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1.
Rev Neurol (Paris) ; 179(3): 218-222, 2023 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36473747

ABSTRACT

Facial nerve paralysis or Bell's palsy have been suggested as possible consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infections, as well as possible side effects of COVID-19 vaccinations. Google Trends data have been used to evaluate worldwide levels of public awareness for these topics for pre- and post-pandemic years. The results demonstrate a relatively low public interest in facial nerve paralysis in comparison to other more common COVID-19 related topics. Some peaks of interest in Bell's palsy can most likely be explained as triggered by the media. Therefore, Google Trends has shown public's relatively low awareness of this rare neurological phenomenon during the pandemic.


Subject(s)
Bell Palsy , COVID-19 , Facial Paralysis , Humans , COVID-19 Vaccines , Facial Nerve , Search Engine , SARS-CoV-2
2.
BMC Public Health ; 21(1): 2002, 2021 11 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34736425

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: We analyzed the association between substance use (SU) and condomless sex (CS) among HIV-negative adults reporting heterosexual sex in the Seek, Test, Treat, and Retain (STTR) consortium. We describe the impact of SU as well as person/partner and context-related factors on CS, identifying combinations of factors that indicate the highest likelihood of CS. METHODS: We analyzed data from four US-based STTR studies to examine the effect of SU on CS using two SU exposures: 1) recent SU (within 3 months) and 2) SU before/during sex. Behavioral data were collected via 1:1 or self-administered computerized interviews. Adjusted individual-study, multivariable relative risk regression was used to examine the relationship between CS and SU. We also examined interactions with type of sex and partner HIV status. Pooled effect estimates were calculated using traditional fixed-effects meta-analysis. We analyzed data for recent SU (n = 6781; 82% men, median age = 33 years) and SU before/during sex (n = 2915; 69% men, median age = 40 years). RESULTS: For both exposure classifications, any SU other than cannabis increased the likelihood of CS relative to non-SU (8-16%, p-values< 0.001). In the recent SU group, however, polysubstance use did not increase the likelihood of CS compared to single-substance use. Cannabis use did not increase the likelihood of CS, regardless of frequency of use. Type of sex was associated with CS; those reporting vaginal and anal sex had a higher likelihood of CS compared to vaginal sex only for both exposure classifications (18-21%, p < 0.001). Recent SU increased likelihood of CS among those reporting vaginal sex only (9-10%, p < 0.001); results were similar for those reporting vaginal and anal sex (5-8%, p < 0.01). SU before/during sex increased the likelihood of CS among those reporting vaginal sex only (20%; p < 0.001) and among those reporting vaginal and anal sex (7%; p = 0.002). Single- and poly-SU before/during sex increased the likelihood of CS for those with exclusively HIV-negative partners (7-8%, p ≤ 0.02), and for those reporting HIV-negative and HIV-status unknown partners (9-13%, p ≤ 0.03). CONCLUSION: Except for cannabis, any SU increased the likelihood of CS. CS was associated with having perceived HIV-negative partners and with having had both anal/vaginal sex.


Subject(s)
HIV Infections , Substance-Related Disorders , Adult , Condoms , Female , HIV Infections/epidemiology , Heterosexuality , Homosexuality, Male , Humans , Male , Risk-Taking , Sexual Behavior , Sexual Partners , Substance-Related Disorders/epidemiology , Unsafe Sex
3.
Skin Res Technol ; 25(1): 68-78, 2019 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29923636

