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20701896

Role of neostigmine and polyvalent antivenom in Indian common krait (Bungarus caeruleus) bite.

Bungarus caeruleus mon krait) bite during monsoons mon in Northwest India. This study was undertaken to find the effectiveness of neostigmine and polyvalent antivenom in improving neuromuscular paralysis following bite. All the consecutive patients admitted between June 2007 and December 2008 mon krait bite, identified either from brought snake or circumstantial evidence were studied. Ten vials of polyvalent antivenom and three doses of 2.5 mg neostigmine at 30 min intervals after administration of 0.6 mg of atropine were administered I.V. and patients were assessed for any improvement in neuroparalysis. Seventy-two patients were admitted during the study period. All the patients except two came from rural areas and were brought between June and September. Sixty-two patients were bitten during the day while clearing bricks, cutting grass or walking. The mean time interval between bite and arrival to hospital was 4.5 h. None of the patients showed any improvement following treatment and all patients developed respiratory paralysis, requiring assisted ventilation. Seventy survived and two died. Neostigmine is ineffective in reversing or improving neuroparalytic features in patients with B. caeruleus bite even at higher dose than normally mended.

20701898

Neural activation for conceptual identification of correct versus incorrect tool-object pairs.

Appropriate tool-object pairing is a natural part of our lives. When preparing to clean our teeth, we know that a toothbrush is useful, but not a screwdriver. The neural correlates of this pairing process remain unclear. We recorded 64-channel electroencephalography to determine neural correlates of identification of tool-object matches and mismatches. Subjects were shown a target tool (e.g. spoon) later paired with an object that was either a conceptual match (e.g. bowl) or mismatch (e.g. wood). To verify that activity was not related to general concept of match-mismatch, in a second condition subjects saw non-tool environmental items (e.g. bird) later paired with a conceptual match (e.g. nest) or mismatch (e.g. spider web). Analysis was focused on time bins after each picture, using standardized low-resolution brain electromagnetic tomography (sLORETA). Tool-object match versus mismatch revealed significant differences in the posterior cingulate, precuneus, left insula and superior temporal gyrus. These patterns were not present for environmental match versus mismatch. This work suggests a specific network prehending tool-based pairings, but not extensive to other pairings. The posterior cingulate, precuneus, insula and superior temporal gyrus preferentially differentiates tool-object matching and mismatching, identifying a potential locus related to impairments prehending appropriate and inappropriate tool-object relationships that arise after neural injury.

20701899

Further studies on the composition and structure of a fucoidan preparation from the brown alga Saccharina latissima.

The position of a fucoidan preparation isolated from the brown alga Saccharina latissima (formerly Laminaria saccharina) was reinvestigated. The preparation was fractionated by anion-exchange chromatography, and the fractions obtained were analyzed by chemical bined with NMR spectroscopy. Several 2D procedures, including HSQC, HMQC-TOCSY, and HMQC-NOESY, were used to obtain reliable structural information from plex spectra, and the signal assignments were additionally confirmed parison with the literature spectra of the related polysaccharides and synthetic oligosaccharides. In accordance with the previous data, the main ponent was shown to be a fucan sulfate containing a backbone of 3-linked alpha-l-fucopyranose residues sulfated at C-4 and/or at C-2 and branched at C-2 by single sulfated alpha-l-fucopyranose residues. In addition, three other types of sulfated polysaccharide molecules were detected in the total fucoidan preparation: (i) a fucogalactan having a backbone of 6-linked beta-d-galactopyranose residues branched mainly at C-4 and containing both terminal galactose and fucose residues; (ii) a fucoglucuronomannan having a backbone of alternating 4-linked beta-d-glucopyranosyluronic acid and 2-linked alpha-d-mannopyranose residues with alpha-l-fucopyranose residues as single branches at C-3 of alpha-d-Manp; and (iii) a fucoglucuronan having a backbone of 3-linked beta-d-glucopyranosyluronic acid residues with alpha-l-fucopyranose residues as single branches at C-4. Hence, even a single algal species may contain, at least in minor amounts, several sulfated polysaccharides differing in molecular structure. Partial resolution of these polysaccharides has been plished, but unambiguous evidence on their presence as separate entities was not obtained.

20701901

[Charlson index and the surgical risk scale in the analysis of surgical mortality].

There is controversy over how to assess surgical mortality risks after different operations. The purpose of this study was to assess the surgical factors that influenced surgical mortality and the ability of the Charlson Index and The Surgical Risk Scale (SRS) to determine low risk patients.

20701902

[Efficacy, safety and comfort of compression therapy models in the immediate post-operative period after a greater saphenectomy. A prospective randomised study].

There is still controversy on the pression therapy after performing a greater saphenectomy. The purpose of this study is to establish whether the use of a pression stocking has the same level of safety and efficacy as pression bandage in the immediate post-operative period after a greater saphenectomy.

20701904

Early life environment, neurodevelopment and the interrelation with atopy.

Both neurological and immunological systems are vulnerable to early life exposures. Neurological disorders and atopy have been related in animals and humans. Our main objective was to assess whether multiple exposures to early life determinants remain associated with neurodevelopment after considering the potential intermediate role of atopy. A second objective was to assess whether genes associated with atopy may inform about the potential neurotoxical mechanisms. Children were members of the AMICS birth cohort in Menorca (n=418, 87% of the recruited). General cognition was measured with the McCarthy Scales at age 4 and atopy through specific IgE at age 4 and prick test at age 6; 85 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 16 atopy and detoxification genes were genotyped. Among the 27 risk factors assessed, lower maternal social class, maternal smoking during pregnancy, being first born, shorter breastfeeding, higher DDT levels in cord blood, and higher indoor levels of NO2 (among the non-detoxifiers by GSTP1 polymorphism) were independently associated with poorer cognition. These associations were apparently not mediated by the relation between atopy and general cognition. Among the candidate atopic genes, variants in NQ01 (a detoxification gene) and NPRS1 (related with affective disorders like anxiety and stress management) had a significant association with general cognition (p-value<0.001). However, adjustment for the corresponding SNPs did not change the association between the early life determinants and general cognition. Multiple environmental pre-natal exposures were associated with neurodevelopment independently of their role in the immunological system. Atopic genes related to neurodevelopment suggest some potential mechanisms.

20701905

Five mutations of mitochondrial DNA polymerase-gamma (POLG) are not a prevalent etiology for spontaneous 46,XX primary ovarian insufficiency.

The study objective was to determine if mutations in mitochondrial DNA polymerase gamma (POLG) are associated with spontaneous 46,XX primary ovarian insufficiency (sPOI) using restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of genomic DNA. Of 201 women with 46,XX sPOI analyzed, we found only one case (0.5%, 95% confidence interval 0-3%) of heterozygosity for a POLG mutation, suggesting that this is not mon genetic etiology for this form of infertility.

20701906

Ischemia-modified albumin and cardiovascular risk markers in polycystic ovary syndrome with or without insulin resistance.

The aim of this study was to evaluate ischemia-modified albumin levels (IMA) in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) cases with and without insulin resistance and the correlation of IMA with carotid intima media thickness, homocysteine, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels. Significantly higher levels of IMA in young lean PCOS cases, more relevant in insulin resistant cases, indicates chronic hypoxia and oxidative stress which might play a role in the metabolic consequences in PCOS.

20701907

Ovarian stimulation, in vitro fertilization, and effects of culture conditions on baboon preimplantation embryo development.

To evaluate the effects of ovarian stimulation and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)-induced fertilization and efficacy of various culture systems on in vitro development of baboon embryos.

20701908

What is the utility of the Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma (FAST) exam in penetrating torso trauma?

A recent Cochrane Review has demonstrated that emergency ultrasonography decreases the amount puterised tomographic scans in blunt abdominal trauma.13 However, there is no systematic review that has evaluated the utility of the Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma(FAST) exam in penetrating torso trauma. We systematically reviewed the medical literature for the utility of the FAST exam to detect free intraperitoneal blood after penetrating torso trauma.

20701910

The timing of definitive fixation for major fractures in polytrauma--a matched-pair comparison between a US and European level I centres: analysis of current fracture management practice in polytrauma.

Early definitive stabilisation is usually the treatment of choice for major fractures in polytrauma patients. Modifications may be made when patients are in critical condition, or when associated injuries dictate the timing of surgery. The current study investigates whether the timing of fracture treatment is different in different trauma systems.

20701911

Children at risk of residual physical problems after public road traffic injuries--a 1-year follow-up study.

To describe the residual physical problems 1 year after traffic injuries in children with respect to age, gender, extraction (Swedish or foreign), type of care, type of accident and use of protective equipment, type of injury, and the impact on daily living activities.

20701913

Receptor for advanced glycation endproducts mediates pro-atherogenic responses to periodontal infection in vascular endothelial cells.

A link between periodontal infections and an increased risk for vascular disease has been demonstrated. Porphyromonas gingivalis, a major periodontal pathogen, localizes in human atherosclerotic plaques, accelerates atherosclerosis in animal models and modulates vascular cell function. The receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE) regulates vascular inflammation and atherogenesis. We hypothesized that RAGE is involved in P. gingivalis's contribution to pro-atherogenic responses in vascular endothelial cells.

20701914

Influence of joint constraints on lower limb kinematics estimation from skin markers using global optimization.

In order to obtain the lower limb kinematics from skin-based markers, the soft tissue artefact (STA) has to pensated. Global optimization (GO) methods rely on a predefined kinematic model and attempt to limit STA by minimizing the differences between model predicted and skin-based marker positions. Thus, the reliability of GO methods depends directly on the chosen model, whose influence is not well known yet. This study develops a GO method that allows to easily implement different sets of joint constraints in order to assess their influence on the lower limb kinematics during gait. The segment definition was based on generalized coordinates giving only linear or quadratic joint constraints. Seven sets of joint constraints were assessed, corresponding to different kinematic models at the ankle, knee and hip: SSS, USS, PSS, SHS, SPS, UHS and PPS (where S, U and H stand for spherical, universal and hinge joints and P for parallel mechanism). GO was applied to gait data from five healthy males. Results showed that the lower limb kinematics, except hip kinematics, knee and ankle flexion-extension, significantly depend on the chosen ankle and knee constraints. The knee parallel mechanism generated some typical knee rotation patterns previously observed in lower limb kinematic studies. Furthermore, only the parallel mechanisms produced joint displacements. Thus, GO using parallel mechanism seems promising. It also offers some perspectives of subject-specific joint constraints.

20701912

Hypochlorite-oxidized LDL induces intraplatelet ROS formation and surface exposure of CD40L--a prominent role of CD36.

OxLDL represents a central player in atherogenesis and has been shown to activate human blood platelets. In light of the pivotal role of CD40L in inflammation, it was the aim of this work to clarify if platelet-activating effects of oxidized LDL result in surface exposure and liberation of CD40L and to explore the role of platelet scavenger receptor CD36 in this process.

20701915

Experimental study of the depth influence on the band broadening effect in a cyclo-olefin polymer column containing an array of ordered pillars.

