cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In Situ Growth and Characterization of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles within Polyelectrolyte Membranes.

This study describes a novel approach for the in situ synthesis of metal oxide–polyelectrolyte nanocomposites formed via impregnation of hydrated polyelectrolyte films with binary water/alcohol solutions of metal salts and consecutive reactions that convert metal cations into oxide nanoparticles embedded within the polymer matrix. The method is demonstrated drawing on the example of Nafion membranes and a variety of metal oxides with an emphasis placed on zinc oxide. The in situ formation of nanoparticles is controlled by changing the solvent composition and conditions of synthesis that for the first time allows one to tailor not only the size, but also the nanoparticle shape, giving a preference to growth of a particular crystal facet. The high-resolution TEM, SEM/EDX, UV-vis and XRD studies confirmed the homogeneous distribution of crystalline nanoparticles of circa 4 nm and their aggregates of 10–20 nm. The produced nanocomposite films are flexible, mechanically robust and have a potential to be employed in sensing, optoelectronics and catalysis.
Dendritic spine dysgenesis in superficial dorsal horn sensory neurons after spinal cord injury.

Neuropathic pain is a major complication of spinal cord injury, and despite aggressive efforts, this type of pain is refractory to available clinical treatment. Our previous work has demonstrated a structure–function link between dendritic spine dysgenesis on nociceptive sensory neurons in the intermediate zone, laminae IV/V, and chronic pain in central nervous system and peripheral nervous system injury models of neuropathic pain. To extend these findings, we performed a follow-up structural analysis to assess whether dendritic spine remodeling occurs on superficial dorsal horn neurons located in lamina II after spinal cord injury. Lamina II neurons are responsible for relaying deep, delocalized, often thermally associated pain commonly experienced in spinal cord injury pathologies. We analyzed dendritic spine morphometry and localization in tissue obtained from adult rats exhibiting neuropathic pain one-month following spinal cord injury. Although the total density of dendritic spines on lamina II neuro...
Fungal raw materials used to produce allergen extracts.

Abstract Objective To review the topic of fungal raw materials used for the production of allergen extracts and the associated challenges and highlight candidate areas for development before standardized fungal allergen extracts can be commercially produced. Data Sources A PubMed search was performed using focused keywords and combined with a review of regulatory documents and industry guidelines. Several books on mycology also were consulted. Study Selections The information obtained through the literature, books, and industry was scrutinized and combined with personal experience and expertise to write this article. Results Fungi are complex ubiquitous organisms on Earth. They are beneficial and detrimental for humans. Fungi can cause hypersensitivity reactions, including types I, III, and IV. The procurement of fungal raw materials to prepare allergen extracts for diagnosis and possible allergen immunotherapy is complex owing to the intrinsic nature of fungi and their complex genome. Allergen manufacturers produce allergen extracts with variable qualitative and quantitative compositions, which can lead to unpredictable clinical outcomes. Conclusion The clinician should be aware of the factors responsible for the qualitative and quantitative compositions of fungal allergen extracts and the reasons that currently preclude their standardization. Scientific advances and collaboration and cooperation between allergen manufacturing companies and regulatory agencies are necessary to improve the quality and consistency of fungal extracts. Moreover, clinicians should understand the limitations of currently available fungal extracts.
Future of Endoscopy and IBD

Advanced endoscopic imaging has the potential to bridge the gap between endoscopy and the precision and predictive power of pathology and molecular medicine. Practical advances in endoscopy include the real ability to move beyond low-yield random biopsy to image-guided targeted biopsy. Advanced imaging now allows endoscopic removal of discrete adenomatous lesions, reserving surgery for DALM lesions with unclear borders.
Thermal conductivity of double-wall carbon nanotube-polyanaline composites measured by a non-contact scanning hot probe technique

This paper presents a method for determining thermal conductivity of film samples using the non-contact mode scanning hot probe technique at probe-to-sample distances such that Fourier law heat conduction across the air gap occurs. A method for calibrating non-contact thermal exchange parameters between probe and sample using a single reference sample is proposed and the obtained value of sample thermal conductivity is presented for thin film samples of PANI-CSA infused with varying concentrations of DW-CNTs. Two- to three-fold increase in film thermal conductivity (from 0.4 Wm-1K-1) for the un-doped polymer to 0.8-1.1 Wm-1K-1) is observed for DW-CNT concentration of less than 20% by weight, and a more than seven-fold increase (3.0 Wm-1K-1) is reported for DW-CNT concentration of 30% by weight.
Managing maize pollen dispersal and out-crossing

