Bdnf-Ntrk2 Signaling Promotes but is not Essential for Spinal Cord Myelination in Larval Zebrafish.

Myelin, a specialized membrane produced by oligodendroglial cells in the central nervous system, wraps axons to enhance conduction velocity and maintain axon health. Not all axons are myelinated, and not all myelinated axons are uniformly wrapped along their lengths. Several lines of evidence indicate that neuronal activity can influence myelination, however, the cellular and molecular mechanisms that mediate communication between axons and oligodendrocytes remain poorly understood.

Impact of luteal blood perfusion and expression of estrus on pregnancy rates of Bos taurus embryo recipients exposed to fixed-time embryo transfer.

This study evaluated the impact of luteal blood perfusion (BP) and expression of estrus on pregnancy rates of Bos taurus embryo recipients exposed to fixed-timed embryo transfer (FTET) using a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)- and progesterone-based ovulation synchronization protocol. Postpartum beef cows (n = 746) were exposed to a GnRH/progesterone-based ovulation synchronization protocol. Luteal morphometry and BP were assessed using color Doppler ultrasonography 9 days after CIDR removal concurrently with FTET.

Influence of early progesterone removal on follicular development, expression of estrus, and pregnancy rates in presynchronized postpartum beef cows.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of early progesterone removal on pregnancy rates to fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) in presynchronized beef cows. Postpartum beef cows (n = 882) were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatments: 1) 7&7 Synch: cows received a controlled internal drug release insert (CIDR) and a 25-mg injection of prostaglandin F on day 0, 100 μg of GnRH on day 7, a second injection of prostaglandin F (PG2) at CIDR removal on day 14, and a second injection of GnRH at FTAI 60-66 h after PG2 (day 17); 2) 7&6 Synch: cows received the same treatment as 7&7 Synch; however, CIDR removal occurred in conjunction with PG2 on day 13, while FTAI remained at 60-66 h after CIDR removal (day 16). Ovarian ultrasonography was performed to determine follicle diameter at PG2 and FTAI in a subset of cows (n = 40).

Differences in Microbial Community Composition between Uterine Horns Ipsilateral and Contralateral to the Corpus Luteum in Beef Cows on Day 15 of the Estrous Cycle.

This study evaluated differences in uterine microbiota composition between uterine horns ipsilateral and contralateral to the corpus luteum of beef cows on day 15 of the estrous cycle. Cows ( = 23) were exposed to an estrus synchronization protocol to exogenously induce synchronized ovulation. Cows were then euthanized on day 15 of the estrous cycle, and individual swabs were collected from uterine horns ipsilateral and contralateral to the corpus luteum using aseptic techniques.

CNS myelination requires cytoplasmic dynein function.

Background: Cytoplasmic dynein provides the main motor force for minus-end-directed transport of cargo on microtubules. Within the vertebrate central nervous system (CNS), proliferation, neuronal migration, and retrograde axon transport are among the cellular functions known to require dynein. Accordingly, mutations of DYNC1H1, which encodes the heavy chain subunit of cytoplasmic dynein, have been linked to developmental brain malformations and axonal pathologies.

Ligand-based photooxidations of dithiomaltolato complexes of Ru(II) and Zn(II): photolytic CH activation and evidence of singlet oxygen generation and quenching.

The complex [Ru(bpy)2(ttma)](+) (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine; ttma = 3-hydroxy-2-methyl-thiopyran-4-thionate, 1, has previously been shown to undergo an unusual C-H activation of the dithiomaltolato ligand upon outer-sphere oxidation. The reaction generated alcohol and aldehyde products 2 and 3 from C-H oxidation of the pendant methyl group. In this report, we demonstrate that the same products are formed upon photolysis of 1 in presence of mild oxidants such as methyl viologen, [Ru(NH3)6](3+) and [Co(NH3)5Cl](2+), which do not oxidize 1 in the dark.

fras1 shapes endodermal pouch 1 and stabilizes zebrafish pharyngeal skeletal development.

Lesions in the epithelially expressed human gene FRAS1 cause Fraser syndrome, a complex disease with variable symptoms, including facial deformities and conductive hearing loss. The developmental basis of facial defects in Fraser syndrome has not been elucidated. Here we show that zebrafish fras1 mutants exhibit defects in facial epithelia and facial skeleton.

Clusters of ancestrally related genes that show paralogy in whole or in part are a major feature of the genomes of humans and other species.

Arrangements of genes along chromosomes are a product of evolutionary processes, and we can expect that preferable arrangements will prevail over the span of evolutionary time, often being reflected in the non-random clustering of structurally and/or functionally related genes. Such non-random arrangements can arise by two distinct evolutionary processes: duplications of DNA sequences that give rise to clusters of genes sharing both sequence similarity and common sequence features and the migration together of genes related by function, but not by common descent. To provide a background for distinguishing between the two, which is important for future efforts to unravel the evolutionary processes involved, we here provide a description of the extent to which ancestrally related genes are found in proximity.

Effects on quality of life, anti-cancer responses, breast conserving surgery and survival with neoadjuvant docetaxel: a randomised study of sequential weekly versus three-weekly docetaxel following neoadjuvant doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide in women with primary breast cancer.

Background: Weekly docetaxel has occasionally been used in the neoadjuvant to downstage breast cancer to reduce toxicity and possibly enhance quality of life. However, no studies have compared the standard three weekly regimen to the weekly regimen in terms of quality of life. The primary aim of our study was to compare the effects on QoL of weekly versus 3-weekly sequential neoadjuvant docetaxel.

