Thanks to genome-scale diversity data, present-day studies can provide a detailed view of how natural and cultivated species adapt to their environment and particularly to environmental gradients. However, due to their sensitivity, up-to-date studies might be more sensitive to undocumented demographic effects such as the pattern of migration and the ...

Abstract Conclusion: Contrary to our expectation, that the clinical characteristics of temporal bone fracture would differ in children and adults, we found that the two groups were similar. Objectives: Most studies of temporal bone fractures have been performed in adults. To our knowledge, no study has investigated differences in temporal ...

A total of 146 Group B Streptococcus isolates from 8 cities across China belonged to four serotypes. Serotype Ia was more common in children. High prevalence of resistance was observed for levofloxacin (37.7%), erythromycin (71.2%), clindamycin (54.1%), and tetracycline (81.5%). The levofloxacin and clindamycin resistances among the 4 serotypes differed ...

Put the right spin on it: Mixed monomeric organotin(IV) chalcogenides of the general formula L(2) Sn(2) EX(2) containing two terminal Sn-X (X=Se, Te) bonds were prepared and were tested as potential single-source precursors for the deposition of semiconducting thin films. Spin-coating deposition of [{2,6-(Me(2) NCH(2) )(2) C(6) H(3) }SnSe](2) (μ-S), ...

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Disease manifestations of Staphylococcus aureus are connected to the fibronectin (Fn)-binding capacity of these Gram-positive pathogens. Fn deposition on the surface of S. aureus allows engagement of alpha5beta1 integrins and triggers uptake by host cells. For several integrin- and actin-associated cytoplasmic proteins, including FAK, Src, N-WASP, tensin and ...

Focal adhesions (FAs) are dynamic structures that connect the actin cytoskeleton with the extracellular matrix. At least six ADP-ribosylation factor (Arf) GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs), including ARAP2 (an Arf6 GAP), are implicated in regulation of FAs but the mechanisms for most are not well defined. Although Rac1 has been reported to ...

The processes of Ig gene locus contraction and looping during V(D)J-recombination are essential for creating a diverse Ab repertoire. However, no cis-acting sequence that plays a major role in specifying locus contraction has been uncovered within the Igκ gene locus. In this article, we demonstrate that a 650-bp sequence corresponding ...

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) causes acute respiratory infections in children. The prevalence and clinical characteristics of hMPV were determined in nasopharyngeal aspirates of children in Changsha, China. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) or PCR was employed to screen for both hMPV and other common respiratory viruses in 1,165 nasopharyngeal aspirate specimens ...

Next-generation sequencing platforms have evolved to provide an accurate and comprehensive means for the detection of molecular mutations in heterogeneous tumour specimens. Here, we review the feasibility and practicality of this novel laboratory technology. In particular, we focus on the utility of next-generation sequencing technology in characterizing haematological neoplasms and ...

Microsporum canis, for which the natural hosts are cats and dogs, is the most prevalent zoophilic agent causing tinea capitis and tinea corporis in humans. We present here a diagnostic PCR test for M. canis, since its detection and species identification is relevant to the choice of treatment and to ...

BackgroundHigher body mass index (BMI) and inactivity have been associated with a higher risk of developing endometrial cancer, but the impact on endometrial cancer survival is unclear.MethodsAmong incident endometrial cancer case subjects in the National Institutes of Health-AARP Diet and Health Study, we examined associations of prediagnosis BMI (n = ...

Background: Endovascular treatment of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) includes pharmacological and mechanical thrombolysis. Methods: The authors searched the English literature on CVST from 1990 to 2012 for all case reports or case series of mechanical thrombectomy. Results: A total of 64 patients were treated in all published studies. The ...

This work presents a simple method to generate ordered chromophore/dispersant nanoarrays through a pore-filling process for nanoporous polymer template to enhance chromophore luminescence. Fluorescence results combining with the morphological evolution examined by scanning probe microscopy reveal that the enhanced luminescence intensity reaches the maximum intensity as the nanopores of the ...

Context:No relationship has been found between improvement in quality of life (QOL) and total IGF-I during GH therapy.Aim:Our aim was to investigate the relationship between IGF-I bioactivity and QOL in GH-deficient (GHD) patients receiving GH for 12 months.Methods:Of 106 GHD patients, 84 on GH treatment discontinued therapy 4 weeks before ...

A range of frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs) containing borenium cations have been synthesised. The catechol (Cat)-ligated borenium cation [CatB(PtBu(3) )](+) has a lower hydride-ion affinity (HIA) than B(C(6) F(5) )(3) . This resulted in H(2) activation being energetically unfavourable in a FLP with the strong base PtBu(3) . However, ligand ...

The LDL receptor (LDLR) supports efficient uptake of both LDL and VLDL remnants by binding lipoprotein at the cell surface, internalizing lipoprotein through coated pits and releasing lipoprotein in endocytic compartments before returning to the surface for further rounds of uptake. While many aspects of lipoprotein binding and receptor entry ...