Concerns about controlling pollen flow in maize (Zea mays L.) have greatly increased since the introduction of transgenes for insect resistance, herbicide resistance, and production of pharmaceutical and industrial compounds. The primary concern is related to out-crossing with non-transgenic genotypes destined for food uses or organic production. Pollen control is necessary to prevent the introduction of transgenes into sexually compatible crops or wild relatives in locations where these are grown or occur naturally (e.g., Native maize genotypes in Mexico). The central hypothesis of this dissertation is that out-crossing resulting from pollen flow in maize is a predictable process, which can be simulated and quantified. The thesis is organized into three chapters. Chapter 2 describes a field study to test how a natural vegetative wind barrier might be used to limit pollen dispersal. In 10 independent tests, diminishing wind speed across the maize canopy resulted in a smaller pattern of pollen dispersal in the surrounding field. Chapter 3 presents the first attempt to predict out-crossing in a commercial hybrid seed production field. The analysis demonstrates that out-crossing can be predicted accurately based on inbred flowering dynamics and estimates of pollen dispersal. The field study presented in Chapter 4 tests the potential for predicting the spatial pattern of out-crossing from a transgenic pollen source. The results demonstrate the accuracy of the combined kernel set and pollen dispersal models as well as the benefit of surrounding the transgenic source with a nontransgenic maize crop producing abundant pollen.
Parametric Finite-Element Modeling for Exposed Steel Moment Frame Column Baseplate Connections Subjected to Lateral Loads

AbstractThe behavior of steel column baseplate connections in moment frames subjected to lateral loads has been the subject of numerous experimental investigations, giving rise to a variety of meth...
Generalized Functions and Green’s Functions

Boundary value problems, involving both ordinary and partial differential equations, can be profitably viewed as the infinite-dimensional function space versions of finite-dimensional systems of linear algebraic equations. As a result, linear algebra not only provides us with important insights into their underlying mathematical structure, but also motivates both analytical and numerical solution techniques.
L-[5-11C]-Glutamine and Metabolic Imaging in Cancer Cells

It is well-established now that position emission tomography (PET) with 2-[18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-glucose (FDG) is a common imaging procedure for mapping cellular glucose metabolism. The uptake of FDG in tumors with higher rates of glycolysis leads to high signal to noise ratios. Despite the tremendous promise of using FDG-PET to detect and monitor tumor metabolism, many indolent tumors are FDG-negative; the tumors may have switched their energy source from glucose to glutamine, thus escaping detection. Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the human body. It was recognized early (1960) that glutamine plays an important role in tumor growth and proliferation. We report herein two radiolabeled glutamines, namely L-[5-11C]-glutamine and [18F](2S,4R)4-fluoro-glutamine. These two radioactive glutamines might be useful to map glutamine metabolism in vivo in tumor tissue. We recently developed an efficient method to make L-[5-11C]-glutamine and we could show that L-[5-11C]-glutamine is taken into tumor cells (9L and SF188) and incorporated into protein. Small animal imaging studies on F344 rats bearing 9L xenographed tumors confirmed uptake of the tracer into tumor. But with a short half-life of only 20 minutes, it requires a cyclotron nearby and thus hindering its widespread application. We therefore developed a [18F] fluorinated version (half life of 18F is 110 min)of glutamine, namely [18F](2S,4R)4-fluoro-glutamine. This tracer can be produced and distributed centralized, making it more suitable for clinical use. [18F](2S,4R)4-fluoro-glutamine displayed high cell uptake in 9L and SF188 (derived from human glioblastoma) cell lines and is incorporated into tumor protein. It appears that the transport mechanism may be predominantly through system ASC and may prefer its subtype ASCT2. Small animal imaging studies in F344 rats bearing 9L xenographed tumors, showed rapid uptake into tumor (maximum was reached at 20 min post injection) and the uptake remained constant during the imaging study. The in vivo imaging studies may provide an interesting tool for measuring glutamine metabolism and monitor changes of tumor metabolism.
Regulating flow of vapor to enhance pool boiling

Abstract High heat flux dissipation can be achieved in pool boiling by regulating vapor removal to induce a streamlined motion of liquid over the heater surface. In the present work, a novel approach is presented by directing the vapor through specific structures to generate separate liquid-vapor pathways. A hollow conical structure (HCS) is printed above the heater surface using metal additive manufacturing to induce this effect. As the liquid boils and vapor accumulates inside the HCS, independent liquid and vapor flow fields are formed at the top and side holes of the HCS. The direction of liquid and vapor flow is determined by the size of the top hole in the HCS. If the top hole is larger than the departure bubble diameter, vapor naturally escapes from the top and liquid enters through the side holes. A smaller top hole induces a reversal of this motion and causes the vapor to exit through the side holes and liquid to enter from the top hole. To isolate the convective effects on boiling enhancement from the fin effect, the HCS was thermally insulated from the heater surface. The results indicated that 74% of the boiling enhancement achieved with these structures resulted from the convective heat transfer in the developing flow region. The boiling performance was further increased using multiple HCS of a smaller footprint over microchannels to improve heat transfer in the entrance region. This resulted in a 2-fold increase in CHF and a 4-fold increase in HTC compared to plain surface.
Epigenomics of Pancreatic Cancer: A Critical Role for Epigenome-Wide Studies

Several challenges present themselves when discussing current approaches to the prevention or treatment of pancreatic cancer. Up to 45% of the risk of pancreatic cancer is attributed to unknown causes, making effective prevention programs difficult to design. The most common type of pancreatic cancer, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), is generally diagnosed at a late stage, leading to a poor prognosis and 5-year survival estimate. PDAC tumors are heterogeneous, leading to many identified cell subtypes within one patient’s primary tumor. This explains why there is a high frequency of tumors that are resistant to standard treatments, leading to high relapse rates. This review will discuss how epigenetic technologies and epigenome-wide association studies have been used to address some of these challenges and the future promises these approaches hold.
Editorial: Could a Treatment for Youth Anxiety Specifically Prevent the Emergence of Depression 2 Years Later?

