Factors affecting higher-order movement planning: a kinematic analysis of human prehension.
Past studies of the kinematics of human prehension have shown that varying object size affects the maximum opening of the hand, while varying object distance affects the kinematic profile of the reaching limb. These data contributed to the formulation of a theory that the reaching and grasping components of human prehension reflect the output of two independent, though temporally coupled, motor programs (Jeannerod 1984). In the first experiment of the present study, subjects were required to reach out and grasp objects, with or without on-line, visual feedback. Object size and distance were covaried in a within-subjects design, and it was found that both grip formation and reach kinematics were affected by the manipulation of either variable. These data suggest that the control mechanisms underlying transport of the limb and grip formation are affected by similar task constraints. It was also observed that when visual feedback was unavailable after movement onset subjects showed an exaggerated opening of their hands, although grip size continued to be scaled for object size. The question remained as to whether the larger opening of the hand during no-feedback trials reflected the lack of opportunity to fine-tune the opening of the hand on-line, or the adoption of a strategy designed to increase tolerance for initial programming errors. To address this question, a second experiment was carried out in which we manipulated the predictability of visual feedback by presenting feedback and no-feedback trials in a random order. In contrast to the situation in which feedback and no-feedback trials were presented in separate blocks of trials (Exp. 1), in the randomly-ordered series of trials presented in Exp. 2, subjects always behaved as if they were reaching without vision, even on trials where visual feedback was continuously available. These findings suggest that subjects adopt different strategies on the basis of the predictability of visual feedback, although there is nothing to suggest that this takes place at a conscious, or voluntary, level. The results of both experiments are consistent with the notion of a hierarchically-organized motor control center, responsible for optimizing performance under a variety of conditions through the coordination of different effector systems and the anticipation of operating constraints.


Sappho's shifting fortunes from antiquity to the early Renaissance.
Although Sappho was revered as the greatest woman poet of all time by the Greeks, in later antiquity and the Middle Ages, her love of women was considered shameful and overshadowed her excellent reputation. She was also called a prostitute, and fictional accounts of her affairs with men further "tarnished" her reputation. Dual representations of Sappho existed within two centuries of her death. On the one hand, she was a role model for other poets to follow in their quest for fame, on the other she was the quintessential representation of female vice, which, at least by the Roman period, brought her infamy. Late antique and medieval Christian authors inherited this latter view, and vilified Sappho's sexuality, while church authorities, at least according to legend, had her works publicly burned. In the initial stages of the Renaissance, then, the humanist desire to reconnect with the pagan past had to proceed in the context of late medieval Christianity. Sappho's homoeroticism was erased, ultimately, in order that her skill could be lauded to fight misogyny. Hence, the humanists "rehabilitated" Sappho's virtue in a Christian context where same-sex love was considered an "unmentionable" vice. In order to argue that women were smart and capable, the humanists needed Sappho. She was perhaps the most famous, and most skilled, woman who had ever lived, and her example was used in an attempt to improve the lot of women in the early Renaissance.


Postictal clinical and electroencephalographic activity following intracranially recorded bilateral tonic-clonic seizures.
The dynamics of the postictal period, which may demonstrate such dramatic clinical phenomena as focal neurological deficits, prolonged coma and immobility, and even sudden death, are poorly understood. We sought to classify and characterize postictal phases of bilateral tonic-clonic seizures based on electroencephalographic (EEG) criteria and associated clinical features. We performed a detailed electroclinical evaluation of the postictal period in a series of 31 bilateral tonic-clonic seizures in 16 patients undergoing epilepsy surgery evaluations for focal pharmacoresistant epilepsy with intracranial electrodes and time-locked video. The postictal EEG demonstrated three clearly differentiated phases as follows: attenuation, a burst-attenuation pattern, and a return to continuous background, with abrupt, synchronized transitions between phases. Postictal attenuation was common, occurring in 84% of seizures in 94% of patients in this study. There was increased power in gamma frequencies (>25 Hz) during postictal attenuation periods relative to preictal baseline in 88% of seizures demonstrating the attenuation pattern (n = 25 seizures, P < 0.002). Such increases were seen in >90% of channels in 13 seizures (52%) and <10% of channels in three seizures (12%). Postictal immobility was seen in 87% of seizures, with either a flaccid (58%) or rigid/dystonic (29%) appearance. Clinical motor manifestations, including focal dystonic posturing, automatisms, head and eye deviation, and myoclonic jerking, continued or emerged within the first minute following seizure termination in 48% of seizures, regardless of EEG appearance. Intracranial postictal attenuation, which may be diffuse or focal, is so common that it should be regarded as a ubiquitous feature of bilateral tonic-clonic seizures, rather than an unusual event. The prominence of high-frequency activity coupled with emerging clinical features, including rigid immobility and semiologies such as automatisms, during the postictal period supports the presence of ongoing seizure-related neuronal activity in unrecorded brain regions.


Stressful manipulations that elevate corticosterone reduce blood-brain barrier permeability to pyridostigmine in the Rat.
Pyridostigmine bromide (PB), a reversible inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), is used for the treatment of myasthenia gravis. PB has also been provided to military personnel for preexposure protection against potential soman release. The entry of PB into the brain is typically minimal, but recently published data in mice suggest that a brief forced swim stress increases the permeability of the blood-brain barrier to PB. From these results, PB administered under stressful conditions was proposed to induce long-lasting central cholinergic deficits, potentially explaining the neurological and neuropsychological symptoms presented by some Gulf War veterans. In undertaking to replicate these results in the Long-Evans rat, no evidence of a stress-potentiated central effect of PB, administered at doses up 5.0 mg/kg ip, was found. Three stress protocols were used: restraint, forced swim, or a combined restraint/forced swim. Wistar rats were also tested in some of the protocols to ensure that the results were generalizable across rat strains, and plasma corticosterone levels were measured to test the effectiveness of the stressors employed. In contrast to the previously reported findings in the mouse, stress significantly reduced the entry of PB into rat brain, as measured by reduced inhibition of AChE activity: a 12.5% reduction in whole brain AChE activity after treatment with 5.0 mg/kg PB under control conditions declined to 9% after stress exposure. It is apparent, therefore, that the interaction between stress and PB requires further study, and previous data should be reassessed before they are used as a basis for interpreting symptoms presented by veterans.


Dissipation of triclosan, triclocarban, carbamazepine and naproxen in agricultural soil following surface or sub-surface application of dewatered municipal biosolids.
In many jurisdictions land application of municipal biosolids is a valued source of nutrients for crop production. The practice must be managed to ensure that crops and adjacent water are not subject to contamination by pharmaceuticals or other organic contaminants. The broad spectrum antimicrobial agents triclosan (TCS) and triclocarban (TCC), the anti-epileptic drug carbamazepine (CBZ), and the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug naproxen (NAP) are widely used and are carried in biosolids. In the present study, the effect of biosolids and depth of placement in the soil profile on the rates of TCS, TCC, CBZ, and NAP dissipation were evaluated under semi-field conditions. Aggregates of dewatered municipal biosolids (DMBs) supplemented with (14)C-labeled residues were applied either on the soil surface or in the subsurface of the soil profile, and incubated over several months under ambient outdoor conditions. The dissipation of TCS, TCC and NAP was significantly faster in sub-surface than surface applied biosolid aggregates. In contrast the dissipation rate for CBZ was the same in surface applied and incorporated aggregates. Overall, the present study has determined a significant effect of depth of placement on the dissipation rate of biodegradable molecules.


Stereochemistry of 2D Molecular Crystallization.
Different stereochemical aspects of molecular recognition in two-dimensional crystallization on metal surfaces are discussed. Scanning tunneling microscopy, a powerful tool with submolecular resolution capabilities, provides detailed insight into the implications of molecular geometry for the two-dimensional crystal lattice. The examples presented here include a homo- to heterochiral phase transition, tiling with pentagonal molecules, chiral restructuring of a metal surface and diastereomeric recognition between enantiomers of different molecular species via polar forces as well as van der Waals interactions.


UK guideline for the use of HIV Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Following Sexual Exposure, 2015.
We present the updated British Association for Sexual Health and HIV guidelines for HIV post-exposure prophylaxis following sexual exposure (PEPSE). This document includes a review of the current data to support the use of PEPSE, considers how to calculate the risks of infection after a potential exposure, and provides recommendations on when PEPSE should and should not be considered. We also review which medications to use for PEPSE, provide a checklist for initial assessment, and make recommendations for monitoring individuals receiving PEPSE. Special scenarios, cost-effectiveness of PEPSE, and issues relating to service provision are also discussed. Throughout the document, the place of PEPSE within the broader context of other HIV prevention strategies is considered.


Vive la Différence: The Freedom and Inherent Responsibilities When Designing and Implementing Multiple Mini-Interviews.
The literature on multiple mini-interviews (MMIs) is replete with heterogeneous study results related to the constructs measured, correlations with other measures, and demographic relationships. Rather than view these results as contradictory, the authors ask, What if all of the results are correct? They point out that the MMI is not an assessment tool but, rather, an assessment method. Design and implementation of locally conducted MMIs in medical school admissions processes should reflect local needs. As with other local assessments, MMIs should be considered separate from nationally conducted assessments that reflect more universal competencies. With the freedom to exercise unique values in locally constructed MMIs, individual institutions, or small bands of like-minded institutions, in parallel carry the responsibility to ensure local assessment tool validity.


[Human dirofilariasis in the Primorye Territory].
Out of 3 species of the nematodes of the genus Dirofilaria recorded in the Primorye Territory, only D. repens was found in human beings. In the past 3 years, there have been 8 cases of human dirofilariasis, of which only one case can be considered to be imported. Mosquitoes are vectors of dirofilariasis. Infestation occurred in the west and south districts of the Territory. The nematodes were most frequently detected first in the eye. Hence they migrated beneath the scalp giving rise to capsules on the cheek, occiput, forehead, or temple. The parasites were extracted only surgically.