An experimental study of a micromachined non-porous pillar array column performance under non-retentive conditions is presented. The same pillar structure has been fabricated in cyclo-olefin polymer (COP) chips with three different depths via hot embossing and pressure-assisted thermal bonding. The influence of the depth on the band broadening along with the already known contribution arising from the top and bottom cover plates has been studied. The experimental results exhibit reduced plate heights as low as 0.2, which are in agreement with the previous experimental work. Moreover, the constant values of the reduced Van Deemter expression are also in accordance with the previous studies. A more exhaustive study of the C-term band broadening is also presented, showing paring the space between the pillars with different open tubular rectangular channels offers a good estimation of the C-term band broadening that is obtained experimentally. These experimental results, hence, confirm that micromachined pillar array columns fabricated in COP can achieve the same performance as the ones fabricated in silicon for the presently studied pillar channel design.

20701916

Hyphenated technique for the extraction and determination of isoflavones in algae: ultrasound-assisted supercritical fluid extraction followed by fast chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry.

New hyphenated technique for the extraction and determination of isoflavones in sea and freshwater algae and cyanobacteria was developed. The method consists of sonication sample pretreatment, extraction by supercritical CO(2) modified by 3% (v/v) of MeOH/H(2)O mixture (9:1, v/v) at 35 MPa and 40°C for 60 min, fast chromatography analysis by the means of Agilent 1200 Series Rapid Resolution and MS/MS determination. Agilent 1200 Series RRLC was used with Zorbax SB-CN chromatographic column (100 mm × 2.1mm, particle size 3.5 μm), 3μl injection volume, mobile phase consisting of 0.2% (v/v) acetic acid in water (solvent A) and acetonitrile (solvent B) and used with linear gradient (30% B at 0 min, from 0 min to 3 min up to 50% B, from 3 to 6 min up to 80% B and from 6 to 10 min down to 30% B). The flow-rate was 0.4 mL/min, column oven temperature 35°C. MS detector Agilent Technologies 6460 Triple quadrupole LC/MS with Agilent Jet Stream was used in a negative ESI mode under following conditions: gas temperature 350°C, gas flow 13 L/min, nebulizer gas pressure 50 psi, sheath gas temperature 400°C, sheath gas flow 12L/min, capillary voltage was 4 kV. Samples were analysed in the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. Eight pounds were found for the first time in seven real samples of sea algae and in three control samples of freshwater algae and cyanobacteria. Usual optimisation study of extraction parameters was performed. Pressure and temperature optima for algae matrix are different from those obtained sooner for other matrices for most of the analytes, but the results of modifier optimisation study are in good accordance with those obtained sooner for spiked samples and red clover matrix. It seems that matrix has very small or no effect on the modifier selection. Two different approaches of sonication pretreatment were tested: sonication bath and the thorn instrument. In longer extraction time experiments, thorn sonication was more efficient and recovery of following supercritical fluid extraction was higher.

20701917

Application of mixed mode resins for the purification of antibodies.

The downstream processing of monoclonal antibodies from cell culture supernatant is usually done by a number of chromatographic and non-chromatographic steps. Efforts are taken to reduce the costs associated to those steps, while maintaining a high product purity. A possibility to reach this goal is the reduction of the number of chromatographic steps using mixed mode resins that offer more than one functionality in one chromatographic step. In this work, mercially available mixed mode resin was evaluated systematically with respect to the adsorption of proteins. The Henry coefficient, which quantifies the adsorption strength, was measured for the full working range of the stationary phase as a function of the salt concentration and the pH. The results pared to a conventional anion exchange and a hydrophobic interaction resin. Furthermore, the resin was applied for the polishing step of an antibody from an industrial clarified cell culture supernatant.

20701918

Co dendrite based bimetallic structures with nanoflake-built Pt covers and strong catalytic activity.

Platinum-cobalt bimetallic structures have been synthesized in high yield via a galvanic replacement of Co dendrites in an aqueous K(2)PtCl(6) solution at room temperature. Increasing the K(2)PtCl(6) concentration results in different surface morphologies. Starting from furry coatings, a higher Pt/Co ratio leads to very rough surfaces built with upright standing nanoflakes, and finally a relatively smooth, cauliflower-like cover is obtained. The growth is discussed as the interplay of several mechanisms like the concentration driven nucleation, consumption of Co substrate, stoichiometry of the replacement reaction, and the electron transfer through the growing flakes. While the mono metallic structures are catalytically inactive towards the reduction of 4-nitrophenol by sodium borohydride, the catalytic activity of the bimetallic structures is quite high and optimized by a Pt atomic percentage of 27%. This indicates a catalytic role of the bimetallic interfaces.

20701919

Using jet mixing to prepare polyelectrolyte complexes: complex properties and their interaction with silicon oxide surfaces.

The influence of mixing procedure on the properties of plexes (PECs) was investigated using plexation techniques, polyelectrolyte titration and jet mixing, the latter being a new method for PEC preparation. For the low-molecular-weight polyelectrolytes polyacrylic acid (PAA) and polyallyl amine hydrochloride (PAH), shorter mixing times produced smaller PECs, whereas for higher molecular weights of the same polyelectrolytes, PEC size first decreased with decreasing mixing time to a certain level, after which it started increasing again. This pattern was likely due to the diffusion-controlled formation of plexes", which, in the case of low-molecular-weight polymers, occurs sufficiently quickly to form plexes; when polyelectrolytes are larger, however, non-equilibrium plexes, more prone to aggregation, are formed. Comparing the techniques revealed that jet mixing produced plexes, allowing PEC size to be controlled by mixing time, which was not the case with polyelectrolyte titration. Higher polyelectrolyte concentration during jet mixing led to the formation of larger PECs. It was also demonstrated that PEC size could be changed after preparation: increasing the pH of the PEC dispersion led to an irreversible increase in PEC size, whereas lowering the pH did not influence PEC size. The adsorption behavior of PECs formed from weak polyelectrolytes on model substrates was studied using QCM-D, SPAR, and AFM imaging; the results indicated that increasing the pH increased the amount of PECs adsorbed to model surfaces. However, the amount of PECs adsorbed to the model surfaces was pared with other systems in all studied cases.

20701920

Silicone oil emulsions stabilized by semi-solid nanostructures entrapped at the interface.

Oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions are typically stabilized using water-soluble surfactants, which anchor to the surface of oil droplets dispersed in an aqueous solution. The structure of the anchored surfactants is often susceptible to physical and chemical stresses because of their highly mobile properties. Here we introduce a new approach to prepare stable silicone oil emulsions under various external stresses using a water-insoluble amphiphilic block copolymer, poly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PEO-b-PCL). Above the melting temperature (around 60 degrees C) of the hydrophobic segment (PCL), PEO-b-PCL can be dissolved in silicone oil. When the polymer/oil mixture is dispersed in water, PEO-b-PCL is irreversibly reorganized into solid nanostructures at the interface of the aqueous/organic phases. The resulting interfacial structures provide a robust physical barrier to the emulsion coarsening processes. Accordingly, the prepared emulsions exhibit excellent structural tolerance against external stresses, including variations in pH, ionic strength, and temperature.

20701921

Insights into cyclodextrin-modulated interactions between protein and surfactant at specific and nonspecific binding stages.

Cyclodextrin (CD) modulated interactions between ionic surfactants with opposite charge and bovine serum albumin (BSA) at specific and nonspecific binding stages have been studied by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), fluorescence spectra and circular dichroism spectral measurements. At the specific binding stage with high affinity, the effectiveness of both alpha- and beta-CD for hindering BSA-SDS interactions is quite weak; however, CD is more effective in hindering BSA-CTAB specific interactions. This is due to the cooperative electrostatic and hydrophobic interaction between BSA and SDS, and to the absence of the cooperative interaction between BSA and CTAB at the specific binding stage. For both BSA-SDS and BSA-CTAB systems (especially in the former system), alpha-CD is more effective in hindering BSA-surfactant interactions than beta-CD. At the nonspecific binding stage, the addition of both alpha- and beta-CD can hinder totally both BSA-SDS and BSA-CTAB hydrophobic interactions. This is caused by the more specific hydrophobic interaction between CD and pared with the hydrophobic interaction between BSA and surfactant. Our results show that the CD effect on the protein-surfactant interaction depends on both the nature of the protein-surfactant interaction and plexing ability of CD with surfactant.

20701922

Effect of Au and Au@Ag core-shell nanoparticles on the SERS of bridging organic molecules.

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with about 6 nm size were produced and stabilized with mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) film to produce a monolayer protected cluster (MPC) of AuS(CH(2))(2)COOH. 4-Aminothiophenol (ATP) molecules were introduced to the activated carboxylic acid ends of the film surrounding the AuNPs to produce AuS(CH(2))(2)CONHPhSH MPC. These modified AuNPs were again self-assembled with Au@Ag core-shell bimetallic nanoparticles via the -SH groups to produce an organic bridge between Au and Au@Ag metallic nanoparticles. An unusually strong enhancement of the Raman signals was observed and assigned to the plasmon coupling between the AuNPs and Au@Ag NPs bridged assembly. Formation of AuS(CH(2))(2)COOH and AuS(CH(2))(2)CONHPhSH clusters and AuS(CH(2))(2)CONHPhS(Au@Ag) assembly is confirmed by UV-Vis, reflection-absorption IR spectroscopy (RAIRS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), as well as by TEM analysis. The SERS activity of the AuNPs and Au@Ag NPs was tested using the HS(CH(2))(2)CONHPhSH molecule as a probe pare the effectiveness of monometallic and bimetallic systems. SERS spectra show that Au@Ag bimetallic nanoparticles are very effective SERS-active substrates.

20701923

SANS study to probe nanoparticle dispersion in nanocomposite membranes of aromatic polyamide and functionalized silica nanoparticles.

Silica nanoparticles produced from organically functionalized silicon alkoxide precursors were incorporated into polyamide film to produce a silica-polyamide posite membrane with enhanced properties. The dispersion of the silica nanoparticles in the posite membrane was characterized by performing small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) measurements on dilute reactant systems and dilute solution suspensions of the final product. Clear scattering of monodisperse spherical particles of 10-18 A R(g) were observed from dilute solutions of the initial reactant system. These silica nanoparticles initially reacted with diamine monomers of polyamide and subsequently were transformed into polyamide-coated silica nanoparticles; finally nanoparticle aggregates of 27-45 A R(g) were formed. The nanoparticle dispersion of the membrane as the nanosized aggregates is in corroboration with ring- or chain-like assemblies of the nanoparticles dispersed in the bulk polyamide phase as observed by transmission electron microscopy. It is demonstrated that dispersions of silica nanoparticles as the nanosized aggregates in the polyamide phase could be achieved in the posite membrane with a silica content up to about 2 wt.%. posite membranes with higher silica loading approximately 10 wt.% lead to the formation of large aggregates of sizes over 100 A R(g) in addition to the nanosized aggregates.

20701924

Time evolution of the thermotropic behavior of spontaneous liposomes and disks of the DMPC-DTAC aqueous system.