The comorbidity of depression and anxiety is a major global health problem. A 2015 report examining response patterns of 74,000 adults across 27 World Mental Health surveys in 24 countries showed a very high comorbidity between a diagnosis of lifetime DSM-IV1 major depressive disorder and a diagnosis of any anxiety disorder in the past 12 months or lifetime anxiety disorder at similar rates in high-income and mid- to low-income countries. In addition, the report highlighted that almost 70% of people with lifetime depression and anxiety first developed anxiety and that the course and burden of lifetime depression comorbid with anxiety was usually more impairing than depression without anxiety.2.
Predictive large-eddy-simulation wall modeling via physics-informed neural networks

A study shows that when trained using channel flow data at just one Reynolds number and informed with known flow physics, the neural network works robustly as a wall model in large-eddy simulation (LES) of channel flow at any Reynolds number. It also outperforms the equilibrium wall model in LES of a 3D boundary layer flow.
Bound states in the continuum through environment engineering

We propose a new paradigm for realizing bound states in the continuum (BICs): engineering radiating channels in the environment. Examples include points and lines of BICs in a structure embedded in a periodic medium. © 2019 The Author(s)
Comparison of the use of functional porous organic polymer (POP) and natural material zeolite for nitrogen removal and recovery from source-separated urine

Abstract Recovering nitrogen from source-separated urine can offset fertilizer production, reduce the energy consumption associated with wastewater treatment, and help prevent certain pollutants from entering into wastewater treatment plants. This study evaluated the performance of a newly designed porous organic polymer (POP) for removing ammonium (NH4+) from synthetic hydrolyzed urine in comparison with natural clinoptilolite in terms of adsorption capacity (isotherm), adsorption rate (kinetics), regeneration rate, and adsorbent cost. NH4+ removal from hydrolyzed urine using the POP was rapid with a capacity of 74.96 mg/g, which is about five times higher than clinoptilolite (15.42 mg/g). In addition, the predicted capacity of both adsorbents decreased with the number of cycles using an integrated adsorption-regeneration model, but remained at about 83.4% and 21.6% of the pristine POP and clinoptilolite after 24 cycles, respectively. The POP had a higher adsorbent cost than clinoptilolite, however, it can be competitive to clinoptilolite with multiple uses if its production can be scaled up.
Does hotel class moderate the impact of crime on operating performance

Hotel guests are more likely to be targeted by criminals than local residents, and the hotel business is particularly vulnerable to various crimes. This study investigates whether guests prefer to ...
Collaboration in System Administration: For sysadmins, solving problems usually involves collaborating with others. How can we make it more effective?

George was in trouble. A seemingly simple deployment was taking all morning, and there seemed no end in sight. His manager kept coming in to check on his progress, as the customer was anxious to have the deployment done. He was supposed to be leaving for a goodbye lunch for a departing co-worker, adding to the stress. He had called in all kinds of help, including colleagues, an application architect, technical support, and even one of the system developers. He used e-mail, instant messaging, face-to-face contacts, his phone, and even his office mate’s phone to communicate with everyone. And George was no novice. He had been working as a Web-hosting administrator for three years, and he had a bachelor’s degree in computer science. But it seemed that all the expertise being brought to bear was simply not enough. Why was George in trouble? We’ll find out.
Gauged baryon number and dibaryonic dark matter

Abstract The minimal standard model of quarks and leptons is extended with a set of vectorlike fermions to allow baryon number B to become a gauged U ( 1 ) B symmetry. The B assignments of the new particles are determined by renormalizable interactions with the known quarks through a color triplet scalar diquark. The spontaneous breaking of U ( 1 ) B by a scalar with B = 3 results in a conserved residual global B symmetry. A singlet neutral scalar with B = 2 is a possible long-lived dark-matter candidate.
Why Justice Gorsuch Was Wrong About Causation in Comcast

In a recent decision, Justice Neil Gorsuch stated that the traditional common law rule in tort required “but-for” or counterfactual causation. This is a historical error that could easily have been avoided. In addition to being a particularly poor example of law office history, I think it demonstrates two important things. First, it is a feature of legal education that we are all taught shibboleths and we swallow them whole until we have occasion to really question them. That the requirement of tort has “always” been but-for causation is one of these. Second, the opinion underscores the importance of reading a case all the way through before citing it.
Wernicke Encephalopathy From Olfactory Dysfunction After COVID-19 Infection.

