Sidedness of membrane structures in Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides. Electrochemical titration of the spectrum changes of carotenoid in spheroplasts,spheroplast membrane vesicles and chromatophores

The shift of the carotenoid absorption spectrum induced by illumination and valinomycin-K⁺ addition was investigated in membrane structures with different characteristics and opposite sidednesses isolated from Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides. Right-side-out membrane structures were prepared by isotonic lysozyme-EDTA treatment of the cells (spheroplasts) and by hypotonic treatment of spheroplasts (spheroplast membrane vesicles). Inside-out membrane structures (“chromatophores”) were obtained by treating spheroplast membrane vesicles by French press or sonication.The membrane structures with either sidedness showed the same light-induced change of the “red shift” type. However, the absorbance change by K⁺ addition in the presence of valinomycin in the right-side-out membrane structures were opposite to that in the inverted vesicles, “blue shift” in the former and “red shift” in the latter. The carotenoid absorbance change was linear to membrane potential, calculated from the concentration of KCl added, with a reference on the cytoplasmic side, through positive and negative ranges.     

Characteristics of cases with unknown stage prostate cancer in a population-based cancer registry

BackgroundThe New South Wales Central Cancer Registry (NSW CCR) is the only population-based cancer registry in Australia that has routinely collected summary stage at diagnosis since its inception in 1972. However, a large proportion of prostate cancer cases have “unknown” stage recorded by the registry. We investigated the characteristics of prostate cancer cases with “unknown” stage recorded by the NSW CCR, and examined survival for this group.MethodsData were obtained from the NSW CCR for all first primary prostate cancer cases diagnosed in 1999–2007. Summary stage was recorded as localised, regional, distant or “unknown”. Associations between disease stage and patient characteristics (age, place of residence at diagnosis, year of diagnosis and country of birth) and prostate cancer specific survival were investigated using multivariable logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models respectively.ResultsOf 39 852 prostate cancer cases, 41.8% had “unknown” stage recorded by the NSW CCR. This proportion decreased significantly over time, increased with increasing age at diagnosis and was higher for those living in socio-economically disadvantaged areas. The proportion with “unknown” stage varied across area health services. Prostate cancer specific survival for cases with “unknown” stage was significantly poorer than for those with localised stage but better than for those with regional or distant stage.ConclusionsResearchers or others using cancer registry stage data to examine prostate cancer outcomes need to consider the differences between cases with “unknown” stage at diagnosis and those with known stage recorded by the registry, and what impact this may have on their results.     

Inhibition of the development of the reproductive tract in parasitized snails

Summary

Myoblasts, muscle cells with the capacity to divide, have been detected in “Anlagen” of the male copulation organ of Lymnaea stagnalis. They only occur in the apical part of the penis. Here they could be found throughout life. Mitotic activity of these cells can be demonstrated by using an antiserum to a S-phase specific cell cycle marker, PCNA [see, e.g., Baserga (1991)]. The number/percentage of PCNA positive myoblasts is a good parameter for growth of this male copulation organ and hence also for inhibition of its growth and development as occurs in parasitized snails. In transplantation experiments, “Anlagen” of the copulation organ were used from snails 7–9 weeks after being parasitized as they can be excised in this stage and transplanted into either parasitized or nonparasitized snails. These experiments have indicated that humoral, parasitic excretory/secretory factors can be responsible for the inhibition of growth and differentiation of the copulation organ in parasitized snails as reflected by a relatively low number of PCNA positive myoblasts compared to the controls. Data obtained in in vitro experiments showed a significant decrease of the number of myoblasts in “Anlagen” cultured in the presence of parasitic E/S products. The fact that no significant effect was found on the relative low number of PCNA positive myoblasts is discussed. The effect of parasitic E/S products on these myoblasts appeared to be exerted in a direct way, not mediated by CNS-derived factors or by factors from cells in the connective tissue sheath around the CNS. Although it appears possible to use transplantation and/or in vitro culturing of these “Anlagen” as a bioassay for identification of the parasitic factor(s) responsible for the inhibitory effects on myoblasts, the methods are very laborious and do not seem very appropriate for testing many fractions of E/S products.     

