrhage into a ligamentum flavum cyst. The pathogenesis and clinicopathologic characteristics of this lesion are described.


[Effect of Monochromatic Energy Image Synthesized from Dual-layer Detector Spectral CT on Imaging of Inferior Vena Cava].
Objective To evaluate the effect of monochromatic energy image on inferior vena cava imaging quality on dual-layer detector spectral CT. Methods Totally 39 patients who were clinically suspected of abdominal disease and referred to perform contrast-enhanced computed tomography(CT)were prospectively enrolled and underwent abdominal examination using a single-source,dual-detector spectral CT.The delayed phase scan was performed 3 minutes after injection of 60 ml of iopamidol(320 mg/ml)at a rate of 3 ml/s.The raw images were reconstructed to obtain conventional mixed energy images and spectral based images(SBI).The 40,50,60,and 70 keV single energy images were obtained.The CT value,noise,and signal-to-noise(SNR)of inferior vena cava and the contrast-to-noise(CNR)of inferior vena cava relative to psoas major on conventional mixed energy images and the 40,50,60,70 keV single energy images were measured.The SNRs and CNRs on monoenergetic 40-70 keV images were compared with polychromatic 120 kVp images.ANOVA was used to compare the CT value,noise,SNR,and CNR among these five groups.The optimal monoenergetic image set was chosen. Results The differences in CT value,noise,SNR,CNR of inferior vena cava were statistically significant among five groups(all P<0.05).The SNR and CNR in 40 keV group and 50 keV group were significantly higher than those in other groups(all P<0.05).The SNR of 40 keV group was significantly higher than that of 50 keV group(P=0.002).The CNR of 40 keV group was not statistical different compared with that of 50 keV group(P=0.630). Conclusion 40 keV is the optimal monoenergetic energy level for the inferior vena cava on dual-layer detector spectral CT and may be valuable for the diagnosis of inferior vena cava disease.


Development of nanoemulsions for the delivery of hydrophobic and hydrophilic compounds against carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae.
Antimicrobial resistance (AR), particularly the limited antimicrobial activities of antibiotics and natural compounds, has prompted research into new antimicrobials. Nanoemulsions (NEs) have been found to improve the activity of antimicrobial compounds. This study developed clove essential oil-in-water NEs (CEO-NEs) and water-in-oil-in-water NEs co-encapsulating CEO and meropenem (CEO-MEM-NEs) to investigate the antibacterial activity of these loaded NEs against carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. Ultrasonication was used to prepare CEO-NEs and CEO-MEM-NEs. Tween 80 and Imwitor 375 surfactants were used to produce CEO-NEs while Tween 80, Imwitor 375, and PGPR were used to produce CEO-MEM-NEs. Droplets' sizes were 138 ± 1.769 and 183.600 ± 0.889 for CEO-NEs and CEO-MEM-NEs, respectively. The resultant NEs were monodispersed, negatively charged, and physically stable. The antibacterial activities of NEs were investigated using broth microdilution, checkerboard, and time-kill assays to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). CEO-NEs (0.16% CEO MIC) and CEO-MEM-NEs (0.08% CEO and 1 μg mL-1 MEM MICs) completely inactivated K. pneumoniae, and showed functional stability after two weeks of storage at 4 °C. In conclusion, the formulated NEs significantly enhanced the antibacterial activity of CEO and MEM and have great potential as delivery systems of antimicrobial compounds.


A twelve-month clinical trial comparing the bracket failure rates of light-cured resin-modified glass-ionomer adhesive and acid-etch chemical-cured composite.
A clinical study was undertaken to compare the failure rate over a twelve-month period of orthodontic brackets bonded with a light-cured resin-modified glass-ionomer (Fuji Ortho LC-GC International Japan) and an acid-etch chemically-cured two-paste composite (Orthodontic Concise-3M USA). Failure rates of 6.1 per cent and 5.4 per cent respectively were reported, with no statistically significant difference between the two adhesives. This finding, along with the relative ease of use and possible advantages of reduced risk of peri-bracket demineralisation, suggests that the resin-modified glass-ionomer adhesive may become more popular as a bracket adhesive.


A Case Report of an Early Response to Definitive Chemoradiation for Esophageal Carcinoma Cuniculatum.
This case report describes a 63-year-old female with a locally advanced esophageal carcinoma cuniculatum treated with definitive chemoradiation who had a rapid and early response. This case is illustrative of an aggressive behavior with rapid response and rapid recurrence. The cases of esophageal carcinoma cuniculatum as well as the closely related clinical entity of verrucous carcinoma are reviewed suggesting good clinical outcomes after definitive therapy with chemoradiation and/or surgery.


Neuropeptide FF exerts pro- and anti-opioid actions in the parabrachial nucleus to modulate food intake.
Neurons that synthesize the morphine modulatory peptide neuropeptide FF (NPFF; Phe-Leu-Phe-Gln-Pro-Gln-Arg-Phe-NH2) densely innervate the parabrachial nucleus (PBN), an area implicated in regulating food intake. We analyzed opioid-related actions of NPFF in feeding in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. Unilateral infusion of 2 nmol/0.5 microl of the mu-opioid receptor agonist [d-Ala2,NMe-Phe4,glycinol5]enkephalin (DAMGO) into the lateral PBN increased 4-h food intake from 0.7 +/- 0.1 to 3.3 +/- 0.3 g. NPFF (1.25-5.0 nmol) prevented this hyperphagic mu-opioidergic action. In rats fed after 4-h deprivation (baseline = 12.3 +/- 0.3 g/2 h), 5 nmol of NPFF did not alter and larger doses (10 and 20 nmol) actually increased food intake (+36, 54%). Twenty nanomoles also elevated intake of freely feeding rats (from 0.7 +/- 0.1 to 5.1 +/- 1.0 g/4 h). The opioid receptor blocker naloxone (10 nmol) antagonized this increase. These data reveal both pro- and anti-opioid actions of NPFF in the PBN to modulate feeding. The mechanisms for the opposite actions of low and high concentrations of this neuropeptide in parabrachial regulation of food intake remain to be determined.


HLA class Ib in pregnancy and pregnancy-related disorders.
The HLA class Ib genes, HLA-E, HLA-F, and HLA-G, were discovered long after the classical HLA class Ia genes. The elucidation of their functions had a modest beginning. However, their basic functions and involvement in pathophysiology and a range of diseases are now emerging. Although results from a range of studies support the functional roles for the HLA class Ib molecules in adult life, especially HLA-G and HLA-F have most intensively been, and were also primarily, studied in relation to reproduction and pregnancy. The expression of HLA class Ib proteins at the feto-maternal interface in the placenta seems to be important for the maternal acceptance of the semi-allogenic fetus. In contrast to the functions of HLA class Ia, HLA-G possesses immune-modulatory and tolerogenic functions. Here, we review an accumulating amount of data describing the functions of HLA class Ib molecules in relation to fertility, reproduction, and pregnancy, and a possible role for these molecules in certain pregnancy complications, such as implantation failure, recurrent spontaneous abortions, and pre-eclampsia. The results from different kinds of studies point toward a role for HLA class Ib, especially HLA-G, throughout the reproductive cycle from conception to the birth weight of the child.


