Congenital ptosis: a good cosmetic result with redefinition and suturing of the orbital septum.
A surgical technique employing orbital septum sutures during ptosis surgery in children is described. A retrospective study of 16 children (age range 6 months to 14 years) undergoing surgery for congenital ptosis over a 6 year period was undertaken with regard to cosmetic outcome. All surgery was performed by one consultant ophthalmic surgeon with the patient under general anaesthesia. A standard levator resection was undertaken, following which the orbital septum was redefined and sutured with interrupted 5-0 catgut. This resulted in a well-defined lid crease post-operatively, with a good cosmetic outcome. The only significant post-operative complication was the occurrence of a suture-related granuloma in one patient. All achieved a good cosmetic result. A mild residual ptosis occurred in 3 cases, requiring a further procedure. Special attention to suturing of orbital septum as a separate tissue layer during levator resection for congenital ptosis gives good lid crease definition which may enhance the overall cosmetic outcome.


Mitochondrial respiratory and antioxidative enzyme activities in turkey meat.
Meat quality and (anti)oxidative metabolism of m. pectoralis superficialis (MPS), m. gastrocnemius (MG) and m. iliotibilialis lateralis (MIL) from turkey toms were analysed. After slaughter, pH of MPS and MG decreased and electrical conductivity of the MPS increased. The MG had generally higher pH values. The meat lightness (L) and redness (a) increased in MG and MPS after slaughter. The MPS always had higher L and lower a values. Mitochondrial respiratory activities (MRA) were higher in the MIL than the MPS. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase, analysed in the MPS, increased and the glutathione reductase activity decreased after slaughter. Meat samples with lower pH24 h p.m. had higher drip loss and L values. The MRA were tendentially lower and the SOD activities higher in these samples. These results indicate a relation between the meat quality, the antioxidative metabolism and mitochondrial respiration.


The effect of an immunosuppressive drug (azathioprine) on the latent infection of marmoset monkeys (Callithrix jacchus) with the oncogenic Herpesvirus saimiri.
Callithrix jacchus (CJ) marmoset monkeys can be latently infected with Herpesvirus saimiri (HVS). In order to determine whether this resistance to the oncogenic potential of HVS could be due to the immune surveillance, azathioprine, a known immunosuppressive drug, was given to 7 latently infected CJ marmosets. The animals died within 147 days probably from side effect caused by azathioprine, but no animal developed a tumor.


Leptin is associated with mood status and metabolic homeostasis in patients with bipolar disorder.
Patients with bipolar disorder are at a high risk for becoming obese. Adipokines are associated with depression and obesity via the inflammatory process. However, few studies have investigated the associations between depression and leptin, adiponectin and resistin levels in patients with bipolar disorder. We explored the associations between serum levels of leptin, adiponectin and resistin and mood and metabolic status in patients with bipolar disorder. Body mass index (BMI) and serum leptin, adiponectin and resistin levels were assessed in 94 Korean patients with bipolar disorder. The Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression-17 and the Young Mania Rating Scale were used to assess mood state. Leptin (17.19 ± 13.08 vs. 10.47 ± 10.05 ng/ml; p = 0.008) and adiponectin (10.51 ± 8.37 vs. 5.91 ± 2.82 μg/ml; p = 0.001) levels were higher in female than in male patients. After adjusting for mood state, age, smoking, alcohol habit, and BMI in a multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA), leptin (17.86 ± 1.22 vs. 10.05 ± 1.48 ng/ml; p < 0.001) and adiponectin (10.18 ± 0.98 vs. 6.40 ± 1.19 μg/ml; p = 0.027) levels were still higher in female than in male patients. Compared to euthymic patients, depressed patients had higher levels of leptin (17.37 ± 14.69 vs. 11.65 ± 9.04 ng/ml; p = 0.024), but there was no significant difference in adiponectin and resistin levels between the two groups. After adjusting for age, gender and BMI in the MANCOVA, leptin levels were also significantly higher in depressed (16.78 ± 1.34 ng/ml) than in euthymic patients (10.73 ± 1.22 ng/ml; p = 0.001). Leptin is closely associated with the regulation of mood and metabolic homeostasis in patients with bipolar disorder.


Size analysis of biological membrane vesicles by gel filtration, dynamic light scattering and electron microscopy.
Biological membrane vesicles are analysed in terms of size and size distribution using gel filtration on Sephacryl S-1000, electron microscopy and quasi-elastic light scattering. The agreement between the three methods is satisfactory particularly for homogeneous dispersions. Gel filtration on Sephacryl S-1000 is a quick and convenient method for the routine size analysis of membrane vesicles up to a diameter of about 250 nm.


Cytotoxic activity of (S)-goniothalamin and analogues against human cancer cells.
(R)- and (S)-Goniothalamin (1) and analogues 2-9 were efficiently prepared in high overall yield and enantiomeric purity, and their cytotoxic activities were evaluated against eight human cancer cell lines. A structure-activity relationship study (SAR) allowed us to establish the relevant structural features for the cytotoxic activity of goniothalamin analogues. In addition, we have identified non-natural form of goniothalamin (S)-1 and analogue 5 as the highest and more selective cytotoxic compounds against kidney cancer cell growth (786-0) with IC50 = 4 and 5 nM, respectively, and compound 8 (IC50 = 4 nM) as the more potent against breast cancer cells with resistance phenotype for adryamycin (NCI.ADR).


Supraglottic laryngectomy: functional and oncologic results.
Between January 1980 and December 1989, 110 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the supraglottis were treated with supraglottic laryngectomy and neck dissection. The stage distribution was stage I 23%, II 34%, III 15%, and IV 28%. Adjuvant radiotherapy (5,000 to 6,500 cGy) was given to all pN+cases. All patients were followed until death or for a minimum of 36 months, with an average of 65 months. Decannulation was achieved in 96% of the cases, with only 1 patient undergoing total laryngectomy because of aspiration. The average hospital stay was 22 days. Arytenoid edema was a frequent cause of delayed decannulation in patients undergoing radiotherapy. The overall 3-year survival was 78%, with 10 patients dying of unrelated causes. Local control was 94.6% and regional control was 83.6%. No significant difference was found in survival according to T stage, but survival rate was significantly influenced by N stage.


Comparative gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric characterization of di- and trialkyl phosphites.
Homologous series of alkyl esters of phosphorus-containing acids, namely, dialkyl phosphonates (synonym: dialkyl phosphites) and trialkyl phosphites, were characterized by electron ionization (EI) mass spectra and gas chromatographic retention indices (GC RI) on semi-standard non-polar stationary phases. It is confirmed that GC/MS characterization of any sets of homologues should not be restricted to independent registration of these analytical parameters. Their joint processing in the form of so-called homologous increments of GC RIs means, firstly, a novel way of evaluating the chromatographic polarity of analytes and, secondly, a new algorithm for the prediction of their molecular weights if no peaks of molecular ions are registered in the mass spectra. A standard GC/MS technique, including determination of GC RIs on semi-standard nonpolar stationary phases in temperature-programmed regime and electron ionization (EI) mass spectra was used. A total of 31 dialkyl phosphonate homologues and 37 trialkyl phosphite homologues were characterized by EI mass spectra and GC RIs for the first time. Joint processing of these analytical parameters allows the calculation of so-called homologous increments of GC RIs, which are useful parameters for evaluating the chromatographic polarity of analytes and predicting their molecular weights. GC/MS characterization of any sets of homologues should not be restricted to independent registration of the mass spectra and chromatographic retention parameters. Their joint processing in the form of so-called homologous increments of GC retention indices means, firstly, a novel way of evaluating the chromatographic polarity of analytes and, secondly, a new algorithm for predicting their molecular weights.


Analysis of responses to a selective phosphodiesterase III inhibitor, SK&F 94120, on isolated myocardium, including human ventricular myocardium from "end-stage" failure patients.
The actions of SK&F 94120, a selective phosphodiesterase (PDE III) inhibitor, have been characterised on human ventricular myocardium obtained from heart failure patients. Some actions have been compared directly with those of the drug on guinea pig and cat ventricular myocardium. SK&F 94120 caused positive inotropic responses in preparations from all three species. In the human preparations, there was no evidence of differential activity in ventricles obtained from patients with heart failure associated with ischaemic heart disease, congestive cardiomyopathy, or mitral valve disease. The mechanism of positive inotropic activity of SK&F 94120 demonstrated characteristics of PDE III inhibition--e.g., potentiation of isoprenaline responses and reversal by carbachol. In addition, in human tissue a highly significant correlation between positive inotropic activity and increases in intracellular cAMP was demonstrated. Electrophysiological studies in human and guinea pig myocardium demonstrated that SK&F 94120 enhanced the second inward Ca2+ current over the same concentration range as that needed for positive inotropic activity. This was demonstrated in preparations incubated in Krebs bicarbonate solution and, more clearly, in solutions with raised K+ concentration. The data described in this report establish that inhibition of PDE III is an effective positive inotropic mechanism in human ventricular myocardium. Comparison of the responses in human, guinea pig, and cat myocardium shows clear similarities of responses with only small quantitative differences.


Sonographic diagnosis of intestinal polyps in children.
Although colonoscopy is the modality of choice for the diagnosis of intestinal polyps, sonography may be the first diagnostic modality in the evaluation of children with this pathology. Graded compression sonography of the small and large bowel may be useful in diagnosing intestinal polyps. A specific diagnosis is possible in many cases as most polyps have a characteristic appearance. Although sonography is not intended to replace endoscopy in the diagnostic work-up of intestinal polyps, it is important for radiologists to be aware of this appearance as they can be the first in making the diagnosis of intestinal polyps using sonography.


