Relevance of micro-RNAs and their targets as a diagnostic and prognostic marker in oral squamous cell carcinoma.
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) ranks sixth among all cancers in the world, affecting various sites of the oral cavity with associated several risk factors. High mortality has been associated with the presence of metastasis during the time of diagnosis and an increase in therapeutic relapses. Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) are a group of small non-coding RNAs with salient roles in the initiation and progression of cancer. The tumorigenesis of OSCC is associated with the dysregulation of several miRNAs. MicroRNAs are an area of recent interest, and numerous studies have been reported and are being undertaken to identify their role in diagnostic and prognostic value for oral cancers. Most of the miRNA processing machinery is considered to be either up-/down-regulated in OSCC, but the underlying mechanism of miRNA dysregulation and their activity as either a tumour suppressor or an oncogene in oral carcinogenesis is not yet clear. The article presents a concise review of the available current literature regarding the various miRNAs' signatures in OSCC and their role as diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers.


Influence of patient positioning on the l5-l6 mid-laminar distance.
The aim of this project was to determine the effect of patient position on the L5-L6 mid-laminar distance (MLD). The lumbar area of 22 recently euthanatized dogs of various breeds was radiographed in three positions: lateral recumbency with the spine in neutral position, lateral recumbency with the spine flexed in a kyphotic position, and sternal recumbency with the spine flexed in a kyphotic position. Digital images of the radiographs were analyzed using a computer program that allowed measurement of the MLD between L5-L6 in the three positions. The L5 and L6 MLD was significantly larger in sternal recumbency with the spine flexed (142.3 units) than both in lateral recumbency with the spine flexed (138.7 units; P= 0.001) and lateral recumbency with the spine in the neutral position (135.8 units; P < or = 0.001). The MLD in lateral recumbency with the spine flexed was significantly larger than in lateral recumbency with the spine in neutral position (P = 0.005). Positioning a dog in sternal recumbency with the spine flexed produces a significantly larger MLD than in lateral recumbency with the spine flexed; this should simplify needle placement when performing a lumbar puncture.


Afatinib ameliorates osteoclast differentiation and function through downregulation of RANK signaling pathways.
Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the third most common cancer that spreads to the bone, resulting in osteolytic lesions caused by hyperactivation of osteoclasts. Activating mutations in epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase (EGF-TK) are frequently associated with NSCLC, and afatinib is a first-line therapeutic drug, irreversibly targeting EGF-TK. However, the effects of afatinib on osteoclast differentiation and activation as well as the underlying mechanism remain unclear. In this study, afatinib significantly suppressed receptor activator of nuclear factor κB (RANK) ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast formation in bone marrow macrophages (BMMs). Consistently, afatinib inhibited the expression of osteoclast marker genes, whereas, it upregulated the expression of negative modulator genes. The bone resorbing activity of osteoclasts was also abrogated by afatinib. In addition, afatinib significantly inhibited RANKL-mediated Akt/protein kinase B and c-Jun N-terminal kinase phosphorylation. These results suggest that afatinib substantially suppresses osteoclastogenesis by downregulating RANK signaling pathways, and thus may reduce osteolysis after bone metastasis. [BMB Reports 2017; 50(3): 150-155].


Dynamic influence of food consistency on the masticatory motion.
The masticatory cycle is a complex process and it depends on many factors. In our study we wanted to prove to what extent various types of food consistency influence the masticatory motions, especially the extent of forward, downward and lateral motions of the mandible. Nineteen study subjects aged from 20 to 37 years and with intact teeth rows were asked to chew three types of food of various consistency (banana, bread and carrot). The motions of the mandible were recorded by stereo-photo-grammetric system. Study results have shown that in all 19 study subjects the increase in food consistency increases the extent of masticatory motions. The average size of forward mandibular motion in all 19 study subjects when chewing banana amounts to 2.65 mm, when chewing bread it is 2.96 mm and 3.64 mm when chewing carrot. The average size of downward mandibular motion for all 19 study subjects amounts to 6.79 mm when chewing banana, 7.17 mm when chewing bread and 8.09 mm when chewing carrot. The average size of lateral mandibular motion in all 19 study subjects amounts to 2.46 mm when chewing banana, 2.80 mm when chewing bread and 3.40 mm when chewing carrot. Although varying from subject to subject, the masticatory cycle significantly depends on food consistency. By increasing the consistency of a mouthful, the extent of mandibular motion increases in every single study subject.


[Indication and usage of opioids except morphine for chronic non-malignant intractable pain].
Indication and usage of opioids except morphine for chronic non-malignant intractable pain were reviewed. In Japan, other than morphine, we can use only two opioids, codeine phosphate (codeine), and dihydrocodeine phosphate (dihydrocodeine) for non-malignant pain management according to medical insurance system. But in western countries sustained-release opioids such as MS contine, transdermal fentanyl, oxycontin were used for the management of non-malignant chronic pain. The WHO ladder for cancer management should also be used for the management of non-malignant pain. Initial dose of codeine is 60 mg x day(-1) and the dosage should be increased or decreased according to pain intensity, patients' general condition and age. In most cases pain is controlled at the dose of 80-310 mg x day(-1). If pain intensity does not decrease or change, codeine should be changed to morphine. In our clinic, starting dose of codeine was 40-480 mg x day(-1) (average dose: 107.8 mg x day(-1)), maximum dose was 60-1280 mg x day (average dose: 310 mg x day(-1)). Average period for administration of codeine was 294.4 days. Dihydrocodeine has twice analgesic efficacy compared to codeine. The initial dose is the same as codeine. We hope that sustained release opioids such as transdermal fentanyl, oxycontin, tramadol etc will be used in Japan for management of non-malignant chronic pain in the near future.


Dynamics of Nanosecond Laser Pulse Propagation and of Associated Instabilities in a Magnetized Underdense Plasma.
The propagation and energy coupling of intense laser beams in plasmas are critical issues in inertial confinement fusion. Applying magnetic fields to such a setup has been shown to enhance fuel confinement and heating. Here we report on experimental measurements demonstrating improved transmission and increased smoothing of a high-power laser beam propagating in a magnetized underdense plasma. We also measure enhanced backscattering, which our kinetic simulations show is due to magnetic confinement of hot electrons, thus leading to reduced target preheating.


[Valvular bioprostheses and anticoagulation].
Cardiac valve replacement is associated with a thromboembolic risk, particularly during the immediate postoperative period. The current anticoagulation recommendations for biological valves are variable and their application by the surgical centers is unconstant. Some centers continue to anticoagulate all patients who receive a heart valve replacement for 3 months, without distinction of valve position (mitral or aortic) at the cost of bleeding complications. However, more recent studies suggest that anticoagulation may not be necessary for biological valves in aortic position in the absence of associated embolic risk factors. Prospective and randomized studies are still needed to establish more definitive evidence regarding the prevention of thromboembolism for bioprostheses.


Synergistic anticellular and antiviral activities of human recombinant interferon-gamma and -beta.
The synergism of anticellular and antiviral activities of recombinant human interferon-gamma (ReIFN-gamma) and recombinant human interferon-beta (ReIFN-beta) was examined in vitro using human melanoma SK-MEL-28 cells. Some differences were detected in the kinetics of anticellular activity between both IFNs, namely the inhibitory effect of ReIFN-beta occurred earlier than that of ReIFN-gamma. Significant synergism was detected in the anticellular activity of both IFNs when growth curves and isobolograms were examined. A difference between ReIFN-gamma and ReIFN-beta was also detected in antiviral activity. The antiviral activity of ReIFN-gamma against vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) was significantly weaker than that of ReIFN-beta, even though both IFNs exhibited almost equivalent antiviral activities against Sindbis virus. However, ReIFN-gamma and ReIFN-beta exhibited synergistic antiviral activities against both VSV and Sindbis virus. The analysis of cell cycle distribution by flow cytometry revealed that there were some differences in the distribution pattern between cells treated with ReIFN-gamma alone, ReIFN-beta alone, or ReIFN-gamma and ReIFN-beta in combination. ReIFN-beta induced a prolongation or accumulation of S phase, whereas the effect of ReIFN-gamma was cycle-nonspecific. The combination of ReIFN-gamma and ReIFN-beta induced a decrease of G1 phase and an increase of G2M phase. These results suggest that ReIFN-gamma and ReIFN-beta used in combination were more effective in inhibiting the growth of human tumor cells and the proliferation of viruses than IFN used individually.


Age and Sex Interact to Mediate the Effects of Intermittent, High-Dose Ethanol Exposure on Behavioral Flexibility.
Human alcoholics have been shown to have impaired cognitive control over actions and increased reliance on habitual response strategies. While it is unclear in humans whether these differences predate ethanol exposure or result from chronic drinking, data from animal studies suggest that ethanol acts to promote the development of inflexible behaviors. Here, we investigated how intermittent exposure to high doses of ethanol impacts the ability to flexibly regulate behavior in a habit model. As adolescence, may represent a period of increased drug taking and developmental vulnerability that may impact adult behavior, we compared the effects of high-dose ethanol exposure during adolescence to exposure during adulthood in male and female rats. Our findings indicated that the effects of intermittent, high-dose ethanol exposure on habitual behavior is mediated by age and sex such that ethanol exposure during adolescence promoted the use of habitual response strategies in adult females, but not males, and that the opposite pattern emerged following intermittent, high-dose ethanol exposure in adult rats.


Liposomal delivery of a 30-mer antisense oligodeoxynucleotide to inhibit proopiomelanocortin expression.
An oligodeoxynucleic sequence of 30 bases (30-mer ODN), complementary to a region of beta-endorphin mRNA, was synthesized to have an antisense effect with regard to the expression of this oligopeptide. Following the solid-phase synthesis of the oligodeoxynucleotide, the 30-mer ODN was encapsulated within liposomes to provide a higher resistance against DNases and an improved entrance into cells. The most suitable liposome formulation as a 30-mer ODN carrier consisted of small unilamellar vesicles (50 nm) with an encapsulation capacity of 4.76 microL/micromol. The liposomal formulations containing dipalmitoyl-DL-alpha-phosphatidyl-L-serine presented fusogenic properties, which are of great importance for the delivery of antisense compounds. The antisense activity of 30-mer ODN-loaded liposomes was evaluated by the determination of beta-endorphin levels in AtT-20 cells. The free 30-mer ODN did not provide any lowering of the beta-endorphin production, whereas the liposomally entrapped compound elicited a concentration-dependent inhibition. The inhibition was determined by a sequence-specific binding of the 30-mer ODN with the target mRNA.


