bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vivo transfection of testicular germ cells and transgenesis by using the mitochondrially localized jellyfish fluorescent protein gene
Authors: Huang Zhenyong , Tamura Masaru , Sakurai Takayuki , Chuma Shinichiro , Saito Tetsuichiro , Nakatsuji Norio
Published: July 2002

We aimed to introduce foreign DNA into spermatogenic cells in the testis by injection of the DNA encoding jellyfish fluorescent proteins, green fluorescent protein (GFP) and yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) into the seminiferous tubules and in vivo electroporation. We obtained fluorescent spermatozoa only when using the gene of the YFP protein fused to a mitochondrial localization signal peptide. Intracytoplasmic injection into oocytes of these spermatozoa gave fluorescent fetuses and pups. Almost all of the individuals produced from fluorescent spermatozoa were transgenic. We confirmed integration of the gene into chromosomes and its transmission into offspring. This is the first report of gene transfer into germ cells and subsequent production of transgenic offspring.
Expression of human apolipoprotein A‐I/C‐III/A‐IV gene cluster in mice reduces atherogenesis in response to a high fat‐high cholesterol diet
Authors: Baroukh N , Ostos M.A , Vergnes L , Recalde D , Staels B , Fruchart J.-C , Ochoa A , Castro G , Zakin M.M
Published: July 2002

We have previously generated transgenic (Tg) mice expressing the human apolipoprotein (apo) A‐I/C‐III/A‐IV gene cluster. This expression induced hyperlipidemia but reduced atherosclerotic lesions in genetically modified mice lacking apoE. Atherosclerosis is a multifactorial process and environmental factors such as diet play significant roles in its development. We examined here how an atherogenic diet influences the expression of the human genes and the characteristics of the Tg mice. Our results indicate that a high fat‐high cholesterol diet up‐regulates the intestinal expression of the three genes and the concentration of the three proteins in plasma. Cholesterol concentration was highly increased in the non‐high density lipoprotein (HDL) fraction, and less, although significantly, in the HDL fraction. Tgs showed a 65% reduction in diet‐induced aortic lesions compared with non‐Tg mice. Atherogenic diet increases the expression of the genes encoding the scavenger receptor class B type I (SR‐BI) and ATP binding cassette transporter 1 (ABCA1) proteins. As cholesterol efflux mediated by SR‐BI or by ABCA1 was enhanced in Tg mice fed an atherogenic diet, we can hypothesize that increased reverse cholesterol transport is the basis of the protective mechanism observed in these animals. In conclusion, we present evidence that the expression of the human gene cluster in mice protects against atherogenesis in response to an atherogenic diet.
Ceruloplasmin as low‐density lipoprotein oxidase: activation by ascorbate and dehydroascorbate
Authors: Feichtenhofer Sabine , Fabjan Judith S , Abuja Peter M
Published: July 2002

The ability of ceruloplasmin (Cp) to oxidize low‐density lipoproteins (LDL) in the presence of water‐soluble antioxidants was investigated and a reaction mechanism proposed. Ascorbate strongly enhanced LDL oxidation, but only after its rapid consumption. Dehydroascorbate enhanced Cp‐mediated LDL oxidation even more strongly. Lipid‐soluble antioxidants and water‐soluble peroxides did not show noticeable activation. However, loading of LDL with lipid hydroperoxides increased the initial oxidation rate. We conclude that Cp mediates a localized redox cycle, where reduction of Cp‐Cu2+ is effected by water‐soluble reductants and reoxidation by liposoluble hydroperoxides.
Arrestins expressed in killifish photoreceptor cells
Authors: Hisatomi Osamu , Imanishi Yoshikazu , Satoh Takunori , Tokunaga Fumio
Published: July 2002

Two kinds of cDNA fragments (KfhArr‐R and KfhArr‐C) encoding the putative arrestins of killifish,Oryzias latipes, were isolated. The distributions of these transcripts were investigated by in situ hybridization, and it was demonstrated that KfhArr‐R and KfhArr‐C are expressed in, respectively, rod and all four types of cone cells. The deduced amino acid sequences of KfhArr‐R and KfhArr‐C are closely related to human S‐antigen (rod arrestin) and X‐arrestin (cone arrestin), respectively. Phylogenetic analysis of arrestin sequences suggests that vertebrate visual arrestins form a single cluster distinct from other arrestins and diverged to form rod and cone subtypes before the divergence between teleosts and tetrapods. It is speculated that the divergence pattern of vertebrate visual arrestins may prove to be reflected in the divergence of the proteins participating in the respective phototransduction cascades.
The IL1 receptor accessory protein is responsible for the recruitment of the interleukin‐1 receptor associated kinase to the IL1/IL1 receptor I complex
Authors: Volpe Filippo , Clatworthy Jonathan , Kaptein Allard , Maschera Barbara , Griffin Anne-Marie , Ray Keith
Published: July 2002

