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On the basis of the study of a rich collection of Spelaeoniscidae from Sicily, the surrounding islands, the Maltese Archipelago and North Africa, collected during several faunistic expeditions, two new genera, Uncuniscus and Hybleoniscus, and four new species, Spelaeoniscus akfadouensis, Uncuniscus singularis, Uncuniscus elegans and Hybleoniscus vittoriensis, are described. The genus Spelaeoniscus Racovitza, 1907 is redefined and revised, and all species of the genus are briefly described and illustrated. Moreover, hypotheses on the differentiation process of the above genera and species are proposed based on their geographic distribution. http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:9DF065E3-B8E7-488E-85F2-7E267BDC87AD [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims The aims of this study were to characterize the antibacterial activity and the chemotype of Litsea cubeba leaf essential oil (EO) harvested in North Vietnam and to investigate the biological effects induced by the leaf powder on growth, nonspecific immunity and survival of common carp ( Cyprinus carpio) challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila. Methods and Results The EO showed the prevalence of linalool (95%, n = 5). It was bactericidal against the majority of tested strains, with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 0·72 to 2·89 mg ml−1 ( Aer. hydrophila, Edwarsiella tarda, Vibrio furnissii, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Streptococcus garvieae, Escherichia coli, Salmonella Typhimurium). The fish was fed with 0 (control), 2, 4 and 8% leaf powder supplementation diets for 21 days. Nonspecific immunity parameters (lysozyme, haemolytic and bactericidal activities of plasma) were assessed 21 days after feeding period and before the experimental infection. Weight gain, specific growth rate and feed conversion ratio were improved by supplementation of L. cubeba in a dose-related manner, and a significant difference appeared at the highest dose (8%) when compared to the control. The increase in plasma lysozyme was significant for all the treated groups. Haemolysis activity was higher for the groups fed with 4 and 8% plant powder. Antibacterial activity increased significantly for the 8% dose only. Conclusions Litsea cubeba leaf powder increased nonspecific immunity of carps in dose-related manner. After infection with Aer. hydrophila, survivals of fish fed with 4 and 8% L. cubeba doses were significantly higher than those fed with 2% dose and the control. Significance and Impact of the Study A range of 4-8% L. cubeba leaf powder supplementation diet (from specific linalool-rich chemotype) can be used in aquaculture to reduce antibiotic burden and impacts of diseases caused by Aer. hydrophila. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background There are no available clinical tests that can accurately predict peanut allergy ( PA) and/or anaphylaxis. This study is aimed at evaluating whether the component-resolved diagnostic ( CRD) Ig E and Ig G4 tests can (i) distinguish PA from asymptomatic peanut sensitization ( PS) and (ii) differentiate anaphylactic from nonanaphylactic PA. Methods This study included 20 nonatopic controls, 58 asymptomatically peanut-sensitized children, 55 nonanaphylactic, and 53 anaphylactic PA cases from the Chicago Food Allergy Study. IgE and IgG4 to 103 allergens were measured using the Immuno CAP ISAC technology and were compared among each group of children. The random forest test was applied to estimate each allergen's ability to predict PA and/or peanut anaphylaxis. Results Peanut allergy cases (with or without anaphylaxis) had significantly higher Ig E reactivity to Ara h 1-3 (peanut allergens) and Gly m 5-6 (soy allergens) than asymptomatically sensitized children ( P < 0.00001). Similar but more modest relationships were found for Ig G4 to Ara h 2 ( P < 0.01). Ig E to Ara h 2 was the major contributor to accurate discrimination between PA and asymptomatic sensitization. With an optimal cutoff point of 0.65 ISU- E, it conferred 99.1% sensitivity, 98.3% specificity, and a 1.2% misclassification rate in the prediction of PA, which represented a higher discriminative accuracy than Ig E to whole peanut extract ( P = 0.008). However, none of the Ig E and/or Ig G4 tests could significantly differentiate peanut anaphylaxis from nonanaphylactic PA. Conclusions Ig E to Ara h 2 can efficiently differentiate clinical PA from asymptomatic PS, which may represent a major step forward in the diagnosis of PA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To compare vascular and parenchymal contrast enhancement in multidetector computed tomography of the liver using two contrast media with different iodine concentration (Iodixanol 320 mgI/mL and Iomeprol 400 mgI/mL) and similar viscosity, using fixed total iodine volume (40 gI) and iodine delivery rate (1.6 gI/s). Methods: 110 patients were prospectively randomized into two groups. Group A received 125 mL of Iodixanol 320 and group B 100 mL of Iomeprol 400. Attenuation values were measured at the level of the aorta, portal vein and liver parenchyma on unenhanced, arterial, portal and equilibrium phases. A non inferiority test was performed on the differences between the two groups. An independent reader evaluated image quality. Results: The equivalence of the two CM was demonstrated in all measurements. Higher, but not statistically significant, attenuation values were obtained with Iomeprol 400 in the aorta during the arterial phase (305.3 HU versus 288.4 HU; P=0.32) and with Iodixanol 320 in the liver parenchyma, during both portal (59.8 HU versus 65.5 HU; P=0.78) and equilibrium (40.4 HU versus 41.8 HU; P=0.55) phases. Conclusions: Iodixanol 320 and Iomeprol 400 injected at the same iodine delivery rate (1.6 gI/s) and total iodine load (40 gI) did not provide statistically significant differences in liver parenchymal and vascular contrast