Imidazole for Pyridine Substitution Leads to Enhanced Activity Under Milder Conditions in Cobalt Water Oxidation Electrocatalysis.

A previously reported cobalt complex featuring a tetraimidazolyl-substituted pyridine chelate is an active water oxidation electrocatalyst with moderate overpotential at pH 7. While this complex decomposes rapidly to a less-active species under electrocatalytic conditions, detailed electrochemical studies support the agency of an initial molecular catalyst. Cyclic voltammetry measurements confirm that the imidazolyl donors result in a more electron-rich Co center when compared with previous pyridine-based systems. The primary changes in electrocatalytic behavior of the present case are enhanced activity at lower pH and a marked dependence of catalytic activity on pH.

New 11,20-Epoxybriaranes from the Gorgonian Coral Junceella fragilis (Ellisellidae).

Two new 11,20-epoxybriaranes, fragilides P (1) and Q (2), as well as two known analogues, robustolide F (3) and juncin Z (4), were obtained from the gorgonian coral Junceella fragilis. The structures, including the absolute configurations of briaranes 1 and 2, were elucidated by using spectroscopic methods and comparing the spectroscopic and rotation data with those of known related analogues. Briarane 4 decreased the generation of superoxide anions by human neutrophils. The propionate group in 1 is rarely found.

Correction to: Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) brain imaging of multi-sensory integration during computerized dynamic posturography in middle-aged and older adults.

In the original publication, Figs. 2 and 3 are not placed in the correct order. Figure 2 should be replaced by Fig. 3 and Fig. 3 should be replaced by Fig. 2.

Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) brain imaging of multi-sensory integration during computerized dynamic posturography in middle-aged and older adults.

Studies suggest that aging affects the sensory re-weighting process, but the neuroimaging evidence is minimal. Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a novel neuroimaging tool that can detect brain activities during dynamic movement condition. In this study, fNIRS was used to investigate the hemodynamic changes in the frontal-lateral, temporal-parietal, and occipital regions of interest (ROIs) during four sensory integration conditions that manipulated visual and somatosensory feedback in 15 middle-aged and 15 older adults. The results showed that the temporal-parietal ROI was activated more when somatosensory and visual information were absent in both groups, which indicated the sole use of vestibular input for maintaining balance. While both older adults and middle-aged adults had greater activity in most brain ROIs during changes in the sensory conditions, the older adults had greater increases in the occipital ROI and frontal-lateral ROIs. These findings suggest a cortical component to sensory re-weighting that is more distributed and requires greater attention in older adults.

The effect of age on postural and cognitive task performance while using vibrotactile feedback.

Vibrotactile feedback (VTF) has been shown to improve balance performance in healthy people and people with vestibular disorders in a single-task experimental condition. It is unclear how age-related changes in balance affect the ability to use VTF and if there are different attentional requirements for old and young adults when using VTF. Twenty younger and 20 older subjects participated in this two-visit study to examine the effect of age, VTF, sensory condition, cognitive task, duration of time, and visit on postural and cognitive performance. Postural performance outcome measures included root mean square of center of pressure (COP) and trunk tilt, and cognitive performance was assessed using the reaction time (RT) from an auditory choice RT task. The results showed that compared with younger adults, older adults had an increase in COP in fixed platform conditions when using VTF, although they were able to reduce COP during sway-referenced platform conditions. Older adults also did not benefit fully from using VTF in their first session. The RTs for the secondary cognitive tasks increased significantly while using the VTF in both younger and older adults. Older adults had a larger increase compared with younger adults, suggesting that greater attentional demands were required in older adults when using VTF information. Future training protocols for VTF should take into consideration the effect of aging.

Kallistatin ameliorates influenza virus pathogenesis by inhibition of kallikrein-related peptidase 1-mediated cleavage of viral hemagglutinin.

Proteolytic cleavage of the hemagglutinin (HA) of influenza virus by host trypsin-like proteases is required for viral infectivity. Some serine proteases are capable of cleaving influenza virus HA, whereas some serine protease inhibitors (serpins) inhibit the HA cleavage in various cell types. Kallikrein-related peptidase 1 (KLK1, also known as tissue kallikrein) is a widely distributed serine protease. Kallistatin, a serpin synthesized mainly in the liver and rapidly secreted into the circulation, forms complexes with KLK1 and inhibits its activity. Here, we investigated the roles of KLK1 and kallistatin in influenza virus infection. We show that the levels of KLK1 increased, whereas those of kallistatin decreased, in the lungs of mice during influenza virus infection. KLK1 cleaved H1, H2, and H3 HA molecules and consequently enhanced viral production. In contrast, kallistatin inhibited KLK1-mediated HA cleavage and reduced viral production. Cells transduced with the kallistatin gene secreted kallistatin extracellularly, which rendered them more resistant to influenza virus infection. Furthermore, lentivirus-mediated kallistatin gene delivery protected mice against lethal influenza virus challenge by reducing the viral load, inflammation, and injury in the lung. Taking the data together, we determined that KLK1 and kallistatin contribute to the pathogenesis of influenza virus by affecting the cleavage of the HA peptide and inflammatory responses. This study provides a proof of principle for the potential therapeutic application of kallistatin or other KLK1 inhibitors for influenza. Since proteolytic activation also enhances the infectivity of some other viruses, kallistatin and other kallikrein inhibitors may be explored as antiviral agents against these viruses.

