Molecular basis of locus-specific H3K9 methylation catalyzed by SUVH6 in plants.

Dimethylated histone H3 Lys9 (H3K9me2) is a conserved heterochromatic mark catalyzed by SUPPRESSOR OF VARIEGATION 3-9 HOMOLOG (SUVH) methyltransferases in plants. However, the mechanism underlying the locus specificity of SUVH enzymes has long been elusive. Here, we show that a conserved N-terminal motif is essential for SUVH6-mediated H3K9me2 deposition in planta. The SUVH6 N-terminal peptide can be recognized by the bromo-adjacent homology (BAH) domain of the RNA- and chromatin-binding protein ANTI-SILENCING 1 (ASI1), which has been shown to function in a complex to confer gene expression regulation. Structural data indicate that a classic aromatic cage of ASI1-BAH domain specifically recognizes an arginine residue of SUVH6 through extensive hydrogen bonding interactions. A classic aromatic cage of ASI1 specifically recognizes an arginine residue of SUVH6 through extensive cation-π interactions, playing a key role in recognition. The SUVH6-ASI1 module confers locus-specific H3K9me2 deposition at most SUVH6 target loci and gives rise to distinct regulation of gene expression depending on the target loci, either conferring transcriptional silencing or posttranscriptional processing of mRNA. More importantly, such mechanism is conserved in multiple plant species, indicating a coordinated evolutionary process between SUVH6 and ASI1. In summary, our findings uncover a conserved mechanism for the locus specificity of H3K9 methylation in planta. These findings provide mechanistic insights into the delicate regulation of H3K9 methylation homeostasis in plants.

A dicer-related helicase opposes the age-related pathology from SKN-1 activation in ASI neurons.

Coordination of cellular responses to stress is essential for health across the lifespan. The transcription factor SKN-1 is an essential homeostat that mediates survival in stress-inducing environments and cellular dysfunction, but constitutive activation of SKN-1 drives premature aging thus revealing the importance of turning off cytoprotective pathways. Here, we identify how SKN-1 activation in two ciliated ASI neurons in Caenorhabditis elegans results in an increase in organismal transcriptional capacity that drives pleiotropic outcomes in peripheral tissues. An increase in the expression of established SKN-1 stress response and lipid metabolism gene classes of RNA in the ASI neurons, in addition to the increased expression of several classes of noncoding RNA, define a molecular signature of animals with constitutive SKN-1 activation and diminished healthspan. We reveal neddylation as a unique regulator of the SKN-1 homeostat that mediates SKN-1 abundance within intestinal cells. Moreover, RNAi-independent activity of the dicer-related DExD/H-box helicase, drh-1, in the intestine, can oppose the effects of aberrant SKN-1 transcriptional activation and delays age-dependent decline in health. Taken together, our results uncover a cell nonautonomous circuit to maintain organism-level homeostasis in response to excessive SKN-1 transcriptional activity in the sensory nervous system.

[Molecular and other ancillary tests proposed by The Bethesda system for reporting thyroid cytopathology 2023]. / Les tests moléculaires et autres techniques ancillaires en cytologie thyroïdienne selon Bethesda 2023.

For the first time the 2023 version of The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytology dedicates a whole chapter (chapter 14) to ancillary studies almost exclusively represented by molecular testing. The latest data reported bring some evidence that molecular testing could help to optimize the diagnostic performance of « indeterminate ¼ categories (AUS and NF). Other studies suggest a promising role to guide the management of suspicious of malignancy and malignant categories. Indeed, the recognition of prognostic and predictive biomarkers analyzed on cytological samples, regardless of how it is collected, has progressed thanks to advances in our knowledge of molecular abnormalities of thyroid tumors. The chapter 14 is presented here highlighting the current and emerging roles of « in-house ¼ and commercialized molecular testing as presented by TSBRTC.

[Use of antimicrobials in a mother-child university hospital center in Canada: An observational study]. / Utilisation des anti-infectieux au sein d'un centre hospitalier universitaire mère­enfant au Canada : une étude observationnelle.

