Incidental pregnancy in trauma patients.
The rate of incidental pregnancy in trauma patients and the incidence of associated fetal mortality, to our knowledge, have not been previously reported. The early diagnosis of pregnancy in trauma patients has become even more difficult because rapid pregnancy screens have been eliminated because of quality control issues. We determined the rate of incidental pregnancy and the sequelae of delayed diagnosis, including fetal radiation exposure and mortality. Data were analyzed retrospectively on all patients in whom pregnancy was diagnosed during a trauma admission during a 4-year period (1995 to 1999). Pregnancy was confirmed by beta-HCG testing and gestational age estimated by an obstetrician by ultrasonography. Pregnancy outcomes were determined by a prospective telephone survey. One hundred fourteen (2.9%) of the 3,976 women (age 15 to 40 years) admitted to the trauma center were found to be pregnant. Thirteen (11.0%) were incidental pregnancies, of which 9 (8.0%) were newly diagnosed. Mean gestational age was significantly lower in the newly diagnosed pregnancies (6.9 versus 20.5 weeks, p < 0.0005). Fetal mortality in this group was significantly higher (100% versus 25%, p < 0.0005). The mean initial radiation exposure of all patients was 4.5 rads. Cumulative radiation exposure exceeded 5 rads in 85% of patients. Trauma patients diagnosed with incidental pregnancy are routinely exposed to doses of radiation exceeding the recommendations of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists. Reinstitution of the rapid pregnancy test should be considered in all female trauma victims of childbearing age. This may promote a reduction in fetal radiation exposure and perhaps influence a portion of the fetal mortality in those patients with newly diagnosed incidental pregnancy.


Strain patterning and direct measurement of Poisson's ratio in nanoparticle monolayer sheets.
Close-packed monolayers self-assembled from ligated nanoparticles can form 10 nm thin sheets that stretch over micrometer-wide holes. Employing electron and focused ion beams, we show that one can locally tailor the strain in such sheets while they remain clamped around their perimeter, making it possible to imprint strain fields by design. Furthermore, using the nanoparticles themselves to track imposed strain gradients allows for the first direct measurement of Poisson's ratio in these two-dimensional materials.


Improved visualization of oxytalan fibers with resorcin fuchsin.
"Oxytalan" fibers in the skin are demonstrated with greater clarity and especially with greater contrast compared with other methods, when the resorcin-fuchsin procedure described by Weigert in 1898 is applied with some modification. The original formulation must be scrupulously maintained but the time of staining is increased. No prior oxidation is necessary with this method.


Transcription factor AP2-Sp and its target genes in malarial sporozoites.
The malarial sporozoite is the stage that infects the liver, and genes expressed in this stage are potential targets for vaccine development. Here, we demonstrate that specific gene expression in this stage is regulated by an AP2-related transcription factor, designated AP2-Sp (APETALA2 in sporozoites), that is expressed from the late oocyst to the salivary gland sporozoite. Disruption of the AP2-Sp gene did not affect parasite replication in the erythrocyte but resulted in loss of sporozoite formation. The electrophoretic mobility-shift assay showed that the DNA-binding domain of AP2-Sp recognizes specific eight-base sequences, beginning with TGCATG, which are present in the proximal promoter region of all known sporozoite-specific genes. Promoter assays demonstrated that these sequences act as cis-acting elements and are critical for the expression of sporozoite-specific genes with different expression profiles. In transgenic parasites that express endogenous AP2-O (APETALA2 in ookinetes), but whose AP2 domain had been swapped with that of AP2-Sp, several target genes of AP2-Sp were induced in the ookinete stage. These results indicate that AP2-Sp is a major transcription factor that regulates gene expression in the sporozoite stage.


Twentieth-Century Sea Surface Temperature Trends
An analysis of historical sea surface temperatures provides evidence for global warming since 1900, in line with land-based analyses of global temperature trends, and also shows that over the same period, the eastern equatorial Pacific cooled and the zonal sea surface temperature gradient strengthened. Recent theoretical studies have predicted such a pattern as a response of the coupled ocean-atmosphere system to an exogenous heating of the tropical atmosphere. This pattern, however, is not reproduced by the complex ocean-atmosphere circulation models currently used to simulate the climatic response to increased greenhouse gases. Its presence is likely to lessen the mean 20th-century global temperature change in model simulations.


Scalability of Visible-Light-Induced Nickel Negishi Reactions: A Combination of Flow Photochemistry, Use of Solid Reagents, and In-Line NMR Monitoring.
The scale up of light-induced nickel-catalyzed Negishi reactions is reported herein, with output rates reaching multigram quantities per hour. This level of throughput is suitable to support preclinical medicinal chemistry programs in late lead optimization, where tens of grams to hundreds of grams of final product is needed. Adjusting reaction times and concentrations was critical in achieving this robust output. This example demonstrates how visible photochemistry and use of solid metal reagent can be used and how the progress of the reaction can be followed by in-line NMR monitoring.


Primary structure and characterization of an Arabidopsis thaliana calnexin-like protein.
A cDNA clone (pTE-83) encoding a protein (CNX1p) related to the microsomal Ca(2+)-binding protein, calnexin, was isolated from an Arabidopsis thaliana expression library. Southern and Northern hybridization indicated that CNX1 is a single-copy gene encoding a message of 1900 nucleotides. The open reading frame encodes a polypeptide with 530 amino acids, a molecular mass of 60.5 kDa, and overall 48% identity to dog calnexin. Both animal calnexin and CNX1p contain a large luminal domain followed by a single potential membrane-spanning domain near the C terminus and a small C-terminal domain exposed to the cytoplasm. The in vitro translation product from the cloned cDNA yielded a polypeptide of 67 kDa that was co-translationally imported into dog microsomes and processed to a 64-kDa product. Antibodies generated against the C-terminal half of the protein cross-react with an identically sized protein present in the microsomal fraction from Arabidopsis. Both the imported and native proteins are cleaved by trypsin to a 59-kDa product indicating that the gene product was indeed correctly processed and translocated into dog microsomes and that the membrane topology of CNX1p resembles that of dog calnexin. The presence of a calnexin-like protein within the plant kingdom indicates that this protein is widespread and involved in processes fundamental to all eukaryotes.


Study on the vibrational energy relaxation of p-nitroaniline, N,N-dimethyl-p-nitroaniline, and azulene by the transient grating method.
The vibrational energy dissipation processes of the electronic ground states of p-nitroaniline and N,N-dimethyl-p-nitroaniline have been studied by transient grating spectroscopy with subpicosecond laser pulses. The rise time of the acoustic signal produced by the energy dissipation process of the hot ground state molecule was monitored. The acoustic signal was analyzed by an equation including the acoustic damping. The solvent temperature rise times in various solvents have been determined. The acoustic signals of azulene in previous papers [Y. Kimura et al., J. Chem. Phys. 123, 054512 (2005); 123, 054513 (2005)] were also reanalyzed using this equation. The temperature rise times in all cases are longer than the vibrational energy relaxation times of the solutes determined by the transient absorption measurements. The difference is discussed in terms of the energy transfer pathways from the solute to the solvent. We concluded that both the hydrogen bonding between the solute and the solvent and the lower frequency modes of the solutes play important roles in determining the energy transfer pathway from the solute to the solvent.


Cognitive and motor reaction times in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: A study based on computerized measures.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) is mainly associated with executive dysfunction. Although delayed reaction times (RTs) in patients with OSAS have been reported, sensitivity of processing speed has not been adequately assessed. This study suggests sensitive and reliable measures to clarify whether different components of information processing speed, i.e. cognitive and motor responses, are equally impaired in OSAS. Thirty-three patients with OSAS were compared with thirty healthy controls. The MoCA test was administered to assess participants' global neuropsychological profile. Cognitive and motor reaction times were measured using a detector panel which allows to distinguish between stimulus encoding, decision processing, and selection of the appropriate motor response. Logistic regression models highlighted both MoCA test and motor RTs as the best predictors differentiating patients from healthy participants. Results support the hypothesis of a slight decline in the cognitive profile of patients with OSAS and identify significant slowing down in the motor component of responses. It could be hypothesized that slower motor responsiveness is the cause of the global cognitive profile of these patients. With aging, motor movements and RTs usually become impaired and hypoxia might accelerate the aging process by compromising first of all the motor component of RTs.


Validation of plantar pressure simulations using finite and discrete element modelling in healthy and diabetic subjects.
Plantar pressure simulation driven by integrated 3D motion capture data, using both a finite element and a discrete element model, is compared for ten healthy and ten diabetic neuropathic subjects. The simulated peak pressure deviated on average between 16.7 and 34.2% from the measured peak pressure. The error in the position of the peak pressure was on average smaller than 4.2 cm. No method was more accurate than the other although statistical differences were found between them. Both techniques are thus complementary and useful tools to better understand the alteration of diabetic foot biomechanics during gait.


Regulation of alloimmune responses by dendritic cell subsets.
Dendritic cells (DCs) are powerful mediators of immune responses. We have demonstrated that the content of plasmacytoid (type 2) dendritic cells (DC2) within allogeneic bone marrow grafts impacts survival and graft-vs-host disease following transplantation. In order to better understand the effect of DC subsets on regulation of immunity, we tested the effect of DC subsets on T cells in a model of indirect antigen presentation to mimic presentation of host-type alloantigen by donor-type DC. Volunteers underwent apheresis without cytokine priming, and DC1, DC2, naïve, and memory T cells were purified by immunomagnetic bead and fluorescein-activated cell sorting. Purified DC1 and DC2 cells were cultured with third-party irradiated blood mononuclear cells and either naïve or memory homologous T cells in mixed lymphocyte reactions. Myeloid (type 1) dendritic cells (DC1) induced significant proliferation of homologous T cells and were more effective in priming naïve T-cell responses than memory T cells responding to alloantigen. DC2 cells induced minimal T-cell proliferation regardless of the T-cell subset used as the responding fraction. Secondary mixed lymphocyte reaction studies demonstrated that DC2 primed T cells remained hyporesponsive even when challenged with a third-party alloantigen. The immunostimulatory effect of DC1 required DC-to-T-cell contact, and induced interleukin-12 secretion, while DC2 cells induced interferon-gamma secretion. Polymerase chain reaction analysis of DC2-primed T cells demonstrated a significant increase in Foxp3 expression, supporting induction of a regulatory T-cell population. DC1 and DC2 cells induced divergent T-cell responses using homologous cells. Better understanding of DC2-mediated T-cell suppression may yield strategies that overcome tumor-specific immune tolerance and regulate graft-vs-host disease.