In this work, solubilization of the phospholipid 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC) by the cationic detergent n-dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride (DTAC) was studied in aqueous solution, at a fixed DMPC concentration and variable detergent:lipid (D:L) molar ratios. The colloidal nanostructures present in different stages of the solubilization process were characterized using micro-differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) techniques. For total (analytical) D:L molar ratios below approximately 1, DTAC monomers incorporate into the DMPC liposome bilayers, forming smaller and more fluid vesicles than pure DMPC liposomes. At D:L approximately 1-2, vesicles begin to rupture, coexisting with intact vesicles and bilayer fragments. At D:L approximately 2-12.5, discoidal and spherical micelles are formed and coexist with vesicles; a slow structural rearrangement of the system, monitored in successive DSC heating/cooling cycles, was observed, and is reported for the first time. Finally, for D:L above approximately 15-20, the bilayers pletely dissolved, and the main aggregates in solution e spherical micelles, which slowly evolve to cylindrical (threadlike) micelles. Based on the dependence of the temperature and enthalpy of transitions on the total D:L molar ratio, at constant DMPC concentration, a schematic model, showing the different colloidal nanostructures present in the solubilization process, is proposed.

20701926

The Simple Prognostic Index (SPI)--a pathophysiologic prognostic scoring tool for emergency laparotomy.

Laparotomy monly performed as an emergency operation. It is often performed on elderly patients with high risks of mortality and morbidity. Currently, there is no accurate scoring system to predict mortality and morbidity, preoperatively, in these circumstances. This study was conducted to develop a scoring system that can accurately predict the risk of in-hospital mortality plications for these patients in the emergency department prior to surgery.

20701925

The volume-outcomes relationship for United States Level I trauma centers.

Previous studies of the center es relationship for severe trauma care have yielded conflicting findings regarding the presence or nature of such a relationship. Few studies have confined their analysis to Level I centers.

20701927

Changes in the mechanical and biochemical properties of aortic tissue due to cold storage.

Temporary cold storage is mon procedure for preserving tissues for a short time before using them in a clinical or experimental setting. The process of storing tissues at refrigeration or freezing temperatures can affect the mechanical properties of the tissue. Previous studies were limited to uniaxial tensile tests and did not have substantial explanations for what was structurally occurring in the tissue to account for the changes in mechanical properties.

20701928

Crustacean assemblages in a polluted estuary from South-Western Spain.

The spatial-temporal variation in crustacean assemblages of the Odiel-Tinto estuary, one of the most polluted areas in the world, was studied in 2000, 2002 and 2004. The crustacean assemblages were mainly established according to the natural gradient from estuarine to marine environment (based on water and sediment characteristics such as dissolved oxygen, salinity, granulometry or organic content). Pollutants such as copper, zinc or phosphates could also explain partially this pattern based on BIOENV and canonical correspondence analyses. However, there were clear symptoms of perturbation, mainly in the inner areas, such as a low number of species and a low abundance, especially in relation to the typical estuarine species (e.g. Cyathura carinata, Corophium spp.). This study provides baseline information which can be used as a reference point in a long-term perspective.

20701929

First health and pollution study on harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) living in the German Elbe estuary.

The Elbe is one of the major rivers releasing pollutants into the coastal areas of the German North Sea. Its estuary represents the habitat of a small population of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina). Only little is known about the health status and contamination levels of these seals. Therefore, a first-ever seal catch was organized next to the islands of Neuwerk and Scharhörn in the region of the Hamburg Wadden Sea National Park. The investigations included a broad set of health parameters and the analysis of metals and organic pollutants in blood samples. Compared to animals of other Wadden Sea areas, the seals showed higher γ-globulin levels, suggesting higher concentrations of pathogens in this near-urban area, elevated concentrations for several metals in particular for V, Sn, Pb, and Sr, parable ranges for chlorinated organic contaminants, except for elevated levels of hexachlorobenzene, which indicates characteristic inputs from the Elbe.

20701930

Analysis of the reliability of a statistical oil spill response model.

A statistical oil spill response model is developed and validated by means of actual oil slick observations reported during the Prestige accident and trajectories of drifter buoys. The model is based on the analysis of a database of hypothetical oil spill scenarios simulated by means of a Lagrangian transport model. To carry out the simulations, a re-analysis database consisting of 44-year hindcast dataset of wind and waves and climatologic daily mean surface currents is used. The number of scenarios required to obtain statistically reliable results is investigated, finding that 200 scenarios provide an optimal balance between the accuracy of the results and putational effort. The reliability of the model was analyzed paring the actual data with the numerical results. The agreement found between actual and numerical data shows that the developed statistical oil spill model is a valuable tool to support spill response planning.

20701932

[Factors related with the performance of a proper hand hygiene].

To identify factors related with the performance of a proper hand hygiene technique in a hand hygiene campaign.

20701933

Convergent validity of a questionnaire for assessing physical activity in Spanish adolescents with overweight.

To evaluate the convergent validity of the PAQ-A for assessing physical activity (PA) in overweight (including obese) adolescents.

20701934

Plants contain two distinct classes of functional tryptophan synthase beta proteins.

Tryptophan synthase beta-subunits (TSBs) catalyze the last step in tryptophan biosynthesis, i.e. the condensation of indole and serine yielding tryptophan. In microorganisms two subfamilies of TSBs (here designated as type 1 and type 2) are known, which are only distantly related. Surprisingly, in all genomes of multicellular plants analyzed genes encoding both types are present. While type 1 enzymes are well established ponents of tryptophan plexes, type 2 enzymes in plants have not yet been characterized. Tissue specific expression of the TSB genes from Arabidopsis thaliana was analyzed. While AtTSB1 is the predominantly expressed isoform in vegetative tissues, AtTSB1 and AtTSBtype2 reach similar transcript levels in seeds. AtTSBtype2 protein was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified. It converted indole and serine to tryptophan with a strikingly low K(m)-value for indole of ca. 74 nM. Attsbtype2 T-DNA insertion mutants showed no obvious deviation from the wild type phenotype, indicating that AtTSBtype2 function is not essential under standard growth conditions. As example for a monocot enzyme, maize TSBtype 2 was analyzed and found to be transcribed in various tissues. ZmTSBtype2 was also catalytically active and here a K(m)-value for indole of ca. 7 microM was determined. These data indicate that TSB type 2 enzymes generally are functionally expressed in plants. Their potential biological role is discussed.

20701935

Two cytotoxic stereoisomers of malyngamide C, 8-epi-malyngamide C and 8-O-acetyl-8-epi-malyngamide C, from the marine cyanobacterium Lyngbya majuscula.

Two epimers of malyngamide C, 8-O-acetyl-8-epi-malyngamide C (1) and 8-epi-malyngamide C (3) have been isolated along with pounds 6-O-acetylmalyngamide F (5), H (6), J (7) K (8), and characterized from a Grenada field collection of the marine cyanobacterium Lyngbya majuscula. The structures of pounds were deduced by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic and mass spectral data interpretation. Absolute configurations were determined by bination of CD-spectroscopy, chemical degradation and the variable temperature Mosher's method. Compounds 1-5, 7 and 8 displayed moderate cytotoxicity to NCI-H460 human lung tumor and neuro-2a cancer cell lines, with IC(50) values ranging between 0.5 and 20 microg/mL.

20701936

Suppression of homodimerization of toll-like receptor 4 by isoliquiritigenin.

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play important inductive roles in innate immune responses for host defense against invading microbial pathogens. Activation of TLR4 by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces dimerization of TLR4 and, subsequently, activation of downstream signaling pathways including nuclear factor-kappa B and interferon regulatory factor 3. TLR4 dimerization may be an early regulatory event in activating signaling pathways induced by LPS. Here, biochemical evidence is reported that isoliquiritigenin, one of the major ingredients derived from licorice root, inhibits LPS-induced TLR4 dimerization resulting in inhibition of nuclear factor-kappa B and interferon regulatory factor 3 activation, and cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression. These results suggest that isoliquiritigenin modulates TLR-mediated signaling pathways at the receptor level. Furthermore, these results suggest that TLRs themselves may be important targets for the prevention of chronic inflammatory diseases.

20701938

Experimental infection of camels with bluetongue virus.

Three camels aged 4-5 years were experimentally infected with Bluetongue virus serotype 1 (BTV-1) and were observed for 75 days. No clinical signs of disease were observed throughout the experiment, however all three animals seroconverted and developed BTV-1 specific neutralising antibodies after challenge. All three camels developed a viraemia from 7 days post infection albeit at a lower level than that usually observed in experimental infections of sheep and cattle. Virus was isolated from the blood of all three animals suggesting that camels may act as a reservoir for BTV and play an important role in its transmission.

20701940

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus non-structural protein 1 suppresses tumor necrosis factor-alpha promoter activation by inhibiting NF-κB and Sp1.

The objective of this study was to identify porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV)-encoded proteins that are responsible for the inhibition of TNF-α expression and the mechanism(s) involved in this phenomenon. Using a TNF-α promoter reporter system, the non-structural protein 1 (Nsp1) was found to strongly suppress the TNF-α promoter activity. Such inhibition takes place especially at the promoter's proximal region. Both Nsp1α and Nsp1β, the two proteolytic fragments of Nsp1, were shown to be involved in TNF-α promoter suppression. Furthermore, using reporter plasmids specific for transcription factors (TFs) that bind to TNF-α promoter, Nsp1α and Nsp1β were demonstrated to inhibit the activity of the TFs that bind CRE-κB(3) and Sp1 elements respectively. Subsequent analyses showed that Nsp1α moderately inhibits NF-κB activation and that pletely abrogates the Sp1 transactivation. These findings reveal one of the important mechanisms underlying the innate immune evasion by PRRSV during infection.

20701937

[Usefulness of magnetic resonance imaging in prostate cancer].

In the last decade, technical advances in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have made it the technique of choice in the overall management of patients with suspected or confirmed prostate cancer. MR makes it possible to acquire information about morphology and function in the same examination by using techniques like spectroscopy, diffusion, and dynamic sequences with intravenous contrast material administration. Moreover, MRI enables both focused study of the prostate gland and of regional and/or whole-body involvement, depending on the clinical indications, in less than an hour. The main clinical indications for MRI of the prostate are a) staging local, regional, and/or remote disease; b) detecting prostate cancer or guiding prostate biopsy in cases of clinical suspicion or negative findings in previous biopsy specimens; and c) monitoring the response to treatment. It is important to know the different protocols with specific MRI sequences for the prostate, depending on the different clinical indications, to ensure that they are performed and interpreted correctly. This article provides up-to-date information about the use of MRI for the study of the prostate to show how the morphological and functional information can be used in clinical practice.

20701941

A comparative analysis of the substrate permissiveness of HCV and GBV-B NS3/4A proteases reveals genetic evidence for an interaction with NS4B protein during genome replication.

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) serine protease (NS3/4A) processes the NS3-NS5B segment of the viral polyprotein and also cleaves host proteins involved in interferon signaling, making it an important target for antiviral drug discovery and suggesting a wide breadth of substrate specificity. pared substrate specificities of the HCV protease with that of the GB virus B (GBV-B), a distantly related nonhuman primate hepacivirus, by exchanging amino acid sequences at the NS4B/5A and/or NS5A/5B cleavage junctions between these viruses within the backbone of subgenomic replicons. This mutagenesis study demonstrated that the GBV-B protease had a broader substrate tolerance, a feature corroborated by structural homology modeling. However, despite efficient polyprotein processing, GBV-B RNAs containing HCV sequences at the C-terminus of NS4B had a pseudo-lethal replication phenotype. petent revertants contained second-site substitutions within the NS3 protease or NS4B N-terminus, providing genetic evidence for an essential interaction between NS3 and NS4B during genome replication.