INTRODUCTION: The proper use of antimicrobials is a challenge in healthcare establishments. OBJECTIVES: Describe the detailed antimicrobial consumption profile in 2021-2022. Describe the annual evolutionary profile of the use of antimicrobials in days of therapy/1000 patient days, antibiotic spectrum index/1000 patients days and according to the proportion of days of therapy administered by parenteral route from 2005-2006 to 2021-2022. METHOD: Descriptive and retrospective study. All patients admitted to our mother-child hospital center between April 1, 2005 and March 31, 2022 were included. The study covers the consumption of all antimicrobials through the AWare classification of the World Health Organization and antibiotic spectrum index. RESULTS: A total of 673.9 days of therapy/1000 patients days was calculated in 2021-2022, i.e. 550.8 for antibiotics, 46.5 for antivirals, 67.9 for antifungals and 8.7 for others. A total of 2436 ASI/1000 patient days was calculated in 2021-2021. According to the AWaRe classification, in 2021-2022, 52.1% (287/551) of days of therapy/1000 patients days referred to the "Access" group, 47.8% (263/551) to the "Watch" group and 0.2% (1/551) to the "Reserve" group. CONCLUSION: This study aims to explore the use of antimicrobials in a mother-child hospital center. It puts into perspective a stable or even slightly decreasing use of a selection of antimicrobials and compares favorably with published data. Antibiotic governance is based in particular on the periodic evaluation of consumption. Our study illustrates different approaches to quantify and describe this use.

Comparing the Addiction Severity Index (ASI) and Measurements in the Addictions for Triage and Evaluation (MATE).

Substance use disorder (SUD) assessment and measurement in Brazil, as well as in many other countries, face significant shortcomings. The Measurement in the Addictions for Triage and Evaluation (MATE) was developed as a public domain tool, drawing from validated scales and incorporating World Health Organization International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) framework. The Brazilian version of the MATE (MATE-pt-BR) was evaluated for its reliability and validity, with a total of 239 subjects participating in the study, and data collected between 11/01/2021 and 09/01/2022. The majority were male (79.2%), with diverse racial backgrounds. The substances most prevalently used in the last 30 days were. Alcohol (73.2%), nicotine (63.6%), and cocaine (44.2%). The mean scores for MATE modules showed variations, with Module Q2 assessing psychological well-being having high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.92). MATE-pt-BR demonstrated robust internal consistency, with Module 6 (personality) and Module 2 (medical and psychiatric consultation indicators) being exceptions. MATE-pt-BR exhibited significant correlations among its sections and strong discriminant validity. Moreover, the paper compares MATE-pt-BR with the Addiction Severity Index (ASI-6), which is considered the gold-standard measure for SUD assessments. MATE-pt-BR offers a valuable tool for assessing substance use and related functional impairments in the Brazilian context.

The distribution of diatom assemblages with the effects of environmental parameters and ecological status assessment based on diatom indices in the lentic systems of the Akarçay and Asi Basins (Türkiye).

In order to detect the effects of different stressors on the littoral diatom assemblages and biodiversity of the lentic systems in two different basins in Türkiye, 15 lentic systems in the Akarçay and Asi basins were sampled three times (spring, summer, and fall) for littoral diatoms and environmental variables. The biological assessment of these sites was also evaluated using 9 different river and lake diatom indices. Based on the total phosphorus (TP), total nitrogen (TN), electrical conductivity (EC), salinity (SAL) values, and dominant diatom species, three lentic systems in Akarçay Basin (Lake Eber, 26 Agustos Pond, and Lake Karamik) were more eutrophic and under the pressure of anthropogenic and climatic (precipitation) stressors. Trophic diatom index for lakes (TDIL) showed a higher correlation with TN and TP and was the most effective index in explaining ecological quality in 15 lentic systems. The species richness of diatoms was also negatively affected by EC and SAL values. The lentic systems of the two basins were separated from each other based on the species composition and the distribution of the dominant species with the effect of altitude (ALT). Considering the distribution of diatom assemblage of the lentic systems in these two basins, anthropogenic, climatic, and geographical factors have become prominent to shape the diatom community structure.

I'm just joking! Perceptions of sexist humour and sexist beliefs in a Latin American context.