Evaluation of amino-oxyacetic acid as a palliative in tinnitus.
Amino-oxyacetic acid (AOAA) was evaluated as a palliative in tinnitus. Sixty-six patients with tinnitus presumed to be of cochlear origin were given either a placebo or 75 mg of AOAA four times a day for 1 week. Response was evaluated by both audiometric measurement of tinnitus loudness and subjective rating by patients of change or no change in tinnitus severity. Because loudness measurements and self-rating have not been shown to be independent, and since the aim of clinical treatment of tinnitus is the alleviation of subjective distress, greater weight was given to the patient's self-rating. A total of 21% of all patients reported a subjective decrease in tinnitus severity, usually within 3 to 4 days after the start of AOAA use. Patients with tinnitus caused by presbycusis or Meniere's disease were the most likely to respond to AOAA treatment with a reduction in tinnitus severity, whereas those with drug-induced tinnitus were the least likely to respond. Nausea and dysequilibrium were the most common side effects of AOAA use. Of the 21% of patients who responded to AOAA, 71% developed some type of side effect. Amino-oxyacetic acid produces a reduction in the severity of tinnitus in about 20% of patients; however, the incidence of side effects makes the drug unacceptable for clinical use.


Risk Factor Modification Behaviors of Practicing Vascular Surgeons.
National smoking rates have declined; however, it remains the primary modifiable risk factor for nearly all vascular disease. While vascular surgeons have the availability to treat patients via medical or surgical/endovascular means, involvement in risk factor modification may be lacking. This study seeks to understand vascular surgeons' involvement in tobacco cessation and risk factor modification and to determine if practice variables had any effect on provision of these services to vascular surgery patients. Anonymous electronic surveys examining tobacco cessation and risk factor modification were sent to the Vascular & Endovascular Surgery Society members (n = 633). Influence of time from training, practice type (dichotomized into academic and nonacademic vascular surgeons), hospital size, region, and workload was assessed, and data were analyzed by univariate contingency tables. A total of 149 (24%) surveys were completed. While the majority of respondents ask patient's smoking status (97%), assess willingness to quit (84%), and advise patients to quit (95%), only 34% prescribe medications to assist in cessation, 7% see patients in tobacco cessation follow-up, and 3% verify cessation with cotinine levels or carbon monoxide monitoring. Surgeons who prescribed medications for cessation are more likely to assess patient's willingness to quit, prescribe/advise nicotine replacement, or prescribe initial statin or other lipid-lowering medications. There was no difference in perceived education received during training in risk factor modification, but only 26% of respondents thought they were well trained. Comparing academic to private practice vascular surgeons, there was no difference in cessation techniques used; however, academic surgeons were less likely to perform endovascular procedures for claudication in patients who continued to smoke (29% vs. 46%, P = 0.03) and more likely to prescribe an initial antihyperlipid medication (65% vs. 39%, P = 0.0018). Tobacco dependence remains a critical issue for vascular surgery patients; however, there is wide variation in cessation techniques used. The majority of vascular surgeons are not well versed in cessation techniques and risk factor modification, and thus, efforts should be made to provide this education in vascular surgery training programs.


[Three-dimensional finite element model construction and biomechanical analysis of customized titanium alloy lunate prosthesis].
To design customized titanium alloy lunate prosthesis, construct three-dimensional finite element model of wrist joint before and after replacement by finite element analysis, and observe the biomechanical changes of wrist joint after replacement, providing biomechanical basis for clinical application of prosthesis. One fresh frozen human forearm was collected, and the maximum range of motions in flexion, extension, ulnar deviation, and radialis deviation tested by cortex motion capture system were 48.42°, 38.04°, 35.68°, and 26.41°, respectively. The wrist joint data was obtained by CT scan and imported into Mimics21.0 software and Magics21.0 software to construct a wrist joint three-dimensional model and design customized titanium alloy lunate prosthesis. Then Geomagic Studio 2017 software and Solidworks 2017 software were used to construct the three-dimensional finite element models of a normal wrist joint (normal model) and a wrist joint with lunate prosthesis after replacement (replacement model). The stress distribution and deformation of the wrist joint before and after replacement were analyzed for flexion at and 15°, 30°, 48.42°, extension at 15°, 30°, and 38.04°, ulnar deviation at 10°, 20°, and 35.68°, and radial deviation at 5°, 15°, and 26.41° by the ANSYS 17.0 finite element analysis software. And the stress distribution of lunate bone and lunate prosthesis were also observed. The three-dimensional finite element models of wrist joint before and after replacement were successfully constructed. At different range of motion of flexion, extension, ulnar deviation, and radial deviation, there were some differences in the number of nodes and units in the grid models. In the four directions of flexion, extension, ulnar deviation, and radial deviation, the maximum deformation of wrist joint in normal model and replacement model occurred in the radial side, and the values increased gradually with the increase of the range of motion. The maximum stress of the wrist joint increased gradually with the increase of the range of motion, and at maximum range of motion, the stress was concentrated on the proximal radius, showing an overall trend of moving from the radial wrist to the proximal radius. The maximum stress of normal lunate bone increased gradually with the increase of range of motion in different directions, and the stress position also changed. The maximum stress of lunate prosthesis was concentrated on the ulnar side of the prosthesis, which increased gradually with the increase of the range of motion in flexion, and decreased gradually with the increase of the range of motion in extension, ulnar deviation, and radialis deviation. The stress on prosthesis increased significantly when compared with that on normal lunate bone. The customized titanium alloy lunate prosthesis does not change the wrist joint load transfer mode, which provided data support for the clinical application of the prosthesis.


MLL gene rearrangement, cytogenetic 11q23 abnormalities, and expression of the NG2 molecule in infant acute myeloid leukemia.
To study prognostic factors in infant acute myeloid leukemia (AML), we analyzed 44 children treated on Childrens Cancer Group protocols for MLL gene rearrangement by Southern blot, cytogenetic 11q23 abnormalities, and reactivity with monoclonal antibody 7.1. This antibody detects the human homologue of the rat NG2 chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan molecule, which has previously been reported to be expressed on human melanoma. NG2 has been found to be expressed on human leukemic blasts but not on other hematopoietic cells. In childhood AML, NG2 cell surface expression correlated with poor outcome and with some but not all 11q23 rearrangements. In childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia, NG2 expression correlated with poor outcome and with balanced 11q23 translocations. In this study, 29 of 44 (66%) of infants with AML showed MLL rearrangement and, as expected, this group had a high incidence of French-American-British M4/M5 morphology (22/29). Of the cases tested, 35.1% (13/37) were NG2 positive. All (13/13) NG2-positive cases were rearranged at MLL, whereas only 46% (11/24) of NG2-negative cases had MLL rearrangement. NG2 expression did not correlate with poor outcome (P = .31); there was a trend towards a worse outcome with MLL rearrangement (P = .13). Thus monoclonal antibody 7.1 does not detect all cases of MLL rearrangement in infant AML.