20701942

Structure of a Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus assembly intermediate isolated from infected cells.

Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) is a prototypical enveloped ssRNA virus of the family Togaviridae. To better understand alphavirus assembly, we analyzed newly formed nucleocapsid particles (termed pre-viral nucleocapsids) isolated from infected cells. These particles were intermediates along the virus assembly pathway, and ultimately bind membrane-associated viral glycoproteins to bud as mature infectious virus. Purified pre-viral nucleocapsids were spherical with a unimodal diameter distribution. The structure of one class of pre-viral nucleocapsids was determined with single particle reconstruction of cryo-electron microscopy images. These studies showed that pre-viral nucleocapsids assembled into an icosahedral structure with a capsid stoichiometry similar to the mature nucleocapsid. However, the individual capsomers were organized significantly differently within the pre-viral and mature nucleocapsids. The pre-viral nucleocapsid structure implies that nucleocapsids are highly plastic and undergo glycoprotein and/or lipid-driven rearrangements during virus self-assembly. This mechanism of self-assembly may be general for other enveloped viruses.

20701939

Orbital lobular panniculitis in Weber-Christian disease: sustained response to anti-TNF treatment and review of the literature.

Weber-Christian disease is a febrile, relapsing, non-suppurative panniculitis of unknown etiology. Lobular panniculitis is the essential feature in biopsy specimens and evolves through three recognizable stages. We report a case of Weber-Christian disease with bilateral orbital involvement, at different stages, affecting the orbital fat along with enophthalmos in one orbit, and the upper preaponeurotic fat pad in the other. Weber-Christian disease was refractory to treatment with conventional immunosuppressive regimens; however, early inflammatory-but not chronic fibrotic-orbital lesions responded dramatically to anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy. A literature review revealed five additional cases of orbital Weber-Christian disease, none treated with anti-TNF antibodies. Of these, four presented initially with proptosis, representing early stages of inflammation, and two subsequently developed enophthalmos, representing late, inactive stage of the disease. Although orbital Weber-Christian disease is rare, ophthalmologists need to be aware of this entity. Depending on the stage of inflammation, Weber-Christian disease should be included in the differential diagnosis of both proptosis and enophthalmos. Anti-TNF antibodies can successfully treat patients at the early inflammatory stage.

20701943

Roles of the respiratory syncytial virus trailer region: effects of mutations on genome production and stress granule formation.

The 5' extragenic trailer region of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is known to be necessary for genome replication, but is more than three times the length of the 3' leader replication promoter, raising the possibility that trailer might play an additional role in viral replication. To examine this, mutant binant viruses were constructed in which the trailer region was truncated or substituted with plement sequence. This analysis showed that plete trailer increased promoter activity, facilitating genome production and viral multiplication. In addition, trailer-containing viruses did not induce stress granules, whereas the plement virus mutant did, resulting in poor multi-cycle viral growth. These data demonstrate that although the RSV trailer does not contain a unique essential sequence, it augments virus growth by enabling optimal genome production. In addition, a sequence at the 5' terminal end of the trailer region allows RSV to subvert stress granule formation.

20701944

Mechanistic interplay among the M184I HIV-1 reverse transcriptase mutant, the central polypurine tract, cellular dNTP concentrations and drug sensitivity.

We recently reported that the M184I 3TC resistant mutation reduces RT binding affinity to dNTP substrates. First, the HIV-1 M184I mutant vector displays reduced transduction pared to wild type (WT) RT vector, which could be rescued by both elevating the cellular dNTP concentration and incorporating WT RT molecules into the M184I vector particles. Second, the central polypurine tract (cPPT) mutation and M184I mutation additively reduced the vector transduction to almost undetectable levels, particularly in nondividing cells. Third, the M184I (-) cPPT vector became significantly more sensitive to 3TC than the M184I (+) cPPT vector, but not to AZT or Nevirapine in the dividing cells. Finally, this 3TC sensitizing effect of the cPPT inactivation of the M184I vector was reversed by elevating the dCTP level, but not by the other three dNTPs. These data support a mechanistic interaction between cPPT and M184I RT with respect to viral replication and sensitivity to 3TC.

20701945

Efficient recovery of nano-sized iron oxide particles from synthetic acid-mine drainage (AMD) water using fuel cell technologies.

Acid mine drainage (AMD) is an important contributor to surface water pollution due to the release of acid and metals. Fe(II) in AMD reacts with dissolved oxygen to produce iron oxide precipitates, resulting in further acidification, discoloration of stream beds, and sludge deposits in receiving waters. It has recently been shown that new fuel cell technologies, based on microbial fuel cells, can be used to treat AMD and generate electricity. Here we show that this approach can also be used as a technique to generate spherical nano-particles of iron oxide that, upon drying, are transformed to goethite (α-FeOOH). This approach therefore provides a relatively straightforward way to generate a product that mercial value. Particle diameters ranged from 120 to 700 nm, with sizes that could be controlled by varying the conditions in the fuel cell, especially current density (0.04-0.12 mA/cm(2)), pH (4-7.5), and initial Fe(II) concentration (50-1000 mg/L). The most efficient production of goethite and power occurred with pH = 6.3 and Fe(II) concentrations above 200 mg/L. These results show that fuel cell technologies can not only be used for simultaneous AMD treatment and power generation, but that they can generate useful products such as iron oxide particles having sizes appropriate for used as pigments and other applications.

20701946

Monitoring associations between clade-level variation, overall community structure and ecosystem function in enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) systems using terminal-restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP).

The role of Candidatus "Accumulibacter phosphatis" (Accumulibacter) in enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) is well established but the relevance of different Accumulibacter clades to the performance of EBPR systems is unknown. We developed a terminal-restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) technique to monitor changes in the relative abundance of key members of the munity, including Accumulibacter clades, in four replicate mini-sequencing batch reactors (mSBRs) operated for EBPR over a 35-day period. The ability of the T-RFLP technique to detect trends was confirmed using fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH). EBPR performance varied between reactors and over time; by day 35, performance was maintained in mSBR2 whilst it had deteriorated in mSBR1. However, reproducible trends in structure-function relationships were detected in the mSBRs. EBPR performance was strongly associated with the relative abundance of total Accumulibacter. A shift in the ratio of the dominant Accumulibacter clades was also detected, with Type IA associated with good EBPR performance and Type IIC associated with poor EBPR performance. Changes in ecosystem function of the mSBRs in the early stages of the experiment were more closely associated with changes in the abundance of (unknown) members of the munity than of either Accumulibacter or Candidatus "Competibacter phosphatis". This study therefore reveals a hitherto unrecorded plex relationship between Accumulibacter clades, the munity and ecosystem function of laboratory-scale EBPR systems.

20701947

Improved strategies and optimization of calibration models for real-time PCR absolute quantification.

Real-time PCR absolute quantification applications are ing mon in the recreational and drinking water quality industries. Many methods rely on the use of standard curves to make estimates of DNA target concentrations in unknown samples. Traditional absolute quantification approaches dictate that a standard curve must pany each experimental run. However, the generation of a standard curve for each qPCR experiment set-up can be expensive and time consuming, especially for studies with large numbers of unknown samples. As a result, many researchers have adopted a master calibration strategy where a single curve is derived from DNA standard measurements generated from multiple instrument runs. However, a master curve can inflate uncertainty associated with intercept and slope parameters and decrease the accuracy of unknown sample DNA target concentration estimates. Here we report two alternative strategies termed 'pooled' and 'mixed' for the generation of calibration equations from absolute standard curves which can help reduce the cost and time of laboratory testing, as well as the uncertainty in calibration model parameter estimates. In this study, four different strategies for generating calibration models pared based on a series of repeated experiments for two different qPCR assays using a Monte Carlo Markov Chain method. The hierarchical Bayesian approach allowed for parison of uncertainty in intercept and slope model parameters and the optimization of experiment design. Data suggests that the 'pooled' model can reduce uncertainty in both slope and intercept parameter pared to the traditional single curve approach. In addition, the 'mixed' model achieved uncertainty estimates similar to the 'single' model while increasing the number of available reaction wells per instrument run.

20701948

Aerobic treatment of N-nitrosodimethylamine in a propane-fed membrane bioreactor.

N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) is a suspected human carcinogen that has recently been detected in wastewater, groundwater and drinking water. Treatment of pound to low part-per-trillion (ng/L) concentrations is required to mitigate cancer risk. Current treatment generally entails UV irradiation, which while effective, is also expensive. The objective of this research was to explore potential bioremediation strategies as alternatives for treating NDMA to ng/L concentrations. Batch studies revealed that the propanotroph Rhodococcus ruber ENV425 was capable of metabolizing NDMA from 8 μg/L to <2 ng/L after growth on propane, and that the strain produced metabolites that do not pose a significant risk at the concentrations generated (Fournier et al., 2009). A laboratory-scale membrane bioreactor (MBR) was subsequently constructed to evaluate the potential for long-term ex situ treatment of NDMA. The MBR was seeded with ENV425 and received propane as the primary growth substrate and oxygen as an electron acceptor. At an average influent NDMA concentration of 7.4 μg/L and a 28.5 h hydraulic residence time, the reactor effluent concentration was 3.0 ± 2.3 ng/L (>99.95% removal) over more than 70 days of operation. The addition of trichloroethene (TCE) to the reactor resulted in a significant increase in effluent NDMA concentrations, most likely due to cell toxicity from TCE-epoxide produced during etabolic oxidation by ENV425. The data suggest that an MBR system can be a viable treatment option for NDMA in groundwater provided that high concentrations of TCE are not present.

20701949

Kinetics and mechanisms of sulfate radical oxidation of β-lactam antibiotics in water.

The quantitative removal of contaminant antibiotic activity from waters intended for reuse is one of the biggest problems facing water utilities today. As conventional water treatments are not sufficient, advanced Oxidation and Reduction Processes (AO/RPs) are being considered for additional remediation. In support of the potential use of sulfate radical based AO/RPs, we have determined the reaction rate constants for the sulfate radical with a large library of β-lactam antibiotics. The SO(4)(-) reactivity with the five-member ring species was found to have an extrapolated zero ionic strength average rate constant of (1.6±0.9) x 10(9)M(-1)s(-1), slightly slower than for the six-member antibiotics at (2.1±0.6) x 10(9)M(-1)s(-1). Transient spectral studies indicated that the majority of these radicals reacted at the five- or six-member rings adjacent to the β-lactam core, predominately at the sulfur atom and the double bond, respectively. As these oxidations occur next to the β-lactam moiety, rather than at the peripheral aromatic rings observed for hydroxyl radical reaction, sulfate radical remediation through the use of added persulfate might result in more efficient antibiotic activity removal than when using a traditional AO/RP treatment.

20701950

An estimate of phthalate exposure among pregnant women living in Trujillo, Peru.