Previous research has stated a relationship between sexist ideologies and humour appreciation. However, most research has been done in North America and Europe. In the present study, we aimed to approach in an exploratory way to the social perceptions of sexist humour in Costa Rica. Data was gathered through an online survey, participants (N = 323; 220 females) completed measures to characterise expressions of sexist humour. The main measures included perceived funniness, frequency and means of exposure, and perceived offensiveness, as well as completing the Ambivalent Sexism Inventory (ASI). Overall, previous exposure to this kind of humour was remarkably high. No significant differences were observed between women's and men's perceptions of the frequency, means and places of exposure, but emotional and behavioural reactions to sexist humour were gender-based. Women reported higher displeasure, more confrontation and felt angrier and more offended than men when exposed to this type of humour. Data support existing evidence of the relationship with sexist ideology. Specifically, hostile sexism was found to be a significant predictor of perceived funniness and offensiveness of the sexist jokes. An interaction effect between hostile sexism and the sex of participants was found, showing that as hostile sexism increased, perceived offensiveness decreased, but more rapidly for men. Results are discussed considering the practical implications and limitations, as well as the need for more research in the Latin American context.

Effect of open versus minimally invasive surgery on postoperative wound site complications in patients with recurrent shoulder instability: A meta-analysis.

The Latarjet procedure is the accepted method of operation for patients with anterior shoulder instability. However, as arthroscopy becomes more and more popular, more and more patients are being treated with minimally invasive techniques for the treatment of anteriorly unstable shoulder. This research aims to compare the curative effects of arthroscopic Latarjet (AL) and open Latarjet (OL) on postoperative anterior shoulder instability. Our hypothesis is that arthroscopy will produce better results than open surgery. During the study, a review was conducted on four main databases, including EMBASE and Cochrane Library. Six cohort studies comparing AL with OL in the treatment of anterior shoulder instability were included. Patients who were operated by open technique up to 2023 were referred to as OL and those who underwent arthroscopic surgery were referred to as AL. Comparison was made between the two methods of operation. The statistical analysis was done with RevMan 5.3. The analysis included Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores and postoperative wound infections. A total of six studies were included for analysis under inclusion and exclusion criteria. There were 798 patients, 476 was AL group and 322 was OL group. No statistical significance was found on the incidence of postoperative wound infection in the patients who underwent the Latarjet procedure (odds ratio [OR], 1.43; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.28-7.31; p = 0.67) and the VAS score after surgery (mean difference [MD], 0.70; 95% CI, -0.67 to 2.06; p = 0.32) for patients. However, it has now been demonstrated that arthroscopy is a safe and viable alternative. The only drawback of arthroscopic Latarjet surgery is probably that it has a long learning curve and requires a lot of practice from the surgeon.

Sex-specific criteria for repair should be utilized in patients undergoing aortic aneurysm repair.

OBJECTIVE: Female patients are more likely to undergo repair of intact and ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) at smaller aortic diameter compared with male patients. By adjusting for inherent anatomic differences between sexes, aortic size index (ASI) and aortic height index (AHI) may provide an additional method for guiding treatment. We therefore analyzed sex-specific criteria for AAA repair using aortic diameter, ASI, and AHI. METHODS: We identified all patients who underwent AAA repair between 2003 and 2019 in the Vascular Quality Initiative database. The Dubois and Dubois formula was used to calculate body surface area; aortic diameter was divided by body surface area to calculate ASI. Aortic diameter was divided by height to calculate AHI. Cumulative distribution curves were used to plot the proportion of patients who underwent repair of ruptured aneurysm according to aortic diameter, ASI, and AHI. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was used to identify the association of female sex with perioperative mortality and any major postoperative complication. RESULTS: We identified 55,647 patients, of whom 12,664 were female (20%). For both intact and rupture repair, female patients were older, less likely to undergo endovascular aneurysm repair, and more likely to have comorbid conditions. Female patients underwent repair at smaller median aortic diameter compared with male patients for intact (5.4 vs 5.5 cm; P < .001) and rupture repair (6.7 vs 7.7 cm; P < .001). However, ASI was higher in female patients for both intact (3.1 vs 2.7 cm/m2; P < .001) and rupture repair (3.8 vs 3.7 cm/m2; P < .001), whereas AHI was higher in female patients for intact repair (3.3 vs 3.1 cm/m; P < .001) but lower for rupture repair (4.1 vs 4.3 cm/m; P < .001). When analyzing the cumulative distribution of rupture repair in male patients, 12% of rupture repairs were performed at an aortic diameter below 5.5 cm. To achieve the same proportion of rupture repair in female patients, the repair diameter was only 4.9 cm. However, when ASI and AHI were used, female and male patients both reached 12% of rupture repair at an ASI of 2.7 cm/m2 and an AHI of 3.0 cm/m. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides data to strongly support the sex-specific 5.0-cm aortic diameter threshold suggested for repair in female patients by the Society for Vascular Surgery. The high percentage of patients undergoing rupture repair below 5.5 cm in male patients and 5.0 cm in female patients highlights the need to better identify patients at risk of rupture at smaller aortic diameters.

