Perception of learning by anatomy teachers in the COVID-19.

The discipline of anatomy is one of the pillars of training in higher education courses in health area. Since its origin, this discipline has used the traditional method as an educational strategy. Since then, the discipline has undergone changes, including other teaching methods, such as active methodologies. With the COVID-19 pandemic, declared in March 2020 and the closure of higher education institutions, the teaching of anatomy was impacted, since it was necessary to adapt the modality of face-to-face teaching to remote teaching. The present study aims to evaluate the perception of teachers regarding students' anatomy learning in relation to the types of methodologies applied in remote teaching during the pandemic. For such, a cross-sectional study was carried out, which analyzed the answers of 101 anatomy teachers. The results showed that there was no statistically significant difference regarding teachers' perception of learning in relation to the type of methodology used in remote teaching during the pandemic. There was also no difference in comparing perceptions regarding the type of methodology used before and during the pandemic. Given this, these data encourage the need for reflection in the academic community and new studies with educators and students, in order to identify factors that may improve the quality of anatomy learning.

There is an obstetrical dilemma: Misconceptions about the evolution of human childbirth and pelvic form.

Compared to other primates, modern humans face high rates of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality during childbirth. Since the early 20th century, this "difficulty" of human parturition has prompted numerous evolutionary explanations, typically assuming antagonistic selective forces acting on maternal and fetal traits, which has been termed the "obstetrical dilemma." Recently, there has been a growing tendency among some anthropologists to question the difficulty of human childbirth and its evolutionary origin in an antagonistic selective regime. Partly, this stems from the motivation to combat increasing pathologization and overmedicalization of childbirth in industrialized countries. Some authors have argued that there is no obstetrical dilemma at all, and that the difficulty of childbirth mainly results from modern lifestyles and inappropriate and patriarchal obstetric practices. The failure of some studies to identify biomechanical and metabolic constraints on pelvic dimensions is sometimes interpreted as empirical support for discarding an obstetrical dilemma. Here we explain why these points are important but do not invalidate evolutionary explanations of human childbirth. We present robust empirical evidence and solid evolutionary theory supporting an obstetrical dilemma, yet one that is much more complex than originally conceived in the 20th century. We argue that evolutionary research does not hinder appropriate midwifery and obstetric care, nor does it promote negative views of female bodies. Understanding the evolutionary entanglement of biological and sociocultural factors underlying human childbirth can help us to understand individual variation in the risk factors of obstructed labor, and thus can contribute to more individualized maternal care.

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and Serotonin Transporter (SERT) in Platelets of Patients with Mild Huntington's Disease: Relationships with Social Cognition Symptoms.

Deficits in social-cognition processing have been identified during early stages of Huntington Disease (HD), attracting interest on their relevance as possible predictors of  neurodegenerative progression. Since the neurotrophin Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and the serotonin (5-HT) transporter (SERT) are known to modulate human adaptive behavior, we appraised these two proteins in mild-HD using blood platelets, with the aim at finding relationships with cognitive/psychosocial skills. Thirteen gene positive and symptomatic patients (9M/4W, HD-stage II, age> 40y) together 11 gender/age matched controls without a concurrent diagnosis of psychiatric disorders, underwent a blood test to determine BDNF storage and membrane-bound SERT in platelets by an ELISA immune-enzyme dosage and [3H]-paroxetine ([3H]-PAR) binding, respectively. Enrolled subjects were concurrently evaluated through a battery of socio-cognitive tests and emotion recognition questionnaires.Results showed greater intra-platelet BDNF (~ +20-22%) in patients versus controls, whereas equilibrium [3H]-PAR binding parameters, maximum density (Bmax) and dissociation constant (KD), did not appreciably vary in the two comparison groups. Cognitive/emotion abilities were found significantly reduced in patients. Additionally, platelet BDNF was unrelated to psycho-cognitive scores, but positively correlated with the illness duration. As well, SERT Bmax was unconnected to HD signs or socio-cognitive scores, whilst KDs negatively correlated with scores for angry voice recognition in both controls and patients. This pilot study suggests that platelet BDNF and SERT do not specifically underlie psychosocial deficits in stage II-HD, while higher BDNF storage in delayed mild symptoms, would derive from compensatory mechanisms. Supplementary investigations are warranted, by also comparing patients in other illness's phases.

Characterization and sorting of flow cytometric populations in human semen.

