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The Gemini High-resolution Optical SpecTrograph (GHOST) is a new Echelle spectrograph available on the Gemini-South telescope as of Semester 2024A. We present the first high-resolution spectrum of the quasar J1449−1227 (redshift z em = 3.27) using data taken during the commissioning of GHOST. The observed quasar hosts an intervening iron-poor {[Fe/H] = −2.5} damped Lyman α system (DLA) at redshift z = 2.904. Taking advantage of the high spectral resolving power of GHOST (R ≈ 55 000), we are able to accurately model the metal absorption lines of the metal-poor DLA and find a supersolar [Si/Fe], suggesting that the DLA gas is in an early stage of chemical enrichment. Using simple ionization models, we find that the large range in the C  iv /Si  iv column density ratio of individual components within the DLA's high-ionization absorption profile can be reproduced by several metal-poor Lyman limit systems surrounding the low-ionization gas of the DLA. It is possible that this metal-poor DLA resides within a complex system of metal-poor galaxies or filaments with inflowing gas. The high spectral resolution, wavelength coverage, and sensitivity of GHOST make it an ideal spectrograph for characterizing the chemistry and kinematics of quasar absorption lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction E-cigarettes and heated tobacco products (HTPs) may serve as potential options for harm reduction for smokers if they possess reward profiles similar to cigarettes. Little is known about the abuse liability of HTPs and e-cigarettes versus cigarettes in racial/ethnic minority smokers. Aims and Methods Twenty-two nicotine-deprived people who smoke (black [ n  = 12] and white [ n  = 10]) completed three visits that included a standardized 10-puff bout followed by a 50-minute ad libitum use assessment with their usual brand cigarette (UBC), an e-cigarette, and HTP. Visits were completed in a randomized crossover design and were separated by a minimum 48-hour washout period. Assessments included plasma nicotine, Cmax, and reductions in craving and withdrawal. Results UBC delivered significantly greater levels of nicotine compared to the e-cigarette (p  < .001) and HTP (p  < .01) during both the standardized and ad libitum sessions. HTP delivered more nicotine than the e-cigarette during the standardized puffing session (p  = .047) but not the ad libitum session. Only craving during the standardized puffing session and not the ad libitum session showed significant differences across products (p  < .001) such that UBC resulted in the greatest reduction followed by HTP and e-cigarette. Conclusions Despite greater nicotine delivery from the UBC compared to e-cigarette and HTP, participants reported reductions in craving and withdrawal across products, particularly following ad libitum use. Implications Use of participant's UBCs (UBC) resulted in greater nicotine delivery compared to both the e-cigarette and HTP. Despite this relative difference in nicotine delivery, participants reported reductions in craving and withdrawal across products, particularly following ad libitum use. These findings suggest that in this sample of black and white people who smoke, HTPs and e-cigarettes provided significant relief from negative symptoms that maintain smoking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adaptive optics (AO) systems correct optical phase aberrations of the incoming light generated by the atmosphere. To do so simultaneous estimators of the atmospheric turbulence parameters are required. For the family of wide-field AO (WFAO) systems, this information must be stratified in altitude. Among these vectorized estimations, wind profiling in altitude is needed for the reduction of temporal errors in AO loops or for the estimation of turbulence coherence time. This paper proposes a turbulence wind profiler called image processing based peak tracking algorithm (ipta). ipta is an image-processing based approach that automatically and reliably estimates wind velocity for several turbulent layers along the line of sight. The estimation of each wind layer is achieved by tracking peaks produced in cross-correlation maps from pairs of wavefront sensors (WFSs) slopes using the technique known as SLODAR (slope detection and ranging). Results for simulated and on-sky WFS data sets demonstrate that ipta outperforms one of the state of the art wind profiler methods [the profiler covariance parametrization of wind velocity (CAW)] in terms of accuracy and speed. Results also show that, in terms of execution time, our method scales better when the number of WFS lenslets is increased. Being an open source and reliable tool, we believe ipta can be a useful wind profiler for the AO community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study published in the Clinical & Experimental Dermatology journal examined the relationship between psoriasis and migraine disorders in a diverse population. The study used the All of Us database to identify 7,472 adult psoriasis cases and found that 21.2% of the psoriasis cohort had been diagnosed with migraines, compared to 12.2% of the control cohort. The study also found a higher prevalence of alcohol use disorder and hypertension in the psoriasis population. The analysis controlled for relevant factors and found that the risk of migraines was higher in non-White individuals with psoriasis. Further research is needed to understand the underlying causes of this relationship. [Extracted from the article]