Counteracting Immunosuppression in the Tumor Microenvironment by Oncolytic Newcastle Disease Virus and Cellular Immunotherapy.

An apparent paradox exists between the evidence for spontaneous systemic T cell- mediated anti-tumor immune responses in cancer patients, observed particularly in their bone marrow, and local tumor growth in the periphery. This phenomenon, known as "concomitant immunity" suggests that the local tumor and its tumor microenvironment (TME) prevent systemic antitumor immunity to become effective. Oncolytic Newcastle disease virus (NDV), an agent with inherent anti-neoplastic and immune stimulatory properties, is capable of breaking therapy resistance and immunosuppression. This review updates latest information about immunosuppression by the TME and discusses mechanisms of how oncolytic viruses, in particular NDV, and cellular immunotherapy can counteract the immunosuppressive effect of the TME. With regard to cellular immunotherapy, the review presents pre-clinical studies of post-operative active-specific immunotherapy and of adoptive T cell-mediated therapy in immunocompetent mice. Memory T cell (MTC) transfer in tumor challenged T cell-deficient nu/nu mice demonstrates longevity and functionality of these cells. Graft-versus-leukemia (GvL) studies in mice demonstrate complete remission of late-stage disease including metastases and cachexia. T cell based immunotherapy studies with human cells in human tumor xenotransplanted NOD/SCID mice demonstrate superiority of bone marrow-derived as compared to blood-derived MTCs. Results from clinical studies presented include vaccination studies using two different types of NDV-modified cancer vaccine and a pilot adoptive T-cell mediated therapy study using re-activated bone marrow-derived cancer-reactive MTCs. As an example for what can be expected from clinical immunotherapy against tumors with an immunosuppressive TME, results from vaccination studies are presented from the aggressive brain tumor glioblastoma multiforme. The last decades of basic research in virology, oncology and immunology can be considered as a success story. Based on discoveries of these research areas, translational research and clinical studies have changed the way of treatment of cancer by introducing and including immunotherapy.

Accumulation and relationship of metals in different soil aggregate fractions along soil profiles.

Different aggregates vary in their ability to retain or adsorb metals in soil. Five soil profiles were sampled from different soil horizons and grouped, and the concentrations of Al, Mg, Ca, Fe, Mn, Cd, Cu and Pb were determined in six sizes of aggregates (> 2, 2-1, 1-0.6, 0.6-0.25, 0.25-0.053, < 0.053 mm). Significantly high (p < 0.05) structural stability indexes (SSI) and aggregate stability indexes (ASI) were recorded in the topsoil horizon, which may be attributed to the high soil organic matter (SOM) content in aggregates from topsoil. In addition, ASI and SSI were positively correlated (r = 0.569, p < 0.05) with each other, which indicated that the stability of soil aggregates could contribute to the structural stability of bulk soil. Moreover, accumulation factors (AF), principal component analysis (PCA) and Pearson's correlation coefficients were used for metal element assessment. The results indicated that SOM was not a key factor affecting the accumulation of Ca, Mg, Al, Fe, Mn, Pb, Cd and Cu in soil aggregates. In general, AF values for metal elements in microaggregates (< 0.25 mm) were high, which showed that metals preferred to accumulate in fine soil aggregates. The PCA and Pearson's correlation coefficients indicated that soil parent materials primarily controlled the distribution of Al, Ca, Fe, Mg and Mn, while materials derived from technogenic sources have important impacts on the distribution of Cd, Cu and Pb in soil aggregates along the soil profile.