Physical Activity and Dietary Composition Relate to Differences in Gut Microbial Patterns in a Multi-Ethnic Cohort-The HELIUS Study.
Physical activity (PA) at recommended levels contributes to the prevention of non-communicable diseases, such as atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (asCVD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Since the composition of the gut microbiota is strongly intertwined with dietary intake, the specific effect of exercise on the gut microbiota is not known. Moreover, multiple other factors, such as ethnicity, influence the composition of the gut microbiota, and this may be derived by distinct diet as well as PA patterns. Here we aim to untangle the associations between PA and the gut microbiota in a sample (n = 1334) from the Healthy Life In an Urban Setting (HELIUS) multi-ethnic cohort. The associations of different food groups and gut microbiota were also analyzed. PA was monitored using subjective (n = 1309) and objective (n = 162) methods, and dietary intake was assessed with ethnic-specific food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The gut microbiota was profiled using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, and the functional composition was generated with the Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States (PICRUSt2). Associations were assessed using multivariable and machine learning models. In this cohort, a distinct gut microbiota composition was associated with meeting the Dutch PA norm as well as with dietary intake, e.g., grains. PA related parameters such as muscle strength and calf circumference correlated with gut microbiota diversity. Furthermore, gut microbial functionality differed between active and sedentary groups. Differential representation of ethnicities in active and sedentary groups in both monitor methods hampered the detection of ethnic-specific effects. In conclusion, both PA and dietary intake were associated with gut microbiota composition in our multi-ethnic cohort. Future studies should further elucidate the role of ethnicity and diet in this association.


Teat thickness changes may provide biological test for effective pulsation.
Pulsation rates of 40, 60 and 80 cycles/min were combined with pulsator ratios of 50, 60, 70 or 80 percent in two experiments with different liners. Machine-induced, short-term changes in teat thickness of 14 cows were compared with milk flow rate characteristics and machine strip yields to evaluate the effectiveness of pulsation in relation to liner type. Post-milking teat thickness increased progressively as the b phase of the pulsation cycle was lengthened, and as the d phase was shortened, at all pulsator rates and with either liner. Teat thickness values increased significantly (P < 005) when the d phase was < 15%. For ratios of 50 and 60% , teat thickness decreased progressively as pulsation rate was increased. At the higher ratios, thickness values were lowest at 60 cycles/min. Pulsation settings that tended to increase teat thickness values also increased both peak milk flow rates and machine strip yields. The influence of liner type on teat thickness changes appeared to be at least as important as the influence of pulsator ratios and greater than the effect of pulsation rate. If so, then international standards for acceptable pulsation characteristics cannot be defined solely in terms of pulsator settings. A limit of +/- 5 percent for machine-induced changes in thickness of the teat apex would be an additional guideline for effectiveness of pulsation in relation to both liner type and vacuum level. This could provide a basis for a dynamic test applied to milking cows under field conditions.


Distribution of non-AT1, non-AT2 binding of 125I-sarcosine1, isoleucine8 angiotensin II in neurolysin knockout mouse brains.
The recent identification of a novel binding site for angiotensin (Ang) II as the peptidase neurolysin (E.C. 22.214.171.124) has implications for the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). This report describes the distribution of specific binding of 125I-Sarcosine1, Isoleucine8 Ang II (125I-SI Ang II) in neurolysin knockout mouse brains compared to wild-type mouse brains using quantitative receptor autoradiography. In the presence of p-chloromercuribenzoic acid (PCMB), which unmasks the novel binding site, widespread distribution of specific (3 µM Ang II displaceable) 125I-SI Ang II binding in 32 mouse brain regions was observed. Highest levels of binding >700 fmol/g initial wet weight were seen in hypothalamic, thalamic and septal regions, while the lowest level of binding <300 fmol/g initial wet weight was in the mediolateral medulla. 125I-SI Ang II binding was substantially higher by an average of 85% in wild-type mouse brains compared to neurolysin knockout brains, suggesting the presence of an additional non-AT1, non-AT2, non-neurolysin Ang II binding site in the mouse brain. Binding of 125I-SI Ang II to neurolysin in the presence of PCMB was highest in hypothalamic and ventral cortical brain regions, but broadly distributed across all regions surveyed. Non-AT1, non-AT2, non-neurolysin binding was also highest in the hypothalamus but had a different distribution than neurolysin. There was a significant reduction in AT2 receptor binding in the neurolysin knockout brain and a trend towards decreased AT1 receptor binding. In the neurolysin knockout brains, the size of the lateral ventricles was increased by 56% and the size of the mid forebrain (-2.72 to +1.48 relative to Bregma) was increased by 12%. These results confirm the identity of neurolysin as a novel Ang II binding site, suggesting that neurolysin may play a significant role in opposing the pathophysiological actions of the brain RAS and influencing brain morphology.


Steroid monooxygenase of Rhodococcus rhodochrous: sequencing of the genomic DNA, and hyperexpression, purification, and characterization of the recombinant enzyme.
Steroid monooxygenase of Rhodococcus rhodochrous is a Baeyer-Villigerase catalyzing the insertion of an oxygen atom between the C(17)- and C(20)-carbons of progesterone to produce testosterone acetate. The 5.1-kbp-long BamHI DNA fragment containing the steroid monooxygenase gene, smo, was cloned from the chromosomal DNA and sequenced. The smo gene is 1,650 nucleotides long, starts with a TTG codon, and ends with a TGA codon. The deduced amino acid sequence indicates that the enzyme protein consist of 549 amino acid residues with a molecular mass of 60,133. Thus, the molecular mass of the holoenzyme is 60,919. The amino acid sequence is highly homologous (41.2% identity) to that of cyclohexanone monooxygenase of Acinetobacter sp. In the upstream of the smo gene, the genes of heat shock proteins, dnaK, grpE, and dnaJ, located on the complementary strand, and the DNA-inserts of pSMO and pD1, which contains the ksdD gene, were joined at the BamHI site of the dnaJ gene. The smo gene was modified at the initiation codon to ATG and ligated with an expression vector to construct a plasmid, pSMO-EX, and introduced into Escherichia coli cells. The transformed cells hyperexpressed the steroid monooxygenase as an active and soluble protein at more than 40 times the level in R. rhodochrous cells. Purification of the recombinant monooxygenase from the E. coli cells by simplified procedures yielded about 2.3 mg of enzyme protein/g wet cells. The purified recombinant steroid monooxygenase exhibited indistinguishable molecular and catalytic properties from those of the R. rhodochrous enzyme.


Satisfaction and compliance of adult patients using hearing aid and evaluation of factors affecting them.
The aims of this study are to reveal patient compliance and satisfaction in hearing aid-prescribed adult population and to determine the relevant clinical factors. The study was designed retrospectively, and those patients who have been using hearing aid for at least 6 months were invited for evaluation. Demographical data, hearing aid type (digital vs analog), general satisfaction, and daily usage time were asked. Then, the Hearing Aid Satisfaction Questionnaire (HASQ) was applied to all patients which included visual analog scale (VAS)-based 10 questions about the effects of hearing aid on social communication, efficiency, cosmetics, life quality and cost. Totally 400 patients were included in the study. The HASQ was confirmed to be highly reliable by "Kaiser Meyer Olkin and Bartlett Sphericity" tests after exclusion of aid-cost question. There was a negative correlation between age and satisfaction, and a positive correlation between hearing aid usage time (years) and satisfaction (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between mean HASQ scores regarding gender, employment status, hearing aid type and the site of hearing aid wearing. HASQ scores were significantly worse in pure sensorineural loss type, lower educational status, shorter daily usage time, but better in higher pure tone threshold levels (p < 0.05). Age, time of hearing aid usage daily, type of hearing impairment, the threshold of hearing and education were the factors affecting satisfaction. Regular daily usage of hearing aid should be encouraged in patients, since by this way aid usage and satisfaction may be improved.


[A comparative study of cephalometric evaluation criteria of the cutaneous profile].
The objectives of this study is to challenge the soft tissue profile standards of esthetics and to compare them with the feeling and the sense of beauty of the large public. The facial profile of one hundred fifty-two cinema stars and top models (seventy-one men and eighty-one women) were analysed. Twenty three measurements were taken among the most used and widely accepted. These references come from the works of very reknown orthodontists and researchers: BURSTONE, HOLDAWAY, MERRIFIELD, PECK and PECK, RICKETTS, STEINER, WORMS (as described by MOSHIRI). The results demonstrate, after statistical analysis that: some values are very different compared with the references; those discrepancies neither concern the same values nor for the same amount, or to the same direction for the male or the female samples. The mean male soft tissue profile is more concave, prognathic type with more retruded upper and lower lips and more reduced lower face height than the standards described by the authors. The mean women soft tissue profile tends to be more convex with a relatively more protruded upper lip and a more retrognathic mandible than the "standards". The whole face height is significantly reduced with a more marked discrepancy for the nasal height and the lower lip length. The nasal prominence is also reduced compared with the norms. It appears then that we cannot trust anymore references that do not take into account differences between men and women ideal facial profiles for the analysis of soft tissue profile in orthodontics and maxillo-facial surgery. The values described by the authors, which are our daily standards, do not seem to match the large public sense of esthetics and therefore our patients feeling of beauty.


Isolation and some properties of troponin T kinase from rabbit skeletal muscle.
A method for isolation of troponin T kinase (ATP-protein phosphotransferase, EC 184.108.40.206) from rabbit skeletal muscles in proposed. The method gives a 7000-10 000-fold purification and results in an enzyme with specific activity of 400-800-nmol x min-1 x mg-1 of protein. The molecular weight of tropin T kinase as determined by gel filtration exceeds 500 000. Electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gel in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulphate revealed that isolated preparations of the enzyme consisted of at least three distinct proteins with apparent mol.wt. of 50 000, 46 000 and 31 000. The enzyme phosphorylates isolated troponin T at a rate which exceeds the phosphorylation rates of casein, phosvitin, histones, phosphorylase b and protamine 5-30-fold. Within the whole troponin complex, only troponin T is phosphorylated by the enzyme. The enzyme phosphorylates only the N-terminal serine residue of troponin T, i.e. the site that is normally phosphorylated in the whole troponin complex isolated from rabbit skeletal muscles.


