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Genome instability is a characteristic trait of tumours and includes changes in DNA and in chromosomes. The aim of the study was to identify chromosome damage using the sister chromatid exchange assay and DNA fragmentation by the comet assay in dogs with cancer, as well as to determine the suitability of these techniques for the assessment of chromatin stability in healthy and sick dogs. The assays identified genomic instabilities in dogs with cancer (squamous cell carcinoma) and in healthy dogs. The genetic assays are very sensitive and can be used as biomarkers of normal DNA replication and repair potential and the maintenance of control over the entire cell cycle. The use of the cytogenetic tests will enable the more precise assessment of genome stability and integrity in animals and make it possible to determine the number of chromosomal instabilities generated in a given individual, which can be indicative of its health status. The identification of instabilities can be used in routine diagnostic examination in dogs with cancer for more accurate diagnosis and prognosis.

Background: Self-disgust is a negative self-conscious emotion, which has been linked with borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, it has not yet been investigated in relation to both emotion dysregulation and alexithymia, which are recognized as crucial to BPD. Therefore, the aim of our study was to measure these variables and examine the possible mediational role of emotional alterations and comorbid anxiety and depression symptoms in shaping self-disgust in patients with BPD and healthy controls (HCs)., Methods: In total, the study included 100 inpatients with BPD and 104 HCs. Participants completed: the Self-Disgust Scale (SDS), Disgust Scale - Revised (DS-R), Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), Emotion Dysregulation Scale short version (EDS-short), Borderline Personality Disorder Checklist (BPD Checklist), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD-R)., Results: Inpatients with BPD showed higher self-disgust, alexithymia, emotion dysregulation, core and comorbid symptoms levels, and lower disgust sensitivity. Alexithymia, emotion dysregulation, and trait anxiety partially mediated between BPD diagnosis and self-disgust. The relationship between the severity of BPD symptoms and self-disgust was fully mediated by alexithymia, emotion dysregulation, depressive symptoms, and trait anxiety., Conclusions: The results of our study may imply the contribution of emotion dysregulation, alexithymia, and comorbid psychopathology to self-referenced disgust in BPD., (© 2023. BioMed Central Ltd., part of Springer Nature.)

Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the presence of symptoms of sexuality-related disorders (S-RD) in a group of overweight and obese women and the relationship of these symptoms with maladaptive attitudes and beliefs about food, the severity of anxiety and depressive symptoms, alcohol consumption, difficulties in emotional regulation, and the general quality of life., Methods: The study group (SG) consisted of 44 overweight/obese women, the control group (CG) consisted of 51 women with normal body weight, all aged 18-40 years. The following were used: Sexological Questionnaire, Eating Attitude Test, Eating Beliefs Questionnaire, Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Quality of Life Questionnaire., Results: SG showed more severe S-RD symptoms, including sexual dysfunctions and sexual preferences disorders, as compared to CG. In the SG there were more significant correlations between S-RD and the studied variables, especially in the area of difficulties with emotional regulation. Negative and permissive dietary beliefs were significant for S-RD in SG, while positive beliefs were significant in CG. Additionally, the number of S-RD symptoms predicted the quality of life., Conclusions: e results indicate a relationship between excessive body weight and greater severity of S-RD symptoms, as well as a relationship between the symptoms of S-RD with clinical variables and with the quality of life. Further research exploring the mechanisms of the observed relationships is necessary.

Altered emotion dynamics and emotion regulation (ER) have been indicated in theoretical descriptions of abnormal emotional functioning, which contributes to the development and maintenance of anorexia nervosa (AN). Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) has recently become popular in research on eating disorders. It is a source of new insights into the psychopathology of AN as it enables intensive long-term tracking of everyday experiences and behaviours of individuals through repeated self-reports. The following systematic review aims to synthesize research on the use of EMA when evaluating emotion dynamics and ER in AN. Specific studies were identified with the use of MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Scopus databases. A supplemental search was performed in reference lists of the relevant publications. As a result, 27 publications were identified and included in the systematic review. The findings from the reviewed studies point to various disturbed components of emotion dynamics as well as to unique associations of maladaptive ER strategies with specific abnormalities in emotion dynamics in AN. Limitations of the studies were discussed as well. An outlook for further research in the field was provided in the last section of the paper.

