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To study emissions of CO2 in the Baltimore, MD‐Washington, D.C. (Balt‐Wash) area, an aircraft campaign was conducted in February 2015, as part of the Fluxes of Atmospheric Greenhouse‐Gases in Maryland (FLAGG‐MD) project. During the campaign, elevated mole fractions of CO2 were observed downwind of the urban center and local power plants. Upwind flight data and Hybrid Single Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) model analyses help account for the impact of emissions outside the Balt‐Wash area. The accuracy, precision, and sensitivity of CO2 emissions estimates based on the mass balance approach were assessed for both power plants and cities. Our estimates of CO2 emissions from two local power plants agree well with their Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS) records. For the 16 power plant plumes captured by the aircraft, the mean percentage difference of CO2 emissions was −0.3%. For the Balt‐Wash area as a whole, the 1𝜎 CO2 emission rate uncertainty for any individual aircraft‐based mass balance approach experiment was ±38%. Treating the mass balance experiments, which were repeated seven times within 9 days, as individual quantifications of the Balt‐Wash CO2 emissions, the estimation uncertainty was ±16% (standard error of the mean at 95% CL). Our aircraft‐based estimate was compared to various bottom‐up fossil fuel CO2 (FFCO2) emission inventories. Based on the FLAGG‐MD aircraft observations, we estimate 1.9 ± 0.3 MtC of FFCO2 from the Balt‐Wash area during the month of February 2015. The mean estimate of FFCO2 from the four bottom‐up models was 2.2 ± 0.3 MtC. Key Points: 1.9 ± 0.3 MtC of fossil fuel CO2 was emitted in Baltimore‐Washington during February 2015 based on data collected during seven aircraft flightsFour bottom‐up inventories indicate 2.2 ± 0.3 MtC of fossil fuel CO2 was emitted, in good agreement with our top‐down estimateThe uncertainty from a single flight segment was ±38% (1𝜎); data from seven flights yielded a precision of 16% at the 95% confidence level [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A zero‐voltage switching topology for self‐oscillating current‐fed resonant inverter for wireless power transfer application is proposed. The drawback of conventional floating‐capacitor connection between two differential MOSFET outputs is revealed. It turns out that the conventional connection causes severe switching loss because the MOSFET voltage has duty cycle >50%, while the current has an exact 50% duty cycle to sustain the self‐oscillation. To solve the issue, the proposed self‐oscillating inverter equips with two antiparallel diodes and two resonance capacitors between MOSFET output and ground, while the floating capacitor is removed. This allows dead‐time of MOSFETs and zero‐voltage switching, leading to significant reduction in switching loss. The operation and efficiency of the proposed circuit is demonstrated by simulation and measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Mucus hypersecretion has been frequently observed in inflammation respiratory diseases. However, the negative regulators for mucus overproduction have not been readily identified. Our work focused on identifying novel negative regulator that modulates mucus overproduction in the human respiratory system. Herein, we examined whether H2O2 could induce MUC5 AC transcription in a dose-dependent manner and activate tyrosine phosphatase ( SHP)-2 in human airway epithelial cells. Methods We performed qRT- PCR to detect the changes in MUC5AC transcription and dot-blotting analysis to investigate MUC5AC secretion as regulated by SHP-2. Results H2O2 induced MUC5 AC transcription in a dose-dependent manner and dramatically activated SHP-2. In addition, whereas wild-type SHP-2 completely inhibited H2O2-induced MUC5 AC transcription, si RNA- SHP-2 restored it interestingly, suggesting that SHP-2 may act as a negative regulator for mucus overproduction and hypersecretion in the human respiratory tract. Moreover, SHP-2 inhibited the ERK1/2 MAPK pathway, thus abolishing the signalling for MUC5 AC transcription. Conclusion We found that H2O2 induced SHP-2 activation, which acted as a suppressor in H2O2 signalling to regulate MUC5 AC transcription in the airway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the essential catalytic enzyme for viral genome replication. It initiates minus-strand RNA synthesis from a highly conserved 98-nt sequence, called the X-RNA, at the 3′-end of the plus-strand viral genome. In this study, we evaluated the antiviral effects of peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) targeting the X-RNA. Our in vitro RdRp assay results showed that PNAs targeting the three major stem-loop (SL) domains of X-RNA can inhibit RNA synthesis initiation. Delivery of X-RNA-targeted PNAs by fusing the PNAs to cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) into HCV-replicating cells effectively suppressed HCV replication. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays revealed that the PNA targeting the SL3 region at the 5′-end of X-RNA dissociated the viral RdRp from the X-RNA. Furthermore, delivery of the SL3-targeted PNA into HCV-infected cells resulted in the suppression of HCV RNA replication without activation of interferon β expression. Collectively, our results indicate that the HCV X-RNA can be effectively targeted by CPP-fused PNAs to block RNA-protein and/or RNA-RNA interactions essential for viral RNA replication and identify X-RNA SL3 as an RdRp binding site crucial for HCV replication. In addition, the ability to inhibit RNA synthesis initiation by targeting HCV X-RNA using antisense PNAs suggests their promising therapeutic potential against HCV infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In a shock state, naloxone generates the cardiovascular pressor effect by displacing the endogenous opiate-like peptide β-endorphin, resulting in restoration of the normal response to catecholamines. In addition to this opioid antagonistic effect, the non-opiate receptor-mediated effect has also been proposed. The aim of this study was to define the mechanism of non-opiate receptor-mediated action of naloxone. Methods: In guinea-pig ventricular tissues, cumulative concentration–response curves for isoproterenol as well as for forskolin and 3-isobutylmethylxanthine (IBMX) were obtained by increasing the concentration stepwise. To assess the effect on the phosphodiesterase (PDE), the effects of naloxone on contractile forces induced by isoproterenol (0.05 μM) in the presence of IBMX, cilostamide (a PDE III inhibitor), or rolipram (a PDE IV inhibitor) were observed. Naloxone-induced changes in cAMP production by isoproterenol both in the absence and in the presence of IBMX were measured. Naloxone-induced changes in cAMP production by forskolin in the presence of IBMX were also measured. Results: Naloxone (30 μM) produced a leftward shift of the isoproterenol concentration–response curve (0.01–2 μM) without changing the maximal response. Forskolin (0.5–10 μM) produced a concentration-dependent increase in contractile forces. Naloxone increased the maximal inotropic response of forskolin. Naloxone showed no effect on the IBMX concentration–response curve. In the presence of IBMX (200 μM), naloxone did not alter the contractions evoked by isoproterenol or forskolin. Whereas naloxone increased contractile forces significantly (approximately 25%) more than that of isoproterenol in the presence of rolipram, no alteration of contractile forces in the cilostamide-incubated muscles was observed. Naloxone caused a concentration-related increase of cAMP in the absence of IBMX, but caused no change in its presence. Conclusions: The enhancement of myocardial contractility by naloxone in the presence of stimulation of adenylyl cyclase activity appears to be mediated by inhibition of PDE, specifically PDE III. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ground beef with 10%, 15%, or 20% fat were added with none, 0.05% ascorbic acid + 0.01%α-tocopherol, or 0.05% ascorbic acid + 0.01%α-tocopherol + 0.01% sesamol, and irradiated at 0 or 2.5 kGy. The meat samples were displayed under fluorescent light for 14 d at 4 °C. Color, lipid oxidation, volatiles, oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), and carbon monoxide (CO) production were determined during storage. Irradiation increased lipid oxidation and total volatiles of ground beef regardless of fat contents. Ascorbic acid +α-tocopherol + sesamol treatment was the most effective in reducing lipid oxidation during storage. The production of ethanol in nonirradiated ground beef increased dramatically after 7 d of storage due to microbial growth. Total aldehydes and hexanal increased drastically in irradiated control over the storage period, but hexanal increased the most by irradiation. L*-values was decreased by irradiation, but increased in all meat regardless of fat contents as storage period increased. Irradiation reduced the redness, but fat contents had no effect on the a*-value of ground beef. Sesamol lowered, but ascorbic acid +α-tocopherol maintained the redness of irradiated beef up to 2 wk of storage. The yellowness of meat was significantly decreased by irradiation. The reducing power of ascorbic acid +α-tocopherol lasted for 3 d, after which ORP values increased. Irradiation increased CO production regardless of fat content in ground beef. In conclusion, up to 20% fat had no effect on the quality change of irradiated ground beef if ascorbic acid +α-tocopherol was added. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fractions of meat homogenates were analyzed to find the factors that determine the susceptibility of raw chicken breast and beef loin to lipid oxidation. The fractions used in this study were meat homogenate, precipitate, and supernatant of homogenate after centrifugation, and high and low molecular weight fractions from the supernatant. Chicken breast showed greater oxidative stability than beef loin during 10-d storage ( P < 0.05). All fractions from chicken breast showed lower amounts of free ionic iron and myoglobin and higher total antioxidant capacity (TAC) than those from beef loin during storage. The TAC level of chicken breast maintained during storage. This suggested that the oxidative stability of chicken breast was ascribed to high, stable total antioxidant capacity with low level of catalysts for lipid oxidation. The water-soluble high molecular weight fraction, which contained myoglobin, was responsible for the high lipoxygenase-like activity and lipid oxidation potential (LOP) in beef loin. TAC in all fractions from beef loin decreased during storage. This suggested that high myoglobin content in beef loin caused the imbalance between pro- and antioxidant factors leading to the high susceptibility of beef loin to lipid oxidation. Myoglobin served a major source of catalysts, ferrylmyoglobin, hematin, and/or free ionic iron, for lipid oxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four antioxidant treatments (none, 0.05% ascorbic acid, 0.01%α-tocopherol + 0.01% sesamol, and 0.05% ascorbic acid + 0.01%α-tocopherol + 0.01% sesamol) were applied to ground beef using either mixing or spraying method. The meat samples