cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vegans report less bothersome vasomotor and physical menopausal symptoms than omnivores.

Abstract Objectives Lifestyle modifications that may reduce menopausal symptoms have generated much interest. The vegetarian diet has been associated with a lower risk of chronic disease as well as a more healthy hormonal milieu. Our objective in this cross-sectional study was to survey peri- and postmenopausal women to investigate menopausal symptoms and dietary pattern. Study design Survey distribution in 2015–2016 was aimed at female vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores between the ages of 45 and 80 years, who were active on senior and vegetarian social networking websites and at vegan restaurants and events. Main outcome measures: We investigated vasomotor and physical symptoms as measured by the Menopause-specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MENQOL) and dietary pattern classified by animal protein intakes reported in response to food frequency questions. Results Out of 754 participants who completed the survey, 604 reported they were perimenopausal (n = 121) or postmenopausal (n = 483), of whom 539 also completed the food frequency questions. We compared vasomotor and physical symptoms in omnivores (n = 304, consumed meat and/or poultry at least monthly) and vegans (n = 125, abstained from all animal proteins) using general linear models; covariates included age, exercise, hormone replacement therapy, presence of reproductive organs, and age at menopause. Among perimenopausal women, vegans reported less bothersome vasomotor (p Conclusion Eating a plant-based diet may be helpful for women in menopausal transition who prefer a natural means to manage their symptoms.
Mechanisms of Wnt signaling and control

The Wnt signaling pathway is a highly conserved system that regulates complex biological processes across all metazoan species. At the cellular level, secreted Wnt proteins serve to break symmetry and provide cells with positional information that is critical to the patterning of the entire body plan. At the organismal level, Wnt signals are employed to orchestrate fundamental developmental processes, including the specification of the anterior-posterior body axis, induction of the primitive streak and ensuing gastrulation movements, and the generation of cell and tissue diversity. Wnt functions extend into adulthood where they regulate stem cell behavior, tissue homeostasis, and damage repair. Disruption of Wnt signaling activity during embryonic development or in adults results in a spectrum of abnormalities and diseases, including cancer. The molecular mechanisms that underlie the myriad of Wnt-regulated biological effects have been the subject of intense research for over three decades. This review is intended to summarize our current understanding of how Wnt signals are generated and interpreted. This article is categorized under: Biological Mechanisms > Cell Signaling Developmental Biology > Stem Cell Biology and Regeneration.
Ewald, J Richard

J. Richard Ewald (1855–1921) was a German physiologist to whom we owe important insights concerning vestibular function. He is best known for ‘Ewald's second law,’ which implies that in persons who have lost inner ear function on one side, the remaining side should produce higher velocity nystagmus when the head is being rotated toward the remaining intact ear (ampullopetal), but less when the head is being rotated toward the side of vestibular loss.
Phenotyping antibiotic resistance with single-cell resolution for the detection of heteroresistance

Abstract Antibiotic resistance has emerged as an imminent threat to public health. It is also increasingly recognized to be a heterogeneous phenomenon: a population of bacteria, found in vivo or in vitro, often consists of a mixture of cells that have different degrees of resistance to antibiotics. The conventional metric to measure antibiotic resistance based on an ensemble-average minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) fails to characterize the heterogeneity present within a bacterial population. This work describes a droplet microfluidics method to encapsulate single cells from a population consisting of a mixture of antibiotic-sensitive and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Co-encapsulating viability probe alamarBlue with the cells allows the use of fluorescent drops as a read-out for drops that contain live cells after their exposure to antibiotics. Enumerating the fluorescent drops thus gives the number of resistant cells in the population. Our method enables the quantitative phenotyping of heterogeneous resistance, or heteroresistance, with single-cell resolution. We show that it is possible to detect a resistant sub-population that comprises as low as 10−6 of the entire population of cells. Such high resolution further allows us to measure the evolution of heteroresistance arising from the exposure of a homogeneous isogenic culture of susceptible cells to sub-lethal dosages of antibiotics. We demonstrate an application of this system to characterize genetic determinants of antimicrobial resistance emergence. The high resolution of phenotypic detection and quantification of minority variants demonstrated in this work has the potential to facilitate the elucidation of the mechanisms underlying heteroresistance. Such understanding will in turn inform the best practices for antibiotic use and containment of antimicrobial resistance in a wide range of settings from agriculture and aquaculture to disease management. Clinically, the ability to quantify and track the composition of a bacterial population will benefit the decision-making process in both the diagnosis and the treatment of bacterial infections, and will ultimately improve patient outcome and avert the spread of resistant populations.
A Comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from U.S. Household Food Choices