Human semen is a complex biological matrix. It contains mature spermatozoa, immature germ cells, residual apoptotic bodies and, in some cases, epithelial cells and leucocytes. Hence, one of the challenges in applying flow cytometry in spermatology is the correct recognition of spermatozoa and their separation from signals of other semen cells/elements. In this study, we show that semen spermatozoa are included in a well-defined, flame-shaped FSC/SSC region (FR), by demonstrating that the count of the spermatozoa contained in such region overlaps that obtained by microscopy in the same samples. In FR, nuclear staining of semen samples reveals three different populations: unstained, brighter and dimmer. Unstained elements were previously characterized as apoptotic bodies of testis origin and the brighter elements represent the majority of semen spermatozoa, whereas the composition and the origin of the population with a lower nuclear staining is less clear, albeit we have previously shown that all the elements constituting it are positive for TUNEL. In this study, we sorted all the elements contained in FR region and demonstrated that the dimmer elements are spermatozoa. To further characterize dimmer spermatozoa, we evaluated apoptotic caspases and chromatin immaturity, the latter detected by aniline blue (AB) and chromomycin A (CMA3) staining. We found that caspases were much more expressed in the dimmer spermatozoa (71.4 ± 18.8%) than in the brighter (46.7 ± 15.1%), whereas similar amounts of spermatozoa with chromatin immaturity were found in both populations (brighter, AB: 48.2 ± 19.5%; CMA3: 48.5 ± 20.4% and dimmer, AB: 43.4 ± 19.8%; CMA3: 36.1 ± 18.0%). Hence, the role of apoptosis in generating dimmer spermatozoa and their DNA fragmentation appears clear, whereas the involvement of defects during the chromatin packaging remains elusive.

Reporting experiments in homeopathic basic research-description of the checklist development.

The objective of this study was to develop a criteria catalogue serving as a guideline for authors to improve quality of reporting experiments in basic research in homeopathy. A Delphi Process was initiated including three rounds of adjusting and phrasing plus two consensus conferences. European researchers who published experimental work within the last 5 years were involved. A checklist for authors provide a catalogue with 23 criteria. The "Introduction" should focus on underlying hypotheses, the homeopathic principle investigated and state if experiments are exploratory or confirmatory. "Materials and methods" should comprise information on object of investigation, experimental setup, parameters, intervention and statistical methods. A more detailed description on the homeopathic substances, for example, manufacture, dilution method, starting point of dilution is required. A further result of the Delphi process is to raise scientists' awareness of reporting blinding, allocation, replication, quality control and system performance controls. The part "Results" should provide the exact number of treated units per setting which were included in each analysis and state missing samples and drop outs. Results presented in tables and figures are as important as appropriate measures of effect size, uncertainty and probability. "Discussion" in a report should depict more than a general interpretation of results in the context of current evidence but also limitations and an appraisal of aptitude for the chosen experimental model. Authors of homeopathic basic research publications are encouraged to apply our checklist when preparing their manuscripts. Feedback is encouraged on applicability, strength and limitations of the list to enable future revisions.

CD4(+) and CD4(-) CD1D-restricted natural killer T cells in perinatally HIV-1 infected children receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy.

We conducted a cross-sectional study on 43 Italian perinatally human immunodeficiency virus-type 1 (HIV-1) infected children receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and 26 age-matched healthy controls to explore CD1d-restricted NKT subsets. CD4(+) CD1d-rectricted natural killer (NKT) cell depletion was evidenced in 26 HIV-1 infected children with active viral replication despite HAART. Conversely, no alteration was evidenced in 17 children with undetectable viral load, suggesting full recovery in both CD4(+) and CD4(-) CD1d-rectricted NKT cell subsets. The loss of CD4(+) NKT cells in unresponsive children may have clinical consequences, including autoimmune disorders or cancer development. Future therapeutic perspectives are suggested.

Reporting experiments in homeopathic basic research (REHBaR)--a detailed guideline for authors.

BACKGROUND: Reporting experiments in basic research in homeopathy is an important issue as comprehensive description of what exactly was done is required. So far, there is no guideline for authors available, unlike criteria catalogues common in clinical research. METHODS: A Delphi Process was conducted, including a total of five rounds, three rounds of adjusting and phrasing plus two consensus conferences. European researchers who published experimental work within the last five years were involved. RESULTS: A checklist of 23 items was obtained and supplemented with detailed examples emphasizing what each item implies. Background, objectives and possible hypotheses should be given in the part 'introduction'. Special emphasis is put on the 'materials and methods' section, where a detailed description of chosen controls, object of investigation, experimental setup, replication, parameters, intervention, allocation, blinding, and statistical methods is required. The section 'results' should present sufficient details on analysed data, descriptive as well as inferential. Authors should discuss their results and give an interpretation in the context of current evidence. CONCLUSION: A guideline for Reporting Experiments in Homeopathic Basic Research (REHBaR) was compiled to be applied by authors when preparing their manuscripts, and to be used by scientific journals in the reviewing process. Furthermore the guideline is a commitment to a certain minimum quality level needed in basic research, e.g. blinding and randomisation. Feedback is encouraged on applicability, strength and limitations of the list to enable future revisions.