Objective: The possible role of abnormal disgust processing in the development and course of anorexia nervosa (AN) has been emphasized in theoretical models and research. However, disgust toward external stimuli and self-disgust have not yet been investigated together in a clinical sample of AN patients. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to measure these constructs and examine their role in shaping eating pathology in AN patients and healthy controls (HCs), considering comorbid depressive and anxiety psychopathology. The study also aimed at testing the possible mediational roles of both disgust types in the associations between comorbid psychopathology and eating disorders (EDs) characteristics., Method: Altogether, 63 inpatients with AN and 57 HCs partook in the study. Participants completed the Eating Disorder Inventory-3, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory-II, Disgust Scale-Revised and Self-Disgust Scale., Results: AN patients manifested higher self-disgust and disgust sensitivity than HCs. In addition, self-disgust predicted the severity of EDs characteristics and mediated the links of depressive symptoms and trait anxiety with EDs characteristics in both groups., Discussion: Our findings imply the putative role of self-disgust in the development of EDs psychopathology in HCs and in its maintenance in AN patients., (© 2021 Eating Disorders Association and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Objective: A growing body of empirical literature indicates altered taste perception in individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN). However, it remains unknown whether the observed impairments in the neural processing of taste stimuli represent etiopathogenetic factors of AN or whether they are a secondary consequence of malnutrition., Method: In the current systematic review, scientific studies were identified using the MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Scopus databases. A supplemental search was performed by searches through reference lists of the relevant publications and via Google Scholar., Results: On the basis of the searches conducted, 16 publications were identified and included in this literature review. The results of those studies point to disturbances in the structure and functioning of brain regions involved in taste processing in AN., Conclusions: The findings of the reviewed studies suggest that altered reward, interoceptive, and cognitive-emotional processing may contribute to abnormal taste processing in AN., (© 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.)

Objective: The empirical literature describes the role of the oxytocinergic system in emotion perception (EP). Variants in the oxytocin (OXT) and oxytocin receptor genes have been associated with mental disorders, including anorexia nervosa (AN), that are characterized by difficulties in socioemotional functioning. Our study aimed to examine whether variability within the genes related to OXT pathways may play a role in facial EP in inpatients with AN., Method: Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the following genes: oxytocin receptor (rs2254298, rs53576), OXT (rs6133010), OXT-arginine-vasopressin (rs2740204), CD38 (rs6449197, rs3796863), and human leucyl/cystinylaminopeptidase (rs4869317) were genotyped in 60 AN female inpatients and 60 healthy control females (HCs). Associations between genetic polymorphisms and EP as well as clinical symptoms were examined., Results: The AN group showed decreased EP abilities compared with HCs. SNPs of rs2740204, rs6133010, and rs53576 were associated with differences in EP in women with AN and in HCs. The SNP of rs4869317 was associated with the level of eating disorders symptoms in HCs., Conclusions: The OXT system may be involved in EP difficulties in AN. SNPs within genes related to OXT pathways may influence EP abilities. The leucyl/cystinylaminopeptidase rs4869317 SNP may be involved in the development of eating disorders psychopathology., (© 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.)

