Researchers at Karolinska Institutet and the University of Oulu in Finland have elucidated gene regulatory mechanisms that can explain how known genetic variants influence prostate cancer risk. The findings, published in the journal Nature Genetics, reveal widespread deregulation of androgen receptor function, a key player in prostate cancer. The vast majority of the three billion base-pairs in the human genome are identical across individuals. Nevertheless, genome sequence variation that does occur in the population has a profound effect on an individual's predisposition for developing various diseases. In the case of prostate cancer, 100 regions of genetic variation have been identified through comparative genetic studies. Each have a small but significant influence on prostate cancer risk. Previous studies have demonstrated an association of these genomic regions with disease, but the molecular processes accounting for the disease association have not yet been uncovered for most of these 100 regions. Using computational and statistical analysis, Thomas Whitington and colleagues at Karolinska Institutet devised a method for analysing the molecular processes at these genomic regions. The researchers identified mechanisms that can explain many of the known associations between genetic variation and prostate cancer risk. These discoveries were validated using molecular techniques by a research team led by Gong-Hong Wei at University of Oulu. "In particular, we discovered that binding of physical complexes involving the androgen receptor, a key transcription factor in prostate cancer, is often disrupted by DNA sequence variation associated with the disease", says Thomas Whitington at the Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Karolinska Institutet, one of the researchers behind the study. Bind to DNA Transcription factors are key molecular components of the cell that bind to DNA and affect the activity of nearby genes. The androgen receptor is a transcription factor that promotes proliferation and survival of prostate cancer cells. In the current study, the investigators found that binding of androgen receptor at these locations of genetic variation was frequently tumor-specific, and not present in normal prostate tissue. "This work refines our understanding of how this molecular machinery is involved in disease processes", says Thomas Whitington. "An improved understanding of androgen receptor binding may in particular prove useful, as it's activity becomes pivotal during the treatment of late stage aggressive prostate cancer." The research was conducted by scientists based at Karolinska Institutet, University of Oulu, and University of Cambridge. The work was co-supervised by Fredrik Wiklund, Johan Lindberg, and Gong-Hong Wei. Thomas Whitington and Ping Gao were co-first authors. It was funded by, among others, Cancer Research UK, the Swedish Cancer Society, Linneaus grant from the Swedish Research Council, and The Academy of Finland. Text: Karin Söderlund Leifler Our press release about this study Publication Gene regulatory mechanisms underpinning prostate cancer susceptibility Thomas Whitington, Ping Gao, Wei Song, Helen Ross-Adams, Alastair Lamb, Yuehong Yang, Ilaria Svezia, Daniel Klevebring, Ian Mills, Robert Karlsson, Silvia Halim, Mark Dunning, Lars Egevad, Anne Warren, David Neal, Henrik Grönberg, Johan Lindberg, Gong-Hong Wei, Fredrik Wiklund Nature Genetics, online 7 March 2016, doi: 10.1038/ng.3523
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Δευτέρα 7 Μαρτίου 2016
Novel molecular processes controlling key genes in prostate cancer uncovered
Increased anticipatory contingent negative variation in posttraumatic stress disorder
Source:Biological Psychology
Author(s): Hongxia Duan, Li Wang, Guillén Fernández, Kan Zhang, Jianhui Wu
Altered anticipation processes are implicated across various clinical samples, but few studies focused on the posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We measured contingent negative variation (CNV) in a choice reaction paradigm among 58 survivors of the Wenchuan earthquake, including 28 individuals who were diagnosed with PTSD and 30 without PTSD. Compared to the non-PTSD group, the PTSD group had significantly larger CNV amplitude. On the behavioral level, although the reaction times were comparable between groups, the PTSD group committed more errors than the non-PTSD group. Furthermore, the total PTSD symptom severity score as well as the re-experiencing symptom score were positively related to CNV amplitude. These results suggested that individuals with PTSD might be more alerted to and anticipate more to upcoming events in their environment, yet still have degraded performance in response to the stimulus.
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Hoogsteen-position pyrimidines promote the stability and function of the MALAT1 RNA triple helix [REPORT]
Triple-stranded RNA was first deduced to form in vitro more than 50 years ago and has since been implicated in RNA catalysis, stability, and small molecule binding. Despite the emerging biological significance of RNA triple helices, it remains unclear how their nucleotide composition contributes to their thermodynamic stability and cellular function. To investigate these properties, we used in vitro RNA electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) and in vivo intronless β-globin reporter assays to measure the relative contribution of 20 RNA base triples (N•A–U, N•G–C, N•C–G, N•U–A, and N•G–U) to triple-helical stability. These triples replaced a single internal U•A–U within the known structure of the triple-helical RNA stability element of human metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1), which contains 10 major-groove base triples. In addition to the canonical C•G–C triple, the noncanonical base triples U•G–C, U•G–U, C•C–G, and U•C–G exhibited at least 30% stability relative to the wild-type U•A–U base triple in both assays. Of these triples, only U•A–U, C•G–C, and U•G–C, when tested as four successive triples, formed stabilizing structures that allowed accumulation of the intronless β-globin reporter. Overall, we find that Hoogsteen-position pyrimidines support triple helix stability and function and that thermodynamic stability, based on EMSA results, is necessary but not sufficient for stabilization activity of the MALAT1 triple helix in cells. These results suggest that additional RNA triple helices containing noncanonical triples likely exist in nature.