were placed on Styrofoam trays, irradiated at 0 or 2.5 kGy, and then stored for 7 d at 4 °C. Color, lipid oxidation, volatiles, oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), and carbon monoxide (CO) production were determined at 0, 3, and 7 d of storage. Irradiation increased lipid oxidation of ground beef with control and ascorbic acid treatments after 3 d of storage. α-Tocopherol + sesamol and ascorbic acid +α-tocopherol + sesamol treatments were effective in slowing down lipid oxidation in ground beef during storage regardless of application methods, but mixing was better than the spraying method. Irradiation lowered L*-value and a*-value of ground beef. Storage had no effect on lightness but redness decreased with storage. Ascorbic acid was the most effective in maintaining redness of ground beef followed by ascorbic acid +α-tocopherol + sesamol. Irradiation and storage reduced the b*-value of ground beef. Irradiation lowered ORP of ground beef regardless of antioxidants application methods, but ORP was lower in beef with mixing than spraying method. Beef sprayed with antioxidants produced more hydrocarbons and alcohols than the mixing application, but ascorbic acid +α-tocopherol + sesamol treatment was effective in reducing the amount of volatiles produced by irradiation. Therefore, mixing was better than the spraying method in preventing lipid oxidation and maintaining color of irradiated ground beef. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The susceptibility of meats from different animal species (chicken breast [CB] and thigh [CT], pork [PL], and beef [BL]) to lipid oxidation was studied. The amounts of TBARS in raw PL, CB, and CT did not change during a 7-d storage period. TBARS values of raw BL, however, significantly increased during 7-d storage because of high heme iron content, high lipoxygenase-like activities, and low 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activities. Ferric ion reducing capacities (FRC) were detected in all raw meats, but their characteristics were different: storage-unstable in CB and CT and storage-stable in PL and BL. Ferric ion reducing capacities in raw CB and CT was higher than those of PL and BL, and could be related to their high oxidative stability. The TBARS values of cooked meat increased significantly with storage. The rates of TBARS increase in cooked CT and BL were significantly higher than those of cooked CB and PL after a 7-d storage. Nonheme iron content in cooked BL was higher than other meats and increased significantly after 7 d. Cooked BL had a higher amount of heat-stable FRC, which acted as a prooxidant in the presence of high free ionic irons, than other meats. Therefore, high heat-stable FRC and increased nonheme iron content in cooked BL were responsible for its high susceptibility to lipid oxidation. Despite relatively low nonheme iron and heat-stable FRC levels, cooked CT showed similar levels of TBARS to cooked BL after a 7-d storage because of its high PUFA content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 120 three-wk-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to three diets containing 0, 2, or 3% CLA and fed for 5 wk. Fat content and FA composition of liver, plasma, and feces were analyzed. Key enzymes involved in FA synthesis and catabolism in liver, TG, cholesterol, and FFA content of plasma were also determined. Dietary CLA increased TG, total cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol levels in plasma. The increased plasma TG level could be caused by increased FA synthesis in the liver after CLA feeding, because the activity of FA synthase in the liver increased after dietary CLA treatment. Dietary CLA changed the FA composition of feces but had no effect on fat content. Compared to the amounts of linoleic and linolenic acids present in the control diet, the amounts excreted into the feces of CLA-treated birds were significantly higher. Liver weights of broilers significantly increased after CLA feeding, but there was no difference in liver fat content among the different CLA treatments. CLA treatment did not influence total FFA content in plasma; however, there was a significant difference in the composition of FFA. Dietary CLA reduced the content of linoleic and arachidonic acids in both plasma and liver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BSTRACT: The liberation of phospholipids from Z-disks was investigated to elucidate the cause of the structural weakening of Z-disks, which contributes to the tenderization of meat during postmortem aging. The amounts of lipids in Z-disks were 2.2 g per 100 g of myofibrillar proteins in porcine and 2.7 g in bovine semitendinosus muscles. Phospholipids were the major component of the lipids. The postmortem liberation of phospholipids correlated well with Z-disk weakening, though a-actinin, the major protein of Z-disks, remained unchanged even after prolonged aging of pork and beef. We therefore concluded that Z-disks are weakened by liberation of phospholipids during postmortem aging of pork and beef. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Proton pump inhibitor-based triple therapies are recommended as the first-line treatment for Helicobacter pylori eradication. Aim: To evaluate the efficacies of low-dose clarithromycin triple therapy and tinidazole-containing triple therapy in a metronidazole resistance prevalent area and to compare the efficacies with standard triple therapy. Methods: In a randomized, multicentre, prospective study, a total of 352 patients with duodenal ulcer or non-ulcer dyspepsia were randomly divided into three groups according to the administered regimen: OAC250 group (omeprazole, 20 mg, amoxicillin, 1000 mg, and clarithromycin, 250 mg), OAC500 group (omeprazole, 20 mg, amoxicillin, 1000 mg, and clarithromycin, 500 mg) and OTC group (omeprazole, 20 mg, tinidazole, 500 mg, and clarithromycin, 500 mg). The three groups received each regimen twice daily for 7 days. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed before and 4 weeks after treatment. H. pylori status was determined by rapid urease test and 13C urea breath test. Results: The eradication rates in the OAC250, OAC500 and OTC groups were 76.2%, 65.7% and 64.8% (95% confidence interval: 67.9–84.4%, 56.7–74.8% and 55.7–73.9%), respectively, by intention-to-treat analysis (P=0.149) and 92.8%, 87.2% and 84.1% (95% confidence interval: 84.4–97.3%, 77.9–93.8% and 73.9–91.2%), respectively, by per protocol analysis (P=0.088). All regimens were well tolerated and compliance was excellent. Conclusions: Both low-dose clarithromycin triple therapy and tinidazole-containing triple therapy are effective and safe regimens for H. pylori eradication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aerobic packaging significantly increased cholesterol oxidation products (COPs) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in cooked turkey, pork, and beef patties after 7-d storage, but vacuum packaging was very effective in preventing cholesterol and lipid oxidation. Packaging of meat after cooking had a much stronger effect on COPs formation than before cooking, and irradiation had only a minor effect. The amount of total COPs correlated well with TBARS in cooked meat. Turkey had the highest rates of COPs and TBARS formation and beef had the lowest rates after 7-d storage, which were closely related to the fatty acid composition of meats. 7α-hydroxycholesterol, 7β-hydroxycholesterol, and 7-ketocholesterol were the major COPs detected in all 3 cooked meat patties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Irradiation and storage increased lipid oxidation of normal and pale-soft-exudative (PSE) muscles, whereas dark-firm-dry (DFD) muscle was very stable and resistant to oxidative changes. Irradiation increased redness regardless of pork-quality type, and the increases were proportional to irradiation dose. Irradiation increased the production of sulfur-containing volatiles, but not lipid oxidation products. The total volatiles produced in normal and PSE pork were higher than the DFD pork. Some volatiles produced in meat by irradiation evaporated during storage under aerobic packaging conditions. Nonirradiated normal and DFD pork had higher odor preference scores than the nonirradiated PSE, but irradiation reduced the preference scores of all 3 pork-quality types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between volatile substances and manufacturing procedures of Chinese traditional Jinhua ham and Cantonese sausage were determined. Ethanol and its alcohol esters were the major volatiles of Cantonese sausage suggesting that ethanol added to meat at the formulation stage was the most important factor for the characteristic flavor of Cantonese sausage. Small amounts of fatty acid and amino acid breakdown products were also detected in Cantonese sausage. In Jinhua ham, alkanes and alkenes were the major volatiles, but branched aldehydes and sulfur compounds were also detected. This indicated that many complicated chemical reactions occurring in Jinhua ham during ripening contribute to its characteristic flavor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electron-beam irradiation significantly increased the oxidation of docosahexaenoic, arachidonic and linolenic acids, and cholesterol in egg yolk powder. Arachidonic-acid content was reduced from 4.58% to 3.07%, and total cholesterol oxidation products increased from 11 µg/g to 467 µg/g after 5.0 kGy irradiation. Further oxidation occurred during storage. Vacuum-packaging significantly reduced, but the use of antioxidants had no effect on the fatty acids and cholesterol oxidation during irradiation and storage. Irradiation caused color change in egg yolk powder. The Hunter color a- (redness) values decreased from 3.89 to 2.48 and 1.94, respectively, after 2.5 and 5.0 kGy irradiation. Hunter color a- and b-values were also decreased during storage. Vacuum-packaging and antioxidants significantly reduced color changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oil emulsions containing amino acids, glutathione, bovine serum albumin, gelatin, or myofibrillar proteins were prepared. The emulsions were irradiated at 0, 2.5, 5.0, or 10.0 kGy absorbed doses and analyzed for volatile compounds. Irradiation increased the production of aldehydes (for example, hexanal, heptanal, octanal, and nonanal) indicating that lipid oxidation of oil emulsion was accelerated by Irradiation. Irradiation produced, by radiolytic degradations, new volatile compounds from oil emulsions containing leucine, valine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, methionine, or cysteine. This indicated that radiolysis of protein may play an important role in off-odor generation of irradiated meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes the case of a 20-year-old man who presented to the hospital with fever, general myalgia and headache for five days. Initial laboratory findings indicated he had a primary Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection but three days after admission, he exhibited behavioral disturbances in addition to complaints of headache and dizziness. His final diagnosis was primary EBV infection presenting encephalitis and concomitant hepatitis. He was given anti-epileptic drugs.