Intra-arterial analysis of the best calibration methods to estimate aortic blood pressure.
Estimation of aortic blood pressure (BP) requires peripheral BP waveform calibration. Mean arterial pressure (MAP)/DBP calibration is purported to estimate aortic BP more accurately than SBP/DBP calibration. However, this is based on inaccurate cuff calibration. Thus, direct comparisons of each calibration method using intra-arterial BP are required to confirm this, and was the aim of this study. Ascending aortic, brachial and radial artery intra-arterial BPs were measured among 107 patients (61.9 ± 10.0 years, 70% men) undergoing coronary angiography. Radial waveforms were calibrated with brachial SBP/DBP and brachial MAP/DBP to directly test the accuracy of estimated aortic SBP (derived using a commercial device) from each calibration compared with intra-arterial aortic SBP. Estimated aortic BP accuracy from aortic MAP/DBP, brachial and radial SBP/DBP calibrations of peripheral waveforms was also tested (six calibration methods in total; all using intra-arterial BP). Estimated aortic SBP from brachial MAP/DBP calibration of radial waveforms had a significantly smaller mean difference than from brachial SBP/DBP calibration (-0.7 ± 7.5 mmHg versus -6.9 ± 7.3 mmHg, P < 0.0001 for difference). Of the other calibration methods, estimated aortic SBP was most accurate from aortic MAP/DBP calibration of radial waveforms (-1.8 ± 5.0 mmHg, P = 0.00023). However, for all calibration methods, aortic-to-brachial artery and/or brachial-to-radial artery SBP amplification had a major influence on estimated aortic SBP. Brachial and aortic MAP/DBP were confirmed as the best calibration methods to estimate aortic SBP, but irrespective of calibration method, accuracy was significantly influenced by the level of SBP amplification. Thus, improved accuracy of estimated aortic SBP should be possible by closer consideration of SBP amplification or individual waveform characteristics that differ according to the level of SBP amplification.


Combinatorial roles of protein kinase A, Ets2, and 3',5'-cyclic-adenosine monophosphate response element-binding protein-binding protein/p300 in the transcriptional control of interferon-tau expression in a trophoblast cell line.
In ruminants, conceptus interferon-tau (IFNT) production is necessary for maintenance of pregnancy. We examined the role of protein kinase A (PKA) in regulating IFNT expression through the activation of Ets2 in JAr choriocarcinoma cells. Although overexpression of the catalytic subunit of PKA or the addition of 8-bromo-cAMP had little ability to up-regulate boIFNT1 reporter constructs on their own, coexpression with Ets2 led to a large increase in gene expression. Progressive truncation of reporter constructs indicated that the site of PKA/Ets2 responsiveness lay in a region of the promoter between -126 and -67, which lacks a cAMP response element but contains the functional Ets2-binding site and an activator protein 1 (AP1) site. Specific mutation of the former reduced the PKA/Ets2 effects by more than 98%, whereas mutation of an AP1-binding site adjacent to the Ets2 site or pharmacological inhibition of MAPK kinase 2 led to a doubling of the combined Ets2/PKA effects, suggesting there is antagonism between the Ras/MAPK pathway and the PKA signal transduction pathway. Although Ets2 is not a substrate for PKA, lowering the effective concentrations of the coactivators, cAMP response element-binding protein-binding protein (CBP)/p300, known PKA targets, reduced the ability of PKA to synergize with Ets2, suggesting that PKA effects on IFNT regulation might be mediated through CBP/p300 coactivation, particularly as CBP and Ets2 occupy the proximal promoter region of IFNT in bovine trophoblast CT-1 cells. The up-regulation of IFNT in the elongating bovine conceptus is likely due to the combinatorial effects of PKA, Ets2, and CBP/p300 and triggered via growth factors released from maternal endometrium.


Organically complexed iron enhances bioavailability of antimony to maize (Zea mays) seedlings in organic soils.
Antimony (Sb) is a metalloid belonging to group 15 of the periodic table. Chemical similarities between arsenic (As) and Sb produce concerns about potential health effects of Sb and enrichment in the environment. Antimony is found in oxic environments predominately as an oxyanionic species, antimonite (Sb[OH](6-)). As a result of its net negative charge, Sb[OH](6-) was not initially predicted to have strong interactions with natural organic matter. Oxyanionic species could bind the negatively charged organic matter via a ternary complexation mechanism, in which cationic metals mediate the strong association between organic matter functional groups and oxyanions. However, these interactions are poorly understood in how they influence the bioavailability of oxyanionic contaminants to plants. Iron (Fe) additions to organic soils have been found to increase the number of organically complexed Fe sites suitable for Sb exchange, resulting in a reduced bioavailable fraction of Sb. The bioavailability of Sb to maize seedlings as a function of organically complexed Fe was examined using a greenhouse study. A significant increase in plant tissue Sb was observed as organically complexed Fe increased, which was not predicted by methods commonly used to assess bioavailable Sb. Extraction of soils with organic acids common to the maize rhizosphere suggested that organic acid exudation can readily mobilize Sb bound by organic Fe complexes.


Two-photon absorption in solution by means of time-dependent density-functional theory and the polarizable continuum model.
We present the first study of two-photon absorption (TPA) of solvated molecules based on direct evaluation of TPA cross sections from the quadratic response of time-dependent perturbations. A set of prototypical two-photon (TP) chromophores has been selected and analyzed: a pure pi system (t-stilbene) and its substituted homologs obtained employing a donor (D) and an acceptor (A) group to probe the solvent effects along the series pi, D-pi-D, A-pi-D, and A-pi-A. For the selected systems we have calculated the TPA cross sections in different environments by means of the polarizable continuum model. The data have been analyzed to evaluate how the structural and environmental parameters contribute to the final two-photon absorption cross section. These include molecular structure, geometry relaxation in solution, polarity, and refractive index of the solvent. The performances of the three common functionals SVWN, BLYP, and B3LYP have been compared. The results show a significant solvent dependence of the TPA cross section and an unusual trend when passing from cyclohexane to water. The data have also been rationalized in terms of the main orbital excitations leading to the transitions. Finally, trends along the series have been described and comparison with experiments and previous calculations has been drawn.


Biologically inspired rate control of chaos.
The overall intention of chaotic control is to eliminate chaos and to force the system to become stable in the classical sense. In this paper, I demonstrate a more subtle method that does not eliminate all traces of chaotic behaviour; yet it consistently, and reliably, can provide control as intended. The Rate Control of Chaos (RCC) method is derived from metabolic control processes and has several remarkable properties. RCC can control complex systems continuously, and unsupervised, it can also maintain control across bifurcations, and in the presence of significant systemic noise. Specifically, I show that RCC can control a typical set of chaotic models, including the 3 and 4 dimensional chaotic Lorenz systems, in all modes. Furthermore, it is capable of controlling spatiotemporal chaos without supervision and maintains control of the system across bifurcations. This property of RCC allows a dynamic system to operate in parameter spaces that are difficult to control otherwise. This may be particularly interesting for the control of forced systems or dynamic systems that are chaotically perturbed. These control properties of RCC are applicable to a range of dynamic systems, thereby appearing to have far-reaching effects beyond just controlling chaos. RCC may also point to the existence of a biochemical control function of an enzyme, to stabilise the dynamics of the reaction cascade.


Characterization of a bifunctional PutA homologue from Bradyrhizobium japonicum and identification of an active site residue that modulates proline reduction of the flavin adenine dinucleotide cofactor.
PutA is a bifunctional flavoenzyme in bacteria that catalyzes the four-electron oxidation of proline to glutamate. In certain prokaryotes such as Escherichia coli, PutA is also a transcriptional repressor of the proline utilization (put) genes and thus is trifunctional. In this work, we have begun to assess differences between bifunctional and trifunctional PutA enzymes by examining the PutA protein from Bradyrhizobium japonicum (BjPutA). Primary structure analysis of BjPutA shows it lacks the DNA-binding domain of E. coli PutA (EcPutA). Consistent with this prediction, purified BjPutA does not exhibit DNA-binding activity in native gel mobility shift assays with promoter regions of the putA gene from B. japonicum. The catalytic and redox properties of BjPutA were characterized and a reduction potential (E(m)) value of -0.132 V (pH 7.5) was determined for the bound FAD/FADH(2) couple in BjPutA that is significantly more negative ( approximately 55 mV) than the E(m) for EcPutA-bound FAD. The more negative E(m) value thermodynamically limits proline reduction of the FAD cofactor in BjPutA. In the presence of phospholipids, reduction of BjPutA is stimulated, suggesting lipids influence the FAD redox environment. Accordingly, an E(m) value of -0.114 V (pH 7.5) was determined for BjPutA-bound FAD in the presence of polar lipids. The molecular basis for the lower reduction potential of FAD in BjPutA relative to EcPutA was explored by site-directed mutagenesis. Amino acid sequence alignment between BjPutA and EcPutA indicates only one difference in active site residues near the isoalloxazine ring of FAD: Val402 in EcPutA is substituted at the analogous position in BjPutA with Ala310. Replacement of A310 by Val in the BjPutA mutant A310V raised the reduction potential of bound FAD relative to wild-type BjPutA to an E(m) value of -0.09 V (pH 7.5). The >40-mV positive shift in the potential of the BjPutA mutant A310V suggests that the corresponding Val residue in EcPutA helps poise the FAD redox potential for thermodynamically favored proline reduction thereby allowing EcPutA to be efficiently regulated by proline availability. Limited proteolysis of BjPutA under reducing conditions shows FAD reduction does not influence BjPutA conformation indicating further that the redox dependent regulation observed with EcPutA may be limited to trifunctional PutA homologues.