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The deadenylase components Not2p, Not3p, and Not5p promote mRNA decapping [REPORT]
Decay of mRNA is essential for the efficient regulation of gene expression. A major pathway of mRNA degradation is initiated by the shortening of the poly(A) tail via the CCR4/NOT deadenylase complex. Deadenylation is followed by removal of the 5' cap (i.e., decapping) and then 5' to 3' exonucleolytic decay of the message body. The highly conserved CCR4/NOT deadenylase complex consists of the exonucleases CCR4 and POP2/CAF1, as well as a group of four or five (depending on organism) accessory factors of unknown function, i.e., the NOT proteins. In this study, we find that Saccharomyces cerevisiae Not2p, Not3p, and Not5p (close paralogs of each other) are involved in promoting mRNA decapping. Furthermore, we find that Not3p and Not5p bind to the decapping activator protein Pat1p. Together, these data implicate the deadenylase complex in coordinating the downstream decapping reaction via Not2p, Not3p, and Not5p. This suggests that the coupling of deadenylation with decapping is, in part, a direct consequence of coordinated assembly of decay factors.
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Cohort profile: the Spanish WORKing life Social Security (WORKss) cohort study
Purpose
The global economy is changing the labour market and social protection systems in Europe. The effect of both changes on health needs to be monitored in view of an ageing population and the resulting increase in prevalence of chronic health conditions. The Spanish WORKing life Social Security (WORKss) cohort study provides unique longitudinal data to study the impact of labour trajectories and employment conditions on health, in terms of sickness absence, permanent disability and death.
ParticipantsThe WORKss cohort originated from the Continuous Working Life Sample (CWLS) generated by the General Directorate for the Organization of the Social Security in Spain. The CWLS contains a 4% representative sample of all individuals in contact with the Social Security system. The WORKss cohort exclusively includes individuals with a labour trajectory from 1981 or later. In 2004, the cohort was initiated with 1 022 779 Social Security members: 840 770 (82.2%) contributors and 182 009 (17.8%) beneficiaries aged 16 and older.
Findings to dateThe WORKss cohort includes demographic characteristics, chronological data about employment history, retirement, permanent disability and death. These data make possible the measurement of incidence of permanent disability, the number of potential years of working life lost, and the number of contracts and inactive periods with the Social Security system. The WORKss cohort was linked to temporary sickness absence registries to study medical diagnoses that lead to permanent disability and consequently to an earlier exit from the labour market in unhealthy conditions.
Future plansThanks to its administrative source, the WORKss cohort study will continue follow-up in the coming years, keeping the representativeness of the Spanish population affiliated to the Social Security system. The linkage between the WORKss cohort and temporary sickness absence registries is envisioned to continue. Future plans include the linkage of the cohort with mortality registries.
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Cross-sectional study examining whether the extent of first-contact access to primary care differentially benefits those with certain personalities to receive preventive services
Objective
The extent of first-contact access to primary care (ie, easy availability when needed) is associated with receiving recommended preventive services. Whether this access benefits patients at risk of preventive services underutilisation, such as those with certain personality characteristics, is unclear.
SettingSecondary analysis of the 2003–2006 round of the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study.
Participants6975 respondents who reported a usual provider whose specialty was internal medicine or family medicine. Those reporting not visiting a medical provider in the past 12 months, and those who were uninsured were excluded.
Primary outcome measuresReceiving mammography, cholesterol testing and influenza vaccination. Adjusted predicted probabilities (aPP) of receiving these services were analysed stratified by personality characteristics overall, and if significant, then interacted with first-contact access.