The supreme turbinate and the drainage of the posterior ethmoids: a computed tomographic study.
It is generally acknowledged that the posterior ethmoidal cells drain under the superior nasal turbinate (SorNT) or, rarely, under the supreme nasal turbinate (SmeNT), and the sphenoid ostium (SO) opens to the sphenoethmoidal recess. However, detailed relations between these structures are variable, complex and still not clear. There is no reliable data on the prevalence of SmeNT and drainage of the posterior ethmoidal cells under this structure. The aim of this study was to re-evaluate the anatomy of the aforementioned region. Multiplanar and three-dimensional reconstruction analysis of 100 thin slice paranasal sinus computed tomography scans. SmeNT was identified in 77 subjects (136 sides). It formed the ostium to the posterior ethmoidal cell adjacent to the skull base or orbit in 58 subjects (91 sides). This cell drained independently from the remaining posterior ethmoidal cells. The sphenoethmoidal (Onodi) cell drained to supreme meatus in 41 subjects (54 sides), and to superior meatus in 37 subjects (49 sides). SO was always located medial to the posteroinferior attachment of SmeNT, or SorNT (in absence of SmeNT). Patients with divergent drainage of the posterior ethmoids (with posterior ethmoidal cell draining to the supreme meatus) may require more extensive surgery to avoid persistence or recurrence of inflammatory disease. SmeNT is more common than thought, but due to its posterior and superior location to SorNT, it is rarely seen intraoperatively. If SmeNT is present, SO is always located medial to its posteroinferior attachment. (Folia Morphol 2018; 77, 1: 110-115).


Dietary restriction protects from age-associated DNA methylation and induces epigenetic reprogramming of lipid metabolism.
Dietary restriction (DR), a reduction in food intake without malnutrition, increases most aspects of health during aging and extends lifespan in diverse species, including rodents. However, the mechanisms by which DR interacts with the aging process to improve health in old age are poorly understood. DNA methylation could play an important role in mediating the effects of DR because it is sensitive to the effects of nutrition and can affect gene expression memory over time. Here, we profile genome-wide changes in DNA methylation, gene expression and lipidomics in response to DR and aging in female mouse liver. DR is generally strongly protective against age-related changes in DNA methylation. During aging with DR, DNA methylation becomes targeted to gene bodies and is associated with reduced gene expression, particularly of genes involved in lipid metabolism. The lipid profile of the livers of DR mice is correspondingly shifted towards lowered triglyceride content and shorter chain length of triglyceride-associated fatty acids, and these effects become more pronounced with age. Our results indicate that DR remodels genome-wide patterns of DNA methylation so that age-related changes are profoundly delayed, while changes at loci involved in lipid metabolism affect gene expression and the resulting lipid profile.


Comparison of partial least squares and random forests for evaluating relationship between phenolics and bioactivities of Neptunia oleracea.
Neptunia oleracea is a plant consumed as a vegetable and which has been used as a folk remedy for several diseases. Herein, two regression models (partial least squares, PLS; and random forest, RF) in a metabolomics approach were compared and applied to the evaluation of the relationship between phenolics and bioactivities of N. oleracea. In addition, the effects of different extraction conditions on the phenolic constituents were assessed by pattern recognition analysis. Comparison of the PLS and RF showed that RF exhibited poorer generalization and hence poorer predictive performance. Both the regression coefficient of PLS and the variable importance of RF revealed that quercetin and kaempferol derivatives, caffeic acid and vitexin-2-O-rhamnoside were significant towards the tested bioactivities. Furthermore, principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) results showed that sonication and absolute ethanol are the preferable extraction method and ethanol ratio, respectively, to produce N. oleracea extracts with high phenolic levels and therefore high DPPH scavenging and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. Both PLS and RF are useful regression models in metabolomics studies. This work provides insight into the performance of different multivariate data analysis tools and the effects of different extraction conditions on the extraction of desired phenolics from plants. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.


Hemodynamics and atherosclerosis. Insights and perspectives gained from studies of human arteries.
Atherosclerosis affects the major elastic and muscular arteries, but some vessels are largely spared while others may be markedly diseased. The carotid bifurcation, the coronary arteries, the infrarenal abdominal aorta, and the vessels supplying the lower extremities are at highest risk. The propensity for plaque formation at bifurcations, branchings, and curvatures has led to conjectures that local mechanical factors such as wall shear stress and mural tensile stress potentiate atherogenesis. Recent studies of the human vessels at high risk, and of corresponding models, have provided quantitative evidence that plaques tend to occur where flow velocity and shear stress are reduced and flow departs from a laminar, unidirectional pattern. Such flow characteristics tend to increase the residence time of circulating particles in susceptible regions while particles are cleared rapidly from regions of relatively high wall shear stress and laminar unidirectional flow. The flow patterns associated with plaque localization are most prominent during systole. Long-term consequences are therefore likely to be greatly enhanced by elevated heart rate and may exert a selective effect on the coronary arteries. The point-by-point redistribution of wall tension at regions of geometric transition has not been quantitatively related to plaque localization. Enlargement of arteries as plaques increase in size and the associated modeling of plaque and wall configuration tend to preserve an adequate and regular lumen cross section. Hemodynamic forces appear to determine changes in vessel diameter so as to restore normal levels of wall shear stress, while wall thickness architecture, and composition are closely related to tensile stress. Hemodynamic forces may also be implicated in the symptom-producing destabilization of plaques, especially in relation to wall instabilities near stenoses. The relative roles of wall shear stress, tensile stress, and the metabolism of the artery wall in the progression and complication of atherosclerosis remain to be clarified. Development of clinical techniques for relating hemodynamic and tensile properties to plaque location, stenosis, and composition should permit pathologists to provide new insights into the bases for the topographic and individual differences in plaque progression and outcome.


Ion parametric resonance: resolving the signal-to-noise-ratio paradox.
Lednev's (1991) "possible mechanisms for the influence of weak magnetic fields on biological system" involved two parallel magnetic fields, one constant and one oscillatory in the ELF (extremely low-frequency) range. The suggested ion resonances (IPR) were termed "impossible" by Adair (1992, 1997, 1998) even after they were demonstrated in a rat-nerve (PC-12) cell culture by Blackman et al. (1994). The "signal-to-noise-ratio" paradox (introduced by the author) is resolved by taking account of the coherent absorption of the ELF energy and showing how the energy of several trillion ELF photons can free a single ion from its trap on the surface of a cell of the culture.


Depressive symptoms, friend and partner relationship quality, and posttreatment abstinence.
This study employed a prospective design to examine the role of friend and partner relationship quality 1 year following substance use disorder treatment in the association between depressive symptoms at discharge from treatment and abstinence from substance use 2 years after treatment. The sample consisted of 1,453 male veterans who used alcohol and at least one other substance in the 3 months before treatment admission, who completed treatment, and who were abstinent from substances during the 2 weeks before discharge. Fewer depressive symptoms at treatment discharge predicted better relationship quality with friends and a partner at 1-year follow-up, as well as abstinence from substance use at 2-year follow-up. Furthermore, friend and partner relationship quality at 1 year predicted abstinence from substance use at 2 years. Friend relationship quality at 1 year mediated part of the association between fewer depressive symptoms at treatment discharge and abstinence at 2-year follow-up. A stronger focus in treatment on reducing depressive symptoms and enhancing the quality of patients' relationships with their friends and partner may increase the likelihood of long-term abstinence.


Evolutionary relationships of lactate dehydrogenases (LDHs) from mammals, birds, an amphibian, fish, barley, and bacteria: LDH cDNA sequences from Xenopus, pig, and rat.
The nucleotide sequences of the cDNAs encoding LDH (EC 220.127.116.11) subunits LDH-A (muscle), LDH-B (liver), and LDH-C (oocyte) from Xenopus laevis, LDH-A (muscle) and LDH-B (heart) from pig, and LDH-B (heart) and LDH-C (testis) from rat were determined. These seven newly deduced amino acid sequences and 22 other published LDH sequences, and three unpublished fish LDH-A sequences kindly provided by G. N. Somero and D. A. Powers, were used to construct the most parsimonious phylogenetic tree of these 32 LDH subunits from mammals, birds, an amphibian, fish, barley, and bacteria. There have been at least six LDH gene duplications among the vertebrates. The Xenopus LDH-A, LDH-B, and LDH-C subunits are most closely related to each other and then are more closely related to vertebrate LDH-B than LDH-A. Three fish LDH-As, as well as a single LDH of lamprey, also seem to be more related to vertebrate LDH-B than to land vertebrate LDH-A. The mammalian LDH-C (testis) subunit appears to have diverged very early, prior to the divergence of vertebrate LDH-A and LDH-B subunits, as reported previously.


Tautomerisation Mechanisms in the Adenine-Thymine Nucleobase Pair during DNA Strand Separation.
The adenine-thymine tautomer (A*-T*) has previously been discounted as a spontaneous mutagenesis mechanism due to the energetic instability of the tautomeric configuration. We study the stability of A*-T* while the nucleobases undergo DNA strand separation. Our calculations indicate an increase in the stability of A*-T* as the DNA strands unzip and the hydrogen bonds between the bases stretch. Molecular Dynamics simulations reveal the time scales and dynamics of DNA strand separation and the statistical ensemble of opening angles present in a biological environment. Our results demonstrate that the unwinding of DNA, an inherently out-of-equilibrium process facilitated by helicase, will change the energy landscape of the adenine-thymine tautomerization reaction. We propose that DNA strand separation allows the stable tautomerization of adenine-thymine, providing a feasible pathway for genetic point mutations via proton transfer between the A-T bases.