Total Synthesis of the Thymidine Analogue of Sinefungin

Abstract

The carbon skeleton of “Sinethymidin” 4 was constructed by two radical coupling reaction. The first step was a coupling of the radical derived from 2 and the unsaturated amide 5. The olefin 6 thus obtained was added to the radical derived from the known N-hydroxy-2-thiopyridinone aspartic ester. “Sinethymidin”, tested for its antileismanial effect, was devoid of activity.     

Snare technique for coronary sinus cannulation in cardiac resynchronization therapy

PurposeBiventricular pacing is a mainstay of therapy for patients with heart failure. However, lead implantations may fail due to anatomical reasons including the impossibility of coronary sinus cannulation.Methods and resultsA dual approach from the subclavian vein using a snare through a sheath and from the femoral vein using a steerable electrophysiology catheter was performed. Once the snare hooked the catheter, the latter was advanced into the coronary sinus and finally, the sheath could also be advanced in an “over-the-wire” technique.ConclusionThe snare technique for coronary sinus cannulation offers a “bail-out” strategy for left ventricular lead implantation.     

Effects of fragmentation on vascular plant diversity in a Mediterranean forest archipelago

Abstract

We analysed the effects of patch size and isolation on vascular plants in Quercus cerris forest surrounding Rome (Italy). We randomly sampled 96 plots within 18 forest patches with homogeneous environmental variables; the patches ranged from 1.4 ha to 424.5 ha and were divided into four size classes. We performed the analyses at the patch level using linear regression. At the size class level, the analysis of species richness response to fragmentation (area effect) was performed with ANOVA, while the effect on community composition was analysed by means of PERMANOVA. We also investigated which species could be used as indicator species for each size class. Lastly, to evaluate the advantages of conserving several small patches as opposed to few large ones, we used a cumulative area approach ranking forest fragments. The correlation between species richness and patch area was positive, with a significant difference between the “large” and “small” size classes, while analysis on community composition showed that “large” versus “medium” and “large” versus “small” were significantly different. Nemoral species were recognised as indicators in the “large” class, and shrub and edge species in the “small” class. Our results indicate that 10 ha may be a suitable forest size threshold for planning and conservation.     

Effects of breed,sex, and neuter status on trainability in dogs

Abstract

In a previous study of canine temperament (Hsu and Serpell 2003), a distinct “trainability” factor was identified, characterized by a dog's willingness to attend to its owner and obey simple commands, combined with a high “fetch” motivation, and low levels of distractibility and/or resistance to correction. This paper explores the distribution of this trait in a large sample of dogs in relation to breed, sex and neuter status. The owners of 1,563 dogs belonging to 11 common breeds were invited to assess them for “trainability” using a standardized questionnaire (C-BARQ^©). Highly significant breed differences in trainability were detected. In two breeds with distinct field and show bred lines, show bred dogs obtained significantly lower trainability scores. Although no overall sex differences in trainability were detected, male Dachshunds and West Highland White Terriers were found to be significantly more trainable than females. Neutering was not associated with any differences in trainability in female dogs in any breed, but was associated with positive effects on trainability in male Shetland sheepdogs. The findings suggest that there is scope for improving trainability in most breeds of dog, and emphasize the dangers of generalizing among breeds with respect to sex differences in trainability or the benefits of neutering. The biological basis of the trainability trait is also discussed in light of recent research on the evolution of canine social cognition.     