NMDA-like receptors in the nervous system of the crab Neohelice granulata: a neuroanatomical description.
N-Methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are involved in learning and memory processes in vertebrates and invertebrates. In Neohelice granulata, NMDARs are involved in the storage of associative memories (see references in text). The aim of this work was to characterize this type of glutamate receptor in Neohelice and to describe its distribution in the central nervous system (CNS). As a first step, a detailed study of the CNS of N. granulata was performed at the neuropil level, with special focus on one of the main structures involved in this type of memory, the supraesophageal ganglion, called central brain. The characterization of the NMDAR was achieved by identifying the essential subunit of these receptors, the NR1-like subunit. The NR1-like signals were found via western blot and immunohistochemistry techniques in each of the major ganglia: the eyestalk ganglia, the central brain, and the thoracic ganglion. Western blots yielded two bands for the crab NR1-like subunit, at ∼88 and ∼84 kDa. This subunit is present in all the major ganglia, and shows a strong localization in synaptosomal membranes. NMDARs are distributed throughout the majority of each ganglion but show prominent signal intensity in some distinguishable neuropils and neurons. This is the first general description of the N. granulata nervous system as a whole and the first study of NMDARs in the CNS of decapods. The preferential localization of the receptor in some neuropils and neurons indicates the presence of possible new targets for memory processing and storage.


Anesthetic Management of an Infant With Postnatally Diagnosed Tracheal Agenesis Undergoing Tracheal Reconstruction: A Case Report.
A term infant born cyanotic failed multiple intubation attempts and tracheostomy placement. After esophageal intubation resulted in the ability to ventilate, he was presumed to have tracheal agenesis and distal bronchoesophageal fistula. He was transferred to our institution where he was diagnosed with Floyd Type II tracheal agenesis. He underwent staged tracheal reconstruction. He was discharged to home at 4 months of age with a tracheostomy collar, cervical spit fistula, and gastrostomy tube. He represents the sole survivor-to-discharge of tracheal agenesis in the United States. We describe the anesthetic considerations for a patient with tracheal agenesis undergoing reconstruction.


Interacting agricultural pests and their effect on crop yield: application of a Bayesian decision theory approach to the joint management of Bromus tectorum and Cephus cinctus.
Worldwide, the landscape homogeneity of extensive monocultures that characterizes conventional agriculture has resulted in the development of specialized and interacting multitrophic pest complexes. While integrated pest management emphasizes the need to consider the ecological context where multiple species coexist, management recommendations are often based on single-species tactics. This approach may not provide satisfactory solutions when confronted with the complex interactions occurring between organisms at the same or different trophic levels. Replacement of the single-species management model with more sophisticated, multi-species programs requires an understanding of the direct and indirect interactions occurring between the crop and all categories of pests. We evaluated a modeling framework to make multi-pest management decisions taking into account direct and indirect interactions among species belonging to different trophic levels. We adopted a Bayesian decision theory approach in combination with path analysis to evaluate interactions between Bromus tectorum (downy brome, cheatgrass) and Cephus cinctus (wheat stem sawfly) in wheat (Triticum aestivum) systems. We assessed their joint responses to weed management tactics, seeding rates, and cultivar tolerance to insect stem boring or competition. Our results indicated that C. cinctus oviposition behavior varied as a function of B. tectorum pressure. Crop responses were more readily explained by the joint effects of management tactics on both categories of pests and their interactions than just by the direct impact of any particular management scheme on yield. In accordance, a C. cinctus tolerant variety should be planted at a low seeding rate under high insect pressure. However as B. tectorum levels increase, the C. cinctus tolerant variety should be replaced by a competitive and drought tolerant cultivar at high seeding rates despite C. cinctus infestation. This study exemplifies the necessity of accounting for direct and indirect biological interactions occurring within agroecosystems and propagating this information from the statistical analysis stage to the management stage.


[Mildronat--treatment of cardio-neurologic pathology in ischemia and hypoxia].
Cerebrovascular pathology has long moved from the category of a single medical problem in the social problem. Progression of vascular lesions of the brain results in significant disability, and in the later stages interfere with the ability to self-service and significantly reduces the quality of life. The key link is ischemic brain damage, or glutamate cascade, which many researchers believe trigger excitotoxic damage and a major cause of neuronal death. One important component of effective control of the effects of ischemic disorders is complex neuro-cytoprotective therapy. To correct for the effects of both acute and chronic ischemia of the brain need to effectively act in several directions simultaneously, normalizing metabolic changes, eliminating the cytokine imbalance transcription violations, reducing the severity of oxidative stress and excitotoxicity.


Personality, Schizophrenia, and Violence: A Longitudinal Study.
The aims of this study were (a) to investigate the presence of clinically significant personality traits and personality disorders (PD) in patients living in residential facilities, with or without a history of violence (69 and 46, respectively); and (b) to investigate any associations between clinically significant personality traits and PDs, aggression, impulsivity, hostility, and violent behavior during a 1-year follow-up. The most frequent primary diagnoses were schizophrenia (58.3%) and PD (20.9%). Those with a history of violence demonstrated more antisocial and alcohol dependence features and lower depressive PD symptoms than the control group. Hostility levels, antisocial symptoms, and drug dependence, as well as a Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis II diagnosis of PD, predicted aggressive and violent behavior during follow-up. The study confirms the relevance of assessing PDs both to evaluate the risk of violent behavior and to plan appropriate preventive and treatment intervention.


Detection of signs of brain dysfunction in epileptic children by recognition of transient changes in the correlation of seizure-free EEG.
Seizure-free EEG signals recorded from epileptic children were compared with EEG signals recorded from normal children. The comparison was based on the detection of transient events characterized by decrease in the correlation between different traces. For this purpose, a conceptually and mathematically simple method was applied. Two clear and remarkable phenomena, able to quantitatively discriminate between the two groups of subjects, were evidenced, with high statistical significance. In fact, it was observed that: (a) The number of events for the epileptic group was larger; (b) Applying restrictive criteria for event definition, the number of subjects in the epileptic group presenting events was larger. The results support the hypothesis of a decrease in brain correlation in children with epilepsy under treatment. This confirms the efficacy of the EEG signal in evaluating cortical functional differences not visible by visual inspection, independently of the cause (epilepsy or drugs), and demonstrate the specific effectiveness of the analysis method applied.


The role of flow cytometry in the study of cell growth in the rat anterior pituitary gland.
Flow cytometry is a suitable technique for studying in vivo and in vitro the cell cycle kinetics of different animal and human tissues, both in normal and tumoral conditions. The rat anterior pituitary gland is a model to investigate cell growth and replication of differentiated, neuroendocrine cells, and we report current evidence on its cell cycle kinetics as well as on the role played by flow cytometry in this type of study. The proliferation potential of normal anterior pituitary cells is related to a number of different conditions, including heterogeneity of cell types, age and sex of donors, and circadian influences. In addition, the trend of cell proliferation in both in vivo and in vitro studies is similar, suggesting that cultured anterior pituitary elements may, at least in part, retain growth features analogous to those of the intact gland. Sorting of selective cell types and analysis of the relation between proliferating anterior pituitary cells and the light-dark cycle have shown that flow cytometry may be useful to investigate the replication process of the gland. By using a combination of flow cytometry, light microscopic immunocytochemistry and morphometry, we have reported a peculiar trend of proliferation in primary monolayer cultures of rat anterior pituitary gland, characterized by a non-linear reduction in their proliferation rate with advancing age, primarily dependent on a reduced transition of cells from the G0/G1- to the early S-phase pool. These studies indicate that flow cytometry offers insights into cell cycle check points of anterior pituitary cells, and suggest that it might be applied to the study of growth of selective pituitary elements, both in normal and tumoral conditions.


[Efficiency rating of various types of implants when placing into the socket of an extracted tooth].
The method of the immediate implantation was used in 138 patients after a tooth (teeth) extraction, with one-phase and two-phase spiral constructions placed in 45 (32.6%) sick people of the control group and with cylindrical and laminar implants with shape-memory effect placed in 93 (67.4%) cases adapted for placement into the socket and through the socket of an extracted tooth of the frontal and masticatory group. Application of one-phase spiral implants, the self-locking cylindrical and laminar ones allows to reduce time of the prosthetics from 1 to 30 days, to bring down the atrophy of an alveolar process in the range of an extracted tooth. The good long-term functional result of the prosthetics remains in 97.8% of patients of the main group and in 86.6% of cases of the control group.


Emerging mental health challenges, strategies, and opportunities in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic: Perspectives from South American decision-makers.
To identify emerging mental health problems, strategies to address them, and opportunities to reform mental health systems during the COVID-19 pandemic in South America. An online questionnaire was sent to mental health decision-makers of ministries of health in 10 South American countries in mid-April 2020. The semi-structured questionnaire had 12 questions clustered into three main sections: emerging challenges in mental health, current and potential strategies to face the pandemic, and key elements for mental health reform. We identified keywords and themes for each section through summative content analysis. Increasing mental health burden and needs were reported as direct and indirect consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. National lockdowns challenge the delivery and access to mental health treatment and care. Strategies to meet mental health needs rely heavily on timely and adequate responses by strengthened mental health governance and systems, availability of services, virtual platforms, and appropriate capacity-building for service providers. Short- and medium-term strategies focused on bolstering community-based mental health networks and telemedicine for high-risk populations. Opportunities for long-term mental health reform entail strengthening legal frameworks, redistribution of financial resources, and collaboration with local and international partners. Mental health and psychosocial support have been identified as a priority area by South American countries in the COVID-19 response. The pandemic has generated specific needs that require appropriate actions, including implementing virtual interventions, orienting capacity-building toward protecting users and health providers, strengthening evidence-driven decision-making, and integrating mental health and psychosocial support in high-level mechanisms guiding the response to COVID-19.


Longitudinal Change in Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders Measures Over 3 Years in Patients with Early Parkinson's Disease.
The Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders (Neuro-QoL) is a publicly available health-related quality-of-life measurement system. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of Neuro-QoL item banks as outcome measures for clinical trials in Parkinson's disease. An analysis of Neuro-QoL responsiveness to change and construct validity was performed in a multicenter clinical trial cohort. Among 310 participants over 3 years, changes in five of eight Neuro-QoL domains were significant (P < 0.05) but very modest. The largest effect sizes were seen in the cognition and mobility domains (0.35-0.39). The largest effect size for change over the year in which levodopa was initiated was -0.19 for lower extremity function-mobility. For a similarly designed clinical trial, estimated sample size required to demonstrate a 50% reduction in worsening ranged from 420 to more than 1000 participants per group. More sensitive tools will be required to serve as an outcome measure in early Parkinson's disease. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.