Following interleukin‐1 (IL1) stimulation, an IL1 receptor associated kinase (IRAK) is rapidly recruited to the receptor complex. However, it is not understood if IRAK is able to interact directly with the intracellular portion of the IL1‐RI or if its recruitment is mediated by a different molecule. Using the yeast two‐hybrid system, we have analysed possible protein‐protein interactions between IRAK, IL1‐RI and IL1‐RAcP. We found that IRAK is able to interact with the equivalent cytoplasmic region of the IL1‐RAcP but is unable to interact with the cytoplasmic region of the IL1‐RI. Immunoprecipitation of the IL1‐RAcP followed by Western blot analysis using anti‐IRAK antibodies revealed that IRAK co‐precipitated with the IL1‐RAcP. We propose that, in non‐stimulated cells, IRAK is bound to the IL1‐RAcP and therefore, following IL1 stimulation, both molecules are recruited simultaneously to the IL1‐RI complex.
A role for the signal transduction protein PII in the control of nitrate/nitrite uptake in a cyanobacterium
Authors: Lee Hyun-Mi , Flores Enrique , Herrero Antonia , Houmard Jean , Tandeau de Marsac Nicole
Published: July 2002

In the cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. strain PCC 7942, ammonium exerts a rapid and reversible inhibition of the nitrate and nitrite uptake, and the PII protein (GlnB) is differentially phosphorylated depending on the intracellular N/C balance. RNA/DNA hybridizations, as well as nitrate and nitrite uptake experiments, were carried out with the wild‐type strain and a PII‐null mutant. The transcriptional control by ammonium of the expression of the nir‐nrtABCD‐narB operon remained operative in the mutant but, in contrast to the wild‐type strain, the mutant took up nitrate and nitrite even in the presence of ammonium. Moreover, the wild‐type phenotype was restored by insertion of a copy of the wild‐type glnB gene in the genome of the PII‐null mutant. These results indicate that the unphosphorylated form of PII is involved in the short‐term inhibition by ammonium of the nitrate and nitrite uptake in Synechococcus sp. strain PCC 7942.
The alkene monooxygenase from Xanthobacter Py2 is a binuclear non‐haem iron protein closely related to toluene 4‐monooxygenase
Authors: Zhou Ning-Yi , Jenkins Alistair , Chan Kwo Chion Chan K.N , Leak David J
Published: July 2002

The genes encoding the six polypeptide components of the alkene monooxygenase from Xanthobacter Py2 have been sequenced. The predicted amino acid sequence of the first ORF shows homology with the iron binding subunits of binuclear non‐haem iron containing monooxygenases including benzene monooxygenase, toluene 4‐monooxygenase (>60% sequence similarity) and methane monooxygenase (>40% sequence similarity) and that the necessary sequence motifs associated with iron co‐ordination are also present. Secondary structure prediction based on the amino acid sequence showed that the predominantly α‐helical structure that surrounds the binuclear iron binding site was conserved allowing the sequence to be modelled on the co‐ordinates of the methane monooxygenase α‐subunit. Significant differences in the residues forming the hydrophobic cavity which forms the substrate binding site are discussed with reference to the differences in reaction specificity and stereospecificity of binuclear non‐haem iron monooxygenases.
Truncated recombinant light harvesting complex II proteins are substrates for a protein kinase associated with photosystem II core complexes
Authors: Dilly-Hartwig Hans , Allen John F , Paulsen Harald , Race Helen L
Published: July 2002

Previous studies directed towards understanding phosphorylation of the chlorophyll a/b binding proteins comprising light harvesting complex II (LHC II) have concentrated on a single phosphorylation site located close to the N‐terminus of the mature proteins. Here we show that a series of recombinant pea Lhcb1 proteins, each missing an N‐terminal segment including this site, are nevertheless phosphorylated by a protein kinase associated with a photosystem II core complex preparation. An Lhcb1 protein missing the first 58 amino acid residues is not, however, phosphorylated. The results demonstrate that the LHC II proteins are phosphorylated at one or more sites, the implications of which are discussed.
Transgenic Cre recombinase expression in germ cells and early embryogenesis directs homogeneous and ubiquitous deletion of loxP‐flanked gene segments
Authors: Bergqvist Ingela , Eriksson Björn , Eriksson Maria , Holmberg Dan
Published: July 2002

We report on the establishment of a transgenic mouse line expressing Cre recombinase under control of the c‐kit promoter. Expression of Cre recombinase was only observed in late spermatogenesis and oogenesis, however, Cre‐mediated deletion of floxed gene segments occurred at this stage as well as in early embryogenesis. As a consequence of this, a chimeric distribution of loxed alleles was found in a large fraction of these mice. The chimerism was very homogeneous in different organs and tissues of the same individual but varied between different individual offspring. The potential uses for this mouse line are discussed.
Secondary structure of the C‐terminal domain of the tyrosyl‐transfer RNA synthetase from Bacillus stearothermophilus: a novel type of anticodon binding domain?
Authors: Pintar Alessandro , Guez Valerie , Castagné Claire , Bedouelle Hugues , Delepierre Muriel
Published: July 2002

The tyrosyl‐tRNA synthetase catalyzes the activation of tyrosine and its coupling to the cognate tRNA. The enzyme is made of two domains: an N‐terminal catalytic domain and a C‐terminal domain that is necessary for tRNA binding and for which it was not possible to determine the structure by X‐ray crystallography. We determined the secondary structure of the C‐terminal domain of the tyrosyl‐tRNA synthetase from Bacillus stearothermophilus by nuclear magnetic resonance methods and found that it is of the α+β type. Its arrangement differs from those of the other anticodon binding domains whose structure is known. We also found that the isolated C‐terminal domain behaves as a folded globular protein, and we suggest the presence of a flexible linker between the two domains.
Structural features of single amino acid repeats in proteins
Authors: Subirana Juan A , Palau Jaume
Published: July 2002