ResultsLower conscientiousness as compared with higher conscientiousness predicted less of all 3 preventive services; mammography (aPP 80%; 95% CI (77% to 83%) vs aPP 85%; (95% CI 82% to 87%)), cholesterol testing (88%; (85% to 90%) vs 93% (91% to 94%), and influenza vaccination (62%; (59% to 64%) vs 66%; (63% to 68%)). Lower agreeableness as compared with higher agreeableness predicted less mammography (77%; (73% to 81%) vs 84%; (82% to 87%)) and less influenza vaccination (59%; (56% to 62%) vs 65%; (63% to 68%)). Lower extraversion predicted less cholesterol testing (88%; (86% to 91%) vs (92%; (90% to 94%)). Lower openness to experience predicted less influenza vaccination (59%; (56% to 63%) vs (68%; (65% to 70%)). For agreeableness, these differences in receiving preventive services did not persist when first-contact access to primary care was present.
ConclusionsCertain personality characteristics predicted receiving less preventive care services. For those with less agreeableness, improved first-contact access to primary care mitigated this effect. If these results are replicated in other studies, primary care offices seeking to improve population health through receiving preventive services should prioritise increasing their first-contact accessibility.
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Post-traumatic stress disorder and occupational characteristics of police officers in Republic of Korea: a cross-sectional study
Objective
South Korean police officers have a greater workload compared to their counterparts in advanced countries. However, few studies have evaluated the occupational challenges that South Korean police officers face. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the police officer's job characteristics and risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among South Korean police officers.
DesignCross-sectional study.
SettingPolice officers in South Korea.
Participants3817 police officers with a traumatic event over a 1-year period.
Main outcome measuresOfficers with a response to the Impact of Event Scale (revised Korean version) score of ≥26 were classified as high risk, and we evaluated their age, sex, department and rank, as well as the frequency and type of traumatic events that they experienced.
ResultsAmong the respondents, 41.11% were classified as having a high risk of PTSD. From the perspective of the rank, Inspector group (46.0%) and Assistant Inspector group (42.7%) show the highest frequencies of PTSD. From the perspective of their working division, Intelligence and National Security Division (43.6%) show the highest frequency, followed by the Police Precinct (43.5%) and the Traffic Affairs Management Department (43.3%). It is shown that working in different departments was associated with the prevalence of PTSD (p=0.004).
ConclusionsThe high-risk classification was observed in 41.11% of all officers who had experienced traumatic events, and this frequency is greater than that for other specialised occupations (eg, firefighters). Therefore, we conclude that groups with an elevated proportion of high-risk respondents should be a priority for PTSD treatment, which may help increase its therapeutic effect and improve the awareness of PTSD among South Korean police officers.
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Gender-informed, psychoeducational programme for couples to prevent postnatal common mental disorders among primiparous women: cluster randomised controlled trial
Objectives
Interventions to prevent postpartum common mental disorders (PCMD) among unselected populations of women have had limited success. The aim was to determine whether What Were We Thinking (WWWT) a gender-informed, psychoeducational programme for couples and babies can prevent PCMD among primiparous women 6 months postpartum.
DesignCluster-randomised controlled trial.
Setting48 Maternal and Child Health Centres (MCHCs) from 6 Local Government Areas in Melbourne, Australia were allocated randomly to usual care (24) or usual care plus WWWT (24).
ParticipantsEnglish-speaking primiparous women receiving primary care at trial MCHCs were recruited to the intervention (204) and control (196) conditions. Of these, 187 (91.7%) and 177 (90.3%) provided complete data.
InterventionWWWT is a manualised programme comprising primary care from a trained nurse, print materials and a face-to-face seminar.
Main outcome measuresData sources were standardised and study-specific measures collected in blinded computer-assisted telephone interviews at 6 and 26 weeks postpartum. The primary outcome was PCMD assessed by Composite International Diagnostic Interviews and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) Depression and Generalised Anxiety Disorder modules.
ResultsIn intention-to-treat analyses the adjusted OR (AOR) of PCMD in the intervention compared to the usual care group was 0.78 (95% CI 0.38 to 1.63, ns), but mild to moderate anxiety symptoms (AOR 0.58, 95% CI 0.35 to 0.97) and poor self-rated health (AOR 0.46, 95% CI 0.22 to 0.97) were significantly lower. In a per protocol analysis, comparing the full (three component) intervention and usual care groups, the AOR of PCMD was 0.36, (95% CI 0.14 to 0.95). The WWWT seminar was appraised as salient, comprehensible and useful by >85% participants. No harms were detected.
ConclusionsWWWT is readily integrated into primary care, enables inclusion of fathers and addresses modifiable risks for PCMD directly. The full intervention appears a promising programme for preventing PCMD, optimising family functioning, and as the first component of a stepped approach to mental healthcare.
Trial registration numberACTRN12613000506796; Results.