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Diagnostics of healing, infection, and inflammation in chronic wounds in comparison with physiological wound healing in acute wounds may help for therapy decisions toward individualized therapy management. With emerging new optical techniques the coupling of optical diagnostic devices with tissue provides a great challenge. Traditional coupling with cover slips is used since the early days of microscopy. In modern health care, hygienic covering of surfaces is necessary to avoid infections and cross-contaminations. METHODS: Measurements in chronic wounds were performed at three different areas including the center of the wound, the border of the wound and healthy skin as comparison area. For each measurement area, three vertical stacks were taken by MPT. Additionally, three different optical measuring procedures (MPT, OCT, CLSM) were used for the examination of BNC foil. Examinations of BNC foil were carried out at two different areas of healthy skin compared to a standard setup as control. RESULTS: The MPT evaluation revealed a distinct difference in the second harmonic generation-to-autofluorescence aging index of dermis (SAAID) behavior between the vertical stacks taken at central wound areas and wound margins as well as unaffected skin. Through BNC foil covers, MPT CLSM and OCT images were captured with good quantitative and qualitative results. CONCLUSIONS: Phases in chronic wounds could be matched with physiologically healing in acute wounds according to SAAID and MPT imaging. BNC provided an alternative covering for MPT, OCT, and CLSM with clear morphological images.


Subject(s)
Bacteria/metabolism , Cellulose/pharmacology , Skin/injuries , Wound Healing/drug effects , Bandages , Humans , Microscopy, Fluorescence, Multiphoton , Nanostructures/chemistry , Skin/drug effects , Tomography, Optical Coherence/methods
4.
Skin Res Technol ; 24(3): 445-449, 2018 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29405439

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Mucous membranes may be affected by various diseases and the diagnostic accessibility is limited. Multiphoton laser tomography (MPT) is a useful tool for in vivo evaluation of superficial skin structures and might also be useful for the imaging of mucosa. OBJECTIVES: In order to investigate the suitability of MPT for the evaluation of mucous membranes, tissue samples of different donors and anatomical localizations have been imaged. METHODS: Human mucosa samples from the urinary bladder, palatine tonsil and ocular conjunctiva were investigated by MPT and subsequently compared with conventional histology. RESULTS: Horizontal images of the epithelium and the underlying connective tissue were obtained using the autofluorescence and second harmonics generation signals by MPT. The stratification of multilayered epithelium was consistently reproduced. Also inflammatory changes like lymphocytic infiltrates and widened intercellular spaces were imaged in some cases. CONCLUSION: Mucous tissue samples were obtained and MPT imaging was successfully performed. In the direct comparison with histology of the same tissue samples, the characteristic morphology of the epithelia was found. Further studies are necessary in order to compare images of healthy and diseased mucosal epithelium and the use of MPT for its evaluation in vivo.


Subject(s)
Conjunctiva/anatomy & histology , Mucous Membrane/anatomy & histology , Palatine Tonsil/anatomy & histology , Urinary Bladder/anatomy & histology , Humans , Lasers , Mucous Membrane/pathology , Palatine Tonsil/pathology , Tomography
5.
Skin Res Technol ; 23(4): 452-458, 2017 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28271554

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The multiphoton tomography (MPT) has evolved into a useful tool for the non-invasive investigation of morphological and biophysical characteristics of human skin in vivo. Until now, changes of the skin have been evaluated mainly by using clinical and histological techniques. In this study, the progress of wound healing was investigated by MPT over 3 weeks with a final examination after 24 months. Especially, the collagen degradation, reepithelization and tissue formation were examined. As specific parameter for wound healing and its course the second-harmonic generation-to-autofluorescence aging index of dermis (SAAID) was used. METHODS: About 10 volunteers aged between 25 and 58 years were examined. Acute wounds were scanned with three Z-stacks taken per visit. The stacks were taken up to a depth of 225 µm at increments of 5 µm and a scan time for 3 seconds per scan. Subsequently, the SAAID was evaluated as an indicator for wound healing. Furthermore, single scans were taken for morphological investigations. RESULTS: The evaluation revealed a distinct difference in the SAAID behavior between the Z-stacks taken at each visit. Furthermore, the degradation of collagen and cells and their reappearance could be shown in the course of the visits. CONCLUSIONS: Clear differences in the curve behavior of the SAAID at every visit were shown in this study. The SAAID curves and morphological images could be correlated with findings of the clinical examination of different wound healing phases. Therefore, SAAID curves and morphological MPT imaging could provide a non-invasive tool for the determination of wound healing phases in patients in vivo.