Volume-outcome relationship for colorectal cancer in primary care: a prospective cohort study.
Purpose Higher caseloads are associated with better outcomes for many conditions treated in secondary and tertiary care settings, including colorectal cancer (CRC). There is little known whether such volume-outcome relationship exist in primary care settings. The purpose of this paper is to examine general practitioner (GP) CRC-specific caseload for possible associations with referral pathways, disease stage and CRC patients' overall survival. Design/methodology/approach The paper retrospectively analyses a prospectively maintained CRC database for 2009-2014 in a single district hospital providing bowel cancer screening and tertiary rectal cancer services. Findings Of 1,145 CRC patients, 937 (81.8 per cent) were diagnosed as symptomatic cancers. In total, 210 GPs from 44 practices were stratified according to their CRC caseload over the study period into low volume (LV, 1-4); medium volume (MV, 5-7); and high volume (HV, 8-21 cases). Emergency presentation (LV: 49/287 (17.1 per cent); MV: 75/264 (28.4 per cent); HV: 105/386 (27.2 per cent); p=0.007) and advanced disease at presentation (LV: 84/287 (29.3 per cent); MV: 94/264 (35.6 per cent); HV: 144/386 (37.3 per cent); p=0.034) was more common amongst HV GPs. Three-year mortality risk was significantly higher for HV GPs (MV: (hazard ratio) HR 1.185 (confidence interval=0.897-1.566), p=0.231, and HV: HR 1.366 (CI=1.061-1.759), p=0.016), but adjustment for emergency presentation and advanced disease largely accounted for this difference. There was some evidence that HV GPs used elective cancer pathways less frequently (LV: 166/287 (57.8 per cent); MV: 130/264 (49.2 per cent); HV: 182/386 (47.2 per cent); p=0.007) and more selectively (CRC/referrals: LV: 166/2,743 (6.1 per cent); MV: 130/2,321 (5.6 per cent); HV: 182/2,508 (7.3 per cent); p=0.048). Originality/value Higher GP CRC caseload in primary care may be associated with advanced disease and poorer survival; more work is required to determine the reasons and to develop targeted intervention at local level to improve elective referral rates.


EUROPEAN SCIENCE: U.K. Unveils 'Brain Gain' Initiative.
Last week, U.K. Trade and Industry minister Stephen Byers announced a $6 million a year program to lure as many as 50 research stars to the country or persuade others who might accept lucrative offers from abroad to remain in Great Britain. The initiative is the latest in a series of moves in the past few weeks aimed at buoying up the British scientific community.


Measuring skin temperature before, during and after exercise: a comparison of thermocouples and infrared thermography.
Measuring skin temperature (TSK) provides important information about the complex thermal control system and could be interesting when carrying out studies about thermoregulation. The most common method to record TSK involves thermocouples at specific locations; however, the use of infrared thermal imaging (IRT) has increased. The two methods use different physical processes to measure TSK, and each has advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare the mean skin temperature (MTSK) measurements using thermocouples and IRT in three different situations: pre-exercise, exercise and post-exercise. Analysis of the residual scores in Bland-Altman plots showed poor agreement between the MTSK obtained using thermocouples and those using IRT. The averaged error was -0.75 °C during pre-exercise, 1.22 °C during exercise and -1.16 °C during post-exercise, and the reliability between the methods was low in the pre- (ICC = 0.75 [0.12 to 0.93]), during (ICC = 0.49 [-0.80 to 0.85]) and post-exercise (ICC = 0.35 [-1.22 to 0.81] conditions. Thus, there is poor correlation between the values of MTSK measured by thermocouples and IRT pre-exercise, exercise and post-exercise, and low reliability between the two forms of measurement.


Blue-Blood Pig Thorax Model Increases Residents' Confidence in Internal Mammary Dissection.
Preparation of the recipient vessels is a crucial step in autologous breast reconstruction, with limited opportunity for resident training intraoperatively. The Blue-Blood-infused porcine chest wall-a cadaveric pig thorax embedded in a mannequin shell, connected to a saline perfusion system-is a novel, cost-effective ($55) simulator of internal mammary artery (IMA) dissection and anastomosis intended to improve resident's comfort, safety, and expertise with all steps of this procedure. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of the use of this chest wall model on resident's confidence in performing dissection and anastomosis of the IMA, as well as obtain resident's and faculty's perspectives on model realism and utility. Plastic surgery residents and microsurgery faculty at the University of Wisconsin were invited to participate. One expert microsurgeon led individual training sessions and performed as the microsurgical assistant. Participants anonymously completed surveys prior to and immediately following their training session to assess their change in confidence performing the procedure, as well as their perception of model realism and utility as a formal microsurgical training tool on a five-point scale. Every participant saw improvement in confidence after their training session in a minimum of one of seven key procedural steps identified. Of participants who had experience with this procedure in humans, the majority rated model anatomy and performance of key procedural steps as "very" or "extremely" realistic as compared with humans. 100% of participants believed practice with this model would improve residents' ability to perform this operation in the operating room and 100% of participants would recommend this model be incorporated into the microsurgical training curriculum. The Blue-Blood porcine chest wall simulator increases trainee confidence in performing key steps of IMA dissection and anastomosis and is perceived as valuable to residents and faculty alike.


Conformation of dopamine at the dopamine receptor.
Tritiated dopamine was used to label the dopamine receptor in membranes isolated from the rat corpus striatum. Scatchard analysis of displacement of [3H]dopamine by nonradioactive dopamine indicated the presence of two binding sites. The similarities in affinity, capacity, and drug specificity of the high-affinity site in the striatal membranes from rat and the binding site in the membranes from the calf caudate nucleus suggest that [3H]dopamine labels the same site in both species. In order to determine what conformation of dopamine is preferred at the dopamine receptor site, conformationally restricted analogs of dopamine--namely, the cis and trans 2-amino-1(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)cyclobutane hydrochlorides--were tested for their affinity to the receptor. Compared to the cis conformation, the trans-restricted analogs had more affinity for the receptor site, indicating that dopamine probably interacts with the receptor in the trans conformation.


Evaluation of individually tailored interventions on exercise adherence.
This study's purpose was to test the effects of a reversal theory-driven individualized exercise prescription on exercise consistency, weight, percentage body fat, and exercise motivation for a group of faculty, students, and staff at a southwestern university. Participants were randomly assigned to 5-week education plus monitoring or monitoring-only treatment groups. The hypothesis was that participants in the education plus monitoring group would have more consistent exercisers, higher exercise motivation scores, and greater overall weight loss and decrease in percentage of body fat than would those in the monitoring-only group. Consistent exercisers will score higher than inconsistent exercisers on exercise motivation scores. More participants were exercising at recommended levels in the education plus monitoring group than in the monitoring-only group after the study intervention. Consistent exercisers had significantly higher motivation scores than did inconsistent exercisers. Thus, individualized exercise prescriptions using reversal theory can be beneficial in promoting a consistent exercise program.


Medical home and emergency department utilization among children with special health care needs: an analysis of the 2005-2006 National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs.
The purpose of this article was to determine whether medical home associated with reduction in emergency department utilization by children with special health care needs. The study comprised 40 723 children participating in the National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs. For whole sample, presence of medical home was not associated with a decrease in emergency department (ED) utilization. However, children aged 0 to 5 years and those with severe functional limitations derived the most benefit from a medical home. Presence of medical home for severely limited children was associated with fewer ED visits (odds ratio, 0.59; 95% confidence interval, 0.50-0.70). Additional studies are warranted to explore specific components of a medical home and ED use.