Single amino acid repeats are found in different kinds of proteins. Some of these repeats are pathogenic. It is striking that some amino acids are able to form such repeats, but other amino acids are not. We suggest an explanation for this fact based on the different tendency of each amino acid to form aggregates. Aggregation may be due to the formation of incipient lamellar crystals as they have been described in poly‐α‐amino acids and in most synthetic polymers.
Identification of a novel alternatively spliced septin
Authors: Fung Eric T. , Scheller Richard H.
Published: July 2002

Septins are a family of cytoskeletal proteins involved in cytokinesis, targeting of proteins to specific sites on the plasma membrane, and cellular morphogenesis. While many aspects of their function in cytokinesis in yeast cells have been investigated, the function of septins in mammalian cells is less well understood. For example, septins are present in post‐mitotic neurons, suggesting they have other roles in, for example, establishing cell polarity. The full extent of the septin gene family is not known in mammalian cells. To better understand the septin gene family, we have cloned and characterized a novel mammalian septin.
Aluminum fluoride inhibition of cabbage phospholipase D by a phosphate‐mimicking mechanism
Authors: Li Liang , Fleming Norman
Published: July 2002

Aluminum fluoride (AlF4
−) inhibited phospholipase D (PLD) purified from cabbage in both PIP2‐dependent and PIP2‐independent assays, consistent with its previously observed effect on mammalian PLD. The possibility that AlF4
− may exert this effect through its known phosphate‐mimicking property was examined. Inorganic phosphate, as well as two phosphate analogs, beryllium fluoride and orthovanadate, also inhibited cabbage PLD. Enzyme kinetic studies confirmed that PLD followed Hill kinetics, characteristic for allosteric enzymes, with an apparent Hill coefficient (n
app) of 3.8, indicating positive cooperativity among multiple substrate‐binding sites and suggesting possible functional oligomerization of the enzyme. AlF4
− modification of PLD kinetics was consistent with a competitive mode of enzyme inhibition. It is therefore proposed that AlF4
−, and other phosphate analogs, inhibits plant PLD by competing with a substrate phosphate group for a substrate‐binding site, thereby preventing the formation of an enzyme‐phosphatidyl intermediate. This may be a conserved feature of PLD superfamily enzymes.
The T3bgene promoter directs intestinal epithelial cell‐specific expression in transgenic mice
Authors: Aihara Hiroyuki , Hiwatashi Nobuo , Kumagai Shinji , Obata Yuhichi , Shimosegawa Tooru , Toyota Takayoshi , Miyazaki Jun-ichi
Published: July 2002

Although a few promoters that direct intestinal epithelial cell‐specific expression in transgenic animals have been reported, they are not necessarily appropriate for transgenic studies in terms of activity and tissue specificity. Here, we examined the tissue specificity of transgene expression directed by the 2.8‐kb promoter region of the T3bgene, which encodes one of the non‐classical major histocompatibility complex class I molecules. The transgene was expressed exclusively in the epithelial cells of the small and large intestines at high levels. The results indicate that the T3bpromoter is useful for directing transgene expression specifically in intestinal epithelial cells.
Experimental comparison of Web, electronic and mail survey technologies in operations management
Authors: Klassen Robert D. , Jacobs Jennifer
Published: July 2002

With the growing acceptance of the Web (Internet) and electronic mail, it is no surprise that researchers are using an increasingly diverse set of survey technologies to gather data from managers. However, the effectiveness of these electronic technologies has not been rigorously assessed, especially for gathering data from establishment‐level surveys (i.e. firm‐ or plant‐level). To that end, a stratified sample of large and small, service and manufacturing firms was constructed, followed by random assignment to one of four survey technologies: mail, fax, PC disk‐by‐mail and Web‐page survey (combined with e‐mail notification). For each treatment, managers are queried about their use of forecasting characteristics, yielding a sample of 118 firms. Unfortunately, only a low percentage (34%) of firms and managers assigned to the Web technology treatment both reported access to e‐mail and were willing provide their e‐mail addresses; they tended to be large firms and from the service sector. Moreover, those that did offer e‐mail addresses were only about half as likely to respond to the Web‐based survey as those targeted by other survey technologies. However, Web, fax and disk‐by‐mail technologies yielded higher item completion rates than mail. Limited statistical evidence indicated that respondents using computer‐based survey technologies (i.e. Web or disk‐by‐mail) generally reported forecasting characteristics that are associated with firms exhibiting best practices. Thus, a multi‐technology survey approach using the Web and fax can yield a strong combination of benefits over a traditional mail survey.
Carrageenan‐induced subacromial bursitis caused changes in the rat's rotator cuff
Authors: Tillander Bo , Franzén Lennart E. , Nilsson Elise , Norlin Rolf
Published: July 2002

This study was designed to investigate the histologic expression of the rat's supra‐ and infraspinatus tendons in carrageenan‐induced subacromial bursitis. Thirty‐two rats received subacromial injections with carrageenan (n= 28) or saline (n= 4). The tendons were analysed microscopically after staining with hematoxyline eosin, Van Giesons hematoxyline and immunofluorescent staining of fibronectin and fibrinogen. In the controls (saline × 10) and group A (carrageenan × 5) there were no changes in the tendons. In group B (carrageenan × 10) 3/8 rats showed macrophages between the collagen fibres and an increased staining of fibronectin. In group C (double dosis carrageenan) all rats had signs of fibrocartilaginous metaplasia in the supraspinatus tendon. In eight of these specimens even bony metaplasia was seen. The infraspinatus tendon showed fibrosis but no fibro‐cartilaginous metaplasia. The results showed that iatrogenic bursitis after carrageenan subacromial injections was associated with marked changes of the supraspinatus tendon. © 2001 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
The effects of neonatal basal forebrain lesions oncognition : towards understanding the developmental roleof the cholinergic basal forebrain
Authors: Berger‐Sweeney Joanne
Published: July 2002