Subject(s)
Wound Healing/physiology , Adult , Collagen/physiology , Curettage , Epidermis/diagnostic imaging , Humans , Microscopy, Fluorescence, Multiphoton/methods , Middle Aged , Postoperative Care , Tomography/methods
6.
Skin Res Technol ; 22(3): 356-62, 2016 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26456590

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The in vivo multiphoton tomography has evolved into a useful tool for the non-invasive investigation of morphological and biophysical characteristics of human skin. Until now, changes of skin have been evaluated mainly by clinical and histological techniques. The current study addresses the effects of a changed acquisition time for single scans in a Z-stack on the directly related qualitative and quantitative interpretability of the data. METHODS: A test area of the skin was used for scanning 12 Z-stacks of 10 volunteers aged between 25 and 34 years. The stacks were taken up to a depth of 220 µm at increments of 10 µm at four different times, 1, 3, 7, 13 s, per scan. Subsequently, the second harmonic generation (SHG)-to-autofluorescence aging index of dermis (SAAID) was evaluated at three different measuring depths, i.e. at the maximum of SHG as well as at depths of 60 and 150 µm. RESULTS: The evaluation did not reveal any significant differences in the SAAID behavior between the Z-stacks of each test area scanned at different acquisition times. However, the acquisition time of 1 s/frame increases the measurement stability without influencing the SAAID behavior. The resolution of subcellular structures decreases significantly at scan times ≤3 s, whereas the acquisition time from 7 to 13 s warrants a high image quality. CONCLUSION: The study has shown that there are no significant differences between the scan speeds per scan in a Z-stack and the resulting SAAID. Acquisition times of 7 s are suitable for the morphological evaluation whereas a further extension to 13 s does not result in any benefits. A scan time per image of 1 s is sufficient for the quantitative evaluation of SAAID thus substantially reducing the possible influence of movement artifacts.


Subject(s)
Algorithms , Image Enhancement/methods , Intravital Microscopy/methods , Microscopy, Fluorescence, Multiphoton/methods , Skin/cytology , Tomography, Optical/methods , Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Reproducibility of Results , Sensitivity and Specificity
7.
Gesundheitswesen ; 78(11): 695-707, 2016 Nov.
Article in German | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26335658

ABSTRACT

Aim: 20 years after establishment of the National Breastfeeding Committee, the present work, based on published data on breastfeeding, is aimed at providing insight into the development of breastfeeding behaviour in Germany. Methods: To identify relevant publications, a comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed and Web of Science using the search terms "breast feeding" or "breastfeeding" in combination with "Germany". The publication period was limited to the period 1995-2014. Results: A total of 35 studies with data on breastfeeding for the birth cohorts of 1990-2012 were identified. Most of the data had been collected in regional or local surveys, often retrospectively. About 60% of the studies had been conducted with the primary aim of collecting data on breastfeeding or infant nutrition. Over the past 2 decades, breastfeeding rates were always relatively high at the beginning (72-97%). However, they declined significantly within the first 2 months, and by the age of 6 months, only about 50% of infants were still breastfed. Conclusion: Breastfeeding support and early assistance should be offered to a greater extent in order to achieve sustainable improvement of breastfeeding frequency and duration in Germany. Regarding the quality of data collected on breastfeeding, it seems crucial to implement standardised approaches to monitor breastfeeding in Germany.


Subject(s)
Breast Feeding/statistics & numerical data , Breast Feeding/trends , Maternal Behavior , Adolescent , Adult , Age Distribution , Female , Germany/epidemiology , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Middle Aged , Young Adult
8.
Hautarzt ; 66(7): 511-21, 2015 Jul.
Article in German | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25943693

ABSTRACT

In recent years, multiphoton tomography (MPT) and multiphoton microscopy have gained increasing importance as noninvasive examination techniques in dermatology. MPT imaging is based on the specific stimulation of biogenic fluorophores. The induction of second harmonic generation is also used for imaging of particular molecules. Additional fluorescence staining or fluorescence markers are not necessary-an important advantage for the in vivo examination of human skin. Multiphoton techniques are not only appropriate for clinical diagnostics but also for biomedical research. MPT provides an optical biopsy depth up to 200 µm with subcellular resolution depicting cellular and extracellular structures. In combination with fluorescence lifetime imaging, additional information about the microenvironment, the energetic state and the cellular metabolism can be obtained. This review presents recent developments of MPT for the in vivo evaluation of physiological and pathological changes of skin and diagnostics of dermal diseases.


