Facial affect recognition in myasthenia gravis.

The assessment of facial expression is an important aspect of a clinical neurological examination, both as an indicator of a mood disorder and as a sign of neurological damage. To date, although studies have been conducted on certain psychosocial aspects of myasthenia, such as quality of life and anxiety, and on neuropsychological aspects such as memory, no studies have directly assessed facial emotion recognition accuracy. The aim of this study was to assess the facial emotion recognition accuracy (fear, surprise, sadness, happiness, anger, and disgust), empathy, and reaction time of patients with myasthenia.

Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization on the composition of rhizobacterial communities of two Chilean Andisol pastures.

The effect of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilization on composition of rhizobacterial communities of volcanic soils (Andisols) from southern Chile at molecular level is poorly understood. This paper investigates the composition of rhizobacterial communities of two Andisols under pasture after 1- and 6-year applications of N (urea) and P (triple superphosphate). Soil samples were collected from two previously established sites and the composition of rhizobacterial communities was determined by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE).

PI3Kδ inhibition augments the efficacy of rapamycin in suppressing proliferation of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)+ B cell lymphomas.

Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) continues to be a devastating and potentially life-threatening complication in organ transplant recipients. PTLD is associated with EBV infection and can result in malignant B cell lymphomas. Here we demonstrate that the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway is highly activated in EBV+ B cell lymphoma lines derived from patients with PTLD.

Natural killer cell-activating receptor NKG2D mediates innate immune targeting of allogeneic neural progenitor cell grafts.

Cell replacement therapy holds promise for a number of untreatable neurological or psychiatric diseases but the immunogenicity of cellular grafts remains controversial. Emerging stem cell and reprogramming technologies can be used to generate autologous grafts that minimize immunological concerns but autologous grafts may carry an underlying genetic vulnerability that reduces graft efficacy or survival. Healthy allogeneic grafts are an attractive and commercially scalable alternative if immunological variables can be controlled.

Malleable ribonucleoprotein machine: protein intrinsic disorder in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae spliceosome.

Recent studies revealed that a significant fraction of any given proteome is presented by proteins that do not have unique 3D structures as a whole or in significant parts. These intrinsically disordered proteins possess dramatic structural and functional variability, being especially enriched in signaling and regulatory functions since their lack of fixed structure defines their ability to be involved in interaction with several proteins and allows them to be re-used in multiple pathways. Among recognized disorder-based protein functions are interactions with nucleic acids and multi-target binding; i.

[Arthroplasty registers as post-marketing surveillance systems: the Catalan Arthroplasty Register].

Objective: The aim is to present the functioning and results of the Catalan Arthroplasty Registry (RACat).

Material And Method: The RACat arose by the initiative of the Catalan Society of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, the Catalan Health Service (CHS) and the Catalan Agency for Health Information Assessment and Quality. Publicly funded hospitals sent information through the Internet (CHS Applications website) on knee and hip arthroplasties: patient identification, hospital, joint (hip/knee), type (primary/revision), side of operation, date of surgery and prosthesis (manufacturer's name and reference number).

Over-prescribing of antibiotics and imaging in the management of uncomplicated URIs in emergency departments.

Background: Unnecessary use of resources for common illnesses has substantial effect on patient care and costs. Evidence-based guidelines do not recommend antibiotics or imaging for uncomplicated upper respiratory infections (URIs). The objective of the current study was to examine medical care providers' compliance with guidelines in treating uncomplicated URIs in emergency departments (EDs) in the US.

Detection of nitrogen-protonated nitrous oxide (HNNO+) by rotational spectroscopy.

The rotational spectrum of nitrogen-protonated nitrous oxide (HNNO(+)), an isomer whose existence was first inferred from kinetic studies more than 30 years ago, has now been detected by Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy, guided by new high-level coupled-cluster calculations of its molecular structure. From high-resolution measurements of the hyperfine splitting in its fundamental rotational transition, the rotational constant (B + C)/2 and the quadrupole tensor element χaa(N) for both nitrogen atoms have been precisely determined. The derived constants agree well with quantum-chemical calculations here and others in the literature.

