Search

A fractal, a self-similar organic or geometric pattern that repeats at varying scales, is one of the most compelling characteristics found in nature. Previous studies on fractal patterns have demonstrated consistent trends in potential psychological benefits, such as stress reduction. However, we fall short of understanding one of the essential properties of fractals found in nature, i.e., the three-dimensionality of their appearance. In this study, we aimed at understanding the role of the three-dimensionalization of fractal patterns in spatial structures on human subjective perceptual experience. Two hundred seventy three-dimensional spatial prototype models were created for this study, spanning two dimensions: (1) the application of spatial depth (shallow; medium; deep) and (2) fractal complexity (low; medium; high). The participants rated each space on six psychological dimensions (bad–good; stressful–relaxing; ugly–beautiful; boring–interesting; leave–enter; ignore–explore). Significant effects of the application depth of fractals were observed primarily for “boring-interesting”, “ignore-explore”, and “leave-enter” dimensions and were primarily manifested within spaces with medium and high D-values. The results suggest that spatial depth plays a significant role in individuals’ experiences of fractal spaces, arguably by making the space more engaging and interesting.

Abstract Nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center in diamond is a promising quantum sensor with remarkably versatile sensing capabilities. While scanning NV magnetometry is well-established, NV electrometry has been so far limited to bulk diamonds. Here we demonstrate imaging external alternating (AC) and direct (DC) electric fields with a single NV at the apex of a diamond scanning tip under ambient conditions. A strong electric field screening effect is observed at low frequencies. We quantitatively measure its frequency dependence and overcome this screening by mechanically oscillating the tip for imaging DC fields. Our scanning NV electrometry achieved an AC E-field sensitivity of 26 mV μm−1 Hz−1/2, a DC E-field gradient sensitivity of 2 V μm−2 Hz−1/2, and sub-100 nm resolution limited by the NV-sample distance. Our work represents an important step toward building a scanning-probe-based multimodal quantum sensing platform.

Abstract Quantum sensing exploits the strong sensitivity of quantum systems to measure small external signals. The nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center in diamond is one of the most promising platforms for real-world quantum sensing applications, predominantly used as a magnetometer. However, its magnetic field sensitivity vanishes when a bias magnetic field acts perpendicular to the NV axis. Here, we introduce a different sensing strategy assisted by the nitrogen nuclear spin that uses the entanglement between the electron and nuclear spins to restore the magnetic field sensitivity. This, in turn, allows us to detect small changes in the magnetic field angle relative to the NV axis. Furthermore, based on the same underlying principle, we show that the NV coupling strength to magnetic noise, and hence its coherence time, exhibits a strong asymmetric angle dependence. This allows us to uncover the directional properties of the local magnetic environment and to realize maximal decoupling from anisotropic noise.

Over the last decade, the efforts toward unraveling the complex interplay between the brain, body, and environment have set a promising line of research that utilizes neuroscience to study human performance in natural work contexts such as aviation. Thus, a relatively new discipline called neuroergonomics is holding the promise of studying the neural mechanisms underlying human performance in pursuit of both theoretical and practical insights. In this work, we utilized a neuroergonomic approach by combining insights from ecological psychology and embodied cognition to study flight expertise. Specifically, we focused on the Mirror Neuron system as a key correlate for understanding the interaction between an individual and the environment, suggesting that it can be used to index changes in the coupling of perception-action associated with skill development. In this study, we measured the EEG mu suppression as a proxy of the Mirror Neuron system in experts (pilots) and novices while performing a distance estimation task in a landing scenario. To survey the specificity of this measure, we considered central, parietal and occipital electrode pools and analyzed alpha (8–13 Hz) and beta (18–25 Hz) rhythm bands. We hypothesized that in experts vs. novices, specific neural sensorimotor brain activity would underpin the connection between perception and action in an in-flight context. Preliminary results indicate that alpha and beta rhythm suppression was area-specific irrespective of groups, present in the central electrodes placed over the motor areas. Group analysis revealed that specifically alpha mu rhythm, but not beta, was significantly more suppressed in pilots vs. novices. Complementing these findings we found a trend in which the strength of mu suppression increased with the sense of presence experienced by the pilots. Such sensorimotor activation is in line with the idea that for a pilot, a distance judgment is intimately associated with the function of landing. This reflects the ability to use optical invariants to see the world in terms of the capabilities of the aircraft (e.g., reachability and glide angle). These preliminary findings support the role of embodied simulation mechanisms in visual perception and add important insights into a practical understanding of flight expertise, suggesting sensorimotor mechanisms as potential neuro-markers.

Despite the importance of an observer’s goals in determining how a visual object is categorized, surprisingly little is known about how humans process the task context in which objects occur and how it may interact with the processing of objects. Using magnetoencephalography (MEG), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and multivariate techniques, we studied the spatial and temporal dynamics of task and object processing. Our results reveal a sequence of separate but overlapping task-related processes spread across frontoparietal and occipitotemporal cortex. Task exhibited late effects on object processing by selectively enhancing task-relevant object features, with limited impact on the overall pattern of object representations. Combining MEG and fMRI data, we reveal a parallel rise in task-related signals throughout the cerebral cortex, with an increasing dominance of task over object representations from early to higher visual areas. Collectively, our results reveal the complex dynamics underlying task and object representations throughout human cortex.