Molecular dynamics study on glass transitions in atactic-polypropylene bulk and freestanding thin films.
Molecular dynamics simulation has been adopted in investigation of different glass transition behaviors of the bulk and the freestanding thin films (about 8 nm) of atactic polypropylene (a-PP). For characterization of glass transition temperature (T(g)) of above systems, both the specific volume and the local conformational transition rate of the systems were examined. The T(g) characterization from the local conformational transition rate of polymer chains was recently developed. Our simulation results show that the films have lower T(g) than the bulk, and the descent of T(g) is in a range of 30 approximately 10 K. These are consistent with experiments. a-PP chain consists of meso-dyad and racemic-dyad, the above results are obtained from both dyads. Individual contribution of the stereoregular dyads to the conformational transition rate was further studied. It was revealed that T(g) obtained singly from the meso-dyads was almost the same with T(g) individually from the racemic-dyads, although the racemic-dyads have much lower transition rate and higher transition barrier than the meso-dyads. In the present study, the reason for the thin films having lower T(g) than the bulk is attributed to the novel behavior that the films have lower transition rate and higher barrier than the bulk when it is below T(g). Such behavior was discussed according to the "coupling rotation" of the dihedrals, which depends on the increase of free volume and the inhibition of kinetic energy.


Advances in Sports Medicine.
The tremendous surge of interest in sports participation and body conditioning in this country has necessitated technical advances in the field of sports medicine to diagnose and treat a variety of related injuries that are increasingly confronting orthopaedic surgeons. Perhaps the two areas of the body that deserve discussion are the advances in surgery of the knee and the shoulder. In both joints, the development of arthroscopic techniques and treatment has been perhaps the greatest advancement in the past 25 years.


Prevalence of Opportunistic Infections and Causes of Death among Hospitalized HIV-Infected Patients in Sichuan, China.
Opportunistic infections (OIs) are the most significant complication of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The prevalence of OIs differs among various countries in part due to different climates and socio-economic conditions. We, therefore, carried out the retrospective study at the Public Health Clinical Center of Chengdu, Sichuan to comprehensively investigate the prevalence of OIs, predictors of OIs, and risk factors for in-hospital death among HIV-infected patients. Sichuan in West China is characterized by the largest population living with HIV/Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) across China. In total, we reviewed 954 cases of HIV infection, admitted to the hospital during January 2014 to December 2015, and found that bacterial pneumonia (25.8%) was the most common OIs, followed by candida infection (18.3%), Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (11.9%), tuberculosis (11.5%), infectious diarrhoea (9.3%), cryptococcus infection (7.3%), cytomegalovirus infection (4.9%), toxoplasmosis (4.6%), hepatitis C (4.0%), nontuberculous mycobacteria desease (2.2%) and Penicillium marneffei infection (0.3%). We also found two strongest risk factors for in-hospital mortality: CD4+T cell counts of less than 100 cells/μL and not receiving antiretroviral therapy. Moreover, the study revealed the specific pathogens causing bacterial pneumonia and/or candida infection, the effect of tuberculosis on CD4+T cell counts, and the drug resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis among HIV-infected and non-HIV-infected patients. The present findings may aid in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of HIV-infected patients, and could help developing efficient public health strategies in China.


Blood glucose and serum C-peptide after a single chlorpropamide dose.
A single chlorpropamide dose, when compared to placebo, reduced blood glucose in volunteers during fasting and glucagon stimulation without increase in pancreatic beta cell secretion. The finding suggests that extrapancreatic mechanisms may play a substantial role in the chlorpropamide action also after a single drug dose.


Multiple components are integrated to determine leaf complexity in Lotus japonicus.
Transcription factors and phytohormones have been reported to play crucial roles to regulate leaf complexity among plant species. Using the compound-leafed species Lotus japonicus, a model legume plant with five visible leaflets, we characterized four independent mutants with reduced leaf complexity, proliferating floral meristem (pfm), proliferating floral organ-2 (pfo-2), fused leaflets1 (ful1) and umbrella leaflets (uml), which were further identified as loss-of-function mutants of Arabidopsis orthologs LEAFY (LFY), UNUSUAL FLORAL ORGANS (UFO), CUP-SHAPED COTYLEDON 2 (CUC2) and PIN-FORMED 1 (PIN1), respectively. Comparing the leaf development of wild-type and mutants by a scanning electron microscopy approach, leaflet initiation and/or dissection were found to be affected in these mutants. Expression and phenotype analysis indicated that PFM/LjLFY and PFO/LjUFO determined the basipetal leaflet initiation manner in L. japonicus. Genetic analysis of ful1 and uml mutants and their double mutants revealed that the CUC2-like gene and auxin pathway also participated in leaflet dissection in L. japonicus, and their functions might influence cytokinin biogenesis directly or indirectly. Our results here suggest that multiple genes were interplayed and played conserved functions in controlling leaf complexity during compound leaf development in L. japonicus.


Managing an Unidentified Jellyfish Sting with Mixed Envenomation Syndrome at a Noncoastal Hospital: Is This a New Form of Jellyfish Envenomation?
Jellyfish stings are the most common cause of marine envenomation in humans. Various species of box jellyfish have been identified around Penang Island, Malaysia, and these include multitentacled and four-tentacled box jellyfish (class Cubozoa). The typical syndrome following envenomation from these jellyfish has been poorly documented, posing a greater challenge when managing an unidentified jellyfish sting from Penang Island. We report a case of a 32-y-old man from Penang Island who was stung by an unidentified jellyfish while walking into the sea. The patient reported that he felt an immediate and severe electric current‒like pain over both thighs, left flank, and left forearm, followed by chest discomfort and breathlessness. Vinegar was applied over the affected areas, and he was rushed to a hospital, where he was treated with analgesia, steroids, and antihistamine. He refused hospitalization and was discharged against medical advice. He then presented to a noncoastal hospital 377 km away in Kuala Lumpur on the following day with severe pain over the affected sites as well as chest discomfort, shortness of breath, and abdominal cramps. The electrocardiograph demonstrated features of Wolff-Parkinson-White. Serial blood test results showed elevated creatine kinase but normal troponin I levels. The patient was managed symptomatically over a period of 4 d and was discharged with cardiology follow-up. Appropriate health-seeking behavior needs to be emphasized. This case report provides an opportunity to document the signs and symptoms of envenomation from possibly an undescribed jellyfish species near the coastal waters of Penang Island.


Pyridine-containing 6-hydrazinonicotinamide derivatives as potential bifunctional chelators for 99mTc-labeling of small biomolecules.
As a continuation of our interest in novel 99mTc chelating systems, several pyridine-containing HYNIC (6-hydrazinonicotinamide) derivatives (L1-L5) have been synthesized and characterized by NMR (1H and 13C) and LC-MS. 99mTc complexes of L1-L5 were prepared by the reaction of the HYNIC derivative with 99mTcO4- in the presence of excess tricine and stannous chloride. Results from this study show that the attachment site of the linker is critical for the formation of macrocyclic 99mTc complexes. For example, the pyridine-N in L3 is not able to bond to the Tc, because the lysine linker is attached to the 4-position. When the linker is at the 2-position, L1 forms the macrocyclic complex [99mTc(L1)(tricine)], but the radiochemical purity is relatively low. If the linker is attached to the 3-position of the pyridine ring, the HYNIC derivatives form macrocyclic complexes [99mTc(L)(tricine)] (L2, L4, and L5) in high yield (>95%). The HPLC data suggest that the macrocyclic complex [(99m)Tc(L2)(tricine)] exists in solution as four isomers: two diastereomers and two conformational isomers. Diastereomers are due to a combination of the chirality of the lysine linker and of the Tc chelate. Replacing lysine with a pentamethylenediamine linker results in the macrocyclic complex [99mTc(L4)(tricine)] with two conformational isomers, which interconvert rapidly at room temperature. Changing the linker from pentamethylenediamine to hexamethylenediamine did not eliminate the minor isomer; but the percentage of the minor isomer was reduced from approximately 10% for [99mTc(L4)(tricine)] to only 6% for [99mTc(L5)(tricine)]. The linker length is an important parameter to minimize the minor isomer. LC-MS data of complexes [99mTc(L)(tricine)] (L2, L4, and L5) are completely consistent with their proposed compositions. On the basis of these data, it is concluded that pyridine-containing HYNIC derivatives have the potential as bifunctional chelators for 99mTc-labeling of small biomolecules if the linker is attached to the 3-position of the pyridine ring.


Optimization of the Mood Disorder Questionnaire in identification of perinatal bipolar disorder.
The recognition of bipolar disorder during the perinatal period is often challenging because birthing people most commonly present in a depressive episode. The phenotypic expression of episodes of bipolar depression is difficult to differentiate from major depressive disorder and can lead to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. The Mood Disorder Questionnaire is a readily available screening tool for bipolar disorder that has been validated in previous studies for use in the general and perinatal populations. However, the discriminatory capacity of the Mood Disorder Questionnaire for perinatal people who screen positive for depression in nonpsychiatric settings is still unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the discriminatory capacity of the Mood Disorder Questionnaire to identify bipolar disorder in perinatal people who screen positive for depression on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. This retrospective cohort study included individuals enrolled in the Collaborative Care Model for Perinatal Depression Support Services, a collaborative care program for perinatal mental health services implemented in a quaternary care setting, from January 2017 to April 2021. All individuals completed the Mood Disorder Questionnaire and psychiatric evaluation by a licensed clinical social worker. Clinical and sociodemographic characteristics were compared between those with and without a clinical diagnosis of bipolar disorder using bivariable analyses. The discriminatory capacity and test characteristics of the Mood Disorder Questionnaire were assessed at each score cutoff using the gold standard of a psychiatric clinical evaluation for comparison. From January 2017 to April 2021, 1510 birthing people were enrolled in the Collaborative Care Model for Perinatal Depression Support Services and included in this study. Among this group, 62 (4.1%) were diagnosed with bipolar disorder by psychiatric clinical evaluation using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, diagnostic criteria. A score of ≥7 on question 1 is often used in the general population to identify bipolar disorder, which has a 60% sensitivity and 88% specificity in our perinatal sample with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.74 (95% confidence interval, 0.72-0.76). Lowering the threshold to ≥4 improves sensitivity to 81% and the discriminatory capacity to an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.75 (95% confidence interval, 0.70-0.80), at the expense of a reduction in specificity to 69%. The administration of the Mood Disorder Questionnaire in the perinatal period can help to identify which individuals who have screened positive for depression on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 are at risk of a bipolar or unipolar disorder. In this context, lowering the Mood Disorder Questionnaire score threshold from that used in the nonperinatal population down to 4 improves test characteristics and reduces the risk of a missed diagnosis of bipolar disorder.