A compact dual-band bandpass filter using side-coupled octagonal split-ring resonators (SRR) is introduced in this letter. The proposed filter employs two sets of SRRs operating at different frequencies to generate two passbands. Besides, the side-coupled stubs provide sufficient degrees of freedom to control the bandwidth of the two passbands. Four transmission zeros can be created close to passband edges which leads to high skirt selectivity. Measured results are in good agreement with the EM simulation results. The circuit size of the proposed filter occupies only 22.4 × 12.6 mm (≈0.25 × 0.14 λ). © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 53:1169-1171, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.25938 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vegetable juice powder (VJP) and a starter culture containing Staphylococcus carnosus have been identified as necessary ingredients for the manufacture of uncured, no-nitrate/nitrite-added meat products with quality and sensory attributes similar to traditional cured products. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of varying concentrations of VJP and incubation time (MIN-HOLD) on quality characteristics, including lipid oxidation, color, and cured meat pigment concentrations, of ham over a 90-d storage period, compare residual nitrate and nitrite content, and determine if differences exist in sensory properties of finished products. Four ham treatments (TRT) (TRT 1: 0.20% VJP, 0 MIN-HOLD; TRT 2: 0.20% VJP, 120 MIN-HOLD; TRT 3: 0.35% VJP, 0 MIN-HOLD; TRT 4: 0.35% VJP, 120 MIN-HOLD) and a sodium nitrite-added control (C) were used for this study. No differences ( P > 0.05) were observed between TRTs and C for CIE L*, a*, b*, and cured color measured by reflectance ratio. Lipid oxidation (TBARS) for combined TRTs and C revealed little change over time while the C had less ( P < 0.05) lipid oxidation than TRTs 2 and 4 for combined days. No differences ( P > 0.05) were reported for cured pigment concentration between TRTs and C. Trained sensory panel intensity ratings for ham and vegetable aroma, and flavor, color, and firmness showed that a high concentration (0.35%) of VJP resulted in the highest scores for undesirable vegetable aroma and flavor. Treatment combinations with a low concentration (0.20%) of VJP were comparable to the C for all sensory attributes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uncured, no-nitrate/nitrite-added meat products can be manufactured with vegetable juice powder (VJP) and a starter culture containing Staphylococcus carnosus, resulting in quality and sensory attributes similar to traditional cured products. The 1st objective of this study was to determine the effects of varying concentrations of VJP and incubation times (MIN-HOLD) on quality characteristics, including lipid oxidation, color, and cured meat pigment concentrations, of emulsified-frankfurter-style-cooked (EFSC) sausages over a 90-d storage period. The 2nd objective was to compare residual nitrate and nitrite content resulting from different processing treatments and the 3rd objective was to assess sensory properties of finished products. Four EFSC sausage treatments (TRT) (TRT 1: 0.20% VJP, 30 MIN-HOLD; TRT 2: 0.20% VJP, 120 MIN-HOLD; TRT 3: 0.40% VJP, 30 MIN-HOLD; TRT 4: 0.40% VJP, 120 MIN-HOLD) and a sodium nitrite-added control (C) were used for this study. No differences for lipid oxidation (TBARS) between any TRTs and C or over time were observed. No differences ( P > 0.05) for CIE L* values were found between TRTs. CIE a* and reflectance ratio values revealed that TRTs 2, 4, and C were redder than TRTs 1 and 3 at day 0. Trained sensory intensity ratings for cured aroma, cured color, cured flavor, uniform color, and firmness determined that all but TRT 1 were similar to C. These results indicate a longer incubation time (120 compared with 30 min) was found more critical than VJP level (0.20% or 0.40%) to result in products comparable to a sodium nitrite-added control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lipid oxidation, color, volatiles, and sensory evaluation of double-packaged pork loin were determined to establish a modified packaging method that can improve the quality of irradiated pork loins. Vacuum-packaged irradiated samples produced dimethyl sulfide and dimethyl disulfide responsible for irradiation off-odor, whereas lipid oxidation was promoted under aerobic conditions. Exposing double-packaged irradiated pork to aerobic conditions for 1 to 3 d was effective in controlling both lipid oxidation and irradiation off-odor, regardless of packaging sequence. Sensory panels could distinguish the decrease in irradiation off-odor intensities by modifying the packaging method. However, carbon monoxide heme pigments, responsible for the increased redness by irradiation, were not effectively controlled by double packaging alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Portable ex vivo lung perfusion during lung transplantation is a resource-intensive technology. In light of its increasing use, we evaluated the cost-effectiveness of ex vivo lung perfusion at a low-volume lung transplant center in the USA., Methods: Patients listed for lung transplantation (2015-2021) in the United Network for Organ Sharing database were included. Quality-of-life was approximated by Karnofsky Performance Status scores 1-year post-transplant. Total transplantation encounter and 1-year follow-up costs accrued by our academic center for patients listed from 2018 to 2021 were obtained. Cost-effectiveness was calculated by evaluating the number of patients attaining various Karnofsky scores relative to cost., Results: Of the 13 930 adult patients who underwent lung transplant in the United Network for Organ Sharing database, 13 477 (96.7%) used static cold storage and 453 (3.3%) used ex vivo lung perfusion, compared to 30/58 (51.7%) and 28/58 (48.3%), respectively, at our center. Compared to static cold storage, median total costs at 1 year were higher for ex vivo lung perfusion ($918 000 vs. $516 000; p = 0.007) along with the cost of living 1 year