Topographic representation of the pharyngoesophageal segment during swallowing.
Motility of the pharyngoesophageal segment (PES) was monitored by cineradiography (50 frames a second) during barium swallow and analyzed by a computerized topographic mapping of sagittal wall motion. Through measurement of wall displacement on 20 consecutive levels of the PES, distention, contraction, and peristalsis were studied. Topographic mapping of three patients with normal PES motility, delayed opening of the cricopharyngeus, and incomplete opening of the cricopharyngeus, was performed. These topographic mappings show that "narrowing" at the level of the cricopharyngeus reflects expansion of the hypopharynx and cervical esophagus around the cricopharyngeus, rather than a true narrowing. In addition, analysis of wall motion demonstrated that abnormality of the circopharyngeus is often associated with abnormality of wall motion in the adjoining hypopharynx and cervical esophagus. Thus, topographic mapping of the cricopharyngeus is of value because it enables detailed analysis of wall motion during various pathologic conditions.


[Disturbances in the immune system in stomach polyps].
As a result of the study of immunological status of 49 patients with gastric polyps, the levels of T- and b-lymphocytes in blood were found to be decreased. Dysimmunoglobulinemias were caused by abnormal levels of one, two ro even three immunoglobulins (M, G and A). Skin reaction of time-delayed hypersensitivity was reduced. It is suggested that immune disorders in gastric polyps may provide a source of their malignancy.


HF2: a double-stranded DNA tailed haloarchaeal virus with a mosaic genome.
HF2 is a haloarchaeal virus infecting two Halorubrum species (Family Halobacteriaceae). It is lytic, has a head-and-tail morphology and belongs to the Myoviridae (contractile tails). The linear double-stranded DNA genome was sequenced and found to be 77 670 bp in length, with a mol% G+C of 55.8. A total of 121 likely open reading frames (ORFs) were identified, of which 37 overlapped at start and stop codons. The predicted proteins were usually acidic (average pI of 4.8), and less than about 12% of them had homologues in the sequence databases. Four complete tRNA-like sequences (tRNA-Arg, -Asx, -Pro and -Tyr) and an incomplete tRNA-Thr were detected. A transcription map showed that most of the genome was transcribed and that the synthesis of transcripts occurred in a highly organized and reproducible pattern over a 5 h infection cycle. Transcripts often spanned multiple ORFs, suggesting that viral genes were organized into operons. The predicted ORF and observed transcript directions matched well and showed that transcription is mainly directed inwards from the genome termini, meeting at about 45-48 kb, and this was also a turning point in a cumulative GC-skew plot. The low point in cumulative GC-skew, near the left end, was a region rich in short repeats and lacking ORFs, which is likely to be an origin of replication. The HF2 genome is a mosaic of components from widely different sources, demonstrating clearly that viruses of haloarchaea, like their bacteriophage counterparts, are vectors for the exchange and transmission of genetic material between wide taxonomic distances, even across domains.


Lycopene and other carotenoids inhibit estrogenic activity of 17beta-estradiol and genistein in cancer cells.
Epidemiological evidence suggests that carotenoids prevent several types of cancer, including mammary and endometrial cancers. On the other hand, such studies have also shown that estrogens are the most important risk factors for these cancer types. Genistein, the phytoestrogen mainly found in soy, also shows significant estrogenic activity when tested at concentrations found in human blood. The aim of this study was to determine whether carotenoids inhibit signaling of steroidal estrogen and phytoestrogen which could explain their cancer preventive activity. Similar to the known effect of 17beta-estradiol (E(2)), treatment of breast (T47D and MCF-7) and endometrial (ECC-1) cancer cells with phytoestrogens induced cell proliferation, cell-cycle progression and transactivation of the estrogen response element (ERE). However, each of the tested carotenoids (lycopene, phytoene, phytofluene, and beta-carotene) inhibited cancer cell proliferation induced by either E(2) or genistein. The inhibition of cell growth by lycopene was accompanied by slow down of cell-cycle progression from G1 to S phase. Moreover, the carotenoids inhibited estrogen-induced transactivation of ERE that was mediated by both estrogen receptors (ERs) ERalpha and ERbeta. The possibility that this inhibition results from competition of carotenoid-activated transcription systems on a limited pool of shared coactivators with the ERE transcription system was tested. Although cotransfection of breast and endometrial cancer cells with four different coactivators (SRC-1, SRC-2, SRC-3, and DRIP) strongly stimulated ERE reporter gene activity, it did not oppose the inhibitory effect of carotenoids. These results suggest that dietary carotenoids inhibit estrogen signaling of both 17beta-estradiol and genistein, and attenuate their deleterious effect in hormone-dependent malignancies.


Closure technique after carotid endarterectomy influences local hemodynamics.
Meta-analysis supports patch angioplasty after carotid endarterectomy (CEA); however, studies indicate considerable variation in practice. The hemodynamic effect of a patch is unclear and this study attempted to elucidate this and guide patch width selection. Four groups were selected: healthy volunteers and patients undergoing CEA with primary closure, trimmed patch (5 mm), or 8-mm patch angioplasty. Computer-generated three-dimensional models of carotid bifurcations were produced from transverse ultrasound images recorded at 1-mm intervals. Rapid prototyping generated models for flow visualization studies. Computational fluid dynamic studies were performed for each model and validated by flow visualization. Mean wall shear stress (WSS) and oscillatory shear index (OSI) maps were created for each model using pulsatile inflow at 300 mL/min. WSS of <0.4 Pa and OSI >0.3 were considered pathological, predisposing to accretion of intimal hyperplasia. The resultant WSS and OSI maps were compared. The four groups comprised 8 normal carotid arteries, 6 primary closures, 6 trimmed patches, and seven 8-mm patches. Flow visualization identified flow separation and recirculation at the bifurcation increased with a patch and was related to the patch width. Computational fluid dynamic identified that primary closure had the fewest areas of low WSS or elevated OSI but did have mild common carotid artery stenoses at the proximal arteriotomy that caused turbulence. Trimmed patches had more regions of abnormal WSS and OSI at the bifurcation, but 8-mm patches had the largest areas of deleteriously low WSS and high OSI. Qualitative comparison among the four groups confirmed that incorporation of a patch increased areas of low WSS and high OSI at the bifurcation and that this was related to patch width. Closure technique after CEA influences the hemodynamic profile. Patching does not appear to generate favorable flow dynamics. However, a trimmed 5-mm patch may offer hemodynamic benefits over an 8-mm patch and may be the preferred option.


Medical supervision of high school football in chicago: does inadequate staffing compromise healthcare?
Football has the highest injury rate among high school sports, yet few studies have assessed medical staffing of high school games and practices. To gather information from Chicago public high schools to evaluate medical supervision of varsity football games and practices. Athletic directors of all 77 Chicago public high schools were faxed questionnaires to complete. If questionnaires were not returned, investigators called athletic directors, and the survey was then completed over the telephone and the results tallied. A total of 59 (76.6%) of the surveys were completed by the schools. Of the 47 schools with football programs, 10.6% had a physician on the sideline at games, 8.5% had an athletic trainer present, and 89.4% had a paramedic available. No high school reported having a physician or paramedic present at football practice, and only one school had an athletic trainer available. Hence, in all but one school, coaches were the only staffers available at practice to deal with medical problems. In 89.4% of the schools with football teams, coaches were certified in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Comparison of this study with a similar one done in 1980 reveals that, despite greater recognition of athletic injuries, appropriate medical supervision during games and practices for high school athletes is still lacking. Better care of high school football players may be achieved by the use of certified athletic trainers. In addition, physician involvement may be improved by increasing musculoskeletal training for physicians in medical school and family medicine training.


Characteristics of cancer patients using homeopathy compared with those in conventional care: a cross-sectional study.
There are only few studies on cancer patients who are treated in complementary and alternative medicine clinics and comparing them with patients in conventional care. We will present the comparison of characteristics of two patient cohorts: one was treated in a homeopathic cancer care clinic and one was treated in a conventional oncology care (CC) outpatient clinic. Six-hundred and forty-seven patients were included in this cross-sectional cohort study and had to fill in questionnaires [health-related quality of life (QoL) (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General Scale), depression and anxiety (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), fatigue (Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory) and expectancies toward treatment]. Clinical data were extracted from medical records. This study presents the comparison of both cohorts. Patients in the homeopathy cohort are younger, better educated and more often employed than patients in the CC cohort. The most pronounced differences indicate longer disease histories and different diagnostic and clinical pretreatment variables. Despite the clinical differences, QoL as well as anxiety, depression and fatigue was similar in both the groups. Homeopathic treatment is sought by cancer patients at a different phase during the course of the disease, which has particular implications for research. However, expectancies toward the benefit of the treatment as well as QoL data are similar.


Medical online consultation service regarding maxillofacial surgery.
The University Hospital of Zurich provides a medical online consultation service since 1999. Our aim was to characterise the users of an online consultation with queries regarding maxillofacial surgery, to analyse the content of their questions and to study the actions by the internet doctors with the ambition of defining whether the telemedical consultation is a useful tool in this surgical field. The procedure of inductive category development described by MAYRING was used. A professional text analysis program MAXQDA supported the process of analysis. 204 questions were evaluated. Men sent 37% of the questions, 48% originated by women, mean age was 38 years. Often they asked for information about medical therapies or pharmaceuticals (n=74) and about specific disease or an injury (n=26). The three most common maxillofacial surgery topics were sinusitis (n=21), aphthae in the mouth (n=17) and basal cell carcinoma (n=14). Online consultation is not only understood as a first contact with the healthcare system but also as a centre to get professional further and detailed information and advice after a doctor visit, especially about chronic diseases and infections. Online consultation can complement the traditional healthcare and conventional physician-patient relationship in maxillofacial surgery.