The M1 and NP proteins of influenza A virus form homo- but not heterooligomeric complexes when coexpressed in BHK-21 cells.
The nucleoprotein (NP) and matrix protein (M1) are the most abundant structural proteins of influenza A virus. M1 forms a protein layer beneath the viral envelope and NP constitutes the protein backbone of the ribonucleoproteins (RNPs). In order to elucidate the functions of these proteins in virus assembly we have expressed NP and M1 in BHK-21 cells using Semliki Forest virus replicons and analysed their molecular interactions. We found that both M1 and NP engaged in extensive homooligomerization reactions soon after synthesis. However, there was no detectable heterooligomerization taking place between the two viral proteins, nor between these and host proteins. One interpretation of these results is that homooligomers, and not monomers, of NP and M1 are used as building blocks during RNP assembly and formation of the submembranous M1 layer, respectively. The complete absence of M1-NP heterooligomers suggests, on the other hand, that these two major viral proteins do not interact directly with each other during virus assembly. We also found that a fraction of M1 associated with cellular membranes. This did not, however, result in membrane budding or vesicularization as was the case with the matrix protein of vesicular stomatitis virus when expressed separately (P. A. Justice and others, Journal of Virology 69, 3156-3160, 1995).


[Long-term pharmacological treatment of portal hypertension].
Portal hypertension is an unavoidable complication of liver cirrhosis, which usually limits the survival (bleeding from esophageal varices, ascites). Increase in portal pressure is not only due to mechanical obstruction of portal circulation, but there is also a dynamic component (endothelial dysfunction of hepatic microcirculation) and increased blood flow through the splanchnic circulation. For the long-term treatment of portal hypertension two groups of medicaments are available at present: non-selective betablockers (vasoconstriction in splanchnic bed) and nitrates (lowering of intrahepatic resistance). Long-term treatment is necessary in these situations: Primary prophylaxis of bleeding from esophageal varices (in patients, who never bled, but with "risk" varices)--non-selective betablockers; secondary prophylaxis (in patients after variceal bleeding)--non-selective betablockers (possibly with nitrates) or endoscopic treatment. It is clearly documented, that this treatment lowers the risk of the first or repeated bleeding from varices and hence lowers the mortality and morbidity due to this complication in patients with liver cirrhosis. Another serious complication of liver cirrhosis is the spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. All patients after that infection have to receive prophylactic treatment with antibiotics. This treatment should be long life, till the disappearance of ascites or till the liver transplantation.


Association Between Household Food Environment and Excessive Gestational Weight Gain.
Understanding the role of home food environment on gestational weight gain (GWG) may provide a useful weight management strategy to help reduce excessive GWG. Pregnant women recruited between 2011 and 2014 (N = 165; normal weight N = 65, overweight N = 62, obese N = 38) in Arkansas completed measures of high-fat food availability, low-fat food availability, and food storage practices at baseline (4-10 weeks) and 30 weeks gestation. GWG was calculated as the difference between weight at the first (4-10 weeks) and final (36 weeks) prenatal visit, and based on each participant's baseline body mass index (BMI) category, GWG was classified as being above or within the 2009 Institute of Medicine's GWG guidelines. Multivariable models were adjusted for mother's age, race, marital status, and household income. There were no significant relationships between gaining above the guidelines and the home food environment variables. At baseline, after adjusting for covariates, overweight and obese pregnant women stored significantly more foods visibly in their home compared to normal weight women (overweight: β: 0.30, standard error [SE]: 0.13, p = 0.01; obese: β: 0.28, SE: 0.14, p = 0.04). At 30 weeks, obese pregnant women had significantly fewer low-fat foods in the home (β: -0.17; SE: 0.08, p = 0.04), although after adjusting for covariates, this relationship became a nonsignificant trend (p = 0.08). There were no significant relationships between BMI category and number of high-fat foods in the home. These findings are consistent with other studies in nonpregnant populations that demonstrate that home food environment may influence weight status of overweight and obese pregnant women, although we did not find a significant relationship between the home food environment and GWG.


[Metabolic emergencies in oncology: hypercalcemia. I. Pathogenesis].
The acute metabolic abnormalities associated with cancer may cause symptoms that require urgent medical treatment and may constitute a more dangerous threat to life than the cancer itself. Hypercalcaemia is probably the most common metabolic complication of neoplastic disease (occurring in up to 30% of cancer patients) and its timely treatment may often save the patient and may permit subsequent chemotherapy. In this communication we focused our attention on the pathogenetic mechanism (part 1), diagnosis and subsequent treatment of this metabolic disorder (part 2).


Matriptase is a novel initiator of cartilage matrix degradation in osteoarthritis.
Increasing evidence implicates serine proteinases in pathologic tissue turnover. The aim of this study was to assess the role of the transmembrane serine proteinase matriptase in cartilage destruction in osteoarthritis (OA). Serine proteinase gene expression in femoral head cartilage obtained from either patients with hip OA or patients with fracture to the neck of the femur (NOF) was assessed using a low-density array. The effect of matriptase on collagen breakdown was determined in cartilage degradation models, while the effect on matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression was analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. ProMMP processing was determined using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis/N-terminal sequencing, while its ability to activate proteinase-activated receptor 2 (PAR-2) was determined using a synovial perfusion assay in mice. Matriptase gene expression was significantly elevated in OA cartilage compared with NOF cartilage, and matriptase was immunolocalized to OA chondrocytes. We showed that matriptase activated proMMP-1 and processed proMMP-3 to its fully active form. Exogenous matriptase significantly enhanced cytokine-stimulated cartilage collagenolysis, while matriptase alone caused significant collagenolysis from OA cartilage, which was metalloproteinase-dependent. Matriptase also induced MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-13 gene expression. Synovial perfusion data confirmed that matriptase activates PAR-2, and we demonstrated that matriptase-dependent enhancement of collagenolysis from OA cartilage is blocked by PAR-2 inhibition. Elevated matriptase expression in OA and the ability of matriptase to activate selective proMMPs as well as induce collagenase expression make this serine proteinase a key initiator and inducer of cartilage destruction in OA. We propose that the indirect effects of matriptase are mediated by PAR-2, and a more detailed understanding of these mechanisms may highlight important new therapeutic targets for OA treatment.


[Pathophysiology of heat illness].
Human core temperature is strictly controlled by mechanism of radiation, conduction, convection, and evaporation from skin surface. Serial hot and humid climate induces dehydration which interferes heat pump-out from the body. Heart dysfunction is the third factor to rise body temperature. Hyperthermia and hypo-perfusion caused by dehydration and heart failure deteriorate specific organ functions, i.e. central nervous system, liver and renal functions and coagulation system. Disseminated intravascular coagulopathy is one of the standard indicators of severity and mortality of heat stroke.


Numerical analysis of electron emission site distribution of carbon nanofibers for field emission properties.
To obtain optimal field emission (FE) properties, it is important to evaluate FE parameters including the electron emission site α and the field enhancement factor β. However, it is difficult to evaluate α quantitatively because the emitting electrons cannot be observed directly. The authors have aimed to analyze this site using an original architecture with a computation system tool based on the surface charge method, and a three-dimensional model has been employed to calculate FE properties with high accuracy. In this study, to analyze α for determining FE properties, each carbon nanofiber (CNF) model separated by Cr islands which include the minimum area for calculating electric fields by the surface charge method was constructed on the surface of a Ni catalyst. The FE current was simulated with a Fowler-Nordheim formula using the calculated electric fields, followed by a simulation performed using all CNFs on a field emitter cathode. The electron emission site α was determined by comparing the simulation and experimental results of the FE current. It was found that α depends on the morphology of the CNF bundles, and a close quantitative correspondence between the experimental and the computation results of FE properties was obtained. In summary, a method of analyzing FE properties was established using an original architecture, making it possible to predict FE properties with a computational tool based on the surface charge method.


Effect of RNA secondary structure on polyadenylation site selection.
Functional polyadenylation [poly(A)] sites consist of two sequence elements, the AAUAAA and G/U box signals, that closely flank the site of mRNA 3'-end formation. In agreement with previous results, random sequence insertions between the AAUAAA and G/U box signals were observed to inhibit poly(A) site function. However, sequence insertions of similar size that were predicted to form RNA stem-loop structures were found to have little effect on the efficiency of polyadenylation and instead induced a 3' shift in the site of polyadenylation that was equal to the length of the inserted stem-loop. The in vivo utilization of a poly(A) site bearing an internal RNA stem-loop structure was inhibited by mutations that destabilized the predicted stem but was restored by compensatory mutations. These results strongly support the hypothesis that the appropriate spacing of the AAUAAA and G/U box signals is critical for poly(A) site function. Sequence insertions that are able to form RNA secondary structures that maintain the correct spacing of these two RNA target sequences are well tolerated, whereas sequence insertions that disturb this spacing inhibit poly(A) site recognition. It is proposed that the effect of sequence insertions on poly(A) site function may be sufficiently predictable to allow the development of an assay for in vivo RNA secondary structure that uses poly(A) site selection as a readout.


Relationship between vaginal microbial dysbiosis, inflammation, and pregnancy outcomes in cervical cerclage.
Preterm birth, the leading cause of death in children under 5 years, may be caused by inflammation triggered by ascending vaginal infection. About 2 million cervical cerclages are performed annually to prevent preterm birth. The procedure is thought to provide structural support and maintain the endocervical mucus plug as a barrier to ascending infection. Two types of suture material are used for cerclage: monofilament or multifilament braided. Braided sutures are most frequently used, although no evidence exists to favor them over monofilament sutures. We assessed birth outcomes in a retrospective cohort of 678 women receiving cervical cerclage in five UK university hospitals and showed that braided cerclage was associated with increased intrauterine death (15% versus 5%; P = 0.0001) and preterm birth (28% versus 17%; P = 0.0006) compared to monofilament suture. To understand the potential underlying mechanism, we performed a prospective, longitudinal study of the vaginal microbiome in women at risk of preterm birth because of short cervical length (≤25 mm) who received braided (n = 25) or monofilament (n = 24) cerclage under comparable circumstances. Braided suture induced a persistent shift toward vaginal microbiome dysbiosis characterized by reduced Lactobacillus spp. and enrichment of pathobionts. Vaginal dysbiosis was associated with inflammatory cytokine and interstitial collagenase excretion into cervicovaginal fluid and premature cervical remodeling. Monofilament suture had comparatively minimal impact upon the vaginal microbiome and its interactions with the host. These data provide in vivo evidence that a dynamic shift of the human vaginal microbiome toward dysbiosis correlates with preterm birth.


