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Timaeus 11

Diverse activation and differentiation of multiple B-cell subsets in patients with atopic dermatitis but not in patients with psoriasis. Atopic dermatitis (AD) and psoriasis pathogeneses involve skin barrier impairment and immune dysregulation; however, the contribution of B-cell imbalances to these diseases has not yet been determined. We sought to quantify B-cell populations and antibody-secreting cells in the blood of patients with AD, patients with psoriasis, and control subjects. We studied 34 adults with moderate-to-severe AD (mean SCORAD score, 65), 24 patients with psoriasis (mean Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score, 16), and 27 healthy subjects using an 11-color flow cytometric antibody panel. IgD/CD27 and CD24/CD38 core gating systems were used to determine frequencies of plasmablasts and naive, memory, transitional, and activated B cells. We measured increased CD19(+)CD20(+) B-cell counts in the skin and blood of patients with AD (P < .01). Significantly higher frequencies of chronically activated CD27(+) memory and nonswitched memory B cells were observed in patients with AD (P < .05), with lower values of double-negative populations (4% for patients with AD vs. 7% for patients with psoriasis [P = .001] and 6% for control subjects [P = .02]). CD23 expression was highest in patients with AD and correlated with IgE levels (P < .01) and disease severity (r = 0.6, P = .0002). Plasmablast frequencies and IgE expression were highest in all memory subsets of patients with AD (P < .01). Finally, CD19(+)CD24(++)CD38(++) transitional and CD19(+)CD24(-)CD38(-) new memory B-cell counts were higher in patients with AD versus those in patients with psoriasis (2.8% vs. 1.4% [P = .001] and 9.2% vs. 5.7% [P = .02], respectively). AD is accompanied by systemic expansion of transitional and chronically activated CD27(+) memory, plasmablast, and IgE-expressing memory subsets. These data create a critical basis for the future understanding of this debilitating skin disease.

Supraceliac aortomesenteric bypass for intestinal ischemia. The supraceliac aorta has received little attention as an inflow site of bypass graft origin for mesenteric arterial reconstruction; this article describes our experience with its use in 10 patients. Ten patients underwent bypass grafts (three vein and seven prosthetic grafts) from the supraceliac aorta incorporating the celiac axis to the superior mesenteric artery. All patients had two- or three-vessel mesenteric arterial occlusion. No operative deaths occurred. Nine patients were studied with postoperative arteriography. Nine of ten patients have had satisfactory results on follow-up from 5 to 99 months (mean 43 months), although two patients required operative revision to achieve this. The operative technique is described, including approach to the aorta in the lower mediastinum via upper abdominal exposure and pancreatic displacement to expose the superior mesenteric artery. This method permits avoidance of the infrarenal aorta, if desired because of atherosclerotic disease or previous operation. Antegrade supraceliac aortomesenteric grafts avoid turbulence and compression of conventional "retrograde" bypass beneath the mesentery. We conclude that supraceliac aortic grafts provide a useful visceral artery reconstruction technique.

Interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10 induce decorin mRNA in endothelial cells, but interaction with fibrillar collagen is essential for its translation. Decorin, a small multifunctional proteoglycan, is expressed by sprouting endothelial cells (ECs) during inflammation-induced angiogenesis in vivo and by human ECs co-cultured with fibroblasts in a collagen lattice. To investigate how decorin is induced, human EA.hy 926 ECs and/or human umbilical vein ECs were treated with interleukin (IL)-10 and IL-6. Both treatments induced decorin mRNA in human ECs. IL-6 and IL-10 led to a dose-dependent mRNA increase with a maximum at 10 and 50 ng/ml, respectively. The combination of both interleukins together had a stronger effect than one alone. Immunostaining demonstrated that both interleukins caused decorin synthesis in ECs and the formation of capillary-like structures in a collagen lattice. However, immunoprecipitations of interleukin-treated ECs cultured on plastic were negative. Only interleukin-stimulated ECs grown on a collagen type I matrix or growth factor-reduced Matrigel were able to synthesize the proteoglycan. Acid-soluble collagen type I did not support decorin protein synthesis. The addition of antibodies to alpha(1) or alpha(2) integrins or the alpha(2) integrin inhibitor rhodocetin led to an inhibition of synthesis. These data show that IL-10 and IL-6 induce decorin mRNA transcription, but additional signals from the extracellular matrix are necessary for its translation.

The effects of torrefaction on compositions of bio-oil and syngas from biomass pyrolysis by microwave heating. Microwave pyrolysis of torrefied Douglas fir sawdust pellet was investigated to determine the effects of torrefaction on the biofuel production. Compared to the pyrolysis of raw biomass, the increased concentrations of phenols and sugars and reduced concentrations of guaiacols and furans were obtained from pyrolysis of torrefied biomass, indicating that torrefaction as a pretreatment favored the phenols and sugars production. Additionally, about 3.21-7.50 area% hydrocarbons and the reduced concentration of organic acids were obtained from pyrolysis of torrefied biomass. Torrefaction also altered the compositions of syngas by reducing CO2 and increasing H2 and CH4. The syngas was rich in H2, CH4, and CO implying that the syngas quality was significantly improved by torrefaction process.

Regulation in the neural plate of Xenopus laevis demonstrated by genetic markers. To follow the subsequent history of grafted tissue in experiments designed to study regulation and commitment in the amphibian neural plate, previous workers have relied on graft scars, vital dyes applied externally to cells, or xenoplastic grafts. Each of these methods has been criticized on the grounds that they do not indicate unambiguously the origins of individual cells within the operated host. To overcome these difficulties, homoplastic, genetically marked embryonic grafts were taken from the prospective spinal neuroectoderm of triploid and tetraploid Xenopus laevis frogs and transplanted to presumptive eye and prosencephalic regions of the neural plate of diploid X. laevis embryos. Orthotopic presumptive eye grafts also were done. Marked cells were scored in section either by nucleolar number or computerized nuclear size analysis. Of 28 heterotopically grafted embryos that survived to stage 41, when the retina has differentiated, prospective spinal cord neuroectoderm in eight animals gave rise to cell types unique to the eye. The remaining 20 survivors appeared to be mosaic. These results substantiate claims of regulation in the neural plate and extend these observations to the level of individual cell types, a level of resolution not previously obtained in other studies.

Expression of acetylcholinesterase messenger RNA in human brain: an in situ hybridization study. The distribution of messenger RNA coding for acetylcholinesterase was studied in human post mortem brain and rhesus monkey by in situ hybridization histochemistry and compared to the distribution of acetylcholinesterase activity. Acetylcholinesterase messenger RNA had--similar to acetylcholinesterase enzymatic activity--a widespread distribution in human bain. Acetylcholinesterase messenger RNA positive cells corresponded to perikarya rich in acetylcholinesterase activity in most but not all regions. Examples for mismatches included the inferior olive and human cerebellar cortex. The presence of hybridization signals in cerebral cortex and an enrichment in layer III and V of most isocortical areas confirmed that perikaryal acetylcholinesterase in cerebral cortex is of postsynaptic origin and not derived from cholinergic projections. In striatum the expression of high levels of acetylcholinesterase messenger RNA was restricted to a small population of large striatal neurons. In addition, low levels of expression were found in most medium sized striatal neurons. Cholinergic neurons tended to express high levels of acetylcholinesterase messenger RNA whereas in cholinoceptive neurons the levels were moderate to low. However, some noncholinergic neurons like dopaminergic cells in substantia nigra, noradrenergic cells in locus coeruleus, serotoninergic cells in raphé dorsalis, GABAergic cells in thalamic reticular nucleus, granular cells in cerebellar cortex and pontine relay neurons expressed levels comparable to cholinergic neurons in basal forebrain. It is suggested that neurons expressing high levels of acetylcholinesterase messenger RNA may synthesize acetylcholinesterase for axonal transport whereas neurons with an expression of acetylcholinesterase confined to somatodendritic regions tend to contain lower levels of acetylcholinesterase messenger RNA.

Estimation of changes in alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient induced by hypoxia. The alveolar-arterial oxygen tension difference provides a useful clinical indication of ventilation-blood flow mismatching in the lungs. In some clinical situations involving alveolar hypoxia (e.g., patients with chronic obstructive lung disease flying in commercial aircraft or normal humans at high altitudes) it would be useful to know this tension difference to predict the likely arterial PO2 under such potentially stressful conditions. Such estimates would require multiple arterial punctures performed under a variety of trying circumstances, conditions usually far distant from a suitable analytic facility. Consequently, we induced controlled hypoxia in 23 healthy humans and calculated changes in the alveolar-arterial oxygen tension difference during the hypoxic challenge test. We plotted this difference as a function of the alveolar oxygen tension over a range from 35 to 110 mm Hg. In addition to a series of control studies in which multiple arterial blood samples were obtained, we calculated arterial PO2 by converting the arterial oxyhemoglobin saturation (measured with an ear oximeter) into partial pressure of oxygen. During hypoxic procedures in which levels of oxygenation fell on the steep section of the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve, fixing PCO2 at constant predetermined levels allowed accurate predictions of arterial PO2. We were able to demonstrate that the alveolar-arterial oxygen tension difference narrowed with decreasing alveolar oxygen tension, and that measurement with an ear oximeter provided data that allowed a reasonable estimate of the tension difference during hypoxic conditions.

Occupational stress in veterinary support staff. A mixed-method study was used to characterize the occupational stress, health status, and coping strategies of 104 members of the Alabama Veterinary Technician Association. A Web-based survey was used to administer three validated and reliable instruments to gather the quantitative data, and interviews were conducted to gather qualitative data. Quantitative and qualitative data validated each other in all aspects of mental health, indicating that veterinary support staff's mental health status was low. Participants' mental health scores were lower than the US norm of 50, and a correlation between health status and occupational stressors indicated that those with higher perceived stress had lower mental and physical health. Interviews supported this finding. The results suggest that workload, death and dying, and conflict with veterinarians were prominent sources of stress and that veterinary support staff experience high stress that affects their health. Coping strategies were found to be related to mental health status, and those used by this workforce have been linked to negative outcomes. This study's findings indicate that staff health may have negative economic implications for practice owners and staff members.

Pedunculated early ampullary carcinoma treated by ampullectomy: report of a case. A 30-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital for treatment of an ampullary tumor. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a pedunculated tumor in the ampulla of Vater with a diameter of 50 mm, which was biopsied and diagnosed as tubulovillous adenoma with moderate atypia. Endoscopic ultrasonography demonstrated a hypoechoic tumor limited to the mucosa and without evidence of lymph node metastasis. Since endoscopic resection was not indicated because of the large size and pedunculated morphology with a long stalk, the patient underwent ampullectomy and papilloplasty. Histological examination revealed well-differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma in tubular adenoma with severe atypia limited to the mucosa. The patient remains well with no evidence of recurrence 10 months after resection. Ampullectomy is an established method for ampullary tumor, but such a tumor with a long stalk is rare.

[Brachytherapy for oesophageal cancer]. The main indication of oesophageal brachytherapy is palliative: it can improve dysphagia in patients with a tumor not suitable for surgery or chemoradiotherapy. A randomized clinical trial showed that survival without dysphagia and quality of life was improved by endoluminal brachytherapy in comparison to self-expansible metallic stents. It also increases the duration of palliation after laser deobstruction. Its role as a curative treatment of locally advanced tumors is still discussed: in combination with external beam radiotherapy, it seems that brachytherapy increased the rate of severe toxicity (haemorrhages, fistula, stenosis). In superficial lesions, brachytherapy with or without external beam radiotherapy seems logical but large prospective studies are missing in this setting.

Antinociceptive activity and preliminary structure-activity relationship of chalcone-like compounds. Chalcones belong to a class of alpha,beta,-unsaturated aromatic ketones which occur abundantly in nature, especially in plants. They are promising and interesting compounds due to their vast applications in pharmaceuticals, agriculture and industry. Several studies have shown that these compounds exert important biological activities in different experimental models. The present work deals with the antinociceptive activity, evaluated against the writhing test, of three series of chalcone-like compounds obtained by the Claisen-Schmidt condensation, using different aldehydes and substituted acetophenones. The results reveal that the compounds synthesized show a significant antinociceptive effect compared with nonsteroidal drugs such as aspirin, paracetamol and diclofenac. They also show that the electronic demand of the substituents is the dominant factor of the biological activity.

Multiple familial seborrheic keratoses. The early occurrence of seborrheic keratoses is described in 3 members of a family. The autosomal dominant transmission of seborrheic keratoses in this family provides further evidence for a genetic (polygenic) predisposition to seborrheic keratoses.

[Neuron-glia interrelations in the cerebral cortex of rabbits in the presence of a polarization dominant]. Neurochemical and morphological studies of individual cellular structures of different cortical layers suggest that the formation of "polarization" dominant is due to the activity of the V cortical layer. Primary involvement of interneurones and neuroglia has been revealed in the organization of the dominant trace effect and in processes related to memory. Comparison of electrophysiological and morphological characteristics of the "polarization" dominant shows that the reorganization of summary electrical activity of the neocortex tending to the predominance of delta-frequencies in the power spectrum and enhancement of biopotentials correlation within this frequency range, are determined by processes taking place in lower cortical layers.