Neuropeptide Y in the brain and retina of the adult teleost gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.).

The presence of neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the brain and retina of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.) was investigated for the first time. For this investigation we employed an immunoperoxidase technique and the western immunoblot analysis using an antiserum raised against porcine NPY. The results showed that NPY-immunoreactivity was widely distributed in the brain of S. aurata. In particular, we have found NPY-immunoreactive (ir) neurons in the area ventralis telencephali pars centralis and pars lateralis, in the area dorsali telencephali pars centralis subdivision two and in nucleus intermedius thalami. An intense NPY-ir was detected in the telencephalon, in the optic tectum, in the thalamus, hypothalamus and in the vagal lobes. Scarce positive fibres were seen in the olfactory bulbs. NPY-ir amacrine cells were observed in the retina. The western immunoblot analysis revealed a protein band with a mobility corresponding to that of synthetic NPY. Our findings are, in general, in agreement with those obtained in other teleosts. The extensive distribution of NPY indicates for this peptide a key role in basic physiological actions, including visual and gustatory inputs processing.

SEN virus co-infection among HCV-RNA-positive mothers, risk of transmission to the offspring and outcome of child infection during a 1-year follow-up.

SEN is a newly discovered blood-transmissible virus. Among its variants, SENV-D and -H are most often associated with non-A, -E hepatitis. Very little is known about the risk of vertical transmission of the virus. By using polymerase chain reaction with specific primers for SENV-D and -H, we investigated the prevalence of SENV-H and -D infection, the transmission rate of SENV infection and clinical features of SENV-infected children in 89 hepatitis C virus (HCV)-positive human immunodeficiency virus type 1-negative mothers. SENV infection was found in 36 (40%) mothers, and SENV-D was more frequent than SENV-H infection (34/36, 94%vs 5/36, 14%, P < 0.01). No difference in SENV infection rates was found between injection drug user (IDU) mothers (17/51, 33%) and mothers with no risk for bloodborne infection (19/38, 50%, P = ns). SENV-H infection was found only in IDU mothers and mothers with HCV genotype1b. Both SENV-D and -H can be transmitted to the offspring with an overall rate of 47%. Vertical transmission of HCV does not facilitate SENV infection of the offspring. Among 17 SENV-infected children, none was co-infected with HCV. Maternal HCV genotype or viral load does not interfere with mother-to-infant transmission of SENV. Persistence of SENV infection was demonstrated in 100% of infected children after 1-year follow-up, but none had clinical evidence of liver disease.

Vertical hepatitis C virus transmission is not related to mother-child class-1 HLA concordance.

Mother-child human leukocyte antigen (HLA)diversity is protective for vertical transmission of some viruses. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of mother-child HLA diversity on hepatitis C virus (HCV) vertical transmission. Forty consecutive HCV infected and 46 consecutive control uninfected children born to HCV-RNA positive mothers were evaluated for HLA class-1 type concordance with their mothers. No significant difference in the degree of HLA concordance was found between HCV infected and uninfected children both when A, B, C (p=0.30) and when only A and B alleles were evaluated (p=0.59). Mother-infant HLA concordance does not affect HCV vertical transmission.

Peripheral benzodiazepine receptors on platelets of fibromyalgic patients.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to analyze if alterations of peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) characteristics occurred in platelet membranes of patients affected by primary fibromyalgia (FM). DESIGN AND METHODS: Platelets were obtained from 30 patients with FM. Evaluation of kinetic parameters of PBR was performed using [(3)H] PK11195 as specific radioligand compared with 16 healthy volunteers. RESULTS: The results showed a significant increase of PBR binding sites value in platelet membranes from FM patients (B(max) was 5366+/-188 fmol/mg vs. controls, 4193+/-341 fmol/mg, mean+/-SEM) (**p<0.01) but not for affinity value (K(d) was 4.90+/-0.39 nM vs. controls, 4.74+/-0.39 nM, mean+/-SEM) (p>0.05). Symptom severity scores (pain and tiredness) were positively correlated with B(max). CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed an up-regulation of PBR in platelets of FM patients, and this seems to be related to the severity of fibromyalgic symptoms.