Anhedonia is defined as a diminished ability to obtain pleasure from otherwise positive stimuli. Anxiety and mood disorders have been previously associated with dysregulation of the reward system, with anhedonia as a core element of major depressive disorder (MDD). The aim of the present study was to investigate whether stress-induced anhedonia could be prevented by treatments with escitalopram or novel herbal treatment (NHT) in an animal model of depression. Unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) was administered for 4 weeks on ICR outbred mice. Following stress exposure, animals were randomly assigned to pharmacological treatment groups (i.e., saline, escitalopram or NHT). Treatments were delivered for 3 weeks. Hedonic tone was examined via ethanol and sucrose preferences. Biological indices pertinent to MDD and anhedonia were assessed: namely, hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and striatal dopamine receptor D2 (Drd2) mRNA expression levels. The results indicate that the UCMS-induced reductions in ethanol or sucrose preferences were normalized by escitalopram or NHT. This implies a resemblance between sucrose and ethanol in their hedonic-eliciting property. On a neurobiological aspect, UCMS-induced reduction in hippocampal BDNF levels was normalized by escitalopram or NHT, while UCMS-induced reduction in striatal Drd2 mRNA levels was normalized solely by NHT. The results accentuate the association of stress and anhedonia, and pinpoint a distinct effect for NHT on striatal Drd2 expression.

One way in which face recognition develops during infancy and childhood is with regard to the visual information that contributes most to recognition judgments. Adult face recognition depends on critical features spanning a hierarchy of complexity, including low-level, intermediate, and high-level visual information. To date, the development of adult-like information biases for face recognition has focused on low-level features, which are computationally well-defined but low in complexity, and high-level features, which are high in complexity, but not defined precisely. To complement this existing literature, we examined the development of children’s neural responses to intermediate-level face features characterized using mutual information. Specifically, we examined children’s and adults’ sensitivity to varying levels of category diagnosticity at the P100 and N170 components. We found that during middle childhood, sensitivity to mutual information shifts from early components to later ones, which may indicate a critical restructuring of face recognition mechanisms that takes place over several years. This approach provides a useful bridge between the study of low- and high-level visual features for face recognition and suggests many intriguing questions for further investigation.

A much-debated question in object recognition is whether expertise for faces and expertise for non-face objects utilize common perceptual information. We investigated this issue by assessing the diagnostic information required for different types of expertise. Specifically, we asked whether face categorization and expert car categorization at the subordinate level relies on the same spatial frequency (SF) scales. Fifteen car experts and fifteen novices performed a category verification task with spatially filtered images of faces, cars, and airplanes. Images were categorized based on their basic (e.g. "car") and subordinate level (e.g. "Japanese car") identity. The effect of expertise was not evident when objects were categorized at the basic level. However, when the car experts categorized faces and cars at the subordinate level, the two types of expertise required different kinds of SF information. Subordinate categorization of faces relied on low SFs more than on high SFs, whereas subordinate expert car categorization relied on high SFs more than on low SFs. These findings suggest that expertise in the recognition of objects and faces do not utilize the same type of information. Rather, different types of expertise require different types of diagnostic visual information.

Background: Odontogenic maxillary sinusitis is a common inflammatory condition resulting from the violation of the Schneiderian membrane by conditions arising from the dentoalveolar unit, which includes teeth, their supporting structures, and adjacent tissues. This study aims to evaluate a modified surgical approach for treating this condition., Purpose: The purpose of this study is to measure the frequency of retreatment of maxillary sinusitis of odontogenic origin following treatment with a modified Caldwell-Luc approach, which involves accessing the maxillary sinus through the canine fossa without creating a counter-opening in the inferior nasal meatus., Study Design, Setting, Sample: This retrospective cohort study included 82 cases (83 sinuses) with odontogenic sinusitis treated surgically with the modified Caldwell-Luc technique at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Poriya Medical Center, between 2014 and 2021. Patients with nonodontogenic sinusitis were excluded., Predictor Variable: Anatomic findings defined as the presence or absence of ostiomeatal complex abnormalities and oroantral communication, as identified through clinical examination and computed tomography imaging., Main Outcome Variables: The need for retreatment, defined as the requirement for functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) due to persistent signs and symptoms of maxillary sinusitis after the modified Caldwell-Luc procedure, including facial pain/pressure, nasal congestion, purulent nasal discharge, or radiographic evidence of persistent sinus opacification on computed tomography scan, lasting more than 4 weeks despite appropriate medical management., Covariates: Covariates included demographic data (age, sex [male/female as identified at birth]), smoking status, etiologies of odontogenic sinusitis, and surgical conditions., Analyses: Descriptive statistics, Cox proportional hazards regression was used to compute hazard ratios (HRs). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to estimate the probability of remaining FESS-free over time. The level of statistical significance was set at P < .05., Results: The sample was composed of 82 patients (83 sinuses) with a mean age of 52.3 years (SD 13.5), and 47 (56.6%) were male. Dental implantation and sinus augmentation procedures were the most common etiologies of odontogenic sinusitis (50.6%). The median follow-up time was 6.03 months (interquartile range: 2.57 to 10.93 months). The incidence rate of FESS requirement was 2.64 per 100 person-months of follow-up. The FESS-free frequency was 89.2% (95% CI: 80.4 to 94.4%). The Kaplan-Meier analysis estimated the probability of remaining FESS-free at 12 months to be 89.1% (95% CI: 79.8 to 94.4%). Patients with ostiomeatal complex abnormalities had an HR of 2.25 (95% CI: 0.47 to 10.84, P = .31) for requiring FESS, while those with oroantral communication had an HR of 1.85 (95% CI: 0.46 to 7.39, P = .38)., Conclusion and Relevance: The modified Caldwell-Luc procedure was effective in treating the majority of odontogenic sinusitis cases. FESS may be necessary in a small percentage of cases with persistent symptoms. Further research is needed to identify predictors for FESS requirement. Of note, we recommend that oral and maxillofacial surgery surgeons review sinusitis cases with a FESS surgeon before performing the modified Caldwell-Luc procedure creating the opportunity for simultaneous or closely timed procedures when necessary., (Copyright © 2024 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: This cross-sectional study aimed to compare oral manifestations between severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2)-positive and SARS-CoV-2-negative patients and to examine associations between oral symptoms, Ct values of E and N SARS-CoV-2 viral genes, and the implications of low Ct values indicating a high viral load, which is a predictive factor for the outcome of COVID-19., Methods: A total of 353 participating patients were aged ≥18 years with clinical manifestations of COVID-19 infection and tested for SARS-CoV-2 carriage at the medical center, by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). All patients filled out an anonymous digital questionnaire regarding oral and general symptoms and overall medical health.  Results: A significant association was found between SARS-CoV-2 carriage and dry mouth, unpleasant taste and changes in taste (p < 0.001); for example, 37.4% of the 147 SARS-CoV-2- positive participants had a dry mouth, compared to 18.9% of the 206 SARS-CoV-2- negative participants. Oral blisters were experienced by patients with an E gene Ct value of 10-20 (50%) or 21-30 (50%) (p = 0.041). Bad breath, dry mouth, unpleasant taste and changes in taste were mostly present in participants whose Ct values of both E and N genes were between 21 and 30.  Conclusions: This study found significant associations between low Ct values of E and N SARS-CoV-2 viral genes and high viral load, indicating that Ct values can serve as predictive factors for COVID-19 outcomes. The findings suggest that while oral symptoms are present, the Ct values and associated high viral loads are more critical indicators of disease severity and prognosis.

