Propagation properties of a non-linear mapping based on squaring in odd characteristic.

Many modern cryptographic primitives for hashing and (authenticated) encryption make use of constructions that are instantiated with an iterated cryptographic permutation that operates on a fixed-width state consisting of an array of bits. Often, such permutations are the repeated application of a relatively simple round function consisting of a linear layer and a non-linear layer. These constructions do not require that the underlying function is a permutation and they can plausibly be based on a non-invertible transformation.

PI3K/AKT signaling controls ICM maturation and proper epiblast and primitive endoderm specification in mice.

The inner cell mass (ICM) of early mouse embryos is specified into epiblast (Epi) and primitive endoderm (PrE) lineages during blastocyst formation. The antagonistic transcription factors (TFs) NANOG and GATA-binding protein 6 (GATA6) in combination with fibroblast growth factor (FGF)/extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling are central actors in ICM fate choice. However, what initiates the specification of ICM progenitors into Epi or PrE and whether other factors are involved in this process has not been fully understood yet.

The human VGLUT3-pT8I mutation elicits uneven striatal DA signaling, food or drug maladaptive consumption in male mice.

Cholinergic striatal interneurons (ChIs) express the vesicular glutamate transporter 3 (VGLUT3) which allows them to regulate the striatal network with glutamate and acetylcholine (ACh). In addition, VGLUT3-dependent glutamate increases ACh vesicular stores through vesicular synergy. A missense polymorphism, VGLUT3-p.

Community-acquired methicillin-resistant invasive infections: a case series from Central-South Chile.

The emergence of community-acquired methicillin-resistant (CA-MRSA) infections at the end of the 20th century represents a significant shift in the epidemiology of staphylococcal infections and, consequently, their clinical management. There are diverse CA-MRSA clones that are widely spread worldwide, showing differences in their regional dissemination, which has been dynamically changing over time. Although the first CA-MRSA description occurred about 30 years ago, its epidemiology in certain regions, such as South America, has been poorly explored, resulting in a gap in the understanding of the epidemiology of CA-MRSA in under-represented countries/regions.

Epicardial Atrial Fat at Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging and AF Recurrence after Transcatheter Ablation.

The relationship between epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) and atrial fibrillation (AF) has gained interest in recent years. The previous literature on the topic presents great heterogeneity, focusing especially on computed tomography imaging. The aim of the present study is to determine whether an increased volume of left atrial (LA) EAT evaluated at routine pre-procedural cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) relates to AF recurrences after catheter ablation.

A novel multi-variate immunological approach, reveals immune variation associated with environmental conditions, and co-infection in the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus).

External signs of disease are frequently used as indicators of disease susceptibility. However, immune profiling can be a more effective indicator to understand how host responses to infection may be shaped by host, pathogen and environmental factors. To better inform wildlife health assessment and research directions, we investigated the utility of a novel multivariate immunophenotyping approach examining innate and adaptive immune responses in differing climatic, pathogen co-infection and demographic contexts across two koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) populations in New South Wales: the Liverpool Plains (LP), and Southern Highlands to South-west Sydney (SHSWS).

Differential and Linear properties of vectorial boolean functions based on chi.

To evaluate the security of a cryptographic primitive, investigating its resistance against differential and linear cryptanalysis is required. Many modern cryptographic primitives repeatedly apply similar round functions alternated with the addition of round keys or constants. A round function usually consists of a non-linear mapping and a number of linear mappings.

T cell migration and effector function differences in familial adenomatous polyposis patients with gene mutations.

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is an inherited disease characterized by the development of large number of colorectal adenomas with high risk of evolving into colorectal tumors. Mutations of the gene is often at the origin of this disease, as well as of a high percentage of spontaneous colorectal tumors. is therefore considered a tumor suppressor gene.

Behavioral and Transcriptomic Changes Following Brain-Specific Loss of Noradrenergic Transmission.

Noradrenaline (NE) plays an integral role in shaping behavioral outcomes including anxiety/depression, fear, learning and memory, attention and shifting behavior, sleep-wake state, pain, and addiction. However, it is unclear whether dysregulation of NE release is a cause or a consequence of maladaptive orientations of these behaviors, many of which associated with psychiatric disorders. To address this question, we used a unique genetic model in which the brain-specific vesicular monoamine transporter-2 (VMAT2) gene expression was removed in NE-positive neurons disabling NE release in the entire brain.

Effects of Occupational Therapy Program Based on Active Meditation on Hair Cortisol Levels in Undergraduate Healthcare Students.

Methods: Undergraduate students from the University of Chile's health careers were divided at random into control ( = 7) and treated groups ( = 15). The treated group participated in an active meditation program once a week for three months. This treatment included different techniques such as Chakra Sounds, Nataraj, Mandala, Kundalini, Devavani, Gourishankar, and Nadabrahma.