Abstract Changes in diet have been proposed as one way to reduce carbon emissions from the food system. But evidence on the implications of changing to low carbon food choices for both diet quality and food affordability are limited in the U.S. The objective of this study was to (a) estimate greenhouse gas emissions (GHGEs) from U.S. household food purchases; (b) examine the source of GHGEs across U.S. food production industries and stages of the supply chain; and (c) show the association between GHGEs and spending by food categories and household sociodemographics. GHGEs from food expenditures made by households participating in the National Household Food Acquisition and Purchase Survey were calculated using Economic Input-Output Life Cycle Assessment. Results indicate that food purchases accounted for 16% of U.S. GHGEs in 2013 and average weekly household GHGEs were 71.8 kg carbon dioxide equivalents per standard adult. 68% of average weekly household GHGEs from food spending came from agriculture and food manufacturing stages of the food supply chain. Industries that produce animal proteins accounted for 30% of average weekly household GHGEs, the largest share of any food industry. Households generating the highest levels of GHGEs spent a significantly larger share of their food budget on protein foods compared to households generating lower levels of GHGEs. White households and those with higher education levels generated more GHGEs from food spending compared to non-white and less educated households. Overall these findings inform the ongoing debate about which diets or food spending patterns in the U.S. are best for mitigating GHGEs in the food system and if they are feasible for consumers to purchase.
Overview of Stem Cell Transplantation for Lymphoma

Although the cure rate for many types of lymphoma has increased with the use of chemotherapy and monoclonal antibody treatment, approximately 50% of lymphoma patients will relapse and be candidates for either autologous or allogeneic transplantation. In this section, we examine the results of clinical transplantation in low-grade, intermediate, and high-grade lymphoma. We also review the results of older patients with lymphoma. Finally, we discuss the emerging and exciting results with the use of umbilical cord blood for patients without matched related or unrelated donors.
Metamorphosis: An Overview

With metamorphosis it is easy to know where to start, but hard to know where to stop. The big metamorphoses make a great impression. Ovid must have known of them in naming his great poem that is the source of most of our classic mythology. The term itself is a misnomer, for much more is going on than the changes of form that it literally means. We realize now that along with the form the biochemistry is profoundly altered; and both kinds of change prepare for large changes in ecology and behavior. There are also always aspects of reminiscence, evocations of the metamorphosing animal’s evolutionary past. Altogether a profound change of life, a metabiosis. And once one has explored a complete metamorphosis, one begins to recognize its bits and pieces all around.
Abstract 3054: High-throughput microfluidic Labyrinth for the label-free isolation of circulating tumor cells

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) present in the blood are the instruments of metastasis and are of high biologic and clinical relevance. Single-cell technologies are playing an increasing role in profiling CTCs in the peripheral blood for detection and real-time monitoring of cancer metastasis. CTCs also help in identifying its distinct drivers. However, current approaches are limited to manual selection of CTCs, which hinders the unbiased comprehensive study of CTCs on a single-cell level. We present a unique label-free microfluidic “Labyrinth” device to isolate CTCs at a high throughput of 2.5mL/min, offering the first biomarker-independent single-cell isolation and genomic characterization platform to study heterogeneous CTC subpopulations in cancer patients. The Labyrinth takes advantage of inertial forces on the microscale in curved geometries to differentially focus cells based on their size. This novel strategy of multicourse path traversing across inner loops to outer loops yielding highest hydrodynamic path length enables focusing of white blood cells (WBCs), leading to high recoveries (> 90%) and efficient separation of WBCs from CTCs, resulting in high purity (~ 200 WBCs/mL), even in whole blood samples without any preprocessing. CTCs were successfully isolated from 56 breast cancer (9.1 CTCs/mL average, range 2-31/mL) and 20 pancreatic cancer (51.6 CTCs/mL average, range 11-115/mL) patients. We detected not only CTCs typically defined by epithelial markers, but also significant numbers of CTCs (>50%) lacking epithelial markers but expressing mesenchymal and cancer stem cell (CSC) markers. Patient samples were then analyzed using single-cell multiplex gene expression. Seventy single cells were successfully recovered and used to identify different subpopulations of CTCs based on their genetic signature, unlike other methods where a positive or negative selection based on protein expression is used. Interestingly, both inter- and intrapatient molecular heterogeneity at the single-cell level in CTCs were observed with cells expressing genes uniquely related to epithelial, MET, and EMT phenotypes. The Labyrinth platform allows a thorough molecular understanding of the heterogeneity among CTCs. This platform also shows CTCs9 potential as a biomarker to noninvasively evaluate tumor progression and response to treatment in cancer patients. Citation Format: Eric Lin. High-throughput microfluidic Labyrinth for the label-free isolation of circulating tumor cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3054.
Antimicrobial Resistance History and Perspectives

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that over 2 million individuals in the United States are infected by antibiotic-resistant organisms every year, and that these infections cause at least 23,000 deaths.1 This represents a significant threat to public health and requires immediate action. To effectively combat infections caused by these organisms, several strategies must be employed. Important strategies include understanding microbial mechanisms of pathogenesis and resistance, development of novel antimicrobials and diagnostic tools, and prevention of infections. This series will explore the phenomenon of antimicrobial resistance and the role that healthcare professionals play in identifying and combating these organisms.
Multi-Agent Protection Scheme for Resilient Microgrid Systems with Aggregated Electronically Coupled Distributed Energy Resources

This paper develops a multi-agent protection scheme for electric power distribution systems and microgrids with aggregated electronically coupled distributed energy resources (DER). The proposed protection scheme uses both voltage and current measurements to sense faults, and then trips only the faulted feeders, and broadcasts fault events to the main microgrid control system, and adjacent protective agents. The objective of this paper is to improve distribution system resilience by using a minimal communication protection scheme, and reducing power outages. Two study cases are presented. The EMTP-RV program is used to model the power system and the control systems of a PV based DER unit. The IEEE 34 bus test system is chosen for demonstration.
Next-generation whole exome sequencing of glioblastoma with a primitive neuronal component.