Faisabilité et intérêt d’un nouvel algorithme de reconstruction des images TEP-18FDG (AW OSEM DR) pour la délimitation des volumes cibles en radiothérapie. À propos d’un cas de néoplasie ORL

ObjectiveWe compared two reconstruction methods for 18fluorodeoxyglucose (¹⁸F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) images with “attenuation weighted ordered subset expectation maximization” using either the manufacturer-provided (AW-OSEM) or a “Detector response” (AW-OSEM DR) tomographic operator. We looked at the feasibility of using the latter reconstruction for radiotherapy target volumes definition in cancers of the superior aero-digestive tract (VADS). In this preliminary study, we first assessed the spatial resolution of images obtained with AW-OSEM and AW-OSEM DR on a Biograph™ 6, and secondly target volumes of radiotherapy “Gross Tumor Volume” (GTV), “Clinical Target Volume” (CTV) and “Planning Target Volume” (PTV) obtained with each of these reconstruction methods.Material and methodsThe spatial resolution was measured on a test object containing 4 radioactive point sources. Furthermore, radiotherapy target volumes have been defined with the software Eclipse™ on injected scanner (CT IV) and PET/CT (PET AW-OSEM and PET AW-OSEM DR) images.ResultsSpatial resolution was improved with AW-OSEM DR algorithm reconstruction compared to images obtained with AW-OSEM reconstruction (from 7.5 mm down to 5.4 mm for the highest reduction). GTV from AW-OSEM DR reconstruction with 42 and 50% of the “Standard uptake value maximum” (SUVmax) semi-automatic threshold (1.2 and 0.7 cm³ respectively) were lower than those obtained with AW-OSEM (3.6 and 2.2 cm³ respectively). They were also lower than GTV defined with CT IV (5.5 cm³). It was the same for CTV and PTV.ConclusionThis study showed that AW-OSEM DR reconstruction method allows less impaired spatial resolution than AW-OSEM. In the case of radiotherapy target volumes delineation, AW-OSEM DR may decrease the GTV, CTV and PTV and therefore the risk of side effects associated with organs at risk.     

LATERAL LINE READING OF HYDROMECHANICAL FREQUENCY DISPERSAL OF WATER SURFACE WAVES: HOMOLOGY TO COCHLEAR MECHANISMS?

ABSTRACT

Measures of six temporal relations in the pigeon's courtship songs from four individual males which differed in age and courtship experience were taken. Intra- and interindividual variation was studied. Individual long term vocal stability is especially found in the whole length of the strophe, the length of the “trill” phrase and the length of the “coo”.     

Protective potential of cerium oxide nanoparticles in diabetes mellitus

BackgroundDiabetes mellitus (DM) is a non-communicable metabolic disease which is closely related to excessive oxidative stress after constant exposure to high plasma glucose. Although the current antidiabetic medications are effective in lowering blood glucose, these medications do not prevent or reverse the disease progression. Thus, there is a crucial need to explore new therapeutic interventions that could address this shortcoming. As cerium oxide nanoparticles (CONPs) possess antioxidant property, this agent may be used as a treatment option for the management of DM.PurposeThis review aims to provide a critical evaluation of the pharmacological and antidiabetic effects of CONPs in cell and animal models. The roles of CONPs in attenuating DM complications are also presented in this report.MethodsWe conducted a literature search in the PubMed database using the keywords “cerium oxide”, “cerous oxide”, “ceria”, “nanoceria”, and “diabetes” from inception to December 2020. The inclusion criteria were primary source articles that investigated the role of CONPs in DM and diabetic complications.ResultsWe identified 47 articles from the initial search. After the thorough screening, only 31 articles were included in this study. We found that CONPs can attenuate parameters that are related to DM and diabetic complications in various animals and cell culture models.ConclusionCONPs could potentially be used in the treatment of those with DM and complications caused by the disease.     

