Computed Tomography-Guided Microwave Ablation of Cystic Renal Cell Carcinoma: Assessment of Technique and Complications.

This report evaluates the techniques and complications of microwave ablation of cystic renal cell carcinoma. Five patients with cystic renal cell carcinoma were treated with microwave ablation between October 2015 and June 2020. Medical records were reviewed to evaluate technique and complications. Technical success and primary technique efficacy both were 100%. There were no complications. Mean follow-up time was 18 months (range, 6-36 months). No local recurrence was identified during the follow-up period. Renal function remained stable at 1 month and the last follow-up. Percutaneous microwave ablation is promising for the nonsurgical management of cystic renal cell carcinoma.

Impact of Body Mass Index on Perioperative Complications and Oncologic Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Thermal Ablation for Renal Cell Carcinoma.

PURPOSE: To determine effect of body mass index (BMI) on safety and cancer-related outcomes of thermal ablation for renal cell carcinoma (RRC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study evaluated 427 patients (287 men and 140 women; mean [SD] age, 72 [12] y) who were treated with thermal ablation for RCC between October 2006 and December 2017. Patients were stratified by BMI into 3 categories: normal weight (18.5-24.9 kg/m2), overweight (25-29.9 kg/m2), and obese (≥ 30 kg/m2). Of 427 patients, 71 (16%) were normal weight, 157 (37%) were overweight, and 199 (47%) were obese. Complication rates, local recurrence, and residual disease were compared in the 3 cohorts. RESULTS: No differences in technical success between normal-weight, overweight, and obese patients were identified (P = .72). Primary technique efficacy rates for normal-weight, overweight, and obese patients were 91%, 94%, and 93% (P = .71). There was no significant difference in RCC specific-free survival, disease-free survival, and metastasis-free survival between obese, overweight, and normal-weight groups (P = .72, P = .43, P = .99). Complication rates between the 3 cohorts were similar (normal weight 4%, overweight 2%, obese 3%; P = .71). CONCLUSIONS: CT-guided renal ablation is safe, feasible, and effective regardless of BMI.

Thermal Ablation of Renal Cell Carcinoma in Patients With Morbid Obesity: Assessment of Technique, Safety, and Oncologic Outcomes.

BACKGROUND. Obesity is a worldwide problem that impacts patient health as well as the morbidity associated with surgical procedures. Thus, patients with morbid obesity may not be suitable candidates for curative surgery. For this patient population, thermal ablation may be an effective alternative to nephrectomy. OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility, oncologic outcomes, and survival of patients with morbid obesity and renal cell carcinoma treated with thermal ablation. MATERIALS AND METHODS. A retrospective analysis was performed of 107 patients treated with CT-guided renal ablation for clinical T1 renal cell carcinoma between February 2005 and December 2017. Patients were stratified into two cohorts on body mass index of ≥ 40 kg/m2 (morbidly obese) and body mass index (weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters) of ≥ 40 (morbidly obese) and 18.5-24.9 (normal weight). Anesthetic and radiation dosages, procedure time, residual disease, and local recurrence, and adverse events were analyzed between the two groups. Kaplan-Meier statistics were used to evaluate cancer-related outcomes for each group. RESULTS. Thirty-four patients were morbidly obese, and 73 patients had normal weight. Morbid obesity was associated with longer procedural duration (p = .001), sedative doses (p = .002) and radiation exposure (p = .001) than normal weight. Hematomas were more prevalent in patients with morbid obesity than in those of normal weight (p = .01), but treatment efficacy and local recurrences were comparable with those for normal-weight individuals (p = .81 and p = .12, respectively). Cancer-related outcomes were equivalent between the two groups based on 5 years of imaging observation data. CONCLUSION. CT-guided thermal ablation remains technically feasible, well-tolerated, and effective in patients with morbid obesity and renal cell carcinoma, with the caveat of increased risk of perinephric hematoma, anesthesia dose, and radiation exposure. CLINICAL IMPACT. CT-guided thermal ablation can be considered a safe and effective treatment for renal cell carcinoma in patients with morbid obesity.

Effects of physical and cognitive training on gait speed and cognition in older adults: A randomized controlled trial.