Subject(s)
Microscopy, Fluorescence, Multiphoton/methods , Molecular Imaging/methods , Skin Diseases/metabolism , Skin Diseases/pathology , Skin/metabolism , Skin/pathology , Biomarkers/metabolism , Dermoscopy/methods , Humans , Image Enhancement/methods , Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted/methods
9.
Klin Padiatr ; 226(6-7): 344-50, 2014 Nov.
Article in German | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25431867

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Severe obesity due to hypothalamic involvement has major impact on prognosis in long-term survivors of childhood craniopharyngioma. The long-term effects of rehabilitation efforts on weight development and obesity in these patients are not analyzed up to now. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 108 patients with childhood craniopharyngioma recruited in HIT Endo before 2001 were included in the study. Long-term weight development (BMI SDS after >10 yrs follow-up) was analyzed in regard to rehabilitation, which was performed in 31 of 108 (29%) patients (one rehabilitation in 4 patients (13%), more than one in 21 patients (68%), 6 patients unknown) in 13 German rehabilitation -clinics. RESULTS: 84% of patients underwent rehabilitation in order to reduce hypothalamic obesity (BMI>+ 2 SD), whereas 12% of patients were normal weight. Childhood craniopharyngioma pa-tients with rehabilitation presented with higher BMI at diagnosis (median BMI: +1.32 SD; range: -1.08 to + 7.00 SD) and at last evaluation (median BMI: +4.93 SD; range: -0.20 to + 13.13 SD) when compared with patients without rehabilitation (median BMI at diagnosis: +0.24 SD; range: -2.67 to + 6.98 SD; BMI at evaluation: +2.09 SD; range: -1.48 to + 10.23 SD). A long-term weight reducing effect of rehabilitation was no detectable regardless of degree of obesity, frequency of rehabilitation, and hospital of rehabilitation. CONCLUSION: Treatment options for hypothalamic obesity in terms of rehabilitation are limited. Accordingly, strategies for prevention of hypothalamic lesions and psychosocial effects of rehabilitation are currently in focus for improvement of prognosis in childhood craniopharyngioma patients.


Subject(s)
Craniopharyngioma/complications , Craniopharyngioma/rehabilitation , Hypothalamic Neoplasms/complications , Hypothalamic Neoplasms/rehabilitation , Obesity/etiology , Obesity/rehabilitation , Patient Admission , Pituitary Neoplasms/complications , Weight Loss , Adolescent , Body Mass Index , Child , Child, Preschool , Cohort Studies , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Germany , Humans , Infant , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Male , Pituitary Neoplasms/rehabilitation , Quality of Life , Rehabilitation Centers
10.
Hautarzt ; 65(9): 814-22, 2014 Sep.
Article in German | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25234631

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The volume of search engine queries about disease-relevant items reflects public interest and correlates with disease prevalence as proven by the example of flu (influenza). Other influences include media attention or holidays. STUDY GOAL: The present work investigates if the seasonality of prevalence or symptom severity of dermatoses correlates with search engine query data. METHODS: The relative weekly volume of dermatological relevant search terms was assessed by the online tool Google Trends for the years 2009-2013. For each item, the degree of seasonality was calculated via frequency analysis and a geometric approach. RESULTS: Many dermatoses show a marked seasonality, reflected by search engine query volumes. Unexpected seasonal variations of these queries suggest a previously unknown variability of the respective disease prevalence. Furthermore, using the example of allergic rhinitis, a close correlation of search engine query data with actual pollen count can be demonstrated. DISCUSSION: In many cases, search engine query data are appropriate to estimate seasonal variability in prevalence of common dermatoses. This finding may be useful for real-time analysis and formation of hypotheses concerning pathogenetic or symptom aggravating mechanisms and may thus contribute to improvement of diagnostics and prevention of skin diseases.