The mechanism for emergence of viral drug-resistance. Antiviral drug was firstly reported regarding thiosemicarbazones developed for poxviruses in 1951. Then, human beings have been developed antiviral drugs using the latest technolo- gies including drug-design by computer, selection from huge compounds, antibodies and ge- nome editing. However, drug-resistant viruses always emerge because viruses are able to easily mutate. Although Favipiravir, which is a broad-spectrum antiviral drug, became a hot topic by having antiviral activity to several viruses including ebolavirus, viral drug-resistance would have been appeared by mutation in chikungunya virus. In this paper, the herpesvirus, HIV and influenza virus were focused to introduce development of antiviral drugs and the mechanism for emergence of drug-resistance.

Comparison of acid reduction in antiulcer operations. Three acid-reducing operations have recently been described for the laparoscopic treatment of peptic ulcer disease. These consist of a posterior truncal vagotomy combined with either (1) an anterior seromyotomy (SERO), (2) an anterior highly selective vagotomy (AHSV), or (3) a linear stapled lesser curvature excision (STAP). The purpose of this study was to investigate the physiologic effects of these procedures in terms of basal and maximal acid outputs. Fifty New Zealand rabbits were prospectively randomized into five open laparotomy groups (n = 10): a control group without vagal manipulation (CON), a bilateral truncal vagotomy with pyloromyotomy group (VP), a SERO group, an AHSV group, and a STAP group. All animals underwent placement of a gastrostomy tube for subsequent gastric secretory analysis. On postoperative day 6, basal acid outputs (BAO) and maximal acid outputs (MAO) following IV pentagastrin stimulation (30 microg/kg/h) were measured. Results were compared statistically using the ANOVA method. Pentagastrin stimulation was associated with a significant increase in MAO in the CON group (p < 0.05 vs BAO); however, this response was effectively blunted in all the experimental groups. There were no differences in BAO or MAO between any of the vagotomized groups (SERO, HSV, STAP, VP). We conclude that the three acid-reducing procedures modified for laparoscopy are equally efficacious in reducing gastric acid secretion and that they compare favorably with VP. To our knowledge, this is the first report comparing basal and stimulated gastric acid secretion between these new acid-reducing techniques.

Is decreased appetite for food a physiological consequence of alcohol consumption? Despite the overwhelming evidence linking alcohol to the development of disease, the contribution of alcohol toxicity to ill health remains controversial. One of the major problems facing researchers is the fact that alcoholic beverages, which contribute little to the nutritional requirements of the body, are often substituted for food and nutritional deficiency alone can promote cell damage. Long-term alcohol intake can decrease the total amount of food consumed when food is freely available and the alcoholic individual is often held accountable for their irregular eating behaviour. Assessment of meal composition has highlighted that appetite for food-containing carbohydrate (in particular) is altered in moderate-heavy drinkers but at present there is insufficient biochemical evidence to confirm or deny this observation. The biochemical processes associated with appetite are many and it would be impossible to address all of these events in a single paper. Therefore, the aim of this review will be to focus on one of the major biochemical markers of appetite for carbohydrate in order to put forward the suggestion that a decreased appetite for food could be a physiological consequence of consuming some forms of alcohol.

Influence of sex-linked feathering phenotypes of parents and progeny upon lymphoid leukosis virus infection status and egg production. Data were collected on egg production, livability, lymphoid leukosis virus and antibody incidence, and hemagglutinin response to sheep red blood cells for slow- and fast-feathering female progeny from slow- and fast-feathering dams with known lymphoid leukosis virus infection status. Analyses of these results indicate that when the offspring or the dams are of the slow-feathering type, the offspring experience an increased rate of horizontal infection. This infection seemingly leads to an immunologically tolerant condition with an inability to produce specific lymphoid leukosis virus antibodies, thereby allowing the viremia to persist. This immunologically tolerant condition, which also occurs in the progeny of virus positive dams due to congenital transmission, is associated with depressed egg production performance. However, a hypothesized lack of immunological competence was not found in the hemagglutinin response to sheep red blood cells late in life. Our results suggest that fast-feathering progeny of slow-feathering dams may also be adversely influenced by increased congenital infection from their dams.

[Alcohol drinking behavior in a sample of students]. In 1988 we interviewed approximately a quarter (n = 395) of the female students enrolled at Ulm/D. University in order to get knowledge of their alcohol-drinking habits. There was no selection of whom we asked. The results encourage us to the conclusion that we might have got a representative survey. Of the students inquired about 11% lived abstinently, less than 2% consumed alcohol daily, most of all took alcohol repeatedly per month. The predominant part of the students questioned, stated an intake of less than 40 g alcohol per day. The average quantity of alcohol consumed per month was smaller than with a group of female students interviewed in Spain as well as with a group of young women comparable in age in Northern Germany.

Recent advances in fluorescent and colorimetric conjugated polymer-based biosensors. Conjugated polymers recently have drawn much attention as an emerging sensory material due to their meritorious signal amplification, convenient optical detection, readily tunable properties, and easy fabrication. We review the molecular design principles of sensory conjugated polymer recognition events, which can trigger conformational change of the conjugated polymer, induce intermolecular aggregation, or change the distance between the conjugated polymer as an energy donor and the reporter dye molecule as an energy acceptor. These recognition/detection mechanisms result in mainly three types of measurable signal generation: turn on or turn off fluorescence, or change in either visible color or fluorescence emission color of the conjugated polymer. In this article, we highlight recent advances in fluorescent and colorimetric conjugated polymer-based biosensors.

Multifunctional mesoporous silica nanoparticles mediated co-delivery of paclitaxel and tetrandrine for overcoming multidrug resistance. The objective of the study is to fabricate multifunctional mesoporous silica nanoparticles for achieving co-delivery of conventional antitumor drug paclitaxel (PTX) and the multidrug resistance reversal agent tetrandrine (TET) expecting to overcome multidrug resistance of MCF-7/ADR cells. The nanoparticles were facile to prepare by self-assemble in situ drug loading approach. Namely, PTX and TET were solubilized in the cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) micelles and simultaneously silica resources hydrolyze and condense to form nanoparticles. The obtained nanoparticles, denoted as PTX/TET-CTAB@MSN, exhibited pH-responsive release property with more easily released in the weak acidic environment. Studies on cellular uptake of nanoparticles demonstrated TET could markedly increase intracellular accumulation of nanoparticles. Furthermore, the PTX/TET-CTAB@MSN suppressed tumor cells growth more efficiently than only delivery of PTX (PTX-CTAB@MSN) or the free PTX. Moreover, the nanoparticle loading drugs with a PTX/TET molar ratio of 4.4:1 completely reversed the resistance of MCF-7/ADR cells to PTX and the resistance reversion index was 72.3. Mechanism research showed that both TET and CTAB could arrest MCF-7/ADR cells at G1 phase; and besides PTX arrested cells at G2 phase. This nanocarrier might have important potential in clinical implications for co-delivery of multiple drugs to overcome MDR.

Self-assembled high-strength hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide/chitosan composite hydrogel for bone tissue engineering. Graphene hydrogel has shown greatly potentials in bone tissue engineering recently, but it is relatively weak in the practical use. Here we report a facile method to synthesize high strength composite graphene hydrogel. Graphene oxide (GO), hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles (NPs) and chitosan (CS) self-assemble into a 3-dimensional hydrogel with the assistance of crosslinking agent genipin (GNP) for CS and reducing agent sodium ascorbate (NaVC) for GO simultaneously. The dense and oriented microstructure of the resulted composite gel endows it with high mechanical strength, high fixing capacity of HA and high porosity. These properties together with the good biocompatibility make the ternary composite gel a promising material for bone tissue engineering. Such a simultaneous crosslinking and reduction strategy can also be applied to produce a variety of 3D graphene-polymer based nanocomposites for biomaterials, energy storage materials and adsorbent materials.

From dissipative dynamics to studies of heat transfer at the nanoscale: analysis of the spin-boson model. We study in a unified manner the dissipative dynamics and the transfer of heat in the two-bath spin-boson model. We use the Bloch-Redfield (BR) formalism, valid in the very weak system-bath coupling limit, the noninteracting-blip approximation (NIBA), applicable in the nonadiabatic limit, and iterative, numerically exact path integral tools. These methodologies were originally developed for the description of the dissipative dynamics of a quantum system, and here they are applied to explore the problem of quantum energy transport in a nonequilibrium setting. Specifically, we study the weak-to-intermediate system-bath coupling regime at high temperatures kBT/ħ > ε, with ε as the characteristic frequency of the two-state system. The BR formalism and NIBA can lead to close results for the dynamics of the reduced density matrix (RDM) in a certain range of parameters. However, relatively small deviations in the RDM dynamics propagate into significant qualitative discrepancies in the transport behavior. Similarly, beyond the strict nonadiabatic limit NIBA's prediction for the heat current is qualitatively incorrect: It fails to capture the turnover behavior of the current with tunneling energy and temperature. Thus, techniques that proved meaningful for describing the RDM dynamics, to some extent even beyond their rigorous range of validity, should be used with great caution in heat transfer calculations, because qualitative-serious failures develop once parameters are mildly stretched beyond the techniques' working assumptions.

TDP-43 regulates endogenous retrovirus-K viral protein accumulation. The concomitant expression of neuronal TAR DNA binding protein 43 (TDP-43) and human endogenous retrovirus-K (ERVK) is a hallmark of ALS. Since the involvement of TDP-43 in retrovirus replication remains controversial, we sought to evaluate whether TDP-43 exerts an effect on ERVK expression. In this study, TDP-43 bound the ERVK promoter in the context of inflammation or proteasome inhibition, with no effect on ERVK transcription. However, over-expression of ALS-associated aggregating forms of TDP-43, but not wild-type TDP-43, significantly enhanced ERVK viral protein accumulation. Human astrocytes and neurons further demonstrated cell-type specific differences in their ability to express and clear ERVK proteins during inflammation and proteasome inhibition. Astrocytes, but not neurons, were able to clear excess ERVK proteins through stress granule formation and autophagy. In vitro findings were validated in autopsy motor cortex tissue from patients with ALS and neuro-normal controls. We further confirmed marked enhancement of ERVK in cortical neurons of patients with ALS. Despite evidence of enhanced stress granule and autophagic response in ALS cortical neurons, these cells failed to clear excess ERVK protein accumulation. This highlights how multiple cellular pathways, in conjunction with disease-associated mutations, can converge to modulate the expression and clearance of viral gene products from genomic elements such as ERVK. In ALS, ERVK protein aggregation is a novel aspect of TDP-43 misregulation contributing towards the pathology of this neurodegenerative disease.

Bacterial colonisation in the gut of Phlebotomus duboseqi (Diptera: Psychodidae): transtadial passage and the role of female diet. Bacteria isolated from the gut of different developmental stages of Philebotomus duboseqi Neveu-Lcmaire, 1906 belonged almost all to aerobic or facultatively anaerobic gram-negative rods. In females, the highest bacterial counts were observed two days after bloodfeeding; seven days after bloodfeeding the bacterial counts returned to pre-feeding levels. Most isolates were identified phenotypically as Ochrobactrum sp. The distinctiveness and homogeneity of the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of Ochrobactrum isolates indicated that they belonged to a single strain (designated AK). This strain was acquired by larvae from food and passaged transtadially: it was isolated from the guts of fourth-instar larvae shortly before pupation, from pupae as well from newly emerged females. Most other bacteria found in females were acquired from the sugar solution fed to adults. To determine if the midgut lectin activity may serve as antibacterial agent females were membrane-fed on blood with addition of inhibitory carbohydrates. No significant differences in bacterial infections were found between experimental and control groups and we suppose that the lectin activity has no effect on gram-negative bacteria present in sandfly gut.

Vitamin B12-binding proteins in serum and plasma in various disorders. Effect of anticoagulants. Because of recent developments in the study of vitamin B12-binding proteins, the levels of the three serum binders were compared in serum and plasma samples from subjects with various disorders. The results allow the following conclusions: (1) As previously reported, transcobalamin (TC) III and to a lesser extent TC I are artifactually elevated in serum. The appear to be released in vitro during the clotting process, presumably from granulocytes. (2) Blood cells of patients with polycythemia vera release exceedingly large amounts of TC I and TC III in vitro. (3) The above findings support, but do not prove, at least a partial granulocytic source of TC I. Nevertheless, factors other than granulocytes influence TC I levels, as disorders characterized by increased TC I (most prominently chronic myelogenous leukemia but also several cases of cancer) manifest relatively little cellular release of TC I in vitro. (4) Despite the serum artifact, the serum abnormalities described in various conditions were seen in plasma also, even though the actual values of themselves were lower in plasma. The chief exception was TC III, which was elevated in plasma only in polycythemia vera (and in a few cases of leukocytosis). (5) EDTA-NaF anticoagulant is not suitable, as it causes plasma dilution, thus explaining previous reports of TC II level differences between serum and plasma. EDTA is therefore a preferable anticoagulant for vitamin B12-binding protein studies, although it too may not be ideal.

Phase-dependent excitation and ionization in the multiphoton ionization regime. We theoretically study the dependence of atomic excitation and ionization on the carrier envelope phase of few-cycle laser pulses in the multiphoton ionization regime. Our theoretical results for the hydrogen atom based on the solution of the 3D time-dependent Schrödinger equation show that the strong phase dependence can be seen in not only total ionization, but also bound-state population under the weak laser intensity regime.