Equestrian Coaches' Understanding and Application of Learning Theory in Horse Training

ABSTRACT

To assess the knowledge of learning theory among accredited equestrian coaches in Australia, a 20-item questionnaire was distributed to all coaches registered with the National Coaches Accreditation Scheme in Australia (n = 830). Of the 206 respondents, 79.5% considered positive reinforcement to be “very useful,” yet only 2.8% correctly explained its use in horse training. When asked about the usefulness of negative reinforcement, 19.3% of coaches considered it “very useful,” with 11.9% correctly explaining its use. Punishment was rated “very useful” by 5.2% of respondents, although only eight coaches (5.4%) explained punishment correctly. Release of pressure was considered the most effective reward for horses among respondents (78.2%). These results indicate that many equestrian coaches lack a correct understanding of positive and negative reinforcement as they apply to horse training. Given that qualified coaches play a significant role in the dissemination of information on training practices, this highlights the need for improved education of equestrian coaches. Education to remedy this situation has the potential to enhance the welfare of horses through reduced behavioral conflict and improve training outcomes.     

Plan evaluation indices: A journey of evolution

AimA systemic review and analysis of evolution journey of indices, such as conformity index (CI), homogeneity index (HI) and gradient index (GI), described in the literature.BackgroundModern radiotherapy techniques like VMAT, SRS and SBRT produce highly conformal plans and provide better critical structure and normal tissue sparing. These treatment techniques can generate a number of competitive plans for the same patients with different dose distributions. Therefore, indices like CI, HI and GI serve as complementary tools in addition to visual slice by slice isodose verification while plan evaluation. Reliability and accuracy of these indices have been tested in the past and found shortcomings and benefits when compared to one another.Material and methodsPotentially relevant studies published after 1993 were identified through a pubmed and web of science search using words “conformity index”, “Homogeneity index”, “Gradient index”,” Stereotactic radiosurgery”,” stereotactic Body radiotherapy” “complexity metrics” and “plan evaluation index”. Combinations of words “plan evaluation index conformity index” were also searched as were bibliographies of downloaded papers.Results and conclusionsMathematical definitions of plan evaluation indices modified with time. CI definitions presented by various authors tested at their own and could not be generalized. Those mathematical definitions of CI which take into account OAR sparing grant more confidence in plan evaluation. Gradient index emerged as a significant plan evaluation index in addition to CI whereas homogeneity index losing its credibility. Biological index base plan evaluation is becoming popular and may replace or alter the role of dosimetrical indices.     

Plan quality and robustness in field junction region for craniospinal irradiation with VMAT

PurposeTo propose a “staggered overlap” technique in volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) for craniospinal irradiation (CSI) and compare the dose distribution and plan robustness with “overlap” technique and “gradient optimization” approach.Methods and Materials6 patients previously treated in our clinic were retrospectively selected. 9 VMAT plans of each patient were optimized with “staggered overlap”, “overlap” and “gradient optimization” in overlapping region of 3 cm, 6 cm, and 9 cm separately. For the “staggered overlap” plan, adjacent field sets were intentionally overlapped by staggering field edges in an appropriate step size to avoid sharp dose gradient. Evaluation metrics including V_95%, D_2%, D_98%, conformity number (CN) and homogeneity index (HI) were employed to evaluate the dose distribution. Moreover, shifts of the upper spinal field isocenter in each direction were performed to simulate junction errors for robustness analysis.ResultsThe CN and HI of VMAT plans with “staggered overlap” were 0.82 (0.811–0.822) and 0.113 (0.112–0.114), while they were 0.778 (0.776–0.782) and 0.131 (0.130–0.131) for plans with “gradient optimization”. In the robustness study, <3% dose deviations were found for 5 mm shifts in lateral and vertical directions with all techniques. In cranial-caudal direction, “overlap” technique created hot spots (D_2% > 170%) and cold spots (D_98% < 44%) in the junction region with 10 mm shifts. The dose deviations were decreased to 22% for plans with “staggered overlap” and 9 cm overlapping region.Conclusion“Staggered overlap” technique provides better plan quality as compared to “gradient optimization” approach and makes the plan more robust against junction errors as compared to “overlap” technique.     