A study published in the Clinical & Experimental Dermatology journal examined the association between rosacea and psychiatric comorbidities. The study analyzed a diverse cohort of participants and found that individuals with rosacea had a higher prevalence of major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and other psychiatric disorders. The study adjusted for potential confounding factors and found that rosacea remained significantly associated with these psychiatric disorders. However, the study did not establish causation, and further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms and develop holistic approaches to managing rosacea and its associated psychiatric comorbidities. [Extracted from the article]

A study published in the British Journal of Dermatology examined the relationship between allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) and infectious diseases in adults. The study used data from the All of Us Research Program, which includes a diverse cohort of participants. The researchers found that individuals with ACD had a higher prevalence of infectious diseases such as impetigo, scabies, cutaneous herpes simplex virus, cutaneous candidiasis, cutaneous abscess, and verruca vulgaris. The study also noted that higher-income individuals had a higher prevalence of ACD, possibly due to greater healthcare engagement. However, the study had limitations, including potential classification errors and a lack of detailed clinical information. While the results suggest a correlation between ACD and infectious comorbidities, they do not establish a causative link. Further research is needed to understand the chronological and causative aspects of this association. The study was supported by the National Institutes of Health's All of Us Research Program. [Extracted from the article]

A study published in the British Journal of Dermatology explores the impact of pruritus (itching) on patient fatigue. The study finds that pruritus, whether as a standalone disease or secondary to inflammatory skin conditions, can significantly affect the quality of life of patients. Itching is associated with reduced sleep quality and periods of rest, leading to fatigue. The study, conducted using the All of Us database, reveals that patients with pruritus have a higher prevalence of fatigue compared to the control group. Specific pruritic conditions, such as chronic pruritus of unknown origin (CPUO) and prurigo nodularis, show a strong association with fatigue. The study emphasizes the need to understand the relationship between chronic itch and fatigue, particularly in understudied diseases. Future research should investigate the connection between itch and fatigue in different age cohorts, especially older adults. [Extracted from the article]

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many Americans to adapt their daily routines. In 2020, there was a significant increase in house fires according to the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA). The objective of this study was to characterize the changes in suspected smoke inhalations during the first year of the pandemic in the National Emergency Medical Services Information System (NEMSIS). The NEMSIS database was queried for all EMS transports captured between 2017-2020. Differences in the incidences of suspected smoke inhalations and fire dispatches in 2020 were estimated using Poisson regression models. There was a 13.4% increase in the incidence of fire dispatches and a 15% increase in suspected smoke inhalations transported in 2020 compared to the previous 3 years. The IRR of both fire dispatches (1.271; 95% CI: 1.254-1.288; p<0.001) and suspected smoke inhalation (1.152; 95% CI: 1.070-1.241; p<0.001) was significantly elevated in 2020. The increases in fire dispatches and suspected smoke inhalations observed in the NEMSIS database are in concordance with other literature indicating the increase in fire incidence and morbidity observed during the pandemic. These results should inform fire prevention outreach efforts and resource allocation in burn centers in the event of future pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Disparities in cancer outcomes persist for underserved populations; one important aspect of this is limited access to promising early phase clinical trials. To address this, the National Cancer Institute–funded Create Access to Targeted Cancer Therapy for Underserved Populations (CATCH-UP.2020) was created. We report the tools developed and accrual metrics of the initial year of CATCH-UP.2020 with a focus on racial, ethnic, geographic, and socioeconomically underserved populations. Methods CATCH-UP.2020 is a P30 supplement awarded to 8 National Cancer Institute–designated cancer centers with existing resources to rapidly open and accrue to Experimental Therapeutics Clinical Trials Network (ETCTN) trials with emphasis on engaging patients from underserved populations. Sites used patient-based, community-based, investigator-based, and program-based tools to meet specific program goals. Results From September 2020 to August 2021, CATCH-UP.2020 sites opened 45 ETCTN trials. Weighted average trial activation time for the 7 sites reporting this was 107 days. In the initial year, sites enrolled 145 patients in CATCH-UP.2020 with 68 (46.9%) representing racial, ethnic, rural, and socioeconomically underserved populations using the broader definition of underserved encompassed in the grant charge. During the initial year of CATCH-UP.2020, a time impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, 15.8% (66 of 417) and 21.4% (31 of 145) of