Response surface optimization and physicochemical properties of polysaccharides from Nelumbo nucifera leaves. Dynamic high pressure microfluidization (DHPM)-assisted extraction (DHPMAE) of lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) leaves polysaccharides (LLPs) was optimized by response surface methodology. The optimal extraction conditions were: liquid/solid ratio of 35:1 (v/m, mL/g), processing pressure of 180 MPa, processed two times, extraction temperature of 76°C, extraction time of 50 min. Under the optimal extraction conditions, DHPMAE produced a higher polysaccharides yield (6.31%) than leaching (2.95%). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis revealed that DHPM could reduce the particles size and make the surface more unconsolidated. The LLPs prepared by both methods showed similar FT-IR spectrum, and were consisted of the same monosaccharides, including rhamnose, fucose, arabinose, xylose, mannose, glucose and galactose. The content of each monosaccharide in extracts, however, was quite different. The average molecular weight of LLPs prepared by DHPMAE is 550 kDa, smaller than 578 kDa obtained by leaching. The LLPs prepared by DHPMAE exhibited stronger DPPH scavenging ability (IC50 value of 0.38 mg/mL), HO scavenging ability (IC50 value of 0.61 mg/mL) and reducing power. Therefore, DHPMAE can be a promising alternative to traditional extraction techniques for polysaccharides from plants, and lotus leaves might be a potential resource of natural antioxidants.

Exposure to toxic metals and polychlorinated biphenyls of adolescents and adults from two atolls in the Tuamotu Archipelago (French Polynesia). The atoll of Hao, part of the Tuamotu Archipelago in French Polynesia, hosted an air base which was used by France Air Force and Naval Aviation during the nuclear tests. Following the publication of a report in 2012 indicating widespread contamination of the atoll, we conducted a biomonitoring survey to assess the exposure to toxic metals and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) of Hao residents and residents of Makemo, a nearby atoll without any known sources of industrial pollution. Adults and adolescents (≥12 years) randomly sampled from Hao (n = 275) and Makemo (n = 268) provided blood samples for contaminant analyses. Whole blood samples were analysed for cadmium, lead and total mercury by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Plasma concentrations of PCBs were measured by gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Face-to-face interviews were conducted to document lifestyle and a food-frequency questionnaire was used to document dietary habits. Concentrations of contaminants were compared between atolls and associations with sociodemographic and personal characteristics of the participants were investigated. A significantly higher mean (geometric) of blood lead concentration was observed in Hao compared to Makemo (3.75 vs 3.40 μg/L, P = 0.02), whereas similar concentrations were noted for cadmium (0.49 vs 0.50 μg/L, P = 0.58) and mercury (11.4 vs 11.5 μg/L, P = 0.78). Mean total PCBs plasma concentration was significantly higher in Hao than in Makemo participants (0.75 vs 0.32 μg/L, P < 0.001). A significant proportion of participants exceeded toxicological reference values for mercury and lead in both atolls. The higher body burden of PCBs and Pb in Hao compared to Makemo residents may be linked to past air base activities in Hao. According to international standards, PCBs exposure is low; however, exposure to both mercury and lead is high and further investigations are required to identify specific sources of exposure.

Microarray analysis of differentially expressed genes in placental tissue of pre-eclampsia: up-regulation of obesity-related genes. Susceptibility genes present in both mother and fetus most likely contribute to the risk of pre-eclampsia. Placental biopsies were therefore investigated by high-density DNA microarray analysis to determine genes differentially regulated within chorionic villous tissue in pre-eclampsia and normal pregnancy. The pooled RNAs of pre-eclamptic and normotensive subjects were hybridized to the HuGeneFL array representing sequences from approximately 5600 full-length human cDNAs. The differentially expressed genes that were detected could be categorized into nine groups: adhesion molecules, obesity-related genes, transcription factors/signalling molecules, immunological factors, neuromediators, oncogenic factors, protease inhibitors, hormones and growth factor-binding proteins. Among those, the obesity-related genes included putative candidate genes associated with the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia. One of the most up-regulated transcripts was the obese gene (43.6-fold change), and this was reflected by elevated leptin protein levels. In the case of feto-maternal contribution of polymorphic genes to pre-eclampsia, expression analysis of placental tissue has lead to numerous target genes waiting for large scale genetic linkage analyses.

[Massive hemorrhage in the small intestine]. Haemorrhage into the small intestine accounts only for cca 1% of all haemorrhages into the gastrointestinal tract. Profuse haemorrhage is very rare, it occurs in malignant tumours, sarcomas and also haemangiomas. Preoperative diagnosis is practically impossible not only because the small intestine is not readily accessible for examination but in case of profuse haemorrhage also because of lack of time. Therefore a decision on early laparotomy has to be taken.

Spray application of liquid smoke to reduce or eliminate Listeria monocytogenes surface inoculated on frankfurters. In a simulated post process contamination scenario liquid smoke was sprayed on the frankfurters after peeling, and then inoculated with Listeria monocytogenes (Lm). Samples that did not receive a liquid smoke spray remained at approximately 2 log cfu/cm(2) during the 48h of storage while the levels on the liquid smoke treated frankfurters continued to decline until they were below detection level (1 cfu/100 cm(2)). A shelf-life study lasting 140 days indicated that liquid smoke suppressed the growth of Lm for up to 130 days. An application of 2 or 3 ml liquid smoke at packaging resulted in at least a 1 log reduction of Lm within 12h post packaging.

Prophylaxis of atherosclerosis with marine omega-3 fatty acids. A comprehensive strategy. Traditional approaches to prophylaxis of atherosclerosis have focused on one aspect of the pathogenesis of this multifactorial disease, such as platelet function or blood lipids, and therefore have had limited success. Epidemiologic studies show a striking inverse correlation of consumption of fish rich in the two omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, and mortality from cardiovascular disease. In studies of volunteers and patients, reductions in platelet responsiveness, lowering of blood lipids, and improvements of blood flow, as well as improvements in other values implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, were induced with eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids. These findings indicate that these omega-3 fatty acids have a larger prophylactic potential than traditional approaches. This potential must be scrutinized in meticulously designed and conducted trials with clinical endpoints.

The effect of intermittent scrotal hyperthermia on the Sprague-Dawley rat testicle. Twenty-four mature male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 2 groups of 12. One group was exposed to intermittent hot baths for 1 month, while the other group was exposed to room temperature baths. The group that was exposed to the elevated temperature demonstrated histological testicular changes that included decreased tubular diameter, basement membrane thinning, and decreased spermatogenesis. Fertility rates were markedly reduced in the heat exposed group, but complete recovery of fertility occurred by 10 weeks after completion of the heat treatments.

Relationship of classical and non-classical risk factors with genetic variants relevant to coronary heart disease. In addition to the well established cardiovascular risk factors, evidence suggests a possible role of genetic and non-classical risk factors in the development and progression of atherothrombosis. We aimed to determine the relationship of classical and non-classical cardiovascular risk factors with candidate gene polymorphisms potentially involved in cardiovascular risk in the general Mediterranean population. Cross-sectional study. We have determined the prevalence of classical (lipid profile, blood pressure, glycaemia, diabetes, smoking, body mass index, menopause and family history of coronary heart disease) and non-classical cardiovascular risk factors (infectious processes, homocysteinaemia, oxidative status, C-reactive protein, lipoprotein (a) and fibrinogen) in a population-based study. We analysed the relationship of these risk factors with the following five gene polymorphisms potentially involved in cardiovascular risk: ATP-binding cassette transporter A1-R219K, Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-alpha-L162V, Lipoprotein lipase (LPL)-HindIII, Paraoxonase (PON)1-Q192R, and Tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha-G-308A. We found PPAR-alpha-V and LPL-H alleles to be associated with decreased high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c) concentration and with increased total cholesterol : HDL-c and triglyceride : HDL-c ratios. Regarding the non-classical risk factors, C-reactive protein concentration was higher for the PPAR-alpha-V allele. A higher oxidative status was shown in homozygotes for LPL-H and TNF-alpha-G alleles, although the latter also had lower homocysteinaemia. Three of the genetic variants analysed, PPAR-alpha-L162V, LPL-HindIII, and TNF-alpha-G-308A, were associated with non-classical risk factors, specifically lipid profile, inflammation, and oxidative status.

Assessment of quality of life in head and neck cancer patients. Seventy-five consecutive patients were selected to evaluate a disease-specific quality-of-life questionnaire (UW QOL). The new test was compared to two established equality of life evaluation tools, the Karnofsky scale and the Sickness Impact Profile (SIP). Each test was administered on three separate occasions: (1) several days preoperatively; (2) immediately postoperatively; and (3) 3 months postoperatively. The Karnofsky scale is relatively crude and lacks the ability to measure subtle changes. The SIP is a detailed questionnaire that is quite sensitive to change. However, due to its length, the SIP is inefficient and expensive to administer, and patient non-compliance is often a problem. The three questionnaires were compared according to the following factors: Acceptability: 97% of the patients favored the UW QOL scale compared with the SIP because it was more concise and easier to complete. VALIDITY indicates the ability of the test under investigation to measure what it was intended to measure. Using the SIP as a gold standard, the UW QOL scale demonstrated an average criterion validity of 0.849, whereas the Karnofsky average criterion validity was 0.826. Reliability: Reliability is a measurement of the reproducibility of the data. The UW QOL questionnaire scored > 0.90 on reliability coefficients versus 0.80 for the Karnofsky and 0.87 for the SIP scale. Responsiveness: Responsiveness is the ability of the test to measure clinical change. The UW QOL scale faired better than the Karnofsky and the SIP scale in detecting change. The UW QOL scale is comparable to the Karnofsky and SIP scales when tested for validity and reliability. It was the preferred test format of 97% of patients and provided the greatest responsiveness to clinical change.

Struma ovarii: hyperthyroidism in a postmenopausal woman. A rare case of struma ovarii producing hyperthyroidism in a postmenopausal woman is reported. The ovarian tumor demonstrated uptake of both [99mTc]pertechnetate and 131I, allowing preoperative diagnosis of the condition. In females with unexplained hyperthyroidism and low 131I uptake by the cervical thyroid gland, imaging of the pelvis should be considered.

Effect of residual mercury content on creep in dental amalgams. For most of the tested amalgams, the increased mercury content caused by delayed compaction increases the flow or creep. The amalgams that had high creep values when packed early were decidedly affected by the increase in mercury content caused by delay in compaction. Amalgams made with Dispersalloy, Tytin, Sybraloy, and New True Dentalloy are not as sensitive to the mercury content as are some of the others tested. Tests for creep may be related more to clinical practice if they are performed on specimens compacted three minutes after trituration rather than on specimens compacted immediately (a half minute) after trituration. In clinical practice, small amounts of amalgam should be mixed and used immediately after trituration. If the delay between trituration and compaction is longer than three minutes, additional mixes are required. We therefore conclude that, in making a large amalgam restoration, many small mixes have superior results over one large mix.

Methanol-inducible gene expression and heterologous protein production in the methylotrophic yeast Candida boidinii. Methylotrophic yeasts can obtain all of their required carbon and energy from methanol, a promising feedstock for biotechnological and chemical processes and a potential replacement for coal and petroleum. When these yeast cells are cultured in the presence of methanol, the enzymes involved in methanol metabolism are massively produced, indicating that the gene promoters of these enzymes are strong methanol-inducible promoters. Using these promoters, high-level heterologous gene expression systems have been developed in several methylotrophic yeast strains, including Pichia pastoris, Hansenula polymorpha, Pichia methanolica and Candida boidinii. In the present minireview we describe recent insights into the molecular basis of methanol-inducible gene expression in C. boidinii. In addition, the utility of C. boidinii gene expression systems for the production of various enzymes is also reviewed.

Affecting factors in second language learning. The present study investigated the influence of sex, handedness, level in second language (L2) and Faculty choice on the performance of phonological, syntactical and semantic tasks in L2. Level in L2 and sex were the most affecting factors. Subjects who achieved higher scores on L2 tasks had strong second language aptitude skills since they were those who had obtained a professional degree in the second language. Females performed better than males in syntax and semantics which is explained by the general female superiority on verbal tasks based on differences in hemispheric specialization for language functions between the sexes. Handedness and Faculty choice on the part of the participants had an impact on our results but only when combined with other factors.

Peculiarities of the course of bronchial asthma in patients with excessive body weight or obesity. Introduction: Clinical studies that were devoted to the analysis of the asthma course during concomitant obesity or excessive body weight, demonstrated a number of typical features. Both asthma and obesity or overweight are diseases that form a persistent chronic inflammatory process in the body. The combination and mutual enhancement of the factors of chronic inflammation leads to a more severe clinical course of asthma and reduced control of the disease. The aim: The main goal of our study was to determine the peculiarities of the course of bronchial asthma of various degrees of severity in patients with excessive body weight or obesity. Materials and methods: Anamnesis and examination of 86 patients with a major diagnosis of bronchial asthma were performed. According to the body weight index, patients were divided into two groups: main and comparison, and 20 somatic-healthy patients who were included in the control group also participated in the study. Results and conclusions: The patients had upper respiratory tract diseases, namely rhinitis, sinusitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia. A different incidence rate of respiratory infections in a child was noted in patients, depending on the severity of the course. The patients in the main group took an antibiotic on an average 3-4 times a year, of whom patients with severe bronchial asthma took antibiotics 4-5 times a year. In the comparison group, the average level of antibiotic ingestion coincided with that of the control group, namely 1-1.5 times a year. The patients have a close direct correlation between the asthma test and the body mass index. 28.75% of the patients in the main group had no symptoms of allergy. Damp basements, rooms with lots of dust or outdoor work with high concentrations of dust or pollen have a negative effect on the patients with asthma. 81% of the patients in the main group did not adhere to the appointments of the doctor, it should be noted that these are patients with any course of asthma.