Penile length of term newborn infants in multiracial Malaysia.
Micropenis may be an important sign of underlying hypogonadism or pituitary hypofunction in the neonatal period. Penile lengths of normal newborns have been reported in many Western populations. However, the data may not be applicable in the Asian or the multiracial Malaysian population. Our study aimed to establish the normal penile length and testicular volume in term newborn infants in the major ethnic groups in Malaysia. The stretched penile length and testicular volume were measured in 340 normal term newborn infants (195 Malays, 129 Chinese and 16 Indians). The mean penile length in Malay term newborn infants was 35 +/- 4 mm, which was similar to Chinese infants. The mean testicular volume was 2.5 +/- 0.6 ml in Malay and 2.4 +/- 0.5 ml in Chinese infants. There was no significant difference between the groups. The sample size for the Indian group during the study period was inadequate. Using -2.5 standard deviations as the cut-off for micropenis, a Malay or Chinese newborn infant in Malaysia with a penile length of less than 25 mm is considered to have a micropenis and further evaluation is warranted.


Seasonal change of antarctic sea ice cover.
The winter expansion of the sea ice surrounding Antarctica and the subsequent retreat of the ice in summer may be linked with the wind stress acting on the Southern Ocean in conjunction with the heat exchange in open water regions within the ice fields.


Depth-Resolved Characterization of Perylenediimide Side-Chain Polymer Thin Film Structure Using Grazing-Incidence Wide-Angle X-ray Diffraction with Tender X-rays.
Polymers with a perylenediimide (PDI) side chain (PAc12PDI) consist of two kinds of crystalline structures with various types of orientations in a thin film. Understanding the population of the microcrystalline structure and its orientation along the thickness is strongly desired. Grazing-incidence wide-angle X-ray diffraction (GIWAXD) measurements with hard X-rays, which are generally chosen as λ = 0.1 nm, are a powerful tool to evaluate the molecular aggregation structure in thin films. A depth-resolved analysis for the outermost surface of the polymeric materials using conventional GIWAXD measurements, however, has limitations on depth resolution because the X-ray penetration depth dramatically increases above the critical angle. Meanwhile, tender X-rays (λ = 0.5 nm) have the potential advantage that the penetration depth gradually increases above the critical angle, leading to precise characterization for the population of crystallite distribution along the thickness. The population of the microcrystalline states in the PAc12PDI thin film was precisely characterized utilizing GIWAXD measurements using tender X-rays. The outermost surface of the PAc12PDI thin film is occupied by a monoclinic lattice with a = 2.38 nm, b = 0.74 nm, c = 5.98 nm, and β = 108.13°, while maintaining the c-axis perpendicular to the substrate surface. Additionally, the presence of solid substrate controls the formation of the crystallite with unidirectional orientation.


Tetraclinis articulata essential oil mitigates cognitive deficits and brain oxidative stress in an Alzheimer's disease amyloidosis model.
Tetraclinis articulata is used in traditional medicine and has been reported to possess antibacterial, antifungal, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This study investigated the effects of T. articulata essential oil on memory and brain oxidative stress in amyloid-β peptide 1-42 (Aβ1-42)-induced an Alzheimer's disease amyloidosis model. Moreover, the underlying mechanism for memory enhancement and antioxidant activity was investigated, thus supporting its traditional use with scientific evidence for further studies. T. articulata essential oil was administered by inhalation to male Wistar rats once daily for 15 min period at doses of 1% and 3% for 21 days after the intracerebroventricular administration of Aβ1-42 right-unilaterally to induce memory deficits. The chemical composition of the essential oil was done by GC-MS and GC-FID. Spatial memory of rats was tested using Y-maze and radial arm maze tests. The possible underlying mechanism for memory improvement exhibited by T. articulata essential oil was investigated by in vivo brain antioxidant effect and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory effect. In vitro, experimental evaluations were assessed through DPPH and ABTS tests. The GC-MS and GC-FID data showed that the essential oil has a high percent of monoterpene hydrocarbons. Also, we demonstrated the essential oil reversed the Aβ1-42-induced decreasing of the spontaneous alternation in the Y-maze test and the Aβ1-42-induced increasing of the working and reference memory errors in the radial arm maze test. Furthermore, the Aβ1-42-decreased the acetylcholinesterase activity and the oxidant-antioxidant status in the rat hippocampus was retrieved by the treatment with the essential oil. The study demonstrates that the essential oil could be a potent pharmacological agent against dementia by modulating cholinergic activity and promoting antioxidant action in the rat hippocampus.


Assessing abundance and distribution of an invasive thrips Frankliniella schultzei (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in south Florida.
Within-plant and within-field distribution of larvae and adults of an invasive thrips species, Frankliniella schultzei (Trybom) on cucumber, Cucumis sativus L. was studied in 2008 and 2009 in Homestead, Florida. The majority of thrips were found inhabiting flowers of cucumber plants and little or none was found on the other parts of the plant. Thrips were aggregated in the field, as indicated by the two regression models, Taylor's power and Iwao's patchiness regression. Iwao's patchiness regression provided a better fit than Taylor's power law. The distribution was clumped during the initial stages of infestation at the edges of the field and became random thereafter. However, with increase in population density, thrips again formed aggregates in the field. Based on the average pest density per flower in a ∼0.25-ha field, minimum sample size (number of flowers) required at the recommended precision level (0.25) was 51. The number of samples required at two levels of predetermined pest density was also calculated, which would help growers in collecting optimum number of samples required to determine the correct threshold level of pest in fields. Results from seasonal abundance indicated that density of thrips peaked during the fifth week of sampling with an average of 25 and 34 adults per ten flowers during autumn 2008 and 2009, respectively. Results from these studies will help growers and extension personnel in understanding the abundance and distribution of F. schultzei in the field, which are important components required in developing a sound management program.


Collagen cross-link metabolites in urine as markers of bone metastases in prostatic carcinoma.
The efficacy of radionuclide bone scans in monitoring metastatic bone activity remains controversial. Objective measurement of bone tumor burden would be useful for the evaluation of new therapies for metastatic carcinoma of the prostate. The recent discovery of the urinary excretion of pyridinoline (cross-link of mature collagen found in cartilage and bone) and deoxypyridinoline (collagen cross-link specific to bone) measured by high pressure liquid chromatography has provided sensitive specific indexes of cartilage and bone breakdown in rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis and metabolic bone diseases. We compared the urinary excretion of deoxypyridinoline,pyridinoline and hydroxyproline relative to urinary creatinine (nmol./mmol.creatinine) in 27 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (patient age 70.0 +/- 8.5 years, standard deviation), 29 with clinically confined prostate cancer (age 70.2 +/- 9.7 years), and 26 with prostate cancer and bone metastases (age 71.1 +/- 7.7 years). No diurnal variation of deoxypyridinoline or pyridinoline urinary excretion was detected in 5 patients with metastases. Urinary excretion of pyridinoline and deoxypyridinoline was significantly greater in patients with metastatic carcinoma of the prostate compared with patients with either benign prostatic hyperplasia (Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon rank sum analysis, p < 0.00004 and 0.002, respectively) or localized prostate cancer (Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon, p < 0.00001 and 0.00005, respectively). Urinary hydroxyproline levels failed to separate the 3 groups. Pyridinoline and deoxypyridinoline excretion in prostate cancer patients with metastases directly correlated with bone scan Soloway scores (r = 0.55, p < 0.005 and r = 0.57, p < 0.004 respectively), whereas serum prostate specific antigen did not (r = 0.36, p = 0.08). Serial measurements of pyridinoline and deoxypyridinoline progressively increased in 3 patients with clinical progression documented by new metastatic lesions by bone scan. Measurement of pyridinoline and deoxypyridinoline excretion cannot diagnose metastatic disease. However, these markers should be evaluated further for quantitative assessment of bone metastases.


Tactile orotracheal tube placement test. A bimanual tactile examination of the positioned orotracheal tube to confirm laryngeal placement.
The development of a tactile clinical test of the positioned orotracheal tube is described which allows confirmation of its location within the larynx. It was possible, after preliminary experience with the test, to confirm laryngeal placement confidently in an average of 97% of cases in two concurrent series each of which consisted of 100 patients. Inevitably, there are limitations to its usefulness but it has the advantage that no special apparatus is required for its performance. The implications of this test are discussed in relation to difficult intubation, obstetric anaesthesia, the teaching of applied anatomy and checking by their trainers of intubations performed by very junior anaesthetists. Familiarity with this test should be considered essential for its reliable implementation.


Comparative proteomics of milk fat globule membrane in goat colostrum and mature milk.
As an important nutrient source in large area of world, the composition and nutritional value of goat milk are not well deliberated. Detailed annotation of protein composition is essential to address the physiological and nutritional value of goat milk. In the present study, 423 colostrum and mature goat milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) proteins were identified. The abundance of 189 proteins was significantly different between colostrums and mature milk MFGM. The acute phase proteins were higher in colostrums MFGM than those in mature milk MFGM which protected newborns at the beginning of life. Proteins related to synthesis and secretion were conserved through lactation to ensure the milk production. Of note, long term depression (LTD) proteins were observed in colostrum and mature milk MFGM. Milk LTD proteins could be potential biomarkers for diagnosis of lactation related depressive syndromes and should be taken into considerations of their effects on newborns.


Factors related to survival following resection for gastric carcinoma: analysis of 903 cases.
This report is based on 903 patients with resections for gastric carcinoma between October 1957, and July 1969, entered in controlled trials of adjuvant therapy with Thio-TEPA and FUDR. Neither Thio-TEPA nor FUDR, as administered, prolonged survival. The extent of disease at the time of curative surgery is related to survival for the first 36 months postoperatively. Involvement of lymph nodes, resection of the esophagus, and serosal penetration are predictive of recurrence up to 36 months. There appear to be three groups of patients: 1) Cured (26%); 2) Slowly growing tumor--23% (median survival, 25 months); and 3) Rapidly growing tumor--51% (median survival, eight months). The absence of blood-vessel invasion, lymphatic invasion, lymph-node involvement, and serosal penetration characterize those patients in Group A.