Abnormal development of the cholinergic basal forebrain has been implicated innumerous developmental disabilities such as Rett Syndrome and Down Syndrome. This reviewsummarizes recent data using two rodent animal models that involve interrupting cholinergic basalforebrain projections on postnatal day 1 and postnatal day 7 when basal forebrain fibers arebeginning to innervate their neocortical and hippocampal targets, respectively. In one model,electrolytic lesions in mice aimed at the basal forebrain on postnatal day 1 transiently reducecholinergic markers in neocortex which induce permanent alterations in neocortical anatomy thatcorrelate with impairments on cognitive tasks. Furthermore, the lesion effects are sex dependent.In another model, 192 IgG saporin lesions in rats on postnatal day 7 permanently reducecholinergic markers in neocortex and hippocampus, and result in mild impairments in spatialprocessing, acquisition and exploratory activities. These data suggest that during the firstpostnatal week of development the cholinergic basal forebrain system is critical for normalneocortical differentiation and, possibly synaptogenesis in neural circuits that will be important forspatial memory and acquisition of spatial data. During the second postnatal week of development,the cholinergic basal forebrain system appears to take on a role largely similar to its adult role inselective attention and processing of new information. These studies also suggest strongly thatinterrupting cholinergic basal forebrain innervation of neocortex and hippocampus leads toanatomical and neurochemical abnormalities that may serve as neural substrates for some of thecognitive deficits seen in disorders such as Rett Syndrome and Down Syndrome.
Mechanisms of apoptosis in embryonic cortical neurons (E6 and E7) in culture involve lipid signalling, protein phosphorylation and caspase activation
Authors: Dawson Glyn
Published: July 2002

Cultured embryonic (E7) chick neurons, derived from cerebral hemispheres, underwent apoptosis in response to inhibitors of protein kinase C (staurosporine) and phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase (wortmannin and LY294002), in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. This was monitored by loss of cell viability, increased DNA fragmentation, and activation of caspase‐3‐like activity, all of which were partially reversed by elevating the level of cAMP in the cells with Bt2cAMP or (Sp)cAMPS. Further studies revealed that an early step in apoptosis was the formation of ceramide from sphingomyelin, resulting from the activation of a neutral pH sphingomyelinase activity. Thus inhibitors of protein kinase C and phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase increased ceramide levels in the same time‐frame as caspase‐3 activation and DNA fragmentation. Neurons could also be killed by the addition of either water‐soluble C2‐ceramide (30 μM) or natural C22/24 ceramide (0.5 μM). In contrast to the apparent protective effect of ser/thr protein phosphorylation, a pro‐apoptotic role for tyrosine phosphate phosphorylation was suggested by the ability of protein tyrosine phosphate phosphatase inhibitor, Bis(maltolato)oxovanadium (IV) (BMOV), to induce apoptosis in E7CH neurons. Thus BMOV (25 μM) killed 50% of E7CH neurons and B lymphocytes but not glial cells, or T‐lymphocytes, suggesting the existence of a common apoptotic pathway in neurons and B‐cells.

We conclude that the major pathway for programmed cell death in embryonic chick neurons has many elements in common with that described for other cells but that there may be some unique aspects which can be used to protect embryonic neurons from opioid and other drug‐enhanced apoptosis.
Ecstasy and dementia in a young subject
Authors: Granato P , Weill S , Revillon JJ
Published: July 2002

We report a cerebrovascular accident after Ecstasy (MDMA) intake which induced a frontal dementia in a young man.
Levels of anxiety, depression and denial in patients with myocardial infarction
Authors: Sarantidis D , Thomas A , Iphantis K , Katsaros N , Tripodianakis J , Katsabouris G
Published: July 2002

In this study we investigated 1) the changes in anxiety, depression and denial from admission to discharge in patients admitted to the intensive care unit following an acute myocardial infarction and 2) the effect of smoking habits, time lapsed from the appearance of symptoms to seeking help behavior, presence of a person that motivated the patient to seek help, previous myocardial infarction (MI) and family history of MI, on these changes. The results indicated that 1) the levels of both anxiety and depression increased from admission to discharge, while denial decreased; 2) positive family history of MI was associated with lower difference of denial between admission and discharge.
Sulpiride adjunction to clozapine in treatment-resistant schizophrenic patients: a preliminary case series study
Authors: Shiloh R , Zemishlany Z , Aizenberg D , Weizman A
Published: July 2002

Six chronic neuroleptic-resistant schizophrenic patients, partial responders to clozapine, were co-administered 600 mg/day of sulpiride (a selective D2 dopaminergic antagonist) as an augmentation to clozapine (a relatively weak D2 blocker), for 10 weeks, open-labeled. A remarkable reduction in positive and negative symptoms was observed in four of the six patients.
Inter-rater reliability of two depression rating scales, MADRS and DRRS, based on videotape records of structured interviews
Authors: Corruble E , Purper D , Payan C , Guelfi JD
Published: July 2002