Phthalates are a group of phthalic acid esters which are used as plasticizers and additives. In laboratory animals, several phthalates are known endocrine disruptors. Several studies have described phthalate exposure in the United States and developed countries but little is known about phthalate exposure in the developing world, particularly during pregnancy. To assess exposure to six different phthalates, we measured the concentrations of nine phthalate metabolites in spot urine samples collected during the first, second, and third trimester of pregnancy from a group of 72 women living in Trujillo, Peru. Additionally, pleted questionnaires to provide demographic characteristics. Statistical analysis via linear models was used to evaluate potential differences in the concentrations of phthalate metabolites by trimester, cooking fuel type, socioeconomic status, and education. All metabolites were detected in>40% of samples analyzed, and mono-n-butyl phthalate, mono (2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate, and monoethyl phthalate were found in>90% of samples. Five of nine unadjusted urinary metabolites and four of nine creatinine-adjusted urinary metabolites were significantly lower in this group of pregnant women living in pared to pregnant women in the US general population.

20701951

Studying associations between urinary metabolites of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and cardiovascular diseases in the United States.

The association between background, enduring environmental exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and cardiovascular diseases has not been well studied in the general population. In this study, we used the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001-2004 to investigate the associations between eight monohydroxy PAHs (OH-PAHs) and self-report CVD. In a logistic regression model adjusting for cigarette smoking and other covariates, phenanthrene metabolite, 2-hydroxyphennathrene (2-PHEN), was significantly associated with self-report CVD. Compared to subjects within the lowest tertile of 2-PHEN, subjects within the middle and highest tertiles had higher self-report CVD (the 2nd tertile: AOR=1.29, 95%CI: 0.97-1.72; the 3rd tertile: AOR=1.45, 95%CI: 1.01-2.07; p for trend=0.04). In addition, fluorene metabolite (i.e. 2-hydroxyfluorene) also showed a marginally significant linear trend with self-report CVD (p for trend=0.07). Further studies are necessary to explore the associations between these highly prevalent pollutants and CVD.

20701952

Combined exposure to cyanobacterial biomass, lead and the Newcastle virus enhances avian toxicity.

Under environmental conditions, wild birds can be exposed to multiple stressors including natural toxins, anthropogenic pollutants and infectious agents at the same time. This experimental study was successful in testing the hypothesis that adverse effects of cyanotoxins, heavy metals and a non-pathogenic immunological bine to enhance avian toxicity. Mortality occurred bined exposures to naturally occurring cyanobacterial biomass and lead shots, lead shots and Newcastle vaccination as well as in single lead shot exposure. Mostly acute effects around day 10 were observed. On day 30 of exposure, there were no differences in the liver accumulation of lead in single bined exposure groups. Interestingly, liver microcystin levels were elevated in birds co-exposed to cyanobacterial biomass together with lead or lead and the Newcastle virus. Significant differences in body weights between all Pb-exposed and Pb-non-exposed birds were found on days 10 and 20. Single exposure to cyanobacterial biomass resulted in hepatic vacuolar dystrophy, whereas co-exposure with lead led to more severe granular dystrophy. Haematological changes were associated with lead exposure, in particular. Biochemical analysis revealed a decrease in glucose and an increase in lactate dehydrogenase in single bined cyanobacterial and lead exposures, which also showed a decreased antibody response to vaccination. bined exposure of experimental birds to sub-lethal doses of individual stressors is ecologically realistic. It brings together new pieces of knowledge on avian health. In light of this study, investigators of wild bird die-offs should be circumspect when evaluating findings of low concentrations of contaminants that would not result in mortality on a separate basis. As such it has implications for wildlife biologists, veterinarians and conservationists of avian biodiversity.

20701953

Complex nanominerals and ultrafine particles assemblages in phosphogypsum of the fertilizer industry and implications on human exposure.

Phosphogypsum (CaSO(4).2H(2)O), a by-product of phosphate-rock processing, contains high amounts of impurities such P(2)O(5), F, radioactive elements, organic substances, secondary nanominerals, and ultrafine particles (UFP) enriched in metals and metalloids. In this study, we examine phosphogypsum (PG) collected from abandoned fertilizer industry facility in south Brazil (Santa Catarina state). The fragile nature of nanominerals and UFP assemblages from fertilizer industry systems required novel techniques and experimental approaches. The investigation of the geochemistry plex nanominerals and UFP assemblages was a prerequisite to accurately assess the environmental and human health risks of contaminants and cost-effective chemical and biogeological remediation strategies. Particular emphasis was placed on the study and characterization of plex mixed nanominerals and UFP containing potentially toxic elements. Nanometer-sized phases in PG were characterized using energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS), field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) images. The position and possible correlations with morphology of nanominerals and UFP, as well as aspects of nanominerals and UFP, are discussed in the context of human health exposure, as well as in relation to management of the nanominerals and UFP in PG environments.

20701954

Atypical neurologic complications in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome: report of 4 cases.

Neurologic involvement occurs in approximately 25% of patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome. Manifestations are diverse and can affect the entire neuroaxis. Central nervous system dysfunction involves the brain as well as the spinal cord and may recur over time. Due to a variety of presentations, Sjögren's syndrome with neurologic involvement may be difficult to diagnose.

20701955

Validation of psoriatic arthritis diagnoses in electronic medical records using natural language processing.

To test whether data extracted from full text patient visit notes from an electronic medical record would improve the classification of psoriatic arthritis pared with an algorithm based on codified data.

20701956

Clinical, radiologic, and therapeutic analysis of 14 patients with transverse myelitis associated with antiphospholipid syndrome: report of 4 cases and review of the literature.

To analyze the clinical, radiologic, therapeutic, and developmental characteristics of transverse myelitis (TM) and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS).

20701957

Growth-suppressing function of glypican-3 (GPC3) via insulin like growth factor II (IGF-II) signaling pathway in ovarian clear cell carcinoma cells.

Ovarian clear cell carcinoma (CCC) is well known to be highly resistant to platinum-based chemotherapy. Glypican-3 (GPC3), a membrane-bound heparan sulfate proteoglycan, is overexpressed in only CCC of epithelial ovarian carcinoma subtypes. The purpose of this study was to identify the role of GPC3 in ovarian CCC.

20701958

Laparoscopic nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy: description of the technique and patients' outcome.

The radical hysterectomy type three can be panied by postoperative morbidity, such as dysfunction of the lower urinary tract with loss of bladder or rectum sensation. We describe the technique of laparoscopic nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy and patient's e.

20701959

Motor knowledge is one dimension for concept organization: further evidence from a Chinese semantic dementia case.

Neuropsychological and neuroimaging studies have indicated that motor knowledge is one potential dimension along which concepts are organized. Here we present further direct evidence for the effects of motor knowledge in accounting for categorical patterns across object domains (living vs. nonliving) and grammatical domains (nouns vs. verbs), as well as the integrity of other modality-specific knowledge (e.g., visual). We present a Chinese case, XRK, who suffered from semantic dementia with left temporal lobe atrophy. In naming prehension tasks, he performed better at nonliving items than at living items, and better at verbs than at nouns. Critically, multiple regression method revealed that these two categorical effects could be both accounted for by the charade rating, a continuous measurement of the significance of motor knowledge for a concept or a semantic feature. Furthermore, charade rating also predicted his performances on the generation frequency of semantic features of various modalities. These findings consolidate the significance of motor knowledge in conceptual organization and further highlights the interactions between different types of semantic knowledge.

20701960

Dynamic versus static bond-strength testing of adhesive interfaces.

A static bond-strength test is often regarded as clinically less relevant, since such abrupt loading of the adhesive-tooth bond clinically never occurs. Therefore, dynamic fatigue testing is often claimed to better predict the clinical effectiveness of adhesives.

20701961

A comparison of two-dimensional and three-dimensional measurements of wear in a laboratory investigation.

The aim of this research was pare two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) tooth measuring techniques after subjecting enamel samples to tooth wear in vitro on an erosion-abrasion model.

20701962

Vertebroplasty versus conservative treatment in acute osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (Vertos II): an open-label randomised trial.

Percutaneous vertebroplasty is increasingly used for treatment of pain in patients with osteoporotic pression fractures, but the efficacy, cost-effectiveness, and safety of the procedure remain uncertain. We aimed to clarify whether vertebroplasty has additional pared with optimum pain treatment in patients with acute vertebral fractures.

20701964

Influence of silica particle internalization on adhesion and migration of human dermal fibroblasts.

In spite of significant advantages exhibiting in the applications of silicon dioxide particles in biological and medicine fields, their adverse effects still remain a big concern. Herein monodisperse spherical SiO(2) particles with diameters of 80 nm and 500 nm were used to study their interactions with human dermal fibroblasts. Both the particles were readily internalized into the fibroblasts within a short time. The 500 nm particles were taken up in a larger amount through macropinocytosis and clathrin-mediated endocytosis pathways, whereas uptake of the 80 nm SiO(2) particles was mediated corporately by macropinocytosis, clathrin-mediated and caveolae-mediated endocytosis. The particles mainly dispersed in the cytoplasm or resided within the lysosomal vesicles, but could not enter into the cell nucleus within 24 h culture in vitro. Treatment with the 80 nm SiO(2) particles caused apparently decrease of cell viability and also weakened the mitochondrial membrane potential. Further experiments demonstrated that the cell adhesion and migration were greatly affected by uptake of the SiO(2) particles regardless of their size. RT-PCR results indicated down regulation of the mRNA expression of adhesion relevant genes, i.e. fibronectin, laminin and focal adhesion kinase (FAK).

20701965

Chitosan-based responsive hybrid nanogels for integration of optical pH-sensing, tumor cell imaging and controlled drug delivery.

We report a new class of chitosan-based hybrid nanogels by in-situ immobilization of CdSe quantum dots (QDs) in the chitosan-poly(methacrylic acid) (chitosan-PMAA) networks. The covalently crosslinked hybrid nanogels with chitosan chains semi-interpenetrating in the crosslinked PMAA networks exhibit excellent colloidal and structural stability as well as reversible physical property change in response to a pH variation cross the physiological condition. In contrast, the hybrid nanogels formed by non-covalent physical association exhibit a significant change in the structure position upon exposure to physiological pH. This distinction in the structural stability of hybrid nanogels produces very different es for their biomedical applications. The covalently crosslinked hybrid nanogels are low-cytotoxic and could illuminate the B16F10 cells, sense the environmental pH change, and regulate the release of anticancer drug in the typical abnormal pH range of 5-7.4 found in pathological zone, thus bine multiple functionality into a single nano-object. However, the physically associated hybrid nanogels exhibit a non-reversible pH-sensitive PL property and a significant cytotoxicity after 24 h treatment. It is critical to construct a highly stable biopolymer-QD hybrid nanogel, via a rational design for safe bionanomaterials, to bine the biosensing, bioimaging, and effective therapy functions.

20701966

Neutron capture nuclei-containing carbon nanoparticles for destruction of cancer cells.

HeLa cells were incubated with neutron capture nuclei (boron-10 and gadolinium)-containing carbon nanoparticles, followed by irradiation of slow thermal neutron beam. Under a neutron flux of 6 x 10(11) n/cm(2) (or 10 min irradiation at a neutron flux of 1 x 10(9) n/cm(2) s), the percentages of acute cell death at 8 h after irradiation are 52, 55, and 28% for HeLa cells fed with BCo@CNPs, GdCo@CNPs, and Co@CNPs, respectively. The proliferation capability of the survived HeLa cells was also found to be significantly suppressed. At 48 h after neutron irradiation, the cell viability further decreases to 35 +/- 5% pared to the control set receiving the same amount of neutron irradiation dose but in the absence of carbon nanoparticles. This work demonstrates "proof-of-concept" examples of neutron capture therapy using (10)B-, (157)Gd-, and (59)Co-containing carbon nanoparticles for effective destruction of cancer cells. It will also be reported the preparation and surface functionalization of boron or gadolinium doped core-shell cobalt/carbon nanoparticles (BCo@CNPs, GdCo@CNPs and Co@CNPs) using a modified DC pulsed arc discharge method, and their characterization by various spectroscopic measurements, including TEM, XRD, SQUID, FT-IR, etc. Tumor cell targeting ability was introduced by surface modification of these carbon nanoparticles with folate moieties.