Possible Allosteric Significance of Water Structures in Proteins

Abstract

In recent theoretical molecular dynamics studies of ion solvation and transport through the model peptide ionophore, gramicidin A, it has been observed that the waters forming a linear single file within the channel have solvation and dynamic properties quite different from those found in bulk water. Strongly correlated motions among the interior single file column of waters persist over 20 Å. A speculation is entertained that related water structures could provide a mechanism for long range enzymatic allosteric effects as an alternative to chemical action at a distance propagated through the protein itself. Two possible specific mechanisms are discussed, hydraulic and “proton wire”. As a further control mechanism, the possibility is considered of modulating the allosteric effect though protein motion to open or close the channel thus producing a “valve” in the hydraulic line or a “switch” in the proton wire.     

Association of ABO and Rh blood groups with breast cancer

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine the association of “ABO” and “Rhesus” blood groups with incidence of breast cancer.MethodsIn this study, we identified 70 research documents from data based search engines including “PubMed”, “ISI-Web of Knowledge”, “Embase” and “Google Scholar”. The research papers were selected by using the primary key-terms including “ABO blood type”, “Rhesus” blood type and “breast cancer”. The research documents in which “ABO” and “Rhesus” blood types and breast cancer was debated were included. After screening, we reviewed 32 papers and finally we selected 25 research papers which met the inclusion criteria and remaining documents were excluded.ResultsBlood group “A” has high incidence of breast cancer (45.88%), blood group “O” has (31.69%); “B” (16.16%) and blood group “AB” has (6.27%) incidence of breast cancer. Blood group “A” has highest and blood group “AB” has least association with breast cancer. Furthermore, “Rhesus +ve” blood group has high incidence of breast cancer (88.31%) and “Rhesus –ve” blood group has least association with breast cancer (11.68%).ConclusionBlood group “A” and “Rhesus +ve” have high risk of breast cancer, while blood type “AB” and “Rhesus –ve” are at low peril of breast cancer. Physicians should carefully monitor the females with blood group “A” and “Rh +ve” as these females are more prone to develop breast cancer. To reduce breast cancer incidence and its burden, preventive and screening programs for breast cancer especially in young women are highly recommended.     

Observational study to assess the relationship between enteral nutrition delivery and nutritional biomarkers among mechanically ventilated critically ill patients

BackgroundBiochemical assessment is considered a useful tool in assessing the patient’s nutritional status and intake. However, during critical illness, nutritional biomarkers, such as albumin, and haemoglobin (HB) may reflect the severity of acute illness. The aim of this study is to assess the relationship between energy and protein delivery with the change in albumin, HB, “mean corpuscular volume”(MCV), and “mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration” (MCHC) levels in critically ill patients.MethodIn this prospective observational study we monitored the intake of energy and protein in a group critically ill patients for 6 consecutive days. Biochemical data including albumin, HB, MCV and MCHC was measured on admission and on day 6 of the follow-up. The variation in the biomarkers between admission and day 6 was calculated as the follow-up reading minus the reading obtained upon admission to (Intensive Care Unit) ICU.ResultsThis study included 43 patients. There was a significant difference in the albumin and HB levels between admission and follow up readings. No statistical association was recorded between the intake and the changes in albumin, MCV and MCHC level during ICU stay. The results showed a significant association between the intake of energy (R = 0.393), and protein (R = 0.385), with the increase in HB level during hospitalisation.ConclusionOverall, this study showed that most nutritional biomarkers were not influenced by nutritional therapy during the acute phase of illness. These findings may directly undermine the usefulness of the serial measurements of these biomarkers in the early phase of ICU admission.     