enhancement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Observations so far obtained in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) have revealed the promising neuroprotective effects exerted by progesterone (PROG). The findings suggest that this neuroactive steroid may potentially represent a therapeutic tool for multiple sclerosis (MS). However, up to now, the efficacy of PROG has been only tested in the acute phase of the disease, whereas it is well known that MS expresses different features depending on the phase of the disease. Accordingly, we have evaluated the effect of PROG treatment in EAE induced in Dark Agouti rats (i.e. an experimental model showing a protracted relapsing EAE). Data obtained 45 days after EAE induction show that PROG treatment exerts a beneficial effect on clinical score, confirming surrogate parameters of spinal cord damage in chronic EAE (i.e. reactive microglia, cytokine levels, activity of the Na+,K+-ATPase pump and myelin basic protein expression). An increase of the levels of dihydroprogesterone and isopregnanolone (i.e. two PROG metabolites) was also observed in the spinal cord after PROG treatment. Taken together, these results indicate that PROG is effective in reducing the severity of chronic EAE and, consequently, may have potential with respect to MS treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyses in detail the energy redistribution from the upper vibrational levels of Cs dimers, thought to be obtained from initial recombination processes that generate excited internal states of the triplet configuration Σ. Their quenching is examined as they are made to further collide with He buffer gas at temperatures below and around 100 mK. The relevant cross sections are computed by using a multichannel quantum dynamical approach and employ a full, ab initio potential energy surface. Due to their smallness (see Ref. [R.B. Ross, J.M. Powers, T. Atashroo, W.C. Ermler, I.A. LaJohn, P. Christiansen, J. Chem. Phys. 93, 6654 (1999)]) the fine structure effects have not been explicitly included in this study. The final, cumulative cross-sections are discussed and analyzed in terms of the overall quenching behavior shown by different initial states of the dimer and in terms of the changing ratios between collisional cooling and vibrational quenching cross sections as a function of trap temperature. The corresponding quenching rates are also computed and analysed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe and illustrate a new species of Armadillidium from Sicily, A. virgo n. sp., collected in two small caves in the Climiti Mountains on the Iblean Plateau (southeastern Sicily, Italy). Of the ∼200 specimens collected thus far, all are females. We compared this putative new species to A. aelleni Caruso & Ferrara found in some Maltese caves, and they seem to be closely related. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Significant levels of neuroactive steroids are still detected in the nervous system of rodents after the removal of peripheral steroidogenic glands. However, the influence of the plasma levels of gonadal steroids on the levels of neuroactive steroids in the nervous system has not so far been clarified in detail. Accordingly, by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, we have analysed the levels of neuroactive steroids in the sciatic nerve, in three central nervous system (CNS) regions (i.e. cerebellum, cerebral cortex and spinal cord) and in the plasma of male and female animals. The levels present in gonadally intact animals were compared with those present in short- and long-term gonadectomised animals. We observed that: (i) changes in neuroactive steroid levels in the nervous system after gonadectomy do not necessarily reflect the changes in plasma levels; (ii) long-term gonadectomy induces changes in the levels of neuroactive steroids in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and the CNS that, in some cases, are different to those induced by short-term gonadectomy; (iii) the effect of gonadectomy on neuroactive steroid levels is different between the PNS and the CNS and within different CNS regions; and (iv) the effects of gonadectomy on neuroactive steroid levels in the nervous system show sex differences. Altogether, these observations indicate that the nervous system adapts its local levels of neuroactive steroids in response to changes in gonadal hormones with sex and regional specificity and depending on the duration of the peripheral modifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detecting and correctly identifying haemoglobin (Hb) variants is typically achieved by a two-levels laboratory approach. We report our experience in dealing with 91 Hb variants, including a number of frequent and a few rare variants. Screening included akaline agarose gel electrophoresis (AGE), ion-exchange automated high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and a test for deoxyhaemoglobin solubility. Identification was based on electrospray ionization–mass spectrometry (ESI–MS). Our results confirmed the advantages of HPLC over AGE for screening, because of the occurrence of some electrophoretically‘silent’ variants. ESI–MS permitted the definitive identification of 90 of the 91 variants included in the study, in some cases (e.g. HbS) through the application of a simple protocol (direct injection of the sample), in other cases requiring the application of more demanding procedures (purification of the variant chain and peptide analysis after enzymatic or chemical cleavage). In an additional case (Hb J-Oxford), ESI–MS assay did not lead to definitive identification, but gave indications for designing the appropriate primers to focus DNA sequence analysis on the specific region of the gene. Deoxyhaemoglobin solubility test was positive only in the presence of HbS. We conclude that HPLC and ESI–MS are advantageously integrated into a two-level analytical system for the detection and confirmation of variant Hbs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background