Aim: Dental implant placement requires precise angulation for long-term success and optimal restoration function. Therefore, this study explores the potential association between the experience of oral and maxillofacial surgeons and the accuracy of implant angulation, including its relationship to neighboring teeth and other implants., Methods: This retrospective study included 80 patients involving dental implants, each assessed through postoperative panoramic X-rays. Computer software was employed to measure the angle between the longitudinal axis of the selected implant and adjacent reference points. An angle less than 180° denoted convergence of the implant, while an angle greater than 180° indicated divergence., Results: The average angle regarding the implant-tooth relationship on the mesial side was 177.74 ± 6.94 (convergent), while on the distal side, it was 182.39 ± 7.77 (divergent). There were no statistically significant variations in insertion angles between procedures performed by experienced specialists (with over 5 years of expertise) and those performed by residents (with less than 5 years of experience). In comparing implants on the right side of the mouth to those on the left, given that all the surgeons were right-handed, no statistical significance was found for either the mesial reference (177.56 ± 7.44 vs. 178.06 ± 6.04, p = 0.76) or the distal reference (182.01 ± 8.38 vs. 183.15 ± 6.52, p = 0.53). However, a statistically significant difference was identified between the inclinations of implants towards the mesial reference compared to the distal inclinations in both cases (p = 0.005 for the right side and p = 0.004 for the left side)., Conclusions: In summary, satisfactory axial relationship in implant placement is effectively attained by both oral and maxillofacial surgery specialists and residents. Notably, implants consistently show a mesial inclination, irrespective of the specific side of the mouth. Additional research is needed to uncover the root cause of this inclination bias, aiming to promote the parallel alignment of implants with reference structures.

Background: Periorbital hyperpigmentation (POH) is a common skin condition that presents as infraorbital darkening. POH has a multifactorial etiology. Studies evaluating POH treatment are several with varying satisfaction results., Objectives: To compare carboxytherapy and microneedling (MN) combined with topical glutathione for POH treatment., Materials and Methods: A split-face pilot clinical trial was conducted on 31 female patients with POH. Carboxytherapy injection was done at the right periorbital area, and MN with topical glutathione (Left periorbital area), for 6 biweekly sessions. Visual analogue scale (VAS), dermoscopic evaluation, patient satisfaction, and patient dermatology life quality index questionnaire (DLQI), safety evaluation were done with 3 months follow up. The trial registry number is NCT04389788., Results: Carboxytherapy showed a higher significant improvement as regards VAS evaluation compared to MN with glutathione during the active treatment phase ( P = 0.001) and during the follow-up phase ( P = 0.006). Also, the dermoscopic evaluation showed a statistically significant improvement in the Carboxytherapy group. DLQI showed a statistically significant improvement ( P <.001). As regards patient satisfaction, carboxytherapy showed in comparison to MN with glutathione (80.6% vs 25.8% in moderate satisfaction) and (3.2% vs 0% in marked satisfaction respectively) ( P = .05). As regards the patients' safety, there was no significant difference between both eyes ( P = .23)., Conclusions: Carboxytherapy showed higher efficacy than MN with glutathione in POH patients. Carboxytherapy improved clinical, dermoscopic, patient satisfaction, and patient DLQI; with a good safety profile., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2022 Indian Journal of Dermatology.)