Blood Bank Specimen Mislabeling: A College of American Pathologists Q-Probes Study of 41 333 Blood Bank Specimens in 30 Institutions.
-Incorrectly labeled patient blood specimens create opportunities for laboratory testing personnel to mistake one patient's specimen for a specimen from a different patient. Transfusion of blood that is typed on specimens that are mislabeled can result in acute hemolytic transfusion reactions. -To assess the rates of blood bank ABO typing specimens that are mislabeled and/or contain blood belonging to another patient (so-called wrong blood in tube [WBIT]), and to compare these rates with those determined in a similar study performed in 2007. -Participants enrolled in this College of American Pathologists Q-Probes study for the first quarter of 2015 tallied the number of mislabeled and WBIT ABO blood typing specimens. Outcome measurements were the number of mislabeled and WBIT instances per 1000 specimens. We also evaluated the effects of various practice characteristics, in particular the use of bar coding, on the outcome measurements. -A total of 30 institutions submitting data on 41 333 ABO blood typing specimens recorded aggregate rates of 7.4 instances of mislabeling (306 specimens) and 0.43 instances of WBIT (10 of 23 234) per 1000 specimens submitted. Mislabeling rates were lower in institutions requiring that specimens be labeled with patients' birth dates than those that did not. The rates of specimen mislabeling and WBIT were otherwise unassociated with any of the other practice variables evaluated. -The rates of ABO blood typing specimen mislabeling and WBIT are not statistically different from those determined in a similar study performed in 2007 (P = .94 and P = .10). The use of bar coding was not associated with lower mislabeling (P = .80) or WBIT rates (P = .79).


Clinical and immunologic features of pediatric patients with common variable immunodeficiency and respiratory complications.
Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is the term used to describe a heterogeneous group of B-cell deficiency syndromes characterized by hypogammaglobulinemia, impaired antibody production, and recurrent bacterial infections. To determine the clinical manifestations and perform an immunological analysis of pediatric CVID patients suffering from respiratory complications. The records of 10 patients with CVID who were followed up from 1992 to 2005 (6 males and 4 females) with a median (interquartile range) age of 13.9 (10.4-19.4) years were reviewed. All patients met the standard criteria set for CVID. Median total serum levels of immunoglobulin (Ig) G, IgM, and IgA in mg/dL were 383.5 (239.2-574.5), 32.5 (17.0-117.0), and 12.5 (5.0-30.7), respectively. Median age at the onset of symptoms, at CVID diagnosis, and on starting intravenous Ig therapy was 4.0 (0.8-6.2), 9.4 (6.7-11.3), and 9.1 (7.0-11.6) years, respectively. Associated disorders were recurrent infections (100%), bronchiectasis (90%), and growth failure (80%), whereas malabsorption, malignant neoplasm, inflammatory bowel disease, and autoimmune disorders were less common. All bronchiectatic patients had a low percentage of B cells, with an average of 4% (range, 1%-7%). The characteristic computed tomography finding in patients with CVID was a multilobar pattern. Malignant neoplasm developed an average of 11.5 (range, 6.5-20.2) years after the diagnosis of CVID was made. Recurrent respiratory infection should be evaluated to rule out CVID. Early diagnosis and intravenous Ig replacement therapy may reduce the frequency of respiratory infection. Low levels of serum Ig and percentage of B lymphocytes at diagnosis are important parameters for identifying patients at risk of structural lung damage.


Molecular characterization of a subgroup I geminivirus from a legume in South Africa.
A South African geminivirus for which we propose the name bean yellow dwarf virus (BeYDV) has been isolated from French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris cv. Bonus) showing stunting, chlorosis and leaf curl symptoms. A full-length cloned copy of the viral genome produced characteristic symptoms of the disease when reintroduced into French bean by agroinoculation, and was systemically infectious in Nicotiana benthamiana, N. tabacum, Lycopersicon esculentum, Datura stramonium and Arabidopsis thaliana. BeYDV resembles subgroup I geminiviruses which infect monocotyledonous plants in having a single DNA component, two non-overlapping virion-sense (V1 and V2) and two overlapping complementary-sense (C1 and C2) coding regions, and an intron within the complementary-sense coding regions that is excised to produce a C1C2 fusion protein. It is most closely related to tobacco yellow dwarf virus from Australia, the only subgroup I geminivirus previously known to infect dicotyledonous plants, although it is sufficiently dissimilar (65% nucleotide sequence identity) to be considered a distinct virus.


Bovine leukemia virus infection in a large Holstein herd: prospective comparison of production and reproductive performance in antibody-negative and antibody-positive cows.
Serum samples from lactating cows in a purebred Holstein herd were tested annually (from 1977 to 1980) for antibodies to bovine leukemia virus (BLV), using the agargel immunodiffusion test. Production and reproductive variables were obtained from Dairy Herd Improvement Association records. All milk and fat production values were converted to 3.5% fat-corrected milk (FCM). Variables examined included: FCM, 305-day actual; FCM, 305-day mature-equivalent; FCM, total lactation; FCM per day, 305-day actual; total days milked during lactation; days nonlactating; age at calving; calving interval; days open, and number of times bred. Lactations were stratified from 1 to greater than 5 for comparison of variables. A matched case-control analysis was performed to assess the risk of clinical mastitis in BLV-infected cows. The retention of BLV antibody-negative and antibody-positive cows in the herd was compared. There were no significant trends in the means of production and reproductive variables between BLV antibody-negative and antibody-positive cows. The relative risk of clinical mastitis in BLV antibody-positive cows was 1.3, which was not significant (P greater than 0.05). Survivorship analysis over 3 years demonstrated no significant difference in the retention of BLV antibody-negative and antibody-positive cows in the herd. The BLV-infected cows did not have lower milk production, poorer reproductive efficiency, increased prevalence of mastitis, or lesser longevity in the herd than did noninfected cows.


Detection of Cryptosporidium sp. in non diarrheal faeces from children, in a day care center in the city of São Paulo, Brazil.
The protozoan Cryptosporidium sp. has been frequently detected in faeces from children with persistent diarrhoea. This work achieved to investigate an outbreak of cryptosporidiosis, in a day care center, attending children of high socio-economic level, between 0 and six years old. The outbreak was detected through the network of public health, when stool samples, not diarrhoeic, were examined at the Parasitology Service of the Adolfo Lutz Institute. Among the 64 examined children, 13 (20.3%) showed oocysts of Cryptosporidium sp. in the faeces examined by Kinyoun technique: seven children one year old, three, two years old and three, three years old. Among the 23 examined adults, only a 22 years old woman, possibly having an immunocomprometiment, was positive. Clinical and epidemiological aspects were investigated by questionnaires, highlighting the occurrence of the outbreak in a very dry period.


Innovative introduction to surgery in the preclinical years.
Lack of exposure to surgery in the preclinical years of medical school contributes to students' negative opinions of the field and to low application rates to categorical surgical programs. Forty preclinical medical students attended a series of 16 seminars and practice sessions covering the gamut of surgical specialties and basic technical skills. Students were given a Likert format survey before and after taking the course. Students gave high ratings to course content (4.26/5) and lecturers (4.54/5). Students' confidence in their surgical skills doubled (1.45/5 to 3/5, P < .0001), and their perceived readiness for the surgical clerkship increased by 73% (1.63/5 to 2.82/5, P = .007). The preclinical years offer a promising venue for improving medical student interest and performance in surgery.


Molecular cloning, nucleotide sequencing, and affinity labeling of bovine liver UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase.
A bovine liver cDNA encoding UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase [EC 2.7.7.9], which catalyzes the reversible uridylyl transfer between glucose 1-phosphate and MgUTP, has been cloned by the use of oligonucleotide probes synthesized on the basis of partial amino acid sequences of the enzyme. The cDNA clone contained a 1,689 base-pair insert including the complete message for the subunit polypeptide (508 amino acid residues) of the octameric enzyme. The bovine liver enzyme shows significant sequence similarities with the enzymes from potato tuber and a slime mold, Dictyostelium discoideum, but not with the enzyme from Escherichia coli, or ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylases from rice seed and E. coli. To probe the substrate-binding site in the bovine liver enzyme, the purified enzyme was incubated with an affinity labeling reagent, uridine triphosphopyridoxal, and then reduced with sodium borohydride. The enzyme was inactivated rapidly and irreversibly by the reagent at low concentrations. The inactivation was almost completely retarded by UDP-glucose and MgUTP. Structural analysis of the labeled enzyme revealed that three lysyl residues, Lys291, Lys357, and Lys396, were modified by the reagent. The three lysyl residues are conserved at the corresponding positions in the sequence of the potato tuber enzyme, in which they have catalytically important functions. These results show that the active-site structure of bovine liver UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase is very similar to that of the potato tuber enzyme.


Src and Rac mediate endothelin-1 and lysophosphatidic acid stimulation of the human brain natriuretic peptide promoter.
Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) gene expression accompanies cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. The vasoconstrictor endothelin-1 (ET) may be involved in the development of these diseases. ET has also been shown to activate phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)), and the resulting metabolites are important second messengers. We studied how ET and PLA(2) metabolites regulate BNP gene expression. The human BNP (hBNP) promoter (from -1818 to +100) coupled to a luciferase reporter gene was transferred into neonatal ventricular myocytes (NVMs), and luciferase activity was measured as an index of promoter activity. ET induced BNP mRNA in NVMs as assessed by Northern blot. It also stimulated the hBNP promoter, an effect completely inhibited by actinomycin D. To test the involvement of different PLA(2) isoforms, transfected cells were treated with various PLA(2) inhibitors before stimulation with ET. Only Ca(2+)-independent PLA(2) blockade prevented ET-stimulated hBNP promoter activity. The PLA(2) metabolite lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) also activated the hBNP promoter, but arachidonic acid itself did not. ET regulation of the hBNP promoter is pertussis toxin-sensitive. The nonreceptor tyrosine kinase Src and the small GTPase Rac mediate the effects of both ET and LPA in stimulation of the hBNP promoter. We studied the involvement of cis elements in ET-stimulated hBNP promoter activity. Deletion of BNP promoter sequences from -1818 to -408 and from -408 to -40 reduced the effect of ET by 60% and 80%, respectively. Moreover, ET-stimulated luciferase activity was reduced by 50% when the proximal GATA element was mutated. These data suggest that (1) ET activates the hBNP promoter through a transcriptional mechanism; (2) LPA, perhaps generated by iPLA(2), is involved in the effect of ET; (3) Src and Rac mediate ET and LPA stimulation of the hBNP promoter; and (4) ET regulation of the hBNP promoter targets both distal and proximal cis elements.