In vitro, olive phenols exert potent antioxidant and enzyme-modulating activities. Aim of the study We comparatively evaluate, in mildly dyslipidemic patients, the vasopro-testify potential of extra virgin olive oil. Methods 22 patients were administered 40 mL/day of either extra-virgin, i. e. phenol rich, or re- fined, i. e. phenol poor, olive oils (EVOO or ROO, respectively, with nearly identical fatty acid composition), with a crossover design. Each treatment was carried out for seven weeks, with four weeks of washout in between. Plasma antioxidant capacity, serum thromboxane B2 (TXB2) formation, and urinary iso- prostate excretion were evaluated as surrogate markers of cardioprotective potential and vascular function. Results No effects on plasma lipid/lipoprotein profile were observed. Conversely, EVOO consumption was associated with favorable effects on circulating markers. Namely, decreased serum TXB2 production and increased plasma antioxidant capacity were observed when EVOO was administered in both treatment arms. Neither treatment had any significant effect on isoprostane excretion. Conclusions EVOO consumption by mildly dyslipidemic patients is associated with favor- able changes in circulating markers of cardiovascular condition. Based on current knowledge, these effects may be associated with cardioprotection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on skin nodular neoplasm in the armored catfish, Callichthys callichthys found in French Guiana. Shape and size of nodules found on the body of catfishes; Observation of surface area of the nodules; Examination of histological aspects of lesions adhered to the body surface.

Two experiments were conducted to assess plasma lysozyme levels, leucocrit and haematocrit in juvenile sheatfish (90-140 g) under experimentally induced stress and infection. Stress was provoked by random modification of environmental light for 15 min, 16 times a day with a halogen lamp (500 W) and by holding fish in a net for 3 min twice a day. In the first trial, repeated measuring of marked sheatfish showed a progressive significant decrease in plasma lysozyme level, a significant increase in leucocrit and a significant decrease in haematocrit. After a rest period of 1 week, only the leucocrit value was back to the prestress value. In the second trial, light-induced stress did not lead to any variation in lysozyme, leucocrit or haematocrit values. However, after intraperitoneal injection of Edwardsiella tarda (7 × 10[sup 8] cfu), a strong increase in plasmatic lysozyme in both stressed and unstressed groups of sheatfish was observed. The increase was significant vs. prechallenge levels 3 and 6 days after contamination, but no significant difference was detected between stressed and unstressed fish, despite the strongest stress (light + handling stress) applied to the fish at the beginning of contamination. Decreases in haematocrit values were observed in both groups of fish. A clear increase in leucocrit appeared in unstressed fish, whereas stressed fish showed a significant decrease in leucocrit values. Condition factor was significantly decreased by all kinds of stress. There were no difference in mortality between stressed and unstressed groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

STAD cells are the adherent parental apoptotic line from which two sublines were cloned that differed in their response to suspended culturing conditions, one clone STAD.APO is apoptotic and the other STAD.ARR goes into cell cycle arrest. Using this system we have found that the addition of soluble collagen can rescue STAD and STAD.APO cells from anoikis, and it can also affect STAD.ARR cells by overcoming the suspension induced cell cycle arrest. In contrast, when cells were cultured with a soluble anti-βl integrin mAb 33B6, the apoptotic clones again were rescued from anoikis, but the cell cycle arresting clone remained quiescent. This result was somewhat surprising as it is generally accepted that cytoskeletal rearrangements that accompany integrin mediated adhesion and cell shape changes are required for the abrogation of anoikis, and it was unexpected that differences in the mechanism used for integrin triggering would yield variable results on growth regulation. This observation led us to further examine whether the addition of a monovalent anti-β1 integrin agent could produce similar results as intact mAb. Therefore we employed Fab fragments of 33B6 in our culturing assay and found that indeed monovalent binding was capable of saving STAD and STAD.APO cells from anoikis but did not have an effect on STAD.ARR cells. Therefore in this study we have observed that integrin mediated dependent survival can occur by mere ligation of the β1 integrin subunit, but that cell cycle arrest due to suspended conditions can not. Thus integrins can play differential roles in cell fate decisions and mediate these effects by different mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Curtis C. Roseman has distinguished between "total displacement migrations" that completely displace a household's daily and weekly reciprocal movement patterns, and "partial displacement migrations" that displace only part of the every-day reciprocal movements of migrating households. Roseman is undoubtedly correct that many partial displacement migrations are part of an adjustment process the need for which is precipitated by a total displacement move. Real estate agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota have recently come under sharp criticism for dismissing large portions of the metropolitan region as unsuitable for the New Arrival executive group which makes up the largest proportion of intercity migrants.

The article looks at a study which examined the differences in trauma and mental health experiences between adolescent mothers who experienced two pregnancies within less than 24 months of each other and mothers who did not. Risks associated with teenage parent are discussed, including mental depression.

