Digital dependence: Online fatigue and coping strategies during the COVID-19 lockdown.

As the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns forced populations across the world to become completely dependent on digital devices for working, studying, and socializing, there has been no shortage of published studies about the possible negative effects of the increased use of digital devices during this exceptional period. In seeking to empirically address how the concern with digital dependency has been experienced during the pandemic, we present findings from a study of daily self-reported logbooks by 59 university students in Copenhagen, Denmark, over 4 weeks in April and May 2020, investigating their everyday use of digital devices. We highlight two main findings.

Monomeric α-synuclein activates the plasma membrane calcium pump.

Alpha-synuclein (aSN) is a membrane-associated and intrinsically disordered protein, well known for pathological aggregation in neurodegeneration. However, the physiological function of aSN is disputed. Pull-down experiments have pointed to plasma membrane Ca -ATPase (PMCA) as a potential interaction partner.

Does the route matter? A preclinical review of mesenchymal stromal cell delivery to the kidney.

Mesenchymal stromal/stem cell (MSC) therapy has been thoroughly tested in preclinical animal models and holds great promise for the treatment of kidney diseases. It is becoming increasingly evident that the efficacy of MSC therapy is dependent on several factors including dosage, the tissue source of MSCs, the route of delivery and timing of administration. In a time where MSC therapy is moving from preclinical research to clinically therapeutic use, the importance of choice of delivery method, modality, and administration route increases.

Polo-like kinase 2 inhibition reduces serine-129 phosphorylation of physiological nuclear alpha-synuclein but not of the aggregated alpha-synuclein.

Accumulation of aggregated alpha-synuclein (α-syn) is believed to play a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease (PD) and other synucleinopathies. As a key constituent of Lewy pathology, more than 90% of α-syn in Lewy bodies is phosphorylated at serine-129 (pS129) and hence, it is used extensively as a marker for α-syn pathology. However, the exact role of pS129 remains controversial and the kinase(s) responsible for the phosphorylation have yet to be determined.

Enhanced tyrosine hydroxylase activity induces oxidative stress, causes accumulation of autotoxic catecholamine metabolites, and augments amphetamine effects in vivo.

In Parkinson's disease, dopamine-containing nigrostriatal neurons undergo profound degeneration. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) is the rate-limiting enzyme in dopamine biosynthesis. TH increases in vitro formation of reactive oxygen species, and previous animal studies have reported links between cytosolic dopamine build-up and oxidative stress.

Multiple system atrophy-associated oligodendroglial protein p25α stimulates formation of novel α-synuclein strain with enhanced neurodegenerative potential.

Pathology consisting of intracellular aggregates of alpha-Synuclein (α-Syn) spread through the nervous system in a variety of neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, and multiple system atrophy. The discovery of structurally distinct α-Syn polymorphs, so-called strains, supports a hypothesis where strain-specific structures are templated into aggregates formed by native α-Syn. These distinct strains are hypothesised to dictate the spreading of pathology in the tissue and the cellular impact of the aggregates, thereby contributing to the variety of clinical phenotypes.

Stabilization of α-synuclein oligomers using formaldehyde.

The group of neurodegenerative diseases, Parkinson's disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and multiple system atrophy (MSA) all exhibit inclusions containing amyloid-type α-synuclein (α-syn) aggregates within degenerating brain cells. α-syn also exists as soluble oligomeric species that are hypothesized to represent intermediates between its native and aggregated states. These oligomers are present in brain extracts from patients suffering from synucleinopathies and hold great potential as biomarkers.

Alpha-synuclein aggregates activate calcium pump SERCA leading to calcium dysregulation.

Aggregation of α-synuclein is a hallmark of Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies. We here investigate the relationship between cytosolic Ca and α-synuclein aggregation. Analyses of cell lines and primary culture models of α-synuclein cytopathology reveal an early phase with reduced cytosolic Ca levels followed by a later Ca increase.

Noninvasive genetic sampling reveals intrasex territoriality in wolverines.

Due to its conspicuous manifestations and its capacity to shape the configuration and dynamics of wild populations, territorial behavior has long intrigued ecologists. Territoriality and other animal interactions in situ have traditionally been studied via direct observations and telemetry. Here, we explore whether noninvasive genetic sampling, which is increasingly supplementing traditional field methods in ecological research, can reveal territorial behavior in an elusive carnivore, the wolverine (Gulo gulo).