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Effect of posterior decompression extent on biomechanical parameters of the spinal cord in cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament
Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament is a common cause of the cervical myelopathy due to compression of the spinal cord. Patients with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament usually require the decompression surgery, and there is a need to better understand the optimal surgical extent with which sufficient decompression without excessive posterior shifting can be achieved. However, few quantitative studies have clarified this optimal extent for decompression of cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament. We used finite element modeling of the cervical spine and spinal cord to investigate the effect of posterior decompression extent for continuous-type cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament on changes in stress, strain, and posterior shifting that occur with three different surgical methods (laminectomy, laminoplasty, and hemilaminectomy). As posterior decompression extended, stress and strain in the spinal cord decreased and posterior shifting of the cord increased. The location of the decompression extent also influenced shifting. Laminectomy and laminoplasty were very similar in terms of decompression results, and both were superior to hemilaminectomy in all parameters tested. Decompression to the extents of C3–C6 and C3–C7 of laminectomy and laminoplasty could be considered sufficient with respect to decompression itself. Our findings provide fundamental information regarding the treatment of cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament and can be applied to patient-specific surgical planning.
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Online Tone Generator
Tinnitus is a medical condition in which a person hears a sound from within their ears, but there is no external sound present in the environment. This auto-generated sound may occur only at certain times, such as when the person is under stress, or it may be an all day and all night long experience. If you have tinnitus, there are treatment options that may help to lessen your symptoms. An online tone generator for tinnitus is one convenient way to take control of tinnitus and regain your sense of hearing.
Types of Tinnitus Tones
Tinnitus is not a disease in and of itself, but instead it is a symptom. The ringing in your ears is not the same as the ringing that occurs in the ears of someone else with tinnitus. Each person has his or her own unique tone or combination of tones. If you want to try sound therapy for your tinnitus, the first step is identifying the tone of your ringing. Some people have just a single frequency of the sounds, while others have multiple frequencies. In most cases, the frequency of your tinnitus will not change, unless there is further damage to your auditory system.
How to Use an Online Tone Generator
Using our online tone generator is easy to do. Begin by setting up your computer in a room where there are not any other noises. Set the volume controller at a level that is comfortable. Slowly move the toggle along the frequency bar until you find the tone of your tinnitus. If you have multiple tones, you can click the button for setting up a generator that includes two or more tones simultaneously.
How Our Online Tone Generator Can Help Tinnitus
Our tone generator helps your brain to mask the sounds of ringing in your ears. There are no side effects to using this online generator. Our generator is compatible with most electronic devices, so you can use it at work with headphones and your iPad or computer.
Sound generators such as our online tone generator are proven to help people with tinnitus lessen their symptoms. When you no longer have to pay attention to the ringing from your ears, you may find it easier to focus on your work or leisure activities. You may also gain more enjoyment from conversations, music and the simple sounds of birds singing outside in the trees.
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Autogenous fascia lata sling versus Gore Tex suspension
Elsamkary MA, Roshdy MM
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Vitamin D Status and Supplementation in the Critically Ill
Abstract
Vitamin D deficiency has recently been recognized as a widespread global disorder. Generally considered a direct extension of malnutrition, even subclinical hypovitaminosis D is now recognized in adequately nourished populations. Compared to the general population, the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D is greater in the critically ill population. In fact, several studies have shown poorer outcomes in critically ill patients discovered to be vitamin D deficient or insufficient. Controversy persists regarding vitamin D measurements, quantity of supplementation, and appropriate target level in various populations. Vitamin D has a vital role in calcium homeostasis and extra-skeletal health, such as immune function. Therefore, vitamin D supplementation may have a role for improving outcomes in critically ill patients. In this review, we will first discuss the metabolism and function of vitamin D under normal physiologic conditions. We will then explore the prevalence and prognostic value of vitamin D deficiency in critical illness. Finally, we will examine recent trials focusing on appropriate dosing, route of administration, and outcomes associated with vitamin D supplementation in the ICU.
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Gastrointestinal Disorders Associated with Common Variable Immune Deficiency (CVID) and Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD)
Abstract
Common variable immune deficiency (CVID) and chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) are two of the well-characterized primary immune deficiencies with distinct pathologic defects. While CVID is predominantly a disorder of the adaptive immune system, in CGD, innate immunity is impaired. In both syndromes, the clinical manifestations include an increased susceptibility to infections and a number of non-infectious, inflammatory conditions including systemic autoimmunity, as well as organ-specific pathology. Among the organ-associated disorders, gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations are one of the most intractable. As such, non-infectious inflammatory disorders of the GI tract are clinically challenging as they have protean manifestations, often resembling inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or celiac disease, are notoriously difficult to treat, and hence are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Therefore, assessing the pathogenesis and defining appropriate therapeutic approaches for GI disease in patients with CVID and CGD is imperative.