Safety and efficacy of Sinopharm vaccine (BBIBP-CorV) in elderly population of Faisalabad district of Pakistan.
The first case of novel SARS-COV-2 (COVID-19) in Pakistan was detected on 26 February 2020. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies have been tried to lessen the mortality and morbidity burden. Various vaccines have been approved. The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan gave emergency approval for Sinopharm (BBIBP-CorV) COVID-19 vaccine in December 2021. The phase 3 trial of BBIBP-CorV included only 612 participants aged 60 years and above. The primary aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of BBIBPP-CorV (Sinopharm) vaccine within the Pakistani adult population aged 60 or above. The study was carried out in the Faisalabad district of Pakistan. A test negative case-control study design was used to assess safety and efficacy of BBIBP-CorV in individuals aged 60 and above against symptomatic infection, hospitalisations and mortality due to SARS-CoV-2 among vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. ORs were calculated using logistic regression model at 95% CI. ORs were used to calculate the vaccine efficacy (VE) by using the following formula.VE= (1-OR) ×100. 3426 individuals with symptoms of COVID-19 were PCR tested between 5 May 2021 and 31 July 2021. The results showed that Sinopharm vaccine 14 days after the second dose was efficient in reducing the risk of symptomatic COVID-19 infection, hospitalisations and mortality by 94.3%, 60.5% and 98.6%, respectively, among vaccinated individuals with a significant p value of 0.001. Our study showed that BBIBP-CorV vaccine is highly effective in preventing infection, hospitalisations and mortality due to COVID-19.


A Modified Mediterranean Ketogenic Diet mitigates modifiable risk factors of Alzheimer's Disease: a serum and CSF-based metabolic analysis.
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is influenced by a variety of modifiable risk factors, including a person's dietary habits. While the ketogenic diet (KD) holds promise in reducing metabolic risks and potentially affecting AD progression, only a few studies have explored KD's metabolic impact, especially on blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Our study involved participants at risk for AD, either cognitively normal or with mild cognitive impairment. The participants consumed both a modified Mediterranean-ketogenic diet (MMKD) and the American Heart Association diet (AHAD) for 6 weeks each, separated by a 6-week washout period. We employed nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics to profile serum and CSF and metagenomics profiling on fecal samples. While the AHAD induced no notable metabolic changes, MMKD led to significant alterations in both serum and CSF. These changes included improved modifiable risk factors, like increased HDL-C and reduced BMI, reversed serum metabolic disturbances linked to AD such as a microbiome-mediated increase in valine levels, and a reduction in systemic inflammation. Additionally, the MMKD was linked to increased amino acid levels in the CSF, a breakdown of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), and decreased valine levels. Importantly, we observed a strong correlation between metabolic changes in the CSF and serum, suggesting a systemic regulation of metabolism. Our findings highlight that MMKD can improve AD-related risk factors, reverse some metabolic disturbances associated with AD, and align metabolic changes across the blood-CSF barrier.


Stay cognitively and socially active with me: a six-month study of a socialization service.
50% of older adults over 60 years old are experiencing social isolation. Assistive technology can provide solutions that promote the connection with their families and other stakeholders. In this context, this paper presents a pilot study of a socialization service with 3 functions tested by 10 older adults and 10 informal caregivers. After a short training, participants were requested to use the system in their daily life for six months. At the beginning (T0) and at the end (T6) of the trial, qualitative structured questionnaires were addressed to investigate training, usability, acceptance (i.e. trust, anxiety, facilitating condition, enjoyment, and attitude), and user experience. Collected results underline good training, good usability of the system (SUS>68), and user experience for both groups. Furthermore, the values associated with acceptance domains are higher than 3.5 for intention to use and trust, at the end of the tests. We can observe a decreasing trend in stress associated with technology use. Informal caregivers have a higher evaluation of the system novelty with respect to older adults. Overall, qualitative feedback collected remarked the good impression of this service among the study's participants. Finally, this study represents a promising starting point for better investigating technology-based services that can improve the quality of life of older people living alone providing them with tools that can decrease their social isolation.Clinical Relevance- The results suggest the potential use of this type of service for promoting socialization among older adults thus reducing their loneliness.


Regular patterns for proteome-wide distribution of protein abundance across species.
A proteome of the bio-entity, including cell, tissue, organ, and organism, consists of proteins of diverse abundance. The principle that determines the abundance of different proteins in a proteome is of fundamental significance for an understanding of the building blocks of the bio-entity. Here, we report three regular patterns in the proteome-wide distribution of protein abundance across species such as human, mouse, fly, worm, yeast, and bacteria: in most cases, protein abundance is positively correlated with the protein's origination time or sequence conservation during evolution; it is negatively correlated with the protein's domain number and positively correlated with domain coverage in protein structure, and the correlations became stronger during the course of evolution; protein abundance can be further stratified by the function of the protein, whereby proteins that act on material conversion and transportation (mass category) are more abundant than those that act on information modulation (information category). Thus, protein abundance is intrinsically related to the protein's inherent characters of evolution, structure, and function.


New concepts for transdermal delivery of oxygen based on catalase biochemical reactions studied by oxygen electrode amperometry.
The development of formulation concepts for improved skin tissue oxygenation, including methods for measuring oxygen (O2) transport across biological barriers, are important research topics with respect to all processes that are affected by the O2 concentration, such as radiation therapy in oncology treatments, wound healing, and the general health status of skin. In this work we approach this topic by a novel strategy based on the antioxidative enzyme catalase, which is naturally present in the skin organ where it enables conversion of the reactive oxygen species hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into O2. We introduce various applications of the skin covered oxygen electrode (SCOE) as an in-vitro tool for studies of catalase activity and function. The SCOE is constructed by placing an excised skin membrane directly on an O2 electrode and the methodology is based on measurements of the electrical current generated by reduction of O2 as a function of time (i.e. chronoamperometry). The results confirm that a high amount of native catalase is present in the skin organ, even in the outermost stratum corneum (SC) barrier, and we conclude that excised pig skin (irrespective of freeze-thaw treatment) represents a valid model for ex vivo human skin for studying catalase function by the SCOE setup. The activity of native catalase in skin is sufficient to generate considerable amounts of O2 by conversion from H2O2 and proof-of-concept is presented for catalase-based transdermal O2 delivery from topical formulations containing H2O2. In addition, we show that this concept can be further improved by topical application of external catalase on the skin surface, which enables transdermal O2 delivery from 50 times lower concentrations of H2O2. These important results are promising for development of novel topical or transdermal formulations containing low and safe concentrations of H2O2 for skin tissue oxygenation. Further, our results indicate that the O2 production by catalase, derived from topically applied S. epidermidis (a simple model for skin microbiota) is relatively low as compared to the O2 produced by the catalase naturally present in skin. Still, the catalase activity derived from S. epidermidis is measurable. Taken together, this work illustrates the benefits and versatility of the SCOE as an in vitro skin research tool and introduces new and promising strategies for transdermal oxygen delivery, with simultaneous detoxification of H2O2, based on native or topically applied catalase.


Genome-wide comparative in silico analysis of the RNA helicase gene family in Zea mays and Glycine max: a comparison with Arabidopsis and Oryza sativa.
RNA helicases are enzymes that are thought to unwind double-stranded RNA molecules in an energy-dependent fashion through the hydrolysis of NTP. RNA helicases are associated with all processes involving RNA molecules, including nuclear transcription, editing, splicing, ribosome biogenesis, RNA export, and organelle gene expression. The involvement of RNA helicase in response to stress and in plant growth and development has been reported previously. While their importance in Arabidopsis and Oryza sativa has been partially studied, the function of RNA helicase proteins is poorly understood in Zea mays and Glycine max. In this study, we identified a total of RNA helicase genes in Arabidopsis and other crop species genome by genome-wide comparative in silico analysis. We classified the RNA helicase genes into three subfamilies according to the structural features of the motif II region, such as DEAD-box, DEAH-box and DExD/H-box, and different species showed different patterns of alternative splicing. Secondly, chromosome location analysis showed that the RNA helicase protein genes were distributed across all chromosomes with different densities in the four species. Thirdly, phylogenetic tree analyses identified the relevant homologs of DEAD-box, DEAH-box and DExD/H-box RNA helicase proteins in each of the four species. Fourthly, microarray expression data showed that many of these predicted RNA helicase genes were expressed in different developmental stages and different tissues under normal growth conditions. Finally, real-time quantitative PCR analysis showed that the expression levels of 10 genes in Arabidopsis and 13 genes in Zea mays were in close agreement with the microarray expression data. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a comparative genome-wide analysis of the RNA helicase gene family in Arabidopsis, Oryza sativa, Zea mays and Glycine max. This study provides valuable information for understanding the classification and putative functions of the RNA helicase gene family in crop growth and development.


Cohort study on circumcision of newborn boys and subsequent risk of urinary-tract infection.
A decrease in risk of urinary-tract infection is one of the most commonly given reasons for circumcision of newborn boys. Previous studies have reported rates of UTI to be 10-20 times higher in uncircumcised than in circumcised boys. This population-based cohort study followed neonates in Ontario, Canada, prospectively to study the relation between circumcision and subsequent UTI risk. Eligible boys were born to residents of Ontario between April 1, 1993, and March 31, 1994. We used hospital discharge data to follow up boys until March 31, 1996. Of 69,100 eligible boys, 30,105 (43.6%) were circumcised and 38,995 (56.4%) uncircumcised. 888 boys circumcised after the first month of life were excluded. 29,217 uncircumcised boys were matched to the remaining circumcised boys by date of birth. The 1-year probabilities of hospital admission for UTI were 1.88 per 1000 person-years of observation (83 cases up to end of follow-up) in the circumcised cohort and 7.02 per 1000 person-years (247 cases up to end of follow-up) in the uncircumcised cohort (p<0.0001). The estimated relative risk of admission for UTI by first-year follow-up indicated a significantly higher risk for uncircumcised boys than for circumcised boys (3.7 [2.8-4.9]). 195 circumcisions would be needed to prevent one hospital admission for UTI in the first year of life. Although our findings support the notion that circumcision may protect boys from UTI, the magnitude of this effect may be less than previously estimated.


