The millipede family Polyxenidae (Diplopoda, Polyxenida) in the faunas of the Crimean Peninsula and Caucasus, with notes on other European Polyxenidae.

The Polyxenidae in the fauna of the Crimeo-Caucasian region is represented by four species: Polyxenus lagurus (Linnaeus, 1758) (= P. lagurus caucasicus Lignau, 1924, syn. n.), Propolyxenus argentifer (Verhoeff, 1921) comb. n. (= P. trivittatus Verhoeff, 1941, = P. sokolowi Lignau, 1924, both syn. n.), a new species, Polyxenus lankaranensis sp. n., and an undescribed Polyxenus sp. The distributions of all these species in the region concerned are mapped, based on old and new records. A molecular phylogeny based on COI sequences is used to study the relationship within and among the genera Polyxenus and Propolyxenus from Western Europe to the southern Caucasus. The results highlight the presence of a number of undescribed species of Polyxenus across this region.

Effect of print layer height and printer type on the accuracy of 3-dimensional printed orthodontic models.

INTRODUCTION: Three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies enable production of orthodontic models from digital files; yet a range of variables associated with the process could impact the accuracy and clinical utility of the models. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of print layer height on the accuracy of orthodontic models printed 3 dimensionally using a stereolithography format printer and to compare the accuracy of orthodontic models fabricated with several commercially available 3D printers. METHODS: Thirty-six identical models were produced with a stereolithography-based 3D printer using 3 layer heights (n = 12 per group): 25, 50, and 100 µm. Forty-eight additional models were printed using 4 commercially available 3D printers (n = 12 per group). Each printed model was digitally scanned and compared with the input file via superimposition analysis using a best-fit algorithm to assess accuracy. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were found in the average overall deviations of models printed at each layer height, with the 25-µm and 100-µm layer height groups having the greatest and least deviations, respectively. Statistically significant differences were also found in the average overall deviations of models produced using the various 3D printer models, but all values fell within clinically acceptable limits. CONCLUSIONS: The print layer height and printer model can affect the accuracy of a 3D printed orthodontic model, but the impact should be considered with respect to the clinical tolerances associated with the envisioned application.

New records of Lophoproctuscoecus Pocock, 1894 (Diplopoda, Polyxenida, Lophoproctidae) extend the range of the genus Lophoproctus.

The geographic distribution of the genus Lophoproctus Pocock, 1894 has greatly expanded with new records of the species Lophoproctuscoecus Pocock, 1894, together with the reassignment of a number of millipedes formerly identified as Lophoproctuslucidus (Chalande, 1888). Lophoproctuscoecus was found to be the sole representative of the family Lophoproctidae in collections examined from Crimea and the Caucasian region. The species was also identified from Iran and Kyrgyzstan. Lophoproctus specimens collected in Italy by Verhoeff were reassigned as Lophoproctuscoecus with the exception of one specimen of Lophoproctusjeanneli (Brölemann, 1910) from Capri. These data were combined with all available information from the literature to look at the pattern of distribution of the four species in the genus. The range of the genus Lophoproctus extends from Portugal to Central Asia. Lophoproctuscoecus is widespread from Italy eastward, while the morphologically very similar species Lophoproctuslucidus is confined to France and northern Africa. The two species have a narrow overlap in the Alpes Maritimes region of France. Lophoproctusjeanneli has a scattered coastal distribution around the Mediterranean Sea. The troglobitic species Lophoproctuspagesi (Condé, 1982) has only been recorded from a cave on Majorca, Spain.

Diabetes knowledge in young adults: associations with hemoglobin A1C.