with a Karnofsky functional status of 100 after transplant ($1 290 000 vs. $841 000). In simulated scenarios, each Karnofsky-adjusted life year gained by ex vivo lung perfusion was 1.00-1.72 times more expensive., Conclusions: Portable ex vivo lung perfusion is not currently cost-effective at a low-volume transplant centers in the USA, being 1.53 times more expensive per Karnofsky-adjusted life year. Improving donor lung and/or recipient biology during ex vivo lung perfusion may improve its utility for routine transplantation., (© 2024 The Author(s). Artificial Organs published by International Center for Artificial Organ and Transplantation (ICAOT) and Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and the lateral habenula (LHb) play roles in drug addiction and cognitive functions. Our previous studies have suggested that acupuncture at Shenmen (HT7) points modulates mesolimbic reward system in order to suppress drug-induced addiction behaviours. To explore whether an mPFC-LHb circuit mediates the inhibitory effects of acupuncture on addictive behaviours, we examined the projection from mPFC to LHb, excitation of mPFC neurons during acupuncture stimulation, the effects of optogenetic modulation of mPFC-LHb on HT7 inhibition of cocaine-induced locomotion and the effect of mPFC lesion on HT7 inhibition of nucleus accumbens (NAc) dopamine release. Acupuncture was applied at bilateral HT7 points for 20 s, and locomotor activity was measured in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Although cocaine injection significantly increased locomotor activity, HT7 acupuncture suppressed the cocaine-induced locomotion. The inhibitory effect of HT7 on cocaine-enhanced locomotion was blocked by optogenetic silencing of the mPFC-LHb circuit. In vivo extracellular recordings showed that HT7 acupuncture evoked an increase in the action potentials of mPFC neurons. Optopatch experiment proved glutamatergic projections from mPFC to LHb. HT7 acupuncture suppressed NAc dopamine release following cocaine injection, which was blocked by electrolytic lesion of mPFC. These results suggest the mediation of mPFC-LHb circuit in the inhibitory effects of acupuncture on cocaine psychomotor activity in rats., (© 2023 The Authors. Addiction Biology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society for the Study of Addiction.)

Background: African Americans in the general population have been shown to be less likely than White ethnic groups to participate in advance care planning; however, advance care planning in the population receiving dialysis has not been well explored., Objective: We examined the prevalence of African American patients receiving haemodialysis' advance care planning discussions, and whether advance care planning impacts end-of-life care preferences., Design: In-person interviewer-administered surveys of African American patients receiving in-centre haemodialysis., Setting/participants: About 101 participants at three large dialysis organisation units in Chicago., Outcomes: Self-reported advance care planning and preferences for life-extending treatments at end-of-life., Results: Most patients (69%) report no advance care planning discussions with their healthcare providers. Nearly all patients (92%) without prior advance care planning reported their healthcare providers approached them about advance care planning. While the majority of patients indicated preference for aggressive life-extending care, prior conversations about end-of-life care wishes either with family members or a healthcare provider significantly decreased patients' likelihood of choosing aggressive life-extending care across three scenarios (all p < 0.05). Significantly more patients reported that common end-of-life scenarios related to increased dependence/disability were "not worth living through" compared with those associated with increased burden on family, decreased cognitive function, and severe pain/discomfort., Conclusion: African Americans with end-stage renal disease need more frequent, culturally-sensitive advance care planning discussions. Despite a preference for aggressive life-sustaining treatments, individuals with prior advance care planning discussions were significantly less likely to support aggressive end-of-life care. End-of-life care discussions that focus on the impact of life-extending care on patients' independence could be more concordant with the values and priorities of the African American patients., (© 2021 European Dialysis and Transplant Nurses Association/European Renal Care Association.)

Objective: To find ultrasonographic landmarks to define the lower limits of neck node levels 2 and 3., Methods: Data were collected prospectively between February 2014 and January 2015. In total, 103 patients were recruited (50 men and 53 women), and the mean age was 50.9 years (range: 18-89). At the lower level of the hyoid, we classified ultrasonographic findings as hyoid type (HT)1 when the internal and external carotid arteries were visualized separately, HT2 when the internal and external carotid arteries joined together, and HT3 when the common carotid artery was visualized. At the lower border of the cricoid cartilage, we classified ultrasonographic findings as cricoid type (CT)1 when the omohyoid reached the medial half of the common carotid artery, CT2 when the omohyoid reached the lateral half of the common carotid artery, CT3 when the omohyoid reached the medial half of the internal jugular vein, and CT4 when the omohyoid reached the lateral half of the internal jugular vein., Results: At the lower border of the hyoid, HT1 was most commonly observed in 59.2%, whereas HT2 and HT3 were observed in 31.3% and 9.7%, respectively. At the lower border of the cricoid cartilage, CT3 was most commonly observed in 52.9%, whereas CT2, CT4, and CT1 were observed in 20.4%, 14.1%, and 12.6%, respectively., Conclusion: HT1 and CT3 can be suggested ultrasonographic landmarks for the lower limits of levels 2 and 3, respectively., Level of Evidence: 2. Laryngoscope, 129:2487-2490, 2019., (© 2018 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.)