Synovial Fluid Leukocyte Esterase in the Diagnosis of Peri-Prosthetic Joint Infection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Peri-prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a serious and frequent complication of total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Recently, synovial fluid leukocyte esterase (LE), measurement of which is convenient and fast, has been examined as a marker of PJI. We summarized the articles describing synovial fluid LE as a biomarker for the diagnosis of PJI and assessed its diagnostic value in patients suspected of having PJI. We searched with appropriate key words in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane database, and Science Direct. Eligible studies providing sufficient data to construct 2 × 2 contingency tables were chosen on the basis of several criteria, and the quality of the chosen studies was assessed. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) were calculated for those studies. The summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve and the area under the SROC (AUSROC) were used to evaluate the overall diagnostic performance of LE. Eleven studies were found suitable for this systematic review. Among them, eight articles with a total of 1,011 participants qualified for meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and DOR were 0.90 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.76-0.96), 0.97 (95% CI 0.95-0.98), and 310.76 (95% CI 103.86-929.88), respectively. The SROC was 0.98 (95% CI 0.96-0.99). Sub-group analysis indicated that the sample inclusion criteria might be the main source of heterogeneity. Publication bias was suggested by an asymmetrical funnel plot (p = 0.144). Although the result of synovial fluid LE assay can be influenced by sample-related factors, it is more specific as a means to exclude PJI.

An in vitro and in vivo assessment of the potential of Vibrio spp. as probiotics for the Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei. The objective of the work was to determine whether known strains of nonpathogenic vibrios can act as probiotics for the control of Vibrio infections in the Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei. Of the ten species tested, only Vibrio alginolyticus (NCIMB 1339) and Vibrio gazogenes (NCIMB 2250) showed antagonistic activity towards a panel of shrimp pathogenic vibrios. In the case of V. alginolyticus, this activity depended on the presence of live bacteria while in V. gazogenes both live and dead bacteria showed anti-Vibrio activity. Injection of shrimp with either V. alginolyticus or V. gazogenes at 3 × 10(7) or 3 × 10(5) total bacteria per shrimp resulted in mortality with higher levels in the case of V. alginolyticus (100% mortality 18 h postinjection of 3 × 10(7) bacteria). Juvenile shrimp were fed commercial diets top-coated with either chitin (an immune stimulant) or chitin + V. gazogenes. Both chitin and V. gazogenes caused a significant decline in the number of Vibrio-like bacteria in the fore and hind gut, and changes were also seen in the hepatosomatic index (a measure of digestive health) and the total number of blood cells in circulation. Analysis of mid/hindgut and faecal samples obtained using terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism showed that the gut microbiota of shrimp has limited bacterial diversity and that after 8 weeks exposure to the experimental diets there were significant changes in the microbial flora of the GI tract of shrimp as a result of the presence of V. gazogenes. Of the vibrios tested, V. gazogenes has potential as a probiotic for the control of bacterial diseases in shrimp. Overall, this study shows the promise of V. gazogenes together with chitin to improve the health and welfare of shrimp under aquaculture conditions.

The molecular basis of hemophilia A. Due to new, sensitive methodologies, the rate at which factor VIII gene mutations are found is increasing rapidly. The next five years should lead to the discovery of a wide range of defects as well as potential new hot-spots for mutations. Advances in understanding the protein will also provide new insights into the effects of particular mutations. Tremendous strides have been made in carrier detection and prenatal diagnosis. Already diagnosis is possible in 70% of cases with the factor VIII intragenic polymorphisms. Although there is still room for improvement in availability, speed, and cost of the test, many families in the United States and Europe are benefiting from this sensitive detection method.

Occupational injury and illness recording and reporting requirements. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), U.S. Department of Labor. Final rule. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is revising its rule addressing the recording and reporting of occupational injuries and illnesses (29 CFR parts 1904 and 1952), including the forms employers use to record those injuries and illnesses. The revisions to the final rule will produce more useful injury and illness records, collect better information about the incidence of occupational injuries and illnesses on a national basis, promote improved employee awareness and involvement in the recording and reporting of job-related injuries and illnesses, simplify the injury and illness recordkeeping system for employers, and permit increased use of computers and telecommunications technology for OSHA recordkeeping purposes. This rulemaking completes a larger overall effort to revise Part 1904 of Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Two sections of Part 1904 have already been revised in earlier rulemakings. A rule titled Reporting fatalities and multiple hospitalization incidents to OSHA, became effective May 2, 1994 and has been incorporated into this final rule as Section 1904.39. A second rule entitled Annual OSHA injury and illness survey of ten or more employers became effective on March 13, 1997 and has been incorporated into this final rule as Section 1904.41. The final rule being published today also revises 29 CFR 1952.4, Injury and Illness Recording and Reporting Requirements, which prescribes the recordkeeping and reporting requirements for States that have an occupational safety and health program approved by OSHA under Section 18 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (the "Act" or "OSH Act").

Ventilatory response to CO2 in patients with snoring, obstructive hypopnoea and obstructive apnoea. Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is caused by an obstruction of the upper airway. Sufficient sensitivity to CO2 in the respiratory centre is known to be a critical factor for adequate tone in the upper airway muscles. The hypothesis of this study is, therefore, that the ventilatory response to CO2 is reduced in patients with OSA. Twenty-six patients who suffered from snoring, 19 snoring patients with obstructive hypopnoea (OH) and 33 snoring patients with obstructive apnoea (OA), were studied. The control group consisted of 25 subjects from a random sample with no history of snoring or daytime sleepiness. Tests of the hyperoxic and hypoxic ventilatory response to CO2 were performed, as well as static and dynamic spirometry. Subjects in the OA group displayed a higher hyperoxic (VE/FetCO2hy = 12.6 l min-1/%) and hypoxic (VE/FetCO2ho = 15.7 l min-1/%) ventilatory response to CO2 than patients with obstructive hypopnoea (VE/FetCO2hy = 8.6 l min-1/%; VE/FetCO2ho = 15.2 l min-1/%), snorers (VE/FetCO2hy = 8.4 l min-1/%; VE/FetCO2ho = 12.7 l min-1/%) and non-snorers (VE/FetCO2hy = 7.6 l min-1/%; VE/FetCOho = 9.6 l min-1/%). Multiple regression analysis reveals that neck circumference, apnoea index, oxygen desaturation index, PCO2 and sex (male gender) are correlated with VE/FetCO2hy (R2 = 0.43). Multiple regression analysis also reveals that ERV (expiratory reserve volume) and sex (male gender) are correlated with VE/FetCO2ho (R2 = 0.21). Arguing against the hypothesis, patients with OSA displayed an increased hyperoxic and hypoxic ventilatory response to CO2. Nocturnal apnoea frequency and the obesity factor in OSA may have contributed to these results.

Lymphocyte expansion after unrelated cord blood allogeneic stem cell transplantation in adults. Limited information is available regarding the incidence and features of lymphocyte expansions after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Large granular lymphocytes (LGL) expansions have been reported after bone marrow or peripheral blood, but not after unrelated cord blood (UCB) allo-HSCT, associated with indolent clinical courses and favorable outcomes. Here, we considered 85 recipients of UCB allo-HSCT to more broadly define the impact of lymphocytosis, not limited to LGL. Sustained lymphocytosis was observed in 21 (25%) patients at a median onset of 12.6 months and with a median duration of 12 months. Immunophenotypic analysis showed predominantly CD8+ T and/or polyclonal B-cell expansions. Three patients only had monoclonal T-cell expansion. CMV reactivation was significantly more frequent in the group of patients with lymphocytosis (76% vs 28%, P=0.0001), but was not associated with survival. Conversely, 2-year disease-free survival and overall survival were significantly higher for lymphocytosis patients (85% vs 55%, P=0.01 and 85% vs 63%, P=0.03, respectively). In conclusion, expansion of T or B lymphocytes after UCB allo-HSCT in adults is not a rare event. Although occurring relatively late after transplant, this feature is predictive of a better outcome for the patients.

Gaze patterns and audiovisual speech enhancement. In this study, the authors sought to quantify the relationships between speech intelligibility (perception) and gaze patterns under different auditory-visual conditions. Eleven subjects listened to low-context sentences spoken by a single talker while viewing the face of one or more talkers on a computer display. Subjects either maintained their gaze at a specific distance (0°, 2.5°, 5°, 10°, and 15°) from the center of the talker's mouth (CTM) or moved their eyes freely on the computer display. Eye movements were monitored with an eye-tracking system, and speech intelligibility was evaluated by the mean percentage of correctly perceived words. With a single talker and a fixed point of gaze, speech intelligibility was similar for all fixations within 10° of the CTM. With visual cues from two talker faces and a speech signal from one of the talkers, speech intelligibility was similar to that of a single talker for fixations within 2.5° of the CTM. With natural viewing of a single talker, gaze strategy changed with speech-signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). For low speech-SNR, a strategy that brought the point of gaze directly to within 2.5° of the CTM was used in approximately 80% of trials, whereas in high speech-SNR it was used in only approximately 50% of trials. With natural viewing of a single talker and high speech-SNR, subjects can shift their gaze between points on the talker's face without compromising speech intelligibility. With low-speech SNR, subjects change their gaze patterns to fixate primarily on points that are in close proximity to the talker's mouth. The latter strategy is essential to optimize speech intelligibility in situations where there are simultaneous visual cues from multiple talkers (i.e., when some of the visual cues are distracters).

Gracilibacillus alcaliphilus sp. nov., a facultative alkaliphile isolated from indigo fermentation liquor for dyeing. A facultatively alkaliphilic, lactic-acid-producing and halophilic strain, designated SG103(T), was isolated from a fermented Polygonum indigo (Polygonum tinctorium Lour.) liquor sample for dyeing prepared in a laboratory. 16S rRNA gene sequence phylogeny suggested that SG103(T) is a member of the genus Gracilibacillus with the closest relatives being 'Gracilibacillus xinjiangensis' J2 (similarity: 97.06 %), Gracilibacillus thailandensis TP2-8(T) (97.06 %) and Gracilibacillus halotolerans NN(T) (96.87 %). Cells of the isolate stained Gram-positive and were facultatively anaerobic straight rods that were motile by peritrichous flagella. The strain grew at temperatures between 13 and 48 °C with the optimum at 39 °C. It grew in the range pH 7-10 with the optimum at pH 9. The isoprenoid quinone detected was menaquinone-7 (MK-7) and the DNA G+C content was 41.3 mol%. The whole-cell fatty acid profile mainly (>10 %) consisted of iso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0 and anteiso-C17 : 0. Unlike other reported species of the genus Gracilibacillus, the strain lacked diphosphatidylglycerol as a major polar lipid. DNA-DNA hybridization experiments with strains exhibiting greater than 96.87 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, 'G. xinjiangensis' J2, G. thailandensis TP2-8(T) and G. halotolerans NN(T), revealed 2±4 %, 4±9 % and 3±2 % relatedness, respectively. On the basis of the differences in phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, and the results of phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences and DNA-DNA relatedness data from reported species of the genus Gracilibacillus, strain SG103(T) merits classification as a members of a novel species, for which the name Gracilibacillus alcaliphilus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SG103(T) ( = JCM 17253(T) = NCIMB 14683(T)).

Asenjonamides A-C, antibacterial metabolites isolated from Streptomyces asenjonii strain KNN 42.f from an extreme-hyper arid Atacama Desert soil. Bio-guided fractionation of the culture broth extract of Streptomyces asenjonii strain KNN 42.f recovered from an extreme hyper-arid Atacama Desert soil in northern Chile led to the isolation of three new bioactive β-diketones; asenjonamides A-C (1-3) in addition to the known N-(2-(1H-indol-3-yl)-2-oxoethyl)acetamide (4), a series of bioactive acylated 4-aminoheptosyl-β-N-glycosides; spicamycins A-E (5-9), and seven known diketopiperazines (10-16). All isolated compounds were characterized by HRESIMS and NMR analyses and tested for their antibacterial effect against a panel of bacteria.

Myocardin and Prx1 contribute to angiotensin II-induced expression of smooth muscle alpha-actin. Previous studies demonstrated that angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced hypertrophy of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) was associated with increased transcription of SM alpha-actin gene. The aim of the present study was to determine whether myocardin, a SMC-selective cofactor of serum response factor (SRF), contributed to Ang II-induced increases in SM alpha-actin transcription. Results showed that Ang II increased myocardin mRNA expression as well as SM alpha-actin mRNA expression via the Ang II type 1 receptor in cultured rat aortic SMCs. Cotransfection studies revealed that CArG elements were required for Ang II-induced transcription of SM alpha-actin gene, and a dominant-negative form of myocardin or a short interfering RNA (siRNA) specific for myocardin decreased Ang II-induced SM alpha-actin transcription. Prx1, a homeodomain protein whose expression was increased by Ang II, also increased SM alpha-actin gene transcription in part via CArG elements, and siRNA specific for Prx1 markedly decreased basal and Ang II-induced SM alpha-actin transcription. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay showed that myocardin and Ang II, respectively, increased formation of a SMC-specific CArG-SRF-myocardin higher order complex. However, Ang II had no effect on binding between myocardin and SRF as determined by a mammalian two-hybrid assay, suggesting that Ang II-induced increases in formation of CArG-SRF-myocardin complex was the result of increased SRF binding to CArG elements and increased myocardin expression. Taken together, these results support a model in which Ang II-induced increases in expression of SM alpha-actin are mediated through Prx1-dependent increases in SRF binding to CArG elements and subsequent recruitment of myocardin.