Thebaine 6-O-demethylase (T6ODM) from Papaver somniferum (opium poppy), which belongs to the non-heme 2-oxoglutarate/Fe(II)-dependent dioxygenases (ODD) family, is a key enzyme in the morphine biosynthesis pathway. Initially, T6ODM was characterized as an enzyme catalyzing O-demethylation of thebaine to neopinone and oripavine to morphinone. However, the substrate range of T6ODM was recently expanded to a number of various benzylisoquinoline alkaloids. Here, we present crystal structures of T6ODM in complexes with 2-oxoglutarate (T6ODM:2OG, PDB: 5O9W) and succinate (T6ODM:SIN, PDB: 5O7Y). Both metal and 2OG binding sites display similarity to other proteins from the ODD family, but T6ODM is characterized by an exceptionally large substrate binding cavity, whose volume can partially explain the promiscuity of this enzyme. Moreover, the size of the cavity allows for binding of multiple molecules at once, posing a question about the substrate-driven specificity of the enzyme., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Acireductone dioxygenase (ARD) is an intriguing enzyme from the methionine salvage pathway that is capable of catalysing two different oxidation reactions with the same substrate depending on the type of the metal ion in the active site. To date, the structural information regarding the ARD-acireductone complex is limited and possible reaction mechanisms are still under debate. The results of joint experimental and computational studies undertaken to advance knowledge about ARD are reported. The crystal structure of an ARD from Homo sapiens was determined with selenomethionine. EPR spectroscopy suggested that binding acireductone triggers one protein residue to dissociate from Fe 2+ , which allows NO (and presumably O 2 ) to bind directly to the metal. Mössbauer spectroscopic data (interpreted with the aid of DFT calculations) was consistent with bidentate binding of acireductone to Fe 2+ and concomitant dissociation of His88 from the metal. Major features of Fe vibrational spectra obtained for the native enzyme and upon addition of acireductone were reproduced by QM/MM calculations for the proposed models. A computational (QM/MM) study of the reaction mechanisms suggests that Fe 2+ promotes O-O bond homolysis, which elicits cleavage of the C1-C2 bond of the substrate. Higher M 3+ /M 2+ redox potentials of other divalent metals do not support this pathway, and instead the reaction proceeds similarly to the key reaction step in the quercetin 2,3-dioxygenase mechanism., (© 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

We provide a straightforward demonstration of a fundamental difference between classical and quantum mechanics for a single local system: namely, the absence of a joint probability distribution of the position x and momentum p. Elaborating on a recently reported criterion by Bednorz and Belzig [Phys. Rev. A 83, 052113 (2011)] we derive a simple criterion that must be fulfilled for any joint probability distribution in classical physics. We demonstrate the violation of this criterion using the homodyne measurement of a single photon state, thus proving a straightforward signature of the breakdown of a classical description of the underlying state. Most importantly, the criterion used does not rely on quantum mechanics and can thus be used to demonstrate nonclassicality of systems not immediately apparent to exhibit quantum behavior. The criterion is directly applicable to any system described by the continuous canonical variables x and p, such as a mechanical or an electrical oscillator and a collective spin of a large ensemble.

Diagnosis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is often missed or delayed because of nonspecific clinical and laboratory findings. Novel detection methods, such as polymerase chain reaction and QuantiFERON-TB Gold In Tube, can aid in the diagnosis of active extrapulmonary TB. Here, we demonstrate a case of epididymo-orchitis as the sole presentation of TB in a 32-year-old man., (2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The effects of Al(III) on surface properties and lactate accumulation by Bifidobacterium thermophilum were investigated. Bacteria were treated with Al(III) at 37 degrees C and 4 degrees C, then exposed to free radicals or nisin. When exposed to Al(III) at 37 degrees C, the organism exhibited spreading on hydrophobic surfaces and showed high susceptibility to free-radical alteration as indicated by Fe(III) binding, but showed little effect on lactate production in the presence or absence of nisin, even after washing with 2 mM EDTA. At 4 degrees C, there was no increased surface spreading or binding of Fe(III), but protection against nisin action was present. This, however, was abolished after washing with EDTA. It was concluded that membrane fluidity is required to affect membrane lipid rearrangement, resulting in surface spreading and increased susceptibility to peroxidation, whereas only loose binding of Al(III) to membrane surfaces is sufficient to prevent transmembrane channel formation by nisin.