Alterations in the Th1/Th2 balance in breast cancer patients using reflexology and scalp massage.

The diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer can adversely affect quality of life. Here the aim was to determine the effects of reflexology on host defences and endocrine function in women with early breast cancer. Six weeks after surgery for early breast cancer, 183 women were randomly assigned to self-initiated support (SIS), SIS plus foot reflexology, or SIS plus scalp massage.

Demographic characteristics of patients using a fully integrated psychosocial support service for cancer patients.

Background: Psychosocial support services are an important component of modern cancer treatment. A major challenge for all psychosocial services is the achievement of equity of use. Previous studies in the UK have found that women of higher socio-economic status with breast cancer were over-represented amongst those accessing support services.

A randomised, controlled trial of the psychological effects of reflexology in early breast cancer.

Purpose: To conduct a pragmatic randomised controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the effects of reflexology on quality of life (QofL) in women with early breast cancer.

Patients And Methods: One hundred and eighty-three women were randomised 6 weeks post-breast surgery to self-initiated support (SIS) (comparator intervention), SIS plus reflexology, or SIS plus scalp massage (control for physical and social contact). Reflexology and massage comprised eight sessions at weekly intervals.

An innovative approach to accelerated baccalaureate education.

This article highlights novelties and innovations that were successfully incorporated in the development and ongoing refinement of an accelerated nursing program for second-degree students. Using a reflective practice framework, program coordinators deliberately crafted incoming classes through constrained optimization, modified the clinical rotation model, reduced waste through efficient use of faculty and other resources, integrated clinical course work to promote contextual learning, introduced four semester themes to mitigate an obsession with content among faculty and students, and employed student-centered pedagogies that valued the depth and breadth of students' prior experiences. Program outcomes are also discussed.

Early results of a controlled non-heart-beating kidney donor programme.

Background: We present our experience of a controlled non-heart beating donation (CNHBD) programme in a University Hospital.

Methods: Data from all referrals for CNHBD between January 2005 and January 2008 were collected prospectively. Donor and recipient data were analysed and compared to other cadaveric and HBD transplants performed during the same period.

Immuno-modulatory effects of relaxation training and guided imagery in women with locally advanced breast cancer undergoing multimodality therapy: a randomised controlled trial.

Eighty women undergoing multimodality treatment for large (>4cm) or locally advanced (T3, T4, Tx, N2), breast cancers participated in a randomised controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the immuno-modulatory effects of relaxation training and guided imagery. Patients underwent chemotherapy followed by surgery, radiotherapy, and hormone therapy. Those in the intervention group were taught relaxation and guided imagery.

Hyperbaric oxygen treatment of chronic refractory radiation proctitis: a randomized and controlled double-blind crossover trial with long-term follow-up.

Purpose: Cancer patients who undergo radiotherapy remain at life-long risk of radiation-induced injury to normal tissues. We conducted a randomized, controlled, double-blind crossover trial with long-term follow-up to evaluate the effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen for refractory radiation proctitis.

Methods And Materials: Patients with refractory radiation proctitis were randomized to hyperbaric oxygen at 2.

MicroRNA Mirn140 modulates Pdgf signaling during palatogenesis.

Disruption of signaling pathways such as those mediated by sonic hedgehog (Shh) or platelet-derived growth factor (Pdgf) causes craniofacial abnormalities, including cleft palate. The role that microRNAs play in modulating palatogenesis, however, is completely unknown. We show that, in zebrafish, the microRNA Mirn140 negatively regulates Pdgf signaling during palatal development, and we provide a mechanism for how disruption of Pdgf signaling causes palatal clefting.

A study of Family Councils in nursing homes.

Unlabelled: Families can remain actively involved in the care of their residents by participating in a Family Council within the nursing home (NH). A Family Council is an independent, self-determining group of NH residents' families and friends and often includes a nursing facility liaison.

Problem: Less than half of NHs has an active council.

mef2ca is required in cranial neural crest to effect Endothelin1 signaling in zebrafish.

Mef2 genes encode highly conserved transcription factors involved in somitic and cardiac mesoderm development in diverse bilaterians. Vertebrates have multiple mef2 genes. In mice, mef2c is required for heart and vascular development.

Methyl bromide as a building disinfectant: interaction with indoor materials and resulting byproduct formation.

Several buildings were contaminated with Bacillus anthracis in the fall of 2001. These events required consideration of how to disinfect large indoor spaces for continued worker occupation. The interactions of gaseous disinfectants with indoor materials may inhibit the disinfection process, cause persistence of the disinfectant, and lead to possible byproduct formation and persistence.

A two-color acid-free cartilage and bone stain for zebrafish larvae.

Traditionally, cartilage is stained by alcian blue using acidic conditions to differentiate tissue staining. The acidic conditions are problematic when one wishes to stain the same specimen for mineralized bone with alizarin red, because acid demineralizes bone, which negatively affects bone staining. We have developed an acid-free method to stain cartilage and bone simultaneously in zebrafish larvae.

Morphing the hyomandibular skeleton in development and evolution.

How might changes in developmental regulatory pathways underlie evolutionary changes in morphology? Here we focus on a particular pathway regulated by a secreted, signaling peptide, Endothelin1 (Edn1). Developmental genetic analyses show the Edn1-pathway to be crucial for hyomandibular patterning, and we discuss our work with zebrafish suggesting how the signal may function in regulating numbers of skeletal elements, their sizes and their shapes. We then review a broader collection of comparative studies that examine morphological evolution of a subset of the same skeletal elements-the opercular-branchiostegal series of bones of the hyoid arch.