RNA metabolism in senescing detached betel (Piper betle L.) leaves.

This study aimed to examine the changes in the metabolism of RNA taking place in the detached petiolated betel leaf and to compare them with those occurring in depetiolated/ demidribbed leaves. While RNA level declined continuously, the activity of RNases increased manifold as the leaf senesced. These events were, however, slowed down due to depetiolation/demidribbing treatments. Pulse feeding experiments showed that the ability of the tissue to synthesise RNA declined during senescence. Precursor incorporation in fast senescing petiolated leaves was poorer than in treated slow senescing ones. It is concluded that depetiolation/demidribbing-induced delay in the onset of senescence is accompanied by relatively higher synthesis and lower degradation of RNA.     

菘蓝春化机理的初步研究

目的　探明菘蓝春化作用的机理 ,寻找预防菘蓝提早开花的有效方法。方法　将萌动的菘蓝种子和菘蓝幼苗分别低温处理 ,观察菘蓝生长后期的抽薹情况 ;用 ABA浸泡菘蓝种子后再进行低温春化 ,研究ABA浸种处理对菘蓝的萌发及后期抽薹开花的影响 ;用 ABA叶面喷施已通过春化作用的菘蓝幼苗 ,观测ABA对已春化菘蓝后期抽薹的抑制作用。结果　菘蓝可通过种子或幼苗进行春化 ,春化效果与春化时间在一定范围内呈正相关系 ;用低浓度的 ABA浸泡菘蓝种子对其发芽率无显著影响 ,且对菘蓝的后期春化无显著的抑制作用 ;用 ABA喷施已通过春化作用的菘蓝幼苗 ,可在一定程度上抑制菘蓝提前抽薹开花。结论　菘蓝属于种子和绿体春化类型 ;用 ABA喷施已春化的菘蓝幼苗 ,可以预防菘蓝提前抽薹开花。     

Burn intensive care treatment over the last 30 years: Improved survival and shift in case-mix

PurposeMortality in burn intensive care unit (ICU) has been decreasing and treatment appears to be changing. The aims of this study: (1) examine outcome in burn patients, (2) examine changes in ICU indication and (3) explore the influence of a changing case-mix.MethodsRetrospective study in patients admitted to ICU (1987–2016). Four groups were specified: major burns (≥15% TBSA), inhalation injury with small injury (<15% TBSA, inhalation injury), watchful waiting (<15% TBSA, without inhalation injury), tender loving care (patients withheld from treatment). Logistic regression was performed to evaluate the relation between case-mix and outcome.ResultsOverall mortality decreased to 7%. Mortality of major burns decreased by 15%. The major burn group decreased by 36%. The inhalation injury and watchful waiting group increased by 9% and 21%. The percentage of ventilated patients increased by 14% in the major burn group. 40% of patients were ventilated in the watchful waiting group.ConclusionsAfter correction for case-mix, survival improved, mainly in the major burn group. Case-mix shifted towards inhalation injury and watchful waiting. Growth of the watchful waiting group is not necessarily harmful. However, the increase of mechanical ventilation could be. We suggest raising awareness for risks and consequences of mechanical ventilation.     

Identification of substance use disorders in burn patients using simple diagnostic screening tools (AUDIT/DAST-10)