The purpose of this study was to quantify associations between hemoglobin A1C (A1C) and diabetes knowledge score using an assessment tool developed to evaluate the level of diabetes knowledge in young adults with Type 1 diabetes (T1DM) and their parent/primary caregiver. Seventy-five participants with T1DM, ages 15-22 years, completed questionnaires. Two 25-item questionnaires were developed: one for patient and one for caregiver. Linear regression quantified associations between correct items on the tools and participant A1C and demographic characteristics. Mean age of participants was 16.7 ± 1.7 years, diabetes duration 5.9 ± 4.2 years, 46.7% male, 74.7% Caucasian, 69.3% on multiple daily injections, and 30.7% on continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy; 78.7% of parents/caregivers completed the questionnaire. A significant interaction was observed between patient and caregiver scores with A1C by diabetes duration. Among patients with diabetes <6 years, higher patient and caregiver scores were associated with lower A1C (-0.25 ± 0.11, p = .03 and -0.59 ± 0.19, p = .005, respectively) accounting for age, gender, race, therapy, and insurance. Neither patient nor caregiver score was associated with A1C in patients with diabetes duration ≥6 years. Better performance on a diabetes knowledge assessment (for both patient and the caregiver) was found to be associated with more favorable levels of glycemic control among young adults with diabetes <6 years. Additional evaluation of these questionnaires and novel interventions to enhance knowledge in this population are needed.

Interventions for motor vehicle crashes among Indigenous communities: strategies to inform Canadian initiatives.

OBJECTIVES: Motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) are a leading cause of death for Canadian Aboriginal peoples; developing effective interventions should be a public health priority. While intervention research has been conducted outside of Canada, few formal program evaluations have been conducted in Canada. We reviewed Canadian and non-Canadian Indigenous road safety initiatives to inform future program development in Canada. METHODS: A systematic review of the published and grey literature examining MVC intervention programs in Indigenous communities was performed. Studies published after 1980 reporting pre-post comparisons of MVC interventions in Indigenous communities were included in the review. These studies were assessed using a modified Participatory Action Research quality assessment tool. Haddon's Matrix of injury epidemiology and prevention was used to categorize crash-related risk factors targeted in the MVC interventions. SYNTHESIS: A total of 11 studies met inclusion criteria, including 1 Canadian study and 10 non-Canadian studies. Successful intervention components included focus groups, training community members, educational activities, distribution of safety devices, collaboration with local law officials to enhance enforcement, driver-licensing courses, and incentive programs. Potential barriers to successful implementation and evaluation involved lack of incorporation of cultural and contextual factors, enforcement factors, and methodological limitations. CONCLUSION: Several effective strategies to reduce MVCs can be adapted and implemented at the community and national levels. Future directions might include using multiple intervention components and incorporating a collaborative, culturally and contextually appropriate approach, while promoting evaluation initiatives and widespread dissemination of findings.

Perseveration moderates the relationship between perfectionism and binge eating: a multi-method daily diary study.

Theory and evidence suggest perfectionism is associated with binge eating. Few studies test conditions under which this association is particularly strong. To better understand the perfectionism-binge eating connection, the present study introduced perseveration as a moderator. A sample of 317 undergraduates completed a computerized Stroop task, baseline self-report measures of perfectionism (i.e., doubts about actions) and binge eating, and self-report daily diary measures of binge eating. Perseveration was defined in terms of reaction time difficulties when consecutive trials required a change of response relative to consecutive trials not requiring a change. Results indicated high levels of doubts about actions were especially related to high levels of binge eating for participants high (versus low) in perseveration. Findings suggest perfectionistic, nagging self-doubts, combined with a tendency to get stuck on thoughts or behaviors, may contribute to increased binge eating-a habitual behavior linked with difficulties in self-regulation.

Four new species of Unixenus Jones, 1944 (Diplopoda, Penicillata, Polyxenida) from Australia.

Unixenus carnarvonensis sp. n., Unixenus corringlensis sp. n., Unixenus barrabaensis sp. n. and Unixenus myallensis sp. n. are described from Australia. A revised diagnosis of Unixenus karajinensis and new details on the distribution of the species are given. A key is presented to 10 of all 11 currently known species of the genus.

Motor vehicle crashes among Canadian Aboriginal people: a review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Aboriginal people are substantially more likely to be injured or die in motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) than the general population. However, research examining MVCs among Canadian Aboriginal populations is limited. We examine trends and gaps in the Canadian literature and suggest priorities for future research. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of the published and grey literature on MVCs involving Canadian Aboriginal people. We used the Haddon matrix of injury epidemiology and prevention to identify trends in crash-related risk factors. RESULTS: We reviewed 20 studies, which consisted of research at both national and provincial levels. We identified various risk factors related to human (e.g., male sex, substance use), vehicle and equipment (e.g., driving an older vehicle, driving a car [v. other types of vehicles]), and physical environment (e.g., occurring on-reserve, muddy and loose-gravel road conditions) variables. However, we did not find research that examined risk factors related to the social environment, such as perspectives related to MVCs. CONCLUSION: This review indicates that rates of death, hospital admission and injury related to MVCs are twice as high among Aboriginal populations than the general Canadian population, which highlights a major public health concern. Priorities for future research should include examination of the social environment, more rigorous methods and collaborative research in partnership with Aboriginal communities.