Glioblastoma with a primitive neuronal component (GBM-PN) was renamed from glioblastoma with primitive neuroectodermal tumor-like component (GBM-PNET) in the new WHO classification of tumors of the central nervous system in 2016. GBM-PN is a rare variant of glioblastoma. There were not so many publications on the investigation of GBM-PN. We did whole exome sequencing for 11 GBM-PN cases and found that the percentage of TP53, PIK3CA, PIK3R1, or PTEN mutation in our GBM-PN cases (72.7%, 27.3%, 27.3%, and 27.3% respectively) was much higher than that in cases in TCGA GBM 2008, TCGA GBM 2013, and TCGA lower-grade glioma databases. The findings indicate that GBM-PN is a distinct variant of glioblastoma. The next-generation sequencing can play a role in the diagnosis of GBM-PN especially for small biopsy cases. Eight out of 11 cases showed mutations in PTEN–PI3K pathway, which indicates that targeted therapeutic agents (PI3K inhibitors, mTORC1 inhibitors or dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitors) may be used for the treatment of GBM-PN in the future.
Time of return of neurologic function after spinal anesthesia for total knee arthroplasty: mepivacaine vs bupivacaine in a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background Mepivacaine as an intermediate-length spinal anesthetic for rapid recovery in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has not been fully described. We compared spinal mepivacaine vs bupivacaine for postoperative neurologic function in patients undergoing primary TKA. Methods Thirty-two patients undergoing primary TKA were enrolled. Primary outcome measure was return of motor and sensory function. Secondary outcome measures included assessment of urinary function, pain via visual analog scale (VAS) scores, opioid usage, distance walked and pain with physical therapy, time to discharge readiness, and complications. Results Patients with mepivacaine spinal anesthetic had faster return of sensory function (164 ± 38.6 vs 212 ± 54.2 minutes, P = .015), return of motor function (153 ± 47.4 vs 200 ± 45.2 minutes, P = .025), and time to straight leg raise (148 ± 43.5 vs 194 ± 50.8 minutes, P = .023). The mepivacaine group experienced significantly fewer episodes of urinary retention and shorter time to urination (344 ± 154.4 vs 416 ± 96.3 minutes, P = .039). Patients exhibited slightly higher VAS pain scores in the postanesthesia care unit (1.0 ± 1.7 vs 2.7 ± 2.3, P = .046) with no difference in opioid consumption. There were no differences in VAS scores or opioid use on the inpatient ward. Patients achieved discharge readiness 71 minutes faster in the mepivacaine group. There was no need to convert to general anesthesia or transient nerve symptoms in either group. Conclusions Patients undergoing TKA with mepivacaine spinal anesthetic had a reliably more rapid neurologic recovery after TKA compared to bupivacaine.
Maternal stress and social support prospectively predict infant inflammation

Maternal stress has been suggested to be a risk factor for offspring health, while social support has been shown to be a protective factor for offspring functioning. Currently, research has yet to investigate how both of these factors may relate to infant inflammatory processes and associated biological aging in the first years of life. In 48 mother-infant dyads, we investigated whether maternal parenting stress and social support when infants were 12 and 18 months of age were cross-sectionally associated with infant salivary C-reactive protein (sCRP) during these times. In addition, we investigated whether parenting stress and social support were prospectively associated with later sCRP and changes in sCRP from 12 to 18 months of age, as well as whether those changes in sCRP were associated with subsequent infant salivary telomere length (sTL), a marker of biological aging. Analyses revealed that while there were no cross-sectional associations between maternal factors and infant sCRP, maternal parenting stress and social support when infants were 12 months of age predicted infant sCRP at 18 months of age. Further, maternal social support predicted changes in infant sCRP from 12 to 18 months of age. We observed a null association between infant sCRP and sTL. Implications for the ways that maternal mental health and social support may impact biological mechanisms related to disease processes in infants are discussed.
Premalignant Clonal Hematopoietic Proliferations.

Objectives The 2017 Workshop of the Society for Hematopathology/European Association for Hematopathology aimed to review premalignant clonal hematopoietic proliferations. Methods The workshop panel reviewed 27 cases of clonal proliferations of indeterminate significance or potential (18 myeloid, nine lymphoid) and rendered consensus diagnoses. Results Immunophenotyping and genetic studies on peripheral blood, bone marrow, and lymph node samples have led to the incidental detection of small clonal populations in asymptomatic individuals. These premalignant clonal myeloid and lymphoid proliferations include monoclonal gammopathy of uncertain significance, monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis, in situ follicular neoplasia, in situ mantle cell neoplasia, clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential, and clonal cytopenia of undetermined significance. Conclusions Current diagnostic criteria for the diagnoses of premalignant clonal hematopoietic proliferations are reviewed and discussed in the context of the cases presented at the workshop.
Jornada sobre Creatividad y Tendencias