Class II transplantation antigens in the late human skin tuberculin reaction. The presence of class II transplantation antigens on keratinocytes and the phenotypes of the inflammatory cells in the late human skin tuberculin reaction were analysed with immunohistochemical double staining techniques in frozen sections of skin biopsies taken 10-45 days after intradermal purified protein derivative (PPD) injection. Dermal cell infiltrates decreased with time but were found throughout the observation period. Most of the cells in the perivascular infiltrates expressed HLA-DR antigens. Some of these cells are probably 'activated' macrophages, since they expressed OKM1 and OKT9 antigens in consecutive sections. Another less frequent cell population which reacted with RFD1 antibodies are presumably interdigitating cells. About half the perivascular cells were anti-Leu 3a-positive (T 'helper/inducer' phenotype). HLA-DR but not HLA-DQ antigens were detected on keratinocytes. This acquired expression of HLA-DR antigens on the epithelial cells disappeared between 17 and 30 days. If HLA-DR-expressing keratinocytes have immunoregulatory functions these might be different from those of other HLA-DR-expressing cell types that also express HLA-DQ molecules.

Developmental neurotoxicity of chlorpyrifos in vivo and in vitro: effects on nuclear transcription factors involved in cell replication and differentiation. Chlorpyrifos is a widely used organophosphate insecticide that is a suspected developmental neurotoxin. Although chlorpyrifos exerts some effects through cholinesterase inhibition, recent studies suggest additional, direct actions on developing cells. We assessed the effects of chlorpyrifos on nuclear transcription factors involved in cell replication and differentiation using in vitro and in vivo models. HeLa nuclear protein extracts were incubated with the labeled consensus oligonucleotides for AP-1 and Sp1 transcription factors in the presence and absence of chlorpyrifos. In concentrations previously shown to affect cell development, chlorpyrifos reduced AP-1, but not Sp1 DNA-binding activity. Next, chlorpyrifos was incubated with PC12 cells either during cell replication or after initiation of differentiation with NGF. Chlorpyrifos evoked stage-specific interference with the expression of the transcription factors: Sp1 was reduced in replicating and differentiating cells, whereas AP-1 was affected only during differentiation. Finally, neonatal rats were given apparently subtoxic doses of chlorpyrifos either on postnatal days 1-4 or 11-14 and the effects were evaluated in the forebrain (an early-developing, cholinergic target region) and cerebellum (late-developing region, poor in cholinergic innervation). Again, chlorpyrifos evoked stage-specific changes in transcription factor expression and binding activity, with greater effects on Sp1 during active neurogenesis, and effects on AP-1 during differentiation. The changes were present in both forebrain and cerebellum and were gender-specific. These results indicate that chlorpyrifos interferes with brain development, in part by multiple alterations in the activity of transcription factors involved in the basic machinery of cell replication and differentiation. Noncholinergic actions of chlorpyrifos that are unique to brain development reinforce the need to examine endpoints other than cholinesterase inhibition.

Comparison of conventional versus computer-navigated acetabular component insertion. This retrospective study compared the efficacy of computer navigation and conventional freehand techniques to place acetabular component orientation in the target position of acetabular cup inclination of 45 degrees and anteversion of 20 degrees . We selected 69 patients who had undergone total hip arthroplasty with freehand cup insertion who had computed tomography (CT) to plan for acetabular cup placement of the contralateral side. This group was compared with 98 patients who underwent CT-based cup insertion, and all had postoperative CT. After CT-based cup placement, average cup position was 43 degrees inclination (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.97; range, 30 degrees -58 degrees ) and 22.2 degrees anteversion (95% CI, 1.72; range, 5 degrees -38 degrees ). For freehand, average cup position was 45.7 degrees inclination (95% CI, 2.63 degrees ; range, 26 degrees -64 degrees ) and 28.5 degrees anteversion (95% CI, 3.80 degrees ; range, 9 degrees -53 degrees ). F ratio was 5.56 for inclination and 3.67 for anteversion (P < .0001). This study demonstrated substantial statistical improvement in accuracy of cup placement using CT-based navigation compared with freehand methods.

Restorative proctocolectomy with an ileoanal pouch: the role of laparoscopy. The Aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate early experience with laparoscopic restorative proctocolectomy by analyzing the perioperative results of surgical treatment. Seven major surgeries were performed in six patients with familial adenomatous polyposis and ulcerative colitis. All procedures were performed under laparoscopy at our third-level hospital from June 2003 to October 2004. Mean surgical time was 287.5 +/- 80.7 min, and median blood loss was 300 +/- 249.0 cc. There were no conversions; return of peristalsis began at 32 +/- 12.4 h; average time to first oral intake was 64.0 +/- 32.8 h, and mean duration of hospital stay was 9.3 +/- 1.2 days. There was one case of perineal sepsis due to ileal pouch-anal anastomotic leakage, which was successfully treated with oral intake restriction, parenteral nutrition, and intra-rectal drainage. The most common postoperative complication was postoperative ileus. We believe that the laparoscopic approach to restorative proctocolectomy may be considerably improved in our center. Particular aspects for improvement include efforts to achieve lower operating and hospitalization times to equate our results with those reported by multicenter studies for laparoscopic colon cancer surgery. In our opinion, learning and further training opportunities should be encouraged to improve surgeon experience in the field of laparoscopy, preferably at centers specializing in restorative proctocolectomy.

Analysis of MUM1/IRF4 protein expression using tissue microarrays and immunohistochemistry. The gene encoding MUM1 was characterized as a possible translocation partner in chromosomal abnormalities involving a significant number of multiple myelomas. The overexpression of the MUM1 protein as a result of translocation t(6;14) (p25;q32) identified MUM1 as a putative regulatory molecule involved in B-cell differentiation and tumorigenesis. The expression of MUM1 protein in multiple myelomas supports this hypothesis. In the current study, using tissue microarray technology, we have tested the expression of the MUM1 protein in 1335 human malignancies and normal tissues. Our data show that the MUM1 protein is expressed in a wide spectrum of hematolymphoid neoplasms and in malignant melanomas but is absent in other human tumors. In addition, in tissue microarrays as well as in conventional paraffin sections, MUM1 staining was found to lack specificity in detecting plasmacytic differentiation as compared with two markers, CD138/Syndecan and VS38, commonly used in paraffin immunohistochemistry for detection of plasma cells.

Role of gastric emptying on ethanol poisoning in rats. Intraperitoneal glucose was demonstrated to significantly inhibit the absorption of ethanol ( 2 g/kg) administered orally to rats. The effect was due to slowed emptying of the stomach, verified by analysis of the stomach contents and of blood enthanol levels. The observation agrees with previous findings, according to which the rate of stomach emptying is inversely related to the blood glucose level. However, when glucose was given intravenously 15 minutes after oral administration of a lethal dose of ethanol (12.5 g/kg) no significant inhibition of ethanol absorption could be observed. Intravenous propantheline, pyrithioxine and methylene blue were also unable to prolong the survival time or to influence the lethal blood ethanol concentration (about 170 mmol/l) of the enthanol-poisoned rats.

Locoregional therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma: which patients are most likely to gain a survival advantage? Locoregional therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are considered to confer a survival advantage, however, the patient group that should be targeted is not clearly defined. This study aimed to determine the impact on survival of locoregional therapies compared with supportive care, within prognostic categories as stratified by the Cancer of the Liver Italian Program (CLIP) scoring system. A prospective database was used to identify those patients who were treated with either locoregional therapy (n = 128) or supportive care (n = 92). Survival analysis was performed for groups matched by CLIP score at presentation. Comparison of important prognostic factors was undertaken and univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to assess determinants of survival. Use of locoregional therapies was only associated with a survival benefit in patients with a CLIP score of 1 or 2. In this group, the median survival in patients who received locoregional therapies was 25.0 months (95% confidence interval 22.7-27.4) compared with 8.9 months (95% confidence interval 7.3-10.5) for supportive care (P = 0.001). For patients with CLIP scores of 3 or greater, no survival benefit of locoregional therapies was observed. Multivariate analysis revealed locoregional intervention, CLIP score, tumor symptoms, alpha-fetoprotein level, bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase level as independent prognostic indicators. Locoregional therapies should be targeted specifically to patients with non-advanced hepatocellular carcinoma as assessed by validated scoring systems. Use of these therapies in patients with advanced disease does not appear to be associated with a survival benefit and may expose patients to unnecessary harm.

The scientific base for the disposal of spent nuclear fuel. The main objectives of the Swedish expert seminar on spent nuclear fuel disposal were to identify those safety questions for which there is, or will be, a definitive answer, and to establish the degree of uncertainty surrounding those questions which still cannot be satisfactorily answered. The opinion was that the geological environment of the repository can be defined and its behavior predicted with much confidence, assuming the existing environment remains stable. Thus in the short term (a few hundred to thousands of years), the situation is favorable for safe disposal of spent fuel. In the longer term perspective, it was considered necessary to further investigate the evidence of the geologically recent past to predict future changes.

Specific anticancer activity of a new bisabolane sesquiterpene against human leukemia cells inducing differentiation in vitro. A bisabolane sesquiterpene, rel-(1S,4R,5S,6R)-4,5-diacetoxy-6- [(R)-5-hydroxy-1,5-dimethylhex-3-enyl]- 3-methylcyclohex-2-enyl (Z)-2-methylbut-2 -enoate, which was newly isolated from the roots of Leontopodium longifolium, presented specific anticancer activity against human leukemia HL-60 cells, but did not inhibit proliferation of human hepatoma SMMC-7721 cells and human normal hepatocytes L02 cells. Nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction, phagocytosis of latex beads, and cell electrophoresis all demonstrated that this bisabolane sesquiterpene presented its anticancer activity against human leukemia HL-60 cells in vitro via inducing cell differentiation. Our results may have implications for treatment of human leukemia with the sesquiterpene.

MSiMass list: a public database of identifications for protein MALDI MS imaging. The clinical application of mass spectrometry imaging has developed into a sizable subdiscipline of proteomics and metabolomics because its seamless integration with pathology enables biomarkers and biomarker profiles to be determined that can aid patient and disease stratification (diagnosis, prognosis, and response to therapy). Confident identification of the discriminating peaks remains a challenge owing to the presence of nontryptic protein fragments, large mass-to-charge ratio ions that are not efficiently fragmented via tandem mass spectrometry or a high density of isobaric species. A public database of identifications has been initiated to aid the clinical development and implementation of mass spectrometry imaging. The MSiMass list database ( www.maldi-msi.org/mass ) enables users to assign identities to the peaks observed in their experiments and provides the methods by which the identifications were obtained. In contrast with existing protein databases, this list is designed as a community effort without a formal review panel. In this concept, authors can freely enter data and can comment on existing entries. In such, the database itself is an experiment on sharing knowledge, and its ability to rapidly provide quality data will be evaluated in the future.

Reference ranges for muscle carnitine concentration in children. We investigated muscle and plasma carnitine concentrations in children to establish reference intervals for use following biopsy of skeletal muscle. The study comprised 50 children from newborns up to 14 years of age, all undergoing elective surgery. They were divided into six age groups, the youngest 0-2 days and the oldest 11-14 years. The samples were taken at the beginning of surgery. Gestational age was a major determinant of the total muscle carnitine concentration in newborns (Spearman's r(s) = 0.692, P < 0.01). This concentration was low during the first year, but subsequently did not differ between age groups. In neonates the median value (range) for total carnitine concentration in skeletal muscle was 5.9 (2.2-15.9) micro mol/g dry weight and the free to total carnitine ratio was 62 (31-81)%. In children 1-12 months old the corresponding figures were 6.0 (3.5-7.9) micro mol/g dry weight and 51 (28-71)% and in those 1-14 years they were 12.1 (6.6-17.4) micro mol/g dry weight and 76 (42-92)%. This study shows that muscle carnitine concentrations in newborns are dependent on gestational age. The data suggest that there is an accretion of carnitine in skeletal muscle during the first year of life. Reference intervals are given.

The effect of oxygen concentration on arterial blood partial pressure of oxygen in dogs under general anesthesia. Oxygen is used for medical treatment and general anesthesia. However, high concentrations of oxygen can have toxic effects on cells. In veterinary medicine, 100% oxygen is usually used during general anesthesia and it can be toxic to animals. However, there is little concern about its harmful effects in humans. The objective of this study was to demonstrate that using a high con- centration of oxygen increases the partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood (PaO2) more so than a lower concentration, by comparing PaO2 at three different oxygen concentrations (100%, 60%, and 40%) in six dogs under general anesthesia for 3 hours. The mean PaO2 and standard error values at the 100%, 60%, and 40% oxygen concentrations were 535.8 ± 24.01, 374 ± 17.19, and 239 ± 8.78 mmHg, respectively (p⟨0.05). These results show that 100% and 60% oxygen concentrations could increase oxidative stress. Further studies are needed to examine the oxygen concentration that causes toxicity.