Gait speed is a measure of health and functioning. Physical and cognitive determinants of gait are amenable to interventions, but best practices remain unclear. We investigated the effects of a 12-month physical and cognitive training (PTCT) on gait speed, dual-task cost in gait speed, and executive functions (EFs) compared with physical training (PT) (ISRCTN52388040). Community-dwelling older adults, who did not meet physical activity recommendations, were recruited (n = 314). PT included supervised walking/balance (once weekly) and resistance/balance training (once weekly), home exercises (2-3 times weekly), and moderate aerobic activity 150 min/week in bouts of >10 min. PTCT included the PT and computer training (CT) on EFs 15-20 min, 3-4 times weekly. The primary outcome was gait speed. Secondary outcomes were 6-min walking distance, dual-task cost in gait speed, and EF (Stroop and Trail Making B-A). The trial was completed by 93% of the participants (age 74.5 [SD3.8] years; 60% women). Mean adherence to supervised sessions was 59%-72% in PT and 62%-77% in PTCT. Home exercises and CT were performed on average 1.9 times/week. Weekly minutes spent in aerobic activities were 188 (median 169) in PT and 207 (median 180) in PTCT. No significant interactions were observed for gait speed (PTCT-PT, 0.02; 95%CI -0.03, 0.08), walking distance (-3.8; -16.9, 9.3) or dual-task cost (-0.22; -1.74, 1.30). Stroop improvement was greater after PTCT than PT (-6.9; -13.0, -0.8). Complementing physical training with EFs training is not essential for promotion of gait speed. For EF's, complementing physical training with targeted cognitive training provides additional benefit.

Radiofrequency Ablation, Cryoablation, and Microwave Ablation for T1a Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Comparative Evaluation of Therapeutic and Renal Function Outcomes.

PURPOSE: To compare the therapeutic and renal function outcomes of radiofrequency (RF) ablation, cryoablation, and microwave (MW) ablation for treatment of T1a renal cell carcinoma (RCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective assessment of 297 patients (mean age 72 years range 24-90 years) with biopsy-proven RCC treated with image-guided percutaneous thermal ablation was performed between October 2006 and December 2016. Mean tumor size was 2.4 cm; mean radius, exophytic/endophytic properties, nearness of tumor to collecting system or sinus, anterior/posterior, hilar tumor touching the main renal artery or vein, and location relative to polar lines; Preoperative Aspects and Dimensions Used for an Anatomical; and c-centrality scores were 6.0, 7.0, and 2.8, respectively. Assessments of adverse events, treatment efficacy, and therapeutic outcomes were performed among RF ablation, cryoablation, and MW ablation. The 2-year disease-free, metastatic-free, and cancer-specific survival rates were tabulated. Estimated glomerular filtration rate was used to assess for treatment related changes in renal function. RESULTS: A total of 297 T1aN0M0 biopsy-proven RCCs measuring 1.2-3.9 cm were treated with computed tomography-guided RF ablation (n = 244, 82%), cryoablation (n = 26, 9%), and MW ablation (n = 27, 9%). There were no significant differences in patient demographics among the 3 groups (P = .09). Technical success rates were similar among the 3 treatments (P = .33). Primary efficacy at 1 month postablation was more likely to be achieved with RF ablation and MW ablation than with cryoablation. At 2 years' follow-up, there was no local recurrence, metastatic progression, or RCC-related death observed in the 3 groups. There was no significant change in estimated glomerular filtration rate among the 3 ablation groups compared with baseline at 2-year follow-up (P = .71). CONCLUSION: RF ablation, cryoablation, and MW ablation are equivalent at 2 years for treatment of T1a RCC for therapeutic outcome, stability of renal function, and low adverse event rate.

Professional firefighter and trained volunteer first-responding units in emergency medical service.

BACKGROUND: Although widely dispatched to out-of-hospital cardiac arrests, the performance of prehospital first-responding units in other medical emergencies is unknown. METHODS: In this retrospective, descriptive study, the general performance of 44 first-responding units in Pirkanmaa County, Finland, were examined. A subgroup analysis compared the first-responding units made up of professional firefighters and trained volunteers. RESULTS: First-responding units were dispatched to patients during 1622 missions between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2013. The median time to reach the scene was 9 minutes in any mission. Overall, first responders evaluated 1015 patients and provided treatment or assisted ambulance personnel in 793 (78%) cases. The most common treatment modalities were assistance, such as carrying (22%) and the administration of supplemental oxygen (19%). There were 83 resuscitation attempts during the time period. In 42 of these, first-responding units initiated basic life support a median of 4 minutes prior to the arrival of ambulance personnel. Return of spontaneous circulation was achieved in 20% of cases. The subgroup analysis showed that trained volunteers administered oxygen more liberally than professional firefighters in stroke and chest pain mission (stroke: professional 9/236 cases [4%] vs layperson 26/181 cases [14%], P < 0.001; chest pain: professional 16/78 cases [21%] vs layperson 77/159 cases [48%], P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: First-responding units provided initial treatment or assistance to ambulance personnel in approximately half of the missions. Implementation of professional- and layperson-staffed first-responding units in emergency medical service system seems to be feasible.