The adipose organ comprises two main fat depots termed white and brown adipose tissues. Adipogenesis is a process leading to newly differentiated adipocytes starting from precursor cells, which requires the contribution of many cellular activities at the genome, transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome levels. The adipogenic program is accomplished through two sequential phases; the first includes events favoring the commitment of adipose tissue stem cells/precursors to preadipocytes, while the second involves mechanisms that allow the achievement of full adipocyte differentiation. While there is a very large literature about the mechanisms involved in terminal adipogenesis, little is known about the first stage of this process. Growing interest in this field is due to the recent identification of adipose tissue precursors, which include a heterogenous cell population within different types of adipose tissue as well as within the same fat depot. In addition, the alteration of the heterogeneity of adipose tissue stem cells and of the mechanisms involved in their commitment have been linked to adipose tissue development defects and hence to the onset/progression of metabolic diseases, such as obesity. For this reason, the characterization of early adipogenic events is crucial to understand the etiology and the evolution of adipogenesis-related pathologies, and to explore the adipose tissue precursors’ potential as future tools for precision medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suite à une incompatibilité ABO et à plusieurs « presque accidents » nous avons revu l’organisation de la formation du personnel soignant. Nos objectifs étaient d’augmenter le nombre de soignants formés par an, d’entretenir et d’évaluer leurs connaissances et/ou compétences, de permettre à chaque soignant d’être acteur de sa formation. En 2013, la formation « Bonnes pratiques transfusionnelles » a été remaniée et intégrée dans un programme DPC. Ce programme comprend une formation présentielle et une évaluation par « e-learning ». La formation présentielle se découpe en quatre étapes : – un quiz « cas cliniques » sur la transfusion de PSL, avec boîtiers de votes ; – la pratique du contrôle ultime de compatibilité ABO avec évaluation individuelle de la technique, la lecture, l’interprétation ; – une mise en situation via un film montrant un « presque accident » ; – un débriefing permettant d’échanger sur les difficultés rencontrées en transfusion et sur l’expérience de chacun. La session de formation s’achève par un questionnaire de satisfaction. Dans le mois suivant la formation, chaque participant dispose d’un accès intranet pour compléter son évaluation. L’unité d’hémovigilance intervient en reprenant pour chaque session les réponses au quiz afin de détecter les points sensibles, puis en analysant l’évaluation individuelle sur intranet. Une attestation DPC est adressée à chaque participant. Si l’évaluation décèle une difficulté majeure, incompatible avec la sécurité transfusionnelle, un complément de formation personnalisé et ciblé est proposé directement au soignant. Des évènements indésirables graves et/ou dysfonctionnements ainsi que l’évolution de la réglementation sur la formation continue nous ont conduits à construire un programme DPC spécifique. Il vise à maintenir auprès des soignants les compétences et le sentiment d’efficacité personnelle indispensables à la pratique transfusionnelle en toute sécurité. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Au CHU, nous disposons depuis 1995 d’une traçabilité entièrement informatisée des PSL. Cette traçabilité est sécurisée par la confrontation informatique de deux codes-barres : l’identifiant patient CHU et l’identifiant patient EFS sur la carte de groupe sanguin. Nous n’utilisons donc que les cartes de groupe éditées par l’EFS. Un problème récurrent est l’indisponibilité de cette carte dans le dossier patient dans diverses situations : – transfert d’unité de soins ; – dossier médical archivé ; – document en attente de validation. Les conséquences sont : – des groupages multiples ; – des groupages en urgence favorisant les prélèvements non conformes ; – l’utilisation de la procédure de transfusion en urgence vitale immédiate pour un patient déjà groupé. L’hémovigilance et le service informatique ont développé un document de groupage sanguin informatisé à partir des données immuno hématologiques transmises informatiquement par l’EFS. Nous avons effectué plusieurs tests comparatifs entre la maquette informatisée et la carte de groupe papier pour vérifier : – l’intégration correcte des données d’identité patient et de groupe sanguin ABO Rhésus Kell ; – la lisibilité des codes-barres pour permettre la traçabilité des PSL par l’outil optique. Quatre unités de soins sélectionnées sur leur activité transfusionnelle régulière ont validé l’utilisation de cette maquette de la délivrance des PSL jusqu’à la traçabilité sans rencontrer de difficulté. Une information sur l’accès au document et ses règles d’utilisation a été délivrée au personnel médical et soignant avant déploiement. Les problèmes de disponibilité de la carte de groupe et la demande des cliniciens ont permis d’insérer dans le dossier patient informatisé un document de groupage sanguin fiable et accessible pour tout patient connu au CHU. Son intérêt sera évalué sur le suivi des groupages multiples et la satisfaction des utilisateurs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

B Background: b Bipolar disorders are complex disorders involving the interaction of multiple factors. Insomnia symptoms and chronobiological alterations mediated the association between affective temperaments and mood symptoms. [Extracted from the article]