patients enrolled to ETCTN trials at network and at CATCH-UP sites, respectively, were from racial and ethnic minority groups, a more limited definition of underserved for which comparable data are available. Conclusion Targeted funding accelerated activation and accrual of early phase trials and expanded access to this therapeutic option for underserved populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Pruritus, either as a chronic standalone disease or secondary to inflammatory skin disease, can have a very detrimental effect on the overall quality of life for patients suffering from intense itch, particularly on patients suffering from atopic dermatitis. Symptoms of itching have a reported association with worsened quality of life across various psychological and social domains, including fewer periods of rest and reduced sleep quality. While prior studies have been made to determine the relationship between both fatigue and pruritus combined on systematic disease severity, there is limited data on how the prevalence of pruritus directly correlates with the prevalence of fatigue. Objective We utilized the AoU database to perform a nested case-control study to determine the impact of pruritus on patient-reported fatigue. Methods Within this database, patients experiencing pruritus (chronic pruritus, chronic pruritus of unknown origin (CPUO), prurigo nodularis, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis) were identified and matched to four controls using nearest neighbor propensity-score matching, with sex, age, and race/ethnicity. Comparative analyses between pruritus cases and controls were performed utilizing the Fisher's exact test for categorical variables and the unpaired t-test for continuous variables. Logistic regression models were developed to calculate the odds ratio (OR) of having pruritus (SNOMED: 279333002, ICD10CM-L29), and developing fatigue (SNOMED: 84229001, ICD10CM-R53.83), with covariates including age, race/ethnicity, sex, income, education, anxiety, and depression. A significance level was set at P<0.05, and 95% confidence intervals were developed using the Wald method. Results From the cohort with accessible electronic health records (EHR) in 91,212 controls and 22,803 cases of pruritus were identified (mean age 59.91 [standard deviation: 15.95], 63.57% female). Patients afflicted with pruritus demonstrated a noticeably elevated prevalence of fatigue (40.81%) compared to the control group (22.06%). After adjusting for demographics and other covariates in multivariable analysis, chronic pruritus remained significantly associated with fatigue, with a multivariable adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 1.56 (95% CI 1.16-2.07. In-depth analysis revealed that specific pruritic conditions exhibited strong associations with fatigue, namely, CPOU (aOR 2.27, 95% CI 1.35-3.82), prurigo nodularis (aOR 2.21, 95% CI 1.87-2.61), and atopic dermatitis (Aor 2.05, 95% CI 1.97-2.13). Conclusion Our study provides a quantitative measure of pruritus' impact on the prevalence of patient-reported fatigue across many pruritic conditions, including atopic dermatitis. This two-fold increase in fatigue in patients with itch further emphasizes the clinical importance of understanding the impact of pruritus on patient quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motivated by the challenges of calculating the dynamical masses of late-type galaxies (LTGs) and the enormous amount of data from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS), we calculate virial masses of a sample of approximately 126 000 LTGs from the sixteenth data release of the SDSS. The virial mass estimations were made considering Newtonian mechanics, virial equilibrium and velocity dispersion from stars and gas. The procedure gave as a result seven mass estimations for each galaxy. The calculated masses were calibrated using a sample of spiral galaxies with velocity rotation curves. Considering the results from the calibration, we find that the correlation between virial and dynamical (rotation curve) masses is stronger for high inclination values. Therefore, the calibration relies more on the available data for higher inclination angle galaxies. We also show that if we have a heterogeneous sample of galaxies one must take into consideration the size and colour of these galaxies by using the following variables: Sersic index n , concentration index, and colour of the stars. For relatively smaller and bluer LTGs, the gas velocity dispersion provides a more consistent mass calculation, while for LTGs that are relatively larger and redder the stellar velocity dispersion provides a better correlated mass calculation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Improving the quality of research published in plastic surgery literature has been recognized as a difficult and time-intensive process. Despite significant progress over the last decade, leaders in the field continue to advocate for higher-quality studies to better inform clinical practice.Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate and analyze trends in the levels of evidence (LOEs) of the plastic surgery literature over the last decade in 4 major journals.Methods: After systematic review of all articles published between 2008 and 2017 in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Annals of Plastic Surgery, Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery, and Aesthetic Surgery Journal (ASJ), included articles were assigned an LOE and classified according to study design and category.Results: In total, 8211 articles were included. Case series and reports represented 36.1% and 13.6% of studies, respectively. Additionally, 27.2% were retrospective cohort studies, 8.2% prospective cohort studies, 3.9% systematic reviews, and 2.9% randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Overall, the percentage of Level I/II studies has increased from 10.9% in 2008 to 17.3% in 2017. ASJ published the greatest proportion of Level I/II studies (23.2%) and RCTs (5.1%) of all the journals. There were significant differences in the distribution of Level I/II studies by journal (P < 0.001) and category (P < 0.001).Conclusions: Over the past decade, plastic surgery journals have published higher-quality research and a significantly greater proportion of Level I and II studies. The field must continue to strive for robust study designs, while also recognizing the importance of lower-LOE research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the behaviour of the dynamical and stellar mass inside the effective radius of early-type galaxies (ETGs) as a function of environment considering Newtonian dynamics, different surface-brightness profiles, different initial mass functions (IMF), and different redshift ranges. We use several samples of ETGs – ranging from 19 000 to 98 000 objects – from the ninth data release of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. We assume that any difference between the dynamical and stellar mass is due to dark matter and/or a non-universal IMF. The main results, considering samples in the redshift range 0.0024 ≤  z  ≤ 0.35, are as follows: (i) the amount of dark matter inside ETGs depends on the environment; (ii) ETGs in low-density environments span a wider dark matter range than ETGs in dense environments; (iii) the amount of dark matter inside ETGs in the most dense environments will be less than approximately 55–75 per cent of the dynamical mass; (iv) the accurate value of this upper limit depends on the impact of the IMF on the stellar mass estimation; (v) in the case of an ETG sample which is approximately complete for log(MVirial/MSun) > 10.5 and in the redshift range 0.04 ≤  z  ≤ 0.08, we find that the amount of dark matter in the most dense environments will be less than approximately 60–65 per cent of the dynamical mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we present the first reported case of a noninvasive Rhizopus fungal ball confined to the bladder of a patient with poorly controlled diabetes and right flank pain. The patient developed bilateral hydronephrosis after several hospital admissions for urinary tract infections with multiple failed courses of antibiotics. During cystoscopy to replace a ureteral stent, he was found to harbor a fungal ball in the bladder that was removed and grew Rhizopus in culture. Patient received treatment with amphotericin B and transitioned to long-term posaconazole therapy. This case highlights the importance of considering fungal agents in urinary tract infections, especially in persistent or refractory cases, and the role of the clinical microbiology laboratory in correct identification of the infectious source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Cyclosporin A (CsA) has been shown to protect against ischaemia/reperfusion injury presumably by its inhibition of mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening through cyclophilin D inhibition. We examine if CsA cardioprotection involves a cell-volume regulatory mechanism. Methods and results To address this issue, cultured rabbit cardiomyocytes were subjected to the following protocols: (i) cardiomyocytes were treated with 200 nM CsA either given for 10 min followed by 10 min of washout prior to 30 min hypo-osmotic stress (200 mOsm) or administered throughout 75 min simulated ischaemia/60 min simulated reperfusion. Cell necrosis and cell swelling were determined by trypan blue staining and cell-volume measurements, respectively; (ii) SPQ(6-methoxy-N-(3-sulfopropyl)quinolinium) dye loaded cardiomyocytes were treated with 200 nM CsA for 10 min followed by 10 min washout and intracellular Cl− concentration measured (Cl− efflux); (iii) 5,5′,6,6′-tetrachloro-1,1′,3,3′- tetraethylbenzimi-dazolylcarbocyanine iodide(JC-1) loaded cardiomyocytes were treated with 200 nM CsA to inhibit mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) dissipation (an index of mitochondria permeability transition pore opening) by either valinomycin (2 μM) or ischaemia/reperfusion injury. Cl− channels were blocked by indanyloxyacetic acid 94 (IAA-94, 50 μM). CsA not only significantly (P < 0.001) reduced the % of dead cells following simulated ischaemia/reperfusion but it also triggered an efflux of Cl−, hence enhancing cardiomyocyte cell-volume regulatory response. CsA protection against cell necrosis and its effect on Cl− transport/volume regulation were all blocked by IAA-94. IAA-94 had no effect on ΔΨm. Conclusion These data indicate that CsA protects against cell necrosis at least in part by enhancing cardiomyocyte volume regulation, and not simply by inhibiting MPTP opening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study on the stability of aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2in solutions of water, acetonitrile and methanol contained in vials treated with nitric acid or silanized. Aflatoxins are known human carcinogens and are said to be highly toxic to animals and humans. The study showed that aflatoxins are unstable in aqueous solutions. This can be counteracted by at 20% organic solvent and keeping the solutions at 5 degrees Celsius.