Risk Assessment of Chronic Kidney Disease following Microwave Ablation for Stage T1 Renal Cell Carcinoma.

PURPOSE: To assess safety and renal-function outcomes after microwave (MW) ablation of localized stage T1 renal cell carcinoma (RCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of 38 patients (28 men; mean age, 69 y; range, 51-88 y) who underwent computed tomography (CT)-guided MW ablation for stage T1N0M0 RCC. Baseline and follow-up renal function surrogates including creatinine level and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were statistically compared. Peri- and postoperative complication rates, technical success, and treatment response were also assessed. RESULTS: A total of 44 biopsy-proven stage T1N0M0 RCCs measuring 1.2-6.9 cm (mean, 2.5 cm) were treated, and renal function was measured 1 mo after treatment. Mean eGFRs were 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 at baseline and 59 mL/min/1.73 m2 at 1 month after ablation. At 1-year and last follow-ups, the means of difference were 3.3% (95% confidence interval, -4.4 to 4.3; P = .99) and 3.3% (95% confidence interval, -4.3 to 4.8; P = .91), respectively. The 2-years freedom from eGFR decrease to < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 was 2% (P = .91). Among the 5 patients (13%) with preexisting stage 4 chronic kidney disease (CKD; eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m2) before ablation, there was no significant postablative onset of decline or CKD upstaging (P = .001). There were no major complications, and 5 patients (13%) had small asymptomatic perinephric hematomas (Society of Interventional Radiology minor complication, class A/B) that were managed conservatively. CONCLUSIONS: At 2-year follow-up, CT-guided percutaneous MW ablation is safe and well-tolerated and achieves nephron preservation similar to existing ablative modalities.

Promoting safe walking among older people: the effects of a physical and cognitive training intervention vs. physical training alone on mobility and falls among older community-dwelling men and women (the PASSWORD study): design and methods of a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Safe and stable walking is a complex process involving the interaction of neuromuscular, sensory and cognitive functions. As physical and cognitive functions deteriorate with ageing, training of both functions may have more beneficial effects on walking and falls prevention than either alone. This article describes the study design, recruitment strategies and interventions of the PASSWORD study investigating whether a combination of physical and cognitive training (PTCT) has greater effects on walking speed, dual-task cost in walking speed, fall incidence and executive functions compared to physical training (PT) alone among 70-85-year-old community-dwelling sedentary or at most moderately physically active men and women. METHODS: Community-dwelling sedentary or at most moderately physically active, men and women living in the city of Jyväskylä will be recruited and randomized into physical training (PT) and physical and cognitive training (PTCT). The 12-month interventions include supervised training sessions and home exercises. Both groups attend physical training intervention, which follows the current physical activity guidelines. The PTCT group performes also a web-based computer program targeting executive functions. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and at 6 and 12 months thereafter. Falls data are collected during the interventions and the subsequent one-year follow-up. The primary outcome is 10-m walking speed. Secondary outcomes include 6-min walking distance, dual-task cost in walking speed, fall incidence and executive function assessed with color Stroop and Trail Making A and B tests. Explanatory outcomes include e.g. body composition and bone characteristics, physical performance, physical activity, life-space mobility, fall-related self-efficacy, emotional well-being and personality characteristics. DISCUSSION: The study is designed to capture the additive and possible synergistic effects of physical and cognitive training. When completed, the study will provide new knowledge on the effects of physical and cognitive training on the prevention of walking limitations and rate of falls in older people. The expected results will be of value in informing strategies designed to promote safe walking among older people and may have a significant health and socio-economic impact. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN52388040 .

The two transmembrane regions of Candida albicans Dfi1 contribute to its biogenesis.