Subject(s)
Data Mining/statistics & numerical data , Population Surveillance/methods , Search Engine/statistics & numerical data , Seasons , Skin Diseases/epidemiology , Female , Humans , Incidence , Male , Spatio-Temporal Analysis , Statistics as Topic
11.
Animal ; 18(6): 101168, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38762992

ABSTRACT

Heat stress (HS) negatively impacts a variety of production parameters in growing pigs; however, the impact of biological sex on the HS response is largely unknown. To address this, 48 crossbred barrows and gilts (36.8 ± 3.7 kg BW) were individually housed and assigned to one of three constant environmental conditions: (1) thermoneutral (TN) (20.8 ± 1.6 °C; 62.0 ± 4.7% relative humidity; n = 8/sex), (2) HS (39.4 ± 0.6 °C; 33.7 ± 6.3% relative humidity) for 1 d (HS1; n = 8/sex), or (3) or for 7 d (HS7; n = 8/sex). As expected, HS increased rectal temperature (Tr) following 1 d of HS (1.0 °C; P < 0.0001) and 7 d of HS (0.9 °C; P < 0.0001). By 7 d, heat-stressed gilts were cooler than barrows (0.4 °C; P = 0.016), despite identical heating conditions. There was a main effect of sex such that barrows had higher Tr than gilts (P = 0.031). Heat-stressed pigs on d 1 had marked reductions in feed intake and BW compared to TN (P < 0.0001). One day of HS resulted in negative gain to feed (G:F) in barrows and gilts and was reduced compared to TN (P < 0.0001). Notably, following 1 d of HS, the variability of G:F was greater in gilts than in barrows. Between 1 and 7 d of HS, G:F improved in barrows and gilts and were similar to TN pigs, even though HS barrows had higher Tr than gilts over this period. Heat stress for 1 and 7 d reduced empty gastrointestinal tract weight compared to TN (P < 0.0001). Interestingly, HS7 gilts had decreased gastrointestinal tract weight compared to HS1 gilts (2.43 vs 2.72 kg; P = 0.03), whereas it was similar between HS1 and HS7 barrows. Lastly, a greater proportion of gastrointestinal contents was in the stomach of HS1 pigs compared to TN and HS7 (P < 0.05), which is suggestive of decreased gastric emptying. Overall, HS barrows maintained an elevated Tr compared to HS gilts through the duration of the experiment but also maintained similar growth and production metrics compared to gilts, despite this higher temperature.


Subject(s)
Heat-Shock Response , Hot Temperature , Animals , Female , Male , Swine/physiology , Swine/growth & development , Hot Temperature/adverse effects , Heat-Shock Response/physiology , Body Temperature , Heat Stress Disorders/veterinary , Sex Factors , Swine Diseases , Sus scrofa/physiology , Sus scrofa/growth & development
12.
J Equine Vet Sci ; 139: 105131, 2024 Jun 13.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38879095

ABSTRACT

The neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) is the receptor responsible for bidirectional transport of immunoglobulin G (IgG) across cells, maintenance of IgG levels in serum, and assisting with antigen presentation. Unfortunately, little is known about FcRn in horses. Therefore, the objective of this study was to provide fundamental information regarding the location of FcRn in equine tissues. Tissues were collected from six horses of mixed breed, age, and sex immediately following euthanasia. Sampling locations included the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract (GIT), other visceral organs, cornea, and synovial membrane of the stifle and carpal joints. Tissues for histological analysis were fixed, cross sectioned, and stained for FcRn. Areas of interest were captured and analyzed with data represented as relative fluorescence (RF) to indicate FcRn abundance. Tissues for qPCR analysis were placed in RNAlater and relative quantification (RQ) of FcRn transcripts (FCGRT) was calculated using the 2-ΔΔCT method, normalized to the geometric mean of three reference genes (ACTB, GADPH, HPRT1). Data were analyzed using the general linear model procedure of SAS. Abundance of FcRn differed between tissue types by immunofluorescence and qPCR analysis (P < 0.01). Joint synovium and respiratory tract tissues had the highest RF, GIT tissues expressed moderate RF, and other visceral organs had the lowest RF. Conversely, liver and kidney tissues had the highest RQ while the stomach and cornea had the lowest RQ. These data lay the foundation for future studies regarding FcRn and IgG in horses and their roles in disease prevention and treatment.