Introduction Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has affected millions of people worldwide and is caused by infection from the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 pathogen. While COVID-19 most commonly affects the respiratory system, multiple neurological complications have been associated with this pathogen. We report a case of Wernicke encephalopathy in a young girl with poor oral intake secondary to anosmia and dysgeusia after a COVID-19 infection. Case report After a recent infection of COVID-19, a 15-year-old girl developed an overwhelming noxious metallic tase resulting in a 30 lb weight loss from being unable to tolerate oral foods. She presented to the hospital 3 months later with bilateral horizontal conjugate gaze palsies, up beating vertical nystagmus, difficulty with limb coordination and gait ataxia. She was found to have a thiamine level of 51 nmol/L (reference range: 70 to 180 nmol/L) and her brain magnetic resonance imaging showed fluid-attenuated inversion recovery and diffusion-weighted imaging changes in the periaqueductal gray and dorsomedial thalami suggestive of Wernicke encephalopathy. She was started on parenteral thiamine replacement and had significant neurological improvement. Conclusions As this pandemic continues to progress, more long-term neurological sequelae from COVID-19 such as Wernicke encephalopathy can be expected. Strong clinical suspicion for these complications is needed to allow for earlier diagnosis and faster treatment initiation.
Proliferative Nodules in Congenital and Acquired Nevi

As noted more than two decades ago, one or more large nodules may occasionally appear in a congenital nevus. As a rule, if a nevus belongs to the “large” or “giant” type, the patient is usually very young. However, similar nodules can be found in smaller congenital nevi and they can appear in adulthood as well. The nodules may protrude above the surface of the congenital nevus or they can be situated deeply within the lesion.
Grip it and rip it: Structural mechanisms of DNA helicase substrate binding and unwinding

Maintenance and faithful transmission of genomic information depends on the efficient execution of numerous DNA replication, recombination, and repair pathways. Many of the enzymes that catalyze steps within these pathways require access to sequence information that is buried in the interior of the DNA double helix, which makes DNA unwinding an essential cellular reaction. The unwinding process is mediated by specialized molecular motors called DNA helicases that couple the chemical energy derived from nucleoside triphosphate hydrolysis to the otherwise non-spontaneous unwinding reaction. An impressive number of high-resolution helicase structures are now available that, together with equally important mechanistic studies, have begun to define the features that allow this class of enzymes to function as molecular motors. In this review, we explore the structural features within DNA helicases that are used to bind and unwind DNA. We focus in particular on "aromatic-rich loops" that allow some helicases to couple single-stranded DNA binding to ATP hydrolysis and "wedge/pin" elements that provide mechanical tools for DNA strand separation when connected to translocating motor domains.
Round-trip ticket: recycling to the plasma membrane requires RME-1.

The endosomal system includes distinct endocytic compartments where decisions are made that determine the destinations of extracellular and plasma membrane materials that have been internalized. A new family of proteins has been found that governs the exit of material from one of these endocytic organelles, the endosomal recycling compartment (ERC).
Improving Criminal Jury Decision Making After the Blakely Revolution

The shift in sentencing fact-finding responsibility triggered in many states by Blakely v. Washington may dramatically change the complexity and type of questions that juries will be required to answer. Among the most important challenges confronting legislatures now debating the future of their sentencing regimes is whether juries are prepared to handle this new responsibility effectively - and, if not, what can be done about it. Yet neither scholars addressing the impact of Blakely nor advocates of jury reform have seriously explored these questions. Nonetheless, a number of limitations on juror decision making seriously threaten the accuracy of verdicts in systems where juries are given a more prominent role in finding sentencing facts. In this article, we assess the capacity of juries to analyze and deliberate on sentencing-related facts. We consider, inter alia, problems of cognitive overload, frustration and loss of motivation due to complex structures, difficulties evaluating evidence that juries do not ordinarily consider, distortions due to the framing of nonbinary questions, and deliberation-related biases. We also propose a model for sentencing-stage jury proceedings that would minimize these problems. Its components include bifurcation of proceedings, partial application of the rules of evidence, special verdict forms that are carefully designed to minimize framing effects, structural simplification of sentencing tasks, a more active jury, and guidance for jurors on bias-reducing deliberation structures.
The role of dimensional symmetry on bimanual psychomotor skills education in immersive virtual environments

The need for virtual reality applications for education and training involving bimanual dexterous activities has been increasing in recent years. However, it is unclear how the amount of correspondence between a virtual interaction metaphor to the real-world equivalent, otherwise known as dimensional symmetry, affects bimanual pscyhomotor skills training and how skills learned in the virtual simulation transfer to the real world. How does the number of degrees of freedom enhance or hinder the learning process? Does the increase in dimensional symmetry affect cognitive load? In an empirical evaluation, we compare the effectiveness of a natural 6-DOF interaction metaphor to a simplified 3-DOF metaphor. Our simulation interactively educates users in the step-by-step process of taking a precise measurement using calipers and micrometers in a simulated technical workbench environment. We conducted a usability study to evaluate the user experience and pedagogical benefits using measures including a pre and post cognition questionnaire over all levels of Bloom's taxonomy, workload assessment, system usability, and real world psychomotor assessment tasks. Results from the pre and post cognition questionnaires suggest that learning outcomes improved throughout all levels of Bloom's taxonomy for both conditions, and trends in the data suggest that the 6-DOF metaphor was more effective in real-world skill transference compared to the 3-DOF metaphor.
Formation of Vitamin K2 Isoprenologues by Staphylococcus aureus