[Effects of Rho proteins on the cytoskeleton activity and the growth regulation in tumor cells].
The researches on Rho family proteins have been progressing very fast recently. Rho proteins mainly regulate the reorganization of actin cytoskeleton, thus controlling the cell morphologic changes and the motility. There is a close relationship between Rho proteins and tumors; under the function of regulators and effectors, the activation of Rho proteins can enhance cell motility, induce gene expression in cell cycle progression, and promote the degradation and re-establishment of extracellular matrix. Accordingly, Rho proteins play a crucial role in regulating tumor cells' proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, metastasis and other biological behaviors. Further researches on Rho proteins can help to clarify the mechanism involved in these effects, thus providing a potential evidence in anti-tumor therapy.


Mental health issues related to the development of a national disaster response system.
With the creation of the National Disaster Medical System (NDMS), the federal government has moved to develop a national medical plan for responding to major mass casualty situations resulting from either a civilian disaster which overwhelms state and local resources or an overseas conventional conflict. To date, the mental health aspects of this plan have received little attention. This article discusses the rationale for adding a comprehensive mental health component to NDMS within the context of the complementary needs of disaster survivors and rescuers.


Leukemia Inhibitory Factor Increases Survival of Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes.
Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is a growth factor with pleiotropic biological functions. It has been reported that LIF acts at different stages during mesoderm development. Also, it has been shown that LIF has a cytoprotective effect on neonatal murine cardiomyocytes (CMs) in culture, but little is known about the role of LIF during human cardiogenesis. Thus, we analyzed the effects of LIF on human pluripotent stem cells (PSC) undergoing cardiac differentiation. We first showed that LIF is expressed in the human heart during early development. We found that the addition of LIF within a precise time window during the in vitro differentiation process significantly increased CMs viability. This finding was associated to a decrease in the expression of pro-apoptotic protein Bax, which coincides with a reduction of the apoptotic rate. Therefore, the addition of LIF may represent a promising strategy for increasing CMs survival derived from PSCs.


Nanometer linear focusing of hard x rays by a multilayer Laue lens.
We report on a type of linear zone plate for nanometer-scale focusing of hard x rays, a multilayer Laue lens (MLL), produced by sectioning a multilayer and illuminating it in Laue diffraction geometry. Because of its large optical depth, a MLL spans the diffraction regimes applicable to a thin Fresnel zone plate and a crystal. Coupled wave theory calculations indicate that focusing to 5 nm or smaller with high efficiency should be possible. Partial MLL structures with outermost zone widths as small as 10 nm have been fabricated and tested with 19.5 keV synchrotron radiation. Focal sizes as small as 30 nm with efficiencies up to 44% are measured.


Inherited ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death in German shepherd dogs.
This report describes a unique group of German shepherd dogs with inherited ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death. Before death, these dogs have no evidence of cardiovascular failure. There are few spontaneous animal models of sudden death that permit intensive investigation. To determine the temporal evolution of ventricular arrhythmias and to characterize the syndrome of sudden cardiac death in these dogs, 24-h ambulatory electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring, echocardiograms, electrophysiologic testing and breeding studies were conducted. The 24-h ambulatory ECGs from dogs that died showed frequent ventricular arrhythmias with rapid polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (rates > 480 beats/min). Affected dogs had a window of vulnerability for arrhythmias, with the highest incidence and severity of arrhythmias between 20 to 30 and 40 to 50 weeks of age. Affected dogs that died did not have prolongation of the QT interval over a spectrum of heart rates compared with unaffected dogs. The clinical arrhythmia was not induced in dogs during programmed electrical stimulation. Severely affected dogs monitored > 5 years did not develop any evidence of heart failure or cardiomyopathy, and no histopathologic abnormalities existed. Seventeen dogs died suddenly (age 4 to 30 months) and were either 1) found dead at first observation in the morning (n = 8), 2) observed to die during sleep (n = 4), 3) observed to die while resting after exercise (n = 3), or 4) observed to die during exercise (n = 2). All sudden deaths occurred between the end of September and April, with most (n = 11) during January and February. The cause of the inherited severe ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death in these young German shepherd dogs is still undetermined. A purely arrhythmic disorder is supported by the lack of cardiac pathology. Moreover, the window of vulnerability to ventricular arrhythmias and the age and circumstances of death invite speculation about the role of the autonomic nervous system.


The treatment of femoral neck fractures: results using cephalocervical screws with sliding mechanism.
A new device for the treatment of femoral neck fractures that uses 2 cephalocervical screws in a sliding mechanism allowing linear intraoperative and postoperative compression has been developed. The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the results using this device for the treatment of stable and unstable femoral neck fractures. Between November 2007 and November 2011, 61 consecutive skeletally mature patients with femoral neck fractures were treated with a new cephalocervical screw (Dual SC screw; KISCO DIR Co., Ltd., Kobe). All contactable patients were followed up for a minimum of 16 weeks postoperatively (range 16-123 weeks). Clinical and radiographic examinations were performed at the final evaluation. Healing and return to activities of daily living were used to evaluate outcomes. There were 51 women and 10 men with a mean age of 80.8 years (range, 41-99). The average of surgical time was 33.1 min (21-66 min). One patient died, one was too infirm for follow-up, and eleven could not be located, leaving 48 patients available for final evaluation (78.7%). The overall incidence of nonunion was 10.4%. Fracture nonunion was less common for undisplaced fractures than for displaced fractures (1 of 21 [4.8%] vs. 4 of 27 [14.8%]). The mean amount of collapse of the neck was 5.45 mm (3.92 mm in undisplaced and 6.64 mm in displaced). Radiographic analysis at final evaluation revealed no implant failures. 62.5% of the patients recovered their prefracture status. The Dual SC screw device appears to be a reliable implant for the treatment of femoral neck fractures. Its design contributes to overcome the implant failures such as a medial migration, cut-out, or back-out; besides, the union rate of this implant was considered superior to that of existing systems. If the early shortening of the neck occurs after this surgery, the surgeons should be considered to keep them partially weight bearing or choose a replacement procedure for such patients.


Association between genetic obesity susceptibility and mother-reported eating behaviour in children up to 5 years.
Many genetic polymorphisms identified by genome-wide association studies for adult body mass index (BMI) have been suggested to regulate food intake. The objective was to study the associations between a genetic obesity risk score, appetitive traits, and growth of children up to age 5 years, with a longitudinal design. In 1142 children from the Etude des Déterminants pre et post natals de la santé de l'ENfant (EDEN) birth cohort, a combined obesity risk-allele score (BMI genetic risk score [GRS]) was related to appetitive traits (energy intake up to 12 mo, a single item on appetite from 4 mo to 3 y, a validated appetite score at 5 y) using Poisson regressions with robust standard errors. The potential mediation of appetitive traits on the association between BMI-GRS and growth was assessed by the Sobel test. Children with a high BMI-GRS were more likely to have high energy intake at 1 year and high appetite at 2 and 5 years. High energy intake in infancy and high appetite from 1 year were related to higher subsequent BMI. High 2-year appetite seemed to partially mediate the associations between BMI-GRS and BMI from 2 to 5 years (all P ≤ 0.05). Genetic susceptibility to childhood obesity seems to be partially explained by appetitive traits in infancy, followed by an early childhood rise in BMI.


Anemia in combined antiretroviral treatment-naive HIV-infected patients in China: A retrospective study of prevalence, risk factors, and mortality.
Anemia is one of the most important complications of HIV infection. In China, the prevalence, risk factors, and association between anemia and prognosis in HIV-infected patients are poorly elucidated. We analyzed data from 3452 HIV-infected patients not yet on combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) attending Beijing Ditan Hospital from June, 2003 to December, 2015. The overall prevalence of anemia was 9.8% (7.6% mild, 1.9% moderate, and 0.2% severe anemia). Female sex (odds ratio [OR] = 3.71, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.46-6.51, p = 0.003), age 40-59 years (OR = 2.54, 95% CI: 1.59-4.05, p < 0.001), body mass index < 18.5 kg/m2 (OR = 2.23, 95% CI: 1.31-3.79, p = 0.003), baseline HIV RNA CI: 1.32-5.99, p = 0.007) were risk factors for anemia. Age 40-59 years (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR] = 5.76, 95% CI: 1.62-20.55, p = 0.007), and anemia ‒ mild (AHR = 7.46, 95% CI: 1.48-37.50, p = 0.015), moderate (AHR = 9.89, CI: 1.35-72.38, p = 0.024), and severe (AHR = 28.29, 95% CI: 2.75-290.54, p = 0.005) anemia ‒ were associated with an increased hazard of death. In this cohort, mild anemia was most common. Anemia was associated with female sex, older age, lower body mass index, lower baseline CD4 count, and higher viral load. Moreover, anemia was associated with an increased risk of death. These findings should promote awareness among physicians to make a timely diagnosis of HIV and to help physicians prioritize prevention and intervention strategies for anemia in HIV-infected patients.


Cell mass synthesis and degradation by immobilized Escherichia coli.
Escherichia coli K-12 cells were grown in a confined volume using microporous hollow fiber membranes. The local cell concentrations in the reactors were above 400 g dry mass/L, in excess of the predicted limit based on the specific volume of free cells determined by tracer exclusion. Cell mass synthesis and degradation rates in these reactors were measured using radioisotope labeling with (35)S. Net accumulation of cell material persisted at these high cell densities. The rates of substrate uptake and cell growth were predicted from the theory of reaction and diffusion assuming that kinetics of cell metabolism are identical for free-living and immobilized cells. This theory was tested by comparison of overall rates and by the size of the region in which cell growth occurred, measured by autoradiography. A yield coefficient of 4 +/- 1 mol sulfur/mol glucose was measured, in agreement with the value determined for free-living cells in similar conditions. Cell growth occurs in a thin layer (10-30 microm), at a rate similar to the growth rate for free cells. Volume expansion by the cells as a consequence of proliferation induces convection of cell mass out of the growth region into a region of the reactor filled with starving cells, which then accumulate in the reactor. The combination of mass-balance and spatial distribution measurements made possible by the use of radioisotope labeling enables a direct test for mass transfer limitations, the determination of the intrinsic cell kinetics, and noninvasive measurements of cell growth in immobilized cell reactors.