La IV Jornada de creativitat i tendencies, organitzada pel Museu del Disseny de Barcelona es va dedicar aquest any a un tema central: el disseny d'experiencies. En la nostra societat, el consum es un dels motors de l'economia i el capitalisme. Cada vegada hi ha una major competencia entre les empreses i les marques comercials per oferir un valor afegit als productes i serveis; i aquests troben en les experiencies un dels motors que dinamitza el consum. El programa de la jornada va intentar establir una combinacio entre l'analisi i la posada en practica, o el que es el mateix, entre la teoria i la practica, o la visio del mon intel·lectual i academic amb el professional. En un context que es mou a una velocitat de vertigen, en que les tendencies es renoven de forma constant, el contrapunt el va establir el filosof i socioleg de la postmodernitat, el frances, Gilles Lipovetsky. La seva analisi i les seves reflexions, exposades a continuacio, constitueixen una util i rellevant linia de pensament que s'ha de tenir en compte.
Clinical CT underestimation of the percentage volume occupied by cysts in patients with lymphangioleiomyomatosis.

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the accuracy of cyst score measurements by standard high-resolution helical volume chest CT (HRCT) in patients with lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), using a short z-length ultra-high resolution re-scan (UH re-scan) as the reference. In cystic lung diseases, cyst score is derived from CT scans and defined as the percentage of the total lung parenchymal volume occupied by cysts, a biomarker which measures the severity of the disease. Methods In a prospective study of 73 LAM patients, each patient received the standard HRCT chest scan and a short z-length UH re-scan. Cyst scores were acquired from both scans using a standard FDA-approved scoring software on the CT scanner. Results The limited UH re-scan resolved small cysts that were not resolved in the HRCT. The HRCT-derived cyst scores were on average 59.6% of the reference values from the UH re-scan (p = 4.7e-25). The amount of under-estimation by HRCT varied from patient to patient, with an inter-quartile range of 29.8% and standard deviation of 20.7%. The overall trend was more pronounced underestimation for patients with lower cyst scores. For patients whose reference cyst scores were below 15 (n = 29), the HRCT cyst scores were 46.9 ± 21.6% of reference values (p = 7.4e-12), while for the rest of the patients (n = 44) the HRCT cyst scores were 68.0 ± 15.3% of reference values (p = 1.2E-19). Reconstructing the HRCT images to the resolution of the UH re-scan further widened the spread of the discrepancy between HRCT and reference values due to increased image noise, and did not provide accurate cyst scores. Conclusion Cyst scores derived from standard high-resolution helical volume chest CT significantly underestimates the percentage lung volume occupied by cysts. This inaccuracy needs to be taken into consideration when cyst score is used as part of the CT assessment of the patient's condition.
Prehospital time intervals and management of ischemic stroke patients.

Abstract Objective Quantify prehospital time intervals, describe prehospital stroke management, and estimate potential time saved if certain procedures were performed en route to the emergency department (ED). Methods Acute ischemic stroke patients who arrived via emergency medical services (EMS) between 2012 and 2016 were identified. We determined the following prehospital time intervals: chute, response, on-scene, transport, and total prehospital times. Proportions of patients receiving the following were determined: Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale (CPSS) assessment, prenotification, glucose assessment, vascular access, and 12-lead electrocardiography (ECG). For glucose assessment, ECG acquisition, and vascular access, the location (on-scene vs. en route) in which they were performed was described. Difference in on-scene times among patients who had these three interventions performed on-scene vs. en route was assessed. Results Data from 870 patients were analyzed. Median total prehospital time was 39 min and comprised the following: chute time: 1 min; response time: 9 min; on-scene time: 15 min; and transport time: 14 min. CPSS was assessed in 64.7% of patients and prenotification was provided for 52.0% of patients. Glucose assessment, vascular access initiation, and ECG acquisition was performed on 84.1%, 72.6%, and 67.2% of patients, respectively. 59.0% of glucose assessments, 51.2% of vascular access initiations, and 49.8% of ECGs were performed on-scene. On-scene time was 9 min shorter among patients who had glucose assessments, vascular access initiations, and ECG acquisitions all performed en route vs. on-scene. Conclusions On-scene time comprised 38.5% of total prehospital time. Limiting on-scene performance of glucose assessments, vascular access initiations, and ECG acquisitions may decrease prehospital time.
Cancer survivorship and its association with perioperative opioid use for minor non-cancer surgery.

Reducing high-risk prescription opioid use after surgery has become a key strategy in mitigating the opioid crisis. Yet, despite their vulnerabilities, we know little about how cancer survivors use opioids for non-cancer perioperative pain compared to those with no history of cancer. The purpose was to examine the association of cancer survivorship with the likelihood of receiving perioperative opioid therapy for non-cancer minor surgery. Using 2007–2014 SEER-Medicare data for breast, colorectal, prostate, and non-cancer populations, we conducted retrospective cohort study of opioid-naive Medicare beneficiaries who underwent one of six common minor non-cancer surgeries. Modified Poisson regression estimated the relative risk of receiving a perioperative opioid prescription associated with cancer survivorship compared to no history of cancer. Stabilized inverse probability of treatment weights were used to balance measurable covariates between cohorts. We included 1486 opioid-naive older adult cancer survivors and 3682 opioid-naive non-cancer controls. Cancer survivorship was associated with a 5% lower risk of receiving a perioperative opioid prescription (95% confidence interval: 0.89, 1.00; p = 0.06) compared to no history of cancer. Cancer survivorship was not associated with the extent of perioperative opioid exposure. Cancer survivors were slightly less likely to receive opioid therapy for non-cancer perioperative pain than those without a history of cancer. It is unclear if this reflects a reduced risk of opioid-related harms for cancer survivors or avoidance of appropriate perioperative pain therapy. Further examination of cancer survivors’ experiences with and attitudes about opioids may inform improvements to non-cancer pain management for cancer survivors.
Things Are the Way They Are: A Typology of Reification:

This project clarifies the notoriously ambiguous concept of reification through analytical descriptions of reificatory modes of experience in social context. The experience of social constructions ...
Editorial Titikaka Puno (1926-1930). La producción editorial en el Perú

En aquest article es recupera la fundacio de l’Editorial Titikaka i les seves contribucions al desenvolupament del grup intel·lectual i artistic Orkopata per formar part del moviment d'avantguarda internacional. Aquesta nova editorial va publicar el seu butlleti i els llibres de poemes Ande d'Alejandro Peralta i Falo d’Emilio Armaza. S'explica el sorgiment i la desaparicio de l'editorial tenint en compte les condicions materials dels anys vint. Per aquesta rao, pren importancia el projecte de modernitzacio capitalista empres pel govern d'Augusto B. Leguia (1919-1930) al Peru. Se soste que les politiques del seu govern van propiciar l'aparicio, crisi i tancament de diverses editorials i revistes de Lima i provincies.
Does pulmonary subspecialty referral from primary care affect the adherence to vaccination recommendations in COPD patients

The importance of vaccinations for COPD patients has been previously described. However, there is still a gap between guideline recommendations and the implementation of preventive care delivery for these patients. Specially, the rise of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has made the significance of vaccination adherence more critical to address. Our study showed that referral to pulmonary clinic is associated with increased odds of receiving influenza (OR = 1.97, [95% CI 1.07, 3.65]) and pneumococcal vaccinations (PCV13 OR = 3.55, [1.47, 8.54]; PPSV23 OR = 4.92, [1.51, 16.02]). These data suggest that partnerships between primary care physicians and pulmonologists can potentially improve the vaccination rates for patients with COPD.
Akt Isoforms: A Family Affair in Breast Cancer

Akt, also known as protein kinase B (PKB), belongs to the AGC family of protein kinases. It acts downstream of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and regulates diverse cellular processes, including cell proliferation, cell survival, metabolism, tumor growth and metastasis. The PI3K/Akt signaling pathway is frequently deregulated in breast cancer and plays an important role in the development and progression of breast cancer. There are three closely related members in the Akt family, namely Akt1(PKBα), Akt2(PKBβ) and Akt3(PKBγ). Although Akt isoforms share similar structures, they exhibit redundant, distinct as well as opposite functions. While the Akt signaling pathway is an important target for cancer therapy, an understanding of the isoform-specific function of Akt is critical to effectively target this pathway. However, our perception regarding how Akt isoforms contribute to the genesis and progression of breast cancer changes as we gain new knowledge. The purpose of this review article is to analyze current literatures on distinct functions of Akt isoforms in breast cancer.
Infantile scrotal hemangioma with transverse testicular ectopia

Transverse testicular ectopia is a rare structural anomaly of abnormal testicular descent. We report a case of a 3-month-old boy with hemiscrotal infantile hemangioma and contralateral transverse testicular ectopia.
A comparison of national immunization rates to immunization rates of Latino diabetic patients receiving clinical pharmacist interventions in a federally qualified community health centre (FQHC)

Objectives To compare national immunization rates to immunization rates of Latino patients receiving clinical pharmacist interventions in a federally qualified community health centre (FQHC) in 2010. Methods This is a retrospective electronic medical record (EMR) review conducted in an FQHC in El Paso, Texas. Adults (≥18) with diabetes who were seen by a clinical pharmacist between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2010 were queried on the basis of 2010 vaccination criteria for the following vaccines: hepatitis A (HepA), hepatitis B, influenza, pneumococcal, tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (Tdap) and zoster. Each patient's EMR was reviewed to calculate immunization rates. Study immunization rates (SIRs), overall national immunization rates (OIRs) and national Hispanic immunization rates (HIRs) were compared using z-tests for proportions. The SIRs for each vaccine were calculated using the following formula: number of patients vaccinated/number of eligible patients. OIRs and HIRs were obtained from the 2010 National Health Interview Survey. Key findings Patients (n = 330) were 56.1 ± 12.7 years, primarily women (73.9%) and Latinos (96.7%). SIRs of HepA (33.3%), pneumococcal-ages 19–64 (46.2%) and Tdap (42.7%) were significantly (P < 0.0001) higher when compared with both HIRs (10.3%, 14.8%, 4.8% respectively) and OIRs (10.7%, 18.5%, 8.2% respectively). Regarding zoster, the SIR (10.0%) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than the HIR (4.4%) but not significantly different from the OIR (14.4%). Conclusion Clinical pharmacists can play a significant role in increasing adult vaccination rates. Providing access to vaccines and health education for patients have become more important with the growing needs of a culturally diverse and ageing population.
A knowledge-based potential function predicts the specificity and relative binding energy of RNA-binding proteins