In Staphylococcus aureus, vitamin K2 isoprenologues can be labeled with 14C-acetate, mevalonate, glycerol, α-naphthol, and menadione. All the radioactivity from α-naphthol is in the ring nucleus. Eighty-six per cent of the radioactivity from mevalonate is in the side chain. The labeled isoprenologues of vitamin K2 can be separated and recovered quantitatively. The rates of incorporation and turnover after pulse-chase experiments indicate that the isoprenologues do not lose radioactivity once they are formed. The kinetics of incorporation of radioactivity into the ring nucleus of each isoprenologue are the same. The alkylation of the ring does not involve a simple sequential addition of isoprenoid units of the same specific activity. The incorporation of mevalonate shows that shorter side chain isoprenologues have a higher specific activity per five carbon unit than the longer side chain isoprenologues. Perhaps the alkyl precursors are from different pools since the kinetics of incorporation into all isoprenologues are different.
Pattern-Based Evaluation of Peri-Urban Development in Delaware County, Ohio, USA: Roads, Zoning and Spatial Externalities

As urban areas continue to disperse and decentralize, new urban growth is increasingly occurring in peri-urban or rural areas beyond the suburban fringe, but within commuting distance of metropolitan areas. This trend is referred to in a variety of ways, including urban expansion, urban dispersion, or peri-urbanization. Many communities are concerned with seemingly uncontrolled urban sprawl and expansion into peri-urban areas for a variety of reasons, including the fiscal, environmental and social impacts associated with urban land-use change. Urbanization can alter major biogeochemical cycles, add or remove species, and have drastic effects on habitat (Vitousek et al. 1997), particularly when such development is low-density and scattered (Theobald 2004). Urban decentralization can also decimate the inner-city tax base (Downs 1999). Growth at the urban fringe, or in the rural portions of metropolitan counties, has greatly increased, and is of significantly lower density than the surrounding urbanized areas and clusters (Heimlich and Anderson, 2001). In Ohio, low-density development outside urbanized areas has increased from 58 to 72% of total land area between 1970 and 2000 (Partridge and Clark 2008).
Ethanol impairs differentiation of human adipocyte stromal cells in culture.

Background: Bioinformatic resources suggest that adipose tissue expresses mRNAs for alcohol dehydrogenases (ADHs) and ALDH2, and epidemiological studies indicate that heavy alcohol use reduces adipose tissue mass. We therefore characterized the expression of alcohol metabolizing enzymes in human, rat and mouse adipose tissue, preadipocytes, and adipocytes, the ability of adipocytes to metabolize ethanol, and the effects of ethanol on differentiation of human adipose stromal cells (hASCs). Methods: Adipose tissue, preadipocytes, and adipocytes were collected from rodents or from humans undergoing bariatric surgery. hASCs were differentiated in vitro using standard methods. Gene expression and cellular differentiation were analyzed by Western blotting, RT-PCR, and microscopy. Results: Class I ADH was expressed in human > mouse > rat adipose tissue, whereas ALDH2 was high in all samples. ADH, catalase, and ALDH2 were induced during differentiation of hASCs. The presence of 50 mM ethanol markedly reduced the differentiation of hASCs; this effect was associated with inhibition of expression of transcription factors required for differentiation, but did not depend on the ability of the cells to metabolize ethanol. Conclusions: Human adipose tissue expresses alcohol oxidizing enzymes. The presence of ethanol at physiologically relevant concentrations inhibits differentiation of hASCs. Ethanol could alter adipose tissue biology, inducing a form of acquired lipodystrophy, which is consistent with epidemiological studies.
Mitotic arrest and cellular senescence by the acute inactivation of the VHL gene

4431 The von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) tumor suppressor gene has been studied extensively in renal cancer cells; however reports of VHL function in normal cells are limited. To better understand the biological role of VHL in normal cells, we analyzed VHL function in primary mouse cells. We generated mouse embryonic fibroblast cells (MEFs) from VHL(flox/-) embryos carrying a tamoxifen-inducible Cre (CreER™) transgene, in which the VHL gene could be acutely inactivated upon induction of CreER™ activity. As expected, inactivation of the VHL gene caused upregulation of the HIF target gene, VEGF. However we did not see increased cellular proliferation of the MEFs. Instead, VHLinactivation induced mitotic growth arrest and premature senescence in the MEFs. Cell cycle analysis by FACS showed increase in G2/M phase cells and decrease in S phase cells. Mitotic defects often resulted in the generation of binuclear cells, whose nuclei were joined by chromatin. Cyclin B1 expression was significantly reduced in the VHL inactivated MEFs accompanying the cell cycle blockage. The results of this study suggest a possible novel role for the VHL gene in regulating mitosis. Studies are underway to determine how cyclin B1 is involved in this process and the precise mechanism by which the VHL gene may regulate cyclin B1 expression. Funded in part by DHHS#NO1-CO-12400.
Barriers and facilitators for preventing adverse drug reactions of long latency: a qualitative study.