Infantile amnesia across the years: a 2-year follow-up of children's earliest memories.

Although infantile amnesia has been investigated for many years in adults, only recently has it been investigated in children. This study was a 2-year follow-up and extension of an earlier study. Children (4-13 years old) were asked initially and 2 years later for their earliest 3 memories. At follow-up, their age at the time of these memories shifted to several months later, with younger children unlikely to provide the same memories. Moreover, when given cues about memories recalled 2 years previously, many were still not recalled. In contrast, older children were more likely to recall the same memories, and cues to former memories were successful. Thus, older children were becoming consistent in terms of recalling very early memories.

The genus Unixenus Jones, 1944 (Diplopoda, Penicillata, Polyxenida) in Australia.

The penicillate genus Unixenus Jones, 1944 is widespread, with species found in Africa, Madagascar, India and Australia. Each of the two Australian species was originally described from single samples from Western Australia. In this study, collections of Penicillata from museums in all states of Australia were examined to provide further details of the two described species, to revise the diagnoses for both the genus and the species, and to better understand the distribution of the two species in Australia. In addition, two new species Unixenus karajinensissp. n. and Unixenus corticolussp. n. are described.

Protein kinase Czeta attenuates hypoxia-induced proliferation of fibroblasts by regulating MAP kinase phosphatase-1 expression.

We have previously found that hypoxia stimulates proliferation of vascular fibroblasts through Galphai-mediated activation of ERK1/2. Here, we demonstrate that hypoxia also activates the atypical protein kinase Czeta (PKCzeta) isozyme and stimulates the expression of ERK1/2-specific phosphatase, MAP kinase phosphatase-1 (MKP-1), which attenuates ERK1/2-mediated proliferative signals. Replication repressor activity is unique to PKCzeta because the blockade of classical and novel PKC isozymes does not affect fibroblast proliferation. PKCzeta is phosphorylated upon prolonged (24 h) exposure to hypoxia, whereas ERK1/2, the downstream kinases, are maximally activated in fibroblasts exposed to acute (10 min) hypoxia. However, PKCzeta blockade results in persistent ERK1/2 phosphorylation and marked increase in hypoxia-induced replication. Similarly prolonged ERK1/2 phosphorylation and increase in hypoxia-stimulated proliferation are also observed upon blockade of MKP-1 activation. Because of the parallel suppressive actions of PKCzeta and MKP-1 on ERK1/2 phosphorylation and proliferation, the role of PKCzeta in the regulation of MKP-1 expression was evaluated. PKCzeta attenuation reduces MKP-1 expression, whereas PKCzeta overexpression increases MKP-1 levels. In conclusion, our results indicate for the first time that hypoxia activates PKCzeta, which acts as a terminator of ERK1/2 activation through the regulation of downstream target, MKP-1 expression and thus serves to limit hypoxia-induced proliferation of fibroblasts.

Sequence tolerance of the phage lambda PRM promoter: implications for evolution of gene regulatory circuitry.

Much of the gene regulatory circuitry of phage lambda centers on a complex region called the O(R) region. This approximately 100-bp region is densely packed with regulatory sites, including two promoters and three repressor-binding sites. The dense packing of this region is likely to impose severe constraints on its ability to change during evolution, raising the question of how the specific arrangement of sites and their exact sequences could evolve to their present form. Here we ask whether the sequence of a cis-acting site can be widely varied while retaining its function; if it can, evolution could proceed by a larger number of paths. To help address this question, we developed a lambda cloning vector that allowed us to clone fragments spanning the O(R) region. By using this vector, we carried out intensive mutagenesis of the P(RM) promoter, which drives expression of CI repressor and is activated by CI itself. We made a pool of fragments in which 8 of the 12 positions in the -35 and -10 regions were randomized and cloned this pool into the vector, making a pool of P(RM) variant phage. About 10% of the P(RM) variants were able to lysogenize, suggesting that the lambda regulatory circuitry is compatible with a wide range of P(RM) sequences. Analysis of several of these phages indicated a range of behaviors in prophage induction. Several isolates had induction properties similar to those of the wild type, and their promoters resembled the wild type in their responses to CI. We term this property of different sequences allowing roughly equivalent function "sequence tolerance " and discuss its role in the evolution of gene regulatory circuitry.