Multishell Au/Ag/SiO2 nanorods with tunable optical properties as single particle orientation and rotational tracking probes.

Three-layer core-shell plasmonic nanorods (Au/Ag/SiO2-NRs), consisting of a gold nanorod core, a thin silver shell, and a thin silica layer, were synthesized and used as optical imaging probes under a differential interference contrast microscope for single particle orientation and rotational tracking. The localized surface plasmon resonance modes were enhanced upon the addition of the silver shell, and the anisotropic optical properties of gold nanorods were maintained. The silica coating enables surface functionalization with silane coupling agents and provides enhanced stability and biocompatibility. Taking advantage of the longitudinal LSPR enhancement, the orientation and rotational information of the hybrid nanorods on synthetic lipid bilayers and on live cell membranes were obtained with millisecond temporal resolution using a scientific complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor camera. The results demonstrate that the as-synthesized hybrid nanorods are promising imaging probes with improved sensitivity and good biocompatibility for single plasmonic particle tracking experiments in biological systems.

Responsiveness and minimal detectable change of the dynamic gait index and functional gait index in persons with balance and vestibular disorders.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: We performed a retrospective chart review to determine the responsiveness and minimal detectable change (MDC95) in persons with balance and vestibular disorders with the dynamic gait index (DGI) and the functional gait assessment (FGA). METHODS: The study cohort consisted of 326 patients with a mean age of 60 ± 18.3 years (range, 18-95 years; 69% female). The DGI, FGA, Activities-Specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale, and the dizziness handicap inventory (DHI) were collected at intake and discharge. RESULTS: The standardized response mean as an index of responsiveness was greater for the FGA (1.25) than for the DGI (0.72). Both measures demonstrated good internal consistency with baseline measures. The amount of pre- to posttreatment change that exceeds chance variation was estimated at 4 points for the DGI and 6 points for the FGA. In both the DGI and the FGA, a magnitude of change equivalent to the respective MDC95 was significantly associated with improvements in self-reported disability as measured by the ABC and DHI. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The DGI and the FGA are responsive to change over time in persons with balance and vestibular disorders. More complex gait measures need to be developed, as close to 50% of the subjects received optimal scores at discharge from a physical therapy exercise program, indicating that these measures have a ceiling effect.

A novel technique for resection of huge right lobe hepatocellular carcinoma extending to the right atrium: in-situ cold perfusion of liver.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Surgery for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with inferior vena cava or right atrium extension represents challenging procedures for hepatobiliary surgeons. Regardless of the surgical approach chosen, the liver parenchyma inevitably has to suffer from ischemia during the total hepatic vascular exclusion period. METHODOLOGY: We report our novel technique for resection of a huge hepatocellular carcinoma extending to the right atrium. During the total hepatic vascular exclusion period, in-situ cold perfusion of the liver was performed in order to minimize the ischemic insults. RESULTS: The 53-year-old male patient with chronic hepatitis B was diagnosed to have a huge right lobe hepatocellular carcinoma, besides which the tumor had invaded the right hepatic vein and right atrium. With the help of cardio-pulmonary bypass and in-situ cold perfusion of the liver, the tumor was removed en-bloc. The operating time was 458 minutes. The cold ischemia time of the liver was 53 minutes 30 seconds. The cardio-pulmonary bypass time was 61 minutes. The estimated blood loss was about 7000 ml. The patient was discharged under stable condition on postoperative day 35. CONCLUSIONS: In selected patients, when the expected tumor resection time is long, the in-situ cold perfusion of the liver could be considered an option.

