The GntR family transcriptional regulator PMM1637 regulates the highly conserved cyanobacterial sRNA Yfr2 in marine picocyanobacteria.

Prochlorococcus is a marine picocyanobacterium with a streamlined genome that is adapted to different ecological niches in the oligotrophic oceans. There are currently >20 regulatory small RNAs (sRNAs) that have been identified in the model strain Prochlorococcus MED4. While most of these sRNAs are ecotype-specific, sRNA homologs of Yfr1 and of the Yfr2 family are widely found throughout the cyanobacterial phylum.

Impact of high-fat diet and obesity on energy balance and fuel utilization during the metabolic challenge of lactation.

The effects of obesity and a high-fat (HF) diet on whole body and tissue-specific metabolism of lactating dams and their offspring were examined in C57/B6 mice. Female mice were fed low-fat (LF) or HF diets before and throughout pregnancy and lactation. HF-fed mice were segregated into lean (HF-Ln) and obese (HF-Ob) groups before pregnancy by their weight gain response.

C1-C2 transarticular screw fixation for atlantoaxial instability: a 6-year experience.

Objective: We review a 6-year, single-center experience using the technique of C1-C2 transarticular screw fixation for atlantoaxial instability in 75 consecutive operations.

Methods: The study group was composed of 43 men and 32 women, with a mean age of 44 years (range, 8-76 yr). Each patient had documented atlantoaxial instability.

Microinvasive transaxillary thoracoscopic sympathectomy: technical note.

Objective: To describe a two-port transaxillary thoracoscopic approach for thoracic sympathectomy that maximizes working space, improves manipulative ability, and enhances visualization of the surgical field.

Methods: Positioning of the patients was optimized to displace the scapula posteriorly, widen the avenue of approach to the sympathetic ganglia, and create a more direct route to the target. The semi-Fowler position permitted the lung apex to fall away from mediastinal structures, obviating a separate retraction port.

Intraoperative loss of auditory function relieved by microvascular decompression of the cochlear nerve.

Background: Brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEP) are useful indicators of auditory function during posterior fossa surgery. Several potential mechanisms of injury may affect the cochlear nerve, and complete loss of BAEP is often associated with postoperative hearing loss. We report two cases of intraoperative auditory loss related to vascular compression upon the cochlear nerve.

Cervical intrathecal catheter placement for cerebrospinal fluid drainage: technical case report.

Objective And Importance: The purpose of this report is to describe the placement and use of a cervical subarachnoid catheter for cerebrospinal fluid diversion. This technique provides an important alternative drainage system for patients whose clinical situations preclude lumbar spinal fluid diversion.

Clinical Presentation: Two patients were involved in accidents that resulted in traumatic dural tears.

Traumatic basilar aneurysm after endoscopic third ventriculostomy: case report.

Objective And Importance: This case illustrates that although endoscopic third ventriculostomy for patients with aqueductal stenosis is successful and minimally invasive, it can have severe, life-threatening complications.

Clinical Presentation: A 3-year-old girl presented with hydrocephalus and aqueductal stenosis. She underwent endoscopic third ventriculostomy with laser fenestration of the third ventricular floor.

Incidence of postlaminectomy kyphosis after Chiari decompression.

Study Design: In this retrospective study, a 5-year series of a pediatric population undergoing Chiari decompressions is reviewed.

Objectives: To review the experience with children treated with suboccipital craniectomy and uni- or multilevel cervical laminectomy for Chiari malformation, to determine the incidence of kyphosis and to identify factors predictive of cervical instability.

Summary Of Background Information: Upper cervical laminectomy in the pediatric population has a significant risk of postoperative kyphosis.

Extracapsular cataract extraction and posterior-lip sclerectomy with viscoelastic.

A review of 15 cases suggests that posterior-lip sclerectomy can be performed safely with extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) and posterior chamber lens implantation. The anterior chamber was filled with viscoelastic at the end of each procedure; no case required reoperation for shallow chamber or hypotony. The mean intraocular pressure after 1 year was 12.