Visual working memory in early development: a developmental cognitive neuroscience perspective.
In this article, we review the literature on the development of visual working memory (VWM). We focus on two major periods of development, infancy and early childhood. First, we discuss the innovative methods that have been devised to understand how the development of selective attention and perception provide the foundation of VWM abilities. We detail the behavioral and neural data associated with the development of VWM during infancy. Next, we discuss various signatures of development in VWM during early childhood in the context of spatial and featural memory processes. We focus on the developmental transition to more adult-like VWM properties. Finally, we discuss computational frameworks that have explained the complex patterns of behavior observed in VWM tasks from infancy to adulthood and attempt to explain links between measures of infant VWM and childhood VWM.


Targeting the glucagon receptor family for diabetes and obesity therapy.
Diabetes is a debilitating disease characterized by chronic hyperglycemia and is often associated with obesity. With diabetes and obesity incidence on the rise, it is imperative to develop novel therapeutics that will not only lower blood glucose levels, but also combat the associated obesity. The G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) for glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucagon are emerging as targets to treat both hyperglycemia and obesity. GIP is rapidly released from intestinal K-cells following food intake and stimulates glucose-dependent insulin secretion from β-cells and the storage of fat in adipocytes. Both GIP receptor agonists and antagonists have been demonstrated to display therapeutic potential to treat diabetes and obesity. Similar to GIP, GLP-1 is released from intestinal L-cells following food intake and potentiates glucose-dependent insulin secretion from β-cells. In addition, GLP-1 reduces glucagon levels, suppresses gastric emptying and reduces food intake. As such, GLP-1 receptor agonists effectively lower blood glucose levels and reduce weight. Finally, glucagon is released from α-cells and raises blood glucose levels during the fasting state by stimulating gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis in the liver. Thus, molecules that antagonize the glucagon receptor may be used to treat hyperglycemia. Given the structural similarity of these peptides and their receptors, molecules capable of agonizing or antagonizing combinations of these receptors have recently been suggested as even better therapeutics. Here we review the biology of GIP, GLP-1 and glucagon and examine the various therapeutic strategies to activate and antagonize the receptors of these peptides.


Communication between cochlear perilymph and cerebrospinal fluid through the cochlear modiolus visualized after intratympanic administration of Gd-DTPA.
Intratympanic injection of gadolinium diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (Gd-DTPA) has been reported as a procedure to visualize endolymphatic hydrops of Meniere's disease. We frequently noted that cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the internal auditory canal (IAC) was also enhanced after this procedure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate how frequently this occurs and to investigate the specific features of patients who lack this communication. A total of 25 patients with clinically suspected endolymphatic hydrops underwent the procedure. After 24 h, three-dimensional fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (3D-FLAIR) and 3D constructive interference in steady state (3D-CISS) were performed. The presence of contrast enhancement in the CSF space of the fundus of the IAC was evaluated. The contrast ratio between CSF of the IAC fundus and cerebellar white matter on the injected side was 1.49 +/- 0.65, and that of the noninjected side was 0.32 +/- 0.16 (P < 0.01). Enhancement of the CSF space in the IAC fundus was seen in all but two subjects: one had enlarged endolymphatic duct and sac syndrome (EEDS), and the other had cochlear nerve agenesis. In these two patients, the cochlear modiolus seemed to be normal. Intratympanic Gd-DTPA administration can reveal permeability of the modiolus and might facilitate evaluation of functional abnormalities of the modiolus not detected by conventional imaging tests.


Genetic diversity of HLA system in two populations from Puebla, Mexico: Puebla city and rural Puebla.
We studied HLA class I (HLA-A, -B) and class II (HLA-DRB1, -DQB1) alleles by PCR-SSP based typing in 2827 Mexicans from the state of Puebla living in the city of Puebla (N = 1994) and rural communities (N = 833), to obtain information regarding allelic and haplotypic frequencies. We found that the 16 most frequent haplotypes in Puebla are all of them Native American. Admixture estimates revealed that the main genetic components in the state of Puebla are Native American (72.21 ± 1.25% by ML; 63.30% of Native American haplotypes) and European (21.05 ± 1.92% by ML; 23.86% of European haplotypes), and a less prominent African genetic component (6.74 ± 2.20% by ML; 6.20% of African haplotypes).


[Is decreased thyroid echogenity a good indicator of thyroid autoimmune disorder?].
Thyroid gland with mildly decreased or significantly decreased echogenity is indicating possible autoimmune disorder even before first symptoms, i.e. change in laboratory tests measuring the level of thyroid hormones and antibodies to thyroid antigens occur. to consider changes in thyroid gland echogenity suspecting thyroid autoimmune disorder and to determine antibodies to thyroid antigens in the respective type of thyroid echogenity (increased, normal, mildly decreased or significantly decreased) to consider the activity of autoimmune thyropathies related to echogenity and to compare these factors. Echogenity of the thyroid gland was examinated in randomly selected population (n = 1 055, 360 male, 695 female) in 11 regions of the Czech republic, all presented with urinary iodine concentration > 100 microg/L of urine. The echogenity was determined in 4-level scale as increased (1), normal (0), mildly decreased (-1) and significantly decreased (-2). Texture of thyroid was evaluated in 2-level scale as homogenous or non-homogenous. For the evaluation of the relation between echogenity type (1 to -2) and TgAb, and between the type of echogenity and TOPAb frequence analysis (logarithm-linear modules) was used, i.e. the complete module was compared with the measured values. The selected adults (695 female, 360 male) with urinary iodine concentration > 100 microg/L of urine presented with increased echogenity in 2 females (0.28%) and 1 male (0.28%), normal echogenity in 281 females (40.42%) and 206 males (57.22%), mildly decreased echogenity in 288 females (41.43%) and 128 males (35.56%) and significantly decreased echogenity in 124 females (17.84%) and 25 males (6.95%). The biggest group, both in males and in females, presented with normal and mildly decreased echogenity. Homogenous thyroid gland structure was found in 223 females (32.08%) and 220 males (61.11%). Non-homogenous texture was found in 472 females (67.92 %) and 140 males (38.89%). Frequence analysis both in males and in females was focused on: 1. relation between the echogenity (ECHO) and TgAb: in females with positive TgAb (14.23%), significant relation to ECHO can be seen (p < 0,0001), in contradiction to males; 2. relation between the echogenity (ECHO) and TPOAb: this relation is very significant both in males and in females (p < 0.0001); 3. mutual relation between TgAb and TPOAb: both in males and in females very significant (p < 0.0001); positive relation between antibodies can be seen. Positive presence of antibodies can be found less frequent, negative presence of both antibodies is more frequent; 4. relation between the echogenity, TgAb and TPOAb: no statistic significance was found. Homogenous thyroid gland structure was mainly found in males and, on the contrary, non-homogenous structure in females. In 52.7% of adults with significantly decreased echogenity, autoimmune disorder was confirmed in laboratory tests at the same time. With echogenity increasing, TgAb and TPOAb decreased, vice versa. Sonography, evaluating decreased echogenity, can be an early indicator of serious thyropathies before function parameters and clinical symptoms appear. Detected risky adults with sonographic signs of autoimmune disorder have to be monitored and respective treatment considered and started at the very first occurence of positive antibodies even if the function is still normal.


A case study of evolutionary computation of biochemical adaptation.
Simulations of evolution have a long history, but their relation to biology is questioned because of the perceived contingency of evolution. Here we provide an example of a biological process, adaptation, where simulations are argued to approach closer to biology. Adaptation is a common feature of sensory systems, and a plausible component of other biochemical networks because it rescales upstream signals to facilitate downstream processing. We create random gene networks numerically, by linking genes with interactions that model transcription, phosphorylation and protein-protein association. We define a fitness function for adaptation in terms of two functional metrics, and show that any reasonable combination of them will yield the same adaptive networks after repeated rounds of mutation and selection. Convergence to these networks is driven by positive selection and thus fast. There is always a path in parameter space of continuously improving fitness that leads to perfect adaptation, implying that the actual mutation rates we use in the simulation do not bias the results. Our results imply a kinetic view of evolution, i.e., it favors gene networks that can be learned quickly from the random examples supplied by mutation. This formulation allows for deductive predictions of the networks realized in nature.


The tentative pregnancy: then and now.
This paper examines the ways in which prenatal diagnosis changes women's experiences of pregnancy. The paper explores the role of patriarchal ideology in the development and use of prenatal diagnostic technology.


Mitochondrial genome characteristics of two Sphingidae insects (Psilogramma increta and Macroglossum stellatarum) and implications for their phylogeny.
In this study, complete mitogenomes of P. increta and M. stellatarum (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae) were sequenced and compared with other Sphingidae species. The mitogenomes containing 37 genes and a AT rich region are circular molecules with 15,252 and 15,290 base pairs in length respectively. Except cox1 all 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs) are initiated by ATN codons. Most of PCGs terminate with TAA except nad5 and cox1 in P. increta and nad5 and cox2 in M. stellatarum. Ile and Leu2 are the most frequently used codon families in both species and codons CGC, CCG, TCG and ACG are absent in P. increta while in M. stellatarum CGC, CCG, CTG, AGG are absent. All the tRNA genes could be folded into the typical cloverleaf secondary structure except the trnS1 of P. increta which lost dihydrouridine (DHU) stem. The AT-rich region of both insects includes the motif ATAGA followed by a 18-19bp polyT stretch and 2-3 short tandem repeats (STRs) of TA, and a poly-A element. Phylogenetic analyses showed that the phylogenetic relationships are (((Sphinx morio+Manduca sexta)+(P. increta+Notonagemia analis scribae))+(Agrius convolvuli)+(M. stellatarum+(Ampelophaga rubiginosa+Daphnis nerii)).


Antiviral treatment of cytomegalovirus infection: an update.
This editorial summarizes recent developments in the management of ganciclovir-resistant human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infections. All current drugs available for systemic treatment, including ganciclovir (GCV), valganciclovir, foscarnet and cidofovir, target the viral polymerase. However, all such compounds are hampered by dose-related toxicities and the emergence of resistance. Different approaches (e.g., PCR-based direct sequencing, pyrosequencing, mass spectrometry-based comparative sequencing) allow the fast detection of resistant HCMV and are well suited to therapy monitoring. However, more studies are required on the dynamic of mixed HCMV populations under drug pressure. Alternate antiviral compounds with new mechanisms of action, such as artesunate, leflunomid, letermovir and maribavir, are now being investigated in clinical studies. An advantage of some of the new substances is lesser toxicity issues, which might lead to new prophylactic and treatment strategies.