Theoretical Elucidation of Glucose Dehydration to 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural Catalyzed by a SO3H-Functionalized Ionic Liquid.
While the catalytic conversion of glucose to 5-hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF) catalyzed by SO3H-functioned ionic liquids (ILs) has been achieved successfully, the relevant molecular mechanism is still not understood well. Choosing 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride [C4SO3HmimCl] as a representative of SO3H-functioned IL, this work presents a density functional theory (DFT) study on the catalytic mechanism for conversion of glucose into HMF. It is found that the conversion may proceed via two potential pathways and that throughout most of elementary steps, the cation of the IL plays a substantial role, functioning as a proton shuttle to promote the reaction. The chloride anion interacts with the substrate and the acidic proton in the imidazolium ring via H-bonding, as well as provides a polar environment together with the imidazolium cation to stabilize intermediates and transition states. The calculated overall barriers of the catalytic conversion along two potential pathways are 32.9 and 31.0 kcal/mol, respectively, which are compatible with the observed catalytic performance of the IL under mild conditions (100 °C). The present results provide help for rationalizing the effective conversion of glucose to HMF catalyzed by SO3H-functionalized ILs and for designing IL catalysts used in biomass conversion chemistry.


Cross Redox Coupling of Aryl-Aldehydes and p-Benzoquinone.
Herein, we report an unprecedented Cross Redox Coupling (CRC) reaction catalyzed by Cu(OAc)2·H2O. As a proof-of-concept, direct coupling of aromatic aldehydes (or alcohols) and p-benzoquinone led to an ester in the presence of the Cu(II)-TBHP combination. During the coupling process, the C-H bond of the aldehydes was converted directly to a C-O bond. Mechanistically, we propose that the reaction proceeded via a radical pathway. In addition, atom and electron economies were well-conserved during this CRC reaction.


Safety of portal vein resection using centrifugal pump-assisted venous bypass between the superior mesenteric vein and the umbilical vein.
To achieve complete resection of pancreatic cancer, portal vein resection has been performed with increasing frequency at the time of pancreaticoduodenal resection (pancreaticoduodenectomy or total pancreatectomy). In the meantime, visceral congestion and liver ischemia are of great concern during the procedure. We investigated safety of portal vein resection using a centrifugal pump-assisted bypass between the superior mesenteric vein and the umbilical vein. A retrospective comparison was performed in 49 consecutive patients who underwent pancreatoduodenal resection with or without portal vein resection using the bypass for pancreatic cancer. Twenty-two patients underwent portal vein resection using the bypass (group 1). The other 27 patients undergoing pancreatoduodenal resection without portal vein resection comprise the control group (group 2). Total operative time was 756 +/- 159 min and 526 +/- 109 min (p<0.001) and median blood loss was 2090 mL and 1200 mL in groups 1 and 2, respectively. However, the centrifugal pump-assisted bypass allowed stable bypass flow, and neither intestinal edema nor ischemic change of the liver was observed during portal vein resection and the subsequent reconstruction. Postoperatively, the peak postoperative AST, ALT and total bilirubin levels showed no significant difference and postoperative day of starting a liquid diet was similar between the groups (9.0 +/- 5.4 vs. 9.8 +/- 3.8 days, p=0.48). In addition, the rates of morbidity (55% vs. 48%) including biliary and pancreatic leak as well as mortality (9% vs. 4%) did not significantly differ between the 2 groups. The centrifugal pump-assisted bypass may be useful to prevent hepatic ischemia and visceral congestion during portal vein resection procedures, resulting in similar postoperative outcomes to the control after pancreaticoduodenal resection for pancreatic cancer.


Synthesis of a new polymeric host material for efficient organic electro-phosphorescent devices.
We have synthesized a new polymeric host material for phosphorescent dyes, which can be used in phosphorescent light-emitting layers. An alternating copolymer, composed of N-alkylcarbazole and tetramethylbenzene units was synthesized through the Suzuki coupling reaction. We fabricated electro-phosphorescent devices using the synthesized polymeric host doped with solution-processible green and red phosphorescent dyes. Light-emitting devices have an ITO/PEDOT/polymer + dopant/Balq3/Alq3/LiF/Al configuration. The device containing one of two studied green dopants (designated as green 1) in the polymeric host showed the best performance, with a maximum luminous efficiency of 29 cd/A. A thin film of this polymeric was successfully patterned by laser-induced thermal imaging (LITI), and an electro-phosphorescent device was fabricated using the patterned film. This patterned device showed performance characteristics similar to those of a spin-coated device.


Targeting vascular adhesion protein-1 to treat autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
The development of new, safe, and effective anti-inflammatory drugs represents a major challenge for the pharmaceutical industry, as well as a significant opportunity. The increasing prevalence of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases associated with an aging population has led to an intense effort to discover new anti-inflammatory drug targets and drugs acting against them. This review highlights the recent progress made in developing therapies directed against an endothelial cell adhesion molecule called vascular adhesion protein (VAP)-1 for the treatment of chronic inflammatory disease as well as highlighting other therapeutic opportunities offered by this vascular target.


Life expectancy and end-of-life communication in adult patients with congenital heart disease, 40-53 years after surgery.
Although survival of patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) improved significantly over time, life expectancy is still not normal. We aimed to investigate how adult patients, their partners, and treating cardiologists estimated the individual life expectancy of CHD patients. Furthermore, preferences regarding end-of-life (EOL) communication were investigated. In this study, we included 202 patients (age: 50 ± 5) who were operated in childhood (<15 years old) between 1968 and 1980 for one of the following diagnoses: atrial septal defect, ventricular septal defect, pulmonary stenosis, tetralogy of Fallot, or transposition of the great arteries. A specific questionnaire was administered to both the patients and their partners, exploring their perceived life expectancy and EOL wishes. Two cardiologists independently assessed the life expectancy of each patient. Most adults with CHD believed their life expectancy to be normal. However, significant differences were found between estimated life expectancy by the cardiologist and patients (female: P = 0.001, male: P = 0.002) with moderate/severe defects, as well as for males with mild defects (P = 0.011). Regarding EOL communication, 85.1% of the patients reported that they never discussed EOL with a healthcare professional. Compared with patients with mild CHD, significantly more patients with moderate/severe defect discussed EOL with a physician (P = 0.011). The wish to discuss EOL with the cardiologist was reported by 49.3% of the patients and 41.7% of their partners. Adult patients, especially with moderate/severe CHD, perceived their life expectancy as normal, whereas cardiologists had a more pessimistic view than their patients. Increased attention is warranted for discussions on life expectancy and EOL to improve patient-tailored care.


Acute and long-term outcome of unprotected left main coronary angioplasty compared to the anticipated surgical risk.
Percutaneous coronary intervention of unprotected left main (ULM) stenosis is increasing despite surgical revascularisation being the recommended treatment by the current guidelines. We compared the 30-day and 9-month mortality after ULM stenting with the predicted surgical outcome as determined by the EuroSCORE. We included 81 consecutive patients who underwent ULM stenting. The patient cohort was divided into a normal risk group (EuroSCORE <or=5, predicted 30-day mortality <3%), and a high-risk group (EuroSCORE >5, predicted 30-day mortality 11%). Follow-up examinations were scheduled for one and nine months after the initial PCI. The average EuroSCOREs in the normal- and high-risk group were 3.0 (29 patients, 36%) and 10.0 (52 patients, 64%), respectively. Mortality rates at 30 days were 3% in the normal-risk group and 8% in the high-risk group. Subacute stent thrombosis occurred in 3.4% (three patients) undergoing elective PCI. Major adverse cardiac events during the nine months follow-up were registered in 24% of patients in the normal-risk group, and in 27% of the patients in the high-risk group. Short-term outcome of ULM stenting in our high-risk patients is comparable to surgical outcome predicted by the EuroSCORE. Long-term outcome was less favourable due to a high mortality rate. ULM stenting in patients with low surgical risk could be associated with higher mortality rates compared to CABG because of the unpredictable risk of a fatal stent thrombosis.