G2/M checkpoint is p53-dependent and independent after irradiation in five human sarcoma cell lines.
To determine the role of p53 in G2/M arrest, G2/M transition and apoptosis, we investigated five human sarcoma cell lines with different p53 gene status in their response to X-rays. The p53 status of the cell lines was mutant (US 8-93, LMS 6-93 and RD), null (SAOS-2) and wildtype (A-204). Clonogenic survival of the cell lines varied as the survival fraction at 2 Gy (SF2) ranged from 0.28 to 0.79. Compared with the mutated p53 cell lines (SF2 with a range from 0.46 to 0.79) the clonogenic survival of the wildtype p53 (wt-p53) cell line A-204 (SF2 = 0.34) was lower. The p53 null cell line (SAOS-2) was also sensitive to X-rays (SF2 = 0.28). We detected, in all cell lines a similar behavior in their response to irradiation with G2/M arrest and apoptosis. However, the maximal rate of apoptosis with a range from 7.0 to 18.0% was rather small. The decrease of G2/M cells was coupled with an increased percentage of apoptotic cells. However, a different delay in G2/M did not result in a change of radiation sensitivity. Western analyses showed an increased P53 level only for the cell line A-204 (wt-p53) after irradiation. Our results point out that there is not always a simple relationship between p53 gene status and radiation sensitivity. We suggest, that wt-p53 plays an active role in G2/M arrest and in decreasing the number of G2/M cells as a response to apoptosis. Therefore, p53-dependent regulation in G2/M may be as important as p53-independent mechanisms.


Dental health in urban and rural areas of central and western Bangladesh.
A survey of the prevalence of dental caries and periodontal disease was carried out in 826 individuals residing in Central and Western Bangladesh. The survey included 6, 12, 18 and 35-45 year olds in privileged and slum urban areas as well as in rural areas. Dmft, DMFT and CPITN indices were used. The results showed that the highest mean dmft-values were found in urban privileged children (5.0). The mean DMFT-values ranged from 1.1 (urban privileged 6 year olds) to 4.7 (rural 34-45 year olds). The percentage of 12 year old children affected by caries was higher than in the 18 and 35-45 year olds in all socioeconomic groups. No statistically significant differences were found in the mean DMFT values within the age groups between urban privileged, urban slum and rural people. There was a high prevalence of bleeding on probing and of calculus in all age groups. Except for the 6 year olds, less than 10% in all age groups had a healthy periodontium. In the 18 year olds, shallow pockets were found in 34% of the urban slum group and in 42% of the rural group, but not in the urban privileged group. Deep pockets (greater than 6 mm) were found in the 18 and 35-45 year olds, except in the urban privileged groups.


[Specific antisepsis and environmental disinfection in preventing "Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea"].
In the last years, Clostridium difficile acquired great interest for public health because of constant increase of Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD), especially in nosocomial field and as a consequences of its pathogenicity and virulence. Oro-faecal transmission and great environmental persistence of Clostridium difficile indicate hand hygiene of health care workers and environmental disinfection practices as key interventions for prevention and control of nosocomial CDAD. The current indications relative to the hand hygiene suggest the use of soap and water for hand washing and, to achieve a better compliance of health care workers to this treatment, the alternative use of sodium dichloroisocyanurate or alcohol-based solution or gel waterless. Regard to environmental disinfection, to avoid high concentrations of sodium hypochlorite (in the magnitude of 5.000-6.000 ppm), necessary to reduce microbic load of dirty environment, the most appropriate treatment should consist of 2 phases: preliminary cleaning with water and detergents or polyphenol, followed by treatment with solution containing 1.000 ppm available chlorine, obtained from sodium hypochlorite or sodium dichloroisocyanurate.


Shwachman-Diamond syndrome with clonal interstitial deletion of the long arm of chromosome 20 in bone marrow: haematological features, prognosis and genomic instability.
In Shwachman-Diamond syndrome (SDS), deletion of the long arm of chromosome 20, del(20)(q), often acquired in bone marrow (BM), may imply a lower risk of developing myelodysplastic syndrome/acute myeloid leukaemia (MDS/AML), due to the loss of the EIF6 gene. The genes L3MBTL1 and SGK2, also on chromosome 20, are in a cluster of imprinted genes, and their loss implies dysregulation of BM function. We report here the results of array comparative genomic hybridization (a-CGH) performed on BM DNA of six patients which confirmed the consistent loss of EIF6 gene. Interestingly, array single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) showed copy neutral loss of heterozygosity for EIF6 region in cases without del(20)(q). No preferential parental origin of the deleted chromosome 20 was detected by microsatellite analysis in six SDS patients. Our patients showed a very mild haematological condition, and none evolved into BM aplasia or MDS/AML. We extend the benign prognostic significance of del(20)(q) and loss of EIF6 to the haematological features of these patients, consistently characterized by mild hypoplastic BM, no or mild neutropenia, anaemia and thrombocytopenia. Some odd results obtained in microsatellite and SNP-array analysis demonstrate a peculiar genomic instability, in an attempt to improve BM function through the acquisition of the del(20)(q).


Reconceptualization of borderline conditions through the lens of the alternative model of personality disorders.
Borderline (BPD) and schizotypal personality disorder (SPD) were introduced in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Third Edition (DSM-III). However, the clinical differentiation of the 2 diagnoses (e.g., psychotic-like features) was challenging for diagnostic classification and clinical management. With the introduction of the alternative model for personality disorders (AMPD) in DSM-5 Section III, a dimensional approach was proposed, which potentially holds promise for better future differentiation between BPD and SPD. The present study sought to examine the psychopathology using the AMPD model. A total of 105 patients were interviewed, 25 were excluded according to exclusion criteria, and the final sample comprised 80 patients who fulfilled the DSM-5 criteria for BPD (n = 35), SPD (n = 25), and comorbid BPD + SPD (n = 20), respectively. All patients were administered The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 alternative model for personality disorders Modules I and II. One-way analysis of variance tests with planned contrasts were used. Results showed that for AMPD Criterion A, the BPD + SPD group had the most severe impairment of personality functioning, except for Identity, where the SPD group showed the most severe impairment. For AMPD Criterion B, the domain of Detachment and the facet of Eccentricity from the Psychoticism domain were most prominent for the SPD group relative to the 2 other groups. The differentiating between BPD and SPD manifestations of cognitive/perceptual disturbances does not seem resolved by the Psychoticism domain, which covers broader aspects of psychopathology. Future research should further investigate the construct of Psychoticism, especially to differentiate nonpsychotic symptoms (e.g., dissociation) and address thought disorder. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).


Optimization of efficiency-loss figure of merit in carrier-depletion silicon Mach-Zehnder optical modulator.
In this paper we study the optimization of interleaved Mach-Zehnder silicon carrier depletion electro-optic modulator. Following the simulation results we demonstrate a phase shifter with the lowest figure of merit (modulation efficiency multiplied by the loss per unit length) 6.7 V-dB. This result was achieved by reducing the junction width to 200 nm along the phase-shifter and optimizing the doping levels of the PN junction for operation in nearly fully depleted mode. The demonstrated low FOM is the result of both low V(π)L of ~0.78 Vcm (at reverse bias of 1V), and low free carrier loss (~6.6 dB/cm for zero bias). Our simulation results indicate that additional improvement in performance may be achieved by further reducing the junction width followed by increasing the doping levels.


Arctium lappa L. root extract induces cell death via mitochondrial-mediated caspase-dependent apoptosis in Jurkat human leukemic T cells.
Arctium lappa L. is a perennial herb traditionally consumed to improve well-being. It has been widely reported for its antioxidant properties; however, very little is known for its exact mechanisms underlying the anticancer activity. This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms of anticancer action for different A. lappa root extracts. Arctium lappa root was extracted with ethanol, hexane and ethyl acetate, then examined for in vitro anticancer activity against cancerous HeLa, MCF-7, Jurkat cell lines and non-cancerous 3T3 cell lines. Induction of apoptosis was determined by cellular morphological changes, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), caspase-3/7 activity and DNA fragmentation. The active compounds present in the most potent root extracts were identified by LC-ESI-MS. Among all the extracts, ethyl acetate root extract has the highest potency with IC50 of 102.2 ± 42.4 μg/ml, followed by ethanolic root extract in Jurkat T cells, at 24 h. None of the extracts were cytotoxic against 3T3 cells, suggesting that the extracts were selective against cancerous cells only. Both ethyl acetate and ethanolic root extracts exhibited significant morphological changes in Jurkat T cells, including the detachment from adjacent cells, appearance of apoptotic bodies and cells shrinkage. The extracts treated cells also displayed an increase in caspase-3/7 activity and alteration in mitochondrial membrane potential. Only ethyl acetate root extract at IC50 induced DNA fragmentation in Jurkat T cells. LC-ESI-MS analysis of the extract revealed the presence of 8 compounds, of which only 6 compounds with various biological activities reported. These findings suggest that the ethyl acetate extract of A. lappa had strong anticancer potential and induced intrinsic apoptosis via loss of ΔΨm and activation of caspase-3/7 This study can provide new insight to the discovery of new promising lead compound in chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic strategies.


Lifetime occupational exposures and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease risk in the UK Biobank cohort.
Occupational exposures are important, preventable causes of COPD. We previously found an increased risk of COPD among six occupations by analysing lifetime job histories and lung function data in the population-based UK Biobank cohort. We aimed to build on these findings and elucidate the underlying potential causal agents to focus preventive strategies. We applied the ALOHA+job exposure matrix (JEM) based on the International Standard Classification of Occupations V.1988 codes, where exposure to 12 selected agents was rated as 0 (no exposure), 1 (low) or 2 (high). COPD was spirometrically defined as FEV1/FVC less than the lower limit of normal. We calculated semiquantitative cumulative exposure estimates for each agent by multiplying the duration of exposure and squared intensity. Prevalence ratio (PR) and 95% CI for COPD were estimated using robust Poisson regression adjusted for centre, sex, age, smoking and coexposure to JEM agents. Only associations confirmed among never-smokers and never-asthmatics were considered reliable. Out of 116 375 participants with complete job histories, 94 514 had acceptable/repeatable spirometry and smoking data and were included in the analysis. Pesticide exposure showed increased risk of COPD for ever exposure (PR=1.13, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.28) and high cumulative exposure (PR=1.32, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.56), with positive exposure-response trends (p trend=0.004), which were confirmed among never-smokers (p trend=0.005) and never-asthmatics (p trend=0.001). In a large population-based study, occupational exposure to pesticides was associated with risk of COPD. Focused preventive strategies for workers exposed to pesticides can prevent the associated COPD burden.