RNA–protein interactions are fundamental to gene expression. Thus, the molecular basis for the sequence dependence of protein–RNA recognition has been extensively studied experimentally. However, there have been very few computational studies of this problem, and no sustained attempt has been made towards using computational methods to predict or alter the sequence-specificity of these proteins. In the present study, we provide a distance-dependent statistical potential function derived from our previous work on protein–DNA interactions. This potential function discriminates native structures from decoys, successfully predicts the native sequences recognized by sequence-specific RNA-binding proteins, and recapitulates experimentally determined relative changes in binding energy due to mutations of individual amino acids at protein–RNA interfaces. Thus, this work demonstrates that statistical models allow the quantitative analysis of protein–RNA recognition based on their structure and can be applied to modeling protein–RNA interfaces for prediction and design purposes.
Use of binding site neighbor-effect parameters to evaluate the interactions between adjacent ligands on a linear lattice: Effects on ligand-lattice association

Abstract A method using binding site “neighbor-effect” parameters (NEPs) is introduced to evaluate the effects of interaction between adjacent ligands on their binding to an infinite linear lattice. Binding site overlap is also taken into account. This enables the conditional probability approach of McGhee & von Hippel to be extended to more complex situations. The general equation for the isotherm is ν L F = S F K F , where ν is the ratio of bound ligands to lattice residues, LF is the free ligand concentration, SF is the fraction of binding sites that are free, and KF is the average association constant of a free site. Solutions are derived for three cases: symmetric ligands, and asymmetric ligands on isotropic or anisotropic lattices. For symmetric ligands there is one NEP, E, which is the ratio of the average binding affinity of a free site if the status of the lattice residue neighboring one end of the site is unspecified (left to chance) to the affinity when this residue is free (holding the other neighbor constant). Thus KF is KE2, where K is the affinity of an isolated site. If a site is n residues long, SF is f ffn−1, where f = 1 − nv is the fraction of residues that are free and ff is the conditional probability that a free residue is bordered on a given side by another free residue. The expression for ff is 1 (1+x/E) , where x is ν f , E is (1 − x +[(1−x) 2 + 4xω)] 1 2 )/2 , and ω is the co-operativity parameter. The binding of asymmetric ligands to an isotropic lattice is described by two NEPs; the last case involves four NEPs and a bound ligand orientation parameter. For each case, the expected length distribution of clusters of bound ligands can be calculated as a function of ν. When Scatchard plots with the same intercepts and initial slope are compared, it is found that ligand asymmetry lowers the isotherm (relative to the corresponding symmetric ligand isotherm), whereas lattice anisotropy raises it.
Synthesis and Properties of Polyetherimide Polymers

Polyetherimides are a new class of high performance polymers whose chemical compositions can be tailored to provide materials having glass transition temperatures ranging from ~150°C to ~300°C. Their outstanding thermo-oxidative stability and flame and solvent resistance are characteristic of aromatic polyimides but, unlike many other polyimides, they can also be processed by conventional techniques (e.g., injection molding). The key reactions in their various syntheses were nucleophilic aromatic nitrodisplacements by aryloxide ions. This and other chemical steps are discussed in detail along with a description of some of the physical properties of the polymers.
Bioinformatics: opportunities in education and research: panel discussion

Bioinformatics is a relatively new interdisciplinary field with computer science and biology as its core supporting disciplines. The rise of bioinformatics presents computer science faculty members with new opportunities and challenges both in education and research. This interdisciplinary panel, comprising two computer scientists and two biologists, will explore issues in teaching bioinformatics courses, developing bioinformatics curricula, and fostering student research projects in bioinformatics.
Time trends (1985-2011) in asthma and rhinitis in Italian general population samples

Aim To estimate trends in the prevalence of asthma, asthma-related symptoms and risk factors such as allergic rhinitis and smoking. Methods Three surveys were carried out on general population samples living in Pisa, Italy, in 1985-88 (PI1,n=3267), 1991-93 (PI2,n=2604) and 2009-2011 (PI3,n=1619). Subjects filled in standardized questionnaires on respiratory symptoms, asthma, rhinitis and smoking habits. In PI1 and PI2 the same questionnaire was administered, whilst in PI3 the IMCA2 questionnaire, with different wording of the questions (particularly about rhinitis), was used. To compare the diseases/symptoms prevalence within the samples the same age range (18-97 yrs) was selected. Comparison of variables across studies was performed by Pearson Chi-squared test. Results Both the prevalence of asthma diagnosis and current asthma attacks show a trend to increase. Current rhinitis increased from PI1 to PI2 and doubled from PI2 to PI3. Current smoking significantly decreased among the three surveys. * Subjects n =3250; • Estimation Conclusions Our results highlight a trend to increased prevalence rates of asthma, and especially rhinitis, among Italian adults. Despite the prevalence of rhinitis is consistent with recent literature (Bjerg, A. et al PLOS ONE, 2011), we underline that a different wording of the question might have determined an overestimation.
Ultrasound evaluation of experimental hydrocephalus in dogs