Primary peritoneal psammocarcinoma.
Psammocarcinoma is a rare low-grade serous carcinoma arising either from ovary or peritoneum and is characterized by extensive psammomatous calcifications and invasion of surrounding structures. Prognostically, psammocarcinoma resembles borderline serous tumor and has a much more favorable outcome than the common serous carcinoma of ovary and peritoneum.


[The relationship between Sigmund Freud and Paul Federn: some unpublished documents].
The relationship between Freud and Paul Federn, which lasted over an exceptionally long period of time (35 years), has been neglected for two major reasons: the departure of the latter for the United States in 1938 and the absence of any biographer. Long considered as a dissident, he was ignored by analytic circles (including Jones, Freud's biographer), partly because of his position in favor of the training of nonmedical analysts. A pioneer in the field of mental health and the application of psychoanalysis to social problems, he strove to transform psychoanalysis into an instrument for social and political change, thus remaining faithful to his socialist convictions.


Presence and Role of Midplane Cholesterol in Lipid Bilayers Containing Registered or Antiregistered Phase Domains.
Three-component lipid mixtures can produce coexisting liquid ordered and liquid disordered phases, a model for eukaryotic plasma membrane rafts. In compositionally symmetric bilayers with two phase-separated leaflets, phase domains of the two leaflets may align through registration, where domains are found across from domains of the same phase, or else antiregistration, where domains are found across from domains of the opposite phase. This alignment could serve as a method of information communication across the plasma membrane. We used coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations to study ternary mixtures of a high-melting-temperature phospholipid, a low-melting-temperature phospholipid, and cholesterol. We found a significant presence of cholesterol molecules at the bilayer midplane rather than in a leaflet in some systems, corresponding to a lack of registration. Increasing the length of the acyl chains from 16 to 24 carbons in high-melting-temperature phospholipids or increasing the concentration of cholesterol from 20 to 35 mol % in the bilayer produced a transition from registration to antiregistration and gave rise to significant populations of midplane cholesterol.


The efficacy of Alahmady ring implantation in the management of neovascular glaucoma.
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Alahmady ring implantation in the management of neovascular glaucoma. A total of 15 eyes of 15 patients with intractable neovascular glaucoma with intraocular pressure (IOP) ≥28 mmHg not responding to medical treatment were retrospectively analyzed. All patients had poor visual acuity and underwent Alahmady ring implantation. The ring was designed from fenestrated silicon tube used in lacrimal surgeries and was implanted subsclerally after passing it through the anterior chamber. Patients were followed up for at least 24 months. Success in this study was defined based on IOP ≥8 mmHg and <21 mmHg, with not more than 1 glaucoma drug, and improvement of patient symptoms and signs with maximum use of beta blocker as antiglaucoma drug. A total of 15 eyes of 15 patients (9 males [60%] and 6 females [40%]) were analyzed in this study. The mean IOP before surgery was 38.6 mmHg (standard deviation [SD]: 6.98) and it was 14.05 mmHg (SD =7.57) after surgery. The follow-up range was 24-36 months. Success of silicon drainage device was defined as an IOP <21 mmHg on the last follow-up visit. Medications included only beta-blockers and topical steroids for those who were without severe complications or for those who were not in a condition to undergo a further glaucoma surgery. Alahmady ring implantation proves to be a good surgical option for neovascular glaucoma; however, a longer follow-up period is recommended.


A Novel PGM3 Mutation Is Associated With a Severe Phenotype of Bone Marrow Failure, Severe Combined Immunodeficiency, Skeletal Dysplasia, and Congenital Malformations.
Congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDGs) affect multiple systems and present a broad spectrum of clinical features, often including skeletal dysplasia. Exome sequencing has led to the identification of new CDG genes. Immune and skeletal phenotypes associated with mutations in PGM3, encoding a protein that converts N-acetyl-glucosamine-6-phosphate into N-acetyl-glucosamine-1-phosphate, were recently reported. Through exome sequencing, we identified a novel homozygous mutation (c.1135T>C; p.Phe379Leu) in PGM3 in two siblings with bone marrow failure, severe combined immunodeficiency, renal and intestinal malformations, and a skeletal dysplasia resembling Desbuquois dysplasia. Severe respiratory compromise secondary to lung hypoplasia and pulmonary hypertension, and intestinal obstruction led to their demise. We thus report the most severe phenotype described so far associated with PGM3 mutations. This CDG should be considered in the presence of skeletal dysplasia associated with severe immunodeficiency. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.


Feeding intolerance alters the gut microbiota of preterm infants.
Feeding intolerance (FI) is a common disease in preterm infants, often causing a delay in individual development. Gut microbiota play an important role in nutrient absorption and metabolism of preterm infants. To date, few studies have focused on the community composition of gut microbiota of preterm infants with feeding intolerance. In this study, we collected fecal samples from 41 preterm infants diagnosed with feeding intolerance and 29 preterm infants without feeding intolerance, at three specific times during the development and prevalence of feeding intolerance (after birth, when feeding intolerance was diagnosed, after feeding intolerance was gone), from different hospitals for 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The gut microbiota community composition of preterm infants diagnosed with feeding intolerance was significantly different from that of preterm infants without feeding intolerance. At the time when feeding intolerance was diagnosed, the relative abundance of Klebsiella in preterm infants with feeding intolerance increased significantly, and was significantly higher than that of the preterm infants without feeding intolerance. After feeding intolerance was cured, the relative abundance of Klebsiella significantly decreased in the infants diagnosed with feeding intolerance, while the relative abundance of Klebsiella in preterm infants without feeding intolerance was not significantly altered during the development and prevalence of feeding intolerance. Furthermore, we verified that Klebsiella was effective in the diagnosis of feeding intolerance (AUC = 1) in preterm infants, suggesting that Klebsiella is a potential diagnostic biomarker for feeding intolerance.


Life Goals Increase Self-regulation among Male Patients with Alcohol Use Disorder.
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) has been conceptualized as a chronic self-regulation failure. The aim of this study was to examine the most probable pathways related to self-regulation among patients with AUD. In this study, a hypothetical model was proposed that focused on the relationship between risk factors (extrinsic life goals, emotion dysregulation) and protective factors (intrinsic life goals, self-control, and abstinence self-efficacy). Male patients with AUD (N = 188) were recruited from alcohol centers of four psychiatric hospitals between March 2015 and September 2015. All participants completed psychological assessments, including the Future Oriented Goals Scale (FOGS), the Alcohol Abstinence Self-Efficacy Scale (AASE), the Brief Self-Control Scale (BSCS), and the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) as well as sociodemographic characteristics. The final model was found to be a good fit to data. In testing indirect effects, it was shown that intrinsic life goals via emotion dysregulation, self-control, and alcohol abstinence self-efficacy decreased alcohol self-regulation failure. On the other hand, extrinsic life goals via these factors increased alcohol self-regulation failure. Conclusions/Importance: These results suggest that intrinsic goals might indirectly be the important and protective factors for AUD. Moreover, the findings implicate that self-regulation through goal setting may be necessary to alleviate symptoms and improve function among patients with AUD.