The opportunistic pathogen Candida albicans forms invasive filaments that grow into host tissues during disease. The glycosylated, integral plasma membrane protein Dfi1 is important for invasive filamentation in a laboratory model, and for lethality in murine disseminated candidiasis. However, Dfi1 topology and essential domains for Dfi1 biogenesis were undefined. Sequence analysis predicted that Dfi1 contains two transmembrane regions, located near the N- and C-termini. In this communication, we show that Dfi1 remains an integral membrane protein despite deletion of either predicted transmembrane region, whereas deletion of both regions results in a soluble protein. Additionally, Dfi1 that was properly oriented in the membrane, as indicated by N-linked glycosylation, was observed when either transmembrane region was deleted, but was absent when both transmembrane regions were deleted. Interestingly, deletion of the N-terminal transmembrane region resulted in production of two forms of Dfi1. Most of the protein molecules acquired normal N-linked glycosylation and a smaller population failed to become normally N-linked glycosylated. This defect was reversed by replacement of the N-terminal hydrophobic sequence with one synthetic transmembrane sequence but not another. Finally, microscopy studies revealed that Dfi1 lacking the N-terminal transmembrane region was observed at the cell periphery, where full-length Dfi1 normally localizes, whereas the double-truncation mutant was diffusely intracellular. Therefore, mature Dfi1 protein contains two transmembrane domains which contribute to its biogenesis.

Metals and metalloids in hair samples of children living near the abandoned mine sites of Sulcis-Inglesiente (Sardinia, Italy).

The Sulcis-Iglesiente district (SW Sardinia, Italy) is one of the oldest and most important polymetallic mining areas in Italy. Large outcrops of sulfide and oxide ores, as well as the products of the long-lasting mining activity, are present throughout the district releasing significant quantities of metals and metalloids into the surrounding environment. Here are reported concentrations of 21 elements determined in scalp hair samples from children (aged 11-13 years) living in different geochemical environments of southwestern Sardinia: Iglesias, hosting several abandoned mines, and the island of Sant׳Antioco, not affected by significant base metal mineralization events. Trace element determinations were performed by ICP-MS. Statistically significant differences (p<0.01) in elemental concentration levels between the two study sites were found. Hair of children from Iglesias exhibited higher concentration values for Ag, Ba, Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sb, U, V, and Zn. Rubidium, V and U resulted more abundant at Sant׳Antioco. Hair samples from Iglesias showed gender-related differences for a larger number of elements (Ag, Ba, Cd, Co, Cu, Ni, Sr, U and Zn) than at Sant׳Antioco, where only U was significantly different. The above elemental concentrations in females were always higher than in male donors. Robust Principal Component Analysis operated on log-transformed elemental concentrations showed components indicative of a) sulfides ore minerals (PC1) reflecting the influence of the diffuse mineralization covering the entire study area, b) the presence of some bioavailable As sources (PC2) as As-rich pyrite and Fe-containing sphalerite and c) other sources of metals overlapping the diffuse mineralizations, as carbonate rocks and coal deposits (PC3). The results provided evidence of a potential risk of adverse effects on the health of the exposed population, with children living at Iglesias being greatly exposed to several metals and metalloids originated in mining tailings, enriched soils, waters and food.

Design and implementation of a cost-effective, open-source, and programmable pulsatile flow system.

The primary objective of this research was to design, implement, and validate a programmable open-source pulsatile flow system to cost-effectively simulate vascular flows. We employed an Arduino-compatible microcontroller combined with a motor driver to control a centrifugal direct current (DC) motor pump. The system was programmed to produce pulsatile flows with an arterial pulse waveform. Validation with Doppler ultrasound and flow measurements confirmed that our Arduino-based system successfully replicated arterial vascular flow. The materials are easily accessible, with a total bill of materials as low as $99. This open-source programmable pulsatile pump platform offers superior cost-effectiveness and adaptability relative to commercial offerings.

Label-free monitoring of embolotherapy via catheter electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.

Catheter-based embolization has become a widely adopted minimally-invasive treatment for a broad range of applications. However, assessment of embolization endpoints requires x-ray fluoroscopic monitoring, exposing patients and physicians performing embolization procedures to harmful ionizing radiation. Moreover, x-ray fluoroscopy assessment of embolization endpoints is low sensitivity, subjective, and may not reflect the actual physiology of blood flow reduction, thus providing little oversight of the embolization procedure. Inspired by the observation that the dielectric properties of blood differ from those of fluids injected during the embolization procedure, a customized angiographic catheter was created with embedded electrodes for catheter-based electrochemical impedance spectroscopy as a way to monitor embolization. Real-time electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was performed in a phantom and compared to visual and videographic monitoring. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was able to sense endpoints of embolization, including stasis, reflux, and persistent flow. This new technique offers a label-free method of sensing embolization progress with potentially higher sensitivity and reproducibility compared to x-ray, as well as offer substantial reduction in x-ray exposure to patients and physicians.

