Adaptive Radiation from a Chromosomal Perspective: Evidence of Chromosome Set Stability in Cichlid Fishes (Cichlidae: Teleostei) from the Barombi Mbo Lake, Cameroon.

Cichlid fishes are the subject of scientific interest because of their rapid adaptive radiation, resulting in extensive ecological and taxonomic diversity. In this study, we examined 11 morphologically distinct cichlid species endemic to Barombi Mbo, the largest crater lake in western Cameroon, namely , , , , , , , , , , and . These species supposedly evolved via sympatric ecological speciation from a common ancestor, which colonized the lake no earlier than one million years ago.

VX-770-mediated potentiation of numerous human CFTR disease mutants is influenced by phosphorylation level.

VX-770 (ivacaftor) is approved for clinical use in CF patients bearing multiple CFTR mutations. VX-770 potentiated wildtype CFTR and several disease mutants expressed in oocytes in a manner modulated by PKA-mediated phosphorylation. Potentiation of some other mutants, including G551D-CFTR, was less dependent upon the level of phosphorylation, likely related to the severe gating defects in these mutants exhibited in part by a shift in PKA sensitivity to activation, possibly due to an electrostatic interaction of D551 with K1250.

Interspecific Genetic Differences and Historical Demography in South American Arowanas (Osteoglossiformes, Osteoglossidae, ).

The South American arowanas (Osteoglossiformes, Osteoglossidae, ) are emblematic species widely distributed in the Amazon and surrounding basins. Arowana species are under strong anthropogenic pressure as they are extensively exploited for ornamental and food purposes. Until now, limited genetic and cytogenetic information has been available, with only a few studies reporting to their genetic diversity and population structure.

Deciphering the Evolutionary History of Arowana Fishes (Teleostei, Osteoglossiformes, Osteoglossidae): Insight from Comparative Cytogenomics.

Arowanas (Osteoglossinae) are charismatic freshwater fishes with six species and two genera ( and ) distributed in South America, Asia, and Australia. In an attempt to provide a better assessment of the processes shaping their evolution, we employed a set of cytogenetic and genomic approaches, including i) molecular cytogenetic analyses using C- and CMA/DAPI staining, repetitive DNA mapping, comparative genomic hybridization (CGH), and Zoo-FISH, along with ii) the genotypic analyses of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) generated by diversity array technology sequencing (DArTseq). We observed diploid chromosome numbers of 2 = 56 and 54 in and , respectively, and 2 = 50 in while and presented 2 = 48 and 44, respectively.

Development of hydraulic cross floating valve.

This paper describes the design, simulation, development, and analysis of a Cross Floating Valve (CFV), an important instrument used in a cross float or pressure calibration system of pressure balances (PBs) to make the calibration process easy and time efficient. The design aspects of the CFV include the selection of proper materials and modeling of various necessary components of the CFV. For the piston design, 5 different materials, SS304, SS316, Aermet 340, SS440C, and AISI17-4PH were used.

Comparative Cytogenetics and Neo-Y Formation in Small-Sized Fish Species of the Genus Pyrrhulina (Characiformes, Lebiasinidae).

Although fishes have traditionally been the subject of comparative evolutionary studies, few reports have concentrated on the application of multipronged modern molecular cytogenetic techniques (such as comparative genomic hybridization = CGH and whole chromosome painting = WCP) to analyze deeper the karyotype evolution of specific groups, especially the historically neglected small-sized ones. Representatives of the family Lebiasinidae (Characiformes) are a notable example, where only a few cytogenetic investigations have been conducted thus far. Here, we aim to elucidate the evolutionary processes behind the karyotype differentiation of species on a finer-scale cytogenetic level.

Characterization of the karyotype and accumulation of repetitive sequences in Australian Darling hardyhead (Atheriniformes, Teleostei).

Belonging to the order Atheriniformes, is one of the most widespread genera of freshwater fishes in Australia, spanning along the northern coast from central Western Australia to central New South Wales and across the Murray-Darling and Lake Eyre basins. In this study, both conventional cytogenetic techniques (Giemsa, C-banding, CMA/DAPI staining), and fluorescence hybridization (FISH) with telomeric DNA and rDNA probes were used to examine the karyotypes and other chromosomal characteristics of Darling hardyhead () from New South Wales, Australia. We identified a diploid chromosome number 2 = 48 ( = 58) in all studied individuals.

Synthesis of new arylhydrazide bearing Schiff bases/thiazolidinone: α-Amylase, urease activities and their molecular docking studies.

Alpha-amylase and urease enzyme over expression endorses various complications like rheumatoid arthritis, urinary tract infection, colon cancer, metabolic disorder, cardiovascular risk, and chronic kidney disease. To overcome these complications, we have synthesized new arylhydrazide bearing Schiff bases/thiazolidinone analogues as α-amylase and urease inhibitors. The analogues 1a-r were evaluated for α-amylase inhibitory potential.

Genomic Organization of Repetitive DNA Elements and Extensive Karyotype Diversity of Silurid Catfishes (Teleostei: Siluriformes): A Comparative Cytogenetic Approach.