Honey and diabetes mellitus: Obstacles and challenges – Road to be repaired

Background and objectiveSince ancient times, honey has been used due to its nutritional and therapeutic value. The role of honey has been acknowledged in the scientific literature however, its use has been controversially discussed and has not been well accepted in modern medicine especially for diabetic patients. This study aimed to investigate the role of honey in diabetic patients.MethodsIn this study, we identified 107 research articles from data based search engines including “PubMed”, “ISI-Web of Science”, “Embase” and “Google Scholar”. The research papers were selected by using the primary key-terms including “Honey”, “Honey bee” and “Diabetes Mellitus”. The research documents in which “Honey” and “Diabetes Mellitus” were debated are included. After screening, we reviewed 66 papers and finally we selected 35 studies which met the inclusion criteria and the remaining documents were excluded.ResultsThis study investigated the preclinical, clinical, human and animal model studies on honey and diabetes mellitus and found that honey decreases the fasting serum glucose, increases the sting C-peptide and 2-h postprandial C-peptide. Although, there is a dearth of data and literature also contrary discussed the use of honey in diabetic patients.ConclusionHoney decreases the fasting serum glucose, increases fasting C-peptide and 2-h postprandial C-peptide. Honey had low glycemic index and peak incremental index in diabetic patients. The use of honey in diabetic patients still has obstacles and challenges and needs more large sample sized, multi-center clinical controlled studies to reach better conclusions.     

In vitro olive (Olea europaea L.) cvs Frantoio and Moraiolo microshoot tolerance to NaCl

Abstract

In vitro culture of rooted and unrooted olive microshoots, established from seed lines of free-pollinated “Frantoio” and “Moraiolo” cultivars, were evaluated for NaCl tolerance. The aim was to use growth and physiological parameters in order to identify salt-adapted genotypes. Leaf tissue elemental distribution of Na, Cl and K was also investigated in unrooted plantlets by cryo-scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis. Both in unrooted and rooted plantlets, increased concentrations of NaCl reduced shoot growth, whereas plant survival was not affected. However, no significant interactions between line and NaCl concentration were found. Elemental distribution showed that Moraiolo J and Frantoio Z accumulated more Na and Cl inside leaves, and that these elements followed a tissue-dependent pattern. Rooting capacity was reduced at the higher levels of NaCl. Significant interactions between seed line and salt treatment were found. Seed lines showed different abilities to develop roots at different salt levels. In particular, Frantoio Z showed a significant and different behaviour relative to the other seed lines at 50 mM NaCl with regard to both length and dry weight of roots. The results obtained suggest that rooting parameters are the most useful tools in the evaluation and screening of salt-tolerant olive genotypes through in vitro shoot culture.     

Participation of women medical Physicists in European scientific events: The European experience

PurposeThough the number of women scientists is increasing over the years, studies show that they are still under-represented in leadership roles. The purpose of this work is to establish the percentage of women Medical Physicists (wMPs) that have participated in European scientific events and evaluate it as an indication of the current position of women in the field of Medical Physics in Europe and to propose possible ways to encourage their participation.Materials and MethodsData regarding the participants in European scientific events of Medical Physics were collected. The participants were divided into categories according to the program of the events and their gender was identified. The percentage of wMPs in each category was evaluated.ResultsThe participation of wMPs attending courses is greater than 50%. The categories with the greatest participation are “Organizing Committees”, “Chairpersons-Moderators” and “Oral Presentations”. The categories with the lower participation of wMPs are “Scientific Committee”, “Symposiums” and “Invited Speakers”. None of wMPs were represented as “Course Directors”.ConclusionsThe attendance of wMPs in courses is slightly greater than average. However, wMPs do not have an equally important recognition in special invited roles in conferences. They are still under-represented in “Scientific Committees”, “Invited Speakers”, “Symposiums” and “Course directors”. wMPs should be encouraged to participate even more actively in European conferences and the organizing committees should invite more wMPs in special roles. More studies concerning the status of female MPs in each country separately should be encouraged as they will help in understanding the position of wMPS in Europe.