Thyroid function in acute pancreatitis.
To analyze changes in the thyroid function in patients with acute pancreatitis. Admission serum levels of triiodothyronine (T3), reverse triiodothyronine (rT3), thyroxine (T4) and thyrotropin (TSH) were determined in 20 patients with pancreatitis and 20 healthy control patients. Another group of 20 patients with upper digestive haemorrhage was included to study possible changes in the pattern of thyroid function in hemodynamic alterations. In addition, laboratory indicators of liver, renal and pancreatic functions were measured in all groups. Our results demonstrated low levels of T3 in 20% of patients with pancreatitis and increased rT3 levels in 75% of them. Thyrotropin was always among reference ranges and only one case presented a low level of T4. No significant alterations were detected in patients with upper digestive haemorrhage. These results suggest that pancreatitis may play a role in the genesis of these changes, since other factors such as diet and cellular hepatic alteration appear to have had no effect on the levels of thyroid hormones in these patients. In other studies those changes in the thyroid function can be relationed with the prognosis in acute pancreatitis.


Feasibility of transnasal endoscopy in screening for esophageal and gastric varices in patients with chronic liver disease.
Screening for esophageal and gastric varices is indicated for patients with portal hypertension or cirrhosis. Typically, conventional endoscopy is used; however, the need for sedation increases the costs and risks, especially in cirrhotic patients. Use of transnasal endoscopy with an ultrathin endoscope enables study of the upper gastrointestinal tract without the need for sedation. The objective of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of transnasal endoscopy in screening for esophageal and gastric varices in patients with chronic liver disease. This was a prospective study in which transnasal endoscopy was carried out in patients with cirrhosis or portal hypertension who had indications for screening of esophageal and gastric varices. The following variables were evaluated: demographical data, duration of procedure, patient tolerance and acceptance, adverse events (AEs), endoscopic findings and interobserver agreement related to portal hypertension alterations ( kappa index). A total of 50 patients entered the study. The most common cause of liver disease was chronic viral hepatitis (66 %). Among the cirrhotic patients, most of the patients were Child-Pugh A (74 %). In 5 patients (10 %), nasal intubation was not possible. Two patients (4 %) experienced minor epistaxis. Tolerance was excellent or good in 92 % according with a visual analogic scale. In 16 patients (32 %), esophageal varices were detected and in 2 patients (4 %) gastric varices were detected. The mean duration of the procedure was 7 minutes. Transnasal endoscopy is feasible, effective and well tolerated for screening of esophageal and gastric varices in patients with chronic liver disease. It can be performed in outpatient clinics safely and without the use of sedation.


Cruciform structure of a DNA motif of parvovirus minute virus of mice (prototype strain) involved in the attenuation of gene expression.
It has previously been reported that the region between nucleotides 259 and 383 immediately downstream from the P4 early promoter of parvovirus minute virus of mice, prototype strain (MVMp) is responsible for transcriptional attenuation. Attenuation results from the premature pausing of RNA polymerase II within this sequence (designated to as att) and seems to depend on potential RNA secondary structure. To assess the attenuation capacity of att under near physiological conditions, the early transcription unit of MVMp was replaced by the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter gene under control of the early P4 promoter, in the presence or absence of att. The resulting recombinant vectors were encapsidated in parvovirus particles and replicated in cells after co-infection with the wild-type virus. The att fragment reduced the rate of expression of the reporter gene by approximately threefold, confirming previously reported data from transfection experiments performed in the same cellular system. This attenuation factor is unexpectedly high, considering that the 'readthrough' fold of the nascent viral transcript is thermodynamically more stable than the 'attenuation' configuration. In an attempt to elucidate this point, we sought for the presence of secondary structures in the template DNA molecule. In vitro nuclease probing of viral dsDNA revealed that the att fragment had a cruciform configuration with both complementary strands folding into the computer-predicted stem-loop 'attenuation' structure. These observations lead us to propose that the secondary structure of the DNA template may prompt the formation of the 'attenuation' stem-loop in nascent mRNAs by bringing corresponding self-complementary sequences into close proximity.


Modeling biochemical networks: a cellular-automata approach.
The potential of the cellular-automata (CA) method for modeling biological networks is demonstrated for the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling cascade. The models derived reproduced the high signal amplification through the cascade and the deviation of the cascade enzymes from the Michaelis-Menten kinetics, evidencing cooperativity effects. The patterns of pathway change upon varying substrate concentrations and enzyme efficiencies were identified and used to show the ways for controlling pathway processes. Guidance in the selection of enzyme inhibition targets with minimum side effects is one outcome of the study.


Genetic and environmental components of adolescent adjustment and parental behavior: a multivariate analysis.
Adolescent adjustment measures may be related to each other and to the social environment in various ways. Are these relationships similar in genetic and environmental sources of covariation, or different? A multivariate behavior-genetic analysis was made of 6 adjustment and 3 treatment composites from the study Nonshared Environment in Adolescent Development, using 674 same-sex adolescent sibling pairs aged 9-11. Cholesky decompositions of the total covariance matrix yielded additive and nonadditive genetic, and shared and nonshared environmental matrices. Factor analyses led to 3 factors for all but shared environment. The first 2 factors resembled Neuroticism and Extraversion factors typically found for personality; the third factor, parental monitoring and control, appeared to have different associations in different matrices.


Hydrophobically modified chitosan nanoliposomes for intestinal drug delivery.
Encapsulation of hydrophilic drugs within liposomes can be challenging. A novel chitosan derivative, O-palmitoyl chitosan (OPC) was synthesized from chitosan and palmitoyl chloride using methane-sulfonic acid as a solvent. The success of synthesis was confirmed by Fourier transform infra-red (FT-IR) spectroscopy and proton NMR spectroscopy (H-NMR). Liposomes encapsulating ferrous sulphate as a model hydrophilic drug for intestinal delivery were prepared with or without OPC inclusion (Lipo-Fe and OPC-Lipo-Fe). Entrapment of iron was significantly higher in OPC containing liposomes compared to controls. Quantitative iron absorption from the OPC liposomes was significantly higher (1.5-fold P<0.05) than free ferrous sulphate controls. Qualitative uptake analysis by confocal imaging using coumarin-6 dye loaded liposomes also indicated higher cellular uptake and internalization of the OPC-containing liposomes. These findings suggest that addition of OPC during liposome preparation creates robust vesicles that have improved mucoadhesive and absorption enhancing properties. The chitosan derivative OPC therefore provides a novel alternative for formulation of delivery vehicles targeting intestinal absorption.


Anticancer Triazenes: from Bioprecursors to Hybrid Molecules.
Triazenes are a very useful and diverse class of compounds that have been studied for their potential in the treatment of many tumors including brain tumor, leukemia and melanoma. Novel compounds of this class continue to be developed as either anticancer compounds or even with other therapeutic applications. This review focused on several types of triazenes from the simplest ones like 1,3-dialkyl-3-acyltriazenes to the more complex ones like combi-triazenes with an emphasis on how triazenes have been developed as effective antitumor agents.