The catfish family Siluridae contains 107 described species distributed in Asia, but with some distributed in Europe. In this study, karyotypes and other chromosomal characteristics of 15 species from eight genera were examined using conventional and molecular cytogenetic protocols. Our results showed the diploid number (2) to be highly divergent among species, ranging from 2 = 40 to 92, with the modal frequency comprising 56 to 64 chromosomes.

Outcomes of nonemergent percutaneous coronary intervention requiring mechanical circulatory support in patients without cardiogenic shock.

Background: The utilization of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using percutaneous ventricular assist device (PVAD) or intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) has been increasing. We sought to evaluate the outcome of coronary intervention using PVAD compared with IABP in noncardiogenic shock and nonacute myocardial infarction patients.

Method: Using the National Inpatient Sampling (NIS) database from 2005 to 2014, we identified patients who underwent PCI using ICD 9 codes.

The Outcomes of Pulmonary Hypertension Patients With Severe Aortic Stenosis Who Underwent Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement or Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation.

The outcomes for patients who undergo transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) with pulmonary hypertension (PH) is not well understood. We sought to evaluate the outcomes of patients with PH who underwent TAVI compared with SAVR. We identified patients who were diagnosed with PH and underwent TAVI SAVR for aortic valve stenosis in the National Inpatient Sample database who were admitted from 2011 to 2014.

Outcome of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation in Patients with Peripheral Vascular Disease.

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is common in patients referred for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). We sought to investigate the impact of PVD on patients who underwent TAVI. Using data from the National Inpatient Sample database 2011 and 2014, we identified patients who had undergone TAVI.

Density, heterogeneity and deformability of red cells as markers of clinical severity in hereditary spherocytosis.

Hereditary spherocytosis (HS) originates from defective anchoring of the cytoskeletal network to the transmembrane protein complexes of the red blood cell (RBC). Red cells in HS are characterized by membrane instability and reduced deformability and there is marked heterogeneity in disease severity among patients. To unravel this variability in disease severity, we analyzed blood samples from 21 HS patients with defects in ankyrin, band 3, α-spectrin or β-spectrin using red cell indices, eosin-5-maleimide binding, microscopy, the osmotic fragility test, Percoll density gradients, vesiculation and ektacytometry to assess cell membrane stability, cellular density and deformability.

Detection of fentanyl and fentanyl analogues in biological samples using liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry.

Background: Fentanyl and analogues such as butyrylfentanyl, carfentanil, 4-fluorobutyrylfentanyl, and furanylfentanyl may be either added to, or sold as, heroin. Fentanyl and carfentanil have approximately 100 and 10,000 times the potency of morphine, respectively, and there is thus a high risk of death with the use of these drugs.

Methods: We looked for fentanyl/fentanyl analogues using liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) in selected biological samples obtained post-mortem February 2017-end January 2018.

[Free latissimus dorsi muscle flap for scalp reconstruction in elderly patients with a squamous cell carcinoma].

Background: Scalp defects resulting from the resection of a squamous cell carcinoma often require free tissue transfer. In these cases, a free latissimus dorsi muscle flap is a good possibility to cover scalp defects. Our aim was to evaluate the outcome of scalp coverage with free latissimus dorsi muscle flaps.

Cytogenetics, genomics and biodiversity of the South American and African Arapaimidae fish family (Teleostei, Osteoglossiformes).

Osteoglossiformes represents one of the most ancestral teleost lineages, currently widespread over almost all continents, except for Antarctica. However, data involving advanced molecular cytogenetics or comparative genomics are yet largely limited for this fish group. Therefore, the present investigations focus on the osteoglossiform family Arapaimidae, studying a unique fish model group with advanced molecular cytogenetic genomic tools.

The Implications of Acute Clinical Care Responsibilities on the Contemporary Practice of Interventional Cardiology.

The responsibilities of the interventional cardiologist (IC) have evolved in contemporary practice to include substantial acute care clinical duties outside of the cardiac catheterization laboratory. In particular, the IC has assumed a central role in the global management of myocardial infarction and other acute coronary syndromes in the intensive care unit and beyond. These duties have expanded to include many nonprocedural tasks.

[Long-term experience with Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum (CCH, Xiapex®) for the treatment of Dupuytren's contracture: lessons learned].

Introduction: CCH (Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum; Xiapex) has become established as a simple and reliable alternative to traditional treatments for Dupuytren's contracture. This study aims to analyse our results and discuss our modifications of this therapy.

Patients And Methods: The study included 312 fingers treated with CCH between 2011 and 2018 (256 patients; 225 men and 31 women).

Technical Approaches to Left Main Coronary Intervention: Contemporary Best Practices.

Left main percutaneous coronary intervention is an acceptable alternative to coronary artery bypass grafting, and in experienced hands, excellent procedural results can be obtained. A systematic approach to stenting and meticulous attention to detail are required. For most lesions, a single-stent provisional approach is sufficient, but for the more complex lesion, a 2-stent technique is required.

[Non-invasive correction of congenital ear deformities with the EarWell Correction System: a prospective study].

Background: Congenital ear deformities occur in 5 % of all newborns. Molding of the ear is possible during the first six weeks of life because of the maternal hormones which are still circulating in the newborns. For several years we have been using the EarWell™ Correction System, which allows us to correct ear deformities within the first weeks of life.