The U-elevator. A new manipulator for gynecologic laparoscopy.

A new uterine elevator/manipulator for gynecologic laparoscopy is described. The instrument is a u-formed tube with a cone for insertion into the uterus via the vagina. In the other end is a handle with a canal for instillation of fluid (dye).

Brown's syndrome. A longitudinal long-term study of spontaneous course.

The prognosis for spontaneous improvement of Brown's syndrome has not yet been clarified. The present longitudinal long-term study comprised 10 patients with idiopathic Brown's syndrome arising or noticed during the first or second year of life. They were followed for an average of 13 years during which each had a mean of 9 examinations.

Prevalence of amblyopia in old people without previous screening and treatment. An evaluation of the present prophylactic procedures among children in Denmark.

An epidemiological study of amblyopia was performed among old people without previous screening and treatment. The study revealed a prevalence of 2.9% (strabismic in 2.

The female condom. A pilot study of the acceptability of a new female barrier method.

The best available prevention against sexually transmitted diseases is limited to a consistent and correct use of a condom by the male. A new barrier method has been developed for the female. As it can be inserted into the vagina before sexual intercourse starts, and as it covers the entrance of the vagina, the opening of the urethra and the root of the penis, it is presumed to give a high degree of protection against sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancy.

Laparoscopic removal of intrauterine devices with retracted threads.

Sixteen women had intrauterine devices (IUDs) with retracted threads. If an IUD with retracted thread is located within the uterus or intramurally, hysteroscopic removal is advisable. If it is located intraabdominally, laparoscopic removal is recommended.

[Necrotizing sclerokeratitis following cataract extraction].

A number of cases of necrotic sclerokeratitis following eye surgery have been reported in recently published literature. The condition was presumably triggered by surgical inflammation and caused by localized occlusive vasculitis: in one case deposits of immune complexes in vessel walls were demonstrated. The authors report on three cases of necrotic sclerokeratitis which developed five to 16 months after uncomplicated cataract extraction.

Treatment of age-related macular degeneration by laser photocoagulation. Visual results 2-8 weeks and 2-4 years after initial laser treatment.

Laser treatment with blue-green argon, green argon and/or krypton red was performed on 578 eyes in 443 patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The visual acuity was examined in all eyes 2 to 8 weeks after initial treatment and in 204 eyes in 167 patients 2 to 4 years after initial treatment. The short term results were as follow: 91/578 eyes (16%) had improved (greater than or equal to 2 lines on Snellen's charge or equivalent steps), 445/578 eyes (77%) remained unchanged and 42/578 eyes (7%) had deteriorated visual acuity (greater than or equal to 2 lines on Snellen's chart or equivalent steps).

Acanthamoeba keratitis, clinico-pathological report of 2 cases.

Acanthamoebae have in the last 14 years been reported to be responsible for severe keratitis in an increasing number of cases. To our knowledge this is the first report of acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) in Scandinavia. Two young males, both wearing soft contact lenses for extended wear, developed long lasting, therapy resistant keratitis.

Prostaglandin vaginal suppositories in non pregnant women requiring cervical dilatation prior to hysteroscopy.

A randomized doubleblind investigation of prostaglandin vaginal suppositories prior to hysteroscopy was undertaken in 30 non-pregnant women. PGE2 in 14 of 15 treated patients we found a softening and a dilatation of the cervical canal, but with a relatively high frequency of side effects-nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. No serious bleeding or side effects were observed.

Irreversible immune reactions following keratoplasty. Retrospective clinical and histological evaluation of graft failure in a material of 206 consecutive eyes.

A total of 16/206 eyes in 14/186 patients developed irreversible immune reactions. 15 of the rejected eyes belonged to the 'classical' risk groups, i.e.

Ten years follow-up of surgery for intermittent exotropia.

Ten years post-operative follow-up of 25 consecutive patients with intermittent exotropia have been performed. 13/25 patients are at follow-up fine, that is small and symptom-free exoforia, good sensorial binocular functions of normal type, sufficient although subnormal fusional amplitude and never exotropia. 8/25 patients are fair, that is only occasionally momentary occurrence of exotropia and binocular complaints.