Effect of secretagogues on cytosolic free Ca2+ and insulin release in the hamster clonal beta-cell line HIT-T15.
We have examined the effect of secretagogues on cytosolic free Ca2+ (Cai) in the hamster clonal beta-cell line HIT-T15 using the Ca2+-binding fluorescent indicator Quin 2. Stimulation of HIT cells by glucose increased Cai in a dose-dependent manner; raising the medium glucose concentration from zero to 2 mM increased Cai by 36%, from 89 +/- 4 to 121 +/- 6 nM (mean +/- S.E.M., n = 23). Further raising the medium glucose concentration to 10 mM increased Cai to 139 +/- 6 nM. Cai was maximum and plateaued at 4 min after each addition of glucose. Addition of 40 mM K+ to the medium rapidly depolarized the HIT cells and increased Cai to 407 +/- 48 nM. The increases in Cai in response to glucose of K+ were blocked by the simultaneous presence of verapamil (50 microM). Stimulation by glucose or K+ also increased insulin release in parallel incubations of Quin 2-loaded HIT cells. Carbamylcholine chloride, forskolin or the phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol acetate had no significant effect on Cai in glucose-stimulated HIT cells monitored 5 min after the addition of each test agent, despite increasing insulin release by 241, 239 and 216% respectively. These data support the hypothesis that potentiators of insulin release which activate cAMP-dependent protein kinase or protein kinase C do not increase Cai but sensitize the secretory mechanism to Ca2+.


[Magnetic resonance imaging survey of the upper airway in different age non-snoring males].
To investigate the morphology characters of upper airway and its surrounding tissues in different age non-snoring males. Total of 114 non-snoring males, with age-range from 22 to 78 year old, were included in this study. They were divided into 3 groups: 30 in younger group (22-29 years old), 57 in middle-aged group (36-57 years old), and 31 in aged group (70-78 years old). All subjects had magnetic resonance imaging scanning. (1) The nasopharynx in aged group was statistically different from that of the younger group and the middle aged group. The volume of nasopharynx in aged group (7.81 +/- 1.59) cm3 (x +/- s, same herein after) is greater than that in younger group (4.89 +/- 1.20) cm3 and middle aged groups (6.06 +/- 2.07) cm3. (2) The AP diameter/transverse diameter of velopharynx, glossopharynx and laryngopharynx in the aged group tended to be smaller. The average value of AP diameter/transverse diameter of velopharynx in aged group is 0.46 +/- 0.14, while the value is 0.59 +/- 0.14 and 0.57 +/- 0.14 in middle and young groups respectively, compared with that of the aged group, there is statistical difference (P < 0.01). Further more, the min/max section area of velopharynx, glossopharynx, laryngopharynx in aged group are smaller than that of young group and midlife groups. (3) The aged group had the thinnest thickness of posterior and lateral velopharyngeal walls, but the largest volume of soft palate and fat pads among all groups. In non-snoring males, there is more fat deposition around the upper airway with aging. While the large nasopharynx and large transverse diameter of upper airway seem to balance the disadvantaged changes and to benefit the their sleep respiration.


Electroacupuncture at ST36 ameliorates gastric emptying and rescues networks of interstitial cells of Cajal in the stomach of diabetic rats.
Depletion of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) is certified in the stomach of diabetic patients. Though electroacupuncture (EA) at ST36 is an effective therapy to regulate gastric motility, the mechanisms of EA at ST36 on gastric emptying and networks of ICC remain to be elucidated. The aims of this study were to investigate the effects of EA on gastric emptying and on the alterations of ICC networks. Rats were randomized into the control, diabetic rats (DM), diabetic rats with sham EA (DM+SEA), diabetic rats with low frequency EA (DM+LEA) and diabetic rats with high frequency EA groups (DM+HEA). The expression of c-kit in each layer of gastric wall was assessed by western blotting. The proliferation of ICC was identified by immunolabeling of c-kit and Ki67 as the apoptosis of ICC was examined by TUNEL staining. The results were as follows: (1) Gastric emptying was severely delayed in the DM group, but accelerated in the LEA and HEA group, especially in the LEA group. (2) The expression of c-kit in each layer was reduced apparently in the DM group, but also up-regulated in the LEA and HEA group. (3) Plentiful proliferated ICC (c-kit+/Ki67+) forming bushy networks with c-kit+ cells were observed in the LEA and HEA group, while the apoptotic cells (c-kit+/TUNEL+) were hardly captured in the LEA and HEA group. Collectively, low and high frequency EA at ST36 rescue the damaged networks of ICC by inhibiting the apoptosis and enhancing the proliferation in the stomach of diabetic rats, resulting in an improved gastric emptying.


Different prednisolone pharmacokinetics in Cushingoid and non-Cushingoid kidney transplant patients.
Prednisolone pharmacokinetics have been compared in 16 Cushingoid and 46 non-Cushingoid long term kidney transplant recipients. The Cushingoid patients had a significantly (p less than 0.05) higher peak concentration, a longer elimination half-time, a greater area under the time-concentration curve of total and free prednisolone, and a lower total body clearance of prednisolone. It is suggested that prednisolone pharmacodynamics may be influenced by pharmacokinetic differences, and that differences in renal function may be an important contributing factor.


Passive Immunotherapy Protects against Enteric Invasion and Lethal Sepsis in a Murine Model of Gastrointestinal Anthrax.
The principal portal for anthrax infection in natural animal outbreaks is the digestive tract. Enteric exposure to anthrax, which is difficult to detect or prevent in a timely manner, could be exploited as an act of terror through contamination of human or animal food. Our group has developed a novel animal model of gastrointestinal (GI) anthrax for evaluation of disease pathogenesis and experimental therapeutics, utilizing vegetative Bacillus anthracis (Sterne strain) administered to A/J mice (a complement-deficient strain) by oral gavage. We hypothesized that a humanized recombinant monoclonal antibody (mAb) * that neutralizes the protective antigen (PA) component of B. anthracis lethal toxin (LT) and edema toxin (ET) could be an effective treatment. Although the efficacy of this anti-anthrax PA mAb has been shown in animal models of inhalational anthrax, its activity in GI infection had not yet been ascertained. We hereby demonstrate that passive immunotherapy with anti-anthrax PA mAb, administered at the same time as gastrointestinal exposure to B. anthracis, prevents lethal sepsis in nearly all cases (>90%), while a delay of up to forty-eight hours in treatment still greatly reduces mortality following exposure (65%). Moreover, passive immunotherapy protects against enteric invasion, associated mucosal injury and subsequent dissemination by gastrointestinal B. anthracis, indicating that it acts to prevent the initial stages of infection. * Expired raxibacumab being cycled off the Strategic National Stockpile; biological activity confirmed by in vitro assay.