Identifying early behavioral and molecular markers of future stress sensitivity.
Puberty is a plastic period of neurological development when critical maturation of stress pathways occurs. Abnormal maturation may be predictive of future stress sensitivity and affective disorder risk. To identify potential early markers of stress-related disease predisposition, we examined physiological and behavioral stress responses in male pubertal mice compared with adults, using a genetic model of elevated stress sensitivity, CRF receptor-2 (CRFR2)-deficient mice. Juvenile mice of both genotypes exhibited greater basal and stress-induced corticosterone levels than adult mice, indicating that overall hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis sensitivity diminishes in adulthood. However, juvenile CRFR2-deficient mice displayed a delayed stress recovery typical of adults of this genotype, suggesting an early marker of stress sensitivity. The adult phenotype of reduced hippocampal glucocorticoid receptor expression in these sensitive mice was also detected during puberty. This reduction may account for an impaired hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis negative feedback and as such be an early indicator of a stress-sensitive phenotype. Examination of behavioral responses to stress revealed that CRFR2-deficient mice show exaggerated postpubertal maturation. Although wild-type mice did not alter their burying response to stress-provoking marbles after puberty, CRFR2-deficient mice showed a dramatic increase in burying behavior. We conclude that identification of abnormal pubertal stress pathway maturation may be predictive of adult heightened stress sensitivity and future susceptibility to stress-related affective disorders.


Correlation between the effects of a cationic peptide on the hydration and fluidity of anionic lipid bilayers: a comparative study with sodium ions and cholesterol.
The cationic tridecapeptide alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) is known to interact with anionic vesicles of 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoglycerol (DMPG), partially penetrating the lipid membrane. In the lipid liquid crystal phase, phospholipid derivatives spin labeled at the different C-atoms along the acyl chain, show that the peptide increases the bilayer packing at all depths. Parallel to that, there is an increase in the probe's isotropic hyperfine splittings, indicating that the peptide significantly decreases the membrane hydrophobic barrier. Accordingly, it is suggested that the increase in membrane packing yielded by alpha-MSH is partly due to a greater level of interchain hydration. This result is compared to the increase in packing and decrease in polarity yielded by cholesterol, and the absence of structural or polar alterations with Na+. The latter result shows that the peptide effect is not related to an increase of positive charges at the anionic vesicle surface. Alterations on the lipid bilayer polar profile measured by the nitroxide hyperfine splitting z component in frozen samples are shown to be different from those obtained at room temperature. However, it is shown here that a certain correlation can be drawn between the increase in polarity measured in frozen samples and the packing effect caused by the different molecules in the lipid gel phase.


Postoperative delirium after colorectal surgery in older patients.
Postoperative delirium in older patients results in worse outcomes and increased costs. The prevalence and predictors of postoperative delirium in patients undergoing major colorectal surgery are not clear. To determine the prevalence and predictors of postoperative delirium in older patients after major colorectal surgery. Patients older than 50 years, without preexisting cognitive impairment, were recruited before surgery. These patients were assessed after surgery for delirium daily for 3 days by using the Confusion Assessment Method. Regression analysis was used to determine independent predictors of postoperative delirium. Patients (n=118) had a mean age of 71.81 years, and approximately half were women (54%). Most participants (64%) were married, and comorbid conditions were common. Delirium developed in 35% of the patients in the 3 days after surgery and in 21% in the first 24 hours. New cases of delirium were identified on each of the 3 days after surgery, and a few patients (7%) had delirium for the entire 3 days. Odds for delirium in the first 24 hours were increased for patients who had early admission (odds ratio [OR]=4.48; P=.06) and decreased for patients who were married (OR=0.25; P=.01). Odds for delirium in the first 3 days after surgery were increased for men (OR=4.27; P=.02), older patients (OR=1.05; P=.04), and patients who stayed overnight in the critical care unit (OR=2.97; P=.06). Postoperative delirium is common and persistent in older patients in the first 3 days after colorectal surgery.


Enhancement of macrosphelide-induced apoptosis by mild hyperthermia.
Hyperthermia is a useful adjunct in cancer therapy as it can increase the effectiveness and decrease the toxicity of currently available cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation. In the present study, we investigated whether 41 degrees C hyperthermia (mild HT) for 20 min can enhance macrosphelide (MS5)-induced apoptosis in human lymphoma U937 cells. Our results revealed that, compared with MS5 (5 microM) and mild HT alone, the combined treatment exhibited significant enhancement in apoptosis at 6 h, which was evaluated by observing morphological changes and DNA fragmentation. Marked increase in the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was observed immediately after the combined treatment. Significant increase in Fas externalization, caspase-8 and caspase-3 activation, and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was found after the combined treatment compared with MS5 and mild HT alone. Moreover, this combination can also alter the expression of apoptosis-related proteins as evident by the cleavage of Bid and down-regulation of Bcl-2 while no change in the expression of Bax was observed. Furthermore, an immediate rise in the intracellular calcium ion ([Ca(2+)]i) concentration was observed after the combined treatment, which continuously increased in a time-dependent manner. In addition, mild HT treatment alone also increases [Ca(2+)]i concentration without inducing apoptosis. Our data indicate that early increase in ROS generation is mainly responsible for the enhancement of apoptosis after the combined treatment.


Testing inflation: a bootstrap approach.
We note that the essential idea of inflation, that the Universe underwent a brief period of accelerated expansion followed by a long period of decelerated expansion, can be encapsulated in a "closure condition" which relates the amount of accelerated expansion during inflation to the amount of decelerated expansion afterward. We present a protocol for systematically testing the validity of this condition observationally.


Immediate rehabilitation of the edentulous mandible using Ankylos SynCone telescopic copings and intraoral welding: a pilot study.
The aim of this prospective study was to assess the suitability of immediate rehabilitation of the edentulous mandible using SynCone copings and the intraoral welding technique. Patients with an edentulous mandible were fitted with a removable restoration supported by an intraorally welded titanium bar. Copings were connected to their respective SynCone 5-degree abutments and then welded to a titanium bar using an intraoral welding unit. This framework was used to support the definitive restoration, which was delivered on the day of implant placement. Restoration success and survival, implant success, and biologic or technical complications were assessed immediately after surgery and at 6 and 12 months. Twenty-two patients were consecutively treated with 88 immediately loaded implants. No acrylic resin fractures or radiographically detectable alterations of the welded frameworks were present in the 22 restorations delivered. One implant (1.1%) failed 1 month after surgery; all remaining implants (98.9%) were clinically stable at the 12-month follow-up. Within its limitations, this pilot study demonstrated that it is possible to successfully rehabilitate the edentulous mandible on the day of surgery with a definitive restoration supported by an intraorally welded titanium framework and SynCone 5-degree abutments.


Emerging drug targets for antiretroviral therapy.
Current targets for antiretroviral therapy (ART) include the viral enzymes reverse transcriptase and protease. The use of a combination of inhibitors targeting these enzymes can reduce viral load for a prolonged period and delay disease progression. However, complications of ART, including the emergence of viruses resistant to current drugs, are driving the development of new antiretroviral agents targeting not only the reverse transcriptase and protease enzymes but novel targets as well. Indeed, enfuvirtide, an inhibitor targeting the viral envelope protein (Env) was recently approved for use in combination therapy in individuals not responding to current antiretroviral regimens. Emerging drug targets for ART include: (i) inhibitors that directly or indirectly target Env; (ii) the HIV enzyme integrase; and (iii) inhibitors of maturation that target the substrate of the protease enzyme. Env mediates entry of HIV into target cells via a multistep process that presents three distinct targets for inhibition by viral and cellular-specific agents. First, attachment of virions to the cell surface via nonspecific interactions and CD4 binding can be blocked by inhibitors that include cyanovirin-N, cyclotriazadisulfonamide analogues, PRO 2000, TNX 355 and PRO 542. In addition, BMS 806 can block CD4-induced conformational changes. Secondly, Env interactions with the co-receptor molecules can be targeted by CCR5 antagonists including SCH-D, maraviroc (UK 427857) and aplaviroc (GW 873140), and the CXCR4 antagonist AMD 070. Thirdly, fusion of viral and cellular membranes can be inhibited by peptides such as enfuvirtide and tifuvirtide (T 1249). The development of entry inhibitors has been rapid, with an increasing number entering clinical trials. Moreover, some entry inhibitors are also being evaluated as candidate microbicides to prevent mucosal transmission of HIV. The integrase enzyme facilitates the integration of viral DNA into the host cell genome. The uniqueness and specificity of this reaction makes integrase an attractive drug target. However, integrase inhibitors have been slow to reach clinical development, although recent contenders, including L 870810, show promise. Inhibitors that target viral maturation via a unique mode of action, such as PA 457, also have potential. In addition, recent advances in our understanding of cellular pathways involved in the life cycle of HIV have also identified novel targets that may have potential for future antiretroviral intervention, including interactions between the cellular proteins APOBEC3G and TSG101, and the viral proteins Vif and p6, respectively. In summary, a number of antiretroviral agents in development make HIV entry, integration and maturation emerging drug targets. A multifaceted approach to ART, using combinations of inhibitors that target different steps of the viral life cycle, has the best potential for long-term control of HIV infection. Furthermore, the development of microbicides targeting HIV holds promise for reducing HIV transmission events.


The problem with rescue medicine.
Is there a rational and ethical basis for efforts to rescue individuals in dire straits? When does rescue have ethical support, and when does it reflect an irrational impulse? This paper defines a Rule of Rescue and shows its intuitive appeal. It then proceeds to argue that this rule lacks support from standard principles of justice and from ethical principles more broadly, and should be rejected in many situations. I distinguish between agent-relative and agent-neutral reasons, and argue that the Rule of Rescue qualifies only in a narrow range of cases where agent-relative considerations apply. I conclude that it would be wise to set aside the Rule of Rescue in many cases, especially those involving public policies, where it has only weak normative justification. The broader implications of this analysis are noted.


Cluster expansion approach for transmutative lattice systems.
We propose a cluster expansion (CE) technique that can express any function of atomic arrangement on any given lattice with the same number of lattice points in a single formalism. In the proposed CE, two types of spin variable, σ and τ, on the base lattice and virtual lattice, respectively, are introduced. The former spin variable specifies the occupation of the constituent elements for each lattice point. The latter specifies the positions of each lattice point. Basis functions constructed from the two types of spin variable satisfy completeness and orthonormality for any atomic arrangement on given lattices. As examples, the proposed CE is applied to one- and three-dimensional lattices in a binary system, which clarifies the concept of base and virtual lattices, how the functions of atomic arrangements are expressed in terms of the two types of spin variable, and the efficiency and convergence of the proposed CE with a finite number of clusters and input structures.


Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in eyes with Coats' disease.
To examine the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and VEGF receptor (VEGFR)-2 in enucleated eyes with Coats' disease. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections from nine globes with Coats' disease were submitted for hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemistry with anti-VEGF and VEGFR antibodies. Histologically, the enucleated eyes demonstrated the presence of macrophage infiltration and cholesterol clefts in the subretinal space. There were marked retinal vascular abnormalities, including dilated vessels with hyalinized vessel walls in six globes. Exudative retinal detachment was noted in all globes. VEGF immunoreactivity was observed in macrophages infiltrating the subretinal space, and in the detached retina including several blood vessels. VEGF-positivity in macrophages was significantly higher in cases containing retinal vessel abnormalities than those without the abnormalities (P < 0.01). VEGFR-2 immunoreactivity was detected in endothelial cells lining the abnormal retinal vessels, where VEGFR-1 or VEGFR-3 was not expressed. Immunoreactivity for VEGF and VEGFR-2 was detected in macrophages and endothelia of abnormal vessels in eyes with Coats' disease. These results suggest that anti-VEGF approach is a promising therapy for patients with Coats' disease.


Group-specific component (Gc) alleles among Haitian immigrants.
Gc allele frequencies were determined in Haitian immigrants, a group at high risk for AIDS. Gc2, an allele associated with disease resistance, is infrequent in this group; Gc1f is frequent.


Endosomal sorting of MHC class II determines antigen presentation by dendritic cells.
Dendritic cells (DCs) initiate primary immune responses by presenting pathogen-derived antigens in association with major histocompatibility Class II molecules (MHC II) to T cells. In DCs, MHC II is constitutively synthesized and loaded at endosomes with peptides from hydrolyzed endogenous proteins or exogenously acquired antigens. Whether peptide loaded MHC II (MHC II-p) is subsequently recruited to and stably expressed at the plasma membrane or degraded in lysosomes is determined by the status of the DC. In immature DCs, MHC II-p is ubiquitinated after peptide loading, driving its sorting to the luminal vesicles of multivesicular bodies. These luminal vesicles, and the MHC II-p they carry, are delivered to lysosomes for degradation. MHC II-p is inefficiently ubiquitinated in DCs that are activated by pathogens or inflammatory stimuli, thus allowing its transfer to and stable expression at the plasma membrane.


Intracellular DNA and RNA in the course of tumor cell growth.
We have investigated the intracellular levels of the nucleic acids, especially intracellular RNA to determine whether or not they could be used as indicators of cell proliferation kinetics and thereby enable an investigation into the biology of tumor cells. HeLa and COLO 205 were the cell lines used in this experiment, and normal human peripheral lymphocytes were used as the control. Cells were stained with acridine orange and subjected to flow cytometry. Based on the cytograms obtained, changes in the DNA and RNA contents in the cell lines were expressed as a ratio of the mean channel to that of the control. The intracellular RNA concentration was reflected in changes in the mean RNA channel ratio on the DNA and RNA cytograms. An increase in the mean RNA channel ratio represented a logarithmic proliferation of the tumor cells. Changes in the mean RNA channel ratio could be noted in cell samples containing as little as 20% logarithmic growth phase cells. There was a close correlation between the RNA content and the proliferative potential, and an increase in the RNA content was predictive of subsequent cellular proliferation. These results suggested that an increase in the intracellular RNA content on flow cytometry could be used as indicator of tumor proliferative potential, suggesting that this method could be useful for assessing the biological properties of tumor cells.


Effect of nitroglycerin on ventricular fibrillation threshold of nonischemic myocardium.
The threshold for ventricular fibrillation induced by a 200 msec train of pulses was measured during a control period and during an intravenous infusion of nitroglycerin in 14 nonischemic open chest dogs. Infusion of nitroglycerin in doses sufficient to reduce mean arterial blood pressure an average of 17 mm Hg was associated with a rise in ventricular fibrillation threshold from a control value of 24 +/- 3 (mean +/- 1 standard error of the mean) to 41 +/- 6 milliamperes (P less than 0.001). In a subgroup of six animals simultaneous infusions of nitroglycerin and phenylephrine abolished the hypotensive effect of nitroglycerin but did not significantly alter the rise in ventricular fibrillation threshold observed with nitroglycerin infusion alone. In five other animals mean arterial blood pressure was similarly reduced an average of 17 mm Hg by venous hemorrhage, but was associated with a lowering than a rise in ventricular fibrillation threshold from a prehemorrhage value of 28 +/- 6 to 15 +/- 2 milliamperes, (P less than 0.005). Thus, intravenously administered nitroglycerin raises ventricular fibrillation threshold in nonischemic canine myocardium independent of its hypotensive effects.


Cerebral palsy: physical activity and sport.
Physical activity and fitness are well recognized as essential to the health of able-bodied people, both young and old. The exact role of athletics and fitness in the lives of people with cerebral palsy is less well defined. In this review we examine the benefits of physical activity and athletics for people of all ages with cerebral palsy. Precautions for safe exercise prescription are discussed. The primary care practitioner will be able to recommend appropriate activities or refer patients to appropriate sources for further evaluation.


Vascularized osseous flaps and assessing their bipartate perfusion pattern via intraoperative fluorescence angiography.
Large segmental bone and composite tissue defects often require vascularized osseous flaps for definitive reconstruction. However, failed osseous flaps due to inadequate perfusion can lead to significant morbidity. Utilization of indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence angiography has been previously shown to reliably assess soft tissue perfusion. Our group will outline the application of this useful intraoperative tool in evaluating the perfusion of vascularized osseous flaps. A retrospective review was performed to identify those osseous and/or osteocutaneous bone flaps, where ICG angiography was employed. Data analyzed included flap types, success and failure rates, and perfusion-related complications. All osseous flaps were evaluated by ICG angiography to confirm periosteal and endosteal perfusion. Overall 16 osseous free flaps utilizing intraoperative ICG angiography to assess vascularized osseous constructs were performed over a 3-year period. The flaps consisted of the following: nine osteocutaneous fibulas, two osseous-only fibulas, two scapular/parascapular with scapula bone, two quadricep-based muscle flaps, containing a vascularized femoral bone component, and one osteocutaneous fibula revision. All flap reconstructions were successful with the only perfusion-related complication being a case of delayed partial skin flap loss. Intraoperative fluorescence angiography is a useful adjunctive tool that can aid in flap design through angiosome mapping and can also assess flap perfusion, vascular pedicle flow, tissue perfusion before flap harvest, and flap perfusion after flap inset. Our group has successfully extended the application of this intraoperative tool to assess vascularized osseous flaps in an effort to reduce adverse outcomes related to preventable perfusion-related complications.


Scalable, transition-metal-free direct oxime O-arylation: rapid access to O-arylhydroxylamines and substituted benzo[b]furans.
O-aryloximes, generated from readily available and inexpensive oximes through transition-metal-free O-arylation, can either be hydrolyzed to O-arylhydroxylamines or conveniently converted to structurally diverse benzo[b]furans through an environmentally benign, one-pot [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement/cyclization sequence.


Effect of Playing Video Games on Laparoscopic Skills Performance: A Systematic Review.
The advances in both video games and minimally invasive surgery have allowed many to consider the potential positive relationship between the two. This review aims to evaluate outcomes of studies that investigated the correlation between video game skills and performance in laparoscopic surgery. A systematic search was conducted on PubMed/Medline and EMBASE databases for the MeSH terms and keywords including "video games and laparoscopy," "computer games and laparoscopy," "Xbox and laparoscopy," "Nintendo Wii and laparoscopy," and "PlayStation and laparoscopy." Cohort, case reports, letters, editorials, bulletins, and reviews were excluded. Studies in English, with task performance as primary outcome, were included. The search period for this review was 1950 to December 2014. There were 57 abstracts identified: 4 of these were found to be duplicates; 32 were found to be nonrelevant to the research question. Overall, 21 full texts were assessed; 15 were excluded according to the Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument quality assessment criteria. The five studies included in this review were randomized controlled trials. Playing video games was found to reduce error in two studies (P 0.002 and P 0.045). For the same studies, however, several other metrics assessed were not significantly different between the control and intervention group. One study showed a decrease in the time for the group that played video games (P 0.037) for one of two laparoscopic tasks performed. In the same study, however, when the groups were reversed (initial control group became intervention and vice versa), a difference was not demonstrated (P for peg transfer 1 - 0.465, P for cobra robe - 0.185). Finally, two further studies found no statistical difference between the game playing group and the control group's performance. There is a very limited amount of evidence to support that the use of video games enhances surgical simulation performance.


CD11b and CD200 on Circulating Monocytes Differentiate Two Angiographic Subtypes of Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy.
To investigate surface expression of CD11b and CD200 on circulating monocytes in patients with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). This was a prospective case-control study of patients with PCV (n = 27), age-matched healthy controls (n = 27), and patients with neovascular AMD (n = 49). All participants underwent a comprehensive ocular examination. Fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography were performed in patients suspected of neovascular AMD or PCV. Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy was angiographically categorized into those with a strong presence of a branching vascular network (BVN) (type 1) or with a faint/no clear presence of a BVN (type 2). Fresh venous blood was stained with fluorescent antibodies for flow cytometric analyses. We compared the percentages of CD11b+, CD200+, and CD11b+CD200+ monocytes between groups of diagnosis and between different angiographic subtypes of PCV. Overall, CD11b+ monocytes were both increased in patients with PCV and neovascular AMD. CD200+ and CD11b+CD200+ monocytes were increased in patients with neovascular AMD. An age-related increase in CD11b+CD200+ monocytes was absent in patients with PCV and neovascular AMD. Patients with PCV type 1 had significantly higher CD11b+, CD200+, and CD11b+CD200+ monocytes, whereas patients with PCV type 2 had levels similar to that in healthy controls. We found that PCV is immunologically heterogeneous with significant differences between angiographic subtypes. Increased CD11b+ and CD200+ monocytes in those with a strong presence of BVN indicate that BVN development may be associated with retinal injury and a VEGF-mediated process that is either reflected or propelled by systemic changes in monocytes.