The inter-rater reliability of the French versions of the MADRS and the DRRS was studied on the basis of 58 videotape records of structured standardised interviews of depressed inpatients under antidepressant treatment. Each patient was assessed by two trained raters, from the same videotape recording. The inter-rater reliability of total scores was high with both scales (intra-class correlation coefficients: 0.86 for MADRS and 0.77 for DRRS). However, the inter-rater reliability for individual items was higher and more homogeneous for the MADRS than for the DRRS. Finally, the structured interview in French appears to be relevant for the MADRS, but it should be improved for the DRRS.
Comparing onset of effect of antidepressants: Pragmatic considerations on methods and end-points
Authors: Hackett D
Published: July 2002

There is no accepted definition of what constitutes onset of antidepressant effect, and this limits evaluation of the validity of many comparative reports. In order to clarify the nature of the comparative methodology required, it is proposed that two distinct research questions are separated conceptually: 1) when do antidepressant drugs begin to clinically act? and 2) do all antidepressant drugs produce relief of symptoms in patients within a similar time period? A methodological distinction may also be made in terms of whether to assess the onset of effect of an antidepressant as having an absolute quality (“fast”) or as being fast relative to other treatments (“faster”). The choice of aim will help to define the methodological approach, the applicability of the findings and the difficulties to be addressed. Describing an antidepressant as showing a “fast” or “faster” onset of response requires that any description attempts to define (in terms that may be generalised) the nature of the comparison (faster than what?), the nature of the effect (faster to do what?) and the population in whom this effect may be expected (faster in whom?). Some details of methodological approaches are reviewed, and suggestions for study designs are made.
Is Cuba Different? Regime Stability, Social Change, and the Problem of Reform Strategy
Authors: Pickel Andreas
Published: July 2002

The survival of socialism in Cuba eight years after the collapse of Communist regimes in Eastern Europe has come as a surprise to many observers. This analysis surveys Cuba's current economic, political and social conditions, discusses regime stability and reform pressures in light of the Eastern European experience, and identifies the major processes and sources of social change. The same factors that account for the survival of the regime—charismatic leadership and the fusion of nationalism and socialism, reinforced by a confrontationist US foreign policy—open a window of opportunity for an approach to fundamental reform that could avoid the costs of both neoliberal radicalism and political immobilism. The analysis concludes by sketching the main elements of such an alternative reform strategy.
Dead ends and new beginnings: the quest for a procedural republic in Poland
Authors: Jasiewicz Krzysztof
Published: July 2002

The article, by juxtaposing the Polish and the American democratic consolidations, examines the deficiencies of the state transformation in Poland, focusing specifically on the conflict between a procedural and a substantive interpretation of democratic order. The analysis of the act that initiated the process of transition to democracy, the Roundtable Accord of 1989, is followed by a case study of an imperfect consensus and political compromise, the choices of electoral laws. After discussion of some other cases of ill-conceived institutional designs, the article concludes with an analysis of the socio-political background of the institutional transformation in Poland.
Monitoring patients with left ventricular failure by electrical impedance tomography
Authors: Noble Timothy J. , Morice Alyn H. , Channer Kevin S. , Milnes Peter , Harris Nigel D. , Brown Brian H.
Published: July 2002

Acute left ventricular failure (LVF) is a common medical emergency but detection and monitoring of pulmonary oedema remains problematic. Fluid is an important determinant of tissue impedance. Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is a non‐invasive technique allowing localisation of impedance changes within tissue. We have investigated the relationship between LVF and the electrical impedance of lung tissue. Twenty patients with a clinical diagnosis of acute left ventricular failure were compared with 30 normal subjects. Patients were monitored using serial chest radiographs and electrical impedance tomography measurements of lung impedance during hospital admission. Radiographs were graded according to the severity of pulmonary oedema by two independent radiologists. Lung impedance was significantly (P < 0.0001) lower than normal in patients with left ventricular failure. Values returned towards the normal range as LVF resolved. There was a similar improvement in the score of the chest radiographs. The electrical impedance of the lung is low in left ventricular failure and increases following treatment.
Advances in the treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer
Authors: Ali Fadwa , Keshinro Ajaratu , Weiser Martin R.
Published: August 2020

Locally advanced rectal cancer requires multidisciplinary care. In the United States, most patients are treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiation delivered over 25‐28 days, total mesorectal excision, and 4 months of adjuvant chemotherapy. While effective, this trimodal approach is arduous. Alternative approaches have emerged to streamline treatment without sacrificing oncologic outcomes. These approaches include preoperative chemotherapy with selective use of radiation, short‐course radiotherapy delivered over 5 days, and total neoadjuvant therapy with attempted nonoperative organ‐preserving management (watch and wait). Ongoing trials are assessing the efficacies of these approaches in combination with various risk stratification strategies.
Retracted: Local pressure for inhomogeneous fluids
Authors: Dufty James , Wrighton Jeffrey , Luo Kai
Published: August 2020

Definitions for a local pressure in an inhomogeneous fluid are considered for both equilibrium and local equilibrium states. Thermodynamic and mechanical (hydrodynamic) contexts are reconciled. Remaining problems and uncertainties are discussed.
Preparation and properties of high‐strength‐high‐modulus polyimide cords/natural rubber composites
Authors: Hu Xiaojun , Zhang Mengying , Sun Guohua , Huang Wei , Niu Hongqing , Wu Dezhen
Published: August 2020