Dengue virus-specific murine T-lymphocyte proliferation: serotype specificity and response to recombinant viral proteins.
Definition of the T-lymphocyte responses to dengue viruses should aid in the development of safe and effective vaccines and help to explain the pathophysiology of dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome. In this study, we demonstrated that dengue virus-specific T lymphocytes were detected in spleen cells from dengue virus-immune mice using an in vitro proliferation assay. Following immunization with a single dose of infectious dengue virus, murine lymphocytes showed increased proliferation when incubated in the presence of viral antigens of the same serotype but not in the presence of control antigens. Depletion experiments with antibody and complement showed that the population of responding cells expressed the Thy1+ L3T4+ Lyt2- phenotype. This indicates that the predominant proliferating cells are T lymphocytes of the helper-inducer phenotype. Dengue virus-specific memory lymphocyte responses were detectable for at least 22 weeks after immunization. The response to primary infection was primarily serotype specific, with some serotype cross-reactivity present at a low level. We demonstrated that lymphocytes from mice immunized with dengue 4 virus proliferate in response to a combination of dengue 4 virus C, pre-M, E, NS1, and NS2a proteins expressed in Sf9 cells with a recombinant baculovirus, and, to a lesser extent, to the dengue 4 virus E protein alone.


Stimulatory role for endogenous opioid peptides on postexercise insulin secretion in rats.
Endogenous opioid peptides (EOP) and prior exercise may modulate the stimulatory effect of glucose on insulin secretion. To gain insights into these relationships, we studied male Wistar rats (187-245 g) during sustained hyperglycemia by use of the glucose clamp technique. Four groups of sedentary fed rats (n = 8/group) either ran (Ex) at 24 m/min, 0% grade, or rested (R) for 40 min. Thirty minutes after Ex or R, arterial blood glucose was elevated to and maintained at 11 mM for 2 h by a variable glucose infusion. At the start of Ex or R rats had saline (Sal) or naloxone (Nal, an opioid antagonist) intravenous infusions for 160 min (40 min Ex + 30 min R + 90 min of a 120-min glucose clamp). Steady-state glucose infusion rates (SSGIR) were approximately 55 mg.kg-1.min-1 at the start of the clamp and declined significantly over the 2nd h to approximately 45 mg.kg-1.min-1. No significant differences existed in SSGIR between groups. R-Sal and Ex-Sal groups did not differ in their insulin response to hyperglycemia. In contrast, when all groups were compared at the end of the Nal or Sal infusion, Ex-Nal had the lowest insulin concentration (749 +/- 174 pmol/l), whereas the R-Nal group had the highest (1,581 +/- 216 pmol/l, P less than 0.05). These data suggest a stimulatory role for EOP on insulin secretion that is expressed after a prior stress (Ex). Thus one function of exercise-induced activation of EOP may be to regulate insulin secretion in the immediate postexercise period.


A shigellosis outbreak traced to commercially distributed shredded lettuce.
In the period August 30-October 7, 1986, 347 persons in adjacent west Texas counties (Ector and Midland) contracted culture-confirmed Shigella sonnei gastroenteritis. A case-control study showed an increased risk of acquiring shigellosis in Ector County with eating at outlets of fast-food Restaurant A, and in Midland County with eating at Restaurant B or C. A second case-control study, of persons who had eaten at Ector County outlets of Restaurant A, showed an increased risk of acquiring shigellosis with eating foods containing shredded lettuce and tomatoes, which were served together (odds ratio = 68.8; 95% confidence interval 8.5-293.1). All implicated restaurants received shredded lettuce produced at one lettuce-shredding plant; two implicated restaurants did not receive tomatoes from the lot delivered to other implicated restaurants. The lettuce-shredding plant distributed shredded lettuce and intact lettuce; restaurants that received only intact lettuce were not involved in the outbreak. Investigation at the lettuce-shredding plant suggested that a food handler might have been the source of contamination and that the method of processing might have allowed cross-contamination to occur. In the laboratory, the outbreak strain of S. sonnei multiplied rapidly on shredded lettuce at 22 C and survived on refrigerated shredded lettuce for at least seven days. This outbreak, one of the largest outbreaks of Shigella infections in the United States in the last decade, indicates that a large, geographically widespread shigellosis outbreak can result from contaminated shredded lettuce that is distributed commercially.


Cytotoxic Evaluation of Some Fused Pyridazino- and Pyrrolo-quinazolinones Derivatives on Melanoma and Prostate Cell Lines.
Quinazolinon as an important class of heterocycles is attractive in medicinal research areas due to their wide range of biological effects. Cytotoxic activities of the quinazolinone derivatives in various cell lines including: HeLa, L1210 (mouse lymphocytic leukemia) and HT29 (human colon adenocarcinoma) were reported. In this study, a number of newly made tricycles quinazolinone derivatives such as fused pyridazino-quinazolinones and fused pyrrolo-quinazolinones were evaluated on two cancerous cell lines, melanoma (B16F10) and prostate (PC3) using the 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide colorimetric assay. The results of cytotoxicity evaluations indicated that almost all of the compounds at the concentrations of 10 and 100 μM showed significant differences in viability in comparison with negative control at 48 h exposure (P < 0.05). However, during 24 h exposure some of the compounds showed cytotoxicity activity. Results showed that both cell lines were sensitive to synthesized compounds and longer duration of exposure (48 h) had better results compared to that of 24 h screening.


Burn injury in Utah: demographic and geographic risks.
Burns are preventable injuries, and prevention campaigns have been conducted with varying success. To develop successful prevention programs, it is imperative that burn risk be identified and factors associated with increased risk elucidated. The aims of this study were to determine the risk of burn injury to Utah residents, identify demographic and geographic subgroups at increased risk, and to examine sociodemographic factors associated with risk. Probabilistic record linkage of databases from five states was performed to identify Utah residents burned over a 5-year period and to calculate the burn rates and risk. Geographic Information Systems mapping allowed for the identification and characterization of high risk areas. Men had a higher rate of injury than women. Children under the age of 5 years had the highest rate of burn injury. Adults aged > 65 years had the lowest rate. Seven Utah counties were identified as high-risk counties. The counties were predominantly rural and tended to have higher rates of American-Indian populations, increased poverty levels, lower percentages of individuals with high school degrees, and lower employment rates. The characteristics of these high-risk counties do not imply causality, and further research is warranted to determine whether these factors contribute to burn risk. The results of this study provide the foundation for future research and prevention programs targeted toward populations and geographic areas with the greatest risk of burn injury.


Current indications for stentless aortic bioprostheses.
The best aortic prostheses have been debated for decades. The introduction of stentless aortic bioprostheses was aimed at improving hemodynamics and potentially the durability of aortic bioprostheses. Despite the good short- and long-term outcomes after implantation of stentless aortic bioprostheses, their use remains limited owing to the technically demanding implantation techniques. Nevertheless, stentless aortic bioprostheses might be of special benefit in certain indications, where they could be a valuable addition to the surgical armamentarium.


Segmental message stabilization as a mechanism for differential expression from the Zymomonas mobilis gap operon.
In Zymomonas mobilis, three- to fourfold more glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase protein than phosphoglycerate kinase is needed for glycolysis because of differences in catalytic efficiency. Consistent with this requirement, higher levels of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase were observed with two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The genes encoding these enzymes (gap and pgk, respectively) form a bicistronic operon, and some form of regulation is required to provide this differential expression. Two transcripts were observed in Northern RNA analyses with segments of gap as a probe: a more abundant 1.2-kb transcript that contained gap alone and a 2.7-kb transcript that contained both genes. Based on the relative amounts of these transcripts, the coding regions for glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase were calculated to be fivefold more abundant than those for phosphoglycerate kinase. Assuming equal translational efficiency, this is sufficient to provide the observed differences in expression. Operon fusions with lacZ provided no evidence for intercistronic terminators or attenuation mechanisms. Both gap operon messages were very stable, with half-lives of approximately 16 min (1.2-kb transcript) and 7 min (2.7-kb transcript). Transcript mapping and turnover studies indicated that the shorter gap message was a stable degradation product of the full-length message. Thus differential expression of gap and pgk results primarily from increased translation of the more stable 5' segment of the transcript containing gap. The slow turnover of the messages encoding glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and phosphoglycerate kinase is proposed as a major feature contributing to the high level of expression of these essential enzymes.


Characteristics of Nitrogen Doped Diamond-Like Carbon Films Prepared by Unbalanced Magnetron Sputtering for Electronic Devices.
Synthetic diamond-like carbon (DLC) is a carbon-based material used mainly in cutting tool coatings and as an abrasive material. The market for DLC has expanded into electronics, optics, and acoustics because of its distinct electrical and optical properties. In this work, n-doped DLC (N:DLC) films were deposited on p-type silicon substrates using an unbalanced magnetron sputtering (UBMS) method. We investigated the effect of the working pressure on the microstructure and electrical properties of n-doped DLC films. The structural properties of N:DLC films were investigated by Raman spectroscopy and SEM-EDX, and the electrical properties of films were investigated by observing the changes in the resistivity and current-voltage (I-V) properties. The N:DLC films prepared by UBMS in this study demonstrated good conducting and physical properties with n-doping.