To verify and compare the therapeutic efficacy and safety of superficial cryotherapy using dimethyl ether and propane (DMEP) mixture vs. microneedling in the treatment of mild scalp alopecia areata (AA). In a prospective randomized single-blinded clinical trial, 80 patients with clinically evident scalp mild AA were randomly assigned into two groups of 40 patients each. Group (1) was treated by superficial cryotherapy using DMEP in three freeze-thaw cycles of 5 s each. Group (2) was treated by microneedling. Both groups were treated every 2 weeks for 6 sessions and followed up for 3 months after the last session. Patients were assessed by photographic documentation, trichoscopic evaluation, severity of alopecia tool (SALT) score, and alopecia areata symptom impact scale (AASIS). An excellent response was achieved in 15 (37.5%) of group (1) compared with 14 (35%) of group (2) patients, while a good response was achieved in 23 (57.5%) of group (1) compared with 21 (52.5%) of group (1) patients, with a statistically insignificant difference. The mean SALT score change percentage was a statistically significantly higher in group (2) patients. The mean AASIS change percentage was higher in group (1) patients, but this was a statistically insignificant. In both groups, the mean numbers of trichoscopic signs of AA significantly decreased from baseline to the end of follow-up period. Both therapeutic modalities were well-tolerated, with no recurrence after the follow-up period. Both superficial cryotherapy using DMEP mixture, and microneedling are simple, effective, and safe therapeutic options for mild scalp AA, however, microneedling showed higher efficacy., (© 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background/objectives: Cutaneous warts (CW), or verrucae, are benign proliferation of skin that result from infection with human papilloma viruses. Cellular immune reactivity plays a significant role in wart regression. The aim of this study was to elucidate the cellular immune status of patients with CW through measurements of their serum levels of interleukin-17 (IL-17) and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF,) and, identify the possible role of IL-17 and MIF in CW. We assessed serum IL-17 and MIF levels in patients with different forms of CW and compare the results with controls., Patient and Methods: Serum levels of IL-17 and MIF were measured using commercially available ELISA assay kits in 60 patients with CW and 20 healthy controls., Results: Serum levels of IL-17 and MIF were significantly lower in patients with CW when compared with the controls (P-value <.01, <.05, respectively). There was nonsignificant correlation between IL-17 and MIF., Conclusion: Low IL-17 and MIF levels may have a contributory role in occurrence, maintenance, severity, and recurrence of different types of CW which depend mainly on the defect of cell-mediated immunity. This may shed new light on nontraditional strategies for the future medical treatments of CW through regulation of IL-17 and MIF., (© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Background: Identifying potentially treatable risk factors for the progression of keratoconus is of great importance. The purpose of this study was to determine the association between blepharitis and keratoconus., Methods: In this prospective, comparative, observational study, 50 keratoconus participants from the central district of the Clalit Health Services Health Maintenance Organization in Israel underwent comprehensive eye examination. Seventy-two healthy medical personnel of similar ages were randomly chosen as a control group. The signs and symptoms of blepharitis in each participant were assessed. A thorough survey of the eyelids (scales and foam on the eyelashes, missing eyelashes and expression of meibomian gland contents) was performed. All participants were required to complete two questionnaires: the Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire and a questionnaire regarding symptoms, signs and risk factors for blepharitis., Results: Blepharitis was more common in keratoconus participants than in the control group (24 per cent versus 2.8 per cent, p < 0.001). A higher proportion of keratoconus participants reported rubbing their eyes more than once a day (36 per cent versus 11.1 per cent, p = 0.002) as well as red and tired eyes (12 per cent versus zero per cent, p = 0.009). On external eye examination, signs of blepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunction were found more frequently in the keratoconus group (p < 0.05)., Conclusions: Signs and symptoms of blepharitis occur more often in keratoconus participants than in healthy individuals. Blepharitis-related inflammation and associated eye rubbing may contribute to disease progression., (© 2017 Optometry Australia.)

Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and its cognate receptor (GFRα-1) are expressed in normal human skin. They are involved in murine hair follicle morphogenesis and cycling control. We hypothesize that 'GDNF and GFRα-1 protein expression in human skin undergoes age-associated alterations. To test our hypothesis, the expression of these proteins was examined in human skin specimens obtained from 30 healthy individuals representing three age groups: children (5-18 years), adults (19-60 years) and the elderly (61-81 years). Immunofluorescent and light microscopic immunohistologic analyses were performed using tyramide signal amplification and avidin-biotin complex staining methods respectively. GDNF mRNA expression was examined by RT-PCR analysis. GDNF mRNA and protein as well as GFRα-1 protein expressions were detected in normal human skin. We found significantly reduced epidermal expression of these proteins with ageing. In the epidermis, the expression was strong in the skin of children and declined gradually with ageing, being moderate in adults and weak in the elderly. In children and adults, the expression of both GDNF and GFRα-1 proteins was strongest in the stratum basale and decreased gradually towards the surface layers where it was completely absent in the stratum corneum. In the elderly, GDNF and GFRα-1 protein expression was confined to the stratum basale. In the dermis, both GDNF and GFRα-1 proteins had strong expressions in the fibroblasts, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, hair follicles and blood vessels regardless of the age. Thus there is a decrease in epidermal GDNF and GFRα-1 protein expression in normal human skin with ageing. Our findings suggest that the consequences of this is that GFRα-1-mediated signalling is altered during the ageing process. The clinical and therapeutic ramifications of these observations mandate further investigations., (© 2016 The Authors. International Journal of Experimental Pathology © 2016 International Journal of Experimental Pathology.)