Prolonged depression of serum zinc concentrations in children following post-measles diarrhoea.
Serum zinc levels were measured in three groups of children aged 6 months to 6 years. In group I, there were 25 children with diarrhoea, who had a history of measles within the 2 weeks preceding the zinc level tests (post-measles diarrhoea); in group II there were 17 children who had diarrhoea only; and in group III there were 20 children who were apparently healthy and had neither diarrhoea nor measles (controls). Serum zinc concentrations of less than 5 mumol/l were observed in 5 out of 16 children in group I, but none of the children in group II had such low levels. The serum zinc level in group II rose significantly during the recovery stage compared to the acute stage (P less than 0.01). Children with post-measles diarrhoea showed a continued and prolonged depression of serum zinc levels.


Hemochromatosis associated with endothelial dysfunction: evidence for the role of iron stores in early atherogenesis.
Impaired endothelium-dependent, flow-mediated dilatation of the brachial artery was observed in a 50-year-old premenopausal female non-smoker with idiopathic hemochromatosis. Endothelial dysfunction observed in this patient supports a relationship between body iron stores and early atherosclerotic process.


Study of the apoptotic effect of urine as a diagnostic biomarker in patients with interstitial cystitis.
The main objective of the study was to assess the apoptotic effect of urine from patients with interstitial cystitis (IC) in cell cultures and to study its value as a diagnostic biomarker for IC. A prospective study was conducted between January 2010 and January 2015 and included 57 patients diagnosed with IC and 50 healthy patients from the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona and the La Paz University Hospital. The urine of these patients was exposed to cell cultures, and its ability to induce apoptosis in the cultures was analysed. Using flow cytometry, we then measured the degree of apoptosis, quantified by the percentage of cells of the cell cycle in phase sub G0. The cell cultures exposed to the urine of patients with IC had a sub G1 peak and a G2 phase, which was significantly greater than that of the control group, and a significantly lower percentage in the S phase than the control group. The mean apoptosis values in the urine cultures from patients with IC were significantly higher than those of the control group. Using a value >10% of the apoptosis test as a positive result, we observed a specificity of 96% and a positive predictive value of 92%. The urine of patients with IC exerts an apoptotic effect on tumour cell cultures that is significantly greater than that exerted by the urine of healthy control patients. A≥10% cutoff for the apoptosis test presented very low sensitivity (40%) but had a very high specificity (96%), thereby able to confirm the diagnosis of IC when positive.


[Neonatal surgery: experience of a neonatal obstetrical and surgical unit].
A prospective and retrospective study of the consequences of neonatal surgery started recently in a neonatal intensive care unit. After a prenatal diagnosis of a surgical malformation has been established, the importance of a meeting with parents, neonatologists and surgeons is stressed. The relationships between the family and the neonatal team were good, although sometimes the surgeons seemed to be "forgotten". The infant's pain was usually prevented. Infants were actively managed before surgery and after surgery their rhythms were better respected.


Alterations in plasma membrane lipid organization during lymphocyte differentiation.
The fluorescent probe merocyanine 540, which binds preferentially to bilayers in which the lipids are loosely packed, was used to investigate changes in the organization of the lipids of the lymphocyte plasma membrane during primary and secondary lymphopoiesis. When mouse thymocytes were incubated with the dye, most immature cells stained, while most mature cells, about to enter the peripheral circulation, did not. Similarly, mature lymphocytes from both mouse and human peripheral blood did not stain, but these same cells did when activated by in vitro mitogenic stimulation. Freshly isolated splenic lymphocytes, presumably activated in vivo by antigen, also bound merocyanine 540, but after 48 hours of culture in the absence of stimulus they displayed only a low affinity for the dye, a phenotype that reverted to a high affinity upon mitogenic stimulation. These results suggest that changes in the organization of the lipids of the plasma membrane take place during lymphocyte differentiation: viz., immature cells possess a disordered membrane that becomes increasingly ordered as the cells mature and enter the peripheral circulation; then, upon antigen-induced differentiation, the plasma membrane again becomes disordered. These lipid organization changes are discussed in the context of their possible role in the regulation of lymphocyte circulation via intercellular interactions between lymphocytes and cells of the reticuloendothelial system.


Legal sequelae of occupational back injuries: a longitudinal analysis of Missouri judicial records.
Telephone survey and longitudinal analysis of judicial database for cohort of worker's compensation (WC) claimants in Missouri. To compare legal difficulties experienced by African American and white WC claimants presettlement versus postsettlement. Retrospective studies suggest that workers with occupational back injuries experience financial and personal duress after claim settlement. This study examined these issues by comparing financial and domestic court actions for the 5-year presettlement against 5-year postsettlement. Sociodemographic differences also were examined. Missouri judicial records were reviewed for African American (n = 580) and non-Hispanic white (n = 892) WC claimants to determine the frequency with which four types of cases occurred: general financial, domestic financial, residence financial, and domestic behavior. Average annual level of judicial activity during the 5 years before claim settlement was compared to activity for each of five postsettlement years; significance of change was evaluated with univariate and multivariate repeated measures analyses. Statistically significant (P < 0.001) postsettlement increases in legal cases were noted for each of the four categories of cases. There were significant interactions between race and time for general financial and domestic financial cases. A significant interaction between age and time occurred for general financial cases. Significant three-way interactions (race × income change × time) emerged for general and domestic financial cases. The results confirm that workers with occupational back injuries, especially African American and younger adults, encounter long-term financial and domestic duress that appears to escalate with each passing year after claim settlement. This pattern suggests that short-term studies underestimate postsettlement difficulties, particularly among selected demographic cohorts.


Antibody inhibition of HeLa cell invasion by Yersinia enterocolitica.
Antisera were prepared in rabbits against formalized and heat-killed bacteria of Yersinia enterocolitica serotype O:5,27 and against formalized bacteria of serotype O:8. Both strains used for immunization demonstrated adhesion to and invasion of HeLa cells. Coating of the bacteria with antibody did not greatly alter adhesion (i.e., extracellular attachment) to HeLa cells; however, antibody against formalized bacteria of both serotypes inhibited HeLa cell invasion by the homologous and heterologous strains. The Fab fragments from purified immunoglobulins also demonstrated cross-reacting inhibition of HeLa cell invasion. Antibody against heat-killed bacteria of serotype O:5,27 had no inhibitory activity. Adsorption of the antiserum against formalized bacteria of serotype O:5,27 with lipopolysaccharide from the homologous strain removed anti-lipopolysaccharide antibody but did not remove the inhibitory activity. The antiserum against formalized bacteria of serotype O:8 showed no antibody against lipopolysaccharide from serotype O:5,27 and no agglutinins against heat-killed bacteria of this strain. From these results, it is tentatively suggested that protein structures are important in mediating epithelial cell invasion by Y. enterocolitica.


Novel synthetic molecules targeting the bacterial RNA polymerase assembly.
Despite extensive functional screening of the bacterial RNA polymerase (RNAP) over the past years, very few novel inhibitors have been reported. We have, therefore, decided to screen with a radically different, non-enzymic, protein-protein interaction assay. Our target is the highly conserved RNAP-sigma interaction that is essential for transcription. Small molecule inhibitors of the RNAP-sigma interaction were tested for their activity on transcription and on bacteria. These compounds have antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria including multiresistant clinical isolates. This is, to our knowledge, the first example of a small molecule inhibitor of this interaction.


Effect of acute and chronic 17 beta-estradiol treatment on serotonin and 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid content of discrete brain nuclei of ovariectomized rat.
Increased serotonin content of the dorsal raphe nucleus and of the substantia nigra were seen following acute (12 h or 24 h) administration of 17 beta-estradiol to ovariectomized rats. No changes were seen in numerous other nuclei of forebrain or hindbrain, and no changes occurred during chronic (1 month) estradiol administration. Changes in the concentration of the major serotonin metabolite, 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid, paralleled those of serotonin. These results show that, under precisely defined conditions and in specific locations only, estradiol can modulate serotonergic neuronal systems.


Immunoglobulin production stimulating factor-II alpha (IPSF-II alpha) is glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase like protein.
Amino acid sequence of the 36 KD protein which is the active subunit of immunoglobulin production stimulating factor-II alpha (IPSF-II alpha) derived from Burkitt's lymphoma Namalwa cells was analyzed for the 20 amino acids from N-terminus. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of this protein coincided very closely with glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPD; EC 1.2.1.12) derived from various origins. Especially, it was completely homologous with that of human liver GPD. Several GPD's derived from human erythrocyte, rabbit muscle and Bacillus stearothermophilus also stimulated IgM production of hybridomas, as well as IPSF-II alpha. Conversely, IPSF-II alpha had GPD enzymic activity as strong as rabbit muscle and B. stearothermophilus, and stronger than human erythrocyte GPD. These results suggested that 36 KD subunit of IPSF-II alpha was a GPD, or GPD like protein. The level of mRNA for IgM was not enhanced by IPSF-II alpha in hybridoma cells, though the IgM productivity of the cell was remarkably stimulated by the protein, indicating that IPSF-II alpha does not stimulate immunoglobulin production by enhancement of transcription.


Natural allelic variants of bovine ATP-binding cassette transporter ABCG2: increased activity of the Ser581 variant and development of tools for the discovery of new ABCG2 inhibitors.
ATP-binding cassette transporter ABCG2 [breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP)] is a member of the ABC transporter superfamily that actively extrudes xenotoxins from cells and is a major determinant of the bioavailability of many compounds. ABCG2 expression is strongly induced during lactation in the mammary gland and is related to the active secretion of drugs into the milk. The presence of drug residues and environmental pollutants in milk is an outstanding problem for human milk consumption and milk industrial processes, involving important risks to public health and the dairy industry. In cows, a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in this protein has been described previously (Tyr581) and is associated with higher fat and protein percentages and lower milk yield. However, whether this amino acid substitution affects ABCG2-mediated drug transport in cows, including milk secretion, required further exploration. We cloned the two variants of bovine ABCG2 and evaluated the effect of this SNP on mitoxantrone accumulation assays performed in ovine primary fibroblasts transiently expressing either of the variants. It is interesting to note that statistically significant differences in activity between both variants were observed, and the Ser581 variant was related with an increased efflux activity. In addition, we demonstrated that genistein is a very good inhibitor of bovine ABCG2 and identified new inhibitors of the transporter, such as the macrocyclic lactones, ivermectin, and selamectin. Moreover, the inhibitory effect of these compounds on human and murine ABCG2 homologs was confirmed using transduced Marbin-Dabin canine kidney II cells. These findings may have important implications regarding the presence of drug residues in milk and drug interactions affecting the pharmacological behavior of ABCG2 substrates.