Introduction and objectivesSubstance use is disproportionately high in burn patients and associated with adverse outcomes. Screening methods for substance use disorders may help predict or avoid adverse outcomes.The University of Utah Burn Center records self-reported Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Tests (AUDIT) and Drug Abuse Screening Tests (DAST-10) for all adult burn admissions. This study assessed for association between AUDIT/DAST-10 scores and burn patient outcomes.MethodsA retrospective chart review of adult burn patients admitted to the University of Utah from 05/01/2014–06/30/2017. Patient demographics, injury data, and substance use data were collected and analyzed.Results322 patients underwent AUDIT/DAST-10 screening (n = 322). 56 (17.4%) had positive AUDIT screens (score ≥ 8). 15/50 with alcohol use at time of injury (TOI) had negative AUDIT screens. Median AUDIT score with TOI alcohol use was 12, without TOI alcohol use was 1. 30/55 patients offered alcohol counseling accepted.14 patients (4.3%) had positive DAST-10 screens (score ≥3). 9/25 with drug use at TOI had negative DAST-10 screens. No patients without TOI drug use had DAST-10 scores >2. 9/11 patients offered drug counseling accepted.Mean standardized length of stay (LOS) per TBSA burn injury was 1.7 days for positive AUDIT, 1.6 days for negative AUDIT. Median standardized LOS was 1.4 days for positive DAST-10, 1.7 days for negative DAST-10.ConclusionsAUDIT and DAST-10 screens can identify burn patients with problematic substance use, allowing early intervention. Positive screening scores do not independently predict longer hospital stays, increased wound severity, or treatment noncompliance.     

Reduced astrocyte density underlying brain volume reduction in activity-based anorexia rats

Objectives: Severe grey and white matter volume reductions were found in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) that were linked to neuropsychological deficits while their underlying pathophysiology remains unclear. For the first time, we analysed the cellular basis of brain volume changes in an animal model (activity-based anorexia, ABA).

Methods: Female rats had 24?h/day running wheel access and received reduced food intake until a 25% weight reduction was reached and maintained for 2 weeks.

Results: In ABA rats, the volumes of the cerebral cortex and corpus callosum were significantly reduced compared to controls by 6% and 9%, respectively. The number of GFAP-positive astrocytes in these regions decreased by 39% and 23%, total astrocyte-covered area by 83% and 63%. In neurons no changes were observed. The findings were complemented by a 60% and 49% reduction in astrocyte (GFAP) mRNA expression.

Conclusions: Volumetric brain changes in ABA animals mirror those in human AN patients. These alterations are associated with a reduction of GFAP-positive astrocytes as well as GFAP expression. Reduced astrocyte functioning could help explain neuronal dysfunctions leading to symptoms of rigidity and impaired learning. Astrocyte loss could constitute a new research target for understanding and treating semi-starvation and AN.     

高效液相色谱法测定人血浆中茴拉西坦活性代谢产物ABA及其在生物等效性研究中的应用

目的建立人血浆中茴拉西坦代谢产物N-对甲氧基苯甲酰胺基丁酸（ABA）的高效液相色谱法,并研究其在健康人体的生物等效性。方法以氢氯噻嗪为内标,血浆样品用液液-萃取处理。分析柱为SymmetryShield RP18C18（3.9 mm×150 mm,5μm）,柱温：30℃。流动相：20 mmol.L-1甲酸胺-甲醇（83∶17,v/v）,流速：1.0 mL.min-1,进样量：20μL,紫外检测波长250 nm。结果茴拉西坦活性代谢产物ABA的线性范围为53.313 640μg.L-1,最低定量下限为53.3μg.L-1;日内、日间RSD不超过11%;平均回收率为96.9%103.3%。结论该方法专属性强,快速、灵敏,适合血样中茴拉西坦代谢产物ABA的浓度检测。     

Combining CBT and Behavior-Analytic Approaches to Target Severe Emotion Dysregulation in Verbal Youth With ASD and ID

ABSTRACT

This article presents an individual intervention combining cognitive-behavioral and behavior-analytic approaches to target severe emotion dysregulation in verbal youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) concurrent with intellectual disability (ID). The article focuses on two specific individuals who received the treatment within a therapeutic school setting. Single-subject methodology utilizing a nonconcurrent multiple-baseline design across behaviors and participants was used to evaluate the intervention. The two participants presented with severe behavioral challenges, including physical aggression and verbal threats to harm others. Results suggest positive outcomes, including a reduction in the frequency and intensity of severe aggressive behavior and an increase in the use of coping skills, self-advocacy, and social participation. The planning and implementation of specific skills-generalization strategies was one innovative element of the intervention that proved to be pivotal to its successful application. Assessment and treatment techniques for different intervention phases are detailed along with two case examples. Intervention challenges, treatment outcomes, and future directions for clinical research are discussed.