Aims: We have previously shown that reduction of ischaemic cell swelling via enhanced cell volume regulation is a key mechanism of ischaemic preconditioning (IPC) in cardiomyocytes. We have also shown that pharmacological blockade of Cl− channels abolishes cardioprotection achieved by IPC in Langendorff-perfused hearts and freshly isolated cardiomyocytes, thus suggesting that Cl− plays a key role in IPC cardioprotection. However, direct evidence of Cl− channel activation resulting in transsarcolemmal Cl− efflux by IPC had been lacking. To address this issue, 24 h cultured rabbit cardiomyocytes were loaded with 5 mM 6-methoxy-N-(3-sulfopropyl)quinolinium (SPQ), a specific fluorescence indicator that is quenched by Cl− so that cellular efflux of Cl− results in an increase in SPQ fluorescence. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Stem cells are an emerging strategy for treatment of myocardial infarction, limited however to postinjury intervention. Preventive stem cell-based therapy to augment stress tolerance has yet to be considered for lifelong protection. Here, pluripotent stem cells were microsurgically introduced at the blastocyst stage of murine embryo development to ensure stochastic integration and sustained organ contribution. Engineered chimera displayed excess in body weight due to increased fat deposits, but were otherwise devoid of obesity-related morbidity. Remarkably, and in sharp contrast to susceptible nonchimeric offspring, chimera was resistant to myocardial infarction induced by permanent coronary occlusion. Infarcted nonchimeric adult hearts demonstrated progressive deterioration in ejection fraction, while age-matched 12-14-months-old chimera recovered from equivalent ischemic insult to regain within one-month preocclusion contractile performance. Electrical remodeling and ventricular enlargement with fibrosis, prominent in failing nonchimera, were averted in the chimeric cohort characterized by an increased stem cell load in adipose tissue and upregulated markers of biogenesis Ki67, c-Kit, and stem cell antigen-1 in the myocardium. Favorable outcome in infarcted chimera translated into an overall benefit in workload capacity and survival. Thus, prenatal stem cell transplant yields a cardioprotective phenotype in adulthood, expanding cell-based indications beyond traditional postinjury applications to include pre-emptive therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pathogenic causes underlying nonischemic cardiomyopathies are increasingly being resolved, yet repair therapies for these commonly heritable forms of heart failure are lacking. A case in point is human dilated cardiomyopathy 10 (CMD10; Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man #608569), a progressive organ dysfunction syndrome refractory to conventional therapies and linked to mutations in cardiac ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channel subunits. Embryonic stem cell therapy demonstrates benefit in ischemic heart disease, but the reparative capacity of this allogeneic regenerative cell source has not been tested in inherited cardiomyopathy. Here, in a Kir6.2-knockout model lacking functional KATP channels, we recapitulated under the imposed stress of pressure overload the geneenvironment substrate of CMD10. Salient features of the human malignant heart failure phenotype were reproduced, including compromised contractility, ventricular dilatation, and poor survival. Embryonic stem cells were delivered through the epicardial route into the left ventricular wall of cardiomyopathic stressed Kir6.2-null mutants. At 1 month of therapy, transplantation of 200,000 cells per heart achieved teratoma-free reversal of systolic dysfunction and electrical synchronization and halted maladaptive remodeling, thereby preventing end-stage organ failure. Tracked using the lacZ reporter transgene, stem cells engrafted into host heart. Beyond formation of cardiac tissue positive for Kir6.2, transplantation induced cell cycle activation and halved fibrotic zones, normalizing sarcomeric and gap junction organization within remuscularized hearts. Improved systemic function induced by stem cell therapy translated into increased stamina, absence of anasarca, and benefit to overall survivorship. Embryonic stem cells thus achieve functional repair in nonischemic genetic cardiomyopathy, expanding indications to the therapy of heritable heart failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The main objective of this article was to compare alcohol and tobacco consumption in the US and the Basque Country (the North of Spain) with particular attention to the association between alcohol and tobacco use. The consistency of findings was considered by analyzing data from two different years. These comparisons may provide a rational basis for exploring the associations between alcohol and cigarette use that are influenced by changes in use prevalences. Methods: Two epidemiological samples from the US, obtained in 1992 and 1996, and two from the Basque Country, obtained in the same years, were used. Sampling methodologies were similar. Questionnaires were self-administrated with the help of interviewers, and were used to define ever smokers, ex-smokers, current smokers, heavy smokers, ever drinkers, ex-drinkers, current drinkers and weekly drinkers. The associations between smoking and alcohol drinking were explored through logistic regressions. Results: The associations between current smoking and current drinking in the general population, and between ever smoking and weekly drinking among Current drinkers appear very stable. In 1992 and 1996, US subjects who decided to try alcohol tended to try smoking and vice versa. In US Caucasians (particularly in 1996), heavy smoking was strongly associated with ever drinking among current smokers. In the Basque Country in 1992, there was a significant association between smoking cessation and drinking cessation among ever drinkers who also were ever smokers. Conclusions: Our analyses suggest that some associations between alcohol drinking and smoking behaviours are likely to be detected in Western countries where alcohol and nicotine are legal and easily available. On the other hand, other associations may be detected only in certain social contexts. These social contexts make the associations in subpopulations who are vulnerable to addiction, influence the results in the general population. In social contexts that exert considerable social pressure to quit smoking, such as in US Caucasians (particularly in 1996), heavy smoking was strongly associated with ever drinking among current smokers. When a social environment strongly discourages smoking and alcohol initiation (as in the US in 1992 and 1996), subjects who decide to try alcohol tend to try smoking and