Objective: To understand the practices medical care providers and health care staff utilize in managing and preventing Adverse Drug Reactions of Long Latency (ADRLLs) among their patients on medications such as glucocorticoids. Design: Qualitative study of key informant interviews. Setting: Denver Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center. Participants: Fourteen physician providers and health care staff (nurses and pharmacists) in primary care and rheumatology. Methods: A trained interviewer conducted semi-structured interviews in which providers and health care staff were asked about their processes for tracking and averting ADRLLs. Participants were asked about barriers and facilitators to monitoring ADRLLs and solicited for suggestions to improve existing processes. Interviews were analyzed using ATLAS.ti software. Results: Providers overwhelmingly commented on barriers, rather than facilitators. Six core themes emerged regarding ADRLL management barriers: patient noncompliance, provider workload, complications coordinating care, provider unfamiliarity with ADRLLs, lack of a standardized monitoring system, and communication failures. Ideas to improve the monitoring of ADRLLs fell into two domains: improving automated computer generated reminders or assigning a specific person to monitor potential ADRLLs. Conclusions: Interviewees strongly endorsed a more systematic approach to ADRLL management, either through less intrusive computer-generated system reminders or through a dedicated staff person, such as a pharmacist, who could more closely monitor potential ADRLLs. There was disagreement among interviewees about who is responsible for monitoring ADRLLs (specialists versus primary care providers, VA versus non-VA providers, residents versus attending physicians).
Immunosuppressive effects of red blood cells on monocytes are related to both storage time and storage solution.

BACKGROUND: Reduced monocyte function is associated with adverse outcomes from critical illness. Red blood cells (RBCs) are thought to impair monocyte function but relationships between RBC storage solution and monocyte suppression are unknown. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that immunosuppressive effects of RBCs on monocytes are related to both storage time and preservative solution. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Monocytes from healthy adult donors were co-cultured with RBCs that had been stored in AS-1, AS-3, or CPD only for 7, 14, or 21 days. Cells were then stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and their supernatants assayed for tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-10. Transwell experiments were performed to evaluate the role of cell-to-cell contact. Monocyte mRNA expression was quantified by real-time–polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: LPS-induced TNF-α production capacity was reduced compared to controls for all groups, but CPD-only RBCs suppressed monocyte function more than RBCs stored in AS-1 (p = 0.007) and AS-3 (p = 0.006). IL-10 production was preserved or augmented in all groups. A longer storage time was associated with reduced TNF-α production capacity for AS-1 and AS-3 groups but not CPD. Preventing cell-to-cell contact did not eliminate the inhibitory effect of RBCs on monocyte responsiveness. RBC exposure was associated with decreased LPS-induced TNFA mRNA expression (p < 0.05 for all groups). CONCLUSIONS: CPD-only RBCs suppressed monocyte function more than RBCs stored with additive solutions. TNF-α production was reduced even in the absence of cell-to-cell contact and was impaired at the mRNA level. Further work is needed to understand the role of preservative solutions in this process.
Relative influence of diet and physical activity on body composition in urban Chinese adults

Background: The relative influence of diet and physical activity on body fatness remains uncertain. Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate associations of dietary variables and physical activity with body fatness in urban Chinese adults. Design: We conducted a cross-sectional study in 130 weight-stable men and women aged 35-49 y. Subjects were selected from upper and lower tertiles of dietary fat and physical activity on the basis of screening questionnaires. Dietary intake was assessed by weighed food intake, physical activity level (PAL) was calculated as the ratio of predicted total energy expenditure (TEE) to predicted resting energy expenditure, and body composition was measured with the use of 2 H 2 O. Reported energy intake and predicted TEE were validated against TEE determined with the use of 2 H 2 18O (n = 73). Results: Body fatness was positively associated with dietary variety (ie, variety of ingredients) (partial r = 0.186, P = 0.039) and frequency of consuming restaurant foods (partial r = 0.237, P = 0.001) and negatively associated with PAL (partial r = -0.307, P = 0.001) in a multiple regression analysis that controlled for sex and confounders. The combined variance accounted for by dietary variety and restaurant food consumption (9.1%) was equivalent to that for PAL (9.4%). Neither dietary fat nor energy density predicted body fatness, but dietary energy density predicted within-subject day-to-day variation in reported energy intake (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Dietary variety, frequency of restaurant food consumption, and PAL significantly predicted body fatness in urban Chinese adults, but dietary fat did not. These findings support previous studies in US adults and suggest that dietary variables other than fat have an important influence on adult body composition.
Parameters Relating to Ultrasensitive Prostate-Specific Antigen Assays

Several recent papers have dealt with the performance of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) assays at very low concentrations (1)(2)(3). In these papers, no less than 5 different parameters have been discussed: the lower limit of detection (LLD), the biological detection limit (BDL), functional sensitivity (FS), the residual cancer detection limit (RCDL), and the minimal detectable concentration (MDC). One may wonder whether such a profusion of terms is meaningful or necessary. However, I believe that, although these parameters are to some extent presented or used as alternatives to each other, fundamental differences exist among them. Here, I aim at distinguishing two groups of parameters, each of which has a specific use. Two types …
Tissue adhesives and pelvic hemostasis: an evaluation of isobutyl 2-cyanoacrylate.