Common alterations in the serotonin transporter in platelets and lymphocytes of psychotic patients.

INTRODUCTION: Given the controversial data concerning the role of the serotonin (5-HT) transporter in psychosis, our study was aimed to investigate this structure by means of the measurements of the re-uptake kinetics and of the protein density, in both platelets and lymphocytes of 25 out- and inpatients with different psychotic disorders. METHODS: Diagnoses, according to DSM-IV criteria, were bipolar 1 disorders with mood incongruent psychotic features (14), mixed states (7) and schizophrenia (4). Twenty-five matched healthy subjects were also selected as the control group. Platelet and lymphocyte membranes were prepared according to standardized protocols, as were the [3H]5HT re-uptake and [3H]paroxetine ([3H]Par) binding. RESULTS: The results of this study showed a decreased density of the [3H]Par binding sites coupled with a reduced velocity of [3H]5-HT re-uptake in both platelets and lymphocytes of psychotic patients, as compared with healthy control subjects. CONCLUSION: These findings would suggest a general abnormality of the 5-HT system in psychotic patients, probably not confined only to the brain.

In vitro effects of lead ions on peripheral benzodiazepine receptors and adenylyl cyclase activity in the mantle of Mytilus galloprovincialis.

As an extension of our previous work, where the density of peripheral benzodiazepine receptors (PBR) increased in mantle mitochondria of the marine mollusk Mytilus galloprovincialis Lmk. under chronic exposure to lead, the present study investigates the in vitro effects of an exogenous source of lead ions on PBR and on adenylyl cyclase (AC) complex in mantle membranes of mussels collected from a non-polluted coastal area. PBR binding experiments used the specific isoquinoline carboxamide derivative [3H]PK 11195, and AC activity was measured using a modified procedure adapted to M. galloprovincialis. Lead ions (Pb2+) dose-dependently decreased either the [3H]PK 11195 specific binding in mitochondria or basal AC velocity in plasma membranes of mussel mantle. The IC50 values for lead ions were 10 microM with [3H]PK 11195 binding and 25 microM with AC activity, with maximal inhibition values of 60% and 70%, respectively. Moreover, lead behaved as a non-competitive inhibitor on [3H]PK 11195 binding and as a 'mixed' inhibitor on AC activity. The present results suggest that some of the early effects induced by lead in mussel cell metabolism consist in significant changes of the PBR density and cyclic AMP production in the mantle of M. galloprovincialis.

Effects of homeopathic arsenic on tobacco plant resistance to tobacco mosaic virus. Theoretical suggestions about system variability, based on a large experimental data set.

CONTEXT: This research aimed at verifying the efficacy of homeopathic treatments by plant-based bioassays, which may be suitable for basic research, because they lack placebo effects and provide large datasets for statistical analyses. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of homeopathic treatments of arsenic trioxide (As2O3) on tobacco plants subjected to tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) inoculation as biotic stress. DESIGN: Blind, randomized experiment using tobacco leaf disks. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Tobacco plants (Nicotiana tabacum L. cultivar Samsun) carrying the TMV resistance gene N. TMV inoculated leaf disks were floated for 3 days in the following: Distilled water (control). H2O 5 and 45 decimal and centesimal potencies. As2O3 5 and 45 decimal and centesimal potencies. The main outcome measures is the number of hypersensitive lesions observed in a leaf disk. RESULTS: Homeopathic treatments of arsenic induce two effects on the plant: (i) increased resistance to TMV; (ii) decrease variability between experiments (system variability). CONCLUSIONS: In this experimental model two actions of homeopathic treatment were detected: decrease in system variability and enhancement of the natural tendency of the system towards an 'equilibrium point'.

Effects of homeopathic arsenic on tobacco plant resistence to tobacco mosaic virus. Theoretical suggestions about system variability, basead on a large experimental data set

This research aimed at verifying the efficacy of homeopathic treatments by plant-based bioassays, which may be suitable for basic research, because they lack placebo effects and provide large datasets for statistical analyses. (AU)

Regional brain injury epidemiology as the basis for planning brain injury treatment. The Romagna (Italy) experience.