Abstract The use of real time ultrasound to evaluate experimental hydrocephalus in craniectomized dogs is described. Fifteen dogs were longitudinally evaluated by ultrasound after injection of silicone into the suprasellar cistern and injection of kaolin into the cisterna magna, and later killed. Ventricular size was classified as normal, moderately or severely hydrocephalic according to lateral ventricular width. In 93% (1415) of the animals the classifications as determined by ultrasound and pathological examination agreed. Both lateral ventricular width and biventricular width as measured by ultrasound had a linear correlation with measurements on the pathologic specimens ( p
Frequency-domain equalisation without guard interval for optical transmission systems

Proposed is the first reported optical transmission system to employ frequency-domain equalisation (FDE) without a guard interval (GI). Efficient transmission of a 25 Gbit/s single-carrier (SC) with the proposed FDE is demonstrated under severe chromatic dispersion (CD) conditions. The results show that an SC with the proposed FDE is very tolerant of CD in spite of having no GI and can achieve higher transmission rates than those of conventional FDE with GI.
Neuroendocrine profile of the potential anxiolytic drug S-20499.

The neuroendocrine profile of the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor agonist and potential anxiolytic drug (+)-4[N-(5-methoxy-chroman-3-yl]N-propylamino]butyl-8-azaspiro-(4, 5)-decane-7,9-dione (S-20499) was examined in conscious male rats. S-20499 (0.01–20 mg/kg i.p.) dose-dependently elevated plasma adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) and corticosterone concentrations, with maximal effects observed at 15–30 and 30–60 min respectively. S-20499 also reduced plasma prolactin concentration, and did not alter plasma renin activity. S-20499 (1 mg/kg i.p.) also reduced blood pressure and heart rate within 10 min, suggesting reduced sympathetic output. Pretreatment with the 5-HT1A0 receptor antagonists (−)-pindolol (0.3 mg/kg i.p.) or spiperone (0.01 or 3 mg/kg s.c.) significantly attenuated the stimulatory effects of S-20499 on plasma ACTH and/or corticosterone concentrations. The data suggest that S-20499 stimulates the hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal axis by activating 5-HT1A receptors, although activation of dopamine D2 receptors may contribute to these responses. Like other 5-HT1A receptor agonists, S-20499 does not increase renin secretion. Additionally, it reduces prolactin secretion, presumably by acting as a weak dopamine D2 receptor agonist in the pituitary.
Spectral Conformity—a Widespread Effect of Light

WOOL1, bleached by light, acquires some of its colour, becoming bluer in blue light or greener in green light. Reflectance and transmittance rise near the wavelength of the light because photons eliminate their particular absorbers, leaving the remainder of the chromophore unchanged. This phenomenon, which we named “spectral conformity”, was used, for example, in traditional wool bleaching by sunlight. Blue photons in daylight (spectral maximum in the blue2–5) eliminate the absorbers of blue photons that made the wool yellow, thus making it bluer, and looking “whiter”. Cotton, linen, paper and so on, used to be sun-bleached. The question arises: is spectral conformity general or is it an interesting peculiarity of wool ?
Vitrification in Open and Closed Carriers at Different Cell Stages: Assessment of Embryo Survival, Development, DNA Integrity and Stability during Vapor Phase Storage for Transport

High cooling rates with vitrification can be achieved through the use of carriers that allow cryopreservation in fluid volumes < one μl. Open carriers allow direct contact of embryos with liquid nitrogen (LN2) whereas closed carrier systems sequester the embryo within a sealed system during immersion in LN2. The use of closed systems may be preferable to reduce the possibility of cross-contamination. In the present study, we compare open and closed carriers for vitrification of embryos. We also examine their ability to retain embryo viability during vapor phase transport. Frozen one-cell mouse embryos were thawed and randomly allocated to treatment groups. Embryos were cultured and vitrified at the 8-cell (CL) or at the blastocyst (BL) stage. The cryoloop, an open carrier was tested against two closed systems, the Cryotip and the HSV straw. Carriers were tested for their ability to maintain embryo viability when held in the vapor phase of a dry shipper for a period of 96 hours. Outcome parameters monitored were embryo survival, recovery, subsequent development and signs of DNA damage. A total of 561 embryos were vitrified. The only parameter significantly affected by the type of carrier was the percentage of embryos recovered after warming. Vitrification of both CL and BL stage embryos in the Cryotip resulted in significantly lower recovery rates (P < 0.001). The subsequent developmental parameters were unaffected by either the carrier or the cell stage. Vapor phase storage for 96 hours under "transport conditions" did not appear to adversely affect the viability after warming. Quantitative analysis for DNA damage showed that <5% of cells were TUNEL positive. Interestingly, the overall percent of cells exhibiting DNA damage was lower after CL stage vitrification (P < 0.001). This study is one of the first to examine DNA integrity after vitrification on different carriers and at different cell stages. It also provides insight on relative safety of short term vapor storage of vitrified embryos during transport. Within the limits of this study we could not detect an adverse effect of vapor storage on blastomere DNA or other measured outcome parameters.
Optimal treatment of ill-posed quasi-static source imaging problems