This observational study determined the lipidome of cow milk during subclinical intramammary infection (IMI) by non- aureus staphylococci (NAS), also defined as coagulase-negative staphylococci, using an untargeted approach. Among the pathogens causing bovine IMI, NAS have become the most frequently isolated bacteria from milk samples. Although the application of system biology approaches to mastitis has provided pivotal information by investigating the transcriptome, proteome, peptidome, and metabolome, the milk lipidome during mammary gland inflammation remains undisclosed. To cover this gap, we determined the milk lipidome of 17 dairy cows with IMI caused by NAS (NAS-IMI), and we compared the results with those of healthy quarter milk from 11 cows. The lipidome was determined following a liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry approach. Sixteen subclasses of lipids were identified in both groups of animals. From 2,556 measured lipids, the abundance of 597 changed more than 10-fold in quarter milk with NAS-IMI compared with healthy quarters. The results demonstrate the influence of NAS-IMI on the milk lipidome, implying significant changes in lipid species belonging to the family of triacylglycerols and sphingomyelins, and contribute to the understanding of inflammatory processes in the bovine udder, highlighting potential novel biomarkers for improving mastitis diagnostics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insomnia, vasomotor symptoms (VMS) and depression often co-occur after the menopause, with consequent health problems and reductions in quality of life. The aim of this position statement is to provide evidence-based advice on the management of postmenopausal sleep disorders derived from a systematic review of the literature. The latter yielded results on VMS, insomnia, circadian rhythm disorders, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and restless leg syndrome (RLS). Overall, the studies show that menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) improves VMS, insomnia, and mood. Several antidepressants can improve insomnia, either on their own or in association with MHT; these include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and mirtazapine. Long-term benefits for postmenopausal insomnia may also be achieved with non-drug strategies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and aerobic exercise. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and mandibular advancement devices (MADs) both reduce blood pressure and cortisol levels in postmenopausal women suffering from OSA. However, the data regarding MHT on postmenopausal restless legs syndrome are conflicting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The threat of bacterial resistance to antibiotics has created an urgent need to develop new antimicrobials. The aim of this study was to characterize the chemical diversity of Litsea cubeba leaf essential oil (EO) and its impacts on the antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria. Essential oils collected from seven provinces in North Vietnam (n = 25) were characterized by their high content in either 1,8-cineole or linalool. Linalool-type EOs were more effective against the eight bacterial strains tested than 1,8-cineole-type. Oil samples, LC19 (50% 1,8-cineole) and BV27 (94% linalool), were selected to investigate their antibacterial mechanisms against Escherichia coli. A strong bactericidal effect was observed after 4 and 2 h of exposure respectively. Microscopic analysis of treated E. coli cultures clearly showed that EOs caused changes in cell morphology, loss of integrity and permeability of the cell membrane, as well as DNA loss. However, the effects of both EOs were distinct. LC19 mostly affected cell membrane, led to a significant cell filamentation rate and altered cell width, whereas BV27 damaged cell membrane integrity leading to cell permeabilization and altered nucleoid morphology with the appearance of spot and visibly altered compaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Important complications of diabetes mellitus in the nervous system are represented by diabetic peripheral neuropathy and diabetic encephalopathy. In this context, an important link is represented by neuroactive steroids (i.e., steroids coming from peripheral glands and affecting nervous functionality as well as directly synthesized in the nervous system). Indeed, diabetes does not only affect the reproductive axis and consequently the levels of sex steroid hormones, but also those of neuroactive steroids. Indeed, as will be here summarized, the levels of these neuromodulators present in the central and peripheral nervous system are affected by the pathology in a sex-dimorphic way. In addition, some of these neuroactive steroids, such as the metabolites of progesterone or testosterone, as well as pharmacological tools able to increase their levels have been demonstrated, in experimental models, to be promising protective agents against diabetic peripheral neuropathy and diabetic encephalopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyprinid herpesvirus 3 ( Cy HV-3), the causative agent of koi herpesvirus disease, is a major threat for carp populations in many countries worldwide, including Indonesia. It has been shown that many genotypes circulate worldwide, all highly related to one of the two known lineages U/I and J. In this study, we evaluated the spatial and temporal distribution of Cy HV-3 strains in a small enzootic area, the lake of Cirata (West Java, Indonesia). Of the 365 samples analysed, from clinical or asymptomatic fish, 244 were found positive for Cy HV-3, suggesting a high occurrence of the virus. Genotyping of these viral specimens with a range of molecular markers revealed the presence of numerous haplotypes in the host population, all related to the J lineage. In single individuals, mixed-genotype infections occurred at high frequency. The present results demonstrate that polymorphic molecular markers are suitable to monitor the genetic evolution of a viral population in an enzootic area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Our recent observations have demonstrated that gonadectomy in female, but not in male diabetic animals, exert protection in the peripheral nervous system and that these effects were associated with an increase in the levels of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in the female sciatic nerve [Pesaresi M, Giatti S, Cavaletti G, Abbiati F, Calabrese D, Bianchi R, Caruso D, Garcia-Segura LM, Melcangi RC (2011) Exp Neurol 228:215–221]. That is