Self-management, health service use and information seeking for diabetes care among Black Caribbean immigrants in Toronto. The objective of this research was to explore self-management practices and the use of diabetes information and care among Black-Caribbean immigrants with type 2 diabetes. The study population included Black-Caribbean immigrants and Canadian-born participants between the ages of 35 to 64 years with type 2 diabetes. Study participants were recruited from community health centres (CHCs), diabetes education centres, hospital-based diabetes clinics, the Canadian Diabetes Association and immigrant-serving organizations. A structured questionnaire was used to collect demographics and information related to diabetes status, self-management practices and the use of diabetes information and care. Interviews were conducted with 48 Black-Caribbean immigrants and 54 Canadian-born participants with type 2 diabetes. Black-Caribbean immigrants were significantly more likely than the Canadian-born group to engage in recommended diabetes self-management practices (i.e. reduced fat diet, reduced carbohydrate diet, non-smoking and regular physical activity) and receive regular A1C and eye screening by a health professional. Black-Caribbean immigrant participants were significantly more likely to report receiving diabetes information and care through a community health centre (CHC) and nurses and dieticians than their Canadian-born counterparts. CHCs and allied health professionals play an important role in the management of diabetes in the Black-Caribbean immigrant community and may contribute to this group's favourable diabetes self-management profile and access to information and care. Additional research is necessary to confirm whether these findings are generalizable to the Black-Caribbean community in general (i.e. immigrant and non-immigrant) and to determine whether the use of CHCs and/or allied health professionals is associated with favourable outcomes in the Black-Caribbean immigrant community as well as others.

Trauma centrality and PTSD symptom severity in adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Theorists have posited that regarding a trauma as central to one's identity leads to greater posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity. To test this hypothesis, we administered the Centrality of Events Scale (CES) to women reporting a history of childhood sexual abuse (N = 102). The CES scores were correlated with PTSD symptom severity, depression severity, and self-esteem. In addition, we conducted a principal component analysis (PCA) to evaluate factors underlying the CES. The PCA yielded 3 factors reflecting (a) the centrality and integration of the trauma, (b) whether the event is regarded as a turning point in one's life story, and (c) whether the event is a reference point for expectations about the future. Each factor was associated with PTSD symptom severity.

The targets of CAPRI rounds 20-27. Eight CAPRI prediction rounds with a total of 15 targets were held in the years 2010-2012. Only five of the targets were protein assemblies comparable with those of earlier CAPRI rounds. In one target, the solvent positions at the interface had to be predicted; another was a protein-polysaccharide complex. The remainders were designed complexes issued from protein engineering experiments, and the prediction concerned either their structure or the binding affinity of the designed ligand. Affinity prediction was a new experiment in CAPRI, and a challenge for its participants. It pushed the community into developing novel procedures and score functions that will improve the performance of docking methods, help designing binders, and yield better structure-based estimates of the binding free energy of natural assemblies.

Economical and green biodiesel production process using river snail shells-derived heterogeneous catalyst and co-solvent method. River snail shells-derived CaO was used as a heterogeneous catalyst to synthesize biodiesel via transesterification of palm oil with methanol. The shell materials were calcined in air at 600-1000°C for 3h. Physicochemical properties of the resulting catalysts were characterized by TGA-DTG, XRD, SEM, BET, XRF, FT-IR and TPD. CaO catalyzed transesterification mechanism of palm oil into biodiesel was verified. The effects of adding a co-solvent on kinetic of the reaction and %FAME yield were investigated. %FAME yield of 98.5%±1.5 was achieved under the optimal conditions of catalyst/oil ratio of 5wt.%; methanol/oil molar ratio of 12:1; reaction temperature of 65°C; 10%v/v of THF in methanol and reaction time of 90min. The results ascertained that river snail shells is a novel raw material for preparation of CaO catalyst and the co-solvent method successfully decreases the reaction time and biodiesel production cost.

Effect of clonidine early in life on brain morphofunctional deficits induced by neonatal malnutrition in the rat. A great body of evidence indicates that malnutrition early in life induces central noradrenergic hyperactivity (CNH). On the other hand, it is known that noradrenaline (NA) is an important regulator of the regressive processes occurring during synaptogenesis such as cell death, axonal pruning and synaptic elimination. This leads to the hypothesis that some of the morphofunctional modifications induced by malnutrition on the brain could be due, at least in part, to an increase of NA activity during the period of accelerated brain growth. This study evaluates whether early reduction of CNH by the alpha-2 presynaptic adrenoreceptor agonist clonidine, prevents long-term morphofunctional deficits induced by protein-energy malnutrition in the rat. Results of experiments performed on 45 day-old malnourished animals that received clonidine during the suckling period, show that the pharmacological treatment prevented: (i) deficits in both NA levels and NA release in the visual cortex; (ii) deficit in brain weight but not in body weight; and (iii) reduction of the normal brain interhemispheric asymmetry of visual cortical evoked potentials. It is suggested that administration of clonidine early in life prevents brain morphofunctional deficits by malnutrition, by restoring the normal tropic role of NA during synaptogenesis.

Antioxidant activities of the water-soluble fraction in tempeh-like fermented soybean (GABA-tempeh). Tempeh is a traditional fermented soyfood native to Central Java, Indonesia; tempeh is prepared by salt-free aerobic fermentation using Rhizopus. Similar to miso, tempeh is also reported to be antioxygenic. In this study, we used a tempeh-like fermented soybean. First, soybean was incubated aerobically and then successively incubated anaerobically. Because the gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) content was increased remarkably, we named this tempeh GABA-tempeh. The contents of other free amino acids and peptides were significantly higher in GABA-tempeh than in conventional tempeh. In this study, we compared the antioxidant activity of the water-soluble fraction in GABA-tempeh with that of soybean and conventional tempeh. The order of the antioxidant activity was shown as follows: GABA-tempeh > conventional tempeh > soybean. The components responsible for the antioxidant activity of GABA-tempeh were isoflavone aglycones, free amino acids, and peptides, which increased during aerobic and anaerobic fermentations.

Microsporidiosis in a Brazilian University Hospital: case report. This is the report on a patient with chronic diarrhea caused by microsporidia. He is married, infected with HIV and has low CD4 cell count. The diagnosis was established through stool parasite search using concentration methods and Gram-chromotrope staining technique. Ileum biopsy was also performed in this case. The etiological diagnosis may be established in a clinical laboratory, by chromotrope staining technique in routine microscopic examination of stool specimens.

Two-Port Pars Plana Anterior and Central Core Vitrectomy (Lam Floaterectomy) in Combination With Phacoemulsification and Intraocular Lens Implantation Under Topical Anesthesia for Patients with Cataract and Significant Floaters: Results of the First 50 Consecutive Cases. To study the safety and efficacy of 2-port pars plana anterior and central core vitrectomy (Lam floaterectomy) in combination with phacoemulsification (phaco) and intraocular lens implantation (IOL) for patients with cataract and significant floaters under topical anesthesia. Retrospective review of the first 50 consecutive cases. A standardized treatment protocol was used for patients with cataract and significant (moderate to severe) floaters (duration > 3 months). Data analysis included intraoperative and postoperative complications, floater status, and patient satisfaction. There were 50 eyes (38 patients) with a male-to-female ratio of 1 to 2.3. Twelve patients had bilateral eye surgeries. Mean age was 58.10 ± 9.85 years (range, 39-83). All patients completed the 3-month follow-up. One eye had mild vitreous hemorrhage at the end of surgery arising from sclerotomy wound oozing. No other intraoperative compli-cations were encountered. Postoperatively, there was 1 case of transient hypotony and 1 case of congestion at sclerotomy wound. No cases of retinal break or detachment, or clinically significant macular edema, were reported. There were 5 cases (10%) of mild residual floaters and 1 case (2%) of floater recurrence. Total floater clearance rate was 88%. Patient satisfaction rates were 80%, 14%, 6%, and 0% for very satisfied, satis-fied, acceptable, and unsatisfied, respectively. The 3-month results in terms of safety and efficacy of the Lam floaterectomy in combination with phaco and IOLfor patients with cataract and significant floaters under topical anesthesia are encouraging. Further larger-scale, prospective, multicenter studies seem warranted.

Discriminative ability of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry site selection in identifying patients with osteoporotic fractures. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is the gold standard method for measurement of bone mineral density (BMD). The aims of the current study are to compare the ability of BMD measurements to identify subjects with vertebral fractures (VF), when the lumbar spine (LS), hip or both sites are measured. 460 subjects aged 73+/-5.2 years participated in the study. Thoraco-lumbar spine radiographs were obtained and analyzed for the presence of VF using the visual semi-quantitative assessment. BMD of the LS and the left femur were measured by DXA. Eighteen men (12%) and 56 women (20%) had at least one VF. 16% of scans at the LS were unreadable because of the presence of degenerative changes. In both genders, BMD of the hip showed better ability than LS BMD in detecting subjects with osteoporosis. BMD and T-score values at the hip, but not the LS, were lower in subjects with VF than those without (p<0.05). Femoral neck BMD showed the highest OR for each S.D. decrease in BMD for identifying subjects with VF, and the best predictability for prevalent VF using ROC. Fracture risk prediction did not increase by adding the spine to the hip measurement. In conclusion, hip BMD was the only and best skeletal site needed to detect subjects with osteoporosis and showed the strongest relationship with prevalent vertebral fractures in elderly subjects.

Ab initio structure determination of monoclinic 2,2-dihydroxymethylbutanoic acid from synchrotron radiation powder diffraction data: combined use of direct methods and the Monte Carlo method. The crystal structure of 2,2-dihydroxymethylbutanoic acid (C(6)H(12)O(4)) in monoclinic form has been determined ab initio from synchrotron radiation powder diffraction data. Two O and five C atoms were first derived by direct methods. Two missing O atoms and one C atom were found by the Monte Carlo method without applying constraint to their relative positions. Positional and isotropic displacement parameters of these non-H atoms were refined by the Rietveld method. Molecules are linked by hydrogen bonds and they make sheet-like networks running parallel to the (010) plane. The Monte Carlo method is demonstrated to be a powerful tool for finding missing atoms in partially solved structure.

Expression, regulation and biological actions of growth hormone (GH) and ghrelin in the immune system. Immune and neuroendocrine systems have bidirectional communications. Growth hormone (GH) and an orexigenic hormone ghrelin are expressed in various immune cells such as T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, monocytes and neutrophils. These immune cells also bear receptors for hormones: growth hormone receptor (GHR) for GH and growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R) for ghrelin. The expression of GH in immune cells is stimulated by ghrelin as in anterior pituitary cells, whereas the regulation of GH secretion in the immune system by other peptides seems to be different from that in the anterior pituitary gland. Cytokines and mitogens enhance GH secretion from immune cells. GH has several biological actions in the immune system: enhancing thymopoiesis and T cell development, modulating cytokine production, enhancing B cell development and antibody production, priming neutrophils and monocytes for superoxide anion secretion, enhancing neutrophil adhesion and monocyte migration and anti-apoptotic action. Biological actions of ghrelin include attenuation of septic shock and anti-inflammatory actions, modulating phagocytosis, and enhancing thymopoiesis. The effect of ghrelin may be direct or through GH production, and that of GH may be direct or through insulin like growth factor-I (IGF-I) production. Elucidation of the roles of GH and ghrelin in the immune system may shed light on the treatment and prevention of immunological disorders such as AIDS and organ damages due to obesity/ageing-related chronic inflammation.

IL-12 gene-modified bone marrow cell therapy suppresses the development of experimental metastatic prostate cancer. To investigate the immunomodulatory effects of interleukin-12 (IL-12) for treatment of metastatic prostate cancer, we administered adult bone marrow cells (BMC) that were genetically modified by retroviral vector-mediated IL-12 gene transduction in an experimental mouse model of prostate cancer metastasis. This therapy produced significant anti-metastatic effects in bone and lung and prolonged animal survival. Flow cytometric analysis indicated donor BMC could effectively home to bone and lung after treatment. Intensive infiltration of CD4 and CD8T cells in lung metastases and increased systemic natural killer and cytotoxic T lymphocyte activities indicated induction of a significant anti-metastatic immune response after treatment with IL-12 transduced BMC. Our results demonstrate the therapeutic potential of gene-modified BMC gene therapy.

Comparison of a foam rolling session with active joint motion and without joint motion: A randomized controlled trial. Foam rolling has become a popular form of self-myofascial release or roller massage among health and fitness professionals. Due to this popularity, foam roller devices can be found in many clinical and fitness settings. Despite the popularity, there are still several unknowns regarding foam rolling such the optimal technique. Specifically, there is a lack of research analyzing different foam roll techniques such as combining active joint motion with foam rolling. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of a foam rolling session to the left quadriceps with active joint motion and without joint motion on passive knee flexion range of motion (ROM) and pressure pain thresholds (PPT). Thirty healthy adults were randomly allocated to one of two intervention groups: active joint motion and no joint motion. Each foam roll intervention to the left quadriceps lasted a total of 2 min. Dependent variables included passive knee flexion ROM and pressure pain threshold measures (PPT). Statistical analysis included subject demographic calculations and appropriate parametric and non-parametric tests to measure changes within and between intervention groups. For left knee ROM, the active joint motion group demonstrated the greatest immediate increase in passive ROM (8°, p < .001) than the non-motion group (5°, p < .001). For PPT, the active joint motion group demonstrated the greatest immediate increase (180 kPa, p < .001) followed by the non-motion group (133 kPa, p < .001). Between group comparisons revealed a significance between groups for passive knee ROM (p < .001) and PPT (p < .001). A short session of foam rolling with active joint motion appears to have a greater effect on passive joint ROM and PPT than rolling without motion. These observed changes may be influenced by the agonistic muscle activity during active motion. This activity may modulate activity of the antagonist muscle through reciprocal inhibition and other neural pathways. Future research is needed to confirm these findings.