Impact of the first response unit on prehospital on-scene time among paramedic-suspected stroke patients: a retrospective before-after cohort study in Finland.

BACKGROUND: Revascularization of an occluded artery by either thrombolysis or mechanical thrombectomy is a time-critical intervention in ischaemic stroke. Each link in the stroke chain of survival should minimize the delay to definitive treatment in every possible way. In this study, we investigated the effect of routine dispatch of a first response unit (FRU) on prehospital on-scene time (OST) on stroke missions. METHODS: Medical dispatch of FRU together with an emergency medical service (EMS) ambulance was a routine strategy in the Tampere University Hospital area before 3 October 2018, after which the FRU has only been dispatched to medical emergencies on the decision of an EMS field commander. This study presents a retrospective before-after analysis of 2,228 paramedic-suspected strokes transported by EMSs to Tampere University Hospital. We collected data from EMS medical records from April 2016 to March 2021, and used statistical tests and binary logistic regression to detect the associations between the variables and the shorter and longer half of OSTs. RESULTS: The median OST of stroke missions was 19 min, IQR [14-25] min. The OST decreased when the routine use of the FRU was discontinued (19 [14-26] min vs. 18 [13-24] min, p < 0.001). The median OST with the FRU being the first at the scene (n = 256, 11%) was shorter than in cases where the FRU arrived after the ambulance (16 [12-22] min vs. 19 [15-25] min, p < 0.001). The OST with a stroke dispatch code was shorter than with non-stroke dispatches (18 [13-23] min vs. 22 [15-30] min, p < 0.001). The OST for thrombectomy candidates was shorter than that for thrombolysis candidates (18 [13-23] min vs. 19 [14-25], p = 0.01). The shorter half of OSTs were associated with the FRU arriving first at the scene, stroke dispatch code, thrombectomy transportation and urban location. CONCLUSION: The routine dispatch of the FRU to stroke missions did not decrease the OST unless the FRU was first to arrive at the scene. In addition, a correct stroke identification in the dispatch centre and thrombectomy candidate status decreased the OST.

Health for All: A Report of the 2020 Association of American Medical Colleges Learn Serve Lead Meeting.

Learn Serve Lead (LSL) is the signature annual conference of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), which focuses on the most pressing issues facing American medical practice and education. Unsurprisingly, the recent AAMC LSL conference at the end of 2020 centered on the multifaceted impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and racial inequity upon the medical community. At the LSL meeting, national leaders, practicing physicians from diverse specialties, and medical trainees discussed the impact of these challenges and ongoing strategies to overcome them. These efforts paralleled the AAMC mission areas of community collaborations, medical education, clinical care, and research. Additionally, this focus aligns with the ACR's core purpose: to serve patients and society by empowering members to advance the practice, science, and professions of radiological care. ACR is a member of the AAMC Council of Faculty and Academic Society and seeks to collaborate with other medical specialties to promote interdisciplinary collaboration, contribute to medical education, and voice the value of medical imaging for patient care. We summarize the major insights of this interdisciplinary conference and present tailored recommendations for applying these insights specifically within the radiology community. In addition, we review the parallels between the ACR and the AAMC strategic plans.

Promoting mobility after hip fracture (ProMo): study protocol and selected baseline results of a year-long randomized controlled trial among community-dwelling older people.

BACKGROUND: To cope at their homes, community-dwelling older people surviving a hip fracture need a sufficient amount of functional ability and mobility. There is a lack of evidence on the best practices supporting recovery after hip fracture. The purpose of this article is to describe the design, intervention and demographic baseline results of a study investigating the effects of a rehabilitation program aiming to restore mobility and functional capacity among community-dwelling participants after hip fracture. METHODS/DESIGN: Population-based sample of over 60-year-old community-dwelling men and women operated for hip fracture (n = 81, mean age 79 years, 78% were women) participated in this study and were randomly allocated into control (Standard Care) and ProMo intervention groups on average 10 weeks post fracture and 6 weeks after discharged to home. Standard Care included written home exercise program with 5-7 exercises for lower limbs. Of all participants, 12 got a referral to physiotherapy. After discharged to home, only 50% adhered to Standard Care. None of the participants were followed-up for Standard Care or mobility recovery. ProMo-intervention included Standard Care and a year-long program including evaluation/modification of environmental hazards, guidance for safe walking, pain management, progressive home exercise program and physical activity counseling. Measurements included a comprehensive battery of laboratory tests and self-report on mobility limitation, disability, physical functional capacity and health as well as assessments for the key prerequisites for mobility, disability and functional capacity. All assessments were performed blinded at the research laboratory. No significant differences were observed between intervention and control groups in any of the demographic variables. DISCUSSION: Ten weeks post hip fracture only half of the participants were compliant to Standard Care. No follow-up for Standard Care or mobility recovery occurred. There is a need for rehabilitation and follow-up for mobility recovery after hip fracture. However, the effectiveness of the ProMo program can only be assessed at the end of the study. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN53680197.