20701967

The influence of size and charge of chitosan/polyglutamic acid hollow spheres on cellular internalization, viability and blood compatibility.

Polymeric hollow spheres can be tailored as efficient carriers of various therapeutic molecules due to their tunable properties. However, the entry of these synthetic vehicles into cells, their cell viability and patibility depend on their physical and chemical properties e.g. size, surface charge. Herein, we report the effect of size and surface charge on cell viability and cellular internalization behaviour and their effect on various ponents using chitosan/polyglutamic acid hollow spheres as a model system. Negatively charged chitosan/polyglutamic acid hollow spheres of various sizes 100, 300, 500 and 1000 nm were fabricated using a template based method and covalently surface modified using linear polyethylene glycol and methoxyethanol amine to create a gradient of surface charge from negative to neutrally charged spheres respectively. The results here suggest that both size and surface charge have a significant influence on the sphere's behaviour, most prominently on haemolysis, platelet activation, plasma recalcification time, cell viability and internalization over time. Additionally, cellular internalization behaviour and viability was found to vary with different cell types. These results are in agreement with those of inorganic spheres and liposomes, and can serve as guidelines for tailoring polymeric solid spheres for specific desired applications in biological and pharmaceutical fields, including the design of nanometer to submicron-sized delivery vehicles.

20701969

Contribution of potassium in human placental steroidogenesis.

The role of K(+) on steroidogenesis in isolated mitochondria from the human placenta was explored. Cholesterol uptake and progesterone synthesis were stimulated by K(+), and by the further addition of ATP. In the presence of glibenclamide or quinine (inhibitors of the K(+) channel mito-K(ATP)), the synthesis of progesterone was improved, indicating that K(+) acts outside the mitochondria. Valinomycin, a K(+)-ionophore, inhibited mitochondrial steroidogenesis only in the absence of K(+). The mitochondrial K(+) channel in human placental mitochondria is formed by the subunit Kir 6.1 which was detected by Western blot with polyclonal antibodies. These results suggest that K(+) contributes placental mitochondrial steroidogenesis facilitating cholesterol uptake and intermembrane translocation through a mechanism non-dependent of the transport of K(+) inside the mitochondria.

20701972

Intersex in feral indigenous freshwater Oreochromis mossambicus, from various parts in the Luvuvhu River, Limpopo Province, South Africa.

This study reports on intersex in Oreochromis mossambicus, an indigenous fish species inhabiting most aquatic systems throughout South Africa (SA). Male fish were collected from three sites in the Luvuvhu River, Limpopo Province, SA: Albasini Dam (AD), Nandoni Dam (ND), and Xikundu Weir (XW). The latter two sites are situated in a currently dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT) sprayed area. A laboratory-bred reference group (Aq R) were included for a parison. 48% of the fish at AD were intersex pared with 63% at ND, and 58% at XW. The Aq R fish had no cases of intersex. o,p'- and p,p'-DDT and metabolites dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (DDD) and -dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) were detected in fat samples, indicative of contamination of the aquatic environment and subsequent exposure of fish to these chemicals. Although some of the fat samples contained levels of DDTs no association could be established between intersex and chemical contaminants in fish.

20701973

Response and recovery of acetylcholinesterase activity in freshwater shrimp, Paratya australiensis (Decapoda: Atyidae) exposed to selected anti-cholinesterase insecticides.

The toxicity of carbaryl, chlorpyrifos, dimethoate and profenofos to the freshwater shrimp, Paratya australiensis was assessed by measuring acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition after 96h exposures. Shrimp exposed to these pesticides exhibited significant AChE inhibition, with mortality in shrimp corresponding to 70-90% AChE inhibition. The sensitivity of P. australiensis to the four pesticides based on AChE inhibition can be given as chlorpyrifos > profenofos > carbaryl > dimethoate. Recovery of AChE activity was followed in shrimp after 96 h exposures to carbaryl, chlorpyrifos and dimethoate. Recovery after exposure to the carbamate pesticide carbaryl was more rapid than for the two organophosphorus pesticides, chlorpyrifos and dimethoate. The slow recovery of depressed AChE activity may mean that affected organisms in the natural system are unable to sustain physical activities such as searching for food or eluding predators. To investigate the ecological significance of AChE inhibition, chemotaxis behaviour was assessed in shrimp exposed to profenofos for 24h. Abnormal chemotaxis behaviour in the exposed shrimp was observed at concentrations representing 30-50% AChE inhibition. A clear relationship existed between the depression of AChE activity and observed chemotaxis responses, such as approaching and grasping the chemoattractant source. These results suggest that in vivo toxicity tests based on this specific biomarker are sensitive and present advantages over conventional acute tests based on mortality. Behavioural studies of test organisms conducted in conjunction with measurement of AChE inhibition will provide data to clarify the toxic effects caused by sublethal chemical concentrations of pounds.

20701974

Impacts of simulated acid rain on soil enzyme activities in a latosol.

Acid rain pollution is a serious environmental problem in the world. This study investigated impacts of simulated acid rain (SAR) upon four types of soil enzymes, namely the catalase, acid phosphatase, urease, and amylase, in a latosol. Latosol is an acidic red soil and forms in the tropical rainforest biome. Laboratory experiments were performed by spraying the soil columns with the SAR at pH levels of 2.5, 3.0, 3.5., 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, and 7.0 (control) over a 20-day period. Mixed results were obtained in enzyme activities for different kinds of enzymes under the influences of the SAR. The catalase activities increased rapidly from day 0 to 5, then decreased slightly from day 5 to 15, and finally decreased sharply to the end of the experiments, whereas the acid phosphatase activities decreased rapidly from day 0 to 5, then increased slightly from day 5 to 15, and finally decreased dramatically to the end of the experiments. A decrease in urease activities was observed at all of the SAR pH levels for the entire experimental period, while an increase from day 0 to 5 and then a decrease from day 5 to 20 in amylase activities were observed at all of the SAR pH levels. In general, the catalase, acid phosphatase, and urease activities increased with the SAR pH levels. However, the maximum amylase activity was found at pH 4.0 and decreased as the SAR pH increased from 4.0 to 5.0 or decreased from 4.0 to 2.5. It is apparent that acid rain had adverse environmental impacts on soil enzyme activities in the latosol. Our study further revealed that impacts of the SAR upon soil enzyme activities were in the following order: amylase>catalase>acid phosphatase>urease. These findings provide useful information on better understanding and managing soil biological processes in the nature under the influence of acid rains.

20701975

Design of novel iron compounds as potential therapeutic agents against tuberculosis.

In the search for new therapeutic tools against tuberculosis two novel plexes, [Fe(L-H)(3)], with 3-aminoquinoxaline-2-carbonitrile N(1),N(4)-dioxide derivatives (L) as ligands, were synthesized, characterized by bination of techniques, and in vitro evaluated. Results pared with those previously reported for two analogous plexes of other ligands of the same family of quinoxaline derivatives. In addition, plexes were studied by cyclic voltammetry and EPR spectroscopy. Cyclic voltammograms of the pounds showed several cathodic processes which were attributed to the reduction of the metal center (Fe(III)/Fe(II)) and the coordinated ligand. EPR signals were characteristic of magnetically isolated high-spin Fe(III) in a rhombic environment and arise from transitions between m(S) = ± 1/2 (g(eff) ~ 9) or m(S) = ± 3/2 (g(eff) ~ 4.3) states. Mössbauer experiments showed hyperfine parameters that are typical of high-spin Fe(III) ions in a not too distorted environment. The plexes showed in vitro growth inhibitory activity on Mycobacterium tuberculosis H(37)Rv (ATCC 27294), together with very low unspecific cytotoxicity on eukaryotic cells (cultured murine cell line J774). plexes showed higher inhibitory effects on M. tuberculosis than the "second-line" therapeutic drugs.

20701976

Mo(II) complexes: a new family of cytotoxic agents?

Several plexes, [Mo(η(3)-C(3)H(5))X(CO)(2)(N-N)] (N-N = 1,10-phenanthroline, phen: X = CF(3)SO(3)T1, X = Br B1, X = Cl C1; N-N = 2,2'-bipyridyl, X = CF(3)SO(3)T2, X = Br B2) and [W(η(3)-C(3)H(5))Br(CO)(2)(phen)] (W1) have been synthesized and characterized. Their antitumor properties have been tested in vitro against human cancer cell lines cervical carcinoma (HeLa) and breast carcinoma (MCF-7) using a metabolic activity test (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, MTT), leading to IC(50) values ranging from 3 to 45 μM, approximately. plexes exhibited significant antitumoral activity. Complexes B1 and T2 were chosen for subsequent studies aiming to understand their mechanism of action. Cellular uptake of molybdenum and octanol/water partition assays revealed that both B1 and T2 exhibit a selective uptake by cells and intermediate partition coefficients. The binding constants of B1 and T2 with ct DNA, as determined by absorption titration, are 2.08 (± 0.98) × 10(5) and 3.68 (± 2.01)x 10(5)M(-1), respectively. These results suggest that they interact with DNA changing its conformation and possibly inducing cell death, and may therefore provide a valuable tool in cancer chemotherapy.

20701977

The development of infants' use of property-poor sounds to individuate objects.

There is evidence that infants as young as 4.5 months use property-rich but not property-poor sounds as the basis for individuating objects (Wilcox, Woods, Tuggy, & Napoli, 2006). The current research sought to identify the age at which infants demonstrate the capacity to use property-poor sounds. Using the task of Wilcox et al., infants aged 7 and 9 months were tested. The results revealed that 9- but not 7-month-olds demonstrated sensitivity to property-poor sounds (electronic tones) in an object individuation task. Additional results confirmed that the younger infants were sensitive to property-rich sounds (rattle sounds). These are the first positive results obtained with property-poor sounds in infants and lay the foundation for future research to identify the underlying basis for the developmental hierarchy favoring property-rich over property-poor sounds and possible mechanisms for change.

20701978

Efficacy and safety of nonbenzodiazepine hypnotics for chronic insomnia in patients with bipolar disorder.

Insomnia in patients with bipolar disorder (BD) can cause distress, daytime dysfunction, cognitive impairment, worsening of hypomanic/manic symptoms and increased suicide risk. Physicians often prescribe hypnotics for BD patients with insomnia although no hypnotic has a specific FDA indication for this use. In this study, the patterns of use, efficacy and safety of five nonbenzodiazepine hypnotics (NBZHs) were assessed in a large group of outpatients with BD.

20701979

Expression and role of interleukin-23 in human endometrium throughout the menstrual cycle and early pregnancy.