A tissue adhesive, isobutyl cyanoacrylate, was studied in 17 mongrel dogs. The hemostatic properties of the drug were good, but the tissue tensile strength was inadequate. The exothermic activity of the preparation caused some tissue distortion. The aerosol study group was associated with an increase in sepsis. The clinical usefulnesses of the preparation are numerous and remain to be explored.
No access: Critical bottlenecks in the 2011 Somali famine

Abstract The principal obstacle to effective humanitarian response in the 2011 Somali famine was lack of access to famine victims. Poor access can be traced to five distinct bottlenecks: (1) Al-Shabaab' s obstructionist policies, which prevented most international aid agencies from operating in the famine zones; (2) US suspension of food aid into areas of Somalia controlled by Al-Shabaab , and other constraints on aid agencies related to counter-terrorism legislation; (3) chronic insecurity pre-dating Al-Shabaab and US policies, which led most aid agencies to suspend or close operations in south Somalia by 2009; (4) diversion of food aid by armed groups and corrupt officials in the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) which controlled the capital Mogadishu; and (5) a “privilege gap” in Somali society, in which low status groups lacked the social capital to access relief aid, remittances, and lateral transfers from fellow Somalis. All five of these impediments must be addressed if humanitarian access is to be improved in the future.
A microsystem-based assay for studying pollen tube guidance in plant reproduction

We present a novel microsystem-based assay to assess and quantify pollen tube behavior in response to pistil tissues. During plant reproduction, signals from female tissues (pistils) guide the sperm-carrying pollen tube to the egg cell to achieve fertilization and initiate seed development. Existing pollen tube guidance bioassays are performed in an isotropically diffusive environment (for example, a semi in vivo assay in petri dishes) instead of anisotropically diffusive conditions required to characterize guidance signal gradients. Lack of a sensitive pollen tube guidance bioassay has therefore compounded the difficulties of identifying and characterizing the guidance signals that are likely produced in minute quantities by the ovules. We therefore developed a novel microsystem-based assay that mimics the in vivo micro-environment of ovule fertilization by pollen tubes in the model research plant Arabidopsis thaliana. In this microdevice, the pollen tube growth rate, length and ovule targeting frequencies were similar to those obtained using a semi in vivo plate assay. As a direct measure of the microdevice's utility in monitoring pollen tube guidance, we demonstrated that in this device, pollen tubes preferentially enter chambers with unfertilized ovules, suggesting that the pollen tubes sense the concentration gradient and respond to the chemoattractants secreted by unfertilized ovules.
Isoproterenol stimulates shift of G proteins from plasma membrane to pinocytotic vesicles in rat adipocytes: a possible means of signal dissemination.

Abstract Guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory proteins (G proteins) are linked to a large number of surface membrane receptors and appear to regulate a variety of effector systems located both in the plasma membrane and in other parts of the cell. The mechanism of the disseminative actions of G proteins remains obscure. During an investigation of the fate of two types of G proteins, Gs and Gi, in rat adipocytes, we unexpectedly found that isoproterenol, which stimulates cAMP levels and lipolysis in these cells, induces parallel increases in both Gs and Gi in a low-density microsomal fraction rich in endosomes and Golgi bodies. Two plasma membrane constitutive enzymes, adenylyl cyclase and 5'-nucleotidase, are also elevated in this fraction. NaF and NaN3, metabolic inhibitors, block the redistribution process. The isoproterenol-stimulated shifts are completely reversible after removal of the hormone, indicating a recycling, endocytic process. The endocytic process seems to be fluid phase endocytosis, or pinocytosis, since isoproterenol stimulates the uptake of both fluorescent-labeled dextran and horseradish peroxidase into the same vesicles containing Gs. However, the vesicles that accumulate in response to isoproterenol seem heterogenous in properties that may reflect the lipolytic process induced by isoproterenol. It is speculated that the "pinosomes" formed in response to lipolytic hormones may continually produce signals within the cellular interior during their processing and cycling. Hence, signal production in response to hormones need not be confined to the cell membrane; circulating pinosomes may be responsible for some of the disseminative effects of hormones.
Standardized preoperative corticosteroid treatment in neonates undergoing cardiac surgery: Results from a randomized trial