Background: Vitiligo is an idiopathic skin disease, characterized by circumscribed white macules or patches on the skin due to loss of the functional melanocytes. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and its cognate receptor (GFRα-1) are distal members of the transforming growth factor-β superfamily. GDNF, produced by the basal cell keratinocytes, is involved in the migration and differentiation of the melanocytes from the neural crest to the epidermis. This study examines the hypothesis that expression of GDNF protein and its cognate receptor GFRα-1 protein is altered in vitiliginous skin., Patients and Methods: To test our hypothesis, we examined the expression patterns of these proteins in vitiliginous and corresponding healthy (control) skin biopsies (20 specimens each) using immunoperoxidase staining techniques., Results: We found variations between the vitiliginous skin and healthy skin. In healthy skin, the expression of GDNF and GFRα-1 proteins was strong (basal cell keratinocytes and melanocytes), moderate (spinous layer), and weak (granular cell layer). In contrast, weak expression of GDNF protein was observed in all epidermal layers of vitiliginous skin. GFRα-1 protein expression was strong (basal cell keratinocytes and melanocytes), moderate (spinous layer), and weak (granular cell layer). In both healthy skin and vitiliginous skin, the expression of GDNF and GFRα-1 proteins was strong in the adnexal structures., Conclusions: We report, for the first time, decreased expression of GDNF proteins in the epidermal keratinocytes of vitiliginous skin. Our findings suggest possible pathogenetic roles for these proteins in the development of vitiligo. The clinical ramifications of these observations mandate further investigations., (© The Author(s) 2015.)

Survivin, a member of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein family, has an important role in cell cycle regulation. Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) is a polypeptide hormone with wide range of biologic effects including stimulation of lipogenesis in sebaceous glands. Their overexpression in some fibrotic disorders suggests a possible implication of both IGF-I and survivin in the pathogenesis of acne and/or acne scars. The current study aimed to assess and correlate serum levels of IGF-I and survivin in patients with active acne vulgaris and postinflammatory acne scars and to evaluate their lesional expressions in comparison to healthy controls. Serum IGF-I and survivin were estimated using commercially available ELISA kits and their tissues expressions were investigated using Western blotting. Our findings suggest that IGF-I and survivin could play potential roles in the pathogenesis of active acne vulgaris and more importantly in postinflammatory acne scars with significant positive correlation coefficient between serum levels of IGF-I and survivin which support IGF-I-/PI3K-/AKT-mediated downregulation of nuclear expression of FoxO transcription factors resulting in enhanced survivin expression.

Using a high-throughput 454 pyrosequencing approach a novel set of microsatellite markers was developed for one of the key grapevine insect pests, the European grapevine moth Lobesia botrana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). 20 primer pairs flanking a microsatellite motif were designed based on the sequences obtained and were subsequently evaluated in a sample of 14 L. botrana populations from Europe and the Middle East. 11 markers showed stable and reproducible amplification patterns; however, one of the 11 markers was monomorphic in all L. botrana populations analysed. Estimated frequencies of null alleles of more than 20% were evident for two of the markers tested, but varied substantially depending on the respective L. botrana population. In 12 of the 14 L. botrana populations observed heterozygosities were lower to those expected under Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, indicating a deficiency of heterozygotes in the respective populations. The overall F ST value of 0.075 suggested a moderate but significant genetic differentiation between the L. botrana populations included in this study. In addition, a clear geographic structure was detected in the set of samples, evident through a significant isolation by distance and through results from structure analysis. In structure analysis, L. botrana populations were grouped in two clearly separated clusters according to their European (Spain, Italy, Germany) or Middle Eastern (Israel, Syria, Turkey) origin. This novel set of microsatellite markers can now be applied to study the evolutionary ecology of this species including host shifts and host adaptation as well as spread of individuals across worldwide viticulture.

Involucrin is a structural component of the keratinocyte cornified envelope that is expressed early in the keratinocyte differentiation process. It is a component of the initial envelope scaffolding and considered as a marker for keratinocyte terminal differentiation. The expression pattern of involucrin in human scalp skin and hair follicle cycle stages is not fully explored. This study addresses this issue and tests the hypothesis that "the expression of involucrin undergoes hair follicle cycle-dependent changes". A total of 50 normal human scalp skin biopsies were examined (healthy females, 51-62 years) using immunofluorescence staining methods and real-time PCR analysis. In each case, 50 hair follicles were analyzed (35, 10 and 5 follicles in anagen, catagen and telogen, respectively). Involucrin was prominently expressed in the human scalp skin and hair follicles, on both gene and protein levels. The protein expression showed hair follicle cycle-associated changes i.e. a very strong expression during early and mature anagen, intermediate to strong expression during catagen and prominent decline in the telogen phase. The expression value of involucrin in both anagen and catagen was statistically significantly higher than that of telogen hair follicles (p < 0.001). This study provides the first morphologic indication that involucrin is differentially expressed in the human scalp skin and hair follicles and reports that involucrin expression pattern undergoes hair cycle-dependent changes. The clinical ramifications of these findings are open for further investigations.