Presence of fibrosis is predictive of postoperative survival in patients with small hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether liver fibrosis is predictive of survival in patients who require hepatectomy for small hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODOLOGY: In this retrospective study, we enrolled 174 patients with small HCC who underwent major or minor hepatectomy at the Changhua Christian Hospital during the period January 2001 to June 2007. Patients were classified into two subgroups depending on whether tumor recurrence after surgery. Factors influencing overall survival and recurrence were analyzed and compared between the two subgroups. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the most significant predictors of tumor recurrence or death. The Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test were used to detect differences in cumulative survival between the two subgroups based on histopathologic fibrosis scores. RESULTS: Results of the univariate analysis revealed these variables that tumor margin, type of resection, and degree of fibrosis were independent predictors of tumor recurrence or death. However, the multivariate analysis revealed that fibrosis was the only independent predictor of tumor recurrence. Survival analysis showed that low fibrotic scores were predictive of disease-free survival. CONCLUSIONS: The degree of fibrosis is an important predictor of survival among patients who undergo hepatectomy for small HCC.

Clinical Saccadometry: Establishing Evaluative Standards Using a Simplified Video Oculography Protocol in the Adult Population.

BACKGROUND: Saccadometry is an advanced ocular motor test battery that allows for the functional evaluation of the varied brain regions and circuits involved in the generation of fast, purposeful, and accurate saccadic eye movements. The test battery is composed of prosaccade (PS) and antisaccade (AS) tests that progressively increase cognitive demand. Existing saccadometry protocols qualitatively describe trends across the lifespan, but have not been widely adopted by clinicians. PURPOSE: The aims of this study are to design an efficient and simplified clinical saccadometry protocol using video oculography (VOG) equipment and establish associated evaluative standards across the lifespan. STUDY SAMPLE: Data were reported on 273 adults ages 18 to 69 years. RESULTS: Evaluative data on four measures: directional error rate (DE), latency (Lat), peak velocity (Vel), and accuracy (Acc) during PS and AS measurements were provided. Age-group differences were found in Lat (p < 0.01) and Vel (p = 0.04) during PS and age-group differences were found in DE (p = 0.04), Lat (p < 0.01) and Vel (p < 0.01) during AS. Gender differences were found in DE (p = 0.01) and Lat (p < 0.01) during AS. CONCLUSIONS: This study established a standardized and time-efficient protocol with evaluative standards for individuals ages 18 to 69 years old to enable the use of saccadometry as an objective measure in the clinic. Saccadometry allows clinicians to look beyond the traditional saccade test and evaluate complex oculomotor and cognitive functions that will better help clinicians differentiate between peripheral and central diagnoses.

Vertex epidural hematoma: Diagnosis, therapeutic consideration and outcome.

OBJECTIVE: Vertex epidural hematoma (VEDH) is a relatively uncommon type of intracranial hematoma. Because of its unique location and the potential of massive intraoperative bleeding, diagnosis and surgical intervention of VEDH may be challenging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 32 patients with VEDH was undertaken to investigate the prognostic factor and therapeutic strategy of VEDH. Special attention was paid to the relationship between fracture pattern, surgical method, intraoperative blood loss and outcome. RESULTS: Patients treated surgically had a higher percentage of consciousness disturbance and a significantly larger size of VEDH compared with patients treated conservatively (p = 0.029 and p < 0.0001, respectively). Bleeding from the injured superior sagittal sinus (SSS) was noted in six of nine patients (67%) with a linear fracture parallel to the SSS. Only one patient (20%) with a linear fracture crossing the SSS had bleeding from the injured SSS. Five of eight patients (63%) with sagittal suture diastasis experienced bleeding from the SSS. All patients with massive blood loss and six of seven patients developing intraoperative shock had copious bleeding from the injured SSS. All patients with intraoperative massive bleeding and shock underwent traditional "simple craniotomy". No patients undergoing "strip craniotomy" experienced massive bleeding. Thrombocytopenia (p = 0.008), headache (p = 0.015), consciousness disturbance (p = 0.043), pupil reactivity (p = 0.010), GCS score (p < 0.0001) and the relationship between skull fracture and the SSS (p = 0.037) were significant prognostic factors. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated GCS score may be a significant prognostic factor in patients with VEDH. Bleeding from the injured SSS occurred frequently in VEDH patients with a linear skull fracture parallel to the SSS or sagittal suture diastasis and could cause devastating hemorrhage. When operating on such patients, the surgical team should prepare for the possibility of massive blood loss and intraoperative shock. Bilateral parasagittal craniotomies with preservation of a central bone strip containing the sagittal suture (strip craniotomy) to allow application of tack-up sutures from the dura to the bone strip may be more suitable for VEDH evacuation.

g-C3N4 Nanosheet Supported CuO Nanocomposites for the Electrochemical Carbon Dioxide Reduction Reaction.