interesting because the neuroprotective effects of this neuroactive steroid have so far only been analyzed in male diabetic animals. Using the experimental model of streptozotocin-induced diabetic neuropathy, we have here compared the effect of DHEA treatment in male and in female animals. Data obtained indicate that DHEA treatment is able to counteract the decrease in nerve conduction velocity (NCV) induced by diabetes in both sexes. However, it was only in females that this neuroactive steroid was able to reestablish NCV to control levels. In addition, it was only in females that DHEA exerted neuroprotective actions on functional (i.e., thermal sensitivity) or molecular parameters, such as gene expression of myelin proteins. Sex-depending neuroprotective effects of DHEA were also confirmed by the finding that it was only in females that this neuroactive steroid fully restored the intra-epidermal nerve fiber density, which was decreased by diabetes. Interestingly, the metabolic fate of DHEA is also different in males and females. Thus, analysis of the neuroactive steroid levels after the treatment with DHEA indicates that in the sciatic nerve of male diabetic animals 17α-estradiol levels decrease in association with an increase of its isomer 17β-estradiol and with a decrease in the levels of α-androstane-3α, 17β-diol. These changes were not observed in the sciatic nerve of females. Altogether, these results suggest that DHEA could be considered as a candidate for a sex-specific therapy based on neuroactive steroids. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The quantum dynamics of the rotational quenching of the 24MgH+(X 1Σ+) molecular cation interacting with 4He(1S) as a buffer gas, at relative temperatures ranging from 1 K down to millikelvins, is described by accurate close coupling scattering calculations on an ab initio potential energy surface. The efficiency of the process is quantitatively analyzed by employing the ab initio quenching rates and cross sections and effective decay rate values are obtained from simple unimolecular kinetics over a broad range of trap conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The advent of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) revolutionized abdominal imaging. In particular, the definitive assessment of CT injection protocols, for the evaluation of the liver parenchyma, is still a critical issue for radiologists. Over the last years, this feature encouraged several authors to address their efforts to find the most accurate delay between the contrast medium injection and the effective scan-start, for the identification and characterization of liver lesions. Technological developments of the present century such as number of slices, submillimetric collimation, and the use of multiple dynamic post-contrast phases per single examination, may all contribute to increase the radiation exposure of single patients. The aim of this review is to propose liver imaging protocols, taking into consideration different clinical needs such as patients with chronic liver disease, healthy patients with focal liver lesion, and oncological patients to minimize radiation exposure. Finally, two recent innovations in MDCT which illustrate the potential application of multi-energy computed tomography (MECT) and perfusion computed tomography (CTp) when evaluating liver parenchyma will be discussed in a short closing paragraph. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Latest developments of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT), which is today considered a real volumetric technique, have revolutionized abdominal imaging. Technological improvements such as higher spatial resolution, larger volume coverage and higher temporal resolution, have reduced scan times allowing CT studies of the abdomen within a single breath-hold. Furthermore, the increased number of slices, the submillimetric collimation, and the use of multiple dynamic post-contrast phases per single examination, may all contribute to increase the radiation exposure of single patients. The aim of this review is to discuss different parameters affecting contrast media enhancement, as vascular enhancement, parenchymal enhancement and timing, in order to minimize the amount of contrast medium injected and the radiation exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Cultured larvae of P. hypophthalmus often undergo high mortality that is generally attributed to intense but temporary cannibalism. Here, evidence is provided that mortality is largely independent from feeding or aggressiveness, but is a consequence of the developmental pattern of this species. Embryos grow oral teeth but also long (100μm) sharp oral spines, which overhang from the mouth and prevent its closure at the start of exogenous feeding (60haf, hours after fertilization). At the start of exogenous feeding, gape height exceeds body depth (18 versus 14% of the fish total length), so larvae can grasp siblings on any body location. The manoeuvrability and possibility of moving backwards are restricted in the absence of pectoral fins, which develop exceptionally late in this species. Hence, encounters between larvae can be deadly, irrespectively of the propensity of fish to feed or show aggressive behaviours, as was verified during experiments with anaesthetised specimens. The temporary nature of the phenomenon is accounted for by the negative allometric growth of jaw length, the positive allometric growth of body depth, and to the fact that oral spines stop growing after the yolk is fully absorbed (95haf). Altogether, these traits largely account for why deadly clashes occur among young larvae of P. hypophthalmus, but are restricted to a few hours (clashes) or days (wounds). Implications for improving the larviculture of this species are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Cholesterol is required in the brain for synaptogenesis and its turnover is critical for cerebral functions. Several proteins involved in cholesterol handling and metabolism are transcriptionally regulated by the nuclear liver X receptor (LXR) α and β. Sterol 27-hydroxylase (CYP27) is a ubiquitously expressed