Modification of the optical and structural properties of ZnO nanowires by low-energy Ar+ ion sputtering.

The effects of low-energy (≤2 kV) Ar+ irradiation on the optical and structural properties of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires (NWs) grown by a simple and cost-effective low-temperature technique were investigated. Both photoluminescence spectra from ZnO NW-coated films and cathodoluminescence analysis of individual ZnO NWs demonstrated obvious evidences of ultraviolet/visible luminescent enhancement with respect to irradiation fluence. Annihilation of the thinner ZnO NWs after the ion bombardment was appreciated by means of high-resolution scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), which results in an increasing NW mean diameter for increasing irradiation fluences.

A Conus regularis conotoxin with a novel eight-cysteine framework inhibits CaV2.2 channels and displays an anti-nociceptive activity.

A novel peptide, RsXXIVA, was isolated from the venom duct of Conus regularis, a worm-hunting species collected in the Sea of Cortez, México. Its primary structure was determined by mass spectrometry and confirmed by automated Edman degradation. This conotoxin contains 40 amino acids and exhibits a novel arrangement of eight cysteine residues (C-C-C-C-CC-CC).

Microwave detection of sulfoxylic acid (HOSOH).

Sulfoxylic acid (HOSOH), a chemical intermediate roughly midway along the path between highly reduced (H2S) and highly oxidized sulfur (H2SO4), has been detected using Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy and double resonance techniques, guided by new high-level CCSD(T) quantum-chemical calculations of its molecular structure. Rotational spectra of the two most stable isomers of HOSOH, the putative ground state with C2 symmetry and the low-lying C(s) rotamer, have been measured to high precision up to 71 GHz, allowing accurate spectroscopic parameters to be derived for both isomers. HOSOH may play a role in atmospheric and interstellar chemistry, and the present work provides the essential data to enable remote sensing and/or radioastronomical searches for these species.

Detection of protonated vinyl cyanide, CH2CHCNH+, a prototypical branched nitrile cation.

The rotational spectrum of protonated vinyl cyanide, CH2CHCNH(+), a prototypical branched nitrile species and likely intermediate in astronomical sources and in the planetary atmosphere of Titan, has been detected in a pulsed-discharge supersonic molecular beam by means of Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy. Fifteen lines arising from 11 a-type rotational transitions have been observed between 9 and 46 GHz, several with partially resolved nitrogen hyperfine structure. From this data set, the leading spectroscopic constants, including all three rotational constants, have been determined to high accuracy.

Antiretroviral drug resistance in HIV-1 therapy-naive patients in Cuba.

In Cuba, antiretroviral therapy rollout started in 2001 and antiretroviral therapy coverage has reached almost 40% since then. The objectives of this study were therefore to analyze subtype distribution, and level and patterns of drug resistance in therapy-naive HIV-1 patients. Four hundred and one plasma samples were collected from HIV-1 therapy-naive patients in 2003 and in 2007-2011.

Syk-induced phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase activation in Epstein-Barr virus posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder.

Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD)-associated Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)+ B cell lymphomas are serious complications of solid organ and bone marrow transplantation. The EBV protein LMP2a, a B cell receptor (BCR) mimic, provides survival signals to virally infected cells through Syk tyrosine kinase. Therefore, we explored whether Syk inhibition is a viable therapeutic strategy for EBV-associated PTLD.

Note: Focus error detection device for thermal expansion-recovery microscopy (ThERM).

An innovative focus error detection method is presented that is only sensitive to surface curvature variations, canceling both thermoreflectance and photodefelection effects. The detection scheme consists of an astigmatic probe laser and a four-quadrant detector. Nonlinear curve fitting of the defocusing signal allows the retrieval of a cutoff frequency, which only depends on the thermal diffusivity of the sample and the pump beam size.

Ebola virus exploits a monocyte differentiation program to promote its entry.