Opinions of primary health care centres' doctors in Bahrain on the electronic software for checking drug interactions in their prescriptions.
An electronic software for checking drug interactions is available at primary health centers in Bahrain. However, it is unclear whether it is optimally utilized by the prescribers. We aimed to explore physicians' attitudes towards the use of the drug interactions checker. This was a cross-sectional study. Data was collected from 18 primary healthcare centres in Bahrain (75%). Primary healthcare physicians responded to a self-administered survey, which was comprised of Likert-type questions. The majority of participants (n=126) were specialist family physicians (91.3%), while the rest were general practitioners (8.7%). Most physicians wrote more than 30 prescriptions in a typical working shift (92.7%); more than half of them contained a combination of drugs (81.5%). Most physicians checked for interactions when prescribing a drug combination (86.9%). Most doctors believed that they had adequate knowledge of drug interactions (73%). However, around one quarter of them were not sure if they would be able to manage them (24%). Although most physicians used the available electronic software (83.9%), many of them relied on their memory to check for interactions (43%). Duration of practice experience, rather than specialization, was correlated with self-reported knowledge (P< 0.001) and ability to manage interactions (P < 0.001). Although most physicians used the software, a significant proportion of them depended on their prior knowledge to identify drug interactions. The importance of optimal use of the software to ensure reliable drug interaction management should be emphasized to the physicians.


Molecular Modulator Approach for Controlling the Length of Chiral 1D Single-Helical Gold Nanoparticle Superstructures.
Peptide-based methods have proven useful for constructing helical gold nanoparticle superstructures that exhibit strong plasmonic chiroptical activity. Superstructure syntheses using the amphiphilic peptide conjugate C16-(AYSSGAPPMoxPPF)2 typically yield 1D helices with a broad length distribution. In this study, we introduce a molecular modulator approach for controlling helix length. It represents a first step toward achieving narrowly disperse populations of single helices fabricated using peptide-based methods. Varying amounts of modulator, C16-(AYSSGA)2, were added to C16-(AYSSGAPPMoxPPF)2-based single-helix syntheses, resulting in decreased helix length and narrowing of the helix length distribution. Kinetic studies of fiber assembly were performed to investigate the mechanism by which the modulator affects helix length. It was found that the modulator leads to rapid peptide conjugate nucleation and fiber growth, which in turn results in large amounts of short fibers that serve as the underlying scaffold for the single-helix superstructures. These results constitute important advances toward generating monodisperse samples of plasmonic helical colloids.


Building Research Relationships With Managed Care Organizations: Issues and Strategies.
Managed care is now the dominant form of healthcare in the United States. The need for clinical research about the organization, delivery, and outcomes of primary care services in managed care models is high, yet access to managed care organizations as sites for clinical research may be problematic. The purpose of this article is to describe issues involved in obtaining access to managed care settings for clinical research and practical strategies for successful collaboration using literature review and case description. Three steps for developing collaborative relationships with managed care organizations (MCOs) are presented: 1) assessment of organizational structure, history, and culture; 2) finding common ground; and 3) project implementation. These steps are discussed within the context of MCO systems issues and a relationship-centered approach to communication between researchers and individuals from the MCO. Successful relationships with MCOs for clinical research are possible when careful attention is paid to inclusion of MCOs as collaborators in the development of the research questions and design, and as partners in the research implementation process.


Nasal versus oral route for placing feeding tubes in preterm or low birth weight infants.
Enteral feeding tubes for preterm or low birth weight infants may be placed via either the nose or mouth. Nasal placement may compromise respiration. However, orally placed tubes may be more prone to displacement, local irritation, and vagal stimulation. To assess the available evidence from randomised controlled trials concerning the effects of nasally placed compared with orally placed feeding tubes on growth and development, and the incidence of adverse consequences in preterm or low birth weight infants. We used the standard search strategy of the Cochrane Neonatal Review Group, including electronic searches of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, The Cochrane Library, Issue 2, 2004), MEDLINE (1966 - April 2004), EMBASE (1988 - April 2004), and CINAHL (1982- April 2004), conference proceedings, and previous reviews. Randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials that compared the use of the nasal versus oral route for placing feeding tubes in preterm or low birth weight infants. We extracted data using the standard methods of the Cochrane Neonatal Review Group, with separate evaluation of trial quality and data extraction by each author, and analysis of data using relative risk, risk difference and mean difference. We found only one eligible trial. Forty-two infants participated in the study. This primary aim of the trial was to assess the effect of oral versus nasal placement of feeding tubes on the incidence of apnea and periodic breathing in preterm infants. The trial did not report data on the pre-specified primary outcomes for this review (growth and development). There are insufficient data available to inform practice. A large randomised controlled trial is required to determine if the use of nasally placed feeding tubes compared with orally placed feeding tubes improves growth and development, without increasing adverse consequences in preterm or low birth weight infants.


Arabic Tools for Assessment of Multidimensions of Pain and Discomfort Related to Cancer.
Cancer is a worldwide health problem. Arabic countries are also concerned and the burden linked to the pain related to cancer is dsiquieting. The aim of this study is to set the panel of valid tools for assessing the multiple dimensions of pain in arabic speaking countries. A systematic review on PubMed, Scopus, and Science Direct databases was conducted using as key words cancer, pain and arabic speaking population. The content of 51 articles was studied and nine articles were retained for their relevance for the issue. We founf eight different questionnaires. MSAS-Leb, EORTC-C30, EORTC- BR23, MDASI, FLIC, and COOP/WONCA are dedicated to physical and psychological dimensions of pain. BPI is centered on direct items for measuring pain accurately. ABQ-II is the unique tool focusing on barriers to cancer pain control. All tools are confirmed valid and reliable in the context studied for assessing pain and disconfort linked to cancer. This panel of questionnaires covers all relevant aims for assessing pain in diferent arabic speaking countries with the recommendation of a cultural adaptation to local arabic languages.


Head movement and its relation to hearing.
Head position at any point in time plays a fundamental role in shaping the auditory information that reaches a listener, information that continuously changes as the head moves and reorients to different listening situations. The connection between hearing science and the kinesthetics of head movement has gained interest due to technological advances that have increased the feasibility of providing behavioral and biological feedback to assistive listening devices that can interpret movement patterns that reflect listening intent. Increasing evidence also shows that the negative impact of hearing deficits on mobility, gait, and balance may be mitigated by prosthetic hearing device intervention. Better understanding of the relationships between head movement, full body kinetics, and hearing health, should lead to improved signal processing strategies across a range of assistive and augmented hearing devices. The purpose of this review is to introduce the wider hearing community to the kinesiology of head movement and to place it in the context of hearing and communication with the goal of expanding the field of ecologically-specific listener behavior.


Controlled production of subradiant states of a diatomic molecule in an optical lattice.
We report the successful production of subradiant states of a two-atom system in a three-dimensional optical lattice starting from doubly occupied sites in a Mott insulator phase of a quantum gas of atomic ytterbium. We can selectively produce either a subradiant 1(g) state or a superradiant 0(u) state by choosing the excitation laser frequency. The inherent weak excitation rate for the subradiant 1(g) state is overcome by the increased atomic density due to the tight confinement in a three-dimensional optical lattice. Our experimental measurements of binding energies, linewidth, and Zeeman shift confirm the observation of subradiant levels of the 1(g) state of the Yb(2) molecule.


Body size perceptions among Pakistani women in Norway participating in a controlled trial to prevent deterioration of glucose tolerance.
South Asians are prone to diabetes type 2 and cardiovascular diseases, which can be prevented by a diet leading to weight reduction. Body size perceptions may influence compliance to dietary advice. The objective was to study body size perceptions among Pakistani immigrant women in Norway, enrolled in a controlled trial to prevent deterioration of glucose tolerance by focussing on diet and physical activity. Participants (n=198) were 25-62 years of age, 79.8% had BMI > 25 and mean BMI was 29.6. Data were collected by questionnaire interviews with Punjabi/Urdu speaking interviewers, and body weight and height were measured. This article is based on baseline data. Stunkard's Figure Rating Scale was used. The scale consists of nine figures, representing women with different body shapes, from very thin (1-2) to very obese (6-9). The women were asked which body size they thought would connote health and wealth. A significantly smaller body size was related to health (mean 2.9) than to wealth (mean 3.3), p<0.01, and both were smaller than their self-rated own body size (mean 5.7), p<0.01. The women perceived that Pakistanis in Norway prefer women to have a smaller body size (mean 3.4) than people in Pakistan (mean 4.5), but larger than Norwegians (mean 2.5). A discrepancy score was calculated between self-rated own body size and perceived body size preference among Pakistanis in Norway. BMI was positively associated, and level of education negatively associated, with the discrepancy score. The women related body size numbers to BMI similarly to what has been described for US women. In conclusion, body size preferences among Pakistani women in this study were within the range of normal weight. However, there was a large discrepancy between own self-rated body size and the perceived ideal for Pakistanis in Norway.