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Small Bowel Congenital Anomalies: a Review and Update
Abstract
The small intestine is a complex organ system that is vital to the life of the individual. There are a number of congenital anomalies that occur and present most commonly in infancy; however, some may not present until adulthood. Most congenital anomalies of the small intestine will present with obstructive symptoms while some may present with vomiting, abdominal pain, and/or gastrointestinal bleeding. Various radiologic procedures can aid in the diagnosis of these lesions that vary depending on the particular anomaly. Definitive therapy for these congenial anomalies is surgical, and in some cases, surgery needs to be performed urgently. The overall prognosis of congenital anomalies of the small intestine is very good and has improved with improved medical management and the advent of newer surgical modalities. The congenital anomalies of the small intestine reviewed in this article include malrotation, Meckel's diverticulum, duodenal web, duodenal atresia, jejunoileal atresia, and duplications.
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Electrochemical Study and Applications of Selective Electrodeposition of Silver on Quantum Dots
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Determination of Bromine Stable Isotope Ratios from Saline Solutions by “Wet Plasma” MC-ICPMS Including a Comparison between High- and Low-Resolution Modes, and Three Introduction Systems
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Femtosecond lasers for LASIK
Huhtala A, Pietilä J, Mäkinen P, Uusitalo H
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Space maintenance in autogenous fresh demineralized tooth blocks with platelet-rich plasma for maxillary sinus bone formation: a prospective study
This prospective study evaluated the effectiveness of autogenous fresh demineralized tooth block (Auto-FDT block) with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for maxillary sinus augmentation with simultaneous implant inst...
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Recombination hotspots: models and tools for detection
Publication date: Available online 7 March 2016
Source:DNA Repair
Author(s): Prosenjit Paul, Debjyoti Nag, Supriyo Chakraborty
Recombination hotspots are the regions within the genome where the rate, and the frequency of recombination are optimum with a size varying from 1–2kb. The recombination event is mediated by the double-stranded break formation, guided by the combined enzymatic action of DNA topoisomerase and Spo 11 endonuclease. These regions are distributed non-uniformly throughout the human genome and cause distortions in the genetic map. Numerous lines of evidence suggest that the number of hotspots known in humans has increased manifold in recent years. A few facts about the hotspot evolutions were also put forward, indicating the differences in the hotspot position between chimpanzees and humans. In mice, recombination hot spots were found to be clustered within the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) region. Several models, that help explain meiotic recombination has been proposed. Moreover, scientists also developed some computational tools to locate the hotspot position and estimate their recombination rate in humans is of great interest to population and medical geneticists. Here we reviewed the molecular mechanisms, models and in silico prediction techniques of hot spot residues.
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Relationship Among Body Fat Percentage, Body Mass Index, and All-Cause Mortality A Cohort Study
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Forests, Vol. 7, Pages 59: Variation of Drying Strains between Tangential and Radial Directions in Asian White Birch
In this study, wood disks of 30 mm in thickness cut from white birch (Betula platyphylla Suk) logs were dried at a constant temperature (40 °C). The drying strains including practical shrinkage strain, elastic strain, viscoelastic creep strain and mechano-sorptive creep were measured both tangentially and radially. The effects of moisture content and radial position on each strain were also discussed qualitatively. Overall, the difference of the practical shrinkage strain between the tangential and radial directions was proportional to the distance from the pith. The tangential elastic strain and viscoelastic creep strain were higher than these strains in a radial direction, and they all decreased with the decrease of moisture content. Additionally, there were opposite mechano-sorptive creep between tangential and radial directions.
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Sustainability, Vol. 8, Pages 245: Sustainability and Competitiveness of Romanian Farms through Organic Agriculture
Currently, the development of any sector involves respecting the principles of sustainability, which means economic, social and environmental development. Moreover, organic farming is a very important field for ensuring sustainable development. Romania has great potential for the development of organic agriculture, especially due to the large number of available farmland and reduced use of fertilizers and other chemicals. However, the development of organic farming in Romania is in an early stage, due to the numerous problems that Romanian agriculture is still facing. Concern for the environment should be reflected at the level of production processes and consumption. As market demand influences and stimulates production, we can ask the question to what extent stimulating the consumption of organic products through green marketing can boost organic agriculture development and competitiveness of Romanian farms. Using several methods of research, such as analysis, synthesis, comparison, statistical methods and by calling on studies, reports and data series on organic farming in the EU and Romania, this paper highlights Romania's position in terms of the level of development of organic agriculture and recommends several ways to improve the outcomes obtained by Romania in the field. Moreover, based on regression equations, the trend of convergence of Romanian organic agriculture development in relation to the EU countries is analysed. The paper demonstrates that one of the measures that can be taken by Romanian farms is green marketing strategy development that can stimulate both consumption and production of organic products. Therefore, with increasing interest in the development of organic agriculture in Romania, green marketing can play an increasingly important role in promoting the benefits of consuming organic products, thus contributing to business development of organic products as well as to the development of Romanian agriculture. Promoting organic agriculture through the use of green marketing techniques is useful for improving human, environmental and economic health, in the context of sustainable development.