Intensity and Prevalence of Psychological Distress in Cancer Inpatients: Cross-Sectional Study Using New Case-Finding Criteria for the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.

Psychological distress includes all negative subjective experiences elicited by a disease and its treatments. Since psychological distress in oncology is associated with negative outcomes, its detection and description are helpful for designing tailored supportive interventions. This study used the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) to assess the intensity and prevalence of psychological distress (i.

Identification of bipotent progenitors that give rise to myogenic and connective tissues in mouse.

How distinct cell fates are manifested by direct lineage ancestry from bipotent progenitors, or by specification of individual cell types is a key question for understanding the emergence of tissues. The interplay between skeletal muscle progenitors and associated connective tissue cells provides a model for examining how muscle functional units are established. Most craniofacial structures originate from the vertebrate-specific neural crest cells except in the dorsal portion of the head, where they arise from cranial mesoderm.

SCHNAPPs - Single Cell sHiNy APPlication(s).

Single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNAseq) experiments are becoming a standard tool for bench-scientists to explore the cellular diversity present in all tissues. Data produced by scRNAseq is technically complex and requires analytical workflows that are an active field of bioinformatics research, whereas a wealth of biological background knowledge is needed to guide the investigation. Thus, there is an increasing need to develop applications geared towards bench-scientists to help them abstract the technical challenges of the analysis so that they can focus on the science at play.

Unexpected contribution of fibroblasts to muscle lineage as a mechanism for limb muscle patterning.

Positional information driving limb muscle patterning is contained in connective tissue fibroblasts but not in myogenic cells. Limb muscles originate from somites, while connective tissues originate from lateral plate mesoderm. With cell and genetic lineage tracing we challenge this model and identify an unexpected contribution of lateral plate-derived fibroblasts to the myogenic lineage, preferentially at the myotendinous junction.

Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) accuracy in cancer patients.

Purpose: The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) is a self-report questionnaire designed to screen anxious and depressive states in patients in non-psychiatric settings. In spite of its large use, no agreement exists in literature on HADS accuracy in case finding. The present research addresses the issue of HADS accuracy in cancer patients, comparing its two subscales (HADS-A and HADS-D) against tools not in use in psychiatry, which are able to detect prolonged negative emotional states.

A distinct cardiopharyngeal mesoderm genetic hierarchy establishes antero-posterior patterning of esophagus striated muscle.

In most vertebrates, the upper digestive tract is composed of muscularized jaws linked to the esophagus that permits food ingestion and swallowing. Masticatory and esophagus striated muscles (ESM) share a common cardiopharyngeal mesoderm (CPM) origin, however ESM are unusual among striated muscles as they are established in the absence of a primary skeletal muscle scaffold. Using mouse chimeras, we show that the transcription factors and are required cell-autonomously for myogenic specification of ESM progenitors.

Clinical reasoning in feline spinal disease: which combination of clinical information is useful?

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate if a combination of discrete clinical characteristics can be used to identify the most likely differential diagnoses in cats with spinal disease.

Methods: Two hundred and twenty-one cats referred for further evaluation of spinal disease were included and categorised as follows: non-lymphoid neoplasia (n = 44); intervertebral disc disease (n = 42); fracture/luxation (n = 34); ischaemic myelopathy (n = 22); feline infectious peritonitis virus myelitis (n = 18); lymphoma (n = 16); thoracic vertebral canal stenosis (n = 11); acute non-compressive nucleus pulposus extrusion (n = 11); traumatic spinal cord contusion (n = 8); spinal arachnoid diverticula (n = 7); lumbosacral stenosis (n = 5); and spinal empyema (n = 3). Information retrieved from the medical records included signalment, clinical history and clinical presentation.

Distinct metabolic states govern skeletal muscle stem cell fates during prenatal and postnatal myogenesis.

During growth, homeostasis and regeneration, stem cells are exposed to different energy demands. Here, we characterise the metabolic pathways that mediate the commitment and differentiation of mouse skeletal muscle stem cells, and how their modulation can influence the cell state. We show that quiescent satellite stem cells have low energetic demands and perturbed oxidative phosphorylation during ageing, which is also the case for cells from post-mortem tissues.

Implementing a standardised discharge analgesia guideline to reduce paediatric post tonsillectomy pain.

Objectives: To reduce readmission for pain control post-paediatric tonsillectomy.

Introduction: Paediatric tonsillectomy is a common procedure in the UK. Uncontrolled pain at home is a common reason for re-admission and therefore adequate analgesic control following paediatric tonsillectomy is vital for a smooth post-operative recovery.