Efavirenz (EFV) is one of the most commonly prescribed antiretrovirals for the treatment of HIV. Highly protein-bound drugs, like EFV, have limited CNS penetration when measured using total drug concentration gradients between blood plasma (BP) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). However, the more relevant pharmacologically active protein-free drug concentrations are rarely ...

Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) is caused by mutations in cardiac ryanodine receptor (RyR2) or calsequestrin (Casq2) genes. Sinoatrial node dysfunction associated with CPVT may increase the risk for ventricular arrhythmia (VA). To test the hypothesis that CPVT is suppressed by supraventricular overdrive stimulation. Using CPVT mouse models (Casq2(-/-) and ...

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Fibulin-1 is one of a few extracellular matrix proteins present in blood in high concentrations. We aimed to define the relationship between plasma fibulin-1 levels and risk markers of cardiovascular disease. METHODS: Plasma fibulin-1 was determined in subjects with chronic kidney disease (n = 32; median age 62.5, ...

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Antisense oligonucleotide (AON)-mediated exon skipping is a powerful tool to manipulate gene expression. In the present study we investigated the potential of exon skipping by local injection in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) of the mouse brain. As proof of principle we targeted the splicing of ...

The complex class of cobalamin-sensitive riboswitches use a "kissing loop" to regulate gene expression. The molecular details of the recognition and folding mode of this riboswitch have been revealed by recent X-ray structures. These insights together with the identification of RNA polymerase pause sites during transcription have resulted in a ...

Although dispersal distance plays a major role in determining whether organisms will reach new habitats, empirical data on the environmental factors that affect dispersal distance are lacking. Population density and kin competition are two factors theorised to increase dispersal distance. Using the two-spotted spider mite as a model species, we ...

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Two theories attempt to explain the changes observed in the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in chagasic cardiomyopathy. The neurogenic theory proposes that receptor changes are due to loss of intracardiac ganglia parasympathetic neurons. The immunogenic theory proposes that the nAChRs changes are the result of autoantibodies against these ...

ABSTRACT: Purpose: The Psychological General Well Being Index (PGWBI) is a widely used scale across many conditions. Over time issues have been raised about the dimensional structure of the scale, and it has not yet been subjected to scrutiny by modern Psychometric approaches. The current study thus evaluates the PGWBI ...

BACKGROUND: The width of the facial alveolar bone wall is crucial for long-term successful esthetic outcomes of implants immediately placed into extraction sockets. A threshold of 2 mm is recommended to minimize buccal vertical bone resorption. AIM: To assess the width of the facial alveolar bone wall using cone-beam computed tomography ...

We describe an opportunistic, disseminated infection in a German shepherd dog associated with two fungal organisms not previously reported to cause disease. Lecythophora canina, a new species here described, was isolated from an osteolytic bone lesion. A fine needle aspirate of the lesion demonstrated septate hyphae. Plectospharella cucumerina (anamorph Plectosporium ...

Substrate specificity: Biochemical and crystallographic analyses reveal the hypoxia-inducible factor hydroxylase (FIH) as being promiscuous with respect to the residues that it can hydroxylate in β-position, which in addition to Asn, Asp, and His include Leu and Ser residues. The Ser substrate is oxidized to an epimeric β-geminal diol product.

BACKGROUND: Drug resistance against first-line antimalarials warrants search for new lead compounds and repurposing of drugs such as methotrexate. Animal models are required for preclinical drug development before clinical testing. This study aimed to develop a preclinical drug development system in baboons infected with Plasmodium knowlesi. METHODS: Protocols for drug ...

Abstract Each cell of a battery stores electrical energy as chemical energy in two electrodes, a reductant (anode) and an oxidant (cathode), separated by an electrolyte that transfers the ionic component of the chemical reaction inside the cell and forces the electronic component outside the battery. The output on discharge ...

The conserved family of Cdc14 phosphatases targets cyclin-dependent kinase substrates in yeast, mediating late mitotic signaling events. To discover substrates and regulators of the Schizosaccharomyces pombe Cdc14 phosphatase Clp1, TAP-tagged Clp1 and a substrate trapping mutant (Clp1-C286S) were purified from asynchronous and mitotic (prometaphase and anaphase) cells and binding partners ...

Open-and-shut case: The cage CC bond cleavage of monosubstituted carborane derivatives at room temperature has now been achieved. This approach, which is facilitated by half-sandwich complexes, provides a facile and direct synthesis of pseudocloso metallacarboranes (see picture; dots indicate carbon atoms).

Aims: The authors sought to estimate differences in doctor-certified sickness absence during pregnancy among immigrant and native women. Methods: Population-based cohort study of pregnant women attending three Child Health Clinics in Groruddalen, Oslo, and their offspring. Questionnaire data were collected at gestational weeks 10-20 and 28. The participation rate was ...

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Our objective was to compare the frequency of adverse events (AEs) due to any of the 4 types of fresh-frozen plasma (FFP) prepared and delivered by the French Blood Establishment (EFS) over a 10-year period. Surveillance of AEs and vigilance was performed according to a homogeneous policy. ...