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IJMS, Vol. 17, Pages 341: Oncostatic-Cytoprotective Effect of Melatonin and Other Bioactive Molecules: A Common Target in Mitochondrial Respiration
For several years, oncostatic and antiproliferative properties, as well as thoses of cell death induction through 5-methoxy-N-acetiltryptamine or melatonin treatment, have been known. Paradoxically, its remarkable scavenger, cytoprotective and anti-apoptotic characteristics in neurodegeneration models, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease are known too. Analogous results have been confirmed by a large literature to be associated to the use of many other bioactive molecules such as resveratrol, tocopherol derivatives or vitamin E and others. It is interesting to note that the two opposite situations, namely the neoplastic pathology and the neurodegeneration, are characterized by deep alterations of the metabolome, of mitochondrial function and of oxygen consumption, so that the oncostatic and cytoprotective action can find a potential rationalization because of the different metabolic and mitochondrial situations, and in the effect that these molecules exercise on the mitochondrial function. In this review we discuss historical and general aspects of melatonin, relations between cancers and the metabolome and between neurodegeneration and the metabolome, and the possible effects of melatonin and of other bioactive molecules on metabolic and mitochondrial dynamics. Finally, we suggest a common general mechanism as responsible for the oncostatic/cytoprotective effect of melatonin and of other molecules examined.
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Econometrics, Vol. 4, Pages 11: Parallelization Experience with Four Canonical Econometric Models Using ParMitISEM
This paper presents the parallel computing implementation of the MitISEM algorithm, labeled Parallel MitISEM. The basic MitISEM algorithm provides an automatic and flexible method to approximate a non-elliptical target density using adaptive mixtures of Student-t densities, where only a kernel of the target density is required. The approximation can be used as a candidate density in Importance Sampling or Metropolis Hastings methods for Bayesian inference on model parameters and probabilities. We present and discuss four canonical econometric models using a Graphics Processing Unit and a multi-core Central Processing Unit version of the MitISEM algorithm. The results show that the parallelization of the MitISEM algorithm on Graphics Processing Units and multi-core Central Processing Units is straightforward and fast to program using MATLAB. Moreover the speed performance of the Graphics Processing Unit version is much higher than the Central Processing Unit one.
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Drought Tolerance Is Correlated with the Activity of Antioxidant Enzymes in Cerasus humilis Seedlings
Cerasus humilis, grown in the northern areas of China, may experience water deficit during their life cycle, which induces oxidative stress. Our present study was conducted to evaluate the role of oxidative stress management in the leaves of two C. humilis genotypes, HR (drought resistant) and ND4 (drought susceptible), when subjected to a long-term soil drought (WS). The HR plants maintained lower membrane injury due to low ROS and MDA accumulation compared to ND4 plants during a long-term WS. This is likely attributed to global increase in the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) isoenzymes and enzymes of the ascorbate-glutathione (AsA-GSH) cycle and maintenance of ascorbate (AsA) levels. Consistent closely with enzymes activities, the expression of cytosolic ascorbate peroxidase (cAPX) and dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR) followed a significant upregulation, indicating that they were regulated at the transcriptional level for HR plants exposed to WS. In contrast, ND4 plants exhibited high ROS levels and poor antioxidant enzyme response, leading to enhanced membrane damage during WS conditions. The present study shows that genotypic differences in drought tolerance could be likely attributed to the ability of C. humilis plants to induce antioxidant defense under drought conditions.
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Analysis of Shear Bond Strength and Morphology of Er:YAG Laser-Recycled Ceramic Orthodontic Brackets
Objective. The aim of this study was to compare the recycling of deboned ceramic brackets via an Er:YAG laser or via the traditional chairside processing methods of flaming and sandblasting; shear bond strength and morphological changes were evaluated in recycled brackets versus new brackets. Materials and Methods. 3M Clarity Self-Ligating Ceramic Brackets with a microcrystalline base were divided into groups subjected to flaming, sandblasting, or exposure to an Er:YAG laser. New ceramic brackets served as a control group. Shear bond strengths were determined with an Electroforce test machine and tested for statistical significance through analysis of variance. Morphological examinations of the recycled ceramic bracket bases were conducted with scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Residue on the bracket base was analyzed with Raman spectroscopy. Results. Faded, dark adhesive was left on recycled bracket bases processed via flaming. Adhesive was thoroughly removed by both sandblasting and exposure to an Er:YAG laser. Compared with new brackets, shear bond strength was lower after sandblasting (), but not after exposure to an Er:YAG laser. The Er:YAG laser caused no damage to the bracket. Conclusion. Er:YAG lasers effectively remove adhesive from the bases of ceramic brackets without damaging them; thus, this method may be preferred over other recycling methods.