Interleukin-23 (IL-23) is a novel cytokine involved in the regulation of organ-specific immune responses. We hypothesized that expression of IL-23 in the human endometrium is menstrual cycle and pregnancy dependent, and is involved in endometrial immune regulation. IL-23 expression and regulation was investigated in the human endometrium and placenta in vivo using immunohistochemistry and in vitro using Western blot and cell viability analyses. IL-23 immunoreactivity in endometrial glandular cells was highest in the late proliferative and early secretory phases, pared to other cycle phases and first trimester tissues. Endometrial stromal cells (ESC) showed weak IL-23 immunoreactivity without significant changes in intensity and distribution throughout the menstrual cycle. First trimester decidual cells revealed significantly stronger IL-23 pared to ESC from non-pregnant endometrium. Both villous cytotrophoblasts and syncytiotrophoblasts also showed positive IL-23 immunoreactivity, with a higher staining in syncytiotrophoblasts. In the trophoblastic cell line HRT8, IL-23 expression increased in a time-dependent manner, but was undetectable in stromal cells under all treatment conditions. ESC treated with binant IL-23 showed significantly decreased IL-8 secretion and cell viability. These results suggest a possible regulatory role for IL-23 in the menstrual cycle and in early pregnancy, although the extent and function of this role are yet to be determined.

20701980

Alexithymia, social detachment and cognitive processing.

Using lexical content analysis (linguistic inquiry and word count), the hypotheses that social detachment and impaired cognitive processing are typical for alexithymia are investigated. Based on clinical interviews with 32 outpatients (mixed diagnoses), we found support for the hypotheses for the externally oriented thinking facet of alexithymia only.

20701981

Sensitive detection of Foxp3 expression in bovine lymphocytes by flow cytometry.

The transcription factor forkhead-box p3 (Foxp3) has been designated as a master regulator for the function of regulatory T cells (Treg). Therefore, the identification of Foxp3 expression in T cells is indispensable for the study of Treg. However, studies on Foxp3 expression in bovine lymphocytes are still sparse, probably due to a lack of Foxp3-specific antibodies with reliable performance in flow cytometry. Our group recently demonstrated that a monoclonal antibody (FJK-16s) developed against murine Foxp3 also binds to porcine Foxp3 and performs well in flow cytometry. A protein sequence alignment of the binding region of the FJK-16s antibody revealed, that within this region the sequences of porcine and bovine Foxp3 are identical. Therefore, we tested this antibody for its suitability in flow cytometry with bovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). By using nonspecific isotype-matched antibodies petition labeling with non-fluorescent FJK-16s antibodies as negative controls, we readily observed a specific staining of a small subpopulation of CD25(high) lymphocytes within PBMC. Co-staining with monoclonal antibodies against CD3, CD4, CD8β and TCR-γδ revealed that all Foxp3+ cells co-expressed CD3, and were in their vast majority CD4+. However, minor populations of Foxp3+CD8β+ and Foxp3+TCR-γδ+ lymphocytes could also be identified. In summary, our data demonstrate that the FJK-16s antibody is a valuable tool to promote the study of Foxp3+ T cells and their biological relevance in cattle.

20701982

Anti-SOX1 antibodies in patients with paraneoplastic and non-paraneoplastic neuropathy.

Anti-SOX1 antibodies have been described to be positive in patients with paraneoplastic Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome and, in a lower amount, in patients with anti-Hu positive paraneoplastic neurological syndromes, and with SCLC alone, respectively. We found 5/32 patients with paraneoplastic neuropathy and, surprisingly, 4/22 patients with neuropathy of unknown origin positive for anti-SOX1 antibodies, whereas no patient with inflammatory neuropathy and no healthy controls showed any reactivity (p=0.007). All patients with neuropathy of unknown origin where followed up for four years without diagnosis of a tumour so far. Anti-SOX1 antibodies are associated with paraneoplastic neuropathies and may define another group of non-paraneoplastic, immune-mediated neuropathies.

20701983

Haloperidol: a possible medication for the treatment of exacerbation of intractable psychogenic sneezing.

Sneezing is one of the physiological defense mechanisms that develops generally due to nasal irritation. But intractable sneezing episodes are mon and generally detected among the adolescents. It is difficult to distinguish physiologic sneezing from psychogenic sneezing. Herein, we report a 12-year-old girl who plaint with intractable sneezing. She was diagnosed as intractable psychogenic sneezing and haloperidol treatment was started. All symptoms had pletely within 2 weeks. As a result, haloperidol can be considered as a different treatment modality for intractable psychogenic sneezing.

20701985

Mitochondrial energetic metabolism perturbations in skeletal muscles and brain of zebrafish (Danio rerio) exposed to low concentrations of waterborne uranium.

Anthropogenic release of uranium (U), originating from the nuclear fuel cycle or military activities, may considerably increase U concentrations in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems above the naturally occurring background levels found throughout the environment. With a projected increase in the world-wide use of nuclear power, it is important to improve our understanding of the possible effects of this metal on the aquatic fauna at mensurate with the provisional drinking water guideline value of the World Health Organization (15 μg U/L). The present study has examined the mitochondrial function in brain and skeletal muscles of the zebrafish, Danio rerio, exposed to 30 and 100 μg/L of waterborne U for 10 and 28 days. At the lower concentration, the basal mitochondrial respiration rate was increased in brain at day 10 and in muscles at day 28. This is due to an increase of the inner mitochondrial membrane permeability, resulting in a decrease of the respiratory control ratio. In addition, levels of cytochrome c oxidase subunit IV (COX-IV) increased in brain at day 10, and those of COX-I increased in muscles at day 28. Histological analyses performed by transmission electron microscopy revealed an alteration of myofibrils and a dilatation of endomysium in muscle cells. These effects were largest at the lowest concentration, following 28 days of exposure.

20701986

Toxicity of proton-metal mixtures in the field: linking stream macroinvertebrate species diversity to chemical speciation and bioavailability.

Understanding metal and proton toxicity under field conditions requires consideration of plex nature of chemicals in mixtures. Here, we demonstrate a novel method that relates streamwater concentrations of cationic metallic species and protons to a field ecological index of biodiversity. The model WHAM-F(TOX) postulates that cation binding sites of aquatic macroinvertebrates can be represented by the functional groups of natural organic matter (humic acid), as described by the Windermere Humic Aqueous Model (WHAM6), and supporting field evidence is presented. We define a toxicity function (F(TOX)) by summing the products: (amount of invertebrate-bound cation) x (cation-specific toxicity coefficient, α(i)). Species richness data for Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera (EPT), are then described with a lower threshold of F(TOX), below which all organisms are present and toxic effects are absent, and an upper threshold above which organisms are absent. Between the thresholds the number of species declines linearly with F(TOX). We parameterised the model with chemistry and EPT data for low-order streamwaters affected by acid deposition and/or abandoned mines, representing a total of 412 sites across three continents. The fitting made use of quantile regression, to take into account reduced species richness caused by (unknown) factors other than cation toxicity. Parameters were derived for the four mon or abundant cations, with values of α(i) following the sequence (increasing toxicity) H+ < Al < Zn < Cu. For waters affected mainly by H+ and Al, F(TOX) shows a steady decline with increasing pH, crossing the lower threshold near to pH 7. Competition effects among cations mean that toxicity due to Cu and Zn is rare at lower pH values, and occurs mostly between pH 6 and 8.

20701987

Responses in the brain proteome of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) exposed to methylmercury.

The molecular mechanisms underlying the neurotoxicity of methylmercury (MeHg), a ubiquitous environmental contaminant, are not yet fully understood. Furthermore, there is a lack of biomarkers of MeHg neurotoxicity for use in environmental monitoring. We have undertaken a proteomic analysis of brains from Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) exposed to 0, 0.5 and 2 mg/kg MeHg administered by intraperitoneal injection. The doses were given in two injections, half of the dose on the first day and the second half after 1 week, and the total exposure period lasted 2 weeks. Using 2-DE coupled with MALDI-TOF MS and MS/MS, we observed the level of 71 protein spots to be 20% or more significantly altered following MeHg exposure, and successfully identified 40 of these protein spots. Many of these proteins are associated with main known molecular targets and mechanisms of MeHg-induced neurotoxicity in mammals, such as mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, altered calcium homeostasis and tubulin/disruption of microtubules. More interestingly, several of the affected proteins, with well-established or recently demonstrated critical functions in nervous system-specific processes, have not previously been associated with MeHg exposure in any species. These proteins include the strongest up-regulated protein, pyridoxal kinase (essential for synthesis of several neurotransmitters), G protein (coupled to neurotransmitter receptors), nicotinamide phosphoribosyl-transferase (protection against axonal degeneration), dihydropyrimidinase-like 5 (or collapsin response mediator protein 5, CRMP-5) (axon guidance and regeneration), septin (dendrite development), phosphatidylethanolamine binding protein (precursor for hippocampal cholinergic neurostimulating peptide) and protein phosphatase 1 (control of brain recovery by synaptic plasticity). The results of the present study aid our understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying MeHg neurotoxicity and defense responses, and provide a large panel of protein biomarker candidates for aquatic environmental monitoring.

20701984

Dopamine reveals neural circuit mechanisms of fly memory.

A goal of memory research is to understand how changing the weight of specific synapses in neural circuits in the brain leads to an appropriate learned behavioral response. Finding the relevant synapses should allow investigators to probe the underlying physiological and molecular operations that encode memories and permit their retrieval. In this review I discuss recent work in Drosophila that implicates specific subsets of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in aversive reinforcement and appetitive motivation. The zonal architecture of these DA neurons is likely to reveal the functional organization of aversive and appetitive memory in the mushroom bodies. Combinations of fly DA neurons might code negative and positive value, consistent with a motivational systems role as proposed in mammals.

20701988

Subacute developmental exposure of zebrafish to the organophosphate pesticide metabolite, chlorpyrifos-oxon, results in defects in Rohon-Beard sensory neuron development.

Organophosphate pesticides (OPs) are environmental toxicants known to inhibit the catalytic activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) resulting in hypercholinergic toxicity symptoms. In developing embryos, OPs have been hypothesized to affect both cholinergic and non-cholinergic pathways. In order to understand the neurological pathways affected by OP exposure during embryogenesis, we developed a subacute model of OP developmental exposure in zebrafish by exposing embryos to a dose of the OP metabolite chlorpyrifos-oxon (CPO) that is non-lethal and significantly inhibited AChE enzymatic pared to control embryos (43% at 1 day post-fertilization (dpf) and 11% at 2dpf). Phenotypic analysis of CPO-exposed embryos demonstrated that embryonic growth, as analyzed by gross morphology, was normal in 85% of treated embryos. Muscle fiber formation was similar to control embryos as analyzed by birefringence, and nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) cluster formation was quantitatively similar to control embryos as analyzed by α-bungarotoxin staining. These results indicate that partial AChE activity during the early days of zebrafish development is sufficient for general development, muscle fiber, and nAChR development. Rohon-Beard (RB) sensory neurons exhibited aberrant peripheral axon extension and gene expression profiling suggests that several genes responsible for RB neurogenesis are down-regulated. Stability of CPO in egg water at 28.5 °C was determined by HPLC-UV-MS analysis which revealed that the CPO concentration used in our studies hydrolyzes in egg water with a half-life of 1 day. The result that developmental CPO exposure affected RB neurogenesis without affecting muscle fiber or nAChR cluster formation demonstrates that zebrafish are a strong model system for characterizing subtle neurological pathologies resulting from environmental toxicants.