Background Cardiac rehabilitation ( CR ) for patients with cardiovascular disease has traditionally involved low- to moderate-intensity continuous aerobic exercise training ( MICT ). There is growing and robust evidence that high-intensity interval training ( HIIT ) shows similar or greater efficacy compared with MICT across a range of cardiovascular and metabolic measures, in both healthy populations and populations with a chronic illness. However, there is understandable concern about the safety aspects of applying HIIT in CR settings. This systematic review analyzed safety data drawn from recent proof-of-concept studies of HIIT during CR among patients with cardiovascular disease. Methods and Results We included trials comparing HIIT with either MICT or usual care in patients with coronary artery disease or heart failure participating in tertiary care services, such as phase 2 (outpatient) CR . Adverse events occurring during or up to 4 hours after an exercise training session were collated. There were 23 studies included, which analyzed 1117 participants ( HIIT =547; MICT =570). One major cardiovascular adverse event occurred in relation to an HIIT session, equating to 1 major cardiovascular event per 17 083 training sessions (11 333 training hours). One minor cardiovascular adverse events and 3 noncardiovascular adverse events (primarily musculoskeletal complaints) were also reported for HIIT . Two noncardiovascular events were reported in relation to MICT . Conclusions HIIT has shown a relatively low rate of major adverse cardiovascular events for patients with coronary artery disease or heart failure when applied within CR settings.

Purpose: To investigate the quantitative changes of circumferential angle closure after laser iridotomy (LI) using the iridotrabecular contact (ITC) index by Swept-Source optical coherence tomography (OCT)., Methods: In this prospective observational study conducted in a hospital setting, 42 eyes of 36 patients (five males, 31 females) who underwent LI were included. The mean age was 65.00 ± 8.13 years old and the diagnosis included primary angle closure (PAC, 21 eyes), PAC suspect (16 eyes) and PAC glaucoma (five eyes). Optical coherence tomography (OCT) images were obtained pre-LI and at 1 week post-LI. In each image frame, the scleral spur (SS) and the ITC end-point were marked, from which the ITC index was calculated as a percentage of the angle closure across 360°. Measurements inspected before and after LI included: central anterior chamber depth (ACD), anterior chamber volume (ACV), lens vault (LV), nasal and temporal angle opening distance (AOD), angle recess area (ARA), trabecular-iris space area (TISA), trabecular-iris angle (TIA) at 500 μm and 750 μm from the SS and intraocular pressure (IOP)., Results: The ITC index and IOP decreased significantly after LI from 71.52 ± 26.29 to 35.31 ± 27.19 and from 20.64 ± 12.72 mmHg to 14.02 ± 3.49 mmHg, respectively (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001). Central ACD (1.94 ± 0.31 mm pre-LI) and LV (1.13 ± 0.32 mm pre-LI) did not show a significant change after LI (all p > 0.05), but ACV increased significantly after LI (p < 0.001). Most of the angle parameters except for nasal TIAs increased significantly after LI (all p < 0.05)., Conclusion: The ITC index from patients with shallow anterior chamber angle showed a significant decrease after LI, but part of the angle closure was not relieved after LI. Other mechanisms besides pupillary block may play a role together in causing angle closure., (© 2016 Acta Ophthalmologica Scandinavica Foundation. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Aims: Mucus hypersecretion has been frequently observed in inflammation respiratory diseases. However, the negative regulators for mucus overproduction have not been readily identified. Our work focused on identifying novel negative regulator that modulates mucus overproduction in the human respiratory system. Herein, we examined whether H2 O2 could induce MUC5AC transcription in a dose-dependent manner and activate tyrosine phosphatase (SHP)-2 in human airway epithelial cells., Methods: We performed qRT-PCR to detect the changes in MUC5AC transcription and dot-blotting analysis to investigate MUC5AC secretion as regulated by SHP-2., Results: H2 O2 induced MUC5AC transcription in a dose-dependent manner and dramatically activated SHP-2. In addition, whereas wild-type SHP-2 completely inhibited H2 O2 -induced MUC5AC transcription, siRNA-SHP-2 restored it interestingly, suggesting that SHP-2 may act as a negative regulator for mucus overproduction and hypersecretion in the human respiratory tract. Moreover, SHP-2 inhibited the ERK1/2 MAPK pathway, thus abolishing the signalling for MUC5AC transcription., Conclusion: We found that H2 O2 induced SHP-2 activation, which acted as a suppressor in H2 O2 signalling to regulate MUC5AC transcription in the airway., (© 2013 Scandinavian Physiological Society. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: In a shock state, naloxone generates the cardiovascular pressor effect by displacing the endogenous opiate-like peptide beta-endorphin, resulting in restoration of the normal response to catecholamines. In addition to this opioid antagonistic effect, the non-opiate receptor-mediated effect has also been proposed. The aim of this study was to define the mechanism of non-opiate receptor-mediated action of naloxone., Methods: In guinea-pig ventricular tissues, cumulative concentration-response curves for isoproterenol as well as for forskolin and 3-isobutylmethylxanthine (IBMX) were obtained by increasing the concentration stepwise. To assess the effect on the phosphodiesterase (PDE), the effects of naloxone on contractile forces induced by isoproterenol (0.05 microM) in the presence of IBMX, cilostamide (a PDE III inhibitor), or rolipram (a PDE IV inhibitor) were observed. Naloxone-induced changes in cAMP production by isoproterenol both in the absence and in the presence of IBMX were measured. Naloxone-induced changes in cAMP production by forskolin in the presence of IBMX were also measured., Results: Naloxone (30 microM) produced a leftward shift of the isoproterenol concentration-response curve (0.01-2 microM) without changing the maximal response. Forskolin (0.5-10 microM) produced a concentration-dependent increase in contractile forces. Naloxone increased the maximal inotropic response of forskolin. Naloxone showed no effect on the IBMX concentration-response curve. In the presence of IBMX (200 microM), naloxone did not alter the contractions evoked by isoproterenol or forskolin. Whereas naloxone increased contractile forces significantly (approximately 25%) more than that of isoproterenol in the presence of rolipram, no alteration of contractile forces in the cilostamide-incubated muscles was observed. Naloxone caused a concentration-related increase of cAMP in the absence of IBMX, but caused no change in its presence., Conclusions: The enhancement of myocardial contractility by naloxone in the presence of stimulation of adenylyl cyclase activity appears to be mediated by inhibition of PDE, specifically PDE III.