The effects of nisin on lactate accumulation, growth, and Fe(III) binding by Bifidobacterium thermophilum (ATCC 25866) and Bifidobacterium breve (ATCC 15700) were investigated. Nisin inhibited lactate production by B. thermophilum at concentrations of less than 1 microg/ml, but this effect could be largely eliminated by pretreatment of the organism with 100 to 400 microM Al(III) or La(III). Nisin also inhibited the growth of B. thermophilum at concentrations of 2 to 3 microg/ml, with lower concentrations showing lag periods and/or slower rates of growth. However, Al(III) could not negate these effects, most likely because of Al(III) chelation by the trypticase-proteose-yeast extract medium. Nisin was able to increase instantaneous Fe(III) binding by both B. thermophilum and B. breve, though prolonged-time experiments (up to 120 min) with B. thermophilum indicated no difference in total Fe(III) bound. Nisin was thus able to increase the free radical reaction rate with bifidobacteria and the resultant rate of Fe(III) binding. It was concluded that nisin will normally inhibit the metabolic activity of B. thermophilum along with that of certain bacterial pathogens; however, this effect may in some instances, be abated by a pretreatment with Al(III). Moreover, by accelerating free radical action and the binding of iron by bifidobacteria, nisin may be able to potentiate their normal probiotic action.

Bifidobacterium thermophilum (ATCC 25866) was incubated with 100-120 microM (59)FeSO(4) and 300 microM excess of H(2)O(2) for up to 120 min in the presence and absence of glucose. Samples were withdrawn after 5, 30, 60, and 120 min. These were protoplasted and (59)Fe(III) measured in the supernatant fraction (cell walls) and protoplasts (cell membranes). These experiments were also repeated in the presence of 400 microM Al(III), which, in whole cells, caused an increase in Fe(III) binding. The amount of iron in the cell wall fraction was constant regardless of time of incubation, was unaffected by Al(III), and was reduced by approximately 20% by glucose. On the other hand, the amount of iron on the protoplasts increased with time and was affected by both Al(III) (upward) and glucose (downward). Scatchard plots indicated that the number of Fe(III) binding sites on the cell walls was 37.6 nmol/mg of dry cell weight at zero time, whereas that of cell membranes was (1)/(10) of that. It was concluded that Fe(III) binding by bifidobacterial cell walls was instantaneous and marginally dependent on free radical action. That of the cell membranes was time-dependent and was due to lipid peroxidation initiated by free radicals. Bifidobacteria can therefore function in the intestinal tract as probiotics by making Fe(OH)(3) unavailable to pathogens and by moderating free radical activity in the intestinal tract.

Adult men (n = 132; 92% of the population) with histories of alcohol/drug use disorders were interviewed upon their entry to 11 Oxford Houses located in the state of Illinois. Individuals still in residence at a six-month follow-up (n = 48) were reinterviewed; prior to the follow-up interview, 42 men had left voluntarily and 42 men had been evicted for abuse or disruptive behavior. The men remaining in residence tended to be older (M age = 37 years), were disproportionately African American (56%), and were less pessimistic about their future. At the intake interview, individuals who would be evicted reported a lower expectation for abstinence social support from the other residents in Oxford House. The Oxford House model of social support for recovery from alcohol and drug dependence appears to help some residents maintain sobriety.

Ferrous iron uptake was investigated in Bifidobacterium thermophilum (B. thermophilum) in the presence of Mg2+ and Ca2+ with the following findings: 1. Mg2+ inhibited Fe2+ accumulation in the cells in a dose-dependent manner at 37 degrees, but not at 0 degrees. Removal of Mg2+ from the medium resulted in a resumption of rapid iron uptake. 2. Mg2+ had no effect on the binding of Fe2+ by B. thermophilum protoplasts, its cellular particulate fraction, or distribution between the particulate and soluble fractions. 3. Ca2+ exerted a stimulatory effect on iron uptake by B. thermophilum, but was not able to reverse the inhibitory effects of Mg2+. 4. It was concluded that Mg2+ has no effect on the binding of iron on the surface or interior of B. thermophilum and that it affected the Fe2+ transport mechanism (permease) in a reversible manner. It is possible that iron and magnesium share the same permease in this microorganism.