Background: RhoB belongs to the Ras homologous (Rho) subfamily which consists of low molecular weight mass GTP-binding proteins. Rho proteins are regulatory molecules that mediate changes in cell shape, contractility, motility and gene expression., Aim: To test the hypothesis that 'RhoB protein is expressed in the human skin and its expression undergoes hair follicle cycle dependent changes'. To test this hypothesis, we examined the expression of RhoB in the normal human skin and hair follicles (HFs) using immunohistochemical methods., Methods: A total of 50 normal human scalp skin specimens were obtained from 50 females (age: 53-57 years) undergoing elective cosmetic plastic surgery. The specimens were obtained from both frontal and temporal regions of the scalp. A total of 50 HF, (35 anagen, 10 catagen and 5 telogen) were examined in each case using immunohistologic staining methods. Semiquantitative analysis was done., Results: RhoB protein was strongly expressed in the various elements of the human scalp skin and hair follicles. In the epidermis, a moderate RhoB immunoreactivity was found in all layers except stratum corneum where RhoB protein was completely absent. In sebaceous glands, a strong RhoB immunoreactivity was detected in all sebaceocytes. In the hair follicles, the expression of RhoB protein showed hair follicle cycle stages-associated changes, i.e. strong expression during anagen, but weak and completely absent expressions during catagen and telogen phases, respectively. Semiquantitative analysis revealed statistically significant high expression values (staining intensity, percentage of positive cells and immunoreactivity scores) in the anagen VI hair follicles compared to either cantagen or telogen ones (p < 0.05). Similarly, RhoB protein expression was significantly high in the stratum basale, stratum spinosum and sebaceous glands compared to stratum granulosum (p < 0.05)., Conclusions: Here we report, for the first time, the distribution of RhoB protein in the human scalp skin and hair follicles. We also provide the first indication that there are variations in the expression of this protein in the different stages of the hair cycle.

Background: The p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) is a death factor (apoptosis-promoting protein) that belongs to the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily of membrane proteins. In the murine hair follicle (HF) model, p75NTR plays a critical role during HF morphogenesis, functioning as a receptor that negatively controls HF development. p75NTR signaling is involved in the control of keratinocyte apoptosis during catagen. To date, knowledge about the expression pattern of p75NTR protein in human scalp skin and HFs is limited. In this investigation we hypothesized that p75NTR protein is expressed in human scalp skin and its expression in HFs fluctuates with the transitions from anagen --> catagen --> telogen stages., Methods: To test this hypothesis, the immunoreactivity of p75NTR protein was examined in human scalp skin by immunofluorescent and immunoalkaline phosphatase methods. A total of 50 normal-appearing human scalp skin biopsy specimens were examined (healthy women age 53-57 years). In each case, 50 HFs were analyzed (35, 10, and 5 follicles in anagen, catagen, and telogen, respectively)., Results: We found variations in p75NTR protein expression with HF cycling. p75NTR expression was negligible in early, mid, and mature anagen and weak during late anagen. p75NTR expression was moderate during anagen-catagen transition. It was strong in both catagen and telogen HF. Also, p75NTR protein expression was strong in the stratum corneum (epidermis), dermal fibroblasts, blood vessels, nerve endings, adipocytes, and both sebaceous and sweat glands., Limitations: Our knowledge about other proteins (prosurvival and pro-apoptotic molecules) interacting with p75 is incomplete., Conclusions: Our investigation reports, for the first time, the expression patterns of p75NTR in human scalp skin and HFs. p75NTR protein expression exhibited significant hair cycle-dependent fluctuation, suggesting a possible role in human HF biology.

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are molecular chaperones involved in protein folding, assembly and transport, and which play critical roles in the regulation of cell growth, survival and differentiation. We set out to test the hypothesis that HSP27 protein is expressed in the human testes and its expression varies with the state of spermatogenesis. HSP27 expression was examined in 30 human testicular biopsy specimens (normal spermatogenesis, maturation arrest and Sertoli cell only syndrome, 10 cases each) using immunofluorescent methods. The biopsies were obtained from patients undergoing investigations for infertility. The seminiferous epithelium of the human testes showing normal spermatogenesis had a cell type-specific expression of HSP27. HSP27 expression was strong in the cytoplasm of the Sertoli cells, spermatogonia, and Leydig cells. Alternatively, the expression was moderate in the spermatocytes, weak in the spermatids and absent in the spermatozoa. In testes showing maturation arrest, HSP27 expression was strong in the Sertoli cells, weak in the spermatogonia, and spermatocytes. It was absent in the spermatids and Leydig cells. In Sertoli cell only syndrome, HSP27 expression was strong in the Sertoli cells and absent in the Leydig cells. We report for the first time the expression patterns of HSP27 in the human testes and show differential expression during normal spermatogenesis, indicating a possible role in this process. The altered expression of this protein in testes showing abnormal spermatogenesis may be related to the pathogenesis of male infertility.