Six-year multicenter study on short-term peripheral venous catheters-related bloodstream infection rates in 246 intensive units of 83 hospitals in 52 cities of 14 countries of Middle East: Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Jordan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Pakistan, Palestine, Sudan, Tunisia, Turkey, and United Arab Emirates-International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC) findings.
Short-term peripheral venous catheters-related bloodstream infections (PVCR-BSIs) rates have not been systematically studied, and data on their incidence by number of device-days is not available. Prospective, surveillance study on PVCR-BSI conducted from September 1st, 2013 to 31st Mays, 2019 in 246 intensive care units (ICUs), members of the International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC), from 83 hospitals in 52 cities of 14 countries in the Middle East (Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Jordan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Pakistan, Palestine, Sudan, Tunisia, Turkey, and United Arab Emirates). We applied U.S. We followed 31,083 ICU patients for 189,834 bed-days and 202,375 short term peripheral venous catheter (PVC)-days. We identified 470 PVCR-BSIs, amounting to a rate of 2.32/1000 PVC-days. Mortality in patients with PVC but without PVCR-BSI was 10.38%, and 29.36% in patients with PVC and PVCR-BSI. The mean length of stay in patients with PVC but without PVCR-BSI was 5.94 days, and 16.84 days in patients with PVC and PVCR-BSI. The microorganism profile showed 55.2 % of gram-positive bacteria, with Coagulase-negative Staphylococci (31%) and Staphylococcus aureus (14%) being the predominant ones. Gram-negative bacteria accounted for 39% of cases, and included: Escherichia coli (7%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (8%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (5%), Enterobacter spp. (3%), and others (29.9%), such as Serratia marcescens. PVCR-BSI rates found in our ICUs were much higher than rates published from USA, Australia, and Italy. Infection prevention programs must be implemented to reduce the incidence of PVCR-BSIs.


[Long-term results after surgery for acute aortic endocarditis].
Late results after surgery for acute infectious aortic endocarditis using allografts are compared with those achieved with bioprostheses or mechanical heart valves. Cryopreserved allografts were used in 74 (22 %) and prosthetic heart valve in 262 out of 336 (78 %) patients presenting acute aortic endocarditis. Prosthetic (p = 0.001) and destructive endocarditis (p = 0.001) were more frequent in patients receiving allografts. Mean follow-up time was 6.6 ± 4 years (range, 3 to 28 years). The 30-daymortality was 19 % for allograft patients and 6 % for those receiving prosthetic heart valves (p = 0.002). Early reoperation, postoperative renal failure and sepsis did not differ between groups. After 20 years, actuarial survival was 60 % for mechanical heart valves, 44 % for bioprosthesis and 38 % for allografts (p = 0.003), reoperation was unnecessary in 52 % of mechanical heart valves and 10 % of bioprostheses and allografts (p = 0.0007). Acute infection at the time of operation (p = 0.0001), redo surgery (p = 0.0006), staphylococci (p = 0.0003), older age (p = 0.004) and mitral valve involvement (p = 0.004) were risk factors for late death, irrespective of preoperative antibiotic treatment and type of prosthesis used. A longer bypass and aortic cross-clamp time predicted early (p = 0.0001) and late survival (p = 0.0001), independently. Destructive aortic endocarditis has a poor long-term outcome irrespective of the use of allografts. Acute infection at the time of surgery predicted early and late death; however, surgery is indicated prior to secondary involvement of the mitral valve. The duration of preoperative antibiotic treatment did not affect outcome. A thorough surgical technique directly influences early and late survival.


Assessment of patient and provider attitudes towards therapeutic drug monitoring to improve medication adherence in low-income patients with hypertension: a qualitative study.
Previous studies have implicated therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM), by measuring serum or urine drug levels, as a highly reliable technique for detecting medication non-adherence but the attitudes of patients and physicians toward TDM have not been evaluated previously. Accordingly, we solicited input from patients with uncontrolled hypertension and their physicians about their views on TDM. Prospective analysis of responses to a set of questions during semistructured interviews. Outpatient clinics in an integrated health system which provides care for a low-income, uninsured population. Patients with uncontrolled hypertension with either systolic blood pressure of at least 130 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure of at least 80 mm Hg despite antihypertensive drugs and providers in the general cardiology and internal medicine clinics. Attitudes towards TDM and the potential impact on physician-patient relationship. We interviewed 11 patients and 10 providers and discussed the findings with 13 community advisory panel (CAP) members. Of the patients interviewed, 91% (10 of 11) and all 10 providers thought TDM was a good idea and should be used regularly to better understand the reasons for poorly controlled hypertension. However, 63% (7 of 11) of patients and 20% of providers expressed reservations that TDM could negatively impact the physician-patient relationship. Despite some concerns, the majority of patients, providers and CAP members believed that if test results are communicated without blaming patients, the potential benefits of TDM in identifying suboptimal adherence and eliciting barriers to adherence outweighed the risks. The idea of TDM is well accepted by patients and their providers. TDM information if delivered in a non-judgmental manner, to encourage an honest conversation between patients and physicians, has the potential to reduce patient-physician communication obstacles and to identify barriers to adherence which, when overcome, can improve health outcomes.


Perioperative B-blockers in non-cardiac surgery: actual situation.
Cardiac events occur in 1% to 5% of patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery. Myocardial ischemia and nonfatal myocardial infarction constitute the most significant risk factors for mortality and cardiovascular morbidity, in patients with coronary artery disease. Perioperative b- blockade has been reported to reduce the risk of perioperative cardiac complications. Seven multicentre randomized trials have evaluated the impact of perioperative b-blocker administration on incidence of cardiovascular events.The Study of Perioperative Ischemia Research Group, the DECREASE and the BBSA trials focused on high risk patients for perioperative complications. The POBBLE, MaVS, and DIPOM trials did not target at patients with specific clinical risk factors, except DIPOM that included patients with diabetes. Finally, the POISE trial randomized patients with a wide variety of risk factors for perioperative cardiac complications. Interestingly, five meta-analyses reported a significant reduction in patients receiving b-blockers, with respect to perioperative myocardial ischemia and myocardial infarction. In conclusion, consistent evidence demonstrated a reduction in cardiac mortality and myocardial infarction by perioperative b-blockade in patients with clinical risk factors, undergoing high-risk non-cardiac surgery. However, patients with extensive preoperative ischemia were at high risk of perioperative cardiac complications, despite b-blocker therapy. Conversely, perioperative b-blocker therapy did not reduce the incidence of cardiac complications in patients without clinical risk factors. While, the safety and effectiveness of perioperative b-blockers in intermediate-risk patients, still remain a debatable issue.


Changes in glycine content in mouse brain during hypoxic preconditioning.
Glycine content of the whole brain and subregions was measured by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) in mice during their repetitive exposures to hypoxia. The contents of glycine in whole brain, diencephalon, and hippocampus and brain stem was significantly increased as the animals tolerance to hypoxia was increased. The results suggest that glycine, as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, may positively contribute to the development of hypoxic preconditioning.


PCR-ELISA for the detection of Brugia malayi infection using finger-prick blood.
A polymerase chain reaction assay based on the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (PCR-ELISA) has been developed to detect Brugia malayi infection in an area of low endemicity in Malaysia. Blood samples from 239 subjects were tested: 192 amicrofilaraemic individuals, 14 microfilaraemic persons and 3 chronic elephantiasis cases from endemic areas and 30 city-dwellers (non-endemic controls). PCR products were examined by ELISA and Southern hybridization. In the PCR-ELISA, digoxigenin-labelled PCR products were hybridized to a biotin-labelled probe. This was followed by incubation in streptavidin-coated microtitre wells and detection using anti-digoxigenin-peroxidase and ABTS [2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid)]. All microfilaraemic samples were positive by PCR-ELISA and Southern hybridization and all samples from non-endemic subjects and chronic elephantiasis patients were negative. The PCR-ELISA detected 12 times as many B. malayi infections as did thick blood film examination. Nineteen of the 194 samples from the endemic area gave positive results by both PCR-ELISA and Southern hybridization, and an additional 5 samples were positive by PCR-ELISA only. The PCR-ELISA was specific and sensitive, detected more infections, and was more reproducible than Southern hybridization.


Adult zebrafish intestine resection: a novel model of short bowel syndrome, adaptation, and intestinal stem cell regeneration.
Loss of significant intestinal length from congenital anomaly or disease may lead to short bowel syndrome (SBS); intestinal failure may be partially offset by a gain in epithelial surface area, termed adaptation. Current in vivo models of SBS are costly and technically challenging. Operative times and survival rates have slowed extension to transgenic models. We created a new reproducible in vivo model of SBS in zebrafish, a tractable vertebrate model, to facilitate investigation of the mechanisms of intestinal adaptation. Proximal intestinal diversion at segment 1 (S1, equivalent to jejunum) was performed in adult male zebrafish. SBS fish emptied distal intestinal contents via stoma as in the human disease. After 2 wk, S1 was dilated compared with controls and villus ridges had increased complexity, contributing to greater villus epithelial perimeter. The number of intervillus pockets, the intestinal stem cell zone of the zebrafish increased and contained a higher number of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU)-labeled cells after 2 wk of SBS. Egf receptor and a subset of its ligands, also drivers of adaptation, were upregulated in SBS fish. Igf has been reported as a driver of intestinal adaptation in other animal models, and SBS fish exposed to a pharmacological inhibitor of the Igf receptor failed to demonstrate signs of intestinal adaptation, such as increased inner epithelial perimeter and BrdU incorporation. We describe a technically feasible model of human SBS in the zebrafish, a faster and less expensive tool to investigate intestinal stem cell plasticity as well as the mechanisms that drive intestinal adaptation.