vice versa. The lack of social stigmatization of smoking and drinking in the Basque Country in 1992 may help to explain the significant association between smoking cessation and drinking cessation among ever drinkers who also were ever smokers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Isolated cardiomyocytes, obtained by enzymatic digestion of whole hearts, have multiple advantages, most related to their accessibility to microscopic visualization, beyond the obvious elimination of other cell types that exist in the heart. Conversely, they cannot reproduce the mechanical disruption of reperfusion hypercontracture or the vascular phenomena of leukocyte plugging and compression from interstitial edema and contracture that can lead to the no-reflow phenomenon. Nevertheless, ischemic preconditioning has been consistently demonstrated to be a potent protective mechanism in freshly isolated and cultured cardiomyocytes across multiple species, indicating that much of the innate protection of ischemic preconditioning resides in cardiomyocytes. Centrifuging freshly isolated cardiomyocytes into a pellet with only a thin layer of supernatant covered by oil has proven to be an excellent model of simulated ischemia. In culture, cardiomyocytes may be exposed to severe hypoxia only or to various protocols for simulated ischemia in which an acid/lactate-rich, hyperkalemic extracellular environment with substrate deprivation (lacking glucose) is typically added. Reperfusion is simulated by well-oxygenated media of normal ionic composition. Cardiomyocyte injury has been usually evaluated by cell membrane permeability to dyes, often under hypo-osmotic conditions (osmotic fragility) or enzyme release. A survey of the use of cardiomyocyte models to study preconditioning is presented with the emphasis on examples of the innovative measurements, increasingly involving molecular techniques, that point to an increasing future role for these models in preconditioning research and, more generally, in the mechanistic study of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Application of imidacloprid to the soil in which Tabasco pepper, Capsicum frutescens L., seedlings were growing was highly effective against the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae). In just 48 h after the soil drench, aphid numbers on treated plants declined from 292.1 to 33.0 per plant, a reduction of 89%. By 72 and 96 h after the application, the reductions were 97 and 100%, respectively. Reductions in green peach aphid numbers also indicated that imidacloprid readily moved throughout the Tabasco pepper plant. Although, initial green peach aphid reductions at 24 and 48 h after imidacloprid application to soil, were greater on the lower leaves than on the upper leaves, by 72 h toxicity was high throughout the plant. At 48 h, overall green peach aphid reduction on seedlings grown in wet soil was significantly higher than that on plants growing in the drier soil. Regardless of soil moisture or leaf location, no live green peach aphids were detected on treated seedlings after 96 h. After the initial uptake period, toxicity to green peach aphid remained high for 5 wk. Under Tabasco pepper production conditions in Central America, the greatest need for aphid management is just after transplanting. Imidacloprid soil drenches before transplanting should offer the Tabasco pepper producer an extended period of aphid-free production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several studies suggest that caffeine intake is high in patients with schizophrenia and a few of them suggest that caffeine may contribute to schizophrenia symptomatology. None of these studies control for the effect of tobacco smoking, which is associated with induction of caffeine metabolism. Therefore, the high amount of caffeine intake among patients with schizophrenia may be due to their high prevalence of smoking. This is the first large study to explore whether caffeine intake in patients with schizophrenia is related to tobacco (or alcohol) use or to the severity of schizophrenia symptomatology. The sample included 250 consecutive consenting outpatients with a diagnosis of DSM-IV schizophrenia from Granada, Spain. Fiftynine percent (147/250) of patients consumed caffeine. Current caffeine intake was associated with current smoking and alcohol use. As none of the females used alcohol, the association with alcohol was only present in males with schizophrenia. Among caffeine consumers, smoking was associated with the amount of caffeine intake. Cross-sectional schizophrenia symptomatology was not associated with caffeine intake. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objectives: We have recently proposed that chloride (Cl−) channels contribute to ischemic preconditioning (IPC) in the myocardium. To further evaluate this hypothesis, we investigated the role of Cl− channels in pharmacological preconditioning. Methods: Isolated rabbit cardiomyocytes and isolated buffer-perfused rabbit hearts were initially preconditioned with a 10 min exposure to either an adenosine receptor agonist [2-chloro-N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CCPA, 200 nM) and/or N6-2-(4-aminophenyl)ethyladenosine (APNEA, 1 μM)] or the PKC activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA, 1 μM) followed by a 10 or 20 min washout or not preconditioned (control). Cardiomyocytes or whole hearts were then subjected to prolonged ischemic period (45 min simulated ischemia or 40 min of regional myocardial ischemia, respectively) followed by 60 min reperfusion (resuspension in oxygenated medium or release of the transient coronary occlusion, respectively). Results: Indanyloxyacetic acid 94, a selective Cl− channel inhibitor that produced substantial inhibition of the regulatory volume decrease (RVD) when given at 10 μM concentration in cultured cardiomyocytes, was administered before ischemia to block RVD through Cl− channel inhibition. CCPA, APNEA and PMA significantly (P<0.01) reduced the % of dead cardiomyocytes (by trypan blue staining) after 45 min SI/60 min SR, as compared to controls, while IAA-94 abolished this protection but did not affect PKC&epsiv; translocation by IPC. We confirmed that IAA-94 blocked IPC-, APNEA- and PMA-induced protection against infarction in the isolated heart model. Conclusions: These findings support our contention that Cl− channels are downstream effectors of IPC. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Presents an abstract of the article 'Requirement for Fungal Prophylaxis in High-Risk Surgical Patients: A Randomized Trial,' by C. Emparan, J. Diaz-Aguirregoitia, I. Iturburu and L.F. Perdigo presented during the Surgical Infection Society of Europe and the European Shock Society held in Nijmegen, Netherlands on May 2000.