Background: Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and a related family member, neurturin (NTN), as well as their cognate receptors (GDNF receptors, GFRalpha-1 and GFRalpha-2, respectively) are involved in nervous system development and murine hair cycle control. To date, their expression in human scalp skin is still unknown., Materials and Methods: The expression pattern of these proteins was examined in human scalp skin by immunofluorescence and immunoalkaline phosphatase staining methods as well as RT-PCR (GDNF). A total of 50 normal human scalp skin biopsy specimens were examined (healthy females, 53-57 years)., Results: The expression of GDNF protein was strong in the epidermis and sebaceous and sweat glands. In the epidermis, GDNF protein expression was seen in all layers except the stratum corneum. It was strong in the basal layer and decreased gradually towards the granular layer. The results of RT-PCR analysis revealed that GDNF protein is synthesised in the epidermis. The expression of NTN, GFRalpha-1, and GFRalpha-2 proteins was strong in the papillary dermis and sebaceous and sweat glands. In the epidermis, NTN protein expression was absent. The expression of GFRalpha-1 and GFRalpha-2 proteins was moderate in the epidermis. The expression of c-Ret protein was consistently strong in the epidermis and sebaceous and sweat glands. These proteins were strongly expressed in both epithelial and mesenchymal compartments of human anagen VI scalp hair follicles., Conclusions: Our investigation reports, for the first time, the expression patterns of GDNF, NTN, GFRalpha-1, GFRalpha-2, and c-Ret proteins in human scalp skin. The expression of these proteins in the skin suggests their possible roles in skin homeostasis. The clinical ramifications of these observations mandate further investigations. Adly MA, Assaf HA, Hussein MR, Paus R. Analysis of the expression pattern of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor, neurturin, their cognate receptors GFRalpha-1 and GFRalpha-2, and a common signal transduction element c-Ret in the human scalp skin.

Background: Nerve growth factor (NGF) and its high-affinity receptor, tyrosine kinase A (TrkA), are members of the neurotrophin family. NGF-TrkA are involved in murine hair morphogenesis and cycling. To date, their expression in human hair follicle (HF) is unknown. In this investigation, we hypothesize that NGF-TrkA proteins are expressed in the human scalp skin. Moreover, NGF-TrkA expression in HF changes with the transitions from anagen-->>catagen-->>telogen stages., Materials and Methods: To test our hypothesis and to fill this existing gap in literature, the immunostaining values (semiquantitative evaluation of protein expression: SI, staining intensity; PP, percentage of positive cells; and IR score, immunoreactivity score) of NGF and TrkA proteins were examined in human scalp skin by immunofluorescent and immunoperoxidase staining methods. Fifty normal human scalp skin biopsy specimens were examined (healthy females, 53-57 years). In each case, 50 HFs were analyzed (35, 10, and five follicles in anagen, catagen, and telogen, respectively)., Results: The IR scores were statistically significantly higher (p < 0.001) in anagen as compared with either catagen or telogen HF (9.61 +/- 0.12 vs. 1.4 +/- 0.10 vs. 0.6 +/- 0.10 for NGF and 3.31 +/- 0.02 vs. 0.5 +/- 0.10 vs. 0.2 +/- 0.10 for TrkA). In the anagen HF, high expression values were seen in the distal region, followed by upper distal, lower distal, and bulb regions for both NGF (10.6 +/- 0.21 vs. 10.3 +/- 0.21 vs. 9.2 +/- 0.40 vs. 8.1 +/- 0.30) and TrkA (3.54 +/- 0.07 vs. 3.45 +/- 0.07 vs. 3.31 +/- 0.06 vs. 3.13 +/- 0.04). Both NGF and TrkA proteins showed prominent expression in the melanocytes (7.6 +/- 0.15 vs. 2.50 +/- 0.07), keratinocytes (10.2 +/- 0.40 vs. 2.71 +/- 0.06), sebaceous glands (10.2 +/- 0.40 vs. 2.72 +/- 0.06), and sweat glands (10.4 +/- 0.40 vs. 2.84 +/- 0.05)., Conclusions: Our findings report, for the first time, the expression pattern of NGF and TrkA proteins in human scalp skin and HF. The differential expression of these proteins during HF cycling suggests their possible roles in human HF biology. The clinical ramifications of these observations mandate further investigations.

Background: CD1d belongs to a family of antigen-presenting molecules structurally related to the classical major histocompatibility complex class I proteins., Objectives: To examine the expression pattern of CD1d protein in normal human skin with ageing., Methods: Twenty normal human skin biopsy specimens were obtained from 20 healthy individuals. The latter were divided into three age groups: children (5-20 years), adults (21-50 years) and the elderly (51-81 years). The intensity of CD1d protein production was examined in human skin using immunofluorescent and immunoalkalinephosphatase staining methods., Results: In the epidermis, CD1d protein production was strong in the skin of the children and declined gradually with age, being moderate in adults and weak in the elderly. As compared with values in children, there was a statistically significant decrease (P<0.05) in CD1d protein production in the elderly. In the dermis, CD1d protein production was strong in the fibroblasts, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, blood vessels and hair follicles regardless of age., Conclusions: Our study reports a decreased CD1d protein production in normal human skin with ageing. The clinical ramifications of these observations mandate further investigations.

Background: Heat shock protein (HSP) is a molecular chaperone involved in protein folding, assembly, and transport and in the regulation of cell growth and differentiation. HSP27 protein is expressed in murine hair follicle (HF) and in human skin during fetal development. In this investigation we hypothesized that HSP27 protein is expressed in the human scalp skin and its expression in HF changes with the transitions form anagen --> catagen --> telogen stages., Methods: To test this hypothesis, the immunoreactivity of HSP27 protein was examined in human scalp skin by immunofluorescent method. A total of 50 normal human scalp skin biopsy specimens were examined (healthy women, age 53-57 years). In each case, 50 HF were analyzed (35, 10, and 5 follicles in anagen, catagen, and telogen, respectively)., Results: HSP27 protein expression was prominent in human scalp anagen, and weak in both catagen and telogen HFs. Within HF, HSP27 protein immunoreactivity was prominent in the outer root sheath, inner root sheath, precorteocytes, and corteocytes of the hair shaft. In addition, HSP27 protein expression was prominent in the epidermis, sebaceous glands, sweat glands, and arrector pili muscles., Limitations: Only some types of heat shock proteins are known to date. Also, our knowledge about the exact molecular mechanisms involved in the interactions among these protein and other molecular chaperones is still incomplete., Conclusions: Our investigation reports, for the first time, the expression patterns of HSP27 in human scalp skin and HF. The differential expression of HSP27 during HF cycling suggests its possible roles in human HF biology.