High‐strength‐high‐modulus polyimide (PI) cords reinforced natural rubber (NR) composites are prepared, and the PI cords are treated with resorcinol‐formaldehyde‐latex (RFL) adhesive to enhance the interfacial adhesion with NR matrix. The influence of RFL adhesive variables, such as the ratio of R/F and RF/L, on the adhesion between PI cords and NR is investigated. Furthermore, sorbitol glycidyl ether (SGE) and caprolactam blocked methylene diisocyanate (CBI) are adhered to the surface of the PI cords through a dip‐coating procedure to introduce epoxy and NCO groups and graft with more RFL adhesive. The H pull‐out force of SGE/CBI‐RFL treated PI cords/NR composites reaches as high as 193.9 N, which is 580% higher than that of untreated PI ones. Additionally, the SGE/CBI‐RFL treated PI cords/NR composites exhibit superior adhesion, aging, and fatigue resistance together with better mechanical properties as compared with SGE/CBI‐RFL treated poly(para‐phenylene terephtalamide) (PPTA) cords/NR composites.
Preparation and properties of nano ZnO toughed phenol–urea‐formaldehyde foam
Authors: Wang Zixuan , Zheng Ting , Lu Chunrui , Guo Xiaona , Xiao Haiying , Jia Jin , Zhang Dongxing
Published: August 2020

Urea formaldehyde (UF) and phenol formaldehyde (PF) foam possess outstanding flame‐retardant properties, excellent insulation, and low thermal conductivity. These properties make them suitable for thermal insulation in buildings. However, the mechanical properties still need to be improved. In this study, orthogonal test was designed to optimize the level components of PF/UF composite foam first, then nano ZnO was added to the PF/UF composite foam to improve its toughness. The effects of nano ZnO on the morphology, apparent density, pulverization rate, thermal conductivity and thermal degradation property, flame retardancy, and mechanical properties of the ZnO/PF/UF nanocomposite foam were studied. The addition of nano ZnO improved the bending and compressive strength and decreased the pulverization rate of the composite foam significantly. The ZnO/PF/UF nanocomposite foam also presented better flame retardant properties than PF/UF composite foam. The largest oxygen index values of ZnO/PF/UF nanocomposite foam could reach 39.31%, while the thermal conductivity and the maximum rate of weight loss temperature were increased to 0.036 W/(m∙K) and 279°C, respectively. Moreover, ZnO/PF/UF nanocomposite foam showed low apparent density property (0.27 g/cm3).
Chitosan hydrogel covalently crosslinked by gold nanoparticle: Eliminating the use of toxic crosslinkers
Authors: Tenório Fernanda Silva , do Amaral Montanheiro Thaís Larissa , dos Santos Alexandre Martins Isaias , dos Santos Silva Mateus , Lemes Ana Paula , Tada Dayane Batista
Published: August 2020

Tissue engineering has directed a lot of effort toward the development of devices with suitable biocompatibility and mechanical properties. Chitosan has been pointed as a valuable material to be applied in scaffolds due to its antimicrobial activity and biocompatibility. Nevertheless, the low mechanical resistance associated with the requirement of toxic crosslinkers has hampered translational application of chitosan hydrogel. Herein, the use of gold nanoparticles (AuNP) as crosslinker is reported as a great strategy to obtain chitosan hydrogel without using toxic reactants. In addition, the resultant chitosan hydrogel, crosslinked by AuNP of 30 nm (AuNP30), presented outstanding properties compared to chitosan hydrogel crosslinked by glutaraldehyde. Chitosan hydrogel crosslinked by AuNP30 presented lower porosity, which provided lower swelling degree and slower degradation rate. In addition, compressive strength was about two times higher than the chitosan hydrogel crosslinked by glutaraldehyde. The crosslink by AuNP30 also increased the biocompatibility of the hydrogel. Chitosan hydrogel crosslinked by AuNP30 did not show cytotoxicity against MEF cells, whereas cell viability of cells incubated with extract from chitosan hydrogel crosslinked by glutaraldehyde was only 41%. In conclusion, the results reported herein pointed that the use of AuNP30 as crosslinker agent provided to chitosan hydrogel enhanced properties that made it suitable to application in biomedical devices.
Effect of clinoptilolite on structure and drug release behavior of chitosan/thyme oil γ‐Cyclodextrin inclusion compound hydrogels
Authors: Moradi Sara , Barati Abolfazl , Tonelli Alan E. , Hamedi Hamid
Published: August 2020

Chitosan‐based hydrogels involving γ‐cyclodextrin inclusion compounds of thyme oil were prepared by freeze–thaw cycling method. Clinoptilolite as a natural zeolite was added to investigate its effects on the structural, mechanical, and drug release behaviors of the hydrogels. Zeolite compressed the structure and improved mechanical properties, which decreased swelling values. Release of thyme oil in prepared hydrogels were investigated by UV spectroscopy and drug release mechanism was evaluated by applying various mathematical methods. Rates of water vapor transmission of the samples were calculated as 2247–2998 g m−2 day−1 which are all in the range of an ideal wound dressing. Hydrogels with clinoptilolite had slower drug release (from 56% to 24% for hydrogels containing zeolite 1%) in comparison with that of without zeolite. Based on MTT assay, samples were low‐toxic. Obtained results suggest that drug loaded hydrogels can be applied in biomedical field including drug delivery systems and wound dressings.
UV‐shielding antimicrobial zein films blended with essential oils for active food packaging
Authors: Kaur Manjot , Santhiya Deenan
Published: August 2020