13.
Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol ; 41(3): 267-73, 2013 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23292918

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the usefulness of chromosome microarrays as a second-tier test in prenatal genetic testing. METHODS: We prospectively analyzed 75 high-risk pregnancies undergoing invasive prenatal genetic testing in which the karyotype either was normal or had findings other than a common non-mosaic autosomal aneuploidy. RESULTS: Chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) was performed successfully in all cases. Pathological copy-number variations (CNVs) explaining the phenotypes were found in 11 cases (14.7%). Four cases were detected with an unbalanced translocation. In three of these cases, subsequent genetic analysis demonstrated that a parent was an unknown carrier of a balanced translocation. Among the 67 cases with normal karyo-types, submicroscopic rearrangements with pathological significance were detected in five (7.5%) and CNVs of unclear significance were detected in one (1.5%). CMA was able to discriminate correctly between true mosaicism and confined or pseudomosaicism in all six mosaic cases. CONCLUSION: CMA is a valuable second-tier test in high-risk pregnancies for which identification or further delineation of genetic aberrations is important. Its higher resolution results in a higher detection rate of aberrant cases, with a clear clinical benefit for estimation of risk of recurrence.


Subject(s)
Chromosome Aberrations , Chromosome Disorders/diagnosis , Fetal Diseases/diagnosis , Karyotype , Microarray Analysis/methods , Prenatal Diagnosis/methods , Chromosome Disorders/genetics , Female , Fetal Diseases/genetics , Genetic Testing/methods , Humans , Karyotyping/methods , Pregnancy , Prospective Studies
14.
Skin Res Technol ; 17(4): 479-86, 2011 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21453411

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Multiphoton tomography (MPT) is a novel non-invasive imaging method in dermatology allowing the depiction of the epidermis with sub-cellular resolution. Here, we present a descriptive characterization of unaffected human epidermis, morphometric data on human keratinocytes and some epidermal parameters in vivo and a morphological characterization of keratinocyte changes in actinic keratoses. METHODS: In a clinical setting, 57 volunteers of different age groups were examined using MPT. RESULTS: The morphological appearance of keratinocytes showed polygonal cells in the horny layer, a granular cytoplasm in the stratum granulosum, smaller prickle cells in the stratum spinosum and hyperpigmented small round basal cells. Actinic keratoses presented remarkable differences including widened inter-cellular spaces, heterogeneity in cellular fluorescence and shape as well as an increased ratio of nuclear to cellular size. Finally, the thickness of the epidermis was significantly increased in actinic keratoses compared with the control. CONCLUSION: In vivo MPT provides high-resolution images allowing the identification and quantification of cellular morphometric parameters. First observations of morphology and morphometry of actinic keratoses are reported.


Subject(s)
Dermoscopy/methods , Keratinocytes/cytology , Keratosis, Actinic/pathology , Microscopy, Fluorescence, Multiphoton/methods , Tomography/methods , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Dermis/pathology , Epidermis/pathology , Female , Humans , Male , Microscopy, Confocal/methods , Middle Aged , Skin Aging/pathology , Young Adult
15.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A ; 105(6): 1993-8, 2008 Feb 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18268333