Objective A heightened inflammatory response occurs after cardiac surgery. The perioperative use of glucocorticoids has been advocated as a method to improve postoperative outcomes. Randomized prospective studies to quantify the effect of methylprednisolone on perioperative outcomes in neonatal cardiac surgery have not been performed. We sought to determine whether preoperative methylprednisolone would improve postoperative recovery in neonates requiring cardiac surgery. Methods Neonates scheduled for cardiac surgery were randomly assigned to receive either 2-dose (8 hours preoperatively and operatively, n = 39) or single-dose (operatively, n = 37) methylprednisolone (30 mg/kg per dose) in a prospective double-blind trial. The primary outcome was the incidence of low cardiac output syndrome (standardized score) or death 36 hours postoperatively. Secondary outcomes were death at 30 days, interleukin-6 levels, inotropic score, fluid balance, serum creatinine, and intensive care unit and hospital stay. Results Preoperative plasma levels of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 were reduced by 2-fold ( P .001) in the 2-dose methylprednisolone group, consistent with the anti-inflammatory effects of methylprednisolone. However, the incidence of low cardiac output syndrome was 46% (17/37) in the single-dose and 38% (15/39) in the 2-dose methylprednisolone groups ( P = .51). Two-dose methylprednisolone was associated with a higher serum creatinine (0.61 ± 0.18 mg/dL vs 0.53 ± 0.12 mg/dL, P = .03) and poorer postoperative diuresis (−96 ± 49 mL, P = .05). Inotropic requirement, duration of mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit, and hospital stay did not differ between the 2 groups. Conclusions Combined preoperative and intraoperative use of glucocorticoids in neonatal cardiac surgery does not favorably affect early clinical outcomes and may exacerbate perioperative renal dysfunction.
Psychosocial dimensions of cancer in adolescents and young adults

Psychosocial research examining the impact of cancer on adolescents and young adults has focused mostly on domains relating to family, psychological/emotional impact and social effects. An overview of the evidence-based literature available in each of these domains is presented to highlight the trends and provide a basis for clinical application. A review of the research literature was conducted to summarize what is known regarding the psychosocial dimensions of cancer in adolescents and young adults. Key elements critical to the psychosocial adaptation of the adolescents and young adults with cancer, as well as later effects of the cancer experience, are discussed in terms of clinical implications. A case example is utilized to demonstrate the application of what has been investigated empirically in regard to psychosocial dimensions of cancer in young adults and adolescents. Studies have identified various psychosocial challenges that adolescents and young adults experience when faced with cancer. Further research, incorporating the effects of treatment stage and developmental level of the patient on specific psychosocial dimensions of the cancer experience, is needed. Evidence-based information regarding the influence and interaction of family, psychological and emotional state, and social status of adolescents and young adults with cancer can aid clinicians when developing psychosocial assessment and treatment approaches for these patients.
Rapid Removal of D5h Isomer Using the “Stir and Filter Approach” and Isolation of Large Quantities of Isomerically Pure Sc3N@C80 Metallic Nitride Fullerenes

The availability of isomerically pure samples of metallic nitride fullerenes (e.g., Sc3N@C80) is paramount for accurate characterization and experimentation. In this Communication, we report a rapid (13 h) removal of contaminant D5h Sc3N@C80 isomer and the subsequent isolation of large quantities (0.112 g) of isomerically pure Ih Sc3N@C80 metallofullerenes using a diaminosilica “Stir and Filter Approach” process. Confirmation of D5h isomer removal is obtained via HPLC and electrochemical analysis.
Antibodies Specific for the 70-kDa Heat-Shock Protein Parallel the Development of Acute Graft-versus-Host Disease in (DA × LEW)F1 Rats

Abstract Acute GVHD was induced in unirradiated (DA × LEW)F1 rats by the injection of parental DA lymphold cells. Serum sequentially derived from such animals was found to contain increased levels of antibodies reactive with 70-kDa heat-shock protein (hsp70). Elevated levels of antibody to hsp70 were detected as early as 7 days and were maximal 14 days after the induction of GVHD. These increased levels of antibodies reactive with hsp70 paralleled the onset of the signs and symptoms associated with the development of GVHD. Increased anti-hsp70 reactivity in GVHD sera was associated statistically with increased levels of hsp70-reactive IgM, IgG2a, and IgG2b. In addition, GVHD sera reacted with a 70-kDa protein found within (DA × LEW)F1 lymphoid tissue. These results demonstrate that increased levels of antibodies to hsp70 parallel the onset and development of GVHD in an acute model and are the first to show that antibodies reactive with hsp70 are associated with an ongoing disease process.
A Comparative Study of Particle Size Dependency of IR and XRD Methods for Quartz Analysis

Quartz (SiO2) is considered a probable carcinogen. In order to enforce health and safety standards, techniques that can accurately determine the quartz content of materials are necessary. Currently, two techniques dominate quartz analysis—the infrared (IR) spectrophotometry method and the X-ray diffraction (XRD) method. Unfortunately, there are problems associated with these techniques, such as sample preparation and particle size effect. This study focuses on particle size effect on quartz determination by both IR and XRD. Seven size groups of pure quartz samples, with mean diameters from 1.5 to 20 microns, were used. A set of samples with different quartz masses was prepared for each size group and subjected to both IR and XRD analysis. Two sets of calibration curves, one each from IR and XRD, were obtained. It was found that both IR and XRD methods are size-dependent but in an opposite way. As particle size increases, IR peak height decreases and XRD peak height increases for the same quartz content (m...