Factors affecting addiction severity index (ASI) among clients enrolled in methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) program in Myanmar.

BACKGROUND: Opioid substitution with methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) is shown to reduce illicit opioid use and renew social functioning. Understanding factors that undermine clients' social functioning during MMT treatment is vital for improving treatment compliance and quality of life. METHOD: A total of 210 respondents who were already enrolled in a formal MMT program in Myanmar were recruited from five cities through stratified random sampling for this cross-sectional study. The addiction severity index (ASI) was used to objectively assess respondents social functioning in the last 30 days. Higher ASI scores denote poorer social functioning. RESULT: Respondents total ASI scores in the respective domains were: employment (47.4%), alcohol (44.4%), drug use (7.2%), legal (49.2%) and social-family relationship (10.7%). Those reported to have never injected drugs in the last 30 days had lower ASI total scores than those who reported injection drug use (p = 0.01). After identifying the differences in ASI total scores, we found there were significant associations in the clients' hepatitis C status, age category, frequency of heroin injection, quality of life score, marital status, current leisure status with family/friend, current history of injection in the last 30 days, income status, satisfaction with current marital status, as well as reported drug and alcohol use (p < 0.05). Stepwise binary logistic regression showed that alcohol and higher frequency of heroin injection were associated with higher ASI scores. Meanwhile, older age, respondents those who had leisure time with family, and satisfied with current marital status had lower ASI scores (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that those enrolled in the MMT program in Myanmar faced many challenges in their daily social functioning. Treatment providers must take heed of these apparent impediment to ensure clients chequered social functioning does not undermine their treatment compliance. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NA.

Identification of early and extra-early maturing tropical maize inbred lines resistant to Exserohilum turcicum in sub-Saharan Africa.

Northern corn leaf blight (NCLB) incited by the fungus Exserohilum turcicum is a foliar disease that significantly limits maize production and productivity in West and Central Africa (WCA), particularly in the mid-altitudes but during the last decade it has become a menace in lowland agro-ecologies. The most economical and environmentally friendly disease management strategy is the cultivation of maize varieties resistant or tolerant to NCLB. However, no early maturing (EM) and extra-early maturing (EEM) NCLB resistant varieties are commercially available in WCA. One hundred inbred lines each of EM and EEM derived from tropical maize germplasm were inoculated with a virulent isolate of E. turcicum at five locations in Nigeria during the 2017 and 2018 growing seasons. The objective of the study was to identify promising NCLB resistant lines and to investigate inter-relationships among the traits. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant genotype and genotype by environment (G × E) interactions for disease severity, grain yield (GYLD), and other agronomic traits. The average disease severity (TURC) values ranged from 1.9 to 5.8 and 2.9 to 5.7 for the EM and EEM inbred lines, respectively. The levels of reaction of the inbred lines to NCLB ranged from highly resistant to highly susceptible. Stepwise regression analysis showed that ears per plant, ear and plant aspects were significantly influenced by the disease scores. Ears per plant, ear and plant aspects, TURC and GYLD traits were employed to develop a base index (BI) for selecting NCLB resistant inbred lines for hybrid development. TZEI 135 and TZEEI 1 were outstanding in GYLD and also had the highest positive BI values in the EM and EEM inbred lines, respectively. The identification of NCLB resistant lines in this study has set the premise for development of NCLB resistant hybrids for WCA as well as the improvement of tropical maize breeding populations for NCLB resistance.

An investigation of genetic variability of DNA methyltransferases DNMT3A and 3B does not provide evidence for a major role in the pathogenesis of panic disorder and dimensional anxiety phenotypes.