Effects of elevated CO(2) and nitrogen on the synchrony of shoot and root growth in ponderosa pine.
We monitored effects of elevated CO(2) and N fertilization on shoot and fine root growth of Pinus ponderosa Dougl. ex P. Laws. and C. Laws. grown in native soil in open-top field-exposure chambers at Placerville, CA, over a 2-year period. The experimental design was a replicated 3 x 3 factorial with the center treatment missing; plants were exposed to ambient (~365 micro mol mol(-1)) air or ambient air plus either 175 or 350 micro mol mol(-1) CO(2) in combination with one of three rates of N addition (0, 100 or 200 kg ha(-1) year(-1)). All CO(2) by N interactions were nonsignificant. Both the CO(2) and N treatments increased plant height, stem diameter and leaf area index (LAI). Elevated CO(2) increased fine root area density and the occurrence of mycorrhizae, whereas N fertilization increased coarse root area density but had no effect on fine root area density. Spring flushes of shoot height and diameter growth were initiated concurrently with the increase in new root area density but height and diameter growth reached their maxima before that of fine roots. The temporal patterns of root and shoot growth were not altered by providing additional CO(2) or N. Greatest root loss occurred in the summer, immediately following the period of greatest new fine root growth. Elevated N initially reduced the fine root area density/LAI ratio independently of CO(2) treatment, indicating that the relationship between fine roots and needles was not changed by CO(2) exposure.


C1galt1-deficient mice exhibit thrombocytopenia due to abnormal terminal differentiation of megakaryocytes.
C1galt1 is essential for synthesis of the core 1 structure of mucin-type O-glycans. To clarify the physiological role of O-glycans in adult hematopoiesis, we exploited the interferon-inducible Mx1-Cre transgene to conditionally ablate the C1galt(flox) allele (Mx1-C1). Mx1-C1 mice exhibit severe thrombocytopenia, giant platelets, and prolonged bleeding times. Both the number and DNA ploidy of megakaryocytes in Mx1-C1 bone marrow were similar to those in wild-type (WT) mice. However, there were few proplatelets in Mx1-C1 primary megakaryocytes. Conversely, bone marrow transplanted from Mx1-C1 to WT and splenectomized Mx1-C1 mice gave rise to observations similar to those described above. The expression of GPIbα messenger RNA was unchanged in Mx1-C1 bone marrow, whereas flow cytometric and western blot analyses using megakaryocytes and platelets revealed that the expression of GPIbα protein was significantly reduced in Mx1-C1 mice. Moreover, circulating Mx1-C1 platelets exhibited an increase in the number of microtubule coils, despite normal levels of α- and β-tubulin. Our observations suggest that O-glycan is required for terminal megakaryocyte differentiation and platelet production and that the decrease in GPIbα in cells lacking O-glycan might be caused by increased proteolysis.


The true identity of Neoneura bilinearis Selys, 1860, with the synonymy of N. gaida Rácenis, 1953, and the description of N. confundens sp. nov. (Odonata: Protoneuridae).
Study of rough notes and sketches made by D.C. Geijskes in 1972 and the recently found original drawings by E. de Selys Longchamps done in 1884 from the male syntype of Neoneura bilinearis Selys, 1860, shows the syntype male and female (now lost for several decades) of N. bilinearis refer to the same species later described as Neoneura gaida Rácenis, 1953. Therefore N. gaida is considered a junior synonym of N. bilinearis Selys, 1860. A neotype is chosen for the true N. bilinearis (neotype ?, Suriname, Kabalebo, 15 viii 1965, in RMNH). N. bilinearis sensu Williamson (1917) is redescribed as Neoneura confundens sp. nov. (holotype ?, Suriname, Jodensavanna, Koela-kreek, 13 ii 1946, in RMNH). N. confundens has a wide distribution in South America north of the Tropic of Capricorn, but it is lacking from the central and lower Amazon. It occurs in several color morphs and also varies in male appendage, genital ligula, and female pronotum morphology.


[Masked depression].
Depressive disorders which masked by somatic symptoms is called masked depression. Masked depression is not a specific type of depression, but the general practitioners often misdiagnose it, because patients complain only somatic symptoms and most practitioners are not aware of it belongs to depression. Usually masked depression is mild, but is apt to chronic, and some patients become worse and might attempt suicide. The cause of depression is still obscure, but according to the results of many somatic tests, somatic findings are important. And differential diagnosis is also important. Concerning the treatment of mild depression, the patients dislike usual antidepressants because of the side effects. Then the author recommend to use a small dose of the drugs and some oriental herbal medicines. Oriental herbal medicines have fewer side effects, and effective for vegetative symptoms.


Poststroke depression and its role in rehabilitation of inpatients.
To identify the prevalence of poststroke depression (PSD) in a population of patients admitted for rehabilitation of neurologic sequelae of their first stroke, to recognize reliable prognostic factors associated with the occurrence of PSD, and to evaluate the impact of PSD on the results of rehabilitation treatment. In a prospective study of 470 of 508 consecutive patients admitted to a rehabilitation hospital for sequelae of their first stroke, the relation between 23 independent variables and the development of depression was assessed by using a logistic regression analysis (forward stepwise). In addition, the impact of PSD on basal disability and on rehabilitation results was assessed by multiple measures (length of stay, efficiency, effectiveness, and percent of low responders on activities of daily living [ADL] and mobility). PSD occurred in 129 patients (27.4%). Being female and having more than 8 years of schooling were associated with a higher probability of developing depression (odds ratio [OR] = 1.94, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.27-2.96, and OR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.04-2.48, respectively). No association was found with site or side of cerebral lesion. In a logistic model, depression was a significant independent predictor (OR = 1.99, 95% CI = 1.14-3.46) of low response on ADL in spite of treatment. PSD occurs especially in female patients and in patients with a high level of education and, even if treated, may affect rehabilitation results. No association was found between brain lesion location and PSD.


Evaluation of the Kejian KJ-8000 bilirubinometer in an Australian setting.
To evaluate the accuracy of the Kejian 8000 (KJ-8000) transcutaneous bilirubinometer in infants of differing ethnicity and gestational age. This was a prospective study of infants in the Newborn Care Unit at Gold Coast University Hospital. Transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) and serum bilirubin (SBR) results were compared using linear regression and a Bland-Altman plot. Predicted indices were calculated to assess the KJ-8000 as a screening tool using local jaundice management guidelines. A total of 416 paired samples were collected from 201 infants. There was a strong correlation between TcB and SBR with a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.8 (<0.00001). The bias was -5.9 μmol/L (95% confidence interval: -101, 89). The bias was not evenly spread, with the KJ-8000 tending to underestimate at higher SBR levels. Infants <32 weeks' gestation had a poor correlation of 0.48. Non-Caucasian infants were more likely to have TcB overestimation, and measurements were less precise. As a screening tool using local guidelines, the KJ-8000 had a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of 83, 53, 20 and 96%, respectively, and is predicted to avoid blood tests in 48% of infants screened. In this study, the correlation and agreement of TcB measurements using the KJ-8000 were not as good as has been reported with other more studied devices but may still have value as a screening tool. The poor correlation in preterm infants suggests that use should be restricted to term infants. The overall results of this study are affected by an underrepresentation of term infants, and so, further clinical assessment of this device should be undertaken before it can be recommended for widespread use.


Examining tumor control and toxicity after stereotactic body radiotherapy in locally recurrent previously irradiated head and neck cancers: implications of treatment duration and tumor volume.
Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) has been studied in locally recurrent previously-irradiated head and neck cancers; however, the optimum fractionation and patient selection continues to be defined. Patients (n = 132) with locally recurrent head and neck cancer salvaged via SBRT ± cetuximab (median, 44 Gy/5 fractions) from November 2004 to May 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. Disease outcomes and toxicity were analyzed by predictive factors including treatment duration and tumor volume. At a median 6-month follow-up (range, 0-55 months), treatment duration <14 days was associated with significantly improved recurrence-free survival (RFS) at the expense of increased late toxicity (p = .029). Tumor volume >25 cc remained a significant predictor of inferior survival and tumor control, and was associated with significantly more acute toxicity (p = .017) but no difference in late toxicity. SBRT ± cetuximab achieves promising tumor control and survival with low rates of acute/late toxicity even for recurrences >25 cc. Prolongations in treatment time may decrease late toxicity at the expense of disease control.


Embryonic stem cell derived germ cells induce spermatogenesis after transplantation into the testes of an adult mouse azoospermia model.
The present study aimed to: (i) identify the exogenous factors that allow in vitro differentiation of mouse spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) from embryonic stem cells (ESCs); (ii) evaluate the effects of Sertoli cells in SSC enrichment; and (iii) assess the success of transplantation using in vitro differentiated SSCs in a mouse busulfan-treated azoospermia model. A 1-day-old embryoid body (EB) received 5 ng/ml of bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) for 4 days, 3 µM retinoic acid (RA) in a SIM mouse embryo-derived thioguanine and ouabain resistant (STO) co-culture system for 7 days, and was subsequently co-cultured for 2 days with Sertoli cells in the presence or absence of a leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and RA composition, and in the presence of these factors in simple culture medium. Higher viability, proliferation and germ cell gene expression were seen in the presence of the LIF, bFGF and RA composition, on top of Sertoli cells. Immunocytochemistry results showed higher CDH1 expression in this group. Sertoli co-culture had no effects on SSC proliferation. Eight weeks after transplantation, injected cells were observed at the base of the seminiferous tubules and in the recipient testes. The number of spermatogonia and the mass of the testes were higher in transplanted testes relative to the control group. It seems that transplantation of these cells can be useful in infertility treatment.


