Beyond-local neural information processing in neuronal networks.

While there is much knowledge about local neuronal circuitry, considerably less is known about how neuronal input is integrated and combined across neuronal networks to encode higher order brain functions. One challenge lies in the large number of complex neural interactions. Neural networks use oscillating activity for information exchange between distributed nodes.

The β-cell primary cilium is an autonomous Ca2+ compartment for paracrine GABA signaling.

The primary cilium is an organelle present in most adult mammalian cells that is considered as an antenna for sensing the local microenvironment. Here, we use intact mouse pancreatic islets of Langerhans to investigate signaling properties of the primary cilium in insulin-secreting β-cells. We find that GABAB1 receptors are strongly enriched at the base of the cilium, but are mobilized to more distal locations upon agonist binding.

Estimation of R0 for the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in Germany from excess mortality.

For SARS-CoV-2, R0 calculations in the range of 2-3 dominate the literature, but much higher estimates have also been published. Because capacity for RT-PCR testing increased greatly in the early phase of the Covid-19 pandemic, R0 determinations based on these incidence values are subject to strong bias. We propose to use Covid-19-induced excess mortality to determine R0 regardless of RT-PCR testing capacity.

MicroRNAs as Potential Liquid Biopsy Biomarker for Patients with Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer.

Purpose: To identify micro-RNAs (miRNAs) expression profiles in peripheral blood plasma that could play a role as potential biomarkers in patients who progressed to castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Liquid biopsy analysis of miRNAs is a fast-developing field with a considerable likelihood to predict tumor progression and metastasis by targeting genes involved in oncogenesis.

Patients And Methods: Differential expression analysis of miRNAs profile in CRPC patients was performed by creating small RNA libraries of circulating miRNAs using HiSeq2500 Illumina platform.

Complete study for erectile dysfunction (CompED) improving diagnosis and treatment decision-making.

Erectile dysfunction is a condition associated with increasing age. Patient evaluation and management should follow a comprehensive, stepwise approach. The aim of this article was to report our experience with the complete study for erectile dysfunction, including intracavernous injection rigidity test, biothesiometry and colour duplex Doppler ultrasound.

Standardization of penile angle estimation with a semi-automated algorithm.

Introduction: Penile curvature (PC) refers to an abnormal bending of the main longitudinal axis of the penis. It is frequently associated to hypospadias. To date, accurate and objective evaluation of PC is not easily reproducible amongst surgeons and there are no stablished protocols on how to measure PC in a standard way and in real-time to guide intraoperative decision making.

An optimized genetically encoded dual reporter for simultaneous ratio imaging of Ca and H reveals new insights into ion signaling in plants.

Whereas the role of calcium ions (Ca ) in plant signaling is well studied, the physiological significance of pH-changes remains largely undefined. Here we developed CapHensor, an optimized dual-reporter for simultaneous Ca and pH ratio-imaging and studied signaling events in pollen tubes (PTs), guard cells (GCs), and mesophyll cells (MCs). Monitoring spatio-temporal relationships between membrane voltage, Ca - and pH-dynamics revealed interconnections previously not described.

A systems-biology model of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) interactions with TNF receptor 1 and 2.

Motivation: Clustering enables TNF receptors to stimulate intracellular signaling. The differential soluble ligand-induced clustering behavior of TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1) and TNFR2 was modeled. A structured, rule-based model implemented ligand-independent pre-ligand binding assembly domain (PLAD)-mediated homotypic low affinity interactions of unliganded and liganded TNF receptors.

Oncological and Functional Outcomes After Organ-Sparing Plastic Reconstructive Surgery for Penile Cancer.

Objective: To describe oncological and functional outcomes in patients treated with reconstructive organ-sparing surgery (OSS) for squamous cell carcinoma of the penis. Plastic reconstructive OSS of the penis with a split thickness skin graft has been proposed as a treatment option for penile cancer, with the objective being preservation of physiological voiding and sexual function without comprising oncological control.

Materials And Methods: Multicenter study reporting clinicopathological data of 57 patients with malignant lesions of the penis treated with OSS and plastic reconstructive surgery with split thickness skin graft from 2007 to 2019.

An open source tool for automatic spatiotemporal assessment of calcium transients and local 'signal-close-to-noise' activity in calcium imaging data.

Local and spontaneous calcium signals play important roles in neurons and neuronal networks. Spontaneous or cell-autonomous calcium signals may be difficult to assess because they appear in an unpredictable spatiotemporal pattern and in very small neuronal loci of axons or dendrites. We developed an open source bioinformatics tool for an unbiased assessment of calcium signals in x,y-t imaging series.

Epidemiology of renal cancer in developing countries: Review of the literature.

Introduction: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the ninth most common cancer in men, and the 14th most common cancer in women. It has been reported that the incidence of RCC is rising. These changes are more common in developed countries because of better screening programs and disease registry.

[Anatomic study of parapharyneal space].

The parapharyngeal space is considered the key space of the suprahioid neck, being essential to establish the origin and anatomic relations of the lesions of the profound neck. The descriptions of the fascial limits of the parapharyngeal space are variable in the litterature, reflecting some ambiguity in the manuals of anatomy and surgery. We have done a detailed study of this region, working on 5 cadavers, fixed in a solution of phenol and alcohol, and correlating the disection pieces with a radiologic study.

[Three cases of cell granular tumor of the larynx].

Cell Granular Tumor (CGT) are unusual tumors that can affect any site of the body, with most cases affecting the head and neck region. CGT of the larynx is an uncommon laryngeal tumor accounting for approximately 6-10% of the reported cases. In the larynx pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia may predispose to confuse the CGT with frothy (squamous) cell carcinoma.