Relevance of accurate Monte Carlo modeling in nuclear medical imaging. Monte Carlo techniques have become popular in different areas of medical physics with advantage of powerful computing systems. In particular, they have been extensively applied to simulate processes involving random behavior and to quantify physical parameters that are difficult or even impossible to calculate by experimental measurements. Recent nuclear medical imaging innovations such as single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), positron emission tomography (PET), and multiple emission tomography (MET) are ideal for Monte Carlo modeling techniques because of the stochastic nature of radiation emission, transport and detection processes. Factors which have contributed to the wider use include improved models of radiation transport processes, the practicality of application with the development of acceleration schemes and the improved speed of computers. In this paper we present a derivation and methodological basis for this approach and critically review their areas of application in nuclear imaging. An overview of existing simulation programs is provided and illustrated with examples of some useful features of such sophisticated tools in connection with common computing facilities and more powerful multiple-processor parallel processing systems. Current and future trends in the field are also discussed.

Porous liquid zeolites: hydrogen bonding-stabilized H-ZSM-5 in branched ionic liquids. Porous liquids, as a newly emerging type of porous material, have great potential in gas separation and storage. However, the examples and synthetic strategies reported so far likely represent only the tip of the iceberg due to the great difficulty and challenge in engineering permanent porosity in liquid matrices. Here, by taking advantage of the hydrogen bonding interaction between the alkane chains of branched ionic liquids and the Brønsted sites in H-form zeolites, as well as the mechanical bond of the long alkyl chain of the cation penetrated into the zeolite channel at the interface, the H-form zeolites can be uniformly stabilized in branched ionic liquids to form porous liquid zeolites, which not only significantly improve their gas sorption performance, but also change the gas sorption-desorption behavior because of the preserved permanent porosity. Furthermore, such a facile synthetic strategy can be extended to fabricate other types of H-form zeolite-based porous liquids by taking advantage of the tunability of the counter-anion (e.g., NTf2-, BF4-, EtSO4-, etc.) in branched ionic liquids, thus opening up new opportunities for porous liquids for specific applications in energy and environment.

More efficient breeding systems for controlling inbreeding and effective size in animal populations. A selection scheme and a mating scheme are proposed to control the inbreeding and genetic drift in conserved or control animal populations with different numbers of males and females. Recurrence equations for the inbreeding coefficient and formulae for effective size are derived for autosomal loci, sex-linked loci with males being heterogametic and sex-linked loci with females being heterogametic under each of four breeding systems. It is shown that both the selection scheme and the mating scheme proposed in this paper could increase the effective size and decrease inbreeding in any generation compared with the classical selection and mating schemes. Among the four breeding systems considered, the most efficient one could increase the effective size by as much as 19 per cent for autosomal loci and 50 per cent for sex-linked loci in comparison with the classical breeding system usually utilized in conserved or control populations.

Arsenic- and mercury-induced phytotoxicity in the Mediterranean shrubs Pistacia lentiscus and Tamarix gallica grown in hydroponic culture. Hg and As resistance and bioaccumulation were studied in hydroponically grown Pistacia lentiscus and Tamarix gallica plants. Both elements caused growth inhibition in roots and shoots, with mercury showing greater phytotoxicity than arsenic. Accumulation of both elements by plants increased in response to element supply, with the greatest uptake found in T. gallica. Both elements affected P and Mn status in plants, reduced chlorophyll a concentration and increased MDA and thiol levels. These stress indices showed good correlations with As and Hg concentration in plant tissues, especially in the roots. Toxic responses to mercury were more evident than for arsenic, especially in shoot tissues. T. gallica showed higher resistance to both Hg and As than P. lentiscus, as well accumulating more As and Hg.

Human peritoneal macrophages synthesize leukotrienes B4 and C4. Macrophages were isolated from the dialysis fluid of patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and separated by gradient centrifugation and purification on 50% Percoll. The cells were prelabeled with [14C]arachidonic acid for 1.5 h. The labeled cells were then incubated with calcium ionophore A23187 (1 microM), serum-treated zymosan (200 micrograms/ml), and a lipoxygenase inhibitor, nordihydroguairetic acid (1 X 10(-5) M). The arachidonate metabolites in the medium were separated on Sep-Pak columns, and finally purified by reverse-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). The labeled products co-chromatographed with authentic leukotriene B4 and leukotriene C4 standards. Serum-treated zymosan and A23187 significantly stimulated and nordihydroguairetic acid significantly inhibited leukotriene synthesis. Leukotriene D4 was not detected, which suggests that these cells contain low gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase or high dipeptidase activity. These results establish, for the first time, that human peritoneal macrophages synthesize the lipoxygenase products, leukotriene B4 and leukotriene C4.

Diarrhea in children and sanitation and housing conditions in periurban areas in the city of Guarulhos, SP. A cross-sectional study was carried out to identify the association between diarrhea in 0-2 year-old children and children's characteristics, access to sanitation and housing conditions in a periurban area served by the Family Health Program, in the city of Guarulhos, SP. Data were obtained from FHP registration forms. Multiple logistic regression showed interaction for Housing*Sewage (other materials and non collected wastewater, p < 0.001), age group (4-9 months old, p = 0.054; 10 months and older, p = 0.008) as risk factors for diarrhea. Information collected by the Family Health Program could be an excellent tool to identify populations with poor housing and sanitation conditions at locations where sanitation indicators are not efficient to identify populations living at risk.

Structural requirements for the growth factor activity of the amino-terminal domain of urokinase. High molecular weight urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) in which proteolytic activity was inactivated (diisopropyl fluorophosphate (DFP)-uPA), its amino-terminal fragment (ATF, amino acids (aa) 1-143), and fucosylated and defucosylated growth factor domains (GFD, aa 4-43) were tested for growth-promoting effects and binding in human SaOS-2 osteosarcoma cells and U-937 lymphoma cells. DFP-uPA, ATF, and both the fucosylated and defucosylated GFD were capable of competing with 125I-ATF for binding to both SaOS-2 and U-937 cells. DFP-uPA, ATF, and fucosylated GFD were also mitogenic in SaOS-2 cells and increased cell numbers. However, defucosylated GFD was nonmitogenic in SaOS-2 cells and did not stimulate cell proliferation, even though it bound to these cells in a manner equivalent to the fucosylated GFD. A nonglycosylated high molecular weight uPA expressed and purified from Escherichia coli inhibited 125I-ATF binding to SaOS-2 cells but was also nonmitogenic. No mitogenic activity was observed in U-937 cells treated with the uPA forms capable of eliciting a mitogenic response in SaOS-2 cells. Proteolytically prepared kringle domain (aa 47-135) and low molecular weight uPA (aa 144-411) did not compete for 125I-ATF binding and did not elicit any mitogenic response in either of the cell lines tested. In addition, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), which has been shown to be homologous to uPA in its growth factor domain and is also fucosylated, did not inhibit 125I-ATF binding nor elicit any mitogenic response. These results demonstrate that the GFD, implicated in binding to the uPA receptor, is also responsible for growth factor like activity in SaOS-2 cells and that the fucosylation at Thr18 within this domain may serve as a molecular trigger in eliciting this response.

Structure-based virtual screening for insect ecdysone receptor ligands using MM/PBSA. The ecdysone receptor (EcR) is an insect nuclear receptor that is activated by the molting hormone, 20-hydroxyecdysone. Because synthetic EcR ligands disrupt the normal growth of insects, they are attractive candidates for new insecticides. In this study, the Molecular Mechanics/Poisson-Boltzmann Surface Area (MM/PBSA) method was used to predict the binding activity of EcR ligands. Validity analyses using 40 known EcR ligands showed that the binding activity was satisfactorily predicted when the ligand conformational free energy term was introduced. Subsequently, this MM/PBSA method was applied to structure-based hierarchical virtual screening, and 12 candidate compounds were selected from a database of 3.8 million compounds. Five of these compounds were active in a cell-based competitive binding assay. The most potent compound is a simple proline derivative with low micromolar binding activity, representing a valuable lead compound for further structural optimization.

The role of Streptococcus pneumoniae in community-acquired pneumonia among adults in Europe: a meta-analysis. The primary objective of this meta-analysis was to estimate the prevalence of adult community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae in Europe, adjusted for possible independent covariates. Two reviewers conducted a systematic literature search using PubMed on English-language articles that involved human subjects with CAP during the period from January 1990 to November 2011 across European countries. A mixed-effects meta-regression model was developed and populated with 24,410 patients obtained from 77 articles that met the inclusion criteria. The model showed that the observed prevalence of S. pneumoniae in CAP significantly varies between European regions, even after adjusting for explanatory covariates, including patient characteristics, diagnostic tests, antibiotic resistance, and health-care setting. The probability of detecting S. pneumoniae was substantially higher in studies that performed more frequently a diagnostic polymerase chain reaction assay compared to all the other diagnostic tests included. Furthermore, S. pneumoniae was more likely to be confirmed as the cause of a CAP in studies with intensive care unit patients as compared to those with hospital- or community-treated patients. This study provides estimates of the average observed prevalence of S. pneumoniae, which could be used for projecting the health and economic benefits of pneumococcal immunization.

Immunologic basis of chronic allergic diseases: clinical messages from the laboratory bench. During the past decade there have been significant advances in our understanding of the mechanisms underlying allergic responses. Immediate hypersensitivity reactions are mediated primarily by mast cells in an IgE-dependent manner. After the local release of various mediators, proinflammatory cytokines, and chemokines, there is a cell-mediated response that is dominated by eosinophils and T lymphocytes. The majority of T cells in early allergic reactions are memory T cells secreting helper type 2 (TH2)-like cytokines, i.e. IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, but not interferon-gamma. These cytokines regulate IgE synthesis and promote eosinophil differentiation and cell survival, thus contributing to allergic inflammatory responses. Failure to control immune activation early in the course of allergic inflammation may blunt the response to glucocorticoid therapy and contribute to long-term morbidity of disease. The identification of key cells and cytokines involved in the initiation and maintenance of allergic inflammation is likely to become an important therapeutic target in the future management of this important group of diseases.

Universal nature of collective plasmonic excitations in finite 1D carbon-based nanostructures. We provide evidence of the plasmon resonances in a number of representative 1D finite carbon-based nanostructures using first-principle computational electronic spectroscopy studies. Our special purpose real-space/real-time all-electron time-dependent density-functional theory simulator can perform excited-states calculations to obtain correct frequencies for known optical transitions, and capture various nanoscopic effects including collective plasmon excitations. The presence of 1D plasmons is universally predicted by the various numerical experiments, which also demonstrate a phenomenon of resonance splitting. For the metallic carbon nanotubes under study, the plasmons are expected to be related to the Tomonaga-Luttinger plasmons of infinitely long 1D structures. In-depth quantitative understanding of such resonances which have not been clearly identified in experiments so far, would be invaluable for future generations of nano-photonic and nano-electronic devices that employ 1D conductors.

Complicated Candida parapsilosis peritonitis on peritoneal dialysis in a neonate with renal failure because of bilateral adrenal abscesses. We present a full-term female infant with a difficult delivery course complicated with Escherichia coli sepsis and bilateral adrenal abscesses. She developed renal failure and received peritoneal dialysis. Peritonitis of Candida parapsilosis developed later. The infant was successfully treated with hemofiltration and a combination of antifungal agents.

Colicin typing of Shigella sonnei isolated in Northern Taiwan. Eighty-eight strains of Shigella sonnei isolated in northern Taiwan during the period of 1970-1974, were studied for their colicin types by a modified method of Abbott and Shannon. As a result, 67(76%) typable and 21(24%) non-typable strains were found. The prevalent colicin types of S. sonnei in northern Taiwan were types 15(52%) and 6(15%), followed by types 8(3%), 11(3%) and 12(3%). Other types were not found.

Vasoactive intestinal peptide as a healing mediator in Crohn's disease. The vasoactive intestinal peptide/pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (VIP/PACAP) system is considered as a paradigm for the use of a neuroendocrine-immune mediator in therapy. We review the role of VIP in 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis as a murine model of Crohn's disease. VIP treatment led to the recovery of clinical factors, the amelioration of parameters related to the recruitment and traffic of cell populations, and the balance of inflammatory mediators derived from granulocytes, antigen-presenting cells and T lymphocytes including Th1, Th2 and Th17. Finally, the most recent data validate its therapeutic role through the modulation of TLR2 and 4 receptors.

[Effect of elevated hydrostatic pressure on the shape of human erythrocytes]. Influence of high hydrostatic pressure (2600-4300 atm) on the shape of human red blood cells was studied. An irreversible change of the shape was observed, which was similar to that seen in the case of a shift stress. The model modification dynamics of the erythrocyte shape was proposed. Activation energy and activation volume of the defects resulting in shape changes were calculated.