Nodes of Ranvier in skin biopsies of patients with diabetes mellitus.
Paranodal demyelination has been discussed as a potential mechanism of nerve fiber damage in diabetic neuropathy (DNP). Studies on human tissue are limited, as nerve biopsies are invasive and only rarely performed in patients with confirmed DNP. Skin biopsy has recently been suggested as a tool to analyze paranodal and nodal changes of myelinated fibers. We analyzed the myelinated fibers of skin biopsies of 35 patients with DNP, 17 patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) without neuropathy, and 30 normal controls. Immunofluorescence of skin sections with antibodies against Caspr, neurofascin, sodium channels, and myelin basic protein was performed to assess paranodal/nodal architecture, segmental demyelination, and myelinated nerve fibers. Staining with antibodies against protein gene product 9.5 was used to quantify unmyelinated nerve fibers. There was an increase of elongated Ranvier nodes and a dispersion of neurofascin at the distal leg in patients with DM with and without neuropathy and at the finger in patients with DNP. An increased dispersion of Caspr was only found in biopsies of the finger in patients with DNP. Skin biopsy may be an appropriate tool to analyze nodes of Ranvier in patients with DM. Structural nodal changes are detectable in DNP and even in diabetic patients without neuropathy.


Compassionate leadership counts.
Sam Foster, Chief Nurse at Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, discusses how attitudes to leadership styles have changed and reflects on the role of compassionare leadership in improving care.


92-kDa type IV collagenase and TIMP-3, but not 72-kDa type IV collagenase or TIMP-1 or TIMP-2, are highly expressed during mouse embryo implantation.
Expression of 72 kDa and 92 kDa type IV collagenases and the metalloproteinase inhibitors TIMPs 1, 2, and 3 was studied by in situ hybridization in implanting mouse embryos of days 5.5 to 7.5. The 92 kDa type IV collagenase was strongly expressed in invading trophoblasts, signals above background not being observed in the embryonic proper or placental tissue. In contrast, signals above background were not seen for the 72 kDa enzyme in any cells of the implantation region, including trophoblasts and stromal cells of the decidual tissue. Only cells in the mucosal stroma outside the decidual region displayed some expression. TIMP-3 was intensily expressed in maternal cells in the area surrounding the invading embryonic tissue. No expression was observed for TIMP-1 or TIMP-2 in the embryo proper, trophoblasts, or the area of the uterine decidual reaction. Weak signals appeared for TIMP-1 only in the circular layer of myometrial smooth muscle and in some uterine stroma cells distant from the site of embryo implantation. The results suggest a central role for 92 kDa type IV collagenase and TIMP-3 in the extracellular proteolysis associated with implantation of the early embryo.


Functional properties of select edible oilseed proteins.
Borate saline buffer (0.1 M, pH 8.45) solubilized proteins from almond, Brazil nut, cashew nut, hazelnut, macadamia, pine nut, pistachio, Spanish peanut, Virginia peanut, and soybean seeds were prepared from the corresponding defatted flour. The yield was in the range from 10.6% (macadamia) to 27.4% (almond). The protein content, on a dry weight basis, of the lyophilized preparations ranged from 69.23% (pine nut) to 94.80% (soybean). Isolated proteins from Brazil nut had the lightest and hazelnut the darkest color. Isolated proteins exhibited good solubility in aqueous media. Foaming capacity (<40% overrun) and stability (<1 h) of the isolated proteins were poor to fair. Almond proteins had the highest viscosity among the tested proteins. Oil-holding capacity of the isolated proteins ranged from 2.8 (macadamia) to 7 (soybean) g of oil/g of protein. Least gelation concentrations (% w/v) for almond, Brazil nut, cashew, hazelnut, macadamia, pine nut, pistachio, Spanish peanut, Virginia peanut, and soybean were, respectively, 6, 8, 8, 12, 20, 12, 10, 14, 14, and 16.


Ionic-liquid-functionalized magnetic particles as an adsorbent for the magnetic SPE of sulfonylurea herbicides in environmental water samples.
In this paper, a new ionic-liquid-functionalized magnetic material was prepared based on the immobilization of an ionic liquid on silica magnetic particles that could be successfully used as an adsorbent for the magnetic SPE of five sulfonylurea herbicides (bensulfuron-methyl, prosulfuron, pyrazosulfuron-ethyl, chlorimuron-ethyl and triflusulfuron-methyl) from environmental water samples. The main parameters affecting the extraction efficiency such as desorption conditions, sample pH, extraction time and so on, were optimized using the Taguchi method. Good linearities were obtained with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.9992 to 0.9999 in the concentration range of 0.1-50 μg L(-1) and the LODs were 0.053-0.091 μg L(-1). Under the optimum conditions, the enrichment factors of the method were 1155-1380 and the recoveries ranged from 77.8 to 104.4%. The proposed method was reliable and could be applied to the residue analysis of sulfonylurea herbicides in environmental water samples (tap, reservoir and river).


A 1H NMR determination of the solution conformation of a synthetic peptide analogue of calcium-binding site III of rabbit skeletal troponin C.
NMR techniques have been used to determine the structure in solution of acetyl (Asp 105) skeletal troponin C (103-115) amide, one of a series of synthetic peptide analogues of calcium-binding site III of rabbit skeletal troponin C [Marsden et al. (1988) Biochemistry 27, 4198-4206]. The NMR measurements include 1H-1H nuclear Overhauser enhancements and gadolinium-induced 1H relaxation measurements. The former yield short-range internuclear distances (less than 4 A); the latter, once properly corrected for chemical exchange, yield longer range metal to proton distances (5-10 A). These measurements were then used as pseudo potential energy restraints in energy minimization and molecular dynamics calculations to determine the solution structure. Further information was provided by NMR coupling constants, amide proton exchange rates, and the temperature dependences of amide proton chemical shifts. The solution structure of the peptide analogue is very similar to that of the calcium-binding loop in the protein, the root-mean-square deviation between the backbone atoms being approximately 1.1 A.


Modern trends in surgical correction of arterial stenosis of transplanted kidney.
In 17 patients at different time after transplantation of the allogenic kidney, artery stenosis of the transplant accompanied by gross hypertension and deterioration of renal function was registered. To diagnose the pathology isotope renography with I131 hippuran, rheography of the transplant, thermometry, thermography and selective angiography were used. Five patients were operated on. They successfully underwent different reconstructive procedures on the affected renal artery of the transplant. As a result arterial pressure returned to normal in all the patients and the transplant's function improved. Four patients underwent balloon dilatation of the stenosed renal artery. The effect was temporary.


The Roper, Logan and Tierney (1996) model: perceptions and operationalization of the model in psychiatric nursing within a health board in Ireland.
This study aimed to determine whether the Roper, Logan & Tierney model was an appropriate model for planning nursing care for clients who are mentally ill. Data were collected from two sources in one Health Board region in Ireland. A care plan audit was used to evaluate the extent to which the Roper, Logan & Tierney model was used to assess, plan and evaluate nursing care in nursing documentation. Qualitative interviews with nurses explored their experiences of using the model and their perceptions of the model's usefulness and appropriateness for planning care. Both data sets were complementary, the qualitative data often providing contextual information which helped put the findings into perspective. It was found that there was little evidence that the Roper, Logan and Tierney model guided care planning and that goals and nursing interventions were frequently not explicitly documented. Interviews with nurses indicated that they lacked educational preparation for using the model and found the model constraining and physically orientated. The appropriateness of the Roper, Logan and Tierney model for planning care for clients who are mentally ill is questioned. It is suggested that nurses need to be adequately prepared if they are to use a model appropriately. Consideration should be given when selecting a model as to its 'fit' with the needs of the client group and the ward team philosophy.


[Naturally acquired tetanus antitoxin in the serum of children and adults in Mali].
Among 48 adults without a history of tetanus immunization, we found with the aid of indirect hemagglutination test 20 individuals with protective tetanus antibody titers, 23 with low levels of antitoxin (under 0,1 I.U./ml) and 5 devoid of tetanus antitoxin. In two blood samples of 99 unvaccinated children under 3 years of age (taken at 7 months intervall) 12,1% showed tetanus antitoxin in the first serum sample and 16,2% in the second sample. Protective antibody titers could be found only in 4 children in each of the first and second serum sample. The data suggest a silent oral immunization by tetanus bacilli thus boosting under unhygienic conditions the tetanus immunity with advancing age.


A new, purified Dermatophagoides farinae allergen preparation. Evaluation with SPT and RAST techniques.
A purified, standardized and characterized allergen preparation of the house dust mite Dermatophagoides farinae (Df) was evaluated by skin prick test (SPT) and radioallergosorbent test (RAST) in 88 subjects. Skin reactions to the purified Df preparation and a corresponding crude Df preparation were compared. SPT was also performed with a crude Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dpt) preparation to compare reactions obtained with the two mite preparations. By SPT the purified Df allergen preparation was representative of the crude Df preparation (r = 0.78) and the correlation between skin reactions to Df and Dpt was high (r = 0.78). The concordance between results obtained with RAST and SPT techniques with the purified Df preparation was high (84%). The purified D. farinae preparation was well tolerated and is well suited for SPT.


Pelvic actinomycosis. Urologic perspective.
Actinomycosis is a chronic granulomatous infection caused by the gram-positive anaerobic bacteria, Actinomyces israelli. This paper reviews the etiology and clinical presentation associated with Actinomycosis that often presents as a pelvic mass that mimics a pelvic malignancy. A combination of patients treated by the authors in the recent past and a literature review of patients with pelvic Actinomycosis were assessed for demographic, clinical and predisposing co-factors. An analysis is made of age distribution, gender, diagnostic methods and treatment concepts. Thirty-three patients were included in the study that included 2 current patients and 31 obtained from literature review. There were 27 females (age range 16 - 69 years, mean 38 years) and 6 males (16 - 55 years, mean 36 years). Presenting signs and symptoms were lower abdominal mass in 28 (85%); lower abdominal pain in 21 (63%); vaginal discharge or hematuria in 7 (22%). Two patients developed fistulae (entero-vesico 1; vesico-cutaneous 1). Nineteen (70%) of the 27 female patients had intra-uterine contraceptive devices (IUD). Four patients (12.5%) (3 males and 1 female) had urachus or urachal remnants. Cystoscopy in 12 patients noted an extrinsic mass effect, bullous edema and in one patient " vegetative proliferation " proven to be a chronic inflammatory change. Exploratory laparotomy was performed in 32 of the 33 patients who had excision of mass and involved organs. Diagnosis was established by histologic examination of removed tissue. Penicillin (6 weeks) therapy was utilized to control infections. Pelvic actinomycosis mimics pelvic malignancy and may be associated with the long-term use of intra-uterine contraceptive devices, and persistent urachal remnants. Removal of infected mass and antibiotic therapy will eradicate the inflammatory process.