Plasma interleukin-10 and interleukin-12 levels in patients with familial Mediterranean fever.
Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by recurrent attacks of fever, polyserositis and arthritis. A vast array of cytokines were analysed in these patients, however, little is known about the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-12. Plasma IL-12 and IL-10 were measured in 24 patients with FMF (19 active, 5 inactive) and 18 healthy controls by ELISA. From 15 active patients blood was also drawn in attack-free period. Mean plasma IL-12 levels of the FMF patients (mean +/- SEM, 6.84+/-3.59 pg/ml) were higher than the controls (0.13+/-0.09 pg/ml, P < 0.001). Mean IL-12 levels of active (7.02+/-5.23 pg/ml) and inactive patients (6.89+/-5.61 pg/ml) were comparable, and they were higher compared to controls (P < or = 0.001). Mean plasma IL-10 levels of the total FMF patients (3.01+/-1.53 pg/ml) were also higher than the controls (P = 0.024). Patients had higher IL-10 levels in attacks (3.83+/-2.02 pg/ml) compared to levels when they were in remission (1.86+/-1.59 pg/ml, P = 0.046). Significantly elevated IL-12 levels in FMF patients regardless of activity may suggest the presence of a pro-inflammatory state also in the inactive period of FMF. Significant increase in IL-10 levels in FMF group may point to the compensatory suppression of inflammation in active periods of the disease.


Detection of the disabled in a rural area.
A rural Jewish and Arab population of about 24,000 was selected for a rehabilitation study on the disabled. The detection consisted of the collection of existing data from local sources and a door-to-door screening based on an interview schedule. About 22,000 (93%) individuals responded to the interview. In subjects under the age of 65, the degree of agreement between the findings of the door-to-door screening and the information obtained from official local sources was 45.4% among disabled Jewish villagers, and 24% for disabled Arab villagers. On the other hand, in the same age group, the door-to-door interview failed to reveal between 12 to 18% of the subjects reported as disabled by the various local authorities. The reason for this low percentage of agreement is discussed. The disablement rate in the 0- to 13-year age group was 9% for Arab and 12.5% for Jewish children. In the working age group (14 to 64 years) the disablement rate was 5.3% for Arabs and 7.9% for Jews. More than 30% of both Arabs and Jews in this age group had impairments and chronic conditions that did not interfere with their functioning in normal life. In the pensionable age group (65+ years), 8.3% of Arab villagers and 2.3% of Jewish villagers were totally dependent. Special efforts were made to detect the functional limitations of housewives and of the homebound. The interview schedule had a marked educational effect on the professionals and on the villagers. This facilitated the establishment of a rural rehabilitation service in an Arab village, the first service of its kind in Israel.


CXCR4 and VEGF expression in the primary site and the metastatic site of human osteosarcoma: analysis within a group of patients, all of whom developed lung metastasis.
The chemokine, CXCL12, and its receptor, CXCR4, have recently been shown to play an important role in metastasis of several kinds of carcinoma. It has also been demonstrated that VEGF regulates both the expression of CXCR4 and invasiveness in breast cancer cell lines. We compared the immunohistochemical expression of CXCR4 and VEGF between the primary site and a concordant pulmonary metastatic site in 30 osteosarcoma patients, all of which had undergone thoracotomy. Microvessel density (MVD) as shown by immunostaining of CD34 and proliferative activity with MIB-1 monoclonal antibody was also evaluated. CXCR4 expression (primary, 33.3% positive vs metastatic, 66.6% positive; P = 0.0097) and MVD (primary, 29.86 +/- 6.87/0.26 mm2 vs metastatic, 43.32 +/- 8.65/0.26 mm2; P = 0.0015) in the metastatic site were both significantly increased compared with those in the primary site, whereas no difference between primary and metastatic sites was observed with regard to VEGF expression. There was a significant positive correlation between immunohistochemical CXCR4 and VEGF expression (P = 0.0269). In total population, the MIB-1-labeling index (LI) was significantly higher in tumors, which showed immunoreactivity for VEGF (MIB-1-LI in VEGF-positive tumors, 24.29 +/- 5.4 vs VEGF-negative tumors, 18.33 +/- 4.16; P = 0.034). Furthermore, those patients with VEGF-positive primary tumors had a significantly worse prognosis compared with the patients with VEGF-negative primary tumors (P = 0.0053). Our results suggested that CXCR4 expression was associated with metastatic progression, and immunohistochemical VEGF expression in the primary site had predictive value for the osteosarcoma patients, who developed lung metastasis.


The Relation of Parafibromin Expression with Clinicopathological Factors in Invasive Breast Carcinomas.
We aimed to find the relationship between parafibromin expression and clinicopathologic variables of breast carcinoma. Ninety-seven cases of invasive breast carcinoma diagnosed at our department between the years 2010-2013 were included in the study. The parafibromin expression state was compared with the estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, cerbB2, Ki67 results, and the clinicopathological variables. Among 97 breast carcinoma cases, 66 (68%) were invasive ductal carcinoma. The average age was 54.3 (min:25, max:100), and the average tumor size was 31.1 mm (min:7, max:120). Lymph node metastasis was detected in 58% of the cases. Eleven were diagnosed with metastasis amongst 77 cases whose distant metastasis data could be reached. Eleven cases were lost due to breast carcinoma. As the tumor grade increased, the possibility of distant metastasis and lymph node metastasis increased as well (p=0.04, p=0.05, respectively). The mean follow-up duration of the cases was 26.6 ± 9.8 (min. 6, max. 53) months, and there was no significant difference in survival between the other variables. Of the cases, 21.6% were negative, 9.3% were (+) positive, 11.3% were (++) positive and 57.7% were (+++) positive for parafibromin. It was found that there was an inverse correlation between the Ki67 proliferation index and lymph node metastasis and the parafibromin expression (p=0.018, p=0.029, respectively). We suggest that parafibromin may be a possible prognostic and predictive parameter for breast carcinomas. As the data on this matter in the literature is limited, it would be beneficial to investigate the matter and evaluate its relationship with survival in larger series.


The levels, sources and reactivity of volatile organic compounds in a typical urban area of Northeast China.
Air concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were continually measured at a monitoring site in Shenyang from 20 August to 16 September 2017. The average concentrations of alkanes, alkenes, aromatics and carbonyls were 28.54, 6.30, 5.59 and 9.78 ppbv, respectively. Seven sources were identified by the Positive Matrix Factorization model based on the measurement data of VOCs and CO. Vehicle exhaust contributed the most (36.15%) to the total propene-equivalent concentration of the measured VOCs, followed by combustion emission (16.92%), vegetation emission and secondary formation (14.33%), solvent usage (10.59%), petrochemical industry emission (9.89%), petrol evaporation (6.28%), and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) usage (5.84%). Vehicle exhaust, solvent usage and combustion emission were found to be the top three VOC sources for O3 formation potential, accounting for 34.52%, 16.55% and 11.94%, respectively. The diurnal variation of the total VOCs from each source could be well explained by their emission characteristics, e.g., the two peaks of VOC concentrations from LPG usage were in line with the cooking times for breakfast and lunch. Wind rose plots of the VOCs from each source could reveal the possible distribution of the sources around the monitoring site. The O3 pollution episodes during the measurement period were found to be coincident with the elevation of VOCs, which was mainly due to the air parcel from the southeast direction where petrochemical industry emission was found to be dominant, suggesting that the petrochemical industry emission from the southeast was probably a significant cause of O3 pollution in Shenyang.


Effective stochastic resonance under noise of heterogeneous amplitude.
Stochastic resonance is numerically and analytically studied using a model wherein two coupled particles are exposed to noise of heterogeneous (i.e., particle-dependent) amplitude. In a certain range of coupling constant and under noise of heterogeneous amplitude, a particle is observed to resonate intensively to the external field. In other words, one particle under noise of very small or zero amplitude exhibits intensive resonance with the assistance of a highly fluctuating second particle under noise of large amplitude. This intensive resonance is interpreted as a product of the unique combinatory dynamics between one particle that stochastically fluctuates and another particle that classically resonates to the external field.


Predictors of success on the Canadian Nurses Association testing service (CNATS) examination.
This retrospective study examined the relationship of selected admissions variables and in-course performance to success in the Canadian Nurses Association Testing Service (CNATS) examinations of 114 students admitted directly from secondary school to a four-year integrated, problem-based learning (PBL) baccalaureate nursing program in Canada. Data were analyzed using two separate hierarchical stepwise regression equations. The first equation examined a set of secondary school grades (Ontario Academic Credits, or OACs) used to calculate university admission averages and their ability to predict CNATS performance. OAC English was found to be the best predictor, followed by OAC chemistry and the admission average obtained on other OAC subjects. The second regression equation looked at in-course grades as potential predictors of CNATS scores. The basic sciences variable proved to be the best predictor, followed by research methodology, first-year Nursing Concepts I, a problem-based nursing average, and a clinical practice average. Findings support the continued use of English and chemistry as admission criteria. The basic sciences courses and first-year nursing courses also emerged as statistically significant predictors of licensure examination success.


Expression of the thrombospondin 1 receptor CD36 is correlated with decreased stromal vascularisation in colon cancer.
Vascularisation is determined by the balance between various angiogenic and angio-inhibitory factors in cancer stroma. CD36 is a cell adhesion receptor shown to interact with the ligand thrombospondin 1 (TSP1). It has not been determined whether the interaction of TSP1 and its receptor CD36 is correlated with vascularisation or clinical outcome of malignant tumours in vivo. We studied the correlations between expression of TSP1, CD36 and vascularisation and prognosis in 65 colon cancers. Various levels of TSP1 gene expression were observed in 27 of 65 colon cancers. CD36 expression was detected in 33 of 65 cancers, and was significantly correlated with decreased stromal vascularisation (P<0.001). The colon cancers expressing CD36 showed better prognosis (P<0.01). TSP1 expression levels did not affect CD36 expression. These results suggested that CD36 expression which decreased stromal vascularisation is correlated with better prognosis of colon cancer.