enzyme involved in cholesterol metabolism. Notably, its deficiency causes a disease characterized by progressive neurologic impairment. With the final goal to understand the pathophysiological role of CYP27A1 in the CNS, we studied the expression pattern of Cyp27a1 and other related genes in primary cultures of rat glia and neurons. Secondly, given the pivotal role of LXR in the regulation of cholesterol homeostasis, we investigated the effects of its activation on the expression of Cyp27a1.We found that primary astrocytes express different sterol hydroxylases and are able to uptake exogenous 27-hydroxycholesterol. We found that both microglia and astrocytes express preferentially Lxrβ. However, despite this similarity, we observed cell-specific responsiveness of known and novel (including Cyp27a1) target genes to LXR activation. The increase of mRNA and protein levels in treated astrocytes is paralleled by transactivation of the proximal Cyp27a1 promoter in transfected astrocytes. We suggest that the astrocyte−restricted up-regulation of Cyp27a1 may be ascribable to differential expression of transcriptional co-activators. Given the role of astrocytes in maintaining brain homeostasis, we hypothesize that impairment of CYP27 activity in these cells may alter critical features of the astrocytes, from the handling and delivery of cholesterol to neurons to the release of signaling molecules. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Peripheral neuropathy represents an important complication of diabetes involving a spectrum of structural, functional and biochemical alterations in peripheral nerves. Recent observations obtained in our laboratory have shown that the levels of neuroactive steroids present in the sciatic nerve of rat raised diabetic by a single injection of streptozotocin (STZ) are reduced and that, in the same experimental model, treatment with neuroactive steroids, such as progesterone, testosterone and their derivatives show neuroprotective effects. On this basis, an interesting therapeutic strategy could be to increase the levels of neuroactive steroids directly in the nervous system. With this perspective, ligands of translocator protein-18 kDa (TSPO) may represent an interesting option. TSPO is mainly present in the mitochondrial outer membrane, where it promotes the translocation of cholesterol to the inner mitochondrial membrane, and, as demonstrated in other cellular systems, it allows the transformation of cholesterol into pregnenolone and the increase of steroid levels. In the diabetic model of STZ rat, we have here assessed whether treatment with Ro5-4864 (i.e., a ligand of TSPO) could increase the low levels of neuroactive steroids in sciatic nerve and consequently to be protective in this experimental model. Data obtained by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry show that treatment with Ro5-4864 was able to significantly stimulate the low levels of pregnenolone, progesterone and dihydrotestosterone observed in the sciatic nerves of diabetic rats. The treatment with Ro5-4864 also counteracted the impairment of NCV and thermal threshold, restored skin innervation density and P0 mRNA levels, and improved Na+,K+-ATPase activity. In conclusion, data here reported show for the first time that a TSPO ligand, such as Ro5-4864, is effective in reducing the severity of diabetic neuropathy through a local increase of neuroactive steroid levels. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background The atopic march is well documented, but the interrelationship of food allergy (FA) and asthma is not well understood. Objective The aim of this study was to examine the strength of the association and temporal relationships between FA and asthma. Methods This analysis included 271 children ⩾6 years (older group) and 296 children <6 years (younger group) from a family-based FA cohort in Chicago, IL. Asthma was determined by parental report of physician diagnosis. FA status was determined based on the type and timing of clinical symptoms after ingestion of a specific food, and results of prick skin test (Multi-Test II) and allergen-specific IgE (Phadia ImmunoCAP). Analyses were carried out using logistic regression accounting for important covariates and auto-correlations among siblings. Kaplan–Meier curves were used to compare the time to onset of asthma with the FA status. Results Symptomatic FA was associated with asthma in both older [odds ratio (OR)=4.9, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.5–9.5] and younger children (OR=5.3, 95% CI: 1.7–16.2). The association was stronger among children with multiple or severe food allergies, especially in older children. Children with FA developed asthma earlier and at higher prevalence than children without FA (Cox proportional hazard ratio=3.7, 95% CI: 2.2–6.3 for children ⩾6 years, and hazard ratio=3.3, 95% CI: 1.1–10 for children <6 years of age). No associations were seen between asymptomatic food sensitization and asthma. Conclusions Independent of markers of atopy such as aeroallergen sensitization and family history of asthma, there was a significant association between FA and asthma. This association was even stronger in subjects with multiple food allergies or severe FA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The increasing prevalence of food allergy (FA) is a growing clinical and public health problem. The contribution of genetic factors to FA remains largely unknown. Objective This study examined the pattern of familial aggregation and the degree to which genetic factors contribute to FA and sensitization to food allergens. Methods This study included 581 nuclear families (2,004 subjects) as part of an ongoing FA study in Chicago, IL, USA. FA was defined by a set of criteria including timing, clinical symptoms obtained via standardized questionnaire interview and corroborative specific IgE cut-offs for ⩾95% positive predictive value (PPV) for food allergens measured by Phadia ImmunoCAP. Familial aggregation of FA as well as sensitization to food allergens was examined using generalized estimating equation (GEE) models, with adjustment for important covariates including