Background. Given the improved survival of patients requiring decompressive craniectomies, the frequency of subsequent cranioplasties are on the rise. The most feared complication of autologous cranioplasty is infection and one method for reducing the rate of infection, is to store the bone flaps at subnormal temperatures. However, to date there ...

Macromolecular crowding is an ubiquitous phenomenon in living cells that significantly affects the function of enzymes in vivo. However, this effect has not been paid much attention in the research of the immobilization of enzymes onto mesoporous silica. Herein, we report the combined effects of macromolecular crowding and surface hydrophobicity on ...

Bariatric surgery results in bone loss at weight-bearing sites, the mechanism of which is unknown. Twenty-two women (mean body mass index 44 kg/m(2); aged 45 years) who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (n = 14) and restrictive procedures (n = 8) had measurements of areal bone mineral density by dual-energy x-ray ...

Recently, Brachypodium distachyon has emerged as a model plant for studying monocot grasses and cereal crops. Using assembled expressed transcript sequences and subsequent mapping to the corresponding genome, we identified 1219 alternative splicing (AS) events spanning across 2021 putatively assembled transcripts generated from 941 genes. Approximately, 6.3% of expressed genes ...

An increased understanding of nanoparticle toxicity and its impact on human health is essential to enable a safe use of nanoparticles in our society. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of a Trojan horse type mechanism for the toxicity of Ag-nano and CuO-nano particles and their ...

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the modified Atkins diet in a randomized controlled trial in children with refractory epilepsy. METHODS: Children aged 2-14 years who had daily seizures despite the appropriate use of at least three anticonvulsant drugs were enrolled. Children were randomized to ...

Two studies were conducted to evaluate the effects of pre-weaning limit-fed creep-feed (LFC) with or without trace mineral-fortification on trace mineral status and pre- and post-weaning growth performance of beef calves. At 102 (Exp. 1) and 97 (Exp. 2) d before weaning, Brahman x British cow-calf pairs (calf age = ...

In 2009, the Children's Oncology Group (COG) phase III randomized controlled trial, ANBL0032, found that adding immunotherapy (Ch14.18) to standard therapy significantly improved outcomes in patients with high-risk neuroblastoma when administered within 110 days after autologous stem-cell transplantation (SCT). After careful deliberation and consultation, the COG Neuroblastoma Committee decided to ...

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is a common medical emergency with significant mortality and significant neurological morbidity. Helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) may be tasked to OHCA. We sought to assess the impact of tasking a HEMS service to OHCA and characterise the nature of these calls. METHOD: Retrospective ...

BACKGROUND: Vitiligo is a disease of color loss from skin and possibly also from hair. The presence of white hair follicles is known to be a bad prognostic sign. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the possibility of repigmentation of white hair follicles after epithelial grafting. METHODS: Patients with recalcitrant vitiligo with loss ...

AIM: To quantify the risk of death associated with Clostridium difficile infection, in an Australian tertiary hospital. BACKGROUND: Two reviews examining Clostridium difficile infection and mortality indicate that Clostridium difficile infection is associated with increased mortality in hospitalized patients. Studies investigating the mortality of Clostridium difficile infection in settings outside ...

Mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule (MAdCAM) binds integrin α(4)β(7). Their interaction directs lymphocyte homing to mucosa-associated lymphoid tissues. The interaction between the two immunoglobulin superfamily (IgSF) domains of MAdCAM and integrin α(4)β(7) is unusual in its ability to mediate either rolling adhesion or firm adhesion of lymphocytes on vascular surfaces. ...

A new pulse sequence: The distances between copper sites of the homotrimeric Cu-containing nitrite reductase were determined by EPR spectroscopy. By exploiting the differences in the electron spin relaxation of the Cu ions, a filtering technique allows the selective removal of distances from a complex distance distribution. This filter technique ...

BackgroundThe trigeminal nociceptive system plays a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of tension-type headaches (TTH).ObjectiveThis study investigated and compared nociceptive-specific trigeminal pathways in patients with episodic and chronic TTH (ETTH and CTTH, respectively) using the nociceptive blink reflex (nBR) and nociceptive trigeminocervical reflex (nTCR).MethodsWe recorded nBR and nTCR in patients ...

OBJECTIVES: In 2010-2011, recent graduates (2008 or earlier) of the Masters in International Health (MIH) (as offered by over 30 universities and institutions collaborating in the tropEd network) were surveyed. We aimed to examine whether the competencies gained proved appropriate for alumni's current positions and to develop the programme according ...

PURPOSE: Removal of areas generating high-frequency oscillations (HFOs) recorded from the intracerebral electroencephalography (iEEG) of patients with medically intractable epilepsy has been found to be correlated with improved surgical outcome. However, whether differences exist according to the type of epilepsy is largely unknown. We performed a comparative assessment of the ...

This study investigated the correlation between KIT gene expression determined by immunohistochemistry and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and the rate of tumour recurrence and tumour-related deaths in dogs affected with mast cell tumour (MCT). Kaplan-Meier curves were constructed to compare tumour recurrence and tumour-related death between patients. The log-rank ...