We have prepared CuO-derived electrocatalysts on a graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) nanosheet support for the electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR). Highly monodisperse CuO nanocrystals made by a modified colloidal synthesis method serve as the precatalysts. We use a two-stage thermal treatment to address the active site blockage issues caused by the residual C18 capping agents. The results show that the thermal treatment effectively removed the capping agents and increased the electrochemical surface area. During the process, the residual oleylamine molecules incompletely reduced CuO to a Cu2O/Cu mixed phase in the first stage of thermal treatment, and the following treatment in forming gas at 200 °C completed the reduction to metallic Cu. The CuO-derived electrocatalysts show different selectivities over CH4 and C2H4, and this might be due to the synergistic effects of Cu-g-C3N4 catalyst-support interaction, varied particle sizes, dominant surface facets, and catalyst ensemble. The two-stage thermal treatment enables sufficient capping agent removal, catalyst phase control, and CO2RR product selection, and with precise controls of the experimental parameters, we believe that this will help to design and fabricate g-C3N4-supported catalyst systems with narrower product distribution.

Head Trauma Associated with Supra- and Infratentorial Epidural Hematoma: Diagnostic and Surgical Considerations.

BACKGROUND: Supra- and infratentorial epidural hematoma (SIEDH) is a rare type of intracranial epidural hematoma. Due to the potential of vigorous hemorrhage from the injured transverse sinus (TS), it poses a challenge for neurosurgeons to evacuate the SIEDH. METHODS: The medical records and radiographic studies were retrospectively reviewed to investigate the clinical and radiographic characteristics, clinical course, surgical findings and outcome in 34 patients with head trauma associated with SIEDH. RESULTS: Patients treated surgically had a lower Glasgow Coma Scale score than those treated conservatively (P = 0.005). The surgical group had statistically larger thickness and volume of the SIEDH than those in the conservative group (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.0001, respectively). Six patients experienced significant intraoperative blood loss, and copious bleeding from the injured TS was noted in 5 (83.3%) of these patients. Five (50%) of 10 patients undergoing simple craniotomy experienced significant blood loss. However, only 1 patient (11.1%) undergoing strip craniotomy experienced significant blood loss, but no intraoperative shock. All patients experiencing massive blood loss and intraoperative shock underwent simple craniotomy. There was no statistical difference in the outcome between the conservative and surgical groups. CONCLUSIONS: When operating on SIEDH, the possibility of vigorous bleeding from the injured TS and intraoperative massive bleeding should be kept in mind. Strip craniotomy that allows hitching the stripped dura to the bone strip overlying the TS may be a better method for the evacuation of SIEDH.

Enhancing Dental Cement Bond Strength with Autofocus-Laser-Cutter-Generated Grooves on Polyetheretherketone Surfaces.

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is widely used in dentistry owing to its exceptional properties, including its natural appearance; however, existing surface treatment methods for bonding PEEK have limitations. Autofocus laser cutters, known for their precise engraving and cutting capabilities, offer potential for surface treatment of PEEK; thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the creation of laser groove structures on PEEK to enhance its bonding capability with dental resin cement. A dental computer-aided design and manufacturing system was used to fabricate PEEK samples, and three groove patterns (circle, line, and grid) were generated on PEEK surfaces, with air-abrasion used as the control group. The surface characteristics, cell viability, and bond strength were evaluated, and the data were statistically analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and post hoc Tukey's tests (α = 0.05). Laser-treated PEEK exhibited a uniform texture with a groove depth of approximately 39.4 µm, hydrophobic properties with a contact angle exceeding 90°, a surface roughness of 7.3-12.4 µm, consistent topography, and comparable cell viability compared with untreated PEEK. Despite a decrease in bond strength after thermal cycling, no significant intergroup differences were observed, except for the line-shaped laser pattern. These findings indicate that the autofocus laser cutter effectively enhances the surface characteristics of PEEK by creating a uniform texture and grooves, showing promise in improving bonding properties, even considering the impact of thermal cycling effects.

Galectin-1 binds to influenza virus and ameliorates influenza virus pathogenesis.