The structure of lithium barium silicate, Li(2)BaSiO(4), has been determined from synchrotron radiation powder data. The title compound was synthesized by high-temperature solid-state reaction and crystallizes in the hexagonal space group P6(3)cm. It contains two Li atoms, one Ba atom (both site symmetry ..m on special position 6c), two Si atoms [on special positions 4b (site symmetry 3..) and 2a (site symmetry 3.m)] and four O atoms (one on general position 12d, and three on special positions 6c, 4b and 2a). The basic units of the structure are (Li(6)SiO(13))(5-) units, each comprising seven tetrahedra sharing edges and vertices. These basic units are connected by sharing corners parallel to [001] and through sharing (SiO(4))(4-) tetrahedra in (001). The relationship between the structures and luminescence properties of Li(2)SrSiO(4), Li(2)CaSiO(4) and the title compound is discussed.

Strontium borophosphate, Sr6BP5O20, was prepared by a solution synthesis method. The crystal structure was solved ab initio from synchrotron powder data without preliminary knowledge of the chemical formula. The compound crystallizes in space group -4c2. Sr atoms occupy sites coordinated by eight or nine O atoms, and the anionic layer consists of BO4 and PO4 tetrahedra. The eightfold-coordinated Sr atom lies at a site with twofold symmetry, while one P atom and the B atom are located on special positions of site symmetry -4.

Bronchogenic cyst is noted shortly after birth or in early childhood and usually presents as a swelling or draining sinus in the presternal area. Its origin and pathogenesis can be explained as a developmental anomaly of the tracheobronchial buds from the primitive foregut. The patient was a 4-year-old boy with a child-fist-sized soft mass over his left scapula, which had been detected at birth and had been gradually growing. Grossly, it appeared to be a simple cyst with clear mucoid fluid. Histopathological study demonstrated a unilocular cyst composed of ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelia, interspersed goblet cells, smooth muscles, and mucous glands on the cyst wall, which are features compatible with cutaneous bronchogenic cyst.

Objectives: The main goal of the international elective programme was to provide the Korean students with a cross-cultural educational environment., Design: This programme was carried out on a voluntary basis during the summer vacation, rotating students through various clinical divisions in the teaching hospital., Setting: The University of Toronto., Subjects: Medical students from the Korea University Medical College., Results: The students found the student-teacher relationship to be much more open and liberal. Due to a different curricular structure, the Canadians have better clinical skills and problem-solving abilities in real clinical settings. The cultural differences perceived by the students during the elective programme led them to believe that educational reform in Korea imperatively requires curricular change, but more importantly, a change in our traditional psychological and behavioural traits which derive from Confucianism., Conclusions: Extreme politeness, passiveness and blind respect for teachers, which are encouraged by Confucianism, are not effective in higher education. All the elective students, as well as the Canadian preceptors, believe that this programme is an invaluable asset.

A study of 121 melanoma patients and 139 control subjects was conducted among whites to examine and compare the distribution of non-dysplastic and dysplastic naevi and other pigmented lesions in each group. Melanoma patients had a mean of 97 melanocytic naevi which were greater than 2 mm in diameter and controls had a mean of 36 such naevi, while the medians were 58 and 22 respectively (p less than 0.0001). 55% of melanoma patients and 17% of controls had at least one clinically determined dysplastic naevus, and 26% of melanoma patients and 6% of controls had at least 5 dysplastic naevi. Men were found to have more naevi on the trunk than women in both melanoma cases (p = 0.01), and controls (p = 0.005). Dysplastic naevi were most often found on the trunk and were present at this location in 51% of cases and 17% of controls. Melanoma patients and control subjects with dysplastic naevi, when compared to those without these lesions, had larger number of non-dysplastic naevi. Lentigines were more common among melanoma patients that among control subjects (p = 0.02). There were no differences in the number of non-dysplastic naevi among cases with light and dark hair and eyes, or among controls with these characteristics. There also was little variation in the number of naevi according to number of blistering sunburns.