20701989

Transcriptomic signatures in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii as Cd biomarkers in metal mixtures.

In the natural environment, toxicant effects can be monitored by the signature mRNA expression patterns of genes that they generate in test organisms. The specificity and sensitivity of these transcriptome-based bioassays to a given toxicant can be confounded by temporal changes in biomarker mRNA expression, effects of other toxicants and hardness ions, and non-linear mRNA expression responses of genes. This study provides the foundation for the development of a transcriptomic-based bioassay for bioavailable Cd in the freshwater alga, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. It characterizes: (1) the Cd regulation of nine genes with respect to their mRNA induction kinetics; (2) the effects of two additional mon to freshwaters, Cu2+ and Pb2+, and (3) the relationships between metal bioaccumulation and the transcriptomic responses. Quantitative real time PCR was used to monitor mRNA levels of nine Cd-induced genes following an exposure to 0.01, 0.11 and 1.16 μM Cd2+. Several distinct mRNA expression patterns were observed with time. While the presence of Cu2+ and Pb2+ decreased Cd biouptake, mRNA levels increased for six genes, showing lack of Cd2+ specificity. Nonetheless, the transcriptomic effects of binary metal exposures rarely adhered to a simple additive model based on single metal exposures; rather most exhibited synergistic or antagonistic interactions. While none of these genes could be used as a specific Cd biomarker, the signature mRNA expression profile obtained from a select subset of Cd sensitive genes was a useful biomarker of sublethal effects.

20701990

Does modifying electrode placement of the 12 lead ECG matter in healthy subjects?

Limb electrodes for the 12 lead ECG are routinely placed on the torso during exercise stress testing or when limbs are clinically inaccessible. It is unclear whether such electrode modification produces ECG changes in healthy male or female subjects that are clinically important according to the 2009 AHA, ACCF, HRS guidelines. We therefore measured whether ECG modification produced clinically important or false positive ECG changes e.g., appearance of Q waves in leads V(1-3), ST changes greater than 0.1 mV, T wave changes greater than 0.5 mV (frontal plane) or 1 mV (transverse plane), QRS axis shifts or alterations to QTc/P-R/QRS intervals.

20701991

Increased red cell count in diabetes and pre-diabetes.

The aim of this study was to test whether an increased red cell count (RCC) is present in pre-diabetes, obesity and the metabolic syndrome. The results demonstrate that these diabetes precursor states are associated with an increased RCC. This relationship can be explained, in part, by an increased HbA1c.

20701992

Application of spatio-temporal filtering to fetal electrocardiogram enhancement.

In this paper we propose a new structure of the instrumentation for electrocardiographic fetal monitoring. We apply a single-channel approach to maternal electrocardiogram suppression in the recorded four abdominal bioelectric signals. Then we exploit spatial and temporal properties of the extracted four-channel fetal electrocardiogram to construct a new channel with higher signal-to-noise ratio. Finally, we perform detection of fetal plexes. The proposed approach is investigated with the help of the constructed database of the maternal abdominal signals. During the detection tests, the spatio-temporal filtering allowed us to decrease significantly the number of the detection errors of different detectors applied. Moreover, we present visually that even if the fetal plexes are buried in noise, the spatio-temporal filtering can produce the signal with the discernible ones.

20701993

Perception of alopecia by patients requiring chemotherapy for non-small-cell lung cancer: a willingness to pay study.

Chemotherapy-induced alopecia may have a substantial impact on the quality of life (QOL) of lung cancer patients, but very few data are available. The aim of this study was to assess the perceived impact of alopecia based on a "willingness to pay" (WTP) approach.

20701994

A combined PHREEQC-2/parallel fracture model for the simulation of laminar/non-laminar flow and contaminant transport with reactions.

bination of a parallel fracture model with the PHREEQC-2 geochemical model was developed to simulate sequential flow and chemical transport with reactions in fractured media where both laminar and turbulent flows occur. The integration of non-laminar flow resistances in one model produced relevant effects on water flow velocities, thus improving model prediction capabilities on contaminant transport. The proposed conceptual model consists of 3D rock-blocks, separated by horizontal bedding plane fractures with variable apertures. Particle tracking solved the transport equations for pounds and provided input for PHREEQC-2. For each cluster of contaminant pathways, PHREEQC-2 determined the concentration for mass-transfer, sorption/desorption, ion exchange, mineral dissolution/precipitation and biodegradation, under kinetically controlled reactive processes of equilibrated chemical species. Field tests have been performed for the code verification. As an example, bined model has been applied to a contaminated fractured aquifer of southern Italy in order to simulate the phenol transport. The code correctly fitted the field available data and also predicted a possible rapid depletion of phenols as a result of an increased biodegradation rate induced by a simulated artificial injection of nitrates, upgradient to the sources.

20701995

Role and regulation of plastid sigma factors and their functional interactors during chloroplast transcription - recent lessons from Arabidopsis thaliana.

Chloroplasts and other plastids within plant cells together are responsible for autotrophic growth and biosynthesis of metabolic ponents. Genetically, the plastids are hybrid posed of proteins that are either products of their own organellar genes or are nucleus-encoded and imported from the cytosol. This dual genetic principle is evident in the case of the multi-subunit RNA polymerase, i.e. a major enzyme of the plastid transcription apparatus, consisting of an organelle-encoded core surrounded by imported regulatory proteins. Representatives of the latter are the members of the plastid sigma factor family as well as a Ser/Thr-protein kinase (PTK/cpCK2) that functionally modifies these factors and controls transcription. The plant sigma factors contain regulatory phosphoacceptor sites within their unconserved (factor-specific) portion that precedes the conserved catalytic region. Phosphorylation state changes of these regulatory sites help establish the activity and promoter selectivity of individual members of this plant transcription factor family. The protein kinase itself responds to SH-group regulation by glutathione and transmits the redox signal via its phosphorylation activity to the plastid transcription apparatus. Other functional interactors include a set of sigma binding proteins that confer enhanced promoter binding in vitro and are thought to be involved in pathogenic stress responses of the chloroplast in vivo.

20701996

The small serine-threonine protein SIP2 interacts with STE12 and is involved in ascospore germination in Sordaria macrospora.

In fungi, the homoeodomain protein STE12 controls diverse developmental processes, and derives its regulatory specificity from different protein interactions. We recently showed that in the homothallic ycete Sordaria macrospora, STE12 is essential for ascospore development, and is able to interact with the alpha-domain mating-type protein SMTA-1 and the MADS box protein MCM1. To further evaluate the functional roles of STE12, we used the yeast two-hybrid approach to identify new STE12-interacting partners. Using STE12 as bait, a small, serine-threonine-rich protein (designated STE12-interacting protein 2, SIP2) was identified. SIP2 is conserved among members of the fungal class Sordariomycetes. In vivo localization studies revealed that SIP2 was targeted to the nucleus and cytoplasm. The STE12/SIP2 interaction was further confirmed in vivo by bimolecular plementation. Nuclear localization of SIP2 was apparently mediated by STE12. Unlike deletion of ste12, deletion of sip2 in S. macrospora led to only a slight decrease in ascospore germination, and no other obvious morphological phenotype. parison to the Δste12 single knockout strain, ascospore germination was significantly increased in a Δsip2/ste12 double knockout strain. Our data provide evidence for a regulatory role of the novel fungal protein SIP2 in ascospore germination.

20701997

Indole-3-acetamide-dependent auxin biosynthesis: a widely distributed way of indole-3-acetic acid production?

During the course of evolution plants have evolved plex phytohormone-based network to regulate their growth and development. Herein auxins have a pivotal function, as they are involved in controlling virtually every aspect related to plant growth. Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) is the major endogenous auxin of higher plants that is already known for more than 80 years. In spite of the long-standing interest in this topic, IAA biosynthesis is still only partially uncovered. Several pathways for the formation of IAA have been proposed over the past years, but none of these pathways are pletely defined. The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on the indole-3-acetamide (IAM)-dependent pathway of IAA production in plants and to discuss the properties of the involved proteins and genes, respectively. Their evolutionary relationship to known bacterial IAM hydrolases and other amidases from bacteria, algae, moss, and higher plants is discussed on the basis of phylogenetic analyses. Moreover, we report on the transcriptional regulation of the Arabidopsis AMI1 gene.

20702000

[Location of the central venous catheter tip in the right atrium: description in 2348 critical patients].

to document plications related to the location of central venous catheter (CVC) tip in the right atrium (RA) in two medical-surgical intensive care units (ICU).

20702001

[Intrapulmonary inflammatory response in critically ill patients with pneumonia].

to evaluate the relationship between the microbiology result and cytokine expression in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL).

20702005

Synthesis of new 3-aryl-4,5-dihydropyrazole-1-carbothioamide derivatives. An investigation on their ability to inhibit monoamine oxidase.

Some differently substituted 3-aryl-4,5-dihydropyrazoles-1-carbothioamides have been synthesised with the aim to investigate their monoamine oxidase inhibitory activity. The chemical structures of pounds have been characterized by means of their IR, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR spectroscopic data and elemental analyses. All the pounds showed a selective activity towards the B isoform of the enzyme, regardless of the substitution on the heterocyclic ring. The inhibition of the enzymatic activity was measured on human binant MAO isoforms, expressed in baculovirus infected BTI insect cells. Docking experiments were carried out with the aim to rationalize the mechanism of inhibition of the most active and pound.

20702007

Novel 6,12-disubstituted chrysene as potent anticancer agent: synthesis, in vitro and in vivo study.

We describe herein the synthesis of novel 6,12-distributed chrysene as potent anticancer agents. In vitro and in vivo studies are also reported here.

20702008

Synthesis and pharmacological study of 1-acetyl/propyl-3-aryl-5-(5-chloro-3-methyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-2-pyrazoline.

A series of 1-acetyl/propyl-3-aryl-5-(5-chloro-3-methyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-2-pyrazolines were synthesized in one step by condensing suitably substituted propenones, hydrazine and acetic/propionic acid. The newly synthesized pyrazolines were characterized by analytical and spectral data. The pounds were screened for analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity and most of them showed good parable with that of standard drugs Pentazocin and Diclofinac sodium respectively.

20702006

Synthesis and antimicrobial activities of novel 1H-dibenzo[a,c]carbazoles from dehydroabietic acid.

A series of novel 1H-dibenzo[a,c]carbazole derivatives were synthesized in good yield through reaction of methyl 7-oxo-dehydroabietate with a variety of substituted phenylhydrazines. The structures of the newly pounds were confirmed by IR, (1)H NMR, MS spectral studies and elemental analysis. pounds were investigated for their activity against four bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas fluorescens) and three fungi (Trichophyton rubrum, Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger). Among pound tested, 6d, 6e, 6f and 6m exhibited pronounced antibacterial activities and 6e and 6m also showed moderate antifungal activities. Particularly, 6d exhibited stronger antibacterial activity against B. parable to positive control.

20702003

[Impact of an additional inspiration CT scan on the conventional protocol of the ¹⁸F-FDG PET-CT in the detection of small pulmonary nodes].

To determine the impact of an additional inspiration CT scan on the conventional ¹⁸F-FDG PET-CT protocol in the detection of small pulmonary nodules.