While DNA methylation patterns have been studied for a role in the pathogenesis of anxiety disorders, the role of the enzymes establishing DNA methylation-DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs)-has yet to be investigated. In an effort to investigate DNMT genotype-specific effects on dimensional anxiety traits in addition to the categorical phenotype of panic disorder, 506 panic disorder patients and 3112 healthy participants were assessed for anxiety related cognition [Agoraphobic Cognitions Questionnaire (ACQ)], anxiety sensitivity [Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI)] as well as pathological worry [Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ)] and genotyped for five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the DNMT3A (rs11683424, rs1465764, rs1465825) and DNMT3B (rs2424932, rs4911259) genes, which have previously been found associated with clinical and trait-related phenotypes. There was no association with the categorical phenotype panic disorder. However, a significant association was discerned between DNMT3A rs1465764 and PSWQ scores in healthy participants, with the minor allele conveying a protective effect. In addition, a marginally significant association between questionnaire scores (PSWQ, ASI) in healthy participants and DNMT3B rs2424932 was detected, again with the minor allele conveying a protective effect. The present results suggest a possible minor role of DNMT3A and DNMT3B gene variation in conveying resilience towards anxiety disorders. As the observed associations indicated a protective effect of two SNPs particularly with pathological worry, future studies are proposed to explore these variants in generalized anxiety disorder rather than panic disorder.

Demonstration of Solar Cell on a Graphite Sheet with Carbon Diffusion Barrier Evaluation.

An amorphous Si (a-Si) solar cell with a back reflector composed of zinc oxide (ZnO) and silver (Ag) is potentially the most plausible and flexible solar cell if a graphite sheet is used as the substrate. Graphite supplies lightness, conductivity and flexibility to devices. When a graphite sheet is used as the substrate, carbon can diffuse into the Ag layer in the subsequent p-i-n process at 200-400 °C. To prevent this, we added an oxide layer as a carbon diffusion barrier between the carbon substrate and the back reflector. For the carbon diffusion barrier, silicon oxide (SiO2) or tin oxide (SnOx) was used. We evaluated the thermal stability of the back reflector of a carbon substrate using secondary-ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) to analyze the carbon diffusion barrier material. We confirmed the deposition characteristics, reflectance and prevention of carbon diffusion with and without the barrier. Finally, the structures were incorporated into the solar cell and their performances compared. The results showed that the back reflectors that were connected to a carbon diffusion barrier presented better performance, and the reflector with an SnOx layer presented the best performance.

Patrolling the nucleus: inner nuclear membrane-associated degradation.

Protein quality control and transport are important for the integrity of organelles such as the endoplasmic reticulum, but it is largely unknown how protein homeostasis is regulated at the nuclear envelope (NE) despite the connection between NE protein function and human disease. Elucidating mechanisms that regulate the NE proteome is key to understanding nuclear processes such as gene expression, DNA replication and repair as NE components, particularly proteins at the inner nuclear membrane (INM), are involved in the maintenance of nuclear structure, nuclear positioning and chromosome organization. Nuclear pore complexes control the entry and exit of proteins in and out of the nucleus, restricting movement across the nuclear membrane based on protein size, or the size of the extraluminal-facing domain of a transmembrane protein, providing one level of INM proteome regulation. Research in budding yeast has identified a protein quality control system that targets mislocalized and misfolded proteins at the INM. Here, we review what is known about INM-associated degradation, including recent evidence suggesting that it not only targets mislocalized or misfolded proteins, but also contributes to homeostasis of resident INM proteins.

Differences in anxiety sensitivity factors between anxiety and depressive disorders.

BACKGROUND: Anxiety sensitivity (AS) refers to the tendency to fear physical sensations associated with anxiety due to concerns about potential physical, social, or cognitive consequences. Many previous studies were limited by the use of the anxiety sensitivity index (ASI) or the ASI-revised (ASI-R), which are both measurements with unitary or unstable structures. No recent study that has utilized the ASI-3 examined the relations between AS dimensions and depression. Thus, we examined multiple relationships between AS and anxiety disorders and depression using the ASI-3. METHODS: The total sample consisted of 667 outpatients, diagnosed according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders fourth text revision as assessed by a structured clinical interview. There were eight patient groups: multiple anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder (MDD), panic disorder (PD), social phobia (SP), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and anxiety disorder not otherwise specified (AD NOS). We conducted one-way analysis of variances and post hoc tests to compare the ASI-3 total and subscale scores across the groups. RESULTS: The physical concern score was higher in patients with PD than patients with MDD, SP, OCD, or GAD. The social concern score was higher in the SP group than those with MDD, PD, GAD, and AD NOS. Patients with GAD and PTSD showed higher cognitive concern scores than the patients with PD. CONCLUSION: Results partially replicated the relationship between PD and physical concern, between SP and social concern, and between GAD and cognitive concern examining the relationships between AS dimensions and anxiety disorders.