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Plasma ionization under simulated ambient Mars conditions for quantification of methane by mass spectrometry
DOI: 10.1039/C5AN02305J, Paper
A miniature plasma was formed under simulated ambient Mars conditions and used for mass spectrometric quantification of methane.
To cite this article before page numbers are assigned, use the DOI form of citation above.
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Luminescent ZnO quantum dots as efficient sensor for free chlorine detection in water
DOI: 10.1039/C5AN02599K, Paper
HHighly luminescent ZnO Quantum Dots (QDs) synthesized via a simple facile route is used for the preparation of optical sensor for the detection of free chlorine. The concentration of free...
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Microporous silk carbon-ionic liquid composite for electrochemical sensor of dopamine
DOI: 10.1039/C6AN00016A, Paper
Porous silk carbon (Silk C) was obtained through carbonization and KOH activation of the natural silk cocoon. The as-prepared Silk C presented good characteristics of large surface area (SBET: 2854.53...
The content of this RSS Feed (c) The Royal Society of Chemistry
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Numerical method for a 2D drift diffusion model arising in strained n-type MOSFET device
Abstract
This paper reports the calculation of electron transport in metal oxide semiconductor field effects transistors (MOSFETs) with biaxially tensile strained silicon channel. The calculation is formulated based on two-dimensional drift diffusion model (DDM) including strain effects. The carrier mobility dependence on the lateral and vertical electric field model is especially considered in the formulation. By using the model presented here, numerical method based on finite difference approach is performed. The obtained results show that the presence of biaxially tensile strain enhances the current in the devices.
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Prevalence, risk factors, management, and treatment outcomes of first-line antituberculous drug-induced liver injury: A prospective cohort study
Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety
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Extra-hepatic manifestations of hepatitis C — a meta-analysis of prevalence, quality of life, and economic burden
Gastroenterology
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Surgeon volume and cancer esophagectomy, gastrectomy, and pancreatectomy: A population-based study in England
Annals of Surgery
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Sorafenib with or without everolimus in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC): A randomized multicenter, multinational phase II trial
Annals of Oncology
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Cost of ambulatory care for the pediatric intestinal failure patient: One-year follow-up after primary discharge
Journal of Pediatric Surgery
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A prospective open clinical trial of a proton pump inhibitor, elimination diet and/or budesonide for eosinophilic oesophagitis
Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics
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Glycosyltransferases and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
World Journal of Gastroenterology
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Sofosbuvir-containing regimen for HCV infection in hemodialysis patients: 400 mg daily or only on the day of hemodialysis
Journal of Hepatology
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Potential market size and impact of hepatitis C treatment in low- and middle-income countries
Journal of Viral Hepatitis
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Tenofovir-based antiretroviral therapy in HBV–HIV coinfection: Results from the TREAT Asia HIV Observational Database
Antiviral Therapy
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Effect of hospital volume on surgical outcomes after pancreaticoduodenectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Annals of Surgery
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Folate and inflammatory markers moderate the association between Helicobacter pylori exposure and cognitive function in US adults
Helicobacter
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Association of preoperative narcotic use with postoperative complications and prolonged length of hospital stay in patients with Crohn's disease
JAMA Surgery
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Efficacy and safety of daikenchuto (TJ-100) in pregnant women with constipation
Taiwanese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Exploring faecal incontinence in nursing home patients: A cross-sectional study of prevalence and associations derived from the Residents Assessment Instrument for Long-Term Care Facilities
Journal of Advanced Nursing
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Bone and celiac disease
Current Osteoporosis Reports
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Clinical effectiveness, quality of life and cost-effectiveness of Flaminal® versus Flamazine® in the treatment of partial thickness burns: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Partial thickness burns are painful, difficult to manage and can have a negative effect on quality of life through scarring, permanent disfigurement and loss of function. The aim of burn treatment in partial t...
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Sustainability, Vol. 8, Pages 241: Analysis on Impact Factors of Water Utilization Structure in Tianjin, China
Water is an essential foundation for socio-economic development and environmental protection. As such, it is very critical for a city's sustainable development. This study analyzed the changes in water utilization structure and its impact factors using water consumption data for agricultural, industrial, domestic and ecological areas in the city of Tianjin, China from 2004 to 2013. On this base, the evolution law and impact factors of water utilization structure were depicted by information entropy and grey correlation respectively. These analyses lead to three main results. First, the total amount of water consumption in Tianjin increased slightly from 2004 to 2013. Second, the information entropy and equilibrium degree peaked in 2010. From 2004 to 2010, the water utilization structure tended to be more disordered and balanced. Third, the economic and social factors seemed to influence the water utilization structure, while the main impact factors were industrial structure, per capita green area, cultivated area, effective irrigation area, rural electricity consumption, animal husbandry output, resident population, per capita domestic water etc.