The role of ipsilateral motor network in upper limb movement.
The execution of voluntary movements is primarily governed by the cerebral hemisphere contralateral to the moving limb. Previous research indicates that the ipsilateral motor network, comprising the primary motor cortex (M1), supplementary motor area (SMA), and premotor cortex (PM), plays a crucial role in the planning and execution of limb movements. However, the precise functions of this network and its interplay in different task contexts have yet to be fully understood. Twenty healthy right-handed participants (10 females, mean age 26.1 ± 4.6 years) underwent functional MRI scans while performing biceps brachii representations such as bilateral, unilateral flexion, and bilateral flexion-extension. Ipsilateral motor evoked potentials (iMEPs) were obtained from the identical set of participants in a prior study using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) targeting M1 while employing the same motor tasks. The voxel time series was extracted based on the region of interest (M1, SMA, ventral PM and dorsal PM). Directed functinal connectivity was derived from the extracted time series using time-resolved partial directed coherence. We found increased connectivity from left-PMv to both sides M1, as well as right-PMv to both sides SMA, in unilateral flexion compared to bilateral flexion. Connectivity from left M1 to left-PMv, and left-SMA to right-PMd, also increased in both unilateral flexion and bilateral flexion-extension compared to bilateral flexion. However, connectivity between PMv and right-M1 to left-PMd decreased during bilateral flexion-extension compared to unilateral flexion. Additionally, during bilateral flexion-extension, the connectivity from right-M1 to right-SMA had a negative relationship with the area ratio of iMEP in the dominant side. Our results provide corroborating evidence for prior research suggesting that the ipsilateral motor network is implicated in the voluntary movements and underscores its involvement in cognitive processes such as movement planning and coordination. Moreover, ipsilateral connectivity from M1 to SMA on the dominant side can modulate the degree of ipsilateral M1 activation during bilateral antagonistic contraction.


[Factors associated with Human Papillomavirus related stigma, shame, and intent of HPV test].
This study was conducted to examine the factors associated with HPV (Human Papillomavirus) related stigma, shame and intent to have HPV test among adult women. Data were collected from December 1, 2009 to January 31, 2010, and participants were 324 women who visited an obstetric gynecologic clinic. They anticipated testing positive for HPV. Then HPV related stigma, shame, intent to have HPV testing and HPV knowledge were measured. Descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal Wallis test and multivariate adjusted logistic regression were used for data analysis. The levels of stigma and shame were higher than average. Intent to have HPV test was high and HPV knowledge was low. Women who answered that HPV is not sexually transmitted had lower HPV stigma than did women who answered they didn't know (OR=0.20, 95%CI 0.06-0.68). Women with lower stigma showed lower intent to have HPV test than women with higher stigma (OR=0.46, 95%CI 0.26-0.82). Basic HPV information should be fully understood for women especially prior to HPV test. Normalizing HPV stigma is necessary for women who perceive HPV as sexually transmitted and women intending to have HPV test.


Factors influencing monolayer cell culture morphology and survival of cerebellar granule cells from wild-type and mutant mice.
A distinction must be made between genetic factors intrinsic and extrinsic to a specific degenerating cell type if neurological mutants that show such effects are to be used to assess cause-and-effect correlations of neural development. When the growth of granule cells from cerebella of staggerer mutant mice is investigated in monolayer cell cultures using modified Hams F12 medium plus fetal calf serum, cells from the mutant are found to clump less and survive longer than their wild-type counterparts. Thus, the degeneration of granule cells observed in these mutants in vivo cannot be a function of irreversibly programmed cell death before postnatal day 7, the age at which cells are dissociated. The possibility that the increased survival is simply a function of initial cell-cell interactions is examined by comparing normal cells grown on glass, plastic, or polylysine-coated glass to each other, and then comparing the behavior of staggerer vs control cells under the same conditions. Although the polylysine coating both reduces the amount of initial clumping and increases the survival of normal cells, it does not completely eliminate the difference between mutant and control. Mutant and control cultures exhibit the same behavior only when culture conditions are changed to include supplementation with horse serum instead of fetal calf serum in addition to the substrate coating.


Predatory Earwigs are Attracted by Herbivore-Induced Plant Volatiles Linked with Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria.
Plant-associated microbes may induce plant defenses against herbivores. Plants, in turn, can attract natural enemies, such as predators, using herbivore-induced plant volatiles. Intricate communication occurs between microorganisms, plants, and insects. Given that many aspects related to mechanisms involved in this symbiotic system remain unknown, we evaluated how beneficial soil-borne microorganisms can affect the interactions between plants, herbivores, and natural enemies. For this study, we established a multitrophic system composed of the predatory earwig Doru luteipes (Dermaptera: Forficulidae), arugula (Eruca sativa, Brassicaceae) as the host plant, Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) larvae as a specialist herbivore, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae as a generalist herbivore, and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens as the plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), in a series of nocturnal olfactometry experiments. By assessing earwig preference towards herbivore-induced and PGPR-inoculated plants in different combinations, we showed that the interaction between rhizobacteria, plants, and herbivores can affect the predatory earwig's behavior. Furthermore, we observed a synergistic effect in which earwigs were attracted by plants that presented as PGPR inoculated and herbivore damaged, for both specialist and generalist herbivores. Our findings help fill the important knowledge gap regarding multitrophic interactions and should provide useful guidelines for their application to agricultural fields.


Proteinase-activated receptor 2 promotes tumor cell proliferation and metastasis by inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition and predicts poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma.
To clarify the role of proteinase-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) in hepatocellular carcinoma, especially in the process of metastasis. PAR2 expression levels were assessed by qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC) in patient tissues and in hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines SMMC-7721 and HepG2. Cell proliferation and metastasis were assessed both in vitro and in vitro. Immunoblotting was carried out to monitor the levels of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers. The prognosis was significantly poorer in patients with high PAR2 levels than in those with low PAR2 levels. Patients with high PAR2 levels had advanced tumor stage (P = 0.001, chi-square test), larger tumor size (P = 0.032, chi-square test), and high microvascular invasion rate (P = 0.037, chi-square test). The proliferation and metastasis ability of SMMC-7721 and HepG2 cells was increased after PAR2 overexpression, while knockdown of PAR2 decreased the proliferation and metastasis ability of SMMC-7721 and HepG2 cells. Knockdown of PAR2 also inhibited hepatocellular carcinoma tumor cell growth and liver metastasis in nude mice. Mechanistically, PAR2 increased the proliferation ability of SMMC-7721 and HepG2 cells via ERK activation. Activated ERK further promoted the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of these cells, which endowed them with enhanced migration and invasion ability. These data suggest that PAR2 plays an important role in the proliferation and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Therefore, targeting PAR2 may present a favorable target for treatment of this malignancy.


Role of Local Conductivities in the Plasmon Reflections at the Edges and Stacking Domain Boundaries of Trilayer Graphene.
We employed infrared scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscopy (IR-sSNOM) to study surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) in trilayer graphene (TLG). Our study reveals systematic differences in near-field IR spectra and SPP wavelengths between Bernal (ABA) and rhombohedral (ABC) TLG domains on SiO2, which can be explained by stacking-dependent intraband conductivities. We also observed that the SPP reflection profiles at ABA-ABC boundaries could be mostly accounted for by an idealized domain boundary defined by the conductivity discontinuity. However, we identified distinct shapes in the SPP profiles at the edges of the ABA and ABC TLG, which cannot be solely attributed to idealized edges with stacking-dependent conductivities. Instead, this can be explained by the presence of various edge structures with local conductivities differing from those of bulk TLGs. Our findings unveil a new structural element that can control SPP, and provide insights into the structures and electronic states of the edges of few-layer graphene.


Antibody L26 recognizes an intracellular epitope on the B-cell-associated CD20 antigen.
Monoclonal antibody L26 is a highly selective marker of B cells and B-cell neoplasms in paraffin-embedded tissues, but it suffers from the drawback that the target molecule has not been identified. In this paper we provide evidence by two independent techniques that antibody L26 recognizes an intracellular epitope on the CD20 antigen (a pan B-cell marker). When this antigen was redistributed on the surface of unfixed viable B cells by incubation with monoclonal anti-CD20 followed by anti-mouse Ig, the diffuse cytoplasmic staining of L26 was abolished and replaced by coincident dotlike labeling for antibody L26 and the CD20 antigen. None of the other antibodies tested (covering 10 different B-cell-associated antigens) had this effect on the L26 staining pattern. Furthermore, COS-1 cells transfected with cDNA encoding the CD20 molecule gave positive staining with antibody L26 and with two other CD20 reagents, but not with antibodies to other pan B-cell markers (eg, CD19 and CD22).


Uptake of prostate-specific antigen testing for early prostate cancer detection in Sweden.
The aim of our study was to estimate uptake of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing in an entire country, including time trends and geographical differences. Data from the Swedish Cancer Register on prostate cancer incidence between 1980 and 2007 and published data from the Gothenburg branch of the European randomized study of screening for prostate cancer (ERSPC), a population-based PSA screening study, were used in two models of changes in incidence of prostate cancer as a proxy for uptake of PSA testing in all 24 Swedish counties. The estimated annual PSA testing, irrespective of previous years' exposure, reached a peak of 12% of all men in 2004 and decreased thereafter to 6% in 2007 and varied from less than 5 to 20% between counties. Under the assumption that men who underwent annual PSA testing were previously unexposed to PSA testing, the cumulated uptake of PSA testing in men aged 55-69 years in Sweden increased from zero in 1997 to 56% in 2007. Our study shows that it is possible to estimate uptake of PSA testing in the population from the prostate cancer incidence pattern. There were large geographical variations in uptake of PSA testing despite a uniform health care system in Sweden and there was a substantial increase in the uptake of PSA testing during the study period, despite that there were no national recommendations for PSA-based prostate cancer screening.


Smoking cessation or reduction in pregnancy treatment methods: a meta-evaluation of the impact of dissemination.
Active and passive exposure to tobacco smoke during pregnancy and infancy is the most serious and preventable cause of adverse maternal, fetal, and infant outcomes in the United States. The multiple risks of tobacco exposure to mothers and infants are definitive, and the clinical and economic benefits of cessation have been documented. This article provides a synopsis of the state of the science and art in this specialized area and reviews the evidence for validity of patient assessment methods and the effectiveness of smoking cessation/reduction treatments for pregnant women. A synthesis of 4 topics is presented: (1) the validity of patient reports of smoking status and recent trends during pregnancy and postpartum; (2) definition of "Best Practice" smoking cessation methods for pregnant women; (3) the effect of dissemination of effective clinical practice methods among the 800,000+ pregnant US smokers each year; and (4) the evidence for the cost-benefit of improved maternal and infant outcomes from cessation.