A comprehensive study on zein film blended with glycerol and essential oils (EOs) is presented in this work. In particular, ultra violet (UV) shielding property and antimicrobial efficacy of developed active zein films (ZF) are tested. The fabricated films show zero transmittance in the UV region as compare to commercial poly‐film which shows 40%–80% of UV transmittance. Results show that films are effective against spoilage microorganisms. The incorporation of EOs in ZF significantly reduces the growth of microbes over fruit samples since day 3. Physical interactions existing between EOs along with glycerol and zein provide considerable barrier properties. The glass transition temperature of the film comes out to be 47.7°C having the tensile strength of 1.21 ± 0.05 MPa. TGA curves show major weight loss in the range of 220–375°C. In conclusion, edible active ZF can be used as healthy packages over food and drug to increase their shelf life.
Robotic prostatectomy after abandoned open radical prostatectomy—Technical aspects and outcomes
Authors: O’Connor E. , Koschel S. , Bagguley D. , Sathianathen N. J. , Cumberbatch M. G. , Thangasamy I. A. , Moon D. , Murphy D. G.
Published: August 2020

Objective

To describe the technical aspects and outcomes of robotic‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) following abandoned open radical prostatectomy (ORP).

Patients and Methods

A retrospective review was performed of patients who underwent RARP following abandonment of ORP between 2016 and 2020. RARP was undertaken by two highly experienced robotic surgeons. Analysis of patient and operative characteristics, outcomes, and reasons for abandonment of ORP were described.

Results

Six patients were included for analysis with a median age of 63.5 years [50.3‐67.5]. The median body mass index (BMI) was 34.7 [27.8‐36.2]. All patients had intermediate‐risk prostate cancer. Small prostate and deep pelvis were given as reasons for abandoning ORP in five cases (83.3%), with four of these also attributing increased BMI as a factor. Extensive mesh from previous bilateral inguinal hernia repair was cited as the reason for abandonment in the remaining patient. One patient had commenced androgen deprivation therapy following abandoned ORP. Extensive retropubic adhesions were noted at the time of RARP in five of six patients, with intraoperative complication of small bladder lacerations encountered in the patient with prior mesh hernia repair. The median time from abandoned ORP to RARP was 128 days [40‐216]. Median operating time was 160 minutes [139‐190] and estimated blood loss was 225 mL [138‐375]. Negative margins were obtained in four of six cases, with further salvage treatment being required in one case at a median follow‐up duration of 10.5 months [6.5‐25.3].

Conclusion

Abandonment of ORP is an uncommonly reported event, however, in this small case series, we demonstrate that, in the hands of experienced surgeons, RARP is a safe and technically feasible alternative in such cases. Increased BMI, small prostate size and pelvic anatomical constraints appear to be common catalysts for abandonment of open surgery in this cohort. Identifying these high‐risk patients early and considering referral to robotic centers may be preferred.
Potential effectiveness of local radiotherapy for extending survival and reducing symptomatic local events in patients with de novo metastatic prostate cancer
Authors: Terada Naoki , Mizowaki Takashi , Saito Toshihiro , Yokomizo Akira , Kohei Naoki , Tabata Ken‐ichi , Shiota Masaki , Takahashi Atsushi , Shimazui Toru , Goto Takayuki , Hashimoto Yasuhiro , Fujii Masato , Tomida Ryotaro , Sakurai Toshihiko , Hashimoto Kohei , Kawamura Sadafumi , Teraoka Shogo , Sakamoto Shinichi , Kimura Takahiro , Kamiyama Manabu , Narita Shintaro , Tanaka Nobumichi , Kato Takuma , Kato Masashi , Osawa Takahiro , Kojima Takahiro , Inoue Takahiro , Sugimoto Mikio , Nishiyama Hiroyuki , Kamoto Toshiyuki ,   Japanese Urological Oncology Group
Published: August 2020

Objectives

To evaluate the association between the use of local radiotherapy (RT) with the survival of patients with de novo metastatic prostate cancer and symptomatic local events (SLEs).

Patients and methods

Patients were initially diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer between 2008 and 2017 at 30 institutes in Japan. Prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) progression‐free survival (PSA‐PFS) under initial androgen deprivation therapy and overall survival (OS) was compared between patients receiving local RT (RT group) and no RT (no‐RT group) by multivariate Cox proportional hazard analyses. The occurrence rate of grade ≥2 SLEs was compared by multivariate logistic regression analyses. Propensity score matching (PSM) analyses were performed to compare PSA‐PFS and OS of the groups in the high and low metastatic burden cohort.

Results

Two hundred and five (7%) of 2829 patients received RT before PSA progression. Median PSA‐PFS and OS were significantly longer in the RT group than in the no‐RT group and the difference was significant in multivariate analyses (HR = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.33‐0.57 and HR = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.27‐0.60, respectively). The occurrence rate of grade ≥2 SLEs was significantly lower in the RT group (2%) than the no‐RT group (9%) and the difference was significant in multivariate analyses (HR = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.10‐0.76). Using PSM analyses, PSA‐PFS and OS remained significantly different (HR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.46‐0.89 and HR = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.30‐0.72, respectively), between the RT (n = 182) and the no‐RT (n = 182) groups. The difference in OS was significant in the high metastatic burden cohort (HR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.37‐0.81).