Determination and identification of antibiotic-resistant oral streptococci isolated from active dental infections in adults.
To determine and identify antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) of oral streptococci from active dental infections in adults and its association with age and gender. This cross-sectional study included 59 subjects from 18 to 62 years old. Ninety-eighth samples obtained from the subjects were cultivated in agar plates containing antibiotics amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (A-CA), clindamycin, and moxifloxacin (concentrations of 16, 32 or 64 µg/ml). PCR assay was performed to identify bacterial species. The bacterial species that showed more antibiotic-resistance (AR) was S. mutans (45.9%), followed by S. gordonii (21.6%), S. oralis (17.6%), S. sanguinis (9.5%), S. salivarius (5.4%) and S. sobrinus (0%). Moreover, clindamycin (59.4%) showed the highest frequency of AR. Moxifloxacin and A-CA showed an susceptibility >99.1%, while clindamycin showed the lowest efficacy (93.3%); there was a significant statistically difference (p < .01). The age group between 26 and 50 years old (32.2%) and females (28.8%) showed more multiresistance. Clindamycin showed a statistical difference (p < .05) when comparing groups by gender. Clindamycin was the antibiotic with the highest frequency of ARB and lower bactericidal effect. Moxifloxacin and A-CA showed the highest efficacy and the lowest ARB frequency. Streptococcus mutans was the bacterial specie that showed an increased frequency of AR.


Late-onset hypogonadism.
With aging, a significant percentage of men over the age of 60 years have serum testosterone levels below the lower limits of young adult men. Testosterone is not only pivotal for male reproductive/sexual functioning but plays also a significant role in the maintenance of bone and muscle mass and is a determinant of glucose homeostasis and lipid metabolism. The metabolic syndrome, erectile dysfunction and patterns of testosterone in aging men are intertwined. Testosterone is a factor in libido but also exerts essential effects on the anatomical and physiological substrate of penile erection. With these recent insights, the health problems of elderly men must be placed in a context that allows an integral approach. Treatment of testosterone deficiency is to become part of this approach. Recently, professional organizations have published guidelines in an attempt to define the condition and provide treatment. Despite this, much confusion still exists regarding the appropriate approach to diagnosing late-onset hypogonadism. Side effects concern mainly the prostate and erythropoeisis, but the currently available literature indicates that there is no increased risk of developing prostate cancer in men receiving testosterone treatment. Administration of testosterone to elderly men with testosterone deficiency is an acceptably safe practice.


Direct acetoxylation and etherification of anilides using phenyliodine bis(trifluoroacetate).
Treatment of various anilides with 1.5 equiv. of phenyliodine bis(trifluoroacetate) (PIFA) and 1.0 equiv. of BF(3)·OEt(2) in AcOH at room temperature afforded the corresponding para-acetoxylated products with high regioselectivity. In addition, this reaction could be expanded to the etherification of anilides. In the presence of 2.0 equiv. of PIFA and 2.0 equiv. of BF(3)·OEt(2), the reaction of anilides with alcohols provided the corresponding para-etherified products in good yields.


A new method to record subglottal pressure waves: potential applications.
Rapid subglottal pressure changes related to the glottal cycles influence the aerodynamics of phonation. Various methods to measure these have been developed, but are not practical for routine phoniatric use. For that reason, a noninvasive measurement tool is necessary. This article presents a technique that uses a microphone positioned at the skin of the jugular fossa to record the signal which arises in the subglottal spaces and is transmitted through the soft tissue to the surface of the skin. Using the program Glottal Segmentation of Voice and Speech, jugular microphone recordings from two healthy subjects were compared with simultaneously recorded direct intratracheal measurements during the same phonation. A systematic error arising from the transmission properties of the microphone and the soft tissue leads to phase and amplitude deviations. These must be taken into account and require correction. This correction procedure leads to high correlations and a good agreement between the two signals. Even without this correction the jugular microphone measurements proved to be useful as a diagnostic and a therapeutic tool in cases where chest resonance specific processes appear affected. In addition, they offer material for research purposes. Although based on a small number of subjects, the new method shows a good validity; testing on a larger number of subjects will probably strengthen the validity.


Production and Characterization of Nanoparticle Based Hyaluronate Gel Containing Retinyl Palmitate for Wound Healing.
Wound healing is a biological process that can get in a state of pathologic inflammation, requiring the use of specific medications able to promote proper tissue repair. The study describes the production and characterization of nanoparticle based gel for wound healing treatment designed to deliver hyaluronic acid and retinyl palmitate onto the skin. Tristearin solid lipid nanoparticles and nanostructured lipid carriers based on a tristearin and caprylic/capric triglyceride mixture were produced and characterized. Gel spreadability and viscosity were investigated. Drug diffusion and "in vitro" wound healing were assessed by Franz cell and scratch wound assay in keratinocytes. Cryogenic transmission electron microscopy evidenced flat discoid nanoparticles. Photon correlation spectroscopy analysis indicated homogeneous dimensional distribution and mean diameter 132±46 nm. X-ray evidenced a lamellar inner structure of lipid nanoparticles. Nanostructured lipid carriers, being based on a heterogeneous solid/ liquid lipid mixture, could better solubilize retinyl palmitate and control its stability. The hyaluronic acid directly added into nanoparticles' dispersion enabled to obtain a shear-thinning gel suitable for cutaneous administration. Retynil palmitate diffusion was slower from the nanoparticulate gel with respect to the plain nanoparticle dispersion. The "wound healing" effect of nanoparticulate gel containing retinyl palmitate and hyaluronic acid, analyzed in HaCaT cells, showed significant differences in wounded areas between treated and control cells during the first 24 h postwounding suggesting a synergic effect of retinyl palmitate and hyaluronic acid in "in vitro" wound healing. This study suggests that a nanoparticle based hyaluronate gel containing retinyl palmitate can be efficiently used for wound healing.


Morphological and molecular variation in tiger beetles of the Cicindela hybrida complex: is an 'integrative taxonomy' possible?
Current taxon assignments at the species level are frequently discordant with DNA-based analyses. Recent studies on tiger beetles in the Cicindela hybrida complex identified discordance between mtDNA patterns and the entities currently defined by the taxonomic literature. To test the accuracy of morphologically delimited groups, five named taxa (species) from 24 representative sampling sites across Europe were scored for 41 external morphological characters. Three of the named taxa were 'diagnosable', that is, defined by between one and three characters unique to each group. Newly sequenced ITS1 and existing mitochondrial cox1 markers established 20 and 22 different haplotypes, respectively, but only cox1 produced (four) diagnosable units. Phylogenetic analysis and statistical parsimony networks showed poor congruence of character variation with the taxonomic entities (and each other). Variation in morphological characters was therefore tested directly for association with DNA-based nesting groups at various hierarchical levels using permutational contingency analysis. Significant statistical associations of 11 (of 13 variable) morphological characters were observed with nesting groups from ITS1 and mitochondrial DNA markers, predominantly at the 4-step level. The analysis demonstrates the need for formal tests of congruence with morphological variation at the level of individual characters, a step that is omitted from recent studies of 'integrative taxonomy'. In addition, statistical correlation of particular morphological characters with DNA-based nesting groups can identify the lowest hierarchical level at which various character sets show congruence, as a means to define evolutionarily separated entities supported by diverse data sources.


Carotid percutaneous angioplasty.
Clinical benefit from treatment of symptomatic severe carotid stenoses has been demonstrated recently. The safety profile of endarterectomy, however, justifies the development of alternative techniques as percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA), at least in mild to moderate stenoses. Early results and follow-up data from our series of 44 carotid stenoses treated by PTA are reviewed in this paper, in comparison with other reports from literature. PTA may be beneficial as a therapy of symptomatic internal carotid stenoses, provided its cost/effectiveness has been evaluated by a valid method.


[Prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy in diabetic patients].
In order to establish the prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, (DM) a cross-sectional study was conducted in these patients studying their anthropometric characteristics, blood pressure and metabolic control. To evaluate the presence of LVH, a trans-thoracic echocardiogram was used. The study included 91 patients, finding a 63.7% prevalence of HVI, with women being more affected than men (p=0.001). Additionally, 46.2% of patients were found to have diastolic dysfunction of the left ventricle. We conclude that there is an important prevalence of LVH in diabetic patients without defined causes of hypertrophy. There was no association with sex, metabolic control, BMI and time of diagnosis.


Occult carcinoma discovered after simple hysterectomy treated with postoperative radiotherapy.
Treatment of patients with occult carcinoma of the cervix discovered after simple hysterectomy is controversial. The purpose of this review is to examine our results with postoperative radiotherapy and to compare them to similar reports and to reports of treatment with radical parametrectomy. Between November 1979 and April:, 18 patients were treated with radiotherapy at the University of Virginia for invasive carcinoma of the cervix discovered after simple hysterectomy. Simple hysterectomy was performed in all 18 patients for a variety of indications. After surgery gross residual carcinoma remained in four patients; and microscopic disease was present at the surgical margins in two patients. The remaining patients had no evidence of residual disease. All 18 patients had postoperative radiotherapy with or without brachytherapy. The endpoints for this study were local control, survival, and treatment-related toxicity. Actuarial rates were calculated using the Life Table method. Median follow-up for all 18 patients was 42 months (range 2-202 months). Both the 5 and the 10-year actuarial local control rates were 88%. Five and 10-year actuarial overall survival rates were both 93%. Two patients had both local and distant cancer recurrences. There were no recurrences among the six patients treated with external beam alone. The remaining patients are all alive without evidence of disease, including two patients who had gross residual disease after surgery, and one patient with both microscopic positive margin and a positive lymph node (the only patient to undergo lymph node sampling). There was no severe acute morbidity and only one patient had severe late morbidity. Invasive carcinoma found after simple hysterectomy may be treated safely and effectively with postoperative radiotherapy. Patients with known residual disease following surgery do poorly with either radiotherapy or reoperation, but treatment with radiotherapy alone may be less morbid. Also, for the treatment of minimal disease external beam radiation to the pelvis appears to be as effective and possibly less morbid than radical reoperation.