Emergency medical dispatchers' ability to identify large vessel occlusion stroke during emergency calls.

BACKGROUND: In acute ischemic stroke, conjugated eye deviation (CED) is an evident sign of cortical ischemia and large vessel occlusion (LVO). We aimed to determine if an emergency dispatcher can recognise LVO stroke during an emergency call by asking the caller a binary question regarding whether the patient's head or gaze is away from the side of the hemiparesis or not. Further, we investigated if the paramedics can confirm this sign at the scene. In the group of positive CED answers to the emergency dispatcher, we investigated what diagnoses these patients received at the emergency department (ED). Among all patients brought to ED and subsequently treated with mechanical thrombectomy (MT) we tracked the proportion of patients with a positive CED answer during the emergency call. METHODS: We collected data on all stroke dispatches in the city of Tampere, Finland, from 13 February 2019 to 31 October 2020. We then reviewed all patient records from cases where the dispatcher had marked 'yes' to the question regarding patient CED in the computer-aided emergency response system. We also viewed all emergency department admissions to see how many patients in total were treated with MT during the period studied. RESULTS: Out of 1913 dispatches, we found 81 cases (4%) in which the caller had verified CED during the emergency call. Twenty-four of these patients were diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke. Paramedics confirmed CED in only 9 (11%) of these 81 patients. Two patients with positive CED answers during the emergency call and 19 other patients brought to the emergency department were treated with MT. CONCLUSION: A small minority of stroke dispatches include a positive answer to the CED question but paramedics rarely confirm the emergency medical dispatcher's suspicion of CED as a sign of LVO. Few patients in need of MT can be found this way. Stroke dispatch protocol with a CED question needs intensive implementation.

Purification of high yields of catalytically active lysyl oxidase directly from Escherichia coli cell culture.

Lysyl oxidase is a highly insoluble enzyme requiring high concentrations of urea to solubilize. A method to obtain lysyl oxidase in high yields directly from an Escherichia coli culture without the need for refolding of inclusion bodies has been developed using nutrient rich media. pET21b was used to overexpress the lysyl oxidase enzyme and to introduce a C-terminal 6X histidine tag for purification. Lysyl oxidase yields of 10 mg of active and properly folded enzyme per liter of media have been obtained. Purification was achieved via affinity chromatography using a Ni-NTA column. Copper content was found to be 19%. LTQ cofactor formation in LOX is a self-processing event in the presence of copper. LTQ content was determined to be 24% based on reaction with phenylhydrazine to form a phenylhydrazone adduct. Quantification of this adduct was attained using the previously reported extinction coefficient of 15.4 mM(-1)cm(-1). LTQ presence was also verified by redox cycling. Specific enzymatic activity was measured to be 0.31 U/mg, one of the highest activities reported.

Offspring from endogamic vs. exogamic matings: Absence of anthropometric differences among Sardinian children (Italy).

This study evaluates possible differences in body dimensions among children from matings of different exogamy levels. The cross-sectional sample consisted of 867 children, 435 males, and 432 females, 6-10 years old, attending elementary schools in the metropolitan area of Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia (Italy). The children were divided into two groups according to the level of exogamy. The first group consisted of children of parents born in the same Sardinian municipality and was considered endogamous sensu stricto. The second group included children of parents born in municipalities from different Sardinian linguistic domains and was considered exogamous. The Mann-Whitney test did not reveal significant differences between the two groups of children in the mean rank values of the 36 anthropometric variables considered, with the exception of cephalic circumference in males and chest depth in females. In particular, there were no significant differences for anthropometric variables considered to be indirect indicators of nutritional status: sum of skinfolds, waist/hip ratio, body mass index, total upper arm area, upper arm muscle area, and upper arm fat area. The results indicate that Sardinian children from marriages of different exogamy levels do not differ in body dimensions if they grow up with similar nutritional and socioeconomic conditions.