Protoplasts of Bifidobacterium thermophilum were prepared by a combination of lysozyme and protease digestion, and ferrous iron uptake studies were carried out. Little, if any, iron was internalized by the protoplasts, although large amounts of iron were bound to the protoplast surface. This binding was much greater than that of intact cells, which prefer to internalize iron by an energy-dependent process. It was also found that the binding of iron by protoplasts of cells grown in an iron-deficient medium was much more extensive than that of cells grown in an iron-sufficient medium. Soluble and particulate fractions of protoplasts were prepared by grinding them in a glass homogenizer, and the particulate fraction was also subjected to iron binding studies. The amount of iron bound was the same as that in intact protoplasts, indicating that the particulate fraction membrane fragments bound iron on their outer surface only. Nevertheless, when iron-preloaded cells were protoplasted and their surface cleared of iron, their particulate fraction contained considerable amounts of iron, indicating that the inner surface of the membranes is capable of binding iron as long as the cell is intact. The amount of iron so bound was dose-dependent on the amount of iron entering the cell. The failure of the outer and inner surface iron pools to mix was confirmed by the fact that when iron-preloaded protoplasts were incubated with additional iron, only the latter (surface-bound) was elutable with nonradioactive 2 mM FeSO4. It is concluded that increasing bifidobacterial iron load increases the amount of iron bound to the inner surface of the membrane; the procedure, which is effective in forming bifidobacterial protoplasts, destroys their iron transport mechanism while uncovering surface iron-binding sites; and that such iron-binding sites may be of significance in the cellular iron metabolism processes.

Both fibromyalgia and depression may be related to disturbed serotonin metabolism, and an association between the 2 disorders has been postulated. We measured 3H-imipramine binding (IB), a biochemical indicator of serotonin uptake, pretreatment, in 10 nondepressed women with fibromyalgia, 14 subjects with major depression, and 10 volunteer controls. Our objective was to determine if IB in the 2 patient groups differed and in the same direction from the control values. Compared with depressed women, IB was significantly lower both in the women with fibromyalgia and in the men with depression. However, no women with fibromyalgia or men with depression had IB levels that were significantly different from control women and men. There was a trend for higher IB levels in depressed compared to control women.

Pentz, E. Irene (Northwestern University School of Medicine, Chicago, Ill.), Eva Kot, and J. J. Ferretti. Some characteristics of streptococcal nicotinamide adenine dinucleotidase and streptolysin O. J. Bacteriol. 88:497-508. 1964.-Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotidase produced by Streptococcus pyogenes strain C203U, grown in Todd-Hewitt broth (Difco), was recovered from diethylaminoethyl-cellulose columns free from streptolysin O. It contained a trace of deoxyribonuclease. The elution peak of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotidase was fairly symmetrical; when it was treated with dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) and chromatogrammed on paper in three different solvent systems, only one yellow spot was obtained. Examination of the enzyme in an ultracentrifuge presented no moving boundary. The pore size of two different widths of Visking casing was estimated by dialyzing proteins or peptides of known molecular weight and testing the dialysate for their appearance. The casing which allowed a molecule of 2,500 molecular weight to pass, but not one of 3,000 molecular weight, retained the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotidase. A fragment having no nicotinamide adenine dinucleotidase activity did pass through this casing, however, but was retained by the second casing which retained molecules weighing 2,500. Amino acid analyses of three different nicotinamide adenine dinucleotidase preparations were remarkably similar, and were characterized by a high content of proline and glycine and a very low content of sulfur-containing amino acids. Examination by treatment with DNFB followed by hydrolysis for the presence of N-terminal amino acids ruled out all amino acids, with the possible exception of arginine. The combined evidence suggests that its molecular weight is between 2,500 and 20,000. Some data are presented to illustrate the irreversible instability of streptolysin O; amino acid analyses for three separate preparations of high activity indicate a very low content of sulfur-containing amino acids.