Osmolarity regulates egg-laying behavior via parallel chemosensory and biophysical mechanisms.

Animals alter their behavior in response to changes in the environment. Upon encountering hyperosmotic conditions, the nematode worm initiates avoidance and cessation of egg-laying behavior. While the sensory pathway for osmotic avoidance is well-understood, less is known about how egg laying is inhibited.

Assessment of lead exposure risk in locksmiths.

Exposure to lead has been well recognized in a number of work environments, but little is known about lead exposure associated with machining brass keys containing lead. The brass that is widely used for key manufacturing usually contains 1.5% - 2.

Alcohol enhances HIV type 1 infection in normal human oral keratinocytes by up-regulating cell-surface CXCR4 coreceptor.

Recent studies suggest that normal human oral keratinocytes (NHOKs) can be infected by HIV-1, and alcohol can enhance HIV infection and replication in lymphocytes. In this study, we examined the possibility that alcohol might facilitate HIV-1 infection of NHOKs by up-regulating cell surface expression of the coreceptor, CXCR4. Alcohol enhanced in vitro infection of NHOKs by CXCR4-tropic strains of HIV-1 as indicated by synthesis of viral reverse transcripts and production of p24gag protein.

Change in blood lead concentration up to 1 year after a gunshot wound with a retained bullet.

The authors studied the time course and prevalence of elevated blood lead concentrations and associated injury- and patient-specific factors during the first year following gunshot injury. They determined blood lead levels at mean time points of 0.3, 3.

Elevated blood lead resulting from maxillofacial gunshot injuries with lead ingestion.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the contribution of ingested lead particles to elevated blood lead concentrations in victims of gunshot injury to the maxillofacial region.

Patients And Methods: As part of a larger study of the effects of retained lead bullets on blood lead, a retrospective review of study findings was completed on 5 of 8 patients who sustained injuries to the maxillofacial region. These 5 patients were recruited into the larger study within 11 days of injury and showed a penetration path for the projectile that engaged the upper aerodigestive tract.