AIM: Neurosurgical services for traumatic brain injury (TBI) should be based upon the understanding of the epidemiology of TBI in the region as well as the clinical parameters. Our objective was to measure incidence and epidemiologic factors associated with TBI in the Romagna region of Northeastern Italy and correlate those parameters with neurosurgical imaging and related clinical features. METHODS: Guidelines for brain injury management in our region were derived following meetings of all physicians involved in the treatment of brain injury. An epidemiologic study was undertaken in 1998. The study population was all patients admitted for hospital care in the Region following a TBI with a discharge diagnosis of pertinent International Classification Disease, 9(th) revision, codes. Data on the extent, diagnoses, severity, external causes and hospital course were abstracted from the hospital record and computer entered for analyses. RESULTS: Using data for the population of Romagna of about 1000000 persons we identified, in the full year 1998, 2430 TBI patients or an incidence rate of 250 per 100000 resident population. There were, in addition, 460 nonresident patients who were admitted in the region. External causes of injury were generally similar to reports from other places in Western Europe, with the exception of a very low frequency of cases stemming from violence. Age specific incidence rates were highest among young children, persons aged 15-24, and those aged 65 and older. Computerized tomography scans were given to 1732 patients and intracranial traumatic lesions were identified in 497 (28.6%) patients or a rate of 38 /100000. We performed 128 craniotomies, an incidence rate of 11/100000. The case fatality rate (CFR) was 2.8% among admitted patients with the highest rate among those aged 75 or older. CONCLUSION: Incidence of TBI in Italy is similar to other published European series. The number of minor brain injuries admitted for hospital care remains high and can be significantly reduced with better use of CT scans in adults whenever possible. The workload for a neurosurgical unit servicing a population of 1 million is limited and does not justify the opening of new units for trauma care or the use of craniotomies outside the Neurosurgical Unit.

Impaired glutathione reductase activity and levels of collagenase and elastase in synovial fluid in rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To test the activity of elastase, collagenase and glutathione reductase in the synovial fluid (SF) of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and in patients with osteoarthritis (OA); to correlate the elastase and collagenase activity with the glutathione reductase activity, which is important for the inactivation of oxygen free radicals. METHODS: 24 patients affected by osteoarthrosis and 24 patients affected by rheumatoid arthritis took part in the study. We measured elastase activity towards the substrate metoxysuccinyl-alanyl-alanyl-prolyl-valyl-p-nitroanilide (MeOSuc-ala-ala-proval-p-NA) which is highly specific for elastase, and insensitive to the other serine proteases, such as cathepsin G; collagenase activity was measured using [14C]-acetylated collagen as the substrate. Glutathione reductase activity was measured following the oxidation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate reduced (NADPH) in the presence of oxidized glutathione (GSSG). RESULTS: The concentrations of elastase, collagenase and glutathione reductase were statistically higher in patients with RA than in patients with OA. Moreover, in the SF of patients with RA we found positive correlation between enzyme activity levels. CONCLUSION: These results confirm a high activity of collagenase and elastase in the SF of patients with RA, which is about 30 times higher than that found in the SF of patients with OA. These data underline the synergic action of these enzymes in the pathogenesis of joint damage. RA patients also exhibit higher levels of glutathione reductase, which is important for the detoxification pathway of oxygen free radicals. However, compared with findings for collagenase and elastase, the increase in glutathione reductase is only three times higher than level found in the SF of OA patients. The limited increase in glutathione reductase activity during the inflammatory process might lead to an insufficient protective effect at the joint level in rheumatoid arthritis.

Correlation between platelet alpha(2)-adrenoreceptors and symptom severity in major depression.

BACKGROUND: Abnormalities in different parameters of the norepinephrine system have been widely described in major depression. The presence of alpha(2)-adrenoreceptors in blood platelets, similar to those in the brain, prompted us to evaluate them in depressed patients, as compared with healthy controls. METHODS: Fifteen outpatients affected by major depression, according to DSM IV criteria, and 15 comparable healthy control subjects, were included in the study. The alpha(2)-adrenoreceptors were measured by means of the specific binding of [(3)H]rauwolscine, a highly selective antagonist for this receptor subtype. The severity of depression was assessed by means of the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD). RESULTS: The results did not show any difference in [(3)H]rauwolscine binding parameters (B(max) and K(d)) between patients and controls. However, in the patients, a significant and positive correlation between B(max), which measures the density of the receptors, and HRSD total score was detected. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, although no change in alpha(2)-adrenoreceptors seems to occur in major depression, the density of these receptors would seem to be related to the severity of depressive symptoms.