We consider the problem of deconvolving the expression f(y, t) = ix g(x, y)h(x, t)dX, where it is required to estimate h(z, t) from the square-integrable functions g(z, y) and f(y, t), and the latter function is a noise corrupted version of f(y, t). This problem a.rises in the setting defined by a linear elliptic partial differential equation, where the unknown time-varying inhomogeneous term (the source) is to be computed from incomplete field data. Performance of such a deconvolution constitutes the Inverse Problem of Electrocardiography, for example. The standard approach to this problem constructs a global solution by collecting individually regularized solutions to the ill-posed problems defined by the above first kind Fredholm equations for different fixed values of para.meter t. That approach is shown to contain a. flaw. The corrected approach leads to more accurate deconvolution, particularly evident in the setting of Gaussian noise (a. theorem). In the presence of dominating geometric noise (noise generated by rotation, translation, or other systematic imprecision in the knowledge of g(x, y)), it may be expected that the accuracy advantage will be diminished, but there will be persisting benefits relating to superior time stability of the solutions. Keywords: inverse problem of electrocardiography, first kind Fredholm integral equations, deconvolution, compact opera.tors, cardiac electrical source imaging
Solid state structure of the tantalum bis-aryl compounds Ta(OAr-2,6R2)3(C6H5)2 (R = CH3, Pri; OAr-2,6R2 = 2,6-dialkylphenoxide): Observation of a lack of correlation of MOAr distances and MOAr angles for aryloxide derivatives of niobium(V) and tantalum(V)

Abstract Treatment of the tantalum dichloride compounds Ta(OAr-2,6Me2)3Cl2 or Ta(OAr-2,6Pr2i)3Cl2 (OAr-2,6Me2 = 2,6-dimethylphenoxide; OAr-2,6Pr2i = 2,6-diisopropylphenoxide) with phenyl lithium (2 equiv) leads to the formation of the bis-phenyl compounds Ta(OAr-2,6Me2)3(C6H5)2 (1) and Ta(OAr-2,6Pr2i)3(C6H5)2 (2), respectively, in moderate yields. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses of both 1 and 2 show them to be isostructural. In both compounds a trigonal bipyramidal environment about the metal centre is evident with trans, axial aryloxide oxygen atoms. Short TaO distances in the range of 1.848(5)-1.881(3) A and almost linear TaOAr angles are present. The central coordination environments in 1 and 2 are strikingly similar to those found for the biscyclometallated compound Ta(OC6H3Ph-C6H4)2(OAr-2,6Ph2). Combining the structural data for 1 and 2 with those of other alkyl, aryloxide compounds of niobium(V) and tantalum(V) shows that the MOAr distances span a narrow range of 1.85-1.95 A, while the corresponding MOOAr angles vary from 135 to 180° with no correlation between the two parameters. Crystal data for TaO3C36H37 (1) at 19°C: a = 19.313(3), b = 11.652(1), c = 15.288(1) A, β = 113.13(1)°, Z = 4, dcalc = 1.446 g cm−3 in space C2/c; for TaO3C48H61 (2) at 21°C: a = 11.955(2), b = 19.585(2), c = 19.337(2) A, β = 103.742(9)°, Z = 4, dcalc = 1.309 g cm−3 in space group P21/n.
Differential inhibitory effects of chloramphenicol on the synthesis of membrane ATPase and cytoplasmic enzymes of Micrococcus lysodeikticus.

Abstract When chloramphenicol (100 μg/ml) was added to cultures of Micrococcus lysodeikticus for about half of a mean generation time, total protein was 74–78% of the control (no chloramphenicol) cultures and the levels of the cytoplasmic enzymes, polynucleotide phosphorylase (EC 2.7.7.8), adenosine deaminase (EC 3.5.4.4) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.49), were 74, 72–75 and 70–75% respectively, of the amounts found in the untreated cultures. The formation of membrane-bound, Ca 2+ -dependent ATPase (EC 3.6.1.3) of Munoz et al. 5,6 under these conditions was unaffected by chloramphenicol. Longer periods of exposure to chloramphenicol eventually resulted in some inhibition of the formation of ATPase (85–90% of control levels) but a significant differential inhibitory effect on the synthesis of cytoplasmic enzymes persisted. The distribution of the ATPase activity between the membrane and cytoplasmic fractions was markedly affected by the protein concentration of the lysate, much of the enzyme being released into the cytoplasmic fraction at low levels of protein (0.4–2.6 mg/ml). Chloramphenicol and puromycin were without effect on the active enzyme under conditions of assay. In cultures of Micrococcus lysodeikticus exposed to puromycin (5 μg/ml) total protein and ATPase synthesis were affected to the same extent, being 84 and 85%, respectively, of that found for the control (no puromycin) cultures at the end of the incubation period.
Exploring Protective Factors Among College-Aged Bisexual Students in Rural Areas: An Exploratory Study

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals have increased vulnerability for a number of negative outcomes in comparison to heterosexual peers. Sexual minorities in rural areas have increased vulnerability beyond what is experienced by urban peers. Protective factors have been identified that may insulate individuals from vulnerabilities. Using a sample of 69 participants, an ANOVA was conducted to determine the relationship between identified protective factors and sexual orientation. Findings indicated that bisexual individuals were less likely to see social support as helpful in comparison to gay, lesbian, or heterosexual participants. A discussion of how the findings may impact the transition to college is provided.