Antigen-presenting cells (APCs) are critical targets of Ebola virus (EBOV) infection in vivo. However, the susceptibility of monocytes to infection is controversial. Studies indicate productive monocyte infection, and yet monocytes are also reported to be resistant to EBOV GP-mediated entry.

A mutation in the Ebola virus envelope glycoprotein restricts viral entry in a host species- and cell-type-specific manner.

Zaire Ebola virus (EBOV) is a zoonotic pathogen that causes severe hemorrhagic fever in humans. A single viral glycoprotein (GP) mediates viral attachment and entry. Here, virus-like particle (VLP)-based entry assays demonstrate that a GP mutant, GP-F88A, which is defective for entry into a variety of human cell types, including antigen-presenting cells (APCs), such as macrophages and dendritic cells, can mediate viral entry into mouse CD11b(+) APCs.

Influenza human monoclonal antibody 1F1 interacts with three major antigenic sites and residues mediating human receptor specificity in H1N1 viruses.

Most monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to the influenza A virus hemagglutinin (HA) head domain exhibit very limited breadth of inhibitory activity due to antigenic drift in field strains. However, mAb 1F1, isolated from a 1918 influenza pandemic survivor, inhibits select human H1 viruses (1918, 1943, 1947, and 1977 isolates). The crystal structure of 1F1 in complex with the 1918 HA shows that 1F1 contacts residues that are classically defined as belonging to three distinct antigenic sites, Sa, Sb and Ca(2).

Community involvement among behaviourally bisexual men in the Midwestern USA: experiences and perceptions across communities.

Limited research exists regarding community involvement and social support among behaviourally bisexual men. Previous studies suggest that bisexual men experience high levels of social stigma in both heterosexual and homosexual community settings. Research focusing on social support has demonstrated that individuals with limited access to similar individuals experience greater risk for negative health outcomes.

Src kinase and Syk activation initiate PI3K signaling by a chimeric latent membrane protein 1 in Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)+ B cell lymphomas.

The B lymphotrophic γ-herpesvirus EBV is associated with a variety of lymphoid- and epithelial-derived malignancies, including B cell lymphomas in immunocompromised and immunosuppressed individuals. The primary oncogene of EBV, latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1), activates the PI3K/Akt pathway to induce the autocrine growth factor, IL-10, in EBV-infected B cells, but the mechanisms underlying PI3K activation remain incompletely understood. Using small molecule inhibition and siRNA strategies in human B cell lines expressing a chimeric, signaling-inducible LMP1 protein, nerve growth factor receptor (NGFR)-LMP1, we show that NGFR-LMP1 utilizes Syk to activate PI3K/Akt signaling and induce IL-10 production.

Subjective Sexual Experiences of Behaviorally Bisexual Men in the Midwestern United States: Sexual Attraction, Sexual Behaviors, & Condom Use.

Studies concerning behaviorally bisexual men continue to focus on understanding sexual risk in according to a narrow range of sexual behaviors. Few studies have explored the subjective meanings and experiences related to bisexual men's sexual behaviors with both male and female partners. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 75 men who engaged in bisexual behavior within the past six months.

Individual and Social Factors Related to Mental Health Concerns among Bisexual Men in the Midwestern United States.

Research has not yet explored the potential impact of social stress, biphobia, and other factors on the mental health of bisexual men. In-depth interviews were conducted with a diverse sample of 75 men who engaged in bisexual behavior within the past six months. Interviewers explored potential mental health stressors and supports.

Does the size of the hemoperitoneum help to discriminate the bleeding source and guide therapeutic decisions in blunt trauma patients with pelvic ring fracture?

Background: In blunt trauma patients with a hemoperitoneum and a pelvic injury, multiple sources of active bleeding may exist. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the size of the hemoperitoneum helps to establish the bleeding source and guide therapeutic decisions in patients with pelvic fractures.

Methods: The charts of patients with pelvic fractures admitted to a trauma intensive care unit from January 2005 to December 2009 were reviewed retrospectively.