[Clinical application of medial leg skin flap for the repair of defects of the extremities].
A total of fifteen medial leg skin flaps with the posterior tibial artery as an axial vessel have been applied successfully to reconstruct extremity defects, such as chronic ulcers, scar contracture, high-voltage electric injuries and hot crush, etc. This skin flap can be elevated as a free flap, or vascular island flap, or cross-leg vascular pedicle flap to resurface the defects on the extremities. It is especially suitable for foot repair because of its long vascular pedicle and wide rotational arc as an island skin flap. The paper describes and discusses the indications, design and operating technique of this flap.


The development and testing of a digital PET phantom for the evaluation of tumor volume segmentation techniques.
Methods for accurate tumor volume segmentation of positron emission tomography (PET) images have been under investigation in recent years partly as a result of the increased use of PET in radiation treatment planning (RTP). None of the developed automated or semiautomated segmentation methods, however, has been shown reliable enough to be regarded as the standard. One reason for this is that there is no source of well characterized and reliable test data for evaluating such techniques. The authors have constructed a digital tumor phantom to address this need. The phantom was created using the Zubal phantom as input to the SimSET software used for PET simulations. Synthetic tumors were placed in the lung of the Zubal phantom to provide the targets for segmentation. The authors concentrated on the lung, since much of the interest to include PET in RTP is for nonsmall cell lung cancer. Several tests were performed on the phantom to ensure its close resemblance to clinical PET scans. The authors measured statistical quantities to compare image intensity distributions from regions-of-interest (ROIs) placed in the liver, the lungs, and tumors in phantom and clinical reconstructions. Using ROIs they also made measurements of autocorrelation functions to ensure the image texture is similar in clinical and phantom data. The authors also compared the intensity profile and appearance of real and simulated uniform activity spheres within uniform background. These measurements, along with visual comparisons of the phantom with clinical scans, indicate that the simulated phantom mimics reality quite well. Finally, they investigate and quantify the relationship between the threshold required to segment a tumor and the inhomogeneity of the tumor's image intensity distribution. The tests and various measurements performed in this study demonstrate how the phantom can offer a reliable way of testing and investigating tumor volume segmentation in PET.


Characteristic features of the nucleotide sequences of yeast mitochondrial ribosomal protein genes as analyzed by computer program GeneMark.
The nucleotide sequence data for yeast mitochondrial ribosomal protein (MRP) genes were analyzed by the computer program GeneMark which predicts the presence of likely genes in sequence data by calculating statistical biases in the appearance of consecutive nucleotides. The program uses a set of standard sequence data for this calculation. We used this program for the analysis of yeast nucleotide sequence data containing MRP genes, hoping to obtain information as to whether they share features in common that are different from other yeast genes. Sequence data sets for ordinary yeast genes and for 27 known MRP genes were used. The MRP genes were nicely predicted as likely genes regardless of the data sets used, whereas other yeast genes were predicted to be likely genes only when the data set for ordinary yeast genes was used. The assembled sequence data for chromosomes II, III, VIII and XI as well as the segmented data for chromosome V were analyzed in a similar manner. In addition to the known MRP genes, eleven ORF's were predicted to be likely MRP genes. Thus, the method seems very powerful in analyzing genes of heterologous origins.


Influence of stability on the acute toxicity of CdSe/ZnS nanocrystals to Daphnia magna.
The acute toxicity of polymer-coated CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) to Daphnia magna was investigated using 48-h exposure studies. The principal objective was to relate the toxicity of QDs to specific physical and chemical aspects of the QD. As such, two different CdSe core diameters, 2 nm QDs (green-emitting) and 5 nm QDs (red-emitting), and two different surface coatings, polyethylene oxide (PEO) and 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUA) were studied. The QDs were characterized before and after the 48-h exposure using fluorescence, ultrafiltrations (3 kDa), and inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) metal analysis. In addition, flow field flow fractionation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (Fl FFF-ICP-MS) was used as a more extensive characterization technique to determine particle size and composition as well as identify other potential constituents in the QD solutions. The more stable QDs (PEO) were found to be less acutely toxic than the QDs with accelerated dissolution (MUA), suggesting QD stability has significant impact on the nanoparticles' short-term toxicity. The emergence of dissolved Cd(2+) in solution indicates that the toxicity of the MUA QDs is likely due to Cd poisoning, and a mass-based dose response occurred as a consequence of this mode of action. Alternatively, the PEO QDs caused acute toxicity without observed particle dissolution (i.e., no detectable metals were solubilized), suggesting an alternative mode of toxic action for these nanoparticles. Results of the present study suggest that using particle number, instead of mass, as a dose metric for the PEO QDs, produces markedly different conclusions, in that smaller core size does not equate to greater toxicity.


Acoustically invisible feeding blue whales in Northern Icelandic waters.
Fixed passive acoustic monitoring can be used for long-term recording of vocalizing cetaceans. Both presence monitoring and animal density estimation requires the call rates and sound source levels of vocalizations produced by single animals. In this study, blue whale calls were recorded using acoustic bio-logging systems in Skjálfandi Bay off Húsavík, Northeast Iceland, in June 2012. An accelerometer was attached to individual whales to monitor diving behavior. During 21 h recording two individuals, 8 h 45 min and 13 h 2 min, respectively, 105 and 104 lunge feeding events and four calls were recorded. All recorded calls were down-sweep calls ranging from 105 to 48 Hz. The sound duration was 1-2 s. The source level was estimated to be between 158 and 169 dB re 1μPa rms, assuming spherical sound propagation from the possible sound source location to the tag. The observed sound production rates and source levels of individual blue whales during feeding were extremely small compared with those observed previously in breeding grounds. The feeding whales were nearly acoustically invisible. The function of calls during feeding remains unknown.


Lysyl oxidase-like 4 (LOXL4) promotes proliferation and metastasis of gastric cancer via FAK/Src pathway.
Lysyl oxidase-like 4 (LOXL4) has been found up-regulated in a variety of human malignancies, but its clinical significance and functional roles in gastric cancer (GC) remain unknown. Lysyl oxidase-like 4 (LOXL4) expression level in tumor tissues and human GC cell lines was evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting and immunohistochemical analyses. Its clinical significance was inferred from the analysis of 379 tissue samples of patients with GC using tissue microarray. The roles of LOXL4 in cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro were analyzed by gene over-expression, RNA interference and recombinant protein. Effects of LOXL4 on regulation of focal adhesion kinase/Src kinase (FAK/Src) pathway were examined by Western blotting. Lysyl oxidase-like 4 (LOXL4) was up-regulated in GC tissues relative to paired non-tumor tissues, and this over-expression was significantly associated with tumor size, depth of tumor invasion, lymph node metastasis, tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stages and poorer overall survival. Over-expression of LOXL4 has promotive effects on GC cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro, consistent with this, LOXL4 knockdown has inhibitive effects on GC cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Furthermore, recombinant human LOXL4 protein also promoted GC cell proliferation and migration. Subsequent mechanistic studies showed that LOXL4 could activate FAK/Src pathway to enhance cell-extracellular matrix adhesion. Taken together, our data reveal that up-regulation of LOXL4 expression is a frequent event in GC progression, contributes to tumor cell proliferation and metastasis, and LOXL4 may be a potential independent prognostic marker and therapeutic target for GC.


[Clinical value of gene diagnosis in breast cancer].
Gene diagnosis has been mainly performed for three purposes, 1) to assess the prophylactic risk from genetic alterations of candidate gene, 2) to confirm the diagnosis from a small volume of cancer cells using polymerase chain reaction method and 3) to understand the biological characteristic of the tumor by assessing genetic instabilities. BRCA1 and BRCA2 are quite important candidate genes in familial breast cancer. Recently, prophylactic mastectomy has been performed for BRCA1/2 carriers in Western countries. Telomerase activity can be a sensitive and definitive analysis for diagnosing certain cancers, and the reverse transcripted polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method can detect a small number of metastatic cancer cells in the axillary lymph node. Furthermore, genetic abnormalities, such as abnormalities in oncogenes or/and tumor suppressor genes and loss of heterozygosity or microsatellite instability, facilitate understanding of the biological characteristics of these tumors. It is necessary for the clinician to understand the significance and usefulness of gene diagnosis.


Electronic nature of carbonium ions and their silicon analogues.
Nonclassical ions or carbonium ions have multi-center bonding from delocalized sigma or pi electrons. The 2-norbornyl cation, its derivative 6,6-difluoro-2-norbornyl cation, tris-homocyclopropenyl cation, 7-norbornenyl cation, and 4-cyclopentenyl cation and their corresponding silicon analogues were studied in this work. All carbocations have topologically different 3c-2e systems. The magnitude of all delocalization indexes between each atomic pair of the 3c-2e bond can be used to predict homoaromaticity. The silicon analogues have a topologically different 3c-2e bond from their corresponding carbocation.


[Diagnostic reliability and economic profitability of 105 mm photography in digestive radiology].
A strict methodology using data-processing programmes was employed to compare diagnostic reliability and economic profitability of 105 mm photography and conventional radiography during 500 radiological examinations of the digestive tract. Films were evaluated twice on two separate occasions to determine correlation with predicted diagnosis and the amount of film exposed during the two investigational methods. Results demonstrated that a reliable diagnosis could be established with 105 mm photography (sensitivity: 97, 4 p. cent; specificity: 90 p. cent; diagnostic precision: 94 p. cent), that it was economically profitable (economy of 1 m2 of sensitized film surface at each examination), and that productivity was improved by the use of this method.


Arginine as an eluent overcomes the hindrance of monoclonal antibody quantification by dextran sulfate in protein A affinity chromatography.
Analytical chromatography using protein A affinity columns was employed for the fast and simple quantitative analysis of monoclonal antibodies (mAb) from suspension cultures of recombinant Chinese hamster ovary (rCHO) cells. Reliable results could not be obtained from analysis of rCHO cell culture supernatants containing dextran sulfate using elution buffers such as phosphate, glycine, or MgCl2 . These problems increased as the number of analysis and the concentration of dextran sulfate in samples increased. Arginine was identified as an alternative eluent to overcome the hindrance by dextran sulfate. When the samples contain dextran sulfate up to 100 mg/L, the elution buffer containing 0.6-1.0 M arginine at pH 3.0-3.8 is useful for the effective analysis. Reproducible results in the mAb quantification could be obtained by this developed arginine elution buffer from rCHO cell culture supernatants containing dextran sulfate.