Prediction of Organic Reaction Outcomes Using Machine Learning.
Computer assistance in synthesis design has existed for over 40 years, yet retrosynthesis planning software has struggled to achieve widespread adoption. One critical challenge in developing high-quality pathway suggestions is that proposed reaction steps often fail when attempted in the laboratory, despite initially seeming viable. The true measure of success for any synthesis program is whether the predicted outcome matches what is observed experimentally. We report a model framework for anticipating reaction outcomes that combines the traditional use of reaction templates with the flexibility in pattern recognition afforded by neural networks. Using 15 000 experimental reaction records from granted United States patents, a model is trained to select the major (recorded) product by ranking a self-generated list of candidates where one candidate is known to be the major product. Candidate reactions are represented using a unique edit-based representation that emphasizes the fundamental transformation from reactants to products, rather than the constituent molecules' overall structures. In a 5-fold cross-validation, the trained model assigns the major product rank 1 in 71.8% of cases, rank ≤3 in 86.7% of cases, and rank ≤5 in 90.8% of cases.


Implementation and evaluation of a training program for the management of sexual assault in the emergency department.
Sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) programs have improved the quality of care for sexual assault victims. An adverse effect of these programs is reduced resident clinical exposure to victims of sexual assault. The objectives of this project are to determine the baseline level of resident competence in knowledge and management of sexual assault and to demonstrate the effectiveness of training in developing resident competence. The study included 27 emergency medicine residents at an urban academic center with an active SANE program. The design included pretest, intervention, and retest at 6 months. The intervention included 8 hours of lecture, role play, and skills laboratories. Objectives were based on SANE standards. The 4 assessments were a written knowledge test, evidence collection on mannequin, standardized patient interviews, and a written emergency department note. Data were compared with paired t tests. Twenty-three (85%) residents completed the study. Preintervention, residents scored 56% on the written knowledge test, 63% on evidence collection, 71% on standardized patient interviews, and 66% on the written note. Residents showed significant postintervention improvements in written knowledge (improvement 24%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 20% to 27%) and evidence collection (improvement 18%; 95% CI 12% to 24%). Performance on standardized patient-based communication skills did not change after the intervention. Resident posttest scores were similar to those of SANE providers. Emergency medicine residents training in an urban center with an active SANE program had limited knowledge and skills in the treatment of victims of sexual assault. Our multimodal educational intervention increased residents' knowledge and evidence collection skills to levels equivalent to that of experienced providers in a SANE program.


Detection of 100% oxygen induced changes in retina using magnetic resonance imaging: a human study.
Inner retinal oxygenation response (ΔPO(2)) is a worldwide study focus. However, the relevant reports on its radiological measurements are limited. In this study, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), employing T1 weighted image (T1WI), was used to detect changes in ΔPO(2) following 100% oxygen inhalation in human subjects. MRI was performed on a 1.5-T GE scanner system. After obtaining ophthalmologic data, eleven healthy individuals were given room air and 100% oxygen inhalation in order with different intervals. The MRI T1WI data were collected for 50 minutes. Data were analyzed with NIH IMAGE software. ΔPO(2) was not panretinally uniform, and changes in oxygenation response were spatially inhomogeneous. During the initial phase (before 5 minutes) of 100% oxygen inhalation, preretinal vitreous water signals in the region of papilla optica increased rapidly. On the contrary, in other regions signals declined. In a later period (35 minutes), ΔPO(2) was panretinally fluctuated and increased slowly and attained homeostasis. After hyperoxia (45 minutes), delayed-enhancement of preretinal vitreous water signals in regions other than the papilla optica occurred, and then dropped down. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) at any consecutive time point during and after hyperoixa. These results reveal that hyperoxia can induce region-specific signal changes in preretinal vitreous water. Regulatory activity of the retinal vessel network may be the mechanism during 100% oxygen inhalation. Moreover, MRI is a valuable tool for investigating ΔPO(2) and exploring the mechanism of retinal oxygenation response physiologically or pathologically in vivo.


[Contribution of F.N.R.S. and of its associated Fonds to the development of medical scientific research in the French Community of Belgium].
Basic life sciences hold a preponderant position amongst scientific research supported by the FNRS and its associated funds in the French Community of Belgium. This status shows itself in training for researchers as well as in the development of research program, and even in the scientific influence of researchers in Belgium and abroad. An associated fund, the F.R.S.M., and "Télévie" are devoted to them. However, the financial means of the French Community of Belgium remain limited and are considerably lower than those of our neighbouring countries. So what is the future for medical scientific research in our Community?


Anti-gp210 antibodies in sera of patients with primary biliary cirrhosis. Identification of a 64 kD fragment of gp210 as a major epitope.
Patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) frequently produce autoantibodies against gp210, an integral glycoprotein of the nuclear pores. this protein consists of three main domains: a large glycosylated lumenal domain, a single hydrophobic transmembrane segment and a short cytoplasmic tail. It has been previously shown that autoantibodies from PBC patients exclusively react with the cytoplasmic tail when recombinant rat gp210 expressed in Escherichia coli was used as antigen. Using human gp210 isolated from HeLa cells we found the lumenal domain as the major target. The aim of this study was to further characterize the dominant autoepitopes of gp210. Sera from 88 patients with autoimmune liver disease and 20 controls were used. Gp210 protein was digested with papain or endoglycosidase H and then subjected to immunoblotting. Autoantibodies against gp210 were detected in 12 of 43 (28%) PBC patients, but in none of the autoimmune hepatitis and control sera. Four of 12 (33%) anti-gp210 positive sera reacted with a fragment consisting of the cytoplasmic tail and 8 (66%) sera targeted an epitope located within the large lumenal domain. Furthermore, our data show that antigenic determinant is restricted to the 64 kD glycosylated amino-terminal fragment and that carbohydrate residues are an essential part of this novel epitope. We suggest that antigens possessing both epitopes namely; the glycosylated lumenal domain and the cytoplasmic tail should be used for screening tests in order to detect all sera with anti-gp210 specificity.


Modification of invasion and differentiation in human melanoma cell clones.
In an attempt to define the role of plasminogen activator in invasiveness and differentiation of human melanoma cells, the modulation of these parameters was studied in two melanoma clones characterized by marked differences in their basal features, using 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) and retinoic acid, two differentiation inducers, and doxorubicin, a cytotoxic agent. TPA induced only slight reductions, whereas retinoic acid and doxorubicin caused an increase in invasiveness, enzymatic activity and differentiation in the clone showing low invasivity, low urokinase-type plasminogen activator levels and high differentiation. In contrast, in the clone showing high invasivity, high urokinase-type plasminogen activator levels and low differentiation it was found that: TPA was ineffective; retinoic acid induced a reduction of plasminogen activator but no modifications of invasiveness and differentiation; doxorubicin caused a decrease in invasiveness and plasminogen activator activity but no modification of morphological features. The different behaviour of the two clones thus could be related to the basal features of the clones. The results reported here indicate that in the presence of these drugs the associations between invasiveness and urokinase-type plasminogen activator activity and between invasiveness and differentiation are lost. Drug treatment therefore significantly affected the features of the clone characterized by low biological aggressiveness (high differentiation, low invasiveness), whereas the highly aggressive clone did not show a consistent response to drug treatment.


Pheromone cCF10 and plasmid pCF10-encoded regulatory molecules act post-transcriptionally to activate expression of downstream conjugation functions.
Expression of aggregation protein Asc10 from the prgB gene of conjugative plasmid pCF10 in Enterococcus faecalis is induced by the peptide pheromone cCF10. Genes required for Asc10 production, prgQ and prgS, lie 3-5 kb upstream, but can function at much greater distances. The prgQ transcripts encode a pheromone inhibitor peptide (iCF10) at the extreme 5' end. Neither production of this peptide nor translation of the 5' end of prgQ transcripts was found to be necessary for prgB expression. Pheromone cCF10 is required to activate prgB expression, even in the absence of iCF10 production, and does not affect initiation of transcription. The prgS gene encodes a 10.5 kDa protein that appears to be required for translation of prgB, and a non-coding RNA at the 3' end of prgS may be required for readthrough of transcription to prgB from the prgQ promoter. Although the entire positive control region is transcribed constitutively from the prgQ promoter, translation of PrgS and transcriptional readthrough to prgB occur only after induction with pheromone. The combined data are consistent with a model in which the positive regulatory molecules and pheromone cCF10 activate prgB expression post-transcriptionally.


Evaluation of sexual function and depression in female patients with fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia is one of the most important problems, especially for women. Studies point to disorders in the sexual functions of fibromyalgia patients that reduce their quality of life. The aim of this study was to investigate sexual dysfunction and its relationship with disease severity and depression in women with fibromyalgia. This study included 98 female patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia and 54 healthy women. The Female Sexual Function Index was used to assess sexual dysfunction. Fibromyalgia disease severity was measured with the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire. Hamilton Depression Scale was filled in to evaluate the depression status of the patients. According to the female sexual function index data, female sexual dysfunction was found in 78 (79.6%) patients with fibromyalgia and only in 12 (22.2%) controls. When the female sexual function index scores of fibromyalgia patients with and without depression were compared, patients with additional depression had lower female sexual function index scores, and this difference was statistically significant (p=0.002). In the correlation analysis, the female sexual function index score showed a significant negative correlation with the hamilton depression scale (rho=-0.235, p=0.020) and fibromyalgia impact questionnaire (rho=-0.215, p=0.033) scores. This study highlights the high prevalence of sexual dysfunction in female fibromyalgia patients and the significant correlation between sexual dysfunction and both disease severity and depression.