Background: CD1d belongs to a family of antigen presenting molecules that are structurally and distantly related to the classic major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC I) proteins. However, unlike MHC I molecules, which bind protein antigens, CD1d binds to lipid and glycolipid antigens. CD1d is expressed by cells of lymphoid and myeloid origin, and by cells outside of the lymphoid and myeloid lineages, such as human keratinocytes of psoriatic skin., Aims: To investigate whether CD1d is also expressed in sun exposed skin and in the immuno-privileged anagen hair follicle., Materials/methods: CD1d immunoreactivity was studied in human scalp skin and hair follicles of healthy women in situ by immunofluorescent and light microscopic immunohistology. Skin biopsies were obtained from normal human scalp containing mainly anagen VI hair follicles from women (age, 53-57 years) undergoing elective plastic surgery., Results: CD1d showed strong immunostaining in human scalp skin epidermis, pilosebaceous units, and eccrine glands. In the epidermis, CD1d was strongly expressed by basal and granular keratinocytes. In hair follicles, CD1d was expressed in the epithelial compartment and showed hair cycle related alterations, with an increase in the anagen and a reduction in the catagen and telogen phases., Conclusions: These results suggest that CD1d plays a role in human scalp skin immunology and protection against lipid antigen rich infectious microbes. They also raise the question of whether keratinocytes of the immuno-privileged anagen hair follicle can present lipid antigens to natural killer T cells. These data could help provide new strategies for the manipulation of hair related disorders.

Background: Neurotrophin (NT)-3 and its high-affinity receptor tyrosine kinase C (Trk C) are essential for nervous system development. These members of the NT family are also involved in murine hair morphogenesis and cycling. However, their role in human hair follicle (HF) biology remains to be elucidated., Objectives: To explore the role of NTs in human skin and HF biology., Methods: The immunoreactivity (IR) of NT-3 and Trk C was studied in human scalp skin and HFs by immunofluorescent and light microscopic immunohistology. Skin biopsies were obtained from normal human scalp containing mainly anagen VI HFs from women (age 53-57 years) undergoing elective plastic surgery., Results: Both NT-3 and Trk C showed prominent, yet distinct, IR patterns in human scalp anagen HFs (anagen VI), whereas they were weakly expressed in catagen and increased again in telogen HFs. Within HF compartments, NT-3 IR was prominent in the outer root sheath, inner root sheath, dermal papilla and connective tissue sheath. Trk C IR was prominent in all HF epithelial and mesenchymal compartments. Outside the HF, both NT-3 and Trk C showed prominent IR in the epidermis, sebaceous glands and sweat glands., Conclusions: These observations provide the first indication that NT-3 and Trk C are expressed in human scalp skin and HFs, and suggest that Trk C-mediated signalling is involved not only in murine but also in human HF biology. They may be useful in determining therapeutic strategies for the treatment of hair cycle and skin-related disorders.

At the end of 2002 severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) emerged and spread worldwide. The pathogen was unknown, as was its mechanism of transfer, and there was no effective therapy for the disease. There was a large element of hysteria and anxiety in society's reaction to SARS. The initial steps taken to cope with SARS were clear-cut and even dramatic. Decision-making in a time of emergency is associated with a high potential for ethical dilemmas and conflicts. In the course of efforts to cope with a threatening disease, it is important to appraise our activities from an ethical point of view. A retrospective look at this period of time shows that we did not do this. This article examines the ethical aspects of the process undertaken to cope with SARS in our medical centre.

In August 2001, the Israeli Ministry of Health issued its Limitation of Smoking in Public Places Order, categorically forbidding smoking in hospitals. This forced the mental health system to cope with the issue of smoking inside psychiatric hospitals. The main problem was smoking by compulsorily hospitalized psychiatric patients in closed wards. An attempt by a psychiatric hospital to implement the tobacco smoking restraint instruction by banning the sale of cigarettes inside the hospital led to the development of a black market and cases of patient exploitation in return for cigarettes. This article surveys the literature dealing with smoking among psychiatric patients, the role of smoking in patients and the moral dilemmas of taking steps to prevent smoking in psychiatric hospitals. It addresses the need for public discussion on professional caregivers' dilemmas between their commitment to uphold the law and their duty to act as advocates for their patients' rights and welfare.

This study, which was conducted in Israel, examined staff members' reactions to the relocation of three closed psychiatric wards to a new building. Participants' (N=61) levels of uncertainty were significantly higher before the relocation than they were after the relocation. In addition, a significant positive correlation was found between anxiety levels before the relocation and anxiety levels after the relocation. A significant positive correlation was also found between anxiety levels before the relocation and uncertainty levels before and after the relocation. No significant correlation was found between the perceived success of the relocation and the other study variables.