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Sports, Vol. 4, Pages 19: Lateral Squats Significantly Decrease Sprint Time in Collegiate Baseball Athletes
The purpose was to examine the effect of prior performance of dumbbell lateral squats (DBLS) on an agility movement-into-a-sprint (AMS) test. Twelve collegiate, resistance-trained, baseball athletes participated in three sessions separated by three days. Session One consisted of AMS baseline test, DBLS 5-RM test, and experimental protocol familiarization. Subjects were randomly assigned the protocol order for Sessions Two and Three, which consisted of warm up followed by 1-min sitting (no-DBLS) or performing the DBLS for 1 × 5 repetitions @ 5RM for each leg. Four minutes of slow recovery walking preceded the AMS test, which consisted of leading off a base and waiting for a visual stimulus. In reaction to stimulus, subjects exerted maximal effort while moving to the right by either pivoting or drop stepping and sprinting for 10 yards (yd). In Session Three, subjects switched protocols (DBLS, no-DBLS). Foot contact time (FCT), stride frequency (SF), stride length (SL), and 10-yd sprint time were measured. There were no differences between conditions for FCT, SF, or SL. Differences existed between DBLS (1.85 ± 0.09 s) and no-DBLS (1.89 ± 0.10 s) for AMS (p = 0.03). Results from the current study support the use of DBLS for performance enhancement prior to performing the AMS test.
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Sports, Vol. 4, Pages 18: A Comparison between Chocolate Milk and a Raw Milk Honey Solution’s Influence on Delayed Onset of Muscle Soreness
This investigation sought to examine the effect that a chocolate milk solution (CMS) and a raw milk solution (RMS) had on lower extremity induced delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS). Twenty trained male participants completed a set of questionnaires, prior to completing a lower extremity DOMS protocol, to determine the level of discomfort and functional limitations. Once the DOMS protocol was completed, participants were randomly assigned to either the CM or RM group. Once assigned, participants ingested 240 mL of the respective solution and completed the same set of questionnaires immediately post, 24-, 48- and 72-h post DOMS protocol. Additionally, for 10 days post-ingestion participants were contacted to learn if any negative effects were experienced as a result of ingesting either solution. Both groups reported an increase in lower extremity discomfort at each data collection interval post-DOMS protocol (post, 24-, 48- and 72-h). Participants assigned to the RM group reported high discomfort post and a relative decline in discomfort from immediately post-DOMS protocol to 72-h post. The RMS group reported substantially less discomfort at 72-h when compared to the CMS group. Ingestion of a raw milk solution immediately post strength exercise can substantially reduce the level of self-reported discomfort associated with DOMS.
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Viruses, Vol. 8, Pages 69: Efficient Co-Replication of Defective Novirhabdovirus
We have generated defective Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia Viruses (VHSV) which express either the green fluorescent protein (GFP) or a far-red fluorescent protein (mKate) by replacing the genes encoding the nucleoprotein N or the polymerase-associated P protein. To recover viable defective viruses, rVHSV-ΔN-Red and rVHSV-ΔP-Green, fish cells were co-transfected with both deleted cDNA VHSV genomes, together with plasmids expressing N, P and L of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. After one passage of the transfected cell supernatant, red and green cell foci were observed. Viral titer reached 107 PFU/mL after three passages. Infected cells were always red and green with the very rare event of single red or green cell foci appearing. To clarify our understanding of how such defective viruses could be so efficiently propagated, we investigated whether (i) a recombination event between both defective genomes had occurred, (ii) whether both genomes were co-encapsidated in a single viral particle, and (iii) whether both defective viruses were always replicated together through a complementation phenomenon or even as conglomerate. To address these hypotheses, genome and viral particles have been fully characterized and, thus, allowing us to conclude that rVHSV-ΔN-Red and rVHSV-ΔP-Green are independent viral particles which could propagate only by simultaneously infecting the same cells.
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Αλέξανδρος Γ. Σφακιανάκης Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis,Anapafseos 5 Agios Nikolaos 72100 Crete Greece,00302841026182,0030693260717...
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heory of COVID-19 pathogenesis Publication date: November 2020Source: Medical Hypotheses, Volume 144Author(s): Yuichiro J. Suzuki ScienceD...
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