Arecoline cannot alter testicular dysfunction and pineal activation caused by noise in wistar rat.
Millions of people consume betel nut for increased capacity to work and for stress reduction. The nut contains arecoline, which has multiple side effects on endocrine functions. Objective of the work is to investigate pineal-testicular responses to noise and after arecoline treatment in noise in rats. Noise exposure (100 dB, 6 h daily, 10 days) caused pineal stimulation ultrastructurally and at indoleamines level. Leydig cell dysfunction with fall of testosterone level and suppression of sex accessories were noticed. In contrast, pineal activity was inhibited and reproductive functions were stimulated after arecoline administration, confirmed from reversed changes to those of noise. Arecoline treatment in noise exposure showed same results as in noise both in pineal and in reproductive functions. It is concluded that noise causes testicular dysfunction probably by gonadotropin suppression induced by pineal melatonin in noise. Furthermore, arecoline cannot prevent it in noise in rats.


The association between post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and the quality of life among Wenchuan earthquake survivors: the role of social support as a moderator.
To examine the role of the three types of social support as possible moderating factors between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and its relationship to two domains of the quality of life (QOL). A cross-sectional survey was done in a local area near the epicenter of the severe earthquake in Wenchuan. The Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV), the standard Chinese 12-item Short Form (SF-12v2), and the Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS) were used to interview a total of 2,080 earthquake survivors in the one-year follow-up period. Multiple regressions were performed to evaluate the moderating role of social support on the relationship between PTSD and QOL. Among survivors one-year after the Wenchuan earthquake, being a woman (p < 0.01), having a lower level of education (p < 0.01), having a lower level of income (p < 0.01), having a worse housing status (p < 0.05) and having a higher level of exposure (p < 0.05) were risk factors for a poorer QOL (∆R (2) = 0.063). PTSD symptoms negatively influenced the QOL (∆R (2) = 0.145), while social support positively influenced the QOL (∆R (2) = 0.016). However, the interaction between social support and PTSD weakened the negative effect of PTSD on the QOL (∆R (2) = 0.012). Subjective support and support availability moderated the association between PTSD and the QOL (∆R (2) = 0.010). Subjective support and support availability are more useful strategies to improve the QOL of the earthquake survivors with PTSD symptoms.


[Assessment of efficacy and economic impact of an influenza vaccination campaign in the personnel of a health care setting].
Although vaccination against influenza is a well-established practice among the elderly in rest homes, in community-dwelling elderly people and in persons with underlying medical conditions associated with a high risk of complications, vaccination of workers is not always considered cost-effective, even though influenza is high on the list of diseases of public health importance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and the cost-benefit ratio of an influenza vaccination campaign in health care workers (HCW) of a teaching hospital. A group of 423 HCW vaccinated against influenza during the 2002-2003 winter season was compared with a group of subjects not vaccinated, matched for sex and working area. The following outcomes were considered: (i) prevalence of influenza-like illness (ILI); (ii) days of absence from work due to ILL The cost-benefit ratio was calculated with a model using the following indices. indirect benefits (IB), indirect non medical costs (IC) and direct costs (DC). The prevalence of ILI in the non vaccinated group (102 cases out of 423 subjects, 24%) was significantly increased (p < 0.001) compared with vaccinated subjects (64 cases out of 423, 15%). Working days lost for ILI were 516 in the non-vaccinated group versus 315 reported in the vaccinated group. Economic impact evaluation showed a cost of Euro 35,786.88 in vaccinees and of Euro 57,759.52 in the non-vaccinees. The resulting IB was Euro 21,078.64. The DC and IC for vaccination were Euro 2,463.29 and Euro 2,172.53 respectively. The overall cost-benefit ratio (IB/DC+IC) was 4.5. The study shows that the influenza vaccination campaign was effective in preventing the influenza syndrome in HCW The economic impact assessment shows a cost-saving with an important cost-benefit ratio. This study suggests that a continuous effort should be recommended to increase the compliance of HCW with vaccination practice both to reduce their chance of becoming infected and for the economic benefits for healthy working adults.


Leanchoiliidae reveals the ancestral organization of the stem euarthropod brain.
Fossils provide insights into how organs may have diversified over geological time.1 However, diversification already accomplished early in evolution can obscure ancestral events leading to it. For example, already by the mid-Cambrian period, euarthropods had condensed brains typifying modern mandibulate lineages.2 However, the demonstration that extant euarthropods and chordates share orthologous developmental control genes defining the segmental fore-, mid-, and hindbrain suggests that those character states were present even before the onset of the Cambrian.3 Fossilized nervous systems of stem Euarthropoda might, therefore, be expected to reveal ancestral segmental organization, from which divergent arrangements emerged. Here, we demonstrate unsurpassed preservation of cerebral tissue in Kaili leanchoiliids revealing near-identical arrangements of bilaterally symmetric ganglia identified as the proto-, deuto-, and tritocerebra disposed behind an asegmental frontal domain, the prosocerebrum, from which paired nerves extend to labral ganglia flanking the stomodeum. This organization corresponds to labral connections hallmarking extant euarthropod clades4 and to predicted transformations of presegmental ganglia serving raptorial preocular appendages of Radiodonta.5 Trace nervous system in the gilled lobopodian Kerygmachela kierkegaardi6 suggests an even deeper prosocerebral ancestry. An asegmental prosocerebrum resolves its location relative to the midline asegmental sclerite of the radiodontan head, which persists in stem Euarthropoda.7 Here, data from two Kaili Leanchoilia, with additional reference to Alalcomenaeus,8,9 demonstrate that Cambrian stem Euarthropoda confirm genomic and developmental studies10-15 claiming that the most frontal domain of the euarthropod brain is a unique evolutionary module distinct from, and ancestral to, the fore-, mid-, and hindbrain.


Comparison of effects of the tacrolimus and cyclosporine A on the colon anastomosis recovery of rats.
This study aims to examine and compare the effects of immunosuppressant cyclosporine A (CsA) and tacrolimus (TAC) on colon anastomosis recovery. Forty rats were randomly divided into 4 groups. The 4 groups were determined as follows: control group; sham group, given %0.09 NaCl; TAC group, given 0.5 mg/kg/day tacrolimus; and CsA group, given 5 mg/kg/day CsA. A 6-cm midabdomen incision was performed on the rats. An incision of all layers on the right colon was performed. Then anastomosis was undertaken. Laparotomy was performed on the seventh day postoperation. The colon bursting pressures were evaluated, histopathological examinations were undertaken, and E-cadherin expression and tissue hydroxyproline levels were evaluated. Statistically significant differences were observed among bursting pressures of the groups (P < 0.001). The value was significantly low in TAC and CsA groups when compared to control and sham groups (P < 0.05). The tissue hydroxyproline levels were significantly low in TAC group compared to control group (P = 0.03). Fibroblast density and neovascularization were significantly greater in the control group compared to the TAC group (P < 0.05). Levels of collagen had decreased significantly in TAC group compared to other groups (P < 0.05). Our study showed that TAC may have a negative effect of colon anastomosis recovery. The lowest anastomosis bursting pressure was detected in TAC group. Also, collagen, hydroxyproline, fibroblast, neovascularization and E-Cadherin levels were comparatively lower in TAC group. CsA did not cause any significant changes to tissue hydroxyproline, collagen, fibroblast, and E-Cadherin levels.


A novel real-time quantitative PCR method using attached universal template probe.
A novel real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method using an attached universal template (UT) probe is described. The UT is an approximately 20 base attachment to the 5' end of a PCR primer, and it can hybridize with a complementary TaqMan probe. One of the advantages of this method is that different target DNA sequences can be detected employing the same UT probe, which substantially reduces the cost of real-time PCR set-up. In addition, this method could be used for simultaneous detection using a 6-carboxy-fluorescein-labeled UT probe for the target gene and a 5-hexachloro-fluorescein-labeled UT probe for the reference gene in a multiplex reaction. Moreover, the requirement of target DNA length for UT-PCR analysis is relatively flexible, and it could be as short as 56 bp in this report, suggesting the possibility of detecting target DNA from partially degraded samples. The UT-PCR system with degenerate primers could also be designed to screen homologous genes. Taken together, our results suggest that the UT-PCR technique is efficient, reliable, inexpensive and less labor-intensive for quantitative PCR analysis.


Tunable multispectral near-infrared absorption with a phase transition of VO2 nanoparticles hybridized with 1D photonic crystals.
We theoretically demonstrate a switchable multichannel near-infrared absorber in a composite structure based on vanadium dioxide nanoparticles embedded between two and one-dimensional photonic crystal mirrors. A switching of absorption behavior is induced through the reversible semiconductor-to-metal phase transition of vanadium dioxide nanoparticles via its temperature-dependent permittivity-thermo-optical effect. This behavior leads to a multi-wavelength reconfigurable optical response of the proposed structure from poorly absorbing to highly absorbing. For example, there is the possibility of enhancement of absorption from ∼0.14 to ∼0.75 at normal incidence of light by increasing the temperature beyond the critical value of ∼341 K when the vanadium dioxide nanoparticles transform from a semiconducting state into a metallic one. These properties make the considered structure applicable for use in multiband absorbers, light detectors, and optical switching devices.


Increased temperature disrupts chemical communication in some species but not others: The importance of local adaptation and distribution.
Environmental conditions experienced by a species during its evolutionary history may shape the signals it uses for communication. Consequently, rapid environmental changes may lead to less effective signals, which interfere with communication between individuals, altering life history traits such as predator detection and mate searching. Increased temperature can reduce the efficacy of scent marks released by male lizards, but the extent to which this negative effect is related to specific biological traits and evolutionary histories across species and populations have not been explored. We experimentally tested how increased temperature affects the efficacy of chemical signals of high- and low-altitude populations of three lizard species that differ in their ecological requirements and altitudinal distributions. We tested the behavioral chemosensory responses of males from each species and population to male scent marks that had been incubated at one of two temperatures (cold 16°C or hot 20°C). In high-altitude populations of a mountain species (Iberolacerta monticola), the efficacy of chemical signals (i.e., latency time and number of tongue flicks) was lower after scent marks had been exposed to a hot temperature. The temperature that scent marks were incubated at did not affect the efficacy of chemical signals in a ubiquitous species (Podarcis muralis) or another mountain species (I. bonalli). Our results suggest that specific ecological traits arising through local adaptation to restricted distributions may be important in determining species vulnerability to climatic change.