age, gender, ethnicity and birth order. Heritability was estimated for food-specific IgE measurements. Results FA in the index child was a significant and independent predictor of FA in other siblings (OR=2.6, 95% CI: 1.2–5.6, P=0.01). There were significant and positive associations among family members (father–offspring, mother–offspring, index–other siblings) for total IgE and specific IgE to all the nine major food allergens tested in this sample (sesame, peanut, wheat, milk, egg white, soy, walnut, shrimp and cod fish). The estimated heritability of food-specific IgE ranged from 0.15 to 0.35 and was statistically significant for all the nine tested food allergens. Conclusion This family-based study demonstrates strong familial aggregation of FA and sensitization to food allergens, especially, among siblings. The heritability estimates indicate that food-specific IgE is likely influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Together, this study provides strong evidence that both host genetic susceptibility and environmental factors determine the complex trait of IgE-mediated FA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A satisfactory management to ensure a full restoration of peripheral nerve after trauma is not yet available. Using an experimental protocol, in which crush injury was applied 1 cm above the bifurcation of the rat sciatic nerve for 20 s, we here demonstrate that the levels of neuroactive steroids, such as pregnenolone and progesterone (P) metabolites (i.e. dihydroprogesterone, DHP, and tetrahydroprogesterone, THP) present in injured sciatic nerve were significantly decreased. On this basis, we have focused our attention on DHP and its direct precursor, P, analyzing whether these two neuroactive steroids may have neuroprotective effects on biochemical, functional and morphological alterations occurring during crush-induced degeneration-regeneration. We demonstrate that DHP and/or P counteract biochemical alterations (i.e. myelin proteins and Na+,K+-ATPase pump) and stimulate reelin gene expression. These two neuroactive steroids also counteract nociception impairment, and DHP treatment significantly decreases the up-regulation of myelinated fibers'' density occurring in crushed animals. Altogether, these observations suggest that DHP and P (i.e. two neuroactive steroids interacting with progesterone receptor) may be considered protective agents in case of nerve crush injury. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Information on subcortical ischaemic changes (SIC) in young hypertensive patients is scarce. We evaluated the frequency of SIC at magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the possible effect on cognition of these patients, and the role of plasma markers known as indicators of endothelial and haemostatic activation. Inclusion criteria were age ≤54 years, hypertension for at least 2 years and absence of cerebrovascular disease or other conditions possibly related to SIC. Patients with SIC at MRI and two control groups (matched for age, sex and education) of hypertensive patients without SIC and non-hypertensive healthy subjects underwent an extensive neuropsychological examination and evaluation of plasma markers. Amongst the 200 patients evaluated, 50 (25%) showed SIC at MRI. Mean age was 48.4 ± 4.8 years. Compared with both control groups, hypertensive patients with SIC performed significantly worse in general cognition, attention, memory and executive functions. Moreover, they showed significantly more often increased levels of all plasma markers compared with healthy controls, and of von Willebrand factor (vWF) compared with both control groups ( P < 0.001). In young hypertensive patients SIC are frequent, related to a worse cognitive performance and endothelial dysfunction. Our findings suggest vWF as marker of end-organ damage, underscoring the relevance of treating hypertension at younger age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The field of bile acids has witnessed an impulse in the last two decades. This has been the result of cloning the genes encoding enzymes of bile acid synthesis and their transporters. There is no doubt that the identification of Farnesoid X Receptor (FXR, NR1H4) as the bile acid receptor has contributed substantially to attract the interest of scientists in this area. When FXR was cloned by Forman et al. [1], farnesol metabolites were initially considered the physiological ligands. After identifying FXR and other nuclear receptors as bile acid sensors [2– 4], it has become clear that bile acids are involved in the regulation of lipid and glucose metabolism and that these molecules are eclectic regulators of diverse cellular functions. In this review, we will summarize the current knowledge of the functions regulated by bile acids and how their physiological receptors mediate the signaling underlying numerous cellular responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study we have assessed the effect of testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and 5αandrostan-3α, 17β-diol (3α-diol) therapies on diabetic neuropathy. Diabetes was induced in adult male rats by the injection of streptozotocin and resulted in decreased T and increased 3α-diol levels in plasma and in decreased levels of pregnenolone and DHT in the sciatic nerve. Moreover, a reduced expression of the enzyme converting Tinto DHT ( i.e., the 5α-reductase) also occurs at the level of sciatic nerve, suggesting that the decrease of DHT levels could be due to an impairment of this enzyme. Chronic treatment for 1 month with DHT or 3α-diol increased tail nerve conduction velocity and partially counteracted the increase of thermal threshold induced by diabetes. Treatment with DHT increased tibial Na+,K+-ATPase activity and the expression of myelin protein P0 in the sciatic nerve.DHT, 3α-diol and T reversed the reduction of intra-epidermal nerve fiber density induced by diabetes. These observations indicate that T metabolites can reverse behavioral, neurophysiological, morphological and biochemical alterations induced by peripheral diabetic neuropathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]