Mineral content of complementary foods. To document mineral contents iron, zinc, calcium, energy contents and nutrient densities in complementary foods commonly given to young urban slum children. Information on dietary intake was collected from 892 mothers of children aged 13-24 months, using 24 hour dietary recall and standardized measures. Three variations of 27 most commonly prepared recipes were analyzed and their energy (Kcal/g) and nutrient densities (mg/100 Kcal) were calculated. Considerable variations were observed in preparation of all items fed to the children. Cereal-based items predominated their diets with only small amount of vegetables/fruits. Fenugreek was the only leafy vegetable included, but was given to only 1-2% of children. Iron, calcium, zinc contents of staple complementary foods ranged from: 0.33 mg to 3.73 mg, 4 mg to 64 mg, and 0.35 mg to 2.99 mg/100 respectively. Recipes diluted with less water and containing vegetables, spices had higher mineral content. Minerals densities were higher for dals, fenugreek vegetable, khichdi and chapatti. Using the median amounts of the various recipes fed to children, intakes of all nutrients examined especially calcium and iron was low. There is an urgent need to educate mothers about consistency, dilution, quantity, frequency, method of preparation, inclusion of micronutrient-rich foods, energy-dense complementary foods and gender equality.

Isomers in thioredoxins of spinach chloroplasts. We have developed a method for the concomitant purification of several components of the ferredoxin/thioredoxin system of spinach chloroplasts. By applying this method to spinach-leaf extract or spinach-chloroplast extract we separated and purified three thioredoxins indigenous to chloroplasts. The three thioredoxins, when reduced, will activate certain chloroplast enzymes such as fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase and NADP-dependent malate dehydrogenase. Fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase is activated by thioredoxin f exclusively. Malate dehydrogenase is activated by thioredoxin mb and thioredoxin mc in a similar way, and it is also activated by thioredoxin f but with different kinetics. All three thioredoxins have very similar relative molecular masses of about 12,000 but distinct isoelectric points of 6.1 (thioredoxin f), 5.2 (thioredoxin mb) and 5.0 (thioredoxin mc). The amino acid composition as well as the C-terminal and N-terminal sequences have been determined for each thioredoxin. Thioredoxin f exhibits clear differences in amino acid composition and terminal sequences when compared with the m-type thioredoxins. Thioredoxin mb and thioredoxin mc, however, are very similar, the only difference being an additional lysine residue at the N-terminus of thioredoxin mb. Amino acid analyses, terminal sequences, immunological tests and the activation properties of the thioredoxins support our conclusion that thioredoxins mb and mc are N-terminal redundant isomers coming from one gene whereas thioredoxin f is a different protein coded by a different gene.

Assessment of the Contractile Properties of Permeabilized Skeletal Muscle Fibers. Permeabilized individual skeletal muscle fibers offer the opportunity to evaluate contractile behavior in a system that is greatly simplified, yet physiologically relevant. Here we describe the steps required to prepare, permeabilize and preserve small samples of skeletal muscle. We then detail the procedures used to isolate individual fiber segments and attach them to an experimental apparatus for the purpose of controlling activation and measuring force generation. We also describe our technique for estimating the cross-sectional area of fiber segments. The area measurement is necessary for normalizing the absolute force to obtain specific force, a measure of the intrinsic force-generating capability of the contractile system.

Centrin4 coordinates cell and nuclear division in T. brucei. Centrins are Ca(2+)-binding proteins that have been implicated in a number of biological processes, including organelle duplication, mRNA export, DNA repair and signal transduction. In the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei we have previously described TbCentrin2, which is present on a bi-lobed structure, and involved in the duplication and segregation of the Golgi complex. Recently, another centrin, TbCentrin4, was also found at the bi-lobe and has been implicated in organelle segregation and cytokinesis. We now show that cytokinesis is not inhibited, but that a dysregulation of nuclear and cell division leads to the production of zoids - daughter siblings that contain all organelles except the nucleus. Our results, therefore, suggest that TbCentrin4 is involved in processes that coordinate karyokinesis and cytokinesis.

High-contrast waveguides in sputtered pure TeO2 glass thin films. We present a technological approach to the realization of channeled optical waveguides, starting from reactively sputtered tellurite glass thin films, grown on silica-coated 4" Si wafers. In particular, optical lithographic process and etching recipes have been developed to overcome the solubility of TeO(2) films in aqueous solutions, and to process them into high-index contrast structures with minimized post-etch roughness. Optical tests on preliminary rib waveguide geometries feature 6.3 dB/cm propagation loss for fundamental TE mode at lambda = 1.5 microm.

Aripiprazole versus other atypical antipsychotics for schizophrenia. In most western industrialised countries, second generation (atypical) antipsychotics are recommended as first line drug treatments for people with schizophrenia. In this review we specifically examine how the efficacy and tolerability of one such agent - aripiprazole - differs from that of other comparable second generation antipsychotics. To evaluate the effects of aripiprazole compared with other atypical antipsychotics for people with schizophrenia and schizophrenia-like psychoses. We searched the Cochrane Schizophrenia Group Trials Register (November 2011), inspected references of all identified studies for further trials, and contacted relevant pharmaceutical companies, drug approval agencies and authors of trials for additional information. We included all randomised clinical trials (RCTs) comparing aripiprazole (oral) with oral and parenteral forms of amisulpride, clozapine, olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone, sertindole, ziprasidone or zotepine for people with schizophrenia or schizophrenia-like psychoses. We extracted data independently. For dichotomous data we calculated risk ratios (RR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) on an intention-to-treat basis based on a random-effects model. Where possible, we calculated illustrative comparative risks for primary outcomes. For continuous data, we calculated mean differences (MD), again based on a random-effects model. We assessed risk of bias for each included study. We included 12 trials involving 6389 patients. Aripiprazole was compared to olanzapine, risperidone and ziprasidone. All trials were sponsored by an interested drug manufacturer. The overall number of participants leaving studies early was 30% to 40%, limiting validity (no differences between groups).When compared with olanzapine no differences were apparent for global state (no clinically important change: n = 703, 1 RCT, RR short-term 1.00 95% CI 0.81 to 1.22; n = 317, 1 RCT, RR medium-term 1.08 95% CI 0.95 to 1.22) but mental state tended to favour olanzapine (n = 1360, 3 RCTs, MD total Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) 4.68 95% CI 2.21 to 7.16). There was no significant difference in extrapyramidal symptoms (n = 529, 2 RCTs, RR 0.99 95% CI 0.62 to 1.59) but fewer in the aripiprazole group had increased cholesterol levels (n = 223, 1 RCT, RR 0.32 95% CI 0.19 to 0.54) or weight gain of 7% or more of total body weight (n = 1095, 3 RCTs, RR 0.39 95% CI 0.28 to 0.54).When compared with risperidone, aripiprazole showed no advantage in terms of global state (n = 384, 2 RCTs, RR no important improvement 1.14 95% CI 0.81 to 1.60) or mental state (n = 372, 2 RCTs, MD total PANSS 1.50 95% CI -2.96 to 5.96).One study compared aripiprazole with ziprasidone (n = 247) and both the groups reported similar change in the global state (n = 247, 1 RCT, MD average change in Clinical Global Impression-Severity (CGI-S) score -0.03 95% CI -0.28 to 0.22) and mental state (n = 247, 1 RCT, MD change PANSS -3.00 95% CI -7.29 to 1.29).When compared with any one of several new generation antipsychotic drugs the aripiprazole group showed improvement in global state in energy (n = 523, 1 RCT, RR 0.69 95% CI 0.56 to 0.84), mood (n = 523, 1 RCT, RR 0.77 95% CI 0.65 to 0.92), negative symptoms (n = 523, 1 RCT, RR 0.82 95% CI 0.68 to 0.99), somnolence (n = 523, 1 RCT, RR 0.80 95% CI 0.69 to 0.93) and weight gain (n = 523, 1 RCT, RR 0.84 95% CI 0.76 to 0.94). Significantly more people given aripiprazole reported symptoms of nausea (n = 2881, 3 RCTs, RR 3.13 95% CI 2.12 to 4.61) but weight gain (7% or more of total body weight) was less common in people allocated aripiprazole (n = 330, 1 RCT, RR 0.35 95% CI 0.19 to 0.64). Aripiprazole may have value in aggression but data are limited. This will be the focus of another review. Information on all comparisons are of limited quality, are incomplete and problematic to apply clinically. Aripiprazole is an antipsychotic drug with a variant but not absent adverse effect profile. Long-term data are sparse and there is considerable scope for another update of this review as new data emerges from the many Chinese studies as well as from ongoing larger, independent pragmatic trials.

Gross anatomy of the human cardiac conduction system with comparative morphological and developmental implications for human application. The main aim of this review is to provide macroscopic anatomical information on the human cardiac conduction system (CCS) with comparative morphological and developmental implications for future human application. In the elder human CCS, the sinuatrial node (SAN) is almost consistently positioned on the sulcus terminalis and is variable in size and shape with its extent. However, the atrioventricular CCS that is distal to the atrioventricular node (AVN) varies frequently in shape, size, and position with respect to some conventionally used landmarks. From the comparative anatomical viewpoint, there are marked differences between humans and most mammals and birds not only in the position of atrioventricular CCS in relation to surrounding structures but also in the morphology of the atrioventricular CCS. Therefore, experimental data obtained in most mammals and birds are difficult to apply directly to humans. Recent advances in the understanding of CCS development have been introduced for cardiologists, anatomists, and biomedical researchers. Animals whose morphology is similar to that of mature human CCS should be used for experimental and developmental research if the results are intended for human application. Research on the CCS is an exciting and progressive area, and is likely to yield solutions to a number of problems in future.

Low autonomic arousal as vulnerability to externalising behaviour in infants with hostile mothers. Maternal psychopathology and the child's autonomic nervous system functioning are risk factors for aggressive behaviour later in life. While research has shown that maternal psychopathology already affects young children, less is known about the association between autonomic functioning and aggressive behaviour in young children. In addition, maternal psychopathology and autonomic nervous system functioning may interact to determine the risk of aggressive behaviour. In a sample of 375 infants and their mothers, maternal psychiatric symptoms were assessed with the Brief Symptom Inventory and toddler aggressive behaviour with the Child Behaviour Checklist. Infant heart rate was recorded at 14 months. Maternal psychiatric problems, including hostility and depression, were associated with toddler aggressive behaviour. Maternal psychiatric problems interacted with mean heart rate (P=0.01) and HF variability (P=0.03) in their effect on toddler aggressive behaviour. Mothers with high psychiatric problems, in particular, high hostility, were more likely to have toddlers with high aggressive behaviour. Moreover, in the presence of maternal risk factors, low autonomic arousal renders children particularly susceptible to aggressive behaviour.

Calcium efflux from frog twitch muscle fibers. An apparatus is described which collects the effluent from the center 0.7 cm of a single muscle fiber or bundle of muscle fibers. It was used to study the efflux of (45)Ca from twitch muscle fibers. The efflux can be described by three time constants 18 +/- 2 min, 300 +/- 40 min, and 882 +/- 172 min. These kinetics have been interpreted as those of a three-compartment system. The fastest is thought to be on the surface membrane of the muscle and of the T system. It contains 0.07 +/- 0.03 mM Ca/liter of fiber and the Ca efflux is 0.11 +/- 0.04 pM Ca/cm(2). sec. The intermediate rate compartment is thought to represent the Ca in the longitudinal reticulum. It contains approximately 0.77 mM Ca/liter. Only the efflux from this compartment increases during stimulation. The most slowly exchanging compartment is poorly defined. Neither Ca-free nor Ni-Ringer solutions alter the rate of loss from the fastest exchanging compartment. Ni apparently alters the rate of loss from the slowest compartment.

Report on the 13th International Society of Blood Transfusion Platelet Immunology Workshop. The aim of the 13th International Society of Blood Transfusion Platelet Immunology Workshop was to compare the sensitivity and specificity of the in-house method for the detection of human platelet antigen (HPA) antibodies currently used in participating laboratories with a modified rapid protocol for the monoclonal antibody (mAb) immobilization of platelet antigen (MR-MAIPA) assay. Twenty-eight laboratories from 15 countries participated. A set of four freeze-dried minimum potency reference reagents with known single-specificity HPA antibodies were supplied for testing by titration with both assays and two coded freeze-dried plasma samples were provided for antibody specificity testing. Critical reagents and materials for the MR-MAIPA were provided including lyophilized panel platelets and five capture mAbs. Titration of the reference standards showed that the sensitivity of the MR-MAIPA was the same as the in-house methods. The proposed replacement anti-HPA-1a reference reagent 05/106 gave results that did not differ significantly from the current reference reagent 93/710. The results with the two blinded samples showed that in the first sample, 27 out of the 28 laboratories were able to correctly identify the anti-HPA-1a present when using their respective in-house methods, but only 23 correctly identified the antibody when using the rapid MAIPA method. The results from the second sample, which contained multispecificities, showed that only 50% of the participants correctly identified all five antibodies present using their in-house method. The results for the rapid MAIPA were lower, with only 32% identifying all specificities. The variability in the reconstitution of the freeze-dried platelets may have been one of the contributing factors to the poorer results. The sensitivity of the MR-MAIPA compared favourably with that of the in-house methods. Most laboratories were able to identify anti-HPA-1a alone in Sample 1 but more than half of the participants were not able to correctly assign the specificity of all HPA antibodies present in the second sample. The usefulness of the panel of freeze-dried platelets varied considerably between laboratories.