The Promotion of Premium Cigars on Social Media.
The health effect of premium cigar smoking is determined by patterns of use and perceptions, which are shaped by marketing messages. The tobacco industry uses brand-owned media promotion on social media to market its product. However, premium cigar brands' promotion of their products on social media is unknown. Forty-seven premium cigar brands were reviewed. For each brand, we identified the social media accounts and examined the content of the 10 most recent posts of each social media platform to identify the marketing themes in July 2022. We also assessed the presence of age-gating and the dates of the posts. Of the 47 brands, 65% (n = 31) had Facebook and Instagram, 56% (n = 27) had Twitter, 21% (n = 10) had YouTube, and 17% (n = 8) had "other" (e.g. LinkedIn and Pinterest) accounts. Age-gating across these platforms ranged from 0% to 49%. Marketing themes identified from 981 social media posts included product features, alcohol, holidays, events and festivals, discounts and sweepstakes, taste, family, quality, lounges and clubs, culture, innovation, masculinity, and "other" (e.g. fundraising for charity and celebrity endorsement). Premium cigar brands are using brand-owned social media to promote their products using similar strategies (e.g. discounts and sweepstakes) used by other tobacco industries but also using novel themes (e.g. fundraising for charity, events and festivals) to enhance engagement. Ongoing comprehensive surveillance of premium cigars' marketing is needed on social media to inform marketing restrictions to protect public health, including priority populations such as youth. This study is the first to identify that premium cigar brands are promoting their brands and products on brand-owned social media, using diverse themes and strategies to engage and appeal to the public. Age gating of the promotional content on social media was low. Findings suggest that marketing restrictions to reduce the appeal of premium cigars among youth is needed to reduce tobacco-related harm.


[Periodontal disease and quality of life].
In order to gain insight into the degree to which periodontal disease is related to quality of life, research was carried out among 85 patients with moderate or severe periodontal disease in which they were asked to complete the Oral Health Impact Profile-NL49. Their scores on this questionnaire were compared with the scores of 85 control subjects of comparable age and gender. The patients with periodontal disease demonstrated significantly worse scores compared to the control group and patients with severe periodontal disease had scores which were statistically significantly worse than patients with moderate periodontal disease. The results of this study suggest a causal negative association of periodontal disease with quality of life.


Floral trait differentiation in Anacamptis coriophora: Phenotypic selection on scents, but not on colour.
Current divergent selection may promote floral trait differentiation among conspecific populations in flowering plants. However, whether this applies to complex traits such as colour or scents has been little studied, even though these traits often vary within species. In this study, we compared floral colour and odour as well as selective pressures imposed upon these traits among seven populations belonging to three subspecies of the widespread, generalist orchid Anacamptis coriophora. Colour was characterized using calibrated photographs, and scents were sampled using dynamic headspace extraction and analysed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. We then quantified phenotypic selection exerted on these traits by regressing fruit set values on floral trait values. We showed that the three studied subspecies were characterized by different floral colour and odour, with one of the two predominant floral volatiles emitted by each subspecies being taxon-specific. Plant size was positively correlated with fruit set in most populations, whereas we found no apparent link between floral colour and female reproductive success. We detected positive selection on several taxon-specific compounds in A. coriophora subsp. fragrans, whereas no selection was found on floral volatiles of A. coriophora subsp. coriophora and A. coriophora subsp. martrinii. This study is one of the first to document variation in phenotypic selection exerted on floral scents among conspecific populations. Our results suggest that selection could contribute to ongoing chemical divergence among A. coriophora subspecies.


Development of water-insoluble chitosan patch scaffold to repair traumatic tympanic membrane perforations.
Perforated tympanic membranes (TM) and otitis media can be managed with a paper patch or tympanoplasty. However, a paper patch is not biocompatible and tympanoplasty requires complex aseptic surgical procedures. A novel biocompatible patch with a water-insoluble chitosan as the main component was prepared. Optimal mechanical characteristics of a water-insoluble chitosan patch scaffold (CPS) was approximately 40 microm in thickness, 7 MPa in tensile strength, and 107% in percent elongation, even though the characteristics varied significantly depending on the concentrations of chitosan and glycerol. SEM of the CPSs showed a very smooth surface as compared with that of the paper patches. These CPSs showed no cytotoxicity and had a stimulating effect on the proliferation of TM cells in in vitro study. In in vivo study, 4 (21.1%) and 17 (89.5%) TMs out of 19 adult rats with CPSs showed no perforations at 1 and 2 weeks, respectively. However, left control TMs showed healing of 0 (0%) at 1 week and 18 (94.7%) at 2 weeks. TEM findings of regenerated eardrums using CPSs showed thinner, smoother, and more compact tissues than spontaneously healed eardrums. A CPS was more effective than spontaneous healing to repair traumatic TM perforations.


Coevolution is linked with phenotypic diversification but not speciation in avian brood parasites.
Coevolution is often invoked as an engine of biological diversity. Avian brood parasites and their hosts provide one of the best-known examples of coevolution. Brood parasites lay their eggs in the nests of other species, selecting for host defences and reciprocal counteradaptations in parasites. In theory, this arms race should promote increased rates of speciation and phenotypic evolution. Here, we use recently developed methods to test whether the three largest avian brood parasitic lineages show changes in rates of phenotypic diversity and speciation relative to non-parasitic lineages. Our results challenge the accepted paradigm, and show that there is little consistent evidence that lineages of brood parasites have higher speciation or extinction rates than non-parasitic species. However, we provide the first evidence that the evolution of brood parasitic behaviour may affect rates of evolution in morphological traits associated with parasitism. Specifically, egg size and the colour and pattern of plumage have evolved up to nine times faster in parasitic than in non-parasitic cuckoos. Moreover, cuckoo clades of parasitic species that are sympatric (and share similar host genera) exhibit higher rates of phenotypic evolution. This supports the idea that competition for hosts may be linked to the high phenotypic diversity found in parasitic cuckoos.


Large-Scale Heteroscedastic Regression via Gaussian Process.
Heteroscedastic regression considering the varying noises among observations has many applications in the fields, such as machine learning and statistics. Here, we focus on the heteroscedastic Gaussian process (HGP) regression that integrates the latent function and the noise function in a unified nonparametric Bayesian framework. Though showing remarkable performance, HGP suffers from the cubic time complexity, which strictly limits its application to big data. To improve the scalability, we first develop a variational sparse inference algorithm, named VSHGP, to handle large-scale data sets. Furthermore, two variants are developed to improve the scalability and capability of VSHGP. The first is stochastic VSHGP (SVSHGP) that derives a factorized evidence lower bound, thus enhancing efficient stochastic variational inference. The second is distributed VSHGP (DVSHGP) that follows the Bayesian committee machine formalism to distribute computations over multiple local VSHGP experts with many inducing points and adopts hybrid parameters for experts to guard against overfitting and capture local variety. The superiority of DVSHGP and SVSHGP compared to the existing scalable HGP/homoscedastic GP is then extensively verified on various data sets.


High quality factor whispering gallery modes from self-assembled hexagonal GaN rods grown by metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy.
Self-assembled GaN rods were grown on sapphire by metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy using a simple two-step method that relies first on a nitridation step followed by GaN epitaxy. The mask-free rods formed without any additional catalyst. Most of the vertically aligned rods exhibit a regular hexagonal shape with sharp edges and smooth sidewall facets. Cathodo- and microphotoluminescence investigations were carried out on single GaN rods. Whispering gallery modes with quality factors greater than 4000 were measured demonstrating the high morphological and optical quality of the self-assembled GaN rods.


[Recent advances in the study of spermatogenesis and fertilization in Caenorhabditis elegans].
Spermatogenesis in Caenorhabditis elegans, mainly consisting of meiosis and spermiogenesis (or sperm activation), is a complicated cell differentiation process. The germ cells develop into matured motile spermatozoa after the expression of specific genes during meiosis and protein posttranslational modification during spermiogenesis. The spermatozoa compete with each other, communicate with and finally fertilize the oocytes such that new individuals are generated. A group of mutants related to spermatogenesis, sperm motility and fertilization are obtained through the sterile screen. Some specific genes in spermatogenesis and fertilization have been cloned and their functions have been studied. C. elegans is an attractive model to dissect the complexities of spermatogenesis and fertilization. The advances in the study of C. elegans may give insights to important targets for the study of male infertility and contraceptives in humans.


Oriented responses of grapevine moth larvae Lobesia botrana to volatiles from host plants and an artificial diet on a locomotion compensator.
Larvae of the grapevine moth Lobesia botrana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) are a major pest of vine, Vitis vinifera. As larvae have limited energy reserves and are in danger of desiccation and predation an efficient response to plant volatiles that would guide them to food and shelter could be expected. The responses of starved 2nd or 3rd instar larvae to volatile emissions from their artificial diet and to single host plant volatiles were recorded on a locomotion compensator. Test products were added to an air stream passing over the 30cm diameter servosphere. The larvae showed non-directed walks of low rectitude in the air stream alone but changed to goal-oriented upwind displacement characterised by relatively straight tracks when the odour of the artificial diet and vapours of methyl salicylate, 1-hexanol, (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol, terpinen-4-ol, 1-octen-3-ol, (E)-4,8-dimethyl-1,3,7-nonatriene and (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate were added to the air stream. This chemoanemotactic targeted displacement illustrates appetence for certain volatile cues from food by starved Lobesia larvae. Analysis of the larval behaviour indicates dose dependent responses to some of the host plant volatiles tested with a response to methyl salicylate already visible at 1ng, the lowest source dose tested. These behavioural responses show that Lobesia larvae can efficiently locate mixtures of volatile products released by food sources as well as single volatile constituents of their host plants. Such goal-oriented responses with shorter travel time and reduced energy loss are probably of importance for larval survival as it decreases the time they are exposed to biotic and abiotic hazards.