Hypoxia induces differentiation of pulmonary artery adventitial fibroblasts into myofibroblasts.

Activation of the alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) gene during the conversion of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts is an essential feature of various fibrotic conditions. Microvascular compromise and thus local environmental hypoxia are important components of the fibrotic response. The present study was thus undertaken to test the hypothesis that hypoxia can induce transdifferentiation of vascular fibroblasts into myofibroblasts and also to evaluate potential signaling mechanisms governing this process. We found that hypoxia significantly upregulates alpha-SMA protein levels in bovine pulmonary artery adventitial fibroblasts. Increased alpha-SMA expression is controlled at the transcriptional level because the alpha-SMA gene promoter activity, assayed via a luciferase reporter, was markedly increased in transfected fibroblasts exposed to hypoxia. Hypoxic induction of the alpha-SMA gene was mimicked by overexpression of constitutively active Galphai2 (alphai2Q205L) but not Galpha16 (alpha-16Q212L). Blockade of hypoxia-induced alpha-SMA expression with pertussis toxin, a Galphai antagonist, confirmed a role for Galphai in the hypoxia-induced transdifferentiation process. c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor II and SB202190, but not U0126, also attenuated alpha-SMA expression in hypoxic fibroblasts, suggesting the importance of JNK in the differentiation process. Hypoxia-induced increase in bromodeoxyuridine incorporation, which occurred concomitantly with hypoxia-induced differentiation, was blocked by U0126, suggesting that DNA synthesis and alpha-SMA expression take place through simultaneously activated parallel signaling pathways. Neutralizing antibody against transforming growth factor-beta1 blocked only 30% of the hypoxia-induced alpha-SMA promoter activity. Taken together, our results suggest that hypoxia induces differentiation of vascular fibroblasts into myofibroblasts by upregulating the expression of alpha-SMA, and this increase in alpha-SMA level occurs through Galphai- and JNK-dependent signaling pathways.

Characteristics of selenazolidine prodrugs of selenocysteine: toxicity and glutathione peroxidase induction in V79 cells.

Novel selenazolidine prodrugs of selenocysteine are being developed as potential selenium delivery agents for cancer chemoprevention and other clinical uses. The 2-unsubstituted compound, selenazolidine-4(R)-carboxylic acid (L-SCA), and the 2-oxo- and 2-methyl analogues possessing D-stereochemistry (D-OSCA and D-MSCA, respectively) were synthesized and chemically characterized. L/D pairs, along with other organoselenium compounds and common inorganic forms, were studied in cultured V79 cells to understand their inherent toxicity and their ability to induce selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, which indicates the provision of biologically available selenium. All of the selenazolidines were much less toxic to the cells than was sodium selenite (IC(50) approximately 17 microM) or the parent selenolamines, L- or D-selenocystine (IC(50) approximately 34 or 39 microM, respectively); OSCA was less toxic than MSCA. The stereoisomers of OSCA produced very different IC(50) values (L-OSCA, approximately 451 microM; D-OSCA, >3000 microM), while the IC(50) values derived for the stereoisomers of MSCA were of the same order of magnitude (L-MSCA, approximately 79 microM; D-MSCA, approximately 160 microM). Compounds possessing L-stereochemistry were at least as active with respect to GPx induction as was sodium selenite (2.2-fold increase at 15 microM). L-Selenocystine produced a 4.2-fold increase in GPx activity at 30 microM, while L-SCA produced a 5.9-fold increase, followed by L-OSCA (4.6-fold) and L-MSCA (2.1-fold), all at 100 microM. Compounds possessing D-stereochemistry showed minimal ability to induce GPx activity (D-selenocystine, 1.0-fold increase; D-OSCA, 1.4-fold increase; D-MSCA, 1.3-fold increase).