Observers' response to facial disfigurement from head and neck cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Our long-term goal is to develop a normative feedback intervention to support head and neck cancer patients in forming realistic expectations about how other people in non-social group settings will respond to their appearance. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between observer ratings of facial disfigurement and observer ratings of emotional response when viewing photographs of faces of head and neck cancer patients. METHODS: Seventy-five (75) observers rated their emotional response to each of 144 facial photographs of head and neck cancer patients using the Self-Assessment-Manikin and rated severity of facial disfigurement on a 9-point scale. Body image investment of the observers was measured using the Appearance Schemas Inventory-Revised. A standardized multiple regression model was used to assess the relationship between observer ratings of facial disfigurement and observer ratings of emotional response, taking into consideration the age and sex of the patient depicted in the stimulus photograph, as well as the age, sex, and body image investment of the observer. RESULTS: Observers who had a strong emotional response to a patient's facial photograph tended to rate the patient's facial disfigurement as more severe (standardized regression coefficient ß = 0.328, P < 0.001). Sex and age of the observer had more influence on the rating of facial disfigurement than did the patient's demographic characteristics. Observers more invested in their own body image tended to rate the facial disfigurement as more severe. CONCLUSIONS: This study lays the groundwork for a normative database of emotional response to facial disfigurement.

How preferred learning approaches change with time: a survey of GPs and GP Specialist Trainees.

Background The Approaches and Study Skills Inventory for Students (ASSIST) questionnaire assesses whether learners prefer a deep, strategic or surface approach to learning. This study aimed to establish the effect of time since qualification, gender and work role on ASSIST scores of General Practitioners (GPs) and GP Specialist Trainees (GPSTs). Methods An anonymous online questionnaire with demographic questions and the ASSIST survey was completed by 1005 GPs and GPSTs from across the United Kingdom. Results Of the 544 GPs and 461 GPSTs completing the survey, 96.5% preferred a deep and/or strategic approach to learning. There was a significant increase in the preference for a deep approach with time from graduation and significantly less preference for a surface approach. There was no significant change in any of the scores over the GPST years. Men had significantly higher scores for a deep approach than women. Conclusions GPs and GPSTs prefer deep and strategic approaches to a surface approach. While higher levels of GP experience are associated with a higher deep approach score and a lower surface approach score, this change is not seen during progression through GP training. Men have higher scores for a deep approach than women.

Unexpected dependence of RyR1 splice variant expression in human lower limb muscles on fiber-type composition.

The skeletal muscle ryanodine receptor Ca(2+) release channel (RyR1), essential for excitation-contraction (EC) coupling, demonstrates a known developmentally regulated alternative splicing in the ASI region. We now find unexpectedly that the expression of the splice variants is closely related to fiber type in adult human lower limb muscles. We examined the distribution of myosin heavy chain isoforms and ASI splice variants in gluteus minimus, gluteus medius and vastus medialis from patients aged 45 to 85 years. There was a strong positive correlation between ASI(+)RyR1 and the percentage of type 2 fibers in the muscles (r = 0.725), and a correspondingly strong negative correlation between the percentages of ASI(+)RyR1 and percentage of type 1 fibers. When the type 2 fiber data were separated into type 2X and type 2A, the correlation with ASI(+)RyR1 was stronger in type 2X fibers (r = 0.781) than in type 2A fibers (r = 0.461). There was no significant correlation between age and either fiber-type composition or ASI(+)RyR1/ASI(-)RyR1 ratio. The results suggest that the reduced expression of ASI(-)RyR1 during development may reflect a reduction in type 1 fibers during development. Preferential expression of ASI(-) RyR1, having a higher gain of in Ca(2+) release during EC coupling than ASI(+)RyR1, may compensate for the reduced terminal cisternae volume, fewer junctional contacts and reduced charge movement in type 1 fibers.