Presents an abstract of the article 'Fungal Prophylaxis in Biliopancreatic Surgery in Immunocompromised Patients,' by C. Emparan, I. Iturburu, J. Diaz-Aguirregoitia, Z. Beyga and L.P. Perdigo presented during the joint meeting of the Surgical Infection Society of Europe and the European Shock Society held in Nijmegen, Netherlands on May 2000.

The role of different cytochrome P450 enzymes on the metabolism of 3-methylindole (3MI) was investigated using selective chemical inhibitors. Eight chemical inhibitors of P450 enzymes were screened for their inhibitory specificity towards 3MI metabolism in porcine microsomes: alpha-naphthoflavone (CYP1A1/2), 8-methoxypsoralen (CYP2A6), menthofuran (CYP2A6), diethyldithiocarbamate (CYP2A6), 4-methylpyrazole (CYP2E1), sulphaphenazole (CYP2C9), quinidine (CYP2D6), and troleandomycin (CYP3A4). The production of 3MI metabolites was only affected by the presence of inhibitors of CYP2A6 and CYP2E1 in the microsomal incubations. In a second experiment, a set of porcine microsomes (n = 30) was analyzed for CYP2A6 content by protein immunoblot analysis and for their coumarin 7-hydroxylation activity (CYP2A6 activity). Both CYP2A6 content and enzymatic activity were found to be highly and negatively correlated with 3MI fat content. The results of the present study indicate that the CYP2A6 porcine ortholog plays an important role in the metabolism of 3MI and that measurement of CYP2A6 levels and/or activity could be a useful marker for 3MI-induced boar taint. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objective: The aim was to compare the effects of ischaemic preconditioning in the buffer perfused and parabiotic blood perfused Langendorff rabbit heart models. Methods: Isolated hearts were perfused with either Krebs-Henseleit buffer solution or blood from a support rabbit. Hearts were subjected to an initial 30 min stabilisation period followed by 30 min of global ischaemia and 60 min of reperfusion. Ischaemic preconditioned (IP) hearts were also subjected to one cycle of 5 min global ischaemia and 10 min of reperfusion before the 30 min ischaemia. For each experiment, left ventricular function and necrosis were measured. Results: Necrosis, as measured by tetrazolium staining and expressed as a percentage of the left ventricular area, was significantly different between the buffer perfused control [42.5%(SEM 6.9), n=7] and buffer perfused IP group [22.2%(5.4), n=7, p<0.01]. In the blood perfused experiments, the IP group also had less necrosis [9.3%(3.1), n=9] as compared to controls [22.9%(4.2), n=9, p<0.01]. The percentage reduction in necrosis produced by ischaemic preconditioning was not significantly different between the buffer perfused and blood perfused models. Peak left ventricular systolic pressure was not different between the control and IP hearts in either model at any time during the 60 min reperfusion period. In buffer perfused hearts, left ventricular end diastolic pressure at 60 min reperfusion was not significantly different between the IP and the control groups, at 34.3(5.5) mm Hg v 37.8(4.9) mm Hg, respectively. Similarly, there was no statistically significant difference in left ventricular end diastolic pressure in the blood perfused groups at this time: 13.3(2.8) in the IP group v 24.0(6.5) in controls. Conclusions: In isolated heart models of global ischaemia and reperfusion, in which both recovery of function and necrosis were assessed together, ischaemic preconditioning was highly effective in reducing necrosis in both blood perfused and buffer perfused models. However, ischaemic preconditioning did not significantly improve postischaemic recovery of function in either of the two preparations.Cardiovascular Research 1993;27:602-607 [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: The European Vertebral Osteoporosis Study Group (EVOS) developed a questionnaire, back translated into 14 different European languages, for use in a multinational epidemiological study of vertebral osteoporosis. We investigated the reproducibility of this questionnaire in four of the participating study centres.Methods: In all 151 men and women, aged 50-85 years, from Lubeck (Germany), Malmo (Sweden), Warsaw (Poland) and Oviedo (Northern Spain), were retested with the questionnaire on two occasions using a different observer within a 28-day period.Results: Questions relating to personal or medical history were more reproducible than questions concerning subjective symptoms or aspects of lifestyle. The level of agreement for the non-ordinal categorical variables, as estimated by kappa, varied from 0.38 to 1.00 across the four centres. Agreement for the multicategory ordinal, mainly lifestyle, questions was in general poorer though improved when a weighted analysis was performed. For continuous data the 95% limits of agreement were narrow, and there was no evidence of bias between interviewers. There were no important differences in reproducibility across the four centres for either categorical or continuous data.Conclusion: The study indicates that the questionnaire may produce useful and comparable information concerning risk factors for osteoporosis across different countries and in different languages. It also highlights that questionnaire instruments designed for use in multinational population-based studies may provide data of comparable quality across a range of settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral acyclovir has become