Aquimarina aggregata sp. nov., isolated from seawater.
A novel Gram-stain-negative, agarolytic, rod-shaped, non-flagellated, strictly aerobic strain with gliding motility, designated RZW4-3-2T, was isolated from coastal seawater of the Yellow Sea in China (119.625° E 35.517° N). The organism grew optimally at 28 °C, at pH 7.0 and in the presence of 2.0-3.0 % (w/v) NaCl. The strain required seawater or artificial seawater for growth, and NaCl alone did not support growth. Strain RZW4-3-2T contained MK-6 as the major respiratory quinone and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH, iso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 1 G and iso-C15 : 0 3-OH as the dominant fatty acids. The polar lipids of strain RZW4-3-2T comprised phosphatidylethanolamine, five unknown phospholipids and one unknown lipid. The DNA G+C content of strain RZW4-3-2T was 32.3 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the novel strain was related most closely to Aquimarina pacifica SW150T, Aquimarina macrocephali JCM 15542T and Aquimarina muelleri LMG 22569T with 98.1, 97.4 and 97.1 % sequence similarities, respectively. The estimated DNA-DNA hybridization values were 20.00±2.31 %, 20.70±2.33 % and 20.70±2.32 % between strain RZW4-3-2T and A. pacifica SW150T, A. macrocephali JCM 15542T and A. muelleri LMG 22569T, respectively. On the basis of results of polyphasic analyses, strain RZW4-3-2T represents a novel species of the genus Aquimarina, for which the name Aquimarinaaggregata sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is RZW4-3-2T (=JCM 30824T=MCCC 1K00698T).


Linear Alternating Supramolecular Photosensitizer for Enhanced Photodynamic Therapy.
Supramolecular polymers with facile and versatile architectures via noncovalent connection present great potential in biological fields. Herein, a linear alternating supramolecular polymer is constructed via host-guest inclusion interaction between cyclodextrin dimer (CD2) and bifunctional adamantane-conjugated porphyrin (TPP-Ad2). The supramolecular alternating structure of CD/TPP could not only suppress the aggregation of PSs to improve the photophysical properties because of the steric hindrance but also enhance the water solubility of PSs induced from cyclodextrin moieties. The nanoplatform obtained by this linear alternating supramolecular polymer (TPP-Ad2/CD2) presents significantly enhanced photodynamic therapy (PDT) efficacy, providing a promising path for PDT.


Long-term secular trend of skeletal maturation of Taiwanese children between agricultural (1960s) and contemporary (after 2000s) generations using the Tanner-Whitehouse 3 (TW3) method.
The Tanner-Whitehouse (TW) method is one of the well-known techniques in determining the bone age. According to the objectivity of TW3, the secular trend was investigated to discover whether the skeletal maturation of Taiwanese children between two generations was different. The large-scale database of Taiwan was collected. The first group, called mid-1960s, included 265 boys and 295 girls in the agricultural generation (between 1966 and 1967). The second group, called mid-2000s, includes 114 boys and 616 girls in the contemporary generation (after 2000s). The bone age was determined by three radiologists using the carpals-only system of the TW3 method and by two physicians using the Greulich and Pyle method. A comparison of the means (independent-samples t-test) was applied by examining the difference of the children's skeletal maturation between the two generations in the same chronological age. The significant difference was considered while the p-value was 0.05 or less (95% confidence interval). A significant difference of the mean bone age (by, on average, three radiologists using the TW3 method) between the mid-1960s and mid-2000s in the same gender and chronological age was presented by the independent-samples t-test (p<0.001 with 95% confidence interval), and the bone age, determined by the TW3 method, of the mid-2000s group was higher than that of the mid-1960s group. This scenario corresponded with the children's bone age determined by pediatricians. Besides, it deserved to notice that the bone age of boys in the mid-2000s was larger than that of the girls in the mid-1960s. Furthermore, by comparing the environmental condition, we suspect that the difference of bone age of children between the two generations was attributed to the discrepancy in nutrition and socioeconomic variation during the four decades in Taiwan. The study presents that the secular trend of skeletal maturation of children in the mid-2000s is faster than that in the mid-1960s.


[Predictor Model of Acute Coronary Syndrome Outcomes].
Scores for assessment of risk of cardiovascular events in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) became wide spread during last decade. Taking into consideration high level of ACS morbidity and mortality in Russia there is a need in creation of own national scores. Aim of this study was to investigate the value of risk factors of death and to create a multivariate model of survival of patients with ACS during hospitalization. The non-randomized retrospective continuous study of 1000 case histories (medical records) of patients with ACS with assessment of value of risk factors was performed, and the multifactor model and computer program estimation of risk of death was created. While selecting risk factors emphasis was made on heart rhythm and presence of arrhythmia, and on anamnestic data. Most significant factors were age, history of myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, and ventricular tachycardia. The created regression model of estimation of risk of death by 51.4% was explained by these factors. Using this model, we developed a computer program "Kardiorisk" which predicts risk of death with 100% sensitivity and 80% specificity.


Sodium-chloride-induced effects on the expression profile of human periodontal ligament fibroblasts with focus on simulated orthodontic tooth movement.
Increased salt (NaCl) consumption triggers chronic diseases such as hypertension or osteopenia. Its impact on orthodontic tooth movement and periodontitis, however, has not been investigated, although both processes are related to the immune system, with periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLFs) playing a key mediating role. Here, we investigated the impact of NaCl on the expression pattern of PDLFs in a model of simulated compressive orthodontic strain. Periodontal ligament fibroblasts were preincubated for 24 h with additional 0 or 40 mM NaCl and concurrently treated for another 48 h with or without compressive strain of 2 g cm-2 . We analyzed the expression of genes and proteins involved in orthodontic tooth movement by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), ELISA, and immunoblot. Co-culture experiments were performed to observe PDLF-mediated osteoclastogenesis. A higher (40 mM) concentration of NaCl in the culture medium resulted in increased secretion of prostaglandin, expression of alkaline phosphatase, and expression of genes involved in extracellular matrix remodeling, but decreased compression-induced expression of the interleukin-6 (IL6) gene. The 40 mM concentration of NaCl also enhanced receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) but reduced that of osteoprotegerin (OPG), resulting in upregulated PDLF-mediated osteoclastogenesis. A high NaCl concentration in the periodontal ligament, corresponding to a high-salt diet in vivo, may influence orthodontic tooth movement and periodontitis through increased secretion of prostaglandins by PDLFs and upregulated PDLF-mediated osteoclastogenesis, possibly accelerating orthodontic tooth movement and propagating periodontitis and periodontal bone loss.


Suture Products and Techniques: What to Use, Where, and Why.
There are an increasing number of wound closure materials and suturing techniques described in the dermatologic and surgery literature. A dermatologic surgeon's familiarity with these materials and techniques is important to supplement his or her already established practices and improve surgical outcomes. To perform a thorough literature review of wound closure materials (sutures, tissue adhesives, surgical tape, and staples) and suturing techniques and to outline how and when to use them. A literature review was conducted using PubMed and other online search engines. Keywords searched included suture, tissue adhesive, tissue glue, surgical tape, staples, dermatologic suturing, and suturing techniques. Numerous articles outline the utility of various sutures, surgical adhesives, surgical tape, and staples in dermatologic surgery. In addition, there are various articles describing classic and novel suturing techniques along with their specific uses in cutaneous surgery. Numerous factors must be considered when choosing a wound closure material and suturing technique. These include wound tension, desire for wound edge eversion/inversion, desired hemostasis, repair type, patient's ability to care for the wound and return for suture removal, skin integrity, and wound location. Careful consideration of these factors and proper execution of suturing techniques can lead to excellent cosmetic results.