Innate immune response is important for viral clearance during influenza virus infection. Galectin-1, which belongs to S-type lectins, contains a conserved carbohydrate recognition domain that recognizes galactose-containing oligosaccharides. Since the envelope proteins of influenza virus are highly glycosylated, we studied the role of galectin-1 in influenza virus infection in vitro and in mice. We found that galectin-1 was upregulated in the lungs of mice during influenza virus infection. There was a positive correlation between galectin-1 levels and viral loads during the acute phase of viral infection. Cells treated with recombinant human galectin-1 generated lower viral yields after influenza virus infection. Galectin-1 could directly bind to the envelope glycoproteins of influenza A/WSN/33 virus and inhibit its hemagglutination activity and infectivity. It also bound to different subtypes of influenza A virus with micromolar dissociation constant (K(d)) values and protected cells against influenza virus-induced cell death. We used nanoparticle, surface plasmon resonance analysis and transmission electron microscopy to further demonstrate the direct binding of galectin-1 to influenza virus. More importantly, we show for the first time that intranasal treatment of galectin-1 could enhance survival of mice against lethal challenge with influenza virus by reducing viral load, inflammation, and apoptosis in the lung. Furthermore, galectin-1 knockout mice were more susceptible to influenza virus infection than wild-type mice. Collectively, our results indicate that galectin-1 has anti-influenza virus activity by binding to viral surface and inhibiting its infectivity. Thus, galectin-1 may be further explored as a novel therapeutic agent for influenza.

Acid secretion by mitochondrion-rich cells of medaka (Oryzias latipes) acclimated to acidic freshwater.

In the present study, medaka embryos were exposed to acidified freshwater (pH 5) to investigate the mechanism of acid secretion by mitochondrion-rich (MR) cells in embryonic skin. With double or triple in situ hybridization/immunocytochemistry, the Na(+)/H(+) exchanger 3 (NHE3) and H(+)-ATPase were localized in two distinct subtypes of MR cells. NHE3 was expressed in apical membranes of a major proportion of MR cells, whereas H(+)-ATPase was expressed in basolateral membranes of a much smaller proportion of MR cells. Gill mRNA levels of NHE3 and H(+)-ATPase and the two subtypes of MR cells in yolk sac skin were increased by acid acclimation; however, the mRNA level of NHE3 was remarkably higher than that of H(+)-ATPase. A scanning ion-selective electrode technique was used to measure H(+), Na(+), and NH(4)(+) transport by individual MR cells in larval skin. Results showed that Na(+) uptake and NH(4)(+) excretion by MR cells increased after acid acclimation. These findings suggested that the NHE3/Rh glycoprotein-mediated Na(+) uptake/NH(4)(+) excretion mechanism plays a critical role in acidic equivalent (H(+)/NH(4)(+)) excretion by MR cells of the freshwater medaka.

The Predictive Validity and Clinical Application of Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths & Injuries (STEADI) for Fall Risk Screening.

Fall prevention is critical for older adults. Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, and Injuries (STEADI) is a fall prevention initiative, promoted by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). The purpose of this review aims to discuss the predictive validity, improve the predictive validity of STEADI, and apply STEADI in clinical settings.

Age differences in brain activity in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and supplementary motor areas during three different walking speed tasks.

BACKGROUND: Functional Near-Infrared Spectrometry (fNIRS) is a novel neuroimaging method that can detect brain activity during functional activities. The prefrontal cortex and supplemental motor area (SMA) are active during normal and fast speed walking. However, it is unclear how age difference affects brain activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and SMA when walking at different speeds. The purpose of this study was to investigate the age differences in DLPFC and SMA activation during different walking speeds. METHOD: 10 younger (5F; 25 ± 8 y.o.) and 10 older adults (5F; 73 ± 6 y.o.) completed three visits in this study. Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy was used to detect hemodynamic changes on right and left hemispheres over the DLPFC and SMA during self-selected slow, preferred, and fast walking speeds. RESULTS: The results showed significantly increased DLPFC and SMA activity in older adults compared to younger adults when walking at preferred normal, fast, and slow speeds. Older adults also had a higher left DLPFC activation during preferred fast walking speed than younger adults. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that there are age differences in the DLPFC and SMA activation, with older adults demonstrating increased DLPFC and SMA activity across all walk conditions compared to younger adults. This may indicate older adults require higher cognitive demand and need to recruit indirect motor pathways when changing gait speed by increasing SMA activation.

The Feasibility of Using the Virtual Time-to-Contact Measure of Postural Stability to Examine Postural Recovery in People With Diabetes Mellitus.

This study aimed to examine the feasibility of using time-to-contact measures during the perturbation protocol in people with diabetes mellitus. Three-dimension motion capture and force data were collected during 0.5-s perturbations in four directions (forward, backward, right, and left) and at two accelerations (20 and 40 cm/s2) to compute the time-to-contact. Time-to-contact analysis was divided into three phases: perturbation, initial recovery, and final recovery. The statistical analysis showed the main effects of Direction and Phase (p < .01) as well as a Direction by Phase interaction (p < .01). Backward perturbation with lower acceleration and backward/forward perturbation with higher acceleration had deleterious effects on postural stability in people with diabetes mellitus.