Conclusions

Addition of local RT to standard treatment for de novo metastatic prostate cancer patients tends to have the potential to extend survival, even in patients with high metastatic burden, and to reduce SLEs.
FMRI activation to cannabis odor cues is altered in individuals at risk for a cannabis use disorder
Authors: Kleinhans Natalia M. , Sweigert Julia , Blake Matthew , Douglass Bradley , Doane Braden , Reitz Fredrick , Larimer Mary
Published: August 2020

Introduction

The smell of cannabis is a cue with universal relevance to cannabis users. However, most cue reactivity imaging studies have solely utilized visual images, auditory imagery scripts, or tactile cues in their experiments. This study introduces a multimodal cue reactivity paradigm that includes picture, odor, and bimodal picture + odor cues.

Methods

Twenty‐eight adults at risk for cannabis use disorder (CUD; defined as at least weekly use and Substance Involvement Score of ≥4 on the Cannabis sub‐test of the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test) and 26 cannabis‐naive controls were exposed to cannabis and floral cues during event‐related fMRI. Between‐group differences in fMRI activation and correlations were tested using FMRIB’s Local Analyses of Mixed Effects and corrected for multiple comparisons using a voxelwise threshold of z > 2.3 and a corrected cluster threshold of p < .05.

Results

Both visual and olfactory modalities resulted in significant activation of craving and reward systems, with cannabis odor cues eliciting a significantly greater response in regions mediating anticipation and reward (nucleus accumbens, pallidum, putamen, and anterior insular cortex, supplementary motor area, angular gyrus and superior frontal gyrus) and cannabis picture cues eliciting a significantly greater response in the occipital cortex and amygdala. Furthermore, the CUD group showed significantly increased activation in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), the insula, and the pallidum compared to controls. Within the CUD group, activation in the insula, anterior cingulate, and occipital cortex to bimodal cannabis cues was significantly correlated with self‐reported craving.

Conclusion

Our multimodal cue reactivity paradigm is sensitive to neural adaptations associated with problematic cannabis use.
Association between glutathione peroxidase‐3 activity and carotid atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Ling Ping , Shan Wanying , Zhai Guojie , Qiu Chunfang , Liu Yuan , Xu Yuan , Yang Xiuyan
Published: August 2020

Background and Aims

Deficiency of glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPx3) has been recognized as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events. However, little is known regarding the role of GPx3 in carotid atherosclerosis, which is ubiquitously observed in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study aimed to investigate the relationship between GPx3 activity and carotid atherosclerosis among patients with T2DM.

Methods

From January 2018 to December 2018, 245 consecutive patients with T2DM were enrolled in this observational study. Assessment of serum GPx3 activity was performed after admission. We also used carotid ultrasound to measure the mean carotid intima–media thickness (CIMT) and to assess the presence of carotid plaque.

Results

Of the 245 patients, the median serum GPx3 activity was 22.5 U/ml (interquartile range, 12.4–35.9 U/ml). Carotid plaque was observed in 113 (46.1%) patients, and mean CIMT was 0.8 ± 0.1 mm. Univariate analysis showed that age, smoking, previous coronary heart disease, carotid plaque, and level of mean CIMT and hypersensitive C‐reactive protein were significantly associated with decreasing tertile of GPx3. Furthermore, after adjusting for all potential confounders by multivariable logistic regression analysis, PGx3 activity was significantly and independently associated with the mean CIMT (β = −.406, p = .002) and carotid plaque (first tertile of GPx3, odds ratio, 1.870, 95% confidence intervals, 1.124–3.669, p = .024).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that serum GPx3 activity was inversely associated with mean CIMT and carotid plaque, suggesting that lower GPx3 activity may be an independent predictor for carotid atherosclerosis in T2DM.
Using machine‐learning approach to distinguish patients with methamphetamine dependence from healthy subjects in a virtual reality environment
Authors: Ding Xinfang , Li Yuanhui , Li Dai , Li Ling , Liu Xiuyun
Published: August 2020

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether machine learning (ML) can be used to distinguish patients with methamphetamine dependence from healthy controls by using their surface electroencephalography (EEG) and galvanic skin response (GSR) in a drug‐simulated virtual reality (VR) environment.

Methods

A total of 333 participants with methamphetamine (METH) dependence and 332 healthy control subjects were recruited between January 2018 and January 2019. EEG (five electrodes) and GSR signals were collected under four VR environments: one neutral scenario and three METH‐simulated scenarios. Three ML classification techniques were evaluated: random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), and logistic regression (LR).

Results

The MANOVA showed no interaction effects among the two subject groups and the 4 VR scenarios. Taking patient groups as the main effect, the METH user group had significantly lower GSR, lower EEG power in delta (p < .001), and alpha bands (p < .001) than healthy subjects. The EEG power of beta band (p < .001) and gamma band (p < .001) was significantly higher in METH group than the control group. Taking the VR scenarios (Neutral versus METH‐VR) as the main effects, the GSR, EEG power in delta, theta, and alpha bands in neutral scenario were significantly higher than in the METH‐VR scenario (p < .001). The LR algorithm showed the highest specificity and sensitivity in distinguishing methamphetamine‐dependent patients from healthy controls.

Conclusion

The study shows the potential of using machine learning to distinguish methamphetamine‐dependent patients from healthy subjects by using EEG and GSR data. The LR algorithm shows the best performance comparing with SVM and RF algorithm.