ABSTRACT

In free-spawning invertebrates sperm-egg incompatibility is a barrier to mating between species, and divergence of gamete recognition proteins (GRPs) can result in reproductive isolation. Of interest are processes that create reproductive protein diversity within species, because intraspecific variants are potentially involved in mate choice and early speciation. Sperm acrosomes of the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas contain the protein bindin that bonds sperm to egg during fertilization. Oyster bindin is a single-copy gene encoding a diversity of protein variants. Oyster bindins have a conserved N-terminal region followed by one to five tandem fucose-binding lectin (F-lectin) domains. These repeats have diversified by positive selection at eight sites clustered on the F-lectin's fucose binding face. Additional bindin variants result from recombination in an intron in each F-lectin repeat. Males also express alternatively spliced bindin cDNAs with one to five repeats, but typically translate only one or two isoforms into protein. Thus, positive selection, alternative splicing, and recombination can create thousands of bindin variants within C. gigas. Models of sexual conflict predict high male diversity when females are diverse and sexual conflict is strong. The amount of intraspecific polymorphism in male GRPs may be a consequence of the relative efficiency of local (molecular recognition) and global (electrical, cortical, and physical) polyspermy blocks that operate during fertilization.


Subject(s)
Proteins/metabolism , Spermatozoa/metabolism , Alternative Splicing , Amino Acid Sequence , Animals , Blotting, Western , Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel , Male , Models, Molecular , Molecular Sequence Data , Ostreidae , Polymorphism, Genetic , Proteins/chemistry , Proteins/genetics , Recombination, Genetic , Sequence Homology, Amino Acid , Species Specificity , Sperm-Ovum Interactions
16.
Lymphology ; 44(2): 65-71, 2011 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21949975

ABSTRACT

There are multiple treatment options for patients with chronic lymphedema, and one successful approach is lymph vessel transplantation. As quality of life assessments are frequently not utilized in standard treatment regimes, we investigated the change in quality of life for patients with chronic lymphedema (total = 212) who had undergone lymphatic vessel transplantation and conservative therapy for at least 6 months prior to operation. Quality of life was assessed by a modified standard questionnaire examining the physiological and psychological status of the patients. Results document a significant improvement in quality of life and underscore success of autologous lymphatic vessel transplantation as a therapy for lymphedema.


Subject(s)
Lymphatic Vessels/transplantation , Lymphedema/surgery , Quality of Life , Humans , Lymphedema/psychology , Retrospective Studies
17.
Science ; 281(5377): 698-700, 1998 Jul 31.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-9685263

ABSTRACT

Protein trafficking from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to the Golgi apparatus involves specific uptake into coat protein complex II (COPII)-coated vesicles of secretory and of vesicle targeting (v-SNARE) proteins. Here, two ER to Golgi v-SNAREs, Bet1p and Bos1p, were shown to interact specifically with Sar1p, Sec23p, and Sec24p, components of the COPII coat, in a guanine nucleotide-dependent fashion. Other v-SNAREs, Sec22p and Ykt6p, might interact more weakly with the COPII coat or interact indirectly by binding to Bet1p or Bos1p. The data suggest that transmembrane proteins can be taken up into COPII vesicles by direct interactions with the coat proteins and may play a structural role in the assembly of the COPII coat complex.


Subject(s)
Carrier Proteins/metabolism , Endoplasmic Reticulum/metabolism , Fungal Proteins/metabolism , GTP-Binding Proteins/metabolism , Golgi Apparatus/metabolism , Membrane Proteins/metabolism , Membrane Transport Proteins , Monomeric GTP-Binding Proteins , Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins , Vesicular Transport Proteins , Binding Sites , COP-Coated Vesicles , GTP Phosphohydrolases/metabolism , GTPase-Activating Proteins , Guanosine Diphosphate/metabolism , Guanosine Triphosphate/metabolism , Guanylyl Imidodiphosphate/metabolism , Guanylyl Imidodiphosphate/pharmacology , Qb-SNARE Proteins , Qc-SNARE Proteins , R-SNARE Proteins , Receptors, Cell Surface/metabolism , Recombinant Fusion Proteins/metabolism , SNARE Proteins , Saccharomyces cerevisiae
18.
Science ; 195(4277): 487-9, 1977 Feb 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-835006

ABSTRACT

Transitional cell and squamous cell cancer of the bladder was induced in Wistar/Lewis female rats by direct instillation of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea into the bladder. Feeding of the synthetic retinoid, 13-cis-retinoid acid, inhibited the incidence and extent of bladder cancer in these rats, even when 13-cis-retinoic acid administration was begun after completion of the carcinogen treatment.


Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/prevention & control , Carcinoma, Transitional Cell/prevention & control , Tretinoin/therapeutic use , Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/prevention & control , Vitamin A/analogs & derivatives , Animals , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/chemically induced , Carcinoma, Transitional Cell/chemically induced , Female , Methylnitrosourea , Neoplasms, Experimental/chemically induced , Neoplasms, Experimental/prevention & control , Rats , Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/chemically induced
19.
Obes Sci Pract ; 4(6): 554-574, 2018 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30574349

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Genetics contribute to variability in individual response to weight-loss interventions. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of a commercially available exercise and weight-loss program and whether alignment of diet to genotype related to lipid metabolism promotes greater success. DESIGN: Sedentary women with obesity (n = 63) had genotype (FABP2rs1799883, PPARG2rs1801282, ADRB3rs4994C3, ADRB2rs1042713, rs1042714) determined using a direct-to-consumer genetic screening kit purported to promote greater weight-loss success through dietary recommendations based on these genes. Participants were randomly assigned to follow a moderate carbohydrate (MC) or lower carbohydrate (LC) hypo-energetic diet that aligned (A) or did not align (NA) with genotype for 24 weeks while participating in a resistance training and walking program. Data were analysed by general linear model repeated measures adjusted for baseline variables and are presented as mean (95% confidence interval) changes from baseline. RESULTS: Participants in the LC group experienced greater improvements (p = 0.051, ηp 2 = 0.025) in per cent changes in body composition (weight: MC -3.32 [-1.4, -5.2], LC -5.82 [-4.1, -7.6]; fat mass: MC -7.25 [-3.2, -11.2], LC -10.93 [-7.3, -14.5]; fat-free mass: MC -0.32 [1.4, -2.0], LC -1.48 [0.7, -3.0]; and body fat percentage: MC -4.19 [-1.6, -6.8], LC -5.60 [-3.3, -7.9] %). No significant differences were observed between genotype groups (weight: A -5.00 [-3.3, -6.7], NA -4.14 [-2.2, -6.1]; fat mass: A -10.15 [-7.0, -13.6], NA -8.02 [-4.0, -12.0]; fat-free mass: A -1.23 [0.3, -2.8], NA -0.56 [1.12, -2.3]; and body fat: A -5.28 [-3.0, -7.6], NA -4.51 [-1.9, -7.1] %). CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to this exercise and weight-loss program promoted improvements in body composition and health outcomes. While individuals following the LC diet experienced greater benefits, alignment of these diets to this genetic profile did not promote greater health outcomes.

20.
J Natl Cancer Inst ; 58(5): 1473-7, 1977 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-323508

ABSTRACT

Systemic injection of BCG cell walls was evaluated for effects on the development of respiratory tract tumors induced by intratracheal instillation of benzo[a]pyrene plus Fe2O3 in Syrian hamsters. Only 74% of animals developed respiratory tract tumors at the dose level of benzo[a]pyrene used. Treatment with BCG cell walls reduced the incidence of respiratory tract tumors to 50%. A similar effect of treatment with BCG cell walls was found when only malignant tumors of the respiratory tract were considered. Both single and multiple injections of BCG cell walls effectively reduced the incidence of respiratory tract tumors.


Subject(s)
BCG Vaccine , Carcinoma, Bronchogenic/therapy , Lung Neoplasms/therapy , Mycobacterium bovis/immunology , Animals , Antigens, Bacterial/administration & dosage , Benzopyrenes , Carcinoma, Bronchogenic/chemically induced , Cell Wall/immunology , Cricetinae , Immunotherapy , Lung Neoplasms/chemically induced , Male , Mesocricetus , Neoplasms, Experimental/chemically induced , Neoplasms, Experimental/therapy
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