the standard of care for treatment of acute herpes zoster. Netivudine is a novel antiviral with greater in-vitro activity against varicella zoster virus. It was compared with acyclovir in a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial in immunocompetent adults with herpes zoster. Patients with rash for less than 72 h were assigned to receive either acyclovir or netivudine, then assessed regularly for 6 months. No evidence for a dose response with netivudine was found, so intent-to-treat analyses of all 511 enrolled patients compared acyclovir with netivudine. The time to complete cessation of pain (P = 0.007) and to cessation of moderate to excruciating pain (P = 0.005) was accelerated in acyclovir recipients. Rash outcomes and adverse event profiles were similar for both treatments. This study has confirmed the efficacy of acyclovir in decreasing the duration and severity of pain following herpes zoster. Greater in-vitro activity of newer agents may not necessarily provide greater benefit in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction During the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant number of individuals experienced persistent symptoms, collectively termed post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) by the World Health Organization. While civilian prevalence has been extensively studied, little is known about PCC in military personnel. This article highlights the need for increased awareness, documentation, and research on PCC within the military context, utilizing the Defense Health Agency database. Materials and Methods A keyword search of the PubMed, CINAHL, and Web of Science databases was performed utilizing the keywords: military, post-COVID conditions, long COVID-19, and post-COVID19 syndrome. A five-stage integrative review framework was used to analyze 40 reports and research articles published from 2019 to 2023 to assess the current state of PCC research, including epidemiology, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 variants, pathophysiology, and prevalence in military personnel. Results Our review revealed a notable gap in research on PCC within the military population, with only a few mentions in the literature. A key finding was the association between immunization status, symptom severity, and ethnicity in PCC development. Conclusion To comprehensively address PCC in military personnel, it is imperative to foster both awareness and documentation. Creating a centralized Defense Health Agency-DoD repository for active duty service members with PCC diagnoses offers a valuable opportunity to conduct trend analysis, identify missed cases, and better understand the individual and military readiness implications of this condition. Additionally, to address the educational needs of clinicians, it is essential to develop continuing medical education and continuing nursing education programs focusing on PCC signs, symptoms, and their impact on readiness. Furthermore, randomized controlled trials and longitudinal experimental clinical trials are essential for monitoring service members over time, providing valuable insights into the course of PCC and potential interventions. These research endeavors collectively contribute to improving the health, readiness, and care of military personnel affected by PCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a letter to the editor reporting a case of acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis due to diltiazem confirmation by patch testing.

The article discusses the case of a 51-year-old man who was treated with capecitabine therapy. He was referred for evaluation of painful, eroded papules in his finger that appeared 6 weeks after treatment for an epidermoid carcinoma of the larynx. Capecitabine is a chemotherapeutic drug approved for use in colorectal and breast cancer. Due to the high concentration of thymidine phosphorylase in the skin, cutaneous side-effects are possible, including dermatitis, stomatitis and alopecia.

Tampa General Hospital (TGH) and the U.S. Air Force have partnered in a program called "Mission Zero" to enhance the trauma capabilities of active duty trauma surgeons while also providing skilled surgical care to the Tampa community. The program, sponsored by the Department of Health and Human Services, integrates military care providers into civilian trauma centers to ensure medical readiness and share expertise in austere and combat settings. Two active duty Air Force trauma surgeons have joined TGH as attending trauma surgeons and will also serve as educators to surgery residents and trauma surgery fellows. This partnership was made possible through the Mission Zero grant and logistical support from the U.S. Air Force 6th Medical Group. The program is not currently open to anesthesiologists, nurses, or medical technicians, but there is hope for expansion in the future. TGH is an ideal institution for this partnership due to its capacity, case volume, and status as a level 1 trauma center. The partnership also offers opportunities for research through its close affiliation with the University of South Florida. This program is part of a broader effort by the Army and Navy to maintain the skills of medical personnel during periods of military conflict. Military-civilian partnerships like this one can increase exposure to acute medical and trauma care environments and provide an attractive location for rotation. [Extracted from the article]